WE'RE BACK FOLKS! πππ
Also tomorrow is my birthday soβ¦. πππππππππ
"Huzzah!" Maverick cheered.
But before I log out and celebrate with my family. I would like to treat you all with another chapter of this story.
Also before anyone asks. No. The Nymphs may be an addition to the story. But they're not official members of the team. But they are officially members of Melody's family. Because they'll stay in Atlantica where they're free and we'll be waiting for their best from the Princess and Connor's crush. β€οΈβ€οΈ
"Awe!" Tsunami beamed.
Also since Connor is not only a variant of Aiden. He is also Sora's variant as well. Which would make Melody both Kairi and Victoria's variant. And because of this. I will introduce two important members in this chapter you are all already affiliated with. π
But before we start. Let's answer a comment.
RustyPete12: Thank you! Yeah it was a chore to ponder how I was going to write those ten rounds in the phil's cup. Considering that it was based on a video game. I'm glad to know that the parts with Medusa and the Sphinx worked. Also as for the Sea Slayer. There is more to his plot, and it's much different from Stormur. I'll tell you that. ππ
Alright! Now that we're all here!
LET'S GET DANGEROUS!
Welcome To Traverse Town!
The next day on the Stingray...
After their victory in the Olympus Coliseum. Connor dropped off the Nymphs in Atlantica and they were granted each different mermaid forms to their perspective colors. Needless to say. Daphne, Melissa and Phoebe were more than thrilled to actually have an entire ocean kingdom of friends to greet and play with. Even Ariel's sisters fell materally in love with those sweet girls.
Connor and Melody were sitting at their pilots seats while Connor drove the gummi sub and spoke with Ariel who was displayed on screen. Using Namor's terminal to call and communicate to give them a situation report.
"And are you sure you and sisters won't mind those three being in the Kingdom with you? They can be kinda free spirited and... unsophisticated." Connor said that last part nervously. Trying not to sound mean.
Judging by Ariel's smile it worked.
"Oh trust me. My sisters and I were alot worse when we were teenagers. We got things covered here." Ariel with a whimsical smile, thinking back to her teen years.
"Odds are those ladies will be adopted before we finish half of the first course." Melody remarked making Connor stiff a laugh.
"Anyhow. We're coming up upon our next gate way. So far we got one pearl shard down and nine more to go. This next world is gomma be a lot less complicated than the last. We'll let you and the others know if the situation changes." Connor finished his report. "And Your Highness? Please let my Mom know I'm doing alright."
"I'll be sure to let her know." Ariel said. "Take care, you two."
"Same to you Mommy. I love you." Melody said sweetly to her mother.
"I love you too, Sweetie." Ariel smiled and replied to Connor with a wink. "Keep an eye on her, Connor. Don't let her swim alone."
"You got it, Your Highness. She's in good hands. Maverick out." Connor ended the call and grinned at Melody. "I think the biggest challenge is trying to keep your eyes off of me."
Connor liked teasing in with flirty hints. Something he picked up from Melody who obviously has a crush and never had a reason to hide it.
"Well, you make it very difficult to look away." Melody replied with a giggle and a blush.
"Well consider that pressure eased up cause we're going to the wildest shindig in the Multiverse. Traverse Town." Connor grinned as he drove the sub towards the next vortex.
"Traverse Town, huh?" Melody said as she seemed intrigued. "What's it like?"
"Have you ever been to a circus? Carnival? Or does Denmark have like a state's fair?...Or is it a kingdom's fair?" Connor guessed trying to ask.
"I've been to a festival they held in town, if that helps." Melody said.
"Well imagine a theme park as a planet. Traverse Town is like a city theme park if Vegas and Six Flag had a illegitimate child. Folks from across the Multiverse travel and stop by that world to relax and go crazy." Connor described the place.
"So, it's a world people go to for vacation?" Melody asked.
"It's one of my favorite vacation spots. My Mom took me there twice for two of my birthdays. Once you step foot in that place. You'll never wanna leave." Connor stated looking at where he was driving.
"Ooooh. Sounds like a lot of fun! Now I'm really looking forward to going to this world." Melody said excitedly.
"Caution though. Some folk tend to bring in and carry unwanted cargo that converts the cleaning intentions into religious Hypochondriacs. So I recommend you wear some footwear to avoid receiving tetanus or something." Connor warned while pointing down at Melody's bare feet.
"Alright. I'll make sure to keep them on while we're there." Melody agreed.
"And here's to hoping the next shard is just a prize for the highest ball toss score. Or a shooting range...Or a chicken wing eating contest. But if it's in a spider house. Count me out and heading to Missouri." Connor stated guessing while humorously wondering about they're next challenge.
"So, you don't like spiders, then?" Melody asked as she was liking that she now knows a little more about her crush.
"I hate spiders." Connor deadpanned and quipped. "I like Spider-Man. But those little furry eight legged bastards are an instant anxiety trigger."
"So, what if we ever ran into any heartless that looked like giant spiders?" Melody asked curiously.
"God will kill a Kitten." Connor exhaled in a deep voice of terror at the thought. It looked funny to see his face turn a little pale.
"R-right. Here's to hoping we never run into any spider heartless." Melody muttered, trying not to giggle at Connor's funny face.
"Dios nos proteja de los embajadores de ocho patas de SatanΓ‘s!" Mini-Mav echoed from the back.
Which is Spanish for 'God protect us from Satan's eight legged ambassadors!'
"A-Frickin-Man and damn straight Mini-me!" Connor yelled back before he activated the hyper drive.
Then the Stingray was now about to ride through another wild vortex ride that will lead them into Traverse Town. Which is much more easier on a gummi ship.
"Here we go again!" Melody said, anticipating the wild ride through the wormhole.
And just like that. The Strinway zoomed through another vortex ride. Ending with the same results but towards a new world.
Yesterday at Disney City...
Inside the Disney Palace, Emperor Mickey's Personal Wizard, Donald Duck, was walking down the hall, passing five walking brooms holding buckets. All was going well at the palace. Not a side of trouble or any worries whatsoever. All thanks to the rule of Emperor Mickey Mouse.
Donald was wore a black wizards hat with the tip of the hat curling into a diamond shape, and black and gold wizard robes.
Donald eventually stopped in front of a set of giant doors, leading to the throne room. He cleared his throat and knocked a few times on the door. And a smaller, regular sized door opened from part of the left door. Donald walked through the door and into the throne room.
The throne room was huge, with marble columns and a red carpet spreading from the doors to the throne.
"Good morning, Your Majesty." Donald greeted as he walked up to a throne, with a large banner hanging above it. The banner had a mouse shaped emblem on it.
"It's nice to see you this morn-" Donald started, but stopped when he noticed the throne was empty. "WHAT?!"
Donald then noticed Pluto, Mickey's loyal dog, stepped out from behind the throne. Donald noticed Pluto had a letter with the Emperor's seal on it.
Donald took the letter from Pluto and started reading it. When he was finished reading, he blinked a few times before reacting accordingly.
"WAAAAAAAAK!" Donald screamed in panic as he ran out of the throne room and down the hall.
Donald ran all the way down to the palace gardens and towards the castle shaped shrubbery bush at the center. There laid Goofy, Emperor Mickey's most loyal knight, sleeping in a bed of flowers, wearing his armor. And content.
This was how Donald found Goofy as he ran up to him.
