Disclaimer: I don't own anything, blah blah.

Author's Note: It's been about five months. That gave me ample time to get over Mike Weir's loss at the Bell Canadian Open, but I'll never really get over it. Sigh. (Don't listen to me; really don't listen to me! Hah hah!) Anyway, this is officially the last chapter, I promise you that. I realized that I forgot something in the previous chapter, so I guess I have no choice but to shove it in here. So enjoy (or not)! I don't think you need a casting list anymore, because... there's really no need for one. Not alot of characters!


Ruby Red in Mineral Town
The End of the Show

(Popuri's POV)

After docking back to the island, we were all supposed to go to the bar to celebrate. You know, get drunk, have fun, the usual. That was the manifest function, or the default function, at least. But there's something much more important I have in mind for this oh so special night. Hopefully everything would all fall into place. I just had to secure everyone's positions.

I sucked at the last remnants of caramel on my teeth. It was awfully kind of Karen to give me that chocolate bar. A little too kind, actually. Leave her to pick the perfect moment to be nice, and make me feel really guilty for what I might have to do to her. That girl has the worst timing on the island.

"Ann, you're going to the bar right?" I fell into step with her, pleading to myself that the answer was 'yes'. If she suddenly changed her mind then, well, the whole thing was off.

"Oh, you know it!" Ann cheered enthusiastically with an inerasable grin on her face. "Our work is done. What better way to celebrate than by getting drunk?"

I smiled back, but it was more to conceal my nerves. I don't think Ann getting drunk would help me at all. I mean, I wouldn't mind if she were just a tad buzzed, but not to the extent that she would not have any recollection of past events. Boy, I sound like an awful friend, don't I? It's really for her own good though.

Everyone charged into the bar like a clan of starving antelope. Before long, everyone was sporting a mug of any given alcoholic beverage, laughing out loud and retelling anecdotes of all the events that unfolded during filming.

I quickly excused myself from a conversation I was having with Elli and went over to Ann, who was busy chatting with Karen. Swallowing nervously, I smiled again and managed to pull Ann away for a moment.

"Do you want to go to my family's greenhouse?" I asked her. "There's a hurt squirrel that I think would really appreciate your skilled hands." This was all part of the plan. I probably should have rehearsed this part a little more. There was so squirrel. If it did come to that Ann would come to the greenhouse (minus the creature), then what was I going to tell her?

"Really?" Ann's eyes shone sympathetically. "When did you find it?"

"Oh, this morning," I told her with an even tone. "Come on, we'll just pop into the greenhouse and you can come back and enjoy the rest of the evening."

"Okay," she obliged, and we exited the bar.

Cliff sat on the front step, his eyes fixated on the drink in front of him. However, he seemed very docile and approachable.

"What a loner," Ann whispered into my ear.

That annoyed me, naturally. I wish she'd appreciate what is practically laid out right in front of her. She's very lucky that Cliff has taken such a liking to her (really though, she's just too proud to admit that she likes him). I like him too, but he's more like the big brother I've always wanted.

Cliff immediately stood up at our presence. Well, my work was pretty much done. He cleared his throat nervously. "Hi Ann..."

Was there a hint of a rosy hue on Ann's cheeks? She doesn't blush often. It looks uncharacteristically out of place for a farm girl like her. But I found that a little charming.

"Um, hi." She scuffed her feet on the floor.

I bit my lip anxiously. This could be the day. "I'll, um, go back in and get another drink." I'm not big on alcohol, but I do enjoy an occasional glass. Besides, they had juice in there too.

"What about the squirrel?" Ann reminded. Aw crap, the stupid squirrel.

"It's, um... mer... uh..." was the best I could manage. I ran back into the bar before she could question me further.

After sliding back inside, I suddenly had the urge to go back outside again. I know it's a bad habit, but I wanted to eavesdrop on their conversation. If all goes to plan, Ann will say 'yes' to Cliff's proposal, and the two will live happily ever after. At least, that IS the plan we have here.

But no! Eavesdropping is wrong beyond belief. Besides, it's good to give them privacy. I certainly would not want people listening to me while I talked to Gra- er, nobody. Actually, what kind of conversation would that be? I'd carry on with normal dialogue while he'd respond with grunts and half sentences. Sigh.

Besides, I had a job to do, keep Karen inside. That, or get her extremely drunk; whichever comes easier.

But my task was complete. In the bar, with the help of Duke, my mother and Elli, Karen's passed out body was led out through the backdoor. So now, all I needed to do was enjoy the rest of my day.


(Ann's POV)

I remember the wedding quite vividly like it happened last season... oh wait, it did happen last season. Not very elaborate, just the Pastor's blessings and that was all. Right after the ceremony, Cliff and I went straight to my (well, our) ranch, I changed into my overalls and went back to my chores.

It wasn't long after that Gray asked Popuri to marry her. She was absolutely delighted, and wasn't shy to show it. I was delighted too. We were all blissfully happy.

