We Will Hold On Forever

by

DaveTheAnalyzer

Chapter 22: Collecting the Seven Part 2

Ducky didn't stop screaming. Fear thrummed beneath her skin like the strings of a chilly web. Ducky squirmed and waved her hands about but Tega's teeth were too pressed together for her to wiggle out. The ground rocked beneath her with Tega's gallops, clumps of vegetation and nearby dinosaurs passing by in quick shakes. Despite Tega's previously lazy air, she could move fast. This was bad, as that meant Ducky was being taken farther away from any help. Ducky struggled harder. Those teeth dug into her further, and Ducky cried out.

"Calm down." Tega said, voice muffled and lips pressing wetly into Ducky. "I guess you really want to fall and get trampled by me?"

"No! I want to get away from you!" Ducky cried. "Please do not make me do this world changing thing! Oh, please!"

"Goes against self-interest." Tega's tone lowered. "You'll be let go once you fulfill mine."

Ducky whimpered, stomach clenching at the thought of that task that was going to be forced on her. Why did it have to be her who dealt with this scary spooky stuff? She hated she had thoughts like this, since it implied she would be okay if others had to deal with this but she wanted things to be normal and happy again. Was that so bad?

A call rose behind them. Swiveling her head around, Ducky saw Spike racing after them a spiketail length or two away. A wave of relief went through her. She could always count on her little brother to save her. The corner of Tega's lip quirked up though, and a new terror gripped Ducky. Tega knew how close the siblings were. She took Ducky so Spike would come after them and be one more candidate caught up in the ceremony. This caused Ducky to have a battle of emotions. Spike couldn't be caught but if he left, that would mean Ducky would be all alone. Fear for her brother fought with fear for herself before she waved her arms at him.

"No, Spike!" Ducky shouted. "Stay away! This is a trap! A trap!"

Spike didn't slow, mouth open wide to suck in more air and keep at top speed. Ducky wondered if it was because he didn't hear or he was willing to risk it to save her anyway. She twisted about anxiously. Where was Mama Swimmer? Ducky thought she saw her follow them when Tega first took her but now Mama Swimmer wasn't anywhere. Did she fall behind? Ducky's heart was heavy with worry as Tega took her and Spike by proxy to a choice they didn't want to be faced with…

The sound of something cracking out of trees from the left made Ducky jerk up. She only had enough time to glimpse a tall bipedal shape charging toward them before it tackled Tega onto her side. Ducky screamed as she was flung out of Tega's mouth into the air, her view spinning between the cloudy skies and the grass. Her ascent slowed and she fell. Ducky waved her arms and legs desperately, screaming as she neared the ground-

Ducky's fall halted with a jolt as Spike caught her in his mouth, losing his footing and crashing into a small pond. After a second, Ducky was lifted out of the water and she sputtered and shook her head, air passing cool around the lower part of her body with Spike's gasps. Panting, he sloshed out of the pond, letting her crawl out from between his lips and on top of his head. Spike smiled as Ducky hugged his muzzle.

"Oh, Spike…" she said.

Mama Swimmer pushed herself to her feet, backing around Tega and standing in front of Ducky and Spike.

"You – stay away from them, Tega!" she panted.

Tega got up, turning to face them. "You don't want to do this, swimmer."

"They are my children." Mama Swimmer said. "Of course I don't want them harmed by your schemes."

"This ritual isn't going to kill them. It won't even hurt them, much. Besides, what are two squirts getting a bit scared compared to the grand scheme of things?"

Spike whimpered and shifted from foot to foot. Mama Swimmer and Tega started circling each other. Nervous, Spike with Ducky still riding shimmied parallel to their mother's back, moving away from the pond they fell into across open grass, a small line of trees the beginning of a small forest nearby. Ducky didn't like when Tega's eyes flicked in their direction.

"A lot if the cause is unjust." Mama Swimmer snapped. "I don't like the peak of a world that you want to make. Last warning, Tega. Back off."

"That would be asking me to die again." Tega said. "Can you do that?"

Mama Swimmer's determined expression faltered. Tega smiled. They stopped circling, Ducky and Spike finding their backs pushed against the base of a tree. Mama Swimmer's back was still. Concerned, Ducky raised her voice.

"Mama-"

"Stay over there, you two." Mama Swimmer said, not looking at them. "I'll – I'll protect you."

"That's your answer then." Tega sighed. "Let's get this over with."

The pair stepped forward and back, watching each other for the slightest movement. Ducky held her breath. Spike was still under her, skin tense, unlike his laidback self. Ducky wondered if there was something she could do to stop this fight but she couldn't think of anything as Tega stepped closer, raising her spiked tail and lashing it at Mama Swimmer.

Mama Swimmer lashed a hand out to grab the tail. Tega thrashed her tail, only Mama Swimmer brought up her spare fist and punched it back. Pressing her lips together, Tega stayed in place. Mama Swimmer stood back but impatience led her to charge, kicking Tega's neck. Tega stepped back and thrust her spiked tail out. Mama Swimmer made to jump around the attack but cried out when the spikes grazed her legs.

"Quite inconvenient, isn't it?" Tega grunted. "All this action, just for two kids. You must really be kicking yourself now."

Mama Swimmer grimaced in distaste. Tega charged, biting for Mama Swimmer's leg scratches and Mama Swimmer punched her in the neck. Tega shook her head, gaze not as unfocused it should be from such a blow. Mama Swimmer stepped closer and raised another fist. Tega's mouth seized it and bit down hard, making Mama Swimmer wince.

"Is all the pain to come worth it?" Tega asked. "I'm more powerful than the average spiketail. You won't get out of this unscathed. All this, just for two of your many children."

"Quiet!" Mama Swimmer snapped. "Like you would know."

Mama Swimmer kicked Tega back and slammed her foot onto Tega's tail, grounding it down. Tega only grimaced. She pulled her tail out, making Mama Swimmer fall down. Tega slammed her spiked tail at Mama Swimmer, who rolled to one side and the other to dodge.

"The rest of the children must be burning, that you don't 'love' them like you do those two." Tega said.

Ducky and Spike stiffened. Mama Swimmer jumped away from another tail lash and got to her feet.

"How can you say that?" she panted. "I love all of my children. I won't let any of them suffer!"

She ran in, kicking Tega's head again. Tega bit at the foot just as it withdrew and Mama Swimmer yelped and tripped back.

"Even if the rest of your children have to be separated from you?" Tega asked. "I have overheard their thoughts during my little sessions with Ducky and Spike. They resent Ducky and Spike for taking up so much of your time. All because of their adventurous spirit, the rest of your children have to deal with less of you."

