So I pondered this idea for a few days and decided to try a spin-off story for Army of Light.

This is focused on the Twilight Town trio residents themselves, Hayner, Pence, and Olette.

Enjoy!

J. Tom presents

A Kingdom Hearts story

Kingdom Hearts: The Twilight Adventure

With the voice talents of:

Zachary Gordon as Hayner

Tristan Chase as Pence

Ashley Boettcher as Olette

Susanne Blakeslee as Maleficent

with

Richard Epcar as Terra-Xehanort

David Gallagher as Dark Riku

and

George Newbern as Sephiroth

Secret Forest:

A few days had passed since Sora, Riku, Kairi, Aqua, Terra, Ven, Roxas, Xion, Lea, Naminé, Isa, Myde, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Minnie, Daisy, Max, Oswald, and Ortensia had left for the Pride Lands.

Their allies were in the Secret Forest either training with their Keyblades or other weapons, or were either exploring the forest or relaxing in their temporary homes.

The trio residents from Twilight Town, Hayner, Pence, and Olette, were leading the Keyblade wielders in the training course Donald's cousin Fethry came up with and built alongside Ludwig, Gyro, Fenton, Gandra, Manny, and Li'l Bulb.

"Alright, so which creature should we try next?" asked Hayner.

Pence studied the computer screen filled with options for Heartless, Nobodies, and Unversed taken from Jiminy's journal.

"Ooh! I got an idea!" said Pence. "Let's try some bigger Nobodies!"

Olette swiped the screen. "Ok selecting… Sorcerer, Berserker, and Assassins!" she said, tapping them.

The simulations produced the selected Nobodies.

"I will never not be amazed by what the so-called 'modern world' has to offer," said Anna.

"I don't think any of us will." Elsa said.

"It's still amazing to look at!" said Rapunzel.

"This kind of technology almost reminds me of my home in Atlantis." Kida commented.

"Yes so you say." said Jasmine.

"Well come on, let's get started!" said Woody.

All of them summoned their signature Keyblades.

"Alright… start!" said Hayner.

And they charged towards the simulations.

Aladdin slashed at an Assassin, dodging its stab attacks by jumping, ducking, and diving to the side and rolling back onto his feet. He then used Blizzara a few times to immobilize it. Seeing a clearing, the thief-turned-Arabian prince slashed the Nobody away.

Jasmine jumped from another Assassin trying to make its tentacles attack her from the ground. She slashed at the tentacles and then struck them with Fira spells to hold it back before it emerged and she fired orbs of light at it to destroy it.

Sulley took on a Berserker as he dodged its hammer swings. Both monster and creature locked weapons before Sulley roared at it and then slashed it. He thrashed it with his claws against the Nobody and then used Thundaga Shot to destroy it.

Mike tried to fire orbs of light at a Sorcerer Nobody but it blocked his attacks with a shield. Mike then dodged its Chaos Shot as its cubes exploded around him. The green monster then rolled himself like a bowling ball against it's shield, knocking it out of it's grasp and then fired Dark Firaga to destroy it.

Milo dodged an Assassin trying to stab him as he clashed his Keyblade against it's tentacles. It swung one over his head and Milo had to duck. Adjusting his glasses, Milo used the Poison spell to weaken the Nobody and then used a Glacier technique to finish it.

Kida kicked at a Sorcerer Nobody and then slashed it across its chest. But on the third swing she hit its cube shield and was knocked backwards. Jumping back onto her feet, Kida charged at the Nobody and scissor-kicked it over as she used Thundara to destroy it.

Cinderella swung at a Berserker's arms while dodging its hammer. But then it charged at Cinderella and knocked her off her feet. Curing herself with Curaga, Cinderella jumped back onto her feet, dusted herself off, and ran back at the Nobody, raising her Keyblade and then casting Meteor to end it.

Kit Charming put his fencing techniques to good use as he parried with an Assassin's tentacles while trying to not get stabbed. Kit then had the idea to use Cyclone to slow the Nobody down. After casting it to do so, Kit quickly raised his Keyblade again and used Deep Freeze to incase his opponent in ice and slashed it away.

Woody ran at a Sorcerer and jumped over its shield to slash it against its face. But the Nobody knocked the grown cowboy doll to the ground with its shield. Woody got up and back on his hat, just in time to see the Nobody come at him. Thinking quickly, the sheriff toy used Mind Shield to stun the Sorcerer and he slashed it until it was gone.

