Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Today’s fortune:

A new chapter in your life has now begun!

Although I was sleepy, I managed to get to my desired destination after landing in Orlando. Another driver got me to my new house, where furniture and even a bed were already set. All that was left was the things the Sonic Team and I packed.

The next morning, I woke up in what felt like the most comfortable bed I’d ever slept in. Either that, or my position made it feel heavenly. When I did wake up, my new bedroom was rather dull, with my suitcase sprawled out in front of the closet, with some clothes on the floor. I managed to sit myself up, and I stretched.

“Home….sweet home….or, at least it will be.” I yawned at least twice.

I got up and went down the very short set of stairs, rubbing my eyes.

When I got to really look around, I got a better chance to see just how small but comforting this house seemed to be. It was probably a third as big as the house in Station Square. A small living room, but a very nice TV set, a comfy looking couch, a similarly small kitchen and dining room, and a patio door that was exactly like the front door. While this home seemed small and plain, it felt comfortable and humbling. I immediately grew to like that, for I knew it was only me, and this suited a woman like me just fine. Besides, I had just moved in, and I had a lot of personalization to do to make this house really feel like a home. I smiled, knowing I likely had some projects ahead of me.

I went to the fridge and looked inside, only for the emptiness to remind me that I hadn’t even gotten food yet.

“Ugh….I totally forgot….” I facepalmed.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK! Soft knocking.

I just went and answered the door, trying to fix my hair a little.

There was a young woman, of Asian heritage, at my door, and there were grocery bags by her feet.

“Good morning. Are you Miss Emily Ann?” She asked me.

“Yes, I am.” I confirmed.

“My name is Du Ai, and the Dragon’s Light restaurant of Station Square notified me and my family restaurant of your moving into this town. Let me welcome you here, and my family and I have gotten you some groceries for you to help you out for the next week or so.” She gestured to the bags.

I was surprised.

“W-Wow….thank you so much, Ai….that’s so kind of you.” I slowly took some of the grocery bags and took them inside.

“Please, come in.” I allowed her inside. She walked in and closed the door behind her.

“I hear you got here late last night?” She asked.

“I did. Thank you and your family very much for getting this for me. You didn’t have to, though.”

“Don’t worry. For a special person like you, it’s the least we could do.” She held a kind smile.

I smiled back at her. “Thanks. And it’s very nice to meet you. If I may, what kind of restaurant do you run?”

“A Chinese restaurant in town, called Spirit’s Chinese Cuisine. You’re more than welcome to come and have a nice meal, on us.” She said.

“That’s very kind of you.”

“In the meantime, here. I also heard from Dragon’s Light that you like getting fortune cookies every morning.” She handed me a little box, much like from Dragon’s Light.

“Thank you so much.”

“It’s my genuine pleasure, Emily. I hope you enjoy your new home.”

“I believe I really will.”

After Ai kindly departed and went about her business, I had put the groceries away, and I fed myself some over easy eggs on pieces of toast. I fully enjoyed my very first meal in my new home.

Close to the afternoon, I got myself further settled in with new mail, taking a shower, and grooming myself like normal.

After coming back downstairs, I was just about to call Mickey….

A loud car horn was heard right from my driveway, catching me by surprise. I looked out the front door window, only to see a fancy-looking black car in my driveway.

The passenger emerged from the car just as I then opened the front door.

An older man, perhaps older than Mom herself, holding a black cane, wearing a similarly black top hat, as well as what looked like a red trench coat. I recognized him immediately, and it shocked me.

“Scrooge?!” I stepped onto the porch.

“Oi! A warm welcome to you, Emily, lass!” He approached me, holding a welcoming smile on his face.

We approached each other, meeting up in my new driveway.

“Didn’t expect you to come by.”

“Well, surprise to you.” He joked.

I giggled. “I’d let you inside, but I don’t have too much food to spare….”

“Oh, don’t worry about that, lass. I’m here to welcome you to your new home. Do the others know you’re here?”

“Not yet. Haven’t gotten a chance to let anyone know yet.”

“Well, do you know what day it is?”

I quickly checked my phone.

“November 18th. What of it?”

“There’s a very special birthday today.”

“But mine was four months ago….” I tilted my head a little in immediate response.

“Wait….” I caught myself. “You said there’s a birthday today?”

“Aye.” Scrooge nodded.

“Whose birthday? I’m obviously missing something.”

“Mickey’s, of course.” Scrooge answered. “There’s a big celebration going on tonight.”

“Where?” I grew more and more intent to know.

“The House of Mouse. And my, he’ll be in for a treat when he finds out you’re here.” He smiled.

“Crap, I forgot it’s his birthday….I didn’t even get myself a dress for it.” I slightly panicked at first. “Whoawhoawhoa…..you said the House of Mouse?”

“Yes. It’s the most successful club around. And it’s family friendly, too. Mickey’s birthday celebration is huge every year, and everyone in the entire world of Disney is going to be there. Myself, included. What’s another friend?”

“I’d be honored to go, but like I said, I don’t have a dress right now for the occasion.”

“Don’t fret, lass. I can help with that. We still have a few hours until the party begins. That is, if you don’t mind me helpin’ you out.”

I felt like I just couldn’t say no, and I smiled. “Thanks, Scrooge.”

“Anytime, Emily. Get in the car.” He gestured with his cane.

We both got in the black car, and we drove off.

A few hours passed, and I soon found myself in McDuck Manor, with Scrooge’s hospitality, and I had just come out of the shower and started drying myself off.

“Wow….this place is bigger than I remember in the shows….” I couldn’t help but comment as I blow-dried my hair.

Scrooge easily readied himself in the meantime. He was combing his feathers as he came out of the master bedroom.

“Hey, Uncle Scrooge.” Dewey came. “I just heard THE Emily Ann is here.”

“She is, Dewey. She’s just getting ready for the big party tonight. It should be a little bit till she comes back out.” Scrooge told him.

“Wait, what?!” Webby popped out. “Emily Ann, of all people?!”

“Indeed, lass. She just moved into Mickey’s neighborhood. He just doesn’t know it yet.” Scrooge replied.

“I got SO MANY questions to ask her!” Webby was excited.

“Now now, dear, don’t get too excited just yet.” Beakley gently told her granddaughter.

“Sorry, Granny....” Webby blushed a little.

After several more minutes, I found myself coming to the main stairwell of the manor, and I let myself downstairs. The dress I was in was much like what I remember wearing at a point when I was shanghaied in Maleficent’s dark world, clear back in July. The design was almost the same, but it was glittering rather gently, and the color was a royal violet I’ve always been known to bear very well. My hair was neatly brushed and let down, like almost all the time.

“Oh my my my….” Scrooge smiled.

“You look absolutely beautiful, Miss Emily.” Beakley complimented.

“Thank you, Ms. Beakley.” I came down to the same floor as the others with ease. “And it’s nice to meet you.”

“You as well.” She shook my hand.

“Ah, that reminds me.” Scrooge then came and took his own turn to shake my hand. “Where are my manners?”

“Maybe at that department store where we picked this dress out?” I joked as I shook his hand.

The kids laughed a little, and Scrooge facepalmed.

“Aye, I walked right into that, didn’t I?”

“Yup.” I giggled.

“It’s so exciting to finally meet a good sorceress like you, Miss Emily! I’m Webby Vanderquack!” She came and eagerly shook my hand.

“Hey there, Webby. And please, just Emily.” I insisted.

“Thanks, Emily!” She was very excited.

I looked at the other kids as the rest came in.

“Leena, Violet, Huey, Dewey, and Louie. A pleasure to meet you guys.”

“You too, Em. Is it okay if I call you that?” Louie asked casually.

“By all means. A lot of my friends call me that.” I accepted.

“Now, I think it’s time to get going. We don’t want to be late.” Scrooge urged.

“But where’s Donald? Della, too?” I then asked.

“Oh, they’re with Daisy, getting ready on their own.” Scrooge replied. “Don’t worry, lass, they’re just fine. Now, let’s get goin’!”

“Yeah! Let’s party!” I clapped my hands, and we went over to Scrooge’s limo.

It was getting dark when we made it to the House of Mouse clubhouse. I’ll admit it….it was exactly like I remembered on the outside. Many other guests were in line to get in.

“Ah, here we are.” Scrooge smiled as the limo parked. “Now, Emily, I’m certain you’d like to surprise Mickey and his friend in a way only you may know how, correct?”

“I would like that. You just read my mind.” I replied.

“Now, the others and I are goin’ in, but you’ll be waiting here until everyone else is inside and settled in. That can be when you make your great entrance.”

“I like the idea. I’ll wait.” I accepted. “Besides, the seats here are real comfortable.” I couldn’t help but comment.

He chuckled. “Alright, then it’s a little plan. See you inside.” Scrooge then got out of the limo, alongside the others. I waited alone, pulling out my phone. I knew I had at least one game I could play to kill the time.

It took a little time, but all the guests managed to get inside and get to their designated tables. There was some light music playing through the club, and light conversations going on about. Some employees took drink orders as buss people filled the glasses with ice water.

Mickey and Minnie, both in special outfits for the clubhouse, then came onto the stage. The guests all applauded as the pair showed themselves.

“Come on in!” I got a text message from Louie.

“Hi’ya, everybody! Welcome back to the House of Mouse!” Mickey announced.

“Now, as you all may know, today is a very special day! And to celebrate, there will be live music, cartoons, karaoke, and the best food we can dish out! All in honor of the wonderful Mickey Mouse and his birthday!” Minnie had her arm around her special friend.

“G-Gosh….” Mickey almost blushed as Minnie kissed his cheek.

The guests applauded some more.

“Thank you all for coming on this special night!" Mickey announced.

I made my way through the entrance, much to Daisy’s surprise. She got up from her desk.

“E-Emily? Is that really you?....” She came over to me.

“Hey there, Daisy. Sorry it’s been so long.” I approached her.

“F-Forget that, I’m just surprised you’re here.” She held my hands eagerly.

“Donald! Donald!” She called out, turning her head.

“QUAAACK!” Donald came, surprised. “I’m right behind ya, Daisy!”

“Hi, Donald.” I waved.

He was shocked to silence at first.

“Emily?....”

“That’s me. I’m here now, and actually….after making some big decisions, I’m here to stay .”

“In this world?” Donald asked.

“You got it. I’ll be happy to explain a little more in a bit.”

“But does Mickey know you’re here?” Daisy asked.

“No clue. Good thing I moved in last night. Right on time, huh?” I giggled a little.

“I’ll say! C’mon in, and your food and drinks will be on the house.” Daisy guided me to the doors to the main guests’ room.

“Wow….thanks, guys.” I was a little surprised.

“Don’t mention it, Em! It’s great to have you here!” Donald quacked happily.

I then opened the doors myself. Upon my entrance, more and more guests, all of which being familiar to me, turned and looked, eventually catching the attention of the pair onstage.

I looked around. The room was almost exactly like I remembered from the cartoon, long ago. Like I mentioned, the characters were all familiar to me, and many of them recognized me.

“Emily!” I heard Honey Lemon first, and she came right to me and gave me a hug.

I hugged her back. “Hey there, Honey Lemon.” I was just starting to soak in the mounting joy.

Mickey dropped his arm around Minnie, unable to speak.

More and more characters came up to me and gave me hugs, shook my hands, and some even curtsied and bowed respectfully. I returned all those gestures in similar respect and joy.

“My my….you’ve grown !” Belle held my hand.

“You have no idea.” I replied.

“Nice dress, Em!” LaunchPad complimented.

“Thanks, LaunchPad. Scrooge helped me pick it out. It just feels familiar to me….” I replied.

I heard Jim Hawkins laugh a little. “Great to meet ya, Em.” He shook my hand.

I did the same for him. “You too, Jim.”

“But look at him .” He gestured to the stage.

I finally looked at Mickey.

“Emily….you’re here?” Minnie was surprised.

“Sure am. I’m here to celebrate, too.” I walked over to the stage.

Mickey came and looked down at me from the stage.

“E-Emily….you came?”

I nodded. “Uh-huh.”

He knelt down, reaching his hands out toward me. Just as I started reaching my own out, Mickey gently caressed my cheeks, warm to the touch. I was slightly surprised, but I almost immediately smiled.

“Hi.” I then said.

“H-Hi’ya….” He began to smile as his eyes glassed up.

I let gold glow around my feet and the bottom of my dress, letting me float up to the stage. Once I got to the same level as Mickey, I knelt in front of him.

“Guess what.”

“Wh-What?” His eyes remained wide.

“I’m not here to visit. I made my own decisions, and here I am. I moved into your neighborhood last night.” I told him.

I didn’t think his eyes could get any wider, but I was proven wrong. And tears finally started rolling down his face.

“Y-You’re….joking….”

“No. The Sonic Team will be just fine. All they really wanted with me is for me to be happy. And I believe I’ll be happiest in this world, with you . Happy birthday, Mickey.” I opened my arms.

He eagerly bolted right in, and his end of the newborn embrace was just as eager. I hugged him back just as close, and just as warm. In pure joy, Mickey then kissed my cheek. Applause was heard in response.

Soon enough, I was seated at my own table, close to the stage, and I was served a meal and drink of my choice. Live music was being performed, courtesy of Louis and the New Orleans jazz band known at Tiana’s Place. But I wasn’t seated alone. Mickey and Minnie were seated with me.

“You really did catch us by surprise by coming here, Emily.” Minnie began.

“To be fair, I honestly forgot the kind of day today is, but I just went with it. Scrooge was a big help today.” I said as I sipped some water.

“But….you really moved into my neighborhood?” Mickey asked.

“Yup. Like I said, I decided I would likely be happiest around you and our friends all over this colorful world.” I replied.

Mickey smiled warmly. “I think I’m feeling luckier and luckier by the minute. What’s your exact address?”

“Here, I’ll write it down for you.” I took out a pen and wrote it down on a paper napkin. When I let Mickey see it, his eyes widened once again.

“What? What is it?” I asked, naturally concerned.

“Emily….” He then looked at me again. “You’re my new nextdoor neighbor.”

My jaw almost dropped. “Shut up….”

“I’m not kidding….we’re nextdoor neighbors!” His eyes lit up like a child’s on Christmas morning.

“Mom sure knows how to pick ‘em.” I smiled.

“Things just got better, didn’t they?” Minnie giggled.

Both she and Mickey then gave me big hugs. I hugged them back the same way.

After a moment, I suddenly remembered.

“Oh! I almost forgot something.” I then broke the hug and reached into my purse. I pulled out what looked like a little gift box.

“Happy birthday, Mickey. It’s for you.” I gave the box to him.

Mickey opened it, letting Minnie look along with him. What was inside proved to be very special. A pin in the shape of a golden rose. He smiled warmly, his eyes immediately matching in warmth.

Mickey then put the box and pin aside, and he gave me a warmer and gentler hug.

“Ya really didn’t have to pick out a present for me, Emily. Having you here, and knowing you’re here to stay, let alone being my nextdoor neighbor, is more than enough for me. We all love ya, pal. I definitely love ya.”

I hugged him back in the same manner. “I love you too, Mickey.” I didn’t have a need to say much else. Neither did he anymore.

One thing was now certain. I had a very good feeling about this!

Chapter Text

Today's fortune:

To a person who's bold and imaginative enough to explore, the world is always filled with wonder.

A week passed. By then, my things were delivered and unpacked. My new house felt a little more like a home now.

"So, it's actually warm here almost all the time, like in Bygone. And everyone's been so welcoming. One of the local restaurants let me order delivery on the house, even." I was talking on the phone.

"That's amazing! I'm glad you're very happy with the experience so far." Tails smiled as he was in his workshop.

"How're things in Station Square? Anyone cause trouble?"

"Nothing too big. Eggman's been trying a few more stunts since you moved."

"Really? I guess he finally figured out that I'm simply too much for him." I joked.

"Now, don't you hurt your back patting it." He laughed.

"I'm kidding. I dunno what the hell goes through his head. But really, how's the team?"

"Everyone's been good as gold. Pretty normal, honestly."

"And Mom?"

"She's been well. She's at the dentist right now."

"Oh, good. I had a feeling she was busy when she didn't answer her phone a little earlier."

"How about you? How've you been today, anyway?"

"I've been fine. Just finished breakfast, and I think I'm gonna look around on my own time today."

"Cool. I won't hold you back, then."

"I'll be seeing you very soon, Tails. I love you."

"I love you too, Emily. Bye for now."

"Ta ta for now." I then hung up.

I got in my car, and I drove through town and ended up right by this beach.

"I didn't know there was a beach nearby…." I thought aloud.

What is it with me living by beaches all the time? Haha!

I soon found myself walking along the shoreline, just like in Station Square. I smiled at the nostalgia. Well, now I know for sure I can still take morning walks like this.

Although I had never seen the likes of the town, let alone this beach, I acknowledged the familiarity within it all. I felt so….at home. I could see the ocean seemed bluer and more beautiful than in Station Square. I additionally had a feeling this wasn't really known to have people around, like in Station Square during the summer. It definitely felt warm yet breezy here. I loved it like pieces of homemade fudge.

I spent several minutes wandering about the beach, almost mindlessly. It honestly felt increasingly tempting to just get into the water and take a good swim. I didn't recall going on one for quite some time. I think since my birthday….

I took off my heeled boots, and I let myself into the water, clothes and all. The water was quite chilly upon touch, but it was refreshing, in a sense.

Next thing I knew, I was beneath the surface, only letting myself get deeper and deeper as gold aura shined around me. I took each breath of freshness in like normal. The abyss wasn’t as dark as I firstly thought, and I let myself look around more because of it.

I don’t think I’d ever seen such beautiful reefs and fish around me in my life. I grew mesmerized at the sights of it all. I further allowed myself to soak in every bit of the visual sensations. It was almost like a dream.

Almost suddenly, I heard these unfamiliar noises from a far distance, perhaps deeper into the oceanic world. I thought….it sounded like a whale.

Curious, I went to see for myself. I’m not sure how far I was going, and I lost track of time as well. When I did find myself getting to the supposed scene, the sounds were, in fact, coming from a whale. It looked like a humpback whale, specifically. There was a fully grown one, and the other seemed to be her baby. But the baby seemed to be in big trouble, for they were so far to the bottom, it seemed abnormal to me.

When I got close enough, I finally saw that the baby whale was tied in what looked like fishing nets and many ropes. The baby was basically trapped in the binds and drowning. Alarmed, I went right over to the baby whale, with my hands glowing brighter than the rest of my body. I knew what I had to do.

My gold around my hands soon turned orange, indicating heat, and a little effort was what it took to make the ropes and nets snap. I made sure to do this a number of times to make sure I could get the baby whale free.

When I did manage to get the baby whale freed from the binds, I created a forcefield around the baby, and I sped upwards with it. The mother whale followed not very far behind.

As the baby whale and I broke the surface, the forcefield disappeared, and the baby whale sprayed out the water from the top of its head, now finally able to take a fresh breath of air. The mother whale soon came and breathed new air as well. The sight relieved me tremendously, and I smiled.

“Thank the lord.” I breathed from heavy relief.

I then got myself close to the baby whale, and I leaned my head against it gently. Almost like a kind embrace.

“You were so brave.”

Although I couldn’t sense it like I can from another person, I somehow believed that both the mother whale and her baby were eternally grateful for my assistance.

I soon found myself back under the surface of the ocean, choosing to look around some more. At a point, I sat myself down by a part of the vibrantly colorful reefs, and I let myself look around, feeling relaxed. Many fish, curious, came over to me to see what I was about. Most scattered, frightened at my movement, such as lifting my right hand up to the level of my chest, but few were brave enough to come close enough to let me touch them very gently. I smiled, finally getting that kind of satisfaction. Warm golden aura continued to glow around me, and I breathed like normal. I was relaxed, savoring this warmer environment.

After several minutes, I spotted an abnormality in the distance, deeper inside the reefs. It looked like some kind of light, golden in color, with a glimmer of sky blue at its side.

I got myself out of my seat, and I found myself swimming over to the beacon. It seemed stationary, so I wasn't in a hurry. And when I got close enough….

What I saw next turned out to be what looked like a blade-like weapon, stuck in the mucky bottom of the sea. It looked almost familiar to me….albeit, it was something I had never seen before up close.

I got myself in front of the blade, and I put both of my hands around the handle. At this point, I just had to see what it was.

I tugged perhaps about five times. Come the sixth time, freedom was granted upon the blade, launching me upwards a few feet, given the buoyancy.

When I got to look, this was more like a gigantic key, with the blade itself shaped rather oddly. The keyblade looked like it was in the shape of a large tidal wave, great for surfing, I think. I couldn't exactly tell. The entirety was almost completely royal purple, aside some details of golden yellow and royal blue. Some patterns looked more like a nearly invisible Tinker Bell flying around, shedding the golden yellow pixie dust. It soon started glowing gold all around itself, just like me. It was like the treasure I had now discovered was soaking up my magic like a sponge. I was only further convinced it was a beautiful trinket.

"Whoa….what a….what a…." I had trouble with words, but I loved the sight all the same.

I still had a sense of familiarity, but I couldn't completely put my finger on it.

Suddenly, I felt a surge go through me internally, and I quickly lifted my head up straight. I looked around briefly.

There seemed to be black enemies emerging from the ocean floor. The sight almost spooked me.

I held the treasure tightly in my hands as the creatures came together and then charged at me. I reacted as if the treasure was a kind of sword, and I fought using it and my magic. The blade soaked in my magic like a sponge, and I sliced and diced through each and every one of these creatures. I recognized my advantages in maneuvering underwater as well.

I soon managed to win, with the blade tight in my grip. The creatures were no more.

I then decided to go upwards, holding the newly found treasure in my right hand. I knew this was worth keeping for me.

When I got back to the beach, I was sitting on the sand, and I had just put my boots back on. I held my new treasure once again. The entire getup was increasingly familiar, and I suddenly grew curious. How could I conceal it? Hide it in plain sight? At least have an easy time carrying it? I just knew going about, carrying this as is was borderline silly on a normal basis. But then again, with the magic I've got, such possibilities are close to endless. I then began to smile.

Once my grip loosened, the blade disappeared into thin air, it looked like. But soon, I spotted a silver ring forming around my right wrist. It soon looked like a bead bracelet, silver in color, with a single amethyst crystal charm. I then stood up to my feet.

I opened my right hand again, and the blade reappeared in time for me to grip it easily. I caught onto the concept of summoning such a treasure time and time again.

"I see." I gazed at the blade again. "This seems increasingly familiar to me."

Then it started getting to me. Kingdom Hearts. And what I now possessed is a Keyblade. One I don't think I had ever seen before.

My best friend since childhood, Alondra, is a huge fan of Kingdom Hearts, and she's shown me bits of it every time I've visited her. Basically, it's what we get when Final Fantasy and Disney have a baby. Despite the constant questions in terms of story, it's something worthwhile in Alondra's and my own opinion.

"Emily!" I suddenly heard a voice call out to me.

I turned, and that's when I saw him emerging from his car.

"Mickey…." I was very happy to see him.

He then noticed what I had in my hand, and he quickly approached me.

"Emily….what's that?" He pointed it out.

I turned to the keyblade in my hand. Then to Mickey again.

"I found it on the ocean floor earlier. I've never seen one like this before." I replied.

"So….you know what this is?"

"I know. More and more bits of….culture have been catching up with me. And it's taken me long enough." I joked a little.

He came and put his hand over mine, gently gripping my new Keyblade.

"I'm gonna be honest….I didn't think you were gonna wind up finding and now wielding a Keyblade. Then again, looks like you're worthy of the honor." Mickey then smiled at me.

My grip on the Keyblade loosened again, and I then held Mickey's hand as the bracelet formed again.

"My best friend, Alondra, loves Kingdom Hearts. And she's shown me a bit of it last few times I've visited her." I knelt down to him.

"Really?"

"Yeah. We've both always loved Disney, grown up on it. So I know little bits by face, but not too much."

Mickey chuckled. "Looks like I've got a lot of explainin' to do."

"We can save that for another time. Did something bring you here?" I then asked.

"I was actually hoping to find ya. There's something I gotta tell ya." He told me.

"What's up?" I granted him my attention, shifting my position to get on both knees.

"Okay. First….I'm sorry."

"Sorry? For what? You didn't do anything wrong." I was a little puzzled.

"Although I tried, I couldn't find a way to contact you for years. It'd been bugging me for a long time, since you left from that one vacation."

"Don't worry about that. It's over, and we're here now. Besides, now that you mention it…." I recognized. "I'm sorry, too."

"For what?"

"Not long after getting home, I forgot that we ever met. I kinda forgot everything. In that kind of way….I left you behind. And unless there's something I'm really missing, I'm not known for that at all. So….I'm terribly sorry I left you behind like that."

"You were a little girl. It's okay. And life just kept on comin' for ya." He then assured me. "But….if I'm gonna be honest about anything right now, it's that throughout the years, the thought of you, and what you've had to go through, during and after that vacation, has broken my heart…." His eyes glittered like the sparkles upon the ocean.

"It upset me, to think I'd probably never be able to see or hear from you again." Mickey continued. "I tried and tried to write to you, but my letters came right back to me. I tried for several months. I couldn't get hold of where you lived, and I couldn't stand that. But…."

He struggled a little, bowing his head down a little. Naturally concerned, I put my left hand gently on his shoulder.

"But then, I realized I still had this little hope that I would get to see you again, one day. So….I chose to wait. Even if it took the rest of my life. Then, I got word of your living in Station Square, and I wrote you that one letter. I've been….so happy since we've reconnected. It's like one of the very best feelings I've experienced for a long time." He tried to smile as I then saw tears bubbling up in his eyes.

"Mickey?...." I was still concerned.

"But then….I've put you through such…..harrowing experiences ever since….with Maleficent on two separate occasions, and then….you gave yourself up for me ." Mickey chose to let his tears start rolling down his cheeks. "I-I'm so sorry you had to go through so much….I feel like I could've and should've done more for ya…."

"Mickey…."

"I-I don't even mind that you forgot about me for almost fifteen years. I really don't….but I've promised I wouldn't let anything take what we have away….never again, but I almost failed ya at least twice…."

"Mickey....none of this is your fault."

"It feels like it's my fault…." He argued. "Outside this world here….you're one of the most important people to me. I don't wanna lose that again…." He cried softly, putting his hands on my shoulders.

I felt worse. And I knew why.

"I'm twice as sorry for forgetting about our friendship for such a long time. Even when the things going on were happening, like my singing career, the passing of my grandparents, and all these adventures I saw as a passenger on a flying ark, a treasure hunter, and a member of the Sonic Team, I shouldn't have forgotten the kind of friendship we created."

"It's okay, Emily….I guess we've both got a lot to feel sorry about…." He sniffled, but his tears kept going.

"Are you….okay?" I asked almost reluctantly.

"I….I dunno…." He answered after a silent moment of thought.

"I suddenly don't know either. So, that makes two of us." I admitted. "But…." I felt a familiar knot tie up in my throat.

We looked at each other, although I had usual difficulty with direct eye contact.

"Mickey….even though I forgot our actual friendship, I don't think I ever forgot just how much I've loved you. I grew up, watching you and your friends and even enemies share the TV screen, and throughout my entire life, I enjoy seeing you. Even when I was going through my darkest time, with losing Nick, Tails and I found bits of magic only you can give through watching Disney movies. No one else really comes close to you in that way. Yes, Tails is always my dearest little brother, for he helped me through the darkest time I've ever seen thus far. But you….you've been there, in spirit, and in TV, from the very beginning. You've always been there." I felt tears coming to be in my own eyes.

"Time never changed just how much I've loved you. I don't think anything really can. And now…."

"N-Now?...."

"Now I'm here, as a young sorceress, with one of my very best friends. You're….like my new brother in arms, ever since the beginning. You've always been a happy soul in my life….while my life itself has been nothing but a struggle just to thrive on my own. Those years I spent, seeing you smile, whether I was with my family, my sisters, or Tails….they always made the darkness in my life fade, even when it was just for a moment. I think I've cherished those memories more than ever since we reconnected."

My head bowed down, and I felt the tears begin to blind me. I took in some slightly agitated breaths as a result.

I put my arms around my close friend, and I pulled him in closely to me. My head bowed over his shoulder.

"E-Everything I did for you since we've been friends again….it's worth every tingle of pain I've endured. As a friendly snowman has put it….s-some people are worth melting for….you're one of those people for me. I-I love you, Mickey….too much to wanna let you slip away from my life and its memories….but deep inside….something tells me that there's nothing I can do that's good enough to make it up to you…."

Mickey put his hands on my shoulders, prompting the embrace to break, and he looked at me. Tears stained my face, just like they have for him.

He then lightly smiled, allowing his tears to remain.

"I love you too, Emily….very very much…." He struggled to find much else to say.

Although it wasn't entirely intended, I watched us both tend to each other's tears the best we could. But they just couldn't stop.

Next thing I knew, we were in each other's arms. With Mickey holding me in such a special way….it was a little like how I remembered at some points, years ago. But at the same time, this was a little different. The way he caressed me, letting us rock a little back and forth, with my arms firmly around him. His tears spilling as he held a little smile. He let himself sit on the beach along with me, and he showed no signs of ever wanting to let go.

My face was a little more dried up now, and I let myself rest in Mickey's arms. I still felt my eyes wetter than usual.

"Emily?...." He then spoke gently.

"Y-Yeah?"

"Do ya.....really feel this strongly toward me?"

"Mm-hm…." I nodded a little.

He smiled a little wider, and he pulled me in even closer. I naturally did the same, sitting myself up a little better. Our tears rolled once again.

"I've always loved you….Mickey…." I then gently kissed his cheek.

"I've always loved you too, Emily….and no way I'm gonna stop." He replied.

I smiled a little more, keeping my arms locked around him. He did the exact same thing.

We stayed at the beach, just like this, for what felt like several hours. I'm not entirely sure if it was actually that long or not. It was like time slowed down, almost to a stop, for the sake of this new memory Mickey and I were sharing.

At a point, I reached my right hand toward Mickey's chest, aiming to feel his heartbeat. Once I did, I felt Mickey's hand cover mine, and he held it gently. It was increasingly warm. We leaned up against each other once again. His heartbeat was probably the warmest I'd ever felt.

"Mickey?"

"Hm?"

"Thank you….for not giving up on me, despite the years. And thanks….for waiting for me."

"Anything for you, Emily. My….my sister in arms."

We no longer felt the need to speak. Our remaining positions and embrace was more than enough.

Chapter Text

Today's fortune:

Sometimes, it pays to just keep going forward, despite the obstacles ahead.

December arrived. The final stretch of 2020. It felt increasingly surreal, honestly.

It was quite warm in town, and I found myself sitting on my porch, sipping some warm coffee. I was expecting Mickey to come by.

When he did, he had his own mug of morning coffee in hand.

"Morning." I greeted him.

"Good morning t'you, Emily." He came and took a seat next to me, for I provided him a spot.

"What's on your agenda today?" I asked casually.

"Y'know those mountains I've toldja about?" He brought up.

"Oh, yeah. The highest peak isn't officially named yet. Why?"

"Well, part of my list for the whole year is to get to the top and get to name it after Minnie."

"Oh, really? That sounds like a heck of an adventure to me."

"Oh yeah. I've got a snowmobile ready to go at the lodge."

"Man….I've never really gone to mountains much. I've always been a beach person." I sipped some coffee.

"Why don't'cha come along with me?" He then suggested.

SPIT! Surprised, I spewed the coffee out my mouth in front of me, thankfully right on the step to my porch.

"You're kidding, right?"

"You can definitely come with me! You got good winter gear, right?" He asked.

"Oh yeah, I do. If you don't mind me coming with…."

"Not at all. In fact, you could help out along the way. I hear Pete's been aiming to get to the peak first."

"You don't say….alrighty then. Let's make it a day." I then finished my coffee.

"Hot dog! I'll get the car ready, and you can get dressed."

"Posthaste." I stood up and went inside my house.

"I'll be waiting in my driveway!" Mickey said as I walked inside.

"Got it!" I closed the door and went right to my bedroom.

After a few moments of getting dressed, I found myself in warm pants and layers beneath, wearing a blue sweater under my royal violet winter coat, the length being just past my knees. My hair was tied in two low ponytails, and I had a warm and furry winter hat ready. I was wearing snow boots, black in color.

I met Mickey in his driveway, and we got in his car and drove away.

We got to the mountain park with ease, and we managed to get to his snowmobile, and with me sitting behind him, Mickey started driving up the mountain to the peak. It seemed to be going according to his plan…..

A large orange snowmobile ran right over me and Mickey.

"Move it, ya little speed bump!" He yelled out. I knew who it was just by the voice.

I got out of the snow first, and I helped Mickey out with two gold vectors from my back.

"Yo!" I called out. "What the hell was that for?!"

"Huh?" He turned around as he got off his snowmobile. "Eh, so you're the friend of the mouse's I've been hearin' about." Pete crossed his arms.

"You no-good Pete!" Mickey stood beside me.

"Stay outta my way, pipsqueaks! I'm namin' this mountain after me !" Pete got back in his snowmobile and drove off.

The snow he left behind covered myself and Mickey. Angered, Mickey somehow managed to melt the snow right off him. I got out of my mess with ease, wiping the top of my hat.

"So….he wants a challenge, huh?" I turned back to the snowmobile.

"Let's go! We gotta get to the top first!" Mickey got in the driver's seat, and after I got on, he drove off at high speeds.

As Mickey was driving, we could see Pete in front of us, plowing through many evergreen trees, much to my slight dismay. The tree trunks were thrown back toward us, much to our surprise. I quickly summoned large golden fists to knock the projectiles out of our way, helping us avoid crashing.

We somehow managed to catch up to Pete….only for us to come to a sudden stop.

AVALANCHE ZONE. And there were dashed lines, almost like on the roads, red in color. The zone was probably about 100 feet ahead. Taking the snowmobiles with, we all tiptoed through the avalanche zone. Oh boy….

Once through the zone, we got back to the impromptu race, neck and neck. But then, Pete managed to slowly get past us, by somehow going over us.

"Nobody's gonna beat me to the top! Especially Mickey Mouse !" He laughed as he picked up the pace, leaving us in the snow and snowmobile exhaustion.

I coughed.

"That's it!" Mickey claimed. "He's goin' down!"

He floored it, eventually letting us get past Pete.

Mickey then stopped at a photograph sign, less than halfway up the mountain. Pete pulled over and marched toward us.

Mickey took out a camera. "Hold it! I'll take your picture." He offered Pete.

Pete warmed up almost immediately. "Oh…..hehe! Okay." He posed almost heroically.

Mickey aimed his camera as I stood by him.

"Take a step back." Mickey told Pete.

He did.

"Little further."

Pete was right at the edge of the cliff, much to his unawareness.

Mickey then pressed a button on the camera.

WHACK! An orange boxing glove, clenched up, popped out and punched Pete right off the cliff, catching me off guard.

"Oh my--!" I almost laughed.

Mickey and I both got to the edge as Pete fell Wile E. Coyote style.

"Say 'going down'!" Mickey snapped a picture.

THUD!

"H-Holy shit!...." I couldn't help but laugh.

Mickey laughed, too. "Had a feeling you'd love that."

Well….he's not wrong, that's for sure.

Pete then came back up, angered. He snatched the camera out of Mickey's hand.

"Now I'll be takin' yours !" He forced us both to stand at the edge of the cliff as Pete stood where Mickey and I previously were.

"Okay. Uh….move back a little." I played.

Pete did so.

"Keep going." I kindly urged.

Light growling was heard. Pete looked behind him. A polar bear's cave. BEWARE OF BEAR.

Pete, unwilling to play my intended game, marched back.

"Nobody fools Pete! Ha!"

He intended to "snap" a picture like Mickey had.

WHACK! I released one of my golden vectors and socked Pete right into the bear's cave. Mickey caught his camera as the bear attacked from inside.

"Nice one." Mickey smiled widely.

"I catch on fast when it comes to gags like this." I replied.

"No no! Put me down!" Pete tried escaping. No use.

"N-Nice boy!..."

Mickey and I both snapped a picture, with mine being on my phone.

Pete soon managed to crawl out of the cave. When he got close enough to us, he stood up, angry, and he clenched his fists.

I then held out a photograph. "Can you sign our picture? Please?"

The polar bear came, scaring Pete, and the bear got hold of my picture and signed it with my given pen. He gave it back to me, and I passed it to Mickey.

The bear then grabbed Pete by the hood of his coat and started going back in the cave.

"Oh no! Nice boy! Put me down!...." He couldn't fight back.

The comical attack began anew once the two were inside the cave, and I giggled this time.

Mickey did, too. "C'mon, we better get goin'." He urged, taking my hand.

We got back on the snowmobile and drove off. We made some more progress up the mountain, with Pete eventually catching up and just barely getting past us when we both stopped by an old pitstop place. No one seemed to show up except for a middle aged man, slow-paced, clearly has seen better days, and he was setting up gasoline to fill up Pete's tank.

"Oh, come on!" Mickey got annoyed.

"I got this one." I got off the snowmobile and headed inside the stop.

"Wait, you know that stuff?"

"Tails is a mechanical prodigy. I've learned a handful of things. And he might've volunteered in pit crews since we'd been in Station Square." And I began at a surprisingly fast rate. Filling the gas tank, maintaining under the hood, cleaning the exterior, and checking the underside of the snowmobile. I quickly finished and got back in the snowmobile.

"I'm done." I naturally held onto Mickey's shoulders as I sat behind him.

"Gosh….you are fast! N' I had no idea you could do that kind of stuff!" Mickey commented as he was driving.

"We still have a whole lot to catch up on." I replied.

Pete grew impatient with the single man just beginning to fill up his gas tank. Pete soon chose to just drive off, angered.

Mickey and I were getting to this ice cavern-like bit of the track upwards, and an idea seemed to come to Mickey.

"Hey, Emily, you can draw, right?" He asked.

"Oh, yeah. Sure can. Got something in mind?" I asked.

"Sure do, just to make sure Pete doesn't cause us any more trouble." And he explained it to me.

Once we got inside the cavern, we stopped right by this flat wall fragment of ice, and I got off, holding my handy dandy Sharpie permanent marker, jumbo size. I quickly drew a lady suited for Pete on the fragment, and when I was done, I let myself go right up to the platform holding the fragment in place, and Mickey drove away, proceeding further on his planned path.

Pete, as expected, came a mere moment after, and when he spotted the drawing, he just couldn't resist. He made the move for a kiss, but a little like the kid in A Christmas Story, Pete's lips got stuck on the ice upon contact. He tried getting himself free, but it was no use.

Pete then managed to look upwards, and he saw me standing above him. I was holding an axe in my hands. I then slammed it downwards, right in front of my feet. That got the piece in front of me, as well as the fragment of ice itself, to fall right down, taking Pete with. He slid down the snowy mountain, and when Pete could get to flatter ground, a familiar cave and old friend inside were waiting for him.

Mickey gave me a fist bump.

"That was cathartic!" Mickey had a wide smile.

I took a peek behind me. I didn't see any sign of Pete.

"I don't see him, but keep up that speed." I warned.

"You got it, pal!" He did.

We soon made it to the peak, right to a sign with a blue question mark on it.

“Well, wouldja look at that!” Mickey acknowledged. “We won!”

“Yes!” I got off the snowmobile first.

“You still got that marker on ya?” Mickey asked.

“Oh yeah, here.” I was getting into my pocket.

Pete somehow managed to catch up, and he marched to us angrily.

“You two might’ve won, but when I’m through with ya,” he rolled up his sleeve as his open fist clenched, “nobody will ever know you got up here first!”

“I’ll know!” A female voice argued, catching the three of us by surprise.

We looked, and there was Minnie, with a picnic all set, holding a steaming hot cup of tea in her hand. Her blue winter coat was honestly warm and beautiful looking to me. Her hood covered much of her head, as well as her ears, easily.

“And I’ll tell everyone .” Minnie finished.

