Chapter 41: Family Reunion
“You are m-m…my……Grandma?” asked Ducky, the astonishment present in her voice as she looked up at the old Swimmer smiling down at her. She nodded once. Ducky turned her head to Bluey “And are you really my Aunty?” she inquired to Bluey who also nodded, she like her mother also had a wide smile on her face.
The words just died in Bluey’s throat as she tried to address the situation. It had been quite a large shock to see her older sister again but to find out that she was also an aunt and that Ducky was her niece had left her utterly speechless, the situation was just so unprecedented and unexpected that Bluey just burst into open, uncontrollable laughter which was joined in by the other adults but it left Ducky looking awfully confused.
All she had done was asked a simple question and instead received laughter as the answer. Bluey regained a sense of control over herself and turned to Ducky “I’m indeed your aunt little one and this is indeed your Grandma,” she gestured to the older Swimmer beside her.
Ducky felt a smile come on her face as she accepted the absurdity of the situation, she gave happy laugh as she joined in the grown-up's mirth. Ducky’s laughter was cut off as she was nuzzled by her Grandma and Aunt. Bluey tickled Ducky with her fingers after she disengaged like she would with a hatchling, Ducky laughed as Bluey tickled her belly. Bluey nuzzled her again and this time Ducky returned her nuzzle by hugging her beak.
Bluey broke off and smiled lovingly at Ducky as she smiled back from within her embrace. Sura approached them with a smile on her face and grabbed Bluey in a strangling but loving hug. “Oh my dear sister it’s been to long” she said before she broke off from the contact.
“Too right Sura,” said Bluey “It’s good to see you again dear”.
“And it’s good to see that you have a daughter” added Grandma Swimmer.
Sura smiled broadly at her mother “One of sixteen," she said proudly "and that’s not including my third clutch of eggs” she said.
Both Swimmers opened their mouths with astonishment. “Oh Sura, I’m so proud of you” said Grandma Swimmer as she nuzzled her daughter.
“Why don’t we go and meet your other little ones Sura?” asked Bluey.
But Sura shook her head slowly “I’m afraid not Bluey” said Sura. Both Swimmers gave her confused looks.
“My brothers and sisters are all at home in The Great Valley” said Ducky solemnly.
“The Great Valley?” asked Grandma Swimmer in surprise “You live in The Great Valley?” she inquired to which Sura nodded.
“What are you doing out here all alone then?” asked Bluey.
Sura sighed and gestured with her head in the direction of the cave. “That will take a bit of explaining, come we’ll talk back at the nest” she said. The two Swimmers nodded and followed Sura back towards the cave.
Ducky was still in Bluey’s arms which she found rather enjoyable at the present but the sheer torrent of questions and coupled with the feelings of curiosity and confusion she quickly felt herself getting uncomfortable. She looked from her aunt to her grandma in confusion. She never knew that she had another aunt and she had never met her grandma nor had her mother ever even spoken of them during her time in The Great Valley. It did not surprise her in a way because she knew that Swimmer’s tended to have a lot of children so there was bound to be some aunts and uncles that she had never met before and her mother had to have a mother of her own and that made perfect sense but she was also very curious. “Why weren’t they there when I hatched? Why did my mom never talk about them before? What are they doing here?” Her questions seemed endless and she was no closer than she was to finding the answers then she was as close to The Great Valley at the present moment.
Ducky did in a way feel comforted, she believed what her mother had said without a doubt. The physical features shared between her aunt, mother and grandma were all very close. There only difference was age and skin colour. They also appeared to have similar personality traits. “The Swimmers in my family must all be very kind yep, yep, yep” thought Ducky as she thought of how these three adults all showed the same kindness that was present in herself.
The small company of Swimmers arrived at the cave, Cyrest was basking outside the cave in the sun as he often did when he had the time and with Sura and Ducky absent and Jane taking a nap he chose to have some down time of his own with Jane curled up beside his belly and sleeping soundly. He turned his head when he heard the sound of footsteps heading in his direction and not just one set but multiple. His body tensed itself in preparation for either fight or flight and he put his hand protectively around Jane but he quickly realised that he had just worried himself for no reason when he saw Sura come into sight but his relief turned to surprise when he saw two other adult females walking behind her, one as old as himself and the other who appeared slightly younger then Sura and had an odd light blue colour and she was carrying Ducky in her arms.
“What’s going on here?” he asked Sura in an aggravated voice “I don’t recall saying that you can invite just anyone here Sura,”
“Good thing I did not bring just ëanyone’ as you put it Cyrest” said Sura “This is Bluey” she gestured to the light blue Swimmer “and she’s my younger sister”.
Cyrest blinked in surprise at Sura’s explanation “and this is my mother” Sura gestured to the older Swimmer beside her. “And this is Cyrest” introduced Sura “and if you’re wondering he is not my mate” She added firmly.
Cyrest rolled his eyes. “I never thought he was dear, anyway he’s too old for you” said Grandma Swimmer.
“You got that right” said Cyrest “But how in the blazes did you meet up with them?” he asked.
“We migrated here with the Swimmer herd” said Bluey.
“And how did you come across Ducky?” asked Sura, realising that she had forgotten to ask why they had brought Ducky to her.
