Dream Keeper Chronicles Chapter 46: Fiesta & Lessons, a disney fanfic

A Team Friendship Fiesta

It was a normal day on the Disney Wish cruise liner, with Gabriel, Ray, and Azrael all chilling on the deck by the pool while their teammates all splashed about in the water. Azrael took a sip of his mango smoothie before giving a satisfied sigh. "This is exactly what I needed: no major threats, just relaxation in the sun."

"Agreed," Gabriel nodded. "I mean, the Magical World has plenty of heroes to defend it so I'm not worried, but being the Dream Keeper is stressful at times, you know?"

"I don't know how you two do it," Ray shook his head. "I can't imagine being the main defender of my universe."

"Eh, you're still young. I'm sure some world-threatening event will happen where you have to step up," Azrael shrugged.

"Don't jinx it…" Ray sighed.

As the trio continued to hang out, Gabriel couldn't help but feel a slight tingle in the back of his spine. 'Weird. I normally only feel that when a song's about to start…' the raven thought. He then sat up as guitar strings could be heard from high up above on one of the towers of the ship. "Is that a Spanish guitar I hear?" Gabriel asked.

"Wait, I know this one…" Azrael said, looking up and taking off his sunglasses. "Is that…?"

Suddenly three figures jumped down to the deck, catching the attention of everyone that was there. "Ladies and gentlemen… welcome to my fiesta!" the leader of the trio announced, an orange tabby cat in stylish boots with a matching hat, belt, and cape. His companions were a black tuxedo cat with brown boots and a green cape, with the other companion being a chihuahua with big blue eyes wearing an old sweater.

"Puss in Boots!" Azrael shouted.

"Puss in Boots?" Ray and Gabriel said in surprise.

"With Kitty Softpaws," the female cat added.

"And Perrito!" the chihuahua said. "Team Friendship, here to fiesta!"

"…Did he just say Team Friendship?" Jasiri asked, raising an eyebrow.

"We're working on the name," Puss and Kitty said at the same time.

"What are you doing here?" Azrael asked.

"Why to have a fiesta, of course!" Puss exclaimed, holding out his guitar. He strummed a few notes, which caused a full mariachi band to suddenly appear out of nowhere, playing along as the heroic cat began to sing.

Who's brave and ready for trouble? (You are, you are!)

Who's so unbelievably humble? (You are, you are!)

Puss laughed as the band chanted along, while Kitty just rolled her eyes and clapped her hands to the beat of the song as she danced.

Who's the gato who rolls the dice (You are, you are!)

And gambles with his life! (You are, you are!)

"A friend of yours?" Mineru asked Porsha.

"They're close to Azrael you could say," the wolfess giggled.

Who is your favorite fearless Hero?

As Puss played through the chorus, he tossed up his guitar and pulled out his sword, prompting Kitty to do the same as the two engaged in a mock duel, both cats showing off their skills with the sword.

Puss in Boots!

"I'll admit, he does know how to start a party," Gabriel nodded.

"Jealous?" Long asked, appearing behind the raven.

"No, just admiring a fellow maker of music," Gabriel replied.

He's the vein of justice!

"To all a hero!" Perrito cheered.

Fighting for the people!

"To all a legend!" Puss added, giving a wink to some ladies who fainted at his suave charm.

Puss in Boots!

Puss in Boots?

Puss in Boots!

Puss- in Boots!

Puss caught his guitar and continued to play as the second verse began.

Who's ready for trouble? (You are, you are!)

Who's unbelievably humble? (You are, you are!)

"I feel like there's some irony in his words…" Mym mused, though her tail swished behind her to the beat of the music.

Who's never been touched by a blade? (You are, you are!)

Puss in boots is never afraid! (You are, you are!)

Puss gave a laugh as he took Kitty by the hand and tangoed with her.

Who is your favorite fearless Hero?

"He's the only hero for me," Kitty said, giving him a smirk as she took his hat to wear for herself as she took lead in the dance.

Who is your favorite fearless Hero?

Everyone was caught up in the song now, dancing to the Spanish beat. Gabriel even managed to sneak in a bit of Fantasia to make the boat come alive with the music.

Puss in boots!

The crowd chanted his name as Puss took a bow.

Who is your favorite fearless Hero?

Puss… in boots!

Everyone gave their applause for the heroic cat as he laughed, tossing his guitar aside and taking his hat back from Kitty. "Thank you, thank you, you're all very much welcome. We'll be here all week!" Puss turned his attention to Azrael, tipping his hat to the wolf. "Ah, and there is my favorite sobrino. How are you?"

