.

3rd Year

Spring

The elf had found Jas in record time, the child lured away by the witch. The witch had been certain not to be there when the elf came for the girl. She'd worried, at first, that he would return Jas to her family. He didn't, though, and so her plotting continued unhindered. Now to make the next move. Her plan had been to make the people her ex-husband loved, suffer. Her complication had been the elf king. Now the leader of the Fair Folk was neutralized. She'd been able to turn the villagers he had lived among against him, driving him into the forest and into isolation once again. His stealing away the children hadn't helped his case, but then he probably didn't much care. To him this wasn't a competition or a game. He did what he pleased when he pleased. He likely considered her efforts petty.

With the elf king out of the way, the village was hers for the marring. The wartime strife was rife in the land, and she had used that to her advantage. She left an anonymous tip at a television station about a Gotoran spy lingering in the vicinity of Zuzu City and the surrounding area. The broadcast went out on every news and radio station, encouraging anyone who may have information as to who the spy was, to take action. It wasn't the last nail in Harvey's coffin, but it was damn close…

Wartime propaganda and mob mentality. She loved it. She watched now, practically purring at her handiwork, as a mob gathered outside Harvey's clinic led by Kent, of course, who'd been a good little unwitting pawn and whipped the villagers all up into a suspicious frenzy against the doctor, who stood in the doorway looking devastated and confused and lost as to what to do. Again, the village divided. Now not only over the elfin king, but also over the doctor and whether or not he was friend or foe. There was a totally different division between the villagers over this problem, so now there were four different groups that all overlapped and no one knew who was on what side for sure anymore.

Maru stood protectively and fearfully in front of Harvey, reaching behind herself and holding his hands tightly, pushing him back inside quickly when those who'd turned on him, or sat on the fence, began to get loud and demand answers to so many questions. On top of all this, missing posters of Jas and Vincent decorated the town, and broadcasts had gone out on the news and radio asking viewers, and or listeners, to be on the watch for the children. No one had stopped searching for the little ones, but now on top of that they had to worry about air raids and nighttime bombings and staying alive through them all for goodness sakes! The witch couldn't have planned this better herself. Most of it wasn't even directly her doing! She'd nudged a few pieces and everything else had just collapsed into place.

Stardew

Maru locked the clinic door as soon as she had moved Harvey inside safely. Nervousness and fear filled her expression. She looked back and saw Harvey sitting on the waiting room seats, hands balled and expression grim and annoyed more than sad, like she'd thought it would be. Wait. There was the grief and betrayal. Those he forced away, though, anger and agitation replacing them quickly. She approached him. "Just tell them you aren't a spy," she said. "It's all you'll have to do. Harvey, they'll believe you." He shook his head and said nothing. "Baby please, if this keeps up you could end up dead! I don't… I can't lose you…" Still silence, she squatted in front of him, taking his hands. "Harvey, look at me." He glanced wearily at her. "They care about you. Despite all of this they care about you… All they need is for you to say you aren't a spy and they'll let it go. Just say it. This isn't the time for you to try and make a statement! Not in the heat of an ongoing war when the populous is being whipped up into a frenzy over enemy spies!"

He looked away from her once more. "Go home, Maru," he said.

"Stop telling me that! I'm not leaving you. Not when there's an angry mob right outside your goddamn door!" she shot.

"That's an extreme statement and you know it," Harvey said with a sigh, massaging the bridge of his nose. He took off his glasses, looking at her, and said, "They aren't out for my blood, love. They'd just scared and confused. I'm not afraid of them or what they'll do. I know these people too well and have been here too long to believe they want to hurt me." Kent notwithstanding. Shane in a bad mood, but Shane could get like that with anyone if he was in a foul enough temper, so Harvey doubted he was a target. In fact, he believed Shane was actually on his side in this. Not even only part way, but totally and completely.

