Meanwhile, Trick had pulled Ruby away from the group to a spot he had picked out early on in the month that he knew she would love. Ruby however, as impatient as always was sick of having her arm almost ripped out of the socket. "Trick where exactly are we going?"
"You'll see soon." He grinned excitedly back at her.
Rolling her eyes she replied, "It better not be somewhere that's going to get us in trouble. I already lost a chunk of time with you because of the Proud Heart incident."
"I'll remind you that was not entirely my fault. Aha! Here we are." Finally coming to a stop he held his arms out, showing off the Caring Meter.
Ruby tapped her foot, "You brought me to a giant heart lollipop statue? What do you want me to count how many licks it takes you to get to the center."
Groaning Trick shook his head, "Rubes I think you are missing out on exactly what this is."
Her eyes looked around the area, "Enlighten me."
"If I stand here in front of the Caring Meter, anyone could see me yes?"
She put her hands over her eyes and sighed in exasperation, "Oh no. You're not going to do that thing again when you thought you were invisible if you had everyone else close their eyes are you?"
He scowled at her, "It worked didn't it. Could you see me? No! Ergo, invisible." Ignoring her laughter he continued, "Like I said. Stand here, totally exposed. But..." He walked around behind the Caring Meter, "Back here there is only the slight but totally possible chance someone will see me. Or...us I should say."
Finally getting his drift she walked over to him, joining him behind the Caring Meter. "Just like in the shower back home."
Smirking down at her he pinned her gently against the heart shaped device, "And what a fun time that was."
Not so gently, Ruby pulled his head down to hers igniting the kiss.
Trick pressed into the kiss with gusto, pressing Ruby up against the back of the Caring Meter as he did so.
Just like last time Ruby felt a purr rising in her throat. She also felt her cheeks warming up meaning she was blushing. It frightened yet pleased her that only Trick got this reaction out of her. Wrapping her arms around his neck she let her hands slide over his shoulders.
Trick slid his hands down her sides, feeling the curves of Ruby's form as he kissed her, smiling as he heard her purr.
Moving one of her hands down to his, she steered it around to cup her butt. "Give a gal a boost." She brought her leg up towards his hips to make her meaning clearer. She didn't want Trick hurting his neck from having to bend down and kiss her.
Trick got the hint and hefted her, raising her up by her rear so her head was level with his as he kissed her harder.
Down in the rainbow river that ran behind the Caring Meter, Grateful Heart Platypus and Illusion Heart Alligator were going for a swim together. Grateful Heart dove underwater and then came up, seeing the Caring Meter.
"Hey, Etienne," she said, using her boyfriend's human name, "look up there, is that Trick and Ruby?" she asked.
He came up underneath her, lifting Gloria out of the water on his shoulders. Laughing at him she peered down into his smiling face.
"I dunno. De view from down dere onleh showed me un ting."
Looking where she indicated he indeed saw Trick and Ruby. Her legs were wrapped tightly around his middle as he kissed her fiercely. "Oui I do believe dat's dem chere."
Gloria reached up, "Let's go greet them shall we?" she asked, falling backwards into the water.
Grinning he stroked to the shore and climbed out on the cloud bank. Turning to the river he offered a hand down to Grateful Heart, easily hefting her out of the water. "Now correct me if I'm wrong chere. But I don tink dat's de proper use of de Caring Meter non?"
"No, it isn't, Etienne," she said, taking his arm and letting him pull her out of the water, "But let's go see what they are up to, Illusion."
Ruby had begun to kiss Trick's neck when the two cousins walking up from the river caught her attention. "Hey Trick. When you did your test on view ability...did you forget about the river?"
"Why do you ask," he looked behind him and saw the alligator and platypus, "Oh, hi there."
"Hi, Trickster," Gloria said, "having fun are we?" she asked, smiling.
"We were." Ruby muttered. Untangling her legs she allowed herself to slide off Trick. "
Illusion smirked at her. "Bonjour Petite. Been awhile since we seen you."
"I'm sorry but I was only hear the one night so I'm afraid I don't remember everyone's names."
"No problem. De name Illusion Heart and de femme here is Grateful Heart."
"Nice to see you again Ruby, I heard you were spending a lot of time with my brother and his wife today," Grateful Heart said.
"Yeah, we were with Jolly and Cozy for a while, Ruby insist- wait you're Jolly's sister?" Trick was a bit startled, but not surprised.
"More or less, let's just say Renegade and I have a similar origin, but I was able to change and the family let me join. Illusion helped me choose my name and join," she leaned back against the alligator's strong chest and smiled up at him.
He wrapped her in his arms, holding her against him. "What can I say. She grew on me. Not dat yo' frère din play match maker in de beginning." Resting his chin on Gloria's head he gave her a squeeze.
Ruby thought about something, "Did everyone have a clone at one point?"
"Yes," Gloria sighed sadly, "there was a clone of everyone up here, No-Heart created them in an attempt to destroy the Care Bear Family, he probably would have succeeded too but after the first attack a large group of the clones were destroyed on Earth, we still don't know how or why. Eventually they failed too much and he, disposed of them, others some of us were forced to destroy. Only Renegade and I survived."
