Chapter 36 - Peek a Boo!

The morning sun filtered through the canopy, casting a warm glow Inside the tree bark where the youngling and the young harpy lay intertwined. Their bodies rose and fell in the gentle rhythm of slumber, their breathing soft and peaceful as they basked in the tranquility of the moment.The youngling wyvern curled up inside the young harpy's embrace, pretending to be asleep. He loved the feeling of safety and comfort that came with being held by the harpy, and he wanted to stay there forever.Yet, as the day grew brighter, the young harpy stirred, her eyes fluttering open to greet the new dawn. With a gentle stretch, she roused herself from the embrace of sleep, her gaze falling upon the still-slumbering form of the youngling beside her.A tender smile touched her lips as she watched him, his features relaxed and his wings folded neatly against his back. For a moment, she simply observed him, marveling at the innocence that radiated from his restful state.But a moment later, the young harpy decided it was time to greet the day. She gently nudged the youngling, trying to rouse him from his slumber. Her touch was light, a whisper against his scales, but he remained still, his eyes closed and his breathing steady.A faint crease of worry creased the harpy's brow as she nudged him again, this time with a little more insistence. Concern began to bloom within her, wondering if perhaps the youngling was unwell or if something more sinister had befallen him during the night.Just as she was about to check on him more thoroughly, the youngling's eyes suddenly snapped open, and he let out a mischievous squeak."Bwaa!" he exclaimed, his features contorting into an exaggerated expression of surprise, effectively startling the young harpy with his impromptu peek-a-boo.For a heartbeat, the harpy froze, her eyes wide with momentary shock. Then, as realization dawned, a melodic peal of laughter bubbled forth as she gathered the giggling, wriggling youngling into a warm embrace.Delighted by his successful prank, the youngling's wings flapped excitedly, anticipating their next game. The young harpy was happy to indulge, feigning surprise as she pretended not to see the squirming bundle of energy in her arms, much to his uncontrollable delight.⁕⁕⁕On a rare mist-free day in the forest, the youngling wyvern mustered his courage and began to explore. As he strolled through the dense foliage, each nook and cranny teemed with life and wonder.The trees swayed in the gentle breeze as birds sang from above, creating a peaceful atmosphere that lent itself to exploration. The creatures of the forest were mysterious yet welcoming, leading the little adventurer onward on his journey of discovery.The youngling wyvern had been running around in the Song forest accompanied by his harpy savior. He had been very nimble, running on all fours, crouching under a fallen tree, slipping between low branches and small trees.The harpy couldn't keep up with him as the trees and the branches obstructed her view. She could only be flying slowly inside the forest. she had lost sight of him.The young wyvern eventually reached the edge of the forest, its excitement grew as it anticipated what lay beyond."Waa~" The youngling wyvern gazed in awe, marveling at the magnificent structures before him.Towering stone walls and intricate wooden roofs filled the estate, with the stately manse looming larger than life next to the Song forest. He couldn't believe his eyes, having never seen anything like it before in his time amongst these woods. The sheer grandeur of this place left him breathless.His eyes lit up with amazement and admiration as the young wyvern caught sight of human architecture for the first time. The estate mansion had an impressively manicured garden that only added to his amazement. The curious little wyvern was just a stone's throw away from the garden.At the back of the garden, he saw a red-copper fluffy critter he had never seen before next to the wall of another fancy structure. It resembled a small bear with a wide face like a raccoon. It has a luxuriously long and fluffy tail almost as long as its body while Its coat of fur was the color of a fox.The small, fluffy red creature scurried around, searching for something to eat. It was seemingly unaware of its surroundings, intent on minding its own business.Suddenly, a second animal appeared, Slightly bigger than the first one. It ran in growling and barking fiercely, its menacing eyes fixed on the fluffy critter.The red fluffy critter was startled and quickly went into alert pose. the red fluffy critter inflated itself, stood on both of its hind legs, raised both of its hands and made itself look bigger as it was trying to intimidate the other animal.The other animal kept barking ferociously, the red fluffy critter held his intimidating pose. Neither of them seemed to be backing down.After a tense standoff, the other animal finally backed down and retreated. The red, fluffy critter had easily claimed victory with its impressive display of intimidation.The young wyvern stared in amazement as he learned his lesson - even a small creature like the red, fluffy critter could chase away a larger animal. He had never seen anything