Alongside the version I have posted and am still producing, is Version 2. In this version, it's the same story as Version 1...but there is no massive crossover. It is completely secluded to Disney & Square Enix properties as it is in the game. This story stays the same as it follows Sora, Donald, Goofy, and a few others from Disneyland journeying across the Etherium. Enjoy.
Meanwhile, far, far, away from that festive land, where excitement is just around every corner, we reunite to a familiar land...in a village. A lush green village with many buildings and small houses all around. Soon the door of one particular house opened up.
"Mom, I'm going out to the islands!" A familiar voice called out. Opening the door was our spiky-haired protagonist, Sora exiting his own house, as a voice called back.
"Alright, Sora, just remember to be back home by dark!" A female voice called out from the house interior. No doubt being Sora's mother. Sora slowly, but surely closed the door behind him as he walked along the grassy green pathway through the village.
As he walks through the bustling village, however, there was just one thing he smelled...
"FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD~" Sora droned out as he noticed how booming the village marketplace was. Colorful faces of all were throughout the place, and the only thing Sora could smell was the sensation of meat and chicken burning on the grey plane of a grill.
"FRESH FOOD HERE, PERFECT FOR THE PREPARATIONS OF TONIGHT'S SUMMER FESTIVAL! GRAB SOME FOOD HERE, WE'VE GOT CHICKEN, WE'VE GOT MUTTON, WE'VE GOT ALL THE KIT AND CABOODLE HERE!" The cook called out as everyone throughout the village, mesmerized by the delectable sensation of food as well, began flocking to the cook's shop.
For, tomorrow is a special day for the Destiny Kingdom
Tomorrow is the Festival of Lā; Better known as the Sun Festival. Tomorrow marks the last day of Summer, and every year, the Destiny Kingdom comes together for one big summer celebration.
The festivities would usually be that of food, games, and entertainment including Chocobo Racing, Blitzball, and many other side activities. And at the final moonlight, the village comes together for the piece de resistance: The Sunset Dance and the traditional Paopu Feast.
Since he was a child, Sora has always ADORED the festival, and he would always go every year. However, it seems the boy has other plans. Which is a shame though...because if there's anything he loves about the festival, it would have to be the food...especially his most favorite food: Mutton.
"Hey, Kid, I can tell you're itching for some meat. You could make a WATERFALL with that drool." The cook says as, most of the customers only looked at Sora in concerned, as stars formed in his eyes and...he's LITERALLY drooling a waterfall.
"That'll be 50 Munny!" The cook says, snapping Sora out of his trance.
"...Wut?" Sora piped up. He soon reached from his pockets to find some Munny. Unfortunately...the only thing he found from his pocket...was a butterfly...and a ball of lint. The boy only sighs in disappointment.
DING-DING!
Soon, the door of the cook shop opened. Sora turned, and to his relief he found a familiar figure entering the shop.
"Wakka!" Sora called out. The red-haired boy only rolled his eyes as he continued to walk to the front desk.
"Wakka! My number 1 customer! I can tell you, good sir, are enhanced by the flavor I began to place in for my delectable, and exotic treats?" The cook asked as Wakka nodded his head in approval. He soon slammed a large yellow and blue...shape...of sorts.
"Ya, man. And I'm here to collect. Riku's doing something big, after the festival, and I'm in charge of getting the food, ya?" Wakka says as Sora overhears the cook and the boy's conversation as he tilts his head in confusion.
"Riku's quite the daydreamer. Give him my regards, will ya?" The cook asks.
"No problem man!" Wakka says as he stuffed all the necessities of meats and snacks in a rough sack as he exits the shop. Blinking a few times, Sora decides to dart out of the shop to catch up with Wakka.
"Wakka, WAKKA! Wait up, man!" Sora says as he finally, and reluctantly caught up with the red-haired boy.
"Yo, Sora, what's up?" Wakka asks.
"Listen heheh...uhhhhhhhhhh...you wouldn't mind if I could have a...tasty...delicious...succulent...piece of mutton...JUST one...man...it's so heavenly~" Sora says amidst his panting, as his mouth began to drool once again. Wakka, however nodded, denying the boy's request.
"If you want something delicious and succulent, then eat some fruit, ya? This food's for the trip." Wakka says, making Sora completely snap his attention to the redhead.
"Awww! C'MOOOOOOOOOOOOOON, Wakka, Just OOOOOOOONE piece of mutton, PLEEEEEEASE~?" Sora whined.
"Sorry, man. It's Riku's orders. If ya want some mutton, you'll have to take it out on him, not me." Wakka says. Sora went from whining like a puppy, to growling like a bulldog.
"Stupid Riku! Where is he?" Sora asks.
"He's still at home, checking off the list of things we need. Kairi's bringing all the medicine and provisions we need and she's taking them to Riku's house. So, uh...it's your chance to talk with him before he casts off, man." Wakka told the boy.
"I gotta get to the shores to set the buffet table out for the Luau. You'll have a chance to eat all the mutton you want, there. Just try not to stuff yourself from the festival's food, first." Wakka taunts, making Sora stop abruptly as the boy kept walking to the shores.
"I DO NOT!" Sora called out.
Riku's House
As the bright green grass danced around the boy's bright yellow shoes, he simply traverses through the village, and stops at one of the houses before him. He can see a ranch behind this certain house. Clearly, this boy can distinguish this house...to be Riku's house.
Everyone in the Destiny Village knows that Riku's family own a thriving Chocobo Ranch, where the strange yet majestic yellow bird-like creatures live their blissful lives, well fed, and well trained by the herders: Riku's mother and father.
Riku, himself, isn't really one who's oh so interested in the family business. He only goes along with whatever his mother and father asks of him, if it meant taking the Chocobo out for a spin with his friends.
Speaking of friends, Sora soon knocks the door in hoping someone would open the door.
KNOCK-KNOCK!
He waited.
"Sora!" A voice called out. Sora soon turned around to see Kairi running to this direction with a first aid kit in her hands. She soon approached the spiky-haired boy, as he simply waves to her.
"Hey, Kairi. Wakka already told me you were coming to Riku's house to set up the provisions." Sora greeted.
"Yep! And Riku told me he finished the raft, yesterday. He's just looking at his checklist to see if there's anything he missed. You wanna help out? There might be something we need in the market in case." Kairi asks.
"Not so fast, I can help...but there's one thing I want first..." Sora says as his mouth begins to drool once more.
"Let me guess...Mutton." Riku says, cutting both the younger kids off, as the door creaked behind them. Bashfully, Sora can only chuckle.
"Hehehhehhh...you know me so well." Sora giggles.
"I know you well enough to call you a glutton. We're eating at the Luau. If you want something, find something around town. I don't trust you around OUR food table." Riku says as he simply smirks.
"WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!" Sora yelled out in objection as Kairi only giggled.
"You guys are such kids." Kairi only giggled.
"And what's your excuse?" Riku objected playfully.
"Heheheh...well you've got me there..." Kairi giggles as she soon got back on topic. "On topic, do we have everything we need for the trip?" Kairi asks as Riku nodded his head yes.
"Yep. With everyone's help, this trip should be pulled off at a hitch. Still..." Riku started as he looked down, pondering. "I don't know why...but I just...think there's something missing for the raft..." Riku says pondering, this as well made Sora and Kairi ponder as well...just what does the raft need now?
