Hey, everyone. I hope you guys had a nice holiday! I've been busy, so I sort of slacked off on updating. But I'm back. Here's another rainbow face chapter. I hope you guys enjoy and just in case I don't get a chance to say it, happy new year!

Molly felt more refreshed and rejuvenated than she had in a long time. Her exhausted amber brown eyes retained a radiant glare as she directed her gaze towards the bright circle, although not looking directly at it. Then, she dipped her head into the watering hole, allowing the cool water to pour into her mouth.

"Molly?" A masculine, but airy and tender voice made Molly pull her head out of the water. Standing before her was a rainbow face with all the same features and attributes as her, with the exception being his lighter brown eyes. But he was a dinosaur of consequence. His eyes were sullen and cold, and he seemed to slouch, almost as if he were sulking while standing.

Molly's eyes widened with the slightest hint of a smile. "Andy?" she darted across the water, moist weeds tangling themselves around her foot as she darted to her brother's side.

"Andy!" She threw her arms around him, hardly able to believe her own eyes.

Andy returned the affectionate gesture, a small smile making it's way onto his face as he buried his snout in the crook of her neck. "I've missed you. I'm glad you're okay."

Molly pulled away, her features more calm. "I'm so glad you made it here. Where's Diana?"

Andy's smile vanished, and all traces of happiness left his face. He looked down and shook his head.

Molly knew what it meant. "Oh no…I'm so very sorry, darling…"

Andy mustered a small but grateful smile as he nodded his head. "I still have Sophie," he said, motioning to the tiny rainbow face napping peacefully on his back as he chuckled in amusement.

"She sleeps a lot. But...did Michael make it? And Amelia and Tristan?"

"Amelia and Tristan are fine," explained Molly. "I don't know about Michael. Everyone tells me he's dead and I should move on, but...Andy, he's survived worse things than an avalanche. He would never give up on me and the boys."

Andy lowered his head slightly. "Molly..."

"I know, I know." She sighed. "At this point, I don't think he's coming back. But at least, I still have Gabriel and Adam."

The two shared a moment of silence until Sophie stirred. She let out a yawn, and their attention went on her.

"Good morning Sophie," Andy cooed, giving his daughter a greeting nuzzle. "Sleep well?"

Sophie babbled some nonsense, something expected of a dinosaur as young as her.

Molly lowered her neck, crouching down to the little dinosaur's level. "Hello sweetie. Remember me?"

Sophie giggled happily. Apparently, she did recall the older rainbow face.

Molly shifted her attention to her brother. "Andy, what about the others? Are they alright?"

"Oh," mumbled Andy. "I started off with them."

"What happened?"

"We came to a large river," said Andy. "Not everyone could swim, so I just swam ahead.

"And then?"

"I told them if they could swim, then to swim. But if they couldn't, they'd just have to make the best of it."

"Andy!" Molly scolded. "You just left them there?"

"Yes," replied Andy indignantly. "It's just me and Sophie now, nobody else. I did what I had to do."

"Diana would be so angry with you."

"Diana's dead." Andy turned to snack on a bundle of tall grass. "And she would have understood."

Molly could see there was no use in trying to reason with her grieving brother. Andy was stubborn, annoyingly so. Diana helped improve his attitude, but now that she was gone, Andy was reverting back to his old habits. Defeated, Molly led him to her home.

Andy scanned the valley, eyeing his surroundings curiously. "I really wish there weren't so many other dinosaurs here."

"That kind of close minded thinking will get you nowhere," said Molly, watching him from the corner of her eye. "And perhaps you wouldn't feel so uneasy if you hadn't left the others behind."

Andy narrowed his eyes. "Maybe so. But it's always me and my family first. It was that way when Diana was alive, and it's going to stay that way."

"Defending yourself and your family doesn't equate to being totally selfish." Molly frowned, and pushed past him as she rushed into the cave. Andy reciprocated her frown, and followed her inside.

He held Sophie in his mouth by the flap of skin on her back as he sat down, transferring her to his arms. "Where are Gabriel and Adam?"

