The Final Adventure: Disney Crossover Finale Ch.14

Lost and Gained

True to their word Merida and the other heroes sent word out throughout the one world to any and all allies to aid them against Alice and her massive army.

Within the three days granted to them the heroes had assembled as many forces as they could together for the final confrontation. Along with Donald, his nephews and the Petes the Magician’s school was able to offer forty of their more experienced mages to provide magical support; Scrooge agreeing to go as well, on the grounds he felt he was the only mage who had a clue as to what to do in a fight. Merida’s parents, most especially her father, had convinced the Dunland Clans to rally any and all forces into a united army that would help in the fight at Bald Mountain. Following the commands of their captain, and his second-in-command, the Musketeer’s agreed to join and provided 150 men’ the last fifty staying behind to stay with Queen Minnie and the rest. As the rightfully appointed Queen of Arendelle Elsa was able to amass what forces she could call to Castle Disney in their aid; the final amount not being as much, however, due to a portion of the forces being loyal to Prince Hans. And among those who volunteered were an ice merchant and his loyal reindeer. As suspected the king and queen of Corona, in gratitude to have their daughter Rapunzel back, agreed to offer half of their army; which was slightly larger than what Arendelle was able to provide. Surprisingly both Adam and Belle, the lord and lady from France, had agreed to offer a small force of soldiers from their lands while coming along as well; apparently having an “ace up the sleeve” for the occasion. While the Lost Children were basically disbanded at this point Peter Pan still wanted to fight, offering the remaining members of the original Lost Boys to the cause; they being around the same age as him and just as experienced. Given what she knew about them Merida was surprised to learn that both Tiana and Mama Odee, from New Orleans, had apparently joined as well. Both were magic users and Tiana had said it was a personal matter when she learned the Shadow Men was among those they’d be fighting. After a long and argues talk with ex-wife Pete had agreed to join and, being the Pirate King, managed to provide a large enough naval forces of all the pirate ships that could provide transport and assistance. Finally a culmination of men from the other kingdoms, such as the Dwarven Woodlands and the Enchanted Kingdom, had all sent regiments of their own forces together, with only those like Prince Philip and the Seven Dwarves coming to lead them in the charge.

Altogether it was a very impressive force, one that Merida was astounded they were able to gather within only three days. However there was one problem that all of the leaders addressed once they were brought together in the council room in Castle Disney.

“It’s not enough.” Mulan pointed out to all of them.

A lot of the leaders muttered to each other, sounding a little nervous, before Eugene asked “What do you mean? We’ve got one of the biggest alliances that’s ever been formed in history.”

“That doesn’t mean it’s a match for Shan Yu’s Hun Army.” She retorted. “Not to mention Jafar’s and Arawn’s and whoever else Alice managed to have join her.”

“Then this can’t be all.” Mickey pointed out. “What about Altantica? Any word from them?”

“Word was sent as you asked.” Minnie answered. “But no one hears anything from the merpeople these days. I doubt they’d be much help anyway. Everyone else has given what they can. But given that Alice threatens to send her army out if we fail, we can’t exactly blame them for not sending everything they have.”

More muttering before Adam, standing with Belle, asked “So you’re saying it’s hopeless?”

“That’s what I tried telling them before.” Scrooge pointed out.

Suddenly a resounding “No!” came from Merida, everyone looking to her now. “We’ve come this far. There’s no reason we should turn around now. Like Eugene said, this is the biggest force ever assembled in history. It may not be the strongest but it’s still the best we’ve got.”

“The Princess is right.” Mary Poppins added. “Instead of looking at the numbers, all of you should consider your own spate strengths and how to use them to everyone’s advantage.”

“Easy for you to say.” Peter Pan suddenly added. “Not like you’ll be in the fight will you, Miss High-And-Mighty?”

Merida, annoyed by this, was about to say something before Mary Poppins beat her and said “As a matter of fact I am coming along.” A collective sound and look of shock came from everyone, Merida even asking if this meant she’d fight. “Oh no, of course not. Practically perfect people do not resolve to combat to solve a problem. However you’ll still need my help. And I’m still technically under contract to both family. So naturally I have to assist you.”

A lot of confused mutter followed with Jack Sparrow commenting to Aladdin “If that isn’t the walking definition of ironic, I don’t know what is.”

