Smurfocalpyse chapter 94: A Land of Opportunity
It felt like hours of sitting in the House of Waiting before the refugees were finally greeted once again by Brainy who entered the house and motioned for the first candidate to join him.
"Ironworks Smurf. Hefty will see you now." Brainy said.
Ironworks stands up from his place in the corner of the room and dusts off his pants.
"Looks like this is my big moment." Ironworks said.
"Good luck." Firefighter said.
Ironworks gives Firefighter the thumbs up before following Brainy out of the house. He follows Brainy down the cobblestone street and as he gets closer to Hefty's hut a familiar feeling of home washes over him. Ironworks was certain that he could be a productive member of this society. As Ironworks followed Brainy he saw the peaceful members of Port Saint Smurf going about their day and was becoming increasingly excited. In no time at all he was lead to Hefty's hut. Brainy knocks on the door and Hefty answers. Hefty was much younger than Ironworks suspected he would be, but he smiles at Hefty as the two locked eyes.
"Hefty. The first refugee is ready for his interview." Brainy said.
Hefty smiled and outstretched his hand to Ironworks.
"Good to meet you. I am Hefty Smurf." Hefty said.
Ironworks takes Hefty's hand and shakes it firmly.
"The young'uns called be Old Iron, but you can call me Ironworks." Ironworks said.
"Step into my office. Let's chat." Hefty said with a hand gesture.
Ironworks nods and follows Hefty inside. Hefty leads Ironworks passed his main room, through his private gym, and into a spare room in the house where there was a desk and a couple chairs made by Coconut. Hefty gestures for Ironworks to take a seat and the Smurf does so. Hefty took the seat behind the desk and got a pencil and paper from inside the drawer and put the pencil to the paper. Reporter was in the corner of the room in a chair with his notebook ready. Of course he was not going to miss out on this latest scoop.
"First off I personally welcome you to Port Saint Smurf. It is a pleasure to have you here." Hefty said.
"Glad to be here Hefty." Ironworks said.
"Tell me a bit about yourself." Hefty said.
"I was born and raised in Ireland in Clover Village. Ever since I was a Smurfling being a blacksmith was something I was always passionate about. I spent my days as a young'un as a blacksmith's apprentice and by the time I was your age I operated my own blacksmith where I'd make spoons, forks, nails, screws, and other necessities for Clover Village." Ironworks said.
Hefty nodded as he recorded Ironworks' profile on paper presumably so that it could then be added to The Big Book of Smurfs.
"Very fascinating. So in Ireland you earned a name for yourself by working with metal?" Hefty said.
"That's right. Nothing but the finest weapons, armor, and utensils are crafted by my hand." Ironworks said proudly.
"Do you happen to have anything crafted by you in your possession right now?" Hefty asked.
"My trusty smithy hammer, but Sir Falconer had me leave it at the gate as per your law." Ironworks said.
"I see." Hefty said.
"In all my six hundred years of life I never thought I'd ever come across a horror such as the blackhearted. Bloody savages all of them. They killed young'uns, Smurfette, and elders without any sympathy. Clover Village quickly became a bloody graveyard it did. Barely escaped with my life. Thank Smurf for young brave Smurfs such as yourself for helping out Old Iron. Wouldn't even be sitting here today if not for them." Ironworks said.
"Where are the rest of the Smurfs from Clover Village today?" Hefty asked.
"Hard to say. We all split up and were never reunited. The rest of my group is outside the walls waiting for their chance to get into your fine community. Brave young'uns like you with fire in their hearts and a passion to protect Smurfs like me who don't know much about fighting." Ironworks said.
"How do you feel about the importance of community?" Hefty asked.
"In the old country way back when the world was young I was taught by my elders to always love and respect my fellow Smurf. Grew up on that principle I did, and I live by it to this day. If the things I can create with my hands and tools bring smiles to the face of young'uns, and make their work easier that's all I really need in life besides a roof over my head and food in my stomach and a glass of water every now and then" Ironworks said.
"Well Ironworks… This interview has been going great, and we only have a single blacksmith. I'm sure Port Saint Smurf could benefit from your skills and your wisdom as an older Smurf. We have some spare houses prepared for refugees who have been recently accepted. How would you like to start work tomorrow?" Hefty said.
Ironworks' eyes lit up and a Smurfy grin appeared on his face.
"I would be honored to start work tomorrow." Ironworks said.
"Then I welcome you to our community. Congratulations Ironworks, you are now a resident of Port Saint Smurf." Hefty said.
"Are there any health conditions I should know about to pass onto Doctor?" Hefty asked.
"Just this itchy scar on my face. Bothers me some time to time it does, but it won't interfere with my work." Ironworks said.
