We Will Hold On Forever
by
DaveTheAnalyzer
Chapter 28: Wandering Paradise Part 2
Littlefoot tripped on a stick and looked up. Floating five feet above the grass in the opposite direction, wings fluttering not the slightest to keep him aloft, was Wing Father, arms splayed to the side and wearing a content smile. Other dinosaurs he passed perked up or called out in greeting, as though this strange, floating being was a good friend. Heart in his throat, Littlefoot staggered behind a tree and watched Wing Father hover closer, raising a hand or returning a greeting. He paused in front of the tree, the back of his silver wings barely visible. Littlefoot tensed. Did Wing Father know he was there?
*Don't find me. Don't find me...*
A prickle came across his chest. After a few seconds, Wing Father floated by. Relieved, Littlefoot waited until he heard more distant voices call Wing Father's name and slinked on, many thoughts churning through his head.
So, Wing Father could now move about freely. That hadn't been something Littlefoot considered. He guessed it made sense. Wing Father changed the world, so he would be able move about it. All the dinosaurs seem to act like they always knew him. Littlefoot wondered how Wing Father fit in – he overheard a bit from Mr. Thicknose earlier but there had to be more details. Littlefoot didn't know how to feel about seeing Wing Father out in the Great Valley - it felt eerie but other than that, he couldn't explain his discomfort. Littlefoot was so busy mulling it over as he walked, he almost shocked to find himself already standing outside the Secret Caverns entrance.
Littlefoot shook himself, trying to remember why he was here. Ruby and Chomper weren't present at the entrance. He stepped into the cave, hearing the echo of the wind and the crackle of rock settling somewhere in the cavern. There weren't any sounds that indicated people lived here. Littlefoot hesitated but he had to find out either way.
"Ruby!" Littlefoot called. "Chomper! Are – are you guys still here?"
He heard nothing other than his own echo warbling in and out of the cave. Littlefoot stepped outside, head darting about, unease turning into low-key panic. Had Ducky been right? Littlefoot struggled to wrap his mind around Ruby and Chomper no longer being here, maybe having never been here in this world. He wasn't sure if he could accept it, want to accept it. Littlefoot turned, willing to search every part of the Great Valley to confirm the pair's location when he heard Chomper's voice call not far from the right outside the cave.
"We're here, Littlefoot!"
Littlefoot almost fell off his feet. He smiled with relief. Ruby and Chomper were here. At least this was one fear that was unfounded. Littlefoot turned and rustled into a bush on the immediate right, the shush of foliage mixing with the rumbles of large feet. Pulling himself out on the other side, Littlefoot saw Chomper a few yards away waving a tiny arm near the Great Wall. Littlefoot felt the bright circle really shine in him this time. Chomper seemed happy to see him. Littlefoot closed the distance and stopped a few feet from Chomper, almost panting from the exertion.
"Hey Chomper!" Littlefoot said. "Thank goodness you heard me."
"I almost didn't but my sniffer said it was you!" Chomper replied.
"I guess that's what I get for yelling into the cave." Littlefoot chuckled.
He stepped closer and realized something. Chomper stood quite alone. There weren't even signs of fast runner footprints in the grass. He frowned, bemused.
"Where's Ruby? Didn't you say 'we're here?' Is she getting sweet bubbles or-?"
There were booming steps and a shadow fell over the pair. Littlefoot looked up and all thought flew out Littlefoot's head. Looming tall and light green behind Chomper was a sharptooth, scarlet eyes glaring, a growl shaking its throat. Littlefoot froze, terror screaming in him. How did a sharptooth get in the Great Valley? How did it get close without him noticing? He and Chomper had to run, to find the other grownups and a place to hide! His mind was in the middle of rapidly plotting an escape route when the light green sharptooth looked down and to Littlefoot's surprise, those lips stretched into a warm smile.
"Littlefoot, how lovely to see you," the light green sharptooth said. "Chomper has been waiting forever."
Littlefoot's jaw dropped. For a moment, his brain struggled to accept that the sharptooth was speaking leaf eater and more that she that she was speaking to him in a familiar manner. More improbably, her voice somehow sounded familiar. Then he remembered that horrible moment last night when Chomper's parents inexplicably could speak leaf eater. Littlefoot realized this must be Chomper's mother. She was here too? Littlefoot's astonished gaze shifted to Chomper, who scratched his face and gave a sheepish smile.
"Sorry I startled you." Mama Sharptooth continued. "Sometimes I sneak up on people without meaning to. For some reason, Chomper suddenly started saying he wanted us to be near the Secret Caverns, that you won't meet us unless we stood near here. Have you and your friends ever hung out around here before?"
"Uh, yes!" Chomper squeaked. "Me, Ruby, and the others slept over here a lot."
"Ah, now I remember. You could have explained it better." Mama Sharptooth looked stern. "Choose how you say things carefully, I keep telling you. It'll stop you from getting into fights with sharpteeth that have fragile egos. From the way you talked, it seemed like your friends somehow forgot where we lived."
"But there are some tasty leaf eaters who hang around here." Papa Sharptooth called from further back. "Maybe we should come to this place more often."
