Warning: This chapter contains more brainwashing (unintentional and otherwise), a rough family argument, and a momentary wish for suicide. Reader discretion advised.

We Will Hold On Forever

by

DaveTheAnalyzer

Chapter 32: Breakdown of the Illusion Part 2

"Hey, you looking at me?"

"Eh? I was just staring in your direction."

"Well, stare somewhere else!"

Glaring, the spikeback thrust his head up and marched on. Papa Sharptooth snorted. He led Mama Sharptooth and Chomper in a walk through the Great Valley. He said they needed to find someone willing to be eaten but he and Mama Sharptooth also appeared to be working off restless energy. Chomper watched his parents' backs warily. He had many worries lately, including the valley's collective amnesia, but his mother and father's recent snippy behavior was rising to the forefront. Chomper was at a loss for where this was coming from.

"Are you two alright?" he asked.

"We are." Mama Sharptooth said curtly. "What makes you think we aren't alright?"

A crested swimmer stared at the sharptooth family as he leaned against a tree. Mama Sharptooth's glare darted to meet his gaze, growling ominously.

"You know staring is rude, sir," she said.

The crested swimmer tensed. "I'm just people watching. Nothing wrong with that."

"Well, we don't like it." She stomped closer. "It'll only get you in trouble!"

"You can't tell me what I can or can't do!" he said.

"You have a hard time respecting requests? If you don't look away, we'll-"

"Mommy, don't!" he said, jumping in front. "Both of you, stop! Why are you getting angry at random people?"

Blowing out a breath, the crested swimmer stalked off. Papa Sharptooth watched him leave with a hard stare.

"You don't know who's a friend or foe out here, Chomper," he growled. "Anyone looking at you might be seeing if you're weak and preparing to attack. Sometimes you have to be a jerk so others in the Mysterious Beyond don't mess with you."

"What are you talking about?" Chomper asked. "We aren't in the Mysterious Beyond. We're in the Great Valley."

Mama and Papa Sharptooth's harsh looks faltered.

"Huh?" Papa Sharptooth said and then his eyes widened. "Oh, you're right. There are no threats here."

"I don't what came over us." Mama Sharptooth shook his head. "How could we forget that?"

Chomper titled his head, concerned. "Are you okay? Has something been bothering you?"

"I don't know," she said. "Maybe we're hungrier than we thought. We've also been thinking about Wing Father training the leaf eaters."

"Oh, that." Chomper said, looking down.

He had been trying not to think about it. Wherever they went, there was excited gossip about Wing Father's training regiments. Chomper had been worried that any second Verter would come over to ask for his parents to join him in "sparring." But as the morning turned to afternoon, Chomper hadn't seen hide nor horn of Verter and his parents hadn't been inclined to mention training regiments. He remembered not long before they had passed a designated battleground where a group of threehorns and similar dinosaurs were practicing cracking boulders. He feared his parents would slow down to watch and talk about it but they just walked on by. He hadn't much thought about it but realized that had been a sign something was up.

"It's great Wing Father's teaching the green guzzlers to prepare against hostile forces." Papa Sharptooth said. "But if all the leaf eaters know how to fight, finding a meal will be much harder. There's also our sharptooth pride. I don't want to lose our edge to the leaf eaters."

Chomper nodded, trying to be sympathetic but didn't want to linger on the topic. His parents wouldn't have to work hard to become better at protecting others, unlike him. A spikethumb trailed behind them, appearing to overhear them before taking a few steps ahead to get their attention.

"You feeling peckish?" she asked. "Why don't you take a bite out of me?"

"Really?" Mama Sharptooth said, perking up. "Oh, you don't have to."

"Hey, don't discourage her." Papa Sharptooth smacked his lips. "Finally. Thanks for the offer."

He and Mama Sharptooth bit a chunk out of the spikethumb's back, who sighed, relaxing from the sensation. Chomper sighed and shook his head. It would never not be weird to see someone enjoy being eaten. A few leaf eaters walked passed, grimacing and looking away. A spiketail slowed to glare. Chomper wondered what the leaf eaters thought seeing his mother and father feast on the regular. Then he looked at the spiketail again and froze when he saw the spiketail was Tega.

