Note: A roughly 2 month wait, not bad. Hopefully, I can keep up that pace but no promises. Anyway, enjoy the resolution to that cliffhanger!
Warning: this chapters contains threats to children, parental arguments, and unintentional manipulation (The last one will become clear as you read along). Reader discretion advised.
We Will Hold On Forever
by
DaveTheAnalyzer
Chapter 31 Breakdown of the Illusion Part 1
Wherever Littlefoot went, it was the same. Dinosaurs sat or walked about, chatting amicably, chuckles carrying in the air. Littlefoot passed a spikethumb gushing about the taste of purple tree sweets. Two flyer flocks beat their wings overhead. The Great Valley was its normal peaceful self but that shouldn't be possible after yesterday. Littlefoot panted as he marched on, desperately seeking anyone who felt the same terror inside him. He heard the rumble of his grandparents and mother following him, their concerned glances roving the back of his head.
"Littlefoot, don't you think you've seen enough?" Mama Longneck asked.
"No." Littlefoot said.
"Everyone's calm." Grandma Longneck said. "See, you must have had a bad sleep story."
"It wasn't a sleep story!"
"Littlefoot, please don't shout." Grandpa Longneck lowered his head. "You'll cause panic."
"Everyone should be panicking now!" Littlefoot's head darted about. "There must be someone who remembers, anyone."
"Littlefoot!" Cera's voice cried.
He whipped his gaze to his right. Cera rushed towards him, skidding to a stop barely a foot away, face panicked.
"My parents don't remember anything!" she continued.
"Cera?" Mama Longneck said, surprised. "What's the matter?"
Cera started, only now noticing her. "Um. I – I only meant-"
"Littlefoot! Cera!" With a flap of hurried wings, Petrie landed on Cera's frill, confused and scared. "Something's weird! My mama and dad are back together and forgot about yesterday!"
A burst of foliage made Littlefoot look left. Spike hurried over with Ducky on top, the pair distressed.
"Our family acts like what Wing Father and Verter did never happened!" Ducky said. "But they were there at the meeting! Oh, what are we going to do?"
"Slow down, children." Grandpa Longneck said. "What's the problem? Did you all have the same bad sleep story?"
"Oh!" Ducky jumped. "Yes? No? It is nothing too bad, we just want to tell Littlefoot-"
"There you guys are!"
From nearly behind the group, Chomper jogged up. He tripped but rebalanced himself, exhaustion mixed with fear.
"Do all of you remember?" he panted. "Cera, you must remember what happened yesterday."
"I wish I didn't." Cera muttered.
Grandma Longneck looked baffled. "What's going on? It's normal for you kids to gather together but why do you all look so frightened?"
Cera and the others clammed up. Spike shuffled. Petrie's eyes wandered about as though hoping not to be called upon.
"Um, we just heard some weird news and…" Chomper trailed off.
Mama Longneck surveyed the children. "What is going on? From how you speak, it sounds like you all did have the same sleep story. Do you have anything to say Littlefoot?"
Littlefoot averted his gaze. "Um."
She stepped closer, concerned. "Littlefoot-"
"We – can we talk about this by ourselves for a moment?" he interrupted.
Mama Longneck's head reared back. "What?"
"I'm sorry, me and my friends want to handle this alone." Littlefoot said. "This is kind of a… private matter. I know we're acting weird but please trust us on this. Okay?"
Mama Longneck opened her mouth, at a loss. Grandpa and Grandma Longneck stared at the children and exchanged baffled looks. Littlefoot felt like kicking himself. That excuse sounded weak even to him. He didn't think it would work, especially after he scared his family so much earlier about missing memories. But to his surprise, the worry drained out of Grandpa and Grandma Longneck. They stepped closer to Mama Longneck.
"Come on, let's this give them space." Grandpa Longneck said.
Grandma Longneck nudged her. Mama Longneck hesitated.
"Alright," she said. "We won't be far Littlefoot."
Turning, the three rumbled off. Cera looked about and waved her head, leading the gang to the edge of the clearing, where three large lush bushes flanked by leaning trees offered some shelter. Near the bushes, the six spread out into a circle.
"Is Ruby coming?" Petrie asked.
"I do not know." Ducky said. "Chomper does not live with her, so -"
The bushes rustled. Littlefoot and the others tensed wondering if someone was stalking them but to their relief it was only Ruby, shaking leaves off herself and looking quietly troubled. She looked at each present face.
"I guess you all are here because you are all that remember," she said.
Spike nodded, lips pressed into a downward curve. Littlefoot sneaked a few looks to their surroundings to make sure they weren't being listened in on. The dinosaurs nearby were few and on the other side of the clearing. A spikeback chattered to her brother, who smiled and nodded. A spikefrill passed them, striking and thrusting at imaginary opponents with her frill. Pat walked by her, smiling and nodding politely. The calm dissonance after yesterday was unsettling. Grumbling, Cera flopped her chin on her forefoot.
"Be thankful you just came, Ruby," she said. "You missed getting awkward questions from Littlefoot's mom and grandparents."
"I don't think there's any use looking around for others who remember." Littlefoot said. "It seems like we're the only ones again."
"But why only us a second time?" Chomper murmured.
"I do not know." Ducky said. "I mean, I am kind of glad Mama and my brothers and sisters are not scared anymore but it is still creepy they forgot what Wing Father and Verter did."
"I bet they're the reason everyone forgot." Cera growled. "They were so smug yesterday. They must've known this would happen – or caused it!"
Ruby paled. "I think…that might not be a far leap. Yesterday Verter and Wing Father made Cera and Chomper's parents fight and made others cheer it on. What if it isn't a far leap to go from making others fight and cheer to making others forget?"
The others drew in breath. Littlefoot raised his head slowly, chest tight. To make so many cheer on Cera and Chomper's parents fighting was horrifying enough. That Wing Father and Verter could make everyone in the valley except the gang forget was terrifying. Petrie shuddered and griped his head.
"What if we forget things too?" he said. "Bad things happen to us and we no know it happen?"
"We didn't forget about yesterday." Littlefoot said. "Or how the world was before. If we forgot something, Verter or one of the other Anchors would have taunted us about it. It's only us because we were involved in…in…"
"The ritual." Cera said. Littlefoot flinched. "That means Verter and the other Anchors also remember. And Wing Father too. Dang. How powerful are they?"
"Very powerful." Ducky said, hugging herself. "Oh, have they been making people do things this whole time?"
"Maybe we've seen it and didn't know it was happening." Chomper said.
That tickled Littlefoot's memory. His stomach chilled. "You're probably right, Ducky. I met Patty a couple days ago and she made her mother go away despite her anger making her mother worry."
His friends were surprised. Spike looked appalled that someone would do this to their mother. Cera frowned at the grass.
"Verter's also been doing that," she said. "Not just with that fight. My parents have been going along with his ideas and laughing at his creepy jokes."
