Hey guys, thanks for reviewing :)! I'm glad Jack and Karen are on good terms, makes me smile inside. Let's see if it can stay that way, shall we.


6. All's fair in love and war

The warm summer air drifted to mineral town and already on the first day of spring Pink-cat flowers had bloomed. The salty, sea air blew from the beach and gave the residents of mineral town the urge to visit their very own beach. Karen lazily opened her eyes and got ready for a day ahead. She wore a purple bikini and a plain white shirt over the top and a light blue skirt. She stepped out of the door and breathed in the summer air. She heard feet patting the ground coming towards her and saw a pink dot closing in on her. It was shouting something as it ran and Karen watched it on its path towards her. When it was a meter away from her she realized it wasn't going to stop and it had become too late for her to run. Suddenly the pink thing collided with her and knocked her to the hard ground. Winded, Karen stood up puffing and saw Popuri stand up too.

"Kai's here! Kai's here!" She exclaimed loudly. Karen breathed deeply and nodded.

"I guessed, have you told Ann yet?" Karen asked. Popuri shook her head and grabbed Karen by the hand to lead her to the inn. After the exact same collision with an incredibly pissed off Ann they were ready to visit Kai. Popuri dragged them up to Kai's room to say hello.

"You do know that I've already seen Kai. I already knew he was here, I do work in the inn you know." Ann groaned. Karen sniggered and allowed herself to be dragged up to Kai's room. He was obviously expecting them as he opened the door as soon as they were about to knock.

"Popuri, hey honey! I've missed you so much." Kai said taking Popuri into his arms. Popuri grinned and blushed, she never looked happier than when she was with Kai. The same wave of happiness seemed to radiate off him too as they became whole in each others arms.

"I've missed you too Kai!" She said happily. Karen and Ann smiled at each other, Popuri was truly back from zombieland.

"Well, we'll leave you two lovebirds alone." Ann said slyly and led Karen out of the room.

"Every year…" Karen mumbled as they trudged down the stairs to make some tea. Popuri's joyful mood would last all summer, which meant a distinct lack of sleep for Karen and Ann.

"Who do you think will win the swimming race this year?" Ann grumbled adding half a pot of sugar into her tea. The tiny white lumps melted into the dark liquid becoming a thick syrupy concoction which Ann poked with her teaspoon.

"No idea. Jack or Kai I guess. I can't believe it's been over a year since Jack arrived." Karen said dreamily. Ann nodded and sipped her tea-like drink.

"Yeah, he's become part of the town now. My bet it is on Kai winning this year, he so badly wants to beat Jack…it's a pride thing." Ann said knowledgably.

"What is it with guys having to win?" Karen asked taking a sip of coffee. Ann shrugged and made a face.

"I swear the opposite sex is like an alien species!" Ann said making Karen laugh with coffee coming out of her nose. She wiped her nose and glared at Ann, and Ann flashed a 'who-me-?' look.

"Popuri's taking ages, let's just meet her there." Karen suggested, knowing that they would be a very long time. Ann nodded and called up to Popuri that they were leaving.

At the beach was the usual assortment of junk-foods: Hot dogs, hamburgers, corndogs, cotton candy and anything that was high in fat and low in anything good. Ann and Karen set out there towels and lay in the sun before the race, allowing the warm sun rays to bronze their pale winter skin. The mayor was wearing tiny red swim trunks with his potbelly hanging over the edge almost precariously. The sickening sight of his pale skin and fat rolls was enough to make Karen want to bury her head in the sand. She watched the various couples on the sand hugging and wondered when Jack and Cliff would come. She looked out at the sapphire blue sea and smelt the delicious salty scent. More than anything, perhaps even alcohol, she loved the beach and sea. The thought that all earth's creatures had once originated from the sea amazed her. She felt so much a part of it, the beautiful life giving waters of the sea. The waves rolled lazily against the sand like a dog, lapping it with its foaming tongue and knocking over the sandcastle May had worked so hard on. Karen sat up and punched Ann on the arm.

"Ouch, what?" Ann asked moodily rubbing her arm and resisting the urge to punch back.

