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Description
Rewritten

Written by Nitrinoxus, Jonas Belford and Throne Zwei
Edited and Formatted by Nitrinoxus

Chapter 2

It was odd - Alder had driven this route so many times before - he and Kath had been dating since high school, and marriage had even come up once as of late - but somehow it was also a new drive. Still, the Earthwalker deftly wove in and out of traffic, which seemed less congested than he'd remembered until they arrived in a nice neighborhood towards the outskirts of town, and a white-painted house with a few decorations made of shed antlers out front. "We're here, guys... it's been too long."

"It feels like the first time in forever, in more ways than one," Keeth agreed, hopping out of the vehicle; the ground still buzzed with energy, its pulsations a welcome feeling to the Moguran half of his memory, a half he was growing increasingly comfortable with. "Let's hope we can keep our stories straight, yah?"

“You sure it’s ok for us to just show up? The—err—you of this world’s been in the Rockies on work for like three months.”

"She's used to it - I've been doing this for a while. She actually likes me more for doing my kind of job - Walkers like us are hard to impress…" It didn't take long for the door to open, and with it, a tall doe with fur in shades of dull orange, red and yellow emerged, the air around her wavering visibly. Her expression lit up upon seeing the trio.

"Alder!" she exclaimed, ears shooting straight up. "You're back!"

"Kath! It's been a long three months, but I'm back, hah!" The two rushed into a hug, Alder seeming to not notice or really feel the heat she was giving off. He smiled as they broke the hug. "You remember Keeth and Scribble, right? Been a while since we've all been together."

The longtail waved nervously. “Just delivering him safe and sound.”

The Moguran gave a casual wave, leaning against the side of the six-wheeler. "Been a while, huh, Kath? How's things for ya?"

"Not bad. Responded to a fire in the Moguran tunnels last week but managed to keep it under control. How's the business?" She smiled a bit at this as the trio was led inside - the furniture was all heat-resistant just in case.

"A little slow right now, but I'm sure it'll pick up before long," Keeth replied, being careful to mind his claws as he climbed onto the couch.

"I get the feeling it will - all the holidays around this time of year... and of course New Years's. We should do something special - not often that I'm not deployed this time of year."

Katherine slipped into the kitchen and emerged a few moments carrying a tray of cookies. Scribble recalled several fond memories of her choice in snacks that he suddenly wished he had actually experienced.

“Hmm,” she mused as she set the tray down on the coffee table. “Something special sounds nice, but you know how holidays are at the fire house. We’re all on call because festivities usually equals people being reckless and/or drunk. I’d prefer something small—maybe just a little party to unwind? No more than the four of us here, maybe?”

Alder nodded, smiling fondly of the few times prior to this year that they'd been able to do this - which wasn't often. Either he was out trying to crack a smuggling ring or finding injured Kymera in the mountains, or she was busy with fires or generally just being on call. He knew these memories weren't quite true, but they were real enough. "I think we can swing that. Get a few good movies, snacks... just us and nobody else."

"Yeh'll hear no complaints from me," Keeth said, grabbing a cookie from the tray and crunching down on it as he reclined. He had a hunch the two cervines in the room might have some additional, decidedly private activities in mind for after the party, but said nothing on the subject; it wasn't his business, anyway.

“Sure.” Scribble was only half-paying attention. He was busy munching on a cookie while another was being held in waiting in his tail.

“Looking forward to it.” Katherine smiled as she slid in next to her boyfriend on the couch. “But now, tell me, how were the Rockies?”

"They were beautiful this time of year - ran a case on mythril smuggling with a Moguran - think his name was Johl. Nice fellow - really good at his job. Turns out there were some Geriffs and humans trying to get a hold of some for bullets and the like - real high-grade stuff."

“You were in a firefight!?”

"A short one, yeah. Luckily the guns they had on-hand really weren't meant for this kind of ammo... AKs are sturdy, but not really meant for mythril ammo. Plus, Johl and I shook things up before they could try shooting too much."

Scribble sat silently eating his cookies while his ears stood in rapt attention, taking in Alder’s words. His job was like an action movie, but he was talking about it like it was just another day at the office. Then again, this was a normal job for him—or this version of him.

Alder chuckled a little as he finished off the story. "Luckily, all the shaking stunned the Geriffs - would've been nastier if they'd been able to get in the air. As it is, they're all going to be spending a lot of time locked up."

Katherine nodded as she rested against Alder. “Glad to hear. Hate to see my little Pebble get scratched.”

The earthen cervine chuckled and rubbed the back of his head, glad nobody could see him blushing. "I wouldn't do that to my Torchlight, aheh..."

XXX

Scribble was quiet until they had returned to Alder’s car. “So,” he began, “you have a girlfriend. I mean—I knew you did, but now I know it for real I guess. But I never put anything about on into the Record.” His tail curled nervously. “What about our families? I mean... bah—I can remember what’s different but I still need to see it for myself.”

