WONDER ( Twisted Forbidden Tales ) Book Three

Mu Drama Part Five

HANK

Listening to Alissa‘s inner thoughts once again as lounged leisurely on top of the old man Shiitake's desk. Gave me a smug-like joy as I listened to her take in the mic drop of her master’s words that I her Happy cat companion was indeed a man trapped inside that she came to finally no longer deny was Hank.

She indeed had f****d her cat but I had done my duty to tend her real good too that night. The old man had done it on purpose. With this new kick arising from our night together being able to hear her inner thoughts was awesome. Even so, this ability while I was Happy the cat had its limits, some thoughts I couldn’t hear too clearly.

The name Alice stood out at one point through her spiral of thoughts as she came to terms that Hank a.k.a. me, was a real person. We were bound to rip off this cumbersome band-aid sooner or later making today as good a day as any. On top of things the old man was wise but also sneaky. I wonder if others knew about his mind-reading abilities. For the past few hours, the both of us had met a stalemate with his constant probing inside my cat’s mind.

Having dealt with people like him before back in my home realm. I was no pushover and only allowed him to see what I wanted him to was perfectly timed to Alissa’s arrival. What he did with the information was within my expectations. I would gain someone on my side who could aid me in finding a permanent way to turn back to myself.

As the old man paced back and forth, Alissa held both hands in her hair as she stared at me with every kind of emotion running through her beautiful blue eyes. Her eyes narrowed into a fierce glare, but her inner thoughts were completely different. However, I had to get this team back on track after all, the old man Shitake had mentioned he needed our help to weed out some persistent bothersome Fungi here in his Mushroom Bay.

We had to get this plan down pact and set things in motion with the little time we had. I wanted to find out what this Angel Fairy pollen he mentioned was that he picked up hints of its residue still on my fur. It was a good thing Alissa had brought the powder with her, maybe we can start getting to the bottom of things and find more clues leading to the missing people in Wonder Kingdom.

“Meow!” I couldn’t help letting out a loud call that seemed to echo through the office we occupied.

“Oh! Pardon me Happy, I was lost in thought just now. You’ve got these old bones mighty intrigued with your situation. Given the essence of the Angel Fairy Pollen traces within your fur makes me partly responsible for you. This Pollen only grows here in Mushroom Bay from the D’Angel family with the MuDeath Family clans. I’m obligated to help you and in turn, you have helped me answer a question that has long been plaguing my mind for some time now Happy. Thank you!” Elder Shitake said everything clearly in one breath. I understood as he took a seat in his chair behind the desk and then reach out a hand to pet my fur with a warm smile. I felt him probing my mind again. He knew I couldn’t speak for now. I returned his thankfulness mentally with one of my own.

“Even so old man, you need to be careful when dealing with the D’ Angel family. They already hold a grudge against you for putting the Enoki Family as the head of all the families in the Mudeath Clans. That makes Enzo and Zuri's presence not a coincidence in being here. It must have something to do with them and also this.”

Alissa had come to her senses now. No inner thoughts were heard for the moment as she walked forward in front of the desk to set down the pouch we found on the trail in Dream Forest with the vial of powder inside.

“And the plot thickens.” Elder Shitake said as he took the pouch and opened it with ease. Pulling out the vial of white almost iridescent powder inside it a small gasp of surprise audible within the office in the silence.

“You know something don’t you?” Alissa asked her tone almost accusing but also filled with amusement.

“You don’t say child, so that’s how it is, I wonder what that crazy Hatter man will say once he knows you have this. By the way, how do you have this?” asked Alissa. He placed the vial back in the pouch pulling the drawstring closed tightly and set it back on the desk to give back to her.

“The chase after Enzo Tweedle produced this finding, however I don’t know much else except for the component makeup I found after analyzing along with one other thing,” answered Alissa honestly. She had complete trust in this old man despite him tricking her into staying here for the festival, but I had long guessed that was because he knew more than what he was letting on thus far.

“Hmm, you have always been brilliant Issa, there is no doubt that you’ve already concluded some things. But you are right about treading carefully with the D’ Angel Family. As judge now you have access to most places here in Mushroom Bay. This also gives Enzo and Zuri the same privileges. Though Peace and coexistence are what I seek here in the Bay between the MuMedi and MuDeath families, unfortunately, there will always be certain people who are never satisfied, hence this gives me the chance through you to deal with things in finality. There is bound to be a slip-up these few days and that is when I will strike.”

