○ F A L L E N ○

Chapter 6: The Forest

Sure enough, when you got there, there were no longer broken earth platforms, but a large, floating forest.

【=◈︿◈=】

You stood struck with awe at the beautiful forest. Large, light bluish-green trees stood tall with a darker grass underneath, similar to the color of the trees. Crystal blue rivers flowed through the forest like a snake, shining brightly in the morning sun.

"(Y/N), we should go quickly, and look for a way out of here in the forest," Porter suggested tearing his eyes away from the forest to look at you, "We only have a day if this shifts in the way we think it does, right? Maybe if we explore these places on the map, we'll find something to help get us out of here."

"Yes, I think that's a good idea," You said, finally tearing your eyes away, "Let's go."

...

After a surprisingly short walk to the forest (unlike the long, dreadful one with the earth platforms), you reached the edge of the forest.

The forest was quite large, and you wondered if you would get enough ground to find anything. However, at this point, what other choice did you have? Even if you didnt find anything with the ground you covered, there was another area to be discovered after this one.

You both began to walk, not speaking a word as your eyes traveled around the forest, looking for anything like a portal or... something. You heard a twig snap, and froze, Porter also stiffening beside you. The bushes rustled with life, and you found yourself tensing for whatever was about to jump out.

To your surprise, nothing attacked you. Instead, a tall, snow white deer stood staring at you and Porter, it's soft fur moving slightly with a light breeze. Its antlers shined a beautiful gold in the sunlight, causing you to blink and wonder if you were dreaming.

You almost stopped breathing when it took a step forward, bowing it's large head towards you. Stepping closer, you carefully reached out a hand. Porter watched you as you lay a hand on its soft head, between its ears and antlers. It nudged into your hand, and rubbed it's face against your palm, loving the the attention.

You smiled and motioned for Porter to walk over slowly. He stood at your side, not breathing a word as you both pet the large, gentle animal. You looked over at Porter, who looked up and smiled. You couldn't help but smile back, and possibly feel a blush creep onto your cheeks.

The deer raised its head, looking somewhere off in the distance before looking back at you with a slow blink. It walked away a few steps, before looking back, then walking away again and then turning it's head back to you once more. What was it trying to say? Did it want you to follow it?

You and Porter exchanged glances before following the deer into the woods.

The deer led you to a shimmering, reflecting pool with a waterfall. Around it lay colorful flowers and tall, soft grass. The deer pointed it's head towards the waterfall, and you could barely see a cave on the other side, through the flowing water.

"It looks like it wants us to go... in there," You said.

Porter turned to you, determination in his eyes, "Let's do it!"

You yelped when he grabbed your hand, and ran into the shallow water, and through the waterfall. You laughed, a little startled but also excited. Suddenly you found yourself falling into the cave and on top of something soft.

You lifted your head from Porter's chest, seeing him laughing with his head back. It took you a minute to stop and realize the position you were in, your legs tangled with his and your body flush against him.

"Ah, sorry!" You blushed, beat red as you scrambled to get off.

"I should be the one that's sorry! I was the one that forced you in," He chuckled standing up with you, "Come on, let's explore."

As you and Porter walked, you kept replaying the scene in your head. You wished you could fall inti his chest again, to feel his warmth. You wondered, what was Porter feeling in that moment?

"Hey, you're thinking too loud," Porter nudged you, his face barely visable in the slowly dimming light as you trekked deeper and deeper into the cave, "What are you thinking about?"

"Uh, nothing... Just wondering where this cave is going to lead us," You lied.

Porter nodded, "I hope that whatever it is, it won't be.... dangerous."

"Agreed," You shuddered, praying that it wouldn't come to that.