Author's Note: Hello everyone, my name is Proto and I welcome you to my first ever fan fiction: Project DHI. As stated in the summary this is my personal reboot of the Kingdom Keepers series, as I've always loved the Kingdom Keepers to what it could be, rather than what it is now. This is my way of trying to share and show the potential this series has. To the fans of the series, the characters that we all know and love are still the same and for the love shippers out there don't worry the relationships are maintained. This story here is just a way to revive the book series as it is over a decade old. With all that said, I hope you enjoying reading this story and thank you for joining me in this first step to a great adventure.
Disclaimer: Names, locations, or any references portrayed in this story are made for fictional purposes and are set in an alternate universe. The Kingdom Keepers and Disney characters within this story are owned by Ridley Pearson, Disney Hyperion, and the Walt Disney Company.
Chapter 1: Once Upon a Time…in 1959
January 29, 1959
Walt Disney Animation Studios, Burbank, California, USA
9:00 P.M.
"Stop the car here!" the young man in the back seat yelled to the cab driver as they approach their destination.
The cab park on the moon-lite road of Riverside Drive and coming out from the back was a 20 year old young man wearing a formal suit and an old brown flat cap. Being late for his event the young man quickly paid the cab driver and ran off into the studio lot where he works. Tonight he was invited to an employee party in which everyone in the animation department were celebrating the release of their latest animated fairy tale movie.
The young man hurried through past the lot and enter the main sidewalk where on one side was the studio soundstages and on the other was the art building. Upon passing the buildings the young man found the main studio building where the party was being held on the other side of a vast courtyard. In combination with the cold winter air, the full moon lite up the night and made the courtyard easy for the young man to navigate through. At the entrance of the building was the head of the celebration and so the young man walked up to her, invitation in hand.
"Sorry, I'm late." He passed his invitation to the head woman and she ask "Name sir."
The young man replied "Wayne Kresky ma'am."
The woman check the invite list and found his name. "Okay, you're clear to go."
"Thanks" Wayne put a smile on and then walk into the building. Following the sounds of the music he found his way to the main atrium where he saw hundreds of employees. Wayne had been working for the studio for so long he could recognize each and every one of them; that was the benefits for being the paperboy of the animation department.
From a distance Wayne could see a woman come up on the stage on the other side of the wide atrium and spoke "May I have your attention please." Everyone then gave their attention to her, knowing this was the moment they've all been waiting for. "Ladies and Gentlemen give it up for Walt Disney himself."
The crowd then applauded heavily as the real Walt Disney walk onto the stage. Wayne had always worked in the studios, but he never came close to know Walt personally. The people closest to him in the studio were the animation directors, one of which Wayne worked with on a daily basis. Once Walt got to the podium he greet everyone with a friendly hand wave and spoke.
"Hello everyone and thank you for coming to this extremely rare event. We at the Walt Disney Company should all take pride in our creativity to bring happiness to all those around us and to be grateful for the talented individuals that help make that happiness a reality. Last night I saw that happiness come to life when I saw Sleeping Beauty finally wake up from her slumber. After 9 long years, a million drawings later, and the thousands of hours of effort from all the men and women in this room, I'm proud to say and lay to rest these words. We have completed the film."
And from those words, the whole place went wild. The atrium erupt into an atmosphere of glee as people either heavily applaud, lift their drinks up, or cheer in high spirit. For Wayne it was high spirits.
"WHOA!" roared Wayne in his contentment to hear the words that he's been wanting to hear after years of hard work. Delivering papers from point A to point B sounds easy, but things aren't that easy when you add in point C, Point D, and every other point all the way to Z. Wayne decided to work at Disney because he always loved the imagination and creativity that was necessary for the job. It was an irony for Wayne to care for such a job as he was studying engineering in college and had a part time job as a firearm engineer at a gun shop not too far from the studio. Yet Wayne wanted to use his intellect to help bring to life memorable stories and lovable cartoons, not to make weapons for a conflict that he hope wouldn't be a nuclear war. As far as he was aware Wayne loved his job at Disney and was hoping to one day be an engineer for WED Enterprises.
After Walt Disney congratulated his work force for their efforts in completing Sleeping Beauty, everyone went about as before and talk to each other about whatever crazy stories they had to share. Wayne on the other hand went for the concession stand and hoped to get some of the goodies. Upon reaching the stand, Wayne enjoyed himself to the warm cookies and hot chocolate, quite opposite to the cool winter night outside. Then he heard an all too familiar voice.
