After years of imprisonment, Orochi had begun to appreciate the company of others, though she maintained a cold demeanor on the surface, hesitant to admit her growing fondness for their companionship. She assisted Butterbell and Creambell in catching a few Driller fishes, using her influence to keep wild animals at bay, allowing the pixies to safely explore the forest for herbs.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, bathing the Serpent Forest in the moon's ethereal glow, it was time for dinner. Creambell summoned a bonfire with his fire magic, and everyone gathered around it. Finn, unable to eat but filled with gratitude for their camaraderie, sat happily amongst them. He managed to persuade Orochi to join them, and surprisingly, she agreed.
Moonlight and Orochi took their places on either side of Finn, while Creambell settled beside Moonlight. This arrangement left Butterbell beside Orochi, who made sure to maintain a respectful distance, still somewhat intimidated by her formidable presence.
As they sat before the crackling bonfire, the sound of wood gently filling the air, its warmth provided a comforting embrace in the chilly weather. Skewered Driller Fish meats were placed near the fire, slowly cooking and releasing their juicy fat, providing a delightful aroma and an opportunity for the companions gathered around the bonfire to bond.
"So, we never really had the chance to get to know each other properly until now. I suppose this is an opportunity for us to bond a little," Finn remarked, his ethereal body glowing as the firelight passed through, causing the dust particles to twinkle.
"Huh," Butterbell responded, smirking as he gazed at the fire. "I suppose everyone here is familiar with each other's roles. Butterbell and I serve as the bodyguards of the great pixie queen, Moonlight the Kind. And who isn't familiar with Orochi, the ruler of the Serpent Forest?"
"That's the image we project, but the true essence of who we are is often concealed, hidden from others. Trust me, revealing your authentic self to others can be quite liberating. It's a process through which some of the most beautiful things in the world, like friendship, are forged," Finn explained in a soothing tone.
"Why would a superior being like me consider someone inferior as a friend?" Orochi questioned, her pride evident in her voice.
Finn chuckled faintly, gazing at the crackling logs in the fire, sending red splinters into the air. "Because friendship transcends such notions. It isn't about status, power, wealth, or material possessions. True friendship is built on feelings. It's about trust, the ability to express emotions openly, and being oneself in front of someone - shedding the masks we often wear."
Hearing this, Creambell applauded with a smile and said, "What a beautiful way to describe friendship."
"Thank you," replied Finn, returning the smile as he looked at Creambell.
"Now, let's start getting to know each other," Finn encouraged, but a heavy silence hung in the air as everyone avoided making eye contact. Finn grinned and decided to take the lead. "Guess I have to start."
He cleared his throat, though it was unnecessary for his ethereal form. Then, he began, gazing into the flames of the bonfire, "I wasn't always a sentient house. I had a previous life and vivid memories of it. "
"I used to own a house much like this one, and I enjoyed scaring people by dressing up as various frightening characters. Many questioned why I chose such an unconventional job, but I never wavered because I loved it. However, my passion took precedence over life's essentials. I feared that entering a relationship and starting a family would chain me with responsibilities I wasn't prepared for. I thought having a family would mean losing my freedom. Yet, I forgot about the loneliness that accompanies absolute freedom."
"I was free, but I was too free. Without the chains I dreaded, I lost the connection to share my joys and sorrows. When I finally decided on a new beginning after selling my beloved Haunted House, I died. Ironically, I was reincarnated as a Haunted House. In this strange new form, I am a changed being. I seek a home, not just a house. The first step is forging a bond—a bond of friendship."
Finn looked around, surprised to see everyone listening intently. When their eyes met, they quickly looked away. Finn smiled and prompted, "Now, who's going to share in the spirit of friendship?"
A moment of silence enveloped them as all eyes were fixed on the bonfire. Creambell, a bit hesitant, glanced at Moonlight and Butterbell, hoping they would speak, but they remained silent. He looked back at Finn with a smile and said, "I suppose I'll go next."
Creambell then began, "Before I became the bodyguard of our queen, I worked as one of the servants for an herb alchemist."
"The alchemist lived in an isolated house, far from any other civilization. He used to say that most plants thrive in the wilderness, rather than in the confines of a human's garden. He believed we should live in harmony with nature, not in the concrete jungles we create. He was like a father to me, and I was like his own child. Thanks to him, I now have extensive knowledge about herb alchemy."
"However, one day, a group of robbers raided our house. They took everything, killed most of the servants, and burnt the house to the ground. The old man fell into depression after that. I tried to console him, but he told me he wasn't devastated about losing his life's work; he was devastated because he lost the children who had grown in his house like his own. He was angry that herb alchemy didn't give him the strength to protect them."
"A few months later, he died with that regret, and it left a deep mark on me. I began to learn combat magic so I could protect as many helpless people as possible. Soon, I became one of the guards of Petalton, a small pixie town where our queen was born. Now, it's my duty to protect her from any threat."
After hearing Creambell's heartfelt story, Finn sighed heavily, trying to process the tragic tale. "That was truly something," he said, taking a moment. "Alright, who wants to share next?"
He looked around, but no one stepped forward to speak. So, he turned to Moonlight and asked, "Moonlight, how about you?"
Considering Moonlight's humble and kind nature, she found it hard to decline. "Alright!" she said, taking a deep breath. "People often say I'm an anomaly, the prophesized one destined to unite all the pixies across the world."
"When I was born, the people of Petalton were overjoyed. They treated me as if I were a goddess descended from the heavens. My mother began grooming me to be a queen from a very young age. She taught me how I should live, what I should wear, where I should go, and how I should behave. After all, I was the first pixie queen ever born in Central Island," she smiled, glancing at Creambell and Butterbell. "Now, it's my responsibility to fulfill the role I was destined for and bring all the pixies the same level of respect as other races."
"You'll definitely succeed, your highness," said Butterbell, determination shining in his eyes and voice.
"Yes, you will," added Creambell, a hopeful smile on his face.
"Even though I don't have much knowledge about this world, I also believe you will succeed," said Finn with a genuine smile.
After a moment, Butterbell stepped forward with confidence. "I'll go next," he declared, his morale boosted after Moonlight's turn.
"My family has been guarding the town of Petalton for generations, and protecting the town has always been our duty. However, when our queen was born, I wasn't certain if I would be chosen to be one of the royal guards."
"There were many pixies, some from Petalton and others from different parts of Central Island. Many were even more skilled in combat than I was. However, a fight isn't always about skills or strength; it's also about courage—the unwavering determination to face a fight, regardless of the odds. That's how I was selected to be the queen's knight, and it's my duty to keep her safe in all circumstances," Butterbell explained.
"You're doing a fantastic job at that," Finn praised, genuine admiration in his eyes.
However, Butterbell furrowed his brows in disbelief. "Was that sarcasm, ghost?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of threat.
"No, no," Finn hurriedly clarified. "I genuinely meant it."
"It better not be, because I can be deadly serious about my duties," Butterbell warned, glaring at Finn.
After a few moments, Finn turned his attention to Orochi, who was avoiding making eye contact. "So, you're the last one. Would you like to share?"
Although Orochi appeared calm on the outside, her thoughts were in chaos. She yearned for friendship but was torn between that desire and maintaining her prideful demeanor.
As everyone eagerly awaited her response, Creambell suddenly shouted, "IT'S DONE."