“Wait, whu--?!” I was puzzled.

“Butbutbutbut--!” Pete stuttered.

“How’d you--?” Mickey was asking.

“Get up here?” Minnie guessed, giggling. “Same as always. I took the ski lift.” She gestured to her front direction, and we finally acknowledged the highly developed and rather sturdy-looking ski lift, like in any other ski or mountain resort.

I facepalmed my own forehead. “Well, shit me….” I commented.

Pete sighed. “After you, pals.” He told both me and Mickey.

Mickey and I went over to the edge, and we looked down. Pete smiled, and he readied himself to punt us both over the edge like a football. My eyes flashed gold, and I opened my right hand. I knew what that meant at this point.

My new Keyblade appeared, and as Mickey ducked, I jumped up and whacked Pete on the head, launching him over the edge. As I landed back on my feet, Mickey snapped one more picture. Pete fell right down.

“Ha! Goin’ down?” Mickey teased as I stood beside him.

I let my Keyblade disappear once again, and my respective bracelet glittered a little. I smiled.

“That’ll teach him.” I fixed my hat.

Pete fell right into the avalanche zone from a little while ago, and with a grunt, he caused the newfound inevitable. He was buried in the snow. He soon managed to light a match.

“W-Well….could be worse.” He commented.

It was then he looked beside him, only to find an old friend, white and furry, waiting.

“Uh oh…..” Pete knew what was coming next. The bear blew out the little flame on the match. You can guess what happened next, in a very comical manner.

I watched Mickey get to the one sign, and still holding my permanent marker, he made his newly achieved goal official. Minnie’s Mountain.

“This is just what I came up here for!” He smiled.

“Aw, Mickey!” Minnie came and gave him a warm kiss on the lips. They then embraced naturally.

I reached for the thermos inside my coat, and it was still freshly hot, like I wanted it to be. I opened it, and chicken and dumplings soup was revealed. I started eating.

“Man, what a day this has been.” I thought aloud.

Minnie then turned to me. “Would you like to stick around for a little while and rest before we depart?” Minnie offered. “You both look like you need some warm food and some hot tea.”

“If ya don’t mind, Minnie.” Mickey accepted.

“Of course. Whatever it takes to make sure we’re warm up here.” I agreed.

We gathered at the picnic setup, and Minnie gave us some additional food as I continued eating from my thermos.

“Say, Mickey,” I brought up after some moments of eating, “where’d you get that camera of yours? Does it normally send out those boxing gloves like that? Or is it something you worked on yourself or something?”

“Let’s just say it’s called….cartoony magic.” Mickey shrugged.

My face got a little blank for the moment to follow. I closed my thermos, for it was now empty.

“I should’ve known better than to ask.”

Chapter Text

Today’s fortune:

True friends will always be honored to be beside you, regardless of whether you truly need the company or not.

A few more days passed. I had already come through with most of my Christmas shopping.

It was already late at night, and I prepared to go to bed. I stretched my arms and legs before getting settled in my bedroom.

It didn't take me long to fall asleep. I remember the dream that I soon experienced.

I seemed to be in what looked like an eerie wasteland. As I looked around, there was nothing but nearly disgusting tan ground around me. The sky was almost brown, like a bad summer storm was brewing. The breeze was a little strong, adding to the possible storm.

I walked around, realizing I was lost. The cloudy wind was almost blinding.

“Hello?! Anyone here?!” I called out. Nothing. Despite knowing I was very much lost, I kept going.

“Emily….Emily….” A deep voice started whispering. I slowed down a little.

I barely heard, and I stopped myself in my tracks. I looked around some more.

"Hello? Who's there?" I called out.

"Oh, Emily." The same deep voice got a little more audible. The sky then slowly started darkening, like night was coming. But the visuals were unnatural. It was like a wave of black and purple colors overtook the sky by magic. That didn't make me feel any easier.

"Wh-Who's there? You're freaking me out…." I warned.

"Almost your entire life has been darkened by everyday hardships. And yet, you still fight for your heart's dying light." The voice continued.

"Wh-What's….going on?...." I got nervous.

FWASH! Suddenly, I couldn't move. I was paralyzed. My eyes were wide in shock.

"L-Let….me go!...." I tried begging.

"Ah, your power is almost immeasurable." The voice started taking the form of a hooded man, the dress-like cloak being black in color, showing some white hair through the single opening. His eyes were this uneasy yellow.

"You come so far, and yet, you understand little to nothing. Every light must fade, each and every heart soaking back into darkness. Including your own. And despite your power, you still break rather easily. And controlling your mobility is almost effortless." He began to smile as the hood was removed, revealing the tan face and evil smile. His white hair was almost as long as mine.

"And your heart will be mine , in dreams, and in reality. Just you wait." He started coming closer.

"N-No….stay away!...." I tried so hard to resist as he came closer, reaching his hand toward my chest. But I was helpless.

I rolled back and forth in bed, unintentionally touching my screen phone and turning it on. My fingers unconsciously pressed some buttons….

"N-No….please….get a-away from me…." I moaned in my sleep.

Paralyzed in place, I soon started feeling sharp pain in my chest. I grunted, still trying to resist.

"Your attempts to resist are almost adorable. You can't move. You can barely even breathe, Emily. You will see even a light like yours is destined to be drowned by darkness." His extended arm and hand started getting smothered with black aura, getting it to my chest. The pain intensified.

Tears came out of my eyes from the pain. I groaned, barely able to speak at this point.

Mickey was awakened by his own phone ringing on his nightstand. He was borderline annoyed, but something in him knew something wasn't right. It was past 3 in the morning.

He answered without even looking at the screen.

"H-Hello?" He yawned.

"G-Get away!" I unconsciously cried, still in my state of sleep. That woke Mickey up further, and he sat up.

"Emily?" He called out.

I didn't respond to him.

"No! No!" I cried further, curling up in my bed.

"Emily!" He tried again as he got up to his feet, not even bothering to put on his slippers. He quickly left the bedroom.

All I had to do was watch this darkening mass get extracted from my chest, making me scream. The tips of my fingers started turning dark purple, almost perfectly marching the surrounding sky. By magic, I was stripped down to a camisole and a pair of light shorts in the process.

When the extraction was done, my eyes then turned from green to dark purple, and I was freed from the invisible force. I subconsciously stood beside the evil man, almost like I was now in a trance.

"You will embrace the darkness running through your life and body, Emily. And you can help others share it." The man said, keeping his smile, and holding the black mass in his hands.

It was then my actual self screamed with all my might, just as my bedroom door was swung open.

"Emily!" Mickey called, dropping his phone and rushing over to me.

His hands planted onto my shoulders, and he shook me.

"Emily! Wake up! Wake up! Snap out of it!" He almost yelled.

I shot my eyes open, and I gasped.

"M-Mickey!" I saw him.

His face softened a little.

"You called me. By accident, I think. It seems like you had a terrible dream." He told me.

I breathed heavily, acknowledging that my face was stained with tears, and I had additional sweat over my forehead. I sat myself up a little.

"I-I'm sorry, Mickey…." I stuttered, trying to pull myself together. I wiped my face a little and then sat up.

"I was lost in this wasteland, and then, the sky got real dark, and this man approached me, freezing me in place, and he extracted something out of my chest. He was saying things like not even my own light….can get past this darkness in the world. That I still….break easy. Very easy. And every person's heart, one day or another, fades into darkness…..” I explained the best I could, despite my tears. “A-And right now….I realize I'm so fragile, despite everything….could that be my real downfall?...." I lied back down and shifted to try to hide myself.

"I-I can't bear to have anyone see me like this….I'm so sorry, Mickey….despite everything, I don't wanna be so weak….so frail…." I softly sobbed in my pillow, turning away from him.

Mickey was worried, and he barely knew he was showing it in his glassy eyes.

He then turned on the nightstand lamp, enabling him to get a better look at me. I was staining my pillow with my tears, for they had been nearly uncontrollable. My messy hair was sprawled behind my head.

In the midst of his worry, Mickey felt his eyes get misty, and he almost instinctively reached for my head.

I felt his bare hand maneuver to my stained cheek, helping me upwards once again. I reluctantly turned my head toward my friend in response, and I shivered, feeling the last tiny bit of my blanket slide off my back and expose me completely.

When I saw him, I could see his small tears slightly glimmering with the light of my lamp. I could now fully acknowledge just how worried he was as I shifted back on my back itself. I felt additionally guilty.

"I-I'm sorry, Mickey….I don't wanna bring you down with me like this…." I stuttered a little in my shaky voice.

"Emily…."

I couldn't look at him.

"B-But….I should've realized these flaws that I bear every day. Like….with my friends, like you….I feel like I can do anything, no matter how bad it gets. B-But….without that, I'm….I'm close to nothing….Galeem and Dharkon proved that to me….I'm just not….strong enough, alone…." I realized.

"E-Em…." He couldn't even finish this time.

I shivered once again as my tears continued, some meeting with Mickey's planted hand.

"I-I hate remembering this part about me….I've broken numerous times. Who's to say I won't on another couple occasions? There's just….too much inside me to just fight off or overshadow…." I realized.

Mickey helped me up to a sitting position rather quickly, unable to hear any more. His hands firmly held my shoulders.

"E-Emily Ann, you listen to me…." He almost cried, surprising me.

I opened up my eyes wide, seeing Mickey's own clear tears showing themselves. I was worried now. Did I aggravate him? Did I say too much? What did I do wrong?....

Either way, he was very serious. I could see it in his eyes. It was additionally clear he was far more worried than I was. His hands slid to just below my shoulders.

"As long as we're all here for ya….you don't have to be strong enough when alone." He told me. "In fact….ya don't even hafta be alone anymore…."

"M-Mickey?...."

"It's okay, Emily…." His tears could no longer stop. "We can deal with whatever comes around together . We have each other. A-And….as long as we're all here for ya, it's okay to not be strong all the time. You're not just a hero, but you're also just a person. No matter what happens….I'm gonna be right there to help ya. Sonic has, Tails has, and I certainly will be."

He then placed his hands gently on my cheeks, providing comfort.

"Besides….you're not weak. Like I said, you're just a person. And no matter what….I'll always love ya, Emily."

He then put his arms gently around me. I responded the same way, burying my face in his shoulder. I sniffled a few times, still trying to get past crying. The way he gently rubbed my back was perhaps one of the most comforting sensations I'd felt recently. I fell silent.

"That darkness….it'll never overtake ya. You're too strong n' bright for that. Even when you're not strong in the moment….we're all here for ya. And I promise….I'll never let anything bad happen to ya….never again…." Mickey further told me despite his own tears.

I detected lingerings of guilt in his voice. That darkened my heart.

"Mickey….whatever happened before isn't your fault…."

"It kinda feels like it is sometimes, but this isn't about me." He attempted to change the subject. "I just need ya to remember. We're all here for ya. And if no one else can be, I'll always be here for ya, and I'll never leave you alone….I love you, Emily….despite the years, you've always meant so much to me…."

As much as I wanted to stay on the subject of his projected guilt, I found myself smothered in Mickey's embrace.

"I-I….I love you too, Mickey…." I tried to smile.

"A-Awwww…." He held me in a way I feel only he can. And it was very warm.

Mickey and I looked at each other.

"Thank you, Mickey." I pulled myself together some more.

"My pleasure, Emily." He smiled slightly.

He let himself get comfortable in my bed, caressing me back to sleep. I was almost reluctant, but I couldn't fight my natural desire.

Mickey ultimately chose to stay beside me for the rest of the night, and he fell asleep, holding me close to him.

When morning came, I got up first, and I let Mickey sleep a little longer. I just got myself a bagel and a cup of coffee. I didn't feel for much else than that. I was still lethargic, wondering if that was because of what I experienced overnight or simply because this morning just wasn't my morning.

I paced around the backyard, trying to breathe in some fresh air.

I had grown self aware that I'm either overwhelmed too easily when alone, or I just lose control of myself. Much like I did when battling Galeem and Dharkon….

But after some thought….I realized some details I had been missing. The time when Tails was marooned on the ocean, thanks to the Zetis' trickery. The time I came back for Mickey, back in March. The time I saved the entirety of Bygone Island at least, all over a video game Eggman was trying to program. The time I took a deadly blow from Maleficent, intending to block Mickey. I remembered doing those amazingly crazy things. And those things…..I did all by myself. It was my decision, and I just did it. I had loved ones to protect. The memories made my self doubt begin to fade away.

Mickey found himself shuffling a little in bed, for he seemed to be having trouble.

In his own dream, he was lost in an even darker abyss, even darker than the actual one he had dealt with before. He wandered, a little worried.

"Hello?!" He called out. Nothing. That didn't make things feel any easier for him.

Suddenly….

FWASH! He suddenly couldn't move.

"H-Huh?!....What the?...."

"Ah, Mickey Mouse." The same voice I encountered came to be.

Mickey didn't like how familiar it was. "Y-You…."

"Now now, no need to get hostile. Besides, you can't fight this anyway."

I chose to get back inside the house. It was then I could hear the uneasy shuffling from my room.

"B-Back off…." I barely heard Mickey moan unconsciously.

I just went upstairs.

Back in Mickey's dream, he tried rather admirably to move. But he couldn't.

"Stay away!" Mickey warned. "I will get outta this n' make you back off!"

"Is that supposed to intimidate me?" The man joked, and he laughed. "Unlike your friend, at least you're trying."

Mickey didn't like that at all.

"You better stay away from Emily!" He warned angrily.

"Is that a threat?" He reached his hand out and came closer, the same hood and all. He aimed for the area where Mickey's heart would be.

Mickey tried very hard to resist, but he couldn't.

"The two of you have so much in common. And thus, it might be easier to take both of you down and take your hearts. With the purest of light out of the way….the darkness will certainly overtake the entire world to my liking." The man kept his smile.

Suddenly, a golden light presented itself, freeing Mickey from his paralysis, and making the hooded man back away unwillingly.

"What?!"

"Mickey! Fight! We're not letting him win!" A warm female voice then spoke as the golden light started taking form.

He gasped a little as he saw me take my form, staying between him and the hooded man. I was wearing a long red gown, much like I did in the aftermath of the dark world adventure this past July. My arms were spread out.

Mickey's eyes then grew wide at the sight.

"I-It's you !" He was surprised at his dear friend's presence.

"You meddlesome witch!" The man cursed loudly, with the echoes piercing the air.

"You're not laying a finger on him. Not while I'm here." This version of myself declared, aiming to protect.

“Are you certain?....” The man’s hands oozed dark aura.

Horrendous ripping noises were then suddenly heard, and Mickey could see a sharp end go through my back with surprising ease. The dark ooze dripped down my back as a result, and I stopped almost all movement in my tracks, eyes at their widest.

His eyes were at their widest as well, and horror overtook him.

“EMILYYYY!” He cried, breaking free from the invisible binds, and he came right to me. His tears flew off his face rather easily.

Before he could even touch me, my body darkened and then disappeared into the evil violet color.

The man then started laughing evilly.

“How pathetic.” He came back toward Mickey. “So much for the all-powerful sorceress she’s been made out to be.”

Mickey soon found himself waking up, gasping loudly, and upon opening his eyes, he found himself to be in my arms. I had climbed into the bed, to a sitting position, and scooped him up into my arms. I knew he was having a similar nightmare. He could feel his own head in beads of sweat. His eyes were additionally wet upon opening them. Despite his nearly overwhelming fear, I held him close, like he had for me previously.

"I'm here, Mickey." I told him in a soft voice. "I'm not goin' anywhere."

Mickey shifted himself to look at me. I responded by granting his little wish. Beads of sweat rolled down his head as he looked right into my eyes, emerald green in color.

I then gently placed my right hand in his cheek, as a means for comfort.

"It's okay, Mickey. It's just a nightmare." I assured him in newfound confidence.

"E-Emily…." His voice trembled as his eyes were glassy.

“Hey. It’s alright now. You’re awake.” I assured him.

“G-Gosh….did you hear me or something?” He asked.

“I heard you shuffling. And now, I know for a fact that this house is really drafty.” I said.

He leaned his head, relaxing it. I felt him gently grip the shirt on my back. He even began to shake.

“Are you alright?....” I got concerned.

“I-I….I don’t wanna….fail you again….” He managed to say.

“Fail me?” I got a little puzzled. “How did you ever fail me?”

“I-I left you alone for years….I let you die in my arms only months ago. You gave yourself up for me . I lost you again….in the dream I just had….”

“Mickey….”

“I-I’m sorry….I guess we’ve both had a bad night’s sleep, huh?....”

I had both of my hands on his cheeks now, having him look at me.

“I realized something important.” I then brought up.

“I realized….I’ve done so many amazing things on my own. Especially since I’ve had my magic. I beat a possible apocalypse at least once, took down two god-like beings, outdid Zavok in Tokyo…..and dammit, I came back for you after you mentally insisted for me to leave you be, and then sacrificed myself for you. All that….I’ve done all by myself.”

Mickey suddenly remembered.

“And I’d do that a hundred times over if it means I can still have loved ones like you in my living days.” I said. “I would do anything for you here, in your dreams, anywhere you need me. Loved ones like you….are my incentive to do all those crazy things. To better myself as not just a sorceress, but as a person . And….I know you won’t let me down. You never really did in spirit. I think your heart still had a hold on me throughout the years between 2005 and the day we reconnected. I’m the one who forgot, not you. I’m the one who lost you that day when the family and I were driving away in that van. Besides….all that’s over, and we’re here now. And I don’t plan on going anywhere . Like you said, from now on, whatever comes to be, we can deal with it together .”

I felt Mickey more gently hold my arms.

“I….I can see that we’ve inspired each other so much, even when we were apart. This last year since we reconnected…..has felt absolutely amazing. You were….one of the first people outside school or home….who made me feel safe, like I was no different….like I belonged . And not many people make me feel like that.”

“E-Emily….” Mickey got a little concerned. “You’re….crying.”

“H-Huh?....” I was a little surprised. But then, I finally managed to acknowledge this odd sensation slowly going down my cheeks. I think it had been going on for a solid minute at least. I’m not entirely sure.

I then began to smile. “W-Wow….I know I’m aware of bringing that out of both of us, but….this is ridiculous….”

We looked at each other.

“Mickey….you know I love you so much. Enough to go through hell and back just to make sure you’re alright. A-And….I know that, throughout my whole life, you feel the same way.”

He knew he couldn’t deny it.

“Y-Yeah…..you’re right.” He began to smile. “I won’t lose you again….I promise.” Tears streamed down his face.

“I promise the same for you.”

“A-And you’re right again.” He sniffled a little. “You really do bring this out in people….haha!” He chuckled.

A little surprised by the comment, I giggled a little.

We looked at each other again. The mere sight of us smiling brought us to more tears at the same time.

“E-Emily….I love you.” He managed to say.

I gently pulled him in close, holding him in a warm embrace. He hugged me back, only a little closer. He then gently kissed my cheek.

“I love you too, Mickey.” I managed to say, then kissing his cheek the same way.

We willingly stayed in this heartfelt position for as long as we felt we needed. We just held each other, finding further words unnecessary. It was almost like….parts of our bond reconnected once again. I never knew just how wonderful it really felt…..until now.

Chapter Text

Today's fortune:

Beside someone truly loved is where you will always belong.

A few days passed by.

It had been cloudy since the last day, although it was still very warm. Like many mornings, I found myself at the empty beach nearby, walking almost aimlessly.

I still hadn't quite gotten away from those dreams I had dealt with previously. Not for the last few days. They kept repeating, and thus, keeping me from wanting to sleep for long.

Does this kind of darkness really exist inside me? Is it as dangerous as it's been made out to be? I didn't have a certain idea, and that drove me crazy.

At a point, I just looked out toward the ocean. I wasn't entirely sure if I could see a hint of gray throughout the water's horizon. The gentle breeze blew through bits of my hair, letting them float in the air around me.

I found myself staring out into the space for several minutes, silent. The soft sounds of the tide, as well as the warm breeze, were oddly soothing, despite my mood.

I suddenly snapped out of my trance, and I just turned to look behind me.

There he was, just as he felt he got close enough toward me to stop his stroll. I was very slightly surprised, but I wasn't very displeased.

"Sorry if I surprised you." He apologized out of courtesy.

"It's okay. You just kinda snuck up on me. I don't mind the company, though." I assured him.

"Are you….feeling okay?"

"Not really. These dreams haven't really left me alone since the last few days. I dunno why." I turned and slowly started walking, allowing Mickey to catch up and walk beside me.

He did, paying his attention to me.

"Well, some people have said that certain dreams express a kind of fear. Sometimes, though." Mickey said.

"I thought that, at least some of the time, dreams are fueled by some of the things you constantly think about." I said.

"It could be that, too. Gosh, dreams really are complicated."

"You're not wrong. And, well, within the last year, I've kinda had a history with bad dreams. I told you about Tokyo, right?"

"Oh yeah, you did. You really went through a lot, huh?"

"Yeah, I did. I almost can't believe all that happened sometimes."

We kept walking as we found a verbal speed bump. I couldn't find much to say for a moment.

"Emily?...." Mickey almost reluctantly began.

"Hm?" I granted him my attention.

"About some of those things you said after that first bad dream…." He recalled.

"Do you really feel that way?"

I remembered. And that brought me down deeper with a sigh.

"Lots of the time, I do. Especially since I had to take on two god-like beings almost single-handedly. You know I'd fight to the death for my friends and loved ones, counting you. But since things have been happening the way they were, with my parents divorcing, dating and then losing Nick, and all that other stuff I know I told you about, as well as what we've been through since we reconnected….it's all just so…." I found myself having trouble finding the next words.

"Overwhelming?" Mickey guessed.

"I'm not sure if that's even saying much. And I realized that I started falling apart. My parents and Nick, I think, were only the beginning of it all." I slowed down to a stop, and I then just took a seat on the beach.

Mickey stopped and stood beside me, his standing height being a little taller than my sitting height. I looked out at the ocean briefly.

"Mickey?"

"What is it?"

"Do you think….I'm really that weak and frail? Especially when I'm alone?"

He sat beside me, and he placed his hand over mine, warming it slightly upon touch.

"No. In fact, you're just the opposite in my eyes."

"Do you even think I'm just a big mess?"

"I don't care if you are. Even if you are, you have countless friends and family to support you. Right?...."

I sighed once more. "Friends, absolutely. Family….not so much."

"Huh?"

"Beside Aunt Karen and her family and Mike and Lisa, lots of relatives really don't give a shit about me, my parents, or my sisters. We're like black sheep to them. I didn't know until very recently that I'm viewed so lowly. Even by my stepmom. Especially by my stepmom. I'm pretty sure a lot of them don't even like me that much. Y'know, they've got their big jobs, nice cars, living their accomplishments through their kids, spoiling each other rotten, thinking they're all that and a bag of chips. But me and my family? Don't make them laugh…."

Mickey's eyes began to glass over as he noticed pain in my voice.

"Emily…."

"My dad's just a mechanic, although we've made decent money throughout. My mom has sadly been through a lot of medical things, with her back, knees, and especially mental health. The world's done her dirtier than I've seen for almost anyone else. Grace is in beauty school, and NOBODY thinks that's a good idea except me and Sarah, has trouble staying in a relationship, is stubborn as hell, but is trying to get her life together after coming back to Illinois from Texas. She also has….rather different romantic preferences, to try to put it up without being an outer. Sarah….oh my God, poor Sarah. She's been through a lot of mental turmoil, is in school to become a teacher, hasn't had the best history with relationships herself, but is trying even harder to get her life together. But when the world isn't doing her wrong, her schooling is, from what she's told me recently. As for me, well….you know a lot about me. I'm probably the most mentally unstable one of everyone, I know I'm very childish about many things, I've lived with characters like you, Tails, even Yogi and his friends at some points, been on so many of these adventures, but haven't bothered coming back into school since 2019. Big whoop: I have autism. Relatives almost always talked about me behind my back and talked down at my parents for 'not raising me right'. I know a lot of them literally think I'm so stupid, I'll never be able to go about on my own in the world. And y'know what? They might be right. Look at me. I'm pretty much nothing without friends like you, Mickey."

"Emily…."

"I'm the blackest sheep of them all. Even in Cindy's eyes. I don't even think she likes me. If she does, she just doesn't really show it. But since she and my dad got married, she's been showing her true colors. She's been telling me….I'll go nowhere if I keep living my life the way I am right now, with you or the Sonic Team. Pure fantasy in her eyes."

Mickey squeezed my hand a little tighter, recapturing my attention. As I looked at him, I felt something rather embarrassing.

"I'm saying too much, aren't I?...." I guessed.

"It's not that. It's just….have you told anyone else about this?"

"The relative thing?"

"Your stepmother."

I fell silent very briefly. I knew the truth behind my silence.

Mickey got the message, and it saddened him further.

"Not even Tails?"

I shook my head.

"How long has this been going on?...."

"Since she and Dad got married and then moved into the new family home I've talked about. It was then….she started showing her true colors."

"Why haven't you told anyone?"

"I….didn't think anyone would understand. Not even Tails. Beside that, I felt like living my life the way I have been, like I had in Station Square, and now here, I wouldn't have to worry about it. But each time I go and visit, it would be like walking into a lecture, and she'd never let me hear the end of it. That's why I don't really visit Dad's house anymore."

Mickey didn't know what to say as he scooted a little closer to me. I let go of his hand, and I hugged my knees to my chest.

"It's not that she's having trouble understanding me or my sisters and how we try to live our lives. It's just that Cindy….simply chooses not to. And she gives me shit about my life. Last time I tried spending one-on-one time with her, which was just after we reconnected, she called me, you, and the Sonic Team just a bunch of childish freaks. I know she thinks I'm stupid solely because I have autism. Much like a lot of my relatives, except Aunt Karen and family."

Mickey found it harder to fight the feelings inside him as he felt his eyes begin to water up. He couldn't quite bring himself up to speak.

"I-I know….I can be limited about some things. Like some social cues, my emotions and feelings, and how I talk sometimes. B-But family shouldn't bring me or my family down just because we have different circumstances and values from them. Family shouldn't lecture me as to how I can live my life. Family especially shouldn't put off at least trying to understand differences we've got. All I ever really want is to be accepted and loved….but I just can't be unless I excel in singing or music, evidently."

I bowed my head down as I felt small tears stream down my cheeks.

"A-Apparently….from them, love and acceptance….is something I earn . That's what all this has made me feel. That, and….I'm just too different to hope for much like that from the get-go."

Mickey was ready to speak up.

"H-How?...." I then whimpered.

"Huh?...."

"How do you do it? How do you and your friends accept the likes of me? I'm a sorceress, but take away that magic, just how do you see it in you to….accept me as I've always been?...."

He hit his limit. He didn't want to hear another ounce of negativity.

"Okay, that's enough." Mickey then stopped me, quickly getting in position for me to look directly at him. Upon sight, his face was already stained with painful tears.

"Emily, you listen to me. Even before you started with your magic, I saw that you've always been such a kind, golden-hearted, compassionate, and all-around sweet girl. Even when you were only six. You've always been additionally so brave, like when you came for me at that old sub shop. I've never forgotten that. I've seen your true colors, and y'know what? I don't care just how 'flawed' or 'different' you are. You're you, and all those colors make a beautiful picture in my eyes." He told me.

"I don't care what anyone else has to say. They're really missing out on knowing someone like you. All you've done and accomplished, that was you . Nobody else. Like when we took on Ursula and Maleficent, your moves were amazing . And even after Maleficent took me down with her, you still came back for me. Frankly….I've never seen such a heart from a person in years ."

He came and firmly put his arms around me.

"You know how elated I was when I got to contact you again? When we saw each other for the first time in over a decade? Wh-When….you came back for me? That was all you , pal. Besides….I'd say for sure that you're better off here. Here, you've got countless friends to call family. You've got our support. Most importantly, I'll always love you, Emily, not just as a sorceress, but especially as one of the best friends I've ever had outside my own world. Don't ever forget that…." He held me very close, showing no signs of letting go.

I then put my arms around him, resting my head on his shoulder.

"You don't have to deal with any of that bad stuff here. I won't stand in front of ya or behind ya, but beside ya." He continued.

It was then I uttered out soft sobs, like the internal pain was breaking out of me. It had nowhere else to go. I felt Mickey's hold only get warmer as one hand caressed the back of my head and hair, and the other rubbed the back of my shoulder.

"I'm so sorry….I wish I could've done more through the years. But I'm here now….and I'm not goin' anywhere." Mickey sniffled a little.

After a brief moment, I pulled away and rubbed my face as dry as I could. But little beads remained in my eyes.

"Y-You mean that?"

He nodded. "With all my heart and soul. You're no different from any of my dearest friends. I got a big family full of friends alike, and you're part of that. With me, you've always got a little light to come home to."

"Light?...."

He nodded once again. "Of course. You went through many dark times, and I can see it's gotten through to ya."

"I guess it has….sorry."

"Hey, it's okay. Despite your disposition, you're just a person. And people are never really perfect. It's not a bad thing."

Other feelings started rushing into me, and I found myself beginning to smile.

"Mickey?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm realizing….this suddenly feels so familiar, even though I'd never been here before moving in."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I've felt so….at home."

Mickey smiled warmly, his heart now touched.

"Then you definitely belong here." He said.

We looked at each other again. I let this sink in. Despite the crazy feelings I know I feel, for the first time in who knows how long, I felt like I truly belonged. No joining teams, no fighting robots or bad guys, no saving skins constantly. Just by being me, no matter how complicated I might get, and being so welcomed.

"Do you need a hug? It looks to me like….you could use one." Mickey wiped one side of his face free of tears.

I opened my arms. He came right in and gave a gentle but loving embrace.

"I promise, Emily, no matter what happens, I'll always be there to help ya. You're one of my special friends. And I love ya."

"I love you too, Mickey. Thank you so much." I felt warm inside, and I loved the feeling.

I felt myself get buried in the embrace, and that's not a bad thing at all. Not when I knew all too well I needed this comfort.

Deep inside, Mickey truly needed my comfort even more. I just failed to catch onto that. In my arms, Mickey found more tears slowly dripping from his eyes, but he remained silent.

Chapter Text

Today's fortune:

It may be frustrating now, but soon enough, you'll be laughing.

A few more days passed, and I found myself inside this multi-suite building in town, alongside Mickey, Donald, and Goofy.

The three are known to often work together in many different things, like they had for decades. One of their jobs even took place at a certain submarine sandwich shop….

Mickey and Goofy were anxiously waiting for a phone call to ring through the landline phone as I was reading a book. Donald was kicking back, relaxed. Today, we posed as an answering service team.

There hadn't been any calls the whole morning.

"Sure is easy bein' an answering service when nobody ever calls." Goofy commented.

"Yeah, you said it." Donald replied, implying it was a good thing to him.

"Maybe the phone's broken." Mickey picked up the top of the landline phone. He didn't hear anything.

"Hey, Emily, can I do a test run and call your phone?" Mickey asked.

"Sure thing." I held my phone in my hand, ready.

Mickey dialed my number. As a result, white noise briefly sounded, and then, absolute silence from the phone.

It had gone dead.

"Is it dead?" I asked, acknowledging the circumstance.

"'Fraid so." Mickey answered.

Goofy took his hat off in respect. "Disconnected in the prime of life."

I facepalmed, slightly smiling and rolling my eyes.

"That's that. I'm going home." Donald got up and headed for the door after grabbing his briefcase.

"Hold it, Donald!" Mickey caught up with him. "We gotta go down to the phone company and get this fixed, or we'll be out of a job today."

"Ah, phooey." Donald reluctantly accepted.

A while later, we drove to a rather unique building outside town. At the main front door was a keypad with a red button below the number dials.

I read the sign above the keypad.

“For service, push the red button.”

I did.

“Hello, and welcome.” A monotone voice sounded through the little speaker.

“Please press 1 on the keypad now.”

I did.

“Thank you. Now, press 4.”

I did, now beginning to feel slightly confused.

“By pressing 4, you’ve indicated that you’d like to press button 2. Press button 2 now.”

I followed through.

“Congratulations on pushing button 2. Please push it again.”

Confused, I did exactly that.

“Button 2 has been pushed twice. This cancels all previous button pushing. Goodbye.” The line went dead like on an actual phone.

What?!

“What the--?! Hey now! You literally TOLD me to push it twice!” I yelled.

“C’mon now, Em! Let me do it!” Donald came, intending to take my place, and I moved, allowing him to press the red button.

“Hello, and welcome. Please press button 1 on the keypad now.”

Smiling confidently, Donald did so.

“Thank you. Now, press 4.”

Donald laughed as Mickey scratched his head, and Goofy watched, a little more confused than myself.

“Watch this!” Donald pressed button 4 and then button 8.

“Congratulations! You’d like to pay your bill!”

The sign above the keypad turned out to be a sliding door, opening, and a crane-like arm came out (the crane reminded me of the little crane games at arcades, malls, everywhere), and it knocked both Donald and Mickey down to the ground, right past me and Goofy. The crane grabbed onto Donald’s duck bill and started dragging Donald inside. Donald fought back, soon managing to break out of the mechanical grip. However, in the familiar cartoony manner, Donald’s bill was realized to be missing. It honestly reminded me of Daffy Duck’s bill problems, especially when it had to do with either Yosemite Sam or Elmer Fludd.

Anyways, Goofy then came, holding Donald’s bill.

“Here’s yer bill back.” Goofy placed it back on Donald’s face.

Angered, Donald then stormed to the keypad and started tugging.

“Donald, stop!” I came first to intervene. “You’ll break the service pad!”

“You’ll break the phone company!” Mickey joined.

Goofy was the last to join in. “Then we can’t push any more buttons!”

The keypad was ripped off, more or less by accident at this point, and as we all fell, the keypad bounced. It soon ended up right in my hands, with me accidentally pressing the red button.

“Hello, and welcome! Please press button 1 now.” The monotone voice sounded.

“How on earth is this not shattered now?” Mickey was slightly puzzled.

“How’s this working?!....” My eyes were wide as could be.

“Lemme poke the button.” Goofy then pressed button 1.

“For customer service, enter the door on your right.”

The main entrance door finally opened.

“Now, we’re gettin’ somewhere! C’mon, fellas!” Mickey went into the building first, with the rest of us following.

We got inside, and there seemed to be a group of suites, almost like a hotel, with doors A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, a blank, 0, and the #. I then pressed button 1 again.

“For questions about your service, enter Room C.”

We all went as directed. When we got inside, it was such a tight room, we were all squished together. I pressed 1.

“ Vá para a Sala G para comprar um novo telefone fixo. To hear this message in English, go to Room E.”

We did. We were squished together once again as I managed to press button 1.

“We’re sorry. Room E is no longer in service. Please go to Room B.”

We did. When we got inside, it was dark as a room could be with no possible light pollution. I somehow found and pressed button 1 again.

“Welcome to Room B! Please follow the written instructions on the wall in front of you.”

“But we can’t see--!” Mickey tried saying.

“We’re sorry, your time is up.”

All four of us were dropped right back outside the main entrance door like change from a payphone. I dropped the keypad after I struck ground.

“Thank you for visiting the phone company.” The keypad sounded.

STOMP! Donald stomped onto the keypad with a mighty crash.

“Oh, shut up!” He turned to walk away.

“If you really want to smash me, step harder.” The keypad then sounded, catching me by surprise.

Angry, Donald stomped on the keypad a few more times with all his might, quacking up a storm. The keypad finally shattered into pieces.

I got up. “I wish I smashed that piece of shit.”

“You can do that to the dead phone when we get back.” Donald assured me.

“Deal.” I agreed.

“Well, now what? I think you just wrecked our best way inside.” Mickey admitted.

I took in a deep breath and a moment to think.

“Oh, hey! I’ve been able to take a form of a golden dust and get through real tight spaces. I can get myself in like that, and then I’ll let you guys in.” I then suggested.

“Is that a trick you’ve been working on?” Donald asked.

“Since just before I moved from Station Square. It’s how I thwarted Eggman’s last plan before I left.”

“You sure you got this?” Mickey asked the best way he could, out of some caution.

“It’s worth a shot. Besides, I got my own phone if something does happen. I can always call the fire department if I’m trapped.” I assured.

I then snapped my fingers, and gold aura flashed around me. Next thing I knew, I was magical golden dust, and I moved on my own through the crack of the main entrance door. I kept going about.

I soon found myself inside this room that seemed like a control room. It almost reminded me of Eggman’s lair back in Bygone. I took my normal form once again, and I looked around.

“Hello?!” I called out.

Nothing.

My phone then started ringing. I answered, assuming it was Mickey.

“Yeah?” I responded.

“What’ve you got?” Mickey asked.

“This room I’m in might be fully automatic. Nobody’s here.” I answered.

“Ooo! Who’s nobody?” Goofy asked.

“Well, y’know, nobody .” I didn’t know how else to answer.

“I know just about everybody, but….I dunno a nobody.” Goofy said.

“No no no, I meant there’s nobody here.”

“But you’re there. Does that make ya nobody?”

“No, I’m somebody.”

“Ah! So somebody is here!”

“Yeah.” I confirmed.

“Then where are they n’ why don’t they help?” Goofy asked.

“Wait, what? Nonono, I’m the somebody!"

“Then help us! See, our phone’s dead--!” Goofy began.

“No!” I tried correcting.

“Yes it is! Don’t you remember?” Goofy asked.

“I can’t help you!” My open hand slapped my forehead.

“Then what’re you doin’?!”

“I’m tryin’ to get some help!”

“Hate to break it to ya, Emily, but somebody said nobody’s there.” Goofy then said.

“B-But you--and I--!” I stuttered more and more, growing frustrated.

Goofy hung up on me.

“GAH, FRICKIN’ DAMMIT!!” I screamed in frustration.

Mickey then threw a punch at Goofy’s arm.

“Yeow! What?” Goofy shrugged.

After calming down, I somehow managed to find a way to let the others inside. Don’t ask me how exactly. I barely understand.

Next thing I knew, we found this strange door I failed to acknowledge before.

“Maybe we can get through here to get our phone fixed.” Mickey managed to open it with an automatic button.

When we got inside, there were so many phones all over the place. Both classic landline phones and the mobile smartphones at least most of us work with daily.

“Wh-Whoa….look at all those phones….” I commented almost mindlessly.

Goofy let himself look through some of the phones placed throughout, one by one.

A party noisemaker blew in his ear.

“Here’s a party line.”

Water splashed into his face.

“Water line.”

DING! A fresh loaf of bread.

“Bread line.”

A dandelion popped out, white and fuzzy, and the bits of fuzz then blew off the stem.

“Dande-line.”

A wig popped out onto Goofy’s head.

“Hair line.”

A life ring came out and was soon around Goofy’s higher arms and chest.

“Life line.”

A lion emerged, roaring, and then ran off.

“Fe-line.”

A small airplane flew around his head.

“Air line.”

WHOOF! Flames spewed out, and Goofy ended up completely black, just like how it happens in this cartoony world.

“Hot line.”

It suddenly felt like the whole room was tipping over sideways.

“And incline!” Goofy finished. He, Mickey, and Donald then started falling. All three soon found themselves dangling on a phone line as I easily had my wings help me out the way they always have. I just knew this was getting more and more interesting as this day continued, for I was smiling at this point.

A bit later, we found ourselves in this part of the place with plugs, like in older telephone operating services. I was specifically still trying to find my way to find the answers we’d been seeking all day. As for the guys, they found themselves trying to plug cords in, only to accidentally unplug each other’s ends.

After several long minutes, I found that my search had been getting me nowhere, and I grew impatient.

“Okay, I’ve dealt with this long enough. Guys, why don’t we go to Verizon or somethin’ n’ just--!” I turned around.

Donald was completely tied up in these cords, with the only bits of him exposed being his hands, feet, and bill. It almost looked like he was stuck in a gigantic spider web.

“Okay, what on Earth just happened?” I just asked.

“I dunno. It felt like we were in some kinda tug-uh-war.” Goofy replied.

“ Completely an accident.” Mickey added.

