Stories of the Valley

by Angelwriter84

Littlefoot and gang learn the stories of their loved ones and what they went through before finding the Great Valley. Hyp learns of his father's hardships and is affected by the story. Chomper's parents become the first sharpteeth in the valley, Pterano returns and finds his place in the valley, and more. But soon, old enemies arrive for revenge. Will they see a happy ending? Enjoy

5. Chapter 5: Hyp

…Hi everyone. I hope you enjoyed the little piece with Petrie's mother. Unknown, yes it is surprising to see Britta, isn't it? I picked the name for Petrie's mother because it seems to fit her. I am glad to know you are enjoying the story so far! Thanks for your support!

And thanks to everyone who has followed so far. I noticed the follows as well, and the fact you are keeping up with the story tells me a lot.

I apologize for the delay in Pterano's point of view, but I had to show that Britta was still alive. I am still working out his reaction because he seems to be a character of complex thought, and he had given up on seeing Britta ever again. And he has more backstory to tell. So keep in touch! His part is coming up next.

Right here we have Hyp and his father. Just to let you know, this takes place the night before Britta's arrival. I think you will understand why when you read it. But Hyp's father's part is nearly finished and will most likely be finished up in the next few chapters. Don't worry, though. Hyp isn't finished, and we will see him frequently :D

Well, that's it for now. Stay tuned, feel free to message/review, and enjoy! Best!...

Chapter 5 Hyp

Hyp's Father

What can I do? What can I do…..

The father sat by his writhing son with his head in his hands, exhausted and scared as he could ever remember.

Hyp had slept a few hours after they had managed to get the brace on him, but after those quiet hours of sleep he began crying out in pain. Nicolas had been frightened awake by the noise and rushed to help his son, but he could do nothing. There was nothing for his pain since they hadn't found a healer, and Hyp was in agony. Moving him in different positions only made it worse, and he wasn't even sure Hyp was aware of his cries because he couldn't seem to stop them. How much could a father be put through?

He had to do something. Hyp had to get his mind off the pain somehow. But Nicolas couldn't seem to get the boys attention. He tried patting his shoulder, asking questions, begging, pleading, general conversation, just talking, shouting, and yelling….but nothing worked. And it honestly scared him. It wasn't like Hyp to surrender to the fact that he was in any kind of pain at all. He had eventually just sat down at some point.

And then he caught sight of the brightest star in the sky, almost in the same place it had been in last night. There wasn't much Hyp was particularly curious about anymore, but he had gone all these years waiting to hear about his mother and why she wasn't there with them. He used to ask as a small child, but had always gotten a rash response or action from his father. Eventually, he learned not to ask. In the last few years, he occasionally worked up the courage to hint that he would like to know, but Nicolas couldn't tell him, and wound up arguing when his son protested against him refusing to tell.

The last time Hyp had asked, they had made amends after fighting off the sharpteeth. Nicolas had apologized for being so harsh and promised to try to be better. Later on, Hyp reminded him of this and gradually brought up the question of his mother again. Nicolas hadn't known how to respond, and ended up yelling unintentionally.

"Why do you want to know?!"

For the first time in a while, Hyp looked as if he could have cried before he became angry.

"Well, I think I have the right to know by now."

And he ran out.

Ever since that day, Hyp's words had weighed heavily on him. But every time he tried to think of ways to tell Hyp about his sweet mother, it just seemed too painful. So he never did.

But Hyp needed it now. It might be the only thing that would get his attention and distract him from the pain. Nicolas tried to tell him, but every attempt wound up being a deep breath that almost lead to sobbing. Right in front of his son. What could he do?

"Take care of him. Make sure he knows….that I love him….."

Nicolas felt his eyes pop open in surprise. It was as if the words were as real as they had been the last time he heard her last wish.

Hyp let out another piercing cry of pain. Nicolas grabbed his hand quickly enough to surprise him and make him open his eyes. "Her name was Lissie, Hyp."

Hyp's golden eyes opened in surprise at the sudden statement. Nicolas could see confusion written all over him as his son tried to decipher the words.

Hyp was curious enough about it to ask, despite the pain that kept him clutching at his sides. "H-huh?"

"She-she was your mother, Hyp. Lissie. She was the most amazing creature, Hyp. She had a gift that…could make anyone happy just to be around her. I loved her, Hyp."

