Welcome to Higashikata Fruit Parlor

It's another bustling day at The Higashikata Fruit Parlor where only the rarest and most luxurious fruits of Subeta are put on display. This growing attraction of Shengui Guo boasts bountiful displays of Sweet Oranges, Grilled Peaches and Sharkmelons.

On the more exotic end are fruits you won't even find on Subeta's open market such as Gold-Flaked Pears, Spiny Dragarth Fruit and Pete's Purple Pineapples. The smoothie bar in the corner boasts 37 flavors of lemonade including the rarely seen prickly pear variety. They've also partnered with the hosts of Neugarten to provide 100% organic health and beauty supplies year-round.

As founder Norisuke Higashikata likes to say; "We're part Neugarten, Part Freyalise and wholly committed to giving back to this planet that is mother to us all."

Behind the counter, watching the customers make their selections, is a young cream ruffie with a sailor cap and collar, wide blue-purple eyes and a shy smile. Norisuke's young ward was born with diastema more commonly known as a gap between the front teeth.


His unique appearance gave him the name of Gappy at a very young age, in the golden days of "before". It's the only detail of his past he can remember. He was found on the shore of Shengui Guo by a jollin known as Yasuho and later adopted through the kindness of Norisuke's heart. He is forever grateful to his patron and loves the work he does in the shop, yet there is a yearning to know what he has lost and what life he once led.

He lets such daydreams slip away as a smiling torrent approaches the counter. "I wonder if you can tell me young man...what's the difference between a Dragonfruit and a Dragarth Fruit? I'm trying to put together a little gift basket for my friend Danya and she just adores trying new things."

Norisuke has taught him well, though his own diet tends to run to meals of a much less healthy nature. Steak fries are his particular weakness. "It's all in the taste and texture, Ma'am. The dragonfruit is sweeter and smoother. It compliments most other tropical flavors. The Dragarth Fruit has more zing, like a potent citrus. It makes an excellent compliment to most cuts of meat and adds a special kick to your traditional Shengui Guo dishes. There is a legend that he who can eat the Dragarth Fruit with a straight face will be blessed with luck to his dying day."

She laughed lightly. "Danya couldn't eat a lemon if it was rolled in sugar...but I'll eat jalapenos on my ghost peppers. I wonder if you could make these two dragonfruits the centerpiece in a gift basket and maybe recommend what would look good around them? I'll take three of the Dragarth Fruits bagged separately for myself."

They worked together to finish the gift. She was delighted by his finishing touch of two dozen edible flowers that were all various shades of lilac and light blue...Danya's two favorite colors. Norisuke came forward as the torrent paid for her purchases, bowing in the traditional style and thanking her for her custom. He watched her depart, carefully balancing the basket.

Soft and Wet created a stream of bubbles the color of red sky in the morning, a sure sign that Gappy's thoughts were troubled. The Bubble Spirit was far more than your typical minion...it was a visual manifestation of Gappy's life energy that never failed to show the depth of his feelings at any given moment.

"Your eye for detail is exquisite and your interactions with the customers are professional and of the utmost courtesy...yet I sense your uneasiness, my son."

Gappy tore his gaze away from the harbor. "I'm sorry, Master. I am forever grateful for all the good you have done for me. It's just..."

"It's the boats again, isn't it?"

"I know it doesn't make sense. I was probably just some farmer's son or one of the many Centropolis orphans. Yet the water...it calls to me. I can barely manage one of the little sailboats they put out for children. I'm certainly no sailor...yet I have known a great ship. I don't think I was a soldier, yet these paws have defended someone precious with a bloodstained blade. These flashes of memory...so often I see the reflection of lightning on water and the drip of someone else's blood. They haunt me in the quiet of night and break the serenity of dawn."

Norisuke put a hand on Gappy's shoulder. "Be patient, my son. As you know, I read the omens of light, air and water. The time for your journey will arrive but it is not yet come."

Gappy knew his master was wise and that Norisuke cared for him. He tried to focus on the trio of vibrant waradors that were looking for new fruit to top their walking sticks, but his heart wasn't in his work. He knew the nightmares would return when the light left the sky and the boaters in the floating market put out their lanterns for the night.

His past was calling and the time was fast approaching when he would have to answer.

About Gappy

Like this poor rat.

ART

Profile Art Full Size by LenaArcher
Profile Art Small Size by LenaArcher
Reference by Sunday (me)
X by Sunday (me)
Pet Button by Grey
Bust Gappy Ruffie by Runna
Bust Gappy Human by Runna