Kingdom Hearts What If?: Guardian Of The Depths Chapter 25: Being Proud Of The Family, a Kingdom Hearts + Little Mermaid Crossover fanfic

WE'RE BACK FOLKS! 🎉🎉🎉

In case everyone was catching the hints and remembered the announcements. Yes. The Proud Family is showing up in this chapter. And they will be based on the current versions. Especially since they treat the old show like it's canon.

"At least that's how we interpret it." Maverick shrugged. ️

Also for those of you who are routing for it. I've tried to come up with an idea for it to work. But I don't think I'll be able to fit Kim Possible. Lilo & Stitch. Recess or American Dragon Jake Long in this story. But I do however plan to do a one-shot series that takes place after this story, and I will definitely have them appear in that series. 👍

But as most fanfic writers do. I'm still processing how this story will go into the next chapter. So you'll never know. 😉

Anyhow. We've got only two or three more worlds to go to after this. So get ready. This won't be an action packed chapter. But a lot will happen to set up the next one. That and I plan for Noctis to go out to the world after this one on his own.

Which will be taking place at the same time as this one.

But before we start. Let's answer some comments.

Guest: While I can't do that for this story. What do you have in mind for a crossover? Cause I think Spiderfan626 already was working on one.

SPIRO 101: Thanks pal! I appreciate you for helping me with this chapter as well. 😁👍

MavxMel: Oh trust me. Suga Mama's gonna love Melody when she first meets her. And Connor better pray She doesn't show Melody any of his earlier more embarrassing videos and photos from his childhood. 😂 😏 But also I didn't plan for the world Pirates Of The Caribbean to make an appearance in this story. Especially since they already appeared in some of my other stories and I'm almost at the finish line for some other plans I had in mind. But I'll see what I can do for my future one shot series. Some of them will be three part short stories in the series.👌 Also good luck with that Killer Croc story. Let me know when you've posted it. 👍

Altonfirewolf: Thank You! LOL! Yeah I'm sure that's what everyone is expecting. Luckily for him. Fate has a way of saving him from both death and the gates of hell. So you never know what could happen.

Alright! Now that we're all here!

LET'S GET DANGEROUS! 😎

Being Proud Of The Family.

Morning on the Stingray...

Everyone got up feeling somewhat refreshed. As Goofy was given the privilege to make everyone breakfast in the Gummi Ship's mini kitchen. Which was the classic morning meal of bacon and eggs along with some toast.

Donald woke up and started with a morning coffee. While Mini-Mav was on the couch watching TV. Dug was enjoying his breakfast themed dog food with bits of bacon.

Connor had just finished an early morning workout while the ship flew across space on auto pilot and he came out wearing his keyblade uniform. Melody came out as well. After Connor helped her with her new morning workout of push ups and sit ups. Just some minor routines to get her started.

And she came out wearing her keyblader uniform while barefoot. And she and Connor got into a conversation about health guidelines.

"The thing is a lot of people think they gotta avoid carbs completely to burn fat and calories. But contrary to their beliefs, our blood cells need insulin, those peptide hormones produced by the pancreas. But they can't enter our blood cells without glucose. Which is produced 'BY' carbs." Connor explained as they went to the table. "like a fire. It needs wood to keep burning. But in our case, we only need a certain amount of wood, cause too much carbs that go above our daily needs is what everyone tries to avoid."

"So carbs are a good thing. But too much is bad." Melody said in understanding. "Does everyone need to consume the same amount of carbs a day, or is it different for everyone?"

"That depends on someone's weight. If ya'll are malnourished. Let it rain. But it's the fat boys that need to lesson the carbs." Connor explained as they started eating breakfast.

"So I should be sure to eat enough but not too much carbs." Melody said before eating some of her breakfast. "Mmmm. Goofy's breakfasts are so good."

"One more thing. Keep bread and potatoes on a leash and if you're gonna consume omega-3 in fish, make sure it's the kind that doesn't talk back." Connor remarked.

"I've seen your mother and aunt's underwater hourglasses. Rgrr!" Mini-Mav mused and growled seductively.

"***k." Connor muttered a groan at his robot sidekick's wit about Melody's Mom and Aunts.

Given that they all were wearing shell tops as mermaids. It's actually hard not to notice.

"You do realize he gets his way of talking from you." Melody teased before giving him a wink. "Well, guess it's a sneak peak for what you're in for when we're older."

"One. I have restraint on standby when it comes to my mouth. And TWO!...Have you ever had the talk?" Connor humorously stated in all seriousness, before he casually asked the second question.

Donald and Goofy nearly choked on their food hearing this.

"Oh, I definitely had the talk." Melody said with a smirk and wink. "How about you?"

Before Connor could say a word in between the awkward pause. Goofy cleared his throat. He was thinking based on the hesitation to respond that Connor doesn't know.

"Well I suppose it's time someone should tell ya about the Fish and the flies." Goofy figured with a nervous but whimsical smile.

"It's birds and bees." Donald muttered with an exasperated look.

"Ya see. When a mommy and a daddy-" Goofy almost started.

"Love each other very much. Insert factory noise here." Connor exhaled and warned. "I know how it works, so don't go any further or your dentist will be dating the mohel."

A threat and an innuendo only someone Jewish would instantly get.