"We also didn't change anyone aside from ourselves... I think the world itself re-set so we wouldn't be freaks. I don't really mind, though..."

Scribble smirked. “Girlfriend had that kind of effect, eh?”

Alder chuckled a little. "You could say that. I'm also making a difference in the world."

"Guess those're pretty good reasons fer not mindin' all this," Keeth said as he clicked the seatbelt buckle into place. "Still, yeh're right, Scribs: we oughta at least see what our fam'lies're like now."

The longtail checked the car clock. “Homecall isn’t for a few more hours. Could we stop by your place first?”

"I remember the way to both places, so just tell me where we're headed first."

Keeth shrugged. "My place, I guess."

The Earthwalker nodded as his car began heading towards the neighborhood where the Mogurans lived. "On it."

From appearances, the Moguran neighborhood was rather unimpressive, a suburban cluster of single-floor homes outside the city; of course, the lack of any floors above ground was more than made up for by a great many floors below it, a design characteristic tailored to the subterranean residents. The Rivvers home was easily recognized by the magically-fueled, eternally-flowing river and waterfall winding through the rock garden of the front yard, the sunlight dancing across the flowing water in a dazzling display of light.

Alder smiled as he put the vehicle in park and stepped out. "Your place never ceases to look spectacular, Keeth."

"Guess not," the Moguran nodded, hopping to the ground. "You know how my sister is with that water magic of hers... always like to show--" He stopped, the realization of what he was saying seeping in; he'd been an only child as a human, but as a Moguran... "...I... I have siblings?"

"Yeah. You, two sisters and two more brothers... and your cousins and grandparents all live here. Heh... your sister really is a show-off, though."

Scribble mulled the concept over as he padded up the front steps. He could remember Keeth talking about his family before, and knew he had brothers and sisters, but couldn’t recall much else. “Well,” he shrugged as he opened the door, “this is what we came by to find out after a—”

There was a flurry of movement so fast that the only thing Alder and Keeth were able to see was Scribble’s tail vanishing into the house.

“Uncle Scribs!” chimed tiny voices as two young Mogurans clung to Scribble.

“Aheh... err... hiyas... Mykal. Same to you... Jaykob,” Scribble said, very relieved he could recall their names. The two kids seemed to like him.

"Better you than me, Scribs - those two're getting stronger by the day!" Alder snickered as he stepped inside, happy that he wasn't being climbed on - yet, anyhow. It was odd, he knew that Keith had no siblings, but Keeth had a very big family - like most Moguran, in fact.

Scribble nodded absently as he picked up Mykal in his tail and gave the kid a little noogie. He could remember spending a lot of time playing with Keeth’s younger brothers.

"They tend ta do that," Keeth chuckled, putting aside his reservations about suddenly having a large family as he stepped inside. "C'mon, guys, give Uncle Scribs some space."

“Thanks,” Scribble said as he stood up. He pointedly let his tail unfurl low to the ground and curled it around. Mykal and Jaykob climbed on and sat down.

"Always energetic around here, isn't it? Heh... got some stories to share with everyone!"

With the rapid pattering of a great many paws against the carpet, a furred flood of young Mogurans rushed up the stairs into the room amidst cheers of "Tell us! Tell us!" and "Yay! Uncle Alder's back!"; a few older Mogurans, slightly older than Keeth, followed behind them, smiling at their guests as they walked into the room.

"I think you guys'll love this one... it's got smugglers and gunfights... just like an action movie! Only I was really there - had the best partner, too. Anyone related to a Johl?"

"Ooh, Cousin Johl?" one of the younger Mogurans piped up. "Cool!"

Scribble settled in on the couch, Moguran-laden tail curled around him as all eyes watched Alder with rapt attention. Mykal leaned against the side of the longtail’s head.

"Didn't know he was related, Keeth - but anyhow... gather 'round and listen for a while. It all started a few months back when we got wind that someone was smuggling Mythril..." And so for the next hour or so, Alder told the tale of his most recent deployment to a packed house, occasionally using sound effects to keep the younger ones interested and making sure to mention Johl's help as much as he could - and the Moguran's help had indeed been substantial. Eventually, he finished. "...and so, they're all going away for a long, long time. Goes to show - being bad may seem like fun, but it isn't in the end."

“Wow...” chorused the children sitting on Scribble. He had to admit, Alder was a good storyteller.

Alder smiled as he leaned back - if this was how the world was now, he was seeing fewer and fewer reasons to want it back to how it was. He'd never been much of a storyteller before.

“C’mon guys!” Jaykob exclaimed as he hopped up. “Let’s get playin’ this through! I’ll be Cousin Johl!”

“I’ll be Alder!” someone else piped up.

“But you’re always Alder!”

“Exactly—it’s tradition!”

The Earthwalker chuckled - the one that always wanted to be him seemed to look up to him as a role model - it was flattering to think he'd made that much of an impression on the young Moguran.

