A mid Summer’s nightmare


It was a beautiful summer day on the Isle of Huttsgalor. The sun shone brightly but didn’t feel overly hot, and for once, there didn’t seem to be anyone that needed rescuing on this particular day. Even Elbone didn’t seem to need any help with his new business venture of artistic landscape painting. Come on, not even he could mess that up. It’s just painting! Right…?

Needless to say, it was the perfect day to do a very certain something. Absolutely nothing! As far as Cutter and Aggro were concerned as they found a sunny rock to nap on while the others found a more efficient use of the day and played a friendly game of volleyrock on the oceanside.

Initially they thought it unfair with it being Summer and Winger against just Burple. But when it came to rocks, Burple turned out to hold his own quite well. He might not be the best at hitting the rock back, but if he could catch it in his mouth, it was fair game.

“Come on Burp’s! Try and block this!” Said Winger as he jumped up and whacked the rock over the median strip. Burple leaned to the right and caught it in his mouth like it was nothing.

“Was that all you’ve got? That was easy!” Said Burple as he swayed back and forth happily.

“Well, technically Winger asked you to block it.” Said Summer. “Catching, er… swallowing isn’t the same thing.”

“Oh… does that mean I lose?” Asked Burple in confusion as he looked to Dak on the sideline who was keeping score.

“No Burp, you’re fine! Just toss the rock back.” He said as Burple grinned and took aim before shooting off two rocks.

“What, hey!!!” Said Winger and Summer in unison as they both tried to hit a rock back but only succeeded in crashing into each other. The two rocks landed in the grass and rolled away into the sea.

“HA! I guess you’re chances of winning are, SUNK!” Said Cutter as he laughed to himself after yawning and seeing how the game was going just in time to see the spectacular fumble. “Man, someone should write my jokes down, I’m priceless today!” He said as he stretched.

“If our only money was from the profits of this joke book of yours, we’d never eat again.” Said Aggro without opening her eyes. That got some snickers from all the others as Cutter just rolled his eyes.

“Well anyway, I guess the game’s over now.” Said Winger as he looked over the side of the rocky shore and into the deep water where their rock had rolled and sunk. “Why did you do that Burp’s, you know that’s cheating.”

“Yeah, I know. But that rock was feeling all tingly in stomach number three. I think it wanted to come out to play.” Said Burple as he walked over and looked down with Winger. “Hey, we can go looking for a new one. How about it?”

“Please, let’s be honest here, that rock was perfect. We could search the whole island and never find such a perfect rock. It had the right shape, was nicely rounded, and always flew through the air almost as awesomely as me.” Said Cutter who seemed to be in a daze of reminiscing.

“You’re kidding right? It’s just a rock.” Said Aggro as she joined them. “I see hundreds of rocks every day. Just pick one and be done with it.”

“I would never dull my spiky claws on such an unperfect stone! How could I cut stuff without my sharpness? Just think of it, I’d need a new name at that point!” As Cutter went off on his lecture about proper claw sharpening techniques, Summer walked over and looked into the water.

“You know, I could just go and get it. This isn’t the first time we’ve lost a rock like this.” She said. Winger looked a bit unsure.

“You sure Sum? Don’t you remember all the eels down there?” Winger shuddered at that. He like all other dragons had a natural fear of eels.

“I should be okay. Leyla helped me face my fears last time, should be much easier this time around.” She said this, but somewhere inside herself she wasn’t so sure as she saw all the kelp and seaweed down below where the eel liked to hide.

“Maybe.” Said Aggro as they looked down together. “You know, if I were you, I’d ask Leyla to come with. She’d never say no to helping out.” Summer shook her head.

“I’d appreciate that, but Leyla said she needed some time alone so she could update her dragon diary. Wouldn’t be fair of me to drag her away from it.” She took a step closer to the edge and held her wings close to her sides.

“Hey! I can go with you.” Said Dak as he made a heroic pose. “If Leyla can do it, I can do it!”

“Uh, water’s not really your thing bro.” Said Winger.

“Eh, worth a shot.” Said Dak. But before anyone could say or do anything else, Summer jumped in and began to swim downwards.

‘I could have been done by now. But I know they mean well.’ She thought to herself as she reached the seafloor. She looked around, seeing nothing. She knew that objects tend to move around with the currents on their way down, but the rock shouldn’t be too far off. ‘Okay… rock rock rock…’ There was a forest of kelp nearby, but she steered clear of it and stayed to open waters where she felt safer. She mumbled to herself as she swam to a handful of stones that littered the sandy bottom. Of course, none were the one she was looking for. Discouraged, she went up for a breath.

“Hey Summer!” Called Leyla from the shore. Summer turned and waved at her.

“Leyla! What are you doing here?”

“Finished my journal entries and decided to join you all. The others say you’re looking for a rock? Why not just use one of the hundreds littered around up here?” At this, everyone looked to Cutter.

“What? I have my standards.” He said nonchalantly.

“It’s fine Ley, I’m in here already but I’ll call it quits if I don’t get something soon.” Said Summer to which Cutter balked.

“WHAT! So we’re never playing volleyrock again!? Oh the sheer cruelty of the world!” Cutter said as he flopped onto his back, a paw across his face. “Please, don’t look at me while I’m in such pain!”

“Trust me, we don’t want to.” Said Aggro as she nudged Burple. “Come on Burp’s. Let’s look for a new rock and leave the drama queen to weather the unjustness on the universe upon him.”

“Ahem, drama KING!” Corrected Cutter.

“Oh good grief,” said Summer as she waved to Leyla once more before heading down again. She swam around a few more minutes with similar luck as before and had come to face a truth. She turned in the water and looked at the thick forest of kelp. ‘Of course it’s in there… Least it better be…’ She thought as she swam to the forest edge and took a mental breath as she swam in. She was always on the alert as she swam, flinching as shadows of the kelp played tricks on her. She went deeper into the kelp, searching the seafloor when all of a sudden, there was the rock. Just sitting there as if it were waiting all along. She blinked and undulated towards it. She picked it up and looked at it for a second. ‘Huh, that wasn’t so bad. Not sure what I was afraid of.’ Rock in paw, she flicked her webbed tail and spun around to head to the surface. A green eel had snuck up on her and snapped at her.

Summer shrieked, dropping the rock and trying to follow the eel with her eyes as it darted through the kelp around her. Suddenly, there were more. Three, no, four were snapping at her as she backed away and tried to escape. She was cornered and knew it. She remembered the time the eels had threatened Leyla and she grew mad. When the next eel popped out to snap at her, she swatted it with her paw, sending it reeling. ‘How do you like it!’ she thought exuberantly. Before she knew what was happening, she was batting eels left and right and was making her way out of the kelp forest.

