June 12th, The Woods, Near midnight

[independent_dollmaker]

[Well, if they didn't want kids exploring the woods, maybe they should have said why!

Hiroshi, Alice, Nui, Osaka, Chiyoko, Maya, Minako and Maria advance through the darkness. It's not as creepy as Alice was expecting, honestly. She told her parents that she was visiting Maria, and wouldn't be back until late, and they seemed happy enough that she was spending time with friends to not ask too many questions. Her main contribution to the exploration party: A flashlight!

Alice looks up, quietly noting the moonless sky. Good luck, hearing about this whole thing the day before a new moon.]

So, I never did get a clear answer on whether or not there are bears in this area.

Comments

[itwasfeyt]

[Maya was having the smallest amount of trouble, making her way through the woods with her friends. Her sandals weren't exactly the most functional footwear ever, don't you know?

Still, she was looking forward to this. She'd came decked out in her full uniform, complete with Magatama. She was the groups top - and only - source of spiritual knowledge! She had to look her best.]

I've never seen a bear around here... I don't think.

[independent_dollmaker]

Is seeing a bear something you can be unsure about?

[itwasfeyt]

Yeah. It could have been a really hairy bush for all I know.

[independent_dollmaker]

Either way, it sounds like I'm not the only one who's felt like exploring this place, even if we're not supposed to.

[itwasfeyt]

See? If you're told to not do something, it just makes you want to do it more!

[independent_dollmaker]

Do you think we really are going to see a witch?

[itwasfeyt]

We won't know for sure if we don't try, right? Who knows! We might just get some wishes granted while we're at it.

[She leans in, a conspiratorial look on her face.] So, what are you gonna wish for?

[independent_dollmaker]

[IMMEDIATE BLUSH]

Ah, nothing important... I mean, I haven't decided yet. We'll see.

[itwasfeyt]

Oh, okay! But make sure it's a good wish. It's not like you get to have a wish granted every day, right?

[She winks and tilts her head.]

Make sure it's ready for the witch-ghost!

[independent_dollmaker]

I-I'm sure I'll think of something, so you don't need to worry about me! Really.

[loveandwillpower]

Maybe you just saw Mr. Yamada with his shirt off.

[ Mr. Yamada runs the town's general store/mini-mart equivalent and has the hairiest arms known to mankind. ]

[itwasfeyt]

[....Maya has to... lean against a tree for a moment.

Give her a moment please.]

[loveandwillpower]

...Yeah, if they really wanted to keep kids out of the forest, they'd just have to tell us that Mr. Yamada has his nude sweat lodge out here somewhere.

[ Minako has grabbed her normally very vivid imagination and stuffed it under a rock for this conversation. ]

[itwasfeyt]

[It took Maya a moment, but she finally found words.]

Let's... not and say we did, alright?