The Maelstrom of Stardew
Year 1 (Summer)
Chapter 11: First Heat
Monday, the 1st of Summer, 2017
[Quest Announcement] - Gamer Ability/Notification
[LOAD GAME]
…
[Massive updates loading. GAME PAUSED. LOAD VOID.]
"Welcome to Summer, Taeko. I hope you liked your little break from our game." Kyu said in more festive wear.
"I did…" Taeko remarked. "Angel's happy. Enjoyed her birthday and thank you for gifting a Faggio Mod. Given that she still can't drive the Cabrio, she can at least use a scooter."
"I might be a pervert, but I wasn't going to ruin wholesome moments. Watching you and her pass out on the couch all snuggled up was so cute." Kyu said, swooning. "But let's get down to the business. Our next update will be called the 'Fantasy Kitchen Sink' update. Basically to expand on the fablefolk and such while also fixing some bugs. On the GTAZ side of things, more vehicles, some new missions, and so on…but you knew that. As for collectibles, I redid some of the coding. You should be able to find Naruto collectibles, and Final Fantasy collectibles now. DB collectibles are limited to Xenoverse clothing. There was also going to be a limited collection of collectibles from Super Smash Brothers."
"Got it. Anything else?" Taeko asked.
"A big feature. But before I tell you, I need to let you know that even if you get the hardwood, you won't be able to go to Ginger Island until the Community Center is restored." Kyu said as Taeko pouted. "Don't fret, this new feature will make that not so bad. With the new types of farms introduced after you started the Game, we have made farms based on the farm maps you could have chosen from except for the Four Corners Map as that's for multiplayer and the standard one you're using."
"I'm assuming there's some restrictions." Taeko asked astutely.
"Yes and no, the other Farm Maps were more to encourage you to use your farm to focus on your other main skills: fishing, combat, mining, and foraging. Now a boon to this is your fridge space will increase and will be shared across all farms. Your chests are not, but you can access them from any farm for crafting if you have the workbench. Your other farms will not come with a greenhouse, but they have a garage, some will have a dock, and a place for your pets, to which you set to be with you…or on a different farm. There's more more to discuss, but you'll get that when you get one." Kyu mused.
Taeko crossed his arms and asked about obtaining them.
"You will be able to buy two. Not telling you which ones, one will be marked on your map when they're available. The other you'll need to deal with the elves before that location is revealed. The others you could get through certain mission strings namely with the new gangs you'll face. Also we have got a pet store for you to get gear for your pets. That location is marked on your map…you have fun now."
Taeko could feel himself slowly falling.
"And one last thing, I got Elly May, Rosemary, and Ingrid a new outfit…I think you'll enjoy it." Kyu said as Taeko fell into the void.
"Wait, what about my actions during the timeskip? Am I going to get friendship points for it?!" Taeko yelled.
"Yes. You'll see when you wake up." Kyu yelled back. "Also got a text for you about a quest."
[Updates completed. GAME LOADED. WELCOME BACK!]
Taeko woke up on his bed before taking a breath. Summer had officially started and Taeko was so glad he had an aircon unit. He got a quick runthrough the changelog to see some welcomed changes. He wondered about the outfit that Kyu got only to see Elly May walk into his room in it.
A red polka dot emblazoned, white cropped top knot shirt barely contained her 'girls', denim mini-shorts that did not hide all the trail of blonde pubic curls poking out, a light brown rope belt, red lipstick, and she was styled in pigtails with little red bows.
"Morning, Taeko." Elly May said with a bright smile. "I made breakfast, a [Complete Breakfast] with a [Triple Shot Espresso]. I did some grocery shopping for essentials."
Taeko was glad he was in pajamas and quickly got on his bathrobe to tie it tight over them. Tempting as it was, it was the first day of the season, it was make or break. He went out of his room to scarf down his breakfast. Logan and Tom were already eating before he finished. He checked the fridge to see he had more [Sugar], [Wheat Flour], [Potatoes], [Oil], and [Joja Cola].
"By the way, the silos and that [Fish Pond] you wanted are all built up. Now we have three bodies of water." Elly May said eagerly.
"But no swimming in the [Fish Pond], I'm breeding fish in there." Taeko said sternly.
"Yessir." Elly May said. "I also got the [Tappers] made and put into other trees, Taeko. Also I got something I wanted to tell you."
"Can it wait for me to shower and get dressed?" He asked as she nodded. "Then give me a minute."
A quick shower later, Taeko was getting dressed for the day settling to wear a jade Fruntalot tank top under an unzipped bright aqua jacket with a closed pocket flap on each side, black jeans, a pair of [Basic Gator Sneakers] in white socks, his fingerless gloves, and a pair of black rimmed aviator shades. He hadn't worn the jacket since a season ago, but he confidently fluffed it as his wallet, phone, and such materialized into his pockets as his sheath and swords were at his side.
"So what do you get for me?" Taeko asked, coming out of his room.
"Well, a call from home. Turns out a package we ordered ages ago came through…a half dozen kegs and casks. Pa just gave it to me and I put them in place.." Elly May said.
