Lydia huffed as she matched accordingly to where both Hattie and Snatcher pointed to where his lab/arena was in the forest. All the meanwhile, Lydia trying VERY hard not to virtually explode from the frustration that she was going through.

‘In the last few days of arriving on this planet, it already feels like I've been fighting NOT to have an ulcer from all the stress!’

Lydia thought aggressively as she finally arrived at what appeared to be a large open space of cobblestone flooring on the forest floor with pools of acid around some corners of the circle. To the left stood a large library and cauldron to which she assumed was where Snatcher brewed his potions.

She turned around to see him wince in apprehension. ‘He’s wary of me… good.’

“So tell me, what do you have in your collection of magic books? Depending on what you have, I can assess what I can bring from my ship and get testing over with.”

Snatcher cocked his ghostly head to the side in question.

“Testing…? Testing what?” He asked slowly, dreading the answer.

“For testing your magical and spiritual composition in your body. With that it should give me an idea on what sort of supplies I'll need to make your dietary plan. Hopefully with that you won't be constantly inflated and then immediately drained of what little power you get from the souls of your victims.” Lydia put Hattie down and gently reminded her to stay away from the acid pools.

“Remind me WHY we're doing this again? It just seems like a whole lotta work with a very low percentage of it working. DO you even know what you're DOING?” Snatcher snipped to which Lydia wasn't taking crap from.

“Be-cause… stealing souls over and over again is like eating constant stimulants of short term snacking. It's not even beneficial for anything other than a limited time boost. And yes, I know VERY WELL of what I'm doing because just like you, there are many other vengeful spirits in the universe and have come to the same conclusion as you have. I thought you would've figured that out by now~? Tell me how long have you been dead again? Even a novice witch knows better than that~” She coyly challenged his patience as he felt his anger but intrigue bubble.

He crossed his arms, pouting or “brooding” if it were by his terms. “I will have you know that I have lived a hundred of your lifetimes! Plus, it isn’t like there’s a vengeful spirit convention, or something! I don’t get out much! I have important things to do here!” Like pissing off the Empress and stealing souls– not that this human would let him do that anymore.

“Uh-huh… you would think that there was one with these woods. And speaking of these woods… I hate to break it to you floof noodle but sooner or later, me and a team are going to have to kick your ex out.” She offhandedly mentioned as she went through the books in his library.

He perked a little from his brooding pouting and floated on over. “About damn time… but… why? She’s been here so long, I don’t know if any good would come of it anymore.” He asked curiously. He was all for it, and yet… no. He really should finally say good riddance.

Lydia side eyed him for a second seeming to take in his words but then turning to a book that she thought might be helpful. “I wasn't sure about it either at first but then when I touched the ground, I sensed a SLIGHT hope of sleeping warmth in the earth. Meaning that it's sleeping but it's also been asleep for so long that it's dying. So in order to relieve its biggest threat to it, the forest’s health, is to strike where it's at its strongest. Meaning this Vanessa lady needs to be removed from the area so that the forest can heal and she as well.”

Hat Kid was off to the side worryingly looking between Lydia and a doubtful looking Snatcher. And as Lydia brought the required items to the center of the arena, she started to draw a ceremonial spirit circle with chalk. She then put large multi-colored candles around the circle as she drew intricate details in the circle. Afterwards, she placed all the right crystals and incense in place. And with a snap of her fingers the candles and incense were lit. The whole thing looked like something out of The Conjuring if Snatcher was being honest about it. But Hattie seemed fascinated by it.

She went to pat the perturbed Snatcher’s arm comfortingly as she inquired about the circle. “So is that the cleansing circle thingy? How does it work? It won’t hurt anyone, will it?” She asked question after question out of curiosity… and to help Snatcher feel a little more comfortable.

Not that he would ever admit that he didn’t like any of what was going on, dealing with that… thing.

Lydia smiled warmly at Hattie. And under the candle lights that surrounded her… she looked ethereal to Snatcher.

“Don't worry Hun, this circle will help me see his spiritual health as a whole and it'll help me determine what ingredients I'll need for his eating habits. Now, Snatcher, come here for a second.” She said as she held out her hand.

With a slight tug from Hattie, he went over to the creepy circle and in extension the beautiful Lydia. He took her hand with slight hesitance. “You better not exorcize me or whatever…” He grumbled, trying to hide the nervousness in his voice behind irritation. 