"Oh, disgusting," she said. "Can't you at least not do that in public?"

Papa Sharptooth's head snapped up. "What was that? You leaf eaters guzzle up greens in broad daylight all the time and you don't see us complaining."

"That's different from eating someone." Tega sneered. "Do that where we all don't have to watch."

"Don't tell us what to do!" Mama Sharptooth said. "We have a right to be here as much as anyone else."

"Hmm, I wonder." Tega smiled. "Do all the leaf eaters in this valley share that opinion? Maybe you'll find they agree with me."

Mama and Papa Sharptooth growled, their meal shaking in their mouth. The spikethumb looked about, alarmed to be caught in an unexpected argument. Chomper's veins churned with anger. How could she talk to his parents like that?

"Go away, Tega!" he snapped. "Stop bothering us!"

Tega chuckled. "You'll see the effects of my words soon, boy. Remember, you have that power too."

She lumbered on. Chomper's anger drained into wariness. Sending some last glares, his parents returned to chomping on spikethumb, who blew out a relieved breath.

"What was that about?" Mama Sharptooth asked.

"Who cares about her?" Papa Sharptooth grumbled. "Arrogant leaf eater. Our turn in the training regiments better come soon."

"Hey, be careful of my fe-" the spikethumb began, before her left rear foot got bitten off. "Oh. Guess I'll be walking three-legged for a bit then."

Soon Mama and Papa Sharptooth filled their stomachs, leaving the spikethumb to hobble off on three feet, a small string of flesh along her chest and stomach barely keeping her body together. Mama and Papa Sharptooth stood in place to digest the meal. Troubled, Chomper's mind lingered on Papa Sharptooth's last sentence.

"So you're really going to join the training regiments?" he asked.

"Of course we will." Papa Sharptooth said. "We'll be able to keep ahead of the leaf eaters in strength and deal with any potential threats against Wing Father. Besides, Verter recommended it to us."

Chomper grimaced "Oh, so Verter says it's alright."

"We trust his word. He's been a good friend." Mama Sharptooth said. "You should join us. You might become stronger than your father and I when we were children."

He waved a hand. "No thanks. I'll pass."

She frowned. "Why not? You always liked Verter and followed his advice."

Chomper tried to hide his revulsion. This was indeed a different world. "I just don't see the point in fighting when no one has said who exactly might be threatening us."

"I hope you aren't developing into a quitter." Papa Sharptooth frowned. "You already try so many things with your leaf eater friends. It's strange that you're refusing to do something that might help you survive on your own when you grow – hey, watch where you're going!"

For a longneck was squeezing around the family, bumping into him. Papa Sharptooth bumped the longneck away, who stumbled and the clubtail behind him smacked into his tail. The longneck groaned, flicking his tail with a wince before glaring.

"Hey buddy, if you're standing in the middle of the path, I need to get around you," he said.

"A 'excuse me' would have sufficed." Papa Sharptooth snapped.

"Gee, don't argue." The female clubtail said, rolling her eyes. "It was a simple mistake. You sharpteeth are so sensitive."

"Sensitive?" Mama Sharptooth said, affronted. "You leaf eaters cringe when you see us having a meal."

"Mommy!" Chomper shouted, running between his parents. "Daddy! Didn't I tell you to stop fighting?"

"This is what you're going to deal with when you grow up!" Papa Sharptooth said. "Those who think they can push you around. You have no choice but to stand up to them!"

"Oh, someone needs to stand up to you!" The longneck retorted. "Don't underestimate me. My tail has fell trees twice as high as you."

The female clubtail waved her tail about. "You better remember the name Annie. My bopper has struck guys so hard, it took a whole season for their injuries to heal."

Mama Sharptooth stepped closer to her mate. "You shouldn't underestimate us either. As a team, we have taken down a lot of leaf eaters."

"You lot call us sharpteeth for a reason." Papa Sharptooth said, showing his teeth. "We can rip off anything."

"What about your kid?" The longneck jerked his head at Chomper. "What can he do?"

He and Annie the clubtail looked Chomper over. Mama and Papa Sharptooth gazed at Chomper, who suddenly felt put on the spot.

