Chapter Ten: Ruby Alone
After Chomper left, she lost track of how many nights she cried herself to sleep, tears shed for him. Then it sank in, surprised she never thought of it before. If Chomper couldn't come to her, she'd go to him. She'd leave the Valley and search the Mysterious Beyond. How hard could it be to find hi? With a plan, she went to share the news with her parents. They were awake, nuzzling each other and turned to her when she entered.
"Mother, father!" Ruby hugged them, licking each one. "I have news, I'm leaving for the Mysterious Beyond."
"What now?" Father asked.
"I'm going to find Chomper and catch up with him."
"Dear, while that is a nice idea, are you sure you should venture out there on your own?" Questioned Mother with concern.
"I need to see him, talk to him, know he's okay. I can't explain it, only that I must do this. For me more than anyone."
Placing her hand on Ruby's, Mother gave a knowing nod. "While I don't like the idea of you being on your own, if you feel you must make this journey, we won't hold you back."
"Thanks, I love you both so much, saying I love you, doesn't say how much I love you."
The family embraced one last time, Ruby going to bid her friends goodbye. She left in time too, for Hyp was outside the cave, surprised to find Ruby wasn't there. Ruby was with her friends, sharing the news of her plan. They were surprised, yet seemed to support her choice and smiled warmly to her.
"Well, I hope you find him Ruby." Little Foot said. "Maybe when you come back you can tell us how he is."
"Proved she doesn't get eaten first." Cera put in, gaining a glare from Little Foot.
"I am sure Ruby will be fine, I am, I am."
"Yeah, Ruby smart, can handle self."
"I should be back in a while, so don't worry about me." Ruby spoke with confidence.
While it was still early, Ruby began the long journey to find Chomper. On her way out of the Valley, she did her best to avoid being seen, not wanting Hyp to try and stop her. Once she reached the wall of rock, she made her way up, feeling the wind blow her feathers. When she reached the peek, she saw out into the Mysterious Beyond, feeling her heart beat with anticipation. Soon, with luck, she'd see Chomper again.
Ruby:
"Heart don't fail me now, courage don't desert me,
Don't turn back now that we're here,
People away say, life is full of choices,
No one ever mentions fear,
Or how the word can seem so vast,
On a journey to the past,
Somewhere down this road, I know someone's waiting,
Years of dreams juts can't be wrong,
Arms will open wide, I'll be safe and wanted,
Finally home where I belong,
Well, starting now I'm learning fast,
On this journey to the past,
Home, trust, a best friend,
There was once a time I had one too,
Home, love, a partner,
I will never be complete until I find him,
One step at a time, one hope then another,
Who know where this road may go,
Back to who I was, I'm to find my future,
Things my heart still need to know,
Yes, let this be a sign, path be mine, let it lead me to my past,
And bring me home, at last!"
As the day passed, there was no sign of him, only a few other predators she managed to avoid. When the night circle rose, she found a place to sleep and would continue her search when the bright circle rose. Several days passed, Ruby beginning to feel she might not find him after all. She walked carefully, being on guard constantly, recalling her childhood with her parents. Funny how the small from the past came back, tricks she thought were gone. The Mysterious wasn't quite so terrify as she remembered, finding there wasn't much difference between it and the Valley, with more sharpteeth of course.
Along a clearing she went, treading quietly and carefully. Brush moved and she prepared for the worst, ready to bolt should it be a fast-bitter. Yet she was shocked to see a male fastrunner, peering out with curious eyes. He was blue, taller than her father and having what girls might think, a dreamy smile. When his eyes fell on her, he lit up with joy. Coming clumsily out, he quickly rose to strike a handsome pose. Ruby rolled her eyes, dreading what he'd say next.
"Why hello there, miss, what bring you out to such dangerous part?" He took a few steps, looking her over.
"I'm trying to find a friend of mine." Ruby answered politely. "If you don't mind, I should be on my way."
"Hold on, why the rush." He took her hand and drew her close, throwing her out and spinning her, trying to charm his way to win some attention from her. "I mean, you're a fastrunner, I'm a fastrunner, perhaps we should run together?"
"I enjoy being alone, so, excuse me." Ruby pushed his hands off and went to leave, only for him to jog beside her.
"Come on now, let's not be so hasty to part ways, after all, a female like you out and alone, might be unsafe."
"I've lived out here before and can handle myself."
"I haven't come across many female-"
"I can't imagine why." Ruby uttered, continuing her quick pace.
"Truthfully, I'm seeking out a mate to have hatchling with. Someone lovely of course, don't want to produce ugly offspring. Gotta carry on a good line."
"How nice it is to have goals. Mine is to reach my friend."
"You're kind of attractive. Let's say you join me, and I can help find this friend of yours."
It was clear the guy wasn't getting the hint to butter off, so Ruby stopped and crossed her arms over her chest. "Listen pal, I don't want to be rude, but you need to leave me be and go on your merry way, all right."
"Whoa, whoa, why so defensive, I was merely giving you a complement."
"It was back handed from where I stand. I bid you farewell, sir."
"The names Ricky, please, stay a while." His hand went to her shoulder, holding tightly to her. "Get to know me, and we'll see where it goes from there."
"Let go of me, I have better thing to do." Ruby struggled, only to feel his other hand grip her and force her to stay. "I said to release me, unhand me I ordered you to!"
Ruby found herself fighting to get away from him, being pushed around as he wanted her to remain. Trying to yank his arms, they twisted and struggled to find a good stance. When he was close to throwing her to the ground, a roar caused him to freeze, gasping and looking to the direction it came from. The ground shook, the sound of massive feet approaching caused him to let Ruby go, seeing her fall to the earth while he threw his hands to his worried face.
"It was nice knowing you!" He yelled, taking off in the opposite direction and leaving her to fend for herself.
"Coward!" She called, getting up and scampering to find a place to hide. "Oh dear, oh my!"
Hurrying along, she peered around to find a place to hide. There was a small collection of rock, enough for her to slip in and move back should the sharptooth try to bit her. In the shadow she held her breath, hearing the big creature come closer, and closer, large feet landing right in front of her. Eyes shut, she waited, hoping the beast would move on and leave her be. After a few tense seconds, she heard laughter, the voice of a grown male. With a curious gaze, she almost recognized it, peering out slowly to see blue skin.
"Boy, he sure can move that one." It was Chomper, towering high above her and smiling. Looking down, he backed away to give her space. "Good to see you, Ruby."
"If only it were good, for it's not good." Ruby said, feeling her anger boil over. "How could you leave without saying goodbye to me, without a single word?"
Eyes wide, Chomper stood back and was surprised by her outburst. Though he couldn't blame her, from her perspective, he betray her. "Ruby, I never intened to hurt you, ever." He spoke softly, wanting to take and hold, though he kept from doing so, glancing to his sharp claws. "let me explain."
"Explain what, how you left, never once thinking how hard it would be for the gang…" Her voice trembled. "For me."
Guilt swept over him, Chomper sighing. "Ruby, you have every right to be mad, but know, I never got to give you a proper farewell. Things happened quiet differently that night."
"What are you saying?"
"I didn't go away on my own, I was run out." Ruby's anger melted to curiosity, looking up to him and standing close. He swallowed a few times, knowing it was time to share his side of that night. "I went to get some water and then, well, it happened so quick. I was there and then gone."