She smirked as she looked into his eyes with a mischievous gleam in hers. “Keep talkin’ smack to the spirit doctor and you MIGHT get a whole lot more than a slight banishment and no lollipop.” She quipped as she summoned a glowing needle, and before he could question anything she slightly pricked his finger. He definitely voiced his displeasure as glowing blue flames dripped from his finger and onto the center of the circle.

Soon the circle grew bright as the candles flames grew higher and the crystals glowed. And from the center, a puff of smoke formed in front of her and formed something akin to a menu on a digital device. She chanted an ancient language as the menu changed from different frames at lightning speed that only she can read through at a normal rate.

As she read her brows scrunched together in thought. And as she slowed the flipping of the pages she snapped her fingers and summoned a little notebook as a pen began to write by itself of the things she needed.

“Can you tell just by that?” Hattie asked as she gestured to the displeased and grumbly spector and his apparent fiery blood. “What does it say? Can I know?”

Lydia smiled at her. “I would let you read it if it weren't for the fact that it's in Latin dear. And as far as I know, you haven't studied that language yet. But yes, think of this ritual as like one of those diabetes testers. A prick to the finger in order to test your A1C levels. In this case though it's for the spirits. And this will tell me what I need to do to fix his levels.”

“Are his, um, levels… bad?” Hattie asked as she glanced at Snatcher once more.

And for once, he didn’t make eye contact. He seemed… more absorbed in his thoughts.

She tried to make a comforting face to her but she knew Hattie could sense a liar. “Unfortunately, yes. He appears to have fed off of the souls that appeared to have a high concentration of elements of either gluttony, greed, or pride. With mostly just those elements of sins, one can easily assume that as soon as he eats one, in a short time, say a week, he's starving again.”

Hattie winced. That didn’t sound very good at all, and judging by the look on Snatcher’s face (which he was trying to hide behind a scowl) he already seemed to know that. “So, what can we do to help?”

“Well that's what we're here for, to make him feel better hopefully to make food for his spectral body to absorb properly and for Vanessa to be ejected from the woods. Sometimes spirits haunt woods because not only is it a place where it's their final resting place but because the woods are alive themselves.” She can see the confused look on Hattie's face and the shocked one on Snatcher's. He wasn't expecting her to know that…

“W-What makes you say that? And what makes you think that’s why we are here?” Snatcher asked defensively.

Hattie’s reaction seemed to be quite the opposite, as she eagerly leaned in closer. “The woods are alive?! And you knew, Snatcher-?” She wanted to know more!

Lydia chuckled as she read and wrote more in her notebook. “Oh please, I could tell with one glance that these woods could swallow a person whole if it wanted to with a drop of a hat a mile away. And it's not a bad thing. Remember when I said that the warmth of the woods was sleeping but dying? Well that's a part of the wood’s health and personality. Which means… we might have to make the removal of Vanessa sooner than I thought…” she muttered the last part as she read a passage of the book that had her concerned. Hattie and Snatcher noticed she went quiet at that.

Hattie frowned softly in her own concern. “What’s wrong, Lydia? Is it the ‘healing the forest’ thing? I know you can do it! You’re so smart and powerful!” She praised, hoping a confidence boost would help somehow.

Lydia smiled at the dear child. She knew she was trying to build her confidence in helping her friends. But it's a lot more complicated than that. “Well Hattie, I'm afraid that most of the negativity here is coming from Vanessa. If we plan for the forest and Snatcher to heal we'll need to move the removing sooner rather than later. Apparently, Snatcher, this forest used to be bursting with all sorts of spiritual herbs and animals that your people used to make and offer to the spirits, the supernatural, and to the forest itself in order to appease them and help them grow and provide power to both parties. Unfortunately since the frost and negativity from Vanessa, most of those resources have died out. Which is a problem for you on one hand since one of those resources is what I need to make your dietary plan. Another is, as soon as the forest begins healing, the sooner you can also feel better as well. Since you are now a part of this forest too.”

Snatcher once again seemed surprised by her knowledge, but he supposed this whole fancy little ritual was for something after all. Even if it meant snatching (pun intended) away some of his secrets of the past. He hoped the rest would stay just that- secret. After all, everyone loved a mysterious “villain”. “And to that, I say good riddance.

“Where will Vanessa go? Just out of curiosity.” Hattie asked, always so full of questions.