"Gee, I didn't know my dentist was dating a motel." Goofy said in confusion. "How do you date a whole building?"

"Oh brother." Donald groaned in annoyance.

"Just...Don't finish the story and you won't find out." Connor exhaled briefly.

"I dated a fire hydrogen once. But we couldn't go anywhere. But I made sure to use her before we broke up." Dug said while panting and looking at them.

Just then the ship's navigator began to beep.

"Oh thank God, a change of subject." Connor whispered relivingly.

'I have detected the next shard. It is on one of the Earths, in a tropical town called Destiny Islands.' FELICITY announced.

Connor gawked. "Shut the front door." He responded.

"What front door? There's no one at the door." Dug tilted his head in confusion looking at the empty hallway and growled. "Is it the mailman?! I'll rip that trespassing bastard to shreds!"

"Destiny Islands? As in where you first came from?" Melody asked in shock.

"It's where I was born." Connor answered as he kept his cool and took a sip of his glass and finished his orange juice.

'It would also appear that according to the Destiny Islands airport flight your relatives. The Proud Family are scheduled to land there this morning.' FELICITY revealed.

Connor's response was that his eyes looked deadpanned at first. "Goofy?" He asked while holding his empty glass out.

"Sure." Goofy smiled and poured some orange juice in his glass.

"Thanks." Connor said casually before he took a large sip. And then he acts shocked and surprised as he spits his orange juice out on Donald and Goofy. "Pffffft!"

"Hey!" Donald yelled as he got wet.

"Gawrsh!" Goofy yelped as he got wet.

"WHAT?!" Connor exclaimed with a high pitched scream in the shock of hearing that his relatives are going to be there as well.

"Aww! Isn't that great? This is your chance to see them again." Melody smiled enthusiastically.

"Oh hell naw! Naw naw naw naw naw! This can NOT be happening right now!" Connor exclaimed as he got up and teleported rapidly in different directions around the ship. While pacing back and forth.

"Oh come on, it can't be that bad!" Melody called out to Connor.

Connor teleported over to her. "Are you outta your caviar, girl?!" He threw his arms down and yelled. "Four to five years they thought I was dead! FOUR TO FIVE! And they STILL think I'm dead!"

"Whew boy! Imagine the bajillion different dark endings that'll take place." Mini-Mav beamed humorously.

"YOU'RE NOT HELPING!" Connor exclaimed angrily. Which sounded funny.

"Connor, Sweetie. Take it easy." Melody said soothingly. "Take a deep breath. Relax. Everything is going to be fine."

"This can't be happening. Not while I'm still deputized and the war is still going on." Connor exhaled as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Connor. Look at me. And breathe." Melody said gently, grabbing his shoulders and turning him to look into her eyes. "Just breathe, Sweetie."

"Why not just tell them you're alive and explain everything to them?" Goofy suggested.

"Really? You're right. Sure. I'll tell them. Right after they BURY ME ALIVE AND DANCE ON MY GRAVE FOR KEEPING MY NOT-DEATH A SECRET!" Connor spoke calmly with a smile at first before he screamed in anger.

"Okay. How about this." Melody said, getting Connor's attention. "If you're not comfortable revealing yourself to them yet, then just wear a disguise so they won't recognize you. And while we're down there, if you decide you want to reveal yourself, start by telling one person and work your way up."

"That's a great idea!" Donald beamed.

"Yeah! And we've got the Fairy Godmother's address logged on the ship! We can go to her to give you a disguise!" Goofy suggested with a smile.

"First off Goof, she dresses folks for a ball not a beach. Second, I already got my Princess Charming over here. And third everyone down there is going to be wearing beach related, wares, or swim trucks or bikinis. or body paint. so I doubt this will be in the same league as whatever Salmonella went through." Connor dejected while mispronouncing that name he mentioned.

"It's Cinderella." Donald deadpanned while Melody stifled a giggle.

"That's what I said. Mozzarella." Connor insisted with a little wit. Then it dawned on him. "Wait... I have a direct line to the Sorcerer Supreme himself."

Connor's eyes lit up as he remembered this. If anyone can give them the right disguise, it's Doctor Steven Strange.

Just then. Sebastian had woken up and came over to the table and went to his plate of bacon and eggs. Which was a smaller plate.

"Deres no crab in dease eggs right?" Sebastian called out and asked.

A few minutes later on the Stingray bridge...

Connor and Melody were seated in their seats as Connor was explaining the situation to Doctor Strange who was called on and projected on the holo screen displayed on the Ship's window.

Connor told him what was needed and suggested the one spell that could help.

"No can do." Doctor Strange refused firmly.

"Come on Doc, we're talking about dealing with a distraction that could affect the mission." Connor insisted.

"And you're talking about bending reality to your will because you can't handle the reality coming up! The Runes of Nig-Nal were used to manipulate the minds of an entire civilization." Doctor Strange reminded with a hard look.

"And it won't come to that. I just need everyone down there. Mostly the people who would recognize 'me' do not see me, but someone else." Connor said as he was persistent about doing this.

"Can it really do that?" Melody asked.

"Come on, Doc. If they see me alive, they'll never want me to leave." Connor expressed.

