Author: Hiya all this is my first Ice Age fanfiction. Well any story really containing talking animals. ;) I have other stories in the working process and I will get on updating those. In mean time an idea of Diego searching out for a partner occured to me watching one of the Ice Age films. Here's what I'd think would happen if he decided on settling down with another Saber tooth.

Enjoy.

Chapter 1: One life ends, another begins.

Underneath a periwinkle blue sky Saber tooth Tiger Diego, lie on top an grassy grounds close to where his two extrodinary companions; were going about minding their own business.

Well...almost everyone minding their own business.

As a familiar stench of washed up furs approached him from behind, Diego remained completely still, his primal instincts of an ambush brewing turning on automatic. They scurried closer to the older Mammal with razor sharp teeth hiding inside of his closed mouth!

An tapping on his right shoulder blade brought Diego's eyes fluttering open. He made an snide smirk having known fully well who was disturbing his peace and quiet-afternoon.

'' What do you think you're doing Sid?'' asks Diego closing his bright green eyes flashing a mischief glow.

Sid the Sloth slowly backed away from his grouchy companion. He released a harsh cough, balling up his worn out claws upon his chubby chest. '' Ya know Diego, I've been thinking...''

'' Oh that's a frightening situation.'' The growing irritated Tiger stated with some sarcasm laced in his husky and deep tone. Sid's eyes narrowed, '' Diego...I've been thinking you really should find yourself a Mate! It's getting close to that season again.'' He announces, pivoting his body and frantically stretched at his bottom.

Diego smirked, releasing a low growl through bared teeth. His eyes flashing a second time. '' I don't have time for your nonsense babbling Sloth.'' He responds untangling his four limbs and stretching them out far as they could go.

Sid's lips spread out into a wide grin from ear to ear. '' You really should consider finding someone Diego. A Mate who could handle your pig-headed attitude...Aaah!'' Diego hadn't given the consideration a second thought as he stood up in an grouching position, getting prepared to attack the annoying Sloth.

'' Your not going to be getting any Mate after I'm through with you.'' The Saber tooth threatened playfully he snapped his sharpened teeth baring out at the other Mammal. A very frightened Mammal whom turned around at a good 90 percent speed and ran into a less life-threatening away. While watching Sid running away like an frightened Cub could've have made his insides tingling more- a strange thought crossed his mind causing his tensed up face to relax in expression.

Sid was an irritating Sloth more often than not. Although he's proved in previous situations that he did have some brain cells below that tiny sized head of his. Diego plopped back down on the grassy grounds; his orange colored tail twitching behind him. Perhaps he was right about finding a Mate? Diego wondered. His conscious drifting away as he imagined what type of female would be interested in him.

Diego's thoughts dashing back and forth like birds soaring across the Heavens. His eyes slowly closed and all the while continuing to dream of his picture perfect Mate.

Meanwhile

'' Papa! The Human Hunters are gaining up on our tails.'' cried out an adolescent Saber tooth Tiger. She running fast as four legs could carry an Mammal's weight.

Papa an much older Saber tooth ran besides his one and only Cub. His furs coating more burned down then compared to her smooth and silky coat. He'd face various battles with these hairless creatures in the past! Papa leaving with scratches, bruises and other injuries inflicting on his furs. Something about this time felt different about his Aura; as if he thought for once they weren't escaping unscratched.

Of course she was right about one important factor-he looked over his shoulder involuntarily: they were a vast group and they were hot on their tails. He released a sharp growl extracting his razor sharp claws; in front and in the back. Papa skidded to an halt, pivoting his exhausted body around and the Humans froze themselves.

'' Papa we have too...Papa?'' The young Saber realizing nobody was running besides her froze in mid action.

Her azure blue eyes widened in shock, to find her Father facing them one on one. Or rather one on four in the Hunters case. An sudden sensation got her blood bumping; she could feel her heartbeat in-tuned with the new wave of blood flowing! She should be afraid of getting hurt but her Papa was the only family she had left and she wasn't losing them to these Mongrels.

'' Papa what do you think your doing?'' She cried out making a mad dash to stand besides him, kneeling down in an grouched position. Without warning Papa used gathered strength and shoved his body against her own. She released a surprised squeak as the unexpected shove sent her flying away from where he stood...where the conflicting situation surrounding him.

'' Stephanie get the Hell out of here-your safety is all that matters to me now.'' Papa announced in an high pitched voice, quite possibly sounding like a Lions roar coming out of his teeth, to the Humans. They were poised and ready to ambush the lonesome Saber tooth; pointing sharp objects at their intended target. One of them slid his tongue across his pinkish lips imagining when he'd be sinking his teeth into tender and juicy Saber tooth meat.

Stephanie's eyes began watering. '' No! I'm not abandoning you Papa. Your the only family I have left.'' She cried out in despair tears streaming down her furry cheekbones. From the sideline feeling utterly vulnerable, alone and part of her betrayed by Papa. She watched helplessly as they advanced on him.

'' Close your eyes Steph.'' He shouted out in an commanding Officer tone. She reluctant obeyed placing both large paws onto her tear filled eyes, a new wave of them streaming down. As darkness shut out what was occurring behind her paws; a blood-curdling growl ripped through the chilling atmosphere and...

Then all became deathly quiet.

To Be...

Continued.