"Wake up, Goofy, wake up! This is serious!" Donald exclaimed, trying to wake the sleeping knight. But Goofy just continued to sleep. Frustrated that he wasn't budging, Donald pointed to the sky. "Waaaaak!"
*ZAP!*
"Woah!" Goofy yelped and leaped off the ground before landing on his back, having just been hit with a weak thunder spell.
Goofy sat up a moment later as he rubbed out the sleep from his eyes before noticing Donald and smiling.
"Hey there, Donald. G'morning." Goofy greeted, but Donald was still frantic.
"We've got a problem, Goofy!" Donald exclaimed before lowering his voice slightly. "But don't tell anyone..."
"Hmm?" Goofy perked up, looking awake now. "Empress Minnie?"
"Not even the Empress." Donald said sternly with his arms on his hips.
"Daisy?" Goofy asked while tilting his head.
"Nooo!" Donald snapped before leaning in. "It's top secret!"
Goofy just looked over Donald's shoulder and smiled.
"G'morning, ladies!" Goofy called out, making Donald blink.
"Wha-?" Donald said as he slowly turned around to see Empress Minnie and Donald's fiancee, Daisy, standing a few feet away, looking at them expectantly. It was obvious they heard everything Donald said.
"Hehehehehehe." Donald chuckled nervously, knowing that the jig was up, and would have to tell them what he learned.
Later on at the throne room...
When Donald explained the situation to everyone in the throne room. He was reluctant to tell on account of how secretive Emperor Mickey was with the message he sent. Here was in the letter.
'Donald. Sorry to rush off without sayin' goodbye. But there's big trouble brewin'. Not sure why. But the stars have been blinking out, one by one. And that means disaster can't be far behind. I hate to leave you all but I've gotta go check into it. There's someone with a "Key". Or rather an independent warrior calling himself "The Maverick." The only one with a jurisdiction of having no bounds to the world order. Which works in our favor. This Maverick could be the key to our survival. So I need you and Goofy to find him, and stick with him. Got it? We need that key or we're doomed! So go to Traverse Town and find Cor Leonis. He'll point you in the right direction.' 'P.S. Would apologize to Minnie for me? Thanks, pal.'
The letter ended with the Emperor's Insignia. After Donald read the letter to Empress Minnie and Lady Daisy. They both were worried for the Emperor and what this could all mean.
"Oh, Dear! What could this mean?" Daisy asked.
The Empress frowned and stated. "It means we just have to trust the Emperor."
"Gawrsh, I sure hope he's all right." Goofy said concerned for his best friend and Emperor.
Donald looked to the Empress.
"Don't worry, Your Majesty. We'll find the Emperor and this 'Maverick.'" Donald promised.
"Thank you. Both of you." Empress Minnie gave a sad smile.
Donald then turned to his beloved.
"Daisy, can you take care of the..." Donald almost asked if she were up to looking after things here. Like the Empress.
"Of course. You take care, now, both of you." Daisy assured her boyfriend.
"Oh, and to chronicle your travels, he will accompany you." The Empress gestured to the desk.
Donald couldn't see anyone there. Untilβ¦. "Down here!" Donald could see a cricket in a tux and top hat with an umbrella trying to get his attention.
"Cricket's the name. Jiminy Cricket at your service." Jiminy introduced himself with a bow.
"We hope for your safe return. Please, help the Emperor." Empress Minnie told them both.
Donald nodded to The Empress, Lady Daisy, and Goofy, who saluted him, acting so brave, so noble, so... Wait a minute.
"You're coming, too!" Donald snapped as he pulled and dragged Goofy away with him.
Talk about loyal obliviousness. But still. Donald and Goofy were both capable of handling this job. They have proved it before in the past.
Going down to the King's Gummi ship hangerβ¦
Donald and Goofy, along with Jiminy, who was riding on top of Goofy's helmet, were making their way down to the Emperor's Gummi hanger by way of a stone spiral staircase, with Donald in front. In order to travel the multiverse without an effect of cosmic anomalies and dimensional distortions. You would need a gummi ship to do it properly.
"Gawrsh Jiminy, your world disappeared, too?" Goofy asked the cricket as they continued down the stairs.
"It was terrible. We were scattered." Jiminy explained how he came to the palace. "And as far as I can see, I'm the only one who made it to this palace."
"Goofy?" Donald asked a silent question.
"Oh, right..." Goofy responded. "I gotcha. You mean while we're in other worlds, we can't let on where we're from, huh? We've gotta protect the world border."
"Order." Donald corrected with an eye roll.
"Right. World order. Ah hoo hoo hoo HOO!" Goofy chuckled.
"Haaa." Donald sighed in exasperation.
A minute later, they were walking towards a crown shaped door.
"Ooh. I guess we'll need new dudes when we get there." Goofy said aloud.
Once they made it down to the gummi hanger
Donald, Goofy, and Jiminy made it pass the entrance, which was huge, with a staircase. As two giant robotic gloved hands were moving about from the ceiling, and a gummi ship was at the center of the hanger. And at one end of the hanger, was the control room, where the launch crew were. Donald walked over to a pipe shaped speaker and started speaking into it.
"Hello up there? Donald duck to launch crew! Anytime you're ready." Donald called out.
In the control room were two chipmunks, Chip and Dale. Both were wearing engineering attire. Chip saluted to Donald's words while Dale ran over and pulled a lever. Steam came from several machines and the two hands reached down and picked up both Donald and Goofy, both being carried to the Gummi ship upside down. Which Donald wasn't amused about.
A moment later, Pluto ran into the hangar and leaped into the Gummi ship. A Mickey shaped hanger door opened, with a runway on the other side. The Gummi ship was rotated to face towards the pathway. Down below, Empress Minnie and Daisy walked into the hanger to see them off. Daisy looked up at Donald who could be seen in the cockpit window. He gave a thumbs up and a wink to Daisy before starting the engines.
"Blast off!" Donald exclaimed, pointing towards the hanger door.
Only for a down arrow to appear in their view, and a hole in the floor opened up, making the Gummi ship fall through. This was not how Either Donald or Goofy thought the launch would go.
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAK!" Donald screamed.
"YAAAAAAAA-HOO-HOO-HOO-HOOOOEY!" Goofy screamed also as the gummi ship fell.
Once the ship fell at a great distance from their world, the Gummi ship is seen falling out of the bottom of the world. And with that said , the engines finally revved up, and the Gummi ship sped off into the stars, and across the Multiverse.
Back over on the Stingray...
After yet another wild ride across the Gateway Vortex. The Stingray came to a stop at the ocean below Traverse Town. Needless to say. Just like last time. Melody enjoyed the thrill ride while Connor was vexed and in shock yet again. His eyes were wide and blood shot while his teeth gritted and while his hands gripped the ship's controls.
Connor had figured that this ride may have probably would've been a lot easier to handle than last time. Like maybe a rough drive across a canyon. But boy he was wrong. This was a different kind of terror thrill ride. This time it was inconsistent.
Melody giggled before doing what she did before. She walked over and sat on his lap, then she wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him before pulling her lips away with a grin.
"Am I gonna have to do this every time we go through one of these gateways?" Melody mused as she lightly swayed her bare feet while on Connor's lap.
Connor was still frozen in shock after that first kiss. He gave a slight tiny squeaky shriek. Mini-Mav walked over and pondered looking at Connor.
