AN: We just got a bunch of Disney announcements, including the fact that we're getting "Moana 2" this year! I know my brother will be excited about that one, while I have to wait until next year for "Zootopia 2" …Anyways, enjoy this Valentine's chapter!
In the Gamesphere, Ray and Mineru were enjoying a wonderful Valentine's Day together, the two enjoying some alone time at the home base to just settle down and watch their favorite romance movies together. "Normally I'm not one for straight-up romance, but I'll watch one with you, Mineru," Ray said. The cat was currently wearing a Zonai necklace that Mineru had made him as a gift.
"Yes, I think you've made your aversion to romantic plots known that one time we got trapped in a dating sim," Mineru chuckled. She was wearing a dragon-themed onesie that Ray had bought her at one of the vending markets they had visited, the princess saying it reminded her of the dragons back in her home world.
"If I'm going to play a visual novel, I'll stick to the Ace Attorney games, thank you very much," Ray sighed. A pop-up window suddenly appeared in front of him, indicating that he had received a message. "Oh, it looks like Gabriel sent over a Valentine's Day card for us."
"I imagine that being from the world of Disney, they have plenty of romance over there," Mineru said.
"He attached a few videos highlighting some of the big moments from the day," Ray noted, opening up the message. "Why don't we see what happened over in the Magical World?" With a push of a button, the cat and Zonai watched some stories of love, curtesy of the Magical World.
[***]
Ben and Nuka: Love and Pride (Lands)
In the Animal Kingdom, a certain Dream Keeper-to-be was walking along the river with his trusty lion companion by his side. Ben was excited to be able to enjoy Valentine's Day with his boyfriend, Nuka, and even allowed the lion to decide what they were going to do for the holiday.
"So what is this Valentine's Day all about," Nuka asked.
"It's a day that couples celebrate their union and love for one another, or just celebrating love between friends," Ben explained. "Normally I'd be single, sad, and alone today, but since we're dating now that isn't a problem." He clapped his hands together. "So, what exactly are we going to do today?"
Nuka stopped walking and sat down. "Well first, you're going to have to strop down."
Ben's face burned underneath his fur. "W-W-What did you just say?"
"You heard me. Take off your clothes. Now," Nuka instructed.
"N-Nuka! You can't just ask me to strip out in the open!" Ben exclaimed.
"Oh come on, we're deep enough downstream that no one is going to see us. Geez, you're acting like I haven't seen you naked before…" Nuka said with a snicker.
Ben was blushed heavily now, but let out a groan and started taking off his hoodie. "Fine, I'll stip. But this better not be something weird you have planned!" In no time at all the anthro wolf was bare of his clothes, now folded neatly in a pile by the riverbank. "There, I'm naked now. Happy?"
Nuka grinned as he eyed up Ben. "Sure am, but now comes the fun part. I just need to make sure I say the words right…" The lion put his forepaws on the ground and started chanting in Swahili, his mane turning to shadows as he called on his inner magic to cast a spell. Once enough magic was gathered, Nuka focused the spell on Ben, the wolf letting out a surprised yelp as he was caught up in a vortex of shadows. "And that should… Do it! How do you feel, Ben?"
Ben coughed a bit. "Like I just got chalk dust in my mouth…" he groaned.
"Just look over in the river, you big baby," Nuka laughed.
Ben pulled himself over to the river and gasped to see that his body had changed. He was now a fully feral wolf, standing on all fours and lacking proper hands. "I'm a feral animal now? When'd you learn this spell?" Ben asked.
"My sister can use that one spell that turns her into an anthro animal, so I asked her what the reversion spell was and used that," Nuka explained. "It wasn't easy, but I found a way to make my shadow powers work with it."
"But if you know that spell, why haven't you used it to turn yourself into an anthro lion before?" Ben questioned.
"Because I like staying on all fours, thank you very much," Nuka replied. "And you said I could choose how we spend today, and this is what I picked. We're going to explore the Pride Lands the only way I know how: Lion Style!"
"…I think you've been hanging around the jackals too much," Ben said.
"They're working with Jasiri and her clan to become proper citizens of the Outlands now," Nuka shrugged. "I may have offered to help them a bit. Anyways, let's get exploring already!"
Nuka took off into a run down the riverside, with Ben taking a few moments to getting use to quadrupedal movement before chasing after his boyfriend. The two soon exited the lust overbrush of trees into the blinding light of day, the Pride Lands proper not too far away. While it would take almost a whole day for Ben to walk to the Pride Lands on his own, as a feral wolf he felt his speed and stamina had increased, and in only a few hours he and Nuka were romping through the grasslands.
