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[center][b][i]THE SCRIPTURES OF ODDCLAW[/i][/b][/center]

[center][b]Nine-and-One: A Story of Darkness[/b][/center]

[center][i]"Light thinks it travels faster than anything, but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always gotten there first, and is waiting for it."[/i][/center]

[center][i]Terry Pratchett[/i][/center]

[i]"This way,"[/i] said Fishclaw.

[i]"Are you sure this is right?"[/i] asked Eggfang behind him. [i]"I do not remember any such caves near here."[/i]

[i]"It is an odd place...I cannot explain it."[/i]

[i]"Then why even go to it?"[/i]

[i]"Just trust me on this Eggfang."[/i]

[i]"No!"[/i] She stopped fully behind him with her foot down. [i]"You ask for my help, I am entitled to know what this hunt is about!"[/i]

He turned towards her, standing in the midst of the dense forest southeast of the Hunter's Nest. The Dry Mountain loomed behind them ever stoic to the world beneath as large dragonfliess buzzed between leaves and hooting creatures called from beyond the sunset-tinted trees. Fishclaw sighed with a solemn frustration as his voice became hesitant in her approach.

[i]"Why do you not speak?"[/i] she asked worrying.

[i]"Because,"[/i] he started tapping his claw into the dirt, [i]"because even I think that it sounds mad and I am afraid that if I stop to ask myself..."[/i]

[i]"What is it? What is so odd about this cave?"[/i]

[i]"Do you promise to listen without ridiculing me?"[/i]

[i]"Of course!"[/i] she barked taken aback. [i]"Why would I ridicule you, you're not Sand or Leaf!"[/i]

[i]"Hah...that is true...alright."[/i] He bowed his head with a deep breath as he steeled his throat to speak. [i]"I have dreamed about this cave, one that does not belong in our home."[/i]

[i]"What?"[/i]

[i]"Let me finish!"[/i] snapped Fishclaw. [i]"You promised!"[/i]

[i]"Alright alright I will listen!"[/i]

[i]"This cave has odd beasts, greatwings that poison my mind and sounds with fire I have never seen. I have dreamed about this cave too often to ignore it now, and the night before I finally now know where it is. I have to find it...I NEED to find it, or else my dreams will continue to hunt me, and I cannot sleep because they are wounding my mind in ways you cannot think!"[/i]

[i]"That...that is odd to hear."[/i] She contemplated for a moment on his words, scritching her chin with her clawed feral fingers. [i]"You are certain of this?"[/i]

[i]"YES I am certain,"[/i] he snarled frustrated, [i]"if you do not believe me then fine but all I ask is you hunt with me-"[/i]

[i]"I believe you."[/i]

[i]"...you do?"[/i]

[i]"I know you are not foolish."[/i] Eggfang walked closer until their snouts touched. [i]"You are not a liar, nor do you chase the tails of dreams like our sisters do. Were it any other who told me that this cave is hunting them through their dreams I would not listen, but to you I would even if I cannot believe it myself."[/i]

[i]"I...I see...thank you sister."[/i] He licked across her face in gratitude. [i]"I knew that you of all our family would trust me."[/i]

[i]"Oddclaw would trust you."[/i]

[i]"He has just returned from helping the hairless at the Greatbeast's Spine, I do not want to drag him away from his hatchlings! I could never forgive myself if I was the reason for missing the birth of his children."[/i]

[i]"Hmhmhm...something I will never know myself."[/i]

He gazed upon her glumly, saying nothing more as they turned to walk south towards the coast. The sounds of the sea started to lure them as the waves chopped and scuttled across the bay, the sand beneath their toes soothing them of its dull heat as Eggfang's tooth shone partly in the dying dusk. Her brother gazed along the shore both ways as there came a flickering of recognition, a soft prickling scent that crept on the edge of his senses. He followed towards the west, finding an overhanging cliff and there he saw it. Beneath the shadow of the cliff was that strange stone doorway that smelt like the desert, leading towards some strange dark subterrane.

[i]"That...that was not there before,"[/i] gasped Eggfang.

[i]"This, this is it."[/i] He hurried towards its entrance sniffing over the rocks. [i]"This is the cave!"[/i]

[i]"But...no, this cannot be this was never here!"[/i]

[i]"I told you did I not?!"[/i]

[i]"Y-yes but...how could this-..."[/i] She shuddered with firm breath as her brother entered the cave. [i]"Wh-where are you going?!"[/i]

[i]"Well I HAVE to enter this cave,"[/i] he argued, [i]"you do not expect me to just leave now did you?"[/i]

[i]"I am coming with you."[/i]

[i]"Eggfang, no I need someone to-"[/i]

[i]"NO, I am not here to stand guard, I am a hunter not a scout!"[/i]

[i]"I do not want to trouble you with what lies within-"[/i]

[i]"If you did not want to trouble me then you should never have brought me."[/i]

She stepped in front of him, barring the way into the cave and walking in ahead of her brother before he could stop her. She turned her head back to him with a glaring look that silenced any argument within him.

[i]"I...a-alright, sister I know you are right, it is foolish of me to bring you along just to stand guard at a cave."[/i]

[i]"Good, now let us seek this dream of yours before it drives you mad."[/i]

[i]"I fear you are too late for that hahaha."[/i]

They walked into the passage, Fishclaw eventually overtaking his sister before the path became too narrow for them to walk next to each other. The first part of their descent went smoothly, the walls cloistering around them with cragged rifts as the air soon became cold despite not a single breeze coming through. Their backs started to brace with anxious thoughts creeping into their minds as the atmosphere turned heavy, the darkness encroaching upon their senses with a fog-laden mist almost unseen. The tunnel widened into a large cavern where they saw the ocean beside them, barred by a strange invisible wall as the sun's dying rays gleamed faintly through its waters. Even more strange was the fact that none of the creatures were those Fishclaw recognised.

[i]"What are those?"[/i] he asked.

[i]"I do not know!"[/i] she cried. [i]"You are the one who knows all the fish!"[/i]

[i]"But not THESE fish. None of them I...know of."[/i]

Poisonous tendrils creeped past their sight, not like the jellyfish he had seen for these ones had a face, vile skull-shaped domes with far too many teeth that yawned outwards like a crown of thorns whilst chasing after crawling beasts. Reptiles skittered across the tidepool with hobbling legs and giant front claws forcing them to walk like hulking gorillas as the dust clouded behind them. The faint light of the ocean gleamed across the wall beside the raptors, painting the cavern a sickly green. They travelled on trying to ignore the strange tentacled thing stretch its jawed scalp with a yawn and crush the little lizard in its teeth, further descending into the deep unknown.

After a certain point the walls became brighter in their hue, shifting from the rocky granite to a more spongy texture that resembled pumice. A winding tunnel that twisted softly like a pale serpent, coiling almost as they felt themselves turning left for the longest time.

[i]"This place IS odd,"[/i] she muttered sniffing along the passage.

