Apologies for the delay, was giving me some trouble. But hey, two chapters for the price of one, not bad, eh?

As always, big thanks to my amazing editors, Drucilla and Blueshifted!

I was pleased that at least one person knew who the masked men were before the reveal - the animated Mighty Ducks! When I was younger, I was obsessed with that show. And will this be the last of Lotus Blossom we see? I wouldn't count her out of the game just yet...But yes, in the comics she really does call Mickey 'Big Ears'. (And in one comic, got that kiss. Ick.)

Originally Minnie was going to leave the boat after coming to her own conclusions, but I decided that after Donald's emotional journey, I didn't want anyone thinking I was just shoving him aside, so I put him in. Plus, a lot of you really seemed to enjoy the stories where he and Minnie are siblings, so there's an inkling of that in there.

And who is the mystery woman? Some of you probably have a good guess already, so prepare yourselves - she's Mickey's toughest challenge yet!

Pluto was doing his assigned patrol on the floating ship, keeping his eyes, ears and nose open for any intruders. He hoped he wouldn't have to do this for too much longer – he was getting hungry. He began to daydream about his nice master giving him a big fat bone to chew on when he heard grunting noises from the ropes hanging off the ship. He straightened up, cautiously walking over in case this was a villain, but to his relief the body that climbed on was the Lady Friend Of Master, otherwise known as Minnie. Pluto yipped to see her, and then stuck his head over the side, expecting to see his master and the others, but saw no one. He blinked, and then looked at Lady Friend Of Master, eyebrows raised.

"Uncomfortable kissing me..." Minnie growled, still unable to let go of that one single statement. "Well, who says I'd be comfortable kissing him, anyway? He doesn't know what I think!" Finally spotting Pluto, she turned on him, hands on her hips. "You know, he thinks he's so great, but he's not! Just because he risks his life saving strangers doesn't make him a good person!"

"Woof," said Pluto, which, being a dog, was all he was really capable of saying.

"Okay, so, technically that makes him a good person. But that doesn't mean he's perfect! It just means he's...he's dumb! If he keeps putting himself in danger for the sake of others, he'll wind up dying that much sooner! Mortals have a really short lifespan, and that's how he wants to waste it."

"Woof," said Pluto again, still not contributing much to the conversation.

"No, I don't care!" Minnie insisted in this bizarre not-argument. "He can go and get himself killed! I'll just wind up with a new Master, like I always do. He's not that much different than all the others I've had." She sat on the ship's railing, tail swishing in the wind. "He's not the first one who's offered to free me. He'll break his promise, just like they all do."

Pluto had absolutely no idea what she was going on about, but she was Sad, that he could see. Lady Friend didn't need to be Sad! He gently whined, and moved to place his head in her lap. Cheer up, Lady Friend, don't be Sad! Minnie looked down at Pluto, and like many people when faced with cute pups, she couldn't resist the urge to stroke his head. "...I bet he's never broken a promise to you," Minnie mumbled, feeling a little silly. "I know you think he's great, but no one can be great forever. One day he'll give in to his greed, you'll see. Maybe not greed over money, or power, but everyone feels greed! You'll just have to live with that disappointment, Pluto. He's not going to be with you forever. The moment he has something better, he'll dump you in a hot second! Even if she has greasy hair and eyes that are way too small and an annoying voice! Even then, he'll still be way more comfortable kissing her than you!"

"Who's kissing you?"

For half a second Minnie thought that voice came from Pluto, and she almost fell off the boat in shock. But a light hand on her back reminded her who the voice was – Donald was hanging from the rope, and now making sure Minnie wasn't falling over. Minnie's cheeks reddened in embarrassment. "...Nobody. Nobody's kissing me, that's for sure. Why are you back so soon?"

Donald climbed onto the railing and sat next to Minnie. "I...needed a break from my entourage." As much as he enjoyed Panchito and José's company, they were insistent on singing and dancing his praise everywhere he went. Shoot, once they made up a song just because he bought an apple! "What about you? I thought you were supposed to be at Mickey's side 24/7, since you're his genie."

Minnie huffed, glancing away. "My Master doesn't need me right now. He's on a date."

"A date?" Donald repeated, surprised. "Huh! That's weird... the way he goes on about you, I thought for sure you two would be dating eventually." A brief pause. "Is there some kind of genie law that prevents you two from being together?"

Minnie's cheeks continued to burn hotter and hotter. "I... it... N-No. There are only three laws of genies – whoever touches the lamp owns the genie, the genie cannot repeat wishes, and the genie can't cry."

