Hero Stories: That's What Friends Are For

Squea-Squeak?

It's okay, so tell me what happened!

Squeak!

It was Cream, right? Did he beat you up? Did he threaten you?

...Squeak?

Squeak, squeak!

Look at him! He's in so much shock that he can't even talk, squeak!

I don't think that's what it is. He's obviously too young to speak.

Squeak! Squeak!

How could he threaten someone this small? He probably thought this kid was an orphan with no one to look out for him, squeak!

He was probably after the food rations the village chief handed out!

...But this kid's rations are still in his bag...

Squeak...

Cream took something from you, right? What did Cream take, squeak?

Squeak? Squeeeak? Squeak!

Why do you keep asking questions to a kid who can't even talk!

Well... We don't really need him to answer.

We just need to do something about this!

We should kick that guy out and make sure he doesn't come near this village anymore.

Squeak, squeak...?

Squeak...

...

The villagers seem like they're in a bad mood, squeak!

I heard there are fewer travelers passing through the mountain than last year.

Hmm...

So we're not the only ones with less customers...

Squeak.

Why are you talking like that?

Hmm? Squeak?

I guess it's because you've been hanging out in the village a lot lately...

But this is how spotted mice speak to each other, squeak!

But you're not a spotted mouse, dear.

...I know that.

But I feel closer to the villagers when I talk like this... And people sometimes compliment my pronunciation...

I understand what you're trying to say.

Speaking the same language creates a common ground that brings people together.

You think so too, right?

But...what I don't understand is why you want to get closer to the villagers in the first place.

Um... That's...

They aren't going to accept you as one of them no matter how hard you try. They even shun each other the moment they find the slightest difference.

You told me that once already. Besides, they aren't that bad!

I'm not saying they're bad. I'm just telling you their nature.

But...you two are spotted mice and you're not like that.

Oh my, is that flattery I hear? Nicely done.

Hehe.

She's a big girl now.

But you know...you're going to have to live among Humans like you someday.

Hmm...

You'll be much better off that way. You'll see what we mean later.

I know. You don't even speak spotted mouse language at home because of me...

But...why do you two choose to live so far away from other spotted mice?

...

...Umm...

You weren't really happy living among spotted mice, were you?

If that's the case, how can you be sure I'll be happy living with Humans?

...W-Well...

Hey, Choux! Weren't you going to tell us something about the village?

Ah, right! What was I saying?

You said the overall atmosphere of the village was a bit depressing.

Do you remember the story I told you about where this kid was getting bullied for being too big?

You mean Cream?

Yeah.

I've only seen him once from far away, but he was really big. It's not often you see a spotted mouse that big.

I think the way he speaks and his accent make him even more of an outcast.

Anyway, I heard that the villagers are going to vote on whether or not to exile him from the village.

...Ha, seriously...

Those people never change.

Why don't you just stay home? You said there aren't many customers lately.

No. That's how you lose them forever.

I heard a group of travelers came by on the day I didn't go last week.

All right. But come home for dinner, okay?

Okay! Are you going to make your special pie again?

We just had it yesterday... You'll get bored if you eat the same food over and over.

No way, I'll never get tired of your pie.

Still, I'm going to have to cook something else. I don't have ingredients for a pie.

That's okay! I'm sure I'll love anything you make.

All right, be back soon, Mom!

Huh?

Why is it so dark all of a sudden...?

Ah!

Hyaaaaa!

Gosh, you scared me!

Why are you yelling? You're so big that your voice booms out even louder!

Don't come any closer!

I want to be left alone!

You're Cream, right?

How do you know my name?

Um, well...

I guess it would be strange not to recognize me in this village.

...Out of all the spotted mice, I'm the odd one out. I'm sure I'm the weirdest mouse you'll ever meet, cha-cha...

Same here! I'm like a town celebrity.

I know your name is Choux too.

But at least you're a spotted mouse.

I'm not even considered an oddball. I'm just an outsider to them.

...But people don't hate you. Would you still want to be a spotted mouse if it meant everyone hated you?

Well, it's not like I'm adored by the villagers either...

I know they talk behind my back about me being a guide even though I'm not a mouse. I've even heard that some people say I shouldn't be allowed to work at all.

...You knew about that?