Littlefoot peered around and his jaw dropped. Papa Sharptooth stood not far behind Mama Sharptooth, tearing chunks of flesh out of a crested longneck and, of all people, Mr. Clubtail. The two leaf eaters just stood there. They should be screaming, writhing and trying to pull themselves away but despite pieces being ripped off their backs, they were calm and continued eating from tree branches and bushes like this was the most natural thing in the world. Littlefoot didn't want to look too closely but to his surprise, the bitten out parts showed nothing but what appeared to be red-brown clay. After Papa Sharptooth took a chomp out of her side, the crested longneck closed her eyes and tilted her head as though getting a massage.
"Can you bite down the area behind where my tail connects, Mr. Sharptooth?" Mr. Clubtail asked, gulping down a leaf. "I've got an itch there that's been bugging me since this morning."
"I'm not here to take care of your skin problems." Papa Sharptooth said, even as he bit out a square chunk from the location Mr. Clubtail indicated. "You're lucky whatever your diet is makes you very tasty."
"Heh I didn't know diet changed taste." Mr. Clubtail raised his head, pleased. "I eat a lot of sweet bubbles. I don't know how that effects things but glad you like it."
"Hey, is she done with me?" The crested longneck asked with two-thirds of her back chewed off. "I want to go meet a friend, she found a tall tree that'd be really good for a neck stretching contest."
"Longnecks don't need their necks stretched any longer, it's already in your kind's name. Let my mate finish talking to our son's friend first." Papa Sharptooth shot Littlefoot a smirk. "Be grateful your food doesn't talk back to you Littlefoot. It gets really annoying. Now I understand why Chomper sticks to bugs."
Mama Sharptooth nuzzled Chomper. "Go on. Talk with your friend Chomper. I have an impatient longneck who wants to be eaten."
She stomped off to join her mate. Littlefoot stared as Mama Sharptooth lowered her head and bit off part of the tail of the crested longneck's tail, who had much of her back gone. The crested longneck wore a contented smile. It was such a surreal sight Littlefoot couldn't take his eyes away until Chomper stepped in front and waved a hand to get his attention.
"Yeah, it's weird." Chomper said, looking awkward. "When I saw Mommy and Daddy eating a squareshield's sides this morning, I almost screamed my head off. The squareshield just looked confused and asked what's wrong."
"I would have fainted." Littlefoot said. "Did none of the leaf eaters panic when they saw your parents?"
"No. They don't seem to react at all when Mommy and Daddy walk around. Apparently, this is all normal. They still get worried about hostile sharpteeth but…." Chomper shrugged. "They also don't react to seeing my parents eat others. This is all so…bizarre."
The way Chomper said the last word made Littlefoot burst into giggles. "Yeah, it is."
Chomper blinked and started to giggle in turn. "Only now do I realize it's kind of funny. I'd rather not watch though."
"Me neither."
The two calmed down. Smiling a bit, Chomper waved for Littlefoot to follow, the pair walking near the bushes on the side of the clearing to give themselves some privacy.
"So are you doing alright Littlefoot?" Chomper asked.
Littlefoot was surprised Chomper asked this question first but shrugged. "Okay. I've been running all over the Great Valley checking on the others. They seem happy. Well, except Cera. Verter's hanging around her."
Chomper flinched. With a start of guilt, Littlefoot realized it mightn't be wise to mention Verter.
"Sorry for talking about him," he blurted.
Chomper waved it off. "It's okay. I'd've wanted to know. At least, I think." He lowered his head. "So that's where he's been. Poor Cera. I feel horrible for her. I haven't seen Verter around but I've worried about him turning up since Mommy and Daddy talk about him like they're friends. My parents' eating habits have taken my mind off it a lot though. I'm glad I don't have to deal with him even though-" He winced.
"It's okay." Littlefoot said. "You aren't making Cera suffer by being glad you don't have to deal with him. I'm sure we'll think of something to help her, especially with her mother and sisters back."
"Her mother and sisters are back?" Chomper said, perking up a little. "Then we'll have to definitely think of something. I want to help her. Anyway, your mother's back too, right? My mommy talks about her and apparently they get along."
"Huh? They do?" Littlefoot laughed. "That's kind of funny. But I guess it isn't so weird. Since leaf eaters can't get hurt, they can maybe be friends with sharpteeth."
Chomper rubbed his chin. "I wonder if the attack with the sharptooth and your mother still happened."
"I don't know." Littlefoot's said. "I didn't ask. Though in this world, either way…he might still be out there."
The two froze, thinking for a moment of the first sharptooth prowling about in the Mysterious Beyond, chasing and tormenting leaf eaters. They shuddered.
"I see why you found him so scary." Chomper said. "I don't want to meet him again. I hope he isn't nearby."
Littlefoot nodded. Silence fell between them and their steps resumed. Despite the last subject, Littlefoot felt more at ease. They were able to talk like usual and laugh over some silly things. Smiling, Littlefoot started the next point.
"So how are you doing?" he asked.
Chomper opened his mouth but hesitated. He frowned and scratched his chest uncertainly, the pair stopping in their tracks. Littlefoot suddenly wondered if Chomper asked him about his wellbeing first to delay being asked that question. All of Littlefoot's growing ease ebbed away realizing Chomper had some unhappiness too.
