Disclaimer: I don't own HM:FoMT, but fun fact, I don't have a GBA myself. Story time now!

CHAPTER I: The Red Dress and the Cross

It was yet another bustling day in Mineral Town. Although the sun had already greeted the people hours ago, the afternoon breeze was perfect for a walk. The echoes of the happy voices trailing in the wind could even be heard by the Harvest Sprites, who were frantically gathering fresh pineapples from The Sanctum Farm, while Jack trailed behind, watering. He told Zack earlier that day to pick the up the shipments early that afternoon; he wanted to throw a surprise party for everyone in town with the money.

Somehow, the warm summer scent had even reached the Lake, where the Kappa playfully lunged at Gotz for the umpteenth time that day. Chunks of wood came flying down at different directions, finally hitting the disc on the Kappa's head. Cursing madly, the Kappa accepted defeat, and plunged down into the lake and at long last, Gotz heard the essence of Mineral Town's peacefulness. The angry yells of the Kappa drifted away as the wind became a gale, signaling that summer had to give way to autumn soon.

"Hmm?" wondered a little girl on pigtails, as she closed the door of Yodel Ranch. "I think I heard Mr. Kappa... It's probably just the wind", she thought blissfully as she trotted, clenching something in her little fist. She seemed to be in a hurry to go someplace, and her smile could tell that it was something she was looking forward to. The girl's name was May.

May skipped to a tune as she reached Rose Square, bidding the village wives a good afternoon as she passed. She halted for a second, but decided to continue on. She would tell Manna afterwards. She was certain that their jaws would drop with the news she heard that morning, but stopping would mean it would be a delay to see "him"...

It was a Church day, and May went happily to the Church to greet Carter and Stu. She was a fine young girl, her red dress reflecting the pleasant beams of the sun. She had her mother's eyes, though usually cool and silent, were positively looking cheerful that moment, and it looked as if they were pearls glistening when she saw Stu.

"Hi Carter! Hi Stu!" She said ecstatically as she pinched Stu on the cheek. She usually did it when she was happy about something, but today, that pinch had a deeper meaning than the usual.

"Pleasant afternoon to you Little May." Carter bowed to his greeter.

"Ow ow ow! Cut that out May! You're late as usual, I already gave Carter my weekly present!" Stu frowned slightly as he took May's arm away from his now sore cheek. He was pointing to the jar Carter held in his hand; a bug that Stu kept for a while now and had already produced offspring. "I remembered Carter telling me that we should learn the value of life, so I took care of the bug!" He exclaimed as though he had just won the Spring Horse Race.

Carter raised the jar over his head. He was a fine man indeed, with a good build and stature. Stu simply adored him, and May was fond of his always cheerful eyes. He spoke in his usual priestly manner: "It is indeed true that we are the highest in the hierarchy of the animal kingdom, and therefore should be the caretakers of the lesser ones, particularly the less able minded and the weak." In his mind he wondered whether the kids would understand it, and got the answer almost immediately.

It was Stu who made the move first and asked. "Carter's talking fancy talk again May, what did he say?"

"It means that we should take care of the Mayor and Popuri like that bug you gave Carter, Stu," was May's sly reply. She was comparable to the Harvest Goddess in many ways, from the way she talked, up to her coy cunning and sweet smiles. She clenched her tiny fist once more and giggled at what she said.

"Oh! Wow I didn't know that. You really are smart May!" Stu replied, taking no notice of the hint of mock sarcasm in what May had said.

Carter, on the other hand, smiled rather meekly and spoke once again. "What have you brought today Little May? I presume it's what you're holding right now?"

"Yes, I brought three crosses made of mystrile that I gave to Mr. Saibara the other day. I thought it would be nice if I made three, so each of us can have one!" She said gaily as she handed one to Carter, then to Stu, blushing a little afterwards. "That way when you walk and it jingles, you can remember me! I paid a lot for that you know, so you both better take care of it!" She added with her smile even more vibrant as she saw Stu and Carter looking grateful for her little presents.

"Thanks very much!" were the two males' replies. They were too surprised at the show of generosity May had displayed, as they expected that it was once again flour, like the last time when May shoved a handful to Carter's face, making him look like a ghost. Stu wet his pants after that incident. Carter suspected that her sarcasm from the bug statement hadn't yet gone.

Silence reigned while the seconds passed as they felt the fresh breeze pass their faces. It was an awkward pause for the three souls in front of the church, as they just looked at each other with their new necklaces reflecting the bright sun. It was then that footsteps shattered the silence that immediately made Carter return to his senses.

"Talk of the Shadow Goddess, I can see Popuri heading here. I kinda remembered just now that she mentioned something about playing with you today at the Goddess' pond, right May?"

"Yeah, she did Mr. Carter. I guess I'll be going now, but Stu needs his pants changed, I think he cried with joy for my gift! I'll go ahead with Popuri. Catch you later Stu!" May joked as she waved to Popuri.

To be continued.

A/N: How was the first chapter? Adequate descriptions for the characters? Read and review. :)