Two?

Gio and Juniper continue walking through the Wildlands, heading towards the location where Gio saw the Verdona plant beast. As they get closer, they begin to hear strange noises.

"What is that noise?" Juniper asks, concerned.

"I think it's the Verdona plant beast that I told you about. Let's go check it out!" Gio replies, excitement evident in his voice.

They followed the mysterious sounds, winding their way through the foliage. The noises intensified, and the duo quickened their pace, anticipation building.

Finally, they reached a clearing where the Verdona plant beast stood, encircled by a group of small red lizards. The lizards hissed and snapped, their attention focused on the plant beast.

As the two of them approach the source of the noise, they see that the Verdona plant beast is surrounded by a group of small red lizards. The lizards seem to be trying to attack the Verdona plant beast, and the plant beast is desperately trying to defend itself.

The Verdona plant beast is being attacked by those lizards," Juniper says, worried. "We need to help it!"

Gio nods, and the two of them run towards the group of lizards. 

The two of them charged towards the skirmish, ready to defend the Verdona plant beast. The lizards, sensing the approaching threat, turned their attention to Juniper and Gio.

The battle unfolded swiftly. Juniper summoned his fox fire, creating bursts of flames to fend off the lizards. Gio, using his earth abilities, manipulated the ground to create barriers that shielded them from the relentless attacks.

After a short but intense struggle, they managed to scare off the lizards. The Verdona plant beast, its vines slightly bruised, gave a light sway of gratitude. Juniper smiled and gently patted its head.

"Are you okay?" Juniper asked, his worry lingering.

The Verdona plant beast swayed again, this time pointing towards a small cave nearby. Juniper and Gio exchanged glances, and then they followed the plant beast into the cave.

Inside, they found another Verdona plant beast, injured and weak. Its vines drooped, and it struggled to move. Juniper's concern deepened.

This one looks like it has been attacked by the lizards too," Juniper said, his voice filled with empathy. "We need to help them."

Gio nodded, taking out a small vial of medicine from his backpack. Carefully, he fed it to the injured plant beast, and its strength seemed to return. However, it was evident that the plant needed more care to fully recover.

"Let's bring them both back with us," Juniper suggested. "I'm sure I can take care of them."

Gio agreed, and the injured plant beast gave a light sway of thanks. Juniper held onto one of its vines, the connection between them strengthening.

"They're strangely cute," Juniper remarked. "How do I form a contract with them?"

"I'll help you," Gio replied, a warmth in his gaze. "First, you need to let the plant beasts sense your spiritual power. Then, you send them some of that spiritual power."

"Okay," Juniper said. "That's pretty easy. But how do I give them my spiritual power?"

"You can just touch the plant beast, and it will channel your spiritual power to them. If they like you, they'll accept your spiritual power and form a contract with you."

Juniper nodded, placing his hand on the plant beast's head. He channeled his spiritual power, and a bright light flashed as the contract formed.

"It's done," Gio said, smiling. "You've formed a contract with the Verdona plant beast."

"That was pretty easy," Juniper replied. "Now let's form a contract with this one too."

Juniper proceeded to form a contract with the injured Verdona plant beast, and once again, the contract was successful.

"Now I have two Verdona plant beasts," Juniper said, happily.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the clearing where Juniper and Gio decided to set up camp for the night. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and the Verdona plant beasts stood beside Juniper, their vines swaying contentedly.

As they prepared for the night, Juniper spread out a comfortable blanket on the ground. "This should do for our little campsite," he said, gesturing for Gio to join him.

Gio settling down on the blanket. "Cozy. Just the way I like it."

Juniper smiled, then turned his attention to the Verdona plant beasts. "Okay, you two. What do you think of the names Flora and Fauna? They suit you, don't they?"

The Verdona plant beasts swayed in what seemed like approval. Juniper chuckled. "Great! Flora, you're the one on the left, and Fauna, you're on the right."

Gio watched the interaction, a soft smile on his face.

As the night settled in, Juniper decided to start a small campfire. Gio carefully arranged the logs and, with a snap of Junipers fingers, conjured fox fire to ignite the wood. The flames danced, casting a soft, flickering light across the clearing.

"Now, let's see what kind of delicious snacks I brought," Juniper said, rummaging through his backpack. He pulled out a variety of colorful vegetables and a selection of herbs. "I thought the Verdona plant beasts might enjoy some tasty treats."

He arranged the vegetables on skewers and held them over the campfire. The aroma of grilling vegetables filled the air, making everyone's mouths water. Of course he hadn't forgotten to add some of the left over Boar meat to some other skewers for himself and Gio.

As the veggies cooked, Juniper turned to Flora and Fauna. "Are you two ready for a tasty snack?" he asked, holding out a skewer.

The Verdona plant beasts swayed eagerly, and Juniper chuckled. "I'll take that as a yes."

He carefully fed each plant beast a piece of grilled vegetable. Their vines gently wrapped around the offerings, and the creatures seemed to hum with delight.

Gio observed the wholesome scene, "They were greedy for your food last time too, Juni."

Juniper grinned. "Who knew plant beasts could be foodies?"