Mama Swimmer went in and punched Tega's head once, twice, thrice, trying to at least daze her opponent. Ducky watched this and exchanged looks with her brother, who squirmed, uncertain. This reminded them all over again that though their mother wasn't as experienced as their friends' parents, she can fight when pushed. Still, they didn't like how extra hard Mama Swimmer punched and she looked troubled.

"It's not like that," she said. "I give equal love to all my children."

"That's impossible." Tega swiped her spiked tail at Mama Swimmer. "You have so many of them. At some point, you're going to have ignore some so you could take care of those who cause more trouble. How many times have you left your other children to your mate to chase after those two in the Mysterious Beyond?"

Mama Swimmer got pushed back. Staggering, she recovered and glared but couldn't help a look of guilt crossing her face. Spike appeared to realize something in Tega's words and became distressed. Ducky stepped forward as she also realized, reaching a hand out.

"Mama, it is not your fault. We-"

"Quiet, Ducky!" Mama Swimmer panted. "They are just mind games. Just worry about staying there."

"But Mama, we just – I-"

"It will be okay, Ducky, I said it before. Keep yourselves safe."

Spike shouted out a "eh!" laced with concern, but Mama Swimmer didn't acknowledge him. Spike looked at Ducky, eyes helpless but she didn't have an answer. Tega smiled, approaching Mama Swimmer.

"See, even they realize the consequences of their actions. How many times have you had to wave away one of your kid's issues so you could take care of Ducky and Spike? You wanted a big family, but you weren't prepared for the challenges."

Mama Swimmer dodged the tail swipes and grabbed it, attempting to not show the uncertainty rising in her expression.

"Some children need more attention than others," she said. "Sometimes, you have to balance things out. It is tough but it has to be done."

"But I bet there are more than a few who resent you for it." Tega pulled hard at her tail, making Mama Swimmer stumble. "They wish you would pay attention to them, even if it was to have fun with them. But that isn't possible with Ducky and Spike around. I bet there are times they really hate those two." She lowered her voice. "I bet there are some who wish they never made it to the Great Valley."

"Quiet!" Mama Swimmer cried.

Still holding the tail, she started punching Tega's side. No matter how hard she hit, though, Tega rarely looked more than briefly grazed, that horrible smile remaining. Ducky and Spike exchanged glances.

"What should we do?" she whispered.

Spike shook his head anxiously. Ducky wracked her brain. Should they throw rocks or name call? That could be useful but Ducky feared Tega's actions if she was actually angered. Maybe Ducky and Spike could just sneak off, so Mama Swimmer wouldn't worry about protecting them. But even as Ducky turned, it occurred to her what if something happened while they were away? That Mama Swimmer got hurt or the siblings got kidnapped by another Anchor? Ducky swung her head in one direction or another, not knowing what to do that wouldn't make the situation more scary. This indecision left Ducky and Spike staying where they were as Mama Swimmer got rewarded for her punches with another tail swipe. Mama Swimmer yelped and stumbled back.

"It's natural for kids that age to have such thoughts." Tega said. "Even parents have them. This is all because you wanted to make sure the more troublemaking of your spawn don't die. What Wing Father has planned would alieve you of your burden. It is in your self-interest that your children don't get endangered and at least some of them are happy, right?"

"Stop!" Mama Swimmer said, punching and kicking at Tega's side harsher and more wildly. "Just stop talking!"

"Ordinary fighting is boring." Tega smiled slightly. "Entertain me."

Mama Swimmer growled and pulled at Tega's tail, trying to slam the spiketail into something. Tega dug her feet in, kicked her rear foot into Mama Swimmer's thigh, and Mama Swimmer cried out and lost her balance. Tega turned around, throwing her spiked tail at her. Mama Swimmer jumped out the way again. Mama Swimmer whipped her own tail at Tega, who grunted when it hit her face. She didn't take it lying down, biting at Mama Swimmer's foot and Mama Swimmer shouted when Tega pulled her to the ground. Tega climbed over Mama Swimmer.

"Is that all you could do?" Tega asked. "I thought you loved all your children. You must really not want to do this."

Mama Swimmer gritted her teeth and with a shout, struck her fist against Tega's face. Tega jerked back, her chin stinging. She glared down.

"You shouldn't have done that," she said.

She dropped her feet from under her and crashed onto Mama Swimmer, who screamed. Ducky and Spike shouted out and Tega glanced at them before she gave an ominous smile. She stood back up and fell on Mama Swimmer again. Then she got up and did it again, again. Mama Swimmer cried out and squirmed but Tega didn't give her enough time to fight back, always quick to fall back down on her. Mama Swimmer tried to kick Tega off but a spiketail weighed a lot more than a crested swimmer and Tega appeared to barely feel the effects. Ducky and Spike were horrified.

"Stop this!" Ducky cried. "Stop hurting Mama!"

Spike shouted, voice full of the same desperation.

"You know why this is happening." Tega said, getting up and falling on Mama Swimmer for the umpteenth time. "I wouldn't be hurting your mother if you had cooperated."

"What you are doing is wrong." Ducky said, though part of her was uneasy. "Why would we help you with this?"

"Because not dying is in the self-interest of everyone?" Tega said. "I thought this would be in your and Spike's self-interest. It seems quite selfish that you don't want eternal life for everyone."

"No, it is not like that!" Ducky said quickly. "It does not look right. Plus, we do not like you are a part of it!"

Spike threw his head down in one hard nod, glaring at her.

"Does this distrust mean you are willing to let your mother get hurt so it won't come true?" Tega asked. "That is cold. I guess you do not want to do the right thing after all."

"Oh, stop saying we feel or think things we do not!" Ducky cried.

"Then explain. Can you at least see the self-interest in a world without death? You would benefit. If not for your mother, then at least you can go back to your happy lives."

Ducky shook her head. She tried to tell herself that Tega was just trying to manipulate her and Spike again but she could see Spike's gaze wavering, a mirror of her own conflict. Seeing their hesitation, Tega slammed into Mama Swimmer again getting another scream. Ducky felt horrible that she was just watching Mama Swimmer get beat up. Maybe she and Spike should surrender? Would an eternal world be so bad? They could laugh and play forever. But what if this was a choice that would hurt literally everyone? Mama Swimmer would get hurt or worse if Ducky didn't choose Tega's choice, though. Ducky gaze darted around in indecision and Spike shut his eyes, their minds a white buzz of panic.

"It seems you have made you choice." Tega stood up. "Ah well. Looks like you two can do without your mama after all."

"No!" Ducky said.