"I GOT IT!" Sora says snapping his fingers. Riku and Kairi gained his attention.
"Our raft still needs a name! How about it, Riku? Kairi? What's an adventure without giving our vessel a name?" Sora says happily. Kairi nodded her head in agreement.
"Yeah...I don't see why not! Have you thought about a name?" Kairi asks.
"Yep, I wanna call it-" Sora started but was immediately stopped by Riku.
"Highwind. If you want a name for our raft, then we should call it Highwind. Any objections?" Riku says bluntly. Sora immediately protested.
"W-Highwind? No! That's a stupid name!" Sora retorted. Riku only rolled his eyes.
"And I suppose you've got a better name?" Riku challenged with a smirk. Immediately Sora nodded as he called out his suggestion with such pride and vigor.
"Excalibur!" Sora cried out. Riku tilted his head in confusion.
"Excalibur? You mean that stupid blade from the King Arthur stories? That's a stupid name, dude. Too basic. I say we stick with Highwind." Riku critiqued, but it's clear Sora wasn't having it.
"That story isn't stupid! We're CALLING it Excalibur!" Sora declared.
"Sorry, but it's Highwind." Riku retorted.
"Excalibur!" Sora protested.
"Highwind!" Riku protested.
"EXCALIBUR!" Sora asserted.
"HIGHWIND!" Riku asserted.
"EXCALIBUR!" Sora roared.
"HIGHWIND!" Riku roared
"Guys, GUYS!" Kairi intervened as the boys turned to the auburn-haired girl. "Surely there HAS to be another way to settle this, then to try to rip each other's heads off, don't you think?" Kairi asks. Sora and Riku pondered.
"I've got one." Riku says smiling wickedly as he soon nudged his head to the Chocobo Pen in the backyard. Sora and Kairi immediately caught on. A challenge is about to ensue.
"Chocobo Race?" Riku challenges Sora.
"Chocobo Race." Sora replied bluntly, accepting the challenge. Kairi only chuckled as she soon approached the Chocobo Pen.
"Welp, since you guys are at it again, it's up to me to keep you guys from killing yourselves." Kairi says as the two boys only glared daggers at each other. In case you didn't know, Sora and Riku are...QUITE the competitive types.
A Few Minutes Later
Soon after Kairi tried to get the two to resist the urge to kill each other, Sora and Riku soon stood atop the great hill overlooking the village. They both had two Chocobos in front of them, who were both loyal to each of their owners.
"Alright you two, it's TIIIIME to RACE! The usual rules apply: it's a race through the village to the shores. The first to make it wins! You can take ANY route you want, and you can do ANYTHING to screw up the racers. Whoever wins not only gets the rights to naming the raft, but another reward of the winner's choice!" Kairi explained.
"Fine. If I win...not only are we calling the raft, Excalibur, but I'm the Captain! And YOU will have to do what I say through the duration of the adventure." Sora announced as Riku only rolled his eyes.
"Alright, then. If I win...not only will the raft be named Highwinds, but..." Riku says as he gives out a wicked smirk. "If I win, I get to share the Paopu Fruit with Kairi at the festival." Riku says bluntly, taking both Sora and Kairi by surprise.
"W-WHAT?!" Sora called out in confusion.
"Wait...what?" Kairi says taken aback by Riku's reward.
"How about it, Sora? Winner gets to share a Paopu Fruit with Kairi, at tomorrow night's festival?" Riku challenged.
"W-whoa, don't I get a say in this?" Kairi asks nervously as Riku soon approached her and whispered something to her ear. It seems this is just another of Riku's pranks that Sora knows nothing about. Kairi only giggled after realizing what Riku's trying to do here.
"Devilish, dude, hehe." Kairi chuckles.
"W-WHAT'S GOING ON?!" Sora yelled out in alarm.
"Noooooooothing, don't worry, Riku's got me convinced. It's tiiiiiiiiime to race!" Kairi announced.
"W-HOLD ON, DON'T I GET A SAY IN THIS?!" Sora called out.
"Sure, dude. I mean...I can understand if you're not up to the challenge." Riku taunts, making the boy's eyes widen. An abundance of emotions rushed around the spiky-haired boy...but mostly confusion. Soon, that confusion turned into determination as he gulped.
"Uh-uh-of course I'm up for the challenge! I-I'm no chicken!" Sora says as a great big smile soon arises as Riku soon hopped on his Chocobo.
"Well? What're you waiting for? You ready?" Riku asks.
"Y-yeah! I'm ready!" Sora says determinedly as he hopped on his Chocobo as well.
"That's the spirit, heh. Try not to lose." Riku challenged.
"Don't worry...you'll be the one losing." Sora says finally getting that boost of confidence as both racers claimed their reins.
"Alright guys, get ready on my count!" Kairi says, seeing the two immediately ready.
"On your mark...get set...GO!" Kairi called out slamming her arm down, as Riku and Sora whipped their reins and dashed off with their Chocobos, with such tremendous speed. Walking out out of Riku's yard, the two yellow Chocobos sped through the straight path through the village, as Kairi trailed behind by foot.
Everyone throughout the village took notice of Sora and Riku's raced, but shrugged it off, knowing that this is something these boys do for fun, just about everyday. It's never a dull day in the Destiny Village, when Sora and Riku are around.
At first the boys were neck and neck, but soon Sora took notice that Riku's starting to inch further away from the boy. Sora immediately expected that Riku's doing something, since he knows how to REALLY control a Chocobo. Expected from someone who's parents are Chocobo Ranchers.
"See ya at the finish line, Sora!" Riku taunted as he was inching farther and farther, but Sora didn't give up yet. Sora whipped the reins as hard as he could, as the Chocobo smiled and ran at a faster pace, finally as Sora gained up on Riku.
Soon, Sora, Riku, and the running Kairi soon made it up to the hillside leading out of the village. They can see the shore, where the three can see the islands at a distance. Their finish line is just at the corner. Both of the two showed a determined smile on their face...but soon one of their faces turned from determined...to confused.
Just as he was racing, Sora took his eyes off of Riku for just one second...until he notices something just by one of the houses on the side. He saw a peculiar figure...a figure that he has never SEEN in the town. He can't make out the person's face, at any case, considering he was wearing a brown robe...with a hood, completely covering the figure's face.
"Huh...?" Sora says in confusion.
"SORA, LOOK OUT!" Kairi called out. Sora's attention was snapped back to the road, a log was just in the middle of the road. The boy...just didn't have time to react.
"WHOA!" Sora cried out, without warning or sight, the Chocobo immediately stumbled upon the log in the road, tripping on it, taking Sora down with it as the boy slams and slides down the ground, with dust catching on to his bright red clothes. Kairi soon approached him. Even Riku, who heard the commotion turned his Chocobo around to tend to the spiky-haired boy.
"Sora, are you okay?" Kairi asks, as the boy rose up from the ground, patting the dust off his clothing.
"Y-yeah, I'm fine. I just got distracted, that's all." Sora replied.
"Did you get hurt? Did the Chocobo get hurt? Did ANYONE get hurt at all?" Riku asks in concern. It's clear that despite his calm, and collective attitude, he's a pretty caring person...or as Kairi would call him...a big softee.
