Wandering Wonderland: Mochi Madness

Bo’s new mochi bunny form had its perks—if one could call being a squishy ball of dessert a perk. He hopped from rock to rock outside Lucy’s manor, trying to get the hang of his new body. The sensation was both thrilling and weird; his limbs, stubby as they were, bounced effortlessly, propelling him higher than he thought possible. He twisted mid-air, landing in a soft, squishy flop, only to bounce right back up.

“Okay, this is… surprisingly fun,” he admitted to himself, though he quickly glanced around, hoping Lucy wasn’t watching. He didn’t want to give her any more satisfaction than she already had from turning him into her regenerating snack. He tried a few more jumps, soaring higher with each bounce, and even tried somersaulting in mid-air.

Aeri, floating nearby, narrowed her eyes, her little orb body pulsing with a pinkish light. “Idiot! What are you even doing? Do you think hopping around like some oversized, squishy marshmallow is going to help you get stronger?” She huffed, puffing up indignantly. “You’re just embarrassing yourself!”

Bo flinched. “Hey, I’m trying to get used to this... This body! It’s not like I’ve been a bouncy mochi my whole life, you know!”

Aeri folded her arms—or at least, her glowing orb managed to give the impression of it. “That’s no excuse! If you don’t want to be treated like food, maybe stop acting like one!”

Just then, Lucy floated down from the manor’s entrance, her wings fluttering lazily as she approached. “Oh, what’s this? My little mochibunbun is already getting the hang of his new form? I’m so proud~!” She grinned mischievously, her eyes twinkling with delight as she saw him squirm.

Bo quickly composed himself, his bunny ears flopping in a way that he was sure made him look even more ridiculous. “I-I was just testing things out! Not... having fun or anything...”

Lucy smirked, floating closer until she was hovering just above his head. “Well, you better start getting serious. I’ve found the perfect job for you.”

“Job?” Bo echoed, hopping back to put some space between them. “What kind of job?”

Her grin grew wider. “It’s time for you to fulfill your part of our contract. I'm expecting something in return, especially after all the priceless ingredients and magical artifacts I used to craft that squishy little body of yours.”

Bo felt his bunny ears droop. “Wait, you mean there’s actual work involved?”

“Of course!” Lucy said, almost cheerfully. “Follow me, and I’ll show you.”

Aeri floated down to Bo’s side, nudging him as they trailed behind Lucy, pouring salt into the wound. “See? This is what happens when you sign deals without reading the fine print.”

Bo sighed, bouncing along. “It’s not like I had a choice…”

Lucy led them through the misty garden surrounding the tower, past gnarled trees and glowing flowers that bent toward her light. The atmosphere shifted as they moved closer to their destination, leaving the protective ward of the Eternal Tower. The fog thickened, swirling in strange patterns, as if alive.

Bo shivered. “Where are we going?”

Lucy turned back, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “You’ll see. We’re almost there.”

They stopped in front of the Well, its stone structure looming amidst the swirling mist, a location Bo was quite familiar with... This time, as Bo stared at it, a translucent window materialized before his eyes, shimmering with faint blue light. Lumi’s voice echoed softly in his mind, guiding him through the information.

[Pathfinder - Primordial Artifact]

Current Active Ability: Grants wishes in exchange for offerings. The Well has a will of its own, and will judge the value of the offering required in return for the wish made.

Status: 95% Damaged.

Guardian: Unassigned. (New Guardian found: Bo, Manager-in-Training)

Bo blinked, reading through the details as the window floated before him. “Pathfinder?” he muttered, the name sounding both intriguing and ominous. “This isn't real, right? I mean, wishes?"

Lucy nodded, her expression turning serious for once. “It’s one of the oldest artifacts in this world. Its true purpose and abilities go far beyond mere wishes. But it’s been inactive for eons. Your job is to help restore it.”

“Restore it?” Bo repeated, his ears flopping as he stared at the ancient structure. “And how exactly am I supposed to do that?”

Lucy gestured toward the Well. “Simple. You’re going to be the new Manager of the Well. And you’re going to use your new body, your wits, and all the resources at your disposal to repair it. Think of it as a... Main Quest.” She winked as another window popped up before Bo, listing his objectives.

[Sky Island Main Quest: Part 1 - Restore Pathfinder to its Former Glory]

Objective: Repair the Well’s structure and restore its primary functions

Reward: Pathfinder’s Blessing - Never become lost so long as you walk upon the Paths that are connected to the Well.

Objective: Locate underworld breaches and signal Lucy to reseal them

Reward: Fiery Feather - a one-time use item that allows Bo to ask Lucy for a favor.

Objective: Attract one hundred adventurers, specialists, cultivators, or others to the Well

Reward: Dungeon Core.

Bonus Objective: Clear out all the monsters, eldritch horrors, and other threats in the 9 different misty zones of the Sky Island.

