Author's Note:
Hey there guys! 'Tis a Wizard/OC fic! Molly/Hikari will be here, but she won't be the OC. Honestly, I've never played Animal Parade before, but I fell in love with Wizard when I read a fic about him. So I'm apologizing before hand if the story is a bit different from the game. The story will relate more into the Wizard's past (which I made up) in the future chapters. 'Nuff said, please enjoy :)
A Starry Bittersweet Midnight : Chapter I - Castanet Island? Wth?
Look, I never asked to get caught up in some magical make believe fairytale.
I didn't want to be sent to the damned forsaken island called Castanet. Nope, I didn't ask a thing of it. The fairytale part might have sounded good, but it all went downhill from that. So, I guess you could call it a sad ending make believe fairytale.
Now, I'm quite positive my bitterness isn't making any sense to you, so let's just start from the beginning. You see, my name is Olivia Carter. I'm an author—or used to be—that is currently living in the city, and this is my love story…
It all started on a Sunday morning. A cold rainy Sunday morning.
I was seated on the plain wood table, sipping a mug of hot chocolate in the kitchen of my small and messy apartment. It was a really small but cozy apartment consisting of a kitchen, a small living room—which is more correctly put as a library with my ownership—, a bedroom and bathroom. For a person who lives alone, it must've been big enough, well that was what I was thinking as well when I first bought the room. But of course, I was wrong. Somehow, I could afford to buy so much books that they litter the floor. Even the so called living room—which is just really an empty room filled with tall stacked piles of books—couldn't fit all of my books. Well, what can I say? I'm an author, I read for entertainment.
I was deep in thought, sipping my hot chocolate in peace, when my cell rang loudly, startling me. I composed myself and picked up my blackberry cell. Oh yes, I could afford a blackberry. Did I mention that my latest romance novel became a best seller? Well, now I have. And that's where I got the money to buy the blackberry came from.
"Good morning Miss Carter. This is William Spears, your agent," the man said from the cell.
"Morning Sir, what I can I help you with today?" I replied politely. You see, Mr. William is in charge of me. He's an agent from the publisher that monitors my newest novels. He is very…stoic, and unemotional. He speaks to the point and hates wasting time.
"Miss Carter, we need to discuss your slow progress on your next novel," I gulped nervously, realizing that I haven't started a page on that new novel due next month.
"So if you would kindly come to my office, we could discuss this more appropriately." The stoic man continued.
"Yes Sir, I understand. I'll come by your office immediately."
With that, he hung up on me. I sighed and hit my head on the table. Hard.
Welcome to my miserable city life.
An hour later, I found myself in the waiting room of Mr. Spears' office. It had been about half an hour and I still wasn't called to his room yet.
'Who could possibly stand being near him for half an hour?' I thought, 'Much less stands being stared by him.'
About ten minutes passed and I was called into the office room. I gulped nervously before stepping inside the room. A wave of black coffee scent hit me. I really, really, hate black coffee, and I'm trying my best to not gag right here, right now, in front of the stoic man.
Mr. Spears looked up from his paperwork and gestured for me to take a seat. I did compliantly and beads of sweat started to form on my forehead, despite the cold temperature. What? I get nervous around this man.
"Miss Carter, you do remember your contract with the publisher don't you?" the man asked in a business like tone. I've known him for approximately a year and a half, yet I still couldn't get used to his cold and unwavering tone.
"Y-yes Sir," I managed to squeak.
"Then you must surely know that you are to write another book, a sequel to your first one, in a year and a half," he looked skeptically at me before continuing, "which is due next month."
I gulped nervously, but managed to answer, "I'm sorry Sir, b-but I haven't had any inspiration lately…"
Mr. Spears smiled cruelly at my response and leaned back in his chair. I fidgeted with my fingers and looked down, avoiding his cold gaze.
"Very well then Miss Carter," the silence broke, but I'm sure he's not going to deliver something good. Not with the menace laced in his voice, "You are to take a year off."
"Huh?" was my only intelligent response. Mr. Spears sighed and closed his eyes before replying,
"Miss Carter, you are given a year off to search for inspiration and write a decent book that is guaranteed to become a bestseller," he eyed me before continuing, "I have specifically booked a ticket to Castanet Island, a small island away from the mainland. I figure that you'd like some time to bond with nature or whatever they call it these days. The company will be paying a month of the inn's fees, so you might want to call a friend who lives there or something."
