Chapter Text
March 1st, first day of Spring.
Sarah whimpers as she rubs her sore legs. Damn Jaune and this Farmlife...! Cleaning an entire field was more hard work then she thought it would be!
"That was fun!" Her idiot brother says happily. Miranda was also happily humming a weird tune. Good for those two, clearly!
"It's been six hours...! Can we stop now?" Sarah woke up, ate some of the breakfast they brought to hold them off, worked since 8 AM and has been pulling weeds, moving and breaking rocks, even having to cut some trees! This sucks!
"It is 2 o'clock now. Probably best to explore the town while we still have some daylight." Miranda mentions. She was also sweating but acted like it didn't bother her. I wish I could be like that. Those two are too happy sometimes for their own good.
Miranda hums again before she motions towards Sarah to follow her, "Come, let us wash off before we go explore Pelican Town proper. I feel the forest... calling towards me."
"Is it that magic sense that you always claim to have?" She mutters sarcastically.
"Yes!" Miranda doesn't even let her have the decency of acknowledging the sarcasm behind the remarks. I swear it's like dealing with a female Jaune sometimes, but with magic!
"Well good for you, I was deciding between shopping and seeing the beach. I heard it was pretty..." She ponders more before Miranda interjects by clasping her hands together.
"The spirits say shopping is better."
"For some mystical nonsense?"
"That, and we should get to know the people who'll provide us with food equipment and other necessities." She adds on, making me feel embarrassed. That's actually a good point... "Jaune is going around to attempt to commune with the villagers in order for us to get to know everyone. We'll leave the shopping to you, Sarah." She finishes before suddenly closing the door in my face! Crap, I didn't notice we were already at the bathroom!
"Hey!"
"The spirits also mention to pay attention to your surroundings!" She mentions cheerily. I can tell she's smiling even through the closed door.
Yoba damnit!
I wave Jaune and Sarah off as they head to the town. Honestly, I would also like to visit the Townsfolk. But with so much magic in the air, especially towards the forest, I would be doing myself a disservice if I didn't immediately look into it. Perhaps I can use whatever I find there to help Jaune and Sarah?
Regardless, I pass through the forest nicely. I see a cabin with a redheaded woman bringing supplies into her house, so I wave at her. If I was Jaune I'd probably stop and chat more but duty calls.
I press onward. The aura of the forest is... Impressive. I've visited small towns before in order to experience the auras instead of the rather gloomy city, but this makes even those more nature tuned towns feel like a lake compared to an ocean. Fate truly works in mysterious ways, if it guided me here. I shall be careful.
Slowly an abandoned house comes into view. I feel... Something coming from it. Though before I can get too close, I feel something looking at me. I turn my head and there's a bear walking towards me. I feel no hostility coming from it, so I just let it come closer.
"You... You got the good stuff?" It mock whispers. Considering it's a bear and what it says normally just comes out is a roar, it's endearing.
"No, good sir. I don't know what 'good stuff' is in this context but the most I have are the clothes on my back." I tell the bear. I don't mention the knife I have in order to not accidentally scare it. Plus, that's only for cutting branches or defending myself.
The bear grumbles before walking away. Seems it didn't even process I understood it perfectly. Or he was really focused on getting that 'good stuff'. I wish him well!
"Wowie, you sure are a brave one!" I hear a squeaky voice shout out. I turn towards the abandoned building and see a little mouse wearing a cute little bowler cap standing outside of it.
"Hello!" I move closer, before bending down in front of the mouse to be closer to eye level. It's only right.
"Hello! Buy hat?" It points towards a sign on the building that seems to be enchanted. Normal people wouldn't see that. How fascinating...
"Maybe later... Could you tell me a little about the house you're in? And why it's abandoned?" I glance at the building again; sure enough, the aura feels strong, but unless I go inside I feel like something is stopping me from sensing exactly what's there.
"Maybe next time." The mouse looks... Nervous? "Night is best time for that, but also dangerous. Must be cautious, Ma'am." It doesn't seem to want to talk about it. Perhaps a deal with the other resident of the building?
