WONDER ( Twisted Forbidden Tales ) Book Three

Mu Drama Part Four

ALISSA

The old man was up to his schemes again. As wise as he was known all over the Wonder Kingdom, he was the biggest man child I knew, but that didn’t stop me from loving him like family, he was one of the few people here that made this place feel like home.

G Puff Ball Inn had experienced a drastic change since my last visit here. It seemed the spell mentioned in the letter by the woman named Christine had cast upon Wonder's kingdom had lasting aftermath effects even after her death. In the letters I received the path led me to Happy and now the case of the missing people on my back led to even more clues one that matched with the lead to where my daughter ended up here in Wonder Kingdom.

My mentor and Elder Shitake had always felt along with me that someone had still been playing tricks with magic that had kept me from finding her all this time. As much effort they had put in to help me, the results were endless disappointment until now. The new letter had appeared to Haku, Happy, and me but also a separate one addressed to me. I didn’t know who this Talia was, but her message was clear solving this case would bring me to my daughter.

I let out a deep and unbridled sigh as my thoughts flowed from one issue to the next. Enzo and Zuri were here in Mushroom Bay. The pouch with the vial of powder burned a hole in my knapsack as my instincts said, they were here because of it. One of the components that made up the makings of this powder came from the D’Angel family one of the five prominent families behind the MuDeath sector of Mushroom Bay that dealt with poisonous substances.

On top of this, I had to meet with Elder Shitake and Happy soon. It seemed the old man had taken a liking to my little oddball. Strangely enough, I felt that there was a tacit understanding between the two, but of course, I welcomed the denial of what was right in front of me. Recognizing the truth would lead to me having to accept that Happy was indeed Hank trapped in a cat’s body. Meaning what happened between us was very real, let alone Elder Shitake on his trip Haze may have caught on something, making things all the more embarrassing for me if he had seen us in his mind’s eye.

How had he ended up that way? If anyone could better help him with this it would be Shitake. Now my mind wondered over the conversation those two could be having at this moment. After all, he was right about Happy not being seen for now. But as I thought about it, a smile came to my face at the scene I envisioned. Happy couldn’t talk but his eyes always spoke volumes.

I had a few hours before we met up again. The old man wouldn’t stay idle either after all we had a cook-off to prepare for all of a sudden. Elder Shitake must know about that powder in my hands and who created it. Just who were the lingering Fungi he needed to get rid of this time made me all the more curious. Enzo and Zuri Tweedle had no clue they had become the reason Elder Shitake could use to clean up the hidden mess. Being a judge now didn’t sound all that bad the more I thought about it. This also gave me the right to observe things freely and ask questions without suspicion. The old man had upgraded me to the V.V.I.P. status now and the changes made my once single-bearing room a two-person suite.

I marveled at the attention to detail that adorned every corner of the inn. The suite itself was a cozy retreat, designed to immerse guests in comfort and luxury. The living room area featured plush mushroom-shaped sofas, adorned with colorful cushions reminiscent of wildflowers. A crackling fireplace casts a warm glow, adding to the cozy ambiance.

The separate bath was a sanctuary of relaxation, with a deep soaking tub carved from a single giant mushroom cap. Soft candlelight flickered, casting dancing shadows across the walls adorned with intricate vine patterns. The kitchen and dining area boasted rustic wooden furniture, with cabinets adorned with whimsical mushroom motifs.

As I settled into the suite, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the magical world that surrounded me. From the breathtaking views of the enchanted forest outside my window to the cozy comforts of the suite itself, the Giant Puff Ball Mushroom Inn was truly a wacky wonderland unlike any other.

Though I reveled in this short reprieve for now, it didn’t stop my mind from working on a new plan to set in motion. I was never one to be idle with so many enemies swarming around me. I couldn’t let Happy be discovered by the Tweedles nor let any harm come to the companion I had grown so fond of in the time that we knew each other. Plus with the matter of that night……………nope! Nope! nope! Shaking my head with my hand in my hair. I wasn’t going down that road again.

No….way! I had to be clear-headed, Damn that cheeky Hank! Great! Now, I was using words I would normally describe my Happy with for him as well. Please don’t be the same as my mind began to spiral I subconsciously headed in the direction of one of the bedrooms.

The bedroom beckoned my steps further with a luxurious plush king-sized bed canopy bed nestled beneath the mushroom's cap, draped in soft, silken linens before me. A nice comforting nap sounded amazing right now, as I willed my mind to calm down. The bed was so inviting that I found myself succumbing to its pull. Laying upon it and welcoming its warm embrace, I quickly dozed off with the thought of Happy being Hank on my mind. Leading to the start of a very seductive dream one I didn’t want to awaken from………….

Three Hours Later……..

