Post by Lexy on May 29, 2009 17:46:11 GMT -7
H-uh t'would be easier to post my fanfic on a forum to share.. xD
This is a fanfiction based on some characters from Harvest Moon. You don't need to play the game to understand it though. Also slightly based on Elijah's Propecy.
Rated: T. There is mild use of alcohol, and holds controversial ideas and situations.
Chapter 1-Sowing Festival and the new Farmer
Spring once more; there really was only one thing Gray liked about this season. The grass was fresh and it made the animals happy to graze outside. It was really peaceful, leading the animals out upon the pasture and gently brushing the cows. A new cow was also born too, a pretty young calf at that. Gray stroked the mother whom was still inside the barn and the cow learned forward and nudged him. The animals were really his only friends nowadays, and his favorites were always the horses.
Though, whenever he looked at the horses he always felt a lingering pain in his chest, a sort of painful reminder of what he had lost. His horse, Cliffgard ran up to him, nudging the back of his hat off his head in a playful manner. Gray chuckled softly and picked his hat back up now rubbing the horse’s head. “Hey there, Cliffgard.” Cliffgard, it has his horse and his source of pride. The beautiful stallion neighed and stepped back, leading Gray outside into the warm sun. It seemed that there was a visitor coming to the ranch too. Popuri. The redhead sighed and pulled the brim of his hat down and looked away from her. She was probably here to see Ann.
Popuri, that girl for some reason seemed to drive him wild and stir emotions that he sometimes hated. She was beautiful, although immature and just so cheerful that sometimes he felt like smiling. The ranch hand however decided to busy himself with the chickens next. It was a long task bringing each of them in and out each day. Chasing them was also a bit of an annoyance too. In fact, he was so consumed in the task; he was caught off guard when a pair of feet had shown up in his line of vision. The man stood up tall however kept his head down allowing his hat to hide his face as well as it could.
It was the new farmer girl that he had heard about. A bit short, and a bit ordinary with her long brown hair and green eyes, nothing like the beautiful and cheerful Popuri; and it seemed that the animals seemed to like Popuri better too. When she got close, the chickens started to get flustered and squawk. Making all sorts of racket, and it caused the brunette to fall over in her surprise with a shocked expression.
After a few moments, Gray managed to calm the poultry down and glared at the brunette. If the animals didn’t like her, neither did he. Just like that he disliked her more than most people he just met. “What do you want?” The demanding voice, didn’t seem to shake the brunette. She simply just replied, “I bought a chicken from Mr. Green. I apologize if I-“ Gray interrupted her, “I’ll take it to your farm later. Your business here is over.” The woman bit her lip and nodded, then turned and left.
After she was gone, Gray settled the chickens and picked one out. The friendliest of the fowls, though he honestly didn’t want to hand over any animal to…her; he hated her already. The chicken clucked softly when it was wrapped in the man’s arms, seeming to be content being held by him. Animals just had some sort of affinity toward him.
When Gray had gotten there, he found that the girl was busy watering some plants. It reminded him a bit of Popuri, she was just so beautiful and charming when she was watering the flowers in her garden. While dazed, the chicken started to cluck aloud when the brunette approached him. Gray awoke from his daze and glared at the approaching female. She appeared to have an extended hand filled with feed. Trying to win it over with food it appeared. The chicken seemed to fidget and cluck but slowly it calmed down and pecked some of the food. Though, by not being too careful her hand was pecked and she dropped the food, taking a quick step back holding her hand. “Ow!” The loud sudden noise made the bird start to act up again and to avoid injury to himself Gray let it go. Then, a floppy eared dog came out and chased the chicken into a pen that she had made earlier. It was one clever dog that was for sure.
“Ow…” The girl looked at her hand; it was bleeding and needed to be cleaned. Gray looked at the chicken that was penned up then at the brunette. She needed to get that hand cleaned and bandaged, on the other hand he was worried about the chicken. “Follow me.” His voice was gruff and unfriendly, and a bit forced it appeared. The woman a bit confused asked, “Are you sure? I can take care of myself.” Gray snorted and grabbed her arm. Leading her to the midwife whether she wanted to or not. “Your dog will take care of the chicken. You need to get that hand bandaged.” The brunette just followed him silently to the midwife in town. Once he had dropped her off, the midwife took her over to the pot and cleaned her hand first of all. Gray shuffled uncomfortably at the door, than touched the knob at the door. The midwife turned her head and nagged at the ranch hand. “Now now, you don’t just escort a lady here and leave! Especially when it’s going to be dark out soon!” Gray mumbled gruffly under his breath and leaned against the wall of the midwife’s home. Letting his eyes wander the décor of the plain house to entertain himself.
The midwife smiled at the brunette and asked her name, which Gray had never seemed to care much for. “So, you’re the new farmer who came here right? Such a task for a young woman like you! Tell me, what’s your name?” She flinched a bit as the midwife placed a sterilizing liquid on her hand, it stung. “Jezebel.” The midwife gave a thoughtful look, and then started to bandage her hand. “Well Jezebel, the young man whom escorted you here is Gray, since I doubt he has introduced himself.” She looked over at the man in the room and he simply gave a “hmph”, and looked away from her.