"Well you seem to be enjoying yourself Wayne."
Wayne turned around to see a man he was all too familiar with. Right in front of him was his supervisor Mr. Davis, one of the animation directors that Wayne worked with directly.
"Sir?" Wayne gulped down whatever was in his mouth to speak clearly. "How did you find me?"
"Your brown cap son." Davis turn to point at Wayne's cap. "You've been wearing it every day for the last 4 years. I can recognize you from a mile away."
"I'm glad to see you and the others have done it in finally completing the movie. I can tell that Sleeping Beauty is going to be another great princess for the lineup." Wayne knew that one of Davis's reputation in the studio was making the most memorable female cartoons, especially the Disney Princesses. How he manages to know female anatomy so great? No one knows.
"Well Briar Rose may be great but I think her counterpart in the movie takes the crown for my greatest character yet."
"Oh, you mean…" Before Wayne could finish his sentence a man with a camera came in and ask if they want a picture to remember tonight's event. The two men agreed and shook hands while smiling at the camera and the camera man took a picture. A picture of an old animator with a bald head and a paperboy with a brown cap. The camera man gave thanks and then walked into the party crowd.
Davis then turned to Wayne and spoke to him in a manner that was business like.
"Wayne when the party is over meet me in Disney's office."
"Why sir?" Wayne asked with a mixture of anxiety and curiosity. Good or bad news coming from Davis was one thing, but any news coming from Walt Disney himself was something else.
Davis then gave a heart warm smile to Wayne and said "Because those 4 years of devotion to helping me and this studio has caught Walter's attention. And I'm proud to say he's offering you a deal that should interest you Wayne."
He then gave out his hand for another handshake. "I know we just shook hands earlier but this time it's the real deal."
Wayne couldn't believe it. He was finally looking at something big for his life. Any deal from Walt Disney is a once in a lifetime deal. He shook his boss's hand and said in gratitude "Thank you sir. When should I be at the office?"
"At around 11:30, when everyone is gone. Walter's got to thank everyone first before he can get to business. I'll see you there."
The two men then parted ways as Davis disappeared into the crowd. Wayne on the other hand turn gave himself a silent victory gesture. From then on throughout that night, the celebration was all the more great for the young man in the brown cap.
11:30 P.M.
The atrium at the late hour was now pure silent as only one person was still present. Looking at his watch Wayne saw it was time to go to Walt Disney's office. Wayne left the main building the same way he came in and was back in the courtyard. On the other side was the sidewalk he walked through but nearby to his right was the building that housed Walt Disney's office, and seeing that there was a light on the 4th floor Wayne realize that was where he needed to go.
Wayne then enter the building and despite only a few light's being left on for the night he manage to find the elevator and take it to the 4th floor. Exiting the elevator Wayne look to his left down the main hallway and at the far end was a room that was lite up. Walking down the hallway and upon entering the room, Wayne saw his supervisor and at the main desk was Walt Disney himself.
Walt gave a smile to Wayne and spoke in a heartening manor "Ah, Wayne Kresky come in and have a seat. Marc here was telling me about you."
Wayne then took a seat near the desk and Walt continue to speak to him.
"Your probably wondering why you are here; is that correct?"
Wayne in rapid response said "Yes sir."
Walt then straiten his poster and spoke to Wayne in a genuine fashion. "Well Kresky I'm here to ask you this. What do you think about working for WED Enterprises?"
Wayne couldn't believe what he was hearing. Was he being given a job opportunity to work with the engineers of WED Enterprises? He admired their work for Disneyland years back, but now Wayne was being offered an opportunity to be working with the brilliant minds of the Walt Disney Company.
"Pleas sir, tell me more."
From then on Walt talked to Wayne about what it takes to be an imaginative engineer for the company and the skills that were needed to become one. He went on to say that despite Wayne's job as a paperboy was small and simple, his everlasting devotion and admiration to helping the studio for 4 years was enough to warrant Walt's attention. As to how he figured out Wayne was into engineering, Walt figured that out from Davis who had mention that Wayne talked once in a while about his engineering education and his other part time job. After 25 minutes of talking Wayne had made up his mind.
