Whistle while we...work?

The boys would work for the next three hours, despite being in such a place with plenty of resources, actually getting them out of the wall proved more taxing then when they had been working alone on the broken wall. They were happy though, and pushed on with a smile and would take short breaks here and there. It wasn't long before their day had expired and they heard a whistle indicating as such, Dan was lying on his back breathing heavily. His claws would need to be filed to rid them of the cracks and chips. There were speckles of blood here and there but nothing he couldn't handle. Butch had gathered all of the ore they got which was decisively smaller then the previous batch. Enough so that only Butch needed to carry it, he was noticeably out of breath and his posture slouched. "Whoo....what a day!" Dan said flipping back over on to his front side. "Yea, for the first time in a very long time I had a lot of fun....and I think I might even be looking forward to tomorrow." Butch smiled as the boys made their final trip to the mine cart. After dumping their ores in, they made their way up the elevator and out into the setting sun. "Wow, we've been down so long the sun is setting." Dan said looking at the pale orange orb disappearing beyond the horizon. "It's the best sight after a hard days work." Butch replied. "Good work everyone! You all did lovely! You have made me very proud, it's why I enjoy your company in these mines everyday. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow! Now kids, onto the trucks with you. Get home and get some well deserved rest!" Mamemon said dismissing the workers. Butch and Dan headed for the truck but before Theos could venture with them Mamemon patted his head from behind, "Good job Theos. For your first day, you all did exceptionally well...either Butch has become a very experienced miner this past decade and taught you two very well...or perhaps you're a prodigy captain? Ha ha. Though to be honest, my units are on that you three cute hardworking young boys found yourselves a figurative gold mine and are keeping it to yourself. Never in my thirty years working have a couple of new faces even with the assistance of a veteran performed so spectacularly on their first day...so as captain...it's your responsibility to tell me what the other two could not. Did you three discover something of importance down below?" Mamemon asked.

Butch and Dan sat in the back of the truck watching from afar not able to hear, but they both knew what it was Mamemon was asking about. "I hope Theos will be okay." Dan said. "He will be, he is our captain after all." Butch replied.

They worked so hard. While the amount was small it was more rewarding than ever. They had to work together and while they were weary and bloody it gave a sense of accomplishment. Butch carried the ores and Dan limped towards the elevator. Theos was worried about his claws. He hoped Dan was alright he could only imagine how bad it had to hurt walking on those after all that digging. As they came back out on the surface he was surprised it was sunset. It had gone by so fast for his first day. He would be happy to be home however. He couldn't wait to see his grandpa and tell him about his new friend. With Mamemon's dismissal Theos started for the truck but was stopped.

"Good job Theos. For your first day, you all did exceptionally well...either Butch has become a very experienced miner this past decade and taught you two very well...or perhaps you're a prodigy captain? Ha ha. Though to be honest, my units are on that you three cute hardworking young boys found yourselves a figurative gold mine and are keeping it to yourself. Never in my thirty years working have a couple of new faces even with the assistance of a veteran performed so spectacularly on their first day...so as captain...it's your responsibility to tell me what the other two could not. Did you three discover something of importance down below?"

"Besides friendship," Theos said with a smile. "Honestly not much. I lived my life in the mountains. So I know rocks to a degree. We found a pretty good vein which gave us quite a bit. I didn't know what to expect really. I wish we had found a gold mine though. Butch told us finding gold ore earned us rewards. He also explained lava veins and the dokunimon that live down there.....not a delightful thought," Theos kept his smile the entire time and even wagged his tail friendly. His gaze went to the truck. "They won't wait for me will they? I better hurry on board before they leave without me. It was nice meeting you Mr. Mamemon, sir," Theos said smiling and running up to the truck to hop in. He turned around once in and waved.

Mamemon rubbed his chin as Theos leaped into the truck. Dan nuzzled Theos once he was on and Butch put his arms over each of his friend. They smiled and chuckled as the truck drove off back towards the town. It wasn't nearly as hot with the setting sun. It was actually very relaxing, they passed the graveyard and Butch looked out over them, contemplating his friends once more. The drive was still long however, and night fell upon them before they knew it. Hours went by and the temperature dropped close to zero. The breath of the children could be seen, thankfully everyone was so close together the body heat warded off most of the cold. They could see the faint glow of Bai Hu's lights in the distance Dan, being completely wiped having done most of the work had fallen asleep, his head resting on Butch's lap and Butch was resting his paw on Dan's head as he looked out towards the city lights. It was a sight one could never exactly get used to, the beauty of light in the darkness. It was breath taking almost, and it was a symbol of survival, a reminder that everyone had survived to see the next sunrise. At least that was how Butch felt, and this time he came back with two new friends, one of which seemed to be stronger willed then he thought. Of course, Butch's thoughts were on Theos. He turned to look at his newly named captain to see if he was asleep or admiring the desert at night like he was. "We definitely made a good choice." Butch said. If Theos was awake he'd smile at him and position himself so that he could lay his head on Theos' side, without disturbing Dan to much. "You even make a good pillow Captain." Butch would say to tease him, "We have a couple of hours yet before we get to the city. I think I'll join Dan...and sleep a bit. Okay, captain?" He would continue with a yawn. Should Theos be asleep, he'd simply lay close to him and sleep for the remainder of the trip.