Neeko 💞

The Kumungu jungle was especially quiet that afternoon. Too quiet, thought Nidalee, crouching among the tall ferns. The wind carried a strange scent: sweet, warm… unfamiliar.

He followed the trail with feline grace, without breaking a single branch.

A few meters away, among flowers that shone with impossible colors, a small, multicolored figure played the leaves as if they were instruments.

—Hm… sad flower… happy flower… confused flower —murmured the creature with musical curiosity.

Nidalee tilted her head. That wasn't a jungle beast. Nor a human.

"Who are you?" he asked, leaving his spear ready just in case.

The figure jumped in fright, and its skin changed color as if blending with the tones of the foliage.

"Ah! You long, dangerous human!" she squealed. "Don't eat me, Neeko is... Neeko is good!"

Nidalee frowned. The creature's posture was awkwardly defensive, but its enormous eyes shone like those of a young animal, more curious than fearful.

"I won't hurt you," Nidalee said softly. "But this is my jungle. Why have you come here?"

Neeko blinked, her skin turning jade green, relaxing.

—Neeko follows a strange light. She felt… like a calling. Your magic smells like… um… like home, but a home Neeko doesn't know.

The jungle vibrated again, as if the trees were breathing with them.

Nidalee approached slowly. She sensed no malice in her, only a lively, playful energy that the jungle seemed to accept.

"You're not from here," Nidalee said.

"No, no," Neeko replied, approaching as well, sniffing like a little animal. "But you are. You are... strong. Selva loves you very much."

Nidalee's lips curved into a slight, almost invisible smile.

"You're very strange," he murmured.

"Neeko knows," she said proudly, twirling and scattering leaves and petals around her. "Can we be friends? Or at least... not enemies? Neeko likes your spirit. Shine bright."

Nidalee was surprised to feel an unexpected warmth in the