Spike staggered forward and screamed. Tega bent her knees to fall onto Mama Swimmer with greater force this time. But Mama Swimmer had enough time to raise a hand and ram a fist into Tega's jaw. This stunned Tega enough that Mama Swimmer could slide herself out and kick Tega's head before running away. She stood in front of Ducky and Spike and threw her hands out. Tega stared a few seconds before her mouth thinned.

"You're really persistent, aren't you?" she said.

"I won't ever give up on Ducky and Spike!" Mama Swimmer declared. "That should be obvious."

"Mama, you were hurt a lot by that." Ducky said. "Are you okay? May - maybe you should-"

"It's okay, Ducky, Spike." Mama Swimmer replied, her gaze focused on Tega. "When I say I'll protect you, that's a promise. Just stay there."

"But Mama-"

Spike bayed with concern, lifting a foot to step closer. Mama Swimmer waved a hand back.

"Stay over there where you won't get hurt. Please, have faith in your mother. Let me take care of this."

Tega sighed. "This is going to be a long fight. Okay. Let's see how long you can hold on."

Hesitantly, Spike stepped back next to Ducky. Tega and Mama Swimmer stood against each other. When Tega didn't move, Mama Swimmer uttered a cry and ran toward her with a fist pushed back. Ducky and Spike exchanged looks, seeing the guilt they felt in each other's eyes. Thinking they should do something to help, they felt horrible as they only pressed against the tree and watched the fight continued.

Littlefoot struggled in Patty's tail grip as she moved along the cliff path. She had run with unwavering purpose across the valley, passing many people. Those people took one look at them and cried out and scattered, a few even fleeing in the opposite direction. Some tried to charge in to assist but they were knocked aside with a wham of Patty's tail without her slowing down. Littlefoot wasn't sure if he should be relieved that more than a few tried to help or depressed that not enough were helping to make a difference. On the mountain path, Patty strode with long steps, the mountain rising high on their left, uneven wave-like protrusions infrequently appearing, some wide enough Patty could stand behind a few and be hidden from view. Patty kicked small rubble out of her way. He could see a few large rocks and boulders coming up from the path ahead, the remains of the rockslide two days back, but he doubted they could hinder her.

"Let me go!" Littlefoot cried. "Let me go!"

"I'm holding you up high." Patty said. "Do you really want me to do that?"

"You know what I mean!" He glared. "You need me alive. Even if I escape, you won't dare hurt me."

"I won't kill you," she said. "That's the difference. I wouldn't like it but I won't hesitate to hurt you if that means you'll cooperate."

Patty turned her long neck and the hard look in her eyes indicated that it wasn't an empty threat. Littlefoot stilled, head lowering with fear, remembering how she hurt his tail two days back. The anger cooling, silence reigned between them as she walked along the path.

"You know this is wrong, right?" he said. "I don't like death but it's not good to prevent people from growing up."

"It is a necessary sacrifice." Patty said. "Wing Father is going to bring in a better world, where people can live in peace forever. To do that, time must be stopped too."

"But – I was looking forward to growing up," his voice cracked. "You took that from me."

Patty winced, only to glare. "Look, have you really thought about it? Do you know what that'd mean for your grandparents? After everything you had been through, I thought you would support this."

"I-" Littlefoot's voice caught. He didn't like the thought of losing his grandparents, so he hurried on. "Will it be a paradise? I don't trust Wing Father. Out of anyone he could have as Anchors, he chose Verter and Tega?"

"It is necessary." Patty avoided his gaze. "Wing Father has certain requirements for choosing his Anchors. He needs people who have suffered and want the world to be different."

"But a lot of people suffer, want the world to be different but aren't jerks about it." Littlefoot said. "Out of everyone that died, why those two?"

"It's a balance of – maybe, various desires."

"Maybe? You mean he hasn't told you?"

Patty started and looked down, that uncertainty deepening. "Wing Father has other duties he has to attend to. He can't tell me everything."

"But it has been twenty cold times." Littlefoot said. "He could have told you at any time. I said there would be people who would support this. They would gladly help you."

"And as I said, there are those who'd be against this." Patty said, and that hard faith returned to her glare. "Those who value the 'circle of life.' Even if there were others we could trust, what if they blab it to someone who would stop us? Or changed their minds?"

"Is that what you think?" he demanded. "Or is it what Wing Father says?"

"It is what is sensible," she snapped, looking certain.

Littlefoot paused, waiting for her to calm down. He felt hurt, having seen Patty flicker in her faith in Wing Father but she had redoubled down. He wondered if he could ever get through to her. Still, he had to try.

"There must be another way," he said. "To not sacrifice growing and changing, to not have all this fighting? Right."

"No." Patty replied, quieter now. "Don't worry. Whatever happens, once the ritual is done, everyone will be brought back. You wouldn't have to sacrifice anyone."

"But will what the other Anchors want affect this new world?" he asked.

She didn't say anything at first. "It – it will be fine. It's something to be talked about later. Now, we need to-"

As she began to pass one of the wave-like shapes on the mountain wall, a blue-grey figure appeared out of nowhere and rammed against her. Patty cried out, staggering back from the unexpected impact. Littlefoot yelped, the world swaying around him. He was only vaguely aware of another tail snaking in to try wrapping around him. Patty shook her head and wrenched her tail out of reach, crashing her long neck at her attackers before stepping back. She looked on as Grandpa and Grandma Longneck blocked her path, breaths heaving as they glared at her.

"How did you get here?" Patty demanded

"We had Mr. Threehorn roar…in case anything happened to the children." Grandpa Longneck panted. "When we heard it on the way back…oh we ran…and people pointed out where you went."

Littlefoot winced as Patty's tail tightened around him. "I'm not giving you Littlefoot."

"Look at yourself…kidnapping children." Grandma Longneck said. "Can you see what you're doing?"

"It is necessary." Patty said. "You won't cooperate."

"Patty, please don't make us fight you." Grandpa Longneck said. "We don't relish it, especially…against someone still so young. We beg you, surrender."

"If you two stand aside, we won't have to fight." Patty said. "I don't want to hurt you either but I will if you threaten the world's new hope."

"This new hope means our children won't get a chance to grow up." Grandma Longneck replied. "Patty, please. We still can't forgive you for Mr. Clubtail, but you clearly care about Littlefoot. There is still some fondness in us for you. For Littlefoot's sake, don't do this."

"I…" Patty's voice cracked. She closed her eyes and shook her head. "I have to see Mom again, I have to, I have! If this doesn't work, I'll die. Please don't make me fight you!"

Grandpa and Grandma Longneck stepped back. For a moment, sadness passed on their faces. Then they closed their mouths and their eyes steeled.

