A Sweet Adventure (Valentine’s Special 2020)

A Sweet Adventure (Valentine’s Special 2020)

Last Valentine’s season in Montreal because we are soon moving to Quebec City. I hope you enjoy it!

Start of a Dream (free visual novel)
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?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ?ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?
“A Sweet Adventure Part 2”

***********

{Nika}
“Here Haru-kun… You can stay inside this bag for the remainder of the trip to stay warm…”

(Haru nods as the group makes their way towards the waiting car)

{Haru}
“That was really… weird.”

{Nika}
“Hmmm? What was, Haru-kun?”

{Haru}
“That guy… He was really…”

{Yuki}
(looks down on the bag)
“Oh come on! You don’t have to be mean and judge people so easily like that, Grumpy Uncle. He even welcomed us and gave us refuge from the storm.”

{Haru}
“Ughh… Don’t tell me you didn’t feel it, Yuki?”

{Yuki}
“Feel what?”

{Haru}
“That guy’s aura is definitely fae-esq…”

{Yuki}
“Pffft… You’re overthinking things… I mean, a fae in the human world? Ooof!”

{Nika}
(grabs Yuki and hugs him)
“Well, you two are faes and both of you are here in the human world.”

{Yuki}
“Yeah… But that’s because we have Nika and she’s special!”

{Nika}
(blushes)
“Awww… Are you only saying that because you want me to treat you to some chocolates later?”

{Yuki}
(smiles)
“Nope! It’s the truth! Chocolate or no chocolate my Nika is special!”

{Nika}
(strokes Yuki’s orb)
“Sweet baby.”

(a few minutes later, they reach the car and go back home)

{Yuki}
(knocks on the door)
“We’re back!”

{Calabolt}
(opens the door)
“Oh… Hey, everyone! How was the trip?”

{Yuki}
(stretches his wings)
“It was awesome! You should have come too!”

(Yuki instinctively flies towards Calabolt’s head and cuddles his hair)

{Nika}
“Hi, Cala-kun! Sorry, we left you behind…”

{Calabolt}
“Oh… Hey. No worries. I don’t think I would have fit in the car with all of you guys. Plus, Yuki-chama needed some company.”

(Yuki glares and opens his wings towards the birdcage while Yuki-chama hisses back at him)

{Nika}
“Hmmm… Anyway, how was your stay-cation? Sorry to have burdened you with my pet.”

{Calabolt}
(smiles)
“No. No. It’s fine. We’ve actually bonded this past week.”

{Yuki}
(pouts)
“Hey! That’s why your hair reeks as if a bird nested in it for days!”

{Haru}
(floats from the paper bags)
“No need to be alarmed, Yuki. You have Calabolt all to yourself today.”

{Yuki}
(snuggles Calabolt’s hair)
“Yay!”

(Yuki-chama squeaks at Yuki’s apparent victory)

{Nika}
“Well, now that’s settled. I’m just going to place these bags in the kitchen while you two play in my room.”

{Calabolt}
“Do you need any help with those?”

{Nika}
(smiles)
“Hmmm… Nope. Haru-kun can help me put these away. You’ve done enough already.”

{Calabolt}
“Oh, ok then… Owww! Yuki! We’ve talked about this!”

{Yuki}
“But but each time I smell your hair, it makes me angry… I just want to squeeze…”

{Calabolt}
“Yeeeooouch!”

(the two disappears from sight as they close the door of Nika’s room)

{Haru}
“…Nika.”

{Nika}
“Shhh… It’s a surprise!”

(Haru nods as they go towards the kitchen to prepare the sweets)

{Nika}
“OK. Let’s see… According to this guide…”

(Haru listens carefully to Nika’s instructions as he mixes the cacao and the milk together)

{Haru}
“Hey, Nika…”

{Nika}
“Yes, Haru-kun?”

{Haru}
“You did imply that you wanted to do this as a surprise thanks for Calabolt.”

{Nika}
“Yeah, why?”

