ig:
Day 57
Disney Castle
Time -
Topsy Turvy Day
You swiftly raise a hand. "A-actually, ma'am!" You withdraw it a bit as everyone else looks to you. "Eheh..."
"You have something to say?" The Queen asks. "Please, go on."
"R-right. You see, I... we... kinda bumped into him."
"Did we?" Donald asks.
"Wait, no, I remember," Kairi says. "A little. That... that one world."
Minnie looks quite confused at this.
"That one time we went to... the Realm of Sleep, I think it was called. Wonderland," you elaborate.
Donald scratches the base of his bill. "That... sounds familiar, but... I don't really remember it."
You nod. "We got hit with some kind of sleeping stuff, and Pete almost kidnapped Kairi. But Mickey showed up, and saved us."
"If you were sleeping, then how do you..." The Queen asks.
"Sora has a unique power," Donald says. "He can see things. The future, the past. Things he wasn't there for."
You nod. "They aren't always accurate, but I'm pretty sure about this one. He came to our rescue, fought Pete off, and hid us. He even had a Wayfinder, like ours," You pull out yours for emphasis. Minnie takes note of it, and seems to recognize it. "He said he couldn't stay, though... and then he just... well, turned into a ball of light and flew away."
"He must've used his Star Shard," Donald supplies as your group arrives in what appears to be a banquet hall. The room shares the comfy white elegance of the rest of the castle, though the central table seems to swiggle whimsically. At the Queen's entrance, a broom sitting in a corner snaps to life, mutters in a language you can't understand, and flees.
"Elbuod eht no, hcnul! Peews hsiws, snruter retsam eht! Hcnul deen ynapmoc reh dna neeuQ eht! Peews hsiws, emithcnul, emithcnul!"
"Wait," Riku starts.
"Where'd he get a Wayfinder? That's..."
"You sure, Sora? Maybe you missaw?" Kairi asks.
The Queen tilts her head. "It was a gift."
"Huh?" You, Kairi, and Riku look to her.
"I remember seeing that charm before. When I asked, Mickey told me it was a gift, from a friend." Minnie looks a bit despondent at that. "As I understand it,
she said it was a symbol of friendship. An unbreakable connection. You know more about it?"
Kairi nods, cradling her Wayfinder. "It's... well, an old tradition back on our Islands. You give them to friends who are heading on a voyage, as a promise that no matter the distance between you... you'll always find your way back home, to the people who care about you." She looks rather solemn at that.
You can tell why.
"Tell me that story!"
Minnie hums in understanding. "I see. Thank you for explaining it to me."
"Again, dear?"
Kairi closes her eyes, and bows. "It... it was-" Kairi is stopped as the Queen takes her hand, gently urging her down. To Donald's indignant squawk, the Queen pulls her into a hug.
"Pleeeaaaassssee?"
"It must be hard for you, to lose so much at such a young age."
Harder than she knows.
"V-very." Kairi pauses. "But... But I still have my friends. The charm's worked for me so far." Kairi pulls away a bit, and brings out one of her best smiles. "And I'm going to help find yours, too!"
"We all are," Riku says.
The Queen returns Kairi's smile, finally letting her go. "Thank you, dear."
Donald nods. "We spoke with Merlin recently, actually. The King has been looking for a way into the Realm of Darkness. Says he needs to, if we're to save the worlds. Meanwhile..." his gaze becomes serious. "Meanwhile, we have to keep sealing worlds, and take the fight to Maleficent herself."
"I see. Then I suppose
you have your orders. Continue sealing worlds, protect us from the darkness."
"Right," Donald says, bowing respectfully.
"As for that second task... I don't know how you're to take care of that." She closes her eyes. "The world Maleficent's occupied... the world we now know as Hollow Bastion... is obscured in darkness. We don't have the forces to spare to do much more than guard against her assaults."