Hyp was stunned, and Nicolas couldn't read his expression. His eyes held expression of sadness, and pain, and curiosity, and surprise, and everything else. For a moment, Nicolas wondered if it would be too much for him.

But Hyp just lay there, breathing rapidly against the pain and holding tightly to his sides, waiting to hear more. When his father faltered, he spoke before he could change his mind. "T…tell me…."

At last, Nicolas somehow found his courage and began to tell his son their story. He started with everything he could remember. His family, Lissie's family, the herd…..and all the way up until he knocked Lissie into the berry bushes and carried her home from after the Fast-Biter attack.

Hyp had smiled when he told him of his mother covered in red berries, but looked despaired at the thought of his mother being badly bitten by a sharptooth. When he hesitated to decide what to tell from there, Hyp nearly cried in anger.

"Those….those Fast-Biters killed her!"

Despite the sad sincerity of the moment, Nicolas grew irritated by his son's lack of thought. "Hyp! We hadn't even thought of you yet!"

Hyp looked as confused as he was distraught now. "She's not my mom?"

Nicolas clenched his fists to keep from yelling. "She is your mom. I said before you have her eyes!"

Hyp hadn't caught on yet. "How could she….?"

Nicolas shook his head. Hyp was becoming very affected his injuries and lack of rest. Nicolas wouldn't be able to get through the whole story tonight, but he could tell him enough to help him rest.

"She survived it, Hyp! Just….listen."

….. Nicolas awoke to the crunching sound of movement beside him and managed to open heavy eyes just enough to peer out of the opening of his little cave, which was now their home. When he saw the time of day, he glared at the source of the commotion. The Bright Circle hadn't even lit up half the sky yet!

"Lissie!" He yelled irritably in a strained whisper and tried to turn over.

Apparently Lissie was as cranky as he was. "Nicolas, you're taking up the whole grass bed! Move over."

Nicolas craned his neck to see that it was actually the other way around. Lissie was sprawled out so that he was crammed between the rock wall and her.

Nicolas gave her the best "are you serious" look he could muster before the Bright Circle touched the sky. "Lissie, that's not even possible."

When Lissie saw that he was right, she was even more frustrated. She moved off the bed of grass entirely and tried to stand. "Fine. Take it!"

"Lissie," Nicolas grabbed her hands. "Just come here and try to go back to sleep. You need your rest."

He could see how tried and frustrated she was just by the look in her eyes. She hadn't been sleeping much the last few days, and it was starting to take its toll. The bulge that had been in her tail nearly days ago had vanished, and since then she had been refusing to eat. Her hip bones protruded out from her body in a way that looked painful. And she had assured him the nest was perfect. Nicolas was beginning to grow anxious. Not that he knew much about egg laying, but he was certain she should have laid her eggs days ago. She wouldn't admit that she was retaining them, but Nicolas knew better. And he couldn't figure out why she was so scared. She wouldn't tell him; she only insisted that she was late. Whatever the reason, it would have to be resolved soon before Lissie was hurt.

She came back to him, and they tried without success to make themselves comfortable enough to go back to sleep. Nicolas couldn't help but think what an interesting couple they must be to watch right now. He tried lying on his stomach with Lissie leaning against his side, but a soft groan and a flinch from Lissie told him that wouldn't work. Then he rolled over onto his side in an effort to sit up, and Lissie rested head on his back while he was on his side and was actually comfortable enough to sleep. Unfortunately for him, being on his side was so uncomfortable sleeping was out of the question. He tried to inch back onto his stomach, but the movement caused Lissie to move and wake up. He gave an apologetic look at her saddened headshake and quickly rolled onto his back, hoping that Lissie would be comfortable resting her head on his back. When this didn't work, she looked up at him with tear filled eyes.

"I can't get comfortable!" she wailed.

Nicolas laughed because it was funny. Lissie seemed upset at first, but a beautiful smile turned up the corners of her mouth when she gave it more thought. Nicolas nuzzled her when her warm, gentle giggle joined his laughter.

Nicolas sighed and moved to a sitting position. When he was leaned comfortably enough against the rock wall, he held out his arms for Lissie. "Come here."

Lissie came to him and positioned herself on her side before resting her head on his chest. Nicolas smiled at her sigh of relief when her body finally started to relax. When she was finally comfortable, she raised her bright golden eyes to meet his with a mischievous light. She licked his cheek as a kiss when they both laughed again.

