Chapter Nineteen: Oh Starry Night
I did it! I actually did it! I can't believe that I was actually able to trick… I mean coerce the Harvest King into going on a date with me! I didn't care that I had a lot of cooking in store for me. Feeling triumphant, I ran down the steps to leave the Harvest King to his bamboozlement. Oh what a happy day in the life of Hikari. I pressed my fingers to the stone and the glyphs glowed at my touch. I expected an enthusiastic Lemon to greet me but the cow was nowhere in sight. Startled, a searched around the blacksmiths but found no trace of her. I peered down the hidden path to the Goddess Spring, nope. Becoming worried I headed toward the river. And there she was, lying next to a grinning Bo and munching on lettuce he was feeding her.
"Bo!" I groaned. I smacked Lemon in the rump and the beast jumped up in alarm. "You're spoiling my cow." I said while scolding Lemon. The cow looked at me indifferently, raised her shoulders in what must have been the cow equivalent of a shrug, and kept crunching. Sighing I hopped on her back, Lemon immediately sat down on her haunches. "Lemon?" I asked. Bo only laughed and handed me a lettuce leaf. I glared at him. "It's the only way she'll forgive you for surprising her." Bo explained. I sighed again and held the leaf in front of Lemon's nose. "Get moving or no snacks for you."
The cow stood up and ran over the bridge, now repaired thanks to Bo. I can tell you one thing; I will never cross this bridge in a rainstorm again. Lemon arrived at the ranch and I slid off her back, shoving her in the rump to get her grazing. The cow stared at me meaningfully and I reluctantly handed her the leaf. "Spoiled…" I muttered. Lemon blissfully moseyed into the fields with the rest of the animals. As I walked inside a thought struck me. Lemon was my first cow and she had yet to produce a successor. I gulped at the realization that Lemon would die someday, deciding then to ask Cain about setting Lemon up with one of his bulls.
I heard a bellow come from outside, as if the cow had heard my thoughts. To bad Lemon. I walked over to the bookshelf and pulled a few cookbooks down, prepared to study for the feast I promised. As I filled my arms with about seven books the blue feather floated to the floor. I quickly set the books down on the dinner table and snatched the feather of the floor. It wouldn't do to leave something so important just lying around. I carefully placed the feather in a discreet pocket of my rucksack, there it would be protected from damage and at hand should I need it. I paused in my fussing. If the date didn't go the way I hoped, would this feather ever fulfill its purpose? The Goddess's words, for the hundredth time, echoed in my skull. You will both suffer. I had struck a deal with the Goddess. If the Harvest King accepted my confession, then she would back off. If he didn't then I would. I was pretty sure the odds were in the Goddess's favor. I shook my head free of the clawing doubt.
Setting the rest of the books on the table and my butt in a chair, I started reading. The sun was setting by the time I memorized my last apple related recipe, I could see the ingredients floating around my head now. I stood and the chair made an audible squeak as it slid across the floor. I headed outside and rung the bell adjacent to my shipping bin. The ringing echoed and my animals lazily lifted their heads. And in the same lazy fashion they all lumbered into their respective shelters.
Lemon was the last, tired from a day of nothing. Even if I didn't get some romance, the cow at least could for me. I headed inside, done for the day. And so went the rest of my days, working in the fields, tending to my animals, and visiting the Harvest King. We didn't mention the festival even once since I asked; I was starting to think he forgot. As I was heading down the stairs I heard him call my name. I turned and noticed he was watching me intently. Flustered, I answered him. "What?" I asked.
He motioned for me to come back and I did, standing a foot away from him. "I thought we could talk for today." He said. "Huh?" I asked with surprise. His forehead creased in annoyance. "You haven't told me how the Crop Festival went." He explained. "Oh." I muttered and sat down. The Crop Festival had been over for three days, today was Winter First. I felt my heart skip in excitement. Ten more days till the date! "Well?" the Harvest King asked impatiently.
Hikari, when encouraged, talked more than expected. So much so one might consider her annoying. It was different for me. Conversations were rare for me, being I was constantly by myself. And even though she visited everyday our words were short and not in anyway personal. And, as you can expect, I became aggravated by this. So when I tried to initiate a conversation, all I could think about was the Festival. "Chase won the cooking contest of course, and Maya got last place… again." She ranted. "What of the other three?" I asked. She flashed me that confident smile of hers, sparks lighting in the depths of her brown eyes. "You mean the vegetable, fruit, and flower contest? I won them all of course. You should have seen Craig's face! He came in second place for each one! Oh it was priceless." She said with evil glee.
