(007) The Barnyard Battle [Voice]

[takesyoubytheheart]

 [There's the sound of running footsteps and grass crunched underfoot - the mouse is on the move, talking rapidly into his communicator.]

Has anybody seen Mytho?! I woke up this mornin', and he was gone! No letter, no warning, no nothin'!

I don't believe this... I promised him I'd look after him and make sure he recovered, and now he's gone! Why... why do I keep lettin' people down?!

And with that barrier gone... he could be anywhere! 

[Of course, the obvious question hangs - was the boy sent home? Why doesn't Mickey ask that out loud? Because deep down, Mickey has a horrible feeling that Mytho willingly ran away. It's only a feeling, but it's a strong one - and as he'll soon find out, it's also a true one.]

If any of you see him... he's a white haired young human boy, with amber eyes...

Mythooo! Where are you?!

Comments

[goldenglasses]

Whoa! Micky! It's alright! If he's around we'll find him. [He pauses, not really sure if should voice the next part.] Was any of his things still there? Like things he wouldn't have bothered to carry on him if he has run off?

[takesyoubytheheart]

He... he didn't have much to begin with when we were together. He's been acting really strange lately! And he said he'd been feeling weak too...

[goldenglasses]

Well, I suppose if he's been feeling weak that's a little bit of a good thing. Means he wouldn't have gotten too far. Is it like him to run off like this?

[takesyoubytheheart]

No, it isn't... Before we 'traveled' here, he was a really good kid. He cared about others, and was curious about a lot of things.

But when we got here, he started acting weird... like a snob, and that I shouldn't care about any others but him!

[goldenglasses]

Was he taken by the droids before that all started?

[takesyoubytheheart]

He never said a a word about any droids... ya think it coulda been that?

[goldenglasses]

It could be. Or... [He trails off. Asking if a friend had died before is nothing to bring up while he was missing.] ...or a lot of things really. Luceti can do strange things to people sometimes.

But you don't think he was sent home then?

[takesyoubytheheart]

... I can't explain it, but... I've just got a feelin'. Somethin' in me says he's still here.

[Private]

[goldenglasses]

Alright then. I have to leave on the... trip soon, but while I'm gone I'll keep my eyes open for him, alright?

[Private]

[takesyoubytheheart]

Thanks, Vash. I'll tell folks if and when I find the kid.

[Private]

[goldenglasses]

Don't worry. I'm sure that he's alright.

[amberguardian]

I know who that is...I can help if you want! [Because...she doesn't exactly trust him.]

[takesyoubytheheart]

Thanks... I need all the help I can get. I don't have a clue where he'd go off to!

[amberguardian]

Flying is much easier now, so it may not be to hard.

[takesyoubytheheart]

If you see him first... tell him I'm worried.

[amberguardian]

I will try, but I don't know if he'll listen much to me.

[takesyoubytheheart]

I don't understand... why is he actin' like this?

[amberguardian]

Some strange things can happen from time travel...but I didn't meet him until we got here, so I can't say.

[takesyoubytheheart]

... Before this happened, he was a really good kid. He cared about others, and wanted ta learn about the heart.

[amberguardian]

Maybe it'll just take some time for that personality to come back.

Like I said, time travel isn't all that safe. It's a spell that I can't even do alone.

[takesyoubytheheart]

Believe me, I know time travel ain't fun and games...

[his face darkens considerably.]

[amberguardian]

I know. I've only done it once, and it didn't end like I thought it would.

[takesyoubytheheart]

It never really does. Some mistakes can't be fixed, and we gotta live with that.

[amberguardian]

That's why we shouldn't disturb to many things around here.

[takesyoubytheheart]

My thoughts exactly. We might be doing more harm than good here.

[amberguardian]

As long as there isn't much damage done, it should be okay.

[takesyoubytheheart]

I hope so...

[stilldontgotit]

Mickey, hey!

[...]

Look, I doubt this was your fault. Maybe he was getting stir crazy and needed to stretch his legs.

[takesyoubytheheart]

But no one in the village has seen him! This is way more than just a stretch!

[stilldontgotit]

Well, maybe he wanted to see what else is out there. You stay cooped up for a while, and suddenly the outside world starts looking pretty promising.

He shouldn't have taken off on his own, but all I'm saying is that he might've wanted to get out there.

[Still, that doesn't mean they should just ignore the kid. Far from it, and Riku's racking his brain right now for a solution.]

[takesyoubytheheart]

He could have told me, if that's all he wanted... After the changes he's been through, it might not be safe for him out there!

... I shouldn't have fallen asleep... I should have locked the door... I shoulda done somethin'!

[stilldontgotit]

Mickey, everyone needs rest. And I know you're just trying to do what's best for him, but don't beat yourself up like that! It's not your fault.

Look... If there's anything I can do to help, just say the word. I'll do my best to chip in.

[takesyoubytheheart]

... Just let me know if you see him. And if you can, tell him... tell him I'm worried.

[stilldontgotit]

I'll be sure to pass it on.

Still, you gonna be all right? I know you're worried, but I don't want you to get too stressed out. You deserve better.

[takesyoubytheheart]

... I'm not gunna be able ta relax until I know for sure he's okay.

[stilldontgotit]

...I understand.

Just... try and think positive? That's what Sora'd say. If you go in thinking that you will find him and that he is okay, it'll be so much easier to bear. You gotta believe in Mytho the same way you believed in me.

[takesyoubytheheart]

[he visibly softens at that.]

... If I do that, then I'd have endless faith in him.

[stilldontgotit]

Exactly. And I think, more than anything, that's what he needs right now. If he's in a rough spot, then the way I see it, you should believe in him. That way, when you do find him, he'll know how much you care.

[And that's will, not if. He knows Mickey won't call it quits until he succeeds.]

[takesyoubytheheart]

... I do care, I really do. So... I'll do my best for him. Like I would for anyone I care about.

[stilldontgotit]

Good. And I'll be right there with you, Mickey. That should be more than enough hope to go around.

[At least, in theory.]

[Voice]

[knightofratatosk]

Mytho's gone?

[That's somewhat worrisome, knowing the other boy.]

But... his things are all still here, right?

[Voice]

[takesyoubytheheart]

I couldn't find any of his stuff, but he didn't have much ta begin with...

[Voice]

[knightofratatosk]

If his stuff is gone, then... he could've been sent home. I mean, I'm not sure that's what actually happened, but usually someone's things will still be there if they've been kidnapped.

[Voice]

[takesyoubytheheart]

... I know that's the logical thing ta think, but... He didn't. I know he just didn't. It's a feelin'... I know he's still in this world.

[Voice]

[knightofratatosk]

Maybe he was just kidnapped for a while. You can't always tell when that's what happened-- sometimes people just disappear and then show up again later, although now that I think about it, I can't remember the last time someone I know was kidnapped. That doesn't seem to have been happening as much lately.