While Donald was greatly curious about that third law, he stayed on topic for the moment. "But if there's nothing preventing you two from being together, why hasn't he asked you out on a date?"

"Because... clearly..." Minnie needed to speak slowly in order to better control herself so she wouldn't be near breaking rule number three. "My master doesn't want to date me. He finds the mere thought of kissing me uncomfortable, he said so himself." At this rate, the way she kept saying it over and over, it would be on her tombstone.

"That doesn't sound like Mickey at all," Donald instantly decided, and with that, he grabbed the rope. "I'll be back later."

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going to talk to Mickey and get to the bottom of this."

"What?!" Minnie reached down, trying to grab Donald's hands and stop him from going down any further. She might've fallen herself, if Pluto hadn't taken a mouthful of her dress, trying to yank her back. "You can't do that! He's on his...you know!"

"Something is going on here," Donald said sternly, with a tiny gray cloud of annoyance popping over his head. "And I want to figure it out for Mickey's sake. He's the first friend I ever made, and he saved me from the miserable life I had! I'm going to repay him for his kindness even if it takes me the rest of my life! And I want to help you too, Minnie!"

Minnie stared, confused. "Help me? What do you mean?"

"I don't like seeing you upset. I'm sure if can talk to Mickey, he can explain himself, and everything will be okay."

She gave this a moment of thought before 'understanding.' "You know, this won't guarantee you a shot at my lamp. I have no control over that."

Now it was Donald's turn for confusion. "What are you talking about? What does your lamp have to do with anything?"

"Why you don't want me to be 'upset'. I'm not going to hand over my lamp just because you're nice to me."

The gray cloud began to grow bigger. "I don't care about your lamp, I just want to help you! Now let's get going and talk to Mickey!"

"Mickey won't hand over the lamp either!"

"SHUT UP ABOUT THE LAMP AND GET MOVING!" Donald yanked Minnie's arm so hard it propelled her forward, and Pluto backwards, so he could slap her onto his shoulder and bring her down. "We're going to see Mickey, and that's final!"

"PUT ME DOWN, PUT ME DOWN!" Minnie kicked about, throwing a toddler's tantrum, but Donald climbed down with her anyway. "I don't want to see their stupid date! I don't want to see them get all mushy and sappy and kissing each other so comfortably! I don't wanna, I don't wanna, I don't wannaaaaa!" But no matter how loudly she complained, Donald wouldn't let her go, and the noisy duo made their way down.

Pluto watched them go, and then decided he had earned himself a nice long nap.

Mickey tapped his foot as he waited outside of Lotus Blossom's house, wondering what was taking her so long. Was she changing into a different outfit or putting on more make-up? He had heard tales of dates, but never experienced one himself. For all the stories of his parents' romance, they hadn't so much so much as dated as they had stories told and stories listened to. And, after all, thoughts of romance were still relatively new in his life. He hadn't really entertained them too much until he met Minnie, and it was only fitting that she was preoccupying his mind right now. What had he said that upset her so much? How could he properly apologize if he didn't know what the problem was? Maybe he could ask Goofy for some advice.

Any other plans were put on hold as Lotus finally exited, and much to Mickey's confusion, she didn't look any different – save for her pockets which now appeared to be bulging, and a knapsack for her back which was holding the wrapped object she'd held onto all this time. Why not leave it behind in her house? "Say, uh, miss Blossom-"

"Lotus, please," she insisted, a hand to her heart. "We're close now, aren't we? I don't have to call you your highness or anything like that, so you said? How about I call you Big Ears? Isn't that cute?"

Mickey didn't care for the nickname at all, but allowed it for the sake of getting things over with faster. "Fine, Lotus. Why have you been carrying that big thing around with you?" He pointed to her knapsack. "What is it, anyway?"

Lotus hesitated, glancing behind her, and then sighing deeply, pressing the back of her hand to her forehead. "It is my greatest treasure! It is the family heirloom my dear departed grandfather gave me! I miss him so much, so I take it with me everywhere...that way, it's as if he's always with me, guiding me, and healing the gaping wound in my heart!"

If Mickey hadn't felt instant pity and connection to losing a family member, he might've realized she still hadn't said what the heirloom was, or questioned why she would carry around something that was clearly heavy. But Mickey was a sentimental fool in many ways. "Aw gee, Lotus, I'm really sorry! I didn't mean to bring up any sad memories. I'm sure your grandfather loved you very much."

"Big Ears, you have a big heart as well!" Lotus reached down to embrace him, making sure to squeeze him especially close to her chest. "It would please my grandfather greatly to know such a kind gentleman will be taking me out on a wonderful date!"