The Queen turns, and makes for the table, just as a number of brooms step into view. Possessed of arms and hands, the brooms get to work, setting down a rather extravagant meal, pulling out chairs and pushing them back in once you've settled in, and generally helping, continuing to chatter in that odd language of theirs.
You carefully pick at a plate of some kind of fish-like meat, putting it onto your plate as Donald, Goofy, and the Queen discuss the journey you've had, when a sudden, somewhat random thought occurs to you.
"Er, your Highness, ma'am?"
Donald shoots you a look, but the Queen gently disengages from the conversation to turn to you. "Yes, Sora?"
"Er... I was curious about something we saw on our trip. See, we bumped into a wrecked ship, with some kind of barrier inside. It looked... I dunno, tailor made for the Keyblade to unlock. And I had a Vision there - of some kind of battle... It seemed like the ship belonged to Keybearers. You wouldn't... you know, know anything about it?"
You admittedly feel kind of stupid for asking. It might be Donald looking rather incredulous at you. You start to get the feeling you just broke some taboo or other. You're not sure which - Donald spouted more than a few while the Highwind was docking. The Queen, for her part, simply considers the question.
"I don't have any recollection of anything like that. The King once told me that many Keybearers used their own Keyblades to travel the worlds - they didn't usually have need for normal vessels. But we might have some record of something like that in our library. Mickey certainly collected more than his fair share of old books on the Order, after...
well." She closes her eyes, thinking about something. "At any rate, I'm sure he won't mind if you take a peek after we eat. It may help you on your way."
You nod. "Thanks, ma'am."
With that she returns to her conversation with Donald and Goofy, recounting in brief the adventures you've had. You are called upon to speak a bit more of your time in Wonderland, as everyone else has foggy memories at best of it.
Kairi, meanwhile, seems to be caught between scarfing down on the rather choice cut of white meat before her and eating at a refined, graceful pace. She gently pokes at Goofy. "This is amazing. What is it?"
Goofy takes a look, and goes pale. "Erk. Well, uhm. You see... you probably don't want to know."
"Really? What is it, some kind of gross buzzard or something?" Kairi asks. You find yourself curious as well.
"No, but, uh-"
Donald follows his gaze, and after a short beat sighs. "You can tell her."
"Huh?"
"... It's... It's duck."
You, Kairi, and Riku all freeze, staring at the serving dish where the rest of the bird sits, glistening innocently. Kairi gulps. "D...d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-"
"Duck," Donald repeats. "Kairi, I need you to calm down. Relax-"
"Bu-b-b-b-bu-b-uh-b-but... but duck. Oh. Oh oh."
Donald sighs. "Relax. It's fine."
"But you-" Kairi squeaks out.
"Am a different kind of duck. You already know that. One world's animal is another world's sapient creature. Why, some worlds have both, like they do here."
Goofy laughs. "Yeah. Pluto and I are both considered dogs, but we're very different!"
"Pluto?" Riku asks.
"The King's dog," The Queen supplies.
"Ahhh."
"I... I see." Kairi says. She carefully makes for the salad. "I... I think I just became a vegetarian-"
"Not going to work," Donald warns. "There are in fact sentient plants. And sentient fish. And sentient chairs. If it exists, there is a world where it is naturally a living, sapient creature. And one where it isn't."
Kairi's eye twitches. "I..."
Goofy nods. "Gwarsh, it's nice of you to think about others, but this is one of those things you'll have to get used to. You just learn to adapt, and accept the fact that no matter what you are, somewhere out there there's a world where your species ain't... well. People."
Donald suddenly smirks, and chuckles in the most inconspicuous yet diabolical way you've ever seen.
Kairi slumps a bit. "W-well. I..." She slaps the sides of her face. "Okay. Yeah. I think I... can... accept... that..." She watches as Donald, with a flourish, cuts away part of the roast duck, cuts it into smaller pieces, and gulps some down. "U-urk-" She gets up, bows lightly, and flees the room, looking rather ill.
