…Hey guys. I was actually writing for Britta and Nicolas at the same time, so I found the time to finish up the next chapter today. I really hope you guys have been able to connect to the story. Just to warn you, this chapter is insanely sad. But it's crucial in revealing what became of Hyp and Nicolas' loved ones. I had to break it again because it was getting long and there is still a lot to tell for Nicolas. Next week is my spring break and I will be traveling around, so I may or may not get a chapter in. I hope you enjoy the two chapters I just posted, and am eager to hear what you think so far. Thanks and have a good week!...

Chapter 8: Life and Death

Hyp's Father

"Son, if you don't quit trying to stand up…" Nicolas turned to see his son, once again attempting to stand using the rocky wall outside their home for support. His voice startled Hyp enough so that he lost what little balance he had and slid down.

"Aaahh!" Hyp clutched at his ribs when he hit the ground, then tried to prop himself upright again without success. Nicolas shook his head, walked over, and pulled his son into an upright position.

When Hyp was propped against the outside wall again, his father crossed his arms and gave him a look to show how tired he was of having to do the same thing over and over again. Hyp's got it, and wasn't happy. He huffed and settled back against the rocks with his arms crossed.

Nicolas was annoyed, but glad to be. Hyp had done so much better since the healer, Britta if he remembered the name right, had helped them a few days before. Nicolas and Hyp hadn't talked much since that night because Hyp stayed knocked out from the Stiff Leaves, but Britta soon returned with something that would allow him to stay awake with less pain than before. She was quite a help, and somehow managed to check up on Hyp from time to time without hovering. Today was Hyp's first day outside again. Nicolas couldn't understand why he wasn't grateful just to be outside. Within five minutes after Nicolas sat him outside, he was trying to stand.

Nicolas sighed, suddenly exhausted. "What do you want now, Hyp? I thought you'd be glad you could sit outside."

Hyp spread his hands as much as he could without hurting himself. "That's just it. I can't do anything. This is pathetic. What will Mutt and Nod think when they see…."

He trailed off because Nicolas had spotted something in the distance and pointed behind him. It was Mutt and Nod, coming to visit again. They came every day since Hyp's injury, but Nicolas always turned them away before long because Hyp had been in no shape to see them. Today would be the first day he could actually interact with them. Nicolas watched as they approached him cautiously. When Hyp turned his head, they smiled in relief that he was somewhat back to his old self.

Nod was the first to speak. "Hyp! Ya look so much better."

A smirk slowly turned the corners of Hyp's mouth. He and Nod looked to Mutt. After a hesitation, Mutt managed an answer. "Yeah, you're okay."

"'Course I'm okay." Nicolas could see that he was glad to have his friends back. Everyone was silent a while. Nicolas knew they would never have much discussion with him present because he wouldn't approve. Neither did he feel like hearing whatever they would manage, so he decided to go out for some air himself.

"I'll be back later. I'm going to get water." He cast a stern glance at his son. "No standing. If I catch you, Mutt and Nod are not to visit anymore."

"Okay." For some reason, Nicolas believed his son enough to leave.

He couldn't deny that it felt good to be out again without having to rush back home. He took his time finding his favorite green food and ate his fill for the first time in days. Shortly after, he went to the watering hole for water and barely got water splashed in his face before everyone started asking about Hyp.

"He's getting better. Thanks." Nicolas was sure he repeated this as well as responses to additional questions at least fifty times before Mr. Longneck approached. Nicolas felt relief at seeing a familiar face and stepped aside to talk with him.

Mr. Longneck leaned down to his level. "Nicolas, I take it Hyp is doing much better. Glad to see you are out and about."

Nicolas nodded. "Thank you for finding a healer. I don't know what we would have done if…."

"I know," Mr. Longneck smiled, "we feel that Britta will do just fine in the valley."

"Well, she's a good healer. Hyp's sitting outside today."

Mr. Longneck nodded, then suddenly looked very grave. Nicolas waited for him, wondering what had happened. Mr. Longneck sighed. "Nicolas, I came by to tell you that…ohh….Pterano has returned to the valley."

Nicolas turned on his heel to face the longneck, and sighed himself when he realized he was serious. "Is he to go before the Council? I can't leave Hyp…"

Mr. Longneck nodded. "I came by to tell you since you can't go far from your boy. As much as I hate to say, Pterano has carried out his sentence without further offense. So…it is only fairly we allow him to back into the valley. Do we have your acknowledgement to it?"

As far as Nicolas could see, he didn't have much of a choice. He counted back because he could remember agreeing with Threehorn that the sentence should be longer than three cold times. When Threehorn suggested infinity, he disagreed and agreed with the settlement of five cold times on condition of saving the children. Nicolas had never spoken with the flyer, but kidnapping a child from the valley was beyond his comprehension. He had hoped five cold times would be enough to keep him away from the valley for any reason, but he had returned on fair ground. So there was nothing more even Threehorn could say.

"You don't think he is a threat to the valley?" Nicolas didn't bother to sugarcoat the question. He and Hyp had traveled to the valley a while before the longnecks and their group arrived, so as far as he was concerned, the flyer misleading the group was just a terrible event that was none of his concern. But taking a child from the valley and attempting to rule of the valley was something else.