"You okay, buddy?" Sora asks as he soon turned to the Chocobo. The yellow bird tried to stand up, but its leg went limp. The yellow bird cawed out in pain. Riku soon looked at the Chocobo's leg. It was sprained really badly.
"Oh boy, this one really got it bad from the fall." Riku says in concern.
"Can you fix him?" Sora asks as the silver-haired boy nodded.
"Yeah, I can fix him up…but DAMN my parents are gonna kill me. There's no way I can hide something like this." Riku sighed.
"We can take the blame with ya, if ya want Riku." Kairi piped up.
"Yeah, we're your pals!" Sora says in agreement.
"That's nice of you guys, but this is my problem. I don't want to get any of you in trouble either. Besides, my parents are always gonna pin the blame down on me, so I might as well face it head on." Riku explained.
"Oh..." Sora and Kairi both said in unison, as they lowered their heads in disappointment.
"I'll probably have to skip out on going to the islands today. I've gotta get this one fixed up, so you guys can go on ahead to the islands if you want. I need one of you to check up on the raft, in case Tidus and Wakka does something stupid." Riku says as he tried to get the limped Chocobo to stand, as he whistled the other Chocobo to walk with him.
"Alright, Riku, we'll see ya around. I hope you and the Chocobo will be alright." Kairi says before starting to walk away.
"Don't worry about me, we just need to get things ready for the tomorrow's Luau." Riku says as HE began to walk away. Something however about this is only making Sora uneasy and frantic...so he called out to his two friends.
"W-WAIT!" Sora cried out, gaining Riku and Kairi's attention.
"W-w-w-w-what a-a-bout the Paopu Fruit sharing?" Sora asks frantically. Riku and Kairi only looked at each other...before laughing at Sora...or with Sora. Either way, they were laughing.
"W-WHAT'S SO FUNNY?!" Sora blurted out as the two only continued to laugh. Soon, Riku started up.
"D-DUDE! C'mon, you didn't think I was SERIOUS about that, did you?" Riku asks amidst his laughing. That comment seriously had Sora confused as Riku and Kairi only laughed.
"W-what?" Sora asks hopelessly.
"Sora...it was just a prank. He wasn't actually serious about sharing a Paopu Fruit with me." Kairi cleared up amidst her chuckles.
"Dude, I don't even LIKE Paopu Fruits. I told you that like a billion times." Riku replied back, completely taking Sora aback by surprise...as he only looked at his chuckling friends bashfully. A fact that Sora has COMPLETELY disregarded for the longest time.
"Hehehehehehehhhh...o-o...I feel sheepish..." Sora says bashfully as he soon began to chuckle along with his two friends for a little while as the sun shined down upon the three. Soon, their chuckling were interrupted by the painful caw of the limped Chocobo.
"Alright, I've had my laugh here, heheh. I gotta get this one patched up, so I won't be able to come to the islands today. I'm...sure I'm gonna get a earful from my folks, when they see the injured Chocobo." Riku explained as he carefully helped the limped Chocobo walk slowly but surely, as the other Chocobo trailed behind.
"Good luck, dude!" Sora called out. Kairi soon approached the spiky-haired boy with a question in her mind.
"By the way, Sora...you don't have to answer...but what happened at the race? You got distracted over something." Kairi says in concerned, as Sora was reminded of something. He soon looked around the residential area...but to his dismay there was no sign of the mysterious man he saw. The boy shrugged it off, for it seems the man must've left.
"I-it's nothing, don't worry." Sora says in a dismissive tone.
"Are you sure?" Kairi asks.
"Yeah." Sora assures. Kairi shrugged it off.
"Well...okay. If there's something you wanna talk about, just let me know. I'll always be there for you." Kairi says to the spiky-haired boy in a hopeful smile. Sora chuckles. It's always good to have friends by his side, as he couldn't help but smile as well.
"Thanks, Kairi." Sora says.
"No problem." Kairi answers in a polite tone, as the fresh afternoon sun shines down on the two children. You can never forget who your true friends are.
Disneyland
DING!
"ORDER UP! NUMBER 21: FIVE ORDERS OF PLAZA RESTAURANT SUNDAES!" A gruff man calls out ringing the bell. A waitress came in and immediately grabbed the order on a platter, and headed out.
We soon cut from the tropical islands of Destiny Islands, back to the crowded afternoon of the Magic Kingdom in the festive realm of Disneyland. Our story takes place here: At the Plaza Restaurant of Main Street, U.S.A. A full-service restaurant a touch of Victorian charm throughout.
It's a busy afternoon, here at this restaurant, as people both human and toon alike are feasting on their lunch/dinner. It seems to me that someone's dessert is done…but who?
"Here you are, girls!" The waitress says to a table of toons.
"Thank you!" A child's voice says politely. This was a table of 5 young toons, two mice, and three ducklings.
All of them are practically twins, only this time, one mouse is wearing a green dress, green sneakers, white gloves, and a large green bow, white the other wears purple of the same.
The three ducklings are wearing sweaters and hair bows of the colors purple, yellow, and orange. The five figures are Minnie & Daisy's nieces - Millie and Melody Mouse and April, May, and June Duck.
"Have a Disney day, girls~ enjoy your meal!" The Waitress says as she returns to the kitchen.
"Thank you so much!" Millie, the mouse in purple says nicely.
"See, now THIS…is the life~" Muses May, the duckling in Orange. "Y'know, it's nice, y'know…us girls on a girl's night out?"
"Night? It's 3pm." April, the duckling in yellow interjected. May chuckles bashfully.
"Beats being in the stuffy palace 24/7, I'll admit." Melody, the mouse in purple says as she takes a bite from her sundae.
"HEY! You two are lucky." June, the duckling in purple, retorts. While one mouse was enjoying her sundae, rather than paying attention, the other looked at the duckling in confusion.
"W-lucky? What do you mean?" Melody asks.
"Your Aunt's the Queen of the world. That's BASICALLY a ticket to do just about ANYTHING you want. Even do all sorts of cool stuff like Magic." June explains.
"Yeah! Donald & Queen Minnie let Aunt Daisy teach her some Magic, but not us! SO unfair!" April huffs.
"Well, I'm sure Mr. Donald would let you guys learn some Magic, someday." Melody suggests.
"Yeah! He sent Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby to one of the most powerful Wizards in the Etherium! They came back like…OP!" Millie emphasizes.
"I'm sure if you ask him nicely, or at least have Daisy ask him, then Donald would be sure to let you three learn a thing or two." Melody concludes.
"Fat chance. BOTH Donald & Daisy said no." May says in annoyance.
"Talk about made for each other, huh?" June asks, bleakly.
"Oh…I'm sorry, guys. Truth be told, it took a lot of asking for Aunt Minnie, but soon enough, Uncle Mickey was kind enough to train with her a few spells." Melody confessed.
"And look where that ended up? The King, the Queen, and Donald are the most powerful Wizards in the world. Like…just imagine how cool it would be!" April retorts.
As the four have their conversation, Millie took notice of something out the window. A familiar group of toons are darting through the streets of Main Street and are heading towards the Magic Kingdom at top speed, with Pluto trailing behind, sniffing for someone's scent.
"Yeah!"
"It sucks!" Sighing the three ducklings. Millie couldn't help but look at her friends in sorrow.
