The Adventure of Lucky and Husna : Under The Moonlight

Chapter 3: Tracks in the Forest

Lucky and Husna continued deeper into the forest after setting off that morning. Towering trees surrounded them, making the sky nearly invisible. Thick leaves hung overhead, casting dancing shadows on the ground. The constant rustle and calls of wild birds provided a backdrop of noise, reminding them that they were not alone in this forest.

“You know, I’ve heard a lot of stories about this forest,” Husna said, her eyes scanning their surroundings warily. “They say there are creatures that live here, creatures never seen by ordinary humans.”

Lucky, though intrigued, only gave a faint smile. “I’m more worried about food and water. We need to find something before nightfall.”

Husna nodded. She was braver than most girls her age, but still, fear was slowly creeping into her heart. They walked further until they found a small, clear stream, its water sparkling under the sunlight that managed to pierce through the leaves.

“We can rest here,” Lucky said as he crouched to drink some water. “But we need to stay alert. You never know what might be hiding behind the bushes.”

After a few minutes of resting and drinking, they continued their journey. However, something started to feel strange. The once lively forest had suddenly gone silent. No bird calls, no rustling leaves. Everything felt dead.

“Do you feel that too?” Husna asked in a low, almost whispering voice.

Lucky nodded. “Yeah, something’s off.”

Suddenly, they spotted something on the ground—large footprints, far too big for a normal human. The tracks were deep, indicating that whatever left them was extremely heavy.

“What is this?” Husna whispered, her eyes wide. “There’s no way this is a human’s footprint.”

Lucky crouched down, carefully examining the print. “This... could be one of those creatures you mentioned earlier. We need to be careful.”

The tension began to rise. Their steps were now slower, more cautious. They followed the tracks, though deep down, both of them felt unsure. But curiosity and the need to know more about this world pushed them forward.

As they trailed the footprints, an eerie wind blew through the trees. It felt like whispers from the forest, though no clear voices could be heard. Then, in the distance, they saw it—a large shadow standing among the trees. The figure was tall, much taller than any human they had ever seen.

“Should we get closer?” Husna asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Lucky swallowed hard but stayed resolute. “We need to know what we’re dealing with. But we have to stay alert and be ready to run at any moment.”

Cautiously, they began to move closer, hoping to get a clearer look at the creature. But suddenly, the creature turned and disappeared into the forest, leaving behind tracks that were harder to follow.

“It ran away!” Husna exclaimed.

“No, it’s luring us,” Lucky responded quickly. “We need to be smart. Let’s stop here for the night. We’ll follow it again tomorrow.”

Husna agreed, and they started looking for a place to rest. Nightfall was approaching, and the darkness of the forest now felt even more menacing. In their small hiding spot, Lucky and Husna lit a small fire, just enough to give them a little light without attracting too much attention.

As the fire flickered, they exchanged glances, knowing that this was only the beginning of a dangerous journey. But they also knew, there was no turning back.

Tomorrow, the tracks would lead them deeper into the heart of the forest’s mystery, and perhaps… closer to the key to the world they sought.

Chapter 4: An Unexpected Encounter

The night in the forest was more terrifying than Lucky and Husna had imagined. The small fire they lit provided little sense of security, while strange noises from within the forest constantly disturbed their peace. The towering trees around them felt like silent giants, quietly watching their every move.

“Do you think that creature will come back?” Husna asked softly, her eyes fixed on the darkness.

Lucky shrugged, trying to remain calm despite the worry gnawing at him. “I don’t know. But one thing’s for sure, we need to be prepared for anything.”

They sat close to the fire, trying to rest even though the feeling of unease never truly left them. Suddenly, a soft but clear sound emerged from behind the trees. It wasn’t the sound of the large creature they had seen earlier but more like the footsteps of a person approaching.

“Who’s there?” Husna asked, her voice trembling, her eyes wide.

Lucky quickly stood up, ready with a wooden stick in his hand. They waited, holding their breath, hoping it wasn’t a threat.

