Mushroom Boom

On the outskirts of the Burrowgatory where morning rays crept in, the forest inhaled its first breath. Wild imps scurried through, between fallen logs and mossy undergrowth, and whatever other creepy crawlies passed through as though to beat the dawn that would soon greet them. The air was damp and pleasantly cool, thick with the lingering redolence of yesterday’s rain. Undisturbed by Succubuns and potential demons alike, it was an ideal scene for any appreciator of the outdoors. It’s why Arsene and Atlas found themselves out here in the quiet hours before the rest of Burrowgatory would awaken.

Atlas, who lived just nearby, was only imposing in appearance. He wore stitches that lined his features from head to hoof and stood above standardly tall dolls. Yet despite these traits, he was as introverted as they came. He was a Sloth bun of few words and tried, in vain, to shrink himself to become palatable to others around him. With his Gargowl, Chenille, perched atop a branch nearby, she hooted quietly, alerting the party to her presence. He stopped and turned to his Pride companion.

“…thanks for coming.” Atlas spoke, gaze turning skyward to find his imp among the trees. “…the earlier, the better.”

Arsene, who lived in Burrowgatory proper, gave a courteous nod. While he and Atlas stood at the same height, they couldn’t be more different in build and personality. In the liminal space between dusk and dawn, his hellfire shone as testament to his own pride and honor. He illuminated the way to this parting in the woods, unafraid of what could possibly lurk between the thickets. He carried with him some gardening tools with his Freign, Artemis, keeping pace beside him. There was a small, empty satchel tied to her back which would soon be filled with what they came here for: mushrooms.

“Surely we aren’t the only ones who thought to come out here so early,” Arsene said, glancing from side to side before following Atlas’ gaze. He spotted Chenille shortly after the Sloth bun had and he swore the imp regarded him then; protective and curious on its’ owner’s behalf. “You found most of them here, right? Guess we should get a crack at it then. Anyway, should be me thanking you for invitin’ me. I usually try to come in the fall but haven’t had much time last season. I was gonna visit the hazebloom beds later next week but wanted to grab as much in the forest before they were all gone.”

The Pride bun did not mind taking charge of the conversation, knowing his companion preferred to keep to himself anyway. When the Sloth bun nodded and chucked the other some gardening gloves, Arsene caught them before he tore his gaze from the trees to the ground beneath them. Light was starting to trickle through the treetops, filling the sky above them. Without another word, both buns went to their own spots, focused on the hunt for mushrooms.

Leaves were crunched underfoot as Atlas knelt before a large look, inspecting it for potential shrooms. His hand slid over the soft moss that grew there, following it from end to end. Artemis trotted before her owner and nudged a spot of oyster mushrooms with her nose. A chuckle escaped him before he pets the top of her head and gently picked at the colony there. He’s careful with his procurement; getting only what he needs and ensuring that future growth was possible here.

He was not the type to stray from his work. Whenever, wherever his superiors needed him–he’d be there in a heartbeat. Indulging in something as simple as collecting mushrooms, seemed foreign and strange to him. Guilt stung at his nerves and weighed like lead in his chest if he thought about it for long. He convinced himself it was for his team, to make them a mushroom hotpot meal when he gathered enough, but somewhere deep in him couldn’t shake the worry.

The flutter of Chenille’s wings brought Arsene out of his stupor, pulling his gaze away from the last oyster mushroom he cut to the Gargowl. Again, the imp seemed to stare into the depth of the Pride bun’s soul, unflinching in her elegance. They share a mutual, silent understanding before the teal doll turns to Artemis and tucks the last of the oyster mushrooms into the satchel on her back. He thanked her for her assistance and dug into his pocket for an extra small mochi treat then tossed it to her as reward. Another is tossed to Chenille for good measure as gratitude for her grounding presence.

Soon enough, the air is warmer around them and the forest alive with activity and distant voices. Atlas approached with a collection of his own; shiitakes, matsuakes, morels, and porcinis. He offers some to Arsene who in turn, exchanged some of his oyster mushrooms for them.

“We should head back then.” Atlas murmured with an arm outstretched, allowing for Chenille to perch on his forearm. “Stop by my house…need to clean these first…”

With a nod, Arsene nodded and trailed after his Sloth companion, glancing back at the clearing they arrived at before catching up. He hoped that some day he wouldn’t feel so terrible taking the time needed to support those he cared for. For now though, he hoped that making them hot pot was support enough.