Yuki left Castle Phantasm with felicity, gratified at her mission’s success and having been freshened up at the castle’s sophisticated baths. The burning glare of the midday sun however, smote her with slight discomfort. Her only solace was the meager shade from the grimoire that she placed above her head. Having just earned her jewels for the day, the lady decided to make her way towards the piazza for some refreshment.

The city’s slow-paced lifestyle somehow captured Yuki’s affection for Oak. Its streets weren't as crowded as some other towns and the town’s merchants were much laid back as opposed to the much busier cities. Her thirst for adventures might be boundless but nothing consoles her more than a serene place to always retreat to.

Her earnings might still be meager to say the least but for Yuki, a hard earned wage is enough to quench her pride. It pleased her to realize that she wasn’t that helpless at all. It was enough to somehow ease her out of her guilt. Of her frailty and worthlessness that she deemed to be the cause of her clan’s slaughter. Before she could be drowned into despair, Yuki brushed the thought out of her mind, consoling herself with the luscious delicacies that now captured her sight.

“Uhmmm I’ll have three of those.” Yuki remarked, pointing her fingers on some cream cheese croissants that were on display. The merchant smiled, placing Yuki’s requested breads on a paper bag with the help of a wooden tong and handed them over to the lady. Yuki then returned a smile handling some jewels for her purchase.

As she turned, Yuki was met with an imploring graze from a young boy dressed in ragged clothes. Being once a street dweller herself, Yuki couldn’t help but to pity the kid’s forlorn appearance. Though silent, the boy’s gaze upon Yuki’s paper bag implied that he was begging for food. Willfully, Yuki pulled one of the croissants out of the bag. She smiled, gently handling the food to the hungry kid. Much to her dismay however, the boy quickly ran away upon snatching the bread out of her hand. She sighed in disappointment but simply brushed it off, somehow contented that she was able to help someone. With that, she pulled out another bread and stuffed her mouth with the luscious delight.

Yuki enjoyed herself, hopping on every food stall there was on the piazza. She munched on every treat that appeared new to her. She seemed pleased with most of the food but disgusted with a few. Overall however, her experience appeared to be filled with utmost delight as she continued her small food expedition.

As she dawdled around the piazza, the sobbing of what appeared to be a little girl suddenly caught her attention. The little girl stood at the center of the piazza alone, with most of the people simply standing to stare at the weeping child.

Moved by the girl’s tears, Yuki hastily approached her. “What’s wrong sweetie?” Yuki asked, offering a cloth to wipe the girl’s tears.

“I can’t find my mommy!” The girl continued sobbing, rubbing her teary eyes with her fists.

“Well, where did you last see her?” The lady continued her query, now stooping down to the child’s level. She wiped the girl’s tears, gently taking the child’s hand to somehow calm her down.

“I don’t know. I was following the balloon man but he was gone and now I can’t see my mommy!” The girl gasped, her whining now fading into a soft snivel.

“It’s alright now can you remember how you ended up here?” Yuki implored, still holding the girl’s hand. Somehow, the girl got comfortable at the only person who offered her some assistance.

“Uhmmm…” The girl looked around, trying to retrace her steps. “I think I saw that earlier.” She pointed at an arc south of their current location.

“Ok now. We will look for mommy. You and I. I promise that we will find her together. Is that ok with you?” Yuki continued, consoling the little girl who nodded in agreement. Contented, Yuki took the girl by her hand and walked along as the girl tried to remember in detail what streets she took in Oak’s small maze.

If there’s anyone who could know the pain of losing someone, that would be Yuki who not only lost her family but all the friends that she knew as well. The feeling of loneliness, wasn't new to her, the dread of fear, yet without much choice of her own. If only she could turn back time, she would do everything she could to save her town from the tragedy that it suffered.

She walked hand in hand with a child who was barely able to remember the steps she took to reach the part of the piazza where Yuki found her sobbing. Patiently, Yuki accompanied the child, helping her out to find clues of her origin. It wasn’t an easy task for both of them, with Yuki who is clueless of the child’s identity and the child who could only see similar streets no matter how she looked around. From time to time, the child was able to point out some landmarks that somehow marked her memory; however, they had to walk back whenever they encountered some dead ends.

There were times when Yuki would decide to muster her courage and ask some strangers however, no one seemed to recognize the young girl. The guards around also couldn’t identify the child nor whose parents she belonged to. The situation so far might imply that the girl came from a different town. For certain, the mother that she claimed to be might have been worried sick and can’t go back to their town without the girl.