Mickey pulled back his head so he could breathe. "Uh, yeah, sure, I bet. Now, about this date..." What was the best way to tell her he had no idea what to do? From his limited experience in such matters, dates consisted of three parts – Doing A Thing, Eating, Saying Goodbye. "I guess we could... Um... we might go... Ah..." Nope, he was coming up blank. He really couldn't imagine doing much of anything with Lotus, he barely knew the woman.

"Why don't we go to the market?" Lotus offered, holding his hand. "There are some really pretty things on sale, we could get something to remember this day!"

Mickey's eyes widened, suddenly excited for an unrelated reason. "That's a great idea! Let's head there right now! I have some extra money to spare, this should work out perfectly!" He was so pleased with this idea he didn't notice two of his sailing companions poking their heads over barrels to watch them.

Donald reasoned it would be rude to interrupt, maybe he could talk to Mickey after the date – but in all honesty, he wanted to see how a date was done, as he was just as woefully inept as Mickey was when it came to this concept. Plus, he needed to be there to restrain Minnie from running away, which wasn't easy.

And so, Mickey and Lotus Did A Thing – they went to the market. The highlight among the wares was fancy jewelry that sparkled in the sunlight. Mickey carefully went over the booths, inspecting each item he found and mulling over it silently. Lotus tried on some earrings and bracelets, each time conveniently forgetting to pay as she walked away, leaving Mickey to scramble and try to pay her tab. He'd never met such a forgetful girl in all his life! But then, the villagers seemed to be pretty forgetful too. For someone who lived there, none of the sellers appeared to know who she was.

Yet all of these facts were pushed aside when Mickey triumphantly yelled, "Yes! This is exactly it!" This caught Lotus' attention, and she loomed over his shoulder – he was cupping a silver necklace with three blue sapphires of different sizes hanging off. "This is just what I was looking for!"

"Oooh, it's a real beauty, Big Ears!" Lotus cooed, slipping her arms around Mickey from behind. "You have such excellent taste!" She thought she heard a noise, but dismissed it, never guessing it was a duck struggling to keep a mouse from throwing sandals at her head. "But don't you think it's a smidgen too small for me?"

"Huh?" Mickey looked at the woman entwining herself around him. "Oh, no, this is for Minnie! I figured this will make a pretty good apology gift for...whatever I did! And it matches her eyes, see? That really blue sapphire color, it's just like looking into her eyes!" Minus the additional effect of getting lost in them and losing the strength in one's knees. "And it'll be something she owns, instead of doing something for someone else! Isn't it great?"

Lotus narrowed her eyes in disbelief. "...You're kind of oblivious, aren't you?" She pulled away, rolling her eyes. "I'll be back in a minute, Big Ears." After giving one of those ears a teasing pinch, she walked away to a different booth.

Mickey shrugged off whatever she meant, paying for the necklace, and now he heard the noise that Lotus had earlier ignored. He turned his head, and there in an alleyway was Donald, a cloud of sheer frustration atop his head, with his arms around Minnie's waist as she was inexplicably trying to climb up a wall and escape.

"YOU GET DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW! WE'RE ALL FRIENDS, DANG IT!"

"NO! I DON'T WANNA SEE THEM! YOU GO BE HIS FRIEND!"

It was adorable in an extremely weird way. Mickey blinked slowly, and then made his way over, finger raised. "Ummm... what are you two doing?"

Both friends froze, and Donald's anger cloud now turned into a brief snow of worry. "Well! … We definitely weren't spying on your date, if that was the implication!"

"Yes!" Minnie falsely agreed, allowing herself to slip into Donald's grip. "We were just doing... the captain's duties! His orders! Whatever they were again!"

Mickey chose to ignore the fact that they were clearly lying. "I'm glad you're here anyway. Here, look!" He held out the necklace towards Minnie, his smiling face full of sunshine. "Whaddya think?"

Minnie had been so distraught over Lotus' hands all over Mickey that she never heard who the gift was meant for, and assumed it was for Lotus. She huffed, looking away and crossing her arms. "It's fine, I suppose. If you like useless hunks of rocks."

"Be nice," Donald said, pushing in Minnie's cheeks with his fingers.

Mickey's face fell along with his shoulders. "You... you really think so? Gee, I thought it would match and everything..." Did he not know Minnie as well as he thought he did? That was very disappointing. Maybe he'd been wrong in thinking he could buy her forgiveness! Yes, perhaps that was it. Okay, he could do this, he could find a way to make her happy and set things right between them! But in order to do that, he'd have to finish this date so he could properly concentrate. "Just you wait Minnie! I know exactly what to do!" He was the hero of the story, after all – and the heroes always got the girl. Even if they were currently somehow with a girl they wish they hadn't got. He sprinted back into the market, trying to think.

