A/N: I'm sorry I haven't updated in so long! University work is killing me. -_-;; Anyway, instead of posting up just one chapter, it will be two chapters! Yay! I hope you enjoy reading these next two chapters- suggestions and constructive criticisms are always welcome.

For those who reviewed last time:

CG Anna Marie- Thank you for the compliments. I really appreciate them. I will continue to make my writing meet your expections.

Mogui- You are very perceptive. I see most of myself in Ami- which is why I like her character so much. I am a thinker, but I definitely don't have a genius IQ =P. I wish I did though- then studying for school would be so much easier. ^_^ I think the term "shy bookworm" describes me best.

Grey Wolf4- Thank you for the kind review and I'm glad you like the Trowa/Ami coupling and my interpretation of 'Beauty and the Beast'.

** Now on to the story!**

Chapter Two: Mystery

**Inside the Library**

Ami prepared herself to drown out the outside world with books. After returning the book to the librarian, she headed over to the history section.

Being the curious girl she was, Ami wanted to learn all about her new home. What better way to start than reading up on its history? Her sharp eyes expertly scanned over the various volumes. The books gave off an old yet comforting smell, as if they existed for ages of time passed.

Ami's lovely face lighted up with joy. One particular book stood out from the rest. It was quietly tucked away into the corner, so thin that it could not be seen unless one looked carefully. There was no title or author's name on either the spine or cover. Strangely enough, it was in perfect condition. No flaws or even a speck of dust. The cover was black and smooth, not cloth-bound like the rest in the library.

Despite its innocent appearance, Ami sensed weird vibes radiating from the book. Her curiosity increased tenfold, she ignored the nagging feeling in her heart. Ami battled with her conscience.

Maybe you shouldn't read this book. You may learn more than what you want to know.

But knowledge is not something to be afraid of.

Sometimes it brings trouble.

Knowledge can be good or bad, depending on how it's used.

It may haunt you.

I am not afraid!

Argument closed, Ami settled into a chair and began reading. In blood-red script, the book seemed to talk to her:

"The forest outside of this town holds many secrets. To those who are new to the area, I suggest you do not go into the forest at night for any reason. People had gone into this forest and some have not returned. The forest is cursed by a dark power.

You may laugh, but this is not a funny matter. For you see, this town hides it own dark secret. The current forest has not always been dark and menacing. It was beautiful and full of life, but no more. Dark creatures rule, and unidentified howls can be heard in the air. Those howls do not belong to ordinary wolves.

A gray mist covers the entire forest, clouding out the sight. Do not fall prey to the mist. The interior of the forest is so dark at night that one cannot see the sky above, much less the moon. Beware of strange glowing lights; they are the souls of trapped spirits. They are spiteful of the living, and do not hesitate to add one more to their kind. Luckily fewer had been spotted recently, but that does not lessen the danger.

There is an ancient castle located at the center of the forest. It used to be a kingdom, but the long years of time erased that memory from everyone's minds except mine... A prince used to live in the castle, but the prince mysteriously disappeared.

Rumor has it that a huge beast of unknown origin now resides in the forest. It roams at night, searching for something. What the beast actually is, no one knows.

If you do happen to go into the forest, then take caution. First of all, do not be afraid. The dark forest thrives on fear. Second, do not panic. The forest is only scary at night. Daylight will reach inside the forest. And most important of all, bring a source of light with you. Without light, you stand little chance of finding your way.

Take heed and be careful."

-Signed, Time Keeper

A creepy chill spread throughout Ami's body. It felt like the writer of the book was giving instructions to her! She remembered her first impression of the forest: dark and foreboding. But at the same time she was attracted to its mystery. No wonder no one in this town would talk about the forest.

Who is the Time Keeper anyway? Yet she did not doubt the credibility of the book. It sounded too serious to be joking. Wanting to learn more, Ami flipped to the next page. Nothing. She scanned through the other pages: all blank. Disappointed, Ami went back to the first page and read it again.

The second reading only served to make her more confused than ever. Trapped spirits, ancient castle, a missing prince, and an unknown beast do not make any sense to her. Ami placed the book in its proper spot in the shelf. She wasn't in the mood for reading anymore.

Ami quietly left the library without checking out a single book. Her mind was too occupied what she had just read. She returned to an empty home as usual. Her mother was out doing house calls. A note was left on the dinner table:

Dear Ami,

I won't be home for a few days because I got called outside of town. I am traveling on the road that leads into the forest. Don't worry; someone is traveling with me. I'm sorry I couldn't be here for your birthday. Happy 17th Birthday, Ami.

Love, Mom

"That's ok, Mom," Ami softly replied.

The note wasn't the only thing on the table. A postcard was also waiting for her.

Birthday always means a postcard from Father. How did he know about the new address? Ami dismissed that thought from her mind. Father always had his ways. The postcard read:

Happy Birthday Ami. As you know, I'm still traveling from place to place looking for inspiration. I hope you and your mother are well. The picture
in the front is my painting of the place I'm currently staying in.
-Father

Ami's blue eyes widen. Father never drew a picture of where he was staying. She quickly turned the postcard over and gasped in surprise. The picture wasn't what she expected. It was dark and dreary. A black castle stood forbiddingly in the background. Dark, withered branches of numerous gnarled trees covered the landscape. The foliage looked exactly like the trees that make up the forest around her town!

What was Father doing in a place like that?

Ami inspected the postcard more closely. Could the black castle be the ancient castle the book had talked about earlier? Is the forest in the postcard really the same as the one surrounding this town? Questions like those raced through her mind. But then she remember something much more important. Her mom was passing through the same exact forest!

She prayed that Mom would make it through the forest safely.