"They're out with their friends," answered Molly, sitting down. She did not bother to look at the other rainbow face as she made a full turn, munching on some leaves sprouting from the dirt. "Now please don't speak to me. You'll give me a headache."

Andy's glare intensified as he let out a scoff, resting his head on his arm. Tired from his long journey, he closed his eyes and much like his daughter, partook in the activity of taking a nap.

...

He approached rather calmly and quietly, despite the ordeal he'd just went through. As Andy peeked over a log, he spotted Aurora and her litter of four lying in the light. The mother was telling the young rainbow faces a story. Aurora had a calm and understanding air about her, with tranquil blue eyes that were usually downcast. She had light patches on various parts of her skin; on her forehead and on her belly, and even on her tail. She was relatively quiet, but steadfast and smart. She knew when to open her mouth, and when to keep it shut. However, when it came to lore and telling stories, the female rainbow face could run her mouth for days on end.

"And so in the end," said Aurora, "the rainbow face was right. He and his family managed to escape the disaster, but the other dinosaurs who did not bother to listen were not able to live through the darkness that took over their land."

One of her hatchlings, a rambunctious young girl, spoke up. "So is the story saying that rainbow faces know more?"

"That's stupid," said her brother.

"You're stupid," she rebuffed.

They lunged for each other, engaging a fierce but playful fight.

Aurora shook her head in unfazed dismay.

"Kids," scolded their father. "Behave yourselves."

"Now Bruno," reasoned Aurora, walking up and nuzzling her mate. "They're just kids."

"Still," protested Bruno, who could hardly resist his wife's affections. "Uh..." He scoffed. "I suppose." His voice was croaky, yet firm.

Andy stepped forward, Sophie hitching a ride on his back. "What are you all doing sitting here? Shouldn't we get going?"

"Right," said Bruno. "And where would we go, exactly?"

"The Great Valley," Andy replied in a dull tone. "That's where Sophie and I are going."

Bruno raised a brow. "Why would I take my wife and kids to a place we aren't even sure exists?"

"Do you have any better ideas, Bruno?"

Bruno narrowed his eyes, scowling at the other rainbow face.

"Calm down," intervened Aurora. "Both of you."

"Yes," agreed a deep and throaty voice from behind them. "You aren't the only one who's lost someone, Andy."

The voice belonged to Hazel, a captain of the guard. Much like Bruno, he was a strongly built dinosaur with sturdy legs. His dark grey eyes were harsh, but wise. They had endless stories to tell. His body was covered in claw marks; some old, and some fresh. He'd seen much in his lifetime, being the oldest rainbow face there.

"Hazel!" Bruno's eyes widened a slight amount as he rushed to Hazel's aid, helping him to the ground before his knees gave way. "What happened? Was it the fast biters?"

Hazel's breath was labored and ragged. "Yes...they tried to get Holly, and I couldn't let that happen. I tried to fight them off, but there were too many..." He drew in a shuddering breath, resting his head on his arm.

Aurora's eyes shone with worry. Holly had been one of her best friends. "Is Holly...?"

"She's gone," managed Hazel, unable to repress his anguish. "By the time I got there to help her, it was too late." He looked up at Aurora. "I'm sorry. I know...she was your friend."

Bruno returned to the topic at hand. "How did you get away?"

"Brute force," Hazel explained with two simple words. "I ran away, and hoped I'd find you...and I did. For the first time, I'd say that fleeing like a coward was the smart thing to do."

Andy lowered his head. "Well, what should we do now?"

"It doesn't matter to me," stated Hazel. "I have a lingering feeling that my life will end sometime soon...but at least, I'll get to see Holly again."

"Don't speak like that," said Aurora, who was always so kind, and always meant well.

"It's fine, dear." Hazel smiled weakly, lines of age and worry etched onto his face. "I'm alright with it, really. I've lived a long and productive life...I'll be at peace."

Aurora gave him the smallest of smiles, along with a nod of her head.

"Bruno!"

Bruno raised a brow, startled by the warbled voice addressing him.

His son crouched down. "Who is it, dad?"

