Disclaimer: I do not own Harvest Moon or any of the characters. I wish I
did. Mazrim is C to me however. Do not take credit for him if you wish to
live. No furry woodland mammals were harmed during the making of this
Fanfic. At times, flashy curse words may cause little children to go
insane. Because of this, this fanfic is rated R. Anyone under 17 must
stop reading under the penalty of death. This fanfic may cause seizures.
Please consult your doctor before reading this fanfic. This fanfic
contains .3245 grams of sodium. And for the love of God. It's just make
believe.
By this time, you should all know that the warning means violence. If you have a queasy stomach, or are offended by violence, do not read any further. Remember, you have been warned....
Chapter 8: Mother's Hill Blues
Fire roared as we charged through the city. The clashes of steel and the sounds of people shouting filled the air. It was pure chaos. Soldiers and townsfolk alike fought each other, screams of agony echoing into the night sky like a haunting melody.
Civil rebellion was a bitch.
When I had first heard that my home city, Qeynos, had gone into a full-fledged rebellion, I could not believe it. I had laughed, saying that there was no way that the people I had known for so long would go into such a bloodlust.
I had been wrong. Dead wrong.
A man charged me, swinging his sword violently. I side-stepped to the right, as he missed completely, losing his balance in the process. Thrusting my sword straight out, I ran him through his chest, trying desperately to ignore his agonizing screams as he fell to the ground in a pool of his own blood.
I knew him. Before this whole mess had started, he had been a medicine peddler. When I had gotten deathly sick one time, he had saved my life with one of his medicines. He had even told me not to worry about paying him, while he smiled generously.
And this was how I had repaid him.
I had no time, however, to mourn. A group of five men turned their sights on me, glaring hatefully. I braced myself for the oncoming attack.
The first one charged head on, screaming in rage. Acting quickly, I ended his charge with a stab to the throat. I ignored the sickening gurgle as I pulled my blade out just in time to deflect the slash to the right. Grabbing the attacker's wrist, I spun around him and threw him into another attack that had been aimed for me. The man screamed as his friend's sword tore through him.
Two down, three to go.
The next attack came from behind. Ducking under the slash, I spun around with my own sword, cutting through the tendons the man's feet. Screaming, he fell to the ground in pain.
Two left.
They both charged at once. Avoiding a thrust that grazed my face, I jumped into the air, spinning over the other attacker's blade. Just before I landed, I swung my blade, slashing the man's back. As he fell down, I landed and charged forward at the last opponent. He screamed in panic as I neared him.
Pulling all my resolve together, I swung my sword in a fierce horizontal strike, tearing a chunk of is side out. He flailed about screaming for a few moments as his intestines spilled out on the ground, finally collapsing to the ground and giving in to death.
Gasping for breath, I glanced around the battlefield that had once been my home.
Dead bodies were piled high, lifeless eyes staring at me.
Accusing me.
************
I woke up gasping. It took me a moment to realize that I was safe at home in bed. Leno glanced at me sleepily from where he was lying. I was in a cold sweat.
Going outside to get some fresh air, I was greeted be rain. I stood there soaking, as my mind wondered off.
I remembered that battle clearly. To me, that had been the most difficult battle of my entire life.
It had started when an anarchist by the name of Grazen had arrived in Qeynos. At the time, a plague had been going throughout the city, claiming many lives. Grazen began preaching to the citizens, telling them that the government possessed a cure, but was too greedy and selfish to share it. Desperate for anything to take their suffering away, the citizens believed the bastard. Three months later, the entire city was in a state of chaos and rebellion.
I had been forced to kill so many on that day.
Shaking my head, I went back inside. It was 4:00 in the morning. I needed to try to get some more sleep.
As I sat there in bed, I was haunted by the image of all those lifeless eyes staring at me.
**************
I had seen him standing outside in the rain, staring off blankly into space. He seemed troubled. I shook my head sadly. I felt sympathy for him.
