Chapter 1: A Child's Playfulness

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She stood at the mouth of the forest, drinking in the familiarity of the sight in front of her. The trees stood at their place, their leaves, gold, red, and orange danced to the fall air, mirroring memories she had years ago. The pathway through the forest is covered with dried leaves, waiting for her to cross it.

The woman sighed deeply, her heart sped up as a chill ran up her spine. She took a step in the entrance of the forest, and began to start her familiar journey...

''''''''''''''

Giggles and squeals interrupted the silence of the forest. A young girl that is not older than seven stood at the entrance of the woods.. "Hurry up, Vicki! You are too slow!" The girl told her friend impatiently, yet a bit of playfulness laced in her voice.

"I'm coming! I'm coming." Another girl with golden hair that shone in the setting Sun called over to her friend. As she finally reached her friend on top of the hill, her body slumped forward, her palms on her bent knees, supporting her weight.

"Wha...what are we even here for, Marielle?" The girl asks her friend breathlessly.

"Well, Valeriya, that is a surprise." Marielle told her, giggling. She turned to the forest and walked in. She beckons Victoria to follow. Victoria straightened up, adjusting her backpack from her shoulders.

Victoria sighs deeply, her shoulders slumping. "Can't we do this tomorrow? Or any other day? Besides, it is about to be night." She reasoned and looks at the sky, where the Sun began to slowly dip down.

"It will be fast! I promise! When I show you the surprise, you wouldn't even realise it's night!" Marielle said, almost as if it was a plead.

Victoria groaned and threw her head back, letting out a irritated "fine," and enters the forest with her friend. Marielle lets out a proud "yay" and grabbed Victoria's hand.

" Don't worry, I will show you something you will never forget" Marielle said, back facing towards her friend. Her grip tightens on her hand as they began to walk deep into the forest.

'''''''''''''

It took a while to reach their destination. As they walked, they admire the life that surrounds the forest. They pointed at beautiful birds that flew over them (Victoria mostly named most of them).

Then, as minutes passed, Marielle lets go of Victoria's hand and ran up ahead along the pathway and turned her direction.

"Marielle! Wait up!" Victoria shouts, running behind her. "God! How energetic are you?!" She said between heavy breaths.

She was able to reach her friend, who already stopped at her tracks. Marielle turned to her friend, giving her a toothy smile. "We're here."

''''''''''''''''''

Her palms were drenched with sweat as she continued to walk down the path. An uncomfortable, tingling sensation pooled in her stomach. Each heavy step felt like she was walking on fire.

Once she felt like she is close to her destination, her heart thumped painfully in her chest. She felt her hands tremble and her mind screaming her to stop and go back, but her legs says otherwise.

Finally she there. Standing in front of the old structure. Mocking her in anyway, despite such ancient frame. Everything stayed at their place. Nothing at all has changed.

Except for the missing presence besides her...

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

It was an old cobbled stone cottage. Vines has covered most of it, blocking the doorway. A small, wooden fence has built at the side of the cottage, surrounding herbs and wildflowers. A small patch of garden flowers were planted in front of the old cottage, just a few meters away. Though, the scenery was beautiful, it was odd that the only stone pathway connecting the main door only lead to an old, mossy wishing well that only stood alone by the wall of birch trees.

"Uhh..Marielle? How did you find this place?" Victorian asked her friend, observing their setting.

Marielle puts a finger on her chin, tapping it. "Well, Potato ran loose and he went to the woods. I followed that dumb, fat cat and came through here. That's it." She finished by shrugging her shoulders. "I only looked at the garden, but not that weird house. I wanted to save the fun with you." Victoria felt her cheeks heat up a bit, embarrassed at her friend's comment

"Now let's have the time of our lives!" The tanned girl roared and made her way in front of the vine-covered oak door.

Victoria followed close behind, her heart jumping skittishly and as well as excitement.

Marielle began to pull on the thick vines, trying to rip them out, but no avail.

"Vi-Victoria, could you help me out here?"

"Yeah, okay." Victoria stood next to her friend and gripped the thick vines. "On three," The blonde instructed. "One, two, three!" WIth all their strength, they pulled, their bodies leaned backwards and their heels digged into the earth. Suddenly, a loud snap rung through the forest walls. The vines had ripped harshly that it sends both girls flying and landed hard on their rears.

"Oof!" Both grunted painfully as they landed on the hard dirt. Marielle head swirled as she tried to regain the balance in her vision, hissing at the painful sting in her palms. Her palms were blistered, the brightness of red taunting her.

As Victoria recovered, she noticed the pained expression on her friend's face and immediately rushed to her side. "Ma-Marielle! Are you alright? Does your hands hurt that bad?" The blond asked frantically, searching around her surroundings as if there is anything that could be in use.

"I'm fin--"

"Oh! I have some bandages in my pack. I'll fix you up in no time!" Victoria said, interrupting her friend. She took her purple bag off her shoulders and zipped a small pocket open, grabbing a roll of bandages. "Here, give me your hand."

Marielle looked reluctant at the moment, staring at the bandages as it was a threat. However, she gave in. Victoria wrapped the bandage on Marielle's small hand professionally, ending it with a neat bow.

"There, perfect..." Victoria said, satisfied at her handiwork. Marielle suddenly jumped up, surprising her friend.

"What are you standing there for? Come on, we don't have that much time. Let's go in!" Marielle chirped and walked in front of the red door, grasping the decorated golden knob. She looked back at Victoria who stood behind her, her blue eyes widened with curiosity and desire.

With the turn of the knob and the creak of the door, a new life began.

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Note:  This is a new version of Witch Hunt.  This is what made me more satisfied more than the last. Also if you preferred the previous story, than I am sorry. However, I have been improving my art more and will post some in here. 

Please comment on what you think of this new version and vote if you like it, leave if you don't. I also accept constructive criticism. (^-^(^0^)/

Have a good day/night (6^6)!!!!!

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