[CH. 001] [Audio]

[since1928]

[There's a high-pitched yelp.

It sounds sort of strangled, or maybe it even sounds like someone getting squished under a heavy weight. Whatever has happened doesn't take too long to recover from, however, as the high-pitched voice rouses from that former dazed state.]

...Oh boy. Anybody got the license plate of that train??

[He tries to laugh, letting it peter off into a mild groan.

Somewhere behind him, there's the sound of a muffled, fat bark.]

Comments

[laughingsword]

Oh! Oh, yes, they do that. I'm glad you're not hurt. [He chuckles.]

I don't think -- have we spoken? I'm Soujirou!

[since1928]

I'm gonna hafta get use to that, haha!

[He gently smushes the Meow Wow down from the communicator, nose wiggling.]

The name's Mickey! Mickey Mouse. Are you new, too?

[laughingsword]

Not too very new. It's been a little while! I'm just glad that no-one at home will find me sleeping.

Then you've just shown up yourself?

[since1928]

Welp, I was here before. I think. It's a little hard to remember.

[laughingsword]

Really! Isn't that interesting.

Do you happen to know someone else here... by the name of Minnie? I'm not sure if 'Mouse' is a family name.

[since1928]

[That name! He perks.]

Oh! Yeah, 'course I do! She's my sweetheart!

[laughingsword]

The Queen? Really?

[since1928]

Really! I married her and everything!

[laughingsword]

Well, congratulations, then, Your Majesty.

[He chuckles, caught by the whimsy of a King and Queen mouse.]

How much do you remember? Do you have any questions? I might be able to help a little.

[since1928]

Why, thank you! And please, call me Mickey! Don't need to be all formal with me, haha.

[He pauses to think about it.]

Let's see...I'm sure I was here before. At least, for a little while! And there was some trouble goin' on. I think there was a giant ape somewhere.

[laughingsword]

Mickey.

Oh yes! That wasn't very long ago at all then. We've only recently fought back those creatures, and their master is still about in the city. A giant bird -- please take care if you see it! It hasn't attacked lately, but no one knows why not.

[since1928]

Not too long ago? That's strange. It feels like it's been a while for me...

But a giant bird isn't hard to miss. I'll keep an eye out for sure!

[laughingsword]

Time can be a little strange around here... or so I've heard!

Ah, and there is an inn if you need a place to stay, too ♥

[since1928]

Guess that'll take some time to get use to.

Oh! Stayin' at an inn sounds swell! It'd be nice to get indoors for once, haha.

[laughingsword]

It's very much better than the streets! We don't have bad weather, but we do have that little vermin problem.

[And Nightmares finding you in your sleep was much worse than it sounded.]

[since1928]

Aw, the vermin don't bother me! I handle it all the time!

[Says the mouse king who can be considered 'vermin.']

[laughingsword]

Really? Well that's good, then! I don't think you'll have any trouble here at all.

[since1928]

I guess the travelin' experience helps, haha.

Gosh. Thanks for tellin' me about all of this, Soujirou.

[laughingsword]

It's no trouble at all, your majesty! I'm sure you would have remembered most of it all on your own.

And if you've been here before, perhaps I might ask you a question or two in the future.

[since1928]

Haha! Aw, gee! You're makin' me blush!

Of course y'can! Since you've helped me, I can return the favor! One friend to another.

[laughingsword]

Thank you! I've never been to a place like this before, you see. My home is very different.

But I won't bother you right away. You've only just arrived. Later, then, your majesty?

[since1928]

Haha, sure thing! I'd really like to know more about you and your home!

See ya later!