"I think Padre needs a double! No triple dose of medicine!" Mini-Mav declared as he winked up at Melody.
"Guess that answers my question." Melody chirped before she kissed him again, this time, more passionately than the last kiss.
Connor blinked a few times as his eyes closed and he kissed her back passionately. In the back of his mind he wondered how she practiced for a kiss this genuine. Or is she just a natural born kisser? Probably got it from her mother. After they're lips separated. Connor and Melody took a breath. And then Connor looked confused.
"Remind me again what the hell just happened? And how did you get in my bedroom?...And when did my bedroom look like the Twizzlers factory?" Connor asked that last question while looking around.
Melody scoffed and patted his left cheek. "You lazy Bum. We were swimming towards our next destination, remember?" She said with feminine wit.
"Weirdly no. I don't remember anything past second grade." Connor remarked while he pretended to think.
Then Melody pecked his lips. "Do you remember that?* She asked smugly.
"Sorry I blinked. Can we start over?" Connor teased.
Melody giggled and rolled her eyes at that before she kissed him again. After a minute, she pulled away slightly.
"Better?" Melody asked.
"Much better. Now here's my payment with interest." Connor quipped as he kissed her passionately.
While leaning forward. Looking like one of those couples from films when they kissed. Because this kiss was good and hard. Then when he pulled away he was sure he left Melody in a blissful daze.
"How would you rate that doze, Seahorse?" Connor smirked.
"I would say a ten." Melody said in a slight daze.
"Nice. But I gotta say. You're so cute that even the cats get rich after sharing pics of you." Connor remarked while he stood up with her.
This comment made Melody blush hard. "Oh, cut it out." Melody whined with a cute pout, not helping her case at all
"Oooh. Is that your trigger word?" Connor teased playfully as they went down the steps.
"Yeah, just like spiders are yours." Melody teased good naturedly.
"That would have an affect if I were one. Or if I were dating one." Connor deadpanned as they made it to the lounging room of the lower deck.
Then...
*BOOM!*
Mini-Mav crashed through a wall. Making them jump as Mini-Mav was seen holding a TV in his tiny hands.
"PADRE YOU GOTTA SEE THIS!" Mini-Mav screamed in excitement. "There's an emergency broadcast on my TV!"
Then a commercial played showing an emergency broadcast logo. But it really wasn't. It was a commercial for Traverse Town's newest ride.
"The moment you've been waiting for is finally here!" The TV announcer spoke as the commercial displayed the park with the world's largest roller coaster. "That's right! Traverse Town has a new ride!"
"IT'S BIG!" A deep voice announced a title. While showing the ride going up nearly to the edge of space before going down with people screaming.
"IT'S FAST!" A deep voice announced with the title flashing. Before showing a couple screaming as the ride goes very fast.
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" They scream before the man falls off the ride with the woman screaming. "HAROLD NOOOO!"
"IT'S CHAOTICALLY PAINFUL!" A deep voice announced with titles as the roller coaster shows the ride going down with an explosion at the end.
"IT'S 'THE FLAMING TWISTED WARMONGER!' IT BRINGS CHAOS AND THRILLING WAR TO YOUR INNER SOUL!" The deep voice showed the ride's title. "Now open in Traverse Town."
Then the commercial ended.
"WE GOTTA RIDE IT! The best part is THEY DON'T GIVE TWO SHITS ABOUT MY SIZE! WOOHOOOOOO!" Mini-Mav dropped the TV and ran for the exit.
"I smell popcorn!" Dug ran after Mini-Mav like a happy dog.
Connor was at a loss after seeing the commercial. And the fact that Mini-Mav knocked down a wall with his small size.
"What the hell did I just see?" Connor inquired.
"Probably, the coolest ride ever built!" Melody exclaimed excitedly. "We've gotta check out that ride!"
Given that Connor went through a vortex that looked a thousand times scarier and wilder than the ride in the commercial. He was actually on board. But also kinda bored by it. Melody on the other hand was hyped because she never experienced a ride like that before. And given her free spirited nature. She's on board for anything exciting.
"Well if you're excited then- Woa!-" Connor was pulled as Melody dragged him down towards the exit.
"What are we waiting for then!?" Melody exclaimed happily as she ran and pulled Connor towards the exit as if she was an excited little girl who couldn't wait to open her birthday gifts, the sound of her bare feet running on the metal floor reverberating off the walls. "C'mon you slowpoke. We don't have all day!"
"Technically- Woah hey slow down! The sun barely shines in Traverse Town! It's too bright to see the sky!" Connor said while stumbling towards the Stingray exit hatch.
"Then we don't have all night! Now move it!" Melody exclaimed as she kept running and pulling Connor along.
"Felicity, activate the ground bridge before she slams me into a wall!" Connor exclaimed as he was still being pulled.
'Activating Ground bridge.' Felicity stated as she targeted Dug. Mini-Mav. Melody and Connor. 'Have a nice day. Hope everyone survives the thrill.'
And then the ground bridge teleported everyone up to the surface in Traverse Town.
Up at the First District of Traverse Town...
Connor. Melody. Dug. And Mini-Mav appeared in an alley near the First District of Traverse town. This area serves as an entrance district for incoming and new arrivals coming to visit the thrilling town. And this time Melody was wearing her sandals with her keyblader outfit, for this occasion to blend in with the crowd. Connor and Melody walked out of the ally with Dug running out of the alley. And Mini-Mav walking while holding Melody's hand like a toddler holding his Mom's hand.
"Woah..." Melody marveled at how the town looked.
As they were currently standing in the first district. Melody could see It was huge in the entry town. There were two lamp posts with three lights on each one. To their left was a cafe with tables set up outside. To their right, there was the entrance to the seventh district, where all the big rides were. Right next to the cafe was a souvenir shop. And up the steps was the jewelry shop, with the entrance to another district behind it.
Dug was wagging his tail while standing and panting while looking around.
"And to think. I was too short to reach the mailbox the first time I was here." Connor remarked as he looked around. "Most of the folks who come here are from all over the Multiverse. But they always manage to keep a secret by keeping their Paparazzi's eyes and ears down in the dirt where it belongs and away from this place."
"Paparazzi?" Melody asked, never having heard that word before.
"It's someone or anyone freelance and obsessed to think their lives depend on taking pictures of everything and anything a famous person does." Connor explained. "I just use that term as an expression for anyone who is obsessed with spilling a story for the local newspaper. And trust me. My home world has a lot of them. Even Spider-Man had to work with em for a living when he was young.
"So, to sum it up, they're a bunch of snoopy people who make a living by getting in everyone's business?" Melody surmised.
"Mhm. And believe me, if your world had em. You'd be in their hall of fame. Or in this case. Hall of infamy." Connor answered.
"Enough gossip ladies! Take a look around and bask in All that is in your vicinity!" Mini-Mav held his arms out behelding Traverse Town.
"Ooh. I'm Basking. I'm Basking at everything!" Dug beamed while wagging his tail.
"Any who. We are at the first of seven districts. Here is where guests wait to get signed in. Especially to grab a bagel and coffee while they wait! And souvenirs!" Mini-Mav declared.
"I'd call those districts the Seven Wonders, but planet earth and Twilight Town stole that title." Connor remarked and said while holding up a golden card. "Luckily for us I still have a lifetime pass. You're included for being a guest. And by that I mean children get in for free."