"He's still young." Mama Sharptooth said at last. "But when he grows up, he'll be a force of nature."

"So he's going to be in the training regiments." Annie said.

"No." Papa Sharptooth said, some annoyance slipping in. "He says he won't join."

The longneck's hostility melted into surprise. "Really? He's not going to join?"

Chomper jerked his chin up. "I won't. I refuse to be a part of the training regiments"

"What kid wouldn't be involved?" Annie asked, looking him over. "Well, he's really small. It makes sense he couldn't join."

"Those teeth wouldn't hurt anybody." The longneck chuckled.

Chomper's stomach dropped. Mama and Papa Sharptooth barred teeth in outrage.

"Don't talk about our son like that!" Mama Sharptooth said.

"You really want to unleash a father's wrath?" Papa Sharptooth said. "Why, I oughtta-"

To illustrate his point, Papa Sharptooth shoved his head against the longneck. Infuriated, the longneck rammed his neck back into him. Annie the clubtail waved her tail menacingly. Mama Sharptooth growled warningly. Many nearby saw a conflict brewing and started backing away.

"You think that's a hit? Wait until I really hit you." The longneck growled.

"I'd like to see you try!" Papa Sharptooth replied.

Desperate, Chomper ran between the four. "Please all of you stop!"

"Stay out of this, Chomper." Mama Sharptooth said. "If you were wise clubtail, you would back off!"

"Oh, you're finally going to get what's coming to you." Annie said.

"If you're going to start this because of me, don't I get a say? Stop fighting!" Chomper shouted. "Stop!

He stamped a foot. For a moment, the four looked ready to tear at each other. Mama and Papa Sharptooth flashed teeth and claws while the longneck and Annie whipped their tales in the air. Then to Chomper's surprise, the four relaxed and backed away.

"Hmm, be glad I'm deciding to be merciful now." Papa Sharptooth said.

"I should be the one saying that." The longneck said.

"What?" Chomper said. He was stunned.

"Are you sure you don't want us to fight, Chomper?" Mama Sharptooth asked.

Chomper blinked. The fight was over already? He was glad for it but…really? His parents looked down at him expectantly. It took Chomper a few seconds to realize they were waiting for his answer.

"N-no," he said at last. "Let me take care of this. I can defend myself. Mommy and Daddy, go on ahead."

Papa Sharptooth nodded vaguely. "You're the boss."

"We'll wait for you." Mama Sharptooth said.

With Papa Sharptooth, she turned and marched on. In the area, the dinosaurs relaxed and went about their day. Chomper was baffled. He was relieved things had been de-escalated but why did that work? He had to do far more persuading before to get his parents to back down from a fight. Moreover, his parents tried to avoid unnecessarily conflict. Even in this peaceful valley, they wouldn't picking this many fights. He remembered the encounter with Tega earlier and how she seemed to rile them back up. Suddenly, he recalled what she said: "You'll see the effects of my words soon, boy. I'm an Anchor. Remember, you have that power too."

A chill went through Chomper. His parents only called off the fight after he shouted with all his might. Oh no. That couldn't be but – no.

"So, choosing not to join the training regiments, eh?" The longneck said.

"Huh?" Chomper said. He had nearly forgotten the longneck and clubtail were still there.

"That's weird." Annie the clubtail said. "There's a kids division. I'm sure they can find some use for you."

"I guess they can." Chomper said, finding it hard to focus with his suspicions about Tega's words. He wondered if telling his parents he would defend himself was a good idea. "I just don't want to."

"Why not?" The longneck said. "It's for Wing Father. Who wouldn't want to fight for him?"

Chomper had many retorts but bit them back. He would cast suspicion on himself by being outwardly hostile to Wing Father, which he didn't need now. "I just don't like to fight. That's my principle and I'm big enough to stick to that."

"What kind of principles make you not fight for Wing Father's sake?" Annie looked him up and down, lips twitching. "As for being big…nah, you're not."

"I mean in principles!" Chomper said, struggling not to linger on the statement. "I'm a kid. It's not my responsibility to join fights."

"So you won't fight or can't fight?"