After a little more talk Merida spoke up and said “See? If a nanny’s willing to fight, or at least…help, what about the rest of you? Are you just going to put your tail between your legs and run?”

In response a lot of the leaders took disagreed, becoming a little more agreeable and willing to fight. Mary Poppins glanced down and nodded at the young princess, seeing how well she was doing, before someone else spoke up.

“And what’s your plan, exactly, once we get there?” Captain Pete asked. “You plan to act all nice and sweet and just walk past all them Huns and such? Maybe get them to surrender just because you ask nicely?”

Some more muttering among them, Mickey even giving a snarky remark to the pirate king about having any ideas, before Queen Elsa said “I hate to admit it, but he has a point. We can’t beat them with brute force alone? Even with our magic.”

Everyone starting pulling out ideas. Prince Philip suggested flanking but Mulan had said the Hun forces would be too vast. Donald thought about trying to attack them from behind but it was pointed out it would take too long to get their army far enough inland to try. Even Eugene thought about trying to use fairy dust to make all the ships fly so they could attack from above, but Peter Pan clarified there wasn’t enough for all the ships.

Merida finally spoke up for everyone to hear “Maybe it’s not a matter of being them through numbers. If we want to take this monster of an army down we have to strike at the head. Alice.”

More muttering came from everyone before Aladdin pointed out “You know that there’s still that entire army between us and her.” Abu added something which Aladdin translated as “And she’ll be safe and sound in the fortress. How do you plan to get to her?”

“Easy.” She smirked. “We don’t go through the army. We fly over it.” At that many of the heroes began to understand while Merida explained to the others “The Black Pearl’s the only flying ship we have. Which means it’s the best way to get around the Hun’s and whatever else and drop us off right into the fortress itself.”

“You plan to stuff an entire army on one ship?” Scrooge asked.

“No. But a few of us can go in and fight our way once we’re inside.” Merida continued.
“Everyone will be focused on the fight outside, which means it’ll be easier for us to make our way through. Find Alice. And out an end to all of this.” When Eugene suggested anything waiting for them inside Merida retorted “We’ll just have to deal with once we get there.”

Hearing all of this Grumpy, standing with the other dwarves, asked “So when you say ‘we’, I assume that means you’re going?”

Saying in a matter-of-fact tone Merida said “Of course. Me and Mary Poppins, of course.”

Everyone sounded a little disbelieving at that, even Mary Poppins clearing her throat and saying “I doubt it will take just a princess and a nanny to storm the fortress, your majesty.” After that she looked to everyone and asked “So? Who will be joining us then?”

At first no one was eager to volunteer before Elsa stood and said “I’ll come.”

However Merida said “No. You need to stay with everyone else.” Before Elsa could argue Merida said “You’ve got some of the strongest magic here. I know, I’ve seen it. And if things go bad I think it’s better we have the all-powerful Ice Queen helping out in the fight than sneaking around inside a fortress.”

Just then Eugene stood and said “Then I’ll go. After all, I’m a thief remember? Who else is better at sneaking around without being caught?”

After that Aladdin stood, Abu on his shoulders, and added “If you’re going then so am I. Someone’s got to watch your back, Rider. And what’s one thief without another, right?”

Merida smiled as the two shook hands, showing how much they were real friends underneath all their remarks to each other, before Mulan also stood and said “Well someone has to make sure you two don’t get the princess killed. So I guess that means I’m stuck coming along.” The two of them chuckled at this, knowing it was really because she cared, before she looked over to Jack and asked “Captain?”

Unlike the others Jack shrunk away from the offer and said “Not much for going on suicide missions actually. Nor am I much for going up against megalomaniacal little girls with armies at their disposal. But I can at least guarantee you getting there in one piece. After all what’s a ship without her captain, aye?”

While everyone accepted his decision surprisingly Belle had stood and said “I’ll come and help too.” Obviously everyone was shocked and confused by this before she said “I think, if things could get as bad as they might, you’ll need my help.”

At first Adam protested, even to where Merida was starting to agree that Belle, from what she knew about her in both worlds, wouldn’t be much help, but suddenly Mary Poppins shushed both of them with “Now, now. This is her decision after all. And if she wishes to help we shouldn’t deny her the chance.” At that she looked to Belle and said “We are grateful for your assistance, Miss Belle.”

After that both Adam and Merida had relented and nodded their agreement, Max speaking up now and saying “So that’s it then, right? We just try to hold off long enough until you all deal with Alice then.”