"I'm sorry, girls, I really am. I can try to talk to-"
"Aunt Minnie? Pluto?" Everyone turned to Millie in confusion.
"Well, I can talk to Aunt Minnie for sure but…Pluto?"
"Even the Mutt knows Magic!" June exclaims.
"No, girls, look!" Melody exclaims as the girls looked out the window. Sure enough, it's Queen Minnie and the King's trusted pet, Pluto. They clearly seem to be looking for someone. Out in the open like this will cause quite the attention.
"It's the Queen and Pluto." April inquired.
"Shouldn't they…y'know, be greeting guests?" May asks.
"No, it looks like they're trying to find someone. C'mon!" Millie inquires as she was the first to scooch out of the table and run out of the restaurant.
"W-Millie, wait up!" Melody cried out as she hopped off her seat to dart after her sister, leaving the three ducklings alone.
"So, uh…do we wait for the bill or what?" April asks.
Main Street, U.S.A
As the midday sun shines down the now crowded streets of Magic Kingdom, we cut to the radiant residence of Disney Castle continuing their search for the missing King Mickey. We soon cut to Queen Minnie, Donald, Pluto, Chip, Dale, Gadget, Oswald, and Ortensia standing in front of Disney Castle…in front of a glistening silver statue…of a man and a mouse.
Amidst their panting, the Queen soon spoke up.
"A-alright…status report, everyone?" Minnie requests.
"No luck on my end, your majesty," Oswald replies. "Ortensia and I searched took the high ground. All we found were people with Mickey hats, and Mickey balloons. No sign of the King though."
"Oooh, I TOLD you it wasn't a good idea to stay on the rooftops, Oswald! We would've drawn so much attention if it wasn't for Bonkers." Ortensia retorts. Oswald bashfully scratches his head.
"Well, on the bright side, we didn't draw TOO much attention," Minnie says as she soon turns to the Magician and the royal pet. "Donald, Pluto, any luck?"
"Sorry, your Majesty. The only scent we picked up of Mickey was his nephews, Morty and Ferdie. Unfortunately, THEY haven't seen him either." Donald explains.
"And we searched almost every building in Main Street!" Chip pipes up.
"STILL no sign of him," Dale replies. Minnie only sighs in defeat.
"Aroo…" Pluto sighs sadly as Minnie pets the poor dog.
"Aw, don't worry, Pluto. We'll find him…wherever he is…" She couldn't help but say.
"AUNT MINNIE!" A voice cries out to the Queen. Everyone turns around to see young Millie, Melody, and the three ducklings running up to the group.
"Millie? Melody? What are you doing…OUTSIDE the castle?" Minnie says with a huff. The two of the mice looked at their aunt bashfully.
"Eheheh, well…we're…" Millie tried to start…but couldn't find the words.
"Just...y'know…hanging around…?" Melody giggles bashfully.
"Our fault." June replies.
"Yeah, we brough them along for a Girl's Night out." April continues. Minnie glares at the three ducklings.
"And does DAISY know about your 'girls night out'?" She asks sternly. The three ducklings tensed up…and chuckled nervously.
"Well," April started.
"We may have left out a few details." May says in a deadpanned tone.
"Y'know like the whole…going out…thing." June finishes. All the Toon Queen could do is sigh.
"Where have I heard that one, before…" Donald muttered.
"We will talk about this later," She simply says as she soon kneels to their height. "But for now, perhaps you girls can help us out. Have either of you seen Mickey? Be it around the castle or in town?"
"Nope?" April, May, and June, say in unison.
"Not us," Millie confessed.
"Why? Did something happen?" Melody asks. The mouse Queen was about to start, but Dale blurted out the answer for her.
"Oh, well, the King's gone missin' and-"
"WE'LL YOU SHUT IT!" Chip and Gadget exclaimed as they clamped the goofy chipmunk's muzzle shut.
"KING MICKEY'S GO MIS-" Immediately, the Queen covered the mouse in purple's mouth. Chip, soon raced to the 5.
"Shhhhhh, we can't have the public know about all this. Think of the mass hysteria." Chip explains in a hush-hush tone.
"Ohhhhh…" The two mice whispered in understanding.
"Understandable," May says in understanding.
BRR-BRR-BRR-BRRRRRRRR
Everyone soon halted as a ringtone was heard amidst the toony crowd. Everyone looked to see that it was coming from the Queen, herself. The Queen took from her pocket a hand mirror. She simply tapped it.
"Daisy?" Minnie asks.
"ALL OF YOU NEED TO GET HERE RIGHT AW-Wait…IS THAT APRIL, MAY, AND JUNE!? I'VE BEEN LOOKING ALL OVER FOR YOU! I TOLD YOU NOT TO GO INTO TOWN WITHOUT PERMISSION!"
Amidst the tangent on the other end, April, May, and June only chuckled bashfully in embarrassment.
"Well, at least we'll all be in trouble." Melody says to the ducklings.
"D-DAISY! Hold on!" Minnie exclaims trying to calm her friend down. "Now, why do we need to come here right away?"
"Ohhhh, right. EVERYONE in the castle staff HAS to report to Mickey's Study and NOW. Scrooge knows why Mickey's gone, and it's SERIOUS! A courier was with him this whole time, and HE has a letter from the King addressed to EVERYONE in Disney Castle!"
"A courier?" Donald asks.
"Goodness…and if he wants to see the whole castle, then the King's disappearance is much more serious than we thought." Ortensia explains.
"Does this situation involve us, Aunt Minnie?" Millie asks.
"I…think it's best that you should all come as well." Minnie replies.
"THEN TO THE STUDY! AND STEP ON IT!" Chip exclaims as he hops back on Pluto.
"RUFF! RUFF! RUFF!" Pluto barks out as he zooms off with the riding chipmunks. Everyone soon darted off to the castle in front of them…only leaving Minnie behind. The radiant Queen sighs in concern.
"Oh Mickey…please be okay…"
Castle Study
We soon cut to a large hall. A glistening silver hall with clean see-through silver floor and wall and a lone mahogany table in the center of it all. Behind the table, a towering case of books. It is the private study of the majestic King of Disneyland himself, King Mickey.
Alongside the toons, we've met, there are four other toons in the Study. One a female cow dressed in a green bow and a blue gown and blue satin gloves. The other a male horse wearing a red cap, dark blue mechanic coveralls and a big horse collar around his neck.
The other two figures is a taller and…burlier female duck with grey-hair towering the rest of the, and a slender ghost dog wearing a butler's attire. The duck wears a purple suit with a lavender sweater, black square glasses, a white apron, grey stockings and black shoes.
Daisy was pacing around the study, waiting in anticipation for the remaining toons, until the door slammed open.
SLAM!
"WE CAME AS FAST AS WE COULD!" Donald screams out as he, the Queen, King Oswald, Queen Ortensia, Chip, Dale, Gadget, Pluto, and 5 nieces came barreling into the room.
"But not fast enough." Mrs. Beakley says sternly.
"Tea, your highness." Duckworth says to the Queen and everyone as he places a platter of tea and crumpets to everyone who has arrived.
"Oh, why thank you, Duckworth." Minnie says as she, grabs a cup of tea while Donald and Goofy grabs a few crumpets.
"Don't you want anything, honey bun?" Ortensia asks.
"Nah, I've had enough at home. You?" Oswald offers.
