A.N: Hi there! So glad those of you who clicked on the title and read through the first chapter decided to continue to this chapter and Thank you for always reviewing Squad Unit 19 and Miss Minnie Mouse! Yes I will stick Minnie in here somewhere but it'll mostly consist Mickey and his partner ship with not only his cousin Manfred but also Oswald (briefly as I really can't seem to imagine Oswald as a sorcerer or a wizard)! Oh and before I forget I tend imagine Mickey's Bed is a lot like the bed Eddie Valiant (from Who Framed Roger Rabbit) has in his office, the kind that comes down from a wall. I think it would be cool to have one of those. ^^
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Disney characters, only a few of them are mine.
"I told you we would cause trouble and now look what we've done! We've messed up the balance of the Magic Realm! Ugh, if only we each found our own host after being freed from that awful box that girl Pandora opened, none of this would be happening! And of all hosts, we get the Goody-two-shoes! Why did that stupid Ruby have to chose him?"
Morning soon arose over Mickey's house as the sunlight blasted through Mickey's bedroom window. He forgot to put the blinds down. He shifted to face the other way so he wouldn't blind himself as he yawned stretched under the covers. He once again smelled pancakes coming from the kitchen and instantly knew Oswald was already up and making breakfast.
He sat up, yawned and stretched again and got out of bed and made it. Then he lifted the bottom of his bed and set it back into the wall until he heard it click, he took a few steps back to look at his everyday accomplishment and headed downstairs.
He turned the corner to get to the kitchen and noticed Oswald by the stove and his dear cousin Manfred at the table reading a small piece of paper. As Mickey entered, both Rabbit and white furred mouse greeted him warmly.
"Good morning sunshine!" they greeted in unison.
"Mornin' fellas," Mickey answered back smiling sheepishly, "Manfred, what are you doing here?"
"What? A guy can't even visit his own cousin?" he joked, "But seriously, I got summoned to the Magical Realm so I came over here wondering if you got one too, especially after what occurred last night."
"What happened last night? " Oswald asked curiously and suspiciously since he slept like a log the night before.
"A summoning? No I haven't gotten one yet if it has anything to do with last night at all," Mickey answered ignoring Oswald's question completely. He decided to try louder this time.
"WOULD ONE OF YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHAT'S GOING ON?!" Oswald shrieked.
Both Mickey and Manfred had dropped their jaws a little. They looked to each other and sighed in unison. Then they reluctantly told the confused Rabbit last night's events.
"So let me get this straight. You two were asked by, no ordered to find The Ace of Clubs by Witch Hazel? " Oswald recapped.
"Yep, that about sums it up in just a few words," Manfred answered cheerfully.
Suddenly, they all heard a sharp clanging noise. They all turned to see what it was, and saw that the toaster was jumping up and down. It only jumped about an inch from the "ground" which was really the counter, so it wasn't threatening. Then it stopped jumping and looked liked it was crouching down ready to explode. All three boys took this as their only opportunity to quickly get on the floor and Duck n' Cover. They expected a mass explosion but all that happened was a "poof" as the toaster made a party noisemaker sound instead of the anticipated boom. Out of the poof came a small piece of paper. It looked exactly like the one Manfred was holding. It floated gently down and landed in Mickey's hands.
"So much for the drama," Oswald started.
"Or the suspense," Manfred finished.
"Oh well, at least you were right Manfred, I did get summoned to the Magical Realm. Only why did it come so late?" Mickey mused.
"Well you know how it is, time moves slower in the Magical Realm than it does here," Manfred reasoned.
"Or because I wasn't awake as early as some people I know!" Mickey retorted.
"Hey, don't make me sing the 'Woman song' at least I was bright and early," Manfred shot back. Mickey only stared at him, confused at his statement. Oswald on the other hand knew exactly what he was talking about.
"You went to bed at five, got up at six and started all over again? What does that have to do with anything?" Oswald butted in the small argument. Manfred looked at Oswald for a moment and then turned back to Mickey.
"At least he got my joke," Manfred pointed out.
"Ugh, alright. I give up," Mickey announced and chuckled, not knowing what else to do at this point, the conversation was just getting a little too silly.
