AN: Here it is, the last chapter of "Dream Keeper Chronicles" both for the year and the last one to be released on the weekly schedule. As a reminder the story will be continuing, just on a monthly basis with two to three stories per chapter instead of one. I just want to thank everyone that's supported me through the Magical World Saga and those that have made their own stories within the universe as well. It wouldn't be the same without all of you! That being said, please enjoy the New Year's Special: The Wedding of Rachel and Poe!
With the Disney Castle, people were bustling about as the wedding of the century was about to happen. Not only was the marriage of Rachel Godfrey and Poe De Spell happening on New Year's Eve, but also as the last big event of the one-hundredth anniversary of the Walt Disney Company. It had been a crazy year for everyone, and for certain wedding planners, this had to go perfect, or else.
"Huh, I don't think I've ever seen Silver this high strung before," Adam mused as the boys watched their friend fret about the room.
"Well, he did offer to help finalize everything for the wedding so Rachel wouldn't be so stressed…" Logan said. "He kinda brought this on himself."
"Should we stop him before he passes out?" Toren asked.
"I've got it," Staghart sighed, going over to his boyfriend and giving Silver a big kiss on the lips that literally took his breath away.
"…Oh, thanks, Staghart. I really needed that," Silver said.
"You're welcome," the deer-like gargoyle smiled. "So then, what all is there for us to do?"
Silver held up the itinerary. "Well, everyone that was invited is here- except for Magica."
"She's on her way. Doctor Fourteen just had to go pick up her Plus One first," Gabriel said.
Silver nodded. "And we have the cake all set up over there as well. Remind me to send Alice a nice thank you letter for it."
"Will do," Staghart said. "And both Rachel and Poe are currently in their dressing rooms, and all of us are in the proper attire as well."
"Geez, I do not like wearing a full suit," Brooklyn groaned, pulling at his tie. "A jacket, sure, but I do not like having my entire torso covered like this…"
"You sound like Drax and his sensitive nipples," Rocket laughed.
"I heard that some people from other universes were going to come. Is that still on?" Ben asked.
Gabriel shook his head. "Azrael called and said that the "extra security" to protect Jameson one of your counterparts was sending over got delayed due to an accident in the Epic Universe. Something about the Minions eating some bad fruit pie or something? All I know is it requires all hands on deck for the Epic Alliance to handle."
Logan shuttered. "I would not want to mess with a hoard of angry Minions, that's for sure. I hope my counterpart is okay."
"If everything in here is ready, then we just need to go inform the groom and bride that we're ready to start and get everyone else seated!" Silver said, tapping his clipboard. "Gabriel, you go get Poe, while I'll inform Rachel."
"On it!" the Dream Keeper nodded as everyone else went to take their seats. Gabriel and Silver were soon off to the rooms of the groom and bride, respectively, with the raven reaching his destination first. Gabriel knocked on the door before entering, finding Poe already dressed in his suit.
It was a traditional black suit with a white undershirt, though the sorcerer wore his amulet in place of a tie. Poe slicked back his hair one last time before turning to face Gabriel. "I take it that it's almost time for the big show?" he asked.
Gabriel nodded. "Yep, though your sister hasn't appeared yet…" It was then that a wooshing sound was heard as the TARDIS appeared in the hallway outside, with Magica stepped out of the box.
"Thank you for the lift, Doctor," Magica said.
"Yes, it was interesting to ride inside a time machine not controlled by the TVA for once," said a familiar voice. Out of the police box stepped Loki, though not the mainline version of the character. This variant of Loki took on the appearance of an anthropomorphic white cat, though he wore his usual Loki attire.
"Oh, I was wondering which Loki variant was going to show up," Gabriel mused. "I'll just let you and your sister have a moment, Poe."
Poe nodded and gave a cough, making his sister turn and gasp as she saw him for the first time. "Hello, dear sister."
"Poe…" Magica whispered, slowly walking up to her brother and grabbing his hand, holding on as if he'd disappear if she let go. "It's been so long since we last saw each other… Since Scoorge- no, since I made you disappear."
