Sylvana woke up and found Kite holding her hand even as he slept. Although, his sleeping posture was weird. He looked like a sloth hanging from a branch.
Sylvana stifled a giggle as she observed Kite's peculiar sleeping position. His arm was draped over the back of the window bed, his head tilted at an impossible angle, and yes, his grip on her hand was still firm, even in sleep. She wondered how he could possibly be comfortable looking like a sloth in a tree.
Carefully, trying not to wake him, Sylvana extricated her hand from his. But as she did, Kite mumbled something incoherent and shifted, nearly toppling from his precarious perch. Sylvana's eyes widened, and she quickly reached out to steady him.
"Kite, maybe it's time to move to a bed or a sleeping bag," she whispered, though she doubted he could hear her.
In response, Kite just snuggled further into his 'branch', a contented smile on his face. Sylvana shook her head, amused. "Well, as long as you're comfortable," she murmured.
She covered him with a blanket, tucking it around his 'sloth-like' form. With one last chuckle at the sight, she settled back to catch a few more hours of sleep herself, feeling a sense of warmth. Kite might be a strange sleeper, but he was so cute.
"Sylvana!" Liliana yelled.
I she gasped as someone hugged her. She opened her eyes and saw Liliana.
The blond girl giggled and stood up, she went to tackle the still sleeping Kite.
"Kite!"
Kite coughed as he was picked up by the little girl.
Sylvana didn't think she was that strong, but looks were deceiving...
"Hey," Kite complained, pouting.
Liliana laughed, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she finally let Kite down. "Good morning, sleepyhead! You looked so funny sleeping like that."
Kite rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. "Yeah, yeah, very funny. You're lucky I didn't fall and break something."
Sylvana couldn't help but smile at the interaction. "Good morning, everyone. Looks like we're all up now."
Elian, who had been watching the scene unfold from his sleeping bag, stretched and got to his feet. "Morning. Seems like we have a busy day ahead of us. We need to start planning our next steps."
Kite nodded, now fully awake. "Right. With Sylvana's help, we can start exploring summoning magic."
Liliana nodded.
"Although, we need to find a spot to do so," Ludo said as he walked out of the restroom. He had just finished brushing his teeth.
"By they way, what do people of this world brush their teeth with?" Kite asked.
Ludo tilted his head. "Uh, we make a past from herbs and such. And use brushes made from either thick animal hairs or plants."
"What did you use in your old world?" Liliana asked.
Kite thought for a moment, reminiscing about his life before. "Back in my world, we used toothpaste, which is a mix of chemicals and flavors, and brushes with plastic bristles. It sounds strange when I say it out loud now."
Liliana looked intrigued. "Chemicals and plastic? That does sound different. I'm not even sure what plastic is. But I guess it gets the job done, right?"
Kite nodded. "Yeah, it does. But I think I could get used to the herbal paste here. It has a sort of natural feel to it."
Sylvana, now fully awake and stretching, joined the conversation. "It's interesting to learn about the differences between our worlds. But for today, let's focus on finding a good spot to practice summoning magic."
Ludo nodded in agreement. "There's a clearing not far from here. It's quiet and secluded, perfect for practicing magic without any interruptions."
The group quickly finished their morning routines and gathered their belongings. As they made their way to the clearing, the early morning sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The air was fresh and filled with the sounds of birds chirping.
Mako and Skyla accompanied them as well, with Mako pushing his daughter's wheelchair.
Upon reaching the clearing, they set up a small area for practicing. Sylvana stood in the center, her lilac eyes bright with excitement and determination. "Alright, let's get started. Summoning magic is all about forming a connection with the creatures you wish to summon. It's not just about the magic; it's about trust and understanding."
She began by calling forth Aeris, the unicorn, who appeared with a gentle shimmer of light. The group watched in awe as the majestic creature stepped forward, its mane flowing like liquid moonlight.
"Although, that's a mythical creature," Mako said, laughing nervously. "It's too much for the average kid. Also, I thought a creature could only be bonded to one mage at a time."
Kite nodded.
Sylvana laughed. "I know that. I was just showing how I do it."
"I didn't get it. Too quick," Ludo mumbled.
Kite sighed. "Yeah."
Sylvana frowned. This was her first time teaching. She wasn't sure how to explain the magical details themselves.
Suddenly, a bunny hopped over from deeper in the forest.
"Hey," Sylvana said, kneeling down. "Wanna help me by being Kite's summoning buddy?"
The bunny tilted its head and hopped over to her.
"Is that a yes?" she asked, giggling.
"Woah, a real bunny," Skyla said, eyes glistening.
Liliana nodded her head, grinning. "Yeah, it's so cute!"
Sylvana gently petted the bunny, her touch soft and reassuring. "Alright, little one, let's show everyone how it's done."
She looked up at Kite, who was watching intently. "Kite, come here and kneel down beside me."
Kite moved closer, his curiosity piqued. Sylvana guided his hand to the bunny, allowing him to feel its soft fur. "The first step is to establish a connection. Close your eyes and focus on the bunny's presence. Feel its heartbeat, its breath, and its energy."
Kite closed his eyes and did as Sylvana instructed. He took deep breaths, trying to synchronize his rhythm with the bunny's.
"I feel something. Like a thread."
"Good," Sylvana whispered. "Now, imagine a thread of light connecting you to the bunny. This thread represents your bond. Feel the warmth and trust flowing through it."
Kite visualized the thread, a glowing strand of light linking him to the bunny. The connection felt real and comforting, a bond forged through mutual trust.