"You're talking like they're something else, or you were never part of them," Trick pointed out, finding it confusing how Grateful Heart referred to the clones as "they" and included herself in the family.
"Renegade and I changed after we were taken from No-Heart's control and after a while living in this world and adapting in our own ways we became our own people, even Take Care told us we are genetically more like siblings to them than copies of them," Gloria explained, "I lived with Julian's mom for a while while I tried to find out who I was, turns out I'm very grateful for a lot of things," she reached her hands around behind her to give Illusion a sort of reverse hug.
"Apparently so grateful it became your name." She hadn't meant for it to come out as harsh sounding as it did.
Illusion stared at her for a moment. "You gotta let it go petite."
Folding her arms across her chest she scowled at him, "Excuse me? Let what go."
"Whatever make you lash out at de one's who love you. Dem's dat hurt you are gone, you only doin dem justice by pushing us away."
It brought Ruby up short how well the alligator cousin saw through her walls. She didn't remember him, but she had heard stories of him from Jolly. Apparently they'd been close. Rather than respond right away she rested her head against Tricks shoulder. "Illusion is a good name for you too." This time there was nothing but sincerity in her tone.
"Umm, I don't know what to say here," Trick said, "You ok Rubes?"
She nodded, "Fine. It's just no one other than my brother ever called me out on my attitude before. Not even you." She bumped him with her hip, "Course that's probably cause you were too scared I'd whoop your ass."
Illusion shrugged his shoulders with a smile on his face, arms still wrapped firmly around Gloria. "Seeing through ting's is wha' I do. Sometimes tings aren't always what dey seem."
Gloria turned, "And that's one of the reasons I love you," she said, nuzzling Illusion with her bill.
"Too scared, how's this for too scared!" Trick suddenly pushed Ruby hard, pushing her off the edge of the Caring Meter platform and into the Rainbow River, "Think I'm too scared now, Ruby?" he asked, grinning down at the water.
Illusion took a large step back away from the edge of the river, taking Gloria with him. "Trus' me chere. We gonna want some space from dis one." Turning back to the triumphant looking Trick, he asked, "Quick question homme. Wha' Ruby's Guardian Form?"
He scoffed at the alligator, "It's a Tiger..." His voice dropped off. "Uhoh."
Dragging herself out of the river in said tiger form, Ruby fixed her glowing red eyes on Trick. "I'll give you to the count of three. 1...2..."
"Uhh, gotta go bye!" Trick spat out and took off, with Ruby hot on his tail.
"Should we help him, Etie?" she asked, "Or is he in too deep?"
"De boy on his own chere. Dis one does tings he gotta escape fo' himself. Dat don mean we can' enjoy de show," the alligator replied.
"That's true," Gloria said, watching the chase and giggling to herself.
As Ruby chased Trick all over Care-a-Lot, much to Illusion and Grateful's entertainment, Tinker had pulled Arrow to the house to show him around. As they slid to a stop in front of the door, Arrow exhaled. "Holy crap you've gotten fast."
"Well I've been running a lot more than I used to," Tinker explained, "With more open space and Swift Heart running every morning I decided to join in." She opened the door to the house she shared with the others, "come and see where the four of us have been living for the last month," she said as she entered.
The first room he saw was the living room. It had couches facing the TV and a few other things scattered around. "I'm surprised Trick and Trust haven't trashed the place yet. I mean yeah our old home was sort of a dump but their rooms were always extra dumpy."
"Well Trust has been busy with homework and training, and Melody and I have cleaned up after Trick whenever he messes things up, except in his room, don't go in there," Tinker cautioned.
He laughed, "There we go. Back on track." He stuck his head into their small kitchen. "Got anything processed or with artificial coloring in here? I could go for some junk food."
"Some leftover pizza from last night, and you can check Trick's stash, It's hidden under the carrots in the vegetable drawer ," Tinker pointed to the fridge, "He still thinks we don't know it's there."
Laughing harder he went to the fridge. "Oh our poor poor disillusioned boy. Bingo." Reaching under the carrots he pulled out a Hershey bar. Taking a bite he rejoined Tinker. "Lead on tour guide."
"Well," Tinker showed him around, "Other than those two rooms there's the laundry room downstairs, and our rooms are down the corridor," she said pointing down a small hallway, "we have two bathrooms thankfully, or we'd have too many problems in the morning."
Arrow glanced down the corridor at the rooms. "Is it weird not having us here?"
"Yes it is," Tinker said, "but we've been too busy to really pay that fact much mind," she took his hand, "but I'm happy you're here."
Tugging gently on her hand he pulled Tinker against his chest. "I thought about you guys every night before I went to sleep. I missed hearing your brother's snoring and the sound of your dads machines. I missed hearing people walking down the corridors at random times. And I kept thinking back to that night we spent on the roof."
Tinker smiled, "You've been on my mind a lot too, I remember that night on the roof, it was special despite the circumstances at the town."
"Just wait till you spend your first night in the Falls. You won't believe how pretty the sky is." He kissed her forehead gently. "And you won't be needing a blanket. My wings will keep us warm enough." He murmured against her hairline.
"That will be nice," she said, kissing Arrow's cheek.
