Disclaimer: Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to any copyrighted material. The Black Cauldron is owned by Walt Disney Pictures, Silver Screen Partners II, Ted Burman, Richard Rich, the late Lloyd Alexander, Ted Berman, Al Wilson, Vance Gerry, Roy Morita, Art Stevens, David Jonas, and the Walt Disney Company. Please support the official release.

Episode XXVII (27): Black Cauldron

Natius noticed a young boy who looked almost like a modern Taran, and he asked, "Brandon? I thought that-"

Brandon snarled, "Oh it's that Grimhilde brat!"

Natius was not in the mood for dishonesty, and he asked, "What are doing here? I thought that-"

Brandon cried, "It's your fault this happened."

Natius asked, "How is it my fault?"

"It's because of you that I'm here," Brandon falsely accused.

"I'm not the one who got you here," Natius snapped.

The henchmen restraining them roughly pushed them inside a prison cell.

Natius yelled at Brandon, "I have a feeling that you snuck out while your parents left."

Brandon was at a loss of words as he was unable to deny the fact that he disappointed his mother again.

Taran noticed the boy who almost looked like him and he asked, "Who are you?"

Brandon remained silent for a while. It was a strange feeling, standing in front of his own ancestor. Finally, he answered, "Brandon."

Taran blinked at the name. Then he asked Natius, "Ignatius, is this the friend you said you were looking for?"

Before Natius could even answer, Brandon snapped, "This kid is no friend of mine!"

Natius stated, "He is lucky not to face charges yet."

He showed Taran a bite of a rattlesnake on his ankle.

Brandon cried, "Don't tell him!"

Natius asked, "Why don't you tell him what you did to my leg?!"

Brandon argued, "No!"

Bianca walked up to Brandon and took out her truth telling shuriken, annoyed with Brandon's dishonesty threw down the shuriken towards his feet causing thorns to wrap around Brandon.

She snapped, "Tell him the truth about what you've done. Had Natius died, you would've been facing severe consequences! Lying will lead to bloody consequences."

Taran was horrified and asked Bianca, "Are you a witch?"

Bianca couldn't believe he would ask her such a question. "No, I am not a witch!"

An elderly voice cried, "I was the one who provided the shuriken with that power. Brandon Kyle is being punished for a terrible act of attempted murder."

Bianca saw Flora the first Good Fairy.

Taran could not believe what he was seeing.

Taran asked with disbelief, "Who did Brandon attempt to murder?"

"I thought the answer would have been clear as I showed you the bite marks," said Natius. "He tried to kill me using a rattlesnake he stole from a zoo."

Taran looked at Brandon and he asked, "Is that true?"

"No." Brandon lied.

Brandon felt a sharp pain as the thorns pierced him!

Bianca reprimanded, "You're lying! Tell the truth and the thorns will release you."

Brandon struggled to free himself from the thorns!

"You are a witch," Taran said to Bianca.

"No, I'm not," she said again.

"Then let him go," he demanded.

"Not until he tells the truth." she stated.

Taran begged, "He probably pulled a prank."

Bianca pointed out, "He has to tell the truth himself."

Brandon not wanting anymore pain confessed, "Yes. I stole a poisonous animal and tried to kill that Grimhilde brat!"

The thorns released Brandon. The boy winced in pain.

"Why would you do something like that?" Taran asked.

Bianca answered in a disappointed tone, "He is a troublemaker and a pathological liar. In other words, don't trust him. He tried to kill a 14-year-old boy using a rattlesnake. It's a poisonous reptile with a fatal bite and that is one of the worst things a person would do. I suspect he did this to get back at Natius for getting him into trouble."

Danyal walked up to Brandon, and she asked, "Have you learned your lesson about what your dishonesty would bring?"

Brandon rolled his eyes in annoyance!

Brandon noticed Danyal was the one talking, and he asked, "Do I know you?"

Danyal answered, "No. However, from your reputation, you have caused a lot of harm and a lot of trouble. My thoughts about the vandalism on Mr. Virgil's desk is that your parents should've taught you not to carve school property like that! You should be thankful that Mr. Virgil is patient enough to put up with your attitude which sucks."

Mana began laughing.

Brandon turned around and crossed his arms and grunted.

"What's the matter with you anyway?" Zander asked. "You got problems with something?"

Brandon was having problems at home, mostly with his mother. But he didn't want to give Natius or the others the impression that that was the reason for his behavior. So, he resorted not to saying anything.

Danyal asked as she began to hear an ocarina, "Do you guys hear that?"

Everyone silenced themselves. To Brandon it sounded like an ocarina, like the one his mother played to calm herself whenever she was upset.

The sound suddenly stopped. Then a slab in the floor was moved. From underneath, a sphere of light appeared followed by a young girl with straight blonde hair held in place with a violet band. She also had bright blue eyes and was wearing a pink and rose-colored dress. To Taran, she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.

The girl turned towards the heroes. "I figured all that fighting was coming from all of you."

"That music," Natius was saying, "it was coming from you?"

"Yes," she answered. "I can't stand fighting and arguing, so I play my ocarina." And she showed them the instrument. "It's wonderful, really. It has the power to soothe one's anger."

Mana cried as she saw a beautiful rose-pink ocarina in the girl's hands, "That's cool."

Mahad asked, "What kind of songs do you know?"

"Honestly, I just improvise with it and a tune just happens to come along," she answered. "Then she remembered her manners. "I'm Princess Eilonwy. Are you all warriors?"

Taran always boasted about being a warrior, but he couldn't do it this time. He answered truthfully, "I'm an assistant pig-keeper."

"We're not quite warriors either," Mahad answered.

"Oh, what a pity," the princess sighed. "I was so hoping for someone who could help me escape. Well, if you all want to come with me, you can."

Bianca commented, "At least it's better than being a self-pitying fool like the pig keeper!"

Eilonwy looked at Bianca and corrected her. "He called himself assistant pig-keeper."

Bianca rolled her eyes. "All the same, we're coming with you." And she began following the princess. "So, how does a princess end up being a prisoner?"

"The Horned King stole me," she answered. "He thought my bauble could tell him where some old cauldron was," she said, referring to her sphere.

Taran spoke up. "That's what he wanted my pig for."

Eilonwy laughed. "Oh, yes, your pig."

"But my pig can tell the future," Taran told her.

"Oh, how interesting," the princess replied, though the thought of it seemed hard to believe.

Danyal stated, "I wouldn't be surprised if Hen Wen would be a psychic pig Pokémon."

"Like Spoink or Grumpig?" Natius suggested.

"I have toys of those Pokémon at home," Brandon bragged. "Along with another pig Pokémon called Tepig."

"Nobody asked you," Bianca barked.

"What's a Pokémon?" Taran asked.

"Magical creatures from another world," Mahad answered.

Mana commented, "We need to figure a way out of this castle."

They kept walking until they came to a sort of tomb underneath the castle. Eilonwy figured that it was the tomb of the king who built the castle before it was taken over by the Horned King.

Taran approached the well-defined casket and came upon a sword resting on the slab. After taking the sword, he rejoined the others.

Natius noticed that Taran had a sword in his hands, and he asked, "Where did you get that sword?"

"Back there," he answered, gesturing to the chamber they all just walked out of.

Bianca gave an exasperated sigh.

Taran asked, "What's wrong witch?"

Bianca had enough of being called a witch and she slapped Taran in the face!

Taran quietly yelped from the pain.

"Hush," Eilonwy hissed.

"Stop calling me a witch," Bianca snarled. She sighed again. "Jesus, you're a bigger pain than Frollo."

Natius snickered, but Brandon didn't take kindly to the comment.

Mahad told Brandon, "She has every right to be angry with him."

No further was discussed among the group. They heard the sound of a dog barking and a man pleading for mercy. Inside another cell was a bard named Fflewdur Flam. He was not the bravest man nor the most honest. Every time he said something untruthful, the strings on his harp would snap.

When the guard left, Taran began working to free the bard. In the process, he heard more henchmen shouting, saying the prisoners had escaped. Everyone hurried and fled from the dungeons.

The gates were unfortunately locked, but Taran cut the rope holding the drawbridge and gates! Allowing them to escape into a dense forest that was away from the castle.

