[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... ncert2.png[/imgleft]The tall salt-stained crane was snoozing beak under his wing, his white and blue feathers illuminated by the weakening autumn sun. The air was cool, dry. Perfect for a nice, calming nap. Time flowed strangely when he was in this form, he noted. How long had he been away from his lady Rain? Her cool blue eyes watched him from his dreams. But he couldn't return yet. There was someone looking for him, had been for some time. And now that he was home from his trip to the mountains, he could heed that call.

Or at least, he would. When he woke.

[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgleft]Sky Breaker rolled into the grove like a storm cloud, swollen and glowing with terrifying energy that flowed through her. Her heart beat nervously and her teeth grated against each other as she looked around. She was no longer the spitfire her younger self had been. No, Sky Breaker was older now, wiser. This time, she knew, or at least hoped she knew, what to do. But that did not stop the roiling thunder building within her. Where was he?

She was pregnant again. This time it didn't surprise her. While still a free-roaming spirit with a temper that could never be contained, she had found herself a buck for a short while. One that did not mind her flash fires or striking comments. He was the father, of this she was sure. But she had left the Acha behind. This was her journey. For months she had combed the swamp, searching for her brother. And of course the flighty bird-brain was nowhere to be found.

Was she surprised? No. Pissed off, that's what she was.

So as she stepped into the glen, her belly near to bursting, and she spotted him sleeping, well... Nothing could stop that storm from striking.

"WATCH!" She yelled, puffing with anger.

[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... ncert2.png[/imgleft]As The Sun Burns slowly opened a single eye, and even then only halfway. He sighed and then closed it. Ah, there it was. That feeling like a current pulling him closer. He had felt its tug for some time since his return from the mountains. But now, it was strong like the rapids he had seen there. And once more, it was his sister who was the source. He was amused.

'Hello, sweet sister. Pregnant again, I see.'

[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgleft]Her eyes shot wide and she sputtered at him, "W-What!? I mean-" There was no hiding it, she was well aware of that, but STILL! The audacity of this damn bird! "Watch, I have been looking for you for months! Where have you been?!" She stomped her hoof angrily.

[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgleft]He chuckled, as much as a crane can chuckle really, and slowly shifted forms. With a stretch of his long legs, they became longer and ended with hooves rather than talons. He shook out his mane and, moments later, feathers were now fur and before her stood a great stag. The scent of the sea wafted off of him and the warmth of the setting sun rested in his eyes. His chuckle reverberated on the morning mists as he smiled at her apologetically.

"Dearest sister, a joke. I am pleased to see you. You don't seem nearly as angry this time."

[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgleft]Sky Breaker tossed her mane and looked up at him with narrowed eyes. Her questions would roll right off of him, this she could see easily. None of her business, she could nearly hear him saying it.

"So do you make it a habit to ignore your other family when they call, or just me?"

[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgleft]"I ignore no one, especially not family." His smile faded and he raised his head well above hers, his eyes glowing dangerously.

He held her unflinching gaze for a few long moments before rolling his eyes and sighing, "I was away. There was an expedition deep into the mountains. I had to go, to visit the place where the ocean is born."

It had been necessary that he'd gone. But, he looked away, feeling guilty that he had left her waiting.

"I apologize, I did not intend on being away as long as I was. You seek my blessing, sister?"

[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgleft]She did not hesitate. It did him well to feel bad, "Yes, and a good one too. No tricks! I'm talking to you, not our mother." She spat. There was a huff and a pause and then, eventually, "Sorry, Watch. I'm not usually this cranky-- I mean, yes, I am, but you know how it is..." The white doe gave a small smile, "When I found out, I knew exactly who to come to. I knew you'd be there if I needed you, it just... hurt... when you weren't. That's all."

[imgleft]https://matope.pixel-blueberry.com/imag ... uncert.png[/imgleft]Watch gave her a smile in return and stepped forward, pressing his soft nose to her forehead, "And a good one you shall get. May your children always know that, no matter how old they may be, that their family will always be there when they are needed." He kissed her brow gently and stepped back.

He lifted the wing of the crane that rested on his back, plucking from it a blue feather.

"Next time, I will be there. I promise," He said softly with a sad smile as his form once again wavered.

In the blink of an eye, fur became feathers once more and the great crane disappeared into the trees. After all, he had somewhere to be. His family was calling.