Midori was a little shocked when Cael removed her shoe from her foot, but when he grabbed a stone and rubbed it along the sole, she realized he was adding traction so she wouldn't fall again. A few seconds later, he was finished with both. Taking one of her hands in his, he began leading them down the mountainous terrain.
The snow wasn't deep under the canopy of fir trees, but the uneven ground made it difficult to walk with urgency. Cael was patient as Midori did her best to keep up with his long legs, but she was quickly exhausting her energy. The thin air wasn't making it any easier.
“I think I've found something. Look." Cael pushed aside a dark blue fir branch, revealing the entrance to a cave. "I'll go first."
He continued to hold Midori's hand but placed his body in front of hers.Holding the blaster with another hand, he rummaged through the bag.
"A-ha." He pulled out a white sphere the size of a softball and threw it in the air.
Light erupted from the orb, enveloping the room as it hovered above them. Midori's eyes traced the light, and she gazed into the recesses of the cave. Stalactites covered the ceiling, their long fingers reaching toward her. Midori shivered.
"Stay still," Cael's deep voice warned.
"Why? What is it?"
Her attention returned to the cave floor when a deafening growl echoed through the air, and two shining eyes blinked from the darkness.
Midori's breath hitched in her chest, and she froze.
The creature charged.
FIVE
Cael lifted his blaster, ready to shoot the creature barreling toward them in the dark. He pulled the trigger. A blast hit the cave floor just in front of the beast, and it skidded to a stop. A keening sound erupted from the creature, a whining cry of fear even though he hadn't hit it. He aimed the blaster again. This time, he wouldn't miss.
Midori's hand rested on his elbow. "Wait a minute."
He looked down at her. Her face held no fear. Instead, she seemed concerned.
The beast sighed, slumped down to its belly, and rested its head between its feet. Now with it out in the open, he got a good look at it under the antigrav light.
The creature's round body was covered in long fur, a motley of colors ranging from brown to black to white. It had two long ears rimmed in pink skin that flopped over the side of its head, and four black eyes that blinked as it studied them. Its muzzle ended in a round pink snout which crinkled and flared as it sniffed the air, probably taking in their scent. The hint of two sharp tusk-like teeth poking up from its jaw gave Cael pause. Despite its docile appearance, the creature's size posed a threat.And such tusks could cause significant damage. Probably better to put the creature down and not worry about it attacking them.
Cael was about to pull the trigger and end the beast when Midori stepped forward, her hands in front of her as if surrendering to it.
"It's okay. We're not going to hurt you, buddy."
The beast snuffed at her words and gave a slow blink with its multiple eyes as she took another step forward.
"Midori, I don't think?—"
The creature lifted its head and sniffed the air. Then it rolled to its side and exposed its hairy belly, while its long pink tongue lolled from the side of its mouth.
Midori kneeled down next to the beast. "You're just a big baby, aren't you?"
She scratched its belly, and the creature closed its eyes in pleasure and purred.
Cael took a cautious step forward, keeping his blaster aimed at its head, knowing the beast could still lunge at any time.
"I don't think you need that. He's not going to hurt us. Look."
Midori's fingers disappeared in the animal's thick coat as she continued to scratch its side. One of the beast's hind legs began twitching. With its four eyes half closed, an expression of pure bliss and contentment covered its face.
"Be cautious. It could still …” But then the creature rolled on its back, defenseless.
"It's so soft. Here, give it a scratch." Midori held a hand up to Cael.
He took it, and she pulled him next to her on the cave floor. His hand tingled and warmed where her flesh touched his, but all too soon her hand was pressing his into the animal's fur. The beast snorted, sneezed, and continued to purr as Cael and Midori scratched its belly together. Midori looked up at him and smiled the most genuine and heartfelt smile he'd witnessed fromher so far. She was happy. This beast was giving her joy. And for that reason alone, he would protect it with his life.
