Guardians: The Heartless War

"Monsters don't sleep under your bed, they sleep inside your head." - Unknown

****

Back on the legacy, Boss was relaxing in the crows' nest and was bored out of his mind. He didn't know what to do. It's been a week since he left Disney Castle and things were starting to get crazy for him. 

Mickey sent him to the Naval Academy. He was being watched by Moka. Captain Amelia was busy. Jim was resting in his quarters and most of the crew on the Legacy didn't even like him. Leaving him all alone. Of course, he had Moka to talk to, but she was busy with duties and was making sure everything was alright. To Boss's surprise, Moka is actually really respected by the crew. They invite her to hang out with them, Amelia talks to her when she gets the chance, and she has that smile that could light up the room. To Moka, the crew, Jim and Amelia, are her family. They have known each other for a long time, and they always have fun when they're together. Boss forgot what having a family is like. 

Sure, Mickey and Minnie took him in and raised him as one of their own. But Mickey wasn't there that much because he was always busy as King of Disney. Minnie, however, was always there for him whenever he was in trouble. He always addressed her as Minnie; he never called her "Mom" once. A lot was going through his mind after having 'the talk' with Minnie. Boss kind of felt bad and still remembered what Minnie said to him.

****

Flashback

Minnie: [Finishes fixing Boss's Clothes] "Now remember, you are representing Disney Castle and our family. The people of Crescentia are very strict, and they will not tolerate foolish behavior, especially after what you did."

Boss: [Sighs and rolls his eyes] "I know, I know, I'm sorry that I missed the ceremony, and I promised it won't happen again. I'll just catch the next one."

Minnie: [Gives Boss the look] "You know the ceremony was a one-time thing, right?

Boss: [Sweats] "Oh..."

Minnie: [Sighs] "Look, Boss, I know you're young and living your life to the fullest, and that's fine. You can go to Naboo, Atlantis, Marvel City, and anywhere you want. I just think that it's time to grow up and face reality."

Boss: [Crosses his arms] "And what is that?"

Minnie: [Looks at Boss with a serious expression] "You, being the successor of the king and protecting all of Disney."

Boss was frozen when he heard what Minnie said.

Boss: [Stunned] "Wait, I'm sorry... Can you repeat...? I think I didn't catch that."

Minnie: [Serious] "You are gonna be the future king of Disney."

Boss: [Processes what he heard before going crazy] "Why...Why does it have to be me? If anyone is gonna be king of Disney, it obviously has to be Sora! He's the one that people love the most!"

Minnie: [Sighs] "Sora isn't part of the Family, Boss. Yes, he did save a lot of realms from the heartless millions of times, and many of our subjects, including myself and Mickey, are thankful to him. But by tradition, It has to be a royal family member. I know that this is a lot for you to take but... you just have to face it."

Boss: [Looks at Minnie with daggers in his eyes] "I don't want to be King. I don't want to be like someone that doesn't show up for my birthdays, one that doesn't even think about me once, always is strict with everything I do, AND WHAT PISSES ME OFF THE MOST, IS THAT MOUSE DOESN'T EVEN THINK ABOUT HOW. I. FEEL!!" [Intense breathing]

Minnie didn't know what to say at this moment. The only thing that she could do was feel sorry for him and try to calm him down.

Boss: [Sad Expression] "I'm... I'm sorry... I just..." [Sighs] 

Minnie: [Soft Expression] "Boss, Look at me."

Boss knelled down to Minnie's level, and Minnie cupped Boss's face with her right hand. Her touch calmed him down a bit. He looked at Minnie to hear what she had to say.

Minnie: [Sad Smile] "I know you're angry, and I understand. But don't take this the wrong way, He cares about you, and he feels really bad about all the things he has done. Just... Give him another chance when you get back, okay?"

Boss looked at Minnie and felt calm from Minnie's warm touch. Even though she was his adopted mother, Boss was very close to Minnie.

Boss: [Sighs and nods] "Okay..."

