Chapter Two: Long as I can see the Light
"… I'll be comin' home soon …"
Boomslang skulked around the entrance of the Japari Underwater Service Tunnel. It was a rather strange place but the decision was made by Big Boss. Apparently this was the only way all of them could reach the next stop in their journey, Akushima Island. A week had passed in the blink of an eye, hanging out with Bald Eagle, Père David's Deer and Maltese Tiger was really fun. Even if the rationing they were forced into by the Big Boss had everyone a bit moody, spirits were still high. As in their Home island everyone was willing to lend them Japari Buns and fresh water whenever they went.
- I don't wanna go in there! - Bald Eagle bawled comically.
- Please? - Maltese Tiger said trying to hide her amusement.
- I don't want to go underground! I can fly remember? - Bald Eagle continued to bawl while throwing a tantrum.
- We need to stick together Baldy, I know you can likely fly the distance and wait for us in the other side, but it's too dangerous for you to be by yourself- Père David's Deer explained, being serious in spite of the Bird's silliness.
Boomslang approached Bald Eagle and offered the Bird her hand. Bald Eagle looked at her and blushed a bit before accepting it. The Snake pulled her to stand up, guided her to grab their backpacks and lead her into the darkness ahead, where Big Boss was waiting for them. Maltese Tiger and Père David's Deer followed them into the Tunnel. The Lucky Beast lead the way scanning the area, while the Friends followed it, their eyes glowing bright like stars in the sky, all four Friends could still see clearly in the pitch dark.
-It reeks of moss down here! - Maltese Tiger said a bit disgusted by the strong smell, before stepping into water, making a huge splash sound and yelping in pure anger.
-Watch your step everyone! - Père David's Deer warned as she noticed the water would be everywhere above her ankles in the road ahead of them.
-It's too late; there is water inside my shoes- Boomslang sighed sadly, holding onto Bald Eagle's hand more tightly.
-This place is leaking badly, you sure it's safe? - Bald Eagle said trying not to panic, as her boots kept her feet safe.
-It's perfectly safe Bald Eagle; only the outer areas are suffering leaks that eventually filter outside naturally, the way ahead should be dry- Big Boss spoke up before leading them onward, ending up partially submerged, seemingly unfazed.
The Friends followed the Lucky Beast for what seemed to be hours until they finally walked out of the area that suffered from that small flooding. The following area had some strange lights that marked the path and allowed the Friends to notice writing in some areas of the tunnel. The walls had windows in order to be able see into things from within that none of them could make sense of; it seemed to be really high technology from the times of Japari Park.
-Boss, what do these things do? - Bald Eagle asked being curious as always.
-These are the regulators that check the pressure as well as other things related to the Service Tunnel; their information is kept up to date in real time and is why I choose this as the safest way to reach the next Island- Big Boss explained as it continued it's march, stopping at times to scan or communicate with things as the Friends just observed it.
-Uh… So you can talk to these things? - Bald Eagle asked but Boss didn't respond, his silence implied that he could.
-That would be my guess, Captain- Boomslang said smiling.
-We should stop for now, I don't want to risk you two getting sick because of cold feet, all of you stay right there while I look for something to set on fire- Père David's Deer ordered the others as she walked away with the Lucky Beast.
-At least I can sit now- Maltese Tiger said clearly exhausted.
-Père is lot tougher than she looked- Boomslang commented as she led Bald Eagle to sit with her in front of Maltese Tiger.
-Yeah, you'll be surprised but I can't tell you anything, you'll have to wait for her to open up- Maltese Tiger said with her expression turning dark, concerning the Bird and Snake a bit.
-I really don't like it here, I can't feel the breeze or see the sky and it's disturbing! - Bald Eagle said as she hugged her own legs with her chin resting on top of her knees.
-It's okay Captain, we will be out of this Tunnel soon! - Boomslang's bright smile brought comfort to Bald Eagle.
- I'm very hungry myself! I hope Père lets us eat when she comes back- Maltese Tiger said, starting to get anxious.
-I want to go to the bathroom; you think she will mind too much? I really need to go! - Bald Eagle said standing up and looking around.
-Bald Eagle, there is a bathroom nearby, do you want me to guide you there? - Big Boss asked in a different tone, as if something from outside forced him to make that question.
