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The following is a fan-based

FICTION

Las Lindas and other products set in the same universe are all owned by Chalo/Chalosan and SoulKat.

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Chapter 18: Party Time (2)


When I thought about what could have possibly happened between Miles and Taffy, I kind of… imagined this to happen. But much earlier than now and in a more private setting. Maybe I was expecting a tad too much from the Cat Prime when it came to this important predicament, and I could tell his common sense had left the ship the moment he started to drink a glass or two filled with the alcohol served in the garden.

Wandering through the central section of the garden, right where a few trees managed to create a particularly thick cover from anyone watching about from what was unfolding within it, I still managed to find my way to where Mora and Taffy were. They were all sitting by one of the benches just like Mora had said, but they were actually discussing with someone else I didn't know about as Digit hovered above them with an unsure look. The young woman had shoulder-length dark hair and mirthful green eyes. She had a tiny mole on the upper side of her left cheek. A Gazelle Prime with a figure that was on par if greater than Taffy when it came to curves, but it lacked the degree of fluff the pink-haired girl had. She was wearing a dress that closely resembled Mora's in design, but it was a little more conservative, just a tiny bit, when it came to her abundant bosom.

"Taffy?" I muttered quietly, my voice still loud enough to grab their combined attention. The Bunny Prime looked at me with a sad smile, her lips trembling a little as she had just recovered from the first moments of tears.

"O-Oh Declan?"

I approached closer and gave a quick look to Mora, she had that reluctant kind of look that just meant that she wasn't fine. Not at all. Instead of going with the usual 'are you alright?' and get her on the brink to cry again, I decided to go for a different safer approach.

"Hey, do you need anything? I can go and pick something if you-"

"I-I'm fine. I think," Taffy quickly interjected, looking down at her hands while the unknown Prime beside her snorted.

"I think that even a glass of water would be fine now, wouldn't it?" The girl patiently offered. "Plus, think of it, a hunk of a human is putting his services to bring you something. A man-servant of a friend. A cute one too~."

"I'm in a relationship," I replied flatly, and that got a tiny smile out of Taffy and a snicker from Digit.

"But people can be convinced. We live in a new age where music and culture are advancing to levels of intimacy that stems from traditions!" The young woman pressed on, still failing to see how this was a terrible idea. To her part, Mora was taking the entire scene as amusingly as I was and that seemed to be more than enough of a clue to keep retorting like I just did, curtly and mysteriously. "First comes this pretty girl's needs and then we can discuss something of the matter."

"I guess you would want to speak with my girlfriend. She is really understanding, but I doubt she is going to be fine with it. And I trust her judgment a lot," I remarked and the girl shrugged.

"Doesn't hurt to try. By the way, I'm Hope, Hope Ravenhurst."

"I'm Declan Stone and-" Wait, didn't someone else that had introduced to me with that last name? It took me just a brief moment to realize where I heard of it. "And I think I met your parents. I think they are friends with a friend of ours."

Green eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, really? I didn't expect that but… wait, wasn't I supposed to do something that mom told me to do?"

She really didn't seem to get what she was missing at that moment, and I frowned at that development before remembering something about another friend of hers trying to hunt down someone there.

"I think it has to do with someone hunting someone else here and-"

"O-OH! Right, sorry but- but I really have to go," The Gazelle Prime muttered nervously, standing up and taking a moment to nod at all of us. "I really need to find that crazy friend of mine. She- She means well but there is this Cat that kind of made her girlfriend cry. Which is actually unexpected to hear that you got a Cat problem yourself, Taffs. 'Hope' ya get better than this and you find a better guy to rely on- maybe, one with more physique."

I sighed, shaking my head at the sexual connotation of that last bit as we watched as Hope left our sight. The girl was actually a… difficult individual to predict. One bit she sounds really caring, the other she is up and cheerful, and smutty. This reminded me of a couple of individuals back in college and partly about myself. I knew how to alternate moods like that, but… I just stopped using that particular skill so frequently. At least, to that degree of 'bubbliness'.