As Merida confirmed this Peter Pan asked “And what do you intend to do once you find her?”

The curious looks from everyone had put a little pressure on Merida now, making her say “Whatever we have to do…”

“And that means…?” Donald asked.

Merida, unsure of what to say, tried to figure an answer before Mary Poppins spoke for her and said “It means what it means. Nothing more. Now then, if we’re all in agreement, I suggest we get what rest we need. And say our final farewells. Tomorrow we’re off.”

With that everyone had a resounding agreement. Now that everything was settled it was time for everyone to leave, Merida staying behind with some of the others as everyone else filed out. When Fergus and Elinor asked if Merida would come with them she merely said she’d be along eventually before they left with everyone else. It was now down to Merida, Mary Poppins, Mickey, Minnie, Scrooge, Mulan, Eugene, Aladdin and Abu, Jack Sparrow, Elsa, and Donald and Daisy.

With everyone else gone Scrooge looked to Merida and said “You don’t know what to do about Alice, do you?”

Merida, knowing she had no way of working around it, sighed and said “I’ve been trying to think of something. But I just don’t know. I don’t think it’s her fault. I know Alice. The REAL Alice. And whatever it is that’s muddling with her mind and making her do these things is the real problem. Not her.”

“You still so sure of that?” Minnie asked. “Are you sure that’s what’s made her this way, and not just some side of her you didn’t realize until now?”

“I’d stake my life on it.” Merida retorted.

“Not best to make that big of a bet, your nibs.” Jack Sparrow commented. “Usually means you’ll have to pay sooner than later.”

“Even if that were the case how do you plan to heal her then?” Donald asked. “It’s not like you can just clean up someone’s mind.”

No one else had seen but Mary Poppins had a ponderous look after this was mentioned, meanwhile Elsa saying “Wait. You’re not suggesting that we…? I mean, if we’d have to stop her you’re saying we should…?”

“No!” Mickey resounded. “She’s just a girl.”

“Girl or not, she’s the one behind all of this.” Mulan retorted. “And whether we want to admit it or not, there might not be any other way of stopping her. Except for the only, final way.”

“I can’t believe you.” Merida said. “You’re really going to just chop her down in cold blood?”

“Not that we like the idea of doing it.” Eugene said. “But you have to face the facts. If we can’t get her to surrender…”

“And I don’t think she will.” Aladdin added.

“We won’t have any other choice. It’s the only way to stop her.”

Merida looked about, seeing as most of the others had the same mindset, before she turned and asked “Mary Poppins? Please, try and talk-”

The nanny raised her hand to silence her before saying “We must consider any and all options before us, Princess. Even you must accept it.” Hearing this Merida dropped her head, feeling defeated in the argument, before Mary Poppins looked to Queen Minnie and said “I believe we done her, your majesty? After all we need our rest and final goodbyes as well.”

She perked and nodded before indicating to everyone they could leave. Merida watched as they left, even Mary Poppins after she’d given her a little pat on the shoulder. The princess turned away and sighed before feeling another hand on her shoulder. Looking she realized it was Mulan.

“Come with me.” She said, gesturing for her to follow with her head. “I need to show you something.”

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

Mulan had taken Merida to her personal cabin in the Black Pearl.

Stepping inside it Merida was surprised at how much the soldier turned pirate had managed to fit inside such a small room. Along with the bed there was a desk with a number of boxes and sheets lying about. A few statues here-and-there and all of it in the Chinese design and fashion of her original homelands.

Merida stood by the door while Mulan had looked through her things before finally finding what she needed. When she turned Merida could see it was a sword held within its scabbard. The hilt was golden and designed in the Chinese fashion of a dragon with its teeth bared and the blade sticking out like a tongue.

As Merida marveled out the weapon Mulan said “This sword has been passed down through my family for generations. It was crafted in the time of my ancestors when war first came to China. My father and all his father’s before wielded it as I did when I went off to war.” She went silent for a moment as Merida noticed the sad undertone in her eyes. “I failed to save my country and my family. I didn’t think I was worthy to hold this anymore….and I still don’t. But you do.”

Aghast Merida asked “M-Me? You want me to have it?”

