Aha, welcome to chapter two of this story :3. – I'm so incredibly slow at updating. u__u… But… At least it's semi long...? Well, not really. DX . Thanks to the people who have reviewed so far, I'll do the best in my ability to answer all of them. ^^; Ugh, I just realized how crappy my writing was too. :U ... I ramble way too much. TT^TT;

I swear I was high while writing this too . x_x; My pathetic excuses for humour.

Midnightxwolfx – Yaaay, I'm glad you do! X3. It's the people who review that keep me motivated to write more. Hehe, who knows? I haven't really set in the stone who she's going to end up with, but I'll try do subtle hints for every pairing. Maybe I'll do a majority's vote later on?

XxSuperGrlxx – Glad it does. :D. I love Gil; he's just so awesome. I agree with you on that, but I find it so cute how awkward he gets when he starts to like you more and more. Thanks for the review!

NerdybyNature – Thanks! Like I said in one of my earlier response, it's undecided so far. So anything can happen. XD;. Heck, I have everything except for the romance planned out. I'm kind of leaning towards my two most favourite Akari pairings though. : ;; .

Warvik – Aww, thanks! Hehe, I know right? Takeru is so cute, but there aren't many stories with him yet… He's probably one of my most favourite male playable character in all of Harvest Moon. Next to, or slightly lower than Yuuki though. T-T;

Giant Ninja Panda – Thank you! Your review somehow made me feel fuzzy inside… I'll be sure to keep on writing, even if I'm so slooow. D: . Who knows? You'll just have to stay in tune to see what happens. (: .

Onto a few notes about chapter two. Starting from now, it's going to be in thirds person, just like I said on chapter one. I'm also going to do a little time skip. I'm sure no one wants to here the introducing line over and over again, so both Akari and Takeru are already acquainted with about everyone on the island. Part of this might because I'm lazy though. x-x;

Now presenting, chapter two. __;

P.S. How would you guys feel about the next chapter being centered around Takeru? X:


Akari tipped over green, plastic watering can, as she filled it with the water that came from the little well beside her and her brother's garden. Facing towards it, she could smell the fertilizer her brother had just placed on a few hours ago. The smell was horrid, but she did her best to ignore the scent. There were eight rows of little plants sticking up from the fresh soil. All of them were looking healthy and strong. So far so good, she told herself.

She hadn't been doing much these past few days, besides watering and touring around the island. It was dull, she thought to herself. Letting go the watering can in her hand, she left it by the watering hole. Her job here was done… Finally.

"Hey Akari!" shouted a voice that came from behind me. Akari quickly turned around as fast as she could to meet up with a very loud boy, along with her brother who stood behind him.

"Hi Luke!" Akari called back with an equally enthusiastic voice. "I thought you and my brother were our chopping in Praline Woods?"

"Oh that, we're done." Grinned Takeru, giving her a thumbs up. He popped up from behind Luke. "I even got enough for us to get a coop!"

Akari widened her eyes, and took a glance at Luke. He gave her a nod. … So it was true. Giddy with excitement, she limped over to her brother and gave him a large hug.

"Haha." Takeru laughed. "I knew you would be happy." He returned her hug, and quite tightly at that.

"Oh yeah!" Suddenly exclaimed the blue-haired boy, as he held up three fingers. "Dad said that the coop would be ready in three days."

Akari's eyes twinkled, as she encased the two boys into a giant hug. "I'm so excited!" She squealed.

"Calm down Akari, you're going way too energetic. You're going to scare away all the poultry if you're still like this by the time it arrives!" Joked Takeru.

"Oh, just shut up!" She said with a huff. Akari then had a mischevious glint in her eye. She took the heel of her uninjured foot, and stabbed it onto Takeru's without remorse. "Sweet revenge." She said after with a snicker.

Luke couldn't help but stifle a chuckle, as the events unfolded in front of him. Takeru was bouncing in circles, while holding his leg. Did he mention the loud cries that were erupting? "Oh man, oh man. I should've recorded that shriek!" Laughed Luke, clutching his tummy. "Your scream was even girlier than Juli's,and that's saying a lot!"

Akari followed Luke's laughter as if it was contagious. She couldn't help it; both he and her brother were making her laugh too hard. It made her tummy hurt.

")#*)JD!" Cursed out Takeru, glaring down at the two suspects. He had finally calmed down.

The two felt as if they were being pushed into the corner, but Luke pointed to his watch. "A-ha, just look at the time!" He nervously sputtered, trying to escape the brown haired boy's wrath. "Your sister and I should be going to the Whipped Cream clinic now for her checkup!"

