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Character Stats

Name : Hershel Jr. (Hershi) âž¨ Hershi was named after his grandfather, who was also a Chocolate Aisha. He is well liked in the family for his resemblance, as his grandfather had done many a great thing in his lifetime.

Gender / Age : Male / 19 âž¨ The youngest child and only son between his parents, he was raised lovingly alongside his sister, Pluuma. He grew up well-tempered, although considerably lean, as Aishas usually go.

Color / Species : Chocolate / Aisha âž¨ Hershi was born Chocolate due to his grandfather's genes. As far as he knows, there are only Aisha in his family- there doesn't seem to be anything else but Aisha.

Birthdate : 8th March (Pisces) âž¨ A natural born daydreamer and constant thinker, most are amused by the peculiar little ideas and thoughts he shares. Being favored as much as he is, they're not often looked down upon and are often a source of adoration from others.

Occupation : Vagabond âž¨ Since he isn't tied down by any responsibilities, Hershi takes long treks through the mountains from his hometown of Frostis to his other half of the family, Wintris. A bit of a mooch since he tends to take every opportunity for a free meal, and doesn't leave a crumb behind.

PetPet : Cocoa the Gingerbread Dandan âž¨ The grandchild of Grandpa Hershel's pet Dandan, he took to a teenage Hershel Jr. quite well as a kit. Cocoa hops into his backpack when Hershel Jr. is about to go on the move, and curls up by him when he goes to sleep.

Appearance

Hershel Jr. has all the traits a Chocolate Aisha should have- brown fur, cream markings, a cream-tipped tail with complimentary cherry-like growth, and tall, red licorice antennae with cream oozing from the ears on top. He's never tried the cream from either his tail or his ears, so it's best left that you don't ask or wonder about that. The cherry-like growth on his tail can detach and re-attach to the cream it usually sits upon, and although it tends to frequently be flicked about, has never been lost.

Unlike his kin, however, his eyes are always open wide. Since his family are the few Aisha left between Frostis and Wintris, he isn't bothered by this difference as his own grandfather shared this same trait.

From his head grows platinum blonde hair, which he usually pats down or combs out. When he's stressed or in a depressed state, his hair tends to appear shaggy and messy. It grows very slowly, so he only needs to snip it every once in a while.

An interesting marking to take note of is the pad on each of his hands. Shaped like hearts, they are one of his lineage's defining traits. Besides that, he has a pad on each finger (except his thumbs) and a large oval pad on the soles of his feet.

Preferences âž¨ Likes

Hiking âž¨ As his grandfather did, Hershi too enjoys trekking throughout the wilderness. There is something of nature that calms and straightens out the senses, and Hershi especially likes that feeling. He tends to get lost, yes, and he does stray far, far away from the path, yes, and he does forget what he's doing... but he always ends up back on track to his destination. Could a guardian angel be watching over him? Could some strange man of the mountain be taking pity upon this air-headed fool? Perhaps, but Hershi doesn't think much of it. If only his trusty companion Cocoa could say a word or two...

Making New Friends âž¨ Frostis and Wintris are small, isolated towns divided by a mountain, and as an effect everybody in their respective homes know each other like close family. Hershi is excited whenever someone new comes to town, or if he meets someone during a hike. Who knows what kind of person they could be, what they know, and what could they teach him?

Learning New Things âž¨ Just as he loves meeting new people, he revels in learning new things. A crafty aisha, he works well with his hands and has tried all sorts of things, from woodwork to machinery to fishing to sewing. Hershi knows there's still so much to learn, and he wants to learn it all! Though he isn't so good when it comes to academics... travelling professors, forgive him for he's gotta go!

Having Fun âž¨ A philosophy he has kept since childhood, there is always a smile slapped across his face, beaming, crooked, or sleepily, there's no need for worry with him. Sure, he knows how to feel appropriately, but he wants to live each day like it's his last to the point of overcoming any troubles that come his way as quickly and efficiently as possible... not like he gets many problems, actually. Hershi's a bit too carefree to get stuck in sticky situations, but he can get trapped if his curiosity gets the best of him... here's to satisfaction!

