We Will Hold On Forever
by
DaveTheAnalyzer
Chapter 44: Time Moves On Part 1
"So what's your progress on putting my advice into action?" Ruby asked.
"We're doing it slowly, but steadily." Papa Fast Runner said, tracing a circle in the earth. "It's been really helpful so far."
Ruby sat with her family in a cave up a mountain not far from the Great Valley. The secret meeting location was small enough and out of the way that Red Claw and his fast biters couldn't stumble across it. Saph and Emmy were beside each of her parents with an arm draped around them, watching their older sister adoringly. It had been a month since the Great Valley and the rest of the world bade farewell to the ghosts. Ruby and Chomper's parents had returned to the Mysterious Beyond not long after Wing Father's defeat, with the route they departed on re-buried in an avalanche of boulders so no further sharpteeth could sneak in. The sailback sharptooth had disappeared into the Mysterious Beyond without touching anyone in the Great Valley.
Ruby had told her family before they left what quality her friends and the valley had that could be used against Red Claw. Though she had been sad to see them go, their elated expressions made it all worth it. Fortunately, that wasn't the last she would see or hear from her family, as flyers were asked to pass messages to her and soon they arranged for these meetings so they could talk directly. This was only the second in-person meeting so far and they planned to do them every few weeks. It wasn't like being back with her family but this was better than hearing nothing from them for cold times at a time.
"Granted, it isn't without its challenges." Mama Fast Runner said. "It's difficult making alliances in the Mysterious Beyond. Everyone has their own interests and some are more reluctant to join than others. There're more than a few who want to be left alone altogether. But after driving away Red Claw's fast biters with those we did make deals with a few days ago, I think we're getting more interest."
"I'm sure most of the Mysterious Beyond will agree with your idea eventually, Ruby!" Saph said. "I mean, no one wants to deal with that Red Claw jerk forever."
"We'll kick him and his fast biter pals out of our home before you know it!" Emmy boasted.
"Now let's not get ahead of ourselves." Papa Fast Runner chuckled. "We don't know when or if it'll happen. It could be a fast process or something gradual that takes cold times. But what Ruby's contributed has made life easier for us in the Mysterious Beyond. I'm glad you finally found the answer."
Ruby looked down and scratched her face. "Looking back, the idea was kind of obvious. My friends and the Great Valley can deal with any problem because they use all of the skills from all kinds among them to deal with them. I wonder why I didn't think of it sooner."
"Well, you thought of it now." Mama Fast Runner said. "Don't blame yourself. There are a lot of ideas that seem obvious after figuring them out but figuring them out is usually harder than it looks."
"Yes, especially for a girl your age." Papa Fast Runner pointed out. He lowered his head. "We really shouldn't have put that burden on you."
"You don't have to feel sorry for giving me that task." Ruby smiled, touching her father's hands. "If you hadn't given me the task to go to the Great Valley with Chomper, I wouldn't have made the friends I currently have."
Mama Fast Runner put a hand on her shoulder. "We know how important your friends are to you. We understand why you want to remain in the valley. Continue learning and having fun there. Not only because it would make allies that could be useful against Red Claw out here but for your own benefit too."
"I thank you for that." Ruby said, fidgeting. "I would like to live with you again someday. But I don't want to stop living with my friends. It's like having two families. I don't know which of the two to choose."
"You don't have to choose now." Papa Fast Runner said. "It's clear we're still important to you, even if we remain apart. That would be the case for your friends if you do decide to come back with us. The Mysterious Beyond's our home and we wish it to be safe too, so we can't move to the Great Valley full time. But we'll be sure to visit."
"I would like that." Ruby smiled. "I'm sure Emmy and Saph would like to talk with the friends they made there too."
"Hey, Ducky and Petrie's brothers and sisters were nice to talk to." Saph said.
"I'd like to talk more with the tiny longnecks Rocky and Dusty." Emmy said. "They seem like fun."
Ruby nodded, looking up. "Oh, I forgot to ask the last time we met. I want to ask what happened to that bellydragger with the ghost sharpbeak. I believe her name's Dil?"
"Oh, she's adjusting well living with bellydraggers." Mama Fast Runner said. "They were unsure of each other at first but they came to get along well. They were teaching her how to navigate better using her other senses. It turned out to benefit us too, since when we approached them about an alliance against Red Claw, Dil vouched for us. It's nice to help someone find a place where they belong."
"Yes, it is." Ruby said.
