The Final Adventure: Disney Crossover Finale Ch.5

The Secret of Arendelle

The child had felt their entire life was nothing but stumbling through the darkness.

Still trying in a desperate hope to find some meaning in all of this unending void the child still pressed onward. There was no sense of time in this place. No sense of up or down. No true concept of anything. It was all they ever knew. And yet a part of them knew something was wrong with this.

This wasn’t the world. Not one they could vaguely recall. From what they could remember there used to be more than darkness here. There used to be light. People. Animals. Things that filled the void with sight and sound. Something was wrong with this place.

Then, suddenly, for the first time, the child felt a tremor in the ground beneath their feet. Starting small at first the tremor soon grew and grew until it knocked the poor thing off their feet. Being that this was the first experience of a tremor ever felt, the child huddled and covered their head as they waited for it to finally stop.

When it did the child heard the echo of a growl coming from the blackness. They recognized it as the same voice of the person laughing. Another small connection was made as to why the tremor occurred. The person, whoever was in control of this emptiness, was angry.

As the child picked themselves up they realized there was a deeper connection with whoever was behind this. Perhaps this blackness wasn’t the real world then. Maybe this was something far worse. A prison.

The next question, however, was who the prison was for. The child? The one in charge? Or something else? With that in mind the child would be keeping an eye over their shoulder as they continued on.

********************

Most of the day had passed since the crew of the Black Pearl escaped from Castle Disney, and Merida was doing her best to try and make the other remember.

Currently, as they sailed onward towards Arendelle, Aladdin, Flynn and Abu had come to her during their duties to ask about their former selves in the previous histories. Merida had been sitting on a nearby barrel as a seat while they were gathered around her to listen. Meanwhile Mickey stood on the starboard side of the ship with Mary Poppins, she reading her book while he continued to look towards the horizon as the sun was beginning to set. Mulan was still at the wheel while Captain Jack Sparrow was currently in his quarters.

“Whoa, whoa.” Aladdin began after hearing his story. “You’re saying I was SUPPSOED to stay in that cell if it meant finding a genie and marrying princess Jasmine.” He slumped his body before looking to Abu, looking bewildered, and saying “Starting to wish the captain hadn’t sprung us when he did.”

Merida, curious to this, asked “How exactly did you wind up on this ship anyway?”

He shrugged before answering “Long story short: I was sitting in a cell in Agrabah before the Captain managed to spring me. He gave me the offer to join the crew so I went with it.”

“And what was he doing in Agrabah in the first place?” Merida asked.

“Trying to steal the Sultan’s crowned jewels.” Flynn answered with a prideful tone. “That was my idea by the way. Though it wouldn’t have gone so bad if we’d known he kept live tigers for pets! I mean who does that? Honestly.”

Hearing that Merida pointed out “So you were already part of Jack’s crew. How?”

He shrugged while answering “Sort of the same thing. I was on the run and managed to run into the Captain while his ship was docked in Corona. And trust me, when you have some psychotic horse chasing after you just because you stole a tiara, you’d want to get as far away where he can’t reach you as possible.”

Merida sighed “That explains a few things.” Before asking “Tell me ‘Flynn’, when you were on the run, did you ever find something odd? Like a tower in the middle of a forest?”

He looked at her oddly before asking “How did you…? Well…yeah. I did actually. No one was inside thought. And it was the perfect hideout until the royal guards were off my back.” Seeing the distressed look on Merida’s face after he told her he asked “What? Does this have something to do with that whole ‘other history’ you were talking about?”

She confirmed this before scratching her head and then asking “Have either of you ever had dreams? Ones that you keep having over and over? And they felt so real you could almost swear they were?”

Both Aladdin and Flynn, and even Abu, looked at each other awkwardly before shying away from an answer. They rubbed their arms or the backs of their necks as Merida could tell it was true. Just like what had happened with Mickey.

Flynn then began to answer “Well…there is one I tend to have.” Merida looked at him curiously, obviously wanting him to tell, making him sigh before continuing “In it there this girl. Really cute. She has these big eyes. And long blonde hair. And I mean really long. And….for some reason I remember frying pans.”

Merida giggled at this before Aladdin joked “In that dream did you use your real name, ‘Eugene’?”

He and Abu laughed at this before Flynn tried to defend with “I told you, it was a middle name!”

