Chapter 6
The next day, I could move better, but Buck wouldn't allow me to move much. He basically carried me the whole way. He didn't have any help either. He insisted that he could carry me by himself. My mother had been right after all. And speaking of which, I hadn't told anyone about meeting Mother and I don't think I would ever unless I was told by my mom that I should. And she would tell me so when I saw her again. She promised!
But I must say that I enjoyed being in Buck's arms. It was very comfortable. His fur was very soft and his walk wasn't bumpy so I could easily fall asleep, though I didn't. Oh, and my siblings had already made another leaf dress identical to my old one and so I was wearing that now.
As we entered the final cave, which had, like the Chasm of Death, no way across it seemed, Buck put me down and turned. "This is where I say goodbye. I will 'elp ya through this las' part and then I'm goin' back to the dinos. I'm sure you mammals don't want ta stay 'ere. It's much too dangerous."
Buck looked at me. "You have a choice though. You can stay with me if ya'd like. But I can understand if ya'd like to go back up. But I'll give you that choice!" I felt tears coming. I had to form a plan quickly so I could convince him to come up with us. I was sure that he wouldn't come on his own. And I was sure I couldn't persuade him.
I looked around. Then it hit me. I picked up a rock from the ground. "I need you to take me to the other side and then I'll decide." He nodded. I added, "I'll be the last one you take back. I'm sure everyone else is eager to get home as soon as possible." I turned to everyone and gave a quick wink that Buck couldn't see. They understood.
"Oh yes," Manny said. "I agree with Jade. We seriously need to get back." Everyone nodded. Buck nodded. So, each time a few went onto the platform held up by vines until it was my turn. Buck held out his hand and I took it. I went over the plan in my head as we went across and I knew if I played my cards right it would work.
We landed safely onto the other side. To my happiness, Buck stepped off the platform too. I spoke, "I've chosen to go up. But first I have a request." Buck seemed surprised, confused, but still understood my answer. "What do ya need?" I took a breath. "I wanted to see your knife." He blinked. "What?" I repeated, "I want to see your knife." He looked down at the fang and then handed it to me.
Now I had the rock in one hand and the knife in the other. I put the hand with the rock behind my back as I pretended to examine the knife. Then I tossed, without Buck noticing, the small rock up in the air so that it made a noise when it fell to the ground.
I gasped. "Did you hear that!? Is there something here!?" Buck pushed me behind him. "I heard it too!" He looked at the ground at the rock. I took my chance, slicing both the vines holding the platform in one swipe. The noise made Buck turn. He gasped as the platform fell and watched in horror as I yanked the remainder of the vines from the ceiling.
I turned around and dropped the knife on the ground. "There! Now you have to stay!" It was completely silent for forty seconds. But finally, "Y-you tricked me!" I nodded. He shook his head. "H-how em I going to get back now?" I glared, "You don't! You have to stay with me and I need to stay up there! You are coming with us!" He was about to say something but my sudden movement stopped him.
I walked forward, brought his face towards mine, and placed my lips against his. The reaction was weird! Everyone was stiff, especially Buck. Then slowly, he wrapped his arms around me as I did to him. I didn't hear much of what everyone else was doing or saying, but I could feel a happy feeling. When the kiss ended, Buck smiled, "Okay, ya've convinced me…"
.~.~.~.~.
Buck came with us to the surface and a lot happened after that: Buck became part of the family. The other herd adopted us into their weird, little family. And Buck and I became mates! I never thought things would end up this way, but like my mother said, it was destiny…
…till next time…
FIN