She didn't just mean what happened to Dil. Mama and Papa Fast Runner caught the implication and smiled, faces full of affection. Emmy and Saph looked between them and giggled. Ruby started and looked outside, where she noted the early afternoon position of the bright circle. With a sigh of regret, she pushed herself up.
"I have to go back to the valley soon," she said. "The others will be worrying about us."
Papa Fast Runner looked at the bright circle and became sad. "So it's that time already. Time sure seems to run fast in these meetings. We won't keep you."
"Have a safe journey back." Mama Fast Runner said. "We'll contact you another time."
Saph hugged Ruby. "Don't get into too much danger until then."
"We'll miss you." Emmy said.
Ruby's eyes moistened and she hugged her brother and sister. "I'll miss you too. You follow Mommy and Daddy's advice and be safe."
Her parents got up to join in the hug, lingering in the warmth of being together. Then reluctantly, Ruby pulled away and waved before leaving the cave. She went down the left path glancing up at the ascending right path her family would take that disappeared around a peak. The warmth from their embrace lingered in her heart and she realized she was smiling softly. She couldn't wait to tell them what she learned next time. Maybe it would help with Red Claw, maybe it wouldn't, but her family would be interested in what she had to say.
As she neared the bottom of the mountain, she noticed two looming forms nearby. Ordinary, the sight of sharpteeth would put her on edge but she saw that they were Chomper's parents. Mama and Papa Sharptooth sat with their heads close to the ground, listening attentively to Chomper, who growled and gesticulated with a sunny smile. Ruby started recognizing some sounds after Chomper began teaching her the language but she was nowhere near fluent. However, one needn't be to see they were happy and relaxed.
"…is that what he did?" Papa Sharptooth said. "That stubborn threehorn. I wonder how he survived for so long."
"At least he seems to be turning himself around." Mama Sharptooth said. "It's good you're getting along with everyone in the Great Valley. I hope you can live comfortably there."
"Yeah, me too." Chomper said. "I still help my friends in sniffing out stuff and getting to small places. Oh, I did scare someone off for bullying a kid. I'm quite proud of that."
"You should be." Mama Sharptooth replied. "Even in these small acts, you're showing your best qualities."
"You don't have to do big things to be helpful." Papa Sharptooth said. "You're strengths are in the emotional arena. Even with things finally able to change now, don't grow up too much. Enjoy being a kid while it lasts."
Chomper smiled slightly. "From how you act Daddy, you don't seem like you've grown up much. Is that something I really to have worry about?"
Papa Sharptooth laughed. "Good point. But do you have to be fresh about it?"
Chomper and Mama Sharptooth joined in the laughter. Ruby cleared her throat and stepped closer having waited a minute for the three to wind down their conversation. The three looked surprised.
"Whoa, it's that time already?" Chomper looked at the bright circle and cringed. "Dang, I didn't realize. It felt like we just started talking."
Mama Sharptooth looked almost crestfallen. "Do you have to leave now?" she sighed. "I guess you do."
"Sorry about that." Chomper sat up. "It was fun talking to you. I can't wait for our next meeting."
"Us too." Mama Sharptooth nuzzled him. "I'm happy Ruby's parents were able to arrange these meetups for us. Say hi to Tria for me."
"And continue bringing stories about that threehorn." Papa Sharptooth said. "He's funny."
Chomper giggled. "I can't tell too many without feeling weird about it but I'll try. See you later, Mommy and Daddy!"
His parents bade farewell and they nodded to Ruby before standing to their full height and lumbering off. Chomper found Ruby looking at the mountain and swore he caught a glimpse of pink and violet figures making their way down to follow his family further into the Mysterious Beyond. Though wistfulness lingered in their chests, there was a warmth that gave them the certainty they would meet again. Stretching, Chomper turned to Ruby.
"Well, let's go back," he said.
"Let's." Ruby said, glancing around. "Let's not be late."
Quickly but carefully, they sneaked quietly to the looming Great Valley walls. Their parents offered to escort them back when they started these meetings but that would make the secret opening back into the valley obvious for any fast biters that might want to get in. Every few seconds, Chomper turned his head this way and that to sniff. Ruby thought she could spot the crevice they used to sneak out, up a small hill, and with a bulbous overhang that hid it in shadow. Far from relieved, they became more cautious. They slinked around rocks and cracks so they didn't make any noise. They passed through the gap between two mountains and entered open ground, where they were most exposed. They tried to walk casually toward the hidden crevice that was a few yards away. A growl made them freeze. Inhaling nasally, Chomper looked about fearfully.