Inside the castle, the Horned King heard of the heroes' escape. He showed no signs of anger for it, though. Like Maleficent, he figured that Brandon and Natius would be consumed by their feelings of hate for each other, causing them to destroy each other. Furthermore, now that Taran was free, he would likely be searching for Hen Wen. The Horned King sent for his gwythaints and henchmen to follow the heroes.

As the heroes settled down in a forest, Natius was being disappointed in Taran's attitude towards Bianca, and he walked over to Taran.

Natius told Taran, "The reason you got smacked was because you insulted Bianca. Don't ever call her a witch if you don't have anything to back yourself up."

"You saw what she did to Brandon," Taran protested.

"It doesn't make her a witch," Natius snapped. "Besides, her shurikens also helped us escape from those henchmen."

It was true. While Taran was practicing using his newly acquired sword - which turned out to be a magic sword, i Bianca used her sleep-inducing shurikens to stop the henchmen from pursuing them.

"At least I got us out of the castle, didn't I?" Taran asked.

Bianca rolled her eyes. "No, Eilonwy got us out of the dungeons, and we were the ones who fought off those henchmen. And it was actually the sword's magic that helped us escape."

But Taran wouldn't stop bragging. "But it takes a great warrior to wield this sword."

Bianca was on the verge of losing her patience. He holds a powerful sword, and he still thinks he's the greatest warrior ever. But before she could say anything, Brandon spoke up.

"Taran, do you ever think that maybe there's more to being a warrior than holding a sword?"

Bianca walked right up to Taran and slapped him in the face as hard as she could and she stated, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Stop calling me a witch or I can have Natius give you a little lecture."

Taran asked perplexed by her choice of words, "What?"

Natius stated, "It's a quote from the Bible. My grandmother would say, Pride goes before the fall."

Taran still didn't understand. That came as no surprise to Natius since he figured Taran had never heard of the Bible.

Danyal stated, "What they are saying Taran is that you need to put aside that prideful behavior because that would lead to your downfall as a warrior."

Taran scoffed. "What would a bunch of silly children know about being warriors anyway?"

"Children?" Jeanette asked, sounding insulted. "If it wasn't for us children, you would still be a prisoner in the Horned King's castle."

Natius commented, "My father's side of my family are from a line of warriors and not one of them would tolerate an arrogant little rat like you."

"You aren't any more of a warrior than I am," Taran argued.

Zander had enough with the two bickering like dwarf hamsters in a pet store.

He countered to Taran, "Just because you got a magical sword, doesn't mean that you're a warrior. You would be the butt of jokes amongst warriors if you don't keep that pride of yours in check."

As Taran listened to what they were saying, he figured that maybe he had been thinking too much of himself. But this was a new experience for him, being part of a team. Living in Caer Dallben, he was alone and didn't have any real friends aside from Dallben and Hen Wen. He went to find Eilonwy so he could set things right.

The princess was leaning against a tree, playing her ocarina to calm herself. Brandon was the first to find her. He could almost swear that the princess looked just like Garwen right now. He approached her and said, "My mother would always do that."

Eilonwy gasped of surprise.

Brandon apologized for startling her. "Like you, she would always play her ocarina whenever she was upset. It would always calm her."

Eilonwy dried her eyes. "You know, Mahad is right. We are going to have to work together."

Brandon wasn't looking forward to cooperating with Natius since they still weren't on good terms. But if he wanted to get back to his mother, it seemed to be his only choice. But inside, his feelings were telling him he didn't want to face her yet.

Before Anakin could snap at Taran, everyone heard Fflewdur screaming. They ran to him and saw Gurgi trying to steal from him.

"Oh, it's that damned fuzzball," Zander groaned.

Brandon cried, "Gurgi!"

Mahad asked, "What does that hairball want?

Gurgi was trying to see what the harp would do as Flewdr begged, "You'll break it."

Mana cried to Gurgi, "Oh my God are you a badger?"

Gurgi noticed Taran and cried, "Master."

He looked at Brandon and asked, "Two Masters?"

Fflewdur got up and asked Taran, "Who is your pungent little friend?"

"He's no friend of mine," Taran replied. "He's just a coward and a thief."

Danyal commented, "Not to mention, he needs to learn to overcome his fears."

Mahad asked, "What are you doing here?"

"Go on, get out of here," Anakin said, shooing Gurgi away.

The furry creature grunted, seeing he wasn't wanted around. "Gurgi go!" He began walking but stopped as he saw tracks on the ground. "Gurgi remember! Saw piggy's tracks!" he said to Taran.

"You did?" he asked, almost believing him.

"Today!" the creature replied.

At first, Taran seemed thrilled, but quickly thought that Gurgi was up to his tricks again. "Wait a minute," he was saying.

"Is he trying to trick us?" Zander asked.

"Give him a chance," said Eilonwy. "He just might know."

"Pretty lady come too," Gurgi asked, gripping her dress and pulling it playfully. "Follow Gurgi!"

"You'd better be telling the truth," Taran warned, as though threatening him.

"Gurgi not lie. Not this time." And he began following the trail of tracks with the others close by.

To their surprise they saw the hoofprints of a pig!

Danyal cried, "Looks like Gurgi is on to something!"

The trail stopped at the end of a lake. Taran inspected the tracks and saw that they were fresh. Hen Wen was here and based on the tracks, she was likely close by.

Gurgi began crossing the stones in the lake, but they began sinking and a whirlpool began swirling. "Master!" Gurgi cried.

"Gurgi, hold on!" Taran cried. He reached for Gurgi, but got pulled in, pulling Eilonwy and Fflewdur with him.

"Taran can't swim!" Brandon cried. He jumped in, hoping to save him.

"Brandon, it's too strong!" Natius shouted. "You'll drown!"

Brandon struggled, only to realize that Natius was right. The force of the whirlpool proved too strong to fight against and he was submerged.

Danyal cried, "Holy Jesus!"

"We can't just stand here," Zander cried. "We have to do something! They're going deeper!"

Danyal felt something grabbing her leg and she cried, "What the-"

Danyal cried as she tried to stop herself from being pulled into the whirlpool, "Saint Florian! Patron saint against drowning, protect us from drowning in this darkness!"

Zander cried, "Danyal, take the cane!"

"I blame the furball for this," said Anakin.

Danyal desperately grabbed the cane, hoping to reveal what was pulling her in.

Bianca came from behind Zander, and she threw the shuriken towards the hand that was pulling Danyal's leg into the water, and to her surprise, the shuriken went through the water!

She noticed that the shuriken was heading towards Danyal, and she cried, "Danyal!"

Danyal felt a sharp pain on her leg and noticed a shuriken had pierced it as she let out a yell of pain!

Those still on the edge held hands, using each other like a rope, hoping to pull Danyal out, but the whirlpool proved too strong and pulled everyone in.

It turned out the whirlpool brought them underground, where the Fairfolk lived. Brandon was the first to come to his senses, coughing the water out of his system. Soon the others started doing the same thing.

Danyal came to and after coughing out water from her system, she noticed that the shuriken on her leg and she asked Bianca, "What were you thinking?"

Bianca cleared her throat. "It was an accident. I was trying to attack whatever it was that grabbed you."

A voice answered, "That was our river spirit."

It came from King Eidilleg, king of the Fair Folk!

Anakin asked, "Where are we? We didn't die, did we?"

"No, my boy," the king answered. "You're not dead."

"Sorry to have barged in like this, your majesty," Brandon apologized. "It was an accident."

"Brandon, do you know who this is?" Jeanette asked.

"King Eidilleg of the Fairfolk," he answered. "My mother would often tell me stories about them, how they would often live underground to avoid humans."

"Well, that's true," said Eidilleg. "And that whirlpool was actually supposed to keep you out, not bring you in. Yet another mistake on our part. We realized that when the pig stumbled here before you did."

Taran's face brightened up. "Hen Wen?"

"Oh, she's your pig," the king realized.

"Yes, we've been looking for her," said Natius.

With that matter being cleared up, King Eidilleg sent his subject Doli to find the pig and bring her to the heroes.

Doli was a grumpy fairy that caused Natius to remark, "Looks like Grumpy got reincarnated into a pixie. It suits him."

He began laughing.

While Doli was looking for Hen Wen, the rest of the Fairfolk started coming out of hiding, wanting to see the visitors.

