Allegiances
You're playing near the outside of the camp when you hear voices coming from a distance. The gathering of the day is done, and the food store is plentiful, so most of the slugcats are relaxing in the sandy hollow you know as your home; playing together, grooming each other, eating and napping.
You wonder what could be going on, then - maybe there's new slugcats that are coming over! That happens sometimes, right? Slugcats joining the clowder? You're sure you've heard the others talk about it, or mention that that was what happened to them before they joined.
A new face, a new person to know; that's exciting to think about! Wiggling with excitement, you abandon the square stone you were pawing around and get on all fours to sneak closer to the sound. You're the only one near this corner of the camp, so it makes you special to think you might be able to tell everyone you've heard someone coming close...
As you approach though, and the voices become more distinct, you're a little disappointed to realise that it's just your father and The Bouncy.
Still, you're not one to simply not listen in when you find something interesting to watch. Everything that goes on in camp can feel new to you! So you still creep yet closer, paws shifting through the grasses, until you can see them.
You hear the middle of a conversation - or, you think, maybe more your dad trying to get The Bouncy to open up, since he's not talking much back. That's not really a conversation, is it?
— I don't want you to think this is like your old clowder, Bouncy. The Pale is saying. I'm not here to dictate what you must or mustn't do, you know? I just want to keep us all happy and safe. So if you have a problem, please, don't think of me as a tyrant. If you don't like a decision I've made, you can tell me.
You see the hair on the back of The Bouncy's neck rise slightly, but he shakes his head.
I'm here to help, but I can't help you if you don't tell me what's wrong.
Silence.
Are you unhappy being a mediator..? Would you prefer to have a more normal position in the clowder, gathering, hunting, surveying our territory like the others?
The Bouncy's tail lashes once, a show of agitation; from your angle, you can see that his expression hasn't changed. A mulish neutrality. He shakes his head again.
Definitely not. He says, decisive. It's not that.
Oh? So there is something bothering you? The Pale nudges at him, a little cajoling.
Of course not, sir. The Bouncy's ears flatten. You're not sure what this means; it's not an angry or agitated flattening, but one where they go down, and he bows his head to The Pale. You've never seen anyone else make it. Your word is law.
The Pale sighs, and runs his paws along his chest. Bouncy... I know we haven't had a proper mediator before you and The Storm, so no one was able to train you both. The Storm was ready before you because she's older, and she had more practice. I don't want you to think I was trying to insult you when I said it could help teach you, since it reached that point before you did. Nor am I saying she's your better. She can still be your peer, and in fact will be.
You're going to be fully trained soon as well, you know? If you really don't want to say anything, I won't push you any more, but I do hope you can confide in someone. It's going to be all finished soon. I do hope you're going to be able to be happier after that.
They wait a little longer, to see if the slugpup will say anything in response to this - but no reply comes, just that same bowed head. Your father makes a small chitter, trying to reassure, and combs their ears - an indication that they have nothing more to say.
They wait some more, but eventually bob their head to The Bouncy, rise to their paws, and leave. The Pale doesn't even notice you, because this time you're hidden in grasses that he doesn't pass through on the way back to camp.
Because you're watching him leave, you startle a bit, thin pelt bushing up, when you hear the rustle of movement behind you, and you whip your head around to see that The Bouncy has stood up as well. He's frowning after where The Pale left, before he shakes his head.
... He just doesn't get it. The Bouncy murmurs. He doesn't say anything more after that, and eventually leaves to go his own path.
Your teeth have finally finished growing in, and what a delight it's been learning to eat for real! Milk is good, but meat is just as good; you're gnawing busily on a batfly, hands gripping it firmly, when you notice that your father has stepped up on top of the shelter and lifted his paws up into the air to get everyone's attention. You quickly swallow the remains of your meal, wiping the blood on your chest - you know your dark fur will hide that it's even there - and straighten up with everyone else.