"Crud, we've been spotted," he said.
The scratching clack of feet with sharp claws echoed in the air. Advancing out from behind the base of the mountain to their left was a fast biter. It closed in on the pair, circling them. Standing beside each other, Ruby and Chomper turned to keep up with the position of the fast biter. Chomper tensed, gritting his teeth.
"Leave us," he growled. "Our families aren't far away."
"Nice try but their scents already faded with distance," growled the fast biter. "Don't struggle and I'll make your ends quick."
"We won't make it easy for you." Chomper replied. "You'll get in real trouble with our parents for trying to eat us."
The fast biter snarled. "I preferred it in the few days when no one could die. You could eat as much as you want. This only shows how exhausting hunting is. No more talking. It's time for you to die!"
"Uh Chomper, the fast biter doesn't look talked down." Ruby said nervously.
"She won't let me." Chomper gulped. "When I say run, we-"
The fast biter shrieked and jumped at them. A pale yellow form shot out in front of Ruby and Chomper, intercepting the fast biter with a ram of her horn. The fast biter was thrown back, crashing onto her back. Wincing from a few cuts and a slash mark on her stomach, the fast biter got to her feet to look at Cera, who glared back with a firm, protective stance. The fast biter hissed, only for Cera to charge at her with a cry. Striking the fast biter again, Cera watched as the fast biter scrambled and rushed off, letting out a defiant shriek as she did so. Heaving breath, Cera turned to Ruby and Chomper and managed a smile.
"I thought you two were taking a bit long," she said, jerking her head toward the crevice. "Come on, let's get out of here before someone else decides to attack us."
"Cera, that was amazing!" Chomper said, as he and Ruby followed her the last few yards. "You really made that fast biter run scared."
"Thanks, Cera." Ruby said. "You saved us by acting fast and hitting fast. How did you do it?"
"Oh, it was all instinct." Cera said casually as they got up to the crevice. "I attacked and then struck again in a way to catch the fast biter off-guard. You know I've been practicing to deal with these kind of situations."
"Still, that was really brave, Cera." Chomper said.
"I was a bit scared," Cera admitted, "but I'm learning to deal with it."
Pushing Chomper up ahead of them, Cera and Ruby jumped and climbed after him into the crevice. They traveled through a warren of tunnels, hesitating as they neared junctures only to suddenly remember the next turn. Cera was pleased by the praise but tried to not let it go to her head. She was actually making progress on the courage and action front. She could feel small points of pressure in her forehead where two additional horns were forming and felt the weight of using them right. She had trained to perfect her aim and put in the correct amount of force in her blows. It was with one horn for now but when the other two pushed out, she would have to adjust how she used them. It was a lot of work but Cera was proud she could at last do it.
They came out into the Great Valley where life proceeded at its usual relaxed pace. Dinosaurs of all sorts walked about, pausing to have a nibble of green food or meeting up with friends or family. A domehead walked by, brightening upon seeing a spikeback buddy and the two ran up to one another to chat. A flyer father flew through the sky with his children, teaching them how to navigate around low lying obstacles and being aware of their surroundings. A longneck hummed to himself, eyes half-lidded as though imagining a pleasant scenario. A few dinosaurs nodded to Cera and the others as they made their way further into the valley, the agreeable environment already putting them at ease.
They soon came cross Mr. Threehorn and Tria sitting together, talking quietly. Tricia was chasing a long piece of grass tied around a rock, blown about by the wind. Mr. Threehorn and Tria watched her jump and try to bite the grass with smiles. They sat up when Cera, Ruby, and Chomper walked into view.
"Oh, you've come back?" Mr. Threehorn asked. "That took a while. You better not have got into any trouble."
"It was more that trouble looked for us." Ruby replied. "But don't worry, Cera took care of the fast biter."
"Hey, don't just drop these things onto my parents without buildup." Cera muttered.
"Fast biter?" Mr. Threehorn repeated, alarmed. "Oh, I knew it was dangerous to let you kids do this. An adult should have been there." He inspected Cera and her friends. "But you three don't look hurt. Did you take care of it like I taught you, Cera?"
"Yup." Cera couldn't resist raising her head. "Two strikes but that was enough to make it decide Ruby and Chomper weren't worth the trouble."
Filling with pride, Mr. Threehorn lowered his head to nuzzle her. "That's my girl. Now, I don't want you getting in danger to be a habit but I'm proud you're becoming able to handle these situations with your horn."