"Let's go for a swim." Karen said, her green eyes sparkled, the thought of swimming in ocean exciting her. Ann sighed and nodded, reluctantly stretching to stand up. Karen smiled and dashed off into the ocean feeling the cool water against her skin. She swam beneath the crystal blue waters and held her breath, watching the exotic fish dart about like undersea fairies. She surfaced and breathed in the cool air, wind batting gently against her face. She spotted Jack and hurried up the beach dripping wet, the delicate pads of her feet making light imprints on the golden sand. She gave him a wet hug and grinned happily. The Mayor spotted that all the men had arrived, he had been watching men too much for his own good that day, and cleared his throat signaling an announcement.

"Could all participants please line up on the edge of the beach?" The Mayor asked. Ann looked at the lineup and frowned.

"Hey Karen, why don't you enter? You're a great swimmer, you could so whip some ass!" Ann exclaimed. Karen made a face and looked unsure.

"I don't know, I think it's just for men." Karen said. Ann frowned angrily and looked determined.

"That's so sexist. I know it's been just for men since like… forever. But times are changing and I think it's time for a revolution, so you enter." Ann said determinedly her fists clenched. Karen considered it then nodded with determination.

"Okay!" She exclaimed and went to stand in the line up. The mayor spotted her and walked up laughing, sounding like a drowning seal with his bark like bellows.

"Karen, stop fooling around. Only men enter the swim race." He said smiling good-naturedly. Karen smiled sweetly and stood her ground.

"Well this year I'm entering." She said firmly. The mayor frowned and looked at the townspeople for support.

"But… tradition." He murmured sheepishly. Karen shrugged and stood still.

"Times are changing. I think it's time women were allowed to enter. We're as good as any men!" Karen said. This caused an uproar of agreement amongst the women. Duke frowned and walked over to help the mayor.

"Look, it's always just been for the men. We're not saying women can't enter, we're just saying it would be safer if they didn't enter… we don't want any drownings…" Duke said chuckling. He then imitated a woman's voice saying "oh my gosh I broke a nail, oh no I'm sinking!" The men laughed whilst the women frowned angrily. Ann hurried over to help on Karen's side.

"We women are just as good as men. We can swim as well as, if not better than, men." Ann snarled angrily, looking like a lioness with her intimidating golden mane poofed out. The women nodded and cheered in agreement while the men frowned.

"You women couldn't even make it past the first lap." Duke said grinning.

"Wanna bet?" Ann asked angrily. The mayor shrank and looked disturbed while the women and men glared at each other.

"I know, why don't you let me participate in the race. If I come in the first three you let women participate in the festival next year." Karen said cunningly. Duke frowned and laughed.

"You'll have to come first to win that right." He said challengingly. Karen looked determined and nodded.

"Fine, I'll do it." She said surely. Ann looked worried and the mayor looked confused.

"Karen, are you sure you can win?" Ann whispered. Karen nodded and looked even more determined.

"You'll have to beat me!" Jack said laughing. Karen shrugged and looked at Jack challengingly.

"I'm not gonna go easy on you, you know." Jack said looking serious.

"Nor will I go easy on you." Karen said calmly. The men all smiled, confident that they would beat Karen.

"Fine, fine." The mayor said sounding flustered. "Welcome to the annual swimming festival. Today is special as we have a lady competing against our men."

"On your marks, get set… GO!" Zack shouted. Karen dived into the water and front stroked rapidly, she was a lady of the ocean, with all the grace of a mermaid gliding through the water. She was just behind Kai and Jack when they past the buoy and began the turn around. Karen thrashed against the water and saw that Jack and Kai were a little way away from the shore. She quickly dived under the water and swam swiftly towards them.

"Karen had disappeared beneath the water, where is she?" The Mayor asked nervously. Jack was just about to touch the sand and declare himself winner when Karen dived out of the water and onto the beach.

"No way, Karen won?" The Mayor exclaimed with shock. The girls ran over to congratulate her, squealing with happiness.

"No way! She cheated she went underwater!" Duke shouted angrily but the mayor shook his head.

"Nope, there is nothing in the rules about having to be above water." The mayor said. Duke collapsed on the sand angrily and Manna went to laugh at him.

"Karen wins!" The mayor announced, his red hat seeming to droop with sadness (yes he even wore it to the beach) and all the women cheered. Ann lifted up Karen's hand and grinned while Jack shook her hand and grinned.

"Awww, beaten by a girl!" Kai said sadly. Popuri laughed and looked victorious. The women cheered and began to shout "speech!"