“Well depending on how attached and bad her spiritual composition is she may need to be exorcized straight out. And if it comes to that… I'm afraid she'll be sent to either Purgatory or Hell itself… but… if the Deacon that I plan to bring with me assesses that there's still some part of her that can be reasoned with, then there might be a chance that she can be saved. And if that happens, then she'll be taken by the Deacon. He's also a physical medium and a therapist for the spirits of sorts. He'll take her with him back to Zodial to the church. And depending on how well it goes, it'll be her decision to stay at the church or to go to the other side where she'll await judgment. And who knows what'll happen then… but she, no matter the terms, can NEVER come back to this forest. The forest has had enough of this trauma and won't allow her in. It's like getting to stand up to an old friend that turned into a bully. The former can't trust her anymore.”

“...”

Snatcher listened in silence, keeping his head down so that his expression couldn’t be seen by either of the girls.

Hattie nodded along thoughtfully as her mind sorted through all the information that was provided. “Well, I know you probably don’t wanna hear this, Snatcher, but I do hope that she gets to go somewhere better! You know, a second chance!”

Snatcher only huffed in reply.

Lydia narrowed her eyes at him and pinched the area where she pricked him.

“OW– What?” He pulled away with an annoyed frown and rubbed the afflicted area.

“You know what you big baby.” She gesture with a flick of her wrist and his hand was yanked back towards her as she looked at the pricked area. She pinched it again and then kissed it. Snatcher flipped out as he yanked his hand back while Hattie was squealing. Meanwhile Lydia was confused.

“What's wrong Hattie? I was using my magic to seal it. I didn't hurt him, if that's what you're worried about.”

“......”

“Oh nothing, nothing! I just thought of a new OTP is all!” She grinned deviously while Snatcher just stared dumbly at his finger as it healed up, a slight golden blush making its way to his fluffy cheeks.

“I don't get what that means Hattie, it's the same magic I did with you when you were younger to heal your scraps when you fell.” Lydia said matter-a-factly as she raised a curious brow.

She blushed with embarrassment as she looked at a now deviously smirking Snatcher. He was totally gonna tease her later. “Y-Yeah, but that was when I was little–”

“You still are little.”

“Littler–” Harriet stressed, making Snatcher chuckle.

“I don't get why that's bothering you so much Hattie. I mean, you still bug me about it today. If you want I can teach Snatcher how to do it since he's close with you. Didn't you say he's like another dad to you?” Lydia was literally scratching her head at this. She was known to be smarter than her peers but when it came to some emotional situations…. She was a little out of the loop about it. Hattie knew this but it still wasn't any less embarrassing.

“T-Teach Snatcher? I, uh, I don’t know– um… I-I mean, we are close, yeah! But–” She stumbled over her words, unable to say what she wanted.

Snatcher focused on her though. He didn’t think Hattie had thought so highly of him… “Well… I ain’t… against learning…” He replied more sincerely than he meant to. But… if he was like a dad, shouldn’t he live up to the part? Maybe?

Lydia looked back and forth between the two and slowly started to figure out what was happening. She sighed as she snapped her fingers as the circle and the contents disappeared except for a new time to appear where the menu was. On the front of the cover was Snatcher's face. An overexcited smile and all. It read, “The Book of Snatcher.” She slammed it shut and put it in her inventory as she addressed the two. “Well despite everything that happened just now, I'd say we got a lot done today. Now…” she gestured the floating notebook over as she looked it over and wrote a few things on a separate paper and handed it to Snatcher.

“These are the things for you to gather in the forests’ condition now. With this I can come up with a temporary remedy that can hold you off of your hunger till the Deacon arrives within the week. If you gather these and follow the instructions on how to brew these then you'll be good to go. Let me or Hattie know if you feel any different within 24 hours after you take it.”

He took it with an uncertain expression, but nodded, regardless. “What was that other book? Was that my face on the cover?”

She chuckled. “Yes, it appears that your magic and personality has a sense of egotistical humor. The book is entirely made up of your medical information made up of your chemical composition.”

Snatcher could only grin with that same egotistical expression the book had held. “Me? Egotistical? Nooooo, neeevvveeerrrr!”

Lydia rolled her eyes as she smirked. “Whatever funny man. Your job for tonight is to gather these and cook up a temporary potion for yourself. If you claim yourself as a magic user as the book says then it should be easy for you to do. Unfortunately it's getting late… and I see it's a full moon tonight as well.” Lydia observed. Which picked Hattie's smile back up. She had one other person she wanted to introduce to her and it can only be on nights like these.

Snatcher looked absolutely offended and narrowed his eyes at Lydia. “Well of course I can! I will have you know I am the best magic user in this forest! Probably even the planet!” He crossed his arms, puffing himself up. And then glaring at Hattie, as he knew what she was thinking. “I can’t believe you want to introduce her to that poser. Honestly, I swear he thinks he is better than me! At least the full moon is the only time he’s around. Shows who is truly superior…” He started to grumble and complain to himself about the being known as Moonjumper.