Keeth rubbed the back of his head, watching his new-but-not-new younger brother playing pretend with one of the younger cousins he simultaneously remembered never having and having for years; the difference was strange to him, to his human mind and memories, but watching the smiles around him seemed... right. He smiled; it was new, but he could learn to like it.

XXX

Scribble left Keeth’s house bouncing on his tail. “That was a blast!” he exclaimed. “I mean—I remembered those lil’ dirtfurs being fun but it feels great to get it firsthand.”

He had been roped into the kids’ games as the leader of the smuggling gang. After some prodding—and tail-pulling—he had accepted the role with gusto. Scribble rubbed one of the badges on his strap absently. It was an emblem of a vague Moguran-shaped crayon drawing he had received from one of the kids on first meeting them.

“You’ve got a good family here, Keeth.”

"You really do - they've got hearts bigger than their bodies, you know?"

Keeth blushed, running a clawed handpaw through his hair -- one of the quirks he'd noticed had carried over to his new species. "They're a great bunch, yah. Still feels kinda weird, having siblings when I use'ta be an only kid, but... yah, I think I'm gettin' ta like it, yehnoo?"

A nod as Alder unlocked the vehicle, a chip too faint for human hearing indicating the state. "I know what you mean...I can get to like this. So, where to now, guys?"

The longtail nodded and sighed. “We really need to get our two families together again sometimes, Keeth. I know Notchear needs to develop his patience more but I’m sure he’d love to see Mykal and the... others...” His voice trailed off at the mention of the name. “Holy—I’m a father!”

Keeth laughed incredulously. "And here I thought my life'd taken a turn!"

Scribble almost fell off his tail. “I-I know! I have a son...” he said, feeling how the word felt on his tongue. “Notchear—he’s six.” He searched his strap and showed his friends a badge with an odd marking on it. “I made this to commemorate when he hatched—see? It’s even made of his shell.”

"The universe works in mysterious ways, heh... so, shall we go see your kid and family?"

A nod. "Please--it's almost time for homecall anyway."

As they pulled away from the curb, Alder smiled fondly. "I remember that day... don't think I'd seen anyone that happy before. You becoming a new dad... I can only hope I'll be a good father if I ever have a kid of my own."

“Mmm... you and Kath going to have a herd of little magma deer?”

"Not sure about a herd... but a few little Earth and Firewalkers, yeah. Or if the magic is really random... Air or Water. But that's getting ahead of myself."

The longtail neighborhood was a small court in the far end of the suburbs. Twenty houses were arranged around an open patch of street in the centre of which a large banquet table had been erected. As the twilight dusk settled over the sky, longtails came out of the homes or arrived in cars to join in the traditional homecall—an annual group potluck where the community shared stories and swapped souvenirs of their year.

“You guys can stay for dinner if you want,” Scribble said as Alder parked by his house. It was a modest building without any of the magical landscaping elements like Keeth’s abode.

"I'd be honored to - probably be best if I leave by 10:30, but I would be able to stay. Just kinda feel guilty I didn't think to bring anything."

"Yeh brought him," Keeth said, nodding at Scribble.

"I'm not edible."

"Yeah... I meant more along the lines of food."

Keeth shrugged. "Got me there."

Scribble rolled his eyes as he stepped out of the car. His paws had barely touched the ground when a rust-red tail whipped around his leg and hoisted him into the air. Scribble suddenly found himself muzzle-to-upside-down-muzzle with another longtail.

“Welcome home!” Scribble’s wife said in a sweet, cheery voice as she planted a kiss on her husband’s nose. She looked over at Alder and Keeth. “You two have a fun day with Doodles?”

"We had a blast, Chime. And you're looking very pretty today - I missed being able to spend time with you guys." Alder chuckled at the pet name Scribble had - both familiar and yet not at the same time.

"Same here," Keeth said as he followed the others out of the car. "How's little Notchear doin'? It's been a while since I saw him last."

As if in response, the child in question came bounding up from behind and leapt onto Keeth. “Heya Uncle Keeth it’s amazing to see you how are the cousins doing Mykal said he can stay up till ten at night is that true because Mom and Dad say it’s not so I have to be in bed at nine!” His tail lightly wrapped around the Moguran’s chest as he asked.

"Please, kiddo, not so tight!" the Moguran laughed, ruffling the young longtail's hair. "And Mykal's up at 10, yeh say? Well, he's not s'posed ta be! Stayin' up that late's not good for a growin' boy, yehnoo?"

A nod from the black-horned cervine. "Even us adults need to get our rest. Helps you stay strong, physically and mentally. You don't wanna tire out while playing, right?"

“Hah I knew it Mykal said he did but I knew he didn’t so now he owes me a soda can you tell him I like grape?”

"Sure," Keeth chuckled.

"A man with good taste in cola, I see!"