The Lucky Beast guided Bald Eagle past a rather imposing locked door that was clearly covered around a warning Bald Eagle couldn't read. They walked through several alleyways with lots of confusing and sometimes concerning machinery and other things. Bald Eagle decided for once to keep her curiosity in check, this time it was best not to ask. Her urge was getting dire, she start walking funny and jumping a bit, focusing entirely on trying to hold it in, she started to whimper.
-Go down this way and then turn left, then right, that's the women's restroom- Big Boss said as he turned around and went to do his own thing in the meantime with the machinery.
Bald Eagle didn't really pay attention to what Boss said and just ran past it, taking flight. She turned left and going left again into what seemed to be a strangely clean but very dark Bathroom. The Bird focused entirely on her emergency, as it was quickly reaching critical levels. She flew over the door of cubicle closest to the entrance, pushed to the side something on top of the toilet, quickly turning around and pulling down her pantyhose and panties before sitting. She just barely managing to avoid the humiliation of wetting herself due drinking way too much Juice before going down the Tunnel.
Bald Eagle sighed in relief as she finished peeing while her legs trembled with delight. When she opened her eyes again and her curiosity pushed her to inspect the thing she pushed off the toilet in order to use it, it took her a few moments to recognize the thing she pushed was a skeleton. She opened her mouth but covered her gasp of surprise with both of her hands as she heard something lurking nearby, right between the entrances of both bathrooms. She slowly stood up from the toilet and raised her pantyhose and panties with great care as she took flight. In order to conceal herself better with her stillness, she started to breathe as subtly as she could while listening as closely as possible; She couldn't confirm it just yet but she had a gut feeling that the thing lurking out there was what Boomslang feared the most, especially if she were to run into it by herself, as Bald Eagle was about to, it was a Cerulean.
Bald Eagle knew she was cornered but she wasn't sure if she could take down this Cerulean in a fight, she was trying to recall what Père had told her about their weak points but she couldn't remember. She couldn't focus as the sense of dread was starting to get to her, if that thing got her, she would lose everything and that was something she couldn't allow.
She heard the Cerulean get distracted and used that time to sneak and fly closer to the roof where she could finally see it. The Cerulean wasn't physically imposing but its form was really weird, it had something that looked like an eye among its blue blob form, she was certain she would need to take it down to walk away from the Bathroom safely but her lack of experience in combat and the risk held her back from simply rushing in, yelling her catchphrase and hoping for the best.
Then she saw the Cerulean had "Friends" of its own as quite a few similar Ceruleans started to group and that made Bald Eagle start to panic a bit. There were like ten of them, as the Bird was growing more restless by the minute, she had to do something to shake them off and escape or else.
It was then when she realized one of the Ceruleans had spotted her and it moved to attack her, they were fast enough Bald Eagle's first reaction was to gain altitude. She notice the things could move through any surface as it was flat ground, removing flying as an escape method as she was completely cornered in this Bathroom. Bald Eagle panicked as she was now standing against the furthest corner from the exit, the Ceruleans moved quite intelligently, with some of them going for her while others cut off her only escape route.
-No! Not like this! NOT LIKE THIS! - Bald Eagle begged as all kind of thoughts raced through her head, she didn't want everything to end like this; she didn't want to die in here all alone by herself, her great adventure had just begun.
As one of the Ceruleans finally was within distance to pounce her and as scared as she was, Bald Eagle still tried to stop it with her arms causing something extraordinary to happen. Some projectiles that looked like feathers manifested as she moved her arms and they nailed the Cerulean charging her, a direct hit in the eye made the thing explode into a burst of small Sandstar cubes. Confused but emboldened by this discovery Bald Eagle kept shooting feathers at the Ceruleans, which now pursued her more fiercely as their numbers dwindled, the Bird killed them one by one by hitting their eyes with one of her projectile attacks while dodging their attacks.
-Eat my JUSTICE! - Bald Eagle cursed at the last Cerulean as she filled its eye with over a dozen feathers, the Cerulean structure collapsed and exploded, the Bird looked around to find out there was no Cerulean left.
-… I… I WON! - Bald Eagle celebrated and ran back eager to tell everyone about what just happened, not realizing as she ran away that some of the feathers that didn't hit any Ceruleans during the fight, faded away into Sandstar dust.
Bald Eagle flew over Boss, the Lucky Beast was still minding its own business as this happened, the Bird finally found her way out as she backtracked the steps she had followed Boss. She saw the others resting around a campfire, which was seemingly made of paper and a few pieces of wood, she was curious to find where Père David's Deer had found all of that.
