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"That fat coward said you were poor," Dumbbell said. "And then he laughed at me!"

Bulkhead raised a concerned brow.

"What did you do about it?"

Dumbbell snorted. "I hoofed him right in the nose!"

This behavior was not something Bulkhead wanted to grow accustomed to with his son. These sudden flights into violence was certainly not a learned behavior from his parents, though if he had to guess, then he was learning how to fight from someone else. There were plenty of rowdy personalities on this island, and unfortunately fighting was how most of the children solved their differences.

"It didn't have to come to that, son. And you know I don't approve."

Dumbbell's frown lessened, but not completely. He rubbed his little nose as if he were trying to wipe his conscience clean.

"Aw, but everyone's bopped Francis in the nose at least once." he said. "He's always sayin stupid things with his stupid mouth! With all of those weird words. Like he thinks he's better than everyone else!"

"And you really think that was worth hitting him?" Bulkhead frowned, already calculating how long it would take for the diamond dog pup to find his parents, and for them to march over the scrub lands to confront him. He sighed.

"Yeah, but that's not all he said." Dumbbell continued. "He said fisher ponies are stupid because Equestrians don't eat meat."

Bulkhead shrugged. "A small number do enjoy seafood, but we also use fish for medicines and vitamins."

The little foal faltered. "Yeah well…and then he said that fisher ponies never last long, because the storms always take them away."

Take us away?

Bulkhead watched his little colt paw at the sand as a mole crab scuttled hurriedly between them.

Well…I dunno. I dont know what he means by that. Dumbbell wiped his nose again. But I didnt like the way he said it. So I biffed him!

And youre going to apologize.

I dont want to say sorry to that idiot!

You shouldnt have hit him no matter what he said, and no colt of mine is going to take cheap shots at others over a simple disagreement of words. Thats bully work.

I dont wanna. Dumbbell whined.

Youre going to. Bulkheads baritone voice was firm but he didnt yell. So it surprised him greatly when he saw the tears forming in the corners of Dumbbells eyes.

Whats wrong? he asked.

Brambles mom went out there once… she said she was lookin for seashells. But something happened, remember? Bulkhead did indeed remember, it had only been seven months ago.

Yes, I do remember. he said.

Bramble is still waiting for her mom! And everyone looked for her, they were all panicky, and then one day they were all just really sad. And Bramble waited a real long time. the colt sniffed. Dad, do you think a storm took Brambles mom?


Then Dumbbell started to sniffle again and rub his eyes, and a dawning realization washed over Bulkhead.


Now Bell-

Francis says it happens all the time!

Listen, Dumbbell, you-

And youre out there all the time! Dumbbells voice rose and the tears rolled freely. Do sea ponies really eat regular ponies, dad? Thats what Scalene said, and she-

Now hold on a minute. Bulkhead knelt down and scooped Dumbbell amiably into his forehooves.

Just hold your little sandy horseshoes, first of all, dont talk to Scalene, shes crazy. Second, where are you getting this idea that something is going to happen to your strapping old man?

Well you cant fly like me and mommy. So if anything happens to the boat then-.

Nothing is gonna happen to the old Scoot. And I can swim just as well as any fish can, you know that. Bulkhead smiled when his son laughed, though his eyes were still bleary with tears.

Eh heh, everyone on the island knows how to swim. Except stupid Francis. I hope he gets ate by a whale.

Bulkhead chuckled despite himself. When has either your mother or I taught you to act so prickly towards your fellow islanders?

Dumbbell huffed and crossed his hooves. Francis isnt from here, hes just some lousy landlubber who cant even swim.

That doesnt matter, son. Were all friends here on Kelpie, Im the best fisher pony here and I can fight off ten sharks if I have to!

Dumbbell wiped his eyes on his fathers shoulder and looked up at him, his large eyes glistening. Thats how you got all those teeth!

Bulkhead laughed out loud and nuzzled him earnestly. You can bet all your wee little primaries on it, ye little scallywag! Any shark heareth my name, they turn tail straight for the Devils Archipelago!

With a mouth full of teeth made of coral and driftwood! Dumbbell said with a laugh.

Aye. So dont you worry and stop your cryin. Bulkhead gently stroked his sons wet cheek. With you and your mama, Ive got nothing to be afraid of. And Im not poor, far far from it. Without you, I couldnt ever be richer.

Upvotes at import: 35 | Stars at import: 21
Posted previously at: 2015-08-07T04:39:04