Preferences âž¨ Dislikes

Being Confused âž¨ Simply for the fact that confusion makes his mind race as he attempts to make sense of whatever is confusing him, causing him to be dizzy and nauseous and yet, like the silly aisha he is he will keep at it until either someone explains, something else catches his interest, or he faints. It never really comes to that last one, but if it does his brain basically force quits itself and makes him take a nice, long nap... even if he's out in the middle of the wilderness off-course from the path. Quite a surprise to awaken to.

Pineapples âž¨ He's allergic! Or so he says, just because he despises the acidic taste of pineapple. Hershi has a definite knack for knowing if something has pineapple in it, for his face will change in realization. If you see his face begin to wrinkle inwards the center, his eyes squinting yet puffy, and his mouth frothing, there was probably pineapple in whatever he's taken. Otherwise, he takes to it very well... emotionally.

Skeiths âž¨ Here's a little something nobody knows about. Hershi is, without a doubt, blindingly terrified of skeiths. Strange indeed to have a phobia of another species, especially one who he'd never met nor meddled with, this aisha cannot stand the presence nor even the implication of a skeith being anywhere in the vicinity. Due to his nature of straying about, nobody ever notices the connection between his running away and skeiths. In fact, there are no known skeiths to live in either Frostis or Wintris, not even a one to have come through the mountains. The only answer lies within what his grandfather knows...

Hobbies

Hiking âž¨ As mentioned above, Hershi loves to explore nature. Thankfully, a large mountain range spreads between his hometown and Wintris, so whenever he happens to want to visit his other family, he can go straight through and do what he loves most- hiking! Never going through the same path, Hershi loves to climb trees, scale walls and run among the pines and rivers. Even as he's trekked through the place many, many times, he hasn't discovered the secrets this place holds...

Learning Odd Jobs âž¨ Since neither Wintris nor Frostis have any education available farther than highschool (and there isn't any other town for miles for all they know) learnt trades is especially vital to the survival of both towns. Trades tend to be brought down with families, and since they are small towns, they have taught each other the works necessary for them to thrive. Some of these families are what you may call "dying breeds", those whose abilities are not needed and therefore rarely taught any longer. Hershi's own family is a part of this, hence why they don't have a particular talent for themselves. They are quick learners, however, and that's where Hershi comes in. Since he loves to learn, he's even got some of these "dying breed" jobs under his belt- totem pole-ing, shorthand, and blowing a war horn! (All absolutely unnecessary in today's Frostis and Wintris... unfortunately)

Getting Involved in Strange Situations âž¨ Despite his joyous and carefree spirit, an absolutely harmless being, fortune has a peculiar taste for leading him into abnormal affairs. These happenings only occur when he is hiking through the mountains, odd enough, and every time he is able to unstick himself from whatever melodrama he got stuck to, he finds himself where he once was again. Sometimes he wonders in the cold of night, where the moonlight circus is performing now, whether the concrete sidewalks on that sunny beachside strip are still warm, what the theater with the shining red curtains is playing this season (or is the comedy act still going?). If only he and his cousin, Jhuden, were closer friends, maybe he wouldn't be wondering today.

Our World

A world encased in a near-never-ending blizzard, constantly cold, never warm. So small, this world can be visualized as a large snow globe. On each end, is a village inhabited by many different kinds of Neopians- dividing them, an immense mountain range. Those who try to walk beyond the villages, beyond the mountains, find themselves endlessly walking into the storm, becoming worse and worse with each mile. This creates the assumption that there is nothing beyond what they know, and it has become common thought to dismiss the idea to explore beyond their reach. That curiosity could be put to use scouring the mountains, but it is a fool's errand. The mountains are constantly changing, paths once taken turning into paths unknown, familiar landmarks suddenly moving or vanishing altogether. Only those with a strong internal compass can make the journey to the other side without disappearing...

The Two Villages

When travellers set foot upon this land, they found it entirely untouched. Climbing down from the tunnel from whence they came, they initially settled on the western land of the mountains. Trees were a mite scarce, so they built their settlement out of earth, stone, and hard-packed snow. Since here, it was cold, and the wind bit at them near-constantly, they called this place Frostis. In productivity, they dug underneath the snow, under the dirt, and were able to find flint and coal. This allowed them to light their homes, cook their food, and create tools. Frostis eventually began to flourish, although slowly, but flourish nonetheless. Seeds of vegetation and flora were planted in a large farmhouse, as the weather outside was too harsh to grow much of anything. This farmhouse, being warm, safe, and often traversed, became the meeting place of the village neopets.