"I saw Tega tell someone not to eat a tree sweet she called dibs on." Littlefoot said. "He didn't even complain. Granted, that might be a stretch -"
"I believe it!" Ducky said, glaring at the grass. "I do not want to think she has that power but surely someone would have complained about her by now."
Spike nodded, expression grim. Petrie stared at Littlefoot and Cera, amazed.
"You notice all those details? Me not notice anything." Petrie lowered his head. "Though it not weird for me not to notice stuff."
"But you probably have noticed, Petrie." Ruby said. "Do you remember noticing anything two days back?"
Puzzled, he thought it over. "Wait. You talking about Don's lecture?"
She nodded. "Even if everyone was interested in what Don had to teach, they wouldn't listen with interest in the same way. But everyone sat still and listened in the exact same way. I should have known that even on their best behavior, my brother and sister would still fidget and move around."
"Yeah." Petrie said, sitting up. "My brothers and sisters were same way."
"I also remember that Ruby's mom asked a good question on why he was covering flying when he said he'd be talking about what they can learn about the Great Valley to defeat Red Claw." Littlefoot said "He just said he'll talk about it later and she accepted it."
"No way." Chomper said. "Ruby's parents are very smart."
Ruby grimaced. "I'm really smarting about that now we're smart enough to know what's going on. And that's not all. After the lecture, I overheard a few flyers talk about how one of them who just arrived got blown all over because the wind current she used disappeared. This was after Don's wind current lecture."
"Wait!" Chomper said. "You're saying Don changed the wind currents?"
"That cannot be!" Ducky said.
"It might be." Cera paled. "Me and Chomper saw a flyer get blown about yesterday. She told us the wind currents were appearing and disappearing."
"Oh, this bad!" Petrie squeaked. "Me think Don got some wind currents facts wrong. He maybe did it by accident but what if he and Anchors decide to do it on purpose?"
"Wing Father too." Littlefoot said, heart cooling. "He plans to make the valley fight soon and changing the weather can help with that. There's no way we can fight against him and the Anchors. Everyone will forget if we tell them about this and they'll just do everything Wing Father says. Th-there's nothing we can do."
There was a stunned silence. Spike let out a shaky breath. It was horrifying. Aside from the seven, everyone will always do what the Anchors and Wing Father say. If there was some decision they didn't like, they would forget about it. No one would ever be the wiser about what was happening in their own lives. Littlefoot couldn't see any way out of this. His helplessness was reflected in the six faces around him. Chomper closed his eyes and shook his head. Petrie had a shaking hand on his mouth. Ruby's gaze was distant. They were silent, all alone in their fear.
"We can't do anything. And we know who we have to thank for that."
Littlefoot started. Looking ahead, he found Cera glaring right back at him, forefoot forming a fist in her chest. The others stiffened, staring between the two warily.
"You allowed this to happen." Cera continued. "We're in this mess because you gave in."
"Cera, stop!" Ducky said.
"That's not helping!" Chomper said, standing.
Cera surged to her feet. "You remember how he said this might be good! We'll see our dead family again and we'll never have to worry about dying. We got all that but look at the true cost! And it was all because he chose to believe those freaks!"
"Because there was no other way, Cera!" Littlefoot said desperately. "I said before. They were going to kill our parents!"
"You should have found another way!" she shouted. "You always find a way. You pulled us all into this!"
"I didn't want to lose people! I'm tired of losing people!"
"Is this all about what you want?" she retorted.
"I was desperate!"
Littlefoot panted. He wasn't sure if he was even angry but he couldn't stand the accusations. Spike looked at a loss, gaze darting between the two. Even as Littlefoot opened his mouth to defend himself, the guilt and surrounding sad faces made him so tired all the fight went out of him. Ignoring a wince of chest pain, he lowered his head.
"You're right," he mumbled. "It's my fault."
A few of his friends gave intakes of breath. Ducky look surprised. Cera was caught off guard.
"Really," she said. "Just like that?"
"What would be the point?" Littlefoot said. "I shouldn't have given in. I couldn't think of another way out but…that was wrong."
Far from mollified, Cera grew agitated. "You didn't have any plan?"
"No." He closed his eyes. "I should have thought about something else. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
"That's it?" She became angry. "You're not going to argue? Come on, fight back! Where's your passion when we're arguing?"
"What do you want me to say? There wouldn't be any point."
"You always find a point! Say something, anything!"
"Stop it, Cera!" Ducky cried, stepping between them. "Littlefoot already said it was his fault! Why are still yelling at him?"
"I'm trying to get something of the old him back!" Cera snapped "Littlefoot always argued and fought when it really mattered. But he's been backing down a lot lately. Haven't any of you noticed?"
Littlefoot jerked back. He had rarely saw her act like this. Was this how Cera felt about him? The others stared in shock before turning over her words in their heads. Ruby gripped her chin. Petrie's gaze rose in thought, wincing as though he touched something cold. Chomper scratched his chest.
"I don't want to say it," he said, "but she's got a point."
"You have been acting differently." Petrie agreed.
Ruby sighed. "I know we had high expectation – but maybe they were too high."
Littlefoot blew out a slow breath. The disappointment made his heart sink.
"You're right, maybe I have changed lately. I'm not sure what to think about that. You're all angry and you have a right to be. I have done a lot of bad things. It would be better if I give you all space. Take all the time you need. When…" his voice cracked. "If you ever want to meet again…let me know. Bye."
"No Littlefoot, wait!" Ducky cried.
Littlefoot turned and ran off before he lost his composure. He ruined the world, handed it to someone who would abuse it. After all that, maybe Cera and the others wouldn't want to be his friends anymore. His vision blurred. He didn't want to think about that. He made a beeline for his family, hoping they wouldn't ask any awkward questions. He wanted to retreat into their love so he could forget everything happening,
Cera journeyed back to her family in a pensive mood. After Littlefoot's departure, the gang had just looked at one another uncertainly before they mumbled goodbye and broke off in separate directions. Cera had noticed Ducky glaring at her before patting for Spike to leave. Maybe Cera had took it too far. The sight of Littlefoot passive acceptance and him running off weighed on her. But rubbing her heart, she decided she was justified. Something had to be said for breaking the world. Cera wouldn't have felt right otherwise. They would make up again, at least she hoped. She and her friends weren't hanging together as much as they used to. Maybe that was a sign their friendship was coming apart...
She shook her head as she returned to the nest to find her family appearing to prepare for a trip. Mr. and Mrs. Threehorn chatted at the clearing's edge discussing the route somewhere, the trees putting them a bit in shadow. Tria fussed over Rica and Tricia, asking if they were well fed and ready. Duane watched Horen charge and crash her horn into a nearby boulder, chipping pebbles off it.
"Hah! Hah!" Horen grunted.
"Um, what's she doing?" Cera asked, walking over to Duane's side.
"She's starting early." Duane said. "If she keeps at it, she'll breeze through the beginner trials."
