HER SOLDIER

Another mile.

Another minute.

Another second.

Another mile down, and closer to her destination. Screw the speed limit. She had to get there. She had to get to the airport.

She couldn't get there fast enough.

Her heart was racing. Not because she had the car at borderline illegal speeds, but because of something far more euphoric.

She had to get to the airport. She had to see him.

Her life depended on it.

Her husband was coming home.

"I'm coming, Mickey..." Minnie said to herself as she drove down the four-lane.

Nothing would stop her from seeing him again.

It all began a little over seven months before, when a military sergeant, also a friend of Chief O'Hara, asked if Mickey would help in tracking down a soldier that had gone rogue. He knew of Mickey's efforts in the Foreign Legion, and knew of Mickey's background, thus making the mouse an obvious choice. It was crucial, as this soldier had been working on secret projects and threatened national security with documents he had stolen.

It all started that morning, when he got that letter...

FLASHBACK

"Mickey, could you go get the paper, please? Breakfast is almost done," she said in her cheery tone, kissing her partner's cheek.

"Sure thing, Min. Be back in a flash!" Mickey dashed into the living room and out the door, and from the kitchen window, she could see him run out and grab the newspaper. She glanced back to the pancakes she was making and flipped them over, then glanced back up to see him walking back toward the house slowly. This piqued her curiosity, and she watched as he walked closer to the house, noticing the piece of paper he was holding up.

He entered the house, her ears perking at the sound of the door.

"Mickey?"

He entered the kitchen, suddenly seeming cheerful as apposed to how he looked outside. "Y-Yeah?"

She could clearly see his attempts to hide the letter, and his nervous demeanor was painfully evident. "Mickey? What do you have behind your back?"

He sighed, knowing there was no sense hiding it. He didn't even look at her when he held out the letter.

She looked at it, then back up to him before taking it and beginning to read. As she read, her legs started feeling weaker, and she leaned against the counter. Her heart started thumping loudly in her chest. As she finished, her hands were shaking as she looked up to him, eyes wide and fearful. "...No..."

"It's not for long..." he started.

"N-No... They can't... Why... Why you?"

"They want me t-"

"Why?!" Her voice was a higher pitch now. "Why you? Why do they only want you?"

Mickey sighed. "Because they know I can catch him."

"It's the freaking military, Mickey!" She slammed the letter down onto the counter. "The whole military is relying on one person for this?"

He looked her in the eye, somber. "Basically."

Minnie paused, realization sinking in. She knew him. If anyone could catch this rogue soldier, it was Mickey. But why him? Why now? Why at all? She shook her head, blinking back the tears that were threatening to fall. "...This can't be happening..." She looked up, more anger in her eyes now. "The whole military wants you to catch this guy? What're we relying on them for if they can't handle this?! Why do they have to send you overseas to do this?"

Mickey stepped closer to her, calmly. "'Cause this guy knows what he's doin'. And the sergeant's countin' on me."

She looked up into his eyes. "They're sending you overseas, Mickey! Don't you..." She took a deep breath. "...don't you know how dangerous..."

"I know," he nodded. "I have to do this."

She shook her head quickly. "No! You don't!"

He grabbed her hands. "Yes, I do." There was a thick silence.

"But..." Her voice cracked as she squeaked, no longer holding back her tears as they began to spill down her cheeks. She moved closer, wrapping her arms around him tightly. "...you... you could be..."

He embraced her, holding her close to him. "I won't. I'll come back."

"I don't... I don't want you to go..." she wailed as she began sobbing into his chest.

Mickey held her as she cried, rubbing her back with his hands and softly kissing the side of her head every little bit. After a few minutes, her sobbing had died down, and she pulled back, looking up into his eyes. She knew there was no other choice. He had to go, whether she wanted him to or not. The only thing she could do was stay behind and cheer him on and pray for his safe return.

"Promise me..." She sniffed. "Promise me you'll come back." She knew him. He'd never break a promise. Therefore, if she made him promise to come home to her,
then he would. He'd never broken a promise to her before, nor had he to others. She knew him. If Mickey Mouse made a promise to you, you could count on him to see it through. "Please, Mickey... Please promise me you'll come back... that you'll come back to me..." She pleaded. "I don't..." She shook her head as she sniffed. "I don't wanna be without you. I can't..."

"Hey." He raised a hand under her chin, lifting her gaze to meet his. "I promise. Ya know I'll always come back to ya." He kissed her forehead. "You're where my heart lies. Wherever ya are is where my heart is, and where I want t' be." He smiled warmly, and took her hand, and interlocked their fingers so their palms were pressed together. "I promise, on the very heart that beats in me, I'll come back to ya. No matter what."

Minnie's eyes were shimmering, and tears trailed down her cheeks. But this time, tears of happiness. She smiled lovingly, moving her fingers to interlock with his. "Oh, Mickey!" she breathed, as she flung herself onto him. "I promise I'll wait for you. No matter how long it takes, I'll be here." She pulled back a bit. "I'm not complete if you're not here."

"Thanks, kiddo. I'll try not to keep ya waitin' too long." He grinned, trying to lift her spirits.

She smiled. "If anyone can cath that guy, it's you. I believe in you. I know you can do it."

"That's all I need," he said.

"Come back to me... My soldier..." she breathed softly as she leaned up to kiss him, hugging him tightly.

END FLASHBACK

Another mile.

She was getting closer. The closer she got the faster her heart raced. The more euphoric she got.

It had been seven months, three weeks, and two days since she'd seen him in person. Since she'd held him in her arms, since she'd tasted his lips, his skin, since felt his body and kisses all over her own, since she last said "I love you" to his face.

It had been too long. Her heart, her body, her mind needed to see him, needed to hold him, needed to feel his arms around her, needed to feel his lips on her.

He had to depart in two days, so the first night the mice made for just the two of them. That morning, Minnie awoke before her lover, smiling and giggling as she found him still snoozing with his mouth open. His adorableness always making her heart flutter. She held the cover around her bare form as she rolled over and sat up, looking toward the window, seeing the sunlight peer through the blinds. She looked back at him, smiled, then back to the window. Screw the day. She turned back to her husband and laid back down next to him, snuggling against his own bare form with a content sigh. They could sleep in together a little.

The next morning she saw him dressed in his uniform. She adjusted his beret as she looked at her soldier, wearing a proud smile.

"Ma'am," he nodded with a smile.

"Commander," she smiled warmly back.

"I'm not even a recruit. I'm just a secret service agent."

"Doesn't matter to me," she dismissed, then circled her arms around him. "I still like calling you Captain and Commander." She leaned up and kissed him, long and passionately. As she pulled back with a gasp for breath, she smiled through dazed eyes. "That's to go on."

He dipped her, making her squeak.

"Whoa!"

"Then let me give ya somethin' to keep ya goin' till I get back," he grinned.

She giggled. "I'm open to suggestions..." He returned her kiss, making her moan as his lips swept over hers.

When they arrived at the airport, she walked him to the gate. He gave a salute, and she gave a salute back.

"Stay safe, my soldier." Then she hugged him tight. "Love you, sweetie. Be careful. And remember; I'm always here waiting for you, and I believe in you. If anyone can catch that guy,
it's you. Go show 'em what you're made of."

He winked. "Gotcha." He turned toward the gate.

"Mickey." She hugged him one more time. "I love you. And I'm gonna miss you so much while you're gone. But... please be careful." She gave him one more squeeze. "One for the road."

"I will, toots," he assured. And nuzzled the top of her head. "One for the road."

The two parted, sharing one more smile and wave before he sprinted off to the plane. She walked back out to their jalopy convertible and watched as the plane took off. She waved as it passed overhead. "See ya soon, Mickey. Come home safe. I'll wait for you."

He continued to write to her while he was away. At least once a week or every two weeks sometimes she'd get a letter in the mail. No matter what she was doing, she'd drop it and read his letter. She waited on those letters, she counted on them. For she knew that as long as she received them, he was still alive. He'd tell her about how the investigation was going, what it was like overseas, of some of his new comrades. He told her of how he got to drive a Humvee, and even controlled a tank. Naturally, this did concern Minnie, as she wondered why someone being brought in for a special assignment would need to know these things. However, it was part of his cover.

He couldn't go in as a normal guy. He had to appear as a soldier, like he did in the Foreign Legion. So being taught how to drive these was a natural thing. Minnie smiled as she imagined her husband behind the wheel of a Humvee. In fact, Mickey sent a picture of himself standing in front of one, saluting. She giggled. She knew him. He'd learn how to drive a tank, a Humvee, a Black Hawk or a submarine in no time. Minnie thought he looked very handsome in his uniform, and she could still see his boyish charm and nature shinning through that uniform. She could see the curiosity he had, and knew he'd be like a kid with a new toy. He also sent a picture of himself inside a tank that one of the soldiers took when he wasn't paying attention. Minnie admired the photo, because in it she could see the determination and concentration written on his face as he obviously took control of the thing for the first time.

Of course, Minnie wrote back. She told him how things were on the home front, how she and his brother and friends missed him and also tried to help out with the investigation what she could, offering advise or ideas that might help him along the way. And she sent him pictures back as well. She sent him a picture of her sitting outside on the back porch during a sunset, smiling into the camera with the captions, Wish you were here... She also sent a picture of herself in a patriotic outfit saluting, with direct instructions to not let anyone else see, as it was for his eyes only. The outfit was cute, but she wanted to be a pin-up girl for the photo, knowing it was highly popular during the 50's. And of course, Mickey never let anyone see. However, if he needed his blood pumping all he had to do was look at the photo. She kept and reread every letter he'd sent her so many times she had every one memorized. Ortensia joked once that Minnie was going set the world record for letter reading.

In one of his letters, he'd become so excited upon seeing a new, experimental aircraft that he spilled the beans on the thing to Minnie. She couldn't help but laugh.
He was like a child when it came to new things. He wanted to try it out and see what it could do. Of course, she knew there was no better person for the job than her soldier. He'd either make it, or break it. Of course this was military secrets he'd revealed, so she'd never tell a soul, and couldn't help but hope that he could take her for a ride in it someday.

Another mile. She was still just several miles from the airport. She couldn't wait to get there.

For Minnie, it was hard. She recalled when she and Mickey were dating, all the times she woke up in an empty bed and went to sleep in an empty bed. Now she was used to feeling him beside her every morning and night. And so for the first couple of weeks she had to endure not having him next to her. She rubbed the gold heart pendant he got her as a wedding present and the gold key he got her for their first anniversary many times as her thoughts constantly wondered to him. She'd run her fingers across them, thinking that, somehow, he could see her thoughts, hear her fervent wishes for him to come home. Minnie tried to carry on normally, but it was hard. She still had her Bow-tique to attend to, but countless times she found her mind going back to him.

She sent him care packages, with letters, pictures, and some snacks and little gifts from her and their friends, hoping to bring him smiles and laughter, letting him know they all wanted him home, especially her. She remembered when he came home from the Legion - how he disguised himself and showed up on her doorstep in that dorky big nose and mustache, carrying five white boxes, one huge heart-shapped box of candy and a big bouquet of flowers, and tried to get her to buy something. He was a persistent little bugger, and she refused every offer. Then he threw off the disguise and revealed his true self. She threw her hands in the air shouting out his name in joy and relief. She wondered if he'd try that same thing again. Silly boy.

Just a few more miles to go.

Four months and one week after Mickey had been gone, Oswald called one morning... A convoy had ran across a landmine.

Minnie froze, her heart stopping. She dropped the phone and ran to the living room, grabbing the remote and turning on the TV. It was all over the news. A convoy had ran over a landmine. One Humvee was destroyed and another had been flipped five times. The men in the first and one in the second was K.I.A. Was it Mickey's convoy?

Minnie stayed glued to the screen, waiting by the phone for any news, all the while hoping and praying. Oswald, Ortensia and the rest of their friends all gathered at the Mouse residence, all trying to keep each other's spirits up. Minnie was the worst out of all of them, with Oswald being second. Nobody knew Mickey better than these two, so they were the most fearful.

"Come on, Mickey, you have to pull through this..." Minnie uttered quietly to herself as she watched the screen.

"C'mon, little brother, yer made of tough stuff..." Oswald muttered.

For hours the gang stayed by the phone, and after what felt like an eternity, it rang. Minnie grabbed it with shaking hands. "H-H-Hello!?"

For a second there was static. "Minnie!"

She knew that voice. That wonderful, high-pitched voice. It felt like her heart began beating again as hot tears started running down her face. "Mickey!"

Oswald shot up, and everyone looked toward Minnie urgently.

"He's okay!" she cried out happily. "He's alive!"

Everyone cheered.

Minnie put Mickey on speaker phone so the whole gang could hear. He was in the third Humvee. The third Humvee had been peppered with shrapnel when the mine went off. The windshield had been broken out and although he had some minor cuts and burns, he was okay. Much to the relief of everyone, especially Minnie and Oswald. Mickey had helped to save a couple of the soldier's lives, and suffered some burns pulling one of the soldiers from the second Humvee. But he was alive.

That night, the gang gathered in the town square for a candlelight vigil in honor of the fallen soldiers. Minnie stood alongside everyone with a candle in hand as they bowed their heads to a prayer for the fallen, and a prayer for those still serving. The whole town seemed to be there. And before Minnie left, she turned back to the flag as it flew half-mast, waving in the wind, and gave a salute, a tear running down her cheek.

There were many nights Minnie couldn't sleep. Nightmares plagued her mind as she tried to rest, keeping her up. She'd wake up crying, or screaming Mickey's name, only to find he wasn't there. She'd clutch his picture to her chest as she'd cry herself to sleep.

In one nightmare, she was cleaning when she heard a knock on the door. Opening it, she saw a soldier standing there, with a letter in hand. Slowly taking it as she began to tremble, her worst fear had come true. Tears began to streak down her cheeks as she began shaking.

"...No... No, no, no, no..." Her voice cracked as she sank to the floor, her heart shattering into a million pieces. "Mickey..." She lost it, Her world fell apart around her. "MICKEEEEEYYYY!"

She awoke, eyes soaked with tears, realizing she had been crying in her sleep. She bolted up in bed, and quickly glanced over to where her the other half of her heart would normally lay, only to face the cold reality that he wasn't there. Relief swept over her as she realized it was all just a horrible nightmare. But she missed him now more than ever, and wanted so badly to feel his arms around her, comforting her, and to hear him tell her he's there and that everything would be okay. She clutched his picture to her chest as she sobbed herself to sleep.

But she tried to be strong. She knew he was being watched over and didn't doubt him or his abilities. She had to be strong. For him, for their friends, and for herself.

A cousin of hers made a mention to Minnie that Minnie needed to try to have a good time. That spending some time with another guy wouldn't hurt. Naturally, Minnie was disgusted with this.

"And that's why you're divorced," she huffed bluntly. "For the what - ninth time?"

Her cousin ignored it. "What Mickey don't know-"

She was interrupted by Minnie slamming her fist down onto the table of the bistro they were at, as fire raged in her eyes. "If you think for a second that I would cheat on Mickey then you obviously don't know me as well as you think you do!" Her voice, though soft and sweet, was sounding more icy than the Arctic. "I'd rather die than do that to him! I'm not like you. Mickey's the only guy for me and I don't give a flip about other men. I'll wait for an eternity for Mickey if I have to. I made a promise when we got married that I would always be loyal to him, and I will keep that promise. Do you honestly think I think about other guys?"

