"Sorry we made you come out all the way here, Robert. We obviously didn't know anything when we landed. If we did, we would've sent a word somehow for you to stay behind and not to put too much stress on the children.", Doc apologized.
Robert smiled, "You're family, Doc, all of you, and besides, from the action in here, I think they already love you. No need to be stressed, and besides, I am only almost 4 months along from the looks of it. And I am stronger than you know. I only rest once in a while when the kids are very active. They had their first kicks this morning, and they're exploring their homes which I couldn't blame them for.".
"Well, you could've fooled us there with what Susan just said about letting you rest.", Link smirked as the group got to moving once more. "So, anything we should know about this Eternal Mountain that hasn't already been said?".
Susan grinned lightly, "Well, you should know that the tribe, thanks to being Quantonium-infused, they are able to live for 1,000 years, more or less. We have a feeling that me, Robert, Esme, Phillippe, and Tristan have prolonged our lifetime to that, same thing for our miracles as well.".
"It really is quite crazy that it can be able to do that to the body. Who knows how long it might be for your family too, by the way? After all, you've evolved differently compared to the others down here. You might even live longer than that.", Doc pointed out.
Robert grimaced lightly, "I'd be happy to stay within 1,000 years...I'd hate to be immortal; you know?".
"Well, at least in your case, it's less heartbreak of having to say goodbye to everyone since most of your family lives as long as you.", B.O.B. said, surprising everyone with how smart that one sounded.
Susan blinked, and nodded, "That about sums it up.". Everyone soon came to a stop as they soon saw what their destination was off in the distance. "Wow... that thing is huge.", Link whistled.
"And to think it's connected to the core. I shudder to imagine what Gallaxahar would've been able to accomplish with all that Quantonium there.", Doc added.
"Well, we'll never have to wonder since it'll never happen.", Robert smiled as he led the way. "Come on you three... keep up.".
Susan called out to Robert, "We'll be on the first cliff, Robert. No need to get to the top as the mountain is literally full of Quantonium.". Robert nodded, "Fair enough. And no matter what spot, the view is always spectacular.", with a smile.
"I can certainly tell from here. This fauna is incredible.", Doc took a look over some of the plants they were wandering by. "I could spend decades trying to study all that's down here.".
"I'd rather be able to fight a dinosaur, that's like the ultimate challenge and all.", Link smirked at the thought. "I'd like some food... are we getting something soon?", B.O.B. asked as his stomach rumbled loudly.
Susan reassured him, "Relax, B.O.B., we'll get some food when we get back to the village. But for now, let's just enjoy the view, and oh, Link, there's a pond over there if you need an instant soak.".
"Good, my skin's really been drying out with how long it took for us to get down here.", Link cracked his knuckles as they got to the base of the mountain.
Robert nodded, "I'll take Doc and B.O.B. up to the first cliff. Sue, see to Link.", carefully leaning down and picking up the duo before climbing up slowly to the first cliff.
Susan smiled, "Come on, I'll guide you to the pond, Link. I'll give you five minutes before we go up to join the others, deal?".
"Give me an hour instead? I really just need to relax and swim a bit. I nearly died of boredom from how slow our journey was down here.", he groaned as he walked over to the pond and hopped in. "Wow, this thing is actually really deep. Very clear, but really deep.".
Susan chuckled lightly, "It's paradise, Link. Alright, I'll leave ya, Link. Just follow my footsteps or whatever.", leaving him to his much need relaxation, and smiled lightly as she got up to the first cliff, easily seeing Link over the edge.
She sat next to Robert, "Link really needs to hydrate badly. He says that he needs an hour.", as Doc and B.O.B is over on Robert's other side in the basket that Susan handed over to him.
Robert went to stretch his arm over Susan's shoulders, kissing her on the temple, "I don't blame him. The trip lasted quite a long time for them while for us, it lasted a few hours due to our fall.".
"If I had more room, I would've brought him some cards he could play with.", Doc chuckled as everyone sat down to relax.
