Capítulo 13: Waterfall
### Chapter: The Plunge
Idris moved cautiously through the dense underbrush, the cool night air wrapping around him like a shroud. The forest, once vibrant with the sounds of life, had plunged into an unsettling silence, punctuated only by the soft rustle of leaves underfoot. He kept his voice low, aware of the need for stealth. His friends—Garren and Erena—were somewhere out there, and he couldn't risk alerting anyone to his presence.
Nyx nestled against his chest, warm and content, the little creature's rhythmic breathing a soothing reminder that he wasn't alone. Idris glanced down, his heart swelling with a mix of affection and responsibility. "Hang in there, buddy. We're going to find them," he whispered, determination igniting within him.
As he pressed deeper into the forest, the light began to fade, the moon casting a pale glow through the trees. The darkness thickened around him, shadows stretching like grasping fingers. Idris squinted into the night, every rustle sending a shiver down his spine. He longed for the warmth of the sun, but he pressed on, driven by hope.
Suddenly, a drop of water splattered against his cheek. Confused, he looked up, only to be met with the ominous sight of dark clouds swirling overhead. "Oh heavens," he muttered under his breath, realization dawning. Before he could find adequate shelter, the storm unleashed its fury, raindrops hammering down like stones.
The trees, once a reliable shield, now offered little protection. Thunder rumbled in the distance, a deep growl that echoed through the night, urging Idris to seek cover. He glanced back, half-expecting to see Garren and Erena emerging from the shadows, but only darkness greeted him. It was a hollow reminder of how alone he truly was.
"I can't wait any longer," he muttered, steeling himself. "The waterfall! I'm closer to it than the stream." He recalled the direction he had taken earlier and began moving, the pounding rain soaking through his clothes and chilling him to the bone. The roar of the waterfall grew louder, a haunting melody drowned out only by the thunder overhead.
As he trudged forward, the ground quickly transformed into a treacherous muck. With every step, he slipped and stumbled, rain blurring his vision. "Shit," he cursed under his breath, frustration mounting as he desperately tried to keep Nyx safe against his chest. The little creature stirred, sensing the tension in Idris's body, and he felt the bond between them tighten as they faced the storm together.
The rain fell in sheets, each droplet drumming relentlessly against the foliage around him. Just as he thought he might be making progress, the path beneath him turned into a slippery quagmire. He fought for his footing, nearly losing his balance more than once. Each step was a gamble, and the cold seeped into his bones, but he pressed on, driven by the desperate need to find shelter.
Finally, through the deluge, the outline of the waterfall appeared ahead, a veil of silver shimmering against the backdrop of darkness. Idris's heart raced as he approached. He could see the water crashing down, creating a mist that hung in the air. The cave he sought was tucked behind the waterfall, nestled in the rocky cliffside.
Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself and began to navigate the slick stones that led to the cave. The ground was uneven, and each footfall required careful calculation. He could feel the thunderous rush of water echoing in his chest as he reached the edge where the water fell.
"Just a little further," he urged himself, his hands searching for grips on the rocky surface. He began climbing down, each movement slow and deliberate. The stones were slippery underfoot, and the roar of the waterfall grew deafening. He glanced back once, half-expecting to see Garren and Erena, but only shadows loomed behind him.
As he descended, the ground shifted beneath him. He lost his grip for a heartbeat, his heart leaping into his throat. "Come on!" he muttered, desperation fueling his movements. He grasped for a nearby outcropping, fingers finding purchase just in time.
After a few agonizing moments, he finally reached the entrance of the cave, feeling a rush of triumph. He pulled himself inside, breathless and soaked to the bone, the waterfall's roar now a comforting background hum. The cave was small but offered a welcome sanctuary from the storm.
Idris collapsed onto the cold stone floor, panting, relief flooding through him. He had made it. But as he lay back against the cool surface, a sense of foreboding tugged at his consciousness. He looked down, eyes widening in horror. Nyx was teetering on the edge of the cave entrance, curiosity evident in its wide eyes.
"No! Nyx!" Idris shouted, springing to his feet. His heart raced as he lunged forward, but time seemed to slow. The little creature lost its footing, and for a terrifying moment, Idris felt his world tilt.
He reached out desperately, but the gap was too wide, the distance too great. "No, no, no!" The panic surged through him as he grasped for Nyx, but all he could do was watch as the little creature tumbled toward the churning waters below.
"Nyx!" he screamed, the sound drowned out by the storm.
The darkness closed in around him as dread enveloped his heart. He had fought so hard to keep them both safe, only to find himself on the brink of losing everything. In that instant, a single thought pierced through the chaos: he couldn't let fear consume him. He had to act.
"Hold on, Nyx!" Idris yelled, his voice shaking as he prepared to dive into the raging water. Every instinct screamed at him to hesitate, but he had no time. In that moment, he became more than just a boy lost in the woods—he was a protector, willing to risk everything for the tiny life that had become his companion.
He charged toward the edge, adrenaline fueling his every move, ready to plunge into the darkness. As he leapt, the roar of the waterfall swallowed his fear, and all he could think of was the bond he shared with Nyx, the promise he had made to keep it safe.
The night enveloped him as he plunged into the unknown, and with a desperate hope, he reached for the little creature that had become his reason to fight.
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