"It's natural for someone in your situation."

Minnie's gaze sharpened. "Ya know what, get Doc Static or Professor Von Drake to scan my mind. I'm positive they could create something that would let them view every thought I've had since Mickey's been gone." She leaned across the table, her tiny stature allowing her to only lean over it partially, grinning. "Scan me. We'll see who's right." A thick silence filled the air. "See this?" Minnie held up her left hand, showing off the ring. "This is a promise. A promise I made to my husband. Let me tell you 'bout the difference between you and me. You cheat, I don't. You want to cheat, I don't. You think about other men twenty-four-seven, I don't. I know the meaning of loyalty, you don't. I actually love my husband, and I will always be loyal to Mickey." Minnie picked up her purse and slung it over her shoulder. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get home." As she started walking away, she heard her cousin.

"I've got a friend in my purse that can help you relieve some of that stress."

That did it. Now Minnie was cheesed off.

Minnie turned back to her cousin, and calmly walked over to her. She leaned across the table, smiling a menacing smile. "You seriously don't wanna give that to me,
'cause I've only got two words for you." Her smile disappeared. "Shove it." She turned on her heels and stormed off, muttering all the way home. "Stupid cousin..."

In the letter she wrote to Mickey that night, she told him everything her cousin had said. If anything, it'd give him a good laugh. It sure as heck had worked for her, as she had laughed for a good ten minutes after she got home, thinking of how clueless her cousin was. How was that woman even related to her, she didn't know. But she knew why she never hung out with that particular cousin.

Mickey also managed to call Minnie one in a while, and when he did they'd talk for hours until he had to hang up. Her last words were always the same, and she meant them each time she said it.

"I love you, Mickey. Stay safe, and please come home. I'm here, and I'll keep waiting. Love you, sweetie."

Mickey counted on those words every night he called. It's what pushed him through the next day. His last words were always what helped Minnie make it through every day without him. "Love ya, Mins. Take care of yerself, and I'll come home to ya." Later he added, "And try not to kill yer cousin."

That last one she never guaranteed.

He was also able to send live video via a laptop, so there were a few times they talked over the laptop. Minnie laid on their bed on her stomach, kicking her feet and forth in the air as they talked and talked. Minnie made sure to record every video session so she'd always have it, and made a DVD copy of every one. She prayed every night for his safety and for him to make it back safe and sound.

A few days ago, over seas, Mickey caught the guy the guy that had taken the documents. Mickey had overheard the guy mention meeting someone to pass off the documents to, and the sergeant had the man detained. However, since the rogue soldier didn't know the identity of the man, Mickey went in his place. When the rogue soldier found out, he attempted to fire at Mickey, but Mickey was able to miss the bullet, but just barely. He used up all his ammo trying to fire at the agile mouse, and then he began to fight by hand. He was tough, as he'd trained in CQC. Mickey managed to subdue the man, but just barely. Right before the man passed out, he pulled the pin on a grenade and dropped it. Mickey saw it, and ran.

But it was too late. It hit the floor of the building. Mickey was able to get several feet before the explosion sent shrapnel flying in every direction, including himself. Mickey landed with a hard thud on the floor on his stomach. He coughed, smoke filling his lungs, making them burn. He only managed to roll onto his back before he collapsed. His vision was beginning to blur. He turned his head, seeing the gold band on his finger, and the gold watch his wife had given him for their first anniversary. For a second, before he blacked out, he swore he saw the watch stop...

Blackness.

That's all he saw. Was he dead? Was that it?

He heard something. No.

Someone.

It was faint but...

"...Mickey..."

He knew that voice.

"...Mickey..."

It was so soft. So sweet. It could only belong to one person.

"Mickey."

In his dream or deathlike state, he called out. "Minnie!"

"Mickey." Her voice was so clear.

"Minnie... I..." Mickey choked back his tears. "I failed... I... I-I won't be able to..."

"Don't give up, Mickey." He began to see an image of her, crying over top of his body at his funeral, sobbing in their bed alone, Mortimer trying to fill that void in her life.

No.

Then he saw her. An angelic glow around her as she looked at him with a confidant smile. "You can't give up, Mickey!" she said to him. "I need you! Please don't go, come back to me! You promised! You have to keep fighting! You're Mickey Mouse! You're strong, and brave, and I'm counting on you! We all are."

No. He couldn't quit. So what if he'd been blown about thirty feet by a grenade. Big flippin' deal. He had a wife waitin' on him, with kisses he still owed her, a big brother who still owed him a hamburger and who he still needed to pester some more, and he had good friends that he still owed a bowling match to. Screw the grenade. Screw death. He was going home to his family and friends.

"...Minnie... I'm keepin' that promise after all..." The image of her faded as things started getting brighter.

Mickey gasped as another jolt of electricity went through him.

"We've got a pulse!" one soldier shouted.

"Get him stabilized! We need to move him out of here! Transport's here, let's get him on the Hawk!" another ordered. Mickey recognized it as the sergeant.

"...Sarge...?" Mickey's raspy voice uttered.

The sergeant patted the mouse's chest gently. "We lost you for a bit there, Newbie."

"How long..." He coughed. "...was I out?"

"I'm honestly surprised you made it. The medical examiner called it three minutes ago but I wouldn't give up on a soldier that I knew still had fight left in him."

Mickey smiled tiredly. "Thanks, Sarge... I owe ya one..."

The sergeant laughed. "No, Mickey, I owe you. You got those documents back safe. The military is indebted to you."

"Aww... wasn't nothin'." Mickey glanced at his watch. It was ticking again. He smiled.

Back in Mouseton, Minnie had awoken with a strange feeling. She couldn't put her finger on it, but she just woke up with a sudden sense of emptiness. She felt something was wrong. She walked over to the window, looking out at the night sky. She lifted a hand to rub across her heart and key pendants as she closed her eyes. "Mickey." She wished he could hear her. "Mickey." She opened her eyes and looked out at the night sky. Then she closed her eyes again and she held the heart and key to her chest. "Don't give up, Mickey." She felt that feeling, that strange emptiness. "You can't give up, Mickey! I need you! Please don't go, come back to me! You promised! You have to keep fighting! You're Mickey Mouse! You're strong, and brave, and I'm counting on you! We all are." Suddenly, that strange feeling vanished, and she opened her eyes. She held up the heart and key, and a single tear streaked down her cheek. "You're okay. I can feel it." She looked up at the night sky again, and closed her eyes as she said a prayer. "Lord, thank you, for keeping him safe."

The day before yesterday, she'd received a call from Mickey's sergeant.

"Hello?"

"Is this the Mouse residence?"

"Yes, may I ask who's calling?"

"This is Sergeant Retriever. Is this Misses Mouse?"

Minnie froze. "Y-Yes..."

"I'm calling in regards to your husband, Mister Mickey Micheal Mouse."

Minnie's heart began to race, as she was unable to speak, everything going dark around her.

"Don't worry, I assure you he's fine, Miss Mouse."

"Oh, thank goodness..." Minnie breathed in relief, collapsing onto the couch. "Is he there? Can I speak to him?" she asked urgently.

"Yes, he's resting right now. I was calling to inform you that he'll be returning home tomorrow morning. He'll be honorably discharged and presented with a medal by me. Some soldiers are coming home tomorrow so there will be a ceremony for them. I hope your husband and yourself will stay and enjoy yourselves."

Minnie giggled. "It would be an honor, Sergeant Retriever. I'm sure Mickey... Micheal will love it." She hardly ever used Mickey's middle name. Loved "Mickey" much, much better.

"He wanted to call you himself, but I ordered him to rest. Your husband's rather stubborn."

Minnie giggled. She knew it. And she loved him for it.

"He wouldn't relax until I told him I'd call you for him."

"Yep, that sounds like him," Minnie giggled. "Tell him I said to rest and that I'll be there in the morning to meet him at the airport."

"I'll tell him. He's a great soldier, Ma'am. Wish I had more soldiers like him. He's a good man."

Boy, Minnie really wanted to hug Mickey right now. "Yeah," she said with a dreamy smile, thinking of the said mouse, "he sure is. And I'm very grateful."

Minnie hardly slept a wink that night. She paced the floor back and forth planning a welcome home party for Mickey, figuring out what they'd need for a cookout, and being so excited to see him again. How could she sleep? She had also called all their friends, letting them know of the wonderful news. When morning finally came, she quickly got ready, jumped in the car and headed to the airport.

She arrived.

Minnie pulled the car into the parking lot and jumped out so fast she really didn't know how she made it inside the airport as quickly as she did. She ran out to the field, seeing hundreds of other people lined up waiting on their loved ones to come home. Minnie fought her way through the crowd, making her way to the gate.

It was a beautiful day. The sun was shinning but it wasn't really hot. And the breezes was making things much more bearable. Perfect day for the men and women of the armed forces to come home. Minnie waited, excitedly, nearly impatiently, for the plane to return. And she didn't have to wait long. Just after a few minutes, people with binoculars started shouting and pointing, and Minnie looked up in the distance to see an AC-130 approaching the airfield. Cheers erupted from the crowd, including Minnie herself, as people started hugging and shaking hands and crying.

She watched as the plane neared the runway and landed, smoke billowing out from the tires as they touched down. As soon as the giant plane came to a rest and the rear door started to open, people began to cheer.

Soldiers of every race and color stepped off the plane, and instantly started running for the gate. The gate swung open, as people poured out onto the field, meeting their loved ones.

Minnie scanned the group of soldiers for her soldier. And he wasn't hard to spot. Being the shortest of them and having those big round ears, she could spot him in no time. Her heart leapt in her chest the second she saw him walking, then he noticed her, smiling a hug smile as he started running to her.

"Mickey..." She broke into a full run, running as fast as her little legs would carry her, tears of joy running down her cheeks. Her smile matched his as she ran across the field. "Mickey!" she cried in pure joy.

"Minnie!" she heard him call out. He dropped his suitcase in the grass.

When they met, she flung herself into his open arms, wrapping her own around him tightly, feeling his arms tighten around her. He fell onto his back in the grass from the impact of their bodies, both laughing with joy as they held one another, her on top of him.

"Oh, Mickey! You're back... You're home..." Minnie laughed lightly as she cried happy tears, refusing to let go of him. She felt him nuzzling her, and her heart was flying away.

"I'm home," he said softly.

She squeaked as she sniffed, nuzzling her head against his chest. After several more seconds, she pulled away a little and kissed him, long and passionately, pouring all her emotion into that one kiss. After around ten seconds, she pulled away, gasping for breath as her lips pulled apart from his with a smack. They looked at each other, each just savoring that moment of being together again.

"You're home..." she smiled warmly, sniffing.

He lifted a hand to wipe her eyes, caressing her soft, warm, flushed cheeks. "I toldja I would. Ya didn't doubt me, didja?"

She shook her head. "Not for a second. I knew you'd come back, and we'd be together again." She moved a hand to cup his cheek, wiping away the tears on his face. "You're really back." She laughed in glee. "Oh, Mickey!" She kissed him several times across his face, uttering, "I love you" with every couple of kisses, him chuckling beneath her, then pulled away a little, gazing into his eyes. "I've missed you so much. Gosh, you have no idea how much I missed you."

"I missed you too, Min." He squeezed her in his arms. "But now I'm back. With you."

Minnie smiled, another tear of joy streaking down. "Oh, Mickey..." She kissed him once more. "I love you so much." And again. "So much."

"Love you too, kiddo."

After another kiss, Minnie eased off him, taking his hand as she helped him stand. Circling her arms around him, she relished the feel of his strong arms moving around her back. Her front pressed comfortably against his, she gazed up into his eyes, thanking God for brining him home to her. She leaned close again, their lips meeting, one leg raising behind her.

After a moment, Minnie pulled away and pressed her forehead to his, smiling lovingly up at her husband, her hero, her world. "Welcome home, my soldier."

THE END

They could faintly hear the music being played outside as they indulged in the kiss. After a few seconds, they pulled apart.

"It's kinda dark in here. I can't really see."

"Oh, uh, heh. Whoops... Here." He pulled a match out of his pocket and lit the candle, the light illuminating the small cavity they were in.

"Ah. That's better." She blinked, her eyes readjusting to the light. "You don't think anyone can see us in here with the candle lit, do you?" She tilted her head, giving a brief glance around.

He turned his head, balled his fist and pounded against the wall behind him. "Hey, Goofy! Can ya see us in here?"

The dog outside stopped playing the violin he held and glanced down. "Huh?"

"Can you see us?" the female mouse called out.

The dog glanced down, seeing only his large stomach. "What's that? Can't hear you guys in there."

"Can you see us?!" the mice called out, louder this time.

"Nope. A-hyuck! Can't see a thing!" Goofy replied.

Mickey turned to the mouse sitting across the table. "Ha! See. We're totally alone." He tilted his head a bit. "Gotta say, I'm glad I can see again. Now I can see those beautiful eyes a yours."

Minnie blushed. "Oh, Mickey..." She giggled. "Goofy's sweet but..." She gave him a flirty smile. "...I prefer you flattering me."

He chuckled. "Gladja prefer me over the Goof."

She quirked a brow before bursting into a giggle fit. "That's like asking me if I prefer soup over cheese. And you're the cheese!" She moved her hand across the table and placed it atop his. "I'm yours, Mickey. You outta know that by now."

He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Yeah, but... ...sure feels good when ya say it."

She smiled fondly, and leaned across the table to peck his cheek. "Then I'll say it again. I'm yours. Always. Hm. You silly goose." She leaned back in her seat as she looked around. "I gotta say, I never thought I'd be spending Valentine's Day in..." She snickered. "...Goofy's stomach."

"Ha! Yeah, this'll be a heckuva memory. But we're finally alone now. He can't bother us anymore," Mickey said.

"Goofy's a good friend, but..."

Mickey looked at her with a straight face. "He can be a pest at times?" he deadpanned.

Minnie nodded. "Maybe just a teeny bit. I was hoping we could spend the day together, just the two of us." She smiled as she slid her hand across the table to take his. "Alone."

"Yeah. Goofy's a good fella, but I sure am glad we're finally seein' some peace." He tilted his head. "Sorry we're not exactly spendin' the day like ya wanted."

Minnie shrugged. "'S okay. I'm just glad that we're able to enjoy ourselves again. Ya know, before being interrupted."

"So what were ya hopin' we could do today?" Mickey asked.

Minnie leaned back as she lifted her head in thought. "Oh, I don't know... A walk in the park would've been nice. Maybe go dancing. I also thought we could go home later and enjoy a candlelight dinner."

He nodded. "Sounds good t' me! Ya know, uh, heh. Once we get outta Goofy anyway." Both chuckled. Then Mickey grinned. "Say, Min... Nobody can see us in here, and I doubt people could hear us unless we yelled..."

Minnie grinned, catching on to what he had in mind. "And it's just the two of us." She glanced down at the table then back up to him as she rubbed a hand across it. "And this table is plenty big enough..."

He quirked a brow. "Ya sure ya don't wanna wait?"

She smiled slyly and cutely. "Why not? It's kinda kinky doing it in here. We've got time for a quickie."