"It's nice to be with Mommy and Daddy." Chomper mumbled at last. "I'm glad they can live in the valley without really hurting anyone. They're pretty cheerful too. At least they don't feel useless without me."
"Useless? Why would they feel useless?" Littlefoot asked.
"From what I remember, they looked really bummed sending me to the Great Valley. I guess they felt they couldn't protect me from Red Claw. I guess we're more alike than I thought." Chomper smiled slightly. "But that's over now. They can feel useful looking after me and help me with what I can't do. At least we can be happy now."
Even as Chomper said this, his smile was weak, like a tree with barely enough support not to topple. Seeing those normally young red eyes dull with resignation hurt. Littlefoot closed his eyes.
"Chomper, I'm sorry," he said. "I shouldn't have given up. I should have held out for a miracle so we didn't change the – the world. I mean, so I hadn't changed the world…"
Chomper started, caught off guard by this explicit mention of what happened. He looked concerned and closed the distance to touch Littlefoot's shoulder.
"Hey, it's okay." Chomper said. "I don't blame you. We had to save our parents. To lose them…I mean, I haven't seen them in so long. I wouldn't be able to take it. But…"
"I saw that 'but' coming." Littlefoot said, smiling faintly.
"Don't worry, you're still my friend!" Chomper said quickly. "But when you're here, I feel a…murkiness in my chest. Like water greens all tied up. How do I say this? It was…weird how you gave up so quickly. I'm glad you saved our parents but…I'm kind of sad you had done it in that way."
"There was no other way!" Littlefoot interrupted.
"I know. It's not fair to expect you to find some other way out but…it's how I feel. At least everyone's happy because I helped in that small way to change the world. Before yesterday, I wasn't much help anyway. I'm useless."
"Useless?" Littlefoot gawped. "Chomper! Don't say that about yourself!"
"Why not? It's true. At least now no one will die because I can't help."
Littlefoot opened his mouth but no sound came out. Chomper ducked his head, but not fast enough Littlefoot couldn't see his miserable expression. Though Chomper had been down before, it had never been like this. Having raised Chomper the first day he was born and looking after him since his stay in the valley, Littlefoot felt an obligation to say something, to lift Chomper out of his melancholy.
"Chomper, listen." Littlefoot stepped closer. "You're more useful than you think. You've helped us countless times. For example, there was that time you got separated with Ducky and-"
Before he could continue, Papa Sharptooth's rumbling voice cut in.
"Come on Chomper, time to move on." he called. "We're getting bored of the offerings here."
Chomper glanced in the direction of his parents. His gaze went back to Littlefoot and lingered with some guilt before he walked away.
"Chomper, wait!" Littlefoot cried.
"Sorry, I'm going with my parents!" Chomper said, turning and running backward. "I need some space but we're still friends! We'll see each other again!"
"But I still need to tell you about-"
"Oh, I forgot! Ruby's with her family now! They're nesting where the sprinters and the other smaller dinosaurs live! Say hello to her for me!"
Chomper almost tripped and he caught up with his departing parents. The three vanished into the trees, Chomper's parents surprisingly quickly due to their green coloring. Littlefoot stood there. He hadn't even got out the first example he remembered of Chomper being useful. He hoped that would have cheered Chomper up. Littlefoot would have to remember to mention it next time. The crested longneck was nowhere to be found, appearing to have left while Littlefoot and Chomper spoke. Mr. Clubtail passed Littlefoot, humming to himself, his chewed up back reforming back into its armor and bony knobs like melting mud in reverse.
"Taking your usual frolic through the valley, Littlefoot?" Mr. Clubtail asked.
Littlefoot didn't answer. Mr. Clubtail sent him a curious look but left the clearing like everyone else. A flyer called and flapped overhead. Chomper had said he was sad Littlefoot had given up so easily. Littlefoot didn't know how to feel for disappointing Chomper. With no other recourse in mind, Littlefoot slowly left. He wasn't sure about meeting Ruby if it meant meeting another disappointed friend but he would feel awful for skipping her.
Fortunately, the nesting site wasn't far. His grandparents had told him about where it was located. After a few minutes of walking through the tall trees, a grassy flat topped hill rose into view, like the paved over surface of a miniature smoking mountain. Some generations ago, it used to be part of some large hill or mountain but after some earthshakes and rockslides, the hill had been ground to its current size. Some smaller dinosaurs in the Great Valley settled on the flat-topped hill so they wouldn't have to worry about larger dinosaurs accidentally stepping on them. Larger dinosaurs could stand at the bottom of the hill and chat with their smaller counterparts but respectfully didn't intrude on the small territory.
Climbing up, Littlefoot dodged around a rainbow faces nest and looked around. Under two dozen dinosaur families had nests of dirt and flattened grass dotted about, some sprinters and a few big noses (Hyp and his gang's families lived elsewhere). He passed a big nose couple and their daughter with their nest demarcated by some rocks, the big nose daughter sliding two of those rocks together to make a pleasing creaking sliding sound. A few eyed Littlefoot oddly but only briefly; the children of large dinosaurs could and have visited.
