Disclaimer:I do not own harvest moon or any of the characters related to the series. If I did, I would be rich. Also, I do not own Mr. Dream. Even if I did, I doubt I'd be rich :P Both are copyrighted to they're respective companies. I DID, however, create the character of Mathew Cane. If you try to steal him, I will send a legion of spork-wielding chipmunks after you. All characters here are fictional, and are by no way substite for real life. This fanfic contains no carbohydrates. And for the love of god, it's just MAKE BELIEVE!

Chapter One: Arrival

"Grandpa..." sniffed a girl, as she leaned down over the bed. Tears were streaming down her face as she looked at the weak old man lying in the bed. He strained a reassuring smile on his face.

"Now don't you cry, Sara... I've lived a long life." he wheezed. "I feel for the first the first time that I can finally rest. I... have no regrets..."

Sara let out another sob as she looked at her grandfather. Distantly, she heard the sound of her father, Nathan, trying to choke down his own tears.

It had been well known that old farmer Jake was getting close to the final countdown. People first started noticing when his once glorious farm began to deteriorate. It hadn't been until a year ago when, he was diagnosed with heart disease. Since then, he had been forced to sell his beloved animals, and had been unable to work on his farm. It hurt Sara a lot to see the place looking so shabby.

"Sara..." said her father as he put a reassuring hand on her back. "Why don't you go out back and get some water for Grandpa?"

Getting up, she nodded and walked out the door.

"Taking this a bit hard, isn't she?" said Jake, still wheezing.

"Yeah, she liked you quite a lot." stated Nathan.

"Listen, Nate... I want her to have the farm."

"What?!" started Nathan, surprise clear on his face. "She can't take care of a farm all by herself! She's..."

"The most capable person to do it." finished Jake, as he cut Nate off. "Listen to me, Nate. I know more than anyone else how difficult the farm can be, but Sara's going to be 21 this spring. She loved the farm more than anyone else I've ever known. I can't give it to you, because you already have work in the city. I know you won't want to move out here with the money you make there."

Nathan nodded reluctantly, as Jake continued.

"Besides, it's not like she'll be alone. A month ago, I sent a letter to a good friend of mine who knows about farming. He'll come down and help out." he finished.

"Is it Takakura?" asked Jake.

"Yes. He helped me out when I first started this place. I have no doubt that he'll help your daughter out as well." Suddenly, Jake went into a fit of coughing. Alarmed, Nate stood up to call for Sara.

"No, Nate. I don't want her to see me go like this..." wheezed Jake. "Please... just promise me... you'll let her try..."

Tears were now streaming down Nate's face as he said his final words to his father.

"Alright, damnit. I love you, dad."

Jake smiled reassuringly.

"I love you to son. I'm very proud of you."

Flower Bud Village, December 17th, 1994...

It was a day never to be forgotten by the residents of the village. Jake, a farmer known by everyone as the most kind hearted and caring man in the village, died of heart disease. The loss affected everyone, and for the next several weeks, the town would mourn his death.

Matthew Cane had to shield his eyes from the bright lights with his gloves as he entered the stadium. Looking around, he saw people cheering as he walked up to the ring in the center of the stage. Nervously, he waved to the crowd trying to look calm and self assured.

"You're going to get your ass kicked." muttered Takakaru as he strode alongside Matt, towel draped over his shoulders. "Mr. Dream is a world heavyweight boxing champion. You don't stand a chance in hell."

"And you're not helping one bit, old man." Matt growled under his breath. "How was I to know that this guy would take my challenge seriously?"

"Maybe it was when you called him a girly man." replied Takakaru as they reached the stage.

"Well, how was I supposed to know he was listening?" asked Matt, as he stepped into the ring.

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe because you said it over national TV?" grumbled Takakaru as he set down his equipment on the side of the ring.

"Well, he insulted me first." retorted Matt, as he did some basic stretches.

"One usually does not insult someone three times there size and strength." said Takakura. "Get over here, your gloves aren't tight enough."

"Well, who knows. I might actually beat him." grumbled Matt. "Besides, it's money. It's not like I have much of a choice anyways."

"That's true." snorted Takakaru. "At least you'll get paid for this slaughter fest."

"Oh, shut up Tak. Shit, here he comes."

The crowd went wild as the announcer went into the usual routine. Distantly, Matt cursed in his mind.

"Shit, I'm gonna get my ass kicked."

"That's the idea." stated Takakaru, matter-of-factly.

"Shut the hell up, Tak."

After the introductions were made, the two combatants walked to the center of the ring and tapped gloves.

"Alright, now I want a clean fight." said the ref. "No hitting below the belt. If someone falls, you WILL back off until the count is finished. The winner will be determined if you are unable to continue after the count of 10. Do you understand?"

Of course I do, idiot. I've been doing this for three years.

"Let's get it on!" shouted the ref, sending the crowd to a roar. The sound of the bell could be heard as the match began.

