-v-

Chapter 33: Mistakes Realized

"If mistakes make people wiser, then he must be a genius."

~ Traditional flyer insult

Hanging Rock:

"It was nice to see Datum again! I guess he was too busy with his lessons to meet with us when we were outside the valley," Biter exclaimed before his sister quickly shushed him. None of them wanted to be grounded by Staza if she found out what happened.

"I wonder what kind of lessons rainbow-beaks get," Ambush pondered in a whisper, "Everything they do seems weird. We never did find out what that stick-rubbing game was about."

"Stick-rubbing game?" Sana asked, having overheard the others talking. His siblings were just as curious.

Biter rubbed his crest as the other children gathered around him, each of them displaying curious glances. "Um… I'm not sure how to explain it. But the messenger flyer that we use mentioned that Datum and Axiom were playing this game that involved a stick with a hole and something about rubbing it together. I never won the game."

"We never knew what the game was!" Pounce muttered as his orange feathers glimmered in the fading sunlight, "All we got from it were sore legs and tails."

"If the rainbowface kids are as odd as what we've been told about their parents, it might be smarter to deliberately not do anything you ever see them do that doesn't make sense," Gyors suggested, voicing his siblings' collective opinion on surprises.

It was then that a small flyer landed on Biter's back. It took Gyors a few moments before he remembered that the flyer was named after one of Petrie's fallen sisters.

"Well, they did accidently show my Daddy how to make sharpened sticks. Uh… when they accidently threw them at him. So sometimes their weird ideas are useful," Valaria affirmed.

"Useful?" Gyors asked angrily, glaring at the flyer. I'd still have my eye if those things didn't exist.

Valaria appeared to wilt under his glare before Nibble intervened by stepping forward, turning around, and making a placative gesture with his hands. "It did allow our moms and dads to save the Mysterious Beyond from Redclaw and Calin. But it is also useful for bad things as well."

"I knew that," Gyors muttered but otherwise let the matter drop.

"The rainbowface kids seemed nice once we got to know them," Ungu said in an attempt to change the subject somewhat.

"You and Datum did make a good riddle-solving team in the game," Biter acknowledged, "but Sauria is also a sharp one. Some of the riddles she came up with were really out there."

"It was almost like her head was in the clouds," Pounce offered with a tail-smirk.

"Not yet, but if nothing eats her before then her head will be in the clouds," Swipe teased.

"Ungu's seen what that looks like," Gyors said, knowing his sister wouldn't have volunteered the information herself, "Apparently it's not as fun as it sounds." I'm so glad I was in too much pain to notice.

This made Dive, who had landed on Pounce, look awkwardly at his flyer comrades. "Uh.. I guess it would be a different experience if you aren't the one actually flying."

"I was never happier to be on the ground again," Ungu said, "I don't know how flyers do it. Being that high up is scary."

This made the three flyers merely shrug. It was obvious that they had no idea how to respond to that.

It was then that Nibble loudly coughed, sparing the flyers from making a response. "Let's keep it down, guys. I smell Staza and Pearl."

"Then we're already caught," Sana said, giving Gyors an 'I told you so' look.

Yeah, sure. I'll admit it, Sana. It's almost impossible to hide from Mom when she's awake, Gyors thought.

It was then that the bushes in front of the children suddenly parted to reveal a familiar green fastbiter. The sudden appearance of their mother made Ungu and Portum noticeably cringe.

"So, what have you guys been up to?" Staza asked, doing a subtle head-count as she did so.

"Oh, just playing," Nibble affirmed as the rest of his 'pack' accumulated behind him.

We are definitely getting caught, Gyors thought.

"We didn't leave the area," Ungu said honestly, Portum nodding alongside her.

"What did you do, then?" Staza asked, focusing her attention on the two of her children most likely to break down and tell her everything.

Biter turned his head to match where Staza's gaze was directed. He wasted no time in interjecting. "We played a neat riddle game!"

"You did?" Staza asked, turning to Biter, "Who won?"

"Our team did!" Biter replied honestly and with an arrogant tail flick towards an annoyed Nibble.

You wouldn't have won without my sister's help, Gyors thought, She's surprisingly good at that game.

"So who was on your team?" Staza asked, sounding far too much like she already knew the answer for Gyors's liking.

"Um… well… there was me, Ungu, Lift, Pounce, Flip, Verok, Da-, and, um, Valaria."

That was close. If Mom keeps asking, she's going to find out what happened, Gyors thought worriedly.

Biter did his best to keep up a brave face as Staza kept her gaze upon him, but even he began to squirm after a few moments.

"Ungu, did Biter leave anyone out?" Staza asked, shifting her gaze to her daughter.

"Um, well..." Ungu couldn't handle the attention aimed at her. She looked around for help.

It was then that an audible groan escaped Nibble's beak before he looked down in defeat. "Tell her the truth, Ungu."

This made Dive live up to his name as the flyer landed in front of the green fastbiter. "What?"

Gyors and his siblings moved closer to Ungu in an unconscious show of support. Why do I get the feeling that Mom knows what happened already? Gyors thought.

Nibble, meanwhile, waved off the others dismissively. He kept his head held up high as exasperated groans and growls emanated from behind him. Nonetheless, the small little pack congregated around him as if complying with his decision. Biter, giving him a nod of reassurance, walked to his side as well. It was a silent show of support.

"So who wants to talk?" Staza asked, directing her attention back towards Nibble and Biter.

Gyors couldn't help but be relieved. He couldn't have explained what had happened any better than Ungu.

Both little biters shared a look before Biter reluctantly stepped forward and faced the adult fastbiter. "Some of my leaf-eater friends played with us too… they snuck out of the Great Valley. Um… Flip told me that they were on the way."

"Was he that leafeater flyer that didn't notice the two other flyers following him?" Staza asked, her tone betraying annoyance at such lack of awareness.

Biter nodded a bit too readily, "That's him. He isn't very observant." But then he blinked. "Wait…"

"You were watching us the whole time!" Pounce accused as he crossed his arms in indignation, though his expression betrayed more exasperation than anger.

Nibble groaned as he looked down again. "Well, this sucks…"

"Considering who your parents are, you guys aren't as good at keeping things secret as I thought you'd be," Staza said, "I thought I'd be trying to drag you out of the valley by now."

This made Ambush nudge her brother as Pounce rubbed his side in annoyance. "What gave us away? It was probably your shiny orange ass again!"

"You also have a shiny orange ass, sis!" Pounce muttered, "I bet Staza saw you."

"Saw you, heard you, smelled you. You guys weren't exactly subtle," Staza said.

"Awwww…" the assembled fastbiters and flyers muttered in unison. Staza's words added insult to their already injured egos.

"So why did your friends come out here?" Staza asked, focusing once again on Nibble and Biter, "You know it's dangerous out here."

Biter sighed. "Well, we weren't able to see my friends when we were outside of the valley because Datum and Axiom were busy with their studies, whatever that means… so since we were stuck out here anyway and they have journeyed further anyway on their adventures…"

"It's still dangerous," Staza said, "Among other things, there could've been a misunderstanding."