But that was a whole season ago. We've all been husband and wife for awhile now. We've gotten along all right I suppose. There's been the odd domestic dispute, but overall I'd say we have an ideal marriage. In fact, even trying to start a family.

But that's not my focus at the moment. Today was the screening of the completed product of our efforts. We'd all been extremely anxious to watch it, especially Cliff and Popuri (the stars). I can imagine it was quite a big deal to them.

On one side of the town's square, there was a large projection screen set up. Front seats were already filled up with excited members of our movie group. Again, the normal sidewalk vendors took up the majority of the space, waving their wear in the air.

I moseyed over to Rick's stand to take a glance at what merchandise he was trying to pawn off today. I noticed in his shop a few days ago that he had the ugliest carpet, and he was selling it for almost 4,000g! Later, he told me he sold it to someone. My, I feel sorry for that unfortunate individual. (Author's Note: That would be you and me! You can't deny that you didn't buy it... coz I did!)

My eyes bulged at the most unusual object to ever be sighted. "What is that?" I lifted the object from the table, cradling it in my palm a little hesitantly. Was I holding it upside down? It looked like a rock porcupine; a large rock contained inside various stones glued together in place.

"Don't touch it if you're not buying it," Rick snapped, snatching the thing from my hands. "It's a waratarma; a good luck charm from South Africa." (Author's Note: I'm totally making this up.)

"Really," I said, stroking my chin. "How did you of all people obtain a... waratarma from such a distant place?"

"I bought it from Sammy the Saleman," he informed me.

Oh great. I always thought Rick was a little slow, but I figured that anyone would have enough intellect to know that everything that crook sells is a piece of crap worth less than its weight in dirt.

But I couldn't resist asking. "How much did you spend on it?"

"About 2,000g."

Holy... crud. I couldn't figure out what was dumber, Rick buying that hunk of junk for that much, or thinking that someone would actually purchase it for 5,000g.

"Is that an authentic waratarma?" someone from behind my shoulder spoke up.

Rick flashed the customer his most innocent smile. "Why, yes it is! It's a one of a kind object, so you'd better get it before it's gone. In fact, this young lady right here was just about to buy it!"

The woman gave me a bit of a glare. "I'll pay 6,000g for it then!"

"Sold!" Rick quickly wrapped the... thing in newspaper and accepted her money before there was ample time for a second thought.

"I gotta hand it to you Rick," I said with a sigh as I watched her scoot away with delight. "You really know how to swindle people."

He flashed his innocent grin again. "It's a gift."

"Attention everyone!" Mayor Thomas called, standing in front of the screen. "May I have your attention..." we all half-heartedly cocked our heads in his direction. "Now, a few seasons ago..." Oh great. Here comes another long, boring gust of hot air. While he talked, I contemplated baby names in my head.

"...And this, the final product, which we have all worked very hard on-"

"Start the movie!" someone shouted. If this were really a movie theatre, Mayor Thomas would be covered in soda and popcorn.

He winced a little, but obliged. "And without further ado, I hope you enjoy 'Ruby Red'!"

Zach pushed a button on the projector, and we were underway.

We'd only been through about fifteen minutes of the film and already I was disgusted beyond belief. Maybe it was the lighting. Maybe it was the bad angle. Maybe it was the dry acting. Maybe it was how the scenes were cut. Maybe it was a combination of all these elements. In any case, I felt repulsed and even embarrassed to watch it.

"What the hell is that!" I heard Rick shout from his nic-nacs stand. A large majority murmured in agreement.

"Um, need I remind you that this was on a very strict budget..." the Mayor defended.

"That isn't the problem!" Rick continued to rant mindlessly. "The problem is you! You suck as a director!"

A few people were off their seats, screaming vulgarities in the Mayor's direction. Assessing the situation, Popuri stood by his side, trying desperately to settle the situation as peacefully as she could. I knew better and decided to stay out of it.

Only a select few remained focussed enough to catch the ending (which was by far the best shot part of the film, but still left a lot to be desired). Most had surrounded our Mayor, openly challenging his directorial skills and proclaiming their ability to do a much better job if they... well, let's just say that they have a lot faith in certain parts of their anatomy.

The next few minutes were like scenes from a wonderful nightmare. I watched in horror as Rick leaped into a chair, allowing him to tower high above everyone else. "We have a corrupt mayor people! I think it's time to stage a revolution!"

In the heat of the moment, people who would look down at Rick pumped their fists. "Revolution! Revolution!" They chanted almost demonically.

Uh oh. At this point, it was seriously getting out of hand. It was time for me to step in.

"Rick, step down from there right this instant!" I commanded my cousin like a stern and overbearing mother.

This time, from his position, he sneered down at me. "Forget it Ann. I'm tired of listening to you." Turning his head back up, he addressed the audience. "The time has come to elect me, Rick Green, as your new mayor!"

I was stunned. Literally stunned! Did he just say what I think he said? Was that his motive all along, to ultimately become the top dog? How could someone from such an innocent upbringing be so corrupt?

