Chapter 6

A Comedian and an Explorer

Mysterious visitor

Where are you headed?

Might I be of assistance?

I will give you some advice

Heed me if you wish

And listen to me well

When lost on your way, there are three different paths

That can point you in a direction

Follow your mind and you will find security

Your body; pleasures abound

Follow your heart and you will find an ocean

As dangerous as it is life-giving

There may be islands with unknown fruits

For you to feast on

Or there may be a sea monster, lurking in the depths

Waiting for you to give up

The truth of the heart is that you will never know

What you might find down that path

But if you want my opinion, I would say risk it

Because, at the very least, you will experience

A feeling that can last long past your life has expired

By Saturday, Owen called Molly to tell her that he had successfully cleared out the boulder that was preventing them from returning the red bell back to its rightful place. He also made sure she remembered her promise to go out to dinner with him so they decided on Monday at 6:00pm at the Brass Bar. Molly wasn't particularly looking forward to it, but she had said she'd go, so she would.

She didn't have time to worry about Owen's intentions when they had a bell to return, however, so that morning both her and Finn made their way to the tenth floor, bell in hand, to let Alan play his song. Molly didn't know what to expect when Alan rang his bell. Finn had told her Alan had power over the fire on the island so maybe as he played his song flames would engulf the bell stand or maybe the sprite himself would glow with its power, but the only thing that glowed was the bell, and even that was brief.

As he played she felt how deep his connection to the island was as well as his connection to the Harvest Goddess. His low-toned song reminded her of the miners that must've built the mines decades ago, and perhaps at that time their hammers pounded to the same beat of Alan's song. The melody traveled across the island, penetrating deep underground and floating high into the sky. Its power filled the island and she felt its strength deep within her heart, igniting some sort of power she didn't even know she had. Suddenly, she felt an intense heat course through her veins. At that moment, everything felt possible, but then, as quickly as it came; it disappeared leaving a warm feeling in the pit of her stomach.

She put her hand over her middle and looked at Alan in awe. She didn't know that such a little sprite was capable of producing a sound that affected everything as it did. Maybe she had underestimated him.

"Pretty intense, huh?" Alan said, grinning.

Molly just nodded, still reveling in the experience.

"That's why I'm the leader, 'cause only I can control the fire on this island and fire is the most powerful force and the hardest to control!" Alan said, crossing his arms impressively.

Molly raised her eyebrow. "The most powerful? I'm not so sure about that…"

"Do you doubt my authority?" Alan asked, puffing out his chest.

"Oh, no, I'm sure you're a great leader, but I think that there are more powerful things in this world," said Molly.

"Like what?" Alan challenged.

"Just…other things…like water," Molly whispered. Sure, fire could be powerful but what about the ocean in a storm, waves crushing everything they touch. Destroying boats, docks, engulfing houses, lives…a fire could explode, it could spread, but could it flood an entire island in one fell swoop?

"What was that?" Alan asked, not quite catching the end as she trailed off.

Finn looked over at Molly, her jaw was clenched and as he looked down he could see her fists tight against her side.

"Molly?" Finn asked hesitantly.

"What? Oh, sorry. I spaced out for a second. A-anyways, thank you Alan, now there are only four more bells to ring. Hopefully the villagers will be able to do more things now," she said, putting a smile on.

"Hmm, well it's no problem; it is my duty after all! Anything to help the Harvest Goddess!"

"Right," said Finn, nodding his head in agreement. Molly smiled, the must really love the Harvest Goddess and she could understand why.

"Speaking of the Harvest Goddess, we should go and ask her where to start looking for Collin's bell, right Finn?"

"Yeah! Let's get going," said Finn, spinning around.

"Alright, well, we'll see you later Alan," Molly said, waving goodbye.

Alan waved goodbye and they made their way over to the Harvest Tree to ask for advice.

"Molly, Finn, welcome. I'm so glad you've come," said the Harvest Goddess, tilting her head and giving them a loving smile.

Finn flew into her arms and Molly smiled back, once again slightly overwhelmed by her beauty.

"What news do you bring me?"

"We've returned the red bell to the mines and Alan has rung his bell," Molly answered.

The Harvest Goddess nodded, "Yes, I heard his song just a few minutes ago. I'm so glad you found him so quickly, you are such a hard worker and I am so happy Finn was able to find you."

Molly blushed. "Oh no, we were only able to accomplish this because of the help of the other villagers, at least I don't think I did much, really…"

"That's not true, Molly!" Finn said reprovingly.

