Ambrosia Crossing: New Leaf

[Isabelle]

Continued from “Tale of a Pup: Part Time in Retail”

The Tangled Green was an interesting change of pace. The closest Isabelle had seen to a tree in the Omniverse so far were the rocking palm trees of Costa Del Sol. So to see miles upon miles of forest spread out in front of her as she stepped through the portal, was a delight to the eyes. While she lived near an ocean front, she always associated home with the lush green. Something was just so nostalgic about it. It appeared she wasn’t the only one that felt that way as Rosie let out a joyful gasp.

“Ahh! To see a forest again!” Rosie said, squeezing her own cheeks with her paws. “I haven’t seen such a thing since I came to the Omniverse!”

A small dirt road split through the forest, a sign noting that it lead to Ambrosia.

“Ambrosia’s the only civilization in this verse to have a path to it.” Digby said, his tone something akin to a travel agent making a pitch. “Most people that come to the tangled don’t like to be found.”

“What else is out here?” Inquired Isabelle.

“Elves, orcs, ninja…” Digby strained to think of a fourth, but his train of thought was interrupted by Rosie’s freight train of an exclamation.

“There’s ninja in the Omniverse?” Cried out the cat.

“Yeah, they have a village here in the-”

“Izzy! We should go there sometime!” She said, wiggling excitably in place in her dog companion’s general direction. After a second, she straightened herself out. “I mean, after we’re all set up in Ambrosia of course!”

The trio had a good laugh at Rosie’s expense, who only took it in stride and joined in. It was a good jovial way to begin their journey through the tangled. Isabelle took the first step down the path that cut through the trees.

[Isabelle]

It probably took about a hundred feet into their hike before Digby told them it would be three hours on foot. Instead, she pulled out her scooter and summoned another one that was red. Digby took over for the second one, while Rosie just rode double with Isabelle.

They passed by a number of people along the way. A few tried to ignore the furry barrage of nonsense, but a few were amused by the adorable spectacle. The presence of patrolling guards gave Izzy some reassurance towards Digby’s choice of location.

The path eventually slowly started leaning up uphill; all the more relief that they chose to drive. As they finally reached the hill’s peak, the city was in view.

Ambrosia, the city of imagination, the city of freedom, the city where madness comes to settle.


They climbed down the hill, navigating passed orchards that lined the outer city and into Ambrosia proper. Immediately they were immersed in the city’s populace. Isabelle’s reservations about the eclectic architecture quickly washed away.

Animals, much like herself. She saw otters, cats, dogs, birds, kangaroos, pigs, tanuki, just from looking around in a single glance of the city streets. Not a single one glared at her, just making their way to wherever they day were taking them. For a moment, her kind wasn’t an oddity, or some kind of fetish. For that second, she finally felt like she was home.

Said feeling was hampered a bit at the sight of a balloon animal floating by with a monocle on. She looked towards Digby for an explanation, who only shrugged.

In fact, focusing on the people, she noticed a few oddities. Along with the typical humans and animal folk, she saw strange white furry creatures with a strange round ball hanging off their head by wire, a gelatinous monster of sorts, and what appeared to be a pony, but on four hooves instead of the two she was familiar with.

“This place is odd, though kind of comforting. Emotions… conflicting...” Said Rosie, rubbing her forehead with her paws. Izzy was glad she wasn’t alone in such sentiments.

“It’s easy to get used to. I mean, I did while living here.” Said Digby.

“Wait, this was where you were staying in the Omniverse?” Isabelle replied, surprised he hadn’t mentioned it sooner.

“Only for the last few weeks.” He said, a warm smile brewing on his face. “It’s a little insane, but so many creatures, so many different ways to exist just choosing to exist together, there’s beauty in that.”

Her brother’s words along with his smile already gave her ease of mind, and she donned her own smile. Even Rosie loosened up after letting his thoughts sink in for a moment.

“At least that’s my perspective.” Digby said, rubbing the back of his awkwardly.

“It’s an insightful one.” Complimented Izzy, causing her brother to smile again, a little less awkwardly this time.