The lion took Ben to all of the major sights to see: the watering hole, the canyon, the tree where Rafiki lived. It seemed that love was in the air even here, as various other animals could be seen in pairs everywhere they went. After some sightseeing Nuka had them stop near the edge of the Pride Lands, with a great view of Pride Rock in the near distance.
"So, what did you think?" Nuka asked.
"It was amazing. I never thought seeing the world from your level would be so different," Ben replied. "But is sightseeing really all that we're going to do today?"
"…There is one last thing. Come with me," Nuka said, his face becoming serious as the two exited the Pride Lands and followed the river. The duo soon arrived at their destination at a cliff overlooking the river, finding four other felines waiting for them: three lions and one panther.
"Nala, Kovu, Kiara… and a panther?" Ben said in surprise.
"Bast, Goddess of Wakanda and current lover of my avatar, Vitani," the panther introduced herself.
"You know, I should be surprised by this, but I do recall Nuka mentioning Vitani having a girlfriend now. It's nice to meet you in-person, Bast," Ben said. He held up a paw, before frowning and looking at it. "Right, I don't have hands at the moment."
"Do you have the offering, brother?" Kovu asked.
Nuka nodded, reaching into his shadow and pulling out a bundle of flowers. Kovu and Vitani produced their own flowers as well, the three siblings weaving them together into a wreath.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Kiara asked, getting a firm nod from Kovu.
"What is it we're doing?" Ben asked.
"This is the spot where our mother, Zira, perished all that time ago," Vitani explained. "She has been like a ghost over the three of us, having controlled us for her own ambitions since we were cubs. She's even the reason Nuka lost his life, and even if he has returned thanks to the Magical World's magic, the weight of his death had a hold over Kovu and I for some time. We were all almost torn apart because of Zira's actions…"
"But we wish to be free of her shadow now that our bond has been reforged," Kovu finished. "The three of us each brought our favorite flowers here to this site, and will let the wreath flow down the river to where the water meets the sky. We got the idea from our therapy group session."
"Cinderella said that we don't have to forgive Zira for the horrible things she's done, but we also don't have to let her have a hold over our hearts any longer," Nuka said. "This ritual will be us symbolically showing our mother than our bonds remain strong even after all she's done. If we show that we can stay strong without her presence, then she has no more power over us."
Ben nodded, thinking his own secret past that he still hadn't opened up about. "Yeah, I get it. Valentine's Day is about all kinds of love, and the bonds between siblings is strong as well," he said.
Kovu, Vitani, and Nuka all looked at each other before smiling, the younger siblings letting Nuka do the honor of tossing the wreath over the cliffside and watching as it was washed away downstream. "You hear that, Mom!? The Outlands Kids are back together and better than ever!"
"He's always been such a drama queen," Kovu rolled his eyes.
"I think it makes him unique," Kiara giggled, nuzzling her mate. "I'm glad I can actually have a chance to get to know your brother now."
"Indeed. It'll be interesting getting to see how the Pride Lands work. Your pride already has an alliance with Wakanda, and I look forward to seeing how I can aid in those efforts," Bast said, giving a playful lick to Vitani.
The leader of the Pride Lands Guard blushed before looking at her brother with a grin. "So Nuka… which of one you is top dog in the relationship?"
"Uh, well…" Nuka blushed looking away.
"Th-That's not something we're willing to…" Ben blushed as well.
Kiara laughed. "Yep, those two are made for each other," she said, everyone else laughing as the two boyfriends just groaned.
"Even when I'm back in the family, I still end up the butt of the joke," Nuka sighed.
"Eh, I think I'm getting used to all the hijinks that happen around me by now," Ben shrugged. He gave Nuka a quick kiss on the cheek. "Happy Valentine's Day, Nuka."
[***]
Toren: Gift of Friendship
Just outside the Magic Kingdom gates, Toren was flying about with a large sack held tightly in his paws. Nearby was his platonic partner, Barcus, the dog-like witch giving the Jaquin some side-eye in confusion. (What are you doing, Toren?) Barus asked, only giving barks but still being understood by everyone (probably due to some sort of magic).
"These… are the… Valentine's gifts… for my friends…" Toren said, setting the bag down for a moment to catch his breath. "As you know I'm not really into romance, but I do love all of my friends. So I'm going to give all them a gift for the holiday."
(And you're going to carry about that comically-sized bag like some sort of Valentine's Day Santa?) Barcus questioned.
"Yep!" Toren nodded. "…Although, this thing his pretty heavy. What I really need is… a song montage!"
Barcus shrugged. (Sure, why not. I know a bit of Bard magic that could help.)
"And my own Fantasia will let this be done in no time!" Toren cheered. The Jaquin's scarf shimmered with magic as a song started up, Toren flying up and grabbing the bag before racing off to deliver his first gift.