He tapped his palms on the table. "Welp, if yer alright with it then that's all I need."

She giggled as she leaned across the table. "We just need to get you 'excited'..." She rose from the chair she sat in and took the couple of steps to his left side, then hopped up on the table. "And I know just how to accomplish that..." She laid back, making a sexy pose as she laid on her back in front of him. "Want something sweet to eat, Mickey..." she asked with a sexy smile. Then she sat up, and moved her left leg over to his other side, spreading her legs and giving him a full upskirt view of her underwear.

THUD!

With a surprised squeak, Minnie gripped the table to keep herself from falling off as it suddenly tilted from the force of the impact from underneath. And she knew exactly what it was. Her cheeks flushed as she smiled knowingly. "Well, that certainly didn't take long."

Mickey, calmly placed his elbows on the table. "One: You're already cute enough that I have Minniebetes. And two: When ya just outright act sexy like that whatdaya expect? You're 'boner-rific'!" He glanced down, then back up. "...I think I broke the table..."

That did it. She burst into a giggle fit. After her giggles died down, she leaned closer to him. "That's nothing compared to what we're gonna put it through." She then kicked off her pumps and proceeded to take off her skirt. But she stopped and glanced to him. "Want me to take it off slowly orrrr..."

"We're in Goofy's stomach in a bistro."

"Good point." She pulled her skirt and panties off quickly then turned to him as she spread her legs, placing them at his sides over the table, leaving her bare body exposed to him. She grinned as she tilted her head. "Dessert is ready, sweetie."

Mickey grinned widely. "Man, if I wasn't hard before I sure am now!"

She giggled, flattered and thrilled that he was aroused by her. "So how about you make me hard now, hmm?" she coaxed. "Trust me, it won't take long."

He stood up from his seat and leaned over top of her. His eyes moved down her beautiful body, then rose to meet her eyes. She couldn't help but quiver with anticipation as he looked her over. She already knew this was going to be fun.

He looked at her chest, then back up to her with a quirked brow. "Uhh... How come those weren't visible before. I mean ya've been..." he mentioned, pointing to her suddenly now visible small breasts.

"Topless?" she finished, then giggled. "Yep. All day. Cool thing about being a cartoon; when you don't want something visible, it sorta just hides itself. I can only wear a skirt and these..." She pointed to her nipples and areolas. "...are only visible when I want them to be."

"Like how when Donald and I were supposed to meet you and Daisy at the pier and I was naked, this..." He pointed to his penis. "...wasn't visible."

She nodded. "Yep." Then she giggled. "But you sure are cute in your birthday suit."

He grinned. "Man, it's great bein' a cartoon."

"Hee hee, I'll say!" She chuckled. "Just like how I can't get pregnant unless we both want it. Which means we can do whatever, whenever and wherever we want and enjoy it without worry. I love being a cartoon, tee hee!"

"Gosh, I don't know where to start... Everything just looks so good..." he said as his eyes wandered her body.

She giggled and pointed to her mouth. "Why don'tcha start here?"

"Ah, very good choice." With that, he leaned down and met her lips.

Minnie moaned as she tasted his kiss, and then moaned louder when she felt his tongue slip inside her mouth. Her arms moved across his back as her legs wrapped around his hips. She tried to grind herself against him, but his pelvis wasn't at the right angle. And what she did feel was the annoyance of the fabric of his shorts. She pulled away from his kiss a little, and was already beginning to pant. "Why don't you get those shorts outta the way?"

He grinned a broad grin. "Anythin' fer you, fair maiden."

She let go of him as he pulled back and stood, giving her a better view of the massive tent in the front of his shorts. She wondered how the heck his shorts hadn't ripped by now. She watched with excitement and anticipation as he yanked his shorts and boxers to his feet, then stood, giving her a full view of his ragging boner.

"Oh, my...!" she said with wide eyes, her mouth nearly watering at the sight.

Pop!

He glanced down between her legs, seeing her now erect nub standing to attention.

"See. Toldja it wouldn't take long," she snickered. "Didn't take much either. Just seeing you gave me a lady boner." She lifted her tail and pointed the tip to her body. "So... are you ready for dessert?"

He leaned over top of her once more, placing his hands on either side of her. "Ya know mama always said never have dessert before supper or I'll spoil my appetite." He smirked. "But mama ain't here..." He licked his lips, making her quiver.

She smiled as she pointed her tail to her nipples. "There's 'gumdrops'..." She pointed her tail to her mons. "...a 'muffin'..." She pointed to her clitoris. "...another 'gumdrop'..." She giggled and pointed to her labia. "...and a 'peach'. Take your pick."

Mickey smirked. "Like playing Candyland."

She giggled. "'Cept this is a lot more fun than a board game. And in this 'game' we both win."

He leaned down and planted a kiss right under her chest, at the bottom of her rib cage. Then he looked up to her. "Did I ever tell ya how sweet ya taste?"

She blushed, but smiled warmly. "I'm really glad you think so..."

He leaned down again and kissed her again, this time on her soft, flat stomach. She giggled, it tickling a little, and quivered as he began trailing his kisses downward. In no time, he reached her mound. And as he kissed it, making it tingle, Minnie moaned, her hips shifting upward a little in response. He looked up, grinned, and continued. As he continued to kiss her mound, he placed his hands on her sides and slid them gently up her body until he reached her small breasts. As he cupped them in his hands and gave them a tender squeeze, she moaned again, this time louder, her head rolling back from the increased pleasure. As he moved his hands down her body again, he placed them on her inner thighs where he began to massage them, all the while continuing to kiss her soft, smooth muffin. However, before too much tension could build up within her, he stopped, and moved down just a bit, where her eager and rock hard nub awaited his touch.

"Ahh...!" she gasped as he licked up her button, causing her body to jerk and her to squeak in sheer delight and ecstasy.

As he began to lick around her clit, he teased her. He licked up, tickled the hood with his tongue, then moved back down, rubbing his tongue gently, then roughly, gently then roughly against her swollen nub, all the while making sure to circle his tongue around it. This, of course, was driving Minnie insane. Her hips were jerking near uncontrollably as he played with her "lady boner", and she was panting and gasping for breath while squeaks and moans escaped her lips. But he wasn't done yet. Oh, no. He pulled away and looked up at her, seeing the expression on her face.

Minnie smiled down at him, her lips parted as her chest rose and fell quickly, her body occasionally twitching from the pleasure she had been receiving, and her cheeks were almost as red as her skirt and his shorts. He glanced down between her legs and saw her nub twitch with almost every breath she took, indicating she was already almost ready to explode.

As he stood up, she knew what was coming. She saw his boner and her own boner twitched in response. She would've loved for him to eat her out some more, but they were inside Goofy's stomach after all, thus they were in a hurry. "Please... Hurry up and 'do me'..." she said with a sexy smile. He almost blew his load right there. As he loomed over top of her, he teased her. He rubbed the tip of his cock against her spread pussy lips, moving up from the bottom of her "girly bits" to the hood of her nub, all the while making her moan and quiver. When he reached her nub, her nub twitched as his boner met her own. He moved upward and rubbed his tip against her mound, further teasing her as she moaned again. Then he moved back down to her quivering and eagerly awaiting tight little mousehole.

He pressed his tip against the already partially open orifice and she tried to push her hips forward in an attempt to feel more of him against her, but she couldn't move very much considering she was laying sprawled out on a table.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Do it..." she urged with as sure smile.

"Fast or slow?"

Normally she would've preferred slow, but since they were in a hurry, she opted for fast. Though this wasn't the first time they'd done it quickly, and she knew it wouldn't be the last. "Better do it fast..." He thrust. "Ahh~!" she gasped, and instantly felt his girth fill her tight insides. As he pulled out and thrust again, another squeak escaped her. Knowing they weren't exactly in complete privacy, she bit her lip, trying to keep from making too much noise. She grinned up at him, still biting her lip as he thrust in and out of her. However, due to the teasing he'd done earlier, she was already at the brink. Six thrusts in and she felt the pressure suddenly increase rapidly - the tightening of her inner walls and the sudden tingly feeling in her button and outer and inner lips. "Mickey~! I'm... g-gonna cum already..." Three seconds later, she did. With a surge of pleasure rushing through her body, Minnie began to twitch and jerk, especially her hips, as her orgasm pulsed through her. "Ahh~! I'm c-cumming!" she moaned as her hot cum surged out of her. She clenched her teeth, groaning through them as she tried to keep from screaming in sheer ecstasy. She rode out her climax, his deep thrusts increasing her pleasure as her mind went completely blank from the pleasure overload. Twenty seconds later, her climax subsided, leaving her still-twitching form beneath him.

He stopped, and leaned down to kiss her lips. "Should I keep goin'?"

She chuckled as soft pants escaped her. "...Duh. You still haven't cum yet. It's only fair, ya know..."

He grinned. "Ya asked fer it." He pulled back, his tip almost coming out of her, and she prepared for another awesome filling. She bit her lip once more and readied her body. Then he thrust into her, once again sending a shock wave of insane pleasure through her as let out a groan through clenched teeth. It took several more thrusts, but he reached his own climax, however, not before making Minnie cum once more in the process. Having already had one orgasm, she was now highly sensitive between her legs. And as he filled her again, his cock rubbing against her G-spot, only a few thrusts more and she felt that all too familiar feeling of tension.

Biting her lip, she squealed as her body began to shake as she peaked with pleasure again, her juices surging out of her like a soda bottle with mentos dropped in. As her orgasm came to an end, he reached his climax.

"Nhg! I'm gonna cum, Min..."

"Oohh... Do it..." she panted with a smile. So he did.

With a loud grunt, he came, shooting his load deep into her. "Whooboy!"

"Ahh~!" Minnie gasped as she felt the hot liquid surge into her, which triggered another orgasm for the mouse. "Ooh... Y-Yes!" she squeaked as she came a third time.

As the two love birds rode out their highs together, the music continued to play outside, everybody in the room obvious to the love making going on in the belly of the dog. Once the mice had come down from their high, the two just remained, panting as they shared exhausted smiles. However, neither was out of energy.

"Oohh... That was fun, heh heh..." Minnie giggled softly.

"Sure was. Never thought I'd ever 'do ya' in Goofy's stomach, heh," Mickey chuckled, and leaned down to kiss her forehead.

She leaned up and captured his lips with her own, keeping his locked with hers for a few seconds before letting go. "Neither did I."

"Should we get dressed or ya wanna go another round?" he asked as he pulled out of her.

She smiled a devilish smile. "That was just the first coarse, big boy. It's time for seconds..."

Mickey grinned and stood up a little. "Wanna try a different position?"

Minnie sat up on the table. "Why not. Though I prefer facing you, let's go at it another way..." She gave him a wink as she scooted off the table and bent over it, pressing her front against it. "Ready for round two, sweetie..."

Mickey grinned, then lifted his head a bit. "Hey Goofy! Can ya play somethin' a little faster?"

Outside, they heard the dog reply. "A-hyuck! Shore thing, Mick!" They heard a bit faster tune start playing.

The male mouse looked back down before him. "Ready?"

The female mouse grinned back up at him over he shoulder. "Let 'er rip!"

He placed his hands on her hips and teased her by rubbing the tip of his cock against her quivering cunt.

"Better hurry, Mickey. That song is only a few minutes long."

He chuckled. "Ya won't last a few minutes." He thrust into her again, causing her to squeak in ecstasy as she gripped the table cloth in her hands. He watched with a grin as her tail twitched and wagged wildly from the pleasure she was receiving. A minute into the tune that neither really heard playing from outside, Minnie reached her climax again.

"Ahh...! Mickey... I'm... gonna cum...!" With a loud gasp she came, her juices squirting out of her as his continued thrusts drove her pleasure sensors into overdrive. She gripped the table cloth so tightly she thought she was going to break her fingers. After her orgasm diminished, she relaxed, panting as she laid across the table. She then felt his front pressed against her back as he slid his hands down her arms to the tops of her hands.

"Feel better?" he asked heatedly in her ear, making her quiver with arousal.

She took a few breaths before she spoke. "...Tired... But yes. I feel great."

He stood up as he pulled out of her, then helped her to stand up, wrapping his arms around her tiny waist. "Can ya stand?" he asked with a lighthearted chuckle.

She giggled as she turned around in his arms so she could face him, and slipped her arms around his neck. "My legs feel wobbly, but that's a big 'duh!', hee hee!" She shivered with delight as she felt his fingers trailing up and down her back in a stimulating way. It felt relaxing and erotic at the same time.

"Ready to relax a bit?" he suggested. Then he noticed that all too familiar twinkle in her eye, the one of desire.

"My legs might feel like jelly but that doesn't mean I'm ready to quit." She pushed him down into the chair behind him then crawled onto his lap, straddling him as she pressed her mound against the underside of his cock. "I can go a third round." She giggled as she moved her arms around his neck once more. "You've heard of a three coarse meal, haven't you? Well... it's time for the third course..."

He titled his head back as a chuckle escaped him. "What is it about Valentine's Day that makes ya so horny?"

She smiled slyly as she moved a hand around to his lips where she softly caressed them with her index finger. "Hee hee, silly. It's not Valentine's Day that makes me horny..." She pressed her nose to his, looking him in his eyes. "...it's you." With that she pressed her lips to his, moaning into his mouth as she tasted his delicious kiss. Engulfed in his kiss, she was barely aware of his arms circling her waist. However, her brain went into a haze as she felt him kiss back and his tongue begin its exploration of her mouth. His lips slipped away from hers as he began to kiss downward, reaching her neck where he began to kiss and suck lightly all over her, causing her head to roll back in bliss as she softly moaned his name. She unconsciously began to rub the back of his head, running her fingers through his jet black hair as she couldn't help but giggle from his ticklish kisses. All the while his hands worked their wondrous magic on her body, moving up and down her back, massaging her shoulder blades, trailing down her spine, and rubbing the small of her back, driving her mind into a thick fog of sheer ecstasy and pleasure. Occasionally she'd feel him rub her tail, which would cause it to twitch wildly in response.

He finally pulled back, and gazed up at her. She titled her head forward, meeting his warm gaze with her own. She closed the distance and kissed him deeply.

"I love you, Mickey..." she murmured when they pulled apart for air, resting her forehead against his.

"Love you too, Min..."

Se stroked her fingers through his hair. "Doggie-style is fun, but..." She nuzzled her nose to his. "...I love any position that lets me see you, let's me hold you, and lets you hold me." She swept her lips across his. "Like this one." She pulled apart from him and straightened her back as she shifted her hips forward, pressing her mound more firmly against his cock, relishing the feel of their connected bodies. "You ready for the grand finale, sweetie..."

"Ready when you are, sugar lips."

She giggled at the name, her cheeks flushing at it being a compliment as well, and placed her hands on his shoulders. "Time to go for a ride..." She lifted herself up and moved her pussy over the tip of his rod. She shifted her crotch back and forth, teasing him as well as herself as her lips tickled his tip and vice versa. As she tilted her hips forward, she inhaled sharply as her button rubbed across his tip. She then moved her hips back until she felt his tip touching her partially separated lips and poking her mouse-hole. She smirked as she eased down onto him. "Ooohhh..." she moaned as she felt him fill her again. She felt her inner walls separate and soon felt his tip touching the entrance to her cervix. She paused, just relishing the feeling of him inside her. "Goodness... Is it just me or... or are you getting bigger every time we do this?" she asked with a smile, her breath hitching from the feeling of their joined bodies.

