I realize it's actually been nearly a year since I first arrived in Concordia! I need to update my log more often, it seems. Reclusa had stopped pestering me after that day, so I believe that it was simply my mind playing tricks on me. Those who are smart tend to fall to insanity a lot easier than others. And if I'm wrong...I am a Wattanist after all, not a scientist of the mind.

I arrived to the lesson earlier than I was supposed to, so I had extra time to pick the flowers she loved. I waited on the steps to the Lighthouse for her to arrive. She was going to tell me about the lighthouses today, and said it would lead into a bigger lesson. I could hardly sit still. I found myself fiddling with my clothes, hands, gloves, sleeves, and the leaves on the flowers I'd plucked for her as a way to distract myself.

She arrived a few minutes late, and seemed a bit shocked when I told her I showed up extra early to give her flowers. She simply smiled and explained those flowers, the ones she loved dearly, were rare.

I was deeply mortified. I failed to do my studies correctly since she appeared in my life. I couldn't believe that I may be the cause of an extinction of flower! She stayed calm despite my worry and comforted me, calling me her little sprout.

This is completely unprofessional.

How could I have feelings for my teacher? It didn't matter we were around the same age, she was teaching me, and I was learning under her. It would be as if a boss and coworker had feelings for each other...It felt wrong. But I knew I couldn't make my feelings go away. After all, they were real emotions; you cannot just wish them away and walk off as if nothing happened.

I settled on an idea. I would wait until my lessons would come to an end. Then...then I would tell her, truthfully, how I felt. I had a feeling, deep down, that she would turn me down, and I was slightly relieved by the idea of her doing so. But I also wanted her to accept it. I knew it was sinful, really, but that's the cost of being imperfect. I assumed that at least telling my feelings to her, declined or not, would help me rid these haunting thoughts.

The only way I was able to stay within her later lessons was when she told me about odd Sprite Bulbs.

She touched one, gently. "Zokket, do you know what this is?"

"A Sprite Bulb. Although, this one looks sickly and faded." I crouched down to examine it closer, drawing an image of it within my mind. I rotated the image around in my mind as I imagined the red hue specifically in order to picture it exact, then realized I was spacing off.

"These are called Spite Bulbs. They...they're Sprite Bulbs that run on stale energy they've stored over time. But these aren't naturally-occurring. Something must be wrong with the Uni-Tree."

"The Uni-Tree is strong," I mentioned, obviously denying any thought of something being wrong. "So whatever it is, the tree should be fine. It has lasted this long, right?"

"These haven't been seen in thousands of years," Cozette continued, ignoring my statement. "Last time they were visible, the Uni-Tree was murdered."

"...Murdered? But who would do such a thing as that?"

"I'm not sure. We must keep a closer eye on the Uni-Tree. That means your lessons have finished, I suppose. If something is wrong, we may not be able to finish them if we continue at this rate. Once the Uni-Tree starts dying, the rest of Concordia follows after. So your final lesson is to join me at the Uni-Tree. We'll see, then, if you can understand the Uni-Tree and become a Wattanist."

"My lessons are finished, then?" I checked.

"Yes. After all, you've proven to be smart and understanding. I think it's safe to end our lessons early. My other student, however, will have to continue her lessons even if Concordia starts dying. She's proven to be quite the Wattanist already, despite being so young. If anything happens, I know she'll be alright, and she'll be able to bring Concordia back to its glory."

She started off, and I realized I was loosing my chance to explain myself to her.

I quickly followed behind her, trying to think of a proper way to word my feelings. Stricken with dread that things will go horribly wrong, I stayed silent throughout most of the journey to the Uni-Tree. I eventually found my courage and voice, and asked Cozette to stop for a moment.

She faced me. "What is it? If you're nervous, I can understand. We all are when it comes to being judged by the Uni-Tr-"

I shook my head quickly. "It's not the Uni-Tree, Cozette. I have a confession to make. I know it's wrong of me, but I believe telling you this might relieve some of that heaviness on my chest."

She seemed a bit confused, so I continued.

"Cozette, this is very unprofessional and inappropriate, but I have feelings for you. I have for a bit now, and that's why I tried to bring you those flowers."

She simply chuckled at me. "Zokket, I had a feeling you did. You could never look me in the eyes and you seemed awfully flustered the first time we met. Unfortunately, I don't feel the same way towards you."

"I expected that."

"Thank you for telling me. Are you alright?"

I hesitated for a moment. I was correct, I did feel better. Yes, she did turn me down, but I would have to find somebody who I loved more than her before those feelings could completely vanish. "I feel better about this now. I had a feeling this would happen so that is why I wanted to share that." I had stuttered and tripped over my own words a million times around her; but for once, I was fine looking her in the eyes and speaking directly to her.

"That's great to hear. Love can be a confusing emotion. Try your best not to be wrapped in its vines, alright? Shall we continue, now that you're feeling better?"

I checked for my notes...only to find I'd left them behind. "Drat! You can go on ahead. I'll catch up with you shortly."

"Are you sure? You have a habit of getting lost..."

I nodded. "I've memorized every route to and from the Uni-Tree. I can make it there on my own now. I won't keep you waiting long."

"Alright. Be careful."