Location: 47°53'07.88"N 122°55'44.58"W
Time since asteroid impact: 3 Years 5 months 4 days
The journey to the three peaks of judgement wasn't hard to say the least, but it wasn't easy either. Winding around numerous lakes that were too deep to wade through, coupled with downed trees, the place had been inundated by ash. Said ash wasn't fresh, and came in clumps that were starting to harden into rock. Since they were coming from the south, the peak responsible was Reniar; the representation of future judgement. The sheer irony that it erupted before they arrived was enough to make the group smile. Fortunately, they didn't have to go across too much of the stuff, as they had already devised a plan to stay away from the peaks as possible. It did mean they would have to go across more hills and mountains, but they had faced worse.
Helena, the name of the peak of present judgement, became visible. Not as prominent as the peak before, but enough for them to realise they would be getting closer to this one than the one before. Luckily, there was a neat ridge that acted as a barrier, should the volcano have erupted. Instead, it remained dormant, and it was soon made clear why as a large indent on the side of the rim was visible. This in turn made it clear that all three volcanoes may have erupted at once not more than weeks after the events that occurred three years back.
A small river led as their path up the shallow slope, but it soon came apparent what they were about to deal with. Looking at the map once more, they soon realised that the only way to progress was to get dangerously close to the Admas Mountain, the peak of past judgement. As in right near it's north slope close, and to say the group were at edge was an understatement. Hardened ground made their feet ache beyond what they would normally cope with, and so the rest of the day was spent getting out of a bowel shaped valley that would otherwise be a target of being filled with ash and lava. Though they could still see the peak, they were at least outside of the immediate danger zone by nightfall.
To their satisfaction, the next few days spent were more relaxing, nothing but flat soft ground, with little terrain and lakes to slow their journey down. Any hills or valleys that did come in their way were more seen as things to go weave around than barriers, and at the end of each day they would review their progress, becoming more and more excited about eventually seeing the mountains that would make all of the journey worth it. Things became much better when they had entered a massive plain of flat land, just south of a rather large body of mountains. They were now just west of home, making sure to keep near the mountains to the north as to make their location more easy to find on the map, though after making it across a rugged landscape of black rock they decided to just go straight east.
And then not too long after that, they spotted them. White-capped, the mountain rage aligned perfectly on the map, though for Verena they didn't look like what they used to be. Badly damaged, one of the peaks had appeared to be blown off, she knew of course what was responsible for that. The remaining peaks had also been warped, but not to the extent of the highest peak, which was now shorter. Just one more night, and the day after that was spending as much time as possible to make it to the mountains. Flat ground provided most of their way, until they entered the remains of what used to be the steep old river valleys that formed from water from the mountains. These valleys provided a new trouble, not hard but again it made Clawtooth feel far once more, even if it was in all it's glorious view.
In fact because of the river system, they had almost not seen something in the distance to the north.
Location: 45°28'32.43"N 111°41'49.36"W
Time since asteroid impact: 3 Years 5 months 2 weeks
After the strange encounter, Arlo made it the absolute top priority to get back home. Before, it felt like he could go at his own pace, it definitely felt that way with Verena and his friends. But they weren't with him, they were near Clawtooth and apparently the rest of his family were just as near. He was still a few days away, which in a way turned out to act as a mild adrenaline boost, helping him go that little bit further before needing food or water or even sleep for that matter. Even now, it was still helping him get through a valley between two mountain ranges, the left side higher than the right.
South was the only direction the valley allowed, but that didn't matter to Arlo. He enjoyed it even, as it was practically taking him in the direction he needed, with no mountain ranges severely blocking his path. And even when the valley did end, he saw the opportunity of a gap within the southern range, allowing an easy way up and over. He figured he would sleep once he got past the range, and continue from there. He was too happy about home being nearby to stay asleep though, only in short periods could he maintain something equivalent.
Even when day arrived, as he got out from the forest it only took a slight glance to the left to see the sight he had been waiting to see for over three years. Clawtooth, different and battered but that didn't matter. He made sure to double check where he was, and nearly yelled in joy. Finally, he was close enough to see the mountains for what they were. Making it to one of the last small creeks by nightfall, there was still some land to get through, and he made sure to sleep properly that night as to be fully awake when he got to see his family. Naturally, he did wonder whether he had come too early, or whether they'll still be there waiting for him, but at that moment it didn't matter.