After some thought, Nicolas grabbed her hand to get her attention; when she looked up at him, he asked again. "Lissie, do we need to do anything else to the nest?"

Lissie took a glance at the back of the cave when they had spent hours building and padding down a small nest made of long, soft grass that dipped deep down in the middle. Lissie laughed quietly because this had to have made the one hundredth time he had asked. "Nicolas, I told you. It's ready."

Then what was it? After another thought, Nicolas decided to push the issue. Lissie couldn't go without eating much longer while withholding the eggs. He squeezed her hand gently. "Are you….scared?"

Lissie seemed a little shakier on this one. "N-No."

He guessed that was a dumb question. Scared of what? Egg laying? Danger? Parenting? Sure she was, to a certain extent. He didn't think that was why she was keeping the eggs.

"Well…." Nicolas was determined to find out because he was afraid for her. "Do you…feel secure enough?"

Lissie looked up at him, somewhat offended. "Secure in what?"

Nicolas just guessed. "Anything. Or home, the surroundings, the nest….me…..?"

Lissie grabbed a fistful on grass and threw it is his face to tell him he was being ridiculous. When Nicolas sputtered and brushed the grass away, she sat up and grabbed one of his hands in both of hers. "Nicolas, we've talked about this. There is no one I would rather raise a family with, and you will be a good father. Remember when we first found out we were having hatchlings and you were nervous about being a father?"

Nicolas nodded and nuzzled her with a smile because he had been, so badly he didn't rest for a long time.

Lizzie smiled and squeezed his hand. "Everything we did, we decided and built together. Of course I feel secure!"

"Then why do you not lay your eggs?"

Lizzie gave him a confused look, but he could see by the look in her eyes that she was holding back for a reason. "It just….isn't time yet. I guess I'm just a little late….."

Nicolas gestured to her one of her now rigid hips. Lissie looked down and wrapped her tail around her in a way that concealed it. They looked into one another's eyes for a moment, and he knew she could see the concern he no longer bothered to hide.

"I will try soon, okay?" She nuzzled him once again for comfort, and he nuzzled her back with a nod and wrapped his arm around her shoulders so she could rest.

He held her hand and watched over her as he dozed off. He couldn't help but think that, despite the present situation, how grateful and proud he was to have her in his life.

After night of the attack, he remembered waking up to his aunt and brother telling him he was a hero, and that Lissie was still alive thanks to him. He remembered feeling just the opposite, sore and scraped everywhere and guilty that she had been attacked at all.

He went to visit Lissie often during her recovery. When she was well enough, Aaron of her father would sit her on the large rock outside of their den so that she could sit in the sun. Nicolas had been intimidated to approach at first, but Lissie was always glad to see him. He sat with her every day, and they talked about….well…..everything. If Lissie hadn't been in so much pain from her injuries, those would have been some of his favorite memories; just getting to know her.

She once stated that she felt useless sitting on a rock while everyone worked to gather food or protect the herd, Nicolas had just the idea. He started bringing his youngest cousin, a baby his aunt was more than happy to have occupied while she gathered food, to see her. Lissie was more than happy to watch her until the herd moved to rest for the evening.

When Nicolas went alone to visit her one day, she wasn't in her usual place outside the cave. Aaron and Heather, who had just recently settled in their new home, were waiting outside with expressions of worry. Nicolas remembered feeling his heart thud as he asked what was wrong.

"Nicolas," Heather spoke with quiet worry, "Lissie's very sick."

"The healer thinks it's the sharptooth bite making her sick." Aaron saw him inside, where Lissie lay on a bed of grass shivering when the healer examined her injuries, which was showing signs of what they called an "infection".

The healer revealed that the one plant that could save her grew in a nearby flatland where the head-butters liked to run and compete with one another. The flowers were pink and unbearably stinky. Everyone deemed Lissie doomed because no one dared go there, but Nicolas was driven there by the sheer thought of losing Lissie.

Sneaking up to the flowers and gathering them had been no trouble, but just when he began to doubt the others, a blur flew by and clipped him on the side, barely missing him. Nicolas would never forget how painful that clip had been. One hit from a head-butter could crush bones and kill.

With his speed greatly reduced, he just managed to dodge the head-butter by jumping aside in just enough time for it to miss and hit a rock or tree at full speed. He kept this up until skidding to a stop on the edge of a hidden sinking ground. He made a quick choice that could save many lives of the herd before leading the head-butter too close to their territory, and jumped aside. The enraged pursuer had gone headfirst into the sinking ground, and never came up again. Nicolas, clutching his side and still gripping tightly to the bushel of stink, just managed to make it back to Lissie's home. He remembered someone scolding him for taking such a dangerous task and saying how lucky he had been to get away with just a minor injury while Aaron ran for the healer.