His face heated. "That' not what I'm-"

"Hey everybody, this little sharptooth doesn't want to join Wing Father's army!" The longneck said loudly.

Chomper winced. A few nearby dinosaurs gathered over, murmuring with surprise. Chomper was terrified they were getting pulled into this argument. But too late, they were already here, a flyer with a scar on his cheek, a motherly threehorn, and a crested swimmer with some scuff marks on his fists.

"Am I hearing that right?" a flyer asked, landing on a nearby branch. "He isn't going to join?"

"But even kids are taking part," said the motherly threehorn. "I just got back with my little ones. They have done so well. Why not do your part?"

"Because I don't want to." Chomper mumbled. He tried to be forward but it was hard not to freeze up under all the attention. "I don't like fighting or think that kids should – should be part of adult battles. It's – it my belief."

"He says he's 'big in principles.'" The longneck said sarcastically.

"Oh, is that so?" A crested swimmer said, chuckling. "Bless him. Well, Chomper hasn't changed much in his young age."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Chomper asked. He didn't like the crested swimmer's cloying tone.

"Be honest." The flyer said. "You're just not cut out for the training regiments or fighting."

"That isn't relevant." Chomper stepped away in spite of himself. "Doesn't kids learning to fight in grownup fights bother you?"

The longneck shrugged. "Why would that be a problem? Everyone should be part of Wing Father's cause. The only reason someone would come up with excuses not to join is they aren't capable of fighting. Stop lying, Chomper. We all know the real reason why you won't fight."

Chomper shook his head. "I'm not lying, I-"

"That's the only reason I can see why you would refuse." The motherly threehorn said. "I've seen you run around with your friends. You definitely don't play the fighter role."

"Yeah, I bet Mr. Threehorn's snarky girl and that spiketail kid do much of that." Annie the clubtail said. "His role's to track scents. That's useful I guess but he wouldn't do well in the training regiments."

"That's not true." Chomper snapped. "If I wanted to join, I'd do well. I'd get stronger and pass all the tests that…"

He faltered, remembering Verter's training. He had barely kept up and had been run down to exhaustion. In the end, he had been unable to go on and Cera defending him by threatening to quit made Verter reveal his true colors. Having glimpsed the training at the designated battlegrounds, Chomper was kidding himself that he would ever be able to keep up. His chest cooling, Chomper thought maybe not joining wasn't just about a matter of principles. The others noted his shaken expression.

"Hey, don't look that broken up." The flyer said. "You can use other skills."

"Sniff about." The crested swimmer suggested. "That would useful to a group in a fight."

"I'm not going to sniff for a cause I don't believe in." Chomper said but there wasn't much feeling in it.

The motherly threehorn frowned. "Don't trying to avoid your responsibility. This will be very important to Wing Father and all of existence. I have a son Ric who's very shy and nervous. Even so, he was still eager to join and is doing splendidly. You're a sharptooth, why can't you take part?"

"I just…" Chomper recalled Tega's earlier words but tried pushed away the accompanying temptation. "Please, think about it. The training might be fine but what if your kids get sent to a real fight? They might really get hurt. All of you and your grownup friends will get hurt for a cause you don't understand. Is that something you want to risk?"

"If Wing Father thinks it's a good idea, it is." Annie the clubtail said. "What, are you scared to do anything?"

"That must be the reason, at his age." The flyer said.

"Stop talking about me like that." Chomper closed his eyes. "Please, listen-"

"Oh we're listening alright." The longneck said. "No offense but it's sad that someone's too weak to fulfill his duty for Wing Father. Even kids have to play a part. You'll be the only child who won't be involved at this rate. I don't know what that must be like, to not be able to help and-"

"Stop!" Chomper shouted. "Just forget it! Forget!"

The longneck and the others jumped. Their eyes misted. They remained still for a few seconds before blinking and looking around in confusion.

"What were we talking about?" The longneck asked. "Oh well. I need to spar before it's my herds' turn."

"You don't need to." The motherly threehorn said. "My kids didn't practice and by the end, it was like they had been sparring their whole lives!"