So no one told you life was gonna be this way…
The first stop on the list was Disney castle, where Toren gave a gift to Silver. The young man opened his gift to reveal a scarf, along with a card reading, "For whenever you have to face a CHILLING reception!"
(…Was that a pun on the card?) Barcus asked.
"Of course! I wrote a bunch of punny cards," Toren replied.
(Well, I know how this day is going to go…) Barcus sighed.
Your job's a joke, you're broke
Your love life's DOA…
The next gift was for Aline, which was a sparkling choker that also doubled as a fancy cat collar in her cat form. "For the coolest cat I know!"
It's like you're always stuck in second gear…
Toren managed to catch Steelbeak next, the rooster getting a new sandbag for him to work out with. "Thanks Toren- I mean, whatever…" Steelbeak said, trying to play it cool and not act like he cared about the Jaquin as a friend.
When it hasn't been your day, your week, your month
Or even your year, but-
Toren then looked at Barcus and grinned. "Come on, you've gotta sing along to this part!"
I'll be there for you!
(When the rain starts to pour)
We see Double D open up his present, revealing it to be a new boombox. "For turning the volume up to eleven and then some! Keep putting the "SOLE" back in dance, Double D!"
I'll be there for you!
(Like I've been there before)
We see Beth get her present, which turns out to be a new set of test tubes. "Thanks, Toren! Me and the Evil Science Club might have blown up the last of our test tubes in our last meeting…" she said.
I'll be there for you!
('Cause you're there for me too…)
"That covers the Magic Kingdom, now to the other lands," Toren said.
(This is going surprisingly well,) Barcus said.
You're still in bed at ten
And work began at eight…
Rachel and Poe get a joint present as they hang out in Hollywood Studios, being matching sweaters that say "Wizard Husband" and "Dragon Wife" respectively. "For the cutest couple that never DRAG-ON their relationship!"
You've burned your breakfast
So far, things are going great…
Logan gets his present at his gym in the Animal Kingdom, which turns out to be a new set of training waits. "OWL be interested to see how you use this gift!"
"Yeah, it's just like Toren to make pun-filled cards," Logan chuckled.
Your mother warned you there'd be days like these…
Over at the watering hole, Makuu suddenly gets a gift, being some fresh meat for him and his float to share. "For the friend who's tears are never fake!"
(That was more of a play on a phrase rather than a pun…) Barcus pointed out.
But she didn't tell you when the world has brought
You down to your knees that-
"The chorus is back! We have to sing it!" Toren interrupted him.
(But that doesn't answer my statement-) Barcus said before the music cut him off.
I'll be there for you!
(When the rain starts to pour)
Ben opens his gift to find that it's a flight suit attachment for his hoodie. "For the wolf with the wind at his back- literally!"
I'll be there for you!
(Like I've been there before)
Jameson opens his gift and receives a new makeup kit for his vigilante attire. "For the owl that likes to keep it under cover!"
I'll be there for you!
('Cause you're there for me too…)
Gabriel gets his gift next, finding it to be a few new albums of his favorite bands. "For the bird that everyone is always RAVEN about!"
"No one could ever know me! No one could ever see me!" Toren sang out.
(Seems you're the only one who knows, what it's like to be me!) Barcus sang, the two going back-to-back as they sang together.
Someone to face the day with
Make it through all the rest with
The two arrive at Buddy's house, Toren giving the sports dog the gift of dog biscuits shaped like various kinds of sport balls. Buddy gives the Jaquin a couple of friendly licks to the face as thanks.
Someone I'll always laugh with
Even at my worst, I'm best with you, yeah!
Toren and Barcus then rock out a bit, before the witch pulls out a gift from his pocket. (Happy Valentine's Day, Toren,) he said.
Toren opened the gift and gasped to find it was a new pair of flight goggles. "I've been meaning to get new ones! Thanks, Barcus!" Toren smiled.
It's like you're always stuck in second gear
When it hasn't been your day, your week, your month
Or even your year…!
"And for you, I have one last gift in my bag," Toren said, pulling out a present for his partner.
Barcus unwrapped the present and smiled as he pulled out a scarf that matched Toren's own magic one. (Now we can be the ones that match!) he laughed.
I'll be there for you!
(When the rain starts to pour)
I'll be there for you!
(Like I've been there before)
The two danced and sang along for the last chorus of the song, glad that they were able to bring joy to their friends on this day.
I'll be there for you!
('Cause you're there for me too…!)
[***]
Disney Princes: The Perils of Cooking!
