Ariel returns from the sea, after depositing Sadira into Storybrooke. Her earpiece is broken from the swim, but that shouldn't matter, now that they're all meeting up again. With Eli and Aladdin, she climbs various staircases, crosses bridges, and makes her way up to the top landing.
Relieved to see Kayley alive and mostly unharmed, she gives the girl a quick, affectionate hug, swiftly gliding through the gamers and hearing them recount their experiences with Scar's allies.
Mason apparently found the meaning of life dealing with Mother Nature. Ariel was extremely hesitate to let him face her and her god-like powers alone, but it appears he was well suited for the job.
Jim, obviously, doesn't share must, briefly explaining that Dr. Facilier is down and won't be a threat, tacking on how Terrence and Periwinkle were there to aid him.
Hiro and Mulan had no issues finding the control room and shutting off the game, but discovering they're in the real world now is still a shock to everybody.
Kristoff clarifies that his part of the plan worked out perfectly, and he's ready to execute it when the time comes.
Kayley confesses her own story, explaining what happened after she was kidnapped, and the horrors Scar put her through. Ariel has to give her credit; the girl isn't traumatized - or if she is, she's hiding it behind a wall of anger and revenge.
As Kiara relays the battle with Sadira, Aladdin fake gags, receiving laughs from all around. So far everything is working their advantage. If this keeps up, they should be winning the game in no time.
"What happens now?" Elsa asks, folding her hands into her blouse. She gazes nervously over her shoulder, as if waiting for an ambush or sneak attack.
"Now..." Ariel tightens her hold on the trident, missing that electric, powerful shock that used to pulse through her. "Now we wait for Scar. Sooner or later, he's going to have to face us. Let's hope he's not chicken enough to hide from us and send his Hyenas to do his dirty work again."
"Chicken?"
A rough voice carries over one of the icy ledges, nearly lost to the sound of crashing waves. Anxiously, the gamers all bunch together, drawing swords and daggers, aiming weapons and focusing on the sound of multiple footfalls. Scar is the first to appear at the top of the glassy stairs, his expression neutral and unreadable.
As he crosses the landing, ignoring the threatening glares and pointed blades, another face pops up from the floor below, and another. Since most of Scar's men are down from the previous battles, he's left with less than a dozen minions, two of which they recognize as Shenzi and Ed. The men and woman gather around him, sneering, laughing, and, in Ed's case, just flat our barking. The way they move behind Scar indicates they are eager to start to the fight, but their leader stands firm, not yet giving the order to attack.
Whipping the red hair from her face, Ariel strolls towards him, feeling Eli stick protectively close behind her. Scar scrutinizes her silently, his eyes flicking to the trident, then back at her.
"Doesn't this bring back memories?" He begins, his voice soft and melodic, with a hint of a hard edge. "Some of my fondest moments were in this very video game."
Ariel stands rigid, muscles tightening in her shoulders. "I can't say my memories are very fond." She admits, moving the trident away as the sun glints off the golden metal. "So, how is this going to happen? Are you surrendering and making it easy on yourself, or are we fighting our way through this?"
Chuckling, Scar lifts a hand, wiggling his fingers at his companions. They greedily surge forward, beginning to circle Ariel and Eli. "It's kind of cute, you little heroes thinking you can win." He bends down, bringing his face closer to hers. She's forced to stare straight at his long, white scar. "Did you forget what happened the last time? Do you want a repeat of all that anguish? Because I guarantee you, I can turn your lives into a living hell without lifting a finger."
