As Viheart searched for fruits, he noticed a strange trail of footsteps, the sound growing fainter with each step. The familiarity of the route unnerved him – it had been seven years since he last traversed this path. Back then, he had stumbled upon the Mother of Colors, only to be thwarted by the treacherous thorns that guarded it. The memory of the pain and the subsequent blackout still lingered, making him wonder what had led someone else to this forgotten path.
Viheart's curiosity got the better of him, and he veered off course, determined to investigate the presence he sensed. As he approached, his heart quickened, and his mind began to whirl with anticipation. The figure before him was shrouded in uncertainty, but as he drew closer, he discerned the outline of a girl, trapped in a web of ropes.
Her eyes, wide with fear, locked onto his, and Viheart sprang into action. He secured the main rope to a sturdy tree, the wood creaking beneath the tension. He then tied additional ropes around the trees, creating a makeshift pulley system. With a rope secured around his waist, he swung toward the girl, his movements fluid and calculated.
"Sorry, you'll be alright," he whispered, his voice a gentle reassurance. "Don't be afraid." As he swung back to safety, Viheart began to dismantle the trap, his fingers working deftly to untangle the ropes. The web-like structure slowly opened, releasing its captive. But just as freedom seemed within reach, the girl plummeted toward the ground, her scream echoing through the forest – "Haaa, I don't want to die young!"
The elastic rope, stretched to its limits, arrested her fall, and with a jolt, she was yanked back upward, suspended precariously in mid-air. Viheart swiftly constructed a makeshift nest from the ropes, his hands moving with precision. Once completed, he climbed the tree, carefully cut the rope that held the girl captive, and gently lowered her into the nest.
The brush-turned-knife glinted in the fading light, casting a warm glow on the girl's pale face. As she looked up at Viheart, her eyes filled with tears, and he smiled softly, his hands reassuringly gentle.
"Th-th-thank you," she responded with genuine gratitude. Viheart, however, remained silent, a low chuckle rumbling in his chest. The girl's eyes sparkled with amusement as she said, "Oops, sorry! I got caught up in the moment. Guess I might be stressing your muscles more than necessary."
Viheart's voice was low and soothing as he replied, "Uhh... no... not really. In fact, you're soft and delicate – not exactly what I'd expect from someone who's not a pillow." A hint of doubt crept into his mind, wondering if he'd said the right thing.
The girl's laughter was music to his ears, filled with joy and delightfulness. Her smile broadened, and she said, "So, you can speak after all." Just then, a gentle breeze swept through, blowing Viheart's hair forward like a cascade of flowers. The girl's eyes widened as she gazed at his face, now partially hidden by his tresses.
"Oh, look! Your face is covered with hair. And, oh, your hair is really long – it has a stupendous, lively blue color." As she gently parted Viheart's hair, her fingers brushed against his skin, sending a shiver down his spine. It was a new feeling, one he'd never experienced before. His mother had always taken care of his hair, but this was different. The girl's touch was soft and intimate, and Viheart felt a flutter in his chest.
The girl's gaze locked onto his eyes, and she exclaimed, "Oh, how come I didn't notice your eyes from the start? You have beautiful ocean eyes – you really look like a little cute girl." Viheart's cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment.
As he gently set the girl down on the ground, he apologized, "Sorry for holding you so long." The girl's smile never wavered. "No need to apologize – it was stress-free, and I enjoyed being in your arms. It gave me comfort, and I feel much better." Viheart's voice was calm and appreciative as he thanked her. "Thanks for helping me fix my hair and... you're..." Before he could finish, the girl interrupted him with a gentle smile. "Don't worry about it – it's nothing. Besides, it suits you best. It resonates with your hair, even though it's white."