Suddenly, as soon as they had come, the eel turned tail and vanished. ‘That’s right you better run!’ She thought triumphantly as she went back for the rock. She grabbed it with no troubles and began her way to the surface. As she did, she couldn’t shake an odd feeling that something was following her. She paused her accent and looked behind her. She though she made out something red swimming in the plants. She squinted at it, then it emerged. All her bravery dissolved as she saw a massive red eel that was twice the length she was dart towards her. She dropped the rock and swam as fast as she could to the surface. But it was no use as the eel had her beat in terms of speed as well. It looped around her like a massive snake and squeezed it coils around her. The air she had in her lungs was forced out and she panicked as she knew what would happen next. They were near the surface and she let out a squirt of water that breached the surface, hopping the others would see it. She wasn’t kept waiting long as a few seconds later Winger dove in and started biting at the eel as Cutter let loose a fury of spikes from above. The eel hissed and uncoiled from Summer as is retreated into the depths. Summer wasn’t sure of what happened next as the world got swimmy and she blacked out.

~

She awoke back at the roost in the sleep cave, she still felt dazed and very tired. There was a blanket on her and she saw Leyla and Winger talking nearby. “Guys…” She said feebly. They stopped talking and went to her immediately.

“Summer! Are you okay?” Asked Leyla.

“What was that thing? Never seen an eel that big before.” Said Winger

“I’m fine Ley, and I’ve never seen one like that before either. Thanks for saving me by the way.” Winger smiled at that.

“It’s what friends do. Speaking of which, the others will be glad to hear you’re okay. You should have seen Cutter. Poor guy was blaming himself for what happened to you.”

“Well it was kind of his idea. But… there’s no way he could have foreseen this. You can tell him I’m fine now and don’t hold it against him. But,” she said with a raised paw to make a point. “I am not going after the next rock they lose.” Said Summer as she set her head down on her paws.

“Fair enough, I’ll let him know.” Said Winger as he left the cave. Summer looked to Leyla once Winger had gone.

“How long was I out?” She asked as she looked outside through a crack in the door. The sun was definitely setting.

“Been a few hours.” Said Leyla as she sat next to Summer. “We got you back here fast as we could. Dak, Burple, and Aggro went to the town for some food just a little while ago.” Summer yawned.

“Some food does sound good about now. So does sleep come to think of it. Little odd considering I’ve been out the last few hours.” She said as Leyla chuckled.

“Well, they should be back any minute now. We’ll have dinner and call it an early night.”

The others were back shortly after and all were glad Summer was better now. Cutter denied to extreme lengths of how worried he was. Saying that he knew she’d be fine the whole time. Everyone rolled their eyes at that. Things were back to normal it seemed. Dinner was fish and assorted things from town and everyone was happy to call it a night when they finished up.

“Night guys,” said Dak as he climbed the ladder up to the lighthouse where they slept. Leyla stayed behind for a little while making sure Summer was okay.

“Ley, come on. You know me, I’ll be okay. This is not by far the worst thing that’s happened to us.” Said Summer who wasn’t exaggerating.

“That as it may be, I still can’t help being worried.” Said Leyla as she kept pulling on her braids, something she did when she was worried. Summer gave her a hug with a wing.

“Head on up to bed Leyla. I’m fine, promise.” Said Summer. Leyla at last nodded and went up after Dak.

Not long after, the dragons said goodnight to each other and curled up for the night. Summer laid down by the fire pit in the middle of the cave, feeling comfort in the warmth and soft glow. As the others drifted off to sleep, Summer found it incredibly difficult to do so herself. She kept seeing things in the shadows and when she did close her eyes thoughts of the monstrous eel kept poking her mind. It was an unpleasant sensation to think something was lurking around you. At long last she did fall asleep, but more from exhaustion then a peaceful drifting off.

~

Her dreams were of the usual kind. Swimming in the clear ocean waters on a nice sunny day. Chasing fish and laying on the beach. Was very pleasant and could last forever in this way if she had a choice. The dream went on and she was racing a pod of dolphins, proving to them that a dragon was the fastest thing in both air and water. The sun shone bright above and the sea in front of her was clear for miles. But suddenly, the sun disappeared. It was almost like someone blew it out and she found herself in the vast open ocean lit only by the pale glow of the moon. She turned around to head back to the dolphins but soon found that they too had vanished. Feeling a little uneasy, she swam to the surface to get her bearing and head back to land. She broke the surface and looked around. There was no land. Just water as far as she could see. She went back underwater and made a decision to just keep swimming. She would have to find something eventually.

She swam for what felt like miles until all of a sudden, something did appear in front of her. Quite literally. There was a flash of light and in the middle was what looked like a small island, but she didn’t care how small it was as long as it was land. She made her was over and was quite surprised to see Winger swimming towards her to greet her. She smiled and let out a sigh of relief.

“Hey Summer! We’ve been waiting for you like all day! Come on, Dak has the fish cooking away and Leyla said she needs your help for another journal entry. Oh, and Cutter wants a volleyrock rematch. Why don’t you and your friend join us?” Summer’s smile slowly fell.

“What friend? I didn’t bring anyone else.” She said to Winger who was laughing.

“Very funny Summer! Then who’s that?” He said pointing behind her.

Summer spun around in the water and locked her eyes with the massive red eel just as it lashed out and clamped its teeth down on her.

~

Summer woke with a start. Her head snapped up, paws and tail tensed, and her breathing was heavy. It took only a moment to realize it had all just been a dream, but it still left her very shaken. She hugged herself tight with her wings, telling herself mentally that it was all okay and that she was safe at home. When she had regained her calm, she looked around.

The fire pit was burned down to cold charcoal and a faint grey light made its way through the main door. Morning was coming. The others still slept and she decided to do the same, she settled back down on the warm and… She paused and blinked in confusion. She slid a paw under herself and was taken aback to find it warm and wet. She stood and looked under herself, seeing her dripping tail and a puddle on the rock where she had slept.

She was momentarily frozen by the shock of the fact she had wet herself in her sleep, but it was soon replaced by panic as Cutter yawned. To her extreme relief he just turned his head and went back to sleep. She had to get this cleaned up before the others woke. She looked back to the door where the light was steadily growing brighter. She didn’t have much time.

Tiptoeing as carefully as she could, she made her way to the doors and somehow got them open quietly. Once outside she quicky hoped off the cliff by the roost and took a dip in the ocean to clean her scales off. She returned after she had shaken herself dry and rummaged around outside, looking for anything she could use.