Leaning down to kiss Tinker again Arrow jumped in surprise as Trick came flying into the house, slamming the door behind him. "How is it twice in one day I find myself being chased by two separate cats that want to rip me to shreds?"
Tinker looked over at Trick, irritated, and said, "Unless you want to add one high speed bear and an eagle to that list, you should find somewhere else to hide," Tinker glared at her brother.
Looking to Arrow for some support he saw a rare glare coming from his eyes.
"Oh come on dude! What happened to bros before hoes? No offense sis." He peered out the blinds and saw Ruby pacing outside.
Striding forward Arrow snatched Tricks ear, "I'll stitch you back together when she's done." Opening the door despite his best friends' protests he called "All yours Ruby." Before tossing him out and locking the door behind him.
"Thank you for that," Tinker said, zipping over and sighing in relief, "that brother of mine seems to be pushing all the wrong buttons today doesn't he?"
"It's all that spare time he has now. Think about it. All he did in our time was patrol, prank, and play with his bike. So all he has left is pranking, not exactly a healthy creative output." Realizing how close they were he let his fingers trail down her face. "It's kind of like how you've channeled all your extra energy into running."
"Yeah, it is," Tinker said, "So what have you and your sister been up to in your spare time?" she asked.
Moving away from her he sprawled out on the couch. "Learning to use our magic, getting to know the others. Oh and meeting Thunder and our other uncles. And tons and tons of flying."
"Sound like fun, I've been flying a lot too but not like you have," Tinker said, walking over to the couch and standing next to him
Grabbing her he pulled her down on top of him, spinning her so she was lying back against him. "How's your dad?"
Tinker was surprised but not displeased and smiled, "He's fine, a lot more grouchy than sad now, but at least he's happy. He and mom are engaged," she blinked, "that sounds so weird now that I've said it out loud, but I guess time travel would always be weird."
He nodded. "Who'd have thought you'd be attending your own parents wedding." He ran his fingertips gently up and down her arms. "I wish we could have seen my parents mating ceremony."
"It will be strange, and yet wonderful," Tinker admitted, "As for your parents, I'm sure you'll get to see a traditional mating ceremony before we have to complete our mission, we have more than enough time," Tinker said, doing her best to help him feel better about it.
Resting his chin on her head he sighed, "Don't mind me. I'm just an undercover romantic. I don't really mind missing it, it's just...I dunno." Stilling his hands he gave her a light pat.
Tinker rolled over so she was facing him and placed her hands on his chest, "I don't mind, I like it when you're being romantic," she smiled and kissed him.
Starting with her nose he started to trail kisses over her cheek and down to her lips. Hovering just above her mouth he blew softly on her lips, teasing her. His hands came to rest on her lower back, rubbing small circles. "Then I'll just have to keep being romantic."
"Good," Tinker said, pressing against his lips and kissing him deeply.
As the kiss deepened, Arrow's hands got tighter on Tinker's sides. He loved feeling her soft fur beneath them. Fingers and hands were one of the few things he missed in his Pegasus form. That thought caused him to separate briefly from Tinker. "I won't be able to be in my human form much in the Falls."
"I'll manage," Tinker said, "If I can go a week without technology I can handle you being a full Pegasus for that long," she placed her hands on the sides of his head, "besides I haven't seen your true form much, what with the whole no plants in our time thing."
He grinned up at her. "That's true. Besides, it still has its uses." His fingers grazed her spine as he wiggled briefly to reposition her. "I still can't wait to see what you're going to do without your gadgets."
"Well I might go temporarily insane but I'll adjust, it will be nice to eat natural food after salvaging all that stuff, half of it probably not so fresh or even above what would be considered sanitary by today's standards," she chuckled, "sorry guess I let my mind wander a bit."
"I like when your mind wanders. And don't panic too much about the natural food. The council hate when outside things come in, so Fauna makes sure once a week she gets some kind of take-out from Earth. And if Ruby or I ever want anything she'll make a special trip since we are more used to eating that stuff."
"Thanks, and that's good to know," Tinker thought for a moment, "do you know what Fauna thinks of the four of us?" she asked.
"I know it's working in our advantage that we don't have any similar markings to our parents and that we mostly avoid human form. We definitely share some similarities then. And I don't think she suspects anything from you guys." He paused debating whether or not to mention the next part. "Red Snout didn't buy our story right away though." He let his arms relax across her back. "Is that what you meant?"
"More along the line of does Fauna like us, or does she not have an opinion yet?" Tinker clarified.
He shrugged, "She really doesn't know you guys yet. It's mostly from what Ruby and I have told her." Smirking he kissed her above her eyebrow, "Are you worried about my mom liking you?"
"Honestly, yes," Tinker admitted, then kissed him again, "So, interested in seeing more of the house or do you prefer to stay here?" she asked.
He sunk deeper into the cushions of the couch. "I am quite content right here." Tapping her head he continued, "And Fauna wouldn't be the one to worry about anyway. You forget, she grew up here."
"True enough," Tinker did her best to put her arms around Arrow, having trouble getting her hands between him and the couch cushions, "I guess I have a week or so to gauge her reaction. But that's enough of that for now," She kissed him gently.