They both continued to laugh, Merida not helping by laughing a little herself, before Mulan called in a cold tone from the wheel of the ship “If you ladies are done chatting about dreams and make believe, we have a ship to run! Mr. Aladdin, take the wheel.”

Aladdin sprang to his feet and saluted “Aye, ma’am.” Before running up to take her place.
Mulan, waking down onto the deck, then ordered “Mr. Rider, up in the crow’s nest. Spot for any unfriendly ships before we reach Arendelle.”

Flynn saluted before hurrying up to the crow’s nest while Merida seeing how intimidated they both were by her, turned and said “You sure are the friendly type.”

Mulan only gave her a cross look before retorting “I have a tight ship to run. Or didn’t you notice there’s only four of us on hand, including the captain.”

Standing up now, Merida crossed her arms and asked “Alright then. Let me pitch in. What do you need me to do?”

In response she only huffed and said “Just stay out of the way.” Before walking off to attend to other duties.

Merida shook her head at how cold Mulan acted before walking back towards Mary Poppins and Mickey. Both of them had seen what had happened between the two before Merida had walked over and leaned against the side near Mickey.

“What’s got her knickers in a twist?” Merida said aloud.

Mary Poppins looked up from her reading and said “I think you should avoid asking that question, princess. Both in the figurative sense and the literal.” After Merida asked if Mary Poppins knew anything about her she answered “Nothing whatsoever. Though I would guess that whatever her story may be, it’s not a pleasant one.”

Mickey, taking a moment to look at Mulan, commented “Well she’s definitely from the eastern lands. And really the only thing around there anymore is….the Hun Lands.”

Looking to him Merida said “I heard people mention it before. What are the Hun Lands?”

“I used to be called China. Or the Land of Dragons in some cases.” Mickey began to explain. “The people who used to live there had to defend themselves from a dangerous horde known as the Huns. They were so desperate they’d even built a great wall that divided the entire country in order to keep them out. But even that didn’t stop them.” With a small sigh he finished with “In the end the Hun army managed to invade the capital, overthrew the emperor, and claimed the land as their own.”

Merida’s heart sank a little after hearing this. She turned back to see as Mulan continued her duties before looking out to the horizon. Merida looked upset over this but said nothing to her.

“I…had no idea.” She finally said before asking “You think she was there before or after it happened?”

“During.” Someone said from behind, making everyone look to see Captain Jack standing there. He was leaning against the side like the others with a bottle of rum in his hand with his jacket and hat off. He continued to explain “Turns out our dearest Mulan was once a soldier. Or rather pretending to be one. They weren't to keen about women in uniform.”

Both Merida and even Mary Poppins huffed at this before the princess commented “Figures.”

Jack then continued with “Don’t really know the details myself. She’s not too forthcoming about such issues. All I can say is that Mulan had been there when her homelands fell. So you can see why she’s a little on the less-talky end of the dinner table.”

While Mary Poppins hummed a little after hearing this she turned and asked “And what’s your story, Mr. Sparrow.”

“Captain, darling. Captain.” He corrected while giving a smirk.

She quickly retorted with “Mary Poppins, if you please.” before letting him continue.

“And really there’s not much to tell. I’m a seafaring gentlemen who indulges in the wooing of fine ladies, the enjoyment a decent card game now and then, and perfecting in the fine art of piracy.” He thought for a second before adding “And drinking rum.” Holding up the bottle in his hand. “Care for some? Found it among my private reserves. Which, after saying that, they may not be quiet so…secret…anymore.”

Everyone declined to drink any, Mary Poppins immediately turning her head from it while Merida sniffed it and recoiled at the smell. Mickey only waved it off and Jack, being the only one left, sipped some down.

Mickey then looked to Merida while pointing to the pirate captain and asking “Was he this…’himself’, in your history?”

She shrugged an answer “I couldn’t say. I never met him before. I only ever met the selected ‘heroes’ of the world. I was considered one myself too actually.”

“Then no wonder I wasn’t invited.” Jack then said. “Not much of a hero type, love. Especially not these days when they tend either fall off like flies or turn out to be evil magically using types.”

Merida huffed at this before commenting “You’d be surprised, Captain. In fact, I’ll be you’ve probably had some heroic dreams in your life, right? Like the ones you mentioned before about being swallowed by a monster.”