“All done! Now take care Jezebel.” Jezebel thanked the kind woman and tried to give her a few hundred g, however she declined the money. Afterwards, she left the house, with Gray following in tow. As they exited the town, Jezebel worked the courage to talk to the solemn man. “Thank you. You… umm” The woman seemed to get a bit nervous and rubbed her arm. “Don’t have to escort me. I know you don’t like me.” Gray put it bluntly, he didn’t waste with sentiments. “I hate you.” The words, stung for some reason. Jezebel didn’t try to argue though. “...hate me. I still think you’re a kind person though.” Gray grunted, sticking a hand into the pocket of his pants. “I don’t care. I just can’t leave… any woman to walk around in the dark like this. I’ll take you all the way.” Jezebel obligingly agreed and let him lead her back to the door of her house. “Thanks again. Good night Gray.” Gray shuffled his feet, muttering a “whatever”. It was good enough for her apparently, as she just opened the door and went inside to go to bed.
Normally he visited the bar at this time, however tonight he didn’t feel like drinking, for some strange reason. So he just walked back home to Green Ranch, slipped into his room, slid off his shoes and just jumped into the bed, took his hat off and placed his hands behind his head. Thinking strangely about Jezebel, animals for some reason seemed to want to attack her. It’s like they had some innate hatred while the short moments he was with her she didn’t seem to be that bad. A woman running a ranch? His father thought that it would never happen and she would just run home crying as soon as she scraped her knee of something. But, when the chicken pecked her hand she took it and even told him not to worry about it. He would discover why the animals hated her though, and then he could really hate her. Hatred filled the void in his heart caused by his accident. Filled that void and changed who he was essentially. With those thoughts in his head, he was able to undress and fall into a sleep of some sort.
As of late, the only thing that seemed to bring peace to his mind was thoughts of Popuri, her smiles, her giggle and the beautiful color of her pink hair. Though, tonight he had a haunting dream. There appeared to be two people. One a man whom appeared to be holy and right and a woman whom seemed to seethe with evil and dark energy, however the woman seemed to be at the next moment be attacked by dogs and eaten. Eaten alive while the man spoke aloud about God’s almighty justice being bestowed upon the evil queen. As the dogs started to bite into her and rip apart her clothing he got one good look at the woman’s face before waking up. Her face was that of Jezebel.
After awaking from that nightmare, Gray quickly sat up in a cold sweat. What a strange nightmare. Jezebel, Jezebel that name sounded a bit familiar. Quickly, Gray stood up and got dressed, and was set out to leave but Ann appeared at the door. “Big bro, are you going to the Sowing Festival tomorrow?” Gray looked a bit dismayed and looked at his sister in the eyes. “No.” Ann pouted and placed her hands on her hips again. “You have to go Gray! You need to stop isolating yourself and go out and talk to people!” Gray grumbled, he wasn’t going to get out without agreeing to go. “Fine.” Ann seemed happy with that. “Dad says that breakfast is ready! Come on!” Gray followed his sister, with that name nagging in the back of his head. With the dream the only clue he had was perhaps to see the Pastor and see if he knew where it came from.
The food although good he barely tasted it since he was so deep in thought, the sowing festival which was tomorrow just another thing he had forgotten about. “—ray, Gray, Gray? Are you there?” Gray snapped out of his line of thought and looked at his father whom was calling him. “Yes father?” Mr. Green looked worryingly at his son, “I asked you if you liked the food.” Gray looked at his plate and replied automatically, “It’s good.” Ann looked excitedly at her brother. “Really? Because I made it!” Gray looked shocked then, pushing aside his plate. “On second thought…” Ann pouted again, walking over to her brother and hit him lightly on the head. “Jeez, I was kidding!” The father chuckled softly, it was always fun to crack jokes about his daughter’s cooking. Though he sometimes wished she was more feminine, maybe then she would get married.
Eventually, Gray’s family let him go and he started off toward the church. However, at the crossroads he saw both Popuri and Jezebel. They appeared to be talking together, he ignored Jezebel though and watch the movements of Popuri’s lips as she talked. He was willing to bet that her lips tasted sweet, and were really soft too. The warm thoughts brought a warm flush to his cheeks and as he walked toward them he pulled the brim of his hat down to hide his face. “Gray!” Jezebel cried out to the ranch hand, approaching him with an egg in her hand. Gray looked at her from the corner of his eyes, “Leave me alone.” Jezebel shook her head and extended her arm with the egg in it. “White laid this egg this morning; I thought you might like it. To know that… she’s happy enough to lay eggs.” Gray gingerly reached out and took the egg, sliding it into his pocket. “…thanks.” He slid a hand into his empty pocket and the other holding the brim of his hat down. Popuri was next to call out to Gray. “Hi Gray! Where are you headed?”
The man looked away from the pink-haired female and shyly looked at her. “…church.” Popuri sensed his unease and frowned, did Gray just not like her? She tried being friendly and he just continued to act this way. “Can I come?” Gray choked, “S-sure…” Popuri seemed happy with that answer and grabbed Jezebel’s hand. “Come on Jezebel, let’s go together!” Before she had a chance to say anything, Gray spoke up. “She can’t come.” His eyes glared at the brunette, whom stole her hand away from Popuri. Popuri however spoke out in her defense. “Why not?” Jezebel spoke next, “It’s ok, I have work to do. I’ll talk to you later ok? And I’ll be sure to vote for you for the Goddess Festival.” Popuri looked at the ground and rubbed her arm. “Ah, ok if you say so Jezebel.” Jezebel waved a goodbye at Popuri and returned to the farm. When she was gone Popuri turned to look at Gray.
