The day seemed a lot brighter than usual, the sun peeking through the curtains and tickling Gabriel's face. The raven let out a big yawn as he woke up, reaching over to grab his headphones before getting out of bed. Gabriel hummed to himself as he stepped into his closet, quickly putting on his favorite outfit before going to the bathroom and brushing his beak. Tapping his foot, the raven smiled to himself in the mirror before the sound of clapping could be heard, the Dream Keeper's Fantasia calling to him as he went over to his bedroom window and started to sing.
Woke up whistling like the wind blows
Looking out my window
Just to see the shine (Oh-oh-oh-eh-oh)
As Gabriel sang, Kessie came over and landed on the windowsill, with Sisu also joining in the song as she appeared by the window, using her long body as a slide for Gabriel to exit from the window down to ground level.
Baby, you might call it crazy
How I'm acting lately
Skipping through the sky (Oh-oh-oh-eh-oh)
As he went down the path, Brooklyn joined in the song as well, the gargoyle snapping along with the beat.
I see so clearly why I'm always feeling free…
(Oh-oh-oh-eh-oh)
Lena then joined to round out the group, the teen sorceress giving Brooklyn a peck on the cheek as Team Dream Keeper came together.
So why sleep when my dream's looking like reality?
(Oh-oh-oh-eh-oh)
As Gabriel sang, passersby's on Main Street joined in the song, using various items and objects to add to the impromptu acapella beat.
Don't it feel like?
Na na-na-na-na na-na na-na
Na na-na-na-na!
Don't it feel like?
Na na-na-na-na na-na na-na
Na na na na na!
Gabriel led his team in rhythmic clapping as they sang together, with himself, Kessie, and Lena on main vocals, Brooklyn as bass, and Sisu on vocal percussion.
Don't it feel like?
Na na-na-na-na na-na na-na
Na na-na-na-na!
Don't it feel like?
Na na-na-na-na na-na na-na
Na na-na-na-na!
Don't it feel like?
Getting to the end of Main Street at the train station, Gabriel waved to the conductor as the gang all got on board, admiring the flowers that swayed with the beat they sang.
I know where the greener grass grows
You'll just have to follow
To the other side (Oh-oh-oh-eh-oh)
As the train took off, Team Dream Keeper all lounged around in the train car, with Gabriel casually passing around a ball of magic between them.
So let's go tiptoe on a tight rope
Falling's only natural
Just spread your wings and fly (Oh-oh-oh-eh-oh)
The raven closed his eyes as he casually sang, feeling particularly good about the day ahead.
You'll see so clearly why I'm always feeling free…
(Oh-oh-oh-eh-oh… oh-oh-oh-eh-oh)
As he did so, Fantasia seeped into the train, making the smokestack start to produce music notes that send the song all around the Magical World as they rode by.
So why sleep when my dream's looking like reality?
(Oh-oh-oh-eh-oh… oh-oh-oh-eh-oh)
Getting back to the chorus, the train itself added to the beat of the song, with everyone on it getting up to dance and join in.
Don't it feel like?
Na na-na-na-na na-na na-na
Na na-na-na-na!
Don't it feel like?
Na na-na-na-na na-na na-na
Na na-na-na-na!
As they all sang, Team Dream Keeper followed along the beat, their inner song harmonizing with Gabriel's as they all moved in sync.
Don't it feel like?
Na na-na-na-na na-na na-na
Na na-na-na-na!
Don't it feel like?
Na na-na-na-na na-na na-na
Na na-na-na-na!
Don't it feel like?
"Time for the bridge!" Gabriel exclaimed, letting his friends take over for this part.
Break it down like: Oh, way-oh…
(Hey, hey, hey)
Make it sound like: Oh, way-oh…
(Yeah, yeah)
Kessie, Sisu, Brooklyn, and Lena all passed the beat between each other as they added in their own part to the song.
All around like: Oh, way-oh…
(Hey, hey, hey)
Sing it loud like: Oh, way-oh…
(Ah ooh-ooh-ooh)
"And one more time!" they all shouted together.
Don't it feel like!?
Na na-na-na-na na-na na-na
Na na-na-na-na!
Make it sound like!?
Na na-na-na-na na-na na-na
Na na-na-na-na!