"We're sorry for what you have been through." Grandpa Longneck said. "But we can't let our grandson go through with this. Don't worry Littlefoot, we'll save you."

Littlefoot's stomach dropped. He could barely glimpse Patty's face become grim. Standing not far from the mountain where Wing Father resided, Patty and the grandparents faced off. Littlefoot was distressed. He didn't want the people he cared for to fight but it looked like there was no stopping it.

Petrie whimpered, jostling between the gaps of Don's fingers. He very much wanted to get away, but Don's grip was so strong that he could only budge an inch or two. He didn't like being held in such a small space like this. Admittedly, his fears were small compared to Ruby hanging below, her legs kicking at the air. She gasped and could only let hoarse yelps, voice exhausted from the initial panic. She heaved one hand up and then another on Don's legs, to keep on a firm grip. Normally, she didn't have a particular fear for heights but with her hanging on a hundred or so feet from the ground, she was understandably terrified.

"Help!" Ruby cried, kicking again. "Someone, help us off him!"

"Stop struggling!" Don glared down. "You shouldn't have jumped to grab me like that. Because of that, you have now exposed yourself to danger."

"You are the one who is making things dangerous," she retorted. "When you kidnapped Petrie, of course I would try to stop you. It's your fault I weigh you down enough we all are in danger of falling."

"For Wing Father's sake, do you remember I'm being given energy by Wing Father? I can go on for quite a while carrying you two. You are the one who will quickly exhaust yourself swinging around and lose your grip. I know you don't care about your importance to our cause, but at least see the self-preservation of not tiring yourself into falling."

This made Ruby falter. Reluctantly, she ceased her kicking and remained still. Glancing up, Petrie saw Don was annoyed but barely winded. Even with all his fear, Petrie was glad Ruby pointed out the weight issue first, so Don's answer wouldn't make him feel stupid. He and Ruby had been caught in the middle of the Great Valley, so they were quickly closing the distance to one corner of it. A tall mountain reached where the two sides of the Great Wall met. The tall mountain didn't look very interesting. It looked like so many the gang had saw before. Yet watching it, Petrie couldn't help feeling a chill. At that place was the Wing Father who made all the bad things happen. And he was going to force Petrie and his friends to change the world. That was scary enough but he was unnerved that a part of him couldn't help but wonder if that was a bad thing…

"Please." Petrie said. "Don't make us do this."

"It has to be done." Don said. "It will be difficult, but can't be avoided."

"It's not something that's wanted." Ruby said. "Don't make us do something that's unwanted."

"How do you know others don't want this? Most people have lost loved ones. For Wing Father's sake, that guarantees most people want death to be stopped." Don paused, his beak pressed together. "Even if not, I would go through with it anyway. People often don't know what's good for them."

"That not nice, forcing others to do things they no like." Petrie said.

"And how's that different from what your friends do?" Don glared. "You find new resources and get undesired people to be accepted even when the Great Valley doesn't want them. I don't agree with all of it, but do you think those actions are bad?"

Petrie glanced down and he met Ruby's eyes. She also appeared uncertain. In their many adventure, they had often went against the wishes of everybody. But didn't that make things better in the end?

"There must be some other way." Ruby said. "Not freeze time or cause all this fighting. Or else people won't…" She didn't appear to know how to finish the sentence

"Don't worry," Don looked forward, "if you cooperate, things will go fine. We'll be there soon, so please think about-"

A blue shape shot up into view above them. Faster than anyone could react, it zoomed down and rammed into Don's side. He shouted out and his wingbeats became wild as he started falling. Petrie screamed and Ruby held on swinging as Don turned over and over in his descent toward one of the Great Wall mountains to the right. Twenty feet before impact, Don gave hard steady beats and slowed their fall. Ruby's expression became relieved when she collapsed her knees onto solid ground as Don landed. Petrie and Ruby panted, taking a moment to recover, Petrie still seeing the world turn around him from Don's dizzying fall. Then Ruby yelped when Don grabbed her by the neck.

The attacker descended with slow wing beats. Mama Flyer landed with a rocky crackle in front of them, panting, eyes almost wired as she stared at Don.

"You – let go of Petrie and Ruby!" she said.

"Really, I'm surprised of you." Don said. "That was a reckless attack. You could have knocked Ruby to her death."

"Quiet!" Mama Flyer snapped. She was shaking a bit, Petrie realized. "I hit you near this mountain for a reason. But I'm not in the mood for your needling. Free my son and Ruby now."

"Do you really think I'll just do that?"

"If you fight me, you'll have no choice but to," she said. "You can't fight with your hands occupied. And I'm willing to fight to get them back."

Petrie's stomach dropped. He chanced a glance at Ruby and he saw she was surprised, but in that a bit of concern was coming in.

Don's eyes narrowed. "Who says I won't use them to protect myself?"

"You need them alive. You can't risk them an injury with how important your fellow Anchors believe they are." Mama Flyer said. A bit of nervousness leaked through, like she hoped she was right. "Petrie and Ruby won't leave me. They would want to make sure I'm safe. If I lose, that makes it easy to get them back, right?"

Petrie didn't like this. Ruby glanced around and she looked very anxious, as though seeing the downsides of this. Don's eyes remained narrowed. He looked to be considering the matter. Petrie remembered the fights of some of the Anchors. His mind went back to the ghost sharptooth fight and his fear deepened.

"Mama, no-" he began.

"It'll be alright, Petrie, Ruby," she said. "Well? That sounds sensible, doesn't it?"

Don pressed his beak together. He didn't like the argument. Petrie saw him weigh the pluses and minuses of it, maybe of the problems of having an antagonistic flyer dog him on the way to Wing Father. He glanced at Ruby and Petrie.

"Let's get this over with."

Petrie and Ruby yelped as he all but threw them aside. Petrie and Ruby groaned, but as Petrie looked up, dread filled him as Don launched himself at Mama Flyer. She jumped to the side. Still, Don slapped her with a wing as he passed. Mama Flyer nearly toppled down. Shaking the concern off her face, she took flight after him, speeding up and ramming his back. He fell to the ground with a grunt. Mama Flyer's strike left her flapping a few feet above Don, so he rolled around and grabbed her beak to chuck her, sending her crashing with a cry. He flew up, up, and then fell toward her, claws first. Startled, she darted out of the way and when his feet nearly crashed into where she had lay a second ago, she slammed into his side. Mama Flyer slammed into Don again and again, not giving quarter, forcing him to stagger back. Petrie allowed hope to rise in him.

"Mama doing okay," he said.

