Danger

 Danger



 Season 1, Episode 4 of Mystic

"Thanks for traveling with me," I told Lazuli as we padded out of her cavernous den.

"No problem," Lazuli replied in a cool, clear voice. I didn't look at her but was aware of her giving me a side-glance, as if analyzing me.

Lazuli continued forward, her chest permanantly puffed forward and her chin held high. I watched her lead the way in admiration. ''She's so brave and beautiful. I want to be just like her.''

She turned around and set her brilliant blue gaze on me. "Are you coming or not?" I snapped out of my daze and quickly followed in her paw steps.

"So where to next?" I asked, dodging a large stone in the middle of my path.

Lazuli stepped over it, answering, "We'd first better get out of here. Do you know the way?"

Shock settled on me. "Wait...you don't know the way out? I thought you've lived here for ages!"

"I have." Something in Lazuli's gaze seemed out of place, sad and lonesome. I strongly felt to comfort her, but something held me back. Then it dawned on me.

"You haven't been up there since you entered, have you?" I whispered.

Pain shoved its way through in her eyes. "N-no."

"How did you survive?" I asked, intrigued despite myself. I knew Lazuli seemed the introverted type of loner, but it struck to me to think that she hadn't seen the sun for so long.

"I never needed anyone with me," Lazuli answered swiftly. "Water flows in my den. As for survival necessities, I have my...ways." She turned her face and moved on.

~tbc~