In time, many sought a place where the weather was kinder. A small group banded together and made way to whatever was on the other side of the mountain, and discovered land where trees were more abundant, the snow fell softer, and the air didn't bite at their skin like it did in Frostis. The group settled here and made homes for when they went back to fetch their kin. Those who were weaker in health were invited to live at this new establishment, now named Wintris. The less hardy left Frostis behind, and so were the two villages of Frostis and Wintris. As such, the two towns began to develop differently.

Frostis prized its physical labor and handiwork, and worked to build a large, sustainable farm and created homes that were sturdy enough to survive the harsh snow. The farm kept its place as the village's meeting place, and due to its size it also became a place for Neopians to find some respite. A system was quickly put in place wherein everybody worked to do their part in keeping the village afloat. This included snow plowing, roof tending, and farming shifts.

Wintris, having began with mostly family and those who were too weak for the harsh weather and hard labor in Frostis, prioritized its community, and grew to be more social. Some of the first things created were a communal garden and a community center, the center being the hub for village meetings and a place for children to study and socialize while their parents worked. There was of course a system instated similar to Frostis so as village upkeep was consistent, and it was certainly just as mandatory like its counterpart.

The Mountains

Dividing these two villages, are the mountains. Tall, snowy, and mysterious, the highest peaks disappear into the clouds cloaking the sky. Nobody knows where it begins or ends, neither has anybody successfully been able to map it. After more than a century, only two families are left with the ability to navigate it without totally vanishing within its maze-like paths, and both pride in this ability and help others by working as travel guides. They do admit that the paths are always changing- it's only thanks to that internal compass do they not fall prey to the mountains. Otherwise, it's best to look at them from afar...

Unbeknownst to all but two, the mountains are cursed, leading those from their homelands into this "dimension". All over the mountain, caves and tunnels also shift and change with the terrain. Within them, are portals to other dimensions, to worlds unknown. Unfortunately for the neopets of Frostis and Wintris, they have been the only ones to stumble upon this world en-masse. In every other plane, the portals are often hidden and out-of-reach. It is only because of the one who discovered it, the one who led them all here, that they are fated to stay in this place til the end of their lives.

Family

Nykk (Father, Snow Aisha) âž¨ A loyal and responsible Aisha, Nykk is part of Frostis' snow-shoveling team and works hard for his family. Nykk inspired Hershi's love for the outdoors, teaching him what he knew of nature and even attempting to explain why things were the way they were and how they became that way, fueling his son's imagination as he went on. Feisty in his youth, Nykk is proud to see his son carry that same spirit in his adventures.

Merry (Mother, Biscuit Aisha) âž¨ Warm and loving, Merry always makes sure that Hershi is happy and healthy. She taught him how to cook, clean and sew, valuable abilities for his independence. Hershel loves being by her side and will even sit with her in silence, if only just to be with her. He hopes to one day do something so great, the sadness he sometimes sees in her will go away.

Pluuma (Elder Sister, Ice Aisha) âž¨ Although close in childhood, Hershi's relationship with Pluuma has become strained over the years. An incredibly modest and intellectual girl, Pluuma has shut herself from even her own brother, and it was a pain in Hershel's heart until it grew too numb for him to care. Now, despite a faint unwillingness to, he keeps himself away from her.

Jhuden (Cousin, Christmas Aisha) âž¨ Jhuden is a short Christmas Aisha with a bit of a temper. He wears a tartan ushanka over his short, messy platinum blond hair, a slightly oversized jacket, jeans, and black galoshes. An incredibly moody and reclusive Aisha, others are polite to him as a formality and to keep his rude demeanor at bay. Hershi doesn't mind it, however, and enjoys being around his cousin. They still don't get along despite it, a shame considering Jhuden knew more about what was going on in the mountains than Hershi did.