"That's one part of the threehorn tradition I wouldn't mind continuing." Tria said, nodding and smiling. "I've been catching up with using my horns myself. Those battles a while ago were good training. Soon, I'll be tough as you. Anyway, how are your families, Chomper, Ruby?"
"My parents are doing well." Chomper answered. "My mommy asked me to say hi."
"Oh, how sweet. Pass my own hellos to her the next time you meet her. I never knew when I first met you that I would get along with your mother."
"Yeah, your dad was a hoot." Mr. Threehorn said. "He threatened me to take care you before they left."
Chomper looked surprised. "How did you know? I didn't translate that."
"The way he loomed over me and thrust his head to you, I kind of got the message." Mr. Threehorn said. "Plus we spent all those days together. I'm still leery of sharpteeth but they're alright and I wouldn't want to disappoint them."
Chomper smiled, touched. Mr. Threehorn looked away but couldn't help his lips quirking up too. Tria looked on proudly before turning to Ruby.
"What about you, Ruby? How has your family been putting your advice to practice?"
"Slowly but making progress." Ruby looked down, fidgeting. "Convincing the dinosaurs of the Mysterious Beyond that getting rid of Red Claw is possible is hard work but I believe my family's working hard to make it possible."
"That's good." Tria said. "If they ever need to seek refuge in the valley, tell them they're more than welcome to."
Tricia chase of the grass paused when she saw who else was with her parents. Ignoring how the grass slapped into her frill, she raced back to Cera with a happy squeal.
"Back, Cera?" she asked. "I'm glad!"
"I was only gone for a short time." Cera said.
"Outside scary!" Tricia replied. "You're safe. I'm happy!"
Cera softened. "Well, it's nice for you to care." She lowered her head to nuzzle Tricia. "Sorry to worry you."
"Tricia is speaking more every day!" Chomper said.
"I'm surprised at the pace myself." Tria replied. "I guess she was on the cusp when Wing Father's influence stopped her from developing any further."
"I'm proud of you, Tricia. What a good girl!" Mr. Threehorn went over to nuzzle Tricia. "I wonder if she'll have as much attitude as me and Cera."
"She seems to have more my temperament." Tria said. "But whatever she decides, we'll support her, like we'll support Cera as she grows."
"Who knows how much of my personality I'll keep when I'm older." Cera muttered.
Tria stepped forward to nuzzle her. "I'm sure you won't change that much. You'll still be the same snarky Cera we know and love but tempered with age."
Mr. Threehorn's gaze trailed down as he and Tricia went over to Tria.
"I only wish I got to see Horen, Rica, and Duane start to grow like Cera's growing," he said.
"Yes, that would've been nice." Tria said, tone gentler. "From what I recall of our time together, they were rather rambunctious. I'm sure they would have matured as they aged."
"Yeah. They would've been a handful but I'm sure my first mate would've kept them in line or you could've too. She would've been so proud of who they became." Mr. Threehorn smiled faintly. "It reminds me of a funny memory – wait, would be okay with hearing about this Tria?"
"It's more than okay." Tria replied. "Thanks for asking. I would like to hear more about how you feel."
"Oh, I'm grateful. Where was I? Oh, the funny memory. On our journey to the valley, we came across some flowers and Rica suggested we take some to-"
He continued talking low to Tria, who listened closely, nodding and laughing at the funny moments in the anecdote. Tricia went over and sat on Tria's paw, listening keenly at the mention of her ghost sisters. A bittersweet feeling entered Cera's stomach but she couldn't help smiling. A part of her was tempted to hear more of the story but she turned to her friends.
"Come on, let's leave them to it," she said quietly.
With a wave to Tricia, she and her friends left on their walk. Ruby and Chomper looked at Cera with concern.
"Are you alright, Cera?" Chomper asked. "I hope it wasn't awkward hearing about your mom and sisters."
"I'm fine." Cera replied. "Hearing about them can be uncomfortable but I'm finding I like it. It's better than pretending they never existed."
Ruby nodded. "I suppose that's a good way of thinking about it. Me and Chomper's situations aren't the same but we think thinking about our families maintains our bond with them even if they're elsewhere."
"You really matured, Cera." Chomper said.
"Yeah, I guess that's what you call it." Cera said. "But don't think I still won't be a smart aleck."
She stepped close and noogied Chomper, who giggled and squirmed. They continued moving along until they saw the Tinysauruses gathered near one of their underground tunnel holes among a set of low-lying trees, climbing and eating any leaves they could reach. They looked a bit bigger than usual. Big Daddy walked among them, making sure everyone had their fill. Lizzie looked up from eating a big treestar and her eyes lit up.
