Besides, foxes generally prefer grasslands

Not all forests are the same. Sometimes, you run into what is essentially a bunch of trees, and sometimes you run into an area so old, it feels like life is purposefully leaving the trees to go look for a better place to inhabit. ometimes you run into what is left after a fire, and sometimes you run into forests so intricate, you almost feel like setting them on fire yourself.

But sometimes, you find places like this. Places that really make you feel that the trees, the grass, the land itself, everything is alive. The noises of life are all around you, the animals moving and the leaves murmuring, the water flowing in a nearby river and the fishes swimming in it, the birds bringing food back to their nests, and their infants begging to be fed, the beaks open wide.

Sometimes, you walk into such a spectacle in a warm, sunny afternoon of late summer, and everything is so absolutely perfect, so unbelievably poetic, it almost feels like you are ruining everything by being there, it feels a pity to intrude such a perfect scene. And when that happens, all you can do is thank God (or whomever it is that you thank when you are happy) to be alive, and try to take in, to enjoy the scene as much as possible, to do it honor, if something else.

Hasuka, who understood all this, was feeling really guilty about happening upon such a perfect moment, at a time when she couldn't afford to stop and enjoy it. Because truth be told, she was lost.

So, explain again why coming here was a good idea.

Commented Kohakuren's voice, perfectly audible thanks to Hasuka's special hairpin.

I... I just wanted to explore a bit! We still don't know anyone around these parts, and lessons haven't started yet, so I figured we could get to know the island a bit better...

I get that part.

Interrupted the voice, with the tone of someone scolding a little kid.

Now explain to me why you thought that, of all places, the forest was the right area to explore.

There weren't forests this deep back in our island, so I was curious! And I thought that you, being a fox, would enjoy being in a forest...

I don't know about you, but I personally find it hard to enjoy an exploration, when I know that we are completely lost...

Look, at the end of the day we have been walking more or less in a straight line, up until now... We should be able to backtrack our movements simply by turning around, right?

That might be a valid point... If it wasn't that you said the same words almost a hour ago. Any particular reason why you haven't proceeded yet?

N-not really, I just...

She was just afraid of turning around, only to be unable to find the way back and get lost even more. But of course, she couldn't say this aloud.

If at least there was someone around who could help us...

She sighed.

@Arcadia

The smoke from the campfire was the stereotypical say of hope for Hasuka. Without hesitation, she started running in that direction.

More humans? I can only hope they are more competent than you...

Commented Kohakuren. Her host's antics surely weren't helping her innate distrust for humans. But for now, the host in question just wanted to get out of the forest. And if there was someone who could walk around there so confidently, they had no qualms sitting around and lighting a campfire, they surely would know the way back... Or so she desperately hoped. Of course, there was the possibility that they would be lost, just like she was... But for now, she didn't even want to think about it.

Excuse me! May I please bother you for help?

She half asked and half shouted, upon reaching the clearing from where the smoke was originating. She was panting from the run in the complicated terrain, but that still wasn't enough to make her forget her manners.

Hasuka looked at the boy in front of her: it was evident she was bothering him, but she had no choice on the matter, she knew full well she couldn't make it out of the forest on her own. Still, she felt extremely embarrassed, asking for the help of someone who was so clealy annoyed by her presence, and that caused her to get flustered.

I... I apologize for barging in. I h-hope I did not interrupt anything...

She said, lowering her eyes and blushing.

My name is Hasuka, and... W-well, I just transfered in, and I b-barely know anything about the island... So I figured I would explore a bit, but... I mean...

Oh for the love of- Look kid, it's not that difficult.

A much harsher voice interrupted. It belonged to Kohakuren, of course, but for someone who didn't know Hasuka's peculiar situation, that was essentially a disembodied voice coming out of nowhere.

We just need to ask for directions and get the hell out of here, is it that difficult? Hey you, human

And here the voice addressed the boy

It's clear that you are not happy that we barged in, but truth be told, we aren't happy to be here either, so just tell us how to get out of this forest, and we'll leave you be. You get your silence back, we finally return to civilization, everybody wins.

K-kohakuren please, you are being rude...

Weakly protested the girl, her blush getting even brighter. But at this point, the voice was pretty much ignoring her.

Now that he had talked a bit, this Malek person didn't seem all that bad: Hasuka felt a bit relieved. Maybe something good was going to come out of that misadventure, after all.

N-nice to meet you too, if it's not a problem for you to guide us out of the forest, we will gladly accept your offer. And p-please forgive Kohakuren: she is always rude to humans, but she's not a bad person, after all... I think.

Tsk.

Was the voice's only comment. Desperately looking for a way to keep the conversation alive, Hasuka took a better look at the boy: he looked fairly young (although not that younger than Hasuka herself), and she didn't know enough about the outside world to tell if there was anything "strange" about him, by human standards. As far as she knew, traits like red eyes could be common among westerners.

A-are you perhaps a college student, as well? I just transfered in, and while I was told that I will be in 11th grade, I don't know anyone yet... I assume you have been on this island for a while?

Suddenly, Hasuka seemed to realize something, and she blushed violently

O-oh, b-but I don't mean to be nosy or anything! I'm asking only because I'm still new! I apologize if I'm being rude...

Eh, maybe you didn't mean to be rude, but you surely were.

Remarked Kohakuren's voice, showing the girl no mercy

EEEEEP! I'm sorry!

Oh?

Commented Kohakuren's voice. It was evident that Malek's remark about his age had managed to capture her attention. As for Hasuka, she was genuinely shocked, a blank stare in her eyes.

O-OVER ONE THOUSAND? And there I was about to say that I am your senior... I thought you were a human!

Hasuka looked at the boy again. She had no way of knowing that his eyes were a sign of his ancestry, so as far as she could tell, he looked rather normal. Well, as normal as someone who lived on that island could be, anyway.

May I ask what, exactly, you are?