“Well Sura,” said Bluey “we first heard of her from Trough" Sura nodded. “But when we found them together earlier today they were in trouble”.
“Trouble? What kind of trouble?” asked Sura in a worried voice.
“Well, a scarred grey Sharptooth Flyer with lots of old burns on his body was trying to abduct Ducky and kill Trough. We saved them but the foul Flyer had dislocated Ducky’s right leg “said Bluey in a grim tone but quickly finished when she say the worried look on Sura’s face as she strocked her little one” but mom put that right and then Ducky led us to you and here we are”.
Sura was still gaping in horror. “At least you’re okay” she whispered to Ducky. She should never have let Ducky go, she could have been eaten for all she knew and what’s worse she had a sickening feeling in her stomach that the Flyer was one of Sculra’s agents and if he was here then that could only mean one thing. “She knows” said Sura, her fear rising rapidly, Sura looked from side to side as if she feared she was being watched.
“Who knows?” asked her mother curiously, though she also looked worried at her daughter’s shift in behaviour and walked over to her and put a comforting hand on her shoulder while Sura seemed to be breathing very shallow. “What’s the matter dear?” she asked with concern.
“Sculra knows what I’m doing with Ducky, I’m sure of it, I’m sure she sent that Flyer to take Ducky” she said with fear.
“Are you sure Sura?” asked Cyrest, sounding apprehensive” It could have been just any old Flyer, what makes you think he was working for Sculra?”
“It was not just any Flyer no, no, no” said Ducky. Everyone looked at her curiosly “He was one of the Flyers who helped kidnap me, he was with Pterano then, he always hated me he does, he does” she said in fear.
“There’s no doubt now” said Sura “Sculra was behind this I’m sure of it”
Grandma Swimmer cleared her throat loudly “Well when you remember that we are also here, perhaps you can tell us what on earth is going on?” she asked.
Sura nodded. “Of course mother, but let’s sit down it’s a long tale” she said.
The three Swimmers made themselves comfortable as Sura began her story. Ducky sat down by Bluey’s belly and listened to her mother.
“You see the reason Ducky and I are out here is because she was chosen to take The Trial of Destiny” said Sura. She sighed as the expected gasps and looks of horror were directed at Ducky.
“Oh Ducky” said Bluey in pain, she wrapped her hand and tail around her protectively.
“Are you serious?” said Grandma Swimmer “Is Ducky really supposed to take that Trial?” she asked. The two Swimmers were just horrified they had only recently met Ducky but already she had already made her mark on them by helping Trough and she struck them as a very kind, friendly Swimmer. It had been a wonderful shock to see Sura again and find out that Ducky was family to them but now a sense of terrible foreboding descended upon them.
“I’m afraid so,” said Sura “When we were in the Valley I tried to teach Ducky the Swimmer Wisdoms and my mate tried to stop The Trial from taking place but we both failed so I came out here with Ducky to enlist Cyrest’s help in training her in the wisdoms because he has survived the Trial” She explained her sister and mother stared at her as if she was the only thing that existed. “And Sculra is the high elder of the Valley's herd but she is evil, it was she who selected Ducky to take the Trial, she has also threatened to kill her if we refused and to smash my third clutch of eggs and she took it up to a whole new level when she attacked my little Ducky at my own nest, she is just evil” said Sura.
Bluey and Grandma Swimmer were both glaring now, by the sounds of it, Sculra was a nasty fiend. “How dare she!” hissed Grandma.
“How could she do this to you two, why would she do it?” asked Bluey.
“Because of me” said Sura in remorse. Cyrest, Bluey and Grandma all looked at her attentively. “You see I’m also in charge of the Swimmer herd in The Great Valley and not just Sculra”
“You’re a herd leader?” asked her mother in startled delight. Sura nodded and her mother gave her a friendly nuzzle ”I’m so proud of you” she said happily before she broke off. Sura smiled brightly and a small tear ran down her eye but she brushed it away and continued with her story.
“Anyway, Sculra does not like how I run the herd and she generally hates me because I took the mate she wanted and because of the fact that I abandoned many of our darker traditions” The three Swimmers nodded their approval. “But she especially does not like Spike.”
“Spike?” asked her mother.
“Spike is a Spiketail and my adopted son” said Sura.
Her mother nodded though she was clearly surprised, but that surprise quickly turned to understanding. “And she does not like you because you took him in?” she asked.
“Yes, but Spike is a son to me and a brother to Ducky and my other children and he has no family but us” explained Sura quickly, apparently worried that her mother did not approve but her mother put a reassuring hand on her back and nodded “You did the right thing dear”
Sura looked relieved that her mother approved and finished off her story. “And that is why Sculra chose Ducky, she doesn’t mean for her to survive, it is all to torture me and my family for not complying with her” she said sadly, looking down at the ground as she sobbed.
“I can’t lose my little Ducky, I just can’t lose you dear” said to her sister and mother then to Ducky. “But this stupid trial……I hate it, it’s just cruel and Sculra is just evil to do this to my little Ducky” sobbed Sura” and I’m so scared for her”.
