If your nickname isn't Parkson, then you can proceed to Chapter 1. Otherwise…
! H ~ A ~ P ~ P ~ Y !
! B ~ I ~ R ~ T ~ H ~ D ~ A ~ Y !
!-!-! P ~ A ~ R ~ K ~ S ~ O ~ N !-!-!
Yes. This is exactly what it looks like. That random discussion we had about Wakanda's sister city, Takanda, with a Crimson Tiger instead of a Black Panther is now a full-fledged, partially published fanfic to go with your custom D'Shar plushie and Agni amulet bracelet.
Very extra.
I know.
But I hope you like it?
Your partially correct guesses:
_4. Coordinates to a location – the QR code to get here
_6. Something Art Related – D'Shar, the crafted bracelet, and this story
_8. Paper – D'Shar's card and the jungle he came in
_10. Story – this story
_11. A Photo – The QR Code is a photo
_15. Accessory – the bracelet
_17. Plastic – D'Shar is made from synthetic fabric i.e. plastic
_22. Animal-Related – D'Shar, and this story
_23. A plushie – D'Shar
I'm not usually a gift-giver but I wanted to celebrate the fact we've been friends for over 4 years at this point. I was super touched you humored me when I mentioned I was into fanfiction and a lot of my fiction has tigers in it. I thought this would be, if not a good gift, then at least a thoughtful and meaningful one. So, while a normal person might have enjoyed our inside joke and let the idea lie, I plotted, wrote, colored, and crafted your gift into existence over the last year or so. I know you're not exactly a story person, but I thought you'd appreciate the surprise. I don't actually expect you to read this story(it's kinda heavy) though you're welcome to. I consider D'Shar to be the main gift since he's so cute!
Parkson, you are such a supportive and caring person. I am so very lucky to have you as my friend. I sincerely hope you have a very happy birthday and I look forward to when we can meet in person and have more good times.
Your crazy friend,
Detective Shermann