He leaned closer, squinting at the strange figure. That's when he noticed the glowing yellow horns sticking out of the other person's head. He gasped and reached up, touching his own head, feeling something solid and smooth. His fingers traced the same glowing horns he saw in the water.
Rei (startled, trying to pull them): Why... why are they stuck? Get off!
He tugged at them, pulling harder, but they wouldn't budge. His eyes drifted back to the water, and now he noticed a faint purple ring floating above the head of the reflection too.
Rei (nervous, confused): What's... what's that thing up there?
He waved his arms, watching as the circle stayed right over his head, never moving. His reflection just waved back at him, horns and all.
Rei (starting to feel scared): Stop copying me! Who are you?!
He splashed at the water, but the reflection just rippled and came back, still wearing those glowing horns. His hands dropped to his sides, frustration bubbling up inside him.
Rei (worried, voice soft): Why... why do I look like this?
Rei's heart pounded as he bolted away from the lake, panic rising in his chest. He didn't understand what he had just seen—those strange, glowing things on his head. His feet splashed through puddles as he ran, his eyes wide with fear.
Rei (panicking): Why won't they come off? I don't want them!
He spotted the big rock up ahead, the one he had sat on before. Desperation surged through him. Maybe, just maybe, he could get rid of those weird things. His legs moved faster as he reached the rock, climbing onto it and pressing his head down hard against the rough surface.
Rei (struggling, determined): I'll make them go away!
He rubbed his head frantically against the rock, pressing harder, hoping the roughness would somehow scrape them off. But no matter what he did, the glowing things stayed, unmoving, stuck to him like they were a part of him.
Rei (grunting, frustrated): Go away! Get off me!
He grabbed at them with both hands, tugging and yanking at the glowing things, but they wouldn't budge. His small arms trembled with the effort, and tears pricked at his eyes. No matter how hard he pulled, they were still there.
Rei (whimpering, voice shaking): I don't want these... I don't want these things...
Exhausted, he finally slumped to his knees next to the rock, breathing hard, the glowing shapes still there, like they were mocking him.
Rei's head throbbed from all the tugging, a dull ache settling in as he sank down beside the rock, his shoulders slumping. He closed his eyes, trying to catch his breath, but his mind raced with thoughts that felt too big for him to handle.
Rei (softly, to himself): Is this what a demon is? Am I... am I really a demon?
The word felt heavy in his mouth, foreign yet familiar. He remembered the villagers' fearful faces, their shouts echoing in his ears. But what did that even mean for him? What was he supposed to be?
Rei (thinking, confused): If I'm a demon... then why do I feel scared? Why do I just want to be normal?
His heart sank deeper into uncertainty. He glanced at his hands, the fingers small and fragile, the skin marked with scrapes from his earlier struggles. He didn't feel like a monster. He felt lost, just a child in a world that seemed so much bigger and scarier than he could understand.
Rei (whispering, feeling alone): I just want to know who I am...
The thought lingered in the air, mixing with the sounds of the forest around him. Birds chirped, and leaves rustled, but none of it could ease the storm of questions swirling in his mind. He hugged his knees, trying to find some comfort in the warmth of his own embrace, wishing for answers that felt just out of reach.
Rei nestled his back against the cool boulder, the exhaustion of the day weighing him down. He closed his eyes, letting the gentle sounds of the forest lull him into a light sleep. Moments later, he felt a strange sensation, as if someone was watching him.
Slowly, Rei opened his eyes, and his heart jumped in surprise. A girl about his age stood before him, her wide eyes fixed on him with a mixture of curiosity and caution. She had a brown hair that framed her face, and her dark brown eyes sparkled with curiosity. and a dress that seemed a little too big for her, making her look small and vulnerable.
Rei (startled, sitting up quickly): Who... who are you?
The girl blinked, her gaze never wavering. It was as if she were trying to figure him out, just as he was trying to figure himself out.
Girl (curiously, with a soft smile): I'm Athea. I saw you sleeping. Are you okay?
Rei (still a bit wary): I... I think so. But why were you watching me?
Athea shrugged, her eyes sparkling with innocent mischief.
Athea (innocently): I've never seen anyone like you before. I was wondering if you were a monster.
Rei's heart sank at the word "monster." He felt that familiar weight pressing down on him, but he quickly masked his feelings with confusion.