In the kitchen of Disney Castle, Staghart was arriving to help out with some Valentine's baking. The deer-like gargoyle was used to helping with cooking back in his homeland, so Silver asked him to assist with doing the same here. Apparently the Disney Princes wanted to do something nice for their partners and decided on baking the best Valentine's treats ever.
Staghart hummed happily to himself as he waltzed down the hallway, his eyes closed as he opened up the door to the kitchen. "Hello, princes! I've come to assist with- by the Fae, what's happened here!?"
The gargoyle stared slack-jawed at the chaos that was unfolding in front of him: Prince Florian and Prince Charming were trying to put out a fire in the oven, Prince Phillip and Prince Eric were using cooking trays to block tossed dough from Aladdin and Flynn Rider, the Beast was knocked out in the corner covered in flour, John Smith and Shang were in a heated argument, Prince Naveen was singing loudly over all the noise, and Kristoff was there as well, shaking his head at all the nonsense.
Staghart stood there for a few minutes before his eyes glowed and he shouted, "HEY!" That seemed to grab everyone attention. "What are you all doing!? Aren't you supposed to be baking?"
"They were trying to do that, but clearly these boys weren't cut out for cooking," Kristoff said.
"Hey! My wife runs a great restaurant, and she's taught me how to cook!" Naveen exclaimed.
"Then why were you singing instead of helping?" Charming questioned.
Naveen shrugged. "I was trying to give you all motivation."
The other princes started arguing over if Naveen's song had actually helped at all, making Staghart roll his eyes and stomp his hooves on the ground. "Stop. Talking! Each of you will speak one at a time and tell me what happened here!" He pointed at Prince Florian. "You first!"
"Charming and I wanted to be in charge of actually baking the cupcakes, so we read from the cookbook that Snow gave me," Florian said, pointing to a book set up on the counter.
"We read you had to pre-heat the oven first… but neither of us now how to use an electric oven," Charming said.
"Okay, so that's why the oven was on fire. Why was there a food fight happening?" Staghart asked next.
"Those two kept trying to eat all of the raw dough," Phillip said, pointing at Aladdin and Flynn.
"We just wanted to make sure it was good," Flynn said.
"Actually, I was just hungry," Aladdin said. "But then those two got mad that we kept touching the dough, so we decided to have a food fight instead. Adam was the first casualty of that, actually."
Staghart looked over at the Beast, who had finally woken up after Kristoff used some smelling salts to do so. "Whoever threw that bag of flour at me better not speak up. You do not want me going full Beast on you right now," he growled. Eric discreetly moved himself behind Phillip's shield again without the others noticing.
"Okay then… Shang, what's the problem with John Smith?" Staghart questioned.
"I wanted to put Mulan's favorite flowers on the cupcakes," Shang said.
"And I wanted to put Pocahontas' favorites on," John Smith added.
Staghart rubbed his temples as he felt a migraine coming on. "…So why don't you do a batch with both flowers on it? I swear, your other halves all get along just fine, but not you guys?"
"To be fair, us guys don't really get together as much as our partners do," Florian pointed out.
Staghart nodded, clapping his hands together. "Okay then, now that all of that us out of the way, we don't have a lot of time to actually finish the baking before you're all supposed to get together with the princesses. Ugh, how am I going to fix this?"
Naveen stummed his guitar. "With a song, perhaps?"
The other princes groaned, but Staghart looked a bit hopeful. "You know what, fine. It's better than any other ideas I have right now." He cleared his throat as a spotlight suddenly shown down on him. "To all of you fine gentleman- and lady, let us all take a deep breath, relax, and watch as Staghart, consort to the royal party planner Silver, proudly present to you… This song."
It's… a… mess! It's a mess!
You put me in so much stress
Grab a pan and grab a broom
And just let me fix this mess
The princes all lined up as Staghart gave them each cleaning materials.
You are all such royalty
Why are you so blind to see?
This behavior's unbecoming
Don't believe me? Then get going!
Staghart stomped his foot on the ground, making the princes scramble as they went about cleaning up the messy kitchen.
You can sing! You can dance!
After all, it's Disneyland!
And the food here is never second best!
The gargoyle nodded as the room was quickly cleaned up.
Go on, follow the menu
Take a chance and then you'll fix this mess
Oui, what a mess! Fix this mess!
Staghart opened up the cookbook and pointed to the cupcake recipe, that gargoyle issuing out roles for everyone to do something.
Stir this bowl, crack these eggs, set the oven properly
We'll prepare and serve with flair, a culinary cabaret!
"We're unsure, and we're scared," Charming, Florian, and Phillip sang nervously.
"But these treats must be prepared!" Naveen, Flynn, and Kristoff replied.
"No one's gloomy or complaining while Aladdin's entertaining!" Shang, John Smith, and Eric sang, pointing to the countertop as Aladdin jumped up and started juggling eggs.