This made all of the children look at one another in confusion.

"What? You mean like you might have eaten one of them by mistake?" Dive asked as he flew back to his perch on the bluffs above.

"Myself or one of the others here watching you guys. Not all of us have met your friends," Staza said.

Gyors watched as Biter and Nibble both looked from face to face, noting the smug looks on the faces of the two large sharptooth flyers in the distance and Staza's own bemused face.

Biter looked down. "Oh… right. We didn't think of that."

Staza sighed, her expression becoming resigned. "Next time they visit, let me know beforehand," she said, "We don't need any more issues with the valley right now."

I didn't think Mom would ever agree to that, Gyors thought in surprise.

"You're… okay with them visiting?" Biter exclaimed in a soft squawk.

"I don't like it, and I'm worried that you're going to hurt yourselves," Staza said, "However, they are your friends, and you're likely to try to see them regardless of what I tell you. The situation with the valley is, well, it's not what it was. You can see your friends, but they have to come here. Don't you ever even think about entering the valley."

This earned her a few nods from the children as they processed this information.

"What's wrong with the valley, Mom?" Ungu asked nervously.

Staza sighed. "Well, dear, we're a danger to them. Your friends might be fine being near sharpteeth, but their parents might not agree, and other parents definitely wouldn't agree. If there is a misunderstanding, well, parents are going to deal with what they think is a threat first and worry about the details later."

"Grandpa Threehorn might crush you!" Pounce noted helpfully before his sister shushed him with a glare.

"Thank you for that image, Pounce," Gyors said, noticing that Ungu was visibly frightened.

"Just promise me you'll stay out of the valley," Staza said finally.

Ungu nodded while the remaining children all gave grunts of affirmation.

It's not like we can sneak past you, anyways, Gyors thought.

The Great Valley:

Cloud grumbled frustratedly as he carefully landed on a rocky outcropping. This is the last time I let Brakus pick where we meet.

"Ah, there you are! Has there been any word from uncle or sis? Or are they planning on having us keep the bluff warm for them?"

Brakus's voice certainly had deepened over the years, but his jocular tone had never waivered. Cloud assumed that was the reason why he attracted the lady flyers, but never could get them to stay. He had the body of a female flyer's dream but the charisma of a mosquito.

"I think Flap should be here soon. Uncle refused to say when he'd come," Cloud replied.

Brakus's sigh erupted like a thunderclap as he rolled his eyes. "No doubt he expects us to sit put while he takes his time! Why did I agree to this again?"

"Because you're bored and have nothing else to do?" Cloud suggested, Why do you think I work for Mom?

Brakus humphed, but did not challenge his brother's assessment. "I should have volunteered for the valley messengers. That worked out well for Valo." He then paused as his eyes widened a bit in recognition. "Well, except for that time he got lost over the Big Water."

"And that's why you have to pay attention to where you're going. Never fly out of sight of land," Cloud said, "Otherwise it's not a bad thing to be." He paused as if thinking for a moment. "He met his mate when she helped him back to land, right?"

Brakus fixed his brother with narrow eyes. "I will find Ms. Right soon enough! At least I am looking for one, brother!"

"I've been practicing my flying. If you bothered to do so, you might actually manage to attract a female," Cloud replied.

Brakus appeared ready to respond when a shadow suddenly appeared over him. A quick glance upwards confirmed the identity of the newcomer.

Flap landed with a soft thud. She then immediately proceeded to put her wings together as if appraising her two brothers, but the jocular smirk confirmed her intent. "By the Bright Circle, you two! Are you fighting over some female? I will help both of you out: she probably isn't interested in either of you."

"I just gave him some advice. He didn't like it," Cloud replied. Ignoring how I said it...

Brakus growled as he waved a wing dismissively. "You two are awful!"

Flap rolled her eyes before dropping the facade. "I must apologize for my delay… unlike certain males…."

"Bah!" Brakus turned away in annoyance.

"...I have several hungry mouths that demanded to be fed before Altor could watch them for a while. Sometimes I feel like I am getting food for a herd of spiketails instead of five flyers! I have no idea how Mama took care of us alone!"

"I honestly don't know," Cloud said, "Maybe you should ask her. It might help."

A thud to their left confirmed the arrival of their final participant. "Well, nieces and nephews, if there is one being more stubborn than me, it is your mother. Who else could get away with bossing around your dear Pterano?"

This made Brakus break out of his huff in an instant. "So Mom put you up to this, too?"

Pterano snorted. "She insisted that she would be expected at the meeting and that our quarry thinks she might be on to them." The elder flyer then put a wing to his chest in a faux-arrogant manner. "I, on the other hand, will not be missed by our dear Mr. Threehorn, and none of you three appear to be suspected as watchers. So Volant wishes for me to brief you on what is coming next."

"She already knows what the Valley is going to decide?" Flap queried, beating Cloud to the same question.

Pterano hesitated a moment. "She and I disagreed on her assessment of the situation, but in a case like this, shall we say, caution is the best policy. If she is wrong, then we can go back to our previous plan."

"And that was?" Cloud asked.

Pterano rolled his eyes at his nephew's passive-aggressive question, as Brakus outright laughed. "I know that it may not sound like much of a plan, Cloud, but watching and waiting was our best option until we knew more. We can't simply accuse the domeheads and then say that we flyers witnessed all of this, because you know what their herd leader will retort."

"The beak-faces are making it up! It's a conspiracy! You just don't like it that we support the Old Ways and want us gone!" Flap replied helpfully.

"Exactly," Pterano affirmed, "But if the valley is about to decide what Volant thinks they are going to decide then the domeheads might become emboldened. This could allow us an opening to find out who all is in on this… and then it is just a matter of making one of them think that telling the valley all is better than the alternative."

"So we wait for them to make a mistake?" Cloud asked.

Pterano nodded. "I think that is our best option for now. If they think that they are winning then they might try something overt and we can catch them in the act. We need proof that we can actually show the valley in a meeting, and not mere accusations."

"What if they already have been in the act?" Brakus interrupted, "Some little guy got bashed in the valley and, though I might not be the sharpest beak in the nest..."

"You can say that again…" Flap muttered under her breath.

"...I don't think this is something that a sharptooth did. Wouldn't they eat the little shit instead of leaving him there?" Brakus finished.

"For the love of the Bright Circle, Brakus! Someone died!" Flap protested.

"No, wait, Brakus has a point!" Cloud interrupted, "This crime, the first one in the valley in so long…"

"It is odd, isn't it?" Pterano admitted. "But once again we are left with nothing to work with. Much of the valley suspects sharpteeth, and others suspect hidden runners. So… we are left with your mother's idea."

All three of the adult flyers leaned in as if expecting their uncle to whisper the answer. They were not disappointed.

"Our dear domeheads are not rational, that much is certain. The 'alliance' as it is, is simply an agreement that we give healing plants to the hidden runners, the hidden runners give us their special healing plants, we both agree to not spy on one another, and we both pretend not to notice that we disobey that last point all the time."

Brakus snorted at Pterano's assessment. There was no doubt that this was the truth.