"Excuse me, Mr. But you're not that much older than me yourself." Melody scolded playfully. "Unless you're secretly an old man."
"If he was, he'd get the senior discount!" Mini-Mav commented.
"I'm just saying Cutie. If you haven't reached sweet thirteen. You're still in the minors society." Connor teased back while they were walking up to the accessory store/ ticket booth.
While knowing 'cute' can get on Melody's nerves. But what Melody doesn't know is one fact. The fact that Connor likes to tease and get on Melody's nerves is living proof that Connor has a crush on her.
"Would you stop calling me cute!?" Melody whined in a cute exclaim.
"Alright alright. I may be a deranged maniac. But I'm not a sadist." Connor remarked as he held the door open to the accessory shop for Melody. "After you Cutie." He teased again.
Melody just pouted cutely and huffed as stomped on his shoe. Though he didn't even feel it and just smirked as she walked inside.
The accessory shop was pretty decent inside. Especially with a lounging area. A fireplace. A mural of the night sky and jewelry on display by the counter. And behind the counter was an old man with a red cap and a brown jacket wiping the counter with a rag. This guy's name was Cid Sophiar.
"Yo Cid! What up!" Connor walked up and greeted the old man.
"Well drown my stars! How ya doin Mav! I didn't know it was yer birthday already!" Cid beamed seeing him.
"Poor guy can't even tell what time it is by the microwave." Mini-Mav muttered.
"Not today, Grease Palmer. I'm on some important Keyblader business. And I need to get access into the park." Connor stated ss he laid his pass down on the counter. "Brought this with me. And a guest."
"Hi. I'm Melody." Melody greeted with a wave.
"Well, it's nice to meet ya young lady." Cid greeted with a tip of his hat before addressing Connor. "I'm gonna take a wild guess and say you being here has something to do with the worlds disappearing."
"Worlds disappearing?" Melody said before Connor could reply. "What are you talking about?"
"Y'all haven't heard? I reckon the short lines to the ticket booths today shoulda rang yer bells. Anyway, folk from around the Multiverse are showin up all over places like Radiant Garden. Twilight Town. Altissia. Insomnia. Even the residential distinct lookin fer shelter. They've been evacuated when their worlds fell into darkness. And now they all barley have a place to stay." Cid told them what was all over the news.
"Damn." Connor was thunderstruck to hear that.
"That's terrible." Melody said while looking the same. "How is this happening?"
"No one knows. I reckon it has somthin to do with the Heartless. Or somethin lookin in the darkness. Luckily our town hasn't had any invasions from any such things. So we're doin what we can to keep the parks open while providin shelter for those poor folk." Cid stated and accepted Connor's pass into the entry computer before handing the pass back to Connor. "Y'all are free to enter. And if you need a ride. Be sure to visit my Granddaughter Cindy. She runs a Gummi Ship mechanic shop near the hotel."
"We'll keep that in mind, thanks Cid." Connor answered. and gestured for Melody, Mini-Mav and Dug to follow. "Come on Mel. We got one more stop to make before we can hit the rides."
"R-right." Melody said, a bit worried about what's been going on.
As they were walking out and heading up the steps towards the gate to the second district. Connor noticed how worried Melody looked.
"It's gonna be alright, Mel. Don't you worry." Connor assured her.
"How can I not worry?! Several worlds apparently already disappeared. What if the same thing happens to my world? Or yours?" Melody responded as she displayed her concern and fear.
"Hey hey. You listen to me. It won't happen." Connor turned to Melody looking serious.
"How would you know that!?" Melody argued.
"Your grandfather's trident! It serves as a cornerstone for your home world. And now your Mom has it. My world has a cornerstone of its own. With them the Heartless or anything from the dark realm can't enter." Connor stated firmly and took hold of Melody's shoulders. "And we're the Guardians of the Depths. So let's guard the ones we can for now. The ones who can't defend themselves. And find the pearl shard in this world. Alright?"
Melody didn't say anything right away, but instead her lip quivered and immediately latched onto Connor, hugging him hard, which he returned as well. They stayed like that for a few moments as Melody felt safe in his arms.
"Thank you." Melody finally answered before she pulled away from the hug, with a small smile on her face showing that she still trusts Connor.
Connor really cared about Melody's concern and her feelings. And hearing the news about the stars going out, he couldn't blame her for worrying. But they had a job to get ahead of Attuma by finding these Pearl shards. Even Mini-Mav and Dug showed concerns
"You're welcome. Let's go inside." Connor gently took her hand as they walked up to the main gates of the second District.
Meanwhile, Donald and Goofy had just entered Traverse Town from the main entrance. Donald was wearing a modified version of his old black sailor suit. Complete with the vest and hat. And with zippers in several places.
While Goofy was wearing a modified version of his classic attire. Which consisted of an orange turtleneck sweater with a black sleeveless sweater, some blue jeans pants and brown sneakers with steel toes.
(To put it plainly. It's the same outfits they wear in the Kingdom Hearts games. Just alternate colors.)
Inside the Second District......
Once the Guardians entered the Second District. Melody smiled in awe looking around at how beautiful the buildings looked with their red roof tops and perfect blend of beige and other colors. The second District was considered the theme park world's strip mall. On the right side were a variety of shops and franchises that are from around the Multiverse.
Certain special business men make extra money by getting involved with selling merchandise and expanding their franchises without violating the world order. All in all they can't let anyone in other worlds know that they sell in other worlds. While in the middle was a nicely colored stone walkway going from left to right with a ramp going down to where everyone brought their dogs to go play in over by a fountain connected to the back wall.
This fountain had a mural of the stars connected to it. While on the left side was a hotel building with a neon sign that said 'Leville Hotel'. Most of the people there were enjoying their time in traverse town. As if the stars were not going out. Either they were unaware or Traverse Town is good at taking their minds off of their problems.
The music playing from the speakers was just a soft track to brighten everyone's day. And Dug looked excited to go play with the other dogs.
"Oh boy! My brethren have seized this world!" Dug beamed while parking happily and panting while looking back at Connor for permission. "Master can I-"
"Knock yourself out Dug. We'll just be next door if you need to find us." Connor answered for Dug allowing him to go play with the other dogs.
"Oh I'm so excited we're gonna play! And then we'll conquer the world with our cuteness!" Dug exclaimed happily as he ran off to play with the other dogs.
The other dogs took to him running and barking around while sniffing each other's butts.
"And there he goes." Connor remarked before looking at Mel and gestured. "Come on, Mel. I have someone over at the hotel I need to talk to."
"Right. Lead the way." Melody said as the two began walking towards the hotel.
Connor led Melody and Mini-Mav over to the Leville Hotel and they went inside towards the front desk while Melody admired the decor inside. Especially since each room had a different color door and wall around it. Connor was about to ring the bell for service but Mini-Mav hopped up on the desk and beat him to it by ringing the bell for him.
Connor gave him a look because of it. Then an old man with a cane. White shirt and a beige striped top vest and matching pants and brown shoes came over to behind the desk. This man's head white hair on both sides of his head with a bald top and a bushy mustache. His name was Jared Hester
"Ah! Mr Ramsay! I didn't expect you to be here so soon. Don't tell me. You're world disappeared too." Jared greeted as he guessed why Connor was there.
"Not quite Jared. I'm dealing with a different kind of cosmic sea sickness that only a keyblade can handle." Connor answered with a hint.
