Ultimate Disney
Issue No. 1: Once Upon a Time, Part 1

Written by Lord Akiyama

Starring Mickey Mouse


The Magic Kingdom.

It was a land of majestic beauty, colored by the aura of enjoyment and of pleasure. Where the citizens were treated with equality and with respect. The grass grew green and the rivers flowed peacefully. The sky brightened the day and the animals danced freely. All was well in The Magic Kingdom.

And then the queen gave birth to their only child.

Michael of The Mouse Clan, Prince of The Magic Kingdom, seemed like a healthy young boy at first. That was before he could walk and talk. When the event took place, his world came crashing down upon him. Literally. Poor Michael was not entirely at ease with all that surrounded him.

He was taught that as King he would one day rule all that was of the kingdom. Michael found this to be a burden to great for him and was often afraid whenever he was summoned to be educated in government studies. Everything felt heavy to him and that they were placed upon his shoulders. His parents began to take notice as the days progressed and his body trembled more and more at the dinner table.

Michael's one escape was whenever he was allowed to be with the other children. At the beginning, it was terrible. Everyone was so afraid to cause harm to the young prince that they kept their distance. Soon enough, two boys around his age began to open up and truly establish themselves as his friends. Donald of The Duck Clan, whose intelligence is often overshadowed by his ability to lose his temper very quickly, and Gregory of The Dog Clan, a good natured fellow though clumsy in every fashion. Amongst his friends, Michael would be referred to as "Mickey" for short where as Gregory would be referred to as "Goofy," simply because it matched his personality and he really didn't mind. Donald, on the other hand, did mind what they called him and thus had no nickname.

Even though Mickey was happy whenever he and his friends got to play together, everything else was not all sunshine. And the citizens began to take note. At first, they quietly chattered amongst themselves in fear that speaking loudly would cause them to be imprison. Soon, their gossip was all that would be heard. The king knew something had to be done to help his son face his fears so that the citizens would restore their faith.

Everything from traveling to all four corners of the kingdom to fishing to hunting to fencing did nothing to help cure the ails of the prince. The king tried his best to provide understanding to his son, but it did not work. The queen became worried that her son would not succeed them such to the liking of the citizens that she feared for his safety every time he stepped outside the castle. If only there was a way to build his self-confidence.

One day, the king received an unexpected message from a carrier pigeon. It read:

It has come to my attention that your son, Prince of The Magic Kingdom, heir to the throne, is in vital need of guidance. For no payment, save for a bed to sleep and three meals a day, I shall grant my services in providing the necessary teachings that shall lead him to the path. Where the goal is his destiny as ruler of the fair kingdom. I shall arrive at your castle when the sun reaches the highest peak in the sky. If you wish to decline my services, light a signal from your highest tower at dusk and leave it be for the rest of the night. If you wish to accept my services, I shall begin immediately upon arrival.

-Yen Sid

The offer was intriguing and the king was left with little options to consider. He shared the message to the queen, who at first was doubtful of this Yen Sid accomplishing what was difficult to achieve. After much discussion, she went along with the king and agreed to have this stranger help their son.

When the sun appeared at its highest peak the next day, an old man with a staff arrived at the castle door. The citizens had never seen him before. The guards granted him access into the castle and he soon appeared before the king and queen. He slowly kneeled to one knee and smiled.

"I thank you for allow me into your castle, my lord," the old man spoke. "I am Yen Sid. I am the one who sent you the message offering my services for nothing more than a bed and three meals a day. If you wish, I shall begin immediately."

"You seemed to have traveled far to perform such a task eagerly, Yen Sid," the king said. "Perhaps it would be best for you to rest. I have many questions to ask about you before I grant your request to teach my son."

At this time, the prince was out playing with his friends. He returned to the castle for dinner and was introduced to the old man. His mother informed him that this Yen Sid had arrived to help him and that they have accepted his services. Mickey seemed nervous at first, until he had a good look into the old man's eyes. There was something about the eyes that made him relax a little. He himself accepted Yen Sid's offer of service.

When dinner was finished, Mickey made his way to his room. "Before you retire for the night, young prince," a voice spoke from behind, "permit me to speak to you one thing." Mickey jumped a little and turned to meet the speaker. It was Yen Sid, who appeared to be leaning on his staff. "Sleep well tonight and sleep you must. For tomorrow will be the end of one journey and the beginning of the next. And there will be no going back."


to be continued...

This story has been inspired by the Ultimate Marvel series published by Marvel Comics.