"Hey, Cera." Rica said, walking over. "You alright? What was all that weird talk about Wing Father and Verter hurting our parents?"
"Oh, it's nothing." Cera averted her gaze. "Just a bad sleep story. Anyway, breeze through what trials? You look like you're going somewhere."
"Didn't you hear, Cera?" asked a smooth, oily voice. "They're going to join the training regiments."
Cera felt the blood drain from her face. Looking up, she saw Mr. and Mrs. Threehorn step back so Verter could emerge from the shade of the trees. Cera cursed herself. She hadn't noticed he was standing so close by. She should have been on the lookout but Verter hadn't been present when she got up earlier and her family not remembering what happened yesterday had took up all of her attention. Now he passed between Mr. and Mrs. Threehorn and approached her as though nothing had happened. Cera tingled with equal parts fear and rage.
"Why hello Verter," she said through gritted teeth. "How interesting to see you again."
"Hey Cera." Verter smirked. "Missed the news, huh? I guess that's what happens when you don't stick with the family."
"About time you got back." Mr. Threehorn said. "I thought you'd be out all day with your friends. We're about to go over to the nearby designated battleground."
"What? Why are we going there?" she demanded. She had enough of the designated battlegrounds to last her a lifetime. Her stomach sank as her mind registered what Verter earlier mentioned. "Wait. What does Verter mean by training regiments?"
"It's Wing Father[s request." Mrs. Threehorn said. "Starting today, the Great Valley is going to learn how to fight. Verter spoke on Wing Father's behalf and said it would be useful since threats are growing against Wing Father's values. It will be taught in shifts. The threehorn herds will be up first. You all have been progressing well at smashing rocks and practicing form, so we believe this would be a great next step for you girls."
Cera stood rooted to the spot. She hadn't been thinking about Wing Father's plans to make the dinosaurs fight since her talk with her friends. It was starting already? She hoped there might be more time. Her memory went back to yesterday, to Mr. Threehorn and Tria's terrible wounds and screams. Her family smiled as though thinking she would be excited by the news, so they became puzzled by her silence.
"Are you alright, Cera?" Tria asked, concerned. "You look like you just saw a sharptooth."
"I'm…fine." Cera said. Her mind lingered on yesterday's brutal fight.
"You don't sound fine. Is this about your earlier sleep story? I can't believe you would say Wing Father and Verter would do such terrible things but I'll excuse it to exhaustion. I'm sorry Verter."
"Hey, no hard feelings." Verter chuckled. "Maybe she was sleeping with a fever. Remember the silly things you had sleep stories about after you got sick?"
He went over and gave Tria a companionable nudge. Snapping to the present, Cera saw red.
"Get away from her!"
She charged at him. Verter scampered back, raising his head in mock surprise. The others stopped their leaving preparations and stared. Aghast, Mrs. Threehorn approached.
"Cera, what's gotten into you?" she asked.
"Don't go near him either!" Cera shouted. She turned and thrust her horn at Verter "Go on, get! Leave our nest and never come back! You shouldn't be here after what you did to Daddy and Tria!"
Her father and Tria inhaled breath. Mrs. Threehorn blinked at Cera, not knowing what to make of what was happening. Tricia backed away, looking suddenly scared. Distressed, Horen and Rica ran over.
"What's gotten into you Cera?" Horen asked. "Calm down. You're close to Verter, why are you saying these things?"
Cera was revolted. "I'm close to Verter? Since when?"
"Since forever." Rica said. "Why are you acting like this is new information?"
"It doesn't matter. Don't trust him. There's more to this training regiments than what Verter is telling you. We don't need to fight anything, he just wants to brutalize-"
"Cera, stop!" Mr. Threehorn snapped. "You can't talk about Verter like this."
Cera cringed. "But Daddy-"
"Verter's been my friend since the Time of Great Growing. He's always been a diligent and trustworthy sort. I've been tolerant of this nonsense since you only just got up earlier but this stops now." He stepped closer. "Besides, do you need reminding of what I think about threehorns and sleep stories?"
"It wasn't a sleep story! He's not the Time of Great Growing friend you know anymore! He has boasted about hurting people in the Mysterious Beyond for fun! This training regiment won't be used for anything good." She looked at each of her family, beseeching. "It's going to be torture!"
"That's enough, Cera." Mrs. Threehorn said. "Do you hear what you're saying? That implies Wing Father is also up to no good and he would never do that."
"I wouldn't say this for no reason."
"But it isn't true." Tria said.
"If it isn't true, what happened yesterday?" Cera demanded. She glared about. "What did you, Dad, and Chomper's parents do with Verter that took up much of the day?"
"Come on Cera, me and Tria were only…" Mr. Threehorn trailed off. He frowned, uncertainty slipping through. "With Verter, we were only…"
Tria opened her mouth but faltered. "I swear, yesterday wasn't that boring. Why can't I remember?"
Tilting her head, Mrs. Threehorn watched with concern. As the silence went on Duane and the other sisters raised their gazes in thought but they also began to look puzzled. Cera watched, bemused and worried. Did they have no memories of even a modified version of yesterday? Still, she saw an opportunity. If she could fill in those gaps, maybe her family would believe her. She opened her mouth but Verter walked passed and almost shoved her out of the way.
"Yesterday, Topps, Tria, and Chomper's parents volunteered for the test phase of Wing Father's training regiments," he said with relish. "It was a resounding success. Topps and Tria reported to the rest of the family they had a fun workout."
To Cera's shock, her family's eyes misted over. Trica opened and closed her mouth, gaze half-lidded.
"Oh right…Verter invited us to join the test phase of Wing Father's training regiments yesterday." Tria mumbled, voice strangely lifeless.
"It was a great experience." Mr. Threehorn said in the same tone. "Now I remember. We recommended it to our family."
"Huh?" Cera said, head darting between them. "Why are you talking like that? Stop, it's creepy. What are you doing, Verter?"
"Cera, calm down." Mrs. Threehorn said, words slow and enunciated. "Why are you acting so surprised? Topps and Tria told us about their experience yesterday."
As soon as it started, it was over. Cera's family blinked and shook themselves, smiling cheerfully like nothing happened. Horen, Rica, Duane, and Tricia stood straighter, looking eager to start training. Cera's jaw dropped. She felt like she was trapped in a bad sleep story.
"What happened?" she said at last. She rounded on Verter. "You did something! What did you do?"
"Me?" Verter said innocently. "I didn't do anything."
"Yes you did! You said all those lies and they started acting weird!"
"Cera?" Duane said, concerned. "Why are you yelling at Verter?"
"We told you, Cera. It was probably a bad sleep story." Tria said. "You still seem sleepy and confused. Maybe you should take a nap."
