Chapter 1: "Have you ever seen the Rain?"
"… I wanna know …"
Captain Bald Eagle soared through the sky as soon as the rays of the sun finally pierced through the dark gloom left behind by the typhoons. It was way past noon, flying once again felt good as the gentle ocean breeze caressed her face. The skies over Riukiu Island painted a very dreadful picture below, her enhanced vision letting her see the damage sustained by the Park Installations, as a number of Lucky Beasts, unlike any she had ever seen before, scrambled around in what seemed to be panic.
She landed as her curiosity got the best of her, still amazed at the fact the Bosses could talk. They just had some ulterior reason that only let them speak to Friends like herself in dire circumstance. She tightened her fists at the impotence of being unable to do anything but hide and wait out the bad weather. It wasn't fair! Now it was the time for JUSTICE!
-Bosses! I, Captain Bald Eagle, desire to help you, in any way I can! -She expressed boldly and loudly, in her usual way.
The Lucky Beasts stared at her and seemed to talk amongst themselves in a way that she couldn't grasp how. Before she got a lot of time to think, she heard a voice calling her out. She turned to the direction of the sound and saw a Friend skulking around the trees branches, just like a Snake.
-If you truly desire to help, then I'll fill you in on what the Big Boss told me.…- Boomslang said as she inspected Bald Eagle while sitting on the biggest branch of a very tall tree.
The Snake jumped down and walked toward the Bird, she became less intimidating as she walked out of the dark of the tree's canopy; the sun revealing that she was smiling at her underneath her hoodie. This Snake had a really pretty smile.
-Friends! - Bald Eagle said greeting her with her usual salute.
-I know you, you are the fastest delivery Friend in this Island. Am I right?- Boomslang commented as she inspected Bald Eagle, making her blush a bit, she was diligent about her duty but she wasn't used to someone ever recognizing her efforts.
-Yes, that's me, I'm Captain Bald Eagle! W-Who are you?- She said while trying to keep composure, not realizing she had spread her arms akin they were wings like when she said her catchphrase. Her posing made Boomslang giggle.
- I am Boomslang; I usually speak for my Snake Friends as they are all kind of really shy, nice to meet you!- The Snake cheerfully answered. Her smile brought comfort to Bald Eagle.
-Now can you explain me what's up with all the Bosses gathering around here? I've never seen so many of them together, not even during the PPP concerts! - Bald Eagle exclaimed as her worries turned into curiosity once more.
-Well, you might as well sit down while I tell you the story; want a few Japari Buns and maybe a drink? - Boomslang asked, Bald Eagle heard her belly rumbling at the suggestion, she hadn't eaten a Bun in over 2 days and a half, her refugee rations weren't enough for everyone so they got half rations until they ran out completely. The Bird drooled ungraciously as she just nodded affirmatively, following the Snake to somewhere comfy to eat.
Boomslang lead Bald Eagle to a couple of benches still intact under the shadow of the destroyed facility behind them. It was a bit small but for the two of them, it was more than enough space. They took this time to examine each other, Bald Eagle thought this Snake looked far friendlier than others. Her vibrant shade of greens in her hood and her pink skirt made her looks quite cute. Boomslang on the other hand really liked Bald Eagle's black uniform around her blue skirt and yellow boots. It gave her a cool imposing vibe that made her felt she could trust on this Bird for the matters at hand.
-Thanks for the meal! - Bald Eagle said, her hunger getting the best of her, she devoured the Buns until she had to drink all of the water in one go to avoid choking a bit on the buns.
-Whoa… You must have been very hungry! - Boomslang muttered a bit surprised, barely holding back a giggle, but eventually breaking into laughter.
-I'm sorry… I haven't eaten a Bun in over a day…- Bald Eagle blushed like she had never blushed before. She was way out of her element with this Snake, as if she was used to seeing through "cool" Friends like herself while she just kept embarrassing herself.
-Now I'll tell you what the Big Boss told me, okay? - Boomslang coughed as if she was trying to remember it and about to repeat it word by word, her expression turning dark.