{Haru}
“Well, I was just thinking about how long Yuki will be quiet about your little project?”

{Nika}
“…but he seemed distracted about Yuki-chama and Cala-kun bonding for a week, no?”

{Haru}
“Hmmm… Don’t you think I should check on him to make sure?”

{Nika}
“I guess so… We need to wait for the chocolate brownies to cool down anyway.”

{Haru}
“…I’ll be right back.”

(Haru flies out of the kitchen)

{Nika}
(looking at their creations)
“Wow! The shopkeeper was right. These smell great. I really hope that they enjoy them as much as I had fun making them.”

(a few minutes later)

{Nika}
(eats one of her chocolates)
“Mhmm… I don’t understand. I followed the instructions to the letter. So why does it taste like it’s missing something…”

(Nika searches through the paper bags and finds a jar of sprinkles)

{Nika}
(reading the label)
“Hmmm… Revealer’s 100% Powdered Ambrosia. Weird brand name… I wonder what this is for?”

{Nika}
“Oh! The shopkeeper did mention about giving me something special to make the chocolates tastier… I almost forgot!”

{Nika}
(tastes a pinch of the jar’s contents)
“Yummy! It tastes great! So… according to instructions on the label, I only need to sprinkle a bit and… Wow! It sparkles!”

(the door opens)

{Haru}
“I’m sorry, Nika… I just had to forcefully bring Yuki along. He just couldn’t keep his mouth shut.”

{Yuki}
“Hey! Cala-chan and I were just playing! You were the one who knocked him out!”

{Nika}
“Oh, dear…”

{Haru}
“I-It’s not what you think. It was an accident.”

{Nika}
(walks towards the door)
“Uhmm… I’d better check on Cala-chan. You boys can help yourselves to the first batch once it cools down.”

{Yuki}
“Ooooh! Chocolates! I can’t wait anymore! They smell so good and the sparkles make them look sooooo tasty!”

{Haru}
“…Yuki… Remember what Nika said. We have to wait for it to cool…”

{Yuki}
(munches on the brownies)
“…mhmm? What were you saying, Grumpy Uncle?”

{Haru}
(sighs)
“I can’t believe you…”

{Yuki}
(swallows)
“…here! Have one! It tastes soooo good!”

{Haru}
(staring at the piece)
“I guess a bite won’t hurt…”

(Meanwhile, Nika peeks at her room)

{Nika}
“Hmmm… He’s sound asleep. I wonder what happened to…?”

(a loud thud echoes from the kitchen)

{Nika}
“What was that? I hope Haru and Yuki didn’t drop the chocolate treats… I guess Cala-chan can wait for a bit, I should rush back to the kitchen just to make sure.”

(Nika enters the kitchen and screams)

{Nika}
“W-Who are you?”

?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ?ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?
“A Sweet Adventure Part 3”

***********

{Calabolt}
(slowly sits up)
“Ughh… That hurt, Haru-kun. What happened? Yuki and I were just talking about what you guys did while you were away and…”

{Calabolt}
“Huh? Where did everyone go?”

(Nika screams from the floor below)

{Calabolt}
“Wha-huh?”

{Nika}
(enters the room panting)
“Calabolt! Calabolt! T…There’s…”

{Calabolt}
(holds Nika’s arms)
“Calm down. What happened?”

{Nika}
“Haru and Yuki… T-They disappeared a-and… Two strangers are laying down in the kitchen floor! I-I…”

(Nika went silent as the floor creaks outside the room)

{Calabolt}
“Nika, I…”

{Nika}
(quickly covers Calabolt’s mouth with her hand)
“Shhhh… It might be the intruders…”

{Calabolt}
(hugs her tightly)
“Intruders? Don’t worry, I won’t let them get near you…”

(the door slowly opens)

{Calabolt}
“Who are…? Oh! It’s you guys!”

{???}
“Urk… By the Creator’s hand, what was in those brownies? My head is still spinning…”

{???}
“Well, they were tasty though… Hey, Cala-chan! How’s your head?”