Once out of the creek he started galloping to the mountains, but soon found it tiring to continue, and slowed to a speed-walk pace. He looked at those mountains with such passion, he couldn't look away for even a second from them. Then, standing out from the wind, he could hear a faint call from the south. The green rolling hills made it difficult to determine where or even who it was coming from, he didn't want to raise his hopes up too much in case it wasn't anything. But this close to Clawtooth just to hear a call was enough for him to start jumping to conclusions.
Just then, his eyes fixated upon a small collection of dots far across the hills. At first it didn't seem like much, but the more he listened, the more he realised that the calls were coming from that direction. He kept walking in the direction he was going in, to see if the dots would get any bigger or closer. Nonetheless, they did indeed seem to be getting nearer, as if the dots knew where he were. There was a small dip that Arlo had to go down and then back up and out, and by the time he did that, the dots were much closer and could now be seen as more than just dots. The calls were familiar, and the shapes were familiar too.
"Verena!?" Arlo shouted, starting to deviate from the direction he was going. The more he ran towards them, the more he knew he was right, now in front of him were his friends, along with Verena as well. Both parties ran to each other, grouping up into a bundle once Arlo had come into contact with Verena. Everyone was celebrating, laughing, Verena and Arlo were even in tears after being split apart twice. The two had once again been reunited, but one goal was just a mountain away.
Location: 43°35'00.48"N 109°31'44.16"W
Time since asteroid impact: 3 Years 5 months 2 weeks 2 Days
Beige landscapes where the only view for a short period of time, however this wasn't to last as long as they thought. Only going past the second high hill did they see the green hills lat lay just a bit further beyond, along with the nearby rivers where shrub-sized trees were growing from. As a group of seven, it was no surprise that they would see Clawtooth at the edge of the beige environment, with the greens starting to mix before completely covering the hills half way to the horizon, where the bruised peaks lay standing there. Seeing the details from this far was challenging enough for them to continue moving, right to the end of the day.
By that point however, they soon realised the peaks weren't of Clawtooth's, they were still one more day away from home. A let down for the trio, but the fact that Clawtooth wasn't too much further made up for that. To make up for it completely, it seemed as if the land itself gave a path for them to go through, right past the false peaks and to a U-shaped valley that sloped gently down. After three years, it appeared as if all the shaking ground had stabilized, not quite to what it used to be but enough for home to look... oh right. The U-Shaped valley ended, and around the corner revealed just how close they were.
So large, and so... close. They could easily see how much had changed, the tallest peak had indeed been reduced to no more than half of what it used to be, and the two other peaks had also suffered albeit not to the same extent. "Race ya!" Libby exclaimed as she ran as fast as she could down the hills that led to the Clawtooth Valley. Buck almost immediately chased after hear, while Ida mentally eye rolled over having to keep them in her sight. To her utter surprise however, Ramsey and Nash made their own race to the mountains, leaving just Ida, Russel, and Ethine.
"Well, this is new." Russel said bluntly, Ethine held a laugh back so much Ida thought she was gonna snort accidentally. After regaining her composure, Ethine could finally speak, "Let them have their fun, we're going to the same place. As for us three..."
"Slow and steady?" Ida suggested. "Not too slow though." Russel replied, "You have plans on constructing the next homestead of yours?"
Ida stopped momentarily, "I... I think once we've finished having the nostalgic experience, I'll see what we can do while we wait for the others." After that, the three remaining individuals began walking steadily to the Clawtooths. Although the meandering rivers were in the way, everyone was easily able to make it closer and closer. It didn't even feel like thirty minutes before they could be truly at the home they were at. Some new lakes had apparently appeared in the time they were gone, filling up a basin to the north of their destination. Suddenly, they all heard a sound from the mountains, prominent enough to make them all stop.
So close to where the farm was, and yet despite that, they could all see a group of individuals from about half way up the mountain. In the midst of them all wondering what this group was up to, they were shocked to see them start going down the snow-laden slopes. The yells, screams, and laughter grew louder to the point where Buck, Ida and Libby at the exact same time lit up with excitement after recognising two of the voices. As the group from the mountain reached the bottom, they too started making their way over, two in particular made their way much faster.
