(Berry bad day - Chapter 10)
(After school)
{well a lot of skipping that's for sure}
Ignoring that…'sigh'
Right now, I'm sitting on a bench at the edge of the park, y'know, the one weirdly close to the mall but just far enough from foot traffic to feel like a secret spot. You might ask, Why not just roll at home?
Simple.
There's something about the open air, the wind, the distant sound of geese arguing over breadcrumbs, that makes rolling feel… right.
Or maybe I am a full-blown addict. No shame. And I also want to go to the mall right after. Leaning more to being addicted.
I held my breath, watching the silver pulse on the digital screen in front of me. My fingers hovered over the confirm button like I was about to launch a missile.
{Oooohhh, silver drama! The tension! The stakes! The utter possibility of disappointment!}
"Shut up," I muttered, my heart starting to race anyway. "C'mon, give me something good…"
The Silver Ticket shimmered with a soft metallic glow. Compared to the bronze or the intimidating gold pulse, this felt like a whisper of promise of something better than trash, maybe just shy of greatness.
I tapped the screen.
The system whirred to life. Light surged forward. Icons flickered. And the text began to appear…
[Ticket Type: Silver Ticket
Odds:
Common (50%)
Uncommon (35%)
Rare (12%)
Epic (3%)
Rolling…
Rarity Pulled: Common
Category Rolled: Toy
World Rolled: Minecraft
Item Name: Minecraft Redstone Manual (Replica)
Category: Toy
World: Minecraft
Rarity: Common
Description:
A detailed replica of the iconic Minecraft Redstone Handbook from real life, lovingly recreated within the gacha system. Though it doesn't wield power or enhance your abilities, this book is a treasured collector's piece for any fan of Minecraft. It contains tutorials, ideas, and references for building complex redstone systems, from piston doors to TNT cannons.
The book is bound in virtual leather with pixel-styled gold trim, and its pages are resistant to wear, moisture, and even minor magical interference. The spine has the Mojang emblem subtly embossed, confirming its authenticity.
Special Effects:
Redstone Reference: Offers in-depth, lore-friendly explanations of redstone logic and contraptions.
Collector's Value: A fan-favorite collectible with no mechanical or combat use. Purely informational.
Recycle Cost: 10 GP
Shop Price: 50 GP]
{BAHAHAHA! It's even labeled "replica"! That's like winning a fake coupon in a cereal box!!}
Damn it!..well it's better than a cookie or something but still extremely useless.
I sighed, and flipped through the pages. There was nostalgia here for sure. Diagrams of complex contraptions I used to try and build, like TNT launchers and Traps for zombies.
"Man…" I muttered, quieter now. "Remember when school fairs had the fake dollar erasers and everyone huddled around one guy holding the world record book that was expensive?"
(Flashback)
Tables packed into one of many small library rooms or sometimes a small multi use room. Posters of wolves howling at the moon. Spy pens. Fuzzy erasers. Barbie journals. Minecraft guides stacked like holy scripture. A group of kids fought over the last copy of Guinness World Records 2012. Someone tried to trade 3 Silly Bandz for a glitter pencil once…Did not work out for him.
And there was me. Broke. Wandering the aisles, pretending to "browse" while secretly reading as much as I could before the teacher pulled us out.
The only thing I ever owned? A single Minecraft book.
The only item I ever got was a Minecraft book that…I don't remember anymore.
(Flashback ends)
You think you'll remember everything forever. The smells, the laughter, the books. But eventually, the colors blur. The edges fade. Until you forget…
All I know is… my family and I didn't have much. But we had love. Back then, that was enough.
{Damn… dude was that a character moment? Was that growth I smelled?}
"Don't get used to it." I said, smirking.
I slipped the book into my backpack and stood, brushing dust off my pants.
"Alright. Break's over. Let's go get something real."
{Like a flamethrower! Or a lightsaber! Or literally anything that doesn't smell like digital nostalgia.}
"Yeah, yeah…" I stood up and stretched, cracking my neck. "Mall time."
{Weird-ass transition.}
[Scene: Front of the Mall]
{Ohh a new format}
So here we are in front of the so-called mall. Except… It's barely a mall. More like a glorified trade village with air conditioning and overpriced pretzels.
{Well what are we waiting for? Let's go shopping, tiger!}
"First off, don't call me tiger. Second, yeah let's go."
The first place I walked into? An ice cream shop.
