Draconis stood looking out the window. The snow was coming down in big white flakes making him shiver. The little blue Scorchio hated snow, furthermore, he hated the cold even more. When it was cold, his scales became dry and flaked off in big itchy patches. Brrr, why did he have to be where it was cold?
His friends, the Aisha, Cosnibmoses and the Wocky, Dakota both had nice thick fur covering their small frames. The cold never seemed to bother them. As for Greepies, the Grundo, she was an alien with a very thick hide. No one knew if she ever felt cold. If she did, Greepies never mentioned it. Tired of looking out at the gloomy sky and the white stuff falling from it, Draconis went and took out his action figures. He was an avid Battle for Meridell games player and often spent hours lining his action figures up for battle.
Tonight Ill be Jeram brave knight, he thought sighing heavily. In the other room he could smell dinner cooking on the stove. Dakota was an excellent cook, having studied with Jhuidah the Island Faerie at the Cooking Pot Academy, on Mystery Island. In fact, Dakota had graduated with top honors at the head of her class. That reminded Drac, it is really warm on that island. He wondered if he could get the others to go along with him for a small vacation to Mystery Island. The thought of the sun warming up his scales made Drac smile. He could picture himself laying on the sand near the ocean listening to the waves as they rushed to the shore. Yes, he was going to mention it to his buddies at supper.
Around 6 p. m., Dakota called everyone in to eat. Greepies rushed into the dining room with Sprokies her Shocket in tow. Sprokies was shooting off laser beams from his eyes again. He made funny clicking and whirring noises too.
Hey, I told you stop. Sprokies be good boy, I give you some oil, Greepies reprimanded the little Shocket.
Must protect neopet, sprokies intoned back at her.
I know love, but those beams might cause a fire. No protect then. You must stop now, Sprokies, Greepies explained once more to her beloved petpet.
Sprokies answer was to place himself into the corner and to stare at everyone as they came into the room. He kept up clicking and whirring in a soft tone.
Draconis sat at the head of the table. Being the senior member of the party had its perks he mused. On his right sat Dakota, and on his left sat Greepies. Cosnibmoses sat at the other end across from Drac. Draconis remembered the first time he had met Cosnibmoses, at the Academy on Krawk Island a few years ago. The two didn’t like each other in the beginning. Same old story, they got into a big rivalry at school which ended up in a fist fight. Neither of them won it, but they did come out realizing that they did have a lot in common. Thus their friendship began. Now it was very seldom to see one without the other in Neopia.
Hows the scroll business doing Cos? Draconis asked the Aisha.
Fine, sold three of them today at around $1500 apiece. I thought Id treat everyone to some ice cream and a nice cake tonight. Cos happily answered him.
What flavor did you get Cosi Dakota asked.
Stromberry shocker, your favorite Daki, he answered her back.
The two of them nuzzled each other fondly. Dakota, was the youngest of the group, and had recently joined their little band. She was a very welcomed addition because she liked cooking and baking. Cleaning up, however, was another matter altogether. Greepies being the other female in the group was child like and loved to chatter. Her broken off sentences could be heard at all hours but the band still loved her. Greepies was an endless bundle of energy that loved doing housework and gardening. Nothing was ever out of place with her around. Drac was the restless one of the lot. He could fly and often would visit other lands. However, Drac would not stay away long for he found himself missing the others. In his travels, he would buy exotic items and bring them home to sell in his shop at the market place. Dakota and Greepies often would visit Dracs shop. They enjoyed talking to Elphaba the shop store manager. How Drac had secured this dark faerie witch to tend his store, the others did not know, and neither Drac nor Elphaba were talking. That the two were fond of each other was plain to see. So no one bothered to pry into it. As for Cosnibmoses, well, he was mysterious and quiet. He often took off for short periods of time, but he too could not stay away for long from the others. His trips often took him in search of parchments and scrolls for his shop into exotic and strange lands. Trusting no one, he did not have a shop keeper.
But now it was supper time and Drac and Cos were both home. Drac was itching to ask the others about taking that small vacation with him. Waiting until everyone was seated at the table and had a helping of hearty stew on their plates, Draconis picked up his glass and clinked on the side of it with his fork.
