"Okay, tent, torches, sleeping bags, cooler, fishing gear, and food," said Rad while going over his checklist. He was preparing everything in the truck's bed and tying it all down with sturdy rope. It was the beginning of the Heeler kids' holiday, and the family were going to spend the next several days at Mt. Barney on holiday. Meanwhile, Lyon was in his room preparing his things in his camp duffle. He placed some jumpers in case nights get chilly, along with a few extra blankets, Marc's old hat, and inhaler in a neat position. As he zipped the bag, he went downstairs and to the door to bring his stuff to the ute.
"I think I've got everything," added Lyon.
"Inhaler as well," inquired Rad.
"Yes," said Lyon. He handed his duffel to his adoptive father, and Rad placed the duffel with the other camping necessities. "Okay, any last-minute things to do before we depart? Restroom," questioned Rad to ascertain that they made it on time.
"Already did it ahead of time," claimed Lyon as he made any last-minute business.
"Good. Let's be on our way then." They both got on the vehicle, and made their way on the highway to the south east part of Queensland. Lyon was looking at a map that contained all the highways in the Queensland regions. "You don't need the map, mate. I've got the Sat Nav," added Rad.
"I know. I just like to learn about the parts of Queensland. I'm really interested in learning the places," explained Lyon.
"Oh, gotcha," said Rad. He was mildly impressed by how Lyon wanted to memorize the regions. They passed through scenic parts on the road such as pastures, forests, and beaches. They then stopped by a petrol station to fill up on some petrol before they arrived to their destination. Rad wanted to make sure that Lyon was all good with the bathroom. "You don't need to use the restroom while we're here," he asked while filling his vehicle up with petrol.
"Nope. All good," added Lyon. He then examined the area. There were some dogs with their cars filling up their tanks with petrol as well. He noticed the station had a mini café with a few tables and chairs next to the convenience store. They both went inside to pay for the petrol; Lyon then saw a bunch of souvenirs such as sunglasses, hats, keychains, postcards, and mini stuffed animals. He observed them closely, and saw some buttons that can be pinned down on fabric such as hats or shirts. "Okay, let's head out," added Rad. Lyon nodded, and followed his father back to the truck.
"Find anything interesting? I saw you looked at the stuff inside," asked Rad.
"I saw many neat things, but nothing interesting," said Lyon. "It feels nice being on the road like this. Takes me back when I was with mum and dad."
"Did you go to a lot of places with them," asked Rad.
"We went to some. I did say we went to Yarramalong Park. We also went to Sudbury, Ontario on a skiing holiday as well."
"That sounds like fun. I've never been skiing before, but I would like to try it out some time," added Rad.
"It's harder than it looks. Dad had a ton of practice with it," explained Lyon.
After the two hour drive, they arrived to the Mt. Barney camping site. There was a sign that led them to the road towards the camping grounds. There they saw plenty of cars parked by the curbside. They parked next to Stripe and Bandit's vehicles. Rad received a message from his brothers about where they were located. "We should head down towards that direction," said Rad pointing west. He was carrying the cooler, tent, and his duffle altogether while Lyon carried his things with him as well. They arrived at the spot where the rest of the Heeler family is at. There was a white caravan with a striped blue and white sided roof. Bandit and Stripe were setting up their areas with the camping gear while their kids were playing.
"We were wondering when you two would show up," said Bandit.
"We had to make a stop for petrol, but we're here," added Rad setting down his things. "Already setting everything?"
"Just a few things. I'm going to get the grill started," said Stripe.
"I've brought some food as well," said Rad while holding the box.
"Just set it next to my stuff. I'll see what I can whip up," said Stripe while brushing the grill.
"Can I help with anything," asked Lyon.
"That's very responsible of you. You could help gather some dry wood for the fire," said Bandit. Lyon went to find some sticks for a campfire. Rad was setting up his tent next to Bandit's tent. Chilli and Trixie were setting the outdoor dining table by placing the napkins, eating utensils, and drinks. Lyon came back with several sticks in his arm. "Will this do," asked Lyon to Bandit.
"Yup. Thanks, mate," complimented Bandit to his nephew. "Uncle Stripe, do you need any help," asked Lyon.
"Sure thing. Can you go inside my caravan, and find the charcoal bag? I'll need that to start the grill's fire," asked Stripe. Lyon went inside and found both Muffin and Socks in the caravan. He then saw the bag and grabbed it.