The others gave oohs and complimented her children before departing in separate directions. Chomper stayed behind, head lowering in shame. Even if he didn't want to, he still used Tega's advice to wipe others' memories. He couldn't believe he did that. What kind of person did that make him? Though he had those powers, Chomper couldn't defend his position or persuade the others to see something wrong with the training regiments. Was there nothing Chomper could do to stop the fighting? Moving slowly, he walked back to his parents, hoping he could calm his sniffles before they could see.

"Alright, this way." Mr. Thicknose said.

"Thank you so much for helping, Mr. Thicknose." Mama Fast Runner said.

Ruby walked alongside her family as Mr. Thicknose lead them through a forested path in the Great Valley. The thick big tree tops casted alternating shadows and the bushes looked lush. Ruby sent a smile at Mr. Thicknose, hoping this would be a good distraction. With her prodding, her family asked Mr. Thicknose to show what was special about the Great Valley. Mama Fast Runner looked nervous but Papa Fast Runner touched her elbow reassuringly. Ruby's siblings Saph and Emmy scampered about, laughing and pointing at interesting plants or rocks in the forest. Mr. Thicknose frowned, keeping a wary eye on the pair like they might break something. The Mr. Thicknose Ruby knew would have smiled fondly seeing her siblings. She shoved aside the thoughts about revelations earlier this morning. Hopefully with Mr. Thicknose helping her family on this trip, he might receive help too.

"I'm pleased you inquired with me regarding what makes the valley special." Mr. Thicknose said. "But why don't you consult Don? I thought his lecture was very good."

"Ruby made the suggestion." Papa Fast Runner said. "She said to be sure about what makes the valley special, it's good to ask the opinion of another wise valley dinosaur."

"I see." Mr. Thicknose said, gazing at Ruby with both bemusement and flattery. "Well, I have been to and seen many places. I'll definitely show one answer to your question."

"Ooh, I hope this lead us in the right direction." Mama Fast Runner said, clasping a hand with her mate.

"Me too." Emmy said. "The answer better be exciting."

Soon, the path ended in a clearing lush with colorful plants in the center. Bushes with big pointy leave fanned out, each one sprouting from the ground in a circular formation. Some had cone-like structures sticking out. Actual flowers of every rainbow shade shone in the sunlight in between, pink and blue and violet with golden bulbs hovering on hair-thin stalks. Young trees sprouted through whatever room was left, providing shade to the other plants. It was a wondrous sight and Ruby didn't blame Emmy and Saph for gasping and scampering toward it. Mr. Thicknose followed at a dignified pace.

"This is one of the magnificent examples of what makes the valley unique," he said. "No matter the place or time, a great variety of green food is growing, even within a small area. While elsewhere the soil might become too exhausted to grow more plants, here in the valley, that almost never happens. A great disaster or harsh cold time could kill the plants for a short time span but when the dust settles, the greens always return. This has prevented conflict and allowed many different herds to bond together."

"Ooh, this looks tasty." Saph said, looking over a big leaf from one of the small trees.

"I agree." Emmy said. "But it's still growing. We can't eat it yet."

"Good observation." Mr. Thicknose said approvingly. "Most kids in the valley would have simply chewed it up without a second thought."

"We taught our children to not eat too many young plants." Papa Fast Runner said. "There aren't enough in the Mysterious Beyond, so we have to make sure some grow to be big and offer plenty." He poked his chin. "But what does this have to do with banding against Red Claw?"

"My hypothesis is if there's not enough green food to go around, dinosaurs can't band together to deal with a common threat." Mr. Thicknose said. "When there isn't enough to go around, so everyone focuses on surviving in only their families and herds. I conclude that's what makes the valley special. Because we have enough, we can band together against any threat."

"That is true." Mama Fast Runner mused. "The idea has value. I didn't expect this as a possible answer."

"We'll consider it." Papa Fast Runner said. "But how do we proceed with this information? No one has ever made plants grow on purpose before…"

The pair drifted off to join Emmy and Saph near the center plants, glancing at one another to see if either had ideas. This left Ruby alone with Mr. Thicknose. He was frowning. Apparently, his theory wasn't being received like he expected. Ruby felt a pang remembering how Mr. Thicknose used to take critical feedback better and be open to new ideas. But that might change. Here was the opening for the other reason she requested her family to ask Mr. Thicknose for help in the first place.