“Oh come on… there has to be something I can use…” She whimpered to herself. Frustrated, she whacked a hay bale with her tail. “Wait. HAY!” She said a little too loudly as she quickly clamped her mouth shut. After feeling that no one had heard her, she grabbed an armful and made her way back in. The hay did the trick and quickly dried up all traces of her accident. Well, all but the smell. But the open door and fresh air took care of that in no time. She sighed in relief as she started gathering up the drenched hay.

“What are you doing?” Said Cutter from behind her. A shock went up Summer’s spine as she dropped the hay and looked to him. She noticed his eyes were still droopy and that he wasn’t completely awake yet.

“Oh, hey Cutter. It looks like some… uh, rain got in and I’m just drying it up.” She said with an uncomfortable and strained smile. Cutter blinked once very slowly.

“Hate it when it does that…” He said as he yawned and went back to sleep. Summer’s paws were shaking from almost being caught. She quickly gathered up the hay and took it outside where she promptly tossed it into the sea. She then sat back and finally relaxed.

“Okay Summer, it’s all taken care of, and no one was the wiser.” She said to herself as she leaned against the door and waited for the sun to come up.

~

The others woke shortly after she had and the day was like any other. They did have to recue Elbone in the end. For some reason he got it into his mind that in order to make a perfect landscape painting, he would need to be one with nature. They searched the island and eventually found him tied up at the top of a tall pine tree. He had somehow dragged his easel and paints up with him and while tying everything to a limb, got kind of tangled up in the process. A few swipes from Cutter’s claws and he went tumbling down to be caught by Burple.

“You see, I don’t get it. Everyone says nature is so peaceful, but that tree had it out for me!” He said as he gathered up what supplies he could salvage.

“Please tell me you’re not going to try again,” said Dak in dismay.

“Oh far from it!” Said Elbone with much enthusiasm as he held up the remnants of the rope, canvas, and paint. “What do you think of that?!” He asked with a broad smile.

“Uh… anyone else think he hit his head on something?” Asked Aggro as she tilted her head at the swinging mass of rope with colorful canvas dangling.

“See! Aggro gets me! I’m going to make decorative mobiles!” Said Elbone as he gathered up the things and walked to his house boat humming a cheerful tune.

“That’s… totally not what I said…” Said Aggro. As the group watched him walk off. Elbone like everyone else on Hutsgalor, with the exception of Dak and Leyla, couldn’t understand the dragons.

“Eh, Elbone is Elbone.” Said Dak as he hoped onto Winger’s back. “He’ll probably find someway to make this backfire too.”

“Wouldn’t surprise me in the least,” Said Winger as he spread his wing and took to the air.

“Aww, I kind of liked that mobile thingy,” said Burple as he followed after.

The rest of the day wasn’t as exciting, mostly small tasks around the village. Helping to raise yet another new statue of Haggis, helping Hannahr put out a forge fire, and getting Fingard out of a well. Again. They knew he only did it so he could see the dragons, but it was becoming a tiring day for them all. It was getting late when they finally finished up and were ready to head home.

“I am so ready for bed…” Said Summer rather happily. The day may have been boring and a little work heavy, but she was glad for the chance to get her mind off of what had happened the day before. And that morning. Leyla yawned and nodded in agreement.

“We did good work today team, wing it in,” said Winger as he raised his wing and everyone joined in for a high-five… high-wing? You get the idea. “Let’s head home, I can already smell that fresh fi…”

“HO! Rescue Riders!” Said a voice behind them. They all turned and there was chief Duggard waving his hands ecstatically.

“Now what,” Said Burple as he flopped on the ground.

“Pfew… glad I caught you all. But mostly you Aggro, could I have a wee moment of your time lass?” He asked as Aggro gave a half-lidded blink.

“Like I have a choice in the matter.” She said to which Dak chuckled nervously as Duggard tilted his head at the tone of her roars.

“She said she’d be happy to help chief!” Said Dak quickly. “What was it you needed?”

“Ah perfect! I need a hand with the fires in the great hall. They’re having a problem lighting up. I would be ever most grateful for a hand.” Aggro rolled her eyes but walked back with the chief to the hall.

“We’ll see you back at the roost!” Called Cutter after her as he and the others flew home.

Aggro was back soon, not waiting for a slow fire to get going, she had just shot a fireball at it and called it a day. Might have left a bit of a mess in the place, but her work was done. With that, the day was officially over and they all indulged in some fish and went to sleep.

Summer was glad to get some rest, the day had done a great job of clearing her mind and she was happy to leave it all behind her. She snuggled up to the fire and was peacefully asleep.

~

Her dreams took her to one of the islands they had visited in the past, but not quite. Soft grassy places with nice shady trees that had bunches of fish hanging from the branches to eat, small streams of hot apple cider that smelled great with cinnamon, and hot rocks that were soft as wool to sun on. Was a dream paradise. Summer was resting by a small pond sipping cider while Cutter and Winger were having a color and shape changing competition.

“I look better in blue than you do by a mile,” said Cutter as he took on Wingers blue hue. “Top that!”

“Pfh, too easy. I know something that will make you wish you were that cool.” Said Winger as he turned into an almost perfect copy of Cutter, but with the sharpest spikes ever. He poked a rock, and it fell apart in two perfectly polished halves. “Ah, pointy perfection!” Said Winger triumphantly.

“Hey that’s my line!” Said Cutter as he let off three mega blasts. “How’s that! I make mega blasts look easy! You struggle with one.” Winger’s eye twitched and he turned purple.

The two of them continued bickering back and forth as they turned into everything to upstage the other. Summer shook her head and chuckled. “Well, I have something you two definitely don’t. I’m the best in the water.”

“Oh yeah?” Said Cutter as he spouted fins and grew webs between his claws. It honestly made him look ridiculous. “Aw yeah, now I’m the sharpest thing in the air and sea!”

“I can beat that,” said Winger as Summer looked to him, doubt written clearly on her face. “Oh come on Sum, even you have to admit this is way better than you, I mean it did beat you before.” And in a flash, Winger had turned into the giant red eel. “Do I win?” He asked with a pointy toothed grin.

~

Summer woke to find Aggro standing by her. “Woah, hey you okay Summer? I heard you whimpering in your sleep.”

“Just a… bad dream…” Said Summer as she panted. Aggro nodded.

“I hear that. Sometimes I dream about the time my fire went out. Scarry stuff.” Said Aggro who shook her head to get the memory out.

“I’m… dreaming about that eel from the other day.” Said Summer as Aggro sat to listen and comfort.

