So sorry for the late update! I got busy with all the school work and hospital duty…but no matter, because the next chap's here!
Thank you for those who read, reviewed, clicked favorite and followed this story! I really appreciated it despite this being my first work.
Enjoy~
CHAPTER 2
Meadow Island
Year 3, Fall
"Thanks a lot, Kirk," Mark said as he held a pink piglet in his arms and watched a middle-aged sailor control the motorboat they were riding. "I thought I would lose Bacon. Chelsea's gonna kill me."
The sailor laughed. "That piglet sure love her very much. To the extent of followin' her here." Kirk had brought Mark to Mushroom Island to find Chelsea when he saw Shea giving her something that brightened her face. In a rush, she hurried to the dock, leaving Bacon, the said piglet, behind. The pet chased her, almost jumping to sea if not for Mark catching it.
Soon, an uninhabited island came into view. "I noticed she comes to Meadow Island often," Kirk commented. "What's in there, anyway?"
Only Mark and Chelsea knew why. Something nobody else would believe.
After getting off the boat, he found her just as he expected: Chelsea sitting across a Harvest Sprite donned in red, conversing.
Mark met Chelsea last late Spring while he was wandering around the inn where she recently stayed. He just started as a rancher then. That same day, she suddenly offered her services to his ranch, saying she could get more Sun Stones to resurrect the ten missing islands if she would get some work. Seeing that he did need a hand, he agreed.
At first, he was starting to regret his decision as he observed her. She felt tired easily, she wasted seeds, she overwatered sprouts. Why would an outlander spend so much energy and time doing tasks she obviously wasn't used to do? he thought then. Her only mastery was foraging, which was evident on her quick discovery of hidden Sun Stones.
Mark then had enough seeing her trying in vain. However, just as he got the courage to let her quit, he saw her crying. She then told him her story. She had roamed around the world searching for her brother-the only family she has left-and here, she discovered the place that would grant her wish for a price.
Anybody who longed to see someone he hasn't seen for years would do that. Chelsea is no exception. That was what Mark finally understood after she had opened up to him. It also made him more patient in teaching her farming activities; now, he was confident of letting her work without supervision.
He slowly approached them. "Oh, there you are, Chelsea."
Surprised, she turned to him. "Mark?" Her eyes turned to the squirming animal. "What's Bacon doing here with you?"
"You suddenly rushed here after Shea gave you the Stone." He was sure it was a Sun Stone. "And this guy followed you without warning." Mark released Bacon from his grip and watched it run towards its owner. "Good thing I made it to Kirk's boat before Bacon jumps overboard."
"Mark, Mark!" the Sprite called to him, distancing cautiously from Bacon. "I just raised a new island!"
He grinned. "What is it this time, Agete?"
Agete, the red Sprite, pointed somewhere to the northeast. "Fruit Island! It's fertile, and I think it's good for trees. Chelsea says you'll really like it." It then waved to both of them. "See you soon, Chelsea, Mark." It vanished into thin air.
Chelsea smiled to herself. "Only one island left..."
That was fast, Mark thought. "Then I guess our contract's done by then." When Chelsea frowned, he raised his brows questioningly. "What? You did say you'll work with me until you raised all islands."
"Why? Are you kicking me out of the ranch for real?"
No, he wanted to say. Instead, he replied, "Well, I really appreciated your help, but you won't get to see your brother if you'll stay some more, right?"
She grinned. "Once I get to see him again, I'll let him meet you. And tell him that now, I can maybe manage a farm on my own." Her sapphire-blue eyes brightened, matching her smile. "Thanks to you, Mark."
He smiled. "I'm sure he'll be proud of you, Chelsea."
Mark wouldn't mind meeting him at all. At least he could assume his working partner values him as much as he does.
Ooh, not Mineral Town this time. And I do hope I kept it intact with Sunshine Islands, because I wasn't able to finish playing it.
I'll try to update faster next time, 'kay? Thanks for waiting!