"Mmm." Ruby bit her lip. "It doesn't look like she is doing okay enough."

"But she hit him a lot."

"But he is giving as good. He hasn't been hit good enough to really be cornered."

Petrie stiffened. "But Mama not cornered either. She still fighting."

"But that doesn't mean she has the advantage yet."

Petrie crossed his wings. "Mama is doing better. You stop that. She working hard. You just jealous me right when you not."

"It's not about jealousy." Ruby said. "It's about what I see. What I see is Don still has that super strength from Wing Father. And Mrs. Flyer still seems to be nervous, like she is trying to rush the fight. When you rush like that, is it easy to fight well?"

Petrie opened his mouth to retort of course someone would be rushing in a fight but he took another look at the battle. Both flying in the air, Don swiped his wings at Mama Flyer and she returned the swipes with a slightly hurried manner. Whenever she got slapped, she had an annoyed look, as though impatient with sustaining damage. Even with the usual anxiety that comes with a fight, it was like she wanted to end this quickly. In spite of himself, Petrie became anxious. He had seen enough battle to know that was no way to fight. His error made his mood go down. Petrie wished he could be as smart as Ruby, to be the kind of person who would notice this.

Even as he watched, Don lowered his wings and zoomed forward. Mama Flyer darted to the side just in time, only getting a cheek scratch from his break. She landed and panted, exhaustion from more than the fight.

"Battle is not your arena, female." Don flapped in midair. "Your place is in the nest. You're exhausting yourself too much."

"Don't put me down yet." Mama Flyer said, though looked troubled by his last sentence. "You don't know what I might be like with my children on the line."

Don dived for her. Mama Flyer jumped to fly low under him but he kicked her back. She waved her wings wildly, failing to land with a stagger before she fell hard beak first.

"You are fighting alone." Don said. "I have seen you during my debates with Petrie and Ruby. You didn't give into your suspicion about my presence. These are all examples of your poor judgement."

"Welcome to parenthood." Mama Flyer pushed herself up. "Mistakes are part of the role. I'll get an ear-ful from my former mate but I'm not going to-"

Don closed his hand around her throat. She gasped wheezily. She struggled in his grip, clawing at the hand gripping him but her fingers left barely any scratches on his skin. Petrie panicked and looked around but couldn't think of any ways to intervene. Don punched her in the chest, making her stagger back, hand still on her throat.

"No talk backs," he hissed. "You were foolish enough to try to mate like other kinds. You allowed my presence near your family even though you were uncomfortable with it.

You exhausted yourself before the fight started. You are not the smart person you think you are. You are just a simple mother, foolishly fighting alone."

"She is not alone!" said a new voice.

Don turned and cried out when two flying figures fell onto him. Mama Flyer staggered back just before the three could collapse on her, gasping with a hand to her neck. Don groaned, more annoyed than hurt. The two figures hastily climbed off before Don could retaliate. Don got up and shook himself, looking up to see Guido and Swooper standing in front of Mama Flyer, glaring at him (For Swooper, Don's approximate direction).

"Really." Don said. "Am I going to be ganged up upon? How is that fair?"

"Oh, yeah?" Guido said. He shook a bit, eyes a bit wide, but he put on a defiant front. "Well, you get super strength from an undead guy – I mean, a never dead and never living guy. So right back at ya. Sorry for being late, Petrie's mom. I had to guide Swooper and kind of lost track of you."

Mama Flyer looked between them, concerned. "You two shouldn't get involved. You're delicate, Swooper. At your age, you could really get hurt if you fight."

"We are aware of the risks, ma'am." Swooper adjusted his footing grimly. "But we can't stand by when someone is fighting on their own."

"Petrie and Ruby are our friends too." Guido said. "I – I am scared. But we're with you."

Mama Flyer sighed. "Okay. But only help when you're sure it would be of lowest risk for you."

Don stepped forward. "Really? You're going to accept help from an elderly flyer and a small creature? That shows the number of choices you have. This is only going to be a minor nuisance before we get on to changing the world for the better!"

Don took off and flew low toward Mama Flyer and the others. Guido yelped and shouted an "Incoming!" to Swooper. Also taking flight, Mama Flyer closed in and their beaks scratched at each other, flying in a circle. They each used their own beaks to defend against the slashes of the other. Mama Flyer turned and flew off, and Don followed. As he passed low, he started when Swooper reached up and slapped his wing at him. He mightn't be able to see well, but from how he turned his ear upward, his hearing was not to be snuffed at. Mama Flyer passed over Don while he was distracted, her beak slashing at the back of his head and leaving behind a graze.

Don called out in outrage. Turning to follow, he cried out when Guido glided up, constricted his legs, and bit his foot. Guido held onto Don's legs from in front, feet and arms around the flyer's knees, holding on with all his might. Furious, Don kicked his legs forward. Guido's beak let go of Don's foot and ducked into Don's stomach as those claws moved inches over his head. Don wanted to strike Guido for the indignity but it was impossible to do without some bone breaking contortion of his legs. Those legs rocked within Guido's grip. At length, Don turned and dived down and Guido jumped out a few from the ground, staggering back when Don quickly flapped back up and slashed his beak in Guido's direction.

"I said, only take low risks." Mama Flyer said.

"Hey, I was standing on his tummy and holding his legs." Guido said. "That was as low risk as it gets."

"I'll show you low risk." Don said.

He turned around and grabbed for Guido, who yelped, leaping backwards as Don crawled and grabbed after him. He passed Swooper, whose ear was bent down, and raised a foot to step onto Don's wing. Don jerked, pinned in place.

"Oops." Swooper chuckled. "Pardon me, you just stepped in the way. Why don't I help you up?"

Swooper grabbed Don's wing and jerked him up. Mama Flyer quickly moved nearby and held his other wing. Struggling, Don was distracted by Guido's approach. Guido swerved out of a stabbing motion and landed on the flyer's beak, curling his arms and wings around it to press it shut.

"Someone like you isn't usually this daring." Don said, words muffled.

"Oh, you won't believe the daring things I've been doing lately." Guido replied, his shivers vibrating down Don's beak.

Petrie felt a moment of hope that Mama Flyer and Swooper might be able to hold Don. Then Don's wings thrust outward and he broke free. Mama Flyer staggered back but regained her balance and jumped out of slapping range. Swooper wasn't so lucky and he yelped as the force of Don's wing striking him sent him falling onto his back. He winced, rubbing at his back.

"Ow, my tailbone," he said.