"Ah well. I'm still the eyes and ears for the park around here. Who and what are you looking for?" Jared asked as he was willing to offer info.
Jared isn't just an old guy that runs the hotel. He is also the eyes and ears of all the guests and business that comes into Traverse Town. If Connor needs to be pointed into the right direction. Jared is the man with the finger...And not in the gross way that sounds.
"You wouldn't happen to have seen one of these enter the park, have you?" Connor asked as he placed the pearl shard on the desk. Jared picked it up and looked at it. Melody remained silent while Connor did all of the talking. Jared got a good look at it and realized when he saw it. "As a matter of fact I actually sae something like this come in last week. On the front of a tropical gem necklace they're offering up as a prize in one of many games an theme park activities around the districts." Jared stated as he handed the shared back to Connor. "Which one exactly?" Connor asked.
"I'm afraid I'm not sure. Everyday they switch certain prizes around marked for a daily shift in activities. That shard could be in many of the prizes around the place. But I do know where it was on the night before last. Talk to Gladiolus over by the Strength Tester in the third district plaza. He oughta know where the shard is now." Jared spoke as he gave Connor the info he needed. "But don't be in too much of a hurry. The Third District isn't open until another thirty minutes or less."
"Strength Tester?" Connor inquired. "What happened to Ivan? He always runs that course?"
Jared looked down and made a cross gesture as a respect for the dead. Which made Melody and Connor cringe.
"Jesus. Well. Thanks for the info, Jared. We'll take our time around number two until number three opens its gates." Connor nervously stated as he was getting ready to leave.
"You're welcome my Boy. Oh and if you need a night to rest. I have your suite still on reserve. The housekeeping staff kept it clean for you." Jared informed with a kind smile as he waved goodbye.
"Did they find my secret stash?!" Mini-Mav asked Jared.
"You don't have a secret stash." Connor deadpanned.
"***k me! My cover's blown!" Mini-Mav exclaimed as they left.
"Um, if he did have a secret stash, what would it be of?" Melody asked looking curious.
"Do you value you're innocent perspective of the world?" Connor inquired.
"Yeah?" Melody answered as she wasn't sure why he asked.
"Then trust me on this. You don't wanna know. Mini-Mav, tell her. You shouldn't have told me but you did. And now I'm tell you, you don't wanna know." Connor gave an elaborate and specific answer.
Once they left the subject as well as walking out of the hotel. Dug ran back up panting as he licked on Melody's face making her laugh a bit from his excitement to see them back.
"Master! Master's mate, you're back! Did you miss me?! I missed you! I thought I'd never see you again even though I was happy anyway. And it was just five minutes!" Dug panted.
Before Melody could answer. They passed by a large white house connected to the gizmo shop. Which Melody was curious about.
"Ah. I remember this place. The kids call it the house of Dalmatians. Home of many lost Dalmatians puppies who were rescued across the world and brought here." Mini-Mav revealed while he sounded like a tour guide.
Melody gasped looking horrified to hear these puppies were lost. She had always been an animal lover.
"Ohh, those poor puppies." Melody said, sad for the puppies. "How many are there?"
"Mini-Mav told only a quarter and a half of the full story. More like a censored version. Fifteen of those puppies were born, stolen. Then ninety nine of those puppies were bought." Connor started.
"Huh?" Melody tilted her head in confusion.
"Unfortunately those ninety nine were bought by a deranged rich British lady who had a fetish for fur coats." Connor added.
Melody gasped even louder, horrified by that. As an animal lover, she was always opposed to clothes made from the deaths of animals, and hearing that there was a deranged woman who loved fur coats and owned ninety nine innocent puppies...
"That's..." Melody whispered before there was a bit of anger in her gaze. "How could anyone want to do that to innocent little puppies?"
"Let me put it to you this way. If Satan was a female version of Ross Dress For Less. Her name would be Cruella Deville. Also the true owner of these dogs had a good taste in the soundtrack but I digress. Needless to say the two parents of the fifteen puppies, Pongo and Perdita went off on their own and rescued them. And brought the ninety-nine with them. Because of the large number of puppies. Pongo's owner Roger Radcliffe and his wife Anita, moved everyone in this large place." Connor gestured to the Dalmatian house.
"So, they're all safe, right?" Melody said, hoping he'll say she was right. "The devil woman can't get to them, can she?"
"Hell yeah and hell nah. The Radcliffes made a sponsor deal for his music production products in exchange for a place to live along with all the puppies. As for The Devil Lady. She's serving time in the Landon Asylum. Assuming it's nothing like the horror games on PlayStation, I'm sure she's still there, and worlds away and oblivious of where her dream coat went." Connor answered.
"Oh. Thank goodness for that." Melody said with a loud sigh of relief.
"Amen. Now do you wanna go meet them or keep posing for the tile grout?" Connor offered with a quip. (Your turn)
"What are we doing standing around here for!? Let's go!" Melody said while dragging Connor along with her to the front door.
Connor stumbled a bit as he went up to the door and used his pass card to purchase a chance to go in. Due to the owners out for the day doing music business. There was a security guard inside and a couple of toddlers inside kids playing with puppies over by the visitors room. Which resembled a playroom. Dug ran in to join.
*Inside the Dalmatians House...*
"Oh boy! Minors and pets humans!" Dug barked as he ran in to join. The puppies were excited to see Dug. For the safety of the house and residents.
Visitors were only allowed in the visitors room. But due to Connor's special VIP pass. He was allowed to bring Melody into the family room. Which was filled with the first fifteen and Pongo who was resting by the fireplace with his mate Perdita. The parents panted as Connor entered in with Melody who's eyes lit up seeing the first fifteen everywhere.
"One thing I should point out. If you wonder why all these puppies are still young. Moving into this world affected their aging process, including everyone who came with them, causing them to not age at all. Luckily for them that shifted back to normal last week." Connor added as one of the puppies toddled up to him barking at a high pitch and tripped a bit as he stopped and panted happily up at Connor.
"Arf arf!" the little puppy barked happily.
"Hey...Fidget. How's it goin Bud? Do you still got those jelly legs? Better get those solid." Connor greeted as be bent down and made a baby tone before looking at Melody. "I forget which one is the first born. But this one's Fidget. He tends to trip on his own feet more than the president."
"Awe! They're all so cute! Hi Fidget Melody cooed, dropping to her knees in front of Fidget who came over and licked her face making her giggle as she held him.
Then several puppies came over and started to climb on her as she pet them.
"Hi there! Oh, you are all so precious!" Melody laughed as she gave them all kisses and hugs.
"Easy kids. Don't suffocate her. That's Padre's job." Mini-Mav eased before one of the puppies tackled him and started biting at his arm, making him cry out. "Blow the whistle! Blow the whistle!" While he tries to get him off.
This puppy had a patch over his right eye. Thus his name.
Connor came over and he pulled the puppy off while he growled a bit and panted up at Connor looking glad to see him. While he narrowed his eyes skeptically at Melody.
"This one's Patch. for obvious reasons. He leaves every wrong visitor with patches and a trip to ER." Connor remarked as he held Patch up to Melody. "Also Mini-Mav played with his favorite ball not knowing it was private. He still hasn't forgiven him."
Oh, I bet he's just a big softy." Melody said, holding her hand out to Patch to sniff. He sniffed for a moment before Patch panted and jumped on Melody as she held him and the puppy snuggled up to her. "See? He's a sweetie."