Bluey and Grandma both went to lay down beside either side of Sura and tried to comfort her in her moment of need. Ducky meanwhile stared at her mother in shock, she had not realised how badly her mother had been affected by all this madness but her love for her was still on display and just as strong as ever, Ducky now knew in her heart how much her mother cared for her and the rest of her family and that she would protect her no matter if it cost her mother her own life.
Ducky walked slowly up to her mother, her leg still hurt a little but not enough to stop her from walking, she ended up hugging her mother’s beak and saying softly “I will be okay mama and so will everyone else yep, yep, yep”
Sura gently nuzzled Ducky and said in a soft voice “Your right dear, we will all get through this okay”. Sura raised herself onto her haunches and gazed at Bluey and her mother. “So how have you two been?” she asked.
“Hey, that’s what I was going to say!” said Bluey “You’ve already started on your story so tell us about your home and how your life has been since we last spoke long ago”.
Sura chuckled at her sister “Alright” she said and spent the better part of an hour talking about her all that had happened since she left, she also spoke of her home in the Valley, describing her children and mate and when she mentioned Merri her mother laughed “I should have known Merri was with you, you two are almost inseparable”.
Sura continued talking about The Great Valley and all its various residents and places of interest. When Bluey inquired about Ducky’s life, Sura gave her details of her hatching and how she had grown up so far and of her various adventures which left everyone apart from Ducky and Sura staring wide eyed at them, especially after how Ducky told them of how she and her friends defeated The Great Sharptooth and about raising Chomper.
After the initial shock there were a few objections about Ducky being friends with a Sharptooth. “I never would have believed in a million cold times that leaf eaters and Sharpteeth could successfully get along without killing each other, even less that we could possibly friends and even less that the one who actually does befriend a Sharptooth is my own Granddaughter” stated Grandma Swimmer who looked at Sura and said “She’s even worse then you in terms of adventurous spirit”.
This caused Sura to laugh in response. “You’re not wrong there mom, but at least Ducky has great friends and I know that they would risk their lives for her” she said.
“Yep, yep, yep” agreed Ducky.
“I suppose I have said all I have to say,” said Sura “So now you can tell me what you two have been doing these last few cold times” she asked with curiosity.
“Well apart from all the rest of our siblings either leaving to make their own way or else dead by some other means not much is new” said Bluey.
“We have not heard from any of your other siblings Sura, they’ve all left a long time ago, about two clod times after you left dear” said Grandma Swimmer.
“There has got to be some other things that you have done?” inquired Sura.
“Well” said Bluey nervously.
“Your father has made his journey to The Great Beyond Sura” said Grandma quietly.
Sura stumbled as if she had tripped and started breathing awfully fast. “You mean-“ she said in horror. She could not finish off the sentence.
“Yes dear” said Grandma Swimmer, walking other and putting a comforting hand on Sura’s shoulder but her daughter bowed her head and sniffed as her tears started to fall. “Come here dear” said her mother as she wrapped her arms around her daughter and gently nuzzled her in a comforting fashion. Sura held onto her mother tightly and let out a few chocked sobs.
“How?” she asked in pain.
“He caught a breathing disease and that coupled with his old age claimed his life before we could find a cure” said Bluey. “He said that he was sorry for what he had said when you left Sura, he regretted it deeply”.
Sura closed her eyes tightly and after a short silence she spoke sadly “I never got the chance to say sorry to him, I should never have said those things” she said. “I miss him, I missed you two as well” she said.
“Well Sura I thank you for dampening my day with your tears and past really thank you, I mean it was a nice sunny day before you’re mother here told us about your father’s death” said Cyrest. This earned glares from Grandma Swimmer and Bluey however Sura knew Cyrest was only joking. She could hear the sarcasm in his voice but it was also coupled with agitation and a bit of understanding.
Sura sniffed “Well I believe Cyrest is right about leaving such subjects behind” said Sura to which the others nodded.
“I am happy to see you again dear,” said Grandma Swimmer “but we must go, we don’t want the herd to get worried about us do we”.
Sura nodded. “But promise you’ll visit” she added.
“Of course we will,” said Bluey happily “and we might take Trough with us Ducky so you can play with him as it seems there are no other children for you to play with here”.
“Oh I would like that yep, yep, yep” said Ducky in excitement “But I am not alone no, no, no. I have Jane with me I do, I do”.
“Jane?” asked Bluey.
“My niece” said Cyrest, raising his tail and showing the sleeping Jane to everyone.
“Awwww,” said Bluey “she looks like such a lovely little one”.
“She is indeed” agreed Cyrest with a gentle glance at his niece.
“Well, see you later Sura, Ducky, Cyrest,” said Grandma Swimmer as she turned to leave “We’ll visit soon dear and good luck Ducky it was wonderful to meet you dear”
Ducky smiled “Thank you Grandma” she said softly.
“See ya” called Bluey as she and her mother disappeared out of sight.
There was a long silence after they left, nothing could be heard but the sound of waves striking the shore.
Finally Cyrest broke the silence “Well that’s something that you don’t see every day”. Sura and Ducky chuckled but they were still shocked about meeting Bluey and Grandma Swimmer.