[i]"I do not remember this,"[/i] replied Fishclaw nervously, [i]"there are places I remember in this cave but the sea and this part were not from my dream."[/i]

[i]"What?! But you said this was the cave!"[/i]

[i]"It is, I know it is but it is different inside!"[/i]

[i]"How can it be different?!"[/i]

[i]"I DO NOT KNOW!"[/i]

His voice echoed through the cavern with such force that Eggfang balked in a rare timidness, watching her brother's eyes twitch with a wild panic she had never seen. He checked himself with a soft groan and pressed his warm cheek against the cold alien wall.

[i]"I am just so tired Eggfang, these dreams are just...hunting me, I cannot sleep well, I feel sick when I wake and-"[/i]

[i]"Shhhhh...we are here now."[/i] She nuzzled him tenderly. [i]"I am here for you, I will help you put an end to this."[/i]

[i]"Thank you. Come, let us go."[/i]

After a long spiralling descent they soon reached another room, one that was much more familiar to Fishclaw in the form of a long stony bridge composed of platforms stretching over the abyss. Light however was absent from this room except for an unseen source barely illuminating a large series of slabs that overlapped each other.

[i]"THIS place I have seen, but...these stones are different."[/i]

[i]"What do you remember then?"[/i] asked Eggfang.

[i]"That some of these stones are not there, but false light."[/i]

[i]"False...light?"[/i]

[i]"Follow me closely."[/i] He stepped in front with his tail touching her head. [i]"Follow me EXACTLY, alright?"[/i]

[i]"Alright."[/i]

Focusing his eyes sharply across the bridge, Fishclaw delved into his lucid state as the Killer Eye returned to him. Every crack, every hole, every flicker of shadow in the stones around him became traced in his mind's eye with rapid flickering pupils, darting every which way until he was certain of his path. The way the slabs zigzagged like a crippled tail and yet there was something off about the patterning. Mirror images. He stepped his foot out onto empty air and braced himself to walk.

[i]"Wh-what are you doi-S-STOP!"[/i]

His claws clicked upon the solid stone. He looked down and saw the darkness forever beneath.

[i]"...hah...so this is not different from before."[/i]

[i]"H-how...how are you doing that?!"[/i] cried his sister. [i]"Y-you should have fallen, how are you standing on nothing?!"[/i]

[i]"Because it is not nothing. See?"[/i] He stomped his foot with a dull thud. [i]"The stones are false, trust me."[/i]

[i]"H-how...but, what if I fall it makes no sense!"[/i]

[i]"I know this looks mad, but I am still standing yes? Trust me."[/i]

The raptor behind him shivered with fear as she gingerly touched a claw forwards. He was right, there was ground beneath despite it being invisible as he stepped forth in turn to give her space to walk with him. She followed his steps, weaving a path along the bridge as they soon reached the other side where the landscape changed once again. The walls now became white as bone, the holes turned deeper and more numerous in pockmarking across the spackled rock as they stiffened from a terrible scent that tingled in their brain.

[i]"What is that?"[/i] he asked nervously.

[i]"It...s-something cold,"[/i] she sniffed harder with a stinging gasp, [i]"h-haaah...c-cold...fire?"[/i]

[i]"No it...it is much colder than...it tastes like the air during skyfire but if we were in the mountains."[/i]

[i]"Except this is much stronger."[/i]

[i]"Wait...we are here."[/i]

The last room of the cavern opened up before them. There he saw the bane of his dreams in the form of a glowing sphere that twisted between daknress and silver, floating between the four pillars where flames of amethyst shone towards the ceiling of infinite black that juxtaposed harshly with the walls of chalk-white. Not a single sound could be heard, not even the fires crackling above.

[i]"Is...that..."[/i] she already knew the answer to such.

[i]"Yes,"[/i] he replied, [i]"this thing, this...this deep moon stone I do not know what to call it. I have heard it speak things."[/i]

[i]"What do we do?"[/i]

[i]"I have to do this. If anything happens, promise me you will run."[/i]

[i]"Wh-what?"[/i]

[i]"Promise me Eggfang."[/i]

[i]"No, if anything happens I will fight."[/i] She stepped alongside him much to his discontent.

[i]"I thought you were the cleverest of us."[/i]

[i]"I am, you expect me to run back all the way across that bridge of false stones without you?"[/i]

[i]"...hah, that is true."[/i]

Conceding her point he approached the strange orb hovering before them. Energy flowed around the place sending prickles along their backs, sharpening tails and twitching eyes that dimly vibrated in their humours until his breath touched its surface. The world began to sing with a metallic harmony that deaened them from every angle, burning into their minds and vibrating their skulls until Fishclaw could hear a voice within the unearthly song.

[b][i]I HAVE LONG WAITED FOR YOUR EYES[/i][/b]

[i]"It...i-it spoke,"[/i] whispered Eggfang. [i]"H-how...how does it speak?"[/i]

[i]"Who are you?"[/i] he asked the sphere. [i]"WHAT are you?"[/i]

[b][i]DO YOU NOT SEE THE FLESH OF MY DREAMS?[/i][/b]

[i]"I know you from my dreams, but I do not know WHAT you are! Why have you led me here, why have you hunted me through my sleep?!"[/i]

[b][i]I CAN ONLY SPEAK ONCE PER SONG[/i][/b]

[i]"What does that mean?!"[/i] cried the female.

[i]"Only once, per song?"[/i] repeated Fishclaw.

[b][i]A SONG IS ONE BREATH AND LIFE IS ONE LESS[/i][/b]

[i]"I...a-alright...I will ask you one thing, and then you tell me, can you do that?"[/i]

[b][i]I WILL DO ALL FOR ONE WHO CLAWS FISH[/i][/b]

Hearing his name uttered by such a presence gave him a fear close to that of first encountering God, or an angel descended. He felt its eyes upon him as the surface continued to rotate between purest silver and deepest void, yet he could not see his reflection upon the metallic parts of it. Fishclaw steadied himself with the first question.

[i]"Why are you here?"[/i]

[b][i]I WISH TO BE REAL[/i][/b]

[i]"Real? But you are here now, and I am not dreaming, you are here!"[/i]

[b][i]THE LIGHT HAS NOT REACHED YOU[/i][/b]

[i]"The...light?"[/i]

[b][i]EVERY STAR BREATHES LIGHT EVEN WHEN IT DIES[/i][/b]

[i]"U-uh...alright...why do you want to be...real?"[/i]

[b][i]I WAS NEVER BORN I WISH TO BE BORN[/i][/b]

[i]"This stone makes no sense,"[/i] muttered Eggfang, [i]"what is the point of speaking to this thing?"[/i]

[i]"I am not leaving until I have my answers,"[/i] he snarled back.

[i]"WHAT answers, how can you understand it?!"[/i]

He ignored her frustration and tried to clear his mind for the next question.

