Catch me if you can 1

"It's been over a month, Aurora," Lilith muttered, her voice tinged with frustration and weariness. "Besides meeting the Fungions, everything else in this world either wants to kill and eat me or flees in terror. And there's this constant, nagging feeling that we're being watched... all the time."

Aurora's voice slipped into Lilith's mind, soft and calming, like a gentle breeze on a tense night. "This world is as new to me as it is to you, Lilith. Even with all my knowledge, I have never encountered a place like this. But then again, I never learned the complexities of space magic—like teleportation. My abilities in that area are limited to creating space bags, similar to what your maid-knight uses, to store large quantities of items."

Lilith sighed, trying to find comfort in Aurora's words. "The Fungions seem to be a peaceful yet formidable race in this realm. They remind me of a blend between elves and forest spirits. But even in their presence, I can't shake the feeling that something is constantly watching us."

"The Fungions are indeed unique," Aurora agreed. "But if you sense something is watching us, you must stay alert. Remember how you reacted when the demon frog leaped out of the water, trying to devour you? It was fortunate that your training instincts kicked in, allowing you to dodge at the last second."

Lilith frowned, her thoughts racing. "But Aurora," she began, her tone sharpening with realization, "you saw the frog before it attacked, didn't you? You knew it was there... you're testing me, aren't you?"

A soft chuckle echoed in her mind as Aurora responded gently. "Yes, Lilith, I am testing you. Remember, this journey is not just about survival—it's a trial, a challenge that Ruby set before you. Every step, every encounter, is meant to teach and strengthen you."

Lilith paused, letting Aurora's words sink in. The constant danger, the unfamiliar creatures, the feeling of being watched—it was all part of the test. A test not just of her skills, but of her resolve and instincts.

Aurora continued, her voice laced with a mix of encouragement and warning. "Trust your instincts, but also trust in your training. The beings in this world may be strange and formidable, but you are stronger than you realize. And remember, I'm here with you every step of the way, but this is your journey, Lilith. Embrace it, learn from it, and emerge stronger than ever before."

Lilith nodded, determination hardening her resolve. "I'll be ready for whatever comes next, Aurora.

One night, while Lilith lay fast asleep beneath the vast canopy of ancient trees, Aurora silently stirred. The cool night air was thick with the scent of moss and earth, and the only sounds were the distant calls of nocturnal creatures. Without disturbing Lilith's rest, Aurora conjured a translucent body, shaping herself into a dragon no larger than a Fenrir pup. Her scales shimmered faintly, catching the light of the moon that filtered through the leaves above.

Her eyes, glowing with a soft luminescence, scanned the darkness with intense scrutiny. She sensed the presence that had been lurking at the edges of their awareness for weeks. With a stern glare, she focused on the shadows. "Come out, Ratatoskr," she commanded, her voice carrying a quiet authority that rippled through the night.

From the depths of the shadows, a small, shadowy figure emerged. Its outline was faint, but the bushy tail, twitching with mischief, was unmistakable. As it stepped into the dim light, the creature's features became clearer—a squirrel-like being, but with an air of ancient wisdom and cunning. Ratatoskr looked up at Aurora with a sly grin, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Ah, young one, your senses remain as keen as ever," he chuckled, his voice smooth and full of playful reverence.

Aurora didn't relax, keeping her position between the sleeping Lilith and the newcomer. Her form, though small, radiated a protective energy. "What do you want now, Ratatoskr?" she asked, her tone clipped as she narrowed her eyes at the ancient messenger.

Ratatoskr flicked his tail nonchalantly, as if her question was of little consequence. "Oh, nothing of grave importance," he replied with a casual wave of his tiny paw. His gaze, however, was sharp as he shifted his attention to the slumbering Lilith. "I was merely... observing. It's been over a month, and I must say, this young demon lord of yours is slow to learn... yet, she is learning." His words carried a hint of curiosity, tinged with a deeper, almost paternal interest.

Aurora's expression softened slightly as she glanced back at Lilith, who slept peacefully, unaware of the conversation. "She is young," Aurora said softly, her voice filled with a quiet pride. "She's only been alive for a year or two. She's still finding her way."

Ratatoskr's eyes widened slightly, and he let out a small, surprised cough. "A year or two?" he repeated, more to himself than to Aurora. He seemed to ponder this revelation for a moment, his bushy tail curling thoughtfully. "Child, this one is... different. Special. I could help her, but only if she can find me. I could teach her, but only if she can catch me. I could guide her, but only if she can bring herself to trust me." He paused, his gaze turning back to Lilith. "But from what I've observed, she does not yet fully sense my presence... not completely."

