“Goodbye, fort!” Bismark called, glancing back over his shoulder. “Hasta luego, volcano! Adios big, bad beast!”
As the rest of the group passed the crater, the sugar glider stepped to its edge and eyed the fossil one final time. “Hmm,” he mused, cupping his chin in his palm. “No offense, Tutu…but your ancestors weren’t exactly the smartest.”
Polyphema paused in her tracks, confused. The three babies were clustered tightly on her back, nodding off as she walked.
“I mean, what kind of fool wants his legacy down here below ground? How shortsighted, silly, stupide!” Bismark threw up his flaps, then looked back toward the volcano. His bulbous, brown eyes lit with an idea. “Now that’s more like it,” he said. “Take note, everyone! Listen up!”
The animals turned toward the glider.
“When it’s time for my fossil—my handsome, forevermore print on this earth—I want it placed above ground, capiche? Up on the tallest of peaks, for all the world to see and admire!”
Tobin giggled and covered his snout with his claw. Even Dawn cracked a grin.
“What’s so funny, amigos? I’m sure we can find some space on the mountain for your fossils, too. Under mine, for example.”
Quickly, Bismark scurried toward the fox and the pangolin and wedged his way in between them. “Now let’s get back to the valley and get some beauty rest! This fur isn’t going to regrow itself! You know, Tutu, I’m not so sure I’ve forgiven you for that part of our little adventure.” His tail swished over his bare bottom.
Polyphema grinned. Her three young ones were fast asleep. “Personally, Bismark, I think the new bald spot suits you,” she said. “It even matches the one on your head.”
“Quoi? That is ridiculo! Who has ever heard such terrible fashion advice?” the glider scoffed. But then he paused. “What say you, mi bella Dawn? Does Poly-poo have a point?”
The fox raised an eyebrow and opened her mouth to reply, but then she caught Polyphema’s glance and winked. “Sure, Bismark. Very handsome. Don’t you like his new look, Tobin?”
“Oh goodness!” Tobin laughed. “Oh, yes, definitely. Bismark, you look wonderful.”
“Well, scaly chap, I’m not used to taking style advice from a stink-butt. But if mi bella says it looks ‘handsome’…” The sugar glider leaped in the air, spread his flaps wide, and spun to show off his bare backside. The three others politely averted their eyes.
“Let it be known!” declared Bismark. “Whoever is in charge of designing my fossil, remember this, and remember it well: when it comes time to imprint my immortal form, make sure that my bottom matches my top!”
Satisfied with his decision, the sugar glider scurried between Dawn and Tobin and wrapped a flap around each. Then, side by side, surrounded by old friends and new, the Brigade followed the full moon toward home.