Rei (frowning, trying to defend himself): I'm not a monster! I'm just... me.
Athea tilted her head, as if considering his words.
Athea (genuinely): Just you? But you look different. Those things on your head...
Rei instinctively reached up to touch his horns, feeling that nagging discomfort surge back.
Rei (defensively, frustrated): I don't know what they are! I just... want them to go away!
Athea stepped closer, her expression softening as she crouched down to meet his gaze.
Athea (gently): Maybe they're a part of you. You don't have to hide them.
Rei's heart ached at her kindness. He wanted to believe her, but fear clawed at him, reminding him of the villagers' frightened faces.
Rei (softly, almost to himself): I don't want to be different...
Athea (encouragingly): But different can be good!
Rei looked into her eyes, searching for any hint of judgment, but all he saw was warmth.
Rei (hesitant, but curious): You really think so?
Athea nodded enthusiastically, her smile widening.
Athea (cheerfully): Of course! Everyone has something special about them. You just have to figure out what yours is.
Rei pondered her words, a flicker of hope igniting within him. Perhaps he didn't have to run away from himself. Maybe he could learn to understand the things that made him... him.
Rei (softly): Maybe.
They sat in silence for a moment, the forest around them alive with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. It felt comforting to share this moment with someone who didn't seem afraid of him.
Athea (playfully): Want to explore together?
Rei's eyes lit up at the suggestion, the thought of having a friend, even for a little while, filled him with excitement.
Rei (nervously, but hopeful): Yeah! I'd like that!
As they stood up together, Rei felt a new sense of determination. Maybe this adventure could help him understand more about himself, and maybe—just maybe—he could find a place where he truly belonged.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, the air felt fresh and cool, filled with the sweet scent of damp earth and blooming flowers. Sunlight streamed through the leaves, casting playful shadows on the ground as Athea walked beside Rei, her eyes wide with excitement.
Athea (chattering enthusiastically): This place is amazing! Look at those flowers over there! They're so colorful! I've never seen so many colors together. Can you believe it? Oh, and over there, see that big tree? It's like it's hugging the ground! Isn't that funny? Trees can be like giant friends!
Rei (curiously): Flowers? They look like... um, pretty colors!
Athea twirled around, her curly hair bouncing, and then paused, looking at him with a bright smile.
Athea (grinning): Oh! I just realized I forgot to ask! What's your name?
Rei (confused): What's a name?
Athea (surprised): You don't know what a name is? It's what people call you!
Rei's expression shifted to one of confusion. He thought for a moment, then shrugged, his innocence shining through.
Rei (sadly): I've been called monster or demon... Maybe that's my name?
Athea's eyes widened in disbelief, and her smile faded for a moment as she looked at him with concern.
Athea (reassuringly): No, no! Those aren't names! They're just... not nice things people say. Everyone deserves a name that feels right. You should choose something good for yourself!
Rei (pondering): A name... I'll have to think about that.
Athea (brightening up): Yes! And I can help! Let's keep exploring, and maybe we'll find something that inspires you!
As they walked, Athea pointed out different plants and animals, her excitement infectious. Rei marveled at everything around him, his mind filled with wonder as he tried to grasp this new world.
Athea (excited): Look, over there! Do you see that big tree? It looks like it's hugging the ground!
Rei (gazing at the tree): Hugging? Like... people hug?
Athea (laughing): Exactly! Trees are like giant friends!
Rei grinned, feeling a little lighter. He was starting to understand a bit more about this strange place, and with Athea by his side, he felt less alone.
As they wandered through the vibrant forest, Rei turned to Athea, curiosity shining in his eyes.
Rei (innocently): What were you doing a while ago, watching me sleep?
Athea giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Athea (playfully): Well, I heard that guy yelling about an aswang or monster or something. I got curious and thought, "Maybe there's something scary to see!" But all I found was you, just sleeping there!
Rei (teasingly, with a grin): So you thought I was a monster too, huh?
Athea gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her heart.
Athea (feigning shock): Oh no! I can't believe I called you a monster! I'm so sorry!
They both burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the trees like music. Rei felt a warmth spreading through him, a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time.
Rei (giggling): You better be careful. I might turn into a real monster now!