Minnie leaned into Donald's chest, whining. "He's practically bragging about being with her!"

"He is not," Donald insisted, pushing Minnie back into standing. "The day's not over yet! We're all friends, and friends don't give up on each other! Now let's get moving before we lose them." Minnie wouldn't budge, resulting in Donald hoisting her over his back, and that started a whole new fight.

Mickey tried to find Lotus in the crowd, which proved difficult at first. But he found something much worse – within the flowing group of people, he could spot the same three masked men from earlier! They were asking around, searching for someone, and Mickey could guess who. What persistent thieves! Why wouldn't they let one target go? He stuffed the necklace under his collar and rushed ahead, trying to find Lotus without bringing attention to himself or her. Within seconds, he spotted her speaking with a much older gentleman, holding up the wrapped object – which was now slightly unwrapped, and Mickey could see it was white and slightly familiar.

"Come on, is that all you can do for me?" Lotus shoved the object forward, insistent. "This thing has to be worth more!"

The gentleman merely shrugged. "It's the best I can do. That's a hot item on your hands, and it might be worth more trouble than coin."

"Don't give me that, it's worth plenty! You're just being cheap!"

"Lllllotus?" Mickey stretched out her name, trying to understand what he was witnessing. "Are you... selling your family heirloom? The one that keeps you from missing your grandfather?" If she was going to keep calling him Big Ears, then she shouldn't be surprised when he overheard something very startling.

The gentleman gave Lotus an incredulous look, while Lotus chewed on her bottom lip momentarily, taking the object back into her arms. "...I... was... so worried I wouldn't have enough money for our meal! My dearest grandfather would surely not want his beloved family to starve." She wiped away a tear on her cheek that didn't exist. "I understand it must be so difficult for you to understand, growing up so rich that you never had to worry about your next meal."

Mickey was straddling the line between skepticism and sincerity. "I, well, no, I wouldn't say that, I just... It's fine, I have plenty of money for lunch, we just have to – wait, what am I saying?!" He shook his head, remembering the important fact he learned seconds ago. "The thieves are back! They're looking for you, we gotta get out of here!" He grabbed Lotus by the wrist and began to run, with her sighing in aggravation and following him. "We need to find someplace where they won't look for us!"

Lotus squeezed his hand. "Not to worry, Big Ears. I know exactly where to go! And we can have our nice romantic lunch together!" Now she took the lead, dragging him along, managing to evade the masked men completely.

But she didn't evade Donald, who continued to pull Minnie along, and along, and along.

"Say 'aaah'~!"

"... Huh?"

Was Mickey really as naive as he was led to believe? Or did people actually crack open crates of food behind restaurants and eat away without paying? It almost seemed like they were sneaking bites out of the owner's storage, but Lotus had insisted she knew the owner and this was perfectly fine. She was also insisting Mickey take a slice of fruit into his mouth via her fingers and Mickey was wondering why she thought he couldn't feed himself. When she didn't pull away, Mickey finally obliged, opening his mouth and letting her plop the apple slice inside.

"Isn't this nice?" Lotus snuggled up beside Mickey, tearing away at an orange peel with her fingers. "Resting and relaxing without anyone around? Now we can really get to know each other."

"I suppose so," Mickey replied without really listening. He was tossing a singular green grape up and down, his mind down another line. Come to think of it, how much did he know about Minnie's diet? She sat with him at breakfast but her plate usually stayed full even when mealtime was over. Did genies not need to eat? There went the idea of Mickey making Minnie a meal to say he was sorry.

"So let's start off with our families!" Lotus went on, linking her arm around Mickey's. "Well, you've heard me go on and on about mine, you're probably sick of it. That means it's my turn to ask! How much are the Sultan and Sultana leaving you in their will?"

Mickey's eyes remained on the grape, and his mind remained on Minnie. "I dunno. Never asked." Maybe he could sew her something? He had no idea how to sew, and Minnie wore the same outfit every day. But he could learn, for her sake! Maybe she'd look nice in pink, or blue, or... anything, really, this was Minnie, she would look gorgeous no matter what she wore. But the beauty wasn't important as, would it make her happy?

Lotus leaned in closer, petting his head between the ears. "How much money have they left in their palace?"

"I dunno. Never asked," Mickey said again, still not bothering to look at her. How about poetry? Girls loved that sort of sappy mush, didn't they? But if Mickey was no good at imagining stories, that probably meant he'd be no good at poetry either. Still, it was worth a try. How many words rhymed with Minnie? Skinny, whinny, mini... okay that last one would definitely be cheating, and there wasn't anything pleasant he could string along with those words.