"Oh if you want the biggest. Take Rolly over there." Connor pointed at the fat Rolly, puppy who was busy eating from an open bag of dog food.
"Where did he get those muscles?" Mini-Mav said in awe.
"Oh, it's not fair. They're all so adorable." Melody cooed before going over to Rolly, giving him a belly rub. "I just want to take them all home with me. But I know I can't."
"Woah! clear the road!" Connor backed up seeing a puppy almost pee near his shoes. Melody backed away as she saw little Whizzer marking his territory in a corner. Thus where he got the name from. Drinking before bed, must be a nightmare for the others. "That's Whizzer. Do I even need to say why?"
"I think I get the gist." Melody said while looking at the little guy.
Then Melody felt a tug at her pants as a tiny cute puppy was using his tiny teeth to bite at her pants, whining for attention. They both looked down as Connor recognized him.
"That's Lucky. The youngest. You better pick him up before he makes war rations out of your pants." Connor playfully advised.
Lucky always took to new people. Especially with pretty faces and soft voices like what Melody has.
"Oh, hello Lucky." Melody cooed as she picked the puppy up. "We'll, you're quite the playful one, aren't you?"
"Yeah he's got more heart and vigor than the others. Cause he's a true survivor. Lucky was dead for almost a few minutes after birth and everyone almost gave up. But Roger managed to circulate his nerves and suddenly he woke back up. Thus the name Lucky." Connor told Lucky's back story.
Lucky lightly licked on Melody's face before snuggling up against her. Melody heard the story while rocking him gently in her arms.
"Oh, poor baby." Melody cooed down at the puppy in her arms. "I'm so glad your owner never gave up on you."
As Melody was admiring all the puppies. She noticed how some of the pups were looking as if they were being cautious at first when she picked up Lucky. But they eased up. The puppies were all very protective over Lucky because he's the youngest of the first fifteen.
"Yeah kinda reminds of another small but tough fighter. I used to have Asthma." Connor pointed out and snickered. "There was a time I wouldn't have been caught dead in a house like this."
"That's so sad. I don't know if I could live if I was unable to be cuddled up with all these puppies." Melody said, looking down at the cute little puppies.
"Wow. Having Asthma is alright, but not having puppies is hell on Earth." Connor playfully and sarcastically snorted with his arms crossed.
"You're darn right, it is." Melody said dramatically.
"Whooo. Baby's got spice." Mini-Mav teased. "Alec Baldwin was right."
Connor scoffed with his arms crossed.
"The other of the ninety-nine are around here...Somewhere." Mini-Mav tried to declare.
"They're all over the house. Plus the collars are trackers in case they try to wander off." Connor added.
"So, they can be found again." Melody realized as she looked down at the puppies. "Does Dug have something like that on his collar?"
"His collar is also a shock collar!" Mini-Mav held his finger up.
"No it's not." Connor deadpanned."I don't own a basement."
"What does having a basement have to do with a shock collar?" Melody asked while looking confused.
"Be glad you never lived in the ghetto." Connor answered.
"That doesn't answer my question. But now I think I don't want to know." Melody said with a touch of hesitancy, thinking that ignorance was best at this point.
"Sorry. My Dad had a rough history being a cop. Before moving to Destiny Islands he lived in the rough parts of Chicago." Connor told as Patch wandered up to Connor's arms when he sat down with Melody.
He figured before setting out to find the shard. He should take the time to talk and prepare himself.
"How bad was it?" Melody asked as she continued petting the puppies around her.
"Let's just say my family from his side were victims of Racism. Being black in a metropolitan city tends to leave marks. But needless to say black kids around my age would take advantage of those scars and use it to manipulate all of the uneducated and naive parts of society. And spread it like the plague." Connor protested as he rubbed Patch who snuggled against him.
"That's awful." Melody said, disgusted by that. "To be treated so poorly just because of the color of your skin. It's unforgivable."
"It all traces back to when they were being taken as slaves. But what they don't understand is that generation passed and these new kids. Black folk tend to force a sense of superiority and attack anyone that doesn't display the same thing. My dad had to deal with folks like that around the Marquette and Wolcott. One of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago. Not to mention the folks who were causing crime against black folk were black folk." Connor stated.
"My Gosh." Melody got out with a bitter taste in her mouth at the information she just heard.
"My Dad managed to make enough money working for the Soldier Field. It's the name of a football stadium. And he got a scholarship and moved to Destiny Islands. In hopes of an easier life and where the fresh air doesn't smell like blood and engine exhaust." Connor said while he was scratching behind Patch's ear.
"And it was, right?" Melody asked as she hoped that Connor's father got what he wanted out of moving to Destiny Islands.
"Yeah. For the most part. After he graduated. He took into becoming a cop in hopes to keep the neighborhood safe. Even if the Islands were a total u-turn from what his childhood home use to be like." Connor answered.
"From the sound of it, Destiny Islands was the fifth layer of Heaven compared to his old home." Melody surmised.
"It was everyone's fifth layer of heaven. But after I found out who my Mom was. The day I met her. In the world she came from...The world I came from. Well...I never wanted to leave." Connor while looking forward thinking about his past.
"Because your mom's world was the world of all your favorite heroes." Melody said with a smirk.
"Well...Yeah! Guilty! Hang me. But hell that's not the only reason. The biggest reason was because I was chosen." Connor held his hand out and summoned his keyblade.
"Because you had an obligation to protect." Melody surmised.
"And I had to go through some hard ass training. Work out with controlling my powers until my knuckles bled or until I became the top Mav Man you've seen in action. Whichever came first." Connor answered.
"And having several heroes as your teachers probably didn't hurt." Melody said before smirking jokingly. "Or maybe it did, if they hit you hard enough."
"Nah. They went easy on me. Or at least they're the definition of easy." Connor remarked.
'Attention guests. The third district is now open.' They heard outside.
Connor checked the time on the grandfather clock and saw that it was time to go find the Strength Tester game.
"Alright. Back to the Guardian biss. Let's roll Mel." Connor stood up and sat Patch down. "See you later buddy. Keep biting anyone that gets on the wrong end of Lucky."
"Arf arf!" Patch barked and panted happily.
"It's been fun meeting you and the others. Take care Lucky." Melody cooed while petting Lucky before she set him back down on the floor.
Then Connor Melody and his two companions Dug and Mini-Mav left the Dalmatians house and entered through the gates of the third district.
Meanwhile entering in from the entry gates of the first district. Donald and Goofy walked out among the shopping areas of the second District. Focused on finding Cor Leonis as the King mentioned in the letter. Whoever he is. The Disney Duo hoped to find him soon so they could find this 'Maverick'. Goofy passed by a hat shop and looked inside looking interested. He does tend to lose focus and act Goofy.
"Oooh. Say Donald?! Are ya interest in buyin a new hat?!" Goofy called out while Donald was still walking ahead.
"Not now, Goofy! We gotta find that key!" Donald snapped back as he kept walking.
Since Goofy's hat was old and worn out. He saw a nice one on display. He really wanted it. And then a thought came to him as he saw a certain pink dress hat that looked similar to what Lady Daisy wanted. The one gift Donald wouldn't be caught dead on his next date without.
"I think I saw the hat Daisy asked for. Ya know, the one that was sold out all over town." Goofy alerted.
Which peaked Donald's interest as he zoomed over to Goofy.
"Really?!" Donald's eyes lit up.
