Candy Rain

When he first arrived in Sweet City, it was raining. Naoko tried to shield himself at first.

“You don't have to do that,” a voice told him. The mouse boy looked around.

“Huh?” he asked.

“Stick out your tongue,” the voice said.

“Why?” Naoko asked.

“Just do it,” the voice said. The mouse boy shrugged to himself. Okay... Naoko slowly stuck out his tongue. One drop hit the tip. The mouse boy all but jumped.

“This is sugar!” he yelled.

“Of course,” the voice said. “You are in Sweet City after all.” Naoko turned to see a girl in a light purple kimono walking towards him.

“Welcome to Sweet City,” she said. She had her light gray hair in a tight braid over her right shoulder. Naoko tilted his head.

“Are you my next guide?” he asked.

“Depends on where you're trying to go,” she said. Naoko tried to remember where he was headed next.

“How far is it from Swan Town from here?” he asked. The girl held out her arms.

“I can happily take you there,” she said. “I know where all of the best shortcuts are.”

“Will I have to give you some sort of a payment?” Naoko asked.

“Nope!” she said. The mouse boy stumbled backwards. Well, that one was a first. He was began to wonder if he had to kiss every girl in this Heaven before he reached his Midori-chan. His new tour guide stood on her tip-toes to get closer to his face. Naoko jumped and about fell backwards again.

“Gah!” he shouted.

“Just let me get you out of this rain and take you on a tour of this city as we make it to the next town,” she said. The mouse boy raised his eyebrow.

“Will we even have time?” he asked. His guide giggled.

“Time doesn't really exist in this Heaven!” she said. “Plus, when was the last time you've eaten besides this sweet rain falling down upon us?” Naoko was about to open his mouth when his stomach grumbled. The mouse boy nervously laughed. His new guide grabbed him by the hand.

“Come on!” she said. “I know where the best cafe is in town! Let's get out of the rain!” She giggled as she took off running along the cotton candy grass. Naoko did his best to try and keep up with her.

“Wait!” he cried. “At least tell me your name!” The guide turned her head, smiling.

“It's Kaya,” she said. “And you're Naoko, aren't you?” The mouse boy's eyes grew wide.

“H-H-How did you know?” he asked.

“Because,” Kaya said with a toned down voice. “I was sent down to get you.” Naoko narrowed his eyes as he tilted his head.

“By who?” he asked. The guide grinned as she flashed a V-sign at him.

“Your Midori-chan,” she said. Naoko's jaw dropped. Kaya had to drag him along with until they were a few miles away from the dock.

“Don't be so surprised,” she said. “We've all heard of you by now.”

“Wow!” was all Naoko could say as they walked into the entrance of the city, stepping out of the sweet candy rain.