Chapter One: Oracle

I walked up into the mountain to forage for berries, nuts, and flowers. But really, it was so I could visit the Oracle. I slipped into a hidden clearing and climbed a small cliff. When I reached the top, I took a deep breath and walked across a bridge. It swayed with each step, and I couldn't help looking to the ground. It was a long way down... I gulped, shaking myself out of those thoughts. After what seemed like a lifetime, I made it past, sighing in relief. "I don't think I'll ever get over that..." I muttered.

"Lillian! You're here!" A petite girl with long pretty pink hair and oversized robes skipped over to me in a bubbly mood. She accidentally stepped on her robes and tripped.

"Oracle! Are you okay?" I asked worriedly, rushing over to her side.

"I'm okay!" She jumped up and patted herself down.

"Sheesh, you worry me sometimes." I removed a blade of grass from her hair and blew it away. "I don't know what you'd do without me." She smiled.

"I love you, Lillian!" She gave me a hug and snuggled into my chest. I smiled and hugged her back. She was just so adorable! After several moments, we released each other and she led me into her house. I gaped in awe of the place, which never ceased to amaze me.

There was a huge cauldron bubbling in the middle of the room. Books and papers were strewn across the floor. A small library was on the far side of the room and there was a sealed door next to it. It was a strange door, and I always got strange vibes from it.

"Here, Oracle." I handed her a basket filled with baked goodies.

"Ooh!" she squealed. "Thank you!" She took a cookie and began nibbling on it. I giggled and watched in amusement as Oracle finished her snack. "Mmm, delicious! You're the best cook, Lillian!" I blushed.

"Thanks! Oh, you've got something on your face." I took out a handkerchief and wiped the crumbs off of her face.

"Is that...?" Her eyes widened.

"Yeah." We both smiled knowingly to each other. She rummaged in her pocket and took out a similar handkerchief, except hers was white. Mine was pink.

"Do you remember, Lillian? We each made a handkerchief for each other in our colors, so we'd always be together, even if we weren't."

"Yeah. So we'd be closer than close. We're soulmates." We both smiled and hugged each other for the millionth time that day.

"Oh! Can I show you this experiment I've been working on?" She had this puppy dog expression on her face that was irresistible. I sighed exasperatedly and smiled weakly. Even if she didn't pull the puppy dog face out, I still would've agreed. She flashed a toothy white smile and practically dragged me over to her cauldron. It was so big that Oracle had to pull out two ladders for us to peer inside of it.

"Whoa! What is that?" I looked inside the coal black cauldron. There was a clear liquid substance sloshing inside. It steamed white puffs, which blew into my face. I coughed and wheezed, breathing out long wisps of the stuff. Oracle didn't seem to notice. She had a far-off look on her eyes. "Oracle?"

"Oh!" She cleared her throat. "Yes. So this is the Pheromonal Elixir."

"Elixir?" All of her products were potions. What made this so special?

"Yes, elixir. I call it that because if I succeed, this will be my greatest achievement ever! It is intended to attract the attention of a person by transmuting the user's pheromones to match theirs. Of course, like all of my products, its effects are only temporary. I've learned that with alchemy, it's better not to make anything with...lasting effects." She laughed nervously. I raised a brow. "Anyways, would you like to try it?"

"Is it safe?"

"One hundred percent. I would never let my best friend try out one of my prototypes before using it on myself. Of course, I did only work with wild animals."

"Uh, so how did that work out for you?" She frowned.

"You don't wanna know." I gulped, but nodded. I trusted Oracle with my life! She was a talented alchemist, and I didn't recall any times where she ever failed with one of her experiments. I stared at Oracle as she spooned the liquid into a ceramic bowl with a ladle. "Here you go." I took the thing and took several moments to prepare myself before chugging it all down.

"Ah. That actually tasted pretty good." I handed her back the ceramic bowl.

"Do you feel any different?" Oracle took out her notebook and a pencil, ready to jot down notes.

"Hm...no, not really." Oracle frowned.

"No? Maybe the effects aren't physically noticeable then... Try visiting Bluebell and Konohana and interact with the villagers. Tell me if you notice any strange behavior from them."

"Yes, ma'am!" I saluted her, and then quickly rushed out. Somehow, I felt really excited!