Part 1

Adventurer

Prologue

Louis limped through the blizzard, the icy wind piercing his coat like the tooth of a saber. He couldn't stop his shivering, it was so cold. The snow was up to his knees; the wind was howling and flinging specks of ice and snow into his face and eyes. He couldn't believe how bad things were going. He had come all this way only to be told there was no use. He was too late, after all of the trials he had overcome, it had all been for not.

He personally couldn't believe it, not that he had failed but that he had actually made it this far. No one said he could do it; even his own family had called his quest a suicide mission. None of that mattered now, Peaches was a goner. The herd was doomed. He had failed, just like they said he would.

The Molehog collapsed into the snow, feeling his strength leaving him. His sword slipped out of his hands, his shield slid off of his arm. What was the point now, he had given all he had and now there was no fight left in him. What was even worse was that he had never told Peaches how he really felt about her. He suddenly felt a rush of warmth go through his body, his eye lids felt heavy and ever so slowly he allowed them to close.

...

A few weeks earlier

Peaches and Louis strode through the forest, enjoying the immense beauty that their new home had. Birds that neither of them had seen before sat on every branch, and around every corner was a new discovery.

"Wow, this place is beautiful." the young mammoth said with a sigh.

"Eh well it's just a forest without you." The Molehog replied.

"Aww Louis that is one of the nicest things anyone's ever said to me. Thank you!" She said ruffling his spikes.

"It was no big deal." He replied sheepishly.

The mammoth couldn't help but laugh at her friend's shyness.

"So what's on the agenda today?" He asked after nervously scratching the back of his head.

"We're supposed to meet Ethan and the others at a pond that's not too far from here." She replied.

"Oh cool." He murmured.

The duo walked in silence for a minute or so.

"So whatcha wanna talk about?" He asked.

"Hmmm, I don't know. I can't really think of anything." She replied.

"Alright...do you know whose question it was?" He asked.

"Um...mine...I think." She said after using her trunk to tap her forehead.

"Haha so much for mammoths never forget." The Molehog said with a chuckle.

"Oh shush." She grumbled, playfully shoving him with her trunk.

"Well since you can't remember, I'll go first." He told her.

"Alright, sounds good to me." She replied.

"Ok...um...what was your first impression of me?" He asked.

"Oh man that was three years ago, it's all so fuzzy, but I do remember you showing up at school. You were the only one I didn't recognize, you were pretty quiet too." She recalled.

"Haha yeah...it was that easy for you to tell that I was new?" He grumbled.

"Well yeah, it was a small community and it still is. Everybody knows everybody." She reminded him.

"True." He replied sheepishly.

"Ok my turn." She said looking down at the ground.

Then her eyes widened and she spoke:

"What do you think my chances are with Ethan?"

The Molehog shifted uncomfortably, he didn't like answering these questions but as a good friend should do, he answered anyway.

"I think that they're...pretty good." He replied.

"Really, after everything that's happened. You think there's still a chance?" She asked.

"It shouldn't matter what I think. Follow your heart, and as long as you're happy...then that's all that matters." He replied.

The Mammoth didn't seem to notice the ounce of pain in her friend's words.

"You're a really good friend, you know that?" She asked.

"Yup...that's me..." He replied bitterly.

The Mammoth gave her friend a quizzical look.

"That was a compliment...but ok." She murmured.

They walked in silence for a brief moment.

"So my turn?" He asked sheepishly.

"Yup." She replied flatly.

"Ok...if you do manage to hook up with Ethan, not that I'm saying that it's unlikely, what's going to happen to us? I mean, you of all people know how much I hate being a third wheel." He grumbled.

"Louis, we've known each other for years now and I promise you that no matter what happens, you'll always be my best friend." She assured him.

He just grinned.

"Good to know."

The duo continued on their trek through the forest.

...

Deep in the heart of the forest was a series great underground caves. From these caves runoff water from the melting snow on the mountains in the far north would be diverted into two different channels. One led into the river that ran southeast, eventually reaching the ocean.

The other led deeper into the caves, emptying in a giant crystal cavern that was directly beneath the oldest tree in the forest. This was where the three mystics gathered every 23 days for a few hours. During the summer and winter solstices, as well as the two equinoxes they would remain in the cavern for the entire day.

There were also other occasions which called for them to gather. Such as crisis situations.

