The sun rises in the sky, and birds begin to chirp and sing in the trees, while Ruby remains asleep in her bed. Her phone's alarm blares loudly, waking her up. Yawning, she stretches widely before tidying her bed. Heading to the bathroom, she fixes her messy hair, rinses her face, and brushes her teeth. Meanwhile, the shark peacefully sleeps in the bathtub, submerged in water.
She prepares breakfast before tending to the household chores. Gathering the dirty clothes, she begins the laundry. Wiping the sweat from her forehead, she hangs the clothes in the window. The cold breeze causes them to sway gently in the air, creating a tranquil scene.
Finally, she settles onto the couch after completing all the work. Grabbing the remote, she turns on the TV. As she engrosses herself in the show, the shark opens the door from the bathroom, slightly wet and yawning. "Oh, good morning!" she greets. Nerio notices Ruby and smiles broadly, waving his hand in response.
Nerio approaches Ruby, using his body language to convey his desire to join her. "You want to eat together?" he smiles and nods. "Alright then..." Nerio gently takes her hand just as Ruby is about to stand up and head to the table. "Hey now, there's no need to hurry," she says, settling down near the shark.
Nerio grabbed an egg toast from the plate and placed it near Ruby's mouth. "O-oh, I'm goo—" Nerio playfully shoved the toast into her mouth before she could finish talking. She took a bite from the toast before Nerio followed with a bite too. Ruby smiled sheepishly as she chewed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement, her face instantly flushing.
Nerio grinned mischievously at Ruby as he devoured another bite, consuming the entire toast with his wide mouth in a single gulp. Ruby, taken aback by his impressive eating, couldn't help but be surprised. Just then, Ruby's phone rang, and it was Amelia calling her. Ruby picked up the phone, and Amelia's enthusiastic voice echoed, "HEYYY RUBYYY!!" Startled, Ruby responded, "What?? Why are you excited???" in a calm tone.
"Let's go camping!" Amelia exclaims enthusiastically. Ruby, taken aback, responds, "W-wait, what!?" Shock lingers in her voice after hearing Amelia's unexpected proposal. "If so, when are we going?" Ruby asks, seeking more details.
"Don't worry! I'll pick you guys up around 6 PM!" Amelia assures with excitement. Ruby, sighing in concern, reluctantly agrees, "Fine... Are you sure this is safe, though? I mean, there could be people around..." She expresses her worry, contemplating the potential risk of others seeing Nerio.
"Relax! It's a forest! It's not like any person would just appear in the woods!" Amelia reassured, relieving Ruby from her anxiety. "Okay, we'll get ready around 5 PM. See you later!" Amelia bid farewell to Ruby before ending the call.
Ruby sighed, still concerned about the risks, while Nerio stared and observed Ruby intently. Sensing Ruby's fret and anxiousness, Nerio stood up and walked behind Ruby's chair, hugging her from above. He wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin at the top of Ruby's head.
Ruby was jolted out of her thoughts as Nerio wrapped her in a gentle embrace. Blushing, she gazed up at him, and he nudged her, offering a comforting presence. Perking up, she broke into a warm smile. "Thank you, Nerio," she expressed her gratitude, grabbing his arm and returning the affectionate cuddle.
"Welp," Ruby exclaimed, rising from the chair and reluctantly letting go of Nerio's gentle embrace. "Gotta pack things up while it's still early," she declared, heading towards her bedroom. Nerio, ever helpful, trailed behind her, assisting as she organized her belongings and carefully packed them into her sizable backpack.
Ruby and Nerio happily spend their time at home, as they prepare for their adventures, anticipating the upcoming camping trip with Amelia. Ruby carefully selected essential items, from a compact stove to a cozy blanket, while Nerio observed with keen interest, occasionally offering his assistance.
As they packed, Ruby couldn't help but express her thoughts aloud, "I wonder what kind of adventures await us in the forest. It's been a while since I've gone camping." Nerio responded with a warm smile, his eyes reflecting excitement.
Ruby then noticed a particular item on the shelf – a small pendant with a blue gem that caught the sunlight. She picked it up and examined it thoughtfully, memories flickering in her mind.
"This belonged to my mom," Ruby shared, holding the pendant gently. "She loved camping. It's like a little piece of her will be with us on this trip." Nerio nodded understandingly, expressing silent support.
Ruby turned her attention to Nerio. "You, my friend, need something for the trip too," she remarked, contemplating what might be suitable for a shark in the woods. After a moment of pondering, she grinned, recalling the large hoodie she had used to disguise him during their outing.
"So, how about we get you something cozy to wear for the camping trip?" she suggested, searching for a piece of clothing that would not only keep him warm but also blend in with the camping atmosphere.
Nerio, understanding her intention, nodded in agreement, his tail swaying with excitement. Ruby chuckled and continued the search for the perfect outdoor attire for the shark.
As they sorted through equipment, Ruby suddenly recalled, "Oh, we'll need some snacks for the trip!" She headed to the kitchen, and Nerio followed, his shark tail swaying with anticipation. They gathered an assortment of snacks, making sure to include some of Ruby's favorite treats and a few surprises for Nerio.
