I could hardly believe what I was seeing. The branches of the tree swayed, and out of nowhere, this shape, this… wraith-like creature, appeared. It hovered in the air, paws covering its mouth, like it was caught in some kind of spell. I froze, eyes wide, jaw dropped.

“A flying mythical beast ghost,” I whispered to myself, my voice barely a breath, almost afraid to break the illusion. Its eyes broadened, and it dropped its paws, revealing a look of pure shock.

“You can see me?” it asked, the voice filled with a male childlike surprise.

I couldn’t help it and said out loud, “A talking mystical beast ghost!” The creature flinched and quickly covered his mouth again, shaking his head like I’d said something wrong.

“You did! I definitely heard you speak,” I said, standing firm, not backing down.

The creature slowly lowered his paws and looked at me, utterly confused. “Hold on a second. You referred to me as a ghost, twice now.”

“Well, it’s because I can see right through you,” I pointed out, staring at his semi-transparent form.

The creature squinted at me like I’d said something bizarre. “You humans aren’t supposed to see me,” he grumbled.

“Really?” I raised an eyebrow.

The creature sighed dramatically. “This is my true nature,” he muttered. And just like that, his features started to become more solid, his ghostly appearance shifting into something that looked more… real.

“So you’re not a ghost after all,” I said, nodding as it all made sense.

“Of course I’m not!” he huffed, puffing up indignantly, glaring at me. “Are you blind?”

I crossed my arms, ready to give as good as I got. “Hey, furball!” I snapped. “Never use that tone on me again.”

The creature’s eyes filled with panic, and he immediately ducked his head in apology. “I’m sorry—”

The sudden shift in his demeanor was almost too much to resist not smiling. “It’s fine,” I said, trying to calm the situation. “I’m also sorry for snapping at you.”

The creature’s face lit up, a grin spreading across his lips as he nodded enthusiastically.

“Good, now I have a few questions,” I said. “And I’d appreciate it if you could answer them.”

The creature nodded again, his eyes serious now, prepared to tell his story.

“First of all, how can you talk like us humans? Did you learn it from someone?”

“No,” he answered simply. “It’s natural for me. You’re the first human to see me like this, and the first I’ve ever spoken to.”

I blinked. “So, there are more of you?”

He hesitated, then looked skyward for a moment, as if searching for the right words. “Well, there is—” he stopped. “Nope. Never met another one.”

My brow furrowed, trying to make sense of the creature’s obscure answers. “So, you don’t have any parents? No one to look after you?” I asked.

“I’ve never seen them,” he said softly, a suggestion of something almost like sadness passing through his eyes. “And it’s not like my parents have any obligations to nurture me. In fact, I’ve seen many mythical beasts being abandoned by their own parents immediately after birth.”

“Really?” I said, feeling a jolt of empathy.

“Yeah,” he said, looking up at the sky again like it was searching for answers. “We’re left to fend for ourselves.”

I felt a sort of kinship toward this creature. There was something about him, so lost, so misunderstood, that made me want to understand more.

“Can you communicate with other mythical beasts?” I asked.

“Nope. They’re pretty dim-witted creatures,” he said with a small laugh. But the way I stared at him must’ve made him realize I wasn’t amused. He quickly cleared his throat. “Sorry, guess I got carried away.”

I tapped my chin, thinking about all the questions I wanted to ask. But before I could inquire more, the creature spoke, his tone a little hesitant.

“Miss, there’s something I need to ask you.”

“What is it?”

“Can you keep our meeting a secret?” the urgency clear in his words. “If people find out about me, they might… they might turn me into a pet.”

I raised an eyebrow. I mean, yeah, the creature was cute. Adorable, really. If there were a competition for the cutest mythical beast, he would definitely win. But something about this creature, this strange being, made me think he had more to offer. He could be an ally, not a pet.

Before long, my lips relaxed into a smile. I have this peculiar knack, one capable of steering others along my preferred path and actualizing my wishes. This talent had proven its capability, as I cleverly employed it with my master Johan, defying his initial doubt and persuading him to impart to me the teachings of the Elemental Seven.

“Ahem!” I cleared my throat. “Okay, I promise to keep our meeting a secret.” Glancing at the sky, I added, “Well, it’s almost noon. I have to grab my lunch back at the academy.”

I turned away without uttering a goodbye, covering a few steps before the desperate call of the creature reached my ears. “Hey, wait!”

I halted, adopting a blank expression as I turned my body around.

“Can you come to visit me often?” His vulnerable voice reached me, a plea for friendship.

My speculation had proven true. A mythical beast, isolated from contact with others of his kind, must indeed experience a deep sense of loneliness after enduring years of solitude. Communicating solely through human language, his longing for companionship revealed in his gestures.

“Why should I?” I asked, maintaining my composure.

“Well, we can share knowledge,” the creature replied, his voice filled with pure enthusiasm.

“Hmm… I have friends for that,” I said, feigning disinterest.

The creature’s countenance drooped, distress obvious in the subtle contours of his face.

Observing his crestfallen reaction, I introduced a condition to our budding connection. “Unless you have something that can help me improve my training.”

The creature’s eyes sparkled, an eagerness to please shining through. “Like what?” he inquired.

“Special power,” I replied, “something akin to those mythical beasts with magic abilities.”