"No thank you, hehe," The Princess giggles.
"ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT! If we aren't too occupied with tea time, it's time to get to the point." Scrooge says urgently.
"And given how Scrooge puts it…it's really serious business, here." Inquires the King's Advisor, Horace Horsecollar.
In short, everyone…the worlds are dying." Scrooge says, bluntly, IMMEDIATELY making the group tense up in surprise.
"WHA?!" Donald and Ortensia exclaim.
"Worlds are…DYING?" Minnie couldn't help but ask.
"But…how could a world…DIE?" Millie asks.
"See? That's what I've been asking, but he wouldn't say until everyone's here!" Huey adds.
"Well, now that everyone IS here, King Mickey has the answer to this situation. And it's all here in this letter!" Everyone soon turned to Jiminy who presented to everyone an envelope…with the King's seal.
"Then don't keep us waitin' will ya!? What does the letter say?!" Donald asks.
"Remember, everyone, these are King Mickey's words." Jiminy says as he opens the letter…and he reads it aloud for all to hear.
"Ahem, to EVERYONE in Disney Castle, Sorry to rush off without saying goodbye. Believe me, I'd never back out of a good ol' morning greeting to our Disneyland guests, but trouble popped up that could easily jeopardize not only the festivities but the fate our world and other worlds.
Professor Von Drake approached me last night, and according to his findings on his star chart, one by one, stars are blinking out. Master Yen Sid and I can conclude one thing from this: that disaster can't be far off. I hate to leave you all, but I've gotta go check into it.
While I'm gone, I'm entrusting a HUGE task to my pals, Donald and Goofy. There's someone out there with a 'Key' -the key to our survival. I'm sending both of you to find them, and stick with them, got it?
But doncha worry, you won't be traveling alone. 4 others will be joining the two of you, at the request of Scrooge McDuck. We need that key or we're doomed! You'll need to go to Traverse Town and find the Leon. He'll point you to the right direction.
P.S. Would you apologize to Minnie for me? I know that by now I've messed up the morning greeting, but when I get home...I promise I'll set things right...for Minnie, for you guys, and for everyone.
-Sincerely, Mickey Mouse."
Silence emanates the study. Not even tea can ease the pain of what everyone has heard from this letter. A few of the youg'ns don't however understand the situation.
"Gawrsh…that really IS a catastrophe, huh?" Goofy grimaces.
"Stars...blinking out? Doesn't seem like a catastrophe to me..." May says.
"NOT A CATASTROPHE?!" Cuckoo Loca exclaims flying to her face.
"Ah, but it is a catastrophe, lass. Far more serious than you believe." Scrooge says in a serious tone.
"Why? I always thought stars are just great big balls of gas. It doesn't really seem like a big deal to me, either." Max says dismissively.
"AH, BUT ZAT'S WHAT WE'VE BEEN WANTING YOU TO ZINK!" Soon barreling into the castle study…while also slamming the door on Donald, is another old duck. This one adorned in a suit and labcoat.
It was the Castle Astronomer, Co-Founder of the Looney Labs, and the Ex-Director of S.H.U.S.H; Professor Ludwig Von Drake.
"Director!" Mrs. Beakley says as she bows, only giving a chuckle to the burly duck.
"Come now, Bentina. You've known I've retired from S.H.U.S.H quite some time ago to tend to ze Looney Labs. No need for the formalities." Von Drake says amidst his chuckles.
"Seriously for a couple of important figures, you sure are pretty lenient with formalities, huh?" Gadget asks.
"It was never my thing." Minnie shrugs.
Professor Von Drake soon takes out from his pocket, his star chart. He soon projects it big enough for everyone in the study to see.
"Az you juniors know, zer are vorlds outside of zis castle, Traverse Town being one of zem, yes?" Professor Von Drake asks the children toons. Only Millie, Melody, and Webby nods as the others look in bewilderment.
"EVERY star? There are APROXIMENTLY 200 billion TRILLION stars in the universe, at most!" Huey asks.
"Aye, and each one of 'em houses a dimension completely different from Disneyland." Scrooge replies.
"In fact, it's those worlds that gave inspiration to Disneyland. It…wouldn't be so successful if the King didn't open the barrier for everyone." Minnie explains.
"Whoa…." Dewey says in awe.
"And to think…" Webby starts…as all four ducklings looked at each other and realized one important thing:
"UNCLE SCROOGE WANTS US TO EXPLORE ALL OF THEM!" They screamed out in unison catching everyone by surprise.
"Lucky…" Max, April, May, and June mumbles. Donald, however wasn't having it.
"NOPE! NO! NUH-UH! I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU OR THE KING SAYS, I'M NOT PUTTING THE KIDS IN HARM'S WAY!"
"You…don't care what your King says, Donald?" Oswald asks.
"That's a first." Mumbles the Castle Caretaker, Clarabelle Cow as Clara could only chuckle at the duck's response.
"WAK!?" Donald stammers.
"Y'know you can't try to fumble your way outta this one, Uncle Donald~" Dewey sings.
"Looks like you're stuck with us for-real this time." Louie says mischievously as Donald sighs in frustration.
"Question, Scrooge…." Donald replies.
"Aye?" Scrooge asks.
"WHY?!" Donald screams out but Scrooge only whistles, nonchalantly.
"If'n ya don't mind me asking, Mr. McDuck, uhhh…why DO ya want the kids to go?" Goofy couldn't help but ask.
"The Master insisted that they would be ready to view the outside world." Duckworth explains.
"Come now, ye boys don't expect the kids to be cooped up in this castle for generations to come, do ya? Just like REAL birds, I feel the kids earned the opportunity to spread their wings and fly. Broaden their horizons and what not." Scrooge explains.
"And to tell the truth…I agree." Mrs. Beakley says with a smirk on her face. Donald was quite livid at this point.
"THEN WHY DON'T YOU TAKE THEM!? OUR JOURNEY'S GONNA BE TOO DANGEROUS FOR 'EM!" Donald exclaims.
"Ah, I couldn't. I've already got business meetin' with an old friend in Traverse Town. Besides, the four NEEDS a proper adventure!" Scrooge says, confidently.
"DANGER LIVES THROUGH THE BLOOD OF CLAN MCDUCK…or something like that!" Louie retorts.
"See?" Scrooge says, smugly.
"BUT-" Donald tried to protest until Beakley intervened.
"Donald. You know as well as I do that the children have exceeded our expectations time and time again. Magica DeSpell, the Phantom Blot, The Beagle Boys, Don Karnage, F.O.W.L. They have fought brilliantly and valiantly. If Scrooge wishes for them to enter the next step of adventure…then I welcome it." Mrs. Beakley explains…as the ducklings could only look in awe.
"Granny…" Those were the only words that escaped Webby's beak.
"Della and I raised ye all proud, wouldn't you agree, Donald?" Scrooge asks facing the Court Mage. As annoyed, he is at Scrooge…they're all still right. They've also had such remarkable growth in their Magic lessons.
"Hmph…fine. BUT YA SHOULD'VE AT LEAST TOLD ME BEFORE DOIN' ALL THIS!" Donald retorts. Scrooge, Beakley, and Duckworth simply looked at each other…and then to the duck in a deadpanned glance.
"Would you say otherwise even if we did?" All three of them ask in unison.