Nodding Mulan explained “I lost my honor when I lost my home. But you, Merida, you have more honor than anyone I’ve ever met. You’ve done so much, and now you fight for a whole lot more.” She placed the sword in Merida’s hands before saying “I’ve seen the true worlds we’re fighting for. And I’ve seen the girl who I’m supposed to be. But I’m not her. Not now. But if I were, I know even she would tell you to have it. And when we go into battle together tomorrow, may the strength of your ancestors and mine lead you.”

Before Merida knew it Mulan had bowed to her, in the most respectable fashion the princess had seen, making Merida bow as well before saying “Thank you...” in such a touched manner.

Before either of them could say more they could hear Mary Poppins calling from above. Mulan had motioned for Merida to go, the princess hurrying off. Now alone Mulan looked to one of the larger boxes in the cabin, kneeling down to open it. Inside was her old armor she’d worn as a member of the Chinese Imperial Army. As she began to take each piece of it out Mulan removed her bandanna, which she’d still been wearing, and began to shape her short dark hair into a bun.

When Merida reached the deck, seeing the nanny standing there, she came up to her while saying “Sorry, Mary Poppins. I was just-”

She waved it off and said “It’s quite alright, princess. I only wished to fetch you to make sure you were in bed as soon as possible. We’ve an important day ahead of us and you’ll need as much rest as possible. Now come along.”

Merida, deciding not to go into what happened with her and Mulan, nodded before noticing “Mary Poppins, where’s that big bag of yours you always carry around?”

It was then that she turned, pointing at a spot, but seeing it was gone before saying “Odd. I put it down for a moment so I…” she trailed off before seeing where it was, an annoyed groan escaping her throat before she called “Captain Sparrow!”

Jack, who as it turned out did have the carpet bag, jumped and pulled his hand away after he’d reached inside it before saying “I meant to bring it back. Honestly. Just wanted to see if you stashed any rum away inside it.”

Scoffing at this Mary Poppins stomped over to retrieve her bag while saying “Of all the things I would carry about, I would never bring myself to carry around such a disgusting and mind-numbing drink. And I would thank you not to put your unwashed hands inside my personal affects again.”

Jack couldn’t help but smirk before saying “You wouldn’t be the first, darling.”

Hearing that remark Mary Poppins shot him a very poisonous glance before, raising her hand as if to slap him. Jack flinched and braced himself, commenting how he had it coming, before she just stood there. Merida was surprised she didn’t even to where the nanny lowered her hand and fixed herself.

“Perhaps, when this is over Captain, the other you will be far more gentlemanly.” She began. “Until then, I would appreciate you not speaking to me again.” With that she turned and said “Come along, Merida.”

As Merida followed her off the deck, glancing back to see Jack smirk and salute her, he then called from the above “I would feel ashamed to not know you in this or the next life, Mary Poppins. You might make a good member of the crew one day.”

Mary Poppins stopped after he said that before rolling her eyes. Merida couldn’t help but feel as though she sensed a smirk on her face but couldn’t be sure. After that Mary Poppins simply continued to walk on, Merida following and Jack Sparrow watching from the Black pearl’s deck. As he did kept a smile on his face before pocketing the thing he’d managed to take from Mary Poppins’ bag.

Just then Aladdin and Eugene, both who’d been on board, walked up beside him while the latter said ironically “You know its times like these, Captain, I wonder why you’re not married.”

Jack only smirked while they watched the two ladies still walk off before saying “Not much pleasure in being tied down to only one woman, Mr. Rider. The sea, or in this case the sky, are my one true mistress.” He reached over and held both their shoulders before saying “In this world or the next boys, it’s a pirate’s life for me.”

Aladdin chuckled a bit before saying “If things change when this is done, if everything goes back to the way it should, I’d say now that it’s been a pleasure serving with you, Captain Sparrow.”

When Eugene, and even Abu, added the same comment Jack shrugged and simply said “Consider the mutual feelings…..mutual. Aye?”

And each after the other, Aladdin, Eugene and Abu gave their own little “Aye” back to the captain.

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

While Mary Poppins and Merida made their way through Castle Disney, in their room Elsa, Anna, Nani and Lilo were all up and talking with each other.

“But I want to help!” Lilo complained as she and Anna stood together with their sisters looming over them.

Nani, putting her foot down, had insisted “No, Lilo. It’s too dangerous.”

“But I can fight. I helped with the Indians and the Pirates back on Neverland.” She said before turning and finishing with “Tell ‘em, Anna.”