With the last chorus, everyone got off the train at their destination, stilling bringing the music of Fantasia with them.
All around like!?
Na na-na-na-na na-na na-na
Na na-na-na-na!
Sing it loud like!?
Na na-na-na-na na-na na-na
Na na-na-na-na!
Don't it feel like-
Gabriel snapped his fingers, cutting off the beat as the five friends all fell into a pile, laughing together in joy. "Wow, that was what I needed to start off my day!" Gabriel sighed, before his stomach growled. "But I could go for some breakfast right about now…"
"And that's where I come in!" Lena said. Calling on her magic, the teen sorceress opened up a small rift, bringing out a drink and breakfast sandwich for Gabriel. "Here you go!"
"A bacon, egg, and cheese bagel sandwich along with a caramel Frappuccino with extra caramel sauce!?" Gabriel exclaimed, eagerly devouring the sandwich and taking a big swig of the drink. "Oh yeah, that's the stuff. The only thing that would make it better is if it was Mom's home cooking."
'We'll have to have her cook for us sometime then," Brooklyn said. "So then, Gabriel, you got any plans for today?'
The raven hummed before snapping his fingers. "Actually, I did make a promise to go visit Bluey and her family over at Typhoon Lagoon."
"Anything else?" Sisu questioned.
Gabriel gave a sly grin. "I know what today is, guys, but I want to be surprised. If you have something else to do, then go get ready for that. I'm sure you'll come and get me when the time comes."
"Okay then. We'll be off then," Lena said.
As the others went off, Kessie gave a confused look. "Gabriel, isn't today a very special day for you?" she asked.
"It is, but the others have a special surprise for later," the raven explained. "Heck, the reason I agreed to hang out with Bluey and her family today is so the others can get ready for the surprise."
"Oh, I get it. Jasiri's probably organizing it too, so that's why she wasn't here this morning," Kessie guessed. "But wait a minute: how do you know they're planning something?"
Gabriel giggled. "Sisu might have forgotten to make sure I didn't have our team Amazon account password, so I accidentally got notifications for certain things."
Kessie giggled as well. "Yep, that sounds like her all right! But Sisu loves gifts, so she probably won't mind."
"The point of this day is the celebration, not the gifts," Gabriel said. "Now then, off to Typhoon Lagoon!"
[***]
In contrast to Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon was more like a typical water park, though one that looked to have been through a tropical storm, with a shrimp boat impaled on top of a dormant volcano being the big focal point of the area. It didn't take long for Gabriel and Kessie to find Bluey and her family, especially since the extended Heeler family was there as well.
"CANNONBALL!" Muffin shouted, the gray heeler jumping into the pool and splashing her cousins.
"Be carful Muffin! That's near the shallow end!" Uncle Stripe warned.
"Oh let them have fun, Stripe," Uncle Rad said. "They're just kids being kids."
"You say that now, but just wait into you have your little ones running around," Bandit said to his older brother.
"High-Ho, Heelers!" Gabriel called, coming over to the family.
"Gabriel!" Bluey and Bingo cheered, getting out of the water to greet their friend.
"Hey girls! Nice to see you again," Gabriel laughed as he was tackled to the ground in a sudden hug.
"Bluey, who's the big bird man?" Muffin asked.
"This is our friend Gabriel," Bluey said. "Gabriel, these are our cousins, Muffin and Socks." Socks gave a bark before licking Gabriel's face.
"Nice to finally meet you too, Socks," Gabriel smiled.
"Are you here to have fun with us?" Bingo asked.
"You bet!" Gabriel replied.
"Hooray!" the kids cheered.
"Just make sure you all stay safe!" Chili called from where she was lounging with Aunt Trixie and Aunt Frisky.
"I'll make sure they do!" Gabriel said, before looking around to see that the kids had all run off. "Oh boy…"
"Don't worry mate, we'll keep and eye on them as well," Bandit said.
Gabriel nodded. "Okay then. Kids, wherever you are, it's time to play Sea Adventure!" As Gabriel, Kessie, and the Heeler brothers ran into the park to go round up the kids, the raven felt a familiar beat in his heart, which with some Fantasia he turned into a mashup to go along with the game they were playing.