"So… what exactly are they trying to break? It is obvious what Wrok would get out of this: a weakened Ignis and a path to power, but what do the domehead conspirators get out of this? Have any of you three asked this question?" Pterano finally queried.

All three of the siblings looked at one another with blank expressions before Cloud finally looked back towards his uncle with a hesitant posture. "I, um, just always assumed that they hated us having anything to do with half-teeth and wanted us to be on our own."

Pterano nodded. "Exactly."

"What?" Flap tilted her head in confusion. "That is stupid! We have saved so many people because of the blue petals and rough roots, and we can only get that from the hidden runner lands."

"Hate and fear are not rational things," Pterano affirmed, "And we should not expect their next move to be rational either. So, for that reason, you three are going to have some help during your next spying session. Some help that is going to listen in when we cannot get close enough."

Cloud looked at his uncle in confusion until he noticed that his uncle was gesturing at the ground below. As he glanced down he initially did not see anything out of the ordinary on the grassy land below, but that was when he saw several tiny necks appear above the short grass. Surely his uncle wasn't serious.

"In my defense, this was Spotter's idea. I take it that you all are familiar with the tinysauruses?"

The outskirts of the Hidden Streams:

"Alright, what appears to be the problem?"

Orchid cautiously approached the brown fastbiter as he secured a cut of vine from his makeshift storage packet on his back. True, it was little more than a collection of dried leaves and nuts held in place by vines, but it worked.

But the logistics of his medical supplies was not what concerned him right now. This was his first chance to treat an injury on one of the young fastbiters. A fastbiter that would have been chasing him for food if they had met a mere few weeks prior.

"I twisted my leg a bit. It's really nothing, but my pack leader wants me to get it looked at anyway," the fastbiter replied, not exactly thrilled to have gotten even a minor injury, especially one that wasn't from fighting.

Orchid nodded slowly but noticeably kept his gaze on the predator's spear.

"I think he is worried about being impaled, Bellow!" Buse offered helpfully as he handed his patient, a hidden runner, a small nut. "This should help with the swelling."

The fastbiter dropped the spear. "Do you want me to remove my teeth and claws, too?" he asked sardonically.

"Preferably not. I'm sure Mender would want me to put them back in!" Orchid verbally jabbed, which made the predator snort. Though this did seem to ease the tension as Orchid examined the fastbiter's ankles.

And tried to ignore the gigantic sickle claws that could cut him open.

"Okay, I am going to put some pressure on parts of your foot. Try not to rip me open, alright?" Orchid muttered.

"Yeah, it would be a lot of work to put him back together!" Buse retorted behind them.

"Not helping, Buse!" Orchid protested back.

Orchid then carefully put one hand on the fastbiter's right foot, which made the predator jerk slightly as if getting used to the sensation of another being touching him. Thank you, Mender, for teaching me this trick. If he jerked for this, then he would rip me apart for… this. He then applied slight pressure to the hind portion of the foot that had a noticeable twitch.

"What are you doing?" the fastbiter growled irritatedly, "I can still eat you, you know."

Orchid quickly stopped applying pressure before backing away slightly. "Not if you want to be healed! You were right, by the way. It is just a sprain."

"Oh, I don't know, Orchid… don't you want to double-check?" Buse taunted.

"I'm sure he can eat you too, Buse," Orchid retorted back which earned him a chuckle and a placative hand gesture from the hidden runner.

The fastbiter looked at the two healers, confused at how nonchalant they were at being around a predator. It was too strange to be insulting. "Is this normal for you guys?"

Orchid rolled his eyes. "Sadly, yes."

Buse shrugged as he handed Orchid a bit of dried root. "Hey, I just got to mess with the new guy, you know?" the hidden runner then whispered in Orchid's ear, "He probably only needs half, but go ahead and give him the full."

Orchid blinked. "Why?"

Buse rolled his eyes. "Because if I am wrong and half doesn't do the job, do you want to deal with this tail-chaser again? There is more of this root nearby, so we shouldn't be running low."

Orchid shrugged and walked over to the predator, extending his hand and the root. "You might want to take this in two doses, one in the evening and another tomorrow morning, but that is up…"

The fastbiter ignored the advice and ate the entire root immediately. He soon regretted that action.

Orchid groaned as he walked away, "...to you."

The fastbiter started gagging. "What's this stuff do?" he asked, now worried, which made him angry.

"It eases pain and reduces swelling," Buse interjected, "It also tastes awful, which is why my friend here recommended you take it in two smaller doses."

"Tell the deputies that you need to rest for the rest of the day, healer's orders," Orchid finally finished before giving the not-so-charming fastbiter a wave of dismissal.

The annoyed fastbiter walked off, muttering vague threats and insults at the fastrunner.

Orchid waited a few moments before releasing the breath he was not aware that he had been holding. Then, putting his hands on his hips, he fixed Buse with a glare. "Was it necessary to antagonize that asshole?"

Buse walked over to the fastrunner and put a hand on his shoulder. "For this ankle-biter it is best to act like one of the 'pack' so to speak. Trust me, acting like prey in front of them simply makes it worse."

Orchid sighed. "Well, hopefully the rest of the fastbiters have a better personality than that. Imagine if I had to get a sharp stick out of him or something?"

"In that case you come get me," Mender said, having quietly walked up on the two.

This made Orchid jump up in surprise before he put on an annoyed frown. "Every single time."

"You were focusing on a patient like you were supposed to," Mender said, "I'd be disappointed if you had known I was here."

Buse took this opportunity to give his report to Mender. "We had three sprains, two minor cuts, and a hidden runner with the shits. Not bad for a battle."

"I don't think the guy with the shits got that from the battle," Buse added teasingly.

"Have either of you seen Cynnil?" Mender asked, curious as to where the hidden runner had disappeared to.

Orchid nodded. "She mentioned that she was going to talk to Seeker about the supply situation. I guess she already did a check on the lack of major injuries."

"I think that was what she left me here for," Mender replied.

This made the fastrunner rub his purple crest in exasperation. Thank goodness this battle went well; otherwise our disorganization might cost lives! As he looked at Mender's form she could see a curl of exasperation in her tail as well. I guess she feels the same way, too.

"Mender!"

Orchid jumped again as Leap ran onto the scene in a desperate sprint. He didn't even need to take a look at Leap to know something serious had happened. He quickly gestured at Buse and then at his own back. It was time to load up supplies for whatever had happened.

"Over here," Mender called before moving some distance away so she and Leap would be out of the way of the other two healers.

Orchid tried to control his breathing. If this was a medical emergency, then he knew that Mender would take the lead. "Let's get the no pain leaves and blood-taker roots."

"Way ahead of you, leaf-holder!" Buse half-joked in using his nickname, but the banter was understandably terse.

"What!" Orchid heard Mender shout. The fastbiter was soon rushing past, almost knocking the pair over in her haste.

Orchid could only look at Buse with a bemused expression. "What in the name of the ancestors was that?"

"How exactly did this happen?" Mender asked her brother, doing her very best to remain calm. Remember, save your anger for the one that deserves it.

