A few weeks later,
Hope fidgets with her hair, watching the clock impatiently as she waits for class to end. Practical Magic. For her, it was just another morning of failing the basics.
Miss Wilson claps her hands, gathering the students’ attention. “Alright, that’s all for today. And before you all leave, I would like to remind you all- there will be no classes tomorrow due to the Festival of Life.”
The room immediately stirs with excitement. A few students cheer, some whisper to each other, and even the more reserved ones seem pleased by the announcement.
Hope, blinking in confusion, looks to Daisy and Sierra. “Festival of Life?”
Daisy grins. “Oh, girl, you’re in for a treat.”
Sierra leans forward. “It’s the biggest festival of the year. Marks the end of spring and the beginning of summer.”
Miss Wilson nods. “Correct. But it’s more than just a seasonal celebration. The Festival of Life represents renewal—new beginnings, personal growth, and transformation. It’s a time when people embrace important life changes.”
Hope raises an eyebrow. “Life changes? Like… what?”
Miss Wilson gestures toward the window. “In Haven, it’s believed that this time of year is when the veil between the old and new is thinnest. Folklore says that worshipping the gods during the Festival of Life can bring you blessings. Some even believe that by visiting temples on this day, the gods will make you a better version of yourself.”
Hope processes this, tilting her head. “So… what, like self-improvement?”
Chase smirks from a few seats away. “I know you could use that.”
A few students laugh.
Hope glares at him. “You’re one to talk.” In her head, she recalls a little moment not that long ago involving Bella at Chase’s dorm, late at night. If anyone needs improvement, it’s them.
Bella, sitting next to Chase, smirks and leans into him. “Ignore her, Chase. Not everyone has the energy to level up.”
Daisy rolls her eyes but focuses back on Hope. “The festival wraps all around Haven. It’s insane. There’s food, dancing, parades, fireworks, huge crowds. It goes on all day and all night.”
Hunter stretches in his seat. “It’s the best excuse to party. No school, no curfew, just a whole night of doing whatever.”
Drew chuckles. “Which for you means getting kicked out of at least three festival stalls.”
Hunter shrugs. “Four, if I’m lucky.”
Gabby giggles, “Can’t forget the graffiti on the temple walls.”
Hope looks over to Hunter. “You are so going to hell.”
Everyone laughs.
Sierra looks over at Hope. “The temples are a big deal. People make offerings, pray for love, success, or even just good luck.”
Daisy nods. “We should visit one.”
Hope hums. “I don’t think I have anything to pray for.”
Daisy chuckles. “Girl, do you have amnesia?”
Hope pauses for a moment.
Maybe a prayer or two wouldn’t hurt.
Miss Wilson continues, “Since it’s a formal festival, I expect all of you to dress accordingly.”
Hope blinks. “Wait, how are we supposed to dress?”
Bella shows Hope a fake smile. “You’re supposed to show up in your old underwear. Don’t wear any makeup, either.”
Gabby laughs hysterically, “No, Bella, they changed the rules last year. You’re supposed to show up naked now, since it’s all about rebirth or whatever.”
Chase laughs under his breath. “I’d pay to see that.”
Bella elbows him in the chest.
Sierra rolls her eyes. “Ignore them. The dress code is your best florals, sundresses.. formal attire.”
Daisy beams.. “We’re gonna get all dressed up and look so good!”
Chase loosens his tie. “We finally get to ditch these uniforms.”
Miss Wilson sighs. “Regardless, dress well for the festival.”
Hope groans. “Okay, but I don’t even own anything floral.”
Sierra and Daisy glance at each other with knowing smiles, then back to Hope.
Daisy gasps dramatically. “That’s it. We’re taking you shopping.”
Hope gets excited. “Girl’s trip??”
Sierra smirks. “Absolutely.”
Hope’s cheerful expression drops. “Wait, where are we even gonna shop?”
Sierra sits up. “The city, duhhh.”
Hope groans. “You couldn’t pay me to walk that far, not even for the cutest dress in the world.”
Daisy shrugs. “Me neither, we’ll take the train.”
Hope perks up. “Oh, thank god.”
Hunter scoffs. “Damn, would’ve been funnier if she just showed up in her underwear.”
Hope glares. “I could”
Chase raises an eyebrow. “Could you?”
Hope hesitates. “…No.”
The class laughs.
Miss Wilson claps her hands again. “Alright, that’s enough. You’re all dismissed. Enjoy your time tomorrow, but don’t cause trouble.”
Hunter grins. “No promises.”
The sun was warm but not overbearing, a soft glow stretching over Haven Institute as Hope, Daisy, and Sierra made their way off campus. The train station wasn’t far—half a mile, just a quick walk through some old cobblestone streets.
Hope stretched her arms, taking in the crisp air. “Are we seriously walking half a mile just to get on a train?”
