Dreams are a strange matter. They're an uncontrollable chain of images, events and emotions that occur during one's slumber. There are some theories to what they mean; some think of it as a kind of foresight such as looking into the future and others think of it as complete nonsense; nonsensical things that have no alternate meaning. Your first dream of the night is the shortest as the next few begin increasing in duration; towards the end it can be up to an hour long. I usually remember my dreams the moment I wake up, so why is it that I seem to be forgetting them?

"There may be a time in which we repress memories for our own good. You may not believe of its existence because your brain has already deemed it as a highly traumatic memory and so it pushes it back in order to retain its sanity."

That was a passage in a book I've read a long time ago and if it's believable then that could mean I may have repressed several memories without knowing.

...

"Good morning, Alice..."

Alice appeared to personally wake me up from my slumber as I could already smell a breakfast prepared on the dining table. She must rise awfully early in the morning, perhaps at the break of day. It's something of which I'd to do with ease every day, however I usually falter and wind up back in bed which results in me being late to many occasions.

"Good morning, Yuuki."

Seeing Alice's face first thing in the morning, for some reason it tugs my heart strings. A strange feeling as I didn't feel this way when Marisa was the first one I saw the other day. With her hair damp, it seems she showered recently.

"You could sleep for a while longer if you'd like."

Perhaps it's obvious that I'm not quite a morning person to her as I'm already having trouble getting out of bed.

"A-Ah no it's okay... I just need a few moments to gather enough willpower to get up..."

If this is the usual time Alice leaves then I don't want to be the reason that's holding her back.

"Very well then, once you're ready I'll be waiting at the table. Do take your time; it's easy to trip when you're not looking."

As though she's referring to what happened the moment we first met, she reveals a small smile before walking out.

"I-I'll keep that in mind..."

Yawning into my cuffed hand, I hop off the futon and prepare for the day. Once I was finished, I move into the dining room to find Alice by the table. Two plates were upon it with buttered toast with scrambled eggs on top with a side of salad.

"It smells really nice."

Nothing like the smell of toast in the morning, just thinking about it is enough to make me hungry.

I move to sit against the chair; however Alice rises to intercept me.

"Yuuki, if I may."

"Umm... S-Sure..?"

Not entirely understanding what she meant, she places her hand against my head as I jolt just a little.

"A-Alice!?"

"Your hair's sticking up."

"O-Oh, it's usually like that, or should I say always like that."

Alice nods as I'm sure she realised this usual occurrence.

"I didn't say anything the first time as we were only strangers, however now I believe we're a little closer. ...Hmm, it won't stay down. Here, come with me."

Taking me by the arm, we move into the bathroom as she grabs a brush and runs it down with water. She skillfully runs the brush through my hair as the sensation was quite surreal.

"A-Alice, you don't have to do this..."

Feeling rather embarrassed to have someone like Alice treat my hair. Comparing to her, I can't compete.

"I don't have to but I choose to."

I stay silent for the few moments she continues brushing my hair before applying heat.

"There, all done."

"U-Umm, Alice... What's this?"

After placing the brush back into the draw, I take another look at the mirror as Alice places her hand against my shoulders.

"A nice fit, don't you agree?"

"It's... too cute, don't you think? Now that I think about it, I haven't worn hair accessories since junior high!"

She placed a red hairband on me and above it was a ribbon that sort of resembled bunny ears.

"It suits you. Now, let's eat before the food gets cold."

"Oh r-right!"

Taking one last look in the mirror, I felt compelled to go against Alice's goodwill so I left the hairband on and followed after her.

...

Unlike travelling with Marisa where she had her broom to fly the both of us, Alice doesn't appear to have any form of transporting other people. She leads me through the forest at a slow pace as I couldn't hear any surrounding sounds other than our footsteps. Wherever she may be she either has Shanghai or Hourai near, however this time it appears she left them at home. I wonder why.

"Hey umm, Alice?"

"Yes?"

Without looking back, she keeps moving at a slow pace.

"The forest is a dangerous place, isn't it? If I may ask, why did you make it your home?"

"It is. It's filled with many dangerous organisms, however being afraid of danger means one cannot progress beyond their limits. To stay within your safe zone will only hinder your ability to push past your barriers."

"To constantly challenge yourself... That's how you become stronger?"

She stays silent as though the answer is an obvious one. Accompanied by the magical properties of the forest itself, it really does seem like the perfect place to practice magic and grow stronger.