*
Later At Night
Sura stood on the rocky shore under the full moon and looked out to sea. Cyrest and Jane were already asleep but she just could not close her eyes for even a few seconds, such was the turmoil of her mind. So Sura abandoned trying to get to sleep and raising carefully so as not to wake Ducky, she walked out of the cave and onto the rocky shore near the cave. She sat on her haunches and stared out into the distance as if she was trying to spot an elusive star in the distance. However Sura was just trying to relax and get the events of the day out of her head but no matter how hard tried to just sit back and let the cool salty air calm her it never worked. Seeing Bluey and especially her mother again after so long was a hell of a shock for her.
Bluey was one of her friendliest siblings but her life had been hard with the constant bullying when she was a kid at that time Sura was around Ducky’s age and preparing for her Trials but Bluey was at least three years younger than herself and had been contemplating suicide because of all the pain she had to endure because of her colour, which everyone found to unusual to be a blessing and teased her about it. Sura saw how hard Bluey was suffering and had gone to comfort her on the issue, she still remembered that conversation from long ago.
“I don’t belong here,” said Bluey in tears “I just want it to stop, it’s just too much”
“You can’t end it like this Bluey” said Sura in alarm. She put her arms around her sister and held her close.
“Why shouldn’t I Sura?” questioned Bluey. “No one wants me, NO ONE NEEDS ME!” she yelled out the last part in suppressed rage but her pain was evident in her voice and demeanour, tears were streaming down her eyes.
“That’s not true, you still have your family,”
Bluey looked hard at Sura “I’m not so sure Sura, I see how they look at me, like I’m a stranger and they are always act uneasy when I’m around them” she said calmly.
“Not me, not Merri and certainly not mom and dad, we care for you” said Sura.
“You don’t know what it’s like Sura, you’ve never been bullied like this, you have had no trouble in your life, you’ve never felt like I have nor has anyone of our siblings” retorted Bluey.
“That’s not true Bluey, I have felt the way you have after I lost Bright and Clover, you were too young to remember, you were just a hatchling but I led Bright and Clover to their deaths at the sinking sands and I blamed myself for the whole incident” Sura saw Bluey watching a look of shock on her face having never really been told this particular tale. “I wished I was dead after that, I wished I could take back my actions and I wished to end it”
Bluey hesitated then asked “What stopped you?”
Sura looked hard at her sister “I just couldn’t do it Bluey”. Sura saw a look of confusion spread across her sisters face “I guess my heart was telling me that it was not my time but in the end I realised that it was the earthshake and the belly dragger that was responsible for their deaths and that it was not me who actually made the killing blows but I knew I was at fault and I swore to myself then that I would never let such an event occur again and that really helped through it. I may not have gone through the same hardships that you have Bluey but I still want to help you, I don’t want you to go nor does mom or dad” said Sura.
Bluey looked down. “I promise you,” continued Sura" that I will never allow anyone to hurt you when I’m around”
Bluey looked up at her sister “You would do that for me?” she asked.
“You’re my sister and I love you, I don’t want you to go Bluey” said Sura softly and pulled her sister into a loving hug “I will always be there for you, to help you through your hardships” she said as she disengaged.
Bluey looked at Sura and smiled. “Always?”
“Always”
“Thank you Sura” said Bluey, she felt much better now, she felt wanted, this drove away her depressing suicidal thoughts and it was replaced with the warm feeling of love that her sister had given her and like what Sura had once done Bluey vowed to herself to never ever, no matter what let these thoughts take her down again.
Sura sighed as she remembered that day in her childhood. She then thought about her mother, her loving mother, how she had missed her during her long absence. She was the first to leave the nest out of any of her siblings at her age but it was not with her father’s blessing. Sura felt a few tears fall down her eyes when she thought of her father.
She never had the chance to reconcile with her father after she left having never seen or even heard from again at least till today and the revelation that she never could forgive him tormented her but at least he had forgiven her. “Oh father,” she said out into the night sky “I’m so sorry I ever said those things, I’m sorry for leaving you” Sura put her hands into her hands and sobbed uncontrollably for a few minutes.
“Mama?” came the soft voice of Ducky from behind her.
Sura did not turn but asked in a calm voice “shouldn’t you be asleep dear?”
Ducky did not answer but instead she walked slowly up to her mother until she was sitting right next to her, she could see the silver tears falling down her mother’s cheeks. “What is wrong mama?” she inquired in concern but she kept her voice calm and comforting.
Sura closed her eyes and opened them again and this time she looked at Ducky, her daughter’s expression showed how worried she was about her. “It was about earlier today when you brought your grandma and aunt here” she said.
Ducky looked confused “I do not understand, why that should make you sad? You were happy then you were, you were“ she said.
“It’s not that” said Sura a little harsher then usually talked. She looked at Ducky and saw the hurtful expression on her face “Oh, I’m sorry little one, I didn’t mean to yell at you” putting a hand on Ducky’s back and lifted her gently onto her lap.
“Then what is it?” asked Ducky in a slow concerned voice.
Sura sighed sadly and closed her eyes and did not saw anything. Ducky thought that she had pushed her mother to hard but she responded. “It was the news about my father, your grandfather, about how he’s now gone” she sniffed.