"This is one small step for woman, one giant leap for womankind!" Karen announced proudly and the women cheered for what seemed like the seventh time that day. Karen slept well that night and announced to her mother that it had been the best beach day ever.

The next day was due to be another day on the beach with her friends for Karen. She hurried out of the house and rushed to the beach. When she arrived she found only Kai there, she was apparently early.

"Am I early?" She asked taking a seat on the little blue bench in the beach. Kai looked at his watch and looked tired.

"Well you're not late. It's seven o'clock, I think we're both early." Kai said yawning. Karen nodded and beckoned to Kai to sit next to her. While she was alone with him she had some plans of her own.

"Hey Kai, where do you think your relationship with Popuri is headed?" Karen asked focusing on Kai. Kai looked shocked at the directness of her question and shrugged, a look of confusion wrinkling his handsome face.

"Well… um… I don't know… it's fun…" He said, Karen could see beads of sweat beginning to form on his forehead.

"Only fun?" Karen said sounding slightly angry. Kai looked worried and shook his head quickly.

"No… it's just… well… Karen… I haven't had this conversation with Popuri yet so I'd rather discuss it with her." He said quickly. He looked relieved that he had come up with a good excuse and leaned back on the bench. Karen ignored him and pressed on with her interrogation.

"So do you think you'll get married...? If so please do it soon, I don't think Popuri will survive until next summer without you." Karen said frowning. Kai's eyes widened in fear at the word 'marriage' and he froze.

"Well um… but I can't leave my hometown for good just yet. Maybe Popuri could come with me…" Kai said thoughtfully. Karen froze at the thought of Popuri leaving. Popuri couldn't leave, Karen knew she wouldn't survive without her.

"Why can't you move here?" Karen asked. Kai sat forward and looked both worried and distant.

"It's… complicated." He said after a while. Karen frowned and decided to leave it at that. Finally Ann, Popuri, Gray and Jack arrived. They had all taken the day off to spend a day together.

"Hey, my two favourite people in the whole world!" Popuri said happily. Ann frowned and glared at Popuri.

"Hey! Then what am I, chunky tuna?" Ann asked angrily. Popuri looked confused then laughed loudly when she realised what she'd said.

"Oh right! Then I mean two of my three favourite people in the world!" Popuri said giggling. Jack frowned and feigned looking hurt.

"What about me... what am I worth to you? It's over Popuri!" Jack said in false sadness. Popuri looked worried and frowned.

"What? Oh Jack I'm sorry... it's just I've known them longer... please don't be mad." Popuri said worriedly. They all laughed and Popuri looked angry.

"Sorry Popuri, that was a joke! Did you not get that?" Jack asked. Popuri looked confused then her face lit up as it clicked. She giggled happily and patted Jack on the arm.

"Oh I get it... that's funny!" She said amiably. Jack smiled awkwardly and gave Karen an is-she-always-like-that look.

"Hey guys! Let's go swimming!" Ann exclaimed to change the subject and dived headfirst into the water. The others followed and caused a giant splash. Karen splashed Popuri and Popuri splashed back. Ann splashed both of them to make them stop, receiving two splashes for her efforts. Cliff, in defence of Ann splashed Karen and Popuri, so started a great splash war. The splash war lasted most of the day and included any of the innocent passers by as well. Finally in the evening they had finished their fun and were ready for dinner at Ann's. They hurried to the inn laughing and reminiscing about their day. Karen had needed some fun, she had managed to mess a lot of things up and had been miserable before. They walked into the inn and sat down at a table. Doug strode over and gave Ann a wink and took out a notepad and pen.

"Good evening, sirs and madams, what would you like to drink?" He said trying his hardest to sound posh, but sounding more like a retard. Ann gave him a withering look and Doug laughed.

"Well... I'll have a beer." Ann said.

"Yeah me too!" Jack and Cliff said at the same time. Ann nodded and watched Doug note it down.

"Drinking at your age young lady?" He asked, his orange eyebrows raised, Ann rolled her eyes and continued with the ordering.

"How about we order six beers?" Ann asked. Everyone nodded in agreement apart from Karen who sighed.

