My name is Moon and I'm a simple gunslinger trying not to die in this dangerous world. Before my Mommy died she told me to go around the world and find my own happiness. After she died I travelled for some time. Those times, they were pretty dangerous and full of violence. I had to run away from dangers and make money somehow to survive. It wasn't easy. But somehow I was able to finally buy myself a fast and mighty horse that would help me find my place in the world.

"Right, Donkey?" I asked the horse as we galloped through the prairie. "Just like Mommy said, I'm going to find my own happiness. Who knows maybe you will find your own paradise too, like... I don't know really. What do horses like anyway?"

The horse snorted and shook his head at me.

"How rude, Donkey! I am sure you have a nice home waiting for you somewhere!" I said.

The horse just snorted again.

"Oh right. How about I buy a house with a stable so you can live there? That way you can be near me and I'll always take care of you." I patted his head enthusiastically.

Donkey looked up at me and blinked. He didn't seem to understand what I was saying or doing. I guess he's not used to talking to humans.

"I hear that you would have to gather at least around 300g to buy a house with ranch. So, let's start gathering them now. We can travel through the world and see how much golden we get. If we find more than 300 then great. If not, well... I'll just keep searching until I find enough."

Donkey nodded. I think he understood me.

"You got it, buddy!" I said. "Let's ride on and find those golden coins. I'm sure we will find them together!"

"Snort!"

Donkey looked away. He doesn't want to talk to me anymore. Or maybe he didn't understand me in the first place.

"But I wonder why the horse seller gave you such a name. Isn't it weird, right Donkey? What does donkey even mean?"

Donkey snorted and kept looking away. I guess he's still mad at me.

"Okay, okay. I get it," I said. "Let's just forget all about it. I'm sorry if I offended you. Let's just focus on finding goldens now, alright? Okay, Donkey?"

"Snort!"

"Oh well," I sighed. "I guess we will see were the wind takes us."

The wind blew across the plains and the sun shone down on us both. The air smelled fresh and clean, like nothing I'd ever felt before. It was such a beautiful day. We continued riding along the trail and soon the mountains came into view. They looked so peaceful. The land was covered with trees and fields of green grasses. The sky above them was blue and clear.

"Wow..." I whispered. "It looks like heaven on earth."

I wanted to stay there forever. Maybe I could just stop riding and sit under a tree somewhere and watch the clouds pass by. Just enjoy the feeling of being alive. But I knew that wouldn't work. This was my journey. My search for happiness. And so, I pressed on.

***

The night finally came and we had to stop to rest. We were tired after traveling all day. We were in the mountainous area right now.

"We should probably set up camp here," I said. "Donkey, you're such a good boy. You deserve a treat."

I pulled out some jerky from my bag and offered it to him. He sniffed it cautiously and took a bite. His eyes widened. He seemed to like it. I smiled at him and continued to give him pieces of jerky. Soon he was eating like a dog. I didn't mind though. It made me feel like we were friends.

"Thanks, Donkey," I said. "I'll never forget how helpful you've been to me."

Donkey snorted.

"Yeah, yeah, I know," I said. "You're my faithful companion and I love you."

Donkey looked up at me with his big eyes as I patted him on the head.

"Alright, it's time to sleep," I said and started preparing for the night sleep.

I put my sleeping roll next to the fire and lay down on top of it. Then I took off my boots and stuffed them into the bag. I removed my coat and folded it neatly. I laid it next to me and put my gun on top of it. I then placed the Beary on top of it. I loved this plushie. I hugged it to my chest.

"Good night, Donkey."

I lay down in my bedroll and stared up at the stars. I could see the full moon shining brightly overhead. It was beautiful. Peaceful.

I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

***

I finally woke up. The sun was already high in the sky. I checked the clock on my steamphone. I had slept for over 12 hours! I couldn't believe it. I must have been exhausted.

"Whew..." I yawned. "That was a long nap."

I sat up, put away the plushie and stretched. My back popped loudly.

"Ouch!"

I rubbed my eyes and tried to wake myself up.

"Come on, Donkey," I said. "Time to get going."

Donkey didn't move. He was still lying on his side, snoring softly. I shook him gently.

"Donkey, time to go," I said.

He didn't respond. I shook him again.

"Donkey, it's time to get up."

Donkey finally woke up. He looked around, confused.

I gave him a piece of jerky. He took a bite and looked at me curiously.

"I'm glad you liked the jerky," I said. "Now let's get moving."

I got up shook off my hat from the dust and began packing our things after having some breakfast. I went through everything and put each item in its proper place. I tied the bedroll to Donkey's saddle.

"Let's go, buddy," I said. "We need to get moving."

Donkey stood up slowly and we headed down the mountain path. I kept glancing at the sky. I didn't want to waste any more time. I was anxious to get to the town and start looking for goldens.

