Day Four

[Mickey Mouse]

The mouse had curled up underneath a tree, snuggling with Mjolnir, trying to get some rest. For a few hours—at least it seemed that way—he succeeded. The pain overwhelmed him, but surprisingly enough that made it easier to slip into slumber.

When his eyes flickered open, the island had disappeared.

In its place, he found the inquisitive face of Minnie Mouse looking down on him, hands on her hips. Behind her, an emerald-green forest not tainted by death unfurled. He looked up at his wife’s glare, and tried his best to crack a smile, though the pain made it hard. She exhaled, obviously annoyed. “Where’ve ya been, mister?”

Her voice hit him like the most beautiful music he had ever heard. Even through the shooting pains that traveled through his body like lightning, it gave him the strength to get up off the ground. “Uh…” he stammered, “I—uh, well I’ve—uh…”

“‘Uh’ is right, mister,” she scolded, bringing one of her gloved hands across his face.

“Ouch,” Mickey groaned, “…don’t you think I’ve taken enough grief?” He held up the stump where his hand had been cut off. Minnie did not seem concerned.

“All I know is that you’ve been gone for much too long,” she spat, and though she tried to look angry, she leapt forward and embraced him. He felt the pain running through him, but he gladly accepted a hug from the love of his life. Gosh, I missed you. His one hand touched her back, desperately hoping that she was as real as she felt. Maybe he’d died in his sleep. That would certainly have been the most peaceful way to exit this competition.

Maybe he’d died, and found himself back in the Omniverse—but then, why in the world was Minnie here? It made no sense. He knew Omni had brought him to this place alone.

Minnie broke the hug, and looked her husband in the eyes. Her gaze had suddenly turned dreadfully serious. “Mickey,” she sighed, “You have to finish this.” He wanted to ask her what she meant, but he was stopped when she planted a small kiss on his mouse lips.

He could not tell whether or not this dream was actually coming true.

When he opened his eyes, she was gone. It had been far from reality, it seemed. Karl Jak’s voice boomed over the island, and Mickey listened closely to this list of fallen competitors.

#20 Harry Dresden.

#34 Erza Scarlet.

The list finished, and Mickey picked up Mjolnir, his newfound sense of determination flowing through his broken body. Samus Aran and Gildarts’ names had not been on Jak’s list. They were still alive, though for how much longer, Mickey couldn’t know. But he knew one thing.

This game would end today, one way or another.