"Kid. Your Mother lets you leave Earth all the time." Doctor Strange said with a faint scoff.

"My Mom's not from the hood. Or the setup of a suburban sitcom." Connor stated.

Doctor Strange exhaled as he finally gave in. "Princess? Do you have a necklace or a charm to give to your clownfish of a boyfriend?" He asked with a calm tone.

"Oh uh yeah, I actually have this star charm I made out of seashells." Melody asked, pulling out the charm. "Why do you ask?"

Melody's charm was made of thalassa shells that are pale yellow toward the center and light blue toward the tips. The shells are held together by gray, X-shaped stitches. The charm itself was shaped like a star. Similar to a wayfinder.

Melody must have done late night research on Keyblade lore.

Doctor Strange waved his hand causing a mystical medallion to wave over the lucky charm. Causing some faint yellow magic runes based on the Vishanti ancient language.

"Wear that and anyone from your world who knows you will see someone else." Doctor Strange gave an In-A-Nutshell explanation.

"Uh...Whoever they'll see will still be black though, right?" Connor carefully asked.

Doctor Strange rolled his eyes and snapped his finger. Causing the runes on the charm to change a slight pattern.

"Yes. You're welcome." Doctor Strange said bluntly.

"Alright. And I promise this won't end in a cosmic disaster. Not like what happened on Earth-199999." Connor assured.

"Huh?" Melody inquired.

"Spider-Man No Way Home." Connor whispered the title of a famous movie.

"Just don't make me regret this, Connor. I've put my faith into some risky allies over the years. And my faith can only go so far." Doctor Strange said as he warned. "Keep that on at all times if you're gonna use it and whatever you do. Don't let anyone else take it."

"I gotcha, Doctor Fate." Connor insisted that he's got it covered.

"Alright...Good luck, Kid." Doctor Strange nodded as he ended the call.

Then Connor puts the lucky charm around his neck and shows it off.

"How do I look?" Connor asked Melody.

"Wow. If I didn't know it was you, I would never have recognized you." Melody said in awe.

Connor gave her a look. "He said it works on anybody from my world. I know you're pulling my leg." He deadpanned.

"Am I?" Melody asked with a smirk.

"Yes. Lie detecting ears, remember?" Connor grinned.

"So, you caught me in a lie." Melody said with a teasing and flirting smirk. "What're you gonna do about it?"

"You don't wanna know." Connor warned with a smirk of his own. "But I'll give you a hint. I know which parts will make you laugh and scream."

He hinted at a little hard tickling.

"You wouldn't dare." Melody said with a smirk.

Connor waved his fingers and caused multiple neon feathers to wave and wiggled against Melody's arms. Midriff and even her soles.

"HAHAHAH! YOU WOULD!" Melody exclaimed while laughing hard.

"Feel thy wrath of my tropic thunda!" Connor exclaimed humorously like a bishop. "Lordry Lord LOOORD almighty! give this gal strength!"

"HAHAHA! OH YEAH!?" Melody laughed as she tried creating a friendly pulse of water to launch at her boyfriend. "WELL, HAVE A DRINK!"

Just then as Melody's little water pulse expanded into a water cannon. Connor immediately halted and held his hands up.

"I Surrender. And we're standing next to a bunch of expensive equipment that may or may not be waterproof." Connor said with a little humor. Suggesting he'd be electrocuted like a toaster in a bathtub.

Melody smiled smugly as she made her water vanish before sauntering over to him on her bare feet.

"Yay, I won. Now here's my prize." Melody grinned before giving Connor a passionate kiss which he returned.

Connor kissed her back as he held her close. "You are wicked." Connor muttered as they enjoyed their kiss.

"Hmm. And you love it." Melody said after finally breaking the kiss to give a flirty smile. "So, since we're going to Destiny Islands, what do you think I should wear for the occasion?"

"Well we're going to a beach, so." Connor said and he stood up and Melody followed him over to get some new outfits.

Down in the fabrication room...

As Connor was typing on the fabrication terminal. Melody was seated. He was sorting through some ideas he looked up that would be stylish and appropriate for both of their ages. It's still a good thing people from his hometown, especially people near the beach, are not so cynical about revealing beach attire.

"You sure you boys don't want a crack at my JCPenney's machine?!" Connor called out to Donald and Goofy outside the room. "It's better than Temu!"

"No thanks! We're good here!" Donald called back from outside the room.

"Yeah, we already have beach outfits we brought with us!" Goofy added.

"Aight. You're up first, StarKist Premium. I'll even add in the colors of your mermaid form." Connor gestured for Melody to step onto the platform.

Melody made sure to put her keyblader outfit aside and she was just wearing her white underclothes for this. Just like last time.

"Okay. Do your magic." Melody said as stepped onto the platform on her bare feet.

A second later, the program activates and moments later, there stood Melody in her new outfit.

Melody now wore a two-piece swimsuit with an aqua-green bikini top and a matching salmon-pink skirt with a ruffled hemline. The skirt was very short, letting people see her long smooth legs and bare feet.

"Oh wow, this is so cute." Melody smiled, giving a twirl on her bare feet before hopping down in front of her boyfriend. "What do you think?"

Before Connor could answer as he was blown away. As if Melody could ever look terrible. He was interrupted by Mini-Mav who started wrapping while holding a karaoke microphone. and the instrumental track of a famous Sir Mix-A-Lot track.