"Doing fine, Puss," Azrael greeted.

"Sobrino… one of Raya's friends has used that word before. It means "nephew," right?" Sisu asked.

"Si. Azrael is like a nephew to me," Puss nodded. "Especially since we were the ones that helped him get comfortable with the Epic Universe in the first place."

"You mean how Death made us babysit him and learn about the Epic Universe or else he'd take your last life?" Kitty recalled.

Puss gave a nervous chuckle. "Yes, well, when Murte asks you to do something, it's best to heed his words."

"Oh those were some fun times," Perrito nodded. "Azrael was all dark and brooding, but now he's got more friends to go on adventures with."

"And I have you three for helping through my early days," Azrael said. "Everyone, let me formally introduce my familia: Puss in Boots, Kitty Softpaws, and Perrito. What brings you three to the dimensional cruise?"

"Just checking in on you," Kitty replied. "We got on at the last port and wanted to surprise you with a visit. There is one more surprise, by the way…"

Feeling something behind him, Azrael turned around and smiled as a wolf that looked similar to him but taller had materialized there. "Hey Dad," Azrael greeted.

"Azrael," Death nodded, before giving the younger wolf a big hug. "My son, it is good to see you again. And it is nice to see that you are doing well, Gabriel."

"How you doing, Death?" Gabriel greeted.

"Death?" Morgana gasped. "As in… the Grim Reaper!?"

"Not exactly, gato," Death said. "I am simply the physical embodiment of the concept of death itself. I have been called the Grim Reaper, but I will also accept Death, Murte, or Lobo. And do not be afraid of me; none of you are close to your time."

The group decided not to mention how Gabriel had a near-death experience lately. "Well, what are you all standing around for!?" Puss exclaimed. "This is supposed to be a fiesta! Bring out the leche and be merry!"

Even though it was only midday, the party with Team Friendship quickly went on well into the night, with Puss recounting many of his greatest adventures, Kitty showing her own guitar skills, and Perrito being the cutest chihuahua ever. Even Death got in on the merriment, showing his strength by single handedly beating everyone in an arm-wrestling contest. Soon most guests were ready to call it a night, with Mineru taking Ray back to their cabin after that cat had drank too much leche.

"I swear that Puss puts something in that milk…" Mei Ling shook her head.

"Hey, why aren't you affected?" Morgana asked, stumbling a bit as he too was feeling the effects of the leche.

"Because I've perfected a chi technique that lets the mind focus when the body is addled by poisons," the golden cat explained.

"Make sure he gets back to his room alright," Gabriel said as he waved goodbye to the two. The raven shook his head as Morgana started to badly sing along to one of Puss' songs before turning his attention to Azrael, who was sitting on a balcony alongside Death.

"Hey, great party you just had," Long said, appearing beside Gabriel and taking some food for himself. "That cat sure knows how to party."

"Yes, yes he does," Gabriel nodded, his attention focused on Azrael.

"…So, do you want to hear what they're saying?" Long asked.

"I don't think-" Gabriel started, only for Long to pick the raven up and fly them near Azrael and Death, just out of view of both of them but close enough to hear what they were saying.

"And you say Puss is a bad influence," Azrael laughed.

"He is. The gato can be stupid it in the head most of the time," Death rolled his eyes.

"But you still trusted him to help me when I was starting out," Azrael pointed out.

Death sighed. "I have some respect for Puss in Boots, but only because he started valuing his life again. That little Perrito has helped him, as has Ms. Softpaws."

"You can always just… hang out with them, if you want," Azrael said. "If you didn't scare Puss half to death as much, I think you all can be friends."

"I am Death, mi hijo. Friends are not something I can afford," Death shook his head. "I am lucky that I can even have you by my side."

"Maybe I should try to get you a girlfriend," Azrael joked.

"As if anyone would fall in love with Death- and do not bring up Thanos or Deadpool. I'm not interested," Death said.

"Other death gods have had lovers, though: Hades and Persephone are popular, and even Anubis has taken a wife before," Azrael said.

"But I am not just a death go. I am Death, straight up, and there's not a soul out there that could love me…" Death shook his head.

Gabriel looked thoughtful at Death's lament, though Long just shook his head. "I know what you're thinking, Gabriel, and you know that I can't make people fall in love."

"But you could help Death find love, right?" Gabriel asked. "Something that could help him find that missing half?"

Long thought about the question. "I suppose there's nothing in the rules about that… but you'll have to make it a formal wish."

