#mana mare

I KNOW I'M LATE, AND I'M SO SORRYYYYYYYYY! D: The ADHDemon just got into my head, and what with college and being sick I just lost all motivation. I'm really sorry guys, I'll try and do the Christmas one in time, but no promises, what with motivation and my attention span TmT Also, Really quick, big thanks to @funny-critter-blog @daydreamer36 @smilingcrittersthingig @putterpen @that1garrulousfan @ali-the-weirdo @thefoolishone666 @eggonicayto and @t-x-sc, just for being amazing moots, people in general and supporting to me/listening to my ideas/helping me to write this. I love all of you so much it hurts, and I wouldn't trade my friendship with any of you for all the rice in china or the pearls in the sea.

Edit: I AM SO SORRY, I FORGOT A MOOT-

ANYWAY-

______________________________________________________________ 'No Mom, I won't take anything homemade from strangers! I love you too.'

Eli stepped out of his house, his mother stepping outside to kiss him goodbye one more time.

'*MWAH!* Be safe Eli! And stick with the others, I don't want you to go wandering off.' 'I will mom! Jeez, it's like you've never sent me outside before!' 'Well, what kind of mother would I be if I didn't worry obsessively about you? Oh, and remember-' 'Yes, I'll go straight to Dad's house, and make sure he calls you so you know I'm safe. I knowww!' The grins and hugs him to her side quickly. '-Remember to have fun. Go on then, I won't hold you up any more...'

Beaming, she gave Eli a gentle push, which Eli responded to my running off like there were wolves at his heels.

Eli ran along the street and quickly came to the play park, where he said he'd meet the others. Almost immediately, he started to tap his foot impatiently. His hand soon followed, drumming against the park railing without any sort of rhythm. He glanced up and down the street, even though he'd only been there for about twenty seconds. His ADHD was making it incredibly hard to wait, especially since he ought to have been out harassing homeowners out of free candy. He smiled at the thought of his mum trying to get him to bed later that night...

He soon spotted a pair of smaller critters coming towards him, literally skipping hand-in-hand. It was difficult to tell who was who due to their costumes, but he had a good idea...

'Hey Eli!' 'Callum! Leah!'

He pulled them into a very very weak Eli squeeze™, though he still heard Leah whimper and squirm.

'Eli, please! I'm carrying Precious cargo here!' He released his grip on them both. 'Sorry Leah! I'm just so excited for-! Wait, what cargo?'

Leah was wearing a fuzzy bee costume, complete with a little black and yellow hat and a stinger on her butt. It was only slightly unconvincing, and that was only because she was still wearing her cardigan over the striped fabric. She held up a small belt sewn into her costume, which was holstering several jars of honey.

'OOOOHHH, right, bee... Also, may I just say, you are ADORABLE!' Leah giggled and looked away, blushing. 'No, I'm really not... I bet I look silly really...' 'No, don't say that Leah! Eli's right, you are the cutest little BeeBear I've ever seen!' 'You must not have seen many BeeBears then!' 'Leah, listen to me-' Callum grabbed Leah by the shoulders; 'We all love you dearly, you are a key member of our group, and you are an adorable little bumblebee. I don't care what you say, my opinion and everyone else's is that you are cute. Understand?' '...I Understand, Callum.' 'Ok, come here...' He pulled Leah into a cuddle, and Eli started squealing with delight. Once Callum released Leah, Eli turned to him:

'So, do you know where-' 'ELIIIIIII!'

Sunny came suddenly running up to him, and Eli was almost actually knocked over by the force of her tackle-hug.

'JESUS-'

Sunny chuckled, and quickly released him, beaming wildly.

'How the heck are you Eli?' 'I'm- I'm good... Jesus christ you scared me!' 'hehehehehe! Sorry! I just couldn't help it, it's just so exciting, don't you think?' '...Don't we trick or treat every year?' 'Well, yeah. But that doesn't mean I can't still be excited!' 'Touché, sunny. Touché... what are you supposed to be, anyways?' 'isn't it obvious?' She was wearing an ornate falcon headdress, a cardboard double crown, a short robe and carrying an ankh. '...Hawkman?' 'Wha- no, Eli, I'm Horus!' '...' 'The Egyptian sun god?' 'Yeah, I still don't know who that is.' Sunny sighed and looked over to Eli and Dandy, visibly 'Awwww!'-ing at the sight of the two of them.

After quickly complimenting Callum's Rum Tum Tugger costume and Leah's fuzzy bee threads, Sunny spoke up.

'So, anybody know where the other four of our entourage are?' 'Umm... n-no idea, sorry Sunny.' 'I was just asking the same thing.' 'Me neither.'

Everybody jumped at the sudden gruff voice. Dandy began laughing loudly and mirthfully at their surprise. She was wearing a batman costume, and blended seamlessly into the shadows.

'Oh my god, that was priceless!' Eli immediately started laughing as well, beaming 'DANDY!' 'H- Ha- how long w-were you w-w-waiting to do th-that?' She shrugged, 'I'unno. What time is it, six PM? So that's fifteen... then forty five.... about four hours-ish?' 'You were waiting to scare us for Four HOURS?!' 'Oh, no, I only concocted my master plan about three hours in when I realised how dark my costume is. On account of... I'm Batman. I already climbed the tree to wait because my feet got tired.' 'Well, may I just say, it was GENIUS! I wish I'd thought of it!' 'Thanks! But you probably don't Eli. The branches are too thin and spindly. Like Leah's arms.' 'HEY! They're not-! Wait, actually, no, you're right, they are, sorry...' 'Ok, I think that's enough discussing Dandy's genius-' 'NEVARRR!' '-Anyone seen the others?' 'Oh, yeah, Mana's just down there in the park on the swingset.' 'Oh, okay then, I'll just go get her-' 'No need Sunny, already here!' 'Right, so now we need to find Conk and Munchy. Anyone have any ideas where they could be?' 'Conk messaged me half an hour ago, if that helps?' 'Well, what'd he say?' ''Leaving the house soon, just helping Cham but on her costume.'' 'Did he-' ''Meet you guys outside the park?' I told him yes, we'd wait.' 'Ok, great! Now all that's left is to find Munchy. Any ideas anyone?' Nobody spoke up. In the meantime, Callum was suspiciously edging his way away from the group, and faced away from them, his body oddly stiff. 'Cal'?' '....Oh, I promised I wouldn't tell, but I can't do it! ' '...Munch isn't coming...' '......WHAT?!'

