After the uneasy interaction with Alina, Akeno was left alone. She let out a soft sigh.
They're both so strange… Doesn't matter what they say, I'm sure they don't really want me here. I'll try to get out as soon as I can.
She wrapped the blanket tighter around her. Well… she did say I could stay, but did she really mean it?
Akeno drank the whole glass of water in one go, then burst into coughing. "Pffft—Ugh. That was a bad idea." Her throat burned, and she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.
Standing up, still clutching the thin blanket, she wondered, What do I do now? Explore?.. Maybe not the best idea. Wait… what about outside?
She glanced toward the open window, then the door. Should I tell Gracie? "Ah… Gracie…" No answer. Shrugging, a small smirk tugged at her lips. No need.
Dropping the blanket back on the couch, she hurried to the door. The floor creaked beneath her as she pushed it open.
Outside, the afternoon sun hung high, warming the clearing around the cottage. It wasn't as cold as it had been in the morning.
The sunlight was warm, and the air carried a gentle, cool breeze. Akeno took a deep breath. "Let's see."
She wore the slippers Gracie had given her earlier and sprinted forward, almost slipping. "Woah, that was close."
Then she froze. A flock of birds flew low across the sky. Long, bright yellow tails and shimmering green bodies caught the sunlight. She had never seen anything like them.
"Woah. They look beautiful… how many are there?"
She shaded her eyes with her hand, staring. They must be native to here… but this place should be close to home. Why haven't I seen them before?
She frowned, tapping her chin. No, impossible. If they were this close, I would've noticed them before… right?
The birds scattered into the distance, their strange cries echoing like whistles. Akeno lowered her hand slowly.
"…Never seen anything like that." She shook her head and laughed under her breath. "Must be a regional thing. Yeah. That's it."
"Or… maybe I just never looked up at the right time."
The wind carried a faint, sweet fragrance, brushing against her face. Wildflowers swayed at the edge of the clearing, their petals a deep violet that reminded her of painted glass.
She crouched, brushing a hand across the grass. It felt thicker than she was used to, almost springy beneath her fingers.
Akeno recalled the forest she had escaped through. "Even the trees looked different…"
"…Definitely regional." She nodded firmly, as though convincing herself.
But even as she said it, her stomach twisted with unease.
She stared at the retreating flock until they vanished behind the treeline. Ahead was the blurry silhouette of the forest in the distance.
"…Strange." Her eyes narrowed, then lit with sudden realization. "Oh. Of course. It's the forest."
She nodded to herself, satisfied. "The birds, the trees, the plants… all separated by the forest. Different region, different ecosystem. That explains it."
The thought comforted her, but only for a moment. She glanced again at the strange flowers at her feet and the sky, too sharp and blue.
Her lips pressed into a thin line. "…Yeah. That's all it is."
She crouched near the edge of the clearing, plucking one of the violet flowers she'd spotted earlier. The petals felt too soft, almost silky, like fabric between her fingers.
"…Weird." She twirled it once, then shrugged. "Forest plants. Gotta be."
Something rustled in the bushes. Akeno spun around just in time to see a small creature dash past, shaped like a rabbit, but with stubby horns sprouting from its head.
She blinked, stunned for a second, then burst out laughing. "Okay… that's new. Guess the forest makes everything grow funny."
The little thing vanished, leaving behind oddly shaped tracks in the dirt. She crouched to look closer, frowning. "Definitely a rabbit… Though, not quite the same."
Her eyes twitched. "…Okay, that was strange. But still a rabbit… probably."
She straightened, brushing dirt from her knees, and glanced at the sky. The clouds looked brighter, swirled in odd spirals. "…Altitude. Gotta be the altitude."
Even as she said it, her voice wavered.
She took off her slippers, standing barefoot on the warm grass, and shook her head.
She sat back down on her slippers, hugging her knees, letting out a small snort.
"I've seen plenty of rabbits before… normal ones, big-eared ones, even those tiny puffballs people bring from overseas," she said with a grin. "Heh… some are tasty if you cook them right."
She laughed to herself, brushing some dirt off her leg. "Wonder if this one tastes the same… horns and all."
A shiver ran through her. "Tch, no, no, no. That's dumb. It's just a rabbit."
For a few moments, Akeno sat quietly, watching the grass. Then she noticed movement. What's that?
Her curiosity got the best of her and she picked up a small rock and tossed it in the direction of the rustling.
A faint noise came, and something dashed through the grass. Akeno squinted. "Probably just a little creature."
She glanced at her hand. Soil clung to her skin. Clapping it off, she realized it must've been the rock.
Looking back at the spot, she saw the soil was soft and wet. Yeah, it was the rock.
She leaned back, letting out a slow breath, and then realized she wasn't entirely alone.
Akeno looked up and instinctively turned her head… only to notice Gracie leaning against the upstairs window, her hand resting on her cheek as she watched quietly.
What is she looking at?
Akeno was unsure, but carefully she leaned forward and waved her hand. "Hi…"
Gracie waves back, her one hand still on her cheek. With a faint curious smile tugging at her lips.
Akeno quickly looked away. A bit flustered… Unlike before she waved back!!!