Rebirth

I managed a low groan as I pushed myself to my feet. The world began to shake beneath me, and my head seemed to spin. I held onto my forehead and groaned once more.

Is being reborn as a devil supposed to hurt this much?

After a few minutes, the pain diminished enough, and I was strong enough to move my body without stumbling or falling. My body ached with power, and yet I felt weaker than I'd ever have in my life.

I had been reborn in a forest, of sorts. Very empty. Trees of all sizes were perched around, standing majestically. It threw me off, to be honest. My vision was also limited, as the imposing trees blocked off a good amount of sunlight.

With all the strength I could muster, I practically dragged my body forward. It wasn't clear what I was searching for. I was in this new world without information. Still, I kept moving forward. Hopefully, I'd meet some nice samaritans to ask for help.

As I adventured around the maze-like forest, I managed to create a rough overview of the species around. The first animals I met were the wolves. Funny story; the brown fucker chased me around the forest. Luckily, I managed to distract it with some sticks I threw.

Next were the bats. They were actually pretty harmless. Still, I kept my distance from them, and tried my best as to not provoke them.

No humans yet, I bit down on my lip as the though rushed into my mind. I readied my breathing as I dashed through the forest, leaving only a golden blur and a grey streak at my rear.

My body had become rejuvenated, and now I truly felt the physical capabilities of a Devil. My speed was nothing short of superhuman, and my strength could rival that of a titan. Even without magic, I doubt I'd be considered weak in this world.

...

...

Evening came sooner than I'd anticipated. It was a struggle to tell time in this forest, but it was undoubtedly past noon. The small fire before me cackled. The heat permeated through my body, serving as a momentary relief from the cold.

"Damn it." I stared into the raging flame. "I have to find civilization... soon," I reached down and pulled out the small notebook to my side. It was one of the only thin I had been reborn with. That, along with a nice pair of clothes. A black vest and long blue dress pants. Formal attire, made of amazing material.

I ran a hand along my black hair and sighed softly. The condition of this forest were unforgiving; I had to find a way out, and I had to do it soon.

HISSSS!

A sudden ringing echoed in my head. Instinctively, I pulled away and swung around, narrowly avoiding the arrow meant for my head. The arrow flew into the small flames.

"What the hell?" I rushed to my feet. My gaze hardened as I flipped around the vast count of trees, searching for the archer. Thanks to my limitied vision, and the darkness, I was caught like a deer jn headlights.

"Give yourself up and exit the Goddess's forest. Then, I will allow you to keep your life."

Does that make sense?

The archer spoke smoothly. She pulled back her arrow, readying herself to attack at any sudden moment. Her long green hair was neatly packed into a ponytail. While cloaked by the hatred in her eyes, there was something else. Something human – fear.

"An elf," I remarked. Her pointed ears suddenly wiggled.

"You know of my species, human?" She cocked an eyebrow.

(Well, it's good she can't see past my humanoid form. )

I reassured her with a gentle smile, "Calm down. I mean no harm. I think I'm lost,"

She shot me a quizzical look. You didn't have to be a genius to tell that she found me suspicious. "I find it hard to believe that you just wandered into the Goddess's forest."

I groaned, "It's a long story. Look, please just help me find a way out, and I'll be out of your hair."

Reluctantly, she lowered her bow. She then leaped from tree-branch to tree-branch, eventually landing on the ground. "Fine, human. But, I need you to assure that you won't... 'wonder' back into the forest."

"Sure," I shrugged. "There's not much in the forest to stick around for,"

"What?" She suddenly shouted. "Do – Are you unaware of the treasures the Great Forest holds?" She looked appalled by my words.

"Look. Just get me out of here, and you'll never see me again. Deal?" I pleaded.

She shot me another quizzical look, "You sure are a weird human,"

"You never told me your name,"

The elf beside me perked up. She met my gaze and frowned deeply. "We elves don't maintain relationships with humans. You have no reason to know my name." Her tone was harsh.

"Hmm," I dug my hands into my pockets and shot my head up. The star-filled skies glistened an ethereal color.

"Lunae," The elf's voice suddenly called out to me. "Goddess of the skies, the moon, elves, and goblins. She is our guardian, our eternal leader, and our patron." She gave a dreamy smile that wasn't directed at me.

(Did those two stupid goddesses mention Lunae?) It was times like these that made me regret not picking that femboy twink as a guardian.

Returning my attention to the elf, I nodded my head. "She means a lot to your people, doesn't she?"

She nodded, "Yes. Mother Lunae saved all elf from complete extermination by the hands of the humans," Her lips suddenly shut in a thin line.

"I suppose humans don't have good relations with elves?" I inquired. It doesn't have to have some information on the people I plan to take under my hold. I might even gain allies from the elven people.

She shot me a glare, though it quickly relaxed. "Your people are hated by all species, and for good reason. You lay hands on precious creations and destroy them. Your take what is not yours, and you destroy what you don't want. Your people are a parasite. They have no god; no rules, no true leader, and no order. Your people are a chaotic and cruel bunch."

I kept stoic, even though I felt a pit forming in my stomach from her words. "Did Mother Lunae tell you that?"

She looked up at me and rolled her eyes. "Mother Lunae does not have a physical avatar. She guides us through our shaman,"

"Wouldn't that make your shaman her avatar?" I inquired. Truth be told, I'd been a huge fan of mythology and the sorts in my past life. Being able to live through it is amazing.

"No. The shaman isn't an avatar. He is one of us, gifted and chosen by Mother Lunae to relay her orders." She informed.

I shot her a quizzical glance, "So, all elves obey the shaman. Are his words truly the words of Lunae,"

The forest suddenly grew dim. Lightning boomed in the skies, and a golden ray of light pierced through the moon.

The elf suddenly smiles. "Look," she excitedly pointed at the abnormal occurrence in the sky. "That is Mother Lunae watching over all beings under her dominion."

I felt my face contort into a frown. These elves would be too easy to manipulate.

(Sorry, Lunae.)

"Isn't it beautiful," the elf said dreamily. Her eyes glistened as he inspected the sky. "Mother Lunae has us in her mind."

I balled up my fists, "It sure is."

A powerful gust of wind blew in the sky. A second powerful boom of lightning came.

"You know, I don't think I want to leave."

The elf reluctantly met my gaze. "I think I want to learn more about Mother Lunae,"