Before we begin, I wanted to say thank you to all of you. Even if you just looked at one of my writings and said, 'Hey that's cool!' to yourself, thank you. Your support in any way is helpful. These have been some of my happiest moments, and my self esteem issues have all but vanished. To think that my silly characters bring some people such joy is a wonderful feeling. So thank you, you are all the salt of this blessed planet we call home.

Now then, onto our feature presentation! I give you now, the best friend to all, and leader of the shifted critters! Drumroll please... Introducing...

SunnyShoat!

Sunny is the official leader of the shifted critters, her encouraging nature and level headedness making for someone who performs well both on a regular basis, as well as under pressure, always facing adversity with a smile.

She plans all their outings and adventures, with occasional help from munch, and acts as a role model to the others, always kind and courteous to everybody, willing to do good deeds for the hell of it and helping anybody if she sees they're down on their luck or hurt. She also joins in all of their pursuits, cooking with Munch, nature walking with Leah, assisting with Dandy and Eli's schemes (to the chagrin of Mana) and writing and reading with Conk and Mana, sometimes both at once!

If she sees anybody hurt or bully someone else with intent, she ends up riled, though she tries not to resort to violence as it is 'The language of hatred and bitterness'. For example, while out walking alone one day she found Dandy on a street corner with a couple of teens who were pushing her around and had started to be really rough. Dandy tried to fight back, but was pushed, tripped and hit her head on the pavement. The teens were debating leaving her there when up came Sunny, who calmly told them 'You don't know me, but I saw what you did to my friend. Now, I am an amicable person, but I can't stand bullies, so I'll give you a choice. You have twenty six seconds to either apologise, leave and never come near either of us again, or to start learning how to eat corn on the cob with no teeth!' When the leader of the gang came up and pushed her away, sunny fake fell to the ground and started to count. Twenty six Mississippi's later she bounced back, dropkicked the ringleader in the face and, like she said, knocked out six of her teeth with her trotters. She repeated their choices, and the bullies apologised and carried their friend off, presumably to the nearest dentist or hospital. Dandy never had any idea of what happened that day, as she woke up back in her home with the orange piglet girl sitting at her bedside, and couldn't remember a thing. Sunny told her she had had a concussion, and she had simply asked the bullies to leave her after she hit her head and had insulted them to the verge of tears. Dandy was really impressed, and called her a hero. Sunny still feels bad for the girl she attacked though, even if it was self defence. I mean, nobody deserves to have their teeth kicked out, do they?

One of her main flaws is that she puts herself last. While yes, she usually takes good care of herself, she often forgets to if there is drama between the critters, and Callum is always checking up on Sunny and making sure she's eating and drinking enough, not stressing over everything and just asking her to take care of herself. He has also convinced her to take a 'sunny day' every other month, where everybody has to go and do what she wants for the day, no complaints and no hesitation. Otherwise, the contract Mana had drawn up when he came up with the idea is voided, and Sunny leaves them (and goes home for the day. They make it seem like she'll leave the friend group if they complain as a joke).

Sunny... doesn't have a mother any more. She died when Sunny was very young after unknown poisoner put nicotine into a large number of milk jugs, killing hundreds of others as well. It was sheer luck that the other two didn't also perish. As such, Sunny doesn't have many memories of her, but treasures what few she does have. In a locked safe behind a fake wall lies a trove of things to remind her of her mother; a letter to her father written in a graceful sloping font. A baby picture from her grandparents. A strip of photos obtained from a mall Photo Booth of Sunny and her mother. It seems unreal to Sunny that she once knew the woman depicted on the polaroid and remembered in the fragile artefacts she has squirrelled away, that that woman had loved her more than anything else in the world. But she doesn't dwell and make herself sad. Rather, she is glad that she was able to remember her mother at all, and that she lives on in her heart. Besides, she still has the rest of the critters and her father, and he is more than enough for her. The two are inseparable, and it is from him that Sunny learnt to be kind, selfless and loyal to the people who love her.

Trivia time:

She is usually either the one to take Callum away and sit with him when he starts to cry, or she asks one of the others to do it.

She lets Munchypup plan halloween, as it lets her have a break and he has gotten candy collection down to a science; Which houses and streets in town give the best and worst candy traditionally and which costumes to wear to maximise generosity. Either cuteness for individual costumes, or creativeness and scariness for group costumes. So far, they have been dead soldiers, highway men (for costumes and literally that night) and a bloodthirsty mob. Despite her protests, Munch has made her the main one of all the costumes, as 'You're the boss, boss!'

She can't sweat, so she often has to wear a lot of sunblock and a wide hat during summer, otherwise she'll get dehydrated and overheat really easily. She once got heatstroke so bad she started crawling around calling herself "Merlin the happy swine, here to fix your pipes!" The others don't let her play too much during summer without a break anymore, as she was embarrassed enough about Merlin.

When she gets really upset or stressed she steadies herself by singing 'Shaddap you face' by Joe Dolce under her breath.

The Shifted Critters were all looking up into the tree's branches with awe and shock. Well, six of them at least. Callum and Munch were both hanging upside-down from branches about three metres up.

After much pressure from the others and a spelling bee incident at school Callum was working on improving his self-esteem, and wanted to be braver. So, he had challenged Munch to a contest, claiming that he'd been training himself at home and could stay upside-down longer than him and beat his forty five minute record. Obviously, you can't take that sort of thing sitting down, so the two agreed to settle it like grown 11-year-olds.

