Kingdom Keepers the Return Book 3

by Ridley Pearson

  “Yes! Thank you,” Wayne said.

  “You okay, Wayne? You lost a shade or two.”

  “What do you suppose they mean by ‘defaced’?” Dust rose from a sparsely planted garden as a dust devil took wind. The not-unpleasant scent of horses followed the passing of the wagon circling the Plaza hub.

  “Maybe they drew crosses on them. Something like that.”

  “Do you happen to know this reporter?”

  “Nah. But I’m pretty darn sure I could give her a jingle for ya. What’s the plan, Stan?”

  Wayne furrowed his brow, thinking hard. “Maybe she’s heard rumors but couldn’t print it without witnesses. It’s worth asking. I’d like to know what she means by this defaced business.” The buzz of the go-karts from Autopia carried from a distance like flies on the inside window screen dying to get out.

  “I can check for you. No sweat, Chet.”

  “If you can’t get her to talk, Marty…” Wayne paused, locking eyes with the shorter, stockier man. “You might try telling her the bodies are missing forearms and hands.”

  “How’s that?”

  The buzzing of the go-karts grew louder, or maybe that was just Wayne’s sensitivity.

  “Yeah. Hands. Just tell her you’re trying to confirm it was the hands that were taken. If that doesn’t pique her interest, nothing will.”

  “And why would I say that, Wayne? How would I know something like that? ’Cause she’s going to ask. She’s a reporter. You understand? Reporters ask questions.”

  “Tell her a cousin of yours works on an earth digger, and the police used it to excavate the coffins of that graveyard thingamajig.”

  “Exhume, not excavate.” Marty paused, narrowing his eyes at Wayne.

  “If that doesn’t get a rise out of her, I’d be surprised.”

  “Sure got a rise out of me,” Marty said.

  The two young men stuffed their faces into the paper cones, tongues seeking out more sweet ice.

  “Hands?” Marty said at last, licking his sticky lips.

  “You didn’t hear it from me,” Wayne said.

  FROM AROUND CORNERS of buildings, behind hedges, and out of darkened doorways came a remarkable cast of characters: Dash and Bob from The Incredibles; Stitch and Kristoff; Rapunzel and Jasmine. The Blue Fairy appeared with Mulan. Last to step forward, more beautiful than a crystal lake or a field of roses, was Cinderella. Though dressed in her work clothes, a simple brown dress, she seemed to attract all the light and quiet the wind. Nearly everyone released a sigh of contentment at the sight of her.

  All but Mickey, whose twitching nose and whiskers appeared to be catching a scent.

  Nick couldn’t take his eyes off Cinderella. “Aha! The Scullery Maid,” he accidentally spoke aloud.

  Sounding impatient, Zeke explained things to Nick. “A girl named Mattie—do you know Mattie?—is being held captive inside the Tower of Terror, by the residents of Barracks 14. We both know who owns the Barracks.”

  Nick nodded. “Your older brother, Amery.”

  “Correct. You’re of an age and size where you can blend in with these kids who are holding her. At least briefly; long enough for you to confirm her location.”

  “You’re repeating yourself. I got this when you talked to Mickey.”

  “I wasn’t sure you were paying attention.”

  Nick paced in a tight circle, mind working furiously to put the pieces together. “Kids? Fairlies? There are Fairlies in there?”

  “Yes. Rebel Barracks Fairlies with unknown, perhaps dangerous powers.” In contrast to Nick’s frantic movement, Zeke was very still, perhaps gauging Nick’s nerves. “We will devise a plan to get her out once you’ve established the layout and Mattie’s whereabouts.”

  “So the characters are backup?” Nick said, still puzzled.

  “Gosh! I believe that question is meant for me,” Mickey said, stepping forward. He gave Nick a grave nod. “You are friends with the Children of Light. We are indebted to them. We will always be indebted to them. Of course we will help.”

  “So once you have this plan,” he said to Zeke, “what makes you think I can pull it off alone?”

  “You don’t have to!” The boy’s voice came from over Nick’s left shoulder. “I’ll help you.”

  He was younger, with both an air of innocence and yet confidence about him. He moved in a shuffle, his shoes worn on the inside of his arch. Despite his substantial girth, Dillard didn’t throw a shadow. His face, round and pixieish, was too large for his thin arms and legs. He looked like a balloon that needed more air, almost transparent at certain angles.