Athea (winking): Oh no! A monster with glowing horns and a shiny halo? That sounds like the silliest monster ever!
Rei chuckled, feeling lighter than air as they continued to walk side by side, their laughter blending with the sounds of nature around them. With each step, he felt a little less like a lost creature and a little more like a friend.
Rei looked at Athea, still fiddling with the strange "things" on his head. He tilted his head, curious about what she was saying.
Rei (curiously): Oh, so that's what these are called? Horns and a… uh, halo?
Athea (enthusiastically): Yes! Some animals have horns too, like deer, goats, and even some kinds of cows. And halos? Well, angels have those!
Rei blinked, looking a bit lost as he tried to picture what Athea was talking about. He scratched his head.
Rei (laughing): I don't know any of those! What are they like?
Athea (surprised, eyes widening): Seriously? You've never seen animals with horns or heard of angels?
Rei (innocently): Nope! Not at all...
Athea put her hands on her hips, shaking her head as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing. Then she started explaining with the same excitement as when she first spoke about them.
Athea (cheerfully, eager to explain): Deer have these big, beautiful horns—well, they're called antlers, but close enough! And goats, they're like... kinda pointy and twisty. Oh, and cows, they've got horns too, but some of them are pretty small. And angels, well, they're like glowing people with wings and halos above their heads.
Rei tried to keep up with all the things she was describing, but his head swirled with confusion.
Rei (teasing): So, uh, am I like a cow or one of those glowing people then?
Athea (teasing back, laughing): No! But you do have horns and a halo, so... maybe you're both?
They both burst out laughing. As their laughter faded, Rei couldn't help but feel a bit more at ease around Athea. For the first time in a while, he didn't feel so strange or out of place.
Rei followed Athea through the woods, watching her dash ahead with a playful grin. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting warm patches of light on the ground. Birds chirped overhead, and Athea, full of energy, darted toward a tree, her dark brown eyes sparkling with mischief.
Athea (teasing, excited): Bet you can't catch me!
With a swift jump, she grabbed a low branch and began climbing, her brown hair flowing wildly as she moved higher. Rei stood at the base of the tree, staring up in awe, unsure of what to do. He'd never tried anything like that before.
Athea (laughing, from the tree): Can you climb? Can you do this?
Rei awkwardly placed his hands on the rough bark, trying to mimic her movements. His feet slipped, and he barely got off the ground before stumbling back down. He looked up, feeling both frustrated and embarrassed.
Rei (struggling, uncertain): I... I don't think I can.
Athea (smiling, teasing): Come on! It's just a tree! You've got those horns, maybe they'll help!
Rei glanced at the "things" on his head but didn't see how they could help at all. He tried again, his fingers gripping the bark tightly, but it was no use—he couldn't pull himself up.
Rei (disappointed): I... I can't do it.
Athea slid down the tree with ease, landing lightly in front of him. She grinned, but there was no meanness behind it, just her usual playful energy.
Athea (encouraging, teasing): That's okay! Not everyone's a tree climber like me. Maybe you're better at something else... something way cooler!
Rei smiled, feeling a little better despite his failure. They continued exploring, Athea still full of excitement, while Rei wondered what else he could do.
As they wandered deeper into the woods, Rei's mind buzzed with questions. The two of them walked side by side, the forest thickening around them, the sun filtering through the canopy. Rei had been quiet for a bit, but his curiosity was building.
Rei (curious, thoughtful): So... what are these trees for? Why are they so tall?
Athea (smiling, explaining): Trees? Well, they're just... here! They grow really tall, and animals live in them. And they give us shade, and you can climb them, like I did! Haven't you seen trees before?
Rei (shaking his head, uncertain): I don't think so... but they're nice.
Athea (playfully): Nice? That's all you got to say? These trees are amazing! They're like homes for birds, squirrels... maybe not snakes though. You'll learn!
Rei (nodding, curious): Why does everything around here feel so big and... different?
Athea (energetic, explaining): Oh, that's just how the world is! There's forests, rivers, and even mountains that stretch way up to the sky. It's all huge, and it just keeps going and going. You get used to it!
Rei (surprised, interested): Really? It's like nothing I've ever seen before.
Athea (grinning): Well, where did you come from? You act like you've been living under a rock or something.