"Lyon, that charcoal bag is mine," whined Muffin.
"Muffin, I need this for your dad. He needs it for the grill," explained Lyon.
"The bag is mine," she said while tugging the bag away from Lyon.
Stripe went inside to check up on his nephew and daughter. "I've got this Lyon," said Stripe. "I'll take that Muffy. I need it for the grill." He scooped up the bag. "Appreciate it, mate," he said to his nephew. Lyon went back outside to check if anyone needed his aid. "You two don't need any more help," he asked both uncles.
"Not now. You've helped us well. Why don't you check on your aunts if they need anything," said Bandit while helping Stripe with the grill. "Okay," said Lyon while shaking his head. He went to check up on Trixie and Chilli if they needed any aid as well. "Do you two need any assistance," he asked amicably.
"That would be a great help. Could you get some of the condiments in our tent? They should be in a green box," requested Chilli. Lyon went inside Bluey's family tent and found a green box with some food. He grabbed the tomato sauce, mustard, and relish, and took it back to the outdoor table. "Thanks, sweetheart," said Chilli.
"No problem, Aunt Chilli," added Lyon.
"You're being extremely helpful today, Lyon," said Trixie noticing the wolf dog's willingness to help.
"I just thought of being useful as best as I can be. You are my family after all," said Lyon.
"I think that's very kind," complimented Trixie. "I'm going to check up on dad and our tent," said Lyon. He went to check up on Rad, who was still setting up their tent. "Hey mate, can you pass the mallet," asked Rad while holding down a stake. Lyon immediately grabbed the mallet and handed it to his father. "Cheers, mate," thanked Rad. Lyon aided with Rad to set up their tent by holding up the poles while Rad was hammering down each stake to the ground. The tent was a dark green dome shaped tent with a mesh doorway. After the tent was set up, Rad placed the sleeping bags on the ground with their torches next to their duffels. "Okay, that should be everything set up," said Rad.
"Can we go fishing now," asked Lyon.
"Not yet. I'm going to check up on your uncles if they need any help with the food. You can go play with your cousins in the caravan." Lyon understood and went to Stripe's caravan to check up on his cousins. Rad went over to see his brothers if they need any help with the good.
"So, what are we making today," asked Rad.
"I'm going to make some sausages and hamburgers," said Stripe while placing each piece of meat in the grill.
"I'm also making some chickpea curry as well," said Bandit. Rad was making some chicken skewers as well. "How's Lyon by the way. With his asthma," asked Stripe to Rad. "He's fine. I'm making sure he keeps his inhaler with him. He's still getting used to it," explained Rad. "He seems to genuinely enjoy himself on this trip," added Bandit as he noticed his behavior today. "Yeah, it's his first time coming back to camping for a while now. I've brought some fishing gear since he used to do it with his dad," explained Rad.
"Dang, I knew I should have brought my fishing pole," said Stripe.
"You're not even great at fishing," teased Bandit.
"You're the same too," bickered Stripe.
"Alright, you two. That's enough," said Rad trying to quell the petty argument. "You never change do you. I'm the one that breaks up you're arguing since we were young." The three kept conversing as they were making lunch.
Meanwhile, the kids were playing in Muffin's caravan. Bluey was sitting at the dining table with a cup in her paw.
"Ohhh… My house is so fancy," she said with a posh accent.
"Bluey, this is my caravan," said Muffin with an agitated look.
"Oh… Hello butler!"
"That cup is mine!" Muffin grabbed the cup Bluey had and tried to tug it away from her. Bluey giggled as she tried to wrestle the cup from her three-year-old cousin. "Muffin, I'm just using it for the game!"
"Give it to me," shouted Muffin as she snatched the cup away from her. Bluey showed an annoyed face after Muffin took the cup away. Bingo came in pretending to be a butler with a frying pan. "Breakfast is ready, M'lady," she said with a gentleman accent.
"That frying pan's mine," Muffin shouted again as she snatched the pan away from Bingo.
"Muffin," said Bingo while holding on to the frying pan. Muffin, being her usual, stroppy self-took anything from anyone. "It's all mine," she screamed. She then chased her cousins out of the caravan with both girls giggling. Lyon then saw the commotion as he saw Muffin evicting her cousins.