I was in similar spirits at the moment. Today was the fourth anniversary of my mother's death. I had woken up early this morning to visit her grave. Unlike most people, we had buried her in the mountains. The place was a quiet cliff just past the hot spring that Dad and I had come to call Mother's Hill. She had loved it there when she was alive. I wished with all my heart that she was still around...
Wiping a stray tear from my face, I stared back at Mazrim. I had met him briefly before, but Karen hold told me so much about him. I could easily see how she could fall for him. He was a bit rough looking, but at the same time gave off a strong, handsome appearance.
I sighed, banishing the thought from my head. Here I was, Ann Green, standing in the rain, staring at some guy I had only seen at the Inn a couple of times. There was no way he would see me in that way, I was simply not marriage material. Besides, Karen was my best friend. I couldn't betray her that way.
I glanced back up to see him shaking out of his thoughts. His eyes looked haunted, like he had seen every horror known to man. Turning around, he walked back inside.
Deciding to leave it alone for now, I began to walk, taking the path that cut through the farm. I was heading to mother's grave. I wanted to be there early, so I wouldn't be bothered by anyone. The rain would help to keep it that way, and I would be home long before Dad woke up...
Tears fell freely as I made my way there.
***********
5:00 had rolled by, and I had managed to get absolutely no sleep. The memory had caused me to lose all desire to sleep, in fear that I would see those lifeless faces again. Deciding to get out of bed, I put my clothes on. Looking at Leno, he was still peacefully asleep. I decided to leave him like that.
Grabbing my raincoat, I stepped outside and pulled my hood on. Maybe a walk would help me to clear my mind. Walking down the path, I headed towards the mountain trail.
Walking down the trail, I noticed a path that lead up to the right. When I had gone down the trail last time, I had been in such a hurry that I had missed it completely. deciding to see what was up there, I followed the path.
It was a much nicer path than the trail I had taken while looking for May. It was a more level slope, having only a few turns that went through it. The ground was also pretty flat, with less rocks and bushes to worry about. It was obvious that it was traveled more often.
As I came into a clearing, I noticed a building. Tall walls covered it, and steam rose from the center. A sign stood next to it.
Hot Spring.
I slapped my forehead.
Of course... that was how my Grandpa got through without a bathroom.
I noticed another path that lead further up.
Curiosity got the best of me, and I started down the new path...
**************
I had been there for over an hour crying.
As I stared down at the makeshift wood cross that marked my mother's grave, I couldn't help but feel so alone in the world. Granted, I still had my dad, but it wasn't the same thing.
I wanted to have a whole family.
Suddenly, I heard a voice behind me.
"Are you okay?"
***********
She spun around, looking at me in surprise. Her face was a mess, her wet red hair clinging to her face in the rain. Her eyes were red and puffy. She had been crying.
Glancing behind her, I realized what she had been crying about.
"I'm sorry." I said quietly. "I didn't realize... I'll leave you alone."
"Wait!" she said, reaching her hand out. She smiled sadly. "I don't mind. I could use a little company right now."
I hesitated momentarily, before walking to her and taking a seat on a nearby rock. Looking down at the grave, I saw a couple of yellow flowers.
"So, who is it?" I asked quietly.
Ann sniffed lightly before answering.
"She was my mom. She died four years ago on this day."
"What did she die of?"
"Breast cancer."
I sat quietly for a few minutes. Noticing she was getting soaked, I took off my raincoat and put it over her. She looked at me, surprised.
"What about you?" she said.
"I'll be fine. I used to march in the rain a lot when I was in the army, so I'm used to it. Besides, I doubt your mother would like to see you get sick while visiting her grave." I said, smiling slightly.
Ann smiled gratefully, pulling the raincoat close.
"What was she like when she was alive?"
Ann stared at the grave.
"She was beautiful, always smiling. Or at least, that's what my dad always says. I remember her scolding me a lot." she smiled faintly, while a couple tears rolled down her face. "I remember one time, when I was a kid, I came up here to play. When I had gotten home, it had been late at night. Mom yelled at me, telling me that I had worried her sick. She then sent me to bed without supper." Tears were streaming down her face. She wiped them away. "I cried for half an hour. Then, she came in my room with my favorite dish, telling me that I had worried her. She made me promise not to worry her again like that."