Mahad looked to King Eidelleg and inquired, "Your Majesty, you said it was a spirit that grabbed Danyal?"

The king answered, "Yes. It also has the ability to turn weapons thrown into the water to turn towards those near the water. My apologies to anyone got injured."

To Brandon, it sounded unusual. The Fairfolk weren't violent and often avoided danger. They wanted to keep intruders out of their dominion, yet the spirit was pulling Danyal in.

Brandon was snapped out of his thoughts as he saw Hen Wen happily running to Taran with Gurgi riding on her like a horse.

Danyal asked, "Where can we find the cauldron?"

King Eidilleg's eyes widened. "You don't mean-?"

"Yes," Natius answered. "We have to find the Black Cauldron before the Horned King does."

"He'll never find it," the king assured him. "It's safely hidden in Morva."

Brandon's eyes widened. His grandfather had told him about the marshes of Morva.

"If we could get the Cauldron first," Taran was saying.

Eilonwy sighed. "This isn't right, Taran."

"But Ignatius is right," he told her. "If we find the Cauldron before the Horned King does, we can stop him." He held her hands in his. "Please come with me."

Vandela stated, "He's right. It's the right thing to do. Let's hurry."

Mahad pointed out, "One problem. How do we get to Morva?"

"We'll take you there," King Eidilleg offered. "And Doli can guide you."

"What?" he asked in disbelief.

"Well, I won't complain," Brandon said, knowing it would likely cause Doli to start grumbling and complaining as well.

So the Fairfolk began using their powers to transport the heroes.

Taran didn't want to leave Hen Wen again after just getting her back, but King Eidilleg promised to protect her and get her back to Dallben safely. Well, as long as Hen Wen was safe, that was what mattered to Taran, and he decided he could trust the Fairfolk.

When the heroes opened their eyes, they found themselves in a swampy environment!

The Marshes of Morva was a notorious wetland with a series of treacherous bogs and stagnant pools.

Natius asked, "Where are those witches?"

They kept walking until they came across an old cottage. Taran was the first to open the door and step inside.

"This would be considered breaking and entering," Bianca pointed out.

"Never mind that," said Brandon. "Let's just find the Cauldron." So, everyone walked in and began looking around. As they did, hordes of frogs began leaping and croaking, leaving the cottage.

Gurgi jumped on Taran and cried, "Master, come quick! Gurgi found wicked cauldron!" And he led everyone to a chamber full of cauldrons of all kinds.

Suddenly, a shriek filled the room and three witches in blue appeared. Their names were Orgoch, Orduu, and Orwren. Orwren, the youngest, was a robust woman with thick and unruly orange hair and a pearl necklace around her neck. Orgoch had crooked teeth and brown hair covered with a small cap. The eldest, Orduu, was a tall and slender woman with auburn hair held in place with a headband.

Mahad asked, "Are you the three witches that guard the Black Cauldron? We must seal it away from here."

The witches were not about to give up the Cauldron so easily. "Perhaps I might interest you in something else," Orduu offered, opening the door to a storage room. As many kitchenware products became coming out, Taran's sword began acting on its own, destroying everything and amazing the eldest witch.

An idea suddenly clicked in her mind. "Very well. You shall have the Black Cauldron."

"You mean you'll give it to us?" Eilonwy asked.

The witch cackled. "You misunderstood me. We never give anything away. What we do is bargain; trade, if you will."

Taran knew what she was after. "You'll not have my sword," he said, trying to keep it from her.

Brandon asked, "What about that lyre?"

Orduu replied, "We have no use for this thing."

Anakin asked, "What kind of treasure would be worthy?"

Brandon looked at the necklace around Toboé's neck, which was an unusual symbol, an amber crest depicting two moons opposite of one another with a single circle connecting and he smiled getting an idea.

He asked, "What about that necklace around that weird boy's neck?"

Toboé took out his newly acquired whip made of magical bones from Halloween Town that he named Sally, and he held it in his hand as he gave a warning crack!

He snarled, "Don't even think about it, swine-boy! That necklace was a gift from a woman who looked like a scarecrow."

"We have many other fine trinkets." said Orduu.

Eilonwy held out her ocarina. "May I ask you to consider this?"

But Orduu had already established that she and her sisters had no interest in musical instruments.

Taran was humbled that his friends were willing to give up their most precious possessions for him. But he saw that there was no convincing the witches otherwise. "All right. I know what you want."

"No, Taran!" Brandon cried.

"It's our only chance," he told him. He held out his sword. "Here is my sword. Take it."

"Is it your own choice, duckling?" Orduu asked. "With this sword" you could be the greatest warrior."

Taran believed so, but he was willing to give up his most valued possession to help his friends. "I offer my most precious possession in exchange for the Black Cauldron," he declared.

The ground began shaking. From it emerged the Black Cauldron they were looking for.

The sound of cackling directed everyone's attention to the witches. "I say, what funny little ducklings," Orduu laughed. "Don't they know the Black Cauldron is indestructible?" She spoke directly to the heroes. "Listen carefully: the Black Cauldron can never be destroyed. Only its evil powers can be stopped."

"Then there is a way," said Taran. "But how?"

"A living being must climb into it of his own free will," the eldest witch explained.

Gurgi immediately volunteered. "Gurgi is bold and brave. He will climb into wicked Cauldron."

"No, Gurgi!" Brandon cried, catching him in his arms.

Orduu wasn't finished. "However, the poor duckling will never climb out alive."

"In simpler words, a sacrifice must be made," Brandon said grimly.

"Now don't forget," Fflewdur was saying, "we had an agreement."

"Yes, you said we could have the Cauldron," said Eilonwy.

"Of course, we said you could have the Cauldron. It's not our fault you can't do anything with it," Orgoch said and cackled as she began disappearing with her sisters.

"Goodbye, goslings," Orduu's voice chimed. "Remember, we always keep a bargain."

"Agreed. We have made a bargain." And the witches disappeared, taking the sword with them.

That night, the heroes were feeling uncertain, like they were at a loss. True, they had the Black Cauldron, but it was useless to them. Even Doli was upset about the matter and returned to the dominion of the Fairfolk.

Bianca reprimanded Taran. "Well, pig boy, I hope you're happy with yourself. And I hope you realized you gave up more than just your sword. And for what? Nothing."

"Bianca," Jeanette scolded.

"Just being honest," she stated.

Taran sighed. "Bianca's right. Without my sword, I'm nothing. Just an assistant pig-keeper."

"No, Taran," said Natius. "Sometimes doing the right thing means willing to give up what's valuable to you. And soon enough, you realize what you gave up wasn't really all that valuable at all."

Bianca asked Toboé, "How did you acquire a whip made of bones?"

Toboé answered, "The whip was disguised as a whip that tried to lash at me, but I took it from the soldier, and tested it on the soldier."

Brandon asked Toboé, "Can you tell me more about that lady who gave you that trinket on your neck? What is it supposed to be anyway?"

"None of your business, after the way you tried to offer it to those witches," he barked.

Brandon cried, "Oh, come on."

Anakin stated, "He has a good point. You don't offer something that valuable! Why else would he call you a swine-boy? You were willing to trade one of the many crests from the Disney Kingdom for a useless piece of rubbish!"

"And it wasn't yours to trade to begin with," Jeanette added. "You can't just make a bargain with something that doesn't belong to you. It's as bad as stealing."

Brandon cried, "Oh, come on. It's not like I was stealing."

Vandela argued, "Yes, it is. You knowingly tried to trade a crest."

Brandon replied, "I thought that was just a necklace. I don't get why he had to lash out pulling out a whip."

Mana asked Brandon still disappointed in him, "How would you like it if someone did that to you?"

Brandon thought about it for a moment, and he noticed that Natius had four wooden carvings one of them was a beautiful sunset orange, the carving in question depicted a sword with wings for a hilt.

He asked, "What are those things?"

Natius warned, "What you did was theft by conversion, and you should be lucky that Toboé didn't give you thirty lashes on your back for trying to trade something that isn't yours in the first place!"

Brandon grabbed Natius by his shirt. "Answer me, rat!"

Zander pulled Brandon away. "Get off him!"

"Stop it, all of you," Eilonwy ordered. "You're all acting like children!"