Another broadcast began. They looked towards the radio quietly. A voice declaring that the military was putting together a list of suspected Gotoran spies who would at one point or another end up in an interrogation room. The announcer didn't name names. He couldn't because all that information was classified and confidential, but he promised regular updates to soothe the minds of his listeners, and encouraged anyone with information or suspicions to contact the military authorities. Maru's hands tightened on Harvey's, eyes becoming fearful and concerned. Harvey sighed through the nose, bowing his head and shaking it. Kent was probably doing just that as they spoke. Which meant it was only a matter of time before someone came looking for him. His eyes narrowed and he rose, marching towards his flat. Maru looked concerned and followed him upstairs.

"Maru, could you make some coffee? I have… personal matters to attend to… I'd like to be alone for a little bit," Harvey said to her. She paused, looking unsure. He didn't stop, though, shutting the door immediately behind him and locking it tight. She winced and bowed her head sadly before going downstairs to do as he'd asked. Maybe by the time it was done, he'd have dealt with whatever he wanted to do and be ready to talk.

Stardew

Harvey waited until he heard her footsteps fade away, then went straight to the radio and turned it on, visibly annoyed and agitated. He put on the headphones and began scanning the frequencies. "Mr. D, this is Dr. H. I'm going dark. Serious complications have arisen… Paranoia and wartime, that's what… Yes, the veteran POW was a large part of it… Yes, you were right. He was a problem… No, I don't regret not dealing with him like you in all your 'infinite wisdom' suggested I do…! Look I don't have time to argue with you about this, okay? I need to go… You be careful too… Yeah. They'll be coming for me… Don't worry about me, okay? I can handle myself… Good. It's getting too dangerous for her to come into the valley anyway. Take care of each other… Been a while since you said that to me… It won't be the last time you ever do, I promise. And I'll respond in kind, when I get out of this… I will too…! D, I will… Okay… Goodbye. Dr. H going dark." He hung up the radio immediately and quickly took it down, wrapping it up with all its parts and sticking it into a box.

The door was knocked on. He finished packing the radio away then rose to answer. Maru was there. He gave her a weak smile and took the coffee she offered gratefully. She smiled back and came in. She paused on noticing the radio was gone, and winced. "Why'd you take it down?" she asked.

"Because the last thing someone being accused of spying needs to be caught with, is a radio," Harvey replied. "I just contacted one of my pilot friends to tell him he probably won't hear from me in a while. Told him I was going dark."

Maru smiled in concern. "Way to kill suspicion you're a spy," she said with a small chuckle. He smiled ruefully back and sipped at the coffee. "When… if they come…"

"When," Harvey confirmed.

"Don't… say that… If they come, Kent will tell them you had one," she said.

"He will… I want you to take it, Maru. Keep it at your place for a while of hide it somewhere safe," Harvey replied, not answering her implied question.

"You're really gonna make me say it?" she said, leaning against the desk and sipping the hot chocolate she'd made for herself. Harvey sighed, massaging the bridge of his nose. "You know that hiding it will just make you seem guiltier," she did indeed say.

"I know," he answered. "Maru, trust me. I'll handle it. I have my ways." He sipped his own coffee again. She looked less than reassured. He watched her then sighed, placing the mug down and going to her, wrapping his arms around her waist and drawing her near. "I'll be okay," he promised. "Everyone will be okay."

She gave a soft sigh, leaning against his chest and closing her eyes. "The more people say that, the less I believe them," she said.

"You know, if I was a spy, you and Stardew Valley would be the last things I acted against," he teased.

"Reassuring," she said, smirking. "Real reassuring." He chuckled and kissed her hair gently, pulling her close and resting his head on top of hers. He grimaced in unease, glancing guiltily and uncertainly to the side.

Some Days Later

Harvey walked along the road, heading towards Zuzu City. The steep hill beside him, the mountains in the background, not a soul in sight. The road was peaceful, the sun was warm. He relished in the peace. It would take a long, long time to get to the city like this, yes, but these days it seemed like the longer he was out of the village the better. His hands were shoved into his pockets as he made the trek, his head bowed and eyes closed. He opened them only when he heard the sound of a vehicle approaching. Safety first, after all. The long walk would do him good anyway. And it gave him time to think about a lot of things he was trying so desperately to work out. Among them the fact he was slowly but surely becoming a hypocrite, to his own disgust.

