Adventures in Malfurny: An Animal Crossing Fan Story!

[Alex Laetus]

     

Adventures in the Town of Malfurny
 
 Part One: Moving In!

            As his patron stuck his head out the window, the Kappa taxi driver adjusted his cap, asking, “Well now lad; ye seem awfully excited for the big move. Or are ye just enjoyin’ the wind blown’ through yer face?”
 
            Ears twitching as he’s asked the question, Kapp’n’s passenger ducked back in as he panted, “It’s both honestly!!! I couldn’t believe my luck when I saw the sign in the city center where I used to live, asking for writers to move here to help with various museum projects!”
 
            Giving a nod, Kapp’n whistled as a bus drove, he shortly replying, “So ye used to be a city rat before ye decided to move out to quaint little Malfurny, aye? Goin’ to be a big editor for the little people?”
 
            Scratching his chin with a paw, the passenger commented, “I think what the job entails is flexible, and prone to changing... But yes! I suppose I’ll be occasionally writing articles, and maybe helping edit advertisements or whatever.”
 
            Giving a chuckle, the cabby further pushed, “Har har har! Ye got big aspirations for a wee sea cucumber. Might I ask yer name lad?”
 
 
            The pooch in the back seat scratched his ear, gave a laugh of his own, greeting, “My name’s Alex, sir. Might I ask your name please?”
 
            Taking a right turn down the dirt path, grey clouds loomed ahead. The Kappa, after the maneuver, introduced himself, “Thar, my name be Kapp’n. I’ve had many o’ jobs o’er me life, but bein’ a driver be one o’ me favorites. But by the sounds of it, yer mum musta had a hard attack; far too polite to be a city kid, by the sounds, ar har har har!
 
 But I be jokin, of course lad; met plenty of nice folk from the city in my time, too.”
 
            With a tail wag, Alex giggled a bit as he leaned a bit over the front seat. Kapp’n launched another question, he taking a few moments before identifying the clouds as Alex’s focus, “So... Might I take it ye are a fan of rain?”
 
             Giving a nod, Alex slid back into his seat, barking, “Rain’s awesome! We never got it in the city. I love the earthy smell it leaves, the patter of raindrops on the roof... It’s soothing!”
 
            Kapp’n kept driving along the road, they taking another turn as a dot appeared in the distance.
 
Feeling curious as to Alex’s plans, the kappa asked, “We’ll be arriving at Malfurny soon, lad. But before ye do... Do ye know where yer stayin?”
 
That stopped Alex right in his tracks. His tail froze, ears flattened, and a small whine escaped his throat. “Uh... Well... No, actually... I don’t even know... But... Oh no...”
 
 Holding his head, Alex began shaking his head defeated, he muttering silent curses to himself; how did he overlook this?! He had sworn his parents and he had gone over the plan several times! But now, he was going to end up living on the streets!
 
 It was a few seconds of his silent freak out before a palm rested on the dog’s soldier the having been car had pulled over, Kappn’n smiling, “Now see here pup! No need to fret! Kappn’ can help ya! He knows an old coon’ who might be able to pull some strings so yer not without a roof! Not the first time o’ thing this has happened.”
 
             Head tilting sideways, Alex still had his ears flattened, curious as to what in the world this cabby had in mind. The Kappa withdrew a cellphone from his pocket, and dialed a number.
 
 
            Holding the device up to his ear, he asked, “Aye? Nook? Thar be there? ... Ah! Aye! Ye are there!”
 
            Listening to this mysterious “Nook” banter back and forth with the Kappa, Alex subconsciously found himself looking back and forth at the driver’s seat, and then vacant passenger seat.
 
 
            Kapp’n continued, “Aye... Yeah, see, we got a pup movin’ to town, an’ he don’ gotta place ter stay... Yar?... Aye... The normal drill? Aye! Ye got a heart o’ gold when yer not snaggin’ it from me hands! Thanks yah scurvy ‘coon!”
 
            Hanging up, Kapp’n nodded, laughed, and pulled the car out of park, “No worries lad; this old salted Kappa’s found the dog a house. Ye’ll just need to find the Raccoon named Nook once yer in town ... Granted he’s not already waitin fer ye”
 
            Ears perking up, Alex’s mood took a one-eighty, he leaning forward while tail wagging as, exclaiming, “Really?! Oh my gosh, thank you so much Mr. Kapp’n!”
 
             With a chuckle, the cabby shook his head, “Just Kapp’n will do, lad... However, we’ll be arrivin’ in town in but a few minutes. But before we do, one last question.
 
 What is it ye truly want to do here? Any hopes, dreams, the likes?”
 
             Alex had been gazing out the window to try and take in the small buildings they passed as the question was asked, he snapping back to attention. He sat for a few moments, pondering, even scratching his ear to keep his ADD mind from wandering...
 
            He finally decided, and responded with, “I’m... Well... I want to become a fantastic writer while I’m here in town! And make tons of friends!”
 
            Tipping his hat, Kapp’n replied, “Well now, I must say those be very good goals indeed. But ye’ have anythin’ else?”
 
