Soar to New Heights~ A Bat 1x1 with Moony and Firebird!

[✖ＨＥＳＴＩＡ]

Moonbeam shook with the sobs that racked her body, she wrapped her wings around herself and closed her eyes as the tears ran down her cheeks. She felt someone pat her in comfort, she opened her eyes and saw that it was Luna smiling at her. Moonbeam just cried even more, she felt someone wrap a wing around her. She opened her eyes again and saw that Luna was gone and had been replaced by her brother, Onyxwing.

She smiled through the tears, Onyxwing smiled softly but he too held pain in his eyes. Moonbeam sobbed into his chest and he pulled her closer. They both had pain and found comfort in their siblings arms, they stayed like this for the rest of the night and the tribe gave them space.

[Moony-Mae]

Luna felt immensely sad for Moonbeam, and couldn't imagine what feelings must be flowing through her mind right now. She started to close her eyes, but wanted to keep them open. She'd really like to say good night to Graphite first. She thought about all that had happened in the last few weeks. She was astounded by all the events that had occurred. She and her friends had grown and changed so much, and she missed the adventure, but it was good to finally rest. Hopefully, they wouldn't be reawakened.

[~Firebird Rising~]

Obsidian was exhausted by the time they reached the cave, but a golden glow of joy and relief filled her heart as she saw that the Tribes had managed to take care of themselves in their absence. She wanted to hear the whole story of the great battle from the bats who experienced it, but she knew that they wouldn't be too happy to be woken again. It was a tale that could wait for the thaw of spring, like the terrifying ordeal she, Graphite, Luna, Borealis, and Moonbeam had experienced.

Moonbeam. Nearly as soon as she thought of the other leader, she heard her wail echo from the other side of the cave. The raw agony in the cry chilled Obsidian's heart and made it bleed at the same time. She wanted to go to her immediately, but she saw Moonbeam surrounded by her tribe, then comforted by Luna and Onyxwing, and knew that the broken mother was already surrounded by sympathy. Now, it seemed as if the best thing for her would be to be with her closest kin, and to allow the blessed release of winter's sleep to heal her broken heart.

Obsidian turned away, and summoned the last of her energy to fly about her own Tribe, observing their peaceful, sleeping faces, assuring herself they were safe. At last, she flew back to the roost she and Graphite had chosen, in a time that seemed ages ago now. Wrapping her sore wings around her aching body, she finally gave in the darkness of slumber.

Graphite wanted to join his sister, but his thoughts were focused on Luna. He hovered, nearly falling out of the air in exhaustion, but waited for Luna until she returned from comforting Moonbeam. He had wanted to go to the devestated leader, but he wasn't very good with words in the first place, and definitely would be no help to a grieving mother. When Luna settled down next to the sleeping Borealis, he tiredly flapped over. "H-hey," he stammered in a rasping voice, still cold from the freezing flight through the blizzard. "I-I don't mean to keep you up, or anything... just, just wanted to make sure you're okay... before we all go back to hibernating and stuff..."

[Moony-Mae]

Luna looked up at Graphite. She smiled and blushed a bit. He cared so much! He had a heart of gold. "I think everything will be all right," she said. "I'm just glad we can finally rest. I've been anxious for a winter of sleep ever since we set off. Are you okay, though? Your voice sounds a bit rough and sore, from the cold, I expect." She couldn't think of what to say next, but didn't want to end their conversation there. She paused, then added, "I'm so glad we all made it back alive. Life wouldn't be the same if any of us- well- met their end. Just know that I'll always be there for you, Graphite, because... well, I...." She figured he got the message, but she just didn't know how to convey all that was on her mind. Luna figured Graphite would reply, so she kept her eyes open, looking at him fondly and thinking to herself about the spring. It felt strange to be thinking about being up and about, and to see the snow thaw and sweet flowers bloom. She couldn't wait for that time of year. But, would the adventure be over, now that Vincent was defeated, or would the thrill of the fight live on? She decided she was thinking too much, and cleared her mind of such thoughts until springtime, and simply waited to see how Graphite would reply.

[~Firebird Rising~]

Graphite froze as Luna spoke, heat rising to his cheeks. Luna was looking at him expectantly, and for once, he had understood the message. But, now that the time was here... What was he supposed to do? What should he say? Graphite could feel his mind turning to mush. He couldn't think, caught in Luna's hypnotic gaze. His mouth opened and closed rapidly, silently stammering, unable to figure out how to say what he wanted to say.

"Uh... uh..." he stuttered finally. "Yeah... heh... same here... me too... Well... see you in the spring..."

He turned away, red faced and mentally cursing himself. Why?! Why couldn't he ever talk to Luna when it came to something like this?! Why couldn't he just tell her how he felt?!

He knew he needed to save this somehow... Suddenly, he remembered last time, right before the first time they'd tried hibernating. He'd kissed her on the cheek! He could try that again, right? That would work! Then, maybe she wouldn't hate him for being such a fool...

He turned around, steeling his nerves. He moved in to kiss her on her cheek, but then a strong draft blew through the cave, blowing him to the side, and he... missed. Graphite found himself kissing Luna straight on, and nearly fell out of the air in a panic. He backed off immediately, red-faced and stammering. Oh no! Oh no! He blew it! How would she react?!

"S-s-sorry!" he squeaked, voice rising frantically. "So s-sorry! I didn't mean to- I didn't want to offend you or-!"

[Moony-Mae]

Luna was just about to say good night, but then she suddenly felt Graphite kissing her. She was stunned. She blinked several times, her mind temporarily going blank and numb. She snapped back to Graphite in a moment, and just couldn't keep the grin off her face. She wanted to say so much more, but merely kissed his nose, whispered, "Pleasant dreams, Graphite," and instantly fell asleep, her dazed mind racing. She would never forget this day.

[~Firebird Rising~]

Graphite broke off his frantic stammering as Luna kissed his nose. He hovered midair, shocked, and watched as she fell asleep. In a daze, he turned and flew off, back to where Obsidian hung, snoring softly. He wasn't quite sure what had just happened... But he thought it had to have been something good. After all, Luna didn't seem mad about him kissing her... He broke into a smile as he wrapped his wings about himself, preparing to sleep. For once, maybe his clumsiness hadn't been such a bad thing after all.

"Good night, Obsidian," he whispered, even though he knew his sister was already asleep. "Good night, Luna. Good night, everyone." With that, he fell asleep.

[Moony-Mae]

{{ Did you want something to wake them up again, like you suggested, or shall we skip to spring? I'm thinking the latter, but I'm fine with either! }}

[~Firebird Rising~]

(Yeah, I think we should skip to spring now. The poor bats have more than earned their rest at this point!)

[Moony-Mae]

{{ Right-o, then! }}

Luna awoke to sunshine and warmth tickling her nose. Her eyes popped open. Was it spring already, or, perhaps, did Vincent or his Tribe return? She looked around at the rest of the cave. Many bats were already awake, arousing their neighbors or catching bugs. She couldn't believe they had survived. She nudged Borealis. His eyes opened slowly and adjusted to the bright light streaming in through the cave entrance. "Hey, there!" she said brightly.

"Hey, little sis," Borealis said sleepily, stifling a yawn.

"It's spring!" Luna said excitedly. "Aren't you going to stretch your wings and sniff the flowers?"

"Ergh...In five minutes..." he mumbled in reply, refolding his wings and drifting off again. Luna knew he'd wake up eventually. She flew over to Graphite. How wonderful it felt to spread her wings and ride the wind! She hung quietly next to him and whispered, "Graphite, are you awake? It's spring!"