Red Swan

Emotion wailed out in pain as corpses devoured him. He could feel his innards being sucked out of his body. His bones snapping, his muscles tearing out and being eaten, his hair being pulled out. Churburret sprayed his legs with acid, melting them to the bone, before sucking up the remains.

“Emotion this is ridiculous, Churbet doesn’t even eat like that. We can do anything in here, but here you stay. You really are a masochist, you know that? Listen to me, just because we can’t control every detail of the outside world doesn’t mean we shouldn’t in here. Let’s fantasize about something. A world without violence perhaps?”, rambled Logic, who floated in the void next to him.

“I don’t deserve a fantasy. I can’t even keep a child alive. I was bested by rain and dirt.”, thought Emotion as his face was torn off.

“Hm, the Eternal Tide, I wonder just what Tute meant by that. Surely it must be more than just nature in general, right?”, asked Logic.

“Justin.”, a voice echoed from a great distance.

“Hm, I thought it was just the two of us in here.”, said Logic.

Justin it’s me, take my hand.”, Morcant’s voice pierced into the void.

Justin woke to pitch black, unable to open his eyes, but he could hear digging through the mud, and he couldn’t hear the rain anymore. He felt that his hand was exposed to the outside, Morcant was grasping it. Justin squeezed his hand to show him he was alive.

“I told you guys! Now let’s finish digging him out, there’s not much further to go.”, said Morcant.

Justin heard digging for a few minutes and felt Taysass’es scaly hand holding his for a moment. The weight he felt lessened as he felt a large rock being pushed off his head and the hair it was pulling fell back into place. Morcant grabbed his hand while Taysass grabbed his head through the mud and they both began tugging on him. He began to squirm until his other arm gained its freedom and he lifted his head above the mud. Taysass let go of his head and water suddenly splashed his face before he felt her cleaning out his eyes.

He opened his eyes and found hers staring back at him, the sun shined on her face covered in tears and mud. With the mud covering his eyes having been moved, the ocean of tears was finally released. His head dropped as he spat the dirt out of his mouth and wept like a helpless infant. Snot and slobber oozed from his face and hung to it as he dropped into the mud. He couched up mud as he cried and wailed. Taysass held one of his hands as Morcant through another bucket of water on his face.

“Justin, buddy, its okay, we’re here for you. We’re all alive and safe. You’re alive, I knew you would be.”, said Morcant.

“Churbet, he’s dead. He’s right underneath me. I couldn’t save him, I can’t save anyone.”, wailed Justin.

“I’m so sorry bud, but you tried your best, we all did. Some things can’t be helped. We’ve just got to keep trying that’s all.”, pleaded Morcant.

“I can’t do this anymore. I can’t watch you all die in my arms.”, cried Justin.

“Now you listen here asshole, we’ve spent hours digging you out of here because I knew you were alive in here and that you would just sit here for eternity wallowing in self-pity. I don’t expect you not to feel like this, but we can overcome it together. Maybe we’ll all die here, but I won’t stop trying my hardest to protect you guys and myself, not until my last breath. Maybe you feel like dying, and I feel awful as well, but this is also the first time I think I’ve ever really felt alive. It’s like this is the first thing I’ve ever done that’s really mattered and I know you feel it too. Besides, you made us a promise.”, argued Morcant.

Justin looked up at him, eyes wide, hoping to hear something, anything that would pull him out of despair.

“You protect us from being cut open, and we’ll protect you from tearing apart.”, said Morcant, taking his other hand.

“Okay… I’ll, I’ll try my very best.”, Justin mumbled though his tears.

“Mm, so will we.”, said Morcant, hugging him.

Taysass joined the hug as well and even Tacktay flew down and rested on his head. Justin, Morcant, and Taysass cried their hearts out, as they sat atop the body of their friend.

. . .

“So, your done before twilight? You sure you gave this enough thought Yellow?”, asked Red.

“I am, I think I’ve gone over every option with the available information and I’ve reached my decision.”, said Yellow.

“Alright, you’re the expert, lets here it.”, said Red.

