After a few minutes of hushed discussion, the warrior guy waves me back in to join them, which I do, albeit hesitantly.

The mini-wizard was glaring at me, but I try not to mind it as I float up to the group. As before, the warrior takes the lead in conversation, walking up to stand face-to-face with me. His brow is sweaty and he looks uncertain. 

"After some... deep, and interesting conversation, we have decided to bring you to the village and have the Elder decide the matter. If he decides you to be an enemy or threat, we hope you will leave without any fuss. Is that alright?" 

I-,, r-, really!??!

Reallyreallyreally??!??!??!?

I can't believe it---!!

Lost in excitement, I buzz around the group of hunters, flying as quickly and erratically as I possibly can. In hindsight, I could probably have given any of them an epileptic episode, but I was too happy to care. Finally, I smack into the warrior's face, stand proudly on his nose, and look him deep in his eyes.

You are a good man. Thank you. 

"D-, do I take that as a yes-, sir?" the warrior asks, and I nod as largely as I can, hoping my neck has the width of movement to do such a thing. "...I'll take that as a yes. We can't allow you to use one of our bodies during this, but if you simply come along with us, we'll take you there."

I nod once more and slip over to sit on his shoulder. I could fly, yes, but then they might all slip away into the forest. I'd lose the one human connection I have. 

Sadly enough, we walk in silence. But even such awkward silence couldn't curb my utter joy at almost being accepted into society. So, I sit there on his shoulder like a happy little cricket, humming a melody I don't remember the melody of. 

"...Are you humming the, uh... Voices of Spring, I think? I think that's what it was called," the archer says from behind me. 

I turn around to face him, tilting my head to the side in confusion. I that the name?... I can't really remember, but that might just be it. 

"I've never heard it before. Where'd you hear it?" the warrior says, and I almost feel like covering my ears since it's so loud. 

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"You remember I told you I used to be an adventurer? Well, in one of the parties, we had one of those, uh, returners? Is that what they're called? I'm not sure, but at night, if he was there during it, he'd sing these songs I've never heard before. I was an archer-bard back then, so I made sure to remember each and every one of them. Have I not told you this before?" 

"Never in my life."

"Oh. Well, it was fun. Very interesting guy, quirky, y'know?"

"Can't really trust those kinds of people, never know what they're really like. Hey, Mal, if you ever become an adventurer, keep an eye out for them, alright? They've all got this mark on their faces. Might be blue or green or red, doesn't really matter, but if you see one of them, be wary," the warrior guy warned. 

Mal, as it turns out is the name of the mini-wizard (a name I will, for the record, not remember), nods and turns away to look into the woods, sketchy as always. But, I trust him. He seems like a swell young man. I'd trust him with my life any day. 

As silence once more enveloped the group, we finally emerged into the glade where the village was situated. I saw it. There, in the distance, idyllic and tiny and maybe if I went there I could reclaim my life. Maybe not my whole life, but the human aspects of it. Just over there. 

...Wait, is that a guy? Running towards us?...

The hunters visibly tense up. I can see people walking about, but none of them are running at us like that guy. 

As far as I could tell, he was wearing a long robe, a pointy brim-less hat, and... that was about it. By the speed he was going at, I reckon he'll be here in...

A few seconds. Um. Guys?... Is everything-,

The next second, something - someone - grabs me by my body, and throws me to the side. I only barely recover enough from my shock to catch myself into flight. 

In front of me stands the hunter ensemble, weapons raised, ready for battle.

Um-, I-,,

"YOU DARE TRESPASS UPON PROTECTED GROUNDS, MONSTER?"

So the approaching man shouts, and I can only just turn around to glance at him before I'm struck in the face by a spell I can't even identify. 

You have gained skill (Magic Resistance)

Ohjesusohfuckwhatis-,,,

An arrow whizzes by my head, and I briefly wonder if archer guy is just a straight-up bad archer. But, no, as I move post-arrow to dodge said arrow, simply by instinct, I'm met by an explosion of water, sending me reeling and spluttering and coughing.

Skill (Magic Resistance) has gained a Level

Skill (Chitin Armour) has gained a Level

I turn a betrayed eye to the mini-wizard. I can't tell anything by his facial expression. His hands are stretched out and sopping wet. His chest heaves up and down, arms trembling. I can't tell if the tremble comes from exertion or emotion. 

The running guy has fully come up to us. His movements are stiff, and he seems old. 

"YOU DARE TRESPASS UPON PROTECTED GROUNDS, MONSTER?"

So he repeats once more, hands rising to cast some unholy magic upon me.

I turn to look at the warrior. His sword is raised, but he does not attack. Instead, he shouts.

"Return to the forest, monster! Report your pathetic loss to the High Crowned Devil, and never return! Your scouting has failed!"

I-, I don't understand, but... I comply. 

I run, but not because I couldn't fight. Not because I feared for my life, or dreaded further punishment. 

Behind me, the excitement slowly dies down. I sit behind a tree, and I see how they relax, put down their weapons and share a tired laugh. The old guy runs back to the village, not answering any of my many, man questions. 

But I do not give up. 

I shall never give up!