“Oh yeah, that’d give me nightmares for days let me tell you.” She said with a light laugh so as not to wake the others. Summer smiled at that, feeling a little better. Aggro opened her mouth to say more, but stopped. She tilted her head and looked behind Summer. “Hey Sum? You sleeping in water or something?” Summer looked behind herself and was quiet for the longest time. By now Aggro had detected the scent of pee. Her shame was now known and she held her head in her paws and started to cry.

“Oh, hey Summer, come one now. It’s okay. You had a scary dream, it’s understandable.” Said Aggro as she patter Summer’s side. “Probably just a one time thing, you’ll see. Now, come on, I’ll help you with this.” Said Aggro as she continued to pat Summer’s side.

“Happened the other night too…” Said Summer in a hushed tone. Aggro had to lean closer.

“Hm? Happened yesterday?” She asked to which Summer nodded. “Hmm… same dream?” Asked Aggro as she helped Summer up off the wet stones and walked out with her to wash her scales. It was still dark this time, a few hours to go before daybreak but Aggro’s horns lit up the night perfectly.

“Pretty much the same dream…” Admitted Summer as she splashed some water on herself from the well. Aggro chewed a claw at that.

“Tell Leyla or anyone else yet?” She asked. Summer shook her head no.

“Yeah, don’t think I would have either. But I think you have to. Unless you want them to find out for themselves which might be a bit more embarrassing.”

As if on cue, Winger poked his head out of the door. “Um… Summer? Everything okay?”

“Oh me and my big mouth…” Muttered Aggro as she looked to Summer who was looking ready to have a panic attack.

“We’re fine Wing, just uh, getting some water.” Said Aggro to Winger who was looking to Summer who had her back to him. He didn’t say anything back to Aggro and instead walked over to Summer and stood beside her.

“Sum?” He said kindly. She let out a slow breath and brought her head up.

“I guess you know too…” She said, already knowing the answer. He nodded.

“Woke when I heard you an Aggro leave, saw why soon after I got up.” He gave Summer a friendly nudge with a wing. “You know we’re here for you right?”

“I told her that too, but there’s a bit more to it that that Wing. She said it… er, sorry Summer. You want to tell him?” Asked Aggro as Summer shrugged.

“It’s the second time it’s happened. I keep dreaming about that eel. I get so scared that…” She let her head droop. “I’m so ashamed.”

“Ah don’t sweat it.” Said Winger trying to sound perky to brighten her mood. “Everyone is scared of something, and I’m sure we can figure something out for you in the morning. What do you say?” Summer looked between Winger and Aggro, feeling much better.

“Thanks you guys, I’d like that. But please don’t say anything to Cutter. I get the feeling he won’t be able to keep his mouth closed.”

“Oh no worries there.” Said Aggro with a laugh as they headed back in where she and Winger helped Summer clean her sleeping spot. They all then curled up and slept a few more hours until dawn.

~

After everyone had woken up some hours later, Summer went to Leyla and asked to speak with her in private. She said yes of course and the two of them went inside the lighthouse to talk. Summer told her about the nightmares and her reoccurring accidents at night. It was hard for her to admit it and felt abashed. Leyla sat by her and listened until she had finished.

“Oh Summer, you should have told me before. You know I would have understood.” Said Leyla as she patted her friend.

“I know Ley, but I was kind of just hoping it would go away. But… doesn’t seem like it will.” She looked to Leyla with a sigh and a lost look on her muzzle. “What are we going to do about it? I can’t keep waking up wet in the middle of the night. Not to mention cleaning it every day.”

“Yeah, that can get old fast.” Leyla thought on it. “Well, we could make you a hay bed to sleep on. Would have to be remade every day though.” Said Leyla.

“There has to be something more convenient.” Said Summer as she thought too. “I’m also not too keen about a hay bed, too itchy.” As she spoke, Dak walked in through the door.

“Hey Ley! Chief wants us at the village square to help with some sort of island cleaning festival? Yeah, I don’t get it either. Seems like every day is a holiday.” He said as he looked to Leyla and Summer. “Um, am I interrupting something?” Leyla looked to Summer.

“Want to ask him?” She said. Summer seemed rather reluctant, but nodded.

“Sure… everyone will know eventually.” Said Summer as she told Dak. Dak of course chuckled at it, earning a punch from Leyla.

“Right, right, sorry.” He said, still laughing a bit. “Seems like an easy problem though. Just get her a diaper or something.” Said Dak simply.

“A what?” Asked Summer with her head tilted.

“It’s something you wear that absorbs the wetness.” Said Leyla. “That could actually work, but where would we get one in Summer’s size? I can’t exactly sew one myself.”

“Also an easy solution!” Said Dak. “Just got to Hannahr, she can make anything.”

Summer put a paw over her face. “Does the whole village have to know now!? Please you two, this is all making me really nervous.”

“It’ll be okay Sum, Hannahr can keep a secret. And she doesn’t judge, remember how scared of heights she is?” Summer considered that.

“That’s true. Guess it couldn’t hurt stopping by while we’re helping the chief out.” Said Summer. They all agreed and headed to the village.

~

When the chief said a cleaning festival, he wasn’t kidding. There were stray branches from storms to be picked up, rocks that had to be relocated, houses that needed painting. There was something for everyone to do. Burple helped collect the stuff on the ground while cutter helped workers with repairs. Mostly by cutting and spiking stuff. Winger and Aggro helped with the paint and Summer helped with washing. It was literally doing a bunch of chores, but with everyone in the village lending a hand, it wasn’t so bad. And after a while, the village did indeed look brighter and livelier.

“Fantastic job everyone!” Said chief Duggard. “The whole village shines like a mirror, eh, metaphorically of course.” He combed his bead with his hand. “And now to celebrate, let’s get a mighty feast going!” Everyone in the village cheered and set about cooking and whatnot. Now that they had some time, Leyla went with Summer to see Hannahr.

“Hi Hannahr, have a second?” Asked Leyla as they walked up to the blacksmith stall. Hannahr was busy hanging up tools and turned to them.

“Leyla, fancy seeing you. Grand job we did on the village don’t you think?” She asked as she whipped dust from her apron and walked over to them.

“Yeah, the place looks amazing now. Though having a festival for it is kind of odd.” Hannahr laughed at that.

“It’s kind of a village joke. If the chief told them just to clean up for no reason, who would really want to? Besides, folk here just love celebrating stuff, even the mundane they can make enjoyable. Ach, but I don’t think you’re here to talk about cleaning now are ye?”

“No, not exactly. Um, can we talk somewhere more private?”