A flash of pink caught Littlefoot's attention. Squeezing between two sprinter nests, Littlefoot found Ruby with her family in the middle of the flat-topped hill. Her mother chatted amiably with a neighboring rainbow face family. Papa Fast Runner smiled fondly at Ruby who took turns clapping hands with her younger brother and sister, laughter ringing among the three. Littlefoot paused. Should he intrude on such a precious family moment? After a few seconds, a greater impulse to talk with her overrode this.
"Ruby!"
Ruby looked up and appeared surprised. This made Littlefoot nervous but she sat up and smiled, waving him over. Struggling not to show relief, Littlefoot pattered over to the nest and Ruby's brother and sisters perked up, chirping his name in cheerful greeting (What were their names, Littlefoot suddenly wondered? Did Ruby ever mention?). Mama and Papa Fast Runner wore the warm smiles Littlefoot saw from most of his friends' parents when visiting. In this reality, apparently, Littlefoot's presence was a frequent and welcome one.
"Littlefoot, we wondered when another of Ruby's friends would visit." Papa Fast Runner said.
"Yes. Uh, this is a nice place…as always." Littlefoot remembered to add.
Mama Fast Runner chuckled. "We try. Keeping a nest neat isn't always easy but when you raise children, it's a necessity."
"But I like messy," protested Ruby's sister.
"You're allowed to Emmy but not all of us do. Keeping things neat makes finding food and shiny rocks rather convenient, yes?"
"Though if you like messy, there's one way to appreciate it." Papa Fast Runner piped in.
He illustrated by poking Emmy with the grease of a snapping shell and Emmy giggled at the grey smear on her cheek. She wiped it off and tried to smear it back onto her father. Mama Fast Runner and Ruby's brother giggled as the two made a game of dodging and smearing each other. Ruby spoke in a low tone to Littlefoot.
"Had some difficulty finding me, Littlefoot?"
"A bit." Littlefoot whispered. "Chomper told me the way. You doing okay or…?"
Ruby's brother nudged her, giggling. "Ooh, Emmy got Dad's face. Did you see that?"
Littlefoot fell silent, Ruby's brother standing u[ between them. He was unsure how to talk candidly, with her brother close by and her sister and father play-fighting, getting more grey smears on their faces and neck. Mama Fast Runner appeared to note their reaction to the interruption, for she smiled and poked Ruby's brother.
"I think you should join Emmy and Dad's game, Saph. It appears Ruby and Littlefoot want to talk to each other." She lowered her voice. "Do you want to speak with Ruby in private, Littlefoot? You can go with him, Ruby. I mean, we do have time until the lecture."
"Lecture?" Littlefoot repeated.
"We'll do that." Ruby cut in, standing up. "Thanks, Mama. Make sure to get those two cleaned up before we go. We won't be long."
Ruby patted her siblings and extricated herself from the nest to follow Littlefoot, who noticed Saph looked a bit disappointed at her departure but after Emmy smeared his face with grey, he grinned and dipped his hand in a snapping shell to do it right back. Littlefoot and Ruby squeezed between nests and went down the hill, getting some odd looks along the way. Littlefoot wondered if the gang still had their adventurous reputation in this world. Ruby still smiled but clasped and unclasped her hands.
"Your family seems pretty settled in." Littlefoot said once they relaxed halfway down the hill.
"They seemed to have settled in for a cold time or two." Ruby sighed. "You don't know how hard it was getting answers like that without my parents noticing why I suddenly don't know what this world is like."
"I bet. Did they have enough of Red Claw and decided to escape here themselves?"
"Partly yes, partly no. They were being bothered by Red Claw too but they also came to find out what makes the Great Valley special so they can use that special to take down Red Claw. Apparently Chomper's parents came along." Ruby's lips twitched "Though from how they talk about Red Claw and Screech and Thud, they consider them like Hyp and his cronies in sharpteeth form."
Littlefoot chuckled. "Really? Don't tell Hyp and the others that, they'd only get more full of themselves. Are you glad to have your family back after living on your own for so long?"
Ruby paused. "It's strange. Strange but great. I thought I'd be glad to have them back and I am but I've become used to deciding things for myself for so long it's hard being back with them. Earlier today, I just got up and left the nest to get sweet bubbles and I nearly jumped when my parents called me and asked where I was going. I can't go and do what I want without asking my parents' if I can go and do what I want."
"That sounds hard." Littlefoot said. "Did you get the sweet bubbles?"
"I did but I had to also get some for Saph and Emmy. My sister and brother." She added at Littlefoot blank look.
"Oh," he said. "Right. I did hear their names earlier."
"I'll probably also be looking after them when my parents are busy." Ruby continued. "Not that I mind, I miss that. I do miss Chomper though. We said hello earlier today and I'm happy he's with his parents but I got to be happy living with him."
Littlefoot looked away. Ruby and Chomper had grown close sleeping and living in the Secret Caverns. Now that was over. With guilt weighing in his chest, he said. "I'm sorry."
Ruby made a vague waving motion. "Hey, from how my parents talk, we see each other all the time. We can continue seeing each other. Not to mention there are a lot of positives. I no longer have to pursue what makes the valley special and I can be with my family again. I'm free to pursue whatever interests me. I can learn all I want now…"
Ruby's cheer drained on the last few words. She had seemed happy when Littlefoot first saw her but now the concept of learning whatever she wanted now did the opposite of enthusing her.