Flashback ends

****

For the first time in a while, Boss thought about giving Mickey another chance. Deep Down, He didn't know what to think about it. He's on his own now, and every decision that he makes is on him. He looked up and stared at the Enthrium. He couldn't believe the number of stars that were up there and the number of worlds undiscovered. He wished that he could go on an adventure and feel excited about it. An adventure that would be worth it. Something that will get his blood boiling with excitement & adrenaline.

Just then, he heard Moka saying good night to the crew as they were about to go to sleep. He looked down, and for some reason, he couldn't look away. Her long black hair was twinkling from the stars, her uniform was shiny, her eyes were shining gold, and she just looked like a beautiful goddess. Boss didn't know how a girl like Moka existed in the Disney verse, but he didn't mind.

As Moka was heading back to her quarters, she looked up and spotted Boss just sitting alone in the crows nest. At first, she thought about ignoring him and leaving him there, but for some reason, she couldn't leave him alone. So, she took a deep breath, started to climb up, and wanted to join him.

As for Boss, he was just minding his own business when he noticed Moka coming up. He was surprised that she was making her way toward him.

Boss: [Looks Down] "Well, will you look at that... She's coming up..."

Moka: [Gets to the top and smiles] "Hey..."

Boss: [Confused look] "Oh. Hey..."

Moka: [Bites lip] "...Mind if I joined you?"

Boss: [Nods] "Yeah, Sure."

Since it was a tight squeeze, Boss moved over a little bit so that Moka could have some room to jump in. They both looked up at the Enthrium and couldn't believe the number of stars glittering in the night sky.

A few minutes of awkward silence went by until Moka decided to break it.

Moka: [Looks up and smiles] "Beautiful, isn't it?"

Boss: [Nods] "Yeah... I guess."

The awkward silence formed again.

Boss and Moka: "There's something I need to-" [They both look at each other]

Moka: [Nervous] "Oh, you first."

Boss: [Shakes head while laughing nervously] "No, please, you go first."

Moka: [Bites lip] "Oh... Okay."

Moka played with her hair, and Boss found it adorable. She cleared her throat as she sat up straight.

Moka: [Looks at Boss] "Boss, I've noticed that you have been avoiding everyone on this ship... including me. You think that I hadn't noticed, but I did. You can believe me or not, but I'm worried about you, and I mean it."

Boss was taken aback by what Moka had said.

Moka: [leans in close to Boss] "Is there anything going on in your mind? If you don't want to talk about it, it's okay I'll-"

Boss: [Shocked] "Uh... Did you hit your head or something? Because this is the first time that you treat me nice."

Moka: [Annoyed look] "Oh, come on. Don't ruin it." [Hit's Boss shoulder lightly] 

Boss: [Chuckles] "Okay, Okay, I'm sorry. To be honest, there is something that's been bothering me for a while. To be honest, I want to talk about it with someone. Would you mind listening?"

Moka smiled when she heard Boss asking her to listen.

Moka: [Nods] "Sure!"

Time passed when Boss was explaining the situation to Moka, and she couldn't believe what she was hearing.

Moka: [Shocked] "Wait, Wait... You're telling me that you're the successor of King Mickey?"

Boss: [Rolls his eyes] "How many times do I have to say that? Yes, I'm gonna be the future king."

Moka: [Trying to process what Boss said] "This is so much to take in... I... I don't know what to say."

Boss: [leans back and looks at the Enthrium] "If I'm gonna be honest, I don't want to be king."

Moka: [Looks at Boss] "Why would you say that? I think it sounds awesome!"

Boss: [Shrugs] "Eh. I mean, being king is great and all, but where's the fun in that? All you do is just sit in a chair, making sure that everything is alright and making everyone happy. It's also a lot of responsibility, which I don't have all."

Moka: [Annoyed look] "You don't."