At first, the whole thing seemed easy. True, his nerves were making his whole body shake, but the hardest part up to now had been climbing the tree. But now, Callum was having second thoughts. All the blood had gone to his head, and he was feeling incredibly unwell;

His vision was blurring, his face flushed an even more prominent red, his eyes felt like they were about to pop out and his skull felt six sizes too small for his brain.

*THUMP*

Callum opened his eyes to see the others crowded around him. He was on the ground spreadeagled, his face uncomfortably warm. Conk helped him up, and he looked up at Mana.

'How'd I do?' His voice was clearly not hopeful. Mana slowly shook her head and showed him her pocket watch.

'Fifteen minutes thirty six. Sorry Cal'.'

His lip trembled and head drooped. Sunny pulled him in for a hug.

'Awww, don't beat yourself up Bud! Now, look at me-' She grabbed his shoulders and swivelled him to face her. 'None of us can beat Munch. Not even Dandy! But you did so well on your one attempt! Much better than any of us, right Mana?' 'Oh yes! So far, the closest we've gotten to Munch's record of forty five minutes is sixteen minutes seven seconds. And you were really close with that attempt!' 'Right, so we're going to take a deep breath in-' *SNIIIIIIF* '...' 'And breathe out.'

The smol cat's chest deflated. 'Better?' 'Better!' He hugged himself around Sunny's waist and squeezed her tight. He knew could always count on Sunny to cheer him up, no matter what.

'Hey! I'm still up here you know!'

Callum and the rest looked up to see Munch still hanging by the legs upside-down in the tree. He didn't look uncomfortable or anything, just concerned.

'Munch? You ok? You're looking kinda...' Dandy nodded at Eli, who had already started pulling a grotesque face, sticking his tongue out, pulling one of his eyelids down and wrinkling up the other side of his face.

*SNAP!* Both Eli and Dandy slowly turned to look at Leah, their faces deadpan. She quailed and shrunk back under their scrutiny, holding her camera tightly. '…Why, Leah?' 'Ummm... I just... umm... thought it was... funny... I'm Sorry!' The two scowled and Leah started to panic, before they suddenly smiled. Leah found herself hoisted onto Eli's arms while Dandy thumped her on the back, laughing. 'We're only joking Leah!' 'Yeah, didja really think we'd hurt you?' 'Uhh, well-' 'I mean, how could we? Just look at that face! You're far too cute to hurt!'

Leah muttered something like 'That's not true...' while Eli set her back down.

'Uhhh, I hate to interrupt!'

Mana looked up at Munch and sighed.

'Munch, there's no point being upset with us, we haven't done anything.' 'Yes, and that's the point!' 'What on earth are you talking about?' 'I'm... I'm stuck...' 'Wha- What do you mean you're stuck?' 'I can't sit up far enough to get upright!' 'Oh, sorry Munchy, I never meant-' 'I accept the apology, just get me down! Please!'

Mana looked up at where Munch was hanging, thought for a second, then turned to face the others.

'Conk, could you-?'

Conk was fast asleep on his feet, his fringe feathers fluttering slightly as he breathed. Mana gently tapped him on the face and he jumped awake

'HUH- WHAT- OH, IMSORRYMISSIDIDN'TMEANTO- Oh... *Phew* Oh thank the lord, I thought I'd fallen asleep in physics again.'

He yawned and stretched. The others were all looking at him.

'...What?'

'Conk, do you think you could flutter up and help Munch upright?' 'Ooof, uhh... I mean I- I- *Yaawwwwn* Well, I guess it couldn't hurt to try.'

Conk stretched and swung his arms for another minute or two, before he backed far away from the tree and got into a crouch like he was about to begin sprinting. Then he sprung forward and ran a few steps, launching himself upwards. He flapped frantically and strained himself not to fall. Loose purple feathers were knocked free by the rapid flapping and fluttered to the ground. Conk managed to perch himself on a branch a few feet above Munchy, panting slightly from overexerting himself.

He gripped on with his talons and began climbing down to the hanging pup, who tried to see where Conk was from over his prominent tummy. He suddenly felt the bird's wings grab his legs.

'Ready Munchy?' 'One thing, could you grab my hands instead? I'd feel better if you did' '*Yaawwwn* Oh, sorry Munch, I would, but I can't lean down that far without falling off' '...Ok, just do your best with my legs then'

Conk gave a '3,2,1' and began heaving, while Munch tried his best to sit up. Conk, was straining with all his might, claws firmly planted on the bark. Then one of them slipped.

'BRAWK!!' 'CONK!'

He released his grip on Munch and flailed his wings to try and dampen his fall.

*THUMP!*

Conk hit the ground and lay there in a pile for a minute. With a groan, Conk sat up and began making sure none of his fragile bones were broken.

'Conk! What happened? You ok?' 'Yeah... Yeah I don't think anything is broken or twisted... And I don't know, I just slipped I guess... Hold on, lemme try again-' 'Conk, no. What if you slipped and fell again? It's too dangerous, I'm sorry. We'll just have to try another way...'

'Umm... Mana?' 'Yes Leah dear?' ''Dear'?' 'Oh shush up Eli, my mother calls us all dear, it's just a dialect. Carry on Leah?' 'Well it's a stupid idea, and tell me to shut up if I'm wrong! But couldn't you just magic Munch down or something?' Laddie turns to mumble to Eli; 'I'm surprised neither of us suggested that-'

Mana gets flustered and rubs the back of her head 'Well, err, I mean, um... I- I guess?' Sunny reached up slightly to put her hand on Mana's shoulder and looked at her, concerned. 'Mana? You don't have to if something's wrong. We can find another-' 'No! No, it's fine, I'll just, uhhh.... Yeah.'