"That's good, right?" he asked.
Ruby fidgeted. "It should be. If we're all going to live forever, I can learn all I want. But…what would be the point?"
"Point? Ruby, why would there need to be a point?"
"It just –" She groped for words. "The world has changed so much and so much has happened. It doesn't seem important anymore. What I learn won't make much difference with how things are either way. It feels like my curiosity's gone away. I guess it's a bit about the Red Claw thing...but when I think of the future, where to use my learning, I can't think of any way my learning will be useful in this world."
Littlefoot stared at her, at a loss. The guilt really weighed in him this time. At first glance, most of his friends had been happy to be back with their families but upon closer inspection, most had resigned themselves to flaws and situations they didn't like. In some ways, they were worse off. Ruby caught Littlefoot's sad look and shook her head.
"Don't apologize," she said. "This feeling might not be forever. In the forever to come, it might go away. Besides, if you didn't break, someone else might have broke anyway. We were all desperate not to lose our parents. Maybe things will get better."
"I hope so," he said. "At least we'll always be together."
"Always…" she murmured. "That is a lot of time to be together. And since we have that time…" She looked at him. "You like learning Littlefoot?"
"Like learning? Of course I like learning." Littlefoot smiled slightly. "Why do you think we get in trouble so much?"
That encouraged Ruby to faintly smile. "I guess so. The lecture my parents were talking about concerns learning. I know it might make you nervous but maybe we'll be less nervous if we go together."
"Why would I be nervous about going?" he asked. "Mr. Thicknose's our friend and he says a lot of interesting stuff."
She hesitated. "Mr. Thicknose isn't giving the lecture."
Ruby clasped and unclasped her hands. She was suddenly reluctant to elaborate. Littlefoot blinked, tilting his head. She sighed.
"The – the lecture's being given by Don."
The cool in Littlefoot's chest spread to his stomach. Don got to lecture others? The same entitled flyer that tormented the gang these past many days? Littlefoot felt anger swirl within him. Giving talks was something Mr. Thicknose or Grandpa Longneck did, not Don. Sure, Mr. Thicknose lied about his knowledge's source but he made up for that and never did anything nearly as bad as what Don did. Now Littlefoot understood why Ruby had been reluctant to give more details.
"He – he gets to…" Littlefoot said. "But he doesn't know anything!"
"He knows some things but yeah, it's weird." Ruby said. "Or…maybe it's not so weird. Since he's an Anchor, all he says is probably true anyway. Anyway, can you come? You don't need to stay through the whole thing. Even Petrie will be there. I know it's not the best…but it would be better if I knew I had another friend with me for at least of some of Don's lecture. Please?"
Her gaze was pleading. Littlefoot hesitated. After encountering Verter, he didn't want to meet with any of the other Anchors. He especially didn't want Don to talk with him about what he and the gang were forced to do to get this new world. But Don would be busy imparting his "knowledge" to a crowd. He would probably be more interested in drinking up attention and chatting with his admirers. Littlefoot could scuttle away before Don cornered him. Littlefoot felt he also owed Ruby and Petrie after the past few days. Swallowing his misgivings, Littlefoot nodded.
"Thanks." Ruby's shoulders sagged with relief. "I'm thankful you'll go along. Anyway, it's nearly time to go for the lecture. I see my family getting up to go."
Ruby pointed and Littlefoot stepped up the hill enough to watch Mama and Papa Fast Runner on their feet and gesturing for Ruby's siblings to follow. Papa Fast Runner sent apologetic looks to his mate while cleaning grey stains off himself and Saph and Emmy, Mama Fast Runner shaking her head fondly. Exchanging a last glance, Littlefoot and Ruby jogged over to catch up and walk with the family.
It occurred to Littlefoot to wonder where this lecture would take place. He suddenly pictured a cramped canyon with not much room for the land walkers while Don glared down from a cliff and had free reign of the skies. This distracted him while he watched Ruby chat animatedly with her siblings, who brightened whenever she engaged with them. To his relief, the fast runner family's feet turned in the direction of the meeting circle. A moment later, Littlefoot felt a surge of annoyance. The meeting circle was for when crises struck the Great Valley. It felt wrong that Don was commandeering it to swell his own self-importance. Still, Littlefoot thought, seeing the tall rock half circle that marked the meeting circle's entrance rising into view, at least there was plenty of space to move and ways to leave.
The fast runner family entered the meeting circle, a decent amount of people in attendance. A few flyers from what appeared to be Don's former flock sat at the edges, shuffling wings. Those with curious dispositions were present, peering around and over each other, some even speculating what they were going to talk about. Mr. Thicknose stood near the front of the crowd with a look of detached interest but the light of curiosity kept slipping through. A few of the smaller dinosaurs sat on top of their larger counterparts to get better vantage points, the larger dinosaurs either friends or quite generous. Settled on the ground far off to Littlefoot's right between two pebblebacks was Petrie and his family. Petrie gave a little wave and Littlefoot smiled at him, acknowledging each other with that awkwardness of being somewhere together they didn't want to be. Littlefoot and the fast runner family made a place for themselves near the front, two dinosaurs away from Mr. Thicknose. Standing atop a rock projection was Don, one arm crossing his chest and the other dangling on his side, which would have given off a haughty, grand image if he wasn't using his dangling arm to make beckoning motions.