Takeru stopped dead in his tracks and thought for a moment, a confused look was plastered on his face. Whipped Cream clinic? "Wait, it isn't Whipped Cream clinic… I thought it was… Tiramisu? No… That isn't right…it's-"

"'Gotta go now, sorry!" Luke dashed off with Akari, before he could finish his sentence.

"… Luke, how could you forget the name of the Meringue clinic, if you've been practically here your whole life?!" Questioned Akari, as soon as he put her down.

"I-I don't know." He said honestly and sheepishly, staring down at the floor.

She stared back at him with a raised brow. "You're such an oddity, Luke."

Raising his head, Luke just blinked twice and shrugged. Opening the door for the brunette, he walked into the clinic right after her.

"Hello Akari, here for your weekly checkup?" Called In'ya, the clinic's secretary. "Won's just behind the screen. He's finishing his current patient."

"Thanks." She had said meekly before turning over to Luke. "You don't have to stay, you know. You can go back to the Carpenter's if you'd like."

He shook his head quickly, flashing her a grin. "Nah, it's fine. Dad gave me an off day to hang out with you and Tak. 'Sides, I'm tagging along to make sure you get out of the clinic alive."

"Mmh, if you say so." She mused. "Let's go see if he's almost done."

TOO HARD!

NO! NOT THERE! THAT HURTS.

Sounds of moaning were coming from the room.

"…" Akari had an indescribable expression on her face, as she exchanged looks with her blue haired friend. Their expressions were both priceless.

Is this good?

YEAH! THAT'S THE SPOT! KEEP RUBBING.

You do know that we don't have much time left until … comes…

"… Isn't that Ose?" Luke said blankly in the intermission. He had absolutely no idea what was going on.

BAH, WHO CARES!

Even louder moaning.

I'll have to stop soon.

DON'T STOP NOW THOUGH. AGH! IT FEELS TOO DAMN GOOD~

And that was it.

She snapped.

Pushing her way through the blinds, she was met with two grown men in a very peculiar position. What she saw was a maroon haired man on the bed. His face was extremely flustered, and he was topless. His muscles were way too apparent, and his shirt was slung over the chair next to him. What surprised her most was that she saw the doctor on top of him, his knee was on his back. The glasses that usually adorned his face were on the table, and his long hair was not pulled back. Even his coat was not on him.

"Hey there Aaa~karieee." Slurred Ose.

Wondering if the man was sober, her mouth opened as wide as a fish, saying something inaudible. "A-am I interrupting something im-important?"

Luke followed in suit, putting a shoulder on Akari after witnessing the scene before him. "Looks like he isn't done ye-" Then, he turned around. He gaped; his eyes were as large as saucers. "W-Won? O-Ose? Y-you guys… Swing the other w-way?"

Won promptly stepped off from the bed, and placed on his glasses again. "Luke, do not make any silly assumptions."

"D-don't worry m-man, I can totally understand if you p-prefer m-men over w-women." Luke took a large step back. "NOT SAYING I DO MYSELF, I'M P-PERFECTLY STRAIGHT." He even took the liberty of drawing an imaginary line with his finger.

"Luke." Won said, his voice more stern than before.

"I SUPPORT YOU, JUST DON'T COME AFTER ME, OH GOD NO, JUST NOT ME. I-"

"LUKE!" Practically the whole island could've heard that shout.

"NOOOOOO! GO AWAY, YOU FIEND." With only a trail of dust left behind, Luke was gone from the scene. How dramatic.

Akari could barely take in what had just happened. She took a weary look at Won, who had an angry look on him, and took a large swallow to collect herself. He seemed to calm down though once Luke left. She felt a bit dizzy after what happened.

"Looks like I know what his biggest fear now is…" Mused Akari. She snapped back to reality afterwards. "Oh! So, um, Won." She said nervously, playing with her fingers. "Would it be better for me to, er, come a different time?"

"Misunderstanding." He responded coolly, shooting a glare at Akari. Apparently, since Luke was a goner, he was going to take it out on her instead. "Ose was drunk and pulled a muscle during mining. I simply gave him a massage to relieve the pain."

'I-I see." Akari spat out reluctantly after the short pause. It was obvious that she was not fully convinced.

Won sighed at her reaction. The people of the island were impossible. Running a hand through his long, black, silky hair, he thought about how much trouble the people overall were. Akari took notice of his hairs shine. She decided it was too pretty too be a guy's, and was jealous of it herself.

"… Won, have you noticed you could make a really pretty girl?" she mumbled with a head tilt. "Maybe if your eyes weren't so squinty…"

"Please stop making such statements, I am no drag queen." He then took out a brown clipboard that had her name labeled onto it from his desk. His voice held no more patience for her. "Rest your leg on this."