            “Nope! That definitely what I hope to achieve while I’m in Malfurny!”
 
            Slowing down the pace, the taxi by this point had hit a cobblestone road, the vehicle driving over to what appeared to be a bench with a taxi sign on it.
 
             Two owls and a Raccoon stood at the bench, the shorter, pink Owl holding a sign that read, “Welcome Alex!”
 
Parking the car, Kapp’n responded, “This be yer stop lad; I hope ter see ye again some time. ‘Twas nice meetin’ ya! Think hard ‘bout me question!”
 
 
            Opening the door to the cab, Alex stepped outside and took a deep breath in, looking around; wooded areas all over the place, several little houses, the view of the ocean in the distance; his tail wagged in excitement as he gave a small squeal of excitement. However, the way the Cabby had asked him to remember the last question... Seemed a bit strange. Maybe just a normal thing he did?
 
 After opening the trunk of the cab and removing his suitcase, he leaned inside the cab and replied, “It was nice meeting you too! Thank you for the ride!”
 
 
            “T’was no problem, me wee sea cucumber! Enjoy ye’ new life!” the cabby replied, shifting out of park.
 
            Closing the door, Kapp’n drove off, Alex watching the yellow car drive off down the road, over a hill, and disappearing from sight.
 
            He snapped back to attention to the bench as the owls set party poppers off, they greeting with a hint of a British accent, “Welcome to Malfurny Alex!”
 
            Feeling a bit bashful, the shifted his paw against the other than approached, laughing, “Thank you very much! You two must be Mr. Blathers and Miss Celeste, right?”
 
            The Tawny owl with a bow tie, at the mention of his name, stood up straighter, puffing out his chest, and offered a wing, “Yes; I am Mr. Blathers, the Curator of the Malfurny Museum. This is my sister, Celeste, the Observatory manager and head.”
 
            Extending his own paw to shake Blather’s wing, he then did the same with the Pink Owl, Celeste.
 
“How do you do?” She asked sweetly. “We look forward to you assisting us with museum functions! And are very grateful to have someone so willing to help!”
 
            Grinning, Alex gave a nod, and laughed, “Of course! I’m just as excited to be here! But, I must ask...
 
 I was told to look for a Mr. Nook? The cabby informed me that he would be able to help me get situated in town.”
 
            “That would be me,” the Raccoon spoke, a slight accent noticeable. He stepped forward and offered a paw, “Konnichiwa; I am Tom Nook, owner of Nook’s Cranny, and also part time realtor. You are the dog, Alex, Kapp’n told me about, yes?”
 
            The Raccoon wore a blue apron with a leaf on it. From the way he looked, though, he certainly resembled no raccoon Alex had ever seen. And certainly didn’t speak like any he had talked to.
 
            Returning the gesture, Alex once again shook, “Yes I am! Pleased to meet you, Mr. Nook! You can help me with finding a house?”
 
            Drawing back, and crossing his arms, Nook closed his eyes, giving a nod, “Yes, yes... That I can help you with;
 
But the question is, before I can offer the house to you, will you be willing to work at Nook’s Cranny?”
 
            Stopping a moment, Alex tilted his head, “Well, uh... With all due respect, Mr. Nook, I’m already working for Mr. Blathers, as you may have heard... I have no idea-“
 
            Cutting him off, a gleam seemed to enter Nook’s eye, he replying, “I have already negotiated with Blathers; you will work part time at my store, and once I find that you are acquainted with the town and have worked an adequate amount, you will return to work for him for as long as you live here.
 
 
Does that work for you?”
 
Blinking a bit, Alex glanced back at the owls, Celeste speaking up, “It’s good idea, I would think; Mr. Nook is very generous, and we were not planning on organizing anything too large until you were back to working with us.”
 
            Returning the smile she gave, the husky turned back to Nook, replying, “I think that will work well Mr. Nook. I’m game.”
 
            A grin passing over the shopkeeper’s face, he laughed, “Excellent! I’ll be glad to have you helping me for the next few days.”
 
            Reaching into his pockets, Nook withdrew what appeared to be a green shirt, “Please report to my shop tomorrow Morning at 9:00 A.M. We can begin work then. Also, I ask you please wear the uniform I have just supplied you with.”
 
            With an exchange of nods, Nook turned around, and began waving, “I need to return to my shop; go to the Town Hall to speak with Pelly, one of the receptionists. She will be able to inform you of where your house is. Have a good day! Jaa, mata, ne!”
 
            Once the Nook had disappeared, taking a turn around one of the many orchards in town, Alex turned, “I suppose the Town Hall is where I can also get directions to the Museum?”
 
            With a nod, Blathers clarified, “They will be able to supply you with a recently invented, almost instantly updatable, town map application for your Cellular Telephone, if you have one; or, alternatively, a physical town map that shows you the business structures around Malfurny.”
 
            Pointing in the direction of a building with a message board in front and bell tower on top, Celeste explained, “That’s Town Hall right over there. We’ll leave you to get settled in, but please make sure to drop by the museum soon!”
 