"Thanks, Elly. Now let's get to work." Taeko said before getting the needed things to start his plans for the farm. "But let me check my phone for messages. Go on ahead to start with the coop and barn."
Elly May headed out and Taeko sent out the pets to hunt. Taeko got his phone out to check messages, seeing a text from Sam.
[Text from Sam]
Dude, thanks for the job at the motel and getting me a car. The Baller's reliable. I really appreciate the help.
[Your friendship with Sam has doubled to 4.4 Hearts, Two new heart scenes available: Visit Star Stud Beach on a sunny day before 3pm and visit the Knight home when he's gone.]
[Your friendship with Jodi shot up to seven hearts! New heart scene available after leaving the farmhouse. You can now cook [Ice Cream].]
He moved on to the next text from Abigail who was eager to get back into the Mines and sent a picture of her in a new outfit: a [Lilac Tunic (Girls)], a pair of [Delta Blacklight Pants], pair of dark boots, and a [Dark Cloak] for a cape. He'd see Maru texted him that she had new weapons for him to buy from her at her home…and that she was taking the week off work. Done with the phone, he went out to check the mailbox.
[Letter from Alex]
Taeko,
I'm glad you took up on my offer to work with me on producing tubs of ice cream. I know your brand is getting everywhere now, but I'm glad you accepted my offer to produce for the local business first. I got the recipe and materials for you to get started. That Chen guy you know will have the hook up for the cocoa powder for you to make chocolate. Or Joja if you can't be bothered. Just remember I need that batch before the end of the week or sooner. Tourist season is afoot. And if things work out, I'm willing to give you a share of the business. I know you need as many assets as possible. The cones are from my grandmother, on the house.
Sincerely, Alex.
[Enclosed 12x Ice Cream Makers, 30x Chocolate Powder, 100x Ice Cream Cones]
The game flashed a text box.
[You can now make [Tub of Ice Cream] using the [Ice Cream Maker] which you also craft. Note: [Ice Cream Cones] will only be needed if you take ice cream from an [Ice Cream Tub], a tub will have about 16 uses. A [Tub of Ice Cream] will be a vanilla flavor by default if no extra flavor is added to the [Ice Cream Maker]. Also using [Large Milk] will automatically make the [Tub of Ice Cream] gold quality but will take a bit longer to make.]
[Your friendship with the Mullners has been all raised to four hearts. New heart scenes available at the Mullner house and in town.]
Taeko closed it out before looking at the recipes. He didn't have to worry about making a tub given his perks made it that he only needed enough to make one to make a gold quality note only meant that with his perk, it'd take about ten more minutes. As for ingredients needed to make the maker, that was halved as well leaving him to only need 15 [Hardwood], two [Iron Bars], and two [Battery Packs].
Given the update changelog mentioned he could buy [Battery Packs] from Chen (or JojaMart), he had no issues there. Before he looked at more letters, he put the cones and powder away. He immediately set up the dozen [Ice Cream Makers] in the big shed. He went back to the mailbox to find a letter from Kyu.
[Letter from Kyu]
Taeko,
There's a story quest you should take and you should take a [Battery Pack] with you. A hint is this [Lost Book] I'm giving you. Why am I giving it to you? The person you'll be led to me knows your Grandfather…and I know he was important to you.
Sincerely, Kyu
P.S. Here's a [Stardrop], you're going to need it.
[Enclosed: [Lost Book #19], [Stardrop]]
Taeko opened the book to see a simple message.
[Lost Book #19 - ...Saw something weird in the tunnel leading out from Pelican Town. There's a little door hidden in the dark. Couldn't get it open, though. -Gunther]
The book vanished and Taeko ate the [Stardrop] being reminded of that indescribable flavor again before seeing his health and energy go up by 34 points. There was a letter from Pam who fittingly enough gifted him a [Battery Pack].
"Ok, I-"
"Taeko!"
Jodi came running up panting from the jog.
"Oof…I don't know how you kids move back and forth so easily. I wanted to invite you to dinner this Friday as thanks for being such a help. I just need you to bring me a [Largemouth Bass], one of them big slimy ones so I can make a casserole." Jodi said.
"Ok, but-"
"Taeko, I'm back from the barn and coop. The animals were some busy ones." Elly May said, hauling the load inside the farmhouse to put away in the house.
"Good grief, the quads on her." Jodi said sheepishly. "But I should get going."
She left and Taeko was about to see if he had any more letters only to see a car pull up to his farm. A stark black [Merryweather Mesa] that had sand colored rims and the logo for Rahasaya painted on the sides. Out of the car came two people, a man and a woman.
The man was a tad older than Taeko, with mocha skin and red hair that was a shaggy mop. He had a similar build to Taeko, but was maybe an inch or two taller. He wore an open short-sleeved black shirt with a sunflower pattern, a white tank top, blue cargo shorts, a red sash, a gold wedding band worn on a chain on his neck, sandals, a black bucket hat, and silver aviator sunglasses that hid his burgundy eyes.