"With little residence in the surround proximity, it's the perfect place for a magician to live and grow."

With that sort of mindset I'm starting to understand why Marisa holds her in such high respects.

"Once we reach the forests' border there's a small antique shop called Kourindou, would you like to have a look?"

"A store that handles antiques? ...I'd like that."

...

We slowly approached the antique store as I could already spot numerous objects placed outside of it. Items what seems to be televisions, vases and boxes were scattered outside as though they're old and broken. Some had noticeable damage however many seemed to be in working order.

"This is... Kourdindou?"

"Indeed. It's an usual place to say the least, it handles all sorts of odds and ends in which I don't see many use for so I don't come here."

"A-Ahaha, is that so? Then why ask if I wanted to?"

"Perhaps it's best for me to not say."

"..."

A store that deals in odds and ends; trinkets which many wouldn't be interested in. Does that mean Alice thinks I'm strange, or unusual? Better yet, both are comparable.

"T-That's fair..."

I knock on the door once before entering with a chime of a bell. A musty smell soon becomes apparent followed by wooden furniture. Unable to spot a single soul behind the stocked counter, I proceed further in.

"Other than the smell... All this items, they remind of me of back home..."

Asides from day to day furniture in both Alice and Marisa's home, there were electronics such as clocks, tv's, RC planes and even ipods. I soon become ecstatic and closely inspect what the store has to offer.

"Alice, this place is, this place is!- ...A-Alice?"

I eagerly wanted to speak of these items to Alice; however as I look back she wasn't there. In fact she probably didn't follow me in. I head towards the door to invite Alice in however the door itself appeared to be locked or jammed, no matter how much I turned the handle and pull it didn't budge.

"A-Alice!"

My heart beat accelerates as my actions become frantic and in the corner of my eye I spot movement. With my back against the door, I hear metal dragging against the wooden floor and soon an arm appeared followed by someone in a samurai's warlord armor.

"Help me..."

"E-Ehhh?"

A rather distress voiced called from behind the intimidating mask and overall get up.

"U-Ummm, are you in trouble..?"

"What does it look like, of course I need help! What sort of sick joke would it be to be in this thing for the past hour on the floor because I can't get it off?!"

Demanding for my assistance I couldn't detect an ulterior motive so first I take off his helmet as I'm sure that'd help calm him down. I didn't expect for it be as heavy as a stack of textbooks which was rather dangerous as I could've dropped it soon after I removed it.

"Pahh, fresh air at last. Thanks a ton, but couldn't you have done so quicker?"

"W-Well, if it were so easy to remove then it wouldn't be as protective as it should be."

"That's a fair point you've made. I've deduced this is something in which you'd wear to protect yourself in. But what good does it make when you're stuck to the floor?"

I'm sure people train to wear the armor; better yet it takes strong warriors to even possess the rights to it in the first place. It's like how soldiers carry over forty kilos with them into combat which sometimes leads to injuries, quite ironic if you ask me.

"Now if you just sit still, I could try helping you out of this."

"Well do what you will. I won't be going anywhere."

A fair point.

...

After getting the man out of the samurai armor, I begin to realise that his height is rather tall, standing about as tall as Meiling. Dressed in a black and blue outfit with a small bag infront, he has white ashen hair much like Sakuya's and behind his silver frame glasses he bears sharp golden eyes. I just realiesed he's the first male I've seen since coming here.

"Right. I'll just leave that in the storage to avoid further problems. You may assist me."

"Ehhh?"

Wondering if I'm my generosity is being used; I assist the man in moving the armor to a smaller room filled with stacks of boxes. With there being close to no room to move about, he simply lays it against the floor and shuts the door. Clearly he doesn't care too much about having a neat and tidy store.

"With that out of the way. Hm, wait who are you?"

For some strange reason I feel extremely tired and it's not due to the manual labor.

"Misaki Yuuki... And ehh, you're the store owner?"

"Store owner? Ah yes, I guess it's still a store. Morichika Rinnosuke, please to make your acquaintance."

With a small bow, he adjusts his glasses before moving back behind the counter and begins to fiddle with the ornaments against it.

"Umm... I'd like to ask a question if that's okay."

"Go ahead. We all have questions we want answered. Like this thing for example, it's to contact another person from yards away and yet I can't get it to say anything."

He lays a rotary dial telephone against the counter and moves the dial with his index finger.