"I think yer imagining it," he replied, moving his hands behind her to rub her soft butt cheeks, unable to resist the urge to give them a gentle squeeze.

"Either way... it feels amazing..." she said. She eased herself up and readied herself. As she thrust herself down onto him she squeaked in delight at the sudden rush of pleasure. She repeated the action again, once again causing herself to tremble with waves of ecstasy. With every thrust down onto him another shock wave of pleasure rippled through her body. To increase her already quickly growing pleasure, he moved one hand over to her tail where he gripped it gently and began to rub up and down the length of it at the base. "Eek~!" she gasped at the sudden pleasure as her back arched, her body freezing on top of him with him fully inside her. "M-Mickey... my t-tail is... v-very sensitive..." she squeaked as he rubbed her tail slowly.

"I know..." he grinned evilly.

"P-please... don't s-stop...!" she panted. Forcing her body to move again, she lifted herself up and thrust down onto him again while he fapped away at the base of her tail, sending her into a pleasure overload. With one more thrust onto him and him stimulating her tail, she felt herself ready to climax already. "Oohh... I'm... g-gonna..." She couldn't finish her sentence before another orgasm exploded through her body. "Ahh~! Cuuum!" she squealed as she spurted her juices onto him. She fell forward, moving her arms around his neck as she clung to him tightly as she came, her hips still moving on their own accord on top of him and her tail flailing about erratically. After twenty seconds of squeaking, moaning, shaking and squirting, her high came to a slow end, leaving the young mouse panting on top of her lover as she sat resting against him. After a little bit, she pulled herself back up and smiled down at him. "...Wow... That was awesome, heh..."

He rubbed her butt as he kissed the center of her chest, and felt her racing heart beat against his lips. As he pulled away, he gripped her tush in his hands and stood up, her instinctively wrapping her legs around his hips. "Tired yet?"

She giggled as she twirled a finger in his hair. "A little. That is of course... unless you have something else in mind..."

"You gave me a grand finale. Now it's time fer me t' give you one..." His eyes twinkled in a familiar way, one that always made her excited and aroused.

"Hot diggity dog!" she giggled.

"Hold on, turtle dove," he advised.

"Way ahead a' ya..." she said, holding onto him tightly.

Holding her up by holding her butt, he positioned her over top of his dick, and she quivered as she felt her lips pressed against him.

"Ya ready?" he asked.

"Bring it on..." she grinned surely. He lifted her up and moved her back down again, at the same time moving his own hips forward to deepen his thrust into her. "M-Mickey...! Y-Yes!" she squeaked. "F-Faster...! Please... Yes... Go f-faster!"

Outside, the dog's ear raised. "Huh? Faster. Sure thin', Minnie!" He started playing a faster song on the violin.

Inside his stomach, the mice continued their rhythm. He moved a little faster, lifting her up and down and thrusting into her. Mickey pressed Minnie's back against one of the stomach walls as he pounded away at her sensitive pussy. Minnie, meanwhile, was already at the brink, and was trying with all her might to hold back her orgasm. At least until Mickey was ready to explode as well.

"Y-Yes, Mickey... Go faster...!" she urged, her back arching as he filled her once again, sending powerful waves of tingly, erotic pleasure all over her body. Her clit and cunny all felt tingly and ready to explode and her body felt tingly all over. Her tail, which she was hardly aware of its actions, was twitching and thrashing about wildly.

Again, the dog heard the request. "Gawrsh... I don't know any Charlie Daniels, but uh... A-hyuck! I can sure give it a try!"

As the music began to play, this time even faster, the mice continued to play their own tune. Mickey began rubbing Minnie's tail like he had before, and that, combined with his quick thrusts, made her lose it. With a loud, ecstasy filled squeak she began to shake, her legs shaking violently around him.

"M-Mickeeeyy~!" she cried as she came, her cum spraying onto him. "Happy... V-Valentine's Daaayy!"

"Ghnn!" he groaned as he came as well, and shot his hot load up inside her. "Happy Valentine's Daayy!"

Minnie felt his seed hit the top of her womb and fill her, and it increased the sensations flowing through her as she clung to him for dear life. Mickey felt her inner walls grip around his dick with every contraction her lower body had.

After their orgasms faded, Mickey eased Minnie down onto the table, which was conveniently right under her, so she only dropped a few inches from the height at which she was. Her legs fell to his sides, dangling limp over the edge of the table as her body relaxed and finished twitching, but she kept her arms around his neck.

"Oh, my... That... Wow, heh. That was amazing, Mickey. You were amazing." She leaned up and pecked his lips, lazily wrapping her legs back around his hips.

He started to stroke his hands up and down her back, helping her to relax. "Don't see yourself shot, doll. You were amazin' too."

"Aww, Mickey..." Minnie cooed, and nuzzled her cheek against his chest. "I love you. Happy Valentine's Day, sweetie."

"Happy Valentine's Day, toots. Love you, too." He kissed the top of her head. "Tired yet, heh?"

She looked up at him. "Yeah. Now I'm actually tired."

He chuckled. "Well, duh, look how many times we went at it."

She giggled, and stroked her fingertips up and down his back with one hand. "Hee hee! Not anymore than we usually do."

By now he was flaccid, and pulled out of her. "So how has today been? I know not the romantic day ya originally planned, but..."

She smiled up at him. "So what? We got to spend the day together, didn't we? And we got to have some fun together. I'd say this was a wonderful Valentine's Day. I'm not complannin'." She pecked his his lips.

"And the day's not over yet. We can still have that candlelight dinner at home," he pointed out.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Ooohhh, sounds wonderful! It's a date then, tee hee!"

"Heh... Guess we better get dressed though..." he said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Yeah. I guess so. If we were home I'd say we could just go commando the rest of the evening, but we're not exactly in a prime position for that."

Mickey pulled away, her letting him do so, and picked up his underwear and shorts.

Minnie glanced back to the chair behind her and saw her purse hanging from the back. "Ooh! Forgot I brought this..."

Mickey started to put his shorts back on when...

"Mickey?"

He turned to her. "Yeah?"

"Say cheese." He was temporarily blinded by a flash of light, and as his vision cleared, saw her holding a pink camera while wearing a cute, playful smile. "Now I'll always remember this Valentine's Day." She held it up and viewed the picture, then she giggled. "Aww, I got your cute butt!" she giggled playfully.

He blinked, clearing his spotty vision. "Do ya hafta take a picture of me every time we 'do it' somewhere?"

She stuck her tongue out cutely. "Yes. That way I'll always remember that special memory and that wonderful moment we shared." She jumped off the table and moved next to him, then held it out so she knew both of them was in the shot. "Say Valentine's Day 2014!" She snapped the picture then looked at the photo. "Perfect!" She pecked his cheek. "Thanks, Mickey!" She moved back over to the table and stuffed the camera back into her purse. Then she picked up her panties and skirt and put them on. She sat down on the table as she put on her pumps, and saw him sit in the chair as he put on his shoes. Then an idea hit her. "Um... Mickey?"

He looked over at her, seeing her wondering expression.

"How exactly are we gonna get out of here?"

His pupils shrank to near invisible as it dawned on him. "Oh, crud..."

Both mice jumped up and started pounding at the inner walls of the dog outside. "Goofy!"

"Gawrsh, what's up fellers?" the older dog asked.

"Can ya get us out of here?" Mickey called out.

"Please?" Minnie pleaded.

"A-hyuck! 'Course I can get you guys outta there. I just need my handy wrench." He looked around. "Now, uh... Where'd I put that thing..." He pulled off his hat and stuck his hand inside. "Nope. Not it. Hang on, I think I put it back in my hat." He turned it upside down and a tire fell out. He shook it and a snowman fell out.

The mice could hear the noise outside and looked at each other quizzically.

"Goofy, whataya got in that thing?" Mickey asked.

The dog continued to shake his hat. "Every thing but the-" A sink fell out. "Huh. Guess I had my kitchen sink in there too."

The mice facepalmed.

"Ah ha! Here it is!" Goofy pulled out his wrench. "Hold on fellers, I'll have ya out in a jiffy!" He moved the wrench up to his mouth and unscrewed the bolts, allowing him to open his mouth wide. When the mice saw the light they jumped for it, landing safely outside.

"Whew! Thanks, Goofy!" Mickey said.

"Yeah, we were getting worried," Minnie agreed.

"Gawrsh, all ya had to do was ask. So didja enjoy your dinner?"

The mice looked at each other as both blushed and looked away from the dog.

"Uh, ha ha, yeah. We sure did," Mickey said.

"Yeah, it was really wonderful," Minnie agreed.

"So what was all that racket I heard in there? My tummy was bouncin' like I'd swallowed Mexican jumping beans."

"Really?" Minnie said, faking her surprise. "Well, everything seemed fine to us."

"Yeah, heh, musta been somethin' ya ate, Goof," Mickey chuckled.

Then Minnie grabbed Mickey's hand. "Well, Mickey and I are gonna enjoy the rest of our date..." She gave her husband a warm smile.

"Yeah. We'll see ya later, Goofy," Mickey said.

"Bye-bye!."

As the mice started to walk away, Goofy called out.

"Wait! Want me to serenade you while you-"

"No!" the mice quickly said in unison.

Then Mickey looked around and saw Donald and Daisy entering the cafe. "Hey, I'll bet Donald and Daisy would love the company!"

Minnie caught on. "Yeah! I bet they'd love for to play for them as well. How about it, Goofy?"

Goofy grabbed his violin. "A-hyuck! Sure thing, fellers!" He gave a salute. "I'll make sure they don't get bored!"

The mice started backing away slowly.

"Great! Then, uh... We'll... seeyalatergottagobye!" Mickey said quickly as he and Minnie bolted to the door. As they made it outside, they started to chuckle.

"Now we're finally alone," Minnie said.

"Yep. And we can enjoy the rest of the evening."

Minnie giggled. "You know Donald is gonna kill you later, right?"

Mickey shrugged. "Hey, we dealt with Goofy, now it's their turn."

She nodded with a grin. "Can't argue with that."

He then took her hand and bowed. "Shall we, my dear."

"Oh, Mickey..." she cooed, and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "Yes, we shall."

"Happy Valentine's Day, Mins," Mickey said as they started walking down the sidewalk.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Mickey," Minnie replied, and leaned up to peck his cheek. All in all, it was a pretty good Valentine's Day.

Inside the cafe, Donald and Daisy had just sat down when suddenly...

"Hiya, fellers!"

"Wak! Goofy?!" Donald squawked as he tossed the menu he held into a nearby waiter's head. "What're you doin' here?!"

"That's easy, a-hyuck! I'm here to serenade ya!" Goofy replied, and pulled out his violin.

Donald placed his chin in his palm. "Aw, phooey..."

THE END


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KINGDOM HEARTS: WARRIORS OF LIGHT

He was panting heavily. He was battered, beaten, tired, but undaunted. Various scratches and wounds littered his body. They stood around him, ready to take his heart, such a powerful one at that. His heart was strong, and they knew it. Such a strong heart and will would never yield to the darkness. He had fought for years to keep peace in the worlds. It was his duty as king.

King Mickey stood at odds against the multitude of Shadows around him. They were the weakest of the Heartless, but possibly the most frequent. He'd suddenly found himself surrounded by Shadows and was able to make quick work of them, but more and more spawned, and the more that spawned, the more he used up his energy. But he couldn't give up. He had to keep fighting. The worlds depended on it. His friends was counting on him. Donald and Goofy... His family... Oswald...

And his queen and wife. Minnie...

"Mickey!"

Speak of the little devil.

In a flash of light a small, feminine figure landed in front of him, pulling off two front flips and landing with such style and grace that anybody would be envious of her skill, slaying three Heartless as she nailed the landing perfectly. She was a sight for sore eyes, but what a beautiful sight she was.

Dressed in her own battle gear; a pink T-shirt, a black and silver zipper-vest over top of her shirt, a black scooter skirt with silver snug shorts underneath, black and silver shoes with silver knee-highs, a black belt with two belts hanging around her skirt and her normal red hair bow, she was dressed to kill.

And that was what she'd just done. In her right hand, raised high, was her Keyblade, True Heart. It was silver like her husband's, but had a pink heart around the hilt instead of a gold square like his, and the heart had blue rhinestones embedded in it. The keychain was the same Mickey Icon.

"Don't give up, Mickey! You're not alone. We can do this!" Her sweet, little angelic voice was sweet music to his ears, and her tone was confidant and uplifting to his spirits. She stood as she turned her head around to face him. "Together." The smile she offered set his heart a twirl. "Are you alright?" Her tone changed to concern in an instant as she noted his body.

He gave a wry smile. "'Course I am. Jus' a little tired."

"Can you fight?"

His expression sombered. "I have to."

She faced him fully, placing her hands on his shoulders as she looked up deep into his eyes. "No. You don't. Not this time." She turned to face the Heartless behind her, noting the circle they created around them. "You've always protected me, always been there for me." Her tone was unwavering, confidant, determined. She raised her Keyblade into the air as she gripped the hilt with both hands. "Now it's time for me to protect you!" The tip of her blade began to glow with an intense white light. "Light shield!"

In a flash of light, a force field of light erected itself up around the mice, protecting them from the enemies around them. To say he was surprised was an understatement. He'd never done anything like this. He'd only been teaching and training her for a year and she already had incredible power. He summed it up to her having a strong heart and will, a heart that was pure light with no darkness within. That and she was just naturally talented.

She turned her face to him with a smirk. "Heh. Watch this." She closed her eyes and the field flickered, then it expanded with a sudden blast, slaying Heartless as it exploded around the couple. The Heartless were gone.

Minnie was panting slightly as she turned around to her husband. He was looking at her with shock at the display he'd just witnessed. She was looking at him with relief and happiness. Suddenly, she lunged toward him and he found himself in the warmth and comfort of her embrace.

"I was worried I wouldn't make it in time..." she said, her voice a little shaky.

"Aw, don't worry, kid," he said softly as he returned her hug. He gave her tiny body a gentle squeeze in his arms, already feeling like a million munny just from holding her so close.

She pulled away from him, but not far enough to be out of his arms. "Are you okay?" She glanced up and down his body, examining his frame for injuries.

"Yeah, I'm good," he tried to shrug it off, but his body betrayed him as a sting of pain pulsed through his side, making him wince. Concern flashed across her face as she held him.

"Here, sit down. Take it easy." She helped him to sit as she knelt down and unzipped his shirt to see the damage. She gasped as she saw the numerous scars criss-crossing along his body. "Oh, Mickey..." Her voice betrayed her as her attempts to be strong dissolved upon seeing his beaten body.

"It's just a scratch," he dismissed. "Nothin' t' worry about."

"It's more than just a scratch..." she uttered. She lifted a hand and softly ran her fingers along his scars, it tearing at her heart to see him hurt. She blinked back her tears and began focusing her energy into her magic. Her hands began to glow a faint white as she began to heal his wounds. "Just relax. I'll have you all healed up in a jiffy." She offered a warm, confidant smile, yet her concern still showed through it. "I hate seeing you hurt..." Her voice was low but he still heard.