The first mystic was Iolana the Empress of Air. She was a Military Macaw, light green feathers covered her body and most of her wings. Her wingtips and her lower back were colored sky blue, the underside of her wings and tail were a golden yellow. The feathers on her forehead were red like coral.

She had a bone armor plate on her chest, and strapped to that were a pair of swords made from the talons of falcon she had killed in battle years ago. A necklace of woven vine and flowers hung from her neck. In the center of that necklace was a circle with a hole in the middle two slightly curled fins sticking out of the top and bottom of the circle. Both fins were pointed away from each other.

The second mystic was in the large pool of water. The pool had a passage at its bottom that led to the sea. His name is Makaio The King of the Abyss. He was a Manta Ray. His mighty wings and booming voice makes him the most intimidating mystic of all. However, he is often the voice of reason amongst the mystics. He prefers diplomacy over violence. Unlike his fellow mystic Iolana. Because of this, he has no armor and no weapons. Instead a mighty cape of kelp is attached to his back. On this cape, his fellow sea creatures dyed parts of the kelp with soot from the bases of underwater volcanoes. The shape they created was a mighty trident. Just because Makaio didn't like to fight doesn't mean he won't. Although, violence would only be used as a last result.

The final mystic was over 100 years old and had seen much change in the world since he began his life. His name was Ekewaka Wiseman from the Edge of the World. He was a Galápagos tortoise. You could see the entirety of the cosmos in his eyes. His shell was covered in symbols and pictures. Prophecies, legends, stories. Hundreds of years of knowledge recorded and ready for immediate access. Legend has it that he came from the primordial ooze of a forming island and swam to the nearest continent. He then traveled the world and learned all there is to know about the world. Swimming from continent to continent, and the older he gets, the bigger his shell gets. Therefore, he is always learning and always teaching. He doesn't say much now a days, simply agreeing with a nod or disagreeing with a grunt. His fellow mystics have heard him speak only a handful of times. When he does speak, his word is greatly valued and never questioned.

"I apologize for calling you both here on such short notice, but I bring grave news." Makaio told his fellow mystics.

"Please do try to be brief, my war with the serpents will not stop because I am away from home." Iolana grumbled.

Ekewaka gave the Empress a sideways glance.

"A few days ago, great quakes began ravaging the planet. Continents have now broken up. The face of our world has changed dramatically." The Manta Ray told his friends.

"Yes, this happens every now and then. Why does this particular occurrence call for an emergency council." Iolana asked.

"After the quakes, I flew into the Adriatic Trench, to check on Kath." He explained.

"The Tectonic Titan himself. Tell me brother has his prison been compromised?" The Air Mystic inquired.

"No, but I would imagine that those who worship him and his ways are already plotting to free him. Should he be freed, the planet will suffer a great catastrophe. Similar to the one that occurred long before our time. Except this time, even the combined forces of the sea and sky may not be able to stop him." The Manta Ray said somberly.

Ekewaka gave a determined but pleading look to his fellow mystics.

"Old friend, you of all people should know that you are in no condition to fight our fallen brother. Should he rise, you must remain hidden. After all, you represent the life giving power of the planet. If we fail, we must be able to count on you to restore balance to a destroyed world." Iolana told the tortoise, gently putting her wing on his cheek.

"Let us hope it does not come to that." Makaio murmured.

...

Louis and Peaches were waiting by the pond that Ethan had told them to meet him and The Brat Pack at. Louis was starting to get irritated, Ethan and his friends had habit of being late.

"How hard is it to get here on time, they live closer to this pond then we do!" The Molehog grumbled, feeling his quills beginning to stand on end.

"I have a feeling he's late for a good reason." Peaches assured her friend.

"Oh yeah, I'm bet he spent 30 minutes pampering his hair instead of 20." He scoffed.

"You seem a little irritable today...are you and your dad fighting again?" She asked.

"No it's not that." He told her, realizing that he did sound a little grumpy.

"Then what is it?"

The Molehog began to shift around uncomfortably.

"Peaches...I..."

"Hey guys!" a voice called out from behind them.

The duo turned to see Ethan, Steffie, Katie and Meghan approaching.

Louis gave a friendly wave to the mammoths while Peaches excitedly bounded over to them.

"Hi Ethan." She said bashfully.

"Hey Peaches, what's up?" He replied smoothly.

"Oh not much, just exploring our new home with Louis." She replied.

"Cool." He said with a nod.

They walked for a bit in silence, Louis began to say something but was interrupted by Katie.