-Big Boss? - Bald Eagle asked but Boomslang ignored her question and started to repeat the message.
-The recent typhoons heavily damaged several key installations in Riukiu Island, food production estimated to take a nosedive and eventually might come to a complete halt. As level 2 Emergency requesting help from volunteer Friends to fill in the role of Japari Park staff. We must contact the main Island HQ in order to get the materials needed to initiate repairs. – Boomslang repeated word by word as best as her memory allowed her, closing her eyes to focus, missing out on Bald Eagle's expression turning into complete shock.
-OH NO! No more food?- Bald Eagle reacted with the leftovers of the rather painful experience of going hungry a few days still fresh in her mind and also in her belly.
-The all of the Riukiu Island Friends will eventually starve unless someone does something about it. It's scary but I don't want anyone else to get hurt but I can't take on this undertaking by myself, so I'm looking for volunteer Friends to accompany me and the Big Boss… He will know what to do… Are you interested? - Boomslang said trying to keep up her cheery demeanor and smile, she started to crack clearly being heavily stressed by the information she just shared, the Snake started to shake and tearing up, this drove Bald Eagle to hold her hands. Boomslang blushed surprised at this gesture, Snakes were never this affectionate but she didn't mind.
-Don't worry most adorable Snake, I will accompany on this adventure to save our beloved Island, Let's Justice! - Bald Eagle said her catchphrase, letting Boomslang hands go and posing again, this made the Snake giggled in relief as she swept away her tears with the sleeve of her hoodie.
-I'll make it up to you in due time, I promise! - Boomslang said giving into her urges and hugging Bald Eagle tightly while she still had her arms up, the Bird blushed hard and had a wavy mouth but knowing the poor Snake really needed a bit more comforting, she played along and held her in her arms.
-Boomslang, you aren't alone on this endeavor anymore, I'm here with you now, repeat after me, Let's Justice! - Bald Eagle said, bringing back her catchphrase, her usual mantra.
-… Let's Justice… - Boomslang muttered shyly looking face to face at Bald Eagle, "OH MY GODS!" Bald Eagle thought to herself blushing even more, this Snake was dangerously cute.
-Now you are getting into the spirit of it! What should we do first? - The Bird asked after coughing a bit to regain her composure, luckily for her Boomslang also needed a bit of time to recover herself, she turned around and twisted a bit but after that she turned back and was back to being herself.
-The Big Boss went ahead to try to recruit more Friends endeavor on the Hostel on the Forest Area, He really is different from the other Bosses, let's go after him! - Boomslang said eager to show her new Friend how different this Lucky Beast was.
-Now there's the spirit, do you want to fly there, it will be faster- Bald Eagle suggested wanting to show off a little bit.
-You mean that will you carry me? - Boomslang giggled, amused at thinking of herself as a package.
-Just hold my hands really tight and it will be easy, I've done it many times in the past!- Bald Eagle reassured Boomslang as she took flight and positioned herself just right, now she just waited for her new Friend to hold hands with her.
Boomslang held firmly and felt Bald Eagle's grip back. She ascended slowly and Boomslang squeaked a bit scared as they gained altitude, but Bald Eagle flight was slow and steady. Boomslang eventually relaxed and enjoyed the nice view as well as the breeze on her skin. The scenery changed from the canopy around the damaged Japari Park structures into a view of the Forest Area she had never seen before. Flying was certainly really fun!
- I'm going to start descending Boomslang, hang tough! - Bald Eagle yelled, knowing this was the part where most Friends got scared, but Boomslang cheered and enjoyed the end of the ride too.
-Flying is amazing! - Boomslang said in spite of being quite happy to have her feet back in the ground.
-It's my favorite thing in the world! Maybe we can do it again, some other time, maybe- Bald Eagle gave Boomslang thumbs up for being a good package, most Friends got really scared.
-Alright but now we need to check on the Hostel and see if Big Boss found some more volunteer help for this endeavor- Boomslang said walking with her hands inside her hoodie.