Jack looked a bit awkward on how to answer that, obviously thinking on the matter while trying to work around it, before stating “For the record…..it’s wasn’t all that big.” Before turning and walking off. He gave one final comment that was loud enough for all to hear, saying “Not even the size of a sloop, I’d wager.”

Mickey smiled while shaking his head and saying “Not sure what they are, but I’m sure he’s had one too many problems.”

“His types always do.” Mary Poppins commented before continuing to read her book.
Merida only smirked and said “I like him.”

After that Mickey then asked “So, Merida, what else can you tell me about the other me? And my life with Minnie. You said I was king, right? Do I have children? What about Goofy? And Donald? And…?”

Before he could finish Mary Poppins stood and cut him off by saying “And I think that will be all for today, Commander. The princess needs her rest.” Merida began to protest before Mary Poppins took her by the shoulder and insisted “Now, now. No time to fuss. You need to sleep. Come along now. Spit-spot.”

She’d made such a rush Mickey didn’t have time to ask about it. Instead he just stood there awkwardly before shrugging at how bizarre her actions were. Meanwhile Mary Poppins had brought Merida down into the lower decks and to the door of her cabin.

“What was that all about?” Merida asked as they’d stopped.

“I think from here on you should avoid discussing your ‘other history’ to anyone who asks.” Mary Poppins answered.

“Why? They’re obviously remembering in their own way. Everyone having dreams about what it used to be like? You can’t tell me it’s just a coincidence.”

“Very well. Then what would you say it is?”

Merida tried to gather an answer but, in the end, had said “I don’t know. Maybe some sort of side effect from the spell. Something inside them that’s trying to tell them the world they’re living in is wrong.”

Mary Poppins took a more serious tone as she said “But what you fail to realize is that, in everyone’s case but yours, this is the only world we’ve ever known. It may be a farce created by powerful magic, but that doesn’t make it any less real.”

Merida shrugged and asked “What are you saying? They’re better off not knowing? What happened to you wanting to help me sort everything out?”

Mary Poppins raised her hand a little to keep Merida silent as she said “And I still intend to, princess. But with all your uncertain planning and last-minute improvisations, there’s something you haven’t considered.” She made sure she now had Merida’s full attention as she finished with “Even if we do manage to find as many allies as we can, make them remember or bring them to our side, and amass a large enough force to defeat Lord Arawn and his unknown master, how certain are you we can reverse the spell they have over all the worlds? And what if, in the end, there’s no way of changing them back?” After seeing Merida’s uncertain expression, one that began to realize how crippling that possibility was, Mary Poppins finished with “Something you may need to accept should it come, princess. Now rest. We’ll arrive in Arendelle my morning.”

Merida watched as Mary Poppins walked away and eventually back up to the deck. With nothing else but to go into her cabin Merida opened the door and closed it behind her. She needed this time to think to herself about Mary Poppins argument, and how she would be able to deal with it if it was the case.

She’d realize that the nanny was right that she’d not considered that there may not be a way to change the worlds back to normal. She was so certain defeating Arawn and the real master of Worlds would end it all. But suppose it wasn’t? What if neither of them or anyone else could provide the means to change everything back? And what if there wasn’t? What if no amount of magic in this new world would be able to bring back the old ones?

Merida then pulled out her list from her pocket and looked at it, seeing the names that had been crossed out and how many were still unaccounted for. Small checks were now put next to Mary Poppins, Mickey, Mulan, Flynn and Aladdin’s names; not including whatever footnotes or small changes she added. She realized how many were lost, and how many could also be lost as well. Was their truly no way of bringing them back? And was there no way of helping the others still left to make them the heroes she knew?

All of this had become too much for Merida, causing her to feel more drained due to thinking on it so much. The idea had made her exhausted due to how saddening and possible it was. It was a little hard for her to take in, making her want to sleep on it.

She came to her cot and laid down, listening to the sea from the portal hole while hearing the creaking of the ship. The sounds helped her drift off as she began to feel more and more sleepy.

Before her moment of passing out into dreams a light in the night sky came through her window and landed on her chest. A bright blue light, coming from a familiar star, had shone. Merida had barely noticed this, or comprehended what it meant, before passing out.

********************

Merida found herself now on the deck of the ship in the middle of the night, only it wasn’t so much night as it was just darkness.