"Quiet, son. I'm trying to listen." He looked up, eyes and ears peeled.

"Bruno!"

Bruno lowered his brows in confusion. The voice was familiar, but he couldn't put his finger on who it belonged to. "Who's there?"

Another rainbow face tumbled out of a bush, quickly getting back on his feet. He was surrounded by an aura of desperation and fear, his slender limbs twitching occasionally. He stood with his nose pointed towards the air, always alert. His eyes were a mix of blue and grey, somewhat resembling sky water.

Once again, Bruno had that shocked expression on his face. "Harri!"

"Bruno!" He stood up straight. "The others...!"

"What about them? Is there anyone left?"

Harri shook his head. "More fast biters showed up. The air turned bad...caves filled with dead bodies...I almost couldn't get out!"

Bruno nodded, indicating that he understood how gruesome the attack was.

Hazel rose slowly, lowering his head to meet Harri's panicked gaze. "Well, we're very glad to have you. You always were one of the more creative and innovative members of the herd."

Harri beamed. To hear that from Hazel, someone so respected in the herd, it was the greatest compliment someone could have paid him. "T-Thank you, Hazel."

Hazel gave a polite smile and a nod of his head. Then, he silently addressed everyone with a brief glance. "I don't know where the others are. But wherever they are, we can't be bothered to try and find them."

The others nodded in agreement.

"Forget about finding some place safe, or finding some place like the Great Valley. As pleasant as it sounds, we will not actively pursue it. We will go wherever the wind takes us."

While Andy's plan was originally to go to the Great Valley, he did not wish to part from the group. After all, there was safety in numbers.

The small group had only been journeying for a day when Hazel suddenly keeled over. It wasn't exactly sudden; he'd been getting progressively more ill and had started to fall behind.

Aurora lowered her head, watching his movements. His chest slowly rose and fell, his entire body going limp moments after. Aurora looked up, her eyes meeting Bruno's as she gave a sad shake of her head.

Bruno went over to her, allowing himself to show some emotion other than indifference. His stoic demeanor diminished, and he gave her snout a brief and gentle prod with his. "Come on. We need to keep moving."

"I know. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. It's not your fault you have such a big heart."

Aurora flashed a smile, and followed her husband to catch up with the others.

They walked without resting, wanting to get as far as they possibly could. By nightfall, the group reached the woods, shrouded in darkness.

Harri scanned the tall trees, his limbs twitching again. "B-Bruno?"

Bruno lowered his brows, and then looked at Harri. "Yes?"

"I think we should stop here. The children, they need to rest."

"He's right, Bruno," agreed Andy.

"No." Bruno breathed in, and out. "Once we're clear of the woods...we'll be clear of any fast biters that may have been left back there. We can rest then."

"Mommy?" Aurora's daughter hid behind her leg. "I'm scared."

"I know, dear." Aurora lifted her up by the flap of her neck, and set her down on her back, doing the same with her three other children.

Bruno took one step forward, and sniffed the air. Then, he turned towards the others. "Follow me."

The remaining members of the group skittered after him, scared to be left behind.

Aurora looked up, taking in every detail. The dark branches of the trees stretching out into the sky resembled the claws of sharpteeth. Dew fell onto the leaves, creating small drops of moisture. She felt something slimy slither over her foot; it reminded her of walking in mud. When she looked down, she saw a belly slider slithering across her feet. It lifted it's head, and let out a hiss.

Bruno recognized the sound instantly. He'd seen more belly sliders than he would have liked to see. He hated them. They attacked with little warning, and most dinosaurs never saw them until it was too late – after the creature poisoned it's prey.

He could tell by the hood surrounding it's neck that this one was poisonous, and that if it got the chance to sink it's fangs into Aurora's skin, that would be the end of it…the end of everything.

"Aurora, no!" Bruno ran over faster than he knew he was capable of running, and practically stomped the life out of the belly slider until it slithered away. He looked to his wife, whose eyes were wide with fear.

"Are you alright?"

Aurora took a moment to calm down and nod her head. "Yes...I think I am."

