Researcher's Journal: A Journey Across Pyrrhia

Chapter 21: Promises of the Past, Finding the Camp

A/N: Did some editing in the previous chapter, just a heads up. And more back story for Hornbill.

A/N: So the biggest reason I was able to complete this chapter on time was procrastination. Instead of reviewing for finals, you know what I did? I made this instead, so yeah... you're welcome I guess? Man, I should really work on managing my procrastination.

Anyways, on with the story!

(Day 10) 9:20 pm, Beach on the northern point of the Diamond Spray Delta

Hornbill awoke to the blackness of the night. The dim moonlight illuminated the immediate surroundings, accompanied by the ever-present splashing of ocean waves and the salty scent carried by the cool wind filled his senses. The soreness from the chase earlier in the day had faded, but the persistent pain in his wing still remained.

Despite his initial attempt to fall back asleep, restlessness lingered. Rolling over multiple times, he found little solace. Until a realization struck him, the familiar weight of his under-wing satchel was missing. A hint of alarm surged through him as he quickly patted down his left flank, where the satchel should have been, only to find it absent.

A sense of panic set in, his mind racing to recall where his satchel and scrolls might be. Frantically searching his surroundings and his own body, his movements disturbed the sleeping Laguna. Who was surprisingly, curled up beside him, not unlike the one time she had done during their trek to the sea. She stirred beside him, her eyes opening with a drowsy grumble. In a slurred and lethargic manner, she mumbled, "Huh? What's happening? Hornbill?"

Even in his alarmed state, Hornbill spoke calmly to Laguna, shushing her gently. "Shh... Nothing to worry about, Laguna. Just go back to sleep; I'm taking a short walk on the beach." The SeaWing protested with another mumble and attempted to stand up. Hornbill gently pushed her back down, continuing in a reassuring tone, "No, no. It's fine. Just get some sleep, Laguna. I'll be back shortly. Don't worry; I'll stay safe."

Laguna tried to protest once more, but the tug of drowsiness ultimately won out, pulling her back into a peaceful slumber. Hornbill cast a small smile toward her sleeping form, gently patting her forearm. Now with Laguna back asleep, he redirected his attention to the pressing matter of locating his missing satchel.

Recollecting the events leading up to this point, he finally pieced together the puzzle of its whereabouts. A sigh of relief escaped him as he rose to his talons. Mindful not to disturb Laguna's sleep, he slowly padded along the moonlit beach. Though the tranquil expanse of the night ocean called for his attention, he remained focused on the task at claw. His keen eyes scanned the border of the forest, searching for the telltale presence of his familiar satchel.

Hornbill walked around the beach for a few minutes. Carefully, his eyes darted along the moonlit sand, scanning the area. Occasionally, he would spot a ghost crab skitter along the sand before ducking into a burrow, or he would hear the call of a night heron and spot one take flight above the forest.

He continued to search the area until he spotted a faint glint near the forest's edge. A mixture of relief and curiosity filled him as he hastened his pace toward the source. As he approached, the dim light revealed his missing under-wing satchel, still neatly spread out on a few rocks.

Hornbill crouched down, his talons gently lifting the satchel from the rocks it was on. A wave of gratitude washed over him as he swiftly secured it under his right wing, ensuring its familiar weight was back in place. Next, he inspected the contents to ensure everything was intact, relieved to find all of his items accounted for. Quickly, he examined the now-dried scrolls, happy to find the research log did not sustain any more damage after drying.