At long last, both groups converged onto Main Street, their Guardian leaders almost colliding as they hurriedly bolted through the streets. The immaculate castle rose up before them, glowing in the wake of neon lights as if to guide their way through the circle and onto the main body of the road. The DHIs studied each other in muted interest and excitement, their eyes shimmering as they observed new faces with intense scrutiny. All of them were clad in tattered clothing, proving to the doubtful few that those in the other group were worthy of merging with them. Several DHIs nodded respectfully to each other, while others simply kept to themselves, peering into the shrouds of darkness looming all around. Expecting danger to leap out once more and snatch them from the safety.
The
Mad Hatter
Tia Dalma
Jack Sparrow
Many of the soldiers' bodies were contorted into awkward positions, their bones having snapped or folded in on themselves upon landing. Others continued to bleed, their muscles and bone clearly visible from gaping wounds in their sides. Despite their differing lethal afflictions, all of them shared one similarity: their facial expression. Not one of them had died peacefully or quickly, that much was certain. Their countenances displayed absolute fear and anguish, mouths twisted and muscles frozen into place as blank eyes glazed with fright. The haunting scene chilled the DHIs to the bone, and all at once they realized the seriousness of the situation.
Something far more evil in nature than the Queen of Hearts and a crew of pirates was at work here.
"Glad you could finally make it,"
"We were beginning to worry that the Overtakers had claimed you all as well. These, my crafty DHIs, are Guardians,"
"Much like your allies the Mad Hatter, Alice, Jack Sparrow, Tia Dalma, all these fine men are devoted to the cause of defending the Magic Kingdom from all those that mean to do it harm."
"Harm? To the Magic Kingdom?"
"Yes, the villains of Disney and their horde followers have set in motion schemes that for so long we have warded off. They mean to strike down imagination, and in essence, turn the dreams of thousands into horrid nightmares. They will not stop until the Magic Kingdom writhes in flame, and is corroded by darkness. They will not relent unless all is in chaos, and the cherished heroes of Disney have been cast down. The Overtakers, as they are called, are evil incarnate, and grow in might every day. Until recently, they have stalked the shadows of night, but now, under the reign of a despotic leader, they have revealed themselves."
The DHIs glanced about the group, gazing into each other's eyes for some sort of support or assurance. Jack Sparrow nodded to those who looked his way, though his usually-mischievous features were dominated by a stern sense of reality.
"We, as Guardians,"
"are instruments of hope to the Magic Kingdom. For decades I have dedicated my life to protecting the many realms of Walt Disney's utopia, and now you have been summoned to do the same. Each of you possesses unique traits that the Guardians believed would be integral in defeating the Overtakers. Some of you stand before me due to your strength, some for your leadership skills, and others for your intelligence. No matter what the reason, of the thousands that applied, you were chosen to illuminate the darkness. To cast out the malignant entities which now grow more ambitious.
"The Guardians intended to mentor each of you, but with recent developments, I fear that we will not be able to do so. Should we hesitate, all could be --"
"The Guardians intended to mentor each of you, but with recent developments, I fear that we will not be able to do so. Should we hesitate, all could be --"
But Wayne was cut short as several of the Guardians leapt from their stationary stances and tackled him to the ground as an arrow rocketed by with deadly speed. The arrow struck the nearest tree, and lodged itself deeply within the bow, drawing sap and bubbling water. The moonlight shown on the black shaft, and a dark haze emanated off the equally black feathers.
The arrow matched those that jutted out from the slain Guardians,
Jayne Cobb
As Jayne drew closer, his eyes followed the contours of the archer's body, and knew the figure to be a female. Tresses of raven hair cascaded downward from beneath the swaying cowl of the cloak, and two shimmering orbs pierced through the shroud cast over her face. The phantom's muscles tensed as she pulled her bow taught and took aim. The figure beside her flinched as the arrow was loosed, but let out howling laughter as Jayne was brought to the cobblestones mere seconds later.
The arrow found its mark with a gruesome thud.
To Be Continued
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