"What's going on," he asked.
"The butler kicked us out," said Bingo.
"Ohh… We'll have to live in the forest," cried out Bluey.
"Not this one, she hasn't had a bath in three days," said Chilli while scooping up her four-year-old daughter taking her for a bath.
"I like stinking," shouted Bingo while being carried away.
"Goodbye, sweet, stinky cook," said Bluey waving her sister goodbye. Lyon smirked, and chuckled as he couldn't help her cousins' odd behavior. "You are a strange one, Bluey, but that's part of your charm," said Lyon. Both cousins laughed; "Let's make a house," said Bluey. Both Bluey and Lyon ran into the woods and collected many sticks to make a house. "Let's gather a lot of things to make our house," said Lyon.
"Definitely," said Bluey. While the two were collecting various sticks, leaves, and acorns, an unknown voice was heard.
"Bonjour," said a boy's voice. The two turned around and saw a black Labrador retriever kid waving hello.
"Hi," said Bluey.
"Tu veux jouer avec moi," said the boy.
"Huh," asked Bluey raising a confused brow.
"Est-ce qu'on joue ensemble?" The boy carried a stick and approached the two.
"I'm not really sure what you're talking about," stated Bluey still not understanding the boy. Lyon's eyes widened and then recognized the language the boy was speaking. "Wait a minute, he's speaking French," said Lyon. "I know French! I may be able to help translate it."
"You can do that," said Bluey while wagging her tail.
"I can try," said Lyon. He approached to the boy, getting ready to do his best to talk back with his French skills. "Voulez-vous jouer avec nous," asked Lyon to the boy inviting him to play with Bluey and himself.
"Oui bien sûr," said the Labrador boy with a grin. "He's asking if he wants to play with him," explained Lyon to Bluey. "Of course, he can," added Bluey. The Labrador handed Bluey and Lyon two wooden sticks. "Oh, thanks," expressed Bluey with her gratitude. The three went to a spot near trees to make a house.
"This is for my house, my butler kicked me out," said Bluey.
"Nous construisons une maison," said Lyon to the kid.
"Oh, une maison! C'est super," exclaimed the boy. "On pourrait prendre ces plantes pour faire les murs," he said while grabbing a leaf.
"He said the leaves can be used for the walls," said Lyon. The three kids worked hard on creating a house shaped like a cone made from sticks and leaves. "Lyon, you're a genius," praised Bluey to Lyon.
"Really? I'm just doing what I can. I wouldn't go far as genius," said Lyon with modesty.
"But you understand him, and able to tell me what he knows."
"Yeah, that's true." The house was finished; the three looked at their house with admiration. "Oh, c'est tres beau," said the boy in awe.
"Je suis d'accord," agreed Lyon.
"Now we need food to eat," suggested Bluey. The Labrador boy looked around and grabbed a seed from the ground. "On pourrait planter cette graine pour faire pousser des fruits," said the boy trying to explain the seed used as their source of food.
"The seed can be used to grow fruit," explained Lyon.
"Hey yeah, we could plant this seed. Like farmers," said Bluey. They planted the seed by digging a hole deep enough for it to grow in, and gave the earthly soil a solid pat. "This will grow into a big tree with fruit on it," added Bluey.
"Ca va prendre beaucoup de temps pour grandir," said the Labrador boy.
"It will take a while," said Lyon. The three then heard Bandit imitating boar noises from a distance and scurried their way behind a rock. The adult blue heeler had a bucket and was scooping some water in the stream.
"It's a wild pig," said Bluey.
"C'est un sanglier," said Lyon to the Labrador.
"Sanglier," exclaimed the boy.
"Let's ambush him," said Lyon with a mischievous grin to Bluey and the Labrador. The three ran up to Bandit to capture him, but Bandit splashed them with water from the puddle, and retreated to the campsite. Despite the failed attempt, the three seem to have laughed it out.
"Bluey! Lyon! Dinner," hollered Chilli from a distance.
"Jean-Luc! C'est le diner," shouted a man from the other side presumably the boy's father.
"We'll see you tomorrow," asked Bluey to the boy.
"À demain," asked Lyon.
"A demain," agreed the boy.
"Lyon, introduce ourselves to him," whispered Bluey to her cousin.