The woman was elven with Indian features having dark shoulder length hair in a braid and mauve colored eyes. She wore an ocean themed blue long-sleeved dress with sand colored accents, a grass green sari over her dress, sandals, a matching wedding band on a chain on her neck, jewelry on her neck and wrists, and a white sun hat. Her figure was above average, but the bust department was anything but average given the double Ds. The guy was lightly armed given the holster on the sides.
"I like your taste in pistols. Semi-automatics do get the job done…but what do you want?" Taeko said.
"Taeko Maelstrom, right? We're family of Beli. I'm Essam. Essam Currant, her brother in-law." Essam said, shaking Taeko's hand.
"Beli's an elf?" Taeko asked.
"No, she's my younger half-sister. We share a father. I am Seri Currant." Seri said kindly.
"Ok, what can I do for you?" Taeko asked.
"We have a delivery for you…of what you asked for me along with something extra as my and my husband's thank you." Seri explained.
"Your request was what got us to safety for our son." Essam stated. "Thanks to Cashlin, things weren't safe where we were…and it was better we got to American soil."
The two opened the trunk to get some items.
"We had to…steal a plane to get out of Bolivia from a cartel. From the looks of things, they were planning on setting up a drug farm and also sell some bricks of coke. Beli called your assistant and took the supplies to your weed farm but to bring the [Preserve Jars] and the other fertilizers."
They unloaded the car to Taeko to see he now had twenty [Preserve Jars], fifty boxes of [Hyper Speed-Gro], twenty boxes of [Quality Fertilizer], and a box.
"What's in the box?" Taeko asked.
"Stuff apparently belonging to a witch that the cartel had on hire. At least what was on the plane…she was not done packing before we killed her and we were in a hurry." Seri said softly before the couple got back in the car. "One last thing, Beli has expanded Rahasaya a tad to where she has [Courier] jobs open and my husband and I got a side hustle you'll be interested in."
A text box came up in front of him.
[Courier jobs now available at Rahasya, Drug Trafficking activity now available at the Calico Desert]
"Wait, what about the plane?" Taeko asked. "You still have it?"
"Sadly, no. I had to sell it once I got into this country. I needed the money to plant roots here. Get a house, get my boy registered for school, get a RV. Good luck, man." Essam said before driving away.
Taeko opened the box to find a few things. A [Quetzalli Magicite], ten [Crab Pots], a hundred pieces of [Bait], ten pieces of [Magic Bait], [Magus Robes], a [Twist Headband], and a [Brick of Cocaine].
"Oh joy, coke…just like the other bricks in my safe." Taeko said before tossing it in the [Iridium Trash Can]. "At least I'll get some gold out of that."
He used [Observe] on the other three items.
[Item - Magic Bait - Allows you to catch fish from any season, time, or weather, from whichever type of water you cast into. - Sell Price 1g]
[Equip Item (Torso) - Magus Robes - A remnant from an age where magic flourish. It's color will adjust with the wearer. -| +5 Magic +5 Defense +1 Speed |- Sell Price 130,000g - (Final Fantasy collectible)]
[Equip Item (Hat) - Twist Headband - Headband often worn by martial artist, it focuses the mind. -| +3 Strength, +2 Speed|- Sell Price - 30,000g - (FusionFall collectible)]
"Shit, that's a +5 to her magic. A good boost to her other attributes." Taeko said before taking some of the stuff to put away. "But no more distractions. It's time to farm after all I put all this stuff away…and check my mail."
He left the magicite, robe, and headband in the box, putting it on his porch before going back to his mailbox. He did get the dozen [Eels] that Leah had sent him in the mail before getting the next letter out seeing it was from George.
[Letter from George]
Figured I'd give you this recipe I had laying around. Try not to burn it.
-George
[Enclosed: [Fried Eel Recipe]]
Taeko was grateful to try that out before going to the last two letters which was just cash from the agricultural fund and Pierre giving him the recipe for [Blueberry Tart]. First off, he put the [Preserve Jars] in the big shed before cracking his knuckles and drinking the [Triple Shot Espresso].
First things first, he cleared his main inventory, putting everything away, bar the [Summer Seeds], fertilizers, and the [Battery Pack]. He also got the seeds and the supplies he needed to plant before going out to get all the crops from what was grown already which net him: 60 [Coffee Beans] of iridium quality, 52 [Ancient Fruits] (most of them of gold quality with only 10 of iridium quality), and 20 iridium quality [Tea Leaves]. Taeko removed the plants with the [Hoe] except the [Tea Saplings] to clear the board. He placed down the [Rarecrow #8] on the opposite end of the farm to keep the crows away. He began using the [Hoe] to expand the 'flower box' to allow for more space for flowers to which it would for more variety of flower honey. With twelve slots, he planted four [Summer Spangles], four [Poppies], and four [Sunflowers] only putting [Hyper Speed-Gro] on three of those closest to a [Bee House].
Logan and Tom returned from their hunts with plenty of items.
