A/N: Hello everyone! What an absence, Huh? I've been doing so much writing for school, that I decided it was high time I turned back to what made me love writing so much in the first place and do some pleasure writing. Time to end that cliff-hanger, guys; and as always, reviews are greatly appreciated.

Chapter 3

Grug squinted into the distance as Eep and the jungle cat disappeared behind tree after tree. He let out disgruntled yell and pounded his fists off the ground. The sun had migrated through the sky as it did every day, and was no resting at the tree line where Eep disappeared. He knew there was nothing he could do now, but wait; wait and start the long walk back home before darkness settled over the place they called Tomorrow.

A new feeling replaced the grip of terror that Eep felt for Guy. It was distrustful, and cautious, and there was something else present within her. It made her stomach tight and heavy all at once. While her heart leapt at the sight of Guy, it sank at the sight of the other beside him. They were so similar, he and the other. Long brown hair tossed in a light evening breeze, and large blue eyes returned Eeps intent stare. The other was slender but short, her head falling just below guys brow.

The other was a human; a girl. Eep, forced the jungle cat to take a few steps back. Guy realized then that this was not going as well as he had intended. Why was Eep so afraid? He had to wonder, for he had never seen her succumb to fear. Not his bright eyed Eep.

"Woah, Eep, stop." Guy began moving forward, toward her. She did. Guy wasn't someone she could walk away from, nor did she want to, but she kept glancing silently at the other. Guy reached up slowly and grabbed her hand, coaxing her to come down from the safety of the jungle cat's haunches. As her feet hit the ground Guy placed a comforting hand on the small of her back and together they began walking forward.

"Eep, this is Aura." Eep looked at the other and decided that this name fit her. Even still her inner senses still urged her to take Guy and run from this person; this other. "Aura, this is Eep." Guys voice softened as he said it, her name gently floating into the air.

"Hello, Eep," Aura said, daring to step forward. Eep tensed immediately but Guy held fast, even though he knew that should Eep wish to she could break free from him in an instant.

"Go on Eep, say someth-" Suddenly the jungle cat, who no one had noticed after Eep had slid from its back, leapt into the jungle. It became quickly obscured by the many trees and was soon nothing but a sound as it wove through the vines and low branches.

Eeps eyes widened in a bit of shock. She glanced up at the sun who had already begun it's decent behind the trees. It was only then that she managed to think of her father.

Ugga and Gran sat patiently at the edge of their tree, humming and making. Sandy bounced through the tall grass not far from the older women and was, as always, chasing a creature smaller than herself. Douglas and Thunk were laying on the ground nearby, indulging in a post night-meal nap incurred by a day full of rough housing.

"Oh, I see Grug!" Ugga suddenly said, putting down her bowl and getting to her feet. Gran didn't bother.

"Tomorrow's a new day I suppose," Grant muttered absently with a sly grin on her face. Ugga gave her a stern look and shook her head.

"I don't see anyone else." Ugga's heart began to sink as she scanned the tree line quickly. She noticed something else, too: Grug was walking. Alone, Grug marched out of the forest. The sun was fading quickly now, and twilight bathed the surrounding areas where the trees shadows did not touch. Ugga's heart raced and Gran stood to join them all.

"Where are the kids? Where're the cats? Why are you walking? What's happening-" Before Grug could respond to his wife's urgent but reasonable questions he was knocked forward into the sandy earth. Above him stood the jungle cat, which cuddled him relentlessly as it purred. Grug wrestled the cat off himself and stood once more. He was momentarily relived to see his animal companion, that is, until he saw that Eep was no longer atop.

"Guy we need to leave, please," Eep pleaded as they followed Aura through the woods on a foot beaten path. Her foot prints were so remarkably like Guys, she noted, only smaller. Not far behind them the owlcat followed, intent on remaining with its familiars. "I can ride in the dark, just trust me. We'll be home in no time."

Eep knew that she could not ride in the dark, and although the Owlcat was nocturnal, it would follow her commands. She would never be able to steer it with no guiding light. The creature and herself would merely become frustrated, and exhausted. Slowly they marched through the dimly lit jungle, following Aura to her own village. Village.

Eep didn't want to think about there being more of them. She didn't want to spend the night in this strange place. If she were being honest, she'd rather take her chances out in the open with Guy and her Owl Cat. Guy was excited, though, and she could tell by the way he followed and trusted. His eyes were bright with questions. Her heart sank as she thought of him cherishing these others more than he cherished the Croods.