"I know... But at least we're safe for a bit."

"Those stupid Heartless deserved what I did to them for what they did to you..." Now her voice was sounding a little fierce, as also evident by her expression.

"How'dja find me?" he asked, trying to help her to not focus on the enemy or his injured state so much.

"I sensed you were in trouble," she explained. "Not really sure how to explain it, I just felt you were in trouble." It was true, she did sense he was in danger. Minnie had developed a sort of psychic connection to Mickey while they were dating. Be it just a connection of their hearts or a result of them both using magic or a combination of the two she didn't really know, but she always believed it was the former. It was both a curse and a blessing for her. It bothered her to no end when he'd be out in some other world fighting the darkness and she'd be at home waiting for his return. She'd sense he'd be in danger and it would take Daisy, Clarabelle and Ortensia all to restrain her and keep her at the castle. She knew she didn't know much about magic and certainly didn't have a useful weapon, but still, she thought she could be of some help to him. Just seeing him and knowing he was okay would help her through another day of worrying.

But it was also a blessing, for she knew that as long as she felt that connection, he was alive. It alerted her to when he was in danger, and she'd pray over and over for him to be safe and come home alive. A few times, she sensed he was in trouble at night and she'd attempt to sneak to the Gummi Hanger to fly off to help and/or rescue him. But the Gummi Engineers Chip and Dale were instructed, unbeknownst to the queen, by Ortensia, Daisy and Clarabelle to let them know if Minnie tried to leave the castle. And again, it would take all three of them to restrain the determined young mouse from leaving the castle. And now that she had her own Keyblade and was journeying with him, she thanked the heavens above for her gift.

"How'd ya do that force field?"

She smiled rather sheepishly. "Not... really sure, actually. I just... did it."

"Well, ya sure did a great job with it," he complimented. "I've never done anything like that!"

She smiled, flattered by his words. "You could."

"Naw, I couldn't."

"You're a lot more powerful than me," she said with a shy smile.

"Are you kiddin'? Ya just just blasted two dozen Heartless to Kingdom Come! I couldn't do that."

"Sure ya could! You're more powerful than you think you are."

"How many years have I been trainin' under Yen Sid? I've only been trainin' ya for a year and you can do spells I can't. You're more powerful than ya realize." He chuckled. "'Sides, ya used to be a Princess of Heart, remember?"

She giggled. "Yeah, until I became your wife and Queen of Disney Castle and Disney Town." Her smile faded a bit. "I couldn't be a Princess of Heart now, anyway... My heart's not pure enough..."

"What're ya talkin' about?" he asked, looking up at her. "You heart's the purest there is!"

Queen Minnie smiled a light, fond smile, but she still felt she didn't deserve his words. "That means a lot to me, Mickey, but... my heart isn't pure..."

He sat up straighter to look at her eye to eye, placing a hand on her cheek. "A' course ya have a pure heart. What makes ya think ya don't?"

She looked away, shutting her eyes as she lowered her hands to her lap. "...Because I'm selfish..."

"Huh?"

"I don't know how I even have a Keyblade..."

"What're ya..."

She turned to him, her eyes glassy. "Because I'm selfish!" Her shoulders shook, her hands clenching into fists in her lap. "How can I have any light inside my heart? All those times you were out saving the worlds, I just wanted you home." She sniffed. "...With me." She whimpered. "I didn't care about the worlds, I only cared about you... I was selfish because..." She sniffed. "...because I only wanted you. I only wanted you home with me." She sniffed again. "I just... wanted you home. I just wanted us to be together again."

"We are together." He placed his finger under her chin, lifting her eyes to meet his. "I came home to ya, didn't I? Yer stronger than ya think ya are, kiddo. And yer heart's filled with more light than you know. Why do ya think that Keyblade chose you? I may have loved the adventure of travelin' from world to world, but I couldn't wait to come home to ya, t' tell ya about all my adventures." He moved his hand up to cup her cheek. "If bein' selfish means ya don't have any light in your heart, then I must not have very much in mine either, 'cause all I wanted to do was come home to ya and hold ya."

Minnie sniffed, and wiped a tear from her eye. But it wasn't a tear of pain, but a tear of happiness. His words melting her heart, the ends of her lips curled upward into a shy smile. "R... Really?"

He nodded. "Just knowin' ya where waitin' on me was what kept me goin'. Ya have nothin' to be upset about. Now c'mon, lemme see that cute little smile a' yours." He pulled her close and started tickling her, making her squeak with laughter as joyous giggles erupted from her. After a moment, he stopped tickling her, seeing her smiling again.

"Oh, Mickey..." The young little mouse leaned up and kissed his cheek affectionately. "Thank you." She gazed into his eyes for a second before lifting her hands back up to his torso. "Now let's get you healed up."

King Mickey watched the girl as she concentrated on healing his wounds. He couldn't deny that he was amazed by her quick abilities and powerful magic. Though she was humble and would never admit it, she had a lot of magic prowess inside her.

During his time away a couple of years ago, she had began taking lessons from Yen Sid, his teacher. At first, Yen Sid taught her all the basic spells; Fire, Blizzard, Air, Thunder and Heal. Although she was great at other spells, healing seemed to be a bit of her strong suit. But she could still fire a mean fireball or conjure up a heck of a lightning storm.

Once he returned, she asked him if he could start teaching her magic. He agreed, and her training began the next day. He taught her all the spells he knew and she picked up on them quickly. Before long, both of them were being taught new spells by Yen Sid together, which made the learning process even more enjoyable for the both of them. Then she got her Keyblade, and her magic and other abilities increased ten fold.

She finished healing him, the white glow around her hands diminishing as she lowered them back to her lap. "There. All better."

"Thanks, Min."

She smiled. "You're welcome, Your Majesty."

He rolled his eyes with a grin. "I toldja ya don't hafta call me that."

She giggled. "I know, but like I said before. I like calling you that sometimes." She helped him stand as he zipped up his shirt. Her cheeks pinkened. "Ya know... ya don't... hafta zip up your shirt... Ya look really hot... with it unzipped and open..." She was avoiding looking at him now, her cheeks now as red as his outfit. Even now, he was just too awesome for her mind and body to handle.

He chuckled and rolled his eyes, rubbing the back of his head. "Perhaps we should wait 'til we get back to the hotel."

"Aw, phooey..." she grumbled cutely, making him laugh. "So where to next?"

"We hafta head back to the First District," he explained. "Make sure it's safe."

"Think there's any Heartless there?"

"If it's like this district, probably."

"This time I'm making sure you don't go running off. We're a team, and we'll do this together." She nodded with a confidant smile.

"Yeah," he nodded.

"Welp..." Minnie raised her right hand, True Heart appearing in a flash of light. "Let's go. Time to kick some Heartless butt! Heh heh!"

Mickey blinked. "Man, that's awesome." His own Keyblade appeared in a flash of light.

"Are ya sure ya feel up to it?" she asked, watching him with a concerned eye.

"Are ya kiddin'? I feel like a million munny right now! Whatever ya did worked like a charm." He moved his arms back and forth and cracked his neck. "Let's do it."

She nodded as she smiled. "Together."

With their weapons raised, the mice ran for the doors to the First District, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

To be continued...


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The three figures stood, each with their weapon drawn, ready to fight. The feeling in the air was tense. For a moment, only the sound of the wind whistling through the trees could be heard, as all three breathed silently.

The man robed in black grinned at the mice before him. "Do you two really think you can defeat me? What makes you think you can even match me?"

Mickey smirked, gripping his sword in his hand. "Ya fergot one thing, pal. Never underestimate the little guy."

Minnie smirked to match her companion's, and gripped the hilt of her own sword. "Or girl."

Three blades clashed as the battle began, each warrior giving it their all. Mickey and Minnie worked together to try to overpower the foe, but he was quickly proving far too stealthy and aggressive. The trained assassin dodged the blades of the mice, either blocking with his own blade or simply dodging entirely.

Mickey and Minnie attempted to use their small statures and quick mouse reflexes to gain the upper hand, but it was only evening the playing field. A blade nearly missed Mickey's ear as he dodged it, and the same blade nearly made contact with Minnie's arm.

For a few minutes the battle raged on, neither of the three backing down. Another swing at his stomach had Mickey jump back to dodge, and a swing at Minnie's head had her duck quickly to avoid the impact. It was a fight to the death, and only one could be the victor. Whoever was the slowest would be the one to fall. And Mickey and Minnie had a reason to keep fighting. They had to keep fighting. They had to win.

A sudden kick to the stomach sent Minnie reeling back with a yelp, landing in the dirt holding onto her stomach as she groaned from the harsh impact.

"Minnie!" she heard her companion cry out, and looked up to see him dealing with the killer alone. She could tell he wanted to run to her, but he couldn't, for it could spell death for the both of them. Quickly grabbing her sword and shaking off the pain in her abdomen, Minnie leapt back into action, resuming her place along side her partner as her sword clashed once again with that of their attacker.

"Just give up. You kids can't possibly win." The assassin's voice sounded hardly strained, which concerned the mice, as it indicated he wasn't putting forth his full strength. He was wearing them down, for an easier and more enjoyable kill.

"Never!" Mickey shouted.

"We never give up!" Minnie cried.

As blades clashed once again, the assassin sneered. "So tell me." He swung his sword, the mice only managing to dodge in time to avoid it coming in contact with their stomachs. "How do you want to die?"

The mice suddenly sensed a powerful aura coming from the foe, and noticed his red, gleaming eyes right before he kicked Mickey in his stomach, sending the mouse flying back several feet.

"Mickey!" Minnie cried and ran up to him instantly. She knelt down beside him, ignoring the maniacal laughter coming from the assassin. "Are you okay?"

Mickey coughed before attempting to get to his feet. "I'm okay. C'mon, let's get this guy!"

Minnie nodded, relieved that he was okay, and grabbed her sword. "Right. Let's take him down!"

As the mice stood, each prepared to face off with the threat again, the assassin only laughed. "You're more fun than I thought! I had hoped you'd put up a decent fight. It'll make it so much more satisfying when I kill you."

"Who sent you?" Minnie demanded.

"Who sent you to kill us?" Mickey asked.

"Oh, nobody that'll even matter in a few minutes, because you'll be dead," the assassin grinned.

"Who sent you?!" the mice shouted.

"That knowledge will serve you no good once I've ripped your souls from your bodies," the assassin laughed. And he charged at the mice suddenly, as the clanging of blades ripped through the still forest air.

"You... You can't win!" Mickey said, swinging his sword at the assassin, only to have it blocked.

"That's what they all say," the assassin sneered.

"You won't get away with this!" Minnie said.

"You young pipsqueaks should have stayed in the mines where you belonged." With a sudden swing of the sword, the mice felt that strange, dark, powerful aura again, and then...

SHISSS!

"Ahhg!"

"Mickey!" Minnie stared in horror as Mickey held onto his stomach, seeing his shirt beginning to stain red. He suddenly collapsed forward, and Minnie caught him as she fell to her knees, holding him in her arms as she rolled him onto his back. She seen the severity of his wound; the open gash on his stomach as blood ran out of it. "No... No, no, NO!" Minnie held her hand on his wound, hoping to stop the bleeding. She tried to use her Heal spell, but her magic was drained. The assassin had absorbed their magic and was still doing so, preventing her from healing him.

Minnie was panic striken, shaking with fear as she held Mickey in her arms, trying to stop the bleeding as best she could.

"...Minnie..." Mickey coughed, coughing up blood to her sheer horror. His voice was getting weaker.

"No! You're not gonna die! I won't let you! You... You can't..." Her voice was cracking, and tears were now beginning to run freely down her cheeks. "You can't die, Mickey... Please don't die!" she pleaded.

The sound of the assassin's laughter made the girl mouse look up, seeing the one who had put Mickey, her lover, in this horrible state. "Now that just made my job all the more fun!

Fire burned in Minnie's eyes as anger rose within her soul. "You... You monster!"

"Your lover there won't make it if you can't heal him. You can't save him. He's done for."

"No! Shut up!" Minnie turned back to Mickey and tried once again to heal Mickey's wound, but it was to no avail. Her magic was staying depleted. It was some sort of spell the assassin was using. "Mickey, just hold on! Please, just hold on! You can't die! I won't let you!"

Mickey smiled up at Minnie weakly, and raised a hand to cup her cheek. "Ya... Ya h-hafta... get outta here..."

"No... I won't leave you," she said, gripping his hand and holding it to her cheek.

"You have to..."

"No! I won't leave you here! You're not going to die! I can't... I can't lose you..." Her voice cracked as she started to cry. "Please, Mickey... You have to keep fighting... P-Please... For me... For us... I can't lose you..." As her tears flowed freely down her face, Minnie leaned her face down and brushed her lips over his. "I won't let you go..." she whispered. She suddenly felt the tip of a blade pointing at her back.

"That was quite a show, but now it's time to end it."

She had a few choices, but there was only one that she made. "...Do it..." She looked up, her tear filled eyes glaring at the assassin. "Kill me." She didn't have to think about her decision. She looked down at Mickey, squeezing him in her arms. "If he goes..." She looked up at the killer. "...then I go. So go ahead. Without him... I've got nothing else to live for. So do it. Kill me." She looked at Mickey again, managing a little smile. "At least we'll still be together."

"No... Minnie, ya can't..." Mickey tried, but was cut off by his own coughing.

"Shh..." she hushed him softly, caressing his cheek as she managed a small smile. "It's okay. I'd rather die with you than live without you. This is my choice. If you die, then I die. We go together."

"Suit yourself," the assassin said, "but I'm going to ask double for this."

And he swung the sword...

To be continued...

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"Hey, girl, you're finally awake!"

Minnie's eyes shot open. She didn't recognize that voice. She bolted upright, sitting up straight in her seat. Instantly and instinctively, she glanced around her surroundings. At the realization that Mickey was nowhere in sight, fear set in. She was in the back seat of an SUV, and there were three other girls in there with her that she didn't recognize.

"You gave us quite a scare." The same girl to speak was a light brown and black badger. "We were beginning to think you'd sleep all the way there."

"W-Where am I?" Minnie asked, confused and frightened.

The girl driving the SUV was the one to answer. "Well, we're about ten minutes from Colton." She was a silver rat with a white face. "If you hadn't been sleeping the whole time you'd know that already."

Minnie racked her brain trying to make sense of the situation. She glanced at herself to see everything about her her appearance was the same. She was still wearing the same outfit she was wearing at home only moments ago; white tank top, hip-hugger blue jeans and white sneakers. Her bow and gloves were present as well. "And who are you?"

"What, did you hit your head or something?" the rat asked, casting a glance up to the rearview mirror.

"Don't you remember us, Minnie?" the badger asked.

"Yeah, we're best buds!" another girl, a tan hamster, said.

"I don't think..." Minnie tried to make reason of the situation but she couldn't. She placed her thumb and index finger on the sides of the top of her nose under her eyes, trying to calm down and think.

"Do you remember where we're going?" the badger asked.

Minnie shook her head. "Um... No."

The rat driving rolled her eyes. "Jeez, where's your brain at today? We're just a bunch of hot 21-year-old chicks heading to a cabin by the lake for the week."

Minnie then asked the next question on her mind, though she said it to herself. "Where's Mickey?"