The dinosaur that stood in front of her was undoubtedly her brother, but he lacked the calm confidence that typically radiated through his form. Instead, his head hung slightly lower, and his tail leaned downward as if it were being dragged down by an unseen weight.

"All that we knew was that hidden runners were in the area, they had pointy sticks, and that they did not respond to Spotter's call. We did not see the nest until we tried to find out where they were living… that is when Leap found out that they only crossed the stream at one point… and when we followed the scent trail it led us to the nest." Her brother sighed. "I wanted you to know before any of the other biters know about this."

"Keep it that way," Mender said, "I don't want anyone over here." If someone does come, I'm not sure I won't kill them right now. I really need to calm down.

Verant nodded quickly, as if expecting that answer. "Leap and I can keep watch. Do you want one of us to get the rest of your pack?"

"Maybe get Orchid in a moment," Mender said, thinking, "Where's Seeker?"

Verant paused for a moment, giving his sister a wary look. "I think he is getting ready to talk to the deputies… but he is waiting on me."

"Alright, then. Let's go," Mender said, fully expecting her brother to lead the way. After a moment she turned towards Leap. "Don't leave those eggs unguarded, Leap."

Leap dutifully walked towards the nest as a familiar purple fastrunner peeked through the tall grass. "Um, you guys wanted me?"

"Leap will explain. Don't do anything stupid until I get back," Mender said, her tone containing an unusual level of menace. I know you'll do your best, Orchid, but I need that best to truly be your best. No panicking. No impulsive actions... Wow. I'm a hypocrite. She immediately softened her tone. "It's not good."

Orchid seemed to grow rigid immediately before giving her a firm nod. "As you command."

"Alright, Mender. Let's get this over with," Verant finally said, "Try not to kill anyone." He was not encouraged by his sister's lack of response.

"Are we sure that everything is alright? Verant is usually not the one to be late."

Defiance's unusually subdued words jarred Littlefoot more than a harsh retort would have. True, they had been waiting for his arrival for an unusual amount of time, but he was the cautious one when it came to security…

Littlefoot turned around and gave his best reassuring nod. "I am sure he is just investigating before he gives his final report. He shares my concern about how strangely the hidden runners were acting."

It was now that he again had the opportunity to read the crowd as the various battle deputies walked around tensely. Cera and Loosejaw talked in hushed tones, while Defiance merely gave Littlefoot a nod as if to acknowledge his answer without overtly agreeing with it. Valiant, Grimace, and Howler broke out of a discussion upon Littlefoot's answer, however, with Grimace living up to his name in his facial expression. Littlefoot braced himself for whatever verbal jab was coming.

"With all due respects to Verant and his concerns, when aren't the hidden shits not acting strangely?"

Stay calm, Seeker. At least you don't have to deal with Luca as a deputy… "True, hidden runners are notoriously odd, but it makes sense to make sure that this is not a dangerous kind of odd."

Littlefoot then looked towards Cera who, to her credit, almost kept her annoyance off of her facial features. "Should I check on him, sir?"

Thank you, Stern Claw. We can talk about this later, but not in front of the other deputies. "Let's give him a few more moments. If it comes down to it then we can have Soar get some exercise by tracking him down."

"Good luck with that. If he doesn't want to be found we'll be waiting here all day," Loosejaw said, slightly amused at the idea.

Littlefoot cocked his tail in a slight smirk at this as some of the tension was relieved in the assembled dinosaurs. Nonetheless, the varied reactions were clear reflections of one of his major concerns going forward. I am surrounded by pack leaders who now are deputies. Ancestors help me if I ever have to pull rank… He quickly shook the thought out of his mind. He would cross that stream when he got to it. In the meantime he had the task of protecting everyone's sense of honor while moving things along. A task for which he was more confident.

"Ah, I think there they are now. Is that Mender as well?" Howler's voice interrupted his thoughts as Littlefoot turned around to examine where he was pointing.

What greeted his eyes was a scene that at first looked nothing out of the ordinary. Verant walked with deliberate purpose, his head held high. All the while his eyes stared straight ahead, neither conveying excitement nor concern. He was unreadable as usual.

Behind the blue fastbiter was a violet form that was recognizable from almost any distance. Mender's purple hue gleamed in the sun as her walk proceeded with cautious slowness. All the while her tail jerked with an unusual tenseness. It was as if someone had brought back the uncertain Violet of yesteryear, given her the skills of Mender, but juxtaposed Stern Claw's tail behind her. This was perplexing to the brown fastbiter. What had happened?

He took a step forward, but that was when he looked into Mender's eyes. Within them was an unreadable, almost dangerous coldness… and her gaze was directed right at him.

Great… something tells me that a new problem has arrived.

Littlefoot turned back towards the others. "I am going to check on Mender's report just in case it is meant to be confidential. You know how she is with those she heals…" He then caught Cera's eyes and pointed at his own. Keep an eye on me.

He then turned around and walked away from the gathering. As he took his first steps towards what he assumed was a new problem, he could feel his heart keep pace with his walk. It was a steady beat… inevitable and firm. Against the unknown he did his best to clear his thoughts as he awaited whatever his friends had to tell him.

As Verant and Mender approached, however, an almost imperceptible change in course made Littlefoot's pulse quicken. For, as Mender continued to walk straight towards him, tail cocked in obvious agitation, Verant broke away and walked past him. It was only the sound of fading footsteps and Littlefoot's peripheral vision that confirmed that Verant was about three body-lengths to his side. He caught the implications immediately.

A defensive stance for his sister. Alright.. So Mender must be upset over something. Littlefoot looked up at her curiously. Did we lose someone?

Littlefoot took a deep breath. "Mender, is everything alright?"

"Alright? Alright?" Mender, asked her tone almost disbelieving, "You know everything that happened lately, and you ask me if everything is 'alright'?"

Littlefoot did not break his concerned stare but instead put out one hand in a placative gesture. Thinking quickly, he adjusted the focus of his words. "What happened?"

"You murdered several hidden runners that I'm not even sure were on anyone's side and left me trying to make sure you didn't add three unhatched eggs to the total," Mender said bitterly, "That's what happened."

Littlefoot did not immediately answer, as he processed the other fastbiter's words. Murdered. It was a strong charge, but in reality it was what his kind did daily in order to fill their bellies. But the implication was clear here. Did she have proof that these hidden runners were not part of the conflict? Then why did they get spears? And eggs?

His eyes widened then. Eggs. Oh...That explains why… shit.

"They were defending a nest?" Littlefoot asked slowly and cautiously.

"Where else would you expect to find eggs?" Mender snapped.

Littlefoot bit back his instinctual response to snap at the female but instead chose to respond with silence for a few moments. Calm down, Mender. I don't like this any more than you. Breathing slowly, he counted to eight before he spoke again. He now had enough information to realize that Mender was pissed and she now had a mission of her own. It would be helpful now to let her know that he agreed with what he could guess her mission was.

"Have you secured the nest? If not then we need to do that now before any of the young biters get any ideas," Littlefoot offered diplomatically.

"Leap and Orchid are watching it," Mender said, now trying to keep her tone at least somewhat under control.