"So… what did he do?" I decided to inquire and Taffy's mood was dampened by this decision. She was still far from crying, but it was clear she was upset by what happened.

"He… He wanted to push it. He said that I was taking too much time deepening the relationship and that I… I just got together with him because I'm..."

"I can say without hesitation and with utter confidence that you are a lovely young woman with a kind big heart and a love for people that is unquestionable. Whatever that insult was, it doesn't stand as true, trust me."

She smiled, blushing a tiny bit at the compliments… but doing so even more as Mora decided to pull her in a tight hug which saw her face pushed onto her breasts.

"He is right, ya know? You are our friend, Bun-Bun. So prepare to be coddled and cuddled as Miles isn't in the greatest of wrongs right now."

"C-Can you promise me to… not hurt him?"

"Does stern lectures with potential escalation sound fine?" I inquired and she sighed, nuzzling back at the Cow Prime.

"I-Is the escalation still violence?" She asked back and it took me a moment to find a good way to answer that.

"Yes."

"At least don't… be too vicious?"

"I will not. Just because you told me not to, Taffs," I replied gently reaching out and ruffling her hair.

I offered another kind smile at her. "So, I suppose a glass of water is in order."

She huffed. "I don't want to impose-"

"And that's why I offered. Am I right?" I asked that question to the girls and Digit let out a quick 'Yep!' while Mora merely nodded while hugging closer the Bunny.

Seeing that the tears-panic was over for a while, I took this chance to get the glass of water for the girl. I found my way out of the little maze without any issue, but I took a moment to find both an unused glass and some water. Just as I did so, I felt someone arching behind me with a mirthful look.

"So… whatcha doing?"

Familiar voice, it was a wild Sandy ready to pounce. I sighed and turned around to greet her.

"Finding some water for Taffy. Let's just say that Miles is getting a stern talk once we're done here," I replied flatly, the Tiger Prime quickly picking up that something was indeed off.

"How bad is it?" She asked, her mood switching to a more serious one due to the matter.

"She was crying when Mora found her. I think she'll be alright but… yeah, Miles isn't going to get a freebie after what he did."

"Damn right he isn't," The redhead commented heatedly. "Taffy is such an angel, and I doubt he was any light about it. He has been stressing about it with Sander that he wasn't getting any action but… that is totally uncalled for."

So he has been complaining about it before. I would have expected him to come to me for that, but maybe he knew I would have chided him about this kind of thoughts before he would have had the chance to do anything about it. It was particularly frustrating and it was definitely going to be something I will have to bring up for that discussion. Sighing, I spared a nod to Sandy, taking a moment to gauge her current situation.

"So, how are you doing here?"

"It's… way different than anything I've been to. Not the same parties I've been part of, that's for sure," The girl admitted. "But still, I find the vibe of the event pretty calming. It's all so chill and..."

"Quiet?" I offered and she nodded.

"Mostly," Sandy commented with a hum. "It's just very relaxing. Also, I suppose you would want to bring that glass to Taffy."

I nodded unconsciously, remembering about why I came here just as she brought this up. She was following me there and I wasn't looking around that much… so I was caught off-guard when someone came at us and stopped us by wrapping her arms around our shoulders.

"So, I suppose this is your girl?"

Hope couldn't have picked a worst moment to come up to us. A grin brightly shining from her face as she failed to recognize my girlfriend… right with someone that was really trying to get in my pants and was putting an effort to not fail her good acting with me today.

"No," I commented and Sandy nodded.

"I'm his subordinate. We work together."

"Aw, so wait, who is the one you're dating? I kind of checked around since you're part of that Farm, Las Lindas, but there is this gorgeous kitty, the Bun-Bun was with that moron, and then… the owner," She paused, then glared at me. "That's why they were laughing. You're dating the big girl, aren't you, buster?"

"Yep," I muttered calmly and she smiled coyly.

"I bet it can be tough to handle that much bigness."

"Not really," I said while keeping my calm. "It's pretty normal stuff, really."

"Bullshit," Hope remarked and I snorted.

