A.N: Oh the build up, will they or won't they kiss? Read and find out,

Chapter Six: An End of The Adventure Era

Ruby was an amazing girl, smart, with lovely eyes and an eve greater smile. It took so much willpower to not be overcome every time he saw her. To him, Ruby was perfect, all he'd ever want in a female. Yet the obvious differences were too great, would never allow them to be a couple like most other interspecies or even same sex couples could be. Thus, they'd remain as friends only, never crossing the line or causing a stir among the Valley. The last thing Chomper wanted, was to cause trouble, for he knew being there was difficult enough for some.

Standing, Chomper and Ruby were close, face to face, gazing into one another's eyes. Their fingers intertwined, muzzle and maw getting closer and closer. Soon, Chomper stood on his tip toes, leaning up to her and wondering what would happen next. Heat pounding, he though they'd actually touch, share a kiss. While simple to most, a peck on the lips seemed to be a promise, to a future, to hope, to something more than friendship.

Inches away from one another, a yell broke them up. "Run for it!" From where'd they come, came the gang, haling tail, for Red Claw, Screech and Thud were hot on their heels. Yelling, Chomper and Ruby ran, hand in hand.

Cera spoke between several breaths, looking to the pair. "Guess, you two won!"

"No one win if we get eaten!" Petrie shouted, flying low to remain with them.

They thought they'd escape unharmed, yet Screech managed to bit Little's Foot's back leg, sending him tumbling. It was the first time one of them had been injured, stopping to go help him. Out of all, Cera seemed to be the most concerned, her eyes growing moist, quite unlike her tough nature. Given Red Claw was more powerful then herself, she were uncertain what to do. The pair of fast-bitters kept the gang back, Red Claw looking down to see Little Foot scrambled to get away, leg hurt while the wound bleed.

"We have to help him!" Cera said.

"I have an idea, when their distracted, you get Little Foot and run." Chomper said, glancing from one predator to the other, lastly to Red Claw.

"What?" Ruby started to aske before Chomper released her hand, going to jump the pair. "Chomper!"

Screech and Thud hissed, chasing him and going in front of Red Claw, which halted his attack to see Chomper and hear him yell. "Hey, bet you can't catch me, you big jerk!" Waving his hands, Chomper jumped up and down. "Come one, I'm right here!"

"I won't pass up the chance to squash you under my foot!"

"You'll have to catch me first!" Chomper roared back, turning to led them away.

For some reason, his body allowed him to run farther and faster then Screech and Thud. Jumping over a small stream of water, he climbed a set of steep rocks, leaving the three below and unable to catch up. While it was risky, he was confident he'd be able to lose them and make his way back to the Valley. He'd do whatever to keep his friends, Ruby, safe from harm. Ruby, she must've been worried sick after he took off, leaving her to tend to the group. With a huff, he moved to make his way back to the Valley's wall.

On the way, he paused and heard a voice. "Well, if it isn't the weird sharptooth." Turning, Chomper saw it was the sharp tooth he tried to befriend when he left the Valley on his own. "You smell of leaf-eaters, did you eat them?"

"No, we bite out food not our friends."

The boy came closer. "The names Finn, who might you be?"

"Chomper, I-"

"Wait Chomper, as in the whimpy sharptooth who plays with hit food?"

"How do you know about me?"

"Everyone knows about you. My folks said your parents were so embarrassed by you, they sent you away with some Fastrunner." Finn walked over and took a whiff. "Odd, no blood."

"I don't care what others say, I don't have to listen to this." Chomper went to leave, only to be shoved to the ground. "What are you doing, get off me!"

Pinned, Chomper struggled to hold his own, not used to fighting. With all his might, Chomper kept Finn from biting his neck, using his legs to get under Finn and shove him off. Finn was set back, only to get back up and charge forward again. "You really are weak!"

Chomper dodged to the side, tripping Finn and taking off. "I may to be strong, but I'm smart!" Running back to the Valley, Chomper tried to lose Fin, jumping into a pound and taking shelter among the tall weeds.

Finn caught up and sniff around, losing Chomper. Rising, he gave a snort. "If you can't hold your own against me, you'll never make it out here!"

Chomper waited with bated breath, hearing Finn leave. When he felt the cost was clear, her stepped out of the water, looking back to see the ripples settle. Before him, was his reflection, seeing he was not quite as big or muscular as Finn. Maybe it had to do with the fact he ate only bugs, limiting him and keeping him from becoming what was normal size. Still, he vowed to himself to never eat a plant-eater, would live off of bugs for his years to come.