"So how's your family gurl?"

"Great, Diego and Shira are officially together now. We've already started guessing when they'll have cubs." Peaches said with a chuckle.

"Neato!" Meghan exclaimed.

The mammoths continued to chat, all the while Louis trailed behind the group. Listening in on the conversation. He had gotten the royal treatment from The Brat Pack after he stood up to that pirate. However, this lasted a little over a week. They still were fairly nice to him most of the time, but occasionally he would be the butt of their jokes.

Ethan and Peaches had really hit it off ever since they arrived at their new home. Although he resented Ethan to some degree, Louis was (for some odd reason) happy for his friend. She had found someone who was able to accept her for who she was. Although their relationship was not official (yet) and got a little rocky at times, they still greatly enjoyed each others company.

So why wasn't he able to let go of his feelings for Peaches and move on. To admit that no matter what he did, she would never see him as anything more than a friend. He had two logical explanations.

1.) He loved her, and even if she and Ethan became mates, and he found someone else he would always have some kind of feelings for her.

2.) He was stupider then Crash and Eddie.

After some mental deliberation, he decided that the second explanation was far more likely. After all, he didn't even have a definitive way to describe love...right?

...

Sometime later, Peaches arrived at her home where her family was awaiting her return.

"Hey, there's our favorite niece!" Sid told his fellow uncles, Crash and Eddie.

"Sis, your daughter is home!" Eddie shouted.

"I don't believe it, you're not only on time...you're home early!" Manny said with a chuckle.

"Who are you, and what have you done with my friend's daughter?" Diego asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Very funny guys. You know I could always come home later if that's what you want me to do." Peaches teased.

" I don't think that will be necessary sweet heart. Your father has enough panic attacks as it is." Ellie told the young mammoth.

"I thought there was something stalking us when we were out getting lunch. I know when I'm being watched." Manny protested.

"Yeah, being watched by a tiny squirrel." Crash said with a laugh.

"He could have been rabid!" Manny grumbled.

"Could of been, but he wasn't." Diego replied.

"Where's Shira?" Peaches asked her saber toothed uncle.

"She's just napping." He replied.

"Well it dinner time, and she's gonna wake up in the middle of the night composing that she's hungry." Ellie complained.

"Why are you grumbling, I'm the one who has to go down to the river and catch her dinner." Diego chided.

"He's got you there." Manny told his mate.

"Well when she does wake up, don't complain so loud. It wakes up everyone else." Ellie told the saber.

"Yes ma'am." He replied.

"Peaches, head down to the river and wash your trunk for dinner." Manny instructed.

The adolescent mammoth nodded and went off to do as instructed.

...

Louis arrived at his burrow, with a quick shake he managed to get most of the dirt off of his fur. It had been a long but fun day, he was ready for some grub and a goodnight's sleep.

"Louis is home mom!" a voice called out from deeper in the burrow.

Three tiny molehogs rushed Louis, the first two jumped on him and gave him a big hug while the other stood idled by.

"Hey fellas, how was your day?" He asked his brothers.

"Great, we caught some nice juicy worms for dinner!" One replied.

"Mom is bit cranky." The other said while rolling his eyes.

"Yeah Noah, you do tend to do that to people." Louis grumbled.

"Whatever." He replied , walking away.

"What about you Chase, how was your day?" Louis asked the littlest of his brothers.

In response, the little one just gave a big toothless smile and cooed.

"Hey hey, Louis!" His other brother exclaimed.

"What is it Nate?" He asked patiently.

"Can we go stargazing tonight?"

Louis contemplated this before shaking his head.

"No, not tonight buddy. I'm going to practice on my guitar tonight. Tomorrow for sure." He told his brother.

"Promise?" The little one asked with a raised eye brow.

"Yes, I promise." He replied before picking up Chase putting him on his shoulders and walking deeper into the burrow.

He found his mom in the family room, dicing up a large work with a wooden knife.

"Hey bud." She said kindly.

"Hey Mom, Dad home yet?" He asked.

"No, not yet." She replied.

" Ok, could you have Noah or Nate bring up my dinner to my spot. I'm going to be practicing my guitar skills tonight." He asked.

His Mother gave him a sideways look.

"Are you sure you don't want to eat with the family, we barely see you anymore."

"I'll come down and hang out with you guys after I'm done practicing." He assured her.

She signed in defeat.

"Alright, but do make sure you come down. You know how your father gets when you isolate yourself from the family."

