Recently, I discovered the Fugue Forest. You can't believe what I had to go through. It was lock at first so I had to go to Hanna, but then, she asked me to look for her husband. So, I checked every place in Castanet Island except the Fugue Forest. I decided to check there and her husband, Cain, was just standing there, looking at the lock. So I asked him if he could open it, and guess what? He told me to look for Dale. So then I had to run back to the Garmon Mines and he actually had the key, which is good. Now I ran back all the way to Fugue Forest and handed the key to Cain. I had to complete one quest after another and had to run around and around Castanet Island. Anyway, deep in the forest, I found a small house surrounded by a swamp. Finn was too scared to open the door so I cautiously walked in. There, a pink frog was sitting right in the middle of the table.

. . . . .

"What are you gonna do, Hikari? I don't think any ordinary person can survive in the forest and make it all the way to that weird, abandoned house. Hardly anyone knows her, so it's impossible to ask around for help." Finn said, jumping on the UP button on the remote, looking through channels on the television. "I think that pink frog was the Witch. It had a mini pointy hat on its head, anyway."

I was cooking dinner for Finn and me at home, of course. After all, axing and hammering my way through the forest was tiring.

"That's true. So the Witch is a magical being? Maybe . . . Maybe Wizard knows something about her. We could ask him." I replied, slightly blushing. To be honest, I really had no idea why I was helping her. But my gut was saying I had to do it.

Finn had a teasing expression on his face. "You're so nice, Hikari! You can never say no, can't you?" He giggled.

I let out a huge sigh. It's true. I can never say no to any request, no matter what it is. But, I don't mind doing any person's requests, actually. It keeps me busy and helps me learn more about this person, which turns into friendship. For example, Bo, Kathy, Phoebe, Luke, Chase, and Julius are my friends. I can always depend on them for my help.

"Finn, you stay here and finish your dinner. I gotta go ask Wizard about Witch." I walked to the door and paused. "Don't you dare bring your dinner and have my animals eat it!"

Finn's jaw dropped. "How'd ya know?!"

I grinned, opening the door. "Well . . . Let's just say that Louise had a very upset stomach." My eye glistened, signaling Finn that there will be punishments. And at that moment, I closed the door, heading towards Harmonica Town.

. . . . .

Walking down the pathway to Harmonica Town is pretty peaceful. My footsteps tapping against the sandy path, making a sound that seemed so natural. The wind whistling through the tall grass and wild flowers; my bouncy hair flowing against it. I looked up at the violet - orange sky. The clouds were stretched out as the sun was disappearing beneath the horizon. As that happened, the rushing waters were reflecting the light of the orange ball. It was very beautiful. I decided to take a picture of these sceneries and post it in my diary. Then, the sounds of my footsteps began to change as I was entering town. My eyes glanced around as the light poles began to flicker. The sound of children laughing, people talking, and more footsteps were music to my ears. It was the music of friendship and peace. This was much better than a crowded city, a place where everything is dirty.

I walked up the stairs, saying hello to every passing person I walked by. On the way, I patted the heads of wild animals that seem to never have a home. But then, I came across a black Shiba. I've never seen this animal in the island at all. Was it new? I patted his head and he began to wag his tail, a pink tongue sticking out slightly. It was so cute! I wished I could take it home, however, I couldn't find the time. Then, I found myself standing in front of Wizard's house. Instead of knocking, I just walked in. After all, Wizard is familiar with my presence and whatnot. When I walked in, Wizard was up in his observatory, looking through his telescope.

"Good Evening, Wizard. Mind if I interrupt whatever you were doing for a second . . . ?" I asked, taking a few steps into the center of the room.

Wizard never looked away from his telescope, quiet as ever. After a few moments, he finally spoke. " . . . Of course." He glanced at me and began heading down the stairs. "What is it . . . That you need . . . ?"

"Have you heard of a pink frog deep in the Fugue Forest? I was wondering if you knew or can do anything to help her." I was staring at Wizard and I thought I swear I saw his eyelid twitch. Well, I think I did.

He was silent again. "Is . . . That so . . . ?" It was if it was a whisper. "I guess I could help . . ." He walked towards his kitchen-like area and pulled out some sort of ingredients. Then, he handed them over to me, motioning his arm to my rucksack. "Sorry," he said, "Could I use your bag . . . ?" I nodded. Wizard placed the ingredients in my rucksack. I felt his breath on my burning neck as he rustled through my bag. "Let's go to the forest . . ." He headed out the door and I followed him, not questioning what he's planning to do.

. . . . .

I couldn't believe it. Wizard just walked through the forest without hesitation, ignoring the huge boulders and giant trees that were literally in the way of our path. It was if . . . It was if he walked right through them! Like a ghost or something. On the other hand, I was tired and sore. I've been inside this forest earlier this morning, but I couldn't tell him. He might pity me or think I'm a scrawny, weak girl. So now I'm dragging my legs through the forest, always looking at Wizard who seems far away. I tried to catch up to him by running but instead, my foot tripped over a twig and I fell against the ground. It was a large THUMP! How embarrassing . . .

I heard footsteps coming my way, and soon enough, a dark shadow was looming over me. A quiet, yet familiar voice spoke, "Miss Hikari . . . You okay?" A warm hand grabbed me by my hand and pulled me up, brushing the dirt off me. It was too dark to see him, but his eyes were surely the light that was sparkling in this forest. Just like the stars.