In a final desperate move, Lotus sat on Mickey's lap, her arms around his neck, fingers touching his chin upward – this was about the time Donald and Minnie arrived, peeking their heads around the corner, and Donald had to use all his strength to keep Minnie still as she was now flailing like a cat with its tail tugged. "Have your parents ever discussed how much monetary freedom your wife would ever have?"

As expected, he replied "I dunno. Never asked." But this time he finally seemed to realize how close she was to him, but instead of showing any clear signs of attraction, he asked, "Say, do you think a painting would be a good apology gift?" Art was subjective, though, so this would be tough. Plus he'd need to know her favorite image to recreate – he could never paint her, because it'd never be as good as the real thing.

Lotus inhaled heavily through her nose, lowering her head and flicking Mickey's nose. "Okay, I know when to fold 'em. Big Ears, be honest with me – you're thinking about someone else, aren't you?"

Mickey's cheeks pinked, but there was no denying the obvious. "Aw, gee, I'm really sorry, Lotus. I know this was supposed to be fun and all. I hope I didn't ruin anything. It's just... you can't control how you really feel, can you?"

Lotus smiled, and for once this appeared to be a genuine, warm smile, with no racing thoughts in her eyes or suggestive moves with her body. "I understand completely, trust me. I don't hold anything against you. I truly treasured our time together, and I will remember it always. I can only hope you beseech me one last favor to end our date?"

Relieved, Mickey sat up straight, ready to help. "Sure, what is it? You name it!"

At the corner, Donald whispered to Minnie, "See? You worried over nothing. All's well that ends well."

Minnie made a long "hmmm" noise, annoyed that Donald was apparently right. She had a feeling that Lotus could have danced in her birthday suit and Mickey would have made small talk about the weather. It still didn't make up for that kissing comment, and she still didn't like Lotus touching him, but Mickey was a grown man, more or less, and capable of making his own choices. He hadn't chosen Lotus. That would be the end of it, and maybe Minnie would feel better about the whole thing in a matter of days. Maybe she had even misjudged Lotus, who held no grudge! "I guess I can't really ever stop my Master from making friends. Maybe I was... too harsh on her earlier." Maybe there was time to apologize. What did Lotus want from Mickey, anyway?

"A goodbye kiss," said Lotus.

In that instant Minnie was torn between throwing a crate of bananas at THAT HUSSY or burying herself in a hole and never coming out. Donald had to move quickly and slap his hands over Minnie's mouth before she could scream, muffling her horror. "I-I-It's not that bad!" Donald stammered, pulling Minnie back. "It's no big deal! Maybe Mickey's kissed other girls before, so this won't mean anything to him!"

Mickey's eyes widened, and now his entire face, even the tips of his Big Ears, were getting pinker. "I... It... that... really? Are you sure? I-I don't think you'd like it, I'm not very good, I've never kissed anyone before."

Lotus touched Mickey's cheeks, holding his face up. "Then it will be my honor to give you your first kiss!"

"You're killing me here, Mickey," Donald groaned quietly, his body getting exhausted from wrangling Minnie.

Yes, Lotus had given up her plans to seduce Mickey so she could have a wealthy life, but now this was a matter of womanly pride. If this wouldn't leave a lasting impression on him and win his heart, then her dignity would never recover. She wouldn't even wait for Mickey to give her proper permission, as she closed her eyes, leaned in -

"We've found you at last!"

Oh thank goodness, thought Donald, Minnie, and Mickey at the same time – before comprehending that this particular interruption may not have been a good thing. Donald and Minnie had been so busy playing catch and escape that they completely failed to notice the three masked men walk right by them. Now they were standing among the crates, holding out long wooden staffs, all of them aimed at Lotus. "There's nowhere to run!" said the leader, stepping forward.

"You tell her, bro!" said the smallest of the trio.

"May we all resolve this peacefully," said the biggest of the trio.

Lotus rolled her eyes, "Sheesh, you guys never give up, do you?"

Mickey pushed Lotus off of him, jumping up and brandishing his sword. "You guys aren't going to lay a hand on her!"

"We have no qualm with you," said the leader, not bothering to face Mickey. "Stand aside, and let us do our duty."

"No way!" Mickey held his ground as Lotus began to inch away, looking for another exit. "If you want her, you'll have to get through me!"

"And me!" Donald cried from the corner, lightly putting Minnie aside before joining Mickey's side, brandishing his fists. "I'm with you all the way, Mickey! Let's take these guys down!"

Mickey wasn't exactly in a mood to celebrate camaraderie. "...Were you two still spying on me?"