Guido hadn't been thrown off Don's beak. He yelled as Don ascended into the air, the elderly flyer throwing his head about, the glider being jostled in all directions, hanging on for dear life. At last, raising his head high and thrusting it hard down, Don flung Guido toward the ground. Guido shouted as closed the distance to the earth. Ruby ran forward and spread her arms out and nearly fell herself with the impact of catching him.

"Guido, are you all right?" Ruby asked.

"Yeah." Guido said, dazed. "It would have been worse if you hadn't caught me. I need get back in there."

"No, no rest." Petrie flew over to perch on Ruby's arm and touched Guido's shoulder. "You nearly got hurt out there. You no need to do this. It too big and scary."

"Petrie is right." Ruby nodded. "Rest. It isn't safe to do otherwise."

"But I got into big and scary things, and you guys helped me out of them." Guido pushed himself back up with effort. "Your mother and Swooper need help."

He hopped off of Ruby's arms, and ran into the battle. Still in the air, Don had looked down and went for Swooper, who had his ears tilted up and jerked a second too late at the sound of flapping wings. Mama Flyer flew up into Don's way, stabbing at his chin with her beak. Don cried out, indignant and flew back. Mama Flyer went after and slammed into him, sending him to the ground. Mama Flyer and Swooper hurried over and stepped onto his wing membranes. Don groaned, wings bulging around where Mama Flyer and Swooper stood. This made the two stagger, so they kneeled onto the wings, pressing their hands into them. Guido finally got close and jumped onto Don's back, pressing down and contributing his diminutive weight. Don strained, stuck.

"We have you, Don." Mama Flyer said. "Give up now, I mean it. I don't want to show Petrie and Ruby what we might have to do but we'll do it if you don't cooperate."

Petrie felt a chill in his stomach. It didn't have to go that far, right? They could talk him down somehow without really hurting him? Don rocked on the earth, his feet kicked up, his claws left grooves in the rocks, yet he remained pinned by the three. That gave Petrie some hope. Maybe they could keep Don down after all. A glance at Ruby showed she was concerned though. Don looked furious. He thrust and wobbled his wings. He pushed them up harder and harder. Despite his age and position, he was making Swooper and Mama Flyer wobble in their kneeling position. Don panted harder, with his attempted wing beats becoming more forceful in tandem.

Then Don pressed his wings down hard and swooped them up. Mama Flyer yelped as she was thrown into the air, falling onto the earth before she could take to the air. Guido hastily glided away. Swooper jumped off in front of Don, barely staying on his feet in his stagger. Don rose like an avenging demon and slapped Swooper onto his front. Swooper crashed hard, still for a second, before a groan broke out of him. Then Don turned around and took flight, going after Guido, who had landed a few feet away. Guido turned to flee but Don's foot grabbed him around the throat. Guido screamed, waving his wings before Don flew his head into a rock. Guido landed on his feet, staggering, giving a small "oh" before he toppled. He turned for Mama Flyer when she was in the process of pushing herself up. His wing slapped her back onto her back. He landed and kicked her, making her scream as those claws raked into her skin.

"Mama!" Petrie cried.

Mama Flyer attempted to get back up but he kicked her down and continued kicking her. She grabbed for his feet and jabbed her beak at him but he kicked her again and he was unrelenting. Her struggles slowed, eyes half-lidded from the pain of the scratches appearing on her. Don loomed over her before he put a foot on her neck, eliciting a gasp.

"For Wing Father's sake, did you really think a blind old flyer and a freak were going to help you? Pathetic. But you aren't going to stop harassing me. Which means I have to eliminate a threat."

Petrie's blood ran cold. Acting before he thought, he scrabbled around on the ground and seized pebbles, chucking any he could at Don.

"Stop!" Petrie cried. "Don't hurt Mama!"

Ruby joined him, finding a rock and throwing it as hard as she could. Petrie and Ruby threw any rocks and pebble they could find, watching them strike and scrape Don's wing, side, and head. No matter how much he was hit, though, Don barely more than winced. Feeling a well of helplessness and frustration, Petrie flew out before Ruby could stop him. He stopped, flapping in front of Don's face.

"Stop this!" Petrie said. "Stop! Me no understand why you do this!"

"Then you haven't worked hard enough in our lessons." Don said. "You still have little understanding of people."

Don grabbed Petrie. Petrie bit and scratched at Don's hand but Don only threw him away. Petrie tumbled across the ground, stopping by Ruby's feet, whimpering. Ruby ran in, grabbing Don by the shoulders and shaking him.

"What you are doing is wrong." Ruby cried. "Please, there must be something to make you stop. Tell us. We don't want you to hurt our families, or to go through with this."

A flicker of hesitation came into Don. He hardened. "There is only one thing you can do now to satisfy me."

He kicked her. Ruby screamed, falling down and rolling to where Petrie lay, holding her leg. Don turned his attention to Mama Flyer.

"See this as incentive to do your duty," he continued. "Once you accomplish it, you will have her back. This is just one last necessity that needs to be done."

Don pressed his foot harder onto Mama Flyer's neck. She gasped, wings waving with Don's weight on her throat. Petrie and Ruby felt like they were stuck in some horrible sleep story. They glanced at Guido and Swooper but the two were still and didn't appear conscious of their surroundings. Petrie and Ruby tried to drag themselves toward Mama Flyer but Petrie was sore all over from being thrown and Ruby limped her kicked leg.

"Stop!" Ruby screamed.

Don only continued to choke Mama Flyer, who wheezed desperately. Petrie cursed himself, tears coming to his eyes that he couldn't think of anything to help as his mother's struggles started to slow…

Two figures ran past as blurs. Jumping up, they kicked into Don. Don made a strangled sound before he was sent flying in an arc, crashing and sliding across the ground, not stopping rolling until he clawed at the ground to slow to a stop before the distant cliff edge. Mama Flyer gasped, crawling onto her knees, heaving in breaths. The two figures stood up, examining their surroundings. Petrie stared. He had never met these two dinosaurs before but they were like fast runners, one dark violet, one as pink as Ruby. With a jolt, Petrie sat up as he realized who they were.

Mama and Papa Fast Runner turned and smiled at Petrie and Ruby, chests heaving and contracting from their run but looking full of health. Mama Fast Runner ran over to the pair.

"Oh, Ruby!" Mama Fast Runner placed a hand on Ruby and then Petrie. "And – you must be Petrie. Are you two alright?"

"M-mommy?" Ruby stared up, stunned. "How…you're here?"

"We're so sorry." Papa Fast Runner asked, gently pulling Mama Flyer yp. "We ran as fast as we could but we had a hard time tracking you down and finding a path up the mountain. Are you okay?"