Buzz slid under a Berserker before it brought it's hammer down on him. The space ranger toy slashed it's back with his Keyblade before he was grabbed by the massive Nobody and thrown to the ground. Buzz leapt back up, pressed the button for his laser light to blind the Nobody a bit, and took advantage as he casted Sleep to put it to rest. Ceasing the opportunity, the astronaut toy jumped into the air with his weapon raised, and casted Raging Storm to kill the Nobody.

Kuzco swung at another Sorcerer Nobody with his Keyblade but it performed its Wild Dance move as the cubes crashed against the young emperor. Kuzco fell down to the ground as the Sorcerer ran at him. But Pacha came to his aid and punched it backwards against its face. Getting back up, both emperor and village leader combined Blizzard spells to weaken it before they both slashed it against its chest, killing it.

Rapunzel casted a variety of Fire spells from her Keyblade at an Assassin Nobody when its tentacles knocked her against the training wall. But before it could strike her again, Rapunzel brought out the frying pan from her tower and bashed it against the Asassin's face, upper sliced it with Ever After and then fired Firaga Burst, eliminating it entirely.

Eugene clashed his Keyblade against a Sorcerer's shield as its cube suddenly surrounded the former thief. Eugene was struck several times, but he held his ground as he bashed them away before slashing the Sorcerer and then casting Sprakra against it.

Kristoff faced a Berserker as he tried to parry against its hammer. But the massive Nobody used its Round Trip Rush technique to knock Kristoff onto the ground, sliding against the floor. The ice seller got back onto his feet and dodged another hammer swing. Kristoff fired multiple light spells to discombobulate the Nobody and then finished it with Raging Storm.

Elsa and Anna tag-teamed against a Berserker as well. But that was easier said than done as it slammed it's hammer on the ground to make them stagger. The massive Nobody then kicked Anna to the ground and bashed its hammer into Elsa. Both queen and princess quickly used Curaga on themselves as they got back up. Elsa used her ice magic on the ground to make it slip as Anna casted Exo Spark to blind it and then both she and Elsa combined Holy spells to destroy the Berserker.

Once the simulator Nobodies were gone, the army dismissed their Keyblades as Hayner, Pence, and Olette joined them.

"That was awesome you guys! Great job!" said Pence.

"You're getting better and better every day." Olette smiled.

"Why thank you." smiled Cinderella. "We do try our best."

"Gotta say this magic stuff is pretty awesome." said Aladdin.

"Never thought I would have more than just the ability to walk and talk." said Woody, looking at his arm. "But magic? That's a different story."

"It's more than just having special abilities as a toy." Buzz said in agreement.

"Is this what it's like for you Elsa?" asked Kristoff.

"Somewhat." Elsa replied.

"Alright you all did a good job." said Hayner. "Take the rest of the day off. You earned it."

"Ooh me likey that idea." Kuzco grinned.

The army rolled their eyes as they left the simulator.

Hayner, Pence, and Olette were alone for a little bit before they too exited.

"Man… I can't believe how much our lives have changed." said Hayner. "One moment we're just regular high schoolers in a town where's it's always a sunset, next we're helping out people and toons from other worlds by getting them into a mansion and figure out memories, and now we're helping out in the bigger picture as freaking Keybalde Wielders!"

"I know! It's crazy how far we've come." Pence said in agreement. "I wonder if this is what it was like for Sora when he started on his journey."

"And now we're training an army to stop Xehanort, Maleficent, Organization XIII, and all their allies." said Olette.

"Although… I kinda wish we can help out more." said Pence.

Olette and Hayner were surprised.

"Whaddya mean? We are helping out. We're training the army and we practice our Keyblade wielding skills whenever we can so we can fight." said Hayner.

"We also helped rescue Terra, Ven, and Aqua, participated in the Battle of the Universe against Thanos, and, again, training the Army of Light." added Olette.

"Yeah I know." Pence nodded. "But Sora and his friends are out there saving the worlds and recruiting more members. I wish we could do something like that since we do have become Masters pretty quickly."

"We had that special training after dealing with Thanos alongside the others to become masters in a month." said Hayner.

"True. But I feel like we could do more to help." said Pence.

Olette put a hand on her friend's shoulder. "I get what you're saying Pence. But right now Sora, Roxas, Mickey, and the others need us to help train the army when we can. And that is as much as we can do right now."

"Yeah I guess you're right." Pence sighed.

The three made their way to the portal to Disney Castle and entered through it.