The healer applied the powder from the petals over the wound, which caused infection to ooze from the cut, and fed a few petals at a time to Lissie, which disgusted everyone due to the smell.

Within a day or two, Lissie began to wake up. Aaron quickly shoved Nicolas in place and joined their hands. Lissie breathed a heavy, stinky sigh as Nicolas stared at Aaron in surprise and opened her eyes. Nicolas could still remember the glare of confusion when everyone but him fled the cave.

It took a while, but Lissie slowly regained the ability to walk and run without a limp. Nicolas helped her every step of the way. Over time half-carrying her went to simply holding her hand as she limped, and then walking led up to running. Everyone was amazed that she managed to overcome something that most dinosaurs would have perished from, and celebrated with them when Lissie was able to run again. Their families had been proud.

One night, a herd of sharpteeth managed to sneak up on them and attack the herd. Lissie, being the nearest, ran with Nicolas to lead them away. Aaron and Ace had run another way, and was pursued by the second sharptooh, leaving the herd free to flee to safety. Lissie ran close to Nicolas without questioning routes and methods, and soon they had lost the first sharptooth. They took to a high, steady rock ledge to make their way back home, only to go tumbling when they tried to climb down and slipped when rocks gave way. They ducked with heads against the falling rocks and laughed together when Nicolas landed in a bush and just managed to catch Lissie.

Their herd had been relieved to find the couple, along with Aaron and Ace, safe. Lissie and Nicolas had hugged, only to have her enrage father come between them while trying to figure out how the sharpteeth had gotten to the herd. When they just smiled and came back together, he stopped and looked back.

"Does this mean my daughter has finally chosen a mate?"

Lissie and Nicolas shared a knowing look before Lissie smiled and nodded at her father before embracing him again.

Everyone, including him, had been overjoyed and celebrated the new union and their safety. They were both sure that whoever had been on watch that night was offering them many thanks. Nicolas and Lissie had made his cave their new home shortly after, and were about to raise a family. They laughed…a lot. They argued….a lot. But they loved one another, and were always happy even in the worst of times.

Lissie was now beginning to slide in a way that made her uncomfortable enough that made her stir. Nicolas was pulled from his thoughts and gently pulled her back into her previous position without waking her. He kept a hand on her again to keep her from sliding. Her leg was still scarred from the attack she had taken a while back, but they had faded into her light gray skin in a way that made them difficult to notice.

Somehow he managed to get comfortable enough leaning against the rock wall and doze off. The next thing he felt was a light nudge to his cheek.

"Sleepyhead!" Lissie sounded fairly cheerful for someone who was so agitated from lack of sleep earlier. Nicolas winced and turned his head the other way in an attempt to pretend he never noticed. He wanted more sleep.

Lissie apparently wasn't oblivious to the fact that she was being ignored. She nudged him with her nose again and nuzzled him playfully. "Nicolas, it's time to get up. We've slept all day! The Bright Circle is already touching the mountains."

Nicolas lifted his head just enough to see that it was true and flopped down again. He dreaded his watch tonight. Not that he didn't like the night watch or the danger, he had actually done it so many times he didn't mind. But he hated leaving Lissie in her vulnerable state right now. And it didn't help that they didn't sleep much these days, either.

He could tell Lissie was irritated by the sound of her sigh. "Well, here's some devotion for you. Aaron is here." Her voice was flat and sarcastic.

Aaron? He could have sworn his watch wasn't until nightfall. He leapt to his feet to tease Lissie, making his voice sound suddenly energetic. "Well, better get up then."

When Lissie scoffed, his licked her cheek as a kiss and then noticed that they had somehow managed to get back into a laying position in their sleep and actually share the grass bed! As he walked toward the entrance of the cave, he gave Lissie a "how did we do that?" look.

"I don't know," Lissie mouthed while shaking her head. Nicolas noticed that she was lying on her stomach with her legs tucked tightly beneath her as if she were hurting, which he knew she was.

Nicolas walked to the entrance of the cave to welcome Aaron, who strolled right in when he noticed both dinosaurs were awake.

"Aaron, what brings you here? I'm not late for my watch, am I?"

