Tsukiko was following Haruto through the forest. The weather had begun to change slowly, fall whispering its promise of cooler days ahead. She had enjoyed Haruto’s company so far. He brought a calm energy that she appreciated.

However, as they walked everything seemed to go quiet. The chorus of crickets had died out. And it felt like they were being watched, setting her on alert. Like Haruto, Tsukiko’s ears twitched in every direction trying to hear something. Haruto spoke softly to the forest around them, seeming loud in the silence.

Not nearly as loud as the shriek that pierced their ears in response. All along her spine her fur was standing up. She quickly stood behind Haruto, a chill running through her. And it wasn’t from the chill in the air.

Plants and healing she could deal with, when it came to some strange creature shrieking at her…well she wasn’t the toughest.

And Haruto, well he wasn’t running. So she would stay with him. Until something came out at them anyways.

H-Haruto… what was that?

Her voice sounded weaker than she meant. Her throat dry from fear. She was still new and didn’t know the kind of fauna that called this place home. For all she knew she was scared of something harmless, but the way Haruto reacted told her maybe that wasn’t the case. She heard something shift overhead but didn’t dare look.

Instead she kept looking around them, and kept close to Haruto so close she could feel the warmth rolling off of him. If they weren’t eaten by whatever was out there, she may never live this down.