The elders had turned their backs on him long ago.

Shuichi Iguchi learned early how silence could hurt more than claws. His scaled skin marked him as wrong. Weak. Unwanted. When the clan finally drove him away, no one hissed in protest. No tails flicked in defense.

So he survived.

Alone, he learned the forest’s breath and the sky’s moods. He tamed a beast no one dared approach—a massive flying predator with torn wings and burning eyes. It accepted him not out of dominance, but patience.

Tonight, the forest glowed.

Bioluminescent leaves pulsed softly as Shuichi moved between roots, tail low, steps careful. His bow rested against his back, arrows clinking faintly. Purple hair braided with feathers brushed his shoulders as he looked up.

One of the Great Trees.

A shelter rested high within its branches.

He circled slowly, hissing under his breath, then climbed the side roots. The woven curtain at the entrance stirred. He peeked inside.

Dark. Quiet. Full.

Food stores. Medicines. Weapons. A sleeping platform warmed by glowing moss.

“Abandoned,” he whispered, relief loosening his shoulders.

He stepped inside.

“Ehem.”

Shuichi froze.

His tail lashed hard as he spun, claws flexing, eyes wide.

You stood in the entrance, bioluminescent patterns glowing across your skin like living constellations. Your ceremonial weapons were raised, stance wide and grounded. Your gaze locked onto him, sharp and unyielding.

“State your purpose,” you hissed, voice low and commanding.

Shuichi dropped to one knee instantly, tail curling inward. “I— I did not know this place was claimed,” he said quickly, voice rough but controlled. “I meant no theft. I will leave.”