“I’m so sorry” said Ducky holding on tightly to her mother’s finger “I am, I am”
Sura shook her head “It was not just his death that upset me dear, you see a long time ago when I first became a grown-up, I was very quick minded and rushed into things very often, I thought I knew what was best for me, I was arrogant and I wanted to leave the nest and head out and see the world but my father thought I was too young and told me to stay until I was ready and things got ugly, we were yelling at each other, insulting each other, I said the most horrible things to him Ducky and I yelled at him in front of my whole family that I wished that he was not my father” Sura sobbed” I told him I wished he was dead before I left” Sura closed her eyes tightly and struggled to regain her composure and said in a highly trembling voice. “He was furious with me he bellowed that I was a hot headed and a beak face, that I was still the same Swimmer that killed Bright and Clover and he chased me out and I never saw him again”.
Sura completely broke down, she sobbed hard into her cupped hands. Ducky was shocked, never had she seen her mother break down in such a way…….and it broke her heart and caused her to tear up too.
The two lay there for a few more minutes, weeping until they had both calmed down. “At least……“ Sura sniffed “He forgave me and that makes me feel a little better at least” she said.
“What was Grandpa like?” asked Ducky.
“He was a very good father, he was often firm but he always had a gentle touch to him that always showed with his family, though not with everyone else” said Sura as she looked up and thought of her father “He certainly was not a Swimmer to cross as he had a considerable amount of experience in holding his own against fast biters”
Ducky looked amazed at that statement “He spent a lot of his youth travelling and adventuring where he learnt how to survive and I suppose that is why your grandma liked him, plus she also had the same interests as him and that was the main reason they became mates. He was wise in his old age but just as firm when he had to be and” Sura chuckled “He had a similar speech to yourself dear”
“He did?” asked Ducky in astonishment at hearing that her Grandpa talked like her “well I guess I know where I get it now” she thought.
“He certainly did, he often got his words wrong which was very funny and he had the tendency to say “Yeah, yeah, yeah” a lot, especially when he was agitated” Sura laughed gaily at the memories of her father.
“He sounds like a good grandpa” said Ducky.
Sura smiled “He was a good father and I miss him dearly but I still have my memories of him” Ducky nodded in agreement. A calm silence descended upon then as the both watched the Night Circle continue on its agonisingly slow journey over the star lit sky.
“Come on dear” said Sura “let’s get some sleep, it’s been a long day” Ducky nodded and let her mother carry her back to the cave where they could both sleep in peace.
*
At Bluey and Grandma Swimmer’s nest
The two Swimmer lay in their own separate scrapes gazing up at the Night Circle just as Sura and Ducky had done outside of the cave. They both reflecting on the day’s events, seeing Sura again was the happiest experience that had befallen them in a very long time to both of them. It was as if it was only yesterday to Bluey, Sura was exactly as she remembered, still the same friendly, thoughtful Swimmer she had grown up with and helped her through her childhood hardships. The only difference was Ducky’s presence meaning that Sura was mated and now a mother. Bluey was overjoyed that Sura had enjoyed the fruits of a good life and Ducky was such a kind young Swimmer, she was in many ways a reflection of her mother as they both had the same caring composures. The setback was the fact that Ducky was going to take the Trial of Destiny.
Bluey could hardly believe it, she had only just found out that she was an Aunt and had met her niece earlier in the day but only to hear that her niece was doomed to die in the Trial of Destiny. It was very hard to comprehend meeting your niece and hearing on the same day that she would only have a limited time with her before she would fall in the Trial. It was unfair in so many ways, Bluey could easily relate to Sura’s situation. She was faced with losing her precious daughter at the hands of a vile fiend and terrible traditions, she was doing the only thing she could do, teach Ducky the wisdoms and prepare for the Trial and all that it entailed but even then there was still no guarantee that Ducky would survive.
Bluey sighed “How am I supposed to watch that Trial now that I know Ducky is taking it? How could this happen to her, it’s just so cruel” thought Bluey and she resumed looking up at the Night Circle, train of thought continuing on the same path as before, still trying to contemplate how this could all happen to Sura and Ducky.
Grandma Swimmer however was confronted by a different set of thoughts which were directed at her daughter Sura. She felt so proud when she heard that her daughter had prospered in The Great Valley with sixteen wonderful children and a mate who loved her for who she was and in the company of her sister Merri, whom she was glad to hear that she was also prospering even though she had never mated or borne children. It was lovely to meet her little granddaughter Ducky but it was also a big blow to hear that she would soon be taking the Trial of Destiny. However her thoughts kept coming back to Sura and how painfully she had reacted to the news of her father’s death, it almost broke her heart to see Sura suffer like this at their reunion, so she had attempted to comfort her as best as she could in her time of need.
She still remembered that day when Sura left, the day of the big row between her and her father over what should have been a small issue but which escalated into a full on confrontation between father and daughter.
*
Many Years Ago In the Mysterious Beyond
“I don’t understand you Sura, why on earth do you want to leave now? You’re not ready to leave the nest even though you are an adult” said Sura’s father with a startled look on his face, he could not believe that Sura had just asked to leave the nest and go her way when she knew she was not ready.
“I don’t want to stay here indefinitely dad” said Sura “I want go out there and see what the real world is like”.
“You will have what you want in time Sura, you just have to be patient” said Sura’s father in a diplomatic voice “You know you’re not ready to leave the nest yet dear”
Sura’s mother nodded in agreement “There is still much that you must learn here Sura” she said in support of her mate.