“Sure lass, come into me backroom. Mind yourself, lots of sharp metal and the sort.” Said Hannahr as she led them to a small shed she used for storing scrap and spare metal parts. “Now then, what I do for ya.” Said Hannahr as she sat and had some water.

“Well… it’s not anything to do with metal or blacksmithing in general. But we do need something made.” Said Leyla as Summer began to blush.

“Ah, no need to speak in circles with me. Tell me what’s on yer mind.” Said Hannahr cheerfully. Leyla looked to Summer who nodded, probably feeling ready to die of humiliation. And so, Leyla told Hannahr what the issue was.

“Ach Summer you poor dear. Don’t fret, I can make ye a nighttime pad. Not the first time I’ve been asked to do so actually. Lots of parents also ask for them for their kids.” Summer was a little surprised to hear this.

“Wait, others need them too?” She roared. Leyla translated for Hannahr.

“Of course you silly thing, did you really think you were the only one?” Said Hannahr with a laugh.

“Kind of actually.” Said Summer as Hannahr stood and went to a shelf where she returned with a measuring tape.

“Okay Leyla, you wait outside now. Just need a few moments with Summer here to get measurements and I’ll be all set to get started.” Said Hannahr.

“Thank you,” said Summer which didn’t need translating as Leyla left them and waited outside. It didn’t take very long. Five minutes or so before the door opened and Summer and Hannahr walked out.

“Right then, it’s still early and I can probably have one made for you by the evening. Only question left, is what design you’d like.”

“Design?” Asked Summer.

“Ach aye, can make any pattern you like on the cloth. Since you be a sea dragon, I’m thinking light blue with fish. How’s that sound?” Said Hannahr. Summer smiled at that.

“That actually sounds kind of adorable, and I think Summer agrees.” Said Leyla happily. Summer gave a small roar in agreement.

They said goodbye to her and went to the village square where they enjoyed the rest of the festivities with everyone else.

~

It was evening by the time they got back to the roost, and they all looked tired. They pushed open the door to the sleep cave and everyone flopped in the first available spot.

“I didn’t know I could dance so much… my legs are killing me.” Said Dak as he lay against Winger’s side.

“Dancing? Is that what it was?” Said Aggro who was laying on her side next to Cutter.

“Yeah, I personally thought you got stung by a bee and were flailing around trying to get it off.” Said Cutter.

“Ha ha, you guys are hilarious,” said Dak as he looked to Burple. “You okay Burps?”

“Yeah… but I think I ate too much…”

“I think we all did,” said Winger who was looking miserable from a stomachache. While everyone was resting, there was a knock on the door.

“Oh what now!” Said Cutter in annoyance as he flapped over to the door. Summer and Leyla had jumped up at the knock but Cutter beat them to it and opened the door seeing Hannahr.

“Ah, evening Cutter, and Rescue Riders all.” Said Hannahr cheerfully as she held a package. Cutter looked at it oddly as Leyla took it from Hannahr.

“Thank you so much,” she Leyla. “Hope it wasn’t any trouble.”

“None at all, I just hope it’s okay. Never made one for a dragon before. Oh, and I’ll have the other done sometime tomorrow. That way you can interchange washing and drying them and always have something ready for the next night. Made it from the best supplies I had. Soft, waterproof, and I wasn’t sure how much padding you needed Summer, but I think you’ll sleep sound and dry now.” Said Hannahr with a little pride in her work.

“Uhh… what on earth is she talking about?” Asked Cutter as the others just looked at each other, not sure how to answer him. Cutter looked back at them. “Wait, am I the only one who doesn’t know?” He asked, reading their expressions.”

“Oh oh, I don’t know either.” Said Burple who then scrunched his face as he contemplated. “Or, at least I think I don’t. Maybe I do and just forgot. But would that mean I still don’t know if at one point I did… but now don’t?” He blinked and looked at Winger. “What are we talking about again?”

“Actually Burp’s, I don’t know myself what she’s talking about. But I think I know what it’s for.” Said Winger as he glanced to Leyla and Summer, gesturing for them to do or say something. Hannahr stood and watched as the dragons roared at each other, she had no idea what was being said, but she had a good idea of what and did not want to get caught up in it.

“Right then! I’ll leave you be for the night. See you tomorrow.” She said quickly as she headed back to the village, Summer and Leyla waved bye after her. They closed the door afterwards and all seven of them stood there in an awkward silence.

“Weeeeeelllllllllll?” Asked Cutter as he looked at the package Leyla was still holding. “Is anyone going to fill me in here or is today let’s not talk to Cutter day?”

“Oh don’t make me wish,” grumbled Aggro as Summer shrugged to Leyla.

“He’s going to find out at some point,” she said as Leyla nodded and looked to Cutter. Winger got up and stood beside Summer.

“Don’t worry Summer, if he laughs or anything, we’ll make him sleep outside. That sound good with everyone else?” There was a rather energetic chorus of ‘yups’ and ‘sounds good to me!’

“Hey that’s not fair! I don’t even know what is I’m not supposed to laugh at!” Said Cutter as he spread his wings at a loss.

“Okay, let’s give him a chance.” Said Summer as she asked Leyla to open the package.

“What about me?” Asked Burple. “I still don’t know what we’re talking about. Aren’t you worried I’ll laugh?” Summer smiled at that.

“Not at all, I know you’re sympathetic and would never make fun of me on purpose.” Said Summer to which Burple was rather pleased to hear.

Leyla set the package down and unwrapped it. The cloth diaper was folded up and had a nice light blue fabric covering it with a simple fish design over it. “Huh, so that’s what you went to Hannahr for earlier today,” said Dak as Cutter tilted his head at it.

“I don’t get it. Looks like thick pants or something.” He said as he looked to Summer. “And you need this because?”

“Because…” She said as she gathered the courage. “Because lately I’ve been… wetting the nest, as it were. This is to help keep me dry at night. Or at least I hope it will.” Said Summer as she took it out of the package and unfolded it. She barely had a chance to before Cutter was rolling on the floor laughing his eyes out.

“Oh this is too good! Wetting the nest, that’s something a hatchling does!” Said Cutter. Summer flinched and turned her head to the side, looking ready to cry.

“And that’s the door,” said Aggro with a smirk of satisfaction that Cutter did actually laugh. She flew to the door of the sleep cave and opened it up as Winger, Burple, and Dak pushed Cutter outside.

“Hey come on I was just kidding! You have to admit it’s a little funny, have some humor!” Said Cutter as he tried to resist fruitlessly as they pushed him outside and closed the door on him. They then bolted it from the inside. “HEY COME ON! It’s so humid out here my spikes will rust!”