"NO!" Donald was quick to respond…but immediately doubled down. "I mean…well…"
"Hey, Donald? I get that family's important and all…BUT THE BUSINESS AT HAND HERE?" Chip intervenes.
"Yes! In case you're not grasping ze situation here, ze stars in ze sky are going KERPLOOEY!" Professor Von Drake explained as the everyone grew concerned at the situation.
"But…still, that doesn't really answer my question. How could a star just…DISAPPEAR? I've heard of stars fizzling out due to running out of fuel to the point of collapsing in the form of a Supernova. But stars don't up and…disappear. Do they?" Huey asks?
"I don't know, Huey…" Minnie starts.
"But I don't think any of us WANTS to find out." Ortensia adds. Soon, Clarabelle realizes something.
"I uh…just had thought. If this continues, then who's to say Disneyland won't be next?" Clarabelle asks. Everyone only looked at the Caretaker in dread.
"You, unfortunately, might be onto something. Even with the Cornerstone of Light protecting the world, there's no guarantee just how long that protection'll last with everything going on." Daisy adds. Soon, the King of Wasteland stepped up.
"Then it looks like we'll have to trust Mickey on this one. I'm sure he knows what he's doing." Oswald responds.
"Gawrsh...I sure hope he's okay..." Goofy says concern as he soon turns to Donald. The Duck Mage soon gave a slight glance to the four children embarking on this journey with him and Goofy.
"He's not the only one I'm worried about…" Donald muffled, before shaking his head and reverting to the topic at hand. "In any case, your Highness, you've got nothin' to worry about. We'll find the King, and this 'Key!'"
"YEAH!" The Ducklings say in unison. Minnie smiles at her heroes.
"Can I come, dad?" Max asks.
"Aw, I'm sorry, Maxie…but ya can't come. Like ya said, it'll be too dangerous. I don't wanna put ya in harm's way." Goofy says cautiously.
"B-but what about you?!" Max pleaded out.
"Don't you worry, Maxie, I'll be back, in no time. Once I'm back I'll train to be a strong knight like me, and when you're ready, we'll go world by world together!" Goofy assured as Max only chuckled nervously. Max wants to journey to other worlds...but he's not very comfortable to journey with his father.
"Heheheh...uhh...that's great dad but uh..." Max says trying to find an excuse until, to his relief, he was interrupted by April, May, and June.
"So, what about us? Clearly you need the help...doooooncha, Donald?" May asks as sweet as possible. "Sooooo, how about we come with you?"
"Us too, Aunt Minnie?"
"Pleeeeeeeease?" The two nieces begged the Queen. Minnie only sighed.
"WHY ARE YOU ALL ASKING ME?!" Donald exclaims.
"We're not!" Millie and Melody exclaim.
"Oh, I'm sorry, girls," Minnie pipes up, turning to the two mice. " It's far too dangerous for all of you. I'm sorry, but I'm afraid you can't come with them."
"That goes for you, girls," Daisy say to April, May, and June. "It's bad enough that you decided to sneak out of the castle, but going out there is OUT of the question." She scolded her three nieces.
"But how come Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby can go to the outside world?" June complains.
"Because we've got…experience~" Louie taunts as he threw one of his daggers up in the air, and merely catches it with the tip of his fingers.
"How long did it take you to perfect that?" Dewey asks.
"A month." Louie answers.
"Least he's being honest." Cuckoo Loca says in surprise.
"Youth." Duckworth scoffs.
"Believe me, you haven't seen anything yet," Ortensia says dryly.
"Y'know, I've also been thinking." Oswald starts as he steps forth. "Things HAVE been quiet around Wasteland now that all the bad guys went awol." Oswald volunteers. Making everyone look at the rabbit, confusedly.
"Ozzy?" Ortensia asks. Oswald reacts by extending his hand out to his sweetheart.
"Someone's gotta chew into Mickey for leaving his duties, anyway. So whattaya say, Ortensia?" Oswald asks sweetly.
"Whoa…" Huey, Louie, and Max say in awe.
"Even the Prince & Princess wants to come with us?" Webby asks.
"You think we can do this, Ozzy? I mean…doncha think it'll be too dangerous? Danger maybe outta reach here in Disneyland, but who knows what'll happen when we go out there?" Ortensia asks.
"She's right y'know, your Highness. Besides, we're already packed with the Kids!" Donald protests.
"Truthfully, I have lots of reasons why I wanna see what lies beyond Disneyland. But mostly it comes down to…I wanna see just how much I've missed." Oswald confessed, as Ortensia lowers her head in understanding.
"What you've missed?" Max asks.
"For the longest time, us forgotten toons have never been able to leave Wasteland, because we didn't have a single heart. Soon enough, after Mickey came down and saved us…" Oswald explains.
"Countless times," Ortensia adds.
"Countless times, he convinced Master Yen Sid to grant ALL of us forgotten toons hearts again. I think…now's a better time than ever to see what I've been missing out on, since then." Oswald pledged.
"Well…if that's how you feel…Why not we find out together?" Ortensia suggests. Minnie could help but tilt her head in confusion.
"Are ye sure, Ortensia?" Minnie asks.
"Come now, Minnie. You don't expect me to stay here alone without my honey bunny, do you?" Ortensia asks giving the Prince a kiss on the cheek.
"SEEMS KINDA PACKED DONCHA THINK!?" Donald exclaims.
"Besides, Princess. Without any way to defend yourself, don't you think it's a bit…y'know…dangerous to go out into the great unknown?" Daisy asks. THIS, in turn, made the cat Princess' eyes glimmer in determination.
"Who said I'd be going unarmed?" Ortensia asks, mischievously. Soon, she takes off the flower atop her head…and raised it up in the air. With a flash of bright light…it transforms.
Flower petals swam around Ortensia as she reveals her weapon. A shimmering pink hammer with gold rims and a long handle. Both faces of the hammer are colored black with pink mickey mouse symbols in the center.
"Wow…" Huey says, as the ducks were left speechless. Soon enough, Oswald stood by his sweetheart's side.
"Guess that means we're going huh, Donald?" Oswald asks, smugly.
"Mickey's our responsibility, too! SOMEBODY'S gotta bring him back while keeping you and Goofy in check." Ortensia also says, smugly.
"HEY!" Donald exclaims.
"Well, like Webby said…" Gadget starts.
"The more the merrier!" Chip & Dale cheered.
"NOW WE'RE TALKING!" Webby cheered. Soon, Scrooge looks to his two friends.
"BOW-WOW! BOW-WOW-WOW!" Pluto barks up as he wildly runs through the library, bringing Chip, Dale, and Gadget, unfortunately for the ride. Soon the golden dog bucks the chipmunks off of him, and soon approaches Goofy and licks him.
"Oh a-hyuk! Uhuhuhuhuhuhuu! I guess Pluto wants ta come, too, a-hyuk!" Goofy chuckles.
"Well, there's no talkin' the mutt out of it, but, I gotta warn ye, your Majesties. Once we depart, there won't be any turning back. Are ye sure ye wanna come along?" Scrooge asks.
"Ah, we'll be fiiiine, Scrooge." Oswald assures.
"Of course!" Ortensia says happily.
"Well, that's all fine and dandy, but we're practically Disneyland's muscle. If WE'RE gone, who's gonna keep the Queen safe if danger DOES turn up while we're gone?" Donald asks.
