Tribal

40

A few days later, Ash is slowly adjusting to regular food again. He and Daisy have been becoming very close to one another. Thorn and Ivy have been working with Reed, trying to make sure that Clover is comfortable. Violet has been keeping watch at the peak of the Howling Cliffs. After she learned of the civil war, she posted herself up to keep watch for soldiers. Haley and Stan spent their time caring for Markus; the boy had become restless. Violet had just returned from her perch at the peak of the cliffs a few hours ago when they received a knock at the front door.

"Who is it?" Thorn shouted.

"Your neighbor," Mato called.

"What do you want this time, Mato?" Thorn asked, annoyed.

"Your niece is at my house. Her and Ghost say that they were looking for you two." Hearing this, Thorn opened the door and let Mato inside.

"Is Rose up there?" Ivy asked, poking her head around the corner.

"No, I left a few minutes ago," Mato said, placing his nail next to the front door.

"Why tell us this?" Thorn asked, crossing his arms.

"I considered your current company and how your house cannot support so many people, so I came to offer my home instead." Mato gestured to the overcrowded living room.

"Is that really the best idea? Clover is pregnant, and Ash is still recovering from Shade," Ivy pointed out.

"You have a point, darling. But Mato is right. Our house was not meant to support so many. It may be a good idea to move ourselves to Mato's home," Thorn said, rubbing his chin.

"Someone will need to carry Clover, and it will take time to get Ash up the cliff," Ivy commented, leaning against the wall.

"I can carry Clover, and I could make it back down in time to transport Ash as well," Mato suggested.

"I suppose it could work." Thorn turned and began walking up the stairs.

"What is it, dad?" Clover asked when Thorn entered the room.

"We are moving. Your sister has arrived at the cliffs, and we can't support so many people in the house. Mato is downstairs; he, myself, your mother, and Reed will be taking you up the cliff while Haley, Stan, and Markus make their own way up," Thorn went to grab the cane that Clover had been using to assist herself in walking.

"What about Daisy, Ash, and Violet?" Reed asked.

"Mato will return down here once Clover is safe and take Ash up. Daisy and Violet will follow," Thorn answered, handing Clover the cane.

Reed and Thorn helped to get Clover downstairs, and Mato carefully picked her up. The first group made their way up the cliff, with the Pillbug family not far behind. Swiftly but carefully making their way up the cliff, they finally arrived at Mato's home. When they opened the door, Clover and Acacia immediately made eye contact.

"Acacia?" Mato carefully sat Clover down, and she walked over to Acacia.

"Clover? Is that you?" Acacia tried to get up to move, but Ghost held her in place.

"Shella said not to move too much, darling," Ghost reminded her.

"You've got to be kidding me," Reed facepalmed.

"What? What's wrong?" Thorn turned to face Reed.

"Acacia is pregnant too! This has just complicated everything," Reed quickly made his way over to Clover to support her.

"Ghost! Why had you not said something sooner?" Mato said.

"I don't know!" Ghost responded.

Clover and Acacia were gently embracing each other, silently weeping.