"I like big butts and I cannot lie!~ You other brothers can't deny!~ That when a girl walks in with an itty bitty waist!~ And a round thing in your face, you get sprung!~ Wanna pull up tough 'cause you notice that butt was stuffed!~" Mini-Mav started rapping like a pro to describe how he thinks of Melody's outfit.

While Connor looked annoyed as he frowned silently.

Melody blushed and rolled her eyes at Mini-Mav's antics, knowing what he was saying was probably what Connor was thinking.

"Deep in the jeans she's wearin'~ I'm hooked and I can't stop starin'~ Oh, baby, I wanna get wit'cha~ And take your picture~ My homeboys tried to warn me But that butt you got makes-" Mini-Mav continued wrapping until Connor stopped the music with a button he slammed his finger on the console.

***Record scratch!***

Mini-Mav froze in mid sentence as he turned to look at Connor who was giving him a look.

"Her butt's not that big." Connor deadpanned.

"How do you know? Have you been looking?" Melody asked teasingly with a swing of her hips.

"Oh he does! All the time. In fact he's made mental measurements of every detail!" Mini-Mav answered immediately.

"You say ONE more word. And I'll turn you into the next XBox." Connor warned.

"Fine. It's in your head after all." Mini-Mav snorted as he walked out.

Connor exhaled. "He's like that inner demon kept at bay for the sake of humanity and decency." He said as he rubbed his temples hard.

"You mean your inner demon that likes to look me over, right?" Melody teased as she sauntered up to him on her bare feet and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I'm glad you love what you see."

"Even though my little imp just rapped about you having a large seat that isn't there?" Connor inquired as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Well, you're right about that. I don't have one... Yet?" Melody said with a wink.

"Watch it, Princess Pre-Teen." Connor quipped. Before he got up on the fabrication platform.

Connor made sure he was just wearing a simple white shirt and jeans before he got up there. But as soon as the shifting process happened. He didn't get a new outfit. He instead became a Bunny. A Platypus Bunny. A cross breed of a Platypus and a Bunny!

A Bunny's brown furry body with a Platypus yellow beak and a Platypus beaver-like tail. And he was the size of Dug.

"OH BULLSHIT THIS IS BEACH OUTFIT! God, why does my personal notes have to be convoluted!" Connor ranted as his beak was flapping.

"HAHAHAHAHA!" Melody laughed so hard she fell on her butt. "I'm sorry. That's just too cute and funny!"

Connor's square shaped eyebrows turned into side ways for a glare. "Just press the red button on the terminal before I shed dynamites." He seethed.

"Okay. Okay." Melody giggled as she got up off the floor and walked over to the terminal and pressed the red button.

Once she pressed the button. Connor was back to his normal human self. But now he was wearing a pair of black cropped trousers and a matching shirt, with a blue Hawaiian-style button shirt on top. With dark ocean wave art designs on the Hawaiian short. And it came with black sneakers.

"Alright. Give me thy judgment, Giggle McFins." Connor grinned as he posed like a tough guy flexing his muscles.

Melody blushed as she looked him over.

"You look very handsome, Connor." Melody said with a cute smile.

Connor was glad to hear it. But then something else came to his mind.

"Thanks. Course I'm gonna need an alias. A different name to avoid anyone who knows me to be suspicious." Connor figured.

Or in case he ran into the Proud Family.

"Hmmm. That's a good point." Melody said while trying to think up some names he could use. "I've thought of Bruce, Jack, Jake, Corey, and John."

"Nah I already got contacts with those names...Wait. How does the name Calvin Jones sound?" Connor said came up with a name.

"Calvin Jones... I like it." Melody smiled before wrapping her arms around his neck. "Nice to meet you, Calvin Jones."

"The pleasure's all mine, Melody Prince." Connor mused a last name for her.

"No." Melody deadpanned.

"Melody Hasting?" Connor guessed a different last name.

"Try again." Melody shook her head.

"Melody Time?" Connor guessed again.

"Pass." Melody snickered.

"Mel Brooks." Connor guessed.

"No way." Melody stifled a giggle.

"Frankie three-fins DeCarlo?" Connor guessed a strange name.

"Say what?" Melody inquired.

"Just throwing it out there." Connor replied.

Melody silenced him with a finger to his lips.

"How about we put a pin on that and worry about that later." Melody suggested.

"Alright." Connor nodded.

After that, they got out and joined up with the rest of the team. Ready to go down and step into Connor's home world.

Meanwhile at the Destiny Islands Airport...

After the plane from Emilyville California landed. Two groups of families walked out with their luggage. Along with a group of young friends.

First there was Oscar Proud. Who came out wearing a red floral beach shirt and yellow beach trunks and brown sandals. With his luggage. Looking absolutely positive.

Then there was Trudy Proud, his wife. Wearing a purple tank top and blue jean shorts with purple sandals. Who also looked positive.

Trudy was pushing a twin stroller that had her two babies. BeBe and CeCe. Who were just babbling and laughing while shaking their raddles. Of course BeBe tossed his raddle at Oscar's head.

"Ouch!" Oscar yelped and went back to a positive mood instantly.

