I don't own Harvest Moon - Island of Happiness, Natsume does.

A blonde boy handed a hastily written letter over to a stranger. "Tell him I'm doing fine, and I'll get to the island in no time. The man nodded and walked his destination. The boy sighed, picked up his things, and went forward.
--
Dear Dad,

Everything is going great, just like you said! I have lots of crops, the animals are great, and the neighbors are friendly!

..Scratch that, I'm not even on the ship yet.
Just like you told me, the S.S. Striker is pretty big! I can't believe I can actually afford a ticket!
Back on subject, I bought those boring seeds you told me to buy or whatever. I don't really care to this farming stuff, but I guess I'll do it for Grandpa. (Although, he did say he wanted his only son, you, to be the one to take care of it.) After all, it did mean a lot to him and I don't want to seem like some heartless kid, unlike Claire who, even though she has a farm, is doing it since she's broke and she sold her apartment. Oh Mom, she calls her the smart one.
Looks like the ship is about to go. Better get on it! I'm giving this letter to a man heading your way by foot, so don't be surprised if some guy is on your doorstep!

I'll write you again soon,
~Mark
-

"Full name?" a tall man wearing a very official looking badge ask him as he handed over his ticket.

"The name's Tanner- Mark Tanner," Mark said, trying to squeeze a smile from the man.

No reaction. He answered some more questions until he was finally let on the ship. Freedom, Mark thought with a grin. Now I can relax for 3 days before I get to work.

The ship was, as he had told his father, huge. It had a reason,of course. Many people were on board. "Excuse me! Sorry!" he had to yell at least a dozen times before he got to an uncrowded area, the back of the ship. No one wanted to risk the chance of never seeing their loved ones again. Yeah right, I doubt we'll die on this cruise or something.

Sighing, he looked up at the sky. Not a single cloud, just pure sunshine. Nothing could go wrong on a day like this! Mark turned around to go to his room when he saw a speeding figure. Just as he was about to step away, it threw him back.

"Oh my goddess! I'm so sorry!" He heard a girlish voice say. Mark looked up. On top of him was a girl with auburn hair, covered by a red bandana. "It's fine. I mean, there's totally a reason to run into people with no reason," he said sarcastically. She didn't seem to be hurt by his remark. "I'm Chelsea," she said, extending her hand to help him up, "And you are?"

Mark was reluctant to tell the strange girl his name, but he didn't want to be lonely throughout the whole cruise. Best to make some new friends, even if they're.. as dangerous as her. he thought. "Mark," he said finally.

Chelsea's eyes lit up. "Now we're FRIENDS!" she yelled excitedly and embraced her "friend" in a tight hug.

I guess this cruise will be crazier than I hoped for.

_
A/N - What a short first chapter. Don't worry, it'll be longer than this! I hope you enjoyed it!

(Also, don't worry about me not updating because of no reviews. I'm on a schedule instead - twice a week, Tuesdays and Fridays. This week will be an exception, Sunday and Friday.)

(EDIT - Forget schedules. I'll just update once a week, mainly on Sundays.)