Everyone was working together to defeat Charles, and even the guides had decided to pitch in.
The sound of laughter echoed throughout the beach, and Riley grinned from ear to ear. She had never seen everyone so happy, even the grumpy Songbird, Brandy, and Inadi were laughing and it made her feel glad. After everything they had gone through, they deserved a day like this. A day where they all just laughed their troubles away. It was things like this that made her try her darnedest, that made her want to keep grinning no matter what.
Damn it. She really cared about these people.
We're going home, all of us. Together.She shook the serious thoughts away and laughed, it was a shame Ran and Harper couldn't join them. "Toby! You got him, don't let go, we're coming!" The boy was tossed off when Charles leaped into the air, but hell no, they weren't going to give up. "We need to give him backup!" She shot at grin at Ace then waded towards Songbird and Brandy. As soon as the girl was behind them she grabbed them both by the arms. "C'mon, c'mon, you guys are the experts, aren't you?" Riley's expression turned mischievous, "and you, Songbird! If you're going to talk all tough, then you better prove it us and go give that Shark the biggest and manliest hug ever! You too Brandy." She ushered them into deeper waters only to freeze.
“The shark is okay, people...the shark is okay.”"Eh?" Leila had already beaten them to it. Riley blinked slowly before practically shoving both guides ahead. "Now's our chance! Oi Ace, Lesles, get your butts here!" Riley swam towards Leila and the shark before reaching for her friend's arm. "Wow, dragon tamer, you did it again." She ruffled Leila's hair, messing it up. "We have Charles! It's time for the combo move people!" The shark wiggled and swam through the water, but was careful not to hurt them.
Charles felt like a giant stuffed animal, only smoother. She held on tight and instead of focusing on the adventure, she focused on everyone's expressions. Bright. Cheerful. Happy. She rarely saw Leila like this, and she couldn't remember seeing Songbird without a scowl on his face.
Riley laughed before turning to face Leila with a grin. She looked like a dog that had been hosed and her bangs clung to her face, obscuring her vision, but she didn't care. "It's a good thing time is irrelevant, huh?" She didn't want this day to end, she just wanted to see everyone as happy as they were now. "Oi! Leila and I can't keep this up forever, c'mon already!"
Charles spun around in a playful circle. He was feeling pretty happy too.