Boss: [Sits up and looks at her] "I know that, but... I'm scared. I'm at an age where at any moment, I could be crowned king of Disney. I'm not ready for that responsibility. If anyone is ready to be king, it's Sora. He is loved and respected by the people of Disney. Hell, I wasn't even loved or liked by anyone on this ship. Everybody just thinks that I'm a troublemaker that always causes problems. Point is... he saved them from the Heartless millions of times." [Sighs] "He's a somebody... and I'm a nobody."

Moka could tell by the look on Boss's face that he was upset and he was really scared. Moka felt the same way when she was promoted to "First officer" after she graduated from the academy. Sure there were a lot of first officers that we better than her for Captain Amelia, but Amelia chose her.

Moka: [Soft Expression] "Look... I understand how you feel." [Boss looks at Moka] "I felt the same way as you did when I was promoted to First Officer after graduating from the academy. The responsibility that was on me was heavy, and I was nervous. I wanted to run away. But Amelia was always there to guide and teach me what a First officer's responsibility is. Even if I go over boards sometimes."

Boss: [Smirks] "You totally go overboard."

Moka: [Looks at Boss and Smirks] "Shut up..."

They both chuckled.

Moka: [Looks at the sky] "Sure, there were a lot of First Officers that were way better than me. But in the end, She picked me. Since then, she took me in and helped me out whenever she could. She's basically like a mother that I never had before."

Boss: [Concern Exprssion] "A mother never had before... Did your parents..?"

Moka: "Died...?" [Nods] "Yeah. They fought in the war to defeat the heartless. I don't have much memory of them since I was little. All that I knew was that they died after I was born..." [Boss looks at Moka with a sad expression] "But I heard many stories about them. About how they bravely fought with Sora and the massive armies they went up against... I grew up in an orphanage in Cresnestia, So... Yeah." [Looks at Boss with a sad smile] "You may not realize, but you're very lucky to have parents like Mickey and Minnie... Many kids these days would do anything to be in your position right now... Believe me..."

Boss: [Taken aback by what Moka said] "Oh... I see. I never thought of it like that... Nor saw it like that."

Moka: [Giggles] "It's okay... Sorry if I made the atmosphere awkward..." [looks up] "You know... I always had a dream where I go on a crazy adventure and explore the stars above, wondering what is out there. Experience feelings that I never felt before. I don't know, I guess it'll just be some crazy dream in my mind."

Boss: "I don't think it's crazy at all." [Moka looks at him] "If you have a dream, then pursue it with everything you got. Who gives a damn if people think it's crazy. Sure, there may be times when you fail and face the consequences of your failures, but I know for a fact that you are the type of person who refuses to quit. If you are that type of person, then anything is possible."

Moka: [Smiles] "Thanks, Boss."

Boss: [Shakes head and looks at Moka] "No, I should be thanking you. I feel a lot better now than before."

Moka blushed at the compliment that she received from Boss. Luckily, Boss didn't see it because it was dark.

Moka: [Stands up] "Well, I think it's time we go to bed. It's kind of late."

Boss: [Nods] "Yeah. I'll walk you to your quarters if you like."

Moka: [Smirks] "Well, look at you being such a gentleman. Ho ho ho."

Boss: [Annoyed look] "Please don't tease me."

Both of them climbed down, and Boss was walking Moka to her quarters. Truth be told, he was happy that he spent time with her. He felt at ease.

Moka: [Turns around and looks at Boss] "Well, this is where we part ways. I'm glad you feel better."

Boss: [Nervously laughs] "Yeah, thanks."

Moka: [Plays with her hair] "And I want to apologize for the way I treated you."

Boss: [Chuckles] "Nah, you good. I deserved it anyway. I always keep messing up after all."

Moka giggled, and Boss gave a nervous chuckle. For some reason, Boss felt happy when he was with her tonight.

Moka: [Opens the door to her quarters and glances back with a smile] "Good night, Boss."

Boss: [Smiles] "Night, Moka."

As soon as Moka went into her quarters, Boss, for some reason, felt lonely. He didn't why, but he shrugged it off and went on his way. 

