7 Mokuren the Celestial Dryad

*Flower Maiden's POV*

Right as I was about to make a splash, branches out of nowhere wrapped around me and hoisted me up by the waist. It dangled me in the air before safely putting me down on the pavement. I turn around to my savior, a dryad that strangely resembled Goddess Myriam, although she looked much younger here. The branches retracted to wrap around her arms. She was dressed in a silky, forest green dress, her antlers bobbed slightly as she bent down facing me with her swirling emerald, star-filled eyes.

"Are you ok little girl? Good thing I was there."

She turned back to the serpent girl, whose webbed hands were scratching her coral orange hair apologetically.

"Jacky, stop showing off so much you almost made her fall into the water."

"Sorry lil girl, I was just a wee bit excited when I saw ya with your wonder-filled eyes staring down into our place… pretty neat eh? If ya want I could take yer down there to get a closer look."

Jacky gave me a thumbs up and clicked her mouth. Right then Kyuu-san stomped towards me, anger boiling in her eyes.

"I take my eyes off for another damn one second and you run off like a thief and almost fall into the water!"

At least she didn't pinch me this time, but I thought I could see blzing fire in her eyes as she berated me.

"Feisty as ever Kyui. Who is this? I didn't take you for the caring type of children."

"Mokuren? Do you know how many times I tried to call you with the matrix cube thing you gave me? How does it even work? I don't know what's with you and your fascination with technology."

"Eh? But you can do so much with technology! The intricacies of quanta driven mechanics and applied science are just so cool!"

As if to prove her claim, her hand brought up a black cube which reminded me of the cube in Kyuu-san's room except this was smaller and had many small symbols on it. It glowed a silver light and rings of symbols starting revolving around the cube. The cube then dispersed into smaller cubes forming screens and images like the Kyuu-san had on her wrist but with much more complexity. I was utterly fascinated by this and confused by what it does. It then suddenly started projecting… a towel? Then shimmering particles started emitting from the small cubes, slowly forming a literal towel!

"See Kyui?"

Mokuren then grabbed the towel then gently wiped off the water on my face and dried me off. Mokuren kind of gave a sly smirk to Kyuu-san.

"Whatever, it wouldn't have needed it if the brat didn't go around causing trouble in the first place… speaking of which. Do I need to put a leash on you or something pervert? I thought I told you to listen to me and there you go breaking your promise."

To my defense and unquestionable innocence... maybe... Mokuren stood up for me.

"Don't be angry Kyui, she's just curious. It wasn't her fault either."

"Yeah my bad."

Jacky replied back awkwardly standing there hearing our quarrel. Kyuu-san let out a defeated sigh.

"Fine... Mokuren you are starting to sound like my mother too... also calling me by my nickname?!"

"Oh? You don't like it? Ok then, tomboy."

I almost felt bad for how many times Kyuu-san gets teased. She blushed pink and turned her head sideways.

"Relax, I'm just joking. By the way, why did you coat the girl in force field energy?"

"Mokuren, I need to see your mother… it's urgent… and it involves the little rascal here… it's best we talk about this in private."

Mokuren looked at me questionably. I looked back at her, still entranced by her beauty. Her body was curved and elegant, her appearance breath-taking. Her creamy, slightly green hue skin, her long eyelashes, and her lushes green hair draped over her shoulders with Magnolia flowers as ornaments. There were branch-like growths on her back, forming a spine-like structure running down her back as it branched out coiling around her arms and ending in a split like tail with glowing green tips. The spine-structure had what looked like veins of pulsating light within them. A soft, caressing smell of Magnolia drifted in the air.

"This little girl? I guess you're right... interesting... I've never seen a person with her appearance before, especially her ethereal limbs... a special dryad... an anomaly?"

Mokuren walked around me slowly, examining me and picking up my petals inspecting them. She touched and handled my petals gently which I was grateful for. By now there were some people around noticing the commotion so Kyuu-san wrapped my cloak around my back again... thank goodness it didn't fall into the water.

"Mokuren, I'll explain later, is your mother here right now?"