"I wonder... this is going to be even more exposure to the Quantonium... think there's going to be any more changes, or do you think our bodies are telling the mountain to hold up on anything else?", Robert asked.
Susan rubbed his belly, "I couldn't blame our miracles if they want to grow a tad bigger. And as for changes, I think it's the boys' turn to receive something, perhaps maybe prolonging their lives like we had.".
"I honestly can't wait to see these new ones. It was already a pleasure to see Esme and Phillippe grow up and now to watch two more...", Doc said.
"Three. Don't forget... they're going to be grandparents too. Right? Isn't that why Phillippe said he was going to be a daddy?", B.O.B. interrupted.
Susan blinked in surprise, "Yes, that's right, B.O.B. Silvergrace's expecting a baby girl, and felt her first kicks this morning which was a great coincidence.".
Robert nodded, "They may not have met officially yet, but they have met by touch somewhat.", rubbing his belly warmly, soon intertwining his fingers with Susan's fingers.
"With how these children have been in the past, it wouldn't be surprising if the Quantonium in them all was somewhat communicating with each other.", Doc theorized.
Susan smiled warmly, "That certainly makes sense, and I am happy to know that our miracle twins are smart to do this.".
Robert sighed as he rubbed his belly once more, "Yeah, it's always a miracle with these... hmm, I wonder if Esme and Phillippe would have more a connection with their fellow siblings.".
Susan leaned against Robert with a smile, "Maybe, but I have a feeling that Calvin and Dawn are close to each other, just like Esme and Phillippe are.".
"Oh, for sure, there's no doubt about that in the slightest.", Robert chuckled. "Either way, I'm glad I'm the one carrying them this time. I already said this to her before guys, but I mentioned that it was good this was happening to me since she had to go through with carrying Esme and Phillippe... though I guess it's still slightly unfair since I'm going to have to have these sooner than you did.".
Susan kissed his cheek warmly, "Hey, think positive, the sooner, the better that we can actually have them in our arms. After all, they're already active by now, I bet they'll be excited to come when the day's here.".
"They might be just as impatient as Esme and Phillippe were.", Robert laughed. "After all, you weren't in labor too long with them before we they came out.", he said. Susan laughed warmly, "That was true!".
"All I know is that you two will do well raising them as you did with the twins before.", Doc assured them.
"Oh, yeah, should be easier this time since we know what we're doing. Plus, hopefully they get the size shifting too so that'll hopefully work well for them.", Robert said.
Susan nodded slightly, "There's more chance for that since they are going to be born here. No need to be worried, Robert.".
"I know. Just nerves and all, you know?", Robert admitted. "Now then, shall we quickly grab something to eat before someone complains?".
"I'm already complaining!", B.O.B. shouted. "I meant complain more.", Robert lightly gave a look at him.
"Oh.", B.O.B. calmed down. Doc pointed out, "I noticed quite a lot of fruit trees like banana, mango, coconut, papaya on the way here.".
Susan grinned lightly, "I will grab a bundle of bananas, they're giant size, but between sharing and everything, we should be good to tide over until leaving time to sunset. Be right back.", kissing Robert on the cheek before sliding off the flat side besides the cliff, and landing gracefully, heading for a banana tree.
"She's certainly already adjusting to a total jungle girl already.", Robert chuckled as the three of them watched. "Was she always this graceful?", Doc wondered.
"Eh, she was a bit of a klutz growing up, to be honest.", Robert responded. Doc hummed lightly, "I suppose the Quantonium's helping her out on that habit, then.".
Robert grinned softly, "Not all the time per sec, I love her all the same for it.", before startling up in surprise at a kick, "Easy, Dawn. Your mama's stronger than you imagine.".
Doc spoke up, "I don't suppose that I could...?", looking at Robert's baby belly. "Go ahead Doc, just don't do anything to scare them or anything. Like any science thing you've smuggling in your clothes or anything of that.", Robert reminded.
"Leave you alone with the kids for five minutes, and you're running like twenty experiments with them... I still haven't forgotten that.", Robert muttered.