"It wasn't a sleep story!" Cera screamed. "Verter's messing with your heads! Wing Father is too! They're in cahoots to do something terrible! If we don't stop them, they'll-"
"Cera, enough!" Mr. Threehorn shouted. Cera flinched. He stepped closer, eyes burning "Don't yell at one of your mothers! Badmouthing Wing Father isn't good either, you'll get in trouble for that. We're going now. Look, if you don't want to train, that's up to you. I admit, I'm disappointed. I thought this was something we could share as a family. It seems your friends trump us again. If you change your mind, we'll be at the designated battleground near three-point rock."
With that, he turned and walked away. Cera stared. He hadn't yelled like that since the first couple cold times in the Great Valley. Did her father and the rest of her family feel rejected in this world since Cera spent so much time with her friends? An aching hurt spread in her chest. She staggered forward.
"Daddy, no," she said. "That wasn't what I-"
But Mr. Threehorn kept walking, disappearing ahead. Mrs. Threehorn jerked her head.
"Come on girls, it's time to go." She walked passed Cera and paused. "I'll talk with your father for snapping at you. I advise getting some rest, Cera."
She continued on, following her mate's footsteps. Cera staggered forward, a feeling of great helplessness coming over her.
"Mom, please don't go," she said. "I don't want you hurt too!"
"Don't mind your dad." Tria said. "I think he just wanted to spend more time with you. He could have put it more nicely." She moved on. "Hopefully you can join us later."
"Tria, you won't want to train like this!" Cera said desperately. "Listen to me!"
But Tria only departed like the other two parents. Her sisters sauntered by and Cera whirled toward them.
"Horen, Rica, Duane, this isn't safe-"
Horen put a paw on Cera's shoulders. "I think you're should listen to our mothers. We'll be alright."
"It's just smashing rocks and dueling horns." Rica said. "It'll be fun."
"Tricia can't do much now but she'll like bopping rocks." Duane smiled fondly. "I'm sure in a couple sessions, she'll shine in this."
Tricia cooed, pleased with the praise. The sisters went passed Cera. Panicked, Cera put a paw in Tricia's way.
"No, Tricia. You can't -"
Tricia hopped around the paw and continued on after her sisters, babbling goodbye to Cera. Cera lay on the grass, at a loss. They acted like they couldn't hear what she was saying. Desperately, Cera scrambled to her feet.
"Please," she called, "I just want to save you from-"
"Quiet, Cera." Verter snapped, making her jump. She hadn't realized he was still there. He walked to her, glaring down. "I'm getting bored of you trying to spoil things. The training won't be that extreme yet. Tricia won't be doing much anyway since she's so young but if you keep this up, that might change…"
Cera froze. Her mind imagined what it might be like if Tricia was in the midst of the brutal battle her parents and Chomper's were a part of yesterday. She couldn't have Tricia going through anything like that. Reluctantly, Cera lowered her head. Verter laughed quietly and patted her head.
"Good girl," he said. "Hey Topps old pal, wait for me!"
He hurried to catch up with the family. Cera watched them go, tingling with horror and helplessness. She hadn't been able to do anything. Her family was back together but they were going to get involved in something that would bring them pain and terror. The training might not be as brutal as yesterday but that might change in the future. She couldn't protect her family; even Tricia's safety mightn't last. Cera turned and rushed the boulder Horen practiced with earlier, ramming her head against it.
"Useless, useless, useless." Her voice cracked. "Useless…"
Her eyes blurred. Cera leaned into the boulder and cried. Really, she was no better than Littlefoot. When Tricia was threatened, Cera's mind blanked and she just gave in like he did. Who was she to judge? Her father was back to his harsher self, no longer with the more relaxed nature she had come to love. That him might never come back. None of her family would grow in a world where people couldn't change for the better. They were going to suffer. What was Cera supposed to do? So hopeless and alone, Cera continued crying, no longer caring about appearing strong or who might find her.
"You sure you're all right Petrie?" Papa Flyer asked. "You were saying some strange thing earlier."
"Me fine, Dad." Petrie said. "It just bad sleep story. Um, you alright with family?"
"Of course." Papa Flyer said, spreading his hands out. "I wouldn't be anywhere else."
Petrie smiled, relieved. "Oh. Me glad to hear that."
Though bemused, Papa Flyer smiled back. Petrie settled down, trying not to let the emotions swirling in him show on his face. After the panic of this morning, Petrie being back with his family gave him some calm. He had explained away the weird Verter and Wing Father claims and the family went along with it faster than he expected. Papa Flyer turned to help Mama Flyer distribute tree-stars among the children, exchanging warm looks when their shoulders bumped. Petrie didn't know how to feel that his parents forgot about their previous conflict but a part of him was glad they were getting along. This in turn caused Petrie some guilt, which he had some trouble identifying the cause of.
His brothers and sisters talked cheerfully. Many were miming flying, doing cartwheels and corkscrews while seizing imaginary opponents with their feet. Ever since they heard Swooper go up to tell them about the training regiments, Petrie's siblings had been eager to take part. Petrie was tense whenever he watched this, feeling like he did whenever a bad storm was approaching. He wanted to warn them but wasn't sure what to say that would make them take his claims seriously.
"I can't wait to practice these flying formations," said a brother.
"Me too," said a sister. "Learning how to fight and fly at the same time will be so cool. It'll be like the Day of the Flyers, right Petrie?"
"Huh?" Petrie forced a laugh. "Ah, me guess? It sound like even harder work."
"Now children." Mama Flyer said. "I'm know you're excited but don't get too worked up. We flyers will have our turn to train soon."
"Hopefully when you fight for Wing Father, you'll make us proud." Papa Flyer said. "This is a useful opportunity for you kids. Even beside defending Wing Father's ideals, you can use these skills when the time comes for you to fight for mates."
"Oh really?" Petrie said. "That so far away to think about."
After a moment, he had to suppress a wince. He remembered that he and his siblings were going to remain children forever – finding a mate was never going to happen. He hadn't thought much about what was lost with eternal youth but with this concrete concept, he couldn't help a pang of sadness. Out in the valley, Petrie saw Guido's distant figure gliding between trees, wobbling in the air and descended so quickly he had to grab the next branch and haul himself up to rest on it. Seeing Guido struggle with flying brought down Petrie's mood. Guido used to glide so well. Not wishing to linger on these depressing thoughts, he decided to listen to what some of his siblings were talking about.
"Do guys really fight over the girls?" wondered Terri, a sister sitting nearby.
"Seems so," said her brother Rano, plopping down beside her. "Sounds like a hassle."
"It's done to see who is worthy of the mate." Mama Flyer said. "Many flyers still see it as an indicator of who'll give them strong children."
Terri grimaced. "I don't know. I'd prefer to just choose the guy I like."
"That'd make things easier." Rano said, nodding eagerly.
"Not all flyers will be like that though." Papa Flyer said.
"It would've been simpler." Mama Flyer said thoughtfully. "It's not a viewpoint I always agreed with. If I knew there were other ways, I wouldn't have allowed you to fights for me, dear. It was clear you didn't enjoy it."
