After The Long Journey. Crimson And The Rest Of The Colony Had To Make Their Way To Find Some Kind Of

After the long journey. Crimson and the rest of the colony had to make their way to find some kind of shelter for the night. Thankfully for them, they came across one of the underwater caves that formed within the ocean floors. It was a nice change of pace to see some other colors other than blue all day from walking throughout the ocean. Many of the other decapods had already begun getting ready to rest up for the night, as they would need all the energy they needed to start the long walk to the new island again. After all, the migration was still in effect. For all they knew, they still had a long way to go.

Crimson was keeping watch over the many others she had promised to keep safe. Ever since she was assigned the leader for the migration, she's always had the deep sense of dread. The dread of one day failing them. Making her feel as if one misstep could mean the end of their entire race. She had all of this responsibility...for what? Why is all of this on her? She knew that she was selected for...SOME reason, but she couldn't get it...

God. This was too much. All of this. They nearly avoided an encounter with one of those floating shadows up on the surface. For all they knew, the next step could be their last. There might not be an island by the time they make it. It'll be too late. We don't know. Do you? Do you?! Do you know what to do?! For the love of God, tell me! I need to know! I can't let them down! They're depending on me! All of them are! WHY ISN'T ANYONE SAYING ANYTHIN-

"Crimson?"

A soft voice rang out in the swirling mind of Crimson as she was snapped out of her whirlpool of thoughts. Blinking a couple of times, she then looked over to her side, seeing one of her close comrades. The Strawberry Crab of the group. Her eyes being almost always closed, and although not many have seen them...Crimson could tell there was worry in them.

"Oh...Fraise...I."

Crimson stuttered, trying to cover up her worry with words. But Fraise just raised her claw. telling Crimson to just save it. Crimson slightly winced, knowing that she'd been caught being silent in her own thoughts of panic.

"...Dear. Are you alright?"

She asked, tilting her head to the side as she sat down, tucking in her four legs inward like some sort of bird. Crimson looked off into the distance, not wanting to make eye contact with the concerned caretaker. For all she knew...Fraise just saw Crimson gripping her knees.

"Yeah. I just...I'm just thinking. We nearly had an encounter...didn't we?"

Crimson cringed, upset that they nearly got killed. And on the third day of the travel, no less. Fraise noticed this...trying to hide her face even more underneath her balaclava. Crimson's two whiskers slightly twitching. Fraise then let out a sigh as she then began to take off the basket she was carrying. putting it up to her chest.

"...The little ones are doing well."

Fraise commented as she looked down, seeing the many crab eggs she carried. Some had already grown eyes, but some were still in the stage of trying to gain a consciousness. Crimson looked down at them, thinking back at her own childhood memories. When she was just an egg, she felt her mother holding onto her soft, jello-like body. The first feeling of the sunlight slightly seeping from the ocean surface. She then looked back up at Fraise, who was cradling the basket.

"...That's good. I'm glad to hear that."

She simply replied. She couldn't imagine the burden Fraise had. The responsibility to carry all of these children. She was holding the new generation right in a little basket. Crimson then began to feel a bit ridiculous. She thought she had the biggest responsibility...but really digesting this...she felt as if she was pushed down a step. Crimson then thought to herself...as she then rubbed the back of her neck.

"...So...this is, uh...a weird question to ask, but...are any of these...yours?"

Crimson asked, tilting her head a bit. She didn't know why she wanted to ask that. Sure, crabs had the tendency to lay a bunch of eggs, but some didn't make it. Before Crimson could apologize for asking such a question, she was interrupted.

"No."

Fraise nonchalantly replied as she continued to cradle the basket of eggs. Crimson nearly choked on her words. She didn't expect that. She would at least think one of them was at least one of her children. Hesitant, she decided to keep quiet, but Fraise continued.

"Many of the parents of these little ones sadly got taken. So I took up the responsibility of taking care of them. Some are with us, some aren't. So. I wish to take them to the new land, where they can live happily..."

Fraise praised, as she looked down at them, some squeaking a little bit.

Crimson then looked down with her. Shocked. All of this...all of these little ones. Some didn't have parents? She nearly had a bit of vomit coming up at the thought of any of those disgusting land creatures taking them away. And yet...she felt an odd sense of comfort, knowing that she was the one who would take these same small ones to safety.

"...So...you're like their mother in a way, huh?"

Fraise was a bit surprised at the comment but laughed a little. She then let out a sigh as she then looked back down at the basket.

"Well...I am for one of them."

Crimson's eyebrows raised. So she DID have a child? Only one? Crimson then looked over into the basket. looking over the thousands of eggs.

"Wait, really? Which one?"

She asked curiously. Fraise simply chuckled as she pointed to the near corner of the basket. As Crimson followed the claw's direction, she saw an egg. But this one was much more different. It was much smaller than the rest and had a slight hue of... pink? Most of the eggs were baby blue and apple red. Blinking a couple of times...she found comfort in seeing such a small life. One that would be born in a new, safer place, away from all of the chaos.

"She's a girl."

Fraise answered; it was as if she could read Crimson's mind. Crimson looked down and asked...

"...Did you name her?"

Fraise simply smiled and replied...

"Yes..."

"I'm thinking of..."

"Kandy."