{Calabolt}
“I’m fine… Nothing but a slight bump in the back of my head. But I guess I’ll have to treat my head later. Haru-kun is strong after all…”

{Nika}
(tugs on Calabolt as she whispers)
“Cala-kun… Is it safe?”

{Calabolt}
(pats Nika’s hair)
“Of course it is, you can open your eyes now…”

(Nika opens her eyes and fidgets as she sees the two strangers)

{Young boy with silver hair}
“Hmmm? Are you feeling OK, Nika? You’re shivering a lot.”

{Tall blonde man}
(reaches out his hand towards Nika’s forehead)
“Perhaps, it is due to the cold weather. Let me check your temperature…”

{Nika}
(swats the man’s hand away)
“No!”

{Tall blonde man}
“Ouch. You don’t have to be mean or anything.”

{Calabolt}
“Hmmm? Haru was only trying to help…”

{Nika}
(tears starting to form on her eyes)
“What do you mean? Haru-kun and Yuki are gone… They disappeared.”

{Young boy with silver hair}
“But… But we are here! Look!”

{Tall blonde man}
(points to the mirror)
“Uhmmm… Yuki. I think I know why Nika doesn’t recognize us…”

{Yuki}
(gasps)
“What the?! I’m back to my elf form!”

{Calabolt}
“Uhmmm…”

{Haru}
“Indeed… It’s like we were temporarily freed from our faerie form.”

(Yuki looks at the mirror, facing back and front)

{Haru}
“I suspect that creepy shopkeeper had a hand in this!”

{Calabolt}
“…Guys? I think, Nika…”

{Nika}
(looks cautiously at the two)
“Uhhhh… A-Are you really Haru and Yuki?”

{Yuki}
“Oh, will you let that go! That man is not evil…”

{Haru}
“That’s because HE IS!”

{Calabolt & Nika}
(thinking to themselves)
“They are totally ignoring us!”

{Yuki}
(walking close to Haru)
“No, he’s not!”

{Haru}
“What’s YOUR basis that HE ISN’T suspicious?!”

{Yuki}
“Well, what’s YOUR basis that HE IS?!”

(the argument breaks as Nika laughs)

{Yuki}
“Hmmm? What’s the matter, Nika?”

{Nika}
(wiping her tears)
“Oh, nothing! I just thought that something happened to both of you. Like being kidnapped or something.”

{Yuki}
(twirls around)
“But something did happen to us! See?”

{Haru}
“That’s not what she means, Yuki. I’m sorry, Nika. It hadn’t occurred to me that you had never seen our original elvish forms. I-It must’ve been quite a shock.”

{Nika}
“Well… At first, yes. I mean, walking into your kitchen with two strangers lying down is bound to be a red flag. But seeing you both happily arguing somehow fills me with relief.”

{Calabolt}
“Oh Nika…”

{Nika}
(stands up and hugs them both)
“…I’m sorry.”

{Haru}
“Ooof! It’s fine.”

{Yuki}
“Yay! I can hug Nika back now!”

{Nika}
(gently pushes them away)
“B-But… Do you guys think that this is permanent?”

{Haru}
“I’m not quite sure… If we only knew what made this possible, then maybe I can surmise the length of our current… situation.”

(Nika nods)

{Yuki}
(walks back to the mirror)
“Hmmmm… But I kinda like it. I missed my original form. Now I can eat a thousand times more than usual!”

(Calabolt and Nika burst out laughing)

{Haru}
“Ughh… Yuki.”

{Nika}
“Anyway… We need to investigate what’s the cause of your transformation, right?”

{Haru}
(nods)
“Yes.”

{Nika}
“Well, let’s start from where I found you…”

(the group makes their way to the kitchen)

?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ?ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?
“A Sweet Adventure Part 4”

***********

(the group searches the kitchen for clues)

{Nika}
(leans towards Calabolt)
“Hey… Uh… Cala-kun…”

{Calabolt}
“Yes?”

