Chapter Nine: My Brothers And Sister, My Family

It was hard to believe they were eighteen, becoming bigger and shaping into their adult forms. Ruby noticed that Chomper was now her size and still growing, similar to his friends. Little Foot was no longer little, coming close to his grandfather's back, Cere was close to her dad's side. Ducky, Petrie and Spike were no long tiny. Ruby herself looked more like her mother, living happily with Chomper in their cave, unable to rid herself of the growing feelings she had for him. However, trouble started when the bugs couldn't satisfy Chomper's hunger. He'd wake during the night, stomach rumbling and causing him pain, discomfort he tried to hide from not only her, but the others. During the day, he put on a brave face, moving slowly among them, Ruby watching with fear for her friend.

"So, what should we get into today?" Little Foot asked with joy in his voice.

"We could graze by the pool, it's warm today and I might like to take a dip later on."

"Good idea Cera, yup, yup, yup." Ducky took the lead, going to dive into the water.

Petrie flew overhead, seeing Chomper fall behind. Gliding down, he landed on Chomper's head. "Chomper not feeling well?"

"I'm fine Petrie, go join the other's I'll be there shortly." Chomper said. "First I could use some food."

"Don't look my way toothy." Came Cera's voice from ahead, always giving him a hard time whenever he stated his hunger.

"I would never think to eat tough meat." Chomper replied back.

"Nice retore, Chomper." Little Foot encouraged, only to smile shyly. "Not that you deserved it, sweetie."

"Whatever, longneck."

While the five went to the pool of water, Ruby watched Chomper amble off to find food. Her expression was soft, glancing from him to the group. "Say Ruby, you coming or not?" Cera asked.

"I think I'll take a short walk." She replied, going to see what Chomper was up to.

He was sniffing the ground, lifting a rotten log to find some wiggling warms to slurp up, not caring he ate a bit of dirt. Hunching over, his stomach hurt, empty and unsettled. With a short grunt, he huffed and leaned against a stable tree, trying to keep upright, finding his world spun when he bent over.

Gritting his teeth, he uttered under his breath. "How much longer can I do this?" Straightening up, he did something crazy, knowing it'd cause him to get sick, yet there was no other choice. "Here goes nothing." Taking a bit of leaves, he chewed and forced himself to gulp them down, standing for a moment before he felt his gut jump, feeling the food come right back up. Rushing, he leaned over and retched, coughing and gagging a few more times. "Darn it." He grumbled. "Why can't I get enough?" Eyes shut, he lowered his head, swallowing back his suffering, especially when he caught Ruby's scent.

"Chomper, where are you?" She called, coming to him when she spotted him. "There you are, I was wondering if you needed help finding bugs to eat? I located a hive of stinging buzzers, for I know they're your favorite."

"Thanks Ruby, that'll hit the spot." He smiled to her and his eyes were slightly sunken in, tired looking all the time it seemed.

She led him to it, watching him eat the entire hive in one mighty bite, leaving nothing left of the stinging buzzers. Truthfully, Ruby wasn't the only one to know Chomper was starving, for while they were in the woods, Little Foot and the gang spoke, glad neither wer there. For he knew Ruby was probably upset enough as it were for Chomper.

"So, anyone else notice Chomper is losing weight?" Little Foot said, holding a worried expression.

"Yup, yup, yup, he's too skinny. Ruby says she hears him wake during the night to feed."

Perched on Little Foot's back, Petrie shook his head. "Poor Chomper, what we do to help?"

"Fraid there's nothing we can do, unless someone wasn't to offer up one of their limbs to feed him." Cera spoke in her sarcastic tone. "Though you better not expect me to do so."

"There has to be another way, something we're not thinking of." Little Foot frowned, thinking hard on how to assist Chomper.

"Me hate to be barer of bad news, but me overhear some not too happy with Chomper still living here. Especially after he bit Hyp. Think he should return to Mysterious Beyond where sharpteeth belong." Petrie spoke, landing on the ground. "They worried he might eat them or young, scared of him, for they not know him like we do."

"That's outrageous, we can't let them drive him out. Chomper is our friend, no family, and family stick together." Little Foot stated with a bit of anger. "Besides, it's Hyp who's causing the stir, no one would care if he didn't keep showing off his scars."