Mr. Longneck thought a moment. "Hmm…. It's hard to say. I'm sure you are aware he is a tricky one. But he seems more physically altered than anything."

Nicolas thought a moment. "Is Britta going to try to help him?"

Mr. Longneck looked doubtful. "If she can. I think someone has to. Their situation, from what I heard, seems to be quite complicated."

Nicolas continued to search the horizon. "You trust her?"

"Don't you? You've seen her at work more than anyone else thus far." Mr. Longneck had no more faith than he did right now.

Nicolas sighed because he didn't know. He trusted her as a healer, sure. But he didn't know anything else about her enough to trust her with the task they had reasoned was best. Nicolas turned to Mr. Longneck to let him know he was being sincere. "I hope."

Mr. Longneck nodded and raised his head. He squinted at something in the distance, then startled at the sight in from of him. "Is that your son trying to stand?"

Nicolas took off running because he was right.

Sometime later after kicking Mutt and Nod out and yelling at Hyp as he was screaming in pain from his fall, Nicolas tossed aside the Stiff Leaves Hyp kept refusing. He walked over and slid down next to his sulking son to watch the sunset turn to night.

When Hyp didn't even look at him, he snapped at him as lightheartedly as possible. "You're just like your mother."

When Hyp just looked at him with an expression that was still angry, Nicolas explained with one word. "Stubborn!"

He managed a hint of a smile when Hyp chortled uncertainly, which made his son chuckle. "I guess," he agreed. After a moment of silence, Hyp's expression turned sad and cautious.

"Dad," he started quietly, "I know you said you needed more time and all, but it's been days and….you've already had all this time."

Nicolas nodded sadly. He had seen this coming before he sat down. "I know."

Hyp shifted uncomfortably. "I just wanna know more about her….what happened to her….and everyone else."

Nicolas lean forward and folder his hand. "Hyp, you could ask all the questions you want and I still don't think I would be able to tell you everything about her. She was…the most amazing creature. You remind me of her at times."

Hyp hesitated a moment. "What happened to her, dad?"

Nicolas gave his son a long, hard look as he tried to gather the words he had been holding back for years. I don't think either of us will ever be ready. He drew in a breath to keep his voice steady. "While we…waited for you to hatch, everything just…started happening at once"…..

…. "Nicolas! You almost stepped on the egg. Move back!"

Nicolas tossed down the mass of straw and grass they used to cover the egg and craned his neck to look behind him. That egg had to be three big steps away. I couldn't do anything to that egg if I fell over.

Nicolas clenched his fists in a defensive way and did just as Lissie said. Moved back. Three small steps. Probably leaving two big steps between him and the egg.

"Nicolas! Stop!" A light grey blur tackled him, sending them both barreling into the new straw.

Nicolas laughed as he wrestled with Lissie, who was just a little over half his size and still managing to put up quite a fight. He managed to pin her on her back, half burying her under the pile of straw that could have covered fifty eggs. Lissie's anger dissolved into pure laughter she struggled to free herself, only to get herself into a mess. Nicolas smiled as she giggled because they had not laughed so much in a long time. Sharpteeth and changing lands kept them on edge the majority of the time while trying to care for their egg.

Nicolas clutched his side when Lissie poked him. He caught her when she nearly got away and held her wrists as she laughed. "You let go, Nicolas. I mean it, I mean it!" She playfully used her free foot to kick at his tail, so he counteracted by gently pushing her a little deeper into the bed of grass.

"Not until you say I'm doing fine caring for that egg." Nicolas burst into laughter when Lissie chortled.

"No! You're terrible. You could have smashed it. Nicolas…let GO!" She tried to toss him off, and fell into another fit of giggles when she couldn't.

Nicolas smiled and looked into her beautiful golden eyes as he kept her pinned throughout her struggles. "I was a mile away from that egg. And you said move back."

Lissie sprawled out to catch her breath a moment before attempting to push him off again. "You know what I meant, you Yellow Belly!"

Nicolas thought a moment. Yellow Bellies… They were the dumb ones with big tushes.

"What do they say when they come through here? Down with your tush? Wonder if it works…."

When Nicolas pulled away to sit on her, Lissie interjected. "No! No! No, Nicolas! It's up with your tush! Fine. You're doing fine. I'm just paranoid. Happy?"

"Yep." Nicolas released his hold on her and gave her a quick kiss. "Now can a guy bring straw to keep his kid warm without being tackled?"

Lissie lay sprawled out, catching her breath. "Sure. As long as you aren't too close to the egg, Nicolas. Try to be a little more careful next time."

She craned her neck to look at the scatter pile of grass behind her and sighed. "Look what you did to the new grass," she stated with an accusing glance.

That I spent hours gathering. She burst into laughter when Nicolas grabbed her wrists and pinned her again. "Say you're sorry." He guffawed when she tried to hit him in the stomach with her knee.

"No!"

"Say it!"

When there was no hope left for her, Lissie begrudgingly surrendered. "Sorry."