"Uh huh. Look." Goofy pointed inside.
Which definitely exactly was the hat Daisy wanted. And Donald could never go through his next date with Daisy, without having that hat. He was practically going Jingle All The Way looking for that hat for weeks.
"Oh Boy!" Donald exclaimed happily before he grabbed Goofy and pulled him towards the entrance. "Come on Goofy! We got some shopping to do!"
Goofy chuckled as he went in with Donald. Which is a shopping spree that will either end really short or the total opposite due to Goofy being modest about which hat to choose. Even if he already knows which hat to buy.
Down at the Third District...
The Third District was lit up like a Plaza with many streams of colors that would change due to the lights. Colors like blue, purple and red and yellow. And around this area was structured like a plasa with a golden fountain in the middle. With a statue of Lady And The Tramp in the middle of the squirting rings of water.
Connor brought Melody along with his two little companions. And Melody gushed in awe of the sight. Connor handed Melody a quarter in her hands which made her look at him.
"It's for the fountain. Toss it in and make a wish." Connor gestured towards the fountain. "It's tradition."
"And law! Which is never to be broken unless reasons demand it!" Mini-Mav declared about making a wish by the fountain.
"Okay." Melody said with a giggle before closing her eyes and thinking of her wish, then she tossed the quarter into the fountain and it made a small splash sound.
"So. What hast thou wisheth for?" Mini-Mav asked humorously regel.
"I don't understand anything that's not American." Dug tilted his head at the little robot in confusion.
"He asked what I wished for. But I can't tell you." Melody said with a smirk and an eye wink. "It's a secret."
"HERESY!" Mini-Mav declared dramatically acting angry before he shifted back to looking optimistic and he shrugged. "Meh. What-eva. It's your coin."
"Yes it is." Melody said cheekily.
"Alright. As you can tell the first wave of carnival games are around here. From dunk the clowns to ball toss. And a fortune teller booth." Connor gestured to all the games and carnival booths.
And he even gestured at the fortune teller with the Animatronic wizard with the turban that tells fortunes and grants wishes.
"Gulp." Mini-Mav and Dug said, nervously seeing that thing.
"They're scared to go to that booth after watching a certain film starring Tom Hanks." Connor explained.
"Wow. Everything looks so fun. I wouldn't even know where to start." Melody said, looking around in amazement.
"Why don't we cover more ground in red?!" Mini-Mav declared with his finger held high.
"He means we should split up and look around. Find that dude Gladiolus and his Strength Tester booth. Take Mini-Mav with you. I'll take Dug." Connor translated the suggestion.
"Right. We'll keep an eye out for it. Come on Mini-Mav." Melody said while taking Mini-Mav's hand.
"Oh and one more thing. You'll need this card to participate in every booth. Otherwise they'll ask you to pay for entry. Don't worry I got mine." Connor handed Melody a Co-Pass card for a guest.
"Don't worry. I won't let this out of my sight." Melody said while she held the card.
"Cool cool. Now 'Afsted med dig'." Connor humorously said. Which was 'Off you go' in Danish.
Since Melody is from Denmark she knew what that meant.
Melody smiled and went off with Mini-Mav holding her hand like a toddler going left. While Connor went to the right with Dug following him with a neon leash attached to his talking pet collar.
So many different game booths which consisted of Cotton Candy vendors. Soft drink vendors for snacks. A Bumper Car rally. And much more as Melody and Mini-Mav walked by so many. As the young Princess was just basking at everything.
"Wow. Look at them all." Melody said to Mini-Mav in awe as they walked past several booths. There was a ring toss, a fishing game using fake fish, darts and balloons, and so many more.
"Hey Madre! Look, it's a 'balls-in-holes game! Can I put some balls in holes?! Please please pleaaaase?!" Mini-Mav begged like a child unaware of the innuendo he made.
The ball toss game was shining in all different colors. There was a ramp to roll the balls on, and there were several holes with numbers, indicating the point values. There were the numbers 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and two 100s displayed. And below them was a gap that indicated 0 points.
"Pweaaaaaase?" Mini-Mav asked in a high pitched begging voice with his metal hands clamped together.
"Okay okay. We'll try that game out first." Melody giggled as she gave in to how adorable Mini-Mav was.
"Whoo!" Mini-Mav flew up and stood near the stand facing the game.
Melody gave Mini-Mav the card who inserted it into the slot to scan before he was approved to play. After handing the card back. The ball toss slot slid out twenty balls to throw.
"Throw a ball into the center to win the grand prize!" The game announcer spoke from the display's speakers.
"Oh yeah..." Mini-Mav beamed as he took the first ball and aimed for the center.
It went into the curve. He humpth as Mini-Mav tossed another ball. It hit the side 30. Then Mini-Mav tossed another. It landed in the 10. Then he groaned loudly looking angry as he swung his hands tossing many balls at once. Each not hitting the center and all the other holes. Then the last ball slides in and manages to hit the center 100.
"WINNER!" The bell rang.
"First try!" Mini-Mav cheered as he pumped his fist up gloating before he danced doing the Carlton on the stool.
"Congratulations. You won!" Melody beamed while clapping for Mini-Mav.
"Choose your two prizes!"
"I'll take that and that!" Mini-Mav pointed at the tiny hockey mask and toy chainsaw. "I always wanted to be intimidating!"
The other prize he chose was a six layered bubble blowing cannon. Thank God he didn't choose the Chucky wig.
"Nice... Prizes you chose." Melody said with a nervous smile.
"Now you pick the next game!" Mini-Mav pointed his bubble cannon at Melody.
"Alright, okay! Don't shoot!" Melody giggled with her arms up before she looked around to decide what game she wanted to play next.
and she spotted a fishing game, where the fish were robot toys. The kind of large fishing .that couldn't even fit in your living room or back yard.
"Let's try this one!" Melody pointed at the fishing game.
"Oooh. Inedible fish." Mini-Mav looked interested.
Melody and Mini-Mav walked over to the fishing carnival game. Which had a large pool of different color glowing rubber fish swimming around like a school. And a dark skin lady wearing a blue Traverse Town vest and ball cap inviting folks to come and participate. When Melody and Mini-Mav walked over the lady greeted them.
"Hello there honey. Would and your little companion like to catch a fish?" The lady asked nicely.
"Yes, we would." Melody said with a smile.
"Alrighty. Here's your poles. Simply wait for a circle to form in the pole and drop your hook once it's open. Wait for a fish to take the hook and pool." The lady handed Melody and Mini-Mav two toy fishing poles while telling them how the game works. "If you catch a fish. You'll get to keep it."
"Really? Nice." Melody said while holding her fishing pole out, ready to catch some robot fish.
Mini-Mav was doing the same as they stood on their opposite stands and held their poles out.
"Ready...Set...FISH!"
Melody and Mini-Mav were both watching and waiting for a ring to form in the pool but they kept popping in and out rapidly. Some folks would walk by cheering for them as this was a tense game. Melody was looking a little nervous while Mini-Mav remained calm. Finally... A ring formed and Melody dipped her hook into the water. Then suddenly a toy fish caught it. One of her favorite colors as the bell rang. Then Mini-Mav seconds later managed to catch another colored fish as the bell rang. These fishes were about the size of a teddy bear and made of rubber with some mechanical extra features to make them perfect toys. Like the ability to blink their eyes. Light up. And make cute bubbly noises. And a few more other features. It's no wonder kids want to fish for one.