            Starting to walk away, Blathers called, “We wish you the best of luck, Alex! Celeste?”
 
            Rolling her eyes, the pink owl waved at Alex, and jogged off after her brother, “Oh do slow down brother! You know how drowsy I get during the day!”
 
            Once again watching departures, Alex gave a nod, and sighed as he stood by himself.
 
            He had done it.
 
            Alex had finally managed to move out, and Malfurny was his new home. His new life was to begin so soon, and he was incredibly excited; his tail wagged while he rubbed his paws together, barely able to contain his excitement.
 
            Hoisting his suitcase, he began a mad dash to the Town Hall, a yellow bird twittering on the Message Board as Alex entered the building.
 
 ~ ~ ~
 
Walking inside the town hall, some light music played in the customer’s room; in the corner lay an A.T.B. machine, another a recycling bin, and directly in front two separate desks, a cute white Pelican in a pink uniform smiling brightly and nodding.
 
            Her tone singsong like, she greeted, “Hello there! Welcome to the Town Hall and Civics Center! My name is Pelly, and I’ll be helping you today! You’re a visitor, yes?”
 
            Setting down his suitcase on the bench near the A.T.B. machine, Alex approached the desk the secretary of sorts stood at, replying, “Nice to meet you Pelly! My name’s Alex; I’m the new dog that’s moving in to work for the Museum”
 
            The pelican’s eyes lighting up, she grinned, and clapped, “Wonderful! Welcome to Malfurny then, Alex! We’re so glad to have a new neighbor move in! Just a moment!”
 
            Reaching below her desk, Pelly removed a small card, a folded up paper, a document with a stamp on it, and a peculiar leaf shaped device, similar in shape as to the one Nook had worn on his apron.
 
            Pointing to each as she spoke, Pelly explained, “This here is the Town Map application card specific to Malfurny! If you have a cell phone, I advise you download it to obtain instant information of the various landmarks and buildings of Malfurny. And beside this is the physical copy of the Town Map; this is just for back up, and shows were all major sites and buildings are.”
 
            Multitasking while uploading the map, Alex mentioned, “Thank you very much!”
 
            Giving a nod, she continued, “This here is your house deed; and finally, the L.E.A.F. device!”
 
            Finishing the download, the husky glanced at the contraption, asking, “L.E.A.F.?”
 
            Pelly gave a shrug, “An invention made by an anonymous scientist. We’re not sure what it stands for, but it acts as a sort of pocket, converting larger objects into smaller, more manageable forms. It’s been in usage for several years, and no bugs yet, so we trust the device.”
 
            Finding the notion incredibly preposterous, Alex slipped it in his pocket, and then picked up his suitcase; within seconds, and a puff of smoke, it became a small leaf in his hand, a Captcha and Bar code imprinted on both sides of the leaf.
 
            His Eyes widened, Pelly laughed, “See? It’s curious, but it’s worked for us, so we just use the L.E.A.F.”
 
            Scratching his chin, Alex shrugged; no point in trying to think of conspiracies. That just seemed a hassle. If the town trusted this handy little device, so could he.
 
            Slipping everything away into his pockets, Alex said, “This is fantastic! Thank you very much Pelly.”
 
            Nodding with a grin, Pelly replied, “That should be it! Your house should be on the town map. Do please stop by if you have any further questions, or need to deliver letters!”
 
            Turning around, his tail wagging, Alex waved, “I will do; again, thank you!”
 
 
            The little bells of the Town Hall rang as Alex’s curly tail disappeared behind the closing door.
 
            In the back, a gravelly voice called out, “So... That’s the new pup moving in, eh?”
 
            “Yes it is Mr. Mayor.”
 
            “Seems like a nice boy. And he’s here on the writing and museum program, yes?”
 
            Going over to grab a cup of coffee, Pelly sipped, answering, “That he is”
 
            “Hm... I wonder what he’ll be able to offer to the town.”
 
~ ~ ~
 
 
Alex was stunned as he reached his house.
 
Though his walk down to Griffin Falls Lake had been uneventful, he had been able to get a clear view of the ocean from one of the cliffs in town, and admired several public flowerbeds, sun ever slowly sinking to western horizon of the ocean.
 
            His house, however, was something else altogether.
 
            It stood near the side of the lake, it facing the waterfall, and had one floor, though the implications of a window along the orange roof suggested there might be an attic. With a red mailbox beside the door, space for a garden up front, a nearby pier reaching into the lake, and a cobble path leading to the dirt path the snaked around town...
 
            Alex walked up to his house; wrapping his arms around one of the corners, tail wagging, he greeted in soliloquy, “I feel like I’m finally home”

~ ~ ~

So, I absolutely ADORE the game of Animal Crossing, and have been wanting to write a sort of fan story for awhile. And now that I'm on TFF, what better place to post stories about the exploits and adventures of adorable anthropomorphic animals than here ?
I would LOVE to hear your thoughts, questions, comments, concerns, and critiques for this! However, I would prefer it if you P.M. me, seeing as I may continue to post further installations in this thread, and replying here may sort of take away from the flow

Thank you for reading!

~Alex