Mira's fingers gently danced around the mushroom, tracing its delicate shape. Despite lacking eyes, she could sense its gaze on her, and her heart melted at the tender connection. "You're so adorable," she cooed, her voice barely above a whisper. The mushroom seemed to respond to her affection, its cap quivering slightly as she touched it.
As she pinched its soft, bouncy cap, Mira could sense a playful energy emanating from the mushroom. It was as if it was acting coquettishly, flirting with her in its own subtle way. Mira's heart swelled with delight, and she couldn't help but giggle at the mushroom's antics. "You're a little charmer, aren't you?" she said, her voice filled with warmth and affection.
The mushroom seemed to glow brighter in response, its sparkling diamond dust shimmering like tiny fireworks. Mira's fingers continued to dance around it, exploring its soft texture and gentle energy. She felt a deep bond forming between them, one that went beyond mere companionship. This little mushroom had already stolen her heart.
Mira's gaze lingered on the mushroom, her mind whirling with possibilities for a name. She thought of something sweet and delicate, something that matched the mushroom's adorable appearance. "Mochi?" she whispered, testing the name. It seemed fitting, given the mushroom's soft and squishy texture.
As she said the name, the mushroom seemed to glow a little brighter, as if it approved of the name. Mira smiled, feeling a sense of connection with her new companion. "Mochi it is, then," she said, her voice filled with delight. She gently stroked Mochi's cap, and the mushroom seemed to lean into her touch, already responding to its new name.
Suddenly, she felt hungry. Realization hit her – she hadn't eaten anything for a long time. "Mochi, let's find some food first, shall we?" The mushroom seemed to respond to her, its glow pulsing softly. Mira smiled at its cuteness, but worry crept in at the same time. Her companion looked so weak, and it seemed to have no attack power.
Mira thought it would be great if Mochi had some kind of attack or defense ability to complement its healing and purification skills. That way, they wouldn't be completely defenseless against the mutant plants and beasts in the forest. Maybe there was a way for Mochi to develop or unlock new abilities later on?
Mira had a wonderful discovery – Mochi could detect if the fruits or plants were edible. So, Mira managed to gather many weird-looking fruits and some leaves. As for water, they'd found a plant that could store water, and Mochi indicated it was safe to drink. The taste of the water was a bit sweet.
After eating and drinking, they searched for a new place to live. With Mochi's help, communicating with some weak mutant plants, they navigated through the forest. Mochi could understand the body language of non-aggressive plants, particularly those in their juvenile stage, which were harmless and not strong. Mochi would bend its short stem to indicate the direction, leading Mira to the cave. It was in the deep part of the forest, but thanks to the plants, they managed to avoid danger. Then, they saw a small cave big enough for three people.
After tidying up the cave, Mira and Mochi settled in, making the space cozy with dry grass and big leaves for bedding. Mira also gathered dry branches, hoping to start a fire one day. However, without a way to ignite them, they remained just dry wood. She thought about the mutant beasts in the forest and wondered if one of them might be able to help with fire. "Mochi, can you ask your plant friends if they know of any mutant beasts with fire abilities?" Mira asked, her eyes sparkling with hope. Maybe, just maybe, they'd get lucky and find a way to start a fire.
Mochi twisted its body and jumped down to the ground, then emitted pink lights that looked like threads on the ground. These pink threads spread across the ground and went outside the cave. A few minutes later, Mochi jumped twice, indicating a "yes." Then, Mochi jumped onto her shoulder and nudged her to go out. Mochi leaned to the left side, and Mira followed, walking in that direction. She'd been walking for quite a while when Mochi started to get excited, its movements becoming more animated and urgent.
As Mochi jumped up and down on Mira's shoulder, its excitement was palpable. Mira's curiosity was piqued, and she quickened her pace, following Mochi's gestures. "What's got you so excited, little one?" Mira asked, her eyes scanning the surroundings. Mochi's enthusiastic movements seemed to indicate that they were close to their destination. Mira's anticipation grew as she followed Mochi's directions.
Mira's eyes widened as she spotted the burning branches in the distance. She instinctively slowed down, her hand instinctively going to her side as she surveyed the surrounding area cautiously. She scanned the trees and underbrush, looking for any signs of movement or potential threats. Only after ensuring it was safe did she take a step forward, her eyes fixed on the fire. "Mochi, is this what your plant friends were leading us to?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the crackling of the flames.
Mira's excitement was contagious, and she practically bounced over to the fire, her eyes shining with delight. "At last, I can eat cooked meals!" she exclaimed, scooping up Mochi in a tight hug. She showered Mochi with kisses, her joy and gratitude pouring out. Mochi, caught off guard by the sudden display of affection, turned a deep shade of red and acted shyly. It looked like it was trying to hide its embarrassment, its "face" scrunched up in a cute expression. Mira laughed, still beaming with happiness.