"Je m'appelle Lyon, et voici mon cousin Bluey," said Lyon introducing themselves to the boy.
"Salut, Bluey et Lyon. Moi c'est Jean-Luc," said Jean Luc.
"His name is Jean Luc," said Lyon.
"See you tomorrow Jean-Luc!" The two Heeler cousins waved at their new friend goodbye and went back to their campsites. Both Bluey and Lyon were chatting on their way back to their families. "He's a nice kid," said Lyon. "Yeah, he's interesting. And he speaks French," said Bluey. "I'm glad I have you with me so we can understand him."
They saw the family next to the campfire roasting marshmallows. "There you two are. Who was your friend back there," asked Bandit.
"His name is Jean-Luc. He speaks French, and so does Lyon. He was able to translate it," said Bluey.
"Good on you for helping, sport," said Rad to his son.
"It's no big deal, really," added Lyon. "Well, we're about to have some sausages and marshmallows now," added Bandit. The two joined with the rest of the family by the campfire as they feasted on dinner. The four kids were roasting their marshmallows while the five adult heelers were chatting. Muffin accidentally burned her marshmallow with both Bandit and Trixie surprised when it occurred while Stripe, Chilli, and Rad kept conversing, not noticing the burnt marshmallow.
At the same time, on the other side of the campgrounds, Jean Luc was eating dinner with his parents at the outdoor dining table talking about his afternoon with his new friends.
"Et nous avons failli attraper ce sanglier après avoir planté une graine pour le rude hiver," explained the Labrador boy to his parents.
"Mon Dieu, cela devait être un sanglier très intelligent," said Jean Luc's mother.
"Je parie que tu as passé un bon moment avec tes nouveaux amis, fils," added Jean Luc's father.
"Oui, père. Ils s'appellent Bluey et Lyon. Lyon connaît aussi le français. Nous avons pu communiquer pour que Bluey puisse me comprendre." Jean Luc finds both very interesting, but with Lyon's ability to speak his language, he wanted to learn more about him as well. The Labrador family enjoyed their evening at the campsite.
Second day:
The next morning, the two cousins went to see their friend at his family's tent. Jean Luc came out and saw his two friends, wagging his tail.
"Jean Luc," called out Bluey.
"Ça va, Bluey et Lyon," asked Jean Luc.
The trio made their way back to the same spot where they planted their fruit seed. "We have to catch that wild pig today or we'll have no food for the winter," added Bluey.
" Nous devons attraper le sanglier aujourd'hui," said Lyon to Jean Luc.
Bandit came back again with the same boar noises. The three kids hid behind the rock while the adult heeler was gathering water from the stream.
"Quel est le plan," asked Jean Luc eyeing at Lyon to help communicate the plan between Bluey and himself.
"I'll scare him, you two surround him when he runs away," said Bluey.
"Elle va lui faire peur. Nous devons lui couper la parole une fois qu'il tente de s'enfuir," explained Lyon to Jean Luc.
Bluey crept closer to her father while the two boys sneaked behind Bandit. The heeler girl then jumped out of the rock, and he tried to make his escape by splashing her with water from the stream. However, the two boys surrounded him, and ambushed Bandit. He was down on the ground with the three howled together in celebration.
After the ambush, the three went back to their house they made yesterday. "That was wild," said Bluey.
"Yeah, I can't believe we caught a wild pig," added Lyon.
"Maintenant, nous avons de la nourriture pour l'hiver," stated Jean Luc.
"I'm going to get some water too. I'll be right back," said Bluey as she heads down to the stream. The two boys were at the dome house. Jean Luc wanted to ask questions about Lyon since he was capable of speaking French.
"Vous parlez couramment le français. D'où venez-vous," asked Jean Luc wanting to learn how Lyon knows the language.
"En fait, je suis né ici en Australie. Mon père est en fait français," added Lyon. "Je n'en connais que quelques-uns. J'apprends encore le français par moi-même tous les jours."
"Bien. J'aimerais pouvoir apprendre l'anglais facilement," explained Jean Luc.
"En connaissez-vous?"
"Un peu. It is hard," said Jean Luc saying his first words in English.
"Continuez simplement à pratiquer. It takes a while, but with effort it is worth it. I've only managed to help translate because it's good practice for me as well."
Jean Luc smiled at Lyon, appreciating his encouragement to him learning English.
