Stand Out
Max woke up with a slight headache and the sounds of purring coming near his stomach. Opening his eyes he got up to see his pet cat Waffles sleeping peacefully on top of him. Smiling he gently began to pet him behind the ears, getting a soft meow as he looked outside to see the sun rise from his window. Looking at the calendar he checked to see what day it was and frowned.
Each time he looked, more and more time would pass that his dad had gone. Off on some grand adventure with a kid around his age. Even after their last communication there was no word from him or the others.
Suddenly Max felt something press against his cheek, only to find Waffles had woken up and pressed his paw against him.
Max smiled, "Hey Waffles, morning...yeah, yeah I'm fine…" He gently patted his hand.
Waffles didn't seem convinced and frowned.
"Yeah, I miss him too." Max sighed as he got out of bed, feeling a bit weak at the knees from the morning "But like he said, he's doing this to protect us, I gotta believe that he'll be back one day. In the meantime, I gotta make him proud of me".
Waffles meowed.
"Yeah, yeah, I know he's always proud, but I want to make him proud of me for something worth it" Max went to get dressed as he headed to the bathroom passing a few pictures of him and his father.
The two of them didn't always see eye to eye all the time, but Max still loved his father very much. Since his mother died it was always just the two of them, and Waffles of course. Goofy would always try his best to be the best parent he could, and for that Max would always appreciate him even while being Captain of the Kingsguard. Though as he got older Max wanted to prove that he could be just a great a knight as his dad. To go on adventures with him, and see the words. Like Sora was doing with him.
Max frowned as he thought of that name.
Sora.
It was Sora right now who was going on an adventure with his dad. It was Sora that was keeping his dad away from him. He hated feeling bitter about it though. Max knew that his dad was on a very important mission for the King and that the fate of many worlds was at stake. Still, it felt wrong that this Sora kid was also fourteen years old and got to go on an adventure while he stayed at home.
Max shook his head and decided to not let that get him down, "Nope, gotta stay strong, I can still make dad proud ...Somehow".
Waffles meowed again leaning back down as they went back to sleep.
Max just gave a small snicker as he continued to pet his cast head, "Heh, I know, trailer park to Castle, what a upgrade" he said sarcastically.
Perhaps some music would due to the trick, putting in a tape he blasted it up to full. Thankfully the walls of Disney Castle were actually quite hollow sit made it hard for other people to hear. While listening to his favorite song, he readied himself for another day.
Open up your eyes take a look at me
If the picture fits in your memory
I've been dreamin by the rhythm like the beat of a heart
And I won't stop until I start to stand out
Some people settle for the typical thing
Livin' all their lives waitin' in the wings
It ain't a question of 'if', just a matter of time
Before I move to the front of the line
And once you're watchin' ev'ry move that I make
Ya gotta believe that I got what it takes
To stand out
Above the crowd
Even if I gotta shout out loud
'Til mine is the only face you see
Gonna stand out 'til you notice me
Fully dressed, Cat fed and ready to begin the day he headed out of his personal room and through the grand halls of the Castle to begin his day. They were so big that he was able to skateboard his way through them. Even managing to perform a few tricks along the way. He accidentally ran into a few members of the Castle court. He was always a bit reckless. Either way he was going to make it his day. He was going to stand out.
This was going to be a good day.
"I'm here!" Max stated as he entered the Queens private study stumbling inside before standing straight to give a firm salute, "Squire Max Goof reporting for duty...Ma'am".
Taking a moment to realize what was going on, he just interrupted what seemed to be a meeting between Queen Minnie and Scrooge McDuck. Both seemed to be tense before seeing Max giving him an awkward look.
"Um, sorry" Max said, cheeks turning red, "I'll just...I'll just stand here"
Minnie sighed before sitting down, "Max, good to see you as always".
"Ma'am" Max nodded
Scrooge rolled his eyes, prefering to continue on "Close the door, we are having a meeting here. Don't want half the bloody castle to hear us now do yuh".
