Chapter 7: Reunion

The small herd walked onwards, through the wind-driven sand swirling through the air. All of them had been laughing and joking for most of the day, and for good reason: they'd just fought off an entire pack of Fast Claws. Even Chomper, now on a full stomach, was happy. The gang had decided to let him... nourish himself on a Fast Claw that had died in the attack. Obviously, no one had stuck around to watch. Still, the decision had obviously paid off. Chomper's lapses into his vicious self had all but disappeared. Now, he and his friends were discussing their victory.

"I threw at least four of them," Cera said, "not counting the other two I knocked over."

"Yeah, but I hit five," Fyn said, "and I'll bet I scared off more by cracking my tail."

"Well," Littlefoot said, "that may be, but I knocked down a whole line of them!"

Spike, of course, said nothing.

"Well," Fyn said, "I think Chomper really gets the credit here. He scared all of them off."

"Yes," Ducky said, "hooray for Chomper!"

"It's funny, though," Chomper said, "with all of my experience in the Mysterious Beyond, I've never seen Sharpteeth like that before."

"What about you, Ruby?" Cera asked, "you said you knew about the Fast Claws."

"I do know about them," Ruby said, "and I'll tell you everything I know if you want to listen."

"Sure," Fyn said, "if we tangle with them again, we need to know what we're dealing with."

"Alright, then. The Fast Claws are big Fast Biters with a long claw on each hand. They're mean, too. In fact, before Red Claw showed up-"

"Red Claw?" Fyn interrupted, "who's that?"

"He's a Sharptooth. Long story," Littlefoot said, "remind me later and I'll tell you." He turned to Ruby. "Go on."

"Before Red Claw, the Fast Claws were the biggest danger my family and other Fastrunners faced. They would attack at night, scattering us and going after anybody who was separated. We never saw them coming. Finally, we began to learn where to hide, but by that time, they'd done their damage. Red Claw finally appeared and scared them all off. We never knew where they went to, but I guess we found out today."

"Yeah," Fyn said, "I guess so."

They walked onwards. The Bright Circle was lowering in the sky. Daylight hadn't left yet, but soon it would start to fade. As they moved farther and farther into the Drylands, Ruby could see Fyn closely observing something in the sand.

"What are you looking at, Fyn?" she asked.

"Not sure yet," he said, then resumed staring at the sand.

Ruby shrugged and continued walking. Fyn's observations were causing him to lag behind, but at the present, there was no danger, so no one said anything. Chomper, meanwhile, kept himself busy by watching the occasional Flyer overhead. They circled silently and majestically in the sky, riding the air as Petrie did from time to time.

"These Drylands really are a neat place," he said aloud.

"Only if you don't mind all the sand," Cera grumbled.

"Yes, but just look at everything. It's so quiet out here."

"Oh believe me," Cera said, "I've had plenty of experience with places that are quiet. You know what always happens in them?"

"I can't really say I do," Chomper replied.

"You get attacked! There's always something that just loves to hang out in quiet spots, and when that something gets hungry, I'm always the food."

Chomper felt he understood Cera's point. It seemed that whenever they were in the Mysterious Beyond, she got the worst of whatever bad thing should befall the friends. It was almost funny; almost meaning not funny enough to risk life and limb over laughing aloud. Chomper, instead, smiled to himself, making sure to turn his head away, of course. As he did, he saw Fyn checking the sand. He fell back to join him.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"Hm," was his only response.

Chomper waited a little longer, then tried again. "Could you tell me what you're doing?"

Fyn looked up. "What? Oh, just... searching." Suddenly, the Fin-Neck stopped.

"Everyone," he said, "hold on. I found something."

All of the dinosaurs gathered around Fyn. His attention was focused on a slight, almost symmetrical depression in the ground.

"I think there are other dinosaurs in this area."

"That can't be," Cera said, "I haven't seen anyone."

"There are tracks here," Fyn said.

"Where? All I see is sand."

Fyn craned his neck down until his head was close to the sand. Then, he drew air into his lungs and blew the sand away. Beneath, forming the depression, was a footprint.

"Where did you learn that?" Ruby asked.

"My father taught me."

Chomper was amazed. "Can you show me how to do that?"

"Sure," Fyn said, "just bring your head down, almost touching the ground." Chomper did as he was told.

"Now, see that dip over there?" Chomper looked in the direction Fyn had just indicated. There was a small depression in the ground in front of the footprint.

"Yep," he answered.

"Great. Now go blow the sand off of it."

Chomper inhaled, as Fyn had, and let fly with a blast of air from his nostrils. The sand swirled up into his face, and he shook his head to keep it out of his eyes. When the sand settled, another footprint was revealed.

"Out in the Drylands, the sand covers tracks quickly," Fyn explained to everyone, "but they're usually not very old when they look like this. These ones look fresh," he looked to Chomper. "Can you smell them? You might be able to find out who they belong to."

Chomper sniffed one of the prints. "Longneck," he said.

"Interesting," Littlefoot said, "there must be a herd around."