"D'où êtes-vous," asked Lyon.
"Ma famille vient de Québec. C'est la première fois que nous venons en Australie pour des vacances," said Jean Luc stating he is from Quebec, Canada.
"Mon père est originaire de Paris, en France. Il a rencontré ma mère en Australie quand il allait à l'école ici." It was revealed that Lyon's father Marc is from Paris, France and met his wife Audrey in Australia when he was in high school.
"Ah, Paris. Un endroit charmant," complimented Jean Luc.
"Oui, c'était un bon père. Mais les bonnes choses ont une fin," added Lyon with a sad smile.
"Hein," asked Jean Luc in confusion.
"Oh, peu importe. Allons voir mon cousin." The boys went to check up on Bluey. She was watering the spot where they planted the fruit seed. "Just tending our farm," said Bluey.
"We should get some fresh soil too. Viens, Jean-Luc," suggested Lyon. The boys grabbed some dirt and layered the spot with new dirt while Bluey gave more water to their fruit seed.
"Jean Luc said his family is from Quebec City in Canada," stated Lyon to Bluey.
"Oh, that sounds like an interesting place. How far is it," wondered Bluey.
"Très loin," said Jean Luc while widening out his arms.
"Wow, that's really far from here," added Bluey.
They then heard their families calling out for dinner once again. They said their goodbyes and went back to their campsites. At the outdoor table, the two cousins talked about their day catching the wild dad pig. "You should have seen it, mum. We were able to catch the wild pig thanks to Lyon. If he wasn't there, we would have no food for the winter," said Bluey.
"That's quite the story," said Chilli amused while eyeing at her husband.
"Yeah, yeah, very exciting," said Bandit rolling his eyes as he recalled the ambush.
Both Stripe and Rad chuckled as they heard their niece retelling the story. "This Jean Luc sounds interesting," said Rad. "He is. He's from Quebec, Canada. It's interesting to meet someone from another country that has French speakers," added Lyon.
"You know, me and your Aunt Chilli know some French as well," stated Bandit.
"Really? How?"
"We used to do a lot of backpacking. We visited Paris once on holiday," said Chilli.
"My father was from there. Coincidence," said Lyon. Lyon explained more about how his original father and mother first met the rest of the Heeler family with Rad backing up with the details. Everyone listened intently to the wolf dog's story.
Third day:
The third morning Bluey and Lyon went to see Jean Luc in his tent; "Jean Luc," called out the two.
"Bonjour," said the black Labrador kid.
They went to check up on their fruit seed to see if it sprouted any fruit. The seed is still deep inside the soil yet to produce single sprout. "Still no fruit yet," added Bluey.
"But we still have some wild pig meat from yesterday," stated Lyon.
"Yeah, but who knows how long it will last. We'll need to split up rations," suggested Bluey.
"Pas assez de viande," said Jean Luc.
The three kids then heard a bear roar from a distance. Though it wasn't Bandit this time imitating boar noises. They hid behind the rock, and saw Rad this time gathering water from the stream.
"Oh, a wild bear," stated Lyon.
"Un ours féroce," said Jean Luc watching in shock.
"This is going to be a tough one to take down," said Bluey. "I think I got a plan." She scooped up some water from a puddle, drips it on a rock, and drew something on the bigger rock they are hiding behind. "My dad taught me how to do this." She drew an illustration of the bear Rad. "Wild bear," she said.
"Ours," said Jean Luc.
She then drew a stick figure representing herself, Lyon, and Jean Luc. She then pointed out herself in the illustration. "Me."
"Toi," understood Jean Luc.
"And you two corner him," she stated pointing them out in the illustration.
"Nous le coinçons," explained Lyon to Jean Luc. Jean Luc nodded as he understood the plan, and the two boys made haste to hide in the forest while Bluey made her move to scare her uncle. Rad nonchalantly gathered some water in the stream of water until his niece made the jump on him. The red heeler adult sprinted away from Bluey through the thick grass part of the woods. Bluey chased her uncle off with a reed plant as her lance. Unbeknownst to Rad, both Jean Luc and his son appeared out of the blue before he made his escape with Bluey catching up to him. The three kids ambushed him with him defeated on the floor. Just as they celebrated with a victory howl capturing the wild boar, they did the same with the wild bear.