-Hey everyone, you girls won't believe what just happened! – Bald Eagle waved her arms in excitement when she noticed Maltese Tiger and Boomslang flinched a bit as Père David's Deer stood up from her spot with her staff in hand.
Père David's Deer stared at Bald Eagle with her Masquerade Mask on, her stern stare was so much it made Bald Eagle freeze with her arms by the sides as the Deer walked towards her and smacked her in the head with her staff.
-Ow! What was that for? - Bald Eagle asked very confused.
-I told you to stay here, why didn't you listen Abrutit? - Père David's Deer demanded an answer tapping her foot angrily.
-I just wanted to pee! - Bald Eagle answered blushing while covering her face, having to say it out loud was too much for her.
-Just come and sit by the fire- Père David's Deer ordered her as she walked behind her, the Bird followed suit and sat near the fire. Most Friends are naturally scared of fire, but the Friends of Riukiu Island were used to it. Need drove them to start using campfires at times to keep warm during the winter.
-So what happened to you in the toilet? - Boomslang asked curious but also trying to fix the rather serious mood.
-You won't believe it but I ran into a few Ceruleans! Ceruleans that I, Captain Bald Eagle, managed to slay by herself! - Bald Eagle reported proudly, she couldn't wait to hear what the others had to say, but all she heard were gasps.
Père David's Deer stood up and gave Bald Eagle a glare so stern, the Bird felt her feathers ruffle, the Deer approached her slowly and it seemed like it held back from
- I would take away your rations if it weren't because I've yet to teach you some gold old fashioned Discipline, consider yourself lucky I'm going to let you go with a warning, this is so you won't forget it! - Père David's Deer scolded Bald Eagle before smacking her in the head again, before turning around and facing Maltese Tiger, the Feline stood up and ran off.
-Malty Sempai! Fait chier… Come back here, you are not getting away with this, HOW DARE YOU LET HER GO PEE BY HERSELF?!- Père David's Deer chased after Maltese Tiger.
-Are you okay? - Boomslang asked out of reflex, lost in all the things that just happened, still concerned about the Bird.
-Mean… So mean…- Bald Eagle said trembling and trying not to cry, tears ran down her cheeks as she started whimpering.
-Did she hit you that bad!? Calm down please! - Boomslang begged as she checked Bald Eagle's forehead.
- I was hoping to be complimented… But instead I get scolded… It's not fair!- Bald Eagle sniffled between sentences and then started sobbing while looking down.
-No please if you cry I will cry t-…- Boomslang was saying when her voice cracked and she started crying as well.
They cried together for a minute before Bald Eagle noticed Boomslang was crying too, she brushed off her tears with her gloves and took a few deep breaths before giving Boomslang a hug, she held her tight until the Snake stopped crying.
-I'm sorry- Boomslang said snuggling the eagle and blushing.
-It's okay; it's not something to shed tears over- Bald Eagle said with a wavy smile, while the fact Boomslang saw her crying was embarrassing, she felt comfortable with all this.
The pair of Friends could hear the other 2 still arguing and Big Boss heading back with them, Maltese Tiger in front was shuffling as if she just had the longest day of her life, while the Lucky Beast followed Père David's Deer, who was still yelling at Maltese Tiger over what she hadn't done properly.
-You know fait chier like that pisses me off! You deserve being scolded for being the worst Sempai ever- Père David's Deer keep talking even as Maltese Tiger tiredly sat by the fire.
-How are you two Love-Birds doing? - Maltese Tiger said as Boomslang jumped away in reflex from Bald Eagle's embrace.
-Hahaha! I get it!- Bald Eagle laughed heartily, seemingly not minding or actually not getting at all the double meaning of it.
-Weren't you supposed to comfort her and not have her comfort you? - Père David's Deer glared at Boomslang, The Snake had no idea what to respond to the Deer so she just remained silent and looked away from the group, the Deer sighed deeply and finally took off her Masquerade mask.
As the group remained silent, Père David's Deer looked into her backpack and started to distribute the rations, a small bottle of water and a couple of Japari Buns for everyone. It wasn't nearly enough but no one was going to complain this time, because they didn't want to set off Père David's Deer bad mood again, but when the Deer gave Bald Eagle her rations, she winked while slipping in an extra Japari Bun.