A car honked a horn behind him. He turned warily and paused, seeing the vehicle pulling over. Kent's, he recognized, and he grimaced but held his ground. The man got out and leaned on the roof. "Where you going, doc?" he asked. "Thought you'd stocked up already."

"I overestimated how much I'd had in stock so ended up falling short," Harvey answered calmly.

Kent grunted. "Strange mistake for someone who's been doing this as long as you," he said.

"No one's perfect," Harvey answered.

"Fair enough. Long way to the city," Kent said.

"The exercise will do me good," Harvey answered.

"Hop in. I'll give you a ride," Kent said.

"Now what makes you think I'd be stupid enough to do that?" Harvey questioned calmly. He'd given up playing dumb regarding Kent's antics.

Kent shrugged. "Jodi and Sam are in the car. Couldn't make a move against you even if I wanted to," he said. "They're both on your side and you know it. I'm the one who'll be in enemy territory this round."

Harvey was quiet. He glanced towards the windows and saw Jodi inside. She looked up, spotting him, and smiled, giving a wave. Sam was in the back playing a handheld game. Harvey sighed. "I appreciate it, Kent, I do. But I really want to be alone right now." Kent was quiet, watching him. Harvey shifted and frowned a bit. "Fine," he relented, crossing the highway. He went to the back door and slid into the seat next to Sam.

"Hiya doc," Sam said, smiling at him.

"Hey," Harvey replied.

Sam watched him a moment, frowning in slight concern. Soon he saved his game, tucking it away. "You okay?" he asked as his father got back in and began to drive once more.

"Just… stressed," Harvey answered.

Sam winced. He totally got that. The stuff the guy was going through right now? He wouldn't wish it on his worst enemy. "Sorry. About my dad," he said, frowning at Kent. Kent huffed but didn't speak.

"Heading into the city to shop?" Harvey asked them, changing the topic.

"No. Hoping to maybe get an update on how the search for Vince and Jas is going," Jodi said, tone suddenly very quiet and sad.

Harvey inwardly grimaced. Right. The elf battlefront… Seemed he was in enemy territory no matter what he did. He sighed. "Jodi, you'll see your son again. But they won't find him. It would have been sure of that." Jodi was quiet, feeling the threat of tears in her eyes. Harvey winced. "He'll bring them back," he said sincerely. At least the creature had suggested as much, to him and Elliott.

"How can you know?" Jodi asked.

"Because he's good friends with it," Kent said with a scoff.

"No. I'm not. If I were, maybe I could have helped more than I've been able to so far," Harvey said. "Everyone wants Vince and Jas back. Regardless of their sympathy or lack thereof towards the elven king."

"Why does it feel like we're the only ones who still care, then? And Shane and Marnie now that Jas is gone?" Sam asked quietly, head bowed a bit.

Harvey sighed. "Do you want the brutally honest answer or the watered down one?" he asked.

"There are two versions?" Sam asked, grimacing. Harvey hummed, nodding in response. Sam winced, looking away, then gave a weak smile. "Give it to me straight, doc," he joked. Harvey gave him a look that screamed 'really?'. Sam grinned mischievously. "Always wanted to say that."

Harvey half rolled his eyes then looked out the window. "The brutally honest answer is that there's a war going on that's striking closer to home than it ever has before. Bombings near Zuzu City, a close brush with being blown up ourselves, accusations of spies, people being dragged in to be interrogated on the most baseless of claims… Now, for the first time, we're feeling the effects of this war personally, right on our shores. Our lives, our existence, is at stake. Right now, that's the most pressing thing for the majority. The elf king was fond of the children, very much so, and so Vince and Jas are probably the safest they've ever been in their whole lives. They're certainly safer than any of us. Even if the village was wiped off the map tomorrow, and everyone there killed, they would still live. The fair folk took them, yes, but they also protect them. They're safe and sheltered in the halls of the elven king. The power and magic of the fae defends them. We need to focus, right now, on making sure we're still alive for them to come back to. Just-just trust that they're alright. Because they are. I promise they are."

There was silence. Tears slipped from Jodi's eyes. And from Sam's. Kent was valiantly trying to hold his own back by focusing on the road. Jodi sniffed. "Enough about our woes," she said, trying to sound chipper again but failing. "We're not the only ones here going through a tough time. You've had it pretty bad yourself lately, Harvey… How are you holding up?"

