An Alien Aisha in Neopia Central

     Having spent her entire life on a far away planet, Neopia Central had taken some getting used to. She was the only Alien Pet in town, and as welcoming as the other Pets had been, Starla wasn’t used to standing out so much in a crowd. Most Pets were simply curious, like the Kougra who asked why she had four ears when all of the other Aishas he’d seen only had two.

     Starla pulled out her to do list and read what she’d written down for the day. “Smoothie, Post Office”

     As she started her walk toward the Smoothie Store, she passed the Alien Aisha Vending Machine. She had moved to Neopia Central to work there, and her first day was tomorrow. She was excited to finally be around a few other Alien Aishas... maybe she could ask them for advice on fitting in in Neopia Central!

     Starla arrived at the Smoothie Store and ordered a Small Blueberry Tomato Smoothie. It had quickly become her favorite treat since she’d moved in to town.

     She'd grown to love stopping at the Smoothie Store. The smells of fresh fruit and chocolatey syrups, mixed with the whir of the blenders and chatter of guests made it her favorite shop to kill time in. She could sit in the shop for hours, sipping different drinks and watching the Pets of Neopia Central come and go.

     “Great to see you again, Starla!” the Tuskaninny Shopkeeper said as he handed over the smoothie. “What are you up to today?”

     Starla took a long sip and smiled before responding.

     “I’m heading over to the post office. I’ve always wanted to start a stamp collection, and now I live a two minute walk away! It’s the perfect time to start.”

     The Shopkeeper laughed and nodded his head.

     “Ah yes, he always has a good crowd down there looking for stamps! That’s exciting… Actually, wait! Before you go, take this!”

     The Shopkeeper pulled a Money Tree Stamp from behind the counter and handed it to Starla.

     “Thank you!” Starla exclaimed. “Are you sure I can have this?!”

     “Of course! Something to start your collection. I’ve had it sitting around for a while.”

     “Well, I appreciate it! It’s the perfect start. Thanks again!” Starla said before turning to head out the door.

     As she walked toward the Post Office, she quietly sipped her smoothie. Even though every Pet she passed smiled at her, she still felt like they were staring. Starla knew she looked different from the other Aishas in Neopia Central.

     By the time she reached the Post Office, she had finished her smoothie. She tossed it in the recycling bin before stepping into the brightly lit shop.

     The walls were adorned with framed displays of hundreds of beautiful stamps. Some were glittery, some coated in gold, some black and white, and some glowing softly. Starla had never seen such a colorful display before. In glass cases below were dozens of stamps that the Chia shopkeeper had for sale that day.

     Neopians browsed throughout the shop, inspecting stamps and flipping through their personal albums. A stack of fresh, empty albums sat by the door for new collectors.

     Starla grabbed one of the empty albums and joined the line to look more closely at the stamps. There were so many options, each one depicting different Pets and regions of Neopia. As she examined the cases, one particular collection caught her eye.

     A beautiful display showed scenes of Neopia Central, including the Money Tree Stamp the Red Tuskaninny had given her earlier. One stamp in particular showed a Nerkmid in outer Space, with an Alien Aisha perched perfectly on top.

     Starla immediately flagged down the Chia Shopkeeper.

     “Yes, good morning!” he said. “How can I help you?”

     “I’d like to purchase that stamp!” Starla exclaimed, pointing toward it.

     “Ah! The Alien Aisha Vending Stamp. Of course! How perfect.” He carefully removed the stamp while Starla handed him a bag of neopoints. Noticing the new album in her arms, he added, “And no charge for the stamp album! I love seeing new collectors come in.”

     Starla thanked him and quickly flipped open her album to the Neopia Central page. She carefully added her two new stamps and smiled with pride at the beginning of her collection.

     “Are you new to town?” the Chia Shopkeeper asked.

     “I am! I moved here just this week. I’m all moved in and starting my new job tomorrow,” Starla responded.

     “Welcome! If you don’t have a Petpet yet, they’re having an adoption event over at the Petpet Shop today. They’re great companions, especially while you’re getting settled in.”

     As Starla left the Post Office and set off for home, she thought about what he had said. A Petpet would be good company, and it couldn’t hurt to take a look—especially since the Petpet Shop was on the way anyways.

     When she arrived, the shop was buzzing with activity. Spardels and Dogelfoxes ran across the lawn outside while potential Pets threw balls and sticks for them. A group of Mallards circled above, swooping down and squawking as Pets filtered in and out.

     Starla stepped inside and made her way through the crowd. As she weaved between Neopians, she noticed a crate in the corner with no one gathered around it. It seemed to be the only Petpet without any prospective Pets nearby. Curious, she approached.

     Inside was a Meepit—but not just any ordinary Meepit.

     The green Meepit had two long green antennas similar to Starla’s and wore a round helmet almost identical to hers. Starla gently picked him up and began petting him. The Meepit started squeeling with joy.

     As they played together, the Usul shopkeeper approached.

     “Welcome in!” she said warmly. “I’m so glad to see you’re interested in our Alien Meepit! We found him outside just a few days ago, and we’d never seen one before.”

     The Meepit curled up against Starla as she replied softly, “He is so sweet, but I’ve never had a Petpet before.”

     “Oh, you’ll be able to care for him no problem. It already looks like you are best of friends. What do you think you’d like to name him?”

     Starla looked down at the Meepit and thought carefully.

     “I’ll name him Comet. We’re both from outer space. I think it’s only fitting.”

     The Usul Shopkeeper smiled. “It’s perfect. He’s yours. I hope you enjoy each other's company!”

     Starla and Comet left the shop and began the walk back home. She had so much to learn about Comet... What were his favorite foods? What games would he like playing? What would his favorite toys be?

     As they walked, Starla glanced down at the small helmeted Meepit trotting beside her. Earlier that day, she had felt like the only alien in all of Neopia Central. But now she carried a stamp in her album that showed an Alien Aisha proudly standing atop a Nerkmid. And she had Comet, who looked just like her.

     For the first time since arriving in town, Starla didn’t feel quite so different. She felt like she belonged.

     The End.