Aurora scuffed lightly, a sound of mild exasperation. "Oh, old one, don't underestimate her. She knows you're there. She's mentioned it to me many times—the feeling of being watched. But she has never felt threatened by it. It's been gnawing at her, this constant awareness, but she hasn't yet pieced it all together."

Ratatoskr's grin widened, his sharp teeth glinting as he considered Aurora's words. "Interesting... She can feel me, but does not yet know me. This will be... amusing."

Aurora's gaze softened further, though her posture remained vigilant. "She is on a journey of growth, Ratatoskr. She will find you when the time is right, but don't expect her to be an easy target for your games."

The shadowy squirrel-like creature let out a low, almost sinister chuckle. "I wouldn't want it to be easy. Where's the fun in that?" His form began to waver, slowly blending back into the surrounding darkness. Before he disappeared completely, his voice drifted back to Aurora, a final whisper in the night. "I look forward to our next encounter, young one."

With Ratatoskr gone, the forest fell silent once more. Aurora remained still, her eyes fixed on the spot where the enigmatic creature had vanished. After a few moments, she turned her gaze back to Lilith, who remained peacefully asleep, unaware of the conversation that had taken place. Aurora sighed softly, her thoughts lingering on Ratatoskr's words. She knew the ancient messenger well enough to understand that his interest in Lilith was not to be taken lightly.

"Rest well, Lilith," Aurora whispered, her voice filled with quiet determination. "Your journey is just beginning, and you'll need all your strength for what lies ahead."

With that, Aurora dissolved her dragon form, returning to her ethereal state. She resumed her silent vigil over Lilith, her thoughts a mix of concern and anticipation as the night stretched on, the shadows deep and full of secrets yet to be revealed.

Another two weeks had passed since Aurora's encounter with Ratatoskr, and the journey had continued with its usual mix of challenges and small victories. On this particular day, Lilith stood near a secluded waterfall, the sound of rushing water filling the air. She stared intently at the edge of the forest, just beyond the cascading falls, her thoughts swirling as she whispered to Aurora in her mind.

"Aurora," Lilith began, her voice a soft murmur in the depths of her thoughts. "Look over there, near the edge of the forest, down by the waterfall. There's a small figure watching me. I can't sense anything from it—no malice, no intent—just... watching. I have a strong feeling this is the creature that's been following me, watching me all this time. That gnawing feeling I've been telling you about."

Aurora's voice echoed in Lilith's mind, warm and tinged with amusement. "You're right, young one. But don't be fooled by what you see. The creature you're calling 'it' is no ordinary being. It is an ancient presence, far more powerful than I am. He is, in many ways, akin to a god. Ratatoskr has visited you many times while you were asleep."

Lilith frowned, her brow furrowing in frustration as her cheeks flushed a faint shade of red. "How come I didn't sense him? My protection wards should have alerted me," she replied, her pride stung by the thought that something—or someone—had been slipping past her defenses without her noticing.

"Don't worry, Lilith," Aurora reassured her, her tone gentle and understanding. "Even I can't sense him if he doesn't wish to be found. Ratatoskr is a master of concealment, and he enjoys his little games. Your wards are strong, but against a being like him, they are merely suggestions, not barriers."

Lilith's eyes narrowed as she focused on the distant figure, her mind racing with a mix of curiosity and determination. The figure remained still, partially obscured by the dense foliage, but its presence was undeniable. The fact that she could see it now, after so many days of only feeling its watchful gaze, stirred something within her.

"Why is he watching me?" Lilith asked, her voice tinged with suspicion. "What does he want?"

Aurora hesitated for a moment before answering, her voice carrying a hint of seriousness. "He's testing you, Lilith. Ratatoskr is not one to interfere without reason. He sees something in you, something that has piqued his interest. He wants to see if you are worthy—worthy of his guidance, his knowledge, and perhaps more. But to gain his favor, you'll need to prove yourself."

Lilith's heart pounded in her chest as she absorbed Aurora's words. The idea of being tested by such a powerful, ancient being was both intimidating and exciting. She had faced many challenges since this journey began, but this felt different—more personal, more significant.

"I won't back down," Lilith whispered, her resolve hardening. "If he wants to test me, I'll show him what I'm capable of."

"That's the spirit," Aurora encouraged, her voice filled with quiet pride. "But remember, Ratatoskr is not an enemy. He is an ally if you can earn his trust. Approach this challenge with both strength and wisdom."

With renewed determination, Lilith took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving the small figure at the edge of the forest. The waterfall's mist swirled around her, a cool contrast to the warmth building inside her as she prepared herself for whatever lay ahead. Ratatoskr had been watching her, but now she was watching him, ready to meet his challenge head-on.