Doc grimaced lightly, "I couldn't resist their puppy eyes when they do it at me twice over! You have built a resistance to puppy eyes somehow, but for me...I have a soft spot for children...Especially when it comes to Halloween.", gently climbing up Robert's arm to cross into the waist, walking up a bit more before kneeling lightly.
"Hello, there. I am Dr. Cockroach at your service, but you can call me Uncle or Doc when you're able to talk.", Doc introduced himself, and a moment later, he felt a soft nudge, well, soft for Robert, but big to Doc.
Robert chuckled softly, "That is Calvin.", before another further nudge showed up, "And that's Dawn.".
"Oh! I want to touch them!", B.O.B. cheered as he moved up Robert's skin which caused him to shiver. "Geez, B.O.B. heat yourself up or something, you're freezing!", Robert glared at him briefly.
"Sorry...", B.O.B. got close up to the belly. Robert felt two slightly harder nudges, and chuckled, "Apparently, they prefer warmth over cold.".
"Aw, you sure they'd be okay with it if they knew it was me?", B.O.B. asked. "Maybe, I don't know. Come on, you two... it's just B.O.B., he's more than friendly. He might be a bit cold, but trust me, his heart is so warm.", Robert reassured his little miracles.
A couple of hand palms shows up against the skin, and B.O.B. squealed happily as he stretched his arms slightly to touch both palms, "Nice to meet you too, Calvin and Dawn!".
Susan chuckled, "I thought I heard B.O.B.'s giggles.", finally coming back up with a bundle of bananas. "I also checked on Link, and he will be up in a bit since he saw the bananas I got.", carefully giving 1/3 of the bundle for the boys, while the half is for her and Robert.
"The kids are just getting introduced to their uncles, that's all.", Robert explained. "I can already tell how nice your children will be. And how big... their palms are already as big as my head almost.", Doc added.
Susan blinked in surprise, "Really? Huh, when Esme and Phillippe were born, they were the size of an elementary school kid. You said that you are at least 7 ft, Doc.".
"I might be a bit off then... that might have been both their hands then, if I think about it. If that's the case, those two are really close already.", Doc said.
"Makes sense, that Quantonium's probably already communicating to the both of them.", Robert guessed.
Susan laid down, taking off a couple of bananas off her and Robert's half of the bundle, "All the same, it means they're healthy and growing well.", handing one to Robert, "Here, love.".
Soon, Link came up, all reenergized after a great swim and all, and the gang is just casually talking, eating bananas here and there while the Quantonium in the mountain talked, sensing several things about the boys; the boys wanting to stay there for their friends no matter what, so longevity for them for 1,000 years, and B.O.B., even if he's not having a brain, the Quantonium can sense the gang's understandably annoyed attitude sometimes when he repeats things, so B.O.B. is to get the overall nerves system somehow in a way to understand emotions/feelings, and then there's Link.
The Quantonium senses his bond with a certain butterfly, and after understanding Doc somewhat about the teleporter, the Quantonium is soon soaking the teleporter in an unseen pool of Quantonium essence, able to teleport Bea when under the range of the sinkhole sooner or later.
"So, enjoy the fruits?", Robert asked the guys. "Very much so... haven't tasted much as good on the surface in quite a while. Then again, I tend to eat mostly what I just need and not really spring for variety or flavor.", Doc said.
"In layman's terms, eat nothing but bland crap.", Link laughed as he slugged his arm. B.O.B. nodded happily, "Really delicious!", gobbling up pieces of his giant banana.
"Do you even actually taste anything? I've always been curious on that.", Link asked to which B.O.B. shrugged. Susan giggled lightly at that, and smiled warmly at Robert, "Are they settling down again?".
Robert nodded softly, "They're tuckered out again from all the action this morning.", rubbing his belly gently, "I couldn't blame them if they want to nap some more so they can be active again for the game tonight. After all, Phillippe's playing. Even unborn, siblings support siblings.".
