Chapter Eight: The Love of the Town
It was raining; the water beat upon Hikari as she neared the heavy wooden doors of the church. No thunder, nor lightning. Just the constant splatter of the thousands of droplets that hit the ground, it beat upon the earth like a million tiny drums. She knocked on the doors once, twice. Nothing. Hikari pulled the doors open and stepped into the dry warmth of the church. It was completely silent. No lights, not even creaking from the rafters. Hikari walked down the aisle between the pews, water dripping from her onto the red velvet carpet. He boots made a dull thudding as they fell, creating eerie echoes in the building. She felt the skin on her scalp tighten in fright, a shiver running down her spine all the way to her toes. It was way to quiet.
There in the darkness, a pitiful and mournful keen. She felt like running back into the storm. This was just creepy. Something slammed open and rushed past her, screaming. Perry ran out into the storm, yelling all the way. "Ghost!" His screams were swallowed by the rain and the church doors slowly shut. Finn gulped beside her. "I don't like this." He said in a shaky whisper. "I know." Hikari said, her own voice shaking. "But we have to." Hikari made her way to door that always remained locked. It opened on the first try, inside stairs led to the top of the church. Like a black void, Hikari thought. The keening grew louder as they ascended the stairs. Hikari felt around the room when she came up. Her fingers touched the coolness of metal, her hands felt around the large object. It was the bell. Someone screamed. Hikari fell back onto the floor, a scream of her own lodged in her throat. Finn was hiding in her shirt, shaking in fright. "Don't hurt me!" said a small voice.
What the… Hikari stood and moved towards the bell. Again the voice pleaded for its life. "Edge it that you?" The crying stopped for a moment. "How do you know me?" Hikari felt relief flood through her body. She couldn't believe she allowed herself to get so spooked. "It's alright, I won't hurt you Edge. The Harvest Goddess sent me to help you." The room flooded in a bright purple light. Hikari squinted, dazed by the sudden radiance. When her vision cleared, she saw a red eyed, purple sprite. "I can't ring the bell." He said simply. Hikari bent down on her knees. "Why?" She asked him. "The bell is weak. In order to ring it, the one who asks of it must be loved." That stung. Hikari drew back at the emotional blow. "There is no one in my life like that." She muttered. Finn laid his tiny hand on her cheek in comfort. Edge sighed. "That is unfortunate. No family?" Hikari shook her head, not liking how the conversation was going. "Then you will need to make many friends. Follow me." He said, and he flitted down the steps.
Hikari stumbled after him and into Perry's room. The light was on and Edge was standing in front of a mural. It was dull and held no color. A faint image of a winged figure stood before a lush, grand tree. The sun shined its rays on them as if in blessing. "Long ago, humans used to come here and pray before this altar. They would tell their wishes to it, and even though not everyone was granted, they were heard. I provided comfort for them and I was happy. But now nobody has come to this altar. Only Parry bothers to light incense and pray to it. That is why you can still see a faint image." Hikari scratched her chin in thought. "So I need to get wishes?" Edge nodded, turning to her. "Yes. But not just any wish. The person's true desire, their hearts wish. To do that they will need to know you personally. You must befriend the villagers."
"How many wishes exactly?" Hikari asked. Edge shook his head in aggravation. "I need ten, but the more the better!" Hikari did a fist pump. Alright! She only needed four! "I have six now." Edge stepped back, as she and Finn relayed the wishes of Hikari's friends to the altar. The mural began to glow. Color slowly drifted back into the drawing. The grass was a light shade of green, complimented the blue colors of the goddess and the leaves of the tree. Edge jumped into her face. "Go and bring back four wishes Hikari. I have waited a long time, and during that time I have slept. I felt the Goddess's energy on the other side. It's fading, even though you've tolled the bells, she will fade and die with the tree. We need to summon the Harvest King, and soon."
Hikari felt her legs shake, and her knees almost buckled. She still remembered the terror of the Harvest King's presence. She'd been dreaming, minding her own business. Then she felt as if somebody had grabbed her very soul and was squeezing it till it snapped. He's spoken in her mind, stabbing her with his power. It was the presence of an inhuman being, who would think nothing of killing her if she tried his patience again. But along with that horrifying moment, Hikari had an answer to another question. It was he who had saved her, Hikari was sure of it. Even in that terrifying moment, she'd felt the same heat of the summer sun, the kind of heat she had felt when she nearly fell to her death. So one moment he was saving her life, the next threatening to end it. Deities were so complicated. Hikari gave her assurances to Edge, who then disappeared to sleep inside his bell once more.
The next day Hikari set to work. She knew who would be the easiest to befriend. Candace, Luna, Maya, and Toby. One, because Hikari wanted to be friends with them, and two because all the items they loved were the simplest to acquire. "Way to think cheap." Finn commented. Hikari blew in his face to get him to shut up. And so Hikari would tend to her animals and crops and set off to town early. Passing by Luna and Candace every day to talk and offer them gifts. Maya was next. She would be inside Ocarina Inn helping her mom with the dishes or washing tables. Maya was a bit tricky. Hikari knew she liked almost all foods, but which foods were her favorites?