Scribble used his tail to extract his son. “C’mon, Notchy—I think we should be getting some food now. Do you have your sculpture for the telltime?”

An exuberant nod. “Yupyup I made it after lunch Mom watched so she can tell you!”

Chime nodded and showed Scribble what looked like a small man made out of loose wire.

“Ah, nicely done. Just a bit more practice and you’ll be an artisan yet.” Scribble smiled. He looked around to the others, “So, shall we get to the meal?”

"Of course. I can't wait to hear all of the stories."

"Same here! Figure the food's delicious, too!"

Keeth was right. Homecall meals were a social event and longtail cuisine favored items that could be eaten during conversations. The potluck was a plethora of fruit platters, dumplings, spring rolls, buns—of the meat and non-meat variety—along with succulent crepes and crispy fajitas. Keeth and Alder weren’t the only nontails at the meal, but they were definitely in the minority. Between bites of food and animated chatter, Scribble’s ears perked and swiveled to catch his neighbors’ stories about their year while small figurines marking specific events were passed around for emphasis. It was a big event, and he loved it.

Alder smiled as he set the egg roll he'd been eating down before turning to the Longtail next to him and looking at the figurine that the small mammal had made. From the looks of it, it was made out of pieces of old tech items - bits of floppy disks, disk drives, even a few CDs, all in the vague shape of a humanoid. "What's the story with Mr. Tech there?"

The longtail—who looked a few years younger than Scribble—held up the figurine to give Alder a better view. “I got a new laptop today. The airhorn at the store was really nice and told me how I could recycle my old one.”

"That's pretty neat, actually. And if it's the same Airwalker I'm thinking of, he set you up with an excellent computer - last name was Vaef, right?"

“I dunno—I don’t really read the nametags. The store was on Third Street.”

"Yep. He's my half-brother... nice kid. Trust me - your computer's something else."

At this, Scribble turned. “Half-brother?”

"Yeah. My... mother died when I was young. Father remarried, and had him with my new mom. James moved out a few years back and married, so his name's different." The Earthwalker looked down at his hooves for a moment. "It's... not something I talk about too often."

"Jeez... Sorry to hear, pal." Keeth nodded somberly, patting his friend on the shoulder. He'd met his parents back when Alder was still Nick -- both alive and well -- so this had to be something this new life of his came with.

"Thanks, Keeth. Sorry to bring the mood down, guys... but c'mon. Gotta be some cheery stories!"

A burst of laughter echoed down from the end of the table. "Sounds like you should go investigate," Scribble said as he popped a meat bun in his mouth. He chewed quickly and swallowed. "I'll be back in a jiff--want to check on Notchy."

"Righto... in a bit. Haven't quite had my fill of this excellent food... and next time, I'll bring something! Know you guys loved Kath's cooking the last time."

“Too true.”

Notchear was at the children’s table animatedly telling the others about winning his bet with Mykal. Several times he raised himself up on his tail in emphasis. Scribble watched from a distance, pondering. He had been taken aback somewhat by Alder’s emotion when talking about his family. He knew that none of them had really experienced anything in this world prior to altering the Record. His own memories still felt as if they were closer to something he’d read than experienced. But still, as he watched his son’s exuberant expression, Scribble thought back to the day of his hatching. To his first steps. To when his tail got tangled around the stair banister. To every bit of Notchear’s six years.

“Back,” Scribble announced when he returned to the table. He seemed more at ease, like a weight was taken off his mind.

"You seem... different, Scrib. I can't quite put a hoof on it, but..." A gentle smile had crossed Alder's muzzle - he wasn't sure why the memory of loss had hit him so hard, but it had. The loss of his mother so early had put him on the path he was on now - perhaps her spirit had guided him on it. Inwardly, he'd been accepting his new life, new memories - after all, if nothing could be changed, he would accept his new lot in life with his head held high.

Scribble’s tail curled around him. He ran a hand through its fur. “Yea, I just did some thinking. I may not have been this person when I woke up today, but I don’t think I can turn it back. Seeing Notchy and Chime... my memories of them still feel a bit distant, but they’re getting a bit clearer and I’d like them to get stronger. I’ve got a study filled with newspaper articles that I wrote and got published—I’m a reporter! It’s a cozy life, and I think I’m warming up to it.”

"Good to know... would've hated to see you pining away for something that's... really another life. You make for a good husband and father, that I know of."

“Heh... let’s just hope Notchy doesn’t start fiddling with computer code one of these days. Otherwise this whole thing could happen again.”

A shudder ran through Alder. "Hopefully we can hide the site deeper than it was..."

"I won't tell if you guys don't," Keeth nodded in agreement, picking up his glass of soda and holding it aloft amid his claws. "Well, boys, looks like these're our lives now. So let's make 'em great!"

Scribble scooped up his own glass in his tail. “Here here!”

"To begin again... and live strong!" Alder raised his own glass and smiled.

They clinked and drank. To lives lived—old and new—and to the future yet to come.