And not just any ice cream shop this place looked like it had been decorated by a rainbow having a sugar rush. Neon signs, pastel tiles, even the air smelled like frosting and nostalgia. They had a whole wall of flavors from classics like chocolate and vanilla to weird ones like 'Zap Apple Sorbet' and 'Cherry-Changeling Swirl.'
But I went with the best one obviously.
Cheesecake.
Yeah, I know it's a crime to some, and a blessing to others. But come on. Cheesecake-flavored ice cream? It's the best
{Chocolate is still better.}
"Can you even eat?"
{Nope.}
Figures.
I took my ice cream and started walking. We passed a bunch of other stores: a clothing boutique called Canter Couture, a toy shop called Pony Express Toys (yes, really), and even an arcade with a busted DDR machine still blasting 8-bit music.
Then… one store caught my eye.
My dad's store.
He was never there when I came by, which honestly didn't surprise me anymore since he owns so many. But seeing it still stung a little. It was fancy, stocked with top-shelf fashion and accessories. I could walk in and get anything I wanted. I was the boss's son, after all. But I never did. Didn't feel right and I don;t need him.
As I passed by, a different shop's display pulled my attention.
Silver Saddles Jewelry.
Yeah, I know. Another horse pun.
{Why is every store name a pony pun?! I feel like I'm stuck in a brony-themed Monopoly board!}
But this time… something else caught my eye.
A poster taped next to the display window. One was a missing kid flyer, some kid named blaze or Something. Sad, but not what stopped me.
It was the other poster, next to a glittering necklace shaped like a familiar heart.
"Every Gem Holds a Story—Let Your Heart Tell Yours."
There it was.
The Crystal Heart.
Not the real one, obviously. Just a replica, mass-produced, maybe even shitty plastic one. But still. The resemblance was uncanny. It felt significant. Like a story waiting to happen.
And then, of course, the screen popped up.
[MISSION COMPLETE]
Objective: Find the Crystal Heart.
Reward:
1x Silver Ticket1x Crystal Heart– A radiant artifact that spreads love and hope, strengthening those nearby with subtle emotional balance.
Claim reward now?
Yes / No
So that's the equivalent of the crystal heart here?!.....Damn..Thought it was going to be more…grand
{Reality is often disappointing.. Going to open it here?}
Nope. Not claiming it in front of everyone, that's for damn sure. Last thing I need is the whole mall staring at me like I just pulled Excalibur out of a vending machine.
I'll claim it later, somewhere private. Preferably not next to a jewelry store blaring love songs.
But I didn't come to the mall just to shop for magical knockoff necklaces. I had another reason.
I wandered deeper into the mall, weaving between families, loud kids, and a guy in a trench coat selling "vintage" anime DVDs that looked suspiciously like bootlegs. And then I saw it.
The Pokémon Center.
Not the real thing, obviously. Just a themed shop decked out like one. Still… the sign alone brought back memories.
{And let me guess... you're about to spend money like a Garchomp in a china shop.}
"What does that even mean?"
Stepping inside, it smelled like new plastic and childhood dreams. Walls stacked with plushies, figures, Pokéballs, posters, some official, some clearly "inspired." Behind the counter, a life-sized Nurse Joy cardboard cutout smiled at me.
I wasn't here to buy everything, though. I came for two specific items. well, technically three, but two of the same thing.
HeartGold and SoulSilver.
I spotted them in a locked case behind the counter, gleaming like holy artifacts. The boxes were pristine. And yes, I'm aware I have a problem.
But come on both games had version exclusives. I'm not about to miss out on Ho-oh and Lugia. That would be a crime.
I flagged down the clerk and handed over more money than I should've. While they bagged my prize, I noticed a near-empty rack of card packs nearby.
"Hey, those last three packs are they...?"
"Yeah, last ones," the cashier said. "Platinum Rising Rivals."
Scalpers had been here for sure. Bastards must've cleaned out the rest of the packs like it was Black Friday.
{By the way what happened to black friday uh?}
I grabbed the final three packs. Who knows maybe I'd pull something good. Probably nothing good but could be lucky.
{Every world always has scalpers. It's like a universal plague. I bet there's a scalper in the afterlife flipping ghost-type plushies.}
"Wouldn't even be surprised."
I left the shop, bags in hand, and stepped back into the mall's crowded walkway. Bright lights. Loud chatter. Kids arguing over which starter was the best.
{Spoiler: It's Rowlet. Don't @ me.}
As I moved toward the exit, I passed the Silver Saddles Jewelry store again. The Crystal Heart replica still sparkled in the case, and the mission pop-up still hovered in the corner of my vision.