Ann broke down, crying uncontrollably.
"Why? Why did she have to die?"
I sat next to her, holding her tight. She simply returned the hug, crying into my shoulder. We sat there for half an hour until she settled down.
I looked back at the grave. Suddenly, I realized what day it was.
**************
I finally managed to get a hold of myself. The rain had stopped for the moment, and the clouds were starting to break. Looking at Mazrim, I realized he was staring at the grave. Suddenly, I saw a look of realization appear on his face.
"What?" I said, curiously.
Mazrim looked at me startled, as if realizing for the first time I was there. As quick as it had appeared though, it was replaced by a solid emotionless stare.
"It's nothing."
I looked at him irratated.
"I just spent half an hour crying on your shoulder, Mazrim. It's no fair for you to let me do that, and for you to refuse sharing your pain with me." I said sternly, putting my hands on my hips. He wasn't going to escape that easily.
He must have realized it too, because he gave a long sigh before giving in.
*****************
I told her the whole story, leaving no details out. She sat quietly listening. I could tell she was horrified, but for some reason, I felt safe talking about it with her. I felt as if I could trust her.
While I came to the end, I felt a heavy twinge of guilt. All those lifeless eye's had been staring at me.
Accusing me.
When I finished, I paused for a moment.
"That battle occurred two years ago, on this very day."
Ann sat in silent shock for a minute.
"I.... I don't know what to say... I never realized you had such an awful past."
I sat silently.
Ann struggled to think of something to say.
"Don't worry, Ann. You don't have to say anything. It was my decision to go into battle. It was my hand that took there lives. That makes me no better than Luca Blight himself." I felt my eyes burning. I wouldn't cry though. Not in front of her, or anyone.
This was my burden. My guilt, that I would carry for the rest of my life.
A hand came out of nowhere, slapping me hard enough to knock the sense out of me. I stared back at two angry eyes, stunned.
"Don't give me that crap!" yelled Ann. "You had no choice! From what you said, they were trying to kill you as well!" Her voice became softer as I stared at her. "If it was anyone's fault, it lied in that Grazen guy. He was the one that started the whole thing. Don't go through life, beating yourself up for something you couldn't control." She flushed slightly, looking at the ground. "Besides, you stayed out here with me for half an hour, soaking in the rain while I cried on your shoulders. Anyone who can do that is still a good person in my book, no matter what he has done in the past.
I looked at her. She was right, of course. I had to stop beating myself up about the past, or it would rule me forever. Smiling at her, I nodded my head.
Smiling, she continued.
"Let's make a promise to each other. We'll promise to let the past stay in the past. If either of us starts to stray from that, the other will slap some sense into him or her." She held out her hand, smiling. "Promise?"
I smirked, grasping the hand.
"Promise."
It was now 6:00 in the morning. Heading back to the village, we joked around until we got back to the Inn. Ann paused for a moment, staring back at me.
"Thanks, Mazrim. You helped me out a lot today." Blushing slightly, she held out her hand again. "Friends for life?"
I nodded, as I shook her hand.
"Friends."
She went inside, as I headed back home. I felt much better.
***************
I looked down at my wife's grave to see the two Moon drop Flowers at the base. I smiled fondly, remembering how it had been her favorite flower.
I had gotten here while Mazrim was comforting my daughter. I smiled warmly, remembering how she had turned the tables on him so easily.
"I wish you could see how much our daughter has grown, Helen."
Smiling, I sat on the rock watching the sunrise.
************
Howdy all! A few things about this chapter... First of all, I know that spring isn't the actual anniversary of Ann's mom's death. As I write this fanfic, I may change certain events and times to fit with what I feel like writing about. The same goes with using some things from different versions of Harvest Moon. I've played all the games (except the gameboy color games), and think that some parts from them are more appropriate than others. Finally, from time to time I tend to get lazy and refrence names of cities from videogames. Qeynos is from Everquest (Yes, I am an EQ junky), and is C to their production company. Aside from that, I hope you've all enjoyed this chapter. I'm having a fun time writing these chapters, and hope to do a lot more :)
Until next time, see ya all later!
