The young woman had been gone a while now. Yes, she needed time alone, but perhaps this was too much time. He did not understand why, but Mr. Ikka had a bad feeling about this. He rose to check on her. Throughout the cottage, she was nowhere to be seen. There was a rear entrance, cracked open ever so slightly, a tell tale sign that the girl had made her exit. He scanned the forest behind the cabin, but there was no trace of his poor host. His icy calm began to wane, as he became more concerned.
He had to find her. There was no telling what this young woman would do in her current state. The man felt guilty for prying, knowing he had made her run away like this. However, he could not dwell on such things if he was to find her. With his animal-like sense of smell, he began searching for a scent. The water on the trees and underbrush interfered with this, but only slightly. He had it! It was faint, but it was there. Now all the old man had to do was follow it. He only hoped he was not too late.
Through the forest, Mr. Ikka had found a trail. The girl's scent was stronger here. Obviously, she had taken it. Now, the man broke into a sprint that seemed impossible for one his age. The scent grew stronger with each passing foot he ran. Soon, he saw his quarry. The young girl stood at a crossroads, obviously contemplating which direction to travel. She took a few steps down the right path. This path was darker, with some strong and evil aura emanating from it. It was enough to send shivers up even the man's spine. The girl continued, seemingly entranced by the dark magics. He had to stop her however he could.
"No miss! Stop!" he called out.
Mr. Ikka ran towards the girl, casting a spell at the same time. A great wall of fire rose before her, hopefully cutting her off from advancing any more down the trail. He preferred to refrain from using such strong magic, but he felt this warranted it. The flames grew far enough ahead as to not burn the poor girl, yet it was close enough for her to feel their heat. The man stopped between her and the wall, eyes facing the dark branches above. The darkness was so intense here, and the shadow almost dimmed the light of the roaring fire ahead.
"Please miss, we have to leave. It is not safe here..."
There was genuine concern to his voice this time. His gaze never left the trees.