Lydia tilted her head to the side in confusion. “Who's Moonjumper?” Hattie looked so excited as she tried to pull at Lydia's arm so she could follow her.

“I will show you! Come on!!!” She gave Lydia a particularly hard tug, trying to get her moving.

Lydia chuckled at the child. “Alright alright… after we meet them then it's off to bed with you. Got it?” She picked her up and walked off according to where Hattie pointed. Meanwhile Snatcher was sneaking behind them and watching from a distance. And after a few minutes, they arrived at a particularly smaller and greener part of the forest that not even Vanessa's influence touched.

‘Huh… that's strange and it's only in this alcove… and why is the moon so close?’ Within that split second a ghostly being that had a crescent shaped head with tattered royal garments and chains to their wrists flew from the sky to in front of them. Hattie squealed in happiness as she jumped from Lydia's arms and into his. His face, which had little red lines under his eyes, looked absolutely delighted to see his friend again. And was pleasantly surprised to see a new face!

“Hello again, little Harriet. I see you have brought a friend with you on this night. Hello, I am MoonJumper. Most simply call me MJ though.” He greeted as he held Hattie close in a hug.

Lydia smiled but was still cautious. She sensed an ancient sort of planetary magic from him. “Hello. My name is Lydia. It's nice to meet you, MJ. I assume you're one of Harriet's friends?”

“The pleasure is mine, ma’am. And that I would be. I have helped young Harriet on her adventures around the forest.” MJ replied as he set the child down. “Speaking of- I have a new badge you may have interest in, my friend. He conjured up the item in question. “For the completion of your little journey.”

Hattie gasped and reached out eagerly for the badge so she could get a closer look at it. “Let me see, let me see! Uh- please?”

He chuckled as he handed a badge that had a picture of a cartoon fairy. Lydia was surprised as she felt his and the forests' magic in this item.

“With this, you will be able to summon familiars to any location to assist you in your venture. However, practice is necessary. A lot of magic is needed to use this badge. Please use it with care, Harriet.” He gave her a pat on the hat. “We would not desire for you to tire yourself so quickly, now would we?”

“I will practice, I promise!” She giggled as she grinned up at him.

“A summoning talisman? Impressive. There are few magic users who can use that much magic and materials that can make these from scratch. Hattie, be sure to thank him properly with a gift later on for his help ok?”

Hattie nodded quickly. “Yeah! Of course! Thank you so much for this, MJ!”

He almost seemed to grow bashful. “Oh no! There is no need for thanks! Or gifts for that matter. I am happy to lend my assistance.”

“Nonsense, if you supplied her with the means of getting her job done quicker and getting her home then it has to be awarded. But regardless, I'm quite curious about what sort of spirit you are. I sense planetary magic from you… there are very few spirits or creatures that serve the planets’ ruling celestial bodies nowadays. But I also sense something else… familiar maybe?” Lydia asked with a curious tilt to her head.

He simply gave a mysterious, if not a little absent sounding, chuckle. “I do wish I could tell you, Ms. Lydia, but I am afraid I am unsure myself. Perhaps… too much time has passed.” He admitted apologetically.

“I'm sorry to hear that. Maybe if I can gather my supplies and find the right spell, I can sort of tickle that memory bank of yours so that it'll unlock some of those lost memories. What do you say to that?”

MJ looked pleased, smiling a touch wider at Lydia. “I am quite curious about myself now. It has been a long time since I have been asked about myself, so it would be nice to… relearn myself, I suppose.”

Lydia smiled as she playfully saluted him. “Will do. I'll look more into it when I can. But now I've got one problem after another to take care of. Not only in the forest but in town too. Not to mention contacting the intergalactic reservation committee to help the nomads… it's going to be awhile. But I will help you.”

“Fear not, miss. I have waited this long, I am certain I can be patient a little longer. Besides, I can only descend once a month. I am not sure if Harriet has informed you of that, yet.” He explained as Hattie ducked away from his playful “scolding” look.

Lydia raised a brow at Hattie as she smirked. “No, she didn't. Care to elaborate Harriet?”

She gave a nervous chuckle. “W-well, there is a reason everyone calls him MoonJumper. He only appears here during the full moon. Otherwise… he’s just… kinda gone. It’s a local legend that he lives on the moon for the rest of the time. Too far away to reach Earth…” She hummed thoughtfully as she looked at him. “Do you live on the moon?”

