Rei surprised to find a motionless human figure lying behind the bushes.
With mixture of surprise and curiosity. he approached with caution, revealing to be a small, fragile-looking girl.
With hair as white as newly fallen snow and a tattered cheap-looking clothes, now look like a rag, stained with dirt and leaves.
Her exhaustion are clearly visible in her posture and face.
Observing the girl for a moment, Rei reached out with one of his tentacle-like arms and gently touched her face.
The young girl surprised, slowly opening her eyes, showing a captivating shade of Crimson.
"....!" A surge of fear gripped her as she looked at the unknown being in front of her.
Stammering, her voice shook with anxiety, "D-Don't come near me."
The girl backed away until her back met the rough bark of a nearby tree.
"P-Please don't eat me. I-I am not delicious." She pleaded, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and desperation.
Seeing the girl fear, Rei approached the girl with caution, his tentacle-like limb still extending towards the trembling young girl.
Her fear was so strong that it left her frozen, unable to escape from the unknown presence in front of her.
"Ḍ̶͛ó̸̮ ̶̤̽N̴͙̐o̸͍͋t̴̹͐ ̶̺̃B̸̞͌e̶̲̍ ̵̫͝A̴̙̓f̶̩̒ṙ̴̺a̴̘͝i̸͚̽d̴͕̐" A strange voice echoed in her mind, causing shivers to run down her spine and intensifying her fear.
As Rei's limb(?) made contact with the young girl, an indescribable sensation surged through her.
The formless being began to transform into the semblance of a young girl.
Long, glistening white hair cascaded down her back, and eyes of mesmerizing duality—one shimmered like molten Gold, while the other sparkled with the mysteries of the deep ocean, a bright shade of blue that seemed to hold the secrets of the abyss[modern_footnote]This Color: Blue[/modern_footnote].
She[modern_footnote]wooohooo we get to call Rei "she" and "her" now lets gooo i can get my gender bender tags back now![/modern_footnote] wore an outfit that resembled a big black hoodie decorated with gold trim—a combination that felt both familiar and out of this world.
"Does this appearance make you fear me less?" Rei asked, her voice soft and her eyes curious.
The young girl's heart raced, caught between amazement and uncertainty.
"I-I think so..." she managed to reply, her voice still trembling with traces of fear.
Rei extended her hand out and the young girl found herself drawn to it.
Her trembling fingers intertwined with Rei's, and an unexpected warmth spread through her.
It was as if the touch held a promise of safety, gently unraveling the knots of fear that had bound her so tightly.
"It's alright," Rei reassured, her words a soothing balm. "I'm not here to harm you."
With Rei's calming presence, a glimmer of courage blossomed within the girl.
She met Rei's gaze, her eyes reflecting uncertainty that gradually yielded to fragile trust.
"I am Rei," Rei introduced herself, her smile kind and reassuring.
"And what might your name be?"
The young girl hesitated, then she gathered a courage to speak.
"M-My name is Luna," she replied softly, her voice quivering with a mix of nervousness and newfound courage.
Rei's welcoming smile remained, casting a sense of safety over Luna.
"Luna, what a beautiful name. It's a pleasure to meet you."
As Luna uttered her name, a wave of ease unfurled within her.
The forest, once a daunting enigma, now seemed infused with enchantment.
Amidst the rustling leaves and dappled sunlight, an unexpected connection began to blossom.
Rei's curiosity led her to a question.
"May I ask why a fragile-looking young girl like yourself is in the middle of this forest?"
Luna hesitated for a moment, her gaze shifting between Rei and the dense surrounding forest.
Her fingers unconsciously play with the edges of her torn clothing as she collecting her thoughts.
"I... I sensed something in the forest. Something... unusual. It called to me, and I couldn't resist following it," Luna explained, her voice carrying a mix of curiosity and caution.
Rei tilted her head, her expression a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"Something unusual? Can you describe what you feel?"
Luna furrowed her brows, finding it difficult to put her emotions into words.
"It's hard to explain... It's like a presence, an energy unlike anything i've felt before. Powerful yet gentle. It drew me in, and i just couldn't resist following its trail."