Hikari was walking towards the inn one fine morning when she heard music. It was a guitar, playing a lazy, cheerful tune. She ascended the steps to see Calvin, the home town Indiana Jones. Hikari could see why Phoebe liked him; he was kind and easy going. He stopped playing when he saw Hikari headed for him. A nervous look seemed to cross his face to be replaced by a warm smile. "Miss Hikari." he said politely, tipping his hat. She reached in her bag to hand him a cocktail. His eyes lit up when he took a sip. "Blueberry is my favorite." Hikari gestured with her hands toward his guitar. "I never knew you could play." He shrugged in response. "It's a hobby. Hikari…"
He took a deep breath and continued speaking. "Would you mind having dinner with me this evening?" She almost leaped away in surprise. "A date?" She gulped. Calvin's cheeks turned a light shade of pink. "Um, just as friends. You know… that sort of thing." Finn shook his head, silently telling her not to. "If it's as friends, then I don't mind." "Meet me at the Brass bar at eight o'clock." Calvin said. Hikari waved goodbye and left him to his music. Maya nearly kissed her, she was that happy when Hikari had handed her a cake. Turns out she has quite a sweet tooth. Hikari headed home to get ready for her… meeting with Calvin. Not paying much attention to her clothing, Hikari slipped on a casual red outfit and comfortable shoes. The sun was nearly setting when she made it to the bar, Calvin was there waiting, his smile was warm as he greeted her. Like a gentleman, he opened the door for her and helped her into her seat. Kathy brought them their drinks, giving a sly wink at Hikari as she left.
Perplexed, Hikari sipped her cocktail. Calvin proved to be a wonderful dinner guest. He would ask her questions about what history she knew, and when she said her main focus was on Egypt, he really got into it. He described the legends and the gods, what they represented and how the people honored them. By the time the food came Hikari's head was a history book. Calvin continued to speak, and Hikari politely listened. She dabbed at her ravioli half-heartedly, her mind elsewhere. The Harvest King… what was he exactly. A jerk by the sound of it, but Hikari couldn't wrap her mind around how he could abandon his sister, just because a few people ignored him. She stopped picking at her plate. "That's not quite right," Hikari thought.
Hikari knew what it was like to be alone. To have all she cared about lost. But his situation was different, according to the Harvest Goddess. He only knew the people so long ago, what it must have been like for him. To slowly lose the one's you cared for, to fade from their minds, to where they couldn't even think of you. Something welled up in Hikari's heart. It beat painfully. This feeling wasn't pity, no it was… sympathy. He'd left to escape the torture and Hikari was forcing him to face it. No wonder he threatened her. But why save me then? The Harvest Goddess feared the Harvest King would kill her, but every time Hikari thought about it the less she believed.
Calvin cleared his throat loudly. Hikari sat up and lowered her eyes sheepishly. "Are you alright?" he asked. Hikari shook her head. "I'm sorry Calvin, my thoughts were elsewhere." He emptied his cocktail. "Am I boring you?" he said teasingly. Hikari allowed a smile to tug at the corner of her lips. "On the contrary you're so fascinating I couldn't take you all in at once. Hey Calvin…" Calvin raised his head, "Yes?" "What do you know about the Harvest King?" She asked on impulse. He took the glass Kathy gave him and she walked away. "You mean the legend?" Hikari nodded, encouraging him to continue. "Well the story says there used to be a powerful being like the sun; he resided on the highest mountain in the land. He watched over the land and life. But it's a legend because the goddess had been the one who's watched over us." Hikari leaned over the table, her voice barely louder than a whisper.
"But what if it's true?" She said. Calvin gave a loud laugh, causing to Chase to turn from the kitchen and raise an inquisitive eyebrow. "Hikari it's just a fairy tale. Make believe, nothing but a bed time story to tell children." Hikari banged her fists on the table, causing her empty glass to shatter on the ground. Not a sound was made, even Selena stopped dancing. "It's not just a fairy tale!" Hikari yelled, her anger lacing every word. Calvin leaned back in surprise at her outburst. Hikari realized what she'd done wish a shock. She pulled out some coins and laid them on the table. "Here is the money for my food and to pay for the cup," she said to Hayden. She turned and bowed to Calvin. "Thank you for a lovely evening, I apologize for my rude behavior. Goodbye." Hikari marched out the bar, leaving the town in a hurry. Just as she as passing the Photo Shop Calvin caught up to her. "Hikari!" He yelled. She ignored him and kept walking. Hikari whistled, loud and shrill. The next instant Calvin's hand was on her shoulder, pulling her to a stop.
