My Zombie Family (MZF) BL

'Lost Places'

With unyielding resolve and courage, Noelle made her way through the woods, eager to start her first major quest. Hopping alongside her, her rabbit companion looked rather happy reminiscing the forests it once used to scurry around. Though the forest was notorious for its dangers and ease in getting lost, the sun was Noelle's steadfast ally. Its golden rays filtered through the canopy, casting dappled light across the forest floor. "This place isn't so scary with the sun to watch over me," commented Noelle, feeling an odd sense of comfort despite the forest's harrowing reputation.

The island's forests, woods, and sands had looked far more menacing at night, but under bright daylight, everything seemed clearer and less threatening. Occasionally, Noelle paused to leave behind small items-markers to guide her back should she need to retrace her steps. She clutched her makeshift map tightly, eyes darting between the landscape and the paper, ever observant of her surroundings.

Noelle marveled at nature's creations- squirrels, birds, trees, and even beetles. Things that didn't appear in the village. Death tends to carry its mark on the living. To Noelle, the sounds of nature were magical and pleasant. In the village, everything felt stoic, lost to time, immovable. But in the forest, the constant chirps, distant howls, flapping of wings, and critters scurrying left and right made the place feel alive.

To some, nature's sounds meant that 'The forest was watching,' but Noelle didn't fear such things. All she understood was that she felt fascinated by everything around her. All Noelle had ever known was the picture books she'd seen from Manon's storybooks. And her lucky rabbit companion, which Enolla had gifted, was her first real close at an animal. Albeit it wasn't living either. To witness everything up close filled her with so much awe. "So this is nature... It's beautiful." She whispered.

Sometimes, while the pair walked, Noelle would notice the animals near closer to her. Excited as she was to approach them, the animals would soon scurry away from her when she got too close. Noelle thus made a mental note and took caution not to scare the creatures away. She learned to stay quiet and keep her distance. It allowed her to appreciate the forest in its purest form. She wished the others (Zombies) could see what she was seeing, but for now, her sketchbook would have to do. Kneeling beside a rock, she sketched a squirrel, a wise-looking owl, a mouse, and various beetles. She even kept some of the beetles in a jar, fascinated by their shiny shells. As they continued, she turned to her rabbit. "Do you think I can befriend them?" 

A harmless question. 

The rabbit, however, simply shook his head, wordlessly urging her to continue onward. In such a place, Noelle felt like a true explorer, brimming with excitement. Yet, she reminded herself not to get too carried away. "I have to go back soon. They'll worry if I'm gone too long." She turned to her rabbit and said, "Come on! We've got one more stretch to go! We're almost there..." She looked out but realized that although the path she'd been treading on was sound, she still didn't know how to get down to ground level on the mountain. She recognized from a distance the sandy beaches and the endless echo of waves, but still debated getting down. How'd she get down the first time? Oh, that's right! She fell. "No way am I falling again," she muttered, shaking her head. "There has to be a better way." Her eyes scanned the terrain. Suddenly, something caught her attention—a rope, swaying gently in the breeze.

Puzzled, the young girl focused her eyes, and in the distance, there was indeed a rope. She didn't know where it was tied, but a rope could help her down. After a little bit of self-convincing, Noelle decided to change course and walk in the direction of the rope. She marked a large X on the ground before moving ahead. 'This change in course, would it welcome unforeseen dangers? Or pleasant surprises? Only time will tell...' As Noelle entered the woods, the sun grew darker, clouds covering its light, the trees thicker, and the air heavier. Her rabbit pressed close as they ventured into the hidden path, far less welcoming than where they had been. "It's a bit scarier this way, but if it helps us get down, it'll be worth it," she reassured herself, brave and determined as ever.