**Chapter 26: The Council of Legends**
The great hall of the Castle of Dreams buzzed with tension. Characters from across the realms of Disney had gathered in response to the growing threat. Legendary heroes, magical creatures, and rulers of distant kingdoms filled the room, their faces marked with concern. Alexander, now firmly settled in his role as king, stood at the head of the council table, his sword resting at his side, its blade still glowing faintly from the earlier confrontation.
Eliza stood beside him, her presence a source of strength and comfort. Though the danger loomed large, Alexander knew he was not alone. Together, they had faced countless challenges, and together they would face this one too.
At the far end of the hall, the doors swung open, and the Keeper of the Realms entered, his robes shimmering with celestial light. He bowed deeply before addressing the gathered council.
"King Alexander, Princess Eliza, esteemed rulers of the realms," the Keeper began, his voice commanding attention, "the rise of the Forgotten is a grave matter, one that has the potential to unravel the very fabric of our world."
Alexander's gaze swept the room, taking in the diverse assembly. There was Queen Elsa, her icy demeanor betraying her worry; King Triton, the ocean's power shimmering in his trident; and Aladdin, his hand gripping the lamp that had once granted him his wishes. These were the figures who had long been the guardians of their respective realms, but now even they seemed uncertain in the face of this new threat.
"What do we know about Malgath and the Forgotten?" Alexander asked, breaking the tense silence.
The Keeper's expression darkened. "Malgath was once a powerful sorcerer, a creator of tales long forgotten by the magic of Disney. His characters were erased, his stories lost in the shadows of history. But unlike others who were content to fade away, Malgath's anger grew. He found a way to harness the resentment of the Forgotten—characters whose destinies were never fulfilled, who felt abandoned and erased. Now, he seeks to remake the realms in his image."
King Triton's deep voice boomed across the hall. "But how can he wield such power? Our magic has always been tied to the light and to balance."
"The Forgotten draw power from the shadows," the Keeper replied gravely. "Malgath has spent years gathering those who have been cast aside. He feeds on their sorrow, their anger, and their desire for revenge. And now, they are more powerful than ever."
A murmur of unease spread through the room. Alexander could feel the weight of their fear, but he knew this was not a time to dwell on what was lost. They had to focus on what could be done.
"We cannot allow Malgath to destroy what we've worked so hard to protect," Alexander said firmly. "There must be a way to stop him."
Elsa stepped forward, her voice calm but steely. "We need to find where Malgath is hiding. He won't stay in the open for long. The Forgotten will retreat to the Shadowed Realm, where they can grow stronger."
Aladdin nodded in agreement. "We'll need to act fast. Malgath won't give us time to gather all our forces."
The Keeper raised a hand. "There is one more thing you must know. The Forgotten are not merely characters seeking revenge. Each of them carries a piece of their original story within them—a story that was never finished, a fate that was never fulfilled. Malgath uses these unfinished tales to bind them to him. If we can find a way to complete their stories, we may be able to weaken his hold on them."
Alexander's eyes lit up with an idea. "Then that's our plan. We need to find the Forgotten, understand their stories, and help them find the resolution they were denied. If we can do that, Malgath's army will crumble."
There was a pause as the council absorbed the plan. It was risky—attempting to confront the Forgotten with empathy rather than force—but it was the only way to restore balance without causing further harm to the realms.
Eliza turned to the gathered rulers. "Each of you knows your realm better than anyone. If the Forgotten come from stories once connected to your lands, you may be able to help them find peace. We need every realm's cooperation."
Queen Elsa stood tall. "Arendelle will stand with you, Alexander. We've faced the dark before, and we'll face it again."
King Triton pounded his trident against the ground. "The seas are yours, King Alexander. I will send word to my daughters to prepare our forces."
One by one, the rulers of the Disney realms pledged their support. Alexander felt a swell of hope. Despite the darkness rising against them, there was still strength in unity.
As the council dispersed to prepare their realms for the coming battle, the Keeper approached Alexander and Eliza privately.
"There is something else you must know, King Alexander," the Keeper said in a low voice. "Malgath's connection to the Forgotten runs deeper than we have discussed. He does not just bind them through their unfinished stories—he manipulates the very magic that sustains Disney. To defeat him, you will need more than just strategy. You will need a magic older and stronger than what exists in these realms."
Alexander's brow furrowed. "What kind of magic?"
"The Heart of the First Story," the Keeper replied. "It is the source from which all Disney magic flows. If you can find it, you will have the power to undo Malgath's corruption."
"But where is it?" Eliza asked.
The Keeper hesitated, as if weighing his words. "It lies in a place few have dared to enter—the Realm of Lost Beginnings. It is where all stories are born, but also where many are left unfinished. It is a dangerous place, filled with forgotten ideas, failed creations, and the echoes of stories that never were."
Alexander's heart raced. "Then that is where I must go."
Eliza grasped his arm, her eyes searching his. "I'm coming with you."
"No," the Keeper interrupted gently. "This journey can only be undertaken by the king. The magic of the Heart will respond to him alone."
Alexander hesitated, torn between his duty and his desire to keep Eliza by his side. But he knew the Keeper was right. This was a journey he would have to take alone.
"Be careful," Eliza whispered, her voice full of emotion.
"I will return," Alexander promised, his hand lingering in hers for a moment longer before he turned to face the unknown.
With the fate of the realms hanging in the balance, Alexander set out toward the Realm of Lost Beginnings, knowing that the next chapter of his story would be the most dangerous yet.