I let it linger. I'd claim it later. When the moment was right.
After leaving the mall with slightly less dignity than I came in with and two bags of Pokémon stuff. I figured I'd take a quick detour. Just ten minutes out of my way. That's all. You might be thinking why? Well..
(Scene:Canterlot High)
The place looked just like it did in the show—clean, shiny, maybe a little too polished for a school filled with hormone-charged teenagers and occasional magical explosions. I wasn't here for nostalgia, though. I was here for one thing:
The statue. The portal. The big chunk of rock that doubled as an interdimensional wormhole to ponyland.
I walked up and placed my hand on it.
No glow. No shimmer. No sparkles. No hidden magic. Nothing
"Uh…Seriously?"
{What, you thought touching a rock would unlock godhood? This ain't Skyrim.}
I tapped it again. Nothing.
"C'mon, at least give me a magical hum or something."
{You're standing outside a high school, alone, touching a statue. You know how weird this looks?}
"Shut up. I'm doing research."
That's when I heard it.
"Hey!"
I turned, and immediately hated myself.
Three dudes. All older. All high school. All trouble.
The one in front was chewing gum like it was his personality. The one behind him had a bat because of course he did and the third? Just leaning back, arms crossed, wearing sunglasses indoors.
"What's a little kid doing on our turf?" Bat Guy asked.
"…It's a public school."
{Dude thinks he's the principal of the parking lot.}
Gum Chewer squinted. "Are you one of those magnet kids? You look like a kid who gets good grades or some crap."
I blinked. "I'm literally just a kid holding some bags"
Bat Guy stepped forward. "Yo-yo too. Hand it over."
Shit, forgot I had it…
"…You're robbing a middle schooler."
{Peak masculinity right here.}
Next thing you know, they'll be robbing Girl Scouts and punching babies.
{Honestly? Wouldn't even be surprised.}
I dropped the bags and backed up a step, letting the Shinobi Reflexes kick in. My vision sharpened. I locked in.
Bat Guy charged swinging wide.
I ducked low and swept his leg. He stumbled back.
Gum Chewer lunged. I twisted, dodged his punch, and cracked him in the ribs with my fist.
"Y'all ever heard of fighting someone your own age?" I snapped.
Bat Guy recovered fast. Too fast. He swung again hard.
I barely blocked, but my arm screamed from the impact. The yo-yo nearly slipped out of my belt.
Leader Guy? Still chilling.
"Yo! You're gonna jump in or what?!" one of the guys yelled.
He shrugged. "Nah. I'm aura farming."
{Excuse me! AURA FARMING?! We got League of legends players in the chat!!}
I landed a kick on Bat Guy's shin again, but then Gum Chewer went low and swept my legs.
CRACK.
The bat slammed into my ribs as I fell.
I hit the ground hard, air rushing out of my lungs as the base of the statue greeted me like a brick wall.
"Ughh… fffff—"
Gum Chewer reached down and ripped the yo-yo from my side.
"No!" I gasped.
"Oooh, yo-yo with LED lights!" he snorted. "Bet this thing got Bluetooth."
Leader Guy stepped forward for the first time, snatching one of my bags with the Pokémon stuff.
"Hold up, is this HeartGold and SoulSilver?!"
"Oh my god, they got the Pokéwalker!" Gum Chewer shouted.
"Bro we're gonna be legendary," Bat Guy said, eyes wide like they just pulled a holographic Charizard in 1999.
They were so hype about the games, they didn't even bother to check the other bag that contained my pokemon packs.
{Not gonna lie, them getting distracted by Pokémon is the most realistic part of this.}
I groaned on the sidewalk, watching my stolen games get passed around like candy.
"…Y'all better EV train your pokemon," I muttered.
{I think those hits got into your head little bro.}
"Later, loser!" Bat Guy yelled as they walked off, fist-pumping.
"…I'm gonna kill them," I croaked.
{You say that, but you're still lying in a statue's shadow.}
"…I'm still gonna kill them."
{Start by standing up first, champ.}
".....In a minute"
{Scene: Back home}
MOTHER FUC-
{Swearing doesn't make you cool..}
"Yea yea, okay Invincible." I groaned, tossing my bag down..So, let's do a quick recap of my afternoon:I went to the mall.
Bought both versions of gold and silver.
Bought some Pokémon packs.Got my shit kicked in and got robbed.