"Hi, Cera!" she said. "Glad to see you. Hi, Ruby and Chomper!"
"Hello!" Chomper said, giving a wave.
"Hey!" Skitter said. "Littlefoot and the others not with you?"
"Not yet but we're working on it." Ruby said. "You seem to be working through those lower treestars."
"Don't worry, we won't be eating them all." Rocky said. "But they're a very…"
"…delicious lunch!" Dusty finished. "You're welcome to try them!"
"Thanks, but we have to get going." Cera said. "Don't give yourselves stomachaches. See you!"
With that, Cera and the others scampered. The Tinysaurses turned their attention back to the treestars and chatted to one another.
"Hey Big Daddy, do you think we've grown a little?" Skitter asked.
"Yeah, it seems easier to reach the branches now." Lizzie said.
"I think Rocky…" Dusty began.
"Has gotten a bit taller than Dusty." Rocky finished.
"Yes, yes, you've all grown." Big Daddy said. "But you still have a lot more growing to do. Continue having a healthy, varied diet and you'll keep growing." More quietly, he continued. "Oh goodness, they're all going to be bigger than me soon. How am I going to keep them in line?"
His charges laughed. Stifling smiles themselves, Cera and the others found their feet turning in the direction of a mountain path that led to Petrie's nest. They saw his family sitting shouting and shooting their hands excitedly into the air. Mama Flyer was playing some kind of game involving hand gestures on the ground and chuckled at her children's suggestions to what she was hinting at. A few took off flying to look at the shapes she made from another angle or to think while moving.
"Okay, what do you think this one is?" Mama Flyer said, and put one hand in front of the other the two outer fingers of both hands flicking out as she slid them smoothly across the ground in an s-pattern.
"Ooh, uh, a bellydragger?" said a flyer brother called Rano.
"Um, gliders?" asked a sister called Terri, tapping her beak. "No, I don't think they fly with their feet too. Wait, is it even a flyer?"
"Oh, it's on the tip of my tongue, I feel like it's something obvious," asked another flyer sister, shaking a fist.
"I know what it is!" Petrie said. "It a crested swimmer!"
"Correct, Petrie!" Mama Flyer said. "You're getting very good at these guessing games!"
"Hey no fair!" groused one of his sisters. "He has a swimmer for a best friend, of course he knew!"
"I have a swimmer for a friend!" said a brother, slapping his head. "Why I didn't think of the answer?"
Petrie raised his head, proud. "Me just see shape and movement and compare them to dinosaurs me know."
Cera called out. "Hey, Petrie! Busy?"
Petrie perked up. "Oh hey, Cera! You back from families, Ruby and Chomper?"
"That's right." Ruby raised a hand. "And we're getting right back to getting the gang back together."
"What kind of game are you playing?" Chomper asked.
"A sort of guessing game." Petrie answered. "Me not bad at it. Me get more right answers than brothers and sisters."
"Hey, I'm just off my game today, okay?" said Terri.
"Don't worry about it." Mama Flyer assured. "I'm sure you'll find your own ways to figure things out like Petrie does." She looked up. "Oh, here comes your father."
Papa Flyer slowly flew toward them with a thoughtful expression. He lips stretched into a smile as his children called out to him.
"Hi, Dad!"
"Hello, Papa!"
Many of his children flew to gather around him as he landed, some perching on his arm or head. Petrie sat on his father's wrist, beaming up at him. Mama Flyer didn't come over but smiled fondly all the same. Papa Flyer rubbed the tops of a few of their heads, fondness coming into his normally reserved expression.
"Hello, children," he said. "It's nice to see you're doing well. And how are you, dear?"
"I'm good as can be." Mama Flyer said. "We were just playing a silly guessing game."
Papa Flyer turned his head and noticed Cera and the others. "Oh, Petrie's friends are here. How do you do?"
"We're doing alright." Ruby said.
"Hey, Mr. Flyer." Chomper said cheerily.
"Just running around for the day." Cera said.
"I see." Papa Flyer said stiffly. "Well, I hope you have fun."
Despite the awkwardness, he attempted to give the three a reassuring smile. He was still unsure of what to make of Petrie's friends, becoming wary whenever his eyes fell on Chomper. But after the gang helped take care of Wing Father and his Anchors, he tried to remain civil. He looked back to his family.
