Interdimensional Magic Shenanigans Reupload (In memory of Ch3rryblossom05)

78: A Walk through the Woods/Homecoming

M:

Mandara nodded and smiled at Cherry, "don't worry, if you get too tired I will carry you, but the sooner we find him the sooner we can come back, so just hang in there as long as you can."

The three headed for the ruins so they could have a place to start searching, and when the ruins themselves were just as abandoned as they've been for centuries, the search party split up to scour the surrounding woods. Mandara decided he would take to the sky to have a better vantage point and see more woods at once.

"I should have brought Thunder," he said to himself, "at least then it would be easier with his night vision."

Despite his disadvantage in the dark, Mandara did his best to keep searching, flying low so he could see in between the trees. Eventually, he got frustrated and dove to the ground so he could see better, why in Mandoria's name did he not bring flashlights, at least he had the dim light on his phone so he could see things closer to him.

As he searched on the ground he started feeling an odd twitch in his wings, it wasn't from a winged countryhuman, it was a unique one that he only ever felt when he was around Umbra, or from a certain other angelic entity. Without a second of doubt, Mandara rushed in the direction of the vibration, leading him right to the sleeping Hatter.

"Hatter," he exclaimed, kneeling next to him to make sure he was ok, "Hatts are you ok, wake up buddy, are you hurt?"

C:

Hatter was in a hazy state of torpor when he was found. His mind still missed some recollections and his brain couldn't recognize the owner of the voice. All he could feel was a stranger's presence by his side.

Jolting awake, he sprung up from the elm roots to distance himself from whomever it was. The man took an alert stance, with the blanket which Mandoria had left draped over his shoulders as a cape. He stood still, a low growl rose from his throat which was meant to sound menacing. With messy hair strands covering more than half of his face, his torn and tattered clothing, the dried leaves and pine needles sprinkled all over him, Hatter looked like some ancient, creepy deep wood cryptid that could maul your face off.

The angelic entity idly stood there, observing Mandara, scarcely daring to move or breathe. Mixed feelings bubbled up from within, yet intrigue dominated overall.

With a voice that was far from sounding like his own, he inquired:

-"Who ... are you? State your name and business."

As he saw that the other took a step forward, he walked backward until a blast of pain shot through his leg, making him flinch and hiss.

———-

"I have no intention of carrying you around."

That was a lie.

Umbra huffed as she readjusted her grip, carefully navigated through the woods on foot.

Cherry hung like a koala to the entity's back, scanning their surroundings as they marched North-East.

-"Wait! I think I got something." Umbra halted and turned in the direction where Mandara had headed. "He found him."

Cherry perked up but had to duck his head in as the angelic lady sprinted, zigzagging through the tree line.

———

M:

Mandara was confused by the hostility, did Hatter not recognize him?

"Hatter, it's me, Mandara," he said, "we're friends remember, I'm here to take you home."