While preparing sandwiches, Ruby noticed Nerio eyeing the bread with curiosity. She chuckled, realizing his lack of familiarity with human food. "You'll love this," she assured him, crafting a sandwich with care. Nerio observed intently as Ruby demonstrated the art of sandwich-making, his eyes lighting up with excitement.
As the clock neared 5 PM, the duo finished their preparations. The apartment was tidy, and their backpacks were filled with necessities.
Ruby looked around her apartment, ensuring everything was in order. She then glanced at Nerio, who had a look of excitement mixed with curiosity on his face. Smiling, she patted his head affectionately.
"I think we've got it all," she said, glancing at Nerio. His eyes sparkled with excitement, reflecting the shared anticipation for the upcoming camping trip. With their preparations complete, Ruby and Nerio decided to unwind for the evening.
They sat on the couch, surrounded by camping gear and the subtle thrill of the unknown adventure ahead. Ruby, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, looked at Nerio.
"This is going to be quite an experience, huh?" she remarked, a playful smile on her face. Nerio responded with a nod and a gentle pat on Ruby's back, silently assuring her that they were in this together.
Ruby took a moment to glance at herself in the mirror, adjusting a strand of her red hair, while Nerio examined his reflection in fascination.
The clock neared 6 PM, and there was a knock on the door. It was Amelia, ready to embark on this camping escapade with her friends. Ruby, with a backpack slung over her shoulder, opened the door, greeted by Amelia's infectious enthusiasm. "Are you guys ready for camping?" Amelia exclaimed.
Ruby's grin broadened as she glanced at Nerio standing behind her. "Yeah! I'm excited to see the forest again!" she replied with enthusiasm. "That's the spirit! Now let's hop into my car!" Amelia exclaimed excitedly, echoing Ruby's anticipation.
They entered Amelia's car and placed their belongings in the back. As they settled into their seats, Ruby placed her backpack between her legs, letting it rest on her lap. Her hand instinctively found its way into the backpack's pocket, where she felt her mother's blue pendant shimmering in the moonlight. Clutching it tightly, she closed her eyes for a moment, silently praying for a peaceful and bonding experience with her friends.
The journey to the forest was filled with laughter and chatter. Amelia, Ruby, and Nerio sang along with the car radio, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie. Upon reaching the camping site, they were greeted by the serene beauty of the forest bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun.
"Wow, the atmosphere here is amazing!" Amelia exclaimed, taking in the surroundings. "Yeah, it's so refreshing to be back in the forest," Ruby agreed, her eyes drawn to the breathtaking red sunset painting the sky. As Ruby wandered around the campsite, she noticed the absence of other campers, adding to the serene ambiance. Meanwhile, the sleepy blue shark emerged from the car, yawning as he stretched his limbs, welcoming the crisp forest air after his nap.
"Alright, guys, let's set up our tent!" Amelia declared, opening the trunk of the car and carefully unloading her belongings onto the ground. Ruby joined her, hefting her large, cumbersome bag. "Phew... this is heavier than I expected," Ruby remarked, struggling under the weight of her bag. To her surprise, the shark approached from behind and effortlessly took the bag from her hands. "Ah, much better. Thanks, Nery, if that's okay to call you," Ruby said with a soft giggle, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Nerio smiled innocently in response, nodding at her gratefully.
Amelia glanced mischievously at Ruby, crossing her arms with a playful smirk. Confused, Ruby returned her gaze, furrowing her brow. "W-what?" she asked hesitantly. "Well, well, looks like someone's feeling lovey-dovey," Amelia teased, causing Ruby's cheeks to flush even more. "W-what?! N-no way!" Ruby protested, though her embarrassed reaction only fueled Amelia's laughter. Playfully, Ruby pushed and pulled at Amelia, trying to deflect the teasing. Meanwhile, Nerio observed the exchange with a puzzled yet contented smile, though he didn't fully grasp the situation.
The trio began preparing their tents, with Ruby and Amelia skillfully pitching theirs before organizing their belongings inside. Meanwhile, Nerio utilized his strength to gather firewood for the evening. Ruby carefully arranged the firewood and ignited it, creating a warm, crackling fire. "I've brought some veggies for us!" Ruby announced cheerfully, grabbing a barbecue stick and a plastic bag filled with assorted vegetables. She also retrieved a pack of sausages from her cooler, ready to start cooking.
She settled near the campfire, retrieving a knife to slice the sausages and vegetables into smaller pieces. Methodically, she skewered the cut vegetables and sausages onto barbecue sticks, crafting dozens of kebabs. Carefully, she positioned each kebab near the fire, ensuring they wouldn't tumble off the sticks.
