Page into your world

"Sir Nicholas!"

"Yes."

"You are a mouse!"

"Seems that way."

"How could that have happened?"

The mouse shrugged or did something that seemed to resemble a shrug. Blossom let out a long sigh. The person she had to rely on had just become a mouse. The situation seemed all too similar to all the web novels she had read.

"So what do we do now?"

"Of course. Continue with helping you get back to Earth"

"Will you be okay like that?"

" This form is a bit of an inconvenience but I can still assist you" She looked at the rat and showed a determined expression. Too many weird things just kept happening.

"Sir Nicholas, so the next step should be finding an inn, right?" The rat nodded its head. She picked him up and placed him on her shoulder. She dusted herself off and began looking for a pathway that led to a village or town.

Soon she found a path that seemed to lead deeper into the woods. 

'Should I take this path' It was uncertain if the path was safe. Having had a quick run-through of the basics of the world, she knew danger lurked on every corner especially since her guide had become a rat and she was powerless.

"What do you think?"

"Let's look for another path" She took one last look at the path. It was creepy: overgrown thickets, lack of animal chatter and a gloomy atmosphere that seemed to envelop that part of the woods. Creepy as it was she felt an urge to take the path.

'To heck with urges, I want to live' She walked to a tree tied one of her ribbons on its branches and continued looking for a path.

"Why did you do that?" Nicholas asked as she walked.

"Do what?"

"You tied a ribbon to that tree"

" Oh. It's for next time" Her words confused him but soon he was pulled out of his thoughts as they had found a path.

"Look. Someone is coming " She spotted a man heading their way.

"Excuse me! May I ask if this path leads to a town or village of some sort"

"Yes, it does. Young lady, are you perhaps lost"

"Yeah. I am new to the area"

" I see. It's not good for you to travel alone. How about you travel with me. I just happen to be passing by a village". Blossom was sceptical of his words. Though she didn't have many options with her being a complete foreigner and her guide being not much use, she couldn't trust a stranger, especially one of this kind.

As though sensing her scepticism, the man introduced himself as Ronald Frarnces and he told her he was going to his hometown for a marriage. He revealed other information: ID, home address, occupation and others. The man's overly determined manner made her suspect him more but she decided to accept his help.

" Good. My carriage is parked up ahead. I had stopped to pick some herbs" They walked to his carriage. He sat with the coachman as she sat inside. The carriage was very luxurious with a gold and white door. It seemed he was quite rich.

The ride was very uncomfortable for her, especially with the various bumps they encountered on the road.

"Sir Nicholas?" She called and the rat rustled out of her hoodie and onto her lap.

"Have you been hiding there all this time?" She said surprised.

" I can't risk others seeing me in this form," He said as he dusted something off his top hat.

She raised a brow. " Are you just embarrassed that you are a rat?"

" This form is just inconvenient " She struggled to not roll her eyes at his words.

"If you say so. What do you think of this guy?"

"He seems too eager to help you"

She rolled her eyes. "Anyone could have guessed that." She inched closer to him and in a low voice asked," I am asking if you sensed something"

"Why would I be able to sense anything?"

"You are a Narrator"

" And?"

"Don't you have powers to sense the intentions of different people "

" I do not"

" What use are you then?"

"…" 

"Seriously, you came here to guide me but not only are you a rat, you actually can't tell if someone is dangerous or not"

"It's not my fault you had too high expectations of me " It was her turn to become speechless; she really shouldn't have held him in high regard considering how close in age she looked to herself.

"Whatever. What is the game plan after the inn?"

" We have to find a way to get you to the capital."

Blossom showed a confused expression." Why not go straight there?"

"It's because—" Nicholas' words were immediately cut off as the man yelled that they had reached the village. Nicholas immediately scurried off into the hood of her hoodie 

As soon as she got out of the carriage, she came face to face with a small quaint village. A few poorly constructed houses came into view with women carrying buckets and baskets out of the village. In the centre was the only better-constructed building. The man told her it was the Village head's office; it also served as a clinic and home for the Village head's family.

"Do you know where I can find an inn?"

"This place rarely receives visitors so there are no inns. If you are looking for accommodations it's best if you ask one of the villagers for help

"I see…" Would anyone let a stranger live in their homes?

As though sensing her worries, the man spoke up.

"I could take you to the Village Head…He might help you find a place to stay"

"Thank you," Blossom said relieved. He led her to the centre of the village to a slightly bigger building than those she had seen before. Outside in the shade of the tree, was an old woman in a rocking chair. The man approached her.

" Good day, Hilda. It's been many days since we last met"

" Oh? Christopher! How did you wander back here?" The old man said as she playfully hit his knee with her cane

He grimaced in pain and rubbed his knee.

"I had some business to do" He managed to say as he gritted his teeth.

" Hmmm?" She looked over to Blossom. "Is she part of that business?"

" No, she is not. She is just someone I am helping at the moment "

" You are helping her?" Hilda asked with a puzzled expression before bursting into laughter.

He coughed, signalling her to stop.

" This young lady is looking for a place to stay"

"I see…We'll then," She stretched out her wrinkled hand, " You lass can call me Hilda. You can stay with me. After all, my good friend just begged "

"I didn't beg" The man, Christopher grumbled.

" My name is Blossom "

" Come lass" Hilda stood up with great difficulty and guided her towards the door.

" How much will it cost?" Money was what worried her most. The currency of the world was drastically different from the dollars and coins she used.

Hilda revealed a toothless smile. 

"Don't worry. I am sure dear old Christopher has a plan" She gave him a wink.

