Ch. 2: Not cut out

I woke up in my room, and I remembered that I had to work today. I know my dad believes in me, but I don't believe in myself. I've watched my dad work on the farm for as long as I can remember, but I'm not my dad. I was a crybaby in my younger years, and even our dog, Knuckles, creped me out. Now, she's old and tired just like my dad. We do have a puppy though, Knuckles' pup. We named him Neko. He's a dark brown dog and has cute ears like a cat's.

After breakfast (and a little cheering from my mom) I went on the farm. First I went to feed the cows, my dad always fed the cows first. It was pretty easy until I realized that I gave them chicken feed and they would not eat it. At that moment I realized...this is going to be a long day.

I fixed my mistake one handful at a time. The cows just ran away when I tried to brush and milk them. So I gave up and went to take care of the chickens, they seem easy enough. I gave them the right food and put their eggs in the basket-I only dropped five.

Then, I brushed the horse, fed the sheep, played with the dog, and etc. I thought I was finally done but I was wrong. The sun was going down and I hadn't watered the crops. I picked up the watering can and began to water the crops-The watering can seemed like it was the heaviest thing I ever lifted! - But the next thing I knew, I was lying on a bed with bright light shining into my fragile eyes. Everything seemed so...white. I closed my eyes lightly, and then I realized what had happened.

I passed out in exhaustion.

I flickered my eyes open once again to find myself in the clinic, May and Stu were hovering over me. The expression on their faces told me that they were worried. They asked me if I was all right, I said yes-although I was a bit disoriented and confused at the time-May said she was glad, and Stu agreed, then they walked out. I could barley make out some mumbles from behind they silk curtains as I sat up. I felt quite dizzy; I still somehow managed to check the time. Not much time has passed...but then again, this town is so small that it is easy to get someone here within a few minutes. Guess I wasn't out for very long, but how did I get here?

Stu came over to me and said he had something for me. He suddenly took out a big, red fruit, a berry. It was extremely large for a berry, and was even glowing a little. It was the most unique thing I had ever seen; yet I had no idea what it was and even with that it seemed familiar. I looked at it with awe and curiosity, then he asked me to eat it, he said it would make me feel better. I was hesitant at first, how could a single fruit help me? I took it in my hands anyway, I was still curious, and I took it in my hands, and bit on it slowly. When I finished it, I felt a rush of power. I was weak before but now I feel as if I could take on the world. It was amazing. I felt no sign of weakness and, I felt a new power growing inside me.

"It's a power berry." Commented Stu.

"I heard my dad talk about these. So this is a power berry...the rare fruit usually found deep in the ground...wow." I replied.

"I hope it helps you with your new career. We don't like seeing anyone hurt like that. So be careful...and good luck."

I got up from the bed with ease as I began to head for the door. Then I saw someone who I never met before. In a small town like this, meeting someone you never met before is a very rare event, and sometimes could even be labeled suspicious, but this wasn't suspicious at all for some reason. Something in this person reminded me of something but I didn't know what at that moment. When I came out, he stood up, and I wondered what was going on.

"Hey...are you alright?" In almost a whisper, came a soft, yet male voice.

I rubbed the back of my head. "I'm perfectly fine,"

"That's good to hear...I found you lying there while Elli and Jack was out shopping, and to deliver some mail to them. I was worried so I carried you here. You're Jack's son...Ivan, isn't it?"

I looked at him with a surprised expression. "That was a nice thing to do" I thought. I then nodded at him shyly.

"It must be tough..." commented the young man. "Oh yes, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Evan."

Evan was tall, about the same height as me. He wore glasses and his eyes were a pure blue. He wore a light short-sleeved tie-dye white and black shirt and plain blue jeans. He had the palest skin I have ever seen, for skin this pale was rare, most people are outside for the majority of the day. He wore a black hat covering most of his hair, yet a few stands of light blonde hair hung over his forehead.

He bowed to me in respect. "It's getting dark. It would be best if I were to walk you to your farm. Wild dogs may come out."

I nodded. "Thanks." I said as we walked back to my farm. When we got to the entrance, he stopped. I asked what was wrong but he shook his head. He said that he had to get home. He said something else but he was too far by now for me to hear it. I just shrugged, but I wondered why I had never seen him...

A/N: Thanks to all who are reading, I greatly appreciate it. I hope readers like my story so far.

Disclaimer: Just in case I forgot last chapter, the official harvest moon characters (you know who they are) are not mine, but Ivan, Evan and others that will appear in later chapters are my characters. And that's it.