By this time, you should all know that the warning means violence. If you have a queasy stomach, or are offended by violence, do not read any further. Remember, you have been warned....
Chapter 8: Mother's Hill Blues
Fire roared as we charged through the city. The clashes of steel and the sounds of people shouting filled the air. It was pure chaos. Soldiers and townsfolk alike fought each other, screams of agony echoing into the night sky like a haunting melody.
Civil rebellion was a bitch.
When I had first heard that my home city, Qeynos, had gone into a full-fledged rebellion, I could not believe it. I had laughed, saying that there was no way that the people I had known for so long would go into such a bloodlust.
I had been wrong. Dead wrong.
A man charged me, swinging his sword violently. I side-stepped to the right, as he missed completely, losing his balance in the process. Thrusting my sword straight out, I ran him through his chest, trying desperately to ignore his agonizing screams as he fell to the ground in a pool of his own blood.
I knew him. Before this whole mess had started, he had been a medicine peddler. When I had gotten deathly sick one time, he had saved my life with one of his medicines. He had even told me not to worry about paying him, while he smiled generously.
And this was how I had repaid him.
I had no time, however, to mourn. A group of five men turned their sights on me, glaring hatefully. I braced myself for the oncoming attack.
The first one charged head on, screaming in rage. Acting quickly, I ended his charge with a stab to the throat. I ignored the sickening gurgle as I pulled my blade out just in time to deflect the slash to the right. Grabbing the attacker's wrist, I spun around him and threw him into another attack that had been aimed for me. The man screamed as his friend's sword tore through him.
Two down, three to go.
The next attack came from behind. Ducking under the slash, I spun around with my own sword, cutting through the tendons the man's feet. Screaming, he fell to the ground in pain.
Two left.
They both charged at once. Avoiding a thrust that grazed my face, I jumped into the air, spinning over the other attacker's blade. Just before I landed, I swung my blade, slashing the man's back. As he fell down, I landed and charged forward at the last opponent. He screamed in panic as I neared him.
Pulling all my resolve together, I swung my sword in a fierce horizontal strike, tearing a chunk of is side out. He flailed about screaming for a few moments as his intestines spilled out on the ground, finally collapsing to the ground and giving in to death.
Gasping for breath, I glanced around the battlefield that had once been my home.
Dead bodies were piled high, lifeless eyes staring at me.
Accusing me.
************
I woke up gasping. It took me a moment to realize that I was safe at home in bed. Leno glanced at me sleepily from where he was lying. I was in a cold sweat.
Going outside to get some fresh air, I was greeted be rain. I stood there soaking, as my mind wondered off.
I remembered that battle clearly. To me, that had been the most difficult battle of my entire life.
It had started when an anarchist by the name of Grazen had arrived in Qeynos. At the time, a plague had been going throughout the city, claiming many lives. Grazen began preaching to the citizens, telling them that the government possessed a cure, but was too greedy and selfish to share it. Desperate for anything to take their suffering away, the citizens believed the bastard. Three months later, the entire city was in a state of chaos and rebellion.
I had been forced to kill so many on that day.
Shaking my head, I went back inside. It was 4:00 in the morning. I needed to try to get some more sleep.
As I sat there in bed, I was haunted by the image of all those lifeless eyes staring at me.
**************
I had seen him standing outside in the rain, staring off blankly into space. He seemed troubled. I shook my head sadly. I felt sympathy for him.
I was in similar spirits at the moment. Today was the fourth anniversary of my mother's death. I had woken up early this morning to visit her grave. Unlike most people, we had buried her in the mountains. The place was a quiet cliff just past the hot spring that Dad and I had come to call Mother's Hill. She had loved it there when she was alive. I wished with all my heart that she was still around...
