{{Path – Forest Outskirts}}
The town behind them slowly disappeared into the mist of morning light.
Leaves rustled softly, the path ahead shaded by tall, ancient trees that whispered with each passing breeze.
Tristan tugged her cloak tighter. "Quiet now, aren't we?"
Jin gave no answer, just a small nod as they walked, his eyes scanning the surroundings.
He could feel the tension building between the serene nature and the unknown dangers of the forest ahead.
Then—
"Psst!"
Both stopped instantly.
Jin's hands instinctively moved toward his sheathed weapon, his senses heightened, searching for any threat.
"Psst! Over here, you tree-hugging humans."
The voice was playful, almost smug, the kind of voice that didn't take anything seriously.
From the underbrush, a blur of green slipped out and trotted toward them.
It was the Verdant Fang... in her small cat-like form, her emerald fur blending effortlessly with the foliage.
She blinked up at them, her golden eyes gleaming with mischief, a wide grin playing across her face.
Tristan sighed, rolling her eyes. "I swear." she muttered, bending down and scooping her up with practiced ease, "You scared me."
"You scare easy." the creature replied with a sly grin, curling into her arms like a pampered house cat, her tail flicking back and forth lazily.
Jin looked at the creature with a mixture of curiosity and caution. "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be guarding the forest?"
The Verdant Fang, her tail swaying in a relaxed rhythm, glanced up at him, her eyes narrowing in an almost smug expression.
"Please. I can blink back in less than a heartbeat if something happens. It's not like the trees will burn down without me for five minutes."
Tristan gave a surprised laugh, her face lighting up. "Wait, are you really that funny?"
"You never asked." the creature replied smugly, her eyes twinkling with delight at the exchange.
Then her gaze shifted to Jin, her ears twitching. "But master... don't you think it's about time you gave me a name? 'Verdant Fang' feels like I'm some kind of ancient sword or garden tool."
Tristan's eyes lit up like fireworks on a festival night. "Ooh! I have some ideas!"
Jin glanced at her, clearly not thrilled about the idea.
He thought.
"Okay, hear me out," Tristan began, her voice full of over-the-top enthusiasm. "What about... Mochi Muffins?"
"No." the cat said flatly, her tail lashing in irritation.
"Okay, okay... Leafy Bean?" Tristan pressed on, undeterred by the rejection.
"Absolutely not." the Verdant Fang growled, a soft hiss escaping her lips as if she were offended.
Tristan pouted, her lower lip trembling in mock indignation. "Alright then, how about Wiggletuft?"
The Verdant Fang's fur bristled, her expression contorting in disbelief. "That sounds like a mushroom with anxiety!"
Jin snorted, unable to keep the laughter in any longer. The image of a nervous mushroom had done it.
Tristan turned to him, puffing her cheeks in a mock pout. "Why are you so quiet, party leader? Thinking of a name, or just enjoying watching me suffer?"
Her tone was teasing, her eyes challenging him to offer something better.
Jin sighed, his breath escaping in a long, exaggerated exhale. "...Vela."
The little creature perked up in Tristan's arms, her golden eyes widening with interest. "Vela…"
She repeated the name again, slower this time, as if savoring the sound of it. "Vela. I love it!"
Her eyes sparkled with delight as she looked up at him. "What does it mean?"
Jin scratched his temple awkwardly. "...I dunno. Just sounded cool."
Vela blinked, clearly unsure how to respond to that.
Then, to Jin's surprise, she smiled.
Without warning, she floated gently out of Tristan's arms, a soft green glow surrounding her tiny form. Her body shimmered like dew-kissed leaves under sunlight.
Jin's feet left the ground as well, a radiant green mana wrapping around him like a cocoon.
His eyes widened as the mana pulsed in time with Vela's, and for a brief moment, he felt something deep within him respond... a connection, a power he hadn't known he had.
They hovered in the air, silent, bound by something unseen yet powerful.
For a fleeting second, it felt like they were the only two beings in the world, floating in harmony.
Then, with a sudden, almost playful flick, Vela landed gracefully back in Tristan's arms, her tail flicking in delight.
She spun midair, landing with a small twirl. "I'm so happy you're my master!" she chirped, before bouncing up with newfound energy. "Let's go, Team Vela!"
Jin blinked in confusion. "Team what?"
"Shh." Vela hushed him, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "It's a branding."
Tristan doubled over with laughter, nearly dropping the little creature in her arms.
"Oh, this is too good. Team Vela! I can already see the merchandise!"
Jin groaned, rubbing his temples. "I have a feeling this is going to be a long journey."
And the three of them. Tristan, Jin, and their newly named companion, Vela, walked down the forest path, a bit closer to the Kingdom of Duskban.
The weight of the forest's mystery still lay heavy around them, but for now, they found themselves united in the most unexpected of ways.
The breeze whispered through the trees as they moved forward, the first rays of the morning sun breaking through the canopy, casting light on their path.