Littlefoot nodded slowly. This immediately told him two things: one, the presence of Orchid clearly indicated where Cynnil's healer pack stood on this matter. Second, the presence of Leap clearly indicated Verant's thoughts. We really messed up here. Where did we go wrong?

"This is our mess, and we are honor-bound to the fallen pack's legacy. If they were neutral they died for a pointless mistake, and if they were not… their unhatched younglings are blameless in this all the same," Littlefoot said slowly, as if clearly delineating his stance, "But Mender, there is something that you need to understand about this situation. Something that I had to learn the hard way."

Not waiting for her response, Littlefoot carefully sat down. It would have been obvious to any onlookers that this would put him at a disadvantage in any battle. As such it was simultaneously a show of confidence in Mender and an attempt at deescalation. Whether it would be taken as such by the enraged dinosaur, however, was another question entirely.

"And what might that be?" Mender asked, making no move to sit down but instead taking a couple steps back.

"Back when we were fighting against Redclaw's pack. How many innocent fastbiters do you think we killed in the process? How many people were there just because they were forced to be there?" Littlefoot prompted before again looking in Mender's direction with tired eyes.

"Did you outnumber them ten to one and have flyers that are supposed to be able to tell you what's ahead scouting for you?" Mender asked.

"No, but we did have a chance to have a more even fight… or to use the terrain to our advantage." Littlefoot was looking at Mender, but his eyes were staring past her, towards horrifying memories that only he could see. "We took that option. We tricked them into going into the mud pits… and we heard what they said as it pulled them further and further. Biters calling for their mothers. Calling for lost friends. Calling for their comrades. All until they were silenced by the uncaring mud."

Littlefoot closed his eyes and shook his head, trying to clear those memories. "When you are a leader you have to make choices with limited information. You also have to deal with the fates of your entire pack in your hands. A mistake can lead to the loss of everything you hold dear… and this can make one favor paranoia over trust. It can make one be more willing to use their claws first and ask questions later."

Mender subtly glanced over at Verant before looking back at Littlefoot.

"Look, Mender, we fucked up here. I fucked up here. And because of this a family is dead that probably shouldn't be." He looked up at her with the torment raging in his eyes. "I also know that nothing that I can say or do can bring them back. But, I would be lying to you if I said that they will be the last innocents to die in this conflict. We are about to go into their lands. There they will have an advantage, and we will have to strike first and ask questions later."

He sighed heavily. "So, what would you do in my situation? Where delay or turning back not only means dishonor, but quite possibly the future destruction of your pack or its flight beyond the reach of its enemies? Because that is my reality right now. If people are going to fall, then I want to make sure it isn't my own, not without a fight at least."

"What would I have done? I would have left. I'm a healer, Seeker. I don't try to hurt anyone if I can help it," Mender replied.

And here it comes… the walking away. Give me a moment first, Mender. "You are indeed a healer, Mender. A great one at that. I just fear how many people will be hurt if we fail out here. Wrok targeted you - a healer who endeavors not to harm anyone. If that is his will, then how many will he hurt before he is stopped?"

Littlefoot put out both hands in front of him as if gesturing at something in front of him. "As hard as it may be, I think that you know where you can help the greatest number of people. Not only among our ranks, but also among our victims. Because, Mender, I know there is something that you are willing to do that no one else in this pack is."

Mender looked at Littlefoot intently, listening carefully even if she wasn't entirely convinced by his arguments.

"You are brave enough to call me out to my face. You are also willing to help anyone who gets hurt in this ancestor-forsaken fight," He let his words stick for a few moments before continuing, "We need you to keep us honest. Because if we can see what you are willing to save, then you can keep us from becoming the monsters that our enemies are."

He then looked down. They had already nearly failed in that regard. "And when monstrous things happen you can try to make it right. Because in this fight we don't just need a healer for our bodies, we need a reminder of what we are fighting for."

"That you can forget so easily is rather frightening," Mender admitted, "So far the worst injury I've had to deal with was self-inflicted. What do you expect me to do when I'm the only fastbiter that hasn't been hurt?"

Littlefoot was silent for a few long moments as he considered her words. They had indeed only completed their first battle, and there already were several casualties. What could they end up doing when the battle entered a fever pitch?

"What happened today was not caused by malice; it was caused by a horrible mistake. I know that doesn't change anything for those who died, but it does need to be considered." Littlefoot sighed deeply. "The moral responsibility will be on me and the deputies to keep the young ones in check. Both for the sake of them and for the innocents out there."

He then looked intently at Mender. "Is there anything that I can do for the survivors? The unhatched?"

"Keep everyone away from them. They're my responsibility," Mender said firmly, "You can tell everyone what happened here, though. The younger ones need to know what they're getting into."

Littlefoot took this opportunity to rise and then, in a slow movement, lowered his head in a clear expression of apology. "I will make sure that they know. They are my responsibility."

Mender opened her mouth as if to say something but remained quiet, as if she had thought better of it. Instead she simply nodded to Littlefoot and turned to leave.

Reluctantly, Littlefoot allowed Mender to retreat. No doubt she was going to check on the eggs and to determine her next steps. But none of this could distract him from the mission that lay before him. He had a battle conference to lead.

He gave Verant a glance. The other fastbiter noticeably had a more relaxed expression. "Your sister is a stronger leader than she realizes."

"I think you'd have to tell her she's a leader first," Verant replied, "She'd probably disagree with you." He looked towards where the other fastbiters were waiting. "No use waiting, I guess."

Littlefoot nodded as he gestured for Verant to follow him to where the others were gathered. "Indeed, we have much to discuss…"

Much more than I realized.

The nest:

"Um… it looks like it might rain soon. Do, um… the eggs need to be sat on or something?"

Orchid asked awkwardly as he maintained his long circling path through the tall grass, keeping the eggs in sight and making sure nothing snuck up on them. All the while Leap's predatory form kept a much more overt position right next to the eggs, just in case someone got past the vigilant fastrunner. Leap, for his part, remained silent. He knew the exasperated fastrunner would speak his mind soon enough.

Orchid stopped suddenly and peered over the grass. "Look, I don't know much about eggs, alright! I just don't want Mender plucking out my feathers if the eggs get wet or something. She was not happy!"

Leap's sigh could be heard across the distance separating the two dinosaurs, but he did not move from his position. "Orchid, I think this is something to leave up to Mender and the hidden runners. I don't know the first thing about what to do about hidden runner eggs."

Orchid held out his arms in a confused shrug. "But didn't you and Haven…"

Mate and have kids? Yes, Orchid, I kind of noticed. Leap rolled his eyes and waved the fastrunner off. "That was different. I knew that it was my place to warm the eggs, and then Haven would hunt. Then we would switch at night. But do you know what Haven told me, Orchid?"

Orchid now looked even more confused. "Wait, she did most of the hunting?"

Leap nodded, as if he did not notice his confusion. "Exactly! It seems that with leaf-eaters the males do the defending and females do the egg-warming. So I guess each kind has its own ways. For all we know these eggs might just be left with no parental help until they hatch." He said the last words as he gestured at the three white orbs.