“How could you do that Gray? Jezebel has it hard enough getting along with people here because they think a woman is unfit to run a farm! Don’t tell me you think the same thing!” Gray stood over the smaller female and looked at her with a gentle expression that betrayed his usual hard and discontent face. “You shouldn’t hang around her Popuri. There is something about her that unsettles the animals. I am going to the church right now to find out what.” Popuri looked mad, rather furious actually and pushed Gray away and stormed away. Leaving him to be all by himself watching the back of the only woman he ever had feelings for with anger in her heart.
In a fit of rage he punched a nearby cliff, venting his anger on it. Jezebel, it was her fault that Popuri now hated him. It was all her fault. She had her revenge and he would have his own. After a few moments, he recollected himself and headed to town and toward the church. On his way, it seemed Popuri wasn’t in her usual place by the shop, looking at her would be awkward anyway. He stepped into the chuch, and the pastor seemed to be at the stand reading the bible. Gray approached the father and calmly spoke out to him. “Father.” The pastor looked up and fixed his glasses which had slid down his nose. “I have something I want to ask you father.” The pastor smiled warmly at Gray. “What can I do for you?” Gray related his dream to the pastor and then asked, “The woman, looked a lot like Jezebel. That name is so familiar, what does it all mean father?” The pastor seemed shocked and a bit flustered, grabbing his bible and flipped over to some pages in it. “Jezebel… Oh my Lord and Savior, please grant us your divine protection. Jezebel has returned.” Gray was determined about finding out. “Who is she?”
The pastor showed the bible pages to Gray and pointed to a passage. “Jezebel is the very symbol of evil and witchcraft itself! Be wary and stay away from her. The great Elijah cursed her however, so she will be taken care of in due time if it’s the real Jezebel.” Curse? Now his interest was piqued. “What do you mean?” The pastor played with his glasses again and walked toward the back of the church and motioned for him to follow him.
“What curse Father?” The pastor started to sweat and spoke in almost a whisper, “It was not recorded in most of the Holy Scriptures however we churchmen keep a book between us about what really happened that was not recorded in the Holy Lord’s book. Elijah long ago placed a curse on Jezebel so that she would forever wander the Earth and never know death. In all her life times she will end up being eaten alive by animals.” That explained everything! That is why the animals were so scared of her. Jezebel, the symbol of chaos and evil had returned and he knew it was all a ruse! That insufferable woman, no wonder he felt a natural hatred toward her as well. “We should then chase her out.” The pastor looked from side to side and waved a finger. “No Gray, we must keep this a secret. She is living on a farm right? Well her dog will eventually succumb to the curse or the chickens will get to her. If it’s the true Jezebel she will be killed in due time.”
What strange book did the Pastor keep? What else was omitted from the bible? He wanted to see the book for himself. “Can I see this book?” The pastor now started to push Gray right out of the church. “No, you need God’s blessing to see it. You are not allowed to see it. Do not speak of it either.” Gray glared at the priest, but as he was pushed out and the doors locked behind him he glared at the direction toward the farm. “So, we just need her to have enough animals. Then she will be out of here…” A voice came from behind Gray, the sweet voice of Elli. “Who will be out of here Gray?” The solemn man looked at the baker and walked away from her. “Nobody.”
Meanwhile, Jezebel was busy with setting up a fence for the cows and sheep she planned to have later on when she could afford them. Fencing off and area was heavy, hard, and tiring work and she had been at it all day now. By 3pm she collapsed and sat under the tree. Panting heavily as she looked at the fence that she had erected so far; it was a little more than halfway done now. “I think… I’ll take a few minutes for a nap.” The warm sunlight dappled her face and made her brown curls shine. The soft wind was welcome upon her hot face and gently let her locks flow gently toward her. Before she knew it she had fallen asleep and the next thing she knew, a voice was calling out to her. “—zebel…..Jezebel…Jezebel!” The last one was louder than the others and woke her from her nap. What time was it? It was Gray again, and he was standing over her, his soft blue eyes still as hard and angry as ever. But next to him was a small pony. “Our stable is full. Will you take him?”
Jezebel rubbed the sleep from her eyes and stood up looking at the horse which lunged its head and snapped at her. Causing her to step back and yelp. The yelp was music to Gray’s ears. “You have nowhere else to put him?” Gray nodded his head holding out the rein. “A-alright. I’ll take him then. Just take the reins off, he can roam free. Gray took the reins that he led the horse to her farm with off and wrapped them around his arm. The horse quickly ran away from the girl to the other side of the farm and nibbled on some of the grass. It seemed to understand that this was its new home. “I’ll name him Red.” Gray looked at her questionably. “Red?” That was just a strange name he thought. However, she just smiled at Gray and nodded her head. “Yes, you brought him to me so I’ll name him a color in your honor.” So that’s who White was, the chicken whom seemed content basking in the warm sunlight in its pen as well.