Boss: [Smiles] "Huh, she wasn't as bad as I thought she was. I mean, sure, she has an attitude, but who knew that she could be this friendly when you get her on her good side... Also." [looks back] "Why do I feel like someone is watching me?"

Just then, Amelia came out of hiding, and Boss got scared.

Boss: [Shocked] "A-Admiral?"

Amelia: "Hello Boss..." [Leans on a poll and crosses her arms] "I saw what you did there with Moka."

Boss: [Crosses his arms] "And?"

Amelia: [Smirks] "She likes you and based on what I saw. I see good chemistry between the two of you."

Boss: [Chuckles] "I hate to admit, she is friendly when you get on her good side. But I doubt that she likes me. She's actually a good first officer."

Amelia: [Sighs] "She's... A wonderful first officer. The finest one that I could ever wish for. I remember meeting her after she graduated. She reminds me of Mr. Arrow."

Boss: [Raises an eyebrow] "Who's Mr. Arrow?"

Amelia's face changed when Boss mentioned his name, and Boss knew he stepped on a landmine.

Boss: [realizes he stepped on a landmine and gets nervous] "Oh, I'm sorry, oh wow, look at the time. I'm going to sleep, So... uh... catch you later."

Boss ran to his quarters as fast as he could. Amelia was sad when Mr. Arrow was mentioned. She wanted to talk to him about Mr. Arrow, but Boss was already gone.

Amelia: [Chuckles] "That little brat..."

Amelia went to her quarters and turned in for the night. Moka was thinking about Boss, and Boss was thinking about why Amelia didn't chase him when he mentioned Mr. Arrow. Only time will tell.

****

The next day, everyone went back to doing their things. Moka was inspecting the ship, The crew was reporting to Jim, and Amelia was still in her quarters. Boss, woke up and headed straight to the dining hall. He was hoping that Ace wasn't there because of the stale-mate that they had the last time. But his hopes were destroyed, and Ace was in the dining hall talking to the crew. Ace noticed Boss walking in to get a bite, but he ignored him and saw him walking to a table that wasn't far away from him. He was too busy talking to 2 cabin boys who were around Boss's age, and they were discussing something. Boss noticed the two cabin boys and was surprised they were his age. He could hear them discussing something about Sora and his friends.

Ace: [Annoyed look] "I ain't gonna get on that, but I ain't gonna be like everyone else about what you did or didn't do, forget all of that! What I'm asking you is a simple question!"

Cabin Boy 1: "Yes!"

Ace: [Annoyed look] "we-we talking about the G.H.O.A.T here, the greatest hero of all time, Sora! And you running your mouth, saying that you can beat him one on one. Why are you saying something so... BLASPHEMOUS-!!"

Cabin Boy 1: [Angry Look] "If I was still training at the Naval Academy, He would need help!"

Cabin Boy 2: "Really?" [Sarcastically]

Cabin Boy 1: [Rolls Eyes] "He's too small! His name is big, and y'all acting like he's a God or Something!"

Cabin Boy 2: "BECAUSE HE IS A GOD, YOU IDIOT!!"

Cabin Boy 1: "Maybe if it were a 3 on 3, maybe I'm good. But One on One, I'm undefeated. Never Lost!"

Ace: [Shocked look] "...Will you stop it, Bruno? You're just making a fool out of yourself!"

Boss couldn't help but chuckle at what Bruno said out of his mouth. There was no way in hell, he'll defeat Sora. Sora is a hero and is. respected by all of Disney, and Bruno is just a nobody that works as a cook on the legacy.

Bruno: [Annoyed Look] "So what, do you think I care? NO! I'll take on anyone. I don't care if it's Mickey, Goofy, Donald, Elsa, or anyone. I'll even take on that prince from Disney Castle!"

At that moment, Boss turned around and faced him. Ace and the other cabin boy noticed.

Boss: [Smirks] "So... You'll take on the prince, you say?"

Bruno turned around.

