A hesitant knock resounded around the hall as Agent #423 clenched his fists at his side and puffed out his chest. He groaned, a pain consuming him with every breath.

Who would've guessed such a small girl could take me down? Agent #423 thought, clutching a hand to his chest. A shaky breath escaped him as he tried to minimize his pain. Long breaths keep my body weak. Short breaths don't help either. This pain refuses to leave me, but I will not concede. My job is just beginning.

Agent #423 waited for the signal to enter, his heart trembling worse than any mission he'd ever taken, but his nerves were to be expected. He must do his best to keep the boss happy, unless wishing for death.

“Come in,” a voice called. Agent #423 gripped the cold doorknob and twisted it, swallowing his need to flee. He closed the door behind him and faced the man sitting at his desk, his icy glare sending chills down Agent #423's spine. Agent #423 slammed a fist against his left shoulder and bowed. Rayburn motioned for #423 to lift his head.

“Sir, everything is going as planned. She beat up my unit and fled towards the cliffs. One of my men is watching her as we speak. Should we act now?” Rayburn scribbled something down on one of the many pieces of paper scattered across his desk and glanced at the man through his long lashes.

“There is no need. I have someone on the job already—someone capable of handling this mischievous princess themselves. You and your comrades get some rest in the meantime. I will send someone to your rooms to check out your wounds.” Agent #423 bowed their head.

“You are too kind, Sir, but this is nothing for my comrades and myself. We gave our life to this cause, your cause. We will do anything and everything to see your dream, our dream, become reality.” A small smile played at Rayburn's lips as he listened to #423's words. Rayburn stood up and walked over to the man, who towered over him. With his twinkling, aqua eyes, Rayburn gave the man a blinding smile that caused the man to swallow and take a step back.

“I insist,” Rayburn said, his voice kind. The man averted his gaze.

“If—If you insist, Sir, we will retire.” Agent #423 bowed his head low before opening the door and quickly marching out the door, clutching his chest. Rayburn narrowed his eyes at the man's limp, guilt prickling his skin.

Rayburn sauntered back to his desk, plopping down on the sturdy chair. His fingers combed his hair back, resting a moment there. Rayburn sighed to himself, Everything's going as I anticipated. My dream—the only way for me to be happy in life is within reach at long last. Rayburn's eyes crinkled as his beloved crossed his mind. If it weren't for you, I could've been happy long ago. We could've been happy.

~

The morning's warm rays illuminated the opening of the cave, casting its glow on Enya's eyelids. She moaned as they fluttered open. Sitting up, Enya stretched her arms, glancing around the cave to see Noah cuddled against Belia. His soft snoring bounced off her fur.

Enya giggled as she stood, thinking, I like him better this way. He's too noisy awake. Enya dusted her pants off before being hit with a sudden realization. Pandora was gone.

Enya scrambled to the cave's opening. She slid along the small ledge, the mist from the waterfall caressing her skin.

Once out, Enya raced down the hill to see Pandora sitting on the edge of the pool, her feet swaying in the water. Pandora stared up at the cloudless sky. Enya halted, watching her lime-green hair sparkle in the sunlight. Pandora twirled a strand around her finger. The sight reminded Enya of a siren, luring her over to what may well be her death.

As her gaze refused to leave Pandora's silhouette, Enya thought, Should I walk over to her? I'm not sure I can handle her so early in the morning, though... Enya bit her lip, her legs already carrying her forward. She wondered what to say, but nothing came to mind. Everything Enya thought of seemed too dull, too lifeless. What can I say that won't make Pandora tease me?

“Woke up with the sun, huh?” Pandora asked, Enya standing before her. Enya flinched, hoping Pandora didn't notice.

Sitting next to her, Enya said, “I didn't realize you were a morning person.” Enya's eyes widened as she remembered Pandora's personality. “Ah, no. I take that back. You seem like the person to get up at the crack of dawn.” Pandora chuckled, leaning back onto the palms of her hands. Her eyes softened as she looked at Enya.

“I do? Mornings are tough for me, though. I have a hard time waking up unlike everyone else, so I tend to sleep in a lot.” Enya blinked her eyes in surprise.

“Really? Shouldn't you be sleeping, then?” Pandora stared up at the sky.

“I tried, but I couldn't fall asleep last night. I've just had too much going on.” Enya followed Pandora's gaze.

“Ahh, I understand. With everything going on, it's hard to stop your mind from trying to process everything. I keep thinking someone will sneak up on us, hurt you guys, but it's better to keep my energies up if I want to protect you.” Pandora glanced at Enya from the corners of her eye.

“Protect me?”

“No! I mean, everyone. Protect everyone,” Enya said, blurting out the words as fast as she could. Her skin flared.

Pandora laughed, saying, “I know, but why do you need to protect us? We're all in this together, right? Let's protect each other.” Enya averted her gaze.

“Yeah...”