"If it weren't for the both of you no one would have been able to find Alan and this island would have fallen further into sickness," said the Harvest Goddess, staring at Molly with so much sincerity she was at a loss for words. She wasn't used to being relied on this much or being so appreciated. It was a nice feeling.

"Thank you," she whispered, looking down. The Harvest Goddess smiled back and let Finn fly away to float next to Molly's side.

"Now to find Collin. Give me a minute while I try and find his location," said the Harvest Goddess, bringing her hands to her chest over her heart while a steady white glow enveloped her body, the air around her radiating with warmth. Molly shivered as she felt her power brush her skin.

"I have the feeling of being buried and I hear something, constantly getting louder and then softer again. If I had to guess I would say that Collin's bell is on a beach somewhere, which one, I cannot tell."

"Wow, that's amazing. You can feel where the bells are?" Molly asked.

"Because I brought these sprites into the world we have a deep connection with each other, so I am able to feel them out by concentrating my power. However, sometimes it does not work and the farther away they are, the harder it is for me to locate them. Thankfully, we don't have that problem as the bells are all safely here on the island."

"I see. It's very helpful, thank you very much. Finn and I will start searching so we can ring the next bell," Molly said, bowing respectfully.

"I cannot tell you enough how much I appreciate you being here. And Molly, the island's health is indeed a priority, but do not overwork yourself. I do understand how busy you are, so please, do not put your own health at risk, it is not a bad thing to work slowly," said the Harvest Goddess, her voice concerned.

"Thank you for worrying about me, but I'm okay," said Molly, smiling reassuringly.

The Harvest Goddess didn't look convinced but she let them go regardless and prayed for their protection.

Since the closest beach was the one in town by the docks Molly and Finn took the usual breakneck mine cart ride down to the church. Looking to her right she noticed for the first time a set of stairs leading to a smaller cliff.

"Finn, where do those stairs lead to?"

Finn looked over to where she was pointing. "Oh. That's where the town cemetery is."

"O-oh..." Molly didn't understand why she was surprised by this news, obviously there had to be a cemetery, even on such a peaceful island like this, people still died. This thought seriously depressed her and she shook her head, looking instead to the church that never failed to make her feel at peace. Its great white stone façade and its beautiful stained glass windows stood out and stared at her in greeting. She'd only been inside a couple times, and although the inside was nice too, she preferred to look at it from the outside instead. Sometime she'd have to come up and draw it in her sketchpad.

Greeting some of the villagers on her way, she slowly made her way to the beach and she and Finn commenced their search for Collin's bell. After a half an hour of searching the small beach, digging under sand and looking between rocks, they still couldn't find anything.

"I guess he's on a different beach," Molly said, wiping the sweat on her forehead with a small handkerchief she kept in her skirt pocket. It wasn't that hot but the sun was beating down and warming the sand beneath her feet.

"Yeah…should we check the one between the town and the house?" Finn asked.

Molly nodded and started walking past the Fishery when she noticed Toby standing at the edge of the dock fishing. Having the good sense to make her presence known earlier so there wouldn't be a repeat of last time she called out to him, waving her hand.

Toby turned around and smiled, his hand covering his forehead to block the sun.

"Molly, how are you?" he asked, reeling in his fishing line.

"I'm doing really well; I love it here on the island. How are you doing?"

"I'm doing great, thank you. I saw you over on the beach just now. Were you looking for something?"

"Oh, uhm, well I was just…looking for one of those sakura seashells. You know, some seashells can be turned into paint," Molly said, quickly coming up with a cover story. It wasn't a complete lie though; she really did want some of those seashells to try making some new paint.

"Really? I didn't know that…did you have any luck?"

"No…but, that's okay, I'm not in a hurry," she said.

"I see…," Toby said, looking off into the distance. He seemed to be thinking hard about something, what it was Molly hadn't the slightest idea though. The few times she'd seen him he always looked as if he was off in his own world. Not that that was a bad thing. Molly was often like that herself, more so when she was having problems though.

"Well, I'm going to head back to my house, so I'll see you later," she said, bringing him back to the present.

"Alright, don't work too hard," Toby said, waving goodbye. "Oh, wait, Molly?" he said, stopping her before she could walk up the steps into town.

She turned around expectantly as he walked up to her.

"I almost forgot to ask, are you free this Tuesday?" he asked.

Molly's heart started to race. Why was he asking her that?