"Being stuck as a raven wasn't the worst thing in the world," Poe said.
"Don't joke about that," Magica laughed bitterly, wiping tears from her eyes. "I'm just… happy that you're alive, even I you are marrying a goody-goody Dream Defender."
"To be fair, she does a bit of darkness in her now," Poe chuckled.
"I'll have to test that in the near future," Magica mused. "But for now, I shall go take my place in the venue alongside Mr. Odinson here… If I may ask, who is to be your best man?"
"That would be Gabriel here. He is the one that obtained the wish that returned me to my true self, after all," Poe replied.
Magica gave a huff before turning and going into the venue. "Well then, shall we be off?"
"Indeed, my dear," Cat Loki said, giving the sorceress a kiss on the hand before they went inside the venue.
"Well, best not to keep everyone else waiting. Let's go," Gabriel said as he gave a bow for Poe to follow him.
Over with Rachel, she sat in her room alongside her sister, Jasiri, Destiny, and Melanie as they put the final touches on her wedding dress. At first glance Rachel's dress looked like a traditional white dress, but upon closer inspection it was clear that the fabric was weaved in a way that mimicked dragon scales, with Kessie coming in and adding the finishing touch with a headband made of various bird feathers.
"You look beautiful, Rachel," Melanie said. "Just as good as I was on my wedding."
"At least we don't have to worry about her dead father coming back from the grave to kill the groom," Destiny joked.
"No way. My parents are both alive and well," Rachel laughed.
There was a knock on the door. "Rachel? It's time."
"Sounds like that's our cue," Jasiri said. "You nervous?"
"Of course. But I also know this is the biggest moment of my life. I'm ready for it, despite it all," Rachel replied.
"Then let's get you out there," Silver called as he opened up the door.
Inside the wedding venue, the precession soon started with Rachel's mother, Mrs. Godfrey, walking in, soon followed by Poe and Gabriel who took their places up at the front. The rest of both Rachel and Poe's families, along with Rachel's personal team, came in next, with Lena, Webby, and Violet following as the flower girls and Jameson as the ring barer. As everyone was seated in their place, pianist Joe Gardner cracked his knuckles before he began to play the "Her Comes the Bride" song.
The doors opened up as Rachel walked down the aisle with her father, Mr. Godfrey. Everyone was stunned by her beauty, especially Poe. As they reached the end of the aisle, Mr. Godfrey let his daughter go up to the altar before taking his seat as the officiant of the wedding, Master Yin Sid took his place at the podium.
"Today we are gathered to celebrate a most wonderous union between Rachel Godfrey and Poe De Spell," Yen Sid stated. "I have watched Rachel grown into a bright young woman with an unwavering sense of justice, and one that has found balance in her heart between light and darkness. As for Poe, he has shown us all the capability of love to conquer all, both in his willingness to defend the love of his life, and how the compassion of his daughter saved him from being lost to the darkness forever."
The old sorcerer looked between the bride and groom. "Would you two like to say anything before we begin?"
"We've thought about what we would say here, and thought it'd be more appropriate to explain our feelings in song," Rachel said.
Poe nodded in agreement. "Gabriel, if you would?" The raven held up his hands to let out some Fantasia and Joe played a soft melody on the organ.
Rachel cleared her throat before she sang the first lines of the song, "With every ending comes a new beginning…"
"Two worlds, one family…" Poe replied before they both started to sing together.
Trust your heart
Let fate decide
To guide these lives we see…
As they sang together, the two held hands and gazed into each other's eyes.
Put your faith in what you most believe in
Two worlds, one family
Trust your heart
Let fate decide
To guide these lives we see…
Put your faith in what you most believe in
Two worlds, one family…!
The crowd clapped as the song came to its end, with Yen Sid holding up his hands to settle everyone down. "Thank you for the song, you two. Now then, if the ring barer may come up here and present the rings?"
Jameson ran up the steps holding the rings on a plush pillow. "Here you go!" he said.