"It's just the truth. So deal with it, Ms. Ravenhurst."

She pouted cutely but she was interrupted by a comment coming from Sandy.

"Declan is quite strong. I think he helped around Boss for a time when they were just the two of them at the farms and… they were going through the same burdens."

Hearing this, I felt Hope quickly groping at my arms and humming. "I suppose you do have the body to take it and more."

I frowned. "Can we stop this? I thought you were trying to find your friend before she murdered someone."

"Oh? That is already solved. Found her taking a break. She didn't find him and… that makes things a lot easy on me so I can check around some more before going back to her."

As she said that, I heard a loud noise coming from one of the sides of the last table on the right. Something was flung in the air, soaring up and then sharply descending into one of the tables near to ours. Groaning in pure pain with his clothes slightly burning and various cuts all over his face, Miles looked barely conscious as he turned to glance at us.

"H-Hi guys."

"Miles?" Hope asked in shock and I glanced at her.

"You know him?" I inquired and she nodded.

"Dated him back in college. Then, if he ended up here, that means… shit."

Shit indeed, the cause behind that brief flight was running towards the Cat Prime in a full sprint. Long red hair with a few frontal locks of golden set free, the Fox Prime was wearing a lovely blue dress that matched well with her light- blue eyes. She looked familiar for some reasons, but her glaring face just didn't help me to decipher where I first saw her. A ferocious look on her face, with a snarl forming on her mouth, she looked ready to beat the shit out of the shivering Miles.

Hope bolted to intercept the furious girl, she managed to stop her, but it looked like the fight between titans… that was easily interrupted when the angry woman suddenly fell unconscious. The Gazelle Prime looked around, clearly confused by what just happened. One moment she was facing a great battle, then the opponent went from vicious creature to little sleeping puppy.

"She will not cause any issue. I made sure she will be sleeping even a little after this event is over," We heard a voice call right from behind me. Turning around, my stare paused at a figure I… that I actually knew about. One blink, a surprised look was on my face as I regarded the girl.

"Naerie?"

Her hair was combed in a short style, but I could tell that it had to be as long as her mother. The Bear Prime had a lighter fur than Ambar. She was wearing a green dress with dragon-like features, horns attached at a headset and small wings on the side of it. She was on par with Ambar when it came to frame and I could tell she had grown up a lot but… but something about her gaze just left me confused if not… worried.

The few times I met the kid she was… so friendly, so open to speak with people- so happy. But now, as I gazed at Naerie's stoic face, I couldn't help but notice something about her neutral expression that I didn't feel… right. It didn't feel completely willed. She spared me a look, and I could swiftly feel an inquisitive hold within her gaze.

"It would be horrible if Carmesi's child started to stir trouble. Oh dear, I would never hear the end of the shrieking with that woman," Ambar muttered as she walked up and stopped beside her daughter. "And Declan, it's been a while and… sweetie, do you remember Declan?"

"I… I don't remember much," She replied quietly, a mixture of unsure and blankness within her voice. "We met when we were children, correct?"

"Yes," I remarked curtly. "It's… good to see you."

"Likewise."

"Aw, I would have expected a little more reaction," The High Prime lamented with fake sadness. "Maybe next time I can get Shin. That should unlock a little more of a reaction from my daughter."

"Mother," She seemed ready to chide her but paused as someone spoke from the main stand.

"Good evening, everyone! May I have your attention please?"

Alejandra, I thought silently and I turned to see that the Cow Prime was standing there, urging Ambar and her daughter to turn their attentions back to their previous position. I was confused by this sudden development, but I noticed Taffy approaching us.

"S-Sorry, I think it's time for the speeches," The Bunny Prime explained and my eyes widened as I gave her the glass of water and left with a quick 'Thank you'.

The girl sighed and stared at Sandy. "Do you want it?"

"It's yours. You need it," The Tiger Prime answered before turning back at the now unconscious Miles. "Also, you might say that Lady Luck decided to give you a gift."

Taffy noticed where she was looking at and gasped. "O-Oh dear, is he fine?"