Russel watched in the distance as Ida, Buck and Libby formed a group hug with who he assumed was Arlo and Verena, only to be surprised when another individual from the group came out to meet Ramsey and Nash, bearing a striking resemblance compared to the two siblings. Through all the commotion, he could make out that it was most likely their father, and immediately felt sympathy as to how much emotion they were all feeling at that moment.
"Hey there." Three more came to meet Russel and Ethine, the only two out of the seven not currently in the midst of a reunion. "I'm Ivy, and these two are Masahiro and Kichi. You must be Henry-"
"Actually I'm his brother, Russel." Russel corrected, apparently loud enough for Arlo, Verena and Butch to hear. "It's a pleasure to meet you Ivy, I hope things weren't too harsh on your side." Kichi started laughing, leaving Masahiro to explain. "Escaping from a city that's being destroyed by a volcano you're on top of? Yeah things went just swell on our side." Ivy joined in with Kichi, and Russel was about to admit that it was quite funny.
Arlo and Verena however halted that thought, as they had now come close enough to distract his attention. "Uuuh hi... I'm not- still not, good at greeting, but..." His voice whimpered when Butch came over to him. "My kids weren't too much on 'ya, weren't they?"
"Don't worry, they were fine. Me and Buck wouldn't have made it without them." Russel responded, trying to hold back the nervousness of the situation. "Before you two start asking, I think it should be up to Henry to tell you. Ida was thinking of letting me stay but, with so many here it might be too much." Russel said calmly, everyone was happy except him. He didn't know what to do, even if Henry came.
"And where do you think you're going?" A voice from behind said aloud, grabbing not just his attention, but everyone else's.
Location: 43°07'34.88"N 112°37'48.11"W
Time since asteroid impact: 3 Years 5 months 2 weeks 1 Day
With Clawtooth in sights, Henry and his friends made it as far as they could throughout the remaining day they had left. Almost loosing sight of it behind a small mountain range, they spent the night on the edge of said range for shelter against the wind, soon to go up the hills to get a better view in the morning. From the hills, they could see the valley that stood between them and the Clawtooths, but found a new problem. The Clawtooth range had few ways to go through, meaning the nearest one was a passage that was to the south of the famous peaks.
Not that it was a challenge, but it would certainly mean more time until they arrived, and the top of the passageway would also be frigid. That certainly didn't matter for Henry, Negev, Pelias and Spot, as they began to hike up the passageway as the snow line became ever closer. At the very top of the passage way, the temperature was freezing to the point where everyone wanted to get down as soon as possible. Fortunately the snow line was high, meaning they would soon be out of it by going just a little bit downwards. Reaching a point where trees covered more than snow, they set up for the last night before going all the way to the bottom.
Seeing the valley for the first time in years threw some nostalgia at Henry, reminding him of the time when he and Ida first came to the valley all those years ago. Times certainly had changed, but despite the earthquakes, the valley still gave off that familiar feel to it. "We still don't know if they're gonna be there or not. Who knows if we're the first ones here..." Pelias said, slightly disrupting everyone's train of thought.
Henry felt a hard nudge from Spot, who directed him to a particular direction next to where the mountains were. He could only just make it out, but that's all what was needed for him to not help but smile. "Well I'll be, looks like we're actually the last to arrive." Negev remarked. Henry ignored him, and instead started to walk straight in that direction. As the walk evolved to a run, he made his way close enough to see all that were there, none of which had seen him somehow. It was only then did he see his brother for the first time, not in just 3 years, but much longer than that.
"And where do you think you're going?" Henry called out, everyone in front of him finally turned to his direction, and Russel who was starting to walk off had stopped. He could see his family wanting to reunite, but weren't at the moment, as if waiting for something else to happen beforehand. Looking back to Russel, who had by now fully looked towards him, he could see just how changed his brother really was. They were still quite far from each other, but over time had walked close enough to gaze upon each other.
"Russel..." Henry began, almost bewildered. Seeing your family for the first time in 3 years was one thing, seeing your brother for the first time since childhood? That was something entirely different. "I'm-" Russel wrapped his tail around Henry, and Henry lost the words he was going to say. Confusion and panic nearly drove Henry to pull away, but he didn't; too curious to know why after what he did, his brother would be forgiving.