Aloha ae aloha e… (Aloha ae aloha e)
A nu ay ki aloha e… (A nu ay ki aloha e)
"We're over here!" Bluey called, waving to Gabriel as she and the other kids were splashing around in the surf pool.
"You girls better run, because here comes the Kraken!" Gabriel laughed, raising up his arms to playfully chase the girls around as he pretended to be the sea monster.
There's no place I'd rather be
(Then on my surfboard out at sea)
Lingering in the ocean blue
(And If I had one wish come true)
I'd surf till the sun sets
Beyond the horizon
"Ah! Sea monsters!" Bluey exclaimed, though she was giggling at the same time as Gabriel picked her up and spun her around.
"Captain, let's hide in the river to escape!" Bingo called as she and Muffin ran off, while Socks bit Gabriel's leg, causing him to drop Bluey into the wave pool.
"Gah! She really does have a strong bite!" Gabriel said, grabbing at his foot.
"Yeah, she does," Stripe chuckled.
A wiki-wiki mai lohi-lohi
Lawe mai I ko papa he'e nalu
Flyin' by on the Hawaiian roller coaster ride…
The girls all jumped into Castaway Creek, the lazy river of Typhoon Lagoon, getting into inner tubes as the song switched beats.
Zuka Zama Zom-Zom-Zom!
Zuka Zama Zom-Zom-Zom!
"Where to next, Captain?" Bingo asked.
"I want to be the captain!" Muffin shouted.
"No Muffin, I'm the oldest, so I'm the captain!" Bluey stated. "Besides, you can be my map reader, Muffin, which means you get to tell us where to go."
"Oh, okay," Muffin nodded. She then pointed towards Mount Mayday. "That looks like where the treasure would be!"
Life's exciting, life is fun!
(Zuka Zama Zom-Zom-Zom!)
A big adventure for everyone!
(Zuka Zama Zom-Zom-Zom!)
As the girls swam through Castaway Creek, Gabriel and the Heeler brothers weren't far behind. "Kessie, you go on ahead and join them," Gabriel said. "I think those rascally pirates are going to need a little birdy to help keep them safe."
"Aye-aye, captain!" Kessie said in a pirate voice, before saluting and flying off.
"And make sure they stay safe!" Bandit shouted after her.
Life's a party and it's filled with thrills…
(Zuka Zama Zom-Zom-Zom!)
Don't worry about the scrapes and spills…
(Zuka Zama Zom-Zom-Zom!)
Getting out of the lazy river, the girls made their way to Mount Mayday, where they made their way up to one of the slides. "I'm sure the treasure is down there!" Bingo said, pointing down the slide.
"Good eye, First Mate Bingo! Now then, to treasure!" Bluey exclaimed, jumping down the water slide.
Pop up! Pop up!
Zuka! Zuka!
Dive in! Dive in!
Zama! Zama!
"Be careful, Muffin!" Stripe called, watching as his eldest daughter took the plunge down, followed by Bingo and Socks.
"Cowabunga!" Kessie exclaimed, laughing the whole way down as she joined the girls in their fun.
Go! Go! Go!
Zom! Zom! Zom!
Flying through the trees like a busy, busy bee going
Once they reached the bottom, Bandit, Stripe, and Rad all gathered up the girls. "Okay kids, let's not run off without adult supervision next time," Bandit said.
"Okay Dad," Bluey and Bingo said.
"But I want to have more fun!" Muffin shouted.
"Then how about we all do something we can ride together?" Gabriel suggested. "Come on everyone, let's head over to Miss Adventure Falls!"
"Hooray!" the kids cheered.
Zuka Zama Zom-Zom-Zom!
Zuka Zama Zom-Zom-Zom!
Zuka Zama Zom-Zom-Zom!
Zuka Zama Zom-Zom-Zom!
The Dream Keeper led the gang over to Miss Adventure Falls, where it just so happened that the women of the Heeler family were heading too as well. "Hey everyone. Did you have fun on your adventure?" Chili asked.
"It's not over yet. We still have to find treasure," Bluey said.
"You know kid, sometimes life's greatest treasure is the adventure and friends you made along the way," Bandit said.
"But we want treasure," Bingo insisted.