“Nice try Cutter, your spikes aren’t made of metal.” Said Aggro as she and the others went back to Summer. Cutter continued to scratch at the door and made numerous apologies, but no one really felt like letting him back in after what he did.

“Ahh… does anyone but me like how nice an quiet it is in here now?” Said Winger as he fist-bumped Dak.

“I could get used to it that’s for sure.” Said Aggro as she looked to Summer. “Don’t mind him Summer, we all support you. Now, let’s see what you got.” Summer turned back and rubbed her snout, sniffling a little but starting to recover.

“Yeah, okay. Thanks you guys.” They all nodded their encouragement as Summer picked the diaper up out of the packing.

“Huh… actually looks kind of cute.” Said Dak as he looked at the designs.

“Yeah Hannahr really knows her stuff. But I’m worried more of if it will work.” Said Summer as she unfolded it. There was a thick pad of something under a soft wool liner in the front and a slot for her tail in the back that had a cut in it so it could be put on sideways, instead of slipping it up her entire tail, and tied together. The back part didn’t have any padding material and was mostly for comfort and to be tied back on the front half around her legs. “Hmm…” Said Summer as she looked at her webbed paws and tried holding the binding ties. “Um… Ley? I think I’ll need some help putting this on. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Of course not,” said Leyla as she walked over to help. “The rest of you could perhaps look away for a second?” She said as Dak and the others were still watching.

“Oh right, sorry,” said Dak as he and the others turned around.

There was a sound of scuffling as Summer rolled over and Leyla tried to adjust the pad. It didn’t sound like it was going well.

“Um. Ley? I think it’s upside down…” Sounds of reshuffling, and a thump as Summer fell on her side. “Okay Ley now you just tied my legs together.” Dak and Winger couldn’t help but snicker a little at that.

“This is actually harder than it looks, maybe we should have gotten directions from Hannahr,” sighed Leyla.

“Actually, I think we’re just doing it the hard way.” Said Summer followed by the sound of her standing. “Let’s see… If you lay it on the floor, I can lay on the front part and then all you have to do is fold the back part and tie the halves together.” Said Summer.

“Worth a try,” said Leyla as they rearranged themselves.

“You two sure you don’t need a hand?” Asked Dak.

“Nope, think we got it this time,” said Leyla. There was a sound of ruffling cloth. “Okay, tie this… And done! Okay, you guys can turn back around. Man that was awkward.” She and Summer chuckled at that. The others turned around.

“How about that,” said Winger. “How do you feel?” He asked. Summer wagged her tail and walked around some.

“It’s really comfortable I have to admit. But…” He wings drooped a little and Leyla put a hand on her shoulder.

“What is it Summer?” She asked.

“Just thinking of what Cutter said. I do feel like a hatchling.” She said sadly.

“Aw, don’t be sad Summer.” Said Burple. “It’s not your fault you know. I mean, think about it. I know Cutter says he’s not scared of anything, but if he was attacked by a giant eel, he might be having the same problem.” The others agreed with Burple, and more. Aggro, Dak, and Winger shared a look at what Burple said, and they all gave each other grins

“Best not to think on it.” Said Winger as he left the group and went to put some wood in the fire pit for the night. “Hey, Aggro, can I get a flame here?”

“You know it.” She said as she lit the logs up. Dak let out a yawn as she did.

“Didn’t realize how late it was, and we did a lot today. Think I’ll be turning in. Sleep tight you guys.” He said as he waved to them and climbed up the ladder.

“Goodnight Sum, sleep well okay?” Said Leyla as she gave Summer a hug and started up after Dak.

“I will Ley, and thanks again everyone.” She said as she walked to her spot by the fire and curled up, the padding crinkling softly.

“What the… CUTTER!” Shouted Dak from upstairs. All the dragons looked up. “Hey Wing! Cutter snuck in up here!” Winger stood and stretched his wings.

“I’ll give you a hand,” he said as he flapped is wings. But before he could get any lift, Summer grabbed one of his legs and shook her head.

“It’s not worth it. Let him sleep up there tonight.” Dak and Winger shared a glance and acquiesced to Summer’s request. At long last, everyone was able to get some sleep.

~

Summer’s dreams that night for once did not take her near a body of water. She found herself on the grassy hills near the center of the island and was riding on a giant pink sheep of all things.

“Wait… what are we doing again?” She asked the sheep as it started to carry her up a mountain.

“Don’t you remember?” It baaaahed. “The sun isn’t setting today and you’re the only water dragon on the island. So, you need to squirt some water on it to make it set.”

“Oh yeah, how could I forget that? I’ll have that silly sun taken care of!” Said Summer as the sheep got to the top of the mountain. “Hey sun! you better go down or I’ll soak you!” Said Summer to the Sun which looked rather small and like it was only a few dozen feet away.

“Nah, don’t feel like going down.” Said the sun.

“Well you have to; it’s supposed to be night right now.” Said Summer as she stood on the sheep’s back and got ready to squirt off some water.

“I like the day more. Besides, I can’t set even if I wanted to.” Said the sun.

“And why not?” Asked Summer. To answer her question, the giant eel popped out from behind the sun.

“Go away, I’m enjoying the day.” It said. Summer didn’t feel scared this time as somehow the whole situation seemed silly.

“Yeah, no. You have to leave too.” She said.

“Don’t wanna.” Said the eel.

“To bad!” Shouted Summer back. They traded complaints and idle threats until Summer woke up.

~

She yawned widely and stretched. She was laying on her side and was feeling quite comfortable and well rested for the first time in days. “That, was one of the oddest dreams I’ve ever had,” she said to herself as she looked to the doors. Light was already filtering through the cracks and it seemed that Winger was already awake. She stretched a bit more and felt a weight under her tail. She looked down at the diaper and noticed that it had swelled to almost twice it’s initial thickness. She was embarrassed at this, but was more relieved to awaken to a dry sleeping spot. She stood and walked to Winger. Or at least, she tried. Winger turned to her and stifled a chuckle as he watched her waddle over to him.

“I’m sorry Summer, really. Just wasn’t expecting the funny walk. Sleep well?” He asked as he looked past her and saw the dry spot. Summer nodded.

“It’s fine Wing, and yeah, I slept really well actually.” She sat beside him and blushed brightly as her padding gave off an audible squish. She would never admit it, but the warm feeling of the diaper wasn’t all that unpleasant. More than that, it made her feel… safe?

“Guess it worked didn’t it.” Said Winger kindly, bringing Summer out of her trance. “I’m glad for you. You can sleep easy now.”

