Firefew Island: Unstable Atmosphere

Chapter Twelve

Well–it took a turn in Carloa's favor, (hopefully.) He was overjoyed; and didn't look at either of his companions the same now. Sure; Altostratus could be a bit of a grump, but Leopare equalized that. Hopefully...

. . .

He figured he should find breakfast for a change; after all, Altostratus had tried to teach him her method. Unfortunately; he didn't have the right anatomy, for starters; he didn't have claws, nor was his eyesight as good as a Storm Furies. So; he settled on wild berries. Not...The most nutritious; but, it'll do. Gathering the berries; he returned to camp; Altostratus sticking her head from the brush; her gaze narrowed.

"The heck? Where the hell were you?!" She snapped; pulling her full length out of the camp. "I swear to the ones who flew before me; you need to tell me first! I thought–I would've–I.." She scolded him; pacing back and forth, before he placed his hand on her head. She leaned into his touch, a slight purr emitting from her chest. "Hey. Sorry I left without telling you; I thought you would enjoy this!" He dropped his satchel; the wild berries scattering across the cloth he had placed. Leopare's nose twitched; and his large, yellow eyes shot upon. "Is that? Wait–berries?" He rose to his paws; yawning; before sauntering over and snatching some of the berries.

"They're pretty good; Altostratus. Your pink monkey did good!" Carloa opened his mouth; sighing. "Leopare; I'm not a "Pink Monkey"... I'm what's called a "Viking"." Leopare blinked, repeating "Pink Monkey". Altostratus rolled her gaze; pushing her way through the flora that was scattered across the forest floor; and to the stream. At least now It's silent... She huffed; concentrating on the rippling surface before her; before plunging her paw in just in front of a silver flash. She impaled it with ease; lifting the fish into the light; and examining it. It was a relatively good sized fish; and since Carloa and Leopare had already eaten; she kept the fish for herself.

. . .

A sudden rustling in the nearby bushes caught Altostratus's attention; and she whipped towards the sound; snarling, before barreling down on the bush like a trapped bull. A high pitched scream emitted from it; as a beefy Viking tumbled out; covering his head with his hands. "Don'teatmeidonttastegood!" He panted; his blue eyes full of terror, before his hair covered his eyes. His legs trembled like rotting wood; and he backed himself against a tree. Great...Another one. Altostratus snorted; looming over him. Perhaps she could scare him. Just a little bit?

The boy screamed again; sweat slithering from his forehead; and he grabbed a broken branch; tossing it. It didn't go far; and fell harmlessly to the side. Bad aim, kid. The Storm Fury gripped his collar on her teeth; and yanked the protesting Viking into the makeshift camp. It was silent for a moment; as both Leopare and Carloa gaped. A single cricket broke the silence; and stared at them innocently from its perch on a small pebble. Altostratus kicked it; and the cricket went flying, landing on its little legs, before fixing a very bug-like glare on the Storm Fury. It then chirped a few loud complaints; before hopping away.

Altostratus then dropped the child; and he curled into a ball. Chill. I'm not that scary. Well-okay. I am.
"He was stalking me." Altostratus replied; noticing the shocked expression on Carloa's face. "He was stalking you? The great Storm Fury? The ALMIGHTY Altostratus?!" Leopare laughed his head off; and Altostratus scowled. "Shut up!" Leopare continued to laugh, his outburst eventually became a quiet chuckle; as he stared at the round Viking. Carloa held a finger to his lips, and Altostratus narrowed her eyes; grumbling as she went to the opposite side; and glared at the beefy Viking.

"Trollark? What–how...Why? Why are you here?" Carloa pulled Trollark to his feet; and he looked around; wide eyed. "I-uh–let's just say that uh...I wanted to join you...?" He started hesitantly; tugging at his tunic with a nervous smile, before wiping his brow. "O-okay? Why?" Carloa raised his brow; letting go of the boy; and stepped back.

"I thought...Well..Uh—I was worried! You disappeared...And I–I didn't know what to do..." He admitted; his gaze traveling over the two dragons, one who glared; the other who watched him curiously. "Carloa–how?" He broke off as Carloa hugged him, hugging his friend back. "Trollark; it's alright! It's okay..You're safe now!" Trollark cried, patting his shoulder; before removing himself halfway from his grasp. "I'm sorry I didn't stick up for you...When–you know..." Carloa nodded in understanding; grinning. "Well–Leopare won't mind you riding him. Right Leopare?" Carloa prompted, and Leopare nodded his head vigorously. No promises! He smirked; dipping his head; and settling in the dirt. He might fall off a few times, but... Leopare cut off; and curled his tail around Trollark; earning a snort from Altostratus, which he promptly returned.

"Now that that's settled. Mind explaining how we know him?" Leopare questioned; looking to Carloa with a wide, somewhat innocent smile. "Please? Please, please, please, please?" He blinked; his pupils expanding to that of a dragonish–puppy-dog eyes look. "Come on, please? I promise I won't interrupt!" Leopare continued to beg; clasping his claws together. "Fine..." Carloa finally gave in; rubbing his temples.

. . .

"Well–I met him when I was three, I think. Our fathers were best friends, so we got to hang out quite a bit. Trollarks father actually watched me quite a bit, since my father was the village blacksmith. Of course, I wasn't allowed anywhere within a mile of those weapons; anyway...Trollark and I have always been close!" Trollark nodded along; speaking up. "Remember when you and I were playing Vikings and Dragons? And I hit you on the head with a fake hammer?" Carloa nodded; laughing. "I ended up crying like I was going to die; and you looked like you had seen a troll. My gods! Now that was funny!"
Trollark giggled; and the two Vikings continued to reminisce about old times. "Do you remember when we scared the mutton out of Pigface? He bursted into tears like a yak who squatted in a patch of Fireferns! Youch!"

. . .

By now; Altostratus was debating whether she actually should've taken Trollark here. It seemed Leopare actually enjoyed the kids company. Hmmf! Altostratus scoffed; scrunching her nose. She eventually zoned out; caught by surprise, yet again, by Leopare's sneak attack.

. . .

(Hey! Longest chapter YET! Thank you all for coming this far; and encouraging me! The tips were very helpful! Keep them coming!)