"It feels good to win doesn't it?" I asked. She eyed me curiously for a moment, turning some thought that I was unaware of over in her head. "Well there is something I have yet to win." She said slowly. Interested I sat down on the ground beside her, my robes spreading about. "What would that be?" I asked. She smiled and placed two fingers against her lips. "That's a secret." She said. "Does it have something to do with what you need to tell me at the Starry Night Festival?" I asked. Her smile never faltered. "Maybe." Annoyed, I rested my chin in my hand. "Whatever." I muttered. "Oh stop sulking, you'll know soon enough." I sat straight up; even sitting she was shorter than I. "I am the Harvest King, I do not sulk." I said while glaring down at her.
She shrugged and absently drew pictures in the snow. "Do you know what the fifth day of winter means?" she asked. "Thanksgiving" I answered. She looked at me with surprise. "Humans have called the day many things, but they always have given thanks, even if they were unaware I was watching." "Oh." Was all she said? "What was it like back then? Were humans different from how they are now?" she asked. I clasped my hands together and rested my elbows on my knees. This was one topic I didn't care for. "I some ways yes. Humans were more superstitious, fearful. But one thing that has not changed is their cruelty. I have watched your kind for many years and they have only advanced in their evil." "What was it like being forgotten?" she whispered.
I didn't answer her; the memories were still raw despite having happened eons ago. "Please tell me." She said while placing her hand on my own. It was extraordinary how bold this woman was, touching a deity without hesitating. I would normally fry others for such disrespect on the spot. But Hikari as different, she always had been. "It was slow, very slow. One by one they forgot me. As they did I could feel a chill seeping into my energy, as if the sun had deserted me and ice was settling in to claim me. Before I knew it I had been reduced to mere fairytale. But soon even children became tired of hearing it. At the time I still held hope for your kind. Sure that someone still believed in me. I was wrong." I clenched my fists till my knuckles turned white.
I saw the hurt of so long ago echo in his eyes. The pain still haunted him, it always would. I tucked my arm under his and leaned into his side. He glanced over at me, but I didn't meet his eyes. "Well from my perspective there is one person who believes in you." I said. His hands relaxed and he allowed the contact between us to remain. "So it would seem." He said. We sat in silence, I giving him the comfort he refused to admit he needed, and he trying his best to remain his arrogant self. I laughed low to myself, causing him to raise one red eyebrow at me. "It's nothing." He leaned in to where his lips hovered above my ear. "Tell me." He said. "If I do you'll get mad again." I said while standing. He grabbed my hand, his touch as well as his eyes burning into me. "I don't like it when I can't have something I want." "And what is it that you want?" I asked.
I didn't answer; I only dropped my hand and waved her away. "Go, I need to be alone for a while." I said. To my relief she didn't persist and she left, waving in farewell as she went. What was it I wanted? If only I knew the answer to that question myself.
With the second day of winter came a blizzard. I was freezing cold as I tended my animals. I made sure the barn was extra warm and that they had extra hay to stay cozy in their stalls. Lemon eyed me wearily, knowing what plans I had in store for her. I didn't acknowledge her glare, walking out of the barn and running to the coop. I was literally freezing; my autumn clothes stood no chance in these cold temperatures. I guess it was time to visit the Tailors. The next day the storm ended and I woke to some destroyed crops and very unhappy animals. After my chores I headed into town, still freezing.
As I opened the door of the Tailor's I walked into a lover's quarrel. Candace ran past me and out the door. "Wait!" Julius called. He rushed past me but I grabbed his frilly clothed arm. "Don't." I said. He looked at me with perfectly make-upped eyes and sighed. "Your right." He said in an all too feminine voice. "Give her some time Julius." I patted his shoulder and walked up to the counter. Luna was busy counting money, indifferent to the scene that had played out in front of her. She looked up at me briefly. "What is it?" she asked coldly.