"Okay then. Long, I wish for something that will help Azrael's father, Death, find love and companionship!" Gabriel stated. The wish dragon snapped his fingers, and in Gabriel's hands appeared two things: a scroll and a book. "Huh, looks like a map and a novel of some kind."

"Hey, don't look at me! Just because I granted the wish, doesn't mean I know exactly how these things relate to it," Long shrugged.

Gabriel nodded and had Long float him back down to the deck, the raven going to Azrael's cabin and giving the objects over to Porsha. "Here, these are for Azrael," Gabriel said.

"A book and a map?" Porsha said in confusion.

"I was given them by a friend. They said they would help Azrael with something once he gets back to the Epic Universe," Gabriel said.

"I'll make sure he gets these. Promise," Porsha said. As Gabriel left for the night, the wolfess looked at the book. "Huh, what's this Don Quixote book about?"

[***]

Aroo's Lesson Number One

"Okay Gabriel-san, what's the situation?" Lop asked. The cruise was currently stopped off the coast of Australia, but they had yet to leave port for some unknown reason.

Gabriel recalled what he'd been told by Azrael earlier. "Apparently someone's lost a child, so now we can't leave until the kid is found and returned to their parent. Wouldn't want to accidentally have the kid be onboard the ship when we leave, after all."

"What do they look like?" Mei Ling asked. "I'd hate to think of a kid being all alone…"

"I didn't get a description, but if you see a child that looks lost, make sure to keep them safe and bring them to the docking station down by the docks," Gabriel said. "Jasiri and I are going to go into town to see if we can find the kid."

"We'll help as well," Lop said.

"Yeah. Helping kids out is part of being a true Kung Fu master," Mei ling nodded.

With that the two warrior women were off into town to try and find the lost kid. Being in Australia is what actually wintertime for the country, though you wouldn't know that from the weather. It was sunny skies over Sydney, and as they looked for the kid Lop and Mei Ling took in the sights and sounds.

"I'll never get over how the "modern world" looks in comparison to my time," Mei Ling said, looking out at the Sydney Opera House. "I mean, look at that place over there. People have an entire building just to put on elaborate shows. It's amazing."

"Yes, it is," Lop nodded. "I have a friend who's a stage performer, actually. The characters from the Visions side of Star Wars consider each other close friends due to our shared heritage." The Lepi girl hummed as her eyes caught something down by the opera house. "Mei Ling, look! Doesn't that child look out of place."

Mei Ling looked down to see a little anthro dog that seemed to be lost, ears and tail drooping as they looked around in confusion and worry. "I think that's the lost kid, Lop! Let's go make sure he's okay!"

With a burst of speed Mei Ling was bounding towards the child, Lop not far behind as she used the Force to jump up over the railing of the walkway they were on. The two soon were at the child's location, now being able to get a better look at them. He was a little guy around Bluey's height that looked to be a mix between a golden retriever and a dalmatian, with a mostly white body and golden orange spots.

"W-Who are you?" the little dog whimpered.

Mei Ling held up her hands to show that she meant no harm. "Hey there, my name is Mei Ling. I'm one of the people that's been looking for a lost child. Are you lost, little one?"

"I-I want mommy…" the dog said, tears coming to his eyes.

"Please don't cry," Lop said, getting down on her knees and taking out a handkerchief to wipe his eyes. "My name is Lop, and I'm training to be a Jedi. That means that I help people that are in trouble and make them feel safe."

"Jedi? Like in the cartoons?" the dog gasped.

"Yes, exactly," Lop nodded.

"C-Can I see your lightsaber?" he asked. His tail started wagging as Lop pulled out her weapon and ignited the blade, waving it around a bit. "Wow, for real life lightsaber! That's amazing!"

"And I myself am a Kung Fu master," Mei Ling giggled, doing a few stances before giving a bow. "It's my duty to keep people safe as well. We're going to help you find your mom, little guy."

"My name's Aroo," the little dog said. "I just want to get back to Mom. I didn't mean to wander off, but there were a lot of people in the city and I accidentally let go of her hand and…"

"It's okay, we'll keep you safe and take you to where your mom is waiting," Lop assured Aroo. She turned around and held out her hands to him. "Here, you can ride on my back until we get to where we have to go." Aroo jumped into her arms, the Lepi girl wincing as he tugged on her ears. "Ack! Please don't pull on my ears!"

"Oops, sorry," Aroo apologized.