"...Define spying."

"So, yes, you were."

"She's getting away!" the youngest masked man cried out, pointing above – indeed, Lotus was climbing the crates to get to the rooftop.

Upon being found out, she twirled and winked at Mickey. "It was fun while it lasted, Big Ears! Next time, I'll get your lips for sure." With a little laugh, she blew a kiss at Mickey, and ran to the edge of the rooftop, grabbing a clothesline and sliding down.

"After her!" The leader of the trio roared, and the three dashed off, with Mickey and Donald giving chase, and Minnie struggling to keep up. Now it was a strung out chase through the streets – Mickey and his friends chasing the masked men, and the masked men chasing Lotus. As they all raced through the sand and crowds, the wrapped heirloom began to lose more and more of its covering, revealing its true identity.

Mickey didn't see this, but he did see salvation in the form of Goofy, Horace, and Clarabelle – they were right ahead, trying to get back to the boat with their supplies.

"Goofy!" Mickey yelled as loud as he could, catching the dog's attention. "Stop the thieves!"

Goofy took one look at the stampede heading his way, and nodded. "Okey-dokey!" He placed down his sack of lemons, and then leaned down as if to start stretching exercises – he stuck out his leg to trip Lotus, caught her in his arms, spun her around six times, tossed her up, caught the heirloom in one hand and the girl in the other. Lotus was far too dizzy to make any sort of cry or scream, or even retaliate. Horace and Clarabelle merely watched the spectacle with faint curiosity, far too accustomed to such shenanigans.

The two chasing groups slowed down to a halt, but Mickey shot up ahead, outraged. "Goofy! What are you doing?! I said stop the thieves!"

"And I did," Goofy said.

"No you didn't! She was trying to get away from them! I've been helping her avoid them all day, and you're helping them rob her?" Mickey knew they were pirates, but this was a new low!

But Goofy didn't budge, calmly holding the supposed heirloom up in the air. "Are you sure? Cause this looks an awful lot like it belongs to those guys." Now the object was fully unwrapped, and Mickey's jaw dropped – it was a white mask, and it looked exactly like the masks the men were wearing!

The leader of the group sighed in relief, removing his own white mask to reveal a blonde duck with a kind face. "You have our thanks, stranger! I am Wildwing, and this is my little brother, Nosedive, and our fellow priest, Grin."

"...Priest?" Mickey asked weakly, feeling every last drip of color drain from his face.

The little brother took off his own mask, revealing a long fuss of blonde hair and a playful expression. "Sure, dude! We worship the gods of the north, got a sweet shrine not too far from here. But this babe broke in and stole our sacred mask!"

"...Stole?" Mickey could swear the earth was ready to swallow him whole.

Lastly, Grin removed his mask, and while he was large and full of muscle, he spoke softly, lightly smoothing down his itty bitty black ponytail. "It is said our ancestors wore this mask while protecting our people from evil-doers, and so we don similar visage in their honor. The original mask is made out of very valuable material, so I can empathize with her desires... but I'd still like to hit her."

"But... but... but..." Mickey stammered, pointing this way and that way, his black and white worldview now made blindingly gray. It was like his skull was being squeezed, and as his anger began to bubble, he whipped around to glare at Lotus, who was huffing about being caught. "You! I can't believe you! I was really worried about you, and trying to help you, and felt really bad about not liking you! How could you do that to me?"

"It was really easy," Lotus replied. "You're an easy mark, Big Ears. Shame we never got that kiss, though, I'm sure you would've been pretty good at it."

Clarabelle's hand shot up in the air. "Excuse me? I need details."

Ignoring her need for gossip, Goofy handed the mask over to Wildwing and placed Lotus back on her feet, lightly pushing her into Nosedive and Grin's arms. "There you go, fellas. Happy to have helped!"

Wildwing bowed deeply. "We'll return the mask to the shrine, and take this thief to the proper authorities. If there's anything we can ever do to repay you, just say the word."

"Money," said Horace, but a nudge from Goofy made him shush.

Nosedive grabbed Lotus by one arm and Grin took her other. "All right, babe, you better tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!" said Nosedive.

"May you find peace during your soul-searching behind bars," said Grin, "And maybe work on some apologies."

