Chapter 18 — Night Encounter, Part 1

 

I hid in the grass, watching carefully.

Not far away, I saw several humans—big ones and small ones. They were laughing together, looking happy. They were different from the humans who had chased me before. No sharp, spiky red light surrounded them. Instead, the large human glowed with a soft green light. Mama had told me green was safe. Red spikes meant danger.

But the small human was different. Their light shimmered with orange, yellow, and white, all mixed together, sparkling warmly. It felt like sunshine—comforting, filling me with energy and peace.

Could I approach? Maybe… but what if it was a trap? I decided to wait until the small human was alone. Then I could try speaking. If they attacked, I could escape.

Meanwhile, Yuuki was in the garden.

“Yuuki, is it tasty?” Mother asked.

“Yes! It’s very delicious!”

“I’m glad. But don’t eat too much—you won’t have room for dinner.”

“Yes!”

Today I had played in the garden all day. Lunch was outside too. Now it was snack time—blue pudding! It looked strange, but tasted just like the pudding I loved.

Afterward, Father carried me on his shoulders back inside. I laughed happily.

That evening, Asher announced my room had been repaired—already, in just one day! I was amazed. Father and Mother came with me to see. My room looked brand new.

They worried I might feel lonely again. “You can sleep with us if you want,” Mother said gently.

Father added, “If you feel lonely, just say so.”

I shook my head. “It’s okay. Toushan and Kaashan, everyone is close by. I’ll be fine.”

They smiled, stroked my hair, and left.

The house grew quiet. Only faint footsteps and the occasional bird outside. I wasn’t sleepy yet, so I climbed down from bed and petted Mashiro’s fluffy fur.

Suddenly, Mashiro stood, staring at the window.

“Mashiro? What’s wrong?”

“There’s something outside. Is this the presence I sensed earlier?”

He growled. “Who’s there!”

Mashiro wrapped me protectively in his tail, glaring at the window.

A small shape appeared outside. Dark, hard to see—but it didn’t feel frightening. I slipped free of Mashiro’s tail and crept closer.

“It’s okay. I’ll open the window.”

“Yuuki—!” Mashiro warned.

I opened it. Outside was… a dog? No, not quite. It looked like a poodle from my old world, but pink, with white wings on its back. It fluttered weakly into the room, landed on my bed, and curled up.

Mashiro narrowed his eyes. “So, it’s you… but you’re badly weakened. Injured, perhaps?”

I gasped. “You’re hurt? Where? It’s too dark, I can’t see!”

Mashiro suggested using a magic stone for light, but I shook my head. “No, I promised Toushan not to use magic.”

Mashiro frowned. “Then how will we see?”

Suddenly, a voice echoed: “We’ll help you.”

I froze. “Who’s there?”

Two tiny lights drifted in through the open window, circling me. Looking closely, I saw… figures inside the glow.