Mashle Inspired AU Chapter 1 progress
Maria looked around, dusting the leaves off her clothes. She didn’t recognize the area, but it didn't look too far from home.
She saw a shadow move out of the corner of her eye and heard rapid footsteps. She looked up. Someone was running on the edge of the cliffside.
Maria wasn't sure why, but something felt strange about that stranger. She moved around the bushes and rocks to try and keep the figure in her sight. They weren't running fast, but she didn't want to risk losing track of them.
To Maria’s surprise, the stranger jumped and did a front flip. They flipped a few times in the air before landing gracefully on their feet in front of the moon. They stood up and removed their hood, revealing their hair up in a large curl.
Maria’s eyes lit up. They looked about her age. And they could run like that? Her intrigue only got more intense.
The strange kid started running again. Maria saw a large pine tree at the end of the cliff. She ran to the tree and began climbing, hoping to get a better view of the kid.
She was never the best tree climber, but she climbed as fast as she could. Thankfully, her tree climbing skills didn't matter too much.
She didn't see, but the kid backed up a few paces and ran at full speed. They leapt up, and grabbed onto the tree, a few feet below Maria. The force of their impact was enough to shake the tree. Maria yelped and gripped onto the tree tightly. When the tree was still, Maria started slowly climbing.
Both kids were unaware of each other's presence, too focused on climbing. The stranger was quickly catching up to Maria. Before long, while grabbing a branch, they felt someone else's fingertips. They looked down, finally seeing each other for the first time.
Maria felt the world stand still. The kid was a boy her age, with black hair and soft brown eyes. They could only stare at each other with sparkling eyes.
The thin branch Maria was standing on snapped. She yelped as she grabbed onto another branch before she could fall. The boy leapt onto the nearest branch and reached out to Maria. She grabbed his hand and was effortlessly hoisted up into his arms. When she saw how close they were, she felt her cheeks go red.
Maria nervously backed away, “W-What are you doing all the way out here?”
“I could ask you the same thing.” Manolo said, “I didn't think there was anyone out here.”
“I got lost practicing my magic. I don't know how to get home from here.”
“Why bother practicing magic if it just got you lost?”
Maria raised an eyebrow, “What are you talking about?” She proudly placed her hands on her hips, “My parents always say how important it is to practice magic. It's the most valuable gift anyone can have, and it shouldn't be wasted.”
Manolo fiddled with the edge of his cloak, “Oh… My dad never told me that. He says it's important to be strong.”
Maria smiled, “How strong are you?”
“I'll show you.” Manolo grabbed Maria’s arm and jumped to the nearest tree.
“Whoa!” Maria shut her eyes as they landed. She opened her eyes when the tree stopped shaking, “How did you do that?”
“Agility and upper body strength.” Manolo casually said. Without warning, Manolo leapt to another tree. It wasn't as scary as the first time, but Maria still closed her eyes as the tree shook.
“You're crazy.” Maria laughed.
“Bet you can't do this with magic, can you?” Manolo leapt from tree to tree, landing gracefully on each branch and tree trunk. The wind blew in their faces with every jump.
The view of the forest was unlike anything Maria had ever seen before. Was this what flying on a broom is like? This might be better than that.
After a while, Manolo landed on one last branch to rest, letting go of Maria’s arm. The two kids laughed as the adrenaline wore off. Once they calmed down, they looked at each other softly. Maria’s heart was still beating loudly even as she was calm. This boy was more interesting than she thought. There was still something strange about him, but she couldn't put her finger on it.
They heard a creaking noise. They looked down and realized how thin the branch they were on was. Before they could react, the branch gave way and they fell to the ground. They didn't fall far, so they weren't injured, but they needed to lay down for a while.
Manolo and Maria walked through the forest, trying to find Maria’s home.
Maria looked at the tiny plate of flan Manolo gave her, “So you just carry flan with you everywhere?”
“Yeah.” Manolo said, with a mouthful of flan, “It's my favorite.”
Maria shrugged and ate hers, “You're strange, you know that?”
Manolo looked at her, “What do you mean?”
“I've never seen a kid as strong as you. I… don't think I've ever seen anyone as strong as you, not even a grown up.”
Manolo scrunched his brows, “What's so funny about my strength?”
“Don't get so mad. I don't mind. I think it's incredible.”
Manolo slowly took the spoon out of his mouth and swallowed, “You do?” Maria smiled and nodded. Manolo smiled shyly, his cheeks dusted pink.
Maria looked up and ran towards a tree, “Oh, hey! I recognize this tree. My house isn't that far from here.”
“Maria! Maria!” A woman's voice was faintly heard in the distance.
Manolo suddenly became frantic, looking around, “Oh, no…”
Maria noticed his shift in demeanor, “What is it?”
“I didn't realize how far I am.” Manolo said, flipping his hood up, “I have to go.”
“Wait.” Maria grabbed his hand, “We can help you get home. It's dangerous on your own.”
“I'm not supposed to let anyone see me. I'm not allowed to be out here.”
“But I don't know your name–”
“Maria!” The kids saw a woman with a lantern running towards them.
Maria turned back to Manolo sadly, “Will I see you again?”
Manolo simply smiled, “I hope so.” He kissed her cheek and ran off.
Maria stood there in shock. She blinked and the boy was just a speck in the distance. Her heart was hammering harder than ever that night as she placed a hand over the spot he kissed her.
“Maria!” Her mother finally caught up to her, picking the leaves and twigs out of her hair and clothes, “There you are. Your father and I have been worried sick.”
“I'm sorry, mama.” She said.
“I thought I saw you talking to someone. Who was with you?”
Maria looked behind her, “I don't know. He never told me.”
I really needed to get this chapter out of my head, and yes it's inspired by the Gnomeo and Juliet meet cute. Manolo and Maria are kids here. Please give me ideas.