Extending his business hand for a handshake, Walt then asked in confidence "So Kresky, do we have a deal?"
With an exhilarating feeling coursing down his arm, Wayne shook Disney's hand and said "It's a deal sir."
Wayne then looked to his supervisor siting nearby. "Thank you sir for recommending me for this opportunity."
"No thanks is needed son, you've done your part and that's all you need to get ahead in life." He got up from his chair and turn to a pair of doors on the other side of the office. "In fact this calls for something special."
Davis walked into the adjacent room and upon hearing the sounds of paper, Wayne and Walt got up and enter the room as well. Wayne had an idea of what Walt Disney's office was having delivered animation drawings and all, but he never been in the lead animation development room that only the animation directors and Walt were allowed to be in. The huge room was covered with animation drawings, most of them from Sleeping Beauty. At one end of the room were shelfs holding the portfolios of every animator in the studio and at the far end of the room was a box television set most likely for video playback and referencing.
Davis was looking through his portfolio then asked "What's it going to be Wayne, princess or evil fairy?"
Before Wayne could answer Walt spoke first in curiosity. "Marc do you really want to do this, giving away one of your own drawings?"
"Why not Walter? The young man has just gotten the opportunity of a lifetime. His dream to be an engineer for the company is sure to come true. I find it only fitting he has something to forever look back on this moment. Besides, he's been carrying around animation drawings for years and not once has he stolen a single frame. With that in mind I find it fitting that he earns at least one of my works."
Walt understood where his friend was coming from. The young man's dream was coming true and seeing the happiness of someone's dream coming to fruition is exactly why Walt wanted to start his own company in the first place.
Walt then looked to Wayne and ask what Davis said previous. "So what it's it going to be Wayne to remember the night your dream came true? Princess or evil fairy?"
Wayne tough about it for a few seconds and made up his mind. "Evil fairy."
And in a moment's notice Davis pulled out one of the drawings of the evil fairy from the Sleeping Beauty film. To Wayne she looked more like the Devil than a fairy. Now he knows what Davis meant hours ago when he said this fairy is his greatest character yet.
He put the drawing down on the table nearby and searched for a pencil. Clearly he wanted to let all three of them sign it.
"Hold on, I'll be right back." Walt then went back to his office and upon returning carried a very unusual looking object.
"Sir, what is that?" Wayne asked in curiosity.
Walt then gave the utensil to Wayne "This right here is my first pen."
Wayne examined the object and it looked like an old style ink pen, but the whole casing of the pen was covered in odd looking markings.
"Where did you get it sir?"
"I got from France, back when I was deployed during the First World War. I've been carrying it on me ever since and I only use it for special occasions like final drawings for projects and such. I think it's fitting to use it for this moment."
And so the 3 of them centered on the table were the drawing was and with the odd looking pen each of them signed their name on it. Once the ink was dry, Wayne then inserted the drawing in a large protective envelope, like the ones he uses as the paperboy, and sealed it shut.
"Thank you for everything." Wayne said while he was exiting the animation room.
Walt gave a friendly wave good-bye and said "Be safe on you way home and I expect great things from you in the future."
Wayne then exited the office and walked down the hallway to the elevator and push the button to call it up. He checked his watch and it was 12:00 a.m. at midnight, yet despite being so late Wayne felt rather energize and awake. When the elevator arrived and Wayne was inside with the doors shut, he knew then this was the time to have his moment.
In a sense of achievement and pride, Wayne yelled in the elevator in pure happiness "YES! YES! YES!"
Suddenly the lights flickered in the elevator and Wayne could hear the elevator stop momentarily. Maybe he gotten too excited for himself and so he kept quiet. The elevator then reached the ground floor and Wayne walked down the hall to the nearby exit. But then all the lights in the hallway and in the rooms grew bright; maybe too bright. The hallway then returned normally as it was before with only a few lights on and it was at this moment that Wayne was starting to feel uneasy. He exited the building and cross the courtyard to the main sidewalk. Wayne knew it would be awhile till the next cab would arrive. He then looked at the large envelope he was carrying and admired that he had a legitimate animation drawing from the Sleeping Beauty film. Tonight it was just a drawing, but in the years to come or in the distant future it would become priceless.
