Disclaimer: I don't own the Croods, but I really really really wish I did! This is just my take on them, with a very different pairing than what's seen on AO3 apparently. I think I'm the only one…
Trigger: No clue. Brain worm this is. Apologies.
Warning: I don't think this necessarily needs one, but there is a frightening confrontation between two of the main characters. If you prefer to avoid tense situations, you might want to skip ahead further down the chapter or to the next one.
Catch & Release II – The Journey Continues
By Juliette Lyst
Predator
Early Morning
Quiet, Dawn lay curled up on her side. She was so grateful to not be sick. Any semblance of good mood she'd have was gone because of Guy's absence. Deciding to finally get up, she stretched and headed into the forest for a brief period, needing relief.
Once she was back at the campground, she fed a some sticks into the ash leftover from the fire, blowing on them just a little to wake up the few embers that remained. Slowly the fire began to grow again. The young woman remained quiet as she watched the flames rise higher.
Checking around the perimeter of the camp carefully, she collected an armful of twigs to feed the fire. The task was quite tedious, but she needed to find something – anything to distract herself. Dropping the bundle of twigs a safe distance from the fire, she turned around and went to retrieve more.
When she returned, she noticed she was not alone.
Eep sat on her knees carefully feeding twigs into the fire.
Letting out a silent sigh, Dawn trudged over and set the new pile of twigs next to the first pile. Without a word, she turned around and started walking back for more.
"Dawn?"
Hearing Eep's voice made her pause, and she glanced over her shoulder. "Yeah?"
Frowning, Eep looked away briefly. "I think we need to talk."
Brows furrowing, Dawn stood still, debating if she should do that.
"Please," the redhead spoke, keeping her tone light.
Dawn allowed her shoulders to droop a little and turned around. She took a few steps towards Eep and lowered herself down to the ground.
Blowing out a breath in frustration, Eep scooted closer and sat down. "I really wanted to talk to you during your walk."
Unsure where this was going, Dawn was wary when she spoke. "But I told you—"
"That you got plenty of movement and activity. I know," Eep commented, hesitated a little. "You never explained where you went though."
Dawn blinked, caught off guard.
"And you also never told me what I did to make you so mad," she added, pointing to the true reason she wanted to speak with Dawn.
The young brunette had the grace to blush and looked away, guiltily. "Umm… Yah," she replied. "You didn't do anything," she added. "I was… just in a bad mood."
"You did seem upset when you got back yesterday," the redhead reminded her, scratching her head.
"I did?" Dawn asked absently, preoccupied by the fire… and her stomach, which was beginning to growl.
"Yeah," Eep took note of Dawn's reraction as she spoke. "After mom took you and Guy somewhere away from here," After speaking, Eep continued to closely study Dawn.
Twitching a little at the memory, Dawn nodded. "Yeah… Not the best part of the day." The morning the day before had been trying. At the time, she hadn't understood why Guy was pushing everyone to move at such a frantic pace.
Normally, he would explain. This time though? Not a peep out of him. He was making a lot of mistakes too, such as not giving anyone a chance to really rest. Or even eat.
It wasn't until much later that Ugga helped her understand what was wrong with him.
Dawn bit her bottom lip. She'd been furious with her and really owed the older woman an apology. Regret sank in heavily.
"Then you got angry again when he told us his plan," Eep added.
Dawn glanced at her, eyes half closed.
"You were really mad. You acted like you hated me," Eep expression was downcast. "What I don't understand is why."
One of Dawn's brows rose, and she pursed her lips in thought. She really didn't want to engage any further in the conversation. Aside from the fact that she was embarrassed at her own behavior, she worried she'd reveal the truth about her relationship with Guy. He hadn't been honest from the start, which had led to the current issue.
"I—" she held back. No words are best...
Eep's eyes scrunched up. Lifting her head, she found herself very aware. She was analyzing Dawn's face and body language. Something is wrong.
She was late in discerning that her expressions were possibly broadcasting what she felt. Dawn sighed and averted her gaze, resting one hand on her belly. Silence really was best – so it seemed. Guy had better straighten this out…
Eep crept into her line of vision, intelligent green eyes narrowing further.
Dawn's eyes widened, and she was suddenly uncomfortable. Why is she looking at me like that? Swallowing hard, Dawn leaned away, wrapping both arms protectively around her middle.
