A large number of towering giant trees makes the area closed so that outsiders are difficult to access. If this is a hideout, then this is a good hiding place. Then, the fox stopped at a thatched-roof hut hidden among the giant trees. He turned to Ryan gesturing to come in.
The hut was simple, with only a pile of grass to sleep on and flowers that shone as lights.
"Thanks, little fox. You're very helpful. So, I can sleep the rest of the night." Ryan crouched down while stroking the fox.
The little fox was friendly and became tame. It also stroked itself in the youth's hand. Not long after, Ryan's stomach growled.
"Hungry... Since leaving the forest I'm from, I haven't eaten a single one. I'd better go to sleep and ignore my hunger." He mumbled.
However, the little fox understood what Ryan needed. It tugged at something with its teeth that looked like a leaf bundle.
"Hmm... What's it?" mumbled Ryan. "You're giving it to me?" continued Ryan.
The fox was tame and leaned on Ryan's lap. Then Ryan unwrapped the leaves which contained white ball cake. Due to the urging of his stomach, he tasted the food.
"Mmmh... Soft and melts in the mouth. What food is this?" Ryan said excitedly.
The little fox was also cheerful.
"Thank you!! Not only cute, but you're also smart. Know what others need." said Ryan as he hugged it.
"Did you prepare it for me?" Ryan continued.
The little fox was embarrassed to get praise from Ryan even more so in his arms. Then, Ryan continued eating.
"It's sweet and chewy too. Yummy!!! Do you want it too?" Ryan asked as he fed it. The fox opened its mouth and ate through Ryan's hands.
After eating together, Ryan felt sleepy and wanted to sleep. Not long after, Ryan fell asleep on a haystack.
In the dead of night, the fox came out of Ryan's arms. Gradually, his body grew so that it appeared to be a boy. His legs are adorned with gold and silver ornaments making him look charming for a 12-year-old child. His eyes are brown with brick reddish-orange hair. He wears a grey costume and an orange fur belt. His white-orange tail with fox-like ears makes him a cute little boy. He is a jolly child.
The boy approached Ryan who was fast asleep. Squatting down, he looked at him and sniffed.
"Mmmh... Your scent is alluring. Your presence here can invite the demons to come. And I want to prey on you." The little fox grinned.
--------
Morning has come. Bright sky. The sun shone through the gaps in the thatched roofs. Ryan woke up. Although still sleepy, he forced himself to get up, because when the sky was clear, it was a chance to get out of the woods. So, he didn't want to waste any more time. Even though his condition was uncertain whether he made it out or not, he tried to be optimistic. He got up but didn't see the fox who had helped him.
"Hello. Little fox. Where are you? He said as he went looking around the hut, but couldn't find him. Then he thought, "Hmm... Maybe he'll come back later. So, I'll go wash my face first."
Ryan took a walk in the forest and went looking for a stream. On his way, he saw a sight he had not seen last night because it was dark.
"The trees here are huge. Woah... The sound of birds chirping, the atmosphere of a calm forest. Fresh air. As if the terrible incident last night didn't exist..." He said while taking a deep breath.
After walking far enough, he found the source of the clear water and drank it.
"Ah. So fresh... I feel dehydrated..."
He took a few gulps and filled the water bottle he usually carried. Then he washed his face to freshen up. In his mind, he was still worried about whether he could survive in the woods while looking at himself on the stream's surface. His heart felt restless and he sighed.
After washing, he intended to return to the hut. As he stepped out of the creek, he saw a human figure like himself on the same bank not far away aiming for a beautiful bird.
Because Ryan has been living in the forest for a long time, he considers animals to be his family. Therefore, in reflex, Ryan ran towards the man and pushed him with the shoulder until the hunter fell and slipped into the river bank. And the arrow shot.
"Byur!!!"
The man shouted angrily, "Hey what the hell are you doing!!!"
"I can't let you kill animals," answered Ryan.
"What's your business? Because of you, the bird escaped!"
"All beings have the right to live!" answered Ryan firmly.
While they were bickering, the arrow missed the quarry, but it shot and aimed at Darion who was coincidentally flying past. With his sensitivity, Darion knew an arrow was aimed at him. Then, he dodged the arrow by twisting like a graceful dancer.
"Who dares attack me?" murmured Darion.
On the other side...
"Argh!!!" shouted Ryan falling down, pushed by the hunter.
"In that case, you will be my hunt." said the hunter was on top of Ryan's body while gripping his wrist and pointing a knife at the neck.
"Ugh!!
"Now you can't act like before. If you dare to move, this knife will slit your throat. Turn around!" asked the hunter.
Ryan could only do what he said. So, he turned his body. And the hunter tied Ryan with a rope. This way, Ryan can't go anywhere. Then the hunter with evil thoughts was about to rob.
"Give me your money!"
"I have no money."
"What? You don't have money! You must have hidden it under your robe."
"Don't you see?! I'm just a poor young man!"
"You're trying to lie. You wear a nice robe and look expensive."
In Ryan's mind, "Hah?! This is Lucien's robe."
Then the hunter forced and intended to take off Ryan's robe.
"Le-let me go!! If you dare touch me, I will...," said Ryan.
"What are you going to do? Hah??"
"I-I will call my friend. If you dare mess with me, you won't survive in this forest." Answered Ryan who was trying to defend himself.
"Oho... Where's your friend? He shouldn't have let someone like you wander in the woods. This is what happens when you interfere. By the way, you look cute for a man too... Hmmm... How about I take you to town and sell you?"
"I don't want to!"
"You have to thank me. You may be bought by a noble. Before that, I have to frisk you first."
The hunter's hand began to grope around Ryan's waist to see if there was a bundle of money or valuables hidden?
"Handoff me!!"
"Scream as loud as you can and call your friend. Even if he comes, he can't beat me as an ex-wrestler. Ha-ha-ha..." said the hunter arrogantly.
"Ugh!!!"
"You look sweet for a man. Your tiny body can be of great value."
When the hunter was about to take off the robe that wrapped Ryan's tiny body, suddenly a man in a blindfold landed in front of them and said coldly, "What's going on here?"
They both gasped at the sight of this man.
*****
Who's the guy with the blindfold?? Will Ryan be safe?
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