"Alright. I'll be sure to bring money for a hat next time, okay? Stay safe now." I offer my pinkie out, which the tiny mouse takes and shakes. Such a gentleman.
"Careful Careful! Nice lady should watch out for the snake!" The mouse says as I see it duck away back into the building. A snake? I mean, I could take it at face value and consider how mice hate snakes in general, but I doubt it's that simple.
"Curiouser and curiouser..."
Regardless, it seems the sun will soon set. I took way more time wandering around then I thought. The time to head home is now. Jaune is definitely worried already for sure, despite not believing in the magic he always humors my requests. I'll be sure to look out for him even now.
This Valley... Has a fine destiny ahead.
Jaune explored the town square more closely then beforehand when he and the girls were just getting towards the farm. After confirming with Robin they had two main general stores to buy things including a few specialty shops, Jaune let Sarah handle that. She'd go to a place called Pierre's and also the local JojaMart.
JoJa Corp... Still can't escape it completely even now, huh? Jaune shakes his head. Now's not to time to think about that. It's a happy occasion to meet new people!
He wanders a bit before seeing a blonde guy with spiky hair skateboarding. He dodges out of the way in time as the guy skates on one of the rails by someone's house. That guy seems busy, so probably someone else first.
I see another lady walking but she turns just in time to walk into her house. Another person I see walk into some place called the Stardrop Saloon. I'd visit but again, have to get a layout of the town. Maybe next time... Oh, finally! Someone simple to talk to!
I walk towards a man with black hair and a blue jacket just strolling through the town. Now, just a simple greeting to start with.
"Hello-!"
The guy jumps while dropping a can of... Joja Cola? Now that I'm looking he also has the logo on the jacket, guess he just got off of work. Regardless, he glances at the ground to see his drink spilling out before glaring at me. He looks tired.
"What the hell?" He just says that, so maybe I got off on the wrong foot. I can still fix that.
"Sorry about startling you man, can I buy you ano-"
"I don't know you. Why are you talking to me?" The man states bluntly. Okay, definitely on the wrong foot.
"Uh- I'm new in town, so I was trying to introduce myself. I'm Jaune, nice to meet-"
"Don't care." The man interrupts me again.
"Listen man I'm sorry-"
He's already turning away from me. Crap. I could try more but the guy already doesn't like me so probably not a good idea. I sigh before picking up the can off the ground to throw it away. At least I'll be sure to not litter around here.
"That was an awkward conversation, but pay Shane no mind. He's a troubled soul." Someone speaks up behind me.
I nod before turning towards the voice, realizing someone talked to me first! It seems it's another man, this one with mostly grey hair but still having dark brown inside his ponytail. He nods towards me before fixing the glasses on his face.
"Shane. I'll remember that." I mutter before speaking more clear to the man in front of me, "Thank you sir. I'm Jaune Starfield, the new owner of Moondrop Farms."
"Mr Ruben, scholar turned teacher in this Valley." He shakes my hand, "I'm glad to meet you, young Starfield. I believe I taught your father when he was in the Valley. It's a pleasure to see he went off to have an outstanding kid."
Wow, this Ruben fella is pretty nice! "Thank you sir. Would it trouble you to tell me why Shane acted like that?"
"I would, but most of it isn't my story to tell. What I can tell you, however, is that he looks out for a bright minded girl named Jasmine. He's also a stocker at JoJa Mart. He's a bit in a rut right now. I wish I could help him more, as I'd like for any of my old students, but I also won't pry into their lives. Do try and give him a chance later however. He takes awhile to warm up towards strangers."
"Of course Sir. Thank you for telling me this." I say honestly. Perhaps I'll talk to Shane next time in a better circumstance. Mr Ruben let's out a smile before reaching into his pocket.
"I actually was hoping to run into one of the new residents from the farm, so it's actually a good thing I caught you." He takes out a paper before handing it to me. "On here is a map of the town and the names of all the local businesses. Be sure to visit them all at your own time and pace. We're happy to have you here in Pelican Town."
