The trees that protected the garden from the harsh rays of the sun hung low, almost allowing people to touch there limbs. Shirayuki was picking medicinal herbs in the shade, quietly thanking them for their protection.
"Hey! Little miss!"
Shirayuki turned to see Obi coming up the path, carrying a small basket under his arm. "Do you need the extra basket now?"
"Yes! Thanks, Obi! You came at a good time! I've almost filled this one up completely!"
"It's no problem. Besides, it would be bad for the little miss to move around too much after she just recovered. The prince would have my head!"
"Come on, Obi! It was just a scratch on my arm! That's all! Zen's just over exaggerating!"
"But, the prince cares a lot for the little miss. Isn't it understandable?"
"Understandable?" She hesitated. "Yes, it's understandable. But it's too extreme! I've been completely healed for a few days now and I still can't walk out alone!"
Obi chuckled. "Well, that's a shame! I brought the other basket to little miss but the sun's nearly setting! Time to go, little miss!"
He led her away from the garden towards the palace where Zen waited to see her. They had just revealed their feelings for each other and had their first (well second) kiss. Shirayuki was embarrassed to see him again.
"Obi . . . Do I have to go back right now?"
Obi shrugged. "Well, I don't think we have to go back at the very moment." He looked up at the castle. "Little miss, did you and my master have a fight?" But when he turned for her answer, she was gone. "Little miss! Where did you go!"
He ran back toward the direction of the garden, disappearing in the darkening shade of the trees. Making sure he had left, Shirayuki peeped out from the nearby bushes where she had hid herself. She ran out in the opposite direction, heading to the greenhouses.
She didn't want to see Zen. Not yet.
Shirayuki didn't stop running till she reached the other side of the castle, hiding from the guards as she went along. She had seldom come to this part of the castle grounds without an escort. It had seemed like they had always led her away from here. Obi's calls could be heard behind her.
I've got to hide! Before he finds me!
"Over here!" The voice came from the nearby woods that surrounded the castle. "Quickly!" Following the voice, Shirayuki fled into the woods, crashing into branches that stuck out from tree trunks.
"Where are you! Who are you!" Shirayuki cried.
"My name is Hikari. You were in danger, yes?"
"Well," Shirayuki hesitated. "I wasn't in great danger. I was just trying to get away from my friend. He and the others can be a little overbearing sometimes."
"I see. Then, I guess that's good. How about I help lead him away from here?"
"Can you really do that?"
"Of course. Do not underestimate a spirit. All I have to do is copy your appearance. But first . . ."
Suddenly a girl appeared, hovering over the air. Her ghastly skin color told Shirayuki this was the spirit she was talking to. Her long hair seemed to wave in a nonexistent breeze.
"What do we have to do?"
"You do not need to do anything. I can take care of everything myself. All you must do is stay out of sight."
"But you said you were going to look like me, right? How-"
Light began to flow from the girl's body, enveloping her in it's soft glow. When it died down, allowing Shirayuki to see again, there was another Shirayuki standing where the girl had been.
"What just-"
"I became you. The voice will be different, but it is still an exact replica of your body. I will lead the man away with this shape."
"I see . . . But what can I do for you in return?"
"What?"
"I have to do something for you, don't I? I mean, you are helping after all. How can I not do something in return?"
"Is there a limit?"
"Nope! As long as it's something I'm capable of doing!"
"Then, can I borrow your body for a few days?"
"What? Can't you turn into me already?"
"This copy can only last for a certain amount of time, and it is not a physical body. I cannot feel anything like this. Possessing a body allows me to feel the world, unlike this fake image."
"So, you want to borrow my body?"
"Yes, but only if you wish to lend it. I do not want to force you into-"
"I'll do it."
"What?"
"I'll lend you my body. It's only a few days, anyway. But that's what friends are for, right?"
"Friends?"
"Yeah, friends!" The spirit stared dumbfounded at her, as if trying to recall the meaning of the word.
"Your spirit will still be inside your body when I take control, and you will know everything that occurs."
"Alright! I hope you enjoy these few days, Hikari!"
"Thank you, um . . ."
"Shirayuki."
Hikari smiled. "Thank you, Shirayuki."
Once again, Hikari melted into light. But this time, the light swirled towards Shirayuki, seeping into her skin. She could sense Hikari entering her body, which felt like a blizzard erupting under her skin.
Shirayuki was no longer in control when the light disappeared.
"It feels good to be back again!" Hikari whispered.
"Well then, Hikari! Ready to start your life again on earth?"
"Yes! I'm ready!"