Disney Castle:

The trio exited the portal and were in Ludwig Von Drake's lab.

"Where's the professor again?" asked Pence.

"He's visiting his wife I think." Olette replied. "So. Should we relax around the castle? Go to Twilight Town?"

"Maybe later. I wanna stop by Radiant Garden and see if our fellow trainers need any help." said Hayner.

"Alright! Let's go!" Pence said enthusiastically.

The headband-wearing kid activated the portal to Radiant Garden and the trio went through.

Radiant Garden Castle:

Hayner, Pence, and Olette came out of the portal before Ansem the Wise's computer. They looked around.

"Where is everybody?" asked Olette.

Dilan and Aeleus were patrolling nearby.

"Even, Ienzo, and the Restoration Committee are at Merlin's house." Aeleus replied. "Our scientist friends have no experiments to work on."

"You may go there if you wish to find something to occupy your time." said Dilan.

"Thanks guys!" Pence grinned.

Dilan and Aeleus simply nodded as the trio took off.

Merlin's House:

Cid was at his computer, typing away as usual, Merlin was looking through a spellbook, Aerith was looking over potions in a basket, Tifa was looking at Winnie the Pooh's book, Yuffie was writing battle ideas on the chalkboard, Cloud was resting on the bed with his sword leaning against the bedpost, Leon was lookin over some of Merlin's magic potions on the back shelf, and Even and Ienzo sat down to a cup of tea.

There was a knock at the door.

"I'll get it!" Merlin said, poofing his book away with magic.

He opened the door and Hayner, Pence, and Olette walked inside.

"Hey gang! How's it goin'?" Hayner greeted.

"The trio from Twilight Town! This is a surprise." Yuffie grinned, setting the chalk down and dusting her hands.

"What brings you three all the way out here?" asked Cloud, sitting up on the bed.

"We just wanted to see how you guys were doing and if you needed any assistance," said Olette. "We finished another training session with the Keyblade Wielders earlier."

"We appreciate the gesture. But so far everything is ok." said Leon.

"How pray tell are things going at the castle?" asked Even.

"Everything's been quieter since the Duck/McDuck family decided to stay at Scrooge's Mansion to make up for lost time with Della. And we mean a lot of lost time." replied Pence.

"I'm still surprised Della managed to survive being on the moon for that long," said Tifa. "I have heard many interesting things about their world, but still."

"We all were Tif." Hayner said. "But other than that, it's still been quiet with that family gone, the king and queen out with the others in the Pride Lands, and not one visit from anyone from Oswald and Ortensia's world."

"We did get one or two visits from Horace, Clarabelle, and Clara, but that's about it." said Pence. "But we have been focusing more on the army."

"That is good. You are helping shape them into Keyblade-wielding heroes." Ienzo said approvingly.

"We know that…" said Pence before sighing. "But we still wish we could do more."

All eyes went on the trio, perplexed.

"What do you mean?" Aerith asked.

"What Pence means is that he wishes we could help protect the worlds like Sora, Roxas, and the others do." said Olette. "And I'll admit, the idea has crossed my mind."

"Mine too," said Hayner. "I mean, we did get to go with them all to the Realm of Darkness, the Land of Departure, Midgar, and even The World That Never Was on those rescue missions. And to the MCU to stop Thanos and his army but that's it. They've gone to many more than that."

"Didn't you travel multiple worlds for your Mark of Mastery exam after many weeks of intense training?" asked Cloud.

"Yeah we did." nodded Hayner. "But that was still part of a test. And that was before we even assembled an army after the others got back from fighting Kai in the Valley of Peace."

"We wish we could help do something similar to what they're doing now." said Pence. "You know, travel the worlds, save people, fight creatures of darkness, maybe even recruit members for the army."

Aerith smiled as she approached them. "We understand your desire. But you should also remember that training the army is just as important." she said.

"Aerith's right. We have that job too. At least with regular combat for those who aren't wielding Keyblades." said Yuffie.

"Some more so than others." gruffed Cid, looking over at Merlin.

"Oh I'm sorry but someone has to make sure things are going steady in this town when you all are away!" Merlin snorted. "Ansem the Wise can only do so much these days. Although I should come and check on progress."

"Where is Ansem anyway?" asked Olette.

"Visiting Yen Sid, Angeal, and Genesis." replied Leon.

"Speaking of Yen Sid, something Sora and the others mentioned to us got me thinking, about the New 7 Hearts." said Cloud, walking over.

"What about them Cloud?" asked Ienzo.