Ahem, everyone I have a question to pose to you. Watching the snow has given me an idea. As you all are aware, I am not very fond of this cold weather, he began and gave a small shudder as if to prove the point.
Me either. No, No, NO, do not like cold, Greepies agreed with Drac.
Drac smiled fondly at her. How about we take a small vacation on Mystery Island? We could get a nice place down by the ocean. What do you say?
Now? You want to go now? Right now this very minute? Cos burst out. He was not too happy with the idea it seemed.
Yeah why not? Drac wondered.
I’m in the midst of a big sale right now. Plus, Id have to hire someone to run my shop Drac. I dont have any one I can trust to run my store like you do, you know. Cos quickly answered.
I know that, mused Drac, but you could put an ad into the Neopian times for a shop keeper. Ill help you interview prospects. You dont have to join us right away either, you could come along later if you like. Also, I’m sure the girls would help you out. Right Dakota and Greepies?
Oh yes, I help, Greepies answered clapping her pods together, I help lots Cos. You see it be ok.
I’m not sure, Dakota started to say, but then looked at Dracs sad face, Ok, ok, count me in. What do I need to do Cos? I’m sure we can find a suitable manager and you could look for scrolls and the like while were on the Island.
Cos looked at everyone in the room. He felt outnumbered, but not in a hurtful way, he knew they only wanted what was best. He stuffed some stew into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully. Drac picked up a glass of raspberry drink and took a small sip, his eyes never leaving Cos. It was quiet in the room, even Sprokies had stopped making noise.
Ok, ok! I guess we all could do with a vacation at that. he finally said.
The next morning Cos woke early. He paced his bedroom floor. He looked out his window. He sighed heavily. All he could think about was yesterdays dinner conversation, and he began to worry. What had he gotten himself into? Still not able to trust any but the folks he lived with he sat there thinking hard. How could he hire someone to handle his precious shop? Cos felt he needed to find an excuse not to go on the vacation with the others. But then again he didn’t want to disappoint them either. What a fine mess he had gotten into this time.
Drac on the other hand was curled up in his bed. He grabbed the blankets trying to wrap them around him even more than they already were. It was so nice here in his cozy little bed and he didn’t want to leave it. No sir he didn’t want to crawl out of his bed for anything. Unfortunately, Greepies had another agenda in mind for him. She came bounding into his room with her unending energy. Drac must needs to get up now. Morning time. You needs coffee? Wants a sourdoughnutter? she cheerfully stared her blabberings at him. As she pulled the covers off of Drac, she giggled. Drac desperately grabbed at them but the Grundo was too fast and she won falling backwards onto the floor. So, with a big playful groan, Drac got out of bed.
We go papers today? Greepies asked him.
Huh? What? Drac looked at her funny. He had momentarily forgotten yesterdays plans. We go papers. Put ad in! the Grundo insisted. Thats when it dawned on him what she was talking about. Well Greepies, I think that is Coss job dont you? After all it is his shop. Drac scolded her.
But, but he not go. He is scairt, Greepies moaned.
You think so? Maybe we should go with him and give him our support? Drac looked in the direction of Coss bedroom, is he awake yet?
Oh yes for maybe an hour or more now, was the reply.
Drac pointed towards the door. Then he put a finger to his lips and pushed Greepies out his door. Walking on tip toe they both snuck into Coss bedroom. Cos was just sitting on the bed. He looked distraught.
Whats wrong buddy? Drac asked him.
Huh? Nothing, nothing at all. Why do you ask? Cos shot back at him.
Well for starters, you look upset. Is it the shop thing? Or dont you really want to go on vacation with us? Did I back you into a corner last night? Drac started shooting questions at the Aisha.
No, er, well yes, yes it is. Its the shop thing. I cant just leave it to anyone you know. Cos whined. He wrung his paws. Looking at Drac, he stood up and promptly sat down again. I do so want to go, you know that, but, he sighed, its my shop were talking about. All my precious scrolls. Not to mention the parchments. I’ve worked so hard to build up that shop. Cos hung his head.
Its ok. Well help you. If we dont find the right person, if youre not comfortable with anyone we interview, you can stay home. In fact, I can go on vacation alone. Its just more fun when we all go. I miss you all when were apart. Drac comforted his friend.