I then smiled a little, finding more humor.

“Well, looks like Donald’s the Line King.” I started laughing, and I facepalmed.

Mickey facepalmed, too. Goofy chuckled.

We agreed to go to the nearby Verizon after managing to exit that crazy building. But when we got there….

So many customers, all the employees busy with those customers. The busiest I’d ever seen a phone store be since the last iPhone released.

I facepalmed with both of my hands, letting them hold my head as it and some of my hair fell. I let out a heavy sigh.

“I give up….” I groaned.

“Maybe….we should go home….” Mickey admitted.

“Yeah, I think we should.” Donald agreed.

“Gawrsh….” Goofy rolled with the punches.

We called it a day.

The next day, I found myself laughing at bits of the events that had taken place.

Chapter Text

Today’s fortune:

True friends are often the greatest part of a person’s family.

It was now the week of Christmas. I was excited for my first holiday in town, just to see what it would be like.

Upon waking up and looking out the window, I could see that fog had formed on the window itself. Wiping it, I soon saw that it had snowed. Just like in a classic Christmas story. It caught me completely by surprise. Isn't the climate here a little warmer? Or is there really a kind of magic about this whole world?

I went through my closet and dresser, searching.

I soon found myself exiting my house, in a red winter trench coat, blue scarf, and white winter hat.

"Hi'ya, Emily!" I heard Mickey.

I turned, and he approached me.

"Hey, Mickey." I smiled at seeing him. "Does it normally snow here? Like in seasons?"

"Not really. This seems to be Elsa's work to liven the holiday spirit." Mickey replied with a smile.

"Really. Is this something she's been coming through with since she came to be, or is this relatively new?"

"It's been a thing since the beginning."

"That's…..actually refreshing. While I really like living in warmer climates, it's nice to have weather fitting to a holiday like this." I said.

"Tell me about it. That's what Elsa suggested the first time around." Mickey replied.

"By the way, do you have any plans today?" He then asked me.

"Not right now. Why?"

"The House of Mouse is gonna be hosting a Christmas party tonight, if you'd like to come."

I smiled and crossed my arms. "What do you mean 'if I'd like to come'?" I joked. "You gotta be nuts if you think I might turn that kind of thing down." I laughed.

Mickey laughed, too. "Valid point. Minnie and some of the others n' I are gonna be heading out to prepare the decorations and shows shortly."

"I can help if you want." I offered.

"Ya sure?"

"You bet I am. Besides, I can change into much nicer clothes for the party….." I caught myself. "Much like Elsa herself, come to think of it."

We both laughed once again.

"Ya mind if I gave you a ride?" Mickey then offered.

"Oh, sure. If you like, of course. I don't wanna be rude…."

"Don't worry about it. A little answer is all it takes for me. By the way….are ya done shopping?"

"For Christmas? I am, yes." I answered.

"Oh, good. Would ya like to come inside my house for some hot cocoa?"

"If you don't mind…."

"Hey, you're always welcome to c'mon over. All ya gotta do is knock." Mickey kept his friendly smile.

"Thanks, Mickey." I gently held his hand, for my bare hand felt colder.

"I gotcha, pal." He took me back inside his house, and when he did, Minnie was already there, having a cup of hot cocoa of her own.

"Hey there, Minnie." I smiled at seeing her.

"Good morning, Emily!" Minnie happily came and gave me a gentle hug.

"How are you?" She asked.

"Good as gold, Minnie. How about you?"

"I could say the same thing. Here, have some cocoa." She went and poured a new mugfull of thick hot chocolate.

"Thank you so much. It's a cold one out there." I took it and took some sips.

Minnie then got Mickey a mug.

"Here you go, Mickey." Minnie giggled and kissed Mickey's cheek.

Mickey giggled. "Thanks, Minnie."

And we enjoyed light conversations over hot cocoa before heading out to the House of Mouse.

When we did get there, I pitched in on decorating for the coming night, as well as helping Horace with the microphones, cartoons, and projectors.

As it was quickly getting dark, the fact that the crowds were about to arrive filtered through. Just as Horace and I finished testing the tech balcony.

Horace and I both approached Mickey and Donald.

"Hi'ya, pals." Mickey saw us. "How's everything in tech?"

"Everything's peachy good, Mick." Horace replied.

"All systems go." I gave a thumbs up.

"Perfect! The crowds will be comin' real soon, so get ready for the Christmas cheer. Emily, I'll let you use my dressing room to prep yourself." Mickey then said.

"Thanks a bunch." I turned and walked in the specified direction.

Soon enough, in Mickey's dressing room, I sat at the vanity, and I was brushing my hair. I was already dressed in a warm red dress, with the sleeves not being skin-tight, but they weren’t loose either. It sparkled with fabric snowflakes and small bits of glitter among them. The edges of the dress itself were white and puffy like snow, as well as the edges of my sleeves and the edge ending at my higher chest. For the first time in years, I had a ribbon tied around my neck, glittery gold in color, and at the right side of my neck was a Christmas bow. After brushing my hair, I only put on some casual chapstick, light pink in color.

I exited the dressing room once I knew I was ready. I saw guests already coming in, beginning the celebration. I gave my own greetings to each and every one of them.

Once everyone got situated at their own tables, I was allowed to take a seat at my own, and we all watched Mickey come onto the stage, wearing his red Santa hat.

“Hi’ya, everybody! Thank you all so much for coming and helping make the House’s Christmas Celebration possible!” Mickey spoke into the microphone.

We all applauded in response.

“Throughout the night, Christmas song requests will be open, and you’re more than welcome to sing any one of them up here on stage!” Mickey continued. “In the meantime, enjoy our special dishes and drinks provided by our culinary chefs and staff, and if you have any, feel free to give any and all the gifts you’ve got! All they’ve gotta do is come from the heart and make others smile!”

Applause continued, and soft Christmas music started playing through the speakers. Mickey walked off the stage, like many other nights.

I was served dinner, and still at my table, I ate. It was honestly reminiscent of my memories long ago. I was specifically served potato perogies that were cooked and served in onions and butter, a Polish sausage, and a side of vegetables sauteed in garlic butter.

When I was growing up, my family and relatives would always gather at my Aunt Karen’s house every Christmas Eve as a part of our yearly celebration. What we always ate were things like ham, Aunt Karen’s baked macaroni and cheese, Polish sausages, and especially different variations of perogies. My family is mostly Polish on both sides, and we celebrate that nationality through parties like this one and what we eat. Although I’ve always been a VERY picky eater, I was raised on buttery perogies. The only other nationality we really celebrate is our German side, especially at Chicago’s Kindel Market.

It honestly felt very comforting to see a part of me being honored at the House of Mouse. I sighed at further reminiscing in my head.

“Hi there, Emily!” A little squeaky voice called out to me, catching me a little by surprise.

I looked over my table, only to find two familiar little mice now upon the table, facing me with friendly smiles. Jaq and Gus. I knew them.

“Hey there, buddies. I see you remember me.” I smiled as I put my fork down.

“Of course!” Jaq said with a wide smile. “How could we forget a sweet little gir--I mean, a nice young lady like you?”

I giggled. “It’s okay. It has been a long time.”

“Y-Y-You look very pretty.” Gus stuttered, a little shy.

“Thank you, Gus. That’s very kind.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Cinderelly and we have a present for you, if you’d like to come to our table!” Jaq then told me.

“Oh? That’s very sweet.” I took one last bite of my meal, and after finishing and cleaning myself, I stood up, letting Jaq and Gus onto my shoulders.

I walked us across the dining floor, eventually finding Cinderella, Prince Charming, and their other mice friends seated, having little presents with them. As I got to their table, Jaq and Gus hopped off my shoulder and met up with the other mice.

“Oh, Emily!” Cinderella smiled at my arrival, and she stood up and gave me a gentle hug. I hugged her back the same way.

“It’s great to see you, Cinderella.” I said to her, happy.

“My my, you’ve grown up to be so beautiful!” She kindly observed me. “Look at you….”

“It’s not much….” I couldn’t help but giggle a little.

“Nobody said it has to be.” She assured me.

“I must agree.” Prince Charming stood up and bowed respectfully. “A pleasure to be in your presence, Emily.”

I curtsied in the same manner. “The same goes to you, sir.”

“You can call me Henry. We’re among friends.” The Prince additionally assured me.

“Thank you, Henry.” I kept my friendly smile.

“Oh! We have a gift just for you.” Cinderella then held a little purple box in her hands and handed it out to me.

“For me?....” I slowly took hold of it.

When I opened it, I knew for a fact that I had never seen a more beautiful pair of earrings in my life. Sterling silver, bearing beautiful red ruby gems.

“W-Wow….” I couldn’t find much to say.

“We specifically had them made for you. All to make you feel more beautiful. Do you like them?” Cinderella asked considerately.

I smiled again. “They’re so beautiful. Thank you both so much. I’ll wear them next time we’re here.”

“That sounds lovely.” Cinderella gave me another gentle hug.

A bit later, I found myself going about the dining room, wishing to find others to talk with.

“Emily, honey!” A much more familiar voice calmly called.

When I turned, there was Tiana approaching me.

“Tiana!” I came over to her, opening my arms.

We hugged, almost like we were best friends for life.

“Oh, look acth’ya.” She was very happy. “We finally get to meet!”

“I’ll say. I’ve honestly been waiting to meet you, Tiana. How’re things in New Orleans?”

“Oh, they’re just dandy. Mah restaurant’s been boomin’, with people comin’ from everywhere .”

“That’s wonderful. I’ve been wanting to go, myself.”

“Why don’tcha? Y’know how, right?”

“I haven’t figured it out yet…..”

“Oh, take all the time you need. I’m not goin’ anywhere. N’ while we’re here,” Tiana then took out a Christmas gift, “I got somethin’ for you.”

“Oh, really? You didn’t have to. We more or less just met.”

“Mickey’s told me all about you. Trust me, I really wanted to.” She insisted kindly.

I opened the box. Inside was what looked like an actual lily flower from lily pads, but upon my touch, it turned into solid gold, matching my powers.

“Whoa….it’s beautiful, Tiana. Thank you so much.”

“You’re very welcome, Emily. I thought, in the meantime, it would be nice t’ have a bit of the Louisiana Bayou with you.”

“That’s very sweet.” I smiled warmly.

I then made my open hand glow gold, and I formed two small masses over my palm. With some of my own mental commands, they turned into a special mug and ornament.

“The mug here is from Chicago’s famous Walnut Room restaurant. It’s been inside what was the Marshall Fields shopping building for years. Probably decades. Although the building is now a Macy’s department store, the Walnut Room has remained.”

“My goodness, it’s somethin’ else, that’s for sure.” Tiana gently held the mug in her hands. “Wow….”

“This is also for you.” I held out the special ornament.

“It’s handmade and hand-painted from Chicago’s additionally famous Holiday Kindel Market. My family and I go to that and the Walnut Room every Christmas, most often with my Aunt Karen and her family. The Kindel Market and the Walnut Room, in my opinion, are two of the crowned holiday jewels of the Windy City.”

“Thank you so much, Emily!” Tiana’s eyes sparkled. “This and the mug are both beautifully interesting! Maybe I should take ya to New Orleans and to my restaurant, n’ I can show you around?”

“That sounds great! I could maybe take you to Chicago, and I’ll show you around there in return.” I suggested.

“We can make ‘em days. Magic and hard work have their ways.” Tiana liked the idea, with her continued smile showing it.

I hugged Tiana, with her hugging me back gently.

After a bit of time spent interacting with many of the guests, I chose to go outside for some cool air. It continued snowing gently, and it was honestly relaxing to see the snow float down and cover the world around me with its bright blanket. Watching the visible mist leave my mouth after each breath was more than refreshing.

The entrance doors swung open.

“Emily?” A familiar female voice gently called me.

I turned. Her green eyes, almost matching mine perfectly, taller than me for sure, her hair being a dirty honey-blonde, if not with a hint of orange, her gear being mostly pink in a way I can recognize but not quite describe. The same goes for her helmet and visor. I smiled at her presence.

“Hey, Honey Lemon.” I greeted casually.

“What’re you doing out here?” She asked.

“Just wanted some fresh air and a break from the chatter all around, honestly.”

“Oh….am I putting a damper on that?....”

“Not with just one other person, no.” I assured her.

“How have things been since you moved into Mickey’s neighborhood?” She then asked.

“Pretty good. I’ve been adjusting quite well, already gone up a high mountain peak with Mickey, comically punched Pete over the edge a few times, even found one of these.”

I summoned my purple Keyblade as I finished my given statement.

Honey Lemon’s eyes lit up like a child’s.

“Wh-Whoa! How do you do that?”

“By magic since I found it on the ocean floor.”

“You’ve gone that deep?!”

“Sure have. My magic powers enable me to do that and breathe underwater by mental command.” I replied. “In fact, breathing underwater is one of the abilities I use the most with my powers.”

“So cool….have you explored those kinds of worlds since you discovered that?”

“Oh, Honey Lemon….stories for days , girlfriend. By the way, how’re things in San Fransokyo?”

“Oh, things have been pretty good. Nobody’s caused any trouble as of recent. I just hope I don’t jinx it.”

“And the lab?”

“Swimmingly! You should come to San Fransokyo and the Nerd Lab sometime soon! Given you know a pretty fair share of science, you’d love it. It’s like Candyland.”

“I’d love to, but I just gotta figure it out. Never been, so I can’t simply teleport. Unless there’s something I’ve been missing.”

“That’s okay. Maybe once you’ve been at least once, you can do that teleportation thing with that magic of yours.” Honey Lemon suggested with slight hope.

“Anything’s possible in the world of Disney. At least, that’s what Mickey’s told me.”

“I’ve heard him say that too, since we’ve come to be.”

She then suddenly remembered. “Oh! I almost forgot! I got a little something for you.” She took out a little Christmas box and handed it to me.

“Feliz Navidad, Emily!” Her smile remained wide.

“Thank you, Honey Lemon. Sorry I didn’t get you anything….”

“Don’t worry about it. You’re new in town, and you’re busy settling in.” She assured me as I held the box in my hands.

When I opened it, I saw a pink bracelet, perhaps made of kunzite crystals.

“Are these kunzites?” My eyes lit up.

“You got it!” She gave me a thumbs up. “I thought a little friendship bracelet was a start.”

“Thank you so much. It’s very pretty.” I took it out and put it on my left wrist.

Honey Lemon clapped her hands. “Yay! I’m so glad! And you’re so welcome!”

We gave each other an eager but quick hug.

Honey Lemon and I soon came back inside together to warm back up and rejoin the party.

Many guests, including myself, took turns singing Christmas songs and dancing with the music. I befriended others I hadn’t gotten very acquainted with along the way, such as Mama Odie, Jasmine, Baloo, and even a friendly dragon named Figment.

These annual Christmas parties are definitely some for the books, let me tell you!

Chapter Text

Christmas Eve's fortune:

Christmas is found in the way that we live. Not what we receive, but what we can give.

Christmas Eve was finally nigh. Upon waking up, I saw that the gentle snowfall had continued and further whitened the world outside and around my small home.

I was honestly pleasantly surprised to see that same gentle snow cover much of Illinois as well, for I went there not long after going through my morning routine.

I brought myself to Aunt Karen’s first, for she and a part of the family were already present, including my father and stepmother, to help prepare for the annual family party. I had some presents in my hands.

My younger cousin Kelsey noticed me first.

“Hey there, Em!” She came and gave me the perfect hug for a greeting.

I did the same for her.

“Hey, Kelsey.”

“Emily?! Is that you?” My dad overheard from the kitchen and started walking to the front door.

“Hi, Dad.” I came and gave him a hug.

“What’re you doing here so early? The party doesn’t start for another two hours.” He asked.

“I came to share a bit of the holiday with you guys before I go home to have a special party.” I replied.

“Oh yeah, I heard you live with the Mickey in his neighborhood, right?” Kelsey guessed.

“I do. After some decisions of my own, I honestly believed I would be happiest with him and his friends we all know and love.” I said.

“Have you been so far?” My dad asked.

“Very happy. I think I made the right decision.”

He put his arm around me and rubbed my shoulder. “That’s very good. And that’s all I’ll ever want you to do for yourself.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

I helped with some of the cooking as I almost constantly chatted with my closest family. Including Cindy. I gave them all their small but thoughtful presents throughout my brief stay.

A bit later, I found myself at a certain cemetery, standing upon a specific burial spot.

I removed the fallen snow from the special stone, revealing the name and legacy of the special person I was visiting. I had a lone rose in my hand. There was barely a breeze, so the snow kept floating straight downwards.

I got both of my hands together, holding the rose, and I closed my eyes.

“Merry Christmas, Nick….my love….” My voice barely even trembled, but I could feel that the pain was rather fresh. My heart broke a little.

I knelt down and placed the rose upon the gravestone, right by his name.

“I’ll always love you.” I said with a surprising lack of trouble.

Snow crunched with footsteps slowly sounding closer and closer.

I turned my head to my left, and it was then I saw her.

A girl, if not a woman, perhaps just a little younger than me, approaching me, it looked like. Her short hair, looking a little like a layered pixie cut, pure blue in color. Her loose sleeves were loose, but they were separate garments of clothes, a much lighter shade of indigo, lighter than the cloths hanging over her hips and outer sides of her legs. Her eyes were as gentle blue as her hair. Her shoes and heels looked almost like they were made of metal.

“Hey.” She greeted me.

I stood up. “Hi.”

“Are you the sorceress named Emily Ann?” She asked as sincerely as she could.

“I am.” I was very slightly confused.

She formed a slight smile.

“My name’s Aqua. I’m a friend and ally of Mickey’s.” She introduced herself.

“You know Mickey?”

“I do. Like him, I wield a Keyblade.” She opened her right hand, summoning a very interesting looking Keyblade. It was a shape I couldn’t quite describe, but I knew it didn’t look like mine, for sure.

“Wh-Whoa….” I couldn’t help but utter.

She made it vanish just as quickly as she summoned it, and she relaxed once more.

“That’s really cool….you got one too?”

“I’m not just a wielder, but I’m a Keyblade Master.”

“A Master? Wow….I’ve pretty much just gotten started.”

I then summoned my purple Keyblade.

“See?” I let her look at my treasure.

“Amazing….how did you get it?” Her eyes widened a little.

“I found it while I was exploring the ocean. I’ve held onto it ever since. I think it was only a good month, if not a little less, ago.” I recalled as I let it vanish once again.

“Good for you.” She held her small smile.

“If I may, what are you doing here?” I then asked.

“I go about places like this lots of the time to pay some respect to those who have fallen. It’s one of my ways of giving wishes, especially during this time of year.” Aqua answered. “I just didn’t expect to find you here, of all places.”

We both looked at the stone I’d been upon since arrival.

“Was he someone special to you?” Aqua asked me.

“Still is in my heart. Nick….was someone I loved deeply, as well as someone in whom I saw a bright future with. He passed suddenly after only a year after we started our relationship.” I replied.

“I’m sorry….how long have you known him?”

“Ever since we were five year old kids going to the same kindergarten class.” I replied. “We blossomed when we met.”

“I’ve heard very little from Mickey.” Aqua said.

“Would you like to walk around with me?” I then offered.

“If you don’t mind the company. I know we just met….”

“It’s okay. I think I could use the company to brighten up the day again.” I allowed, and I walked away first, letting Aqua catch up and walk beside me.

“So,” I then brought up, “how do you know Mickey?”

“It’s a long story….”

“I’m all ears.” I accepted. “I never mind long stories.”

Slightly comforted, Aqua then proceeded to tell me. About her adventures leading to meeting Mickey, trying to help two of her closest friends as well. Ventus and Terra were in trouble with being a target and being taken advantage of, respectively. And for years, Aqua gave up her freedom to this dark realm to save Terra. She lost her then-Keyblade at a point, and was stranded for over a decade. That made me feel sorry for her, given the grave pain she had to go through. The whole story sounded familiar, though….

I took a turn and told Aqua about me, my life, my magic, my place on the Sonic Team, and why I chose to live in the world of Disney. Just like I to her, Aqua listened to me, undistracted. I didn’t hold back on the details of a number of the adventures I had embarked on. I especially told her more about Nick.

We walked about the entire cemetery, giving respects in between our conversations, and the snow continued its gentle descent to Earth.

A little gust of wind then came through as we were getting back to my original spot, and Aqua shivered.

“You okay?” I asked her.

“I should’ve prepared better for this winter weather.” Aqua replied.

“Well, would you like to come to my home with me? I can help warm you up before you get back to your home.”

“Are you sure?....”

“Very. It’s not hard for me to get there. C’mon.” I reached my hand out to hers.

She took my hand, and hers felt rather cold. I used my own magic to open my way back to the town, and we both walked through together.

When we were in my house, I made hot chocolate for both of us, and we relaxed on the sofa.

“Thank you, Emily, for the hot chocolate.” Aqua thanked. “It’s very kind of you.”

“Of course. We may have just met, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be friends, right?”

Aqua smiled, and she nodded. “Right. You’re so much like Mickey.”

“I’ve been getting that a lot since I moved here. It really shouldn’t surprise me that I fit right in.” I joked a little.

She giggled along with me.

I then drank some more hot chocolate.

“You know, after what you told me about, I’m actually very happy for you. Almost jealous, actually.”

“Why?”

“When I was in the Realm of Darkness, I was alone. Mickey may have tried to help me, but I gave up myself once again to save him and Riku, as I’ve told you. But when you were consumed by your own troubles and darkness, you almost always had at least one friend with you every step of the way.”

“I feel horrible that you were alone in there for so long, though….it sounds so painful. Mentally and emotionally.” I said.

“Maybe, but I waited in hope. And I knew it was the right thing for Terra and Riku, in that order of instances. It was for the best. And something in my heart believed that someone would come and help me out, no matter how long it took. Even after I lost my Keyblade and found myself defenseless, I chose to wait. You still kept choosing to keep going, at first for friends, like your brother Tails, and then eventually for yourself.” Aqua explained. “Your heart was broken, but it still had the support of present friends.”

“I envy you for keeping a little faith, even when you couldn’t do anything to fend for yourself for all these years. And you were very patient, from what you were telling me. I often lost that bit of faith in me. Although I often kept getting it back throughout the years, a lot of the pain here is probably permanent.”

“You’re only getting stronger every day for meddling through. There’s that much to be proud of.” Aqua drank more of her serving.

“Yeah….you’re right on that. I guess we’ve both been through so much over the last decade.” I drank some more as well.

“Indeed. And we’re now here.”

“Yeah. And I’m very happy to finally be here. I sometimes feel like I should’ve stuck around here long ago.”

“Certain timings present themselves for good reason. That’s what Master Eraqus has told me, Ventus, and Terra since we had been his students.”

“That’s what my dad has told me, too, back when I was still in school.” I remembered.

“May your heart be your guiding key.” Aqua then said as she looked out a window beside her.

That phrase….it sounded familiar to me.

“I feel like I’ve heard that before….” I tilted my head.

“It’s another phrase I learned from Master Eraqus. It’s something I try hard to remember, especially when things look bleak.” Aqua said. “Has anyone told you that before?”

“I don’t really know, but it just sounds familiar….” I scratched my head. “Perhaps it’s just phrased differently from my memory. My parents always told me to follow my heart, wherever it takes me. Eventually, it took me here, and everyone’s happy that I’ve done what I can to make myself happy.”

“Maybe it is just the phrasing. Those two things can mean the same thing, depending on perspective.” Aqua then said.

If only I caught on sooner….but then again, it’s okay.

Aqua soon finished her hot chocolate.

“I need to go back home. Ven and Terra are expecting me back for our own celebration.” Aqua then stood up.

“For Christmas?” I then stood up, too.

She nodded.

“Are we gonna see each other again?” I asked.

“Of course, Emily.” Aqua kept her warm smile. “We’re friends now, aren’t we?”

I smiled back. “I’d say we are.” I came and held out my right hand.

She gently shook my hand.

“Friends it is.” Aqua agreed happily. She then opened her arms a little.

I came and shared a gentle hug with Aqua. I don’t think I’d ever felt an embrace like hers before. It almost seemed familiar, but at the same time, surreal. One thing was certain, though: it was very warm. And I loved it.

“Merry Christmas, Aqua.” I then wished.

“Merry Christmas, Emily.” She replied.

She used her Keyblade to create her own portal and then leave for her own home. I watched her go and the portal disappear after she walked through.

I found myself in thought as I tilted my head down and a bit to the right.

“May my heart be my guiding key….” I phrased, unable to get my finger on the familiarity.

Next thing I knew, dusk had already fallen. There was a specific house in a different neighborhood in town, lit up peacefully enough, but not overdone like some of the houses around in the block. The greatest light was seen from the wide front window, revealing the decorated Christmas tree and shining star on the top.

Mickey and Minnie were the first to arrive by sled, courtesy of Pluto. Much like they had before, Mickey got up first and reached his hand to Minnie. They both soon stood and locked an arm around each other. Pluto was now at the other side of Mickey.

Goofy and Max were the next to arrive by car, pulling into the wide driveway. In the backseats and trunk were the presents between them, Mickey and Minnie, and their friends who were on the way.

Speaking of whom, Donald and Daisy then arrived by cab, along with Huey, Dewey, and Louie. The three boys were the first to emerge from the taxi cab, letting Donald and Daisy follow. The gang was almost complete.

“Looks like almost everyone got here on time.” Max smiled. “How’s everyone doing?”

“We’ve been just fine, Max. Thank you for asking.” Minnie replied kindly.

“Just peachy. Really.” Louie replied sincerely.

“Isn’t Emily supposed to be here, though?” Goofy asked.

“Yeah, she’s invited here from now on. Maybe she’s just running a little late?” Mickey guessed.

“That’s not really like her, is it?” Dewey tilted his head.

“In fact, if I’m correct, she’s known to be early.” Daisy added.

“She’ll come, I’m sure. She wouldn’t miss a nice Christmas party for the world.” Huey said.

CLICK CLOCK CLICK CLOCK CLICK CLOCK! It was soft at first, but it sounded like it was getting closer by every ticking moment. Although it wasn’t normal to hear it, the sound was increasingly familiar among the friends.

When the party looked in the direction the odd sound was coming from, they spotted me down the snowy street, with gold aura shining brightly around me and the golden horse I was riding. In fact, upon closer inspection among the party of friends, the entire horse, especially the mane and tail, was glittering the same gold as my own magic.

I was the last to approach the house and the friends in the driveway, wearing my usual warm smile.

“Salutations, my friends.” I greeted. The golden horse then magically disappeared, letting me float down to my feet.

“Gee, Emily,” Daisy was the first to comment, “you sure know how to arrive in style.”

“How’d you do that?” Dewey’s eyes were lit up.

“After some thought, I just used my magic. Like Daisy implied, I chose to come over in style.” I replied.

Minnie giggled. “Is there anything you can’t do?”

“Be too late to a party, for one thing.” I giggled.

Everyone else shared chuckles and light laughter.

When we all got inside, Max lit the fireplace in the main lounging room. Goofy went right to the kitchen, lighting it up upon entering. After hanging my coat, I dusted the grand piano by the fireplace. Mickey and Donald placed the presents under the beautiful Christmas tree. Minnie and Daisy cleaned the dining table as the triplets helped get the plates and silverware.

I let myself sit in front of the piano, and I cracked my knuckles.

I just started playing. It all came back to me, my musical touch. Alongside playing, I began to sing. Silver Bells, probably my favorite classic Christmas song of them all.

I didn’t mind that the others started coming around to listen. In fact, it honestly felt so….refreshing in a reminiscent way, to have people listening to me sing. They silently allowed me to sing my heart out.

I went through a few songs. Christmas Canon by the Trans-Sibberian Orchestra. The First Noel. Do You Hear What I Hear, specifically by Carrie Underwood. Bing Crosby’s We Wish You a Merry Christmas and The Littlest Angel. Josh Groban’s versions of I’ll Be Home for Christmas and Silent Night. Additionally, the famous Believe, known from The Polar Express. At many points, Mickey and some of the others sang along and harmonized with me. Especially Mickey and Minnie.

We soon ended up taking turns playing the piano and singing different Christmas songs. Quite honestly, I don’t remember anyone in my family singing Christmas songs together, or at all, beside myself and Kelsey. It felt refreshingly old-school to follow through now, with some of the best friends my six-year-old self could’ve made. A Christmas I’d only dreamed of going through with myself, but felt too guilty to ask anyone at the Christmas parties.

But I remembered. When I was growing up, putting up the Christmas tree was always quite a party among me, my sisters, and my mom. We, at a point, would turn on the musical numbers from the classic Christmas movies Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus Is Coming to Town , my sisters and I would each put on a Christmas hat, and we’d make up dances, acts, and even marching sequences for each and every song. It was one of the very best parts of Christmastime for me. Or at the very least, the happiest simple memories I made. I even remember most of the dancing, if I’m gonna be completely honest!

Speaking of, as those specific songs came to play, thanks to Minnie playing the piano at this point, I did those very dances, letting Mickey, Donald, and Goofy follow. We danced, sang, laughed, and had the time of our lives.

We were tired by the time dinner was finally ready. Good thing we were, too; there was plenty of food now being set on the table.

Mickey carved the turkey, and we helped ourselves to our desired servings. We chatted more as we dined gladly. The entire dinner was probably the very best Christmas dinner I’d ever had. I definitely ate up, for I was probably the hungriest of the entire party.

It was soon present time, and we all gathered at the fireplace and Christmas tree. And we each took turns opening our respective gifts.

I got Goofy and Max brand new fishing poles and gear to go with them. I got a new Switch and controllers to come with for the triplets. As for Daisy, a new and beautiful dress I designed myself. I got Donald a new golden charm in the shape of a certain wand he found familiar. I got Minnie a magically gold rose, and it will never die. She was very touched.

As for Mickey…..

He ended up opening what looked like a pocket watch, made of what looked like pure gold. His name was engraved on it. Curious, he opened it. It glowed the same gold as mine upon opening, and a picture was shown from inside the lid. Myself and Mickey at my then-home in Station Square, celebrating my birthday. Soft music played upon opening, and it was a soothing tone Mickey couldn’t quite recognize, but he instantly loved it all the same.

“G-Gosh, Emily….” He was very touched. “Did you make this yourself?....”

“I did.” I nodded. “To have a bit of me with you all the time, even when I’m not around. Like how a part of me was when we were apart through the years.”

He smiled warmly, and he came and just gave me a similarly warm hug. I hugged him back the same way, savoring his affection as always.

Donald was the one to insist that I’d open my presents the next morning. I played the reluctant one and jokingly went along with the punches.

Night grew late, and we all went to bed in the same beautifully humble Christmas house. I was given a bedroom of my own, easily being the most peaceful one of them all. The only thing lit was a small green Christmas tree nightlight by the dresser.

I went to sleep rather easily, but I wasn’t asleep for long. Despite the calming Christmas music playing from my phone, I woke up more easily than I fell asleep, oddly enough. I didn’t even pay attention to the time. I just turned the music off as I found myself wide awake.

I let myself sit at the bedroom window, with the curtains pushed aside, and I watched the snowflakes grow bigger, making the snowfall look even more beautiful. The lone streetlight across the street illuminated Mother Nature’s white performance.

I soon found myself coming downstairs, putting on my coat and boots, and then quietly going out the front door into the snowy world. This entire sensation only added to the holiday cheer flowing through my heart, body, and soul. The mounting joy showed itself as gold aura around both of my hands.

I just spun around, and the gold aura, my nightgown, robe, and trenchcoat all spun with my movement.

I found myself dancing in the snow, and gold aura spread from my hands to all over my body. I started humming the Let It Snow song. I just let my heart and imagination play. It didn’t take long for me to actually start singing again.

The front door came open, and two pairs of joyous eyes met up with me, much to my first-handed unawareness. Others weren’t far behind, for they heard the soft commotion from their rooms.

The first two then came to the front yard.

I heard a harmonica in action, and I quickly turned. There were Mickey and Pluto, with Mickey playing his gold harmonica. Mickey was now playing Jingle Bells. I was surprised at first, especially upon seeing the rest of the party of friends on the porch.

But the joy just couldn’t be contained. I let it happen, and I resumed singing along with Mickey’s harmonica. Pluto came and started dancing with the two of us.

As the music continued, more lights were being switched on from the neighboring houses over the block, and then beyond it. People of all ages came to their windows and porches, most of them having a mug of any given hot beverage in hand, and enjoyed the impromptu performance.

I continued my magical dance about the snow, letting my magic play further. More children came to their own front yards as time went on.

Once I found that the neighborhood was now awake, I found it in myself to sing more of my heart out. The children sang along with their true spirit. The other friends then came into the front yard and joined in the party.

We all went through another medley of Christmas songs and carols. I’ll admit it, this was probably the most fun with Christmas itself I’d ever had. No game nights, jokes, present times, or pierogi feasts could amount to this.

Just as the Sleigh Ride song was finishing, sleigh bells were then heard from a far distance.

Mickey came and stood beside me, and we both looked up at the sky. I didn’t even acknowledge that the snow stopped during our carolling until now. It cleared up rather nicely, revealing the beautiful stars that were blanketed by the clouds of snow.

As we and the kids of the entire neighborhood looked up at the sky, the sleigh bells kept sounding beautifully, and it didn’t take long for me to spot a truly magical sight.

“Right there!” I pointed out, and Mickey looked in that same direction.

“Gosh….” His eyes lit up just like mine. “It looks like….”

“Santa Claus!....” I finished in awe.

“I believe it is.”

Kids celebrated from pure excitement, and their eyes shined like stars. As did my own.

The glittering sleigh flew through the sky and over the neighborhood, and many bits of glitter started floating down to each of the houses throughout. Two little stragglers were realized to be heading for me and Mickey.

The families and children hurried inside, with many of the children thanking me and Mickey for the music.

I reached out and caught my magic present easily. To: Emily, From: Santa.

When I looked up at the sky again, it was slowly beginning to turn blue. Dawn was nigh. And I knew exactly what that meant.

“Mickey?” I looked down at him.

He turned back to me in response.

“Yeah?”

“Merry Christmas.” I said with a smile.

He smiled back, and his eyes glittered.

“And a Merry Christmas to you, Emily.”

I then began to open the present in my hands. After the little bit of work, what I saw now made my heart and jaw drop. A familiar pink box, and inside it was a certain necklace, with the charm being a pink fluorite crystal with a sterling silver barrier. The chain was also sterling silver.

A few tears fell into the box and onto the pink fluorite jewel. As Mickey had opened his gift, he looked at me and saw me in my newly given state.

“Emily?....” He was a little concerned.

“I-I thought….I lost this….” I knew exactly what it was.

“What is it?” He asked.

I showed him the pink fluorite necklace.

“The only gift….Nick gave me for Christmas when we were together.” I managed to answer.

“Gosh….it’s so beautiful.” He couldn’t help but comment.

“That’s exactly what I said….he gave it to me during our lunch period. It was one of the sweetest things he ever did for me, and he was a sweetheart to me all the time. Even when he put up with my emotional nonsense.”

“You were both young. You didn’t know.” He assured me.

“I just wish I didn’t have to learn the hard way….”

Mickey came, dropping his own gift aside, and he held both of my hands with his.

“Hey, it’s okay. He knows. And he’ll always love ya for the person you really are.” He told me with a small smile.

I took a look at the present that was now in the snow. It looked to me like a new Christmas hat in the same pattern as his iconic sorcerer’s hat.

I then thought I saw a figure down the block. The same blue hair and attire as I had met before. The blue eyes were warmer than before. Same with her smile.

“You may have two guiding keys. Your heart…..and his.” Her voice echoed in my head.

I knew that was true, and I smiled. Upon smiling, I felt more at peace.

“See? His love, legacy, and memory all live on in your own heart.” Mickey’s hold on my hands slightly tightened. His warm smile remained.

The figure of Aqua, perhaps a figment of my own imagination, disappeared with the same warmth in her smile and eyes.

“I know, Mickey. And I’m learning to accept those terms a little more.”

“That’s good.” He opened his arms.

I knelt down and gave him a warm hug. Warm enough to thaw the cold around us. The sun started showing itself.

More of our friends came, and a warming group hug formed. No other words were needed for that moment.

“Say, since it’s just about morning, why doesn’t Emily open her presents?” Minnie then suggested after breaking the hug.

Pluto barked and wagged his tail.

“I’ll start up breakfast.” Daisy added.

“That….would be lovely. Thank you.” I agreed.

We all went inside.

I ended up getting wonderful gifts from everyone. From Goofy and Max, a large box of Christmas chocolates and candies. The best thing the Goofs could’ve done, honestly. Donald and Daisy pitched in and got me a PlayStation 4 console, as well as the Kingdom Hearts games. They and the whole group insisted I try playing them. The triplets pitched in by getting me extra GameStop money, courtesy of Webby and Scrooge. As for Minnie, she got me a brand new Christmas dress, perfect in color and style for my taste. I instantly fell in love.

Mickey gave me my present from him as Daisy prepped biscuits and gravy, and Mickey was wearing his new Christmas hat.

“Here. I think you’re really gonna love this one.” Mickey told me with a warm smile.

I took it, and I opened it a little excitedly. Inside the wrapping was an oddly shaped case. It almost looked like a guitar, only much smaller. I opened it.

Inside was the most beautiful violin I’d ever seen. So high quality, with the bow looking like it was made of pure gold. Some detail work on the violin itself looked gold, too, just like the bow and my magic.

“Wh-Whoa….Mickey….you’re not serious, are you?” I was awestruck.

He laughed. “Of course I’m serious! You love music, and you like playing the piano, as well as the violin. You deserve to keep that love for music with ya all the time.”

“Gawrsh! Why don’tcha try playin’ it?” Goofy then suggested.

“Yeah, let’s hear it!” Huey liked the idea.

I took the violin and bow out, and I prepared myself by resting my chin on the proper rest.

“Oh! Hold on!” Minnie got up and sat herself down at the grand piano.

Mickey pulled out his harmonica at the same time.

“What’s on your mind now?” He asked.

I knew what he meant. I started playing “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas”. Mickey and Minnie joined in almost immediately, and I let Goofy sing with me. I’d never heard a more beautiful violin before.

After the song ended, I just hugged Mickey closely.

“Thank you so much, Mickey. I love it.” I told him sincerely.

“You’re welcome, Emily. It’s a gift from my heart.” He kissed my cheek gently.

I did the same. Minnie joined us, unable to resist the love spreading about, and she kissed both my and Mickey’s cheeks.

This Christmas was most definitely the most magical I’d ever seen. And the fact that I befriended Aqua….you should’ve seen Mickey’s jaw drop when I talked to him about it!

Christmas Day’s fortune:

A true Christmas is made from the hearts and souls of those you love and cherish. The joy and love they share is what makes Christmas especially rich and sweet.

Chapter Text

Yesterday’s fortune:

Never underestimate good magic. It never really dies, and a strong enough heart will always bounce back.

Two days passed since our last battle against Grimhilde, Maleficent, and Chernabog.

The warm weather returned, like a wintery spell was broken once Christmas was through. It honestly felt refreshing in the short term. It felt nice to not have to worry about icy sidewalks and roads in the long run.

As the town began waking up, the Spirit’s Chinese Cuisine restaurant sent out hundreds, if not thousands, of fortune cookies much like Dragon’s Light in Station Square does every single morning. With the push of one lever, fortune cookies flew all through the sky, deploying little parachutes, and the CLOSED sign was flipped over to say OPEN. Open for business for the day.

Fortune cookies made it to Duckburg, even! And a few floated to McDuck Manor.

Ms. Beakley came to the front door and found the fortune cookies gathered on the porch. She took them inside, placing them onto the tea tray she was carrying.

“The fortune cookies are here, everyone!” She called through the halls.

The triplets and Webby all came and each took a cookie, leaving the remaining two over.

Huey opened his. Upon reading, he tilted his head in thought.

“Rather than rely on a single source, check for consistency and credibility across multiple.” Huey read aloud.