“If it attacks our nest relentlessly, I think we should migrate south and conquer the river lands.”, said Yellow.

“That’s quite the decision to reach. Wish I could disagree, but I guess you’re right. There’s always plenty of food there, and the prey is less dangerous.”, said Red.

“If we see it during the feast, we should lead the big horned ones in to distract it. Maybe if all the prey die it will leave and we can eat them.”, said Yellow.

“That’s a great idea, they don’t eat much after all, and as of today we’ve subjugated almost every nest. We should finish the others tomorrow and move on to the shadows and nightwalkers.”, said Red.

“Glad to hear it, well that’s all for my plans, but I do have a question to ask. What if another shiny appears during the feast?”, asked Yellow.

Red took a long pause before sighing and saying, “We’ll deal with that when it happens.”

Yellow nodded and was about to leave Red’s nest when Red began a fit of coughing. Yellow froze up, not knowing whether it would be rude to help, as Red’s coughing worsened. He hunched over and began wheezing as the coughing grew louder and more pronounced, like he was about to puke up a lung, or bone was cutting its way through his throat. Yellow was about to give in and help him when blood splattered onto the floor. Red’s face was straining, his eyes bulging when he finally finished coughing and wiped the blood off his chin.

“Yellow.”, Red wheezed.

“Yes.”, Yellow blurted out with shaking feet.

“Don’t you dare tell anyone about this.”, said Red, locking eye contact.

“Yes sir.”, said Yellow, unable to look away.

“Relax Yellow, it’s not your fault. This is as good a time as any to tell you I guess.”, said Red while lifting his arm and rubbing a lump on his torso.

“I appear to have the lumps, I have for some time now actually. It’s the reason I started thinking about implementing the plans you’ve been rambling about for years now.”, said Red.

“That’s why?”, asked Yellow, contemplating Red’s impending demise.

“Don’t be too upset, the plan is working rather well, even I’m surprised. You should be proud. When I was a hatchling, I was like you, the runt of the litter, but for some reason before fully maturing I had a massive growth spurt. Suddenly everyone respected me and showered me with attention and approval, despite me having done nothing. So, when you were born, I tried to treat you with respect, despite everyone but your sister calling me crazy. You remember we lost Blue Stripes for that reason. Despite being slow and feeble you were always hardworking and quick witted, your tactics have saved lives and earned us food. I probably should have started listening to you sooner, truly you’re a more capable leader than me. I’m just a sickly, greedy raptor with a weakness for females.”, explained Red.

“Red, I appreciate that but don’t be so hard on yourself, you’ve led us through some harsh times. You should take pride in that.”, said Yellow.

“How can I, when it was some of your ideas that helped us through those cold winter days. No matter what I promise her or myself, I can’t ever stay loyal to Brown. Somehow, she’s just accepted it, but I wonder if she can ever truly feel loved like this.”, said Red.

“Red don’t be silly, every Alpha has had multiple mates. Your relationship with Brown is rather unique. I think everyone knows how much the two of you care about each other, especially her.”, said Yellow.

“I hope your right, and I do take pride in some things. The way I fight and lead, being able to call you a friend, the children Brown and I have raised, and this grand nest we’re building. I just hope I can live long enough to see it finished.”, said Red.

“How long do you have?”, asked Yellow.

“Honestly, I feel like I might have a few more weeks in me, but I don’t want everyone to see me keeled over in pain. I’ve seen lumps at the end, and I don’t want to experience that.”, said Red.

“I see, well then, I’ll just have to work extra hard to make sure we’ve conquered this forest before then.”, said Yellow, head held high to meet Red’s gaze.

“Thank you Yellow. During the afternoon twilight today we’re going to subjugate the shadow nests, if you and Green Runner would like to help.”, suggested Red.

“Sure thing, we’ll take a nap and be ready to go at twilight.”, said Yellow.

“Alright, one last thing Yellow.”, said Red.

Yellow tilted his head, eager to hear his words.

“When the time comes, kill me. Don’t you dare let Brown do that.”, said Red.