"No." Papa Flyer sighed. "I still carry the scars from it."
Rano looked up hopefully. "So we don't have to learn that mate fighting thing?"
"Where did I say that?" Papa Flyer became stern. "This isn't something you can opt out of. What if you like someone who still believes in the tradition? You'll learn how to do it. I don't want you kids to stand out."
Terri grimaced. "Oh, come on."
A few other siblings groaned. Mama Flyer touched her beak.
"I don't know, dear," she said. "I've been hearing about those mating rituals less and less lately. Maybe it won't be as common by the time our kids are of age."
Papa Flyer glared. "I don't need you contradicting me again."
Mama Flyer tensed. "I was only adding a bit of nuance. Just because I do that doesn't mean I disagree."
Rano cringed. "Oh no."
"Please, not again," muttered another sister.
Petrie stiffened. He had been just listening to the conversation, finding it mildly interesting but then their parents started using that tight tone again, the one that usually foreshadowed an argument. Papa Flyer had his arms crossed and Mama Flyer's gaze was hard. Petrie's brothers and sisters sent them wary looks. Some hastily tried to continue on their conversations but they were so nervous many forgot themselves mid-word. Everyone was bracing themselves and it wasn't going to be pretty.
"Kids don't get nuance." Papa Flyer said. "It only confuses them. They'll only get false hope over what might happen later in life."
"I'm not trying to give 'false hope.'" Mama Flyer said, grounding out the words "I'm only giving the full details of a situation. There might be a larger variety of mating options in the future. Our children might be interested in knowing that."
"And I'm trying to realistically prepare them for the world as it is," he retorted. "You don't always get everything you want. Our kids need to be accepted. They'll be laughed at if they don't know how to fight for mates!"
"Which's why I didn't disagree about teaching them!" Mama Flyer snapped. "Why when I agree you still act like I pecked you? You said yourself you hated the mating fights. When you were young, wouldn't you have liked to know there might be options other than fighting?"
Papa Flyer faltered. "Maybe…" The hard look returned. "But that might have just made me lazy!"
"Our kids aren't lazy. You're always too harsh on them!"
"And you aren't firm enough! These kids need a steady hand, not coddling!"
"Stop!" Terri said, scampering forward. "Okay, we'll learn how to fight."
"It be useful!" Petrie said, deciding to intervene. "Please don't argue!"
"Kids, stay back!" Mama Flyer snapped. Petrie, Terri and a few of their other siblings flinched. "I'm not done picking a bone with your father!"
"You've been picking at me for a long time." Papa Flyer said. "You always throw off the message!"
"I have a right to speak my mind. Why I…"
She and Papa Flyer continued shouting, faces hot with anger. Their children stared, at a loss for what to do. For Petrie, this fight was just like what had been happening until he got separated from his family in the great earthshake. Despite not remembering their breakup, his mother and father only fought again and again. Petrie thought they would be happier with each other. Was there no way for them to get along?
*Maybe they better off not together after all…*
Petrie shook his head but that treacherous thought lodged in his mind. Why couldn't his parents be like other families? Littlefoot's grandparents got along and even when Cera's bickered, they always made up. Why could other couples patch things up but not his parents? A few of his brothers and sisters like Rano burst into tears, wondering if this was his fault. Others turned away and put hands on their ears. Petrie had to fix this. He marched closer, anger making him clench fists.
"Stop fighting!" he cried.
Neither parent appeared to hear him.
"Children don't do well without firm guidance!" Papa Flyer snapped.
"Should I never speak again and nod along to whatever you say?" Mama Flyer retorted.
"I said stop! Stop!" Petrie cried. "Stop fighting now!"
There was abrupt silence. Wind blew by and pebbles crackled off a cliff. After several moments, Petrie cringed. He didn't mean to be that loud. His parents were going to turn and yell at him next. He braced himself, but no raised voices followed. Instead, the nest began to fill with the sounds of calm shuffling and chatter. Cautiously, Petrie raised his gaze just in time to see Mama Flyer turn to Papa Flyer.
"I was just talking with Mrs. Twopad and she mentioned some orange sweet bubbles were sprouting," she said.
"Oh splendid. I heard they were sour but maybe the kids will like them." Papa Flyer said.
Petrie's jaw dropped. Mama Flyer went on about other food gossip. Papa Flyer smiled, relaxing against the side of the nest. Petrie's brothers and sisters have went back to miming flying techniques for the training regiments. Laughing, Terri and Rano boasted about how they could fly difficult maneuvers through rock spire holes. Uncomprehending, Petrie felt like he just woke up from a weird sleep story. A second ago, the nest had been filled with yelling and crying. Now, his family spoke like it had never happened. Petrie rubbed his eyes.
"How did those taste Petrie?" Papa Flyer asked. "Petrie?"
Petrie jumped. "Huh?"
"Your head in the sky puffies?" Mama Flyer chuckled. "Your father was asking how those hard water sweets you and your friends found tasted."
"Oh, they…good." Petrie answered. He was still reeling. "W-wait. So we not talking about how flyers fighting over mates?"
Papa Flyer frowned. "No. Why, do you want to?"
"No!" Petrie said, a bit too loudly. Clamping a hand on his peak, he continued. "Oop, sorry. Me mean, no thank you. That can wait until some another time."
"Are you okay?" Mama Flyer asked, faintly concerned.
He hesitated. "Me fine. Just…thinking."
Despite their puzzlement, Papa and Mama Flyer shrugged and resumed their conversation. Petrie felt himself shake, hoping it wasn't too noticeable. They all forgot again. He didn't understand why. There wasn't anything to forget like Wing Father and Verter's actions. It only happened after Petrie screamed for his parents to stop fighting. With slow realization, Petrie gripped his beak, fearful of saying the wrong thing. Did Petrie make his family forget? No, that was impossible. But with so many impossible things happening lately, it was the closest answer Petrie's mind could come up with. He didn't know what to believe but if he did somehow make his family forget…what was he supposed to do next? With horrified guilt weighing in him, Petrie wondered if he had been doing this for a long time?
Spike and Ducky played a splashing game with their brothers and sisters. Ordinary, it was the kind of silly game Spike loved but he couldn't muster any enthusiasm. Eda splashed water into his face and he shook the wetness out of his eyes with a sigh. With her hands, Ducky squeezed to squirt water at Bitty, who giggled with delight. Despite that, Ducky could only bring up a weak smile. Even with all the laughter and being ganged up on to be splashed in all directions, Spike and Ducky simply looked at each other and deciding to walk out of the game. The splashing trickled to a halt as they left. Some siblings relaxing on the shore stared at the pair. Mama Swimmer had watched the game with a fond smile but her gaze focused on Spike and Ducky when they stepped onto the shore beside her.
"What's the matter, you two?" Mama Swimmer asked. "It's not like you to give up in a game like this."