The redhead's thoughts were beginning to run together just a little. She started to tick off a few things. Dawn went off somewhere with only Guy and her mother. When her young friend returned, she was in a foul mood and her mother looked tense. Guy was missing for a while. "Hmm…" she mumbled.
"W… What?" Dawn asked, frozen in place. She didn't like how intense the redhead's stare was becoming.
Then… Guy and Dawn started arguing about her leaving without him. Eep licked her bottom lip slowly, now feeling something clicking into place.
Jittery, Dawn got off the ground.
Eep got up right with her. The young woman's head was lowered, but her eyes were locked on Dawn. Then… Eep thought. She closely resembled a predator—about to pounce.
Dawn felt her heart pounding, and she was very glad she'd emptied her bladder already.
I told her that her brother would be fine… A muscle twitched in Eep's jaw.
The stalemate was almost intolerable for Dawn. Plus, her stomach voiced its complaint. Slowly, Dawn inched to where she knew there were nuts left from the night before. She wouldn't attack me if I turned my back, would she? Not knowing for a certainty made her feel just like cornered prey…
Apprehension also gave her pause. She was very hungry, but worried she would not be able to keep anything down.
And she got irate after I mentioned her brother… Eep's blinked rapidly then. Wait… her brother… She remembered how Dawn had behaved and that Guy picked her up and disappeared into the forest with her. They were gone a very long time too. Thinking back, she recalled how distressed Dawn was when he was around too.
The entire time they'd been traveling it seemed, she was upset.
"Do," she began, trying to phrase it correctly. "You always argue with Guy?" It didn't make any sense. "If you did that all the time on the road…, why were you still traveling together when we met?"
Dawn winced against her will. That wasn't a question she expected at all. It was also a little baffling. Why wouldn't they keep traveling together even if they didn't get along? "Uhh…" she felt her mouth go dry when Eep drew closer. "We… we don't always disagree," she stated.
"And what did you say your former mate's name was?" Eep inquired.
Now Dawn kept her mouth closed, looking rattled and defeated.
"Well?"
Why are the rest of them still asleep?! Dawn asked herself, frightened. She wanted someone – or something to stop the way this discussion was going.
Eep looked down, staring at Dawn's arms, wrapped around her belly. Hmm…
"I—Does it matter?" Dawn asked, in a strangled voice.
Eep stepped closer.
"Please," Dawn begged, hunching over to protect her belly. "Don't…" she felt like crying, completely terrified.
"I'm not going to do anything to you," The red-haired young woman shook her head, suddenly resigned. "You two aren't siblings, at all, are you? You are not his sister." After asking, she waited to 'read' the response Dawn's body would reveal.
Nostrils flaring; Dawn avoided eye contact, clearly agitated now.
That was all the answer Eep needed. "Why weren't you honest with me?" Eep asked, disappointment in her voice.
"I… I—It wasn't m—my dec—cision," Dawn stuttered. She didn't like deception at all.
"But you went along with it," Eep reminded her.
Dawn swallowed, nodding.
"You said your mate left you," she continued. "But he's traveling with us."
"He did leave. He left me," Dawn replied, on the edge of tears. She could feel the pressure behind her eyes. "For you."
Both of them were silent for a while after that.
"And this," Eep spoke, gesturing to Dawn's belly, her eyes softening. "Is Guy's baby, isn't it?"
"…Yes." Dawn's tongue felt thick as she uttered that word, tears trickling down her cheeks, a small sob escaping before she could stop it. There was no going back from this. No way at all.
"Is everything okay between you two?" Ugga asked, approaching them. After she woke, she noticed the tense atmosphere between the two women from a distance, and actively tried to interrupt when she saw the young brunette crying.
"Uhh—"
"You knew too, didn't you, mom?" Eep asked, not looking away from Dawn.
Before Ugga could utter a word, there was a sound of crunching leaves.
The three of them looked to the tree line, seeing Chunky rushing towards them.
Guy was covered in sweat, having to struggle to hold on as the cat ran at a speed he wasn't used to. Once the cat came to a stop, he was leaning forward, shivering a little.
Unease diverted for a while; Dawn straightened up. Wiping her eyes, she maneuvered around the other young woman and approached Chunky—the cat stopping several feet away from the camp.
After a moment, Guy sat up straight on the cat's back and spotted Dawn.
Letting out a little moan, the cat laid down, tired.
"I take it things went well?" Dawn asked.
