I heard Scratch screech.

Neith and I turned just in time to see the Faylinn hit the ceiling of the lit tunnel. The Faylinn fell heavily to the floor with a thud. Hero and Scratch were at her/their side almost as soon as the odd bird hit the tunnel floor. Neith reached the penguin's side and nuzzled her.

"How are they?" I asked

Neith answered. "I think she/they'll be alright. Seems they've had the breath knocked out of them is all."

I watched while the two younsters administered their famous face licking. I was sure Scratch enjoyed it much more than Hero. Neith pushed the penguin over on her side and I heard her draw in a deep breath.

The Faylinn looked around puzzled as I approached the little group. "Wh-what happened?" stammered the shaken bird. Hero and Scratch glanced at one another uncertainly.

Hero spoke first, trying not to laugh. "Uh, you FLEW into the ceiling!"

"Yeah," exclaimed Scratch. "It was totally cool!"

"Oh. Now I remember." said Faylinn. "Someone said 'flying fish' and I went airborne before I knew it."

I gazed at the two little friends who weren't giggling now. "So." I began, speaking to Faylinn. "You can fly?" The penguin glanced quickly around, looked down at her feet and muttered a simple and straightforward answer, "Yes."

"Well!" *tail flick* "You can tell us all about it once we reach my per. Come, let's get a move on. We're not far now."