Lotus allowed herself to be taken away, even walking along with them without a care in the world. Mickey had a sneaking suspicion that this wasn't the first time she'd been caught – and it wouldn't be the last time she inevitably escaped. This was a woman who cared for nothing and no one, and didn't let it bother her. Mickey's pride was thoroughly trampled, and the anger in him kept burning. If she didn't care about being caught, what was the point? She wasn't even sorry for what she did to him! His fingers curled, and his chest burned, and he wanted to punish her himself, wanted to make her pay, wanted her to hurt-

"I'd say this was a pretty good way to learn a lesson." Goofy's hand suddenly came down on Mickey's hand, as if physically snuffing out a candle. Had he perhaps seen, and prevented, the outburst readying in Mickey's face? "Not everyone who looks good is good, and not everyone who looks bad is bad. We're still kind of behind on shopping, though, so maybe we ought to get back to it."

It did the trick, and Mickey's temper was doused, though the shame ate away at him. "I, uh... yes, Captain." His eyes found Horace, whose arms were crossed and was looking at Mickey with expectations. Mickey sighed heavily, lowering his head. "I'm really sorry about running away from you, Horace. You were just trying to help, and I wouldn't listen. Maybe if I had, none of this would have happened. I promise, from now on, I'll pay attention to whatever you have to say, no matter how I think about it."

Horace watched Mickey steadily, but then smiled way too cheerfully. "No harm done, oh great Son of Scheherazade! Sure, it made me feel like a worm under a rock, but what's a little pain between crewmates? I can absolutely let this slide!"

Mickey lifted his head, delightfully surprised, despite hearing the title he so loathed. He could let that slide this once, if it meant things were resolved. "Aw, gee, really Horace?"

"Wait for it," Clarabelle warned.

Horace's smile turned into a devious grin. "After all, I'll be able to tell the amazing Scheherazade a story... how her son helped a thief steal from priests!" He turned on his heel, cackling like an evil mastermind.

"WHAT?! NOOOO!" Mickey chased after him, flailing like a chicken with its head cut off. "You can't tell my parents about this! Come on, Horace, be a pal! I'm begging you here! Father will never let it go! PLEEEASE!" But no matter how much Mickey begged, Horace continued to go on and on about he'd tell Scheherazade all about her child's stupid seduction, at least until Clarabelle gave him a good thwack upside the head. Goofy casually reminded everyone what they were supposed to be doing, and once again, an attempt at shopping was made, although this time Mickey was predictably short on cash – Lotus had even stolen all the coins he had in his pockets! Donald offered to share what little coin he had with his friend, and Minnie was silent, silent, silent all the while.

The day came to an end, and everyone made their way back to the ship with purchases in hand. Mickey walked slower than the rest of the gang, his body heavy with shame. It felt like a layer of filth that would never wash off. Even if his parents wouldn't find out about it, it would stay with Mickey forever, as if he was wearing a sign that said I AM A DUMMY. Minnie watches him, still not saying a word, having a feeling that "I told you so" wasn't going to make things better. It was actually unpleasant seeing him so miserable, like a smear on a good painting. Donald, whose entire life was built around misery, didn't understand why Mickey was allowing such a little matter to hurt him so deeply. Besides, there were far more important things to worry about. It wasn't until the ship was in sight that Donald remembered something. "Say, why did you two argue in the first place?" He asked Mickey and Minnie, while Panchito and José were singing their usual nonsense. "Was it really just about Lotus Blossom?"

"Don't ask me, I don't know," Mickey answered with a shrug before hoisting his sack of vegetables over his shoulder to get a better look at Minnie. "Why did you storm off like that?"

If there was one thing Minnie and Lotus could agree on, it was that Mickey was clearly oblivious. Minnie kept her eyes away, carrying ink bottles and quills. "It's not a big deal... I have no qualms with my Master, no matter how uncomfortable I make him."

Mickey blinked three times in a row. "What do you mean? You don't make me uncomfortable."

"My Master is a liar now?" Minnie stuck her chin up. "You said so yourself, that the thought of kissing me made you uncomfortable! But I promise you, I don't really care whether you want to kiss me or not."

Mickey stared, his eyes popping out of his skull. "What? Is that what you think? Minnie – I've wanted to kiss you since I first laid eyes on you!" Now that got everyone's attention, stopping to watch the love story unfold. Mickey blushed, and mumbled under his breath without thinking, "I wish we could have some privacy-"

And lo and behold, the wish was granted. Mickey and Minnie suddenly poofed into his room on the ship, sending the vegetables and ink bottles and quills sprawling on the floor. Mickey landed on his back on the bed with a loud "OOF" and Minnie landed on top of him with a more feminine "EEK". The two of them stayed like this for a minute, cheeks red from embarrassment, and being too tired and pained from the wish to actually move. "Sorry," Mickey said eventually.

"Forget that!" Minnie moved to lean on her hands and knees, looking down at Mickey. "If you want to kiss me so badly, then why did you say it was uncomfortable to Lotus?"