A moment of contemplation passed, and the creature’s expression shifted, as if brooding over the full extent of his own magical potential.

“I can create distractions, you know,” he offered, his voice streaked with a dash of conceit. “Nobody can see me, not even the mythical beasts. I could startle or confuse your opponents, giving you the upper hand in battle.”

“So your power is just to frighten people and creatures out of their wits?” I quipped, moving my head from side to side, faking disappointment.

“Hey, that hurts my pride,” he protested, his voice turning meek. “What if I just follow you around? Maybe I can provide some entertainment or keep your company.”

I showed my gratification with a pursing of my lips. The fruition of my plan finally paid off. “Agreed,” I nodded, “though we must establish some rules.”

“Thank you!” the creature soared in the air with delight.

Seeing his lovable response, I felt an irresistible impulse to reach out and hug him. But I restrained myself. He might find the action rude.

“Okay, let’s head back to the academy,” I said, taking the lead with the creature floating just above my shoulder. After a few strides, I came to a halt and turned my head to the side. “Hold off for a second. How can we talk to each other when there are people around us?”

“We can do it telepathically,” he replied. “Like this.” He closed his lips, and his words flowed into my mind. “Can you hear me?”

“Hey, how do you do that?” I asked, surprised.

“It’s one of my abilities,” he replied, folding his arms across his chest, looking proud.

“But wait, how will I be able to communicate with you, then?” I questioned, concerned about the potential appearance of talking to thin air. “I don’t want people to think I’m a crazy girl talking to herself.”

“You also can do it,” he assured me. “Try it. Speak to me in your mind.”

I inhaled a deep breath and mentally expressed my thoughts. “Can you hear this?”

“Yes,” he responded, confirming our ability to interact without making a sound.

“That’s brilliant!” I exclaimed. “Let’s talk this way from now on.”

“Remember, it takes practice,” he advised.

“No worries, I’m quite talented at this type of thing,” I said in a self-assured tone.

We resumed our walk. But after a couple of paces, I stopped in my tracks again and fixed my eyes on the creature.

“By the way, I still didn’t get your name,” I said, narrowing my eyes at him.

“It’s Fur—” he paused, looking sad. “I haven’t been given a name yet.”

“How about if I call you… Red?” I proposed.

The creature’s face lit up with joy. “Yes! That’s a great name.”

I extended my hand and introduced myself. “Well then, Red, I’m Arianna Redgrave. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

Red offered his small paw, and as our hands connected, I felt a curious warmth, a subtle energy passing between us. However, Red’s eyes widened, and he quickly placed his other paw close to his chest, exhaling in relief seconds later.

Concerned by his reaction, I asked, “Is there a problem?”

“It’s nothing,” Red replied quickly. “I’m just pleased to have met you, Arianna.” His face beamed with cheerfulness.

Once we were out of the forest, I wasted no time telling Red about the rules he needed to observe. “The first rule,” I began, “you mustn’t follow me into the restroom.”

Red’s response was immediate, his voice muffled with amusement. “Don’t worry. Female human anatomy isn’t something I find intriguing. Besides, I’ve gathered enough information about them during my long stay here.”

I wrinkled my brows. “What do you mean?”

Red averted his eyes. “Um… I mean… I have zero interest in prying into the private affairs of female humans whatsoever.”

“I see,” I examined him, detecting an underlying layer in his reply.

As we carried on with our journey, Red faded from view, assuming his invisible state. The two guards stationed at the academy side entrance remained oblivious to his presence as he hovered above my shoulder.

Throughout the day, Red trailed behind me with a cheerful expression. This might mark his first meaningful encounter with a being he could connect with so intimately. At times, I unintentionally engaged in open conversation with him, drawing glances from those around us.

When the sun descended, I returned to my room, where Lina had settled in. We swapped tales about our day, with Lina recounting her adventures in Skywalk, including her shopping escapades. In response, I wove a story about my training and the peaceful respite I found in the garden after lunch. Deliberately, I omitted any mention of my exploration of Blume or my encounter with Red.

Meanwhile, Red floated about the room, occasionally yawning as he listened to our discussion. At one point, he inquired subconsciously, curious about the talkativeness of teenage girls when they gathered in a group.

As the night grew older, Lina and I retired to our beds. Once she had slid into slumber, I turned my attention to Red. “Where do you usually sleep?”

“On tree branches,” he replied, flying toward the open window.

“Wait, Red,” I interjected. “You can sleep beside me.”

Red’s eyes broadened, but he made no sound or objection. He glided toward my bed and settled down, fixing me with a blank expression. A moment later, I extended my arm and embraced his small body, pulling him closer. The plush softness of his fur brought me a deep sense of relaxation. However, Red’s eyes expanded anew, and he placed his paw on his chest before exhaling a relieved sigh.

“Is something wrong?” I asked.

Red attempted to mask his feelings as he replied, “It’s nothing. Goodnight, Arianna.”

“Goodnight, Red,” I responded.

A couple of minutes later, I reopened my eyes to find Red had drifted into dreams. Gently, I lifted him and adjusted his position. A warm sensation of contentment enveloped me as I looked down at him before leaning my head sideways against his belly.

After a moment, I whispered to myself, “He really makes a nice pillow.”

“I heard that,” Red muttered with his eyes shut.