When they got closer to the more populated downtown area, they eventually decided to dismount their vehicles, and chose to brave the crowds on foot. They made their way through what was clearly a market area, creatures of various shapes and sizes had shops set up up and down the road, selling everything from knick knacks and souvenirs, to food and drink. Digby paid none of them any mind. The girls, following his lead, also ignored the sprawling displays of consumerism; much to Rosie’s dismay.

“We need to come back here to shop sometime, Izzy!” Said the cat, tonally something of a mixture of excitement and a complaint. “That guy over there was selling firecrackers for titan’s sake, FIRECRACKERS!”

“Believe me, it’s difficult to quell my curiosity, too.” Related Isabelle, laying a comforting paw on her partner’s shoulders. “But it’s best we get ourselves established first.” She pulled out the orb the new town hall was stored in, and presented it to her feline friend as a reminder. “Once we plant our townhall we can literally go anywhere, so be patient for a little bit longer.”

Rosie pouted a little bit, but relented. Digby sighed at the cat’s attitude. He couldn’t understand his sister’s choice in travel partner.


The group finally transversed the den of temptations and made it outside the gate of Princess Guu’s palace. From the gate lead a pathway that cut through what appeared to be a jungled that lined the property. The glorious pink palace was just up ahead, and standing at its front door, was a familiar tanuki in a sweater.

“Digby, Isabelle, glad you could make it.” He said warmly. He peered over to their third companion. “My, and Rosie too. Glad to see you’ve found better company.”

“It’s been a long time, Tom!” Said Isabelle with a smile.

“That it has. Though I imagine it had been longer for me than it has been for you, I can’t imagine that makes the Omniverse any less daunting.”

Despite having a reputation of being a miser, she mostly had warm memories of Tom Nook. Outside town hall, he was easily the most influential member of the village. Before the mayor rose it into the economic capital of the stick, Nook was the one that held it all afloat during the lofty days of Tortimer’s reign. She had heard the rumors of dirty business dealings and unlawful business practices, but she never saw evidence of that from her perspective.

Then again, he had lived in that town much longer than she had, maybe he was very different before she became a secretary.

Nook gave the front palace door a shove, sending it flying inward. A strange bunny-eared creature with a human face caught the door with its ears and held it open. The tanuki turned to face his new guests once more.

“Come in, I’ve arranged a meeting with Sylvia. She’s the second in command around here.”

With that, he lead the pack into Pokute Palace towards a meeting that would alter their direction in the Omniverse, forever.

[Isabelle]

One of the guards lead the group passed the foyer and into one the many meeting rooms down the hall. In the center was a round business table surrounded by large wooden chairs cushioned with red velvet. A laptop was in front of each seat, just waiting to be used by their occupants. In the center of the table was a statue of a golden pokute, doing a heroic pose while pointing a sword into the air. The walls were decorated with curious paintings: some were normal portraits of notable Ambrosian citizens, some displayed landscapes and notable buildings in town, some were abstract paintings that mimic the town’s overall zaniness.

One by one, the group took a seat. Nook sat at the far end with Digby taking the seat next to him. Isabelle took the one after him, and Rosie took the opposite far end. Rosie was the first to open her laptop and started playing Town of Salem to pass the time. After a few seconds, Nook pried open the computer in front of him and plugged in a usb drive. He started pulling up maps and blueprints.

“My apologies, I thought I’d review one last time before going over the plan with Sylvia.”

“I was wondering, why aren’t we meeting with the head of the city?” Asked Digby. “Princess Guu was her name, right?”

“She’s out of town on business a lot.” Tom stated as he rummage through a few more of his plans. “Last I heard, she was maintaining diplomatic relations with some religious figure, and before that she was doing a mission for the elves, and before that she was doing something for the Ninjas.”

“Busy gal!” Commented Isabelle.

“Yeah, so it’s mostly Sylvia that runs the city. Been doing it for years, she’s quite capable at it. At least from my experience.”