Actually, when Gray turned around he saw that she was in the middle of building a large fence. All by herself, that was a lot of work for a woman of her size! “You’re building a fence.” It took a while for it to register but Jezebel eagerly agreed, “I am. I plan to have some cows and sheep but I want to make sure I have a lot of room and grass for them first.” So she planned to have a lot more animals that made him smile a little. His Popuri would be safer as soon as Jezebel was gone. “Are you excited about the Sowing Festival tomorrow?” Gray didn’t care for her small talk and placed both his hands in his pockets and walked away. “No.” The brunette, in all honesty thought that perhaps he was starting to open up to her. Not at all, he still hated her and was probably just using her and that is why he brought her that horse.
That night, Gray didn’t go to the bar again. Instead, his thoughts circled around the angry face Popuri had given him as well as the numbing thoughts that the embodiment of chaos and evil was living next door as his neighbor. His nights once more turned into nightmares. This time however he was watching Jezebel murder many men whom appeared to be great and good people; this queen was ordering these people to their deaths in a cold and ruthless manner in a way that was considered almost witchcraft. The bloody dreams further fed his anger and hatred toward Jezebel, that void becoming more and more filled with the feeling.
The sowing festival, although Gray had forgotten about it Ann was sure to remind him. So the Green family hurriedly did all of their chores and rushed toward the town square. They weren’t the first ones there; it seemed that the Mayor, Potion Shop owner, Stu, and many other villagers had gotten there first. Gray being the recluse he was sat on the bench away from everyone else while his father and Ann mingled with the fellow villagers. That was, until Popuri came, all the way on the other side of the Square, she was just so beautiful. His sky blue eyes seemed to calm down as he watched her gracefully walk over to her mother whom was handling and handing out balloons. Maybe, this was his chance. He stood up and walked past everybody toward Popuri. Whom when she caught sight of him folded her arms and looked away from him. Inwardly it was like somebody stabbed him in the heart. That pain was redirected toward Jezebel, whom he blamed for this.
So, Popuri’s mother instead handed him the Balloon which he just ended up handing to Kent whom wanted to have both balloons as a child would. As he retreated back to the other side of the square he almost bumped into Jezebel whom looked surprised when she saw Gray and profusely apologized, and walked around him. He did notice something about her though. Her hand, the one the chicken pecked was bruised. Did Red bite her? Or was it her dog? No matter.
Jezebel sighed after she avoided talking to Gray, if he saw that she was hurt again he may hate her even more thinking about how the animals didn’t like her. She couldn’t blame him though, the animals loved him and he was a good person she could sense that. Popuri did notice however and ran over to her new friend, taking her hand and looked at it. “Oh Jezebel. What happened?” Jezebel smiled at the pink-haired woman. “Nothing, I just hit my hand with the hammer by accident. Luckily I didn’t hit it hard.” Popuri frowned, but looked at her mother. “Jezebel can’t hold a balloon mom. I’ll fly hers.” Lillia seemed to understand and gave an extra balloon to her daughter whom seemed rather happy to hold two balloons as well. “Heehee, I’ve always wanted to fly two balloons! I hope you don’t mind Jezebel!” Jezebel really didn’t and just chuckled. “No, not at all.”
The potion shop owner walked into the hot air balloon and the mayor sent it out, and in a beautiful display, everyone started to release the balloons which started to fill the sky in an array of colors. “Wow, amazing.” Popuri giggled, “Every spring we like to spread the seeds so that we can fill the entire town with plants. I want to fill it with flowers!” Of course, even Jezebel who knew her for a short while knew how much the girl adored flowers. Their time together was cut short though when Gray approached the two girls. Gray looked at Jezebel, “You, come with me.” The brunette seemed rather shaken about it but agreed to follow him. Popuri just seemed to stick her tongue out at the man. She was mad at him apparently.
Gray led her out of the town square and behind the tool shop. Leading her against the wall but not forcing her there. “Stay away from Popuri! I now know who you are. If you harm one hair on her head I will make you pay. The same goes for Ann.” Gray leaned closer to her, his eyes hard and full of hatred, peering right into her. Jezebel stuttered, with her body getting weak as she got scared and her legs gave out making her fall to the floor. “I-I understand.” Gray continued to glare at her for a moment longer until people started to leave the square and he did the same, finding his sister and father and leaving with them. His business with her was over for now. When Popuri left the square, she saw Jezebel and rushed over to her, she appeared shaken and frightened. “Jezebel! What did Gray do?” Jezebel remembering what Gray said, just quickly got up and brushed herself off as though nothing happened; albeit a ruse.
“N-nothing, a bird started to attack me and Gray helped me before he hurt me. Gray left already, and I REALLY have to go too. I’ll be busy too so I won’t be able to talk to you. Bye!” Popuri dearly wished to talk to her new friend but she was already rushing away back to her farm. Did Gray really defend her from a bird. The pink-haired lady looked at the back of the man whom Jezebel claimed was her savior and let the thought dwell for a few moments. Maybe, Gray wasn’t such a bad guy after all. Lillia tugged on her daughters dress, finding that the air-head was a bit lost in thoughts. “Come on Popuri, let’s go.”
That night, neither Jezebel nor Gray slept well. Jezebel just tossed and turn and when she slept it was filled with the nightmares of animals in her previous lives eating her alive, but the scariest one was with Gray as he set out for revenge for his beloved and sister. At one point she awoke in a cold sweat screaming. As for Gray, in his dream Jezebel was casting witchcraft and was challenged to a duel between God’s. She was to summon hers while the priests would call upon the divine Lord. While stuck in his thoughts, Gray whispered in his sleep, “I’ve got my eye on you Jezebel.”
