It had been about nine months since they began adventuring, when they found themselves into the heart of a forest, simply making a stop to rest and feast. Athan dismantled from the Boro’s back and went away, searching for a food source, leaving his friend on the side of a tree. 

A short while later, he found some low hanging pears from a tree branch and after picking them, proceeded to walk back to his companion. Suddenly, in the distance, he heard his dear friend screeching in anguish, as if he was being torn apart by some vile beast. Frightened, fearing for the well-being of his one and only friend, Athan dropped the fruits and immediately rushed to the rescue. The closer he got, the louder the ringing of the struggle echoed throughout the woods, birds flying away in terror, crowing and spreading their wings to escape the ensuing madness.

With unwavering spirit, bolting through the forest, dodging trees and hurdling over fallen logs and rocks, Athan managed to get to his beloved friend at last. The Boro was desperately trying to hold off against the attacker, who was continuously swinging a sharp blade against it, attempting to weaken it to the point of collapsing… but… who was that person?

Athan couldn't believe it, but the evidence that was presented before him only pointed to one answer.

  The skin, the eyes, the hair, the body. 

  Different to his, same in essence.

  This was no beast.

  It was… a human.

Despite the revelation, Athan jumped in between the two, pushing away the human and tightly wrapping the Boro around his arms to protect it. Noticing his interference, the human stopped his assault and stood with a bewildered expression, staring at the young man holding the wounded animal with care and worry.

  A few seconds of pure undisturbed silence passed by.

Athan turned to look at the individual, gradually analyzing the person’s image. He was a man around his late forties, wearing a light coat, large boots and a backpack on his back. His face appeared rough, with a beard to accompany his wrinkled cheeks. Messy black middle-length hair, brown eyes with bags under and a curious look drawn on them. His hands were covered with bandages over the fingerless gloves he was wearing. One hand, holding the blade, the other, free yet ready to act at any given moment.

  Realizing his intimidating persona, the man carefully dropped the blade in the soil and raised his arms, passing the message that he wasn’t intending to cause further harm.

  Cautiously, he stepped towards Athan (who was watching with eyes wide open) and calmly placed his hand on his shoulder.

The first human contact.