Description
Rewritten

Written by Nitrinoxus, Jonas Belford and Throne Zwei
Edited and Formatted by Nitrinoxus

Chapter 2

It was odd - Alder had driven this route so many times before - he and Kath had been dating since high school, and marriage had even come up once as of late - but somehow it was also a new drive. Still, the Earthwalker deftly wove in and out of traffic, which seemed less congested than he'd remembered until they arrived in a nice neighborhood towards the outskirts of town, and a white-painted house with a few decorations made of shed antlers out front. "We're here, guys... it's been too long."

"It feels like the first time in forever, in more ways than one," Keeth agreed, hopping out of the vehicle; the ground still buzzed with energy, its pulsations a welcome feeling to the Moguran half of his memory, a half he was growing increasingly comfortable with. "Let's hope we can keep our stories straight, yah?"

“You sure it’s ok for us to just show up? The—err—you of this world’s been in the Rockies on work for like three months.”

"She's used to it - I've been doing this for a while. She actually likes me more for doing my kind of job - Walkers like us are hard to impress…" It didn't take long for the door to open, and with it, a tall doe with fur in shades of dull orange, red and yellow emerged, the air around her wavering visibly. Her expression lit up upon seeing the trio.

"Alder!" she exclaimed, ears shooting straight up. "You're back!"

"Kath! It's been a long three months, but I'm back, hah!" The two rushed into a hug, Alder seeming to not notice or really feel the heat she was giving off. He smiled as they broke the hug. "You remember Keeth and Scribble, right? Been a while since we've all been together."

The longtail waved nervously. “Just delivering him safe and sound.”

The Moguran gave a casual wave, leaning against the side of the six-wheeler. "Been a while, huh, Kath? How's things for ya?"

"Not bad. Responded to a fire in the Moguran tunnels last week but managed to keep it under control. How's the business?" She smiled a bit at this as the trio was led inside - the furniture was all heat-resistant just in case.

"A little slow right now, but I'm sure it'll pick up before long," Keeth replied, being careful to mind his claws as he climbed onto the couch.

"I get the feeling it will - all the holidays around this time of year... and of course New Years's. We should do something special - not often that I'm not deployed this time of year."

Katherine slipped into the kitchen and emerged a few moments carrying a tray of cookies. Scribble recalled several fond memories of her choice in snacks that he suddenly wished he had actually experienced.

“Hmm,” she mused as she set the tray down on the coffee table. “Something special sounds nice, but you know how holidays are at the fire house. We’re all on call because festivities usually equals people being reckless and/or drunk. I’d prefer something small—maybe just a little party to unwind? No more than the four of us here, maybe?”

Alder nodded, smiling fondly of the few times prior to this year that they'd been able to do this - which wasn't often. Either he was out trying to crack a smuggling ring or finding injured Kymera in the mountains, or she was busy with fires or generally just being on call. He knew these memories weren't quite true, but they were real enough. "I think we can swing that. Get a few good movies, snacks... just us and nobody else."

"Yeh'll hear no complaints from me," Keeth said, grabbing a cookie from the tray and crunching down on it as he reclined. He had a hunch the two cervines in the room might have some additional, decidedly private activities in mind for after the party, but said nothing on the subject; it wasn't his business, anyway.

“Sure.” Scribble was only half-paying attention. He was busy munching on a cookie while another was being held in waiting in his tail.

“Looking forward to it.” Katherine smiled as she slid in next to her boyfriend on the couch. “But now, tell me, how were the Rockies?”

"They were beautiful this time of year - ran a case on mythril smuggling with a Moguran - think his name was Johl. Nice fellow - really good at his job. Turns out there were some Geriffs and humans trying to get a hold of some for bullets and the like - real high-grade stuff."

“You were in a firefight!?”

"A short one, yeah. Luckily the guns they had on-hand really weren't meant for this kind of ammo... AKs are sturdy, but not really meant for mythril ammo. Plus, Johl and I shook things up before they could try shooting too much."

Scribble sat silently eating his cookies while his ears stood in rapt attention, taking in Alder’s words. His job was like an action movie, but he was talking about it like it was just another day at the office. Then again, this was a normal job for him—or this version of him.

Alder chuckled a little as he finished off the story. "Luckily, all the shaking stunned the Geriffs - would've been nastier if they'd been able to get in the air. As it is, they're all going to be spending a lot of time locked up."

Katherine nodded as she rested against Alder. “Glad to hear. Hate to see my little Pebble get scratched.”

The earthen cervine chuckled and rubbed the back of his head, glad nobody could see him blushing. "I wouldn't do that to my Torchlight, aheh..."

XXX

Scribble was quiet until they had returned to Alder’s car. “So,” he began, “you have a girlfriend. I mean—I knew you did, but now I know it for real I guess. But I never put anything about on into the Record.” His tail curled nervously. “What about our families? I mean... bah—I can remember what’s different but I still need to see it for myself.”