This is a fanfiction based on some characters from Harvest Moon. You don't need to play the game to understand it though. Also slightly based on Elijah's Propecy.
Rated: T. There is mild use of alcohol, and holds controversial ideas and situations.
Chapter 1-Sowing Festival and the new Farmer
Spring 6th
Spring once more; there really was only one thing Gray liked about this season. The grass was fresh and it made the animals happy to graze outside. It was really peaceful, leading the animals out upon the pasture and gently brushing the cows. A new cow was also born too, a pretty young calf at that. Gray stroked the mother whom was still inside the barn and the cow learned forward and nudged him. The animals were really his only friends nowadays, and his favorites were always the horses.
Though, whenever he looked at the horses he always felt a lingering pain in his chest, a sort of painful reminder of what he had lost. His horse, Cliffgard ran up to him, nudging the back of his hat off his head in a playful manner. Gray chuckled softly and picked his hat back up now rubbing the horse’s head. “Hey there, Cliffgard.” Cliffgard, it has his horse and his source of pride. The beautiful stallion neighed and stepped back, leading Gray outside into the warm sun. It seemed that there was a visitor coming to the ranch too. Popuri. The redhead sighed and pulled the brim of his hat down and looked away from her. She was probably here to see Ann.
Popuri, that girl for some reason seemed to drive him wild and stir emotions that he sometimes hated. She was beautiful, although immature and just so cheerful that sometimes he felt like smiling. The ranch hand however decided to busy himself with the chickens next. It was a long task bringing each of them in and out each day. Chasing them was also a bit of an annoyance too. In fact, he was so consumed in the task; he was caught off guard when a pair of feet had shown up in his line of vision. The man stood up tall however kept his head down allowing his hat to hide his face as well as it could.
It was the new farmer girl that he had heard about. A bit short, and a bit ordinary with her long brown hair and green eyes, nothing like the beautiful and cheerful Popuri; and it seemed that the animals seemed to like Popuri better too. When she got close, the chickens started to get flustered and squawk. Making all sorts of racket, and it caused the brunette to fall over in her surprise with a shocked expression.
After a few moments, Gray managed to calm the poultry down and glared at the brunette. If the animals didn’t like her, neither did he. Just like that he disliked her more than most people he just met. “What do you want?” The demanding voice, didn’t seem to shake the brunette. She simply just replied, “I bought a chicken from Mr. Green. I apologize if I-“ Gray interrupted her, “I’ll take it to your farm later. Your business here is over.” The woman bit her lip and nodded, then turned and left.
After she was gone, Gray settled the chickens and picked one out. The friendliest of the fowls, though he honestly didn’t want to hand over any animal to…her; he hated her already. The chicken clucked softly when it was wrapped in the man’s arms, seeming to be content being held by him. Animals just had some sort of affinity toward him.
When Gray had gotten there, he found that the girl was busy watering some plants. It reminded him a bit of Popuri, she was just so beautiful and charming when she was watering the flowers in her garden. While dazed, the chicken started to cluck aloud when the brunette approached him. Gray awoke from his daze and glared at the approaching female. She appeared to have an extended hand filled with feed. Trying to win it over with food it appeared. The chicken seemed to fidget and cluck but slowly it calmed down and pecked some of the food. Though, by not being too careful her hand was pecked and she dropped the food, taking a quick step back holding her hand. “Ow!” The loud sudden noise made the bird start to act up again and to avoid injury to himself Gray let it go. Then, a floppy eared dog came out and chased the chicken into a pen that she had made earlier. It was one clever dog that was for sure.
“Ow…” The girl looked at her hand; it was bleeding and needed to be cleaned. Gray looked at the chicken that was penned up then at the brunette. She needed to get that hand cleaned and bandaged, on the other hand he was worried about the chicken. “Follow me.” His voice was gruff and unfriendly, and a bit forced it appeared. The woman a bit confused asked, “Are you sure? I can take care of myself.” Gray snorted and grabbed her arm. Leading her to the midwife whether she wanted to or not. “Your dog will take care of the chicken. You need to get that hand bandaged.” The brunette just followed him silently to the midwife in town. Once he had dropped her off, the midwife took her over to the pot and cleaned her hand first of all. Gray shuffled uncomfortably at the door, than touched the knob at the door. The midwife turned her head and nagged at the ranch hand. “Now now, you don’t just escort a lady here and leave! Especially when it’s going to be dark out soon!” Gray mumbled gruffly under his breath and leaned against the wall of the midwife’s home. Letting his eyes wander the décor of the plain house to entertain himself.
The midwife smiled at the brunette and asked her name, which Gray had never seemed to care much for. “So, you’re the new farmer who came here right? Such a task for a young woman like you! Tell me, what’s your name?” She flinched a bit as the midwife placed a sterilizing liquid on her hand, it stung. “Jezebel.” The midwife gave a thoughtful look, and then started to bandage her hand. “Well Jezebel, the young man whom escorted you here is Gray, since I doubt he has introduced himself.” She looked over at the man in the room and he simply gave a “hmph”, and looked away from her.