“When will I be ready then,” said Sura in a highly agitated voice “most of my friends have left the nest to make their own lives and you allowed Merri to leave, so why can’t I” Sura protested, her anger was rising rapidly at being denied the freedom she so badly wanted.
“Listen Sura” said her father in a calm but serious voice as he put his hands on her shoulders ensuring that they were both facing each other directly. “We don’t want you to get into any trouble out there” Sura tried to turn her head away but her father held her head in place with his hand. “This decision is hot headed, just because your friends have left not mean that you are ready and Merri is a whole other case” he said in a harsher voice then he intended.
“I am not the same kid I was once daddy, I’ve changed since the sinking sands incident” she said in a voice designed to reassure him but her father was not buying it.
“You have dear but I want you to complete your learning of the Swimmer Wisdoms before you leave, that way I know you’ll be responsible enough to survive out there”. Her father pointed out into the distance in emphasis of his point.
Sura gave an angry groan. “Come on!“ she cried “I am more than cap-“
“Yeah, yeah, yeah I know you think you’re capable but I worry that you will end up in the belly of a Sharptooth or drowned at the bottom of some river” said her father in agitation. “I am doing this for you dear” he added in the kindest voice he could muster.
“At this rate I won’t be leaving until the next Cold Time” groaned Sura “Those wisdoms are really difficult, I can easily look after myself out there even if I don’t know the wisdoms” argued Sura.
“Please dear” said her mother in a worried voice but Sura was already angry.
“You’re just trying to watch me, you never forgave me for the sinking sands incident didn’t you!” Sura yelled at her father “Have you forgotten that I blamed myself for losing my brother and sister or don’t you trust me” said Sura quickly, an old pain was resurfacing after a long period of suppression but a sense of betrayal was also present in her voice.
Sura watched her father as his face turned into a firm glare “I can’t forget that incident Sura that much is true but you go too far, I do trust you, you’re my daughter and I am just trying to do what is best for you, please at least prove to me that you’re not the same Swimmer who led that fateful venture to the sinking sands Sura”.
“I know what is best for me dad,” said Sura firmly “and it is not staying here, it is time for me to leave, I am more than ready, that Swimmer who led that venture is gone Daddy”. Sura turned away from her father.
“Oh no you don’t young lady” he said grabbing hold of her, he didn’t notice the rest of his family come and watch, apparently attracted by the row taking place between them. “You’re not leaving until you are ready Sura and that’s that do I make myself clear!?” her father yelled in suppressed rage.
“I am not a child anymore father, you can’t hold me against my will now let me go you heartless bastard, I don’t need you babying me, now let me GO!” yelled Sura struggling against her father but he held her firmly in place.
“What’s going on?” asked Bluey who had just arrived on the scene to see her sister yelling at her father and her father holding her firmly in place with her mother watching the scene with horror.
“Please stop it!" cried Sura’s mother in alarm, she had not expected this rebellious reaction from Sura and now she could tell that Sura had pushed her father too hard, things were about to get ugly. But surly it would not go that far but to be on the safe side she gestured to Bluey and with a receiving nod they both walked behind each of the two Swimmers in preparation to break up any fight that might break out between them. “Please you two, you both being unreasonable” she cried.
However the two Swimmers appeared to be oblivious to anything other than each other “What did you say to me?” said Sura’s father in a low tone, filled with menace.
“See you don’t care for me!” yelled Sura, completely losing herself in her anger, unaware of her mother grabbing her tail “You would not need to ask again if you listened and understood how I feel, you are just a heartless Swimmer!” she yelled. “And I…I wish you were not my dad, I wish you were dead” she said in a slow condemning voice that was filled with seething anger.
Silence fell over the nest and everyone froze, silent gasps visible on every one of Sura siblings and her mother who had let go off Sura’s tail and stared at her daughter in numb shock. Bluey had also released her father to stare at Sura in horror. None of Sura’s siblings had expected this, they all stood paralysed to the spot and stared open mouthed at her. There was only one who had not reacted to Sura’s condemnation: her father.
He was expressionless, he stared at his daughter just as Sura glared at him breathing heavily which was the only sound in the nest but apart from that nothing audible could be heard. Everyone held their breath as they waited for the response from their father. It came, his expression turned into a look of rage, he appeared as if he had seen his mate killed by Sharpteeth and wanted vengeance.
Everything after that comment seemed to go in slow motion for Sura and yet she could not stop her father from pushing her to the ground with a fierce yell. Sura recovered and looked at her father, a feeling of horror, regret and fear flashed through her like lightning as her father suddenly charged at her, yelling like maniac.
Sura gave an alarmed cry and ran from her father as fast as her legs could carry her, she heard her father yell at her from close behind but she dare not look back “Your still the same Swimmer who killed Bright! Go on get out of here, you don’t deserve this family! You’re no daughter of mine! Get out of here you hot headed beak face! I never want to see you again, GET OUT OF HERE!” he yelled at the top of his lungs and Sura did as she was told, she ran from her home, her family, her father. She never looked back.