"Now, call out to the bunny in your mind," Sylvana continued. "Invite it to be your summoning partner."
Kite nodded as he kept his eyes closed.
"Feel something?"
He opened his eyes and shook his head.
Ludo hummed. "Seems Kite isn't a summoning mage."
"But I did feel something, granted, I also felt something when I tried speedster, bruiser, and defender magic," Kite mumbled.
Sylvana petted the bunny's head. "Sorry that I couldn't help..."
He smiled. "It's not your fault. It just means my attribute is healing or something not belonging to the common five attributes."
Liliana giggled. "Guess I'll be testing whether or not you have healing later."
Kite smiled and nodded.
Ludo chuckled. "Leave the teaching to me, Cuz. You explain things weirdly."
She pouted. "Do not!"
"Guys, please don't argue," Kite said, sighing.
"Hey, can I try?" Skyla asked, holding her hand out.
'You sure, Skyla?" Mako asked.
Elian smiled. "Let her try. She's almost at that age where her magic will start to kick in."
Ludo frowned at his sister. "Skyla, be careful. It's a wild animal. It might have rabies."
Sylvana raised the bunny and smiled. "Don't worry, he is a healthy little thing."
"You can tell?" Mako asked.
She nodded. "Yeah. Part of summoning magic is being able to tell the health of animals."
"Oh, like my plant and healing magic!" Liliana said.
"And my water and healing magic lets me know if water is good to drink or not," Ludo said, smiling.
Sylvana nodded. "Yup." She handed the bunny over to Skyla. "Here you go."
Skyla's face lit up as she gently stroked the bunny's soft fur. "Aww, so cute! What do I do next, Sylvana?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement.
Sylvana knelt beside her, guiding her through the process. "Just like I told Kite, close your eyes and focus on the bunny's presence. Feel its heartbeat, its breath, and its energy."
Skyla nodded, closing her eyes and taking deep breaths. Her small hands rested gently on the bunny, and she concentrated on feeling the creature's life force.
"Now, imagine a thread of light connecting you to the bunny," Sylvana continued. "This thread represents your bond. Feel the warmth and trust flowing through it."
Skyla's face relaxed as she visualized the glowing thread linking her to the bunny. Her breathing became steady, indicating that she was successfully forming the connection.
"Good, Skyla," Sylvana said softly. "Now, in your mind, invite the bunny to be your summoning partner."
The clearing was silent, everyone watching with bated breath as Skyla focused. After a few moments, she opened her eyes, and the bunny looked up at her with a sense of understanding.
"I did it!" Skyla exclaimed, her voice filled with joy. "I can feel the connection!"
The group cheered, their excitement contagious. Mako's eyes shone with pride as he watched his daughter. "Well done, Skyla. You've formed your first summoning bond."
Liliana clapped her hands. "Great job, Skyla! You've got a summoning partner now!"
Elian nodded, a smile on his face. "Looks like we have another summoner in our group."
Skyla hugged the bunny close, her face beaming with happiness. "Thank you, Sylvana. This is amazing!"
Sylvana smiled warmly. "You're welcome, Skyla. Remember, the bond you share with your summoning partner is special. Take good care of the bunny, and it will always be there for you."
The little girl nodded. "I will!"
"Did it really work?" Ludo asked, tilting his head.
"Wanna test it?" Mako asked, smiling at Skyla.
She nodded.
Her dad took the bunny and walked several feet away.
Sylvana smiled. "Now, try to call to him."
Skyla nodded and held out her right hand. It glowed slightly. "Come to me, Mr. Bunny."
Suddenly, the bunny warped from Mako's hands into Skyla's.
"Woah!" Elian said, grinning. "That's so cool."
Sylvana nodded as she petted her unicorn who had remained as still as a statue, awaiting her command. "Yeah. Although, you a bunny has to be taken extra care of. They are often a target of predators."
"Can I take him with me, Daddy?" Skyka asked, glancing at Mako as he rejoined the group.
He smiled and nodded. "Sure, why not?"
Skyla beamed with joy, hugging her newly bonded bunny close. "Thank you, Daddy! I'll take good care of him, I promise."
The bunny nestled comfortably in Skyla's arms, looking content and happy. Sylvana smiled warmly at the sight. "You've done well, Skyla. Remember, your bond with Mr. Bunny is special. Always treat him with love and kindness."
Liliana approached, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Skyla, I think you should give your bunny a name. It'll make your bond even more special."
Skyla's eyes sparkled at the suggestion. "A name? That's a great idea! What should I call him?" She looked thoughtful for a moment, then her face lit up with inspiration. "How about... Fluffy? Because he's so soft and cute!"
The group chuckled and nodded in approval. "Fluffy is a perfect name," Sylvana said, grinning.
Ludo grinned. "Yeah, Fluffy suits him well."
Skyla hugged Fluffy tighter, her heart brimming with happiness. "Fluffy it is, then! Welcome to the family, Fluffy."
Kite hummed. "It's kinda basic, but it's cute!"
Mako ruffled Skyla's hair affectionately. "You've done a wonderful job, Skyla. I'm so proud of you."
She beamed.
Sylvana glanced at Kite and recalled her conversation with him from the other day, about how her magic brought more misery than joy her life. For once, she actually felt the opposite. She got to meet Kite and all these other nice people because of it.
The world really was full of different kinds of people. It was a bit scary, but she couldn't live her whole life alone. Her grandma wouldn't want that.
Kite smiled back and held his hand out. "Let's get going."
She blushed and accepted it. They made their way back to the wagon.
Sylvana wondered what kind of place their hometown was like.