“Stupid town. He’s so obviously Mafia!” Yelled out Rosie, just before tapping out a long angered response to her game.

Silence befell the room for a bit, outside Rosie’s grunts and moans over her game. Isabelle found herself thinking about Ambrosia.

She got to read up a bit on the walk across the Nexus. Apparently the city was originally called Lengweilig, and was run by very isolationist humans, but they were attacked by a prime named Gilgamesh. Despite the fact Guu, who was doing time in the city’s prison for not being human enough, was able to fight him off, the original citizenry evacuated to the Camelot verse. All that stayed behind were a group of teenagers who were quick to name Guu as their leader. Under her leadership, the city attracted the attention of the odd and unusual. Guu even gave the city its name, it’s still unknown what inspired her to call it that specifically though.

Still, the city had such a colorful history. Isabelle couldn’t help but be impressed by it all. She could guess Tom probably had a hand in the city’s expansion, building new houses and maintaining business.

“Hey Nook,” began izzy, “what brought you to Ambrosia in the first place?”

“Well...” began Tom, scratching the chin of his muzzle.

Suddenly, Sylvia entered the room, causing Rosie to hastily close her laptop. She had four milkshakes in some sort of carrying tray.

“Sorry, I’m late!” She said.

“It’s okay, Sylvia.” Tom said politely.

She placed the milkshakes in front of each participant. Before taking a seat herself across the four.

“So you two must be Isabelle and Digby.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you!” Isabelle said with a little seated bow. Digby shared the bow.

“I was under the impression there was only three of you. Who’s your friend here?” Sylvia asked, gesturing to the blue cat.

“Hi! I’m Rosie!” She spoke up, raising a paw to wave as she gave the second in command a big smile.

“Wait, Rosie?” Sylvia said as she remembered. “Weren’t you at the beach not too long ago? Won a ribbon at a campfire story competition?”

“Yes! That was me!” Rosie said excitedly. She pointed at the ribbon that was still in her hair.

“Ah yes! Molly has told me all about you.”

“You know Molly?” Isabelle responded in surprise.

“Yes, she lives here in the palace. She’s one of Guu’s adopted daughters.”

A moment of silent shock for what is either fate or cosmic coincidence. Eventually, Sylvia broke the silence.

“So anyways, let’s get down to business.” She said, as she reached for a button under the table.

In an instant, the wooden surface of the table revealed itself to be a screen of sorts. The screens of each computer float out in the open. Rosie’s game of Town of Salem adorned the Game Over screen for everyone to see. The cat quickly shuffled to get her laptop open to close the window.

“Town of Salem huh?” Said Sylvia with a smile. “I play that with Molly all the time.”

Rosie, still blushing from embarrassment, smiled at the brief moment of connectivity with the human.

Sylvia dragged an image from her screen and dragged it off its border. The image expanded to fit the entire table as she dropped it, displaying an overhead sky view of an area of forest just northeast of Ambrosia. It features a mountain range to the northeast, a lake to the northwest, and a forest labeled “haunted forest” in the southeast.

“This location is currently called Ambrosia Crossing,” began Sylvia as she pulled out a metal extendable rod of sorts and started pointing out a dotted line that cut through the mountains. “Outside the main road, this is the only other beaten path from the Nexus. Because of the discrete nature of it, it’s the popular option for refugees, but it’s also treacherous because of its mountain routes.”

She waved the rod at the lake.

“This body of water is a problem for Ambrosia. We found the city’s near endless underground water supply has been pooling off outside of town. The lake is a result. In the last year, it has doubled in size. If left unattended, it could cause flooding.”

“Why does Ambrosia have so much water?” Asked Digby.

“That’s still a mystery.” Responded Sylvia. “I have people looking into it, but for now, our main concern is pumping the lake.”

She waved the wand at the valley sandwiched between the four entities.

“We want to establish a colony right here. It’ll give our water workers a place to live, and the population can use up the water. A perfect set-up for a pump station.”

She looked up to Tom who got the signal. He dragged and dropped some of his blueprints into the table.