-… I wouldn't mind if it was just the two of us…- Bald Eagle mumbled to herself fidgeting, Boomslang looked back and winked at her, letting she know she heard that, making Bald Eagle giggle in response at her acknowledgement.
After several minutes of silent walk, as they passed a few Friends who were busy doing their own things, they arrived at the Hostel where a very special Friend greeted them.
-Welcome, my Masters- Peach Panther greeted both Friends quite warmly even bowing to them. Both reacted by with a mild blush and a surprised face, Pink Panther was certainly a really beautiful Friend. There was something that embarrassed Boomslang no matter how many times she talked to her, especially in the way she spoke.
-Boomslang, you have arrived- A Lucky Beast robotic voice called, as the Big Boss slipped in between Peach Panther's legs, his design was similar to other Bosses but he had two tails instead of one and his spider-web like eyes giving away his possession of more complex functions. He was an emergency Lucky Beast unit deployed when Japari Park Staff wasn't available. It could communicate with Friends at will.
-Big Boss! - The Snake greeted the Lucky Beast as if it were a Friend; while Bald Eagle looked at the Lucky beast.
-This is a Friend you recruited for our mission? - Big Boss asked for confirmation, as if he was making a list.
-Yes, Bald Eagle volunteered to help us in our new mission- Boomslang said happily, Bald Eagle posed and gave her most "heroic" smile, this made Peach Panther snicker.
-Isn't this Boss just amazing? He is actually very good at holding conversations, he managed to convince some Friends to join this "Mission" of yours, it sounds important but he kept the details to himself without slipping at all what so ever- Peach Panther said eyeing him in a shrewd way.
-No comment on my awesomeness? - Bald Eagle expressed her mild disappointment but went on ignored.
-Big Boss did fill you in the details right? We are going to need supplies to start this journey in good shape- Boomslang asked not wanting to go into details herself, the pressure was eating her up again and as if she knew, Peach Panther pounced her and held her in a tight embrace making her twist nervously and making Bald Eagle jealous.
-Hey that's my job! - Bald Eagle said holding the other side of Boomslang, making the Snake even more uncomfortable.
-Of course Master, I got all you need and even have 2 Volunteers waiting for you upstairs, but you are going to have to make it up to me in due time- Peach Panther licked the Snake making her scream before finally letting her go.
-Please don't bully the Snake! - Bald Eagle said as she stood in front of Boomslang shielding her.
-Don't worry, she is always like this, let's just go upstairs okay? - Boomslang said using her sleeve to try to rub clean her cheek.
-You are always so cold to me, Master- Peach Panther said licking her lips playfully.
-While you organize the Volunteers here, I'll go ahead and see if I can find more help, I'll come back at dawn and then we will start our journey- Big Boss spoke then scurried off to do more preparations outside, it was quite nimble on its feet.
-Understood, let's go upstairs- Bald Eagle responded unsure who Big Boss was addressing, but it was too late to ask now. Peach Panther lead the way, so she and the Snake followed her up the stairs behind the customer chairs and tables.
The 2nd floor of Peach Panther's Hostel housed some very comfy Bedrooms and was one of the most popular parts of the Forest Area. Sleeping in a bed felt certainly nice as it was to throw "sleepover" parties as Peach Panther organized herself from time to time, providing ample supplies of Juice, Japari Buns and entertainment of all kinds. They walked to the very end of the hallway of bedrooms before Peach Panther knocked on a door. She bowed graciously and then left, but not before giving Boomslang a stare that made the Snake lean back against the wall completely flustered.
-You are so cute when flustered- Bald Eagle said without realizing she just said out loud what she was thinking.
-Not you too…- Boomslang said pulling down her hoodie as hard as she could in order to hide her red-face.
-Sorry I just said what I had in mind…- Bald Eagle was explaining when a big thump was heard inside the room, which drew the attention of both of them. They heard a bit of a ruckus going in there before a voice called out.
-One minute please! - The ruckus turned into a storm before going back to complete silence, with the door finally opening to let them in. There were two half-dressed Friends inside sitting beside one another in a hastily made bed, and the one on the other side of the medium sized room was in the same state. with an eating table on the middle with a blue flower in a glass of water and a red Masquerade mask. On the floor laid their shoes and legwear, also a jacket, a cloak and a beret.