Brandon looked at the princess. "You know, you sound just like my mother." Then he mentally cursed himself for making that remark. What did he expect? After all, this is his mother's ancestress he's talking to. Still, Brandon felt that he got enough lectures and reprimands from Garwen and he felt like he didn't need this.

Natius calmed himself and decided to answer Brandon's question. "They're just wooden pallets with images depicting the elements. Before leaving Medieval Paris, my friends and I remembered to take the pallets Quasimodo was holding on to for us. This is so we would get an idea of what each symbol represents. They're not like the crests in the Digimon series just to be clear and therefore have no real power."

Mahad stated, "Each of these pallets are insignias for one element that is presented by virtues. The stylized flower bud represents kindness a virtue passed down from Snow White, the sword with the winged hilt represents devotion that Snow White's prince, Harald demonstrated. The stylized fireball symbolizes the courage that Mulan had in protecting her nation, and finally the weight in leather has the Chinese character of discipline. That was Li Shang's virtue."

Brandon looked at the images on the pallets. "Where'd you get them?"

"We got them in Medieval Paris," said Jeanette. "At first, we thought Quasimodo made them, but they were actually from Master Yen Sid."

Brandon asked, "Why do they have no powers or magic?"

Natius replied, "They're just wooden pallets."

"You really need to learn to listen," said Bianca.

Brandon scoffed. Then a sudden change came over him. "You know, before I came to this world, when I heard, you were going to Paris to confront Frollo, I wanted to go there instead and help you fight him. But that sorcerer Yen Sid wouldn't let me."

Danyal stated, "He probably wants to protect you from that bigoted scum."

Brandon knew she was right, knowing what the Dark Masters were capable of. And they would likely see Brandon siding with Natius opposing the Dark Masters as a sign of betrayal.

But Bianca didn't believe him. "You're lying," she immediately said. "Brandon's lying," she told her friends. "He would have immediately sold us to Frollo."

"No," Brandon protested. "I hate him as much as you do."

"No, you would have turned us over to him just to save your own life as well as gain the favor of the Dark Masters," Bianca shouted.

Danyal snapped, "Don't jump to a conclusion like that."

But before Brandon could say anything, everyone heard screeching. They looked to the sky and saw gwythaints hovering over them.

"Uh-oh, trouble. Goodbye," Gurgi said and ran off.

"How did they find us?" Mana asked.

"I don't know," Mahad answered. "But we can't let them-" but everyone was surrounded and seized by the Horned King's henchmen.

The heroes were taken to the dark castle of the Horned King!

The Black Cauldron was taken to the castle as well and placed in a chamber filled with skeletons. The heroes stood with their hands tied above their heads.

The Horned King came to the chamber and sneered at his prisoners. "My, such a brave and handsome group. A pig boy, a scullery maid, and a broken-down minstrel. And there's also the children who have been sought by the Dark Masters. And the traitor," he said, looking at Brandon.

Brandon shuddered at the sight of the Horned King. He would rather face the Dark Masters than be in the presence of this skeletal monarch.

"Perhaps it would interest you to see what fate has in store for you." The Horned King took a skeleton and placed it inside the Black Cauldron. "Now I call on my army of the dead: the Cauldron born. Arise, my messengers of death. Our time has arrived."

The evil powers of the Cauldron began to be invoked. Flames spewed from it along with an eerie green mist. As the mist surrounded the skeletons, they started rising and moving as though they were alive.

"Jesus," Natius hissed through his teeth.

"My beloved warriors have come to life," said the Horned King. "All the dead of centuries past. Never has anyone created an army like this. Go forth, my deathless warriors! Destroy all in your path!" And the army began marching out of the castle.

Bianca muttered as she watched one man being melted alive, "Christ!"

The creeper cackled. "Come, Sire. We can get a better view from above."

"No," he replied. "First I must bring the traitor to Maleficent."

Brandon felt his wrists being untied and Danyal commented, "I should've known there was something wrong with you. You're associating with the Dark Masters!"

Brandon argued, "You're lying!"

"You betrayed the Dark Masters by joining the Firebird's host and his friends." the Horned King told him.

"No, you misunderstand," Brandon cried. "It's not like that!""

Natius asked Brandon, "Why are you in association with those scum?!"

Brandon said nothing. "It doesn't matter," said the Horned King. "Maleficent will punish you either way."

"That's fine with me," Brandon snapped. "I'd much rather deal with the Dark Masters than you."

"I shall personally escort you to them," the monarch insisted.

Brandon asked, "What?"

Creeper yelled at Brandon, "Keep moving pig-boy!"

Danyal cried, "We can't let his execution happen! If that boy dies, his mother will be forced to bury her son."

"What?" Taran asked.

"Do you know what kind of punishment awaits anyone who betrays the Dark Masters?" Vandela asked. "Death."

Bianca cried, "We need to get to him before they kill him!"

Natius noticed the ropes being undone and to his surprise, he saw Gurgi!

Danyal asked, "What are you doing here?"

"Gurgi is sorry he always runs away when there's trouble," the furry creature apologized. "He will untie everybody. Then we will leave this evil place." And he hurried to free the others from their bindings.

"Good boy, Gurgi," Taran cheered as his ropes were undone. "Ignatius, you and the others hurry and rescue Brandon. I've got to stop the Cauldron."

"Oh, Taran, that's impossible," Eilonwy said. "You'd have to-" then she realized what he was going to do. He was going to sacrifice himself. "Taran!"

"I'm sorry, Eilonwy," he said as he climbed the railing, hoping to get above the Cauldron.

"Please, Taran," the princess pleaded. "No! You can't!"

"My mind is made up," he told her.

Danyal cried, "Gurgi."

The furry creature walked up to her, and Danyal stroked his fur in a compassionate, she stated, "Thank you for freeing us."

She caught up with the others and she cried, "Let's hurry and punish the Horned King for what he had done!"

The heroes began racing towards a black portal that would lead to the Forbidden Castle and the Horned King was dragging Brandon!

Jeanette looked back. "Wait! What about Taran?"

"You heard what he said," Mahad told her. "We've got to get Brandon back."

"But if Taran jumps into the Cauldron, he'll die," Jeanette protested.

"Brandon will die too if we don't rescue him," Natius argued. "Maleficent is convinced that Brandon is betraying her and helping us. That alone is enough to make her decide to kill him."

Jeanette noticed Danyal upset and she asked, "What's wrong Danyal?"

Danyal stated as she felt tears brimming in her eyes and she stated, "It's not Taran."

"What do you mean?" Jeanette asked. Then she turned around and saw Gurgi stopping him. Gurgi did not want Taran to sacrifice himself. Even though the boy had treated Gurgi so badly from the beginning, the creature still loved Taran and saw him as his friend. Gurgi thought Taran's life was more important than his own because he had friends.

And so, Gurgi jumped from the ledge and into the Black Cauldron.

"Oh, no." Taran whispered, not wanting this to have happened.

Danyal didn't want to let the grief stop her from helping the heroes in rescuing Brandon, as she dried her tears to join the others.

They all jumped into the portal and found themselves in the throne room of the Forbidden Castle.

"Well, well," came Maleficent's voice. "This is a surprise, seeing all of you here."

Natius saw Brandon being forced on his knees as he was brought before the wicked fairy. "Let Brandon go, Maleficent!" he shouted.

"I will not," she said. "The boy must be punished."

Danyal stated, "He was never affiliated with us in the first place."

"That's not entirely true," said Jafar. "A little bird told us he wanted to help you when he found out you were in Paris." He looked at Brandon and asked, "Am I right?"

"How would you know anything about that?" Brandon asked.

"We heard it all from a reliable source," Turbo answered. "And we got eyes and ears everywhere."

Maleficent spoke up. "When we found out that Brandon was in Prydain and that it happened to be where you were all going, I had hoped there would be an opportunity in this; that your hateful feelings towards each other would cause you to fight each other until one of you would die. But seeing as you are all here, as always, I must handle this myself."

Then a sinister grin crossed her face. "But first, Turbo, see to it that the Horned King is rewarded for bringing Brandon back here along with the others."

The monarch was humbled. "Dark Masters, I couldn't possibly accept any reward from you."

Turbo commented, "We can give you that sword with Brandon."

"We could also consider giving you a position in our ranks," Maleficent offered.