Sighing softly, Guy slid of the macawnivore's back. "That depends on what you mean by 'well,' Dawn," seeing her frown, he elaborated. "I found out what that thing is…" he shook his head slowly. "It's… it's not good." After he spoke, he noticed the glare he was on the receiving end of… from Eep of all people. "Uhh…" One of his brows popped up.
Brows twitching, Dawn looked over her shoulder. "Oh," she muttered. Turning to look at him, she ducked her head. "Sorry, Guy,"
He tilted his head just a bit. "About what?"
"She knows…" Dawn supplied, folding her arms.
"Knows…?" Guy questioned, looking from Dawn's face to Eep.
"… Really, Guy?" Dawn asked, annoyed at him now. When he still seemed to lack comprehension, she grabbed him by the hand and pulled him with her as she returned to the main camp.
As they got closer, Eep frowned and looked at her mother. "Why didn't you warn me, mom?"
"Honey," Ugga began, frowning as well. "Considering the circumstances, there was only so much I could do." She noticed Eep's confusion. "I wasn't sworn to silence," Ugga added. "I didn't want to interfere, but at the same time, I kept telling Guy that he needed to say something to you."
Understanding, Eep nodded slowly. "Still, I just… I wish you would have said something," she added… sulky.
By the time Dawn and Guy reached them, he was certain he understood what Dawn had meant.
"Eep—" he began.
"I don't want to hear it!" the redhead snarled at him.
Guy quieted down immediately.
"Sorry Eep." Dawn said, mournful.
The redhead was quiet, for the time refusing to acknowledge the other young woman's words.
Sighing, because things were already tense, Guy cleared his throat. "We need to get moving," he stated. "I told Dawn, so I'll tell you both as well." Looking from Eep to Ugga, he drew in a deep breath. "We found out what was making that sound," here, he paused, trying to describing it without frightening Dawn. "It's big," he continued. "Nearly as big as Chunky."
"Is it another cat?" Eep asked, her ire with Guy temporarily forgotten.
"No," Guy replied, shaking his head. "It's… some sort of serpent, we think." At this, he glanced at Belt.
The sloth chittered something to him.
"Belt tells me that it was definitely a snake. It looked odd though…"
"Odd how?" Ugga asked.
"It…" Guy narrowed his eyes, remembering its appearance vividly. "It was covered in spikes. It left these deep gouges in the ground. Whatever it is, it's very heavy and very long."
"… Did it have a horn on its snout?" the older woman asked, chilled. It sounded too familiar.
"Not sure," Guy replied. "I don't want us to stay too much longer to find out." He looked around their camp. "Everyone needs to pack up, so we can get out of here," he paused a moment. "I need to tell Grug about this. He's best at navigating with Chunky."
"That's not all you need to tell him," Eep added, folding her arms.
Guy swallowed hard, paling.
"Should," Dawn spoke, cutting in. "Should we restock our water supplies?"
Guy furrowed his brow in consideration. "That… might be a very good idea."
Nodding, Dawn moved to her bags. Her stomach grumbled, and she sighed, resting a hand on her belly again, lightly patting the surface. "Please be patient," she spoke softly. Finding the skins she needed, she turned around – and nearly ran into Eep.
The redhead blinked at her.
"Umm…" Dawn bit her bottom lip, nervous again.
"I'll help you," Eep offered. "It's… the least I can do." Now that everything was out in the open, she felt bad about scaring Dawn.
Wary, Dawn nodded and handed one of the skins to Eep.
Instead, the young redhead took all of them and walked with Dawn to a water source they'd found the previous day.
As they sat, waiting for the skins to fill, Dawn glanced over to Eep. "Again, I apologize… for everything," She sighed, her shoulders sagging.
For her part, Eep remained calm… at least on the outside. Inside, she was boiling. She didn't understand why Guy couldn't have started out being honest. She also didn't get why Dawn never tried to clear anything up. Reddish brows wrinkled a bit as she remembered how Dawn reacted – when they announced they were heading to 'Tomorrow.' She glanced to the brunette. She looked as if the ground was opening under her…
Once one of the skins was full, Dawn reached for it, only for Eep to move it out of the way.
"I got it," she explained. She saw Dawn opening her mouth and headed her off. "I'll take all of them."
Dawn blinked, surprised. "But…"
"No 'buts.' I have it, okay?"
Dawn nodded quietly.
Early Afternoon
Their traveling speed wasn't as the previous day, but it wasn't leisurely either. Guy had his arms loosely around Dawn's waist while she chewed on some of the roasted nuts. All of them were riding on Chunky this time.