She pushed Sunny away gently. She pointed her horn up at the branch where Munch was and started muttering under her breath. The grooves along her horn started glowing deep blue. Soon, the glow spread to entire appendage. Munch giggled slightly as what felt like a pleasant breeze washed over him.

Then her horn began fizzing. The spiral grooves turned to a muddy vermillion. Mana strained to stop it and right the spell, but it had already gone wonky. Munch stopped feeling the pleasant breeze and started to scratch at his stomach.

'Ow. What the-? Oww! AHH! AAAAAHHHH!! OH GOD IT ITCHES! MANA, WHAT-?!' 'Mana, what're you doing to him?!' 'I Don't Know!' 'Well turn it off!' 'You're hurting him Mana, stop it!' 'PLEASE!' 'I- AAAAHHH, I CAN'T!'

Mana started jerking her head around, but the now-smoking horn seemed glued onto Munch. Taking up the mantle, Dandy ran up and started tugging on Mana's horn.

'Dandy, What're you going?! Stop, you'll pull it off!' 'I'm trying to help you Dumdum! *Huff**Puff* HNNNGGGG! Gah, it's *Pant* It's not budging! *Pant, pant, pant* Uh- A LITTLE HELP MAYBE YOU GUYS?!' Eli and Sunny quickly ran up and pulled and pushed against Mana with Dandy. Finally, the spell-tether broke and Mana was sent falling backwards, into Conk's awaiting arms.

'You ok Mana?' 'Y-y-y-yes I-I T-th-think so... I-I'll ju-just-just be a b-bit Sh-shaky for a-a-a b-bit' 'Okay, we're just glad you're okay...' 'Ok-k-kay, let me t-try again-'

'No, Mana! Don't!' 'Yeah, no, there's no way that can be healthy for you.' 'B-Bu-But-!' 'You wouldn't let me try again, why should I let you?' 'I- I- I can D-Do it! J-Just lemme t-try-' 'Mana, even WE think it's a bad idea. US.' Eli stood with his arm around Dandy. '...Ok, F-Fine...' Mana sounded on the verge of tears, until Conk draped his wings around her shoulders like a feathery blanket. 'You're ok Mana, you tried your best, and that's all we can ask of you.' Mana grinned at being told her own advice again, and at the small cat hugging her tightly.

'I'm really sorry! But-' 'Ok, look, we're out of options, Leah, just come here a second...' 'Umm, what for?' 'Look, just trust me on this. Bend over slightly please?' 'Sunny, what're you-?'

Sunny hoisted herself onto Leah's back and jumped off, barely grabbing onto the lowest branch. She apologised to Leah and began to shimmy up the branch.

'Sunny! Don't, you'll hurt yourself!' 'Seriously sunny, I don't think this is that smart' 'Y-Yeah, I c-can th-th-think of at-at least 7 Dif-different ways this c-could-' 'Look, I've climbed a tree before guys! Just get underneath Munch incase he drops, ok?'

The others obeyed. Sunny must have a plan, she had that tone in her voice, the one that says she knows what to do and how to do it. 'Ok, now link arms to make a sort of net!' They did. Callum and Leah stood together and put their arms atop each others' since they were both so small together.

Sunny inched her way across to Munch, who watched her with fear and hope in equal measure in his eyes.

'Ready Munch?' 'I guess as ready as I can be!' 'We're gonna get you down buddy.' 'You guys ready down there?'

'Ready Sunny!'

Munch grinned and tried to lean up so Sunny could grab his hands. Sunny looked at him, somewhat sadly. Munch's grin faltered.

'W-What is it Sun'?' 'Sorry Munchy...'

She grabbed his ankles and flipped him up off of the branch

'WOAHH!'

Munch Closed his eyes and covered his face with his hands, ready to hit the ground. Instead, he fell into the arm-net his friends had sat up. Panting and shocked he was still alive, Munchypup got slowly to his feet. He was visibly shaking, both from nerves and his legs going to sleep.

'I am alive...' He sat down heavily 'Oh thank you merciful sweet Dog...'

Sunny herself simply jumped down, landing crouched on all fours. 'Sorry Munchy, that was just the easiest way I could think to get you down without getting the fire department involved.' He stayed silent. '...Munch?' 'Hello? Planet earth to Munchypup, do you copy?' '*KRRRRSHhTT* Negative flight coordinator, subject does not copy, possible brain fault-' 'Guys.'

Slowly, so as not to startle him, Callum made his way over to him. He then proceeded to hug Munch around the shoulders. 'I'm so sorry Munchy! This is my fault, I made the stupid dare, I was the one who suggested the taller tree, I never meant-!' Munch looks up at him with a blank face. His eyes though. They're light and kindly. He then smiles. 'It's ok Callum, you didn't know this'd happen! Plus, it was kinda fun now I think about it!' 'AHH- ...YOU SCREAMED AT US TO GET YOU DOWN!!' 'I ALMOST BROKE MY NECK-' 'YOU HAD US ALL SO WORRIED!!'

'OK! Ok! No need to argue and make things worse, the point is that He's safe and sound now, right? Right...' 'I-I s-say it's only f-f-fair that- that Munch p-picks what we d-d-do now, don't y-you agree?' '*Sigh*, thanks Mana, but I think I'd prefer if we just took it slowly.' '*Yawwn* Already way ahead of you...'

Really, despite being really tired, Munch felt fine! He just took it easy and decided to hang out with the others around the park for a bit. He even convinced some of the others to hang from the monkey bars/climbing frame so he could show them how to train their endurance for hanging upside-down.

The gang always went to the fair, every year, no exceptions, and it was usually the same schedule. Meet up at 12:30 and walk together to the actual fair. Buy tickets and enter at 12:57 just in time for the rides to start opening. Spend the next two hours or so being dragged by Sunny and Dandy onto every ride and game at least three times before they stop for food at 14:15. Spend half an hour trying to convince Conk to go on the scariest thing then let him sleep off the terror on a bench once he gets off. When Conk wakes up they walk around looking at all the different amusements and performers on parade. Finally, around 17:00, buy as much cotton candy they can and walk home. Bonus points if they finish it all before Rickett street.