***

After about two hours we arrived at the forest area. When we got to the river flowing through the forest, I saw a group of people standing near the river. They seemed to be fishing.

"Hey, what are you doing?" I asked them after getting closer and getting off Donkey.

One of the men turned towards me.

"Oh, hey there little one," he said. "You're new in this area, aren't you? What's your name?"

"My name is Moon," I said. "And who are you guys?"

"Ah, I'm from the nearby town Sunnyrise," he said. "I guess you could say we're the towns people. And those over there are my sons. They're fishermen."

"Fishing?" I asked.

"Yes," he said. "We fish here."

He pointed at the water. There were fishes swimming in the river.

"Wow," I said. "What do you catch them with?"

"Well, we use these," he said and showed me a set of hooks. "They're called 'fishing poles'. We tie a string to the end of the hook and cast it into the water. Then we pull the string and the hook goes back to us. It's really easy."

"Oh, how amazing!"

I nodded. I hadn't seen anyone using fishing rods before. But it made sense. Fishing is something that everyone should learn how to do.

"It looks like fun," I said.

The man smiled. "Yeah, it sure does. Especially when you catch something big."

"I bet," I said.

Then I remembered what Mommy told me once.

"Hey, what's wrong?" the man asked.

"Nothing," I said. "I just remembered something my mom taught me. She said if you have a lot of friends, they'll always help you out."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yep," I said. "But I don't know if you guys would count as my friends. Because you're strangers."

"Well, you can think of us as your friends then," the man said. "We're all here together."

"Thanks," I said. "I guess."

"No problem," he said. "So what kind of help do you need Miss Moon? You look kinda lost."

"Oh, I'm fine," I said. "I'm actually looking for goldens."

"Goldens?"

"Yeah," I said. "You know, 300 goldens. I've heard that one has to gather at least that much to be able to buy themselves a house."

I said and added a bit embarrassed.

"Oh, and... I'm a boy, not a Miss."

"No way!"

"That's impossible, such a pretty girl..."

"How can she be a boy?!"

"Hii!"

The three other men, that looked younger started to shout. It startled me a bit. See, even Donkey got nervous.

"Stop teasing her! I mean, him!" The older man shouted at his sons. "He's just a kid!"

"Sorry, Dad," one of his sons said.

"It's okay," I said. "I understand." I don't really understand though.

"Oh, well, whatever," the old man said. "Anyway, Hmm... But still... 300 goldens..." he mumbled. "That's quite a lot. Are you sure you want to spend your hard-earned money on something like buying a house?"

"Well, I have to, right?" I said. "Otherwise I won't be able to settle down. So, I need to find them quickly."

"Oh, I see," the man said. "Well, I know where you should go then. Follow the river downstream and you'll reach the town. There's going to be a big event. The Turkey Shoot. Who knows, if you are good at shooting, you might be able to win big time and get some goldens."

"A turkey shoot?" I asked.

"Yeah," he said. "Every year there's a big contest between the local hunters. They invite everyone to participate and the winner gets a big prize."

"Sounds like fun," I said. "Do you think I can join too?"

"Hmm, well... it depends. What are you good at?"

"I'm a gunslinger," I said. I pointed at the gun at my waist, hidden in the holster.

"A Gunslinger?" He seemed surprised. "That's a bit hard to believe."

"Huh?"

"Never mind. Well, if you can shoot, you can definitely participate. Just remember to bring that gun with you. Oh, but you'll need someone to guard you while you're playing."

"Someone to guard me?" I asked.

"Yeah, so you won't get killed by any of the other players. Or shot by accident."

"Oh, I see." Is the event that dangerous?

"Alright, now listen up. You need to keep an eye out for other people. There will be a lot of hunters participating. Some of them will be very skilled. Don't get careless."

"Gotcha," I said. "Thank you mister! And you guys too!" I smiled brightly and thanked the men.

"Ugh, how is that possible."

"Such a pretty girl can't possibly be a boy."

"That cute smile! S-Should I confess?!"

The three sons started to say some things I didn't really understand.

"Agh, shut up you idiots!"

"Yes, sir," they saluted.

The old man yelled at his sons and then looked at me.

"Don't have to thank me. You seem like a nice kid so you should take care of yourself. There are a lot of possible dangers lurking in the wild."

"Thanks again," I said and hugged them for a goodbye. "Ehehe, sorry about all the trouble."

"You're welcome," he said. "Good luck out there, kid."

"Thanks."

I walked away from the group and continued to follow the river on Donkey.

"Pleeease marry me!"

"I love you!"

"Hey, stop making fools out of yourselves!"

While we were walking away there were some noises behind us, but I didn’t pay attention.

"A Sunnyrise, huh? I wonder what kind of town it is. What do you think Donkey? Will I be able to participate in that shooting event? Maybe I could get a chance to win some goldens."

Donkey seemed to agree with me. Maybe? I wasn't sure. He just snorted and shook his head.

***