"I'm sure my parents will find some use for your theory." Ruby said.

"Mmm." Mr. Thicknose said. "Hopefully, they'll come to understand it."

"Maybe the theory can be fleshed out if you flesh out your knowledge about the situation in the Mysterious Beyond."

Mr. Thicknose frowned. "I already know about the situation with the Mysterious Beyond and Red Claw."

"But it must have been a while since you been to the Mysterious Beyond." Ruby said, smiling slightly.

"I have heard enough." He looked away. "I have overheard the gossip from those who travel through the Mysterious Beyond."

"But you might not have heard from those who live in the Mysterious Beyond," she said. "Me and my family know how things run there that I can let you know about too."

Mr. Thicknose looked at her out of the corner of his eye. "You saying I don't possess such knowledge?"

Ruby hesitated. "Not in a bad way."

"I don't like this line of questioning."

Ruby clasped her hands. "Please, hear me out."

Mr. Thicknose turned and sauntered off. "Stop talking to me at once."

She hurried after him. "Please, I'm not trying to hurt you. Give this a chance."

"This is insulting to my dignity, Ruby." Mr. Thicknose said. "You're implying I don't know everything. You know my reputation."

"I know you know a lot but that doesn't mean there isn't more to learn." Ruby said carefully. "There should be no shame in admitting that. It's just sad that you can't enjoy sharing knowledge."

Mr. Thicknose scoffed. "Of course I enjoy sharing knowledge. I wouldn't have my position in the valley if I didn't see it as…valuable."

"Valuable isn't the same as enjoying." She pointed out.

He stopped and glared. Amid all the hostility in those eyes, Ruby thought she saw fear.

"Everything alright over there?" Papa Fast Runner said, surprised to see the two almost out of the clearing.

"We're fine." Ruby said. "We're just having a fine discussion."

Though confused, Papa Fast Runner shrugged and resumed looking at some violet flowers with his family. Mr. Thicknose's hostile gaze didn't waver.

"What are you trying to get out of this?" he said in an undertone. "Do you think I'm not telling the truth? Is there some kind of deal you want to make?"

"It's not about any of that at all." Ruby replied. "As someone who likes learning and sharing knowledge, I just find it sad you can't be happier about learning and sharing, that you're afraid of how others might see you if you're your more openly curious self."

"I…I am being myself." Mr. Thicknose said. It sounded like he was partly saying that to himself.

"You can do that by asking me questions." Ruby placed a hand to her chest. "Chomper too, if you see him. But as a fast runner, I've talked with leaf eaters and sharpteeth. Surely you must be curious about that."

Mr. Thicknose smacked his lips and averted his gaze. "That is indeed a unique perspective. But what makes you think I haven't heard it before in my travels."

"There's nothing wrong with a refresher." Ruby said, leaning closer. "If you refresh yourself, you might refresh your ability to come up with new ideas. You could put together details that you didn't think could go together before. Come on, what do you say?"

He pressed his lips together, thinking it over. Ruby thought she saw a brief look of interest appear in his eyes before he could stop it. He sighed.

"Very well," he said. "What can you tell me?"

Ruby resisted the urge to throw her hands up in victory. That would only lose her the ground she gained. Instead, she composed herself and smiled.

"Have you ever wondered how fast runners can talk with sharpteeth? Many have it passed down from their parents but others have to learn from experience with sharpteeth. Mommy and Daddy say their experience involved learning through interacting with sharpteeth or listening from overheard sharpteeth conversation a bit at a time."

"Really now?" Mr. Thicknose said, some fascination slipping through. "So you must learn it bit by bit over time before becoming fluent. Of course I already knew that but it's an interesting way to learn the tongue of those who mightn't always be friendly. Can you speak sharptooth?"

Ruby faltered. "Um, no. My parents didn't have much time to teach me before it was time for me to go to the Great Valley."

"Oh." Mr. Thicknose looked slightly disappointed but rallied. "That is nevertheless interesting though."