“I mean…..that’s not a bad fortune for you, no offense.” Dewey commented.

“Well….” Huey was thinking. “I guess I really should, for the sake of my guidebook.”

The other kids got to read their fortunes.

“Today may be the perfect day to socialize and bond with your peers. Take the chance!” Dewey read.

“It never truly hurts to have a good book at night.” Webby read.

“Forget money. Nothing is truly richer than a loving family.” Louie read.

Scrooge soon came down with his fortune cookie.

“Aye, they’re all good fortunes.” Scrooge smiled. “And I agree with Dewey’s fortune, there. Today’s perfect for a good day of games. Get those toy guns n’ get goin’.” He allowed.

“Yeah! Turf war!” Webby celebrated.

“Yeah!” Louie and Dewey cheered, and they and Webby raced off to find their Nerf guns.

Huey then put the fortune in his hat. “I’ll research more later. I can’t ever miss a good war game!” He then followed his peers.

Scrooge then opened his fortune and read it.

“Never be afraid to embrace your inner youth.” Scrooge read. He then chuckled. The decision to come was rather quick, but it was sincere. He followed the kids after sipping the rest of his tea.

A fortune made it to Daisy’s house as she came out of her front door, dressed in her turquoise robe. She picked up the cookie and read the fortune inside.

Daisy laughed.

“Always be aware of your surroundings.” She read. “Well, we’ll have to see about that.” She ate her cookie, and barely paying attention, she walked down the walkway from her porch to the curb for the morning newspaper.

Just as she bent down, her eyes only on the newspaper lying on the ground, a car drove by, through a puddle of melted snow, and splashed right onto Daisy, soaking her instantly.

She then groaned. “Ugh….these fortunes are always right….”

She just stood up, taking the newspaper with, and she went right to her door and walked through the open way, slamming the door right afterwards. Back to square 1!

A fortune made it to the Goof house, and Goofy managed to get the two fortunes floating down in front of him.

Goofy came back inside, with Max getting a simple breakfast on the table.

“Here ya go, Max!” Goofy chuckled like usual, holding one cookie out to his son.

“Thanks, Dad.” Max took it, also like usual, and both opened their cookies.

“Hmmm….” Goofy started reading, “Always watch where you’re goin’.”

He and Max laughed at the same time.

“Yeah, Dad.” Max teased. The laughter continued for another casual moment.

Max then read his fortune. “A loving father is one of the greatest gifts a child, growing or already adult, could ever have.”

Goofy didn’t totally listen, for he was getting his plate. But he then dropped his fork, tried avoiding it, but he ultimately lost his footing, falling backwards. The food ended up all over his head.

“Whoopsie….” Goofy chuckled.

Max laughed a little more, smiling warmly. He then came and picked up the fork and then the fallen food.

“You goofball.” Max couldn’t help but comment. Both laughed some more.

Minnie found her fortune cookie on her porch, like expected, and she cracked it open almost immediately.

“Oh!” She read her fortune. “A peaceful morning walk along any place you wish is rich for the soul.”

She inhaled the warmer air that overtook the previously snowy world.

“I’ll say….and now, I know what I’m doing this morning.” She turned and got herself back inside. She dressed herself for a nice long walk, taking her little cat named Figaro with her in her purse.

A fortune cookie made it to Donald's house as he was on his porch. He caught it and cracked the cookie.

"Hmmm…." He read. "It never hurts to take a day away from the stresses of daily life."

That got Donald to think a little more. And soon enough, Donald found himself loading his car with his golf bag and clubs, wearing the matching attire for the anticipated activity.

Mickey came out of his front door just in time to catch his fortune cookie, and he read the fortune inside.

"Always be sure to hone your most important skills." He read.

After brief thought, he knew. He went back inside the house as he ate the cookie.

It didn't take long for Mickey to get to the nearby beach, and he summoned his Keyblade. He had a smile.

Meanwhile, I got my own fortune cookie in my hand as I was sitting on my porch. I put my mug of coffee aside and cracked the cookie open. I took the fortune and read it.

"Your treasured company is all it takes to make any day a little warmer and happier."

I couldn't help but smile. There was no denying this was a great fortune. It barely took much thought for me to soon realize….

I knew. I went right nextdoor to Mickey's. When I got there, I found a little sticky note on the front door.

"I'm at the beach!"

I got in my car and got to the beach, like often. As I approached, I saw Mickey seemingly practice with his Keyblade in hand.

I whistled after I emerged from my newly parked car. Mickey landed on his feet and looked toward me.

"Hi'ya, Emily!" He was very happy to see me.

I came and approached him casually.

"Howdy do, Mickey!" I waved.

"Did'ja get your fortune today?"

"Sure did. I'm guessing you did, too?"

"Yessir'ee!" He chuckled.

"You're real cheery." I commented.

"I guess it's one of those days." Mickey shrugged.

"Nothing wrong with that at all." I kept my smile. "Nice Keyblade."

"Oh, this?" He held up his Keyblade. Mostly an indigo color, with some silver and gold stars between the blade itself and the handle.

"Thanks. My fortune said it'd pay off to practice with this. Who knows what could happen, y'know."

"Can't say I blame you. If being in the Sonic Team taught me anything , it's that you can never be too careful." I then summoned my own purple Keyblade.

"Have you been practicing with yours lately?" Mickey asked.

"No, not really. I don't think I'm fully used to wielding a Keyblade yet."

"That's okay. You're very new with that stuff." Mickey assured me. "Maybe I could help train ya?" He offered.

"If you're sure. Aqua offered some training, too."

"Is that so? Well, why don'tcha show me what you've got?" He suggested.

"You sure about that part?" I tilted my head.

"Very. No one's gettin' hurt, right?" He made some space between the two of us.

I sighed. "If you insist, Mickey. Be warned, though. I may not be good with a Keyblade yet, but I've got tons of magic to spare." My grip on my Keyblade tightened a little more.

"I wouldn't expect anything less." Mickey gave me a wink.

I let Mickey charge forward first, and quite the unique fight commenced. CLANG CLANG CLANG! I proved rather resistant against Mickey's moves, and I reflected his entire self from myself after certain attacks. Golden aura glowed around my hands and Keyblade.

"Gosh, you're quite the defensive one, Em." Mickey commented as we fought.

"Thanks, Mickey." I appreciated.

CLANG!

"But Sonic told me something quite important when in any kind of fight." I began.

The golden aura shined brighter, and I took a swing at Mickey's Keyblade. The force threw him back, and he rolled over backwards three times.

"It's impossible to win solely on defense ." I finished.

Mickey got up, and he was definitely smiling.

"Couldn't be any closer to the truth, pal. You're a whole lot more…." Mickey tried finding the right words.

CLANG! CLANG! The test fight continued.

"A whole lot….smarter than you look. Sorry, I couldn't quite come up with the right words."

"No offense taken." I assured him as I found us pushing our blades against each other, with us standing on our feet. I had a clear advantage thanks to my height alone.

"I know that I'd always been more simple-minded for at least 14 years of my life."

Light blue aura glowed around Mickey's hands.

"Swell to know." Mickey kept his friendly smile.

FWASH! What felt like a gusty force blew me off my feet, catching me by surprise, and as my Keyblade disappeared after I accidentally let go, I fell right into the shallow water of the beach.

Splashing footsteps were heard as I then rolled over from my chest to a sitting position, now soaking wet, only to find Mickey standing over me, with the end of his Keyblade pointed at me. Out of natural surprise, I gasped softly. But I then sighed, and I smiled.

"You win." I declared.

Mickey let go of his Keyblade, letting it vanish from his hand.

"Don't worry. You're just starting." He assured me as I sat up.

"Trust me, I know what that's like." He added.

"I bet you do." I kept my smile.

My eyes briefly glowed gold, and the known glittery vectors shot out from my back, and they threw Mickey in the air.

"WHOOOOAAA!" He yelped, and he then splashed into the water behind me as I stood up.

Mickey immediately broke the surface, only to hear me laughing. He couldn't help but smile at his own minor expense.

I suddenly stopped, looking ahead at Mickey. He already summoned enough of his own magic to retaliate my first move, and a wave of water came and knocked me back down to my rear.

"Oh, I'm so sorry." He chuckled as it looked like I was dragged underwater.

Like Mickey, I was now swimming. I made my way to Mickey, and I found myself in front of him.

"Should I have seen that one comin'?" I commented.

Mickey shrugged. "There might be some things you don't know I can pull off." He kept his grin.

"Touche." I kept my little smile too.

We looked at each other.

"Say, Emily?" Mickey then brought up. "What'd your fortune say today?"

"My fortune? Oh, right." I remembered. "To be honest with you, it said that my treasured company is all it takes to make any day a bit happier."

"Really? I'd say that's true." Mickey's smile grew warmer.

"Just like in Station Square, these fortunes are always right."

"I'll say."

I felt Mickey hold my hand.

"I'm really happy you came by here today." Mickey then said.

"Awww….you sure I'm not hogging any time from your day?"

"Of course not, pal." Mickey told me. "I always love the company of a great friend. You, Donald, Minnie, Goofy….boy, I could go on all day." He chuckled.

I smiled, touched by his reassurance.

"Thanks."

"Anytime, Emily. But y'know," he then brought up, "I've been thinkin'...."

"About what?" I asked out of natural concern.

"What happened earlier."

It took me a brief moment of silence to remember.

"You mean with Chernabog, Maleficent, and Grimhilde?" I guessed.

He nodded.

"Are you okay?" I came and gently put my hand on his shoulder.

"Yeah, I'm alright, but I'm sorry for giving you a scare at the end."

"You helped enable me to fight and then subdue Chernabog. Besides, we always come back to each other, no matter what. I learned to believe you'll always come through for me and our friends no matter what happens. Do you….believe in me that same way?" I tilted my head a little.

Mickey's eyes glittered a rather dark but oddly mesmerizing blue. I didn't even know his eyes were blue .

"Of course I do….I guess I just often get scared for you and your safety…."

"Like when I was six?"

Mickey looked at me. His expression alone told me I hit the nail right on the head.

"Look, we tend to cling onto images of people from when we knew them best, forgetting that they do change. Don't feel bad. I do that quite a bit myself. Besides, I've only been here for a month and a half. We've got plenty of time to get properly acquainted." I assured him.

Mickey then began to smile. "You're right….sorry about that."

"Don't be. Like I said, I more or less just got started with my life here, so we've got plenty of time to adjust. I've walked down the road with many different friends. Tails, Sonic, Huck, Augie, Yoshi, so many different friends. And now, I plan on walking down the rest of that road….with you . Like I sometimes feel I should've a long time ago. You're like no one I've ever met, y'know."

Mickey couldn't help but chuckle. Then, like we knew what was next, our arms were around each other in a warm hug, despite the cold ocean around us.

"I'm really flattered…." He said.

"Mickey….even though it was so risky for you, I really appreciate you doing everything in your power to help me through that entire bit. From trying to find me while I was under some kind of sleeping spell with the amnesia, to helping free me from Chernabog so I could fight him. I learned from those instances to really believe that you'll always come through. So, thank you."

"Always happy to help a pal. Or, in this case, a sister."

I blushed a little. "I gotta get used to you calling me that."

Mickey then gently kissed my cheek.

"I know. I love you, Emily."

I gave him a gentler kiss on his cheek.

"I love you too, Mickey."

We stayed in the hug for several quiet minutes. It was perfect for savoring.

Although I was slightly surprised, it was Mickey who firstly helped us both go under the cool water. But I happily accepted, and I had the same golden aura glow around both of us, enabling comfortable breaths, like always.

Mickey then kissed my forehead, like before.

"I'll always love ya, Emily. With all my heart, sister."

"I'll always love you too, brother."

Our arms stayed locked around each other, keeping warmth all around us.

After a while longer, I drove us both home, and Mickey chose to stay at my place for most of the day. I wholeheartedly enjoyed his company, like I always have.

"Y'know?" Mickey brought up as we were relaxing on the patio, with me playing my violin.

"They don't make 'em like you anymore." He said.

I kept playing, smiling.

"Right back at you." I replied.

Mickey scooted his seat closer to me, and as I continued playing, he gently planted his hand on my lap.

"N' you're great with the violin." 

"Thanks." I kept playing.

Specifically, I was playing the famous beginning of Steamboat Willie.

Mickey leaned closer to me, enabling himself to hear my heartbeat as I played the song. I let him, silently loving the gentle affection.

Chapter Text

Today's fortune:

A true home is where you're unconditionally loved.

Two weeks later, it was just past the middle of January. It was dawn, and I was driving to a fresh-aired place for my morning walk.

As I drove through the town, I spotted a billboard above the main plaza.

Hot Dog Hills! Where smiles, friendships, and memories are made to last forever!

Hot Dog Hills? Was that the town's name? If so, how did I not catch on? But I liked it. In a positively childish and low-key nostalgic way, it was a very colorful name for a community.

It didn't take long for me to, in fact, adore the town name.

I ended up in a forest area outside the town, and I chose to pull in. I found a dark blue lake, not quite like Emily's Little Pond. It was, in fact, bigger, and it looked a little deeper.

What was weird was that I found a pair of yellow shoes by the edge. I turned off the headlights as I parked, and only then, I saw a familiar figure turn around, seated at a different part of the edge of the lake.

I emerged from my driver's seat as I paid eye contact to him.

"Mickey?" I was pleasantly surprised to see him.

"Oh, hi'ya, Emily!" His entire self lit up as I closed the door and approached him.

"You come here often?" I asked.

"Yeah, almost every morning." Mickey replied.

"Well….you mind the company?" I asked as politely as I could.

"Never do, especially when it's your company." Mickey kept his smile.

"Alright." I then took my boots off, leaving me barefoot, and I sat beside my friend.

"So…." I attempted to start, "what lake is this?"

"Hot Dog Lake. At least, that's what it's known as in the community."

"Makes sense to me, given what I learned about our hometown." I said with a slightly embarrassed giggle.

"You mean you didn't catch on till just recently?"

"Yeah….I guess I've been so caught up in adjusting and spending time with you and the others." I said.

Mickey chuckled. "Can't say I blame ya."

"Thanks for not laughing at me. Well, y'know…."

"C'mon now, Emily, I'd never laugh at you like that. No need to be embarrassed." His hand gently patted my right one, warming it. The chilled water tickled my feet at the same time.

"Thanks." I couldn't hide my smile.

"You're very welcome. Now, if I may, why are you here?" Mickey then asked.

"I wanted to try to find a different place for a morning walk beside the beach." I replied.

"Oh, really? Well, I'm not sure if this qualifies as a place for a walk , for I usually come here to relax, soak it in, and maybe even go for a dip." Mickey said.

"Really?"

"Yeah. Sometimes, I fish here, too, with Goofy and/or the others."

"All that….actually sounds so nice." I commented honestly.

"Well, for one thing, one can never keep Emily Ann away from the water for very long." Mickey kept his smile.

"Yeah, that's true." I gently squeezed Mickey's hand.

"You can take me out of the water, but you can never take part of the water from my heart." I added.

"You said it." Mickey agreed.

I then reached into my left pocket, getting my fortune cookie out.

"Oh, you got your cookie already?" Mickey noticed.

"Yeah. Did you get yours?"

"Sure did."

"Have you read your fortune yet?"

"Yeah. 'Spread your love, magic, joy, and warmth to your loved ones, and do it the best way you know how'." Mickey told me.

I then proceeded to open my own cookie.

"A true home is where you're unconditionally loved." I read out loud.

"How true. Hehe!" Mickey chuckled.

"Yeah…." I looked up above us as I found myself in thought. The sky continued to turn from a dark color to joyous blue.

Mickey noticed my change of tone.

"Emily?" He tilted his head a little.

"Y'know…." I began to realize, "even when I was living in Bygone and Station Square no respectively, I don't remember ever really feeling like I was at home . I was probably so focused on many different things: my own emotions and the obstacles I and they created, still caught up in grief and all, fighting Eggman's schemes and attacks alongside the Sonic Team, keeping them on track, and overall fighting for the greater good, inside and outside the Sonic Team itself, and being there for those dearest to me. I just didn't focus on the simpler feelings."

"Like you failed to focus more on yourself? I think you said something like that before." Mickey guessed.

"You're right on both accounts." I confirmed.

"I mean, don't get me wrong. Being in the Sonic Team, especially with Tails, helped me through the darkest times I've faced so far, and there were many times where I felt whole, but I don't think I really was. I was missing the feeling of actually being in a home. Eggman's bull-squat kept me on my toes. Big point: I've been with those I love and lived with many of them, but since I was a younger kid, I don't fully remember feeling like I was where I belong."

"Oh…." That was all Mickey could comment at the moment.

"Don't worry. You've never really had to worry about stuff like that. At least not for nearly as long as I have. In fairness, it's always been difficult for me to feel like I fit in just for being me. In Bygone and Station Square, I was more often respected for my duties as the Sonic Team's magician and whatnot."

The breeze continued its gentle motions through Hot Dog Lake. The trees and their leaves rustled softly in response.

"But….since I've been here, I've known that more people see me as not just a sorceress. But….just another friendly person. Of course, all my other friends and I have been in each other's lives for what feels like forever, ranging from the last few years to since I was roughly four. And they've all shown me how much they care about me since the moments I met them. But….you're different. This entire world is so different. Even if I didn't have things like my magic, autism, or anything that's just so oddly different in my world, I'd most likely be treated like I'm no different around here. Especially….when I'm with you , Mickey."

My right hand lightly squeezed around the fortune in it, and my legs and feet went still.

"Since I've been here, and especially when I'm with you, I feel so….at home. Although I've never been to this town before, it has a strong aura of nostalgia, and I'm feeling it. I-I….remember those same feelings I got when I was around you long ago, at that vacation. It's like no other positive and wholesome feeling….I've ever experienced. And with those feelings, I can….just be myself, despite whatever goes on. Just a girl. Y-You….brought back parts of me I thought I lost forever when I lost Nick….with all that, I really feel like….like…."

I barely acknowledged my struggle in finishing as I kept looking upwards.

"Like….I'm finally where….I belong …."

I felt Mickey's warm hand make its way to my right hand, and sandwiching the small fortune between, his hand held mine, with his fingers gently squeezing between mine.

I finally looked at him.

"Emily….you're crying ." His eyes had a certain kind of glimmer to them.

My open hand gently felt my face. It was definitely quite wet under my eyes. It was then I realized I'd broken into tears for at least a long moment or two.

"W-Wow….gee…." I stuttered a little. "I-I guess I am…." I tried giggling as my open hand then held the side of my neck and tangled with my hair in a rather messy manner.

I was suddenly silenced when I felt Mickey's other hand gently caress my same cheek, making me face him once again. I let go of my hair and neck, letting the hair go over Mickey's hand. My tears then spilled to the point where I could feel them making their trails.

I gave in a little, and I slightly smiled.

"Y-Y'know?...." I began.

He paid full attention.

"I've been to so many places throughout my life. But I've never truly felt like I wholly belonged. I think....I-I finally found my true place in this wide world." I then said.

Mickey showed a warm smile now, and his eyes continued to glitter.

"That's very swell, Emily. You deserve it more than ever."

"Really? You think so?" I managed to ask.

Mickey just came and put his arms around me, holding me close in a firm yet comfortably warm embrace.

"Of course I do." Mickey finally answered.

"I only wish I could've done more for ya. On the other hand, the most wonderful part of all this…." He felt a knot beginning to tie itself up in his throat.

Mickey pulled away just enough to look at me as my tears had kept coming. Both of his hands held my cheeks, and his thumbs wiped under my eyes. I couldn't help but smile.

"Is having you here now, as a friend and sister…." Mickey's eyes glittered like sparkled water mixed with sunlight. His coming tears were even sparkled the same way. His smile matched the rest of his face easily.

I just pulled him into a warm hug, holding him close to me. He put his arms around me in the same manner.

"I love ya so much…." Mickey managed to say as he willingly felt tears roll down his face.

"I love you too, Mickey." I replied the same way, leaning my head on his shoulder.

One of his hands gently held the back of my head, letting me stay in this position. Mickey then kissed the side of my head.

"G-Gosh, Emily…." He realized his tears. "Y-You really bring this out in people, don't ya?"

"Yup….I do that to just about everyone. Tails, Papa Huck, Augie, Sonic, Yoshi, Peach, almost everyone. I should warn you, this'll happen often with me around."

"Well whaddya know?" Mickey chuckled. "That's actually pretty adorable."

I blushed as the hug briefly broke.

"Awww shucks…." I giggled.

Mickey chuckled some more as I wiped my face.

We shared the light laughter together for a brief moment.

"I'll consider myself forewarned, though." Mickey then said.

"Good. Sometimes, I don't like repeating myself." I tended more to my face. He did the same for himself.

We looked at each other.

"You come out here often?" I then brought up.

"Yeah. It brings back some memories." He replied as he looked out at the lake.

"Like when we spent the day at that Clubhouse?" I guessed.

"Exactly. That was a wonderful day."

"It was a wonderful vacation." I corrected.

"Good point. Haha!" He chuckled.

I looked up at the trees and sky. The sky had been growing brighter.

Thoughts just came into my head. I remembered things. Many things….

There are still many times where I think about my family and my true place in it. At least when I was there, growing up, most of them were nice to my face. But the entire family name, with the exception of Aunt Karen and her family, treated my father and his part like we were all weird black sheep. I remember being told of times where my father's cousins and their families and spouses would often talk down at my parents for the way they were raising me and my sisters. And now, Grace is working to become a hairstylist and beautician, having very different sexual values, to try to put it delicately. Grace additionally has a rather messy reputation in general, to be frank. Sarah is working very hard to become a teacher for the next generation of children, maintaining friendships with the most unlikely but loveable people. Despite his previous ways, my own father has somehow managed to put things into perspective enough to try with me and my sisters since the separation and divorce. As for me, I've pretty much been seeing the world in such unprecedented eyes since I was only a fraction of my current age, making similarly unprecedented friends. Mario, Yoshi, Peach and Daisy, Yogi, Huck, Augie, Sonic, Tails, Minami, Kirara, Himari, Mickey, Minnie, Ariel, so many. And I've seen so many things and places. I ended up fighting for my internal reputation through the years, especially after the collapse of my more playful and promising one. To begin with, I have autism. And thus, to many, I'm just too weird to regard or understand. I know and understand that much. Regardless of the individual cases, having a child or sibling on the Autism Spectrum, let alone any special needs or anything that kind of different, puts things in a whole new perspective only those in the household could understand if they allow it. Although it wasn't until I was in high school, my own father failed to understand. But better late than never. Grace is farther behind than he is. Despite the fact that Cindy has a rocky relationship with me and my sisters, I'm the only one who occasionally tries.

There are many times where I believe I was only accepted into family gatherings, celebrating or mourning, even now, because of one of three possible reasons. One: the relatives more or less take advantage of my ways. Two: I'm still family, and thus, they're obligated to include me if they don't want to deal with my parents. Three: because I'm so odd and weird to them, they simply feel sorry for me. I more often than not believe it's that above all things.

I now felt a special pain. I felt more overall acceptance, by a long shot, in worlds that are make-believe to most than I ever have with my own family. That reality, every time I acknowledge it, stings worse than a venomous wasp ever could.

"Emily?...." I heard Mickey's voice, at first fuzzy, I thought. But it quickly got clear when he repeated himself two more times.

I felt his hand hold my right hand again, just like last time.

"You're crying again…." He got more concerned.

Almost immediately, I felt them making tracks on my face again. I just bowed my head, in slight embarrassment.

"You okay?...." He scooted a little closer to me.

"S-Sorry….I just feel….so much more accepted with people like you than I ever have with my entire family. That's depressing…." I told him.

I felt him gently kiss my forehead as his open hand similarly caressed my cheek.

"Don't worry about them anymore. You truly belong here." He assured me.

At the same time, we shared another embrace, with me willingly burying myself in his end.

"It's okay, now. They can't hurt you anymore." He further comforted.

I subconsciously rocked us back and forth. I didn't know my grip on my fortune was weakening for the moment….

Until I started feeling it slip from my hand due to a gust of wind. Upon seeing, I quickly broke from Mickey's embrace, and I just lunged in the direction the wind was going. Just as I managed to catch the fortune in my left hand….

SPLASH! I ended up in the lake, sinking downward almost immediately, almost as if that was my intention. Gold aura shined around me immediately.

It was then I finally realized that Mickey gripped onto my right hand and wrist, letting me unintentionally take him down into the lake with me.

"M-Mickey!" I was surprised as he pulled himself a little closer to me. Gold aura easily spread onto him.

"I'm okay." He told me. "Are you?"

"I….I think so." I internally recomposed myself.

"But really, I'm serious. They can't hurt you anymore. Not when you have true people in your life right now." Mickey then continued. "You've got your own life here."

I knew all too well that was true. I gave an undeniable smile, albeit a small one.

"Yeah….you're right. I'm sorry about this scene I made."

Mickey came and hugged me once again, only this time, his arms were just under mine. I put my own arms around him in response, subconsciously brightening the aura around us both.

"It's okay, Emily. I can understand. Ya don't have to feel bad about it. They're just your feelings. We're all allowed to have them." He assured me warmly.

I felt even better almost right away.

"Thank you….for always accepting me. Not many people can do that." I leaned my head close to his.

"My pleasure. More people will see soon enough. Not just as a sorceress, but as a person, more importantly."

Again, he was right. I stayed in the embrace, getting warmer by the second. I smiled more.

Mickey felt warmer as well.

"I love you, sister." He then said.

"I love you too, brother." I replied.

As we stayed in the embrace, I more willingly felt the fortune wiggling out of my grip, with the bit of ink fading away. It now meant nothing.

I briefly watched the fortune float out of my hand and dance with the underwater currents of the lake. Beams of sunlight illuminated the environment, further soothing me.

A true home is where you're unconditionally loved.

That was definitely proven true today. I don't think I had ever felt so loved since I'd been involved in the Sonic Team. Even when I was six, I felt so loved in a strangely unconditional way whenever I was around Mickey and his friends. Especially Mickey himself. My actions to follow only proved it and sometimes heightened those feelings.

As I stayed in Mickey's heartwarming embrace, I felt increasingly convinced. For the first time in who knows how long, I felt like I was truly home.

Home…..how lovely….

Chapter Text

Today's fortune:

There are always new places to go, and new discoveries to make.

A few more days passed. It was sunny and warm throughout Hot Dog Hills, and people ate it up like it was a long-awaited vacation.

I was venturing out around the town, learning more and more in getting around. Thankfully, it wasn't quite like a big city, but it wasn't too small a town, either. It honestly reminded me of my upbringing in Crest Hill, Illinois. An expanding town.

As I was going about, I came across a small pink building by a busy corner. It reminded me of Minnie's style with the color pink right away. Just then, a similarly pink van parked in front of the building.

I was a little surprised to see Minnie and Daisy emerge from that van.

"Oh!" Minnie saw me. "Hello, Emily!" She was very happy to see me.

"Hey, Minnie, Daisy." I waved as I approached them.

"Is this your building?" I gestured to the pink building.

"It's our Happy Helpers Office." Daisy replied.

"Happy Helpers? What's that?" I curiously asked.

"Funny you ask, kid." A third voice spoke as we all saw a little yellow bird with a pink tail that looked like a wind-up toy came out of the van passenger window.

"You must be Emily. I'm Cuckoo Loca." The little bird introduced herself.

"That's right. Nice to meet ya. I don't think I heard of you, though, honestly. No offense…."

"None taken. I'm pretty new to the group." Cuckoo Loca assured me casually.

"Your little cousins, Claire and Ellory, might know, though." Daisy giggled.

"True." I scratched the back of my head, almost messing with my Elsa-like braid.

"Anyway, about the Happy Helpers," Cuckoo Loca then began, "we're basically volunteer workers who help around Hot Dog Hills on call. That van, here, is our Happy Helpers Van." Cuckoo Loca then showed me.

"Cool stuff." I liked the idea. "Volunteer workers?"

"It's how we spend a good bit of our time." Minnie said.

"You guys are almost always busy, huh?" I kept my casual smile.

"You better believe it." Cuckoo Loca replied.

"Where were you guys just now?" I asked.

"We volunteered at the local bakery for the opening hours." Minnie replied. "And now that that's done, we were gonna head back to Mickey's Garage."

"At his house?" I asked.

"Oh, no, Emily. He's got a large garage a few minutes from here. It's where we work on our Roadsters." Minnie answered.

"Roadsters?....." It almost sounded familiar.

"I think Noah's showed me something like that back in Illinois….."

"We've had a handful of little adventures since we've been into Roadsters." Daisy said.

"It sounds kinda familiar to me."

"Why don't we help you get to the Garage, and we'll all show you?" Minnie offered.

"That sounds like a day to me." I liked the idea.

"But first, we gotta change into our appropriate outfits for the garage." Daisy started heading inside the office.

"C'mon in with us, Emily, and you can relax while we prepare ourselves." Minnie took my hand gently, and she guided me inside.

When we walked inside, the interior was almost completely pink, with the exception of Daisy's desk, a light blue cuckoo clock, a few small windows, and some framed pictures on the walls.

"Wow….I feel like I've seen this a little recently, too." I thought I recognized this place.

"Oh? Then maybe the girls just might know this and have showed you?" Minnie suggested.

"Claire and Ellory, most likely. They love you and your little shows a lot." I smiled.

"Awww!" Minnie giggled.

I then saw a large device between the two main desks, purple in color, and it looked like the rotating doors that would be the entrance to a large city department store.

"What's that?" I asked.

"Oh, that's our turnstile. It's how we change between outfits very quickly, especially on call to help others." Minnie explained.

"Well, that's somethin'." I commented.

"Watch this!" Daisy then hopped into the turnstile. It spun around quickly a few times in response. After the spinning stopped, Daisy was revealed to be wearing a high ponytail with a red bandana around her head like it was a headband, and the blue clothes almost reminded me of what my father would wear to his work, being a UPS mechanic.

"Wow…." I was legitimately impressed.

"That's really something else." I commented.

"Pretty cool, huh?" Daisy showed off a little.

"It definitely comes in handy on a short notice."

"Right?" Cuckoo Loca agreed. "That's what I said the first time around."

"My turn!" Minnie then stepped into the turnstile, and it did its magic just like for Daisy. When Minnie finished, she came out wearing a pink bow on her head, a light pink shirt under her denim overalls dress. Her shoes were matching her bow, and they looked a little more like work boots.

"Ta-da!" Minnie showed herself.

"Looks good for the Garage." I gave a thumbs up.

"What about you?" Daisy asked.

"All it takes is a thought and a snap." I then snapped my fingers, and gold started forming around me and my clothes.

My gold soon overtook my clothes, changing them. As it passed over, I was revealed to be wearing loose overalls with a similarly loose violet shirt underneath. My somewhat messy braid remained.

"Ta-da!" I posed as the process finished.

"Very good!" Minnie clapped her hands.

"You do this a lot?" Daisy asked.

"Almost all the time." I replied. "It's easy for me."

"Now, let's go to the Garage." Minnie then guided us back to the pink van.

We drove for the few minutes to get to Garage. When we were approaching, I could see the very creative exterior. It literally looked much like a red car, even with the windshield being a large window for what seemed to be an upper floor. Two large tires were on top of that car exterior. Under the hood was the garage door entrance and gas pumps. There were additional garage doors at the side of the building, for I noticed as we parked. One of them were already open.

Minnie and Daisy got out of the van first, with Cuckoo Loca fluttering beside them.

"Here we are!" Minnie showed me as I was the last to emerge.

"Whoa…." I was wowed by the sight of the entire building.

"Pretty neat, huh?" Cuckoo Loca fluttered forward.

"C'mon in!" Minnie encouraged. "We'll all show you around!"

We entered through the open garage door together, only to find the rest of our friends hard at work in what looked like their own stations. This was additionally a very spacious floor, if I say so myself.

"Oh, Mickey!" Minnie called out. "Emily's here!"

Mickey popped up, revealing himself in a blue mechanics outfit or uniform, as well as a baseball cap on his head.

"Hot dog!" Mickey's face lit up upon seeing me.

"Hey, Mickey! I didn't know you had a place like this…." I commented.

"It's still pretty new to the world." Mickey giggled.

"But it's really cool, not gonna lie. It almost reminds me of Tails' workshops, honestly."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"And look at ya. You look like you're ready to work."

"Yeah, I at least thought it would be appropriate to dress accordingly. How'd I do?"

"Oh, I think you do a great job with your wardrobe. Wanna look around?" He asked.

"You bet I do." I showed excitement.

"Minnie n' I will show you around."

"In that case, I'll be busy!" Daisy went with Cuckoo Loca to a different station in the garage.

Mickey and Minnie, holding my hands, showed me the break room, storage rooms, and Minnie's Makeover Salon. That Salon is specifically for the paint jobs of cars and other projects.

"Wow….this place really is cool!" I was in awe. "Tails would go crazy for this!"

"Oh, you haven't even seen the best part! Wanna see?" Mickey asked.

"Please!"

"C'mon!" Minnie lead the way, taking me and Mickey with. I almost lost my balance thanks to Minnie's pull on my hand and arm.

We got to a different part of the Garage, and Minnie opened the door.

"These are the main projects we work on and race in." Minnie demonstrated as the garage door opened.

What the sunlight revealed made my jaw drop. Five different race cars, all different colors. Red, green, blue, pink, and purple. For Mickey, Goofy, Donald, Minnie, and Daisy respectively.

"Oh….my…." I couldn't even finish my unconsciously desired phrase.

"These are our Roadsters. Pretty cool, right?" Mickey chuckled once again.

I went inside to take closer looks. Goofy's Roadster looked more like a bathtub on wheels with a showerhead, but it somehow suited his style. Donald's reminded me of a boat on the sea a little. I love that Mickey's has the number 28! Haha! Minnie's and Daisy's Roadsters suited their own styles and flairs.

"You race with these?" I turned back to Mickey and Minnie.

"We sure do! Although there hasn't been a race in a minute…." Mickey scratched the back of his head.

"It's still really cool." I said. "For me, I don't think you even have to race these Roadsters."

"Really? Awww…." Mickey couldn't help but giggle.

Donald then came inside, unannounced but not unwelcome.

"Hey, Mickey!" He called as he ran inside.

"It's ready!"

Mickey's face lit up a little. "Like, the it?"

"It's all set up!" Donald gave a thumbs up.

Minnie then knew. "Oh! I almost forgot…."

I tilted my head. "Pardon me?...."

"C'mon, and you'll see your surprise!" Donald then went back into the main working area of the Garage.

"I like surprises!" I felt myself light up like Mickey did, and along with Minnie, we went and followed Donald.

A strangely golden car started rolling into sight as I came back. This car was mostly gold, much like the magic I use and possess, and there were some similarly sparkling purple details, like the edges of the tire covers. The tire rims were also sparkling gold like most of the car. The white number on the driver's side was 98. The entire car looked like it was a vintage Camaro, perhaps like Guy Fieri's '67 Camaro he's known to drive on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives .

My entire self lit up for real, and my eyes glittered.

"Oh my God!" I went right to it like a child on Christmas morning.

"How long have you guys been working on this?!"

"Weeks." Donald replied. "But good thing it went by smoothly."

"We all thought it would be a great gift for you. Do you like it?" Minnie asked.

"Like it? I love it! It's so awesome! Can I drive it?" I asked.

"Hop in and fire her up!" Mickey encouraged.

I hopped into the Roadster, and I started it with ease. It honestly felt so nice. I knew it ran very smoothly.

"Is there a racetrack or something?" I asked.

"Just outside that way." Daisy pointed out.

I managed to drive slowly out of the specific exit, and I found the test track. I pulled up to the starting line.

"Gosh…." Mickey watched. "She's so happy."

"I don't think I've ever seen anyone that happy for a while." Donald added.

Goofy popped up from his Tubster Roadster.

"Emily's been super happy since she moved in, that's for sure." He said.

"Amy and Tails both say that Emily's never been that simply happy for years. Like, she was definitely happy with the Sonic Team, but unlike there, she doesn't always have to fight bad guys, right?" Daisy brought up.

"That's true." Mickey knew. "She's said that to me herself."

"It could be because being around us has fully allowed her to be….herself. Not just a sorceress or fighter for the greater good, but just herself. A child at heart. Now that she has a full chance to re-embrace those parts of her…." Minnie said.

"Yeah….that makes sense." Mickey's smile couldn't be denied. Not that he ever wanted to, anyway.

"Why don't you share Emily's first Roadster experience with her, Mickey?" Goofy acknowledged.

I revved up my engine, pumping the gas. Although I knew otherwise, I felt like I was in an actual race. The exhaust coming out of the tailpipe was even proven to be golden.

"Whoa….colorfully creative…." I couldn't help but comment.

"Hey, Emily!" I heard Mickey.

I turned, and he came to the passenger side.

"What's up?" I asked.

"Mind if I hopped in?" Mickey asked.

I smiled, and I patted the seat next to me. Mickey responded by climbing into the same seat.

"How's it feel?" Mickey then asked as he fastened his seat belt.

"It feels great. You guys don't have to come through with these big gifts." I said.

"Well, this one time, we couldn't help ourselves. But don't worry, I'll make sure we don't bury you in gifts." He joked.

We both giggled.

"But really, thank you. My entire experience here in town has been amazing because of you and the others. Being able to spend time with you guys, especially you, Mickey, is all I really need." I said.

His smile remained warm as his hand held my shoulder. "I'm glad we've helped you feel so happy."

"I've felt like….myself since I came here, y'know. I know for sure I made the right decision to move in." I then said.

His eyes glittered a little more.

"That's good. Now, why don't you race around?" He then brought back up.

I pumped the gas a few more times.

"On your mark…." Mickey began.

My Roadster almost looked like it started glowing like me when the sun came back out.

"Get set…."

My grip on the wheel was a little tighter as the wheel itself started glowing magically.

"Go!"

I sped through the starting line, and I raced, with Mickey beside me. I almost didn't imagine how fast I could be, alongside the surprisingly easy handling.

I raced a few laps around the test track, but I soon pulled into the garage, easily slowing down to a stop.

"You're quite a driver, pal!" Mickey praised. "Maybe we'll come through with a race soon, and you'll be part of it."

"That sounds like fun! Like Mario Kart, only real life, and hopefully no blue shells." I joked.

We laughed.

I got out of my Roadster, and I helped Mickey out.

"Now, would you like to help with some work?" Mickey asked.

"I'm down. That's why I'm dressed this way." I kept my smile.

So did he, and he held my hand.

"Oh, I almost forgot." He caught himself. "What do you think you're gonna call your Roadster? Like, Goofy calls his the Tubster, and Daisy calls hers the SnapDragon."

I gave it a little thought, but I soon knew.

"The Goldster." I replied.

"It suits you and your Roadster." Mickey accepted. "Now, let's get to work."

He guided me to his station where his red Roadster was parked and lifted up. The tires were missing.

We worked together in replacing tires and filling them with air. A few silent moments of focus. I caught onto how to change and secure the tires almost immediately.

"Hey, Mickey?" I then said as I wiped the newly installed tires clean.

"Hm?" Mickey turned and faced me as he was cleaning his hands with a rag.

I held a warm smile.

"I love you."

He was a little surprised, but he smiled back at me.

"I love ya too, sister."

I naturally giggled.

Was this really me before? How….refreshingly naive.

Chapter Text

Today's fortune:

The best thing to do for someone in pain is simply be there for that person.

After I woke up and got myself casually dressed, I sat in my small vanity and brushed my hair, like any other day.

As I was brushing, I saw a special but somewhat beat-up picture frame. I slightly smiled at the sight, but some pain presented itself. I finished brushing my hair, and I then snapped my fingers. A little golden rose formed and was set right in front of the picture frame.

"Happy Valentine's Day, babe…." I sighed.

It was exceptionally sunny and warm that day, and when out on the town for some of the morning, I could see couples walking and dining happily. I almost envied that right from the get-go.