And now I Got absolutely nothing from the packs except a couple of holo cards and realizing that I might be cursed.No, seriously. The odds were like 1 in 3 of pulling something decent. THREE PACKS. All I got were shiny paper coasters. I could've just flushed 15 bucks down a toilet and at least gotten a funny story out of it.After throwing my backpack into my newly fixed closet thanks to the guy my parents paid without a single question.I flopped onto my bed.Time to make up for this shitty day.I opened the system and hovered over the [CLAIM REWARD] button like it was a nuclear warhead launch."Alright, gimme something good…" I muttered, tapping the screen.A shimmer of digital light flared in front of me, followed by a soft chime as the new item materialized in my hands.[Item Name:Crystal Heart of the Empire
Category: Magic
World:Equestria Girls
Rarity: Epic ✨
Description: A radiant, palm-sized version of the original Crystal Heart—the magical artifact that once protected the Crystal Empire from the darkness of King Sombra. Though diminished in scale, this version resonates with the same protective and harmonic energies, adapted for use in the human world. It amplifies teamwork, restores health, and shields the hearts of those nearby from negativity.
Special Effects:
Light of the Crystal Empire: Unleashes a burst of radiant energy that increases all allies' damage by 20% and reduces incoming damage by 10% for 15 seconds. (Cooldown: 60 seconds)
Radiant Ward: When an ally drops below 30% HP, the heart automatically pulses healing energy, restoring 35% HP and shielding them for 10% of their max HP for 10 seconds. (Triggers once per ally per 5 minutes.)
Empathy Pulse: Transfers 10% of your HP to a nearby injured teammate. (Cooldown: 3 minutes)
Anti-Corruption Aura: While active and within 30 feet of at least one ally, all nearby teammates gain resistance to charm, fear, and corruption effects, and minor emotional restoration (reduces mental debuffs or morale penalties).
Visual Trait: Emits a soft, shimmering glow that reflects the aurora borealis seen over the Crystal Empire. When used, it pulses with crystalline energy in brilliant turquoise and sky-blue hues.
Recycle Cost: 850 GP
Shop Price: 5,000 GP]
In my hand landed a glowing, semi-translucent crystal heart—no bigger than my palm. It radiated this soft warmth, like holding a hug made of light. Honestly? It felt… nice.
Too bad I had no one to actually use it with.
"Of course…" I muttered. "Every single ability is for teammates. Teammates I do not have."
{Look on the bright side! Now if you ever make a magical girl team, you're the guy with the healing artifact.}
"Yea, great, I'll just heal myself after every conversation with my parents."
{Aww, trauma is our favorite party trick.}
Fuck off man.
{Maybe you can create sailor moon and her team}
(5 Minutes later)
After unleashing enough profanity to make sailors blush and pirates nod respectfully, I decided to rip open the Silver Ticket.
[Item Name: Cookie Cat
Category: Item
World: Steven Universe
Rarity: Common
Description:
A simple yet nostalgic ice cream sandwich shaped like a cartoon cat's head. Chocolate cookie shells hug a mix of pink and white ice cream — strawberry and vanilla. Once a popular treat in Beach City, Cookie Cat was tragically discontinued, making this a sweet relic of the past. No powers, no gimmicks — just a cold snack from a simpler time.
It's cold, it's sweet, and it still sings in your heart:
"He left his family behind!"
Special Effects: None
Recycle Cost: 25 GP
Shop Price: 100 GP]
{AHAHAHAHAHA! A discontinued cartoon ice cream bar! What are you gonna do, throw it at your enemies and cry about it?!}
"…I might."
I looked at the little frozen treat in my hand. It was adorable. It was dumb. And now I am sad.
Yup. Life hates me.
I sighed and sat back on the edge of the bed, holding the glowing crystal in one hand and the frozen Cookie Cat in the other like some kind of emotionally unstable sociopath.
"So this is what rock bottom tastes like," I muttered, biting into the cold sandwich.
…It was delicious.
______________________________________________________________________________
Writer here:
You guys getting a low count chapter also fuck you Celino_Caceres was right I did deliver this later…Damn
Anyways, yes, interludes are cannon, and yes, many things are different from canon, so it is now an AU. I mean what did you expect with the crystal heart?
Some item rewards will be powerful, but most will be nerfed. Do not expect MC or SI (since many want to call it that) to be strong instantly; he will build his strength. By the way, when he fights the wendigo he will take a ton of damage that he will hide by wearing clothes more. The immortal powers will heal his scars faster, but it will take a few months or a year, so it will also be an arc of him healing. Yes, he will also visit the pony world but not in the way you think..
P.S. I will come edit the chapter in the morning. It's 2:32 am, bro. Go to sleep!!