  “Who…what…are you?” Nick asked.

  “My name’s Dillard. And Finn is…was…my best friend.”

  Nick stepped closer and offered his hand to shake. Dillard lifted his as well, but Nick’s hand passed through it without even a whisper. The boy looked transparent for a reason! He was—

  “A DHI?” Nick said, astonished.

  Dillard smirked. “Don’t hold it against me.” He looked behind and called out to an empty pathway, “It’s all good!”

  From around the corner stepped Mattie.

  “I DON’T MEAN TO BE RUDE,” said Zeke as he stepped up to Mattie, “but this entire arrangement is being made on your behalf. We’ve all gone to a great deal of trouble to rescue you. And yet, here you are, in no need of rescue. I, for one, need an explanation—and possibly, along with my friends here, an apology.” He motioned to the league of Disney characters.

  Mattie’s lips parted, her mouth opened, but before she could speak a word, she just shook her head and stepped through Zeke like a phantom. The man spun around, brushing his front as if he’d spilled something down himself. He looked thoroughly and utterly confused and frightened.

  “Sorry,” Mattie said. “It seemed easier to show and not tell.”

  “You too?” Nick said, hurrying over to her.

  “I’m in there,” Mattie said, pointing to the Tower. “My real self.” She took in all the characters, astonished and impressed, and asked Nick, “Why are they here?”

  He explained the plan to her.

  Mattie addressed Mickey and Cinderella, and spoke reverently. “I don’t think I can even explain how I’m feeling right now, but I want you to know I’m a huge fan.” She gave them a wide, warm smile, and then turned so everyone could hear her. “Of all of you! I can’t believe you would do this for me.”

  “For you and for Mr. Garlington!” Mickey said.

  Mattie looked quizzically at Nick, who said, “I’ll explain later.”

  Mattie’s DHI went solid as she hugged Mickey. She curtsied—quite well—to Cinderella, who nodded at her regally. “Again,” she said, “thank you all for being here.”

  After a short huddle between Zeke, Mattie, and Mickey, the plan was settled. Mulan, Flynn, and Kristoff, along with Dillard and Nick inside, would divide into two teams.

  Mattie pulled Zeke aside and explained. “The Barracks Fairlies’ leader, a guy named Humphrey, assigned me to…” She didn’t have time to explain her ability. “To ask Kim Irvine for the location of a park master key.”

  “She won’t tell you that.”

  “I can be persuasive. Let’s leave it at that. I was being watched, monitored, but I managed to let her know what I was doing—who I was doing it for. I assume she let Joe know and that’s why you’re here.”

  In fact, Mattie had reached the thought, planting it into Kim Irvine while simultaneously reading the woman for the location of the park’s master key. “She knew someone was going to try to steal it. The attempted theft was prevented, and security might have caught the Barracks Fairlie, except it was Minara, a shape-shifter who turned herself into a snake and got out of there before they figured out what had happened. Are you following this?”

  “I am. You provided inside information and someone you’re calling a Barracks Fairlie nearly got caught.”

  “I’m being heavily supervised. They can’t prove that I had anyt
hing to do with Minara almost getting caught, but they’re suspicious. They don’t want to let me leave the tower, even for work. If I escape on my own it will look one way. If someone rescues me, it’s something different. That’s about all I can say.” Mattie pointed to the Tower of Terror. “And that’s why you’re here—at least I think so.”

  “You’re in trouble,” Zeke said, “and Joe wants you back.”

  “The thing is, you won’t catch all of them. No way. They’re Fairlies. It’s not going to happen. I think Joe’s probably using characters to help out so that it doesn’t look like security is involved. He wants it to look more organic.”

  “I wouldn’t know about that,” Zeke said.

  “Look, Joe doesn’t know what he’s up against. These particular Fairlies have been brainwashed, the same way we all were, but even more so. They’ll hurt the characters, maybe worse. Mattie noticed a change in the man, the look of a major realization overtaking his face. “Something I said?”

  “The Disney characters will guard the exit and entrance. That’s all. That’s how Joe wanted it. Nick’s assigned to find you and get you out.”

  Mattie nodded thoughtfully.