"Now you're talking. Or better yet, let's stop talking." Taking her by surprise again he sat up suddenly, flipping her onto her back and instantly kissing her. He kept himself slightly elevated using his toes and elbows.
Tinker didn't object, reaching up around Arrow as she kissed back.
At Grumpy's house, Swift Heart collapsed back against the car hood, panting and laughing at the same time. "Grumpy, I think that was a new record."
Grumpy fell back next to her, smiling and panting as well, "Yeah, that was fun." He lay there next to Swift Heart on the hood for a moment, regaining his breath, before asking, "Swift Heart, what do you think of the new kids?"
Her ears tensed as she considered just how much she wanted to tell him about what she thought about the new comers. "I have to admit Tinker surprised me. I never thought anyone else could move almost as fast as me." She smirked over at him trying to cover her tenseness, "Not that I'll ever let her beat me."
"I wouldn't think so," Grumpy said, "You'd never let anyone beat you. Tinker stopped by earlier to ask me if she could borrow my workshop to make something for her brother. She just told me it was a gift to help Trick stop pestering others, not sure what she meant."
"Did she actually call him her brother? Arrow told me he and Ruby were the only actual siblings." That was the last thing she needed to make her guess 100% sure about Trick and Tinker's identity.
"It was kind of odd," Grumpy mused, "but they've been together so long that I've never really thought much on it. It's like the way we all were when Noble and True Heart first brought us up here to start this family."
She leant over him, "Glad that's over. Otherwise what we just did would most definitely be frowned upon." Pulling back she hopped off the car hood and ran her fingers through her tuft of hair, trying to make it presentable again. "You sure you're going to be okay with sharing your workshop? We all know how you get about your stuff."
"As long as she doesn't get in my way." Grumpy scowled, "I have enough problems in here, but I don't want to stop her from trying to make something," Grumpy slid off the hood as well and stretched upwards.
"And yet I can't use any of your tools without your supervision." She moved over to his work bench and started looking through things, "What are you working on anyway?"
"More repairs on the Rainbow Rescue Beam," Grumpy frowned, "I honestly don't know why we keep trying to fix that thing, it breaks down and malfunctions so much. The technology that would make it work just doesn't exist yet and the solutions Bright Heart and I come up with just aren't holding up. But Bright Heart insists we can do it someday," he sighed as he said the last sentence.
"But just think Grumpy. If you didn't spend some portion of your day fixing the end all evil, then you would have way too much free time on your hands." She teased him.
Grumpy smiled, "Yeah probably but there are thing I'd rather spend my time on."
Tweaking his nose she smirked, "You over estimate my stamina in some areas honey bear."
Grumpy gave her a funny look, "Not just that, Swift Heart, I meant plans for our wedding, I want to have some control over how the festivities are going to go."
Hoisting herself onto his work bench she gave him her undivided attention. "Of course you're going to have input. It's our wedding. But we just got engaged, I hadn't realized you'd been giving it thought already."
"Of course I've been giving it thought, Swift Heart, I just don't want to be so stuck here I show up late to the event in my work clothes," Grumpy said.
"Awww but I love you in your overalls." She teased. "But I promise I won't let that happen. I will drag you out of here for each and every step along the way and if the Rainbow Rescue beam has the audacity to break on our special day I will personally smash it into a million pieces."
"Really?" Grumpy asked faux-dreamily, "Cause I would appreciate that. Hmm, maybe that's the problem." Grumpy had a thought, "Maybe we've been trying to fix this one so much it's just too, well, broken. It might be best if we just tore it apart and started with a new design altogether, but of course Bright Heart would pitch a fit if we did."
Grabbing a wrench on the table next to her she twirled it like a baton in her hand. "Well yeah if he knew it was us he would. However, what if it were to suffer a tragic accident in the middle of the night that causes it to fall to pieces. Unreprable pieces."
Grumpy kissed Swift Heart, "Just don't do it alone, maybe get Playful and Funshine to help you, or even Trick, it would help throw Bright off the trail."
"Pssshhh those crazies uhuh no way. I need wing men who can keep their heads in a tense situation. Plus he would suspect the resident pranksters right away. But don't worry, I know just the girls to use. And furthermore, I think I know an alibi so we can never be implicated." Wrapping her arms loosely around his neck she rested her nose against his. "Sound acceptable? Say yes and I'll let you have full control over the menu for the wedding."
"Perfect," Grumpy hugged and kissed her, "let me know how it goes when you get it done."
"I'm sure you'll know. Because I'll be sneaking in through your bedroom window." She put a hand up to stop his next words, "And yes I know you could just leave the front door unlocked, but this will be more fun."
"Gotcha," Grumpy said smiling, "So what else do you have planned for the day?"
She shrugged, "Nothing much. Bugging you as much as possible so you couldn't get any work done whatsoever. Why? Did you have something in mind?"
"Well not anymore. I did want to go spend time with Fauna, see how things are going in the Falls these days," Grumpy admitted.
"Well let's go do that. I'm never opposed to hanging with Fauna." Hopping down she gripped his hand. "In fact just for fun, I'm going to start referring to her as Wingman Alpha."
