Mrua the Byun

Karmster walked along the dark path, lulled by the quiet rustle of the leaves. Every now and then she stopped, looking around, her gaze searching hard for dark silhouettes that might be lurking in the night. There was always something unusual to be found in these woods, and her companion, a Byun named Mrua, was always wary of every movement around her. Mrua usually moved silently, gliding down the trail with the ease of feline creatures, but now something made her hesitate.

Karmster paused steps and looked at her friend carefully. Mrua was alert, little “tendrils” on head darted out and tail twitched as if predicting danger. Karmster crouched on a rock and nodded to the side, giving Byun a sign that she was ready to listen. The claws on feet scraped the ground silently, she could feel the tension in the air building.

- What did you feel? - Karmster whispered.

Byun, not taking eyes off the dark bushes ahead, squeaked weakly. Her ears moved smoothly, and Karmster realized that it was not a big threat, but something small and potentially dangerous. Simprite carefully stood up, ready for any turn of events, but Mrua was clearly in no hurry. Instead of attacking, she guided soft paws to the nearest bush and gingerly touched it. Something slipped into its shadows, and Karmster noticed the twinkle of small eyes.

- I see, - she spoke softly, - watching every movement.

Karmster held breath, carefully watching her companion's growing excitement. Byun didn't often react so abruptly, and that only added to her wariness. She nudged friend lightly, letting know that if need be, she would be ready to protect.

Not a couple minutes later, the cry of an animal, possibly a small wild bird, broke the silence of the night. Mrua immediately pressed herself to the ground, tail tucked up, ready to leap. Karmster, for part, straightened up and walked a couple steps forward. As soon as she was next to Mrua, Byun reacted instantly, leaping up to her and nimbly wrappin leg around owner. Simprite felt a slight tension in pet's body, but knew it was more of a worry than a real threat.

- It's all right, Mrua. It's not like we're hunters, - Karmster stroked her friend's head. Sometimes she marveled at how differently creatures like Byun could manifest themselves in situations like this. They couldn't be treated like ordinary pets, for their instincts were so strong and independent that even symprites often needed the help of such loyal companions.

Relaxing slightly, Mrua pushed herself off the ground and leapt to the side, regaining her independence. Karmster admired this trait of her companion. Byun, like her behavior, had always been complex and multifaceted: sometimes they became completely dependent, and sometimes they became utterly uncontrollable.

They continued on their way, and soon a quiet lake opened up before them. Mrua, as if sensing that it was time for a rest, jumped into the water. The water splashed softly beneath Byun's paws, and Karmster, following her, sat down on a shore stone. The night was growing deeper, and the stars overhead filled the sky with bright flashes like lights against a black background. In that moment, Karmster realized how peaceful moments like this could be.

Byun plunged into the water, gliding effortlessly across the surface like a fish. Her paws gently scattered water circles and her tail moved smoothly, helping her stay afloat. Karmster watched her, grinning. There was something mystical behind it all, something that made their bond be not just what one might call a friendship or a master-pet relationship, but something deeper than mere companionship. Being together meant trust, a mutual understanding that required no words.

Mrua ducked under the water to cool herself, and Karmster, shaking her head slightly, stood up, ready to move on. But before she left, she crouched down and touched the surface of the water with her paw, trying to feel the ripples that remained on it. It seemed the night world was becoming one with them in these moments. At least until something new happened.

- Let's move on, - Karmster spoke softly, turning to her companion who had finally swam ashore. Mrua shook off her fur, taking her friend's cue calmly, and together they headed along the lake, continuing their journey through the dark forests.