"Oh, well Maxie will." Goofy volunteered, taking the young squire by surprise.
"Y-you mean like a Squire?" Max asks in a twinge of confusion...yet even Goofy can see the happiness forming in his son's eyes. Goofy nodded his head in agreement.
"Yep, kinda neat, huh? But uh...if it's all the same for you, your Majesty." Goofy requested. Daisy & Minnie simply nodded their heads in approval.
"Well, it wouldn't hurt to have some firepower if things go rough." Daisy says, happily.
"The more the merrier, they always say. And I'm sure Max'll do VERY well as a Squire." Minnie says happily.
"So do I." Goofy says as he suddenly gave Max a great big hug, while the young Goof was still trying to grasp in just what's going on. Such an honor...presented to him was a surprise that he'd never thought would be given to him.
"Dad, I...just don't know what to say." Max says still in the state of shock and surprise.
"Duckwork, Beakley, I trust you two to keep things in tip-top shape while we're away?" Scrooge requests his two servants & closest friends.
"You'll need not worry, Sir." Mrs. Beakly assures.
"Indeed." Duckworth says in agreement.
"Daisy?" Donald requests as the Duck Scholar grabs Minnie in for a hug.
"Aww, you LITERALLY don't even have to tell me, Donald. Minnie's not only my Queen, she's my friend. Of course, I'll keep her safe." Daisy assures.
"Daisy, that's so sweet~" Minnie says, sweetly as her friend gives her Queen a smile.
"Well…if we're all set with accommodations," Jiminy pipes up as he soon ran across the study and hopped onto Goofy's head.
"I was sent not only as the King's courier, but YOUR Chronicler, to tell the story of the journey ahead. I say we should get going and find that key!"
"I'll get the Royal carriage up n' runnin'!" Dale says scampering off of Pluto.
"Yeah! The carriage'll take us to Tomorrowland, where the other Gummi Ships are!" Chip explains.
"Just say the word, Donald, and we'll guide the way~!" Gadget concludes.
"Dude…this journey's gonna be wild." Dewey whispers to Webby.
"The adventure of a lifetime! Disneyland's GREATEST Mage, CAPTAIN of the Royal Guards, the Prince AND Princess of Disneyland, and Disneyland's greatest Imagineers journey forth to the worlds outside of our own! And all of us get the luxury of joining with 'em!" The Summoner replies as she pulls in Huey, Louie, and Max.
"Well…I guess that means it's time to go," Goofy pipes up.
"Aye, lads. We've got ourselves an ADVENTURE underway!" Scrooge announces.
"YEAH!" Oswald & Ortensia cheered.
"ADVENTURE! ADVENTURE! ADVENTURE!" Dewey and Webby cheers.
"There's just…SO MUCH to see, so many new discoveries…new life!" Huey says with such intrigue in his enticed voice.
"All the treasures to find and sell…" Louie says mischievously.
"Just don't get carried away, this time." Donald says bluntly to the rogue, making him look at his uncle aback.
"A-UH-UNCLE DONALD, I AM SHOCKED! I have NEVER attempted to sell such priceless artifacts to the black market…today." Louie says…or rather lies. Donald only rolls his eyes.
"Und, it's off to ze lab with me. I'll keep a sharp eye out on ze other worlds in case more go KER-PLOOIE!" Professor Von Drake inquires. Finally, Minnie steps up.
"Kids, Donald, Goofy, Oswald, and Ortensia. ALL of Disneyland will hope for your safe return. Please…do ANYTHING to help the King." Minnie says to the saviors of Disneyland.
"YOU CAN COUNT ON US!" They all reply in unison.
An adventure begins.
Destiny Islands
"Woooooooooow~" A familiar voice chimes out as Kairi looks in awe at what she is currently looking at. As she traverses through the shores, where the raft is anchored, she took notice of how festive the place is looking. She's really entranced by the Tiki settings used in the shoreline, as party balloons, confetti, and favors are spread in every way throughout the shores. Selphie soon approached the auburn haired girl.
"Do ya like it? Tidus and I have been REALLY going out on decorating the place! Since this'll be our last time on the islands, we thought we would make this a celebration we'll NEVER forget." Selphie explains.
"It's beautiful~" Kairi says.
"It sure is! I'm glad you like it." Selphie says pleasantly. Soon Selphie suddenly began to look around and noticed something missing...well...two somethings.
"Say uh...where are Sora and Riku?" Selphie asks.
"Well, Riku's busy with a Chocobo mishap. So he can't come today. Sora...uhhh...he was here a while ago. I don't really know where he is now..." Kairi says as she simply shrugs it off. Soon, she herself asked a question.
"Where're Tidus and Wakka?" Kairi asks.
"Wakka's on the same boat as Riku. He can't come cause he's too busy preparing the food for tomorrow night's Luau. Tidus, however's exploring in the cave." Selphie says as Kairi tilts her head in confusion.
"The cave?" Kairi asks.
"Yep! There's a secret cave just at the base of the tree on the beach. He thought there'd be something cool in there. If Tidus is there, then I'm guessing Sora's with him." Selphie hypothesized.
"A secret cave at the base of the tree...I think I know what you're talking about...it used to be Sora and Riku's hideout..." Kairi says as she distinctly remembers a memory of that cave.
Flashback
"W-HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?" She distinctly remembers the childish cry that came out from Sora, that day from eons ago, she first found herself in the secret cave. Sora and Riku's secret hideout, throughout the dark place, you can only see the bone white light of chalked drawings throughout the walls. Kairi only found this place out of sheer curiosity, and soon she first took notice of Sora making some drawings with a chalk.
"This is a nice place, Sora...you didn't have to hide it from me." The young Kairi says sweetly.
"I'm hiding it from you, cause t-t-there's not actually supposed to be anyone else in here. I-it's a secret place for me and Riku!" Sora tried to explain, but the girl only walked around the place, intrigued by the drawings.
"I like your drawings, Sora...did you make these by yourself?" Kairi asks curiously.
"Me? W-well no! Me and Riku made these drawings cause l-like I said this is OUR hideout!" Sora protested, but Kairi only let her curiosity do the talking. She soon took a small rock in her hand.
"Can I make a drawing?" Kairi asks. Sora looks at her in confusion.
"Y-you wanna make a drawing?" Sora asks, taking aback by the girl's request as the girl nodded her head. Reluctantly, the boy simply growled and sighed in defeat.
"Okay...just one!" Sora yells out. Kairi nods her head in understanding. She soon sat on the ground and took her place around a rock that hasn't been drawn on yet. She soon began carving and carving, as the young Sora walks back and forth in exasperation. How long will it take for her to draw one drawing before Riku comes back?
"I'm finished!" Kairi yells out, catching Sora's attention.
"Alright! Good, now you gotta get out of here! If Riku finds you here he'll kill m...e?" Sora says frantically...before suddenly stopping to realize what Kairi drew. It seems she made a drawing of Sora...taking the boy by surprised.
"Is that...me?" Sora asks
"Mhm! Do you like it?" Kairi says happily.
"I-I love it...that's really thoughtful of you...Uh I mean...it-it's ok!" Sora says before trying to regain his cool, as Kairi only giggles.
"But I can do better!" Sora says confidently as he grabs the sharp rock and scraped the rocky walls just as Kairi did, trying to make a drawing of her.