“Yellow cleared his throat, and held back his tears before saying, “Yes sir.”

. . .

Justin slashed and punched away at the pile of mud and stone covering the cave. They had moved Churburret’s body already and the fact that the cave had collapsed was clearly visible, but he really wanted ty hit something. He couldn’t pull his hair out in front of the others, so this would do. Morcant was trying to tell him something, but he wouldn’t listen until he was done with the mud. His fist hit rock as he reached where the cave entrance stood, the roof had collapsed and there was now simple a small indention in the mountain where their shelter had stood.

“This was truly a waste of time. You could see that the cave was destroyed.”, thought Logic.

“Shut up...”, thought Emotion.

“Are you ready to listen now?”, asked Morcant.

“Sorry, I needed to calm down. What is it Morcant?”, asked Justin, rubbing his forehead.

“While you were gone, I ran out of things to do and started work on the tree house we spoke of. I know you didn’t want me going near the tree line, but I thought it might rain a few hours after you left. If we hurry, we can cut some planks and steps and make a floor in the canopy, I reached about twenty feet up.”, said Morcant.

“Good job. We can do that after we bury him.”, said Justin, squinting at him.

“Eh, I figured you would get mad. Do you really think we have time to do both though?”, asked Morcant.

“I refuse to leave him here. We’ve got a few hours until twilight, and we can work on the tree house during that.”, said Justin, glancing at his watch.

“What about the meat?”, asked Morcant, motioning towards the Therizinosaur body.

“Shit.”, thought Logic.

“Let’s eat before we leave. Tonight, after the tree house is done, I’ll skin the body, or what’s left of it.”, said Justin.

“It took quite a beating, I guess you were in a rush to get back. When I saw you with this thing, I wasn’t even surprised, I don’t know what that says.”, said Morcant.

“It just means your getting used to me and this place. You kept your head when I got trapped and lost it, thanks for that.”, said Justin with an open smile.

“Me and Taysass will make dinner, why don’t you move the wood and axes to that tree over there so we can work on it later.”, suggested Morcant.

“Good idea, by the way, what supplies do we have left?”, asked Justin.

“We tested our two rifles and my pistol earlier and they’re still working. We’ve got the axes, shovels, knives, canteens, water jugs, sleds, drying rack, fire pit, hot rock, and this stack of wood we’ve been maintaining.”, said Tacktay, still resting on his head.

“I see, so our armor, extra ammo, clothes, and shelter are gone, but we can rebuild that. Of course, we’ll never get Churbet back… or his digging abilities. Perhaps the next drop will contain more Sheeken-Euree though. Oh, my pistol is on me, I should see if it works.”, thought Justin.

“Tacktay could you try and clean my pistol while I work?”, asked Justin.

“Understood.”, she said.

Justin gave her the pistol and glanced at Churburret’s body before he began to move the wood.

“As for what I’m feeling, I can vent later, when they’re all safe.”, he thought.

. . .

“How long do we have?”, asked Morcant.

“About two hours.”, said Justin, glancing at his watch.

They set the sled carrying Churburret’s body down next to his parents’ grave. He had buried them together, and Justin wondered if they should bury him separately or not. Morcant didn’t waste anytime pondering that however and began digging a new grave next to the old. Justin sighed, took the other shovel, and began digging down. His movements were swift, and precise, and only a couple minutes went by before Morcant simply got out of his way.

No words were exchanged, and Justin hoped Morcant didn’t think he was angry with him. He assumed he wasn’t as he saw him scavenging for a tree sapling or seed. Most of the trees were losing their leaves but some smaller ones were fruiting near the forest edge. They had been eating these fruits over the last few days, and Morcant brought one that had fallen over to the grave.

“I guess the larger trees starve out the smaller ones during the summer, so they bloom in the fall. Interesting that their leaves are also red, but I guess that maximizes light collection for them, same as the larger trees.”, thought Justin.

Taysass helped Morcant move the rock they brought on the sled to in front of the grave being dug, and they planted the sapling behind it.

“You about done?”, asked Morcant.