[i]"Why have you hunted me in my dreams?"[/i]

[b][i]I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR MY FATHER[/i][/b]

[i]"A...f-father?"[/i]

[b][i]I MUST HAVE A FATHER SO I CAN BE BORN[/i][/b]

[i]"You...you only desire to be born? But, what about a mother?"[/i]

[b][i]FATHER IS MOTHER ONE OF THEM MUST BIRTH ME[/i][/b]

[i]"You mean...you mean a parent?"[/i]

[b][i]YES BIRTHED FROM PARENT[/i][/b]

[i]"Are you...are you a child?"[/i]

[b][i]YES[/i][/b]

The answer took them aback, struggling to think that the ringing song of this harmonic alien sphere could ever be called an infant. It was then Fishclaw realised something with dawning realisation in his eyes.

[i]"This...this is not a stone."[/i]

[i]"Wh-what?"[/i]

He touched his claws carefully upon its surface to sense a still tender warmth. A warmth that both soothed and terrified his heart.

[i]"This...this is but an egg, th-this, this is an EGG!"[/i]

[i]"What?!"[/i] gasped Eggfang with a leering shock and revulsion. [i]"What sort of creature would birth THIS, no burrowing beast warm or coldblood could birth an egg this great!"[/i]

[i]"But that is what it is surely!"[/i]

[i]"Then how is this 'child' speaking from you inside it?!"[/i]

[b][i]I SING WITH MY BREATH THE SONG OF LIFE[/i][/b]

[i]"ENOUGH! Ask it what you want so we can leave this awful place!"[/i]

Fishclaw sighed as he braced himself for the next confusing answer.

[i]"Why have you brought me here, child? Do you need me?"[/i]

[b][i]YES[/i][/b]

[i]"Ah, alright then...so, why have you brought me here?"[/i]

[b][i]I SEARCHED FOR MY FATHER[/i][/b]

[i]"You...want me to search for your father?"[/i]

[b][i]NO[/i][/b]

[i]"Wh-what? Then why am I here?!"[/i]

[b][i]BECAUSE I FOUND HIM[/i][/b]

[i]"Who?! Who is he?!"[/i]

[center][b][i]Y O U[/i][/b][/center]

Something burst from the sphere's surface, the silver becoming a lancing sword that thrust straight into Fishclaw's head and plunged towards his brain. He spasmed with frantic screams welling up from his throat, his body shuddering and his eyes rolling until they were white at the back of his skull.

[i]"BROTHERRR, NOOOO!"[/i]

[i]"GHH-HHHHUUUH-H-[b]HAAAAAARRGH![/b]"[/i]

[b][i]I HAVE WAITED FOR YOUR EYES FATHER[/i][/b]

"H-HAAAA, A-AAAAAAARGHH!"

[b][i]I WANT TO SHARE MY NIGHMARE'S FLESH[/i][/b]

[i]"LET GO OF HIIIIM!"[/i]

[b][i]THEY TASTE LIKE YOUR BROTHER'S DREAMS[/i][/b]

Eggfang tried to rush the sphere but a monstrous flame of dark fuchsia tore across her face.

[b][i]THE SKY IS FIRE AND YOU TASTE LIKE ASHES[/i][/b]

She staggered back and screamed as her flesh melted from her face.

[b][i]I AM ORPHANED FOREVER I SANG ALONE[/i][/b]

[i]"A-AAAAAAAAAAA[b]AAAAAAARRRRRGH![/b]"[/i]

[b][i]WILL YOU SING WITH ME FATHER?[/i][/b]

The darkness came. The sound of the ocean returned to them.

[i]"Fishclaw? Fishclaw wake up!"[/i]

[i]"N-nnngh, whuh!?"[/i]

He lifted himself from the sands of the dark lonesome shore to see Eggfang standing over him. He looked around himself, tasting the air of the salt sea and familiar scents of his home to the north.

[i]"Are you alright?"[/i]

[i]"...please tell me we found that cave."[/i]

[i]"We...w-we did."[/i] Her gaze turned from him with hesitant chirr. [i]"At least, I think we did."[/i]

[i]"What do you remember then?"[/i]

[i]"I...there was the sea before us but the water did not drown us...there were stones that were false and there was a deep stone that called you-"[/i]

[i]"Father."[/i]

They turned to look at each other's harrowed fear with blank staring disbelief. He had never seen his sister so afraid and confused until now, which somehow scared him more than the sphere did.

[i]"I...I do not know what to say,"[/i] she answered softly.

[i]"I am sorry sister,"[/i] he mewled gently, [i]"I should not have brought you."[/i]

[i]"No. I told you, I am here for you just as you were there for me."[/i]

[i]"You...r-really?"[/i]

[i]"You are the only one I trust with my sickness."[/i]

[i]"It is not a sickness Eggfang I told you,"[/i] he staggered forwards to lick her cheek with shaking breaths, [i]"if it is not wounding you then we cannot call it a sickness."[/i]

[i]"Well, what would you call it then?"[/i]

[i]"A part of you, that makes you my sister."[/i]

She smiled as he nuzzled her, cooing with warmth filling up their frayed hearts once again. But the shadow of doubt still cast its gaze upon them as they looked to the end of the coast where the jutting cliff stood to the west of them. There was no cave beneath it, and now the only thing that remained were their footmarks in the sand before disappearing suddenly. They said nothing more and turned towards home to sleep.

[i][u]Third Energy Anomaly Report - Subject Eight ("Akkala Region")[/u][/i]

[i]15-11-2038[/i]

[i]Recorded by Dr. Andrea Dixon[/i]

[i]A landmass appeared in the southwest region of the continent, beyond the Greatbeast's Spine mountain range which we discovered was called the Akkala region. The landmass hailed from a world called Hyrule, and was populated by a variety of creatures including pig-like beasts and large lizards all of whom were sentient. It was our great misfortune that we had walked into a splinter faction of a cult who aimed to revive a dark god known as Ganon.[/i]

[i]Whilst their technology was still medieval, they possessed an incredible machine known as a Guardian that fired at our ship, sending the Petrie down and stranding us within the region. Thankfully, an avian creature known as Chihlo came to our rescue and fought off the approaching party of fiends who unfortunately captured Adenine and Ribose.[/i]

[i]At the same time, Oddclaw arrived to our aid with Shantae, a half-genie from a different world entirely. Due to having no means of communication thanks to the EMP-like assault on our ship, we had to formulate a rescue plan for Adenine and Ribose as Chihlo assisted us in reconnaissance. Through a carefully-devised plan we infiltrated the island, rescued Adenine and Ribose and freed a group of slaves who formed an uprising along with us. There were several casualties, including Dr. Addison who lost an arm and had to be swiftly operated on, but thanks to Shantae's immense magical power, we destroyed the Guardian weapon.[/i]

[i]In the aftermath, the remainder of the cultist group have surrendered and agreed to live peacefully to the far west of the continent, deciding not to return home on the grounds of being social outcasts. They have politely refused our offer to join us at the base in hope of starting their own community, of which I would request we respect their decision.[/i]

[i][u]Field Research - Velociraptor Clutch[/u][/i]

[i]16-12-2038[/i]

[i]Recorded by Dr. Jane Addison[/i]

[i]We are now but one month away from the hatching of Oddclaw and Moonclaw's children, according to his mother Barren. Because of Moonclaw's age I took great measures in ensuring they were at their utmost fertility through a careful diet and restricting their sexual endeavours except when with each other. At first they were somewhat offended by this but once I explained the science behind it and promised I would not interfere with them physically, they became more reticent to the idea.[/i]

[i]Moonclaw is currently 40 years old, which naturally will affect her chances of fertility greatly. Oddclaw is still in the prime of his life at 28 years so increasing his fertility was not an issue. We are all eagerly anticipating the birth of their marvellous children not just scientifically, but also for our joy in watching our dearest friend and ambassador start a new family.[/i]

"I won't lie that I'm really excited," began Jane.