"Thank you, Jameson," Rachel said, ruffling the owl's head as she took the ring she'd chosen for Poe. It was a silverly white colored ring with a blue gem in the center, shining like the brightest star in the night sky. By contrast, the ring Poe picked up was a deep black with a pink gem in the center, the edges holding the gem almost looking like dragon claws. The two rings purposefully contrasted each other, for Rachel and Poe were each other's light and darkness, with the rings being a constant reminder of how they both would be there for each other in their darkest moments.
"Now then, do you, Rachel Godfrey, take Poe De Spell to be your lawfully wedded husband?" Yen Sid asked.
"I do," Rachel nodded.
"And do you, Poe De Spell, take Rachel Godfrey to be your lawfully wedded wife?" Yen Sid asked.
"I do," Poe replied.
The old wizard smiled. "Then by the power invested me, I now pronounce you husband and wife! Please exchange rings and kiss the bride."
Rachel and Poe did just that, putting each other's rings on their partner's finger before Poe scooped up Rachel and gave her big kiss. The crowd cheered as Figment threw colorful flower petals everywhere, with the kiss being so passionate that it made Rachel temporarily go into Dragon Queen mode for a second.
"Woah…" Rachel breathed as she transformed back into normal.
"I've still got that dark charm, Mrs. De Spell," Poe laughed as he righted his newly wedded wife.
"Rocket, are you… cry?" Ben asked as he looked at the sobbing raccoon.
"What? No! I've just got… something in my eye…" Rocket replied.
"Congratulations, you two," Gabriel said to his friends.
"My sister is a married woman now!" Cerwyn cheered.
"So then, when are you and Bruno going to tie the knot?" Aline teased.
Cerwyn blushed as she looked over at her boyfriend. "Um, we're still in the "getting used to dating" phase right now…"
"Everyone, the reception party will be happening in the ballroom just across the way," Silver announced. "You'll even have a great view of the New Year's Fireworks, as well as live performances from the Three Caballeros!"
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Logan exclaimed. "Let's go celebrate my friend's marriage and party!"
[***]
Panchito gave a mariachi laugh as everyone settled into the party. "Hola, amigos! We're the Three Caballeros, here to help you celebrate your special day!"
"And a happy New Year's as well!" Jose added.
"I was wondering which band you decided to pick to play here," Rachel said.
"We could only get you the best, girl," Logan chuckled.
"I do enjoy Donald's music," Poe nodded.
"Really? That's certainly a… selective taste," Amity noted.
"Lena gave me a box of his old mixtapes so I could "get with the times" as it were. I did miss a lot in the years I was stuck as a raven," Poe explained.
"Rachel!" Cerwyn shouted, getting her sister's attention. "They're going to play the first song! You gotta come dance with Dad!"
"On our way!" Rachel replied, dragging Poe along to the dance floor.
"Well, looks like it's time to get grooving to the music," Double D mused.
"Indeed it is," Ben Ali Gator nodded.
"Then let's party!" Aline exclaimed as she dragged Binx to the dance floor as well. Soon all of the Dream Defender couples were out on the dance floor: Gabriel and Jasiri, Logan and Destiny, Ben and Nuka, Adam and Melanie, Toren and Barcus, and many more. An upbeat samba beat started playing, with music notes literally bouncing around the room as the song began.
Come on, shake your body, baby, do the conga
I know you can't control yourself any longer!
Come on, shake your body, baby, do the conga
I know you can't control yourself any longer!
The music picked up the pace as everyone started dancing to the beat, smiling and laughing as Panchito sang the first part of the song.
Everybody, gather 'round now
Get your body off the seat
Magica stood off to the side, not interested in dancing, until Cat Loki held his hand out to her. "Care for a dance, milady?" he asked.
"…Fine," Magica sighed, blushing a bit as she joined in on the fun.
Don't you worry if you can't dance
Let the music move your feet
"That's right, everyone! Let's move and shake it like nobody is watching!" Double D cheered as and his Dance Magic crew danced together.
It's the rhythm of the island
And like sugarcane, so sweet
Sora used some of his Flow-Motion skills to do impress everyone with his moves, while Stitch and Angel did the hula.