Vhanni (Aunt, Jhuden's Mother, Halloween Aisha) âž¨ Vhanni and Hershel have an amicable relationship with each other, although it is mostly proper pleasantries and being family. Vhanni would love if Hershi's bright and cheery personality could rub off onto her overly introverted and negative son, and is always happy to let him stay at her home whenever he comes to Wintris.

Autumn (Maternal Grandma, Christmas Aisha) âž¨ Hershel Jr. being Autumn's (secret) favorite grandchild, she's always overjoyed to hear from him whenever he happens upon Wintris. While he doesn't know about this particular detail, however, Autumn adores him more for his resemblance to her Hershel than she'd like to admit. Other than that, Autumn is happy to advise her grandson based on the things she'd learned from her late husband.

Hershel (Maternal Grandpa, Chocolate Aisha , Deceased) âž¨ Hershel was a Chocolate Aisha who, around the time of his passing, had flaky brown fur with wisps of grey here and there. He had a grey mustache and warm brown eyes. He was a very well-liked Aisha whose untimely disappearance saddened many. Those who knew him and meet Hershi believe his spirit lives on in the young Aisha, both sharing their love for hiking and exploring the mountains.

Scraps of Memories...

In Hershel's Final Days

Prior to Hershi's birth, Hershel did not suspect a correlation between the curse and the family line. Happy to learn about his younger daughter's second pregnancy, the news brightened his spirit and, despite his deteriorating health, inspired himself to continue on his lifelong search through the mountains. His closest friend and long-time hiking companion, Bernell, cautioned him to be more careful, for he was older and less resilient to the harrowing weather that plagued their home, along with the fact his narcolepsy-esque affliction was worsening. Despite such warning however, Hershel went on with a reignited passion, determined to find even the smallest clue or piece to potentially end his quest.

Bernell, Hershel's most faithful companion, followed wherever he went. A large Plushie Skieth, he cared for Hershel like family, having grown up together and quite closely at that. Bernell had been involved in Hershel's adventures practically since the beginning, from their first journeys across the mountain range, the conspiracies they created on the way, to Hershel's first signs of the curse's touch, and now on what to be the final stretch of the Chocolate Aisha's life. The Skeith took it upon himself to act as his guardian, understanding that the Aisha's family worried about him, although he did despise Hershel's ignorance to the situation he created.

Two nights before Hershi's birth, Hershel's health took a hit. He couldn't understand why his legs, which walked throughout the mountains that loomed over his town for many years, ever so slightly gave way as he stepped through his bedroom. His eyes were heavy and his hands shook as he took hold of his coat, tiring as he pulled his boots over each foot. Hershel didn't want to give up just yet. The curse had suddenly become stronger, and he theorized there must be downside to it as all curses do. This idea allowed him to concoct a sort of plan of attack against it, and he set out towards the mountains in which it manifested. The elderly Aisha was deep into the wilderness before anybody realized he had gone.

Desperately, he searched every nook and cranny of the land, the curse sensing his fatigue as the blizzard grew stronger. With all the strength he could muster, the Chocolate Aisha trekked on, taking whatever routes and paths he believed he previously never traversed through- a difficult task since he'd spent nearly all his life in the mountains. It was a dangerous tactic, but hope was in his heart that he would stumble upon the mountain's hidden truth. Unaware to him, the trails he followed were leading him right to his end.

At the news of Hershel's sudden disappearance, Bernell went straight down the path in search of him. It was not like Hershel to leave unannounced, at least not now in his old age, and especially with a concerned wife, a pregnant daughter and a young granddaughter at home. Along with that, his health even before was on a slow, steady decline. In such a state, he'd pass from a serious shiver.

Bernell tried to shake these thoughts from his head as he hurriedly flew through the forest. It wasn't long until he noticed a disturbed trail of snow.

Following quickly as he could, the thick sheltered trees of the central woods dispersed and became sparse as it opened to rockier terrain. The snow was coming down harshly and bit into the Skeith's face, but he kept his eyes peeled for the Aisha. The trail led to a jagged space, and along the path he finally spotted Hershel.

His friend was staring out the side of the mountain, a familiar journal in his right paw. Bernell called out to him, "Hershel, where have you been? Disappearing like that, out into this weather..." The Skeith trotted towards Hershel, who then suddenly dropped the book from his hand and teetered forward, his left hand at his face. A sudden rush of cold hair stung Bernell as he barreled towards Hershel, but the quick onslaught had made him too slow to react.