"I, uhm, I think so…why?" she asked, trying not to be too suspicious. Toby didn't seem like the type of guy to ask out girls after only knowing them for a week. It probably wasn't a big deal to other people, to be asked out for a date after such a short acquaintanceship, but Molly was suspicious of everything men did if it pointed to anything other than friendship. She couldn't help it; it was how she'd grown up in the last few years. She was constantly on the lookout for any type of emotion beyond friendship from men. As expected, she didn't have many guy friends for fear of them falling for her…and her for them.

"Well actually, it's my birthday and we're closing the shop for the day to go fishing out on the boat. My uncle, Paolo and I were wondering if you wanted to come along. It'd be the perfect opportunity to teach you how to fish and we have extra poles, so don't worry about that."

"Oh," Molly said with a hint of relief. It was with his family too, not just him. "Yeah, that sounds great, I'd love to!"

Toby practically beamed. "Great! Then, be here at six o'clock Tuesday morning."

"Six o'clock? Yeah…I guess we'd have to get out that early, huh?" Molly said, her shoulder slumping forward a bit. She didn't really like getting up that early and even though she had morning classes in university the earliest she'd ever had to get up was at eight.

Toby chuckled understandingly. "Usually we'd be out by five but we pushed it later for you."

"Thanks, I appreciate it ha-ha," she said.

"Sorry, I've kept you from your work, I'll say goodbye now."

"Oh no, it's fine. Then, I'll see you Tuesday," Molly said, waving goodbye a second time.

"A fishing trip! It sounds fun!" Finn said.

"Mhmm. You can come too, you know," Molly said. She was used to him always by her side and wanted him to know that she didn't mind him coming places with her.

"Oh, well, I don't know if I should. We'd still be around the island but…I should stay here, I think."

"Oh?" Molly said. She didn't know the sprites had limits to where they could go, but I guess it did make sense. But Finn would've had to leave the island to search for her wouldn't he? She didn't understand, but she let it go for now.

"Yeah, so you go and have fun with Toby and the rest. I'll stay at home and keep searching for Collin's bell, if we don't find it by then."

"We'll definitely find it soon," Molly said. "There are only two more beaches so it won't take too long."

It turned out Molly was right and at the beach before their house they found a yellow bell half covered by sand, dangerously close to being swept away by the tide.

"Molly!" Finn shouted, zooming over to the bell. She followed close behind and together they pulled it from the sand.

Just like before it started vibrating, but something was off this time. Instead of the violent shaking from Alan's bell this one was like a car engine having trouble starting up. It barely glowed and it took Collin twice as long to manifest himself.

"Hullo…," Collin said, voice quiet and head hanging low.

"Collin?" Finn said, as if he wasn't sure he was the right sprite.

"Yes, that's right…I'm Collin…rhymes with…Stalin…," he said, sighing.

"Uhh…like, Stalin from Russia?" Molly said, not quite sure why he said that. Was he always like this?

"This isn't right Molly; usually Collin's jokes are way funnier. There must be something wrong!" Finn said, despairingly. Molly didn't think Collin's lack of good jokes was much to worry about but she agreed that something most definitely seemed off.

"Collin? What's wrong?" she asked. Collin looked up at her.

"Who are…you?"

"I'm Molly, the Harvest Goddess asked me, along with Finn, to help find and ring the bells. Could you tell me what's wrong? You look sick."

Collin sighed again. "My power has…been drained away. I…was taken from my stand and…tossed into the ocean…thankfully, I came back to shore but…I've been away for so long…that I don't have much strength."

"Oh no!" Finn said, covering his face. "What should we do?"

"The only way to bring back my power is…to find the three moon stones and…hold the bell over them so I can…absorb the moonlight," Collin said, his voice getting softer.

Molly started to worry as his image flickered and he coughed into his little hands weakly.

"We understand, so we just have to find these moonstones, right?" Molly asked.

Collin just nodded his head, too tired to speak any longer.

"Don't worry Collin, we'll get your power back!" Finn said trying to reassure him.

Collin gave them a weak smile and whispered a "thank you", disappearing back into his bell.

Molly exchanged a worried glance with Finn and picked up the bell, heading back to the farm.

"What do you think?" Molly asked him.

"Hmm, it's really weird. Why did his bell get thrown into the ocean and how did he lose so much power?" Finn said.

"Well, only a person could do that, I mean no animal could get a bell off of a stand, right? But, how does a harvest sprite lose his power?"

"There are two ways. One; the Goddess Tree has to be in a very weakened state, which would affect the Goddess herself and us sprites or two; a sprite has to be the subject of constant negative feelings from an outside source. Of course there are cases where both happen and the sprite becomes unable to do much of anything…sort of like Collin."