He nodded and made his way out of the burrow, grabbing his guitar on the way out.

He made his way up the hill that made up the roof of his burrow. This hill had an amazing view of the ocean and the night sky.

He stared at the ocean for some time, contemplating various questions that popped into his mind. He was always thinking, coming up with various life scenarios and asking himself how he would deal with them.

He eventually picked up his guitar and got ready to play, when he heard his parents having a conversation. He decided to listen in.

"Where's Louis?" His father asked.

"On his little hill, playing his guitar." His mother replied.

"I don't hear him."His father grumbled.

"Well your hearing probably isn't what it used to be, after mining for all these years." His mother reasoned.

"I know the answers to why our old home was destroyed lies somewhere in the earth. I need closure, I need to know why this happened and what we can do to prevent it from happening again." He told his mate.

"Honey, there are some things in this world that can't be explained or understood. The sooner you accept that, the less grey hairs you'll give yourself." She told him sincerely.

"I just wish I understood why we had to leave everything we knew behind. I wish I understood why my son doesn't eat with us anymore, or says 'Hey Dad, let's go out on a walk ' or somthin. He goes up there and gets sucked into his own little world, playing that blasted guitar. He has no friends besides that mammoth. What happens when she and that Ethan fella mate and have kids. She'll have no time for him. Then he'll just be up on that hill all day, letting life pass him by." He said with a sigh.

Louis had heard enough, he picked up his guitar and began to play.

I am a question to the world,

Not an answer to be heard.

All a moment that's held in your arms.

And what do you think you'd ever say?

I won't listen anyway…

You don't know me,

And I'll never be what you want me to be.

Why had his relationship with his father crashed and burned? Why was it that they were now polar opposites? His father was always trying to change him. Telling him it was for his own good. Why couldn't his dad appreciate him for who he was?

And what do you think you'd understand?

I'm a boy, no, I'm a man..

You can take me and throw me away.

And how can you learn what's never shown?

Yeah, you stand here on your own.

They don't know me 'cause I'm not here.

He wasn't a bad kid. He was home long before curfew. He listened to his parents. He did his best to get along with his brothers. What was it about him that his father didn't understand or like?

And I want a moment to be real,

Wanna touch things I don't feel,

Wanna hold on and feel I belong.

And how can the world want me to change,

They're the ones that stay the same.

They don't know me,

'Cause I'm not here.

It was true, Peaches was his only real friend. That wasn't his fault though! Ethan, Katie, Crash and Eddie. They all treated him like he was a weirdo. A freak. Just because he was shy doesn't mean he didn't want to make friends!

And you see the things they never see

All you wanted, I could be

Now you know me, and I'm not afraid

And I wanna tell you who I am

Can you help me be a man?

They can't break me

As long as I know who I am

Peaches understood that. She knew who he really was. She knew him better than his own family knew him. She knew his fears and his dreams and vice versa. They talked for hours on end about various topics. She didn't have that connection with Ethan! What did he have that made him so special. Besides the fact that he was a mammoth.

And I want a moment to be real,

Wanna touch things I don't feel,

Wanna hold on and feel I belong.

And how can the world want me to change,

They're the ones that stay the same.

They can't see me,

But I'm still here.

They can't tell me who to be,

'Cause I'm not what they see.

And the world is still sleepin',

While I keep on dreamin' for me.

And their words are just whispers

And lies that I'll never believe.

No matter how much his father prodded him, he wouldn't become something he wasn't. He didn't want to be a miner like his father, digging around in the dirt looking at bones and ancient rock formations. Trying to predict the next big continental drift. He hoped that he was put on this earth to be something more than just a timid Molehog.

And I want a moment to be real,

Wanna touch things I don't feel,

Wanna hold on and feel I belong.

And how can they say I never change

They're the ones that stay the same.

I'm the one now,

'Cause I'm still here.

His voice dropped down to a whisper.

I'm the one,

'Cause I'm still here.

I'm still here.

I'm still here.

I'm still here.

He wished that he could find his purpose in life...if he even had one.

A.N- Well this is Chapter 1. I hoped you liked it! This story will be divided into three parts. I'm not sure how many chapters will be in a part however. Whatever feels right I guess. I hope no one was out of character, this is my first Ice Age fic so the first few chapters might be a bit below par in that department. I might go back and watch the latest film again just to be safe.

Well until the next update, Happy holidays!