If you want to do the conga
You've got to listen to the beat
"Conga line, everybody!" Logan called as the entire room got in on the group dance, strutting around the room as the Three Caballeros sang.
Come on, shake your body, baby, do the conga
I know you can't control yourself any longer
Feel the rhythm of the music getting stronger
Don't you fight it 'til you've tried it
Do the conga beat!
The lights suddenly flashed as Jose took the lead singer roll, the parrot putting his hands to his beak and shouting out.
Oye-Oi! (Oye-Oi!)
Oye-O-Oh-Ah! (Oye-O-Oh-Ah!)
As Jose did his call, he used his own magic to create technicolor clones of himself which echoed his call. Soon the whole room was lit up in technicolor, which brought mind classic Disney scenes like the Pink Elephants sequence.
Oye-Oi! (Oye-Oi!) (Ah-Yeah-Ae-Oye…)
Oye-O-Oh-Ah! (Oye-O-Oh-Ah!) (Ah-Yeah-Ae-Oye…)
"I believe it is my turn to dance with your daughter, good sir," Poe said, holding out his hand to Rachel.
Mr. Godfrey gave a nod, handing off his daughter to her husband as Rachel and Poe began to do their down dance to the song.
At night when you turn off all the lights
There's no place that you can hide…
No, no, the rhythm is gonna get'cha (Rhythm is gonna get'cha…)
Aline and Binx danced together in their cat forms while Beth and Brian did a special twin dance together.
In bed, throw the covers on your head
You remember what I said…
Cause I know it, the rhythm is gonna get'cha (Rhythm is gonna get'cha…)
Logan and Destiny danced together, with the Dream Defender giving a smirk before transforming into his Underdog Owl form and tossing Destiny high up into the air and catching her after she transformed into her full whale shark form.
"He really has been improving his strength," Ezra said.
"that's our Logan for ya! Always looking to impress," Della nodded.
Rhythm is gonna get'cha
Rhythm is gonna get'cha
Rhythm is gonna get you (You!)
The rhythm is gonna get you- tonight!
"Okay everyone, it's time for the bride to toss the bouquet!" Donald called as his part of the song started up.
"Oh, oh! Pick me, pick me!" the girls all shouted as they gathered around for Rachel to toss the flowers.
"No, pick me!" Silver exclaimed as he pushed his way into the crowd.
Rachel smiled and turned around, transforming into her Dragon Queen form and tossing the bouquet over all of the girl's head. The flowers ended up landing in the hands of Lylla Otter, who looked at them in surprise.
"Well, well, well. Looks like our favorite raccoon isn't going to be single for long," Ben laughed as Rocket went red in the face.
"Rocky, what are these flowers for?" Lylla asked.
"Um, we'll, it's sorta an Earth thing…" Rocket said nervously.
"Don't worry, man, we'll back you up!" Nuka whispered.
You say I know it's a waste of time, there's no use trying
Don't let this sweet music pass you by, your spirit's flying!
As Donald sang his part of the song, Blue, Jewel, and the rest of the Rio birds flew in from outside to dance along with the song.
Not long ago, I could feel your strength and your devotion
The skies are clear, it's not overcast, show your emotion!
Adam and Melanie did a ballroom dance while Toren soared overhead, his emotion magic giving off power as people started floating like they were doused in pixie dust.
Deep in your heart is the answer…
Find it, I know it will pull you through!
The Caballeros came together to sing as the song got to its final part.
Get on your feet!
Get up and make it happen!
Ben and Nuka stopped to the beat of the song, the wolf using his wind magic to rapidly spin around before righting himself, only getting slightly dizzy afterwards.
Get on your feet!
Stand up and take some action!
Melody did a contemporary dance alongside Jim Hawkins, the Hyena girl having become friends with him during one of her training sessions with Logan.
"Do you think they're a thing?" Aline whispered.
Beth shrugged. "They might be just friends right now, but you never know how the future goes."
Get on your feet!
Don't stop before it's over!
Almyra, Mirage, and Angel and posed together as the peahen's magic created a flurry of flower petals to fill the air around her.
