Chapter Text
“Um my dear sibling, please come see this-” That was quite the way to come into town, Buddy looking at Snorpy worriedly. Chandlo and him had been off since he was yelled at about going up to the mountain without telling the other. So, to say they were worried seeing him like this was an understatement. They followed him to the side of the mill, where his sensor lay. “The seismic readings have been off the charts today, I fear something terrible is happening just off the coast. We're heading to Simmering Springs to investigate, as we know you'd go on your own and we won't let you.” He said sternly, making them shyly blush. “I-I’ll make sure I have everything, then we'll go there.” He nodded, petting through their heads and making them melt into the touch. It seemed the other Grumpi were all very much aware of them being touch starved now, and all that meant was a lot more pets, hugs, and general affection. Which was amazing! They shook away the desire to just stay there and let their older brother pet through their fur for hours, hurrying over to grab supplies. They decided to grab some more med stuff, just in case, and their back up snaktrap.
After triple checking their bag, they hurried back to Snorpy, following him and Chandlo down to Simmering Springs. “Bros, you got enough sunscreen on?”
“...Why would we need sunscreen on if we have fur?-” They giggled as Chandlo noggied them for the comment, yelling playfully to quit it. “Snorpy help!!” He laughed, picking up the smaller and placing them on his shoulders. “There, you are safe from the bully.” They giggled, sticking out their tongue making the other sigh exaggeratedly. “Not cool bro, using your height against me.”
“Anything to protect my younger sibling from your schemes.” Buddy once again laughed, looking out at the sea. “What's gonna happen Snorpy?”
“I'm unsure, but the event should be happening any-” They all yelped as the ground shook, Buddy gripping onto their brother fearfully as the other two kept their balance. “What was that?? They're usually not so intense!” Chandlo called out, checking on the other two. Buddy said shakingly they didn't know, as another hit the 3 once more. They heard the ground splitting, looking quickly over to the sound despite how scared they should be. They knew Snorpy wouldn't let them fall though. They trusted him.
Using the new glasses Floofty had given them, they were able to see far into the water… and see a sight greater than anything.
An island they KNEW wasn't there before just rose out of the sea, fully formed and everything.
“IT'S A WHOLE NEW ISLAND DAWG! We gotta get over there!” They nodded quickly, in pure shock seeing an entire new part of the earth that had risen in less than a minute. “...I, yes, but, surely this is a job bigger than just us 3.” They didn't understand his worry as he peaked up at them. But apparently Chandlo did. “...Bro, I understand why you're worried, but Buddy will go with or without us. At least we can keep an eye on them.” It was weird, hearing someone worried for them. “I-I have to go! This is revolutionary!” Snorpy held their legs close to his body, them softly hugging his head to comfort him. “You're right though dawg, we should gather some more Grumpi for our expedition. Shelda’s wisdom with nature could certainly help!”
“...Yes, Shelda… We should gather our smartest scientific minds! Triffany and, ugh, Floofty.” Buddy playfully flicked him, they liked Floofty a lot. They were, honestly seeing the scientist as another sibling slowly. “I can go get them, you both try and think of a way across!” Snorpy, though not wanting to, nodded helping them down from his shoulders. “Very well, we shall see you soon sibling.” They nodded and hurried back to Snaxburg to talk to the 3.
They were so excited! Exploring a whole other island was already amazing, but with their new friends and siblings by their side? What else could they wish for! They hurried over to Shelda first, since she was as usual closest to Simmering Springs. “Shelda!!” They shouted, hurrying over. She looked up, obviously confused. “Child, what is the reason for your excitement?” She didn't talk much in her prophet voice to Buddy anymore, unless around others. “You'll never believe it, a whole new island popped out! Me, Chandlo and Snorpy are going to explore it, I came to ask you and 2 others about joining!” She smiled down at them. “I, am very honored you'd ask me Buddy… I accept. Cause, if that island is what I'm thinking it is… I need to see it for myself.” Though confused at the cryptic answer, they still happily nodded glad she'd be joining. “Wait by the path to Shimmering Springs once you're ready to go!” They called out, hurrying to find Triffany.
She was, unsurprisingly, in her tent looking at a skeleton she dug up. “Oh hello dear! You seem excited, what's going on?” They once again explained, Triffany smiling brightly. “You better believe I'm coming along! Islands don't just pop into being usually, how interesting!” They nodded excitedly, telling her to pack and meet them at the path, before going to look for Floofty. For once they were actually inside their hut, looking over before they could even knock.