Orchid groaned as he picked up his spear and proceeded to resume his sentry walk. This led to his purple head disappearing from Leap's view as, in its place, was merely the occasional flash of purple between the swaying grass. "Well, if hidden runners just keep their nest hidden, then at least that makes sense. This is the first one that I have seen."

Leap nodded at that but remained silent. The banter from Orchid was a welcome distraction of the heat of battle and its aftermath, but it did little to resolve his growing concerns. I have no idea what is going to happen now. If Mender and her pack leave, then that will put us in a worse position, but… He looked again at the eggs. ...where we are going is no place for hatchlings.

"Here comes Cynnil!" Orchid barked out before raising his spear through the grass and waving it. "Stop, ma'am! Mender's orders."

Leap nearly sprung from his spot as he raised his head to see the newcomer. Despite this effort, the form of Cynnil was not apparent against the verdant backdrop of the tall grass. Darn hidden runners.

"Oh, so she outranks me now?" Cynnil asked in a teasing manner.

Leap heard what sounded like a sputtering answer. "N-no, it is just that she told me to obey Leap until she got back, and Leap told me to not let anyone pass until he says."

Cynnil snorted but decided to shift her attention to Leap. "Permission to approach?" she asked a bit more seriously.

Leap sprung forward and pushed some of the tall grass aside. "Granted. We… have a bit of a situation here."

"What kind of a situation?" Cynnil asked, all traces of humor now gone, "What happened?"

There was no immediate response from the Leap or Orchid, which made her concern grow even more. Before she could speak again, however, Leap moved aside and gestured at the nest that was behind him. "We have an egg problem, ma'am. This… is what the hidden runners were defending."

"What!" Cynnil stared at the nest in disbelief before turning around, her body language radiating anger. "How could this happen?" she muttered to herself.

"That is what Mender is going to find out," Leap answered carefully, "She and Verant went over to speak to Seeker and the others. No one saw this coming."

"What have you done with the eggs so far?" Cynnil asked after a moment, turning back towards the eggs.

"We have just watched them so far. Verant and Mender wanted us to keep them safe and to make sure no one else knew about this yet," Leap answered quickly.

"So you've kept everyone else away. Good," Cynnil said. She then proceeded to question Orchid and Leap on exactly what they'd done to or near the eggs since they'd first seen the eggs.

"Alright, then. I need both of you to gather some grass so we can make a new nest. This one's a bit of a mess," Cynnil finally said, "No, wait. Leap you should probably watch for trouble. Orchid and I will take care of the nest."

"What?" Orchid muttered. Leap could clearly see the male with a terrified glint in his eyes as Cynnil quickly shifted from a pack leader mentality to maternal one. "I'm a fastrunner," Orchid then choked out, as if that clarified the matter.

"So you want to get ripped apart when Mender gets back over here?" Cynnil asked.

"N-no! I just don't know the first thing about eggs or nests! That is female stuff!" he clarified desperately.

"You know what grass is, right?" Cynnil asked, "And you're capable of following instructions." She sighed, her demeanor changing slightly. "Just think of it like you're being a healer. If you're not a healer, then you're an egg stealer standing next to eggs in a nest whose caretaker is returning. Consider which one is less painful."

This appeal to his survival instincts seemed to have the desired effect as Orchid quickly nodded and went to the tall grass. Wordlessly, he began to pull the grass out in preparation of further instructions from the exasperated female.

Leap resisted the urge to close his eyes in exasperation as he continued his watch of the orphaned nest. Despite this, he couldn't help but spare them another long look. What is to become of you guys? Before the alliance it would be simple; you would be a meal given to us by cruel fate. But now? We did this… but what kind of world are you going to hatch into?

It took a few moments, but finally he forced himself to look away. The eggs without a supervising parent brought back unpleasant memories. Memories of a nest with one less egg. Memories of a massacre of numerous egg-stealers. Memories of five hatchings that were happy, but still bittersweet. One of their siblings would now never be.

I promise we will find a place for you kids. We at least owe you that.

Cynnil somewhat more carefully gathered some grass herself before returning to the nest. "Alright, Orchid. I can take it from here. Go help Leap keep watch," Cynnil said, taking Orchid's grass from him.

"Hey! Who let you...? Oh, it's you, Cynnil," Mender said, suddenly rushing up to the nest.

Leap was now completely alert as he stepped away from the nest. "There were no other intruders."

"Good job," Mender said briskly before addressing Cynnil, "How are the eggs?"

Cynnil examined the eggs carefully as she placed grass around each one, it was as if she were suiting each one up in armor made of grass. "They are warm, but they will need additional grass for the nighttime. Grass helps with distributing heat." She then put a hand on one of the eggs. "I cannot feel any pecking, so hatching is not imminent."

"I'm not sure whether that's a good thing or a bad thing," Mender said, carefully looking the eggs over.

This made Cynnil give her a curious look. "Well, the longer it is before hatching the better chance we have of finding them a new home. We… my kind usually only adopts if the bond can be established… or if they are at the age of speech." She then looked up at her. "So if these guys hatch on us it will be next to impossible to find a good home."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Mender muttered, "We're kinda short on hidden runners at the moment."

"And they are all guys, right?" Orchid asked as he handed Cynnil another batch of gathered grass.

Cynnil nodded. "Except for me."

"So what do we do?" Mender asked.

This made Cynnil stop as she gazed at the eggs blankly. "Um… I haven't gotten that far yet. Right now we need to make sure they have a chance. We still have Soar available for sending messages in the mornings, right?"

"We do."

Cynill sighed. "Well… there was one mother who took in orphans from Verant's allies. If she is willing, then perhaps we could have Soar and a few other flyers pick up the eggs and deliver them to her. At least then they would be out of a battlezone, and we can get back to healing."

Mender just stared at Cynnil like she'd suggested learning to fly themselves. Though standing in silence, Leap couldn't help but find the idea disturbing as well.

Cynnil blinked in genuine confusion. "What?"

"Did you honestly just suggest having the most fragile thing I know of be carried in the air by flyers, none of whom are used to holding something large and round without crushing or piercing it?" Mender asked, struggling to keep her tone respectfully level.

Cynnil nodded as she considered Mender's words. "I am aware of the risks, but with vines I am sure we can make the trip safer. After all, the flyers that got your niece and nephew out of danger managed to do it well. We could request them again."

"My niece and nephew aren't round, and the parts that had to be held on to were smaller than any of these eggs. They could also hold on to the flyer if necessary," Mender countered, "They also weren't at risk of getting too cold before reaching their destination."

Cynnil sighed. "Then what do you suggest, Mender? We are healers in the middle of a battle, it isn't like we can raise them ourselves."

"Maybe you can't. They don't need all of us," Mender said.

It was at exactly this point that Leap tapped a certain fastrunner on the shoulder. "I think those two need to talk alone." Orchid needed no further motivation to follow Leap in fleeing from the conversation. Within a few moments both Leap and Orchid were no longer in earshot.

Cynnil took a deep breath as she prepared for what she knew was coming. Then, carefully putting her hands together, she turned to face her packmate.