"You know, the little guy reminds me of someone, but I can't put my finger on it…" Mei Ling mused.

Soon the three of them were off to go back to the docks. As they went along, Aroo asked the two women many questions about where they came from and the adventures they'd been on. The little dog was so full of questions, and it was really endearing how much wanted to learn.

"You two seem so cool and strong, unlike me," Aroo said longingly. "I was too scared to do anything after I got separated from Mom."

"There's nothing wrong with being afraid, Aroo," Lop said. "I was scared when my home was attacked by the Empire, but I learned that when you're at your bravest when you're scared, because you can stand up and face the darkness."

"And once your accept that balance in yourself, you can do anything. Find your inner peace," Mei Ling nodded. She put her hands together and created a small golden orb, letting Aroo touch it in awe. "That's my Chi, a physical manifestation of my willpower. It took a lot training to manifest it, but now I can control the mists to aid me as a master."

"Wow, that's so cool," Aroo said. "But I don't think I'll ever be able to find my own balance. I still trip over my own feet at times."

"Not that kind of balance," Lop laughed. She set Aroo down and booped him on the nose, making the dog giggle. "Here, how about we explain balance through song? I have a friend from the Magical World that taught me this one." Lop closed her eyes before she began to sing.

Earth, sky

Day, night

Sound and silence

Dark and light

As Lop sang, Mei Ling used her chi to call on mists, creating an illusionary landscape around them that invoked Japanese woodblock paintings.

One alone is not enough

You need both together…

Lop held out her hands, with a white orb appearing in her right hand and a black orb in her left hand. She then brought the two together, creating the Yin-Yang symbol as the colors swirled together in harmony.

Winter, summer

Moon and sun

Lesson Number One!

"Just follow my lead!" Lop eclaimed.

Like a rock (Huh huh)

You must be hard! (Huh huh)

Lop jumped up on a rock and did a few quick moves.

Like an oak (Mmmha)

You must stand firm!

She then jumped off the rock and took a strong stance next to some trees.

Come quick

Like my blade

Lop pulled out her Lightsaber and did a few swings.

Think fast (Huh huh)

Unafraid

Lop gave a nod, posing with her weapon before sheathing it. "Okay then, Aroo. You try it."

"O-Okay…" Aroo replied nervously.

Like a rock (Huh huh)

I must be hard! (Huh huh)

He jumped up on the rock, stumbling a bit before steadying himself.

Like an oak (Mmmha)

I must stand firm!

Aroo then struck a pose next to the trees, but he didn't imitate Lop's stance as well and fell over on his bum.

Come quick

Like my blade

Picking up a stick off the ground, Aroo swung it around like it was a sword.

Think fast (Huh huh)

Unafraid

Holding the stick high, he smiled with confidence. "Wow, so that's all I need to be brave?" he asked.

"That was only half of what you need to achieve balance," Mei Ling said. "Here, let me show you the other side."

Like a cloud

You are soft

Mei Ling held out her hands, letting the mist pass over them and form into a cloud that she gently pushed away.

Like bamboo

You bend in the wind

The golden cat then let the breeze guide her in a fluid motion, almost like she was dancing.

Creeping slow

You're in peace because you know

It's ok to be afraid

Mei Ling ended her part by putting her hands together in front of her chest and taking a deep breath. "There, now you try, Aroo."

Like a cloud

I am soft

Aroo held out his hands, giggling as the cloud tickled his nose.

Like bamboo

I bend in the wind

The little dog laughed as he spun around, letting the wind carry him.

Creeping slow

I'm in peace because I know

It's ok to be afraid

Aroo put his paws together like Mei Ling did, taking a deep breath. "So it's not just about action, but about feeling as well," he said.

"Exactly," Lop said with a smile.

"Once you achieve both, you'll find your balance," Mei Ling nodded.

One alone is not enough (One alone is not enough)

You need both together (One alone is not enough) (You need both together)

Winter, summer (You need both together) (Winter, summer)

Moon and sun (Winter, summer, moon and sun…) (Moon and sun)

Lesson Number One!

The three repeated a few meditation moves together, with the Yin-Yang symbol shining behind them as they did so.

Like a rock (Like a cloud)

I must be hard! (I am soft)

Mei Ling and Aroo repeated the verses, their voices overlapping as they went through the motions of the routine.

Like an oak (Like bamboo)

I must stand firm! (I bend in the wind)

"You can fly!" Lop sang out with a smile.