Flashback End: To Sora & Tidus
"After she drew me, I decided to draw her back...as...sloppy as is...it really filled me up with joy seeing how she loved it...I was probably too young to realize how good of an artist she was..." Sora says to himself out loud as he and Tidus were looking among the art gallery that is the cave at the base of the beach's tree...Sora and Riku's old hideout. Tidus only leaned against the walls as he only rolled his eyes.
"How gaudy. If THAT'S the only thing in here, then I'm not impressed." Tidus simply says as Sora only looks at the drawings in reminiscence. With a groan, Tidus began to walk out of the cave.
"Ugh, this was a waste of time. I'll see you outside Sora, I'm sure there's something BETTER to explore around the islands." Tidus simply says as he walks out, but Sora simply waved his hand in a dismissive tone.
"Yeah...okay, you do that, dude. I'm just gonna stay behind for a bit." Sora says as he soon sat down on the ground.
"Since we're leaving the islands...there's something I've been wanting to do..." Sora says in his thoughts as he took from the ground his drawing rock. After all these years, it still seems like it's still in good shape to draw with. That being said, the boy went on ahead and worked his masterpiece, as the scraping of stone echoed the room.
Soon...with short work, he finished his masterpiece. In comparison to his drawing of Kairi from years ago, you can tell that the boy made an improvement in his art. That being said...all Sora made, was a carving of a hand, holding out a star, just below Kairi's drawing of him.
A drawing of Sora...sharing a Paopu Fruit with Kairi. The boy only smiled...admiring his work. At least until...
"I've come to see the door to this world." A deep...and chilling voice echoes in the cave. Completely paralyzed in fear, Sora completely dropped the carving rock, and rose from the ground, looking for the chilling voice.
"W-WHO'S THERE?!" Sora yelled out in fear. The boy was only shaking and shivering in fear, as he heard footsteps grinding the cave sand...as the chilling voice only continues.
"This world has been connected. Tied to the darkness. The world in which we walk...will too lose its light. Soon to be completely eclipsed." The chilling voice says.
"SHOW YOURSELF! I-I-I-I'M NOT AFRAID!" Sora says trying to be brave...but to no avail, his legs say otherwise.
"It is the same as all worlds that had vanished." Soon...the figure reveals itself...well sort of. Sora remembers this face being the person he gazed his eyes on, back on the mainlands...the figure in brown.
"You! I don't know where you came from, but you owe me for making me lose the race and distracting me." Sora scolded.
"You do not know yet what lies beyond the door..." The shrouded man says.
"What lies beyond the door...does that mean you're from another world? I knew I never recognized you! So...that means...there really ARE other worlds out there, right? RIGHT?" Sora asks...hoping for a clear answer from this man...rather than cryptic gibberish.
"There is so very much to learn...you understand so little." More cryptic gibberish...but it seems it was used as an insult. Sora narrowed his eyes and challenged his gibberish.
"Well...y-you'll see! If there really is so very much to learn, out there, then I'll learn it all!" Sora challenged.
"A meaningless effort. One who knows nothing...can understand nothing." The being taunts, making Sora angry.
"YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO LAY ON THICK, LIKE THAT!" Sora roared out.
"SORA!" A familiar voice called out, making Sora stiffen in surprise. The boy soon turned around to see Kairi, who looked at the spiky-haired boy with a quizzical look.
"Uhhhh...who are you talking...AND yelling to?" Kairi asks.
"HIM!" Sora says pointing to...nothing...to his surprise. The being was completely gone from Sora's sight...once was he just in front of him, now...he's gone and disappeared without a single trace. The boy and the girl only tilted their heads in confusion.
"Uh...who's him?" Kairi asks.
"I...uhh...thought I was talking to someone. Guess I'm not..." Sora sighs as Kairi rolled her eyes playfully.
"You're a goofball, y'know that?" Kairi teases as Sora chuckles.
"Yeah, I know..." Sora says truthfully as Kairi simply giggles.
"Well, the sun's going down, and Tidus and Selphie are sailing their way home. That being said...can you meet me at the docks? I wanna talk to you about something." Kairi requested. Sora didn't know what she wanted to talk about, but he nodded his head.
"Sure." Sora simply says as the two began to take their leave out of the cave. Unbeknownst to the two, the shrouded figure in brown returned to the cave...looking at the door like crest, standing in the middle of the cave.
"One who knows nothing...can understand...nothing." He echoed...as something soon formed in the center of the crest...a golden...keyhole? What could this mean?
The Docks
A blissful sunset shines down upon the earth, as nighttime is drawing near. Sora and Kairi together sat themselves on the small dock, as they look at not only the blissful sunset, but the beauty of the golden gleaming mainland just in front of them at a distance...the path being blocked off...by the shining blue ocean in front of them. There was nothing but the bright yellow circle shining in the faces of the two.
"Just one more day, Sora. The Luau...the Destiny Festival...and the day that everything's gonna change for us...for all of us." Kairi says as she was blissfully looking at the sunset.
"Yep...I just wish it didn't have to come so quickly...I'm not sure I'm ready for an adventure...at least not yet." Sora sighs.
"You will, eventually. I'm sure of it." Kairi motivated as Sora simply sighs.
"Yeah...I guess." Sora sighs, but he didn't lower his head...and he was sad either. As he looks at the burning sunset, he just having a harder time than anyone to grasp at the fact that something big is about to come. Soon...Kairi spoke up...but on a different subject.
"Y'know...Riku's changed, Sora." Kairi simply says, as Sora only looks at the girl in confusion.
"How so?" Sora asks.
"Well..." Kairi says...as she soon droned in thought. Perhaps there's something Kairi knows that Sora doesn't know...or understand, as the auburn-haired girl only looks down, completely lost in thought.
"You okay?" Sora asks. The girl was soon snapped out of thought and spoke up.
"I'VE GOT IT! Sora, how about WE go out on an adventure? Just the two of us? Let's just take the raft, forget everyone else, and just go!" Kairi declared as Sora was suddenly taken aback by what she's saying. It's madness.
"W-what?! But why?!" Sora blurted out in surprise. A mischievous smile curls her lips.
"Hehehehe, kidding, I'm kidding!" Kairi giggles. Sora only looks at the girl in bewilderment.
"Kairi, what's gotten into you? If anyone's changed, it's definitely you." Sora says as he chuckles.
"Maybe..." Kairi answered. She soon continued.
"Y'know, I was...a little afraid at first. I...just didn't think I was ready to set off, like you. But you know what? I...think I'm ready now. Because no matter where I go, or what I see, I know I can always come back here...right?" Kairi answered as Sora nodded his head.
"Of course!" Sora answers.
"That's good..." Kairi says as she soon lowered her head in thought. She soon turned to Sora, as the spiky-haired boy turned to her, as well.
"Sora...don't ever change." Kairi simply says. The boy tilts his head in confusion...but for Kairi's sake, he shrugged it off and promised her.
"Uhh...I don't know what you mean...but don't worry. I won't." Sora answered.
"That's good." Kairi says as she soon rose up from the ground, as the wind blew through her hair...and the sun shines down on her face. She was simply smiling, as she watched the bright ocean blue...and the view of her mainland.
"I just can't wait. Once we set sail, it'll be great." Kairi says.