Over the course of time he spent helping and getting to know Lissie, Nicolas had also been able to get to know Aaron better. He and Aaron were good friends, and their families often spent time together. Aaron waved to Lissie and leaned against the cave wall. "No, relax. It's not until nightfall. But Max says he could take it for you in place of his next watch if you were interested."

Nicolas thought a moment, suspicious. But this could also be just enough time for Lissie to lay her eggs and be okay to watch them by herself. "When is his next watch?"

"Two days from now, in the middle of the day."

Perfect. Before Nicolas could accept the offer, Lissie spoke up. "Yes, he would like to switch."

Nicolas could see the smile playing at Aaron's mouth before Lissie. Despite both having a family on the way, they still picked on one another in a way Nicolas and Ace never did. Maybe it was age difference, but Nicolas found himself unsure.

Aaron turned around very slowly to give Lissie a mischievous look. "I asked Nicolas, not you-"

He took one look at Lissie and stopped midsentence, stunned by her condition. Aaron lightly touched her protruding hipbones in shock, which Lissie quickly pushed away. Aaron was obviously upset, but tried to hide it by questioning her with teasing remarks. "Lissie! You should have dropped those days ago!"

"Shut up, Aaron. I will when I'm ready. Now go tell Max to switch with Nicolas." Nicolas shook his head with a smile. Lissie could be feisty, especially against her brother.

"Well, park your eggs over there and I will." He pointed to the vacant nest in the back corner of the cave.

"Go watch over your own egg so Heather can rest, Aaron." Lissie was losing her edge. Nicolas helped her shift positions while sneaking a look of concern at Aaron, which he got.

Aaron crossed his arms with a proud smile. "I'm ready for it to hatch so she will quit fussing at me for not covering it up enough. I mean, how warm can an egg get anyway?"

"It has to be covered well so it can stay hidden, Aaron! Now go." Lissie was in no mood for pleasantries.

Aaron turned serious again to get his point across. "You really should try to lay those soon, Liss. You know you can….ask for help if you need to."

Lissie lowered her eyes. "I know," she answered softly.

Aaron smiled and nudged her with his nose before turning to Nicolas with a solemn expression. "I will…tell Max you will take his watch in place of yours tonight."

Nicolas nodded without hearing. Help… that was it! As Aaron turned to go, Nicolas caught up to him. "I will walk you out."

Aaron took the hint and turned to Nicolas when they were a few steps away from the cave. Nicolas spoke quickly and quietly, in desperate need to get a message for help before Lissie overheard.

"Aaron, Lissie is withholding her eggs and she won't tell me why. I think she is scared for some reason, but…it is starting to cause her pain. I don't know how to help her."

Aaron thought a moment. "Heather retained for a while after that sharptooth attack because she was afraid it would happen again and the egg would be unsafe. She needed her mother there to help her work through it."

Of course. Why couldn't he see it before? Lissie was just scared that the environment was unsafe and didn't want to tell him. Along with this being her first batch, it's enough to make her retain for a while.

Nicolas spoke quietly as he thought. "I think that's it. Could you get Lissie's mother for me? I think she needs her, and… I don't want to leave Lissie."

Aaron turned away with a smile. "Of course I'm going to get her. Lissie's going to burst."

Nicolas shook his head and laughed quietly as he wondered back into the cave. Lissie smiled at him when he came in, possibly expecting a message from Aaron. Instead, Nicolas nuzzled her. "You are so beautiful."

Lissie scoffed and laid her head in his lap. She just slept. She wouldn't eat. Just slept and moaned when a certain movement brought pain. Nicolas just held her, feeling worried and helpless as time seemed to drag. Just as the Bright Circle touched the treetops, Lissie's mother quietly entered the cave with a look of worry on her face. Behind her was the healer. Nicolas thought he saw Abram settle on a large stone outside.

"Please," Nicolas mouthed with a glance at a sleeping Lissie. Lissie's mother gently woke her by stroking her face and whispering soft words of comfort. Lissie winced before opening her eyes.

"Mom." She sounded as relieved as she was surprised, and immediately embraced her mother.

"Lissie! What is the matter? You should have laid your eggs days ago." Her mother's golden eyes were wide with worry, but her voice was as calm and comforting as a mother's voice could be. Nicolas wondered how she could keep so calm when she was obviously sick with worry.