[Hunting Completed!]
Number of Items: Tom (7) | Logan (16)
Tom's Haul:
5 [Ancient Seed]
1 [Amphibian Fossil]
1 [Chicken Statue]
Logan's Haul:
5 [Spice Berry] (Iridium Quality)
4 [Sweet Pea] (Iridium Quality)
4 [Grape] (Iridium Quality)
3 [Fiddlehead Fern] (Iridium Quality)
Experience Points Gained: Tom (70) | Logan (168)
[Logan has leveled up to 16! HP and MP increased by +5, You have 10 Points to Spend on Stats.]
Not wanting to waste time, he spent those points before continuing to work on the farm. He was smirking knowing his fruit perk apparently worked on fruit crops…and the [Summer Seeds].
[~MoS~]
Nikki Ann-Marie looked at herself in the mirror. She looked far different from her skinny eighteen year old that she was two years ago. Now, she was a bit thicker with her 'girls' going up from a modest C to a pair of DDs, but she was in far better shape after taking up jogging…anything to get out her frustration when she wasn't gaming. Circumstances of a combination of her soul sucking job and some yuppie buying the building she lived in. To which said yuppie evicted everyone out, which left her having to stay in a motel to not be in the streets. Of course, the Mirage Motel was not too bad at all…good price, good decor, a free drink in the morning, and a communal area with a microwave, and an arcade machine.
She groaned having to put on her JojaMart uniform feeling more of her soul fade. She despised working for them, but they were the only ones that hired that did not need little to no qualifications (at least to work in their marts). Of course, she no longer had a car and it was only thanks to the kindness of the employees of Rahasaya giving her a ride into town. Pelican Town, a real picturesque town…that Joja really wanted to ruin. As she arrived, Morris was introduced to the one employee still working there…and the two new ones. To her surprise, they were elves.
The guy was a pale thin half-elf with short spiky blonde hair and dull gray eyes that had bags looking like he wanted to die. The woman next to him was a drow with a thin but curvaceous body right under Nikki in size. She had dark brown skin, elf ears with piercings, platinum blond hair, long nails, white eyeshadow, and matching lipstick. She wore the uniform haphazardly and untucked. Given she was looking at her smartphone and clearly not giving a damn…Nikki could tell that one was not going to be a team player.
"Welcome to our Pelican Town branch, Nikki. You'll be joining us alongside Tarron and Lorva." Morris said as Nikki looked at the manager. "Now, I need you to go out with Lorva and Angela to hand out these coupons. Half off for the first of Summer, supposedly there's one that gives a 10,000 Gold gift card. I doubt it's in those books. Tarron, go toss out the Spring stock and wheel in that [Soda Machine], apparently it's going to be some stupid prize for a promotion."
"This is what you called us here for. It's 7:30 in the morning! Our shift isn't supposed to even start until 9! Are we even being paid for this?"
Nikki looked over at the cashier with her long curly orange hair that blew a bit in the wind.
"Angela. Joja employees are required to volunteer for the better of the community." Morris said plainly.
Lorva yawned as Angela glared at him.
"And since when the FUCK does Joja give any shit about the community? Because between the polluting and the shitty pay, it sounds like a fucking lie to get free labor." Angela snarled. "And what are you going to be doing?"
"Doing something on Joja business." Morris said.
Nikki could tell that was a lie as Morris walked to his car, a fancy blue and black Grotti [Cheetah].
"Where the hell did you get that? It's so manly…" Lorva purred out.
"I got it by hard work." Morris said.
That was a lie. He really got it because it was Pryce's other car that he kept with Joja. A little bit of cash was thrown at the company and the car was his. Not like Joja wanted to keep it given the investigation on Pryce.
Lorva sauntered up, trailing her finger on Morris's bowtie.
"Are you sure you don't need company on your business, Mr. Manager? A big man with such a fancy pair needs a pretty woman to complete the look." Lorva said as Tarron just glared at them.
"Give me a bre-Oh come on!" Angela said before seeing Lorva was invited in the car. "Are you kidding me?"
"Hey, don't be rude to the boss!" Lorva said.
"I want all those coupons out by the time we get back by opening time." Morris said before getting in his car and driving away with Lorva.
Lorva even tossed the coupon book she got at Nikki's feet to which she picked up.
"I can't believe your girlfriend just-"
"Stepsister." Tarron said dryly, giving a coupon book to Angela and Nikki. "Let's just get to wor-"
Angela and Nikki walked off with them with Angela angrily wishing Morris got hit by a train. It did it help but most of the town clearly did not like Joja or being bothered early in the morning.
"Let's just split up." Angela said. "More people live out in the woods and such, you handle them."
Nikki went ahead as Angela sighed. She had no intention of continuing, she just wanted to get rid of the new fish to find a place to nap. She walked along the road coming across Alex was in the midst of a morning workout without a shirt. Her cheeks ran hot…she had seen him around town and when he came to JojaMart for protein powder.
"Working to get into the Olympics?" Angela said shyly.
"I wish." Alex said as he did pull ups.