"Who?"

Minnie glanced up to see the rat eyeing her in the mirror. "He's my husband."

"Husband?!" the rat shrieked. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, when did you get married?"

"I've been-"

"Ha! You can't be married!"

"I am too married!" Minnie jetted out her left hand, reveling the gold ring to the others. "See?"

"Well, son of a... That's a wedding ring!" the badger said.

"Looks like a cheap piece of crap to me," the rat said with a cocky grin, glancing back to the road.

Minnie felt a sudden strong urge to punch the rat's lights out. "It is not!" She lifted her hand to look at and admire the ring. "It's beautiful. Mickey... my husband... He gave me this ring, he put it on my finger..." Minnie felt like crying. She didn't know where Mickey was or if he was even... No, she couldn't think like that! Knowing she needed to be strong, she pulled herself together as best she could.

"So when'd you get hitched?" the hamster asked.

"Yeah, and how come you didn't tell us?" the badger added.

"Well, I..."

"We never knew you had a man," the rat said. "What's he like?"

"Well... He's a mouse like me, a little taller, cute big round ears, big brown eyes..."

"Sorry, ain't seen him," the rat dismissed.

"He's gotta be here!" Minnie exclaimed. "He has to be!"

"Will you chillax, Mouse," the rat said. "We haven't seen-"

"Uh-oh, company," the badger said, glancing out the rear window.

Minnie turned around in her seat to stare out the rear window. Behind the SUV was an old black and white Dodge Ramcharger with a red and blue TwinSonic light bar on the roof. Suddenly the lights turned on.

"Better pull over," the hamster advised.

Minnie squenched her eyes, looking closely into the windshield of the police SUV. Wait... Those ears... Those big round ears! Her heart leapt. "Pull over!"

"I dunno... Think I can outrun 'im?" the rat asked.

"No! Pull over! I know him!" Minnie said.

The rat cursed under her breath and pulled the SUV off to the side of the road. "Think if I flashed him he'd let us go?"

Minnie's face reddened in anger and shock. "Don't even think about it! Unless you want a black eye, keep your shirt down and your jeans up, got it?" Minnie immediately unbuckled herself and flung open the door, jumping out of the SUV. And sure enough, much to her relief and joy, her Mickey was getting out of the older SUV and running up to her. "Mickey!"

"Minnie!" He swept the little girl mouse up in his arms, holding her tight.

Minnie held him in her arms for a bit, finally allowing her tears to fall. But this time they were tears of joy. After a brief moment, both pulled apart a little to look at each other, making sure that this was real. "Are you okay?" she asked, raising a hand to cup his cheek.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm okay. Are you?" he replied.

She nodded. "Yeah. I am now." Smiling warmly, she leaned up and kissed him, then embraced him again. "Oh, Mickey... I was so worried... I didn't know where you were, if you were alright..."

"Shh," he shushed her. "It's okay. I'm here now." She hugged him tight, afraid that if she let him go that he'd disappear again. "We've got to find a way out of here."

At that, she remembered their situation. She pulled back and looked up at him. "Where are we anyway? I mean, what is this place?"

"I'm not really sure, but I think... we're in that horror movie."

Her eyes widened. "What?! B-But how? How did we end up in the movie?"

"Musta been that lightning... I dunno. I'm not Professor Von Drake, but I reckon it somehow pulled us into this movie."

"Then... how do we get out?" she asked.

"We'll get out of here," he assured her. He offered her a reassuring smile and she did feel herself relax a little.

The sound of doors closing got the young couple's attention, and Minnie turned to see the other three girls walking up to them. "Oh, perfect..." she muttered.

"Well, hello, there," the girl rat said, rather flirtasiosly towards Mickey, making Minnie's blood begin to boil. "And who might you be?"

"My husband," Minnie pointed out matter of factly in a back-off manner, giving a proud smirk in the rat's direction.

"Wow, Minnie, you failed to tell us how good looking your man was, or that he was a cop."

Minnie glanced at Mickey to see he was indeed wearing a police uniform. Dark brown pants with a green T-shirt and brown jacket over the shirt. He was dressed as a cop. She'd been so excited from seeing him that she failed to notice his get-up. She ignored the rat and turned back to her companion. "So what do we do now?"

"Aren't you gonna introduce us, Minnie?" the rat cut in.

Minnie turned to the girl with a dull expression, then sighed in annoyance. "This is my husband Mickey. Mickey, this is..." She paused. She didn't know the girl's names.

"Rhonda," the rat said.

"Helen," the hamster said.

"And I'm Betty," the badger said.

"Yeah. So anyway, what do we do now?" Minnie asked her companion again.

"Well, we were all going to Colton for the week. There's a cabin by the lake there and we were all going to have some fun in the sun!" Rhonda batted her eyes at Mickey. "You're welcome to join us."

Minnie gave the girl an icy glare. She cleared her throat and held up her left hand, showing the gold ring again, an indication he was hers and for Rhonda to stay away from him if she valued her life.

"Well, I guess the only thing we can do is wait until another lightning bolt sends us back," Mickey mused.

"We could be stuck here for hours, or even days!" Minnie exclaimed.

"The movie's only two hours long," Mickey explained with a light grin.

"Uhh, I have no idea what you're talking about, but we need to get going. We're only minutes away from Colton and we need to get there before dusk," Rhonda interrupted.

"I guess we might as well go with it for now. Nothin' else we can do," Mickey reasoned.

Minnie's head rolled back as she groaned. "Uhhg. Fine. But I won't like it."

To be continued...

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KINGDOM HEARTS: WARRIORS OF LIGHT

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The area was pitch black. There was nothing all around her but darkness. She opened her eyes only a bit, seeing the endless blackness around her. She closed her eyes once more as she continued to fall.

Suddenly, she was awoken. By what, she didn't know. Something just told her to wake up, and as she opened her eyes, she saw the image below her, getting closer. It was a large stained glass mural. In the center was an image of the icon of her husband and King, which she knew anywhere. In the right ear was an image of him, his eyes closed, looking relaxed. In the left ear was an image of herself, it mirroring the one of her husband. In the center of the icon, was a heart. A simple heart, light pink in color. Around the icon, as she could make out as she fell closer to it, was images of their castle, their friends, and... a few images of her and her husband together. She smiled, as each image depicted an event that had actually happened. One was of them at the beach, playing tag. Another was of them in the courtyard, running and laughing as it poured the rain. And another was of him on one knee, the day he proposed to her.

She fell slowly onto the glass, her feet touching down. Oddly enough, she was still in her pink dress. She quirked a brow, and looked around. All she could see was darkness, save for the bright stain glass she stood upon. Suddenly, before her rose three pedestals, each bearing the icon of her and her husband in the center. But over top of each was a weapon, floating freely. A sword in the center, a staff to the left, and a shield to he right. She stepped closer to them, and suddenly, in her mind, a voice rang out.

The choice you make decides your fate. Choose well, for there is no going back.

She couldn't make out the voice, whether it was male or female, she just heard it. Looking forward, she approached each weapon and took them, examining them. And with each, she heard that same voice again.

This staff grants you the power of the Mystic. Do you seek this power?

She shook her head and let go of it, the staff floating from her hand and returning to its place above the pedestal.

This shield grants you the power of the Defender. Do you seek this power?

She shook her head, and let go of the shield, it also returning to its place above its pedestal. The final weapon she picked up was the sword. She instantly took a liking to how comfortable the grip was, and gave it a swing. Above the hilt, was the familiar icon again. As she gave it another swing, she thought of her King, of how he was a wielder of the Keyblade, of how hard he'd fought for more than a decade to save and protect the words, and... She smiled. Of how kind, sweet, and gentle he was. How he'd always make her laugh, how he'd pick random moments to woo her, or to just be funny or cute to make her giggle. And of how he had promised to protect her.

This sword grants you the power of the Warrior. Do you seek this power?

She gripped the handle firmly. "I won't be weak. I won't be helpless." She nodded, lowering the sword. Suddenly the pedestals disappeared, and she heard that voice again.

There will be times you have to fight. Be ready...

Suddenly, familiar creatures emerged from the glass, seemingly appearing out of nothingness. It sent a chill down her spine seeing them again. That ebony black skin, those yellow glowing eyes...

"Heartless?!" she gasped, glancing around. However, although scared, she gripped the sword tightly with both hands. With a swing the first Shadow was sent flying backward. She jumped at the second one and swung again, it vanishing into a wisp of black mist. The one she had hit before jumped toward her, but she jumped back, dodging its attack, and quickly retaliated, swinging once again, and defeating it. The third Shadow, she noticed out of the corner of her eye, attempted to catch her off guard by sneaking up behind her, having sunk into the glass.

She smirked. And in a whirl, the Shadow had met its match. She lowered the sword as she stood, taking several deep breaths. She smiled to herself. That... actually felt pretty good. Suddenly she heard that voice again.

You'll have to protect yourself, and...

Her eyes widened as she sucked in a breath as he appeared before her. "...Mickey...?" He turned around, tilting his head as he gave his usual smile before giving that adorable chuckle that always made her heart melt. Then the shadows appeared around him. "Mickey! Look out!" She took her stance once more, and noticed him do the same. She leapt into action, swinging her sword and eliminating the Shadows that circled them. Six. She had counted. Six Heartless had fallen to her blade. As she panted for breath, she turned, seeing him relaxing his stance. She smiled, and reached out to him, but then he began to glow, and vanished before her. Her heart sank.

...you'll have to protect those around you.

That voice again. She was relieved that it wasn't actually her husband in danger, but was this voice playing with her? Where was she anyway?

You'll face even darker challenges ahead. Are you sure you wish to proceed?

She lowered her head. She knew her King. He'd never back down. At times it frustrated her, how stubborn he was, never knowing when to quit. Yet... she also admired him for it. The courage and strength he showed. It was admirable, and inspiring. The edge of her lips curled up. "Hmph." Her resolve was set. She lifted her head, a smirk crossing her lips. "Bring it."

A path opened up before her. Colored glass panels, one row consisting of one color which then changed to another, stretched out before her. They arched around to what was another glass image, which was then on top of a glass column in the distance. She didn't hesitate, and started running up the path. She realized that fighting Heartless in a dress was not the most comfortable thing in the world. She reached behind herself and adjusted her underwear. Fighting Heartless also seemed to really cause one's underwear to ride up. She made a mental note that if she made a habit out of this, she should really consider wearing something that provided more freedom.

Clearing the top of the column, she found the same images on this stain glass that was on the other, except the main color of it was different. And before her lay a silver door. It was unlike any door she'd seen before. It had a beautiful shape and design to it, yet it retained a mystifying aura about it. She approached it cautiously, lifting her blade in case it was a trap.

Beyond this door lies no rest. Once you step through your path is set. So prepare yourself...

She took a deep breath, and gripped her sword. She took a look around before placing her hand on the handle of the door. "This place is boring anyway..." She opened it, and lifted her free arm to shield herself from the white light that poured out from beyond the door. As it faded, she found herself in someplace she wasn't expecting.

The courtyard at the castle. Her home.

"What the...?" She looked around. Everything looked like it did when she was there, except... There was just an odd feeling. Like something was out of place. There were no birds, no butterflies. Glancing up, she saw the clouds weren't moving. As if time itself had stopped.

The darkness grows ever closer. It's even in places you wouldn't expect. Where there's light...

The earth rumbled beneath her, making her stagger as she stabbed the sword into the ground to catch her balance.

...there's darkness.

A shadow, much larger than those she'd faced before, emerged from the ground. It grew and grew, becoming taller than the walls around the courtyard. Its glowing yellow eyes seemed to pierce her soul as it loomed over top of her.

"What... the heck is that thing?!" She saw the giant hole in the slender body of it; a heart shape. "Right... A Heartless." She recalled going over the journals the King had written, as well as checking the data regarding Sora's journey's before. She stood, pulling up her sword and gripped it with both hands. "...Darkside..."

She squeaked in surprise as the ground beneath her suddenly cracked. The cracks spread around the castle grounds, creating jagged circles and crevices. The circular pieces of the earth flew up and levitated in the air. She quickly examined them, noticing that she could use them as a path right up to the monster's face. She smirked. "Heh. Big mistake." She leapt onto the first platform, dodging a swing from one of Darkside's claws. She chuckled. "You're slower than I thought you'd be." She did a flip as she jumped over top of its other claw, and landed on another platform as she continued her ascension.

Landing on the next platform, it shook and tilted. She gasped and jabbed the blade into the platform, holding herself up. She saw the Heartless rear back its claw, and knew it was going to attack. "Don't bet on it, buddy." She jumped at just the right moment, and landed on the creatures arm. Reading her blade, she ran up its arm to its face and began her attack. Slash after slash was dealt to its face, and after several, it finally gave out. "Gahh!" she cried as she landed the final blow. "You know what they say: The bigger they are the harder they fall!"

She backfliped off the creature, landing on the nearest platform, and started jumping down to each nearby one as Darkside tumbled down behind her. After she jumped off the last platform and onto the ground, she quickly turned around, seeing the giant Heartless just in time as it fell down before her, a massive cloud of mist erupting from around it. The mist continued to grow, and soon swallowed up one of the nearby shrubs. But it didn't stop, it continued to grow.

She panicked. Soon she'd be swallowed up as well. She looked around, but saw no way out. The darkness had overrun the courtyard, blocking any exit, and it was inching closer to her. She tried casting her Light spell, and it seemed to caused the darkness to hold off, but only momentarily. As soon as the light disappeared, the darkness advanced closer. She wouldn't have enough magic or strength to maintain her spell for long.

She felt the cold concrete of the wall behind her as she pressed her back against it. She was trapped. She gripped her sword, as memories of her loved ones flashed through her mind. When she thought of her Kind and husband, a tear rolled down her cheek. "I'm... I'm sorry, Mickey..." The darkness was only inches from her feet. She thought of him again, deciding that if this was it, she wanted her last thought to be of the one she cared for the most.

As the darkness enveloped her feet, she found she couldn't move them. It traveled up her legs and body, like a thick liquid, and soon it swallowed her.

Darkness. Cold, empty darkness.

She was falling in darkness again, trapped in the abyss of nothingness.

"Minnie..."

Her eyes opened. She knew that voice. She'd know it anywhere. But all she saw was darkness.

"Minnie."

It was more clear that time. And as the voice traveled through the air, she felt her senses come to. Then she saw it. The bright light within the darkness. It was so bright and warm, and as it drew closer to her, she saw a familiar form materialize from within.

"Aw, Min. Ya can't give up now. Ya've got more light in ya than ya realize." He winked as he finished, his warm smile like a soothing touch to her body.

She smiled as she reached for him. "Mickey..." She took his hand, and felt warmth flow through her very being, as her heart began to soar.

He chuckled. "Just think of what brings yer light out. Everybody's got somethin'. Just let your light be yer guide." With a wink he let go of her hand, and started moving back away from her. She tried reaching for him again but found she couldn't. "I believe in you..." With that, he faded, the light around him disappearing with him.

