Disclaimer: I don't own Stardew Valley, but ConcernedApe and Chucklefish do. This game is seriously quite a gem. Past the grinding, it's well made and it's fun. Go get yourself a copy!
(A/N: Yes, you've all demanded it and it's here. Welcome back for the summer, and there's going to be some changes. I built up a lot, and plenty of it is going to be streamlined. Among other things…this story will be more, a bit more. Now that Taeko has fully slid to be a GTA protagonist. And one more thing, by the time of this fic's posting, I would have successfully remastered the whole of The Maelstrom of Stardew: Spring Year 1. Go back for a smoother read before diving into this!)
The Maelstrom of Stardew
Year 1 (Summer)
Chapter 1: Spring Cleaning
Sunday, the 29th of Spring, 2017
[Quest Announcement] - Gamer Ability/Notification
[LOAD GAME]
…
[Massive updates detected! Glitches found. GAME PAUSED. LOAD VOID. RUN ]
"What the hell?" Taeko said with his eyes opening up. "Damn it feels like I've been in here for months."
"Well, time for me flies differently for you. Basically, Tora and I's kid is in second grade now." Kyu said, appearing in front of him. "Also got the slightly MILF body I've always wanted."
"So I saw massive updates…what's going on?" Taeko asked, concerned.
"Look, the map was restructured. Again. Some new stuff was added into Zuzu City, marked on your map. The countryside was expanded, importing GTA V's 'Los Santos County' in between the city and Flint County. Gran Fiero is now referred to as Forjado Fierro and the map there was expanded. Also the new Chiliad is called Chiliad, the old one in Whetstone is called Johnson Mountain. The Grapeseed in Red County would have its name changed back to Palomino Creek. You should see in the newspaper that the people got it changed back." Kyu mused. "Oh yeah, base game updated again, we'll send you the changelog for that."
"Ok, that's the map. What else?" Taeko asked before noticing he was still dressed. "Odd, I expected to be naked."
"I cut you some slack. I can't keep messing with you." Kyu said sheepishly. "It's been a while, and this update stuff for your System is important after all. Moving on, new updates for your office, safehouses, and so on. So, onto the restoration of cut content."
"Here we go…" Taeko said sarcastically.
"Don't fret, it's a minor one about Kanker Sisters. You see we had plans considering some rewards of Marty's you haven't reaped. You were going to encounter the Kanker as the late Marty's side pieces he was railing. Real redneck shit. We also had a hidden encounter with an Amp that would lead to a corruption only path. Both options would lead to a side gain. We wanted to do the first one, but given it's too late for that…you'll get the second one if I can get it working. The location to start that event will be added to your map." Kyu said as Taeko rolled his eyes. "But the System was reworking a few things and well…some of your cars and motorcycles were lost. Data corruption."
"I'm getting compensated for that, right?!" Taeko exclaimed. "And what do I have left?"
"Your [Banshee], your [Shotaro], and your [Buffalo S]. Oh, and your [Maverick]. All your spawns are still working." Kyu listed off. "As compensation, you'll receive four million [Gold], a dozen [Ancient Fruit Seeds], and the rides you do have will be upgraded fully, on us. New content was added as well into the game using all of GTA's current updates. Now let me get to the final part, the prep day. A new feature that will make the 28 days a season to 31 days with a gap week for each season to start on Monday. The last three days will be prep days, you'll be able to get any crops you have planted, but you can't plant anything on those three days aside from crops that can grow all season. I believe your assistant will fill you in on the rest."
"Wait, make it three million and just fully grow all my crops and stuff. Also pay my assistant and mechanic." Taeko asked as Kyu gave him the side eye. "Oh come on, it's not like I can farm much anyway. I'll have other things to do."
