Okay, it's been awhile people, so be gentle on me. I haven't written in a few years and I'm more than a little rusty. This was a spur-of-the-moment kinda thing so please bare with me; I was inspired watching my cousin play Magical Melody. If I have something that's incorrect to MM's world, don't hesitate to tell me.

Also, this is my first story in the Harvest Moon genre.

Chapter 1

Home, Sweet Home

Amy sighed boredly and shifted in her seat. Her jean shorts were beginning to feel sweaty and uncomfortable. How long until they arrived at the village?

The train continued to whizz by hundreds upon hundreds of pastures; mostly dotted with cows, sheep, and many other types of farm animal. A skeptical voice in the back of the young women's head dryly wondered if this was all she was ever going to see for the rest of her stay in her new home. She shook her head.

"No," she muttered, "Gotta stay positive."

She took out the frayed and yellowed picture from her bag. The farmhouse was barely recognizable in the old black and white photo. Yet, turning it over, the words on the back written in her grandfather's slanted handwriting were very clear indeed:

Remember, don't give up for any reason.

When the going gets tough, become tougher.

You're a strong- willed young woman,

That's why I'm entrusting this farm to you.

Love,

Grandpa

She could just imagine her grandfather's gruff voice as he spoke the words. His message seemed to burn into her. She would give this move her very best. She'd have the farm looking just as good as grandpa did.

She...owed him that much after all. After...everything.

The train suddenly lurched to a stop. The conductor annouced their arrival and everyone began gathering their bags. She took her luggage and made he way down the aisle. Stepping onto the platform she took a good look at her surroundings. This was it.

She was home.

Welcome to Flower Bud Village! The carved sign in red lettering read. A crudely drawn smiley face was painted in the corner and Amy couldn't help but smile. She boldly walked through the gate and inside.

"Wow," she said in awe. She took in the village with astonishment. It was so gorgeous; trees lined almost every path and farms seemed to be everywhere. Stray chickens and ducks wandered along the cobbledstoned roads. Petals from cherry blossom trees softly fell to the ground. The smell enticed her; it smelled like pine and fresh morning dew; burning wood and newly bloomed flowers. It smelled so unlike the city.

It's perfect, she thought. Any inital doubts from earlier were slowly, but surely, ebbing away. It didn't seem hard to like this place.

Before she could take a step further she saw a red-clad figure in the distance jogging toward her. She squinted to get a better look. From what she could tell, the stranger had on a tall, black hat and sported a thick, brown mustache.

"Hello there!" The figure materialized into a short, portly man. He came to a stop and doubled over, trying to catch his breath.

"Huh-hello! You--huff--must be the new--huff, huff--owner of Tyland's Farm, right?" He took a deep breath and straightened up. He was quite the comical-looking fellow up close. He was wearing small, round spectacles and his uniform was adorned with many gold buttons. He held out a sweaty hand for her to take.

"You must be Amy, right? My name is Theodore and I'm the mayor here. It's so nice to see you again." He pumped her hand enthusiastically.

"We've met before?" Amy asked.

He nodded, "Well yes, you were here once when you were very little. I had come to visit your grandfather then. I remember you being quite the entergetic little thing too. Always so eager to try something new. I hope you still possess some of that vigor. You're going to need it, you know."

Amy grinned, "I could start right now!"

Mayor Theodore chuckled, "That's good to hear. Well, shall we be off?"

The two began to walk up one of the cobblestoned roads and into the village. Mayor Thedore began to name off some of the houses they passed and explained who and what lived there.

"This one," he pointed to a brown house with a blue roof, "Is where Michael and Ann live. They're father and daughter. Ann's about your age so maybe you'll grow to be friends, huh?"

Amy nodded. It would be nice to make some friends in such a new place.

They passed a few more residencies, most of which Amy was certain she'd forget by the next day. It was early in the morning and not very many people were out. The sun was just beginning to make its way over the horizon. Its rays began to shine down upon them. The red roof of a farmhouse was beginning to peek beyond some trees. She felt anxious of all of a sudden. It had been so long since she could last remember coming here...

Her grandfather's farm was located up a winding path that was partially hidden by trees. There was a farm just before hers, and this one had people outside of it. One of them, a brown-haired woman, waved to them and walked to where they were standing.

"Hello there, Mayor! Lovely morning isn't it?" Said the woman cheerfully. She had a basket of eggs in one hand.

"That it is, dear, that it is. Allow me to introduce you to our new owner of Tyland's farm. This is Amy." He put a hand on her shoulder.

"Hi there!" Amy held out her hand to the woman.