"I don't think that life lesson will be fully apricated until their older," Gabriel chuckled.
There's no place I'd rather be
(Than on the seashore dry, wet, free)
On golden sand is where I lay
(And if I only had my way)
The group all bobbed along to the music as they entered the attraction, getting into rafts of four to ride the ride: Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chili in the first, Muffin, Socks, Stripe, and Trixie in the second, and Gabriel, Kessie, Rad, and Frisky in the last.
I'd play till the sun sets beyond the horizon…
Lala i kala hanahana
Me ke kai honene i ka pu'e one
It's time to try the Hawaiian roller coaster ride…
As the ride made its way up the long cover belt lift hill, Gabriel waved hello to the ride attendants as they past by. "Don't tell Bluey this, but you might just be my favorite of the Heeler family, Rad," Gabriel said.
"Oh, thanks," Rad smiled.
"Now then, when are you two going to get married?" Gabriel asked, causing both Rad and Frisky to blush.
"Oh, would you look! We're almost at the top of the ride!" Frisky pointed out, quickly changing the subject.
Hang loose, hang ten, howzit, shake a shaka
No worry; no fear; ain't no biggie, braddah
Cuttin' in, cuttin' up, cuttin' back, cuttin' out
Frontside, backside, goofy footed, wipe out
The gang all cheered as they were sent down the slide, first going through and enclosed tube before spilling back into the sunlight of the bright spring day.
Let's get jumpin'; surf's up and pumpin'
Coastin' with the motion of the ocean
Whirlpools swirling, cascading, twirling
Hawaiian roller coaster ride
Once they reached the bottom of the slide, everyone was laughing as they all got out of the water. "You know, with all the fun we're having, I think we need some refreshments to go along with it," Gabriel said.
"Ice cream!" the kids started chanting.
"Well, you heard them," Trixie chuckled, the gang all going to go get some frozen confections.
"Just follow me and move to the beat!" Gabriel said, using his magic to create a baton that he used like a parade twirler.
"It's just like Dance Mode!" Bluey said, the kids all getting in a line behind Gabriel as they led them along.
Now you know my little motto for life
(Zuka Zama Zom-Zom-Zom!)
Enjoy the chaos, ignore the strife
(Zuka Zama Zom-Zom-Zom!)
Gabriel and Kessie sang together as they marched along, everyone doing their own funny walk as they went along.
When life throws you a crazy curve…
(Zuka Zama Zom-Zom-Zom!)
Go Zuka Zama! Don't lose your nerve!
(Zuka Zama Zom-Zom-Zom!)
"And sing it with me!" Gabriel exclaimed.
"Pop up! Pop up!" Bluey sang.
Zuka! Zuka!
"Dive in! Dive in!" Bingo chimed in.
Zama! Zama!
"Go! Go! Go!" Muffin added.
Zom! Zom! Zom!
Like a bee, like a bee, like a busy-busy bee goin'-
Arriving at the ice cream stand, Stripe went to pay for the food as the kids all eagerly picked out their preferred flavors. Gabriel himself got mint chocolate chip, while Kessie decided on a lemon-lime swirl.
Zuka Zama Zom-Zom-Zom!
Zuka Zama Zom-Zom-Zom!
Zuka Zama Zom-Zom-Zom!
Zuka Zama Zom-Zom-Zom!
As they all ate their ice cream together, Gabriel just enjoyed the good vibes as he let the song fade into the ending.
There's no place I'd rather be
(Then on my surfboard out at sea)
Lingering in the ocean blue
(And If I had one wish come true)
Flyin' by on the Hawaiian roller coaster ride…
Zuka Zama Zom-Zom-Zom!
"That was a good way to spend the day," Gabriel sighed happily.
Kessie then gasped. "Oh my gosh, I just realized what time it is! Gabriel, if we don't get going, then we'll be late for your- I mean, the surprise thing."
"It's okay, Kessie. We still have some time to go back to my place and get changed," Gabriel assured her.
"You know, every time we get to have fun with Gabriel, we always come here," Bluey said. "Next time you have to come to our house, Gabriel. Then we can play all sorts of games, like Magic Xylophone."
"Oh no, I'm making sure that thing is hidden before he comes over," Bandit said, causing his daughters to giggle.