"And would you be interested in receiving psychiatric care?"
"Psychiatric who?" Ironworks asked.
Hefty slides Ironworks a pamphlet advertising the services of Psychiatrist.
"All your questions will be answered after a brief reading of this material." Hefty said.
"Thank you so much Hefty Smurf." Ironworks said.
"No need to thank me. It is my duty as your fellow Smurf." Hefty said.
Ironworks stood up from his seat and walked out of the hut where he was greeted by Doctor Smurf.
"The next step of your initiation is a mandatory checkup. When was the last time you saw a Doctor?" Doctor said.
"When I was one hundred and eighty I smashed the living Smurf out of my own finger at work." Ironworks said.
"So it's been awhile then… No matter I will examine you head to toe." Doctor said.
Once Ironworks exited the hut Brainy made his way down the cobblestone street back to The House of Waiting to retrieve the next refugee. He opens the door and glances around the room at the refugees. Smurfstorm had somehow managed to create a makeshift shiv out of wood and was standing protectively in front of Smurfblossom when Brainy entered. He took a look at Smurfstorm and shook his head.
"That's not smart." Brainy said.
"tch!" Smurfstorm said glaring at him.
"Smurfblossom… Hefty will see you now." Brainy said.
"She's not going anywhere without me." Smurfstorm said.
"You have been nothing but uncooperative since your arrival. Hefty will hear about this." Brainy said.
"As though I give the slightest Smurf." Smurfstorm said.
"Stormy! Stop this!" Smurfblossom pleaded.
"I assure you nothing bad will happen to your friend you have my word." Brainy said.
"Your word means nothing." Smurfstorm said.
Smurfblossom puts her hand on Smurfstorm's shoulder and gently pushes her aside stepping up to Brainy.
"Don't do it Smurfblossom! Don't leave me here!" Smurfstorm said.
"It'll be alright Stormy… At some point we have to stop running. I'm tired of not having a place to call home." Smurfblossom said.
"Smurfblossom…" Smurstorm said.
"I'll be alright, you'll see." Smurfblossom said with a smile.
Smurfblossom follows Brainy out of the house and the door closes behind them leaving Smurfstorm alone with Firefighter, Prospector, and Grandpa. There wasn't much talk between the two of them as Brainy led Smurfblossom to Hefty's hut Smurfblossom bounced excitedly as she followed Brainy, taking in the sights of Port Saint Smurf as she walked. Then suddenly conflict could be heard in the street behind them as a fist fight broke out between Smurfstorm and Falconer. Smurfstorm had exited the House of Waiting and went looking for Smurfblossom. Falconer had refused to fight back and was quickly overpowered by Smurfstorm as the Smurfette rushed down the street.
"Stormy?! What are you doing?!" Smurfblossom shouts.
"I told you a million times! I will never leave your side!" Smurfstorm said.
"Your something else you know that? Just wait until Hefty hears about this." Brainy said with a wave of his finger.
"I don't really care nerdy Smurf!" Smurfstorm said.
"That's BRAINY Smurf…" Brainy said.
"Hefty will interview us both at the same time, or he won't interview us at all." Smurfstorm said.
Brainy sighs deeply and just shakes his head.
"Just follow me, and don't cause any more trouble." Brainy said.
They make it to Hefty's hut and Brainy knocks on the door. Hefty answers, and locks eyes with Smurfstorm. It was mutual love at first sight. Never in her wildest fantasies had Smurfstorm ever pictured a being as masculine as Hefty. His chiseled muscles, his perfect abs, and the way he carries himself was enough to leave her completely smitten. The two of them stared at each other for a moment before their moment was broken by a very hyper Smurfblossom.
"Wow wow wow! No way! It's Hefty Smurf! The strongest Smurf in the universe! Oh my gosh I can't believe I'm standing here next to Hefty Smurf!" Smurfblossom yells bouncing up and down. She grabs Hefty's hand and begins to rapidly shake his entire arm up and down.
"Hey hey hey! I'm Smurfblossom! I've heard so many things about you! Is it true you fought a bunch of aliens from Outer Smurf?! I couldn't even believe it! When I heard the story I was like whaaaaat?!" smurfblossom said.
Then Smurfstorm silently puts a hand over Smurfblossom's mouth without taking her eyes off Hefty.
"The strongest Smurf in the universe huh?" Smurfstorm asked.
"I never asked for that reputation… All I did was protect the ones I treasure from immanent death." Hefty said.
"He's soooo Brave!" Smurfblossom said, her speech muffled by Smurfstorm's hand.
"So then… I hear you want to interview us?" Smurfstorm asked.
"Well uh, yes. I think you'd be a great fit for this community, but I must ask you some questions first." Hefty said trying to remain professional.