Now, the Quantonium is done with the boys' individual wishes, and now the Quantonium is giving them the tribe language through contact while multi-tasking on growing the babies a bit more, making them a bit bigger and heavier, through it won't be noticed until an hour later when Robert gets up.
"Well, I must assume you guys are all pretty teird with how long a journey you must have had. I mean, it's still technically morning down here, or just about the afternoon, but it might be better if you guys take a long nap. I certainly could use a bit of one." Robert admitted as he rubbed his belly once more.
Susan chuckled warmly, "You read my mind there, love. I'd love some sleep as well as the twins woke us up really early just before dawn.", finishing her banana before throwing out the peels over the edge, knowing that a longneck will just fish it out of a tree or something as they are quite excellent eaters.
Susan laid back, smiling with a content sigh as the sun is warm, with misty clouds here and there today, nuzzling up to Robert. The guys moved to a different location, just to give Susan and Robert some room as the two of them remained cuddled together.
"Nice to at least know that the guys are okay... and that we'll be able to go back to the surface now.", Robert said.
Susan smiled lightly, "True, and I am sure the teleporters here and on the surface is tracked to our DNA or something since I would want to visit Phillippe and have vacations over the years later, you know? And I think, on other times, we could have letters and pictures for updates of the family and such.".
"Oh, completely, I'm sure Doc can figure some things out, but it's nice to know that we'll still be able to keep in contact in both physical as well as digital.", Robert leaned over to give her a kiss. "After all, Phillippe has found his true home down here.".
Susan kissed him back, "And that he has found true love as well. At least Esme and Tristan will be on the surface, according to their plans. Though I think they have loosened up, thanks to experiencing life down here.".
"Yeah, those two really needed to learn to take things just a bit slower at times, not be so planned out. After all, we know that from experience that life can rapidly change in many ways... albeit very sudden changes.", Robert blushed when he said that.
Susan chuckled warmly, "Indeed. I sure was surprised to see Tristan as officially one of the family with his newfound abilities to size-shift and all.", before yawning softly, "I'm getting sleepy. I am so ready for this nap.".
"I think I need it more than you, my queen.", Robert kissed her forehead. "After all, I'm carrying for three here.", he chuckled.
Susan kissed his jaw softly, "Then let's grab some sleep then.", before settling down, resting her head, and closing her eyes with a soft yawn.
"Alright then, I love you so much, Susan.", Robert kissed her once more as he closed his eyes with the two of them in a close embrace.
Soon, the couple and the boys nearby went into deep sleep while the Quantonium has been finishing up on soaking up the transporter and giving the twins a bit more oomph to grow.
An hour later, Susan is spooning into Robert's baby belly, and a light kick bounced against Susan's cheek, and she muttered sleepily, "Five more minutes.", before a harder kick landed upon Susan's temple, startling her awake, "Okay, okay, I'm up! Geez, you're even more insistent than your papa, eh, little rascals?".
"Ugh, what...?", Robert groaned as he slowly woke up after feeling the kicks. "They bothering you, love?", he asked her as he yawned.
Susan shook her head lightly, "Nah, I think they had enough of napping now. Boy, that was quite the nap, probably an hour.".
"We should probably let the guys have their nap longer though... after all, they need more time next to the mountain.", Robert said as he gently started to stand up. "Anything you want to do to pass the time, Sue?"
Susan nodded, "Sounds good for the boys. Maybe a little walk?", and Robert smiled as he finally stood up before catching his balance swiftly, blinking in slight surprise as he rubbed his belly, "Robert?".
"Sorry, just think these two are a bit bigger again. Might have something to do with the constant Quantonium exposure... compared to what Phillippe and Esme had, you know?", Robert said.
Susan reached over with a hand, rubbing Robert's baby belly with a smile, "Oh, my goodness. No wonder why your kicks are a bit stronger now, darlings. Well, you okay to go on that walk, my prince?".
"Yeah, I'll be fine. You were still pretty mobile even in the final days of your pregnancy. I can handle it.", Robert smiled as the two of them carefully started to walk off the mountain and leave the others alone for the time being.