Harvey went silent and Jodi grimaced a bit, regretting she'd asked. "That bad, huh?" Sam said sympathetically.

"Yes," Harvey answered simply. "I really don't want to talk about it."

"How's Maru holding up?" Sam asked.

"She's… strong. Brave. Stronger and braver than me," Harvey replied. "I almost wish she'd give me the 'we should take a break' line. It would be so much better for her then. Less stressful for her and her family and less challenging. She doesn't deserve to be sucked into this. I'm almost tempted to give her the 'take a break' line myself, just so she'll distance herself from me a bit and get some relief."

"Maru's never been one to back down when she perceives a wrong," Sam said. "Girl's always liked challenges."

"Considering it's a wrong at all," Kent said slightly bitterly.

"Back off old man," Sam snapped. "Harvey's never done anything to hurt us or the town!"

"God you're naïve," Kent said. Sam started, offended.

Jodi shot her husband a dagger glare out the corner of her eyes and nudged him sharply. "Kent, get a grip or so help me…" she began.

"It's alright, Jodi!" Harvey quickly cut in. "It's not surprising he's suspicious. Anyone with eyes to see knows I was setting myself up for this."

"We don't ever blame the victim," Jodi said, glaring at her husband.

"There's a such thing as setting yourself up for failure, mom," Sam said. "This isn't a case like that."

"I put myself in that situation, regardless of the fact I knew it was probably a bad idea," Harvey said, nodding.

"Oh, will you stop playing innocent?" Kent all but sneered. Was everyone at home seriously this sheltered and trusting?

"Have you considered that referral I offered you? To the doctor in the city?" Harvey said, frowning at him. "You need help, Kent. If you're not going to take it from me, take it from someone else." Kent fell silent again. He always did, whenever the topic of seeing another doctor came up. Harvey was clueless as to why, but this time didn't press. The rest of the ride passed in silence, Jodi refusing to speak to her husband, Sam getting into his game again, and Harvey not inclined to pursue conversation. Kent had never been a man of many words, so he was content to sit in silence.

Stardew

Kent dropped Jodi off at the mall. Sam didn't make a move to get out, so Harvey assumed he was going with his father, wherever Kent was headed. Jodi gave her husband a tentative kiss on the cheek, which made guilt start to manifest on Kent's face. Guilt that he'd become so separate from the man he'd been when they'd married one another. He hated putting her through that. He hated making her feel like she was sharing her home with a stranger… "You sure you aren't coming, Sammy? You could use some new things," Jodi said.

"Mom, you do know I'm in my twenties, right? I can shop for my own clothes," Sam said, sighing and rolling his eyes.

"You'll always be mommy's little baby," Jodi teased, ruffling his hair and kissing him through the window. He grimaced but let it go, giving her a smile. She smiled back and left. Kent watched her leave sadly. When she disappeared inside, he sighed and started the car, beginning to drive again. He didn't talk. Neither did Sam. Harvey figured it would probably be a bad idea for him to try, and he didn't know what to say anyway, so he kept quiet too.

As they drove, Harvey began to frown deeper and deeper, slowly sitting up in the car and watching the passing buildings. He shifted uncomfortably. "This is good, Kent. You can drop me here," he said. "I appreciate the ride." Kent didn't answer. Harvey wasn't surprised. "Kent, this is good," he said a little more firmly. No answer. Sam, noticing something was up, frowned and looked over at Harvey curiously, then to his father, watching. "Kent, stop the car," Harvey said slightly sharply. No answer.

Sam frowned and turned off the game, tucking it away. "Dad, he said stop," he calmly said, crossing his arms warily.

"He's acting like I'm bringing him to an executioner. Why are you suddenly so nervous, Harvey?" Kent replied.

Harvey glared, eyes narrowed, and didn't answer. Sam's teeth began to grind in agitation. He turned to Harvey. "What's up?" he asked the man.

Harvey was quiet. "Your dad's driving to the military base," he finally said.

Sam raised an eyebrow. "So?" he asked warily.