Back with the group, Ruby went to go after him, only to pause, for the others didn't know how to stop Little Foot's cut from bleeding. Thus, she remained and placed a leaf on it, tying a vine to keep it close to the wound. Spike and Cera got on either side, helping him walk along. Ducky and Petrie worked to move items out of their path, making walking easier for their injured friend. Ruby heard Red Claw roar, wondering if Chomper was okay, fearful he might get hurt. They managed to get back to the Valley, Ruby waiting for Chomper by the wall, rubbing her hands nervously. Pacing back and forth, she created a small dirt area where grass once grew. A small shape emerged, seeing him at long last. Gimping, Chomper had a few cuts, but overall, was safe.

"Chomper!" She threw her arms around him, holding him close and not wanting to let him go. "You safe, safe you are!"

"I'm fine Ruby, I'm just glad your safe, along with Little Foot." Pulling away to meet her eyes, he looked upward. "He made it back all right, right?"

"Yes." He had a few cuts, making her wonder what happened. "Did Screech or Thud do this to you?"

"No, I met some other kid, who attacked me." Head lowering, Chomper found his gaze locked to his feet. "I'm not strong enough to survive out there Ruby. How can we save Mysterious Beyond if I'm this weak?"

"Action speaks louder than words, if our friendship isn't powerful enough, I don't know what is. No, you may not be as big or strong as a typical sharptooth, but that's what makes you special." Her thumbs wiped the tears from his eyes, holding his face in her hands. "They see you imperfect, yet I see perfection. You're kind, polite, caring for others and selfless. Traits of a good male, of someone with a big heart. It's one of things I admire about you."

"Really, you think that highly of me?"

"Yes, I care deeply for you, Chomper."

He smiled and hugged her, not knowing what he'd di if she weren't in his life. Keeping him close for a moment, she stood back and looked down into his warm face. "Let's go see Little Foot."

They went to where Little Foot was, only to see all the parents gathered, talking about what happened. The air felt thick, the pair sharing a worried expression before going forward. The adults spoke calmly, all but one of course. "This is it! You kids are in real trouble. Going out to find sharpteeth, I never heard of such a thing!" Shouted Mr. Topps. "There's plenty to do in the Valley, no need to go out and find danger!"

"I for once have to agree with Mr. Threehorn, after all, you kids are getting old and won't be able to escape so easily."

"We would've if Little Foot didn't get hurt." Cera quipped, gaining a stern glare from her father. "Besides, we made it back, didn't we?"

"This time, yes, but next time, maybe not." Tria spoke, looking to Cera with worry. "We just want to keep you safe, that's all."

"Petrie vow to stay in Valley."

"That's very good of you Petrie, let's hope your friends follow by example." Said Petrie's mom, glancing to the others.

"You mean we aren't ever allowed to leave, again?" Ducky asked.

"Yes, dear, unless you want one of us to watch you all the time?" Ducky's mother said, crossing her arms over her chest. "You too, Spike."

Spike gave Ducky a look that they should do as they were told, nodding in agreement. By and by, Cera said she'd stay, along with Little Foot, who let it sink in how bad it really could've been for him, for them. Like he father Bron, he wanted to be a good leader and if that meant keeping his friends in the Valley for good, then he'd see they wouldn't set foot in the Mysterious Beyond, ever again. While bitter sweet, he nodded and lowered his head in shame, knowing he let his grandparents down, his father, maybe even his mother, who watched over him from somewhere.

The adults looked to Ruby and Chomper, who were told to stay in as well, listening and only glancing to the wall that surrounded the Valley, their protection from the outer land. That night in the Secret Caverns, Chomper sat, seeing the night circle high in the sky. Ruby rubbed her arm and went to sit beside him, hearing a few bugs chirp and a small breeze rustle the leaves.

"Hard to believe it's over." Chomper said, tapping his clawed fingers. "Do you think your parents might come live here?"

"Least there's a hope I'll see my folks. But what about you? Your parents won't be allowed in." He was quiet and only nodded, blinking to keep from crying. Seeing this, Ruby patted his back. "I'll always be here for you. To listen, to be a friend, more, whatever you need me to be." Her hand went to squeeze his.

"How long do you think I have before they want me to leave?"

"I won't let them kick you out." Ruby cupped his face, meeting his eyes.

His hand went and lay over hers, giving her a small smile. "I'd be lost without you, Ruby. Thank you for everything you've done for me. I'll never be able to pay you back, give you what you deserve."

"You friendship is enough." Leaning over, she gave the top of his head a tender kiss. "Now, let's go to sleep."

With a nod, they rose and went to their sleeping spots, curling up and laying side by side. During the night, Ruby moved and wrapped her arms around Chomper, drawing him close. He woke and flushed, going to speak, only to stop and find he liked having hold him, settling and dozing off again.