"It's okay." Russel replied, in a tone that almost matched Henry's. "You made things difficult but, I think your family has compensated for that." Henry soon glanced over to Ida, the latter of whom had looked surprised, but at the same time didn't say anything. As Russel begun to pull back, he looked at his brother square on to explain, "They uuh, they offered me to stay here with you and all but, I figured only if you were to-"
"Of course you can stay!" Henry immediately returned the embrace. Russel had been a little surprised, but that soon grew when he started hearing the sounds of someone sobbing. He tried looking at everyone else, but only saw a mix of awe and shock. After a while, Henry pulled back, and did his best to stop. "Sorry... and here I thought you were the more emotional one of us."
Russel chuckled at that, "I think time has made us swap places." Henry started laughing with him until they both calmed down. Almost immediately they both said "Thank you." and came close to laughing again, finally breaking the tension. As the welcoming and final reunion had started, Russel allowed Henry reunite with his family, and spectated as everyone else followed suit. The three rexes, Ethine and Negev, Russel even met up with Pelias again.
In the midst of everyone talking, Henry called out "Buck." Buck and Arlo turned around to face and walk over to Henry. Patiently they waited for him to continue, but Henry couldn't find any words to say.
For that reason, Buck spoke up. "It's okay poppa, I know why you did it. Me and Arlo talked and-"
"I've forgiven him." Arlo interrupted, his tone almost too serious for Henry to make sense of. "I've made too many mistakes in my life, what I did to Russel being the biggest mistake I could have ever made. What you did was just as bad Buck but, I shouldn't have done that to you."
Arlo and Buck wrapped themselves around Henry, the latter of which being awfully surprised. "After everything that's happened, I missed the most." Henry calmly spoke. Before the trio waked over to the rest of the family. Everyone begun discussing their own journeys, and if one were there, they would almost mistake the moment for a party. But it was a party, a reunion party. The sun was still high, and whatever clouds hung in the sky was little more than wisps and streaks of white, even the birds could be heard singing at times. Arlo was sure surprised to see Spot, but relaxed once his poppa started explaining everything that happened between them. It was nice, a grand total of seventeen individuals, all together. Truly the best of celebrations.
Things however, took a turn when Negev mentioned the other Henry. Everyone stopped, glanced at each other, and it wasn't long before the same conclusion could be made. No one had said it, but everyone was thinking it. Where ever he was, the other Henry had in fact approached everyone. "So who would like to go first?" Henry asked.
Audio Message #42: Subject Member 2 (AKA Verena), Member 1 (AKA Arlo), Members 4/5/6 (AKA Ida, Buck, and Libby respectively), and Member 3 (AKA Henry) - have traveled 802, 402, 66, and 117 miles (1291, 647, 107, and 188 Km's) respectively. After 3 years, 5 months, 2 weeks and 3 days, the entire family along with the friends they made are all back home. Surprisingly, they arrived almost at the exact same time (with exception to Henry for being almost an hour late). I would like to personally congratulate them for making it through all the troubles and hardships they faced. Things won't ever be the same for them, it won't even go back to what they used to be. But I know they'll make it, find stability where possible, and be a family once again.
As with the things that have been left unsolved, most notably the other Henry, I have my assumptions and I have come to my conclusions. However, there is not enough time to explain everything as of now, and it involves some events that have happened before all of this on my end. Eventually, I might be able to share that story with you. But for now all I can say is that the journey, regarding the reunited family, has safely drawn to a close. All of their survival ratings are at a 4.95 out of 5.
End of message.
A/N: And there we have it, the last(ish) chapter of the story.
'Last-ish?' You might be asking. Yes, this technically counts as the last chapter, for it is the end of the family's journey. However, there is one more chapter that serves as a catalyst for the next and last TGD story I'll be making. Think of it more as an epilogue, and whether you want to regard the chapter as being canon to the story is up to you. There's not much I can say about the chapter before most of the next story is published, but what I can say is that it doesn't make too much sense until you put it in context with the next story. They tie together very closely, but only if the reader chooses to acknowledge that.
For now though, this is the end of this story.
Final chapter: Salvation
Fun Facts: N/A