"So you're playing a guessing game. That must be amusing," he said.
"Oh, it is!" said Rano eagerly. "Will you be joining us?"
"Yeah, it real fun!" Petrie said.
Papa Flyer's face fell. "Oh, I would love to but my nest's roof collapsed. This situation isn't as bad as what happened to your first nest but I need to have a longneck help me put it back together and that could take some time. We might see each other tonight but that depends on if we can get it finished by then."
There were calls of disappointment. Petrie looked crestfallen.
"You just stopping by?" he asked.
"Yes." Papa Flyer answered. "I just wanted to inform you why I mightn't be around today. But I'll make it up to all of you."
Petrie put himself together and smiled. "That fine, Dad. Rebuilding your home important."
"He's right, Papa," agreed a brother.
"Hard to hang out with us when your nest's a mess," said a sister.
"Thank you for your consideration, kids." Papa Flyer smiled warmly. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll have plenty of fun with me after the nest's repaired. That's okay with you, dear?"
"Of course." Mama Flyer said. "As long as the nest is safe, any of them can stay when or as long as they want."
"Hmph, of course it'll be safe." Papa Flyer said, turning around. "It won't be anything less. Anyway, I'll see you kids when it's all done."
Petrie and the others flew off him and hopped back to the nest. Spreading his wings, Papa Flyer flapped off with his children calling goodbye and waving after him. Petrie lowered his hand and watched his father's figure disappear in the distance. Mama Flyer glanced down at Petrie. Cera and the others walked over to him, looking between him and where Papa Flyer vanished with concern.
"Sorry, Petrie." Cera said. "That must be tough."
"I know it's upsetting he can't be with us today." Mama Flyer said.
"Me sad." Petrie sighed. "But it best he deal with own issues. Maybe me will visit his nest later."
"I'm glad you understand." Mama Flyer smiled, putting a hand on him. "I encourage you to take the opportunity. We'll just value the time we can have with him."
He nodded solemnly, the beginnings of a smile of his own spreading across his beak. His other siblings' hushed murmuring already rose back up to the eager chatter of before. Petrie turned to his friends.
"Thanks, Mama," he said. "Me will be going with friends now."
"Wait, you're leaving just as the game's about to start back up?" a sister asked.
"Afraid you'll break your winning streak?" teased a brother.
"You wish." Petrie teased back. "Me just want to spend time with friends. See you later!"
There were distracted calls of farewell as Petrie and his friends left, some waving while others were already focusing on Mama Flyer who sat back down to resume the game. Cera, Ruby, and Chomper glanced at Petrie as he flew with them.
"Everything alright back there?" Ruby asked. "I know how it feels to not always be able to be with family."
"Me okay." Petrie replied. "Parents can't stay together but me will work with it."
"I know the feeling." Chomper said.
"You handled that maturely." Cera said. "I'm sure you'll follow your word…even when you're a scaredy-egg."
Petrie snorted. "Why you always have to ruin moment with smart remark." He gave a brief chuckle. "But you not wrong. Anyway, as long you with me, me can deal with fear. Let's see what Ducky and Spike up to."
They made a beeline for the swimmer family nest. They came across a group of old flyers sitting on the branches of an isolated group of trees. They were doing a series of stretching exercises, slowly unfolding their wings one way before pulling them in another direction. Guido was perched on a branch nest to Swooper, doing his best to follow the stretches of the older flyers, wincing at some and relaxing at others. Swooper moaned happily as he rubbed a joint on his wing, an ache clearly gone. He brightened when the gang passed under the group.
"Hey, it's Petrie and his friends!" he greeted.
"Where?" Guido said. He looked left and right before glancing down. "Oh, you're under us. Hey, you four. How's your day been going?"
"Pretty well!" Petrie said. "Hey Swooper, you spotted us!"
"After helping you kids more than a few times during all that Wing Father business, I've come to recognize your blurs." Swooper replied. "The others' tips on how to use what little I can see has been mighty helpful."
"What are you doing with those weird movements?" Cera asked.
"Oh these are flight stretches." Swooper said. "The other elder flyers taught me how to keep my wings fresh and flexible so I can keep flying. Guido asked for a few lessons."
"I know gliding isn't the same as flying but I saw Swooper do this and thought it might help with me." Guido said.
"Good point." Petrie said. "Me should try that. How it going so far?"
"I just got started, so I don't know." Guido replied. "But it is relieving some aches. See you around!"