"Little Foot, I hate to drop sky water on you, but grow up. Chomper is starving, growing weaking with each bright circle cycle. Do none of you see that? Am the I the only one to see this, his rips are showing, face is gaunt? He's waste away before our very eyes." Cera saw their spirits lower, hating to be the voice of reason all the time and bringing them down. Still, she spoke the truth and whether they wanted to hear or not, she didn't care. "Chomper is family and we should focus on finding him food instead of standing around arguing about that dumb Hyp."

With a sigh, Little Foot nodded. "You right Cera, as usual. So, first off, let's find something for Chomper to eat."

The five went to work, trying to find something that might satisfy Chomper's hunger. Ducky caught fish to throw to Petrie, who piled them up on the land. Cera lifted logs, rocks, while Little Foot and Spike scooped the bugs onto a large leaf. They gathered a big enough pile, hoping it'd be enough for a while. When they saw Chomper and Ruby emerge from the woods, they quickly stood to hide the mound, wanting to surprise him.

When Chomper reached them, he gave a small smile. "Hey everyone, sorry I took so long."

"No worries, Chomper, it gave us time to get you something." Little Foot said, craning his neck to meet Chomper's height.

"Really, a surprise, for me?"

"Yes, you like, we know it." Petrie added gleefully.

"Here you are." They stood aside, revealing the pile.

"Wow, food!" Chomper exclaimed, going to dig in. Cera cringed and turned away, Petrie shuttering, while Ducky's mouth gaped open. Little Foot merely swallowed while Spike held his half-lidded gaze, Ruby smiling while he took several bites. With the pile devoured, he licked his lips and turned to them with a thankful look. "Thank you all, you have no idea how much that meant."

"Don't worry, Chomper, we're here for you, to do all we can."

While Little Foot meant it, it grew harder and harder to keep finding enough food for the growing sharptooth. Their activity gained the attention of several, who grew fearful of Chomper, running whenever they saw him, afraid in desperate attempted to quench his hunger, he might turn on them. Not to mention, Hyp spared rumors of Chomper, trying to ruin his good reputation. Why Hyp went as far as framing Chomper for stealing eggs, when it was he himself who hid them. And then Chomper located them and found himself under the gun. At the gather place, all stood, Chomper taking center stage to speak for himself.

"I'm telling you, I didn't do it." Chomper said, seeing the angry glares of the Valley members, especially from the mother who laid the eggs. He couldn't blame her, after all, his own mother and father searched for him when he egg was accidently taken in the Valley by the gang. "I would never egg eggs, never."

"Besides, Chomper was with me the whole time." Ruby added, seeing Hyp among the crowd, smiling and whispering to his friends. When he saw her, he winked to her, for whish she grimaced and looked to Chomper with concern.

"You aren't together all the time!" Nod shouted, adding fuel to the flame.

"If you don't believe Chomper, then believe Spike, he smelled another scent too." Ducky spoke on behalf of her brother. "His sniffer in good, it is, it is. Chomper was not the one who did it, it was Hyp, it was, it was."

All eyes when to Hype. "Tell me bigmouth, why would I steal someone's eggs?"

"To get Chomper in trouble, you dislike most out of all." Cera said, sounding gruff as her father.

"Again, you have no proof." Cera went to charge, only for Little Foot to hold his leg out to keep her in place. "Why can't you all accept, that sharptooth is not the tiny innocent you think he is. Behind that smile lies a monster, a beast who with one whiff of blood might go crazy and kill us all."

Silence hung in the air, followed by whispers of mistrust. "Chomper is kind and never harmed anyone before. The only reason he'd attack would be out of defense for another."

"If that's your way of convincing yourself, then I have no more to say."

Ruby saw Hyp leave, taking Chomper's hand and heading back to the Secret caverns. "That Hyp, I swear he's becoming a pain in my tail."

"Maybe I should leave."

"Let's not forget the last time you lest on your own, it didn't end so well."

"Yeah, thankfully Spike sniffed me out in time. Still, Hyp is desperate, who knows what he'll do next."

"The gang and I will keep defending, don't worry."

While Chomper gave a nod, he knew in order to stop Hyp, he'd have to face him head on. Which was not something he looked forward to. It was late evening, Chomper waking and making sure Ruby was asleep before he rose. Creeping out, he took in the air, heading to where he figured Hyp was. Across the Valley he went, tracking Hyp, following the trail to an unattended nest. Within the circle were sleeping younglings, Hyp smiling while he peered down at them.

