He brought his stick down in a mighty swing, and Athea leaned back to dodge—but just then, a lightning bolt struck the ground just a few feet behind her. The loud BOOM echoed through the forest, leaving both of them standing there, wide-eyed and frozen in shock.
Athea (whispering, stunned): …Did you just…?
Rei blinked, looking just as shocked as she was, then glanced down at his stick as if it suddenly held real power.
Rei (nervously, laughing): Uh, I didn't mean to actually call lightning!
Athea stared at him, her face breaking into a mischievous grin.
Athea (teasing): I think you better be careful with that yelling, Thunderbolt Boy!
Rei (grinning, flustered): Hey, it was just a name! I didn't know it would actually… you know.
They both burst into laughter, the surprise of the moment fading as they realized just how strange and funny it was. They kept glancing over at the spot where the lightning had struck, laughing and nudging each other as if they couldn't quite believe what had just happened.
As they laughed, a sudden rumble of thunder echoed, and rain began pouring down on them in heavy sheets. Athea looked up, blinking at the sky as raindrops splattered over them, drenching their clothes.
Athea (smirking): Hah! Guess it wasn't you after all, Thunderbolt Boy.
Rei (grinning): Hey, maybe I did summon it! Just… accidentally.
Athea rolled her eyes, grabbing his hand.
Athea (laughing, pulling him): C'mon! We can't stay out here, we'll catch a cold!
Rei let himself be pulled along, chuckling.
Rei (teasing): Where are you taking me, Athea? Somewhere secret?
Athea (blushing a little, glancing back): Oh, hush! I'm bringing you to my parents' house, okay?
Rei looked surprised, slowing for a moment.
Athea (with a smile): Don't worry—they're nice. They'll probably accept you in no time… hopefully.
Rei (thoughtful): You really think so?
Athea (nodding, squeezing his hand reassuringly): I know so.
They finally arrived at Athea's house, drenched and a bit out of breath from running. Athea quietly unlocked the door, glancing around the dark living room to make sure her parents were still asleep. The house was silent, and Athea gave Rei a quick nod, signaling the coast was clear.
Athea (whispering): Alright, they're still asleep. Just follow me, and try not to make any noise.
Rei (nodding, whispering back): Got it. I'll be like… a shadow!
They tiptoed down the hallway, Rei trying his best to avoid the creaky spots on the floor. Once they reached her room, Athea let out a sigh of relief and closed the door quietly behind them.
Athea (smiling, grabbing a towel from her drawer): Here, use this to dry off. You're dripping everywhere.
Rei took the towel, rubbing his hair and shoulders as he looked around her room with curious eyes.
Rei (grinning): Your place is cozy! I've never been in a house like this.
Athea (giggling): Well, I guess it's only fair—you did bring me to your 'forest headquarters' first.
Rei (mocking a serious face): That's right. And just for that, I demand you keep this place a secret from your parents.
Athea (laughing quietly): Deal.
As Rei finished drying himself off, he looked around, still curious.
Rei (whispering): Why'd we have to sneak in anyway? Aren't your parents nice?
Athea rolled her eyes playfully, taking the towel from him and tossing it on her chair.
Athea (grinning, teasing): Oh, they're nice, sure. But you're new, and, well… you're not exactly what they'd expect me to bring home in the middle of the night.
Rei (smirking): So, you think I'd scare them?
Athea (mocking seriousness): Maybe just a little. I mean, you've got horns and a weird floating ring. Can't say that's something they see every day!
Rei (pretending to look offended): Hey! I happen to think my horns are pretty impressive.
Athea (giggling, nudging him): Yeah, yeah, impressive, scary—same thing.
They both tried to stifle their laughter, glancing at the door just in case.
After their playful exchange, Athea yawned, her eyelids growing heavy from the night's excitement. She patted the space beside her on the bed, signaling for Rei to lie down.
Athea (softly): C'mon, we both need some rest after… all of that.
Rei hesitated for a moment, then lay down next to her, feeling the comfort of the soft bed beneath him—a big contrast to the forest floor he was used to. They both stared up at the ceiling, the room silent except for the sound of the rain gently tapping against the window.
Athea (whispering, smiling): Guess today was kinda fun, huh?
Rei (nodding, closing his eyes): Yeah… kinda like a dream.
A few moments passed, and without realizing it, they both drifted off, falling asleep at the same time. The room was quiet, peaceful, with the faint glow of dawn starting to peek through the curtains, casting a soft light over them as they slept side by side, finally at rest after their adventure.