"Huh, oh sorry sir". Max quickly closed the door and stood at attention, managing to overhear most of the meeting that was going on.
"Look, we haven't heard from them or the King in weeks now" Scrooge slammed his hand on the table, "My point is your majesty, we need to start thinking about what to do as a contingency. Even if that Xehanort and Maleficent were defeated doesn't mean there are other evils out there that aren't going to want to take advantage of the situation...Fill the void".
"Perhaps" Minnie sighed, "But as you said, worlds have been restored, Sora must have succeeded in defeating Maleficent and the Heartless"
"But at what cost" Scrooge said with a hint of remorse.
Max felt a lump in his throat form, "D-Dad?" no, he couldn't think such things, his dad was alive, he knew it. He had to believe.
Things had been tense for the last few weeks at Disney Castle since his father had given them the last report he gave. Going after Xehanort, going into one final battle to save the universe. Clearly they must have won otherwise he probably would be standing here right now. Though still people were nervous, not hearing back from them or the King. Many rumors were spreading that perhaps they had all died in that final battle against the evil Keyblade Master. Others expected the worst. Max though tried to keep his faith, he could feel that his father was not lost. He was out there somewhere lost in the universe, he just needed to find him.
"Look, I too deep down believe that the King is out there" Scrooge said taking a deep breath, but um...Personal experience has taught me that sometimes people don't always come back when they go missing"
At this Max heart sank.
Minnie nodded, "I remember, but still we have to have some faith right? It's honestly the only thing we have"
"Ma-am" He interrupted, the room going absolute silent again "Perhaps, perhaps maybe we should go look for them, find a sign"
"Sign" Scrooge scoffed looking at Max like he was an idiot, "Sadly the only sign we have is that the Gummi Ship came back with Chip and Dale, that's about it, there are billions of worlds out there, and quite frankly we aren't even allowed to interfere and…."
He stopped as he saw the Queen give Scrooge a disapproving look. Turning back to Max, he frowned and let out a deep sigh before walking up to the boy, his voice and demeanor far calmer than previously.
"Look son" Scrooge put a hand on his shoulder, "Point is we don't know where your pop is or if he's out there, I have spies in Traverse Town but that's about it right now. I can only do so much with what limited information I have. We can only hope that they survived there battles against the darkness and they won"
Max lip quivered but he nodded, "I-I understand , sorry for the outburst"
"It's alright Max," Queen Minnie stated, "I know more than most what you are going through, not a day goes by that I don't think of the King"
Scrooge took the Queen's hand and gave her a small smile. "I'm sure you miss him very much Ma'am, we all do"
Max took a deep breath trying not to let his emotions get the best of him. His father would want him to remain strong right now. There was no point in getting emotional about things. He needed to make his dad proud.
-000-
Afternoon came and that meant training.
Training was the one thing Max loved to do apart from skateboarding. It allowed him to get his mind off things and relax in his own way. While going through the Castle grounds he found a nice open spot to train. Normally he would train with his dad, but lately he had to do so on his own. This though did allow for fewer accidents to happen as Goofy had a habit of being incredibly clumsy with his work.
Though as he tried to train his mind went to his dad, he began to feel sad, and then it went to Sora and then he began to feel mad. Mad at a boy his own age who took his father away from him. Mad that he wasn't able to go with his own father, mad that this boy broke a promise and wasn't able to protect him.
"Stupid kid….He said he was going to keep dad safe, well were is he huh" Max said his mind starting to have images of Sora and his dad enjoying time and laughing together, "He gets to be with dad and I'm stuck here, he's my dad...Not yours"
His movements got angier and more fierce.
"Of course he doesn't have a dad ...Well, he can't take mine, that's for sure" Max grinded his teeth "He promised to keep my dad safe...He said he would...".
Unaware of his own movements Max thrust his arm forward so fast that he tripped over himself causing him to land face flat on the grass.