Suddenly the lights from the buildings around Wayne all turned on and he could hear the surging electricity coursing through the studio as the lights only became brighter. Not noticing at first, Wayne then looked in amazement as the envelope he was carrying was glowing. It looked as if the lead and ink of the paper were being highlighted with light. And with a loud explosion, all the lights and power to the studio turned off and for a brief moment in the night sky a green aurora past over Wayne's head. After that there was only silence and darkness. Wayne looked back at the drawing and it stopped glowing. He looked back wondering if he should check on Disney and Davis, but he believed they should be okay. Upon exiting the sidewalk to the parking lot, Wayne saw that the cars and streetlights to Riverside Drive were all off, almost like every electronic device in the area was turned off. Now he realizes that he should go back, fearing that the 2 men may be stuck in the elevator. With only the full moon to give off any light, Wayne then walked back down the sidewalk all the way to the courtyard. And from the darkness Wayne could see a dim white light coming from the room next to Disney's office. He crossed the courtyard yet again and enter the building.
With all the lights off Wayne had to touch the walls to know where he was going. Upon reaching the elevator he pushed the button and nothing.
Figures. Wayne thought to himself. He then slowly made his way down the hall and found a door nearby that held the stair case. Luckily there were a few emergency lights on in the stairwell. Entering the stairwell Wayne could hear a male voice coming from above. It didn't sound like a real person, more like a person talking through a radio and so Wayne listen closely.
"And that concludes our normal broadcasting. From this station we thank you all for joining us. Good night."
Wayne could tell it was from the television in the head animation room and so the television being on explains the light from outside. Wayne continued making his way up the stair well, until the load sound of trumpets startle him off his feet. The television was louder than normal as Wayne could hear the station signing off with their playing of the Star Spangled Banner.
Typical America. Wayne thought as he ignored the music and continue up the stairs to the 4th floor. Exiting the stairwell, the load music vibrated the thoughts in Wayne's head, making him feel disoriented for a second.
"Sir! Why is the television so loud!?" Wayne screamed as he enter Walt's office. And before he knew it Disney and Davis rushed to Wayne to cover his mouth quickly. Wayne didn't know what to make of their behavior, but he could see something in both his superiors that he had never seen before. Fear.
"Quiet Wayne and don't make a sound." Davis whispered to Wayne's ear as the roaring music overcame the office. "The TV has its attention and it doesn't know we are here."
Wayne saw that the pair of doors to the animation room were slightly closed and he couldn't see what was in the room. He then got their hands off him and asked quietly. "What's going on? What is 'it'?"
With the TV still playing the loud anthem, Walt spook quietly into Wayne's ear. "It happened just a couple of minutes ago when you left. We were leaving when the lights started acting up and the loud explosion happened. The television turned on and so we came back. That's when we found…"
"Quiet!" Davis interrupted as the television in the animation room played the last notes to the anthem and then there was only the soft white noise of static.
The atmosphere now was only filled with silence and fear as the 3 men wondered what to do next. Wayne then advance quietly to the pair of doors to see what was making both Disney and Davis be in a state of fear. Normally he expect the older men to pull him back, but instead they too advance with him. Touching one of the doors Wayne froze, slightly afraid of what is on the other side. Yet with Disney and Davis by his side, Wayne summon up what courage was in him and very slowly push the door open, not making a sound. What Wayne saw before him would forever be sketch in his mind.
What the 3 men saw before them was a horn creature looking direct at the white static television that laid in front of it. Noticing the horn design, all three of them knew who this was. Placing her hand on the television screen as if she was allured by it, she hadn't notice their entry into the room. The ink on the animation papers, which littered the whole room, streamed across the floor and to the black robes in which she wore. Then she turned to face them and it was in that moment that the 3 men knew she wasn't an illusion. Only a few minutes ago she was on paper and now she was real; right before them all. There was no doubt about it.
It was her.
A.N: This chapter was inspired by a fan fiction on the Kingdom Keepers website titled 'The boy in the brown cap'. I recommend you read it; but it was a small story that illustrated how the first book should have opened. Instead of starting off with Finn waking up as a DHI without any reason, it felt more natural to start off back in time with Wayne and how he became apart of Disney. To make this chapter legit to the Kingdom Keepers need for Disney detail I just had to use 2 figures from the time period, but it will only be for this chapter. With that said, I hope you enjoyed how the antagonist of the story came to be. Next chapter will be the protagonist.