From behind the bushes, a young woman appeared. She looked slightly older than them, with long black hair tied back, wearing clothing made from strange animal skins. Her face appeared stern but not hostile. However, what caught their attention the most was the large necklace around her neck, shaped like a crescent moon with a bright blue stone shimmering at its center.

“Who are you?” the woman asked cautiously, though she didn’t seem afraid. Her eyes locked onto Lucky and Husna.

“We… are looking for something,” Lucky replied carefully, his eyes never leaving the mysterious figure. “Who are you?”

“I’m Rana,” the woman replied briefly. “And you shouldn’t be here. This forest is no place for children like you.”

Husna took a step forward, her feelings still a mix of fear and curiosity. “We’re searching for something very important. A weapon that’s said to open the path to another world. Do you know what we mean?”

Rana remained silent for a moment, her eyes narrowing as if weighing something. Then, in a low voice, she said, “The weapon you seek… it exists. But you’re not the only ones looking for it. There are other, more dangerous forces who want it for reasons far from good.”

Lucky’s eyes widened at this revelation. “Who are they?

Rana sighed and stepped closer to the fire, sitting down next to them. “The creature you saw earlier is not the only one. They are the guardians of this forest, and they won’t hesitate to stop anyone trying to take what isn’t theirs.”

“So… will they attack us?” Husna asked.

“Not necessarily. But if you get too close to that weapon, they might see you as a threat,” Rana answered, staring into the flickering fire. “I can help you, but only if you’re willing to follow my rules.”

Lucky and Husna exchanged glances. On one hand, they felt a bit relieved that they had met someone who seemed to know more about the forest. On the other hand, they knew this journey wouldn’t get any easier.

“We don’t have any other choice,” Lucky finally said. “We’ll follow your rules.”

Rana gave a faint smile. “Alright. Tomorrow we begin. But remember, once we start, there’s no turning back.”

That night, under a dark, starless sky, Lucky and Husna’s journey took a new turn. With Rana’s help, they were now about to face challenges far greater than they had ever imagined.

Chapter 5: Mysterious Tracks in the Forest

Night had enveloped the forest in a thick darkness. Lucky and Husna sat around a small campfire, which they had built from dry twigs gathered throughout the day. Both were still pondering the strange events they experienced today—faint voices, towering trees that seemed to move on their own, and animals that looked at them as if they knew a great secret.

“Do you think we’re on the right path?” Husna asked while gazing at the flickering fire.

Lucky sighed. “I hope so. All the clues we’ve found point this way. But this forest… the deeper we go, the stranger it feels.”

Suddenly, a rustling sound came from behind the bushes. They both stood up, alert. Lucky gripped tightly the small sword he found in the ruins a few days ago, while Husna held a sharp stone she used as a defense tool.

“Who’s there?!” Lucky shouted, his voice breaking the silence of the night.

There was no response, just the rustling of leaves growing closer. They exchanged tense glances until a shadowy figure appeared before them—a small animal, resembling a fox with shimmering fur, emerged from the bushes. Its eyes glowed bright blue in the darkness.

Husna smiled in relief. “It’s just a small animal.”

But before they could sit down again, the fox approached them and started digging quickly into the ground, pulling something out from beneath the earth. Within seconds, the fox uncovered a large stone covered in moss, shaped like an ancient road marker.

“This… this looks like a signpost!” Lucky exclaimed. “This stone has symbols that we’ve seen on the map.”

The small fox gazed at them with glowing eyes, as if asking them to follow. Without thinking, they decided to follow the creature, which seemed to know something they didn’t.

After walking for a while, the fox stopped in front of a cave hidden among large trees. At the entrance, mysterious carvings were etched into the stone wall, depicting strange creatures and a large, fearsome weapon—the ancient weapon they had been searching for all along.

“This must be the place,” Husna whispered with certainty.

Lucky touched the carvings with his fingers. “But we need to be careful. There seems to be more secrets here than we imagined.”

As they ventured deeper into the cave, a sudden rumbling sound echoed, and the entrance slowly closed by itself, leaving them trapped in total darkness.

Chapter 6: Tracks in the Forest

Lucky and Husna continued their journey deeper into the increasingly dense jungle. The sounds of exotic birds and the rustling of leaves accompanied each of their steps. They walked carefully, following a path that seemed untouched by humans for a long time. Towering trees loomed above, as if guarding the secrets of the deep forest.