Hikari shrugged it off and tried to keep going. "Hikari why are you so upset?" Hikari kept marching, ignoring him. He grabbed her arm and turned her to face him. "Hikari, what was that about?" "Nothing, Calvin let go of me." Hikari tried to pull her arm free, but he didn't release his grip. She eyed him. "I said let go of me." Her voice was deathly calm. "Not until you explain that." She pushed against his chest. "I told you it was nothing! I don't want to talk about it. Just go away." In a blur Calvin grabbed her and crushed his lips against hers, her body pressed against his. Hikari fought him, but his grip was like iron, unyielding. "Let go!" She yelled through clenched teeth. His grip became painful on her arm as he pulled her closer. Hikari raised her free hand to punch him, but he stopped the blow, pinning her arms between them. Four things happened at once. Chase was yelling something as he saw them, Calvin turned in surprise, Hikari kneed him between the legs, and Lemon rammed into Calvin. The great black beast sent him flying, nearly gashing him with her horns. Lemon stomped her hooves, preparing to charge. Hikari grabbed her by the horns and turned her around. "No girl! It's ok, I'm fine, and it's alright."
Lemon didn't take her eyes off Calvin, lying unconscious on the ground. Chase kneeled beside Calvin and hauled him to his feet. Calvin opened his eyes and hugged his side in pain. His eyes met Lemons, who bellowed in rage and lunged. "No!" Lemon skidded to a halt and met Hikari's eyes. "Please Lemon, it's over now." The cows deep brown eyes held hers for a moment, then Lemon stepped back a few reluctant paces. "Is he going to be ok?" She asked Chase. He nodded. "I don't think it's that bad, mostly some bruising. She probably didn't charge that hard because you were to close to him." Hikari sighed in relief. "Thank goodness." Chase slung one of Calvin's arms over his shoulder. "To bad I couldn't have been the one to do it, that's some cow you've got there." Lemon mooed and butted Hikari's side, leading her away. Great, a cow was herding her. "Thanks Chase, sorry to bother you." Chase's words were short and angry. "Hikari it's not your fault, this idiot drank too much. It's not a problem, go home and rest before your cow kills this drunk."
Lemon pushed against her, reinforcing Chase's words. "Thanks." She said simply. Hikari slung her leg over Lemon's back, which shot down the road before Hikari could say anything else. Lemon eased to a stop in front of Hikari's home. She slid off the beasts back slowly, exhausted and worn out. Hikari attempted to lead Lemon into the barn, but the large creature refused to budge. "You're going to stand outside my door all night aren't you?" Lemon mooed defiantly and sat down on her strong legs. Hikari wrapped her arms around her neck and stroked her soft back. "Thanks Lemon." Hikari walked into her house, locking all the doors. She showered, scrubbing her skin ruthlessly. She felt disgusting. Satisfied that she thoroughly abused her skin with soap, Hikari climbed in to bed. She slept, able to take comfort from Lemon's protective presence outside.
Hikari woke early the next morning, Lemon still outside. She was bellowing loudly, causing her other animals to respond in kind. Hikari fell out of bed in her hurry to get to the door. She yanked it open, and there was Chase with Calvin. They saw her in all he pajama clad glory. "Easy Lemon." The cow turned to her and sniffed at her, checking if she was alright. "Like I said, that's some cow." Chase said. Hikari crossed her arms, casually leaning against Lemon's side. "What is he for?" Chase smacked Calvin's arm. He grunted and looked down in shame. "I wanted to apologize for my behavior last evening. I just… I was drunk and you left so quickly." He raised his head and looked her in the eye. "You must understand. My feelings caused me to act rashly; I hope you can forgive me."
Hikari didn't blush at his obvious hint about his feelings, she just looked at him. Chase gave him his own angry glare. Hikari met Lemon's eyes, as if the cow could read her mind. "I can't return your feeling Calvin." His eyes widened, and then he nodded slowly. Hikari walked up to him, raising his chin. "I know someone who can though, although I don't think your right for her. But who knows, if anyone can fix your confused brain it's her." Hikari smiled. Calvin hesitated, and then a smile tugged at his mouth. His shoulder's dropped in relief at Hikari's acceptation of his apology. Then his eyebrows knitted together in thought. "But who is she?" Hikari shrugged her shoulders. "If you're not too stupid, you should be able to figure it out. Maybe." Chase covered his mouth, suppressing a laugh. "Oh, and Calvin." Hikari said, her voice as sharp as a knife. "If you ever touch me, or hurt the girl, I will personally see to your funeral. That is if Lemon doesn't beat me to it." Calvin smiled in amusement, and then faltered. He looked from Hikari's smiling face to Lemon's angry brown eyes, uncertain if she was jesting.
"If there is anything I can do for you, just ask." "Oh I'll let you know." Hikari said sweetly. Even Chase was a little frightened; he'd never seen this side of Hikari before. She was always cheerful, but this side of her was bigger than even his backbone. It was Lemon who decided enough talking, as the beast stomped a hoof and lowered her head menacingly. Calvin all but leaped away. Hikari waved them goodbye, still smiling that cold smile. Finn floated up from inside the house, wary of Hikari. "You sure can be scary sometimes." Hikari patted Finn's head. "Only when I need to be." She said. Lemon bellowed loudly, clearly amused.
The Harvest Goddess felt it, it would soon be time. Edge was ready; her brother would be woken soon.
(Muwahahahaa! I tease. Just thought I'd add that last part as a humongous cliff hanger. Next chapter will be about… guess! *As you read this imagine me rubbing my hands together and laughing evilly :D!*)