"I tell jokes and do tricks with my fellow Disney Prince!" Aladdin laughed, expertly tossing the eggs to Beast who cracked each one into a bowl with one hand.
And it's all in perfect taste; that you can bet
Come on and do this fast, there is no time to lag
To fix this mess-
"I'm just so stressed…" Staghart groaned.
"Then have a seat, I must insist," Eric said, pulling up a chair for the gargoyle to sit on.
Fix this mess! Fix this mess! Fix this mess!
The princes then started to actually work together, following the recipe and in no time the cupcakes are finished baking, with all of them decorating a few with the favorite flower of their respective princess. "Thanks for rallying us together, Staghart," Kristoff said.
"Don't mention it…" Staghart replied. "Now go out there and show your princesses how much you love and care about them!"
"YEAH!" the princes cheered, running off with the cupcakes to where their ladies were waiting.
Staghart let out a big sigh and leaned against the wall. "I think I need a vacation from living this royal life and get back to doing… gargoyle stuff. Hm, maybe I can convince Silver to come with me to New York for a weekend and meet up with the Wyvern Clan…?"
"Oh, one last thing!" Flynn said, coming back and handing a small box to Staghart. "For your special someone."
Staghart opened the box and smiled as he found a pair of cupcakes, one for him and one for Silver. "Thanks," he replied before turning and going to find his boyfriend. Despite the chaos in the kitchen, it all turned out okay in the end.
[***]
Brian and Alberto: The Other Kind of Answer
In the Italian village of Portorosso, two boys were currently out in a boat. One was sitting with a fishing rod staring out into the sea, while the other was swimming around with a fishing net to catch the fish that way. With a graceful leap Alberto hauled up his latest catch, shaking off the water from his body as his human form came back.
"Hey! Watch where you're drying yourself off!" Brian exclaimed, tossing a towel in Alberto's face.
Alberto laughed, setting the towel down as he relaxed in the boat. "You've got to get used to being wet if you're going to be out at sea, Brian. We've been coming out here every day for a week and you still get jumpy whenever I dry off."
"It's just… sudden," Brian shrugged. He had been in Portorosso for a while now, liking the seaside village and Italian countryside. His sister may like the more urban environments, but he liked being further from the big cities. His shadow powers could become… overwhelming in cramped places, so the great outdoors was more Brian's style.
There was another reason Brian liked being in Portorosso, however. When he first came to the town he quickly became friends with the fish boys Luca and Alberto, along with their human friend Giulia. Brian would show off his shadow powers to the trio and they'd show him everything their town had to offer. Luca and Giulia had gone off back to school now, however, leaving Brian and Alberto to have all the time in the world to themselves.
Now Brian tapped his foot on the bottom of the boat, reeling in his fishing line as he sighed and turned to Alberto. "Hey Alberto, do you know what today is?"
"It's… February the fourteenth I think," Alberto replied. "Why do you ask? Did you forget to call your sister again? You know how worried she gets when you don't call her."
"No, I remembered to call her yesterday," Brian shook his head. He set his fishing rod aside and reached out with his shadow powers, pulling from within his own personal pocket space and grabbing a small box shaped like a heart. He took a deep breath before turning around, holding out the box and exclaiming, "AlbertowillyoubemyValentine!?"
Alberto blinked before looking down at the gift and taking it. "Huh, this is a weird-shaped box, Brian. What's this all about?"
Brian blushed, looking at his friend in surprise. "Alberto, don't you know what today is?"
"…No, I can't recall what," Alberto shook his head.
"Excuse me for a moment," Brian said, before sticking his head over the side of the boat and screaming with his head underwater. Once he pulled back out Brian grabbed his own towel and dried his face. "Alberto, today is Valentine's Day! You know, the holiday of love?"
"Oh, that holiday," Alberto said. He then looked at the box again and blushed. "W-Wait, then this is…?"
"Alberto, ever since we met, I've had a crush on you," Brian revealed. "I've wanted to tell you about my feelings for some time, and Beth finally got me to confess them to you for Valentine's Day. So let me ask you again: Alberto, will you be my Valentine?"
Alberto looked to Brian, setting the gift down and rubbing his arm. "Brian, that's very sweet and all but… no, I can't be your Valentine."
Brian felt his heart break a bit. "W-What?"
"It's not that I don't like you, I just don't like-you-like-you, not in the way you do me," Alberto explained. "Honestly, I don't feel ready for all of the romance and dating just yet. I still want to have time to be a kid, you know?"