I'm not sure if it's on purpose, but they don't exactly whisper these things.

That's because they're bad!

People are bad...

...

Squeak...

Hmm? That's odd...

What's wrong?

I think there's someone behind that tree.

Maybe I heard wrong...

Squeak... Squeak...

Squeak! Squeak!

...

Squeak...

Hyaaaaa!

S-Squeak!

Don't come any closer!

Squeak...

It's too dangerous!

...Squeak?

You're too small, you could easily get hurt around me... I don't want to cause any more pain, cha-cha...

Squeak? Squeeeak?

So go away, or I'll go somewhere else.

Squeak...

He relaxed. I guess he feels better now, squeak.

It's probably because Cream is gone.

Squeak?

...Squeak.

Umm, he doesn't look very happy.

Of course not! It's too soon to tell!

Come to think of it, it's weird how willingly Cream went along with it when the village decided to cast him out.

Hmph! If I ever catch a glimpse of him anywhere near the village again, I'm going to make him regret the day he was born!

...How are you going to do that when he's way bigger than you?

W-What? Squeak!

...

Squeak... Squeak...

See you tonight!

Do you have your lunchbox?

Ah, I forgot!

I think it's on the dining table.

Dad! Why didn't you tell me?

I...forgot too.

Don't forget your water bottle.

Okay.

I'm really leaving now!

Don't be out too late. Someone suspicious has been hanging around at ni...

She's already gone.

...She's fast.

She is, isn't she? It feels like just yesterday that she learned how to walk...

When did she get so tough? She never even talks back or causes any trouble.

...

As much as I love seeing her off to work...

Mhm...

She's going to leave soon to live with hairless Humans, right?

And then soon, it will be the last time we say goodbye.

Hmm...

She's better off that way. We can't rob her of her right to live with her own race.

But without her... I can't...

We have to put her future first...

We shouldn't stand in her way.

...

Are you...crying?

N-No, there's just something in my throat...

I'm going to get some water.

Hyaaaaa!

There you are, Cream!

Hyaaaaa!

It's good to see you too! But...I heard you got kicked out of the village.

Hya...aa...

No.

No?

I left before they could kick me out.

No one forced me out!

Hmm...

I chose to leave the village!

Ah, so that's why... Did you spend the night here?

...I did.

Weren't you cold overnight?

I have thick fur! I'm no hairless Human!

I don't get cold...much...

Why didn't you tell me you had nowhere to go?

I'm a lone spotted mouse, cha-cha! I don't need anyone's help!

By the way, I saw some suspicious people around here!

Suspicious people?

Since I didn't really recognize them, I wanted to make sure everything was all right, cha-cha!

You did?

Don't be out too late. Someone suspicious has been hanging around at ni...

Cream! Can I go with you? I want to see who these suspicious people are.

You want to come with me?

I may be a lone spotted mouse, but I don't turn down anyone who offers to help!

Squeak, squeak, squeak!

Hyaa!

How long have you been there?

Who's this? He's so cute!

Squeak, squeak!

This is Pastry. He's too young to speak yet, cha-cha.

I see.

Squeak, squeak! Squeak!

You want to come too?

Squeak, squeak!

You're too young and small. It may be too dangerous for you.

I'll keep him safe. How about that?

...Then I guess it's okay, cha-cha.

Squeak! Squeak!

Let's roll!

Hyaaa!

That's the village Boss was talking about, right?

That's right. *snorting*

I heard those spotted mice make good money showing travelers around!

So we raid that village tomorrow morning.

Boss says we only scout the area today. No fighting yet!

...That's why I said "tomorrow morning"...

That's what I'm saying! *snorting*

...

I think we're done scouting the area. Let's head back to the base.

Let's go! I'm hungry... *snorting*

Agh!

What is it?

That snowball... I don't think it was there before!

What about it? It's just a snowball. You're such a scaredy-cat.

Let's hurry back. I'm getting hungry too.

Phew, I thought I was going to get caught.

Squeak...

But that was amazing, Cream!

I know how to camouflage myself!

When I roll around, everyone thinks I'm a ball of snow.

It's more like the bottom half of a giant snowman. But when did you have to camouflage yourself?

...There were moments...

I was on my own after Grandma died.

