Chapter 2 — Encounter

 "Mashiro, who’s coming?"

"Ah… those who will become your family. They heard the commotion just now and are on their way. Originally, you were supposed to wake up near them—but that foolish god made a mistake."

Mashiro just called God “foolish”… is that okay? But wait—did he say family? Really?

"I’ll… I’ll have a family?"

"Yes. They are the ones chosen by God. But they don’t yet know about us. If they ask questions, just answer what you can."

So God didn’t just give me a friend—he gave me a family too? Thank you, God!

"Wow, I’m so excited! My family! I’ll have a family and a friend—I’m so happy! Will they be here soon?"

"Yes. Their presence is drawing near."

I waited eagerly, heart pounding, for my new family to arrive.

After a while, voices and the clatter of metal grew closer through the trees. But suddenly, I felt nervous. What if they didn’t like me? What if they refused to be my family? What if they left me behind? Mashiro must have noticed, because he spoke gently.

"Don’t worry, Master. I told you—I will always be by your side."

Oh… that’s right. Even if they don’t accept me, I already have Mashiro. Hugging his fluffy fur made me feel safe.

Then, from the brush came rustling and clanking.

"The noise came from this pond?" "Yes, it was this direction." "What could cause such an explosion and raging wind…?"

Men appeared, all wearing matching, impressive uniforms. They froze when they saw me clinging to Mashiro’s fur. Of course—they must be shocked by Mashiro’s size and presence. Then one man shouted:

"Everyone, draw your swords!"

In an instant, blades flashed. I panicked—why?

"A Fenrir here?! And a child too! Has the Fenrir captured him?" "Captain, what do we do? We can’t possibly defeat a Fenrir!" "I know. But we can’t abandon the child!"

Oh… they thought Mashiro had captured me. I had to explain!

The captain knelt and called to me: "Are you alright? We’ll save you!"

He looked right at me, speaking kindly. That made me happy—Mother hadn’t looked at me much lately. I quickly answered:

"I’m okay! Mashiro is a good boy. No fighting, please!"

The captain blinked in surprise. "What did you say?"

"Mashiro is my friend. He’s not scary."

The men exchanged looks, whispering. Their swords stayed drawn. Then the captain asked again: "You’re truly safe? If I put away my sword, it’s alright?"

"Yes!" I raised my hand cheerfully.

The captain muttered softly: “…Cute.” and sheathed his sword.

One by one, the others followed. No fighting—thank goodness.

Then the captain noticed the fallen beast nearby. "That’s… a mutated Big Air Bird!"

"I don’t know… but Mashiro is very strong. He protected me!"

I lifted my little hands to show how amazing Mashiro was. The men covered their mouths, shoulders trembling. Were they laughing? Did I say something silly? Anxiety crept back in.

Mashiro wrapped me protectively in his huge tail. Warmth and comfort surrounded me. "Why are you laughing? Are you mocking my Master?"

"What? No… wait, did it just speak? A Fenrir… a higher species…"

"Answer me."

"No, we weren’t mocking. It’s just… your gestures were so adorable, we couldn’t help it."

I peeked out from Mashiro’s tail. "You won’t laugh anymore?"

"No, no… we won’t. You’re simply too cute, that’s all."

So they weren’t laughing at me. Relief washed over me.

Mashiro chuckled: “Indeed, Master is cuter than anyone.”

I pouted. Why was everyone laughing? I didn’t get it.

"Sorry, sorry, don’t be mad, Master."

While Mashiro and I bickered lightly, the men trembled again, trying to hold back laughter.

Finally, the captain knelt to meet my eyes. "Can you tell me your name, and why you’re here?"

"Okay!"

It had been a bit chaotic, but at last—I met the people who would become my family.

…But how should I explain? Should I mention God? No… it feels like I shouldn’t. Maybe I’ll just say someone brought me here. Yes… that’s safer.