It's one of the highest structures around, and one you've become more and more familiar with as your parents tolerantly carry you up there to gawk and survey the surrounding world. Camp looks far littler from up there than when you are standing down in the sand, and it's really very fun to see the others so small, too. Plus, you can see when the slugcats out on patrol come back with food; sometimes fruit and fungi, sometimes eggbugs and their eggs, and sometimes even bigger things.
A lot of these foods have only been produced when you didn't yet have your full set of fangs - now that you're fully weaned, you want to taste them all!
But right now, what's in front of you is your dad, waiting patiently for all the slugcats of the clowder to gather. He lets out a series of quick, staccato calls, and this helps wrangle everyone into all sitting down in the clearing, looking alertly up at him.
You look for your mother, and scamper towards her once you pick out her pink pelt. Burying your face in her fur, she wraps her tail around you and licks you on top of the head.
What's going on? You ask.
Oh, this is your first one, isn't it? You weren't born yet for the last one. It's a ceremony, Winged. She presses her nose to yours. A celebration, for someone is changing their role. This one is for an apprentice coming into their own.
You widen your eyes, surprised. What!! So now they're gonna be all grown up?
It's bizarre to you, because it feels as if they're already so old. The apprentices are teenagers, after all! And now they're going to be something else? It barely makes sense to you. Grown ups can still keep changing?
The Silky chrrs in amusement. Not exactly. He's still going to have to wait for the months to pass before he's finished growing into an adult, I'm afraid - but now he will be considered fully trained, so he can work without supervision. Now look, your father is starting.
And it is. With a swish of its tail, now that everyone is gathered, The Pale looks down at everyone, beaming.
It's time for another graduation, everyone!
As we all know, The Bouncy has been working hard through his adolescence to learn all there is to know about being a mediator - how to maintain relationships, how to balance fraught feelings, and how to soothe the stressed.
The Storm, is it your opinion that he has now been taught everything you've known, and that he is now ready to be considered a fully trained member of your role?
You're damn right it is! She rears up onto her hind feet and shouts from the crowd, to titters and chirps of amusement.
You look around for where The Bouncy is, and notice him sitting near the front where it will be easy for him to climb up the den roof to join your father. His ears are at a calm perk, but from where you are behind him, you can see the fur on the base of his tail is prickling.
And you, The Bouncy. Is it your belief that you've become fully trained in everything you need to know in order to be a proper mediator? That you have learnt enough to begin acting on your job in earnest, without supervision?
The Bouncy straightens his back to its full height, and he looks up at your father with a proud glint in his eye. His body rocks slightly, him holding back his natural urge to bob up and down (you asked at one point, so you know that his bounce, a motion he often doesn't realise he's even doing, is what he got named for) for this important ceremony.
Sir, I do. He says, and it's the first time you've heard him sound anything other than cross.
Then come up here, The Pale responds, with a sweep of its tail, beckoning. And let the clowder cheer for you.
So he does, paws finding each nook and cranny to hold on to as he scales to the top of the shelter. And as The Bouncy stands up, stands tall, you realise all over again how close to an adult he looks, even though you're both called slugpups.
Your father steps back, allowing him the spotlight, and the colony caterwauls for The Bouncy, calling his name in celebration. They chant it, over and over, and as they do, The Storm starts throwing out fruit for everyone to catch and eat - the normal blue fruit, but also another kind, something lighter, something paler.
You reach up and catch one as it comes drifting down towards you, arcing far slower than the other fruit, and turn your head inquisitively up at your mother.
Mama? What's this?
Oh? You managed to catch a dandelion peach? Lucky you! We only managed to gather a few of them, as they don't grow nearby us. Go on, Winged. Try it!
You blink up at her, then back down to the fruit with its fluff. Experimentally, you sniff it, then lick the fluff. It's like licking The Little!
That's not the tasty part, Winged! The Pale appears beside your mother - did they jump off the shelter while you weren't looking? They must have, because The Bouncy is down again too. He actually looks happy, and you're surprised.
Your father reaches out and helps rotate the fruit in your unsteady grip. You want to try the fruit, the fluff is just their seeds. Of course, if you like eating that part, we won't stop you!
