The Smurfacolypse chapter 37: The New Papa Smurf
The very next day was a decent fall afternoon. After being bedridden for so long Coconut was finally healthy enough to explore the town with Dreamy which was something the two of them wanted to do together so they could decide where they wanted to build their huts. The two of them set out from the house together the moment Doctor said it was ok for Coconut to be up again, and they were walking alongside the beach near the port when they saw Mango looking into the water.
"Huh, I wonder what Mango is up to." Coconut said.
Mango reaches into the water and seems to be attempting to pull something out, but his strength failed him and he ceased his attempt when he saw Dreamy and Coconut.
"Hey Dreamy come check this out." Mango said motioning for the two of them to come over.
Dreamy and Coconut made their way over to Mango and was curious to see what he had found.
"It's a huge lobster cage the humans must have made." Mango said.
"Lobster cage? Why would you want to trap a lobster?" Dreamy asked as he scratched his head.
"To eat it of course! Why else?" Mango said.
"That's horrible. You shouldn't eat living things!" Coconut said.
"Some of us didn't have a choice. Besides it's a delicacy. I'd love to boil one for you to try Dreamy." Mango said.
"I'm sure it's delicious and I'd appreciate it, but Chef would probably get upset if we spoiled our appetite and couldn't eat our dinner." Dreamy said.
"What's for dinner tonight?" Mango asked.
"Three sister's stew. Chefs already working on it." Dreamy said.
"I could use a warm bowl of stew on this cold day." Coconut said.
"I think that's why he's doing it. We could all use a way to warm up." Dreamy said.
"I heard that Tailor is planning to gather materials to make us winter clothes." Mango said.
"Have you ever had clothes tailored for you before Mango?" Dreamy asked.
"No I make my own clothes, and I plan to make my own winter gear as well… No offense to Tailor, but white just isn't my color." Mango said.
"I agree with Mango. I enjoy my brown and cream colored clothes, but I would like at least long sleeves for this shirt." Coconut said.
"So where are you two going?" Mango asked.
"We're exploring the town for the first time together." Dreamy said.
"We're looking for a spot to build our huts." Coconut said.
"I chose a nice spot for me and Duck down here by the ocean. We used to live by the ocean." Mango said.
"I lived by the ocean too." Coconut said.
"I was going to try to find an ocean side spot. Dreamy said.
"You two can build next to me and Duck if you want." Mango said.
"Wouldn't you rather have peace and quiet?" Dreamy asked.
"I'd much rather live next to my friend." Mango said.
Dreamy smiled.
"We can both live next to Dreamy. I'll live on the right and you can live on the left." Coconut said.
"When Duck comes back he's going to be so surprised when he sees the special place I'm building just for him." Mango said.
"He'll be a lot bigger when he comes back." Dreamy said.
"Yeah hopefully he doesn't step on us." Coconut said with a chuckle.
"What if Duck gets lost and can't find me in the spring, or what if something bad happens to him?" Mango asks.
"I understand why your worried Mango, but lots of ducks leave in the winter and they always find their way home you'll see." Dreamy said.
"I'm sure he'll be fine Mango. Duck is very clever." Coconut said.
"Duck is pretty smart…" Mango said.
"Why don't you show us that spot you were talking about?" Dreamy asked.
"Alright come with me. I'll show you." Mango said.
While Mango lead Dreamy and Coconut to where he planned to build his hut we return to the house where the entire inside smells of a simmering stew. Most of the Smurfs were in the living room discussing more plans such as where to put important locations like the blacksmith and Doctor's clinic. In a few days they would need to make Smurf sized construction tools using a human sized forge and molds of important tools Blacksmith has kept with him all this time. With the help of Handy and Blacksmith the Smurfs should have all the tools they will need to get to work on the new village.
Hefty was taking a moment to visit Tuffy's grave once again. It was difficult for him to cope with the idea that he will never see Tuffy again. He was joined by Timber eventually who also came to visit.
"You miss him don't you?" Timber said.
"I-Its just so… weird. I can't believe he's actually gone." Hefty said.
"I feel the same way about everyone we've lost." Timber said.
As they talked Doctor approached them from behind and tapped Hefty on the back. Hefty swung around and was slightly startled.
"I need to speak with you… alone." Doctor said.
"What's this about?" Hefty asked.
"Excuse us Timber." Doctor said as he led Hefty away from the gravesite and behind the big oak not far away where they had previously discovered Modest's knife.
"Papa Smurf is awake, an he asked me to find you. He wants to speak with you an he says its important." Doctor said.
"Papa Smurf is awake?" Hefty asked.
"Yes, but he wants it to be secret at the moment. He sent me to fetch you." Doctor said.
"Huh… Wonder what he wants with me." Hefty said.
Hefty and Doctor make their way back to the house, through the walk-in kitchen and down a hall to the only bedroom on the first floor where Papa Smurf was resting. Hefty jumped up and grabbed the doorknob and twisted it with both hands while kicking the door with his feet to open it allowing access to the room where he would climb the bed to get to Papa Smurf.
"I came as fast as I could Papa Smurf." Hefty said.
"Hefty we need to have a talk. Smurf to Smurf." Papa Smurf said.
"Did I do something wrong Papa Smurf?" Hefty asked.
"No you're not in any trouble. Papa Smurf said.
"Then what is it?" Hefty asked.
"Since all of this has begun you've grown as a Smurf, and the other Smurfs seem to look to you now whenever there is an issue." Papa Smurf said.
"I have been busy a lot lately, but that's just because we have to start all over again." Hefty said.
"No I believe the others have grown attached to you. They feel safe when you're around Hefty, and your word has become important to them." Papa Smurf said.
"So what's your point?" Hefty asked.
"Times have changed since I was a young Smurf… The world is a different place, and you have adapted well to this new world. Hefty it's time you take charge indefinitely." Papa Smurf said.
"You… You want me to lead the village?" Hefty asked.
"I wouldn't be doing this if I weren't one hundred percent sure it was the right thing to do Hefty." Papa Smurf said.
"But Papa Smurf we need your wisdom and your guidance. I just have strength, and that's about it." Hefty said.
"You have others in your inner circle who have talent you don't possess who would be more than willing to help you." Papa Smurf said.
"Papa Smurf I don't think this is a good idea." Hefty said.
Papa Smurf lifted the red cap from his head, and removed Hefty's white cap before putting the red one on his head.
"You'll be fine Hefty, and I'll be here to support you if you need anything. I think the others will agree with me on this." Papa Smurf said.
"Papa Smurf…" Hefty said.
"In these dark times they need a hero Hefty. That hero is you. We are all alive today and well today because of you and your efforts." Papa Smurf said.
"So I can swing a sword so what? I can't decipher magic tomes, or create powerful potions, and I'm not nearly as wise as you are." Hefty said.
"Hefty there was a time when I wasn't the Smurf I am now. I took and pursued every opportunity I could to strive towards being who I am today. When I first became a leader I was clueless as well Hefty." Papa Smurf said.
The door opened and Doctor entered the room.
"Ok times up. Its back to bed with you Papa Smurf." Doctor said.
"He he alright Doctor." Papa Smurf said.
Hefty exited the room still stressed about the situation. Papa Smurf had just dropped a heavy responsibility onto his shoulders. Does the world's strongest Smurf have the strength to bear the weight of this burden? Only time would tell.