-I'm Maltese Tiger and this is Père David's Deer, we are your Volunteers- The feline smiled at Boomslang and Bald Eagle, whom could have sworn that her teeth sparkled a bit, she had a rather stylish blue uniform, with a blue tie with stripes over her white shirt that was out and above her skirt.
-Well Met! - Père's David Deer greeted them both with a tongue poke and a wink. She had a red skirt and a rather odd outfit, her top has a white spot where her red tie lied, then she also had a short black cape which was red around her neck. It reached just above her elbow.
-We are sorry for disturbing your nap- Boomslang apologized as she entered then jumped and fell face down on the bed.
-JUSTICE! - Bald Eagle yelled her catchphrase jumping on top of Boomslang, much to Snake's surprise and woe.
-Bravo! Bravo! Excellent form, don't you agree Malty Sempai? – Père David's Deer asked her Friend while she clapped heartily, Maltese Tiger eventually started laughing and clapping as well at the Justice Body-Slam.
-Yeah, I think you are going to feel right at home within this group, Hunter- Maltese Tiger answered Père's question as she stretched out and leaned on her back on the bed.
-Somebody save me! - Boomslang pleaded but was ignored.
-Hunter? - Bald Eagle asked while leaning to the side, comically pushing Boomslang's face against the bed's mattress for a brief moment.
-I'm only a Healer; don't believe Malty Sempai's gossips- Père David's Deer said blushing slightly, then looking at Maltese Tiger with eyes full of anger.
-You can heal? Amazing! - Boomslang and Bald Eagle said in unison.
-She has participated in quite a few Wild Hunts, so whenever Ceruleans show up, she is the one you can count on- Maltese Tiger said petting Père David's Deer head.
-Don't praise me and then treat me like a child! - Père David's Deer squeaked, clearly not a fan of mixed signals, she punched Maltese Tigers shoulder with little effect.
-Cute…- Both Bald Eagle and Boomslang mumbled together.
-As for me, I'll be your Speaker, not that Friends are particularly hard to talk to, but I'll do my best to get us good bargains for supplies, shelter and the like!- Maltese Tiger said giving her "shining" smile again, before screaming in pain, Père David's Deer having just smacked her with her staff.
-Using weapons for that is not fair! - Bald Eagle exclaimed pushing Boomslang down again, this time with both hands.
-Get off please! – Boomslang squeaked. She finally pushed Bald Eagle off her and was now on top. Bald Eagle didn't mind, she understood now why Peach Panther enjoyed teasing her, unlike other Snakes, Boomslang was soft and cute.
-I kind of deserved that- Maltese Tiger said tongue poking and winking, imitating Père's most used gesture.
-You are the worst Sempai ever! - Père David's Deer condemned Maltese Tiger with a snuggle-hug.
-You two are pretty cute too, can't wait to get to know both of you better! Right, My Deerie? - Maltese Tiger's pun made Boomslang and Bald Eagle snicker.
-Yes, but please don't call me that, I beg you- Père David's Deer said eye-rolling at her least favorite deer pun.
-It's good to see everyone in high spirits! - Bald Eagle exclaimed while giving thumbs up gesture to everyone.
-They are making me feel much better about getting them involved into this- Boomslang said with a very forced smile.
-Don't say that! It's not your fault Boomy, sometimes bad things just happen and it's up to us Friends make things better for everyone, right Malty?- Père David's Deer urged Maltese Tiger to back her up on such statement.
-I don't think the Typhoons that hit our beloved Riukiu Island were your fault Boomslang, so don't say things like that; we even volunteered for this endeavor- Maltese Tiger found exactly what she felt she needed to say to make Boomslang look at things from their perspective.
- I really don't like when she says things like that- Bald Eagle said eyeing Boomslang with concern, as she pushed her off and made her sit in the bed, right beside her.