I processed all of this information carefully, deciding whether I'm having a nightmare or in reality. From what I can tell, I'm being forcefully sent to some forsaken island called Castanet, away from the city, forced to write a bestselling book due by a year. Not to mention that I'll have to pay for everything myself there. And considering my trouble with money, I'll be homeless after the company stops paying for the inn fees. Oh yeah, this is just fantastic.
I opened my mouth to protest, but once my gaze met Mr. Spears' cold and unyielding ones, I lost all of the courage I've mustered to protest. In the end I just asked him when I'll be leaving. He replied tomorrow and gave me the ticket. I exited the room shortly after in a dazed state, not believing what had just happened.
Once I got to my small apartment's front door, I pinched myself. Hard. To make sure that this is a crazy nightmare I'm having. But of course, I didn't wake up, instead I rubbed furiously at the spot I pinched to rid of the stinging pain. Honestly, what did I do to deserve this? Just when I thought life was getting better because I was a step away from achieving my dreams as an international bestselling author, it turned into a staircase away. Perfect, just perfect.
I was drowning in my own misery when a thought came into my mind. I remembered my days at the orphanage, where I used to spend my time with Molly and Kasey. I also remembered something about one of them declaring that they're moving to Castanet Island. Immediately, I searched throughout my apartment for the address book and found it. I browsed and found Molly's number quickly. Hm, maybe luck was on my side right now.
I called the number and tapped my fingers on the counter nervously. What if this is a dead end? What if she changed her number already? It had been about a minute and still no answer, I was about to hang up when she picked up.
"Hello?" Molly's clear voice said through the cell.
"Good afternoon Molly, it's me Olivia," I said kindly. When she didn't respond, I panicked and ended up saying something stupid, "You do remember me don't you? It's Olivia Carter, from the orphanage." I slapped myself mentally for my stupidness, but was really glad when she replied,
"Yes, of course I remember you 'Liv. We're best friends forever, how could I forget?"
"I'm glad…" was my reply mixed with a sigh of relief.
"So, what can I do for you?" she asked kindly. I was about to bawl right there. She was so kind and I was asking so much, but if I don't then I'd be damned for good. So I decided to save my bawling for bed, and I told her everything.
"Oh my Goddess 'Liv! That is so tragic! You can always stay with me and help me with the farm!" Molly exclaimed. I smiled and told her that I'll be sure to do that when nothing works out for me. We chatted on the phone for another hour about our current lives, Kasey, and random things. I'm glad that I'm not alone in the world, that I still have Molly to help me. She promised to pick me up at the dock tomorrow and give me a tour of the small island. Believe it or not, I was a bit excited. But of course, I had to pack, and that was always the worst part of moving somewhere. From what I could imagine from Molly's description of the place, it was a small island, very peaceful with eco friendly villagers and quaint traditions.
Who knows, I might just find the perfect inspiration to save my butt there. And with that positive thought in my head, I drifted off to sleep.
The next morning was sort of a blur. I locked my apartment and headed to the apartment building's office, informing them of my departure. Then I went to the pier and boarded the small ferry. It was all well until I realized that there was an unpredicted sea storm on the way to Castanet Island. Oh yes, my bad luck has returned. I started to panic, and then I also realized that there are only three people on board, that being me, a man in a business suit, and the captain, named Pascal.
I ran towards the captain's room or whatever it's called and informed Captain Pascal of the sea storm, and he told me that it's all going to be fine. I decided that arguing had no use, and it's better for me to have faith in him rather than doubting him, so I sat down and waited patiently for arrival while browsing the all powerful internet using my cell. I wonder how I'm going to survive on the island. I bet it's late on technology, and they won't have any wireless internet connection set up. Well, at least I still have my blackberry, and I'm going to be busy writing anyway.
Once the ship entered the sea storm, it started to sway from side to side, and I could tell that Captain Pascal was trying hard to drive (?) the ship pass the storm. After about 5 minutes of the swaying, I got seasick and ended up running towards the bathroom, getting soaked by the rain and throwing up. I didn't dare move much because the swaying has already caused enough migraine and urge to vomit, and so I stayed inside the bathroom until we miraculously arrived at Castanet Island safely. The ride took approximately 4 hours, but to me it felt like 4 days with the whole vomiting thing.
Once I stepped the creaking wood of the dock, someone engulfed me in a bear hug. A tight bear hug. I flailed and tried to push the person invading my personal space to no avail, until suddenly it let go of me. I panted and felt an urge to vomit from the sudden movement, but held it back, because it certainly wouldn't be neat to vomit right after arriving in a place where you'll be staying in for a year. I look up after regaining my composure to find a grinning brunette in front of me.
