Chapter 11: "Goodbye" isn't Forever

Littlefoot and the gang walked out of what had formerly been the Dark-Dweller's cave. Outside, Thim was waiting, with his entire herd finally behind him again.

"The Dark-Dweller is gone, then?" he asked.

"Yes," Cera said.

"And what of Orn?"

"Dead," Terra said. "The Dark-Dweller took him. He died needlessly, though. I offered him my help, and he refused it."

Thim shook his head, and looked downwards, in mourning. "Orn wanted the best for the herd, but the old ways took control of him and twisted him into something he should never have been: a hate-filled creature who despised all who were somehow different. Even so, his death shakes me. For a long time before this madness began, we called each other friends. I only wish he could have changed his ways and lived to see us become free."

"We're very sorry," said Fyn.

Thim nodded, then looked up and smiled. "There were losses, today, but we are now free to roam as we please. You children have done us a great service. None have dared challenge the Sharpteeth that for so long held us here. Your hearts are strong and selfless, and for your courage and kindness, we all thank you."

"What will you do now?" Ruby asked.

Thim looked around at the Mysterious Beyond, stretching to the horizon. "We will not stay here. The Highmountains are a paradise, yes, but the memories are still too strong, the tragedy still fresh in everyone's minds. We will travel again, until we find a place to settle."

"Why not join us?" Littlefoot asked. "The Great Valley is a wonderful place to stay. There are no Sharpteeth, and plenty of herds, not to mention more food than you could ever eat."

Thim considered this offer. It certainly had its benefits. "I will think about this. My herd is only used to dealing with our own kind, but perhaps we can learn from you children. If you allow us to escort you out of the Highmountains, I will have an answer for you."

"Alright!" Fyn said. "It sure beats getting attacked by those little Sharpteeth again."

Ducky cringed, remembering how her actions had led to the Sharpteeth's attack. "Yes, I think being around the grown-ups is probably a good idea."

"Not just around us, little Swimmer," said Thim with a wink. "Why not allow us to give you a ride?"

"A ride? On a Fastrunner? Count me in!" Chomper said.

Several Fastrunners dipped their tails to the ground, and the kids climbed on.

"Ready?" Thim said.

"You bet!" said Fyn.

"Then we're off!"

The Fastrunners took off quickly. Fyn had never been this fast before, and the feeling was exhilirating. He smiled, and the wind whistled through his teeth. They were going so fast, it felt to him as if he'd left his stomach behind when they started. He looked at the rest of his friends. Chomper was enjoying himself, but it seemed Cera was hanging on for dear life. Fyn laughed. Finally, the dinosaurs felt alive again, knowing that they'd helped the Fastrunners and gained a new friend.

Terra, meanwhile, admired the Fastrunners' agility as they leaped effortlessly over crevices, and scurried across ledges on their way to the forest below. In the trees, they weaved in and out of the vegetation without a care. Terra had to duck several times to avoid low-hanging branches. She was on the ride of her life, and for the moment, she forgot about all of the challenges she still had to face. Right now, she was living in the moment, and nothing could break her happiness.

...

Finally, the Fastrunners slowed down and stopped at the forest's edge. Fyn recognized the place where he and Terra had first entered the forest. He smiled, recalling how Terra had wanted him to look away from her to hide her identity. Then he remembered how she'd saved his life from the small Sharpteeth later on. Terra had proven to be a good friend, and now, Fyn realized, it was time for her to make a hard choice.

Fyn stepped down from the Fastrunner he was on, and walked over to Terra, who was doing the same.

"That was awesome!" The Sharptooth exclaimed.

"Yeah, it was." Fyn's voice held laughter, but his eyes were serious.

"You know, Terra," he continued, "there's always a place in the gang for you. I don't think anyone here would object."

Terra looked at the faces around her, all of whom were smiling and nodding. She'd never had so many friends before. Could she go back to the Valley with them?

"Not a lot of Sharpteeth are lucky enough to earn a place in the Great Valley," Chomper added.

Then Terra remembered her conversation she'd had with Fyn the night before. He'd told her never to give up in the search for her parents. As much as Terra wanted to go with the gang, she knew she had another purpose.