“All done! Now take care Jezebel.” Jezebel thanked the kind woman and tried to give her a few hundred g, however she declined the money. Afterwards, she left the house, with Gray following in tow. As they exited the town, Jezebel worked the courage to talk to the solemn man. “Thank you. You… umm” The woman seemed to get a bit nervous and rubbed her arm. “Don’t have to escort me. I know you don’t like me.” Gray put it bluntly, he didn’t waste with sentiments. “I hate you.” The words, stung for some reason. Jezebel didn’t try to argue though. “...hate me. I still think you’re a kind person though.” Gray grunted, sticking a hand into the pocket of his pants. “I don’t care. I just can’t leave… any woman to walk around in the dark like this. I’ll take you all the way.” Jezebel obligingly agreed and let him lead her back to the door of her house. “Thanks again. Good night Gray.” Gray shuffled his feet, muttering a “whatever”. It was good enough for her apparently, as she just opened the door and went inside to go to bed.
Normally he visited the bar at this time, however tonight he didn’t feel like drinking, for some strange reason. So he just walked back home to Green Ranch, slipped into his room, slid off his shoes and just jumped into the bed, took his hat off and placed his hands behind his head. Thinking strangely about Jezebel, animals for some reason seemed to want to attack her. It’s like they had some innate hatred while the short moments he was with her she didn’t seem to be that bad. A woman running a ranch? His father thought that it would never happen and she would just run home crying as soon as she scraped her knee of something. But, when the chicken pecked her hand she took it and even told him not to worry about it. He would discover why the animals hated her though, and then he could really hate her. Hatred filled the void in his heart caused by his accident. Filled that void and changed who he was essentially. With those thoughts in his head, he was able to undress and fall into a sleep of some sort.
As of late, the only thing that seemed to bring peace to his mind was thoughts of Popuri, her smiles, her giggle and the beautiful color of her pink hair. Though, tonight he had a haunting dream. There appeared to be two people. One a man whom appeared to be holy and right and a woman whom seemed to seethe with evil and dark energy, however the woman seemed to be at the next moment be attacked by dogs and eaten. Eaten alive while the man spoke aloud about God’s almighty justice being bestowed upon the evil queen. As the dogs started to bite into her and rip apart her clothing he got one good look at the woman’s face before waking up. Her face was that of Jezebel.
Spring 7th
After awaking from that nightmare, Gray quickly sat up in a cold sweat. What a strange nightmare. Jezebel, Jezebel that name sounded a bit familiar. Quickly, Gray stood up and got dressed, and was set out to leave but Ann appeared at the door. “Big bro, are you going to the Sowing Festival tomorrow?” Gray looked a bit dismayed and looked at his sister in the eyes. “No.” Ann pouted and placed her hands on her hips again. “You have to go Gray! You need to stop isolating yourself and go out and talk to people!” Gray grumbled, he wasn’t going to get out without agreeing to go. “Fine.” Ann seemed happy with that. “Dad says that breakfast is ready! Come on!” Gray followed his sister, with that name nagging in the back of his head. With the dream the only clue he had was perhaps to see the Pastor and see if he knew where it came from.
The food although good he barely tasted it since he was so deep in thought, the sowing festival which was tomorrow just another thing he had forgotten about. “—ray, Gray, Gray? Are you there?” Gray snapped out of his line of thought and looked at his father whom was calling him. “Yes father?” Mr. Green looked worryingly at his son, “I asked you if you liked the food.” Gray looked at his plate and replied automatically, “It’s good.” Ann looked excitedly at her brother. “Really? Because I made it!” Gray looked shocked then, pushing aside his plate. “On second thought…” Ann pouted again, walking over to her brother and hit him lightly on the head. “Jeez, I was kidding!” The father chuckled softly, it was always fun to crack jokes about his daughter’s cooking. Though he sometimes wished she was more feminine, maybe then she would get married.
Eventually, Gray’s family let him go and he started off toward the church. However, at the crossroads he saw both Popuri and Jezebel. They appeared to be talking together, he ignored Jezebel though and watch the movements of Popuri’s lips as she talked. He was willing to bet that her lips tasted sweet, and were really soft too. The warm thoughts brought a warm flush to his cheeks and as he walked toward them he pulled the brim of his hat down to hide his face. “Gray!” Jezebel cried out to the ranch hand, approaching him with an egg in her hand. Gray looked at her from the corner of his eyes, “Leave me alone.” Jezebel shook her head and extended her arm with the egg in it. “White laid this egg this morning; I thought you might like it. To know that… she’s happy enough to lay eggs.” Gray gingerly reached out and took the egg, sliding it into his pocket. “…thanks.” He slid a hand into his empty pocket and the other holding the brim of his hat down. Popuri was next to call out to Gray. “Hi Gray! Where are you headed?”
The man looked away from the pink-haired female and shyly looked at her. “…church.” Popuri sensed his unease and frowned, did Gray just not like her? She tried being friendly and he just continued to act this way. “Can I come?” Gray choked, “S-sure…” Popuri seemed happy with that answer and grabbed Jezebel’s hand. “Come on Jezebel, let’s go together!” Before she had a chance to say anything, Gray spoke up. “She can’t come.” His eyes glared at the brunette, whom stole her hand away from Popuri. Popuri however spoke out in her defense. “Why not?” Jezebel spoke next, “It’s ok, I have work to do. I’ll talk to you later ok? And I’ll be sure to vote for you for the Goddess Festival.” Popuri looked at the ground and rubbed her arm. “Ah, ok if you say so Jezebel.” Jezebel waved a goodbye at Popuri and returned to the farm. When she was gone Popuri turned to look at Gray.