He got off the floor and brushed himself off, the other two boys followed suite. Then Oswald remembered something.
"Wait a minute, if you're looking for The Ace of Clubs… Do you guys still have a hunch it's gonna be a girl?"
"We can only hope so Ozzie," Manfred answered simply.
"Well, if they tell you to find a dame please let me come with you," the rabbit pleaded.
"Always the charmer, eh Oswald?" Mickey teased.
"You know it! Besides you're gonna need my help to convince her of who she is, if she's just an average girl," Oswald bragged. They knew he was an Ace at flirting…if he wasn't rejected first.
"Whatever," Mickey and Manfred said in unison.
And so Mickey and Manfred got themselves ready and prepared for the really short trip to the Magical Realm while Oswald stayed behind. They were summoned to come at noon and since this was an urgent matter, 12:00/Noon was the closest they could get to the witching hour without waiting too long. They used a water portal, which was conjured by Manfred (water is his main element while Mickey's element is fire). The portal was also in a water fountain in Manfred's backyard.
The fountain was somewhat small yet purposely big enough to be a portal for anyone to squeeze through on Manfred's command. It honestly looked like a birdbath on steroids, for the circumference of the base looked like a column, the kind that one would find in ancient Rome or maybe even Greece. While the basin looks like the bottom half of a giant seashell. Again, that seashell is the part that looks somewhat small yet big enough to squeeze through.
Mickey and Manfred had dressed up for the occasion. Mickey wore his Sorcerer's Apprentice outfit (excluding the hat) while Manfred simply wore black robes that covered his neck-down though he kept his blue shoes on. Right now it was 11:57 so they chatted while they waited for Noon to arrive though they still kept their eyes on the fountain. They had too because the portal literally only lasted a minute.
"You're gonna be sweating up a storm in that," Mickey stated.
"I'm used to the heat I'll be fine," Manfred said simply.
"Alright, if you insist, but don't come cryin' to me about it when you feel like your gonna die in that," Mickey deadpanned.
Then the water in the fountain's basin started glowing a bright white light while other various colors floated up in sparks and faded out as they reached a certain height. It was time to go. Mickey jumped up high and did a small back flip as he vanished through the water. Manfred chuckled a little.
"Show off," he muttered as he too jumped into the glowing water and vanished. The portal sealed itself as soon as he went through.
The feeling of falling down a bottomless pit is always common when going through a makeshift portal to the Magical Realm. Technically, Manfred's portal isn't a first class portal. An example of a first class portal would indeed be a fountain of sorts only; it would be similar to a small waterfall with the fountain-like properties. The main reason why Manfred's portal isn't considered first class is because of the switching of gravity. The feeling of falling down always comes first, then as one gets closer to the Magical Realm, they would feel like they were somewhat pushed to a 90° angle and land perfectly on the correct gravitational space that the Magical Realm has. Mickey and Manfred are used to this sensation and actually enjoy it, though their landing still needs work. If Manfred didn't buy the House of Mouse from Pete using his lottery money, he still wouldn't decide to buy a first class portal, the makeshift entrance was too much fun.
After the mice landed in a humorous tangled position, they quickly untangled themselves and looked around for anyone that might have summoned them. To their surprise, they were at the foot of the Temple of Jewels where the four podiums stood. Only three were empty as the Emerald of Clubs floated alone. Also, at the foot of the staircase that led up to the small Temple was Merlin and Witch Hazel.
"Ah, there you are lads! You're a bit early but that's alright, more time to explain before dawn," Merlin greeted cheerfully.
Both mice knew Merlin's foresight of the not too distant future was a bit off. Since the arrival of someone he foresaw coming was always either early or late, though really one is not supposed to know exactly when someone should arrive as the future can very easily be changed.
"So you summoned us Merlin?" Mickey asked.
"Myself and Miss Hazel did yes. Why?"
"Just asking out of curiosity Merlin. Hopefully this partnership will last longer than it did with Madam Mim eh?" Manfred teased.
"Please don't remind me of that stubborn woman," Merlin grumbled clearly annoyed as he actually blushed, though it went unnoticed because of his beard.
"Now, I'm sure thou doth knows what thy accomplishment is to be yes?" Hazel started professionally.
