Sailing the Seas of Love

Synopsis: After the birth of Paprika Talia Reubens, Mr. and Mrs. Mouse invite the Rangers, Warriors, robots and fellow theme park characters on a Disney cruise. They sail to Castaway Cay, the Mouse family's private island, for a few days. While there they learn about a fun project that was in the works called the S.S. Disney. This is the Disney gang's children's first cruise. Chuck E. and Helen have married, and during the cruise they decide to consummate in their enormous stateroom. Jasper T. Jowls and his longtime girlfriend, Harmony Howlette, get engaged and married on the ship too. When they return to Central Florida, they go to ALL the theme parks for some fun. And have a celebratory dinner at Chuck E. Cheese's before heading to the House of Mouse to sleep. At the same time, Michael Theodore "Mickey" Mouse, the CEO of The Walt Disney Company, in negotiations to buy Universal Parks and Resorts; his brother Oswald the Lucky Rabbit calls it "sweet retribution".

Chapter 1—How’s a Babymoon Sound ?

Paprika Talia Reubens had recently come into the world, perfectly pink and healthy. She was a strikingly large and chunky baby but the baby fat would disappear in time, especially given her curiosity about everything. She was called Pepper by many and she even found her namesake the perfect ‘auntie’ to play with. All the robots had become instant friends to her, but Pepper was definitely her favorite of the bunch.

Yvonne and Herman found themselves running ragged with the baby. Feeling enervated, Yvonne called Michael via picture phone.

‘Hiya, Yvonne. Golly, you look like you woke up upside down. What’s with the troll-like hair-do ?’, Michael said, as kindly as he could. Yvonne knew that Mickey could be blunt at times but he had meant no harm by the obvious compliment. She bewailed her problem to him, much like a sinner at confessional.

‘I’ve got a proposition for you. A Babymoon.’, he began. When Minerva heard the magical word, she too became immensely invested. She too, needed a bit of a break. The children were much older but they could also attend this cruise that Michael had in mind.

When all the arrangements had been made the whole gang was thrilled to be attending along with Yvonne and Herman. Of course, Chuck and Henny had their own plans as soon as they got on board the ship. As for Harmony and Jasper, Jasper planned to gather the courage to finally ask Harmony to grant him her paw in marriage. It sounded poetic and tremendous on paper and he had rehearsed it exhaustively. He just had to bide his time and wait for the perfect moment to propose.

Chapter 2—Setting Sail for a Magical Cruise

None of the Rangers, Warriors or Bots had been on a Cruise before. They had been in the ocean, played in the water and tasted salty brine or gotten it in their eyes (or as for the bots their visual sensors or gears, which promptly had to be cleaned and vigorously so in order for their mechanics to continue chugging away) many times prior to boarding the S. S. Disney.

It was like something out of a dream but far more than they could’ve ever imagined. Although Michael and Minerva’s children were being seen to by staff and having a blast by themselves, Minny was still a bit worried they were by themselves too much.

‘Minny, honey, they’ll be fine. You’ve got to cut the apron strings at some point.’, Mickey said. Minny sighed.

‘I know, Mickey, it’s just so hard to do when you’ve become attached to the little angels.’, Minny admitted. She did have to reluctantly say that the babymoon had been the most ingenious idea he had ever suggested. She needed it as much as Yvonne did and it was already beginning to show. She and Herman had already begun relaxing on the stem of the boat, soaking up the tropical rays of the summer sun.

    Soon, the ship's horn began to play When You Wish Upon a Star.
    "All aboard, everybody !', Michael said.  Without any prompting, everyone quickly boarded the S.S. Disney. It would be headed to Michael and Minerva’s special hideaway, Castaway Cay, which hosted the Pirates of the Caribbean. Sure, Jack Sparrow, Barbosa, Blackbeard, Davy Jones, Sao Feng but Salazar would not be a part of that welcoming committee due to the fact that he had been ultimately defeated by Captain Jack long ago.

Everything was so peaceful, calm and magnificent. The cry of the seagulls could be heard overhead and the crash of the waves was lulling. It was hard for the attendees to stay awake but the entertainment aboard the Disney kept everyone laughing, playing and occupied until they saw the peak of the private island looming in the distance.