That match was the longest three minutes of Matt's life, which consisted mainly of him being used as a punching bag. As he lay on the ground hearing the countdown, he cursed mentally. It wasn't like he had a choice at all. He needed the money badly. He was three months behind on the rent for his apartment, he was getting dangerously close to running out of food, and to make matters worse, he still had to pay back Takakaru for the money he lent him last month.

That part really hit him hard. Takakaru wasn't all that much better for funds. He got paid based on how many fights Matt won, and so far that was far too few. Matt hated to ask him for money more than anything else. Most trainers would have given up on him long ago after the first few fights, but Tak had stuck it out with him for all three years.

Matt cursed again as he slipped into unconsciousness.

"Two years?!" yelled Sara, as the mayor cringed. "You're only giving me two years to get this place back in shape?!"

"Yes," squeaked the mayor, "Jake wanted the villagers to test you. He was confident that you would be able to do it."

"But only two? Can't you see how much of a bad shape this place is in?!" she said, gesturing to the fields.

Indeed, it was a wreck. Boulders and rocks covered the field where part of the mountain had collapsed, weeds threatened to strangle the life out of anything that dared enter the fields, and tree stumps littered the ground. One tree had collapsed on the barn, where the roof had caved in. The whole place was a disaster. The only safe looking buildings were the chicken coop, the main house, and another smaller guest house.

"Settle down, Sara." said Nathan as he walked into view. The Mayor ran behind him, glad to be away from the girl who was scaring him. "The mayor is only doing his job. Besides, you won't be doing this alone."

"What do you mean, Dad?" asked Sara, curiously.

"An old friend of Jake's is coming down here to help you. He's very knowledgeable when it comes to farming."

"That's right!" commented the mayor, coming out from his hiding place. "Takakaru is very good at farming! With him guiding you, you'll have no problem restoring this farm!"

"Ugh... okay, whatever." sighed Sara. "So, when should he be getting here?"

"He said he had to take care of some things and that he would be here later in the week." said Nathan. "Also, he mentioned something about bringing a surprise with him. I have no idea what he means by that. Finally, he left us with a list of supplies you need to buy. Some of these things apparently can't be bought here, so you have to go to the city to get them."

Taking a moment to size her up, Nathan sighed.

"Are you certain you're up for this?"

"Of course I am, Dad. I've never been more sure in my life."

"Very well. I have to go back home then. Please promise me you'll be careful."

"I will, Dad."

Geez... they grow so fast. Nathan thought as he gave her a tight hug.

"Well, at least there's still enough of you left to yell at." muttered Takakaru as he entered the hospital room. Matt looked pathetic. A huge cast covered his right arm where he had tried to block a punch. Takakaru grimaced, remembering the crack he had heard. Several other bruises covered his face, and he had a black eye.

"Well now, don't you look pretty." muttered Takakaru. Matt glared at him, and then winced in pain.

"That was a nightmare." muttered Matt, as he shuddered.

"Take a look at this." muttered Takakaru as he pulled out a newspaper clipping.

"BOXER MATT CANE GET'S THROTTLED BY "GIRLY MAN" MR. DREAM"

Geez, they're harsh. Thought Matt as he tossed the clipping aside.

"I have to give you some credit, though. I think you made him flinch when you punched him square in the face." grumbled Takakaru.

"Whatever." retorted Matt. "I swear, that guy must eat iron weights for breakfast."

Takakaru sighed as he stared at Matt. Three years had gone by. He remembered how Matt had first started out, confident that he would be a world champion. Shaking his head, Takakaru decided now was the time to break the news.

"Matt, I have to talk to you about something. A good friend of mine died a week ago..."

"Oh... sorry to hear that." said Matt, as he listened.

"The guy owned a farm in Flower Bud Village, a small town that you've probably never heard of. He sent me a letter before he went asking me to help his granddaughter restore his farm."

"Wait a minute... are you telling me what I think you're telling me?" asked Matt, alarmed.

"Let me finish." mumbled Takakaru. "Anyways, the girl needs help running the farm, but there's a little bit of a problem. The village wants to test her abilities before they name her the rightful owner. She has two years to restore the farm. If she can't do it, they'll take it away."

"Two years, eh? Geez, aren't they generous." commented Matt in a sarcastic tone.

"Tell me about it." muttered Takakaru. "Anyways, the problem is, I'm getting too old for that kind of labor."

"So you're not going?" asked Matt.

"How hard did Mr. Dream hit you back there? Listen, I want you to come down there with me and help out." snapped Takakaru.

Matt shocked expression was priceless. Takakaru burst into laughter, as Matt stared in confusion. After calming down, Takakaru continued.

"Listen Matt. I hate to say it, but it will be a cold day in hell before you win a decent match. Let's face it. You're just not meant to be a boxer. Hell, the only way you can survive in this city is to get your ass kicked by men like Mr. Dream, and even then the hospital bills are going to catch up with you someday."

"Yeah, but farming?!" asked Matt incuriously. "I don't know the first thing about farming, Tak!"