"I see," Grumpy said, rolling his eyes when Swift Heart referred to Fauna as Wingman Alpha, "Let's go see her shall we?"
"We shall." Leaving the garage Swift Heart pulled them to the Forest of Feelings. "I'm not sure exactly where they went though so this may take a few seconds."
"Really that long?" Grumpy asked in mock horror.
"Ha...Ha... you're so funny." Because she was too busy rolling her eyes she didn't realize she passed Blue and Fauna walking in their human forms.
Luckily Fauna guessed who they were looking for. "Rewind Swifty. We're back here."
Backtracking she slid to a halt next to the Pegasus couple. "No comment from you Grumpy."
"Hi Fauna," Grumpy said, hugging his goddaughter and deciding not to provoke Swift Heart, "How are things in the Falls these days?"
"Really good. Things have been really quiet and everyone is getting along. You'll see when you guys come for the summer festival."
"I sure will," Grumpy said, "is the council as stuffy and uptight as ever?" he asked, knowing the answer.
"Naturally. The day they become friendly and willing is the day the world comes to an end. However Blue has made huge progress in getting them to respect him."
"Yeah they actually listen when I say no to their stupid requests." Blue added. "And the spring festival went smoothly so I'm hoping this one does too."
"Smoothly might be a bit much to hope for with all of us there," Grumpy said, "Especially if Playful, Funshine and Trick get involved in much over there."
Blue smirked, "The guards on your portal will be given specific instructions to search those three thoroughly before letting them pass."
Swift Heart laughed, "Oh I am going to make sure I have the camera ready for that."
"Plus I don't want anything upstaging what I have planned to get the council to loosen up." Fauna told Grumpy.
"Can't wait to see that," Grumpy chuckled, "Make sure you save some of the camera for that, Swift Heart."
"Oh absolutely. Wingman Alpha I insist on being kept in the loop for every single detail of this plan."
Fauna looked at her confused, "What did you call me?"
"Explain it later. Just know that I too have big plans in the works." Rubbing her hands together she gave her best sinister laugh.
Blue looked to Grumpy, "Should I be concerned about this?"
"Not unless you suddenly started using a lot of technology in the Falls," Grumpy reassured him.
He shook his head. "All we have is the TV and DVD player Fauna insisted on bringing with her."
"Hey I was not going to miss out on all the latest movies just because I left the mortal world. And it worked out good because it gives you an excuse to let Ruby and Arrow spend more time at our house."
Swift Heart looked surprised, "I heard you'd taken a liking to them."
Blue blushed, "I just feel bad that they had to suffer so much so early in life. Being with Fauna I know what it's like to not know your parents growing up."
"Well it's good those two are adjusting, they certainly look a lot healthier than when they first arrived here," Grumpy commented. "And Ruby's apparently going to be spending a week or so here so I can try to get to know her better. I wonder where she and Trick took off too."
Fauna shrugged, "We haven't seen them but Ruby sounded like that was what she intended."
Blue cleared his throat, "Make sure no one asks her too many questions about her time as a captive. She gets flashbacks."
"Don't worry, we'll be sure not to upset her," Grumpy reassured them.
Swift Heart shook her head, "It amazes me those two are together. They spend more time bickering then I bet they do playing nice."
Blue shrugged, "Maybe it won't last. With Ruby and Arrow among their own kind now they may look at other options."
Fauna shook her head, "Maybe not with Trick and Ruby. But I can tell Arrow is in it for the long haul."
"You think so?" Grumpy asked, "Why do you say that, Fauna?"
"I'm just saying. Arrow had the option to try seeing one of his own kind because he wasn't attached and he didn't. Ruby ignored her other options because she was spoken for. I'm just afraid she might regret it later."
"I hope she doesn't for her sake," Grumpy said, "On the other hand, I'm more worried about Trust Heart, he just can't seem to grasp how to handle a Cloud Car. He's too reckless and rough behind the driver's seat."
"And all of the usual cloud mobile instructors are now too scared to drive with him." Swift Heart replied with a smirk.
"Couldn't you have Trick help him out? He seems to know what he's doing." Fauna asked.
"That might help, if we can convince Trick to actually teach him," Grumpy said, "But it's the only idea we have left."
"I don't think that will be a problem. It seems like he enjoys driving the cloud mobiles. Almost like he's trying to satisfy an itch he just can't scratch." Swift Heart mused.
Blue grinned, "And maybe a few near death experiences will get him too preoccupied to open his mouth and get himself in trouble."
"That would be a nice change," Grumpy said.
"Hey guys sorry to interrupt but a few of us are going to get a game of capture the flag going. Want to join?" Champ came jogging up to them.
Swift Heart and Fauna exchanged a look before linking arms.
Blue merely groaned, "Why bother playing when we know those two on a team together means the other team is going to lose."
"Because if we don't play, they'll take it personally and we'll never hear the end of it," Grumpy said, sighing irritably as he followed after his fiancé.
Several hours later Tinker was walking with Arrow, Fauna, and Blue back to the portal that connected Pegasus Falls with the Forest of Feelings. All 3 Pegasis were back in their natural forms.