She thought of his words, and raised a hand to her chest. She found the heart shaped locket he'd given her, and opened it up. Inside were pictures of them together, one arm around each other as they smiled happily at the camera. She rubbed her fingers across the pictures, and felt another tear streak down her cheek. "Mickey..." She closed the locket, and gripped it in her palm. "I won't give up. I can't give up." She closed her eyes, letting thought and memories of them together flood her mind. "I won't lose to the darkness. Not when you've fought so hard against it. If you can fight it, then so can I." She opened her eyes and looked at the locket. As long as he believed in her, she still had a reason to fight. Screw the darkness. "Thanks, Mickey."

A burst of white light erupted around her, vanquishing the darkness.

She awoke with a soft gasp, panting for breath softly. She quickly realized she was back in her bedroom. She glanced toward the window, seeing the beautiful moonlight and glistening stars outside as they shone down from above. She turned to her side, and smiled, relief flooding through her.

He was sound asleep beside her. His back turned, the covers rose and fell softly to his breathing. His left ear twitched as he slumbered, and she felt her heart explode, having to be careful as she giggled softly so as not to wake him. She turned back to the window again, gazing out at the stars and moon. She brought her knees up to her chest as she thought of her dream.

...Or was it even a dream?

Everything seemed so real. The way she felt, even the way the Heartless moved... Was it really just a dream, or...? She looked back to the window. What could it have meant? She turned back to her slumbering companion, and smiled. She laid back down as she rolled onto her side facing him, and moved an arm around him as she pressed her front against his back. Dream or not, it didn't matter. Somehow, she felt oddly at ease. She believed it to be because the dream - be it a dream or not - had shown her that the source of her light was the very one sleeping next to her. He was her light, her light within the darkness. When she thought of him, it had vanquished the darkness, and she felt like she could do anything.

She snuggled up to him as she relaxed, and tilted her head upward to plant a soft kiss on the bottom of his ear. "Thanks, sweetie," she whispered. "For lighting my way through the darkness."

She heard him snore. And pressed her face into his back in an attempt to muffle her giggles. She felt him shift after a second, and he rolled onto his back and opened his sleepy eyes to look at her.

He yawned. "Wut time's zit?"

She giggled, and softly kissed his cheek. "Waaay too early to get up. Go back to sleep, sweetie. We can still lay her for several more hours."

He smiled a drowsy, adorable smile. "Sounds gud t' me." He rolled over facing her and wrapped an arm around her. She returned his action by snuggling closer, nuzzling her head underneath his chin. "Night, Min," Mickey said sleepily.

"Goodnight, Mickey," Minnie said, and sighed a relaxed sigh as she closed her eyes, letting the soft beating of his hear lull her back to sleep.

Right there, with him, she felt safe. And no matter what, she would protect him. He might have a duty as King to protect the worlds, but she had a duty as his Queen and wife to protect him. And whatever lay ahead, she knew that they could face it together.

Everyone has light within them. But the source of that light varies from one to another... It may be closer than you think...

...

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Saving data...

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Data saved.


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She sat there, in the field of flowers, looking up at the moon in the sky. It was a clear, crisp night. The air was cool, but not freezing. The young girl sighed as she leaned back, her purple pumps shifting on the grass. She'd only just found this clearing a couple days ago. While exploring the woods, she found this spot. Nestled amongst the trees, it lay untouched by anybody. A large pond with crystal clear water sat at the bottom of a small hill which had daisies growing about it. The moon shone bright in the pond below her, giving off a beautiful reflection. It was a beautiful night. So peaceful, so quiet.

Snap.

Her ears twitched and perked at the snapping of a twig in the woods behind her, and she sat up straighter, listening. She could make out soft footsteps amongst the trees - one person. She stood up, her hands beginning to glow with a white aura. "Who's there?!"

A figure emerged from beyond the trees, but definitely not what she expected.

He was a mouse like her.

His hands were raised but no glow came from them or from him.

"Whoa, easy, I'm not gonna hurtcha." His voice was surprisingly calm and soothing.

She didn't let her guard down. "W-Who are you?" She tried to hide the shakiness in her voice.

He began to approach slowly. "Easy, don't go blastin' me to Kingdom Come." He saw the glow around her hands and seemed suddenly surprised. "You're a witch, aren'tcha?" He sounded more excited than anything.

The glow around her hands began to fade as she lowered her hands slowly to her sides. "Yes." She wasn't sure where he was going with this.

"Well, ya see, I-I'm a wizard."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "You... Y-You are?"

"Y-Yeah! See?" He raised his right hand and it began to glow with a brilliant white light. He approached her a little more, and it was then that she was able to make out his features. Dressed in black pants, shoes, shirt and a red robe, he looked rather dashing to the young girl. He was very cute, she had to admit. And his voice was... well, smooth as silk. "I'm Mickey." The warm yet shy smile he offered seemed to do wonders to her heart.

The smaller mouse gave a little curtsy as she smiled a sweet smile which set the boy's heart in motion. "I'm Minnie." As she looked up at his face, she couldn't help but notice the moonlight reflecting in his eyes. His eyes were a soft, warm dark brown, the same brown eye color as her. He liked her name. It suited her. Miniature mouse, Minnie Mouse. Yep. Perfect for the tiny mouse.

"So what're ya doin' wanderin' around here in the middle of the night?" He cocked his head in confusion.

Minnie's smile faded a bit but she tried not to show it. "I just... wanted to get some fresh air." It was a ruse, and she felt bad for lying to him.

"Shouldja really be out here by yerself?" he questioned.

"Hey, I can handle myself, thank you very much," she defended matter of factly.

"I didn't say ya couldn't." He held up his hands. "Just sayin' there's things out here that's dangerous."

"Well, what about you? How come you're out here in the middle of the night?" She placed her hands on her hips.

He gave a slight grin. "'Cause this is my spot."

Whoops. Minnie's expression turned from curious to one of someone that just got caught with their hand in the cookie jar. "You're... spot...?"

"Yep. Found this place a while back. Been comin' to it for weeks now."

Her right hand raised to her mouth. "O-Oh... I-I'm sorry, I didn't realize-"

"So whattaya think about it?"

"H-Huh?"

He walked past her, looking out over the pond before turning back to her. "Neat place, isn't it?"

"Well, y-yes. It's quite lovely."

He sat down on the grass, and patted the spot beside him. "Wanna join me? I won't bite."

His carefree and easygoing attitude was charming and amusing, and somehow little Minnie found herself moving to sit down but just a few feet from him on the spot he'd gestured to. "Thank you." Her voice ws low but soft and sweet, and he could tell she was shy. She sat with her legs pulled up close to her chest and her arms wrapped around them.

"So how long have ya been hangin' out here?" he asked, laying back with his hands behind his head.

"I just found it the other day," was her soft answer.

"So how come you were in the forest this late at night?"

She got a little defensive. "Just out getting some fresh air."

He could sense her sudden attitude change. "Hey, if there's somethin' ya don't wanna talk about, that's fine. I respect your privacy. I won't pry."

She glanced back to him out of the corner of her eye, avoiding looking at him. That was just it. She wanted to talk about her problem and get it off her chest. She wanted him to pry and make her spill her guts out to him. Deciding to change the subject... "It's nothing. I'm okay, really." This time she turned back to him, offering a little smile. "Anyway, I found this amazing place and decided to stick around for a bit."

"Yeah, it's a nice little place. Peaceful, calm, relaxing."

"It's like we're the only to people on earth." Minnie's cheeks tinted pink when she realized she'd said it in a more dreamy way than a statement. She calmly leaned back like him, resting one arm behind her head as she rested her free hand on her stomach.

Mickey turned to look at her. Her attire was simple; a purple velvet shirt with a yellow V design on the front that had blue rhinestones embellished on it and black see-through cut sleeves, black hip-hugger jeans and black shoes. She wore a purple hairbow instead of a witch hat. From her position, he could see her top had raised up a bit, revealing a bit of her stomach and sides. "So what level are ya?"

She turned to him, her dark brown eyes containing genuine interest. "Hm?"

"I said what level witch are ya?"

"Oh, um... level 4.

"Really?!" He sounded excited.

"Why? What level wizard are you?"

"I just moved to level 5!"

Her eyes widened. "Really?" A smile found her face as she rolled onto her side facing him. "Did you learn fire?"

"Yep! It was hard, but I did it! Didja learn ice?"

"Yup! Took me a while, but I learned it!" She moved her arm to prop up her upper body. "How's your teleportation?"

"It's... getting there," he admitted shyly.

Minnie giggled. "Don't worry, it took me a while to learn that one too." Then an idea struck her. "I can... h-help you with it if you'd like..." Oh, please say yes, please say yes.

"Sure!"

YES!

"Wonderful!" She sat up, becoming excited. "I can teach you all I know about it."

"Thanks! Any spell you havin' trouble with?"

"What?" she asked curiously.

He sat up, his cheeks now a slight shade of red which she thought to be adorable. "I-I mean, is there, ya know... any spell yer havin' trouble with? If you're gonna help me with a spell, it's only fair for me to help you."

The little mouse's cheeks pinkened. This was too good to be true. "Oh, um... Well, my lightning magic could use a little work..."

"Perfect! I know that spell! I can teach ya in a flash! Lighting humor, get it?"

Minnie giggled at him. His attempt at a joke was cute, and it was funny. "Thank you, I really appreciate that."

For the next several minutes the two young mice talked about a few different spells, and Minnie found herself having a really great time. It helped her to take her mind off her troubles at home. But before long, she realized how late it was getting. She really hated to leave but she knew she didn't have a choice.

"I'm really sorry," she apologized as she stood up. "It's getting late and I have to get home."

He stood up. "Yeah, I should probably get goin' too."

"Thank you for letting me join you, it was fun," she smiled honestly, a hint of pink on her cheeks.

"Aw, no prob, kiddo. Thanks for offerin' to help me with that spell."

"You're welcome. Thank you, too."

"Aw, it was nothin'."

"I better get going." She really didn't want to leave and she knew he could tell it from the sound of her voice. "Is there someplace I can meet you tomorrow?"

"How 'bout right here?" he suggested.

She smiled. "Perfect. I'll see ya 'round five tomorrow?"

"Sounds good. See ya then."

Minnie looked into his eyes for a few seconds before forcing herself to pull away from his entrancing gaze. She started to sprint toward the trees when she heard him call to her.

"Hey, can ya get home okay?"

She stopped and turned back to him with a confidant smile. "Of course!" She raised her right hand as it began to glow. "I'm a witch, remember?" She gave him a wink and waved. "See ya tomorrow, Mickey!"

"See ya, Minnie!" As Mickey watched her sprint off through the trees, he begin to grin a goofy grin. "I'll be here."

As Minnie exited the woods, she stopped and leaned against a tree, taking a few deep breaths. She was trying to steady her heart. Not from the run, but from the meeting with the cutest boy she'd ever seen. Her heart was a flutter inside her chest. As she thought back to his face, his smile, his eyes, she smiled dreamily. She cast a glance back to the woods. "I'll be there, Mickey. I promise."

To be continued...

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A sudden loud crash erupted from inside the warehouse, the sound of metal and banging coming from within. The girl laying amongst the turned over drums looked up at the other girl that had delivered the blow.

The young mouse looked down at the racoon with a smirk, placing her hands on her hips as she tilted her weight to one side. "Are ya gonna talk now?"

The racoon panted. "How... How could you be so strong? It's not possible...! You're just a..."

"...A fledgling?" Minnie finished with a grin, baring her fangs. "I may be a fledgling, but I'm still a vampire."

"But..." The racoon growled. "Fledglings aren't supposed to be that strong! There's no way you could be a young fledgling and have that much power!"

"Fledgling or not, I'm still an S-Class super monster," Minnie said.

"But you're only a fledgling!" the racoon exclaimed. "Fledglings aren't supposed to be that strong!"

Minnie chuckled. "I've got a great teacher. And he knows how to train me."

The racoon coughed. "That would explain your abilities... But your powers..."

Minnie smirked. "Heh, like I said. I've got a great teacher. And he's trained me well."

The racoon growled and jumped up from the drum barrels she had been knocked into and lunged at the slightly smaller, quite younger mouse, who dodged her fist with ease. "What?" She turned back to see the mouse still standing with her hands on her hips.

"Now... Are ya gonna tell me why ya attacked my husband, or..." Minnie's eyes flashed from deep brown to blood red. "...do I hafta beat it outta ya?"

The racoon hissed. "You little...! I'll rip you apart!" She lunged back, but it was futile. Minnie delivered a quick kick to the racoon's stomach, sending her flying back into another drum.

"How long you gonna keep this up?" Minnie asked, quirking a brow at the other vampire. "Just tell me what I want to know and I won't kick your butt as much."

"You sniveling little...!" The racoon jumped up but was abruptly stopped by a kick to her stomach, knocking her back down.

Minnie lowered her leg and crossed her arms. "You're not making this easy on yourself, ya know." She stepped closer. "Look... all I want to know is why you attacked my guy. You tell me who sent you, and I'll let you go. Simple as that."

The racoon spat blood toward the mouse, but missed. "I won't tell you anything."

Minnie clicked her tongue as she looked down at the racoon, but remained silent. "Hm. Have it your way. I can keep going. I'm not tired yet."

"You... You think you can win? Ha!" The racoon suddenly began to laugh. "You're dealing wth something much bigger than you realize... You can't win! You're all going to suffer! Ha ha! You and your whole team!" The racoon smirked. "And I think we can start with your dear little husband."

Minnie's eyes flashed red, and she lunged at the racoon with sudden speed, gripping her hand around the racoon's throat. "You lay one hand on him and I will show you the meaning of the word 'suffer'. What you've been through tonight is nothing compared to what you'll feel if you even get near him."

The racoon grinned. "Seems like... I hit a nerve... Wonder what the best course of action would be? Spike through the heart, burned to death, decapitation?"

Minnie growled and tightened her grip on the racoon's windpipe, making the latter gasp for air. "Don't. You. Touch him! You even come near him and I will hunt you down and make you regret it." She released her grip and stood up, the racoon coughing as she gasped for air. "You tell your boss that we won't give up and that we're not afraid. That we will fight if nessecery."

A sudden crash echoed through the warehouse, causing Minnie to look behind her to the source of the commotion. She smiled when she saw her friends and team standing at the now destroyed doorway of the building, her husband and trainer in the front and center of the three. Minnie rushed over to the group, instantly being swept up into the arms of her companion.

"Are ya okay? Are ya hurt?" he asked, frantically.

Minnie only chuckled as she caressed his cheek with her hand. "I'm okay, Mickey. Thanks."

The racoon watched with a half closed eye as the mouse ran over to the group, particularly to the male mouse standing in front of the group, who looked to be looking her over for injuries. "And who's that wimp?"

Mickey set Minnie down as she turned to the racoon, one arm around his waist, smiling with a satisfied smile as she licked her lips. "My husband. And my teacher and trainer."

The other two in the group stepped forward, one a male rabbit, the other a female cat.

"This the chick that tried to hurt Mick?" the rabbit asked, his fists balled and raised.

"Yeah, it's her," Minnie answered.

"So how badly did you beat her up?" the cat asked, looking at the mouse with a grin.

Minnie snickered. "I just showed her that she doesn't mess with my man." She looked up at Mickey as she squeezed her grip around his waist.

"Great. Now that you've kicked her butt, we can have a shot at her," the rabbit said.

"Hold on, Oswald," the cat said, "Minnie's already beat her to a pulp. Why not let me take a crack at it?"