Come quick (Creeping slow)

Like my blade (I'm at peace because I know)

Mei Ling and Aroo held their staff and stick together in a crossing motion, with Lop putting her Lightsaber up to join them.

Think fast (It's okay to be afraid)

Unafraid

"You have begun!" Lop sang out as the song came to an end.

Lesson Number One! (Lesson Number One!)

Lesson Number One!

With that the illusion faded, with the trio laughing as Mei Ling picked up Aroo in her arms. "That was fun!" the little dog exclaimed.

"Indeed it was," Mei Ling nodded. "Oh, and it looks like we're at the place we were told to bring you as well."

"Aroo?" a female voice called. "Aroo!" An older anthro dog ran out of the station, scooping up Aroo in her arms. She was an Australian Cattle Dog with cream and orange fur. "There you are! I was so worried when I couldn't find you."

"I'm sorry I got lost, Mom," Aroo apologized. "But Lop and Mei Ling helped me find you, and I was the bravest I've ever been!"

Aroo's Mom looked to the two warriors and smiled. "Thank you for taking care of my son and bringing him back to me. How can I ever repay you?"

"There's no need for that, mam," Mei Ling shook her head.

"It's a warrior's duty to help those in need," Lop added, giving a bow.

"Still, thank you," the cattle dog said. "Now then, Aroo, and I think it's time we head home. You have a big playdate with your cousins tomorrow, remember?"

"Of course!" Aroo said excitedly. "I can't wait to see Bluey and Bingo again!"

"Wait, Bluey and Bingo?" Lop gasped. "And you're their cousin?"
"Do you know them as well?" Aroo's Mom asked. "I'm Chili's cousin, Brandy. Aroo's my little boy, adopted him around a year ago now."

"Well, I hope you have a great day tomorrow," Mei Ling said with a smile, giving a bow which Aroo returned. "And remember: when you find your inner balance, you can do anything."

Saying their goodbyes to Aroo and Brandy, Lop and Mei Ling returned to the ship, where they relayed their story to Gabriel about what had happened. "I don't remember Bluey having cousins on her mom's side. That's what's confusing me," Lop said.

"She doesn't, at least not up to the point in the show we're at right now," Gabriel confirmed. "Hm, I wonder… "Bluey" the show is on the Disney Channel, but it only airs there on America, so it's possible this word is actually separate from the Bluey we know."

"Like how the Marvel characters in the Epic Universe are different from the Magical World," Mei Ling recalled. "If that's the case, who is Aroo really?"

"He could be a guest, possibly," Gabriel speculated. "Did he remind you of anyone you know?"

"He had a familiar presence in the Force to Toren," Lop said.

"And his Chi felt similar to that of Soren in my world," Mei Ling added.

"The Aroo in actuality is the Toren of the Bluey universe," Gabriel stated. "Huh, I hope he doesn't have any trauma regarding how he came to be, considering the backstory of every other version of Toren… but Brandy's a good person, and with Aroo, I'm sure she'll be a great mom too. Aroo is in good hands."

Author's Note

Some fluff and songs this chapter! First up is Team Friendship showing up to throw a party for the Dimensional Cruise to enjoy. Puss sings his song "Fearless Hero (Hero Version)" from his most recent movie "The Last Wish" and we get to learn a bit about Azrael's dynamic with his found family. Our wolf guardian may not have his old family, but Death and Team Friendship are all that Azrael needs to feel at home.

Gabriel also uses his second wish to help Death find companionship in the Epic Universe with the help of two items. There's a map that leads to a mysterious location, along with the novel Don Quixote. That book in particular is a clue as to who the wish is pointing to, and will be followed up in a future Azrael-centered chapter of "Dream Keeper Chronicles."

The second story is about Mei Ling and Lop helping out Aroo, a Toren variant from the Bluey universe. AvalorianJaquin came up with the character, and I agree that Brandy deserves the chance to be a mom after we saw her struggles in the "Onesies" episode. Bluey is a show that tackles a lot of great subjects involving kids and parenting, so I feel like one day we may get an episode on adoption in the show itself.

To help Aroo find his confidence, Lop sings "Lesson Number One" from "Mulan 2," the opening song of the movie. Fun Fact: in the Mulan Jr. play, "Lesson Number One" and "I'll Make a Man Out of You" are actually sung together as a mashup! It's also a fun song about balance and duality that fits the themes seen in things like Star Wars and Kung Fu Panda, so Mei Ling and Lop just make sense to duet it.

Next time: The gang have some fun at Castaway Cay, and Gabriel gives his final wish to Long in a surprising manner!