Chapter 2: Gossip
At the popular meeting place called Rose Square, three infamous ladies of gossip gathered to share the latest news.
Manna, Sasha, and Anna were chatting up a storm, and it was inevitable that the Mitchel and Ann story would come up.
"So I overheard that the new guy and Farmer had a fight at the Poultry Farm in their first meeting! I heard that sparks flew and everything! Shouting and slamming and quarrelling and everything! But then I heard a REAL fight nearly broke out between those two, but you know that wouldn't actually happen because they're man and woman, and the way the act is sort of like Duke and me, and we're Husband and Wife and we're still married even though we fight a lot, so it must mean they really like each other and---"
"Whoa, Manna! Slow down a little! I know we get carried away when we're into sharing gossip, but it's hard catching up to you half the time!" Sasha complained.
"Oh, I'm sorry! Anyway---"
"Mitch, the new farmer, and Doug's Daughter Ann? It sounds like an interesting couple, but if you say they're like you and Duke, this pair sounds a little unstable." Anna said with concern.
"Oh, you shouldn't worry about that! Duke and I always work out our frustrations with each other and we always feel better towards everything after these sessions so I'm sure they'd be okay! Besides, it's the quarreling couples that are always so cute because it creates this tension between them that starts off as a barrier between them, but then it all breaks down with a passionate night! Oh, the fun times Duke and I shared during our youth! I'm sure one day when they get over their stubbornness, Mitchel and Ann will be hugging and kissing and... ohmyohmyohmy!" Manna babbled.
"I really don't know what think about their constant bickering myself." Sasha sighed. "I thought I could confirm a few things through my daughter, Karen. She and the farmer met each other during their childhood while the old man was still running the farm, so I would assume she could find something out. Unfortunately, the subject has been a little touchy for him to share with anybody..."
"That settles it! That settles it! Mitch is just shy and trying to be macho and---"
"I really have a hard time imagining this new young man to be mean." Anna confessed. " Mitch has been coming to my house and the Library pretty often. He always seems loose, friendly, and fanciful, so it's always fun talking to him. But I do seem to notice that he's starting to warm up to my daughter. They're getting along quite well, and they're really comfortable with each other. I don't understand why he'd need to clash with Ann if he can get along so easily with somebody else without causing a problem."
"Come to think of it," Sasha chimed in. "Karen and him have a few occasional outings as well, and Karen always has fun with him. I don't recall any romantic feelings between the two of them, though."
"Then maybe Mitch is just shy about the women he really likes! I mean, it's possible he could be using the others to get Ann jealous and angry so that they could confront each other over and over, so they can fight over and over, just so they can be together over and over again! I mean, I don't know what Mitchel could see in Mary as a friend - no offense, Anna- but Karen's the reputed beauty of the village, so she'd be the perfect way to get anybody jealous when a man hangs out with her! And I also noticed how he doesn't like talking about Ann in front of me! I mean, I tried to coax him into spilling the beans about how he feels about Ann, but he just gave me a dirty look before buying a wine and leaving the store! So if anything, he MUST be shy, because he doesn't feel comfortable about sharing his feelings with other people and---"
Anna thought back to a past moment when she conversed with Mitchel. It left a clear impression on what the new farmer thought about Manna:
"That woman from the Aja Winery is a loquacious kook. Does she ever stop?"
Anna laughed nervously to herself with this thought in mind. "I think I know why he doesn't want to share ANYTHING with her..."
"So you think Mitch is a desperate playboy trying to take a roundabout approach to claiming Ann's heart?" Sasha asked in deep concern.
"Maybe." Manna answered.
The other women glared at Manna's simple, one-word reply.
"Well, he doesn't seem to be making the moves on anybody yet. He hasn't caused a complaint of sexual harassment, nor does it seem that anyone has the hots for him... unless the rumors about him and Ann are right. Still, it might be worth it to warn Karen about him." Sasha answered.
Anna shrugged. "Honestly, I question these notions about him. He seems to be an honest and straightforward kind of guy. He's kinda like my dear Basil, who's always been a satisfying husband. Besides, if he is considering dating anyone, it just might be Mary. She's just such a quiet little sweetheart, but I think someone's finally noticed her."
"I still say he has his heart set on Ann!" Manna argued.
Sasha looked at her watch. "Oh gosh! I better head back to the market! I don't want to keep Jeff from a home-cooked meal!" she cried before running off towards her home.
"Besides, it'll only be a matter of time before Karen tries to make it up for me!" she thought with fear.
"Bye Sasha! See you back here tommorow!" Manna cried out.
"I might as well head back as well." Anna said. "See you later, Manna."
"Bye Anna!" Manna cried as Anna casually made her way back to her house.
"Oh well, guess it's time I head back to the Winery!" she chirped to herself.
