The Stamp Mystery

     Mili gave the Acara that one sweet smile that could melt even the Snowager's heart. Today had been a long day: from morning to evening, she and her brother Vulkith had been hard at work trying to empty the family's Safety Deposit Box. Feiyui and Tipulin had been over the moon, of course. There were so many books and food items they hadn't even heard of before, and could now consume! Tipulin was so bloated she might as well roll instead of walk. Feiyui wasn't in a better state; you could almost see smoke wafting from her head. But they were both happy, and that's what matters the most.

     That, and the fact that Mili had sold quite a few rare items to collectors, earning a pretty penny in the process. But family was important, too.

     The Aisha stretched, feeling each muscle ache as she did so. Time to call it a day. She just had to store a few unsold items back in their Safety Deposit Box and... huh?

     — Oh, no! Caellyra! Quickly, go after that Acara! She forgot her Blushing Jhudora Stamp!

     She didn't have to say it twice. Caellyra flew after the Acara, who was already halfway to the Mystery Island Harbour. It was hard to see from a distance, but the Draik spoke with their trading partner and then flew back calmly.

     — She didn't forget anything. I guess we had a spare.

     Mili tilted her head, confused. That... didn't sound likely. If anything, it sounded downright impossible.

     — That stamp was given out by the Advent Calendar. You can't just get another one. Are you sure she had it on her?

     Caellyra shrugged.

     — She even showed it to me. It was right there on her paw.

     Well... Neopia had seen stranger mysteries. A self-duplicating stamp wouldn't be the weirdest. In any case, stamps could sell quickly, so Mili decided to list the new one for sale as well. A few words with a very rejuvenated Jhuidah later, and the stamp was up for trading.

     They had just finished packing everything up when a buyer showed interest in the stamp. Their price was more than fair, so Mili completed the trade quickly.

     — Thanks for trading with me!

     She waved goodbye, turned to leave... and there it was. A Blushing Jhudora Stamp, right there on the ground. Mili quickly grabbed it.

     — Wait! Your stamp!

     The Kacheek she had traded with stopped in her tracks, eyes wide. She even took a few steps back before looking down at her own paw. There it was: the Blushing Jhudora Stamp she had just bought.

     — No, that one is yours. Here, see? The stamp you just sold me. Thanks again!

     The Kacheek waved goodbye and left, leaving a dumbfounded Mili behind. This didn't make any sense at all. How could there be three identical stamps? And where were the duplicates coming from?

     — Mili... it might be better if we don't sell this one. I mean, isn't this kinda... cheating?

     Vulkith's words snapped Mili out of her daze. She looked at the stamp in her paw, then at the Kacheek's retreating figure.

     — You're right. This isn't safe. Let's just keep it.

     Mili placed the stamp carefully in her backpack, then turned to leave... and almost stepped on a piece of paper! No, no ordinary piece of paper. It was... what else could it be? A Blushing Jhudora Stamp!

     — WHAT is going on?!

     Caellyra carefully picked up the stamp from the ground, turning it this way and that in the sun's dying light.

     — No matter how I see it, this is legitimate. It's exactly the same as the other two. And here, see the watermark? It isn't counterfeit. I can guarantee that.

     Being a courier, Caellyra was the pet who knew the most about stamps in the whole family, so Mili trusted her judgment. Just in case, she handed the other stamp to Caellyra, and the verdict was the same: both were real.

     — This is impossible. They're Advent Calendar prizes. There shouldn't be more than one of each.

     — More than one of what?

     Tipulin, who had been enamored with a particularly large Negg she couldn't possibly eat after her veritable feast earlier, finally looked up. Mili wordlessly showed the Wocky both Blushing Jhudora Stamps she was holding.

     — No, there's a lot. Look!

     Mili thought her jaw would fall off. Tipulin opened her backpack and pulled out an entire sack filled with identical Blushing Jhudora Stamps!

     — What? How? Why? When?

     — I found it! It was just laying on the ground in a forest. Back when we stopped by the Rubbish Dump, remember? I saw it on the way. I didn't see anyone around, so I grabbed it.

     Tipulin shook the bag to illustrate her point, and a single stamp flew out, landing innocently on the ground. Puzzled, she shook it again, and the same thing happened.

     — Tipulin! There's a hole in the bag! That's how they ended up on the ground!

     Well, one mystery was solved. Now they just had to figure out who was the owner of that ridiculous collection of identical stamps.

     — The Rubbish Dump... a forest... wait a minute! Meridell? You found them in Meridell, didn't you? I think I know what happened!

     But Mili didn't even wait to explain before rushing off towards the Harbour. She wouldn't share her theory, not even as they waited for a boat. Vulkith, Feiyui, Caellyra, and Tipulin had to suffer in suspense as they made the trip back to Meridell in silence. Even upon arrival, Mili trotted resolutely toward her destination, clearly following a plan.

     — Wait, but this way is...

     Caellyra gasped.

     — Ooooooooh. I see now.

     The others hounded Caellyra with questions, but she only snickered.

     — You'll see soon enough.

     The next one to realize where they were going was Feiyui, who dissolved into a fit of giggles.

     — No way! She didn't! This is the best day of my life!

     Mili merely smiled mysteriously and kept walking. Soon, they arrived at a glade. No, not just any glade: the glade. Illusen's Glade. It was Tipulin's turn to gasp.

     — Oh! I get it! Mili, I get it! I'm really smart!

     Mili nodded, still silent, until they stood face to face with a beautiful Earth Faerie.

     — Hello, Illusen. I hope I'm not disturbing you.

     — Not at all, Mili. Welcome to my home. Would you be interested in a couple of errands? I really do have to get these items, you know...

     — I'm afraid that's not exactly why we're here. You see... I think we found something of yours.

     Tipulin, realizing this was her cue, held out the sack of Blushing Jhudora Stamps. The effect was instant: Illusen's cheeks gained as much colour as the ones depicted on the stamps.

     — We won't tell anyone, oh wise Faerie! We deeply appreciate all you do for Neopia.

     One could hardly believe Feiyui had been giggling about this just five minutes earlier, given how respectful she sounded now. Still, it is always a wise choice to let a Faerie save face when possible.

     — Yes, I... thank you, this... it's not what it looks like! I mean... it is, but... it's just, you know, a prank! A prank!

     Caellyra struggled to keep a straight face. Tipulin wasn't as successful. Mili, however, remained composed.

     — Of course. We understand. We're just glad we could return them to you.

     — Well...! As a token of my appreciation, please accept this. I'm told you collect coins, yes? Perhaps this Illusens Coin will make a nice addition to your collection.

     Illusen clearly wanted to cut the conversation short and get away from the pets who knew far too much, and luckily they were all very good pets. They accepted the gift with kind words and went on their way.

     Tipulin, of course, collapsed onto the ground the moment they were out of earshot and laughed her ruff out.

     — Hush, Tipulin! Hush! You can laugh at home!

     Mili smiled, and the others chuckled along. Then they began the trip back home. It had been a long day, but a very good one.

     The End.