Daisy shot her a look. “Yes, princess. You wanna hitchhike instead?”
Hope rolled her eyes. “I’d rather teleport.”
Sierra smirked. “You’ve already done that before, come up with something new.”
The road sloped downward, and as they turned a bend, Hope caught her first glimpse of the train station. It was nothing like she expected.
A beautifully aged railway stretched across a series of stone pillars, arches supporting it like a work of art. The station itself was vibrant and lively, painted in deep reds, golds, and emerald greens.
Hope’s eyes widened. “Oh, damn. This is kinda magical.”
Sierra smirked. “Wait till you see the train.”
The platform was bustling with students and travelers, some carrying luggage, others casually chatting. The scent of incense drifted through the air.
Hope peered over the edge of the platform, glancing at the tracks that stretched endlessly toward the horizon. “Where exactly are we going?”
Daisy grinned. “New Kota. It’s the biggest city in Haven. Crazy colorful, crazy expensive, crazy fun.”
Hope raised an eyebrow. “Expensive?”
Sierra patted Daisy on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, our treat.”
Hope groaned. “I liked it better when I was kidnapped and didn’t have to pay for things.”
Daisy laughed just as the train pulled in.
The train was gorgeous—old-fashioned, yet immaculately kept. Its deep crimson body gleamed under the sun, golden engravings of mythical creatures lining its edges. The doors slid open with a soft chime, revealing a sleek wooden interior with velvet seats and open windows.
Hope slid into a seat by the window, already mesmerized.
As the train rolled forward, the view outside shifted from rolling meadows to deep forests, then suddenly—the ocean.
Hope gasped. “No way.”
The railway curved along the coastline, giving them an aerial view of crystal blue waters stretching into eternity. White cliffs stood proudly along the shore, waves crashing against them, glistening under the sun.
Daisy, stretching out in her seat, smirked. “So beautiful.”
Sierra, flipping through a magazine, added, “Never gets old.”
As if on cue, the train dipped into a valley, weaving between towering peaks. Waterfalls cascaded down the sides, their mist catching the sunlight in streaks of gold and violet.
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Hope pressed a hand against the glass, completely in awe. “This is insane.”
Daisy grinned. “Yeah. It kinda makes up for the whole ‘kidnapped into another world’ thing, huh?”
Hope chuckled. “A little.”
The scenery continued to shift—temples carved into the cliffsides, bridges connecting little towns that looked like they belonged in a fairytale. The train occasionally stopped at small, scenic stations, allowing passengers to board and exit.
After about an hour, the train pulled into a massive station, bustling with energy.
Sierra stretched. “Alright, ladies. Just a short walk over that hill and the fun begins.”
During the walk from the train station, Hope’s jaw dropped as they neared the skyline. New Kota was incredible
Towering skyscrapers overlooked vibrant, tightly packed streets, each corner bursting with colors, neon lights, and golden rooftops. Bridges stretched across canals, reflecting the city’s glow against the water. Holographic billboards flickered, casting neon lights over the other buildings.
Daisy clapped her hands. “First stop—shopping!”
Sierra groaned. “You sound too excited about spending money.”
Hope, still overwhelmed by the city’s energy, shook her head. “I think I need a minute to process this.”
Gabby, who had just stepped off another train with Bella, passed by and smirked. “Try not to look too much like a tourist, Hope.”
Hope scoffed. “Try not to look too much like a—”
Bella interrupted with a fake smile. “Walk faster, Gabby. I don’t wanna be associated with her.”
The two walked off, leaving Hope rolling her eyes.
Daisy grabbed Hope’s wrist. “Ignore them, let’s go! We’re finding you the cutest dress ever.”
The girls ran around multiple malls, trying on different sundresses, shoes, and jewelry. Hope started trying on some oversized bathrobes and Daisy and Sierra cried laughing.
Afterwards, the girls figured they could use a break from all the retail therapy. They spotted a rooftop carnival at the top of a shopping center, and knew what their next move was.
They rode a ferris wheel overlooking the entire city, and the views were breathtaking. After, they came across a performer perched on a stage doing magic, as an audience gazed at his spectacles of fire.
Hope watches and muttered, “God, I hope I don’t end up like that.” Which made Sierra and Daisy laugh.
After hours of shopping, they finally find the perfect dress for Hope— a little pink sundress, tank-top style, short but flowy.
Sierra sighs, stretching. “Okay, I’m starving. Ice cream?”
Daisy grins. “Ice cream.”
They grab their treats and watch the sunset from a plaza.
Hope is fully content. “Best day ever.”
As the sun sets, they walk back toward the station.
Hope hums. “See? We didn’t even spend that much.”
Sierra raises an eyebrow. “Hope. I’m broke.”
Daisy pauses. “I’m choosing to live in denial.”