Now that he was wearing the weighted gear, it was a bit of a struggle to wear it. But Alex Mullner loved a challenge. He looked at her, recognizing as the cashier at JojaMart…only she looked less miserable.
"Wait, I thought you lived out of town. Why are you even here?" Alex said as Angela helped him up.
"I want to say to see you, hot stuff, but…my boss made me come early to do company sanctioned 'volunteer work'...to hand out coupons." Angela said dryly as Alex was agape.
"You're shitting me…" Alex said as Angela shook her head.
"Made me rush the hell out without even getting to eat breakfast." Angela said as her stomach growled. "Not like I can go back into town to get anything to eat because I don't know when that fat bastard is coming back."
"Are those coupons even good for anything?" Alex asked.
"Half off a purchase, but the shitting things expire ten minutes after opening." Angela said, tossing the coupon book in the trash. "Not worth the effort…"
"I tend to go heavy on the breakfast, I do have leftovers if you want." Alex offered.
"Yeah, I'd like that…" Angela said as Alex let her in his place.
"I still got it." Alex thought. "Never give thought about a redhead…maybe Taeko was onto something."
It had been some time since the breakup with Haley…this time with little chance of getting back together given it was an amicable split. Not that it bothered Alex much…he realized that their on and off had just slowed the inevitable. Alex had not considered trying to shoot his shot with Angela, but seeing she was interested…gave Alex a bit of drive to go for it.
[~MoS~]
Nikki left Leah's cabin after being much with a polite but cold no to the coupon. So she went to the Sanford Ranch, before knocking on the door. The door opened.
"Hello sir, I-"
"Nikki?" Shane asked.
"Do I-"
"We matched up on the app." Shane remarked. "The dating one."
"Well, this is awkward." Nikki said.
Shane had given online dating a shot. Nikki had done the same wanting to try to force herself out of her shell. They had changed, and started talking. Shane, given the circumstances, had kept stuff about himself vague…and now she was at the door.
"Not really…at least we both know we weren't bullshittin' in our pictures." Shane said as Nikki snickered. "No offense, but I was skeptical if it was real or not."
"It is. I had a lot of anger at Joja, so I got into running. And triathlons." Nikki said. "Well I guess I can ask for your real name now."
"Shane. Shane Sanford. Considering I work at that rat trap called Joja, that makes us coworkers." Shane said, leaning on the door frame.
"Then why aren't you at work?" Nikki asked.
"PTO that lasts for several weeks." Shane said confidently. "I plan to quit as soon as it's done…because I'll have plenty of time to look for another job. You know, we could go on that first date?"
Nikki thought back to Morris and grinned.
"You know what? If you can give me a ride to the motel in the desert, I could change out of this uniform. We can go get breakfast…" Nikki said.
"My treat." Shane offered.
"Ok, let me just get rid of this…there's one more place I have to visit anyway." Nikki said before leaving.
Shane was so glad he woke up early today and hurried to go get ready as Nikki entered Shadow Farm from the forest path.
"Well this place is certainly busy…" Nikki said, trying to find where the house was. "Ok, I think I see it."
It was clear that someone was breaking rocks and chopping trees down as she walked along, coming up to the farmhouse to find Taeko and Elly May sitting on the porch steps. Taeko was finishing up eating a [Fried Eel]. Logan and Tom were lounging about as Taeko looked over at her.
"I just got work done…and now my mood is ruined by Joja. Seeing they shouldn't be open by now…are you on 'volunteer hours'?" Taeko asked as she nodded. "Word of advice, it's a scam. It's just so Joja Corporation can get a tax break claiming to keep the community. So they have the workers do stupid and pointless tasks."
"So they can't bust my bits for not doing it…"
"Not really. They can't fire you for not taking part because then it'll make a stink if you go on unemployment." Taeko said calmly. "Take it from someone who worked in Joja Corporate. You just have to bullshit that you did whatever pointless task you did…and just lie that you did it."
"Well fuck this then." Nikki said dropping the coupon books and leaving. "You forgot your-"
"Keep them!" Nikki said as Elly May shrugged.
Taeko took them up.
"Coupons for Joja…and they only last twenty min-What's this?" Taeko said, pulling out a silvery-blue card. "A gift card? Oh, this just gives me an idea."
"I thought you hated Joja." Elly May said.
"I do, but I'm not above taking advantage of them to screw them over." Taeko said pocketing the card and taking a coupon. "But now that the farm is set up, now comes the easy part. Maintaining."
"Whew, it's too hot out here. Mind I go hang out with my cousin?" Elly May asked.
"Sure, you've done your part. I can handle it from here." Taeko said as Elly May left. "Just remember to wash your feet before putting on your shoes."
He got up to stretch before going inside to get his knives, the [Mega Bombs], and the [Magnetic Field Generator Mk.2] back in his main Inventory. He came out to see Elly May drive past on her dark blue [Rebel] before he went to the garage to get his [Sanchez], driving through the Backwoods to get to the Community Center. Linus was near.