‘Land HO !’, Peter Pan cried triumphantly with his signature cock-a-doodle-doo. Yes, they would be seeing pirates on Castaway Cay but unlike with Hook, Peter found Jack and his gang a whole heck of a lot kinder and far less ruthless, ironically.

Chapter 3—The Way to Castaway Cay

The island was positively ethereal. It didn’t seem real at first glance but when the vacationers were approached by the familiar faces of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, they knew they had come to their destination. Yvonne lavished in Herman’s company but then she had a crazy idea.

‘Hey, Herman. You know about my big butt right ?’, she started.

‘Oh yeah. That. Wait a minute. What ?’, Herman’s eyes became wide. As sexual as it sounded, a ‘big butt’ was an insane idea, something that could even be considered risky. Herman actually wanted to go along and para sail with Yvonne too, so he went along with her.

While the rest of the vacationers were exploring the island along with its wonders and amusements, Chuck E. and Henny had found their master suite bedroom.

‘Looks like it’s just you and me, my sweet Chickadee.’, Chuck E said, rather seductively. The two had been together on a number of occasions but they had saved sex for just this occasion. Chuck was already in a pair of swim trunks and his arousal was quite apparent. Henny blushed darkly as she felt his fur upon her feathers. A rush of lust and electricity went through them both as they undressed each other and tumbled together in the bed. They collided much like a supernova would but were very gentle, suave, loving and sensual with one another. Their ecstasy knew no bounds as they finally consummated their marriage after a lengthy period of waiting.

Chapter 4—The Luau

It was rather late in the evening but the cast had decided to throw a surprise luau, replete with fixings as well as fire breathers and fire walking.

‘Ooh, I want to try that.’, Paprika said. Her parents were very strict about her not doing so but she reassured them her chassis could withstand incredible temperatures. She would survive without any trouble whatsoever.

The others had started asking about Chuck and Henny.

‘Where could they be ?’, Bugs asked. He and Lola, as well as their bounty of little ones, had come to the cruise, not as rivals but as burdened parents in need of a refreshing respite. The kids at the time were playing with other children out along the beaches of Castaway Cay, having a blast.

‘Oh, wait. Here they come.’, Lola pointed out. Chuck’s fur looked a little matted and Henny seemed to be slightly out of breath. Bugs raised an eyebrow superciliously. He knew that condition anywhere because he and Lola were no strangers to it.

‘Looks like someone is enjoying their vacay.’, he mentioned, nudging Lola in the side, knowingly.

‘Bugs ! Stop being a stinker.’, Lola reproved.

‘Meh, I can’t help it, toots.’, Bugs retorted, and knew that was one of the many reasons Lola had married him.

While everyone was partaking in the bounty of the feast, Jasper found Harmony sitting on a blanket and gazing at the stars, dreamily.

‘This is my chance.’, he thought, optimistically.

The crowd expectantly silenced themselves as Jasper got down on one knee.

'Harmony Howlette, you are the sun, the rain, and the wind that flowers my very soul. I love you more than life itself. Not a day goes by without you in my mind. There's just but one question...'
    He opened the black box. Inside was a golden engagement ring with a large ruby cut into the shape of a heart.'
'Oh, Jasper...', Harmony gasped.
    'Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife ?', he asked.

Harmony’s eyes began to sparkle with tears and she flapped her hands excitedly.

‘Yes of course I would ! Indubitably !’, she answered. Jasper kissed her expectantly and put the ring on her paw. It glittered in the moonlight for everyone to see.

‘So, when are you going to get hitched ?’, Dook questioned curiously.

‘We’re planning on getting married Sunday before we return to Florida.’, Jasper asked.

‘What luck ! I have a pastor aboard just for emergencies.’, Michael said, pleasantly, hugging his friend in congratulations. The crew still had time to fool around on the island until the wedding but Harmony honestly couldn’t wait to be Jasper’s wife. She had grown fond of him as a friend but knew that life as his spouse would be different. Someday, she might even be a mom, but for now, she simply enjoyed strolling along the moonlit shore, hand in hand with her hubby-to-be.

Chapter 5—Searching for Buried Treasure

Most of the kids had been scavenger hunting, flying kites, swimming, playing tag with one another or any other number of activities. The more adventurous kids, like the Warriors, Tap Water Titans and many of the bots had gone along with the pirates to unearth some booty.

Now, it wasn’t certain if there was real treasure buried on Castaway Cay, but if anyone could find it, it was Jack and his crew.