"No, I can't. I promised I wouldn't drink again, so I won't. I'll have a... um... pineapple juice." Karen said sadly. Doug nodded and went to fetch their drinks. A few minutes later Doug brought back the drinks and placed them delicately on the table, with coasters.

"Let's have a toast!" Ann announced holding up our glass. The others nodded and reluctantly held up their own glasses. "To our friendship!" Ann said as they touched their glasses. Doug then took their meal orders and hurried to cook everything. They finished their meals and sat contently, cradling their full bellies. The door suddenly opened and Rick burst in looking angry. He then spotted Jack and glared at him.

"Oh, I was going to order a drink, but I've just noticed the smell in here." Rick said glaring at Jack. Jack stood up and Karen pushed him back down again.

"Just ignore him, don't lower yourself to his level." Karen whispered and felt Jack's shoulders relax.

"You're right, let's all just... ignore him." He said glancing at Rick angrily. Rick kept drinking beer after beer for half an hour while the others chatted, trying hard to ignore his glares.

"Hey, Jack. You know your girlfriends good in bed!" Rick slurred chuckling to himself. Jack turned bright red, but turned away trying to ignore Rick. Doug frowned and raised his eyebrows at Rick.

"I think you had better leave Rick." Doug said calmly, taking away Rick glasses and washing them up.

"I ain't doing anything wrong. He's the one who stole my girlfriend!" Rick shouted pointing at Jack. Jack stood up angrily and marched towards Rick.

"Maybe, she was just getting someone better than a nerd like you!" Jack shouted angrily. Rick laughed in a high pitch and glared at Jack.

"It's funny, you say that but I'm the one she picked to sleep with." Rick said. Jack turned a dangerously dark shade of red and glared angrily at Rick.

"Picked is an overstatement." Karen muttered, burying her head in her hands.

"I had the same chance you did, but I love her enough not to take advantage of her." He spat and Rick turned fuchsia. Karen stood up angrily and walked towards them.

"Alright break it up. Let's just go, please Jack." Karen begged. Jack shook his head and stood still, determined to make a show of machismo. Rick pushed Karen against a table and she fell hard against it, losing her balance and falling to the floor.

"The moment you arrived you went for her. You asked her to the goddess festival and even danced with her! You were out to split us up from the beginning and the whore let you!" Rick screeched, and Jack looked at the floor. Karen rubbed her back and stood up, wondering why what Rick had said made sense. It was true, it did seem like Jack had been out to break them up from the beginning, was she really a whore?

"I didn't want to break you up. Karen was the first person who tried to help me. She was really kind to me and I only wanted to be her friend. I didn't intend to split you up, but I'm sure that's how it must have seemed and she is not a whore." Jack said looking at Karen. She nodded understandingly and glared at Rick.

"Liar!" Rick hissed looking from Karen to Popuri for support. Popuri glared and looked upset and Kai put his arm around her soothingly.

"I'm not lying. You took advantage of her and she never really loved you, so what's the point in still fighting. It's over, so just get over her." Jack said calmly. Rick's eyes widened in anger and he stepped closer to Jack. Jack stood his ground as Rick edged closer. Suddenly Rick swung his fist forward with all his might and hit Jack squarely between the eyes. Jack recovered quickly and punched Rick in the face making his glasses smash and fall to the floor. Rick tried to punch Jack in the stomach but he dodged and hit Rick in the nose. Blood began to pour from his nose, drops of rosy red blood fell to the ground and Rick screamed in pain. He punched Jack in the eye quickly making Jack fall backward. He quickly regained his balance and punched Rick in the gut.

"Stop it!" Karen screamed. Doug hurried over to restrain Rick but he grabbed one of the small, glass vases on the bar and smashed the end off. He pointed the jagged edge at Jack and lunged forward. Doug grabbed Rick quickly and Ann rushed over and wrenched the vase out of Rick's hand.

"I'm sorry Rick, you're banned from the inn until further notice." Doug said angrily and dragged Rick out of the inn. Karen rushed quickly over to Jack, and shot an angry glance at Rick as he was dragged away.

"Jack, are you okay? I'm so sorry." Karen said worriedly. Jack nodded and swayed on his feet.

"I'd better take him home guys, see you tomorrow." Karen said steadying Jack.

"Okay bye." Ann said sounding distant. Karen helped Jack out of the bar and began to take him home.