There were no stars or even a moon out. Everything was just black overhead and looked so unsettling that it made Merida shiver. She looked around and found nobody aboard, helping her to realize this was all just another dream.

Wake up…

Merida turned at the sound of hearing the echoing voice again. She now confirmed it for herself as the voice of Master Yen Sid, as she’d heard before. She looked, expecting to see him, but instead found the great blinding light standing at the wheel of the ship above her. Even then Merida needed to shield her eyes in order to try and look up to him.

Wake up, Merida. You’ve a lot of work to do.

She tried speaking back to him, asking “Master Yen Sid? I thought you were dead.”

Whoever told you I was not, my dear child?

“But….but you remember me, don’t you? And you remember the other worlds?”

As Merida looked again the light began to dim only so slightly. She could see the silhouette of the old wizard standing in the light, as if the source was right behind him.

I do. For even in death I have found truth. But you must not worry about that now. What you must concern yourself with is what you will find in Arendelle.

“But I need your help. I’ve been trying to make everyone remember, but nothing’s working.”

That is because you fail to remember yourself, Merida. There is something you are forgetting.

“What? What am I forgetting?” When no answer came, and Merida began to feel herself waking, she pleaded “Please, Master Yen Sid! What is it?”

Remember, Merida. Remember!

********************

When her eyes shot open Merida instantly sat up from her cot and gasped after the dream.

And none too sooner that she could hear the sounds of more ships that she looked out and saw Arendelle. She sighed with relief at the sight of the beautiful kingdom before her and, seeing it didn’t seem any different from what she’d heard about it, it was good to know it hadn’t fallen to waste or anything of the like.

It had only taken Merida a few moments to change while making sure she had everything she needed, mainly her list and her weapons, before running up to the deck. The only ones there once she arrived were Mary Poppins, who was looking out towards Arendelle, Mulan and Flynn who were either steering or making sure everything on the ship was secure as they came to port.

As Merida walked up next to the nanny, both still looking towards the kingdom, she asked “How long have I…?”

Already guessing at her question Mary Poppins answered “All through the night, princess. I only managed a few hours myself.” Merida looked away, looking unsettled, which made her ask “Are you alright?”

“I’m…I’m fine.” She answered. “Just….had a rough sleep is all.”

Just then they heard as Mickey approached, yawning as he seemed to only recently wake from his sleep. Along with him was Aladdin, with Abu, who both went about their duties while glancing towards Arendelle as they approached.

Mickey, now looking towards it, said “I’ve only ever been here once. And that was just for a day when we had to negotiate with the former king and queen. I almost forgot how beautiful this place was.”

“Don’t let that fool you.” Merida said, making both he and Mary Poppins look to her. “If Hans is ruler then something is wrong. That’s what I intend to find out.”

“Is this part of whatever plan you have in store for him?” Mary Poppins asked, looking a bit disbelieving of whatever she had in mind.

She held out her bow before answering “Something like that.”

“Don’t tell me you’re planning on just breaking in and making him confess.” Mickey said, almost worried that was the case.

Rolling her eyes Merida said “No, nothing like that.”

“Then I do hope it’s not to try and call him out in front of everyone like before.” Mary Poppins retorted. “I don’t think I have to explain why that won’t work.”

Merida gave both of them an annoyed look before calming and saying “Prince Hans, or whatever he calls himself these days, has Elsa imprisoned somewhere in Arendelle. And I intend to find her, release her, and hopefully have a few more answers.”

“You’re still so sure she’s alive?” Mickey asked.

“I know she is.” The princess answered before explaining “The winters grow so cold here and only Elsa has that power, to control the snow and ice and all sorts of things. I don’t know how or why but I’m going to find the truth.”

“You know what they say.” Jack said as he approached, awakened and having heard their conversation. “Truth is stranger than fiction, your nibs.”

Mary Poppins, looking to the pirate now, huffed a little before asking “Are you always this relaxed when entering a royal port in your pirate ship, Captain Sparrow?”

He shrugged with a smile while saying “Circumstances being what they be, I feel inclined to be as such. Add to the fact that we are currently not flying our colors.” He pointed up to the main mast and showed their pirate flag was not up. “Not to mention we are currently traveling with a royal princess and a well respected commander. So, to the right logics, we are not so much a pirate ship as we are a diplomatic one. Savvy?”