"Come, come." Don was saying. "Find a place to get comfortable. Is that everyone? We can wait a bit longer if there're any stragglers."
His eyes flitted to Ruby and Littlefoot. Littlefoot tensed for a comment, but Don already swept his gaze away. He looked around the meeting circle and jumped up and flapped in place to get a better view of the wider area. He settled back on the rock outcropping.
"I see no one else coming." Don said. He appeared a bit disappointed. "Very well. I welcome you all to another of these important lectures."
Littlefoot looked about. As far as he could see this was decent attendance for a non-emergency talk. Did Don expect the whole Great Valley to turn up?
"We shall resume the discussion about weather." Don continued "Flyers like taking advantage of the lifting drafts that come from the left of where the bright circle leaves the sky and you probably see many of us coming and going there. This wind system was here since time immemorial and it contributes to more than a few wind systems. We flyers use these wind systems by…"
Don went on, tracing out specific wind currents in the sky and how flyers use their wings stay in the air, pointing to specific parts of his wing for examples. Littlefoot shifted, having some challenge following along while Don kept introducing new terms. He wasn't sure if Don was talking about matters beyond his comprehension or he was making it up. It was like listening to Mr. Thicknose's old droning lectures, except somehow even more boring. Littlefoot had always found Mr. Thicknose's words interesting but could understand why his friends' attention drifted off.
Littlefoot's tried to take in every word to understand but his focus kept slipping, only for a few seconds but each time he felt like he was missing large sections. Beside him, Ruby's head kept lolling on her hand, her gaze drifting off with boredom. Petrie grasped both sides of his face and tried to pay attention but he kept appearing puzzled and looked away as though trying to mentally digest what Don said. Littlefoot looked around and was shocked to find the other dinosaurs listening with rapt interest. Mr. Thicknose didn't take his eyes off Don and even Ruby's brother and sister didn't shuffle or make any noise. It was kind of eerie how fixed everyone was on Don's words. Though Don didn't focus on Littlefoot, Ruby, and Petrie, he did seem to slip in references sometimes as though annoyed by their deteriorating attention.
"…it's not advised to fly against a wind current." Don was saying. "It's like destiny. It's best go with the flow."
Don's eyes lingered on the trio. Petrie jerked and squirmed under the gaze. Ruby glared. Littlefoot wanted to look defiant but shuffled in his sitting position and looked down. Don swept his gaze around the general crowd.
"Any questions?" he asked.
A few hands and forepaws shot up. Mama Fast Runner's was among the first. Either because of that or her association with Ruby, Don pointed to Mama Fast Runner, who stood up.
"What does this have to do with fighting Red Claw?" she asked.
Don blinked. "I'm sorry?"
"It's just you promised this talk would be about what aspects made the Great Valley special so we can use that to defeat Red Claw." Mama Fast Runner looked politely puzzled. "Was I mistaken?"
Don was caught off guard. He glanced at the crowd who looked at one another confused and murmured agreement about the discrepancy. Littlefoot kept his face stiff. He didn't want to earn Don's wrath by laughing. Ruby could barely hide a smirk. Don hugged a wing to himself and stood straighter in an attempt at dignity.
"That is a discussion for later," he answered. "This meeting covers two topics. Any other questions?"
As soon as the flickers of confusion appeared, they disappeared faster than wiping away snapping shell smears. The crowd regained its smile and keen interest. Mama Fast Runner sat down satisfied with the answer and her mate, Saph, and Emmy patted her. Petrie and Ruby blinked and looked around, stunned by the quick change in mood. Littlefoot's stomach tightened. Mr. Thicknose stepped forward and Don pointed to him to take his question.
"What are your musings on how flyers navigate when sky water or white sparkles are going down?" Mr. Thicknose asked. "I, uh, of course know the answer but can you illuminate the matter to others?
"Ah yes, that's a complicated issue." Don said, relieved to be back on familiar grounds. "As I said earlier, it's about going with the flow but if you must fly against sky water or white sparkles, a flyer must flap like-"
Littlefoot had enough. It was one thing for Don to go sycophantically upon what he appeared to know but him being able to get away with such a weak excuse with Ruby and Petrie's families and so many others was more than he could bare. Littlefoot stood and sent apologetic looks to Ruby and Petrie, who looked glum but understanding. Weaving around the others, Littlefoot left the meeting circle, keeping his steps casual and head low to escape Don's notice.
Once he was far enough from the meeting circle, Littlefoot relaxed enough to walk less furtively. He didn't have a destination in mind, after having met all his friends, so he drifted around. So much changed, that he fell into a low daze. He didn't want to think, fearing the feelings that would overwhelm his mind, so he tried to just drink in his surroundings without thought or judgement. The Great Valley felt more peaceful than he ever remembered being. He passed a pair of squareshields pressed into each other under the shadow of a tree, their snores mixing in an odd melody. A few seconds later, he saw a teenage sprinter, domehead, and whiptail longneck throwing a tree sweet between themselves. A gaggle of rainbow faces walked by, chattering among themselves and Littlefoot listened in to distract himself.