The Queen gives Donald an admonishing look, and he shrugs. "What? I like roast duck as much as the next guy, Your Majesty. She'll get used to it... I think."
Kairi eventually returns, and she simply takes to biscuits, shooting sour looks at Donald the whole time. The conversation continues, until you end up talking about your second visit to Traverse Town.
"Brainiac appeared near Traverse Town?" The Queen asks.
"Yes. We've destroyed him and his fleet, though," Donald says. "It wasn't easy. Wish we could have called upon the Justice League, but there was no way they were getting here that quickly."
Minnie nods. "... Perhaps I'll see about asking Star Command to patrol a bit more often in that area. You claim you destroyed Brainiac... but he has already been destroyed before. The last thing we need is another threat like him springing into action..."
The brooms approach, collecting the food and replacing it with a massive variety of multi-colored sweets and creams.
The Queen smiles. "Speaking of springing into action, I should thank you once again, Donald. Your creations certainly have been helpful, with so many of our usual servants being elsewhere, Donald. Your animation magic is certainly on par with your master's."
Donald grumps a bit as many of the brooms gather around him. "Yes yes, you've all done splendidly, thank you all for your service." The brooms seem enthused by his faint praise, and scatter, working twice as hard as before.
"Mayhap, my queen, I might say they are a bit
too animated," a voice pokes into the room as a woman enters. She certainly doesn't look to be native to this world. She appears human-ish, though her eyes and the extra ears scream cat. She bows lightly, twice. "Master Donald Duck, Court Mage of Disney Castle. Your Majesty."
"And who are
you to make that call?" Donald grouches. The cat-girl gives a cocky smile at Donald's frustration.
"Forgive my intrusion, and my lack of respect. T'was not my intention to anger you." You can tell it totally was. "Though I
have been waiting a fortnight to meet the illustrious Court Mage my Master has spoken much about. My name is Shtola. Apprentice Shtola Rhul, formerly of
Remnant."
"She claims to be a student of Lady Matoya," The Queen says. "Apparently she has business with you, Donald?"
"That ol' goose is still alive?" Donald asks himself, under his breath. "It's been some time since I've even been invited to see her. I had almost thought her dead."
"Well, you know her, Master Donald," Shtola says. "She certainly likes her privacy."
"True enough," Donald grumbles, getting out of his chair to approach her. "Though wouldn't it kill her to at least check in every now and again...?" He pauses. "Oh, who am I kidding, of course it will. So what's her business?"
The Queen is watching this with clear amusement.
Shtola bows, a bit more heavily than she previously did. "
My business, as it were. Master Donald Duck, I have served Master Matoya as a student in the Magics of Animation and Scrying for some time now. In my departure from her care, my Master pointed me to your side. I wish to learn new arts, and walk new paths. For that purpose, I ask to serve an Apprenticeship in the Magics of Marking, Illusion, and Geomancy. If you would have me, I would serve you well."
Donald glares her down. "Hmph. Not a shred of grace and tact, I see."
"Well, in my defense, what did you expect?"
Donald's glare continues for a bit, before diffusing into laughter. "Yes, I can see the resemblance now. Was that same hard-headedness that made it hard for me to get a job, at first!" He laughs a while yet, before softening his features. "It's unfortunate. If Matoya had but sent a letter well in advance, I'd have been able to tell her that I was about to head out on a long-term mission, and that you'd better spend your time serving other masters."
"Alas for that, Master Duck. But I
have had the pleasure and honor of perusing the Royal Library and the castle's guest bedchambers in your absence, and you are here
now."
Donald sighs. "Not for long. If those ears of yours have helped your mastery of the magics of eavedropping as much as I think they do, you may have heard that I must leave again soon - my mission is not yet done."
"I see. A shame, that," Shtola frowns. "Perhaps I can be of assistance?"
Donald thinks about it. "Perhaps. I will have to think about it."
"Then I will leave you to your thoughts... and your ice cream." She bows, and leaves.