"Ha ha, nice try Rick," Kai said condescendingly with a light chuckle. That seemed to break the spell. Everyone immediately began to settle down and began to make their way back home, miffed at their behaviour.

"Well, I tried," Rick sighed as he leaped off the chair. "I got a little bit closer to world dom-er, making this island a better place," he blushed furiously.

I just smiled back at him and gave him a hearty pat on the shoulder. "Yeah, Rick. You never know..."


Life as we knew it pretty much continued on post-movie disaster. Yes, it was pretty bad, but by some miracle, Mayor Thomas (who is also amazingly still mayor!) convinced an unsuspecting TV network to purchase the rights to it. So either way, our town didn't rise or fall financially. My life continued as it was a few seasons ago, with the exception of two additional people living on our farm. But they made life much happier, I'll gladly admit.

Except for one minor change, which doesn't necessarily affect us. Rick has decided to go into politics and challenge Mayor Thomas's position. People may think this is a big thing, but believe me, the way he's campaigning, it's pure entertainment. Until one day...

"Ann, help me finish these signs!" Rick whined, his hair colourfully spotted with flicks of paint.

Leaning on his store counter with an apple in hand, I shook my head. "No way." Taking my last bite, I tossed the apple core hastily into a corner, displaying my regard for him.

"You haven't helped me with my campaign at all. We're cousins! We're family! We're supposed to help each other aren't we?"

Oh now he was just getting desperate. "There's no law saying that."

Rick ran his hand through his hair anxiously. "If you won't help me, then I guess I have no choice but to use my secret weapon."

That intrigued me. "Your secret weapon? What's that?"

Rick reached behind his counter and pulled out a locked metal box. "Remember when we were kids? I stole your dad's instant camera and started taking pictures your room... and you?"

I could physically feel my blood pressure rise. "You told me you would burn those pictures in exchange of that blue sweater of mine that you loved so much." That sweater was plainly a girl's sweater, but he still wanted it. It looked better on him anyway.

He shrugged lightly. "I lied."

"Give them to me!" I pounced at him, but he withdrew quickly. "Rick! You are a cheater!"

"Help me with my campaign!" he blackmailed, shaking the box left and right to accentuate the abundance of contents.

"And if I don't?" I put my hands on my hips.

"Then I'm going to take every embarrassing picture of you in here, photocopy dozens, and pass them around town!"

I gasped. "You would not have the audacity!" I was aware that if he were to do that, it would ruin his campaign, but at my tragic expense! After quickly weighing the pros and cons, I came to a conclusion. "As mad as I am about this -- because it really isn't fair! -- I guess I agree." His campaign was never going to take flight anyway.

"Okay!" Rick put the box in his cupboard and locked the doors. "Let's get to work! There are so much things we have to do to win these people's votes!" I suppose this could become my opportunity to sabotage any of his chances to become mayor, but I figured he could do it more effectively himself.

After painting signs for an eternity, he finally let me go home for dinner.

"I'll swing by your house tomorrow morning so we can discuss strategy!" he called over my shoulder. I cussed back at him.

After crawling in bed for the night, I contemplated ideas to escape this cruel and unusual punishment. I could set his shop on fire, but that may be looked down upon. I could physically threaten him, but I doubt that would work. What if I tricked him somehow?

"Where were you today, Ann?" Cliff asked as he lay beside me. "None of us could find you all day."

"Oh, um, I was just around." Cliff couldn't know. Not yet.

Somehow, I managed to fall asleep. But boy, it didn't last very long. It didn't matter what method Rick ventured to get into my room. There was no stopping him.

"ANN WAKE UP!" his voice boomed, jolting me from my slumber.

"What!" after half-cartwheeling out of bed, I found myself facedown on the floor.

"HOW DO YOU LIKE MY NEW MEGAPHONE? NOW I CAN BROADCAST MY THOUGHTS EVERYWHERE!"

It's one thing for Rick to have any contact with me. It's another for him to express a reflection of any kind when I'm nearby. But this was in a whole new level by itself.

Oh, the humanity.

But my, my! We're spared. Cliff promptly lifted himself off the bed and squarely punched Rick in the nose. He collapsed on the floor, unconscious.

"Oh, I knew there was a reason I married you!" I squealed, falling into Cliff's arms. He grinned and hugged me back. For the first time on my life, I felt like everything was perfect. I was thoroughly happy.

The End



Author's Note: There we go! I finally finished this fic! (Oh gosh, my last 'paragraph' was completely cheesy!)I'm not sure how it ended up, because I just wrote it in fragments and didn't re-read it, har har. I'm sorry you had to sit through that torture, and if you so desire, flame away! I'm just happy that I finished this fic, after all those months. Actually, I couldn't really figure out how to complete it; that's why I stalled. I had originally thought up a plot whereas Rick would, in fact, become mayor (therefore creating an island of... badness!), but I figured that was dumb. At least it would give people a little bit of irony, right?