Everyone headed deeper into the forest, hoping they could keep themselves safe for tonight. The trees grew thicker the further they went in. A fire danced in the sky, lighting everything it touched in a pink and orange hue. The calming sight went ignored, however, as Enya scanned the shadows of the trees, listening for any noises unfamiliar to the forest. Noah walked beside her, humming an upbeat tune, Belia bobbing her head at his side. Noah stared ahead with no worries in sight as Pandora giggled like a child, skipping around and chasing after any butterflies and squirrels that dared to come her way. They fled from her, but Pandora gave chase until she could no longer see them nearby. Enya ignored her. Everyone ignored her. Since knowing Pandora, this was to be expected.

Enya focused on their surroundings, thinking, I doubt they could catch up to us this fast, but I should still keep my guard up. These civilians could get hurt, after all.

As her eyes shifted in uncertainty, Pandora blocked Enya's gaze, peering into her eyes with a sickening radiance. Enya halted, glaring at Pandora.

“Excuse me.” A smile broke out over Pandora's lips as Enya spoke to her in a voice dipped in irritation.

Her cheery voice asked, “What did you think? Was I a good climber? Where you impressed with my skills?” Enya noticed the hope glimmering in her gaze, the way her fingers gripped her shorts, how it looked like Pandora was holding her breath.

You really want me to praise you, huh? Enya lifted a hand and patted Pandora's head, her movements awkward yet gentle. Pandora froze, not knowing how to act at this sudden change in behavior. “You did well, Pandora. Your skills were sensational.” Pandora pulled away with wide eyes, stepping back. She turned away and fled to stand by Belia. What did I do? I thought she wanted me to praise her?

Noah chuckled from beside Enya and said, “I think you made her happy, really happy.” Enya stared at him, her steps starting again.

“How can you tell? She ran away from me.” Noah looked at Pandora as she placed a hand over her mouth, staring at the ground.

“Yeah, but you didn't see the big grin Pandora had on when she did.”

“But, she looked so terrified. I thought I did something wrong.”

“Maybe Pandora didn't know how to handle it. She was probably just embarrassed. Whenever a girl runs away from me like that, she always comes back, more cute than ever.” Enya glances at Pandora to see her staring at Enya. Pandora turns away.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. Just give her time to calm down.” Enya nodded her head and returned to listening for any suspicious noises.

~

As the sky turned to dark, a roaring sound filled the air. Noah looked at Enya in confusion, but he said nothing. The corners of Enya's lips lifted. She picked up her pace, practically running through the dwindling trees until coming to an opening.

Before her stood a tall waterfall, its pool of water branching out in different directions. The ground sloped upwards, reaching a height good enough to jump off of. The moon lit up the water in a pale blue, the water cascading down a grayish white.

“We've made it,” Enya said to herself aloud as the others rushed through the opening. Their mouths dropped at the view before them.

“Pretty!” Pandora said, running towards the water. She dipped a hand in. “Come see! It feels nice after walking for so long.” Noah exchanged a look with Belia before they both ran towards the water.

Noah dipped a hand in, telling Belia, “Come on, it's nice and cool.”

Belia barked and moved to stick a paw in, but before she did, her body veered off course and pushed Noah into the water instead. He let out a cry before hitting the water with a loud splash. Enya ran up to the edge, her eyes wide. She threw off her bag, about to jump in after him.

Belia yipped, stopping Enya. She motioned for her to look at the water. Noah emerged from its surface with a chuckle.

“Jeez, Belia. Warn me before you do that!”

Belia let out a noise close to a purr.

“Yeah, okay. You had your fun,” Noah told her, rolling his eyes. A breath of relief escaped Enya.

Getting her priorities straight, Enya stepped back, wondering, where should we sleep now? Out in the open is too risky. Noah can't climb trees... Enya wandered up the small slope to the waterfall. She faced the tree line. Everyone could sleep while I kept watch from here. I could know when someone is sneaking up on us, but what would I do for sleep? Sleeping during the day is useless. We need to gather food and supplies, not to mention scope out the area.

As Enya huffed to herself, Pandora spoke from beside her, alerting Enya of her presence. Enya flinched.

“Wow, did you see this cave, Enya?” Pandora asked, sticking her head in a cave hidden behind the waterfall. A small ledge leading to its entrance laid invisible to anyone who walked casually up the slope like Enya.

Pandora must've noticed it because she wanted to touch the waterfall, Enya thought, going behind the waterfall and onto the ledge. She stuck her head into the cave, making sure her head wouldn't be ripped off within seconds by a wild animal.

Seeing as she was safe, Enya sauntered into the empty cave. The cave didn't match up to the other one, but there was enough room for all of them.

“Good job, Pandora. We can spend the night here.”