With a wave, Petrie and the others continued onward, encouraged. It was nice that some of their old friends (in more ways than one) were still upbeat. Soon a familiar river with a prominent tree nearby came into view and they saw Ducky and Spike's family nest. Groups of siblings were scattered about playing different games, some splashing in the river, others playing tag. Some laid on the grass absorbing the bright circle's rays. Mama Swimmer pulled water greens out of the river, looking around every once in a while and smiling at her children's antics. Another group surrounded Spike who raised Ducky on his head so she could pluck some berries from tall bushes.
"Here you go, guys!" she called, dropping berries into expecting arms. "Bottoms up!"
"Whoa, this is great!" Bitty said, raising her berry to take a bite out of it. "Thanks Ducky!"
"I was thinking about having a snack like this!" Osber said, taking a deep sniff of his berry.
"Me and Spike are happy to provide." Ducky said, hopping off Spike and patting his cheek. "We like sharing good food when we can, when Spike doesn't eat it all, yup, yup, yup."
Spike nodded with a bashful giggle, snapping some berries off the bush. The others laughed and continued eating, and Ducky looked pleased. The activity drew the attention of the other brothers and sisters, who abandoned their games or got up from sunbathing to get their own berries. Norkel had rose from his nap and barely snatched one from Fussy before biting into it eagerly. Fussy herself huffed but merely hopped up and seized a berry just above her, chomping into hers with satisfaction. She brightened when Cera and the others started closing the distance.
"Hey, it is your friends, you two!" she said.
Ducky and Spike quickly turned just as Cera and the others came up to them. Spotting Ruby and Chomper, their expressions relaxed with relief. Spike ambled over to nudge close to Ruby and Chomper, who chuckled and smiled.
"You both are alright." Ducky said, Spike nodding in agreement.
"We almost weren't but thanks to Cera, that changed." Chomper said.
Once Spike heard this, he stepped over to give Cera a nuzzle as well. She was embarrassed but didn't pull away. Petrie looked like he felt left out, so Spike nuzzled him too.
"You seem to be getting along with your brothers and sisters." Ruby said.
"We are doing great." Ducky spread her arms out, smiling. "I was having a good time with them yesterday. I tried out some of their suggestions for games and other stuff and they were fun. I never thought I could swim with others in unison that way if Bill had not suggested it. Osber had us try a sweet bubble that was not quite to my taste but Spike seemed to like it."
The other siblings went over to the pair's friends. Bitty raised a berry for Cera.
"Here, you can have this," she said.
"Really?" Cera said, a bit surprised. Still, she smiled and picked it up with her teeth. "Don't mind if I do."
"You can have this, Ruby." Loch said, dropping a berry into Ruby's hand.
"I really appreciate it." Ruby said, before popping it into her mouth. "I really appreciate the taste too."
"Consider this as thanks, Petrie." Bill said. "You always look after Ducky."
"She also look after me." Petrie replied, but lifted the berry and snipped his beak into it. "Mmm, good."
"Here, Chomper." Tuo began, before faltering. "Wait, you don't eat these."
"Well, this is awkward." Chomper smiled apologetically. "I appreciate the thought."
Like many other young children, Tuo and her hatch siblings were becoming more verbose as the weeks went by. Bill went over and gave Ducky her berry, who beamed. Sitting down, they all finished off their gifted berries. Spike pattered among his brothers and sisters hopefully, causing them to giggle and playfully tighten their grip around their berries. Spike sighed but giggled himself and went over to the bush to bite off the remaining berries. More swimmer siblings made a beeline for the group, to eat and chat. Bitty and Riv giggled as they smeared berry juice on each other's lips. Osber and Shean watched Cera and the others eat with interest. Norkel, Tuo, and her hatch siblings stared as Chomper stalked around and slurped up crawlers and buzzers from the soil or bushes, making sounds of disgust but unable to look away. Ducky and Spike exchanged glances, smiling at their siblings showing interest in their friends. As Ducky licked the last of the berry juice off her lips, she waved to get the attention of her brothers and sisters.
"If any of you are interested, we can explore another cave nearby," she said. "I know some of you had fun with our previous cave exploring adventures, so I thought I would ask about it now."
"Me again." Osber said, raising a hand. "I'm starting to like these trips."
"Maybe I will try it this time." Eda admitted. "It sounds interesting."
"Sorry, I can't." Bitty said. "I want to meet up with Cen again."
"The same." Loch raised a hand. "Me and Apa are going to play with her parents."
Fussy shrugged. "I don't feel like going. I want to be with Mom."
