Dusk arrived hours when the yeti group got to settle in the guest house. Every snail in the village begins to glow brightly in different colors one by one. They also had a fire going in the center of the village square. Since the sun went down, that's been their only source of light for many generations. The villagers were doing last minute things before heading home to go to bed.

In the gust house, Percy is allowed to come out from hiding and explore the rooms; after all, the house's interior is two times his size. He couldn't really help himself but run around and take pictures. Protective Migo urged him to stay away from the windows so no one would see him.

Sure enough, everyone ate to fill their empty tummies. They all ate plenty of rock fruit from storage. They all ate at the circler stone table together. Percy sat down in between Migo and Meechee while he consumes what's left of his snacks in his bag. The redhead did not want to eat all of it, though, because he wanted to save it for Brenda and others, who probably haven't had food and water in days.

Meanwhile, Meechee only made a dent in her fruit, while the others dug into their heart's content. She couldn't eat, her stomach is in knots. She couldn't stop thinking about the lies the Stonekeeper has told theses villagers for decades; he had the village in his hands. He's having them live in fear as her father did to them not too long ago.

All he wanted to do is protect the village and be a good father. But now they know the painful truth, things got better, way better.

Bases of her father said about him, the North Stonekeeper is ruthless and is so hellbent on wanting the Smallfoots dead and gone. He hasn't shown that side to them, at least not yet.

What if-

"Are you okay, Meech? You haven't taken a bite of your fruit." Kolka asked in concern. All worried eyes are on her now. She shifts a bit in her seat. "Sorry-yeah, I'm okay. I couldn't help but think about the Stonekeeper." They nodded in agreement.

"That he has this whole place in clutches?" Fleem asked with a mouthful of fruit.

"Yes, Fleem, and what he's done to the Smallfoots...I hope we're not too late." Meechee saddens. It's terrible; it's much worse then she thought. Percy saw Wonder's face saddens form the corner of his eye while he ate. He comforts her by petting her hand. Migo was about to say something, but he stops himself. He's going to say the Smallfoots are alright, but he did not know if they are or not, no one knows except the Stonekeeper and his followers.

Then he thought of a better answer.

"We can only hope," Migo let out. They exchange hopeful looks to each other. Percy looked faces and then Migo's. He never saw Migo do that face before.

He saw hope.

"Do we have a plan to save them?" Percy asked with despair; he did not expect a clear answer form Migo or the others; he just wanted to ask for the sake of asking. But he did get somewhat of an answer when Migo scooped him up in his hands and looked right at him in his eyes.

"We're getting your friends back, everyone the Stonekeeper has taken," Migo promised the Smallfoot. Percy knew he's assuring him if he only knew what he was saying. He grins, and Migo warmly grains back. Migo then smiles, hopefully at Meechee.

She undoubtedly smiles too.

"But first, we need a plan to get in the palace," Gwangi said. They all nodded in agreement. The starred out the small window at the ice palace with determination. Then they got right to work on planning. Kolka found some chalk lying around, so they used that to draw out their plan.

The

At the table, they drew the castle and began planning out.

"According to my father, the Smallfoots are kelp captive somewhere in the palace, somewhere they can't escape," Meechee explained. She drew a Smallfoot and then a question mark right next to it.

"Somewhere hidden, I assume," Kolka added.

"Right," Meechee said. "I was thinking we sneak in through the windows when it's dark, all the yetis in the village will be fast asleep around that time, including the Stonekeeper. Even great leaders need their sleep." They nodded in satisfaction; even Percy nodded, he knew it had to be a good plan. The seemed like it was bulletproof. "I like your plan, Meech. But how are we going to find them? We have no idea where the Stonekeeper has put them." Migo pointed out to the group. Meechee pushed before she spoke; she did not even think about that.

"Your right, Migo. We don't. We might have no choice but to search for them...but we have to do it fast and quiet."

"It sounds risky." Gwangi mumbles.

"I know it's risky. But as long we work together, we can find the Smallfoots before the Stonekeeper finds out." Meechee tries to assure him. He still doesn't like this plan. But he knew they really have no other options left.

"Okay, Meech."

There's a beat of silence.