"Wow," said Molly, she didn't know that beings like the sprites could be affected from just other people's emotions.

"Yeah, that's why we like being around the Harvest Goddess, she's always nice to everyone!" Finn said.

"Everyone?"

"Everyone," said Finn, emphasizing his statement by making a big circle with his arms.

She didn't know if she truly believed that, but she wasn't going to press it.

"Alright Finn, let's go get Raven in and try asking around for those moonstones…"

Finn nodded enthusiastically and helped her persuade her cow to go into the barn (it turned out that animals could recognize harvest sprites too). Then, after debating about it for a few minutes, they decided to go search around the Flute Fields area because Finn said he thought he saw an odd-looking stone by there and simply because they had already went to the other parts of the island and didn't feel like re-visiting them today.

"Where did you say you saw it?" Molly asked him, glancing around after stepping off of the bridge.

"I can't remember," Finn said, furrowing his brow.

"That's okay, it shouldn't be too hard to find," Molly said, starting their search by the riverbed.

They searched by Marimba Farm, getting weird glances from Craig by his window, and made their way past Chase's house and to Moon Hill.

It was past 6 o'clock by that time and Molly stood up to see if she could see anything glowing dully in the distance. At that time she noticed another person a little farther away on the side of the hill by Horn Ranch.

"Finn," she whispered, "who's that, do you know?"

Finn looked to where she nodded her head and shook his.

"Nope, never seen him before, he must be new."

Molly cautiously made her way over to him, intending to watch him from afar first but saw that he was bending down looking at something…and it was glowing!

Her sense of duty won out over her shyness and she headed to where he was.

"Uhm, excuse me?" she said loudly enough for him to hear.

He straightened up and she saw that he was wearing a ten-gallon hat with an outfit fit for an archaeologist or perhaps someone who worked at a safari.

"Yes'm?" he asked in a southern accent.

"I was wondering what that was you were looking at…"

"Oh, this stone here? Well, you see I found this tablet that listed the location of three different moonstones and I found one here. It's amazing, there are so many mysterious things about this island," he said, his voice rising the more excited he got.

"O-oh?" Molly said, peering over his shoulder at the rock that was perfectly round with smooth edges and its face carved into a picture of the moon.

"You seem doubtful. Do you want to look at the tablet?" he asked, handing it out to her.

"Sure," she said accepting the heavy stone. "Oh, my name is Molly. Actually, I just got here about a week ago."

"Nice to meet you, Molly," he said, reaching out his hand to shake hers. "I'm Calvin; I'm an archaeologist and an explorer."

"Wow, that sounds exciting."

"Yes, and I wouldn't want it any other way," he said, smiling from under his hat. "Well, you can hang on to that for now, you look like a girl that likes adventure. I'll be seeing you around."

Molly stowed the tablet in her rucksack after she waved goodbye and examined the moonstone closer.

"So, we're just supposed to hold the bell over this stone?" Molly asked, taking out the bell.

"Seems like it," Finn replied.

She stood over the stone and held the bell in her arms, waiting for a reaction. After a few seconds the bell started to get warmer in her hands and glow a little.

"I think it's done," Finn said after the bell stopped getting brighter.

"Okay. So, I guess we should head back for tonight and find the other ones tomorrow, huh?" Molly said, hitching up her rucksack and walking away.

"Yup! Sounds good to me!"

Molly and Finn walked back to her house, shutting the door behind them and plopping down on her twin-size bed.

"I'm exhausted," Molly said, throwing her arms out on both sides. Finn agreed and laid down next to her head.

Tomorrow she just had to take care of her garden, milk Raven and possibly buy a chicken from Hanna over at Horn Ranch before getting ready to meet Owen at the Brass Bar. She figured that if her visit didn't last too long they'd head over to the lighthouse where they thought another moonstone was located, according to the stone tablet Calvin had given them earlier.

Then, it was off the next morning to go fishing with Toby and his family. It seemed like she was always busy, which was probably a good thing since it kept her from thinking about other things. She was glad she moved out here, but it was a lot to handle. She just had to keep trying her best and, as long as Finn was by her side to help her, they would at least be able to find all of the bells. As for her farm, along with her animals, and making friends with the villagers….well, she'd just have to work hard and remember that this was her home now and how she acted and what she did was all in the effort of making it how she wanted it to be. Which, of course, was a peaceful life.

She breathed in the cool air coming in from her window and closed her eyes. This was her life now and she had to work hard to make it a good one.