Rams' thoughts

Jim was almost sure this information, Morph might be able to give, was crucial. He also knew almost for sure that this evening, they would come back. Atlantica was not far after all. After work he left to take a flight. He would eat later, together with them. He picked up his improved board. How stupid, was that. He thought bitterly when he looked at it. Now the board was much heavier to carry. I should have known, it was a silly wishful thought. I'm not ever going to ask her to fly with me, not if I have to leave Ram standing alone! But what's his deal anyway? Stupid fish man! It has been a while for Jim to be feeling so alone. It made him mad. Jim started the engine with a kick of his feet and jumped off the cliff. It was getting dark, so he didn't have to hide behind the hills. He tried out his new engine to the fullest. Speeding, looping and rising higher and higher up, until his eyes were full of tears by the wind. Despite of its improved size, the board kept turning by hand as easy as ever. "Man I'm good."Said Jim grinning to himself. He did a few rounds over the beach, then landed on the beach to wait for a little longboat with two people in it.

The little longboat came into sight when the sun was merely a flesh of orange light. Melody was the first one who got out, she jumped on the sand and greeted Jim with a tight hug. Jim had to find his balance, because, of her small size, she had jumped to him and so she had thrown her whole weight at him. Jim greeted her quickly and a bit uncomfortable. He walked to Ram who was still sitting in the boat. "Here, give me your arm."He said. Ram accepted it gladly with a large grin on his face. "Thanks man, long time no see."

"Oh I'm so sorry. Cried Melody and ran back to the boat. "I forgot you aren't able to use your legs yet."

"Don't worry about it Mel, I got him."Said Jim. He was right, Ram was almost used to his legs, he only needed one man from his own size to assist him. Ram grinned at Melody, it made her feel very silly, so she looked away. Morph became his old little punk self again and flew to Jim to greet him too and to receive his gratitude. Jim went back to business.

"Morph. He began. Morph hold still and looked at him. Can you tell me what you saw on that ship with that dark figure on it? Why were you so afraid to go back to it when we went to look for it?"

"You went to look for it by yourself!" Cried Melody with a high voice. Jim ignored her and went on. "What did you found out Morph? Please, tell us.

Morph made a sad face, shivered over his entire body and transformed himself into the dark figure from that night. After that, he transformed again, but not back into himself. He was now a miniature human being, a man. The three friends looked confused at it when it transformed again. This time into a woman. Jim looked to the others, they didn't had a clue either. Then, it came to him. "Are you saying that he is a shape shifter too?"

"It would make a lot of sense, though. Said Melody. Remember that time when you guys saw me again at this beach? The boys nodded. Well, at that time, I was actually heading for my own home, but a strange Smokey, talking monster wall came in my way. Ram and Jim looked surprised at each other. Melody went on. This wall said he would do anything to prevent me from going back to my home, he said that the strangers' plans were very important to him. Of course! He is the wall, it was speaking about itself! And at my home I heard the man who came to my parents speak once, he used different kinds of voices all the time, as if he hadn't one of his own. This is going to be very tricky and very dangerous."

"I will protect you."Jim heard with him the same line from Rams' mouth. They looked surprised at each other. Melody giggled. "Thanks guys, what would I do without you two. She walked behind them, lay her arms over their shoulders and pulled their heads to hers. She did this only for a few seconds though, because she had to stand on the tips of her toes.

At dinner they spoke very little. The problems they would probably face were in everyone's mind. Melody and Ram had also no attention to talk about their journey, so Jim kept silent and didn't ask. Finally Ram got up. A bit clumsy, but on his own. "I have to get used to these legs, so I go outside for a bit, ok?"

"You're sure no one has to come along?"Asked Jim.

"Thanks Jim but no, otherwise I would never really learn it."

"Suit yourself then."

Ram left. He went through the front door, down the stairs, down the path to the beach. It seemed not a bright idea to get used to the gravity on high cliffs. He walked up and down the beach. It was like walking on sticks, legs were so stiff and you can only use them in one way. He tried once to walk through a little layer of water, but that wasn't a success. The water had his own direction and pushed him out of balance. "If the queen can do it, then so can I."Said Ram to himself with confidence. He walked and walked, when his legs felt a bit sore, he stretched them until it was better again. Lucky for him, it was a beautiful day with little wind. Of course, he also took this opportunity to think in peace. Melody was losing interest in him, he knew that, but was that really it? Maybe, it only looked that way, because his interest in her, had grown. It really puzzled him. Melody has always been like this, she always acts out of emotions, without much thought. "She likes Jim, not me. He muttered to himself. It was a reality, he had to face. Even though it hurt. Melody is my best friend Jim is really trust worthy and also a good friend. He went to sit down on a low rock. I never should have scold Jim at that time. He thought. I can live with it, I think. Melody never understood my feelings anyway! This thought made him very angry deep inside, although he didn't want it. It made him want to punch Jim in the face, but he also didn't want to do it. He stood up again. "This isn't getting me anywhere. He said out loud. I have to be helpful to them, not be angry at them!" He took a deep breath and began to ran. Straight looking forward, he ran as fast as he could. He didn't give his use of his legs much thought. Just let it come over me naturally. He thought. When it became clear, he had learned it, he took the risk and ran into the water. Ignoring the stream, he pushed his legs through it. When he couldn't get any further, he let himself fall down and tried to swim. He probably didn't do it how it should be, but he managed to swim for a little while.

He got out and realized how inconvenient it was for a human to go swimming without any preparations. The cold made him shake all over his body. It was like the sun had stopped shining. He hurried to the house. On his way, he got many surprised looks from strangers who also lived in the department. "Good lord, did you fell into the water, dear boy?"Asked a woman, when Ram was almost at his goal. "Yes, ma'am, but it will be fine." Replied Ram quickly and ran off to Jims' door. He knocked and when a surprised Melody opened it, he went inside without saying anything.

"Did you swim?"Asked Melody unbelievable.

"Yes and I think I'm used to these legs now, I even ran. But can you please ask Jim if he can do something against this cold." The inexperienced way he said it, made Melody laugh.

"Don't laugh, I'm f-fine. Ram shivered. T-this cold is n-nothing."

"Whatever you say." Smiled Melody and went to fetch Jim.

Even though Jim was one year older than Ram, Rams' shoulders were a little wider than his, so Ram had to wear just a undershirt with a jack until his sweater was dry. A replacement for his trousers was luckily no problem. Jim had laughed at his situation too, but Ram ignored them. They would have had the same problem if they stood in my shoes. Thought Ram.