How the Swamp Gas Aisha Found Her Valentine

     She saw Neopians across Meridell exchanging Valentine’s gifts and couldn’t help but feel left out. Berrybeany had always felt different. She was a Swamp Gas Aisha after all, and though she loved the colour green, and the feeling of gassy whisps in her hair, she wondered if… well… if she smelled.

     Too afraid to ask another Neopian to sniff her, she decided to charter a ship to Mystery Island and see if the fabled Mystery Island Mystic had any advice for her. What could possibly go wrong?

     Upon arriving on Mystery Island, she was overwhelmed by the heat and humidity. How could these islanders stand the weather?

     Wanting to get out of the heat, she stepped into the Tropical Foods store and browsed the fare. The Techo shopkeeper immediately approached her and asked her what she needed.

     Gathering the courage of a Kougra, she said, “I’m just browsing but… maybe you can help me. See,” She blushed, “I’m trying to find my Valentine.”

     The Techo nodded thoughtfully and walked through the aisles to the pastry section. “You may find luck with this Heart Shaped Fruit Cake. Give it to your Valentine – it’s guaranteed to make them smile.”

     Berrybeany’s face fell. “Thanks…” She didn’t want to point out again that she didn’t know who her Valentine was, and shelled out the Neopoints to purchase the cake. Feeling a bit more defeated, she vowed to eat the cake herself if she didn’t find her Valentine today. The thought cheered her up a bit. She was tired of picking berries and shopping at Merifoods.

     She squinted and turned her head, trying to find the Island Mystic’s hut. She saw a figure waving to her in the distance and her heart began to race. Could it be her Valentine? She forgot all about the heat and humidity, and the possibility that her Double Afro Puffs Wig was out of place. She picked up the pace, running towards the waving figure.

     Oh. It was just the masked Tiki Tack man, encouraging her to try her luck at Tombola. Sighing, she pulled a ticket, and to her surprise, she won… Beetroot and Cream Smores.

     She wondered who in Neopia would want to eat such a thing, smiled at the Tiki Tack man and continued on in her search for the Mystic.

     She saw a sign for Tiki Tours and decided to ask about the Mystic. They explained that she would need to charter–yet another boat – to make it to the small island where the Mystic lived.

     She sat down on the Harbor deck and waited for someone to arrive. This Valentine’s Day just wasn’t going to plan.

     Just when she was about to give up and search for a cool place to rest, a ship approached. She waved to them excitedly, until she realized it was a group of Pirate Krawks. Would they help her? She’d always been a bit intimidated by Krawks, but, thinking she didn’t have much left to lose, she approached the leader.

     “Will you,” she gulped, “Sir, I mean, I need to get to the Island Mystic, can you take me on your ship?”

     The Krawk eyed her suspiciously until asking bluntly, “What do you want to do that for?” And, as an afterthought, “Don’t call me Sir. I’m a fearsome pirate, a high-roller at Krawps and a thrice-rewarded forward on the Krawk Island Yooyuball team. Name’s Dasher Soley.” He extended a claw.

     “I’m Berrybeany!” She took the claw, feeling less concerned about the pirate’s demeanour.

     She explained all about her situation, even throwing caution to the wind and asking, “Do you think it’s because I’m coloured Swamp Gas?”

     The Krawk threw back his head and laughed. He laughed until tears ran down his cheek and said, “My dear, Swamp Gas is a wonderful colour. So unique. I would know. I’ve spent years sailing across Neopia. I’ve met Neopets of all colours, shapes and sizes, and I will tell you right now: there is nothing wrong with your colour, so don’t you think about it one bit.” He cleared his throat and added, “Now if you were an Invisible Aisha, you’d have a whole different challenge finding your Valentine.”

     Feeling a weight lift off her chest, she smiled brightly at the Krawk. He agreed to sail her to the Mystic in exchange for her Beetroot and Cream Smores (thank goodness).

     She pulled back the bamboo shade and walked into the hut. The Mystic jumped up excitedly, “Ah! I have been waiting for you.” His eyes blinked rapidly, “I foretold this morning that I would have unusual fortune and you are clearly unusual. Let me guess, you want to know who your Valentine is?

     “Well yes,” She said, “I do. How did you know?”

     “Trust, I’ve met many a lost soul looking for love.” He circled Berrybeany and finally said, “Your sense of self will alter unexpectedly.”

     They stared at each other for a few moments. Berrybeany wasn’t sure if she wanted to point out that the fortune seemed worthless. Why was this day going so poorly? Should she have bought one of those Glitzy Aisha Antennae? Or the Glitzy Aisha Tail? Would she stand out more? Would she have been better off going to Neopia Central and buying Illusen's Lucky Bracelet from Unis Clothing shop?

     The Mystic opened up the bamboo shade and shooed her out of his hut.

     So much for luck in love.

     The Pirate Krawks were waiting for her. She sighed and shook her head, wordlessly answering the unasked question. “Will you take me back to Meridell, please.”

     The Krawk put his paw on her shoulder. “Of course.”

     Upon arrival in her home, she sat down to eat her Heart Shaped Fruit Cake. Before digging in, she thought she would try one more thing.

     She went to the Green Grundo and asked to try her luck at Kiss the Mortog. The Grundo smiled deviously and directed her to two of his prized Mortogs, Sonny and Cher. “Is one of these your prince?,” He wriggled his fingers in excitement, “That’ll be fifty Neopoints, of course.”

     She gave him the Neopoints, impatiently, and examined each Mortog closely.

     One had a particularly large lump, which she decided she would not smooch, and she went for the other one.

     A horrible second passed and she was filled with anticipation and fear. Then… the Mortog exploded, covering her hair in a red and green sort of goo.

     For a moment, she thought she might cry, but instead, she burst into raucous laughter. Rolling on the dirt floor, she laughed and laughed until the Green Grundo cleared his throat uncomfortably.

     She got up, smoothed her skirt, and continued to laugh as she walked back to her Neohome.

     During the horrible second after the Mortog smooch and before the explosion, she had an odd feeling of comfort. She felt, unexpectedly, that she loved herself and that was all that mattered. Maybe eventually she would find a friend to call her Valentine. But truly, she thought, all she needs is herself. And the cake was really good.

     The End.