“According to the map, we should turn left around here,” Lucky said, glancing at the compass in his hand.

Husna nodded, but her eyes remained alert, searching for signs of wildlife. “We have to be careful. This forest looks peaceful, but we don’t know what’s waiting for us.”

As they ventured further, they spotted something unusual on the ground—large footprints, unlike those of humans or ordinary animals. The tracks formed a spiral pattern, surrounded by faintly carved symbols in the soil. Husna crouched down to take a closer look.

“These aren’t ordinary tracks,” she said seriously. “There’s something mystical about them.”

Lucky also crouched and touched one of the symbols. “Maybe these tracks belong to a creature from another world,” he whispered. “Maybe they’ll lead us closer to the weapon we’re searching for.”

Suddenly, the bushes in front of them rustled, and out of the trees emerged a shadowy figure. Their eyes widened as they saw the creature—muscular, with a pair of horns on its head and shimmering, scaly skin that gleamed in the sunlight breaking through the canopy.

The creature stood before them with a sharp gaze, as if it had been waiting for them all along. Lucky and Husna took a few steps back, their hands ready to defend themselves if necessary.

“Who are you, and what do you seek in this forest?” the creature’s voice echoed, deep and heavy, like the rumble of a mountain.

“We’re just travelers,” Husna replied firmly. “We’re searching for a powerful weapon.”

The creature moved closer, its glowing yellow eyes seeming to pierce into their souls. “The weapon you seek is not easily found, and this forest is full of trials. Are you prepared?”

Lucky swallowed hard but nodded. “We don’t have a choice. We must find it.”

The creature tilted its horns, as if considering their answer, before finally opening a path ahead. “If you wish to find the weapon, follow these tracks. But remember, not everything you encounter will be what you expect.”

With that, the creature disappeared into the trees as quickly as it had appeared. Lucky and Husna stood in silence, still feeling the reverberation from the encounter.

“We have to keep moving,” Lucky finally said. “These tracks might be our first clue.”

Husna nodded, and they resumed their journey, following the strange footprints left by the creature. Yet, an unsettling feeling hung in the air. Were they truly ready for what lay ahead?

In silence, they ventured deeper into the forest, as the shadows of mystery closed in around them.

Chapter 7: Under the Moonlight

Lucky and Husna stopped at the edge of a river that shimmered under the full moon. The sound of the gentle flowing water brought a strange calmness amidst the jungle, which had previously been filled with the sounds of night birds and insects. But this time, there was no sound except for the soft rustle of water and their restrained breaths.

"We need to cross this river," said Lucky, staring at the swiftly flowing water. "There’s an old bridge nearby, but according to the map, it’s no longer usable."

Husna nodded, brushing back her long hair, slightly tangled after a day’s journey. "We don’t have any other choice, do we?"

Lucky sighed. They were getting closer to their goal—a hidden ancient temple that held the legendary weapon. But the journey was becoming more dangerous. After nearly being attacked by a tiger in the jungle, they knew this was not just a simple quest. Something else was watching them.

"We need to hurry. Tonight is the full moon, and we know what happens during the full moon," Husna said, looking up at the sky. Her wide eyes gleamed under the moonlight.

Lucky nodded. They had heard stories about shadow creatures that roamed the jungle during the full moon. Myth or not, they didn’t want to take the risk.

Cautiously, they began searching for a way to cross the river. Husna pointed toward several large rocks scattered in the middle of the stream, forming a path they might be able to use.

"Let’s try going across there," Husna said, stepping forward first. Lucky followed behind her, trying to keep his balance on the slippery rocks.

But just as they reached the middle, a rumbling noise came from the direction of the jungle. Husna quickly turned, her eyes narrowing as she tried to see what was approaching.

"Lucky… did you hear that?" she whispered, her voice full of caution.

Lucky nodded, his eyes also focused on the sound. Suddenly, from behind the trees, a large, furry figure appeared, its eyes glowing red in the darkness. The creature was neither human nor any animal they had ever seen before. Its heavy breathing let out a low growl that made their hair stand on end.