"Good." He drew in a sigh, and closed his eyes. He had panicked a bit, admittedly. "Stay in the front with me where I can see you." He began walking off, when he paused. "That's an order."

Aurora nodded her head and took her place in the front beside him. She knew Bruno meant well, but he was rather intimidating at times. Still, she knew that he truly did care for her, and for that, she was grateful.

Once they were out of the woods, they came to a long and winding river. There was no way around it, nor was there was any way over it.

Harri looked at Bruno. "What now?"

"We'll have to cross it," Andy interfered.

"Cross it?" Repeated Harri. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," said Andy.

"But I don't think I can swim," Aurora pointed out. "I'm worn out, and the children are even worse off than me."

Bruno nodded because she was right.

"We could use that tree over there," suggested Harri, pointing to a log floating in the water. "Bruno, look. It floats."

Andy, however, wasn't having it. He climbed into the river before addressing everyone.

"Those who can swim, swim."

Bruno frowned, not bothering to hide his anger. "And those who can't?"

"They'll just have to make the best of it."

"That's not good enough," growled Bruno. "My wife and children can't swim, and I refuse to leave them behind."

"Fine," Andy spat. "Do what you want. But my daughter and I are going to move on."

Sophie tilted her head, cooing as innocently as a hatchling could.

Bruno didn't stop him. There was nothing he could say that would change the rainbow face's mind. "If Diana could see you right now, she would be so ashamed of you."

"Don't you dare say her name. Don't ever say her name." Andy's voice was laced with contempt.

"...It's been nice traveling with all of you, but we...we can't travel together anymore. I hope you find what you're looking for."

"You too," Bruno said through gritted teeth.

When Andy turned around again, the landscape was covered with blood. The trees burned to a crisp, and the earth split open from under their feet. Andy was forced to watch as what had been of their group fell in through the cracks in the ground. Aurora, her children, even Bruno and Harry. They all fell to their deaths. Andy tried to run away, but eventually, he met his doom as well.

...

Andy nearly screamed as he awoke with a jolt, panting.

"Andy?" Molly sat up, concern in her eyes. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," panted Andy. "Just a bad sleep story. I'm fine." He proceeded to rest his head on his arms when he noticed, Sophie wasn't there. "Sophie? Molly, have you seen Sophie?"

"No...I was asleep."

Andy went into a panic. He quickly stood up, searching the cave for his daughter. "Sophie? Are you here? Sophie!"

...

Sophie had, like children were prone to do, wandered off. At some point during her nap, her curious eye was laid upon a buzzer, which she instinctively followed. After all, it was only natural for her to want to learn more about the environment that surrounded her. She followed the buzzer all the way across the valley, to the tall grass.

Now, she was looking up at a large rock. To someone as small as her, this rock looked like a mountain. But it was nothing Sophie couldn't handle, or so the hatchling thought. She jumped up, and very nearly made it, until she cut her knee on a sharp edge of the rock. She landed abruptly on the ground, whimpering. She let out a high pitched cry, a natural reflex for when she was in distress. Her father usually identified this cry, and helped her accordingly. However, her father was nowhere to be found, so Sophie would continue to cry until she found him.

Some time passed, and Sophie began to feel cold. She looked across the pond, where she spotted a dinosaur that looked like her father. A smile tugged at the corners of her tiny mouth as she waddled over to the pond, her feet creating the tiniest splashes.

The rainbow face, who had actually been Mackenzie, paused in the middle of her drink. Sophie was trying to grab her attention, probably thinking that this was her father. Mackenzie lowered her head, staring into the hatchling's eyes.

Sophie babbled, pressing her tiny snout against Mackenzie's. But when she looked into the dinosaur's jade green eyes, Sophie realized that this was not her father.

Mackenzie saw her disappointment, and nuzzled Sophie to show that she meant no harm. Sophie giggled, and soon warmed up to the other. Mackenzie chuckled, absolutely smitten with the sheer innocence of the tiny dinosaur. "I'm Mackenzie," she said, introducing herself.