But I might eat the peach instead, The Silky says, a little mischievous. It's one of my favourites, you know.
You squeak indignantly and clutch the peach closer to your chest in response to her paw reaching out so slowly, quickly biting down on the skin before your mother can touch it.
The juice bursts like rain in your mouth, and you're amazed by how sweet it is. You've never tasted something like this before! You chew with feeling, and then swallow. Juice dripping down your nose and chin, covering your muzzle and cheeks, you look up at your parents.
They smile fondly down at you, and you smile back up at them.
When you scamper into The Little's den to retrieve another of your mother's herbs for the day, you're surprised to see your father there as well.
It surprises you even more, too, when you hear what The Little is advising him.
— a good thing that you've been handing over the most intense duties to The Wild, but you should be delegating even more at this point. I am aware it will be rather difficult, given your... Rather rambunctious child, but it would still be best for the eggs if you keep your stress low.
What! You burst out, jumping into the conversation and grabbing onto The Pale's leg. You're pregnant too??
The Pale, startled, laughs and puts a hand between your ears. Of course, little one! Didn't you hear Silky was? When one of us gets pregnant, that means all slugcats involved are pregnant. Well, unless it was just one egg like you.
But you're not in the nursery all the time! You say, staring up at him. Only when everyone is in the shelter too!
Aww, do you miss me? He clearly thinks this is very cute, and sweeps you up in his arms. Sorry, Wingy. I'm the leader, so I'm usually busy with other things.
He will be leaving most of those duties to The Wild now, however, The Little inputs, ears twitching with amusement even as they give your dad a very pointed look. Now that the pregnancy has progressed more, he'll have to spend his time resting like your mother.
You pout. I didn't know that was how it worked... Otherwise I could have given Papa his herbs too... And watched out for him...
Aww, it's okay. I like visiting The Little anyway. Plus, you know, not like Wild doesn't already fuss at me too. He rasps his tongue over your face, and you squeal in mock-disgust, pushing at his face with your paws.
It's good that your Mama has someone to make sure she's not pushing too hard while taking care of you and Broken. That's perfect for you, since you're with her a lot anyway! This way, you can concentrate on that, while Wild does his part.
You think about this. You do want to help your dad too, but it is true that he's sometimes busy with The Wild. He watches over you a fair amount, especially while your mother is off on a walk or helping some of the other slugcats, or even the older slugpups, but... She doesn't quite seem to have a best friend like your father does.
Maybe you can help her in that stead then? So eventually, you puff out your chest, nodding your agreement.
When your mother's ears suddenly grimaces in discomfort, you look at her, startled. You switch your gaze to your father when he shifts, looking at her expression with similar startlement.
Parent of skies, Silk, is this what it feels like? From the way the scavengers went on, I thought it would feel worse than this.
That's why we should be grateful we don't give live birth like them, or the lizards. She replies, showing her teeth a little. You can hear their yelling from paces away. It will just be a little discomfort for us.
Goodness, they had me so scared for nothing! He stretches his hind legs out, and visibly tries to relax. I was so tense the whole time about this.
That was your hidden anxiety streak rearing its head, I believe. She teases him a little, flicking him with her tail. Everyone thinks you are so cool and composed, but then you tell me you were worried about this or that, and it surprises me that everyone can think you're anything other than a big round goofball.
Hah! That's my secret, my dear. I'm always worried. He flicks his paw past his ear, as if brushing his fur back, or grooming it. Speaking of which - Winged, love, could you go fetch The Little for us? I'm sure it will be fine, but it could be good for him to look the eggs over.
Ah, and could you ask them to make sure they check their mushroom stock? I know they've been growing some in their corner. The Silky ruffles your ears for good measure, then gives you a little push with her paw on your head. Take The Broken with you, too.
Oh, okay! You say, eager to help. You grab the paw of your dozing friend, who stumbles as you pull, and you scamper from the nests they've set up in the nursery off to the section of the shelter that's been walled into The Little's domain.
