Chapter 1---

I continued to walk down the forest path in the pitch of night. With every tree I passes I knew we were getting closer. I set down my pack by the edge of a small clearing with a pool of water feed by somewhere beyond. I kissed my partner on the nose and ruffled the hair on the back of his heck. He sat down beside the pack as I walked fully into the clearing making sure of the safety this place once had. Diz started rummaging through the pack, I ran over to him.

“I know, Diz. I’m hungry too, but I don’t know when well be able to get anymore other than just hunting.” I tried to console him with hugs and kisses, although I know neither filled our guts. I laid down a blanket to cover the cold ground. There was no longer any snow covering the barren earth.

Diz walked over and sat on one corner as I did on the other side. I stared up to the starry sky. I wasn’t sure why, but I always looked up for guidance, I never received any though.

“Opal?”
“Hm?” I looked toward Diz; he was in his human form now. ”Yes?”
“How much longer will it be till we get there?”
“I’m not really sure.” His face saddened. I wished I could give him a better answer, but it wouldn’t matter what I had said.
I moved closer to him and rested my head on his chest to where I could hear his strong heart beat. He sighed and wrapped his arms around me. He’s so warm…I curled up in his lap while his arms were still around me. “I don’t even know where we’re really going. It all looks so familiar, but so alien at the same time.” I wanted to cry, but it wouldn’t solve anything. It would probably only make the situation worse. I never should have left home, left my stable life. Why did I have to come out here anyway?

“Opal?”
“…”
“Opal?!” Diz shook me slightly and rescued me from my thoughts.
“I’m sorry, Diz. What is it?”
“I’m glad we came out here and all, but do you think we could eat just a little bit?” He was so cute with his puppy face and pleading eyes, how could I say no?
I let out a small laugh. “Of course we can.” His face brightened. I reached over for the pack and dug out some jerky and a small loaf of bread. I divided it up and gave him his share.
“Thanks.” He said as he began eating.

I ate what I had and laid down in hopes of getting the slightest amount of rest before the coming dawn. By tomorrow we would be there. But I didn’t know what would be awaiting us.

---End of Chapter 1