I can feel the smile growing on my face. It may have had a rough start, but with the map I believe I'll be able to make many new friends here soon. Perhaps even Shane. Only time will tell but... I have a good feeling here.
"It definitely has a nice charm compared to the big JoJa Mart in Zuzu..."
Sarah glances around the small shop called 'Pierre's General Store' and let's out her statement when she walks in. The man behind the counter, presumably the man the building is named after, perks up and gets a smug smile.
"Joja Mart is always soulless, so of course they would be boring compared to here!" The man immediately gives me desperation vibes. Yuck. Maybe I should just try the JoJa Mart inste-
"Dad! No need to give the sob story already, she just moved here!" I see a girl who looks about my age appear from a backroom of the shop. Purple hair and blue eyes? Must get it from her mom.
The man huffs like he's offended by his daughter being right. Wow, what an ego.
"Uh-" I hate that I stutter trying to get their attention. "Right, my names Sarah Starfield. Moved to the farm out of town? Nice to meet ya."
"The abandoned one? Oh that's right...I heard someone new was moving onto that old farm. It's kind of a shame, really. I always enjoyed exploring those overgrown fields by myself.” The girl actually looks saddened she can't frolic in our fields anymore.
"Well I'm sure we'll be more interesting then overgrown fields." I feel the need to clarify, because being second fiddle to that mess of a field I had to clean up all day? Not fun.
"So!" The man inserts himself back into the conversation, "I'm Pierre, owner of the local general store. If you're looking for seeds, my shop is the place to go. I'll also buy produce from you for a good price! A little agriculture could really inject new life into the local economy!”
"Thanks, I'll let Jaune and Miranda know." I tune out the sales pitch. Thanks to Mayor Lewis giving us Parsnip seeds to grow at first; we'll see how we do with that first before buying up on other seeds.
"Oh right, you also just arrived so your buying normal groceries beforehand. Well we sell those too! And they're way better then JoJa!" The man really wants to sale things huh? I see the girl silently facepalm from that too.
"I'll take care of it Dad. Mom needed you in the back for something anyway." She sees the chick point towards the backroom for emphasis. Pierre mutters a quick thanks before going to the back, leaving the purple haired girl.
"Thanks. Your Dad is... Something." I finish awkwardly but it seems she doesn't mind and just smiles.
"Abigail. And don't worry, I understand. He's a bit much." This girl gets me! Sweet.
We just chat about random topics, I learn she has some friends named Sebastian Sam and Victor, and apparently her mom runs a yoga club for the women of the Valley on Tuesdays. Weird flex but not the worst thing to be doing for a day.
Oh, that Pierre guy is coming back. I should probably buy the stuff and get out of here for now. "Well, good chat Abby. I'll see you around?"
"Preferably when I'm not stuck working here, yeah." She nods before her dad takes over checking me out. Heh. See that Jaune? I can totally make friends!
Sure it was sweaty but maybe I just need to find the right group here to have a great time. Though... I let out a sigh. Perhaps tomorrow. I'm still dead tired from working today.
Jaune sees Sarah head straight to bed when she walks in. Guess he should've let her rest more instead of doing an equal load of the work this morning... No, bad Jaune! Don't coddle her anymore, she hates that.
"So did you find anything interesting in the forest Miranda?" I turn to my cousin.
She smiles. "The usual. Birds chirping, flowers blooming. Even saw a bear." I hope she didn't get too close to that. Her danger sense was always good around people but animals are a different story.
"Well, while you did that, a nice gentleman gave me a map with a list of places for us to explore tomorrow." I pull out the map and open it enough for both me and Miranda to see.
Barbara and Brandon's Butchery and Bakery
"Long name aside, interesting combination of hobbies. There's also a note that says they're twins who run the double store. And... Cakes sound like a great treat to have." Jaune licks his lips thinking of some treats. It's been awhile since he's had a decent meal.