Wha's even hap'n? The Broken mumbles sleepily.
My parents are laying their eggs! You tell her, loud and excited. You've felt less anxious about it now that you've had time to adjust.
It helps that you've heard that your father worried about it too now, when he thought you were asleep - so you know now that they both really are thinking of you. You're pretty sure now that they won't just forget you once your siblings are here.
The Broken shakes her head as if to wake herself up more, and perks up as she hears your words. What! Really?? I want to see!
Me too, but I have to get The Little first! They need our help! You say, importantly.
I saw your egg, you know. She adds. Silky showed it to me. You were so big, I couldn't hold you with both paws! Nothing at all like an eggbug egg.
You've previously only seen an eggbug egg, of course, so this is news to you. You were imagining something small like that, but now the idea that it might be so big is a little startling.
Wow! But Mama said it doesn't really hurt to lay?
Yeah, 'cause they're adults. She says, matter-of-factly. So it's not that big for them. It's easy for 'em to lay and swallow. Silky said that's what pouches are for.
You also hadn't thought that pouches could have a specific reason for existing. ... But that's not important right now!
C'mon, we have to get The Little! You say to The Broken, pulling her along.
Yeah! She agrees. The sooner we get them, the sooner we can get back!
THE LITTLE!! You holler as you tumble in through the doorway. MY PARENTS ARE HAVING THEIR EGGS NOW!!
They look back at you, clearly having expected you. The Little is even organising a bundle of herbs already. Hello, little wings. That's good news; the eggs are arriving right on time. Most slugcats take a month for their pregnancy, and then lay in the next month.
Mama said they also wanted some of your mushrooms! You add.
Did they now? The Little tilts their ears to the side. Yes, I suppose they would.
Putting down the bundle they had gathered, they beckon you both closer. Yes, I understand now. Alright, little ones - before we can go back, we'll have to check on those mushrooms I promised your mother. It will, of course, be faster if you look with me. That way we're covering more mushrooms at once. I will teach you how to tell when one is ready.
By the time you trot with The Little and The Broken back to the nursery, your bundle of herbs and one carefully chosen mushroom in tow, your parents have already finished laying their eggs, and are curled around them; one for each parent, nestled tight against their tummies.
You feel a little jealous, but then remember that they can store them in their pouches. When you want to, you still have space to be there.
The Little bustles busily over. How are you both feeling? Do the eggs appear to be healthy?
The Silky flicks her tail, and unwraps herself around the egg - your little sibling - slightly. Take a look for yourself.
They bend over to do just that, touching over the shell lightly. As they smooth their paws over the surface, they ask more questions. No particular soreness or bleeding from either of you?
It was more uncomfortable for me, but I think that's normal. The Pale rests his chin on the egg he's nesting, very gingerly, and lets the fur on his throat warm it. It is my first time, after all. Last time we only had Winged, and The Silky got that one.
The Little nods, satisfied. Good, good. That does sound about all in order, but I will check you and the little ones over in any case.
Of course, The Pale trills a small laugh. I would expect nothing less.
Now that the questions are over, The Little continues their teaching to you and The Broken while they work - touching over your parents at their bellies, their legs, then feeling all around the eggs.
Now that we have all learned how to tell when it's ready for picking, how much do you know about the properties of mushrooms? You may know that they make time seem slower for you, The Little suddenly addresses your parents, who have apparently also been listening with interest. Allowing you to plan and move quicker, but did you know they also have pain-numbing abilities? It's true - it usually is strongest when that "time dilation" is in effect, but it can help with aches afterwards too.
Really? I always thought it was the adrenaline, The Pale says with interest.
Certainly, that plays a role in it! But it does help with desensitising the pain sensors as the adrenaline wears off as well. They nod, proudly. Of course, other herbs can alleviate this symptom significantly more, so it's not often noticed or prescribed for such. Usually one only uses the mushrooms for their slowing effect. It was our luck to have had a colony growing so close to here; we can afford to be a bit more free with helping small pains using it.