"You mean like them?" Cera asked, nodding towards what looked like a large group of dinosaurs making their way across the Drylands in the distance. Littlefoot saw them, too. The sight was majestic, with billowing sand kicked up by the herd silhouetting against the fading light of day.

"Yeah," Littlefoot said, "something like that. Maybe we can go see if they know a quicker way to the Big Water." He suddenly realized Chomper was standing behind him. He turned around. "Chomper," he hesitated, "maybe you should hide. I don't think they'll take to a Sharptooth very kindly."

"Alright," he said, moving off towards some dunes, "I'll meet you later."

They split, Chomper going one way, and everyone else moving the other way. Littlefoot squinted at the herd ahead. There was something vaguely familiar about it. He looked at the leader. From what he could see, the leader was a Longneck just like himself. Behind him was a huge, green Longneck, bringing up the front of the herd. Suddenly, the memory locked into place. He felt a burst of excitement; he knew who these dinosaurs were.

"Everyone," he said, "it's my dad and Shorty!"

Everyone's eyes lit up. Familiar faces at last! Littlefoot broke into a run. As he neared the herd, Bron's head turned to acknowledge the newcomer. When he saw who it was, he began to grin.

"Littlefoot!" he said, "I never expected to see you out here! And your friends as well... I can't believe it."

"Me neither, dad," Littlefoot said.

"It's great to see you guys again," Shorty said, towering above Bron and looking anything but short.

"Shorty?" Cera said, "I don't think your name fits you anymore."

The enormous Longneck smiled. "Yeah, I get that a lot."

"Hold on one moment," Bron said, "I'll tell everyone we're resting here tonight."

He bellowed to the herd; the signal to stop. Everyone began to disband and choose a comfortable spot to rest.

"Now," Bron said, "we have to talk. There's so much for me to tell you."

"Me too," Littlefoot said.

"Who's this?" Shorty asked, indicating Fyn as Littlefoot and his father moved off to talk.

"I'm Fyn," the Fin-Neck responded, "pleased to meet you."

Shorty dipped his head, "and you, too."

"So what do you do in this herd?"

Shorty blushed, humbly. "Actually, Bron's training me to take over as leader soon."

"No way!" Fyn said, "my dad's training me to do the same thing!"

"What a neat coincidence," Shorty laughed. "Come on," he said to the dinosaurs around him, "I'll take you to meet everyone in the herd."

As they moved into the herd, Littlefoot and his father were deep in conversation.

"So how are your grandparents?" Bron asked.

"Fine," Littlefoot answered, "still doing everything they can to help everyone in the Great Valley."

"That sounds just like them," Bron said with a smile.

"Yep, they were great when they welcomed in Fyn's herd."

"Oh really?" Bron looked over at Fyn, "That's him, I take it?"

"Yes. Did you know he actually led his herd to the Valley himself?"

"I did," Bron said, "very impressive. I spoke to his father when I was in the Valley, but I never saw Fyn."

"Oh, that's right. When you visited, he was being a bit shy. I think he just wasn't sure about being around Chomper and Ruby."

Bron nodded, "well, I can understand that. Everyone's shy sometimes."

"You know," Littlefoot said, "there's still plenty of room for you and your herd in the Great Valley if you-"

"Sharptooth!" someone yelled. Littlefoot and Bron snapped their heads up, looking for trouble.

"There!" Bron said, "on that ridge!"

Littlefoot looked. A Sharptooth was indeed approaching the herd. Strangely, though, it didn't seem to be attacking.

Bron raced towards the threat, and Littlefoot followed. Something didn't seem right. They ran until Littlefoot was panting, but once they were between every last member of the herd and the Sharptooth, Bron planted himself, settling into a defensive stance. Suddenly, Littlefoot recognized the Sharptooth.

"Stop!" he said. The entire herd was standing up behind them, preparing for an attack.

"I said stop!"

"Littlefoot," Bron said, "that's a Sharptooth! What are you doing?"

"That's not just a Sharptooth, dad, that's Chomper!"

Recognition crossed over the Longneck's face, and something else, too. Disappointment?

"Everyone stand down," he said, addressing the herd, "the Sharptooth is a friend."

He looked back at Littlefoot. "We will talk about this. Now." His voice had lost its friendliness. Littlefoot followed him back to where they'd been speaking.

"I thought you understood Chomper was different!"

"I did. Before he was almost as big as you. Look at him now! If he wanted to, he could take any one of us down."

"Is that you talking, or your fear?"

"You know very well what I think of Sharpteeth. I lost my wife to one."

"I know," said Littlefoot, "she was my mother, as well."

"Then you have to understand why I'm concerned! I can't lose you, too. Not to another Sharptooth."

Littlefoot looked back at Chomper. His friends had met him, and were bringing him towards the herd. As he moved through the dinosaurs, most recoiled from him; they knew no better. Others were curiously greeting him, and examining him. They had probably never seen a Sharptooth up close, before.

"Littlefoot," Bron said, "I need to know the truth. Why are you out here with Chomper?"

Littlefoot sighed. "It's a long story."

"I have time."