The hatchling repeated her name, clearly feeling very proud of herself.

Mackenzie's eyes then drifted to the cut on Sophie's knee, and her smile was washed away. "What happened here?"

Sophie did not understand, and tilted her head.

Mackenzie wasn't sure what else she expected. "Stay here. I'll be right back." She began to walk off, and Sophie followed. "What did I just say?"

Sophie gave her a blank stare.

Mackenzie shook her head, and lifted Sophie by the flap of her neck, allowing her to hitch a ride on her back. Mackenzie wandered over to the trees, and grabbed a handful of leaves. These leaves were long and thick, perfect for covering up wounds. She dipped the leaves in water, and set Sophie down on the floor. Then, Mackenzie used the leaves to apply pressure to the cut. When she removed it, the cut was beginning to scab over.

"There we go, as good as new. Now...where are your parents?"

...

"Molly, where is she?"

"Shouldn't you know?"

Andy frowned. "You're not helping."

"You should've kept an eye on her then."

Andy sighed, knowing his sister was right. "I'm going to go look for her."

"Good luck."

Andy ran outside, the grass crunching beneath his feet. As he stared into the distance, he saw that the valley was covered in a mysterious but peaceful cloud of mist.

"Andy."

Andy's eyes widened. That voice. The voice that always comforted him on his darkest days, and showed him that there was hope yet. Diana was an ocean of light. Everyone flocked to her. So, how could a light that burned so brightly suddenly burn so pale?

"Diana...?"

"You were supposed to take care of her."

"I have been. Darling, I have been!" He dropped to his knees, breaking down into heaving sobs. As he cried, the mist thinned, twirling and spiraling around Andy.

"Oh, Andy...I'll always be with you. But you've forgotten me."

"I haven't! How could I?"

"You've forgotten what I taught you."

"I didn't mean to. I-It's just so hard..."

"I know. But Sophie needs you now. You need to be her father and mother."

Andy suddenly snapped back to reality. He didn't know if the conversation with his deceased wife was real, or whether it was a figment of his imagination. But, he did know one thing for certain. He hadn't been living his life the way Diana would have wanted him to live it. He had been selfish.

The mist lifted to reveal a warm colored sky with strips of pink and orange; the bright circle was beginning to set. Andy ran down the hill, the land shrouded in cool clouds of air. As he ran down the hill, his tail blew the seeds off of a plant, causing them to disperse into the air. He didn't know where he was running to, he was following the mist, and letting his heart guide him.

When he saw Sophie happily rolling around in the tall grass, Andy felt a huge weight being lifted off of his shoulders. Sophie immediately recognized her father, and waddled over to the only source of protection she'd ever known.

"Sophie!" Andy darted across the grass, stopping a few inches away from his daughter. He lowered his neck to embrace her, showering her in kisses like this was the first time he was seeing her. "Oh, Sophie. My darling baby girl..."

Sophie giggled, allowing her father to scoop her up in his hands.

Andy began to shed tears of joy. Perhaps he was overreacting, but he genuinely feared that he'd lost her. She was so little, anything could have happened. But she was alright… and that was all that mattered. Except, she wasn't. He noticed the cut on her knee, and felt his heart sink.

As if Mackenzie were reading his mind, she stepped up. "I found her with a cut on her knee, so I tried to stop the bleeding as much as I could. She's alright now though."

Andy breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at the adolescent rainbow face. "Thank you so much." As he read her face, he recognized her features. She had Amelia's eye shape, and Tristan's skin color.

"Say...you're Amelia and Tristan's girl, aren't you?"

Mackenzie seemed surprised, but smiled and nodded nonetheless.

"They should be proud to have raised such a responsible young girl." He gave Mackenzie's head a gentle pat. "I'll see you around. Take care."

"You too," said Mackenzie, waving as she watched him leave with Sophie. "Bye!"

...

Later that night when Andy went to sleep, it wasn't like all those other nights. Tonight, he felt at peace with himself. As he closed his eyes, he could have sworn he heard Diana's voice.

"I will always be with you."

And he knew, that she would be.