It can be said that Hershel came down with a dizzy spell, and as a result plummeted into the void. Bernell knew better.

Hershel Junior is Born
On the eighth day of running, in a little cottage off the center of Frostis, a Chocolate Aisha is born. Small, it took moments after his birth before he began to cry. As his mother lovingly held her newborn son close to her chest, she watched her own mother solemnly washing the towels in a clean basin. There had still been no news of Hershel or his friend, Bernell, since the night he disappeared.

Merry adjusted her hold of the baby before addressing her mother. "Oh, mom, why don't you come here beside me and your grandson? I'm sure papa is somewhere safe with Bernell. They're inseparable, those two." Her mother dried her hands on the skirt of her dress, and walked towards a chair positioned by the bed and set herself upon it. Merry lowered her hold of the infant in her arms to let her mother take a look at his soft, resting face. His small mouth opened for a quiet yawn before settling.

The elderly Christmas Aisha observed the newborn intently. He held a strong resemblance to her husband, identifying him as a Chocolate Aisha. His antennae, ribbed and red, had not begun developing the whipped cream-like substance characteristic of his kind, and neither had his tail. A tiny red growth was forming along it, but it was of no concern- another one of the strange traits known to a Chocolate Aisha. Along the top of his head was a faint stripe of blond, marking the beginning of a head full of hair.

Old Autumn took one of his hands into hers, and opened it to look into his palm. Yes, just like her Hershel, he had a heart-shaped pad in the middle. The Christmas Aisha set the little paw down gingerly before retreating into her seat.

She wiped her eye with her sleeve before leaning towards her daughter once more. "You have a name for him, don't you now? He shouldn't stay nameless for so long." Merry smiled at her mother in acknowledgement. "Of course I do, ma," she looked back towards the child swaddled close to her, now sleeping, "and I'm sure you see it, too, when I say he looks just like papa." .

Autumn gave a reserved nod. There was no doubting the likeness. She listened as Merry continued.

I think I'd like his name to be Hershel, Jr."

Autumn quietly shut the door to Merry's room, and shuffled to the living room in her slippers. Down the hall, she could hear the voices of her granddaughter and son-in-law. Arriving by the door frame, Nykk looked up as he answered what was probably Pluuma's thousandth question, stopping and pointing towards the Christmas Aisha.

Look, Pluuma. Nan's here!" The blonde curls on the little Ice Aisha's head bounced about as she turned to face her grandmother. A smile spread upon her little face, and she stood up and ran towards her grandmother. "Nana! Nana!" her voice rang out in excitement as she clutched at Autumn's dress, "Where's mama?" The elderly Aisha crouched down to become level with Pluuma, wiping the hair from her face. "She's with your brother right now. You'll be able to see her soon, she needs to take some time for a nap."

B-Brother?!" Nykk jumped up from where he sat, the excitement emanating from his face no matter how composed he attempted to keep it. Then, in a much quieter tone, "Merry gave birth to a son?" Autumn stood back up and nodded, and Nykk picked up his daughter in joy and hugged her. "Oh, a son! A son! I'm so happy! You've got a little brother now, Pluuma!" "A brother?" the young child asked, and Nykk set her down. "What's his name?"

His name... oh, his name!" the Snow Aisha thought aloud, and he looked to Autumn. "Has she named him yet, Autumn?"

Autumn set herself down on the couch, Pluuma coming along and setting herself next to her. The caramel-colored Aisha wrapped an arm around her granddaughter and held her close to her side. "She's named him after her father, Hershel. Hopefully you don't mind your dear naming him after that crazy old boy."

Nykk rubbed the back of his head shyly. "Oh, I don't mind it at all. But... well, there hasn't been news of him appearing anywhere, has there?" Autumn stayed silent. The Snow Aisha awkwardly sat down on the other side of the couch. He looked up to the wall across him and spotted one of the pictures hanging on it. Making out Merry's youthful face from the browned image, he could see her father smiling directly next to her. Nykk knew that the past two days have been tough on her, and old Autumn had become crestfallen as well. He hoped that, with the baby here, there could be some happier days ahead for them.