"We also didn't change anyone aside from ourselves... I think the world itself re-set so we wouldn't be freaks. I don't really mind, though..."

Scribble smirked. “Girlfriend had that kind of effect, eh?”

Alder chuckled a little. "You could say that. I'm also making a difference in the world."

"Guess those're pretty good reasons fer not mindin' all this," Keeth said as he clicked the seatbelt buckle into place. "Still, yeh're right, Scribs: we oughta at least see what our fam'lies're like now."

The longtail checked the car clock. “Homecall isn’t for a few more hours. Could we stop by your place first?”

"I remember the way to both places, so just tell me where we're headed first."

Keeth shrugged. "My place, I guess."

The Earthwalker nodded as his car began heading towards the neighborhood where the Mogurans lived. "On it."

From appearances, the Moguran neighborhood was rather unimpressive, a suburban cluster of single-floor homes outside the city; of course, the lack of any floors above ground was more than made up for by a great many floors below it, a design characteristic tailored to the subterranean residents. The Rivvers home was easily recognized by the magically-fueled, eternally-flowing river and waterfall winding through the rock garden of the front yard, the sunlight dancing across the flowing water in a dazzling display of light.

Alder smiled as he put the vehicle in park and stepped out. "Your place never ceases to look spectacular, Keeth."

"Guess not," the Moguran nodded, hopping to the ground. "You know how my sister is with that water magic of hers... always like to show--" He stopped, the realization of what he was saying seeping in; he'd been an only child as a human, but as a Moguran... "...I... I have siblings?"

"Yeah. You, two sisters and two more brothers... and your cousins and grandparents all live here. Heh... your sister really is a show-off, though."

Scribble mulled the concept over as he padded up the front steps. He could remember Keeth talking about his family before, and knew he had brothers and sisters, but couldn’t recall much else. “Well,” he shrugged as he opened the door, “this is what we came by to find out after a—”

There was a flurry of movement so fast that the only thing Alder and Keeth were able to see was Scribble’s tail vanishing into the house.

“Uncle Scribs!” chimed tiny voices as two young Mogurans clung to Scribble.

“Aheh... err... hiyas... Mykal. Same to you... Jaykob,” Scribble said, very relieved he could recall their names. The two kids seemed to like him.

"Better you than me, Scribs - those two're getting stronger by the day!" Alder snickered as he stepped inside, happy that he wasn't being climbed on - yet, anyhow. It was odd, he knew that Keith had no siblings, but Keeth had a very big family - like most Moguran, in fact.

Scribble nodded absently as he picked up Mykal in his tail and gave the kid a little noogie. He could remember spending a lot of time playing with Keeth’s younger brothers.

"They tend ta do that," Keeth chuckled, putting aside his reservations about suddenly having a large family as he stepped inside. "C'mon, guys, give Uncle Scribs some space."

“Thanks,” Scribble said as he stood up. He pointedly let his tail unfurl low to the ground and curled it around. Mykal and Jaykob climbed on and sat down.

"Always energetic around here, isn't it? Heh... got some stories to share with everyone!"

With the rapid pattering of a great many paws against the carpet, a furred flood of young Mogurans rushed up the stairs into the room amidst cheers of "Tell us! Tell us!" and "Yay! Uncle Alder's back!"; a few older Mogurans, slightly older than Keeth, followed behind them, smiling at their guests as they walked into the room.

"I think you guys'll love this one... it's got smugglers and gunfights... just like an action movie! Only I was really there - had the best partner, too. Anyone related to a Johl?"

"Ooh, Cousin Johl?" one of the younger Mogurans piped up. "Cool!"

Scribble settled in on the couch, Moguran-laden tail curled around him as all eyes watched Alder with rapt attention. Mykal leaned against the side of the longtail’s head.

"Didn't know he was related, Keeth - but anyhow... gather 'round and listen for a while. It all started a few months back when we got wind that someone was smuggling Mythril..." And so for the next hour or so, Alder told the tale of his most recent deployment to a packed house, occasionally using sound effects to keep the younger ones interested and making sure to mention Johl's help as much as he could - and the Moguran's help had indeed been substantial. Eventually, he finished. "...and so, they're all going away for a long, long time. Goes to show - being bad may seem like fun, but it isn't in the end."

“Wow...” chorused the children sitting on Scribble. He had to admit, Alder was a good storyteller.

Alder smiled as he leaned back - if this was how the world was now, he was seeing fewer and fewer reasons to want it back to how it was. He'd never been much of a storyteller before.

“C’mon guys!” Jaykob exclaimed as he hopped up. “Let’s get playin’ this through! I’ll be Cousin Johl!”

“I’ll be Alder!” someone else piped up.

“But you’re always Alder!”

“Exactly—it’s tradition!”

The Earthwalker chuckled - the one that always wanted to be him seemed to look up to him as a role model - it was flattering to think he'd made that much of an impression on the young Moguran.