Greepies go. GREEPIES GO!!!! the little Grundo started crying. She was really upset.
Ok, Ok Greepies you can go! Drac promised her.
Cos stood up. He looked at the weeping Grundo. Then he bent over and put his arm around her.
Greepies stop crying. Please stop crying. Come on lets go to the paper and put an ad in ok? Well all go. he smiled at her.
You no josh Greepies? We go now? she asked hiccupping softly.
No joshing. Cmon lets go, and with that, he took her hand the three of them walked out the door and down the stairs to the kitchen. Dakota was already in there making breakfast. The smell of faerie pancakes filled the room and soon the group was eating and chattering merrily.
A week had past when Cos finally received several responses to his ad in the Neopian Times. One Neopian, Stumpy, had caught his eye. Stumpy, a young female Wocky had a very impressive resume. He wondered if she had just embellished it or if it was actual. There was only one way to find out, send her a message on the Ptera express and have her come in for an interview. If she were still available, Stumpy just might be the manager he and the rest of the group were looking for. Cos walked over to his Ptera, wrote out a message and sent it to the address Stumpy had supplied. He sure hoped that the Wocky was available to come in on Friday. If so, and he hired her, that would give him the whole weekend to train her for the position. Just as Cos was finishing the message and placing it on the Pteras talon, Dakota walked into the store.
Hey Cos want some lunch? she asked holding a basket out to him.
He smiled down at her and took it happily. I just finished jotting a message and sending it to a prospective interviewee. I sure.
Dakota interrupted him, Anyone interesting? She took a container out of the basket. Well, maybe, Cos said opening up the hamper and pulling out a sandwich. Dakota, it seemed, had packed all kinds of goodies all Coss favorites.
Are you trying to butter me up for something? he joked.
No, just thought to fatten you up a bit, she laughed, So, come on, tell me. I want to know now, all about this person you wrote a message to via Ptera Express.
Ok, OK, dont get your fur all in a tizzy, he laughed with her, she’s a Wocky just like you. Her name is Stumpy. Seems she’s already had several jobs and has done them all quite well. Here you can look over her resume if you like. he said handing the paper over to Dakota. I’m hoping she’s available meet with us here on Friday. Looks like I might have a new manager though, if all goes well. Drac might get his warm vacation after all.
Yes, that will make Drac very happy. Dakota retorted.
It should make all of us happy, I hope, Cos said looking into Dakotas eyes. She shrugged her shoulders and smiled.
So tell me more about this Stumpy, she flirted hoping to get Cos away from asking her any questions. Still looking at her, he decided she did not want to talk about it. Not much more to tell you until the interview. In fact, would you be willing to help me interview her? I know Drac has already committed himself to the project, but I wanted to see if you would help as well. Cos was pleading with her.
Yes of course I will. Are you sure you want me to help? Dakota answered him as she took two cans of Neocola out of the basket. She handed one to him. They sat there staring at their food, eating in a silence you could almost cut with a knife. Neither wanted to voice what was really on their minds.
Cosnibmoses received a message from Stumpy that she would be available to be interviewed around 4 o’clock in the afternoon that following Friday. All week Cos rushed around Main Street trying to find a diner that would have a nice booth open. Michaels a nice quaint place had nothing but booths, so that’s the place Cos chose for the interview.
Friday came in a huff of heavy snow fall. Draconis dreaded going out into the wintry blast mother nature had handed Neopia, but he had made a commitment to Cos. He had to be at Coss shop to help interview the new manager.
Oh yeah that’s right Cos had chosen somewhere else not the shop. At least, Cos had picked a nice cozy warm spot for today’s interview, Drac thought to himself. Drac just couldn’t understand how anyone could stand to be cold, but then he supposed they probably couldn’t understand how anyone could love being hot and sweaty. Drac put a muffler around his neck and stepped out into the snowstorm. He tried flapping his wings but the wind was too strong, so he walked instead to the diner on Main Street. Dakota and Cos were both already there. Dakota was shaking out her umbrella, and Cos was stamping his feet to get snow off of them. Under his arm, he had three scrolls he intended to use in the interview.