quite like it before and it filled him with wonder.The youngling wyvern's eyes widened with unbridled wonder as he beheld the peculiar, fluffy creature before him. Its form was a stark contrast to the sleek scales and leathery wings he was accustomed to, inviting a sense of curiosity that proved too alluring to resist. Before he could think better of it, the youngling found himself inching closer, his steps tentative yet driven by an insatiable urge to investigate this strange new being.The fluffy critter, seemingly oblivious to the young wyvern's trepidation, reciprocated the interest with equal parts enthusiasm and innocence. It ambled forward, its movements a comical waddle that belied the incredible size it had achieved – almost matching the youngling's own stature.As the distance between them closed, the critter extended its inquisitive snout, the twitching nostrils drinking in the unfamiliar scent of the young wyvern. The youngling froze, his breath caught in his throat, as the critter's damp nose brushed against his scaly cheek, eliciting a delightful tingle that sent a shiver rippling down his spine.In a flurry of fluff and startled movements, the critter recoiled, its reaction mirrored by the youngling's instinctive flinch. Yet, as their eyes met once more, a spark of recognition kindled between them – a shared understanding that this encounter was not one of danger, but rather an opportunity for exploration and play.With a playful twitch of its paws, the fluffy critter raised itself onto its hind legs, its forelegs extending outward in a gesture that could only be interpreted as an invitation to join in the revelry. The youngling wyvern, his initial apprehension melting away, responded in kind, spreading his wings wide and crouching low, ready to pounce and scamper in pursuit.And so began a dance of unbridled joy, a game of tag that knew no bounds or rules. The youngling wyvern, his movements still clumsy and ungainly, would launch himself forward, his stubby legs propelling him in a lumbering chase after the nimble critter. In turn, the fluffy creature would dart and weave, its laughter-like calls echoing through the clearing as it evaded the wyvern's playful swipes.Their chase knew no end, fueled by the boundless energy of youth and the simple pleasures of companionship.The rambunctious game of tag eventually gave way to a new form of amusement, one that tapped into the childlike wonder shared by both the youngling wyvern and his fluffy companion. As they caught their breath, panting and giggling in equal measure, the critter's bright eyes seemed to sparkle with mischief, as if a brilliant idea had taken root.Without warning, the fluffy creature turned and scampered behind the nearest tree trunk, its bulky form disappearing from view in a flurry of movement. The youngling wyvern blinked in confusion, his head cocking to the side as he peered around the clearing, searching for any sign of his newfound friend.Seconds ticked by, the silence punctuated only by the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant call of birds. Just as the youngling began to wonder if the critter had simply wandered off, a soft rustling came from behind the tree, followed by a playful chirp that could only be interpreted as a beckoning call.Hesitantly, the youngling wyvern approached the tree, his steps slow and cautious. As he rounded the trunk, he was greeted by the sight of the fluffy critter pressed against the bark, its vibrant eyes peering out from behind a curtain of leaves and vines. The moment their gazes met, the critter erupted into a fit of delighted giggles, its round body quivering with unbridled glee.Realization dawned upon the youngling, and a grin spread across his scaly muzzle. With a playful snort, he turned and scampered away, seeking his own hiding spot amidst the foliage. He could hear the critter's muffled laughter echoing behind him, spurring him on in this new game of peek-a-boo.Tucking himself behind a fallen log, the youngling wyvern peered out from his hiding place, his eyes scanning the clearing for any sign of movement. Moments later, the fluffy critter emerged from behind the tree, its head swiveling left and right as it searched for its elusive playmate.Stifling a giggle, the youngling let out a soft trill, just loud enough to catch the critter's attention. Instantly, the fluffy creature whirled around, its gaze locking onto the log where the wyvern lay concealed. With a triumphant squeal, it bounded forward, only to be met by the youngling's own delighted laughter as he sprang from his hiding spot.Thus began a whirlwind of hide-and-seek, the pair taking turns concealing themselves among the vibrant foliage and challenging the other to uncover their whereabouts. Peals of excitement echoed through the clearing, punctuated by playful chirps and trills as they reveled in the simple joy of the game.In these moments, the world around them faded into insignificance, their focus narrowed to the pure, unadulterated bliss of childlike play. The youngling wyvern and the fluffy critter were kindred spirits, bound by the universal language of innocence and wonder, their hearts united in a shared desire to explore the boundless realms of imagination and friendship.