Nicolas felt his heart drop when he saw tears trickling down Lissie's cheeks. When Lissie didn't answer, he wiped the tears away for her and caressed her cheek as he answered both for her and for her mother. "The sharptooth attack a while back, she is afraid something will happen to the eggs."

Lissie looked up at him through eyes glistening with tears as more started to fall; it was then that Nicolas knew he had it. She was just afraid for the safety of the eggs. Lissie spoke through her sobs. "I never believed the eggs weren't safe with you, Nicolas. I promise, I never thought that!"

Nicolas couldn't find any reason to be mad at her right now. He wiped away the tears and touched his nose to hers as he looked into her eyes. "I know, Lissie. It's okay….you don't have to be scared. You have to believe you and I will be able to keep the eggs safe even if the environment is dangerous. There will always be danger. It's just…the Circle of Life. Part of our responsibility is to protect our children from danger. You have to believe that, Lissie."

Lissie sobbed and then smiled up at him, managing to meet his eyes with a determined expression. "I do," she whispered.

Nicolas nodded and nuzzled her a moment. Lissie's mom touched her on the shoulder. "Are you comfortable enough to lay your eggs, Lissie?"

Lissie lowered her eyes in uncertainty. Nicolas and her mother exchanged a look before her mother persisted.

"It will only hurt worse if you wait, Lissie. And if you don't, the eggs could burst within you and you might die. Don't you want to hatch your young so you and Nicolas can meet your babies sooner?"

Nicolas could see Lissie picturing their children with a smile. When she slowly nodded, her mother grabbed her hands. "We will stay with you."

Nicolas and the healer helped Lissie position herself on the small nest. While she got comfortable and shifted things in the nest around, Nicolas went over to where her mother had just come back in from talking to Abram. "Should I stay?" he asked uncertainly.

Lissie's mother though a moment. "I am not sure," she said slowly, "since Lissie is so hesitant to lay her eggs already she might still retain them if she has difficulty and feels that you are having trouble seeing her in that condition."

This sparked a new concern for his mate within him. "Do you think she will have difficulty?"

Her mother looked down. He could see the same fear in her eyes. "It's hard to say. Heather had a little, I think. And this is Lissie's first nest."

Nicolas wondered how he would react if he saw her in much pain. "Do you think I would panic?" he asked the motherly dinosaur.

She chuckled a bit. "I think you would have to have a heart of stone not too." She gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "Why don't you wait outside with Abram for now? I will come get you if anything happens, and… I am sure Lissie will understand."

Nicolas nodded and knelt before Lissie. "I will see you soon."

Lissie didn't object, but when she met his eyes he saw something new. Fear was something Lissie seldom expressed, and seeing it made his heart skip a beat. "I'm scared," she whimpered.

Now his heart was really thudding, but he kept calm and tried to think of a way to comfort her. As soon as he thought of something, he voiced it. "Just think of us….running through the trees."

Lissie smiled at the memory of their first run after her injury and nodded. After they had exchanged a few kisses, he went out.

He and Abram exchanged the few words they could manage, but they were both concerned for Lissie. And Aaron couldn't be there because they were expecting their egg to hatch within the next few days. Nicolas paced. And paced. And paced. And paced. Abram chuckled at the anxious father-to-be at first, but the longer the time passed the more anxious they became. Occasionally, they could hear a soft moan from Lissie, but nothing that expressed excruciating pain.

Nicolas grew tired of waiting and silence. He turned to Abram. "I'm going in."

"Yes, you are." Lissie's mother stepped from the shadows of the cave and crossed her arms with a smile. Nicolas and Abram, in no mood for pleasantries, pressed her for answers.

"How is she?" They looked at one another when they realized they had spoken in unison and looked back to Lissie's mother, who laughed knowingly.

"She is fine. Everything went smoothly, except that the second egg she laid was dented. The healer said it wouldn't hatch, but the first egg is nestled in the nest and ready to hatch. If all goes well, you will have one child."

Nicolas felt a rush of relief that Lissie was fine, but crushed when he learned of the second child they would never know. He could only imagine how Lissie felt. "Is she….is she alright?" He asked the question quietly.

Lissie's mother nodded with sad eyes. "She was sad at first, but I think she will accept it in time. She knew it was something that could happen, and….I think you will both be grateful to have one healthy child."

Nicolas nodded because she was right. "Can I see her now?"

Lissie's mother sat on Abram's rock and embraced him, speaking to Nicolas over his shoulder. "She's been waiting for you."