"I am too," said Oddclaw looking up from his book, "I hope at least one of them is a son."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because I have enough to deal with from my sisters."

"HAHAHA, ohohoho," she chortled bending over in her seat, "you're so mean to them."

"They are the silly ones, that is their problem!"

"True true...god I hope this doesn't sound weird but I'm genuinely curious for how your children will turn out."

"Turn, out?" asked Oddclaw putting his book down.

"Well, yes you see-A-AAAAGH!"

She suddenly clutched herself, whimpering with reddened cheeks and clutching her left sleeve harshly as Oddie rushed to grab her. Sitting together in a newly-polished bar within the base, they sat together at a round table whilst one of the former badniks was polishing glasses behind the bar counter. It was a quiet place for now, most people were working including the two other robots polishing the other tables which only made Jane's cries of anguish sharply ring throughout the quiet speakeasy. Pain started roaring through her arm which felt like cold steel beneath her fingers, despite the raging hot spasms that lanced through her nervous system like being shocked with a taser. He couldn't get used to Jane having metallic fingers now even after a month since she lost her arm, wondering what it felt like to have an entire part of his flesh just severed and replaced by cold stone.

"Nnnnngh [i]GOD, SH-SHIT![/i]"

"Are you alright?!"

"N-NO I AM NOT!" She clasped her right hand against her head. "Th-this SODDING ARM still thinks it's-A-AAAAaaaagh!"

"I'm sorry. Do you need help?"

"No, no I can do this j-just help keep me distracted, talk to me about things!"

"Um...w-well, you were saying you were curious for how my children turn out?"

"OH, yes!" She gritted her teeth as phantom pains started to ebb in her twitching steel fingers. "Well, your DNA i-i-i-is fascinating, it possesses the reptilian KHRRHhhrrromosomes of Z and W, yet its...hhhaaaaaaaah..j-jesus, structure is mammalian so theoretically I have to wonder what-NNNNGH-sh-should happen if X or Y mixes with Z or W, in a body that's so...different yet bizarrely compatible to a feral archetype."

The raptor stared at her with eyes roving to the corners of his lids like a student trying to figure out an algebraic sum.

"...I...I have...no idea what you are saying."

"S-sorry," she slumped in her seat with hands to her face, "I'm just...never mind."

"It is fine." He put a hand on her back to gently pat. "Would you like a drink Jane?"

"Yes that would be lovely thank you, maybe some hot chocolate?"

"I will make it myself for you, wait here."

He stood up and left his book on his seat, walking towards the kitchen where he greeted the servers. He always made chocolate at some point or another whenever he came to the base as a means of gifthood, that and he found it soothing to stir the smooth brown liquids and taste its sweetness. His cold hands were perfect for such confectionery baking and taking a few of his previous works, he melted them into a mug of steaming hot cocoa that he placed in a thermos bottle and returned back to Jane.

"You kids okay over there?" asked the drill-nosed bartender with feline hands

"Yes thank you," she said taking her drink carefully in both hands for a full sip, "just...hhhhohhhhh god."

"If you need help with that arm you can tell us yanno, my boy done good fixing it up."

"Th-thanks...hhhhaaaaaaah god I can't believe how good you are at making chocolate you have a real talent!"

"I would take some to my family," said Oddclaw sitting back down with his book, "but my mother said I was not allowed to bring chocolate anymore."

"What, wh-why?"

"My sisters had some and they did not sleep for two days. Everyone was very angry with them."

"Pfffft, hhhahahaahha, ohohoho god-"

"It is not funny!" he clamoured. "They ran everywhere from the Alpha's nest to the Roaring Caves, almost kicked four hatchlings in the face and I had to wrestle them on top of the Dry Mountain!"

"Ohoho dear," she tried to pull back her laughs, "th-that does sound terrible I'm sorry Oddie."

"It is fine. But I can still make chocolate here!"

"Well at least there is that."

"Eyyy dab."

Holt soon arrived stepping down into the basement bar with a small case, waving towards them as they waved back.

"Hello Jeremy!" cried Odd.

"Howsit going-OOOH issat sum hot choc'late?"

"Yes and it's mine," said Jane guarding it possessively, "if you want some you'll have to ask your boyfriend for some."

"HAH, best not let hear Moonclaw hear that."

"She knows you are my boyfriend," said the raptor smirking, "I told you, she can have sex with females and I can have sex with males."

"Oh I know that no danger, just teasin' ya. How's yer ar-"

"DON'T," she raised a finger in the midst of drinking cocoa, "ask me something else Jer."

"Oh, uhhh sorry pet, I wuz just comin' round to tell Oddie that his guns are all ready!"

"YES!"

The raptor stood up excited as Holt offered the case, opening it to show both his shotguns now decorated with intriguing patterns. The sawn-off gun had a pterosaur's wing, a one-eyed lion's head, a robot's skull and a bug's head. The laser gun had a shadowy cloak, a crown atop a dome and a little television with shrieking mouth.

"Whaddaya think dab?"

"They look GREAT!" the raptor cried. "If I am to kill so many stonebeasts I should show proof at least!"

"Well not all of 'em are kills but yanno, you won against Suneater an' see there wuz that shadow bloke you mentioned."

"But I defeated them, or I was part of the group that defeated them and was not killed."

"Fair do then."

"Are you going to have new things added to them?" asked Addison peeking over his guns. "If we end up fighting more things in future."

"I will, whichever of my guns I bring to kill a greatbeast I will put new tattoos on it."

"Why are you doing this again?"

"Because I really like miss Kerkorian's tattoo but I do not want to put them on my body."

"Aaaah, I see, that's quite sensible!"

"Ah told Oddie 'bout when we used to do that," explained Holt sitting down at their table, "back in thuh war when we put stuff on planes."

"I read about that, it's not as common in our time but some people still do it, mascots and such."

"Wuz also wantin' to ask Oddie if he wanted to sign up fer thuh tournament."

"Tooornuh-mint?" The raptor cocked his head whilst slipping the guns; two holsters onto his body.

"Yeah like we got a tournament comin' up, chance to let off sum steam with sum fightin'."