"She isn't here right now. She said she had an important meeting or something and she'll be back sometime later today I believe."

"Meeting? That's great… any idea how long she'll take?"

"No clue, she was rather secretive this time and left… she even cut off our telepathy."

Kyuu-san paused, her hand to her chin thinking of the news.

"On a secret meeting and cutting off your telepathy? I wonder... if she knows..."

Kyuu-san's amber eyes drifted on me.

"Right? She rarely has been ever this secretive before."

Kyuu-san stood straight her hands on her waist.

"Well… nothing much we can do except to wait. I've got several things to do and deliveries to make… I suppose I'll do those in the meantime and get this pervert here some shoes and new bed sheets for myself."

She said those last lines of accusation… ouch.

"Sure thing then, mind if I come along?"

Kyuu-san nodded and Mokuren grinned back... what a beautiful smile. She turned towards the Magami Aura, then whistled.

"Blair, Xata!"

Two large creatures morphed through the doors of the Magami Aura, running towards us! I immediately got frightened and instinctively ducked behind Kyuu-san. She stood there relaxed and calm as two beasts excitedly skidded to a stop at Mokuren's outstretched arm.

"Get out behind me pervert, it's fine. They don't mean any harm."

I stepped out slowly, gazing at what's nuzzling Mokuren's hand. They were as large as a horse but bulkier. Their bodies made from moving, intertwined branches resembling lions. Their chest glowed with shades of green light as I spotted floating orbs within their hollow chest through the spaces between their branches. Branches with vibrant leaves grew from their back and colorful flowers took place of where a lion's mane would be. They nudged and nuzzled Mokuren's hand when their single, great glowing eyes landed on me. One of them moved closer to me and lowered their head, extending a branch out. I sensed the intention of a greeting so I reached out my hand and touched the tip.

"Greetings, little one… I have never seen one of your kind before, but all are welcome here. This one goes by the name, Blair, the other one is called forth by the name, Xata."

The voice echoed within my head. Who is this? Are you speaking in my head?

"It is we, little one."

Mokuren must've seen my confusion.

"They are the Dobrokhotchy, forest demons and guardians my mother created. They can speak to you telepathically when you make physical contact with them."

"Do~rohot… what?"

Mokuren snickered at my attempt at pronunciation. The Dobrahokdy the Dobokho~ nevermind, I'm going to call them Dobos. My hand was still on Blair's branch… is it okay I call you Dobos? To my response, Blair leaned in placing its large head against my palm and make a pleased, low grumbling sound. Yay! I started petting Blair's head as it nudged my hand happily. I walked over to Xata and petted it as well on the nose.

"They've taken a liking to you."

Mokuren smiled at me. I continued patting and rubbing their manes. Whose a big lovely Dobo? You are!

"I called them Dobos!"

Mokuren let out a soft, heat warming laughter.

"Well, that's one cute name to give them! Almost as cute as you are."

Mokuren crouched to meet my height and poked my cheek. I felt heat rising to my face and the tips of my ears... is this... what embarrassment feels like? Kyuu-san had a stupefied expression.

"Well that's a first... and also... you called the highly revered guardians of the forest… Dobos?"

"Come on grumpy grumps, let's get going. I'm taking them for a walk. Where are we going first?"

Kyuu-san looks at my dirty feet covered in dust and dirt.

"Shoes… some god damn shoes."

We waved a quick goodbye to Jacky saying maybe I'll visit the water village another time. Then we took off on a quest to find some shoes.

I looked at the selection of various shoes on the stand. I ran my hands over some boots to Kyuu-san bickering, something about dirtying the shoes and being disrespectful. Some of them felt really leathery and hard… looked uncomfortable. I turn to the rabbit lady in charge of the store.

"Do you have more comfortable shoes? Also, can I please squish your tail and touch your ears? It looks really soft."

I asked with my hands grasped together. Ever since we entered the store I couldn't take my eyes from the snow-white floppy ears and fluffy ball tail when she approached us. A light tinge of pink rose on the lady's face.

"Excu-excuse me?"