"Fine. One last thing, your [Fruitful Multiplying] perk was glitched, the V-Card effect did not kick in, but it's fixed now. Now the perk should affect all fruit crops. Also some of your farm tools were glitched a bit due to the base game's updates, so your [Axe], [Pickaxe], [Watering Can], and [Hoe] were reset before being upgraded back to their Iridium counterparts. We apologize for the inconvenience." Kyu remarked before vanishing.
The void glowed slightly as Taeko began falling.
[Updates complete, MoSV is now updated. Glitches fixed. RETURNING TO GAME…]
[GAME LOADED. WELCOME BACK!]
Taeko woke up in his bed at his farmhouse looking around before taking a breath. The changelog rapidly zipped into mind before the screen closed out. Elly May immediately came in to bid him good morning as he got out of bed.
"Oh my…" Elly May said as she bit her lip. "I see you like to sleep like Jethro."
Taeko realized Kyu may have brought him back to the void clothed, but sent him back to the real world, buck naked. He shrugged, not like it mattered at this point. Elly May already saw him naked at this point. He went out to the kitchen to eat the breakfast Elly May cooked.
"It's starting to get mighty warm out. Summer's around the corner." Elly May said eagerly.
Taeko was all the more eager for that, and was forming ideas for summer wear that Elly could wear. Shamelessly, his member was already stiffening.
"Oh, I have to finish gathering the crops and stuff. I'll be back." Elly May said before leaving the house as he finished his breakfast.
He checked his home.
[Text Message from Natasha]
Hey, it's San..well Natasha now. After getting a few things sorted, I'd decided to take time in solitude to sort some things out. I want to thank you for all that you've done. I don't know if we'll meet again, but that'll depend on what I decide to do.
Taeko sent a positive response, telling her to take all the time she needs. There was a text from Velma to come see her later at the office. He also had a text from Xander which led to him now having all Level 11 and 12 [FusionFall] clothing items. Elly May dropped the crops before leaving. It was quite a haul with 68 [Coffee Beans], 17 [Ancient Fruits], a dozen [Tea Leaves], ten [Large Brown Eggs], three [Large White Eggs], six large jugs of [Large Milk], three jugs of [Goat Milk], and half a dozen [Wool].
"I should check the greenhouse." Taeko thought before putting everything away and making a [Triple Shot Espresso].
There was a knock at the door as Taeko lumbered to the door to see Pam through the peephole, looking desperate. Before he could answer, he got a call from Lewis…about Pam dodging him on property taxes.
"You know what, Pam has had enough chances. I already got the check from you, so the property's yours." Lewis said with a tired sigh. "Paperwork should be in your mailbox today."
[20,000 Gold Deducted from your account, you now own '2 River Road']
Lewis hung up as Taeko went out the door, but not before putting on a robe.
"Morning." Taeko said.
She watched him saunter to his mailbox and get the mail, all without a care as Pam could only try to find the words to say. She decided to put on the old charm.
"I see you're certainly up and at 'em, kid." Pam purred.
"You want something." Taeko said. "This about your property taxes? Because I just got a call from Lewis."
"Yeah, maybe you can help me…and I can help you." Pam said sweetly, trailing her finger on his chest. "You're looking-"
"Already bought the property from under you. So it's no longer a problem for you." Taeko remarked as Pam looked surprised. "But we'll talk about rent soon enough because I'm going to be enhancing the property."
"How?" Pam asked.
"That's a surprise." Taeko said with a sly grin as she gulped. "For now, don't you worry your big behind about anything. Maybe you should have the week off, a paid vacation."
A week off work was a dream come true, and Pam decided to put aside whatever worry she had to sweet talk him. She was not exactly sure what Taeko had in mind, but staying on his good side was needed.
"That's mighty sweet of you, any chance you could bump that to the first week of summer." Pam said sweetly. "I'd be very willing to work my hardest this week, even do overtime. I won't even touch a drop of liquor."
Taeko agreed with hesitation and the [System] informed him that his 'friendship' with Pam went up by two hearts. Pam cited he won't be disappointed because hurrying off to work.
