Note from the author: Sorry for the delay in writing everyone. School is finally out, so chapters should be coming out sooner. However, I'm catching a flight for vacation tomorrow and will be gone for two weeks. I can't guarantee new chapters during this time. Thanks for the patience. I also apologize for mistakes in this chapter. I rushed it a bit so I could finish before I left.

Thank you for everyone who reviewed, followed, and/or favorited this story! Thanks also for the positive feedback on the cricket idea :) Enjoy this chapter!

"Small world. Hi, my name is Rio. Sorry for bumping into you…again," I said, extending my hand. If I was going to have to deal with this guy for a year, might as well try to be nice.

"Neil," he replied, shaking my hand. His tone put off the hint he was told to be polite. His ruby eyes darted to my other hand. I followed his gaze and realized I was still holding my sickle. I quickly placed it back into my rucksack.

"Moo," something said. I turned to see a cow walking towards us. Mr. Grumpy, I mean Neil, walked over to it.

"She is for you," he mumbled.

"Really? A cow? For free? Sweet!" I exclaimed. "Thanks dude."

"It's not from me," he snapped. "The old geezer paid for the cow. I'm just here to drop her off."

"Oh," I replied. I have to remember to thank Dunhill later. Neil eyed me, then crossed his arms.

"Do you even know how to take care of a cow?" he asked. I paused. How different is a cow from a dog? "You don't do you?" he groaned.

"I had a dog, so I think I can learn how to take care of another animal. You feed it, wash it, and the only difference I can think of is a cow needs to be milked," I remarked.

"Idiot," he muttered, under his breath. I was about to make a comeback, but I bit my tongue and pretended that I missed his insult.

"Well, now that I think about it, there might be a few things I should learn about in regards to raising a cow. Care to give me the run down?" I asked, hiding my irritation.

"Fine. Follow me," he grumbled. Well, someone is a people person. I followed him to my barn and he led the cow. He inspected the barn and nodded approvingly. "This is a suitable place for livestock. Now, pay attention. A cow isn't a very hard animal to raise. Give her lots of love and attention. Make sure you milk her, brush her, feed her, and talk to her daily. I already fed her for today, but you need to buy fodder from my shop or grow some. Keep records with that notebook on the desk."

"Got it," I said.

"I wasn't done. I have a shop that is open Monday through Thursday only if the weather is agreeable. I also recommend taking your animals to the sanctuary. It's a place they can graze and relax. Here's a brush, milker, and pitchfork. Any questions?" he asked.

"What's the pitchfork for?" I inquired.

"To clean up after her," he replied coldly, giving me the are-you-serious face. Wait! I have to scoop its dung? Where do I put it? I can't just throw it away in a trash can. Can I? I was going to ask more questions, but Blondie looked irritated.

"I was just messing with you man. I know what a pitchfork does. Do you have anything else you should mention?" I lied.

"You need to give her a name," he sighed.

"Moo-moo," I said without thinking.

"Seriously?" he groaned. I paused and stared at the cow. I could go with the Mulan theme, but a cow wasn't part of the gang. I stared at the cow. It was really pretty.

"Belle," I announced firmly. "That's her name." Belle mooed, which I took as an official acceptance.

"Fine," Neil replied. "I'm leaving. Stop by my shop later." I waved, but he did not look back.

"He is such a grouch," I huffed once he was gone. I turned to face Belle. "Hiya! I'm Rio. Nice to meet you. This is your new home, so I hope you and I get along well." The cow blinked and mooed. I guess she needs some time before she'll warm up. Oh well. I grabbed my brush and started gently grooming my new cow.

I finished tending to my crops and even planted some grass seeds. My bag was stuffed with foraged goods and bugs. I managed to jump on the mushrooms landing perfectly each time. I started to whistle. It was a good day. Making my way to the shipping bin, I bumped into Emma.

"Hello Rio," she smiled.

"What's up?" I responded, making sure my voice was deep enough. She scanned me.

"So what's your deal?" she asked.

"Huh?" I replied. She seemed to want to say something. Then her eyes lit up.

"You know I have a daughter around your age," she said playfully. My eyes widened. Was she trying to hook me up? I blinked. If I said I was not interested, it could give her reason to believe I was a girl. She seemed suspicious enough. But then again, I did not want to end up a date. "I'm only messing with you." She laughed. I laughed nervously. "Though I am curious as to what you're doing."

"Oh, I was just depositing some stuff into the shipping bin," I replied.

"What kinds of things?" Emma asked. I pulled out a few flowers and bugs. "Do you know what these are or their value?"

"Kind of. I mean I know this is a Moondrop Flower and these types of butterflies," I said, rubbing the back of my neck nervously.

"I see. I have a catalog that identifies and prices everything you can find around here. Would you like to borrow it some time?" she offered.

"Yes please." I answered.

"I'll go get it now," she said, walking towards her house. I took the opportunity to dump some of my stuff into the shipping bin. She came back out quickly and handed me a catalog.

"This should help you out. I got to get going. I'm visiting Hana now, but we should talk again soon," Emma said, walking off. I waved. Once she was out of sight, I sighed in relief. I checked the time. 4:30. I guess I should stop by Neil's shop to get some fodder, maybe a cow treat too. I waved to Neil as I approached his stand. He nodded to acknowledge my existence.