It was a known fact that MunchyPup had the largest appetite out of any of the shifted critters, though it was a fact he was not always proud to be true. Some thought he was putting it on to try to be funny, or that he was just incredibly greedy, and disliked Munch because of it. However, with the ridicule and worries of being too gluttonous came a few small benefits, such as an increased constitution. Most people would likely be violently ill if they rode a rollercoaster three times after eating $20 worth of sugared doughnuts and French fries, and this is what happened to most of the shifted critters. Munch however managed to (Literally) keep his lunch down. When he stepped off, he didn't even look pale or in any sort of discomfort and asked if they'd like to go again!

Munch's favourite thing about his bigger tummy though, was competition. He was a celebrated competitive eater, and had won over 30 ribbons and medals. Seeing him, face buried in a stack of pancakes, or hotdogs, or anything really, it was astonishing such a vast quantity of food could fit inside such a seemingly small dog.

Anyway, the story for today starts with the gang entering one such fair. The air was crisp and cool, buzzing with excitement and nerves. 12:57. Buy tickets. The eight passed through the turnstile and made their way further into the grounds. Sunny ran off ahead to scout out what looked best. Leah was snapping away at seemingly everything, her face alight with excitement. Dandy eyed up the largest, steepest rollercoaster, her mouth forming the word 'Bet'.

The next two hours were a blur. Playing the fair games trying to win stuffed toys and keyrings and giving up their priceless tickets to the attendees to go on yet another ride. Spinning, dropping, laughing and screaming, the eight went on almost every attraction in the grounds before Munch suggested they stop for Lunch, right on schedule.

The group ate their fill, Munch in particular filling himself up as much as he could. 'Slow down Munch! You're gonna make yourself sick!' 'Lighten up a bit Mana, I've never seen Munchtime vomit once. Not even last year when he rode the waltzer after eating all those nugs!' At the memory, Callum giggles and Dandy thumps Munch on the back like he just ran a marathon. Munch grinned, swallowed, and stood up. 'Thanks Eli. You want anything while I'm up?' 'Woah, where're you going then?' 'To- to get more food, I could smell kettle corn over there-' 'Munch are you sure you can handle all this? I know you've got a big stomach but-' 'Aww, don't worry Leah. I'm not even close to full yet! But if you're really worried I'll stop after this, ok?' 'No, it's fine, I just don't want you getting sick or anything...' 'Alright, all of you, stop worrying about me! Leah, you've seen me eat before right?' 'Right.' 'So then you'll know how much I can take. So I'm going to go off, get some kettle corn, and afterwards we'll go see the freak show or something. Now, do you want any while I'm there or not?' '...Yes' Munch chuckles, 'That's what I thought!' He briefly ruffles her head fur and saunters off to find the kettle corn stand somewhere in the field they were eating in.

Eventually, Munch managed to find it and bought three large bags of the stuff from the kind woman serving him. 'Oof, maybe they're right... I am feeling kinda full. I guess I got a little carried away... I'll stop after this though. Mental promise.' Munch thought as he walked back, eating his corn. He sat down heavily next to Sunny, and handed a bag to Leah. She was immediately set upon by the others who 'Just wanted a bit', but left her with less than half of what she had. Just as the disappointment registered on her face, Munch handed her the third bag he had bought.

As soon as the last kernels were eaten Sunny stood up; 'So, where do we wanna go next? We could-' 'Lllllladies and Gentlemen!' The sudden noise of the voice over the loudspeaker made them all jump. 'We are proud to announce, the first annual Fracture Hills fair eating contest is about to begin! Anyone who wishes to enter last-minute, please speak with Samaritan at the stage entrance. All are welcome to compete!'

The group was stunned into silence before all crowding around Munch 'Ohmygod, Munch!' 'This is perfect for you-' '-You should compete!'

'Hey- Wha- No guys! This is not on the schedule, we should be-' 'Awww, nuts to the schedule! You could easily beat anyone else here!'

'But- But- I'm not- I mean, I should save room for cotton candy later, right?' 'It doesn't matter if you can't eat any cotton candy, the rest of us can pick up the slack.'

'Alright, but I probably won't win guys- L-look! Those are grown adults I'd competing with!' 'So? You're the boy with almost fifty ribbons for competitive eating. We've all seen you at your peak and it is honestly terrifying.' '...Okay fine, I guess it couldn't hurt to try...'

He walked up to the sparrow at the stage entrance, signed his name and climbed the steps to take his assigned place at the table. There must have been at least a hundred people all looking up at them. His stomach turned, and he suddenly became aware of how full his stomach was. He couldn't do this, he'd have to back down...

'Attaboy munch! You got this!' Munch ran forward slightly and scoured the crowd. His friends were all right in the centre, smiling and cheering him on. Leah had even gotten out her video camera to record the thing. He couldn't give up after they'd gotten so hyped... He gritted his teeth, sat and waited for the food to be placed in front of him. Pies. Perfect, his preferred meal for contests like this.

'Alright, standard rules for pie. Eat the majority of the centre of the pie, no hands allowed, and if you wanna back down, ring the bell in front of you. All clear? Ok! On your marks! Get set...GO!'

Munch threw himself face-first into the pastry and started to wolf down as much as he could. His candy-pink fur was soon stained with reds, blues and yellows. Sticky-sweet syrup and cinnamon-y apple sauce soaked into his fur and he could tell he'd crisp up later.

The others were all screaming and cheering their friend on. Conk was jumping like a madman, Dandy was yelling at the top of her lungs...