"Sorry Mama." Ducky sighed. "We are just not in the mood."
Mama Swimmer tilted her head. "Did something happen?"
Spike opened his mouth but Ducky elbowed him. He gave her a questioning look and she shook her head and swept her gaze about nervously. She seemed to be indicating it was no use telling the family about Wing Father and Verter's brutality yesterday, since it would just worry them. Though having misgivings, Spike could see her point. Seeing their family watching, he determined the pair take Mama Swimmer's attention from their siblings often enough. Putting on an assuring smile, he shook his head.
"It is nothing Mama." Ducky said. "Really."
"Oh well." Mama Swimmer fidgeted. "If you're sure."
Eda waded to the shore, looking at them thoughtfully. "You didn't hang out with your friends? You came back quite fast."
"No." Ducky said. "They…had to go back to their families."
"Sorry you couldn't be with them long." Bitty said. "There's always tomorrow."
"But you have us." Shean said, jumping forward. "Cheer up. Why don't we play a new game together, just all the brothers and sisters?"
Bill nodded. "That sounds like a good idea."
"Let's do it!" Osber said.
Some bobbed their heads while others called out in agreement. Ducky looked about at the cheerful and encouraging faces. Spike couldn't help feeling his spirits lift. Even after all the changes, they were still Spike and Ducky's kind and supportive brother and sisters. Mama Swimmer clasped her hands proudly. Ducky's sad mood drained away and she smiled faintly.
"Thank you," she said. "A new game sounds good to me. What kind is it?"
"Oh, it's the best!" Fussy said, bouncing excitedly. "We have to dodge and avoid each other so we can tag the enemy before the enemy tags us. Sometimes you have to be on the move and sneak around so you don't get caught."
Osber nodded. "This game is getting pretty popular now. Even I'm getting into it."
"It kind of sounds like a combination of tag and hide and seek." Ducky said, perking up. "But I don't mind that. I would like to play it, I would, I would."
"It's not either." Loch said. "Though I can see why you compared them. This game also involves throwing stuff like mud and nuts at each other."
"Ooh." Spike said, grinning. He might have trouble hiding and dodging because of his larger size but sometimes that made games like this one more fun.
"I thought you two would have heard of it." Eda said. "With the adventuring you do."
"What is it?" Ducky giggled. "Oh, I really want to play it. Tell us already, tell us!"
Bitty twirled and flung an arm out dramatically. "It's a war game!"
Spike's stomach fell. Ducky's smile dropped. He shared a nervous look with her. He didn't know what their siblings were talking about but he had a horrible suspicion.
"Um." Ducky said. "What do you mean by war game?"
"It's a game of fighting and strategy." Eda said. "Which team has the least defeated members wins. Wing Father came up with it. You haven't heard of it?"
"I have not!" Ducky panted. "Why would Wing Father come up with that kind of game?"
Spike nodded urgently, remembering the fears his friends were discussing earlier. Mama Swimmer looked bemused by their shock.
"They are supposed to compliment the training regiments," she said. "Wing Father told us while you two were away. The training regiments are Wing Father's plan to have everyone learn how to fight. There're dangers to the valley we might have to take out. You children will be participating, since Wing Father said children have advantages in being able to rush under larger dinosaurs and spy on others. I admit I'm a bit worried but the kids seem enthusiastic about it."
"It'll be so exciting." Norkel said, smiling. "I can't wait to do it!"
"Wing Father said we can act as a group." Bill said. "This will be fun. It'll be a great way for us to bond as a family."
"Do not do it!" Ducky cried. "You will all get hurt!"
Many of their brothers and sisters stared in surprise. Mama Swimmer put her foot back, caught off guard. Spike did not blame Ducky for yelling. To back her up, he stepped beside her, nodding and showing his own worry.
"What's with you?" Osber asked. "Why do you look panicked?"
"Please, listen." Ducky said, trying to calm her voice. "I know it sounds exciting but you should not join Wing Father's training regiments or play his war game. This training will not be all fun and games. You might be forced to fight for real. Play fighting is fun but the real thing is very dangerous, it is, it is. You should not be part of it."
"Why not?" Fussy frowned. "You and Spike fight sharpteeth all the time on your adventures."
"Not if we can help it. We only fight if we get spotted and to defend ourselves and others. Wing Father will not be asking you to defend the valley but to attack others and expand his territory!"
"Oh Ducky, not this again." Eda sighed.
Spike called out urgently, stepping next to Ducky to indicate he agreed with her.
"Spike you too?" Bill shook her head. "We told you, it was a bad sleep story. This is Wing Father. He always does the right thing."
"Bill and Eda are right." Mama Swimmer said. "If I thought this was really dangerous, I wouldn't let your brothers and sisters join."
"But this is dangerous!" Ducky said. "You should have turned Wing Father down! Did you not hear me say you might go out to actually fight? You will be hurting others and seeing things you wish you had not!"
"We do know, Ducky." Bitty shrugged. "We are prepared for that. It is for a good cause."
"Wing Father won't lead us astray." Osber said. "He has many enemies that need to be taken care of. So you won't be joining?"
"Of course not!" Ducky said. "And you should not be joining either."
"But many in the valley already have." Mama Swimmer said. "Some herds like the threehorns are training right now. It'll be rude to back out and might chill relations with the other valley members."
"Others are joining?!" Ducky cried. She clasped her head. "Oh no, no, no, what do we do? I cannot stop everyone. Wing Father told my family. It must be to get back at us. They will suffer so much…"
Their family murmured, watching her and Spike with confused worry. Spike's heart thumped tight. Their family didn't know what they were getting into nor the rest of the valley. Wing Father's power seemed to include not only wiping minds but believing everything he said. Everyone was going to fight and inflict harm for Wing Father's awful plans. That idea had such large scope Spike could only focus on his family. If it was anything like when Verter trained Cera and Chomper, it would be torture and that was before they stepped onto any battlefield. Their family must be stopped. Spike looked at Ducky, whose gaze darted back and forth before reaching some desperate decision.
"We need to hide!" she declared. "Come on, follow us!"
"What?" Eda said.
Ducky darted off, stopping a short distance away to wave an urgent hand. The swimmer family looked alarmed but Ducky didn't appear to notice.
"We need to leave before Wing Father asks why we are not part of his training thing," she said. "I know several places where he can't find us."
Expression beseeching, Mama Swimmer stepped closer. "Ducky, what's got into you? I think we need to talk. Why-"
"We do not have time to waste." Ducky clapped her hands. "Let's go, go go!"
Jumping, many of their brothers and sisters got to their feet or splashed out of the water. They all hurried over to Ducky. Mama Swimmer brought up the rear, staggering. Despite their initial resistance, Spike was surprised at their swift cooperation. He wasn't going to question it though. He scampered up to Ducky and the pair traded firm looks before leading their family from the nest. Many had trouble keeping up with the pair's fast walk, stumbling with yelps of annoyance.