"Oh, Pam. You don't get it. If this works, I look like a town hero for helping you…and I get you more than willing to sing my praises. While netting plenty of good karma." Takeo thought before calling Robin.
"Morning, Taeko. What can I do for you?" Robin asked.
"I'd like to do a [Community Upgrade] for Pam. I'd have to give her a proper home." Taeko remarked. "In case of needed materials, I'll just pay you for them. So just give me a total for me."
Robin just hung up on him to his confusion. He was about to go inside only to see Robin run out from the Backwoods path like a track star.
"Sorry…I wanted to see you in person about that. It's 501,900 gold." Robin said, panting as Taeko just paid up. "Oh, Taeko…you've been such a good customer to my business."
Robin was holding that sack of gold with a look of glee on her face. She was imagining the vacation she was going to have with her husband in the summer. Maybe even get a truck.
"I do want to ask if you want to do this ano-"
"Nope. I want Pam to know it's me who did it." Taeko said firmly.
"Well, I'll get right to work on it. It'll be done in a week!" Robin said before running off.
[Robin admires your kindness! Friendship increased by a heart.]
Taeko went inside to deal with his mail, ironically finding letters from Robin and Pam. Inside them left him with 50 [Wood] and a [Battery Pack]. There was also a letter from Emily telling him about her upgraded [Sewing Machine] and she was looking forward to buying [Cloth] from him. He looked over at the stairs down to the cellar and remembered something. He ran down to find all forty of the wines he put down there, aged to Iridium Quality.
He gathered them all with a look of glee before going back up to shower before getting dressed. A black tank top under an [Albedo Jacket], black jeans with a brown belt, his fingerless gloves, a [Fusion Beret] on his head, and a pair of [Basic Crocodile Sneakers]. He sauntered out taking in the sun as Logan and Tom came up barking and meowing. He sent out his pets to forage before getting a notice that he leveled up in [Farming] twice from all experience from all those high quality crops.
[You've leveled up to Level 10 in Farming. [Seed Maker], [Iridium Sprinkler], and [Quality Fertilizer] recipes unlocked! +2 Proficiency to Hoe and Watering Can]
[Choose An Extended Ability]
[Artisan - Artisan goods worth 40% more.]
[Agriculturist - Crops grow 10% faster.]
The [Artisan] perk was tempting, but he ultimately took [Agriculturist] instead. Given [Booze Boss] already doubled the worth of his liquor and he had plenty of money already. Speeding up crop growth would be infinitely more useful to him. He decided to go into the village.
[Cues Pelican Village BGM: foley & L-DC - just like yesterday]
Taeko took in that fading spring breeze which was getting a bit warmer.
"Taeko, my boy. Good to see that you're up and about." Lewis jovially said coming up to him.
"Trying to butter me up for my vote for mayor?" Taeko joked as they laughed.
"No, I already do that plenty." Lewis said. "I got something to let you know. A [Special Orders Board] has been placed in front of my home. Job offers are a bit more intensive than the regular favors." Lewis stated. "I figured it'd be right up your alley. And thanks for dealing with that property tax issue."
"No issue at all. And don't worry about Pam, she's not exactly going to get out of this completely scot free." Taeko remarked.
Lewis joked about him trying to get rent payments before going on his way. Taeko went to the [Special Orders Board]
[Special Orders Board]
[This board contains quests issued out by the good people of Pelican Village. Like Help Wanted requests, there's a time limit but it can vary between 7 to 31 days. Multiple Special Orders can be accepted at once, and new orders will be placed every Monday. However, it is recommended you accept Special Order early in the month as what day you accept will subtract the amount of days you have to do it, but this does not apply to quests with week long quests. The challenge is high, but the rewards are just as high. Some of these quests are repeatable, and will be marked a *. These quests also have special cutscenes upon completing them.]
Taeko looked at the board, finding three quests available.