"Knew you would be." They exchanged another kiss before Nicolas stood so she could get up. She brushed herself off as he gathered the straw back into a pile.

When they were done, she touched his cheek. "Nicolas, I just wanted to let you know how wonderful you have been. You're going to be a good father, and I appreciate everything you do."

Nicolas smiled and drew her into an embrace. "I love you, Lissie."

"I love you, too."

She squeaked when Nicolas spun her around and set her back on the ground. After a quick nuzzle, Lissie decided it was time to get back to business. "Come on. Help me cover him up."

She swatted his shoulder when he groaned in protest. Lissie, like most mothers, was very protective of her egg. So far protecting it meant that at least one parent had to be with it at all times, covering it up fifty times a day, uncovering it fifty more times because Lissie decided it was "too warm", and "bonding" with it. As Lissie had informed him more than once, it meant talking to it and nuzzling it. No, he didn't understand what good it was but it always made Lissie feel better. How could it even hear if it wasn't fully developed, anyway? Nicolas usually got away with saying something snarky to get over his embarrassment.

When Lissie grabbed a fistful of soft grass and began to neatly tuck each clump around the egg, Nicolas grabbed an armful and threw it on top of the egg to save time. He knew what was coming before the grass even landed on the egg.

"Nicolas!" Lissie tossed aside the mound of grass in a panic as if he had thrown the Circle of Life on it, or something. She sighed in relief when she found the same egg that had been there three seconds ago.

Nicolas just stared back at her when she shot him an icy glare. "I don't believe you! Tell him you're sorry."

Great. Couldn't he just do the bonding thing when it hatched? No. Of course not. He sighed in protest, then lay down on his stomach with his face only inches away so he could have a conversation with the egg.

"I'm sorry, son. Your mother is so paranoid." He was pretty sure this would get a snicker from his son if he were hatched.

He glanced up at Lissie to see if that passed. It didn't. She crossed her arms. "Do it right."

Nicolas huffed, then turned to the egg and nuzzled it, speaking in a tone that conveyed false sincerity. "Sorry, son."

The egg tilted over when he nuzzled it and rolled over onto its side. Lissie's eyes widened in fear as she lunged for it. When she had it, she slowly sat it right side up and sighed in relief.

Nicolas was still crouched in front of the egg as if nothing had happened, probably looking up at her like she had lost her senses. A few moments passed before Lissie pointed to the exit of the little cave. "Get out."

When Nicolas just guffawed, she crossed her arms. "I meant it, Nicolas. Get out! You keep throwing things and tilting things over, so apparently you need a run."

Nicolas looked up at her, still trying to decide if she was really serious. "What? I'm getting kicked out of my own home now because our egg tipped over?"

"Yes."

They stared at each other a moment before Nicolas voiced his own opinion. "I think you're the one that needs the run."

"Me? Oh, no. You are the one that keeps-"

"Calm. Exactly. Now go run! Go see Heather." When she didn't move, he pointed to the mouth of the cave. "Out."

"No."

Nicolas let a moment of silence pass before he lunged at her. She squealed and barely dodged his grasp. They scrambled around the cave, careful to avoid the egg, which seemed to be perfectly happy observing the scene. They laughed more than they had in a while. He finally caught her when she scrambled just outside the exit to the cave. Nicolas smiled at the lovely sound of her giggles. He held her, feeling her small frame shaking with laughter. He waited until she drew in a breath and gently touched his cheek.

Nicolas smiled, feeling as if he could melt in those warm golden eyes. "You've got to relax a little, Liss. You're going to be a great mother. Our egg is safe as long as we are here. You know that, right?"

Lissie smiled and embraced him. "I know… I just worry sometimes, that's all. All parents do, right?"

Nicolas chuckled. "Right."

They shared a kiss, then he pulled back to look into her eyes. "You're so beautiful."

Lissie scoffed and cast her gaze downward. "For now."

"You always will be."

Lissie was just about to say something else when they heard a rustling in the bushes. Nicolas immediately pushed her behind him as a reflex. "Back inside the cave, Liss. Go."

Lissie backed away and silently ducked into the safety of the cave. Nicolas clenched his fists, ready for anything. He startled when Aaron leapt from the bushes.

"She's here! Our egg just hatched! Lissie, Nicolas! Look at my baby!" He was practically squealing her was so excited. Nicolas smiled, but Lissie was yelling.

"You scared us, you idiot!"

Aaron didn't notice. "Lissie! Your new niece is here!"

Lissie gasped and smiled. "Where is she? I want to see her!"

"Heather's bring her with mom and dad. They're right behind me. Go inside. We'll bring her in."

Nicolas and Lissie ducked back inside the cave to wait for Heather to bring them their new niece. Lissie and Nicolas had just smiled at one another before Aaron came barreling in with a newborn hatchling supped in his big hands. Apparently, he had wrestled her away from Heather, who came in just behind him with Lissie's parents.

"Look at her… Nic, Liss! Our new daughter!"

"Oh, Aaron!" Nicolas rubbed Lissie's shoulder as she reached out to gently stroke the baby hatchling, which was curled in the palms of her father's hands. The newborn looked scared, as if she were still trying to get used to the idea of the outside world. She shuddered at Lissie's touched and first, then slowly lifted her head to look around when she found that the touch was gentle.