Wiping a stray tear from my face, I stared back at Mazrim. I had met him briefly before, but Karen hold told me so much about him. I could easily see how she could fall for him. He was a bit rough looking, but at the same time gave off a strong, handsome appearance.
I sighed, banishing the thought from my head. Here I was, Ann Green, standing in the rain, staring at some guy I had only seen at the Inn a couple of times. There was no way he would see me in that way, I was simply not marriage material. Besides, Karen was my best friend. I couldn't betray her that way.
I glanced back up to see him shaking out of his thoughts. His eyes looked haunted, like he had seen every horror known to man. Turning around, he walked back inside.
Deciding to leave it alone for now, I began to walk, taking the path that cut through the farm. I was heading to mother's grave. I wanted to be there early, so I wouldn't be bothered by anyone. The rain would help to keep it that way, and I would be home long before Dad woke up...
Tears fell freely as I made my way there.
***********
5:00 had rolled by, and I had managed to get absolutely no sleep. The memory had caused me to lose all desire to sleep, in fear that I would see those lifeless faces again. Deciding to get out of bed, I put my clothes on. Looking at Leno, he was still peacefully asleep. I decided to leave him like that.
Grabbing my raincoat, I stepped outside and pulled my hood on. Maybe a walk would help me to clear my mind. Walking down the path, I headed towards the mountain trail.
Walking down the trail, I noticed a path that lead up to the right. When I had gone down the trail last time, I had been in such a hurry that I had missed it completely. deciding to see what was up there, I followed the path.
It was a much nicer path than the trail I had taken while looking for May. It was a more level slope, having only a few turns that went through it. The ground was also pretty flat, with less rocks and bushes to worry about. It was obvious that it was traveled more often.
As I came into a clearing, I noticed a building. Tall walls covered it, and steam rose from the center. A sign stood next to it.
Hot Spring.
I slapped my forehead.
Of course... that was how my Grandpa got through without a bathroom.
I noticed another path that lead further up.
Curiosity got the best of me, and I started down the new path...
**************
I had been there for over an hour crying.
As I stared down at the makeshift wood cross that marked my mother's grave, I couldn't help but feel so alone in the world. Granted, I still had my dad, but it wasn't the same thing.
I wanted to have a whole family.
Suddenly, I heard a voice behind me.
"Are you okay?"
***********
She spun around, looking at me in surprise. Her face was a mess, her wet red hair clinging to her face in the rain. Her eyes were red and puffy. She had been crying.
Glancing behind her, I realized what she had been crying about.
"I'm sorry." I said quietly. "I didn't realize... I'll leave you alone."
"Wait!" she said, reaching her hand out. She smiled sadly. "I don't mind. I could use a little company right now."
I hesitated momentarily, before walking to her and taking a seat on a nearby rock. Looking down at the grave, I saw a couple of yellow flowers.
"So, who is it?" I asked quietly.
Ann sniffed lightly before answering.
"She was my mom. She died four years ago on this day."
"What did she die of?"
"Breast cancer."
I sat quietly for a few minutes. Noticing she was getting soaked, I took off my raincoat and put it over her. She looked at me, surprised.
"What about you?" she said.
"I'll be fine. I used to march in the rain a lot when I was in the army, so I'm used to it. Besides, I doubt your mother would like to see you get sick while visiting her grave." I said, smiling slightly.
Ann smiled gratefully, pulling the raincoat close.
"What was she like when she was alive?"
Ann stared at the grave.
"She was beautiful, always smiling. Or at least, that's what my dad always says. I remember her scolding me a lot." she smiled faintly, while a couple tears rolled down her face. "I remember one time, when I was a kid, I came up here to play. When I had gotten home, it had been late at night. Mom yelled at me, telling me that I had worried her sick. She then sent me to bed without supper." Tears were streaming down her face. She wiped them away. "I cried for half an hour. Then, she came in my room with my favorite dish, telling me that I had worried her. She made me promise not to worry her again like that."
Ann broke down, crying uncontrollably.
"Why? Why did she have to die?"