Then there was the grandmother Suga Mama who came out wearing a pink beach dress that went all the way down to her brown sandals with a purple flower lei around her neck. And in her arms was her French poodle Puff who was panting.

Along with the Prouds was the Boulevardez Family. Felix who came out wearing a yellow floral beach shirt and long blue jeans with sneakers.

Along with his wife Sunset who wore a red tank top and a matching floral beach skirt and red sandals and sunglasses.

And the grandfather, Papi. Who was wearing purple swim trunks and a white tank top with blue sandals.

Coming out of the plane were the other kids and the friends they invited.

First there was Penny Proud. Connor's cousin. She was wearing a yellow tank top and a pink beach skirt with blue flowers and was wearing pink sandals.

The others that came out were Felix and Sunset's daughter, LaCienega. Who was wearing a red bra with a matching red beach skirt and flip-flops. With sunglasses.

And then there was Dijonay Jones. Penny's home girl who was wearing a purple lube top and dark blue jean shorts and purple sandals. With sunglasses.

Then there was Zoey Howzer, their nerdy friend. Who was wearing a green lube top and long blue jeans with blue sandals. With her ginger red hair in a ponytail and a yellow flower in it.

And finally Michael Collins, their non gender-conforming friend who was spazzing it out by wearing a purple lube top and a pair of long dark jeans with a purple beach skirt and matching sandals. With diamond bracelets on his hands and ankles. And even his hair was in a short wavy style with the tips dyed purple.

Along with them are their two new friends, Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins and her brother KB.

Maya was wearing a black sports top with short blue jeans with a loose chain brace in the side. Along with sneakers black boots. And her hair was still in the same auburn loop style.

KG is wearing a black sleeveless hoodie with grey baggy shorts and black sneakers. With a pair of shades.

Together they all got out and stood at the front entrance of the Destiny Islands Airport.

"Ah here it is! Destiny Islands! Where it's one small step for Proud! And one giant leap for Proud Snacks!" Oscar declared with a thrill as he looked up at the sun.

"Oscar. We're here on vacation, not work." Trudy said sternly. "Dial it down on your snack business."

"Trudy. Mon Amour. I'm well aware of that. And I'm Multitasking to spare time." Oscar assured Trudy who had a one eyebrow look. "Besides the Wizard Kelly himself is hosting the Talent Of Fate Show here in town! And he's allowing me to sponsor my newest flavor! Lime Of My Life!"

Oscar showed a new Proud Snacks bag that had a green gleam theme to it while also having some limes in the background art.

"Ha! More like Lime Of My Death! Because that's what's gonna happen if someone tries your literal poison." Suga Mama mocked with a laugh.

"Well I was gonna go for the Minecraft Spicy TNT. But that was already taken!" Oscar protested and leaned in with a grin to Trudy. "Plus it woulda mock Suga Mama's place of birth."

Suga responded by giving Oscar a wedgie with the undies under the pants. And she pulled real hard.

"Ah OUCH!" Oscar yelled in a pitched tone.

"I heard that, Boy." Suga Mama scowled.

"Si ella fuera de ese videojuego, sería una creadora que le da la calificación M." Papi said with a smirk and laughed. "Wu Hahahahaha!"

Translation. 'If she were from that video game, she would be a creeper that gives it the M rating.'

"Aww, I don't know what you just said but ain't that sweet of you to say?" Suga Mama said sweetly.

"Aeight, Gang! Here we are! It's been almost three years since I've last been here, but I know this town from top to bottom. What'll it be first? The mall? The beach? The strip? Y'all name it." Penny happily said to her friends.

"Oooh! I say the mall then the beach!" Dijonay said loudly.

"I agree with Dijonay. I could use a new swimsuit to show off at the beach." LaCienega said all haughty like.

"I wouldn't mind going somewhere to try the local foods. I'm starving." Zoey said.

"And I wouldn't mind checking out the local fashion. See if I can find inspiration for some new designs." Michael said.

"I could go to a game store." KG said while playing on his handheld game.

"Really?" Maya sighed at her brother. "Personally, I'm okay doing whatever right now."

"Well for us, we need to check into our hotel rooms at the Surfs Well Resort." Felix noticed that it was almost time to get checked in on his phone.

Meanwhile the small Uber bus to the Destiny Outdoor Mall showed up. Penny along with her friends were ready to go as their luggage were taken into the second bus to the resort hotel.

"You kids go on ahead, stay together and no wild horse play!" Trudy said firmly as she smiled and waved at the kids.

"Alright, Mama! See you all later!" Penny called back as she and the others ran into the bus.

As Penny and her friends left on the small bus to the mall. She remembered that she had another stop to make before she could do anything else.

The Prouds and the Boulevardezs went out to the parking lot to catch their Uber van to the Resort Hotel. A male assistant wearing casual attire was helping with the Proud's luggage when one of the large spinner luggage started shaking and tumbling.

"A...Sir? One of your luggage is shaking." The assistant said.

"Huh? Wait isn't that's my bag of Proud Snacks?" Oscar inquired looking at the luggage weirdly.

As Oscar went over and placed the luggage on the ground and suddenly as he opened it. Out popped older brother Bobby who was wearing an orange floral beach shirt along with his white MC Hammer pants and red sneakers.