"Mender… I want what is best for these children too, but we need to consider the possibilities here. What kind of life awaits them in the battles to come?" Cynnil forced her voice back into a calm cadence before her tension could show through, though her eyes conveyed a fire that was not shown in her features. "A secure nest is dangerous enough. But out here… there are many more risks."

Cynnil stared into her friend's eyes as she awaited the fastbiter's response. Come on, Mender, we need to consider this rationally.

"Riskier than trying to fly three eggs through winds cold enough that my nephew noticed despite the pain he was in?" Mender asked.

Cynnil took a moment to consider Mender's words. They were not tinged with anger or recrimination, as they were before, but they still had a harsh edge of protectiveness. This was not Mender the packmate talking, this was Mender the healer.

"Perhaps. We can work on adding insulation around the eggs for a flight, but we have limited options if the eggs get stuck in a battle. Not to mention that neither of us are mothers, and this would be difficult for even an experienced mother," Cynnil noted.

"Cynnil, if I can be entirely blunt, I don't think you understand what you're suggesting," Mender said, "You're telling me to take a riskier option and worse take those I'm taking care of out of my care entirely with the results potentially being death for all three of them. And so far the only justification you've given me is that another option is difficult."

"For the love of the ancestors, Mender, the babies will imprint on what they see! Wouldn't it be better for that to be a hidden runner mother who can take care of them?" Cynnil finally exclaimed, "If we do this, then it will be a huge responsibility. This isn't a patient you treat and that is it."

Cynnil leaned over at the eggs and put a hand on one of them as if comforting it. "If we take care of them, then this will be the hardest thing that we have ever done. You have to be sure that you are ready for that."

"Cynnil, how well do you remember the dinosaurs we've helped?" Mender asked.

This caught the hidden runner by surprise. "Well, I remember a good deal of them. There are some that clearly stand out more than others." Sometimes your mind moves as unpredictably as a hidden runner! What are you getting at, Mender?

"I remember all of them. I still try to find out what happened to them afterwards if we go their way again. You met one of the first non-fastbiters I healed while we were in the valley, I think. I was thrilled to see that she's still okay," Mender said.

Cynnil through for a moment before smiling. "The little swimmer?"

"That's Dash. She had the bloody cough sickness really badly," Mender said.

Cynnil tilted her head in bemusement. "She did? That's an impressive recovery, then… she did not appear stunted. Most who recover from that have lingering issues." The hidden runner blinked for a moment before a realization came to her. "Wait… she was the swimmer in your song? The one who got you started?"

"That's her."

Cynnil's beak hung open. "Goodness, Mender. I'm surprised you recognized her, then. She must have been no more than five Cold Times old if she…" That's when it hit her. Everyone. She makes an effort to remember everyone.

"I had a few injuries that cost me my memory of much of my family when I was younger," Mender said, "I don't intend to forget anyone else."

Cynnil felt the sinking sensation in her stomach before she registered what she was doing. Then, with a hesitant gesture, she placed her hand on her packmate's shoulder.

"Mender… I can't imagine what it is like to forget family. But I also can't imagine what it is like to not put aside some of what we have experienced. You know some of our failures…" Cynnil shook her head before looking into her friend's eyes. "Remembering has a cost."

"So does forgetting," Mender replied.

Cynnil merely sighed. She knew when her friend had her mind made up. Then, with a glance at the three white orbs, she considered their options. "Alright. Well… then we need to plan for the best interest of our… children." The words seemed so absurd coming from her beak, but nonetheless here they were. "We can each be in charge of moving one of them when we have to go. And when we are on duty we will need one of us to stand watch over them." Cynnil looked at her friend with a smile. "I take it that you volunteer for that duty?"

"Of course," Mender said, "I actually thought I'd have to stay behind."

Cynnil resisted the urge to slap the predator she considered her friend. Instead she put her hands on her hips and fixed her with a disbelieving glare. "What? Do you honestly believe we would leave you behind? We are pack, Mender. Whatever mess we get ourselves into, we will face them together."

The hidden runner then sighed. "Though I must admit I did not expect three eggs to be involved. But here we are."

"I honestly didn't think I'd ever be worrying about eggs, mine or anyone else's," Mender admitted, "Are you sure you want me to stay part of the group after this is over? As you said, this is a lot of work."

Cynnil rolled her eyes. "Mender, it will be a lot of work; that is exactly why we are staying with you. We will keep healing as long as we can… and once we make this place safer for everyone, maybe we can focus entirely on the little ones." She turned back towards the eggs again. "Well, we will have to split our duties to this pack and our duties to them. I know for a fact that Seeker will want at least two of us to be available for the scouting parties tomorrow. So… which one of us should stand watch over the eggs?"

"I said I'll watch them," Mender said, "I haven't had a chance to make everyone scared of this spot yet."

Cynnil could only smile at that. "Alright, then I guess Buse and I can handle going with the scouts tomorrow just in case one of them stubs a toe or something. Should I have Orchid assist you, or do you think you will be alright?"

"I should be fine. It's not like they're going to hatch tomorrow, right?"

Cynnil could only shrug. "I don't think anyone can say, but whenever they hatch we will be ready."

The walk back to where the pack was congregated was neither a long trek, nor one that invited much chance of losing one's way. If the flyers circling over head did not alert the traveller of the pack's location, then the loud chatter certainly would have. It was obvious that the pack was beginning to muster.

And as her representative of the healers, it was only fitting that Cynnil be present.

Cynnil carefully made her way to the edge of the group rather than attempt to find a better spot. Maybe I'll be able to get a better look at how everyone takes all this from here, she thought. She then peered over the crowd as much as she was able before nodding towards a rather conspicuous green fastbiter. Though she could only barely see Ducky tail-smile in response, she did see her dart off briefly. No doubt she was informing Littlefoot of her arrival.

It definitely doesn't look like anyone knows what Seeker's going to say. Some of the younger ones are still energetic. Hopefully that won't last. They'll tire themselves out eventually if they're bursting with energy all the time.

"Trying to avoid being crushed by us young biters?"

Cynnil had to turn around to see who was addressing her. She was greeted by a grey fastbiter who bore the tell-tale slender appearance of one who was mountain pack hatched. This had to have been the one Mender had called Bellow.

"Partly," Cynnil admitted, "You're Bellow, right?"

Bellow nodded with a slight tail-smile. "Yep!" She then looked around as if searching for someone. "Is, um, Mender okay? We heard some yelling."

"She's fine. She just got into an argument," Cynnil said, downplaying the issue. Technically two arguments, and I know she won one of them. "I don't think she would've been too keen on all this anyway.

Bellow nodded slowly as if accepting this on face value and then faced the crowd again. "It didn't involve my pack, did it?"

"No. Well, not just your pack. We've been having problems finding enough healing plants, among other things," Cynnil said. I somehow managed to not lie at all while calling the more important concerns "other things". I wonder if Bellow will figure that out eventually?

Bellow looked excited then. "Oh, I'm sure some of us could help find some plants! Especially if it means keeping everyone healed."