Akari immediately placed it onto the cushioned surface as Won inspected it. He squeezed several parts, and looked at it several times before coming to his conclusion.

"You'll be able to take off the cast and crutches in a week." He recorded the results onto his handy-dandy clipboard.

"Ah… That's good to hear." She said, bowing as best as she could without stumbling. "I'll be on my way now."

"See me next week for the final checkup, tell In'ya that." He said back at her, before she left.

"Alrighty, Madame Won." Then came a quiet snicker. "I hope you don't have any 'massage patients' before me though, because… Today was quite surprising."

ZzzzZzzzz

Saying that Ose didn't snore was a lie. In fact, he snored as loud as a rhinoceros.

"A-Akari." Won started to twitch, his hands shaking; a vein was popped out.

But too bad before he could do anything, Akari was long gone.

-----

"-and you know what he did after that? He ran away!"

Bursts of giggles erupted from the group, as they listened to the brunette's story.

"Woooah, who would've known that Luke was homophobic?" Laughed out the energetic blonde girl loudly, clutching her stomach.

"You can't be too sure though." Replied Leena with a few chuckles. "Maybe the scene was too disturbing for him."

"Heehee, on a different topic," chirped Mai brightly. "Chi-Chi came back today!"

"You mean Chihaya? He hasn't been here since we were kids!"

"Yeah, that's him!" Perkily said the bubbly girl. "I can't wait to see him again~~!"

Akari furrowed her brows. She thought she had met everyone already… How could she possibly remember the names of all the islanders? "Wait wait – who's this Chayaya?"

"No no! Chihaya, not Chayaua!" Scolded Mai, as if she were her mother.

"Chihaya is Mai's ex-crush…" Distantly said Leena. "Well, she might still like him." She added, giving a wink at Mai.

"Of course I do!" Pouted Mai, flailing her arms. "Chi-Chi will always be in here!" She pointed towards her heart. "I'll have to introduce you to him tomorrow, 'kay Akari? Drop by the Kirsch Inn around 4 p.m. tomorrow... That's when his training ends."

"If you say so."

The topic shifted after her four words, and she found herself listening to a sea of chatter. They could talk really fast, something that she was unused to. She definitely would have to catch up to them someday. They were currently sitting on the grassy hill at the Brownie Ranch district, just having an ordinary girls day out. It was just she, Cathy, Leena and Mai. They were people that accepted her into their group. Though she didn't quite fit in perfectly yet, it was a good start.

BEEP BEEP BEEP

All three heads turned towards the brunette, as she gave a nervous laugh. It became apparent that she lost track of time.

"Sorry guys." She said shyly, turning off her watch. "But I have to go to my job now."

"You have a part time Akari?" Questioned Cathy, with her head turned around. "Is that why you declined my offer of working at the bar with me?"

"Yeah, I got one at the Town Hall since it didn't require me to move around all that much… Off I go though, wouldn't want a tardy." Having a noticeable frown when Cathy said those words, she shook her head. "Not really, I didn't have one at the time… I'm just not that much for alcohol, you know?" "Anyway, I reaaaalllllyyy should be going now."

She gave the small group a quick smile, before she began her rather long walk back to Waffle Town. Hopefully they wouldn't think she was too weird, with her strong dislike over drinks and everything.

-----

The clock struck 1:59, as the doors to the Town Hall burst open. The figure in the doorway was panting heavily with a hand over her chest, and an arm wrapped around her crutches.

"You're barely on time." Bluntly said the boy who stood in front of the girl. "I could've cut your pay if you were a minute or two later."

A smirk was plastered on his seemingly perfect face, as the girl returned it with a menacing glare of her own.

"Shut up Gil." She punched him in the arm, and took notice that it was only the two of them that were in the Town Hall. "Gil, where's Elli?" She asked, frustrated. There was no way that she was going to spend the next few hours alone with him.

Gil remained unresponsive, as he returned back to his desk with a blank look. So he was playing that game, eh?

"Be that way, you stubborn mule."

Still nothing. At this point of time, Akari was starting to think he was a robot. He was emotionless just like that.

Two hours had past, and the two workers were busily doing paperwork. The girl was flipping through the resident cards, making sure they were all up to date. Her eyes landed on the one that had 'Chihaya' labeled on the top. She took note of his strawberry blonde hair and penetrating purple eyes before she set it down. They were certainly very different colours, unlike her rather dull brown hair and eyes. Casting her thoughts of the boy away, she looked through the rest of the cards. She basically had everyone's favourite food down in her mind. But it wasn't like she was going to do anything with them anyway; at least, not right now. She was not going to deliver everyone's favourite dish just to earn brownie points… or would she?