Rei leaned in a little, her curiosity evident.
"...Are you particularly sensitive to magic?"
Luna nodded, a smile forming as Rei's attentive presence eased her nervousness.
"Yes, I've always had a strong magic sensitivity. My mother used to say that I was exceptional, even among those who were skilled in magic."
Rei's fascination deepened as Luna unveiled her unique connection to magic.
"Exceptional, you say? Quite remarkable. It appears you possess a rare gift."
Luna's smile remained genuine, reassured by Rei's understanding.
"Maybe. But this feeling in the forest, it's different. It's as if the magic here... it's hard to put into words."
Rei's curiosity deepened, her gaze holding a mixture of wonder and contemplation.
"Is it too strong?"
Luna looked at Rei with a surprised expression.
"Yes, actually. How did you know?" Her amazement was evident.
A soft chuckle escaped Rei's lips, seeing that her guess was correct.
"A deduction based on your description. The energy you mentioned—powerful yet gentle—led me to speculate it might be overwhelmingly strong for most, which is why they can't sense it. But not for you."
Luna's eyes widened in realization.
"You're right. While I've encountered potent magic before, this is on a different level. It's as if the forest itself is pulsating with magic."
Rei nodded, her expression thoughtful.
"It's a unique connection you share with this forest, Luna. This place might harbor a vast wellspring of magical energy, and your sensitivity allows you to perceive it in a way others cannot."
Luna's initial trepidation ebbed, replaced by an eager curiosity.
"Do you think this presence is safe?"
Rei's response was casual, a nonchalant shrug underscoring her words.
"Who knows?" A playful glint danced in her dual-colored eyes, leaving a trail of intrigue.
Luna's chuckle was like a gentle breeze, dispersing the last tendrils of tension between them.
Rei's dual-colored eyes regarded Luna with a mixture of curiosity and understanding.
"It's like the forest is inviting you to uncover its mysteries," she remarked, her voice carrying a thoughtful tone.
"And you're curious enough to answer that call."
Luna's affirmation was a nod, her alabaster hair shimmering like silver threads beneath the dappled sunlight.
"Do you want me to accompany you?" Rei offered, her words sincere and supportive.
Luna's smile was both appreciative and relieved. "I would be grateful for your company, Rei. Your presence brings a sense of comfort."
Rei's lips curved into a warm smile, and she gestured for Luna to lead the way.
"Then let's see where this magical path takes us, Luna. I'm here to provide you with all the support you need as much as i can."
As they advanced, a thought stirred within Rei, prompting her to turn her attention to Luna.
"Oh, before we proceed, could you show me magic? I've never witnessed it before."
Luna's surprise blended with curiosity.
"You don't know magic? Despite your earlier appearance?"
Rei's response was a candid shake of her head, a mix of amusement and earnestness lighting her expression.
"No, magic remains a mystery to me. My abilities seems distinct."
Intrigue danced in Luna's eyes, her smile a soft invitation.
"Then allow me to demonstrate."
Luna raised her delicate hand, Concentrating, she channeled her magic, and a soft shimmering light began to form at her fingertips.
The light gradually transformed into a radiant orb, casting a warm glow in the surroundings.
"This is a basic light spell," Luna explained.
"It might seem simple, but it's one of the fundamental spells in magic."
Rei's dual-colored eyes widened with fascination as she observed the luminous orb.
"It's beautiful," she remarked, her voice filled with genuine wonder.
With the opportunity right in front of her, Rei carefully observed the light orb Luna had created.
She focused on the way Luna manipulated her magic, how the energy flowed through her and manifested into the light orb.
A spark of curiosity ignited within her, the desire to understand and perhaps even replicate this magical phenomenon.
Luna's smile expanded as Rei's interest ignited.
"Would you like to try?" Luna offered, her encouragement genuine.
"I'll guide you."
Rei expression a mixture of excitement and uncertainty.
"I've never done anything like this before, but i'm willing to give it a try."
Luna's encouragement was genuine as she gently guided Rei through the steps.
She explained the basics of channeling magic, the focus required, and the intent behind the spell.