"Are you saying I could be a Dark Master?" the Horned King asked.

"First I would have to consult with Chernabog," she told him. "If he should approve, you may join us. We can even have the Black Cauldron brought here and secured."

The Horned King kowtowed before her. "It would be an honor."

Turbo asked outraged, "What?!"

"The Horned King carried out his task successfully," Maleficent stated. "He brought Brandon back to us and he has also brought the Firebird's host and his friends."

Turbo sulked in disappointment!

Natius asked, "What's the matter? Outclassed by an undead monarch that looks like an older version of Skeletor with antlers?"

"Be silent!" said Frollo.

Natius was shocked to see the minister. "Frollo? You're alive?" But your hand!" He looked and saw that it was normal. "How can this be?"

"That's not your concern," Frollo replied. "I have this to say, however. The Horned King will not become a Dark Master." He looks at Maleficent and says, "While he did succeed in bringing us our traitor, he made one mistake in the process."

Jafar agreed. "The Horned King left the Black Cauldron and his prisoners unguarded."

Horned King snarled, "You cannot do this to me!"

He took a sword from a nearby suit of armor and the sword transformed into a dark sword and he struck Frollo!

Natius backed away in terror and he muttered, "Oh Jesus!"

Jafar stopped the monarch with his magic. "Get Frollo out of here," he told Maleficent. "I'll deal with him!"

Maleficent began carrying the wounded minister to safety.

"We'll settle with you later!" Turbo said to Brandon.

The undead monarch mocked, "If it isn't the second fiddle to Maleficent's court of jesters."

Jafar hated being called second, but this wasn't about defending his honor. "You're treading on a path of insubordination," he warned the Horned King. "Keep it up and you will be put to death."

"You cannot kill me," the Horned King boasted. "You are a genie."

"I can't kill you," Jafar admitted, "but my comrades and I can offer you to the Cauldron once we send you back to your world."

The Horned King boasted, "My powers will never die!"

"And you will never be a Dark Master," Jafar added.

The Horned King pointed out, "You can't send me back without Maleficent."

Natius approached Brandon. "Brandon, come on. We've got to get out of here."

"No," he replied. "I can't leave yet. There's still something I have to do."

Natius cried, "Get back here Kyle!"

Brandon ran off!

Danyal asked, "What the hell is wrong with that boy?"

Natius caught up with Brandon and held him down. "Look at me," he snapped. "You will die if you stay here. Maleficent will kill you."

Brandon asked, "What do you expect me to do, Grimhilde?"

Natius getting annoyed with being called Grimhilde replied, "You need to find your way home because your mother should not be forced to bury her child."

Brandon forced Natius off of him. "I have to do this."

"Why?" Natius asked. "What are you trying to prove?"

"I'm not trying to prove anything," Brandon said. "Look, I know this isn't the best time or place for this and I know it doesn't mean anything to you, but I'm sorry."

A shocked expression crossed Natius's face.

The change did not go unnoticed by Brandon. "I'm sorry for stealing that snake and using it to try to kill you. I'm sorry for causing everyone so much grief." He looked away and continued, "I know there's nothing I can do to atone for what I did. But at least I can face a deserving punishment for my actions."

"By letting yourself get killed?" Natius asked. "I can't let you do that."

Brandon turned his back. "Do me a favor, Natius. When you find Mr. Virgil, apologize to him for me. Tell him I'm sorry for vandalizing his desk. And my mother, tell her I'm sorry; that I let her down too often and failed her as a son. That she deserved better."

Maleficent's laughter filled the room. "How humble of you to give yourself up, Brandon. Unfortunately, humility will not save you."

The Horned King was about to strike Brandon down, but suddenly a spirit of a much older Taran shielded the boy using his walking stick!

Natius looked on in amazement. "What's happening?"

Maleficent was just as surprised and confused. "But I thought the spirits of any heroes would have no power in this castle!"

Taran answered, "This boy has shown his humility, the only thing I can do is protect those who follow from my bloodline."

He looked at the sword the Horned King was holding, and he cried, "I'm afraid that sword does not belong to you."

He looked at Brandon disappearing who asked, "What's happening?"

"I'm sorry, Brandon," the spirit apologized. "But you cannot stay here any longer."

Brandon asked, "What can I do? Please. Tell me."

Natius suppressed his anger and promised, "Brandon, I plan to get you home so you can talk to your mother and Mr. Virgil. You can apologize to them yourself."

Taran disappeared and he stated, "I hope you know what you're doing, Grimhilde."

Natius warned, "Don't ever call me that again."

Maleficent redirected her attention to the skeletal monarch. "Horned King, you can forget about being rewarded. For the behavior you displayed just now, you shall be sent back to your world and offered to the Black Cauldron."

"Curse you!" he shouted.

Both Maleficent and Jafar slammed their staves simultaneously opening a portal leading to the castle where the Cauldron was going berserk behind the Horned King!

As Brandon continued to disappear, he wondered, was all of this the trial of humility Yen Sid spoke of? Was self-sacrifice part of what it meant to be humble? Was this why he was disappearing?

Natius asked as he noticed Brandon disappearing, "What in the name of-?"

Bianca asked Maleficent, "What did you do?"

Maleficent answered, "This is not of my doing."

"That sorcerer Yen Sid must be behind this," Jafar assumed.

Brandon asked, "Why Yen Sid?"

Turbo wasn't going to allow this. "Hey, sorcerer, we're not finished with the boy! We still have to punish him!"

Master Yen Sid appeared before Brandon Kyle just as Jafar was about to strike Brandon!

Natius asked, "What are you doing here?"

"I am taking Brandon with me," he answered.

Brandon asked, "Why?"

"I am doing this to save your life," Yen Sid answered. "I will not let you die by the hands of these villains."

Master Yen Sid vanished taking Brandon with him!

Natius asked, "Where did he go?"

Maleficent snarled, "Find that traitor!"

A servant objected, "Milady, they're go-"

Suddenly a blast from Maleficent's staff, turned the servant into a statue!

Natius backtracked towards his friends. "What happened to Brandon?" Mahad asked.

"Master Yen Sid has taken him somewhere safe," said Natius. "We've got to get out of here and get back to Prydain."

This gave Jafar an idea and he exclaimed to the undead monarch, "After them and you'll have your reward!"

Natius and the others kept running to the portal that would lead to the land of Prydain.

Turbo was confused. "But I thought Maleficent said-"

"You idiot," Jafar said, hitting him on the head with his staff.

Then Turbo understood what he meant. "Oh, I get it."

The Horned King continued to pursue them into the portal and by this point, the cauldron was infuriated and was hungering for a soul to satisfy it!

The monarch realized that the Dark Masters were right. This was happening because he left the Black Cauldron unguarded. He saw Taran trying to avoid getting drawn into the Cauldron. "You've interfered for the last time," he growled. "Now, pig keeper, you shall die!" And he grabbed Taran by his neck.

"No! Don't!" Taran shouted, trying to fight him off.

"No, you'll not escape," the Horned King said. "You shall satisfy the Cauldron's hunger." But as they continued fighting, the Horned King began to be drawn in to the Cauldron while Taran was able to get away.

"No, you'll not have me!" the Horned King shouted to the Cauldron. "My power cannot die!" But the force was too strong for him to fight. "Curse you!" He touched the rim of the Cauldron and screamed as he was being pulled in until there was nothing left of him. The Horned King was no more.

Mahad noticed the castle collapsing and he cried, "Time for us to head out!"

Both groups came together and found a way out through the water passage. Everyone boarded the boats. Taran hurried to remove the chsins on the gate so they could escape. The castle continued to collapse, but everyone was able to safely get out.

Danyal felt sadness for Gurgi, who sacrificed himself for the safety of Prydain!

The laughter of the three witches filled the air. Everyone looked up and saw them in the sky as they stepped ashore.

"Why is the duckling so sad?" Orgoch asked.

"Yes, she and her friends got what they wanted, and they're still not satisfied." said Orduu.

Bianca placed her hands on her hips. "Just what do you old hags think you're up to?"

"Oh, we have business with you heroes," said Orduu.

"Gurgi was the hero." Taran admitted mournfully.

Anakin asked, "What kind of business?"

"The Cauldron is of no use to any of you," Orduu was saying. "So, we'll just take it and be on our way."