"Don't be too cheeky, girls," Chili said, though she was smiling all the same.
"Feel free to come to the surprise tonight," Gabriel said. "It'll be right at sundown outside the Magic Kingdom Castle, so you can't miss it!"
[***]
After getting changed, Gabriel let Kessie blindfold him before heading down to the other end of Main Street, just next to the Partner's statue. "Okay, now you can take it off," the bluebird said.
Removing the blindfold, Gabriel was confused when he saw nothing out of the ordinary. "Uh…"
Kessie then gasped. "Oh, right! I was supposed to give you this!" She pulled out a notecard and handed it over to Gabriel.
"To reveal the surprise, look into your heart and let it be your guide," Gabriel read. Shrugging, the raven summoned his Keyblade and held it skywards, calling on Fantasia to gather around it. As he did so, there was a sudden fanfare, followed by catchy music as parade floats of all shapes and sizes, each of them covered in gold decorations, started to appear.
"Happy birthday, Gabriel!" everyone cheered.
"And a happy golden birthday as well!" Jasiri added, suddenly appearing and giving Gabriel a big kiss and hug.
"I knew you had something planned for today," Gabriel said.
"Yeah, we'll let someone else handle the online shopping next time," Jasiri giggled. "But for now, how about you just enjoy your big day in style?"
"Jasiri, what's a golden birthday?" Kessie asked.
"It's what happens when your age matches the day of the month," Jasiri explained. "And for Gabriel, 2023 is the year of his golden birthday, March 24."
"Yep, it's a big year alright," Gabriel nodded. "You know, this brings a song to-"
"Nuh-uh-uh!" Aline shushed him. "You always do all the Fantasia stuff, Gabriel. How about you let us do the singing for once?"
"Sure, go on ahead," Gabriel laughed, getting into the groove with Jasiri as the Co-Dream Keepers worked their own Fantasia to conduct the festivities. Team Dream Keeper appeared on the main float, with Brooklyn on vocals and guitar, Lena on keyboard, Sisu on drums, Rocket on bass, and Lop with her tambourine, with Kairi opting to join the princesses on their own float.
I feel the magic finally coming
Inside me I feel my heart drumming
And we ain't stopping, not for nothing
Endless surprises in every moment
Speaking of princesses, they were on the first float, from the OG princesses like Snow White and Cinderella, to the modern ones with Tiana, Merida, and Raya, to even the "unofficial" princesses like Kairi, Maid Marian, and Megara.
Tonight I'm a star that will keep burning so bright
We'll feel like we're on center stage
We'll never be the same
And I wanna see those hands up, dancing on through the night
To follow up the girl power, the boys had their turn with a heroic float. Hercules, Aladdin, and Buzz Lightyear took the lead, with other Disney guys making their presence known as well.
It's such a magical surprise (Surprise!)
Here we go, magical
It's such a magical surprise (Surprise!)
Here we go, oh, and I know you're feeling magical
With each "Surprise!" the Dream Defenders came out to throw confetti over the growing dance party that Gabriel and Jasiri were at the center of. Rachel and Poe used purple and black confetti, Logan and Destiny used blue and red, Adam and Melanie used bronze and electric blue, while Silver and Staghart used green and yellow.
There's a million stars in the sky
And by the time that it's stuck them twice
It'll be an endless surprise for me and you
It's such a magical surprise (Surprise!)
Here we go, magical
The Dream Keeper Band played their hearts out as the celebration continued, with the Co-Dream Keepers' Fantasia started using their magic to do some projection mapping on the castle, showing off various highlights of Gabriel's time in the Magical World.
Well let me see you move, like you're in the groove
Even if you're smooth, man, now watch 'em shake it
(Let me see you shake it now!)
In my magic shoes, bibbidi-bobbidi-boo
Looking super cool, no don't fake it
The next float was the Superhero float, with Marvel heroes showing off their powers as they joined in the celebration.
Tonight I'm a star that will keep burning so bright
We'll feel like we're on center stage
We'll never be the same
And I wanna see those hands up, dancing on through the night
After that was the Star Wars float, with the Jedi using their lightsabers like glow sticks as they grooved to the music.
