Chapter 8 - Ceremony

2 months have passed since the incident with leprechauns today

The dense forest stirred with the soft rustle of leaves as dawn approached. In the heart of the woodland, a cozy den nestled beneath the sheltering boughs of an ancient oak tree.

Inside a dark large cave, a mother bear, with fur the color of dusk, lay nestled with her four cubs, each as playful and curious as the next.

But another presence in the den stirred with the first light of day. Wrapped snugly in a patchwork quilt made of moss and leaves, a human child slept soundly, cradled in the warmth of the mother bear's embrace.

As the sun cast its golden rays through the canopy above, the mother bear stirred, her gentle rumble waking her cubs one by one. They tumbled out of the den with sleepy yawns and playful nips, eager to explore the world.

But the human child remained nestled against the mother bear's side, her small form rising and falling with each steady breath. Today was a special day of awakening and naming for the bear children.

" mama are we going to take him "With curious eyes a cub asked

"Yes, he is also part of our group so we will be taking him with us," replied the mother bear to her cub with a pleasing expression.

" yay " all the cubs shouted together 

Most magical creatures born in the forest are named after the god of nature herself. This event is carried out by the people or magical beasts who serve under the god. The given name is said to be a life's purpose, providing the will to fight under any circumstances. A name that resonates with purpose, destiny, and the eternal dance of seasons. This naming ritual is not a mere formality but a pact between the creature and the divine. For within that name lies the seed of courage, the sapling of resilience, and the ancient roots that anchor them to their purpose.

Outside the den, the forest seemed to hold its breath in anticipation. Birds chirped softly from their perches, and a gentle breeze whispered through the leaves. It was time.

With her five cubs, Bear exited the den and moved toward the center of the forest. Today, the climate is somehow different. The sun was shining brighter than ever, and even the plants and beasts were more vibrant. Naturally, there was a rule in the forest: the strong survive and the weak perish.

Soon, they arrive at the center of a large tree. Its branches cover almost 100 kilometers of land, wrapped by wild vines. All branches' vines emerge from a single place, forming an entrance. it was like an invitation to the space within.

Gracilia and the children entered the vine-covered door, greeted by a wall of fog. Suddenly, a flicker of light appeared, leading them to the ceremony's location.

After the fog cleared, the child sitting on the bear started moving his hand and trying to speak after seeing the scenery that caught his eye. All the young animals were present, but the most striking thing was a statue of a goddess behind the crowd. She appeared to be holding weapons in her hand, and her stone eyes were closed, giving her a peaceful expression, depicting the stability of the forest.

In front of him was no other than the great lion with six arms two large trees and red hair with black fur

"Children of the forest," the lion began, his voice resonating through the ancient oaks, "we gather beneath the boughs of this venerable oak, where roots intertwine with memory. Today, we stand at the threshold of destiny—a moment that echoes across time."

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle. The air shimmered with anticipation.

"Naming is no mere formality," the lion continued. "It is the heartbeat of our existence—the rhythm that binds us to the land, the seasons, and each other."

"When we name a creature," the lion said, "we invoke the very essence of creation. We breathe life into syllables, and those syllables become roots that anchor us to purpose."

saying this he moves near the tree and closes his eyes, suddenly Large vines break near the trees forming glowing flowers and building a platform over which was empty suddenly glowing letters emerge above the platform 

A bear cub moved near the tree platform a name appeared written in unreadable language 

ɒʞɒʜT -Thaka

ȶʀʊȶɦɛʀ - Truther

𝕮𝕬𝕹𝕴 - Cani

𝕥ꫝꫀ᥇ꪖ - Theba

Now it was the turn of the human baby but before Gracillia could take him near the platform many voices emerged 

" Should it be all right to include a human in our ceremony "Many other beasts raised their voices after seeing a human child present between them 

"That is what the goddess of nature wants. Then we have no say in that." The lion signaled Gracillia to bring the boy near the platform, which glowed.

" ᗩᏒᎥᏁ " - " ARIN " 

seeing the name lion said, "Your name shall be a bridge—a thread woven between worlds. Protect both beasts and humans alike. For within your name lies courage, resilience, and the promise of eternity."

From today your name shall be Arin who has the mountain strength.

This is my gift for you my child the knowledge of the beast language." Graciillia said keeping her paw on the head of the Arin which glowed.

After sometime

Gracillia was standing in front of a beast 

" his his" beast made sounds

"Why are you here?" Gracillia asked with an angry expression.

"I have quite taken a liking to your children especially that human so if you do not mind I would like to have my meal, HISS," The beast said looking toward Arin.