"Nice to meetcha, my name's Ellen." Her hand felt coarse and a little calloused. That's kinda odd, Amy thought, I've never felt a woman's hand being so rough before. I guess mine will be like that soon.

"I live at the farm with my father and cousin," Ellen continued, "My dad's inside sleeping, as you'll soon find that's all he really does. And my cousin Blue is--" She looked over her shoulder, "over there. Hey, Blue! Come over and say hello, would ya?"

A young man with a blue hat turned down over his face glanced at them. He looked about Amy's age, maybe a tad bit older. He was standing by some cows, seemingly trying to look as inconspicous as possible. He gave a short wave in reply and then exited into a shed.

Ellen turned back to them and sighed. "Sorry bout' him." She frowned. "He tries to act real tough, but really he's very shy. Don't let him bother you. He's a sweetie at heart."

"It's fine," Amy replied, smiling.

"All in all, I hope you enjoy your stay with us. Everyone around here does pretty okay with strangers, so you shouldn't have a hard time fitting in. Believe it or not, a lot of people are about your age. Oh, and take this," she handed her the basket of eggs, "It will probably be a while before you get some livestock in, so you'll need some food; not to mention we also sell some vegetables and bread in the house, so come over whenever you need to. Our prices are pretty cheap." She winked and began to set off. "It was nice meeting you, Amy. Come over and visit sometime!"

"I will! Oh, and thanks for the eggs, I really appreciate it!" Amy turned to the mayor, "She seems really nice. I was a little concerned about how people would accept me, but I guess I have nothing to worry about now." They began up the path to the farm.

"Oh, everyone's pretty dandy here. We hardly have any trouble. In fact, the most uproar we have is during the festivals. Everyone becomes so competitive around then." Both people suddenly stopped. They arrived on the farm. Everything looked a little ominous to Amy. The windows on the house were dusty and brown. But other than that, the place looked in tip-top shape. Almost as if her grandfather had never died.

"He never let this place fall out of arrangement. Even when he was sick and dying he was out here plowing or mowing something. This farm was his pride and joy. Tyland spoke very highly of you, you know," He turned to face her, "He swore he'd let this place burn to the ground before he gave it up to anyone else. He hoped you make a happy life here." He wagged a finger at her playfully, "everyone's going to be expecting a lot outta you. Don't disappoint us."

Amy laughed, "Don't worry, I'll do my best. I promise." An odd feeling welled inside of her. She felt a little sick.

Theodore nodded, "Well, I won't keep ya. You should go and get some rest. Don't feel pressured to start today. If anything, I'd suggest going around and getting to know some people. They'd all love to meet the granddaughter of the famous Tyland!" He began to leave.

"Don't hesitate asking for help! Good-bye, dear!"

"Bye, thanks for showing me around!" She watched him leave with a heavy heart. His words made her feel a little nervous. So everyone would expect her to live up to grandpa, huh? Could...could she even do that?

She sighed and took out her keys. Using a golden one to open the front door, she walked inside. It was pretty small. A kitchen and living room area practically shared the same space. The living room had a mantel and fireplace. Pictures lined the mantel, all dusty and about a century-old. She was surprised to see the kitchen had fairly modern accessories.

She walked up a set of stairs and came onto a short landing. There were three doors; a bathroom and two bedrooms. One of the bedrooms was bare, except for a bed with a pink and yellow quilt. The other room was only slightly more furnished, complete with a bureau and mirror, walk in closet, and dresser. She flopped onto the bed tiredly. It was early in the morning, yet already she felt exhausted.

She turned on her side, intent on taking a little nap, when a book with a worn cover caught her eye. It was lying on the sidetable. She reached over and picked it up, turning it around in her hands.

"I guess it was Grandpa's," She didn't see a name anywhere. It was fastened with a lock. She used her golden key and opened it. The pages were yellowed and wrinkled. There was something written on the inside cover:

This is you farming BIBLE. Use it whenever you need help.

I made sure it had everything you would need in here.

Don't be afraid to call on someone.

And, while your at, give this place a new name. Something catchy and unique...

I never could stand "Tyland's Farm."

Love, Grandpa

Amy closed it. For some odd reason she felt like putting it someplace far, far away.

"Grandpa," she pressed the book to her forehead and closed her eyes, "I hope...I hope I can make you proud."

A/N: Ah, that was pretty long. Tell me if it was agonizing to read. I'll shorten it next chapter. If you can tell, I'm in serious need of a beta- reader, so anyone who's willing to volunteer will get a lifetime of thanks.

AND, CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM only. I won't get anywhere with a condescendingly, patronizing flame. If you must tell me I suck, do it CONSTRUCTIVELY. Once again: in need of a beta-reader.