"Linus, I-Holy shit." Taeko said before seeing Linus's new look.
[Cues BGM: Miri Dawn - Blame U (New and Revisioned)]
He wore an all-black outfit consisting of a tank top, gray camo cargo pants, a pair of [Kaiser Knuckles], leather belt, and combat boots. He sported a yellow bandana tied around his head and a silver armored chest plate with iridium purple detailing, matching shoulder pads, and bracers. A [Ragged Falchion] rested as he had a new grass green leaf cloak. A few knives were given wrapped around his right leg.
"Damn Linus, you gearing for war?" Taeko asked.
"Given the circumstances, I need to be better armored. I'm tough, but extra defense is a virtue." Linus affirmed. "I have something to fight for too against Joja and other threats…"
"Linus, how close were you and Talon?" Taeko said as the wind blew.
"We were brothers in all but blood. You must understand, Taeko. About what I said back there about being a botanist was only part of the truth. I was a botanist, but I also was apart of Joja's elite." Linus said as Taeko's eyes sharpened. "But I technically didn't fully work for Joja at, think akin to a mercenary or contract worker. Talon used to be my partner before we became a part of Joja's board. I would travel the world to gather things to come home to work together with him. Looking back, I failed to see his greed and his twisted desires. All those years ago…when I tried to expose him and failed…he took everything from me. Nearly everything. I didn't detail all my research…I had met Myth on my travels. Because of Myth, I would see the truth of the monster I helped to create. I failed to see what a bastard he was."
Linus looked bitter as Taeko's eyes softened.
"I owe your grandfather a lot for his help to hide me here. I've always loved nature and Talon took advantage of my long trips exploring and such." Linus said with a deep sigh.
"Linus, it's ok." Taeko remarked.
"We're no saints by all means, but I'm telling you that Dr. Talon will make your skin crawl." Linus said. "Given his experiments, I realize I need to at least get better living conditions. So I secretly have been working on a base using the [Surfer] van and the tent as a mask. I've been lifting parts from that JojaLab you took apart with Abigail. Enough to make my base comfortable…but I don't want to damage nature for my comfort."
"Linus, if you need me to get you anything…let me know. I can buy furnishings to bring to you." Taeko remarked.
"I make enough. The only thing I'll really need to get from you is groceries if I need something." Linus said before walking off.
"That man is drippin'" Taeko said to himself before going into the Community Center
[End BGM]
First thing first, he completed the [Night Fishing Bundle].
[Night Fishing Bundle] [COMPLETE]
Walleye [X]
Bream [X]
Eel [X]
[Reward: 1 [Small Glow Ring]]
"Really?" Taeko said holding it. "I already have a ring that does this."
"I'll take it off your hands."
Taeko turned around with one of his GHDCs aimed forward to see a woman. She was fairly short with a pear shaped body and small breasts. She had rather dark skin with her having a case of heterochromia with one blue and one red. Her shoulder-length hair was a forest green. She sported white eyeshadow and matching lipstick wearing a grass green sleeveless qipao dress with slits along the sides accompanied by a zipper and dark green accents. She also wore black bike shorts with a pouch around her right thigh, black [Ninja Sandals], and green nail polish. Her dress sported a Junimos symbol with forest markings and then he noticed the elf ears which meant she was a drow.
"You got a few moments to explain yourself." Taeko said as she did not flinch.
"It would be wise to accost the sage of the Junimos, Taeko." She said as Taeko put away the gun. "After we are fellow sages."
"Sage?" Taeko asked, confused.
"For the butterfly people who make their home in the sky." She said.
"Right…" Taeko responded.
"I am Zoey…and I take that ring off your hands." Zoey said, taking it from him.
"Why are you even here?" Taeko asked.
"To confront you myself…the Junimos speak of you…speak of your fight…and your protection of this town. I wanted to see you for myself after you tamed the wolf girl." Zoey said as he looked pensive. "Don't be pensive, she needed to reconnect with her humanity."
"Ok, is that all…" Taeko said awkwardly.
"Yes, for now. I was told not to impede your progress with the offerings, but I will step out of my bounds to help you just this once." She said tossing him 10 [Bat Wings]. "I personally don't see you as worthy, but maybe…just maybe you can prove me wrong."
She disappeared a plume of smoke leaving only leaves that turned to dust. Taeko sighed, but he took the wings to complete the last of the Boiler Room bundles.
[Adventurer's Bundle] [COMPLETE]
Slime (99) [X]
Bat Wing (10) [X]
Solar Essence [X]
Void Essence [X]
[Reward: 1 [Small Magnet Ring]]
Out of nowhere, the drow came back, taking the ring and throwing a [Hazelnut] at him.
"You could at least tell me your name!" Taeko said taking up the nut as the Boiler Room was now fully restored.
"It's Zoey." She said before leaving for good this time.
[Boiling Room has been restored! The Minecrafts will be repaired come tomorrow to allow for fast travel around town!]
The room looked completely brand new as the boiler rumbled with life. Taeko returned to the Crafts Room to finish two bundles there.