With the girl complaining about her legs, the two decided to take a rest at a nearby shop. Certain that the girl might be hungry from all the walking, she ordered some food for both of them. The food was the only consolation at their fruitless search.

Fortune did finally take a peek at them when a crying lady, escorted by a guard finally approached them. Before the lady could even come near them, the child who promptly recognized her ran to meet the one who appeared to be her mother.

Yuki could only watch from afar, pleased at the dramatic reunion she just witnessed. Much to her dismay again, none of them thought to go back to say thanks. Being able to be of help however, she seemed to be pleased enough of the deed she just accomplished.

Yuki let out a yawn, her languid eyes staring blankly at the passersby. Having grown weary of ambling around the town, she decided to retreat into rest on a nearby bench. The sun still stood high in the horizon, its prickling rays glaring down into the open piazza. Yuki has always disliked the heat, yet stubbornly stays outside to indulge herself in the open air. As much as she hates interacting with strangers, being confined in a closed space would be an even worse fate for her to endure. She’d rather see the blue skies rather than the wooden ceiling of her room.

As she watches the people that pace here and there, her wandering eyes stumbled upon a familiar sight. As she focused her stare, she recognized the man that hitched her a ride to Oak, carrying what seemed like a heavy crate. Suddenly struck with compassion, she hastily ran towards the man and held the other end of the crate.

“Oh hey lady! How’s your stay here so far? And thanks for the help.” The man greeted Yuki with a smile, pleased of having his burden lightened a bit.

“Glad to be of help mister. Uhmmm...got nothing to do at the moment anyway.” Yuki responded timidly, her lips slightly forming a smile.

“Oh and you can call me Seychelle. We haven’t introduced ourselves properly the last time. Well you know I’m busy with a lot of stuff.” A light chuckle escaped the man’s lips as he walked with the heavy crate in his hands.

“We sure haven’t. Well, I’m Yuki then.” The lady reciprocated with the mention of her name. “Uhmm...what’s in this crate by the way?” She implored, suddenly curious about the heavy load.

“Ah they’re antiques that I’d display in my shop. And here we are.” The two stopped by a corner, in front of an old small building.  The man motioned Yuki to lower the crate after which, both of them did some stretches to relax their tensed muscles.

“I didn’t know you have a shop in here.” Yuki remarked, as she helped the man with a couple of other crates that they transported from an old warehouse near the piazza.

“Actually, I haven’t opened yet. Well, you saw how horrible my place is right?” The man responded, ending in a brief laughter.

Yuki chuckled in response, though a bit awkward as she wasn’t sure if she should actually laugh at the man’s awry place. She couldn’t agree more with the term horrible as what the man called a shop earlier, almost looked like a spider’s nest. Dust and cobwebs almost filled the walls and ceiling like some creepy curtains. Crates and a couple of dusty antiques, cluttered the floor of the shop’s tiny space.

“Alright. I guess this is the last of them.” Seychelle asserted, pleased of the work he has done so far with the lady.

*Aaaachoooo!*

Yuki couldn’t help but let out a loud sneeze, irritated by the dust that clung in the air. “This place sure needs a lot of cleaning mister.” Yuki noted, her face preparing for another sneeze.

*Aaaaachooo!*

“It sure does. And my apologies for that. I should’ve cleaned this place earlier. I didn’t know you’d come by soon.” The man chuckled, somewhat amused at the lady’s discomfort.

“Welll...uhmmm...I don’t have much to do today. If you want I could help you with the cleaning.” Yuki offered, causing the man’s eyes to sparkle in glee.

“Oh really. I mean you actually don’t have to.” The man was taken aback at the lady’s generous offer but couldn’t hide his delight at her kindness.

“No it’s ok really. You did give me a huge favor anyway.” Yuki continued, insisting on her offer.

“Well if you insist. Though I suggest we take a little bit of rest before we get on with the cleaning.” Seychelle responded, sitting on an old dusty counter, pleased at the fortunate turn of events.