"You're smarter than that, Sam," Harvey replied. "Put it together."

Sam's jaw tightened slightly as he recalled the radio broadcast calling on anyone with information on potential spies to report it to the military authorities. His father was army. He had an in with the military. The military who was actively hunting those spies, intent on interrogating them for information. Spies of which his father believed Harvey was one. Harvey who was now stuck in dad's car like a sitting duck. "Pull. The damn car. Over," Sam icily said to his dad.

"Suddenly I'm the enemy, Sam?" Kent replied. "I have documents to bring them. I'm not going there to hand them Harvey giftwrapped."

"It's fine," Harvey murmured to Sam. "Your father and I can't keep making one another arch nemeses if we're going to repair, after all." His tone bordered on something Sam didn't like. A challenge? A threat…?

"Right. This will be a good trust building exercise," Kent said, tone icy and falsely cheery. "You and the doc just sit tight. I'll be back soon enough and drive Harvey where he needs to be." Sam looked from one to the other and began to appear very uncomfortable, shifting awkwardly. Suddenly he really wished he'd gone with mom.

Stardew

Kent hadn't pulled into the compound. He'd parked a short distance outside it and walked towards an outbuilding. The second he was out of sight, Harvey unfastened his seatbelt and went for the door. "I thought this was a sign of trust," Sam spoke up slightly condescendingly. "Thought you and dad couldn't keep making one another arch enemies if you were 'going to repair'."

Harvey paused, not turning around. "Turns out I'm a hypocrite," he finally replied, opening the door and getting out.

Sam scowled and took off his own seatbelt, getting out agitatedly. "The hell is wrong with you, Harvey? Why are you so afraid and jumpy over this?! Even if he does turn you in, what's the worst that happens? You go into some interrogation room, get a background check done, answer a few questions, show some papers, and you're out."

Harvey half laughed, turning to Sam and walking backwards. "God your father was right. You are so incredibly naïve," he said. But his voice lacked venom. It sounded more like it was bordering on despair. He turned, walking quicker.

Sam scowled, running after him. "How? How am I naïve?!" he demanded.

"You've probably heard plenty of stories about what your father endured in that POW camp. Or maybe you haven't, because I feel like if you did, you'd be a lot less sheltered as to what'll happen to me if I'm dragged into an interrogation room."

"This isn't the Gotoro Empire, Harvey! Ferngill doesn't torture their prisoners or use torture in interrogations," Sam said.

"Is that what you think, Sam?!" Harvey demanded, turning on him viciously. "You think Ferngill's so much kinder to their captives or suspected spies than Gotoro? That what your dad told you? Well maybe he believes it too. Maybe he's just as naïve as his son. That would certainly explain a lot. Or maybe he just chooses to be blind to it. The thing with torture, Sam, is that almost everyone has a breaking point, everyone. And when that point is reached, guilty or not a person will confess to anything just to make it stop. Anything. Whether it's the truth or they're lying to spare themselves anguish, it doesn't matter. They confess to it anyway. The innocent are lumped in with the guilty, people are wrongly condemned, people are wrongly imprisoned or executed… Have you heard of the witch trials? If not, now might be the time for you to brush up on them. Historic proof as to what I'm saying… And I'm not sticking around to see whether your dad is bluffing about throwing me under the bus or not."

"Don't give him victory in this for Yoba's sake! Prove him wrong about you, Harvey. Stand your ground, man. Don't be such a coward!" he shot.

"I am a coward, Sam! It's what I am!" Harvey snapped.

"Running will just make you look guilty and you know it!" Sam shot.

"Then I'm guilty," Harvey said, continuing.

"Harvey please!" Sam pled, now a bit scared for the doctor. "Listen to me, I'll back you up, okay? I won't let anything bad happen! If you won't trust my dad, then trust me! Please!" Harvey slowed down, pausing. He didn't turn around, though. "Just-just come back, man, okay? Just come back. If something goes wrong, I'll even help you get away. You can do this. You don't have to be scared this time. Just be brave this once!"

Harvey winced, looking down. After a moment he sighed, reaching under his glasses to rub the corners of his eyes. He took a breath and turned, staring at Sam. "Fine," he finally relented. "Fine."