Miranda hums but doesn't mention anything.
Aideen's Sewing Stitching and Styling
"Alliteration seems like the gimmick in this town, huh? Sarah would probably like it but I wouldn't mind getting actual good clothing here." Jaune notes.
"Neither would I. Perhaps the mouse would like it?" Miranda muses. She never told me she liked to dress up pets.
Pelican Public Services
"Seems like a combined Police station and Fire department. Saying hi to them would be good for the future."
Miranda nods along, "The local authorities probably know us only from paperwork, so letting them get to know us personally would be a better first impression that isn't just from documentation."
Church of Yoba
Miranda's eyes gleam before she looks at Jaune. "Hopefully the local church is nicer then the city ones. I feel like we can do charity work there to make the town a better place."
Jaune nods along, a smile on his face, "Id also like to help others. Good to know."
Sunset Inn Cafe
"Oh, the Inn is crossed out... Perhaps they changed recently?" Jaune questions.
Miranda shrugs before she answers, "A cafe is never a wrong choice for a place to go for, at least."
Jojamart
"So that's where that Shane guy works..." I mutter before speaking louder. "if you guys need something not found in that general store you can go there. Perhaps we'll find someone interesting while buying things again."
"Or get offered a deal..." Miranda chimes in, but doesn't offer more. A deal? I guess it makes sense since we'll be growing things... Though maybe I should let one of the other two go if we want that.
Moondrop Vineyard and Fairhaven Farms
"More places growing things? I mean, I guess that makes sense since the land in the Valley is fertile, so... Maybe we can get some tips?" Jaune looks towards Miranda who seems happy.
"Travelling through the forest again to get there would be nice." She seems more interested in the forest then actually going to the Farms... Oh well, it's her choice if she goes there.
Adventurer's Guild
"Hiring swordsman and Miners to help explore the caverns? I get the miners but swordsman? I guess there's some beasts still calling the caves home." Jaune contemplates.
Miranda just stays silent. She actually looks... saddened? Wonder what that's about.
Community Center (closed)
"Closed? Such a shame. Would've liked to see it..." Jaune mutters before putting it out of his head.
Miranda however, looks contemplative. "I don't know why, but that place feels... Important, somehow. Probably just the idea of it being closed bothers me." She shrugs, but I can tell it bothers her more then you'd think. Maybe it's that fate stuff talking again.
That's all the options on the list, at least that we can do something with right now. I'm sure the carpenter and animal shops are important but we need to get money first...
"Oh right, I also planted the Parsnips, so we should probably make sure to take care of those if possible!" Jaune makes sure to mention to Miranda, who nods along. That'll probably also cut into the day but it's necessary for us to make money. Time is Money, after all... Also a JoJa saying.
I'm getting pessimistic again. Probably means it's time to sleep. I turn towards my room but not before giving Miranda a goodnight hug. She lets me do it without issues, unlike Sarah sometimes.
"Sleep well, Jaune. I feel the fates will guide us to where we should go tomorrow!" Miranda lets out a chuckle like she just told a joke. At least she's having fun.
Make your choice! Please select where everyone will go. Spend all the energy points however you want! List however many you can, but unlike this time you can only vote to send one person to a location, so choose wisely.
Jaune: 5 points
Sarah: 5 points
Miranda: 5 points
A: Barbara and Brandon's Butchery and Bakery (2 points)
B: Aideen's Sewing Stitching and Styling (2 points)
C: Pelican Public Services (2 points)
D: Church of Yoba (3 points)
E: Sunset Cafe (2 points)
F: Jojamart (2 points)
G: Vineyard and Farm (3 points)
H: Adventurer's Guild (7 points)
I: (Unlocked Sarah exclusive!) Yoga Class (4 points)
J: (Miranda exclusive!) Community Center (5 points)
K: Tend to crops. (Variable points, can be selected with every person, is not locked to just one person!) Select amount of points used!
K1: Work Parsnips (0/??? Total energy collected) 4 days left!