Chapter Text
Today’s fortune:
A new chapter in your life has now begun!
Although I was sleepy, I managed to get to my desired destination after landing in Orlando. Another driver got me to my new house, where furniture and even a bed were already set. All that was left was the things the Sonic Team and I packed.
The next morning, I woke up in what felt like the most comfortable bed I’d ever slept in. Either that, or my position made it feel heavenly. When I did wake up, my new bedroom was rather dull, with my suitcase sprawled out in front of the closet, with some clothes on the floor. I managed to sit myself up, and I stretched.
“Home….sweet home….or, at least it will be.” I yawned at least twice.
I got up and went down the very short set of stairs, rubbing my eyes.
When I got to really look around, I got a better chance to see just how small but comforting this house seemed to be. It was probably a third as big as the house in Station Square. A small living room, but a very nice TV set, a comfy looking couch, a similarly small kitchen and dining room, and a patio door that was exactly like the front door. While this home seemed small and plain, it felt comfortable and humbling. I immediately grew to like that, for I knew it was only me, and this suited a woman like me just fine. Besides, I had just moved in, and I had a lot of personalization to do to make this house really feel like a home. I smiled, knowing I likely had some projects ahead of me.
I went to the fridge and looked inside, only for the emptiness to remind me that I hadn’t even gotten food yet.
“Ugh….I totally forgot….” I facepalmed.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK! Soft knocking.
I just went and answered the door, trying to fix my hair a little.
There was a young woman, of Asian heritage, at my door, and there were grocery bags by her feet.
“Good morning. Are you Miss Emily Ann?” She asked me.
“Yes, I am.” I confirmed.
“My name is Du Ai, and the Dragon’s Light restaurant of Station Square notified me and my family restaurant of your moving into this town. Let me welcome you here, and my family and I have gotten you some groceries for you to help you out for the next week or so.” She gestured to the bags.
I was surprised.
“W-Wow….thank you so much, Ai….that’s so kind of you.” I slowly took some of the grocery bags and took them inside.
“Please, come in.” I allowed her inside. She walked in and closed the door behind her.
“I hear you got here late last night?” She asked.
“I did. Thank you and your family very much for getting this for me. You didn’t have to, though.”
“Don’t worry. For a special person like you, it’s the least we could do.” She held a kind smile.
I smiled back at her. “Thanks. And it’s very nice to meet you. If I may, what kind of restaurant do you run?”
“A Chinese restaurant in town, called Spirit’s Chinese Cuisine. You’re more than welcome to come and have a nice meal, on us.” She said.
“That’s very kind of you.”
“In the meantime, here. I also heard from Dragon’s Light that you like getting fortune cookies every morning.” She handed me a little box, much like from Dragon’s Light.
“Thank you so much.”
“It’s my genuine pleasure, Emily. I hope you enjoy your new home.”
“I believe I really will.”
After Ai kindly departed and went about her business, I had put the groceries away, and I fed myself some over easy eggs on pieces of toast. I fully enjoyed my very first meal in my new home.
Close to the afternoon, I got myself further settled in with new mail, taking a shower, and grooming myself like normal.
After coming back downstairs, I was just about to call Mickey….
A loud car horn was heard right from my driveway, catching me by surprise. I looked out the front door window, only to see a fancy-looking black car in my driveway.
The passenger emerged from the car just as I then opened the front door.
An older man, perhaps older than Mom herself, holding a black cane, wearing a similarly black top hat, as well as what looked like a red trench coat. I recognized him immediately, and it shocked me.
“Scrooge?!” I stepped onto the porch.
“Oi! A warm welcome to you, Emily, lass!” He approached me, holding a welcoming smile on his face.
We approached each other, meeting up in my new driveway.
“Didn’t expect you to come by.”
“Well, surprise to you.” He joked.
I giggled. “I’d let you inside, but I don’t have too much food to spare….”