Guy hadn't been attacked by Grug thankfully. He wasn't sure if it was because Grug took into consideration his impending fatherhood… or because he was one of their navigators. It was probably the latter. Dawn could do it too, but if something happened to him, it was unlikely she'd be able or even willing to help.
"Is this going to be one of those long rides, Guy?" Grug asked, peeking over his shoulder briefly. It was obvious that he was restraining himself, heat in his gaze.
"Likely," he replied. "Until we get away from that snake."
"Where would we go?" Gran asked, riding right behind him. She'd been suspicious of the young man, feeling deep disappointment when she found out his 'secret.' That had dampened the excitement of them all heading towards 'Tomorrow' together.
Looking ahead and squinting, Guy spotted something in the distance. "We need to head to those mountains," he replied, pointing. "It shouldn't be able to climb up there."
"Shouldn't?" Ugga asked, sitting right behind Grug. "That doesn't sound very promising, Guy."
"Well…" he shrugged. "I've never or heard anything like it before."
"What did it sound like again?" Dawn asked, resting against Guy. She was feeling drowsy again.
"Umm… Can't recall," he lied. He easily thought back to the sound produced while it moved.
"That's good," she responded, yawning. After a moment, she rested her hands on top of Guy's. "I'm… really glad we're here," she said.
"What does that even mean?" Eep chimed in, seated in front of her. "Did you forget why we're running?"
"No," Dawn replied. "It's just nice to have friends," her words were starting to run together a little.
It was quiet to an awkward degree after that.
"Dawn," Eep began.
"I'm serious," Dawn asserted, shifting a little in Guy's arms. "We met you all, and right now the three of us are safe because of you."
"I nearly fouled that up," Guy muttered.
"Yes, you did," Dawn replied, bluntly. "You have a lot to do to make up for that."
Guy rested his chin on her shoulder.
"For both Eep and I."
"I know." He replied, softly. When he didn't hear anything else, he peered around her and saw she was asleep. He held her more securely.
Evening
The travel had taken a long time, but unlike in the past – Guy made sure that everyone stopped to take breaks. They also managed to find food out there.
The place they finally decided to stop in had a lot of flat terrain and some sand, which wasn't exactly ideal.
The young couple were once again sharing the same sleeping space. For a bit of privacy, they'd chosen to sleep several feet away from the Croods.
As he felt Dawn scooting closer, resting her head on his chest, he sighed softly, holding her close. The young man stared at the stars overhead, turning over the questionable decisions he'd made over the last few weeks.
In many ways, he wished he had never met the Croods. If he hadn't, both he and Dawn would be completely fine. If I had controlled myself better… things wouldn't have deteriorated like this. He should have taken the time to sit down with his mate and discuss what was wrong. Instead, he went ahead with what he thought was a good idea. Everything looks great at first… not so much in hindsight.
Disappointed in himself, tried to force himself to relax.
Little time had passed… when he felt something very strange. The ground under them seemed to be rumbling, but not like it had when it had split open. His ears picked up a scraping sound. Warily, he nudged Dawn awake and called out to the Croods.
"We need to get up," he hollered, startling both of the sloths. Hurrying, he picked up Dawn and rushed her over to Chunky, getting her settled on the macawnivore's back before racing back to grab their bedding and supplies. He also grabbed Belt and Sash, helping the sloths wrap around his waist.
Guy had barely thrown their covers over his shoulders before the sound got louder. Panting and frantic, he grabbed their supplies and bolted to the cat, securing their bags and climbing up right behind Dawn.
"Move!" Grug called to his family, his voice offering no room for argument.
Everyone was scrambling to get on the cat's back when Guy noticed the ground under them beginning to crack open. "Uhh… Grug? We need to go. Right now!"
"Go Chunky! Go!" Grug ordered.
The cat didn't need to be told twice and took off at a furious pace.
Everyone was holding on to the cat or each other so they wouldn't fly off.
As they put distance between themselves and the abandoned camp, Guy glanced behind them, watching as the ground cracked open further, allowing a massive horn to poke through. The body behind it followed and with sinking fear, Guy recognized the serpent he'd seen in the forest.
It pointed its head in their direction and began traveling above ground.
"Guy?" Dawn asked, yawning. "Wha—"
"Don't look," Guy ordered her, one arm securely around her. Swallowing hard, he made eye contact with Ugga as she looked back at him.