“The village I will call ‘New Leaf,’” he began, his spokesperson voice activated, “it’ll be a small time community. It’s main export will be the tourism trade.”

He tossed down a mock up drawing a rustic picturesque drawing of a rural village with a mountain backdrop.

“We can provide the citizens of Ambrosia a chance to escape the big city life to be closer to nature. You can swim in the lake, hike in the mountains, join in the town’s humble festivities! It’s a quaint experience for the whole family!”

“Ever the businessman.” Whispered Digby to Isabelle, which got a quiet chuckle out of her.

Tom showed off some of his designs. The architecture was ripped straight from their home universe. Isabelle had not seen a house much like what she got at home a single time this entire journey through the Omniverse. She missed it way more than she thought. She couldn’t help but feel a bit nostalgic by it.

But the feeling was slightly hampered when Nook showed the design of the resort he planned to put in.

“The tagline will be: ‘There’s always time to start a New Leaf!’”

Sylvia, who has been listening quietly this whole time finally spoke up.


“Well, I’ll have to say, this is your second most ambitious project yet!” She exclaimed excitedly. “When can you start on it?”

“We can head out there right now!” Digby chimed in. “In fact, Isabelle already had the Town Hall set up.”

“Wait, really?” Asked Tom.

Isabelle, picking up on her que, reached into her pocket and pulled out the small bubble. She reached over and showed it to Nook and Sylvia, the tiny town hall floating daintily in the middle.

“It’s shrunken down,” explained Izzy, “we just need to find a place to plant it and we’ll have a city government all ready to go!”

“I’m impressed!” Stated Sylvia, overjoyed at the level of preparation in all this. “I personally approve of the project. However, you should run it through Guu as well. I doubt she would object, but-”

“Wait, we can meet with Guu?” Asked Tom.

“Coincidentally, she’s already on site. It’s near where she’s meeting that religious figure.”

Everyone gave each other looks. Cosmic coincidence again? Nook however, was quick to respond.

“We will head out immediately.” He said.

“Very well! I look forward to your future endeavors!” responded Sylvia, satisfied.



Immediately after the meeting, the group left for the site of their new village, Nook summoned a compass to guide them the way. Everyone was in high spirits, confident that they were about to establish a new home for themselves!

[Isabelle]

“Sorry for the cheap ride, but I’d rather have 4-wheel support out here!” Yelled Nook over the whistle of the wind whipping passed their heads.

The four of them are riding down Ambrosia Crossing on Nook’s jewel encrusted Jeep. The rocks on the side of the doors eventually part to adorn a partially eaten leaf logo, Tom’s famous logo.

“How much further are we?” Yelled Digby, who was riding shotgun.

Suddenly, the jeep screeches to a halt, sending precious gems flying everywhere. In an instant, the tanuki shut off the engine.

“Also, I’ve barely had any experience driving.”

With the stress of the drive slowly washing away, Isabelle managed to focus on her surroundings.

And it nearly took her breath away.

Mountains scrape the sky in front of them, towering over what was a gentle grassy meadow. Trees sparsely dotted the land, each one bearing different variations of fruit. She could see a river running through the land, possibly the same one that runs through Ambrosia. The best thing is she could see it running higher in the mountains; a possibility of waterfalls in the area. But her favorite was the lake. Who knew something that threatened so many people, would be so serene and peaceful.

With with the entities that block off the region in every direction, the city would be secure from all fronts. It was just a hidden away paradise. She was surprised no one ever thought to settle here before.

Then again, considering most people who travel through here were refugees on a dangerous journey, people on this route may not have been much into admiring the scenery.

Isabelle stepped out of the vehicle and took some steps around, soaking in the fresh air and atmosphere. A big doofy smile on her face.

“Hi” said a dull voice from the little girl flying in front of her.

Isabelle’s heart skipped a beat as she toppled over backwards.

When she caught her breath, she had a chance to look up. A small little girl floated there with a pink dress and yellow scarf tied around her chest. She had pink hair in a bob cut. She looked down on the dog with dull black eyes that gave Izzy chills. This person seemed so familiar, like she’s seen her face on the dataverse before.