Susan chuckled lightly, "That was true, through you gotta watch for sharp edges and all when it's close to the due day.", finally landing on the ground, grabbing Robert's hand as he landed next to her.
"Right, I know I should listen to everything you say there since you've already gone through this all.", Robert sighed as he looked around. "We really haven't gotten much of a look of the jungle since we've been down here, you know?".
Susan smiled lightly, "Not around Eternal Mountain much, no. Let's do this walk for say, 20 minutes, yeah?".
"Sounds good to me.", Robert wrapped his arms around her before giving her another kiss as the two of them started to walk around.
The walk was peaceful and quiet for the couple, and after those 20 minutes, they returned to their starting spot, and to their pleasure, they saw the boys coming down the mountain, carrying the basket down with renewed strength.
Susan smiled warmly, "Hey, boys. You all good and rested?", and Doc nodded, "That nap was quite marvelous. I am well-rested and most anxious to head out.".
"If we need to spend more time here, we'll come back and sleep here again tonight if need be.", Link added as he stretched. "Either way, I suppose you two should lead the way to wherever it is we're going.".
Robert smiled brightly, "We can go to the sinkhole on the way as it's halfway on the journey to the village. After all, Monger must be going a bit crazy, probably making a mess out of his hair.", as Susan helped the boys into the basket, and she picked it up so she can carry it.
B.O.B. spoke lightly, "Can we ask Monger to teleport a camera so Robert and Susan can take a picture of their faces as proof for their parents?", sounding like he actually understood Robert's excitement and anxiety for the first time.
Everyone looked at B.O.B. for a moment before dismissing it, for the moment as none of them really understood what had happened with B.O.B.'s interaction with the Quantonium.
"Sure, that actually sounds like a good idea, B.O.B., I guess Dad and your parents would prefer if we said we're okay ourselves rather than just letting Doc or Monger explain it.", Robert said.
Doc nodded, "Then let's head out to the area under the sinkhole. Communication is strongest there.".
"Susan, lead the way for us... just in case we run into any wildlife along the way. Not really an issue for us, but we'd rather not make you three worry in any way.", Robert added.
Susan grinned lightly, "You got it.", gently handing over the basket that's holding the boys within, to Robert, and went to walk ahead, and Robert followed her, holding the basket close.
Link asked curiously, "Say, you never said something about Calvin and Dawn's middle names.", and Robert laughed lightly, "Dawn's middle name is Serenity, and Calvin's middle name is Lexis.".
Doc nodded, "Ah, since this time, they are technically miracles that you are pregnant with, so they wanted unique middle names.".
"I've always found it somewhat crazy that they already know ahead of time, some things.", Robert rubbed the back of his neck. "Then again, it all can probably be drawn to Quantonium. I don't think that would have happened had we never been exposed to it. Our children would've been some normal children that never really would question the names we tried to give them before they were born.".
Doc hummed in thought, "That actually, truly makes sense. Quantonium is sentient from all the stories you say.".
"Well, there's no actual true proof that we have, to be honest. Nothing that would truly prove by science and all that with how unpredictable it can be, you said so yourself years ago, Doc. But, yeah, both Sue and I feel confident that it is with how things have happened to us throughout all these years.", Robert replied.
Susan called out over her shoulder, "And it sure helped us out of tough spots as well, so yeah, Quantonium is all good for us.".
"Certainly, it made us an even stronger couple than we probably were before.", Robert chuckled. "If that was even possible before...". B.O.B. asked out loud, "So, the Quantonium makes the village stronger over the ages too?".
"Seems to be that way, B.O.B. After all, it would explain how they are all still alive down here. It also explained how dinosaurs survived and all. Not being on the surface spared them from extinction and all. And if my theory is correct, the Quantonium being the core expanded the world, making the continents shift from Pangea to what we know today.", Doc said.
Link hummed lightly, "That could explain a lot back in my old time at the Ice Age.".
"Things probably were different on the surface compared to down here thanks to the continuous exposure to the Quantonium.", Doc added.
