Moon was still standing in the middle of the river, staring at the blue-eyed, sculpted man who looked at her with curiosity and embarrassment, when Boing's voice echoed in her mind.
[Male Feran detected!]
[Name: Lyan]
[Age: 20]
[Species: Forest Lynx]
[Do you wish to proceed with initiating the target conquest mission?]
Moon smiled inwardly.
"Of course, Boing. If he's already here, let's start our mission. He might make a great guide in this world."
She then realized she was still naked, and without embarrassment—after all, he was the first target of her future harem—she pointed to the white microfiber robe she had left hanging on a tree earlier. Moon used a calm, gentle tone.
— Lyan, kitty. (What? Lynxes are big cats, after all.) I know I'm beautiful, but if you could stop staring and grab this robe for me, I'd really appreciate it. I know you're curious, and I can explain everything once I'm properly dressed, how about that?
Moon spoke as one would to a beloved pet, and the effect was immediate. Lyan's feelings were a mix: first, he straightened up—tall, lean, wild, and handsome. Sharp, narrow blue eyes fixed on her as if she were something rare.
Lyan sniffed the air lightly, his nose twitching, tail swishing behind him.
He seemed confused... intrigued... a little scared because this female he had never seen before knew his name, embarrassed to have been caught watching her naked, and above all, intensely curious.
He picked up the fluffy white robe she called for. With cautious steps, he moved toward the riverbank, where the unknown female approached and extended her arms. Lyan instinctively understood she wanted to be clothed in that soft, white fabric.
— You... what kind of female are you? Your scent is... pure. Strange. And you don't carry a male's mark. That's dangerous around here.
As he helped her put on the robe, the tips of his fingers brushed her bronze skin. Moon took the opportunity to firmly hold his hand for a second. The electric contact made Lyan's tail whip nervously.
Moon blinked, unsure how to respond, but kept her voice steady.
— I... belong to no one. I'm alone.
Lyan's ears twitched. He took a cautious step closer—curious but undeniably intrigued. He leaned slightly, sniffed again, then recoiled with a face that was part grimace, part curiosity.
— Alone and wandering this deep? That's reckless. Females usually stay near their nests or close to males for protection.
He crossed his arms, but his tail betrayed him—slow, interested, alert.
Moon gave a small smile.
— I'm not like the females you know.
Lyan hesitated. Something softened in his expression, just for a second. Moon then took his hand and led him out of the clearing toward her T-1000 Cabin, which he had only seen from afar. Lyan followed like a fisherman drawn by a siren's song: completely fascinated and captivated.
— I see. You carry yourself like a fighter. And you act... differently.
He studied her completely—posture, clothes he had seen her wear before, the way she held herself.
Lyan tried to sound distant, but failed.
— You're unusual. Very unusual. And that's... strange.
Moon raised an eyebrow.
Lyan quickly averted his gaze, pretending to examine the trees.
Upon reaching the small clearing where the cabin stood camouflaged, Moon materialized it. Lyan took in his surroundings, realizing that this was the strange structure that "sprouted" from the ground. It was something he could never describe to other Ferans. The cabin was dark green under the golden sunlight.
— You may sit here.
She pointed to a low, foldable stool. Lyan didn't know what it was. It was hard and oddly shaped. Instinctively, he just sat on the cabin floor. Moon let out a soft, delightful laugh that made Lyan's heart race. She grabbed his hand again and suddenly pulled him. He was surprised again by the strength of this female, far greater than her appearance suggested. Taking advantage of his distraction, Moon placed him on the stool and sat across from him on an identical one.
Moon rested her elbows on her knees and looked him directly in the eyes.
— Lyan, kitty (after all, lynxes are just big cats, right?) you must be curious about who I am. You've already realized I'm not from here, haven't you?
She took a deep breath. Boing had prepared the best possible explanation.
— I'm Moon. A messenger of the Pons.
I was sent to bring knowledge... and to bless this land.
That's why I know your name. That's why I have things you've never seen.
And I need you to help me with my mission.
Lyan froze.
The Pons.
The Sun Goddess.
Fertility.
The Golden Tree Mark.
The different scent.
Everything made sense to him.
Moon extended her hand over the "table" and, with the soft sound of the infinite warehouse, made two glasses of chilled juice, plates of sushi (after all, lynxes are big cats, right?), and fruits from Earth appear.
— I'm hungry. Shall we eat?
The smell of fresh fish struck Lyan. He took a piece and his eyes widened.
— Divine...
Moon smiled, satisfied.
— If you come with me... I can give you this and much more.
They ate while Moon explained the juice, the fruits—some of which Lyan recognized but thought were poisonous—and even sugar, something entirely new for him.
When they finished, he emptied his plate and stared at her.
— Moon of the Pons... what do you need from me now?
Moon leaned forward, her voice low, seductive yet gentle.
— For now, just call me Moon and lend your knowledge of the forest... and perhaps your protection tonight. I need to rest.
Lyan's breath caught.
His tail stiffened.
Eyes dilated.
Devotion, formed.
— I... I can try. I may not be strong, but I will do my best. I will do it!
Moon smiled, and thus the first step toward her goal was taken.