"So often... I always say how much I prefer fish over women, how the mysteries of the fishing world are way more intriguing than those of the other sex... gah! What a load of rubbish! The mysteries of fishing are running thin on me, and I still don't understand the ways of women! It's infuriating! It's maddening! Why is it like that for me? Why can I never to talk to them! ... oh, hey! A Yamane!"
Mornings are usually prime fishing time for Master Fisherman Ray. The brown-haired wanderer always contemplated in his usual blue traveling robes, but could never make a breakthrough when it came to thinking about women. Thoughts of fish usually floated about in his mind, and it clearly serves as a frustrating distraction to him. While getting his mind off of this delicate subject offers much needed relief for him, it is rather dubious as to how long this "preoccupation" will keep him happy.
"Such a valuable, tasty fish, the Yamane. A true delicacy for the dedicated fisherman. A shame that my fellow disciple Joe does not possess such skill to catch it habitually. He actually shows such great promise in such a worthy art, yet his fervor and energy proves to be his one major downfall. The same energy he shows ends up scaring off the bountiful catches that should be his. Joe fails to understand that true fisherman require patience, diligence, and focus!"
Unfortunately, his compassion and pride of fishing led his mind into troubled waters once more.
"As a master fisherman, I'm as patient, diligent, and as focused as they come! To this day, however, I've yet to catch any of the famous "Kings" of Flower Bud Village! Jack already beat me to the feared Jamasquid, the King of the legendary Underground lake! A friend Dear Jack may be, but his talents may eventually eradicate all my chances at recognition of I hesitate! If only I could solve the mystery of the other King Fish... these challenges prove to be nearly as challenging as..."
Ray gulped at the thought of the next word he uttered.
"... Women..."
Disheartened, the master fisherman slumped down as he once again cast his fishing line. His mind always comes back to the thought of girls eventually, no matter how compassionate he is towards his fishing. There have plenty of beautiful women around Flower Bud Village, but like the number if King Fishes, the number of woman availible began dwindling.
One by one, women that were initially single gradually found their soul mates.
Lyla, the gift shop owner was no exception; as she had gone as far as marry her beloved Jack. While Ray had little interest in this charming romantic, he deeply respects and secretly envies the relationship they share. He's rather jealous of the farmer's social savvy with the ladies, as well as Doctor Alex's natural charisma.
There has also been some news that the infamous shrew Katie began warming up to his novice disciple, Joe, but Ray could care less. The apprentice baker's attitude constantly reminded the poor fisherman of how his harsh mother treated him when he decided to become a vagabond. Being around her always brings back those awful memories.
What upset him most was the embarrassing incident that occurred more than a year ago, when he tried to find a book about the local Fish Kings swimming around. The lovely, blue-haired Maria happened to be the librarian, and her prescience ended up being too intimidating for him. The soft expression in her eyes, the calm aura she exudes, her artistic and intellectual demeanor, and her upper-class upbringing had him stammering like poor, tongue-tied fool. After disgracing himself like that, he wouldn't dare try speaking face to face with another woman.
At this rate, he may always be the wise, solitary fishing bum he's been for the past few years of his life. Although it isn't as cool as being a wise, solitary angel with destructive powers, he seems satisfied with the life he lives now.
Today, however, may prove to be a major breakthrough in his struggle with the opposite sex he feared so much.
"Yo Fishmonger! What's up!" a cheerful voice cried out.
Ray trembled in fear. He slowly turned his head to see the one who greeted him.
She wore her admired blonde hair into a ponytail. Her noticeable attire consisted of short-sleeved jean jacket over a blank white top with matching jean shorts. It also included some brown boots and athletic black arm bands. She was considered one of the best cooks, if not THE best cook, of Flower Bud Village. She was arguably considered one of the hottest women in the village as well.
She was the horse-riding maniac, Gwen.
Harvest Moon: Magical Melody
Kindred Spirits of the Wilderness