Reward: Access tokens to the Lesser Vaults. 1 token per cleared area.

Final Reward for Completing Part 1:

Mochi Evolution Stone - A rare item that initiates a Mochibunster's evolution, allowing them to choose a new form and unlock advanced abilities.

His eyes widened as he read through the rewards. He felt his fluffy paws tingle with excitement and anxiety. “An evolution stone…?” he whispered, barely daring to believe it. “I could actually... change again?”

Aeri floated beside him, her glow flickering with a hint of pride and annoyance. “Did you only read the final reward? B-besides, this is Boss Lucy we’re talking about! A-also, don’t get too excited, you’ve still got a lot to do before you get there!” She nudged him with a playful pulse of light. “And no slacking off!”

Bo’s rolled his eyes as he scanned the quest more closely this time, his expression shifting from confusion to dread. “Wait, wait, wait! I’m supposed to... fix this place up? And clear out monsters? ELDRITCH HORRORS? With what—my squishy, bouncy self?”

Lucy crossed her arms, her smile sharp. “Oh, you’ll manage. Besides, once the Well is up and running, it will attract all sorts of people. And those people might just be what we need to clean up this island. Think of it like... recruiting. You’ll be the charming little host, tempting them with promises of riches and knowledge.”

Bo groaned. “This is sounding more like... babysitting.”

“Well, consider it practice,” Lucy teased. “And if you do a good job, I might even let you access the Vault of the Primordials.”

Bo’s ears perked up. “The Vault?”

Lucy’s smile turned coy. “Where treasures and priceless knowledge is stored. If you prove yourself, you might just get to dip into those resources. But for now, you start small. The first objective will grant you tokens that will allow you to enter the first levels of the Vault.”

Bo sighed, staring at the Well. “I guess I don’t have much of a choice.”

“Exactly,” Lucy said cheerfully. She paused, her voice dropping to a more serious tone. “I need this place cleaned up, and the darkness below kept in check. The first step to do that is through this Well. Don't disappoint me.”

Bo felt a chill run through his fluffy body. “And if I... mess up?”

Lucy’s playful smile returned. “Then you better be quick on your feet. Or rather... your hops.” She gave him a pat on the head before turning back toward the mist. “Now, get to work, Manager BunBun. The Quest isn’t going to clear by itself.”

Bo watched her go, his mind spinning with the weight of the tasks ahead. Aeri floated beside him, her tone of voice a mix of sarcasm and encouragement. “Well, look at the bright side... At least you didn’t get eaten this time.”

Bo sighed, deflating in place as he eyed the Well. “Yeah... small victories.”

The mist swirled around the clearing like a living, breathing veil. It coiled and twisted, obscuring everything beyond a few feet in any direction. Bo, in his squishy mochi form, perched on the edge of the Well, the stone cool beneath his fluffy paws. A translucent status window hovered beside him, glowing softly with information about the Well’s functions, its purpose, and—most importantly—its current state of repair. As he glanced at it, another window popped up in his vision, detailing the changes Lucy had just made.

[Status Update: Pathfinder - Primordial Artifact]

New Function: Lost Soul Guidance

Description: The mist has been modified to lure lost individuals, travelers, and adventurers towards the Well. All roads in the mist lead here. Be prepared to manage these encounters.

Bo sighed, his ears drooping as he stared into the Well’s depths. The magic within the ancient stone structure pulsed like a slow heartbeat, a thrum of energy that resonated with something deep within him. It was a connection he was only beginning to understand—a link forged when he accepted his new role as the Well’s manager. He could feel its presence, a sentience older than any life he could comprehend, whispering just beyond the edge of his thoughts.

The new sign beside the Well read:

"The Well gives what you seek, but at a price only it decides. Offer what you value most, and the Well will answer… if it deems you worthy. Wish wisely."

Bo shivered. He could sense the weight of those words. The Well had its own rules, and it wasn’t just a matter of tossing something in and making a wish. It was deeper, more intricate. The magic within the stone seemed to ripple, responding to the presence of anyone who approached. He was just beginning to grasp that as its manager, he was also its conduit—the bridge between the Well’s ancient power and the desires of those who came seeking its aid.

The rustling of leaves broke his thoughts. Bo’s fluffy ears perked up as a small figure stumbled out of the mist, his silhouette blurred by the swirling fog. A boy, no older than twelve, emerged into the clearing, his eyes wide with a mix of fear and desperation. His clothes were torn, his face streaked with dirt, and he clutched a broken branch as if it were his only lifeline. The boy’s breathing was ragged, and his gaze flickered desperately around as he took in everything.

Bo’s bunny heart sank as he watched the boy approach, weary and terrified. A kid? Here?

The boy glanced around, his gaze lingering on the sign by the Well. He hesitated, clearly torn between the fear of whatever lurked in the mist and the mysterious promise etched in stone. The magic of the Well stirred, sending a shiver through Bo. He felt it pulse, recognizing the boy’s desperation, his fear... and his hope.