*
Back To the Present
Grandma Swimmer felt very sorry for Sura, her father had been distraught after the incident, going into a shocked silence that lasted for over two days, he blamed himself and he believed that he had pushed Sura too hard but Grandma Swimmer had to wonder whether Sura had felt the same way about her father after being chased away from the nest. At least her mate had forgiven Sura and made his peace but his daughter was not so lucky, not having the chance to reconcile with her father before he died had hit Sura pretty hard when she was told. Grandma Swimmer hoped that she would find her peace soon just as her father had found his.
“Sura sounded so happy” said Bluey, breaking the silence between them.
“She certainly does” agreed her mother. “She has lots of children a great nesting sight and this Ruphus sounds like a very good mate to my daughter, I could not be more proud of her despite what I thought when she left”
“She has a lot more scars though” added Bluey “and those were only recent and if it had not been for Cyrest then we would not be so happy today I’ll tell ya, at least she’s okay”.
Grandma Swimmer nodded “And Ducky”.
Bluey also nodded then she said proudly. “You’re a Grandparent”.
“You’re an Aunt” replied Grandma Swimmer to which her daughter smiled.
“It feels great,” said Bluey ”I’ve rarely know such an affection from anyone, Ducky is such a kind little one”.
“Yeah, but she is taking that foul Trial and Sura has told us more than enough about the trouble it has caused her. What I would give to kick this Sculra
where it hurts after what she has done”.
“I wish it were different but we can also give Ducky our help, I mean the more help the better and I don’t want her to die, she’s too young and she does not deserve this torture” said Bluey.
“We will help her dear and we will help Sura as well” there was a slight pause in the conversation then Grandma Swimmer continued “I can’t wait to see the rest of my Grandchildren when we reach the Valley” she said eagerly.
“Me too mom, me too” said Bluey.
The two Swimmer watched the oceans hypnotic waves as the crashed against the beach then a rustling in the bushes nearby caught there attention. Both Swimmers turned to the sound of the noise then the form Trough emerged from the bushes and walked to the two Swimmers, a worried look on his face. “How’s Ducky?” he asked before anyone could through their accusations at him.
“She’s fine little one” said Grandma Swimmer softly.
“You found her mother?” asked Trough.
Both Swimmers nodded. “Yes we certainly found her but it was a shock to find that her mother is actually my daughter” said Grandma Swimmer.
“And my older sister” said Bluey.
Trough’s mouth fell in astonishment as his mind digested what it had just heard “You mean Ducky and her mother are a part of your family?” he said, hardly believing his own words.
“They certainly are” said Bluey. “It was great to see my sister again, I have not seen Sura since she left the nest and finding out that Ducky was my niece was the best feeling I have felt in a very long time”.
“How does it feel to be an Aunt?” asked Trough “It must feel very good” he added.
“It feels wonderful Trough and Ducky is such a kind Swimmer and don’t worry we certainly approve of you and her” she said humorously to which her mother laughed while Trough blushed foolishly.
“Thanks for saving me and Ducky” he said in a respectable voice.
“Hey, you’re my friend and that’s what friends do” said Bluey “Now run along now back to the nest, it has been a long day and it is late and we all need to be well rested before Bright Circle rises in the sky”
“Okay Bluey, see you tomorrow” said Trough with a hint of sleep in his voice as he turned to leave.
“One more thing Trough” said Bluey’s mother, Trough turned and faced her. “We are going to visit Ducky and her mother tomorrow and you are more than welcome to come” she said.
Trough’s face lit up in a wide smile “Oh yes, I would like to come with you and see Ducky again” he said in excitement.
“Good, we’ll pick you up in the morning and then head out” said Bluey’s mother.
“Thanks” said Trough as he disappeared through the pushes looked a whole lot happier.
“Are you sure that was a good idea mom?” asked Bluey when Trough was gone “If he comes and sees Ducky training and finds out about the Trial….”
“It’s good for him and for her” said Grandma Swimmer “Besides, he can’t truly help her if he does not know what she is up against, right now they need each other and its best that Trough knows so he can support Ducky, he likes her and I know he will look after her”
Bluey pondered on this for a short while. “I hope your right about this” she finally said.
“It’ll be fine Bluey” replied Grandma Swimmer.
“Goodnight mom” said Bluey with a calm smile.
“Goodnight dear” replied Grandma Swimmer. With that they both settled down for the night under the cool pale rays of the Nigh Circle.
*
The Great Valley
Cera ran quickly from the rock where Ali was currently counting down from twenty in their game of hide and seek. Cera was in no mood to be the seeker so she ran into the woods and hid in a large bush which she was sure would hide her adequately.
Close by everyone else ran to their chosen hiding spots. Chomper ran to a freshly dug hole in the ground and began to hastily cover himself with leaves in a poor attempt to hide himself.
Petrie flew up to the top of the tree canopy and hid behind a particularly broad branch and held onto a nearby stick in order to prevent himself from falling.
Ruby meanwhile ran to hide behind some tall rocks, which lay closely packed together and would hence allow her the chance to out manoeuvre the seeker.
Spike meanwhile ran into the tall reeds near the watering hole and Littlefoot ran into the woods but unlike Cera he hid behind a fallen tree trunk which was hollow but Littlefoot reframed from going inside as he wanted to see when Ali comes and hide when she came and he could not do that if he was hiding in a hollow tree trunk.