Nicolas pushed aside the brush that covered the entrance of the cave and lightly stepped inside. The healer was gathering the dented egg in a leaf and picked it up to carry it from the cave. Nicolas put a hand on the old dinosaur's shoulder as he passed him on his way out. "Thank you," he whispered.

"Of course," Nicolas could see empathy in her grey eyes when he looked over his shoulder at Lissie resting near her egg. "I think this child will be a handful on its own."

Nicolas smiled even though he couldn't see how the healer would know anything of the sort and went to lay on the other side of Lissie.

"Hey," he whispered softly.

Lissie opened those beautiful eyes and spoke to him softly. "Hey."

Her smile faded as Nicolas nuzzled her. She looked down at the ground, her eyes misting over a bit. "We lost…."

Nicolas laid a hand on her shoulder. "I know."

Lissie's face crumpled as she shook her head slightly, trying to hold back the tears. "I'm sorry-"

Nicolas would never let her finish. "Lissie…!"

He caressed her face as he spoke to her in a strong tone to tell her he meant what he said. "It was just…meant to be for some reason. But right now, I still have you and one healthy child on the way. And right now, I am just grateful for that."

Lissie smiled and pressed her forehead to his. "Me too." She sniffed and turned her head to the egg nestled in its place in the nest. "Well, there it is. Isn't it beautiful?"

Nicolas examined the egg with her. It was small, cream colored, and had light blue speckles. He understood complimenting a newly hatched baby, but an egg? It looked like a normal egg to him, but he would never voice that to any mother who had just laid it, particularly Lissie.

Instead, he agreed with what he knew was the worst line ever. "Yeah. Just like you."

"Psshhh… mushy." Lizzie turned her attention back to the egg when Nicolas laughed.

After a while of looking the egg over, Nicolas felt proud. He began to wonder what their baby would be like. What it was, it's personality, who it would look like…. All of it.

"What do you think we should name it?" He didn't realize he had spoken the question out loud until Lissie answered.

Lissie spoke thoughtfully. "Well, I've been thinking about that a while and I kind of like….Hyp."

Nicolas recognized the name at once. "My father."

Lissie nodded. "He died saving my father's life. I think that's worthy of the grandson's name on its own."

Nicolas was silent because he was surprised. "Are you sure?" he managed to get out.

Lissie smiled and gave him a quick nudge with her nose. "Why not? And besides… Hyp. I think our son will be a handful, too. It fits, don't you think?"

"Yes…" Nicolas thought a moment. "What if it's a girl?"

Lissie smiled up at him knowingly. "I think we have a son."

Nicolas didn't understand it. "How would you know?"

"I…just know." Lissie looked so peaceful when she glanced back at their new egg that Nicolas decided not to press the issue.

"Hyp…." He repeated, think of a young boy who never sat still.

Lissie nodded. "Do you like it?"

Nicolas smiled and nodded. "Yeah…. Yes, I do." And he really did. It was perfect.

He nuzzled Lissie, feeling happier than he ever had. "I love you, Lissie."

Lissie smiled. "I loved you, too," she said warmly as she licked his cheek as a kiss to make him smile….

…Telling Hyp the story up to then had been painful. Almost too painful, for both of them. His face hurt from struggling to keep it from crumpling throughout the story, and Hyp's eyes were misting over. He clutched at his sides and took rapid breaths to keep from crying. Nicolas stopped because he knew that was enough for now, but Hyp wanted to know more despite his condition.

"What happened to her, Dad?" He sounded as if pushing the words out was all he could manage.

Nicolas blinked back his own tears and took in his son's condition. He needed to sleep. His face was crumpled with the pain he was feeling, and Nicolas knew that he wasn't the only one who couldn't go on much longer.

Nicolas put a hand on his shoulder gently. "I need more time, son."

Hyp's eyes grew a bit angry before he accepted it and leaned back. "Will I get to hear it before I die?"

Nicolas chuckled. "You're not going to die, son. We are going to find you some help."

Hyp looked back at his father uncertainly, but hopefully. Nicolas knew his son was strong. He would survive. Nicolas helped him get back in a position comfortable for sleeping and looked into his eyes. "Get some rest."

Surprisingly, Hyp went right back to sleep, though her flinched from time to time. Nicolas wished with all his heart for someone who could help his son with the pain. When he looked to the brightest star, it had faded away to give way to the morning.