"Whoa, what is happening?" Fussy said, stumbling.
"You are going with me." Ducky said, relieved. "Finally. Let's hurry."
"Do we really have to go?" Riv asked, glancing around dubiously.
"Yes, before someone asks you to do these training regiments." Ducky said.
"But we want to do it!" Bitty said loudly.
"No you do not!" Ducky said. "By the time you realize that, it will be too late."
"Ducky, you're scaring your brothers and sisters." Mama Swimmer panted. "Explain what's wrong."
"You just have to trust me. I will explain when we are somewhere safer."
Desperately, Ducky marched her family onward. They charted a weaving path, avoiding any trees or steep hills that might slow them down. His brothers and sisters looked uncertain and distressed but Spike continued to follow. A few valley dinosaurs gazed at the family curiously as they passed. Spike felt a lurch seeing them, knowing the pair wouldn't be able to protect the other valley dinosaurs from the harm to come. Ducky grew nervous with so many stares. Spike surmised she was fearful they might blab to Wing Father about what the family was doing. Maybe that was why Ducky soon redirected their family to the closest thick forest in the valley.
In this forest, trees were so close together their branches were often inches from each other. Logs and sticks littered the ground, slowing their advance. With their adventuring experience, Spike and Ducky were able to climb and jump and navigate at a good pace but their family struggled. Mama Swimmer kept smacking into branches, looking embarrassed. Their brothers and sisters stumbled and nearly fell often. Shean kicked a rock hidden in the dirt and yelped, limping on one foot. Tuo from the youngest batch was already panting, tripping and falling onto Osber's side. Their family wasn't used to this kind of tough traveling. Spike felt uncertain a moment but decide this needed to be addressed. He nudged Ducky.
"Not now, Spike," she said, worried gaze forward.
"Ducky, listen to him." Mama Swimmer panted.
Ducky whirl around irritated. But she saw Eda slip down a log and nearly face-plant before Bill grabbed her. Ducky's expression shifted to guilt.
"Oh no. I should have known you would struggle with this," she said. "I am sorry. Let's make it a game. Think this forest is an obstacle course."
"Obstacle course?" Bill squeaked. "Ducky, you're forcing us to leave our home for no reason!"
"There is a reason! The game will not only make moving around easier but also cheer you up!"
"Are you serious?" Osber cried, glaring. "We're too mad and scared to play!"
"Okay." Ducky said soothingly, pushing down her hands. "Be quiet. Calm down."
"Calm down?" Bitty said. "You don't get to tell us to calm down!"
"Stop acting like we're the unreasonable ones!" Fussy snapped.
"I mean it, we should be quiet." Ducky said. "Someone might hear us."
"I want someone to hear us!" Bill said angrily. "You're acting weird! Did something go wrong with your brain?"
"Hey, don't speak to your sister like that." Mama Swimmer snapped.
"Is now the time, Mama?" Bill demanded. "Stop her!"
"Yeah, you should make her stop!" Shean cried.
"You know, I should." Mama Swimmer said, touching her chin in bemused worry. "Why didn't that occur to me?"
"You always give her and Spike too much leeway!" Bitty said.
"I want to stop walking!" Osber panted. "Can you please help Spike!"
"You're the reasonable one!" Riv said.
Spike hesitated. Should he do something? His family was getting tired but Wing Father was still a threat. Ducky turned around angrily, walking backwards.
"This is always like it with me!" she said. "You never listen to my ideas or play my games! Why cannot you be happy with me for once?"
"Some way you're doing that!" Norkel snapped. "You aren't happy until everyone is doing the same idea you have. Stop leading us to the middle of nowhere!"
Ducky threw her fists down, "If you hate this so much, why not just leave? I cannot stop you!"
"Because you won't allow us to!" Bill snapped.
"Do not be silly! I am not the boss of you, you more than made that clear!"
"You do not understand, Ducky." Mama Swimmer said, voice shaking. "We actually cannot stop moving! We can't!"
Startled, Ducky fell silent. Spike sent her a look, horribly confused. What did their mother mean? Slowly, the pair looked back again. Mama Swimmer and his brothers and sisters kept walking but it didn't look right. Their movements were stiff and uncomfortable, hands curled into fists. After Mama Swimmer's words, their other brothers and sisters looked at each other in bafflement. A few pulled their heads, voices straining as though trying to stop their forward march. Tuo from the youngest batch jerked her body but just kept walking, gaze darting about fearfully. Osber wiggled his fingers but they barely moved in his fists. Fussy's jaw dropped watching everyone, glancing down and making herself twitch but she kept moving like everybody else.
"How is this happening?" she squeaked. "I can't stop walking!"
"Mama is right!" Riv cried. "Ducky, what did you do?"
"I – I do not know." Ducky stammered. "You really cannot stop walking?"
"Yes!" Osber said. "Our bodies are acting on their own! This only happened after you insisted we go!"
Ducky's mouth fell open, almost tripping on a root staring at her family. Spike's head swam in disbelief. That shouldn't be possible. Someone couldn't make others move against their will. And Ducky was the last person to use such a power. But so many impossible things have been happening over the last weeks. He remembered the disastrous trip to the underground caves a couple days ago where despite their brothers and sisters insisting they leave, Ducky's demand was all it took to make them stay. Spike thought only Wing Father and the Anchors could do this but what if in that world-changing ritual, he and his friends also…?
Spike turned his head and babbled panickedly to Ducky, trying to communicate what he realized. Ducky stared at him uncomprehending for several seconds but after he stamped his foot to indicate underground, her hands rose to her face.
"Wait, you mean what happened on that cave trip was-?" she said. "Oh no, no, no, I did not – that cannot be true!"
"It is true." Bill said. "Come on, make it stop."
"But I do not know what is causing this." Ducky panted, gripping her face. "What have I done? How do I switch it off?"
"Listen, Ducky." Mama Swimmer pleaded. "Turn us around and go back the way we came. See if we follow you. That way, we can pass by someone who can help. No one can help us if we're stuck in the middle of a forest."
"Oh, maybe." Ducky said. She glanced back at the route they came from, teetering on a decision.
"You can do it." Mama Swimmer smiled comfortingly. "I know you didn't intend to cause this. Let's get back to the nest and find help. I'm sure someone knows how to fix this. We can even ask Wing Father, I'm sure he knows the answer."
"Wing Father?" Ducky repeated. Her face stretched in terror. "No, no, no we cannot meet him!"
"Oh!" Mama Swimmer realized she said the wrong thing. "No Ducky, I only meant-"
"We cannot go back. He will find and hurt you all!" Ducky stared ahead. "We have to hide!"
"Ducky, don't!" Bitty said. "You're getting paranoid about Wing Father again!"
"You and Spike have to see sense!" Eda said.
"We want to go home!" Fussy whimpered. "Spike, tell her to let us go!"