Before Anna could get a word in Elsa had said “This isn’t pirates and Indians anymore, Lilo. The people we’re fighting are a lot worse, and just because you’re a little girl doesn’t change anything for them. If you fight them they’ll fight back, and they won’t hesitate.”

Lilo, more annoyed, stomped her foot down and said “But it’s not fair. I’ve helped out before.”

“I know you have.” Elsa said, kneeling down. “And you’ve done a good job. But now I have another one for you.” Lilo perked when she heard this before Elsa finished with “I need you to stay and look after the others, especially her.” She pointed to Anna.

Anna began to say something about taking care of herself before her sister shot her an obvious glance, Anna catching on and saying “Yeah, Lilo. We’re still Lost Sisters. Remember? I mean, even if in reality I’m actually older and we never met and all. But that’s beside the point. We still have to stick together.”

At that Lilo finally sighed, giving in and saying “Okay.”

Satisfied Elsa stood while Nani had said “Thank you. I was going to have to consider tying her down next.”

After Elsa chuckled at that, Nani and Lilo walked off together, the Ice Queen now looking to her sister and saying “I know you’re about to say how you wish you were going too, Anna.”

Anna huffed a little before saying “Well not that I wasn’t thinking about it. I mean I was, just not the same way you’re thinking about it….I think.” They both laughed a little before Elsa kneeled down and Anna said “I just wish I could help like before. Back in Arendelle, remember?”

Elsa reached out and hugged her sister while saying “I know. And I wish you could too. But it’s better this way.” Still holding her she sighed while saying “First I stayed away from you when we were kids. Then we’re separated by this whole ‘One World’ thing. Now I have to go away to fight for all our sakes.”

“There’s also that time you sent a giant snow-monster after me.” Anna joked, both of them chuckling a little before Anna said “I know you’ll still be here. And I’ll still be with you. No matter what happens, we’re still sisters in the end.” At that Elsa, thinking for a moment, let go and stood before Anna asked “What are you doing?”

In response Elsa only said “Making up for all those years I kept the door shut.” Before waving her hands around.

In front of her a cloud of snow formed, making a lot of it pile up onto the ground before Elsa continued to use her magic. The snow whipped about before it clumped together and eventually shaped itself out to become a familiar form to the two sisters.

When it was finished the snowman blinked before smiling and declaring “Hi! I’m Olaf, and I like warm hugs!”

Anna couldn’t help but smile to the point of almost shedding a tear. Walking past her sister she reached Olaf and hugged him, the snowman happily accepting it. Peeking behind her Anna could see Elsa had tears rolling down her cheeks as well. It was true, despite whatever would come tomorrow they were both sisters in the end.

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

While Merida and Mary Poppins were still a little ways from reaching her room, Mickey and Minnie were awake and together in her private chambers looking out window to the night sky.

“Mickey, I....” she began to say.

“I know.” He finished for her.

Both were silent before she started again with “I just wish that…”

“So do I, Minnie.” He sighed with a smile.

She couldn’t help but giggle before saying “This is just like last time. Only worse…”

“Try not to think like that.”

“I can’t help it. Last time everything didn’t seem as…‘dire’ as now. I remember, after you’d left with everyone to find the Master of Worlds. When I saw that light coming over the horizon, I kept thinking that had been it. Something went wrong. And….and you were gone.”

Holding her hand tightly Mickey responded with “I’ll admit I was worried too. I didn’t think I’d see you again. Yet here we are. Even when everything changed we still found a way to each other. No matter what happens tomorrow, I know we’ll see each other again.”

Mickey, smiling, leaned over and shared a kiss with him before saying “I love you, Mickey.”

“I love you too, Minnie.” He smiled back as she leaned on his shoulder.

The two of them sat in silence for a moment before a knock came on the door. Minnie told whoever it was to enter before it was revealed to be Max, Donald and Daisy.

“Sorry to bother you two.” Daisy began. “But there’s someone here who wants a word with you.”

She’d been looking to Mickey when she said this, making him indicated for them to let whoever it was in. Not too much of a surprise for him it turned out to be Captain Pete. What did surprise him, however, was that his family was there too.

Standing Mickey asked “What’s this about?”

Stepping forward Peg Pete had explained “I’ve had a little chat with my ex-husband, here. And I think there’s something he needs to make up for.” Giving him a little elbow to the side she asked “Right, Petey?” with a threatening tone.