"'Liv! I'm so happy that you made it!" squealed the brunette. Oh dear, why haven't she changed? Always so hyperactive, I'm feeling nostalgic.
"Molly, I'm so happy to see you," and with that said, I hugged her tightly. I really wanted to cry right there and bawl out all of my problems, but that wouldn't leave a good impression, so I let go after a while.
"So, let's get started on that tour I promised you!" and she dragged me off to see Castanet Island. She showed me everything, from the fishery located on the dock, her very organized farm, the Church grounds, the Flute Fields, to Harmonica Town. I haven't met most of the villagers yet, but the ones I've met gave a good impression. Finally we made a stop at Ocarina Inn, the inn where I'll be staying in for about a month. See how that sentence sounded? It's all inn and in, okay, I'll stop blabbering to myself. It isn't healthy anyway.
"So, here's our last stop! The Ocarina Inn!" Molly proclaimed proudly, leading me inside. I took a look around the peaceful city and made a mental note whether I've visited it or not. Turns out I have, except for one peculiar little house on the edge that caught my attention. It had something black coming out of its roof, and an aura that I can't really describe, but it just attracted my attention.
"Hey Molly,"
"Hm?" she replied, looking at me.
"Why haven't we visited that house yet?" I asked her, pointing to the said house. She seemed to think thoughtfully before answering me,
"Because I don't know who lives there. The villagers told me that a fortune teller who calls himself Wizard resides there, but I've never met him myself. His door is always locked." She explained. "Now let's get inside!"
We both entered the Inn and were hit with a wave of warm air. Oh, did I mention that it was late fall? Well, now I have.
"Good evening Molly! Oh, we have a guest?" greeted a middle aged lady from the counter. She was a brunette, but her shade of hair was incredibly lighter than Molly's.
"Good evening Colleen! Yeah, this is Olivia, she'll be staying here for a while." Molly said, dragging me towards the counter where Miss Colleen stood. I'm shy with strangers, don't blame me!
"Good evening dear, I'm Colleen. It's a pleasure to meet you," she introduced herself warmly. I smiled nervously at her.
"I-I'm Olivia Carter ma'am. I-It's a pleasure to meet you too," I managed to utter nervously, blushing at my incompetence.
"Ah, I think I remember my husband saying something about Miss Olivia Carter. Hold on a moment dear, Jake!" the lady called for a person named "Jake". I flinched at her sudden booming voice, and unfortunately, Molly noticed.
"I can't believe you stuttered! And your face is all red now," she giggled.
"It's not! And I didn't stutter, I was simply nervous," I tried saying with as much dignity as I have—which isn't much sadly.
"Yeah, sure you were," she retorted sarcastically. I blew raspberries at her, and was about to reply with a good comeback when a girl's squeal resounded around the inn. I flinched and so did Molly this time. A girl about my age with the same hair color as Mrs. Colleen ran downstairs and shook my hand excitedly.
"Hello! You must be Olivia, the guest that we've been expecting! I'm Maya, I work here." She spoke so fast that I had troubles deciphering what she had said. I nodded at her and she was about to say more, but luckily an old man I supposed was Mr. Jake, stopped her.
"Maya, you're scaring off our guest," the man spoke with a warm smile. Maya pouted, but backed off anyway. I guess he was Maya's father, how predictable.
"You are Miss Carter?" the man asked me and I nodded quickly, clutching on Molly's arm. Even though he looked fatherly, he still made me nervous.
"Ah yes, Mr. Spears have booked a room for you for a month. Please come with me and I'll show you to your room. Oh, and your luggage was delivered safely by Captain Pascal." Mr. Jake informed me. I nodded at him and followed him to my assigned room, dragging Molly with me. Once we got to the room I said my thank you to Mr. Jake and he left me and Molly alone in the room. The room itself had peach colored wallpaper, a double bed, a small television, a desk, a mini refrigerator and a bathroom. It was simple, but it was enough for me.
I sat down on the bed and sighed. Molly plopped down next to me and patted my back.
"Cheer up! Everything's going to be fine. You can work for me in the farm, and I'll give you 30% of the profit. What do you say?" she offered kindly. I turned to face her with unshed tears in my eyes. She was so kind to me, and yet I've never did anything to help her. She's even willing to share 30% of her farming profits to help me with my miserable life. I'm really grateful, but I feel guilty as well. Nobody has been this kind to me since…I was in the orphanage!