"Oh, haven't seen that in a long time."

He looks at me as though I'm spouting out nonsense as I move to the opposite side of the counter.

"It won't work unless this thing here is plugged into the wall with a suitable port. Though come to think of it, I haven't seen any telephone poles anywhere here."

"How did you deduce that?"

"How? Well everyone knows that right? These telephones are often seen in olden day films, it's easy to figure out how it works when you cross reference with the current ones we have today."

"Ahhh!"

Suddenly crying out whilst holding his arms up in the air, it's as though someone shocked him.

"Then what's this!?"

Something seems to have riled him up as he pulls out a VCR tape and slams it on the counter.

"A VCR tape..? It's kind of old too so you shouldn't throw it around or the film becomes loose. Better yet the case itself would crack."

"I see, then what's this?!"

He pulls out a small but bulky piece of electronic and in an instant I recognized the handheld console.

"A Gameboy... Wow, don't see much of those these days. Smartphones are taking over handheld gaming."

"I've met my rival... Ahh, fine! If you can figure out what this is and its purpose you can have this place!"

Proposing a high stake deal in which has no possible reward for him, he moves into the storage room and returns dragging something out. It sounds metallic as I'm sure the floor doesn't appreciate it.

"Here. I'll give you five minutes."

He takes a step back and folds his arms as I could only accept his offer with a dry laugh. At first glance it just looks like a large slab of metal in the shape of a box. I crouch down and take a closer inspection from the front and back as I soon figure out what it is.

"It's a computer tower... a really dated one. It contains various components that make up a computer. It's used to create and store information of various kinds; it can also be used for leisure too."

"I can't tell if you're a genius or a master in BS."

"You ask me to deduce and I did and for some reason I'm rather offended now! ...Just keep your store, I don't really want it anyways."

I rise up as I feel like I've wasted my time visiting the store, though it has been interesting seeing familiar items again, the store owner is problematic.

"Is my store that bad that you don't want it?!"

"I'm saying-! ...Hahh, never mind that. You can keep the store if you just answer a question of mine."

"Hmm a trade is it? Very well, if I answer your question then I'll have rights to the store again."

This person really is difficult to interact with.

"Have you seen a girl roughly around my age; brown hair, amber eyes, black hat, white dress shirt with a red tie, black skirt and tall brown boots?"

Pushing the computer tower back in, perhaps he didn't want to be seen thinking. Or maybe he wasn't thinking anything at all.

"I don't see many people out here, no one wants to be outside the village unless they're-... Is she a Youkai?"

"She's human."

Though that's what I'd like to think, these past few days I've been exposed to numerous Youkai's with supernatural powers. No, Renko-senpai's human, she has to be.

"A human alone wouldn't last long way out here, is she a missing person from the village?"

"U-Umm no... It's a special case, but if you haven't seen her then that's fine. See you, Morichika-san."

"Oh, you're leaving?"

I make for the door as Morichika-san offers to open it, unlike before where it was jammed; it appears there's a certain procedure you have to follow for it to open, perhaps because it's an old door that needs fixing.

"Well then, see you later, Misaki. Oh and have this."

He pulls out a tube from his pocket and offers it to me as I accept it questioningly.

"I can see that you're human, you shouldn't stray too far from the village yourself. Though I'm sure there's something here that I'm not getting, stay safe. I wouldn't want you to get eaten out there. At least, not around my store."

"A-Ah yes... Thank you, Morichika-san."

...

"Alice!"

I call out to her as she simply sat atop of one of the boxes whilst reading a book.

"Hm, all done?"

Hopping off, she dusts her dress and walks towards me as she soon became interested with the item in my hand.

"A gift?"

"S-Something like that? He's a little strange, but I guess he means well."

A half-filled tube of jelly beans, I'm not so sure what the meaning behind it is but perhaps it's a gift to be on friendly terms.

"He's the one who looked after Marisa when she ran away. He's not someone I'd choose to talk to so I stayed out of it."

"I-I can understand that. But he looked after Marisa? I expected them to be a little more responsible and older... A lot older."

We continue to proceed towards the human village as I take in the scenery around me with a few jelly beans melting away with each bite. I don't exactly like jelly beans, however it's been quite some time since I've had some sweets.

"He's half Youkai and argues that he's from the outside world, however he could never prove his belief."

"So he's like me..? Is that why you seem indifferent when I said I'm from the outside world?"