My face flushed with embarrassment. "I-I'm alright! Don't worry about me!" I hid my face with my hands, my heart beating fast.

"Here . . . I don't want you to trip or get lost again . . ." His hand was still gripping against mine. Then, he led the way, taking it slow as possible.

As we walked, I heard strange noises. There was one sound that almost seemed like a chainsaw massacre. And another sound as if someone was stalking us. My mind went out of wack as I imagined things popping out randomly between the dark trees. I should have never watched those horror movies with Finn! Cut it out, Hikari! Be strong! I thought to myself. But I couldn't help it. My hand was trembling and shaking wildly. I tried to release my hand from Wizard, but he never allowed it. He was still holding onto my hand, as if he was calming me down, like a saddened child. "Don't be scared . . ." It was his voice, the music that would scare away these noises. I nodded and smiled, even though I knew his back was turned from me.

. . . . .

It felt like an hour, but actually, it was only fifteen minutes. The awkward silence between us bothered me a bit. So I decided to ask him questions that I held back in my mind. "Wizard? What is the Witch like?" I asked.

He seemed silent for a moment, longer than usual. " . . . You'll find out soon enough."

A sweat drop rolled down my cheek. This conversation isn't going no where, isn't it? "Oh then . . . How did you know or meet her?" I flustered. This question seemed a bit personal, in my opinion. "N-Nevermind!"

Wizard indeed hesitated a bit, but considered my feelings. "We lived with each other for many years . . . That's all." I didn't know how to interpret that. But somehow, my heart felt like it was struck by a sword. It hurts, badly. It's not possible. Wizard can't like Witch . . . Can he? I thought, squeezing my shirt. But what confused me is why I'm so worked up over this?

"We're here . . ." He spoke, pointing to the end of the path. There, a burst of light almost blinded me. I guess that's what happens when you've been walking through a dark forest for a long time. Wizard was still holding onto my hand, helping me cross the old wooden bridge. Finally, he opened the door to the Witch's house and barged in, closing the door as soon as I entered. "Could you . . . ?" I knew what he meant. He needed the ingredients from my bag so I took them out and handed it to him. The pink frog, Witch, was bouncing around Wizard, impatiently. On the other hand, Wizard placed the ingredients on the near edges of the table, and then a strange marking appeared in the center. He stepped back, raising his arms as a bright light began to arise from the ingredients and the markings. At that, the Witch was back to normal.

She twirled around, examining herself. I was jealous. Witch was so fashionable, cute, and beautiful. I didn't have the features she had, which bothered me. Then, Witch walked up to Wizard and began throwing a tantrum of some sort. She screamed words I could no longer understand and cursed him, talking too fast, as well. Now I understand what her personality is like.

I walked out the door and muffled my ears, signaling Wizard that I'll wait outside for him.

. . . . .

It was longer than I expected. What is she doing? Lecturing or scolding him? I peeked through the window and my eyes widened. Wizard held his cheek, a hint of red peeking out beneath his hand. The Witch's face was red as a tomato; her hand was near his face. Tears, the size of a berry, began forming in my shocked eyes. They fell, rolling down my cheek fastly. Why was I crying? I had no idea, but there was no way I could stand this any longer. So guess what. I ran, ran through the dark forest, not bothering to wait for Wizard any longer. My eyes were still bursting into tears, my voice letting out a whimper. I felt like . . . Like my heart was going to break.

I tripped over and over again. But I kept running, scared of the mysterious noises and scared of Wizard coming after me. I'm pathetic. Why was I so overboard on this? What if I misunderstood the situation? No, it was the real thing.

My body stopped near the entrance out of Fugue Forest. I just stood there, my hands covering my wet face. I replayed the scene I saw over and over. Wizard's blushing face, his hand covering a red mark on his cheek. And Witch, her beautiful face blushing madly. She kissed him. How . . . How can I act around Wizard now?

"Miss . . . Miss Hikari . . ." Something was weighed down on my shoulder. I shivered. "Why did you . . . Why did you run off . . . ?" It was Wizard, heavily breathing. He ran after me, but why?

I didn't face him. How I badly wanted to look at him though, I just couldn't bring myself to. "I . . . You love Witch don't you? Why don't you make up the time you lost together?" I blurted out. I realized how much of a brat I was being, adding attitude to what I've said.

He was even more silent again, hesitation. " . . . Miss Hi--"

"Goodbye, Wizard. Have a good night." I dashed forward, not wanting to hear what he had to say. Tears were swelling up again. What have I gotten myself into? Was I wrong about what I saw?

. . . . .

I went inside my house, slamming the door behind me. I was too tired to do anything else anymore. The good thing was that Wizard was able to save Witch, right? But what happened back there was . . . Too far. I want to apologize to him but it'd be too awkward.

I plopped onto bed, Finn resting in his teacup and finishing dinner like I told him to. I smiled and frowned, once again. Should I visit Wizard to him tomorrow? No . . . Not after what happened. I had the feeling I won't be able to see Wizard ever again, even though each day, I had the urge to see him. I sniffled, slowly drifting into a nightmare.


A/N: Next chapter is "Jealousy Part Two" where Wizard and Hikari's point of view will take part in. Tell me what you think of this whole story so far. :)