Arrow and Tinker walked a few paces behind the monarchs. "How you holding up?"
"Pretty good," Tinker replied, "but after what happened with my brother I'm better than earlier. Think Ruby will be alright in my room this week?"
He nodded, "She'll be fine. I made her promise not to mess with any of your stuff, otherwise I was going to tell the most annoying of her admirers she was interested in him."
"Nice," Tinker said, "what do you think the ones who were interested in you will say when they meet me?" she asked, curious.
"Feathers will puff up, and they will be nice to your face. But then as soon as you leave they will start screeching and crying like a bunch of harpies." Fauna called back to them.
When Arrow looked to Blue for conformation, the king grinned cockily, "A lot of mares thought Fauna was inappropriate Queendame material. And I mean a lot."
Scowling Fauna kicked out at her mate.
"Yeah well they can stuff it," Tinker said, "I don't love Arrow for approval from others, I love him for him," she added.
Grinning Arrow softly nosed Tinker's cheek.
"Alright Tinker this is the tree where the portal is located." Fauna told her as they stopped by a tree with a perfect circle of clover around the base. "All you have to do is say Equis Avi and the portal will open for you."
To demonstrate what Fauna had said Blue recited the password. A tiny ball of light grew into a large shining portal. Blue trotted through first followed by Fauna, Arrow, and Tinker.
On the other side, Blue was speaking with the guards, telling them to allow Tinker passage whenever she came through.
"Welcome to my home." Arrow spread a wing, indicating the Falls.
As Tinker stepped through, she was in awe. Yes the Forest of Feelings was great and the real plants on earth were good, but Pegasus falls were a pure marvel. Trees as far as the eye could see, skies clearer than any she'd ever seen. She took a deep breath, the air was so clean, nothing but the smell of plants was like nothing she'd ever smelled before.
Arrow smiled knowingly, "Told you it was worth it."
"Well kids it's been fun, but Blue and I have to be going. Apparently the council isn't too happy that he played hooky all day." She shrugged innocently. "Who knew?"
"Arrow will show you around and get you settled. I've spoken with the guards so you shouldn't be a problem. Welcome to Pegasus Falls Tinker." Blue gave her a nod and took to the skies followed by Fauna.
Placing one wing over her shoulders he asked, "So. What would you like to see first?"
"I don't know," Tinker was still half in a stupor, "what is there to see?"
He couldn't help but laugh at her wide-eyed awestruck reaction. "Tons. I can introduce you to some friends, or show you where we'll be sleeping. Or I can take you for a fly and you can see everything from above."
"I'd like to fly, then meet your friends," Tinker said.
"Hop on." Arrow knelt down so Tinker could get up on his back.
Tinker smiled and climbed on Arrow's back, holding on to his sides carefully, "I'm ready when you are."
"Then allow me fair maiden to show you the wonder that is Pegasus Falls. Please no flash photography, smoking, animal calls, obnoxious questions, or fidgeting while your Pegasus tram is in motion. Thank You." Spreading his wings he easily took to the sky and began to soar over the Falls.
They weren't the only ones airborne. Pegasis could be seen flying all over.
"Wow, this place is even more amazing from up here!" Tinker said, "Any landmarks you can point out from here?"
"Of course. That mountain range directly below us is the Pearl Head mountains. And the black ones in the east are the Onyx Mountains. That's where my herd nest." He banked left, flying over the Pearl Head mountains. The air became filled with a strange sound like thunder. "See down there? Those are The Falls." 7 large Waterfalls came cascading down from the side of a mountain and formed a large lake sized pool with a river leading out of it. "The river leads away to the Field of Kings, where all our fallen Kingsires are buried."
"Wow," Tinker said, "I think my mind might be permanently blown for a while," she joked, "but I'd like to meet your friends now."
"I'll see who we can track down. We'll try the Golden Eagle herd first." He headed for the Onyx Mountains. "Tink, I don't want you to feel weird if the guys stare. Not everyone is used to seeing Care Bears. Hell I think a lot of Pegasus don't even know you guys exist."
"After everything we went through, especially to get to this time, a few odd stares won't be a problem," Tinker reassured him.
Arrow grinned back at her. Landing gently on a ledge he released a sharp whinny. It was instantly answered with 2 similar noises as the Pegasis responsible landed on the ledge. Both were stallions, one a sleek streamlined dark brown with two light yellow stockings on his back legs. His wings too were light yellow and his mane was completely buzzed off. The other stallion was along the same build as Arrow. His coat was light purple, covered in a splattering of large white splotches while his wings remained an untouched lavender. His eyes were ringed in white as well.
"Dude it's about time you came back. Can we finally meet this dame you've been crowing about all week?" The purple stallion was practically hopping in excitement.
"Chill Pallas. I got her." Indicating Tinker he continued, "Tinker this is Pallas, and that is Widgeon. Guys this is Tinker."
"Nice to meet you," Tinker said, not sure how else to greet them, "My name is Tinker Bear, but just call me Tinker."
Pallas looked her up and down mouth open. Widgeon however moved forward, "Nice to meet you Tinker. You'll have to excuse Pallas, he gets overzealous and his brain needs a moment to play catch-up."