As she and her sisters were about to take the Cauldron, Fflewddur stopped them. "Stay your hand, ladies. We never give anything away. We bargain. We trade, remember?"

Orduu was amused that her tactic was being thrown back at her. "Did these old ears hear the word 'bargain?'"

"Yes, those old ears heard right," Fflewddur replied. Orwren swooned at Fflewddur's boldness. But he wasn't playing around. For once, the bard was being serious, surprising everyone. "Now, come on. What is your offer?"

Orwren used her magic to present Taran with the sword he exchanged for the Cauldron, thinking he would want it back.

Taran looked at the sword but denied taking it. "I'm not a warrior. I'm a pig boy. What would I do with a sword?"

"Absolutely nothing," Orduu answered, taking the sword back.

"But I would trade," Taran was saying, "the Cauldron for Gurgi."

The witches never heard of such a deal!

Bianca goaded them on. "I knew it! You pompous windbags have no real power!"

The witches would not let anything stop them from taking back the Black Cauldron, even if it meant making a trade like this. "We have made a bargain," said Orduu. And the witches took the Black Cauldron, leaving Gurgi's body in its place.

Taran gently lifted his lifeless body and held him in his arms.

"Oh, Taran!" Eilonwy sobbed.

Danyal began thinking about the time she lost her old dog in the late 2000s and she tried to hold back the tears that were threatening to brim in her eyes!

Jeanette understood what Danyal was going through and she stated, "I'm sorry for your loss."

As Taran continued holding Gurgi, he felt a sudden movement against his chest and he heard Gurgi say, "Munchings and crunchings in here sonewhere."

"Gurgi, you're alive," Taran gasped in disbelief.

Eilonwy couldn't believe it either. "He's alive!" And everyone began cheering for this miracle.

"I'm alive," Gurgi cheered. "Gurgi's alive! Look, look! Touch me!" And he hugged Taran.

"Gurgi, you clever little thing," the princess laughed, hugging the furry creature.

A mischievous grin crossed Gurgi's face. He brought Taran and Eilonwy's faces together, causing them to kiss.

Danyal began laughing and Gurgi asked, "Where's other master?"

Natius answered, "His time ran out, so he was taken by a wizard to get some help."

Gurgi noticed a glowing sensation and around his neck was a crest that had a light turquoise stylized imp laughing!

Taran asked, "Is that the symbol of mischief?"

Natius smiled. "It suits him." He looked at Taran. "You did good, Taran. Rather than hold on to your fantasy about being a warrior, you chose to get Gurgi back."

Taran smiled and replied, "He's more important to me than being a warrior is. And after all we've gone through, up to now, I never realized how truly hard being a warrior was, how it meant making sacrifices. And now I understand what's more important. You were right, Ignatius. Sometimes doing the right thing means giving up what you have so you can help those who are important to you."

Then a light shined on Taran's hand, revealing the image of a lamb's head bowing.

Natius took out a wooden pallet with the same image. "The symbol of humility," he whispered.

Most of the heroes were happy for Taran for finally understanding what was truly important. They were also just as happy that Gurgi was back to life. However, feelings of disappointment lingered for some of the heroes. One reason was failing to hold on to the Black Cauldron long enough for arrangements to be made to have it sealed.

Natius was still baffled. Taran and Brandon represented the same element. At that instant, he realized that this had to have meant that Taran was Brandon's ancestor.

Jeanette asked Natius, "What's the matter?"

Natius replied, "I just realized something about Brandon."

Bianca asked, "What is it?"

Natius answered, "Taran and Eilonwy are Brandon's ancestors."

Mahad's eyes widened. "Are you sure?"

He was. "I know it."

Jeanette placed her hands over her hips. "That explains why Brandon was always so concerned about Taran."

"That also explains where Brandon gets his arrogance and stubborness," Bianca added.

"But how do you know?" Mana asked.

"Because Brandon and Taran represent the same element," Natius answered.

Bianca didn't want to believe it. "It's probably just a coincidence, Natius."

Danyal stated, "I have a question. What did Brandon do to represent humility?"

Natius remembered what happened at the castle. "He was willing to give himself to the Dark Masters to pay for the wrongs he committed. For him to be willing to do that, I think he felt undeserving of forgiveness and that there was no point in trying to scheme his way out." He looked at his friends. "Guys, I think Brandon has more problems going on in his life than any of us may realize. Maybe that's why he's been acting like a delinquent. I also think he really feels bad for the things he's done."

Bianca pointed out to Natius, "If Brandon is really sorry, then he should confess to your dad what he had done as well as to that zoo employee who was furious about this."

Danyal stated, "She's right."

"All the more reason we have to get him home," said Natius.

Mana stated, "One problem. We don't know where he is."

Mahad asked, "Where did Master Yen Sid send Brandon? Any ideas, Figaro?"

Figaro replied, "Master Yen Sid is notorious when it comes to surprises."

"Rest assured, he will keep Brandon safe," said Oliver. "For now, it's time for your next destination."

"Where are we going now?" Zander asked.

"To the warring states era of China," the orange kitten answered.

Natius recognized it and he stated, "My father gloated that his ancestor was the legendary warrior, Fa Zhou."

"Mulan's father," Mahad elaborated.

"You know, I don't get how Mulan can be considered a princess," said Bianca. "She married a soldier, not a prince."

Danyal commented, "I never count her as a princess. Even if she was given the crest of the emperor of China, it does not make her an honorary princess."

"I asked my dad about that," said Natius. "Even he didn't have an answer.

Jeanette stated, "That really annoys me."

"Mulan was more of a warrior than a princess," said Mana.

Danyal commented, "I agree. She doesn't fit the criteria of Disney Princesses."

But Natius didn't care about any of that. Princess or not, Mulan was still his ancestress, and he was very honored about that. Besides, some of the other Disney princesses weren't princesses by birth, but they still became princesses.

But Natius wasn't about to start any arguments with his friends. He was eager to go to China.

Mana asked Figaro, "Should we turn into animals native to China?"

Bianca asked, "Why?"

Mahad pointed, "Some of us will end up getting killed or worse face persecution."

Natius nodded. "Women were forbidden to participate in battle during those times. It was considered treasonous."

Mana stated, "At least I had that idea because of that reason."

Figaro took out some magical powder that was resupplied with and the heroes were turned into animals native to China. Bianca was a Fujian yellow rabbit, Zander was turned into a sable, Danyal was turned into a Eurasian magpie, Mahad and Mana were turned into Pallas cats, Omar was turned into a North Chinese leopard, Nausicaä was turned into an Eastern imperial eagle, Vandela was turned into a binturong, Toboé was turned into a timber wolf, Jeanette was turned into a cute red panda, and Natius was turned into a Chinese white bellied rat.

He stated, "I know that rats are sneaky in Europe, but in China, it's one of the 12 animals of the Zodiac."

"So is the rabbit, but I'm surprised that Chinese keep some as pets. Fujian yellow rabbits are among the rabbits found in Fujian." Bianca pointed out.

Danyal stated, "Like the magpie they represent luck."

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Natius asked. The kittens led the heroes to a portal leading to the warring states era of China.

Meanwhile in the Forbidden Castle, Turbo was really impressed with Jafar for tricking the Horned King into his own death.

"Nicely handled," he complimented. "And that demon deserved what he got." He stopped himself, then asked Maleficent, "Oh, but, Maleficent, you weren't really going to consider making him a Dark Master, were you?"

"I had to promise him some worthwhile reward," she answered. "But, of course, the Horned King would never have gotten it because of the mistakes Frollo pointed out."

"And it was because Frollo shot his mouth of that the skeletal monster went ballistic," Turbo accused.

"And it was because of his behavior that we had to have him obliterated," Jafar pointed out.

Frollo didn't like the way his comrades were talking. It was taking every ounce of his willpower to keep his temper and concentrate on mending his wound.

Jafar was helping him. "I think you overdid it this time," he said.

Frollo sighed. "It's not the first time I've had a sword go right at me," he said truthfully.

Jafar asked, "Who was it on your first time?"

"Yugi," he answered, growling. The name alone left a bitter taste in his mouth. "It happened when I first battled him." After treating the wound the Horned King left him, the minister showed his comrades a scar on his side.

Turbo cried, "Wow."