There were some bullies back then, but I wasn't as big and strong as I am now...

Oh no...

Squeak...

But that's all in the past. By the way, those people we saw earlier, are they bandits?

Yeah, they're the bad guys who hide in the mountains and rob passersby.

But you heard their conversation too, right? I think they're going to raid the village.

They said tomorrow morning. I'm sure of it, cha-cha.

We don't have much time. We have to tell the village now!

...But I can't go back there.

Yes, you can. It's an emergency. The villagers will understand.

...No, they won't.

And I don't want to go back there either.

...Are you sure?

They said they never wanted to see me again.

And there's no reason for me to care about them...

Cream...

Squeak...

I saw them with my own eyes! I swear!

But you said there were only two of them, squeak! That's not scary at all!

They said they're going to bring their gang! They're coming tomorrow morning. We have to prepare to defend the village!

You could've heard them wrong! It doesn't make any sense, squeak!

If they have their gang, why wait till tomorrow? Think about it, squeak!

That's true, squeak... Maybe Choux is making up lies...to steal our customers...?

That's possible! For hairless Humans, lying is like breathing.

What? Are you calling me a liar?

I'm just saying, a lot of liars happen to be Humans... Squeak.

Squeak!

Squeak! Squeak, squeak!

Hmm? What's up with the little guy?

He looks scared, squeak! He must be intimidated by the nonsense this stranger is spouting!

Squeak? Squeak, squeak! Squeak, squeak, squeak!

...

Fine! Suit yourself! I warned you! Don't blame me later!

...Squeak.

It's morning, Boss.

Yeah... I know...

The sun is up, so it's morning...

Yes! It's morning! *snorting*

To have an energetic day today...

I should have breakfast...first...

Ummm, Boss... Today is...

Did you forget, Boss? I think you did! *snorting*

Hmm? What are you...getting at...?

Is there a connection...between me having a hearty breakfast...

Ack! *snorting*

And robbing those teeny-tiny mice...?

Is that connection anything like the one between my sword and your life...?

Urk... *snorting*

Listen up... I forgot nothing... So...

Don't you worry about me...

And you all go get ready while I finish my breakfast...

Squeak? Squeak!?

It's too dangerous for you, so you should return to the village. I'll lure the bandits somewhere else.

Squeak! Squeak, squeak!

Yeah, I know how you feel...

Squeak, squeak!

Squeeeak!

All right, fine! I get it!

You're one stubborn mouse, Pastry! Just stay on top of my head! And don't forget to hide when things get too dangerous!

Do you understand?

Squeak!

All right! I'm going to do my, Huh? Why is the ground...

Squeak! Squeak!

Hyaaaaaa!

Squeak, squeak!

Cream!

L-Let me go with you!

I'm not really fond of the villagers...but I can't let you and Pastry put yourselves in danger.

I understand. There are times they hurt my feelings too...but protecting the village is a different issue.

If there's no village to stop by, travelers passing through the tundra will have a really hard time.

And I have to protect my grandma's grave, cha-cha.

Before she passed away, I promised her that I wouldn't do anything to disappoint her.

...You're an amazing mouse, Cream. I'm sure your grandma would be very proud of you.

Do you mean that?

Of course!

Hyaaaa!

I'm in such a good mood! I can't wait for those bandits to get down here so I can kick their sorry butts, cha-cha!

Squeak!

Hehe! Since Cream is here, I should alter my plans a bit.

Ugh... They're too strong, Boss...

Why...? Where are these strong opponents coming from...?

But more than that...

You're not even spotted mice... Why are you protecting a village that isn't even yours...?

Squeak!

Ah... You're a spotted mouse. Sorry, you're so small that I didn't see you there...

I'm a spotted mouse too!

I know it's hard to believe, but it's true!

Err... Um...

Does that mean...you too...?

Ah, no, I'm not a spotted mouse...but I made this outfit myself!

I look just like one of them when I put this hood on! Isn't that right, Cream?

...To be honest, not really.

This is a strange combination of foes...

But it doesn't matter... We can simply outnumber them...

Brothers...

Yes, Boss!

We pounce on them all at once!

Squeak! Squeeeak! Squeak!

Now, Cream!

Hyaaa!

W-What's happening...?