Dusts fluttered in the air as Yuki and Seychelle incessantly wiped them off the furniture, walls, and ceiling. This time around, both of them wore masks, aprons and gloves for protection. Seychelle mostly took care of the ceiling and the higher part of the wall while Yuki concentrated on the furniture, antiques, and the windows. It wasn't long when the floor was covered with a carpet of dust and cobweb remains. Grabbing two brooms, the duo took their time in gathering the dirt in one place and threw them in the trash. It was a good thing that Yuki suggested arranging the crates and antiques first in one place to rid them of some obstacles. They were all temporarily kept behind the counter with the crates carefully piled on top of each other, and the antiques neatly lined on the counter’s surface.

“Now didn’t that look better!” Seychelle asserted, confidently placing his hands on both his waists. The place did look better without the presence of the dust and cobwebs, and the floor being free of any crate and antique.

“It sure looked better mister.” Yuki agreed, panting a bit out of the effort she just exerted on cleaning.

“Well that sure tired you quite a lot. Thank you by the way. I couldn't have done it without you.” The man remarked, thanking the lady with a hint of flattery.

“Don’t mention it mister. Uhmmm...and well...I saw some paints in the storeroom at the back, I can also help you paint this place if you want.” Yuki once again offered, surprising her companion.

“You sure are godsend lady. What a wonderful soul you have. Well I couldn’t deny that I do need some help but are you really sure of this?” Seychelle inquired, surprised by the lady’s further offer.

“Well, don’t have much to do anyway.” Yuki smiled, taking a seat herself and taking in short deep breaths.

“Gee thanks! Though I think it wouldn’t hurt to relax for a bit.” The man responded, noticing the lady’s obvious fatigue. It wasn’t everyday that someone would actually offer this much help, but sure is a precious gem when it does happen.

A couple of old newspapers have carpeted the shop’s floor to catch drips of paints that dropped on the floor. Yuki and Seychelle themselves could be seen with a few stains of paint, smeared on their faces. A few portions of the dull hued birch wall have now been coated with glossy apricot white, measly accented with dark ebony.

“I didn’t know you could paint, Yuki.” Seychelle remarked casually, simply to break the awkward silence that has been going on for quite a while. While Yuki might have been enjoying herself with her solitary space, the man seemed to be having trouble keeping himself mummed.

“Uhmmm...I didn’t know either. Well, I just follow what you do, and uhmmm… it doesn’t look all that hard.” Yuki responded in an offhand manner as she continued coating part of a wall with paint.

“Wait a second you…” The man exclaimed, taken aback at the lady’s nonchalant response. He appeared to have more words coming but remained speechless trying to digest Yuki’s words. “I mean you… well… I guess your work ain’t bad at least.”

“So uhmmm...am I doing it wrong then?” Yuki stopped, suddenly concerned about her companion’s reaction.

“No no no...You’re actually doing good. I just can’t believe you’ve volunteered doing something without any knowledge beforehand.” The man stuttered, somehow coating his amazement with a soft chuckle.

“Well I’ve seen it done for a couple of times and it doesn’t seem to be that hard to learn.” Yuki responded casually, as she went back to her newfound hobby.

“You really are an amusing lady. Well, I guess all’s well so far anyway.” Seychelle continued, as he performed his end of the task. “By the way have you found your friend?”

“Well, she isn’t that easy to find.” Yuki responded, exuding a sigh of disappointment. “Although I’m not in a hurry anyway. I’ve been enjoying the treats here at Oak so far so maybe I’ll just come across her one of these days.”

“I see. Well I do hope you do come across here. I imagine it’s tough for you to be here all alone.”

A couple of old newspapers have carpeted the shop’s floor to catch drips of paints that dropped on the floor. Yuki and Seychelle themselves could be seen with a few stains of paint, smeared on their faces. A few portions of the dull hued birch wall have now been coated with glossy apricot white, measly accented with dark ebony.

“I didn’t know you could paint, Yuki.” Seychelle remarked casually, simply to break the awkward silence that has been going on for quite a while. While Yuki might have been enjoying herself with her solitary space, the man seemed to be having trouble keeping himself mummed.

“Uhmmm...I didn’t know either. Well, I just follow what you do, and uhmmm… it doesn’t look all that hard.” Yuki responded in an offhand manner as she continued coating part of a wall with paint.

“Wait a second you…” The man exclaimed, taken aback at the lady’s nonchalant response. He appeared to have more words coming but remained speechless trying to digest Yuki’s words. “I mean you… well… I guess your work ain’t bad at least.”

“So uhmmm...am I doing it wrong then?” Yuki stopped, suddenly concerned about her companion’s reaction.

