Ghost Chocolates

      Valentine's Day was fast approaching, and he needed to come up with a spectacular new creation for Neopia. His favourite part of working with chocolate was all the possibilities and combinations! Fruits, vegetables, drinks, snacks, even clothes and games – chocolate could be added to anything!

      "Maybe a Chocolate Blueberry that actually turns you into a Blueberry," he shouted out into the empty factory. The Kiko laughed at his silly idea but then froze in confusion and slight fear when he heard someone else laugh. Was that just his imagination? Was he still tired and in need of some coffee?

      "Um, hello? Anyone else here?" It was possible one of his workers came early to help set up, but highly unlikely. His voice echoed through the labyrinth of his factory, sending an eerie chill through his body. In the past, a group of Neopians had broken in and tried to steal some chocolate and recipes, but thankfully the Defenders quickly apprehended the culprits. After that event, he changed all the locks and installed the latest security devices at each entrance.

      He steadied his heart and slowly walked toward where he heard the laughter. He jumped back in surprise when he saw a Ghost Kacheek floating around the large containers of chocolate. The intruder was trying to scoop up some melted chocolate with his translucent paw, sadly to no avail. Finally, the Kacheek looked up and smiled at the Kiko Chocolatier.

      “My, my, how I miss the taste of chocolate!”

      Without another word he continued to float around the factory. The Chocolatier couldn't help but be a little annoyed at his lack of manners, though he was relieved to see the Kacheek didn't seem dangerous at all. Although it was strange the Ghost didn't seem to realize he was trespassing. Wasn't it normal to apologize in this situation? Or run away in fear after getting caught?

      “Um... Who are you? What are you doing in my factory?”

      He waited for a response, and at long last, the Kacheek stopped trying to taste the chocolate and bowed deeply.

      “My apologies famed Chocolatier. I once worked at the old Chocolate Factory. 'Tis but a long-lost memory now. I came here to ask for a favour...”

      The Chocolatier took a deep breath and reminded himself not to get angry. He knew after years of working with chocolate, that it was important to be in the right mindset while creating. Chocolate made without love, care, and a positive mindset just never tasted quite right. Negative emotions lead to unpleasant foods, no matter the recipe. He had spoken with his Baker Kacheek friend, and the Chia over at Neopian Foods, and they said the same things as well.

      “Well, first I think you should apologize for trespassing... But I'm curious... it depends on what the favour is. What would you like me to do?”

      Sparkling tears filled and illuminated the ghostly face before him.

      “Oh dear, I told myself not to cry. I am terribly sorry for trespassing. I was just so excited about this new idea I had! I would like... If it is possible, I would like you to make some chocolate treats for Ghosts. You know there are Ghost Burgers, a Ghost Pizza Slice, Ghost Hotdogs, even Ghostly Apples! Sadly, there are no sweets, and I miss chocolate so much!!”

      In a flash, the Chocolatier no longer felt annoyed by the situation; in fact, he was practically bouncing with excitement.

      “GHOST CHOCOLATE!!! Why didn't I think of that?!? Brilliant idea! Absolutely inspired!!! But... How can I make my chocolate suitable for Ghost Neopians to eat?”

      The Kacheek smiled and pulled out what looked like dense smoke in a jar from his large bag.

      “I knew you would probably ask that, so I gathered some of this ectoplasm. It's like a kind of dense smoke from the Ghost world. Mix this with your chocolate, and bam! Us Ghosts will be able to snack on it! How exciting!!”

      The Chocolatier hurried to put on his apron and then threw one to his new Ghost companion without thinking.

      “Oh, sorry about that! Hmmmm, I'd like you to help me, but I guess that's a bit hard in your current state. You said you used to work at the old Chocolate Factory, right? Tell me some of your ideas! What flavours do you think would work for Ghost Chocolate?”

      The Chocolatier was impressed to see the Kacheek not falter for even a second. He was prepared and ready to discuss his ideas straight away.

      “Well! First, I think some Ghost Hot Chocolate would be nice! Ghost Neopians feel the changes in weather just like everyone else, contrary to popular belief. It is ever so cold recently, and a nice warm cup would be so delightful!!”

      The Kiko Chocolatier quickly got to work as the Ghost Kacheek continued to go on and on about how nice it would be to have a hot chocolatey drink.

      “By the way, kind Chocolatier, what is your name? I go by the name Frederick!”

      The Kiko smiled at Frederick as he moved through the factory kitchen with ease. After working here for so many years, his body knew exactly where to go and what to do without really thinking at all. He mixed cream, milk, white, and dark chocolates to create the perfect mixture, then added the ectoplasm he was given. He watched in amazement as smoky blue wisps formed around the now glassy-like chocolate.

      “It really worked... and please call me Coco! It's a nickname I go by here with my staff!”

      “Oh splendid, good sir!! Thank you for fulfilling my request, Coco! Here, I have some Ghost mugs in my bag!! Let me help you with this!!”

      After a few minutes, there were more than a dozen mugs full of the newest addition to Chocolate Factory's drink menu.

      Coco was pleased with his newest creation and new friend. “I'm going to sell these from today!! Is that alright with you? Of course, you can try one now and take a few home with you!”

      In the blink of an eye, Frederick already had the mug in his paws. Before drinking he inhaled the sweet aroma of the Ghost Hot Chocolate, then slowly took a sip.

      Moments passed without either saying a word. Coco was worried that it tasted a bit off and didn't live up to his new friend's expectations. The famous Chocolatier stood with bated breath as the Ghost Kacheek continued to stand completely still with his eyes closed.

      After what felt like a lifetime, Frederick finally opened his eyes and smiled.

      “It is exactly as I remembered! The creamy texture; the sweet, yet also slightly bitter taste; the smoothness of the milk; the warmth that spreads throughout your body and heart – this is what I was waiting for! Thank you for making this possible!! How can I ever repay you?!?”

      “Well, this is just your first idea, right? I'm sure you have a lot of others, so why don't you come and work for me? You can oversee our newest Ghost Chocolate department! And if these sell well, which I'm sure they will, then we can hire more Ghost workers to help!”

      Frederick tried to give his new boss a big hug but unfortunately fell right through him. The feeling behind the gesture was still there though, and they both laughed until tears fell down their faces.

      After wiping their tears of joy away, the two new friends continued their new journey of creating a dazzling array of Ghost Chocolates to sell.

     The End.