“How could you do that Gray? Jezebel has it hard enough getting along with people here because they think a woman is unfit to run a farm! Don’t tell me you think the same thing!” Gray stood over the smaller female and looked at her with a gentle expression that betrayed his usual hard and discontent face. “You shouldn’t hang around her Popuri. There is something about her that unsettles the animals. I am going to the church right now to find out what.” Popuri looked mad, rather furious actually and pushed Gray away and stormed away. Leaving him to be all by himself watching the back of the only woman he ever had feelings for with anger in her heart.
In a fit of rage he punched a nearby cliff, venting his anger on it. Jezebel, it was her fault that Popuri now hated him. It was all her fault. She had her revenge and he would have his own. After a few moments, he recollected himself and headed to town and toward the church. On his way, it seemed Popuri wasn’t in her usual place by the shop, looking at her would be awkward anyway. He stepped into the chuch, and the pastor seemed to be at the stand reading the bible. Gray approached the father and calmly spoke out to him. “Father.” The pastor looked up and fixed his glasses which had slid down his nose. “I have something I want to ask you father.” The pastor smiled warmly at Gray. “What can I do for you?” Gray related his dream to the pastor and then asked, “The woman, looked a lot like Jezebel. That name is so familiar, what does it all mean father?” The pastor seemed shocked and a bit flustered, grabbing his bible and flipped over to some pages in it. “Jezebel… Oh my Lord and Savior, please grant us your divine protection. Jezebel has returned.” Gray was determined about finding out. “Who is she?”
The pastor showed the bible pages to Gray and pointed to a passage. “Jezebel is the very symbol of evil and witchcraft itself! Be wary and stay away from her. The great Elijah cursed her however, so she will be taken care of in due time if it’s the real Jezebel.” Curse? Now his interest was piqued. “What do you mean?” The pastor played with his glasses again and walked toward the back of the church and motioned for him to follow him.
“What curse Father?” The pastor started to sweat and spoke in almost a whisper, “It was not recorded in most of the Holy Scriptures however we churchmen keep a book between us about what really happened that was not recorded in the Holy Lord’s book. Elijah long ago placed a curse on Jezebel so that she would forever wander the Earth and never know death. In all her life times she will end up being eaten alive by animals.” That explained everything! That is why the animals were so scared of her. Jezebel, the symbol of chaos and evil had returned and he knew it was all a ruse! That insufferable woman, no wonder he felt a natural hatred toward her as well. “We should then chase her out.” The pastor looked from side to side and waved a finger. “No Gray, we must keep this a secret. She is living on a farm right? Well her dog will eventually succumb to the curse or the chickens will get to her. If it’s the true Jezebel she will be killed in due time.”
What strange book did the Pastor keep? What else was omitted from the bible? He wanted to see the book for himself. “Can I see this book?” The pastor now started to push Gray right out of the church. “No, you need God’s blessing to see it. You are not allowed to see it. Do not speak of it either.” Gray glared at the priest, but as he was pushed out and the doors locked behind him he glared at the direction toward the farm. “So, we just need her to have enough animals. Then she will be out of here…” A voice came from behind Gray, the sweet voice of Elli. “Who will be out of here Gray?” The solemn man looked at the baker and walked away from her. “Nobody.”
Meanwhile, Jezebel was busy with setting up a fence for the cows and sheep she planned to have later on when she could afford them. Fencing off and area was heavy, hard, and tiring work and she had been at it all day now. By 3pm she collapsed and sat under the tree. Panting heavily as she looked at the fence that she had erected so far; it was a little more than halfway done now. “I think… I’ll take a few minutes for a nap.” The warm sunlight dappled her face and made her brown curls shine. The soft wind was welcome upon her hot face and gently let her locks flow gently toward her. Before she knew it she had fallen asleep and the next thing she knew, a voice was calling out to her. “—zebel…..Jezebel…Jezebel!” The last one was louder than the others and woke her from her nap. What time was it? It was Gray again, and he was standing over her, his soft blue eyes still as hard and angry as ever. But next to him was a small pony. “Our stable is full. Will you take him?”
Jezebel rubbed the sleep from her eyes and stood up looking at the horse which lunged its head and snapped at her. Causing her to step back and yelp. The yelp was music to Gray’s ears. “You have nowhere else to put him?” Gray nodded his head holding out the rein. “A-alright. I’ll take him then. Just take the reins off, he can roam free. Gray took the reins that he led the horse to her farm with off and wrapped them around his arm. The horse quickly ran away from the girl to the other side of the farm and nibbled on some of the grass. It seemed to understand that this was its new home. “I’ll name him Red.” Gray looked at her questionably. “Red?” That was just a strange name he thought. However, she just smiled at Gray and nodded her head. “Yes, you brought him to me so I’ll name him a color in your honor.” So that’s who White was, the chicken whom seemed content basking in the warm sunlight in its pen as well.
Actually, when Gray turned around he saw that she was in the middle of building a large fence. All by herself, that was a lot of work for a woman of her size! “You’re building a fence.” It took a while for it to register but Jezebel eagerly agreed, “I am. I plan to have some cows and sheep but I want to make sure I have a lot of room and grass for them first.” So she planned to have a lot more animals that made him smile a little. His Popuri would be safer as soon as Jezebel was gone. “Are you excited about the Sowing Festival tomorrow?” Gray didn’t care for her small talk and placed both his hands in his pockets and walked away. “No.” The brunette, in all honesty thought that perhaps he was starting to open up to her. Not at all, he still hated her and was probably just using her and that is why he brought her that horse.
