Okay, so this is my first chaptered fanfic and I really hope it's okay. XD Basically it's the same as the movie except I just made Wilson and Willow switch places with Hotaru and Gin. Also, in order to understand the story you kind of have to read slowly because if you don't you'll have no idea what's going on. Anyway, enjoy! cx

Even when it was the darkest night that frightened her most, it was always the warmth of fire that calmed her down, forging its way into her heart and becoming part of her own. It was only her friend, her only remainder of home along with an old, ragged teddy bear she was given at a younger age. Even when it was the disease of loneliness that took control, they were always there for her, and she knew that.

Willow, being a young, orphaned girl at the time, only had one simple task left at her feet, in which it was to make her way through the Mountain of the Gods and reach her aunt's place before nightfall. No one was there to accompany her, as they all figured she would stick along the path set out ahead. Oh, but she was a very explorative child, unaware of the dangers and secrets the forest held within its barriers.

Unknown to her previous guardians, she would trail away from the lit pathway and run into the shadows, laughing as she played with her two only friends. Willow loved the way fire blazed in the dark, and was caught in its trance, unaware of the trail which was far from her location. It was the teddy bear she clung onto when she realized this, leaving her to sob heavily, alone in the dark. She would be deeply punished if her aunt ever found out she got lost in the middle of the woods, especially at this time at night!

But Willow was only a child then, and she didn't know any better. Thoughts of death were toying her like a cat and a ball of yarn. It was only the silence that managed to calm her down. With her tears still wet and sticky on her cheeks, she glanced up at a sudden cracking noise ahead, her eyes landing upon a man hidden half behind a tree. It was the wolf mask he wore that set her off to confusion, but nonetheless, thinking that someone had come to rescue her, the girl ran towards him.

"Finally! Someone came to save me!"

To her discovery, he slid out of the way before she could touch him, leaving her to face plant into the solid earth.

"Ugnngg!" She held out her chin in pain, as it was the part that hurt most during the fall.

"Sorry," the voice replied, peeking down at her. "Are you lost?"

With a sniffle, Willow scrambled up quickly, dusting off her skirt.

"Y-yes. Can you help me? Please?" She held her flaming lighter close to her chest, begging silently with her eyes.

"Of course, but if you could be so kind and not make any physical contact, that would be very much appreciated."

"Why?"

"I'm a spirit of these woods and if touched by a human, I'll disappear."

"Wait, you're not a human?" Willow's head tilted off to the side, utterly confused by the man's comment.

He nodded. "Yes."

"I don't believe you!" The young girl reached for his hand, but he immediately pulled back.

"Do you want to get out of the woods or not?" He snapped, losing a bit of his temper.

Willow wailed, rubbing her eyes free of tears.

"Okay, okay! I just wanna go home…"

The unknown man grabbed a firm stick from the ground and held it close to her so she would grab the other end. Reluctantly, the fire starter did as so, without any more complaints. It was quiet throughout the walk back. Eventually they found the path again, but chose to remain on their walk.

"I'm Willow," she spoke finally, struggling to catch up with the man.

Silently, she had been curious of what hid under his mask. Could he have been a no-face? Perhaps there was a mark that scarred him during his childhood? She could see his hair at least, which left her wondering why it looked unbrushed and in the shape of a 'W'. His choice of clothing was no more than a gentleman's getup, which also left her pondering. There were so many things she wanted to know!

"You look neatly dressed for a spirit," Willow commented again, though she ignored no reply to her first.

"I'm different from the others," he replied, glancing down at her, "…Willow. That's a pretty name."

She laughed as she walked along, her pigtails bouncing with every step. "Thank you, mister."

"So what's with the lighter?" He shrugged, nudging his cheek in the direction of it.

Tucking it close to her chest, she flicked it on and off, sighing. It was a back story she usually didn't tell strangers, but it only made her guilty not spilling. Her mind made a compromise – don't tell him everything.

"I-I'm a pyromaniac. Please don't make fun of me, I already get enough of that at home."

"I won't, I promise. Some people are just born that way. It's not your fault."

She smiled and fixed her eyes back onto the trail ahead. They were close. Willow didn't want to stop exactly there, however, as the man was only a stranger and she didn't completely trust him yet.

"This is my stop. Will I see you tomorrow?"

He only stared at her, awkward dabbles of saturnine clouding the air.

Taking that as a no, she slowly backed away into the fields of her farm house.

"A-alright, bye!"

As soon as Willow was about to run off, she heard him mumble something under his breath.

"Wilson."

With a playful smile, grateful that he finally answered he first question, she waved again before disappearing. She admitted it was kind of a fun trip she had, though she never thought she would meet a guy who was so kind. Now it was just her aunt she was worried about, as hers was one for beatings. Soon, her aunt's silhouette could be seen in the distance. Willow ran towards her, crying and wrapping her arms over her waist.

"Aunt! I was so scared!" She wailed out, screeching suddenly as she felt nails did into her forehead and drag her into the ground.

'Willow you idiot!" She snapped furiously.

"I-I-I'm sorry!" Willow cried and stumbled up.

It was a while before things went calm again. Quietness was the only thing that surrounded them as they walked back home.

"You shouldn't have played in those woods," she spat out first, gazing at the trail ahead,

"I-I just wanted to explore, that's all…" Willow hugged her bear tighter, burying her cold cheeks beside its stuffing.

"You know it's dangerous. Just don't disobey me again. When we get back, you'll have extra time for work."

Willow sighed. "Okay…"

Her mind was still distracted with thoughts, however. Would Wilson be there for her when she gets back? Perhaps her summer wouldn't be a total bust after all.