Ok, so when is Ms. Stumpy to arrive? Drac demanded.
Any minute now. Glad you got here first, Cos answered looking out the window.
The snow was coming down heavier and in huge clumps. Looking at the flakes, Cos shuddered. The cold did not bother him the same way it did Drac. Yes, he knew Draconis really needed to get away from this snow and all the cold weather. Looking at Drac, Cos could see the dry patches of skin where the scales had fallen off. Poor Draconis thought Cos. Drac was staring out of the window squinting hard to see if anyone was approaching the diner.
I sure hope your prospect hasn’t gotten lost in this blizzard, he muttered.
Meanwhile, back at home, Greepies was busy doing her house chores. She loved sweeping the floor as the swishing sound reminded her of her home world. Not that she wanted to go back there, but one always remembers where they were born. While doing the dishe’s, Greepies listened hard to hear the wings of the Ptera flapping. She was hoping that one of the others would send a message roll that would tell her whether or not Cos had hired a new manager today. Thinking hard for a minute, the name Stumpy is what she thought he had said. Well any way if the answer was yes, Greepies would run up the stairs and start packing. If the answer was no, well she would just keep doing her house work. Once the dishes were done, Greepies filled a bucket with soapy water. Getting the mop out of the closet, she proceeded to mop all the floors in the house. Every so often Greepies, would look over at the Ptera roost trying to will onto it a message Ptera with the message yes, yes, yes! However, since she wasn’t a faerie Grundo it didn’t work. Another hour passed, and there was still no word from any of the family. Greepies figured that they must not have liked Stumpy, which would have resulted in her not being hired. So Greepies resumed her house chores. Picking up the bucket, she emptied it cleaned it out and put it away. Now she would go up the stairs and make up all the beds. She sighed heavily.
No Ptera roosting.
Just as she entered into the first bedroom, she heard flapping wings of the message Ptera. Greepies ran down the stairs skipping one or two in her descent. Out of breath, she looked at the Ptera sitting on its roost in the kitchen.
Hello? What message you bring me? Well, what happen? Do I get to pack? she started her banter, but had to stop for a breath. Greepies face lit up as she heard the words, yes the Wocky was there. Yes, she seemed like the perfect manager. Could Greepies please be a little more patient though? Greepies shook her head as if the Ptera knew why. It squawked at her waved its wings and blinked its eyes. Greepies knew what that meant,
I try. Patience is hard. Greepies try. Go back and make them promise now. Send Greepies message and let her know, k? Greepies begged.
In the diner, Dakota knew Greepies would be waiting for the next message that would let her know one way or the other. She readied another piece of paper to send, and then went back to the booth where Cos, Drac, and Stumpy were sitting. Cos was busy asking Stumpy questions about the scrolls he had brought along. Drac was studying the menus. After what seemed like an eternity of boring questions, Cos seemed very satisfied with Stumpys knowledge of ancient scrolls. Looking over at Dakota, he turned the interview over to her, figuring the two Wockys would have a lot to talk about. However, they did not verbalize, rather they growled at one another for about 10 minutes. Cos looked at Drac and Drac looked back.
Finally, Dakota smiled. I like her, she’s ok by me she told the boys.
With that statement, she then turned the interview over to Draconis. He looked over at Dakota, obviously stumped for a minute, but determined Drac turned and looked at Stumpy. What the heck was he going to ask her? Picking up the spoon off the table, he played with it. Then looking at his coffee mug, he stirred the contents with the spoon. Yes, he was stalling. A waitress walked over and proceeded to refill everyone’s cups. Drac looked at her. “She’s kinda cute,” he thought. Oops, he realized he was letting his mind wander and right now that wasn’t a good idea. Asking questions was the last thing on his mind! Drac wanted this all to be settled, so that the four buddies could head off to Mystery Island. Still, he figured he had to ask Stumpy something.
What talent do you have that makes you perfect for this job? he asked.
Stumpy sat there thinking. She knew she had to give him the right answer. What was he looking for? Then as if a light bulb lit up in her head, Stumpys face lit up.