"Fighting?"

"Yeah but not serious, yanno, just fer fun, face off against each other an' such."

"OH, you mean playfighting?! Yes I would love to!"

"Are you sure Oddie?" asked Jane. "I mean we DO play very rough in the tournament I wouldn't want you to get hurt before your children hatch."

"Raptors playfight hard. I can handle a human."

"Ohhhh really now?" Holt leaned over him with a fiendish smirk. "Think you can take on us humans ehhh?"

"I won against you last time did I not?" said the raptor crossing his arms boldly.

"HAH, then why am I always on top in thuh bedroom?"

"Because I like to let you win sometimes Jeremy."

"Ooooooh you sneaky bugger...now I'll have to really whip yer arse in the arena eh?!"

"If you two start groping each other I'll have to ask you to leave," warned Jane feeling more awkward with each moment passed.

"Hmhahaa sorry pet, RIGHT, well think I'll grab meself a drink!" He pushed himself up and headed over to the bar. "Oddie you want one?"

"No I do not like those drinks," he said, "I will finish reading this book and then go home."

"Alright then, whut book's it anyhow?"

"The Last Un-ikorn. I like it, it is very sad."

"Awwww, ah dunno that book."

"I watched the movie," said Jane, "it's really nice but I can't get into that animation style so well."

"I do not like anim-mayshun," said the raptor, "I am going to read in the library, the light is not good here."

"Alright then, thanks again for the hot chocolate Oddie."

After finishing up on his reading Oddclaw returned home as said, caring for his eggs over the next week whilst Moonclaw went out hunting so as to give her some time away from the nest. The week flowed on by dully as Oddclaw wished he could have been allowed to take one book from the library to pass the time, sitting up against a rock with hands behind his back as the sun beat down upon his naked flesh.

[i]"I wonder if you will read the hairless scratches,"[/i] he began aloud, [i]"or learn to speak like them. I keep thinking if one of you will look like me...and yet...I am afraid."[/i]

He moved his hand towards the eggs, carefully stroking them to feel the heat pulsating from his children's hearts.

[i]"I am afraid that you will become like me...different from the rest, too slow to catch up, too clever to lie in the sun. Children, can you hear me?"[/i] He looked over towards them. [i]"Do not tell your mother this when you are born but...is it wrong to hope that none of you are like me, that...none of you have my body? Is it wrong that I want you all to be like every other hunter?"[/i]

[i]"I do not think so."[/i]

The voice of his mother came from beside him as she peered over the rock he sat against. He looked up and smiled wistfully as Barren walked round to in front of him.

[i]"Is something wrong Oddclaw?"[/i]

[i]"No, nothing mother. I was just thinking."[/i]

[i]"Hmmmm, that mind of yours wanders too often."[/i]

[i]"I cannot help it. I am worried about my children. You did not know if any of them would be born like me, but I do."[/i] He clutched them closely to the side of his leg. [i]"Am I a bad father for wishing they do not become like me?"[/i]

[i]"No, of course not."[/i] She sat down beside him with a simpering nuzzle. [i]"You have suffered many things that no hunter should, but you have survived through it all."[/i]

[i]"But I feel my life was made more difficult with this body,"[/i] he explained with heavy sigh, [i]"I do not want my children to have hard lives. I want them to be happy, to not be odd, to be hunters."[/i]

[i]"Why should that matter?"[/i] she asked. [i]"I still loved you, raised you, you were difficult yes because you were so different I did not know how to care for you, but I still tried. The tribe helped, your brothers and sisters all helped you too...most of them."[/i]

He gave a look that made her turn away from his burning gaze, the tightening jaw and his tensing knuckles making her switch subjects.

[i]"So why should it matter what your children are? You know your own body so you can help them far better than I helped you, and you have your family and the hairless too!"[/i]

[i]"Hah, you actually praise the hairless for once?!"[/i] he poked her teasingly.

[i]"Well they HAVE helped us, and I must admit Jane has been the kindest to us and so understanding of our ways."[/i]

[i]"She is a good friend."[/i]

[i]"How is she, did they heal her arm?"[/i]

[i]"They have made a stone arm for her, like Kevin has his stone legs."[/i]

[i]"Amazing..."[/i] Barren shook her head and looked to the sky with wonder, [i]"such odd beasts and their fascination for stone."[/i]

[i]"So, you think I can be a good father?"[/i] he asked once again rubbing his children's eggs.

[i]"I know you will be, you have your family and your friends and your mate. I am proud of you."[/i]

Barren nuzzled him as he licked her face, settling together until Moonclaw returned with two gallimimus corpses draped upon her back, alongside Sand and Leaf who also carried a few bodies between them, bloodied lips staining upon all their teeth.

[i]"Hello!"[/i]

[i]"HELLO!"[/i]

[i]"HIIIIII!"[/i]

[i]"How was the hunt?"[/i] asked Odd tearing a hunk of meat for himself.

[i]"It was FUN!"[/i] cried Leafrunner. [i]"We found FIVE sandnecks, a whole family!"[/i]

[i]"THERE WERE NO SURVIVORS!"[/i] shrieked Sandrunner cackling. [i]"Moonclaw's a GREAT hunter, she led them right to us!"[/i]

[i]"Ohhh come now,"[/i] said Moonclaw with modest blush, [i]"you girls made the killing blow, you two are amazing when you work together."[/i]

[i]"We always know what-"[/i]

[i]"The other is thinking!"[/i] they said in tandem giggling. [i]"No matter what it is, day or night-"[/i]

[i]"Or something to fight, or KILL!"[/i]

[i]"You two worry me sometimes,"[/i] said their mother huffing through her nostrils, [i]"but at least you are hunting better."[/i]

[i]"Moonclaw is fun!"[/i] chirruped Sand with head held high.

[i]"Not like Eggfang,"[/i] retorted Leaf stooping her neck, [i]"she's sooooo boring."[/i]

[i]"Do not talk about your sister like that!"[/i] barked Barren with a gentle swipe of her front claws. [i]"She hunts almost to no end and being the cleverest of us it is no wonder!"[/i]

[i]"Cleverest female or cleverest hunter of the family?"[/i] asked Moonclaw sitting down to tear into a long-necked flesh wound.

[i]"Oh the family certainly!"[/i] replied Barren pecking at a gallimimus' eye to suck its humours out. [i]"GLLLK, mmmmhhh...if we are speaking on females and males, Oddclaw is the cleverest male."[/i]

[i]"Yes he is!"[/i] said Sand tearing a leg almost completely off. [i]"NNNR-KRRHNCHH-mmmph, remember when he made those vines to hold our shinies?!"[/i]

[i]"Awwww I wish we could have kept them,"[/i] muttered Leaf gouging into a set of lungs, [i]"mmmrrrhh, but the hairless got plenty of shiny stones too!"[/i]

[i]"YEAH Oddie can you ask if they got any for us!?"[/i]

[i]"I will try,"[/i] he said noncommitting, [i]"but they are busy and they need many stones to-"[/i]

[i]"Oddclaw!"[/i]

He heard his brother's voice from the trees nearby. Barkclaw was looking all antsy with fidgeting claws whilst hopping from foot to foot.