A pained groan confirmed he was alive, but the fact he was snoring and actually sleeping on the table further cemented the idea he was more than just fine.

"Don't pity him. Let's just say he pissed another girl, this one having a mean chick as her girlfriend."

For some reason, that summary was more than enough to get a laugh out of Taffy, but soon they all grew quiet as they stared at the main stand right where the big setting was being unveiled.

Things sure were about to get fiery again, this time with words being used rather than fists.


Alejandra's speech caught me off-guard due to its boldness and her truthfulness in being unwilling to show any sportsmanship to our farm. She made it clear that she wasn't just winning a contest, but she was planning to destroy us by enforcing herself as the main force behind the growth of Gossamer's community and the pillar behind the current agricultural economy the region survived thanks to. The last bit was a blatant lie since there were so many other companies that existed with the same purpose and same working processes that were also behind the current standing of agriculture, and in case Alejandra's company failed or something of the kind, then it would just be a recoverable blow that would ensue. And not the 'great catastrophe' she was trying to indirectly bring up.

With her speech gaining no little irritation by some of the representatives of these minor companies, Mora's speech did the clear opposite. We had worked so long on getting this one right and the woman was quick to get the proper words out despite the clear nervousness. It helped a lot that I was holding her hand, and she seemed to gain confidence the more she spoke. The principal points of her speech were fairly simple to describe. First, Las Lindas has been a trademark for traditional farms and that wasn't going to change. This bit was meant to intrigue some of the older businessmen of the sector that secretly craved this answer from many 'rising businesses'. The farm was around since the creation of Gossamer proper, so it felt even more convincing that this part was emphasized a lot. Next was a careful admittance that the farm wasn't in the same shape it was at its prime glory, and that it was just now regaining its might through determination and attention to its production. Many nodded at this notion since it was actually truthful, trustworthy and filled with the kind of certainty that didn't leave space to any doubt. Finally, a comment about the opponent. I specifically said to Mora that she didn't need to go deep about it since nobody would have found appealing to flaunt that kind of laundry to the public. It took her a glance over the public as they reacted to Alejandra's clear animosity towards her and the farm to further draw her to agree at that logic.

"I wish to… make amends. I know that in the past I had been abrupt and particularly fiery about topics regarding our previous associations and… I genuinely apologize for it. I normally wouldn't take the time to even spare a thought about this kind of thing but… but I realized something when I prepared for this," The woman admitted while looking at Alejandra, the fellow Cow Prime tensing up and preparing for the worst. "Here we are, right now, representing not just ourselves, but what we have built until this moment. I will not say that all the hard work was on me, nor that I am the only one that deserves any praise- yet I can't just accept playing games either from my own whim or from yours."

A surprised look replaced the disgusted one of the businesswoman. "What?"

"This Festival isn't just a competition between you and I. This isn't even a competition to begin with. This is an event meant to promote sportsmanship between farms, to incite those to know that their hard work will be evaluated and judged as the beacon for others. People depends on this, and… and I would be stupid if I just saw it as just something between you and I. So I will say this once and I will not say it again. I forgive you. But I will not forget how things turned into. And after tonight, don't expect me from dealing with you ever again."

That was… way harsher than I would have expected her to be. To be fair, I respected some of what she said but I would tell that Alejandra was far from happy by what she just heard. She was absolutely fuming at what Mora had said, but before she could have said anything that could have put her in big trouble, Ambar intervened and spoke up.

"A masterful speech, Ms. Linda. I can feel myself engaged by what you said and I have to admit that your maturity caught me off-guard considering the circumstances tying you with the second contestant. It is true that the Gossamer Harvest Festival is a chance for farms to show their own strengths and remind everyone that this beloved sector to Prism isn't just a relic of the past. No, this is still a living part of our present, one that keeps growing regardless of other important productions," The High Prime replied with a surprisingly calm and charismatic comment. "Which is why here we shall see who has gained the confirmation from judges about a victory over the other. What will prevail today? Tradition or modernity?"