Rei listened attentively, absorbing the information like a sponge.
"Alright, now close your eyes and take a deep breath," Luna instructed.
"Try to feel the magic around you, like a gentle flow of energy. Visualize it gathering at your fingertips, and then release it as light."
Rei followed Luna's guidance, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.
She let her senses extend, reaching out to the ambient magic that enveloped them in the forest.
Gradually, she felt a subtle tingle at her fingertips, as if the magic was responding to her call.
Rei focused on gathering the magic, she pictured the radiant light in her mind, envisioning it forming and taking shape.
Slowly, she opened her eyes, to her surprise and amazement, a light orb is infront of her seem to be dancing.
With light orb going back and forth around Rei multiple times like it's exited to meet her.
Luna's shock and amazement were evident in her widened eyes and the surprised curve of her lips.
"You said you don't know how to use magic?"
Rei's reply carried a note of pride as she gestured toward the playful light orb that circled around her.
"Well, yes, this is actually my first time."
"Rei, that was incredible! Most people need extensive training, even their whole lives, to control their magic, but look at you effortlessly controlling your magic."
Luna's voice was filled with genuine awe and admiration.
Rei's cheeks tinged with a hint of embarrassment.
"Well, I guess I have a natural talent for it. Maybe it's because of my abilities."
"Or maybe you're just a prodigy, a natural-born magic user. It's truly amazing to witness." Luna's laughter was infectious, echoing the playful energy of the light orb that still circled Rei.
Rei's smile widened, a mixture of joy and amazement in her dual-colored eyes.
"I never thought of myself that way, but it's a fascinating thought."
As the light orb continued to dance around Rei with a playful vibrancy, Luna's eyes narrowed slightly with a mix of curiosity and realization.
There was something different about the way the light orb moved, almost as if it had a life of its own.
Luna's voice was tinged with both fascination and intrigue.
"Rei, that light orb… it's not just a basic spell, is it? It's like it's alive, responding to you."
"Whaaaat? I just did as you instructed me to," Rei replied, her confusion evident in her voice and expression.
Luna took a step closer, her eyes fixed on the mesmerizing display.
"But I've never seen a basic spell behave quite like that. It's almost as if it recognizes you and is interacting with you."
As Luna spoke, the light orb seemed to sense her presence and playfully darted toward her, swirling in a graceful loop before returning to Rei.
Rei's eyes widened in amazement, a mixture of wonder and realization dawning upon her.
"You might be right, Luna. Maybe my connection to magic is stronger than I thought."
Luna nodded, her excitement growing as she watched the enchanting interaction between Rei and the light orb.
"It's incredible, Rei. Your magic is responding to you on a level that goes beyond what's typical. It's like you have a natural bond with it."
With a sense of newfound curiosity, Rei extended her hand toward the light orb, her movements cautious yet eager.
The orb responded by gently spiraling around her outstretched fingers, creating a mesmerizing display of light and color.
"It's beautiful, i never seen magic like that before." Luna whispered, her voice filled with awe.
Rei's smile was radiant, her eyes reflecting the light of the orb.
"I feel like... I can communicate with it, like it's an extension of myself."
Luna's gaze was intense yet tender as she observed Rei and the light orb.
"I am not sure but perhaps that's the essence of true magic, Rei. The ability to connect with and shape the very fabric of the mystical forces around us."
As Luna spoke, the forest around them seemed to come alive with a soft, magical hum, as if echoing her words.
The leaves rustled in a gentle rhythm, and the sunlight filtered through the branches in a way that cast enchanting patterns on the ground.
Rei and the light orb were at the center of this ethereal symphony, a testament to the harmonious bond they shared with the magic of the forest.
Suddenly, the light orb's movements became even more spirited, swirling and dancing around Rei with a renewed vigor.
The air was filled with a sense of wonder and possibility, the sunlight filtering through the leaves taking on a slightly otherworldly glow.
It was as if time had momentarily paused, allowing this magical moment to unfold.
Luna's crimson eyes shimmered as her eyes following the orb's movements.
"Rei... if it not too rude to ask... may i ask, who are you? really."
[End of the Chapter]