Bruno: "Who the hell are... wait... you're that troublemaker. Aren't you?"

Boss: "That's me. The trouble-making prince from Disney Castle."

Bruno: "If it isn't my lucky day." [Turns to Ace and the other cabin boy] "Watch this guy, it'll be over quick."

Bruno threw a fist at Boss, and Boss caught it with his right hand and threw him onto a nearby table. Ace and the other cabin boy were shocked. Boss was capable of defending himself. He knew karate, taekwondo, Jiu-Jitsu, and a lot more.

Boss: "Thank god for the lessons that I took in the palace."

Bruno was slowly getting up.

Boss: "So... did you learn your lesson?"

Bruno: "Argh!! I'm not done yet!!"

Bruno did a roundhouse kick, and Boss dodged it like it was nothing. He threw some uppercuts and punches but to no avail. Boss was getting tired of this. He grabbed Bruno's right arm and spun him in the air like he was a ragged doll. He fell to the ground with a thud and Boss grabbed Bruno by the hair as their eyes met. 

Boss: [Serious tone] "Yield... You don't want to do this."

Bruno knew that he lost this fight and there was nothing he could do.

Bruno: [Growls] "Tsk... I yield."

Boss smiled and helped Bruno up. Ace and the other cabin boy were shocked by how fast that ended. Boss felt a sense of pride that he won, but he wasn't fully satisfied. He looked at ace and the other cabin boy.

Boss: "You!" [Points finger at the other cabin boy] "What's your name?"

Cabin Boy 2: "Uh... Fuuno."

Boss: "Nice to meet you Fuuno." [Extends out a hand for a handshake] "The name is Boss. I got a question for ya, did you make this soup?"

Fuuno: "Uh... Yes?"

Boss: [Eyes Sparkle] "I loved it!"

Fuuno: "Really?! I'm glad you liked it!"

Boss: "Yeah, it was really good! What did you put in it?" [Takes another bite]

Fuuno: [Proud Look] "It was my specialty, Orcus Galacticus Whale Meat."

Boss: [stops eating the soup] "...Oh..uh...Touching." [trying his best to put on a smile]

Boss noticed that Ace was looking at him and Boss stared at him back. Just then, Moka came down.

Moka: "Jeez, it's lively here."

Everyone besides Boss: "Moka!"

Boss was surprised by how the kitchen staff greeted Moka.

Moka: "Hey guys!" [looks at Boss] "Hey, Boss."

Boss: "Sup."

Fuuno: "What brings you here, Moka? Are you here to have my soup specialty?" [Pulls out soup]

Moka: [Looks at the soup nervously] "Ah...thanks...but, no thanks. I'm good."

Fuuno: [Sad expression] "Oh...okay."

Boss: "So what brings you here then?"

Moka: "Oh, We're approaching Crescentia, and Amelia wants you in her quarters."

Boss: "Alright, I'll head up there now." [looks at Bruno, Fuuno, & Ace] "See ya guys."

Boss went to the upper deck, leaving Moka and the others in the Dining Hall.

Ace: "He has no idea, does he, Moka?"

Moka: "About what?"

Ace: "...It's nothing. Anyway-" [Turns to Bruno & Fuuno] 

Bruno watched Boss leave with stars in his eyes.

Bruno: "He's so cool!!"

Ace couldn't help but groan.

Ace: "Alright... Bruno! Fuuno! Come help clean up the kitchen."

Bruno & Fuuno: "Okay!"

As Bruno and Fuuno raced to the kitchen to clean up. Ace looked at Moka.

Ace: "Moka, I want to leave you with this. Be there for Boss. As much as I despise that kid, I know that you look at him as a friend. So... Please be there for him."

Moka: [Confused] "Um... Okay?"

Ace walked to the kitchen, barking orders to Bruno and Fuuno.

Moka: [Confused Expression] "What was that about?"

****

Boss, in the meantime, was walking to Amelia's door with a lot of thoughts running through his head.