It was an hour and a half when Jack’s metal detector pinged.

‘Methinks I might’ve found something precious !’, he said getting eager. Isabella rolled her eyes.

‘Jack you said that a few minutes ago and we haven’t really gotten much. Just pieces of old scrap metal not worth anything.’, Will complained.

‘Maybe this is the one. Jack always gets lucky.’ Sao commented.

One by one the spades hit the ground and a MASSIVE treasure chest was unearthed. Inside the chest itself was priceless jewels and gold. It was enough for everyone and the whole group was able to split it equally.

‘Just remember to get your piece appraised. I don’t even know how much this stuff is worth !’, Jack said. Barbarossa had to laugh.

‘I can’t believe you found me old loot crate. It’s been years since I saw it last.’, he said. Technically most of the spoil was his, but he didn’t want to ruin Jack’s moment of glory. After all, he had found it and his giving spirit had become notorious.

Everyone left to the ship to bunk down for the night. The week was quickly coming to an end. Harmony felt like she was lying on pins and needles due to being so eager and anxious but Jasper kept her nerves calm.

‘Our big day is coming up, my dear.’, he said, affectionately. He kissed her cheek and held her arm, quickly falling into a deep slumber. There were so many dreams and aspirations that she could manifest with Jasper, and her biggest one was coming true the very next day.

Chapter 6—A Glorious Wedding

Right when the Disney was beginning to cast off, everything had been set up to a familiar ‘entertainment’ theme much similar to what all the Chuck E. Cheese franchises had but done in a much more elegant, art noveau fashion. All the designs were retro, like something out of the 1920’s. It was likely the couple had been inspired by the Dumbo remake after seeing that spectacular parade scene.

As the crowd hushed, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring began to play as the large double doors slowly moved open. Harmony Howlette was a vision as she slowly walked towards her soon-to-be husband. Tears being to well in her eyes for him. She was vested in a glorious tulle fabric and her veil had rosettes and flowerettes accenting it. All along the trail of her gown were stars, roses and other flowers. She was the envy of many princesses there but money was no object when it came to Harmony. Jasper had gotten enough through street performances, crowd funding and auctions so his ‘rainy day’ fund would be used for paying off the expenses of the opulent wedding.

The priest that had wed Eric and Ariel was present, still deliberate in reciting vows. Fortunately, everyone was patient enough to see Harmony and Jasper exchange rings and share their first kiss as a married couple. Granted, they wouldn’t be able to take each other’s hands off of one another this sacred night but for the moment, Jasper sang I’ll Do It For You as they danced together. Then, the Rockafire Explosion played many of the duet’s favorites like I Believe in You, Lady and Someone Who Needs Me.

Chapter 7--’Sweet Retribution’

After the Disney had docked into port back at Florida, everyone went their own ways but Michael, Minerva, Oswald and Ortensia made their way to Universal.

‘I’ve got the deed right here in my hot little hand. They can’t deny me any longer.’, he said.

‘This has been a long time coming. Such sweet retribution !’, Oswald the lucky rabbit contended.

Ortensia nodded,

‘Just think, now Lisa Simpson, Lois Griffin, Peggy Hill and so many other lesser known female ‘toons are honorary princesses. It’s a day of rejoicing. Come to think of it, you know what would be nice ?’, Ortensia surmised aloud.

‘Carrot cake for me, tres leches for you and a good ol’ cheese cake for the Mr. and Mrs.’, Oswald proposed. All of them would be downing their confections with the carbonated sugar water of their choice. It certainly was a wild and heady time to be alive.

Chapter 8—Disembarking

The cast and crew said their farewells, which were mixed with some tears, but all in all, everyone was still very jovial over the Jowls’ wedding. The family was certainly growing larger and it wasn’t too soon. In the darkness lurked a forgotten toon, writhe with loathing. His name was Momo the Monkey. He was an old black and white cartoon who felt alone, forgotten and vengeful. Through the help of a necromancer, he had a magic brush that could suck all the color out of anything it touched.

‘Your colorful world is about to come to a swift end. Fairly soon everyone will be monochromatic and I will be able to have a new rise to fame !’, he thought as he started to run toward the Hollywood sign and held his brush up high, bringing it down upon the sign. Little by little, the colored gradients began to take upon dull and lifeless tint of uniform mixtures of gray.

To Be Continued…