They make their way past the city, finding their way back to the train station platform…
Except when they get there-
It’s gone.
Hope stops. “Uh… am I missing something?”
Daisy frowns, pulling out the map. “No… this should be the right place.”
Sierra triple checks. “We didn’t take a wrong turn.”
They scan their surroundings. The city still buzzes with life behind them, but something feels off.
Hope shifts on her feet. “Okay, this is weird.”
Daisy exhales. “Let’s just keep walking. Maybe it’s a little further than we remember.”
They walk. And walk.
Yet the more they move, the further they stray from the city lights.
Daisy takes another look at the map. “It says the train station is right over there, right?”
Sierra stops in her tracks. “Guys… I think we’re lost.”
Hope looks around. The vibrant streets are gone.
Now, they stand at the edge of Haven’s dark forestry, a deep, unsettling quiet settling in around them.
And for the first time all day, Hope doesn’t feel safe.
Hope’s breath came in short, frustrated bursts as she scanned the endless trees. The forest stretched infinitely in every direction, each path looking eerily identical to the last.
Daisy groaned, rubbing her temples. “Okay. What the hell is going on? We’ve been walking in circles.”
Sierra checked the map for the fifth time. “This is impossible. The train station should be right behind us.”
Hope looked back. Still not there.
A cold shiver ran down her spine. “Guys, I don’t think this is just us getting lost.”
And then—
A laugh.
Boyish. Sharp. Playful in the worst way.
It bounced through the trees, echoing from every direction.
The girls froze.
Hope’s stomach twisted. “Did you hear that?”
Sierra swallowed. “No, Hope. We all just decided to have a collective auditory hallucination.”
The laugh came again—closer.
Daisy clenched her fists. “Okay, I don’t do creepy forest laughter. Nope. Nope, nope.”
Hope’s hands instinctively sparked with light energy. “Let’s find out where it’s coming from.”
The girls ran toward the sound, weaving through the dense forest.
But each time they got closer, it moved.
The laughter twisted and stretched, always slipping just out of reach.
Hope gritted her teeth. “He’s messing with us.”
Daisy, panting, glared at Sierra. “You had one job—not let us get lost!”
Sierra snapped, “Me? You were the one who said to keep walking!”
Daisy threw her hands up. “Oh, I’m sorry, would you rather have camped in the haunted-ass forest?!”
The laughter grew louder.
Hope clenched her jaw. “Okay, enough of this.” She whirled around, hands glowing bright. “Show yourself, coward!”
A low chuckle came from above.
The girls snapped their heads up.
A figure sat perched on a thick tree branch, swinging his legs lazily.
He looked human—almost.
A boyish face, sharp and mischievous, with dark, wild hair. But his eyes gleamed red.
He grinned a demonic smile. “Took you long enough.”
Hope’s hands sparked with light, ready to attack. “Who the hell are you?”
The boy tilted his head. “Tengu.”
Daisy crossed her arms. “Tengu as in… Tengu?”
He flashed a sharp-toothed grin. “Give the girl a prize.”
Sierra narrowed her eyes. “You’re a Spirit.”
The boy clapped mockingly. “Wow. You guys are smart.”
Hope’s hands revealed bright flames. “Enough games. Let us out of this damn forest.”
The tengu laughed again. “You think you’re trapped?” He stretched, leaning back on the branch. “Nah, you’re just bad at directions.”
Daisy scowled. “Liar. You led us here.”
The boy pretended to think. “Maybe. Or maybe you walked here all by yourselves.”
Sierra’s stomach dropped. “He’s been changing our path without us realizing.”
Hope’s eyes narrowed. “So what, you get off on confusing people?”
The tengu smirked. “Sometimes. Other times, I get off on ripping them apart.”
His smile widened. Hope’s blood ran cold.
And then he vanished.
Hope barely had time to react before a force slammed into her side, knocking her into a tree.
Daisy and Sierra whipped around, searching.
The laugh rang out again, bouncing around them.
Sierra clenched her fists. “He’s warping around us.”
Hope pushed herself up, growling. “Then let’s even the odds.”
She threw a burst of light—illuminating the trees.
The tengu flickered into existence on a nearby branch, shielding his eyes from the glow. “Ugh. Bright.”
Daisy smirked. “Not a fan of the spotlight?”
She snapped her fingers—sending a karmic pulse outward. Energy rippled like a shockwave.
The tengu twisted midair, landing effortlessly on another tree. “Cute.”
Hope launched an array of flames at him.
The tengu dodged effortlessly, appearing above them, then to the side, then behind them-
Sierra focused. Her vision blurred, then sharpened. Mental rewind.
She saw his movement pattern before it happened.
“There!” She shouted, pointing.
Daisy reacted instantly—a flick of her wrist sent a karmic chain lashing towards the demon.
