To Walk Among Clouds
Chapter 1: The Rescue
First, a note. This story takes place immediately after "Where Paths Diverge," so to those I told that I would write a story explaining how Fyn met Chomper and Ruby, I apologize. That particular work is still in development, and it will be released, but this story came to mind as I finished my last story. As to what it's about, well, read on!
Fyn walked under the cool water running from the Thundering Falls as he and his friends entered the Great Valley. It felt good on his sore muscles and wounds. He was sure that everyone else was enjoying the sensation as well. The journey had been hard for all of them. Fyn looked around, taking in the sweeping grass and smooth hills covered in dense forest. The sight of the Great Valley materializing right behind the entrance never got old. He was glad they'd made it back, and counted himself lucky that they'd come back without any serious trouble.
"In fact," Fyn reminded himself, "if Chomper hadn't saved us, we might not have even made it home at all."
Littlefoot sighed, supported on Fyn's shoulder. He'd been hurt in a fight with some Fast Claws, and he needed rest.
"It's so good to be home," he said.
Fyn nodded. "Yes it is. Hey, didn't you say Bron was headed this way?"
Littlefoot lit up immediately, "Yeah, he was! Or at least, that's where it sounded like!" He groaned, suddenly. When he stood up, he'd irritated his chest again.
"We need to get you back for some rest," Fyn said. "Come on, my family's nest isn't far from here. We'll get your grandparents and have them come meet you."
"I'd really appreciate that," Littlefoot said, "thanks."
They moved into the valley, walking around the border of the lake, in the shadow of the mountains. As they were walking, Littlefoot suddenly felt a nudge on his back. He turned around, expecting Ducky or Petrie.
"Surprise!"
Littlefoot was startled, then beamed when he realized who was there. Standing behind him was Bron!
"Dad!" Littlefoot said, running to his father and ignoring his throbbing chest, "you made it!"
"I did, and this time, I'm here for good."
Ducky, Spike, and Petrie walked up with Cera.
"I hate to interrupt," Ducky said, "but we'll be taking Cera back to her dad, to rest. See you two later!"
Fyn and Littlefoot nodded to her, then turned back to Bron.
"How was the journey?" Littlefoot asked.
"Everything was fine," Bron said, "up until the Mountains that Burn, anyway," he said, under his breath.
"Mountains that Burn?" Fyn asked, "what happened there?"
"Look around," Bron said, indicating his herd, grazing quietly.
"I see your herd," Littlefoot said, "but that doesn't look like everyone."
"And you'd be correct," Bron said. "That's not everyone. My herd was split by an Earthshake. I've been waiting for someone to help me find the others."
"Why would you need someone else?" Littlefoot asked.
"Because I don't know this area well enough. I decided to wait for you."
"Well I'd be glad to help," Littlefoot said, stepping forward eagerly. Suddenly, his face contorted in pain, and he stumbled.
"Littlefoot, what's wrong?" Bron asked, rushing to his son's side.
"He was injured in a Fast Claw attack," Fyn explained, helping his friend back up.
"Fast Claws?"
"Sharpteeth," Fyn said, "green, with a blue stripe. They look like big Fast Biters. A pack attacked us before we came here."
"I see," Bron said.
"Don't worry about me," Littlefoot said, "I'm okay to go."
"No you're not," Bron said, "right now, you need rest. I'll just have to find someone else."
"I'm sorry," Fyn said, walking Littlefoot back towards his nest. Suddenly, he had an idea.
"I could help you," he said to Bron, turning around.
Bron's face lit up again. "You could? Do you know your way around outside the Great Wall?"
"Well enough," Fyn said, "I just need to get Littlefoot to my parents first."
"Thank you so much," Bron said, "this means a lot to me. Meet me back here when you're ready."
Fyn nodded, escorting Littlefoot away. Time to say hello to the family before leaving again. He wondered how they would take the news.
"Not well," he decided, spotting them all waiting for him back at the nest.
…
Keva and Labon were at the nest, along with Fyn's sisters: Salde and Rya, and they greeted Littlefoot and Fyn warmly as they arrived.
"Welcome back," Labon said, "I see your journey was successful."
Keva, with a mother's eye for such things, quickly noticed Littlefoot's injury. "Oh dear," she said, "come over here and lay down." She moved Littlefoot over to some soft grass. Littlefoot sank into it with a sigh.
"What happened out there?" Keva asked.
"Sharpteeth," Fyn said. Labon nodded. We'll let Littlefoot rest here until he's well enough to make his way back to his grandparents. In the meantime, I suppose we'd better have them over here, to see their grandson."
