Nishikigoi had been in Dream Valley searching for thrift stores. As usual, they were on the hunt for something to upcycle - bonus points if it was something they could upcycle with their partners! However, their plans were de-railed upon learning of an... egg hunt?
"
What is that?" they mused to their self. They had never heard of an egg hunt before. So closer they moved, in hopes of learning and understanding what needed to be done. Decorated eggs? Strewn about Dream Valley? Oh! You just had to go hunt for them? Was there something in it for the one who found the most? It did not seem as such, thankfully. Nishikigoi briefly wondered if they would be able to even find one with a throng of ponies seeking them all out. Though the concept was fun regardless!
Swayed from their thrift store shenanigans for the day, the Aquatic pony took to searching. They tried to stick to places that it seemed less ponies were, for a better chance of finding an egg, though there were
so many....
Off one of the main paths, Nishikigoi heard some rustling in the bushes. It was faint, as if whoever or whatever disturbed it realized it was happening, and was trying to keep quiet. The pony crept closer, slowly, deliberately, pausing after each hoof step. Finally, they reached the last bush to rustle and crouched down, peering through the branches to see what they could find.
Luck was on their side! For inside the bush was a Hare, and it was clearly attempting to shove its assigned egg into the branches of the bush. It seemed to be struggling, however, with soft little puffs of air and irritated twitching of the ears and nose. Smiling to them self, the pony spoke softly.
"
Do you want some help, little one?"
The Hare startled, knocking the brightly colored egg from the branches, and bolting further into the undergrowth. Nishikigoi squeaked softly and shot a hoof out, stopping the egg before it could go too far. Well, it seemed they had scared the Hare a bit too badly, and it was cool to find an egg... But they did not feel right taking the egg after scaring the fluffy one so badly. So, they tucked the egg into place amongst the bush branches, tilting it just so so that it would not fall out.
Satisfied, they nodded their head and pulled back out of the bushes, and returned to their egg hunt.
Further down the trail, they realized... They heard more rustling. However, it came from behind them. Nishikigoi paused, listening, only to note that the rustling stopped. As they began moving again, there was silence, followed by a soft crunch of leaves, making them pause again. A little smile on their lips. Was the Hare following them?
They did not want to let on too quickly to it, so Nishikigoi continued their journey. With occasional stops, poking their head into bushes and trees, trying to find an egg. After several minutes of this, the sounds grew closer, and were less sporadic. The Hare was not trying to hide their steps anymore. This became incredibly clear when the pony felt a gentle tug on one of their legs. Looking down, they spotted the Hare, now with two friends, and a medium sized basket of eggs. As if apologizing for how they acted? The pony had no real idea as to why the trio was here, giving them a basket of eggs, but they accepted it anyway.
"
Thank you," they said softly, patting all Hares on the top of the head, before moving on. Only to hear the Hares still following them. There was a soft laugh before they turned around again, motioning with a hoof for them to come closer.
"
Come along, then. If you are looking for a home, you are more than welcome to come with me." They had not expected something like this, but it was cute, and they would not turn away a few new fuzzy friends. They were not sure how their pets at home would take it - especially their Maow, Kohaku - but Nishikigoi would figure it out. If they could figure out three partners, then additional furry friends should be no issue.
The group soon circled back around to Dream Valley, and Nishikigoi was able to turn in the small basket of eggs they "found". They were welcomed to take the Hares home, if they felt so obliged, but were told it was not necessary.
"
No, it is all right. They are cute, and friendly. I will happily provide them a home."