Brian turned away, sulking as he sighed to himself. "Of course, my plan didn't work. And now I've ruined the one friendship I made…"
Alberto put a hand on Brian's shoulder. "Who said anything about ruining our friendship? Did Bruno tell you that? You know what I have to say about anything Bruno says, right?"
"…Silentzo, Bruno?" Brian replied.
"Exactly!" Alberto smiled. "Just because you confessed your love for me and I don't return those feelings doesn't mean we can't still be friends. Sure it's a bit awkward, but I still think you're a super cool guy, Brian. The shadow and the fish, you know? You're always doubting yourself, and I'm not going to let you sulk by yourself."
"But I just made things awkward between us…" Brian said.
"So what? Luca and I make things weird between us all the time," Alberto laughed. "The two of us may have… feelings for one another, but we both agree that we'd rather just be friends. Same with Luca and his friend, Mei. They went on a date last year, but now they're currently just friends. Look, relationships are messy, I get it, dude. But I'm not going to let my friendships go that easily."
Alberto got a sly grin as he pulled up his fishing net and threw it over Brian. "Hey! What was that for!" Brian exclaimed.
"I just caught you in my net of friendship, and I'm not going to let you go," Alberto laughed. "Now come on, you have to proclaim your friendship for me, or else I'm not going to let you go!"
"Come on, man!" Brian laughed. The two sat there for a minute just laughing before Brian spoke up again. "Okay, okay, you're my friend, Alberto!"
"Good! Now then, let's row this boat back to shore," Alberto said, pulling Brian free from the net. "Just because we're not dating doesn't mean can't still have some fun today. How about we go and do something you like, since we've already been out on the boat for a few hours now."
"Okay then… How about we go and prank Ercole? That's always fun," Brian suggested.
"That would be hilarious!" Alberto laughed. While the two would only be friends for the moment, Brian and Alberto's friendship would become closer that day. It wasn't a bad way to end Valentine's for them at all.
[***]
Team Dream Keeper: Kiss the Heeler
Gabriel and Jasiri were enjoying Valentine's Day together as always, deciding to spend it in the China Pavilion in Epcot this year alongside two of their dragon friends. Sisu and Long wanted to spend the holiday together as well and suggested they also celebrate the Chinese Year of the Dragon, and Gabriel thought that was a great idea. The four of them were currently dressed in traditional Chinese robes colored in red and gold, with Sisu and Long in their human forms looking very fancy.
"That dragon dance was very cool to watch," Gabriel said.
"And Sisu got us these great red envelope gifts," Jasiri added.
"Normally you give those out to kids as a good luck gifts, but I couldn't leave my friends out of the celebration," Sisu laughed.
"I'm almost tempted to turn into one of those dragon costumes and start my own dragon dance," Long mused.
"How is Uriel doing, Long?" Gabriel asked.
The wish dragon hummed. "He's spending the day with Nazuna I think. She's actually taking a break from her idol career right now so the two have more time to just hang out. Not much for me to do when it comes to adventuring, so that gave me an excuse to come and visit you guys."
"And it makes me very, very happy whenever you do," Sisu giggled, giving her boyfriend a kiss on the cheek.
Their happy moment was interrupted, however, when two particular heelers came running up to Gabriel in a panic. "Bluey, Bingo? What are you doing by yourselves?" Gabriel asked, getting down to their level. "Where are Bandit and Chili?"
"Mom and Dad got cursed!" Bingo exclaimed.
"Cursed? That's not good," Jasiri frowned.
"We were on holiday down by the sea when an evil sea witch got to them," Bluey explained. "Now Mom can't speak and Dad doesn't remember who Mom is!"
"Or who we are…" Bingo said, tears coming to her eyes.
"Un-uh, no way is a sea witch making this little dog cry," Sisu stated, picking up Bingo in her arms. "Where is she, huh? I'll go full dragon on her to bring your parents back!"
"If I had to guess, it's probably Ursula's doing," Gabriel said. "I get the feeling that after we beat her last summer, she was looking for a way to cause trouble as revenge."
"At least when Kylo Ren had a rivalry with you, he only focused on you. Going after Bandit and Chili is too far," Jasiri said.
"Can you show us where your parents are now, Bluey?" Gabriel asked.
Bluey nodded and brought the group to where Bandit and Chili where, finding the two older heelers by the large lake that the World Showcase encompassed. Chili looked dazed and confused, trying to talk to people but not having a voice to speak, while Bandit was also confused, but at the same time acting a bit more like he normally does.
"Excuse me, sir!" Gabriel called, waving to get Bandit's attention.
"Oh, hello there," Bandit waved back. "You're that Dream Keeper fella, right? I've heard about you before."
"This is bad. Bandit's had his whole memory erased," Jasiri whispered.