"That's exactly what I was thinking," Fyn said. He stood still for a few moments, still looking at his parents.
"Fyn?" his mother said, "is there something else you want to say?"
Fyn looked down and kicked at a clump of grass, almost mumbling his words. "I need to go back out into the Mysterious Beyond."
"Whatever for?" Keva asked, "Chomper's safe, all your friends are here-"
"It's not about any of my friends. It's Bron, Littlefoot's dad. His herd was divided during an Earthshake, and he needs someone to accompany him through the Mountains that Burn. I promise you, I won't go any farther than that."
Keva pondered Fyn's statement for a moment. Labon spoke up. "I know Bron, and I trust him. He was the one that gave us the directions to the Great Valley when we had to migrate. Fyn will be safe with him."
"That's not the problem," Keva said, "well, actually, it is a problem, but it's not the problem. You expect me to let our son, our child, go out risking his life again? He's just come back to us!"
"He's not a child anymore," Labon said, "he's become an adult. If he wants to help Bron, it's his own choice."
"I'll be back before the Bright Circle falls," Fyn added.
Keva grumbled. "I suppose it's no use trying to convince either of you two to give up this idea. Fyn, you can go, just promise me you'll be careful."
"I will," he said, turning back to rejoin Bron.
"And be back before the Bright Circle falls!" she called after him.
Fyn smiled. No matter how old he got, some things would never change.
…
Bron looked up as Fyn approached. "Is Littlefoot alright?" he asked.
"He's fine," Fyn said, "my parents are looking after him, and his grandparents are on their way. Let's get this done."
"Agreed. My herd shouldn't have to wait any longer than they already have."
They both stepped out through the entrance under the Thundering Falls. Fyn wondered just how often he'd pass through this entrance in his lifetime. So far, it seemed to be a common occurrence.
"Bron," he asked, suddenly remembering one of the members of the Longneck's herd, "what about that tall green Longneck? Is he here?"
"Who, Shorty? I'm afraid not. He's trapped with the others."
"We need to hurry," Fyn said as they stepped outside the cave. "Show me where you were separated."
Bron nodded, taking the lead. They walked quickly, soon entering a canyon. Fyn had arrived at the Valley tired, but the thrill of participating in a real rescue made him quickly forget his fatigue. Overhead, the Bright Circle was starting its descent; they had to move faster.
"It's pretty amazing," Fyn said as they walked on.
"What is?"
"How all of our paths seem to cross. It was you who told my Grandpa how to get to the Great Valley."
"Poldar, yes, I remember. How is he?"
Fyn was silent for a moment. "He.. didn't make it. That's why I had to lead the herd the rest of the way."
"I'm sorry," Bron said, "he was one of the most respectable Longnecks I've ever met."
Fyn nodded, "I thought so, too." He didn't speak afterwards.
Bron spoke again, "So if you and Littlefoot were friends since you arrived, why didn't I see you before?"
Fyn smiled, "Entirely my fault. When you arrived at the Great Valley, Littlefoot and his friends were with Chomper and Ruby, and at that time, I didn't trust either of them. I got over my uncertainty eventually, though."
Bron nodded, and they continued onwards.
"How close are-" Fyn stopped mid-sentence as he rounded a corner behind Bron. In front of him was a massive rockslide, completely blocking the canyon.
"That was what cut you off?"
"Yes, it caught us completely by surprise. I wouldn't dare have my herd climb over it, their sheer weight would bring it down instantly, but I think we can manage."
"Alright, then," Fyn said, stepping onto the lower rocks and testing them for stability. Satisfied, he started up. Bron, meanwhile, had found another path. It was slow going at first; Longnecks were only used to traversing flat terrain. Soon, however, they found a rhythm and began to climb faster. Fyn was breathing hard, and his legs were sore- the fatigue was returning. He couldn't quit, though, not with a herd trapped behind this pile of rocks with all the dangers of the Mysterious Beyond around them. He struggled on, slipping on a few loose stones near the top of the heap. Finally, he was up. He looked over at Bron, who had already made it to the top.
"Are you sure you're well enough to go the rest of the way?" Bron asked.
"I'm fine," Fyn said, "just a little tired, that's all."
They started down into the canyon on the other side, and Fyn quickly found that moving down was just as hard as moving up. It took all of his concentration to keep from slipping down the steep slope. By the time they reached the canyon floor, Fyn had experienced his share of slips and falls. It was good to be on solid ground again.
"Let's move," Bron said, "I don't know how much time we have."
Suddenly, a faint call for help echoed through the canyon. Bron's eyes widened.
"Someone ahead's in trouble, let's go."
"Do you think its the herd?" Fyn asked as he and Bron broke into a run.
