Chapter 12: Bonding

The next couple of minutes were what I could only describe as difficult; more monsters to fight for starters. But what made it more harder was that we all were in complete and utter silence; following our meeting with Maria.

I understood why Manny acted the way he did; he just wants to protect his family. But still, it doesn't hurt to let new people into your life if they're friendly and trustworthy...

"Hey kid," Shira said, catching up to me followed by Diego. "Are you okay?"

Clutching my weapons more tightly, I gave them a brave smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just a little frustrated, that's all."

Diego frowned. "Because of what happened earlier?"

"Um, yes, but...it's also about something else." I replied, carefully choosing my words.

Hearing this, Manny whirled his head round and glared at me. "What?"

I immediately threw my hands up in defense. "Nothing, nothing!"

At some point, things are gonna get rough. Really rough.

"Good." The mammoth simply replied, before turning round and continuing on. I felt more frustrated than ever, that I just wanted to throw my fist into the nearest wall I could find. I mean... Why couldn't things be bright and positive between me and the Herd? They were with Ellie, Peaches, Shira, Diego and the others, but Manny? No.

I breathed a heavy sigh, thinking of someone I held close to my heart. "I wish you were here with us..." I whispered to myself. Just then, a soft breeze filled with warmth swept through the locks of my brown ponytail. This sent a tingling and positive sensation flooding through my chest, making my lips turn up into a small smile.

Who knows, maybe she is...

M-E

"Don't worry Megan, I'm right here..." I whispered soothingly, smiling as I gazed fondly at the innocent child who walked calmly and bravely with the large group of prehistoric animals.

Truth be told, I didn't understand why the mammoth was being so mean to her. He probably thought of my friend as an enemy, a threat that he needed to take care of. But why can't he see that she's a kind young girl who will do anything to help others in need?

Because he needs to take time to get to know her...

Ever since I left this world, I found peace in the heavens; a glorious place where spirits can live in harmony. The blossoms on the trees are a pure white and the meadows are draped in different shades of spring. Some people describe it as the 'Beyond' but to me, it was a gentle and wonderful home we find shelter in after we perish.

But I had to make sure that Megan was safe; so I came back down into the world as a spirit and kept watch, hovering over her and the animals as if I was an an entity.

The group continued walking down the cold and foggy streets, still in silence. I could hear sounds of deep breaths coming from my young friend, so I quickly floated over to where she was.

"Hey, hey, are you alright?!"

No answer, obviously she couldn't hear me. I thought...maybe she was trying to calm herself down and prevent any negative emotions burst out of control.

If only I hadn't run off and left her behind, which forced me to meet my death...

"I'm so sorry... I shouldn't have done what I did..."

But at least, I could keep watch from the heavens.

E-M

"Take it easy, take it easy..." I kept repeating to myself quietly, not realising that I had alerted most of the herd, even Manny. I suddenly felt their eyes locked onto me, which forced me to grip my pistol so tightly that my knuckles were turning into a bright white. Thankfully, I managed to calm myself down and focus on what was happening.

But still, I hate being the centre of attention...

"Hey guys, there's a building over there. I don't know what it is, but how about we head inside and find anything useful?" I suggested, pointing towards the steps leading up into a...

Hospital?

F*ck! ... Oh f*ck, I take that back! Bad idea, bad idea, bad idea!

"Yeah, I'm saying we should all head in there too. Good job kid." Manny commented, giving me a nod of appreciation before heading off, followed by Sid, Diego, Buck and Flynn.

My reaction was priceless. I just stood there with my jaw dropped to the ground, knowing full well that my face had the message of "What the hell just happened?!" pictured on it. Crash and Eddie were snickering, trying not to give in to their eventual laughter whilst Ellie, Peaches, Shira and Diego were looking at me with amusement. After a four second silence, the possums burst out laughing.

"What?!" I demanded, snapping back to reality.

"You should see the look of your face!" Crash managed to shout, whilst laughing his head off.

"Your reaction looked so stupid!" Eddie added, trying to stifle his laughter.

Oh really...

I began walking to catch up with the others, but as soon as I passed the possums, I gave them a mildly amused look. "Yeah, thanks guys." I scoffed.

Truth be told, I expected to get a different reaction, but the one I got was a lot better. "Oooooh, it is on sister!"

Grinning mischievously, I gave them a two-fingered salute. Sid had apparently saw what just happened and came up to me. "That was a cool thing you did back there."

Hearing this, I smirked evilly. "I have my ways."

The sloth chuckled and Granny gave him a look of annoyance. "Hey Sidney, wait up!"

"I am waiting!" Sid protested, sighing and shaking his head.

M-M

"Hey Manny, mind if I could talk to you for a second?" Ellie asked, walking next to me.

I gave her a loving smile. "Not at all."

My wife took a deep breath. "Okay well, I know we only just met her, but I have this feeling that we all should look out for Megan."

We only need Peaches, not the human...

"Why?" I asked, giving the hint that I didn't want anything to do with her. "I still believe that she's a threat to us."

Ellie sighed. "I get what you mean, but she's only a child and her mother's missing. Until she finds her, we should look after her."

As much as I disliked the kid, I had to accept that my wife was right. "I just want to protect you and my family."

I really do...

"Manny," Ellie murmured, placing a gentle trunk on my shoulder, nuzzling me. "I know you do, but sometimes it doesn't hurt to let new people into our lives; so we should let Megan join us."

I nuzzled her back, thinking about my loving wife's words. I couldn't help but look back at the kid. She was laughing at one of Crash's jokes with Peaches and Louis as they walked through the massive fog, surrounding us. A small smile tugged at my lips as I watched them. "Maybe, you're right..."

I mean, the kid probably wasn't so bad after all... Right?

M-M

"Okay, okay, I really need to calm down." Louis said, grinning whilst looking at Peaches with those cute blue eyes of his.

Shira gave a cheerful laugh. "Yeah, I agree with you Louis."

At least the atmosphere is now positive...

"Can I tell you guys one more joke?" Crash pleaded. I could tell from the look on his face that he had tons of them up his fur. As much as I wanted to say "Yes", I knew we had to continue.

"Sorry Crash, maybe a little later?" I suggested, giving him a friendly smile.

After a one minute silence, the possum shrugged. "Sounds good to me."

It's a deal.

Soon, we managed to catch with Manny and the others, standing outside the entrance to the hospital. I couldn't help but look at the sign which told us the establishment's name:

Brookhaven Hospital

Manny then turned to face all of us, after a moment of thought. "You guys ready for this?"

We all nodded, some of us feeling slightly frightened and scared. I certainly was, for I was not a huge fan of hospitals. Whenever I had to go in for an emergency (whichever it may be), I absolutely dreaded it. But if it was family member who needed help, I would go in anyways. "Y'know what, let's just...get this over with..." I said.

"Alright then."

One by one, we entered. Some of us relieved that we no longer had to face the cold, but others not so much.

As I took my first step into the hospital, I took a deep breath, knowing that at some point, trouble was going to occur. "Okay..."

Let's do this...