Merida, however, pointed out “Until after we make port you mean.”

Looking to her Jack gave a small, sympathetic look as he said “I do apologize, princess, but I do have schedule to keep. Places to go, things to steal and the like.”

“It’s all that just that simple for your kind, isn’t it?” Mickey asked, obviously not to fond of the idea of letting a criminal go free.

Jack answered with a shrug while stating “Pirate.” Indicating himself.

Merida shook her head while saying “You pretend to not act like a hero, Jack, but you might surprise yourself one of these days.”

As he turned to leave them he said “I’m use to surprises, love. So much that they can hardly be called surprises as much as…coincidences.”

Mary Poppins shook he head as she and the others watched him walk off before commenting “Hero or not, one thing he certainly needs is to bathe once in a while.” She then looked back Merida and asked “So what plan do you have in mind for Lord Hans?”

Her only answer was “Easy: we play our parts.”

********************

Once the Black Pearl was brought into port everyone went ashore onto the docks, now standing in one large group with Merida and her friends on one side and the pirates on the other.

“Thanks for the help, Jack.” Merida said.

“Captain, if you’d please.” He said while smirking and tipping his hat off to her. “And good luck to you, princess. Hopefully whatever business you have is squared and you settle any and all affairs you have to. That being said, should you ever find yourself around my neck of the woods feel free to give a call.” Merida gave him a confused look before he finished with “I’m only saying if the hoy-polloy life of royalty doesn’t suit you anymore, you should consider being a ways of a pirate. Aye?”

Merida only gave a curious smirk to the idea, making Jack smirk back before giving little nods to Mary Poppins and Commander Mickey. The others pirates gave the same little gesture to the group before everyone turned to go their separate ways.

As they walked Mary Poppins leaned over and whispered to Merida “If you ever take him up on his offer, I shall be so cross you’ll not hear the end of it.”

Meanwhile Jack looked to his crew and said “Right then. Mr. Rider, mind the ship. Ms. Far, Mr. Aladdin. Abu, let’s be off. Get what we need and restock what we can. And don’t forget the rum.”

With that Flynn walked back onto the ship while the rest walked towards the market. As they began to browse through what was available they received sideways looks from some of the locals, those looking to Mulan having threatening looks given back which scared them off. As they browsed Jack, Aladdin and Abu put their more roughish skills to use as they pickpocketed and swiped what they could.

While Merida and the others made their way towards the Arendelle’s royal palace, Mickey whispered “I hope you know what you’re doing, princess.”

“Just follow my lead.” She whispered back just as they came to the gates and were stopped by two guards. One asked they identify themselves to which she said “I am princess Merida of DunBroch. And I come with Commander Mickey of High Queen Minnie’s musketeer guard. We have urgent matters to discuss with your king, Hans.”

Both guards looked to each other before Merida, keeping a commanding, royal look to enforce the guise, gave them a more serious look to indicate they didn’t have time to think it over. With that they opened the gates, allowing them to enter, to which Merida smirked as she and the others made their way in.

********************

Eventually Merida, Mary Poppins and Mickey came to the main hall of the royal palace, finding King Hans, his queen, along with a few other nobles and guards about.

Once they’d reached him Hans looked and, keeping a pleasant tone, said “Princess Merida? This is an odd surprise. I didn’t expect to see you after the little….incident at the royal party. Especially not all the way in Arendelle on your own.”

“Not exactly ‘on my own’, Lord Hans.” She said before indicating “I believe you know Commander Mickey.”

Hans looked and gave a small bow to the Commander after he’d given one himself, before saying “Indeed, I do.” He then looked towards Mary Poppins and said “You. I do recall seeing you at the ball the other night. You are…?”

Mary Poppins, keeping with the lie, answered “A legal representative to her majesty, Queen Minnie. As well as a current notary and head magister.”

Hans was taken slightly back by all of that while his wife, Queen Gabriella, commented “That seems an awful lot for one woman to handle.”

Mary Poppins waved it off while saying “Not but a trifle at most.”

Looking to all of them Hans asked “So why exactly are you here? I wished I’d had some word of your coming so I could prepare.”

“Something of a last minute issue, I’m afraid.” Merida began. “You see, due to my incredibly foolish accusations towards Lord Arawn and Jafar, tensions have arisen between the kingdoms. My own included. While my mother and father settle business with the others, I’ve been sent here to discuss a different matter with you.”