  “You have a problem with that,” Zeke said.

  “Joe sent Dillard’s DHI as backup. That tells me he knows it’ll be rough going for Nick. I want out of there at some point, don’t get me wrong! And Joe wants it to look like two of my friends are trying to rescue me. I get that.”

  “But…” Zeke said.

  “But it’s dangerous.” Mattie hung her head. It wasn’t a move she’d modeled for the computers, so the motion was jerky and disconcerting to Zeke. “I have another plan, the only real way I think we can stop these guys. And yes, I need to be rescued in order for it to work.”

  Mattie paused, thinking of Nick. He was a little too animated for her liking. She understood that being in the presence of real, living Disney characters—ones that walked, talked, and were now joining him as allies in a possible confrontation with wayward Fairlies—was a lot to process, especially for the first time. He was bubbling over, running at the mouth like a rock star’s fangirl.

  It made sense. This was Nick, a boy who’d devoted years to researching the threat posed to Disney by the Overtakers and Amery Hollingsworth. Nick, who now realized the stories were true. In his time working with the Keepers, he’d met some mean kids inside Cars Land. But Mickey Mouse? Anna? Not the costumed variety, but the real things?

  Mattie excused herself and moved over to Nick. “Are you sure you’re up for this? You look a little freaked-out.”

  “A little freaked-out? Yeah, for sure. But I’m okay,” Nick replied. “Zeke gave me this lecture already.”

  “It’s not a lecture. The Fairlies in there,” Mattie said, “I know what they can do. It’s weird but extraordinary stuff. Like being a supernaturally fast runner. There’s a kid who can overheat energy sources, like lightbulbs. Explode them. They’re freak shows. I oughta know. But remember, Nick, most of their abilities are more thought than action. I’ve never fought them. I wouldn’t want to. If they try to fight, distract them. Their abilities require extreme concentration. Don’t give them any time for that.”

  “If that was supposed to be a pep talk, it failed miserably,” said Nick.

  “I’ve got this,” said Dillard, listening in. “I can do what he can’t.”

  “What makes you think so?” Mattie asked.

  Dillard waved his arm. It swiped through Mattie’s hologram.

  “That’s nice at parties, but it won’t help Nick unless you can channel it. Look,” she said, “the giant spider that messed up everything over by Thunder Mountain? That was a girl named Minara. The shape-shifter. The blackout in Tomorrowland? Santiago, the one I was telling you about, the guy who can mess up energy sources. Fairlies don’t do party games. Jess, Amanda, and me, when we were at Barracks 14, we knew the grown-ups were lying to us. They said we were under government observation. Sure! I’m sure they made it all up, made so many of us feel special. Made us feel important to someone. Anyone.” She paused and took a deep breath, her eyes suddenly distant and searching. “Somebody tell me this: Why do we always want to be different? What’s so special about that? Because I’m telling you, when you’re as different as I am, all you want to be is like everyone else.”

  Then Mulan moved toward them with the gracefulness of a dancer. “We are all set,” she said.

  “Getting in there won’t be easy. They have guards posted all over the place,” Mattie said.

  “Nick?” Zeke asked. “Any secrets about the ride?”

  “Sure, but you’re not going to like them,” Nick said. “Have any of you heard of the pit?” He won blank stares from the group. Addressing Dillard, he asked, “Can holograms climb?”

  “Light as air, fast as light,” Dillard said, beaming.

  “Yeah? Well, not me,” said Nick. “I’m going to need some help.”

  “Why?” Mattie asked.

  “There are cameras all over the place, including the elevators, and a security room with a bunch of screens on the ground floor.”

  “These Fairlies will know that,” Mattie said. “They’ll be monitoring.”

  “Exactly! The stairs are out because of cameras. And anyway, the doors on the ground floor are locked,” Nick said.

  “So?” Mattie was clearly annoyed with Nick. “There is or is not a way in?”

  “Fun fact: the doors on the upper balconies are not locked.”

  “And you know this for sure?” Zeke asked.

  “I do. One of our two teams can get in by climbing the outside of the Tower to a balcony. The other team…it’s a little tricky, but doable. I’ll take that group.”

  Mulan spoke up. “Kristoff and Dash will join us. This gives us both speed and strength. And I will have my bow,” she said, reaching over her back and hoisting up her weapon.

