Ch. 1: Bright Future
Like the summary says, this will be a series of one-shots of moments in the Kingdom Hearts universe. Let me know if there's a scenario you'd like to see, but keep the rating in mind please.
Oh and about Sora's father, this is just what I think happened.
Sora spun the wheel of the steamboat and the little craft slid down the river. The Key Bearer noted the dock up ahead and easily guided the steamboat to a halt, sending a smooth wave of water down the grey river. Pete watched the boy, giving him an approving nod.
"That's some mighty fine steering, boy," the steamboat captain said. "Guess I can always trust you to take care o' my boat."
"Well, grow up on an island and you're bound to learn how to handle a boat," Sora replied as he, Donald, and Goofy stepped back onto the dock.
"Naw," Pete said, clapping the boy on his back. "You got boatin' in your blood, boy. I can tell."
"Sora? Boating in his blood?" Donald couldn't suppress a snigger.
"Actually," Sora began. He thought for a second then continued. "My dad was a fishing captain, so yeah, I guess I do have boating in my blood."
"Knew it." Pete looked proud of himself.
"I didn't know your dad was a fishing captain, Sora," Goofy said in his usual earnest manner. "Did he teach ya how to handle a ship?"
"No. He… he died while my mom was still pregnant with me," Sora said, a shadow crossing his face. "He got caught in a storm and his boat sank."
"Well, sad as it is, just shows that yer dad was a good captain, don't it?" Pete asked.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Donald snapped, glaring at the burly cat who, once he, Goofy, and Sora stepped back through Merlin's door, would become an enemy.
"Huh, ya don't know? A good captain always goes down with his ship. Dis kid's dad was only doin' the honorable thing."
"Mom always said my father was a good man," Sora said, a smile returning to his face.
"And you turned out to be a good boy," Goofy finished.
"Humph. Boy's got a bright future, sure 'nuff."
"You… really think so?" Sora asked, turning surprised eyes towards the normally irate captain. The past Pete was obviously years from becoming his current evil self.
"O' course I do! Any pea brain could see dat! I wouldn't be surprised if you turned out to be some one dis world needs, boy. You mark my words."
"I will." Sora held out his hand to Pete, who took it in his own large paw.
"Thanks, Captain Pete. I will remember what you said. I promise. And I'll remember you too."
"Humph," Pete snorted again. "I gotta get back at work. See ya around." And with that, the burly cat boarded his vessel and headed down the Timeless River. Sora watched him go, Donald and Goofy flanking him.
"Think he'll remember you, Sora?" Donald asked. The Keyblade Wielder shrugged.
"I dunno. The important thing is that we'll remember that Pete wasn't always bad. Just… grumpy. He had a bright future too; he wasn't always Maleficent's sidekick. If we remember that, he may even have the chance to go back to what he once was."
"You think?"
"I hope so. Everyone deserves a bright future."