Boss, the ground...!

No... Stop...

One more time!

Hyaaaa!

AGHHHH!

Did you hear? Those kids fended off the bandits!

So Cream was fighting for us! We totally misunderstood him, squeak!

We shouldn't have been so hard on him... I feel terrible...

I didn't say anything before, but...

I've always known that he loves this village more than anyone else, squeak.

Does that mean we're going to let him back in?

Of course! Those three are the village heroes!

What if someone tries to bully them?

Then we have to keep an eye out for them!

There's no room for bullies in this village, squeak!

How does returning to your village as a hero feel?

I'm not sure.

It's kind of awkward when people try to talk to me first.

Squeeeak! Squeak!

But I think it worked out for the best since you don't have to sleep in the woods anymore.

Like I said, thanks to my thick fur, I don't get cold easily, cha-cha.

Squeak?

All right. Can you wait here while I make arrangements with my customers?

I brought lunch today. We can eat it together.

Hyaaaa!

Squeak! Squeak!

Choux took another group of travelers yesterday! She's hogging all the customers!

That's because word got out that she's an excellent guide, squeak.

Especially with Cream traveling with them, it makes them feel protected... Like they're being escorted by a guard or something, squeak.

That's cheating!

I knew hairless Humans couldn't be trusted!

I know they scared off the bandits, but wasn't that like, years ago, squeak?

Cream has been pushing his luck lately too!

Who knows? Maybe they weren't even bandits!

They could've been just a couple of beggars, squeak!

So people have begun whispering again.

Are they actually thinking about exiling him again? It wasn't even that long ago that they let him back in... Tch.

That's the only thing stopping them from actually doing it.

Their accusations are completely groundless.

They're pressuring me a lot, too. I don't care, but still!

Good. There's no reason for you to listen to them.

He's right. Don't waste your time and energy on people like that. What do they know about you anyway?

All right! Don't worry. Those comments all go in one ear and out the other.

I've got to go now.

Your lunchbox?

Hehe, I have it right here!

Hey! Cream!

Hyaaa!

Squeak!

Why are you two waiting out here and not in the village?

We left first.

Huh?

We left the village before they could kick us out.

But my dad said they wouldn't kick you out so quickly after letting you back in.

...It doesn't matter. I just left, cha-cha.

Hmm...

Squeak! Squeak!

Why did you come after me, Pastry? You should go back to the village!

Squeak!

Why are you being so stubborn?

That's just who he is.

Sleeping outside is not as fun as it sounds. It gets really cold! It could be dangerous for you, Pastry!

Squeak? Squeeeak?

I'm okay thanks to my thick fur. I admit that it gets a little cold right before sunrise...but I can handle it.

Only a lone spotted mouse like myself can do this, cha-cha.

Hmm...

Just follow me, you two.

Squeak?

...Where are you taking us?

My house!

Pass me two more nails, Pastry!

Squeak!

Thank you!

Cream, you got it, right?

Yes, it's not going to budge!

One big bed and one small bed coming right up!

Squeak, squeak!

What do you think? It's not too small for you, is it?

It's a little short, but it's good enough for me!

It's so much better than sleeping in the woods, cha-cha!

Squeak!

Pastry seems to like his too.

Now the three of us can live here together and become the best pathfinder trio in Eureka!

Squeak, squeak, squeak!

...No one has been this nice to me since my grandmother passed away.

I'm eternally grateful. I promise you I'll find a way to repay you.

Squeak, squeak!

Come on, that's not really necessary. Because...

My mom's special pie is on its way! Make way for the pie!

It's hot, so be careful!

Squeeeak, squeak!

This pie is to die for, cha-cha!

Hehe, I told you! You can't get pie this delicious anywhere else!

So, you said you wanted to stand on your own two feet...and then you moved into the shed in front of the house?

Isn't it nice? There's no need for her to live far away from us.

When I said I wanted to stand on my own two feet, I meant financially!

Now that I found two more members for my super strong trio, I'm going to make a lot of money.

So don't worry, and get ready to live a very happy life!

Haha...

I'm already happy just hearing that.

Besides, I can eat your special pie every day if I live nearby!

Isn't that right, Cream? Pastry?

Hyaaaa!

Squeak!