⁕⁕⁕The clearing erupted with the sounds of playful scuffles and gleeful laughter as the youngling wyvern and the fluffy firefox tumbled together in a mock battle of wits and strength. Their bodies intertwined, a tangle of scales and fur as they grappled and wrestled, each seeking to gain the upper hand in their jovial clash.The firefox, with its nimble movements and cunning agility, would dart and feint, seeking to outmaneuver the young wyvern's brute force. Yet the youngling was not to be outdone, his stubby limbs and muscular frame allowing him to counter with surprising speed and tenacity.They rolled and tumbled across the mossy ground, leaving trails of disturbed foliage and upturned earth in their wake. The firefox would playfully nip at the wyvern's leathery wings, eliciting a mock growl of outrage before the tables were turned, and the youngling pinned his furry companion with a triumphant snort."Fluffy! Fluffy, where are you?" a sweet, endearing voice suddenly echoed from within the garden wall, cutting through the raucous sounds of their wrestling match.The youngling wyvern's gaze immediately shifted toward the source of the voice, his ears perking up at the gentle call. There, peering over the garden's stone barrier, was a young girl, her hair tied up in cute braids with a blue ribbon woven through the strands. Her eyes sparkled with innocence, and an adorable smile graced her cherubic features.It seemed like she was looking for his new friend, the red fluffy critter. The little girl was blocked by the corner of the wall of another human structure. His new friend ran away to hide in another place.The braided girl couldn't find what she was looking for and her gaze fell upon the youngling wyvern who stood by the edge of the forest just a few steps from the garden."Hi there," The little girl waved at the youngling wyvern.The youngling was stupefied, he didn't know how to react when the little girl called him."Do you see Fluffy?" the little girl asked.The young wyvern didn't know what she meant but he assumed that she was looking for the red fluffy critter. He turned his head and pointed to his right with his muffle."Over the fence?" the little girl asked again as if the youngling wyvern had replied to her initial question.The little girl walked out of the garden, circled around by the fence, and found the red fluffy creature.The braided girl ran gleefully toward it, "There you are."She spotted Fluffy, that startled and responded to her presence with the same puffed-up defensive pose he had used to ward off the other animal. She hugged Fluffy and picked it up with both of her hands to her embrace afraid to lose him again.For a moment, the youngling wyvern watched the heartwarming reunion, his head cocked to the side with curiosity. Then, emboldened by the girl's gentle presence, he took a tentative step forward, his eyes fixed on this new human companion, silently seeking acceptance and the promise of further adventures to come."Jasmine, where are you?" Now, another voice came from the same place where the little girl was.A tall and well-proportioned woman with a seductive air emerged from the garden, in the same way that Jasmine, the braided girl, had first appeared.She looked all over the garden and checked outside as she could hear the little girl talking to the red fluffy critter."Ah, there you are, Jasmine." She approached the little girl who was clutching a red fox tightly in her embrace.The tall woman's expression shifted from relief to reproving as she said, "Agnes just gone off to fetch groceries and you've already wandered off without a word!""Umm," Jasmine paused for a moment before responding with an innocent smile, her bright eyes darting from one side of the space to the other."Your father is about to leave. Don't you want to give him a goodbye kiss first?" the mom asked.both of the humans went inside with Fluffy in the arms of the little girl.the youngling wyvern rushed into the garden and followed them as they walked to the living room inside the mansion. through the doorway, he saw both female humans talking with an adult male human."Take care of Jasmine, Indry," The male human, little Jasmine's dad, kissed the well-proportioned woman on the cheek."Daddy," Little Jasmine ran to her dad while still carrying Fluffy in her arms."Bye-bye sweetie listen to your mom and don't be naughty or the harpy will snatch you," The father figure clawed her cute nose gently.The harpies would snatch little girls away, taking them to a place of complete isolation, and leaving them there. the girls would wander alone until their hunger finally took their lives. It was a fate worse than death - an eternity of despair and loneliness in a cold and lonely place."Bye Daddy," Little Jasmine waved to her father as he walked out the door."Jasmine, put down Fluffy.""But, mom.."Little Jasmine can't help but embrace her firefox pet. She just can't resist cuddling it. Imagine a plush, rust-colored fur coat that cocoons its compact body. Its dainty face features large, dark eyes that hold the secrets of the forest. Just above those curious eyes, white fur forms a delicate mask, contrasting beautifully with the cinnamon tones of the rest of