Mickey felt himself sink to the bed as he felt he was explaining the obvious, but he was in no position to push Minnie away. "I... um... well..." A hard swallow, a clearing of his throat, a few mental pushes, "Minnie, whatever I feel for you... whatever I'd like to do to you, however I'd like to be with you... I can't act on any of it as long as you're a genie."

Minnie narrowed her eyes, instantly going toward the negative thoughts. "Because I'm inhuman?"

"No!" Mickey shouted, wincing a little as he tried and failed to sit up. "You've been at this for years and years and years... you've probably been hurt more times than I can count. You've been told that you're just a servant and nothing more, and now you think it too! So...if I were to try anything, and you...you did something back..." He shyly met her eyes, relieved to see her hard expression softening in confusion. "I just... I could never be sure if you were doing it because you wanted to... or because you're expected to do whatever I want. I can't do that to you. I'd never be able to live with myself. So... so no matter how badly I want to kiss you, or tell you things, or anything... I can't do it until I set you free. Do you understand?"

That strange, warm, clawing feeling in Minnie's heart that had been discovered during Donald's trials was now all-encompassing. Minnie's mouth hung open, but nothing came out. She could not trace a single iota of malice or greed in those words. He didn't resent her for being what she was – if anything, he was blaming himself. In all the years and years and years she'd been in this prison, not once had any of her wardens ever said anything like this. Nor had they ever meant the gentleness in their voices, the pain in their eyes, and the softness of their touch like what she found in this nervous boy underneath her. There was a painful stab in her chest, like the cracking of the shell she'd worn for ages.

Mickey's inner darkness – if he had any at all – was far, far deeper than Minnie thought any person was capable of. Instead, he was pure light in all he said and all he did, even when it proved to be his downfall. In that shining, beautiful moment, she could not recognize one more unfamiliar emotion fluttering within her – hope.

"Why..." her voice was diminutive, girlish, and Mickey wondered if that was how Minnie spoke once upon a time before time had tried to destroy her. "Why didn't you just say so in the first place?"

"Thought it was obvious," Mickey mumbled, noting that from now on, he'd have to be much more upfront and direct when it came to telling Minnie anything. "You don't have to like me, or even love me, Minnie, but... can't we be friends, at least?"

"I... I..." But before Minnie could answer, someone finally got a kiss that day – and it was Minnie, tackled down by Pluto and being given generous, sloppy licks. Yay, Lady Friend was back! And Lady Friend was Smiling, so Lady Friend Must be Happy! Hurray for Lady Friend!

"Pluto!" Mickey yelped, trying to grab Pluto by the collar and yank him back. "Knock it off! Can't you read the mood?!... Why am I telling a dog this?!" He turned his head to apologize to Minnie, but the sight of her now was like Aphrodite when she first entered the mortal realm, a sight too beautiful to ignore.

She was giggling wildly, her hands on her face, a magnificent dam burst and giving life to one who needed it most. She couldn't remember the last time she had truly, genuinely, actually laughed. It was such a melodious and infectious sound that Mickey wound up laughing as well, until they could no longer breathe. Pluto didn't understand what was so funny, but he curled up on Mickey's lap, pleased to have those he cared about most with him again.

When the crew-mates returned to the ship and heard such happy sounds, not a single one dared to interrupt.

The waitress nervously approached the owner of the darkly lit bar with a tray of drinks. Nobody liked serving her, and with good reason. "Your order, madam." The waitress bit her lip, trying to make the best of a bad situation. "You... you seem like you're in an awfully good mood today."

The younger woman chuckled, spreading her cards out on the table, a wisp of fresh smoke escaping her golden pipe. "What can I say? I like what I see." Yet her eyes were closed. "Leave it on the table. I have some planning to do... we all do, really. Our beloved captain is coming back."

The waitress gasped, almost spilling her tray. "He is? But how could you possibly know? He hasn't sent any messages or..." She trailed off, feeling ridiculous. Why bother asking such questions? The madam always knew. She knew everything.

The pretty lady duck flipped a card in her fingers – a robed figure trying to guide two shadowy individuals down one path. "Do you know what this card is?"

The waitress squinted. "The... Lovers?" She read off the tiny wording on the bottom. "Does that mean romance is coming?"

"It means many things, dearie. At a crossroads, one cannot take both paths. You can only believe in one thing, or another. Will he follow the path that leads to what he wants to hear... or face the truth that comes from the past?" The waitress assumed the "he" was the captain, but the duck was talking of someone no one in the bar knew of – a royal prince laughing with his lady love. "Either way... this is going to be a lot of fun."