I didn't spend too much time out on the town, though. I only did some grocery shopping.

In the early afternoon, I was on the roof, and I was lying on my back, looking up at the blue sky. Some white puffy clouds were present, but they never blocked the sunlight. I felt a little relaxed after a few moments of deep breathing.

Vibrating was then felt in my right pocket. I took out my phone.

Mickey.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hey, Emily! How're you feelin'? I heard Valentine's Day isn't a favorite day of yours…." He asked.

"Oh, I've been okay. I just did some shopping and then came home. I didn't wanna spend too much time out of the house before tonight."

"You mean before the House of Mouse Valentine's Day Celebration?"

"Yup. I've been thinking of coming by for the night. Y'know, to have a little fun this time around. I try to give myself something nice to look forward to, y'see."

"I think that's a great idea! I was gonna ask if you wanted to spend some time with me after the celebration, too."

"Really? This is kinda your and Minnie's night, though. I don't wanna get in the way of that kind of stuff."

"Don't worry, you won't. Minnie and I always have special things for each other. It's like every day we spend together is Valentine's Day." Mickey chuckled.

"And boy, do I miss that…."

"Don't worry, Emily. Seriously, I'll be here for you when you need some company. Especially on specifically hard days like this one tends to be."

"Thanks, Mickey. I'll be at the House of Mouse this evening."

"Great! I'll see ya there! Buh-bye!" He then hung up.

I did the same. Something in me wasn't so sure if this was a good idea, and in an uncomfortably familiar manner, I gave a heavy sigh.

When it was closer to the evening, I found myself dressed in a plain but nice red long dress, and I had a matching headband on as well. I drove to the House of Mouse, like often.

There was already a busy parking lot when I pulled in, and many guests were ahead of me as I managed to enter.

The Disney guests settled in at their tables as I did the same, almost like any other night.

As I looked around, I could see there were Valentine's Day decorations everywhere. Most of the lights were even red and pink. The princesses and princes looked their best for this romantic night. It helped me further acknowledge I was alone at my table.

"Good evening, Emily." A gentle voice approached me.

I looked up. There was Minnie, wearing an exceptionally beautiful red dress and matching bow on her head.

"Are you okay? You look sad…." She asked me.

"I do?...." I failed to realize I'd held onto it for as long as I had.

"Oh….kinda yeah, but kinda no at the same time." I then allowed Minnie to take a seat beside me.

"Is someone on your mind?" Minnie asked.

"Well….did I ever tell you about Nick?" I asked.

Minnie then remembered. "Oh, yes! You did when you, Tails, and Cosmo spent Christmas with some of us that one year."

I recalled. "Oh yeah, I did ."

"Do you still think about him a lot?"

"Of course I do. He was one of my very best friends since I was little, y'know. And, well….we loved each other. Like you and Mickey love each other. It still hurts me a lot, although not often as bad as it did before. But sometimes, it really hurts. And since Nick passed, I haven't liked Valentine's Day very much at all. But I try to give myself positive experiences, like tonight. I chose to come here to try to give myself a better Valentine's Day. Coming here was both my and Mickey's idea, for starters."

"Have you told Mickey about how you've been feeling?" Minnie asked me.

"I didn't think it'd be a big deal." I replied. "So, no."

"Well, if you really need a little time, you can let us know, and you know we'll do what we can to help you feel better."

"Thanks, Minnie." I smiled a little.

At points, a romance presentation was shown on the stage screen, as well as some classic Disney romance movies.

A while later, romantic music played through the club, and some couples danced together, much like in a senior prom.

I drank some water as I remained at my table. I'd been in thought lots of the night. But seeing the nice dancing among some of the couples brought back some memories in a rather painful manner.

I remembered. Back in the 7th grade dance, in spring of 2011. It was pretty much like high school prom, but for 7th and 8th graders. I remember wearing this navy blue long dress, with my hair brushed and curled neatly. I was especially happy to see Nick. I honestly thought he looked more handsome than usual that particular night.

The dance took place in the gym of the school. And friend groups hung out like in and outside school hours.

I remember this certain point, Love Story by Taylor Swift was playing, courtesy of the DJ. Nick and I just chose to start dancing together, hand in hand, a little like a slightly hyped up waltz. Many saw us dancing, and they were hyped like fandom teens shipping two people together. That was a truly exhilarating experience.

A year went by, and we were in 8th grade. Spring of 2012. I wore a light blue gown, with my hair down and curled, better than the previous year. I almost felt like Cinderella.

I remember that 2012 night, Nick and I hung out almost the entire time, and we danced a little slower than we had before, especially in the slow dance song of the night. It was during that slow dance, Nick told me….he loved me. Although it got romantically heated quickly, I told him I loved him in response. It was very true, although shy. And Nick asked me if I wanted to be his girlfriend. It was almost sudden, but I should've seen it coming, honestly. We agreed we'd start dating after graduation.

The memories played themselves in my head as I watched the guests eat up the Valentine's Day festivities, and the couples danced together lovingly.

Was coming here on a day like this really a good idea? I felt decreasingly confident about it after every second. I realized I was increasingly out of place in this entire scenario. Unlike almost everyone else, I was alone, perhaps in more ways than one.

I suddenly found myself breaking into silent tears. Something in me simply couldn't take it anymore.

I just stood up, accidentally knocking over my glass of ice water, and I just walked away as quickly as I could as the water spilled over the table.

I walked out of the main room and found myself getting into the little hall containing dressing rooms for Mickey and the others.

I tried controlling my tears as I walked into the dressing hall, only to suddenly find a sixth door among what would usually be five. The sixth door was mostly royal violet with some red details on it. On the gold plaque was my name engraved on it. Emily Ann.

I let myself into the room, only to find it as a dressing room, just for me. A new vanity, some dresses and supplies, as well as a vase of roses on the vanity itself. A card was placed upon the vase.

"Emily"

I was a little touched by the roses themselves, and I went and held the envelope. I opened it, only to find a sparkling red Valentine's Day card.

"To a very special friend…."

I opened the card.

Dear Emily,

I understand that your feelings about Valentine's Day aren't really that pleasant, but I wanted to make sure you had something to smile about today. I hope you like your new dressing room and find it handy in the future.

Again, I know Valentine's Day tends to be a painful day for ya, but I want you to know that no matter the day, I'll be there for ya. I'll be the ears and listen. I'll be the shoulder you can cry on if necessary. I'll be the eyes, giving you attention. I'll be the friend to hold you when you're in pain. The same goes with everyone else around us. We're all your friends, and we love you. I most definitely love you like no other sweet little girl I ever met long ago. I'm so happy to see you've grown from an adorable little girl to a beautiful and strong young lady. Just don't forget, you'll always have true friends who love you for who you are, not just for what you had to go through or had to do for others' sake. More people know the real you than you might think.

I'll always love you, Emily, not just as a friend, but as the sister I never had before. I'm so blessed and lucky to be in your life.

Love,

Mickey Mouse

Some teardrops fell onto the card and writing. I was more and more touched, but the pain still remained, I knew. I sat in the vanity at this point, and I just chose to start crying, burying my head and face in my arms. My right hand held the card.

I remembered more memories as I cried. Some memories I shared with Nick when he was still alive…..and then when he was a literal angel. Especially that one night in Tokyo….

Meanwhile….

"The Valentine's Day celebration is going beautifully." Daisy commented as she, Donald, and Mickey were watching over the room.

"And Goofy's not doin' half bad." Donald added.

"Valentine's Day is one of our most successful days of the year." Mickey mentioned.

Daisy then just looked where my table was, and she noticed the water spill.

"Oh! Looks like I got a little spill. And Emily seems to have walked off." Daisy pulled a towel out of her pocket and headed to my table.

"Maybe she needed a bathroom break." Donald shrugged.

"But….to be blunt, when I took a glance, she seemed like she was…..feeling out of place." Daisy realized.

Minnie then came.

"Oh, Mickey! I'm so glad I found you!" Minnie seemed concerned as she approached him.

"What's goin' on, Minnie?" Mickey asked.

"It's Emily. I think she's been….really sad today. I talked to her earlier, and she didn't sound so well in a way. And then, I saw her not even notice spilling her drink and just ran off." Minnie explained.

Mickey knew. "Oh no….I had a feeling this was gonna happen….where'd she go?"

"I think toward our dressing rooms." Minnie replied.

"I'll go talk to her. Thank you, Minnie." He just kissed her cheek and then walked out.

"Is she gonna be okay?" Donald asked, concerned but unsure what he could've done.

"I think and hope so. But if not, we'll make sure she's not alone." Minnie assured him. "Don't worry, Donald. We know you mean well, if that's concerning you."

Mickey got to the little hall, and it was then he heard some soft crying, muffled by the closed door. It was then he knew I had discovered my surprise, although the circumstances weren't what he firstly wanted.

Mickey let himself into the room, and he found me now lying on my stomach and chest on this provided sofa, with my face in a pillow. He saw I was still holding the card in my hand.

His eyes glittered as he then slowly approached me.

"Emily?.... Are you alright?" He kindly asked me.

I lifted my head up and turned my head. There was Mickey.

I was brutally honest, and I just shook my head.

Mickey came and stood beside me and the sofa.

"Is it….about Nick?"

"K-Kinda…." I whimpered. "I-I know you don't want me to, but….I feel so alone…."

Mickey paid full attention.

"This has made me miss him more….I know it's nobody's fault....and I know you want me to have fun, but….I don't think I can, and I didn't wanna ruin it for anyone else….and I know that no one else here necessarily….understands what it's like to lose someone like your special friend like your soulmate....permanently….I just don't wanna feel so alone….please don't be mad…." I cried softly.

Mickey came and held my shoulder, prompting me to get to a position to lie on my side.

"Oh, Emily…." He said as I repositioned myself.

He then gently placed his hand on my cheek.

"I'm not mad. Y'know what? My heart's broken for people in pain like yours."

I looked at him.

"I've thought about those people many times, especially this time of year. I can only imagine just how painful it is. I'm sorry you feel so alone today. I should've known….this wasn't the best idea for ya. I'm sorry if I pushed you into it…."

I shook my head. "N-No….you didn't entirely convince me. I convinced myself most of the way. I didn't think….I'd feel as bad as I have been today…."

Mickey's hand gently rubbed my cheek, caressing it.

"I'm still so sorry….I'm here for you now, and I'm not leaving. It's gonna be okay, one moment or another." He assured me the best he could.

I got myself up to a sitting position. I breathed the best I could to calm myself down.

But something in me just didn't want to stop.

"Do ya….need to let it out?...." Mickey reluctantly asked me.

I tried to think a little, and I additionally attempted to tend to my tears. But I still felt too pained to want to stop.

I subconsciously let out some soft sobs as tears blinded me again.

Mickey felt his heart ache as a result, and his eyes almost darkened with the sadness filtering through.

"C'mere…." He came and put his arms around me. I did the same to him in response, and I ended up crying more on his shoulder. I felt one of Mickey's hands gently caress the back of my head.

Despite me saying otherwise, Mickey couldn't help but take some blame. What if he just chose to leave me alone for the day?....

He couldn't bear to hear, see, and feel the pain radiating from me. He let it get more into himself, and silent, he felt tears trickle from his eyes.

Something in me knew my tears also became his. In that, I slightly tightened my end of the embrace, falling silent. I dropped the card at this point.

Mickey held me the best he could as I fell silent.

"I'm….I'm sorry…." Mickey managed to say.

"I am, too…." I then replied.

We pulled away just enough to look at each other. Mickey then helped dry my eyes as he gently caressed my cheeks.

"Thanks…." I felt myself begin to feel better.

"Anything for a special friend." Mickey then wiped his own face.

"Did I bring you down with me?...." I got slightly concerned.

"No, it's not that. You just….opened my eyes about this whole ordeal."

"I see. Thank you….for listening to me."

He came and gave me a gentle kiss on my cheek.

"Of course. I love you." Mickey slightly smiled.

The magic words. I smiled back.

"I love you too, Mickey. And….thank you for this dressing room, the card, here," I bent down and picked the card back up in my hands, "and for the roses. It's very kind of you."

"You're welcome." He replied as I stood up to my feet, fixing my dress.

"Hungry? Dinner's probably getting out to the tables right now." Mickey offered. "I'll sit with ya."

"I'd love that. The others can join in, too." I said as I put the card back on the vanity.

"Whatever it takes to be there for a friend." Mickey came and held my left hand.

I picked a rose out from the bouquet, knelt down, and handed the single rose out to Mickey.

"Happy Valentine's Day." I then said with a warmer smile.

"Awwww, how sweet of ya, Emily." He gently held it in his hands.

"Sorry I didn't really think to get much….I just thought of it right here." I admitted.

"Don't worry. Here." Mickey took my left hand, and he guided it to connect to his, letting us both hold the rose. Mickey's other hand then comfortably covered my left hand. I did the same for his with my right hand.

"Now, let's let this rose be only one of the many symbols of what we share as friends and a soul family." Mickey said as golden magic emitted from our hands and spread onto the rose.

The rose then slowly disappeared, and bits of magic got to my right hand and Mickey's wrist. I watched a rose red bracelet form around Mickey's wrist, and it seemed to be a comfortable fit. I then realized that a red ring with a ruby crystal, in the shape of a rose, formed around my right ring finger.

Mickey and I came back into the main club room shortly afterwards, and I walked in, newly surprised.

My table was fixed, with a fresh bowl of spaghetti waiting for me to feast. A glass of chocolate milk was waiting as well. A single rose was on the table, too, and many Disney friends, including Minnie and Donald, were gathered, like they were waiting for my return.

"What's this about?...." I asked.

"We told some of our guests, and we pitched in on trying to make you smile for the rest of the night." Minnie answered honestly.

"Awww, you guys…." I was very touched.

"That's so sweet." Mickey commented and then looked at me. "See? It's not just me, but we're all here for ya. Even if we don't entirely understand some things, we do our best."

"Of course." I smiled at him.

I should've known better from the start.

I let Mickey and other friends sit at my table as movies and music kept playing like planned.

Chapter Text

Today's fortune:

It may have been heard before, but a little help goes a long way.

It was three days after Valentine's Day. The town had quickly recovered from the past weekend of love and romance.

That morning, I drove to the Hot Dog Diner to try the restaurant's breakfast. I pulled in right before the crowd would start coming in. The only other vehicle I saw in the main parking lot was the Happy Helpers Van.

"Hmmm….they must be here to help out today."

I entered with ease.

"You know the drill, girls!" I heard Cuckoo Loca from behind the diner counter.

"Mayor McBeagle declared today as Minnie Muffin Day!" Cuckoo Loca added.

I stopped by the counter, now intrigued by what I just overheard.

"And we promised we'd bake those muffins for everyone in town by the end of the day." Cuckoo Loca further added.

Daisy's eyes widened.

"T-Today?!"

"If we start now, we're sure to get it done." Minnie encouraged.

DING DING!

The bell from the window was rung by a misty golden hand attached to an unnaturally curvy arm. The arm then started heading back toward me, and it disappeared when close enough to me.

"Pardon me for eavesdropping, but I'll help." I offered.

"You will?" Daisy wasn't sure what to think.

"Sure." I let myself side-jump over the counter and enter the kitchen.

"I'm good at reading recipes." I added.

"The more help, the better." Cuckoo Loca nodded.

"Thank you so much, Emily." Minnie gave me a quick hug.

"No problem." I hugged her back.

A bit later, we were all in baking aprons, chef hats, and my hair was tied into a braid.

A large electric mixer and bowl were readied, with a large mixing hook fastened into the proper spot.

"Nice hook, captain." I joked.

Minnie giggled. "Joking aside, it's time to make the batter. Here's the flour." She put in the proper ratios.

"The yeast." Daisy next.

With the help of two gold vectors, I carefully cracked four eggs.

"Here are the eggs." I let the insides get in the bowl. "And I'll get the warm water to activate the yeast." I went to the sink and washed my two natural hands as the golden vectors reached for a liquid measuring cup and filled it with purified lupe-warm water. By the time I finished washing my hands, my vectors successfully poured in the warm water.

"And a teensy bit of salt." Cuckoo Loca carefully put in the salt.

"Then the sugar." Minnie put in what seemed like the last ingredient.

"Is that everything?" I asked, wishing to make sure.

"Oh!" Minnie giggled at herself. "I almost forgot to melt the rich dark chocolate."

"Oh yeah! You said the muffins were gonna be chocolate muffins this year, right?" Daisy remembered.

"That's right." Minnie took out the large dark chocolate bars.

"I can melt it if you want." I said. "I know how."

"Oh, thank you. Go on ahead." Minnie encouraged me.

I prepared a double boil with a tall pot and a large metal mixing bowl. As the water was warming up, I finely chopped two separate dark chocolate bars. With a little milk, I melted the chocolate into liquid. When the liquid was ready, I tossed however much was necessary into the muffin batter.

As the mixing then began, I stood straight and held my hands together.

"Kira-kira kira-ru. Kira-kira ru. May these muffins be delicious to everyone." I said out loud.

"What's that?" Daisy tilted her head.

"Oh, since I made some special friends from Japan, it's been something I've been saying, as well as one of those friends. It's a long story." I replied.

"Whatever pleases you makes me happy, Emily." Minnie assured me. "And it sounds like you have friends everywhere." She giggled.

I did, too.

"Oh, Minnie, you have no idea."

Some time passed, and the daily crowds had come in and out of the diner, including Mayor McBeagle, whom I got to meet today.

"My my….everyone's been loving the chocolate muffins!" Minnie observed, for every table had at least one of Minnie's chocolate muffins.

"Well, you add chocolate to a good sweet, it'll be one heck of a hit." I said.

Daisy and Cuckoo Loca had helped the waitresses serve the customers.

"Oh! And, Emily," Minnie then got a chocolate muffin from a readied tray and handed it to me.

"This is for you. Thank you so much for helping today." She told me with a warm smile.

I took it in my hand. "My pleasure, Minnie. Anything to help a friend." I winked.

She giggled. "Sometimes….you even sound like Mickey."

I was a little surprised.

"Really?.... First time I heard that."

"Oh? Well, there's a first time for everything." Minnie kept her smile. "Go on. Take a bite."

And I did. Holy….

"Shut up…." I couldn't believe how deliciously rich and sweet it was. However, it wasn't overwhelmingly rich.

Minnie giggled once again. "I see you like it. I'll print a copy of the recipe for you."

"Thanks, Minnie. You rock like ZZ Top."

We both shared light laughter.

The diner owner then came in.

"We've got so many delivery orders for those muffins, it's almost overwhelming…." He told us. "Can either of you drive?...."

"I got a better idea." I snapped my fingers, and the chef hat on my head magically changed to a pink baseball cap.

"Like what?...." The owner tilted his head. Minnie did, too.

Glowing wings then started coming out of my back but not spreading out.

"I can fly faster than I can drive. All I need is the addresses, and my GPS here can do the rest." I showed my phone. "I'll give you my number so you and whoever takes the delivery orders message the addresses to me."

"Brilliant!" The owner approved with a wide smile.

"We'll keep the delivery orders in the break room waiting for you." Minnie added.

"Good idea." I gave a thumbs up as I took off my apron and hung it up.

A bit later, after getting the phone numbers and addresses situated, I flew off and went about the town, delivering as fast as Sonic probably could for Meh Burger back in Bygone Island.

I delivered to families, couples, children, even Chip and Dale.

I met and befriended many of those families and children, as well as some of their pets. I'd never seen so many people so unconditionally nice to me. Like, in Station Square, I more or less earned that kind of respect for my heroic acts and duties. But here, just knowing my name was a big blessing. A humble but very warm feeling.

As evening was coming, I had two final deliveries to follow through with. I chose to follow the one leading to the park first.

I landed in the park with ease, and my wings disappeared almost immediately.

I looked at the delivery messages.

"Now, this first order I got here goes to….Chip and Dale?" I was almost surprised, but it quickly faded as I then smiled.

"Now, I gotta find those chipmunks." I looked around.

Families and friend groups went about the park like usual.

I then loudly whistled, using a spare magic hand.

"Chip! Dale! I got your muffin!" I yelled.

Familiar laughing was then heard as a result, and after some looking around, I spotted two little chipmunks running toward me.

"Yay! Minnie's muffin!" Chip squealed.

"Yum yum!" Dale added to the squeaky excitement.

I knelt down to them and handed out the muffin.

"Here ya go, nice and warm." I kept my smile.

"Thank you, Emily!" Chip's eyes were sparkling with joy.

"Anytime, Chip n' Dale."

"Look at'cha, you're quite a lady!" Dale commented. "Sorry we haven't gotten to see you much since you came."

"No worries. I guess we've just been busy." I assured. "I haven't been here for too long, mind you. It's only been three months."

"Wanna snack with us?" Chip then offered. "We can catch up then!"

"That sounds lovely, but after I get this last delivery in for the day. I just need to--!" I stood up and was about to take my phone back out to check.

"Hey, Emily!" I heard Mickey.

Chip, Dale, and I turned and saw Mickey and Minnie walking alongside each other, for Minnie and the Happy Helpers were done at the diner. Minnie held a pastry box in her hands.

I looked at my phone. The last address was, in fact, Mickey's.

"Well, looks like that last delivery's outta the way." I laughed a little as I put my phone back in my pocket.

I handed the last muffin to Mickey.

"Here."

"Thanks, pal." Mickey gently took the muffin from my hand.

"Does that mean we can snack together?" Dale asked.

"Sure does." I looked back at both little chipmunks.

"Is it okay if we joined, too?" Minnie asked.

"Of course! The more friends, the merrier!" Chip and Dale happily squeaked.

"In that case, let's find a good spot and then relax." I started going ahead, letting my friends follow.

Thankfully, it didn't take long to find a nice spot to settle and snack on our muffins, including the ones in Minnie's box.

We sat under this thick oak tree, straying a little far from the main walking path. I sat against the tree first, and I finally acknowledged my slight tiredness.

"Boy….what a day." I wiped my forehead.

"I guess you used up a bit of energy to speed things up for Minnie Muffin Day." Minnie suggested.

"Yeah. But I'll be just fine." I assured. "I just need to rest for a bit."

"Does your magic always work like that?" Dale asked.

"Pretty much, yeah. It's a long story." I replied.

"We're all ears!" Chip and Dale granted me their attention.

I laughed, knowing just explaining the entire ordeal would be potentially hungry work. I got a muffin in my hand, and I began.

Hand in hand, Mickey and Minnie sat beside me, listening, although they'd heard the story at least once before.

"You two really do have much in common." Minnie then kissed Mickey's cheek.

Mickey chuckled. "I know that, for sure. But gosh, she's something else."

"I definitely agree. I'm so happy she's helped you be very happy." Minnie said.

"Awww, really? Y'know, I don't wanna spend less and less time with you, Minnie."

"You're not dampening anything at all. Emily deserves time with us just as much as every other great friend we've met." Minnie assured.

"Besides, Emily truly is special. And after going through so much, she deserves a safe haven to call home. No mad scientists, no attacks, or at least not nearly as often, and most of all, no getting dragged into any drama." Minnie added.

"Thank you, Minnie, for understanding." Mickey smiled warmly at his true love.

Minnie then initiated a quick but sweet kiss on Mickey's lips.

"Don't mention it, Mickey. I love our friend just as much as you ever have." Minnie smiled back.

Mickey then gave her an even sweeter kiss on the lips. The two lovebirds then leaned closely to each other, enjoying the warm company.

I continued telling Chip and Dale my entire story with my magic, as well as my time with the Sonic Team.

It was nighttime by the time I decided I wanted to go home. Mickey drove me back to the diner so I could get back in my own car and drive home.

Chapter Text

Today's fortune:

Things, no matter how big or small, never really work out like expected.

March came, and the more beautiful weather wasn't far behind. In fact, it was close to the first technical day of spring.

I was by a different part of the ocean, sitting on an empty dock. People had been going out boating. As I sat on the dock, I'd been reading a book.

I was surprised when something seemed to hit the dock from below, making me jump out of my seat, and I fell into the water. I lost my book in the short mayhem.

"What the?!" I looked around. What could've hit the dock the way it did?

But I couldn't find my book.

"Oh come on! I was really getting into that book…." I got briefly frustrated.

A boat horn was then heard, approaching me.

I looked up, and I saw Donald and Goofy on deck, with Mickey handling the steering wheel.

"Hi'ya, Emily! You okay?" Goofy asked.

"I'm alright. I just lost my book." I answered, looking up at Goofy and Donald.

Mickey then came.

"Here, let's help you up!" Mickey threw down a life ring and rope.

I got hold of it, and the three friends helped me up onto the tall boat.

"Thanks, guys. What're you three up to?" I asked, squeezing water out of my long hair.

"We're goin' fishin' out on the ocean." Goofy replied.

"Wanna join us?" Donald asked.

"Sure." I shrugged, liking the idea. "Why not?"

"I'll help ya get a new book afterwards, too." Mickey offered.

"Thanks." I smiled casually.

"Here, take this. Safety first." Goofy handed me a life jacket. And I put it on with ease.

A bit later, we drove out far on the ocean, with the oddly warm breeze blowing in a relaxing way. Mickey slowed the boat to a stop. Donald let the anchor down.

"This looks like a great spot to fish."

As the boat slowly stopped, we all got to the barred edge of the boat and looked over to the ocean.

"So, what exactly do we do with the fish after we catch them?" I asked curiously.

"Why?" Donald asked.

"I'm just curious. I know of some big fishers that take their catches of the day back to some fish market." I shrugged.

Mickey turned to me. "It's not like that here. We're catching n' releasing."

"Oh." I responded. "So, we're just gonna harass the fish, exhaust 'em, and then just put 'em back." I smiled, holding in a giggle.

Mickey couldn't help but smile in a similarly sarcastic manner.

"Ha ha, very funny." Donald couldn't help but smile as well.

"You're really takin' the fun outta this, aren't ya, sis?" Mickey teased.

"You know it." I nudged his arm. The three of us shared light laughter.

"Gawrsh! We're gonna catch big ones out here! Tuna, swordfish, cod...." Goofy was excited. We looked over to the ocean again.

As Goofy expressed his excitement, long tentacles reached out onto the deck and scooped up the fishing poles and bait box.

Donald turned around just in time to see the tentacles wrap around our fishing poles, pulling them into the water.

"WHA?!" Donald quacked. "Hey! Someone's taking our stuff!"

The rest of us turned, and the same tentacles then got hold of the lunch box.

"Hey!" I grabbed an open handle, and I tugged, fighting back against the thief.

"Give! It! Back!" I grunted.

But I fought a losing battle. My grip slipped, and the tentacles took the box right into the ocean.

We all came to that same side of the boat, and we looked over the edge.

"An octopus?" Goofy guessed.

That very octopus managed to climb into the boat, sneaking from behind, and it grabbed Goofy's shoes, slipping them off with surprising ease.

"Hey! My shoes!" Goofy yelped as the shoes slipped off. The octopus then jumped off and took them down into the ocean.

"Oh come on!" I angrily groaned. "He got away!"

"We'll see about that." Mickey took out his long telescope, and he managed to make it long enough to get in the water. Upon looking, he saw the octopus putting our stolen things inside a treasure chest.

"He's stuffing them in a treasure chest." He pushed the telescope back to the small length.

"And we're gonna get it back." Mickey finished.

"But how?! He took everything !" Donald quacked.

"And my toesies are gettin' a little cold…." Goofy wiggled his toes, exposed thanks to old, holed socks.

"Ahem." I intentionally cleared my throat, wishing to get attention.

They all looked at me. I took off my life jacket and then my hat.

"Of course!" Mickey caught on. "Think you can get that treasure chest back?"

"Of course. Magic comes in handy for me." I replied, feeling more confident.

A bit later, I was sitting on the edge. Goofy extended the telescope, checking on the octopus. By then, the creature had fallen asleep, holding the chest almost like it was a teddy bear.

"He's asleep, alright." Goofy confirmed.

"Ready, sister?" Mickey asked me.

I made gold aura start forming around me.

"Ready as ever." I gave a thumbs up.

"Then go for it." Donald gave me the same thing.

I made myself into the same airy stream of gold like I have before, allowing me to get into the water quietly.

I changed back once I got deep enough, and the gold aura stayed shining around me. I breathed easy.

"Alright….careful, now…." I maneuvered myself to get hold of the treasure chest, and I slipped it out of the sleeping creature's grip.

Just as I started going back up, the octopus woke up, and he quickly wrapped two tentacles around the open side handle, yanking back toward him. I found myself in a tug of war as an immediate result. I tugged and tugged, trying to make the octopus lose its grip. But it was increasingly troublesome.

"Ugh! Damn…." I kept trying, though.

An idea then suddenly came into my head, and I lightly gasped.

"Of course!"

I summoned two golden vector arms from my back, and they reached over to the octopus, and they started tickling its underside. The octopus started laughing and gurgling, and he soon squirted ink, letting go of the chest. I raced up to the surface, taking the chest with me up aboard the boat.

I got myself and the treasure chest aboard.

"Let's get outta here!" I alarmed as Donald weighed the anchor upwards.

"Aye aye, captain!" Goofy responded by turning the wheel and driving away from the scene. The octopus lost us. Although a little angry, he knew when he was outwitted.

We stopped at a different spot, and I managed to open the chest.

"Nice!" I took out the fishing poles and bait box, and then Goofy's shoes.

"Hooray!" Donald got the box as Mickey got the fishing poles.

"My shoes!" Goofy chuckled as he grabbed them and then put them back on.

I looked inside the chest again, with Mickey looking beside me.

I was surprised to find my same blue hardcover book.

"My book?! Well, son of a gun!" I got hold of my book and opened it. The pages were still intact.

"Well, this turned out better than I originally hoped." I smiled.

"That's good. Looks like the bookstore isn't quite necessary."

Mickey then kissed my cheek, catching me slightly by surprise.

"What was that for?" I asked.

"Thanks for helping us out, Emily. You think you still wanna fish with us?" He then asked me.

I smiled. "Of course, Mickey. I'll read some more later. I'll be right back."

I went below deck with the now empty chest and book.

We spent the day fishing, and we got very lucky with large fish. I even ended up reeling in a large tuna fish.

As for the empty treasure chest, I chose to keep it for myself and find good use of it. Mickey helped me clean and polish it, and I put some of my most precious belongings inside.

Chapter Text

Today's fortune:

Awareness and acceptance are two entirely different subjects.

Frankly, I don't know how April came so fast. Then again, I'd been so busy going to so many friends' worlds, I guess I let it go right past me.

April 2nd. I knew exactly what today was to me.

Much to my first-hand unawareness, so did everyone else….

I was invited to the House of Mouse that night as a special guest, and I agreed to come. I chose to wear a slightly more casual blue dress to the occasion.

When I entered, I could see so many blue decorations, and the rolled out carpet was even blue.

"Whoa…." It almost overwhelmed me with surprise.

"Good evening, Emily!" Daisy approached. Instead of her usual uniform, she was wearing a similarly plain blue dress in comparison to mine.

"Daisy, is this what I think it is?...."

"We've known what kind of day today is and what it means to you. That's why you're tonight's guest of honor." Daisy smiled.

I smiled back. "Wow….this is already something else, and I'm not even at my table yet."

"I'll say. C'mon, and we'll join the others." She guided me to the two main doors.

When I entered the main club room, blue decorations were everywhere. Almost everyone wore blue.

And upon my entry, everyone applauded gently.

"Does….everyone know?" I asked out of shock.

"They sure do." Daisy replied as she seated me at my table.

I couldn't help but blush this time.

"W-Wow…." I stuttered.

"Take a look at our special menu for the night. I'll get you some milk." Daisy then walked away.

The entire world might as well have turned blue on this increasingly special night.

Mickey walked onto the stage, particularly smiling at noticing my presence.

"Hey there, hi there, ho there!" Mickey laughed. "You're as welcome as can be! Haha! That can't be any more true than on nights like this one. As you probably know, today is World Autism Acceptance Day, and in that honor, we've all gone blue!"

Everyone applauded, including me.

"Now, for the longest time, it was always known as Autism Awareness, but now, the next step is Acceptance. Autism isn't really a disease at all, like many people may treat it as. Not at all. It's just a different way a person works. As we've learned through the decades, autism affects everyone differently. Families, friends, the world, and each individual on the Spectrum. It's formally called Autism Spectrum Disorder for a rightful reason. People fail to see that those on the Spectrum are just as special and important as any other person. Everyone's a little different neuro-typically, and everyone's a little different on the Autism Spectrum, too. Take our guest of honor for the night, Emily Ann, as a prime example." He gestured to me. A spotlight lit onto me and my table.

While my blue dress was plain and casual, the spotlight made it look like it, as well as I, was glittering like sunlit snow.

"Emily has proven that anyone on that special Spectrum, no matter the spot within it, can thrive and live life like any other person can. More importantly, all that's ever desired is not awareness, but acceptance. Acceptance makes a true difference in someone's mental life. If the world can learn to accept those different from each other, let it be by color, disability, lifestyles and cultures, values, or anything else, then the world could be the warming and welcoming place we keep trying to inspire to mold. Everyone, give a soft round of applause for Autism Acceptance Day!"

And we did. It was actually soothing to hear the softer applause than what would be expected. And it comforted me like you wouldn't believe to have such a day like this, let alone any day at all, end up getting this kind of dedication. I hadn't seen anything like this since I was in 8th grade.

Some Disney music started playing as Mickey walked off the stage. I finally got to look at the special menu that was paired with the regular one.

All of my favorite foods! Spaghetti with butter and traditional sauce. Fettuccine Alfredo pasta. Tiana's special gumbo (in which I've gotten to fall in love with since I first visited New Orleans). Crispy chicken nuggets. Chicago deep dish pizza. Chili cheese dogs. Shrimp rolls. Shrimp cocktails. Even barbecue ribs, St. Louis style, with sweet barbecue sauce. The sides: freshly made french fries, applesauce, and salty crackers. The desserts: rich chocolate cake, vanilla or chocolate ice cream, and vanilla or chocolate cupcakes with blue buttercream frosting.

"Wow….amazing!" I was stoked.

"Emily?" I heard Mickey approach me.

I turned, and there he was.

"How long have you been planning this?" I asked almost immediately.

"Almost two months." Mickey replied. "Everyone was so supportive since I shared the idea."

"I'm shocked you managed to keep this a secret from me. Nice work." I praised.

"Not a problem. I know how important things like awareness and acceptance are to ya, so why not let everyone know?" Mickey kept his warm smile.

I patted a seat right by me. "Wanna sit with me?"

"I was gonna ask if I can. Haha!" Mickey chuckled, and he came and took a seat right by me.

"It really is sweet of you to come through with this. It means a lot to me." I then said.

"It's my pleasure." Mickey replied, and he put his arm around me. I did the same for him.

"Say, Emily?" Mickey then began.

"What?" I tilted my head a little.

"It might be a bit weird, but I had quite a dream a few nights ago." He brought up.

"What happened?"

"It was a wonderful dream. Again, it might be real weird, but….in that dream, we lived together, like you used to live with Tails in Station Square. There were visions I saw where we played with Pluto, and he happily tackled you down to the ground. Haha! Others were when we'd wish each other a good night, have dinner, cook out in the backyard, watch movies, even read books while in the same room, and keep each other warm on cold days. We were just….so happy. I know you got your own house, and you live right nextdoor, but…."

"Mickey, that actually….sounds quite nice." I realized in truth.

"Really?"

"Yeah. Maybe one day, I just might come in and stay. But for now, just being able to see you every day is more than enough for me." I said. "That's an awesome thing about being nextdoor neighbors."

"I can't say you're wrong on that. Thanks for listening, pal."

"No problem. I'm your friend, and true friends always listen to each other, no matter how weird it might get. As long as it's honest and not ill-intentioned, it's all good."

Mickey leaned more warmly into me, prompting me to gently hug him close. He hugged me back the same way.

"Y'know, Emily?" Mickey then brought up, finding himself getting up into my lap now.

"I don't care what anyone says. I know for a fact you're a very special young lady. Not just because of all the magic you can do, but because of how you always follow your heart with honesty. Especially when it's very important to you. And although you might mess up quite a bit, you always mean well, and you're always a true friend. That could be part of why you truly belong here."

"I've never felt this kind of welcome and acceptance from my own family. I know for a fact I belong here. I know I always belonged with the Sonic Team too, but….the circumstances there didn't often allow me to just be me. This world has. And it feels….like weights getting off my shoulders, finally. Had I kept in touch with you throughout the years, I might've ended up here long ago."

"But it's great you always have the team's support. You needed friends like them through the dark times you had to go through."

"Very true. I'll never forget, that's for sure. But now, I'm here, and I'm not planning on going anywhere. I have a friend like you back in my life, and no way I'm gonna let that go."

"I'm glad, Emily. You really are swell." His eyes glittered.

I kissed his cheek. "Thank you for accepting me from the beginning. The fact that I have autism meant almost nothing to you long ago."

"And in most ways, it'll never matter." Mickey added.

"Most ways?...." I tilted my head.

"Well, I know your world did you pretty dirty through the years, like with parts of your family, as well as your history being bullied and such. Even though you weren't aware of much of that for a long time, I kinda….pity you. No good kid deserves to go through such torment. Look at ya. For many, you had to prove you could do stuff like anyone else could. You really had to work for it, especially for much of your own family."

"Yeah….I sometimes don't like to acknowledge that. I had to work for their smiles and affection, like Grace's, for instance."

"I'm sorry I couldn't be there for ya through those kinds of times. And I'm definitely sorry people you're supposed to care about….made you feel like love is something you have to earn."

"It's okay. They've just never understood, or really wanted to. They're not in my life very much anymore because I know the truth." I assured.

Mickey's eyes kept glittering.

"I remember Timon saying this long ago. When the world turns its back on you, you turn your back on the world. Now, I know what that really means." I said as I leaned back in my seat a little. I let magic change my clothes from my casual dress to dark blue jeans and a royal blue loose t-shirt. I remembered, I felt more like me this way. I'm not entirely sure why I chose to magically change.

"You remember that?"

"Who could forget the Pride Lands? And about what Timon said, I thought it meant something like, when the life you were set for fails you, then you abandon that life and start anew. That may be true in itself, but I realized there can be a whole other perspective."

"Like what?"

"When the people you're supposed to trust, like your family, turn their back on you when you need them the most, or when you just want their bit of attention, like I and any other growing kid would want, then they're not meant to be in your life, and you cut them out of it. I've learned to do that with a lot of those stuck-up relatives, and I've mostly done that between me and Grace." I explained.

"When the people you grow up knowing and trusting….turn around when you're at your worst, leaving you in the dark….then you turn your back on them. You don't need them or their closed minds in your life." I repeated, like I was in loud thought.

"Emily?...." Mickey got my attention.

We looked at each other.

"Sorry, Mickey. It still hurts, knowing that throughout the years, the extended family almost reluctantly brought me in. They probably either looked down on me because I was always so different, or they pitied me and my parents. Now, they don't even bother contacting me unless I did something big, like make it big when I was into singing."

"That's why I'm sorry I wasn't there for you like I often feel like I should've."

"Don't be. We're here now, and I know for a fact that you'll always be by my side no matter what. You know the real me. Not many people in my world do. And you accepted and loved me from the very beginning. Since the moment we met on Main Street. You treated me no different. In fact, you've always made me feel special just by being me. Not a sorceress. Not a heroine. But just a person with her quirks. As I've said, not many people I've met have allowed me to do that. I only wish I could do more for you in return…."

"Hey, Emily," Mickey said in a sweetly reassuring tone, "you know ya don't have to. It's okay. You being here with me and our friends is enough. And I'm honored to be in your life the way I have been all these years."

I gave a warm smile. Then, I just pulled him into a warm and somewhat eager embrace, catching him slightly by surprise.

"I lost you once years ago…." I began. "I can't lose you again. Not after just how much of the world I came from has betrayed me. Not after everything I had to endure, no matter how oblivious I was. Not after every time I've given my whole life. Not after….knowing what it's really like to be….left alone in the dark…." I felt my voice shake.