"Hyp, what are you doing?" Chomper asked, catching him in the act and letting presence be known.

Turning, Hyp's smile grew wider. "What are you going to do if I don't?"

"Guess I'll have to stop you."

"That's a laugh, I'd like to see you try." Snatching up the small child, Hyp clamped her mouth shut and fled.

Chomper gasped and took off after Hyp, seeing Hyp make his way up a set of rocks. "Hyp, let the child go!"

"Oh, I'll let her go all right." Hyp continued to climb, standing and waiting for Chomper. "If something happens to her, I'll blame it on you, say that I was trying to protect the girl from your evil clutches."

"I'll do whatever you ask, just don't hurt her. PLease, tell me what you want from me!" Chomper begged, hearing the girl cry.

"Tell Ruby to come to me." Hyp said.

"What?"

"Yes, order her to be mine, tell you hate her, break her heart. If she knows you don't like her, she'll run right into my open arms."

"Your insane." Huffing, Chomper found himself caught between a rock and hard place. Should he do as Hyp asked and save the girl, break Ruby's heart. Or risk it all and try to fight Hyp, knowing he had little time to think.

"What's it gonna be?"

Chomper moved swiftly, charging and yanking Hyp close, taking the girl in his hold. Tumbling to keep her safe, Chomper rose and went to leave, only to feel Hyp grab his tail. Down he went, Hyp jumping and punching Chomper across the face, taking his rag out on the pinned sharptooth. "Come on, fight back!" Hyp shouted, throwing fist after fist into Chomper, who struggled to get free. "Too kind and gentle to fight back?"

"Hyp, stop!" Called a voice. "Stop!"

Knowing the voice was that of Ruby, Chomper got some boost of energy, grabbing on of Hyp's fist and keeping him at bay. "That's enough." Blood dripped from his face, Chomper getting up and shoving Hyp back. Making sure the girl was okay, Chomper prepared for another attack.

Ruby managed to climb and reach Chomper's side, gasping when she saw his bruised and bloody face. When she saw the girl, she took her from Chomper, comforting her. "There, there." Looking to Hyp, she frowned. "Just when I thought you couldn't sink any lower."

"Wake up Ruby, the true monster stand beside you, yet you blind to see the reality-"

"Enough, let's return her, Chomper."

The pair left Hyp, who only smiled, going to find his friends. Ruby saw Chomper spit up blood, having a few good cuts along his muzzle. Moving slowly, they saw the nest and worried mother. When she saw them, she rushed to get the girl, only to pause when she saw the state Chomper was in. The way she drew back, Ruby went and passed the girl back.

"Did you stop him from hurting her?"

"No, ma'am, actually, Chomper was the one who saved her."

"Yeah, right, he was the one who snatched her away!" Came Hyp's voice, leaving the dark of the forest to reveal he'd been beat up. "I tried to stop him ma'am-"

"You're pathetic, I bet you had Mutt and Nod give you those marks."

"Keep that monster from my young." The mother said, drawing back to stand protectively over her nest. "It's clear he's done enough."

The very next day, the adults called a meeting, wanting to address the situation before someone was killed and eaten by the sharptooth. Hyp went over his fails statement, that, of course, everyone believed. In the rocky area they stood, like a congregation on trial, Chomper put on the stand and awaiting judgement. All whispered when they saw both males were black and blue, clearly fighting at one point or another. Ruby was among the crowd, hands clasped with concern for his fate.

"He attacked me, almost killed me. Thankfully, Ruby showed up to tame him down." Hyp said, looking to Ruby, who glared at him.

"Monster!" Someone from in the back yelled.

"Right, we should reevaluate allowing him to live here!" Called Nod.

"Yeah, if he fought Hyp over a small girl, who's to say what he'll do when someone get's in his way again." Mutt added, given their lines by Hyp before the trial.

"Yes, I said it before and I'll say it again. We the folks of the Great Valley think it is time the sharptooth, Chomper, return to his domain in the Mysterious Beyond." Said Hyp, voicing what he'd wanted for a long time, looking to Chomper and gaining a cheer from the group of on lookers. "His body and hunger grows with each pass of the bright circle. In time, he may even resort to seeing us as food, losing his mind and slaughtering us all. Face it, we're a lot for one sharptooth, an endless supplie of food." This rallied the members of the Great Valley even more, shouting words of hate toward Chomper, who said nothing and stood still.