She turned her head to reveal beautiful bright green eyes. Anyone could say that she was a perfect mix of Aaron and Heather. She had the combined color of their eyes, a small frame like her mother, and the darker color of her father. As most hatchlings do, she immediately formed a bond at the feel of Lissie touch and cautiously licked her finger. The little hatchling smiled and made a little squeaking noise to say hello.

Heather giggled and picked her up under the arms with both hands and lovingly nuzzled her new baby as everyone chuckled. Lissie and Heather had small enough hands that they could do this, but Nicolas and Aaron would have to use one hand to carry their children. "Are you saying hello?"

When the hatchling made a tiny giggling noise, Lissie looked up at her best friend. "She's so beautiful, Heather. What's her name?"

"Ella." Heather handed her new baby to Lissie. Little Ella already felt safe enough that she was giggling all the time.

Lissie looked back to her baby niece. "Hello, Ella. I'm so glad to meet you. Yes, I am."

Baby Ella giggled as she nuzzled her playfully. Nicolas watched as Abram and her mother watched their granddaughter with pride. While Nicolas was watching, Lissie and Aaron seemed to read each other's mind and turned to him at the same time. "Here, Nicolas. Cup your hands."

Nicolas felt his heart stop. She was too little. He couldn't. "I…I really don't want to-"

"You need to bond with her somehow, Nicolas. Here. Cup your hands."

Aaron took his daughter back and knelt in front of Nicolas. "Come on, Nic. You won't hurt her."

Nicolas hesitantly cupped his hands and let Aaron place the tiny hatchling in his hands. He was scared as he watched her panic at the realization that she was being held by someone she didn't know yet. She padded around a bit, then found her mother and began to whimper.

Nicolas frantically looked for someone to give her to, and then held her out to Lissie. "Here."

"It's only because she sense you are afraid, Nicolas. Just nuzzle her so that she can bond with you. Then she will settle down." Lissie's mother sounded so sure, Nicolas decided he would try.

He gently touched the tip of his nose to her, then drew back. Little Ella relaxed a bit, and then licked the tip of his nose cautiously, like a test. After a moment's contemplation, she smiled and made the same little squeaking noise.

Nicolas felt his heart melt for the tiny hatchling. "Hello to you too, Ella."

Apparently Ella decided she like him enough, because she insisted on him holding her until she fell asleep. Lissie smiled at him knowingly. "How about that?"

"Yeah, who would've thought?"

While everyone visited, Aaron wondered over to the egg. "Hey…nephew, right?"

He proceeded to give the egg a pat, but Lissie got there just in time. "I will break your arm!"

Heather scolded him at the same time. "Aaron, you know not to pat the egg. Stop."

Aaron huffed and exchanged a knowing look with Nicolas. "Does it ever stop?"

Abram answered for both of them. "No." They all chuckled when a small yawn escaped from little Ella.

After a while of visiting, they took Ella from Nicolas and prepared to say their goodbyes. Lissie and Nicolas both hugged and congratulated the new parents. "I'm so proud for you both. Congratulations!" Lissie pulled back with a sincere expression after embracing her brother.

"So are we." He gently scooped his new daughter from Heather's grasp and held on to her as he turned away. "Now you just need to get my nephew to hatch so she can have someone to play with."

"Whenever he's ready," Lissie giggled.

Heather chased after Aaron as they started for home. "Let me have her!"

"I want her!" Aaron was speed walking to keep ahead of Heather.

After promising her parents that they would let them know when the egg showed signs of hatching, they went inside for the evening, both feeling anxious to meet their son.

In deep thought, Nicolas blurted out a question he never meant to say aloud. "Do you think the one we lost was a daughter?"

He felt so guilty when Lissie answered his question with saddened eyes. Somehow he knew she had been thinking the same thing. She touched his cheek gently to see if he was alright. He nodded and apologized for the outburst with a loving kiss. As she nuzzled him, he smiled.

"I've never been happier, Lissie. I can't wait to meet him, and start a life together raising our family."

"Oh, Nicolas." They touched noses and looked into one another's eyes before finally tucking their egg in and falling asleep.

A few happy days passed. Then one early morning brought terrible news.

"Nicolas!" Ace. Nicolas rubbed the sleep from his eyes. The Bright Circle hadn't even risen in the sky yet.

"Nicolas!" Nicolas sat bolt upright because he knew from his younger brother's frantic tone that something was wrong. He felt Lissie stir as he got up and stepped outside the cave.

"What's the matter, Ace? Is everyone alright?"

"No." Ace had to hold on to him so he could talk as he caught his breath. "Max and…C-Callie…they….some sharpteeth got past us and…they…they attacked them, Nicolas! You have to come. We…we sent for Aaron and the healer, but…they won't…won't make it in time."

Behind him, Lissie gasped in horror and began to cry. Callie had been one of her best friends. She and Max had been together for a very long time, and finally settled into a cave of their own. He and Callie had also been trying to hatch an egg that was supposed to hatch any day now. Nicolas winced before regaining his composure and questioning Ace for Lissie's sake.