The rabbit bowed with a grin. "Have at it, Ortensia."

Ortensia cracked her knuckles as she took a step forward. "Did she talk?"

Minnie shook her head. "Her lip's tight. She wouldn't say anything. But she did mention something about us dealing with something much bigger than we thought."

Mickey looked toward the racoon. "What does that mean? Who sent you? What do you know?"

The racoon slowly stood. "You think I'm going to tell you fools? Ha! You're more naive than you look. Enjoy your lives while you can, because soon you'll all be hanging from your necks above my master's fireplace as a trophy! Ha ha!" The racoon jumped through the skylight in the warehouse, breaking through it, causing the others to shield their eyes from the falling shards. Mickey crouched ready to go after the racoon when he suddenly felt a familiar hand gripping his arm.

"Let her go."

"But she's getting away!" Mickey exclaimed, standing.

"I told her to tell her boss that we weren't going to give up and that we would fight if we had to," Minnie explained.

"That's not the last we'll see of her," Ortensia said, looking up at the night sky though the broken skylight.

"Maybe not, but one thing's for sure." Minnie smiled confidently. "We'll be ready."

The other three smiled and nodded.

"How'dja get here so fast?" Mickey asked. "I knew ya were fast but jeez..."

Minnie giggled. "Hey, someone mess with you, they gotta deal with me."

Ortensia laughed. "Well, I think you certainly showed her that."

Mickey placed his hands on Minnie's waist. "So you're not hurt?"

Minnie smiled up into those big, adorable brown eyes of his. "Nah, I'm okay, sweetie. Thanks. Besides, I'm a vampire, remember? You're the one that made me a vampire. I can heal myself, ya know."

Mickey chuckled, moving one hand behind his head. "I know, heh. Just makin' sure yer alright."

Minnie stood on her tiptoes as she leaned up to peck his lips. "I know. Thanks for caring about me."

"Oh, come on!" Oswald groaned, "Just get a room already, will ya?" He turned and started to walk out of the warehouse with Ortensia following him, laughing at her own husband's reactions.

The mouse couple laughed and returned to their normal forms, their fangs disappearing as they started walking out of the warehouse. Minnie linked her arm around Mickey's as they walked out, the two sharing a smile and a little cuddle as they walked.

Oswald climbed onto his black 1986 Honda Shadow as Ortensia climbed on behind him and put on her helmet.

"Ortensia and I will see what we can dig up," Oswald said as he put on his helmet.

"Gotcha. Minnie and I will see what we can find out too," Mickey said as he and Minnie approached their black 1977 Chevy Silverado.

Oswald gave his brother a thumbs up. "See ya in the morning!" He revved up the bike as Ortensia wrapped her arms around his waist, and the two tore off into the night, leaving a trail of smoke behind them.

Mickey chuckled as he opened the driver door for Minnie, who climbed inside and slid over to the center of the seat. He climbed inside and put the key in the ignition. "And yer sure yer okay?"

Minnie smiled and rolled her eyes. "I'm fine, baby. Totally, A okay. Really." She showed him her arms and pulled her red vest up to the bottom of her breasts, showing him her stomach. "See, nothing. No scars, cuts, nothing. I'm fine." She let go of her top and looked back up to him with a slight sly smile. "Would you feel better if I let you examine me from head to toe?"

Mickey grinned as he quirked a brow. "Exactly how do you mean that?"

Minnie smiled slyly though half lidded eyes as she raised up, standing on her left knee on the seat, her right foot in the floor board, and slipped her arms around his neck. "Exactly the way you think I mean it..." Entering stage two of her vampire form, Minnie bared her little fangs as she smiled devilishly at him. "Why don't you check me out?"

"Oh, I'm already doin' that," Mickey grinned.

Minnie giggled, her cheeks flushing pink as she licked her lips. "You know what I mean."

"Sooo... head home?"

Minnie looked out the windshield. The moon was full and bright and the stars illuminated the night sky beautifully. She turned back to him with a twinkle in her eye. "How about we go to the park? Ya know, to our favorite spot?"

He grinned. "At night? In the park? Under the moonlight?"

She nodded excitedly and vigorously. "Uh-huh! It'll be sooo romantic and fun! Hee hee!"

He chuckled. "How could I say no to that face, those eyes and that smile? Ya got it, kiddo."

Minnie giggled and kissed his lips as she hugged him. "Hee hee! This is gonna be so much fun!" She returned to her normal state as she sat back down in her seat next to him and buckled her seat belt.

He turned the key, the 425 horsepower, 454 big-block V-8 coming to life, and buckled his seat belt. "We gonna spend the night there, or in the truck, or are we goin' home?"

"Hmm... How about we just spend the night in the truck?" she suggested with a hopeful smile. "This seat's plenty big enough, and it's really comfy too."

He smiled with a nod. "Sounds good. How 'bout we stop and get a pizza on the way?"

"Ooh, sounds wonderful!" She chuckled. "Pizza under the moonlight, followed by some cuddling, then..." She blushed. "...wherever the night takes us... then sleeping together inside the truck..." She sighed dreamily as she batted her long lashes at him. "Sounds soo romantic."

"Then that's what we'll do, m'lady!"

"Yay!" Minnie pecked his cheek as the two pulled out and headed for town. No sense in not enjoying a peaceful, beautiful night together.

To be continued...

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The music was soothing. The notes filled the room with a soft sound as she played. And it was music to his ears. Rounding the corner into the den, he found her there, playing the piano. Smiling, he began quietly walking up to her. He made his way up to her and leaned against the piano. Having sensed his presence, she opened her eyes to smile up at him, but continued to play.

He watched as her fingers moved across the ivory keys with such a fluid and simple motion, it was mesmerizing to watch. And what also amazed him was how she could play so well and keep her eyes closed. He knew she could play, she'd told him she used to. But it was simply amazing to watch her. Every little bit she'd open her eyes to smile up at him, happy that she had him for an audience.

And when her song was done, she opened her eyes as she leaned her head back to see him smiling down upon her.

"Ya know, yer amazing on that thing, don'tcha?"

Her cheeks pinkened from his compliment as she adverted her gaze only briefly. "Thanks, but it's nothing."

"Are ya kidding? You could do it as a professional thing, travel the world and play in exotic places."

She smiled. "It does sound nice, but..."

He cocked his head. "But what?"

"Traveling the world just to play just doesn't seem to be my thing. Not enough excitement in it." She giggled. "Besides, I can stay right here and play for you. That's what matters to me. That's what makes me happy." She sensed there was something on his mind. "Something wrong?"

He looked away for a moment, the weight of his thought bearing down on him heavily. "I just feel that I'm holding you back..."

She was shocked as to why he would think that. "What're you talking about? You're not holding me back from anything."

"Ya have so much ya could be doin' with yer life, why would you wanna spend it here?"

She stood up, lifting a hand to brush his cheek as she smiled fondly at him. "Because you're here. With you is where I belong."

He looked away. "I still feel that... that I'm holding you back..."

"Mickey..." She moved closer, gently turning his head so his eyes would meet hers. "Never, ever think that. You're not holding me back from anything. If anything, you've made me better."

He looked at her with confusion. "Huh? How?"

"You gave me something to believe in, to fight for, to live for. You gave my life a whole new meaning, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world."

"But... I turned ya... I made ya what I am. And ya know already what that's like."

"And I don't regret my decision." She caressed his cheek as she moved her free hand up to rub his shoulder. "I don't regret becoming a vampire, nor have I ever. And I would rather fight evil alongside you than to live a boring life with no excitement. I knew what I was getting into when ya transformed me, and I was prepared to face whatever lay ahead just to be with you and protect you. That was my choice, and I'm happy I made it."

He smiled. "Promise?"

She returned it. "Promise."

He slipped his arms around her tiny waist as he pulled her warm body against his own. "I don't know what I'd do without ya, kiddo. I'm surprised I survived this long."

Her heart fluttered in her chest as she slipped her arms around his neck, leaning comfortably into his warm, lightly muscular body. "I feel the exact same way." She leaned up to peck his lips, and he tasted the sweet peppermint taste of her lips and breath. "And I know I couldn't survive without you now."

"Can ya promise me somethin'? Promise me you'll always stay here, with me."

She smiled warmly up into his eyes. "I already have. I made that promise the day I knew I was in love with you. But I promise again anyway." She giggled softly and cutely. "Will you make me the same promise?"

He gave her body a loving squeeze. "Already have, Min."

"Oh, Mickey..."

The two young mice shared a loving kiss in the soft glow of the candle-lit room. In the peaceful silence, the only sound they could here were the beating of their hearts, and he could hear the soft moans coming from her as they indulged in the kiss. After a few seconds, they slowly pulled apart, their eyes meeting one another as the soft candle light glow reflected in them.

Minnie pulled away from him and sat back down on the seat in front of the piano. "So, any particular song you'd like to hear, Master?" she asked with a sweet and playful smile. As he grinned, she saw his fangs, sending delightful shivers down her spine.

"Hmm... How about..." He walked slowly around behind her, and she gave a soft sigh as she felt his arms slip around her waist. "...something we both can play?"

"Mm, I really like where this is going..." she said, leaning back into his touch.

Kneeling on his knees behind her, Mickey moved his face in closer and softly kissed the side of her neck.

"Ooh..." Minnie cooed, her little tail quivering as she tilted her head, giving him easier access.

"I love ya, ya know that?" His warm breath upon her sensitive skin sent pleasurable shivers through her body.

"Mm... Not as much as I love you..." She felt his fangs graze her skin lightly, and her body shook with delight. She knew what he wanted, and she was happy to give it to him.

He felt her tilt her head to the side, acknowledging his unsaid request. They just had that special connection. "You sure?"

She grinned surely. "Heh, go for it." She felt his fangs graze her skin once more, then felt them enter. "Ooh... Mickey..." she moaned in pleasurful delight, her mind becoming foggy instantly. Her moans were the same ones she made during all their intimate moments in their bedroom, and other places... She unconsciously raised a hand to stroke his cheek while he sucked a little of her blood. After just ten seconds or so, he pulled away, kissing the area he'd bitten softly. She turned her face to him and smiled softly. "Mm... I love it when you do that."

He lifted himself up off the floor and sat down beside her on the bench, moving one arm around her waist. She happily leaned against him, nuzzling her cheek against his shoulder. He was going to suggest they play a song together on the piano, but noticed that familiar twinkle in her eyes. She raised up and moved one leg across his lap, slipping her arms around his neck as she straddled him.

"Now it's my turn..." she grinned, baring her little fangs as she licked them seductively.

"Have at it, doll," he replied, tilting his head to allow her easy access.

Minnie didn't want to just do it. No, she wanted to take every opportunity to show her lover just how much he meant to her. Though that itself would be impossible. Leaning in, she swept her lips softly over his neck, sucking lightly and leaving little hickeys in her wake. "I love you, Master..." she cooed, lovingly and playfully against his neck, letting her little tongue tickle his skin. "Mmm... I love you, Mickey..." She got a soft sigh from him as she gently sucked on his neck with her lips, not yet using her tiny fangs, and she smiled with satisfaction knowing she was making him feel good.

By now, he'd moved his hands up to rest on her slender hips, feeling the waist of her black, leathery jeans and silver belt. He grinned to himself. She loved doing this to him. Teasing him and playing with him at the same time. And he always just let her have her fun. Then he felt her kiss him softly on his neck, and knowing what she wanted, titled his head, allowing her to do so. Little Minnie smiled and placed one more kiss on the same spot before gently and softly sinking her fangs into his skin. Her moan was met with a groan from him. She made sure not to hurt him, always made sure her love bites were as soft and pleasurful as possible. He felt no pain as he always did, just a warm rush of pleasure going down his spine. After sucking his blood for about ten seconds, she pulled away from him, kissing the spot she had bitten several times before finally licking it and pulling her head back to look at him.

"Thanks, love." She licked her lips and fangs, smiling with tinted cheeks. She leaned close, resting her forehead against his as she hugged him closer in her arms and felt him do the same to her, going back into her normal form. For several seconds the two just stayed there, gazing into each other's eyes, neither saying a word but letting their gaze and the sounds of their hearts speak for them. She finally pulled her head back a little, still looking him in the eye. "Mickey... Thank you."

"For what?"

She brushed her nose against his. "For giving me what you have, for making me what I am, for loving me..." Her cheeks were flushed, but her warm smile remained.

"I owe you a thanks," he said. "You make me feel more powerful than I ever have. You saved me from being alone, from goin' insane. You gave me a reason to keep fightin'." He looked into her eyes as he pulled her body closer. "Thank you too."

Minnie leaned into his grip. "I feel the exact same way. Hm, guess we're even then." She chuckled softly. "And please... Do me a favor..."

"Name it."

"Anytime you're feeling down like you were, please tell me. Don't keep it bottled up inside you. I'm your wife, and you're my husband. We're a team, remember." She pressed her body against his. "Don't burden yourself with something if you don't have to. Let me help you. We're in this together. I love you, don't ever forget that."

Mickey smiled at the tiny mouse straddling his lap. "As long as you agree you'll do the same."

She pecked his lips sweetly. "Deal. Cross my heart." Sharing a smile, they touched noses.

"So what kinda song would you like to play?" He leaned in, nuzzling her soft little neck.

"Ooh... One that we can both play together... as one rhythm..." She leaned into his nuzzles, letting her mind get lost in his undying affection.

She smelled of lavender, and a kind of perfume. "What kinda perfume is that?" he asked, pulling away to look at her. "Smells good."

Her cheeks turned as red as her vest. "I-It's... Midnight Passion... I knew you'd like it, s-so that's why I got it..."

Midnight Passion? Yep, he knew where this night was going. "Well, it smells good!" He leaned in and nuzzled her neck once more, making her body tremble with delight in his arms.

"Mickey..." she cooed, feeling his loving nuzzles. Yep, she knew where this night was going too. "Ooohh..." She moaned suddenly when she felt his lips against her neck.

He pulled back. "Ya taste as delicious as ya smell." His smile was coy and sly, which made her tail twitch with delight.

She leaned closer, pressing her front against his as she smiled slyly at him. "Whaddaya say we get started on that song? I'm in the mood for some music makin'."

"Sounds-" He was interrupted by the ringing of his phone. He reached into his pocket and pulled it out.

"Is it your brother?"

"Yep."

"You gonna get it?"

"Nope." He tossed it onto the couch off to the side.

She grinned. "Good choice." She giggled as he stood up, her keeping her legs wrapped around his waist and arms around his neck. She pecked his lips as he carried her over to the stairs and started up them. "We'll call him back in about an hour."

He grinned. "Or two."

She matched it with a giggle. "Or three." The two chuckled as they headed upstairs together.

Oswald groaned as he pressed the Call End button on his phone. "Darn it, Mick, where are ya now?" It wasn't important, he just wanted to tell his brother and sister-in-law that there was a good movie playing at the theater. He slipped his phone back into his pocket. "Jeez, those two are hard to get a hold of sometimes..."

"Ohh, Oswaaallld!" he heard his wife say in a sing-song voice from upstairs.

Oswald jumped out of his chair and sprinted upstairs. "Coming, honeybunch!" He chuckled. "Heckuva lot better than a movie anyday!"

To be continued...


