Thanks to my good friend Meeshell to whom this story is dedicated to. Thanks for letting me steal your buffamoo names, I know how much those "cows" mean to you.


Chapter Three – Strawberry Thief

~One month later~

A heavy rain hit the roof of Kyle's house in loud pitter-pattering patterns, rousing the sleeping boy from his bed. He stretched and yawned as he stepped out of his bed. "I love that sound." He smiled to himself, listening to the beating rain; he could feel it vibrating in his chest.

Kyle made his way down the rickety old stairs leading into the main part of his house. He opened his front door and was greeted by the warm summer air. On a day like this he didn't have the chore of watering his crops and his workload was greatly decreased.

Today he had planned to deliver a diamond he'd found to Alicia. She was always talking about how much she wanted a diamond, and when coming across one on a trip through the mountains, his first thought was of her, the way her red hair cascaded down her back, and the way her body moved when she talked. He wanted to see what her eyes face looked like shadowed by that large hat, when he gave her his findings.

The stores didn't open for another few hours and on a day like this Alicia would be hidden away in the general store. As much as Kyle loved running around in the rain the town of Alvarana did not. Even Yue, the traveling sales-woman would seek shelter from the wet droplets.

To kill time, Kyle went about his normal duties. He walked up the path on the side of his house up to the barn he'd finally saved up enough money to build. A present from the De-Sainte Coquille's maid had allowed him to not only raise crops but also animals. Though he currently only had two buffamoo's he made sure they were well fed and brushed everyday. He knew many of the local girls were counting on him to win the Monster Contest coming up in the Fall.

The barn door opened and Kyle slipped inside, shaking his dripping wet hair. Mill and Hoof his two buffamoo walked up to him knowing that he was there to bring them food.

"Hey guys." Kyle laughed, backup slightly as not to be trampled. He filled up their trough with the grass he'd grown especially for them. With his hands now empty he patted Milly as she walked past him to eat. Kyle pulled out a brush and began running it along their fur as they munched on the feed.

When he was finished he put his supplies away and pushed himself back out into the stormy weather.

The strawberries he'd planted in Trieste Forest would be ripe today and he still had some time to spare before the ret of the town was awake and lively. Kyle turned over to the crossroads, expecting to continue on with business, but to his surprise his rountine had been interrupted.

A young girl stood shivering in the center where the three trails met. Her long brown hair was soaked with water and lay plastered to her pale face.

Kyle stood watching her for a moment, unsure of what to do. She was chewing on a plump red strawberry and hadn't seemed to notice him staring at her.

"Where did you get that strawberry?" He asked suddenly.

She jumped slightly and dropped the berry. "I'm sorry!" She spoke quickly. "I found it in the forest, over there." She pointed. "It just looked so good, and I was so hungry… I'm sorry."

Kyle couldn't help himself but laugh at how flustered she was and how her cheeks turned a light rose color to match her frozen nose. "It's alright, they're grown to be eaten."

"Ah." She let out a pleasant sigh of relief.

"Aren't you cold? You're not from around here are you?"

The girl shook her head, sending water droplets flying. "I… got lost… sort of. But I'm okay! You don't need to worry about me!"

"You shouldn't be standing outside in this weather, you'll make yourself sick. There's an inn in town, the man who owns it, Egan, is really nice, I'm sure he would love it if you came to stay there just until the rain lets up."

"Ah, I'm fine, I don't wish to be a burden." She shook her head again.

"Nonsense." Kyle laughed. "It's his job to give travelers a place to stay, you're not a burden to anyone."

Hesitantly the girl stepped forward and allowed him to lead her into town.

"My name's Kyle." He introduced himself as they were walking. "Don't worry, we'll take care of you while you're passing through." He tried to reassure her as he watched fear and uncertainty slip into her light blue eyes. "What's your name?"

"It's Kichiko. Thank you for being so kind to me. I'm sorry to bother you."

The two of them reached the inn and Kyle opened the heavy wood door, stepping inside first, allowing Kichiko to follow.

"Kyle! How are you this morning? I was just on my way to the De-Sainte Coquille Manor, what brings you here so early? Do you need something from me?" Cecilia greeted as she saw Kyle, a large amount of excitement rushed out with her voice. She allowed disappointment to flicker on her face for just a moment as she spotted the girl Kyle had trailing behind him. "Who's she?"

"This is Kichiko, I found her wandering around outside, getting soaked to the bone. I was hoping Egan could give her a place to stay, where is Egan?" Kyle questioned, noticing the innkeeper was not at this usual post.

"He's not in. I think I recall him mentioning something about going for a fishing trip, I don't know when he'll be back but I'd be happy to find a room for Kichiko."

"Thanks Cecilia." Kyle flashed her a smile and she beamed at him. "I better get back to work, I live on the farm on the upper side of town, come visit me later if you feel up to it." He told Kichiko.

"Thank you." She smiled at him shyly as he left.

"Come with me, I'll show you to your room, Egan will be so pleased to be having business. Things have been really slow lately." Cecilia stepped into one of the many doors lining the wall.

A wave of lavender scent hit Kichiko like a pleasant breeze as she walked into the small room. She looked around admiring her surroundings. The rich green of the bed quilt, the healthy potted plant in the corner, and the beautifully carved clock hanging above her on the wall. She couldn't help but feel she didn't deserve any of this kindness.

"I just cleaned this room so it should serve comfortably for you. If you need anything I'll be right next door at the De-Sainte Coquille Manor, and Egan should be around soon. Really anyone in Alvarana would be more than happy to aid you." She smiled warmly.

"I don't know how to express my thanks to you. I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused." As Kichiko spoke a puddle was beginning to form on the floor under her feet.

"You're no trouble at all!" Cecilia waved her hands frantically as she tried to convince the poor girl. "You should get out of those wet clothes."

"Ah, I'm fine… These ones will dry in no time." She smiled looking at her shoes.

"You don't have any other clothes do you! Come with me, I'm sure Rosalind has something she can lend you."

Before Kichiko had time to protest Cecilia had taken her arm and was rushing her out the door.