Chapter 1
A small fishing boat bobbed gently back and forth on the small, rolling waves of the ocean. The sky, balancing the blueness of the open sea, was clear, except for a few puffy clouds dotted here and there. The boat creaked slightly, it's metal panels and bolts shifting to accommodate the boats shifting. A gust of wind caused the old, rusted sea barnacle to float steadily forward. A small girl with short, brown hair stood at the hull of the boat, looking at the horizon in front of her. Her brown eyes portrayed the feeling of determination, and excitement. She had been waiting for this day to come, she would soon have her own house, and a farm- something she'd only dreamed of having back on the mainland , where she'd grown up. And soon, her dream would come true. Heck, she might even meet a nice guy, and get married. She smiled warmly as she thought of a small family crowded around a little fireplace as snow drifted lightly down outside the windows. She looked down at the piece of paper in her hand,
"Wonderful Ranch Brochure" it read, " A wonderful life on wonderful Waffle Island awaits you. Come and experience a true ranchers paradise!"
"Ah! So you've seen the brochure. Excellent." a gruff voice said. She turned to come face to face with the only person she'd seen for the last two days, Captain Pascal ( although he'd insisted she'd spare him the formalities, and just call him Pascal).
"So you're all ready to become a legendary rancher, right?" he asked,
"You'll definitely get your chance soon enough!" he exclaimed, not waiting for her answer, " All right, then. Tell me, what was your name again?" he asked, looking at her expectantly.
"My name is Akari." she replied, having the feeling she had told him this before.
"Ah! Yes, of course, it's Akari!" he exclaimed, as if he had just remembered where there was hidden treasure.
"Waffle Island is a great island. You won't find many better, Akari." he said smiling,
"It's quite impressive that you're venturing out to become a rancher like this," he shifted his cap, " All by yourself, young and ambitious… impressive indeed." Akari smiled to herself, thankful for his compliment.
"So, Akari, when is your birthday?" he asked, looking at her curiously.
"Spring 24." she replied, wondering if giving him this information was a good idea, but she felt pretty safe.
"Spring, huh? Flowers blooming, critters flying…" Akari smile, and scratched her head.
"While we're at it, if you don't mind me asking, what's your favorite food?" he asked. Akari thought for a moment, and then answered,
"Vegetables are great!" she exclaimed, smiling.
"Is that so? Well, you'll be glad to know that all of the food on the island is excellent." he said, grinning. Akari jumped a bit. She loved fresh foods, she couldn't wait to try some! Pascal turned around quickly, facing the horizon,
"Ah, yes. There it is, ahead in the distance there." he said, looking directly ahead. Akari turned around to see what he was talking about. Just a bit ahead of them was a little island, Akari guessed it wouldn't take all but fifteen minuets to get there,
"It's such a pleasant and quiet island. A tranquil paradise, if you will." he said, looking at it longingly. Suddenly, lightening flashed, and a loud clap of thunder broke around them as rain began to pour down,
" Or rather, it WAS pleasant and quiet." he said, looking around at the suddenly grey sky. Akari, confused, looked around wildly as thunder rolled across the sky again.
"This is getting to be quite the storm!" Pascal yelled over the sound of the thunder. They turned to face each other,
"Let's get inside, Akari, it's going to get pretty rough out here soon." he explained. Akari nodded in agreement. Akari followed him inside. Wherever they were, it was pitch black, she could barely see her hand in front of her face. Suddenly, she tripped over something, and fell over. She felt herself slowly lose consciousness.
"Hey, are you alright? You don't look so…" Pascal looked at her closer. "Akari!" Pascal exclaimed, shaking her shoulders. He paused, waiting for a moment.
"…What a storm…It knocked Akari right out!"
"Quickly, let's prepare a room at the Inn." Pascals fading voice said, And then, all went black.
~End Of Chapter 1~