It's such a magical surprise (Surprise!)
Here we go, magical
It's such a magical surprise (Surprise!)
Here we go, oh, and I know you're feeling magical
This time, the Co-Dream Keepers got to throw some confetti for the party: Beth and Brian using pink and grey, Double D and Ali Gator using lime green and gold, Aline and Binx using eclectic purple and orange, while Toren and Skylar (both back from an adventure of their own just for the celebration) used sky blue and sunshine yellow.
There's a million stars in the sky
And by the time that it's stuck them twice
It'll be an endless surprise for me and you
It's such a magical surprise (Surprise!)
Here we go, magical
As the song slowed down a bit, Jasiri brought Gabriel over to the concert stage and pulled out a gift for him. "Happy Birthday, Gabriel," she whispered.
Taking the present, Gabriel opened it up and pulled out a DVD box. "Wait, is this…?"
"A special, first edition run of the Disney Dub of "Kiki's Delivery Service" upscaled to Blu-Ray? Yes, yes it is," Jasiri giggled.
"We figured that we'd get you something extra rare, and after that anime movie night we had, we knew just which move to get you," Kessie explained.
It's the gift of what we've dreamed up
I can feel love wrapped in every moment
(in every moment no)
Fireworks above, cotton candy fluff
I can feel love, I just wanna hold it
"So, do you like it?" Jasiri asked.
Gabriel responded by kissing his girlfriend. "Like it, I love it! This is my favorite Studio Ghibli movie! We all have to watch this movie together once we finish up here."
"There is one more thing you need to make your birthday complete," Jasiri winked, before whistling. "Bring it in, guys!"
SURPRISE!
The Dream Defenders wheeled in a massive birthday cake, with seven unique layers of different flavors, all of it topped with twenty-four candles with golden flames. "Come on, you gotta make a wish!" Kessie exclaimed.
SURPRISE!
Floating up to the top of the cake, Gabriel prepared a big breath to blow out the candles.
SURPRISE!
And let the whole beat stop!
The music cut off, letting Gabriel blow out the candles and make his wish. Once that was over, the raven grinned before jumping over the cake and shouting, "Now, let's dig in!" before using his magic to explode the cake, transforming it into multiple smaller cupcakes for everyone else at the party.
It's such a magical surprise (Surprise!)
Here we go, magical
It's such a magical surprise (Surprise!)
Here we go, oh, and I know you're feeling magical
As everyone ate their cupcakes, Gabriel jumped onto the stage with Jasiri and Kessie, the whole gang singing and dancing together.
There's a million stars in the sky
And by the time that it's stuck them twice
It'll be an endless surprise for me and you
It's such a magical surprise (Surprise!)
Here we go, magical
Gabriel gave Jasiri a spin before dipping her, giving her a big kiss as the song came to an end.
Magical surprise (Surprise!)
Here we go, magical (So magical…)
It's such a magical surprise (Surprise!)
Magical…
SURPRISE!
Author's Note
Surprise! Today is Gabriel's birthday, but also my own! I do in fact turn 24 today, so it's my IRL Golden Birthday as well! Here's to many more years of life, and being a Disney fan.
This chapter was really just some fun moments I wanted to write, along with some songs I wanted to use. Plus I wanted to do another scene with Bluey characters, so getting to have the whole Heeler family was fun (excited for new episodes coming soon!)
The first song with Team Dream Keepers is "Na Na Na" by Pentatonix, the first song on their self-titled album.
The second song is "Zuka Zama/Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride" mashup, as performed by Scott & Ryceejo. You all know that I love Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride, and while I'm not the biggest fan of Zuka Zama on its own, I love how it fits into this mashup.
The final song is "Magical Surprise" from the Shanghai Disneyland 5-year celebration. It's really peppy song perfect for a birthday. As for Gabriel's birthday gift, "Kiki's Delivery Service" is my favorite Studio Ghibli, though I much prefer the original Disney Dub of the movie over the edits that Ghibli Kids did years later due to there being major audio errors in that edit.
Next Time… well, you're going to have to wait until April Fool's Day for that chapter, but it won't be a joke. It's the start of the next story arc: Gabriel and Logan get sent to a different dimension outside of the Magical World all together!