The next hour came by slowly for the girl. She was bored out of her wits, since she already had everything done. Her eyes darted over to where Gil was. Perhaps he had forgotten about what she had said earlier.

"Hey Gil."

There was nothing but silence to greet her.

"Gil… I'm bored, talk to me."

"… Gil, are you listening to me?"

"Gillllllllllllllllllllllerrrs, say something!"

"…"

"Don't make me start to sing."

"… …"

"OH GILLL~ YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO~"

". . ."

"LA LA LA LA LA, ARE YOU ALIVE, GIL?~"

Snap! When she heard the loud noise, she immediately shut up. "G-Gil?"

She saw two halves of a pencil roll over to her side of the floor. Gulping, she turned over to Gil, whose back was faced at her. She picked up the pieces of the broken pencil, and repaired it with duck tape.

"Gil! Don't waste pencils!"

"Akari. You. Are. A. Nuisance. So please. Go. Away. Faraway."

"Fine, you jerk..." Akari muttered under her breath. She stood up from her chair, and picked up her crutches. "I'll be at the library for my break."

She slowly climbed the wooden stairs as she stopped in front of a bookshelf. The section held information about Waffle Island. Randomly picking out a book, she sat herself by the chair that sat by the shelf. She turned the first page, which felt very crisp under her skin.

On Waffle Island, there lives the Harvest Goddess and the Harvest Sprites. They all contribute to the island's success, and are crucial to keep the island thriving, and the Goddess tree alive. Although it may seem impossible that the tree would wither, it still is possible. Therefore a special quilt exists. It is passed down to each new mayor for safekeeping. The quilt explains what one is to do when the Goddess and sprites are powerless, and when the tree is gone.

She closed the book as soon as she finished the paragraph, and sighed. Her short break was just about to end, but she felt a bit drowsy – she shouldn't have read the book in the first place, if it was like that. . . .

The backdrop was cold and black. Nothing could be seen except for one. The girl could see a beautiful woman clad in green. Her back held glittering and translucent wings. Something about her seemed so… magical.

P-please… H-help… The woman called in her melodious voice.

The girl reached over to the woman, her hand was outstretched. Before anything could happen though, the woman disappeared into the dark abyss.

"Akari, wake up."

She remained still without a single reaction.

"Akari, wake up."

He put his hands on her shoulders to shake her awake. The girl almost instantly woke up, and blinked her chocolate brown eyes twice.

"Gil…" Yawned Akari sleepily. "What happened?"

"You fell asleep on your break, that's what." He said sternly.

Akari rubbed her eyes, as her vision steadily became clearer. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…" "I had an odd dream though. First one in a while."

"Really now… and just what did you dream about?" He asked, still a bit ticked.

"Er… This really pretty woman with wings – she was telling me to help her…!"

Gil winced at the words, and took a small step back. "Wings, you say… You should tell my father that."

"Uh, and why should I tell your old man about it?" She expected Gil to get angry at her, but instead, he just shook his head.

"Just… Do it." Gil said quietly. "You should get going soon too."

Akari took a look at her wristwatch, surprised by the time. "I was sleeping for that long?!" She was starting to lose track of time more often.

"…Yeah, don't worry about it though."

Robo-Gil was no more for that moment, Akari thought, looking at the boy oddly. Giving a single wave and a thank you to him, she rushed down the stairs to get ready to go home. Gil stayed behind though, merely glancing out a window whilst holding the book Akari was previously reading.

"Is she… Really; the one?"

-----

H-help… Help… Help the island!

Akari woke up with beads of swear pouring down her forehead. Her eyes darted to every corner to her room, until her eyes laid upon the clock. It was four thirty a.m. Digging herself back into her bed, she tried to make herself fall asleep again, but no avail. Getting out the comfort of her bed, she threw off her pyjamas to wear her casual clothing, and decided a walk would be best. Quietly sneaking out of the house, she did not want to disturb her sleeping brother.

Her foot hit the stone pavement, as the sound of her boots echoed throughout the barren streets. It was her first time being out the house this early. The sun had not come out yet, and the usually busy town was silent. That is, until her ears picked up a sad melody from somewhere far off. The sound had plenty of emotion pumped in; its flow was smooth and constant. Running towards the source, she had a sudden determination to find who was playing the song. As she neared where it was coming from, she found herself in the Maple Lake District. She paced towards the graveyard, and her eyes caught the ones of the other. The boy removed his mouth from the intrument as soon after he saw her, and sent her a hateful glare.