-I'm sorry, it's just that a week ago my only concern was other Snakes Friends eating all of my favorite flavor of Japari Buns, now I'm full of worries all over and it's chewing me up- Boomslang sighed deeply and leaned on Bald Eagle, the Bird put a hand on her shoulder and smiled at her, hoping this would bring some comfort to her new Friend.
-It's good to see you open up so quickly- Maltese Tiger commented on Boomslang's honesty about her feelings; A Friend like her would be emotionally transparent anyway.
-We will be travelling together for the following days, weeks, or maybe even months, trusting each other will be vital in order to bring back everyone home alive- Père David's Deer brought up showing her Wild Hunt experiences with a very grim smile, which shocked both Bald Eagle and Boomslang, making Maltese Tiger snicker.
-You've seen Ceruleans eat Friends!?- Bald Eagle asked curious, morbid curiosity was just another type of curiosity.
-NO! I don't wanna hear it! - Boomslang begged pulling down her hoodie, her lack of combat experience made her still terrified of Ceruleans, mostly about what they did to Friends.
-Now Bald Eagle, there will be time for spooky campfire stories, but today isn't that day- Maltese Tiger diligently said, disappointing the Bird but making the Snake sigh in relief.
-I actually think we should nap some more, resting now that we have the chance to sleep in a bed, tomorrow we might not rest until night-time- Père David's Deer explained.
-You just want to go back to napping… ACK! - Maltese Tiger laughed before being smacked by the Deer's staff again.
-I've never slept in a shared bed! We Birds usually sleep by our lonesome in ours nests, on top of the trees with the best view possible- Bald Eagle stated, curious and excited about it.
-I always slept with Black Mamba; she is my best Friend, its feels comfy, you will grow to love it, trust me- Boomslang reassured her newest Friend.
-That's an interesting habit you got Boomslang- Père David's Deer commented thinking about what was the reason she did it, was it a leftover memory of some past life or from the time she was an animal, if she even remembered faintly that far as she herself did sometimes, maybe some of the Snakes just didn't like feeling alone, maybe both of them.
-Just be sure to take off your shoes and legwear, Peach Panther gets really mad if you don't! You don't want her to get angry right? - Maltese Tiger told them as her Deer partner got under the bed sheets in a rather cute way behind her, right beside the wall which the bed stood, only her head poking out of the bed.
-Really? That's weird- Bald Eagle said as she started to take off her boots then her pantyhose, she only did it while taking baths or using the bathroom, it was a habit she remembered someone taught her but she couldn't remember who.
-BALD EAGLE YOU ARE TAKING OFF YOUR PANTIES TOO! - Boomslang screamed, covering her eyes and blushing hard. While pointing out that detail to her Friend, she realized she was using the same type of underwear as herself. They just had met today, how could she be so carefree and easy-going about most things was beyond her understanding.
-Oh! Sorry it's just the habit- Bald Eagle said pulling up her clothes, then making sure she was only pulling down her pantyhose, it feel good taking them of from time to time.
- Malty Sempai let's go back to sleeping, we will need our strength, we won't stop tomorrow after we set off- Père David's Deer said in a very soft tone, about to fall asleep, despite the screams and hilarity still going on.
-In a moment Deerie- Maltese Tiger winked at her, showing her sparkly smile again, the Deer just rolled her eyes.
-Please don't call me that… Goodnight everyone- Père David's Deer said before turning her head to face the wall and tried to sleep, she started snoring softly shortly after.
- I'm going to try to sleep a bit more until tomorrow and I recommend you two do the same. We will have an extra meal before the one we have tomorrow but then Big Boss told us we would march until dusk, so be sure to save your strength! Goodnight- Maltese Tiger said as she slipped under the bed sheets and lay with her back against the sleeping Deer, closed her eyes and said nothing else.
- She looks so pretty sleeping- Bald Eagle said leaning on Boomslang back again, her boots and pantyhose now having joined the clothes of the sleeping Friends in the floor.
- Her personality isn't as good as her looks- Boomslang commented snickering to herself, as she was looking at Maltese Tiger but she was thinking of Bald Eagle.
