Title: The Search
Summary: After years of focusing solely on the progress of her ranch, the village loner, Chelsea, is down to her final Sun Stone which would secure the safety of Sunshine Islands forever. However, a rude awakening lies ahead and the rancher's about to learn that going solo is not always the best way to reach the top.
Pairings: Lots of canon.
Disclaimer: Nope. No. Never. Will never. Never will. Clear enough?

Prologue

It was the morning on the twenty-third of Fall, two years since Chelsea's arrival in Sunshine Islands when, at last, like the unexpected tread of a land mine, the tiny rancher felt the cold fervor of frustration break free. There was a fierce intent in her strides as she marched towards Verdure Pier, barking at Kirk to "make it snappy" for Meadow Isle.

Once there, she stomped past an inquiring Julia who was just leaving, and headed straight for the alter. But there would be no prayers today.

"Good morning, Chelsea!" greeted Agate. "What can I do for you?" The murderous look on the girl's face was enough of a reply. "Still no luck on the last Sun Stone huh?"

Again, the silence spoke for itself.

"Hm . . ." The sprite placed a tiny hand on its chin thoughtfully. "Have you been shipping lots of crops and products?"

"You know I have!"

"Been friendly with the islanders?"

"As much as I possibly can, yes."

"Did you remember to give them gifts?"

"Yes, yes! Every single one of them!" Chelsea gave an exasperated sigh. "I just don't understand. What am I missing? Am I doing something wrong? My crops are regional best. My animals produce nothing but the highest quality goods. My house practically glows. So what in the world is stopping me from finding one more of your lousy rock!"

"I think I can provide the answer to that~" sounded a sudden songful voice that seemed to have been swept in by the breeze.

The cheerfulness of the tone brought Chelsea a bout of despair. She turned around with great reluctance.

"Hello, Chelsea~" said the Goddess. "Found ourselves in a bit of a pickle, I see. Negative energy in the morning attracts negative energy all day round~ It's vital to focus on the positive! You don't want to have bad things popping up for the rest of the day, do you?"

"Too late for that . . ." mumbled Chelsea.

"Honorable Goddess! Most dearest and beloved Goddess!" Agate cried. "It is always of the most profound pleasure to be able to receive your presence!"

"Oh, aren't you sweet~" The Goddess glided over and gave the sprite a pat on the head. "Isn't he sweet, Chelsea?"

"Yeah, like sandpaper."

"Positive energy, Chelsea~ Positive energy."

Chelsea was sure she sprained a few facial muscles as she forced on a smile. This seemed to please the Goddess immensely.

"There! That wasn't so hard, was it?" She giggled melodiously. "Now, about that last Sun Stone~ You are not wrong, Chelsea, when you said you have done all there is to do regarding the ranch and the islanders."

"See! I knew it—"

"But not regarding yourself."

Chelsea blinked. "Huh?"

"Yes, you~ Oh, Chelsea. Don't you see? This whole time, to succeed in raising islands is to succeed in life. And now that you have established an empire, it is time to turn to what lies within~ The soft, sensitive core that is the heart~"

"I don't think you realize how annoying it is when you talk like that."

"Positive energyyy~"

The smile extended.

"Teehee~ It's so simple, Chelsea! The last sunstone is . . . inside of you!"

"WHAT!" Chelsea's hands instantly flew to her stomach.

"No, no! Not literally! Or actually, yes, in a literal sense of the future. What I mean is that the fate of finding the last Sun Stone lies in hands of your first child~"

"M-my first—WHAT!"

"You don't have any problems with men, do you Chelsea?" The Goddess raised a divine eyebrow. "You do find interest in the opposite gender, yes?"

Chelsea spluttered. "O-of course I do! I'm not ga—"

"No commitment issues I hope?" The Goddess cut in pleasantly.

"Not really . . ."

"You aren't squeamish of blood, pain and looking after little people, are you?"

"I put up with your little people, don't I!"

"Excellent~ And so a wedding of you and your betrothed followed by the birth of your child will be wonderful future events to look forward to~"

"YAY!" cried Agate.

"NO!" cried Chelsea.

"POSITIVE ENERGY~" cried the Goddess.

Silence reigned over Meadow Island for a good five minutes.

"Lovely~" announced the Goddess. "I must say, this visit was well worthwhile, but duty calls and I must be upon my leave."

However, just before the deity prepared for an airy exit, she turned on Chelsea one last time. "Ah, before I forget, there is a regrettable deadline regarding your marriage. In approximately three years time, the tides detect an immense wave to hit the islands. If the last Sun Stone is not retrieved by then, I'm afraid results will be cataclysmic. It would spell complete doomsday for the islands as we know it." With a dazzling smile, she added, "So I'm expecting wedding bells very, very soon~ Tataaa!"

And she was gone.

To be continued . . .

A/N: And there you have it. A plot-bunny conceived from the ever crippling writer's block. Do review if you find it enjoyable :)