Later in the evening, the three were splashing around in the stream laughing and playing until they heard the adults calling them out for dinner.
"Bye Jean-Luc! We'll see you tomorrow," said Bluey while both the heeler and wolf dog hugged the Labrador. However, Jean-Luc displayed a sad expression. "Non, pas demain matin," he said with a sadden voice.
"Quoi," asked Lyon.
"What's he saying," said Bluey all concerned.
"He said not tomorrow. Pourquoi," asked Lyon directly to Jean-Luc.
"Nous partons tôt demain matin," stated the French Labrador.
"No," said Lyon softly.
"What's he saying," demanded Bluey.
"They're leaving tomorrow," said Lyon.
"What? No, you can't go," said Bluey with a worried look.
"Nous partons tôt demain matin," said Jean-Luc. "Au revoir, Bluey et Lyon." Jean Luc ran off with a tear streaming through his eye. Both the blue heeler and wolf dog were at a loss of words to find out their friend is leaving the campsite tomorrow morning. "But we had so much fun together," said Bluey. Lyon did not say a word after seeing their friend go back to his tent. They both went back to their campsite; once they arrived, Chilli noticed their dejected faces.
"Is something the matter you two? You look upset," she asked all concerned.
"Jean Luc said his family is leaving tomorrow," said Bluey with her ears down.
"Oh, I'm so sorry sweetheart. It must be hard to find out, but their holiday is probably over now," explained Bluey's mother.
"Maybe you can ask them for their contact information," added Lyon. "We could try that."
"Can we go back, mum," pleaded Bluey.
"I wish, but it's getting late. We'll have to try first thing in the morning before they leave," suggested Chilli.
"Oh," said Bluey sadly. Lyon noticed how depressed her cousin is right now. He thought of a way to cheer her up. "There's still time. We just wake up early," said Lyon. The Heeler family soon went inside their tents to sleep in for the night. Bluey, however, was still up thinking about her new friend not being able to stay to play in the wilderness anymore. She let out a few tears in her sleep.
Fourth day:
The next morning there was a bit of fog in the area. The seed that the three children planted a few days ago sprouted a plant from the ground. Bluey woke up early with both her father and sister still sound asleep. She went out of her tent, and rushed towards the area where she, Jean Luc, and Lyon played. "Ah, a little tree," she said. "Oh right, Jean Luc," recalling her friend. She rushed towards where his family set up their tent, only to see nothing left. To her dismay, she knew that Jean Luc's family packed up and left. Bluey ran up to see her mother to ask about Jean Luc. "Mum, do you know where Jean Luc is? His tent's not there!"
"Oh, yes I saw them packing up. They must've left early this morning," said Chilli breaking the bad news to her daughter.
"You mean I was too late? They really left," asked the dismayed heeler girl.
"I'm afraid so, sweetheart."
Bluey was heartbroken when she realized she was too late; unable to accept the fact that her new friend had left, she sat down next to the sprout, shedding some tears. Meanwhile, Lyon woke up realizing that he had nearly forgotten to check up on Jean Luc before he and his family left for good. He ran out of the tent only to find her cousin grieving. "Oh no," he muttered silently. He approached Bluey who didn't say a word; "Don't tell me," he added.
"He's gone," said Bluey quietly.
Lyon was disappointed to find out the news. He was too late; he didn't know what to say to her cousin who was the most upset about this revelation. He wanted to cheer up her cousin from this. "I'm sorry, Bluey. I knew I should have woken up sooner. We would have made it in time."
There wasn't a word coming out of Bluey at all until she wiped her eyes. "I think I need some alone time."
"What? Come on, just because he's gone doesn't mean-", said Jean Luc before finishing his sentence.
"Just leave me alone, please," demanded Bluey interrupting her cousin. Lyon looked at her sadly; he had never seen Bluey this upset before, but he really wanted to cheer her up. Bandit then noticed the two interacting and decided to intervene. "Lyon, mate. How about you come and help me, and your father with brekkie," said Bandit. Lyon decided to respect her cousin's wish and went with his uncle. He huffed out a sigh, not knowing what to do. "I really tried, uncle. She's just very upset," added Lyon.
"I know. But you can't always fix people. She just needs time," explained Bandit.
"Why? I didn't mean to upset her."
"Sometimes these things need time to resolve themselves. I know you meant well, and you're a good cousin. She'll come good."