MJ could only shrug. “I have my phases, just as the moon does, I suppose.” He couldn’t remember.

Lydia thought about it and asked, “If so, then how're you able to give Hattie so many badges if you only appear at night once a month? I highly doubt she knew you at the BEGINNING of her little journey here.”

“As I have said, I have my phases. A different form at a different phase.” MoonJumper replied, watching Harriet’s expression change as she realized what he meant.

“THE BADGE SELLER IS YOU?!” She gasped loudly (and dramatically, she was very proud of herself).

“I must make a living somehow, no?” MJ was very amused by Hattie’s reaction.

Lydia smiled at the both of them. The cute moment is somewhat similar when Hattie discovered something that Lydia had been teaching to her as a toddler finally clicking.

“This brings back memories.” She chuckled.

“Memories?” MJ asked curiously.

“Your turn to elaborate, Lydia!”

She smirked. “Are you sure? Last time I said anything involving you you were embarrassed in front of Snatcher.” MJ winced at the name but tried to school his expression. Lydia noticed it for a split second but didn't say anything… yet. But Hattie looked panicked.

“NO- Nevermind- I don’t wanna know- and, uh, if you couldn’t mention you know who in front of MJ? And vice versa? They… kinda don’t like each other for some reason.”

Lydia tilted her head in confusion but saw how uncomfortable MJ looked and decided to ask about it later. “Alright. Sorry about that. I didn't mean to make you so uneasy, MJ.”

He tried to give her a reassuring smile. “It is alright. You did not know, Lydia.”

She nodded. As she was about to say something else her watch beeped indicating that it was WAY past bedtime.

“I'm sorry to cut things short but Hattie has school tomorrow and needs to get some rest.” Hattie whined as MJ chuckled.

“Oh please, do not allow me to keep you up any longer. Your studies are very, very important.” He paused a moment, a distant expression crossing his face, but it was only a moment before it was gone. “I do wonder what it would have been like to study, myself… I digress. Goodnight, ladies. Rest well.”

That gave Lydia an idea. But she would enact that thought later on. First, the rugrat. Lydia picked up a pouty Hattie as they walked back into the forest waving to MJ till they were out of sight.

MJ smiled till they were gone and then his face shifted to one of sadness and maybe hope that maybe something around here might change for the better.

“Lyyyyyydiiiaaaaa, I don’t waaaannnaaaaa! MJ is looooonnnneeelllyyyyyy!” Harriet complained as she was carried off.

Lydia chuckled as she patted her back in a soothing motion. “I'm sure he is but I'm also certain you two will meet up later on in different forms. But for now, your sleep is a priority little miss. I can tell you're trying to fight it off.”

“Can we at least say goodnight to Snatcher? Please?” She gave the best puppy eyes she could in the position she was in.

Lydia rolled her eyes as she smiled at her. “Alright. I'm sure he's floating around here somewhere. I sensed him not too far away when we were visiting your other friend.” And true she was as Snatcher tried to jump scare them at the last second by emerging from a tree ahead of them.

“BOO! MWAH HAHAHA!”

Hattie turned to smile at him. “Hey, Snatcher! I didn’t think you would follow us there-”

“Aw, you’re not even a little scared?” He deflated a little.

Lydia rolled her eyes for the umpteenth time this hour. “Oh please. I can sense you a mile away with how bright and loud your aura is.”

He crossed his arms for the umpteenth time and brooded pouted. “I can’t help it during this time of night. It’s close to the witching hour, you know.”

“.....You're a dark pouty floof noodle of a spirit you know that?” She quipped while Snatcher sputtered in indignation.

“I-I-I DO NOT POUT! AND I AM INTIMIDATING, NOT FLUFFY!!!” That was a lie, but he wanted it to be true. He was very embarrassed.

Hattie couldn’t help the giggles that escaped her.

“What are you laughing at! This is no laughing matter, you little snot–” He almost seemed to be fighting himself not to curl in on himself in embarrassment.

Lydia shook her head as she chuckled. She then held out Hattie to him. “Here. Someone wants to say goodnight, Floof Dad.” Hattie blushed a bit but made grabby hands towards him.

He seemed to want to argue against that, but Hattie was effective in capturing his attention and he took her, cradling her close with a barely audible noise of complaint. “... goodnight, Hat Kid… sleep well, you little brat…” He said, though there was no bite to his attitude. In fact, he was… well, rather affectionate and parental.

Hattie snuggled in, exhaustion tugging her deeper into the clutches of sleep. “G’night…”

To be continued...