"I'm here for clothes." I said. Luna didn't look up or deign to answer me. Julius walked up to me and placed a hand on my arm. "If its clothes you're wanting I can help you." He said cheerily. I glanced down at his attire. "I don't know…" I said. "Do you think anyone else here will help you?" he asked while pointedly staring at Luna. The pink haired brat ignored him. "Ok." I said in defeat, knowing he needed a distraction anyway. And so began my day of shopping. Shopping with Julius wasn't as easy as you might think. He constantly snatched and handed me clothes, fussing on what goes with this and that.
"Julius I'm a rancher I need practical clothes." I protested. The fashionista placed hands on his hips in another all too feminine way. "There isn't one reason why you don't need nice clothes? There has to be someone who wants you to dress nice." He exclaimed. Luna snorted behind the counter, I responded by giving her the finger. Luna stuck her tongue out and sulked behind her register. "Perhaps…" I said while thinking of the Starry Night Festival. Julius clapped his hands and turned around. "Then you'll want this, I designed it myself!" Luna and I both looked at Julius in a way that said, Oh no!
To my surprise he pulled out something that caught my eye. It was a Red Victorian outfit. Black sleeves, white collar and pants, red corset and matching red boots. I held the clothes in my hands, awestruck. "Julius this is… wow." I said. He stuck his nose up in pride. "Of course it is! I made it!" he bellowed. I rolled my eyes and held the clothes before me. "Wait a second!" Luna called from behind the counter. "It's missing something!" Julius glared down at the pigtailed girl "It is not, my masterpiece is beyond improvement! Its so perfect that…"
Luna held a red headdress with little black flowers adorning the sides. His ego deflated before him. "It adds a little flare." He muttered while crossing his arms. I smiled at Luna as we both laughed at his expense. I paid for the clothes and before I headed out I handed Julius a glass of herbal tea. "It's her favorite." I whispered low enough for him to hear but not high enough for Luna's ears. "I… I know that!" He stammered but took the cup anyway. I said my goodbyes and headed home, many shopping bags in tow. I was a little angry at Julius for being the best girl bonding time in my entire life.
When I got home I put the clothes away, storing the Victorian clothes away and resisting the urge to wear them. Tomorrow was Thanksgiving and I had cakes to bake. I woke up the next morning, feeling refreshed and invigorated. I glanced over at the mess that was my kitchen sink… I'll clean it later. I placed the cakes in my rucksack, causing the bag to swell to a dangerous level. I locked the door behind me and started the long journey all across Castanet. I passed Strawberry Shortcake out to all the residents in Flute fields. I received two in return from Craig, believe it or not, and to my delighted surprise from the Witch Princess.
Chase was helping Maya at the inn so I didn't intrude. After passing out cakes to those in Harmonica Town I headed up to the Garmon Mines. I told Finn to take a cake to the Harvest Goddess while I gave more cake out. By the time I gave Owen a cake my bag was still full after receiving so many. I checked over my shoulder to make sure Finn wasn't back and I ran up to the glyphs. "Hikari!" Phoebe called. Crud, I turned around and smiled. "Hello Phoebe! Liking the cake I gave you?" I asked with forced cheer. Phoebe eyed me and crossed her arms. "Yeah, so did Calvin. What are you doing over here?" "Oh nothing…" I said while poking the ground with a booted foot. "Sure you are. Anyway I wanted to tell you that Calvin and I are getting married." I nearly dropped my bag full of cakes. "Really? Congratulations Phoebe!"
Phoebe couldn't help the smile that brightened her cheeks. "I want you to be there with me." I clasped her hands in my own. "Of course, I wouldn't miss is for the world!" I responded. Phoebe handed me an invitation." "I'll see you next week!" she called while trotting off to a waiting Calvin. I quickly turned and pressed my hands to the patiently waiting glyphs.
I felt the rush of energy as Hikari used the portal. The energy retreated and I felt her blue aura blaze below the staircase. When she arrived at the top I noticed a swelling bag bouncing on her hip. She walked up to me, setting the bag down with a thump. I smiled and looked at the bag. She followed my gaze and a blush tinted her cheeks. "It seems I'm more popular than I thought." "Is that so?" I asked. "I have something for you." She said while bending to rummage in her bag. I beat her to the punch. Energy whirled around my hand and a plate with a cake appeared in my palm. "For you." I said calmly. She stood with mouth agape. "What?" I asked. She shook her head and took the cake. "Thank you!" I smiled, feeling pleased by her gratitude. She then shoved a slice of cake in my own hands. "And that is for you." She said. "Thanks." I said while stashing it away.