“Oh, don’t worry about that, lass. I’m here to welcome you to your new home. Do the others know you’re here?”
“Not yet. Haven’t gotten a chance to let anyone know yet.”
“Well, do you know what day it is?”
I quickly checked my phone.
“November 18th. What of it?”
“There’s a very special birthday today.”
“But mine was four months ago….” I tilted my head a little in immediate response.
“Wait….” I caught myself. “You said there’s a birthday today?”
“Aye.” Scrooge nodded.
“Whose birthday? I’m obviously missing something.”
“Mickey’s, of course.” Scrooge answered. “There’s a big celebration going on tonight.”
“Where?” I grew more and more intent to know.
“The House of Mouse. And my, he’ll be in for a treat when he finds out you’re here.” He smiled.
“Crap, I forgot it’s his birthday….I didn’t even get myself a dress for it.” I slightly panicked at first. “Whoawhoawhoa…..you said the House of Mouse?”
“Yes. It’s the most successful club around. And it’s family friendly, too. Mickey’s birthday celebration is huge every year, and everyone in the entire world of Disney is going to be there. Myself, included. What’s another friend?”
“I’d be honored to go, but like I said, I don’t have a dress right now for the occasion.”
“Don’t fret, lass. I can help with that. We still have a few hours until the party begins. That is, if you don’t mind me helpin’ you out.”
I felt like I just couldn’t say no, and I smiled. “Thanks, Scrooge.”
“Anytime, Emily. Get in the car.” He gestured with his cane.
We both got in the black car, and we drove off.
A few hours passed, and I soon found myself in McDuck Manor, with Scrooge’s hospitality, and I had just come out of the shower and started drying myself off.
“Wow….this place is bigger than I remember in the shows….” I couldn’t help but comment as I blow-dried my hair.
Scrooge easily readied himself in the meantime. He was combing his feathers as he came out of the master bedroom.
“Hey, Uncle Scrooge.” Dewey came. “I just heard THE Emily Ann is here.”
“She is, Dewey. She’s just getting ready for the big party tonight. It should be a little bit till she comes back out.” Scrooge told him.
“Wait, what?!” Webby popped out. “Emily Ann, of all people?!”
“Indeed, lass. She just moved into Mickey’s neighborhood. He just doesn’t know it yet.” Scrooge replied.
“I got SO MANY questions to ask her!” Webby was excited.
“Now now, dear, don’t get too excited just yet.” Beakley gently told her granddaughter.
“Sorry, Granny....” Webby blushed a little.
After several more minutes, I found myself coming to the main stairwell of the manor, and I let myself downstairs. The dress I was in was much like what I remember wearing at a point when I was shanghaied in Maleficent’s dark world, clear back in July. The design was almost the same, but it was glittering rather gently, and the color was a royal violet I’ve always been known to bear very well. My hair was neatly brushed and let down, like almost all the time.
“Oh my my my….” Scrooge smiled.
“You look absolutely beautiful, Miss Emily.” Beakley complimented.
“Thank you, Ms. Beakley.” I came down to the same floor as the others with ease. “And it’s nice to meet you.”
“You as well.” She shook my hand.
“Ah, that reminds me.” Scrooge then came and took his own turn to shake my hand. “Where are my manners?”
“Maybe at that department store where we picked this dress out?” I joked as I shook his hand.
The kids laughed a little, and Scrooge facepalmed.
“Aye, I walked right into that, didn’t I?”
“Yup.” I giggled.
“It’s so exciting to finally meet a good sorceress like you, Miss Emily! I’m Webby Vanderquack!” She came and eagerly shook my hand.
“Hey there, Webby. And please, just Emily.” I insisted.
“Thanks, Emily!” She was very excited.
I looked at the other kids as the rest came in.
“Leena, Violet, Huey, Dewey, and Louie. A pleasure to meet you guys.”
“You too, Em. Is it okay if I call you that?” Louie asked casually.