"Hey man. What's up?" I asked, trying to be as dudish as I could.

"If you're not going to buy something, you should leave," he replied bluntly. My hand formed a fist. Who does this guy think he is?

"Actually, I am buying something. I need three things of fodder and five cow treats," I said, forcing a smile. He nodded and handed me the merchandise. I pulled out the right amount of Gs and gave it to him.

"Thanks," he said in a tone nicer than before.

"You're welcome. I'll see you around," I replied. I headed home to give Belle her treat and water my crops a second time. Dunhill said Neil was a decent guy, so maybe I just have to get him to open up. After all wouldn't having a friend around be a good thing. Then again it could be trouble…

"Rio," the boyish voice called out.

"Huh?" I mumbled, rolling around in my bed.

"Rio!" the girlish voice yelled.

"Ah!" I shouted, jolting up from my bed. I quickly scanned my room. Nothing. I glanced at Cri-Kee. He blinked at me as if he had no idea of what I was experiencing. "Okay Cri-Kee, I refuse to have herb soup for dinner anymore." He chirped and the voice came back.

"It's not the soup Rio. We want to meet you now. Well, for you to meet us rather. We've already seen you. I'll explain this all soon. Meet us at the river area as fast as you can," the male voice said.

"I still think I'm going crazy," I muttered. I got dressed and placed my wig and cap. Yawning I saw Cri-Kee staring at me. "You want to come?"

"Chirp!"

"Might as well. I can ask about this whole 'blessed by the Goddess' thing."

I walked out of my farm and towards the river area with my rucksack and Cri-Kee in tow. I thought my crops and Belle could wait an hour. Besides I wanted to meet these voices. I walked into the river area and I followed a noise across some rocks and a log. I scanned the area. Nothing.

"I am crazy," I groaned.

"Rio, over here," the small boyish voice called. I blinked as a figure emerged from …sparkles? A second figure appeared. Elves? What in the world?

"Elves. You, the voices, were elves?" I said in disbelief.

"Don't be stupid! We are obviously NOT elves!" the female elf snapped.

"Sis. Um, let's not be so harsh. After all, we are probably the first sprites she has seen," the boy elf said.

"Fine," she muttered.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Aaron and this is my sister Alice. We are Harvest Sprites," he said, smiling.

"I'm Rio. I guess you know that. I'm the local farmer girl, er boy. If I remember correctly you already know, right?" I questioned.

"We are aware of the situation," Alice said.

"Okay. So why did you bring me here?" I asked.

"We want your help," Aaron replied.

"Help?" I repeated.

"Yup. You see we need assistance with the collection and playing of some musical melodies. See these tree stumps? You hit them with a hammer and tune is played," Aaron explained. "Speaking of which, do you have a hammer?" I shook my head.

"What kind of farmer doesn't own a hammer? It's a basic tool," Alice said annoyingly. I ought to-

"Sorry, we are getting distracted. Just let us know when you have a hammer. We'll let you know when the first music sheet appears," Aaron said, interrupting my thoughts.

"Okay," I replied.

"Wait. Let's hide them," Alice smirked.

"But sis." Aaron protested.

"No buts. It's more fun," Alice smiled.

"Okay…" Aaron consented.

"You know I don't have to help you," I stated.

"Yes you do," Alice argued.

"Why?" I asked.

"We'll tell the town if you don't," she threatened. Fantastic. Blackmailed already.

"Fine," I mumbled. Cri-Kee chirped in protest to something. I couldn't tell what he wanted, but there wasn't much else I could do. I had to help them now. Maybe he thinks I forgot about the blessing?

"But sis, the to-" Aaron started, getting interrupted by his sister's elbow. She shook her head at him and he sighed. "Never mind. Do you have any questions?"

"What's the whole 'blessed by the Goddess' thing you were referring to earlier?" I asked.

"It means that that animal can understand more than others. It can understand any language, but it that doesn't mean it speaks it. Cri-Kee can only chirp," Aaron explained. I nodded.

"Hm, so can you speak to him?" I asked.

"Yup," he smiled.

"How does he feel about the cage?" I inquired. Aaron stared at Cri-Kee for a few moments.

"He would prefer freedom. He promises not to run away. The cage is good for sleeping, but he thinks your hat or shoulder would be more fun to ride on," he replied.

"I see. I'll make the necessary arrangements then. Where do I get a hammer?" I asked.

"From a blacksmith," Alice stated as if it was the simplest thing in the world.

"Well it's not like a blacksmith is just going to show up," I replied. She smirked and pointed. A girl about my age, holding a hammer, was walking down from the mountain path. Of course.

Additional note: Thanks to everyone who has participated in the poll so far! I put up all bachelors with votes on the character list. Voting will continue for one or two more chapters! Don't forget to let me know what you think of the story so far!

Guest review replies:

Guest: Thanks for voting! :)

Seagull195: Thanks for your vote and suggestion. I do have ideas for Hana but I will try to incorporate yours. Thanks again!

PinkBunny-Chan: Thank you for voting! :D

anonymously: Thanks for the compliment :) I'm glad you like Cri-Kee!