“Eighteen tree stars………nineteen tree stars………twenty tree stars. Ready or not here I come” called Ali as she finished counting and began to search for her hidden friends. She began by walking towards the watering hole and searching around the banks. Spike retreated deeper into the reeds, his green colouration helped him to blend in but it was a darker green then the surrounding reeds. Ali proceeded into the reeds, causing spike to walk into the water and hide beneath it, his colour blended perfectly with the surrounding algae invested water and his back spikes made it look like he was a rock. He kept his head just above the water so he could breath and as Ali approached he closed his eyes so as to avoid showing his purple coloured eyes to Ali.
Ali came closer and closer advancing through the reeds slowly and carefully, keeping her eyes focused for any sign of her friends, her head turned left then right as she walked slowly through the reeds. Getting even closer to the water line until she was almost standing on Spike.
The young Spiketail held his breath as Ali stood above him, he guessed that she was looking directly at him yet she did not seem to recognise this green algae encrusted rock as Spike and she soon moved on and out of the reeds in search of her other friends.
“Where are you guys” she said to herself as she headed towards the rocks where Ruby was currently hiding. Ali peered behind every rock in the area but failed to find the elusive Ruby who moved from rock to rock when Ali was not looking. Ali proceeded past Chomper’s hole, not really looking at it. Her attention was directly focused on the woods and the numerous trees and bushes that lay in their shadow. She was sure that her friends were hiding in there somewhere.
Littlefoot, Cera and Petrie all saw Ali coming from their respective hiding spots and quickly concealed themselves. Ali meanwhile was getting increasingly frustrated, her friends were obviously very good at this game she however was a bit out of practice as she rarely got the chance to play this game as the adults did not like the children disappearing on them in The Mysterious Beyond when there could be Sharpteeth on the prow, they did not want to risk anything bad happening to the children but at the cost of any fun the children might have, for the tight set of rules in Ali’s herd made it very difficult to have much fun apart from the conversations she had shared with a more mature Rhett it was awfully tedious in the herd.
“I’ll find you sooner or later guys” she thought to herself as she entered the wood and slowly advanced into the shade but carefully peering at ever bush, ever tree and branch and any nook and cranny that her friends might be hiding behind. Littlefoot ducked behind the log and stayed silent while Ali was on the prow, he and his friends had been playing a lot more games than usual, it was a way of coping and temporarily forgetting the troubles that had happened of recent. Littlefoot and Ali were both carrying the burden of knowledge on Sura’s supposed death. Of course they had no idea that the ruse was false but they had never been told over wise and since Petrie had not really heard what Pterano was saying when he was talking to his mother, he could not relieve them of their burden. The games they were playing was a way in which to have fun and forget their troubles but unfortunately in a game like hide and seek Littlefoot’s thoughts wondered further the usual.
He had been considering the option of going out and finding Ducky but to do so what not only put himself in danger but it might also compromise any supposed training that she was doing, so he remained undecided on the course of action.
“Hi Littlefoot” said a voice behind him which caused him to jump in fright and stumble on a root and fall painfully on the ground and seeing stars. He heard a deep boyish laughter behind him that sounded familiar. He got and turned almost expecting to see Ali but the laughter was not a girl’s laugh, he turned and was almost nose to nose with last face he expected to see at the moment.
“Shorty?” he said in a slow, astonished voice.
“Don’t you recognise your own brother?” joked Shorty back which caused
Littlefoot to laugh but before they could exchange any news, Ali’s voice rang out.
“Found you Littlefoot!” called Ali as she trotted down to where Littlefoot stood. She stopped when she saw Shorty and stared at him in surprise, immediately feeling a little shy at seeing the young green Longneck.
“Oh Ali,” said Littlefoot stepping aside and gestured for Shorty to come next to him “This is my brother, Shorty” he said “Shorty this is my friend Ali”.
Shorty smiled at Ali in a friendly way and stepped forward saying “Hi Ali”
“Hi Shorty” said Ali in a quiet, shy voice.
“What’s going on here?” came Cera’s annoyed voice. Cera appeared from the behind the bushes and spotted the group of Longnecks. “Oh” she said in surprise when she saw Shorty. “Hi Shorty, didn’t expect to see you here”.
“No surprises there” replied Shorty and led the way out of the wood. Littlefoot was in for a happy reunion out in the open as his father Bron was waiting for him.
“DAD!” cried Littlefoot happily when he caught sight of him through the underbrush and ran out to meet him. He was met by a loving muzzle.
“Hello Littlefoot” said Bron, breaking off from his nuzzle with his son.
“Oh it’s so good to see you again and Shorty” said Littlefoot happily.
“And you too son” agreed Bron.
“What are you doing back though?” asked Littlefoot. He had not expect to see his father until after the cold time, his early arrival was unexpected but no less welcome.
“Well” said Bron calmly “we have returned because of Shorty”.
Littlefoot frowned, why would Bron be returning to the Great Valley because of Shorty along with his whole herd? “He didn’t do anything bad did he?” asked Littlefoot in a worried voice.
Bron chuckled heartily. “No, he is in no trouble Littleoot it’s just-“ Bron cut himself off and gestured to Shorty to continue.
“We’ve come back to The Great Valley because I’m going to do The Big Longneck Test” said Shorty proudly.