"I'm... pretty sure she just broke about every rule Donald asked of us," Kairi whispers to you.
"... What was that all about?" Riku asks.
"Some upstart apprentice wanting to learn from me," Donald grumbles.
"To be fair to her," the Queen says, "she has been as good as her word, and respectful of my hospitality, if nothing else. She's actually helped me a few times in matters where I had need of a mage's advice. Perhaps you should give her a chance?"
"Hmmm." Donald hums. "Perhaps. I'll think on it, as I said."
After dessert is finished and cleared away, the Queen stands and nods. "It has been a pleasure to speak with you... all of you. Unfortunately, there are matters that still need my attention. I think I'll have a more thorough discussion regarding your journey after I've reviewed and reflected upon Jiminy's records up to now."
Donald nods.
"You're dismissed."
With that, you find yourselves freed up to take to whatever tasks you feel up to. After being shown to guest chambers in the castle, where your possessions are already waiting, Donald and Goofy let you know that they're planning to head home and visit with their families (Donald
apparently has a date to get ready for, as well), and while they've invited you, they're apparently confident that this world is plenty safe for you to go around and explore at will.
Disney Town Mission List, Time: Light Up The Sky (1 Time Period Left for the Day. Sora, Kairi, and Riku available to take missions)
Not PonyTales Or CottonTales (Woo-oo): Donald's stopping by his house to visit his family before going on his date. If you want, you can go meet his family. Maybe embarrass Donald a bit in retaliation for his Duck Prank.
Report to the Troop: Goofy's heading home to meet with his family for the first time in a while, and you're invited! You can't help but wonder whether the rest of the Goof family is as goofy as... well, Goofy!
All in the Search of Knowledge: The Royal Library is open for your use, surely there's cool stuff you haven't read about in there!
The King's Secret Stash: The Queen suggested that perhaps you should check out the King's personal collection of books in the Library. This is the perfect opportunity to learn a bit more about the Keyblade Order...
A Wonderful World of Color: Well, you have a free evening, maybe you should spend it exploring Disney Town. Who knows what kind of amazing stuff you'll find? Shops to browse, people to talk to, things to see, maybe trouble to solve?
The Magical Castle: Why go out and explore the rest of the world when there's so much here in the castle? Even discounting the library, you're sure there's all sorts of amazing stuff around here!
[]Select Mission
-[]Select Who's Going on the Mission
-[]If Taking "All in the Search of Knowledge," "The King's Secret Stash," or "A Wonderful World of Color" any specific things you want to look into?
Vision
You see the town you were walking through, shrouded in unnatural darkness. A primal roar shakes your senses.
A guard is sent sprawling across the street, and wood and hay that was once a broom is scattered to the winds by a dark hand, more liquid than solid.
You see Pete stalking down Main Street, towards the main square where you entered. He is a very different beast than you have seen him. He seems to be wearing a black and purple suit, and a mask, but more and more of it is obscured by the moment, covered in dark liquid.
"Pete! Pete, is that-" You see Goofy, younger, in normal guardsman uniform, step into view. "Gosh... Pete, what's happened to you...?"
"Hahahahahahhaaaa!" Pete laughs. "You gotta try this, Goof! Now this is something
worth holding onto!"
"Pete, I dunno what you got yerself into, but this isn't you! This isn't right!"
"That's where you're wrong!
I've never felt better! Now, outta my way!" He pats Goofy on the head, a bit
too hard, and Goofy falls to his knees, dark ink spilling down his body. "I've got myself some words for
little ol' Queenie!"
He stomps past Goofy, towards a stage that appears to have been erected for some temporary purpose. Atop it, you see The Queen, and a very short, blonde lass with her hair done in pigtails. The latter readies a staff not unlike the one you saw the statue behind the throne wielding.
"Oy, youuuurrr Majesstyyyy!" Pete calls, tauntingly. Several guards and brooms rush him.
