Ultimate Disney
Issue No. 2: Once Upon a Time, Part 2
Written by Lord Akiyama
Starring Mickey Mouse
Upon opening his eyes, Mickey noticed a figure sitting on his chair at the edge of the bed. He blinked a few times and then rubbed them before making out who was in his room. The long white beard quickly hinted that it was Yen Sid.
"Good morning, young prince," the elder spoke. "Get dressed for we shall begin immediately."
"Begin what, Mr. Sid," Mickey said in a yawning tone.
"Your teachings, of course," Yen Sid answered with a smile.
As soon as Mickey got dressed, he was led out of the castle and far away from the village. Mickey felt nervous as they continued onward away from civilization. As soon as Yen Sid called for a halt, there was nothing more than endless grass and a dead tree that stood beside them. He could barely make out a silhouette of the castle in the distance.
"Michael Mouse," Yen Sid spoke. "You are the prince of The Magic Kingdom and heir to the throne your father sits upon. Do you understand the duties that is expected of you upon succeeding the king?"
"Uh, yes..." Mickey said nervously. He was unsure where the elder was going with this.
"And yet you are afraid to perform the deeds to which you were born to uphold," Yen Sid said. "How is this so, young prince?"
Mickey thought for a moment, leaning upon the dead tree as he scratched his head. "I guess..." he began to say, "... I guess it's that... I don't know if I can do them... well, do them well, you know..."
"You are afraid that you will some how perform your duties in a manner that will fall short of expectations," the elder nodded. "I see. Then it appears I have made the right decision lending my services to train you."
"Begging your pardon, sir," Mickey nervously chuckled. "What exactly will you teach me when I've learned everything there is to know?"
"Prince Michael," Yen Sid began, "there are many things you have not been taught. In fact, every individual in this world of ours will forever live and die knowing that they have not learned everything there is to be learned. For you, it appears that you lack the confidence to perform your duties. And that is what I shall teach you to achieve.
"Few know my name and who I am. I am a wizard, amongst the most powerful beings to walk the soils of this planet and beyond. Very little of us exist as we have overcome obstacles too great for others to challenge. I am considered the greatest of all to those who know of my existence. I travel all over, offering my services where they are most needed. My travels have led me here, to help you overcome your fears as ruler. Remember that your concern is with this kingdom, not the entire world.
"I believe that by training you in the arts of magic you shall gain self-confidence and achieve your destiny. From this point on, I am the master and you are the apprentice. Your title as prince is irrelevant. The path which I shall be guiding you through shall be a difficult one, but it will help you in building your confidence to overcome your fears."
As Yen Sid spoke, Mickey was awed by the presence before him. The words began to effect him in a manner he had never felt before. It was a mixture of surprise and enlightenment. When the elder finished speaking, Mickey could barely stand up straight with all that felt.
The master saw this and smiled. "I believe we have taken the first step in the right direction, my apprentice," he said. "The teachings has not ended yet. Take the staff from my hand." He extended his staff outward for Mickey to take hold. The weight forced the apprentice to hold it with both hands. "Using the staff, I want you to change this dead tree into something filled with life."
Mickey gave his master a questioned look. "But, how can I do that?" he asked. The master said nothing. Mickey kept his eyes on Yen Sid until finally he turned to the tree. He thought for a moment before aiming the head of the staff at the dead tree. For the longest moment nothing happened. Mickey sighed and looked back at his master.
"Confidence, my apprentice," the master said. "Become confident that you can complete your task."
Mickey sighed and returned to concentrating on the tree. As moments passed, he began to feel a little different. At first it seemed like frustration, waiting for either something to happen or for the master to call an end to this. But then he began to feel that he can do it. The thought that few are able to do what he is about to do began to engulf his mind. He cracked a smile at the thought of achieving something special.
Suddenly, a bright light appeared from the head of the staff and surrounded the tree. Mickey watched as the tree began to transform. Moments later, the tree was no longer there. In its place was a small puppy. It began to yelp. Mickey cheered as he leaped in the air, proud of his accomplishment. The master laughed proudly.
"Congratulations, my apprentice," Yen Sid said as he took his staff back. "You have accomplished your task of turning a dead object into something filled with life."
Mickey crept up to the puppy, who happily welcomed the attention. "Quite the cheerful little fellow," Mickey laughed as the puppy began to lick his face. "And he's so small."
"Perhaps he shall grow in size as time passes," the master said. "He is yours to keep as you were responsible for bringing him to life."
Mickey smiled as he gently held the puppy in the air with his hands. "Well then, little fellow," Mickey said to the puppy, "guess I should give you name. Boy, you're as small as Pluto." The puppy barked. "Pluto? You like that, huh?" The puppy barked again. "Then I'll name you Pluto." The puppy barked happily once more.
The master watched with amusement before he looked upward toward the sky. "The sun is about to reach the highest peak," he spoke. "Perhaps it is time to return to the castle and treat your new pet to some lunch."
"Great idea, master," Mickey said. "Come along, Pluto. I'm going to take you to your new home!"
to be continued...
This story has been inspired by the Ultimate Marvel series published by Marvel Comics.