"Heeey y'all!~" Bobby sang in his microphone.

"WHAT?! BOBBY?! The hell you doin in my bag?! You know I couldn't afford another plane ticket in this discount!" Oscar gawked with a glare.

"I know. I know. That's why... I took the expressway." Bobby smirked as he spoke into his mic before gesturing to all the bags of proud snacks, which were all empty. "Course the in-flight meal was an acquired taste... Earning Zero Stars!~ Ow Yeaah~"

Then Bobby's burp caused a fog of Proud Snacks flavors to fly into the Bus Assistant's face. Causing him to turn green and run while holding his mouth to look for a trash can.

"It's alright, Baby. Suga Mama's got cash for another suite with your name on it." Suga Mama smiled as he allowed him to come.

"Thanks Mama." Bobby hugged her before he walked into the bus.

Oscar was still gawking at the spare bags that are now all empty. It was a good thing he still had the full stack being delivered by the trucks to the Talent Show. But he'll have to find the means to sell snacks at the hotel. He'll have to call his monkey assistant Mr Chips later.

"Lord. Why do you continue to put such ordinary people in extraordinary situations?" Oscar whimpered as he walked on to the bus

"Oooh yeaah!~" Bobby sang inside.

"Nevermind." Oscar muttered.

As everyone else was getting onto the bus. Trudy noticed that Suga Mama was glancing in a certain direction. The view down at her viewpoint was where her son Joe and grandson Connor used to live.

"Hey, Suga Mama." Trudy said with concern in her voice. "Are you sure it's okay that you came out here?"

"Sure I'm sure. Even though I'm not over it yet. If my Joey had taught me anything. Especially after losin his Daddy. Is that grief is just love persevering." Suga Mama said softly as she wiped her eye. Before she looked and smiled at Trudy. "Let's all enjoy our time together and live. I know it'll be good for Penny as well."

"Yeah. I hope so." Trudy said with a sad smile, hoping Suga Mama was right.

On that note. Suga Mama and Trudy got on the bus and they all drove off to the hotel resort. Hoping this vacation will go smoothly and not end on a sour note.

But one thing is for sure. The family still misses Joe and Connor. And they would give anything to have them back.

Especially Connor.

Meanwhile out at the ocean...

Way out in view of the Destiny Suburbs. There was a small island with a little short distance from the mainland. Where Connor and Noctis always hung out. The perfect get away. Complete with steamy saunas. A tree house. Coconut palm trees. Some swings and a cave to camp out in.

And it was all still standing to this day.

Way out among the border shores was Connor and Melody as they were riding on a black Maverick themed Jet Ski. With Connor driving and Melody riding behind him with her arms around his waist. Sebastian was on Melody's back while fearfully trying not to fall in.

Donald and Goofy were riding on a small fishing boat. As Donald was wearing his trademark blue sailor outfit. And Goofy was wearing a orange floral shirt with purple flowers and green shorts with brown sandals and a green sunhat.

Dug and Mini-Mav was with them. As Donald was trying to fish while they were slowly driving.

"Last chance to invite you folks to my old hideout!" Connor called over as he drove the jet ski around their boat.

"We'll stay for a while and enjoy the silence!" Donald answered back as he fished.

"You two love birds go on ahead and have fun!" Goofy answered also as he held up his own fishing pole to perform the perfect cast.

Because of Connor's super hearing. He heard that inspite of the jet ski's noise.

"Aight! You two enjoy! And remember the plan for later. Recon and explore the town later! Let me know if you see anything that shouldn't be there!" Connor called out.

Then he drove off in the direction towards the island. While Melody relaxed while leaning against his back.

While on the ride. Connor started playing some music from his jet ski radio. Which was loud enough to hear over the engine.

"You know! Whenever I wasn't in front of the TV! Or basketball hoop with Noctis! He and I would come out here to get away from everything else!" Connor told Melody as he was driving towards the small island.

"Oh yeah! I remember you once telling me how you two tried flying to another world on a homemade raft!" Melody said with a big smile.

"We thought of buying rocket fuel on Ebay to make it fly! We weren't that bright back then!" Connor remarked.

"I can see that!" Melody replied back teasingly. "So, how far did you guys get on your raft before you realized it was a bust?!"

"Well the idea to go to another world wasn't what I call a bust! We ended up changing the plan to an airplane! Which ended up being the last trip!" Connor admitted briefly before he perked up. "Still! Getting Noctis definitely caused some old griefs to heal! Even if he doesn't remember a damn thing!"

"Well, I'm sure he'll remember someday!" Melody said back. "Maybe after saving the Multiverse, we can bring Noctis here and see if it helps jog his memory!"

"Maybe!...Alright here we are!" Connor said as he parked the jet ski near the wooden pier of the seashore near the small island.

Or the Getaway Island as Connor and Noctis called it. The seashore area is naturally covered in yellow sandy beaches, exotic trees and shrubbery, and wooden constructions. There is a Seaside Shack and a large treehouse built into an enormous tree.

A miniature island is settled next to the island and can be reached by crossing a bridge which can be accessed by using the stairs in the Seaside Shack mentioned above or alternatively, by swimming towards a ladder on the opposite side of the island, and then climbing it.

