We walked along the path leading outside Sicilia Federation. On the way, we encountered another forest.

"What! Not another one!" Asuka stamped her foot on the ground.
I giggled. "Like I said, Niraland has a lot of greenery."

We entered the forest. Something seemed off about it. Though it was nighttime, the interior of the forest was bright and daylight peeked through the gaps between the trees.

"Does anyone else find it strange that it seems like daytime here?" Hotaru asked.

"Yeah, it feels weird. But the forest looks beautiful," I said.

"I'm starving!" Asuka cried out. "Yeah, so am I..." Hotaru said. "Let's search for something to eat here," I suggested.

We began searching for any type of fruits and nuts that we could find. However, we found various unusual-looking mushrooms and decided we should dig in.

Asuka collected some twigs and started making a fire. "Nice idea," I smiled. "Sometimes she gives the best ideas," Hotaru giggled.

We roasted the mushrooms on the fire and started consuming it. It was delicious! These may look different, but they taste just like the mushrooms back at home.

I suddenly paused. "Asuka... Hotaru..."
"Yeah?" They looked at me.

"Thank you..."

They stared at me, confused by my sudden words. "Thank you? For what?"

"For jumping in after me...Back in the attic...when I passed through the mirror, you jumped after me without thinking twice. Thank you..."

They both stared at me for a while then broke into laughter.

"Huh?"

"So, you wanted to thank us for something like that?" Hotaru wiped a tear from her eye.
"Hotaru are you crying?" I asked her, concerned.

"No, it's just that...you have always been there for me. Now is my chance to prove that I am worthy of your friendship," the brunette said, looking down.

"Natsu, remember the time when I was being bullied by some mean kids?" This time Asuka spoke up.
"Yeah?"
"You stood up before the bullies. You went up against them just to protect your friend. I felt so happy that day that I had a friend like you, Natsu."

"You guys..." Now it was my turn to hold back a sob.

I quickly got up from my place and embraced my two best friends. "Thank you! That means a lot to me!"

"Natsu..." they returned my hug.

"You are a wonderful friend, Natsu. Always stay like this."
"Yeah, you're our best friend!"
"I am sure you would be able to defeat the dark witch. You are strong..."

I felt blessed having friends like them. It feels as if my existence has been completed.

"A friend who looks after you
is a gift of your love...
Every time you smile
they will feel your warmth..."

We heard someone sing. We looked around for the source of the song.

I was mesmerized by the voice. I got up and started following the sound till I reached deep into the woods in a large clearing.

A young woman stood in the middle of the open area. Her entire body was basked under the warm light.

She continued...

"When friends are there
you are no longer sad...
With the light of friendship
you can move ahead..."

"Umm, excuse me," I interrupted her.

She opened her eyes and smiled. "Friendship is a wonderful bond, don't you agree?"
"Yes, it is," I smiled back.

"I am the forest hostess...You can call me Aya."
"Miss Aya, your song was beautiful. You have a wonderful voice!" I chirped.
"Do you often sing like this?" Hotaru asked.

"Songs are my life. As long as I sing, I am alive."

"But why is it so bright in here although it is nighttime?"
"This is called the Day Forest, here it is always bright and sunny even if it is nighttime outside."

"I see." I was amazed.

"Natsu..." Miss Aya raised her hand towards my chin.
"Huh? How do you know my name?"
She giggled.

"I know everything about you... the Queen Fairy has sent you on a mission. To defeat the dark witch..."

"Do you think I can?" I asked for a hopeful answer.

She let out a gentle smile and then disappeared. "Wait! Where did you do?" I frantically searched for her.
"What a weird woman!" Asuka made a face.

Then we heard her voice echoing throughout the forest,"Always look after your friends..."

I smiled. "Yes, I will, because..." I held my friends' hands and looked up. "I love them!"

Soon, we got out of the forest.
"Natsu, let's ask the scroll where to go next," Hotaru suggested.
"Yeah."

I took out the scroll and asked, "Where to go next?"

A writing appeared on the scroll:

"Watch your steps
Or the consequences could be dire...
The next place to go
Will be the Celestial Empire..."

"Celestial Empire, huh?"
"Let's start for the Celestial Empire tomorrow morning," I suggested.
"Yeah! Till then, let's sleep!" Asuka threw her body on the soft grass and fell fast asleep.

"What a weirdo..." Hotaru muttered.

I giggled and held Hotaru's hand. "We three would never be apart."

Hotaru smiled,"Yeah."

Thus we slept on the soft grass right outside the Day Forest... unaware what was about to come down our path next. The twinkling stars shone beautifully in the sky.