"Okay," Sam said, nodding in agreement and really hoping he didn't regret this. He waited for Harvey to head back first. Harvey sighed but did so to appease the younger man. Sam followed him and they got back in the car, buckling up. Sam didn't go back to his game this time. He watched warily out the window, looking for the first sign of something going wrong. He glanced at Harvey. Harvey looked resigned… Like he was just waiting to be dragged out of here in cuffs… "You'll be okay," Sam said, trying again to reassure the other. Harvey didn't comment, just looked up through the front window staring listlessly.

Stardew

The next five minutes felt like five years, to Sam. They probably felt like five decades to Harvey. Finally, Kent came out. Harvey braced, as did Sam, but no military personnel followed the man. Kent arrived back at the car and slid in. He glanced back. "So, you stuck around after all," Kent said.

"I have nothing to hide," Harvey replied, shrugging. Kent looked unconvinced, but now a little less sure about his suspicions. Harvey counted it as a win and gave a grateful glance to Sam, who nodded subtly back. Harvey well knew that if Sam hadn't talked him out of coming back, this would have probably gone a whole lot different.

"Where are we heading to drop you off?" Kent asked, sounding a bit resigned.

"The pharmacy. The big one," Harvey replied. He gave the man directions, and Kent drove him to where he wanted to go. Harvey got out of the car and watched Sam and Kent drive off in relief. Finally, he turned to enter the pharmacy and grab what he needed. He'd walk back home after he'd finished the things he needed to arrange and get done…

Stardew

The elf king sat upon his throne of carven wood, lounging upon it and holding his oaken staff in his hand as he observed the little children play in his glen. "Your majesty?" Jas finally asked, looking over at him as she and Vincent paused their game, looking a bit sad. He tilted his head ever so slightly, and barely perceptively nodded to grant her permission to speak. "It's getting very late. Won't out families be worried about us? Shouldn't we go back?"

"Little ones, you've only been here a very short while," he answered with a smile.

"I don't think mama and papa would want me to spend another night," Vincent said uncertainly, shifting.

"Hmm… If you wish to go, little ones, you may go. But a storm is on the horizon now, large and mighty. If you return now, you will be caught in its center. And there is nothing I will be able to do for you then… Stay a little longer, children. Another night, maybe two, and then all will be well, and you may return. Your families will not mind. They will know where you have gone. I will speak to them and tell them," he said.

"What storm is coming, your majesty?" Jas asked, sounding a bit concerned.

The elf king's expression became wistful. Perhaps slightly sad as well. "It is nothing you need concern yourselves over, little ones. It will at first seem to get better. But it will only grow to be so much worse… And then the storm will come against me… But you need not fear that tempest, children. You will be safe from it in the arms of your loved ones again."

"Wh-what will happen to you?" Vincent asked, looking deeply concerned now.

"Hush, dear infants. Hush. Do not fear for me," he answered gently.

"You look different, your majesty. Somehow," Jas said, seeming worried. His glow didn't seem as splendid anymore. It seemed faded. "Are you sick?"

"No, dear girl. Only tired," he answered. "It is much work to keep up my garden as it is, and the forest." They seemed to both accept this answer, smiling brightly, then turned back to their game. The elf king's smile slowly fell, and he looked towards the sky above.

"Sir, who was he strange man who came here? The one we could see through?" Jas asked.

The elf was quiet. "A friend," he finally answered.

"An elf like you?" Vince asked. The king gave no answer. Vince frowned but let it go. "Did he give you a grade?" he asked. "It sounded like he was."

A small smirk pulled at the corner of the faery creature's mouth. "He did. And it was well."

"An A?" Jas asked.

"The highest grade he could give. As if anything less could have been expected," the king answered, unable to help the haughty boast. "I have... missed him."

"Is he going to stay?" Vince asked.

"No, child… No... But every so often he may visit, should I summon him to," he replied. "Now play your games, little ones, and pursue your questions no farther. Sing and run and chase the butterflies and streams. It well pleases me to see you content." They grinned at him and did so, scrambling up to run off and play somewhere else. He smiled after them then closed his eyes, letting out a shaking and weak breath.