Well, I am available to work all hours and I am very knowledgeable about old papers and the like but my best talent is the way I can get along with all types of people. Even anxious people like you who want to rush off on a warm summer vacation.
Drac looked even harder at Stumpy, was she a clairvoyant?
Then he started laughing so hard that he barley could ask, ” Stumpy, you are perfect for the job, in my opinion. When could you start?”
Smiling sweetly Stumpy said to the three of them, Is tomorrow too early?
Cos smiled back, Not at all except I’m closed on Saturday, but show up at the shop so I can show you around and well get you started right away.
The weekend proved to be a busy one for everyone. Cos spent all of Saturday training Stumpy. When the two of them decided to take a small lunch break, Cos invited Stumpy over to the house for coffee and sandwiches. He knew Dakota had made fresh coffee and sandwiches in hopes to lure the two of them to the house for lunch. Stumpy for her part asked plenty of questions. It seemed she had three questions for every answer Cos had. Cosnibmoses chuckled inside his mind. Her questions did not bother him. Questions just proved to Cos how interested Stumpy was in doing her new job to perfection. Yes, they had chosen the right Neopian for the job.
At home, Dakota was baking cookies, making sandwiches, brewing coffee, and getting a goody basket together for the trip to Mystery Island. It was her job to make sure that the group ate properly. To accomplish her goal, Dakota had gone shopping in the market place earlier to buy fresh fruits and veggies as well lunch meats and breads. Just now Dakota was putting organic fruits into the hamper. Once the baking was done, shed put the goodies into cloth baggies and then into the hamper. While she was waiting for the baking to be done, she put together several different types of sandwiches bagged them and put them into the hamper. Drinks, she had decided, would have to be bought en route. Mentally she was packing her suitcases. Earlier she had packed Coss suitcases for him knowing he would not have time and train Stumpy too.
Greepies was singing happily in her little room. On her bed sat her suitcase that was stuffed with clothes just tossed into it carelessly. Greepies kept putting stuff into it and taking it out again. After painstakingly removing several items only to replace them back into the suitcase, Greepies was singing louder and louder with each decision she was trying to make. In her head she knew she had to take just the right stuff on their vacation. After all, a girl just never knew when or if Mr. Grundo Right might show up, and she just had to be ready. Greepies picked up one of her bathing suits, put it into her case, then took it out and threw it on her chair. Pacing and singing, she wondered why she hadn’t bought a new suit last summer. Drac poked his head into the room. Her singing had caught his ears and he had to find out what was bothering her. Having problems little one? he asked her concern filling his voice.
Greepies looked at him her little brow all wrinkled up and a frown on her face.
Me can no decide what to take. Wants to look good like little princess. she moaned. Drac grinned at her, Greepies you always look like a princess to me.
Greepies smiled at him. He always knew what to say to make her happy.
Draconis lay on the warm sand. He let out a big happy sigh. Oh how he loved the bright sunshine and warm weather. He let the warm water splash up onto his toes, and wriggled his tail about on the sand. Oh how he loved the bright sunshine and warm water lapping upon his scales. They were starting to shine and gleam the dry itchy patches already starting to heal. His pals Cosnibmoses, Dakota, and Greepies were playing in the sand. Cos was actually helping Greepies to build a sandcastle, while Dakota was fussing over the luncheon basket she had brought along. Greepies took her small pail and shovel down to the water and filled the bucket with water. Cos looked at her.
Dont you dare splash that water at me Greepies, he grinned at her.
Who me? I no splash you! she laughed back at him.
Anyone want to eat right now? I just have to run over to the market place to get some drinks, but everything is ready if you are, Dakota said.
Ahhhhhh food! they all said together.
Did anyone bring along the neoblock? Greepies looks like she’s getting a little bit sunburned here, Cos said worriedly.
Yes theres some in the basket. Come here Greepies and Ill put it on you. Then you put on your sunbonnet. Drac said drowsily.
Aw do Greepies have to? the purple Grundo complained.
Yes you do and you too Drac, you dont need to burn now that your scales are healing. They look rather nice now. I’m glad you talked up into this vacation Drac., Dakota smiled at Drac. Drac sighed a happy sigh, he and his friends had finally made it to the tropical Isle of Mystery. – bholland520