  Zeke touched her bow in wonder, but then motioned her to put it away. “No one is shooting anyone tonight.”

  Mulan seemed disappointed. She signaled Kristoff and Dash, who both joined the group.

  Mattie focused on Zeke, who looked at Nick. “We need two plans,” Zeke said. “Two teams. If we fail, it puts Mattie—the real Mattie—at serious risk. Divide and conquer. Double our odds.”

  Nick blinked and swallowed. “Mattie, I’m going to need some insider information. Fairlie stuff.” He took a deep breath. “You’re not going to like this.”

  THE TEAMS OF FLYNN, Dash, and Dillard jumped a low fence and hurried toward the gift shop. Flynn provided a leg up for the two, and, using a downspout, climbed up and over and dropped onto a flat roof. Interrupted by enormous ventilation ducts, the flat roof held two sets of metal bars, like jungle gyms, to which were affixed massive theatrical lights. Their beams were trained on the attraction’s lightning-struck facade. Both light stands had stepladders alongside.

  Flynn moved seamlessly, as if he had planned everything. Grabbing and adjusting the nearest stepladder, he placed it beneath the section of Spanish-tiled roof that pointed up toward the hotel sign. He motioned for the others to move quickly. They climbed the ladder and pulled up higher, ascending the slippery heights. Flynn offered his interlocked hands as a step. Dash, then Dillard made quick work of it, using the balcony’s rungs. They were moving as a team now, two balconies, three. Higher and higher.

  “This is the fifth floor,” Dillard whispered. “The light deck, like Nick said.”

  Flynn crossed and tested a doorknob. It twisted. “He was right!” he called back. “Not locked!”

  The hallway was dark, with simple vinyl flooring and bare walls. It looked like a school basement or hospital emergency room corridor. Dillard’s hologram moved silently. Dash and Flynn followed.

  Soon they reached the door to the stairs. Inside, Dillard pointed out an abundance of muddy shoe prints. They could have belonged to Cast Members, but Cast Members didn’t let things get dirty. The mud implied non-Disney intruders. The idea was to figure o
ut which floor the Fairlies were using. At that point, they would get Dillard into place. Once Mulan, Nick, and Kristoff were established as backup, Dillard would attempt the rescue.

  “We follow the prints,” Dillard said in an electronic whisper.

  “What about the cameras?” Flynn asked, not knowing what a camera was. But he’d heard them mentioned as a reason not to take the stairs.

  “Ground entrance only,” Dillard said. “We couldn’t take the stairs from the ground entrance. We’re good.” Down they went. Lower and lower. Darker and darker.

  ALL SOUNDS BECAME CLOSE; Nick could hear his own breathing as a raspy pulse, like sandpaper at work.

  Five stories below ground level, he, Mulan, and Kristoff reached the bottom, a bunker-like area that smelled of motors, electricity, and oil. Nick coughed. Mulan slipped past him. From the start, she’d assumed the role of leader.

  Unlike the two Disney characters, Nick understood the danger of entering an area controlled by agents of Amery Hollingsworth Jr. These Fairlies would have been handpicked to disrupt and destroy Disneyland. They were powerful adversaries. The first attacks—the spider, the ramming of the Columbia, and the power outage—had proven as much.

  Mulan made about as much noise as dandelion seeds on the wind. An extremely faint light shone from somewhere overhead, turning the air chalky. Nick caught up to her and followed her down a short set of concrete stairs.

  “The pit,” he said, looking straight up. “That’s the bottom of one of the ride elevators.”

  In some distant part of his brain, he marveled at the sight; he knew kids who would drool to be in his shoes.

  “It reminds me of the dungeon in Arendelle Castle,” Kristoff said. “An area my dear friends know nothing about.”

  “Let’s skip the nostalgia,” Nick muttered. He didn’t like the thought of a dungeon.

  Mulan’s bow, worn across her back, scraped the wall, the sound like Styrofoam stuck in a cardboard box. The three froze, waiting expectantly for someone to hear. Nothing happened—though their eyes adjusted and their heartbeats slowed back down. At last, Mulan pointed out a service ladder, built into a wall. Her shifty, abrupt movements as she approached it made her look like an insect.