Phoenix
Returning to the safety of the densely wooded forest was a great relief. Phoenix led Lira through the thick vegetation, slowing to a snail's pace in places where Lira just didn't have enough wing space to fly. During those times, she would get a whiff of smoke and heat nearby. The fluffball of embers was still traveling with them unbeknownst to the pixie girl, close enough to watch but not be seen.
Throughout the trek, the different beasts within the woodland had shown signs of aggression towards Lira. More than once, Phoenix had given a silent warning to each of the hostile creatures, effectively discouraging any further threat. Each interaction only proved her suspicions true. Players from beyond this region would be considered invaders by everything living being within its borders.
They would soon be in the center of the forest where the pristine Lake of Light would provide a safe haven. Phoenix hoped so anyway, Lira could only understand body language to a certain extent, and her attempt at using the chat room in her beastly form was a dismissal failure. At the very least, being in wolf form did seem to guarantee Lira's safety as long as she stayed close enough.
Phoenix glanced back over her shoulder to see how Lira was holding up. The pixie's soft green glow had greatly diminished during the long journey. Her wings hung limp from her back, her youthful face haggard with fatigue. Lira had started dragging her feet, too tired to properly walk. Letting her rest among the tree roots was out of the question. Phoenix did the only thing she could do. She nuzzled her hand, then had slide over her back so she could help support Lira's weight.
The pixie startled a bit at the unexpected touch, waking up somewhat. "Are we almost there?" The wolf nodded, then motioned towards the bright light peeking through the dense trees. The lake was just on the other side. Lira seemed to perk up a bit. "It's so pretty." Together they entered the sanctuary of the lake's shore. It was peaceful here. Nothing that intended harm could reach the place. Phoenix laid down on the soft grass, indicating that Lira should do the same. "That looks like a good idea." She sounded like she was already half asleep. "Good night, pretty wolf. "I'll see you tomorrow."
[Lira has logged out]
Phoenix sighed in relief. With that personal mission accomplished, she checked her story quests.
[Seeking Acceptance]
[An unusual comet firefox has been rejected by its own kind. It now seeks a friend.]
[Accept] / [Reject]
So that's why this little one has been following me.
Phoenix returned to her human form, immediately selecting [accept]. Out of the corner of her eye, a faint glow shifting between blue, pink and purple filled the darkest shadows beneath a root twice the width of her body. When it leapt from its hiding place at the edge of the clearing, it passed through the security barrier, revealing itself to be fire fox not of just one color like the other. No. This one had a body like the starry sky and its flames licked the night air like a mini version of the cosmos itself radiating in hues of red, orange, blue, and purple. Within seconds, it was in her lap with a wide toothy grin. Its eyes were like brilliant red rubies cut at sharp angles. To her surprise, the blazing fur felt cozy and warm. Nothing like the searing heat she had experienced during the fight with the other fire foxes. "Hehehe." Its happy laugh had her laughing gleefully in return.
[Phoenix has bonded with the Cosmic Comet Fire Fox]
[Would you like to give her a name?]
She thought about it carefully but only one name came to mind.
[Opal]
[Opal loves her new name. Take good care of Opal.]
[Seeking Acceptance](complete)
[Reward: (Unique) Animal companion]
She stroked the fire foxes fluffy coat, amazed at the flames didn't bite her even with her hand completely engulfed in the flames of shifting colors. Opal's status window popped up above her, showing her level, stats, and traits.
[Opal]
[Level 30]
[(Unique) Comet Fire Fox]
[Attack 90]
[Endurance 88]
[Speed 120]
[Traits: Intelligent, Curious, Stealthy, Adaptable]
[This pet is bound. It cannot be stolen or traded]
Adaptable? Did this mean she was capable of leaving this place? It certainly seemed possible. Opal had left the fox territory to follow her through at least three others in the forest without drawing attention. Phoenix liked the idea of having a furry travel companion other than the wolves. She wasn't even sure the other wolves in this forest could go beyond the boundary of the region. As she pondered on these things and tried to imagine traveling with Lira, a 'ding' rang in her ears.
A personal message from Mark. 'You have been quite busy today.'
She sent back the reply, 'I found myself expecting company. Needed to be ready for my guest.'
'Never expected your dreamscape forest to be so dangerous to guests. I'll need to compile a tier level system for your region. Maybe add a clock and timer system to your VR system. It's 3am.'
Ugh. She had only known the girl for a day, but she practically heard the frantic knocking on her door for breakfast already. From the little time they spent together, she had discovered the girl to be kind and friendly, but easily excitable. There was nothing wrong with a little excitement. It had just been so long since Lillian has had a real social interaction. The emotional rollercoaster was a bit more draining than she remembered it being. As for Mark, he seems nice enough. However, it was hard to tell if he was looking out for her well-being or just doing his job. Then the memory of his haggard appearance and their impromptu system testing came to mind. Her late-night game escapades must be exhausting for him.
'Thanks. The clock and timer is a great idea. Good night.'
[Phoenix logged out]