"I'm sorry, guys," she addressed everyone, "but my purpose out here isn't done yet. I believe my parents are alive, and until I've used up all of my options, I'll keep on searching for them."

She looked to Fyn. "Thank you, all of you, and especially you, Fyn. You were the first to meet me, and you were kind enough to include me in your journey. And later, you listened to my words and overthrew your old feelings of distrust and anger. I respect you so much, and I hope you'll never forget me."

Fyn looked at Terra with a new respect. She had the option now to choose a life of peace and tranquility, free from famine, hurt, and danger, but instead she'd opted to loyally continue the search for her parents. It was a noble choice, and not one made easily.

"Terra," he said slowly, "I've never met another dinosaur quite like you. I respect your decision- it's the right one- and I will never forget you."

Terra smiled, "Thanks."

Meanwhile, Thim walked over to Littlefoot after talking amongst a few other Fastrunners and spoke.

"My companions and I have made our decision."

"And?" Littlefoot pressed.

"You children have shown us that it's possible to live peacefully amongst others who are different than us. Therefore, we have decided to join you on your journey back to the Great Valley."

The children cheered, happy to have company. Then they all turned back to Terra.

"I'm sorry you have to go," Littlefoot said to her. "I think I speak for everyone when I say we'll all miss you."

"I'll miss all of you, too." Terra said, "but who knows? Maybe someday when this is all done, I'll see you guys again. After all, I know where to find you."

"I'm looking forward to it," said Fyn.

"And I'd love to have the chance to talk to you some more," Terra said, turning to Chomper. The little Sharptooth blushed.

"Yeah, that'd be great!"

Terra lifted her head and turned back to the forest. She sniffed the air, cautiously. She'd just picked up a scent, and she wanted to be sure she was right about what it was.

"It's time for me to go now, I think," she said quietly, concentrating on the scent.

"Alright," Littlefoot said, "good luck and goodbye!"

"And may the Bright Circle always guide your path," Fyn added.

Terra broke concentration to look at Fyn quizzically.

"It's a Fin-Neck parting phrase," Fyn said, "to bring you luck."

"Oh," she said, "well thank you. Best of luck to you, too."

Fyn nodded and turned to join his friends and the Fastrunners. As he climbed up onto one of the Fastrunner's backs, he looked behind him at Terra one last time. She was heading off into the trees, back in the direction they had just come from, as if she was following something. Fyn hoped she would find her parents, and he knew her unbreakable spirit wouldn't let her stop until she did. As he looked away to the journey ahead, he smiled. A lot of dinosaurs could learn from a Sharptooth like Terra. She'd taught him to accept others without judgement based on appearance- something many of the elders in the Great Valley still didn't understand. As the Fastrunners began to move out, Fyn realized that he'd been taught more in the last two days than he'd learned for the season he'd avoided his friends. One single thought occupied his mind as he looked at the gang around him, and considered everything they'd been through.

It was good to be back.

…

Terra had followed the scent into the trees, and was starting to walk in an entirely different direction from the way she'd been wandering so far. There was no mistaking it now: the scent was definitely real, and it smelled like someone who could help her- another Sharptooth of her kind. She wandered through trees and shrubs until she came to a muddy, dried-up river bed. The smell was strongest here. She looked around, trying to locate the source, and almost fell into a humongous Sharptooth track. She scrambled back, trying to regain her balance, and got a better look at the print, studying its size and shape.

"No," she whispered in awe, "it can't be." She stared slack-jawed at what was unmistakably her father's footprint. Suddenly, she snapped out and pulled herself together. This meant that her family, or at least her father, had been here, and recently.

"Small world," she murmured, barely containing her excitement. Her body felt as if it could fly. There was hope after all. Fyn had been right!

She rolled her shoulders, stretched her legs out, and shivered with happiness. Soon, she knew, she'd find her family, and be reunited. Until then, she'd take whatever life saw fit to throw her way. Through it all, she'd persevere. Terra smiled.

"Come on, Mysterious Beyond," she said, following the tracks, "let's see how tough you really are."

So we now say goodbye to Terra. Again, thanks E-Mir for allowing me to feature her in this story. Just one more tidbit to go!