"Are-Are they still alive?"

Ace shrugged, panicked. "I…I don't know. Max was still alive when I left, but…he's hurt real bad. And Callie…she….she's gone. I don't know about the egg, Nicolas. You have to hurry. You're the only one close by, and Max doesn't have anyone with him because everyone on watch ran to distract the sharptooth… We're so sorry, Nicolas. We couldn't stop it. It wasn't a Fast Biter… It was one of the bigger ones."

Ace's voice cracked from trauma. Nicolas guided him over to Lissie. "Stay with her, Ace. Don't let her out of your sight until I get back, do you hear me?"

When Ace nodded, he turned to Lissie. "I'll be back later."

"Go," she whispered, holding on to Ace.

Nicolas ran at full speed the whole way, listening for any sounds besides his own rustling through the low brush. Grey light spilled over the landscape as he neared the home of Max and Callie. The sight that lay before him sucked the air from his chest. Please don't let it be true.

Max was sprawled out just outside the cave in a way that looked broken. His chest still rose and fell, but with effort. The fatal injury was at his throat, which had basically been ripped open. It seemed the red pool around him grew in diameter with every horrible breath. By the way he was laying, Nicolas knew that they had been caught by surprise. The sharptooth had mortally wounded him when he tried to protect his family, and whisked him against the outside wall with one whip of its tail. He didn't even need to enter the cave to tell what had become of Callie. She was gone.

He rushed over to the horrific scene before him and gradually plugged two fingers into the part of Max's throat that was flowing most freely. Max cringed, then opened frightened eyes to stare into his face. Nicolas felt crushed as he looked into those wild eyes struggling to hold on to life. He and Max had not been the best of friends, but had come to terms when they both started families. They barely even knew anything about each other at all. Nicolas thought he saw a flash of realization in Max's eyes before something else crossed his mind.

Nicolas tried to listen with all his being when Max started trying to speak. "Ca- Callie…." Only a grimy version of his voice lingered as he choked out the words in desperate need for answers.

Gone. Nicolas shook his head with a heavy heart and watched as every emotion crossed his face at once. He winced when Max started to cry. The more he cried, the more blood he lost. Just then, Aaron came up behind Nicolas and knelt by Max, staring at the scene with horrified eyes.

Max regained his composure, just in time to ask one more question. "Th-The egg…it was….h-hatching…"

Nicolas and Aaron exchanged a hopeful look just before Aaron dashed into the bloody cave. Nicolas held his fingers steady and looked into Max's eyes, trying to make sure he stayed awake. Within moments, Aaron came running from the cave with something curled in his hands. An egg shelled dropped to the ground as he closed the distance between them.

He positioned himself and held it out so that Max could see it. "Here she is, Max. Just in time."

He held out his hands to reveal a tiny baby, just now trying to open her eyes. She was small, had her father's light color, and revealed her mother's sea blue eyes. Max stroked her back to comfort her. "Just in time huh, Max? She's beautiful."

Max appeared to melt at the sight of his daughter, then he began to cry with the realization that he and Callie would never get to raise her. They had no one left. Max and Callie….their families were gone. They were all that baby would have had. Max gripped Nicolas' forearm in desperation. "R-Raise her…one of you…please….raise….her."

Nicolas and Aaron exchanged glances and made a decision in a matter of seconds. Since they were still hatching an egg, Nicolas and Lissie would not be able to give the new baby all the attention she would need right away. Plus, Nicolas wasn't sure Lissie could bear the thought of the child they had lost. Aaron and Heather, on the other hand, could form a bond with her right away and give her everything she needed. Even a sister.

Aaron nodded and looked Max in the eyes. "Heather and I will take care of her, Max. What's her name?"

Max was going fast now that he was at peace, knowing that his daughter would be alright. Nicolas could feel his grasp on his forearm loosening. Max just managed to whisper her name before giving in to the darkness. "Lexie."

When he went still, Nicolas drew back the fingers he was using to plug the gaping wound and bent his head in respect. Aaron stood still with his new adopted daughter nestled in his hand, gently stroking her back as he processed the sudden loss.

Within moments everyone arrived, only to stop and mourn at the scene before them. The two respected dinosaurs that had one been Max's lackeys began to cry for their friend, the healer sadly shook his head when he saw Max lying still but confirmed that the baby was healthy….everyone that wasn't hatching an egg eventually came. Abram and Lissie's mother came and bowed their heads with saddened eyes, Heather eventually arrived with fear filled eyes….only to have Aaron walk over and bear the news of her friend's death. Nicolas watched from his place as Aaron held out their new daughter. Heather, already holding a sleeping Ella, nuzzled her new daughter to form a bond as soon as she got over the shock. It was then that Nicolas thought of Lissie, and how devastated she would be by the news. In a way, Nicolas was glad she couldn't be here to see the horror of the deaths of Max and Callie.

When it seemed there was nothing more he could do, he stood up and made his way to the river to bathe. When he could see his grey color again, he stepped away from the water and went to stand by Lissie's parents and his aunt as the healer and several others worked to clean the place. He grabbed his aunt by the hands, then looked to Lissie's parents. "I have to go to Lissie."