[SOB - Rock Rejuvenation]
[Hey! I'm going to invite some friends over to do a "rock rejuvenation" ceremony, but I'll need some crystals to channel the right energies. Do you think you could lend me a hand? I need: 1 [Ruby], 1 [Topaz], 1 [Emerald], 1 [Jade], and 1 [Amethyst] delivered to me. - Emily (Time Limit - 7 Days)]
[Reward: 1,000 Gold, 250 Friendship Points, a [Sewing Machine]]
Taeko already had plenty of jewels and getting his own [Sewing Machine] would be handy. He remembered Elly May mentioning she liked to sew in her down time.
[SOB - The Strong Stuff]
[Heard there's a spirit made out of potatoes that really packs a whallop, if you know what I mean. Mind dropping a few taters into a keg and bringing me a batch or two? Just deliver 12 bottles of [Potato Juice] to my kitchen. - Pam (Time Limit - End of Spring)]
[Reward: 3,000 Gold, 250 Friendship Points, Access to the F.I.B.S. television channel]
Given his 'friendship' with Pam was, another heart would do him good. More willing to comply, and it was fortunate that he had a lot of [Potatoes] grown in the Greenhouse already.
[SOB - Gifts for George]
[George thinks no one in town cares about him. I'd like to prove him wrong! A dozen leeks should do the trick... they're his favorite. Just deliver them to my shove. -Evelyn (Time Limit - End of Spring)]
[Reward: 2,000 Gold, [Coffee Maker]]
He accepted all three quests before going over to the general store.
"Taeko, good morning. I just wanted to inform you that I'm now selling seeds that will be out of season, but the price for them will be slightly higher." Pierre said as Taeko nodded. "So what can I do for you?"
Taeko settled to purchase 5 [Grape Starters] and 5 [Cranberry Seeds] for the greenhouse, spending a little over two thousand gold. Taeko returned home, going straight for his Greenhouse. He collected 42 grown [Potatoes] and picked down the grown fruits off the trees. Using all of his [Coral] and most of his [Oak Resin] to make 30 boxes of [Deluxe Speed-Gro].
He planted all of the seeds he had just bought from Pierre, the dozen [Ancient Fruit Seeds] from Kyu, four [Pineapple Seeds], and four [Strawberry Seeds] before putting [Deluxe Speed-Gro] on all of them. He moved to the shed to put a dozen [Potatoes] in the Kegs, while putting the gathered fruit in Chen's kegs for him. He would put away the remaining [Potatoes] back in the fridge before putting all those high quality wines in his [Inventory]. Logan and Tom made their presence known as Taeko was getting the items that Emily requested.
"Good." Taeko said taking the dozen [Leeks]. "You two can have the rest as a snack!"
Taeko dashed off for town, going to the Umbra household to see Emily and Haley having a bit of a heated talk. He turned around for the door only for Haley to see and call him.
"Damn!" Taeko hissed before saying, "Hey Haley…Emily."
"Taeko, I need you to tell Emily that I can be responsible with money." Haley said. "I'm not a little kid, I can control myself."
"I'm holding onto it so you don't blow 100 grand in a day." Emily mused.
"It's funny. I just blew 500 Gs on helping this community by giving one of our struggling members a new home." Taeko said as Emily gave him the side-eye. "It was for a good cause…I even sold most of my cars to get the funds."
"That's very noble of you." Emily said before turning to Haley. "I just don't want to blow people when she doesn't even have a job."
"I have one…with Taeko."
Haley doubted that her words held for crap given Elly May could actually do farm work and please him. And it was not like Elly May was a slouch in the looks department. Haley had to admit that Elly May was a city gal, she'd be more than a knockout.
"Speaking of that, does she?" Emily asked.
"Not really. Elly May just does aid in all of the farm work far more than Haley does." Taeko said sheepishly. "Not that Haley's a bad worker, just…"
"I get it. Elly's more experienced. Still, I'm glad you gave my sister a chance to show her some responsibility." Emily said as Haley looked a bit guilty.