“By all means. A lot of my friends call me that.” I accepted.
“Now, I think it’s time to get going. We don’t want to be late.” Scrooge urged.
“But where’s Donald? Della, too?” I then asked.
“Oh, they’re with Daisy, getting ready on their own.” Scrooge replied. “Don’t worry, lass, they’re just fine. Now, let’s get goin’!”
“Yeah! Let’s party!” I clapped my hands, and we went over to Scrooge’s limo.
It was getting dark when we made it to the House of Mouse clubhouse. I’ll admit it….it was exactly like I remembered on the outside. Many other guests were in line to get in.
“Ah, here we are.” Scrooge smiled as the limo parked. “Now, Emily, I’m certain you’d like to surprise Mickey and his friend in a way only you may know how, correct?”
“I would like that. You just read my mind.” I replied.
“Now, the others and I are goin’ in, but you’ll be waiting here until everyone else is inside and settled in. That can be when you make your great entrance.”
“I like the idea. I’ll wait.” I accepted. “Besides, the seats here are real comfortable.” I couldn’t help but comment.
He chuckled. “Alright, then it’s a little plan. See you inside.” Scrooge then got out of the limo, alongside the others. I waited alone, pulling out my phone. I knew I had at least one game I could play to kill the time.
It took a little time, but all the guests managed to get inside and get to their designated tables. There was some light music playing through the club, and light conversations going on about. Some employees took drink orders as buss people filled the glasses with ice water.
Mickey and Minnie, both in special outfits for the clubhouse, then came onto the stage. The guests all applauded as the pair showed themselves.
“Come on in!” I got a text message from Louie.
“Hi’ya, everybody! Welcome back to the House of Mouse!” Mickey announced.
“Now, as you all may know, today is a very special day! And to celebrate, there will be live music, cartoons, karaoke, and the best food we can dish out! All in honor of the wonderful Mickey Mouse and his birthday!” Minnie had her arm around her special friend.
“G-Gosh….” Mickey almost blushed as Minnie kissed his cheek.
The guests applauded some more.
“Thank you all for coming on this special night!" Mickey announced.
I made my way through the entrance, much to Daisy’s surprise. She got up from her desk.
“E-Emily? Is that really you?....” She came over to me.
“Hey there, Daisy. Sorry it’s been so long.” I approached her.
“F-Forget that, I’m just surprised you’re here.” She held my hands eagerly.
“Donald! Donald!” She called out, turning her head.
“QUAAACK!” Donald came, surprised. “I’m right behind ya, Daisy!”
“Hi, Donald.” I waved.
He was shocked to silence at first.
“Emily?....”
“That’s me. I’m here now, and actually….after making some big decisions, I’m here to stay .”
“In this world?” Donald asked.
“You got it. I’ll be happy to explain a little more in a bit.”
“But does Mickey know you’re here?” Daisy asked.
“No clue. Good thing I moved in last night. Right on time, huh?” I giggled a little.
“I’ll say! C’mon in, and your food and drinks will be on the house.” Daisy guided me to the doors to the main guests’ room.
“Wow….thanks, guys.” I was a little surprised.
“Don’t mention it, Em! It’s great to have you here!” Donald quacked happily.
I then opened the doors myself. Upon my entrance, more and more guests, all of which being familiar to me, turned and looked, eventually catching the attention of the pair onstage.
I looked around. The room was almost exactly like I remembered from the cartoon, long ago. Like I mentioned, the characters were all familiar to me, and many of them recognized me.
“Emily!” I heard Honey Lemon first, and she came right to me and gave me a hug.
I hugged her back. “Hey there, Honey Lemon.” I was just starting to soak in the mounting joy.
Mickey dropped his arm around Minnie, unable to speak.
More and more characters came up to me and gave me hugs, shook my hands, and some even curtsied and bowed respectfully. I returned all those gestures in similar respect and joy.
“My my….you’ve grown !” Belle held my hand.