"I can see that your case is different to his so I choose to believe you until proven otherwise."

While it stings just a bit that she still doubts me, I can't blame her. If someone from my world said they're from a magical land, I'd think they're just having eighth grade syndrome.

...

After walking for what seems to be half an hour from Kourdindou, we may have reached the village a lot sooner if we quickened our pace. However, it appears that Alice was in no rush as it was rather calming to walk side by side someone in silence. Perhaps she just wanted me to get my bearings and remember the way to and from the village.

"We're almost there, Yuuki."

Suddenly speaking, we come across a small hill and just over it I could well in doubt see a large village. With farm land surrounding it, it looks very self-sustained as I begin wondering just how life is there. I imagine it to be rather different from back home, even if it is considered a human village.

"So that's the village... I wonder if I'll find any trace of her."

"Well, we won't know until you begin snooping around. That is what you do best, is it not?"

With a small suppressed laugh at the end of her sentence, I wasn't too sure if she was simply teasing me or not. The performance I did at the Hakurei Shrine was quite embarrassing now that I think about it.

"I-It's not like I chose to do it or anything... Well maybe I did but saying I'm snooping makes it seem like I'm up to no good."

"You could bring about an incident if you're not careful however. Being's from different places tend to attract unwanted guest. Whilst it may have attracted a troublesome Vampire, there are things much more dangerous that you should be aware of. So if I may ask, keep both eyes out."

"...Mm, I will, Alice. Thank you."

I bow just a slight as I'm soon greeted with a small nod. Alice may keep her distance just a slight, even if she has mentioned that we've gotten closer, I feel like she's not exactly opening up to me. However, I don't exactly mind that. I know she doesn't think ill of me, because if she did, she wouldn't have warned me several times to be on the lookout for trouble.

She gestures for me to follow her as we make our way into the village. Passing by numerous normal looking people by the farmland, we cross a sturdy wooden bridge which acts like the main entrance to the village as it becomes rather rowdy from the signs of life.

"Welcome to the Human Village, Yuuki."

With Alice acting as my own personal tour guide, I stare rather amazed at how old fashioned it all seemed. The village dates back just a bit with dirt paved roads, however the buildings appear to be well maintained and made from a mixture of stone and wood.

"I'll be visiting several stops, you're welcome to follow if you'd like, or start investigating on your own."

"Oh, n-no... I'll follow; I'm sort of interested in what the village has to offer."

And because the thought of being alone again makes me feel rather uneasy.

"Very well, I'm sure you'll be familiar with some of the items this place has to offer."

Following behind Alice in small steps, numerous individuals greet her the moment they see her as she too greets them back with a small wave and courteous smile. With Alice being a regular visitor, I guess it's normal for her to have a few acquaintances and friends here as I'm sure it's her natural demeanor that draws people's interest.

"Oh well if it isn't Alice, here for some supplies again?"

Our first stop seems to be a small store which specialists in materials; specifically cloth as a large range is displayed behind the counter. A bald man who appears to be in his late thirties with a sturdy build greets us with a toothpick in his mouth as it doesn't quite fit the image of the store.

"Indeed, just the usual if you wouldn't mind."

"Righto! Thanks again for your continued support, if it weren't for you I'm afraid I may have to invest into a little side business, haha!"

Pulling numerous coloured pieces of cloth out as well as sewing needles, threads, chalks and pins places them all within a bag. Upon further inspection perhaps this store specialises in the essentials for sewing.

"It must be hard to maintain, I do hope it gets easier for you."

After paying for the items she places it in her hand basket as the clerk laughs once more as I believe we were finished, however, Alice brings him to my attention as he curiously looks at me.

"Oh who do we have here? A new face it seems, how's it going?"

"A-Ah, g-going well I guess... and you?"

"That's great, for me it's going rather splendidly. So, are you going to be a regular here too? If you are I'll offer up to 10% for your continued support!"

"A-Ah no I don't sew or anything as nice as that..."

"Oh! Well then if it ain't business you're after, then how may I be of service, miss?"

I explain to him that I'm looking for someone as he takes a moment to think about it with an elapsed; "hmmmm", before shaking his head.

"Nah sorry, can't say I've seen the girl, then again I have trouble remembering my ol' wife sometimes, haha!"

"T-That's quite... dangerous. Thanks for giving me some of your time."

"No sweat, I sure hope you find her though. See ya again; it's nice to meet a friend of Alice."