Catnap's voice suddenly faltered. He became aware of how many people were around him at the moment, how many strangers he didn't know. His cheers turned to a wheezy sort of squeak and he drew into himself. Crafty looked confused. What just happened? It was like she'd... she had no way to fully describe it, but something felt off... But what? Bobby had noticed catnap panicking and, dropping her camera, rushed over to him, wrapping her cardigan around his shoulders. Wait... her cardigan? But she didn't- Dogday suddenly felt a tsunami of nausea hit him. His tummy felt like it was bursting at the seams and his saliva felt thick as ice-cream. His whole body heaved as it tried to force the food back up his trachea. He looked up, hoping to see his friends urging him on. Instead, catnap looked terrified, Bubba and Crafty confused and the rest seemingly oblivious to his struggle. His hand lifted and fell limply onto the bell, the entirety of his mind on forcing himself not to spew everywhere.

The small *Ding!* seemed to echo like a gunshot. The others looked up, and saw Munch get up and walk offstage. Their once happy faces turned to disappointment and shock. What had happened? None of them could remember really, aside from their friend looking really uncomfortable. They all rushed over to meet him.

Munch looked up and saw them all waiting at the bottom of the short steps. He noticed that Callum looked on the verge of tears and all thoughts of losing slipped out of his brain.

'Hey, Callum, you ok? What's wrong?' 'Huh? *Sniff* Oh, I dunno. I just felt so… scared and- and upset all of a sudden. I- I just- *Sniff*-‘ 'It was probably nerves and disappointment, you'll be fine.' Mana put her arm around the small cat's shoulders and gave him a squeeze. Munch remembered his, briefly forgotten, failure and hung his head.

'Oh, yeah. Sorry about that guys, I really screwed up-'

'No, Munch It's fine!' He looked up, unconvinced. 'Yeah, you ate so much earlier, it's no surprise you almost barfed everywhere-' 'Seriously dude, you looked so sick-' 'But, it doesn't matter, you still did really well!' 'Yeah, and I've got it all on- *Gasp* MY CAMERA!' Leah ran off back into the crowd to search for her video camera. 'The point is Munch, there's no point in being sorry for yourself. You still did so well, and we couldn't be prouder.'

Munch gazed into his friends gentle faces, and involuntarily smiled.

'Thanks guys, I really love you all-'

There was a collective 'aww!' from them all at his words.

'And I really appreciate every one of you... ...Now how about Conk goes on the pendulum to make me feel better-‘ 'NOOOOPE! NOT HAPPENING!' 'Hey get back here!' 'You can't outrun us all Conk-'

The seven of them managed to get Conk onto the ride, with the stipulation Callum ride with him. Five minutes of screaming later, Conk was passed out on a bench and Callum was sitting with his head between his knees and Leah gently scratching between his ears.

Finally, hours later, the sun began to set and the sky turned orange. The eight wandered tiredly back out of the turnstile gates with armfuls of fluffy pink and blue candy floss. Soon, they said their goodnights and parted ways, each thinking fondly of both what happened today, and their beds. Munch pinned his first ever second place ribbon to his headboard and sighed. The day's events were still weighing on him. His first true loss. And at something he was good at too... You know what? You know what, What did it matter? It had to happen at some point, so why not today? He still had his friends, his family, his box full of other ribbons... It doesn't matter!

Guess what? @daydreamer36 and I Were talking the other day and though sheer brainpower we conceived an amazing writing idea. Pleas enjoy!

Conk-Out was absolutely exhausted. He had spent all night tossing and turning but only managed around 30 minutes of sleep. Right now, he was perched in the shaded boughs of a maple tree with his brow furrowed, trying desperately to fall asleep. The others were playing some sort of game, he didn't know what, he hadn't opened his eyes in a while. Occasionally he would hear some snippet of conversation, 'Have at ye!', 'En garde!', 'Great heavens!', so he assumed they were duelling. He forced open one heavy eyelid. Yep, they were sword fighting with sticks and branches. Sighing, he let his eye drop. He really did hate his irregular schedule, he could never properly play with his friends! It sucked! It wouldn't be so bad if he just slept all the time, it was not being able to sleep that was the annoying part. He could just never... get a proper...

'ZZZzzzz...'

'Conk?'

Suddenly Conk was awake and tense. He recognised that voice. The others had stopped mid-clash to look 'round at the source of the noise. Dandy pointed,

'What the hell is that?'

It looked like a large lilac bush that was wandering slowly towards them. Conk leapt from the high branch he was perched on and landed gracefully behind his friends.

'Conk what-' Dandy was interrupted when he roughly shoved past them with a muttered 'Sorry' and began running towards the bush.

'Conky!'

Noticing him, the bush sped up, waddling towards them with its arms outstretched. ...Wait, arms? Conk reached the bush and bent over slightly to embrace it while it wrapped its arms around his legs.

'Uhhh, has Conk gone insane?' 'Yeah, why's he hugging a bush?' 'Maybe he's finally gone clinically insane from sleep deprivation!' '*Sigh* I'll get the tranq' gun.' A minute later he turned around and walked back to the group with the bush in tow. As they got closer Dandy noticed something,

'Wait, that's a person!'

The others squinted at the strange thing; Dandy was right! The bush has a face, it's smiling and holding Conk's hand. He meanwhile looks drained, practically dead on his feet. As they get closer, the more distinguishing features of the smaller figure come into focus; A yellow beak, two small faded booties and a deep purple scarf that's too big for it, just like the one Conk pins his charm to. Finally, conk reaches them and sighs a very relieved sigh. 'Hi guys.'

Dandy begins whooping appreciatively. 'Well well well! Didn't know you had a girlfriend Conk! So, how'd you two meet?' Eli says, crossing his arms and smirking at him. '…Eli, that's not-' 'Oh come on Mana, it's obvious! The signs are all there: Her yelling his name, him running up to meet her, her wearing his clothes, that hug! Those are telltale signs of puppy love. No offence Munch.' 'None taken.' 'But Eli, she's not-' 'They're-'

'Guys, thanks, but I'll deal with it.' Conk turns to face Eli. 'Eli, I'm sorry, but she's not my girlfriend.'