"Husna… that’s a shadow creature…" Lucky said, his voice trembling.

They had to cross the river quickly before the creature got closer. But with the fast-flowing water and the slippery rocks beneath their feet, their progress was slow. Meanwhile, the shadow creature drew nearer, its growl growing louder.

"Jump, Lucky!" shouted Husna, leaping to the next rock with agility. Lucky, without thinking twice, followed. They continued jumping from one rock to another, feeling the cold splashes of water on their legs.

Finally, they made it to the riverbank. But before they could catch their breath, the creature was already near them, just a few steps from where they stood.

Lucky grabbed a large branch from the ground, ready to defend himself, while Husna held a small dagger she always carried.

But suddenly, the creature stopped. Its red eyes stared at them intensely, as if weighing something. Then, without warning, it vanished into the shadows of the trees, as if it had become one with the darkness.

"Wha … what just happened?" asked Husna, still panting.

Lucky stood silent, trying to comprehend what they had just witnessed. "I don’t know… but it seems we’ve just been spared."

In the distance, the hoot of an owl could be heard, as if marking the end of their tense encounter. The jungle returned to its eerie silence, with only the sound of the river accompanying them. However, Lucky and Husna knew the danger wasn’t over. This jungle still held many secrets and threats they had yet to face.

"Let’s keep moving. The sooner we find that weapon, the better," said Husna, resuming her steps.

Lucky followed, with the feeling that they were no longer alone in this jungle. Something or someone was watching them.

Under the light of the full moon, their adventure had only just begun.

Chapter 8: The Unexpected Forest Guardian

After successfully crossing the river and escaping the mysterious shadow creature, Lucky and Husna walked slowly through the forest. The silence around them felt more eerie than before. Under the light of the full moon, the shadows of the tall trees seemed alive, slowly moving along the path they followed.

"We’re almost at the temple," said Lucky, glancing at the crumpled map in his hand. "But I feel like something is still watching us."

Husna nodded in agreement. "Ever since that creature disappeared, something feels off. It's as if the forest is alive."

They carefully continued walking until they reached a clearing. In the middle of the dark forest, they found a massive tree, its roots sprawling across the ground like tentacles. The moonlight that filtered through the leaves illuminated the tree, creating a strange and mesmerizing sight.

Suddenly, there was a rustling sound from the bushes nearby. Lucky and Husna immediately stood on alert. This time, it wasn’t a shadow creature that emerged, but a small figure covered in green fur. Its face resembled a human, with pointed ears and large eyes that gleamed softly under the moonlight.

The figure smiled broadly, raising both hands as if to show it meant no harm. "Relax, kids. I’m not here to hurt you."

Lucky and Husna exchanged confused glances. "Who are you?" asked Husna, still cautious.

The figure chuckled softly. "My name is Taro. I’m the guardian of this forest."

"Guardian of the forest?" Lucky furrowed his brow. "Why are you here? And what do you mean by guardian?"

Taro nimbly hopped onto one of the tree’s large roots and sat comfortably. "I maintain the balance in this forest. Usually, I only deal with the creatures that live here. But tonight, I sensed something strange… and it turns out you two are causing a stir."

"A stir? We're just trying to find the temple," Husna said, crossing her arms. "We don’t mean to cause trouble."

Taro nodded slowly. "I know your goal. You’re searching for the Sky Blade, the legendary weapon hidden in that ancient temple, right?"

Lucky was surprised. "How do you know that?"

"I know many things, young one," Taro replied with a mysterious smile. "But what you should know is that your journey won’t be easy. You’ll pass through dangerous places, including the Valley of Shadows—a place filled with terrifying illusions. Only those with courage and a steadfast heart can make it through."

Husna glanced at Lucky with concern. "Valley of Shadows? That doesn’t sound... good."

"And it’s not," Taro answered. "But you’re not alone. I’ll guide you through the first part of this forest. However, once you reach the valley, it will be a test for both of you."

Lucky and Husna exchanged looks. They knew this journey was getting harder, but there was no turning back. The Sky Blade was the key to unlocking another world and saving everything.