Waving him goodbye, Alice proceeds to her next destination.

"He's quite the interesting character..."

"Indeed, it's not the first time that thought crossed my mind. It'd be more fitting for the man to be a carpenter. Hmm, for the next stop perhaps you'd like to have a look around in there."

"Oh, is it something I'd like too?"

Given a few moments to ponder about it we arrive at a fruit shop as I get a little excited at discovering produce that I'm not familiar with. However, just scanning through them all, it seems very ordinary as I'm unable to detect new fruit names.

"Hmm..."

Inspecting an orange at the stand, it really is like an orange; somewhat round and fits into the palm of my hand.

"I feel a bit betrayed."

After being introduced to something new at Meilings garden, it seems I got my hopes up.

"Interested in some oranges, Yuuki?"

"W-Wahh!"

Fumbling the orange in my hand, it drops as Alice manages to save it at knee level with one hand.

"...Sakuya reflex."

"Hmm?"

"I-It's nothing! O-Oranges are very high in vitamin C, i-it prevents skin wrinkles and all that bad stuff. Clearly it's a fruit for us girls, right?"

Going off on a small rant, I felt extremely compelled to quickly take Alice's mind off my remark.

"So it is."

She picks a few perfectly good oranges out and places it in a bag before moving onto other products as I breathe a sigh of relief.

"Thank you oranges. I'll savour you if I could."

After showing gratitude to the oranges, I follow behind Alice as she already has multiple different fruits in her grasp as she's checking the ripeness of lemons. Even such a natural aspect of life, Alice makes it look so serene. Perhaps it's to do with being a Magician and yet she looks rather normal when she's like this; like us humans.

...

On our way to her next destination, we run into a small group of children consisting of two girls and one boy, the moment they first caught a glimpse of her, they came running excitedly with smiles.

"Alice, hey Alice! Hey, are you going to perform again?~"

They all gather around Alice as they look extremely pleased to see her.

"Not quite. I'm only here to shop."

"Ehhhh?~ If not now then when are you going to, we've been waiting for so long!"

"Hmm. The next festival, how does that sound? I'm currently busy with my own things."

"Ehhh? The next festival?! ...Okay, but you said it yourself, Alice! When the next festival is held, you'll come and perform!"

With bright smiles, they soon leave Alice to her business as they run off with loud chatter. Alice too looks over them until they disappear as I can't help but wonder what performance they're talking about.

"Do you perform here, Alice?"

I pictured Alice to be focusing on her research as much as possible, so I didn't think she'd do performances.

"Whenever I have the time for them. It first started as a mere one off thing to test my new dolls at a festival and nothing more. However, it appears children like those three has taken a liking to them."

Steadily walking ahead, I'm unsure of how Alice really feels about it, however, I don't think she hates it. To take her time off and perform for children and adults alike, I think that's a praiseworthy thing.

"Oh, that's nice... I wish I could see it someday."

It's not as if I only said that because I'm expected to, or a way to sound courteous; it's what I truly feel. I wouldn't mind if my words simply drifted into the wind as we continue forth, however Alice's movement stops as she turns to me.

"By the time the next festival is held, I presume you'll be long gone by then."

"...Mm, though..."

Looking up towards the sky, I see feathered creatures flying overhead. Birds, they come and go, however if something takes their interest, they'll land and further inspect it; sometimes even taking it with them on their journey.

"I know, but it's what I want."

Looking back at Alice, I begin thinking of the times we've spent together. For the good and worse of times, ever since my stay here, time hasn't been dull but filled with excitement. There may be dangers but some argue that's just part of life's journey. Even if I'm afraid, scared or insecure; what will happen once I leave? It's funny; that my initial thought was to leave this world as soon as possible with Renko-senpai and never look back.

"I see."

With a small nod, she hangs the basket on her arm as she steps towards me.

"The when the time comes for you leave our world; I'll put on a personal performance for you."

She places her hands against my cheeks while tilting her head just a slight with a genuine smile.

"!?"

My body reacts with a jolt as I'm left speechless and embarrassed.

"A-Ah..."

Unable to look directly at her, I look towards the sky once more as a figure soon catches my interest.

"W-W... Is that..?"

Alice too takes interest in it as she follows my eyes. A hat that resembles Renko-senpai's; no that's not it… the hat matches the one from memory. But the owner of it is nowhere to be seen; in fact the one who's currently wearing it resembles a child as they soar through the skies