“Yeah, it is a relief to me.” Said Summer as she looked down at it and patted the front with a paw. “Hmm… should probably take it off now and give it a wash so it can start drying.” She said as she stood and headed outside.

Taking it off turned out to be much simpler than putting it on. While she did need help tying the bindings, she had no problem pulling a thread and undoing them. The halves came apart and she slipped her tail out of its hole. She picked the diaper up and carried it to where Dak and Leyla did their laundry. She was a little surprised at how heavy the wet padding was and she hoped that the discoloration from the pee wouldn’t permanently stain the nice soft white wool on the inside.

She stepped up to the wash basin and got started. Was a simple wash, press it a few times in clean water and rinse. A few minutes later she left it on the clothes line and went back into the sleep cave where she was a little surprised and inquisitive as to why Dak, Winger, and Aggro were huddled around whispering to each other.

“What are you all doing?” Asked Summer as she walked over. The conversation between the others stopped immediately and they all jumped and looked to her with large insincere smiles. She knew they were hiding something.

“Oh, nothing much you know,” said Dak as he nudged Winger with his elbow.

“Yeah, nothing at all. We’re just uh…” Winger said, trying to think of something.

“We’re heading to town to check on something.” Said Aggro quickly. Summer tilted her head.

“Well that’s kind of vague.” Said Summer as Cutter walked in. Everyone watched as he stiffly made his way to the fire.

“My everything is sore… The floor of the lighthouse is so uncomfortable.” He moaned as he warmed himself. Summer was still cross with him about last night, but she did feel a little sorry for him. He rolled on his side, shivering, and saw Summer.
“Heya Sum… I’m really sorry about last night. I shouldn’t have laughed. Friends…?” He said in between sneezes. Summer rolled her eyes but laughed.

“Yeah Cutter, we’re still friends.” She said as he flopped on his back and sighed in relief.

“Okay good… and now… I’m just going to sleep here where it’s warm for a while.” He said as he quickly dozed off.

“Hey guys? Think we were too rough on him?” Asked Summer as she turned around. She balked as Aggro, Dak, and Winger were nowhere to be seen. “What the?” She said as she ran outside and saw them far in the distance flying to the village. “Now what’s gotten into them?” She asked herself, but decided not to investigate.

~

It turned out to be an odd day as Dak and the others remained in the village for quite some time. This left only Summer, Leyla, and Burple to take care of helping around. This of course included putting out a fire in one of the homes that had bought one of Elbone’s artistic mobiles. Turns out having a fire themed mobile with actual fire was not a good call.

They returned to the roost at around midday for lunch and were intrigued when they saw Winger, Dak, and Aggro back and standing around their well.

“Hey guys, where have you been?” Asked Leyla as she dismounted Summer and they walked over.

“We left early to ask Hannahr for a hand with the well,” Said Dak as he looked over the side.

“Is something wrong with it?” Asked Leyla who also tried to look in but was gently pushed back by Winger.

“Nothing to worry about Ley! I’m sure the solution will just, heh, spring into place with Hannahr taking care of it.” Said Winger who yelped a moment later after Aggro nudged him with one of her heated horns.

“Oooooookay?” Said Leyla as she looked at them all suspiciously and walked with Summer and Burple to the cave for some food.

Behind her, she heard Aggro whispering to Winger. “Spring into place? How stupid could you be, you could have given it all away!” Leyla decided to forget about it. She knew they would find out one way or another. They found Cutter sitting next to a basket of fish and already eating away.

“Oh hey you guys are back. Bring any more fish? Almost out here.” He said as he tipped over an empty basket.

“Awww…” Sighed Burple as his stomach rumbled. “I was looking forward to food the whole way back.”

“It’s okay Burple,” said Leyla as she pulled over the only full basket left. “We’ll get some more later.”

“You mean Cutter should have.” Said Summer who was watching Cutter pick fish bones from his teeth in irritation.

“Eh, maybe later. If I remember after my mid-day nap.” Said Cutter as he waled outside to stretch out in the sun.

“You slept all morning!” Said Leyla.

“Yes, and all of that strenuous sleeping made me exhausted.” He said with added emphasis as he walked out of the cave in a seemingly sluggish manner. “Oh yeah, Hannahr left that for you,” said Cutter who pointed to a package on a nearby rock as he walked out.

“Oh!” Said Summer excitedly as she went over and opened it up. It was another diaper in the same style, but this one was made with purple cloth and adorned with sea stars and dolphins. Leyla took a look at it and noticed the glee on Summer’s face.

“Someone seems excited.” Said Leyla as she sat by Summer who looked to her unsurely.

“Oh. Um… I know I shouldn’t be. Because it’s supposed to be for hatchlings.” She said as she let the padding drop back into the open packaging material while looking like it didn’t affect her.

Leyla saw through the act. “Sum. It’s okay.” Said Leyla gently. “You like it don’t you?” Summer looked around to see if they were alone. They were aside from Burple, but he never heard anything while eating. She brought her head closer to Leyla.

“Yeah… I do like them actually. Is that bad?” She asked, looking to Leyla with unsure eyes.

“Oh not at all Summer. Everyone has something they enjoy that may seem odd. But it makes them happy.” Summer nodded.

“That’s it exactly. They make me feel… secure I think.” Said Summer as she picked the diaper back up and felt the thick pad. She then looked to Leyla and gave her a hug. “Thanks for listening. This whole thing started so badly, but, I’m not all to unhappy how it concluded.”

“Maybe it was meant to be.” Said Leyla with a smile as she stood. “Well, let’s see what the rest of the day has in store for us. Then we can all have a good nights rest,” she said to Summer with a wink.

~

The remainder of the day was actually quite busy as far as rescues went. But, not exactly anything to write home about either. Saving a very grumpy cat from a tree, finding lost sheep, chasing away wolves… getting Fingard off of the town hall roof? Nothing they haven’t done before.

After helping a farmer plow a field, the group headed to the docks where everyone was glad to see Elbone doing what he does best. Huge baskets of fish were on his boat and he was happily selling them off to the village folk.

“Hey Rescue Rider’s! Got your fish right here!” He said as he gestured to two large baskets.

“Thanks, Elbone!” Said Dak as Burple and Winger picked up a basket each. With that, they headed back to the roost.

They landed outside and got a fire going to cook the fish and just relax around. “I don’t get why he’s not happy with what he can do.” Said Cutter as he rummaged in the fish baskets. “I mean look at this, herring, salmon, cod, so much variety and he doesn’t even try.”

“Well some people do say if you’re too good at something it gets boring.” Said Leyla as she sat on a rock by the fire.

