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Khoi stumbled upon an empty home, perplexed by the unusual absence of his mother, Fuuka. He noticed a note left near the TV and read its contents: "I'll be out for a while, Kadi, Louis, Yanato, and Zumi are also out, I'm looking for them - Fuuka."
Finding his mother's departure suspicious, Khoi contemplated the situation for a moment before deciding to leave the house. He soon encountered his father, Yamasaki.
"Hey, Khoi, were you dismissed early? Also, where are you going?" Yamasaki inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Khoi nodded, replying, "Yeah, I was dismissed early. I'm heading out to look for Mom. She left a note that she's out searching for my other siblings."
Yamasaki raised an eyebrow, digesting the information. "Fuuka? Left home? Searching for the others? Why? Did they go missing?" Concern began to color his features, not only for his absent children but also for his wife. "I'll help you look. Fuuka doesn't typically just leave like that. She usually informs me if she's going somewhere." His worry deepened, although he maintained a neutral expression.
Khoi nodded in agreement, sharing his father's view that Fuuka didn't typically leave home for trivial matters. If she did take such a step, it was likely due to a serious situation.
"Yeah, if Mom just left like that, then it's probably something serious. She never takes matters into her own hands unless she deems it serious," Khoi explained as he began his search, with Yamasaki following alongside him.
Yamasaki chimed in, his voice tinged with understanding. "Indeed, Fuuka has always been that way. If she's taking something seriously, it's likely more dire than mortals can comprehend." He had a deep familiarity with his wife's behavior, having shared countless moments together throughout their lives.
Khoi, in his natural state of being connected with the environment, observed the forest, seemingly having a telepathic conversation with the trees as he sought clues about the whereabouts of his siblings and mother. After a moment, he shifted his attention to his puzzled father.
"They're somewhere within the forest, but I'm not sure where or how deep they've gone. I can only inquire with the trees within my radius, but they haven't given me specifics about their location," Khoi informed Yamasaki.
Yamasaki nodded in understanding. "Then let's start searching for them within the forest."
Before they could embark on their search, a silhouette took form in the woods. A tall figure emerged, his soft green and brown hair flowing in the breeze. He contemplated the mortal world, expressing his fascination with the inventions of humans. Observing Yamasaki and Khoi, he inquired about the current year.
"It's in the 2000s, 20XX," Yamasaki responded. The figure smiled and nodded in satisfaction, apparently content with the answer.
"Ah, it has indeed been quite some time. Mortals must have forgotten about us by now," the figure mused. He then took a moment to introduce himself, adjusting his posture for the occasion.
"Ikigai, the God of Life," he introduced himself with a soft, passive smile. Khoi found himself taken aback. "Ah, I've heard of you from one of Mom's tales. You're one of the gods created by mortals themselves for them to worship," he said.
Ikigai shared in Khoi's astonishment at the revelation. "Oh? so some mortals do know. I'm pleased... Yes, I am one of those gods. But please don't be frightened or shocked, nor feel compelled to fight me. I have no intention of fighting mortals or immortals, no matter how powerful you may be. I respect you, for you are one with life, and I care for all that breathes in this land," he assured them.
However, he issued a warning before parting. "If you're looking for someone within the forest, they're safe for now, but not for too long. Be cautious of my comrades. They may possess a profound sense of pride and might harm those who approach them if they don't kneel before them."
Yamasaki and Khoi exchanged glances, acknowledging the warning. With a nod, they left the scene, venturing further into the forest in search of their missing family members.
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[ 685 Words ]