Justin, having dug over five feet down at this point, simply looked up to him and nodded.

“That’s probably far enough. Why don’t you come up here so I can teach you something?”, asked Morcant.

“Like what?”, asked Justin as leapt out of the grave.

For a split second Morcant’s eyes widened at the sight of him jumping over five feet in an instant, but then he sighed and shook his head.

“I want to show you how my kind buries our dead. I should have with Yujark, but I was a bit shaken yesterday.”, said Morcant.

Justin looked away for a second before saying, “Sure thing.”

“Really? I was worried you’d say it’s a waste of time.”, said Morcant.

“What isn’t?”, said Justin, scratching his head.

Morcant made a half smile and placed his hand on the stone he moved.

“We like to place a carved headstone at the head of the grave, with a sapling behind it, so life can grow from the… body.”, he said.

“Mm, makes sense, we use headstones too. You bring a rock to carve his name with I guess?”, asked Justin.

Morcant nodded and began scraping at the stone with his knife.

“That’ll dull it you know.”, said Justin.

“Eh, not too much if it’s done right. Besides, I’m sure I can find another knife, or sharpen this one.”, said Morcant.

“Maybe someday we’ll have the time to teach each other our languages.”, said Justin as Morcant carved alien writing.

Morcant put his knife away, apparently finished, and turned to Justin with a smile.

“I’d like that.”, he said.

Justin naturally turned away in embarrassment, not used to being meant with such a genuine and open expression.

“Anyway, let’s get this over with.”, said Justin, walking over to the body.

He lifted it himself and slowly carried it to the grave, before jumping in. He wiggled his way from out of under it and climbed out. Morcant stood ready with his shovel, while Taysass quietly waited next to them and Tacktay patrolled above.

“I guess you could call this your second burial. Honestly wish I could join you again. I’ve always enjoyed my privacy, or at least pretended to, but I don’t think I would have minded having you stuck in my head like you wished for.”, thought Justin as they shoveled the dirt.

“I kind of feel like we’re doing a disservice to his ability to dig.”, said Morcant as they began patting the soil down.

“Everyone’s got their own talent.”, said Justin.

“Do we?”, asked Taysass.

They turned to her and were met with her crying face.

“Oh Taysass.”, said Morcant, walking over and holding her.

“Don’t be silly Taysass.”, said Justin, following him.

He knelt down to her and smiled wide.

“You make me truly happy. Seeing you smile, for a moment, I get lost in it and forget about everything troubling me. I wish I could say that was an easy thing for me to do. Also, you’ve got to raise this little guy or girl, that’s important.”, said Justin, placing his hand on her belly.

“I’ve always been taken care of, but here, I feel like such a burden. The way he spoke to me yesterday, I feel like Churbet was pushing himself so hard because of me. Everyone I love dies.”, she said, sobbing.

“Taysass, that wasn’t your fault. It was my… no, it wasn’t anyone’s fault. He wanted to help all of us because we were helping him. There’s nothing wrong with that.”, said Justin.

“He’s dead now, they’re all dead.”, she wailed.

“Taysass, I can’t die remember? I can never replace your family, your husband, or even your friends, but I will never leave your side. When I met you, you said you wanted to go to heaven, and I told you I wanted to save you all from this hell. So maybe, we can meet somewhere in the middle. I will keep you safe, whatever it takes.”, said Justin, tearing up.

“You, wont leave? You promise?”, she asked.

“Your stuck with me for eternity.”, said Justin, smiling through his tears.

Taysass gave up her attempt at maintaining her composer and dropped her head onto his shoulder and she cried.

“That goes for you two as well Morcant.”, said Justin.

“Mm, should we say something.”, he said, holding Taysass.

Justin turned his head to the grave and watched as the tumbling red leaves sailed across the ground.

“Churbet, I don’t know if your out there somewhere or if your gone forever. Maybe your up above with your family again, but I’d like to think you’re here, on this sphere. Because if you are, I promise, somehow… someday… I’ll save you.”, he said, looking to the sky.

. . .