“No no no...You’re actually doing good. I just can’t believe you’ve volunteered doing something without any knowledge beforehand.” The man stuttered, somehow coating his amazement with a soft chuckle.

“Well I’ve seen it done for a couple of times and it doesn’t seem to be that hard to learn.” Yuki responded casually, as she went back to her newfound hobby.

“You really are an amusing lady. Well, I guess all’s well so far anyway.” Seychelle continued, as he performed his end of the task. “By the way have you found your friend?”

“Well, she isn’t that easy to find.” Yuki responded, exuding a sigh of disappointment. “Although I’m not in a hurry anyway. I’ve been enjoying the treats here at Oak so far so maybe I’ll just come across her one of these days.”

“I see. Well I do hope you do come across her. I imagine it’s tough for you to be here all alone.”

Loneliness, if only Seychelle knew that it had been a predicament for the lady for as long as she could remember. Fifteen long years had passed since the tragic loss of her clan but moving on wasn’t something she seemed to be good at. A dreary silence engulfed the room, suddenly encumbering Yuki with an unseen weight that pinned her mood down. He may be unable to read someone else’s mind but the man could feel the sudden gloom that possessed the lady.

“Oh do you think this color is good enough?” Seychelle intervened, in an attempt to somehow reroute the discussion.

“Well if you’d ask me mister, it’s good enough not to snatch the attention from your goods. Though I think you should worry more on how to present your items later.” Yuki responded offhandedly, her lips forming a mirthless smile while she proceeded on painting.

“Ah yes of course. That’s a good piece of advice there. I’m really glad you’ve come around.” A brittle chuckle escaped the man’s lips, aware that the ambience of despair hasn’t left his companion as of yet. “Oh would you mind if I leave you for a moment? I just remembered, I forgot something at the warehouse.”

“Sure. I’d continue painting here till you come back.”

“Oh I won’t be long. Just need to fetch some things.” He smiled awkwardly, slowly creeping towards the door as if warily escaping a prison. The lady on the other hand, kept her stare at the walls she was painting.

She felt guilt somehow, but she couldn’t help but to be lost in the misery of loneliness. She knew it wasn’t a good thing to involve the clueless man in her melancholy but couldn’t do anything to break the mood that she knew was of her doing. She could feel the heaviness on each of her strokes, as memories of her past flashed before her mind.

True to his word, the man came back just a few moments after his departure. Seychelle tapped the door a couple times with his elbow in an attempt to capture the lady’s attention as he had both his hands full with paper bags. It took quite some time before Yuki was able to hear the man’s knocking on which she hastily responded.

“Oh I’m sorry, how long have you been there?”

“Not that long and no worries. Here I brought us dinner.” Seychelle responded as he stepped outside the shop. The lady’s eyes couldn’t hide its sudden glitter the moment she glanced upon the treats that were inside the packs that the man brought. “Can’t continue working with an empty stomach. Hmmm maybe that desk would do.” The man moved towards the shop’s bar counter, on which he placed the paper bags and arranged their meal on a small empty spot.

“Uhmm thanks...I mean you don’t have to…” Yuki timidly approached the desk, a bit hesitant even though her eyes couldn’t help but stare at the now exposed meal.

“Nah. I had you help me with all these stuff so I ought to repay that somehow. Come on dig in.” The man started with consuming some burgers himself, hoping that the lady would follow suit. It did take Yuki a while, but she couldn’t fight the urge to help herself with a slice of pizza.

Seychelle’s initiative did lighten the once melancholic ambience of the place. A sumptuous meal indeed never fails to create a fair ambience for a good conversation. The man was able to make Yuki at least smile at a couple of jokes and have her open up some more.

The two continued painting the rest of the shop in a much better atmosphere, their lively talk not dying out throughout the job. As the saying goes, all’s well that ends well.

“Wew and that’s the last spot there. We did it! Great job Yuki!” Seychelle greeted, seeing that the walls and a couple of furnitures have all been coated with their intended paint hue.

“Uhmmm...thanks. Oh and I think I have to go now.” Yuki smiled in response, and then timidly spoke her farewell, realizing that the dimness of the early afternoon has shown itself outside.

“But of course! Thanks for all the help. Hope you can find some time to drop by at the shop.” Seychelle responded as he helped the lady towards the door. Yuki stepped out, waved a farewell at the man, then continued on her path towards the inn, content of what she had accomplished throughout the day.