its face.The fire fox's furry ears perk up like little antennae, always attuned to the whispers of the woods. What makes this creature even more adorable is the way its white-tipped, bushy tail curls gently around its body, akin to a fuzzy question mark, as if the Firefox is forever inquisitive about the world.Little Jasmine put Fluffy on the carpet, walked to the table in the living room took one piece of Arum apple piece on the table, and hovered it right above Fluffy the firefox."Cheep," The firefox squeaked as It tried to grab the apple piece with its stubby arms, but it soon realized that even when fully extended its arms were still not nearly as long as its head.Little Jasmine giggled as she teased her pet trying his best to reach the apple piece. It moves gracefully and with a sense of whimsy, resembling a tiny, furry tightrope walker.it squeaked with a pitch sound when little Jasmine teased it with a piece of Arum Apple, an exquisite kind of delectable apple from Arumia in the southern part of Wessen.Fire foxes are a bit clumsy and easily startled added to their cuteness. With a look of despair, it slumped back into a defeated slump.knowing that the firefox had enough, little Jasmine gave the apple piece and the firefox pet quickly grabbed it afraid that its owner would change her mind.After little Jasmine gave it some piece of Arum Apple, she picked him up again and hugged him.Nothing compares to the cuteness of an adorable Firefox. it was like a walking stuffed bear that one couldn't help but want to hug and cuddle. It has an irresistibly soft coat of fur and beautiful eyes full of life, making it hard for anyone to resist its charms. Its playful nature brings joy to all who encounter it, making it a beloved creature in many hearts.While cuddling the firefox inside the living quarter, little Jasmine saw the youngling wyvern in the doorway and not far behind it, a winged young lady strutted her wings, and landed on the terrace's banister. It looks like she came to pick up the youngling wyvern who wandered off of the forest.Before they left, little Jasmine waved at the winged young lady and saw her wave back.⁕⁕⁕When little Jasmine's mother, Indry, came out of her bedroom, she saw her daughter waving towards the doorway. She looked to the doorway and noticed there was no one there.She walked up to her daughter and asked, "What is it, sweetie? Who were you just waving to?""Mommy, I saw a winged lady at the back of our garden," Little Jasmine told her mother when she saw the young harpy while she hugged her firefox pet."Don't go too far, okay sweetie? You don't want to be taken away by the bad-winged woman, do you?" Jasmine's mom scared her off."Okay, but the lady with wings waved at me, she looks like a nice lady.""A harpy won't wave at you, sweetheart. They don't have hands, only wings - and they love to snatch naughty girls who wander away during nap time," Little Jasmine's Mom warned with a smile to reassure her daughter.The warning was not without truth, these cruel creatures were more than capable of snatching up wayward children and leaving them stranded on a desolate mountain of forest only to starve them to death."Is it a nap time?" asked Jasmine with sulking face."yes sweetie, I just made your bed. Now it's time to sleep.""but I still wanna play with Fluffy," Little Jasmine adorably begged her mom with sad eyes and a pouty lip."Don't you worry, sweetie. Fluffy won't go anywhere, he'll be around when you wake up."Little Jasmine didn't want to release the firefox she hugged in her arms but she had to so she sat Fluffy on a cushion. The firefox pet quickly rested its head on its small and nimble paw. It curled up with its fluffy long tail meeting its chest, giving it an endearing posture reminiscent of a stuffed bear waiting for a hug.The little girl skipped excitedly to the bed-chamber, her mother trailing along behind like a protective bodyguard for a curious and energetic child. She leaped onto her bed, and her mother lovingly tucked her in.The little girl was so tired, she had been chasing her beloved pet firefox all around the estate. Her mother let her be and allowed her peaceful sleep to take over, filled with dreams of joy.As Indry went to the garden with a book in her hand, she saw the firefox pet resting on the cushion. She gave a pat on Fluffy's head. despite the trouble that the firefox kept giving her. Nobody could resist its cuteness.Meanwhile, the young harpy picked the youngling wyvern up and brought him to their refuge in the huge hollow trunk in the Song forest. She carefully placed her little one in the makeshift nest inside the hollow tree trunk. With her wings wrapped around him like a cozy blanket, she made sure he was warm on this cold winter night."Coo," The youngling wyvern curled up inside the young harpy's embrace. The human family that the youngling wyvern just saw over the forest brought to mind his parents, both of whom were now gone.He remembered when his parents used to love and care for each other with such warmth. Now, he was alone and all he had were bittersweet memories of what once was. Though he was granted the love of a surrogate mother figure, it did little to assuage his longing for his true parents.⁕⁕⁕