I was about to ask again when I felt a chop on my head. At least it wasn't as hard as the first time.

"Ow!"

"The hell are you asking pervert! God you are insufferable have you no shame!"

"What's wrong with politely asking to fluff someone?"

Kyuu-san then started pulling my ears, both at the same time. Why is it always the ears!

"Kyuu-chan stop, you're hurting the poor girl."

Mokuren finally made Kyuu-san let go, letting out a satisfied humph. I rubbed my ears in pain, clearly bruised from the abuse I suffered. Mokuren knelt beside me gently rubbing my back.

"Awww… poor thing. Stay still."

She put her hands to my ear. Her hand felt warm, soft, and lovely, I felt already healed just by her touch when her palm emanated a myriad of shimmering green and silver light. I suddenly felt the stinging pain from my ears disappear, leaving a tingling, comfortable sensation behind. I felt a hand petting my head.

"There you go all better now."

"Thank you very much."

I went around the store again this time Kyuu-san picked a set of shoes for me while also apologizing to the rabbit lady for my apparent 'rudeness.' Partypooper! Abusive sister! What if Mokuren was my sister instead? Hehe... that would be nice.

I wiped my feet clean in the store's restroom, which was pretty amazing. It had different types of stalls for different people and different restrooms for others as well.

I put on the shoes in a restroom. Kyuu-san told me they were getas and that it was cheap and effective. It was hardly comfortable at all! I almost tripped walking out of the restroom. Mokuren kindly caught me again.

Upon hearing the click and clop of my getas with her sly foxy ears, Kyuu-san turned around and snickered at my distress as I wobbled towards her.

"Enjoy your set of shoes brat."

I stuck my tongue out at her as Mokuren held my hands to stabilize me. Mokuren tried holding in her laughter as I attempted try after try again to walk. After some time I somewhat got the hang of it. We made our way out the door where the Dobos sat patiently outside as some kids grouped around them patting them and giggling. I saw Blair, gently pick up a kid with its branches and place them on its back.

As Mokuren walked out some of the kid's parents and kids as well politely bowed towards her. Mokuren was almost surprised and quickly bowed back with a smile.

"Good morning Mokuren-sama."

"Good morning to you too."

After the parents guided their kids away and went on… Mokuren unstiffened her shoulders going back to a much more relaxed posture.

"Never get used to being treated like that."

"Haha… the life of a demigod. You know the village doesn't mind you being more loose and carefree, not that it was hard to notice anyway."

Mokuren shouldered Kyuu-san with a smile on her face. I still had trouble walking but Mokuren was there holding my hand to help me. I occasionally leaned against her soft side with my head which she didn't mind at all.

"Don't get all mushy mush around Mokuren, you're bothering her."

"Oh? Getting jealous Kyui? If you wanted to cuddle just say so."

Mokuren's sly words had Kyuu-san stuck for words as she tried to stutter something back. It was something refreshing to see. My gratitude for Mokuren grew ever more since the first time she saved me. People passed by us nodded and even some bowed deeply at us greeting Mokuren with her responding back in favor. We went into a store to buy some bedsheets which Kyuu-san ordered to have it delivered to her home. After we came out Mokuren looked at her cube which floated beside her the whole time.

"It's about time to eat lunch, 12:10 pm right now. You hungry Kyui? There's a new sushi place not far from here. I'll pay."

Kyuu-san replied back slightly puzzled.

"You said it, but I thought you didn't eat meat? You don't even eat, you just photosynthesize."

"The sushi place uses fish meat that is cultured and grown in labs using fish stem cells. It means no animals are harmed in any way. Neat ain't it? Plus, I can still enjoy food, who wants to sit around all day in the sun for sustenance?"

"Fair point. How about you?"

Kyuu-san directed the question to me. Maybe I ate too much in the morning… but I never felt thirsty or hungry ever since I came to Heiwa. But who's going to deny food?

"We should eat! I've never tried fish before!"

"Alright then, onward towards sashimi platter and sushi!"

Mokuren pumped her hand in the air and I did so as well playing along.

