Liam lingered in front of the pond, tentatively observing the water cascade down the small cliff side. Chances are, the girl wouldn't follow him through. In the case that she did... he wasn't sure what he would do if that happened. She looked harmless enough. Long, dark brown hair, and tan skin. Absolutely terrified. He figured it was his eyes that had caught her so off guard. Clearly shifters didn't inhabit her universe. Heck, she probably had no idea his home even existed.

The unexpected encounter was definitely more inconvenient than he would have preferred. He decided to wait a bit longer before re-entering her world. He hoped he wouldn't have to see her again. In fact, he didn't wish to interact with anyone else for the rest of the journey, unless necessary. The circumstances and expectations were stifling enough. He began pacing back and forth, something he did quite often while waiting. He stopped pacing when he accidentally stepped in the pond.

But Liam's foot wasn't wet. Or at least, no more soaked than it was before. The recognizable sound of the something landing in the water was there, but not because of him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a leg breaking the surface of the waterfall. Backing up a bit, he watched as the intruder's form entered his world.

Once again, he was face to face with the girl. She gawked at him, then turned her attention to the scenery around them, remaining completely shocked.

"What the heck," Liam heard her mutter under her breath as she stared, her eyes glued to the forest. He couldn't blame her. The Spotted Woods were truly stunning. Different types of trees boasting colorful foliage were scattered through the earth, accompanied by flowers and shrubs of a similar variety in hue and shape. Despite that, nobody dared venture far into the woodlands. Though still beautiful, recent events had made the area hazardous to enter alone.

The girl cleared her throat and looked back at him. "Sorry to, um, bother you..." she stammered. "I'd just like to know where I am." Liam refused to respond. He looked her over, searching for a weapon. The girl seemed empty-handed. "Uh..." she started again. "Just in case you're wondering, my name's Nicole." She offered her hand awkwardly. "Nice to meet you?"

Liam remained silent and still, ignoring the gesture. He had no idea what to do. Nicole frowned. "Don't pretend that you can't talk. I heard you earlier." She paused for a moment. "Were you looking for something?"

Of course she saw you, Liam thought. You idiot. He still didn't know what to say. Tension filled the air while the two watched each other.

Nicole sighed. "I guess you don't like answering questions. I'll just assume you were." She went silent again, and kicked at the dirt, holding her hands behind her back. Mouth half open, she looked Liam straight in the eye. "Um..." she started again, "maybe if you tell me what's going on right now, I could help you look for whatever you're searching for?"

Liam flinched. Not once had he considered a partnership. The concept seemed so simple, yet he'd totally missed it. His guide would need to be prepared for anything, of course. But would it be safe for this girl, Nicole, to be that person? Did he even need a guide? He didn't want to put anybody in danger except for himself.

"I don't know about that..." he mumbled. Nicole perked up.

"Well at least you're talking now. Could you at least tell me your name?" He inspected her again. No weapons or anything. She really did come off as trustworthy.

"Liam," he said, glancing away. He felt the need to stick his hands into his pockets, but he didn't even have any, so he reached into his bag instead. He noticed Nicole staring at his hand when he did so, and he immediately pulled it out, still empty-handed.

"Liam, huh?" she persisted. She grinned. "That's a nice name. You know, uh, that trick you did with your eyes was really cool. How did you do that?"

"It wasn't a trick." His response seemed to spark her interest even more. The expression on her face was enough to prompt him to elaborate. "It's natural...uh, you aren't going to understand any of this. I'm... what some would call a feline shifter"-Nicole cocked her head in confusion-"...I'm part cat."

Her eyes widened. "That isn't normal," she sputtered.

"Heh," Liam laughed quietly. He twiddled his fingers. "Not where you're from. But that waterfall?" He gestured towards the water. "It's, ah, a portal. To another world. That you're in. Right now." Better be straight forward, he figured. It didn't seem to be working. For the first time since he met her, she was completely speechless. "Uh, do you need me to prove it to you?" Surprisingly, she nodded, her newfound excitement showing on her face. "Okay then," Liam said. "Don't absolutely freak out."