I was nervous, I could feel the tension in the air and I felt Mora squeezing my hand a little too much. She seemed to ease down just enough as I squeezed back and… soon we saw Ambar reaching out for the paper containing the winner of this event.

A cough, she hummed over the results and nodded.

"It's my honor to announce that the winner for this competition of the Gossamer Harvest Festival is… Las Lindas, owned by Mora Linda."

I felt the world going still just for an instant as I felt surprised, confused, amused and… happy all at once.

"W-We did it?" Mora asked quietly, the question of course aimed at me.

"We did," I muttered with a nod. She quickly pulled me in a tight hug. I returned the embrace with one of my own. There was a loud applause that ensued, but while we were celebrating, someone finally snapped at the situation and made her presence remembered by the rest of the people there.

"THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!"

Alejandra's yell interrupted everything and we all turned to stare at her as she ignored the pleading comments from Tootsie to not do anything too rushed.

"Can't you see?! This isn't just possible or acceptable. How come a farm that has been in decay for years outproduce my company when it never took a break from work?!"

"That's because it's not just about producing and selling," I reminded her and she glared at me.

"What do you mean? Of course it is all about-"

"Mr. Stone is right, production alone doesn't determine the winner in this contest. It's all about expanding, growing, and learning from mistakes to allow for a safe and steady rise to the top," Ambar interrupted. "You may think that selling is the principal factor, but how can I just bestow you with a win when your current sales has been far lesser than the one you accomplished in the last few years? Let's face it, Ms. Coldthorn, you wasted too much time away from work and that hurt the company you are so proud about."

"Th-That's not… You can't just tell me that she won because- because she worked… hard," The woman paused at these words, realizing what it was all about. She kept quiet, giving Ambar plenty of time to formalize the decision.

"So here I proclaim Mora the Queen of the Harvest Festival of this year. You are recognized as the prime representative of the people here in the region and I hope you shall take this title and burden with pride and determination."

The Cow Prime nodded, sharing a smile with Ambar as they spared a few words together before returning to their previous positions and allow me to lead Mora away from the spotlight. There was another round of applause as we were leaving and the rest of the party didn't last beyond midnight.

Things seemed to get surprisingly interesting after that announcement. It would seem like Idward managed to convince Mora to let him in as he promised he wouldn't be a pest and attempt to ruin our relationship. It would seem that his current income didn't allow him to move around as easily as one would have expected, but he seemed to mean it… even though I found myself confused when Digit brought up something about fairies or something like that but all in all things were… mostly great.

Another individual was taken in- or rather was accepted back since he left the farm many years ago. Randal Hawthorne, Mora's big brother, was tall and rather friendly. His smile just promised nothing but friendship and affection to those that were part of his family, but I had the distinct notion that he still had some reluctance about my relationship with his sister with the way he proceeded to hug me that tightly. My back ended up hurting for a while, but it wasn't a bad thing since it gave an excuse to both Mora and I to retire earlier to the bedroom and… have some fun.

Bathing in glory at the victory scored today, Mora was way more excited than usual and our session dragged for a very long, long time. And boy, I felt genuinely unwilling to leave the bed the next day as I cuddled up with her.

Sadly enough, troubles were soon to arise from elements we weren't aware about. Something about mythical creatures, love counseling and… Life itself.


AN

Minor delay to the usual update schedule due to commissions. Next update will be delivered at the usual time, don't worry y'all!

Also, don't forget to check to ask me things. I might have insight that you poor humans don't have.

That is if I allow you to have that insight, you perverted Bear.

Compliments will not dilute the might I have, the power I have achieved.

Ambar, go to bed. It's late. I'm sure you will have more time for this and more brain to not be silly.

Nah, I need to make sure you sleep properly. COME HERE~!

S-STAY AWAY!

*The author would then be found in bed with an annoyed look as the perpetrator of the attack to his 'sanity', a certain High Prime, was also found snuggling over him on his bed. "It's only cuddling." The still-clothed human would answer, while the Wisdom Crest kept on napping without a care for the world.*