As the Friends ate slowly to enjoy their small rations a bit more, Père David's Deer searched through her bag for a couple of things, she pulled out a Japari Park copybook and a pen and started to write on it. This got Bald Eagle's attention and made her curiosity get the best of her, the Bird quickly finished her three Japari Buns and chugged down her water, she flew close to the Deer to see what she was doing.
-What are you doing? - Bald Eagle peeked over Père David's Deer shoulder, the Deer didn't seem to mind but she didn't respond, Bald Eagle look at the page and there were cute doodles in between lots of words that she couldn't read.
-She learned how to read and write when she was a Spear - Maltese Tiger explained as she had just finished her rations.
-Amazing! - Boomslang said as she finished her rations and rushed to over Père David's Deer side to take a peek too.
-I've been writing down what we have gone through together so far. Bald Eagle would you mind telling me the details about your fight? It's data that I could use in the future – The Deer explained while inviting Bald Eagle to sit right beside her.
Bald Eagle explained about how she didn't realize there was a skeleton in the toilet due to her rush to pee and then how she avoid managed to be spotted outright by the Ceruleans mostly due to luck. When she got to the part about where she managed to defeat all the little blue blobs by throwing feathers at them, Maltese Tiger and Boomslang looked amused and confused respectively. While Père David's Deer listened carefully and encouraged to tell every single detail.
-Throwing feathers? - Boomslang just couldn't wrap her mind around such a weird and bizarre way of killing Ceruleans.
-Yeah, I wanna see you do that, like right now- Maltese Tiger said standing up and gesturing Bald Eagle to show them.
Bald Eagle proceed to try to do what she did earlier in the bathroom, but no matter how much she wanted it to happen or much hard she tried, no feathers projectiles manifested.
-I'm sorry, I just can't- Bald Eagle apologized blushing hard.
-Don't worry about it Baldy, what you did there was a "Wild Release", have you heard of it before? - Père David's Deer asked as she finished writing and put her copybook aside.
-No… I've never heard of it- Bald Eagle answered coyly.
-Neither have I…- Boomslang expressing her curiosity with a question, moving in and sitting beside Bald Eagle again.
-Deerie tried to teach me but I just couldn't do it, so how… OUCH! - Maltese Tiger was saying when Père David's Deer smacked her with her staff before anyone could warn her.
-Be quiet Malty-Sempai, I'll explain this to them- Père David's Deer ordered the Feline, the Deer then spun her staff around while focusing and when she stopped, a shower of sparkles and glitter originated from the staff and fell all over the party.
-So pretty! - Boomslang and Bald Eagle said in unison, while the Snake tried to catch some sparkles with her hands, Bald Eagle opened her mouth and tried to see how they tasted.
-That's my Wild Release, it's a "healing rain" of sorts, but since you aren't injured it just looks like a pretty light show!- Père David's Deer did it again to the joy of the Snake and the Bird, illuminating the tunnel with her sparkles and glitter.
-Every Friend has one unique to their sub-species and another one unique to themselves, I can do something else but not under these circumstances, it takes training for any Friend to have complete control over it! - Père David's Deer continued to explain as Bald Eagle and Boomslang listened to her, while Maltese Tiger laid back and seemingly fell asleep instantly.
-In time I might need to try to teach you how to Wild Release properly and at your will, but I'm afraid I wouldn't be the best teacher for that, you need someone far more skilled than I am and someone who isn't just a Healer like I am- Père David's Deer finally sitting as she finished her explanation.
-So throwing feathers as projectiles is the Wild Release of Birds of Prey? - Boomslang asked pondering about it.
-Correct! You should have great resilience Boomy; your kin are very tough- Père David's Deer gave the Snake thumbs up.
-Very tough! -Bald Eagle giggled while gazing at Boomslang.
-I'll protect you and everyone else, you'll see! -Boomslang promised pouting while angrily waving her snake tail.
-I'm hoping we never get into a fight but I'll make this very clear for both of you, just because you got a Healer doesn't mean you should be reckless, always follow my orders in combat and you'll do just fine -Père David's Deer told both the Bird and the Snake, hoping neither of them would ever get badly hurt, she was tired of washing Friends blood away.
Père David's Deer ordered the Bird and Snake to take a nap. The Deer wanted to enter Akushima Island under the cover of the darkness for safety reasons, she promised to stay awake and be on guard duty until she was ready to wake them up.
None of the Four were prepared for what lay in wait for them.