"What're you gonna do now!? You ain't gonna throw me in a cell again, not with mooks
like these!" He winds up a punch, and lets loose, spinning about. The attack sends the men flying. Your gaze follows one flying over the building behind the Queen. "Haahaha! Home run!" He smirks. "Now, nobody can stop me. But hey, if you bow down and apologize, the great Pete, new king of this here Kingdom, might have mercy."
The Queen does no such thing, and is instead readying... something. There's a light that shines behind her eyes that is growing over time. "Pete, you've gone too far this time-"
"Wait! Please!" A woman steps between Pete and his quarry, and Pete looks down at her as she addresses the Queen. "Your Majesty, please, let me talk to him! I-"
"Peg-ums! Sweetie! Good to see you!" He snatches her up, one hand proving more than enough to carry her.
"Like the look?"
"Honestly..." The woman grumbles. "I know you're angry, dear, but this isn't-"
"Oh come on, I just explained this to Goofy, back there!" Pete points back with a thumb.
"You just-" Peggy peers behind Pete, at the chaos and destruction he's brought. Buildings covered in dark ink, eroded away by the unnatural material. Soldiers cast aside like toys, some half-covered in the same damaging gunk. "Pete... you need to-"
"What, apologize? Settle down? Not a chance! Not this time! This is power, the power I need to make things right! Once I'm top dog, we'll be living in the lap of luxury, just you wait, Peg! Now, you sit here, and reeeelax!" He sets her down to continue his march, and she shakes off the gunk he leaves behind.
"Now, as I was saying-"
"Peter Pete!" Peg shouts, dashing up in front of him again. "Don't you walk away from me!"
Pete freezes in place, looking down at her.
"Huhhhh?"
"Don't you tell me you think this is what we want!" Peg says. "You have to let go of this... thing! Can't you see you're scaring everyone!? You're scaring Pistol, and PJ! Heck, you're scaring me! This isn't you!"
Your vision helpfully scans across a fairly distant crowd, and a boy who looks to be a younger version of Pete is holding back an even younger girl. You also spy what appears to be Goofy's kid. You can see Donald in the crowd, too, trembling down to the bones.
"Ooooh yes it is!" Pete stoops down, eyeing her. "What, are you scared because you're not in control anymore? That you can't nag and push me around?" He growls, and she backs away a bit in response. "Hmph. Now, out of my way, Peg! I'm not settling for any less than I'm owed, not this time!" He moves to step around Peg, but she steels herself, and moves to block his path again.
"Is that it? Is this about the Award?" Peg asks. "I get it, I get that nobody seems to respect you! But we do! So many of us remember Captain Pete, and his steamboat! And we voted for you for the Million Dreams Award! We care about you!" She steps a bit closer. "We don't need you to make money, we don't need to live on some mansion on a hill! We just... we want you back. So please, you have to stop this!"
Pete regards her for a moment longer, and begins to laugh. You watch as hope spreads across Peg's features.
"She's right, Pete!" Goofy shows up again, walking towards Pete from behind, still removing some of the gunk Pete left on him. "We care about you. Isn't that enough?"
Pete continues laughing, and it grows deeper, before stopping abruptly.
"No."
He backhands her, and she goes flying with a cry, before being caught by Goofy. He sets her down.
"P-Pete..."
"It's alright, we're not done yet," Goofy tells her. "Get back to yer kids, alright? Can you do that? Take care of my son, too."
She nods, and shakily picks herself up, starting for the crowd as Goofy makes back for Pete...
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Music:
Kingdom Hearts 2: Mickey Mouse March
Epic Mickey: The Phantom Blot
Final Fantasy XIV - The Mushroomery
Data:
KHT Manual
Shop Sheet
Jiminy's Journal
Ansem Reports
Sora's Vision History
Gummi Map
Most Current Battle Map
Characters:
KHVD Main Party Members
Gummi Ship
KHVD Minor Party Members Sheet
Command Chainer