Reincarnated as a Haunted House - Part 1 - The Serpent Forest

Friendship

As Orochi slowly approached Finn, all the creatures around them bent their knees and lowered their heads in deference. Meanwhile, Finn couldn't help but think, "She wasn't lying when she said people call her the most beautiful."

Orochi's stride, her aura, and her appearance were truly something to behold. Every aspect of her exuded both dominance and beauty.

Finn was so mesmerized by her presence that he didn't notice when she stopped right in front of him and looked down at him. "Who are you?" she inquired, her voice tinged with pride.

"Finn, I'm the one who freed you from that confinement, remember?" Finn replied, a broad smile on his face.

"So, is this your true form?" she asked, her curiosity evident.

"No," Finn responded, teleporting himself near the remnants of the house. "This is my true form," he declared loudly, spreading his arms to showcase the burnt structure.

Orochi observed him as he gestured towards the charred remains with a smile, then instantly teleported back in front of her.

"And what about you? Is this your true form?" asked Finn.

Orochi met Finn's gaze and replied, "No, you saw my true form at the bottom of the lake."

"I prefer this form of yours," Finn said with a smile. "The other one was quite terrifying," he added.

Orochi looked at Finn with a serious expression. She wanted to convey something to him, but her pride made it difficult for her to speak. Observing her struggle, Finn gently inquired, "Is there something you'd like to say?"

Clearing her throat, Orochi replied, "Yes," her voice tinged with a mix of hesitation and pride.

Finn, wearing a playful smile, teased, "I didn't expect the mighty ruler of the Serpent Forest to be a shy person."

Orochi bristled at the suggestion. "I am not a shy person," she retorted angrily, her voice raised.

"Alright, alright, you're not shy," Finn conceded, trying to soothe her.

Orochi gradually calmed herself, taking a deep breath. Just as she was about to speak, she noticed Finn's eager gaze and the anticipation in his smile, which annoyed her slightly. "Stop looking at me like that," she warned, her expression tinged with annoyance.

"Alright," said Finn and turned sideways to look at the broken ice floating on the lake.

Now that Finn wasn't looking at her, Orochi's face flushed with a blush as she said, "Thank you for freeing me."

"You're welcome," Finn responded, still looking towards the lake with a warm smile.

Orochi hesitated before adding, "And I'm sorry for what happened to the house."

Hearing her apology, the smile faded from Finn's face. He sighed and said, "At least you arrived in time to save it. I would've perished if you hadn't come when you did."

"Normally, all the creatures that inhabit the Serpent Forest serve me," Orochi explained.

"I can see that," Finn replied, his gaze shifting to the obedient creatures on the island.

"However, after I was imprisoned, it seems they began to act independently," Orochi added.

"Thank goodness you're back now," Finn said with a faint smile.

In the meantime, Moonlight regained consciousness. As she awoke, she was startled to discover the Flamehowler and numerous other Water Salamanders sitting perfectly still, calm and silent. With disbelief in her eyes, she scanned her surroundings and noticed a woman dressed in red engaged in conversation with Finn. Fear gripped her, and she cautiously stood up, all the while keeping a watchful eye on the motionless creatures around her.