Harvest Moon: High School Parade

Summary: Harvest Moon Animal Parade-AU. Castanet Academy is losing its high rank as a school, and is threatened with being shut down. President Sephia (The Harvest Goddess) seeks Hikari, a top ranked Senior transfer student, to boost the publicity of the school and revive its spirit. But she first has to convince the School Board (the Harvest Sprites) to keep the school open. How can she save the school, AND find friendship in the process? Let the High School drama ensue!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harvest Moon, nor its characters.

Chapter 1: Accepted

I clutched the pamphlet in my hand. Mindlessly staring at the images. My thoughts overcrowded my head to the point where I was not even looking at the pictures, but just blankly staring into space. I read the brochure a thousand times already, I could have recited the entire thing in my sleep if I wanted to. The map of the school was etched in my brain so that I wouldn't look like a fool getting lost among the high-class students. In my mind I repeated the school's mission over and over again, like a song that gets stuck in your head, but you only know the refrain, so it just replays again and again. The rhythm of the car kept me in my daze. How long had it been since we left? 20 hours maybe?

Sigh.

I rested my head on my wrist and stared out the window, shifting my eyes back and forth from the passing trees. It still impressed me that they had sent a representative to greet me in person, and escort me all the way to the school. He told me that I was an important addition to the school because of my scores and stats.

He sat next to me, chattering away about this and that…I don't know…something about President Sephia, School Board…I wasn't really paying attention. It was his shrill "Hey!" that snapped me out of my trance. I shook my head awake and looked at him. He looked so young. 14-15 maybe. But he had said he was the personal assistant of the President.

"Hikari! Are you even listening to me?" He really did act like a baby at times.

"Hm? I'm sorry Finn. I guess I was just zoning."

"Well, you have to understand how important Castanet Academy is. When we arrive we must talk to President Sephia."

Not again with this Sephia lady. It was like she was some type of goddess to him. I get it already! I just ignored him. I knew it would make him angry, but after such a long ride, it didn't matter what he thought anymore. I already knew that Castanet was a good school, that's the reason I decided to attend. Usually they never accept transfers from such a long way, so I was lucky they allowed me to enroll. I am just happy to start something new. It was exciting yet nerve racking. Who would I meet? What kind of things are there to do? Will I be able to make friends?

The driver of the car spoke up, "Hey miss, what did you say your name was again?"

"Hikari," I replied. It was odd to have a teacher of the school drive us himself, but it was nice to get to know him a little. I believe his name was…Mr. Cain.

"So, ah, Hikari, what kind of things are you looking forward to when you arrive to school?"

Hmm…

I had to think a bit on that one before I answered him.

"You know…I think I'm just looking forward to experience a new life at such a great school. It seems like it has a shining review based on this pamphlet." I looked down at it again, remembering that it was in my hand still.

There was a bit of silence before Mr. Cain said anything, "Well, the school's been struggling for a bit. I am not really sure why that is. It seems like the students and teachers alike have been losing….spunk? life?...more like a spirit, these days. I really hope you can help somehow."

At that comment, Finn looked down in knowing distress. He sighed and looked over at me. "Please Hikari, don't forget, for the sake of the school, we need to talk to President Sephia when we arrive."

I simply smiled and nodded at the green-haired kid. I really don't understand what he's getting so worked up about. High school shouldn't be too hard to handle now, should it?

END of Ch.1

Review please! Please keep in mind that I am new at this. Thank you! ^_^