Hans, looking curious, sat back down at his throne before gesturing and saying “Go on.”

“What Queen Minnie has proposed is a moot among Lord Arawn, my parents, herself and Sultan Jafar. We’re hoping to preserve what peace can be salvaged. She hopes that with your consent in aiding to this, you’ll be given tribute for your help. While certain matters are agreed upon first.”

Mickey, helping to enforce this lie, added “It’s true, King Hans. And Queen Minnie wanted me here because she felt your influence would be a great benefactor to the cause.”

Gabriella scoffed and said “Arendelle’s but a trading kingdom. What pull could we possibly…?”
Suddenly Hans said “Quiet.” to her before thinking on it for a moment. He leaned back and thought before asking “The queen really thinks I could help that much?”

“Possibly more.” Mickey answered. “And think of how much more respect you’ll gain if you agree.”

Hans nodded at the idea before asking “And these ‘conditions’ you mentioned?”

Mary Poppins, in response, said “Right here, your majesty.” Before pulling out a list from her carpet bag.

She held it up so only she and those near her would be able to read it. When Merida and Mickey inspected they found it was nothing but a list of groceries, obviously an indication to both that whatever move Merida was to make she would need to now.

“Item One.” Mary Poppins began before being stopped by the princess.

“While the terms are being met, is there any chance I could use the privy? It’s been a long trip and I haven’t exactly had time to….relieve myself.”

Mary Poppins and Mickey rolled their eyes or rubbed their foreheads after she made that old excuse while Hans pointed to a door to the left and said “Down at the end of the hall, princess.”

She thanked him, even adding a small curtsy, before making her way out of the room and down the hall. As she left she could hear Mary Poppins begin to list off the false conditions to the fake agreement, giving Merida enough time to try and search the palace.

Making her way down to the end of the hall Merida checked each door she passed to find whatever clues possible. She made sure to avoid being seen by any of the servants or guards as she continued her search, eventually coming to a whole other section of the palace. After five minutes it seemed as if there was no trace of Elsa, until she finally found something.

After turning right down one hall Merida stopped and hid when she saw a lone guard standing at a locked door. She looked curiously at this before someone knocked from the other side. The guard opened it for a servant who came out before rubbing her arms from a shiver. This was odd, given that it wasn’t very cold at all in the palace. After the guard locked the door and the servant walked off Merida knew that was where Elsa would be.

A moment later there came a loud clang that startled the guard before he called to whoever made that sound. From the hidden corner of the hall Merida, speaking with a different accent, lied and said she’d dropped something and needed help. The guard, falling for this, made his way over only to be conked on the head with a steel helmet from a nearby suit of armor. Merida apologized to the unconscious man before taking his keys and using them to unlock the door.

She found it opened to a stairway and was immediately met by a chill of cold coming from below. Merida shivered and covered her arms as she made her way down. She could see bit of frost on the walls as she continued her way down before finally finding the end leading to a dungeon. More frost covered the walls of the block and even around the doors as well.

Taking a few steps Merida looked around while calling “Hello? Anyone here?”

Suddenly a familiar voice answered “Hello? Who's that?”

Merida looked towards the source and asked “Where are you?”

She waited before a hand stuck out from the bars of one of the wooden doors and said “Over here. As always.” As Merida slowly walked forward she could hear the lady asking “Are you here to bring more food? Because I thought I had what I needed for the morning. Or is it lunch already?” Just as she came to the door Merida could see the woman’s face, she seeing her and saying “Wait. You’re not one of the servants.”

Her heart jumped for a moment before she said “Elsa! Queen Elsa it is you!”

Elsa looked confused and asked “Have we…met?”

“Well…sort of.” Merida tried to explain before waving it off and continuing “It’s a bit of a long story. But I’ll explain later. After I break you out of there.”

Before she could make a move Elsa said “No, stop! Don’t!” Merida did so but looked confused before Elsa said “I don’t want to be set free. Don’t you know that?”

Merida, still confused, asked “What? But…but I thought Hans imprisoned you.”

Elsa, with a sad tone, said “He didn’t. I imprisoned myself. It’s not safe for anyone around me. Don’t you understand? Prince Hans saved me, and the rest of Arendelle, from myself!”