Leah interjects, 'But then what- Ohhh!' She then eyes the girl nervously and begins fiddling with her camera.

Eli looks from her to Conk and frowns, but it is swiftly replaced by a look that screams 'yeah, right!' 'Conkerel, dude, there's nothing to be ashamed about, it's great that you're the first of us to get a date! But the problem is you being open with us, we gotta communicate more. We can start by you just admitting-' Conk holds his hand up for silence, 'Eli, for the last time, she's not my girlfriend,' 'Dude,-' 'Because she's my sister.' 'W-what?'

'She's my little sister. Say hi Cham.' 'Hello!'

Peggizest and Mana are sitting together under a tree, watching the others play. Mana needed a break from the sun and Peggi offered to accompany so she wouldn't get lonely. Peggizest starts to talk;

Wonder what they're playing now?

Probably some sort of ball game based on how they're running towards a single moving point. Though that could also be zombie behaviour.

Mana?

Hmm?

Don't you think its weird how similar our friends are?

Elaborate please?

Well, look at Sweetie pup and Callum. They're both cuddly snuggle bugs but you'd think they should be opposites because of their species... Wait, no no no! I didn't mean that! I just mean that we share some of the same personalities and it's, well, weird! Not that there's anything especially wrong with being different! They can be what they want, I-I don't care, it's just-

Peggi! I know what you mean dear, you're saying you wouldn't think they have the same personalities, and it's a weird coincidence, right?

R-right... thank you... *Phew!*

But yes, I thought so too. I mean, we collectively have two elephants, two dogs, two chickens, two rabbits... And all colours of the rainbow. In fact, you and I are the only differences. One unicorn, one Pegasus. How curious!

You're right, that is weird of us! WAIT-

Peggi! Calm. Down! I know what you mean dear, and you're not going to insult me or anyone else. Relax.

*Sigh* thank you. But yeah, strange how we're the oddballs. Makes some sense though, we are both horsy.

True, but there are a lot of differences between us, like how you can actually control your wings and flying. My horn's still not cooperating in the slightest, no matter what I do.

Oh come on, don't be so down! It took me years of practicing and crashing into things before I could even stay airborne. I'm still nervous I'm going to break something or smack someone when I spread them. And besides, I'm sure you're better than you think at magic, you just have to believe in yourself!

(sarcastically)Really?

Mana's horn glows a deep navy, before fading back to normal, smoking slightly. And easel and canvas has appeared with the words "Ƿesaþ hāla! Ic eom art!" burned into the surface.

Still think I'm good?

Yes, absolutely! Look at that lettering, that's better than I can do by hand!

First of all, it's not even in English, and second I was trying to pick an apple from this tree. I'm just completely useless.

There's a moment of silence between them before Peggizest jumps up and faces Mana

Right, pity party's over! Now, we are going to stop feeling sorry for ourselves, go over to the others, we're going to make our own team, and we are going to kick their butts, even if it is... one two three four... seven to one!

No we won't, for one key factor. I'm on that team. Mrs useless herself.

You're just saying that Mana, you'll feel better when you start running around. And even if we fail, which we won't, we'll be failing together! So whadda ya say?

Mana looks up at her smiling friend, holding out a hoof in earnest friendship, and can't help but grin herself.

I'm in!

Great! Let's go!

The pegasus takes off down the path towards the gaggle of rainbow animals, while mana stares back at the canvas. She screws up her eyes, her horn glows once more, and an apple, neatly severed at the stem, falls at her feet. She picks it up, smiles, and strolls down the path towards the others, chewing on the fresh fruit.

Dandy was looking wildly around her, fearful yet defiant of what she might see. The field seemed empty though, so she allowed herself to bend double and catch her breath. her limbs were heavy and lungs empty. She looked up and saw one behind her, the guard with the electric truncheon running after her.

'Come on, can't a gal get a decent rest these days?!' She said with perfect Hollywood movie inflection. She couldn't wait up, he was getting closer all the while. She ran off, running for dear life, the guard yelling after for her to stop and return to the facility. Dandy didn't listen, she couldn't go back, couldn't stand another ten years in that concrete hell box. Her legs pumped furiously and the figure began to fall behind. She looked back and smirked.

'Not so tough now are ya?'

A purple chicken suddenly jumped from the trees and knocked the bun to the ground, simultaneously bringing her back to reality.

'Tag! Gotcha Dandy!'

Conk lifted himself off of Dandy's chest and adjusted his scarf. Dandy looked up at the chicken smiling down at her.

'Why'd you have to go and do that?! I was just getting into it!'

'Sorry, but it's your own *Yawn* Fuh-Fault for being so airheaded. I just took advantage of it' Conk took a moment to stretch and limber up. 'Well, I best be off. Oh, and Leah just got Mana, so don't bother going after her'

Before Dandy could reach up to tag him back, he was off and running. She slowly got to her feet and retraced her steps, eventually coming back to where the candy-pink dog had stopped. Munch was panting and clutching his stomach, moaning slightly.

'Woah, you ok dude?' Dandy was concerned for her friend, he looked really uncomfortable.

'No. My stomach *oof* really hurts.'

'Well, you shouldn't have had all those milkshakes on an empty stomach then, it probably messed up your insides. The running also probably didn't help.'

'But it made me happy! Oww... You're probably right though. I'll catch up, just gotta *URP* let it die down.'

Dandy nodded at Munch then ran off and scoped out the scene.

Now that she had stopped imagining herself as a cool convict Significantly Less cool version of herself, she could see the others running around properly. Eli had a laughing Leah on his shoulders with SunnyShoat following along. Callum was being chased by Mana and looked frankly terrified, while Conk appeared to have crashed in a patch of Dahlias about ten feet from where he tagged Dandy. She had to carefully choose her prey. Conk was a no-go. He wouldn't realise he was tagged and it would confuse everyone. Callum was being dealt with by Mana, so that's a no-go. Eli was protecting Leah, and he could outrun any of them. The only choice was sunny, she'd have to just outlast her.