On that island is a crooked palm tree that grows paopu fruits. Which is how Connor knew about it.

The Cove at the back of the island has an obstacle course that Connor and Noctis use during their competitive challenges. Along the obstacle course there's a wooden tower which can be used to zipline down to another smaller wooden construction. At the midpoint of the course is a tiny tree with a star-shaped lamp on top of it. Next to it is a small tunnel which leads back to the Seashore. The Cove is also where Connor and Noctis build their raft.

There also is a cave hidden behind the island's waterfall, which Connor and Noctis visited during their childhood. Which was called the Secret Place. They first discovered it when they were young children.

The cave's walls are covered in chalk drawings, and among them are drawings of things they planned to do when they went up to the stars.

From what Connor saw from the boardwalk. Everything is as he remembered it.

Connor stepped out on the boardwalk and offered a hand to help Melody off the Jet Ski.

"Welcome to the Getaway Island, Ma'am. May I see your passport?" Connor asked in a western accent as he playfully teased while he offered her a hand.

"Thank you kindly, Sir." Melody giggled as she took his hand and got off the jet ski and stepped her bare feet onto the boardwalk before she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. "That was your tip for excellent service."

While Connor shared a kiss back with her. Sebastian got off Melody's shoulder and crawled around the boardwalk and noticed how quiet and peaceful it was around here. But then he noticed how the distance from the suburbs resembles the distance from the Palace back home. When Melody used to sneak out.

"Course me and Noctis never told our folks about this place. They always thought we were going out to a playground or the beach." Connor told Melody.

And Sebastian heard it.

"Sneaking out. Comin here in de ocean in de middle of de day. No wonder they got attached so quickly." Sebastian sighed with a grin.

As they walked together on the boardwalk. Connor began chatting.

"Also around here is where I learned I could chat with fish. I didn't know that I was Atlantean back then, but I digress." Connor shrugged.

"Again. No wonder." Sebastian muttered.

"That must've been quite a surprise for you when you first learned you could talk to the creatures of the ocean" Melody said with a smirk. "What kinds of fish did you talk with?"

"If it had fins. Scales or gills I could talk to it. And if it thinks it had any of those things. I'd send it to either therapy or Suga Mama's frying pan." Connor answered humorously. "But I only make sure to cook fish that can't talk back. The kind that don't have a heart."

"Good thing you were cautious. Otherwise, they'd probably start an uprising against you." Melody said teasingly.

"The only thing I ever ate that talked back was an electric eel." Connor shrugged.

"Eak! Are you serious Mon?!" Sebastian gawked.

"Don't feel bad. Even his brother would agree he had it comin." Connor shrugged.

Just then an electric eel swam by under the boardwalk and ranted.

"That asswipe sure did! ***k that mother***ka and his ***kin ***k shocked face!" The electric eel yelled as he sounded ghetto.

"He's originally from the Bronx." Connor whispered nervously about that eel's bad mouth.

"Yeah, he seems like an interesting character." Melody said with a nervous smile.

"Anyhow. Up there in that tree platform is where we would practice our self defenses. I may have been an asthmatic but for some reason, out here I could breathe much better. I later realized that being surrounded directly by salt water, due to my Atlantean blood, this was a healthy environment." Connor stated as he pointed out at the wooden platforms above the tree. Which was a easy way up the ramp or ladder.

"Wow. This place is amazing."Melody said as she looked at the structures. "Who built all this anyway? Was it you and Noctis?"

"Well Penny had some friends that came and helped. Whenever she came by. She would lose a lot of time out here." Connor explained. "Also Uncle Oscar at one time thought she had a secret boyfriend and that fueled him up to come over at the cove to spy on her. Only to fall out of the tree and creativity surviving because of his monkey assistants."

"Hold on. Monkey assistants?" Melody asked with a laugh.

"He can't hire real human beings to make or taste his snacks without getting sued. Besides I'm 80% sure some of those ingredients are what prisons use for lethal injections." Connor joked.

"Geez. How the heck is he still in business?" Melody asked in shock.

"He's still in business?" Connor inquired.

Melody laughed at that.

"Oh that's a good one." Melody said with a laugh. So, he actually followed Penny here. What happened after he got caught spying?"

"He got on his fishy boat and tried to feed some 'New Proud Tuna Chips' to a school of sharks. It only sparkee their rage to chomp on his boat and he swam screaming all the way back to the mainland. None of us knew he could swim faster than a boat engine." Connor remarked.

"With how bad those snacks are, I'm surprised they didn't cause the sharks to mutate into super sharks." Melody joked.

"They did." Connor muttered. Then he saw the secret place which was a cave. "Hey check this out. Our Secret Place we used to really escape to."

Connor led her over by the cave entrance which was hidden behind the waterfall of a small lake.

"Watch your step." Connor warned as they walked into the tiny lake which was only half way up their legs.

"It's so beautiful." Melody muttered as she let her bare feet sink into the water as she followed her boyfriend.

"Oh you haven't seen Beautiful yet." Connor grinned as he formed a neon umbrella and held it over Melody and himself as they both walked into the cave.