"How do you do that?" she asked. "Do what?" I asked back. "You shoved it into your hip and it disappeared! You don't have a bag or anything!" she exclaimed. "I'm a boss like that." I replied. "Have you been watching my TV again?" she asked. I didn't answer. "What am I going to do with you?" she sighed while rubbing the crease between her eyebrows.
So the days came and went. The snow piled up, I froze at night, and my fields were full of green bell flowers. I was harvesting honey from them when Cain walked up to me with Lemon in tow. "Good morning!" I called. He stopped in front of me and released Lemon from her rope. The cow glared at me. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a piece of lettuce, the cow forgave me. "You spoil her." Cain said. "Tell that to Bo." I replied. "So how did it go?" I asked.
Cain scratched his neck awkwardly. "She doesn't like Roger." He said. Roger was one of Sam's bulls back on his ranch. "I told you, she will only go for the best." I explained. "But Roger is…" Cain muttered. "If you want my money you'll let Lemon decide and nature will take its course." I said. "What are you the animal match maker?" Cain asked with a hearty laugh. "No, we have a similar taste that's all." I said. After I finished with my chores I headed inside to prepare. It was the eleventh, tonight was the night. I had spent all day baking and I used my entire stash of apples to do it. I packed the largest basket I had to the brim with food. I filled a large thermos with apple cocktail and placed two wine glasses in last before I slammed the lid shut.
Now time to get ready. I ran into the shower and cleaned up quickly. I brushed my still wet hair and fixed the headdress in place. I pulled on the Victorian outfit and looked in the mirror. The clothes hugged my body to emphasize my uh… womanly shape. I blushed, furious at myself for not trying it on at the Tailors before I bought it. Luna's first rule, no refunds. With a sigh I grabbed the very heavy basket and headed outside. Cherry was waiting for me. I strapped the basket securely to the saddle and mounted. Here goes nothing.
It was a cold night; the snow blanketed the earth like a white quilt and made it sparkle in the moons light. The sky was clear, so clear I didn't have to bother focusing my mind sight to see beyond them. For some reason I felt nervous, what an odd sensation. I had no reason to be, it was just a festival with a mere human. I also didn't like feeling unsure of myself, in fact I despised it. It was to late however, for I could see Hikari at the base of mountain, as easily as if she were right next to me. She hopped off her brown mare and hefted a large basked from the saddle. She staggered from the weight but didn't fall.
She did say she had lots and lots of apple treats. She touched the glyphs and I felt her aura grow nearer. "Hi!" She called while heaving the basket up the last step. I flicked my hand and the basket disappeared from her grasp. It dropped gently to the ground beside me. "Show off." She muttered. I didn't bother trying to hide my smirk. As she walked over and pulled a blanket out of the basket my eyes lingered over her. She was dressed exquisitely. "Red suites you nicely." I said while admiring her, the clothes, and the red glints in her aura. She spread the blanket on my throne. "You only say that because you're a big red hair ball." She said smartly, I could see the blush lighting her cheeks though.
She sat down and dragged the basket to her. "What do you want first?" she asked while patting the ground beside her. I lowered slowly and sit cross legged beside her. I saw her eyes snap away as my robes billowed around me. "Admiring the view?" I asked. "I've seen better." She replied. Humph. She handed me a glass and filled it from a thermos. "Drink up." She said while placing more food on the ground. "What is that?" I asked pointing to a baggy of round things. "Candy." She said while handing me one. "Candy." I repeated while popping it in my mouth.
We ate in companionable silence, once or twice she would ask what a star was and I would tell her. As I finished explaining the story of Scorpio she smiled at me. "You know as much as the wizard." She commented. "More." I said. "So arrogant." She huffed. Hikari glanced at her watch and groaned in frustration. "The meteor shower should have started already." She complained. "It will soon enough." I said to calm her. She leaned back on her hands and stared at the sky, the stars reflecting in her brown eyes. "Your lucky to live up hear. It's beautiful." She sighed. "I suppose." "You don't find stars beautiful?" she asked. I looked over at her with a piece of pie hovering above my lips. "I do, in a sense. It's more like they are comforting. No matter how many years pass, the stars are always there." I said.