Keeth rubbed the back of his head, watching his new-but-not-new younger brother playing pretend with one of the younger cousins he simultaneously remembered never having and having for years; the difference was strange to him, to his human mind and memories, but watching the smiles around him seemed... right. He smiled; it was new, but he could learn to like it.

XXX

Scribble left Keeth’s house bouncing on his tail. “That was a blast!” he exclaimed. “I mean—I remembered those lil’ dirtfurs being fun but it feels great to get it firsthand.”

He had been roped into the kids’ games as the leader of the smuggling gang. After some prodding—and tail-pulling—he had accepted the role with gusto. Scribble rubbed one of the badges on his strap absently. It was an emblem of a vague Moguran-shaped crayon drawing he had received from one of the kids on first meeting them.

“You’ve got a good family here, Keeth.”

"You really do - they've got hearts bigger than their bodies, you know?"

Keeth blushed, running a clawed handpaw through his hair -- one of the quirks he'd noticed had carried over to his new species. "They're a great bunch, yah. Still feels kinda weird, having siblings when I use'ta be an only kid, but... yah, I think I'm gettin' ta like it, yehnoo?"

A nod as Alder unlocked the vehicle, a chip too faint for human hearing indicating the state. "I know what you mean...I can get to like this. So, where to now, guys?"

The longtail nodded and sighed. “We really need to get our two families together again sometimes, Keeth. I know Notchear needs to develop his patience more but I’m sure he’d love to see Mykal and the... others...” His voice trailed off at the mention of the name. “Holy—I’m a father!”

Keeth laughed incredulously. "And here I thought my life'd taken a turn!"

Scribble almost fell off his tail. “I-I know! I have a son...” he said, feeling how the word felt on his tongue. “Notchear—he’s six.” He searched his strap and showed his friends a badge with an odd marking on it. “I made this to commemorate when he hatched—see? It’s even made of his shell.”

"The universe works in mysterious ways, heh... so, shall we go see your kid and family?"

A nod. "Please--it's almost time for homecall anyway."

As they pulled away from the curb, Alder smiled fondly. "I remember that day... don't think I'd seen anyone that happy before. You becoming a new dad... I can only hope I'll be a good father if I ever have a kid of my own."

“Mmm... you and Kath going to have a herd of little magma deer?”

"Not sure about a herd... but a few little Earth and Firewalkers, yeah. Or if the magic is really random... Air or Water. But that's getting ahead of myself."

The longtail neighborhood was a small court in the far end of the suburbs. Twenty houses were arranged around an open patch of street in the centre of which a large banquet table had been erected. As the twilight dusk settled over the sky, longtails came out of the homes or arrived in cars to join in the traditional homecall—an annual group potluck where the community shared stories and swapped souvenirs of their year.

“You guys can stay for dinner if you want,” Scribble said as Alder parked by his house. It was a modest building without any of the magical landscaping elements like Keeth’s abode.

"I'd be honored to - probably be best if I leave by 10:30, but I would be able to stay. Just kinda feel guilty I didn't think to bring anything."

"Yeh brought him," Keeth said, nodding at Scribble.

"I'm not edible."

"Yeah... I meant more along the lines of food."

Keeth shrugged. "Got me there."

Scribble rolled his eyes as he stepped out of the car. His paws had barely touched the ground when a rust-red tail whipped around his leg and hoisted him into the air. Scribble suddenly found himself muzzle-to-upside-down-muzzle with another longtail.

“Welcome home!” Scribble’s wife said in a sweet, cheery voice as she planted a kiss on her husband’s nose. She looked over at Alder and Keeth. “You two have a fun day with Doodles?”

"We had a blast, Chime. And you're looking very pretty today - I missed being able to spend time with you guys." Alder chuckled at the pet name Scribble had - both familiar and yet not at the same time.

"Same here," Keeth said as he followed the others out of the car. "How's little Notchear doin'? It's been a while since I saw him last."

As if in response, the child in question came bounding up from behind and leapt onto Keeth. “Heya Uncle Keeth it’s amazing to see you how are the cousins doing Mykal said he can stay up till ten at night is that true because Mom and Dad say it’s not so I have to be in bed at nine!” His tail lightly wrapped around the Moguran’s chest as he asked.

"Please, kiddo, not so tight!" the Moguran laughed, ruffling the young longtail's hair. "And Mykal's up at 10, yeh say? Well, he's not s'posed ta be! Stayin' up that late's not good for a growin' boy, yehnoo?"

A nod from the black-horned cervine. "Even us adults need to get our rest. Helps you stay strong, physically and mentally. You don't wanna tire out while playing, right?"

“Hah I knew it Mykal said he did but I knew he didn’t so now he owes me a soda can you tell him I like grape?”

"Sure," Keeth chuckled.

"A man with good taste in cola, I see!"

