Nocturne is questing! Episode 1/25

Fred the Pig was excited to start the day as he jumped out of bed. It was leg day at the gym today so he was ready for squats and dead lifts galore! Training for the PnF games was getting intense. Who knew weightlifting could be so intense and require so much dedication?

Nocturne is questing! Episode 2/25

To be competitive against all those strong badgers Fred knew he had to start his day off right so to the kitchen he went. It was early in the day and the sun had barely just risen but he wanted to spend hours at the gym so he knew he needed energy so out came the blender and he started to concoct a special breakfast smoothie. In went bananas, coffee, protein powder, chocolate and that special energy powder he got at the health food store the other day. The ripped badger there promised him it would give him loads of energy and build muscle like crazy. An extra scoop won’t hurt right?

Nocturne is questing! Episode 3/25

With 5 smoothies in hand, Fred headed out to the gym. Normally, when he was not training he would catch the bus with his friend Nocturne but today to get an extra workout he wanted to walk, maybe even run. He saw Nocturne heading to the bus stop and waved as he made his way on the 7km hike to the gym. At least the time getting there would allow him to drink some of his protein-energy drinks. And when he ran out he knew he could get more at the gym! It was going to be a great day.

Nocturne is questing! Episode 4/25

Fred was delighted as he jogged toward the gym. New Pork City is such a wonderful place to live he marvelled. Look at all the sights! Towering sky scrapers and plenty of green park spaces. What could be better? The people who built this place must have been amazing. However did they climb that high? And what is that squirrel doing? It might get run over by a bus!

Nocturne is questing! Episode 5/25

Finally Fred arrived at New Pork Weight Studio and was ready to lift. But maybe, he thought, I best have a few more of those protein energy drinks. That 7km jog really did me in. Guess cardio is not my forte. So chugging a few more drinks he met up with Nocturne at the squat rack ready to begin a set. “This is going to be so easy! I am soooooooo energized! I think I can make my personal best! I will show those badgers up at the next PnF games. Just you wait.”

Nocturne is questing! Episode 6/25

“Ooof! That was harder than I thought. Can someone pass me a few more energy drinks?” asked Fred. He wanted to carry on with some dead lifts but after 5 rounds of squats he was starting to get tired. And to think this morning he thought he would proceed to some strict presses after the dead lifts. Got to beat those badgers! Soon discarded cans of energy drinks were piling up and Fred was still hard at work. “One more set Nocturne and then we can go.” Eyebrows raised around New Pork Weight Studio.

Nocturne is questing! Episode 7/25

Back at home Fred was still quite energized as he flitted about his kitchen making dinner. What to have what to have? Obviously not pork! Maybe some yummy tofu and veggies would make a good dinner. And another protein energy shake. Protein is supposed to be good to help build muscle. Or so Fred has heard. So what can it hurt? Besides they taste great and another smoothie would make an awesome dessert!

Nocturne is questing! Episode 8/25

Getting ready for bed Fred noticed he was a little more restless than usual. It was already 11:30 at night and he had to be up at 6am yet he did not feel all that tired. Oh well, he thought. I’m certain as soon as my head hits the pillow I will be out and have a good night's sleep. But that was not to happen. Fred was tossing and turning from side to side. He even nearly fell off the bed! It is a good thing he lived alone for he even cried out a few times.

Nocturne is questing! Episode 9/25

Where am I? This isn’t my bed!!!! This isn’t even my room or apartment! I don’t think this is even New Pork City! Maybe I should have listened to everyone at the gym and laid off on the energy drinks! Something is seriously wrong.

Nocturne is questing! Episode 10/25

Hey! Is that Nocturne over there??!?! “Nocturne! Nocturne! Where are we???”
“Listen Bud. I don’t know who you are or who Nocturne is but I ain’t Nocturne and I am busy here. New Pork City ain’t going to build itself you know.”
Fred was puzzled. Build New Pork City? What was going on? Wasn’t the city already built? Was that what all the rocks were for? Is that why all his beloved buildings were missing?

Nocturne is questing! Episode 11/25

“Maybe I could help you.” Said Fred. “I am a very strong guy. I have been training for a weight lifting competition and these rocks and tools look like something I could handle. I have no clue where I am but you guys look like you could use a hand. I actually come from New Pork City and well…”
“You come from a city we are building?”
“I know it sounds crazy but it’s true!”
“Sounds as if you have been into some tumbleweed if you ask me.”
“Please let me help!”
“Alright, Tommy called off today as his wife fed him something off so you are in”

Nocturne is questing! Episode 12/25

Fred was directed to report over to the pet known only as Safety Bear to get some on the job training.
“You must watch out for falling rocks at all times. They can cause quite a few crush injuries and have been our on the job nemesis. So watch your toes and fingers! And LIFT WITH YOUR LEGS!”
“I know, I know! I do dead lifts and squats every day. I think I know how to lift.”
“Well we just don’t want the random Joe Blow off the street getting injured. Not going to happen on my watch! Now go check in with the supervisor for your assignment.”

Nocturne is questing! Episode 13/25

“Hi, Im Priscilla. What’s your name handsome?”
“ummm, Fred.”
“Well Fred, we are going to have you helping with those rocks to build what is going to be the tallest building in the world! I hope you are not afraid of heights.”
“No sir, err mam!”
“Good to hear. Let’s go get started. The day grows short!”

Nocturne is questing! Episode 14/25

Fred set off to the huge pile of rocks wondering how ever he was going to build the city he knew and loved so much. There was nothing here! Just rocks an some random trees and plants. Where would all the buildings and roads and signs and such come from?!? How would it be possible? Sure the crew here looked strong and determined and hard working but the task ahead is ever so daunting. Would it be possible? And would he ever get to go home? Did home even exist anymore?!?!