Rei (laughing, sheepish): Maybe I have... everything's so new.
Athea (teasing): Seriously? Well, you've got a lot to learn! Stick with me, I'll show you everything.
Rei smiled, feeling at ease with her. Even though everything was new to him, Athea's enthusiasm made it feel okay to ask questions.
Athea suddenly stopped walking and turned to face Rei, a curious expression on her face. Rei halted too, feeling a mix of shock and confusion as he wondered why she was looking at him so strangely.
Rei (surprised, confused): Why are you staring at me like that? Did I do something wrong?
Athea (thoughtful, hand on her chin): Hmm...
She made a slightly weird and funny face while examining him, squinting her eyes and puffing her cheeks, which only added to Rei's bewilderment.
Rei (tilting his head, baffled): Are you okay? You look funny!
Athea giggled, shaking her head.
Athea (giggling, playful): I'm just thinking! You've got that... you know, that unique look. I've never met anyone like you!
Rei (blushing slightly, curious): Unique? What do you mean?
Athea (enthusiastic, gesturing): Like your... things on your head! They're so cool!
Rei (looking embarrassed, rubbing his head): Oh, those? They just... are there.
Athea (grinning, trying to make him comfortable): They make you special! Just like the forest is special.
Rei (smiling, feeling a little better): The forest is pretty. But I still don't get why you're staring at me like that.
Athea (suddenly serious, tapping her chin): I think you need a name... something that fits you.
She looked around the forest, her brow furrowed in concentration. The wind rustled the leaves, and she listened intently, as if the trees might whisper suggestions.
Rei (watching her, still confused): What are you thinking?
Athea (enthusiastic, pointing to the trees): I don't know! Maybe something from nature? Like... "Leaf"?
Rei (giggling, shaking his head): That's silly!
Athea (laughing, rolling her eyes): You're right! What about something like "Bear"?
Rei (frowning, shaking his head): I'm not a bear!
Athea (pondering, tapping her chin): Hmm...
As she watched Rei, her mind raced through the possibilities. He seemed friendly, and there was something about him that felt comforting, almost like a friend.
Athea (inspired, her eyes lighting up): Wait! What about "Rei"?
Rei (confused, tilting his head): Rei? What does that mean?
Athea (excited, explaining): In some places, it means "friend." You seem friendly, so it fits!
Rei (intrigued, experimenting with the name): Rei... I like it! It sounds nice.
Athea (grinning, clapping her hands): Yay! It's settled then! You're Rei!
As Athea and Rei continued their chat, the peaceful sounds of the forest were suddenly interrupted by the crunching of leaves and breaking sticks. Athea's eyes widened with fear.
Athea (urgent, whispering): Shh! Did you hear that? It sounds like the villagers!
Rei (wide-eyed, confused): Villagers?
Before he could say more, Athea quickly grabbed his hand and pulled him behind a bush, urging him to stay low. They huddled together, listening intently.
Athea (whispering, looking worried): We have to be quiet. Just stay here!
Rei (fidgeting, trying to peek): But I think I know that guy from—
Athea (placing a hand over Rei's mouth, firm yet gentle): No! Don't say anything! Just be quiet!
Rei (muffled, surprised): Mmmph!
Athea (softening, looking into his eyes): Don't worry. Just wait here. I'll be right back!
Rei (hesitant, biting his lip): But… what if they find us?
Athea (smiling reassuringly): I promise I'll come back tomorrow!
Rei (nervous, unsure): Tomorrow? But how do I know you will?
Athea (enthusiastic, holding out her pinky): Here! Let's make a promise!
Rei (scrunching his brow, confused): A promise? What's that?
Athea (grinning, explaining): It means you have to keep your word! We can make a pinky promise! Like this!
She intertwined her pinky with his, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Athea (playfully): See? Now it's a special promise!
Rei (still unsure, but smiling): Okay, I'll wait for you.
Athea (beaming, squeezing his hand): Yay! Just stay safe! I'll be back to play!
With that, Athea carefully peeked out from behind the bush. The sounds were getting closer, but she took a deep breath and dashed away into the trees, leaving Rei alone in the brush.
Rei (whispering to himself, feeling a mix of emotions): I hope she really comes back...
He sat there, watching the path where she had disappeared, a strange warmth spreading in his chest from their new bond.