I sat next to her, holding her tight. She simply returned the hug, crying into my shoulder. We sat there for half an hour until she settled down.
I looked back at the grave. Suddenly, I realized what day it was.
**************
I finally managed to get a hold of myself. The rain had stopped for the moment, and the clouds were starting to break. Looking at Mazrim, I realized he was staring at the grave. Suddenly, I saw a look of realization appear on his face.
"What?" I said, curiously.
Mazrim looked at me startled, as if realizing for the first time I was there. As quick as it had appeared though, it was replaced by a solid emotionless stare.
"It's nothing."
I looked at him irratated.
"I just spent half an hour crying on your shoulder, Mazrim. It's no fair for you to let me do that, and for you to refuse sharing your pain with me." I said sternly, putting my hands on my hips. He wasn't going to escape that easily.
He must have realized it too, because he gave a long sigh before giving in.
*****************
I told her the whole story, leaving no details out. She sat quietly listening. I could tell she was horrified, but for some reason, I felt safe talking about it with her. I felt as if I could trust her.
While I came to the end, I felt a heavy twinge of guilt. All those lifeless eye's had been staring at me.
Accusing me.
When I finished, I paused for a moment.
"That battle occurred two years ago, on this very day."
Ann sat in silent shock for a minute.
"I.... I don't know what to say... I never realized you had such an awful past."
I sat silently.
Ann struggled to think of something to say.
"Don't worry, Ann. You don't have to say anything. It was my decision to go into battle. It was my hand that took there lives. That makes me no better than Luca Blight himself." I felt my eyes burning. I wouldn't cry though. Not in front of her, or anyone.
This was my burden. My guilt, that I would carry for the rest of my life.
A hand came out of nowhere, slapping me hard enough to knock the sense out of me. I stared back at two angry eyes, stunned.
"Don't give me that crap!" yelled Ann. "You had no choice! From what you said, they were trying to kill you as well!" Her voice became softer as I stared at her. "If it was anyone's fault, it lied in that Grazen guy. He was the one that started the whole thing. Don't go through life, beating yourself up for something you couldn't control." She flushed slightly, looking at the ground. "Besides, you stayed out here with me for half an hour, soaking in the rain while I cried on your shoulders. Anyone who can do that is still a good person in my book, no matter what he has done in the past.
I looked at her. She was right, of course. I had to stop beating myself up about the past, or it would rule me forever. Smiling at her, I nodded my head.
Smiling, she continued.
"Let's make a promise to each other. We'll promise to let the past stay in the past. If either of us starts to stray from that, the other will slap some sense into him or her." She held out her hand, smiling. "Promise?"
I smirked, grasping the hand.
"Promise."
It was now 6:00 in the morning. Heading back to the village, we joked around until we got back to the Inn. Ann paused for a moment, staring back at me.
"Thanks, Mazrim. You helped me out a lot today." Blushing slightly, she held out her hand again. "Friends for life?"
I nodded, as I shook her hand.
"Friends."
She went inside, as I headed back home. I felt much better.
***************
I looked down at my wife's grave to see the two Moon drop Flowers at the base. I smiled fondly, remembering how it had been her favorite flower.
I had gotten here while Mazrim was comforting my daughter. I smiled warmly, remembering how she had turned the tables on him so easily.
"I wish you could see how much our daughter has grown, Helen."
Smiling, I sat on the rock watching the sunrise.
************
Howdy all! A few things about this chapter... First of all, I know that spring isn't the actual anniversary of Ann's mom's death. As I write this fanfic, I may change certain events and times to fit with what I feel like writing about. The same goes with using some things from different versions of Harvest Moon. I've played all the games (except the gameboy color games), and think that some parts from them are more appropriate than others. Finally, from time to time I tend to get lazy and refrence names of cities from videogames. Qeynos is from Everquest (Yes, I am an EQ junky), and is C to their production company. Aside from that, I hope you've all enjoyed this chapter. I'm having a fun time writing these chapters, and hope to do a lot more :)
Until next time, see ya all later!