Chapter VII: Planting the Seed

In which Dusk makes a tactical decision.

"Oh Chomper, I'm so glad we found you!" Ruby said, giving him a hug. "I was so worried about you."

"But, you said you didn't like me. That's why I left," he explained, still in her embrace.

"What? I never said that because I would never say that," she replied, confused.

"You said that you wish you hadn't agreed to look after me. I heard you."

Ruby paused to recall, and then laughed, much to Chomper's surprise. "You heard what I said, but you didn't hear everything I said. Afterwards, I said that I didn't like agreeing to that because you deserve the best care, and I don't think I can give you the best. You should have asked me about this before running away."

Chomper hugged her all the more tightly. "I'm so sorry Ruby. And you're wrong."

"Huh?"

"You've given me only the best, and I thank you so much."

"Me hate to break up touching moment, but who that?" Petrie asked Chomper fearfully, motioning toward Dusk.

"Don't be afraid, Petrie. He's my new friend Dusk. He wouldn't hurt us."

"Don't believe I word he's told you!" the female Rainbow Face exclaimed.

Chomper turned, finally noticing the Rainbow Faces. "You!" he exclaimed, pointing at the male.

"Relax. I told you before that I'm not going to hurt you."

"Yeah, you wouldn't dare with Dusk here!"

The male sighed.

Dusk had snapped out of it, and came over to the group. "Is there a problem?" he roared gently to Chomper.

"I'm okay, thanks," he replied.

"Hey!" Littlefoot exclaimed to Dusk. "I understood you, but you spoke Sharpooth. How is that possible?"

"Like the two of us, he is free from the communication barrier," the male Rainbow Face explained.

"What does that mean?" Ruby asked.

"I'll explain that another time," he replied. Turning to Dusk, he asked, "So how do you intend to recruit them? Are you going to take them by force?"

Dusk looked confused. "I beg your pardon?"

"Don't give us that! You want them as badly as we do," the female insisted.

Dusk turned his head and said nothing.

"See? You won't even deny it!" she continued.

"It's not that," Dusk told her while sniffing the air. "We're being watched."

"One of your tricks, no less," she said.

Dusk sighed and rolled his eyes. He stooped down, picked up a small stone, and tossed it into a nearby bush.

"Ow!" came a cry. The voice was undeniable.

"Cera?" Littlefoot asked.

She came out from behind the bush with a mix of anger and embarrassment, and she was rubbing her face with her front foot.

"Were you spying on us?" he continued.

As an indirect answer to his question, she turned to the female Rainbow Face and asked, "So how do you like it?"

"I really don't care," she replied dully.

"Rrrgh."

"I want to ask something," Littlefoot began. "What do you three want us for?"

"Do you need help with something?" Ducky asked.

"You could say that," the female replied.

"Will you all quit being so mysterious!" Cera demanded. "It's getting really annoying. What exactly is going on here?"

"This world is in danger. We need you kids' help to save it," the male Rainbow Face said.

"Very funny," Cera said. "What do you really want?"

The male leaned closer to the female. "I told you that this wouldn't be easy."

Cera scoffed. "Even if there was trouble, what could we kids do about it?" Looking at Dusk, she asked, "And what's your story?"

Dusk's eyes narrowed, but it was too slight for anyone to notice. "Those two speak the truth," was his reply.

The Rainbow Faces were dumbfounded. "What is he up to?" the male thought to himself.

"Trouble is indeed brewing. You all, of course, have the choice to help or not. I'm certainly not going to force you to. Still, if you kids are willing help out, I must admit that I would certainly appreciate your help."

"So that's it," the male thought. "That's enough of your mind games, Dusk!"

Dusk raised a brow.

"Stop acting like you only want what they do! Your shrewd tongue may fool them, but not us!" the male shouted. "You are going to do whatever it takes to walk away with this children alongside you."

Dusk lowered his head. "I have voiced my feelings on this matter. The time for discussion- has now reached its end."

Both of the Rainbow Faces tensed their bodies. They were going to fend off Dusk at all costs.

"Well kids, you just do what you think is right." And with that, Dusk turned around and began to walk away.

"Where are you going!" the male Rainbow Face called. He and the female were certain that Dusk was going to attack.

"As I said," Dusk began as he continued moving, "I've already voiced my feelings. The choice of what to do from here is up to them."

"Dusk, wait!" Chomper called. "I don't want you to go!"

Dusk turned his head and said, "Don't worry, Chomper. We will meet again." And with that, Dusk soon vanished from their sight.

"There," he thought. "The seed of trust has been planted, and it will grow."