Get on your feet!
The weight is off your shoulder!
Gabriel and Jasiri danced together as his Fantasia magic reached a peak for the event.
Get on your feet!
Get on your feet!
Rachel and Poe spun around each other before coming back together for a big finale kiss.
Come on, shake your body, baby, do the conga
I know you can't control yourself any longer!
Everyone cheered as the happy couple shared their moment together, glad that everything went perfect on their special day.
[***]
As the evening went on, Gabriel the Dream Keeper stepped outside of the and looked up at the stars, wanting to have a moment of quiet away from everyone else. As he did so, the raven was followed by the rest of Team Dream Keeper, Jasiri coming up to sit next to her boyfriend as they both watched the night sky.
"It's almost midnight. The fireworks will be starting soon," Jasiri noted.
Gabriel nodded. "Yep, and there's no one else I'd rather share it with than all of you. This year has been… amazing, and I wouldn't have done it any differently."
"Yeah, we did do a lot," Sisu nodded. "There was all that dimension travel…"
"The tournament to find the next future Dream Keeper," Figment recalled.
"And all of the holidays! Can't forget those," Kessie said.
"Gabriel also earned his own Keyblade, which was pretty big," Brooklyn reminded them.
The raven laughed to himself. "Yeah, and now this year is coming to an end. So why don't we all just… sit out hear and send it off, as a team?"
Soon all of them were sitting out on the balcony together: Gabriel, Jasiri, Kessie, Sisu, Brooklyn, Lena, Figment, Lop, Rocket, Randall, and Kairi. As they looked out at the vast stars in the sky, a song swelled up in Gabriel's heart, which he let out into Fantasia as he hummed a few notes. Soon the others were humming along as well, staying in harmony with each other as Gabriel opened his mouth to sing the first line.
"Tonight, the apple falls in time, we'll sing along with Auld Lang Syne, and throw confetti high up into space…" Gabriel sang.
Jasiri smiled and sang the next line. "Tomorrow morning when we wake, this town will be a different place, and the past will wash away like coffee stains…"
The two looked at each other before singing together.
We could be…
Kings of the world
On top of the nation
It's a celebration of the moments to come
Brooklyn, Kairi, and Lena joined in the song, raising their voices to the heavens.
The city's on fire
We're holding up lighters
Raising them higher and we've only begun
Sisu held up her dragon orb, letting her bioluminescence shine brightly as she joined in the song.
Take me all the way (oh)
Hear me when I say (yeah)
Let's kiss the past away
Like New Year's Day
Gabriel smiled as he looked at the time, noting that it was only ten seconds to midnight.
Take me all the way
Hear me when I say
It's time to celebrate
Like New Year's Day…
"Five…Four…Three…Two…One…" the raven whispered, before everyone looked on awe as the New Year's fireworks were set off. Down below in the castle, others started to come out and celebrate the new year as Fantasia continued the song.
"Another year with deep divine, we'll play it back in slow rewind, and laugh about the cold and bitter nights!" Rocket sang out with a laugh.
"We'll route our way on maps of stars, hold on tight to fragile hearts, and keep our friends forever by our side!" Lop sang, picking up the raccoon and spinning around.
The two space-faring mammals sang together as they watched the fireworks.
We could be…
Kings of the world!
On top of the nation
It's a celebration of the moments to come!
Kessie joined in as well, the little bird flying about through the sky as colors exploded around her in a fantastic display.
The city's on fire
We're holding up lighters
Raising them higher and we've only begun!
Randall and Figment finally added their voices in, both of them smiling as the celebration continued.
Take me all the way (oh)
Hear me when I say (woah)
Let's kiss the past away
Like New Year's Day
The song reached down the castle and out into every corner of the Magical World. Soon everyone was out celebrating the brand new year ahead.
Take me all the way
Hear me when I say
It's time to celebrate
Like New Year's Day-
The music suddenly became quiet as Gabriel and Jasiri shared a moment, the two looking deeply into each other's eyes as the sang in harmony.
