Imiya's Stop in Faerie City

     She was here today to take some of her petpet Babaas to watch the Poogle Racing. In a way, Poogle Racing is similar to Imiya’s famous Maths Nightmare game except the Neopians cheer for and bet on their favourite Poogle instead of solving mathematical sums. But still, both were numbers based which made it extremely appealing to the maths-minded Aisha. Every weekend when Imiya was not working on Maths Nightmare, she would cuddle up in front of the TV with her all little Babaas and watch an episode of Poogle Racing. It was a tradition that they all looked forward to. In fact, it had been a life-long dream of hers to attend a live showing one day. Today, it was finally happening!

     With her Babaas who were becoming increasingly hungry in tow, Imiya decided to stop by Faerie City first to buy some snacks. The city was painted entirely in purple, set amongst a jagged mountain, and it was truly a sight to behold. The cobblestoned roads and cottage style buildings took her breath away as she slowed her pace down to take everything in. Finally, she found the place she was looking for – Faerie Foods!

     A bell jingled as she opened the door and let herself in.

     “Oh my daydreams,” she gasped at the sight. “Everything here has wings!”

     Imiya heard a tinkling chuckle from above.

     “Well, whatever did you expect?”, the gentle laughing voice came closer as Imiya turned her head to see an Earth Faerie with a noticeable streak of green in her thick brown hair descending gracefully down from the second floor. “We are in Faerieland after all.”

     “I’m sorry, excuse me,” Imiya blushed.

     “No need for that,” the Earth Faerie beamed, shaking out her wings. “Welcome to Faerie Foods. I’m the shopkeeper here so feel free to ask if you need any help.”

     The white Aisha looked around at the dishes before stopping at one. “Just – how are you supposed to eat… this?”

     Imiya pointed up at a pile of green leaves fluttering on a plate, emitting emerald dust.

     “Ah, this?”, the shopkeeper picked up the plate off the shelf and set it on a table for Imiya to see. “That is a Celestial Salad! Super healthy yet very delicious.”

     Without missing a beat, Imiya’s Babaas jumped up on the table and devoured all the leaves in ravenous mouthfuls until there was nothing left but an air of green with a final burp.

     Imiya panicked as she shooed her petpets off the table. “Ahhh, no no no! Babaas, that is extremely rude! Where are your manners? We haven’t even paid for this yet.”

     The shopkeeper couldn’t contain her amusement. “Wow, hungry little ones you have there.”

     “Yes, we came all the way from Meridell and we’re going to the Poogle Races in three hours and, well,” Imiya turned her attention back to the Babaas. “I’m so embarrassed, guys. Let me pay for that now.”

     “Oh, no, that one’s on the house” the Earth Faerie winked.

     “Are you sure?”, Imiya took out her purse and reached for her wallet.

     “Why, of course, they’re too cute. They deserve it,” she insisted as she leaned down to pat a Babaa by her feet. “So, the Poogle Races, huh? That’s always fun! Where else are you heading in Faerieland?”

     “We haven’t thought much about where else to go, actually,” Imiya pondered, putting her purse away.

     She had been so focused on going to the Poogle Races that she’d forgotten altogether to do more research on the rest of Faerieland.

     “Well, that won’t do,” the Earth Faerie tutted. “There are so many great things to see here!”

     “What would you recommend?” Imiya was all ears.

     “For starters, you can’t miss a fun game of Faerie Bubbles while you’re in the city. There’s also the Faerie Petpets shop next door if you’re looking for a friend for your Babaas,” the Earth Faerie started. “Oh, and if you’re interested in all things flying, check out the gallery at Faerie Paint Brushes. You could buy a Faerie Paint Brush from the Hidden Tower for yourself while you’re here and fly to the Poogle Races.”

     Imiya was amazed. She had been a white Aisha for so long she genuinely never considered the possibility of flying before.

     “But the Faerie Paint Brush is rather expensive unfortunately, although you could always try your luck with a Faerie Quest. If you’re able to complete a quest for the Fountain Faerie, she’ll allow you a dip in her Rainbow Fountain for free,” the Earth Faerie continued. “There’s also the possibility of taking a dip if you get the Grey Faerie and she redirects you.”

     “Wow, that sounds exciting!”

     “You know what’s also exciting,” the shopkeeper lit up. “The Wheel of Excitement! Your precious Babaas would love spinning it. And definitely pop by the Healing Springs for the ultimate rejuvenation before you start on your way home.”

     “I do need a little pick me up after all these activities,” Imiya agreed.

     She nodded enthusiastically. “If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try your luck with Jhudora’s Bluff. It’s super challenging but fun, and you can go home with an avatar if you’re good.”

     “Jhudora?! Isn’t she a – a…”, the Aisha’s voice trailed off. “A dark faerie?”

     “Sure,” the shopkeeper smiled, beginning to understand what Imiya was getting at.

     “I thought Earth Faeries and Dark Faeries didn’t get along?”, she was so shocked that this Earth Faerie suggested going to do a Dark Faerie activity.

     “You said you’re from Meridell, right?”, the Earth Faerie laughed with a wave of her hand. “That explains it.”

     “What do you mean?”

     “Well, we all know Illusen isn’t on the best of terms with Jhudora but that doesn’t mean all Earth Faeries don’t get along with Dark Faeries,” she said gently. “Jhudora’s pretty cool if you get to know her and she has a lot to teach.”

     Imiya had never thought of it that way before.

     She chatted for a little while more with the gregarious faerie and bought some Faerie Marshmallows and Fruity Faerie Fingers to bring to the Poogle Races. Imiya was so touched by how knowledgeable and friendly she was. Before she left, she thanked the kind shopkeeper again for the Celestial Salad and all her informative recommendations.

     “Well, little ones,” Imiya looked down at her Babaas. “How do you all feel about extending our stay in Faerieland to explore around?”

     The Babaas leapt up and down in joy and baa-ed their approval as they ran gleeful circles around her.

     “Okay, it’s settled then,” Imiya laughed as she led her six Babaas to the Poogle Races.

     The End.