“Red called a meeting?”, Grey asked over the murmuring crowd.

“Indeed, we have one every night before feast day.”, said Yellow.

“But it’s only just now about twilight.”, said Grey, tilting his head.

“We’re going to subjugate as many shadow nests as we can before night, and sleep until right before feast time tomorrow, or just after the morning twilight.”, explained Red.

“So that’s why we’re meeting early, but isn’t Red a tad late?”, asked Patches.

“Is he ever late Yellow?”, asked Green Runner.

“No, this is unusual, but there’s a lot more to deal with now that the nest has grown so large. I’m sure that’s the reason.”, said Yellow, thinking about Red’s condition.

“Yellow, how often is the feast?”, asked Grey.

“Every fifth day. There are just a few nests left in the forest, so Red hopes the shadows can harass them during the feast, while we get all the food.”, said Yellow.

“I see.”, said Grey.

“Grey, and Patches to if you’re with us, stick close to me during the feast. I know how dangerous each group of prey is from a glance. It will take you time to notice the subtle differences.”, said Yellow.

“I’ll leave those things to you guys.”, said Patches.

“What if the shiny shows up like Red mentioned?”, asked Grey.

“Don’t worry everyone, I’ve already got a plan for that.”, said Yellow.

“I still want revenge on that little hairy creature.”, said Green Runner.

“Greener, do not break formation tomorrow. It may be too chaotic for me to save you again.”, said Yellow.

As a silence gripped his surroundings Yellow turned to see Green Runner scowling at him.

“Did I take it too far this time?”, he thought.

“You didn’t save me! I had everything under control.”, she growled at him.

As scary as she looked, Yellow didn’t back down this time. Something inside him brushed past his fear. Something he had only had for Brown before, now he could feel it about her, and Grey, Red, and even little Patches. He loved them, and he wanted to keep them all safe, especially her. Yellow stood tall, stuck out his chest, bent his knees, and raised his claws. He was ready to fight her, to punish her if he had to, all to keep her safe.

“You most certainly did not! You were going to die. I want you to live, here with me, and lay my young, so don’t do anything stupid tomorrow!”, Yellow growled.

Green Runner’s eyes widened as her jaw fell open. She looked surprised before she turned her gaze away and held her head down in submission.

“Did that work? I just copied what Red does. He makes that look easy, but then again, that wasn’t really so hard was it?”, thought Yellow.

“You called me Greener.”, she mumbled.

“Huh?”, asked Yellow, breaking his demeanor.

“You called me Greener, that’s not my name.”, she said.

“Did I? Sorry, I didn’t mean to. It won’t happen again.”, said Yellow, scratching his head.

“It’s alright.”, she said, getting close to him and putting her head under his.

“I wouldn’t mind if you had a special name for me.”, she said, licking his neck.

“Well, um, it is faster to say I guess.”, said Yellow, turning away in embarrassment.

“They’re here.”, said Patches.

The crowd began stomping their feet as Brown and Red entered the circle they had formed. Brown hissed at them, and they ceased.

“How is everyone today?”, Red addressed the crowd.

The crowd again stomped their feet.

“Is everyone getting along in our new nest?”, he asked.

The crowd responded, again by stomping.

“That’s good to hear. Before we get started, I’d like to see if anyone has any complaints or concerns, they’d like to mention. We’ve got a big nest now, and so I’m going to make a routine of having a group meeting like this before the feast, not just to discuss the feast, but also the nest.”, said Red.

The crowd stood in silence, passing glances to one another.

“Don’t be shy, this is an open dialog. I want to hear everyone’s ideas and concerns so we can all live together in harmony. While we might not be able to fix every problem, I’d like to at least try.”, Red assured the crowd.

“Um, sir, I was thinking, maybe we should have our hunters’ cross paths throughout the day, to share reports and confirm everyone’s safety. Maybe we could plan out our routs for quick meet ups.”, said a small blue and white raptor.

“Isn’t that the one the shiny attacked yesterday? What was her name again?”, thought Yellow.