"Ouch," Max muttered holding his hand as it seethed in pain.
Max laid on the ground groaning for a few moments before a shadow came over him. It took awhile for him to regain his focus but the shadow was large and mountainous. Once things started to come back into focus, he began to take sign of a familiar and welcoming friend.
"Hey Max," The familiar voice caused him flinch before turning around to see a familiar looking fat cat with blue t-shirt that barely fit over him, "Wooh easy bro, it's just me"
"Hey Peej" Max said, his tone still dour., "Sorry about that, guess I'm a bit on edge with the training".
"Don't worry"
Max swung his sword again only to flop on the ground, "Hope you didn't see that" he grunted as he began to get up.
"I did," P.J muttered.
Max sighed, "Great, just great...Well, better get back to it"
"Feeling down?"
"How did you guess?" Max muttered, chuckling ironically, "What are you doing here?"
"Mom says I need to do community service in order to restore our family name, so she arranged for me to do stuff here".
"Because of your dad working for Maleficent"
"Yep"
Max smirked, "Harsh"
"You're telling me, you know how much work I gotta do, walking, running ,having to get out of bed...I have to get out of bed Max!"
"Yeesh dude, you aren't that lazy are yuh". Max smirked, finding his friend's nature humorous. They had been buddies since they were young, so he was used to Pete Jrs. lazy demeanor.
Peej sound, "Wish my dad hadn't joined up with the bad guys so I wouldn't be doing this crud. Granted mom said this was probably the most he's ever put his mind too since he decided to go with that water proof car scam".
"Oh yeah," Max snorted, "I remember dad buying one, boy I still don't know what he saw in him, no offense"
"None taken".
The two just laughed and gave each other a hug.
Max and Pete Jr had been friends since he had moved to Spoonerville, and despite their fathers very different demeanors the two kids seemed to really get along. He wasn't sure just how or why but the two just seemed to click. Max was the brain while Peej was the soul. Together the two of them had gotten into several adventures and shenaggins together over there vast amounts of time together. If it wasn't for his friends' support, Max honestly would have no idea how he'd make it with his dad's absence.
"So how are you hanging Max?" Peej asked, his tone becoming solf now, as he looked concerned for his friend.
Max just frowned sitting down at one of the shrubs to rest, "I don't know Peej, I'm just...I feel frustrated"
"I hear yuh" Peej groaned.
"No, not that way," Max muttered shaking his head, "It's just...My dad is out there and I feel like we've given up on him. You know I made Sora promise to take care of him. He's the Keyblade wielder after all, isn't that like...His JOB or something".
"I don't know is it?" Peej shrugged.
"Yeah it is, as far as I'm concerned, if everyone is calling him a hero then he better act like one" Max clenched his fist and scowled a bit, "As far as I'm concerned my dad's life is in his hands so if anything happens to him it's his fault"
Peej looked concerned, "Gee dude, never seen you this mad at someone before. I don't know if I like it"
"Ugh-" Max groaned rubbing his head, these emotions were killing him, pacing back and forth he tried to calm himself, breathing deeply "Yeah I know, I know it's important I'm not saying it's not. My dad is saving the universe after all. Still….It just, it just doesn't seem fair".
There was a moment of silence.
Max didn't like the idea of being mad at someone he never knew before. It wasn't like him to be that angry. Still, everyone and anyone he ever met talked about Sora. Always Sora and Sora that, it was always about him. It wasn't even a jealousy thing, at least not completely. It was the fact that some kids around his age was
"Sorry buddy" Peej said.
"Thanks man" Max said, taking a breath, "I just-I just wanna make my dad proud".