'Heeeere comes Dandy!!'

The rabbit sprang out and began to sprint towards Sunny, who had already turned tail and began to run. The wind whipping her ears back, the sweet grass beneath her feet, her friends all running around and having fun... Nothing could be better than this. 'FZZNZZT

Hoppy was already catching up to picky, she could see the pig beginning to slow down and get tired. Wait, who was that ahead of her? She didn't know a Picky! She looked down. 'Green? But I'm... Why am I green?! Guys why am I green?!!' Hoppy stared at her hands in horror, her beautiful golden fur now a sickly peppermint green. Picky looked back at her friend and Gasped at the stranger in her place. GZZZRRZZ

Dandy dropped to the ground. 'No. No no no no no!' she whispered, still staring at those hands, those awful, green... hands... Her head cocked to the side in confusion as she turned them over and over. Though the tears pooling in the corners of her eyes, she saw them, coloured sunny like wheat, not peppermint. 'But... just now... they were...' She felt a presence and looked up. Her friends had all run over, even Conk-out and Munchypup. Leah jumped down from Eli's shoulders and moved slowly closer.

'Dandy? Are you ok? What were you crying about?' Leah was worried, what if she had hurt herself?

I... I can't remember. *Sniffle* Never mind Leah. If I can't remember it, it mustn't matter, right?'

'I guess so. Just look after yourself alright? You and Eli are always injuring yourselves!'

'Ha! No chance!' She quickly looked over to munch and Mana and winked. The two smiled but quickly reshaped their faces into expressions of concern. 'Oh! One last thing Leah.'

'Yeah?' Dandy clapped her on the shoulder and leant down to whisper in her ear.

'You're it.'

Like lighting, Mana tapped Callum and Munch smacked Eli on the head, yelling 'YOU'RE IT!' and the three fiends sped off in different directions.

Leah and Callum went after Mana and Dandy, while Eli charged after Munch.

Sunny was still confused. She could have sworn she saw something, but what? It was like somebody had scooped the last five minutes of her memory out with a spoon.

'Hey, Conk, did you see-'

'No miss, my dad ate my homework... ZZZzzzz... Munch wasn't hungry enough...'

Sunny was about to wake up the Cockerel when she heard a 'Woah!' an enormous crash echoed around, and a high scream went up;

'AAAIIEEEEEEE!'

Sunny ran over to Munch to see Eli laying on top of him, dazed. One of his tusks was jammed into Munch's chest.

'Oh god man, I'm so sorry! I just tripped and-'

'What's going on?!'

'Oh God, Munchy!!'

'Ok, ok! Everyone back up! Come on Eli up you get. Come on, up, you're crushing him! Ok Munch, we're going to go home and your Mom or Dad'll take you to a doctor ok? Ok. We're going to have to walk but we'll support you. You guys keep playing, we'll be back soon! Eli? Help?'

'Yeah, got it cap.'

As the two carried the crying pupper back home, sunny's mind was distracted by Munch being in pain, leaving her subconscious to fill in the cracks until it all seemed like a weird nightmare.

Had too many ideas, felt guilty about not world building for the last few days and just reposting, I'll kill two birds with one stone. Couldn't include specific trivia for everyone atm (sorry!) but I did my best.

One of the only reasons Mana and her family are still invited to the House Vergand Gala, aside from being able to see them turned away and humiliated, is that her great great grandfather, Mitchelon the Peacekeeper, was king at one point, though only for forty six seconds due to a by-law. Their 'Royal' blood allows them a bit of wiggle room when it comes to being disgrace families.

Conk is constantly wearing out the soles of his booties due to his sharp talons and must keep getting someone to darn them for him, as he doesn't know how. He tried to file down his talons like Eli did with his tusks, but only ended up sharpening them somehow.

Dandydoe still sleeps with a nightlight on, always. She doesn't need it of course, she's not terrified of being ambushed while she's most Vulnerable, alone and not being able to see! Don't be an idiot! She has it because sometimes her little sisters like to sleep with her when they get scared and it reminds her of them, no other reason!

Once, the nightlight broke while she was asleep and she wouldn't get a new one for a week. Conk-out looked in on her three nights after it broke to see her backed into a corner holding a wiffle ball bat. He knocked on the window, but she couldn't see who it was and ran screaming at him, brandishing the bat. When her awoken family members eventually went away back to their rooms, she woke a now sleeping Conk back up, let him inside and he helped her back into bed and told her a story about a viking valkyrie who fought and killed the night itself to protect her loved ones. He continued the story, even after she fell asleep, because he liked to see her smiling and happy, listening to the story he spun. Dandy asked Mana to conjure her up a new nightlight, FOR HER SISTERS NOT HER, but as you know, she went wonky and dyed all of Dandy's possessions burgundy.

Eli sometimes forgets how much weaker the others are compared to him, so on the rare occasions when he gives them a patented* Eli squeeze™ it ends up with them slapping his arm for air when he gets too carried away. The only one who can withstand a full Eli squeeze™ without passing out is Callum, and he has even requested a group one on numerous occasions when he feels it appropriate.

*He's written out 'mine don't steal' in crayon on a piece of paper and framed it in his room. There's no punctuation, and he can't correct it without breaking the frame.

Munchypup once tried to serve the others his favourite meal, but most of them couldn't stand it. Picky's shift ate half out of politeness, then said it wasn't for her. Callum tried to. power through, chewing as fast as he could and drinking half a cup of water after each swallow. Conk feigned unconsciousness and got mustard all in his plumage when his face slammed into his plate. Dandy picked out the parts she liked and discarded the rest. Leah felt ill and started to look green while eating and Eli carried her to the doctors, leaving a suspiciously empty plate behind. Mana on the other hand, cleared her plate and asked for seconds afterwards, which Munch was only too happy to supply, he always loved to see someone enjoy eating, especially his cooking!