"Why'd you stop…?" Akari asked softly, ignoring the threat.

He scofffed crudely, before turning his back against her, and began to walk away. He quickly disappeared, not leaving a trace of his existence behind. Akari was once again alone and dumbfounded. Her mind was drawing blanks.

Why was he up so early? Why was he there?

Who was he?

Shaking off the cold feeling that the boy left her with, she gazed in the direction he left. Waffle Island wasn't that big. She had a feeling she would be meeting with him very soon.

But… Just how soon is soon?

-----

The sunlight shone against the lighted room, both Akari and Takeru were half awake. Takeru rubbed the back of his head rather sheepishly; he was sitting in an upright position, with his eyes closed. "I had a weird-o dream last night…" He confessed, opening his eyes to look at his sister directly, who was busy gazing outside the window.

"Really?" She responded, mildly curious. "What kind of dream?"

He then shifted into a thinking position, trying to recollect his thoughts. "I don't know…" He murmured, still deep in thought. "OH!" He finally said in realization. "It was about this green haired lady with wings!" He put one of his hands on his palm, grinning to himself.

Akari's eyes widened as the words escaped from his mouth, as her own curved into a worried frown. "Hey, Tak…" She began slowly. But stopped herself abruptly. "Never mind…" She placed an awkward smile to cover up. "But yeah, that's a pretty weird dream!"

"Aha…"

Awkward silence filled the room, until Akari decided to start making their breakfast. Humming the tune she heard from last night unconsciously, her brother sat still at the table.

"What did you do yesterday?" Piped in Akari, attempting to create a conversation.

Takeru shrugged, "Nothing really." He admitted. "Just hung out with a few girls from the neighbourhood."

"Oh?" She retorted, clearly amused. "Are you a pimp now, Tak-Tak?"

Takeru popped a vein, as he twitched in annoyance. His sister sure knew how shorten his fuse. "N-No." He winced, trying to control his temper. "W-what could possibly make you think that?"

"Mmm~" Akari sung, flipping an egg over. "Maybe because you have way more girlfriends than boyfriends?"

In turn, he just shook his head, refusing to answer her question. She would only find a way to backfire what he said if he were to answer her. Patiently awaiting his meal, he tapped his foot to make a beat for her tune. Minutes after, she slid the plate of eggs and toast in front of him. Blinking, he glanced over to her with a smirk.

"Akari, you should learn how to cook more dishes." He said bluntly. "I mean the only thing you can cook are eggs, pancakes, and rice!"

Now it was her turn to be agitated. Grunting, she pounded her fist lightly onto the table. "Would you rather cook then, Mr. Iburninstantnoodles?" She seethed sweetly. "It's rather pathetic to burn instant noodles, isn't it?"

Locking each other into a glaring contest, they stared at each other intensely. Imaginary sparks flew between them, with crackles as an added effect.

"H-Hey! It's not my fault I forgot about them on the stove!" He argued, his mouth stuffed full with eggs.

"Bah, whatever." She huffed stubbornly. "I'm going to head out now, do the dishes yourself."

Just as Takeru was about to say a word of protest, a knock was heard against their door. Akari's ears perked up at the sound, and opened the door to greet a very jolly old man.

"Herbal?" She questioned, with a raised brow. "Is there something wrong?" She took note of the sweat dripping down his forehead.

He opened up her hands, and stretched them out as he placed a soft, fluffy quilt on them. "Akari, Gil told me about what happened yesterday during work!" He said flamboyantly.

The girl blinked slowly, hugging the quilt to her chest. For some reason, it just didn't feel whole. "… What?"

"Look, I only have half of the quilt." Herbal said guiltily. "I'm pretty sure Gil knows about the other half though." Taking a peek at his wristwatch, he waved goodbye to the brunette. "Ah, look at the time, I have to go to work now!" He yelled after her, as he started to jog away relatively fast.

Akari had a bewildered expression on her face, as she fingered the quilt that laid in her hands. She felt around the side it had been ripped, and then closed the doors. Takeru snuck a look at Akari, and asked slowly, emphasizing his every word.

"Whaaat juuusstt happppened?"

She answered with a shaked head. "I think he wants me- or us, to go talk to Gil about the other half of this quilt. She held it up for him to see. "But er, I feel pretty lazy, you want to go yourself?"

In turn, he gave her a shrug. "Eh, is there really a point in rushing?" He muttered, looking bored. "'sides, I don't feel like talking to Mr. Grumps myself."

And so, their adventure was prolonged.

For now.