Lissie's mother nodded with tear filled eyes, knowing how hard this would be for Lissie and Heather alike. "Yes, go."

Nicolas turned back to his aunt. "Ace is with her. I will send him back soon."

His aunt touched his cheek to make him pay attention. "Are you alright?"

Nicolas couldn't answer because he was still trembling inside. It didn't seem right that both Max and Callie had lost their lives in a matter of seconds. He nuzzled his aunt to thank her and rushed for their home.

He didn't really remember the rest of the day. It was like being in a bad sleep story. Ace went home with saddened eyes. He held onto Lissie, feeling numb as she mourned for her friend.

The only thing he really could remember was covering the egg for the night and lying next to Lissie, who was still struggling to hold back tears as she watched him cover the egg. He lay next to her and licked nuzzled her for what could have been the millionth time that day. "Lissie, are you alright?"

She looked at him with fresh tears springing from her eyes. "Callie and Max, they are gone because a sharptooth found our territory again?"

Nicolas had been trying to avoid this connection all day, but…that was why Max and Callie were gone. The sharpteeth were beginning to find ways into their territory. Soon, many more members of the herd might be in grave danger. When he didn't respond, Lissie urged him to. "Nicolas?"

When he nodded, she covered her eyes with her hands a few moments before regaining her composure and lifting her head again. "What are we going to do?"

Nicolas shook his head and answered quietly. "I don't think they have gotten that far yet, Lissie."

She looked over at what would be their future child with a worried expression and began to cry again. "Oh, Nicolas. I was so excited to raise a family at first, but now…now I wish we…."

Nicolas pulled her into an embrace when she broke into sobs and comforted her. "Ssshh… It's going to be okay." As Lissie held onto him, he watched the egg with hidden worry in his own eyes.

A few weeks had passed since Max and Callie had passed, and Nicolas was on his last watch with Aaron and a few others that used to be Max's old buddies. It was to be his last watch before their son was expected to hatch. Things were still tense within the herd, but were fairly low key. Everyone was in the midst of a heated discussion about what to do.

Leaving in search of new territory seemed the most practical thing to do. But the herd was divided on the issue. Some could not forget the roots that their place in the swamp lands held to their heritage and wished to stay. This was one of the very few places that offered enough food, it gave shelter….there were plenty of places to make a home, and it had taken the ancestors of their herd a long time to establish territory in the region.

Others were convinced the time to leave was drawing near, which created even more of a division. Where to go? Some wanted to move to another location within the territory and tighten up on watches, some wanted to go far…it seemed they would never reach a solution and stay together. Once out in the open, their kind was basically defenseless. Nicolas and Aaron were discussing it to pass the silent night hours.

"You're to be leader when Abram resigns. What do you think?" Nicolas asked casually because Aaron was his best friend, and…he didn't know what the best choice was. He was thinking they would leave, but what good would simply hopping into a nearby territory do?

Aaron tossed aside a piece of grass he had been tearing at and turned to Nicolas. "Remember those herds that passed through the other day? Said they were headed for the Great Valley?"

Nicolas gave Aaron a questioning stare to decipher whether or not he was being serious. "Why? Do you think it exists?"

The Great Valley had been a myth passed down from generation to generation, dismissed as a legend that gave hopeless dinosaurs a reason to believe that paradise was out there somewhere. Those without a home tended to wander of their way in search of it. Some are said to have found it, while others gave up hope and settled for a home along the way.

Aaron shrugged. "I think if we're going to leave, we should leave for good. Might as well start out with something to work toward. I mean, who knows? If we never find it, we might find somewhere better to settle like the others herds."

Nicolas nodded because that was the most rational explanation he had heard thus far. After a moment of silence, Aaron questioned him. "Do you think it exists?"

Nicolas shook his head. "I don't know."

Aaron nodded in acknowledgement. "I would like to think that there is a place out there where our families could grow up in safety. I mean, I would miss this place, but…." He looked back at the undergrowth where most of the herd was sleeping in the concealment of their homes. "I would rather be in a place where I know Heather and the girls are safe. Don't you want the same for Lissie and your soon to be son?"

"Yes," said Nicolas quietly, "more than anything."

They stopped talking a while, and suddenly realized that everything had gotten quiet. Deathly quiet. Nicolas had never heard such silence. It was the kind of dead silence that was heavy, lingering….dangerous. It was frightening. When Nicolas glanced at Aaron, he knew the other dinosaur was feeling it, too. And that meant something was out there.

They searched their surroundings for any movement or noise, and found nothing.

Suddenly the voice of one of the other dinosaurs on watch, who were at another spot in the territory, called from a distance. "Nicolas….Aaron! Look out! It's coming your way!"

They were probably coming, but they were far away. Before either dinosaur could react, a large blur swept by and pinned Aaron to the ground. A Fast-Biter! One that was so large none of them stood a ghost of a chance alone. Aaron's scream followed a tearing sound, and then he tried to fight it, keeping it's jaws pried open with his hands. Nicolas leapt into action without thinking and pounced on the Fast-Biter. When it shook him off dismissively, he grabbed a sharp rock and leapt on it again, stabbing at it over and over. The Fast-Biter screeched and whipped him its tail. Nicolas was thrown back and hit something. Hard.