"I've never seen Rick act like that..." Popuri mumbled looking distraught. A small tear ran down her face as she hugged closer to Kai.

"Nor have I, I'm so sorry Popuri." Ann said sadly. Popuri sniffed and nodded.

"Can I stay with you tonight Ann, I don't want to go home." Popuri said beginning to cry. Kai hugged her tightly and Ann nodded. Popuri kissed Kai goodnight and trudged up to Ann's room. Kai and Cliff headed up to their rooms in the inn and Ann locked up downstairs, before heading up to her room.

Karen took Jack into his house and fetched him a cold flannel. She put it on his eye and sighed.

"I'm so sorry Jack, you're gonna have a shiner." Karen said. Jack moaned and collapsed on his bed.

"Sorry for fighting Karen, I just couldn't stand him saying that stuff about you." Jack said and smiled weakly. Karen shook her head and fetched Jack a new flannel.

"I'll come and pick you up tomorrow and we can get the doctor to check it out... just in case. I'm sorry I can't stay, but my mother would kill me, after..." Karen stopped and exhaled loudly. She spotted that Jack had drifted off and kissed him gently on the cheek.

"Goodnight Jack." Karen said softly and tip-toed quietly to the door.

The summer passed quickly, and it was soon the 24th of summer, the fireworks festival. Karen wore a silky black dress and Popuri wore a flowing, flowery summer dress and Ann wore her usual coveralls. Karen and Jack settled on the edge of the dock and Karen leaned her head on his shoulder as they watched the beautiful splashes of coloured light. She spotted Kai wonder over to Popuri with a mischievous look on his face. He suddenly held put a long blue feather out to Popuri and she looked shocked. She nodded quickly and Karen realised what had happened. She jumped up and lost her balance and began tipping off the dock. She grabbed Jack and squealed as they both tumbled into the cool ocean.

"Okay what was that for?" Jack asked splashing Karen. Karen stood shocked and looked at Jack in both happiness and panic.

"What is it?" Jack asked worriedly grabbing Karen's hand. Karen took a few deep breaths, the cool air stung her lungs.

"Kai just proposed to Popuri. She just said yes, they're engaged... and Popuri's going to leave!" Karen said in panic her eyes wide. Jack wrapped his arms around Karen and helped her up to the beach. Popuri and Ann ran over to Karen and looked excited.

"Kai just proposed to me! Oh Karen isn't it great! Now I get to move to Kai's village!" Popuri squealed happily. Karen faked a smile and nodded in fake happiness.

"Yeah, it's... great." She said. Jack gripped her hand and Popuri ran off to tell everyone. Karen felt a mixture of emotions wash over her like the waves of the ocean. The blue feather Popuri was holding in her hands seemed to taunt her.

"Karen, Popuri's happy, that's all that matters." Jack said warningly as if he had heard her thoughts. Karen nodded slowly, trying to get over her shock. She watched Popuri run over and tell Ann, Ann seemed genuinely happy and gave Popuri a big hug. Karen knew she was just being selfish, but that was her all over.

"I'm gonna head home, I don't feel well." Karen murmured sounding hurt. Jack stroked her back and kissed her good night. She walked home slowly, feeling the warm air brush against her skin. She walked past the church and saw Carter outside as usual. He gave her a cheery wave, and a small wink.

"Hello Karen what's wrong?" He asked. His eyes shone with knowledge, he always seemed to know when Karen had a lot on her mind.

"Me, I'm what's wrong Carter." Karen said mournfully. Carter didn't deny it, he just frowned and beckoned for Karen to follow him. She followed him into the beautiful mineral town church. The musty church smell greeted her and the angels on the stained-glass windows seemed to smile reassuringly at her. The church seemed almost sinister at night however, as the images on the windows seemed darker and less comforting. Carter sat down on one of the wooden benches and patted the seat beside him.

"What don't you like about yourself?" Carter asked surveying Karen carefully as though sizing up what he thought was wrong with her himself.

"Well, a lot of things I guess. I just seem to mess everything up." She said. Carter nodded and looked at the alter at the front, the sapphire eyes of the goddess statue seemed to watch them intently.

"Many feel that something is wrong with them and whatever they have is not enough. Karen you may have messed some things up, but haven't you learnt from your mistakes? In life you may get some cuts and scrapes, but they're just a part of life. With the wounds you also get those happy moments where nothing seems wrong with the world." Carter said. He sounded distant as though he was talking to himself rather than Karen.