[Summer Foraging Bundle] [COMPLETE]
Grape [X]
Spice Berry [X]
Sweet Pea [X]
[Reward: 30 [Summer Seeds]]
[Fall Foraging Bundle] [COMPLETE]
Common Mushroom [X]
Wild Plum [X]
Hazelnut [X]
Blackberry [X]
[Reward: 30 [Fall Seeds]]
"Well I can make a whole row of [Tea Saplings]." Taeko said with a grin. "So this room's done save for Winter."
He went to the Pantry to add to the [Summer Crops Bundle] before looking at the other bundles in the Pantry set.
"I guess I'm buying seeds." Taeko said to himself.
All and all, he had just eleven bundles left to complete with most of them being from the Fish Tank. Even so, Taeko was pleased to see the Vault and the Boiling Room fixed. With his work complete for now, Taeko left. Seeing an artifact spot outside, Taeko tried his luck with the [Hoe] getting an [Arrowhead]. He sighed in disappointment, but took it anyway before riding off. He rode right down to the museum before going up to Gunther.
"If it ain't the Mighty Maelstrom? What can I do for you?" Gunther said as Takeo put the artifacts. "Let's see an [Arrowhead], an [Amphibian Fossil], and a [Chicken Statue]. The statue is mighty appreciated. I had this wooden version of it as a prop. You can have it."
Taeko was a [Chicken Statue (F)], a furnishing for his home. Taeko bowed before leaving in a hurry to get it home. Taeko had expanded his home a bit between seasons, the room that would have been for Angel had been turned to where he put most of the 'trophies' he got, bar the paintings. Those went in his bedroom on the walls as they offset the black space theme he had for the walls. As Taeko was riding back into town, he called her up.
"Hey, Angel. Still home?" Taeko remarked. "You wanna sleep in? Ok…later."
He hung up before arriving at JojaMart which was not open yet before seeing Jodi there.
"Morning, Mrs. Kn-"
"Jodi. Mrs. Knight is my mother-in-law." Jodi said mirthfully. "But I thought you hate shopping here."
"I do, but let's just say I found a fun way to screw them over." Taeko said as Shane arrived with Nikki. "Shane, my man."
"Oyabun Maelstrom." Shane said respectfully fist bumping Taeko. "What's the business?"
"I'm getting into developing my own brand of beer and producing more mead." Taeko said as Shane lit up.
"Finally!" Shane shouted excitedly before calming down, "What are you going to call the beer line?"
"Dagger Beer." Taeko said dramatically. "Cut yourself up inside."
Angela returned with Tarron looking tired.
"I hate this job…" Tarron said sadly.
Morris returned in his 'douchemobile' with Lorva as Tarron opened up Joja. Angela said nothing and went inside to clock in.
"Talk to you after work." Nikki said, kissing Shane's cheek before going in.
"Everything's coming up Shane." Shane remarked confidently. "I shouldn't be too optimistic, but it's nice to see things work out."
"I know the feeling. By the way, I got my hands on this." Taeko said, revealing the gift card. "When your girl dropped the coupon books, this was in one of them. And I'm going to blow it in one go."
"Ask to have your card checked for a prize." Shane said before whispering the means into Taeko's ear before he went in.
Taeko cracked his knuckles before piling his cart. Eight Joja Cola 12pks (5,400), water, snacks, twenty [Sunflower Seeds], fourty [Hop Starters], twenty [Radish Seeds], ten [Melon Seeds], and thirty [Wheat Seeds] all in five minutes to dashing to Angela to cash out.
"That'll be 18,000." Angela said before he used the coupon. "I mean, 9,000. Cash or credit."
"Gift card. And run the numbers to see if I won the prize, please." Taeko said, giving her the gift card.
"Your funeral, you're probably going to win a single cola…no one ever."
DING! DING! DING!
Angela balked as Morris spat out his water.
"Looks like we have a winner for the secondary grand prize. Considering the odds, you have some kind of luck." Angela said as Morris came over to see it was Taeko.
Within his snarls, Morris congratulated Taeko.
"What did I win?" Taeko asked.
"Your own [Soda Machine] and a year's supply of [Joja Cola] and various sodas." Angela said chipperly. "Congrats."
"Since you like to be so happy about it…you can go deliver the prize to his home." Morris said with a smirk. "After all, I shouldn't be mad."
If anything, Taeko winning meant that Morris would get a commission from it…something Taeko realized.
"Hey." Taeko said, turning to Angela. "Don't forget to mark this win on record…as a cashier you are inclined to get a percentage of the commission for this store, 'winning'."
Morris groaned in annoyance using Joja's own rules against him.
"Right." Angela said before getting on doing that.
"Oi, Jodi." Takeo said, tossing her the gift card. "There's 1,000 Gold left on that gift card. Have fun."
"Well, I need to finish signing. Lorva, can you-"
"I'm busy." Lorva said, sitting on a pile of canned food. "I'm stocking…"
"Lazy knife-earred bitch." Angela thought.
