Where you belong; Elliot's Story (Pete's Dragon)

Chapter 8: Water Fun

"Alright, here's the moment of truth," exclaimed Falcor as he twitched his haunches and looked to the sky. "It's a clear day; a day like none other. Are you ready?"

The three of them stood shoulder to shoulder. They had grown a lot in the past moon and they were almost up to Falcor's shoulders. They had grown in strength and skill and they were finally ready to fly like their parents.

"Okay, one at a time," announced Signga as she danced forward in excitement. This was a proud day for all of them.

For once, Melborne decided to go first. He was by far the best flyer; he just wasn't a good flyer. He reared on his hind legs and kicked off the ground. He flew forward with his wings spread as he flew into the air. He lifted his head as he puffed out his chest as he took to the air.

He couldn't believe as he started to take off. Now that he was a little more coordinated and proportioned, it was a lot easier for him to fly. He swiveled a bit as he flew into a spiral and continued to fly up into the clouds. The clouds brushed against his face and he couldn't help but smile.

"Melborne!"

Melborne turned his head as he saw his mother fly into the sky. She came over to him with her eyes shinning in relief. "I wasn't sure where you went."

Melborne dipped his head to her. "I'm fine mom. I'm not the runt anymore."

She allowed a growl to roll into her throat as he nuzzled Melborne affectionately in the sky. "You were never a runt to your father or I," she breathed affectionately.

Melborne nickered before Jayla and Bracklow leaped into the air. They flipped and spun before they came over to their brother.

"Wow! You need to slow down. You're a fantastic flyer," Jayla purred as she butted her head against Melborne's shoulder and Melborne smiled.

Bracklow gulped as he looked down. "I-I don't think that I l-like h-heights," he stammered as he shook his head.

"Just don't look down," sympathized Falcor as he came up beside them, giving his head a shake in the clouds. "You'll get used to it."

Bracklow looked down before he cowered over to his parents. "I hope not. I really don't like it!"

"I do," exclaimed Melborne in excitement. "Follow me!"

He dove downward, corkscrewing as he spiraled and kicked at the sky as he bellowed to himself, inviting his family to follow him. He finally rightened himself as he lowered down beside a large river. He touched down and shook his head before he pummeled his paws against the ground as he howled in delight.

He looked up as Jayla landed beside him. Melborne laughed as he lunged for her and the two began to wrestle in the water. Melborne pinned her as water drenched over her face. Jayla gasped as she lifted her head and shook her head, breathing heavily. She managed to push Melborne backwards before the two spiraled around and pushed against each other.

Bracklow landed next and the three began to splash at each other. Melborne dove under a giant wave and shook out his flank. He couldn't help but laugh as he rolled on his back, feeling the water cool his burning pelt. It didn't help that he was complete fur.

Falcor laughed as he came over to his son, rearing on his hind legs and pushing his paws against the water. He splashed the water over Melborne's face as Melborne snorted and rose to his paws. He coughed heavily before he leaped for his father. He wasn't going to be able to defeat his father like this, but it was certainly fur to try.

"Melborne," called Falcor as he veered dangerously close to the waterfall.

Melborne looked down and sunk his claws into the pebbly ground, but it was slippery. He whimpered as he lurched dangerously forward with his ears sticking up.