After going down a very short tunnel. Which had some cute toddler-like drawings on the side. Connor led her up to an open area inside the cave. With walls that had doodling drawings everywhere like cavemen history or something. But what really made the place look beautiful, in addition to it being as big as a living room of a house. The cave had mineral deposits from the small stalagmites above. that changed different colors from pink to blue to purple to green. It was such a sight to see. Looking up at the roof was like looking up at space in different colors. And each lack might have a unique pattern.

Melody couldn't believe her eyes as she covered her mouth. And stared at everything.

"What do you think?" Connor asked with a smile.

"It's... It's one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen." Melody whispered in awe at the sight before her.

"Noctis and I drew most of those." Connor pointed at the doodles on the walls.

Each of the drawings showed the indication of two little boys aging over the years. Melody could tell which drawings looked like they were drawn by toddlers and which had a little more detail which were the skills of much older boys.

"This is also where Noctis and I both discovered. Even though we couldn't really prove it to anyone else. That we're not alone in the universe." Connor stated as he showed something else to Melody.

Connor went over and moved a large boulder that was against the front wall, pushing it out of the way to show a large keyhole. Glowing with a fainted light behind it. But it was attached to no door.

"Conner? Is that the keyhole to this world's heart?" Melody asked with wide eyes.

"Well...Yes and no. After I was fully trained as the Maverick, I came back here to this cave. Originally there was this mystical looking door that me and Noctis found. We could never open it. But we could hear what was on the other side." Connor answered.

"What was it?" Melody asked with fascination.

"I'm getting to that, hold on. So after I came back. I used my keyblade to lock it. But afterwards the door disappeared, and this keyhole was all that was left. No Heartless or dark power can get through it now." Connor explained. "But we can still hear what's on the other side."

"What is on the other side?" Melody asked as she stepped closer to the keyhole.

Connor touched the wall near the keyhole. Causing it to glow. And his eyes began to glow a neon blue.

"Voices. A large crowd of people. Singing. Playing. Chatting. Dancing. Celebrating." Connor answered calmly, as he looked at Melody. "Siy Den told me that it's the voices of our Atlantean ancestors. Coming from the upper realms of light."

Melody grew curious as Connor gestured for her to come over. Which she did. And when she touched the other side of the keyhole. With her hand on the wall. The Princess immediately breathed with a smile as she could hear a crowd of people talking. Not like the sound of a city crowd. But more like people cheering. Singing. Like a crowd of people in a church. Or a large cultural party. Speaking in tongues that Melody is not familiar with.

Melody let out a quiet gasp as she actually heard them, captivated by the voices on the other side.

"I hear them." Melody whispered excitedly.

"They live, Mel. I hate sounding whimsical, but. Call it Heaven. Call it a backdoor. Or whatever you were told in church, the thing is. Siy Den said that some worlds and their keyholes have a quantum connection to the first Atlantis. Because those worlds have history with them. Apparently Destiny Islands is no exception." Connor stated a revelation.

Melody's eyes widened in realization.

"This is why your mom was sent here after Stamford." Melody muttered her conclusion.

"Yeah. But also. Once we have the pearl. The full set. This keyhole will take us to the lost first kingdom. And to Aquarius' Trident." Connor explained.

"We're so close. I can feel it." Melody muttered with a bright smile.

Connor smiled before he heard Sebastian come in suddenly. More like running in. More like crawling in quickly. Looking worried and anxious.

"HIDE! You both have da hide!" Sebastian exclaimed and squeaked.

"Hey, I didn't hear you come in." Connor inquired.

Probably because the keyhole dulled his other senses.

"Sebastian? What's wrong?" Melody asked as she kneeled down to get closer to him.

Just then. On that note. Because Connor's extra hearing senses were dulled to ever hear them.

He heard chatter as he heard Penny's voice. Which made Connor's heart drop as he hadn't heard that voice in a long time. But then he realized he was exposed. Too bad he only had a millisecond to act because the moment he heard her voice.

Penny walked in with Dijonay and LaCienega. Who all three left their shoes outside to keep them dry.

"Remind me again why we rowed out here, Proud?" LaCienega inquired with a cynical tone.

"Yeah and not with all the others at the mall?!" Dijonay protested.

"Relax. Girls. This'll only take a-" Penny almost finished as they halted and saw Melody and Connor?!

The problem is. Connor realized...That he left the magic charm necklace on his keyblade outfit! On the SHIP! Which means. Penny can see him.

Connor had an awkward smile.

"Hey." Connor greeted.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!" Penny and Dijonay both screamed in terror while LaCienega was startled and confused by their scream.

And Melody could only stand there looking sheepishly nervous.

"Dis is awkward." Sebastian whispered nervously.

Meanwhile out at sea...

Donald and Goofy were still on the fishing boat. Along with Dug who was panting at the piles of haddock and Red herring he was catching.

Goofy was enjoying a tan on a pool lounge, with his shirt off but some shades on. While also holding a tanning reflector.

Donald made sure to use his heart detector each time he caught a fish. If it didn't have a metaphysical heart. It can't talk, so he'll keep it. If it does have a heart and talk. Donald would toss it back and apologize. And at certain times getting cursed out by a male haddock or getting flirtatiously teased by a female red herring.

Those fish are always dirty. Hence why they taste so dirty.

"Can I catch one?" Dug asked Donald while panting at the fish swimming in the water.

"No." Donald answered while fishing.