After that he was pushed forward by both her and P.J. before being right in front of Mickey. Obviously, given his body language, it was clear Pete was uncomfortable with being in this situation. Mickey crossed his arms while everyone else simply waited and watched.

“Look, Mickey…” Pete began “I know we’ve been at each other’s throats for a while now. This world. The other worlds. We ain’t exactly been on the best of terms. And…I’m sorry about what happened to your pal, Goofy.” He took a deep breath before finishing with “Truth is, I hated what happened. If I could’ve taken it back I would’ve. We both lost a lot after that. I lost my family, and you lost a friend. I doubt it’s exactly fair to say this, but….I’m sorry.”

Mickey’s stern look of aggravation hadn’t changed the whole time Pete gave his little confession. Everyone else looked a little worried if he’d say or do anything. Even Minnie tried to ask something but he didn’t respond. He was clearly deep in thought on his options.

Finally, after a few moments of silence, Mickey held his hand out and said “Takes a lot to hold a grudge. But a lot more to forgive someone.”

A smile soon broke out on his face as he opened his palm for a handshake. Pete, relieved by this, reached out and shook Mickey’s smaller hand in his great big one. Everyone exchanged happy and relieved looks to each other, even to where P.J. and Max had reached out and held each other by the shoulder to indicate a renewed friendship. Enemies turned friends would now stand together in the coming battle tomorrow.

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

Finally reaching the door to her and her family’s room Merida opened it before looking back to Mary Poppins.

Before entering she tried to say something before Mary Poppins, holding her hand up to silence her, said “Please, your highness, I think its best kept until later.”

“No, it’s just…” Merida began “I wanted to thank you. For everything.”

Giving her a bemused look Mary Poppins retorted with “Thank me? With all due respect, Princess, if anyone deserves any thanking it’s you. You are the one who made all this possible after all. I’m just a nanny, who feels as though instead of taking care of children she’d now tasked with taking care of an entire world.” The two exchanged quick smirks to each other before Mary Poppins bowed her head and finished with “Goodnight, Merida.”

Merida nodded a returned a little goodnight to her as well before watching Mary Poppins walk off. She couldn’t help but keep a smile on her face as she watched the mysterious and yet seemingly plan nanny walked down the hall and eventually disappeared into her own room. The whole time Merida kept thinking back and wondering if Mary Poppins was true in saying Merida was responsible, or if the Mary Poppins from the other worlds, the one who’d given her direction even then, hadn’t planted the idea in her mind to begin with. Either way she shrugged before eventually walking into her room.

When Merida did she realized something was off. Her parents and brothers were asleep in bed already yet there was an odd feint feeling she wasn’t alone. Looking around she could suddenly see what was odd about the room.

There was a brought blue light shining down from somewhere outside. As she came close to it, her foot reaching out just as it touched the light, it began to move as if it was coming closer. Merida back up as she could tell it was, the source of the blue light coming closer and closer. It wasn’t until it was practically outside the window that she remembered who it was, making her smile with relief.

The Blue Fairy manifested out of the blue light, not waking Merida’s family as she did. She looked as beautiful as she did in the previous worlds Merida remembered her from however there was something different about her. She had a less beaming tone of hope in her face and one more cold and less sympathetic.

“You!” Merida said, a little surprised. “You-You’re here? How?”

“I called her.” A voice said nearby, Merida looking down to see Jiminy Cricket down at her feet. “Though I’d try calling in an old friend for help.”

As Jiminy hopped his way up onto Merida’s shoulder she turned to the Blue Fairy and asked “They told me you turned your back on everyone. But you finally decided to show up now?”

“Do not take this as a sign that I’ve agreed to help.” She replied with as cold a tone as Merida expected. “I only came because Jiminy had wished it. And he is one of the few people I still respect in this world. Even if he is just a cricket.”

“I still like to think of myself as a conscious actually.” He commented before going silent.

Merida brought the conversation back to where it was needed, saying to the Blue Fairy “We could use your help. Everyone else isn’t too sure about tomorrow, but with you there they might have a little more hope.”

“Hope?” she retorted. “For the longest time I had by faith in the people of this world. I tried giving them what they needed. Hope. But it the end it didn’t stop things from going bad to worse. Even for those who I thought had the right guidance.”

She’d giving a glance to Jiminy Cricket. He, in turn, lowered his head in shame in knowing she meant what had happened to Pinocchio.

