Hearts Across the Divide

Introductions

As the dawn light begins to filter through the trees, Noa sits up from his sleeping position, stretching his lean muscles. He turns to Anaya and Soona, who are just starting to stir.

"Wake up," he calls out, a hint of excitement in his voice. Anaya groans wanting to go back to sleep. Noa chuckles at Anaya's reluctance to get up. "C'mon. We have a big day."

Soona gives Anaya a gentle nudge, attempting to get him off the ground. "come on, Anaya. We have to go meet Noa's mate." she teases. Anaya finally gets up, albeit reluctantly, and Soona laughs softly. Noa can't help but smile at their banter, his heart pounding with anticipation of the upcoming meeting. "let's get going." He says, gesturing for his friends to follow him.

As they ride up to the falls, Noa's heart leaps in his chest as he spots your figure perched at the top. His eyes widen slightly, taking in the sight of you. Anaya and Soona follow his gaze, their own eyes widening at the sight of you.

Before Noa can say anything, Soona swings her slingshot quickly, a rock exploding next to you. You gasp and coil in your legs backing away from the edge.

Anaya climbed up the falls with speed. "It's getting away!" He yells to Noa and Soona as he chases you. Soona climbs as well disregarding Noa's shouts. "NO! STOP!" Noa shouted, alarmed at the sight of you scrambling back from the edge. Soona and Anaya chased you through the forest, the sound of their heavy footsteps pounding in your ears.

Noa followed close behind, fear and worry etched across his face. "STOP! PLEASE!" he yelled, panic in his voice.

Anaya tacked you, sliding you on the dirt roughly. He holds you down baring teeth. Soona by his side glaring down at you.
"ANAYA, STOP!" Noa shouts, fear in his eyes.

Noa shoves Anaya backward, his eyes blazing with anger. "DO NOT HURT HER!" He snarls, his voice filled with fury. Noa crouches down to you, his gaze filled with concern. He reaches out a hesitant hand to touch your shoulder, checking for any signs of injury. "Are you hurt?" he asks, his voice softer now.

You shake your head, signaling that you're unharmed. He gives you a small, assuring smile. Soona and Anaya exchange glances, both looking somewhat sheepish. "You... and Echo?" Anaya asks in shock.

Noa turns to face Anaya and Soona, a determined look in his eyes. "Yes," he replies firmly. Anaya and Soona both stand there, speechless, shocked at the revelation. They exchange a glance, clearly surprised by the news.

Soona's eyes flicker between you and Noa, her mind racing. The memory of how Mae had negatively affected Noa and the clan was still fresh in her mind. The thought of a repeat filled her with dread. Noa, noticing her unease, steps forward. His expression is firm, his voice calm yet resolute. "she is different," he tells her.

Soona couldn't grasp the idea. "You are leader. You can not... Echo will not be accepted." Noa sighs, his frustration evident as he grapples with Soona's doubts. "I understand that, Soona," he responds, his voice weary, "but I can not change...how I feel." He turns to look at you, his eyes locking onto yours, filled with a mixture of resolve and vulnerability.

Anaya speaks, "Echo and ape. Can not coexist. Noa knows this."

Noa clenched his jaw, frustrated by the valid point that Anaya raised. The reality of the situation was harsh, and denying it would be foolish. He spoke through gritted teeth. "But she is different."

Noa's friends exchanged doubtful glances, their faces filled with skepticism. Your very nature as a human-made acceptance seems like an impossible dream. Noa, sensing their doubt, stepped forward, his voice firm and resolute.
"I know her... being echo complicates everything," he began, "but I care for her... a lot... she is important to me."