“Ah Sky was it? That’s an excellent idea. Why don’t you come by my nest tonight to discus that with Brown, and there’s someone I’d like you to meet, I think the two of you might get along well.”, said Red.

“Ah yes, thank you sir.”, she said.

“Relax sweetie, just call me Red.”, he said.

Brown shook her head.

“I guess he means Cloudy, does Red have something for Blue females?”, thought Yellow.

“Sir, what if the shiny shows up at the feast again?”, asked a member of Yellow’s original nest.

“Yellow has a plan for that, we’ll discus it soon. Any other questions?”, asked Red.

Silence loomed over the crowd for some time before Red resumed speaking.

“Alright then, let’s discus our plans. Tonight, we’ll be attempting to subjugate the shadows. Several envois were sent out yesterday and today during the twilights to invite them to join peacefully, and now is the deadline. We’ll form two large parties and hunt them down, while I’d like to take them alive, I understand they fight in packs, no Alpha fights, so everyone is free to defend themselves at their discretion. In the morning will be the feast, although everyone was already told their roles, does anyone have any questions?”, asked Red.

The crowd again waited in silence.

“Alright, well if anyone does spot the shiny, immediately find me. We will send out the big horned ones to deal with it and then gather whatever is left. They don’t eat too much after all, and we can just focus on hunting the other nests at that point.”, said Red as a small shadow raptor approached him.

He leaned down to hear her words in his ear. He nodded as she spoke and then sent her away.

“What could this be? No one’s ever interrupted these meetings before.”, thought Yellow.

“Well it would appear as if some of the shadows have come to join us after all. Everyone, make way, let our new friends through.”, Red told the crowd.

Like a gust of wind had swept them, the crowd made an opening and six groups of shadows slowly walked into the circle. Groups ranging from four to twelve moved independently as they shuffled into the circle and the opening closed. An older looking male with a black head and silver body stepped forward to face Red, who stood at over two times his size.

“We came as you requested.”, said the old shadow.

“And just on time too. I trust you’ve all come to join us? Other shadows have already, I’m sure they can reassure you of our prosperity and intent.”, said Red, waving the shadows intention to Patches and his informant.

“Yes, everyone here looks healthy, and we thought over the logic of your request. Also, considering your threat of battle, we are choosing to surrender, however I must warn you that not all the other nests have done so. They seem to be joining each other instead.”, informed the shadow.

“Yes, Yellow did predict that as we grew, others would do the same in response. I can assure you that you will have opportunity to hunt and mate, and if we do need you for other things, food is provided to everyone. If we are running low, with our new numbers, new targets have emerged.”, explained Red.

“Oh, and what targets outside of the feast in the fall and winter might you be speaking of?”, asked the shadow.

“The long necks for one.”, said Red with a killer grin.

“I see, so your ambition truly is unquenchable.”, the shadow said whilst shaking his head.

“I wouldn’t underestimate our newfound power and tactics. With these numbers, we can employ smarts and brawns.”, said Red.

“Oh, I have no doubt. Now that we’re here, what are your orders? We don’t exactly know what to do.”, asked the shadow as they shifted about.

“Well when we’re done with tonight and the feast you can all build your nests here wherever there’s room. For now, we’re about to hunt down those who didn’t enter this relationship peacefully. Tomorrow at first twilight we’ll need some prep work from you all, and some harassment carried out during the feast. Then you should all be able to rest, eat, nest, and mate. I’m sure you will all find work to do during and around twilight after that.”, said Red.

“I see, that’s quite a lot to ask at the start.”, said the shadow, allowing his voice to trail off.

“Indeed, allow me to sweeten the deal. If there isn’t enough food to go around, I’ll insure you all get first bites tomorrow.”, offered Red.

“I’m not trying to step on any claws here but, are you sure there will be enough food for everyone?”, asked the shadow.

“We have other plans as well. We plan on creating vast walls of wood to enclose on grass eaters in the spring. Here well breed them, year-round, for food. Also, we can ensure long necks grow to their mature state before eating some of them and allowing the rest to breed. As of right now, no one here has gone hungry, and based off our predictions of hunting routs, prey and our breeding, I expect that to remain the case.”, explained Red.