"Come on, we don’t have much time. The shadow creatures wandering last night were just the beginning of the dangers you’ll face," said Taro as he jumped down from the tree root. "Follow me."

Cautiously, Lucky and Husna followed Taro, realizing that their journey through the forest had only just entered a much more dangerous phase.

Chapter 9: Into the Darkness of the Cave

Lucky and Husna's footsteps echoed along the damp, cold walls of the cave. The flickering shadows cast by the torch Taro carried danced around them, intensifying the tension in the air. The smell of wet earth and crumbling stone filled their senses, making them feel as if they had entered the very belly of the earth.

“Do you really want to go on?” asked Taro without turning around, his voice low and firm.

“We don’t have any other choice,” replied Husna, trying to push away the fear creeping into her heart. “We have to find that weapon.”

Taro chuckled softly, but didn’t say anything more. He continued his stride, taking them deeper into the cave’s darkness. Lucky glanced at Husna, who remained steadfast, though he knew she felt the same tension.

The cave turned out to be much larger than they expected. After several minutes of walking, they arrived in a vast chamber with a high ceiling, barely visible above. The walls were covered in ancient carvings, crudely depicting figures locked in battle. At the center stood a man wielding a gleaming sword, surrounded by creatures that looked like monsters from another world.

“These carvings tell the story of the weapon you seek,” said Taro, pointing to one of the images. “That weapon has existed since ancient times, and only those who are worthy can find it.”

“Where is the weapon now?” asked Lucky, his eyes fixed on the sword in the carving.

“At the end of this cave,” Taro answered quietly. “But there’s one thing you’ll have to face first.”

Husna frowned. “What do you mean?”

Taro raised his torch, the light revealing a massive stone door at the far end of the room. “Beyond that door lies the final test. Only those who are strong, smart, and have unwavering hearts can pass through it.”

Lucky’s heart raced. “And what happens if we fail?”

Taro smiled faintly. “You won’t leave this cave.”

His words cast a chilling silence over the room. But Lucky and Husna knew they couldn’t turn back now. They had come too far, and they weren’t about to give up so easily.

“We’ll do it,” Husna said firmly. “We’re ready.”

Taro stared at them for a moment before nodding. He walked toward the massive stone door, and with surprising strength for his wiry frame, he pushed it open. The sound of grinding stone echoed throughout the chamber.

“Enter,” he said. “And may luck be on your side.”

Lucky and Husna exchanged a glance before stepping into the next chamber. As soon as they entered, the stone door closed behind them with a deafening boom. Darkness enveloped them instantly.

“A torch!” cried Lucky, his voice tinged with panic.

But before they could react, the room suddenly lit up on its own. Before them stood a stone altar with something gleaming atop it—a sword, ancient yet radiating immense power.

“Is that…?” Husna whispered, awe and fear lacing her voice.

Before Lucky could respond, a rumbling sound came from the cave walls. From the shadows, dark figures emerged—shadow creatures larger and more terrifying than any they had faced before. Their eyes glowed red, and their claws shimmered dangerously under the room's light.

“They know we’re here,” Lucky said, his eyes locked on the creatures.

“We have to get to the sword,” Husna replied, pulling Lucky closer. “But how? They’ll attack us before we even reach it.”

Lucky swallowed hard. “We’ll have to run. There’s no other way.”

With unwavering determination, the two of them sprinted toward the altar, dodging the shadow creatures as they gave chase. Their sharp claws nearly grazed them, but Lucky and Husna moved swiftly, leaping over crumbling stones and avoiding attack after attack.

As they neared the altar, Husna suddenly tripped. Lucky quickly caught her, but it was enough to let one of the shadow creatures almost reach them. In an instant, the creature struck, but a blinding light exploded from the altar, forcing the creature back.

Lucky and Husna froze for a moment, and in front of them, the ancient sword began to glow brighter. It was as if the sword was calling to them.

“Husna, now!” shouted Lucky.

Husna reached out and grabbed the sword. As soon as she gripped it, the entire room shook, and the shadow creatures began to wail in pain, one by one vanishing back into the darkness.