“Got it! But what about Happy? He can’t come with us like this or we are bound to be exposed. There is no way I’m leaving him on his own either, he has helped me a lot especially back in Tweedle City.” said Alissa with a concerned frown on her face. Her eyes observed me as she pondered over how I would join them in her mind. I wasn’t comfortable with her traveling with the old man alone either. Enzo and Zuri Tweedle could not be trusted and now another threat from this D’Angel Family who also had their hands in this powder business made me feel nothing but uneasiness.

“It seems you’ve grown quite the attachment, Issa. But don’t worry, I’ve already thought that part through. You will need these.” Elder Shitake pulled out a drawer from the desk took out two long vials and set them on the desk. The color shone enticingly in my cat’s eye drawing my intrigue.

“Meow?”

“What’s this?” Alissa and I both responded in kind.

You two are even in sync, how cute. Ha! Well, back to the important stuff. This here is my specialty and Happy’s backup plan. These two potions will serve as his cover going in and getting out of the MuDeath Village. The send-off celebration is to be hosted this time for the Mushroom Bay festival by the Enoki Family. I will only explain things once so listen carefully for we need to leave within an hour to arrive there for the festivities in time.” Elder Shitake‘s tone was serious as he explained. My eyes stayed on the vials as I listened.

The two vials of potion looked familiar to me but I couldn’t put my paws on where I had seen them before. The liquid inside the first Vial swirls with an ethereal glow, a mesmerizing blend of cerulean and lavender that dances within the confines of the vial.

The color of the potion is reminiscent of a tranquil twilight sky, but its magic is anything but serene. This elixir holds the power to shrink and transform, altering the very fabric of reality in its wake. However, its capabilities are not without limits. While it can reduce the size of objects and beings, it cannot change their fundamental nature. A mouse will remain a mouse, albeit a tiny one, and a teacup will not become a teapot.

Consuming the vial of diminution comes with both advantages and drawbacks. On one hand, it grants the ability to traverse spaces that would otherwise be inaccessible, slipping through cracks and crevices with ease. On the other hand, it leaves the imbiber vulnerable, their diminutive stature offering little in the way of defense against larger foes.

To achieve the desired effect, one must consume precisely half of the vial's contents. Any more or less, and the transformation may be incomplete or unpredictable. With a steady hand and a measured dose, one can harness the power of diminution to their advantage, though not without risk.

As for the second Vial, Inside, the liquid pulses with energy, a vibrant hue that oscillates between emerald and gold with each movement.

The color of the potion is reminiscent of a lush, verdant forest bathed in sunlight, and its magic reflects this abundance and growth. The elixir within possesses the power to enlarge and transform, imbuing its imbiber with newfound strength and stature.

However, like its counterpart, it too has its limitations. While it can increase the size of objects and beings, it cannot alter their essential nature. A rose will remain a rose, albeit a towering one and a pebble will not become a boulder.

Consuming the vial of expansion offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it grants immense physical power, allowing the imbiber to topple obstacles and foes with ease. On the other hand, it renders them conspicuous and unwieldy, their increased size attracting attention and limiting mobility.

To achieve the desired effect, one must consume precisely one-third of the vial's contents. Any more or less, and the transformation may be unstable or uncontrollable. With careful precision and judicious use, one can harness the power of expansion to their advantage, though not without consequence.

“Why do these vials seem more like a burden than being helpful after hearing what you just said?” Alissa complained with a pout. Her eyes showed worry as she watched me glance at the second vial longer than I did the first one.

“Even so Issa, Happy seems to already made his choice. I’m not the only one who wants to assist you in this. Why not let him after all this may bring forth a surprise neither of us will expect.” Elder Shitake's words sounded mysterious in tone, but either way, I couldn’t deny how much wanted to stay by Alissa’s side. Let alone I had a few bones to pick with Tweedle’s that were left unfinished. They had connections with the mastermind there was no doubt in my instincts. I could handle any surprises coming my way moving forward.

“Okay, Happy if this is what you have chosen I won’t hinder you. Just remember it has limits, so please don’t get hurt after all we have to find a cure for you too.” Alissa said with a heavy sigh. Elder Shitake set out a small bowl for me on the desk. Alissa poured half the contents of the second vial into the bowl for me to drink. I reigned in my excitement as I lapped up the potion with relish. It was slightly sweet and sour the taste ringing a bell of familiarity to finally click, but it was too late. The feeling of changes within me acted immediately and a second later I saw darkness, but I didn’t miss Elder Shiitake's words before I passed out.

“Good Happy, now it’s show time!”