“Things are different now.” Merida said, bringing focus back to her. “We’re trying to change everything for the better. And it can be. But we need more help. People like you who could turn this battle around.”

Shaking her head a little the Blue Fairy had retorted “This affair is between you mortals. And I’ve agreed to not become any further involved with what happens to your world.”

As she turned Merida asked in a coy manner “So that’s it then? You just came here to tell me that you won’t help?” She huffed a little before adding “I knew someone like you once. And no matter how bad things got she didn’t lose hope.” The Blue Fairy said nothing only looking ready to leave, Merida starting to look worried. “Wait.” She said, holding her hand out to make sure she stopped. “If you can’t help, at least spread the word. Tell anyone and everyone who hasn’t already agreed to help to at least try. Please. They might not listen to me or anyone else but they’d listen to you. If you can’t help in the fight at least do this one thing.”

“Please, your ladyship.” Jiminy added. “For me? Or at least…for Pinoc.”

For the longest time she didn’t move, neither of them able to tell what she was thinking or doing, until in the end all she said was “I make no promises.” Before finally evaporating into light and disappearing out the window.

For a moment the light was blinding enough that both Jiminy and Merida had to shield their eyes. Once it settled there was no sign of the Blue Fairy. A feint glow from outside still remained but disappeared within a second. With that both of them sighed, Merida actually noticing her family hadn’t awoken the entire time they talked.

“You think it worked?” Merida asked the little cricket on her shoulder.

“Can’t really say for sure.” He answered with a shrug. “Only thing we can do now is hope for the best. Or, in this case, wish for it.”

With a little huff she asked “You really think that’ll work?”

With another shrug he said “Better than nothing at all I suppose.” After that he hopped down from her shoulder, making his way for the door, before Merida asked where he was going. “I’m not much help in a fight, your highness, but I know where I can still do some good.
Someone’s got to make sure all those kids from Neverland still behave now that their back home. Who better than me, right?” The two exchanged little smiles towards each other before he tipped his hat and said “So long, Merida.”

Without saying much Merida only nodded before watching him slip under the door and eventually disappear. In her mind Merida wasn’t sure if she’d ever see him again, given that she’d not met him like the others when all the worlds were separate, but a part of her had hoped that when this was over she would.

After that she turned back to the rest of the room and walked past where her family slept to a nearby bureau with a mirror. She sat down and looked at herself, realizing she still had the white streak in her hair from when Elsa had hit her with her magic. An odd little reminder of what she’d gone through during this entire journey. She began to think on what would come from the battle tomorrow.

Would they be able to win? How many would be alive in the end? How many would they lose? Whatever if something went wrong and the entire plan fell apart? Aside from the Huns, Maleficent and the others what forces did Alice have waiting for their arrival? All of these questions pained Merida enough to where she scratched her head out of frustration.

Just then something had fallen out of her pocket and caught the princess’ attention. Looking down she realized it had been the list, the very one she wrote after awaking in this world to remind her of everything that was supposed to be in comparison to what had been created in this One World. She reached down and unfolded it, noting to herself how after all this time she’d forgotten about it.

Reading down from top to bottom Merida read off everything she’d written before realizing how much had changed. Some things were the same, like Mary Poppins and half the princes and princesses from before. Yet some things had dramatically changed, like Hercules being dead and Aladdin and Flynn and Mulan being pirates. She did note how those like Jack Sparrow and Jiminy Cricket weren’t on the list, something she thought to change once this was over. And the one glaring fact that she’d wished she realized sooner, the one that wound up coming back to haunt her, was that she’d forgotten about Alice.

With that in mind Merida found the nearest pen to write with before making an addition to the list. Once it was done she sighed before finally, having whatever she needed to write off her chest, made her way to bed. Within a few minutes she passed out in-between her mother and father.

The new addition onto the list that now sat alone on the bureau was “Alice. Is killing her the only way?”

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

When everyone else was asleep Mary Poppins had, in fact, snuck out of her room.

Even as she kept her usual proper posture she made no noise. It was as if all the sound around her had been muted out so she wouldn’t alert anyone to her being up and about. She made her way to one of the other rooms within the castle where, upon entering, she was met by the king and queen of Corona.

Seeing them Mary Poppins said “Apologies for the secrecy, your majesties, but there’s an important task I’d like to talk with you about. And it involves your daughter, Princess Rapunzel.”