Mickey felt his eyes glass up out of a mixture of pity and empathy. I felt his arms hold me similarly to mine.

"Those days are over now. You don't have to deal with it nearly as much as you do now that you're here. And you definitely don't have to worry about letting that pain out. Not around us. Especially not around me." Mickey assured me gently, rubbing my back.

"I promise, I'll always be there to listen to you. And I'll be the loved one you always deserve. No matter what, I'll be there. All you have to do is say something." He gently kissed my cheek.

"And most importantly, I'll always love you like the best sister in the universe. Nothing will ever take that away." He finished.

Only then, I acknowledged the tears spilling from my eyes. I slightly squeezed my arms, and I let myself bury into Mickey's loving hold. He never let go.

With my head leaning into his shoulder, I cried.

After a nice spaghetti dinner, I took the stage and told the entire club about my life and experiences as a person on the Autism Spectrum. I was sure to keep mentioning that each individual on the Spectrum is, in fact, different from another. I didn't leave out many challenges I continue to face now, such as keeping my bedroom consistently tidy, my heavy routine orientation, and my often-consistent failure to connect on a daily basis, mostly about things in my home. I also didn't leave out my often unnatural interests and passions, such as swimming, video games, and most definitely writing.

Even later that night, I danced on the blue lit stage with Mickey and the rest of the Sensational Six. I was even allowed to sing some of my favorite songs.

Honestly, as the night went on, it got more and more blurry. But it was a blissful blur. One thing was absolutely certain, though. It felt so heavenly to be widely accepted by just about everyone under one single roof.

After coming home, I just sat in bed, and there were points where I just cried. Cried from overwhelming love and acceptance.

Chapter Text

Today's fortune:

A simple day is the best remedy to life's greatest stresses.

A few days passed.

I was deeply asleep in my cozy room. The sun shined through the single window, with a gentle cool breeze blowing through the opening, swaying the yellow curtains. That kind of fresh air could put anyone to sleep, to be completely honest.

I was cuddled up in my blanket, burying myself in comfortable warmth. I don't remember what I ended up dreaming about, but it had to be a grand dream to have. Something in me just didn't want to wake up. I ended up sleeping later than usual as an ultimate result.

Mickey, having been given a spare key to my house, had let himself in, finding me deeply asleep. He ultimately chose to get a head start in the kitchen, with Pluto standing beside him. Some mornings had gone down like this before, so it wasn't out of the ordinary.

What ultimately woke me up was the change in aromas, transitioning from the cool spring air from the window to scents of eggs, bacon, and cinnamon. Soft sounds of pan-frying and the toaster only added to it. I slowly woke up, almost immediately feeling great hunger pains. I stretched, still cuddled in my blanket. As I gained more and more consciousness, soft footsteps were heard going up the stairs and approaching my door.

Soft knocking.

"Come in…." I rubbed my eyes.

I saw Mickey and Pluto walk inside, and I smiled upon seeing them. I'd never let myself be displeased to see them.

Mickey was holding a tray with two plates full of hot food. Pluto held the gallon of milk in his mouth. The food aromas overwhelmed the room instantly.

"Hi'ya, Emily. Sorry for coming in suddenly, but I promised you a nice morning every now and then. Especially after we'd been so busy at the House of Mouse the last few nights." Mickey said.

I sat myself up in bed.

"It's alright. I gave you a spare key to my house for a reason." I lightly smiled, and I yawned.

"I made us breakfast, if that's alright with ya." Mickey then said with a responding smile.

I maneuvered myself to leave enough room on my bed for my friend to sit beside me. He did, and he set the tray on our laps. Pluto held out the gallon of milk and placed it on the nightstand.

"Thank you, Pluto." I gently pet his head.

He wagged his tail in natural response.

"Here ya go." He gave me my plate of eggs, buttered toast, and turkey bacon.

"Thanks." I replied with a natural smile. "Has Pluto had breakfast this--!" I noticed Pluto leaving the room. A moment later, he came back with his dog bowl full of food.

"He wanted to join us, too." Mickey chuckled.

"How adorable." I gushed.

And we ate breakfast together as the sun warmed up the bedroom with magical ease. It actually reminded me of the simplest days I spent in Station Square, living with Tails. Very….nostalgic. I soon remembered the special morning, back when I was only 6, feasting a similar breakfast with Mickey. Only that time, Pluto and I worked together and gave Mickey breakfast in bed.

A little while later, I got dressed like usual, and Mickey, Pluto, and I gathered in the small living room. The back door was open, with a screen between the home and any potential bugs and birds coming in by accident.

I was in my rocking chair, and I was gently petting Pluto. He ate it up and flopped his head onto my lap like a ragdoll.

"Say, Mickey?" I then brought up.

"Hm?" He turned, for he'd been reading a book.

"If I can ask, what's exactly the occasion for coming by?" I asked. "I'm just usually the one visiting you."

"Oh, I just wanted to come visit one of my best pals. Besides, it's a very nice day to just relax and soak everything in." Mickey replied. "I always love seein' ya, y'know."

I smiled. "Fair enough. It is a nice day." I looked out the open back door, seeing the clear blue sky on the horizon.

"By the way," Mickey then started, "how're you feeling lately? I know you celebrated Easter with your dad."

"Not too bad. He's doing pretty good. He just can't wait till he retires."

"Oh? When's that?"

"This coming November. I think around the time of your birthday, if not a little earlier." I replied.

"And your stepmother?"

"We've been slowly patching things up between the two of us. I've just really acknowledged a few things. One, I don't even live with her and my dad anymore. I actually haven't for a handful of years, so a lot of the drama that's happened there shouldn't even have much to do with me. Two, I learned Cindy grew up in a military family, and thus, her everyday lifestyle and values are very different from mine. I know she means well. I just don't think we got off on the right foot. Three, she makes my dad happy, and I'd be terrible to ruin that, especially given that we're all adults, and we have our own lives. Like I've got mine here."

"How about your sisters?" Mickey then asked.

"Sarah's been doing well in school, although I know she's working her tail off. Same with Grace in beauty school. She's quite good with hair, except for more complicated haircuts and trims. I just really hope she can learn from experiences before she ticks off someone other than Sarah. Long story short, Grace messed up Sarah's desired haircut, making it a pixie cut."

"How're things between you n' Grace?...."

"Well, these days, I've more or less let her go. I don't really talk to her that much. Over the years, she hasn't given me much reason to. I just….hope she realizes how her pettiness has hurt everyone in the family. Especially….me." I rocked in my chair, letting Pluto lie down on the carpet.

"I see….I'm really sorry you've had to go through all that."

"It's okay. Honestly, I think a lot of Grace's ways in thinking the world revolves around her, it's all about her, all that stuff….I think it all started with me. Ending up diagnosed with autism, and thus, I needed extra attention. My mom definitely tried. She wasn't perfect by any means when we were growing up, but Grace and Sarah both were hurt that I got more attention. The divorce made things worse between Grace and the family. Her true colors have been showing for years, but I guess I wanted to believe in the best, even though I didn't really understand when I was little. But for a little while now, I've been….wholeheartedly convinced that all that drama and pettiness….is my fault. Not that I had any real control, but it all started with me being autistic."

"I'm really sorry….had I known, I would've tried my best to help."

"It's okay. I now know the kind of person Grace really is. She means well, especially for herself, and does want to love, but she has the funniest ways in showing love toward others, if she shows it at all. I realize she's hurt me more than enough, even when we didn't really understand it. So, I have no real choice than to let her go."

Pluto whined a little.

I looked down at him. His eyes were the most expressive out of all of him.

"I'll be alright, boy." I assured, patting his head.

"Are you….sure?" Mickey expressed uncertainty.

I finally acknowledged it with a responding sigh.

"I don't know. Some days, I feel fine about it, but others, it's like….taking a bullet. I dealt with so much bull, and I didn't even know the half of it. I somehow always knew I was different, but people, kids and adults, made it clear that I was pretty….freaky. Much like how Dumbo was treated. And as you may already know, it was people like Grace, and all those hurtful people, who gave me nowhere else to go but my own world in my head. And that was before and after I'd been on all these adventures with the most unlikely friends. I guess that's just what happens when you get a bad roll of the dice when you're brought into the world." I shrugged.

Honestly, I didn't quite realize my eyes were watering. It felt almost normal, for I acknowledged my deepening depression coming through me.

"The only part of the family you necessarily choose is your friends. But by blood, it's simply a roll of the dice. While I could've probably got something a lot better, I know for a fact I could've ended up with something a whole lot worse. I just often wish….I didn't take anyone else down with me." I said.

"What do you mean? You didn't take anyone down with ya at all. You barely even went down to begin with. If anything, you opened people's eyes. Your parents', albeit one at a time, Sarah's, people worthy to be in your life."

"Sorry….I really need to work on this stuff." I realized. I suddenly felt like I was either failing to make much sense, or letting something in me speak less rationally.

"It's okay. It's no one's fault. Definitely not yours. I'm just so sorry you had to go through so much trouble just to get smiles from your extended family."

"It's not your fault I just couldn't fit in no matter what I did. What breaks my heart is that my parents and sisters got trouble from majority of the rest of our family, starting with because I just had to have autism. They've especially given my parents trouble, saying their parenting is disgustingly poor. That's what I meant by taking everyone down with me. To others, I made the entire family, close and extended, look bad. I don't think I'll ever be able to live it down. I've been convinced that every long-term bad thing in our family of five started because of me. Many days, I can deal with it. Other days….I often hate myself for the damage I seemed to have caused. No one has to say anything. Not even you. At the end of the day, I know in my heart the beginning of it is because I'm autistic."

Unable to come up with anything else to possibly argue, Mickey just came to me and held my hands, intending to give comfort.

"I'm sorry….I'm not sure if I'm just saying a lot of these things because it's what my feelings are telling me, or if it's because it's actually true. Emotions really can be so cruel…." I apologized.

"It's okay, Emily. You don't have to be sorry about anything like this. Enough trouble like that can bring anyone down, long-term or otherwise. But it's not your fault all that torment happened to you. Acceptance is powerful, but so is ignorance. And ignorance definitely got the better of your entire family. They turned a blind eye on who you can really be. You never even had to be any kind of sorceress or magician to prove yourself. You just have to be who you feel you are. This world's always changing, as we both know. To adapt to those changes, accept them, and the people making those changes, speaks true volumes. I know you've always hated change, but you've still managed to get past your reluctance and adapt. If someone like you can do that, and others like them choose not to, then who's really the one taking everyone down? Certainly not you."

I felt his thumbs gently rub my hands as he held them warmly. I didn't respond at first as I barely wrapped my fingers around Mickey's hands.

"Here's the thing….until the times I'd go on these adventures with these amazing friends….I was barely even allowed to be who I felt I was. To the point where I really had no clue who I could possibly be. I was singled out all the time for having autism, and the world would say I'm the one who would have to adjust to everyone around me. But in reality, it's the people around me who could've more easily adjusted. I'm the one who struggles to adjust to almost anything, even now, let alone to other people who could more likely look down upon me. I didn't have to, but I did. I didn't have a choice. And with that, I had....little to no ability to be me, confident in my own pelt, unless I was with friends like you, Tails, Huck, and all the others I've had the blessing to be friends with." I rocked a little, leaning back against the chair, and looking up at the ceiling.

"Just when I felt I could've been something I was confident in on my own, Nick died. And the feelings and events to follow destroyed my entire reputation as a singer, and as a person. I know for a fact people, in school and in Bygone Island, saw me as a wreck. And that's how I saw myself almost all the time. And I was looked down upon even more, I know that for a fact. My stupid relatives just made the efforts to not make that real clear with me. They probably pitied me more than anything. And yet….I was still the one who had to adjust to everyone around me, and I struggled. And more often than not, I failed, and I ended up taking myself to the little world in my head. It never had to be that way….but it was. And still is whenever I'm around. I don't even talk to most of my family that much anymore, and it still hurts so much. I guess that's what happens when you just don't know until you're older. And when you do learn these truths, they make you realize….just how out of place you are in the world. Just how….alone….you really are. Even when you're around people. Especially when you're around other people. For me, all of this came together and eventually made me realize….just how lonely the world I was born into proved to be. Especially after Nick passed. In my world, I loathed my life so much. Even when I was with the Sonic Team, I couldn't fully fight this sense of loneliness that's stuck with me for most of my whole life. And I hated it. Unless I was with very specific company, I….never felt like I really belonged anywhere."

A brief moment of silence.

"You….really do feel this way a lot, don't you?" Mickey then said, feeling his heart slowly break.

I gave a reluctant nod. "You have no idea. It's no wonder I got so messed up as I got older…."

Pluto whined a little.

"I really try not to let it happen, but there are many days where I just…." I was saying.

"That's enough." Mickey interrupted quietly.

I stopped in my tracks.

"Did I say too much?...."

"It's not that. When you need to get something off your chest, don't be afraid to say something. But you're putting yourself down like this way too much. I can see it all over you. I just hate seeing you like this, especially after everything you've done for everyone, including yourself. You don't have to feel responsible for things other people did to you and your family."

I felt his hands then blanket my shoulders.

"It's not your fault ignorance has gotten the better of people. It's their own fault. They're missing out on someone like you. Frankly, I think people can learn a lot from you. You're a whole lot stronger than the world says you are. I remember that, and you should remember that. You always try your best to get through your own shortcomings and either move on from them or push past them. Look where that's gotten ya. You fight for the greater good, for everyone and yourself, and you do what it takes to get the very best result."

Pluto looked up at both of us, paying attention. I paid direct eye contact to Mickey, although I struggled a little.

"Heck, you've even saved my life a number of times, sometimes almost giving up your own to do it….you have no idea how much that means to me, to know you've done those things, let alone see you at all." His eyes glittered.

"I'm always here to listen, but I'm not allowing you to drag yourself down. You've done that way too much, and you don't have to. You're too hard on yourself. It pains me to see you do that to yourself. From brother to sister, you're kind, creative, more often than not a childish goofball, loving, and brave, just to name a few things. One of the most important, though, is that you're beautiful, inside and out." Mickey gave a slight smile as his hands then gently held my cheeks.

"Emily….you're one of the most amazing people I've ever met. The most amazing person from your original world, most definitely. I love you….and no matter what, I'll never let you feel so alone, singled out, or looked down at for even another minute longer. No one deserves that, and you definitely don't deserve that. You just….don't have to be so hard on yourself when none of this is even your fault…."

I could see a single tear roll from each of his eyes.

No matter how many times it could be said, it touched me in such a magical way to hear these things from Mickey. I knew all too well that he was telling the truth. These words were such from his heart.  As a result, I couldn't help but start to smile.

Like many times before, Mickey then had me lean closer, and he gently kissed my forehead. I started feeling my eyes water up more and more.

"Thank you, Mickey. I love you, too. It's people like you who really give me somewhere to go. Without letting me feel guilty or like the odd one out."

We both knew what would come next. And with that, we found ourselves in each other's warm and gentle arms. Pluto relaxed, with his tail now wagging a little.

"Sorry I said so much."

"It's okay. Whatever those feelings are, we can deal with them. Together." Mickey replied, his optimistic tone now fully returned.

"You mean it?...."

"Of course I mean it. I promised, didn't I?" Mickey kept holding me.

I leaned my head on his shoulder.

"You did, yeah. I guess we're like musketeers, huh?"

He remembered. "You bet."

I broke up the hug, and I held my right hand out. Mickey did the same, and he took my hand.

"All for one…." He began.

"And one for all." I finished.

"Sorry for going on for so long."

"It's okay. I'll let ya know when you're beating yourself up." He gave a wink.

I giggled a little. "Thanks."

I just hugged him more eagerly, seeking more comfort. He gave it to me by hugging me back, one of his hands gently stroking the back of my head and long brown hair. I let myself slide out of my chair, having both of us get down to our knees on the carpet floor.

I had far too much pain to keep quiet. With that, I just cried. A little louder, but not out of control sobbing. Mickey felt my continued pain, and he let tears stream from his own eyes, holding me closer and tighter. He had no intentions to let go. He only encouraged me to let it all go with his nearly silent actions. I only heard some sniffles from him. And almost a few distant sobs. He let himself share my own pain.

And we both cried.

Chapter Text

Today's fortune:

There could always be an adventure waiting behind each door, beyond every window.

A week passed.

That day, I finally had a chance to move my Easter decorations into cardboard boxes and store them in the basement for the season.

I couldn't believe how dusty it became since last time, not to mention how stuffy it became.

"Jeez….I gotta do something about the conditions down here." I thought out loud.

As I organized the boxes of decorations by holiday, I thought I could hear chimes softly sounding from behind me. Surprised, I just turned around swiftly. The same golden door to Master Yen Sid's remained, but a mass of similar gold magic began to slowly take shape and form. Like another door, it seemed.

Curious, I carefully approached. This magic did, in fact, slowly change into this certain door. It was mostly white with some golden details. The emblem on it was also gold, and it was in a shape I couldn't quite depict, but I could recognize it. I grew further intrigued.

Just as the forming process was finishing, I held the brass doorknob, and I slowly opened it. The light almost blinded me as I walked inside.

My footsteps echoed as I entered. When I got to open my eyes, I could see I had walked into this hugely spacious hallway. The doors to the rooms within were probably three times as tall as myself, if not four times as such. The tile floors were mostly white with golden yellow edges. A bold red carpet was stretched right down the middle. There were painted portraits hanging on the walls, meticulously distanced from each other. The same went with empty knights' armors positioned like mannequins. I recognized where I ended up more and more. My heart raced.

I slowly walked down the hall as the door behind me slowly closed.

The sun shined gracefully through the large glass windows, showing the open yard filled with organized men. All in the same uniforms, marching in unison.

It felt like I was taking so much time, walking down this hall. Very slowly, might I add. I was doing my best to soak everything in as carefully as humanly possible.

As I looked around, I was definitely the only one in the hallway. The doors ahead of me were the most detailed, with bits of gold and pink.

I chose to approach the doors, and when I got close enough, I carefully opened one, letting myself inside.

Upon looking, I could see that this new room was the throne room. This was, in fact, the palace I probably knew and loved the most as I grew up. However, there was nobody inside.

"H-Hello?...." I nervously called. No response. I was the only occupant, it seemed.

But upon letting myself into the throne room, I could see two special throne chairs, with a pedestal between them. A glass dome over the top. I took a closer look. The letter M was above each royal seat. As for the glass dome, what was inside was an old hat, almost looking like a kind of wide sunhat, but it had a blue stripe across the top, and an old red feather stuck out. I knew whose it was.

My own reflection on the glass dome finally made me realize how my attire had changed. I was in the same exact uniform as the men I'd seen in the yard outside. My hair remained down and wavy, like always. I barely even acknowledged just how comfortable it turned out to be. More so than I could've ever imagined.

"I can't believe this….I'm actually here?" My eyes lit up more, and I looked more around the throne room. It was exactly like I remembered.

"I really am here…." I knew I was lighting up like a Christmas tree deep inside.

Memories unlocked. The very first time I watched such an entertaining yet comically chaotic movie that was Mickey's version of The Three Musketeers. I remembered better and better by the second.

The very first time I watched that movie, it was after coming to our family condo after a day and night at the Magic Kingdom. Meeting Mickey for the first time, and him ending up giving me DVDs of the movies Fantasia and Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers. Before bed, my parents allowed me and my sisters to watch the Musketeers movie. We'd never had such a ball watching the movie and the goofiness throughout. But there was one point, when Mickey was getting closer and closer to a watery grave. It stressed me immensely, but I muddled through, only because I wanted to see how it could be resolved. But there was no forgetting what that sequence alone made me feel.

Just thinking back on that movie, as well as that vacation, makes me feel….nostalgic. Just like being in this setting I had just discovered.

I walked more through the palace, realizing I more or less had the run of the place.

I wandered through the many rooms and halls. Big and little rooms, the garden outside, and the bedrooms. It was all so beautiful….

Then, I ended up in the master bedroom. I remembered it being Princess Minnie's in the movie. So many mattresses stacked up high. A gold ladder leading to the top. It reminded me of Princess and the Pea stories I heard long ago. Curious, I climbed up.

I had never felt such a soft and comfortable bed before. It soothed me immediately upon lying down on my back. I took in a deep breath and relaxed.

The sun was setting by the time I found myself leaving. I ultimately chose to take this special hat with me. I knew whose it was, like mentioned before. I felt it was right to give it to him.

I gave Mickey his Musketeer hat right after I came back home, and I told him about my new discovery. I had a strong feeling Yen Sid had something to do with it coming so suddenly.

Next thing I knew, it was night, and I was already fast asleep. It was already pretty late by then. The single window in the room was cracked open, letting in gentle and cool air inside. I was cuddled up, like normal, comfortably asleep.

From a distance, little specs of gentle light, all different colors, slowly approached. Green, blue, pink, red, yellow, orange, purple, white, aquamarine, even icy blue. Some made it to the glass window first, seeing me peacefully asleep. Others caught up, all letting themselves look. After some very soft conversation, most of the little bits of light backed away from the window, leaving one, pink in color, at the window.

TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP! The light knocking on the window was enough to disrupt my dreamless sleep, and I slowly woke up.

"H-Huh?...." I rubbed my eyes. I looked over on my nightstand clock.

2:24am. I tilted my head a little. I at first wasn't sure if I had a weird or bad dream. If I did, the memory had faded so quickly upon regaining consciousness.

TAP TAP TAP! There it was again.

I turned right to where my window was, sitting up. That's when I saw the little pink light, right there, outside the glass barrier. It almost baffled me to see a sight like such.

Without even thinking to turn on my nightstand lamp, I stood up to my feet, revealing my long red nightgown. I removed the screening from the window upon approaching it, and I opened the window more. The little pink light let itself inside, coming up to my face, but not getting too close to me.

I saw that this pink light was a little fairy. All pink. The short hair, the see-through wings, her entire body. Even her tiny wand in hand. She almost reminded me of Tinker Bell, in a strange way. In another strange way, she looked….familiar.

"Hi there…." I reached my hands out, like I was ready to gently catch something that could be floating down.

The pink fairy let herself come down to my hands, looking at me in my eyes.

"I'm Emily. What're you doing here?" I asked as kindly as I could.

She sparkled audibly, much like Tinker Bell herself. As the breeze picked up, gently lifting the window curtains, we both looked toward it, and the pink fairy then flew right back out.

I opened the window as wide as I could, viewing the world outside. So many more fairies, in so many different colors, were flying around, sparkling. The grass dew gained color upon the fairies' touch, all different kinds and shades. Many audibly sparkled, like they were talking to me.

I climbed myself out the window, although I was a little clumsy in doing so.

The fairies' gathered, and they looked like they were dancing in the air around me. I felt more and more certain I had seen something like this before….

They almost sounded like musical chimes most of the time. Many of the fairies lightly jumped across the dew grass, and others formed a circle and flew in that specific way and pattern, all illuminating their beautiful colors.

"Wow…." I was awed. And this further confirmed my belief.

I had, in fact, seen these fairies before. I just never met them in real life before. I remembered their part in a musically magical film I have loved ever since I was roughly five or six years old.

"I know you…." I began to lightly smile.

Most of the fairies then started floating around me, and they soon all went in a direction toward a wall of dark green in the far distance. I knew what that wall specifically was.

I followed them on foot. Running, I saw the colorful fairies then enter the forest, leaving a multicolored barrier, almost like an arch, behind. I ran right through.

What I ended up walking into wasn't like what I expected out of the forest. In fact, I had a feeling this wasn't the forest I had grown to know at all. The fairies danced around, letting me watch their magic unfold. Everything they touched came to life, sparkling with dew, adding slight color. The flowers, trees and leaves, the lily pads on the pond nearby, and even a large spider web. It was so surreal, yet I knew I had seen something like this before. And much like the first time long ago, I was mesmerized. I thought I could even hear music in my head as I watched this meadow light up in many different colors.

The fairies kept flying about, leaving streams of colored magic behind, almost like I do sometimes. Some of that magic dripped like water, right onto the ground and onto me.

I looked around some more, and I soon found some of the colored dew dripping down onto a group of red-top mushrooms. I thought I could recognize them right off the bat, for they were a little bigger than naturally normal mushrooms.

Just as I surmised it, the mushrooms started moving, and they shook the water off them. Like they were in sync, they then formed a circle and walked in a certain direction, moving that circle. Even the littlest mushroom, which I always thought was so cute.

I sat myself down on the dark grass, letting myself watch the mushrooms dance their own way. And in my opinion, they performed very admirably. I lightly applauded once I knew they were done.

The mushrooms then looked up at me, realizing they had an audience. They gathered and walked up to me, almost as if they were curious but not in fear. They all tilted their heads simultaneously.

I did the same, showing a friendly smile. I then slowly reached my hands down.

It was the littlest mushroom that gained the courage to waddle up to my hands and climb on. I then carefully lifted my hands, and the littlest mushroom, up to me. I kept my friendly smile.

"Hello." I softly spoke. "I'm Emily."

The littlest mushroom relaxed in my hands, like it was showing me it was comfortable with me.

I couldn't help but giggle.

"You're more adorable than I remember." I commented.

I eventually let the littlest mushroom down to join the rest of the mushrooms, and I looked over at the pond. I saw colored flowers slowly floating down to it. Pink, orange, yellow, blue, and one white flower.

I got up and went over to the pond myself as the mushrooms left the scene. I watched the flowers float down and gently touch the surface of the water, creating light and picturesque ripples. As soon as the white flower came and touched the water, it slowly spun, and it changed from a flower to what could be like a woman in a beautiful gown. The flower petals became the gown. The green middle inside the flower was like the head. The little dots of what I think is pollen looked more like the head's hair. All of the flowers followed suit to the white flower, and they all started dancing on their own, like the surface of the water was a ballroom. The way they were spinning looked like actual floating gowns. It further mesmerized me.

Still standing, I took a few steps back and twirled in my nightgown. It floated much like the flowers on the pond. I could still hear music playing in my head, just like in the magical movie I remember quite well.

Some unusual rustling of the grass was heard from behind, and I turned and looked as the flowers kept dancing.

There he was. He was in red pajamas, barefoot like me.

"Mickey…." I was surprised to see him.

"I saw ya leave from my own window after I got a drink. I just wanted to make sure you were okay." He said.

"Oh, I see. Sorry if I worried you."

"Don't worry about that. I can see you ended up here, of all places." Mickey then smiled. "Recognize anything about it?"

"This is from Fantasia, isn't it?" I suggested.

"That's right. This is where a lot of the magic from it has lived through the years." He said.

"How did I surmise it?" I looked back at the pond. The flowers were still twirling and dancing.

Mickey saw them too. "Gosh….just like I remember them."

We both went to the pond together, and we knelt beside each other. The flowers then started floating up, but they never changed back to how they originally looked. They twirled in the air, and they soon left the pond entirely. Speaking of, I looked down at the pond, and I could see it slowly change from inside. Except where Mickey and I were, the edges changed and spread, making the body of water grow. I could then see the water itself start glowing some different colors, starting from below the surface.

"You see this, Mickey?" I made sure he was paying attention.

"I sure do. And I know what this means." He replied with a comfortable smile.

I looked into the water again, and I could then see a very interesting fish. Only the body itself was a solid color. The fins were like submerged chiffon, so thin, you could see through it, and it was a much lighter shade than the body color itself. In this single case, it was light pink. The tailfin was so unnaturally long, but it looked so….beautiful. Two more fish came, one being white, the other being light orange. All three looked up toward the surface, finding me and Mickey looking back down at them.

"Is that what I think it is?...." I remembered these fish rather vaguely.

"Yup. That's them." Mickey nodded.

When I looked over at Mickey, I saw him shifting his position, letting his feet in the water.

"Wait, are you….?" I began to ask.

"Getting in?" Mickey managed to finish. "That's right. They don't mind. In fact, they're quite friendly. I've known them for decades." He carefully got himself into the water. He popped back up through the surface after a few seconds, and he looked at me.

"C'mon. It's safe, and it feels great." Mickey urged, and he let himself go back under.

Further intrigued, I carefully let myself into the water. It was surprisingly warm, and as soon as I went under, I could feel a high sensation of magic somewhat similar to my own. I didn't even need my own to breathe, I realized. This water was so magical, no more magic was really necessary. That surprised me.

"W-Wow…." I couldn't believe it at first.

"See? Ya don't even need your own magic like you usually would." Mickey caught up with me.

"Do you do this a lot?" I then asked.

"Oh, you'd be surprised at how often I come out here. I sometimes bring Minnie here with me."

"Then she must be just as mesmerized as I've been." I suggested.

"By a long shot, yes." Mickey then gently held my right hand.

"C'mon." He guided me as the three previously mentioned fish slowly swam their ways in one particular direction.

I stayed beside Mickey, holding his hand, and we followed the fish.

We got to this certain spot by this small cave, and Mickey positioned himself to let himself sit on the soft ground. I followed, doing the same, pushing my nightgown downwards.

"What's going on now?" I asked curiously.

"They're gonna dance for us, like the others have been." Mickey replied.

Although it was vague, I thought I remembered these particular fish and their performance. We watched them emerge and take turns, gracefully swimming around. Their tail fins flowed around almost exactly like hair. Colors of red, white, purple, yellow, green, white, blue, even black.

The glowing colors throughout the water only illuminated the fishy performers. The fish themselves almost looked like they were floating in the air instead of the water.

"Whoa…." I was mesmerized, like I had been throughout the entire visit to this magical meadow.

"Yeah…." Mickey squeezed my hand a little.

A red fish slowly approached me as the performance continued. I slowly reached my open hand out. The fish then gracefully swam around my arm and hand, letting the chifon-like fins and tailfin barely touch my skin. It was smooth like nothing I had ever touched before.

The fish then floated above my open hand. The eyes were almost human, but they were beautiful for this fish all the same.

"Gee, I think everyone here likes you." Mickey commented. "Those fairies, the mushrooms, and these fish here."

I couldn't help but smile. "I like everyone here, too."

"You've always liked the movie, huh?"

"For as long as I can remember. Fantasia is a movie that really stuck out to me like no other movie I'd ever seen. Your Musketeer adventure is always full of laughter with a touch of wholesomeness. Ariel's story has always inspired me to sing and embrace the magic of it. Pooh's adventures simply helped me keep my then innocence while learning important things too, allowing me to just be a kid. As for Fantasia, it spoke the same languages I always knew, even when I was very young, having trouble communicating with the real world. Music speaks to me in ways I can't even describe now. Music has always been a huge part of me, and to see it compiled into a movie in such a way is absolutely beautiful to me. And, especially with your story as an apprentice, it probably started awakening the magic that lives inside me."

"I remember. You've always been so mesmerized towards me as a sorcerer, and when I was an apprentice. I knew that particular story really got to you in such a special way. I'd never seen that in a kid like you throughout the decades, but I've seen it through many different people, all ages and kinds. But never quite like you. Y'know what I mean?"

"Yeah. I have autism. And through the years, I know for a fact that it's looked down upon, even now, with all this information about the entire Spectrum. But that's okay. I've found the right people, haven't I?"

Mickey then smiled warmly. The fish gathered and smiled as well, nodding their heads.

"You really do belong here. Not just cuz of your magic, but because of who you are, inside and out." Mickey then said.

"I know. And as long as I'm with you, I'll be just fine. I'm just happy you chose me when you did." I smiled back at him.

"I'm honored." Mickey came closer and put his arm around me. I did the same for him almost immediately.

We looked back at the fish, and they took a formation of what looked like a multi-colored flower.

"Whoa…." Mickey and I both gasped at the same time.

We were comfortable, and we stayed as long as desired.

When we left the water, we caught up with the fairies and mushrooms again. The fairies lit up the meadow once again, and the mushrooms were beside our feet, carefully going about. The littlest mushroom was in my hands, with me carefully holding it. Mickey never left my side, and I never left his. His company made this entire night absolutely perfect.

Next thing I knew, it was dawn. The sky slowly started turning blue, and a hint of red-orange came to be on the edge of the horizon. We said our goodbyes to our magical friends, and Mickey and I left the magical meadow together.

"Gosh….we kinda pulled an all-nighter, huh?" Mickey laughed at himself a little as we were walking.

"Yeah. I've pulled plenty in my time, some for worse reasons than others, but that's beside the point. I'm no stranger to doing that stuff." I said. "But thank you for following me to the meadow."

"You're welcome. I'm happy to share those kinds of memories with ya." Mickey kept his smile.

I bent down and kissed his cheek, catching him slightly by surprise.

"I love you, Mickey. You're one the best brothers-in-arms anyone could ever have." I then said with sincerity.

Mickey's smile then warmed up more, with a hint of blush. He then gestured to me to bend back down to him.

I knelt beside him. Once I did, he came and kissed me back on my own cheek.

"I love you too, Emily. I sometimes wonder where you've been my whole life. They don't make 'em like you anymore."

I opened my arms. "Hug?"

Mickey eagerly came right in, and his hug was twice as warm as I anticipated. I hugged him back at the same time.

"You never have to ask me, my sister." Mickey snuggled.

After several long moments, I then gently broke up the hug.

"Say, Mickey?"

"Hm?"

"Why don't we go home, get dressed, and then go get breakfast at the diner in town?" I asked.

"That sounds swell. I'm in. Let's go to my house n' get ready, then." He helped me stand up, and we continued our way.

I never let go of his hand until we got inside his house.

The crazy thing was that I went back to the same meadow the next night. I just wanted more of that magical experience. And my new friends didn't disappoint.

Chapter Text

Today's fortune:

As you may know, a little help always goes a long way.

April's end was fast approaching. In fact, today was the second to last day of the month.

That day, I decided to come to the Happy Helpers Office, intending to meet up with Minnie and Daisy.

When I parked outside, I could see Minnie, Daisy, and Cuckoo Loca already exiting the office.

"Hey, guys!" I parked and then got out of my own car. "What's up?"

"Oh! Hi, Emily." Daisy noticed first. "We just got called to help a few people."

"Can I come?" I asked. "I'm sure a fourth can't hurt."

"Well…." Cuckoo Loca wasn't sure.

"It's alright, Cuckoo Loca. You can come, Emily." Minnie allowed. "Get in the van!"

And I did. The other girls did the same, with Minnie getting in the driver's seat.

"What're we doing first?" I asked.

"We're going to Clarabelle's bakery. She's in a very sticky situation, she said." Daisy answered as we drove away.

"Then we need to help Hilda Hippo with her puppy. She needs a bath while Hilda's out with her rock climbing class. Then Pete called just before you pulled in, and he said he's in a pickle." Minnie explained.

"Sounds like a bit of a long day." I said. "Then I guess it's a good thing I came along."

"You'll see, Em." Cuckoo Loca was a little skeptical.

We got to Clarabelle's, and when we got inside, there she was, stuck in this sticky mass in the kitchen. It almost reminded me of this horror movie about a killer blob of mass….

"Holy--! Clarabelle! What the heck is that?!" Daisy quacked.

"It's cookie dough for my sweet honey cookie recipe. I was busy making them, and then I got stuck, and it all went wrong! Can you help me?" Clarabelle asked.

"Of course, Clarabelle." Minnie approached, alongside Daisy.

"Oh, do be careful!" Clarabelle warned.

Too late. Once Daisy and Minnie both started trying to pull Clarabelle out of the sticky mess, they both fell right in. It was just too sticky.

"Oh dear…." I commented. I then approached.

"Here, lemme help." I reached my hands out.

"Hold it, Em!" Cuckoo Loca stopped me. "You don't wanna get stuck in this too, do ya?"

"Now, I knew these honey cookies are dangerously delicious to people, but I never knew just how dangerous!" Clarabelle mooed.

Just as I was thinking on what to do, I heard my foot step on something almost crunchy.

I looked down. A piece of paper. I bent down and picked it up. And as I read it….

"The cookie recipe?" I kept reading, a little curious. "And it calls for....100 cups of honey?!" I was baffled.

"Oh, yes! I thought it sounded like a lotta honey, but that's what the recipe called for." Clarabelle said as she, Minnie, and Daisy struggled continuously.

I looked down again. I thought I noticed something weird.

"Hold on…." I blew air out of my mouth, and flour and crumbs flew off the paper. I lightly coughed a puff of breathed-in flour in response.

"ACHOO!" I then sneezed.

"Bless you." Minnie said.

"Thanks." I looked down at the recipe again.

"Whoa….Clarabelle, it's not 100 cups of honey. It's just one cup." I then said as I realized.

"Say what?!" Daisy quacked once again.

Clarabelle realized. "Oh, silly moo! I used way too much honey! No wonder it's so sticky!"

"No wonder, indeed." I put the recipe aside on the counter.

"Hmmm…." I thought about the situation for a few quiet seconds.

I then snapped my fingers. "Of course! Water can clean it off!"

"But we can't get to the sink or the bathroom." Minnie tilted her head.

"I got that covered, Minnie." I cracked my knuckles.

My left hand and forearm started glowing orange, and my right hand and forearm started glowing blue. Fire and ice.

"What're you doing?...." Daisy wasn't sure about it as I stood back a little more.

"Making water myself." I answered. I then clapped my hands together a few times, and the auras started turning a darker blue, like the water element is expressed to be. Water formed around both hands now.

"Ready?" I warned.

"Guess so…." Clarabelle rightfully didn't know what else to do.

"Water on!" I unleashed my own water right at the others, albeit gently, and it started washing off the dough. I walked around, making sure to get as much of the dough as I could. It came off, bit by bit, like I was rinsing off a very dirty dish in the sink.

Once I knew I was done, I made the watery aura disappear around my hands, and the girls squeezed their bowties dry. Daisy shook her tail like any other duck. Clarabelle then walked to what seemed to be the broom closet.

"The water surely did the trick!" Minnie commented.

"Nice work, Em." Cuckoo Loca smiled.

"Not a problem. Nothing I can't handle." I assured.

Minnie's phone then rang, and she answered.

"Happy Helpers, this is Minnie." She answered professionally.

"Hi, Minnie! Just checkin' in t' see if you're on your way. Snowpuff's ready for her bubble bath." It was Hilda through video call.

Clarabelle overheard as she came with a scrub brush and soap bucket.

"You go help Hilda. Now that I know the right recipe, I'll bake these cookies another day." Clarabelle insisted.

"Thank you, Clarabelle." Minnie said with a smile. "We're on our way, Hilda!" She hung up.

When we got to Hilda's house, we set up a metal pet tub out on the front yard, it being on four little wheels, and Daisy filled it with warm water. I helped add in the soap.

Hilda then came to the front yard. She was in a pink tracksuit, holding a white fluffy puppy in her arms.

"Oh, perfect timin', Happy Helpers!" Hilda exclaimed.

It was then she noticed me as I stood up, closing the bottle of bubbly soap.

"You must be the famous Emily Ann! Heard a bunch of good things from Mickey n' all the others!" She approached me, showing a very friendly smile.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Hilda." I held my hand out.

She shook my hand gladly. Snowpuff barked a few times.

"So, where are you off to today?" I then asked.

"I'm off t' climb Corn Dog Peak with my rock climbin' class!" Hilda answered.

"Have fun! We'll make sure Snowpuff is squeaky clean by the time you come home." Minnie assured.

"Good luck, pretty ladies!" Hilda handed Minnie her white fluffy puppy.

"And Mama will see you after she conquers that tall mountain!" She gently booped Snowpuff's nose.

HONK HONK HONK!

Hilda turned as a bus stopped right in front of the house, and she got on with ease.

"Bye, y'all!" Hilda waved. The bus doors then closed, and the bus drove off.

"Okay!" Daisy finished filling the tub. "The Happy Helpers mobile bath is open for business!"

"Oh, wonderful! Emily," Minnie then turned to me, "have you ever given a dog a bath before?"

"Actually….no. It was always either of my parents or sisters throughout the years." I answered honestly.

"Well, I can definitely teach you to. It's not as hard as it might sound to--!"