"That's deep." I said while sitting up. The night was going just as I'd planned, and the entire time I felt nervous. When was the right time to bring it up? I had watched him out of the corner of my eye, delighting in the spectacle he made as he tried each new food. His eyes would widen in wonder like that of a child. "It's all quite good." He said. "Did you expect burnt food?" I asked sharply. When he didn't answer I punched his arm. He laughed and took another sip of his cocktail. "So about what you wanted to tell me…" he said. "Look!" I said while pointing at the sky. I hadn't heard him, to awestruck by the shooting stars. "Make a wish!" I yelled.
"So about what you wanted to tell me…" I jumped when she yelled something about the sky. I followed her pointing finger to see the meteors that lit the night sky. I frowned, I had seen things like this thousands of times. "Hikari." I said while looking down at her. I went quiet; absorbed by the way her aura glowed in the soft light. It was a soft blue flame, glowing around her as she bent her head over folded hands. Her eyes were closed and a light smile lit her lips. When she opened her eyes she gazed dreamily at the sky. Make a wish she said? I wished I could always see her like that, so full of joy that it flared in her aura. The blue flame of her energy was nothing compared to the fires of my own red power, but I felt overwhelmed by her presence.
When she finally met my eyes, her own lost that dreamy cast. She blushed and looked down at her hands. "What did you wish for?" I asked. She went a darker shade of red and squeezed her hands nervously "Hikari?" I said while bending low to whisper in her ear. She shivered ever so slightly. "Are you cold?" I asked. Before she could answer I slid my aura over her skin and she jumped in surprise. The red glow floated upon her like a second skin. "I can't tell you or it wont come true." She protested. I cupped her chin and raised her head to make her look at me. "Are you sure you don't want to tell me?" I asked while wrapping my arm around her waist and pulling her closer. She rested her hands against my chest, blushing furiously. "No." she said defiantly.
"Really now? That's too bad." I said, my lips hovering just above hers. Her brown eyes melted into pools of chocolate and a dreamy sigh escaped her lips. "If you don't kiss me right now I am going to cut your braid off." I smiled and pressed my lips to hers. She melted in my arms and I held her closer so she wouldn't fall back. Her taste was warm and clean. She smelled of morning mist and damp earth, as if nature was in her very pores. She then kissed me back with a hunger I hadn't expected from her, she twisted her hands in my hair and met me with a challenge in her eyes.
Oh Harvest Goddess, I couldn't believe I was kissing the Harvest King a second time! It was different from the first kiss though. This kiss was all fire and passion, him being the source of the fire of course. When his aura slid across me I felt both warm and chilled, goose bumps shivered along my skin in excitement. His lips tasted of the sweet apples he'd eaten along with a spice that was all his own. I marveled at him and I drowned in his red eyes. When we broke away I was panting, both of us flustered. He held me close, gently kissing my forehead and whispering words I didn't understand.
I rested my forehead against his shoulder. "I love you Harvest King…" I mumbled. His arms became tense around me, and I felt my heart clench in pain. Then he pulled me closer, burying his face in my hair. I felt his aura blaze around me, causing my body to seek his in that uh... womanly fashion. He whispered, so low I turned my head a fraction to hear him better. "What?" I asked. "Harvest King is not my real name." he whispered into my ear. My heart raced and I felt my spirit soar, the Wizard's words echoing in my head. For a deity to share one's name it takes the ultimate trust. Did that mean what I hoped it meant? "Do you wish to know my name?" he asked. I raised my head and met those gorgeous eyes. Here was the man I wanted, the only one capable of stirring my heart to it's core. But he was immortal, I would eventually die. Was my love for him strong enough to withstand such a sad fate? The words I spoke were heavy on my tounge but I forced them out. "I..."
Ah the cliffhanger, my greatest achievement in my short life of writing by far. It is a technigue I've honed since a small age. I sound like some old woman recalling days long past! Ignore my rambling. But in all seriousness I had to do this, I love you all but at the same time I'm evil by nature! This is the longest I've spent typing a chapter before. I tore eleven pages out of my notebook writing the rough draft until I was satisfied then about 9 grueling hours typing it! And it's all because of you people! Your so needy and I'm to nice a person! Joking I just like to write. I just wanted to thank everyone for following this story and I am very humbled by all the praise I've recieved. So thankyou everyone and I hope when this story ends, don't worry there is more to come, that you will all come back to visit this old thing once and a while. So thankyou!
Review please, I want to hear if my hard work has paid off ^o^!