I sometimes include it in my ointments, you know. You haven't noticed, I am guessing?
We do usually think of its properties primarily as the time slowing, The Silky notes. I suppose some find recreational use from it, but I wasn't aware there was anything else they could be good for.
By this point, the adults have clearly become too involved in their conversation, because they've started using words far too big for you to keep up with. The Broken doesn't seem too interested anymore either, so you touch her tail with yours to get her attention.
She looks at you, and you angle your ears towards the eggs. Of course, this prompts her to widen her eyes, and the two of you creep closer to your new siblings to peer closer at them.
The shell of one is white, while the other is a pale green - you saw that already, of course, when you came in originally. You wonder why they have different colours.
They're a lot less round than the eggbug eggs you're used to, too; those are complete circles, while these are a little more pointy at the ends. It makes you think of a dandelion peach, and the time you got to taste one during The Bouncy's graduation.
How good it was, sweet and sticky, but also light in your mouth. How you blew the fluff off your lips and it flew away, and your parents told you how you had helped the plant by eating the fruit: that somewhere nearby, another little peach bush would grow from this.
You hope it does, and your little siblings will get to taste it.
You wake up early today. The Pale and The Silky stir sleepily around you, but you squeak to them what you wanted to do and they go back to sleep. You're old enough to wander around camp without their ever-watchful eye now, after all!
Plus, they both need their rest. Pregnancy and egg-nesting is hard work, The Little has taught you. So it's important to let them rest. That's why your job is to look so sad and worried when they try to get up to anything too straining.
Right now, you have another mission, just as important: as the clouds outside grow lighter in colour, you clamber out of the shelter that serves as everyone's den and into the damp camp to greet the dawn patrol.
The Amber, The Untouched, and The Wind turn at your scent and the sounds of you scurrying across the sandy earth over to them.
I wanted to see you! You tell them, tail wagging. Before you left to get food!
The Amber's expression is cool as ever, but she inclines her head slightly to you. Remembering The Wind's story, you think she must approve of this.
Very good, The Wind adds as input, taking on a very slightly different tone. You think she's imitating her mentor again. Not many pups get up at dawn at all. It shows good initiative.
The Untouched rolls his eyes good-naturedly. Your mentor is right there, and you're still doing your "totally her voice" bit?
She doesn't mind. She thinks it's funny! The Wind turns to The Amber. Don't you, Amber?
The slugcat gives her a deadpan look, but finally rewards her with a faint smile.
The Wind makes a triumphant trill and turns back to The Untouched. There you go! See?
She's just smiling at you to make you feel better! She doesn't sound anything like that! He teases, prompting her to shove him, just hard enough to bowl him over. He responds by sweeping his tail under her legs, and she squawks as he drags her down with him.
Children. The Amber says, watching them scrap. Save that for training. I need you to be fresh and prepared when we depart.
How they have that much energy at dawn, She adds to you. Is truly beyond me. Most adolescents are lethargic when you pull them out of the nest at noon, let alone the early morning.
You managed to get the early bird as your apprentice, that's how! The Wind chirps, finally climbing out of the dust and offering her friend a paw to help him up. Alright, let's go before he says something else push-worthy.
Jealous of my sense of humour compared to hers, He whispers loudly to you, then ducks behind The Amber as The Wind lifts up a paw at him again in mock-threat.
Good luck! You say to them, slapping your tail on the ground in excitement as they finally begin to trot out of the camp, waving goodbye to them. Bring back lots of yummy food, okay?
The Untouched laughs. Sure, we'll do our best! See you later, Winged!
The Storm and The Broken are sitting together. They seem to be having fun.
The Broken still remembers your promise from last month; she shoots you meaningful looks from the corner of her eye.
The New Sun is looking thoughtful. Its tail swishes along the ground from side to side.
The Pale is beckoning you over to him, eyes shining.
The Wind is back, alone. Her tail is bushed up and she's pacing, her paws behind her back.
The Rain has been coughing fitfully recently. They are curled up tight near The Little's workspace, inside the shelter.