Morning breaks, take my hand
Wide awake with arms wide open
Next to them, Lena and Brooklyn sang together as well, the young couple sharing a hug as they did so.
Catch your breath, walk this way
No regrets on New Year's Day
As Team Dream Keeper sang, Gabriel looked up at the stars and did his own solo verse, his team backing him up as he did so.
Morning breaks (kings of the world)
Take my hand (top of the nation)
Wide awake (It's a celebration)
With arms wide open (of the moments to come)
Gabriel held up his hands to the stars, one of them shimmering before shooting down and landing in the raven's outstretched hands. Star gave a wave to the Dream Keeper before flying out and using his magic to set off even more extravagant fireworks.
Catch your breath (city's on fire)
Walk this way (holding up lighters)
No regrets (raising them higher)
On New Year's Day (we've only begun)
As Star did his thing, all over the Magical World people could feel the magic of the new year: from Animal Kingdom to Hollywood Studios to Epcot and beyond, all were ready for what was to come next.
We are kings of the world
On top of the nation
It's a celebration of the moments to come!
Team Dream Keeper came back together in full force, with Gabriel using his magic to let everyone float off of the balcony and soar out into the sky over Main Street.
The city's on fire
We're holding up lighters
Raising them higher and we've only begun!
Lena and Brooklyn spun around each other before sharing a kiss, while Kairi and Lop illuminated the sky with their Keyblade and lightsaber, respectively. Figment and Rocket set off their own custom fireworks, while Sisu, Randall, and Kessie flew through the rings made from said fireworks.
Take me all the way (take me all the way!)
Hear me when I say (hear me when I say!)
Let's kiss the past away
Like New Year's Day!
Gabriel took out his own Keyblade and set off a colorful display, while Jasiri used her magic to create an illusionary dragon to breathe out fireworks of her own. "It is the year of the dragon, after all," she said.
Take me all the way (take me all the way!)
Hear me when I say (hear me when I say!)
It's time to celebrate
Like New Year's Day!
Soon the team landed in front of Gabriel's apartment, the team giving their goodbyes as they went off for the night for a good rest. Soon it was only Gabriel, Jasiri, and Kessie left to enter the room.
Take me all the away…
Hear me when I say…
Let's kiss the past away…
Like New Year's Day…
Kessie gave a yawn as she put on her night cap and settled into her nest. Gabriel put on his own sleep clothes before entering his room, finding Jasiri already asleep on the bed.
Take me all the way…
Hear me when I say…
It's time to celebrate…
Like New Year's Day…
Gabriel smiled and tucked her in before getting in bed himself. Before he turned out the lights, however, he looked to the readers and smiled. "Happy New Year, everyone," he said before turning out the lights just as the song ended.
Author's Note
There it is, the wedding of Rachel and Poe. I hope you had fun with all of the shenanigans that happened and the sweet moments as well. I chose Cat Loki to be Magica's date since that variant of Loki would best fit in with the "Ducktales" universe. Also Lylla getting the bouquet was a fun idea because our favorite Otter/Raccoon couple deserves all the happiness they can get. I do have a Rocket and Lylla story going on right now, so check out "Batch 89: Awesome Mix" if you want more of those two!
Of course, this can't be the end of an era for the Magical World without some music, can it? Rachel and Poe sing part of "Two Worlds, One Family" from Tarzan, then the Three Caballeros song "Conga/Rhythm is Gonna Get You/Get on Your Feet" from the "La Vida Mickey" soundtrack. I used to listen to that CD all the time so I wanted to include one of those songs here since I think it fits a Disney wedding very well.
Finally, to end of the chapter we get Team Dream Keeper singing "New Year's Day" by Pentatonix, one of my favorites from high school and very fitting for a New Year's Eve party. I think it wraps up this era of "Dream Keeper Chronicles" very well, wouldn't you say.
Next Time: well, since this story isn't weekly anymore, I'm going to leave what happens next a surprise. I will still be taking requests for chapters, however, so if there's anything you want to see in January's chapter, be sure to let me know in a review. Until this, this is The Dragon Saver, signing off!