The older woman's visible distress made Eep turn to look as well. The redhead was aghast, once she saw what was back there.
"Grug?" Ugga asked, trying not to sound as petrified as she felt.
"Yeah?" he asked, keeping his attention ahead of them.
"How long do you think Chunky can keep going?" she asked.
Grug was quiet as he considered the question. The cat was fine for right now, but eventually, he would need to stop and rest. The furry animal was hauling all of them and their belongings. "How far do we need to go?" Grug asked in reply, concern in his voice.
"I think we can have Chunky slow down," Guy spoke, looking behind them again. They had put so much distance between them and the serpent that he could barely see it. "Maybe when the sun's up, we can all stop to rest for a little."
"Sure, sure." Grug replied, signaling the cat to reduce speed.
Afternoon
Complaining, all of them climbed back on the death cat's back.
The cat let out a small moan before resuming his run.
Guy hadn't heard the serpent in a while, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
Dawn groaned, looking green around the gills. All the moving was proving to be too much for her.
Not wanting them to need another extended stop, Guy pulled her back gently until she was leaning fully against his chest. "Get some sleep, Dawn," he suggested, pulling one of their blankets around her. "Belt," he said, addressing the sloth. "Seatbelt mode."
The sloth moved as instructed.
Guy scooted back and propped Dawn's legs up, using Belt's claws to secure her in place.
She exhaled heavily, already beginning to feel better.
"Can I help?" Eep asked, looking over her shoulder.
Hesitating momentarily, Guy nodded.
Carefully turning around in her seat, Eep held onto the cat with her thighs and helped keep Dawn's legs steady.
"Thanks, Eep." Dawn murmured, closing her eyes.
The redhead nodded, a soft smile in place.
"How much longer?" Thunk asked, whining.
"We need to get to higher ground," Guy replied, frowning. "That's why I suggested the mountain."
"Are we sure it can't follow us up there?" Gran asked.
Guy was silent. To be honest, he wasn't sure himself.
No one else spoke after that.
Late Evening
They set up camp again, but this time... Both Grug and Guy sat up on the watch. Dawn was curled up on a blanket a next to Guy.
To call the atmosphere tense was an understatement.
Guy sat with his knees pulled to his chest.
"..."
"..."
Both men looked at each other, and then they looked away.
Grug had questions, but he honestly didn't want to speak to Guy. He had quite the dilemma. Almost everything in him wanted to punch Guy for hurting his little girl. At the same time, they needed the younger man in relatively good condition to stay safe.
He glanced at Dawn. He didn't know much at all about her, aside from the fact that she'd traveled with Guy for years. To the family she had been pretty off standish, which could be understandable. For years, she only had Guy for company.
Then again... Grug thought. Guy had adapted relatively easy in comparison.
It probably came down to a personality difference between the two of them. Still... he couldn't help but wonder why she had been so quiet about everything.
It had to have been awkward for her. And unbearable too. Her body language showed that.
Guy sighed silently, looking down at Dawn and resting a hand on her hip. He knew that for the rest of his life, he would spend his time making up for what he'd done. How can she ever forgive me? he wondered. Another thought occurred to him then. And how can I ever forgive myself?
He did notice that she seemed more at ease and quickly resumed snuggling close when asleep. They had reunited on a more primal level as well... but he wondered what was in her heart.
She said before that she didn't trust him... did she still feel the same? Believing him had nothing to do with her satisfying baser urges.
Thick brows wrinkled in thought. He honestly had no idea what she really felt. His shoulders drooped.
Grug looked at the couple, a frown on his face. Searching down... deep inside, he was able to find some compassion for Guy.
Some.
To be far though… His feelings were probably more for Dawn.
"It's going to get better," Grug offered. "With time, everything does."
Guy looked over. "Are you sure?"
"You're not the first to make a mistake," he added. "And you won't be the last."
"I…" Pausing, Guy swallowed. When he looked to Grug again, regret was visible on his face. "There are no words, Grug. None… that can state how sorry I am for what I've done." He looked away, thought turning inward.
Grug let his shoulders relax too, and he gave the younger man more of his attention.
"You can hit me. T—That is if you want to," Guy said after some consideration.
The bigger man paused, mouth opening in surprise.
Getting up and putting more distance between himself and Dawn, he held his arms open and closed his eyes.
Grug frowned… not sure about this.
"Please," Guy asked. "It would make me feel better."
Uncertainty filled the older man as he got up. "If you're sure, Guy."