"Are you sure? I don't want to take away your profit, and—" I started with sniffs before she cut me off,
"Nah, I need someone to help me look after the animals, and I trust you enough to not steal them! Tending the animals takes patience and hard work, so whoever helps me with that totally deserves 30% profit!" she explained. She sounded sincere, but I can't help to wonder if she was just saying this to make me feel better. Either way it wouldn't look good to reject her offer when she had so kindly given it to me in my time of need, so I decided to say yes. Molly squealed and gave me a tight bear hug, I closed my eyes and tried hard to rid of the guilt that is killing me inside.
When I opened my eyes, I saw an unfamiliar face in front of me. Startled, I jumped back and found the face belonging to a flying tiny little thing in an orange jumpsuit and Santa Claus hat. I couldn't scream and run from the shock, but I managed to point my index finger on the thing and question Molly about it.
"What in the world is t-that, that thing!" I screamed in terror. I was about to scream again before she clasped her hands onto my mouth, preventing me from speaking and breathing.
"Finn! She can see you!" she whispered in a panic, addressing the thing. I tried to struggle from her death grip, but with her being a farmer, my struggles didn't budge her hand a bit.
"We should tell the Goddess immediately!" the thing spoke in a squeaky voice. It flew around the room in a frantic frenzy and I got a headache just from watching it—or maybe it was because I couldn't breathe. I decided that dying because of this wasn't a very good way to go, so I bit Molly's hand and she let go immediately with a scream. I gasped for air and tried breathing in as much as possible.
"Why'd you do that?" she asked me while wiping her hand on the bed. I smiled sheepishly and the thing flew past me. Startled, I jumped back. I had an urge to scream, but being suffocated again wasn't in my wish list, so I suppressed that urge by grabbing onto the bed sheets tightly.
"What is that thing?" I asked Molly calmly. The thing came to a hilting stop in front of my face. It looked offended, but I'm not really sure.
"I have a name you know, and it's Finn!" the thing spoke with an offended tone. Okay so it's offended, but it startled me too! "I'm a Harvest Sprite for your information!" it continued. I wonder if it has a gender…?
"Finn, I don't think it's wise to tell her about this…" Molly spoke while biting her lip nervously.
"We should bring her to the Goddess! She'll know what to do!" Finn spoke while flying to Molly's shoulder.
"You're right!" and with that said I was dragged to a huge wilting tree. I tried flailing and screaming, but Molly was just that strong. I'm starting to feel that I don't have a say in this whole ordeal and they're taking it as if I'm not even here.
Suddenly the atmosphere seemed to change and I shifted my foot nervously. I did not like what was happening, not at all. I closed my eyes and thought of happy thoughts, like chocolate and Allen. Scratch that, Allen wasn't a happy thought. And as soon as the weird atmosphere appeared, it disappeared, leaving a calmer and more nature-like atmosphere. Was there even such a thing?
I cracked my eyes open only to have something land on my head. I'm guessing that it's Finn. I didn't know when I've gotten used to him, but I guess have since I didn't scream or miss a heartbeat. Once I did open my eyes, I saw a divine looking lady will flowing teal hair. She looked like those ancient Greek goddesses, then again, she might be since she's literally floating. I should've been scared and shouting my head off, but her presence was so calming and natural…? Well, not exactly natural, but she practically screams out nature. Maybe she was Demeter? The Greek Goddess of crops and nature? But why would there be a Greek goddess here? This island doesn't have any Greek based buildings or anything that screams Greek. And since when have I believed in Greek mythology?
"Good evening Harvest Goddess," Molly greeted as she bowed politely. I fell out of place, so I decided to bow with her. The Harvest Goddess smiled warmly at us and replied Molly's greeting. I didn't know magical deities were nice… I always thought of them as stuck up and uncaring, perhaps it was an image I got after reading The Percy Jackson Series. Who knows?
"I see that you've brought a friend of yours Molly?" the goddess asked, Molly nodded and her attention switched to me.
"And what is your name dear?" the goddess asked.
"O-Olivia Carter m-ma'am," I answered politely. I couldn't help the ma'am thing though, I'm used to speaking that way since I was little. Let's just say that I've been trained to be polite since I was young.
"What a polite little dear you are," the goddess commented. I smiled sheepishly at her and looked at Molly for support. Molly asked the goddess about why I could see Finn and if I could help her in her quest to ring some colorful bells. I sort of tuned out until it was decided by the goddess that I would be helping Molly with her quest.
"Huh? What?"
I hope that was good enough. Well, please do leave CC and reviews! Everything is appreaciated...though flames aren't that great. But there are always some truth in flames that will help me improve. Anyway, see you in the next chapter :D