Scribble used his tail to extract his son. “C’mon, Notchy—I think we should be getting some food now. Do you have your sculpture for the telltime?”

An exuberant nod. “Yupyup I made it after lunch Mom watched so she can tell you!”

Chime nodded and showed Scribble what looked like a small man made out of loose wire.

“Ah, nicely done. Just a bit more practice and you’ll be an artisan yet.” Scribble smiled. He looked around to the others, “So, shall we get to the meal?”

"Of course. I can't wait to hear all of the stories."

"Same here! Figure the food's delicious, too!"

Keeth was right. Homecall meals were a social event and longtail cuisine favored items that could be eaten during conversations. The potluck was a plethora of fruit platters, dumplings, spring rolls, buns—of the meat and non-meat variety—along with succulent crepes and crispy fajitas. Keeth and Alder weren’t the only nontails at the meal, but they were definitely in the minority. Between bites of food and animated chatter, Scribble’s ears perked and swiveled to catch his neighbors’ stories about their year while small figurines marking specific events were passed around for emphasis. It was a big event, and he loved it.

Alder smiled as he set the egg roll he'd been eating down before turning to the Longtail next to him and looking at the figurine that the small mammal had made. From the looks of it, it was made out of pieces of old tech items - bits of floppy disks, disk drives, even a few CDs, all in the vague shape of a humanoid. "What's the story with Mr. Tech there?"

The longtail—who looked a few years younger than Scribble—held up the figurine to give Alder a better view. “I got a new laptop today. The airhorn at the store was really nice and told me how I could recycle my old one.”

"That's pretty neat, actually. And if it's the same Airwalker I'm thinking of, he set you up with an excellent computer - last name was Vaef, right?"

“I dunno—I don’t really read the nametags. The store was on Third Street.”

"Yep. He's my half-brother... nice kid. Trust me - your computer's something else."

At this, Scribble turned. “Half-brother?”

"Yeah. My... mother died when I was young. Father remarried, and had him with my new mom. James moved out a few years back and married, so his name's different." The Earthwalker looked down at his hooves for a moment. "It's... not something I talk about too often."

"Jeez... Sorry to hear, pal." Keeth nodded somberly, patting his friend on the shoulder. He'd met his parents back when Alder was still Nick -- both alive and well -- so this had to be something this new life of his came with.

"Thanks, Keeth. Sorry to bring the mood down, guys... but c'mon. Gotta be some cheery stories!"

A burst of laughter echoed down from the end of the table. "Sounds like you should go investigate," Scribble said as he popped a meat bun in his mouth. He chewed quickly and swallowed. "I'll be back in a jiff--want to check on Notchy."

"Righto... in a bit. Haven't quite had my fill of this excellent food... and next time, I'll bring something! Know you guys loved Kath's cooking the last time."

“Too true.”

Notchear was at the children’s table animatedly telling the others about winning his bet with Mykal. Several times he raised himself up on his tail in emphasis. Scribble watched from a distance, pondering. He had been taken aback somewhat by Alder’s emotion when talking about his family. He knew that none of them had really experienced anything in this world prior to altering the Record. His own memories still felt as if they were closer to something he’d read than experienced. But still, as he watched his son’s exuberant expression, Scribble thought back to the day of his hatching. To his first steps. To when his tail got tangled around the stair banister. To every bit of Notchear’s six years.

“Back,” Scribble announced when he returned to the table. He seemed more at ease, like a weight was taken off his mind.

"You seem... different, Scrib. I can't quite put a hoof on it, but..." A gentle smile had crossed Alder's muzzle - he wasn't sure why the memory of loss had hit him so hard, but it had. The loss of his mother so early had put him on the path he was on now - perhaps her spirit had guided him on it. Inwardly, he'd been accepting his new life, new memories - after all, if nothing could be changed, he would accept his new lot in life with his head held high.

Scribble’s tail curled around him. He ran a hand through its fur. “Yea, I just did some thinking. I may not have been this person when I woke up today, but I don’t think I can turn it back. Seeing Notchy and Chime... my memories of them still feel a bit distant, but they’re getting a bit clearer and I’d like them to get stronger. I’ve got a study filled with newspaper articles that I wrote and got published—I’m a reporter! It’s a cozy life, and I think I’m warming up to it.”

"Good to know... would've hated to see you pining away for something that's... really another life. You make for a good husband and father, that I know of."

“Heh... let’s just hope Notchy doesn’t start fiddling with computer code one of these days. Otherwise this whole thing could happen again.”

A shudder ran through Alder. "Hopefully we can hide the site deeper than it was..."

"I won't tell if you guys don't," Keeth nodded in agreement, picking up his glass of soda and holding it aloft amid his claws. "Well, boys, looks like these're our lives now. So let's make 'em great!"

Scribble scooped up his own glass in his tail. “Here here!”

"To begin again... and live strong!" Alder raised his own glass and smiled.

They clinked and drank. To lives lived—old and new—and to the future yet to come.