Bluebell and Konohana have been rivals for hundreds of years. The tunnel between the towns had been closed off, separating the two even more. But four times a month, they would compete in a cooking festival together. It was usually the only time that the townsfolk ever communicated with each other. It was the best opportunity for me to try to get them friendly again. But a bit about myself before I continue.

I am seventeen and am a current resident of Bluebell, the town on the left side of the mountain. It was a nice village, and the perfect place for an animal owner like me. When I first arrived, I got my first cow and chicken. In over a year and a half, I have managed to get a sheep and an alpaca, who still ran away from me. It was fall now.

Autumn has always been a favorite season of mine. There was something soothing about the reds and browns that the mountain turned. There was still a bit of heat left over from summer, but it wasn't too hot. Wearing a jacket in the middle of the day was really relaxing. Almost as relaxing as the river that ran near the entrance of Bluebell. It was the best place to go hand fishing. I only fished with my hands during the festival for it. I had managed to get a fishing rod from one of Rutger's request on the board in town. I was graceful to the mayor for it, since it was a great way to feed myself and get money. Eileen's blueprint requests weren't always cheap.

"Hey Philip!" I looked up to see Rutger and Rose hanging out at the benches outside of town. The couple seemed to be enjoying the nice day out. It had been raining the past few days, so the sunshine was very appreciated. Even if it meant that I had to water my few crops myself.

"Hey," I waved back softly, "It's a nice day today. I feel like doing some requests for people."

"That's good to hear, dear," Rose smiled at me brightly, "It's nice to see you out helping your neighbors. We needed someone like you in town. You make it seem so much brighter."

"Don't forget to prepare for the cooking festival tomorrow," Rutger reminded me with a look, "This time we will be Konohana. I still feel a bit embarrassed about last time. We want to know that judge off of his feet." I could still remember the salad cooking festival. I had entered with Herb salad along with Howard and Enrique. Unfortunately for our town, the store owner had brought a ruined dish, which cost us the festival.

"I'm sure that we can do better this time," I reassured him, "I've prepared my dish so I'm sure that we can do this."

"That's the spirit. We can cook better than Konohana."

I nodded at his words, feeling a bit better at his confidence. And how there was no malice in his words. Thanks to my efforts, Konohana and Bluebell didn't hate each other as much anymore. They weren't exactly friends yet, but it was a start. I bet the Harvest Goddess must be proud of me so far. Considering she was the one who assigned me with this task in the first place. It wasn't as hard as my farm work used to be. I've gotten so much stronger these days.

"We can only hope so," I nodded to them before heading to town. When I checked the board, I saw that Eileen needed some lumber, Cheryl wants an insect, and Cam need a couple of wild flowers. I took the papers from the board and placed them in my bag, so that I know what to get on my trip through the mountain. I always tried to forage every day after I greet everyone in town. I've made friends with the townsfolk, my best friends being Laney and Cam. It was hard to talk to Ash without his little sister butting in. I didn't mind though. It was actually quite adorable. Made me miss my sister back in the city.

"Come back please," I chased after one of the birds, but it flew away, so I couldn't catch it. I let out a sigh. Most of the wild animals have gotten used to my presence and a small few even like me. But I've never gotten close to the bird. It was saddening, so I wanted to change that. Looks like it'll take a bit longer. Huh?

I glanced up as the bridge slightly shook. I could have sworn I saw something. I swear I could see something purple pass by me. But maybe it was just in my head? Nothing else happened. But I could hear whispers. It sounded like a woman's voice, but I couldn't see her. I got up to follow it, but soon found myself at a stone door. It was the stone house that I found in my first year. There was writing outside of it, but I couldn't read the language. And the door has never opened for me. But the voice could still be heard. Just barely. I shrugged, but still found it very weird. Was it my imagination?