Shaking his purple head Pallas came out of his stupor, "Are you one of the bears?"
Widgeon sighed, "No turtle brain. Arrow already explained she wasn't a Pegasus. Remember?"
"Oh yeah!" He grinned warmly at her, "Sorry sweetheart, I'm not the brightest star in the sky but I'm fun."
"I can see that," Tinker said, "What kind of fun are you referring to?"
"Trust me Tink, just spending an afternoon with him is entertaining. Pallas has a really short attention span and memory so he is constantly getting himself in trouble. But he's so chill about it he never gets reprimanded."
"Ah yes the easy life of a simpleton." Widgeon commented.
Pallas grinned widely. "And proud of it." He then looked questioningly at Arrow, "What did he call me again?"
"I see what you mean," Tinker said, "Reminds me of my brother," she added under her breath.
Widgeon circled around Tinker, looking her over. Arrow watched him, trying to get a sense of what his friend was seeing. After a moment he stopped nodding, "She certainly is an interesting one." He smiled knowingly at her, "Not much experience with the outdoors before now?"
"Not this kind of outdoors, I more used to flat open places, not dense forests," Tinker said, careful not to say why she was used to it.
Pallas knocked Widgeon out of the way, "No problem! We can take you to the savannah section. It's really flat and open there." Without waiting for a response Pallas took off and began flying away.
Snickering Arrow whispered, "He's heading for the desert region."
Groaning Widgeon called after him, "Pallas, south, not west."
Unfazed he turned and headed in the correct direction.
"What do you say Tinker? Want to go to the savannah?" Arrow asked her.
"Sure, should I just follow him or are you offering a ride again?" she asked, smiling.
"Oh she's so sweet and innocent. She thinks she could walk all the way to the savannah."
"Trust me. She could run there and beat us all." He knelt down once more, "But I don't want you getting lost Tink so hop on. We better hurry or Pallas is going to go too far and end up in the jungle."
Tinker obliged, climbing on Arrow's back, "Well fly on, Arrow, "she said."
He raised a brow at her. "You okay?"
"Nothing, why do you ask?" Tinker asked.
"You just seem extra quiet. Even for you." He nodded his head over in Widgeons direction. "He didn't say anything to be mean you know. It's just the way he talks."
"Sorry, do you want me to talk their ears off?" she asked, in mock annoyance, "I just don't have much to say, I know so little about nature, or these Falls, 90% of my knowledge is how to build and work technology and other than the TV and movies Fauna has, none of that stuff is in the falls."
He smiled kindly at her as he took off. "Then you should definitely ask questions. Widgeon will love it. And so will Pallas. Sure the answers you get out of him will be unusual but he's more than happy to give them."
"Gotcha," Tinker said, I'll ask them after we land, What's a savanna like?" she asked Arrow.
Shaking his head he flew on. "I'm not spoiling it. I want you to get the full effect. Especially since its sundown."
After flying for a half hour A vast open space stretched before them. There were a few trees that looked like large golf tees and the rest was covered in patches of long waving grass. The setting sun was turning it a mirade of orange, yellow, and red.
"Whoa!" Tinker said, surveying the landscape around her, "This place is great!" she bent doing a few stretches, "With this much space I need to run!" she stood up then took off at high speed, staying in sight of the Pegasus while she did so.
Pallas swung his butt into Arrow, "Holy jumping bullfrogs! Did you see her go?"
"No Pallas. This is the very first time I have ever seen my girlfriend run." Arrow replied dryly as he watched Tinker dashing all over the place.
Tinker eventually came back to Arrow and Palls, skidding to a halt, "The ground's got good grip here," she commented, "which herds live out here?" she asked.
Feeling at a loss both boys looked to Widgeon. Grinning the brown began to ramble them off, "Elephant, giraffe, zebra, hippo, kudu, crocodile, cheetah, lion, hyena, water buffalo, and a lot of others. Basically any animal you would find in the real savannah is here."
"That's a lot of animals," Tinker said. She looked at Pallas, "Something wrong? Never seen someone run that fast?"
"Not someone lookin like you. Hell I don't think even mortal bears can move like that."
"Clearly she's not a normal bear Pallas so the normal realm of allowance cannot be taken into account in regards to what she can and cannot do."
For a moment he just stared at Widgeon before looking at Arrow for a translation. "He said you just gotta go with it."
"Can do. So Tinker what else do you like to do for fun?"
"Well most of the stuff I do for fun involves technology, but I like swimming too, I'm not as fast as I am on land but I'm decent in the water," Tinker said.
"You should take her swimming in Diamond Lake while she's here. It's the best spot in the whole place."
"That was definitely on my list of activities Widgeon." Arrow told him.
"Oh! Oh! Oh! You should take her to the Lagun. It's super private and romantic there." Pallas paused a moment, "Actually scratch that. You don't want to go there. Some of the herds aren't very nice."
"Which herds are those?" Tinker asked.
Arrow pawed as he thought, "The vipers, sharks, and komodos right?"
The others nodded. "They think they're a pretty big deal." Widgeon told Tinker.
"I can understand that," Tinker said, "Just how much are most Pegasus influenced by their guardian form?" she asked.