"I swear, I swear, I saw my sister with Ranny daring each other to eat the grossest foods," one was saying, waving his fingers. "It was the most hilarious thing, why does she want to keep me out? And Ranny likes to act so dignified, I didn't think she would make that kind of sickly burp."
"Your sister probably had a reason for not wanting to do that in front of you," his companion said, patting his arm. "Sometimes you need the right person to be ridiculous with – oh hello, Wing Father!"
Littlefoot barely suppressed a jump. He glanced around wildly and darted behind a bush. Wing Father had been floating along on a parallel path to the left behind a set of trees. Littlefoot hadn't seen him, since the trees hid him in shadow. One domehead mother with a toddler glanced curiously at the bush Littlefoot hopped behind but brightened upon noting Wing Father's approach who turned his gaze at the call and maneuvered around the foliage to close the distance to the rainbow faces.
"Hello, everyone." Wing Father said. "How has your day been, Imus?"
"Splendid, perfectly splendid," said the first rainbow face speaker, Imus. "I was just talking to my mates about an unpleasant game my sister and Ranny had been up to."
"People can be ridiculous." Wing Father said. "Still, facing unpleasantness can build your endurance."
"I guess you're right." Imus shrugged and smiled. "Just let them be themselves."
"Hi, Wing Father!" said a throaty-voiced spikeback passing by. "Looking up on everyone, are you?"
"Take care of the rear spike at the end of your tail if it's still giving you twinges, Ken." Wing Father said. "It'd be unfortunate if you have to rest longer for it."
"Oy, Wing Father!" a teenage spikethumb spoke out. "Just been looking for you."
"Really? Do you have a question for me?"
"No. Just felt like saying hello."
Littlefoot watched Wing Father continue to pause and chat with greeters, smiling and holding eye contact. His chest clenched with confusion. Wing Father really did seem engaged with them. Was he being sincere? Littlefoot stared hard but Wing Father's every hand movement and facial expression was staid but friendly in a way he found hard to tell. Maybe he really did care about everyone. Shaking his head, Littlefoot sneaked away in another direction and bumped into a foreleg.
"Oops, sorry," he said. "I-"
He looked up and whatever he was about to say died in his throat. Standing before him was Tega, who chewed a pale yellow tree sweet from the side of her mouth.
"Yeah, you should be sorry," she said. "Watch where you're going."
A cresthead swimmer slowed while passing by and reached up the tree to take a tree sweet for himself. Tega stepped in, bumping him aside.
"Buzz off," she said.
The cresthead swimmer huffed but turned and walked back the way he came. Tega turned her attention back to Littlefoot.
"Now, why weren't you paying attention to your surroundings? Were you running to get to another of your friends' crummy…?"
Still chewing, she raised her gaze and saw Wing Father shaking the hand of an eager domehead toddler, the mother beaming. Tega swallowed the yellow tree sweet and a horrible smile spread her lips.
"Ah," she said. "Not feeling comfortable meeting Wing Father, huh? I understand. It'd take a lot of guts to talk to him after yesterday."
Littlefoot slid a forefoot about, hastily feigning innocence. "I don't - what you talking about? What happened yesterday?"
"Don't pretend you don't remember," she snorted. "It's pathetic. Not to mention I've seen your friend Cera around Verter and she clearly remembers. So, is it encouraging to have the world you want?"
Littlefoot didn't know how to respond. He didn't want to have this conversation. He looked away and mumbled. "At least everyone's happy."
Tega's smile widened. "Well, people seem content enough not to protest how things are run. Of course, to them, things were always run this way. Is it all worth it, that everyone's safe and content while you remember what you did?"
/
Before Littlefoot could react, a series of raised voices made him look around. Hyp and his father walked passed arguing, gesticulating angrily.
"…have to stop harassing young ones." Papa Sprinter was growling. "Honestly, did I raise you to be like that?"
"It was just a bit of fun." Hyp protested. "Those squirts need some toughening up."
"That's just your excuse. Your mother feels so ashamed when she hears other parents complain about you. Don't you have anything to say to that?"
Hyp flinched. For a moment, regret flitted across his face before his gaze flattened. "So how's that new? She should say something then."
"She doesn't because only I can get you to stop and you make it hard enough as it is. For goodness sake, I'm trying to do what's best for you. Why can't you see that?"
The argument continued but the pair were already walking out of hearing range. Their outlines flitted in and out of the trees before they disappeared behind a bulging bush. Littlefoot stared after them.
"They don't seem happy," he said.
"Well, I didn't say happy, did I?" Tega said. "They're safe enough to have these squabbles. Not everyone can change or deserves to. Anyway, move along. These tree sweets are calling to me."
Tega stepped away with a satisfied smirk and pulled another yellow tree sweet from the tree. Littlefoot stood a moment before at last starting his journey back to his nest. Everybody was safe, that was true. Whatever befell people now, they would live to see another day. In spite of himself, his mind went through the meeting with his friends...Verter…Don…Mr. Thicknose back to using his dry voice…Littlefoot was filling with all sorts of mixed emotions. Hyp and his father were still arguing. There had been so many changes Littlefoot had discovered yet he hadn't even been through most of the valley. And this wasn't restricted to the Great Valley. Everywhere was like this. All the people he ever knew, all over the land.
