I wake up in the middle of the night. I get up and grab a glass of water. I walk outside and see the tree on the hill Pucca would chase me to. We would have friendly picnics, I would play the guitar, while she was in the tire swing. We would read under the tree as it gave fruit. Build snowmans. Or I would be the snowman. Then they cut it down.

I head over. I look up and see the moon behind the tree, it was a lovely and welcoming view. I head up the hill and sit against the tree.

I close my eyes slowly falling asleep.

•••

I look around, the place isn't Sooga Village. I know that much. So where am I?

"Ah, welcome back!" I turn around to see a lovely maiden infront of me. "Hello dear."

What did I say!? I can't control my body.

"How was your day?"

"It's been ok. But better now."

I get close to the maiden, hugging her and kissing her forehead." Her hair short but cute.

"Daddy!" I turn around to see a little girl holding a doll. I examine the doll and realize it's Pucca. "Look at what mommy made me! She said she'll make me one that looks like you in this picture." She holds up a small picture, I see a younger me and a younger Pucca. Wait. I look at the maiden and smile, "that's great dear." I pat the girls head walk back to my wife. It's Pucca. This adorable maiden infront of me is none other than PUCCA! I kiss her. STOP!! STOP!! NO WAY! I DON'T LIKE HER!! SHE'S MY FRIEND AND NOTHING MORE!!!!!

•••

I wake up. Beads of sweat roll down my face. I breathe heavily as if there's a weight on my chest. I look around and see I'm at the tree. I stand up and examine the tree. I see a heart carved into the trunk. "Pucca + Garu"

I sigh. Of course Pucca carved that. After the tree grew.

So Pucca was in my dream...and I had a child with her... I mean our daughter was super cute.... wait- NO! GARU STOP!!!

again I violently shake my head. I don't like Pucca. I head down the hill and go home.

I see Ching and Abyo standing infront of my door. "Garu!! Open up!!

"Ahem" they both turn around. "Oh....hey Garu!" I look at them both. "What are you guys doing here so early?" Ching pushes Abyo up to me, "You see...we are kinda bored and we want to spar, one against two. so what do ya say?" I pull out my sword and smirk. "Sure" they both grin and run at me. I dodge and block. They run again and keep trying. "We'll beat him for sure Ching!" Abyo attacks with his nun-chucks leaving my behind vulnerable. or at least they thought Ching runs behind me and strikes, I quickly pull out my second sword and block her. Abyo and Ching on either side as I stand in the middle both swords drawn. After a few seconds they attack again. I again block their attacks. This time while our swords and nun-chucks are still in contact I throw them back, causing them to stumble and fall. They both look at me as I put my swords away.

"Why don't you guys spar as I watch and give you some pointers?" They look at each other and back at me nodding. I smile, I sit on the steps of my place and watch as they go ham. Ching runs in Abyo blocks just as Ching's sword comes close. I clap, "good" suddenly I hear a distant giggle. A giggle I know a little to well. If you asked me and played a second of it I could easily say who it belongs to.

I loom around, "Um...guys...?" They stop sparring and look at me, "Yeah?" I look at them a bit scared, "Pucca hasn't returned right..?" Ching and Abyo look at each other a bit confused, "No. Why?" My eyes widen. Is my mind playing tricks on me!? "I just heard her..." Abyo smirks, "Are you sure you don't miss her?"

"I never said I don't miss her...this is freaking me out dude." Ching shrugs. My stomach growls. "Hey can we go eat?" Abyo asked my question at the right moment. "Sure, I'm hungry." I nod. We head to Goh Rong. I'll order their honey dumplings, those are hella good.

------

I stand on a bamboo. I can see the whole village. I see Pucca riding her scooter and delivering noodles to everyone. I shake my head, she isn't here! I look around again, I spot the mountain with a heart hole over the town hall. I see Pucca again. I shake my head and look once again, I still see her. She looks over and smiles waving. I shake my head once more and she disappears. "What the hell..." Suddenly I hear her giggle. I jump down and look around expecting her to jump out of a near by push and tackle me with kisses, but nothing. I look around and I hear it again. Again I expect her to jump out or something but nothing. Then I remember that she she isn't here...