Chapter 6: It’s me
Hiroshi's eyes darted around, his heart pounding. He looked around desperately, searching for anything he could use as a weapon. His hands found a thick branch lying near the riverbank. He picked it up, testing its weight. It wasn't perfect, but it would have to do.
The rustling in the bushes grew louder, and Hiroshi gripped the branch tighter, his knuckles turning white. His eyes narrowed, ready to swing at whatever jumped out.
Suddenly, something leaped out of the bushes. Hiroshi raised the branch, ready to strike, but then stopped mid-swing, blinking in confusion.
"A... ball of water?" he muttered.
In front of him, bouncing softly on the ground, was a perfectly round ball of water. It was crystal clear, shimmering under the sunlight as it bounced lightly from one spot to another.
Hiroshi lowered the branch, his mouth slightly open in disbelief. The ball of water continued to bounce around, almost like it was playing. It hopped over rocks, splashed against tree roots, then rolled back onto the path, continuing its little journey.
He watched it for a few seconds Curious, Hiroshi stepped forward, kneeling down as the water ball bounced closer. He reached out slowly, his fingers brushing the cool surface. Surprisingly, it didn't burst or splash—it just wobbled a bit, as if reacting to his touch.
Hiroshi grinned, picking it up gently. It felt like holding a soft, squishy bubble. "You're...alive?" he asked, half-jokingly.
The water ball wobbled again, almost as if it was answering him.
Hiroshi blinked in surprise. "Okay, that's weird." He stood up, still holding the strange creature in his hands. "I guess even water's alive in this crazy world."
He looked around, realizing he was still far from the camp. He sighed, tucking the water ball under his arm. "Guess I better head back before something bigger comes out."