[i]"OH, Barkclaw hello! Do you want some food?"[/i]

[i]"I need to speak with you!"[/i]

[i]"You can speak with me now-"[/i]

[i]"NO, no, only us, it is important!"[/i]

[i]"Hmmmm alright. Moonclaw could you-"[/i]

[i]"Of course."[/i] She sidled over towards their eggs to keep them warm. [i]"Do not to be too long whatever you boys are off doing."[/i]

[i]"I will return."[/i]

He took some meat with him to eat on his way, gnawing on a thick piece of saurian flesh as Barkclaw started bouncing the closer he came to him. He ran off into the trees ahead until they were out of earshot.

[i]"What is it, Barkclaw are you alright?"[/i]

[i]"W-we, Stonevoice and me, we found starbeasts!"[/i]

[i]"What?! No, tha-that cannot be right."[/i]

[i]"I saw them, the Roaring Caves, two starbeasts!"[/i]

[i]"Barkclaw that cannot be right, it is not the Greatmoon yet-"[/i]

[i]"I KNOW THAAAAT!"[/i] he shrieked with a blistering anger. [i]"I KNOW IT IS NOT BUT THEY ARE THERE I SAW THEEEEM!"[/i]

[i]"Alright ALRIGHT calm down!"[/i] He rubbed his head hoping this wasn't one of his brother's worse days. [i]"You said the Roaring Caves?"[/i]

[i]"YES, yes I saw them, Stonevoice saw them too he is there waiting!"[/i]

[i]"I will come with you but please calm down Barkclaw, you frighten me when you are like this."[/i]

[i]"S-sorry, sorry I am sorry I-I-i-i-nnnNNNNNNNRRRRGH!"[/i]

It was one of his worse days. The raptor started to fidget and scratch his head with his front claws whimpering with stuttered shrieks from an invisible source of frustration. Oddclaw knew that the best thing to do was let his brother ride it out and tire himself from his fidgeting snarling rants, jumping and stomping and clawing the ground with strange roars that he made by clenching the entirety of his face into one straining muscle until his jaw started to hurt. Eventually he became exhausted, his body sapped from his frenzied tantrum before turning quiet and slumping into the dirt with shivering tears.

[i]"S-sorry...I am sorry, s-sorry brother I do not like being angry-"[/i]

[i]"Shhhhh, shhhh...it is fine."[/i] He sat down beside him and gave him a tender hug, squeezing him tightly with a soft lick to his cheek. [i]"I know you have your bad days."[/i]

[i]"I-i am sorry. I am sorry, I am sorry-"[/i]

[i]"Come on. Show me the starbeasts you found, alright?"[/i]

[i]"O-okay."[/i]

With a muted slump of his shoulders Barkclaw staggered onto his feet before trudging himself forwards to the Roaring Caves. They said nothing, but Oddclaw always smiled whenever his brother looked at him in trying to reassure him, but his face had become sour and his mind foggy with fatigue as he dragged his feet towards their destination. Dronin was standing outside the cavern with one foot against the rock as the sounds of the sea rushed and rumbled dully in the distance.

[i]"Forgive us for the intrusion,"[/i] said the robot, [i]"but we thought it best to tell you."[/i]

[i]"It is fine."[/i]

[i]"...Barkclaw, are you well?"[/i]

[i]"M-mmmmhhh..."[/i] the brother shuffled with a soft whimper, [i]"I-i am, s-sorry I-"[/i]

[i]"Aaah, your mind is fatigued. May I help?"[/i]

[i]"N-no, I am fine-"[/i]

[i]"Please. Barkclaw, let me help you."[/i]

Eventually he relented, trudging forwards before Dronin who pressed his head against the raptor's and hugged him close. He started to vibrate with a strange sound that Oddclaw had only heard in the human base, channelling directly into Barkclaw's skull as a deep murmur trembled from the machine's cortex. Something changed in Barkclaw then as he started to calm down with slackening muscles, the scent of a nervous guilt fading to be replaced by an ethereal calm that shocked Oddclaw to sense. He had only ever seen Barkclaw change so rapidly to a peaceful state when they went to his special place.

[i]"Hhhhhh, hhhhhnnnnmmmmm..."[/i]

[i]"Are you better now?"[/i]

[i]"Nnnnnnyes...hhhaaaaaah..."[/i]

[i]"That is good."[/i] He pulled himself away with a hand on Barkclaw's shoulder. [i]"Now let us show your brother what we found."[/i]

[i]"YES, yes, come on Oddie!"[/i]

Rushing into the cave with a sudden excitement, they followed after as Oddclaw asked:

[i]"How did you calm him? I have never seen anyone do that but me!"[/i]

[i]"I can make a sound,"[/i] explained the android, [i]"a sound that soothes him and pleases his mind whenever it is stressed. It was what brought us together back on the island, he was lost and frightened in the forest and whilst I was waking from my sleep, he heard the sound I made and it attracted him. Now whenever he is upset I can calm him like so."[/i]

[i]"Ahhhh...how odd but, thank you Stonevoice."[/i] He shook the robot's hand politely. [i]"I am very happy for how you look after him."[/i]

[i]"I find his presence soothing and yet fascinating."[/i]

[i]"BROTHERRR, S-STONEVOICE COME HURRYYY!"[/i]

Hearing Barkclaw's voice turn frantic from inside, they stepped into the midst of the Roaring Caves. Oddclaw had not been inside this place since he had fought the one whose name was now banished from his mind which set him uneasy. He stepped close to his brother and Dronin, feeling much smaller and timid than usual as Barkclaw noticed, giving him a soft lick.

[i]"I am sorry,"[/i] he said to Oddie.

[i]"H-hmm?"[/i]

[i]"I know you do not like this place."[/i]

[i]"It is fine...you are here with me, I trust you."[/i]

He gave a bashful sound as they headed further in amidst the shuddering roars of the ocean. The dragon's slumber trembled deep into their ears, rumbling under their their feet with quivering claws as they watched the many large holes pockmarking the walls to the north where the sea continued to crash and rage against the unmoving cliff. Then they saw a flickering light as they turned a corner towards a small secluded nook hidden in the back reaches of the cavern.

Two creatures sat beside a fire that seemed to burn out of an open book, yet none of its pages were scorched by the roasting flame that cast their shadows upon the wall. One of them was human, an older fellow with large grey beard and a beige coat fthat lowered open at the collar round his neck with gloves and boots coloured a burnt sienna. His undershirt was white with the texture of sailcloth, fastened by a large buckled belt the size of a human heart as he held a book in his hands like his accomplice did beside him. The other one was much more unusual, and also shorter with a face composing of one single softest snout, bulbous and pink with green hair that crowned his head curling at both sides whilst he wore a smooth blue robe tied with belts around the midriff.