As she was walking towards her home, Manna happened to come across Cliff, who arrived in Mineral Town shortly before Mitch did.
"Hey Cliff! How's life been treating you?" Manna greeted.
"...okay..." Cliff answered reluctantly.
"Oh, then that's good! It would be really disheartening to see a depressed vagabond wandering the streets! But I suppose it's hard to stay down when you're boarding with the ball of sunshine that Ann is! By the way, how are you Ann getting along?" Manna asked.
She's fine. Ann reminds me of my sister I grew up with, so she's easy to get along with." Cliff answered.
"Oh! A sibling-like relationship! That's a good friendship indeed! Maybe you could help Ann with her love troubles since she can't seem to lower her stubbornness around the new guy! Y'know, encourage her a little to find happiness! Tell her the kinds of things men really like! She'll need to understand how to get into a man's heart if she'll ever have any hope at romance!" Manna babbled.
"Wait--what? Did you say Ann loves somebody else?" Cliff exclaimed.
"Why, of course, dear! Her and the new farmer are totally smitten! I mean, sure they quarell a lot, but so do Duke and I, and we're husband and wife! But let me assure you, just because we argue a lot, doesn't mean we're considering divorce! Oh, no! We're still pretty hot for each other!" Manna grinned.
At that moment, Cliff got hit by overwhelming depression.
"Oh... I see... well then... I'm glad for her... I guess..." Cliff uttered.
"Oh, good! Then help out Ann like a good "Brother", okay Cliff? Bye!" Manna said before she went on her way.
Poor, heartbroken Cliff slumped over as he went into the Inn.
"I can't believe it was over before it even started." he thought.
Meanwhile, at the Goddess Spring, the beautiful Harvest Goddess appeared before Mitchel as a certain red-head was struggling get out of the spring.
"I am grateful your little visit today, but please keep in mind that I don't appreciate human sacrifices for an offering." The Harvest Goddess groaned.
"Yeah... I wasn't actually expecting you to appear before me when I chucked Ann into the spring." Mitchel confessed.
"Oh. Well then, you're forgiven." The Harvest Goddess answered sincerely, "So then... why DID you toss Ann into my Spring, anyway?"
Mitchel slapped his forehead and let out a frustrated sigh. "This crazy chick had the gall to pester me when I was naked at the hot springs. I figured it was more human to give her a fighting chance in the Spring than drowning her in hot water." he confessed.
"So... do you want me to save her?" The Harvest Goddess asked in concern.
"Uh... sure... just keep in mind I didn't wish for that." Mitchell answered coolly.
"Alright, then..." The Harvest Goddess answered. She then snapped her divine fingers and sent the drowning Ann into slumber at the Inn.
"Your "Request" has been granted, but now your wish remains. Would you like me to raise the affections of the girl closest to you?" The Harvest Goddess asked.
Mitchel scratched his head with an uneasy look on his face. "I'm... not sure if that's a wise choice for now. The one I'm fond of right now might not share the feelings I have for her, it could accidentally result in having a friend fall in love with me by mistake. I wouldn't want to cause that kind of trouble in my sad excuse of a love life." he answered.
"Very Well, then. I'll hold off on your wish until you feel it is the right time. Until then, I give you my blessing for a bountiful harvest. Just please don't chuck another human into the spring. If you have another problem with Ann, just toss her in the Lake with the Kappa. I'm sure he'll enjoy the company." she answered. "Well then, goodbye Mitchel!" she said before her lovely form faded from view.
Mitchel shrugged. "Kappa, huh? I suppose it would be neat to see one. But mythical creatures like those still don't hold a candle to chickens." he said before leaving the Spring.
Omake: He Actually Did It...
The following day, Ann decided to annoy Mitchel again by the lake, so the agitated farmer placed something in her pocket and tossed her in, when the Kappa suddenly appeared.
"Oh, hello, Mr. Kappa! I'm surprised to actually see you right now! I thought you were a myth!" Ann exclaimed in a chipper tone.
"Hello, little girl. So, do you have a cucumber to appease me so I won't cause you bodily harm out of frustration?" the Kappa asked.
"Oh, let me see!" Ann cried. She then reached into her pocket, and apparently, the item Mitchel put in there was indeed a cucumber. "Here ya go!"
"Thank you, I guess..." The Kappa answered. "So I suppose this means you're trying to befriend me for a treasure?"
"Uh, no... I think that freak Mitchel is. He's the one who placed the cucumber in my pocket and tossed me out into the lake. I think he's trying to appease you while taking his frustration out on me at the same time. He hates me, you know!" she explained casually.
"I see... then, good luck with that." the Kappa said as he submerged himself into the lake.
"Bye, Mr. Kappa!" Ann cried as she waved a free hand. She then attempted to swim back to dry land, with Mitchel nowhere to be found.