"Anything's possible," Bron answered, "and at this point, I don't know who else it could be." Ahead, near the base of a tall mountain, Fyn could see some dinosaurs grouped together. "The herd!" he said, "that's them."
"Right," Bron said, "and that's why they're calling for help."
Fyn looked to where Bron was gesturing. The herd was being surrounded by Fast Biters moving in from all sides. He tried to count them, but stopped at thirty. There were definitely more than enough to make short work of everyone. He turned to ask Bron about his plan of action, but the Longneck was already gone, racing towards the threat. Fyn shook his head and followed; Bron was just like his own father, always jumping in to save the day no matter the odds. As they drew closer, Fyn noticed that the dinosaurs on the outside of the herd had formed a protective barrier around those on the inside, who were weaker. Then he saw something that very nearly stopped him in his tracks: one of the dinosaurs forming the barrier was a Fin-Neck. He'd never seen another Fin-Neck outside of his herd before. This one was female, and she was a light blue in color, still sporting the black stripe and spines that all Fin-Necks had. Fyn had to admit, she looked like she knew what she was doing, bellowing and lashing her tail at the Fast Biters with the rest of the herd. Fyn barely had time to notice her, however, before he and Bron plowed into the Fast Biters, scattering them on all sides.
Fyn stopped in the midst of the small Sharpteeth, and immediately swung into action, cracking his tail and sending Fast Biters flying. Others he kicked or shoved away. Bron, too, was in the thick of the fighting. He was fending off several of the Sharpteeth, and already had a few dazed ones heaped on the ground next to him. Soon, some of the herd began to join in the fight as well. The Fast Biters were confused. In their attack, they'd suddenly become the defenders. They realized the sudden reversal of roles, and quickly began to pull away, leaving the herd in peace. Fyn lowered his tail, leaving his defensive stance. Bron relaxed as well, returning to the herd. Shorty met him.
"Bron, you came back for us. Thank you."
"Don't thank me," Bron said, smiling, "it's my duty."
Shorty noticed Fyn. "Hey, it's you- Spines, or Saily or something like that."
"Fyn," Fyn said, stepping forward, "it's Fyn."
"Right," Shorty said, "I remember now. You met up with us a little while ago. Where's Littlefoot?"
"Injured," Fyn said, "but he's being looked after. He'll be fine."
Shorty breathed a sigh of relief, "thank goodness for that. Now, do you know a way out of here?"
"Of course," Fyn said, "right this way."
As he walked ahead, passing by the herd, Fyn looked for the Fin-Neck he had seen earlier. He couldn't see her. Then he looked back at Bron and found her talking to him. She'd evidently charged into the fight as soon as he and Bron had shown up. Fyn stopped.
"Very impressive," Fyn thought, "I should really talk to-"
He removed the thought from his mind. He really did want to talk to her, but something was holding him back. What was it? He'd never had problems introducing himself before. He tried to think, when the obvious hit him. It was the girl. She seemed different from the other girls he'd spoken with in his life. He didn't know how, exactly, but he knew it was true.
"Still," he thought, "I need to thank her for her help with the Fast Biters."
Taking a deep breath, he walked towards her.
"-And this is Fyn," Bron said, as Fyn drew nearer, "he's one of my son's friends."
The Fin-Neck turned her head to look at Fyn. Suddenly, Fyn felt his throat start to close. His heart was pounding in his chest. Something weird was definitely going on, here.
"Another Fin-Neck?" the Longneck said, "I've never seen any others. I'm Shael." She smiled. At the sound of her voice, Fyn could feel the blood rushing to his face, and he knew he was blushing.
"I'm Fyn," he said, "but you already know that- I mean, not like you knew that before, but that- I mean, Bron said- I-" he sighed. "Hi. Pleased to meet you."
A small chuckle escaped Shael's mouth. "And you as well." She turned to Bron. "We need to get moving. The Bright Circle won't be in the sky for much longer."
"Good idea," Fyn blurted out, then shut himself up. "I'll just... get to the front of the herd now. We're really not far away." He turned around and walked away, mentally kicking himself for his blundered conversation. He suddenly had a very good idea of why seeing Shael had put him outside his comfort zone, but he needed to talk to his parents first, to confirm his suspicions. Fyn felt that in the next few days, his life was about to become a whole lot more complicated.
Hm, any ideas on what's going on, yet? This is going to be kind of a new story genre for me to explore, and I expect I'll have a lot of fun with it. Chapters may not be released as quickly as "Where Paths Diverge," but I can promise that I will work on this story diligently. See ya next chapter, and as always, reviews are welcome.