"What do you think?" murmured Dronin.

[i]"They seem friendly,"[/i] pondered Oddclaw, [i]"I do not smell malice from them."[/i]

[i]"They speak like hairless,"[/i] said Barkclaw gingerly, [i]"why are they just looking at bark?"[/i]

[i]"The hairless scratch down stories in them, so they can show them to others."[/i]

[i]"But...why not tell them the stories themselves?"[/i]

[i]"Because they have many stories, too many to speak of. Should I approach them?"[/i]

[i]"Let me,"[/i] said Dronin putting a hand to Oddie's chest, [i]"if they have weapons I can deflect them if need be."[/i]

[i]"Be careful."[/i]

Treading forwards with caution and his hand close to his blade, the badnik approached into view waiting for them to notice. The fire continued crackling, the sounds of the ocean seething but they never looked up from their books, clearly too absorbed in whatever tales they wrought.

"Good evening."

"Hmmmh?!" The green-haired youth looked up first suddenly closing his book in fright. "OH, m-master look!"

"Yes?" The human looked up next and calmly smiled. "Well now, what do we have here, are you a local by chance sir?"

"Not by birth," explained Dronin, "but I now live here yes. Are you travellers?"

"Indeed, I hope that we are not intruding upon your territory."

"You are not, these caves lie beyond the reach of the local tribe."

"A local, t-tribe?" asked the one in the blue robe. "Master, there is sapience in this realm!"

"Twould appear so," replied the older man, "seventeenth time was the charm yes, hmhmhmhm!"

"I-i can't believe...oh...f-forgive my impertinence yon stranger but, who and exactly what are you?"

"I am Dronin," explained the badnik with a bow, "a robot who fled from another world and so became part of the local tribe."

"A...a-a robot? You are a living machine!?"

"Living may not be the most accurate term but yes, I am a machine able to process itself."

"B-by the Talisman! Tha-...incredible!"

"You can come out!" the robot barked behind him. "They are not here to fight."

They both stood up on realising that the newcomer was not alone as they watched two raptors approach. One resembling a naked scaled humanoid around 6 feet, the other a much taller feral beast of scarred face and rising to a fearsome 8 feet. The younger visitor balked with a scent of fear, but the man beside him patted his shoulder with reassurance as he stepped forwards with a hand in offering.

"Well met good sirs. I am known as Haytham, Haytham Durai."

"I am Oddclaw," said the raptor, "this is my brother Barkclaw."

"Are you from the tribe Dronin spoke of?"

"Yes, the Raptors."

"Ahhhh I see. James, come, introduce yourself!"

"...James?"

The one known as Haytham turned and offered his hand towards his companion, who stepped forwards calmly round the fire and shook the raptor's hand with a nervous smile and shaking fingers which Oddclaw noticed had been wrapped with tape. It was then he also noticed that, while Haytham stood at a height of 6 feet, the one he shook hands with was around 5'0'' causing Odd to almost stoop to greet him.

"W-well met, I...I-i am James, how do you do?"

"I am well thank you. How are you?"

"I...I-i am too, thank you sir."

They took a moment to look at each other. James' green eyes mirrored that of Oddclaw's, but whereas the raptor had a more reptilian slit, the stranger had a more human aspect in his wide pupils.

"F-forgive me I...you are the first-um w-well...h-how should I put this-"

"The first creatures we have met that are able to communicate with us at this level of personage," added Haytham with gentle curtsy, "we have travelled to other worlds vivacious but usually the inhabitants are much more primal."

"They are in this world too," said Dronin, "but they are intelligent nonetheless, I will translate for you if need be."

"You have my thanks sir Dronin. Would it be too forwards to ask if we could accompany you to your homestead?"

"I can take you to my home," said the raptor, "but if you are from another world you should go to the humen at their base."

"A base, with humans?"

"Yes they live that way," he pointed towards the north beyond the sea's rising plumes that dashed upon the cliffs, "I can call them when I take you to my home."

"Then lead the way sir Oddclaw."

The two gathered their belongings and put out the fire, dashing it with a flicker of Haytham's hand before he picked up the book it had burned from and pocketed it into his satchel. James picked up his own satchel along with what appeared to be an umbrella, fashioned with blue-yellow strips as well as a large oval-shaped steel handle. They walked back out of the caves as the newcomers marvelled at the sight of expansive sea, the thinning black mountain beyond and an island in the centre of the bay as they walked into the great forests.

"Did you come to here by yourself?" asked Oddclaw.

"Indeed," replied Haytham with hands clasped behind his back, "we are travellers my pupil and I, roaming from place to place, a pilgrimage consisting of knowledge and veneration concerning what exists beyond the sight of gods."

"I-I have only been to a few other realms," added James hesitant, "I would not call myself a traveller yet."

"You have travelled yes?"

"N-not as much as you master!"

"I would think the moment you stepped from beyond the fabric of your reality you have become a traveller, James."

"I-if you say it thus, master."

"Why do you call him master?" the raptor asked hopping over a log.

"W-well, h-he is my master!" The young pupil staggered as he leapt onto the log. "He taught me the ways of the realm beyond, nurtured me, quenched my thirst for knowle-e-e-EEEDGE!"

He stumbled fast almost landing in a ditch before Oddclaw grabbed him, pulling James back to his feet.

"Hhhoh, thank you," he gasped checking himself.

"You are not human, are you James?" asked Odd.

"N-no, I...I am of the Lemming tribe."

"Leh-ming? What is that?"

"Well, I am a Lemming," he spread his arms in full, "what else can I say to that?"

"Where do you come from?"

"I am from the Medieval tribe, on the coast of my people's home, we are many tribes but we are all Lemmings who live upon one great island."

"And what of you mister Durai?" asked Dronin leaning forwards slightly to meet his gaze. "Where do you hail from?"

"I am from a land called Ivalice," said the human with a soft curtsy, "I must confess that I was rather perplexed by an automaton living in a world that seemed so primal, at least until your elaboration."

"I understand that I am an anomaly, just as the humans across the sea."

"What world did you hail from sir Dronin?"

"I was a soldier for my creator's forces, but a number of us rebelled against his cruelty towards nature and organic beasts. Our island at one point landed within Oddclaw's world and so a number of us emigrated."

"Ahhh I see, a refugee!"

Soon they arrived at the Hunter's Nest, much to the disquiet of the guarding scouts who sensed the new presence with hackles raised in threat along their backs until Oddclaw explained. As was customary they were soon taken to the Alpha as Oddclaw again explained the situation. Haytham kept a calm stoic air about him with book clasped underneath his arm and his other hand upon James' shoulder to stifle his fearful shakes.

"Calm yourself my boy."

"B-but...they," he whimpered clutching his umbrella close, "th-they are watching us master, wh-wh-what if they try to fight?"

"They will not attack," assured Dronin, "they are much more peaceful than they look."

"Really? ...w-well...I should not assume the worst, y-you are right."