"Maybe you can lad," Max looked up to see Scrooge arrive with in toe, "Max, I think it's time you leave the Castle and come with me on a wee trip"
"Wait, you mean...of world" Max perked up looking excited, "Really! Oh , it's an honor, a privilege, a-"
"Yes, yes las...Hold your horses," Scrooge calmed him down, "Don't lose your head"
Beakly groaned, "Are you sure bringing him along is a good idea"
"I'm bringing Webby along"
"That's because I'm busy on another assignment and need someone to take care of her"
Scrooge rolled his eyes, "Don't remind me, anyway, Max, I'll be traveling on a quasi business venture, however it does detail and I think you might be happy to where we are going"
"Where?"
"To the last known location of your father, Hollow Bastion"
-000-
"Hollow Bastion! I get to go to Hollow Bastion Peej!" Max said as he started packing his stuff, "So what should I take sword or shield, maybe both?"
"Good thing my mom didn't get invited" Peej sighed, "Otherwise she'd probably give my dad the what for"
"Tell me again why there still legally married"
"Money reasons"
"Ah…"
After hearing the news Max immediately went back to his room and started packing. Webby and Peej followed him, both a bit nervous by his new found enthusiasm. He didn't care though, this was his chance, finally a way to do something. Get out of this world and maybe start making a difference. He didn't know what exactly but the fact he was going to do something was good enough for him at the moment.
Already plans for how he was going to impress Scrooge during the trip started dashing through his mind. He was going to have to be extra careful, but if he got this right, it could mean big things for him moving forward. Maybe they would actually let him in on all the big conversation, or perhaps let him go for the search for his dad.
"I say shield" Webby said, going through a list of various weapons "You seem to be better with it that the sword to be honest"
Max nodded, "Good point, dad taught me more with a shield than a sword, granted no one trusted him with a sword...To much risk of someone losing a eye"
"Ouch!"
"Yeah, no one wanted that"
Peej and Webby just watched, sitting on Max's bed as he started pacing around the room. He was frantic, excited, nervous, so many mixed emotions all mixed together. Still he was going to Hollow Bastion, the last place his dad was before he vanished. This could be his chance to maybe, just maybe get some answers.
He didn't want to blow, he couldn't blow it, not with coming with them.
"Calm down Max, you look like your going to burst" Peej said sounding worried, "Heck I should be the one more nervous, Hollow Bastions is where my dad is locked up, what if I run into him...Oh man, oh man...Is he gonna be sore, Mom is already furious as it is. While Pistol is...Well, Pistol"
"It'll be fine Peej, we won't be near that place" Max rolled his eyes, "And sorry, but I can't help it, this is Hollow Bastion! I couldn't go with when Webby and and others liberated it, now I might have to chance to make a difference"
"But Hollow Bastion was already saved," Webby reminded him, "Not like you have much to do, unless you wanna help rebuild"
"Well maybe I'll do that" Max said, "Anything to make myself useful these days".
"Yeah, maybe you'll save the world too" Peej said getting up, "Imagine you, the big hero that saves the day in the end"
"Yeah, the big hero"
Max could just imagine it now, maybe he'd get his own keyblade. He'd fight bad guys, save his dad, save the world. Heck maybe people will one day speak his legend instead of Sora. Now that would definitely be something cool. No matter though, he would make a difference, actually helping, living up to what his dad's example.
"Max," Webby waved a hand over his face as he day dream, "Max? Max?"
Max, Max, Max, he heard the chants of people.
"Yeah ...Yeah! I'm gonna do this" Max said standing strong, "I'm going to make this my chance, finally gonna stand out...Stand out above the crowd"
All I need is half a chance, a second thought, a second glance'll prove
I got whatever it takes
It's a piece of cake
To stand out
Above the crowd
Even if I gotta shout out loud
'Til mine is the only face you see
Gonna stand out
Stand out, hey
Stand out!
(Yeah, yeah, yeah!)
Stand out!
(Hmph!)
'Til mine's the only face you see
Gonna stand out
'Til you notice me
Author Note: That was Stand Out Above the Crowd from The Goofy Movie, and yes Max Goof enters the picture now...Yay!