"We usually have one distinctive trait that carries onto our normal forms. Like with us, we are all members of the golden eagle herd and we have excellent eyes. Ruby is agile and balanced because of her guardian form and Fauna prefers to take care of herself and is protective of her 'pack' due to hers."
Pallas nodded in agreement, "Some take it a bit far though and see their forms as superior to others. My brother is in the raven herd and they don't talk to anyone who isn't under a bird guardian."
"Interesting," Tinker said, "So any sights out here on the Savanna you think I should see?"
Arrow shrugged, "I've never really come out here. Mostly I fly between our herd grounds, Ruby's and Pearl Head. We can just walk around and explore."
Widgeon cleared his throat. "Well I'll leave you two to that. I have to go on duty soon anyway." He bobbed his head at Tinker, "It was lovely meeting you, and I'm sure I'll see you around."
"Dude you're gonna miss out on all the fun." Pallas told him.
Shaking his head Widgeon pushed Pallas away, "Nope. Your busy too."
"But if I leave, then Arrow and Tinker will be all alone."
"Exactly mud mind." Pallas still looked at Widgeon like he was speaking another language.
Sighing in exasperation he tried again, "They're a couple."
The white ringed eyes finally widened in understanding, "Oh right I have to go too. Later dude." Together they flew away.
"That was sure nice of them," Tinker said, placing her hand on the side of Arrow's neck.
"Yeah they're good guys. I'm glad I met them." Placing a wing around her back he nudged her gently. "Care to go for a walk?"
"Oh, but walking's so slow!" she complained. Then grinned, "Of course, I'm not as big a speed demon as my mom is."
"That I am glad for because the only way I could hope to keep up with you is in my eagle form." Arrow paused to take a bite of the tall grass. "Grumpy is different around her. It's weird."
"Yeah, he is," Tinker said, "I guess we're just so used to seeing him in his hidden depression state in our time." Tinker looked at the tall grass, "please tell me there is food here I can eat, I'm not sure I can survive on grass for a week."
Arrow laughed, "What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't think about your every need." Going to one of the trees he gripped a small fuchsia fruit in his teeth. Bringing it over to Tinker her dropped it in her hands. "Try that for now. Each region has some kind of fruits, nuts, or berries to eat. And like I said, Ruby and I have connections for take-out."
"Thanks," Tinker said, taking a bite of the fruit, it wasn't like anything she'd tasted before, "What is this Arrow?"
"It's a type of plum. They're okay but wait till you taste moon berries. Nothing, and I do mean nothing is sweeter than a bush of just ripened moon berries."
Tinker continued to munch, "Well it's good," as she finished she asked, "Are moon berries indigenous to the falls?"
"Yup here and only here. There are a lot of plants like that. I just don't remember them as well as moon berries."
"I don't think anyone could," Tinker said, "Are moon berries a luxury or are they fairly common?"
"They're all over the forest region." He indicated back in the direction they'd come. "In fact if you're done running around here we should head back. I can't see as well in the dark and I don't want to spend the night here. I miss being around trees."
"Of course, want me to ride on you again or do you think I can run?" Tinker asked.
He smirked mischievously, "Let's see if you can keep up speed racer." Flapping a few feet off the ground he headed back for the forest region towards his nest."
"You'd better change to guardian form!" she called out after him as she took off back the way they had come from at high speed.
Seeing Tinker pull ahead he shifted as he flew, uttering a screech as he did so. Flapping hard he attempted to catch up.
Tinker heard the screech and did her best to pick up the pace, but she had to slow down because of the trees and because she was unfamiliar with the layout of the area, plus she didn't have the freedom of movement afforded by open skies.
Seeing his nest below he pulled in his wings and perched on the rim. Shaking off his feathers he waited for Tinker to arrive. He knew he wouldn't be waiting long.
Tinker arrived about 20 seconds later, and jumped into the nest, "You win, but you had the sky and you know the area," she said, "I'll beat you here someday," she added, lying down.
He gazed down at her, "I know you will." Peering up at the sky he saw the first few stars beginning to make an appearance. "Any idea what you want to do tomorrow?"
"Mostly, I want to see everything we can in the falls," Tinker said, "give me a grand tour if you will, plus I'd love to taste those moon berries if we can."
Without responding he flapped away. He was back in a second, a small branch with silver blue berries clutched in his talons. "Your wish is my command." Dropping the berries in her lap he perched by her head.
"Wow, I wasn't expecting that, thanks Arrow," Tinker took one of the berries and carefully ate it. Her face lit up as she tasted it, "Arrow, these berries are fantastic!" she said, taking two more and popping them in her mouth, "Thanks," she added, turning and kissing him.
Feeling her lips against his beak caused him to screech happily once more. "Lean forward I'm shedding this form." As she did so, he settled behind her in his Pegasus form, allowing her to lay her head against his side. "Comfy?"
Tinker leaned her head against him, "Very," she said, "Thanks for letting me visit, Arrow," she said, closing her eyes.
Wrapping his neck around her he rested his head in her lap. "Thank you for coming." Resting his nose in her hand he exhaled warm air.
Tinker smiled, "Good night Arrow, sweet dreams."