As they walked away, Lyon turned his head around as he saw Bluey still in mourning over Jean Luc's absence. He too was upset that he left, and wanted to keep in touch with his French friend. Bandit and Lyon arrived at the family campsite where Rad was preparing eggs for an omelet. "Want to help out with brekkie, sport," asked Rad while cracking some eggs.
"Um, yeah sure," said Lyon hesitantly.
"Something going on," asked the eldest heeler brother to the middle brother.
"Both Lyon and Bluey's friend Jean Luc left early this morning, and Bluey is very upset. He tried to cheer her up, but it was no good," said Bandit breaking the bad news to his brother.
"Oh," said Rad quietly. None said a word while preparing the breakfast omelet. While the family was at the table both Bluey and Lyon were the only ones quiet while Bingo, Muffin, and Socks were talking. After breakfast was finished, Bluey had no interest in participating with the rest of the family during the holiday trip. Instead, she just sat inside the house the three made with her ears down. Lyon couldn't help but saw her cousin moping around. Rad saw his son staring from a distance and thought of a way to distract him for the time being. "I've got the fishing pole ready. Want to go to the lake and do some fishing," asked Rad.
Lyon turned around and sighed; "I wish Bluey could come with us. I tried getting her to continue with our wilderness game, but she refused. I doubt she would want to come with us," said Lyon.
"Oh, I see," said Rad. "She probably needs more time to process this. It's not easy to say goodbye to a friend. We can do some fishing for now and come back later to check up on her. How does that sound?"
Despite his reluctance to leave Bluey, Lyon decided to respect her wish. The wolf dog followed his adoptive father to the lake where Bandit and Stripe were sharing Bandit's fishing pole. Bingo was with her father playing with some of her father's fishing lures. Lyon just silently observed the brothers fishing for some bass fish.
"I think I got a bite," added Stripe.
"Just keep reeling it in. Don't stop," said Bandit while trying to help his little brother.
"No, wait I almost got it. This one is a big one," said Stripe while reeling in the pole with his might.
However, it seemed the bass was too strong to be caught, and it made it's way back to the lake's water with the fishing pole released from Stripe's grip. "Gah, so close," grunted Stripe.
"You forgot to lift the rod up, mate," said Bandit.
"I bet Rad might have better luck with this," said Stripe.
"It's been a while since I last fished so I can't guarantee any catch. Say, Lyon got any tips," asked Rad to his son. Lyon didn't say much since he was still thinking about Jean Luc leaving and Bluey was depressed.
"Mate? You there," asked Rad. Lyon then snapped out, not paying attention to his surroundings. "Sorry, did you say something," asked the wolf dog.
"Do you remember any tips from your father when you used to fish with him," asked Rad.
"Oh, well use your wrist and elbow to do the work. Not your whole arm."
"You looked like you were daydreaming. Still thinking about Bluey," asked Bandit.
"Yeah, sort of," said Lyon quietly.
"Do you feel like talking about it while we try to catch a fish," asked Rad.
"Well, okay," said Lyon. He tried to find a way to talk it out to his father and uncles. "It still doesn't feel real that he left. Moreover, I'm still worried about Bluey. I haven't seen her upset since my asthma attack at school. It breaks my heart seeing her like this." Lyon rubbed his neck while feeling this awkward silence. "It can be difficult, mate. It's never easy to say goodbye to someone you care about. The same goes when you see someone going through tough emotions; your cousin's case for example," explained Stripe.
"I would have wanted to ask Jean Luc if he had a phone number or email address. It would have been nice to exchange messages while he had to go back to where he belonged."
"Well, look. Sometimes special people come into our lives, stay for a bit. Then they have to go," added Bandit while casting the line.
"It feels a bit sad," said Lyon.
"I know. But you can remember the happy times you made with Jean Luc," said Rad.
"True. After all, we caught you both. The wild pig and ferocious bear," chuckled Lyon. Stripe snickered while both Rad and Bandit sighed in embarrassment. "Anyways, our point is that those happy memories will always have a special place in your heart and mind. It feels good just thinking about them, yeah," asked Rad.
Lyon nodded in agreement; he understood the advice he received from the Heeler brothers. "Do you think me and Bluey will see him again?"