Littlefoot told his father of Chomper's problems, and how they had left the Great Valley to find him a home, hopefully with his parents. Bron listened until his story was finished, expressing no emotion. By now, the Bright Circle had set completely.

"Chomper's parents are at the Big Water," Littlefoot concluded. "All I ask is that if you know a faster way to the Big Water, please tell us. I don't know how much more time we have."

Bron sized up his son, seeing how he'd grown over the seasons. The last time he'd seen him, Littlefoot had been much smaller. Seeing him now was still a surprise to Bron. It took a while before he spoke again.

"You've grown," he said, "in more ways than one. Perhaps you've grown wiser than me. You risked your life to help a friend; a friend who, until recently, might not have had any hope. I've been blinded for so long by this... hatred of Sharpteeth, that I've forgotten that they're not all bad." He paused to take a deep breath before going on. "When I first met Chomper, I felt the same way as I do now, but in time, I came to see that he was good. With my herd, I've seen so many Sharptooth attacks, so much despair at the hands of Sharpteeth, that I was sure Chomper would turn on you eventually. I forgot about his true nature: his kindness and selflessness."

"It's understandable," Littlefoot said, "after everything you've been through."

"No it's not," Bron sighed, "I need to put my past behind me. Can you ever forgive me for what I've said?"

"Of course," Littlefoot said, "everyone makes mistakes."

"Even dads?"

"Even dads."

The two soon made amends and began to discuss travel to the Big Water. Chomper, meanwhile, had been listening closely behind a nearby dune. The conversation had him thinking: was his life really as bad as he'd thought? When Littlefoot defended him, he'd felt a sort of rush inside: his friends still cared about him, and when Bron finally apologized, and remembered Chomper for the dinosaur he truly was, he felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Now, he knew he wouldn't be abandoned. He knew he could sleep contentedly tonight, with the knowledge that he was no longer considered a threat. Silently, he crept away to where everyone else was sleeping. It was time to rest.

…

The next morning, Bron woke the herd early. So early, in fact, that the Bright Circle hadn't even risen. Littlefoot, Fyn, and Shorty were all around him immediately, wondering why he'd made the wakeup call.

"Both of our herds have long journeys ahead, it seems," was Bron's only reply.

Both Fyn and Littlefoot were unsure what to make of this, but instead of asking for clarification, they decided to go about rousing their group from slumber. Everyone had slept well, and for once, Cera was in a good mood, even going as far as to thank Littlefoot for waking her up with everyone else! Today was the day, Littlefoot knew. Bron had told him last night that they'd be at the Big Water before the Bright Circle fell again. Littlefoot hoped he was right. The sounds of Bron's herd on the move reminded Littlefoot that he had one thing left to do. Moving over to his father with Fyn and Chomper following, he spoke.

"Thanks again for helping us. I hope we can meet again soon."

"Sooner than you think," Bron said, winking at his son. Littlefoot was puzzled, but moved aside without question.

Fyn stepped forward. "I've heard a lot about you, sir. It's an honor to meet you."

"Please, spare me formalities. Just call me Bron, and I'm just as glad to have met you."

Finally, it was Chomper's turn. Bashfully, he approached the herd leader. "I- I just wanted to thank you. With me acting the way I am, you took a risk letting us stay with you. I hope we weren't any trouble."

"No trouble at all," Bron said, shaking his head, "Littlefoot told me about you last night, and you've earned my trust. From now on, you can count on me as a friend."

Chomper smiled, "really?"

"Absolutely. Even if you remember nothing else when you change, try to hold on to that thought."

The two herds, one small and one large, were preparing to go their separate ways when Littlefoot remembered what he'd wanted to tell Bron the previous night. He stopped and turned around.

"Dad!" he called.

"Yes, son?"

"Last night I meant to tell you- there's always a place for you and your herd in the Great Valley."

Bron chuckled.

"What's so funny?" Littlefoot asked.

"You have no idea."

"I would if you told me."

When his laughter started to die down, Bron finally spoke. "Where do you think we're going?" He began to walk away, with Shorty close behind.

Littlefoot contemplated his father's last statement. Then it hit him: the Great Valley! That's where they were headed!

Bron was already out of earshot, but Littlefoot tried to call to him anyway.

"Are you going to the Great Valley?"

As expected, he received no answer, but as Bron disappeared into the distance, Littlefoot could swear he turned his head back and smiled.

It was all the answer Littlefoot needed as he turned to his friends to start the day.

The journey was almost over.

My longest chapter yet is complete. Throwing Bron in for one chapter felt like kind of a risky move at first, but then I realized that he has past connections to Chomper, too. Having him in for only one chapter, I decided, made sense because of his position as a herd leader. I mean, he could have accompanied the gang the rest of the way, but a) his herd comes first, and b) I feel the journey should only be finished by the eight friends. Anyway, thpse are my thoughts. I may or may not get the next chapter out tomorrow, because of my busy after-school schedule, but I'll do my best. Heck, I'll more than make up for it on the weekend. Speaking of which, I'll be visiting the Dakota Dinosaur Museum this weekend, with my friends. Inspiration for the next few chapters? Perhaps...