Then it clicked.

She quickly got to her feet, brushed herself off, and bowed.

“Much apologies your highness, you surprised me there!”

“You did your homework.” Guu said, floating down onto the ground.

Finally, Nook noticed their party had gained another member.

“Ah! Princess Guu! We were told we would meet here!”

“That you were.” Guu said, walking towards Nook.

“These are my associates, Isabelle, Digby, and Rosie.”

“Greetings.” Guu said, dry voice, devoid of emotion.


Tom went over the plans and the blueprints on his phone, explaining his entire plan to the princess. It was the exact same pitch he had given Sylvia just earlier that day. Apparently he had rehearsed. But suddenly, the child interrupted him mid-way through.

“Look, no need to sell to me, you already have my approval.” Explained Guu.

“Thank you princess!”

“On one condition,” she turned towards the north and pointed just over the hill. “Over that direction is a building constructed by a man named Tearen Wover. The building will stand as a testament to him, it will be undisturbed. Also, the octopus that works there will be given a home here.”

“Sounds like simple enough demands.” Stated Tom, mulling over the Princess’ request. “It’ll be done!”

“Good.” Guu said as she started to take off. “Good luck.”

And with that, she took off into the sky. Isabelle guessed she was heading off for Ambrosia.



After wandering around, they finally had found a spot for the Town hall. Just off the coast of the lake, out in the open. It was a place accessible by everywhere, including from where the water pumps were going to be set up.

Isabelle picked the most level spot and took out the small orb.

“Are you ready for this?” called out Isabelle.

Her companions looked on with excitement. In her head, she counted… 1… 2… 3! She tossed the orb into the air. Izzy ran for her friends as the ball hit the ground hard and erupted in a wave of rainbow light.

The building formed from the hard glow, and a sturdy brown municipal structure quickly stood before them. The group oohed and awwed as the familiar building appeared into the Omniverse proper. It was just like home once again.

Nook, brimming with glee stepped out in front of them

“This my friends, is it. Welcome home!”


The group went inside to familiarize themselves with the building. It was just as they remembered it; a receptionist station at front where Isabelle had spent much of her life, the mayor’s chair in back looming over the rest of the office. Even the stupid plant in the corner was there. It really says something of the Omniverse when something so mundane can be a sight to behold.

But what really threw Isabelle for a loop was when Rosie called her outside.

“What did you want to show me, Rosie?” Asked Isabelle, but the cat barely had to point it out for her to notice it. Not far from the town hall, standing on top of a hill overlooking the lake, was a small cottage. Her dream house!

Without a second thought she ran towards it and pulled open the door.

While some stuff was missing, like the pool and hot tub, one of the bathrooms, most of the guest rooms, all her stuff was still there! The kitchen, the living room, heck, even her journal was still there.

“Nice place you have her Izzy!” Rosie said gleefully.

But a ladder leading to a higher level had caught her attention. Could the library still be there? She hastily scaled the steps and sure enough, she was greeted by the octagon shaped room full of books. She wasn’t even sure how the room fit into her square house. Was it a dimensional space kind of deal?

“What are these?” Asked Rosie, apparently she had followed her way up. She was looking over the cover of one of the eight books sitting on pedestals that were positioned perpendicular to each wall.

“Oh, those are linking books, they immediately transport you to one of the verses in the Omniverse if you-”

When she looked over to her friend again, she had already opened the cover to one of the books. She was reaching over to feel one of the pages.

Izzy noticing what was going one, leapt forward to grab her.

“No wait! Stop!”

Izzy managed to grab her friend’s shoulder, but her paw already was pressed up against the moving image on the paper. Instead, they were both pulled in, disappearing off into another verse entirely.

Where has Isabelle and Rosie been whisked off to? Will they survive whatever strange land they wind up in? What crazy adventure is in store for our dynamic duo? Tune in next time for “Tale of a Pup: Showbiz is for the Dogs” in the Endless Dunes