"Does everyone agree on the plan?" Meechee asked for everyone's consent. They nodded in determination. "We're with you till the end, Meech." Kolka saluted proudly. The yetis nodded and chatting with each other, although Gwangi had a bad feeling about this. Percy is thrilled about this; he is finally going to take part in this mission to rescue Brenda and the other villagers.

He nodded, agreeing with the plan too. When Migo saw how delighted the Smallfoot is, he got scared and nervous, clams him down.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, Smallfoot, relax," Migo said nervously. In response, Percy smiled at him, showing him he's ready. "The Smallfoot isn't coming, is he?"

"Of course he's coming, we're a team and his friends. Besides, he fit thought small places that none of us can reach." Meechee explained. Then she notices there was a problem. The tone of Migo's voice gave it away.

"Why? You...don't want him to come?" She asked.

"No-! I mean, he can't go because it's dangerous, Meechee! What if the Stonekeeper catches him?"

"Migo, your overreacting! He's not as helpless you think he is, he's capable of taking care of himself!" She snapped back. Kolka, Gwangi, Percy are left to watch in worry the two yetis yell back and forth. It's more traumatic for Percy; he hears them roaring at each other like animals. As for Fleem, he is asleep with his head down during the whole planning.

"I never wanted him to come on this trip; I should never have brought him along," Migo said sadly; he was done arguing. He wanted to get to the point.

"You don't mean that."

"...Yes, I do." Migo's heart grew heavy. Then he crouched down to Percy on the table with a serious look on his face. Then Percy fringed it out. Were they arguing about me the whole time? Why? He thought to himself. Percy had a terrible feeling in his stomach. He did not want to say a word; he wanted him to speak.

"Smallfoot..." Migo was trying to find the right words to tell him. But there were no right words, is there? Migo let out a painful sigh.

"You have to stay here with Fleem."

A second of silence.

"...What? Use your hand signals, Snow. What are you saying? Tell me!" Percy begged him. Migo knew he couldn't understand. A part of him did not want to do it, but the other half did. He kept telling himself this is for his own good.

Kolka couldn't bear to watch; her eyes became watery. Gwangi just looked away in shame. Migo translates in a hand signal.

"You.Have.To.Stay. Here."

He pointed at him then did the stop signal. Percy lets that sink in his brain for a moment until he came to a realization. He started to spend up. He knew what it meant.

"Wait...I'm not coming? Your...leveing me here by myself?" Percy translates heartbroken.

"Of course not, Fleem will watch you," Migo said, trying to brighten up the mood.

Then Fleem woke up sluggish. "Wait-what? What did I miss? What happened?"

"You're being completely unreasonable! Why are you not allowing me to go? You brought me this far!" Percy shouted at him in anger. To the yetis, it sounded like an angry squeaker. Migo never saw his friend angry before; it broke his heart.

"It's too dangerous," Migo said calmly as he translates.

This is for your own good.

"I know it's dangerous! I only came to help you guys to rescue the villagers and return them home and possibly prevent this from ever happening again! So yes, I know it's dangerous!" Migo left speechless, not knowing what say next.

Percy's voice broke. "I just want to help." The group was silent until Gwangi notices it got dark out by looking out the window. No one sight, no light, the village is officially asleep "Guys; it's dark out! We gotta head out now!"

"Is the Smallfoot okay? He looks mad; what did you do?" Fleem asked. Migo looked at the Smallfoot. He avoided his gaze and crossed his arms. Meechee looked at Migo at in disappoint and disapproval. He hopes he'll understand.

"Fleem, take care of the Smallfoot while we're gone," Migo said.

"What? I'm not coming either?" Fleem said, sounding surprised.

"We gotta get going," Meechee announced. They four yetis slowly made their way to the door, leveling Percy and Fleem to watch them go out. Fleem is still confused about what's going on. Migo gave one last look at the Smallfoot, to his surprise, his back again turned with his arms cross. He wanted to say something, but the words never came up.

So they left without saying a thing. However, Percy did turn around to see if Migo was still there. But he and the others have already gone out. Percy sighs. What is the point of coming when they not allowed to help out?

"What are we? A liability!?" Fleem yelled out in the heavens.

To Be Continued...