"I bet this Ursula person wiped their memory back to before they ever even met each other and fell in love," Long replied.
"Dad, you have to remember us!" Bingo shouted.
Bandit looked at her with confusion. "You again? Sorry kid, I'm not your dad."
"This reminds me of that one episode where you guys played "Born Yesterday" but instead Bandit really doesn't remember anything," Gabriel said.
"If this is like any other curse, True Love's Kiss should undo it, right?" Sisu guessed.
"Probably," Jasiri shrugged. "Excuse me, Bandit, but are you looking for anything on this Valentine's Day?"
"Not really. Don't even have a date. Bit unfortunate, really," Bandit shrugged.
"You have a wife!" Bluey exclaimed.
"I wish, kid," Bandit laughed. "Where'd you even find these squirts?"
"Not important," Long said, putting an arm around Bandit's shoulder. "Look, buddy, I'm a pro at getting people together- a few of my past masters had me help them in wooing lovers before, even if it was indirectly. So how about you have a look over there."
Long directed Bandit's attention in the direction of Chili, the blue heeler's eyes going wide as he laid eyes on her. Gabriel could swear that he could see the slow-motion on Chili as she and Bandit looked eyes with each other, instantly becoming smitten with each other. "Woah…" Bandit said in awe. "What a beauty…"
"And guest what? She's single," Sisu said. "Why don't you go ask her out? What's there to lose, am I right?"
Bandit shrugged, going over to introduce himself to Chili. The others watched from a distance, the heelers' body language that whatever Bandit was saying had a positive effect on Chili. "I think it's working…" Bluey said with a smile.
"But they still have to kiss to break the curse, like in the fairy tale," Bingo pointed out.
"You're right, kid. That means we have to help them get to that kiss," Sisu nodded.
"Hm… What about a romantic boat ride in the lagoon?" Jasiri suggested.
Gabriel nodded, "Sounds like a good idea to me. We can even beat Ursula at her own game by using a particular song." He looked to Bluey and Bingo with a smile. "Kids, it's time to play "Matchmaker"!"
"Hurray!" the heelers cheered.
"They get more adorable the more I watch them…" Sisu said.
With a bit of magic and "accidentally" pushing them in the right direction, the team got Bandit and Chili out on a boat together, with Sisu hopping into the water to protect them from any sea witch machinations while everyone else followed from the side of the river. Sisu guided the boat down into the China Pavilion part until they reached a spot that would be perfect for their plan to be put into place.
"Okay, who wants to sing the song?" Gabriel asked.
"I'll do it. Time to put on the dragon charm," Long said, snapping his tail to transform into his dragon form and producing a microphone as well.
"Can we help as well?" Bluey asked.
"Of course. You'll be playing music with me, after all," Gabriel said as he started up Fantasia. "Percussion…" Jasiri tapped her paws on the ground to make a drumbeat. "Strings…" Bingo did air guitar as strings came in. "Winds…" Bluey mimicked playing a flute as her sound came into being. "Words…"
Long cleared his throat as he started singing.
There you see her
Sitting there across the way
She don't got a lot to say
But there's something about her…
Bandit looked over a Chili, blushing a bit as he looked away.
And you don't know why
But you're dying to try
You wanna kiss the girl…
Long flicked his tail in the trees, making fireflies come out to light up the lagoon.
Yes, you want her
Look at her, you know you do
Possible she want you too
Use your words, boy, and ask her…
"Ah, we're going with the live-action version," Jasiri noted.
"I mean, it's really just the one line that changes. Nothing else," Gabriel shrugged.
If the time is right and the time is tonight
Go on and kiss the girl…
Bandit looked at Chili. "So, do you want to, uh… hold hands?" he asked. Chili nodded, taking Bandit's hand as the boat floated along.
Sha-la-la-la-la-la, my, oh, my
Look like the boy too shy
Ain't gonna kiss the girl
The others joined in singing along as the lagoon started to light up with magic.
Sha-la-la-la-la-la, ain't that sad?
Ain't it a shame? Too bad
He gonna—
"Miss the girl!" Sisu sang, jumping over the boat and splashing back into the water.
"Nice high note, Sisu," Long laughed.
"You know it, babe," Sisu grinned.
Now's your moment
Floating in a blue lagoon
Boy, you better do it soon
No time will be better…
Long made the boat spin a bit, causing Chili to stumble and land on Bandit's chest. The two looked surprised as Bluey and Bingo giggled at their parent's antics.
She don't
Say a word— and she won't say a word until ya
Kiss the girl…
"Kiss the girl…" Bluey sang.
"Kiss the girl…" Bingo sang.