"Everyone please, please, settle down, I think Hyp has twisted the story in his favor." Said Little Foot, his mannerisms reminisce of his grandfather. "Let's hear Chomper out-"

"Why, the fastrunner will only speak for him!" Shouted Nod. "She'll say anything to keep us from throwing him out."

"If Chomper is so vicious, why hasn't he bitten your annoying head off yet?" Cera said, smiling to herself. "Face it, Chomper doesn't have what it takes to bring even Petri down, and that's saying something, for Petri is a real coward."

"It true, me scared of everything."

"The point is, Chomper is a good sharptooth, is kind, gentle and would never hurt anyone. Let us not forget the good deeds he does, finding lost young ones."

"You like him when you require his gifts, yet shun him when he needs your help." Cera added.

"You can't promise he'll be good forever or that he won't eat the young." Piped up Nod.

"One day he might turn on us and when that day comes, will you be able to live with yourselves?" Mutt stated, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Now see here you cowardly fool, Chomper is staying and that's the end of it!" Cera bellowed, stamping her foot down in protest. "If anyone wishes to harm him or drive him out, they'll have to go through me personally."

"Yup, yup yup, us too." Ducky called, her and Spike, along Tippy stepping forward.

"Me stand by Chomper too." Petrie said, fluttering down to land by his mate Ducky.

"Well, what about if the entire Great Valley folk come down upon you?" Hyp asked, seeing many of the crowd yelled for Chomper to leave. "Besides have any of you thought about the next generation?" There was silence, all wondering where Hyp was getting at. "Think about it, if the hatchlings grow up befriending that monster, they won't know the difference between him or a flesh eating one. Unlike you five, they don't leave the Valley for the Mysterious Beyond, know better than to do so. Now what do you all say to that? That brute has to go."

Unable to take it, Ruby walked out to Chomper, who clearly grew worried by the shouting and commotion. "Hold on, you can't make him leave. I beg you all, please reconsider, allow him to stay. I vow, will make sure he won't harm any of you."

"Then you can join him!" Someone spat.

"Yeah, be on your way fastrunner!"

Chomper didn't care if they yelled at him, hated him, but to shout at Ruby, that took it one step too far. Giving a loud roar that shut everyone up, all eyes were on him. For once he stood fiercely, high and might like the predator he was. "If it bothers you all so much, I will go. On one condition, if you let Ruby stay without a fuss." He saw them slowly agree, nodding to his terms. "Right, by the time the night circle sets and the bright circle rises tomorrow, I'll be gone."

Ruby gasped and felt her eyes grow moist. "Chomper, no, you mustn't-"

"I promise to go without another word."

"Right, hence forth Chomper will leave. If you are still here tomorrow, we'll drive you out."

"Okay, fair enough, Hyp." Chomper stood tall, unwavering and steady despite his true feeling of uncertainty for his future once he left.

Ruby went to him, looking him in the eyes. Blue met red, locking for several seconds. "Chomper you can't go, I won't allow it. I'm your caregiver and I can't care for you if we're not together, therefore, I'm leaving with you."

"Ruby, I'm almost an adult, I think I'll be okay."

"How do you know; you can't know, that's what? Only I can, so I'm going." Ruby spoke stubbornly.

With a defeated sigh, Chomper knew there was no arguing with her any farther, simply lowering his posture and making his way to through the many herds. Ruby was close by, ignoring the glares some of the plant-eaters gave her. The dirty looks, the uncertainty and distrust they held against him, hurt Chomper deeply, deeper than most knew. The gang gathered, talking while the bright circle slowly faded over the horizon.

"You're leaving, and after we put our necks out for you?" Cera asked, though it was more of annoyance.

"Yes, Cera, it's time to suck it up and face the reality, the truth that I can't stay, no matter how much I long to." Chomper gave her a half smile. "Besides, I don't want Hyp to hurt anyone in order to frame me."

"I'm sorry we couldn't do more for you, Chomper." Little Foot said with defeat.