"I'll let her know," Cynnil replied. I really need to change the topic. This is probably mean, but... "I was wondering if you could clear something up for me. I remember that when we left after helping you guys out Mender was snapping at us for even the slightest irritation, but she refused to explain why. You wouldn't happen to know, would you?"

Bellow appeared to deflate as the previously confident fastbiter cringed in embarrassment. "Well, there was a misunderstanding, though I am not sure why it was a big deal, really. I guess it was just a pack difference. We mountain packs do, um, do things differently than others."

"Like what?"

Bellow looked noticeably uncomfortable as she averted her eyes. "Um… well, my brother misconstrued Mender's interest in something. She quickly rectified that misunderstanding."

"Well, um, I'm glad that the misunderstanding was worked out," Cynnil said. Now, can I get out of this conversation I got myself into?

It was then that an audible growl could be heard which shook the very ground, causing all of the fastbiters to suddenly grow quiet. Cynnil had to resist the urge to lower herself to the ground and hide as she could see the source of the sound: a certain massive purple sharptooth in the distance.

"Seeker will now talk to all of you. Let's give him our attention!"

Maybe this is why Mender said she doesn't like meetings, Cynnil thought as she was suddenly surrounded by the approving roars of the younger fastbiters, these young biters are loud. I doubt they'll be so approving after they hear what Seeker has to say, though.

Cynnil watched as Littlefoot and the deputies approached the assembled fastbiters and formed a rough line. Some she easily recognized, such as Stern Claw and Verant, whereas the others were still newcomers to her memory. Okay, that's seven plus Seeker, she thought after doing a quick headcount. Once the roars died down, Littlefoot stepped forward, immediately drawing everyone's attention onto him.

"Friends, packmates, warriors… today you have risked much in what is but the first battle of many. In hard times such as this it takes hard biters to do what is necessary, and rest assured that we have seen your worthiness."

Affirmative and prideful grunts greeted him. It was as close as the crowd could get to cheering without cutting off his speech.

Littlefoot took a moment then, briefly taking a glance in the direction of Cynnil, before continuing. "In this fight we have some of our hidden runners… the good hidden runners… the ones who have stood before us time and again, and who are still fighting at our side. It is important in this fight to remember that not every hidden runner is an enemy, in the same way as, in the past, some fastbiters were our enemies and some were our friends."

Could you say that again? There aren't any fastbiters fighting against us, not as a group, Cynnil thought, What exactly are you getting at, Seeker?

Littlefoot paused as he gestured in Cynnil's direction. "Take, for example, our good friend Cynnil and her pack. In the past she, Mender, and the others have healed you, mended your wounds, and treated pain. They have vowed to sacrifice their time and energies to help us here as well. Would anyone dare to call them the enemy?"

A chorus of no's greeted Littlefoot, much to Cynnil's relief, admittedly.

Littlefoot nodded. "Good. So in the battles to come we will need to be careful to tell enemies from friends, and to ensure that we do not create enemies where they did not exist before."

It's probably a good thing Mender's not here. I know what this is about, and you're starting to lose me, Cynnil thought, Can you get to the point, Seeker?

Littlefoot sighed. "Unfortunately, in our battle some innocents lost their lives. It… turns out that a nest was being protected. Leaving three eggs without their parents."

Unsurprisingly, this got a much more mixed reaction. Well, you certainly got their attention, Seeker, Cynnil thought. She couldn't follow any of the conversations that spontaneously started, but she could tell that no single reaction was dominant. It doesn't seem like they can agree on much except that they have to blame someone. It's starting to sound like the flyers are getting the worst of it.

As if confirming this Spotter was noticeably shifting uneasily from his perch on a nearby tree. Ducky, for her part, turned to give her flyer friend a reassuring nod.

Littlefoot allowed the murmurs to continue for several moments before he continued. "In the thick of battle mistakes happen, but we cannot let those mistakes prevent us from stopping greater evils. Therefore… just as the surviving eggs will be the fallen's legacy… we must protect our legacy. We must defeat the fiends that got us here in the first place!"

Cynnil nodded in approval before turning to look at Mender with a frown.

"We must defend those who cannot defend themselves! The young, the frail, and those who are yet to come!"

The roars now turned deafening as Cynnil's view was all but cut off by the sudden eruption of the fastbiters to their feet. Their anger was now directed at someone else. Someone who was not present at this meeting.

Littlefoot seemed roused by the response and placed a hand on his chest. "And I will ensure from now on that we keep our promise to those we left behind. We will kill the oppressor! We will make sure his treachery never visits us again! We will prevail!"

Cynnil had to jump back to avoid the over-enthusiastic stomping and commotion from the throngs of young biters. The roars drowned out everything, including the stomping of the uncountable feet. It was both overwhelming and horrifying.

"Who is ready to storm into that bastard's territory?"

"We are!"

"Kill them!"

Struggling to find anything that had the appearance of normalcy, Cynnil looked up and noticed Verant staring at Littlefoot with a look she couldn't entirely place. The other deputies seemed either approving or ambivalent. Littlefoot, meanwhile, held his head high and chest out in an expression of supreme confidence. However, as Cynnil looked closer, she noticed that his eyes conveyed an odd emotion. One that she now felt as well.

Fear.

Cynnil took a deep breath as she tried to calm her racing heart. All the while the exuberant crowd continued to roar as if celebrating a recent kill. Oh, Seeker. What have we gotten ourselves into?

Thank you for the reviews, everyone!

gordhanx: Thank you for the detailed review as always! I am glad to hear that you enjoyed the rainbowface portion of the chapter. They truly are in a hard spot and they both know that their time together might be at an end. Though their storyline did not feature in the chapter that I just posted, they will be focused upon in the next entry. As for Questor, I would advise caution in assessing his motives. If you listen a bit carefully to what is said in his thoughts within this chapter you can see how manipulative his "concern" for his people is. He truly believes in his mission, true, but he is also willing to sacrifice others to see his vision become a reality. This combination of drive, people skills, and cunning is what makes him such a dangerous adversary. Finally, with regards to the kid storyline, I hope that you enjoy the addendum to that in this chapter. :) I must admit that I greatly enjoyed exploring their interactions there.

Keijo6: Thank you for the feedback on this chapter. :) Though the current chapter probably did not provide much is grand shocks, rest assured that we are now entering into the culmination of the plot points that have been developing in a slow build until now. In many ways the chess pieces have been set and now it is time to see how they fall.. As always, I look forward to your thoughts on the new chapter. :)

Anagnos: Thank you very much for the detailed review. I must admit that when confronted with such a detailed review, which goes in-depth into the scenes and their implications for the plot as a whole, I am sometimes left with uncertainty as to how to reply. What I will say, however, is that you have clearly understood the implication of the latest developments. Between the rainbowfaces being unwilling to be used as pawns by Questor, to Questor's plots for the future, to the dark plots coming from withing the valley itself, to the kids being kids, each action creates an interwoven web which will have implications later on. As such, I eagerly look forward to your thoughts as this story continues to develop. :)

Guest: Probably not in this story, but who knows? Once this story is finished then I might eventually work a Path-focused story that will explore his future. But with regards to this tale, a romance would not really fit into the overall theme.