"WINNER!"
"Yes! I caught one!" Melody cheered as she held the red robot fish in her arms.
"And mine screams my image!" Mini-Mav beamed as he held his blue robot fish.
"Congrats Sweetums! You take care of that one, ya hear?" The lady smiled and said goodbye to them.
"We will! Thank you!" Melody beamed before she and Mini-Mav walked away with their robot fish toys.
"Okay...My turn! Let's try that one!" Mini-Mav pointed at the one game they both were looking for.
Melody's eyes lit up as she recognized the Strength Tester game. Which had the name lit up in neon above. With a gladiator neon sign moving above it. The highest number above was one thousand up high.. And the man running it was Gladiolus. The guy they were looking for.
Gladiolus was a very athletic man. He had tanned skin and long red hair. He wore a short sleeve leather jacket and nothing underneath, exposing his six-pack abs and tattooed arms. He wore black leather pants and boots, and a leather wrist guard.
"That's it. That's the game we're looking for!" Melody realized happily before giving Mini-Mav a pat on the head. "Good work, Mini-Mav."
"Huh? Oooh. That's the game." Mini-Mav realized and called out to Connor. "Hey Padre?!"
"Yes?" Connor appeared behind Melody. Startling her a bit.
"Ah!" Melody squeaked in fright before she groaned and crossed her arms. "You scared me."
"You ring. I pop. Them's da rules." Connor quipped and noticed the Strength tester.
Melody also noticed Connor managed to win a couple of prizes from the other games. Like a soda drinking hat. Which he was using. And a stuffed Snoopy plush toy.
"There's ourstop. But where's the pearl shard?" Connor noticed the prize they were looking for wasn't on display.
"Maybe they don't show it to avoid trouble, but offered as a prize option for the winner?" Melody guessed.
"Only one way to find out." Connor figured as they both went up to approach the game.
Gladiolus noticed them and acted professional while he fixed his vest.
"Hey Kids. Here to test those muscles to win a prize?" Gladiolus greeted them.
"You wouldn't happen to know anything about a prize containing this stone in it, do you?" Connor asked while showing the stone.
Gladiolus looked at the stone and gave the guardian duo an unreadable expression. Which made them a little nervous.
"Tell you what. If you can win on the first try. I'll tell you what you wanna know." Gladiolus made an offer.
"Well I can never say no to a challenge." Connor remarked as he was about to take the sledge hammer. But Gladiolus pulled it away which confused Connor.
"Not you. The lady." Gladiolus gestured at Melody, who looked surprised.
"Me? But... Why me?" Melody asked as she was not at all expecting to be picked to play this game.
"Look. Anyone with pure beef arms can do it. But only someone with the 'spark' can win without a set." Gladiolus hinted.
Connor was catching the hint before he looked at Melody. And gently took hold of her arm before whispering to her.
"Free flow it." Connor told her quietly. Meaning let her freeflow abilities become her strength.
Something told Connor that Gladiolus knew who they were. And needed proof.
Melody responded with a silent nod before taking the hammer into her hands. Melody took a moment to calm her nerves before she lifted the hammer up, discreetly using free flow. And a moment later.
"Rahh!" Melody gave a yell and brought the hammer down as hard as she and free flow could.
*Bang!*
then the puck went all the way up at the highest one thousand score. As it felt like it was struck by someone stronger than most of the men who struck it. Which impressed some of the guests passing by.
WINNER!
"Wooohooo!" Melody cheered as she couldn't believe she made the top score of strengh.
Gladiolus grinned looking at them. "I had to be sure." Gladiolus stated.
"Of what?" Melody asked curiously.
"That you're both chosen wielders of the keyblade." Gladiolus stated and revealed.
This greatly surprised Melody. "How did you know?" She asked.
" Only an Atlantian or a Keyblader would be asking for a shard of the Pearl itself." Gladiolus stated that he knew about the pearl. "I had to be sure you're both not on the wrong side."
"I understand." Melody said as she knew there were dangerous people out there.
"You could've just asked, though." Connor added.
"No. Anyone can flap their gums. Only someone with the power of the true keyblade, can swing a hammer without biceps." Gladiolus stated with his arms crossed. "And believe me. I've faced a few assholes out there who have faked a keyblade before
"Does this mean you own a keyblade?" Connor inquired.
"Don't insult me, Kid." Gladiolus deadpanned.
"I'll take that as a no." Connor muttered.
"So do you have the pearl shard with you?" Melody asked.
"Not really. I had it during the first of the week. Reserving it for special winners like yourselves. But your luck's not out yet. The others in my group are doing the same to keep it safe. Head into the fourth district where you'll find my friend Prompto Argentum. He runs the shooting gallery." Gladiolus gave them info.
"Shooting Gallery, Prompto, fourth district..." Connor listed off those bits of information. "Alright, got it all."
"He'll more than likely try to test you with the highest score. Don't take it personal. It's all part of our protocol." Gladiolus winked.
"I'll keep it in mind." Connor said as they were about to leave.
But Gladiolus stopped them by getting their attention.
"Hold on. Since you've won the Strength Tester. Here." Gladiolus tossed a prize to Melody who caught it with one arm.
Her prize was a dark blue short sleeve leather jacket. With a couple of zippers. It came with a hood and it was very expensive to buy. Melody immediately adored it.
"You've earned it." Gladiolus smirked at Melody.
"I love it! Thank you so much." Melody smiled as she put the jacket on for the time being.
And on that note. Connor. Melody. Dug and Mini-Mav went for the gates to the Fourth District.
Meanwhile, Donald and Goofy had just missed them as they were looking around the many carnival games. While Goofy was admiring his new orange hat. Which kind of looked like a bone.
(Goofy's traditional hat.)
And Donald was grumbling that Goofy took his sweet time to look through the hats.
"You just had to try on all of the hats." Donald groaned.
"Sorry Donald. I would've gone for this hat but...Ahyuck! Modesty forbids." Goofy chuckled a bit.
"Modesty forbids." Donald said sarcastically. Now the key could be on the other side of the Multiverse by now!"
"Well. Why don't we start askin around for that 'Cor Leonis' guy the Emperor mentioned in the letter?" Goofy suggested in thought.
"Well, it's better than doing nothing, I guess." Donald sighed as they kept walking. "Come on. Let's keep looking. The Maverick's gotta be around here somewhere."
Oh he's there alright. And he's not that far. Donald and Goofy will run into him sooner or later. And that is when the real adventure starts for the Guardians Of The Depths.
THAT'S ALL FOR NOW FOLKS! πππ
Yep! Donald and Goofy are here! ππππ
Sorry they haven't met Connor and Melody yet. But rest assured they will in the next chapter.
Also they have their traditional KH outfits. Only Donald's outfit is black like in the DuckTales reboot and Goofy's outfit is orange like in his classic attire.
Also I decided to make Traverse Town bigger. As a theme park and a rest stop within the Multiverse.
Not to mention all of the characters that are from Final Fantasy 15 showing up. Rest assured there's more to come! π ππ
Now if you'll all excuse me. I have to go. Got big plans for my birthday!
Thank you all so much for reading! Don't forget to leave comments and reviews to let me know your thoughts. And you know the drill. Fave and follow if you like what you see!
And as always Disney/Square Enix fans!
FISTBUMP! ππππππππππ
