Permafrost: Thunderbird

Chapter 17: Backup Boosters

⭐️Chapter 17: Backup Boosters

The Infernos still had to wait for quite some time before the Thistlins came back, and there wasn't really much to do. When they did, the Infernos wasted no time letting loose the story of what had just happened, leaving out no details. The Thistlins were taken by surprise, but nonetheless listened to the story as best they could. They were also surprised to hear what happened while they were gone, and a few of them were a little mad they couldn't do anything to the Wave Crashers while they'd been there. However, the Infernos didn't want them chasing after the group or anything, so this is where they remained.

The Thistlins, in exchange, told the group about THEIR side of the story. Their walk, what they'd heard, and all that. Of course, there wasn't really a way to see if it was the Wave Crashers, since the two groups had no way of connecting what happened when. However, it DID make the group even more suspicious than they already were. They were still going to remain on this case of what the Wave Crashers were planning, if anything...they just hoped they wouldn't have to apologize later if they falsely accused that team of bullies. Not like they would, anyway. That team didn't deserve it.

They wondered if Corrin would need to be involved. No, the Infernos didn't want to go on that long, rather agonizing, several-day trip again (especially at the risk of many weird creatures out there attacking or fatally wounding them). But maybe there was another way to send a message to the Kingdom? Actually, was it even worth risking it? For all the group knew, the Kingdom could be in some serious thing right now, maybe rebuilding or re-structuring after Misty had been destroyed.

Maybe that was their last resort, to bring Corrin in and go on that long journey to get him since they didn't have his number or anything. They didn't need him now, but they should at least keep him in mind. Then again, would they even be able to reach him in time? Ryn realized that in the long run, it might not be worth it and the group might as well ditch that idea altogether. However, she was snapped out of her thoughts as a Thistlin member spoke up.

"Hey, where's the other one? Yknow, that small girl?" Glade asked.

"Here!"

Bird flopped out of Ryn's pocket, almost having forgotten her initial dislike for it when she got in. Once on the ground, she transformed back into humanoid form.

"Ah, there she is," Glade nodded.

"Yeah, I'm...okay."

"Is something wrong?" Ella asked.

"It's just...am I a problem for you guys? I kind of feel bad about dragging you into this...." Bird said.

"I WILL be honest, it is definitely a bit more of a hassle than I thought it would be, but...it's okay. You're not hurting anything," Jack replied.

"Wow, no sugarcoat, huh?" Clara said.

Jack could only shrug as Bird spoke up.

"Well, thanks for letting me stay anyway. If there's a way to get me out of your tentacles somehow, let me know."

"I mean you could get a house and live by yourself like me," Ryn suggested. "Buuuut it would probably be different and way more complicated in the long run..."

"Darn..." Bird muttered sadly.

"We don't have to focus on that now, but yes, if Bird plans on actually living here then that'll need to be addressed at some point," Sai said. "In the meantime, we should probably think about that weird pathway and everything."

Ryn and the Infernos agreed that they would check it out the next day. Bird also took housing into consideration, since she basically had nothing to start with. No money, no status, nothing to actually get her somewhere. In fact, Bird still wondered if this was right. What would happen if the scientists were eventually dealt with and jailed?

Well yeah, it would be good for her because the torment would finally cease and she could stop running...she could also remain hidden for longer without people searching for her. But she also needed a way to live. She didn't want to have to resort to stealing materials or living in some makeshift stick house in the woods. She wanted an actual life with real people and her own choices. And how would she get that? She couldn't lean on these friends forever.

And just how long would they tolerate her for? Sure they might not hate her, but there was still a bit of doubt and distrust. Not that Bird blamed them, but the point was that she hadn't considered plans for after her foes were dealt with and that her allies were probably temporary. Should she ask? Probably not, no need to complicate things further than they already were. She needed to focus on the positives, as stress was not good for the body.

Bird was at least thankful she had friends at all, and that they'd found her. The one run she'd had recently with those scientists was VERY scary, and she could've easily been caught later if she passed out in the bush or something...but she didn't! She was also glad they didn't hate her and at least helped her a little...though she still felt a little defenseless when they weren't around since she didn't have a weapon. But she also had housing, and very good housing at that. It wouldn't be some torn up shack in the middle of nowhere, it would be an actually decent house!

Not only that, but she was moving around the houses! Her friends had come up with strategies to keep her away from danger, and she couldn't wait to test it. Hopefully it would do her some good, since it was better than a deadly game of hide and seek. Less stress, more chill. Bird was feeling a bit better about herself now, and watched as the Infernos and the Thistlins discussed their plans.

She was confident that there was no way that the Wave Crashers or the scientists would ever find her, her friend group had a whole system!