“Greetings. What is the purpose of your visit Buddy?” As they explained, it was weird seeing their usually completely neutral expression turning into shock and general confusion. “Hm… so an unknown piece of geography erupted from the ocean, unexplained and unstable, possible to sink again… Of course I'm going!” They giggled. “Let me just grab my equipment, I'll meet you and whoever else you gathered at the path to the beach.” They nodded, heading over to where they told everyone to meet them and waiting. Unsurprisingly they came mainly in order of how they told them, with Floofty taking a bit longer with grabbing all of their equipment. “...Oh, great, you're bringing along the liar.” Floofty said while glaring at Shelda. They grew anxious, as Shelda scoffed.
“One will not bother with interacting with the foul chemist.”
“Oh your still pre-”
“Stop! Please-” They begged, the two quickly looking to them. “... Buddy, one is sorry. One is ready to go.” Floofty only was silent, but still placed an awkward hand on Buddy's shoulder to apologize before heading along. They sighed in relief, following them down the winding path.
Their eyes widened as they noticed the dock and boat that was certainly not there 30 minutes ago. ‘How fast is Chandlo??’ They thought bewildered, heading over. “We're ready!”
“Oh, so soon?”
“Yeah, it's perfect we just finished!” Snorpy cleared his throat. “Well, I'm unsure I still think we should take a bit to think-”
“Wow, nice work on that raft Chandlo!” Triffany interrupted. “Thanks Broffany!” They laughed at the nickname lightly, not noticing how the sound brightened everyone's mood. “Of course you can easily get volunteers Snorpington.” Floofty said, looking out towards the newly formed island. “...You know, 6 folks is kind of, a lot for a newly formed raft. Maybe one of us should stay home.” Somehow, both Floofty and Shelda said “which one” at the exact same time, Buddy tilting their head letting their strongest brother pick them up.
Anyone else would probably be more annoyed by how often they all did so, but they really enjoyed being held. “Um, well, maybe me and, Chandlo and, no that’s pretty much all of us, uh-” Buddy grew concerned seeing how Snorpy was acting, obviously anxious. “What? Why would we not go, we're who built this in the first place! And we both know Buddy ain't gonna be stopped.”
“I know- BUT LOOK AT IT! It could so easily be a death trap, it's dangerous-”
“... So you gathered us to be bait?-” Triffany said, more so joking but concerned with how Snorpy was acting. “No! But-” Buddy made a small gesture to be put down, Chandlo slowly abiding as they hurried and hugged their other brother. “Snorpy, it's ok to feel anxious about this… maybe you should stay here? Keep an eye from back here? You could always contact us through the radio.” He slowly nodded, though still seeming unsure. “But, bro! We do everything and go everywhere together! What if something happens to you while I'm gone?”
“Wh- me?? Chandlo you all are the ones going off to uncharted territory!”
“Yes yes anything can happen, you two act like the world is ending whenever your seperated. It certainly isn't healthy.” Floofty said, their arms crossed. Shelda, though not purposely, agreed with what they said. “You two are like mirrors, reflecting endlessly. One must look away from the infinite abyss and gaze down at only oneself.” They held back a giggle as Snorpy said a loud confused what, as Chandlo nodded understandingly. “Far it be for me to give any life advice, but there's nothing wrong with a lil’ time apart. It's actually healthy to not be with someone 24/7!”
They didn't know that… guess it does make sense though. Being too dependant on anyone, even if that person was great, probably wasn't good. “... Alright, if, you all agree…”
“I agree Chandlo, plus we'll be in contact through the radio the entire time!” The green Grumpus slowly nodded. “Right… ok. Let's get this party started then!” They held back a flinch as Snorpy suddenly wrapped his arms around them, then melted into it hugging him back. They didn't like making him worry… but no way we're they not going to explore. Chandlo walked over, hugging Snorpy back. He whispered something to his, totally not boyfriend- which made their heart melt.
“Don't worry, I'll protect our little sib Snorp. I promise you.” The other's tenseness drained, thanking him silently. They held back smiling as brightly as they wanted to, slowly separating. “...Be careful everyone.” They all agreed, slowly heading onto the raft. Once everyone was sitting down, Chandlo unwrapped it from the dock, heading to the island.
They waved at Snorpy until he became no more than a blob, slowly sitting on Chandlo’s lap for the journey. Staring at the new island, they couldn't help the nervousness swirling through their stomach.
…Why did something about this feel so wrong?