"Calm down children. I'm somehow a bit unnerved by how well you two get along already."

We started taking another path through the village moving away from the town center. I was humming some tunes when I heard the clip-clop of multiple hooves in rhythm. Two lady centaurs were walking not far besides us. They saw Mokuren and bowed gently, their front legs bending slightly. One lady had smooth, shining golden brown fur that contrasted beautifully with her braided, night sky hair. The other had blonde hair cut short and spiky, her reflective black fur was quite an alluring sight. However from the waist upward and armoring her entire body were crimson red scales with two bulky horns on the sides of her head. Instead of a horsetail, a segmented, serpent fin-like tail trailed behind her. A hybrid! I wonder who her parents are? They both wore layered clothing with small cloaks and also two padded types of stretchy clothing covering their rear.

"Hey Kyuu-san, what are the centaurs wearing on their bum?"

"They are for covering their private parts, can't have them exposed. Though I have to admit centaurs and their hybrids have it the hardest in day to day life. But we have specialized clothing and inventions for them."

I thought long and hard about the next question, asking as politely as possible.

"Kyuu-san… do you think it's rude to ask if I can ride on them?"

Kyuu-san seemed to be more patient with me this time.

"Usually it is rude to ride on their backs, but if you know each other and are friends, you can. Being given permission to ride on their backs is a strong indication of trust… so don't go asking around so enthusiastically ok brat?"

"Ok."

Awww… I really wanted to have the experience, but maybe I can make friends with one and ask nicely? To my slightly disappointed face, Mokuren stepped in.

"Hehe little girl, maybe you can't get their permission but you can ride on the Dobos."

I immediately felt my lips curve upward as I gave Mokuren a hug to her waist, her being a lot taller than me. She patted my head in response.

"What a little angel, how did you end up with grumpy killjoy over there?"

"Hey! I'm here you know?"

The Dobos was trailing behind us, enjoying their walk around town. We waited for them to catch up, one of them, I think Xata, approached me and leaned down, nodding its head to its back. I reached out my hand and placed it on its head.

"You are welcome to ride on top of us, little one."

I looked towards Mokuren again and she gave me a thumbs up. I gently climb onto its back, Xata pulling back the branches on its back to make a soft, leaf made saddle for me to sit on. Thanks Xata, I rubbed its back to express my thanks.

"It is the smiles of innocent people for which we defend young one."

I feel so tall! I finally get to experience the view from a higher perspective! I swept my eyes across the people on the street now capable of seeing the top of their heads as I towered above them… hahaha! Bow down before me! Xata chuckled in my mind as we continued on. Kyuu-san wore a slightly worried face, glancing at me now and then.

I leaned back and lied on Xata's back as I stared up into the sky, the wobble and swaying of the ride pleasant and soothing. The sunshine warm and the air fresh. I let out a yawn stretching out my arms and legs, nearly losing my balance rolling off Xata when two strong arms caught me.

"I was wondering when you would fall off somehow."

To my surprise it was Kyuu-san. I have no idea when she decides to be nice or mean sometimes. I thought for sure she would've let me roll off while laughing.

"Thanks, Kyuu-san, maybe you seem just a little bit nicer than you look."

"Oi! When did you learn to tease brat?"

She nearly threw me back on the Dobo while Xata almost had an amused look if that was possible. Mokuren looked at us with a small smile. On the way, Kyuu-san explained to Mokuren how I came to live at her home. She moved next to me whispering out of Kyuu-san's hearing.

"She's just trying to act tough and mean, don't worry she's already warming up to you like the tsundere she is."

"Really? All she does is just be mean towards me... and then sometimes she's really nice but then continues to pick on me."

"It's just her way of expressing her care, but definitely she could be a lot less mean don't you think. I'm almost surprised she took you in, usually kids run away from the sight of her angry expression."

Mokuren made a exaggerated angry and grumpy face using her fingers as eyebrows to mimic Kyuu-san... hahaha! It was spot on!

"Mokuren, you seem to forget I have good hearing..."

We both looked at each other and laughed... oops.