Prologue: The Emerald Wood, the Emerald Dream

"Deep in a grove of earthy maple trees and rolling hills of mossy grass lays a secluded forest. Through the dragging years of planet Earth, its hardships, and its changing seasons, it has stayed a lush, green paradise.

"The forest was a hidden metropolis of woodland creatures, from scarlet-chest robins to golden-tailed dragonflies with crystal-clear wings that skidded perfectly across the pristine, azure water. Overhead, the protective and gargantuan trees shielded the forest from the outside, containing the perfect world from the impurities of mankind.

"And there lived the nature child, the real guardian of the forest.

"The child was a peculiar person. They wore a tunic of pressed maple and oak leaves, sewn together with thread from silkworms' string. With worn boots, breaking from walking, he would carry an oily kerosene lamp in his left hand, and would bound around the forest at night, patrolling. Each time his foot landed in the soft, silky grass, a sound of music-box chimes would echo through the trees. He would skip about each evening, leaving a trail of jumping light behind.

"Many an explorer, from curious child to greedy adult, would travel through masses of forest to find the fabled wood, only to end with a search in vain."

Arthur smiled proudly to Alfred. And Alfred, in reply, looked up at him with his turquoise eyes, filled with questions. "But Arthur," he said, cocking his head to the left, "If no one found the forest, how would you know?"

Arthur ogled at little Alfred for a minute, obviously thinking of an answer. For once, a child outsmarted an adult! Arthur answered by suddenly laughing heartily. "M' boy, I'm an Englishman!" He ruffled Alfred's hair. Alfred laughed from the friendly gesture. "When you get to the age of rickety old me, you'd be able to know A LOT more."

Alfred's eyes sparkled, questions transforming into imagination. "Really, Arthur?" He asked hopefully.

Arthur looked down at Alfred. He beamed a huge smile, and replied, with all his heart, "Of course, Alfred! I promise! But for now…" He looked up at the grandfather clock, nearby the corner of the candlelit room. "It's getting a bit late, Alfred. I would think it's about time you get to bed."

Alfred threw a little fit, causing Arthur to laugh quietly. "But I wanna know more about the forest!" He cried with a slight lisp in his voice, pounding his little chubby fists against Arthur, trying to get him to stay. "C'mon, Arthur! Tell me more!"

Arthur shook his head, closing his eyes. "I'll tell you something. I'll tell you more about the forest tomorrow, it's a deal!" He put his hands on Alfred's shoulders, crouching to the child's height. "But you have to go to bed, okay? It's good for you!"

Alfred turned a bit drowsy, but still had a bit more energy to fight."Come on, Arthur… I wanna know more… mmm…" he rubbed his eyes. "*Yawn*… come on… just a bit more…" Arthur smiled warmly. "Oh, alright, Alfred, I'll tell you. Just get into bed, and I'll say a bit more." Alfred smiled broadly, adding one more point to his score. He jumped into the bed, shoving the sheets over his pink-tinted nightgown. "Now tell me more!" he said.

Arthur looked at Alfred, conjuring up another story. "During the night, there's been a rumor going around… that the Guardian of the Emerald Woods would come out in the evening, just when he thinks the forest was safe enough, to bring one well-behaved child to the woods. The opening to the forest would be small enough for the boy and a child he would bring as a friend. Then, that child would be able to enjoy the blessings that the forest gave to the Guardian, on that one magical night of the child's life."

Alfred listened as best as he could, blinking away sleepiness. "Really…?" He asked, his voice filled with drowsiness. Arthur smiled again. He stroked Alfred's bangs, replying, "Yes! Why, I would think he would bring a boy like you. You're such a kind, loving child. I wouldn't be surprised to find you here tomorrow, with a twig or two in your hair! How cute that would be." He looked at Alfred, who was already drifting off to sleep. He smiled softly. "Good night, my little Alfred," he whispered, kissing Alfred's forehead. "Have fun at the Emerald Forest…" He took the candlestick he had with him, got up, and went out the door. Before he left, he went back to look at Alfred, who was snoozing ever so quietly. "And may you have more nights at the Emerald Wood to come…"

Chapter 1: A Child's Wish

Alfred slowly lulled into a deep sleep, replaying the story that Arthur told him. Could it really be true? He would think. It would be so cool to go to the Emerald Woods! I'm sure they had decent food there, unlike here, sometimes. I don't blame Mr. Arthur, though. It's just that he stinks at cooking. He nuzzled his chin against the sheets, and smiled a bit. Then I'll just have to wait here for the Forest Guardian, he decided. And with that, he went for his forty winks.

. . .

It was deep in the night. The colossal crescent moon hung over the sparkling sky, lighting the dark below. Alfred was snoozing away, and Arthur had gone to retire some time ago. The manor had went from windows seeping golden yellow light, like a beast crying bronze tears that wouldn't fall, to a silent, resilient house. The moss on the sides of the burgundy brick wall grew black. This was the Guardian's chance.

. . .

Alfred lazily opened his eyes. "Mmmmf… ugh… so sleepy…" he subconsciously rubbed his heavy eyes. "Arthur, did you wake me up…? Because I wanna go back to sleep…" he slowly turned his head to look around. "Arthur? Where are you?" He shook away he sleepiness, replacing it with confusion. "Hey, Arthur! Come on out! Arthur!" He slid out of bed. "Mr. Arthur, this isn't funny!"

"… Hello?"

. . .

Caterpillar's Cashews, this house is dirtier than the bottom of my shoe! I wonder how a young fellow could live in a place like this. Why, bless my soul, this habitat is a hazard. So heavy with some sort of sweet-smelling scent… not like a flower I know of. It smells like a human's beer, I'd guess. And this grass always feels so strange under my feet… humans weave it together and color them! How peculiar is that?

Well, no use complaining about people. They live how they live, I would suppose. There's nothing I can change about it. These days, whenever some adult sees something short and strange looking, they automatically take out a gun or something. Haah, people these days, a shaky as a snake's rattle.

. . .

"Mr. Arthur, sirrrrr! Where are you?" Alfred hollered, jumping across the numerous hallways. "Didya go out to ask Mr. Francis to help with your cooking? 'Cause I think it'll never get better! Arthurrrrrrrrr!"

Alfred ran and ran, going wherever his tiny feet could scamper about, opening all the doors that he could reach the doorknobs to. He ran about 'till he couldn't run anymore, and stumbled around tiredly instead. He heaved out a long, long sigh. "Well, I guess I'll go make some cereal…"

Alfred then turned 'round and caught a dim light from the corner of his eye.

Could that have been…? But that was impossible! But… think of what can happen if he found him…

Alfred contemplated his next move, and chose the ultimate decision. He turned around and went to investigate.