"I am," Guy replied. "Don't hold—"
Early Afternoon
"So, you haven't heard anything else?" Dawn asked with a slight grimace, fingers curled up, except her index fingers—which she bounced against each other.
Guy rested his forehead against hers. "No," he replied. Currently, all of them were traveling on the macawnivore, but Dawn was facing him. "I promise." He offered her a faint smile, happy to see one in return.
"That's a relief…" she murmured in response, being careful to kiss him on the cheek.
Today, Guy sported some bruises. He had a split lip on the left side, the eye on that side swollen shut, and his right eye was blackened, but he could still see with it. So far, he had refused to say anything about what happened.
Considering how hard he was hit though—it was very good that Grug chose not to hit him in the chest or belly.
He would probably be dead by now if that happened. The single blow had rocked the young man off his feet, and he was unconscious until mid-morning.
That unfortunately meant that everyone had to wait for him to wake up so they could get on the road.
Dawn had been distraught when she saw him and demanded an explanation.
Simply put, Grug suggested she ask Guy when he woke.
It took a good while, with some additional sleep and a little bit of food before Dawn started to feel better. Guy was still breathing—and that was most important.
The terrain they were on was rocky and Guy knew they were getting closer to the mountain now—could see it ahead. Relief began to sink in.
However, a few moments later, he began to feel anxious. Behind them, he could hear a very familiar sound.
Dawn saw his expression change. "Guy? What's wrong?" She yelped when he picked her up and spun her around. She grunted, clapping a hand over her mouth at a sudden surge in nausea. Oh no! She moaned, not wanting to get sick… not up here.
"Hang on to Eep!" he ordered her, grabbing his spear and strapping it onto his back.
"What's going on?" Grug asked.
"It's right under us…" Guy spoke dread mounting… watching as a crack formed in the ground and sped up following after them.
"What?!" Ugga exclaimed, looking over her shoulder. She caught a glimpse of Guy before he jumped off Chunky's back. "Guy!" Her eyes widened further. "Guy! Come back!"
Hearing the commotion, Grug made a quick decision. "You handle Chunky," he spoke, sliding off the cat's back as well and running up to Guy as the young man worked to divert the massive underground serpent.
It seemed to be working as it had stopped its forward advance. The only problem now was that it was widening the crack in the ground. Any moment now, that massive horn was going to break through.
Guy's heart was pounding as he watched, hoping that he had bought them enough time to get to the mountain. The last thing he expected was to feel Grug's hand on his shoulder. He jumped, yelping.
"I wish I could call this a kill circle," the older man stated. "Too bad there's only the two of us."
"Uh uh!" another voice called. "You mean the seven of us!"
Grug looked behind then. "Ugga?!"
Not only was his mate racing to meet them—spears under her arms, but so were both his daughters, his son… and yes—even his mother-in-law.
Loud crunching from under them sounded warnings to both men and they leapt back as the beast's massive horn emerged from the ground.
"Kill circle!" Ugga cried out, tossing out spears to Grug and Eep.
"Wait," Guy spoke. "Where's Dawn?!" He looked around, startled when Grug grabbed him and dragged him further back as the hole grew wider.
"She's further up with Chunky!" Ugga called over. "He'll keep her safe."
Guy nodded, immediately calm. The death cat had the unusual ability to understand instructions almost perfectly.
Thunk held a large rock over his head. He glanced down, seeing Sandy pick up a rock to throw too.
All of them stepped back as the front of the face of the serpent became visible. Features that were hidden in the dark became readily evident now. A long, forked tongue flicked out of the snake's mouth. The body was dark green, with ringlets of yellow and black.
It was covered in light brown spikes, with a massive horn right above its nostrils.
"…Sand snake…" Ugga gasped, nearly losing her grip on her spear.
Gran spun her walking stick in her hands. "Today is a good day to die!" she screamed.
Hissing, the snake's slit pupils looked at all of them—before it lunged for the one closest.
Which just happened to be Guy…
To Be Continued…
Author's Note: I have absolutely no clue what has been going on with me of late. I just enjoy this story, I suppose. Not sure if too many others do, but I really like it.
And my tiny mind wants me to put the story in text before I forget it.
By the time this chapter is up, it might be hauled online right alongside chapter 4. And/or 5.
Thanks for stopping by!
XXO
~J. Lyst
Additional Author's Note: I have the remaining chapters of this segment of the series done. They just need revisions. Will try to get the next chapter up soon!