"Don't worry about it. I'll just get my car to take it myself." Taeko said before taking his groceries.
Taeko did have to make two trips, but he was not going to let Morris screw his employees over. Of course, he checked the [Soda Machine] for bugs before setting it up in his living room. Thanks to the Game, he could load all of [Joja Cola], single bottles of water, and even his [Beer] in there. He happily loaded all his [Joja Cola] in there with the rest of the drinks he got from Joja. He opened up a can of cola and downed it. He immediately planted ten [Hops Starters] in the greenhouse, giving five of them [Hyper Speed-Gro]. He planted more [Wheat Seeds] alongside a few [Radish Seeds] and all ten of the [Melon Seeds] doused with [Hyper Speed-Gro].
His farmland was full and it was a satisfying feeling to see before he put the seeds away. Taeko went down to the cellar to get aged goods. The wines and cheese were all aged to the highest quality. He did keep half for himself to put in the fridge, but put the rest in the selling bin. Then he moved to gather all the other products he produced.
[~MoS~]
Pam was glad to be home, and was at a loss for the words over the new house. Robin had told her it was Taeko, but Pam knew it was him already. Who else would, she thought. As far as Pam was concerned, she was happy for the new home that she did not have to pay a penny for. Robin had given her the side eye when that slipped out of her mouth, but Robin said nothing. Pam plopped down on her new couch relieved to have the week off…
Outside of the house, Penny looked at the new home. It blended into the rest of the houses and for that, Penny was grateful. She did not have to be reminded of the past. Though, she had a feeling Pam was eventually going to make a mess of the inside.
"Not my problem anymore." Penny thought with a grin before leaving.
As Penny left for the library, Alex was running towards Shadow Farm as Taeko called him up to ask him to come over. He arrived to see a black [(Armored) Cognoscenti] on the farm with the trunk open as Taeko was loading most of the tubs of ice cream. He kept one of the banana ones and one of the cookies and cream.
"Taeko, what are you-"
Taeko closed the trunk and tossed Alex the keys.
"The ice cream is all there. Ten of them. Vanilla, chocolate, cookies and creams, strawberry, banana, and cherry. The car is on me. If anything, you'll need it…mostly for your parents." Taeko said professionally before shaking his hand. "Here's the first prototype batch to my ice cream brand [Ice Cream'py]."
Alex was trying and failing not to laugh at the name.
"Uh, yeah…" Alex said, shaking it back before getting in the car. "Thanks for the car…"
Alex had not expected Taeko to be done so soon, but he was eager to try it out before driving off. Taeko sauntered down to the Sanford Ranch and entered the door, unknowingly triggering an alternative heart scene.
"Lewis, baby…you're here-I mean, hello Taeko." Marnie said, catching herself.
"Expecting your lover?" Taeko said before chuckling. "Where's Shane?"
"Right here." Shane said before Taeko revealed the two bottles of [Dagger Beer].
"Here it is, the first two bottles of [Dagger Beer] for us to share."
"I'm touched you thought of me…but you got the means to make a constant stream of it?" Shane asked.
"Yeah, I bought a lot of wheat and hops." Taeko said. "But how are you doing? That Nikki girl seems like a good fit."
"We got a lot in common. Prefers the beer to the fancy stuff. She's a bit more artsy than I expected." Shane said as they took up a beer. "Man, I'm so excited."
"What? No beer for your neighbor?" Marnie said.
"I bought ice cream. I'm making that now…" Taeko said, revealing it. "The first batch of my new ice cream brand…[Ice Cream'py]."
The look at Shane and Marnie's face was priceless. Then again, it really did not help given the logo was a lady licking an ice cream with a look between brain freeze and 'busting a fat nut'.
"Really, Taeko? Must you be so juvenile?" Marnie remarked, trying not to laugh.
"Oh I guess I'll take this-"
"No! I'll take it…" Marnie said as Jas walked in. "Jas, want some [Ice Cream]? Taeko's making them now."
Jas nodded.
"To our success." Taeko said as he and Shane clinked bottles before drinking the beer. "Whew, that is good stuff."
"Age it a bit and it'll be perfect." Shane said.
[Your friendship with Shane went up a heart!]
[GAME PAUSED? WOULD YOU LIKE TO QUICK SAVE?]
[Yes *] [No]
….
[GAME QUICKSAVED! Hurry back.]
(A/N: First Summer chapter and it's over ten pages. Yeah, I'll be breaking days into parts. Easier on me and it gives more content for you to digest easier. Taeko checks on his business after leaving some more wines and stuff to be made.)
(Author's Note (10/21/23): Yeah, this is a recent note to add to this chapter. Yes, it was completed in advance which is why I'm adding this note. I screwed up by allowing Pierre to sell out of season seeds unaware that in order for him to do that, he needs the missing stocklist you have to from Mr. Qi on Ginger Island. Yeah, bungled that. But I decided to not go back and retcon it. Inside, the explanation will be that Pierre's doing this to compete with Joja (and have Taeko keep spending money over with him).)