Heading through the forest, Enya led everyone through the thick brush, over the scattered tree roots, past the stream she craved so much to touch to a dead end. Before them stood a proud cliff taunting humans to dare climb it. The steepness alone warned humans of their doom.

“Is this where you wanted to take us?” Pandora asked, glancing at the side of the cliff as it's length stretched past the horizon.

Noah stared up at the nearly impossible and said in a huff, “Great, you led us to a dead end. What should we do? Going around will take most of the day, if not all.” Enya walked up to the cliff's side and touched its earth. The corners of her lips lifted.

With a smirk, Enya turned to the others and said, “This is exactly where I wanted to go. Those people are on our trail, and climbing up the hill is our best bet. There is a small path leading to the top we can take. If you'll put your trust in me, I can lead you up there.” Noah glanced at the top of the cliff, his gaze wavering at the sight. He took a step backwards.

“I—I can't. That's too high for me. What if I fall? You'll—You'll have to go without me.” Belia nudged Noah's trembling arm, staring at him through big eyes. A short whimper left her.

Seeing Belia's worry for her friend, an idea hit Enya like a brick. She gasped, saying, “I was going to have Belia catch us in case anyone started to fall, but I think I have an idea to help you. Belia can fly you up there while Pandora and I climb up the side.” Enya faced Belia, looking into her gray eyes. “Will you fly Noah up to the top, please?”

Belia growled her approval, nodding her head once. Noah looked between the two.

A breath of relief raced out of his lips as he said, “Thank you, Belia. I don't know what I'd do without you.” Belia crouched down, bowing her head to the ground and waited. Noah caressed the fur behind her ears, a purr erupting from Belia as her eyes closed shut. Noah looked once more to the top before pulling himself onto her back. Belia raised herself, careful not to drop him. Her hawk-like wings unfurled, stretching to the sky.

“We'll meet you up there, okay?” Enya told them.

Belia let out a gruff before leaping off the ground and flying into the sky. Enya saw Belia head for the top of the cliff. She looked to Pandora.

“Ready?”

Pandora's white teeth glistened in the sun as she said, “Yep!”

Enya placed a foot on a protruding rock, the tips of her toes and a small portion of the balls of her feet just hanging on to the small ledge. Enya pressed her chest against the wall. The pounding of her chest sounded in her ears, forcing Enya to question if everyone could hear it. Enya bit her lip.

Making sure she was steady, Enya slowly turned her head to face Pandora and said, “Just follow my lead.”

Enya placed a hesitant foot on the next rock, most of her foot flat on its surface. She gripped a small indentation above it, steadying her body with deep breaths, before hoisting herself up. Enya glanced behind her to see Pandora perfectly balanced on the narrow shelf, waiting for Enya to ascend higher.

She seems used to this... In that case, I don't need to take my time to make sure Pandora's keeping up. Enya scanned the next bulge. She gripped an indentation and hoisted herself up.

Enya did this until she stood one foot on the edge of a slippery boulder, the other on a mass of hardened earth.

Maybe I moved too fast for her.

Enya glanced behind her to see Pandora standing inches away from her, standing on the same boulder. Pandora's eyes stared at the wall above them, her stare calculating.

Noticing Enya's gaze, Pandora showed her a blinding, innocent smile.

“Is the next one too difficult to climb? Should we maneuver around it?”

“No...” Enya said in a mumble, unable to wrap her head around what she'd seen. What was that? I never would have expected an imbecile like you to look so competent for once.

As Enya continued to stare at her, Pandora said in a curious tone, “Enya?”

“Nothing. Let's keep going.” Enya moved on to the next protrusion, asking in the nonchalant tone she'd grown to hate, “So, where did you learn to climb?”

Pandora's tone rose in confusion as she said, “Huh? But, I didn't. I'm just following your footsteps.” Enya's eyes narrowed.

There's no way you're inexperienced. I'm moving at the pace of an expert, yet you're keeping up with me. Just watching my movements couldn't have gotten you this far. You would have fallen.

Enya quickened her pace, hoisting herself up another boulder, and then one more.

“Is that right? Guess I must be one good teacher.” Enya stuck her tongue out, her words creating a foul taste in her mouth. Ugh, I hate how that sounded. 'One good teacher'? Yeah, right. All I did was point out where to place your footing.

Enya pulled herself up once more, listening for Pandora.

She's right behind me. Her breathing isn't ragged at all, and her movements are flawless. She still claims to be an amateur?

At a short gruff, Enya looked up to see Belia within reach, sticking her nose out towards them. Her front paws dug into the cliff side, ready to pounce if need be. A small smile graced Enya's lips.

Enya stepped on a small ledge sticking out from the wall, the balls of her feet just comfortable enough to stand. She gripped the edge of the cliff, wiggling her fingers to check that the earth wouldn't break away with any extra weight. The earth refused to concede. Enya pulled herself up, turning to help Pandora, but before she could, her eyes watched as Pandora gracefully lifted herself onto the edge, her shoulder length, lime green hair caressing her skin. Enya held her breath at the sight.

Noah's exclamation broke Enya from her trance. “Wow, I can't believe you guys made it.” Enya tore her eyes away from Pandora as she pushed her hair off one of her shoulders, looking to Noah as he bounded over from the shadows of a tree.

“I didn't either, but it's all thanks to Enya,” Pandora said with a toothy smile. She took a few steps towards Noah, away from the cliff's edge before a splat resounded through the forest. Pandora fell face-first into the dirt.

Did I imagine it? How could an idiot like her be skilled at climbing? Enya questioned, her expression blank.

As Noah helped Pandora up, she giggled, saying, “Oops!” Enya let out a heavy sigh.

I had to of. It's the only way I can wrap my head around this. Marching towards the trees, Enya said, “We need to keep going. The farther we get, the more distance we can put between us and them, the safer we'll be.”

With every step, Enya's thoughts replayed the images of Pandora pulling herself up to the edge, the fluid movement of her actions, how her lashes cast a shadow over her eyes, the way her hair bounced. Enya gripped the bottom of her shirt, the light flapping of a butterfly's wings begging to escape the cage in her heart.

A girl like Pandora could never be like me.