"Don't worry about it. Before I moved to the city, I was a farmer. I know all there is to know about it. Besides, the girl is there too. You won't be alone in this, and we could use all the help we can get." said Takakaru.

"I don't know, Tak..."

Takakaru sighed in frustration.

"Listen Matt. Either way, I'm gonna go there. I owe it to my friend to be there. I don't want to leave you here on your own like this, so I'm giving you a chance to pick up your life. It's up to the girl to decide if she wants you to work there, but I think you should go for it."

"But what about my dream of being a world champion?!" shouted Matt.

"Matt, get your head out of your ass for one minute and listen to me, damnit!" shouted Takakaru. He had enough of this. "Look what happened to you today! You fought the world champion and got slaughtered out there! It's a miracle that you didn't come out with a concussion or some serious brain damage! Not only that, but the media is jumping all over this like a pack of rabid wolves. You've become the laughing stock of the boxing world, damnit!"

Takakaru saw the hurt look on Matt's face and decided to take it down a notch.

"Listen to me, Matt. We had a good run. Three years of boxing isn't all that bad. But we can't live off of this any longer. No one's going to take you seriously anymore after this. We need to cut our losses and move on. What I'm offering is a way out. I care about you, damnit, you're like a grandson to me. I don't want to see you hit rock-bottom, but I have to help my friend out."

Matt thought for a minute. What Takakaru was saying did make sense. He was going nowhere, and the hospital bills were getting worse. Additionally, there was no way he'd be able to get another trainer after what happened today, not that he wanted one anyways.

"Alright Tak, I'm in."

Sara held her umbrella as rain fell in sheets.

It would figure he would decide to come during a storm. she thought.

To be honest, she was feeling slightly nervous. She had learned from her father before he left that Takakaru was somewhat of a strict man. Apparently, he had spent the past few years as a boxing trainer, though she never really cared too much for the sport. Running her hand through her short brown hair, she sighed for the third time. She could faintly make out the boat, but it would take another 20 minutes or so before it would reach land.

Sitting down, Sara began to wonder what the surprise was that Takakaru was bringing. Maybe it was some sort of farm tool, or an animal of some sort. She smiled at the thought of seeing a horse or a sheep being led out. She loved animals, and starting out with one would have been perfect.

"Woof."

Shrieking, Sara fell off the bench as she came face to face with a dog. The dog simply stared at her, wagging it's tail.

"Well, aren't you cute." said Sara, smiling as she reached her hand out. The dog jumped on her excitedly, wagging it's tail. Absently, Sara noted that it had no tags.

Must be a stray. She thought. Maybe I should take him in.

"Hi there!" said a girl with pink hair, as she came into view. "You're the new farmer, aren't you?"

"Yeah, the name is Sara." she said, extending her hand out.

"My name's Popouri!" chimed the girl as she shook her hand. "I help run the flower shop down the road! Nice to meetcha!"

"Likewise!" said Sara as she smiled.

"Waiting for someone here? I came to pick up my mother, Lilia."

"Yeah, I'm waiting for someone called Takakaru."

"Aww, how cute!" squealed Popouri as she saw the puppy. "Is that yours? What's his name?"

"I was thinking of calling him Pahn."

Matt emptied his stomach for the twentieth time during the trip.

"God, I am never going on a boat as long as I live." he muttered, as the ship lurched forward.

"I told you not to eat so much before we left." commented Takakaru, as he leaned his back on the railing.

Truth be told, this storm is getting me a little woozy as well.

"Anyways, you can relax now. They're docking right now."

"Music to my ears." moaned Matt, as he darted for the dock. Takakaru couldn't help but chuckle.

Where is he... thought Sara as she watched passengers leave the boat. Popouri ran past her to greet her mother with a tight hug. Sara snickered when she noticed that Lilia, like Popouri, had bright pink hair. Walking up to the gate, she watched as a young man her age came running out. Abruptly, he fell tripped and fell right in front of her, kissing the ground repeatedly.

"God, I thought we were going to die!!" he shouted, drawing some snickers from the surrounding passengers. Sara giggled slightly.

"Geez, at least display some dignity." Muttered an old man as he picked him up off the ground. "And you said Mr. Dream was a girly man."

"Ah, shut it, Tak."

"Takakaru?" asked Sara as she stared in disbelief. "You're Takakaru?"

"You must be Sara." he replied, curtly. "Yes, I'm Takakaru."

End of Chapter

So, what do you guys think? Not too shabby, eh? By the way, for those of you who are wondering, Mr. Dream is from the Punch-Out! series (I believe it was the Nintendo version... not the one with Tyson). Also, on another note, I know that I've taken a bit from several different versions of the harvest moon series (I've played them all except the first two gameboy games, heheh). I just wanted to make something a little different from what we have out there, and you'll probably see more of the other elements from some of the other game coming into play. Anyways, hoped you like it, there should be more on the way as I get more free time :) until then, later all!