A/N: Omg guys! I actually wrote something! Crazy! I'm sooo sorry that this is so late. Well, I mean, I don't set dates for when to post things, but it's been a long time since I last updated. I'm so sorry. :'( I've been so busy with school and everything. I'm involved in Orchestra, plays, choir, and my school's dance group. Plus, you know, classes. But yeah, here you go! This isn't a complete chapter (it's super short), but I wanted to get something out to you guys before I go crazy with guilt. I promise to write longer chapters! Uwahhh I feel like such a jerk x(

Please review! Said reviews are what inspired me to write this little short chapter.

Chapter 5

Earlier that afternoon:

Nod removes his leaf-green helmet and shakes out his sweat-drenched hair. He takes in a big gulp of air and releases it with a woosh. It had been another intense morning of fighting Boggans and protecting the queen while she poured life into the dying, rotting plants.

Nod stands on a patch of grass near the rest of his squad members. He falls back onto the grass with his arms and legs wide as though he were making a snow angel. The cold dew on the grass helps cool him off, and he lets out a sigh of content.

He closes his eyes and focuses on his breathing. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. A small ray of sunlight has somehow fought its way through the trees, and he can feel it beating down on his face. 'Just a few more minutes before the sun starts to set,' he thinks.

The warmth on his face disappears seconds later, and he opens his eyes in confusion. He lets out a small yelp and immediately sits up as he sees a young man standing over him. The man is standing behind him with his back bent so that his face looms over Nod's. At Nod's yelp, the man straightens his back and laughs heartily with his head tilted backwards.

Nod feels his cheeks burning and refuses to stand up and face the man who just so happens to be a member of his squad. His name is Raphael, and because he is above Nod in status, he often treats Nod as a boy. Nod hears the grass rustle as Raphael walks around to be in front of him. He extends his arm and says, "Sorry, man. I didn't mean to scare you." Without looking Raphael in the eye, Nod reaches out his arm, grasps Raphael's rough hand, and hoists himself up. Nod can't think of anything to say that might redeem himself, so he stays silent.

"So, uh… A bunch of us are going over to the pond tonight to skip some rocks and see who can jump to the farthest of the lily pads. Wanna come?"

"Ah, sorry, bro. I'm going to- uh… Well, I have plans. Can't come. Sorry." Nod doesn't like to tell the guys when he's going to see MK because they always tease him about it. However, he can never seem to be a convincing liar when it comes to her.

Normally, lying is a piece of cake- like when he pretended that his uncle was killed by a stomper to MK- but he just can't lie about her for some reason.

"Oh, really?" Raphael questions. "What kind of plans?"

"Ohh you know…. Busy ones."

Raphael crosses his arms.

"Nod."

"Raphael."

"Is there something you're not telling me?"

"Uhh… No?"

Raphael raises an eyebrow. He says nothing, but his blatant expression speaks for itself. Nod throws his arms up in defeat and lets out an aggravated sigh.

"Fine! I'm going to see MK. Happy?"

A smirk forms on Raphael's face. "Very. Tell her I say hi, okay?"

Nod's eyebrows scrunch together. "She doesn't even know you!"

Raphael does not seem to be phased by this fact. He merely shrugs and says, "It's the thought that counts. Just tell her that Moonhaven misses her."

Upon hearing this, Nod's annoyed and scrunched up face softens. He gazes into his teammates eyes, understanding his intentions. Everyone in Moonhaven misses her, even the people who did not know her personally. She placed hope and courage into the people's hearts without even realizing it. Nod bows his head slightly in agreement. "I will."

A small smile breaks across Raphael's face. "Cool. See you later, lover boy."

Nod scowls, "Don't call me that!" Raphael completely ignores him.

"Oh, and you might want to wash up before you go see her. You reek." He dodges as Nod tries to hit him, turns around, and begins to run away in the opposite direction towards the pond.

"I'll get you for that one, bro!" Nod yells. He considers running after his teammate but then decides against it. He raises his arm to smell himself.

"Ugh," his face scrunches up in disgust. "I do need to wash up." He shakes his head and jogs to his house to get ready. 'I'm going to see MK,' he thinks. A wide grin spreads across his face and does not leave for the duration of getting ready.

-End flashback-