"Yen Sid mentioned that there would be a New 7 Lights after their predecessors' role was finished. And that happened about 3 years ago thanks to the actions of Maleficent, Fake-Ansem, and Riku." Cloud replied. "Which means 7 new ladies with pure hearts are taking up the role."

"Technically it would be 6 since Kairi's still a member." said Yuffie.

"And we already have 4 of the new lights as a part of the army, Kida, Rapunzel, Elsa, and Anna." added Olette.

"Yes. But he also mentioned that it could be possible that the previous Princesses of Heart could be in danger too." said Cloud, frowning. "Regardless if it was their time in such a role or not, they are still targets in the Organization's eyes."

Everyone traded glances. They knew Cloud was right.

"Well aside from Kairi, we do have two previous Princesses of Heart in the army; Jasmine and Cinderella." said Pence.

"But the worlds where Snow White, Alice, Aurora, and Belle live in haven't been in trouble." said Hayner. "Right Cid?"

Cid typed on his keyboard and a map of many worlds the Keybearers and their friends visited appeared.

"Let's see here…" Cid murmured as he scrolled through them. "So far Belle's world is stable. Has been since Sora and the others went their for Christmas."

"Oh yeah they mentioned how they were almost killed by Forte the living grand piano." Pence said casually.

"Isa told us he saw that piano via Maleficent's magic back when he was Saïx. That piano even managed to creep him out." said Leon.

Suddenly a warning sound blared from Cid's computer.

"What's that?!" gasped Olette.

"A world's in danger!" exclaimed Yuffie.

"Cid, which one is it?!" asked Tifa.

"I'm workin' on it!" Cid snapped as he moved the map around. "Here we go! System says it's the Dwarf Woodlands!"

"That's Snow White's world!" said Aerith. "It hasn't been in danger since it was restored after Fake Ansem's defeat."

"And the last time it was invaded by creatures of darkness was before Terra, Aqua, and Ventus met their grim fates." said Merlin.

"So it looks like the Organization is making their move on another world." said Leon, frowning. "But Sora and the others are busy in the Pride Lands."

"Should we call them or Jiminy and tell them about it?" asked Yuffie.

"No." said Even, shaking his head. "First of all, from what Dilan told me after we were restored, you take on animal forms in the Pride Lands and your clothing and items on your person vanish. Jiminy wouldn't have luck either"

"And second, they're already on a mission and can't leave until they seal the keyhole." added Ienzo.

"We'll do it!" Pence quickly said, raising his hand.

Everyone looked at Pence in surprise.

"You will?" Cloud asked.

"We will?" Olette and Hayner asked together.

Pence faced his friends. "Come on you guys, this is our chance to do what I was just talking about! Protecting the worlds, fighting the darkness, recruiting more army members!" he said. "Sora and the others are busy in another world and we're the only Keyblade wielders left! And it's our job to do what they do; protect the worlds!"

Hayner and Olette traded glances. They hadn't done this sort of mission since they helped rescue the Wayfinder trio and did their Mark of Mastery exams. And they were with more experienced Keyblade wielders at the time for both like Kairi, Terra, and Ven. But Pence did have a point. It was their job. Sora and his team were busy, Yen Sid was retired, Eraqus was slain, and the Organization's Keyblade wielders were all bad. They would be doing their friends a massive favor.

"Ok. We'll do it!" said Hayner.

"You can count on us!" said Olette.

Ienzo, Even, and the Committee couldn't help but smile.

"Well, way to step up you three." smiled Yuffie.

"That's showing some perseverance right there," said Cloud.

"Boy will the others be in for a surprise when they learn you're going traveling all on your own." Cid commented.

"But there is a slight problem." said Leon. "From what we were told, traveling world to world without a certain kind of magic isn't easy. You could get there by Gummiship, Keyblade glider and armor, or a Star Cluster like the king had. You have the gliders and armor, but if you do end up recruiting any more members they won't have any to travel with. And you taking them right on your gliders won't be very safe."

"Not unless you know how to drive a Gummiship." said Aerith. "We don't have any Star Clusters with us."

"Actually, we were taught how to." said Pence. "After the Dream Festival when we started training with our Keyblades, Mickey and Donald taught us."

"But we don't have any other Gummiships at the castle." said Hayner. "The Organization destroyed the castle's original one after we rescued Terra and Rufus Shinra and the team has the bigger one Chip and Dale had constructed."