Sha-la-la-la-la-la, don't be scared
You got the mood prepared
Go on and kiss the girl
Gabriel used his magic to make water spouts jump up around the boat, while Jasiri made spectral swans swim by in the water.
Sha-la-la-la-la-la, don't stop now
Don't try to hide it
How you wanna kiss the girl
The birds started dancing along with the music as Bandit and Chili looked deeply into each other's eyes.
Sha-la-la-la-la-la, float along
And listen to the song
The song say, "Kiss the girl"
Bandit looked a Chili, blushing madly. "So, do you want to… you know…?" he said nervously.
Sha-la-la-la-la-la, the music play
Do what the music say
You got to kiss the girl
Kiss the girl…
Chili looked at him slyly, putting a finger over his mouth as she started leaning in, touching her nose to his.
"You've gotta– Kiss the girl…" Sisu and Long sang.
"Why don't you— Kiss the girl…" Gabriel and Jasiri sang.
"C'mon and— Kiss the girl…" Bluey and Bingo sang.
"Go on and— Kiss the girl!" All six of them sang as Bandit and Chili finally locked lips, fireworks going off in the sky above creating the perfect moment. Gabriel even made sure to have his phone ready for the perfect picture of their kiss.
"Yes! They did it!" Jasiri cheered.
"Hurray!" Bluey and Bingo cheered.
In the boat, Bandit and Chili blinked as they broke off the kiss. "What just happened?" Bandit asked.
"And why are we in a boat?" Chili questioned.
"You two were just having a romantic moment," Sisu said, popping out of the water and splashing the couple.
"Mom, Dad!" Bluey and Bingo called.
"Kids! Did you set this up?" Bandit asked.
"We were just helping them break a curse, Mr. Heeler," Gabriel replied. "You two got cursed by a sea witch, but we broke it with the power of True Love's Kiss."
"And I thought dealing with pretend magic was a handful," Chili shook her head. "The Magical World can be a bit much at times."
"You know, the night is still young…" Long pointed out. "I've heard how great you two are as parents, and you deserve to have a night all to yourselves. The four of us have already done our Valentine's activities, so how about we take care of Bluey and Bingo for you."
"If anything were to happen to them, I'd deal with anyone that hurt them and then feel guilty about letting it happen for the rest of my life," Sisu promised.
"Well, as long as Gabriel is around…" Chili said.
"Sure, you kids have fun with the Dream Keeper and his friends," Bandit nodded.
"See you later, Mom and Dad!" Bluey waved.
"Have fun on your boat ride!" Bingo added.
"So, kids, how about we take you back to the festival and show you what Chinese New Years is all about?" Jasiri suggested.
"I can even get you some red envelopes as gifts!" Sisu added.
"I think it'll be better if we actually get going instead of just standing around talking about it," Gabriel laughed. The gang spent the rest of Valentine's Day enjoying the Chinese New Year with Bluey Bingo, happy they were able to help Bandit and Chili remember their love and get to have a night all to themselves.
Author's Note
Thank you to everyone that submitted an idea for this year's Valentine's Day chapter. We got a lot of different types of love to show off as well, so that was fun!
The first part was one of our newest couples, being Ben and Nuka. Ben obtained his own feral wolf form, and we got to see Kovu, Vitani, and Nuka as a family together again. All three of them are finally moving past the trauma their mother put them through, and they got to share that moment with their love interests as well.
The second story was all about Toren showing platonic love for his friends by giving out gifts and cards. Befitting the theme of friendship, the song for this part was "I'll Be There For You" which is best known as the theme song for the sitcom "FRIENDS." You probably know it and it's insanely catchy to sing along to with your actual friends in real life.
The third story gave us the Disney princes all trying to cook cupcakes for the princesses, to little success. Thankfully Staghart was there to help out, along with singing a parody of "Be Our Guest" from "Beauty and the Beast." The first part of Staghart walking in on a room full of chaos was a reference to the "Community" meme of the guy walking in with pizza to find the room on fire.
The fourth story was about Brian confessing his love to Alberto from "Luca"… only for the two to just remain friends in the end. I think it's important to show that not everyone is ready for love yet, and even if you have feelings for someone, that doesn't mean you're ready to start dating. Not everyone gets a happy ending on Valentine's Day, but at least Brian and Alberto are still friends, and ones that support each other as well.
The final story was about Gabriel, Jasiri, Long, and Sisu helping Bluey and Bingo break a curse that Ursula put on their parents. To do so the group sang "Kiss the Girl" from the live-action Little Mermaid, mostly because Sisu's voice actress plays Scuttle in that version. Also a shout out to anyone who celebrates the Chinese New Year. Happy Year of the Dragon!
Next Time: Spring is coming up, so if you have any idea for Spring-related events, let me know in a review!