Chapter 5 – Land of the Small

"Darn it, Meroko! You're not helping at all. I guess we'll have to go THERE to solve this problem", said a frustrated Takuto.

"Where's 'there'?" asked Mitsuki.

"Well, we're really not supposed to be there, but since nothing Meroko or I can do isn't helping, we have no chance. Mitsuki, there is a place that you can go to return to normal size, though there's a problem."

"What's the problem?"

"We're REALLY, REALLY not supposed to go th.."

FWAP! went a fan from Meroko, which she magically pulled out from behind her back.

"The problem is that Takuto can be a real worrywart sometimes", teased Meroko. "Mitsuki, since I only made things worse for both you and your manager, I'll be happy to take you to Small Kingdom."

"Small Kingdom?" wondered Ooshige-san. "That's a stupid name.."

"Yeah it is", agreed Meroko. "But it's the only way. They make serums there that allow living things to shrink as well as grow back. However, only those who can see spirits such as shinigami can see it, so only you, me, and Takuto can go there."

"But what about me!" asked a worried Ooshige-san, still concerned about her small stature.

"Since Meroko hit you with the ray gun, you'll only be temporarily tiny for an hour", comforted Takuto. "Afterwards, you'll return to normal size. Meanwhile, we've been with Mitsuki for four hours, and she still hasn't changed back yet.."

"Then you guys better be on your way", said Wakaouji. "Good luck."

"Thanks, Wakaouji-sensei", smiled Mitsuki, bowing to Wakaouji. "And when the time comes for the urgent business...tell them I got sick."

"No, Mitsuki", said Takuto. "I'll stay here and transform into you to prevent any mix-ups."

"Good idea", smiled Meroko.

"Thank you, Takuto", Mitsuki smiled yet again, hugging Takuto's leg.

Back at Mitsuki's house...

"Now Mitsuki, you realize that to get the serum, you have to do whatever you're told, right?" instructed Meroko. "Once you're there, you'll be given a guide, and once you fulfill his or her requirements, only then will you be given the serum."

"Yes, I do", replied Mitsuki. "I'll do whatever it takes to be bigger than a Ricca-chan doll again."

"You also know that I can't help you, right?" reminded Meroko. "You have to fulfill the tasks on your own."

"I understand", a worried Mitsuki responded. "I have to do this, or else I'll let Ooshige-san and Wakaouji-sensei down."

"OK then."

With that, Meroko opened up the portal to Small Kingdom, making it big enough to fit both her and Mitsuki inside. Takuto stayed behind to transform into Mitsuki in case her grandmother showed up any minute.

Good luck, thought Takuto.

Small Kingdom Gates

Despite its name, Small Kingdom was anything but small. The town Mitsuki and Meroko were teleported to was as long as they could see with their eyes; there must've been 50 or so houses to the left and right of them. And it was a busy one at that; everyone was getting ready for work. Cars were honking, cell phones ringing, and, in some cases, people flying to work to avoid traffic, along with spell and magic shops everywhere.

"Odd. It seems far more modern than I previously imagined it", commented Meroko. "What with a name like 'Kingdom' at all..."

"But these houses have an unique, old-fashioned charm to them", smiled Mitsuki. "They look very European, like the houses in Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne."

I find it odd that she's referencing manga at a time like this thought Meroko to herself.

Just then, a boy appeared in front of Mitsuki and Meroko. He was about Mitsuki's height when she's 12, mainly a little taller. He had medium-length blue hair, green eyes, and wore black gloves. His attire consisted of a plain white shirt, black shorts, and black shoes, inside of them little white socks. The boy then introduced himself.

"Hello there, Kouyama-san. My name is Pero. I will be your guide today."

"Eh! You!" exclaimed Mitsuki. "But you look so…formal.."

"Only because I don't look wearing the required clothes the Kingdom makes me wear. But hey, you dressed like a character from an anime, so why can't I dress like I want to?"

"Makes sense.."

"Anyways, Mitsuki.." Pero paused for a second, took out a microphone from behind his back (it didn't really come from ANYWHERE), and turned it on. "ARE YOU READY TO GET BIG!" he yelled somewhat loud.

"Um…I guess I am", said Mitsuki.

"Then let's get going. Please follow me, Kouyama-san. I wouldn't want such a lovely girl like you to keep waiting."

"Y-yes..", blushed Mitsuki in embarrassment. And with that, Meroko opened up a portal behind herself, and left, waving good-bye to Mitsuki just before doing so.

You're on your own now, Mitsuki Meroko thought to herself. Hope you make it.

TO BE CONTINUED

CHAPTER NOTES

Ricca-chan is the Japanese equivalent of Barbie in its native Japan.