"I'll survive." Mama Flyer replied, massaging her throat. "I need a moment to get back my breath. But he's quite strong. There mightn't be time."

"Don't worry." Mama Faster Runner gave one last assuring pat to Ruby and Petrie before stepping beside her mate. "We'll make time."

Don's distant shape rocked to his feet. He opened his wings and flapped back, two wide bruises blooming on his left wing and side. He goggled at the fast runners.

"You two? What are you doing here?" he demanded.

Papa Fast Runner rubbed his chin, concerned. "So what Mrs. Flyer said about this Anchor power must be true. You should have come away with some broken bones at least."

Don opened and closed his mouth before scowling. "Don't ignore me. You're fast runners! There is no way you two could be in the Great Valley!"

"Let's say a path opened for us." Mama Fast Runner put on a brave face. "You won't be bullying Mrs. Flyer any longer. You'll have to face us."

"And you shouldn't underestimate us." Papa Fast Runner said. "Let's say we have some issues to address with you about how you've been treating our daughter."

Don narrowed his eyes. Mama and Papa Fast Runner stood alert, legs wide in front of Mama Flyer, whose hand still lingered to her neck as she watched closely. Out of the corner of his eye, Petrie could see Guido and Swooper stirring. This was Petrie's first time seeing Ruby's parents, and if there kick was able to send Don back this far, who knew what else they had in store. In spite of himself, Petrie felt hope bloom in his chest.

"I don't believe it." Ruby murmured. "My parents are here. They are really here. In all the struggles with the ghost and the Anchors, I never thought they would come here to help."

"At least they do come to help." Petrie replied. "It nice to meet them. Maybe things will be better now." After a moment, his eyes bulged. "Wait, if they here, then does that also mean…?"

Ruby glanced at Petrie with confusion. When she connected the dots, the same shock appeared on her face.

Cera didn't know how much of this she could watch. Despite her parents fighting two on one, Verter dominated them. He grappled horns expertly with whoever came before him, inflicting a scratch or stab wound when an opening came up. He threw them aside, even lifting them into the air. Whenever either Mr. Threehorn or Tria were grappling horns, the other party didn't just stand by, sneaking around to stab or bite at Verter's side or tail while he was distracted.

But Verter anticipated this almost every time, kicking and slapping back with his tail whenever the second party got close to him. Tria did manage to stab at Verter's side and Mr. Threehorn left visible teeth marks on the tail, but it was like Verter barely felt the pain. Meanwhile Mr. Threehorn and Tria were slowing and getting sloppy. It was becoming too much for Cera. No matter the struggles, she had the image that Mr. Threehorn could meet any challenge that came to him and that Tria was no slouch in getting her way either. Now, Cera saw them struggling to even get this opponent winded.

"Come on, is that the best you got?" Verter asked. "I thought you would do anything to protect your children."

Mr. Threehorn lay on his stomach, heaving as though struggling to get air in. Then he pushed his feet under him, trying to suppress a groan.

"I'm not…" he said. "…out yet."

Tria strained as she rose to her feet, pants wavering like she found it a challenge just to stand. She glanced at her mate with concern. Verter laughed.

"Really, is that all you can say?" he asked. "You can barely keep on your own four feet." He leered. "Getting those two is going to be easy."

Cera and Chomper flinched when those predatory blue eyes turned in their direction. Tria noticed and her own blue eyes sharpened.

"No," she said. "No!"

She launched herself at Verter. They rattled horns against each other, pushing back and forth, before he pushed Tria away. Mr. Threehorn charged passed her, locking horns with Verter. Tria pattered around to bite Verter's tail, but another slap from that tail drove her back with a cry. Cera was only faintly aware of Chomper flinching.

"Face it." Verter said. "You're failures as parents. You wouldn't be in this situation if you took care of your children properly."

"More mind games?" Mr. Threehorn said, shoving hard. "I'm…tired of them, Verter."

"You only say that because you're denying it." Verter said, standing in place. "You were never any good at protecting your family."

Mr. Threehorn pushed back, making Verter step back a single step but for a second, his dark eyes flickered.

Cera's heart hitched. "Dad. No."

"You just didn't want to put in the work." Verter said. "Your kids kept going into danger again and again. Do you think Cera would be in so much life-threatening situations if you gave her the right discipline?"

"I want my daughter to be happy." Mr. Threehorn said.

"You're lazy. The Great Valley has made you weak."

Mr. Threehorn pushed back hard. "I'm – not – weak!"

Cera stepped forward, causing Chomper to look at her with concern.

"Cera, be careful," he said.

"Dad, you know that's not true," she murmured.

"Looks like you're weak to me." Verter pushed his feet into the ground, not moving as Mr. Threehorn thrust his horns into his. "You don't keep a close enough eye on Cera. You don't punish her with the hits needed so she won't get into trouble again. Mind you, you weren't very strong to start with – remember what happened to your family after the great earthshake?"

Mr. Threehorn struck even harder, eyes wild. "Shut up! Shut up!"

"You were too weak to keep up the threehorn traditions." Verter said. "What would your parents think? You remember the punishments we got for acting adventurous on our own. They would be so disappointed you won't do the harsh punishment needed to keep your daughters in line, even if they would hate you for it. Your family suffers because of your weakness, your stupidity!"

"That's not how it is!" Cera screamed. "Don't listen to him!"

"He's hurting you!" Chomper said, eyes shining. "Maybe – maybe we should run!"

Mr. Threehorn's expression contorted, trying to throw himself into the anger. An unsure look sneaked into his gaze as though a stray part of him wondered if Verter was right. But Mr. Threehorn snarled and hit Verter harder. Verter barely flinched. Eventually, Mr. Threehorn had to step back, knees bending as he panted. Verter thrust Mr. Threehorn aside, and turned when Tria charged and met her horns.

"And there's you." Verter said. "You're the worst of what a threehorn could become."

"I'm afraid you're talking about yourself." Tria said. "There's nothing wrong with kindness!"

"Even when it prevents you from saying what needs to be said?"

Tria faltered. "That is – I –"

"You always looked disapprovingly or pushed back when me and Topps stuck to our morals but when it came to really making people change, you back down."

"Tria-" Cera began.

"Cera, don't distract me." Tria turned to Verter. "I just don't want to bother people when they could be happy. Is that so wrong?"

"When it allows me to take Cera and Chomper and doesn't deal with Topps' feelings, it does." Verter smirked. "I loathe what you stand for but I might at least respect your beliefs if you fought for them. You were ill-prepared to come to this family. You didn't give Cera the discipline she needed to stop adventuring with her friends, or to battle the many dangers they would be against. You only made this family weaker."

