Chapter 1: Arrival

The male hyena awoke with a start as the plane jolted and roared. The overhead seatbelt sign lit up after a sharp ding. His startled blue eyes glanced around the aircrafts dark cabin until he finally found what he was looking for. Leaning against him was a female hyena. He let out a sigh of relief as he placed his head gently against hers and rested his gaze on her stomach. Sixteen weeks… around four months… It wasn't intentional but the couple welcomed the news. The plane shook again causing him to tighten his grip on the armrest. He closed his eyes and took another deep breath. He hated flying… nothing good could come from putting him in a metal tube up in the sky. He began to list off all of the things that could go wrong in his head when he suddenly felt someone brush against his hand. He opened his eyes to see his wifes sea green eyes staring back at him. She smiled softly and took his hand.

"Talon… you okay hun," she whispered. Talon smiled weakly and nodded.

"Cool as a cucumber Meredith," he joked in an attempt to put both himself and his worried mate at ease. The plane jolted again which caused Talon to flinch. Meredith glanced over to the map displayed on the glowing blue screen in front of her. They still had a long way to go until they reached Australia. She placed her other hand on her stomach. "Everything okay on your end," he asked as he noticed Meredith's focus shift to her stomach. She zipped up her gray sweatshirt and leaned her head against Talon's shoulder.

"It's like we're starting from scratch. Citizens in a new place surrounded by new people. I just really hope we made the right decision when we decided to leave Ireland," she said as she closed her eyes. Talon sat there shocked. Perhaps it was because she was exhausted but throughout the entire process of moving and applying for citizenship she seemed so confident. So sure that this is what she wanted. He'll never forget the gleam in her eye that night she returned from her expedition there. Talon had never left Ireland personally but if that's where his mate wanted to go then he would gladly welcome the change in scenery.

"You not only secured citizenship, but you also secured a job and a place for us to live. If anyone knows what they're doing it's you," he said as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Besides, if you think about it, Australia's way bigger than Ireland. Think you might have scored us an upgrade," he teased. She let out a soft chuckle as she straightened the fur on the back of her neck. Her fur was a light tan which differed from Talons darker fur. She also had black spots while Talon had none. They both looked rather unkempt but no one could really judge them. Meredith turned and straightened the brown tuft of fur on top of Talon's head.

"I can't thank you enough, having your support on this and agreeing to move… Talon I've asked a lot from you… more than anyone should ask from their spouse," she said. She opened her mouth to say something else when Talon shushed her.

"Ireland… Australia… here… there… I'll go with you anywhere. My clan is with you," he said.

"And mine with you," she said as she locked eyes with Talon. "I love you Tal," she whispered as she gave him a peck on the cheek. Talon smiled and returned his wife's affection.

"I love you too, now get some sleep. You look exhausted," he said before leaning his head back against the seat. It felt like he closed his eyes for only a few seconds when he felt someone gently tap his shoulder. He slowly opened his eyes to see Meredith staring at him. Despite her fur being a mess and the tired look in her eyes she looked ecstatic. She had a gleeful smile on her face. The overhead lights had been turned on and people were getting out of their seats. "What's going on," he yawned.

"We made it… can't believe you slept through that landing," she said as she began to undo her seatbelt. Talon let out another yawn and turned his attention to the window. Sure enough they had arrived. Planes taxied back and forth on the runway. It was a beautiful day. The sun was out and there were only a few clouds in the sky. He wiped the sleep from his eyes and unbuckled his seatbelt. No doubt like everyone else he was itching to stretch his legs. "Do you need me to get the bag sweetheart," Meredith asked as she motioned towards the black backpack nestled under Talon's seat.

"Nope, I got it," he said as he playfully shooed her away from the bag. She raised her hands up slightly as a joking sign of surrender as Talon pulled the bag out from under the seat. Due to the majority of their stuff being in suitcases the bag itself wasn't that heavy. He threw it over his shoulder and stood up. The overwhelming sensation in his legs nearly made him stagger forward. Has it really been that long since he last stood up? Meredith giggled at the sight as she placed her hand on his shoulder to keep him from falling.

"Careful there, Australia's gravity takes some getting used to," she teased. Talon rolled his eyes and smiled.

"Thanks for the heads up," he replied as the sensation of pins and needles in his leg began to fade. He began to follow his mate when he suddenly remembered something. "Hey, did you text your friend to let him know that we landed," he asked as he gave one of the pilots a thankful nod and smile.

"Sure did, told me to keep him posted," she replied as she held up a thumbs up. Talon wasn't surprised. That was the Doctor Meredith Connolly he knew and loved. Always on top of things and always had a plan. Which was funny because unlike her, Talon usually played things by ear.

"So who is the guy again," asked Talon. Meredith looked over her shoulder at her curious husband. The spark in her eye was brighter than ever.

"An old friend and fellow archeologist… Doctor Bandit Heeler."

Author's Note: Okay so for starters let's talk about what happened to Last Laugh… I've decided in favor of this new project to discontinue it. I wanted to take Talon in a different direction and decided to do something a bit more chill. I want to try to experiment with a story set around family which is why Meredith now exists. Still trying to get over a writer's block as well but I thought I might as well give you all something to show what I've been up to. Don't worry I've taken a mental note of requests from the last piece but in the meantime I would love to hear what you think about this direction and the inclusion of Meredith. Once again thank you all for your support and I look forward to what the future holds. Chapter 2 is coming soon but until then take care!