“Interesting, truly you have a great mind at your disposal. Our kind have never done well in the winters while competing with yours and the nightwalkers. If you really plan on treating us with respect, we’re happy to join you, Red, Alpha of the grand nest.”, said the shadow as they all bowed.

“Indeed, we do and we’re happy to have your kinds unique attributes in our mix. Tomorrow we’ll dominate the feast and I’ll show you all just what a great decision you’ve made. For now, put on these leave rings Yellow thought up so we can tell friend from foe in the coming fights.”, Red said as harnesses of twigs and leaves we’re given to the shadows to wear by members of the crowd.

“You hear that everyone? Unification is nearly complete! Food, mates, shelter, comradery, we shall collectively take our birthright and conquer this forest!”, Red yelled to the crowd.

The crowd stomped their feet once more, some danced, others cheered. Red winked at Yellow, who turned away in embarrassment, but he was happy. Finally, his plans would come to fruition. Thanks to him, everyone would have opportunity abound like never before. Yellow joined in the stomping and dancing with his friends and mate, as they prepared themselves for war.

. . .

Justin had finished moving the wood from the former cave entrance and had moved the spike fence they had been placing to around the treehouse they were building. Tacktay had finished the wooden stairs leading up to the branches, which sat over twenty feet in the air, and now she and the others were laying down flooring from wooden planks Justin was cutting with his hands. The fence was placed at a liberal distance away so no one would be impaled if they fell. Most of the wood however was wet and fell apart upon being cut, so they were only able to make a floor. As he finished cutting the last of the wood, Justin leapt with it up to the floor, grabbing a branch above to lessen his falls impact on it.

“Well that’s the last of it, we’ll have to get more tomorrow.”, he said.

“Just set it across the branches over there. We’re out of the stone nails Churbet made, and the spare rope Yujark made.”, said Morcant with a sigh.

“Damn, well I guess this is enough floor anyway. I’d say this is about fifteen feet on all sides. Besides, I remember how he showed us to make rope that first day.”, said Justin, placing down the board.

“I’m glad this isn’t a problem for you.”, grumbled Morcant.

“What do you mean? Are you okay?”, asked Justin, sitting beside the group as they finished their work.

“No, I am not. All we’ve got to protect us tonight is a floor, and Taysass doesn’t have her rock.”, snapped Morcant through clenched teeth.

“Morcant I will stay up at night to keep ya’ll safe. We may be down to our last clips of ammo, but considering the debris at the spawn hill, I’m sure the drops there are frequent. Perhaps we can swoop in and gather more people to help us soon.”, explained Justin.

“Mm, and I don’t technically need my rock, it helps quite a lot, but I think I can manage for one night.”, said Taysass, sitting on his other side.

“Four days, that’s how long it took for us to lose two people. How much longer can we go on here? I’m starting to get the feeling that this place is impossible to survive by design. Maybe Justin should have just left from the beginning to find the star port or whatever.”, rambled Morcant.

“Oh Morcant, do be…”, said Taysass before Justin cut her off.

“You’re probably right, maybe it’s not right for me to stay here and help you guys instead of trying to save our planets from Tute’s interference. But you know what? I don’t really give a damn about what’s right. My ideas on that have never seemed to line up with everyone else’s anyway. You did just give me an idea though. The predators here are not only accustomed to eating us, but they’re artificially over populated because of the drop. Since the spaceport isn’t here, and the herbivores are migrating down the river, perhaps we should follow them. There will still be predators sure, but I’m sure there will be less, and that they won’t know what to make of us.”, said Justin, squinting.

“Eh, you just think we should start walking down the river?”, asked Morcant.

“No, I think we should build a small boat and sail it, stopping for food and water along the way.”, said Justin.

“What about those finned things?”, asked Morcant.

“I can see those with my heat vision. We can just beach the boat, kill them, and move on. Only reason we couldn’t take the last one was because of the snake, and you probably dealt the killing shots to it yourself.”, explained Justin.

