She started her jog and I followed closely. "We'll just be running around the mansion," she said. I responded with an okay and proceeded to get into my own thoughts. We might be able to see that pond I saw last night if last night wasn't a dream. I don't think it's a dream because it feels surreal. We ran pasts guards and a lot of flowers.
The scent of the flowers filled my nose as a smile curved to form. The green grassy land and mossy walls. We jogged past them as they seem to just flash by. A butterfly flew around me and disappeared into the grasses. This part of the forest really doesn't look like a forest at all but if you see it from outside, it looks exactly like a part of the forest. The illusion is so beautiful.
As we reached the back of the mansion, a gorgeous garden was located with bunnies hopping around and wolf pups and lion cubs. They seem so peaceful and just adorable together. Rhea stopped running and went towards the lion cub almost immediately. I left her be and went towards the pup. It has grey fur but very, very close to white. White fur is really rare so seeing one that's very light grey coated is so lucky of me.
I carefully pet the wolf as it growls lowly but turns into playful groans. I smile as I feel like I'm bonding with the pup. I really think it will grow up to be a very beautiful wolf. I picked it up and hugged it as it nuzzles into the crook of my neck. Its fur is so soft and fluffy. "Hey, silly boy, we have to finish our jog, we'll be back later," Rhea called out as she puts down the lion cub. I pulled the pup away and booped its nose. I carefully placed it down, "I'll be back."
I got up and started to jog again and caught up with Rhea. We turned around corners and soon was almost back at the front door but we went past the pond that I saw last night. I glanced at the pond, it looks so clear even tho it's a pond. There isn't any fish or plants in there. It's just an empty pond but it looks so odd and peculiar. I rid any thoughts and continue jogging with Rhea. We jogged for a few more laps around the mansion.
×××
I wheeze tiredly as we walked back into the mansion and into the dining room. I gulped down the water from the water bottle Rhea gave me this morning eagerly. I stumbled into the dining room after Rhea and dropped myself onto one of the chairs. "Your stamina is still so low," Rhea commented disappointedly. Did I hear it right? She was disappointed. It's been less than a week!
I groaned in response. Rio stepped in and took his seat, "how was the run?" he asked. I looked at him just to roll my eyes and turned away, "It was tiring as hell."
"It was fun, we found the huge garden with a lot of animals but we were focused on the lion cub and the wolf pup," Rhea said with obvious excitement in her tone. She told him every single detail of what we did in the garden as he seemed to listen attentively.
"Well, it seems you both had fun with the cub and the pup, how about I gift them to you?" he asked. My ears perked up as I jumped up with a sudden burst of energy. Give the pup to me? Yes please! "Really? Really? Oh my God!" Rhea yelled happily. I smiled widely.
"However, they are spirit animals, they live as long as the owner wants them to. They've been that small for a while because no one wants to own them. The moment they have an owner they will start growing. Also, normal humans can't see them but I still advise you to order them to stay hidden at most times," Rio said, "But first, have some breakfast."
A huge plate of french toast with berries was served along with a bottle of syrup and a bowl of sugar. "Let's enjoy the breakfast," Rio invited as he took the first slice of french toast from the huge plate and brought it to his own. Rhea and I followed suit and took some french toast as well and enjoyed it like we usually would.
×××
We ran excitedly towards the huge garden after breakfast. Rio walking behind us following us to the garden. "This is Crystal, he's a male, he's an elemental legendary white wolf. He seems a little grey because he's a pup. His bonus power is lightning," Rio explained and picked Crystal up.
"He usually would like to be call as Crys though, he said it sounds more manly than Crystal," Rio laughed as Crystal growls at him. "Crys, this man here wants to make you his spirit animal, do you accept? If you do just go to him, sniff him and I guess, remember him," Rio ordered. Crystal immediately jumped down from his arms and ran around me, sniffing me all over, and howled.
I picked him up and nuzzled him, "you're so adorable!" I exclaimed. "Thank you for willingly being my new master," he said gracefully. I pulled him away and looked at him, "did you just talk?" I asked. "He didn't talk, masters of spirit animals are able to hear and understand them, that's why you think he talked to you, he didn't," Rio explained.
I held Crystal close as Rio walked towards the lion cub, "This is Leo, he's also male. He's a celestial lion," Rio carefully explained as Rhea listens attentively. "Leo, this woman wants to make you her spirit animal, do you accept? If you do, just go to her and examine her," Rio ordered Leo. He, too, jumped out of Rio's arms happily and went over to Rhea. He purred lowly and nuzzled against Rhea. She looked like she was about to explode in happiness. She carried Leo up and jumped up and down.
"I can hear him! I can hear him!" She exclaimed. Oh no, here's the crazy Rhea back. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm really happy for her because she's happy and whatnot but I'm still not used to seeing her act like a little kid like this. "Can I bring him back to my room?" Rhea asked. Rio simply nodded and she ran off with Leo in her arms.
I took a seat on the grass with Crystal. "Crys," I heard Rio called and Crystal turned his head towards Rio. "Arran is the chosen one, you shall be assigned to assist him in any way you could to help him finish any task that may come in the future," Rio said and Crys bowed. "What task?" I asked. I'm aware that there will be a lot of things I might need to do, but if I don't know them how will I do them, right?
"None of us knows, so you need to stay prepared at all times, Arran," he said and took his leave. I looked at Crys who looks at me worriedly. I pet his head and shook my own, "It's okay, I'm sure with Rhea by my side, I'll be fine, and you too."
"Now let's get to know each other, I'm Arran, I'm supposedly 22 this year and I used to work as a bartender and a pool player, you could say. I have a guardian angel, which I don't know her name yet so welcome to the family, I guess?" I awkwardly told Crystal. "I'm Crystal, bla bla bla, Rio said to them. I've been here for ages and so we're here now. I do nothing but run and play every day," he said.
I nodded. He jumped towards me and nuzzled against the crook of my neck. I chuckled at his excitement and fell back. I laid there with Crystal calmly and peacefully.