-Well, I'm going to ask Peach Panther for an extra meal because I'm still hungry. You take off your leg wear while I return, I'll get some for you too- Bald Eagle reassured her as she flew to the door, opened and sneaked out, this surprised Boomslang, for all her silliness, carefree and hammy personality, she was also surprisingly smart underneath.
Boomslang proceed to take off her shoes and thigh-highs, it felt strangely good to take them off, she dropped back on the bed and thought about all that happened after the Typhoons, so much had happened and so much was going to happen, her thoughts were all over the place and she wanted to scream a bit more, but she held it in and just breathed deep.
It was then when Boomslang realized why Bald Eagle went by herself for food. The Bird that Peach Panther likes to poke fun at Boomslang, she wanted to spare me further embarrassments, this made Boomslang blush bright red and make a muffled scream, giving into her urges, in one of the pillows while kicking the bed a bit, she just had met her today and she was already depending on her quite a bit.
-Why am I always like this? - She asked herself, turning around at looking at the roof, she was about to fall asleep when she heard a knock on the door, she got up and opened the door, Bald Eagle was there with a plate of six Japari Buns as well as a couple of straws for some sealed Juice bags.
-You got Juice! - Boomslang said pleasantly surprised recognizing them, Friends could live off of water, but sometimes it was nice to tasting that fruity drink again.
-It's a gift from Peach Panther; we might not taste it in a while, so let's enjoy it okay? - Bald Eagle said as she fly into the room and put the tray on the middle of the bed.
Both Friends reached out to grab the same Japari Bun, after sitting down in the bed, their hands bumping into each other before Bald Eagle let Boomslang pick it up, making the Snake feel embarrassed as her thoughts still lingered about why everyone was always so nice to her, there had to be a reason.
-So the Blue Ones are you favorites? - Bald Eagle asked, taking notes on the subject, grabbing a Pink Bun herself.
-Yes they are, thanks for letting me have it, there was none left in our refuge- Boomslang thanked her before ungraciously devouring the Japari Bun.
-There is another one if you would like!- Bald Eagle said still having finished her first Japari Bun, wondering if Boomslang was a hungry as her, but was willing to go to sleep hungry just to avoid having to deal with Peach Panther again.
-Thank you so much- Was all Boomslang could say before stuffing her face with the Bun again, she missed this flavor so much; it brought her comfort and good memories.
-Let's have a fun adventure together- Bald Eagle said offering Boomslang her Juice bag, already popped open with a straw, Boomslang just thanked Bald Eagle with a smile and sipped on it while she saw Bald Eagle popped her own juice bag and sipped from it smiling back at the Snake.
Bald Eagle was happy to share such a tender moment with her new Friend, though the future was uncertain and they would likely face hardship together. She felt she could trust Boomslang and she also hoped in due time to get to know Malty Sempai and her Deerie better as well.
Eventually they ate 3 Buns each and finished their Juice bags, they put the tray with the bags on it back in the table and then stared at each other, Boomslang pulled down her hood and let her hair out, which was quite a mess as expected of a Friend who uses a hood all the time, and she got under the bed sheets, looking at Bald Eagle.
-Time to sleep, Captain- Boomslang called tapping under the sheets with one of her hands, finally calling her Captain plus her bewitching eyes were enough to made Bald Eagle do as she said, but she kept her distance.
-It's a bit cramped for two, maybe even for one, is it supposed to be like this?- Bald Eagle said blushing a bit, she was face to face with Boomslang, it was her first time sleeping in a bed and she was sharing it with another Friend.
-Just close your eyes and relax, isn't it soft and warm? - Boomslang reaching out and holding the Bird's hands.
-Goodnight Boomslang- Bald Eagle said closing her eyes, slowly, putting her hands besides her face, trying to sleep.
-Goodnight Captain- Boomslang said creeping a bit close to Bald Eagle, before closing her own eyes and falling asleep.
Bald Eagle remained awake for a few more minutes before getting used to the Bed and Boomslang's scent and falling asleep herself; unaware this would be the first of many new things she would experience in her upcoming adventure.