Susan called out, "Sinkhole in sight!", and the boys including Robert glanced ahead, and yep, some yards off, the sinkhole is in sight, and Robert knows that there's a clearing of sorts under the sinkhole.
"Man, how exactly does that tree still stay intact?", Robert wondered as the others got closer to the entrance. His eyes were still on the tree that helped break much of those that had fallen down into this underground realm.
Link grinned, "I bet it's having a silver of Quantonium to keep upright and all.", while Doc checks his video wristwatch, "Two bars, three bars, four bars, and yes, five bars!", clicking his video on, "Testing, one, two, three. General Monger, you there?".
General Monger's face appears, "Doc, about time! I was about to go out of my mind! Have you found Gigantor and Ginormica? And the others?".
Doc nodded, "I am going to lay down our teleporter, set it for receiving as Robert and Susan wanted to take a picture as proof.".
Monger nodded, "Ah, understood. I will set the surface teleporter on for sending. Luckily, I have a size-changer device to grow the camera somewhat for the teleporter to send down there. Dismissed!", his face now black.
Doc glanced at Robert, "You heard him, let's do this.".
"Alright then.", Robert smiled as he and Susan bunched up. "We better make sure that we're decently covered and all, let's not make our folks see ourselves naked again.", he chuckled as he and her both blushed at the memory once more.
Susan grimaced lightly, "That honeymoon picture was an accident, that's for sure.", as Robert gently put the basket down, and Doc got out of the basket, carrying the teleporter that's in mini size, and checking the distance of the clearing with quick math, he put the teleporter down in a good spot, pushing buttons as the teleporter grew to its giant size, beeping a low, emitting sound.
A moment later, there was a flash, and there on the teleporter is a not quite giant or mini camera, but in the middle somewhere in size, and B.O.B. helped out in acting as a short stand of sorts to hold up the camera, with Link taking off the lens cap, and Doc adjusting the buttons and such on the back of the camera.
Doc nodded, "Just move closer, showing off your shoulders and faces, and that'd work without needing a full-body picture which is ah, revealing your nudity or pregnancy.".
"Okay then, just got to squeeze a bit more there.", Robert chuckled as he and Susan gave big smiles before the picture was taken.
"Alright, we've got it. I just want to double check for a second to make sure... alright, that's it.", Doc said. "Now just to send this one back to the surface and all. Speaking of which... we might need to double check the structure of the Holmes base/home... don't want anyone of you to fall into another chasm and one that you can't get out of.".
Susan hummed lightly, "Tell Monger to put up thick poles and beams if that helps to hold up the first floor, and a tight net, like the circus kind, for the sinkhole. We need clear ventilation to have a strong signal for communication and the teleporter as covering the sinkhole with wood, it won't work.",
"After all, this is the only sinkhole we got, as we intend to come back here for vacation times and of course, see to Phillippe and our new friends, etc.", Susan finished with a nod.
"That was my thought as well. It should easily be taken care of though.", Doc said.
"Good.", Robert nodded. "So, do we just wait until Monger puts our folks on or something?", he asked, wondering what the next plan was.
Doc smiled at him, "I'll send the camera back and then catch Monger on videophone.", shooing Link and B.O.B. back after they placed the camera back on the teleporter, and he pushed buttons once more, the sound of beeping, and then the brief flash of the camera teleporting off.
Doc clicked his videophone on, "General, picture taken. Have a look.", as Monger's face appeared once again, and there was some noise in the background before Monger received the camera which is normal human size now, and looked at the memory spot on the back, smiling approvingly, "Very good. I'll send the picture via email to Ginormica's parents back in Modesto.".
The videophone went shaky as Monger then yelled out, "What's going on?!", commanding to voices in the background, and he widened his eyes, "You gotta be kidding me! Bea is shaking things up, she is bellowing like crazy!".
Link looked over Doc's shoulder, "Is Bea outside the base?", and Monger nodded, "Yeah, she sure is. I better check it out. Be back in five minutes, boys!", and his picture went black.