The Druid Guardian

Chapter 16: A Familiar Situation

-Rachael's POV-

. . . Where am I?

As soon as I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was a stone ceiling. My back felt cold, and I realized that I was sleeping on some stone platform.

I had a blanket covering me, but it didn't help the cold sensation I had on my spine. When I took off the covers, I saw that I was wearing nothing but a white robe.

Where's my equipment?! I examined my room but found nothing but stone walls and that platform from where I was sleeping.

[Young Lady, please calm down.] I then heard a familiar voice.

"Grace?" I looked down and saw the necklace where Grace was in pendant form.

[Yes, it's me. Now then, please sit down before you collapse again.]

"Collapse?" I muttered under my breath.

What did she mean? Moving back to my first question; where am I?

It's clear that I was in some kind of stone room, but I didn't know why. The last thing I remember was going to the mansion where Marcus was and then . . .

That's right! I fought Marcus and got severely injured.

I looked at the place where I was stab but didn't see anything. I felt the area and noticed that there was no scar or anything.

What happened? How was I healed?

Don't tell me . . .

Just when I was about to say it, the wooden door opened up, and a boy with green hair appeared. He looked like the person I saw back in the city.

"Well, looks like you've regained some of your energy since you're already up and at em." The green haired boy laughed.

Wait, is that Forest Freak?! He's that green-haired kid that was looking at me funny?!

"Hmm?" The Forest Freak looked confused for a minute but realized what was wrong. "Oh, yeah, this is what I look like under the mask."

I stayed on the defensive and carefully observed him. Judging from his appearance, he wasn't in his usual outfit.

Instead of his cloak and ranger outfit, he was wearing a green shirt and brown pants. This guy definitely likes green I can tell that much.

"Look, I'm glad that you're starting to get better, but it would benefit both of us if you rest until you've fully recovered."

I didn't listen to him and stayed where I was. After a couple of seconds, my body felt heavy, and I started to lose all feeling in my legs.

I was about fall over if it wasn't for the Forest Freak catching me. Even though he caught me, I tried pushing him away with what remaining strength I had.

Apparently, it wasn't enough to get him to let go of me. The Forest Freak then picked me up and carried me over to the stone platform I was sleeping on.

"See? You may have some of your energy back, but it's too risky to push yourself. You keep this up, and you'll likely never leave my home." He scolded me.

Wait, I'm in this guy's home? Doesn't that mean I'm in the Grand Forest?

[The Forest Guardian has been nursing you back to health ever since we've arrived here. He got all his animals and plants to help him help you recover.] Grace explained to me.

"I only did this because my conscience wouldn't let this be. I could've easily left you for dead, so don't get so comfortable." The Forest Freak glared at me.