HONK HONK! A different car horn. We looked right where the bus had previously pulled over, only to find a dark purple tow truck now in that place, and it was Pete who emerged from the driver's side and walked onto the yard.

"Pete? What're you doing here?" Daisy asked, almost unhappy to see him.

"Well," Pete nervously chuckled, "I know you said you'd help me later, but I couldn't wait. So, I swung by Clarabelle's, and she said you were off to Hilda's. So, here I am!" He explained himself.

Daisy approached him, tilting her head.

Pete put his arm around her, like he was slightly desperate.

"Can ya help me? Y'see," Pete then pulled his right arm from behind his back, revealing a huge pickle jar stuck on his similarly large hand, "I got this pickle jar stuck on my hand, and I can't get it off!"

Daisy then lightened up and laughed a little. "Well, when you said you were in a pickle, you weren't kidding!"

Minnie giggled. "I'm more than certain it's nothing we can't handle."

She then turned to me. "Here, Emily, you hold Snowpuff while I--!"

Grunting was then heard. We looked, and there were Daisy and Pete, trying their hardest to pull the pickle jar off. Daisy was easily standing on Pete's large chest as Pete himself was pacing around the yard. Daisy pulled and pulled with all her might.

"Pull! Puuuull!" Daisy grunted loudly.

"Oh, I'm pullin'! I am pullin'!" Pete struggled similarly.

"Uh…." Minnie reconsidered. "Emily….why don't you get started on giving Snowpuff her bath?" She then suggested.

"You sure?" I tilted my head a little.

"I'm sure you can figure it out. It's not that hard. Daisy and Pete need my help." She handed Snowpuff to me.

"Alrighty then." I allowed, holding the puppy. Minnie then caught up with Daisy and Pete.

Snowpuff and I paid eye contact as I held her in front of me.

"Hello, you little furball, you." I couldn't help but smile. She barked.

"Awww, aren't you cute!" I gushed.

Snowpuff then licked my cheek twice.

"D'awww! C'mon now, it's time to get squeaky clean." I then went right to the bathtub.

I gently placed her inside, and with a soft-bristle scrub brush, I started rubbing the soap and suds into Snowpuff's fur and skin. She barked and showed no resistance.

"Good girl! That's a good little baby girl!" I encouraged in a voice I often use when I sweet-talk to pets, especially dogs and puppies.

"Don't forget behind the ears, too." Cuckoo Loca reminded me. And I didn't.

As I was busy bathing Snowpuff with ease, Minnie and Daisy continued to struggle with Pete's situation.

"I-I think it's gettin' loose!" Pete grunted.

They continued pulling with the best of their combined abilities.

"Try….twisting it!" Minnie grunted.

"I am!" Daisy tried.

Upon looking through the glass jar, Pete's hand was gripping onto the single pickle inside rather tightly.

"Pete, let go of the pickle!" Minnie demanded.

"I can't! I want my pickle!" Pete argued stubbornly. "Almost! Almost!...." More progress was made.

SLIP! Pete's hand came free, but the force caused Pete to stumble backwards, right into the bathtub, and both wheeled away, right through the fence. Snowpuff ended up in Pete's hands. The wheels gained more and more speed, for Hilda's house was on a hill, and Pete and Snowpuff both were heading right to the park. Pete was heard wailing in panic through the air.

"Oh crumbs!" I almost shrieked. "They're heading straight to the park!"

"Oh dear!" Cuckoo Loca realized. "And they're on a one-way trip to Splash Town!"

There was a little lake in that same park. Pete and Snowpuff were heading right to it.

"We have to stop Pete!" Minnie started running. Daisy followed.

"Hold on, guys!" I got an idea. "I can get us there faster!"

I started running, throwing bits of gold in front of me, and I started skidding, like I was ice skating. That helped me go faster, and I took Minnie and Daisy with me to follow.

"Wh-Whoa!" Minnie shrieked.

"Quackers!" Daisy exclaimed.

"Just keep steady!" I instructed as gold kept forming ahead of me, like a pathway, and leaving just enough for Minnie and Daisy to be able to follow. They caught on quickly. We went down the hill faster and faster, and I cut through the park to get to the dock at the lake before Pete could.

I made the gold path disappear as we got to the dock, and I stopped myself almost gracefully. I managed to catch both Minnie and Daisy before they could trip and fall.

"What now?" Daisy panicked.

We looked, and we saw Pete and Snowpuff getting uncontrollably closer.

I then saw rope right by the edge of the dock.

"Hey guys," I then said after quick thinking, "we could use this rope to stop Pete by wrapping it around the dock."

"I get it!" Minnie caught on. "This could work!"

And we quickly tied the rope around the wooden stumps at the dock corners, and with me on one side, and Minnie and Daisy on the other, we readied ourselves. When the time presented itself, we pulled, and the tub managed to stop with our combined force. The tub went backward by just a few feet.

Pete soon stopped shaking in fear, realizing his new circumstance.

"I….can't believe we didn't go in the lake!" He was now relieved.

Pete gently put Snowpuff down to her feet and then tried to get out of the tub. But then, the tub rolled away from under him, and Pete then clumsily fell into the lake from the side of the dock. The splash made it up to Snowpuff, soaking her. The suds washed off, and Snowpuff then naturally shook, getting as much water off her as she could. Pete got back up to the dock, trying to get himself back on, and Snowpuff barked and gave him a soft lick on the nose.

"D'awww!" Pete reacted, smiling. He then chuckled as Snowpuff ran right to me.

"Snowpuff!" I knelt down and petted her. "You're all rinsed off!"

Minnie and Daisy went and helped Pete back onto the dock.

"Oh, Pete! You're soaking wet!" Minnie giggled.

Pete got up to his feet. "Oh, think nothin' of it." He didn't mind.

"Small price to pay for gettin' that jar off my hand." He added.

"So, you're not upset?" Daisy guessed.

"Upset? U' course not!" He patted his chest, and the same pickle was now revealed to be in his chest pocket.

"Oh!" He picked it up in his hand. "A pickle like this is worth it!" He then took a bite.

"Thanks, girls!" Pete then turned and left the scene, moving on with his day.

We all giggled as I stood up to my feet, holding Snowpuff in my arms.

We got back to Hilda's yard. Minnie and Daisy made sure Snowpuff was all dry and brushed. With the help of my magic, I fixed the fence to be as good as new.

"Y'know," I then brought up after I finished the fence, "Pete's a whole lot nicer than I remember."

"Well, he's really had changes of heart over the last decade. Maybe a bit more." Minnie replied.

"He's softened up more, and he's not too afraid to admit it." Daisy added.

"That's good." I smiled.

"I'll say." Minnie agreed. "And Emily, on an unrelated note, you've done an amazing job today."

"Really? It's not that big a deal." I shrugged.

"Maybe not to you, but a little help always goes a long way." Daisy said with a smile.

"I always do my best to help." I said with honesty.

"And help, you always succeed. Maybe, you could be a Happy Helper?" Minnie offered.

"Maybe part time or something. I'll jump in when the day calls for it." I gave a thumbs up.

"Fair enough." Daisy accepted.

"More than fair. You have your own life to live, y'know." Minnie accepted happily.

We all giggled and then engaged in a soft group hug.

What a day this had been, that's for sure! It's one for the books!

Chapter Text

Today's fortune:

True friends always look out for each other.

Right after the journey to and from Mars, May was off to a very hot start. Hot and dry. It didn't take long to dry up Hot Dog Hills' water supply.

I learned that the town's water came from a single source. The water supply at stores became extremely limited. So, I'd go to Illinois to buy water myself. I barely even left my house unless I was to get water or go for a fly on my own. I knew all too well I wouldn't be able to withstand the great heat.

After getting water and loading a shelf of the fridge with it, I went right down to the basement. For the last few days, I wanted to do something to help, even if it meant turning to special magic to do it.

I went through the old curtains and gold door behind it, entering Yen Sid's study. Upon entry, the master himself was standing at the tall window, looking through an old book.

"Excuse me, Master?" I entered as politely as I could.

He turned and saw me come in.

"Ah, Emily." He lightened up some more than to begin with.

"I was hoping you would visit today. Is something going on?" He asked.

"Yes, actually. There's been an unforeseen heatwave in town, and the water's all dried up. I'm wondering if there's something we can safely do to help with that." I briefly explained.

"Ah, I see. I have sensed some trouble from the town itself. While it isn't wise to fool with nature in such ways, people always need water. Come, and we can look through my books together." He gestured to his bookshelves.

"Thank you, Master." I bowed and went to the bookshelves.

"Of course, Emily." He went along with me.

And with that, we started looking through his spellbooks.

Meanwhile….

Mickey and Goofy had been walking down the dried riverbed outside Downtown, each holding a bottle of cold water.

"Gawrsh….there used to be plenty of water around here…." Goofy began.

"There used to be plenty of water in the town's well, too. But it's all dried up now." Mickey scratched his head.

"At least the air conditioner's worked at home." Goofy then said.

"But not at my house. Pluto's at Minnie's because of that. I've been trying to fix my air conditioner." Mickey said.

"Why not ask Emily to help? I'm sure she'd be real happy to help." Goofy then suggested.

"I was gonna ask her and probably her dad a little later." Mickey wiped his forehead.

"Do ya know when we're gettin' rain?" Goofy then asked, wiping his own forehead temporarily free of sweat.

"Not for at least three more days." Mickey sighed.

"Aw man…." Goofy almost groaned.

Mickey found some brief thoughts as their stroll continued. The sun continued its strong beam onto the whole area. The steps even sounded sandier than normal.

"Hey, Goof," Mickey then started, "maybe if we call Emily and get to--!"

RUMBLE CRUMBLE! The ground below their feet crumbled like a sandcastle, and Mickey and Goofy both fell right through the ground. Goofy yelled his iconic yell as they plummeted to the rocky underground.

Silence briefly overcame the scene, for Mickey and Goofy briefly passed out.

I suddenly felt a wave of uncertainty as I'd been reading some water spells. I stopped in my own tracks.

Yen Sid noticed me.

"Is something wrong, Emily?" He asked considerately.

"I feel….something bad just happened." I replied with honesty.

"Do you feel that's the case?...." Yen Sidid asked.

"Maybe. Sometimes I feel that stuff when someone I'm really close to is--!" I stopped in my own tracks.

"Oh boy…." I realized.

A phone call rang through in the Happy Helpers Office.

Minnie answered, like normal.

"Happy Helpers! How can we help you today?" Minnie answered professionally.

"Minnie, I just saw Mickey and Goofy walking down the dry riverbed, and the ground caved in right under their feet! They fell in! I didn't know who else to call…." It was an anonymous woman.

Minnie gasped. "Mickey and Goofy?! Oh dear! At that dry riverbed?"

"That's right. It's just outside Downtown." The woman replied.

"We'll be on our way as fast as we can!" Minnie then hung up.

"Daisy, we need to get our light helmets, shovels, and pickaxes! Mickey and Goofy are in trouble!"

"In trouble?! Quackers!" Daisy gasped. "Donald might wanna help out on this rescue mission, too!"

"Emily, too!"

"I'll give them both a call after changing." Daisy went into the life-size turnstile first, quickly changing into gear fit for working underground. Minnie went next, and they both left the office and drove the van to the dry riverbed.

"If you believe your friends are in danger, then I shan't stop you from getting to them. I will keep looking for safe water spells for the time being." Yen Sid concluded after some conversation about my uncertainty.

"Thank you so much, Master." I bowed respectfully, and I hastily left the study, going right back to my basement.

Mickey woke up first. He sat up, and he soon realized what had just happened.

"Goofy!" He almost yelled, turning to his friend.

"Are you alright?!"

Goofy slowly sat up, rubbing the back of his head.

"I think so….where the heck are we?" He looked around, confused.

"I think a cave. We fell right through the ground." Mickey looked up, only to find the hole fallen through far upwards.

"Then how're we gonna get outta here, Mick?" Goofy wondered.

"Well, there's no way we can climb out. That looks far too dangerous." Mickey stood up, then helped Goofy do the same.

Goofy looked around the best he could, despite it being dark.

"Hmmm….I can't see much…." Goofy observed.

Mickey took out his phone. He saw the screen was busted, but upon shaking it, the included flashlight turned on.

"Well, my phone might be busted enough to not see what I can do on the screen, the flashlight works." Mickey aimed the light ahead.

There were a few different tunnels ahead.

"Gosh…." Mickey felt slightly discouraged. "There are so many paths to choose from…."

"One of 'em could be a way out. We might have'ta pick one." Goofy scratched his head.

Mickey had no choice but to test his remaining luck.

"C'mon, let's try this way." He went toward one of the left pathways. Goofy followed.

I eventually found myself going to the same dried riverbed, and when I got there, I found a small crowd forming around the edge of what would be the river, but no one went down to the sandy bottom.

I parked and got out, getting to the crowd.

"What happened?" I asked aloud.

A mom looked and saw me coming.

"Some people saw two people fall right through the riverbed like it was crumbling sand. They said it was Mickey and Goofy who fell down there." She replied.

"What?!" I was surprised. "Are you sure?"

"That's what they said." She replied. That was probably the best answer she could've given me.

I managed to get through the forming crowd, and I slid down to the bottom, much to many people's surprise.

I got down and carefully got to that caved in hole. It was mysteriously dark almost instantly on the way down.

"Whoa…." I was in brief awe.

"Incoming!" A familiar yell echoed through the riverbed.

I turned, and I saw Minnie, Daisy, and Donald slide down to my level.

"Emily! Thank goodness you're here!" Daisy smiled a little.

"You know about this?"

"We sure do! Mickey and Goofy are why we're even here!" Donald quacked.

"Could they have fallen through here?" Minnie looked a little closer toward the cave-in.

"It's possible." I replied.

"Alright, in that case, Daisy, you and I are going down to look for Mickey and Goofy." Minnie told her partner.

"And Emily," Minnie turned to me, "you and Donald can follow the riverbed. There might be another entrance to the cave farther downward."

Daisy knelt down and hammered what looked like a camping tent nail, only this was made of metal, into the ground after tying rope tightly around it.

"Alright….just be careful." Donald was slightly worried.

"Good luck, girls." I wished as Minnie and Daisy went down the hole.

Their lights turned on upon entry. After safely getting to their feet, they began their search.

As for Mickey and Goofy, they found themselves lost.

"Gee, these caves twist every which way…." Mickey was slightly discouraged.

"Ya think we're stuck here?...." Goofy was, too.

"We might not be if we keep going." Mickey replied.

They kept going forward.

"Hmmm…." Goofy then found himself in some thought.

"Hey, what if someone found us if I yelled?" Goofy then brought up.

"Well….it might be worth a try." Mickey slowly insisted, coming to a stop in his steps.

Goofy stood taller, cupping his hands around his mouth.

"HELP! HEEEELP!" He yelled as loud as he could.

RUMBLE RUMBLE! Debris started crumbling off the cave walls as a result, causing Mickey and Goofy to scramble.

"We gotta get outta here!" Mickey ran as fast as he could, now holding Goofy's wrist.

Just barely getting out of the way, both tripped and fell down a steep passageway. That entrance was now caved in with large rocks and boulders.

Just as suddenly as it started, the chain reaction then stopped.

"Wow….that was way too close…." Goofy took a quick breather.

"I'll say." Mickey got up to his feet. "C'mon, Goof, we gotta keep going. We have no other way to go now."

He helped Goofy up to his feet again, and they proceeded ahead.

"I wonder if anyone even knows we're in trouble…." Mickey then thought out loud.

Donald and I kept walking down the riverbed, going past where Mickey's and Goofy's tracks were suddenly stopped.

"The girls better be careful down there, or we might have to have a long talk." I said.

"Same with Mickey and Goofy." Donald added.

"Right? I just hope there isn't anything real dangerous down there. As in creatures, I mean." I replied.

"I wonder what Mickey n' Goofy were doing walking around here, anyway." Donald then brought up.

"Good point…." I realized.

"What on earth could they be doing, walking here, of all places?...." I briefly scratched my head.

Back to Mickey and Goofy, they continued their way down their only given pathway.

At a point, strange noises started echoing through the still air.

"Did'ja hear that?...." Goofy acknowledged.

"Sure did…." Mickey tried listening more carefully.

"Maybe it's a way outta here." Mickey hoped.

"But what if it's not?"

"There's only one way to find out, Goof. C'mon." Mickey led the way, taking Goofy's wrist once again.

They carefully went down the narrow path, up until a wide opening presented itself. But there was no light present. However, the strange noises only grew clearer. Rushing water?....

Mickey and Goofy arrived, only to find a large river travelling far below where they now stood.

"Gawrsh….it's water!" Goofy exclaimed.

"A whole underground river! There's gotta be enough here for the whole town!" Mickey lit up a little.

Footsteps then came from behind.

"All we have to do now is find a way to get it out!" It was Daisy.

Mickey and Goofy looked, and there were Daisy and Minnie. They were a little dirtied up, for they had been digging through cave-ins and following the best they could.

"Minnie! Daisy!" Mickey just ran right to Minnie and hugged her.

"Oh, thank goodness you're okay!" Minnie hugged back, dropping her pickaxe.

"Yahoo! We're saved!" Goofy yelled with glee.

He spoke way too soon….

The ground below everyone's feet crumbled and fell, taking all four friends downwards into the river. The current was quite stronger than it looked from above, for they now found themselves struggling to keep their heads above. Some attempted yells were muffled with water.

Unaware, Donald and I kept walking down the dry riverbed.

"How far are we even supposed to go? I haven't been in a cave in a while, y'know." Donald wondered.

Some weird noises managed to get into my hearing range.

"Same here, but…." I stopped in my tracks. "Did you hear that?"

It almost sounded like gurgling combined with yelling from a far distance, I thought.

Donald bent down and listened through the sandy ground.

"Quackers!" Daisy almost cried as she and her friends continued to struggle.

"This river could go on for miles!" She worried.

"We'll never make it out!" Goofy panicked.

"Hang on!" Mickey barely kept his head above water.

"Maybe I can help break outta here!" Mickey managed to reach his right hand up toward a spot within the rocky walls. It glowed gold, and he threw the power the best he could. He did so a number of times.

It was then I noticed something ahead of me.

"Donald! Look!" I almost yelped.

When we both looked, we could see some crumbling rubble from what looked like a dead end of the riverbed, and I could barely see some wisps of what looked like gold magic come out.

"It's Mickey!" Donald and I both exclaimed as he stood up to his feet.

"Seems like he and the others are in trouble!" Donald quacked.

"I got this one. Stand back, Donald." I warned.

I clapped my hands together a few times, letting power build up. I then got my wrists together, my hands opened out, and my own power struck the dead end. All it took was a few seconds, and the sandy rubble gave in. Water rushed out, making Donald and me scramble to climb upwards onto the edge.

The four friends then emerged from the water rushing out of the cave, coming right to me and Donald. He helped the best he could as I summoned gold vectors to help the others up.

"Whew! Thanks for getting out of there!" Daisy thanked.

"I always look out for my friends. No need to worry about a thing." I assured her.

"Gee…." Goofy squeezed his hat dry. "I never wanna do this again…."

"I don't think you have to worry about that, Goofy." Minnie dried her bow.

"Are you guys okay?" Donald asked, concerned.

"We are now." Mickey replied. "Thanks a lot for the extra help, pals."

"Don't mention it, Mickey." Donald smiled. "Besides, it was Emily's power that made the cave-in."

I felt myself blush. "Shut up, Donald."

We all then shared laughter as Mickey came and put his arm around me. I did the same for him naturally.

Within hours, the water we found was deemed safe for consumption and general use, and people refreshed themselves.

I made cold lemonade with the water I had stored, inviting the Sensation Six over to finally cool off. Donald insisted on grilling food for us to eat.

We pretty much ended up having an impromptu barbecue!

Chapter Text

The only reason no fortune cookie fortunes are showing up here is solely because these events happened over the course of most of the month of May. A lot of real laughable things, if you want my honesty.

Let me tell you….

~~~

I was hanging out at McDuck Manor with Scrooge, the triplets, and Webby as we were going through some books in the library. I and Huey had already chosen a study table to read the books we already picked out. Huey had notebooks and pens set all around his spot as I relaxed.

We read for several minutes.

Soon enough, when Huey was at a certain point, he realized that while reading, his mind had been elsewhere, and he'd find himself having to start the frickin' page all over again!

Huey threw his head down onto the lying book, pounding his fist. He let out an angered groan.

I flinched upon the very slight outburst.

"Uh….you good?...." I asked.

"I just lost track again…." Huey replied, a little muffled by his current position.

"You seem to have been studying way too much. Maybe you should take a break…." I suggested.

Although, Huey's situation with getting lost in his own thoughts is all too relatable to deny.

~~~

"Storytime!" I recorded myself on my phone.

I was in Mickey's Garage, and at this time, I found Mickey, Donald, and Goofy walking in, for they were hardware shopping.

I started recording, aiming my camera phone at my friends.

"One of these friends forgot to check their fly." I began in the best narrating voice I could.

All three looked down, checking their pants.

"That friend was me. These three were fine." I finished with a smile that would lead to laughter.

It was then the three laughed, with Donald quacking. I joined in the laughter almost immediately.

Made ya look!

~~~

"Storytime!" I began once again, recording.

I had been taking a walk with Mickey and Pluto. Mickey looked at me funny as I began this bit I had wanted to do for quite some time now.

"This mouse was about to step on a…." I began.

"SNAKE! ON A SNAKE!" I almost screamed.

Mickey, startled, jumped up in the air and ended up tripping over his own feet, yelping.

"But he missed it!" I finished my impromptu narration.

Mickey sat up.

"What?!"

Pluto managed to let out some chuckles as I started laughing.

"Are you kidding me right now?!" Mickey yelled but couldn't hold back his own laughter.

I was bent down, holding my stomach, I was already laughing so hard.

Gotcha!

~~~

Donald, Daisy, and I were at Daisy's house, and we'd been getting ready for another night at the House of Mouse. I already had a nice shirt picked out for myself, and I had my boots newly polished.

Daisy was also dressed, wearing a casual but very nice looking purple dress with shiny new heeled shoes.

We were looking through Instagram on Daisy's phone.

"Y'know," Daisy brought up as she tapped on a specific picture, "I think it's so cute when couples match."

"It is pretty cute sometimes. That's just me, though." I expressed with honesty.

Donald was apparently overhearing the conversation.

"Oooo…." Donald felt an idea in his head.

Several moments later, Daisy and I were itching to leave.

"Yo, Donald!" I called. "We've been ready to go!"

"I'm comin'!" Donald quacked.

Daisy and I both watched him emerge from the bathroom. He turned out to be wearing the same exact dress as Daisy's, holding a smile on his face. Our faces almost dropped at the sight.

"Let's be cute, Daisy." He claimed confidently.

Daisy and I both facepalmed with a SLAP!

"God, you're an idiot…." I breathed.

"What? Does it make me look weird?...." Donald tried inspecting his own looks.

In the end, Daisy heavily insisted I'd go to the club in my own car, saying she'd meet me there after having a long talk with Donald.

~~~

I came over to the Nerd Lab in San Fransokyo one day. The school year was just about wrapped up.

I met up with Hiro and the others in his specific lab room.

"Hey, guys." I said as I came inside.

"Hey, Em." GoGo responded first.

"The school year's wrapped up." Hiro said. "How about we celebrate with a movie?"

"Sounds great." I liked the idea. "That is….y'know…." I tried finding the right words.

"Of course you're invited, Em." Hiro assured with a casual smile.

"How about we go at 6? We can have dinner beforehand." Honey Lemon suggested.

Wasabi packed up some of his things.

"My hamster died when I was 6…." He then mentioned in a sad tone.

We all looked at him, a little surprised at his comment. Hiro then facepalmed, and I crossed my arms.

Buzzkill….

~~~

"Storytime!" I began once again.

Only this time, I'd been at Minnie's house, and she was taking out a full garbage bag to her outdoor trash can.

I approached Minnie as she was about to put the bag in the trash can.

"With this final bag, she had completely disposed of the body." I narrated.

Minnie couldn't help but smile.

"Shh!" She played along. "Don't blow my cover." She put the bag into the can.

We both laughed.

~~~

Mickey managed to hear what he thought were cries from my bedroom upstairs. He was visiting, and we were going to follow through with drawing some pictures.

Mickey rushed upstairs.

"Emily? What's wrong?" He came, naturally concerned.

"I-I made a mistake…." I was honestly a little freaked out.

"I put my mechanical pencils down on my blanket, and they evaporated!" I searched through my blanket.

I dramatically went to my knees, holding my head and hair in a certain way.

"NOOOOO!" I cried, knowing I was overexaggerating.

Mickey caught on, and he lightly facepalmed.

"You're so dramatic, y'know that?" He teased.

I broke character. "Shut up, Michael."

He briefly fell silent.

"How on earth do you know my real name?"

I got up to my feet, now holding my mechanical pencils in my hand.

"I have my methods, bro." I winked.

It was then we both started laughing.

~~~

Mickey, Donald, and I were helping Goofy do work around his yard while Max was at school.

After making a lot of progress, Mickey found an old soccer ball.

"Hey, Goof!" Mickey yelled. "Think fast!" He threw the soccer ball.

Goofy bent down to pick up some yard waste bags, unintentionally dodging the soccer ball.

But that ball hit Donald instead, right on the head.

"Damn…." I commented.

Goofy stood up straight.

"Huh?" He was unaware. "What happened?"

Mickey facepalmed. The joke was on him, apparently.

"It's nothin'." Mickey shook his head.

"Oh, alrighty then." Goofy shrugged and turned.

He ended up tripping into a tall yard waste can, and, with his long legs sticking out, he tipped over with a THUD!

Mickey and I both just stood. I was the one trying not to laugh.

~~~

Mickey and I were at Donald's house for lunch. We helped Donald start cleaning the dishes after ourselves.

"So," Mickey then brought up, "you helped Minnie install that new fridge she bought?"

"Oh yeah, I did. I couldn't help but record some of what that fridge can do. Watch this." I pulled out my phone and went to the little video.

Mickey and Donald both came and looked.

"Dudes, Minnie has the coolest new fridge." I said in the video.

I approached the right fridge door and knocked. The inside lit up like it answered my knocking. A little glass window to view the inside.

"Look at this!" I opened it. It was freshly beautiful in my opinion.

Donald grew jealous upon seeing the video.

"Oh yeah?" He challenged. "Look what my fridge can do!"

He went to his own fridge, quite a bit older, and he knocked. He then opened it.

A glass jar of pickled peppers tumbled down and shattered upon hitting the kitchen floor.

"QUAAAA-AA-AA-AA-AACK!" Donald quacked loudly.

It was almost impossible to hold in a chuckle, and I quickly covered my mouth tightly with my hands. But my smile couldn't be fought. Same with Mickey's in his own case.

~~~

It was morning time, and I was abruptly awakened by a loud CRASH! I almost fell out of bed, I was so startled.

But I quickly got out of bed, put my robe and slippers on, and went outside through the back door.

"What the?!" I had trouble processing as I looked up toward my roof.

A somewhat familiar pair of legs was sticking out of the roof, moving almost like they were flailing at first.

"Huh?...." I was confused, and I went back inside. I climbed up a ladder and managed to get myself up to the attic.

There was Goofy, crashed through the roof, stuck. He chuckled his iconic chuckle and waved to me.

"Sorry….car troubles, right?" He tried joking.

I pounded my fist out of first-hand anger.

"DAMMIT, GOOFY!"

~~~

One day, I'd been hanging out at McDuck Manor once again, and I'd been hanging out with the triplets and their friends.

"So," I began after a video game session, "how about I order us something to eat?"

"Sounds good to me." Dewey happily accepted.

"Just no hot dogs, okay?" Louie specified.

"Not an issue, bro." I gave him a thumbs up.

"I'm down for lunch. I'm starving." Webby added.

"Hey, how 'bout we go to the kitchen and get some SUGAR?!" Huey hyped almost abnormally.

The rest of us, including Violet, May, June, and Leena, looked at each other, and then back at Huey, all a little uncomfortable.

"Uh….n-no…." I stuttered.

Huey quickly turned around and headed downstairs.

"Then I guess I'll go without you guys!" He yelled.

"Huey, sto--!" Dewey ran after his brother.

I stood there for a silent minute. But before I could say anything else….

"Sorry, Em. That happens a lot with Huey and his sugar intake." Louie said. "You can order us food. Uncle Scrooge won't mind. In the meantime, I'm gonna help Dewey." He walked out the same door.

"Alrighty, then." I opened the app on my phone and proceeded like anticipated.

~~~

I was driving home from errands when….

"A garage sale!" I exclaimed in a breathy but low-pitched voice, aiming to find fun out of myself.

I followed the directions, leading me to the garage sale that was at Mickey's.

I rolled down the window as I pulled over.

"You guys sellin' garages?!" I yelled out in the same voice as just mentioned.

The customers looked at each other, confused, and then toward me.

"What?!" A woman yelled back.

"I want a garage!" I yelled.

"What on earth?...." Mumbling was heard.

Mickey freed himself from his register and just crossed his arms, smiling.

"Really, Emily?" He leaned to the side in a sarcastic manner.

"You sure y'ain't sellin' garages?!" I kept my act up.

Laughter then started and grew across the few customers, and Mickey chuckled as he walked over to me and my car. I turned my car off.

"Get outta the car n' help me with this, will ya?" He pushed my forehead gently, yet playfully.

"I am, I am." I dropped my act and got out, taking my purse and keys with.

We walked back across the street, with Mickey's arm around mine.

"Gosh, you sure know how to put up a little act, don't ya?" He joked.

"I learned from some of the best." I patted his hand.

"Now, what do you need me to do?" I then asked.

~~~

It was game day for the White Sox, and I was watching TV in my home. Mickey, Donald, and Goofy were alongside me, in the mood to watch the game with me.

A specific commercial came on. People running around, wearing funny costumes. An extreme close-up to a dilating eye pupil. The same people running awkwardly.

"Introducing the all-new 2021 Nissan Maxima." The narrator spoke, and the car model presented itself after a camera cut.

We all looked at each other, very puzzled.

"What the heck?!" Donald quacked.

~~~

I was at the Happy Helpers Office, visiting Minnie and Daisy. I saw Daisy had been reading a very intriguing book. It had been a very slow day.

"Hey, Daisy," I brought up, "where'd you get that book from?"

"Barnes and Noble's." She answered.

"What was that?"

"Barnes and Noble's--!" Daisy repeated.

I quickly threw my water bottle right at her, and she fell, dropping her book.

"Hey! What was--?!" She started getting up.

I already had my phone out to her, showing pictures of actual Barnes and Noble buildings.