“I see, well it isn’t the worst idea.”, mumbled Morcant.

“It’s the obvious way to go now that I think about it. Perhaps it was meant to be.”, said Justin.

“If we do go and find what your looking for, will I get to see my parents again?”, asked Morcant.

“I believe so. I’ll agree to help Tute with whatever their problem is if he agrees to help our people, end these experiments, and send you three home. Since our worlds are covered in nanites, we could end disease, thirst, starvation, and maybe even war. I’m sure there is plenty of empty land here that isn’t infested with monsters, I doubt Tute would mind our people joining together and colonizing it once I’ve dealt with his problem. From the sounds of it, his people are scattered, or dead.”, explained Justin.

Morcant nodded his head and smiled.

“Alright then, I’ll go with you. When I left my house with my friends, I thought I could find gold in the mountains and bring it back to my family one day so we could all retire, we all did. So, somehow, I’ve got to make up for what I did, leaving them there to be shamed in town when they sell their crops and a hand short in the fields. Most importantly I have to get back just to apologize to them. I can’t, no, I absolutely… refuse to die here!”, snarled Morcant, slamming his fist into the floor, his face folded into a look of rage.

“Morcant, I don’t know if you need it but, I’ll help you on your mission until the end.”, said Justin, slamming his fist into his chest.

“Mm, and I’ll help you with yours. Once I’m done helping my folks, I’ll help you save the whole universe or whatever.”, said Morcant, flaring his teeth, beaming with pride.

“Taysass, Tacktay, that goes for ya’ll too. Taysass I’ll make sure your brought back to your planet safely so you can raise your baby with whatever family you have left. Tacktay, I’ll um…”, Justin stopped talking as his thoughts hit a dead end.

“The hell does she even want at this point?”, he thought.

“This is my hive now, I’ll follow you to the ends of the world, I’m at your command.”, said Tacktay, crawling onto his back.

“Well then, I’ll make sure I’m someone worth following around, but eventually I do plan on settling down somewhere and relaxing.”, said Justin.

“I’m fine with that.”, said Tacktay.

“What is she going to be my dog? No, wait...”, he thought.

“I guess I wouldn’t mind a roommate.”, said Justin with a grin.

“Eh, so you do plan on settling down with someone?”, asked Morcant.

“Well no, it would just be me and Tacktay I guess, maybe some pets. Although I would like to live near my family.”, said Justin.

“Um, since we’re talking about helping each other, I kind of have an embarrassing request. Would you guys mind helping me keep warm tonight?”, asked Taysass, blushing through the smooth skin on her face.

“That’s right, the Therizinosaur skin is still drying in the trees nearby.”, he thought.

Morcant’s pink face turned bright red.

“Eh, you mean like, sleep with you?”, he asked while his voice cracked.

“We can each take a side Taysass, do either of you roll around in your sleep? I’m worried someone might fall of this thing?”, asked Justin, in a blunt voice.

“Eh, this doesn’t bother you?”, asked Morcant, visibly flustered.

“It’s just cuddling for warmth Morcant, relax.”, said Justin, smirking at him.

“Ah, actually you need to keep watch Justin, sorry no offence.”, said Taysass while waving her hands at him like an apology.

“Oh yea, but will he be enough to keep you warm?”, asked Justin, completely unbothered.

“Mm, he’s nice and fluffy.”, she said, hugging Morcant.

Morcant let out a quiet squeal and looked away.

Justin began laughing.

“That is, if its okay with you Morcant?”, asked Taysass.

“Eh, sure. It’s just us hugging all night, right? I can do that, yea.”, he said while his voice continued to crack.

“Do you mind if I sleep on your back? I feel safe here.”, asked Tacktay.

“Hm? Sure, I don’t mind sweetie.”, said Justin through his laughter, still looking at Morcant.

He stopped and Morcant glared at him for a moment while he held back his laughter. Within seconds they could hear that Tacktay had already fallen asleep. They both burst into laughter from this and Taysass quickly joined them. The group continued to giggle as they prepared to sleep for the night.

. . .