The tantalizing scent of the kebabs wafted through their campsite, eliciting hunger from all present. The shark, seemingly already drooling from the aroma, settled down with the group. Amelia glanced at the shark, her curiosity piqued, as she observed him for a moment. Sensing her gaze, the shark turned his head towards her and flashed his biggest smile, displaying his sharp teeth. Startled by the sudden grin, Amelia shifted in her seat, her surprise evident. However, the humble shark approached her and gave her a gentle pat on the back, offering reassurance and comfort, easing Amelia's nerves.
Ruby handed out paper plates as the food neared readiness. Carefully selecting a kebab for herself and a corn on the cob on a stick, she did the same for Amelia. Turning to Nerio, Ruby assisted him in choosing his meal. Nerio pointed to three kebabs, prompting Ruby to place them on his plate. She then broke her long corn in half, offering one portion to him. Gratefully, Nerio smiled and nodded his thanks.
They ate amidst the soothing symphony of the forest—the chirping crickets, the hooting owl, and the comforting crackle of the campfire. "So, what have you guys been up to the past few days?" Amelia inquired, trying to maintain an innocent facade as she glanced at Ruby. Ruby met her gaze, her eyebrows raised in surprise. "Huh? What do you mean?" she responded, confusion evident on her face. Amelia's smirk widened slightly as she replied, "Oh, you know... Just wondering if anything interesting has been going on." This time, her smirk grew into a full grin, accompanied by a quick raise of her eyebrows.
Ruby paused for a moment, her mind racing as she processed Amelia's implication. Suddenly, realization dawned on her, causing her cheeks to flush crimson with embarrassment. Without hesitation, she let out an indignant puff of air, her lips forming a pout as she glared at Amelia. Sensing victory, Amelia burst into laughter once more, only fueling Ruby's determination. With a playful gleam in her eyes, Ruby lunged forward, chasing Amelia in a childish display of retaliation. "I told you not to tease me anymore!" Ruby exclaimed, her voice a mix of annoyance and amusement. But Amelia was relentless, matching Ruby's energy as they circled each other in a playful dance. Meanwhile, Nerio, still unaware of the exchange's context, joined in the fun, his innocent laughter adding to the joyous atmosphere. Together, they laughed and played, cherishing the simple moments of camaraderie and friendship.
After tiring themselves out with laughter and play, they retreated to their tent for some much-needed rest. Ruby unzipped her sleeping bag with a sheepish smile. "Sorry, I don't have an extra sleeping bag, but I brought some thick blankets for you," she explained, laying the cozy blanket beside her own sleeping bag. Nerio nodded gratefully, understanding her gesture. Carefully, he removed his hoodie and placed it aside, leaving only his pants on. He settled onto the soft blanket, spreading his limbs in every direction to maximize his comfort. Ruby chuckled softly at his antics before slipping into her own sleeping bag. As exhaustion took hold, the shark nestled closer to her, wrapping his arms around her in a gentle embrace. Ruby blushed slightly at the unexpected closeness but soon relaxed into the warmth of his embrace, drifting off into a peaceful sleep alongside her unlikely companion.
In the dark of midnight, Nerio's senses jolt him awake. He sits up on the blanket, his instincts telling him something is amiss. Ruby stirs from her sleep, rubbing her eyes as she addresses him, "Nerio... Is something wrong?" Before she can finish, Nerio swiftly covers Ruby's mouth with his hand, his expression grave. Ruby grasps the seriousness of the situation and speaks in hushed tones, "Is there someone outside?" Nerio nods silently in confirmation. With caution, Ruby unzips the door of the tent, her hand reaching for a flashlight nearby. She flicks it on, illuminating the darkness outside. Nerio steps out first, followed by Ruby, the beam of the flashlight scanning their surroundings, searching for any sign of intruders. Despite their efforts, they find nothing but the stillness of the night.
Suddenly, Ruby's ears caught the sound of rustling bushes somewhere in the darkness, accompanied by the increasing volume of thumping footsteps. Amelia was roused from her sleep by the commotion, quickly unzipping her tent to investigate. Upon seeing Ruby and Nerio peering into the dark forest, concern etches across Amelia's face. "What's going on, Ruby?" she asks, her voice filled with worry. Ruby's expression tightens as she responds, "I'm not sure... But something doesn't feel right." As if to confirm her words, the rustling of the bushes and the thumping of footsteps grow even louder, sending a shiver down their spines.
Nerio assumed a defensive stance, poised to confront the imminent danger. Suddenly, a faint voice emanated from the depths of the gloomy forest. "The radar says we're close. Adira, get ready," followed by a girl's voice echoing through the trees, "Oh, come on, Alby, don't be too hasty. Look! The night is still young. Let's wander a bit...~" As the voices faded, a massive black figure emerged from the darkness, prompting Ruby to instinctively point the flashlight in its direction. To their astonishment, Ruby and Amelia beheld a sight beyond belief: a towering anthropomorphic white lion adorned in formal attire, accompanied by an orange-haired girl with bandages wrapped around her forearms.
"A human...? Tsk... such a nuisance. Adira, take them down," the lion commanded, his voice dripping with disdain. With swift obedience, the orange-haired girl, Adira, lunged menacingly at Ruby.