“Please, I’m perfect at what I do and I’m never bored!” Said Cutter haughtily. Aggro, Dak, and Winger shared side glances and nodded.

“Yeah Cutter, your spikes are so perfect. And didn’t you say you’re not scared of anything too?” Said Aggro as Winger walked over to Summer and Leyla while Dak snuck off somewhere.

“Why yes, that is true.” Said Cutter as he inspected his claws thoughtfully with a proud smile.

“Didn’t we scare you though on Hoogenboo?” Said Burple thoughtfully as he ate a fish.

“That was a fluke and you all know it.” Said Cutter huffily. “Doesn’t count.”

“What are you guys doing?” Whispered Leyla to Winger.

“Oh, you’ll see. A little payback after what he did to you Summer.” Said Winger with a wide grin.

“What do you mean?” Asked Summer curiously as she noticed something out of the corner of her eye. She saw Dak hiding in a bush by the well with a rope in his hand. “Uh… what’s Dak doing?” She asked, as Winger looked over and nodded to which Dak gave a thumbs up.

“Okay, I don’t want to alarm you, so I’ll just tell you,” said Winger as he whispered something to Leyla and Summer.

“So that’s why Hannahr was here!” Said Leyla as Winger nodded cheerfully.

“I’m going to enjoy this,” said Summer as Winger gave Aggro a signal.

Aggro saw it and waved to Cutter who was still admiring the gleam of his spiky tail. “Hey Cutter, I know you’re all perfect and everything, but can you get me some water?” She asked. Cutter took the bait.

“Yeah, I am pretty perfect, and the mighty Cutter will indulge you.” He said as he strode over to the well in a way that made all his spikes glimmer in the fire light.

“Indulge me… pah.” Muttered Aggro as Cutter made his way to the well. He didn’t notice everyone watching him keenly, except for Burple who was intent to continue eating. “Make sure you look in first to see if there is any water,” called Aggro. “It’s been dry for a few days.”

“I know how to get water!” Called back Cutter as he stood on his hind paws and looked into the darkness of the well below. Everyone held their breath as Dak yanked on the line. A loud click was heard from the bottom of the well as an enormous blue spiky toothed eel made of cloth and wire sprung out of it directly at Cutter.

Cutter shrieked so loudly it made ears ring and he sprung into the air and flew off as fast as his wings would take him. Behind him, everyone else was rolling around in laughter.

“That was so totally worth it!” Said Aggro in between laughing fits.

“I don’t think he’ll make fun of you again Summer,” said Winger as he gave Dak a head-bump.

“Thanks guys, that really did brighten my spirits. I think we can call it even between Cutter and me now.”

“Until he does something stupid,” said Aggro.

“Yes, until then!” Laughed Summer.

~

It had gotten late and they all retired to the sleep cave to get ready for bed. Leyla helped Summer to pad up with the purple diaper as Winger and Aggro got the fire going. As they did, Cutter slunk in through the door.

“Well look who it is! Mister perfection.” Joked Aggro as Cutter walked to his small nest of hay.

“Okay okay, you guys got me.” He grumbled as he curled up facing the wall and away from them. They decided to leave him alone after that, though Winger and Aggro still laughed about it between themselves.

They all said goodnight soon after and curled up for a peaceful sleep. Summer felt happy as she closed her eyes. The warm fire and the soft padding comforted her deeply and she soon drifted off to pleasant dreams.

~

Oddly enough, her dreams that night had an almost comical nature to them. She found herself sitting on a cloud having tea with the red eel as they watched the scene before them. There below them was Cutter running across a field shrieking in terror as a blue googly eyed cloth eel chased after him. Summer couldn’t help but laugh at it.

“Considering that eel doesn’t have legs, I’m not sure why Cutter’s freaking out so much. But I’m not complaining.” She said as she sipped her tea.

“Quite,” said the red eel. “A most enjoyable spectacle.”

They both laughed at that and enjoyed watching Cutter make a fool of himself in many more ways until the morning came and Summer opened her eyes.

~

She blinked and stretched, feeling very well rested and chuckled as she remembered the dream. She wagged her tail a little and murmured happily at the feeling of the warm pad under it and rolled on her side to inspect it. It was swelled and soggy again, squishing as she moved, but her spot was dry. She smiled and yawned as she got up to stretch her tail and wings. She quickly realized she wasn’t the only one awake and saw Cutter digging in his hay nest frantically.

“What on earth?” She said to herself as she waddled over. Cutter didn’t hear her approach with his hysteric ripping up of hay and she looked over his shoulder. She saw a large damp spot that had a scent she had gotten familiar with.

“Wet the nest?” She asked him in a soft voice so as not to wake the others.

Cutter nearly had a heart attack as he spun to see her. “No! I just spilled some water. Was getting kind of thirsty and I…” He saw her lift and eye ridge and tilt her head. He knew she wouldn’t buy it. He hung his head and sighed. “Fine… yeah I wet the nest… Dreamt a giant eel was having me for dinner.” He looked really down and looked to Summer sadly, expecting her to pick on him. He noticed her pad sagging, but said nothing as now he was guilty of the same. Instead of making fun, Summer sat beside him with a squish.

“It’s okay Cutter. I hope you learned a lesson though.” She said. He nodded slowly.

“Yeah… I have. Don’t pick on others because the same can happen to you…” He shook his head and flicked a few loose straws of hay. He looked to the others as they continued to sleep. “I’m never going to live this down… No one will ever believe I’m brave or perfect again,” he said. Summer thought on it.

“Hmm, with that attitude probably. Though you could be humbler. But if I helped you clean up; they may never know.” She said. He looked to her in surprise.

“Y… you mean it? But, what about what I did to you?” He asked, still expecting her to tell the others about his accident.

“You do joke a lot Cutter, more than you should really. But I know you’d never really think differently of me, like I’d never think differently of you for this. So come on, let me get changed out of this, and let’s get you a fresh nest.” No sooner had she finished talking than Cutter rushed to her and hugged with his wings.

“Thanks Summer,” he said as she smiled. “And you know, that padding does look cute. Honestly.”

They shared a chuckle and set about the task at hand. Summer went off to change out of the diaper and wash it while Cutter lugged his old nest out and tossed it. They met back inside after getting a fresh hay bale and set to work to make a nice new nest for Cutter. They finished just before the others woke, and true to her word, Summer didn’t tell them.

She and Cutter always had an unspoken bond of trust after that. And though Summer did eventually stop dreaming of the eel, she never did quite stop wetting the nest at night. She never minded it, saying that the feeling of the pad was comforting in more ways than she could explain, and Cutter never made fun of her again.