Mount Apikuni slate

The two traveled in silence, which suited the stunted child. They did not think deeply as Redd did, but instead allowed themself to focus on her every movement. It was easiest if they stayed close together, so Ruckus could more clearly see her. When she looked back, Ruckus did the same, though they saw only a blurry horizon beyond a few feet in front of them.

Their whole body ached from traveling so far so quickly, but they did not complain. It was the default state of their life to feel this way: exhausted, achey, hungry, and frazzled. Ruckus's fur was dull, and their paw pads had become dry and cracked, but they made no mention of this pain to their guardian. After the death of Raider and Riley, they had no longer been a child in any sense except their age and size. Even prior to those chaotic events, Ruckus had felt a distance between themself and their siblings. Now they no longer remembered Riot or Rowdy's existence—there was only Redd.