That night, Gray didn’t go to the bar again. Instead, his thoughts circled around the angry face Popuri had given him as well as the numbing thoughts that the embodiment of chaos and evil was living next door as his neighbor. His nights once more turned into nightmares. This time however he was watching Jezebel murder many men whom appeared to be great and good people; this queen was ordering these people to their deaths in a cold and ruthless manner in a way that was considered almost witchcraft. The bloody dreams further fed his anger and hatred toward Jezebel, that void becoming more and more filled with the feeling.
Spring 8th Sowing Festival
The sowing festival, although Gray had forgotten about it Ann was sure to remind him. So the Green family hurriedly did all of their chores and rushed toward the town square. They weren’t the first ones there; it seemed that the Mayor, Potion Shop owner, Stu, and many other villagers had gotten there first. Gray being the recluse he was sat on the bench away from everyone else while his father and Ann mingled with the fellow villagers. That was, until Popuri came, all the way on the other side of the Square, she was just so beautiful. His sky blue eyes seemed to calm down as he watched her gracefully walk over to her mother whom was handling and handing out balloons. Maybe, this was his chance. He stood up and walked past everybody toward Popuri. Whom when she caught sight of him folded her arms and looked away from him. Inwardly it was like somebody stabbed him in the heart. That pain was redirected toward Jezebel, whom he blamed for this.
So, Popuri’s mother instead handed him the Balloon which he just ended up handing to Kent whom wanted to have both balloons as a child would. As he retreated back to the other side of the square he almost bumped into Jezebel whom looked surprised when she saw Gray and profusely apologized, and walked around him. He did notice something about her though. Her hand, the one the chicken pecked was bruised. Did Red bite her? Or was it her dog? No matter.
Jezebel sighed after she avoided talking to Gray, if he saw that she was hurt again he may hate her even more thinking about how the animals didn’t like her. She couldn’t blame him though, the animals loved him and he was a good person she could sense that. Popuri did notice however and ran over to her new friend, taking her hand and looked at it. “Oh Jezebel. What happened?” Jezebel smiled at the pink-haired woman. “Nothing, I just hit my hand with the hammer by accident. Luckily I didn’t hit it hard.” Popuri frowned, but looked at her mother. “Jezebel can’t hold a balloon mom. I’ll fly hers.” Lillia seemed to understand and gave an extra balloon to her daughter whom seemed rather happy to hold two balloons as well. “Heehee, I’ve always wanted to fly two balloons! I hope you don’t mind Jezebel!” Jezebel really didn’t and just chuckled. “No, not at all.”
The potion shop owner walked into the hot air balloon and the mayor sent it out, and in a beautiful display, everyone started to release the balloons which started to fill the sky in an array of colors. “Wow, amazing.” Popuri giggled, “Every spring we like to spread the seeds so that we can fill the entire town with plants. I want to fill it with flowers!” Of course, even Jezebel who knew her for a short while knew how much the girl adored flowers. Their time together was cut short though when Gray approached the two girls. Gray looked at Jezebel, “You, come with me.” The brunette seemed rather shaken about it but agreed to follow him. Popuri just seemed to stick her tongue out at the man. She was mad at him apparently.
Gray led her out of the town square and behind the tool shop. Leading her against the wall but not forcing her there. “Stay away from Popuri! I now know who you are. If you harm one hair on her head I will make you pay. The same goes for Ann.” Gray leaned closer to her, his eyes hard and full of hatred, peering right into her. Jezebel stuttered, with her body getting weak as she got scared and her legs gave out making her fall to the floor. “I-I understand.” Gray continued to glare at her for a moment longer until people started to leave the square and he did the same, finding his sister and father and leaving with them. His business with her was over for now. When Popuri left the square, she saw Jezebel and rushed over to her, she appeared shaken and frightened. “Jezebel! What did Gray do?” Jezebel remembering what Gray said, just quickly got up and brushed herself off as though nothing happened; albeit a ruse.
“N-nothing, a bird started to attack me and Gray helped me before he hurt me. Gray left already, and I REALLY have to go too. I’ll be busy too so I won’t be able to talk to you. Bye!” Popuri dearly wished to talk to her new friend but she was already rushing away back to her farm. Did Gray really defend her from a bird. The pink-haired lady looked at the back of the man whom Jezebel claimed was her savior and let the thought dwell for a few moments. Maybe, Gray wasn’t such a bad guy after all. Lillia tugged on her daughters dress, finding that the air-head was a bit lost in thoughts. “Come on Popuri, let’s go.”
That night, neither Jezebel nor Gray slept well. Jezebel just tossed and turn and when she slept it was filled with the nightmares of animals in her previous lives eating her alive, but the scariest one was with Gray as he set out for revenge for his beloved and sister. At one point she awoke in a cold sweat screaming. As for Gray, in his dream Jezebel was casting witchcraft and was challenged to a duel between God’s. She was to summon hers while the priests would call upon the divine Lord. While stuck in his thoughts, Gray whispered in his sleep, “I’ve got my eye on you Jezebel.”