“You have no idea.” I replied.
“Nice dress, Em!” LaunchPad complimented.
“Thanks, LaunchPad. Scrooge helped me pick it out. It just feels familiar to me….” I replied.
I heard Jim Hawkins laugh a little. “Great to meet ya, Em.” He shook my hand.
I did the same for him. “You too, Jim.”
“But look at him .” He gestured to the stage.
I finally looked at Mickey.
“Emily….you’re here?” Minnie was surprised.
“Sure am. I’m here to celebrate, too.” I walked over to the stage.
Mickey came and looked down at me from the stage.
“E-Emily….you came?”
I nodded. “Uh-huh.”
He knelt down, reaching his hands out toward me. Just as I started reaching my own out, Mickey gently caressed my cheeks, warm to the touch. I was slightly surprised, but I almost immediately smiled.
“Hi.” I then said.
“H-Hi’ya….” He began to smile as his eyes glassed up.
I let gold glow around my feet and the bottom of my dress, letting me float up to the stage. Once I got to the same level as Mickey, I knelt in front of him.
“Guess what.”
“Wh-What?” His eyes remained wide.
“I’m not here to visit. I made my own decisions, and here I am. I moved into your neighborhood last night.” I told him.
I didn’t think his eyes could get any wider, but I was proven wrong. And tears finally started rolling down his face.
“Y-You’re….joking….”
“No. The Sonic Team will be just fine. All they really wanted with me is for me to be happy. And I believe I’ll be happiest in this world, with you . Happy birthday, Mickey.” I opened my arms.
He eagerly bolted right in, and his end of the newborn embrace was just as eager. I hugged him back just as close, and just as warm. In pure joy, Mickey then kissed my cheek. Applause was heard in response.
Soon enough, I was seated at my own table, close to the stage, and I was served a meal and drink of my choice. Live music was being performed, courtesy of Louis and the New Orleans jazz band known at Tiana’s Place. But I wasn’t seated alone. Mickey and Minnie were seated with me.
“You really did catch us by surprise by coming here, Emily.” Minnie began.
“To be fair, I honestly forgot the kind of day today is, but I just went with it. Scrooge was a big help today.” I said as I sipped some water.
“But….you really moved into my neighborhood?” Mickey asked.
“Yup. Like I said, I decided I would likely be happiest around you and our friends all over this colorful world.” I replied.
Mickey smiled warmly. “I think I’m feeling luckier and luckier by the minute. What’s your exact address?”
“Here, I’ll write it down for you.” I took out a pen and wrote it down on a paper napkin. When I let Mickey see it, his eyes widened once again.
“What? What is it?” I asked, naturally concerned.
“Emily….” He then looked at me again. “You’re my new nextdoor neighbor.”
My jaw almost dropped. “Shut up….”
“I’m not kidding….we’re nextdoor neighbors!” His eyes lit up like a child’s on Christmas morning.
“Mom sure knows how to pick ‘em.” I smiled.
“Things just got better, didn’t they?” Minnie giggled.
Both she and Mickey then gave me big hugs. I hugged them back the same way.
After a moment, I suddenly remembered.
“Oh! I almost forgot something.” I then broke the hug and reached into my purse. I pulled out what looked like a little gift box.
“Happy birthday, Mickey. It’s for you.” I gave the box to him.
Mickey opened it, letting Minnie look along with him. What was inside proved to be very special. A pin in the shape of a golden rose. He smiled warmly, his eyes immediately matching in warmth.
Mickey then put the box and pin aside, and he gave me a warmer and gentler hug.
“Ya really didn’t have to pick out a present for me, Emily. Having you here, and knowing you’re here to stay, let alone being my nextdoor neighbor, is more than enough for me. We all love ya, pal. I definitely love ya.”
I hugged him back in the same manner. “I love you too, Mickey.” I didn’t have a need to say much else. Neither did he anymore.
One thing was now certain. I had a very good feeling about this!