"He could have killed me, but he didn't," said the minister.

Turbo commented, "At least he didn't kill you."

"That's what I said," Frollo snapped.

"You're going to have a lot of scars if you keep up that attitude." Turbo barked.

Frollo turned away. "What do I care? To me, these scars are reminders of my hatred towards those who have inflicted them on me; insulted me, humiliated me, disgraced me."

Turbo snapped, "I'm serious, you almost got locked in that damned vault."

Frollo decided he wanted to avoid the subject. "We should be thinking about what to do with the boy who betrayed us."

"Well, obviously, we're going to have to kill him." said Turbo.

"No!" Maleficent immediately snapped.

"Our laws are absolute, Maleficent," Jafar reminded her. "Anyone who defies or betrays the Dark Masters must be put to death."

Maleficent snarled, "Did you not hear what he said? He had no intentions on affiliating himself with those children."

Frollo asked Jafar, "Can you see where those brats are going?"

The sorcerer began invoking his magical powers. "It looks like they're on their way to China."

"Dispatch Shan Yu," Maleficent ordered. Jafar nodded and left to find him.

Turbo spoke up. "Maleficent, Brandon may not have betrayed us yet, but we have to consider the possibility that he might in the future. It's been confirmed that he's a chosen child. That means we may still have to end up killing him."

But Maleficent wasn't worried. "Brandon has not yet fully awakened. He still has much to learn about what it means to be humble. I believe that's why Yen Sid rescued him."

Shan Yu walked into the throne room, and he asked, "Now are you going to tell me why I can't kill a flaming rodent?"

"Easy," Jafar told him. "We don't want you getting overconfident. The boy has a very dangerous power."

Shan Yu asked, "What kind of power?"

"The boy is the host of the Firebird," Jafar answered. "The Firebird is a creature of immense flame."

Maleficent answered, "That bird has been around since Ancient Greece."

Jafar added, "This bird has the ability to incinerate villages with a single blast of his flame."

"That doesn't mean anything to me," said Shan Yu.

"Then don't bother asking about it," Jafar snapped. "Be more concerned about the creature's host."

Shan Yu hadn't forgotten what the Dark Masters had told him about Natius being a descendant of Mulan and Shang, but it didn't give him any reason as to why he wasn't permitted to kill the boy. In fact, it was the opposite. That small detail gave him plenty of incentive to kill Natius.

Maleficent warned, "You know the penalty if you fail us."

"Or if you disobey us." Jafar added.

Shan Yu replied, "Understood."

As the Hun dismissed himself and headed to his world, Jafar asked Maleficent, "Should we keep an eye on him?"

Maleficent looked at him. "We might as well." With circumstances being what they were, it seemed the Dark Masters couldn't put their confidence in any of the lesser villains. They felt the need to make sure no one would betray them.

Jafar commented, "Hopefully he'll follow through because now that rat unlocked his element of Devotion."

"Now he has a trial of courage and discipline," Maleficent added.

"The boy is not afraid of Shan Yu," said Jafar. "This will hardly be a trial where his courage will be put to the test."

Turbo asked, "What should we do about that?"

Maleficent answered, "Be patient, men."

Frollo asked, "Should we track down the boy, Brandon and kill him?"

Maleficent replied, "No."

Frollo asked disappointed, "Why not?"

Maleficent pointed out, "That old fool Yen Sid took that boy, and we don't know where he is."

"He probably took him to Mickey's castle," Jafar assumed.

"No one goes after Brandon," Maleficent said again. "I will kill anyone who does."

Frollo was at a loss of words as she noticed the seriousness of her tone.

The decision was final. Brandon wasn't betraying the Dark Masters, not that he had any intention of doing so. But with circumstances being what they were about him eventually awakening as a chosen child, the Dark Masters were eventually going to have to kill him. Eventually, but not now.

Meanwhile far away from the Forbidden Castle, stood a lone tower that had a moon and stars as well as a confusing magical stairway. It was Master Yen Sid's home, the Mysterious Tower.

Brandon awoke and began to remember those times Natius would be watching cutscenes from a video game that had a similar concept of what he has experienced.

Brandon's vision began to clear, and he saw Master Yen Sid who looked at him with a stern expression on his face.

After getting a clear vision, Brandon groaned, "Oh, it's you again."

Master Yen Sid replied, "You were fortunate that I didn't let these villains kill you."

"Why did you bring me here?" Brandon asked.

"You should show a little more gratitude," the sorcerer reprimanded. "I saved your life."

Brandon asked, "Why'd you do that?"

"You were about to be killed," Yen Sid reminded him. "The Dark Masters think you are betraying them and that you are an ally to Natius and his friends."

"Except none of that is true," Brandon protested.

Master Yen Sid replied, "They would not listen to you."

Brandon asked, "What?"

"Anyone who has tried to tell those villains otherwise regarding such actions has been put to death," the sorcerer explained, "including their own subordinates. Even if you had begged for your life or given them any good reason, they still would have seen your explanation as a petty excuse to be spared."

Brandon thought about the things he said back at the castle. Did he mean any of it? He told Natius he was sorry, but was he really?

Master Yen Sid raised his brow, making the same squint he always made to Mickey. "Back at the castle, you seemed prepared to face death. Before that, you humbled yourself to Natius and repented of your faults."

Brandon recalled what happened. That was why Taran's spirit protected him. The boy turned away. "When the Dark Masters considered me a traitor, I thought I was going to die. And knowing what they were capable of, I knew there was no escape, and I couldn't scheme my way away. Because of that, I was scared," he admitted. "And I felt I had to say the things I did."

The sorcerer squinted again. "Did you mean any of it?"

Brandon was silent for a moment. "I don't even know anymore," he finally said.

"Sincerity comes before humility," Yen Sid told him. "If you truly feel bad for your actions and are willing to bear full responsibility, then you will know."

Brandon began to think about what he had gone through and then something crossed his mind as he began to think about how infuriated his mother was by this point and he asked, "Do you wipe memories away from others? What I mean is that my mom is going to be really furious with me."

The sorcerer wasn't going to allow it. "The path of humility is not always easy. Sometimes the path begins by facing the people who have suffered by your actions. The next step is willing to face whatever consequences may come."

Brandon understood what he was saying. As much as he didn't want to face his mother's anger and disappointment, he knew it was necessary to help him understand his element and maybe hopefully awaken as a warrior deserving of it.

Master Yen Sid opened a portal that would lead to the neighborhood that Brandon lived in.

Brandon asked, "This will lead me back to LA?"

The sorcerer nodded. He also held out his hand. "I'll take the sword back and hold on to it until you're ready."

Reluctantly, Brandon handed over the sword he was given.

Brandon stepped into the portal to see his mother talking Masahiro about how the investigation was going."

"Mom," he whispered.

Garwen gasped at the sound of her son's voice. As she turned around and saw him, the two walked up to each other. But instead of welcoming her son into an embrace, Garwen slapped Brandon across his face. "Where have you been!?" she shouted. "I told you not to leave the house while I was gone! Do you have any idea how worried sick I've been?"

Brandon said nothing. He looked at his mother with mixed feelings of sadness and anger as he caressed his cheek.

"Don't look at me that way," Garwen reprimanded. "I'm your mother and I know what's best for you."

Masahiro agreed, "I'm sorry to say this, but she has a point. I have to give you this warning, Brandon Kyle. Do not enter that shrine in Redwood Forest. You would have ended up missing yourself."

Brandon stated, "That Grimhilde kid had to have a reason for running off."

Masahiro didn't take kindly to Brandon's attitude. He was also considering asking if he had any knowledge about his son's whereabouts but decided against it. "I think I should leave you two to resolve things. However, Garwen," he was saying, looking at her directly, "I think you should keep your anger towards your son in check."

Garwen looked at him. "With due respect, Officer, Brandon is my son, and I will discipline him as I see fit."

Masahiro pointed out, "You have a good point, but you need to understand that if you don't keep your anger in check, the consequences can have a devastating impact."

Masahiro understood she was just worried and angry, but he also wondered if the way she reacted was the reason behind her son's behavior. But Masahiro wasn't spending too much time thinking about that. Now that Brandon was safe and back home, he could concentrate on finding his own son and the other missing children.

Masahiro entered his vehicle, and he began to drive away from Garwen.

