Disclaimer: Animal Crossing = owned by Nintendo. My original character, based on myself = owned by me. Everyone understand? Good.

"Thank you for choosing Crossing National Railway," came the all-too-friendly voice over the intercom, "We remind you that this is a non-smoking trip and ask that you remain seated as much as possible. Thank you."

At that, a young man, about 18 years old, shifted uncomfortably in his seat. I was having such a nice nap. The train had recently stopped for passengers, but he had boarded several hours earlier. Only ten more minutes, he said to himself, glancing at his watch as the train chugged along.

It's only inherent that when you go to a new place, you think often of what you left behind. Not just what, but who.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Flashback~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You're leaving?" she cried.

"Yeah," he responded.

"Why so sudden?"

"I dunno. We've had some family problems. Besides, I want to get out and see more of the world."

"Which is why you're moving to The Crossing?"

"I guess so."

"Where there's all those talking animals?"

"Um, yeah."

*giggle*

"What's so funny?"

"Oh, nothing."

"You haven't seen the world until you've been to The Crossing."

"Now you're starting to sound like a commercial."

"Final boarding call for the 11:00 train to The Crossing," came a voice.

"I have to go."

"Goodbye. I know I'll see you again someday."

"So do I. Until then, farewell!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~End Flashback~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

His thoughts were broken by the sound of a cabin door being slammed shut. A large cat had just entered. This didn't surprise him. As the train went further into The Crossing, more animals were boarding. What unnerved him, however, was that the cat seemed to be heading for him. This was proved true, as he sat down in the seat opposite him.

"Hi! My name's Rover," said the cat, "I hope you don't mind me sitting here. All the others are taken."

"Oh no problem." Might as well make a good first impression. For all I know, this guy could be the mayor or something. "My name's James."

"Hello, James!" said Rover, rather enthusiastically, "So, where are you headed?"

"A small town called Chilliwack."

"Chilliwa? I've heard of that place."

"No! Not Chilliwa," said James, "Chilliwack!"

"That's what I said, Chilliwa!"

Hmm, thought James, he can't seem to understand ten-letter names. I'll have to compromise. "Never mind that, Rover, I'm moving to Chilliwk."

"Chilliwk?"

"Uh-huh."

"Well why didn't you say so? I've got a buddy who runs a store there. He also sells houses as a side business. Do you need a house?"

"Well, now that you mention it, I-"

"Great!" interrupted Rover, "I'll go give him a call."

And with that, Rover got up, went over to the door, stepped onto the small platform between cars, pulled out his cell phone, dialed a number, and began to talk. After a while he came back into the cabin and sat down.

"Good news: my buddy's got some brand new houses for sale!" he said.

"Oh, um, great," said James, "What's his name, anyway?

"His name? Tom Nook."

"I'll keep an eye out for him, then,

"Attention passengers," came the voice again, "We are now arriving at the Chilliwk train station. Please remain seated until the train has come to a complete stop. Thank you."

"Well," said Rover, "I guess this is it, then. See you some other time, I guess."

"Bye," said James, as he got up and left the train.

Whoa, he was scary. Well, I'm off the train now. Where's that Tom Nook guy?

"Hello, are you James?"

"Yes."

"My name is Tom Nook. It's great to meet you!"

Oh no…

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Well, what did you think? Not bad for my first fanfiction. Please review; I accept criticism, as long as it's constructive. As for the girl in the flashback, well, my friends Parris and Stephen might know where I got the inspiration.