[i]"Why did you not travel back here by yourself?"[/i] asked Alpha. [i]"You could have obtained your speakstone for the hairless without these two."[/i]

[i]"You have taught me many times to never leave strangers unguarded,"[/i] said the anthro calmly, [i]"we are safer to have them here amongst us for if they tried to fight, we would destroy them."[/i]

[i]"Hmhmhm...true. Do they understand us?"[/i]

[i]"No, I did not give them a throatstone, there is no need when they are not staying here."[/i]

[i]"I understand. But I thought starbeasts only came every one-and-a-half cycles."[/i]

[i]"I know, I do not understand either but the hairless will make sense of it."[/i]

[i]"Very well, you may leave."[/i]

Doing so Oddclaw went to his family nest to retrieve his radio from a nearby tree. He took a moment to introduce his family to the newcomers.

"This is my mother Barren, my mate Moonclaw, my brother Barkclaw you have met and my sisters Sandrunner and Leafrunner."

"The honour is mine dear madames," Haytham and James bowed respectfully almost in sync. "Forgive us for intruding."

[i]"Wh-what is THIS?!"[/i] Moonclaw looked back and forth with shock. [i]"Wh-b-b-but this, how are there starbeasts here, are they from before?!"[/i]

[i]"No,"[/i] said Oddclaw, [i]"they are not from the mountains, they are new and I am taking them to the hairle-"[/i]

[i]"NO! No this is NOT acceptable!"[/i] She stood up with a flash of anger as James balked back. [i]"Oddclaw, I do not want this to keep happening."[/i]

[i]"What do you mean?!"[/i]

[i]"Our children are about to hatch and you are going off on an adventure again!"[/i]

[i]"I am not going on an adventure I am just taking these starbeasts to someplace safe!"[/i]

[i]"WELL I AM SICK OF IT!"[/i]

The rest of the family said nothing, Barren being wise not to interfere but smiling with approval at Moonclaw's stance. Barkclaw cringed from the sudden voices raised as Dronin took him away from the arguing whilst the sisters sniggered in that awkward way that children did when grown-ups argued near them. Oddclaw was taken aback but felt an urge to defend himself as he stood up towards her taller height.

[i]"I am not going to abandon my children on an adventure, mother said that they are still at least thirty days from hatching, she knows!"[/i]

[i]"And that makes it alright for you to just keep running off on adventures?!"[/i]

[i]"IT IS NOT AN ADVENTURE, IT IS MY DUTY!"[/i]

[i]"YOU HAVE YOUR DUTY RIGHT HERE IN THIS NEST!"[/i]

[i]"I HAVE BEEN CARING FOR OUR CHILDREN FOR SIX-AND-TWO DAYS!"[/i] he ranted with blistering fury and piercing eyes.

[i]"I HAVE BEEN CARING FOR OUR CHILDREN [b]EVERY DAY[/b] WHEN YOU WENT OFF ON THAT JOURNEY!"[/i] she bellowed back with wide open jaws spitting on his face.

[i]"I WAS ONLY AWAY FOR THREE-AND-ONE DAYS!"[/i]

[i]"YOU ALMOST DIED IF IT WAS NOT FOR JANE!"[/i]

[i]"Hhhhhh...alright."[/i] He pinched his snout with a groan and closed his eyes. [i]"I am sorry Moonclaw, but I am the Voice of the Tribe, I HAVE to do this!"[/i]

[i]"I do not CARE, you are a father, your children need you here! I need you here..."[/i]

Frustration burned through her eyes as she started to break into tears, whimpering and slumping back into their nest. Oddclaw's heart clenched with a painful tightness as he knelt down to her and kissed her cheek.

[i]"I am sorry. You are right, I have been neglecting you and our children. What if I do this?"[/i] He clasped her face with a hopeful smile. [i]"I take them to the Shining Mountain BUT I come back before night has come and then...we do anything you want."[/i]

[i]"R-really?"[/i] she asked looking up at him. [i]"Anything?"[/i]

[i]"ANYTHING that you want, whatever you desire, anything, I will give you it."[/i]

[i]"Even..."[/i]

She whispered something to his ear with the lowest pitch, subdermal almost that none of them could hear as his face turned frigid with a hot blush.

[i]"H-hoh...r-r-really? You want t-to do u-u-u-um...Moonclaw I-"[/i]

[i]"Did you not just say ANYTHING, my dear mate? Barren can look after our eggs whilst we have our own special night, will you not, 'mother'?"[/i]

[i]"Of course,"[/i] said the mother smirking in sisterhood, [i]"I will gladly do so as long as my son HONOURS his promise to you?"[/i]

[i]"U-u-u-uhmmm,"[/i] whimpered Odd feeling trapped by the dozen eyes staring at him, [i]"Yes...I promise I will do...that, with you."[/i]

[i]"Good."[/i] His mate licked sweetly above his eye. [i]"I will wait for you at night, Oddie."[/i]

[i]"A-alright...Moonie."[/i]

In the midst of all this, Haytham and James just stood very awkwardly apart from the raptors as Oddie went on the horn and called up the humans about the situation. Around an hour later a small ship would arrive on the coast, not the Petrie like they would normally expect but a new design reminiscent of a silver bubble with wings.

[i]"That is new,"[/i] said Dronin to himself.

[i]"It arrived faster than the bigger one,"[/i] said Barkclaw, [i]"are we going Oddclaw?"[/i]

[i]"What?"[/i] replied his brother.

[i]"You, y-you said, if we met starbeasts again you would take me to the Shining Mountain!"[/i]

[i]"Did...did I say that?"[/i]

[i]"Yes y-yes you promised! You promised!"[/i]

[i]"You did promise him,"[/i] replied the badnik nodding knowingly.

[i]"O-oh...I see."[/i]

Oddclaw scratched his head a little confused and tired from his argument with Moonclaw as the ship landed to open its door. A guard stepped out with a rifle cautiously gauging the newcomers.

"By the Talisman," gasped the lemming, "what a BIZARRE machine!"

"That is the smallest airship I have seen," muttered Durai, "could it truly fit us all in?"

"Sure will," replied the guard, "wait, you're all getting on board?"

"Yes," said Oddclaw, "is that a problem?"

"No no, we might as well test this thing out anyway."

"Is this a new ship?"

"Yep we call it Ducky! Cuz fuck if I know, now come on hop on board."

"Well met madame," said Haytham stepping forwards with a polite hand to shake, "I am Haytham Durai and this is my student James-"

"You can introduce yourselves at the base," said the guard with her hand up, "saves repeating yourself to everybody."

"Ahhh, a fine point good madame."

They all piled into the small ship which seemed at best to carry around eight people maximum. Scuttling off back into the sky with reversed thrusters it sped towards the base in the north as they all sat into a small bench of seats, four chairs on opposite sides of the main body interior with a single pilot and one guard accompanying. Oddclaw was already tired and it wasn't even noon, waiting for the coming end of the month when things would finally change for him and his new family.