Aren't you wondering what the baby looks like, Nykk?"

Ah, well, I'll be able to see him soon anyways, right? I can wait." then for a moment, "I do wonder who he takes to, though. Is he a Snow Aisha like me? Biscuit? Christmas...?"

Chocolate?"

Autumn and Nykk looked at Pluuma, who was smiling as she held onto her nan's paw. Autumn took a deep breath and managed a smile as she looked at Nykk. Nykk frowned for a moment. "If he really, truly is gone..." "Now hold on a moment," Nykk worriedly turned back to Autumn, "So what if he looks a bit like old Hershel? He can't live his whole life with people thinking he's someone else. That just ain't right..."

Outside, the blizzard continued on, relentlessly pattering down with snow. Lanterns rock on their posts to-and-fro as the winds sweep throughout the small village, the lights flickering about. From beyond the rooftops, the giant mountain that split their land in half hung overhead, a mighty shadow against the darkened sky.

Grandmother Autumn Leaves for Wintris
After a day, a week, a month, six more, and finally a year, it set into old Autumn that her beloved husband was never coming back out from the mountains. She had grown weary waiting for him, and the harrowing weather of Frostis was slowly becoming too harsh for the elderly Christmas Aisha. Autumn finally gave in to her older daughter's offer to move to Wintris, where the weather was not as ruthless. She was resilient to the idea for a long time, and even a little bit now, out of fear her Hershel would find her gone.

On the day she was to head out across the mountains with the help of a travelling band, she spent some time with her younger daughter's family.

Pluuma, her eldest grandchild and only granddaughter, was about five years old. Her soft baby fur had little ice crystals in them, natural to an Ice Aisha of her age. Golden, curly locks of hair came down from the top of her head, flecks of ice glistening through the strands. She was a lively yet reserved child, playing quietly to herself and enjoying the explanations people gave her about the things she wondered about. At the moment, however, she was showing Hershel Jr. how to play with his toys in the middle of their living room floor.

The day before was Hershel Jr.'s first birthday. It was a small event, with close neighbors coming by to give them their hand-made gifts. Some of the older folk were mesmerized by the baby's resemblance to his grandfather, a few even prompted to stay a while and recount the old Chocolate Aisha's many misadventures from their youth.

While Autumn was still in a mixed state of mourning and denial, she found herself enjoying the stories people recounted of her late husband, even recognizing instances in which she was present for his tomfoolery. There were even some tales where she learned something new about him; never in her life did she think he'd wagon race over the mountains; she smiled at the unexpected thought that he would try carving his own totem pole; and was dumbfounded to hear he'd discovered the little Dandans that ran about the forests by Wintris.

It was almost a bit saddening how much about him she wasn't there for, before he was gone.

All the time being, baby Hershel Jr. sat comfortably upon his grandmother's lap. While usually not too loud of a babbler, he was incredibly talkative that day. The infant Aisha was certainly not unlike his modest sister, fussing little in the hands of his neighbors. Unlike most of his kind, however, his eyes were large and full of wonderment, or to put it bluntly, wide open. His entire family had their eyes 'shut' as any other Aisha would, so it was a merry interest to those visiting as well. They could only imagine his mother's surprise when they first opened.

The friendly personality and eyes that looked about a room, became fascinated by an object, incited more comparisons of him and his grandfather.

Old Autumn saw it, too.

Which made it all the more difficult when it was time to travel to Wintris and leave her husband's likeness behind. It worsened as she heard him begin to cry after her, the long and whimpering call reverberating about her mind.

How do you like it, mom?"

Autumn set herself on the warm, downy bed. The journey across the mountains had made her incredibly weary. A Tonu walked to the foot of her bed and gently placed a large pack of her belongings onto the floor, turning and nodding towards the Halloween Aisha at the door before leaving. She proceeded to walk to Autumn and sat beside her, taking a blanket and settling it across the elderly Aisha's shoulders.

There was more silence before Autumn responded. Adjusting the blanket, she took off her shoes.

I think I'll take to it in time. It's been difficult, not having him with me..."

It wouldn't be until more than a decade did she see Hershel again.