{Nika}
“Thank you for protecting me back there…”

{Calabolt}
“…it’s fine.”

(the two joins Yuki and Haru in their search)

{Nika}
(leans closer)
“Uhmm… Cala-kun?”

{Calabolt}
“Hmmm?”

{Nika}
“…I just wonder why you could easily tell that they were Haru-kun and Yuki. Did you see them under that form before?”

{Calabolt}
“Oh… Yeah.”

{Nika}
“That’s weird, I’ve been with them longer than you… Why didn’t I see them like… this.”

{Calabolt}
(stands up)
“Well, how can I explain this… Usually, I see their elven form blurred behind their faerie’s back. Kinda like a shadow but… more vivid.”

{Nika}
“Really?”

{Calabolt}
“Yeah! Only this time, it’s like it’s reversed. I was surprised at first… But, let me tell you when I saw their orbs I just knew that these were our friends.”

{Nika}
“Oh… I see. But since they are blurry… Doesn’t that make it a bit… Hard to…?”

{Haru}
“No need to dwell on it, Nika. Calabolt has fae sight. It is normal for us to see one another like this.”

(the group falls silent as they continue their search)

{Calabolt}
“It’s funny… I’ve said it over and over before that I was a human. But now…”

{Haru}
“All mysteries tend to uncover themselves, given the time. You don’t need to be too hard on yourself.”

{Calabolt}
“I guess so…”

{Yuki}
“Oooooh! I think I found something!”

{Nika}
“Really, Yuki?”

{Haru}
“What is it?”

{Yuki}
(faces the group while munching on a plate of brownies)
“Leftover brownies!”

{Haru}
(puts his palm on his face)
“Ughh… Yuki.”

{Nika}
“Hold on… Yuki might be on to something…”

{Calabolt}
“Oh! You’re right! Haru said that they passed out when they ate the…”

{Haru}
(rushes towards Yuki)
“Stop eating that!”

{Yuki}
“Hmmm? You want some, Grumpy Uncle?”

{Haru}
“No! This might be the cause!”

{Yuki}
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I feel OK. See, I haven’t passed out yet.”

{Haru}
“Ughhh… I guess you’re right… That’s strange…”

{Calabolt}
(looking towards Nika)
“Hmmm… Did you put anything else on the brownies besides the things that were required?”

{Nika}
“Yes! I followed the instructions faithfully. Haru was there. He knows what we mixed in.”

{Haru}
“She’s right…”

{Nika}
“Maybe it’s something else?”

(Yuki crunches on another piece)

{Haru}
“…I don’t know.”

{Yuki}
(stares at the piece)
“This could use those sprinkles to make it shiny though but… it’s still so yummy!”

{Nika}
“Wait a minute!”

(Nika walks towards the counter and grabs a bottle)

{Nika}
“The shopkeeper told me that adding this would make my treat a lot sweeter…”

{Haru}
(moves towards Nika)
“Let me see that… I knew it! That shopkeeper isn’t trustworthy!”

{Calabolt}
“What is it, Haru-kun? Oh, wait…”

(Nika’s phone rings)

{Nika}
(looks at her screen)
“Hmmm? An unknown number. Who could this be?”

{Haru}
“This bottle contains Ambrosia! The fruit from the Fyu00efundomiel forest that causes Maju00efk to overflow after a while.”

{Nika}
(thinking to herself as she drops the call)
“Might be just another telemarketer…”

{Nika}
“Err… Sorry. So, is it dangerous?”

{Haru}
“Quite the contrary. Zammau00efans mainly use it for medicine. Don’t worry though, it only affects faes.”

(Nika’s phone rings again)

{Calabolt}
“Uh, shouldn’t you answer that, Nika?”

{Nika}
(rejects the call)
“I don’t know the number. Anyway, where were w… What?”

(Nika’s phone receives yet another call)

{Nika}
“That same number again… Let me just take this. It might be important after all.”

(the group nods as Nika answers)

{Nika}
“Hello. Sorry, but you’re number is not registered in my contact list. May I ask who is this?”