His vision blurred and darkness threatened to close in around him again and again. He tried to get up, and couldn't. It was like his muscle had turned to mush. The Fast-Biter growled, but who was it coming for? Him? Aaron? One or both of them might never see their families again.

"Hey!" A voice from somewhere nearby called from far away. Nicolas knew the voice as the one that had called out earlier, but couldn't see.

He must have blacked out a while, because two voices were talking in strained whispers back and forth. "It went after Sam. I don't think he's coming back."

Another voice. "Can't believe he ran alone."

"We have to get them back."

"Who will run for the healer?"

"You go. I will try to get them back to Nicolas and Lissie's. It's the closest from here. Couldn't hurt to wake her on the way. Tell her what happened. Then go for the healer." A pause. "Might want to tell Heather and Abram's family to come quickly. I don't think he has much time." Nicolas struggled for consciousness. No.

"Who will help you move Aaron? Nicolas doesn't look good."

"He will have to. He's trying to wake up now. Go." Rustling.

"…Nicolas. Nicolas! Can you hear me?" Nicolas decided the worst thing you could do to an unconscious creature is to pat their face. Every pat brought a stab of pain to the head.

Nicolas winced and pried open his eyes, determined to get up. Everything was blurry, and everything hurt. "A-Aaron…."

"Still alive, but barely. We have to get him back. Come on, Nicolas. You can do it, buddy."

Nicolas felt himself being pulled to his feet. He was standing before his vision was clear. He spotted what must have been Aaron lying in the same red pool Max had been in just weeks ago. He fell to his knees within a few steps, and crawled the rest of the way, willing his vision to clear. "Aaron?"

Everything sounded far away. His cleared vision revealed the same horrible sight he had seen too many times before. Aaron had a mortal opening in his stomach where the Fast-Biter had punctured his flesh with its deadly foot claw. Plugging it wouldn't help, and Aaron wouldn't live through the night. No! No no no! Aaron had a young family he had only begun to raise. This couldn't happen.

But it did. Aaron coughed and turned his head to make eye contact with Nicolas. "N-Nicolas….."

Nicolas didn't cry, but he felt his breathing grow rapid. Aaron reached out a hand and laid it on his shoulder. "Promise me you will leave. You, Lissie, and your son. Tell Heather because sh-she won't…understand if I did make it back a few minutes. Mom, Dad, the girls… Please take them a-away from…here…Nicolas."

"I will, but you have to hang on. You still have some time. We have to get you back-"

"Promise me!" Another cough, worse than the last one.

"I promise."

Nicolas had no idea how they got through the journey to his home with Aaron still alive. He slung one of Aaron's arms over his shoulder and lifted one leg, and Cal, the one still with them, did the same with the other side. Cal most likely carried the majority of the weight, because Nicolas' vision started to blur around him. Cal shouted which way to go at him several times, he lost his footing and had to struggle to his feet once, and agony got the better of Aaron when he started to cry out in pain.

"Nicolas!" Lissie's frightened voice sounded from somewhere far away. Their home! He had to get there…

"Aaron! NO!" Heather. Nicolas stumbled and collapsed.

"… Come on, Nicolas. Just a few steps. You can do it, buddy."

Nicolas felt himself being heaved to his feet again, and tried to clear his blurred vision. He couldn't. When he felt Lissie's gentle touch in place of whoever brought him the rest of the way, he knew he was in his own home. Someone laid him on a bed of straw, and Nicolas could only hear. Every crushing sound.

"Son…" Abram was devastated. Lissie and her mother were sobbing.

"Aaron…" Nicolas tried to get up when sobbed for her brother, but couldn't move anymore.

Perhaps the worst he had heard yet was Aaron and Heather's last few moments together.

"Aaron. Aaron? No! You-You have to stay with me, Aaron. You can't… Th-The girls need you."

Aaron summoned the last of his strength to whisper his last words to her. "T-t-take…care… of them, Heather. Ni-Nicolas…can…tell you…m-my request."

Heather sobbed as a response. Nicolas guessed she nodded.

"I love you, H-Heather."

"I love you too, Aaron. I always will."

A moment of silence followed, but Nicolas could feel Aaron had gone. Heather was the first to react. "Aaron, no!" Heart wrenching sobs followed her cries. Aaron was gone.

The next thing he remembered was Lissie talking to someone. "Will he be alright?"

He felt her hand on his back and knew she was holding his head in her lap.

"He took quite a hit. I don't know how he managed to walk so far. Much less carry Aaron. He is a strong creature." The healer.

Lissie rubbed his back, and turned her attention to the healer. "Have him drink this. It's all I have. He will wake up in his own time."

"Nicolas." He did his best to lift his head and drank whatever he could of what Lissie offered him. When he had drank all he could, he shivered at the bitter taste and lay still.

"Thank you." Lissie sounded worried, and so sad. Nicolas wanted to get up.