"Right yeah, I understand. You can't just let anyone inside. You never know who you can trust nowadays." Smurfstorm said looking at her feet.
Hefty hesitates for a moment, but then outstretches his hand to Smurfstorm.
"And who do I have the pleasure of talking with today?" Hefty asked.
Smurfstorm's cheeks flush as she reaches her hand out to grasp Hefty's hand. They held each other's hand for a few seconds before Smurfstorm shook his hand.
"Smurfstorm… and this is my best friend Smurfblossom." Smurstorm said.
"Hi!" Smurfblossom spouts with a wave her voice still muffled.
"Smurfstorm… That's… a lovely name…" Hefty said.
"Thank you…" Smurfstorm said.
They both stared into each other's eyes a moment longer. Smurfblossom was oblivious to what was going on in her excitement, but Brainy caught on quickly and left to notify Doctor the obvious fact that they'd be having two more refugees becoming citizens. Smurfblossom finally frees herself from Smurfstorms hand and then finally catches on to whats happening and she places a hand over her mouth and giggles playfully.
"You know Hefty… Stormy is pretty strong too." Smurfblossom said.
"Oh? Is that right?" Hefty said.
"She's the strongest and bravest Smurf I know! Super strong, and caring, and brave like a knight in shining armor!" Smurfblossom said.
"Really?" Hefty asked.
"Well I mean I don't like to brag or anything, but I'm a pretty decent shot with the bow." Smurfstorm said.
"Yup yup yup! She taught me everything I know!" Smurfblossom said.
"Is that right?" Hefty said never taking his eyes off Smurfstorm.
"I think I love him more than kittens…" Smurfstorm thought.
"So uh… Do you like to work out?" Hefty asked.
"Stormy's VERY athletic!" Smurfblossom said.
"Would you like to see my equipment?" Hefty asked.
"Sure, why not?" Smurfstorm said.
The two of them go inside and Smurfblossom winks before bouncing excitedly up and down. They were going to have a home for sure now, and Smurfstorm would perhaps have something even greater. Smurfblossom follows them into the hut and to Hefty's personal gym. Needless to say Smurfstorm was very impressed by Hefty's gym.
"So this is the workout routine for the strongest Smurf in the universe…" Smurfstorm said.
"I start my workout routine with a jog around the entire port every morning, then use all the equipment you see here before breakfast." Hefty said.
"Wow! No way! No wonder you're so strong!" Smurfblossom said trying to lift one of Hefty's weights.
They were obviously getting off-track. Hefty had a job to do after all.
"Well then… Follow me to my office." Hefty said.
The three of them went into Hefty's office and Smurfstorm takes a seat followed by Hefty. Smurfblossom had to stand, but that was probably for the best anyway as she simply could not contain her excitement as though this was the best day of her life.
"So where do you both come from? I assume you're from the same village due to having similar clothing." Hefty said.
"We're from Smurfy Grove. A village where only female Smurfs lived. We didn't even know male Smurfs existed until the blackhearted burned down our home." Smurfstorm said.
"Smurfstorm got us all out alright, but over the last year we were attacked several times." Smurfblossom said.
"There are only a few of us left from Smurfy Grove. A lot of my group is still outside waiting to get in I must speak on their behalf that they are all hardworking Smurfy Smurfettes." Smurfstorm said.
"Smurfstorm is the captain of the Grove Knights. I am a Grove Knight myself." Smurfblossom said.
"The Grove Knights are some of the greatest fighters in the world all taught by yours truly." Smurfstorm said.
"Greatest fighters in the world? Now you have my full attention." Hefty said.
"Our Smurfettes were vulnerable and scared with no place to live. So I assembled the Grove Knights to protect the ones I care about." Smurfstorm said.
"And your knights are waiting outside in the refugee camp?" Hefty asked.
"With any hope I'll be able to move my entire group into Port Saint Smurf. We can work alongside the Knights of the Smurf Table and protect this place together." Smurfstorm said.
"I have a feeling you're on to something… We could form a partnership, unit our forces, and do business together a long time." Hefty said.
"Does that mean we're in?!" Smurfblossom asked.
"Yes… Welcome to Port Saint Smurf." Hefty said.
"YES!" Smurfblossom yelled as she leaped so high in the air she nearly smashed her head into the ceiling.
"But wait, Smurfstorm…" Hefty said.
"Yes?" Smurfstorm said looking into his eyes.
"Well its just… you know we'll be working together a lot… I'd love to see you in action. Perhaps we could have a sparring match in the forest? Just you and me?" Hefty said.
Was he asking her on a date?
"I suppose a spar between us would be beneficial since we will be working together. Just try not to die on me." Smurfstorm said.
"Heh." Hefty said with a grin.