{???}
“Hello, deary! How did my special ingredient work? Marvellous, ain’t it?”

?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ?ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?
“A Sweet Adventure Part 5”

***********

{Nika}
“You?!”

{Yuki}
“Who is it, Nika?”

(Nika places the phone on hands-free)

{Shopkeeper}
“That’s right. Just your friendly, helpful, and downright bashful shopkeeper!”

{Haru}
“Ughh… What does he want now of all times?”

{Shopkeeper}
“Oh! I just wanted to say hi, Haru-kun… And before I forget, say hello to Yuki-chan for me!”

{Haru}
“You- I knew it! I told you guys that he could see us! What did you do to us you-you vile, no good…!”

{Yuki}
(bites on a brownie)
“Calm down, Grumpy Uncle. We didn’t get hurt anyway.”

{Shopkeeper}
“That’s harsh, Haru-kun… Your words almost made me shed a tear. Yuki, on the other hand, is such a sweet boy. You really should follow Yuki-chan’s example otherwise…”

(Yuki smugly smiles as Haru growls in anger)

{Shopkeeper}
(grins)
“But pay for what? I only gave deary a way to turn you guys back to your original form. You do miss it, am I wrong?”

{Nika}
“…so, the ambrosia sprinkles are not harmful in any way?”

{Shopkeeper}
“Hmmm… I could have sworn that by this time, Haru-kun should’ve explained the ambrosia’s properties… And to think, he’s a Zammau00efan like m… I’m a wee bit disappointed…”

{Haru}
(grabs the phone closer to his mouth)
“Argggh! I ALREADY EXPLAINED THE GIST OF IT! STOP MAKING A FOOL OUT OF ME!”

{Calabolt}
(holds Haru back)
“Haru, enough. Just calm down.”

{Yuki}
“Yeah!”

{Shopkeeper}
“Oh? You did explain it. Good! My apologies for ever doubting you! However, you might’ve failed to mention that the effects are only temporary. 24 hours exactly to be precise!”

(Haru lets go of his grip and turns his back)

{Shopkeeper}
“Anyway deary, to answer your question… It is not harmful. Quite the contrary, actually! It’s highly beneficial!”

{Nika}
“Beneficial?”

{Shopkeeper}
“You see, we elves have a certain condition. A minor annoyance, if you can call it that way. One that I am certain you will be facing in a near future. I only wanted to help my fellow faes and introduce myself.”

{Haru}
“So, he is a fae! I knew it!”

{Yuki}
“…but not evil. Right, CreepyKeeper-san?”

{Shopkeeper}
(giggles)
“Whoops. Did I say that I was a fae? The nerves of some people! I’m just a regular shopkeeper…you see.”

{Nika}
(rolling her eyes)
“Right… A regular shopkeeper that sells fae goods…”

{Shopkeeper}
“Well, I am a businessman. How else can I make an impact on my specialty products for my new favourite customers’ needs?”

{Calabolt}
“So, let me get this straight… Was all this a…?”

{Shopkeeper}
“That’s right! A marketing strategy! She needed something to make the brownies taste better than the rest… So I gave her the tastiest ingredient that I had in my cache! Nyahahaha!”

(Haru shakes his head in disbelief as the others widen their eyes from the shock)

{Yuki}
(finishes the plate of brownies)
“But you have to admit, CreepyKeeper-san is true to his word. These treats were good!”

{Nika}
“I-I’m sorry… I’m still trying to process all of this…”

{Haru}
“Me too…”

(Yuki licks his fingers)

{Shopkeeper}
“Well, I overstayed my welcome. I better bid you adieu and wait patiently for your regular patronage…”

{Haru}
“By the Creator’s hand, you will never have it!”

{Shopkeeper}
“Oh, I beg to differ. Adieu Haru-kun, Yuki-chan, and Deary!”

{Calabolt}
(whispers to himself)
“…I’m also here.”

{Haru}
“Hey wait! I’m still not…!”