Cid suddenly tossed Hayner a remote. "You can take mine," he said. "It's similar to the one the villains blew up. Try not to wreck it for Pete's sake, it's a fragile thing."

"Yes sir!" said Hayner, pocketing the remote.

"And don't worry about the army. We'll handle the training." said Aerith.

"We'll keep in contact with you in case any more worlds are in danger during the others' absence." said Ienzo.

"Thanks guys." smiled Olette.

"You may need this," said Merlin, handing something to Hayner.

Hayner examined it. It was a summon charm that was silver with a blue background and a picture of a turquoise seashell on it.

"What's this?" Hayner questioned.

"A summon charm!" Merlin replied. "Sora uses similar ones across his travels whenever he finds them. They summon extra help during difficult battles."

Hayner put the summon charm in his vest pocket. "Thank you Merlin."

"Where's the ship parked Cid?" asked Olette.

"Behind the castle." Cid replied.

"You should get going." said Cloud. "If you wanna start saving the worlds, you oughta get a move on."

"We will!" said Pence. "Wish us luck guys!"

"We won't let you down!" said Olette.

"Worlds here we come!" said Hayner as they all exited the house and ran back to the castle.

"You think they can handle such a mission by themselves?" Cloud asked his friends.

"I think they can." Leon replied. "They are familiar with such a task. Even if it's just the three of them."

"As long as they believe they can, I'm sure they'll do perfectly fine." said Aerith.

"Come now, let's finish up what we're doing and then check on the army." said Merlin.

Everyone nodded as Leon closed the door and they got back to what they were doing.

Cid's Gummiship:

Hayner, Pence, and Olette entered the ship and looked around. The cockpit was similar to the original Gummiship Disney Castle had.

"Wow, talk about déjà vu." commented Olette. "It's just like the old one."

"Which mean we'll be familiar with it like when Mickey and Donald taught us!" said Pence.

"And I'll be driving." said Hayner. "I got the remote and the summon charm."

"I'll be co-pilot!" Pence chimed in.

"Manning the weapons it is." Olette shrugged.

Hayner walked to the front seat and checked the controls. "Ok let's see here…"

The spiky-blonde teen moved the screen around until he found the Dwarf Woodlands.

"Bingo!" Hayner grinned as he tapped it. "Seat up you two!"

Pence and Olette took the other seats as Hayner pressed some buttons and pulled a few levers.

"Alright!" Hayner cheered. "Dwarf Woodlands, here we come!"

And the Gummiship rose into the air and took off towards the Lanes-In-Between.

Castle That Never Was:

Unbeknownst to them, Maleficent, Pete, and Mortimer, had been watching in the Grey Room thanks to her magic.

"So the three miscreants from Twilight Town have decided to play the hero game." Maleficent mused. "Quite pitiful."

"Yeah! Theys don't know what they're getting themselves into!" said Pete. "They usually did their traveling with the more experienced heroes!"

"And they think they can handle being hero by going just by themselves?" Mortimer snorted. "Please. They may be masters from very quick training, but it won't be enough."

"You two are quite right." Maleficent nodded. "But they did help rescue the Lost Keyblade Wielders. And fought against the past version of Thanos. Not as powerful as they may seem, I cannot take any chances."

Pete and Mortimer were taken aback.

"Are you sure Maleficent? I mean they are mediocre wielders." Mortimer said.

"True. But they have a lot of determination and courage in their hearts. Much like Sora back when he started his journey. And he wasn't supposed to be the chosen Keybearer." Maleficent said. She turned to her subordinates. "Tell the members monitoring the worlds of the previous Princesses of Heart that they will be facing company… and they mustn't take any chances lightly."

"Uh yeah sure thing!" Pete nodded.

And the two raced out of the Grey Room, leaving Maleficent alone.

"Another team of heroes goes from world to world to protect them. How quaint…" Maleficent snorted as she looked back at her spying magic. "You teenagers may act all brave… but we'll see just how well you fare against us when you don't have Sora and his allies to help you. You'll be doomed to dark fates when we are all through with you…"

Maleficent laughed wickedly as her magic swirled around her and she disappeared in a green mist.

To be continued…

And the story has begun!

Up next we travel to the Dwarf Woodlands, based off of Walt Disney's first animated film almost 90 years ago.

Rate and review and I'll see you soon!

In Loving Memory of:

Glynis Johns

(Mary Poppins, Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School, The Ref, Superstar)

October 5, 1923 – 4 January 2024

"Well done, Sister Suffragette!"