Realm Familiarity: Gaguro

Poggers's tail twitches nervously behind him, as he tries to keep the rest of his body unmoving. He knows he's quite prone to fidgeting, but if there was ever a time to keep still, now would be it. Yes, maybe he shouldn't have followed a cloaked figure into the woods, and yes, maybe he should have kept track of where they were going, but we can't be having regrets now, now can we, silly little alien? There's definitely a spell being cast, and while the Onini may believe in "act now, questions later," but he knows not to mess with magic beyond his understanding. And whatever the stranger is chanting definitely isn't within his realm of expertise. Outside his own shapeshifting capabilities — which don't really count, as it is a biological ability — Poggers doesn't have much experience with magic. Not for lack of trying! He's travelled across the realms and made contact with all kinds of Lythians, many of whom practiced some form of magic. However, despite his attempts to hone such skills, Poggers learned he lacked the prowess; some individuals just aren't as magically inclined, himself included— oh well, better just stick to science! Anyway...

Maybe it's not too late to sneak away? He could get a head start, since the other's back is turned—

Poggers can't help the squeak that he emits as he stumbles to the ground, only having just taken his first step away from the scene. It's like gravity suddenly became ten times heavier and the atmosphere decided to become unbreathable. The alien gasps for breath as his vision swims, all the crystals, mushrooms, and sparkles blending together in a kaleidoscope of pink. Fortunately, it only takes his brain a few moments to register that nothing really changed, just that powerful magical energy had infused the air. Despite his original intentions, the Onini's curiosity gets the best of him, and he can't help but flip onto his back, so he can witness the scene he tried to leave. Blinking rapidly a few times, his eyes begin to focus, and he gasps again, but this time in delight and wonder.

A Luminescent Faeel.

But not just any Luminescent Faeel. This one is the biggest he's ever seen, with a seemingly-endless body, winding slowly into existence. Its scales shimmer in a mesmerizing fashion, as they reflect the lights of the forest, occasionally interrupted by glowshrooms and crystals embedded into its skin. Even just at a glance, it's clear those growths have been there for years, which begs the question of how old the Faeel itself is. It approaches the hooded figure slowly, lowering its magnificent head, so it can gently nudge at their upraised palm. Clearly the two know each other, which made sense, with how familiar the winding path seemed to the cloaked figure. What other secrets does the forest hold? And how many of them are the stranger privy to?

So lost in his train of thoughts and awe that it takes Poggers longer than normal to process what's actually happening before him. Which is that the Luminescent Faeel is now staring. At him.

The Onini stops breathing for a moment, as he locks eyes with the beast. For a moment, no one moves, not Poggers, not the mage, and not the Faeel. Then, without warning, the creature lets out a deafening roar and strikes, charging at him with astonishing speed. This is what kicks the alien into gear, as he quickly turns over, scrabbles for a moment on all fours, then takes off sprinting. Well, if there was ever a time to put his running-away-from-dangerous-species experience to good use, now would be it.

Run, Poggers, run!