"Please listen to your brothers and sisters!" Mama Swimmer said, in tears. She jerked her body, failing to get control of herself. "Oh, what do I do? My children need me!"
"Help!" Osber screamed. "Someone help us!"
"We're scared!"
"We're being taken against our will!"
Other siblings started shouting, some calling for help, while others yelled for Ducky to let them go. Spike winced, the cacophony searing the ears. Mama Swimmer tried to speak over everyone, get them calm, but she was just one more voice in the horde. Ducky clapped her hands to her temples, overwhelmed. Spike closed his eyes, wishing the soil was soft enough to shove his head in. He felt like he was being pulled in two directions. He wanted to keep his family safe from Wing Father but how they were being made to flee made him ill. They had to stop this. Ducky shook her head, horrified and desperate. Eventually, the shouting became so overwhelming she stamped a foot.
"Enough!" she said. "I am trying to keep you safe, so cooperate!"
All the shouting voices stopped. Complete silence. Blinking his eyes open, Spike gazed back. Mama Swimmer and their brothers and sister stopped a short distance off, some mouths half-open in mid-word. Ducky looked up, surprised. Then they all blinked and smiled benignly.
"Well, let's go." Bill said.
"What?" Ducky said.
Mama Swimmer and the other brothers and sisters walked ahead around Spike and Ducky. The pair exchanged surprised glances before hastening to catch up. The family was walking at a relaxed pace. The pair hastened to the head of the group, Ducky looking lost.
"Wait, so you do not want to go back?" she asked.
"Why would we?" Osber said. "You know best."
"If you say it's dangerous, it must be." Mama Swimmer said.
"But you were shouting to go back a moment ago!" Ducky protested.
"We would never do such a thing." Eda said.
They continued walking. Spike was uneasy. They had been so scared and angry a moment ago but now they were calm and smiling as though they just woke up from a wonderful nap. Ducky looked confused but a terrible suspicion came to her mind.
"Wait, wait! Stop!"
The family ceased walking. They all watched Ducky and Spike expectantly, still wearing those calm smiles. Ducky surveyed them with confusion and worry before she clapped her mouth with horror.
"Oh no, no, no!" she said.
Spike glanced at her bemused but cold shot through his veins. Ducky stepped closer to them and the family moved back. Ducky went back to Spike and their family followed in lockstep. Ducky was panicked.
"No, no, I did not mean…!"
"What's the matter, Ducky?" Mama Swimmer said, in a slow, lifeless voice.
"Not again! I was only trying to keep you safe!" Ducky cried.
"We know, Ducky." Bill said in the same tone.
"Where do you want us to go?" Norkel asked, eyes half-lidded.
"Stop speaking that way!" Ducky said desperately "I want you to cooperate, not obey!"
"That is that not possible." Fussy said.
"We can't cooperate if we don't obey." Osber said.
"You know what I mean! Be yourselves!" Ducky begged.
"But we can't be ourselves and play the games you want at the same time." Loch said.
"Not all of us will ever be interested in the same thing." Shean said. "You can do it now. You can choose for us to be like how you want."
Ducky shook her head, looking ill. "I cannot do that!"
"Then what should we do?" Mama Swimmer said. "I don't understand."
"Choose for us. Choose!" Bill said.
"Please choose!" Bitty said.
Ducky whimpered. "Oh, what did I do wrong? Spike, help me!"
She staggered to Spike, embracing his neck. He pressed into her, shaking.
"I want to keep them safe but not like this!" she said. "I only wanted them to play with me. This is all wrong! We cannot have them be like this! How do we get them back to normal?"
Ducky sobbed as their family continued chanting. Spike nuzzled her, tears coming down his eyes. This was somehow worse than the family yelling at them. Ducky shouldn't be suffering with this kind of power. Did Spike somehow share the blame? Maybe he should have taken action sooner, told Ducky that making their siblings do something they didn't want wasn't right. Now the whole family was hurting. Whatever Wing Father's danger, Spike knew he and Ducky couldn't continue messing with them like this. He thought hard, remembering what caused their family to change to their current demeanor in the first place. He pulled back and babbled, miming raising his voice angrily like she did earlier. Ducky stared uncomprehending until understanding came into her eyes.
"Yell like before? That will change them back? But what if-"
He shook his head at her doubt, insisting they have to try something. Ducky closed her eyes, hesitating. They chanting continued, grounding down on their conscience. Ducky tensed, overwhelmed until she couldn't take it anymore.
"Just forget it! Forget what I said earlier! Please, all of you go back to normal!"
Their family fell silent, frozen in place again. For a held breath, Spike hoped this would work, not wanting to think of what would happen if it didn't. But with many blinks, Mama Swimmer and their brothers and sisters shook their heads.
"Huh?" Mama Swimmer said. "How did we get here?"
"Where is here anyway?" Osber said, glancing around with a frown.
"Weren't we by the nest a second ago?" Bill said, scratching her head.
"Oh thank goodness." Ducky said, wilting against Spike with relief.
Shean glanced at the two. "What are you thankful about? Do you know why we're here?"
"Do you not remember?" Ducky asked.
Many shook their heads. Spike and Ducky looked at each other worriedly. Apparently, not specifying what to forget included not only the eerie calm brainwashing but the forced, difficult journey that led up to it. Ducky sat up.
"Uh, you wanted to show me and Spike a tasty food you found. But you seem to have forgot where it was," she said. "It can happen to anyone. Spike knows the feeling, right?"
Spike hastily nodded, rubbing his eyes and making sure his smile wasn't too queasy. It was a rather feeble excuse in his opinion. A few did look at him and Ducky oddly but after some thought, many of them shrugged.
"Oh, that's why we're here." Mama Swimmer said, slapping her head. "Sorry. This was a whole mess. I should have not got so distracted by your conversations."
"Why did we have to forget now?" Eda muttered. "I was so sure Ducky and Spike would find it tasty."
"Where's the nest?" Fussy said, looking about anxiously. "What route do we take? Everything looks the same."
"Do not worry, me and Spike still remember where to go." Ducky said.
"Oh, cool." Norkel slumped with relief. "I don't fancy being lost here all day."
"It's good to think one of my older sisters is reliable." Bitty giggled. "Thanks Ducky."
Ducky's smile wavered. "Yeah."
Hurrying through their family, Ducky waved and with Spike catching up, the pair led them back the way they came. The family chattered cheerfully, glad to be getting back to the nest. Spike glanced at Ducky, whose expression radiated regret and confusion. In trying to keep her family safe, she unintentionally messed with their minds. Spike didn't know what to say and felt guilt he didn't tell Ducky to stop sooner. Would Ducky have to watch what said from now on? Could Spike wield the same unintentional influence? And what about the training regiments, were they just supposed to sit back and let them happen? Full of questions and no direction, Spike could only walk with Ducky as they led their family back home.
Next time…
Part 2
Note: I'll post the 2nd part next Friday.