No. Apostrophe! And! S!

~~~

See what I mean?

Chapter Text

Today's fortune:

A true friend will always be there to help you feel better about a sad day.

June arrived, and it almost caught me by surprise to realize what kind of day I found myself waking up to.

June 9th. I remembered immediately. And I let out a sigh.

I got myself cleaned and dressed like usual, and with a bit of magic, I managed to create a single golden rose and hold it in my hand.

I got out of my house, and I took a deep breath, preparing myself to go where I had now sought to go.

Just then, quacks of joy were heard. I turned, and I saw Donald. He was walking so happily down the sidewalk, softly singing to himself.

"Hey, Donald." I came down the porch and approached him.

"What's the occasion?" I asked casually.

"It's my birthday! Happy birthday to me!" He quacked happily.

"Your…..birthday?" I didn't know. I felt bad almost immediately.

"What? You didn't know?" Donald asked.

"I….I didn't…." I shook my head, embarrassed.

"Ah, don't worry about it. We have a lot to catch up on, even now." Donald didn't mind. "Besides, I can't be mad at ya."

"Thanks, Donald." I said in a slightly deeper tone than usual.

"Something wrong?" He then asked.

"Well….June 9th may be a great day to you, usually. But for me, it's….a usually terrible day." I began.

"How come?" Donald asked before I could continue.

"Did I ever tell you about Nick?" I brought up.

"Oh, a little bit. You'd been going out with him?" He guessed.

"I had, yeah. You see…..8 years ago today, Nick passed away. I was in London with Sonic, Mario, and their friends when that happened. Just now, I was heading out to visit him, if you know what I mean."

Donald's face changed instantly. "Oh….I'm so sorry, Em."

"It's okay. Like you said, we have a lot of catching up to do." I assured him.

"Y'know, there's gonna be a party at the House of Mouse tonight. Would you like to come?"

"And celebrate your big day? Of course." I smiled slightly. "I wouldn't wanna miss that. But for now, I'd like a little time to myself, please."

"All you gotta do is say so. We'll be seein' ya soon!" Donald then continued his walk, and he whistled a little song with glee.

My smile then disappeared, letting the heavy feelings come back, and I snapped my fingers. A portal opened up instantly.

Donald turned, stopping his whistling, and he watched me walk through. I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings anymore. Upon walking through, the portal began to disappear.

"Gosh….I don't want her to be sad all day." He scratched his head feathers. He found himself now in thought.

I found myself entering the same Romeoville, Illinois cemetery, right by a large willow tree.

I took myself to the very same tombstone. I let myself sit down on the grass, and I placed the gold rose right below the green painted cross.

I didn't even say anything. Instead, I just pulled out my phone and had it start playing a particular song. "You'll Be In My Heart", made famous in Disney's Tarzan, by Phil Collins.

The breeze was the only thing consistently moving for several minutes, lightly lifting my long hair.

Donald turned back and went right to Mickey's. He rang the doorbell.

"C'mon in!" Mickey called through the door.

Donald let himself in.

"Hey, Mickey." Donald greeted.

"Hi'ya, birthday pal!" Mickey came and shook his hand.

"Awww, thanks, Mick." Donald smiled briefly. "But is Emily okay? I bumped into her just earlier, and she said she's heading to where Nick is."

Mickey's face changed. "Oh, right. Of course. Every June 9th is quite a bittersweet day for her. I'm sure she told you at least a little bit about what happened to poor Nick."

"She brought it up when I caught her leaving. I didn't really know he….died. We got a lotta catching up to do." Donald said.

"Did she say where she was going?" Mickey asked.

"Where Nick is, she said. I'm guessing the cemetery." Donald replied.

"So, Mickey, you think there's anything we can do?" Donald then asked, considerate.

"Well, it doesn't have to be anything big, especially given it's your big day, but I know it'd make her so happy to at least know you're thinking about her feelings." Mickey gave a smile.

"C'mon, I know where to start with that before we go to the House of Mouse." Mickey put his hand on Donald's shoulder, and they left the house.

"Gee, thanks, Mickey." Donald smiled more happily.

Time passed rather quickly, for after coming back from the cemetery, I just preoccupied myself with reading a book inside my home, but not before picking a little something out for a birthday.

When the evening rolled in, I changed myself into a blue shirt nicer than my usual attire, and I drove to the House of Mouse.

I was one of the last to enter.

"Oh, Emily!" Daisy noticed me. "So glad you could make it!"

"It's Donald's big day, and I can't forget, now that I know."

"You never knew before?"

"No. To be honest, I haven't fully caught onto anyone's birthday except Mickey's since I moved in." I said.

"Understandable. C'mon, we got your table all set up for you." Daisy guided me, like she had before.

What surprised me was finding a little vase of roses on my table, as well as a card.

"You sure this is my table?" I asked.

"Very sure. Donald insisted. C'mon." Daisy let me sit down.

Thinking of you through this hard time….

I then just opened the card.

I know it's my birthday, but there's no way I'm leaving you out of the joy, and I'm not letting you muddle through this alone. I just wanna let you know I'm here for you, and I might not 100% understand how you feel, but that doesn't mean I'm not gonna listen and be a friend.

I truly hope this makes you feel better through this bittersweet day. -Donald

I was shockingly touched. I didn't expect anything like this to happen. My eyes widened and briefly watered up.

"He….he seriously did this?" I looked toward Daisy.

"We all got in on this. And if you don't mind, he and the rest of us would like to join you for dinner." Daisy offered.

I smiled warmly. "I'd love that."

"Good. I don't wanna push anything, y'know." Daisy said.

"I understand. I deeply appreciate your mindfulness." I assured her.

Daisy and the rest of the Sensational Six, including Pluto, joined me at my table.

"Thank you guys so much for being so thoughtful." I said after we all got situated.

"It's so sweet of you, but you didn't have to do this." I added.

"No no," Donald kindly argued, "we had to do this. I felt I had to after I bumped into you this morning. I didn't really understand today's normally a hard day for ya."

"To be fair, I honestly didn't even know it was your birthday. So, I guess we're even, of all things." I replied. "But really, thank you."

"Anything for a pal." Donald patted my shoulder.

I put my arm around him, pulling him into a friendly hug.

"You guys are the best." I said with a wider smile.

"And, before I forget again," I then reached into my purse, pulling out a little blue box.

"Happy birthday, Donald." I held my gift to the birthday duck.

"Awww, you shouldn't have!" Donald gently took the box and opened it.

A glittering pin in the shape of a sailor's anchor. Colored blue.

"Wow! It's so pretty!" Donald quacked in joy. "Thank you, Emily!"

"You're welcome." I gave him a thumbs up.

Donald put the pin on his shirt. He smiled and held his chest out. Daisy giggled and kissed his cheek.

"You silly duck, you." Daisy kept a warm smile.

Donald giggled.

Mickey put his hand on my right hand.

"You been alright today?" He asked nicely.

"I'd been okay most of today. But I feel a lot better now. You guys rock, y'know that?"

"Oh, we might have an idea." He teased.

"Oh!" Minnie noticed. "Here comes the cake!"

"Cake?!" Donald and I yelped at the same time, looking in the same direction Minnie was.

We saw Tiana come with a special wheeled cart, and it was holding a large but stout cake, colored with blue icing and yellow edges. Right in the middle was a face picture of Donald, made meticulously out of frosting. Some candles were already lit.

"Here comes the cake, suguh!" Tiana smiled casually.

"Oh boy!" Donald's eyes lit up like a child's.

"Tell me that's either chocolate or marble!" I added.

"It's marble, and the frosting is buttercream." Tiana replied.

"Yes!" Donald and I both cheered.

"I think it's time to sing to our friend, right?" Mickey then brought up.

We all nodded in agreement.

And we sang to Donald.

We shared the cake with everyone else in the club, including the additional workers, and over our shares, we talked.

I ended up telling Donald and the others about Nick and what he was like. Oddly enough, for the first time in who knows how long, it felt refreshing to look back on those memories and share them.

Next thing I knew, it was very late at night, and the only ones in the club left were me and the Sensational Six. We helped clean up, with me specifically packing up the cake. Donald helped store some pieces into the kitchen fridge as others were put aside for us to take home.

"Hey, Donald?" I then turned to him.

"Yeah?" He looked back at me.

"Nick would've really liked you and the others. He definitely did when we were growing up, watching those cartoons." I then said.

Donald chuckled.

"He sounds like he was really awesome."

"He was. One of the best friends I could've had through the years."

"Smile because it happened." Donald added.

That briefly stopped me in my tracks.

"I….don't remember who said it, but someone told me that once, and it's kinda stuck to me." I commented.

"I know it's difficult, and sometimes, you just gotta be sad, but don't be afraid to add in some joy, too." Donald said.

"Since when were you so eloquent?" I smiled, having one hand on my hip.

"Ah, I've learned over the years." Donald shrugged, also smiling.

I laughed and put my arm around him once again. He laughed with me.

"You quack me up!" I then said.

"You didn't just say that." Donald commented in response.

"I am Ken's kid." I played back.

The laughter continued.

Chapter Text

Today's fortune:

It pays to think creatively.

Next thing I knew, it was the last full week of June. And it was officially summertime.

In another part of Hot Dog Hills was a boutique shop that showed Minnie's sense of style. I'd been told about it, and I chose to come and see for myself.

It was just after opening, and I let myself into Minnie's Bow-tique shop. She and Daisy were already there, readying for the day to come.

"Morning, guys. Quiet in the Happy Helpers Office?" I asked.

"Oh! Good morning, Emily!" Minnie smiled at my presence.

"But no, it's not that it's too quiet at the Happy Helpers Office. Today's just a business day for the Bow-tique. That doesn't mean we're not on call when someone needs a little help, though." Minnie then said.

"Besides, we're having a week-long sale to celebrate the beginning of the summer." Daisy added on.

"Neat." I nodded, understanding.

"Now, what brings you here?" Minnie then asked.

"Honestly, since you told me about this place, I got curious." I replied.

I looked around a little. Big bows, little bows, all different colors and styles, polka dots, plain, striped, even sparkly like crafty glitter.

There were particularly little bows at the left wall, and I went and picked one up. POP! It popped up and bloomed like a flower. It was like it woke up. I liked it a lot.

"Wow! There's just about every style here." I commented.

Cuckoo Loca emerged from her cuckoo clock.

"But….aren't bows not really your style?" She asked.

"Not too often. But like I said, I just got curious." I replied.

The main entrance door swung open again, ringing little bells.

"Hi, Aunt Minnie!" Two little girls entered and greeted happily.

They both looked much like Minnie, with one wearing a purple dress and bow, and the other sporting a nice lighter green. But they also wore special headbands that had leafy petals glued on.

"Oh! Millie and Melody!" Minnie walked from her position to the little girls.

"Don't you two look just darling!" She held her hands.

"Hold it right there!" Daisy took out a picture camera.

The two girls posed, and Daisy snapped a picture.

"You two look wonderful!" Daisy then said.

The two girls then looked at me.

"You must be Miss Emily." The girl in green said. "It's nice to meet you."

"I'm Millie." The girl in purple introduced.

"And I'm Melody." The one in green followed.

"You'd be correct." I nodded with a casual smile. "I am, in fact, Emily."

"They're my twin nieces." Minnie added. "It's just you haven't met before."

"I never even knew you had nieces." I said. "But with that aside, what's the occasion with the flower headbands?"

"It's for a kids' summer talent show, to celebrate the beginning of the season." Minnie replied. "I promised I'd see them while Daisy runs the Bow-tique today."

"Watch this!" Millie spun around. "I'm Rosie Posy!" Her petals were pink.

"And I'm Purple Posy!" Melody spun around too. Her petals were purple.

But as they spun, the crafted petals started coming off.

"Uh oh….the bloom went kaboom…." Cuckoo Loca commented, frowning.

"Oh dear…." I uttered out.

The girls then realized.

Melody gasped. "Oh no!"

"Maybe the glue wasn't completely dry…." Millie bent down and picked up the fallen petals. But more kept floating off.

"Hold on! I can help!" Daisy quickly grabbed a hot glue gun.

"Hold still, girls." She said as she gathered the fallen petals.

But in her frantic attempt to glue the petals back onto the girls' headbands, they either kept falling off or got mixed up in terms of colors.

"Daisy!" Melody almost yelled. "I'm Purple Posy! She's Rosie Posy!" She pointed herself and Millie out in that order.

"Oh dear…." Daisy frowned.

All the petals then fell off their heads.

"Oh no…." Millie almost cried.

"Oh…." Minnie comforted her nieces. "There there now, girls. I'll figure something out." She patted their shoulders.

"But how? It's a flower show, not a bow show." Melody frowned.

I looked down at the bow I'd been fidgeting with in my hands. I remembered what it did previously, and I felt an epiphany come to be.

"Hey, girls," I came to Minnie and the nieces, "what if you could have both?"

"Both?...." Millie tilted her head.

Minnie caught on. "Of course! Brilliant idea, Emily! It's a good thing I got extra stashes in the back! Follow me, girls!" She guided Millie and Melody to the dressing room.

I was taken with.

After a little bit of time passed, Minnie and I managed to attach the appropriate colored bows to the girls' headbands, and when they presented themselves and spun around, the bows popped up like expected, like their flower characters literally blossomed.

"Wow! Pop-up Posies! I love it!" Cuckoo Loca smiled widely.

"It's wonderful!" Melody loved it, too.

"This is brilliant!" Millie agreed.

"Wow! So creative!" Daisy commented as she got her camera back.

"Thank you, Miss Emily!" Both little girls came and happily hugged me.

I couldn't help but giggle as I hugged them back.

"You're very welcome, sweethearts." I replied.

"Wanna come see the show with Aunt Minnie?" Melody then asked.

"Yeah! It'll be nice to see!" Millie added.

"Well, if you insist, I think I'll come along." I couldn't say no.

"The more the merrier. Now, we need to make haste." Minnie went to the door. "It's almost time for the show."

"Who's driving?" I asked.

"I'll drive." Minnie replied.

"Have fun, girls!" Daisy waved as we left the Bow-tique.

"You're a great aunt, Minnie." I then said as we got to her car.

Minnie giggled. "You'll be a great one, too, Emily." She said with a warm smile.

I smiled back. She knew about Billy and Shannon expecting their first child. The mere thought excited me.

To put shortly, the summer show actually brought back some memories from my Richland years, especially my elementary ones.

As for Millie and Melody, as soon as they gave me big hugs out of gratitude, I knew we were definitely going to be close friends. Truth be told, I think they're both just so adorable, much like their aunt.

Chapter Text

Today's fortune:

Happy birthday! Celebrate another year of magic!

July came fast, and the first half of it passed through at a similar rate.

For the 4th of July, we actually went to New Orleans, ate at Tiana's Place, and saw the fireworks show there. What a day that was! The next day was just spent relaxing at home.

Today, it was now July 15th. That meant only one thing.

Just as I was waking up, I heard knocking on my bedroom door.

I sat up.

"I'm waking up…." I slowly sat up and fixed my hair the best I could.

The door gently opened, and there was Mickey, with a tray of breakfast food, much like before.

"I heard it's someone's birthday!" Mickey chuckled.

I couldn't help but smile, and I felt my face start to flush.

"Thank you, Mickey." I rubbed the back of my neck.

"Anytime, my sister. Now, I think it's time for a special breakfast." He came and gave me my tray.

"Thanks." I got myself comfortable before putting my tray on my lap. I then carefully scooted over, letting Mickey sit next to me.

He sat next to me, and he put his arm around me.

"Happy birthday, Emily." He then gently kissed my cheek.

"Awwww shucks." I giggled.

After eating breakfast, I got myself ready for the day, like any other day.

"So, what's on your mind today?" Mickey then asked me.

"Honestly, I'm not very sure. Birthdays aren't as big a deal as they were when I was growing up."

"Understandable. However, if you want, we can celebrate at the House of Mouse tonight." Mickey offered.

"While the club's always nice, I don't think that'll be necessary this year. I'd rather have a little more…..laid back birthday this year." I answered with honesty.

"Fair enough. It's your call." Mickey gave me a thumbs up.

"Thanks for being mindful." I said with a smile.

"No problem. All ya gotta do is ask." He assured me.

A bit later, Mickey drove us to the Garage, where he knew the others were, like many other days.

When we entered, there were all the others, but they weren't working on their Roadsters at all. We found them around a wheeled dolly, and there seemed to be a cake upon it.

"Hey, look!" Goofy noticed me and Mickey first.

"The birthday girl's here!"

Everyone turned, and it was then I realized Millie and Melody were also here.

"Happy birthday, Emily!" Everyone cheered. Millie and Melody popped some streamer popper toys.

I laughed, my face flushing further.

"Awww, you guys!" I giggled.

"There's gonna be a lotta cake today, if I say so myself." Daisy commented. "Good thing today's a great day to have some!"

"No need to worry. The House of Mouse isn't in mind today." Mickey said.

"I wanted something a little more laid back this year." I added.

"Oh? Well, in that case, let's have a little party." Daisy smiled in happy acceptance.

"Hey, y'know we found a lotta gifts when we checked at the magic house this morning." Minnie then said.

"Really?" I was a little surprised.

"Gee….word gets out real fast." Mickey was surprised too.

"Hey!" Donald quacked. "Let's have some cake!"

"It's chocolate, isn't it?" I asked.

"You know it!" Goofy replied, chuckling.

And I could see the frosting was thick and chocolatey.

We cut pieces of the cake for ourselves, and we hung out in the garage.

"So," Minnie began, "how old are you now?"

"23 years old, although I know for a fact I don't really look it." I replied.

"23? My goodness….you really have grown up." She giggled.

"You have no idea." I took a bite.

"Say, what exactly are you guys planning to do today?" I then asked.

"It's your call, like I said." Mickey replied.

"I just asked, given the little surprise here." I added. "Sorry…."

"It's alright, Emily. We should at least think about dinner." Minnie brought up.

"Well….about that," Mickey realized, "I was actually thinkin' about a birthday dinner with ya at my house. Since last night. It was gonna be a little surprise." He admitted.

"Really? Awwww…." I felt touched.

"Well, if that's what you want, we'll just have some fun in the here and now." Minnie gave Mickey a gentle kiss on the cheek.

Mickey giggled and blushed. "Awww shucks…."

"I'll say." I commented. "Thank you so much, Mickey."

We spent most of the daylight playing some simple games, like Uno, talking, and joking. It was the best I could ask for this year.

But around evening time, Mickey and I came back to his house, and he insisted he would do the cooking. I waited for the dinner to be cooked up and ready.

I was outside on the patio, enjoying the fresh summer air.

My phone rang. And I answered.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Emmykinz!" It was Grace. But something in her didn't sound right.

"Jus' wanted to wish'ya happy birthday!" She almost slurred in her speech.

"Thanks, Grace. You doing alright?" I asked out of courtesy.

"Shona n' I are fuckin' great!"

"How about the others?"

"I dunno what the hell the others are up to, but Shona n' I have been havin' a goddamn blast!" Her slur continued.

I almost sighed. I knew for a fact she was drunk.

"That's good…." I tried going along with it.

"When're ya gonna come n' stay home? I've been thinkin' 'bout ya."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Immean, you're never around actual people. Jus' stuff for babies! Poisoning your already fucked up mind, y'know."

"Excuse me for saying so, but I'm perfectly happy here, and I have the support I need. Dad said so himself."

"C'mon now, how else are ya gonna expect to do anything with your life when you live with bullshit fantasies? Like, c'mon now. You should know better than to turn to fiction. Y'gotta get over it." She drunkenly argued. I even heard another sip through the phone.

"Grace, you're drunk. I think you should lay it off and relax." I said. "What's to 'get over'? You know I've made it work for years now. I've lived with my trusted friends since before Dad even started dating again. I'm happy where I am, and I'm not going anywhere."

"Em, just stop. It's getting to your head. It's no wonder you're the way you are. You're fuckin' delusional! And you're unbearably naive!" She raised her voice. And her yelling grew less and less understandable. Not that I wanted to hear much like I know I had before.

"Grace, you're drunk. Go to sleep." I just hung up, getting frustrated.

Almost immediately, the phone started ringing again. Grace. But I did everything I could to ignore it. She blew up my phone, attempting to call me numerous times.

After numerous times, I reluctantly answered.

"Don't you fuckin' hang up on me like that!" Grace drunkenly yelled.

"Then don't call me when you're drunk." I talked back. "You're not my mom, you're my sister. And for God's sake, I'm happy living my life here and now, and no way I'm gonna throw that away to get into a drama infested house."

"It's everyone else's fault that's the case! And you just ran away from it to live in your own baby bullshit! Be a fuckin' adult for once in your retarded life!"

A drunken man's words are a sober man's thoughts, Cindy told me. I only learned after the last time I encountered Grace when drunk. Despite this, I remained more collected.

Either way, I had enough.

"Who are you to say shit like that when you can barely get your own life together? It's not always about you, dude. And guess what? I fought for my own happiness and prosperity when you're the one who wants it on a silver platter. I don't even live in that house, and I honestly don't plan to. Everyone's okay with that. Unlike throughout my whole life, I now have a place to go and feel comfortable with myself, and that's the life I chose to live. You're just gonna have to deal with it. Why the hell does this even concern you when I haven't lived with the family since I was in high school? And don't you dare call me retarded when you're the one who's always had a selfishly closed mind."

I hung up and immediately turned my phone completely off. I just threw it aside, and it landed on the patio ground, and I just held my head in my hands.

After a silent moment, I heard the patio door open.

"Dinner's finally ready! You okay?...." Mickey noticed me.

"Grace called me drunk and then started trying to lecture me on how to live my life. Especially when she's the one living with people she claims to hate so much." I said.

"I'm sorry…."

"Not your fault I have a horrible sister. It was people like her who gave me nowhere else to go all these years, y'know." I replied.

"She's hurt you more than enough." He said calmly.

"I know. I just really didn't wanna deal with her bullshit today, of all days. Sorry for the language."

"It's okay. You're frustrated, and it doesn't hurt to get a bit off your chest."

"Thanks, Mickey." I sighed a deep breath.

"But I don't like to let ya dwell on it for long. C'mon, let's have dinner and lighten the mood. It's your special day, after all." Mickey then took my hand, and we both stood up, and we went inside. Pluto went and picked up my phone with his mouth.

We went inside, and I found a large spaghetti dinner waiting. Just with the stuff I like to eat my pasta with. The mere sight brightened me inside and out.

"Your ultimate favorite, pal!" Mickey smiled.

"Thank you so much." I smiled back.

And we dined together, very happy.

A bit later, it got dark as night, and Mickey and I were both in the backyard, with a bonfire set up and lighting our spot in quite a peaceful manner. Pluto was lying on his stomach beside Mickey's chair.

"I don't remember the last time I had a bonfire with anyone." I said.

"Really?"

"Yeah. Although, that was something we enjoyed when I was growing up."

"Gosh….you had quite a childhood, huh?" He asked.

"Despite everything I had to go through…." I said, in thought, "yeah, I did. I may have gone through being left out a lot, but I guess I just made the most of it each time it came to that point."

"Say," Mickey then brought up, "if ya don't mind me askin', does Grace call ya drunk often?"

"Not too often, but I know when she's drunk just by her voice and lack of filter. Cindy told me this, too: A drunk man's words are a sober man's thoughts. I guess Grace normally has quite a filter when it comes to me. She wants to mean well when it comes to me, but she legitimately has little to no clue. I at first thought Cindy had a lack of understanding. But she's got nothing against my sister, of all people."

"Does….Grace drink a lot?"

"Oh yeah. There was a time, back when I was living in Bygone Island, when she almost drank herself to death. I've also been told she drank with popping pills, too." I added.

"Golly….I'm sorry you and the family have to deal with that a lot."

"It's not your fault she's irresponsible with her own actions. Especially when it comes down to big decisions, like moving out to Texas with a then-girlfriend while I was in Tokyo. She also took the family dog without permission, too." I said.

"Oh yeah, ya told me a bit about that situation." Mickey recalled.

"Yeah. At least Molly somehow turned up at our house not long after that." I said.

I felt Mickey hold my hand.

"You'll be okay. Of course, it'll likely take some time, but I'll be there every step of the way." He then told me sincerely.

I began to smile at him.

"Thanks, Mickey. That always means so much, coming from you." I then said.

"Anything to make you smile."

I felt Pluto rest his head on my knee, and when I looked at him, his tail was wagging.

"Awww, thanks, boy." I pet him. "Molly would've really liked you."

"Y'know?" Mickey then remembered. "Have ya thought about finding a pet?"

"It crossed my mind a few times. I just haven't given myself a good chance. I also prefer to go to a rescue shelter and find my furry friend there. That's where we met Molly." I said.

"Good." He gave a thumbs up.

"Since Cowboy, I've been told about how bad puppy mills really are. So it's either a very positively reviewed breeder or rescue shelter for me." I said.

"That's good, Emily. Oh, and before I forget…."

Mickey then snapped his fingers, and a little mass of golden magic came to be. After the next moment, I then saw a chocolate cupcake appear, having red frosting on it. There was a single candle stuck through the frosting, lit with a tint flame.

"Happy birthday, my sister." Mickey then said with a warm smile.

"Awwww, thank you, Mickey." I felt touched.

"Make a wish." He handed me the cupcake.

Now holding the treat, I closed my eyes.

"I wish….I wish…." My mind had some trouble coming up with something for a moment.

"I wish….I could be by Mickey's side forevermore. I wrongfully forgot just how wonderful a friend he is to me."

I didn't speak of it out loud.

I blew the candle.

Mickey then hugged me closely from the side.

"I hope your wish comes true, pal." He said.

"I have a good feeling about it." I replied.

I shared the cupcake with Mickey for the sake of not leaving him out. Pluto now had a treat of his own.

Later, it was getting very late, and Mickey let me spend the night in his house. I had already changed into a nightgown by magic, and Mickey was setting up the bed, also in his PJs.

"Thanks for the great day, Mickey. And for letting me stay the night." I said as I stretched myself out.

"Of course, Emily. It looks like you could use some company this time around." Mickey replied.

"Again, thanks."

"No problem." He gave me a thumbs up.

"Goodnight, pal." He then started leaving the room.

"Wait!" I realized.

He stopped and looked back at me.

"Where are you going?" I asked.

"Oh, I'm gonna sleep on the couch tonight. You get the bed. Unless….you got another idea?" He tilted his head.

"Well…." I was trying very hard to find the right words, now fidgeting with my hair.

Mickey caught on, and then he laughed.

"Oh, right! Of course!" He laughed at himself. "Sorry, Em."

"Oh, it's okay. To be fair, you just saved me from a ton of word consideration without sounding wrong."

We both giggled.

We both lay next to each other, getting comfortable in the bed. Pluto did the same for himself in his own doggie bed.

"All ya gotta do is ask, pal." Mickey told me gently.

"Thanks." I casually smiled.

"Say, Emily," he then said, "what'd you think about today?"

"It's been a wonderful day. Especially since I got to spend most of it with one of the best friends I can ever have." I replied.

"Awww, shucks." Mickey chuckled.

"You know all too well that I mean that." I said.

"Gee, thanks." His eyes glittered a little.

I scooted a little closer, letting Mickey do the same and snuggle.

"Thank you for the wonderful birthday, Mickey. I've loved it." I then said.

"Of course, pal. Every good person deserves a happy birthday to celebrate, no matter how laid back or all-out the celebration can be."

"You're the best." I kept a warm smile.

"So are you, in my eyes." Mickey replied.

"Don't you let anyone, not even your own sister, tell ya otherwise." He then said.

"I'll try. There are times I can't really help it, though." I replied with honesty.

"That's part of why you can always talk to me. I'm always gonna be there for ya, like I should've through the years."

I let my head lean on his shoulder in comfort as a brief moment of silence overtook the room.

"Y'know?" I then said, breaking the silence.

"Yeah?"

"I remember the times I spent the night here, a little like this, years ago." I recalled.

"Oh, of course. Those were wonderful times. I remember us both being so happy throughout your whole stay in Orlando." He remembered as well.

"I don't think I ever felt so comfortable being me, or at least for very long, beforehand."

"I'm honored to help people, young and old, feel that kind of comfort. By the way, if you don't mind me askin'...." Mickey began.

"Did….Nick make you feel that way?"

I took a deep breath and softly sighed.

"He definitely did. Ever since the moment we met. I think we both somehow knew we were really oddly different, and in that, we stuck together. He and Alondra pitched in as the friends I really needed growing up in school."

"Gosh….he must've been quite charming."

"I always thought he was really cute…." I giggled bashfully. "His glasses only added to it, in my opinion. As we grew older, I began to think he was so handsome, inside and out."

"What kind of things did you two do together?"

"Many things in school. Typical and atypical. Even when we had different teachers, we were allowed to sit together for lunch. We went to speech therapy sessions together. He was always there to protect me from bullies. I always listened to him through whatever he had to say. We shared daily wonders together." I smiled more at the memories.

"Like, back in second grade, our classes had chicken eggs in an incubator and box set up for the chicks. When the chicks began to hatch, nobody was more excited than me and Nick. There were times our teacher let us sit by the incubator and watch the chicks hatch. We giggled each time we heard those little chirps." I continued with light laughter.

He laughed a little, too.

"We were almost always together on field trips and groups. We always played together during recess, indoor or outdoor. Like, back then, whenever we had outdoor recess, Nick and I would pretend we were getting married, of course modified with the school rules. And one of our mutual friends would act as the person officiating the ceremony. We sometimes played superheroes, especially since the Incredibles, jungles, wherever our imaginations took us, we went together."

"Awwww….who asked who out first?"

"Nick asked me. Over the phone, actually, and he asked if I wanted to see a movie with him. After a rather odd adventure, I talked to my parents about it, and I went with him that same weekend. We saw Avatar. About a year later, we saw the Yogi Bear movie."

"Did'ja ever ask him?"

"Well, actually, yeah. Freshman year of high school, I called him and asked if he wanted to go to the homecoming powderpuff football games with me. Of course, he said yes, and my sisters and I picked him up. I'll never ever forget that night….Nick and I were together the whole night, up until we dropped him off at his house."

"Sounds magical…."

"It was. I remember that whole day so well. September 19, 2012. Homecoming week. Hawaiian shirt day. I couldn't get hold of anything like it, so I picked out an old dragonfly shirt. It reminded me of Florida. The shirt was white, so were my pants and shoes, although it wasn't entirely my intention, and at the game, it got a little chilly, so I had a red jacket on. Pretty breezy, too, so I tied my hair up. The way Nick just held me as we sat alone at a picnic table, beside the crowded bleachers, it was like everything around us meant nothing."

"Awwww….and lemme guess. You two kissed?"

I nodded. "Thing is, I don't really know who kissed who first. Nick was gently kissing my head. At one point, I turned to face him, and it just happened. We were both caught completely by surprise, given what had just taken place. I think we were both so excited but anxious. One of the only things I could hear at this point was my beating heart. Then….we just let ourselves go. More and more times. His hold had never been warmer. Those several minutes felt like several hours. Next thing I knew, I excused myself and went right to the porta-potty. That's where I took in what had just happened, and I freaked the hell out! I texted my sisters and my mom what happened."

Mickey laughed. "Gosh….I remember my first time. I thought I swept Minnie off her feet, but she also did that to me. It was….amazing."

"A day you'll never forget, that's for sure. I remember, also back in freshman year, I went to my study hall period, and a classmate came to me and asked me….if I'd marry Nick if I could. I gave my honest answer: yes. From the moment we became friends, I pictured myself being Nick's wife. It probably would've been the biggest honor I could've been bestowed. Nick would've really loved you, Mickey. In fact, I'm pretty sure he loved Disney like I did when we were growing up. One of his favorite movies was Tarzan, and he absolutely loved the song, You'll Be In My Heart."

I was smiling throughout the conversation. It actually comforted me to remember these memories.

"Y'know?" Mickey then brought up. "You're smiling."

I lightly touched my face.

"So I am."

Mickey giggled. "I don't think I've seen you like this when looking back on those memories, honestly."

"I'm aware of that much. It's often hard to stay smiling for real long when I look back. But there are few times where that's not the case. This might be one of those times."

Mickey kept his warm smile.

"Nick would be so proud of you."

I held Mickey's hand.

"I know that."

Mickey then kissed my forehead gently.

"I'm very proud of you, too. You're so….resilient. And strong. Despite everything, you still have enough warmth in your heart for many who don't even deserve it."

"I try. I need to be the bigger person and leave them to get consumed by their own downfalls if it ever gets too far. Like for Grace, for instance. At the end of the day, however, we're all just people. And we all screw up a lot. I just hope people can gain more self awareness to see their own issues and want to help themselves get past them, no matter how much extra support is needed."

"For you, I'll be that support." Mickey held me closely and warmly.

I was even able to hear his soft but strong heartbeat. I further relaxed.

"Mickey…." I began. "Remember the first time I spent the night with you here? Years ago?"

"Sure do. I've never forgotten. Why?"

"That story you told me, about this angel. I remember it. Do you?"

"Sure do."

"I'm that angel you were talking about, am I?"

Mickey was silent at first. Perhaps in looking back at that precious memory.

"You absolutely are. I knew you could always be someone special since the moment I found you on Main Street, but after you saved my life at that old sub sandwich restaurant, I knew you would be more than that."

I put my arms around him warmly.

"And then, when I was sleeping….you bestowed the power of a Keyblade wielder upon me. You made the right decision, that's for sure."

Mickey's eyes glittered.

"I'm so glad…."

"Oh, and by the way…."

"Hm?"

"You don't have to apologize anymore for missing time. The now is what matters more than ever. And now….we can be the friends we always have been since forever. And now, I'm not going anywhere. I think I found my forever home, in your world. And whatever darkness throws at us, we can deal with it together. I promise, I'll fight my hardest for you."

A single tear of joy emerged from Mickey's eye.

"Thank you, Emily….I'm happy that you're happy. And you're just so sweet."

I snuggled closely.

"I love you, Mickey. You're one of the best friends I've ever had in my life. You're like nobody I've ever met."

"I love you too, Emily. So much, I'd do anything to make sure you're safe…." Mickey then kissed my cheek.

"And happy birthday, my sister."

"Thanks, my brother." I gave him a gentle kiss on his cheek.

His heartbeat was like a lullaby to me, like nothing I'd ever heard before.

I was the first to fall asleep, with Mickey gently holding me in his arms. We both thoroughly enjoyed the gentle warmth. Even in my sleep, I could feel Mickey gently caressing my hair and the back of my head.

Chapter Text

Today's fortune:

A little hard work will always pay off.

Next thing I knew, it was September.

In case you don't remember the course of this August, let me refresh your memory.

Right when August started, I realized a tiny black kitten had followed me through much of the town, all the way to Mickey's Garage. After bathing and feeding her, with Minnie's help, I named the kitten Ember, and I took her in.

Mickey had computer problems, and it turned out, so did many of us through the world of Disney, myself included. Upon further investigation, we realized it was a diversion to cover up illegal shipping of known animal friends from throughout the world of Disney. And Cruella was the mastermind. She ended up dragging Mickey and Minnie along, endangering them as well as her other victims. After struggles, the Big Hero 6, Donald, and I worked together and got Cruella and her accomplices arrested, and nobody got badly hurt except me. I didn’t know at first, but during my struggle against Curella and the truck driver, I took two bullets to the chest. But Mickey was able to help me. Over the weeks to come, we pitched in on getting Tartarus Laboratory permanently shut down, and I agreed to move in with Mickey. He helped me finalize my selling of my house, and we put the money toward rebuilding Mickey’s house to fit both of us.

When September rolled in, so did our team of builders. Minnie and our other friends, including Chip and Dale, to be specific.

Since dawn, we’d been hard at work, already making amazing progress. We were already finishing up the exterior walls and all windows by the time it was lunchtime. The inside walls were already painted to my and Mickey’s likings.

Speaking of lunchtime, I came back from an errand, and I had boxes of pizza in the backseats of my car.

“I GOT PIZZA!” I yelled as I got out of the car. “COME N’ GET IT WHILE IT’S HOT!”

“Oh boy! Pizza!” Donald excitedly ran over to me first.

I got the boxes of pizza out of the car.

“Two cheese, two sausage, one ultra-deluxe!” I specified.

The others, including the hired workers, soon came behind Donald, and they took turns taking some slices to eat.

“I can see everything’s going well.” I got my own slices.

“They sure are.” Mickey replied with a smile. “Wanna see somethin’ I’ve been working on?”

“Of course. What’ve you got?”

“C’mon, and you’ll see.” Mickey proceeded, and I followed.

Inside the laundry room was a red pipe that seemed to lead upwards.

“What’s that?” I tilted my head.

“What I’ve been wokin’ on, of course.” Mickey opened what revealed to be a slide door, and he let us both inside.

“We’re goin’ up!” Mickey pulled the lever in front of him toward himself, and our seats went upwards, with a hatch door on the inside of the roof opening up.

When we got to the highest level, we were just above the roof, and it looked like I could see the entire town, including the Garage, from my spot.

“Wow….This is pretty genius.” I was in genuine awe.

“I had a strong feeling you’d like this. It’s a place we can go when we, or just either of us alone, need some fresh air or quiet time.” Mickey explained.

“I like that a lot.”

“I knew you would.”

I finished my serving of pizza.

“This whole house is really coming along beautifully. I’m real excited for the memories we’ll be making here.” I then said.

“I am, too, pal. It’s gonna be great, having game nights, watching movies, having great meals, and just relaxing when we want to.” Mickey kept his warm smile.

“Just to be 100% sure, you’ve really wanted this for quite some time now?” I then asked.

“Of course. Honestly, ever since you moved into town. Had I known, I would’ve let you in since the very beginning.”

“Well, to be fair, it kinda happened all in one night, so even if I didn’t want it to be a surprise, there wasn’t a good way of telling you ahead of time. I just let it all happen.” I giggled at my own expense.

Mickey giggled, too.

“Things just happen really fast, huh?” He finished his lunch.

“Apparently. Being with Sonic and the others probably have that long-term effect on me. That doesn’t mean there are days where I intend to slow down.”

“Let’s just hope nobody tries to mess that up too much.” He lightly laughed.

I laughed a little as well. “Yeah….”

I found my eyes wandering up to the patched sky. Some white clouds, but it was mostly clear. He looked up as well.

“Hey, Mickey?” I then began after some moments of blankness.

“Hm?”

“I’m just beginning to wonder. What exactly do you see….when you look up at the sky?” I then asked.

"Good question. A handful of things, I guess." Mickey replied, looking up now as well.

"Like what?"

"I dunno….but it makes me feel better, that's for sure. Kinda hard to describe in detail. What about you, Emily?"

"There are times where my mind just wanders about, and many shapes and colors just come flying through, especially when I stare up at the sky. It might be a way I let loose. My imagination just goes any way it wants." I said.

"I get ya."

"I sometimes see loved ones up there, including ones I never got a chance to meet. Like Grandpa David."

"Baranski?"

"Yup."

"I knew him long ago, back when he and his brother were just boys." He recalled.

I turned to him.

"You're kidding…."

"Nope. My pals and I really loved hangin' out with David and Bob."

"Wow….that must've been amazing."

"It was. Just as much as it was when I knew your mom n' her siblings, too."

"Aunt Pam and Uncle Dean, too?"

"Of course. And it was comforting to know David became a Chicago policeman."

"The toughest of the tough, as I've called it. Did you know Grandma Marilyn?"

"Sure did. She was so sweet ever since she was a little girl. Once, she saved what was her piece of cake and gave it to Pluto on his birthday. And that was after Pluto had to deal with shenanigans, only to miss out on cake." He reminisced.

"Did you know Grandpa Chuck?"

"Not as well as Janet and their kids."

"Aunt Karen and my dad. You've known our family since you've been around pretty much, huh?"

"You bet. And I can't wait to meet Billy and Shannon's baby when he, or she, comes to the world." Mickey said with a smile.

"She. It's a girl." I specified.

"Awww, how sweet! Have they come up with a name?"

"I hear it's gonna be Emma Rose."

"Emma Rose….that's beautiful. A little Em and a big Em."

I giggled. "Now that you say that, it's adorable. I can't wait for you and the others to meet Emma, and for us to go on great adventures with her."

"Is there gonna be a baby shower?"

"In about two weeks. Minnie and the Happy Helpers are gonna help me and my family set it up, and they're staying for the party."

"Mind if I came, too?"

"I'm more than certain you'll be welcome."

Mickey put his arm around me.

"I think you're gonna be a magical auntie."

I did the same for him.

"Thanks for thinking so. I sometimes feel like I could've done a little better, though."

"You always try, even if it's just on a day-to-day basis. Either way, you're too resilient to settle for less. Besides, you'll have many opportunities to get into things like classes or volunteer work here in Hot Dog Hills. That is, if that's what you want. I can't encourage you without pressuring you, y'know."

"Thanks for that much, Mickey. I'm sure I'll figure something out when the opportunity presents itself." I said.

Mickey then put his other arm around me.

"I'm so happy we'll be living in the same house now." He expressed.

I hugged him back closely.

"Couldn't have said it better myself. I'm probably twice as happy we reconnected in the first place. Your determination finally paid off."

"I'll say."

"Thanks for not giving up on me."

"It's my genuine pleasure, Emily. I love you."

"I love you too, Mickey."

I then pushed the lever away from me, and our seat started going down, back into the laundry room.

Just then, Daisy walked in through the door.

"Just in time! We're almost done! We just need to put the big furniture and electronics inside."

"Hot diggity dog!" Mickey got out before I did.

"Then let's get started, and we'll be done in no time at all." I followed.

It was close to evening, with the sun just beginning to set, when we finally finished. As promised, I paid rather handsomely to the workers who helped us build.

Just as everything was now finished, I took time to look around the house.

The living room was a little more spacious than the previous one provided, but thankfully, it wasn't too big. The TV setup almost reminded me of my dad's house, with the sound system and all. The basement was cleaner than typically expected, with our holiday decorations boxed up. The two special doors, to Master Yen Sid's and the Musketeers world, were set up there as well. Just like I wanted.

Upstairs was the laundry room, as I already saw earlier, our bedrooms, and the master bathroom.

Upon walking into Mickey's room, it was just like I remembered from long ago. It felt nostalgic in that way.

When I got to what was my bedroom, there was a window that would view the backyard. The walls were painted a light purple, and there were some posters taped. My same dresser and special picture frame. My closet had new clothes inside. I smiled in pure satisfaction.

Mickey came in through my open doorway.

"Nice room, huh?" He smiled.

I turned and looked at him.

"It's very nice. You guys are good at this stuff." I said.

"Nothin' to it." He gave me a thumbs up.

"It's gonna be great from now on. I can feel it."

"I agree."

"Say, we're gonna throw a little housewarming party. You got your video games, right?"

"Saw them in my closet. I'll get Mario Kart."

"Swell! We'll be downstairs, waiting for ya." He left the room.

I briefly dug around for my Switch and games. When I found what I sought and went downstairs, I found the others gathered in the living room, and Minnie was in the kitchen, cooking dinner.

"Time for some fun, guys!" I claimed.

"Tell me you got Mario Kart." Daisy hoped.

"Who would I be if I didn't have it?" I joked. "Let's play!"

"YEAH!" Excitement, in an adorably naive way, roared across the room.

Chapter Text

Today's fortune:

All it takes is just one person to believe in another.

As September performed its yearly dance, the days slowly grew shorter, and there were days a little chillier than others.

This particular weekend, the Hot Dog Hills Harvest Festival was underway. Kids' rides, games, prizes, and of course, food stands. Pretzels, cotton candy, roasted nuts, seasonal spices, hot dogs, even burgers.

Given this festival was taking place right beside a cornfield, it was only logical that fresh corn would be sold.

However, for Goofy, selling fresh cobs of corn seemed to be a lost cause.

I walked in, wearing a new bold pink autumn coat (thanks to Minnie). All else in attire was more normal for my sense of style.

As I believe I implied, most of the food vendors were doing quite successfully in terms of sales. The multicolored cotton candy seemed most popular among families and kids.

That's when I saw Goofy. Most people would only walk by his stand of fresh corn cobs, uninterested. Some would very briefly take a look, but then turn away.

I approached him and his stand.

"Hey, Goofy." I waved.

"Hi'ya, Emily…." He was slowly playing with his accordion, but when he let go, it went down to the ground like a slinky toy going down a set of stairs.

I acknowledged his sad state.

"What's wrong, Goof?" I asked, concerned.

"No one wants to try my corny cobs…."

There were baskets full around the entire stand, with the exception of where I was standing.

"Hmmm…." I found myself in thought.

Goofy sighed in that moment.

"I dunno what I can do to get their attention." He added.

"Goofy?"

"Hm?" He looked at me.

I held out cash. About 15 dollars.

"For starters, I'll have a whole basket. I like corn with barbecue and seafood. Not to mention some good butter." I said.

"Gawrsh….thanks, pal. Y' don't have to…."

"I insist. Besides, it's in season, so I might as well stock up. And….I got an idea on a gimmick you can use."

"Gimmick?" Goofy took my money and let me pick a basket.

"What kind'a gimmick?" He asked.

A bit later, I brought back an electric burner and electric battery to power it. I got fresh water in a large pot, and I started heating it up. I also got butter and seasonings.

"So we're cookin' the cobs?"

"Yup. Nothin' can beat corn on the cob. And hey, no better way to celebrate the harvest at a festival like this." I put some cobs into the boiling water.

"We're gonna start off with a few, just to see where it takes us, 'kay?"

"Sure. Thanks, Em." Goofy had a smile.

"Anything to help a pal out." I gave him a thumbs up.

We both chuckled.

I saw Mickey come up to the stand first.

"Hi'ya, pals. Whatcha doin'?" He asked.

"Cooking up some corn on the cob with toppings and seasonings of your choice here." I showed Mickey.

"The ones on the boil should be ready in just a few minutes."

"Gosh….that sounds real festive. Mind if I had one?"

"U'course, Mickey!" Goofy's face lit up.

I then let out a loud whistle.

"Fresh corn on the cob, right from the boil!" I yelled out.

As Mickey turned around, more curious people came to the stand.

A good handful of orders came through, and Goofy and I managed to keep up, boiling corn to order.

A while later, there weren't any people coming up, but that didn't change Goofy's smile. Over half of the stock of corn was cooked and sold.

"I'd say it's been a pretty successful day." I said.

"I'll say. Thanks, Em, for believin' in me." He gave me a big hug.

I laughed and hugged him back.

"Of course, Goofy. Like I said, anything to help a pal out."

"Hey, y' think you wanna sing some songs with me? Just for fun?" He then asked.

"Sure, why not. I'm down." I snapped my fingers, and my special violin appeared right in my hands.

"What's on your mind?" I asked.

Goofy whispered his preference in my ear. And I nodded, understanding.

"Gotcha, Goof. Leave it to me." I winked, and I tuned my violin.

I started playing, and Goofy started singing.

Just cuz yer not fancy

Like those other frilly treats

You'll always be my favorite

Forever golden sweeeeeeet!

On that very last word, Goofy reached a note I didn't think he ever could, and I heard popping noises. Stopping in my tracks, I looked toward the corn cobs.

Many of them were popping like popcorn kernels. All while still on the cobs themselves. One of the popped corbs hopped right to me upon the popping force.

I caught it in my hand.

"Holy….Goofy! Did you see that?!" I was surprised beyond belief.

His eyes were wider than ever before.

"Gawrsh…." He commented without thinking.

"Dude! Do that bit of singin' again!" I wanted to be sure.

You'll always be my favorite

Forever golden sweeeeeeet!

More cobs popped like popcorn. But some a little further behind remained the same as all day.

However, the singing got more people's attention, and they came running, surprised at our discovery.

"My goodness, Goofy!" Minnie exclaimed.

"What kind of treat is this?" She asked.

"Uh…." Goofy improvised. "Poppin' cobs!"

"And butter and seasonings are still up for grabs!" I then added.

"I'll have a dozen please!" Daisy requested, holding out money.

And just as quickly as the discovery was made, the popped cobs were sold out. The stock was mostly drained, with the exception of some of those unaffected corn cobs. I ended up buying that last bunch into another basket.

"Thanks, Emily! For believin' in me!" Goofy couldn't be happier.

"Anytime, Goof." I patted his shoulder.

"But what're you gonna do with all this corn you bought?" He then asked.

"I'm gonna freeze some for Thanksgiving dinner. Can't go wrong with corn on such a holiday. I'm gonna save a bit for dinner tonight. Some corn with butter doesn't sound too shabby to me today. As for the rest, I'm donating to the food bank. Those people struggling are really gonna appreciate it this month." I explained.

"Now ain't that nice. Ya barely changed." He put his arm around me in a way I found familiar. Like….my dad would when proud.

"In that case, we got much more to catch up on than I thought." I kept my smile.

"Then how 'bout you bring that corn to my house, and we can have dinner there?"

"What about Max?"

"He said he's too busy at school this weekend."

"Oh, I see. Either way, I'd love to come for dinner."

"That's just swell."

Goofy's joy reminded me of my own. A joy I've expressed, almost regardless of the situation, throughout my life, especially when I was a little girl. And that memory made my smile grow a little wider.