Garwen asked Brandon, "What shrine is the officer talking about?"

Then she remembered what she saw on her son's computer the night he disappeared. He was doing research on a shrine in Redwood Forest. Was that the one Masuhiro was talking about?

Garwen decided to save her questions for a later time, and she entered the house with Brandon.

Garwen asked her son, "Do you realize the child who fell into a comatose state could have been you?"

Brandon asked trying to understand her meaning, "What are you saying?"

It was taking every bit of Garwen's willpower to control her temper. "You saw the news reports about the missing teenagers," she reminded him. "I told you not to leave the house while I was gone, yet you disobeyed me and snuck out. What if something happened to you?"

Once more, Brandon was silent.

"Brandon, look at me," his mother ordered. "Things are hard enough for me already without you getting into even bigger trouble."

Brandon was at a loss of words as he remained silent.

Garwen stated as she remembered reading about that boy who fell into a comatose state in Wales, "I don't like the thought of you being comatose like that boy."

Brandon finally spoke. "Mom, it was no big deal. There was nobody around. Nothing happened."

Garwen continued demanding answers. "What were you doing in Redwood Forest? Why were you gone for so long? Were you looking for Natius and the others? You know Masahiro doesn't want you near his son after what you did."

Brandon stated with remorse, "I wish I haven't done that. I know I disobeyed you. I just thought if I went to the last place where those guys were seen, I could figure out what happened. But I admit, I was being careless."

Garwen stated, "You were also reckless. I would recommend not to go into Redwood Forest again until the case closes."

Brandon asked, "Why?"

"I mean it," she snapped. "If you sneak out again, I will do more than punish you. And if the cops catch you next time, I'll let them take you to juvenile hall. Is that what you want?"

"No," he answered, understanding the seriousness in his mother's tone.

Garwen replied, "Then do not get caught sneaking into that forest again."

Garwen added as she placed Brandon's laptop on the table showing him an article that she opened for him to read, "I would also be careful with who you call a brat."

Brandon asked, "Why show me an article about some kid that lives thousands of miles away from us?"

Garwen answered, "While you were gone, I found out there have been strings of disappearances of children from all over the world. I don't want you to end up like them."

Brandon knew his mother was looking out for him, but his feelings said differently. If she cared so much, why were her ways of punishment so brutal? "You say that, but when you strike me-,"

"I don't know how else to get through to you," she interrupted. "You're constantly getting into trouble, you won't talk to me, and when you do, you treat me like I'm the enemy."

Brandon began to feel some remorse and he asked, "What can I do to make it up for you?"

Garwen replied, "You are banned from using your laptop for a week. Masahiro has placed a curfew to avoid any more disappearances from happening."

To Brandon, a curfew sounded unfair, but he didn't want to get into any more trouble than he was already in. And he especially did not want to do something that would greatly impact his permanent record and land him in juvenile hall.

He sighed and said, "Okay."

Garwen did not expect her son to comply so easily. "Will you really comply?"

"For the time being," he told her. "Just while all this is going on."

Garwen didn't know whether to believe her son or not, but decided to give him a chance, nonetheless.

Brandon confessed to his mother, "I used the rattlesnake on Natius because I was trying to get back at him for landing me in detention."

At first, Garwen was astounded to hear Brandon say such a thing. But she quickly regained her composure. "That doesn't change anything," she told. "That boy still could have died and the rattlesnake you stole could have been put down. And your father and I would have had to pay serious fines because of your actions. Masahiro and his family could have even sued us."

Brandon replied, "And I could have been incarcerated."

"Then you understand," Garwen was saying. "You have to think about the consequences of your actions and take into consideration how they can affect a lot of people before you think about causing trouble like that."

Brandon knew his mother was right. He wasn't thinking about his own parents at the time and didn't realize they could suffer because of what he did. What he thought was a simple act of payback could have actually caused a dangerous impact on not only Natius and his family, but Brandon's own family as well.

Brandon noticed the door opening and he saw his father walking into the house.

Brandon heard the front door opening and closing to see a man in his mid-forties with light brown hair and piercing blue eyes wearing a red flannelled shirt, black jeans and dark shoes. His name was John Dale Kyle. He was Brandon Kyle's father.

He noticed his wife and son and said their names. "Garwen, Brandon."

"Dad," Brandon gasped. Part of him wanted to run up to his father and embrace him, but he feared if he did, his father would hit him too.

John noticed Brandon and he asked in a calm but concerned tone, "Where have you been? I thought that you disappeared like Mr. Virgil."

"Brandon snuck off to Redwood Forest," Garwen answered. She didn't even hesitate to tell him.

"Mom," Brandon groaned through his teeth.

She looked at her son. "Like it or not, we're discussing this."

John asked Brandon, "Why were you at Redwood Forest?"

Brandon stammered, trying to think of an answer. What was he supposed to tell his parents after promising secrecy to Master Yen Sid and the Dark Masters?

"Well?" his father asked expectantly.

"We want the truth, Brandon," Garwen demanded.

Brandon was trying to think of an answer to his father's question and lied, "I was trying to find Natius so I would apologize to him."

John stated in a firm tone, "I had to beg for a job at the Grimhilde Estate hoping to earn forgiveness from both families. You're lucky that Natius wasn't allergic to rattlesnakes. Those allergic to rattlesnakes would die from snake bites."

Brandon took a deep breath to compose himself. "Mom, Dad, I know I've caused you both a lot of grief by getting into so much trouble. And now realizing I wasn't just hurting Natius, but his family too, I thought I could at least-"

"At least what?" John asked. "Atone for your actions? Stealing and attempted murder are not easily forgivable and you know it."

Garwen agreed. "It takes more than saying you're sorry to own up to what you did."

Garwen ordered Brandon in a firm tone, "Tell him why you did this in the first place."

Brandon retorted, "I could at least have an understanding as to why Masahiro's son would report me for participating in a food fight."

John and Garwen had heard about what happened. According to Brandon's side of the story, he didn't start anything. But it didn't matter to Garwen or John who started it. They agreed that their son should have tried to stay out of it or get help from any of the teachers.

John stated to Brandon shocked by what he heard, "You should be lucky that you weren't expelled for participating in that childish fiasco. Pelting at someone else is just as childish as that scene from Hunchback of Notre Dame."

Brandon asked confused, "What does that Disney movie have to do with anything?"

"Your father is trying to make a point," Garwen snapped.

Indeed, John was. But his explanation quickly fell on deaf ears as Brandon began to be deep in thought. The mention of the film's title made him think about the minister and that caused his blood to boil. Once more, Brandon felt he should have gone to Paris before going to Prydain. Then again, if Frollo saw him with Natius and the others, then the Dark Masters really would have considered Brandon a traitor and killed him immediately.

Brandon was at a loss of words as he remained silent.

John stated making his point, "What I'm saying is when I received that phone call from Principal Ross Clark that day, he told me that your behavior was as childish as that dumb guard and foolish villagers that participated in pelting Quasimodo with food during the Festival of Fools scene. That call ruined my day. I was looking forward to taking you to the movies, but that phone call from the principal at the time ruined it for me."

Brandon retorted trying to humble himself, "I know what I did was wrong, but I didn't start-"

John scolded, "I don't care who started it, you should have stayed out of it or get a teacher to help stop that childish fiasco from going on for too long. If you set one more toe out of line, you will be facing the consequences of your disobedience."

Brandon sighed and nodded in understanding.

John stated, "Hopefully you understand that your behavior can leave an impact on those around you."

Brandon walked into his room with concern in his heart over his past actions and he asked his stuffed Grumpig that he named Hen-Wen, "How did I mixed up in this mess?"

Meanwhile outside the room, Garwen and her husband were discussing a punishment for the act of disobedience, and something crossed her mind about the history teacher.

Garwen asked, "Should we tell him about Mr. Virgil?"

John shook his head. "I think Brandon has been put through enough already." He looked at the time and added, "Besides, curfew hours are now in effect. Let's let him rest."

Garwen gave a soft sigh. "I guess you're right."

Little did the family realize that Mr. Virgil was part of something darker.

Author's notes: Brandon has returned to his family, but our heroes are heading for the Land of Dragons aka war era China. Will they succeed in hiding from Shang? Tune in next episode.