Bo hopped closer to the edge, his ears twitching as he observed. “Hey, kid.” His voice was soft, but it carried across the clearing, cutting through the oppressive silence of the mist.

The boy froze, his eyes widening as he searched for the source of the voice. “Wh-Who’s there?” he stammered, clutching his makeshift weapon tighter.

“Don’t be afraid,” Bo said, hopping out of the shadows and into the boy’s view.

The boy stared, his mouth hanging open. “A... bunny?”

“I should get used to that…” Bo muttered.

The boy’s eyes darted between Bo and the Well, as well as the sign. His grip on the branch tightened, “can I really make a wish here? I have heard stories of such magical places…” He reached for a small pouch at his side, fumbling it open. “I have herbs... They’re all I could find.”

Bo felt the Well’s magic reach out, like a tendril of thought curling around his mind. The connection between him and the Well deepened, and he felt its judgment passing over the boy’s offering. The herbs were not enough; they lacked the weight of a true sacrifice. But the Well’s sentience didn’t turn the boy away. Instead, it nudged Bo, urging him to offer guidance.

Bo hesitated before hopping closer. “Herbs won’t be enough for what you want. The Well isn’t just a wishing fountain. It demands a price equal to what it offers.” He paused, feeling the Well’s presence guiding his words. “But if you’re willing to form a pact, it can help you.”

The boy’s face paled, and he clutched the pouch tightly. “A... a pact?”

Bo nodded. “If you don’t have something valuable enough to offer now, the Well can bind you to a promise. You’ll owe it something later—something of equal value to what you receive.”

The boy’s eyes flickered with hesitation. “What... what if I can’t fulfill the promise?”

Bo felt the Well’s will surge through him. “If you break it, the Well will take what it’s owed—one way or another. Trust me, you don’t want to find out what happens if it decides to collect.”

The boy shivered, glancing down at the pouch in his hands. “But... I need to find the Silverdew Flower. My sister... She's sick. She needs it.” His voice cracked, and Bo could see the desperation in his eyes.

Bo felt the Well’s energy pulse, and a vision flickered in his mind. The misty landscape beyond the clearing shifted, revealing a hidden grove deep within the forest. In the center of the grove was the Silverdew Flower, its petals glowing with an ethereal light. Bo understood now—he could see where it was, but the boy wouldn’t reach it on his own.

The Well’s magic wrapped around Bo, merging with his own senses, and he felt the connection tighten. “The flower’s out there, but it’s deep in the forest,” Bo said, his voice softening. “I can guide you there. But you need to accept the pact first.”

The boy hesitated, his eyes lingering on the Well as its magic pulsed. “H-how?”

Bo’s body wobbled slightly as he stepped back, the energy from the Well swirling around him like a guiding hand. “Hold out your hand.”

The boy’s hand trembled as he extended it toward the Well. As he did, the mist around them shifted, curling up his arm in spirals of light. Bo watched as runes began to form on the boy’s skin, delicate lines weaving together to create an intricate pattern—a mark of binding. The glow intensified, and Bo felt the Well’s power solidify the bond.

“That mark...” Bo explained, his voice echoing with the Well’s energy, “it ties you to your promise. Until you fulfill your end of the deal, you’re bound to the Well. If you try to run or cheat... Well, let’s just say it won’t end well.”

The boy stared at the mark, eyes wide but determined. “I understand.”

Bo nodded, feeling a strange sense of relief. “Good. The Well’s accepted your pact.” Suddenly, a wisp of light appeared from within the Well—a small, glowing orb that hovered in front of the boy, like a flickering firefly. Bo understood its purpose right away. “This will guide you to the grove. Stay on the path, and don’t stray. The forest is full of things you don’t want to meet.”

The boy glanced at the wisp, then back at Bo, hesitating. “You’ll... help me get back, right?”

Bo nodded. “Yeah, I’ll guide you once you’ve got the flower. Just don’t wander off.”

The boy gave a hesitant nod before turning to follow the wisp into the fog. Bo watched as his small form disappeared into the mist, the light of the wisp flickering faintly.

The boy nodded, his grip tightening on his makeshift weapon. “Thank you… I won’t break my promise!”

Bo watched as the boy followed the wisp into the mist, his figure gradually fading into the fog. Aeri hovered beside him, her light softening. “Well, looks like you didn’t mess that up. Good start.”

Bo sighed, his ears twitching as he stared into the swirling mists. “Let’s hope he keeps his end of the deal. Otherwise...”

Aeri floated closer, her voice quieter. “Otherwise, the Well will collect.”

Bo felt the weight of his new role settle deeper into his fluffy form. Lucy’s set the stage, and it’s up to me now. But this place... He glanced back at the Well as its energy pulsed softly. This place has its own rules…