Taeko was not much better but decided to change the subject.
"I got the crystals you requested." Taeko said, giving them to Emily. "You got my last [Jade] and [Topaz]."
"Oh thank you, Taeko!" Emily remarked as she paid him. "I want you to know this is very much appreciated."
[Rock Rejuvenation - Quest Complete! +1,000 Gold, +250 Friendship Points with Emily, Cutscene Watchable from VR Headset]
SMACK! Something hit the window of the house leaving cracks in it to which they all went outside to see an injured parrot on the ground. A red macaw as several others were flying away.
"Seems my friends lost one…but don't worry." Emily said, cradling the parrot. "I'll take care of it."
Haley stayed quiet as Emily went inside with the bird.
"Thank you for covering for me." Haley said. "But I guess I can't really keep the ruse up with you having Elly May. Pretty much got a perfect deal with her."
"Yeah, it is." Taeko said as Haley shook her head.
"Well then, I guess it's an amicable split, no? Besides, Alex and I started talking again. We are considering getting back together." Haley said, sheepishly.
"By all means, make your choice." Taeko said before leaving.
~[MoS]~
Demetrius panted as he aided Robin in her work. He always did admire her work ethic...and watching her create, even if it did exhaust him when he had to help. However, he noticed she was gabbing about Taeko leading him to ask to which she explained everything.
"I'm surprised that he's doing this…for Pam." Demetrius pointed out.
"And why not? He's clearly burying the hatchet between them…they did not get along at first. But it's clear he wants to be the bigger man. And I think that's admirable, but I'm not going to question further because I got paid." Robin said. "You really want to pry on something that's going to be enough to make us finally keep us in the millionaire bracket?"
Demetrius paused.
"Yeah, Taeko's been a big help with his constant purchases and selling of raw material. I've also been exploring floors in the Mines he's gone through, finding a few things there. I've been playing the cards right and with this big profit, I can say being under the red won't be an issue." Robin said with a smirk.
"Well then, I certainly am going to be supplanting that when my check comes in for my research. Ironically, Taeko letting me use the cave helped in some of my studies which I do have to give him a continued cut of the profits.." Demetrius said. "If only he wasn't dating our daughter."
"Taeko's rich, successful, and a gentleman. He's perfectly capable of protecting this village, let alone our baby girl. He's the whole package." Robin said as Demetrius rolled his eyes. "Hey, I got myself a winner too. Now, hand me that plank."
"Yes, m'am."
"Ok, if I'm going to do this…I'm going to need help. But who…" Taeko said before checking the time. "I'll figure it out after lunch."
~[MoS]~
Delivering to Evelyn was not too bad at all. He found himself in a cutscene dealing with George finding the gifts. Of course, Taeko went along with Evelyn's little plan. Seeing the old man smile was worth it. As Taeko left the Mullner residence, Alex caught up to him.
"Hey, Taeko. My grandmother wanted you to have this."
[Gifts for George - Quest Complete! +2,000 Gold, +[Coffee Maker]]
The pay was nice but the new [Coffee Maker] was a welcome addition to his kitchen.
[BGM Ends]
[GAME PAUSED? WOULD YOU LIKE TO QUICK SAVE?]
[Yes *] [No]
….
[GAME QUICKSAVED! Hurry back.]
(A/N: Well, the first chapter of the Summer story, but it's still Spring. Yeah, the last Spring days will act as a bit of a prologue for the story itself. There's a lot to do, and I do have several things to explain. The [Fruitful Multiplying] perk. I actually didn't implicate it properly as I neglected the V-Card bonus. Basically, fruit crops will only need 25% of the time needed to fully grow, add the Tiller perk, it's basically 15%. I actually may have to cap it a bit to not go under 10%. Moving on, I've put the pin in Haley, mostly because Elly May basically makes Haley as a sugar baby redundant. As for Pam, he's planning on the full domination of her.)