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.