"What about you, you never mess up. You never make mistakes." Karen pointed out, envying Carter immensely. Her green eyes matched the jealousy she felt. Carter chuckled and then looked at Karen gravely.

"You believe so, do you? Well Karen I made the biggest mistake in the world once which caused me much pain, but I've learned from it and put it behind me..." Carter said, he flinched at the memory. Karen looked at Carter in curiosity, her eyes begged for more details.

"What mistake did you make?" Karen asked. Carter looked at the floor and was silent.

"I'll tell you when you have suffered a pain as great as mine. I promise I'll tell you one day." Carter said mysteriously.

"Does that mean... I'll definitely suffer a pain as great as yours?" Karen asked, panic in her voice. Carter sighed and looked at Karen seriously.

"Maybe, we never know what the goddess has in store for us. But I am certain you can face it." He said wisely, smiling kindly at her. Karen could tell that he had told all that she needed to hear. She stood up and walked out of the church, after giving Carter an amiable smile.

By the next day the whole village was in a buzz over Popuri's engagement. Popuri was jumpy and excited and seemed to be fine with the idea of leaving her friends. Karen had invited Ann for a walk up the mountain to discuss Popuri's engagement. It was a beautiful and warm summer's morning, the birds were singing cheerfully and Ann was skipping up Mother's hill. Karen felt like she had a black cloud hovering above her head, stopping her from enjoying the glorious sun.

"Ann, aren't you upset that Popuri's moving away?" Karen demanded as Ann whistled happily. Ann stopped abruptly and looked at Karen, her blue eyes shone with concern.

"Sure, I'm sad. But Popuri will be happy and that's all that counts." Ann said calmly. Karen frowned and walked quickly to the summit of Mother's hill.

"Well, what if she never comes back. We'll barely ever see her Ann, don't you care?" Karen asked hysterically. Ann nodded slowly and frowned in confusion.

"Karen, I know we won't see her as much, but as long as she's happy that's all that matters. Besides she's coming back here for the wedding and they may even stay after that." Ann said. Karen nodded and sat down, leaning against a cool rock.

"I guess you're right... We'll see her again." Karen said sadly. Ann nodded and turned to run down the mountain. Karen followed hastily and dashed madly to the bottom of the mountain. Breathless they headed to the inn. Popuri greeted them merrily as they walked in with a huge grin on her face.

"Guess what guys?" Popuri exclaimed happily. Karen pretended to think for a moment and looked thoughtful.

"Erm... you're engaged." She said in mock wonder. Popuri nodded and then shook her head, her pink hair flying madly.

"Yes but that's not it. I'm not leaving, Kai's going home to sort some things out and then he'll be back by the end of fall. We're gonna live here and build a house on the beach! Isn't it wonderful?" Popuri exclaimed happily. Karen nodded wide eyed at Popuri and squealed with happiness.

"Yes, that's perfect. Oh I'm so happy. I can't wait till the wedding Poe!" Karen said happily. Popuri grinned and danced off to see Kai. Karen breathed a sigh of relief and headed to the Goddess pond. She sat on the soft green grass and looked into the deep water's of the pond. It had only just hit her that soon Popuri would no longer be Miss Popuri Iris, she would soon be Mrs Popuri Jones. It seemed so long ago that they had been children playing dress-up weddings in the church. Now two of Mineral town's girls had been engaged, Elli was now married. Karen looked at the waterfall on the pond and remembered when she used to think she could meet the harvest goddess. She had often given offerings of pretty flowers and crowns she had made out of flowers. She used to believe that, if she waited long enough, the goddess would come to her. She leaned over and plucked a pink flower from the ground. She stroked the petals gently and sniffed it delicately. She placed the flower on the water and watched it float on the top, before sinking slowly to the bottom. She paused and looked slowly into the waters, no goddess as usual. She sighed and stood up, the goddess appearing was a silly childhood dream. Still she thought, a wish from the goddess would be a wonderful thing.