He sighed. " I will cover it". Blossom thanked him and followed Hilda to a damp room. The room had a bed and a lamp which sat on the windowsill.

" This is my eldest grandson's room. He went to study in the capital."

"Study?" Blossom asked.

"Yes. John has talent you see. His Fate is Supporting Character" Hild boasted, puffing out her chest. Christopher who was behind her, rolled his eyes at her antics.

" So I can use it?"

" Sure. Get settled in while we go and settle the payment"

The two left as Blossom got her room ready.

In another corner of the house, the two were talking.

"So what's your actual reason ?"

" I assume you mean for helping her"

" What else would I mean? I swear my eyes would have popped out if they were not glued to my head. You are helping someone."

"What's wrong with that?"

"The old young-looking fogey I know would never do that "

"It's just an investment. "

"It your pocket watch again, isn't " Christoper nodded with a small smile.

" Great fortune is coming. It's best to prepare properly as it's not quite clear if it is bad or good." He handed over some gold coins and walked out.

"Stupid fogey should stop being cryptic before he drives away all the sane people away from him!" 

***********

In her room, Blossom had just finished dusting off everything and sweeping when two children scampered in.

" Tori! Stop chasing me!" The kid with black hair said.

" Not until you stop running away!" The other kid with blonde hair shouted mischievously.

" Get that thing away from me!" A black-haired kid shrieked, running out of the door.

" Why? It's so cute. It just wants a kiss, Pee!" Blonde- haired kid shouted and ran after the other kid whilst laughing menacingly.

"They didn't even see me." She closed the door behind them. She made a note to ask Hilda for the key.

"Why would you want them to notice? They would just bother you instead" Nicholas scurried out of her hood.

" I know" She sighed," It just feels good to be acknowledged "

Nicholas felt like this girl was getting more idiotic by the minute.

"By the way, those kids reminded me. Maybe your situation is like the Princess and the Frog"

" …I am not a frog."

" Not with that attitude you aren't." She nagged.

"…" 

"Who is the Princess?"

"Me of course " She puffed out her chest.

" You?" he said doubtfully.

" Why? Can't I be a Princess?"

" You can't, " he said curtly.

" Why not?"

" First of all, you don't have the poise and mannerisms of one"

Blossom: "…"

" I am a Princess "

He sighed.

" So you want to kiss me, Princess Blossom ?"

" To break your spell"

"…" That is what he got for talking to an idiot.

"Princess Blossom, today was exhausting. How about resting?" He pushed her with his paws towards the bed and allowed her to tuck herself in.

" You could have just said no," she grumbled as she turned to face the wall. 

The next morning, she woke up to the scent of freshly baked bread.

"Hey, Nickey Mouse. I think breakfast is ready" she said, only to be answered with silence.

" Maybe he is still asleep?" She decided to go and grab some for him. She searched her hood but he wasn't there. It seemed he had slept somewhere else- maybe under the bed.

She wore her hoodie and walked towards the area where the heavenly scent was emanating from.

"Oh? You are here!" She had walked into the kitchen and seated at the table were the rascals from earlier. Donning an apron shining with smudges was Hilda as she brought out the bread from her oven. 

" Breakfast is just about done, lass," She said as she set the bread on the counter to cool. The rascals blinked confused at the sight of her. They watched her like hawks as she sat down.

"I haven't introduced ya to the twins, right?" Hild said, wiping her hands off the apron.

" The delinquent-looking one is called Tori. Short for Notorious"

"…" That was a name. She inwardly thought, speechless by the naming sense.

" The calm one's called Pee—"

"Let me guess short for Peace" Blossom said comically.

"Is there something wrong with your knocking, lass? Who the hell would name their child Peace?" Hilda snorted.

" This darling-" Hilda ruffled Pee's dark hair," Is called Petunia"

"I am guessing they are your grandchildren."

" Course they're mine, I birthed their mother over a millennia ago," Hilda said in a somewhat boastful tone. As for what she was boasting about, it seemed to be a mystery to everyone including Hilda herself.

She awkwardly coughed.

"Well…Breakfast is done!" Hilda dished out the bread and placed butter on the table. She poured oatmeal porridge into five bowls. 

Blossom thanked her for the meal before diving into her food like a starved beast. The only thing she had eaten since coming to this world was a couple of wild berries when she was looking for a path.

The twins in contrast ate their meal a bit more calmly.

"You have started?" Christopher walked in a new suit and top hat.

"Breakfast is ready" Hilda gestured for him to sit down.

He thanked her and proceeded to sit down.

" Uncle! You forgot story time yesterday! " whined Pee

" Haa! You weren't there were you" Tori raised her chin, " He did storytime with me."

Pee pouted, sending death glares to both her sister and Christopher.

He chuckled at her pout and ruffled her hair.

"Don't worry, Peabod. Next time, I come around I will tell you the story of the Anarchy"

Immediately her eyes gleamed with excitement on the other hand, disgruntled Tori slouched in her chair for the rest of breakfast. They said their farewells afterwards as Christopher was heading out of the village on his way to complete the errand he had mentioned earlier.

After she saw him off, Blossom went back to her room with some cheese she had sneaked into her pocket.

" Hey, Nickey Mouse." 

He wasn't there. She checked everywhere; under the bed, windowsill and outside. She was beginning to panic— had she lost her guide. Suddenly her ring began emitting a faint glow and a piece of paper slowly descended onto the bed.

The piece of paper was a letter. From Nickey.

She was puzzled as she looked at the neat handwriting.

'How the hell was that mouse able to hold a pen that well?'