"Well, from what you told us last night, we have to find The Ace of Clubs before the Magical Realm falls apart completely from being out of balance for too long. Am I right?" Mickey piped up.
"Oh, joy! Thou doth remember my instructions!" Hazel said gleefully as she jumped for joy, she had hoped they wouldn't think it was only a dream.
"That's right boys, this Realm is falling apart and the fate of it is in your hands until you find the one who will wield the emerald in their heart," Merlin added.
"There is a little issue we have with that. How are we supposed to know who it is? I mean, are we looking for a man or a woman? And what species at that? We live in a whole world of humans and anthropomorphic animals. The possibilities are endless! Plus the fact that neither of us is advance enough to locate someone we don't know, " Manfred complained lightly.
Merlin chuckled thinking of how foolish the young sorcerer could be at times, though it was obvious that Manfred did take magic seriously.
"My dear boy, your much earlier assumption that it would be a girl was correct. Now to answer the question of what species, she is a gray rabbit whose name is coincidently Clover. You will find that she lives not too far from where you live, but of course the tricky part is convincing her of her destiny," Merlin explained.
"Of course thou shall not do this alone," Hazel started, "Minnie dear, thee can come out now!"
"What?" Mickey asked abruptly at the mention of an all too familiar name.
Then Minnie skipped happily around the corner of the Temple towards them.
"Hi Mickey, hello Manfred," she greeted smiling slyly at Mickey.
"Hiya Minnie," Manfred greeted back while Mickey gave him the evil eye.
"You knew about this?"
"Yep. I didn't tell you because I promised and because I love seeing that shocked expression on your face," Manfred answered smiling slyly. Mickey glared at him for two more seconds before turning towards the witch and wizard.
"Uh, no offense but we already have help back home. Oswald will need this more than anything by my guess. Though I suppose it's only necessary to bring Plan B: Woman's Touch along," Mickey mused. Minnie giggled at him.
"I knew you'd give in," she said smiling.
"Oh, he'll need it alright. I see a bright future for him. Just remember that love is a very powerful emotion and should not be toyed with," Merlin said with a sense of wisdom in his voice.
"Now thee knows what needs to be done, but there is still time before Midnight. Thee might as well enjoy thyselves here before thee goes home," Hazel added.
All three mice looked at each other before two pairs of eyes laid on Manfred who looked like he had something to say.
"What's wrong Manfred?" Mickey asked.
"Did I ever mention I won the lottery here too?" he said looking a bit guilty.
"You're kidding," Minnie piped in, hardly believing her ears.
"Nope, I've actually been spending a lot of time here and eventually all that time paid off. Besides, Hazel is right Midnight isn't coming for a while, and I've been itching to get my hands on some ingredients for a potion I want to make," he explained almost pleadingly.
"Alright Manfred, we'll help you with your shopping. We might as well kill some time here while we can. Maybe you can show us around, since you know this place well," Mickey admitted.
Mickey never really entered the Magical Realm that much. Well he did when he was Yen Sid's apprentice, but even so things in the Realm had changed over time. He then leaned his head closer to Minnie's since she had already attached herself to his arm.
"Are you sure you want to help us with this Minnie?"
"Of course I'm sure. I had another dream that you were going to get hurt, and I WILL prevent that from happening by sticking with you. I want you to be careful," She stated firmly.
"Aw, thanks Min," he blushed slightly.
"You're welcome Mickey," she smiled warmly as she squeezed his arm tighter and nuzzled her head on his shoulder.
Manfred couldn't help mentally say "awww" at the tender moment so he had a little idea to share with Mickey.
"I also know all of the most romantic spots that Minnie will absolutely love," Manfred sang telepathically.
"Oh do tell," Mickey sent back, glancing at him momentarily.
Meanwhile, somewhere in the shadows far behind them was a male figure that caught the last bit of Minnie's conversation with Mickey. With his attention directed at her sentence the figure mutters to himself.
"Oh he'll be careful alright, but not careful enough."
Just a quick note: In my own idea concerning Manfred, I had him win the lottery and buy the House of Mouse from Pete so he would stay out of the Sensational Six's hair. Doing them a big favor in the process.