With the sword in her hand, Husna stood tall, her presence radiating power. The weapon they had been searching for was finally within their grasp. But was this the end of their quest, or just the beginning of an even greater challenge?

Chapter 10: Tracks in the Forest

After crossing the river under the full moon and evading the shadow creatures, Lucky and Husna ventured deeper into the forest. The trees towered over them, and the dense canopy allowed only occasional beams of moonlight to touch the forest floor. The sounds of the jungle grew louder—chirping insects, rustling leaves, and, from time to time, a soft footfall, as if someone or something was following them.

Husna stopped, her gaze scanning their surroundings. “I feel like something’s watching us,” she whispered, gripping Lucky's arm.

Lucky offered a comforting look, though he too felt uneasy. “Stay sharp. We know by now that this forest holds more than it seems.”

Just then, they heard a familiar voice. “I thought you might need guidance through this part of the woods.” Out of the shadows stepped Taro, his intense, wise eyes gleaming. The dark-furred wolf, who had first appeared when they began their journey, had returned to accompany them once more.

“Taro!” Husna sighed in relief, reaching out to stroke his fur. “It’s good to see you again.”

Taro nodded, watching them closely. “I could sense your determination, but I know well how easily travelers can become lost here. The path you seek is perilous and requires unwavering courage.”

“We understand,” Lucky said confidently, “and we’re ready. We didn’t come this far to turn back now.”

Taro’s gaze softened. “Very well. Follow closely, then, and tread carefully. This forest can deceive even the most cautious.”

With that, Taro took the lead, his footsteps silent and sure as he guided them through the thickets and twisted roots. Shadows seemed to ripple around them, almost as though the forest itself was alive and watching. The atmosphere grew heavier, and a mystical aura permeated the air, making each step feel like a test of their resolve.

Eventually, they emerged at the edge of a vast chasm. Across the gap, bathed in faint moonlight, stood the Shadow Temple, its spires reaching skyward, shrouded in thick mist. The temple appeared distant, almost unreal, as though it existed beyond this world.

“There it is,” Taro said, his voice low. “But to cross this chasm, you’ll need to rely on your belief. A bridge will appear only for those who truly trust in their purpose. Any doubt, and it will vanish beneath you.”

Husna shivered as she gazed down into the deep darkness of the chasm. Lucky grasped her hand firmly. “We can do this, Husna. Remember why we’re here.”

Taking a deep breath, they stepped toward the chasm’s edge, focusing on their purpose. Slowly, a bridge made of shimmering light began to materialize, glowing softly in the darkness. With a nod from Taro, they took their first cautious steps onto the bridge.

“I will await your return here,” Taro called after them. “And remember—never let fear overcome your purpose.”

With hearts pounding, Lucky and Husna continued onward, crossing the bridge of light toward the Shadow Temple, where the mysteries of another world awaited them.

In the next chapter, night has fallen, but the atmosphere in the forest feels different than usual. After gaining a new power that enhances their night vision, Lucky and Husna continue their journey with a growing sense of confidence. The moonlight guides their steps, while the sounds of the night echo around them, like whispers urging them deeper into the forest.

As they walk, Husna begins to share stories from her childhood with Lucky, opening up about her family and her simple life in the village. Lucky listens attentively, realizing how different their worlds are, yet how they complement each other. At this moment, their bond grows stronger, making them not just travel companions, but family.

Before long, a rumbling sound echoes in the distance, as if something large is approaching. Suddenly, a new figure emerges from the darkness—a tall, silver-skinned creature with softly glowing eyes. The creature greets them in a calm voice, introducing itself as Kaen, the mysterious and wise guardian of the forest. Kaen tells them about the legendary weapon they are seeking. It turns out that the weapon holds a hidden power capable of protecting the world from a lurking darkness.

With Kaen's help, they learn to harness the new powers they've gained, including the ability to communicate with the surrounding nature. Kaen leads them to a hidden place deep within the forest where the legendary weapon is kept. However, to retrieve it, they must face their deepest fears and prove their true intentions.

The chapter ends with Husna and Lucky standing before a large golden door, ready to face their final test together.

-Sensei L'anglaise- October 2024