"Maybe. The world is a magical place," said Bandit. Suddenly, Rad felt a tug through his line. "Oh, man here it comes." He reeled the rod while keeping the rod up. "I think Rad caught the one we lost to," said Stripe. "You've got this, big brother," cheered Bandit. Suddenly, Rad caught a big green bass after besting the relentless reeling. "Wow, that's a big one," said Bingo. "Nice one, dad," praised Lyon to Rad.
Later in the evening, Lyon was reading his book with his torch while Rad was fast asleep. While he was skimming through the pages, he heard some noises outside across Bluey's tent. He peeked out of his tent, and saw Chilli, Bingo, and Bluey going outside with a bunny lamp on. Lyon tipped toed out of his father's tent, and stealthily followed them to avoid attention; he was adept at walking in the dark. He then observed behind the rock and saw Chilli holding on to Bingo up for a bush wee while Bluey accompanied her mother and sister during their business.
"Mum," asked Bluey with a soft, dejected face.
"Yeah," asked Chilli while still holding Bingo.
"Why did Jean Luc have to go?"
"Their holiday was over, honey."
"But I want to keep playing with him. He was my friend."
"Well, look. Sometimes, special people come into our lives, stay for a bit, and then they have to go."
"But that's sad."
"It is. But the bit where they were here, was happy, wasn't it?"
"Yeah. Me, Lyon, and Jean Luc did caught both a wild pig and bear."
"Maybe that makes it all worth it."
Lyon recognized the exact advice Bandit, Stripe, and his father gave to him while fishing at the lake today. He agreed with what his Aunt Chilli explained to her daughter regarding about special people in their lives and how they have to go. Could this be somewhat related to his parents? I wonder, thought Lyon. No, I'm overthinking it.
"Will I ever see him again," inquired Bluey.
"Well, you never know. The world's a magical place," stated Chilli. She turned off the bunny lamp, and the night sky was lit up with many stars in the sky. Bluey gazed at the sky mesmerized by the starry night sky. Even Lyon was impressed by the night sky as well. It takes him back to when his parents took him out on nights during their holiday trips.
Final day:
Following the next day was the day the family wraps up their holiday. Everyone was clearing up their campsite to ensure there was no trash left behind. Bandit was packing up his family tent while Stripe was placing his things in the caravan. Rad and Lyon were putting their things in the truck's bed. Just now, Bluey went to check up on her cousin.
"Hey, Lyon," she said demurely.
"Yeah," asked Lyon.
"I'm sorry about yesterday. Mum and dad told me you were concerned about me all day," explained Bluey.
"It's fine. I'm just happy you're better now," said Lyon with a soft smile.
"The thing is, I was wondering if you can teach me some French once we go back home. That is if you don't mind."
Lyon was pleased that Bluey was willing to learn French after their time with Jean Luc. It seems like Bluey was serious about learning should there be a possibility she and Lyon may see their friend again someday. "I would be honored," said Lyon.
"Yes! I knew you would say yes. Dad and mum will also try to help as well. I can't wait to get started!" Bluey wagged her tail when she will learn the language from both her parents and cousin since they know it. Lyon felt like he was going to teach her cousin the language well.
Timeskip:
Several years passed on and a Pink Trumpet tree has progressed its growth over the years in the exact spot Bluey and Lyon met their friend. Meanwhile, a twelve-year-old Bluey and Lyon strolled along the path with Bluey holding a book in her arms.
"Bluey, that book's mine," called out a girls' voice.
"I know it's yours, Muffin. I'm just borrowing it," said the preteen heeler.
"Some things never change, do they," said Lyon with a smirk.
"No, they don't," agreed Bluey. Both cousins sat down at the tree they planted ages ago. Bluey opened the book with Lyon looking at the book with her cousin by her side. Suddenly, a boy's voice was heard. "Hello, Bluey and Lyon," said the boy in a French accent. Bluey and Lyon turned their heads and saw a familiar looking black Labrador Retriever. It was none other than their old camping friend, Jean Luc. The three dogs wagged their tails while sharing their smiles towards each other.
This is one of the longest chapters I've written so far, and it's a special one too since I loved the episode Camping. I decided that Lyon would play a special role between Bluey and Jean Luc's friendship by helping translate Jean Luc's French. Also, I had to use a translator to help with Lyon and Jean Luc's dialogue. Hope you enjoy reading this chapter.