(the call ends)

?ᏂᏗᏒᏬ? & ?ᎩᏬᏦᎥ?
“A Sweet Adventure Part 6 Finale”

***********

{Haru}
“H-He hanged up, on us…”

{Nika}
(sighs)
“Well, at least we now know that the ingredient isn’t dangerous.”

{Haru}
“But still…”

{Yuki}
(looks for more brownies)
“Oh lighten up, Grumpy Uncle! CreepyKeeper-san said that the effects are temporary.”

{Haru}
“I still find it devious… He should have given us pertinent information beforehand!”

{Yuki}
“Clearly Grumpy Uncle doesn’t know the concept of a surprise.”

{Haru}
“I do know what a surprise means! Besides, I’m not the one who was about to tell Cala-chan that Nika made the brownies for him!”

{Calabolt}
(looks towards Nika)
“For me?”

(Nika smiles and nods as Calabolt blushes)

{Yuki}
(laughs)
“I didn’t have the chance to. But YOU just did!”

(Realizing his mistake, Haru quickly covers his mouth with his hands)

{Nika}
“I just thought that Cala-chan would enjoy celebrating another human tradition with his new family.”

{Yuki}
“Aww… But there are no more brownies…”

{Nika}
“Really? My God… You weren’t kidding when you said that you can eat a whole lot more than usual.”

{Haru}
“Dear Creator… It just keeps piling up…”

{Nika}
“Hmmm… I don’t think that we have enough ingredients to make more brownies…”

{Yuki}
(frowns)
“Awwww…”

{Nika}
“…not to worry though, Yuki-chan. I think we have enough supplies to make smaller but delicious chocolate bites! Is that OK?”

(Haru nods in approval)

{Calabolt}
(hiding his embarrassment)
“I-I’ll help…this time.”

(Nika gently smiles)

{Yuki}
(jumps up in anticipation)
“Yay! Real chocolates are more sweeter! More treats!”

{Haru}
“You already had enough!

(the group laughs as they work on the treats)

{Nika}
(handing over a plate of treats)
“There you go! Happy Valentines Day, Cala-chan!”

{Calabolt}
“Uhmmm… T-Thanks… I guess.”

{Nika}
“Well, now that’s done I’m gonna take a quick rest. Can I ask you guys to clean up the mess?”

{Yuki}
(munching on his share)
“Of course, Nika!”

{Nika}
“Great! I’ll see you guys later!”

(Nika walks out the kitchen door and goes up to her room)

{Haru}
(turning to Calabolt)
“She likes you.”

{Calabolt}
(blushes as he silently collects the plates to wash)
“She likes all of us. Are you done with your plate?”

{Haru}
“…and you like her back, don’t you?”

{Calabolt}
“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

{Haru}
“Listen. I researched about this Valentine’s Day and it’s purpose on the Internet. It seems that it is a day that girls confess their love for their special someone. At least in Japan, it’s the normal practice.”

{Calabolt}
“W-What are you insinuating?”

{Haru}
(smiles)
“…nothing.”

(the two keep working silently as Yuki happily finishes his plate)

{Haru}
(whispers to Calabolt’s ear)
“Don’t you dare hurt her.”

(Calabolt drops the plate)

{Yuki}
“Hmmm? What’s wrong, Cala-chan?”

{Calabolt}
“I-It’s nothing,, Yuki-chan… We’re just talking about something…”

{Haru}
“We’re talking about Nika and Calabolt’s rel…”

{Calabolt}
“N-No! We did not!”

{Yuki}
(smirks)
“Oh, that!”

(Calabolt’s face became red)

{Yuki}
“Well, if only Cala-chan would be more open about his feelings though!”

{Haru}
“I agree.”

{Calabolt}
“Would you both just…!”

{Yuki}
“Look, Grumpy Uncle! Cala-chan is turning bright red!”

{Calabolt}
“I-I’m not!”

(the group laughs as they finish cleaning the kitchen)

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Start of a Dream (free visual novel)
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