"You're welcome….." The darkness closed in again before Nicolas could hear any more of the conversation.

He woke up at some point the next day and raised his head, with vision clear and a sharp pain in his head. The egg was in the same place, Lissie was still sleeping…Aaron and the others were gone.

Aaron. Nicolas recalled the living nightmare of last night, and a sob escaped him before he could even think. Lissie startled at the noise and sat upright. "Oh, Nicolas."

She held him for a moment, trying to comfort him while crying herself. "H-He's gone, Nicolas." she wailed.

Nicolas pulled back. "His last wish was for us to leave, Lissie. With our son, Heather and the girls…your parents. I promised…"

Lissie held him tight. "And you'll keep it. We are leaving. As soon as our son is able to make the journey. Father decided it last night."

They didn't discuss it anymore that day. They just held one another, one crying while the other held them tight.

"Heather?" he asked at some point. Time was his last concern.

Lissie hesitated. "She's still in shock. Her mother is staying with her while my parents take care of the Ella and Lexie."

The next few days were better, but heavy. No amount of "it's not your fault" speeches to one another could fill the void Aaron's death had left behind. Nicolas went to Heather and told her everything. She cried a while, but after one look at the baby girls sleeping in the corner she agreed. He also told Abram of Aaron's wish to set out in the hope of finding the Great Valley. If Aaron were still alive, Abram may have dismissed it as nonsense and endangerment to the herd. But he agreed in honor of his son's memory. Somehow Nicolas could feel he was broken, and might never be the same again. Nicolas was glad he still had his wife and Lissie's sisters. If it weren't for them, he might have been close behind his son. While Lissie spent time with her mother, Nicolas left them with the egg to visit Ace and his aunt. He hugged them when they agreed to make the journey.

"Nicolas!" One of the young dinosaurs that lived near him and Lissie ran inside his aunt's home. "Lissie wants you to come quickly! The egg is about to hatch!"

Nicolas felt his heart skip a few beats before a smile gradually turned the corners of his mouth. Their son!

He turned to his aunt and Ace, already backing out of the little cave. "You're coming?"

"Right behind you. Go!" His aunt pushed him outside.

When Nicolas got there, Lissie pulled him down just in time. A small foot kicked its way out of the top part of the rattling egg. He heard Abram and Lissie's mother chuckle behind them. The tiny foot went back inside a moment before the rest of the shell cracked open. A baby boy, their son, tumbled out and lifted his head curiously.

Nicolas couldn't move, he was so astounded by the sight of their newborn son staring up at them. Lissie sobbed with joy and gently scooped him up in her hands. He looked around with a confused expression for a moment, then spotted Lissie and made tiny squeaking noises with a smile, like he was asking her a question.

Tears streamed down her face as she chuckled and nuzzled her son. "Hyp…"

Nicolas swelled with pride and joy as baby Hyp immediately nuzzled his mother lovingly, forming a bond that could never be broken. After a few moments, Lissie held their newborn son out to him. Nicolas gently stroked his little cheek with one finger to make sure he didn't break, then cupped his hands under his son and nuzzled him. Hyp immediately responded by nuzzling him back. He had no fear in his eyes at all, which brought sent a flood of relief through Nicolas. And by this, he knew he and his son had formed a bond.

A few moments later, Nicolas and Lissie shared a kiss. He would never forget the joy in her eyes as stroked her son's head while Nicolas held him in his hands. They both nuzzled him, and he couldn't seem to decide who to respond to, so little Hyp occupied himself with assuring them of his own love by nuzzling them both. He shyly licked Lissie's nose as a kiss, then pressed his little forehead to Nicolas' nose, then went back to Lissie. Everyone chuckled at the spirited little noises he made.

Nicolas pressed his nose to Lissie cheek. "Oh, Lissie. He's so beautiful. Just like you."

And he was. He looked so much like his mother. He had her eyes, her lovely light color, and for now her smaller frame. Nicolas felt relief once more when he found those beautiful golden eyes in his son's stare. Both parents watched Hyp lifted his chin to reveal his father's jaw, then decided to lift his tail in an attempt to stand. He stood in Nicolas' hands a moment with a victorious look on his face. Nicolas barely managed to keep him in his grasp when he fell back. Lissie smiled and caressed Nicolas' cheek. "And you."…..

….. Nicolas stopped for a moment to take a glance at his son. Hyp looked shaken by the turn of the story. Nicolas took in a deep breath and exhaled. The night sky was over the valley now, and most of the families had long gone to bed. It was a bright night, so a select few dinosaurs had chosen to sit outside a little longer near the river. The bright stars provided enough light to cover the whole valley. For a while, both father and son watched the peaceful before Nicolas finally broke the silence.

"It's a lot to take in, son. Do you need to rest for the night?"

"No, Dad." Hyp winced and clutched his ribs with one arm while using the other to sit up. "I'm fine. Tell me the rest…I think I can take it."

Nicolas sighed, then looked over at his son and nodded. "Alright, son."

…. I know. Saddest chapter ever on top of and a cliffhanger as if that wasn't enough. I decided to break it though because Nicolas still has a lot to tell. I'll update as soon as possible. Thank you…