It snagged his arm—just for a second.
Hope took her chance. A burst of searing light shot forward. It hit.
The tengu yelped, flipping backward onto another branch.
His eyes flared with something darker. “Alright. Maybe I should take you guys seriously.”
He dove down at full speed, moving faster than before.
Hope barely dodged as a claw-like hand swiped past her cheek.
Daisy sent another karmic strike, but he kicked off the tree and flipped midair.
Sierra’s mind raced. They needed to corner him.
She grabbed Hope’s wrist. “Light blast—full radius.”
Hope nodded, inhaling deeply. Energy surged around her.
The tengu lunged—
And Hope released the blast. A massive explosion of light engulfed the entire area.
The tengu screeched, his form flickering.
Daisy took her chance—her karmic energy wrapped around his feet, dragging him down.
The tengu hit the ground. Hard.
For the first time, his playful grin faltered.
Hope stepped forward, hands glowing, eyes blazing. “Let us go. Now.”
The tengu hissed. His body shimmered, flickering in and out of sight.
But then—he smirked. “You’re fun.”
He snapped his fingers. The forest shifted. The path behind them reappeared.
The tengu stretched. “Alright. I’m done playing. You can leave.”
Hope didn’t lower her guard. “Just like that?”
The tengu grinned. “I hope to see you again..” Then, under his breath, “…Hikari”
And with a final laugh, he disappeared into the trees.
Daisy let out a huge breath. “What the hell just happened?”
Sierra ran a shaky hand through her hair. “I think we just fought a really strong Sei.”
Hope clenched her fists. “And he let us go.”
Daisy scoffed. “Yeah, after nearly killing us.”
Sierra shook her head. “No… If he wanted to kill us he would’ve. I think he was just bored.”
Daisy groaned. “Can we please go home now?”
Hope took one last look at the dark forest.
Then she turned away. “Yeah. Let’s go.”
The trees finally began to thin out, the dense shadows giving way to soft moonlight.
And then—just ahead— The train station.
Daisy nearly collapsed. “Oh, thank GOD.”
Sierra scanned the area, eyes narrowing. “Wait… this is the exact spot we came from earlier, right?”
Daisy held up a finger. “Don’t. Question. It.”
They hurried forward, stepping out of the treeline—and that’s when they saw them.
Their shopping bags. All of them.Neatly placed just outside the forest entrance, completely untouched.
Hope stared. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Daisy picked up her bag and checked inside. Everything was still there. “Okay, what the hell. When did we even drop these?”
Sierra muttered, “He probably took them without us noticing.”
Hope made a face. “Creepy.”
Daisy let out a deep sigh, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “Well, at least he didn’t rob us.”
Hope scoffed. “Or kill us.”
Sierra smirked. “Always a silver lining, but really we’re lucky.”
Hope and Daisy turned to her.
Sierra looked back. “I’ve heard about those types of spirits before. They’re tricksters. In mythology, they’d confuse travelers, get them lost, sometimes even lead them in circles for days.”
Hope frowned. “So you’re telling me this is, like… normal?”
Daisy crossed her arms. “No. I mean, I didn’t think they were real.”
Hope rolled her eyes. “Of course. Because everything’s fake until it tries to murder me.”
Sierra ignored her. “Anyway—on a bright note, seeing a Tengu is good luck!”
Hope gave her a flat look. “Oh, yeah. Lucky is definitely the word I’d use.”
The train’s chime rang, signaling departure.
The train glided smoothly through the night, the bright city lights of New Kota shrinking in the distance.
Hope, sprawled out across her seat, groaned dramatically. “I swear to god, I am done with forests.”
Sierra smirked, glancing out the window. “You’ve got to admit, though. That was kind of amazing.”
Daisy nodded. “We actually kicked his ass.”
Hope let the thought sink in. It was the first time she hadn’t had to deal with a fight alone.
She smirked. “Yeah. I guess we kinda did.”
The girls laughed as the train continued toward Haven.
By the time they returned to Haven Institute, the campus was quiet. Most students were already asleep, the lights along the pathways casting a soft golden glow.
Hope yawned, rubbing her eyes. “I should be exhausted, but I feel like I could stay up for hours.”
Daisy grinned. “Perfect, because we’re having a sleepover.”
Sierra chuckled, unlocking their dorm door. “We still have Festival of Life outfits to figure out.”
Hope groaned. “I thought the hard part was over.”
Daisy tossed her onto the bed. “Nope. Now we’re playing dress-up.”
Hope laughed, shoving a pillow at her. “Fine, fine. But if you try to put me in anything ugly, I will light you on fire.”
Daisy smirked. “No promises.”
The girls burst into laughter, the night melting into chatter and outfit planning, their terrifying encounter already feeling like a wild, distant memory.