"You did more than enough, believe me." He went and hugged each one. "I'll never forget any of you, ever. Panicky Petrie, devoted Ducky, loyal Little Foot, stubborn yet sweet Cera, Spike the always hungry guy." When he came to Ruby, he was lost for words, swallowing a few times. "Reliable Ruby, the one I could look to for advice and comfort, my dearest friend."

"Why are you saying that, I'm going with you silly. I'll miss you all too, but I'm sure we'll meet again."

"We're not kids who wander into the Mysterious Beyond anymore." Cera teased.

"If you're ever there though, look me up." Chomper said, gazing upon them for the last time it seemed. "I love you all, my brothers and sister, my family."

"We miss you already and not even gone." Petrie cried, burying his face into Ducky's open arms.

"Take care Chomper." She said kindly.

With a final goodbye, Chomper and Ruby went to their cave. It was dark, the night circle glowing brightly, the stars twinkling. Ruby lay by Chomper, who's stomach growled again, causing him to move about in his sleep and then wake. Smacking his lips, he noticed she was still awake.

"Ruby?" He whispered, seeing her gaze outward. "You awake." She gave a small nod. "How long have you been up?"

"Awhile, but don't worry, I'm fine, well I am."

"I see." He pushed himself up, trembling and staggering once on his feet. Able to maintain his balance, he gave her a smile. "I'm going to get some water; I'll be back in a little bit."

"I can go with you."

"I think I can handle getting a drink of water, Ruby."

"What if you fall in, you don't want to drown."

"I can swim thanks to you." He laughed, nudging her with his muzzle. "You need rest for the journey tomorrow. If I fill up on water, my stomach won't growl and wake you."

Rolling her eyes, she settled on his warm spot, seeing him leave. Her eyes didn't shut to quick, simply admiring his stature, the light illuminating his skin beautifully. Why, she dared to think it, but he was handsome, was he not? Eyes fluttering a few times, they closed completely. Not knowing when she fell asleep, Ruby sat up and yawned. Stretching, she hoped to find Chomper besides, yet there was no one. On her feet, she seared the cave, calling for him and getting no answer. With worry, she knew she needed help, going to the gang.

"My friends, I can't find Chomper, have any of you seen him? I looked everywhere and everywhere I looked; Chomper wasn't."

"He left remember, Petrie remember."

"Duh Petrie, but she was supposed to leave with him."

"Oh, me forget."

"Do not worry Ruby, we will help you find him, we will, we will." Ducky said.

"Exactly, let's get moving. We'll check his favorite spot, then we'll check around the wall." The day was spent, seeing no sign of him, not even a trail of footprints. It was close to night when they all meet up to tell of their finds, which were zero. Little Foot was enthusiastic for the most part, but got a bad feeling. "Sorry Ruby, but there was no sign of him."

"Yeah, and when Spike tracked his scent, it led to the wall, and out into the Mysterious Beyond." Tippy added, giving Ruby a sympathetic look. "I'm really sorry, Ruby that's all we could do for you."

"Whatever will I do, I have to get to him." Ruby panicked. "He needs me."

"I wouldn't waste my breath on that." Said Hyp from behind the group, walking over to them. "He's long gone, saw him slip out this morning." Biting the end of grass, he flicked it aside and went on. "Guess he didn't want to be bogged down by you, Ruby."

"You're lying, Chomper wouldn't leave me behind." Ruby said with a hit of anger, fist clenched. "We vowed to travel together."

"Are you sure about that?" Hyp asked, giving her a curious look. "You think he'd want to drag you around out in the Mysterious Beyond, looking after you like some hatchling?"

"Don't listen to that fool Ruby, he's spewing waste and nothing more." Cere spoke, glaring to Hyp. "That's all he's ever done."

"The truth hurt threehorn, the truth hurts. But I'm here for her, a shoulder for her to cry on if needed."

"I am sure Ruby would come to us over you, she would, she would."

"Yeah, you never nice to Chomper, wanted this to happen." Petrie hooved over Hyp, spitting his tongue at him.

"Whatever, but he's gone and he ain't coming back, that is a fact."

Ruby didn't want to believe him, couldn't accept that Chomper left without a single word. There had to be some explanation, anything. Yet, when he never returned, not even on her starday, she got the feeling Hyp might've been right after all. That Chomper left her behind for survival purposes, never wanting to hurt her, only trying to protect her. Still, it didn't help, nothing helped the pain and fact she never got to tell him how she cared for him, treasured his friendship.