He started running. Now more than ever, he wanted to get back to his mother and grandparents. He dodged around plants and dinosaurs, hearing cries and calls of consternation. He passed by a spikeback who stepped away hastily and almost ran into a crested swimmer who shouted at him to watch where he was going. Littlefoot would normally feel guilty for doing this but right now, he didn't care. He wanted to talk with Mother, to not take for granted she was alive. He wanted to see his grandparents, so happy to be with the daughter they didn't know had been gone. He entered a big clearing, a wide expanse of grass with trees on three sides. He thought he was halfway back home when he heard a rumble of steps and a giant foot fell into his path. He stumbled, barely halting a yard from the foot.
"There you are, Littlefoot."
Littlefoot's breath caught in his throat. Slowly, he looked up. Patty loomed over, seeming to block half the sky, her gaze boring into him. All thought went out of him except fear, fear that she tracked him down at last.
"I've been looking for you all day." Patty continued. "From what I hear, you've been all around the valley."
He opened and closed his mouth, hearing how she ground her words. He didn't know how to talk himself out of it. He was distracted by a second set of rumbling steps and turned to find Patty's mother catching up, sounding breathless.
"That was the sixth time you darted ahead, Patty," she said. "Where're you getting the energy?" She smiled down. "Well, we found you at last, Littlefoot. You have been giving Patty and I a lot of exercise."
"Nice to meet – I mean, hi." Littlefoot croaked, suddenly remembering that in this world, Patty's mother likely already knew him. "S-sorry about that. I – I need to get going to -"
He dashed around Patty. Her large foot slammed in front of him again and Littlefoot stopped before he crashed into it. He backed away as Patty's head cast a shadow over him.
"Where are you going?" she demanded.
"My family. I want to see them." Littlefoot said.
Patty's mother glanced at her in alarm. "Patty, what was that for? That was dangerous, you could have stepped on him."
"I'm sure you want to see them." Patty said, ignoring her mother. "Funny thing. I went over to your family and asked where you were. Your mother said you left shortly before we came. Have you been avoiding us?"
"No, no." Littlefoot shook his head. "I went to see my friends. Anyway, got to go."
"You'll wait for that. I want to talk to you."
"Can – can it wait?" Littlefoot asked.
"No." Patty leaned her head down. "I want to show you something interesting. I thought you might like it but you've been so hard to find. I'm not going to waste any more time."
An edge creeped into Patty's voice. Littlefoot chest hurt with cold and he suddenly thought it would be very unwise to run again. Patty's mother looked back and forth, becoming a mix of stern and concerned.
"Patty, what's the matter with you?" she demanded. "You were never this scary or demanding before. Let Littlefoot be with his family. You can show him whatever you want later."
"Stay out of this, Mom." Patty said. "Littlefoot and I just-" She paused and blew out a breath to calm herself, "we just had some disagreement. Friends can argue."
"Oh." Patty's mother faltered, some of her sternness draining away. "I guess that explains your irritability during the search…but-"
"I'm planning to resolve our issues. I'm fine." Patty continued. "Mom, go to Littlefoot's family. Tell them I found him and we'll be away for a bit. Assure them that I'll keep him safe and that he'll be back soon."
"Really? Um…okay." Her mother said, bemused. An incensed look briefly came over her but it smoothed over. "Do you want me to do this now or-"
"Now would be good."
Patty's mother jerked her head back, shocked by her daughter's rudeness. Patty glared until she really took in her mother's expression. Slight guilt settling into her face, Patty stepped closer and nuzzled her mother.
"Don't worry." Patty murmured. "I won't be away for long. We'll be back before the bright circle leaves the sky."
Her mother's concern and surprise melted into relief. She nuzzled back, the two pressing their foreheads into each other. After they drank in one another's touch, Patty's mother pulled back.
"Well, Alis will be going now." Patty's mother said, sending a smile to Littlefoot. "I know, there I go again, but you can always call me by my name Littlefoot. I always found Ms. or Mrs. Longneck confusing when multiple longnecks are around. Anyway, I'll see you Patty."
With that, Alis turned and walked away, rumbling footsteps becoming quieter with distance. A part of Littlefoot wished Patty's mother stayed, so he wouldn't be standing alone with Patty. So many mixed feelings of concern, betrayal and hurt swirled in him. He jumped when her muzzle prodded him.
"Come." Patty said. "I have something to show you."
Littlefoot looked away. She prodded him a second time, making him stagger.
"Come on. You can't avoid this forever."
Littlefoot looked at her. Patty's gaze was steady, making clear she wouldn't let him get out of her plans. She turned and started moving. Littlefoot watched her go, wondering what would happen if he didn't move, if he just stayed in place. He almost considered going through with that. But reluctantly, feeling he had no other option, Littlefoot picked up the pace to follow her, unsure if he wanted to see whatever she wanted to show.
Next time…
Holes in the Mirage
Note: I don't know when the next chapters will be out. Hopefully in a few months but don't hold me to that. If you want the Chomper's parents scene to be warned for with a note at the top, feel free to ask.