The other swimmer children voiced their agreement or gentle refusal. Cera and the others watched Ducky for her reaction. Spike lifted his head up as he continued eating to keep an eye on her. To her credit, Ducky listened, nodding in understanding.
"That is all right," she said. "I am thankful for those who can and want to come. For those who cannot, do not feel guilty, we can be together on other trips. I am thinking after this cave trip, we can go to a beautiful flower field that would make a good place to play hide and seek."
"Hey, that sounds cool!" Bitty said. "I think I can join that."
"That'll be a yes from me!" Loch said
"I want to play there too!" Tuo said.
"I don't know if I'll be up to it but we'll see." Fussy admitted.
"I would have to check with Mama to see if it's safe first." Bill said.
"It is good to know I have interest in that idea too." Ducky smiled, encouraged. "We can talk more about what we will do there later."
Mama Swimmer stepped over to the gathered group of her children, now they were all in one place instead of scattered.
"I hope you're all having a good time, kids," she said. "You and Spike about to head off with your friends, Ducky? Make sure to not to wander into anything too dangerous. I want you two to be safe."
"Do not worry, Mama." Ducky said. "We do not plan on going on any adventures today."
Spike bobbed his head, indicating with sincerity this was only going to be an ordinary afternoon of play. Mama Swimmer examined the two seriously but her expression softened.
"I can tell you two are being honest," she said. "Be warned, I'm getting better at judging when you're up to something. The rest of you kids, that same warning goes to you."
Petrie nodded. "Yes, Ducky and Spike's mom."
"I already got the lecture from my parents, so you don't need to tell me." Cera said.
"We just got back from our parents, so we had enough adventure for one day." Chomper said.
"The only adventure we're thinking about is toss the seed and other games we think will be a great time." Ruby said.
"That's good to know." Mama Swimmer said. "Alright, I've kept you long enough. Have fun!"
Ducky and Spike waved as they went off with their friends, Mama Swimmer giving a distracted wave as she crouched over her other children.
"Now how about the rest of you?" Mama Swimmer said. "You did a good job keeping an eye on everyone here, Bill. Fussy, you're foot is bruised, I'm surprised you didn't call out to me – good girl. You helped her, Eda? How nice. Bitty, you still have some berry juice on your lips, Osber help her wipe it off. I saw you running around playing tag Tuo, you were amazing. Ach, thank you for the tasty treestar…"
Her voice faded as the gang pattered deeper into the Great Valley. The trees grew thicker until they were walking through a path in a forest in companionable silence. An onehorn and spikeback chatted while their children laughed and squealed as they slid into a small grassy crater. Cera and Chomper sent a nervous look around as they passed, the others also becoming uneasy. This was where Verter had been defeated. What remained of him and the other Anchors' bodies after Chomper's parents, Dil, and probably the sailback sharptooth had their fill had long since been dragged off into caves and the gang had fortunately never came across them. To distract himself from such thoughts, Petrie sent Ducky and Spike an interested look.
"You were pretty good organizing who would go on your trips," he said.
"I am learning what interests I share with who among my brothers and sisters and I suggest games and other things that some of us can do together." Ducky said. She lowered her head. "It is sad not all of us can go or do anything together but not everyone can have the same interests. So I go with those willing to go."
Ducky straightened and smiled when Spike gave her a comforting nudge. The others saw the concept didn't keep her down for long.
"So, are the smaller groups fun?" Cera asked.
"Oh, they are!" Ducky brightened, her smile filling her face. "They are a great time. In smaller groups, I can get to know many of my brothers and sisters better. Osber and Loch were very nice to explore with."
"Well, if you're happy doing it, you should continue doing it." Ruby said. "I know how it feels to make the best of the time you have with your family."
Chomper nodded. "And balancing relaxing, having fun, and helping those you care about. Right Spike?"
Spike nodded and murmured in agreement, looking forward to joining his friends' games. Overall Spike was much less indecisive lately. His reluctance over danger and energy-draining activity didn't disappear but he loved being with his friends and exploring, and learning could be fun in and of itself. Still, after Wing Father, they had enough life endangering risks and kept their adventures to a couple minor escapades, though Spike wouldn't be surprised if they picked back up eventually. He saw a tasty bush and slowed to bite it, causing the others to laugh and sigh, and Spike smiled. He was still a laidback goof who loved food and his friends and sister wouldn't have him any other way.
Next time…
Part 2
Note: The next and final chapter will be posted next Friday.