At the Disney Castle: Queen minnie, Lady Daisy, Donald, and Captain Goofy all stood looking upon the King's letter in the castle study.

Here the King had shelves filled with books that spanned a variety of topics concerning the worlds that made up his kingdom. There were also a few

paintings upon the walls that showed the King's distant ancestors. However the gathered individuals payed heed to none of this, instead their focus lay

upon the slightly wet letter that sat on the King's desk among his pens and other untensils.

Donald,

Sorry to rush off without saying goodbye, but there is big trouble brewing; I am not entirely sure why, but the stars have been blinking out one by one. And that

can only mean disaster isn't far behind. I hate to leave on such short notice, but it is my duty as King to look into this.

I know now that there is someone with a "key" out there -- the key to our kingdoms survival against this strange new threat. So that is why I have already taken the liberty to

prepare a ship to take you and Goofy to find this holder of the "key", and when you find him stick with him. Understand?

That "key" is our only hope in the coming darkness, without it we will surely be doomed! Your first stop will be Traverse Town, go there and ask for Leon, he will help you

for certain and point you in the direction of the "key".

P. S.

Would you apologize to Minnie for me?

Thanks, pal

The letter read, ending in the King's seal as a means of authenticy and signature. Daisy was the first to look up from the letter with an expression of worry upon

her feathered face.

"Oh dear! what could all this mean?" the Queen's Duchess said with a concerned frown at the letter.

"It means that we will just have to trust in the King's decision" the Queen spoke, her voice heavy with emotion, for deep down she truly felt as worried as the others

about the state of her husband.

"Gawrsh, I hope he is all right" Goofy said quietly, bringing one mailed fist to stroke his whiskered chin in an expression of deep thought.

"Your Highness, do not worry yourself. We shall do as the King commands and find this "key" along with his Majesty, the King" the court wizard said with a sudden confidence.

"Thank you, both of you. You do this kingdom a great service" the Queen said with great gratitude toward the two.

"Daisy, can you take care of --?" Donald began to ask the Duchess, but she answered before the wizard could finish.

"Of course, You two just be careful out there, you know I worry about you Donald" Daisy said, causing the wizard to flush pink with embarassment.

"Oh yes, I almost forgot, how silly of me. There will be one more that shall be joining you both and keeping a chronicle of your travels" Queen Minnie said with sudden realization.

Both the Captain and the wizard gazed around for the mysterious third member, but saw no one.

"Over here!" a small voice suddenly cried, drawing their gaze to a small hopping figure dressed in a suit and hat, and gripping a small umbrella. Donald realized the figure

was about the size of just one of his fingers.

"I thought you would never notice me. The name is Jiminy Cricket, at your humblest service" the tiny well dressed creature said, with a low bow to them both.

"You want us to bring a little bug along for the journey?" Donald quacked in disbelief to the Queen.

"Don't worry, I will not be a burden to you both, for I know that you are tasked with an important mission by his Majesty" the Cricket assured the wizard.

"We hope for your safe return. Please help the King, he depends highly upon you both" the Queen continued, drawing attention back onto herself.

"You can count on us, your Highness" Donald said, reaching a hand for the tiny Chronicler. Meanwhile the Captain stood with back straight, saluting the duck.

"You are coming along too!" Donald said with annoyance, grabbing the Captain and dragging outside of the study.