Author's Note: I wasn't sure if I'd actually write it, but I did! A sequel to my first fanfic, The Chronicles of Azure! If you haven't read all 8 chapters of TCoA already, do so now! As I've said in the past, reviews are greatly appreciated! But if you're all caught up, sit back, relax, and enjoy the Wild Azure Yonder!

Chapter 1: Something I've Overlooked

I took my first steps from Overlook's snow-covered train station, eager to see once again that beautiful brunette I met that fateful night. I said hello to the many residents I had previously only seen in my dreams, including that mysterious person in a mechanical suit, who was still as laconic and non-attentive as ever. Not getting any sight of Raina while I made my way around town, I deduced she must've been back at her citadel-like home. But when I knocked at the door, there was no response. Twisting the doorknob, I found out it was unlocked. Unfortunately, I saw no sign of her in the floral-themed main room. I checked the other areas of the home, including some parts I've never seen before during my past dream visit, but she wasn't in any of them.

The last place I checked was the basement. It was very spacious, but still lavishly decorated like the rest of the house. She wasn't in there either, but I noticed a desk with a few papers and an old-fashioned quill pen resting on top at the back of the room. I decided to take a closer look, finding a short letter in neat handwriting left on it. It read as follows:

"I'm sorry, I really miss you. I messed up, but please don't worry."

-Raina

I didn't know what had transpired causing the writing of this message, but it was obvious she probably wouldn't be back for a while. I has hoping to share some of the items I received in my farewell gift basket and get to know her better, but it looked like I'd have to settle for leaving them in her house. But as I unloaded said basket, an envelope fluttered out. It was addressed to Raina, written in big, bold handwriting. Judging from the bright orange ink, it was very safe to assume the letter's author was Slash. Did he somehow know I was going to her town, or did he slip it in by accident? I couldn't say for sure. Spotting a conveniently-placed letter opener, I emptied the envelope's contents.

"Raina, I don't know where you are, or what kind of situation you're going through, but no matter how long it takes, I'll never stop searching. I'll still be here you, eagerly anticipating the day you return. But until that day comes, please take care.

-Slash

P.S. JJ is looking for you too. I can't wait till we can all meet again…

It became clear that something was going on. Though Wildfire's mayor was on the case, I couldn't just stand by and do nothing. I had to investigate the matter for myself.

After placing the letter next to the stack of goodies I left, I climbed back up the staircase and went out the front door. When I stepped outside, I felt a soft, chilly breeze sweep across my face. Standing before an immense field of flowers, I stared out at the distant horizon, thinking. Where could she be right now? Is she in danger of any sort? Did this have something to do with the time when she faded away? While snowflakes fell all around me, I took a short respite before resuming the journey to find the girl of my dreams.

My first lead was this JJ person that the orange-haired kid mentioned in his letter. Perhaps he had some useful information on this situation. But on my way back to the station, I thought I saw some movement in the shadow of the pastel-colored castle. I turned my head, but saw nothing. I waited for a few moments, checking for any more signs of activity, but I sensed nothing. Though I could have looked into it further, I had more pressing matters to attend to.

I had no idea where this JJ lived, let alone what he looked like, so I had consult the only link I had: Slash. It felt weird considering that I just came from his town and all the events that took place those last few days, but it had to be done. Besides, the hatchet (or katana, as the case may be) was buried, and there was no need to dig it up again.

When I entered the train, someone walked in from the next car over. He was a few inches taller than I was, with short spiky hair and a mellow, easy-going look on his face. He wore a long-sleeved black shirt and an enormous yellow tie.

"Hey there!" he said with a grin, "I don't think I've ever seen you before. Are you by any chance going over to Wildfire?"

"Yeah, actually. I take it you're on your way there too?" He certainly seemed friendly enough, so I introduced myself. "My name's Azure, what's yours?"

"The name's Justin, but you can call me JJ!"

That certainly saved me some time. One of these days, I'm going to have to write a huge thank you card to Lady Luck. Once the train got moving, my spiky-haired acquaintance continued the conversation.

"So… why're you heading over there, Azure?"

"Funny thing, actually. I was on my way to see you!"

He then looked back at me, slightly bewildered. "Me? I don't even live there! I'm just paying a visit! …But since I'm here, what do you need me for?"

"I'm looking for someone else, and I was hoping that you had some info on where that person might be."

"Hmm… OK then! I just might be able to help you! You know the name?"

"Yeah. It's Raina."

Upon hearing that, his mellowness faded into a more serious look.

"You're looking for her too, huh Azure? I actually may have a couple ideas, but I think we should wait until he's around to hear them."

Ding! We have arrived at Wildfire Station. Please watch your step when exiting the train.

When we stepped off, I noticed a figure standing on the platform and wearing a Santa hat… and nothing else except for a grass skirt. I guess that's one way to prepare for the holidays. I should've known he wouldn't stay fully clothed for long. Then again, it rarely gets cold in Wildfire, so maybe he just wanted to get more sun. Either that, or he has a vendetta against shirts.

"Oh! Hey, JJ! It's been a while, hasn't it!" After greeting my yellow-tied friend, Slash tilted his head off to the side and then saw my face. "And A-Azure?! I-It hasn't been very long at all!"

"Oh, you two know each other?"

"Yeah. I first met Slash a few days back. It's a long, long, story." I didn't elaborate further, because I figured if he didn't know already, it'd probably be for the best that he not find out what happened. There was no need to make things more complicated.

Still trying to regain his composure, the flame-haired youth continued on. "S-so! What brings you two here? Best hairstyle competition? Because I'd totally win!"

He certainly retained his sense of humor, even after his recent epiphany. But we weren't here to joke around. "Actually, we're here about Raina."

"…Ah. So you got the message too, huh Azure? Looks like I was right to slip that letter in that little farewell basket of yours after all. I wasn't expecting to see you back here for a while, though…"

"Wait, you knew I was heading off to Overlook?! How'd you find out?"

"Just a feeling I had." Slash flashed an impish smirk. "Some have said that I might be a little psycho!"

My spiky-haired acquaintance piped up, "I think you mean 'psychic'."

"Eh, I've heard it both ways. …But back to the topic at hand, do you have anything new to share, JJ?"

"I don't have any new information, unfortunately, but I do have a theory…"