"I have not!" Tria cried. "I'm trying, I'm trying hard. I just only need to-"

"You did nothing wrong, Tria!" Cera said. "It's – it's-"

But no matter how hard Tria fought back, she couldn't erase the uncertainty in her expression. Verter threw Tria to the side and stomped on her front thigh, making her yell. Chomper watched, helpless, before he kicked at the grass in frustration. Mr. Threehorn charged in, racking against Verter's horns but he stumbled as he pushed, trying to fight with energy that was barely there. Verter freed himself, knocking the side of his head into Mr. Threehorn's and striking his chin down against the other's forehead. Cera was shamed that she had to look away. She hated how Verter tore them down like this. They weren't bad parents. Sure, they made mistakes, but they took care of her and Tricia the best they could. In spite of herself, Cera couldn't help but wonder if all of their struggles and doubts were because of her...

Mr. Threehorn yelled, and he was shoved into the ground. He lay there, his face covered with scratches and stab wounds. He pushed himself up but his legs shook and he only rose a foot or two before he fell down. He tried to rise again but he only got up a quarter of the way, his legs barely appearing able to support his weight. Tria also tried getting to her feet, but her body shook just as badly. Verter stood before them, relishing this.

"And so it ends," he said. "The threehorns who didn't know anything about passing on their lineage, about to fail to stop something that was going to happen anyway. I'm going to enjoy this. You were failures to our kind, and I can't wait to make example out of both of you."

Cera and Chomper looked up as Verter stepped back many paces. Tria screamed in frustration, unable to do more than barely stay on her feet. Cera stepped closer.

"No, no! Stop!" she said. "We – we surrender!"

"We'll go with you!" Chomper said. "Please, don't hurt them!"

"Too late." Verter said. "They're getting what is coming to them."

"No!" Cera screamed.

Verter charged. Mr. Threehorn tried to glare, but shame came into his face and his strength failed. His and Tria's eyelids fluttered and they stared to fall. Verter closed in, lowering his head for the fatal blow. Nearly crying, Chomper raised his head and roared in helplessness. Cera could only close her eyes, ashamed she didn't even have the courage to see her parents' last moments.

Then footsteps thundered in and two figures ran past Mr. Threehorn and Tria, ramming into Verter. A moment of silence followed before he screamed and was thrown backwards, sliding and tumbling away.

Silence. Cera shuffled at the thud and scream, confused. She hadn't seen any of this. But she heard Chomper's shaking voice.

"Mommy? Daddy?"

Cera's eyes flew open. Mr. Threehorn's eyelids flickered and shot up when he saw a dark green sharptooth holding him up with his weight. Cera heard Tria gasp and turned to see Tria's figure being supported by a light green sharptooth. A track of dug up ground went on several yards ahead of them to show a bruised Verter laying on his side. Shock fuzzed Cera's mind. For a moment, Mr. Threehorn only stared up at the dark green sharptooth, the incomprehension Cera felt plain on his face. Then recognition came to his gaze and his jaw dropped.

"What? How…?"

The dark green sharptooth, Chomper's father, lowered his head and his scarlet eyes focused on Mr. Threehorn. He growled at Mr. Threehorn. Mr. Threehorn just looked back, uncomprehending. Pursing his lips, Papa Sharptooth looked at Chomper and swung his head to Mr. Threehorn. Chomper continued staring before he started.

"Daddy's saying…um, he's saying 'Get up. Get up now. Threehorns fight so hard when we choose them as our' uh," Chomper averted his gaze, "food.' He says, uh, 'live up your reputation.'"

Mr. Threehorn gawked. Papa Sharptooth stared with his big scarlet eyes and twitched his head up with a grunt. Somehow, even with this impossible situation, Mr. Threehorn found the strength to stand more fully. Meanwhile, the light green sharptooth, Mama Sharptooth, helped Tria to her feet, growling to her in a gentle rumble.

"She's asking if you're alright." Chomper explained.

"I – I think I am." Tria said, standing firmly and watching Mama Sharptooth step back. "Thank you so much. You're Chomper's parents? But how are you here…?"

A groan echoed out. Verter rolled over and got to his feet, eyes widening at the pair who hit him.

"Sharpteeth. Are they – no, it can't be!" he exclaimed.

Mama Sharptooth's gaze snapped to him. She growled, a dangerous look in her eye. Looking nervous, Chomper translated.

"'Is – Is this him? Is this the one who hurt our boy?'"

Silence. Even Chomper looked afraid to answer. Tentatively, Tria nodded.

"Yes," she said.

Chomper translated this in a brief growl. Mama Sharptooth turned her attention to Verter and her scarlet eyes were flames of fury, a growl shaking her throat.

"She says, 'He's dead.'" Chomper said.

Tria appeared uncomfortable. "I'm – I'm not sure about killing him." Her gaze steeled. "But we're thankful for any help we can get."

Verter stared in disbelief. "Are you really okay with this, Topps? Joining forces with sharpteeth? You always hated them and the injury and death they inflicted on us. Would you really join forces with our natural enemy?"

Mr. Threehorn hesitated and glanced at Papa Sharptooth. It was true. Sharpteeth were a menace. They had endangered so many in his lifetime. He lost more than a few he knew to them. After all that, would it be right to make such an alliance? But looking at Cera and Chomper, his mouth thinned.

"I have a lot more in common with them than you." Mr. Threehorn told Verter. "We'd do anything to protect our children. You are the one endangering them. Right now, I'll take any help that would stop you."

Verter frowned. Mr. Threehorn glanced at Tria, who managed a faint smile at him.

"I can still go on, Topsy," she said.

"Right." Mr. Threehorn looked at Papa Sharpteeth. "Don't slow us down, sharpteeth. This is serious. Keep up with everything we do."

Chomper translated this. Papa Sharptooth sniffed, looking ahead as he growled. Chomper had the flicker of a smile.

"He says 'You should keep up with us,'" he said.

Mr. Threehorn snorted. Still he had to resist a smirk. Mr. Threehorn and Tria stood together with Mama and Papa Sharptooth on either side, presenting a united front. Cera and Chomper surveyed this, unable to believe what they were seeing, but somewhere in there, hope slipped in. Whatever their feelings about each other, Cera and Chomper's parents were going to fight Verter to the end, threehorns and sharpteeth, together.

Next time…

Clash Over Youth Part 1

Note: Hate to have another gap after this cliffhanger but when school starts again, the writing will slow down even more. I'll try to squeeze whatever writing in I can but I have a feeling the next set of chapters mightn't be posted until next year. Still, we'll see. Thanks for hanging on.