The nap was definitely what I needed albeit the spicy dream in the middle left me aching a bit for more. It was close to time to meet up with Elder Shitake in his office. It didn’t stop me from checking out the new and improved G Puff Ball Inn in the process. I had to say that the view is nothing short of breathtaking.

In the Great Hall of the G Puff Ball Mushroom Inn, a towering canopy of shimmering crystals stretches overhead, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the room. The air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of exotic spices and sweet treats, while musicians serenade guests with enchanting melodies from a stage nestled amidst the towering mushroom stalks. As I made my way through the hall toward the office I ran into a dear friend, one that seemed to never age like the old man and was just the person I would need to speak to later on about my new plan now that Enzo and Zuri had made an appearance.

“Hey there Issa, you joining us later tonight for the festival send-off?” said a woman carrying an array of items in her arms. She paused to greet me with a warm smile as usual. She was the wife of the caretaker of the Inn and one who lent a shoulder to cry on at times when I needed a woman’s insight on things.

“We will see Mrs, Porcini, I have to meet the old man first, get my drift,” I responded with a wink and a smile. Mrs, Porcini laughed out loud, understanding without needing further explanation.

“He’s at it again I see. He hasn’t given up on your happy ending just yet. Don’t mind him okay Issa, he adores you so much you know.”

“I know, that’s why I’ll play along this time. See you later then I guess, it's almost the meet time and you know how he gets when I’m late.” I said with a wave and headed off with hurried steps toward Elder Shiitake's office. The scene that greeted me as I slowly and silently opened the door made me smirk and fold my arms to lean against the wall in amusement. These two were a sight for my eyes what had led to this point between them I had yet to ask.

Elder Shitake’s office is a sanctuary of tranquility amidst the bustling energy of the inn. A plush carpet lines the floor, its intricate patterns reminiscent of winding forest paths. The decor is elegant yet whimsical, with rich mahogany furnishings and plush velvet chairs arranged around a grand oak desk. The desk itself is a work of art, carved with intricate designs of woodland creatures and blooming flowers. Behind it, a large window offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding forest, sunlight filtering through the leaves in dappled patterns.

Seated behind the desk is Master Shitake, an Elder dressed in a flowing tunic of emerald green. His face is serene and wise, reflecting years of experience in the hospitality industry. Yet, despite his imposing presence, He is currently engaged in a silent face-off with Happy the cheeky cat of mine, who lounges leisurely atop the desk, tail wagging mischievously as if daring the Elder to break the silence.

“That’s my Happy.” I thought to myself with a small sense of pride washing over me. He wouldn’t let the old man get over on him regardless of what he may know.

“Meow.” Happy let out a long audible call that the sound of it seemed to reach out and wrap around me bringing a familiar warmth over my entire body.

“Hmm.” Elder Shitake murmured but neither of the two broke eye contact. I would have thought he hadn't seen me enter the office if it wasn’t for the tapping of his fingers in Mush code on top of the desk just a second ago.

I didn’t mind waiting to see how this played out between them as Happy was stubborn, having been victim to many of his scolding stares of late. “Ha!” Elder Shitake suddenly exclaimed out loud his hand coming down on the table with a resounding bang.

“Oh…Kay? Should ask what that was about or not?” I responding to action in confusion.

“This can’t named Happy is quite extraordinary I say! He indeed is no cat but a grown adult male and from the feel of his aura I just r******w, there's magic in him too. But how did he become like this? Hmm…..that part I can't sense too well but it carries of a hint of the Angel Fairy pollen, there is no mistake about that.” Elder Shitake said, no longer speaking aloud but pondering his thoughts as he stood up and began to pace back and forth in his thoughts.

Wait! What did he just say?! So I really did f**k my cat, well more like Hank f****d my cat, no puns intended here. Happy is Hank! And what a beautiful Hank he was. Was there a way to turn him back again? Hold up, ne only knew why I thought that first before thinking of the kicker in the old man’s words. Angel fairy pollen, as I suspected the D’ Angel family held a piece of the puzzle to the white powder Enzo had lost. What part did this powder have to play in Hank being transformed into Happy the Cat? The cat I was so fond of had found its way rapidly into my heart.

Shit was about to get awkward as f**k! Especially now things are being confirmed by Master Shitake. For some reason, I felt the old man knew all along what Happy was I think he was using this way to tell me in layman's terms so I wouldn’t freak out too much. To take things deeper he even orchestrated the whole Mushroom Bay festival cook-off because he knew and I don’t think it was just to diffuse a feud either. It was more like he planned it specifically to find a cure just for Happy. But why? Just who was Hank outside of that place named Happy Town? And who was he to Master Shitake? What else had the old man hidden from me?