The end of summer came quickly, as the leaves turned golden brown and began to fall from the trees. The autumn air had a slight chill to it and made people more irritable. The seasons, in Karen's opinion, caused more than just a change in the weather, they caused a complete change in people too. It was as though people changed with the weather, in spring they were fresh and joyous, in summer they are exciting and warm-hearted and in Autumn they had a slight chill to them. When winter came they were cold, depressed and sleepy. Everyone seemed less than happy, too busy to chat and too sad to put their hearts into their work. Karen was bored, everyone was too busy to talk and Mineral town became dull and frozen. The gossip mills were dry and the weather was wet. Karen was spending much of her days working and her evenings at the beach or the goddess point looking into the waters.

Her birthday arrived and she was keen to celebrate it. They opened a bottle of the goddess wine they had made the previous fall and offered a taste test to everyone in the village. The liquid was a strange pink-red colour and smelt fruity and yet sour. Karen sat at a table in the inn with a crown made of silky blue flowers, placed upon her shining hair. Ann poured a generous measure for everyone into their glasses and gestured for a toast. Glasses raised the townsfolk took a deep breath ready for a roaring cheer.

"To Karen!" They announced. Karen blushed pink and grinned happily. They all took their glasses and took a swig of their wine. Popuri pouted and screwed up her face in disgust.

"Ewww, its sour and... not sweet." Popuri whined and put her glass down moodily.

"You're right Poe, its nasty." Ann said and poured their wine down the sink. Most of the townsfolk agreed and hastened to pour the terrible wine down the sink. Karen shrugged and poured herself some more wine.

"I dunno, I kinda like it." Karen said and took a gulp. The townsfolk laughed and went to fetch more bottles to pour down the sink. The evening in Karen's opinion had been a complete success and one of the best birthdays ever and finally she was eighteen. But being eighteen and unmarried in mineral town could be rather frowned upon, and she was one of the last left. She didn't let this fact bother her too much but she knew it was time to start hinting marriage to Jack. She drained her glass of wine and hiccupped, Doug began to clear things away and Popuri yawned.

"Well I don't know about you guys but I'm beat." Popuri said yawning again and showing a beautiful set of creamy white teeth. Ann nodded in agreement and began to absent-mindedly wash up the glasses.

"Alright, everyone go home. Goodnight." Doug said ushering people out of the inn. Karen reluctantly scooped up her gifts and hobbled outside into the cool night. She struggled carrying the gifts and began to tip backwards, she then felt strong arms wrap around her as Jack caught her.

"Let me walk you home." He said kindly and took a few gifts out of Karen's hands. Karen blushed sweetly and nodded.

"How did you find the party then?" Jack asked somewhat awkwardly. Karen smiled fondly reminiscing.

"It was wonderful... the best birthday ever I'd say." She said dreamily while Jack smiled warmly. They arrived outside the small shop and Jack leaned down and planted a soft kiss on Karen's lips. She closed her eyes and felt her skin tingle, she was glad she still got butterflies whenever he kissed her. She hoped that they would be together forever, she wanted nothing else.

"Goodnight." She whispered softly.

"Goodnight." Jack replied warmly and placed her gifts gently in her arms. He then disappeared into the night.

Karen stepped out into the light and watched as a golden leaf fell from a tree and drifted gently to the ground. She rushed through the town to the mountain and felt the wind rush past her stinging her cheeks and turning them rose red. She reached the mountain and stopped breathing quickly. The cool air stung her lungs as she breathed in deeply. She recovered and headed slowly up the mountain. She trudged through the blanket of golden-brown leaves sending them flying into the air like a flock of golden butterflies. She then arrived triumphantly at the top of the mountain and gazed proudly at her surroundings. She spotted Gotz, the woodcutter gazing meditatively out over the mountain. Karen gave him a cheerful wave but he didn't seem to notice her, he just stared gravely over the mountain.

"Gotz?" Karen said slowly. Gotz blinked and noticed Karen, he looked worried and seemed speechless.

"Karen... I..." He said worriedly, panic flashed across his face and Karen looked at Gotz with curiosity.

"What is it?" She asked, fear in her voice. Gotz pointed over the mountain and Karen looked over. She saw dark storm clouds rushing towards them with swirls of wind dancing beneath them, engulfing the trees. The clouds seem to ride towards them like mad black horses, trampling all that got in their way.

"Gotz, what is that?" Karen asked panicking. Gotz turned to her and looked at her solemnly.

"I'm not sure, but whatever it is, it's dangerous." He said seriously.