Chapter 1: Return to the Forest is a Bad Idea

Kiku sighed as he finished his tea, setting his glass down before opening his eyes to stare across the table at his friend.

"So Arthur-san, you've heard my story. Will you return to the forest with me to take a look around?"

"Well I certainly would love to!" Arthur smiled. "Tell me though, did Alfred seem worried about the woman?"

"Not in the slightest." he shook his head. "But he usually isn't bothered by many things."

"True… Well, why don't we go ahead and check it out then?"

"Hai." he stood, walking quickly outside. It only took a few minutes for them to be at the treeline of the notorious forest, and Kiku felt that feeling from before begin to hit him again. He led his friend past government signs - and after a few feet - off the path. Before long he began to feel dizzy, and had to lean against a tree. That's when Arthur gasped, his hand shooting up to point out a fog rolling amongst the trees.

"Kiku!" he grabbed his arm. "Kiku-"

But he pulled away. Unblinking, the Japanese man walked forward, leaving Arthur to look after him in shock.

At least, until a familiar voice was heard, making their gazes shoot up.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you~!" the men watched the woman seemingly appear from nowhere, though it seemed Arthur was a bit more shocked as he fell to the ground trying to back away a little too fast. She pulled a clearly handmade Tengu mask from her face, long strands of hair pouring from her head. Now it was clear to Kiku that his previous delusion was much more than that, as his view of her flickered between a lovely brown eyed brunette and a ghostly pale red eyed, white haired woman. Her white robes lifted on a breeze as she stalked forward, glancing over the two but letting her gaze linger on Kiku.

"You're back? And with a new friend this time." she chuckled. "He seems frightened, poor boy."

Arthur gulped, shaking as he stared at her. "W-wings…"

Her gaze darkened. "Shoo."

Kiku watched in shock as his friend scurried to his feet, fleeing to the entrance of the forest. The woman's gaze turned on him then, but softened.

"If you have returned, have you heard the forest's call?"

"Call?" he tried to keep his voice steady.

"The forest calls to certain people, but only one every few generations. If you have heard it, you would be the first in two hundred years."

"I…" he took a step toward her. "Is it significant?"

"Maybe, but if you value your health I would suggest never returning."

"I can't accept that."

"I suggest you learn to." And she was gone again.