Boss: "I wonder what the Captain wants to talk about me. I don't for sure, but I have to find out."

Boss knocked on Amelia's Door and the captain opened the door. But she had a stern look that was serious.

Amelia: "Come in, Boss."

Boss: "Am I in trouble?"

Amelia: [Shakes head] "No... But I have to tell you something, and I can't say it in public."

Boss was a little concerned as he stepped inside. He spotted Jim Hawkins standing on the left side of Amelia's desk. If Jim was there, then it's serious. He sat down and listened to what Amelia had to say.

Amelia: [Serious expression] "Listen to me carefully. What I'm about to tell you... is highly top secret."

Boss: [Crosses his arms] "Is it your ball of yarn collection?"

Amelia gave him the look.

Boss: [Nervous] "Sorry."

Amelia: [Sighs & rolls her eyes] "Just two hours ago, we received word that the Kingdom of Arendelle was just attacked by an unknown force. The Queen of Arendelle, Elsa, was murdered in cold blood, and the people of Arendelle were enslaved as well."

Boss: [Shocked] "What... Elsa... is... dead?"

Amelia: [Sad expression] "I'm sorry, Boss... but it's true..." [Boss tried to hold back his tears] "I know that she was your friend, but there is no time for mopping... This is a very serious matter... We may believe that the heartless have returned. We also have evidence that they have a new leader, and by the looks of it, he looks dangerous."

Boss: [Little concern] "Do you have a photo of the new leader?"

Amelia: [Nods] "We do."

Amelia hands Boss a photo of him.

Amelia: "His name is Oblivion. We don't have a lot of actual evidence about him. But, at least we know what he looks like along with his name."

Boss: [Looks at Amelia] "Why are you telling me this...? Does Moka even know about it...?"

Amelia: [Shakes her head] "No... She doesn't know about it. I'm telling you this because you're the only person on this ship that I know that can keep a secret. Moka may be my first officer, but she isn't ready for information like this."

Boss's head was going in circles. First, Moka started to treat her nicely, Minnie told him that he was gonna be the new king of Disney, he ate soup that had whale meat in it and now Amelia is telling him top-secret information.

Amelia: "And I do have proof..." [looks at Jim] "Mr. Hawkins, if you please."

Jim: [Nods] "Yes, Ma'am."

Jim closed the blinders and turned on the projector, revealing photos of the Kingdom of Arendelle. Boss was in total disbelief by what he saw.

Boss: [Looks through the pictures in disbelief] "How... How did this happened?"

Amelia: [Serious expression] "We don't know. As far as we know, these photos show that Arendelle..." [Sighs] "Is no more. Boss, listen to me. Your life is about to change, whether you like it or not. Your father, King Mickey, is already on his way to Arendelle."

Boss: [Shocked] "What?! Are you serious?! They're gonna get killed!"

Amelia: [Serious Expression] "Boss... You need to calm down..."

Boss: [Annoyed] "Calm down?" [Stands up] "CALM DOWN?! How in God's name can I calm down after I just found out that Arendelle is destroyed and Elsa is dead?! People can't be calm after they get news like that!

Amelia: [Sighs] "Still... As Prince-"

Boss: [Slams his hands on Amelia's desk as she didn't even flinch] "So what if I'm a prince?! I am sick and tired of taking responsibility and stuff! Mickey and his gang are gonna get wiped down like towels on a floor. If my da-" [Clears his throat] "If Mickey is killed, then I have to take the thrown! And I don't want that!"

Amelia: [Sad expression] "Boss..."

Boss: [Trying to hold back the sadness within] "You know what? Screw this! I'm outta here. To hell with responsibilities! To hell with everything!"

Amelia watched as Boss stormed out of the room with anger and pain in his eyes. She felt bad for him since he was still young and immature. To be a prince at a young age is a lot of responsibility, especially if you're the king's son. The Legacy approached Crestensia as Amelia and the crew were getting ready for docking. As for Boss, the only that he can do at that moment... is pray and hope that everything turns in his favor.