Nocturne is questing! Episode 15/25

“Ok,” said Priscilla, “We are going to take this pile of rocks here over to a crusher so it can be made into bricks to assemble the tallest building you have ever seen. Hundreds of pets will eventually live in it. Think you are up for it?”
“But of course!” replied Fred bending down to grab some rocks.
“LEGS! Lift with your legs!”

Nocturne is questing! Episode 16/25

“OOF! These are heavy chunks of granite.” Grunted Fred as he loaded rocks into the wheelbarrow. “I thought I was stronger than this. How am I going to beat those badgers if I cannot lift a rock?” Despite the heavy load Fred persisted and filled the wheelbarrow to the brim and made off to the rock crusher with his heavy load, wobbly as he may have been.

Nocturne is questing! Episode 17/25

As he stood awaiting his turn at the rock crusher, Fred was amazed. It was hard to believe that the large chunks of granite could be smashed down so easily and made into simple bricks with the push of a button. “I hope I get to push the button and drop the crusher he thought. It looks like fun!”
Finally it was Fred’s turn at the crusher and indeed his wish came true and the operator allowed him to push the big red button. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The crusher came down and smashed the rocks to smithereens. Out the other end a few minutes later popped beautiful bricks to use to assemble the buildings for New Pork City.

Nocturne is questing! Episode 18/25

Fred left the rock crusher behind and brought his newly minted bricks over to where the crew was assembling what was to become the tallest building in New Pork City. “Woah! That is amazing. Everyone is so busy getting ready to assemble this and climb so high. Do they not have machines to do this? Where are the cranes?” Fred was impressed with the set up the builders had and how well everyone worked together. “If this is how New Pork City was built it is no wonder it stands so tall and strong.”

Nocturne is questing! Episode 19/25

“Hey!” exclaimed Fred. “I am really strong and not afraid of heights. Can I climb up with a load of bricks and help?”
“Well,” replied Priscilla. “We are having trouble lowering that crane there. Do you think you could climb up and get some bricks onto it so the builders can use them?”
“Sure! Sounds easy! And fun!” So Fred, being part daredevil pig went scaling up the crane with a load. “Maybe I will even get to operate the crane!”

Nocturne is questing! Episode 20/25

Dangling from the top of the crane Fred secured the payload to the crane and then shimmied his way to the operator’s booth. “May as well swing the bricks over to the workers atop the building while I am up here and save some other pet from climbing up.” He thought. A few flicks of the switches and the crane started to swing. “Uhoh! Better slow that down before I knock the building down!!!” Perhaps Fred was built more for strength than operating heavy equipment.

Nocturne is questing! Episode 21/25

Safely back on the ground Fred met up with the safety officer and Priscilla again.
“I cannot believe how fast New Pork City is coming together!”
“We hope to have pets moved in by the end of summer and businesses booming then too. It is already 90% rented so the crunch is on.”
“The New Pork City I know and love is always busy. Cars and pets coming and going 24/7. Tall buildings on near every street corner. Yet still plenty of green space. It is, was, well engineered.”
“Well we are trying to build a city that will last, but we gotta ask, where did you come from? You seem a little strange and speak like you know what we are doing yet we have no clue who you are.”
“I wish I had an answer for you, I’m not certain what is going on but know you are moving in the right direction and thank you for letting me help. Can you point me in the direction where I can get a protein shake?”
“A what? Just down the road you can get a coffee but no clue what a ‘protein shake’ is.”

Nocturne is questing! Episode 22/25

Sipping on a coffee, not the desired protein shake but caffeine was caffeine, Fred wondered how he would ever get home. This had been the strangest day ever. From going to the gym to train for the PnF games, to struggling to get to sleep, to suddenly helping build New Pork City, was Fred losing his mind? Should he have his best friend babysit him? And how was he going to get home? His street did not even exist in this New Pork City!

Nocturne is questing! Episode 23/25

“Fred! Fred! Wake up!!!” shouted Nocturne.
“Huh? Wha? What’s going on?” gurgled Fred.
“You were having a bad dream. I have been knocking on your door for 10 minutes and there was no answer and I could hear you shouting out. I tried the door and found it unlocked and came in and found you thrashing about in bed yelling out. Are you ok?”
“It was a dream? It was all a dream?”
“What was a dream?”
“They were building New Pork City and with my muscles I got to help. I really struggled getting to sleep last night and then I was there. It was so strange Nocturne. But it was so REAL.”

Nocturne is questing! Episode 24/25

“OK Fred. Let’s get you some breakfast.”
“A protein shake?”
“NO! I think it is time you cut back on those and the caffeine given the night you just had. I am thinking some toast and eggs. Maybe some turkey bacon and chamomile tea. And then we will head off to the gym for our workout.”
Fred was a little distracted as he looked out at the city skyline. “Hey! I think that is the building I helped build!”

Nocturne is questing! Episode 25/25

After a hearty breakfast of fancy eggs Nocturne and Fred made their way to New Pork Weight Studio. The badgers were already there lifting heavy trying to intimidate every pet chugging their protein drinks.
“I wish I had some of those to help me out.” Fred said to Nocturne sadly.
“Have some water and have a good meal after. We do not want another episode like last night. Just think maybe it will happen to the badgers and you will beat them in the games.”
“Sure Nocturne. Gimme that water and let’s train. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us and I would rather forget last night. And speaking of eggs, here, have this special egg. I need to thank you for awakening me from whatever that nightmare was.”
Nocturne has enjoyed their visit to New Pork City! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also go visit!