"You can always ask my parents or Chomper to teach you how to speak sharptooth." Ruby said. Mr. Thicknose perked in interest. She felt proud of herself for digging herself out that hole. Mr. Thicknose was already looking more like the bright, curious elder she came to know. "See what I mean? You look happy to take new meaning from what knowledge others give you, even if you 'know' it already."

"I suppose so." Mr. Thicknose said, gaze misting as though in thought.

She beamed. This was going well. Maybe she use this to help people develop back into their better selves. Now for the final test, to see if people retained what was said. "So to refresh ourselves, what topic was I talking about?"

"Topic about what?" he said, shaking his head.

"I just want to make sure you remember what we discussed before discussing the next topic."

Mr. Thicknose frowned. "What are you blathering about?"

Ruby smile dropped. Mr. Thicknose looked quite bemused, an ominous stuffy annoyance growing in his expression. Her stomach sank.

"We were talking about how fast runners are able to talk with sharptooth," she said carefully, "and so talk in more than one language."

He widened an eye. "Really now?"

"So do you remember?" Ruby asked.

"I haven't the faintest idea what you're referring to with this line of questioning." Mr. Thicknose grimaced in impatience. "Is this some game? You haven't clarified the rules yet."

"It's not a game." She panted. She couldn't believe this was happening. Should he be forgetting so soon? "Were we talking about fast runners being able to talk with sharpteeth a few moments ago?"

He shook his head irritably. "We have done no such thing."

"Yes we have!" Ruby said desperately. "You even liked it!"

"I have a good memory Ruby. I would know if we were discussing such a topic."

"But we were. Please listen, I can jog what we were-"

"Enough!" Mr. Thicknose snapped. "I tire of this. I'm going over to offer further assistance to your family. Playing mind games isn't the way to relate to others. If you want to actually discuss interesting matters, show up at one of my lectures with the other children. "

"Wait, don't go!" She reached a hand out.

Mr. Thicknose turned and marching back to the fast runner family. Ruby lowered her arm. So there wasn't any way to make others change for the better again? She slowly walked out of the clearing and into the forest, a heavy ache in her for the people still present but no longer how she knew them. What was the point in sharing knowledge if everyone would forget a few moments later? Knowledge was great if it can be used and shared, but now that mightn't be possible. A few flyers passed by as the bright circle glittered in the middle of the sky. As she navigated around the foliage, grunts and cries filled the air.

The trees thinned enough for her to see the forest terminate in a grassy hill and down below several dinosaurs sparring at a designated battleground. Several adult swimmers were practicing punches, one bruised participant getting knocked to the ground and nursing her jaw. Off to the side, Ruby saw several swimmer children practicing darting through two grownup swimmers' legs, a few smacking into the feet while others giggled as they cleared the challenge. Some passersby paused to watch their work in admiration, including the bruised adult swimmer who got back up to continue sparring.

Those children wouldn't be giggling when they had to use those skills in a real fight, Ruby thought. She had seen fights in the Mysterious Beyond but they were only a handful of individuals. She didn't want to see the whole Great Valley attacking a smaller or equivalent population. If Wing Father had his way, the conflicts leading to his victory would look like child's roughhousing compared to what was to come. But Ruby didn't know what she or any of her friends could do. Would they only be able to sit back and watch as everyone suffered? She turned and rushed back, suppressing the tears pricking her eyes. A rustle ahead made her stop. She froze, wary that someone might attack. Instead, only Don stumbled through the foliage, grumbling. Ruby stared in shock, which turned to fury.

"You!"

Don jumped. "What?" He whirled around, almost tripping. "Don't scare me like that!"

"Are you happy with yourself?" Ruby demanded, marching over. "Are you happy it's easy to fix things and make everyone forgot things that are inconvenient?"

"Oh, right." He fiddled with his wing. "That…unpleasantness."

"Unpleasantness? It was just unpleasantness to you?" Her hands closed to fists. "Did you know this was going to happen?"

"Stop shouting. It makes it hard to think."

"But did you know?"

"Yes, yes, I knew." Despite himself, he gained a troubled look. "I didn't expect Wing Father and Verter to be so…chummy."

Calming herself, Ruby examined him. Don wasn't as haughty as usual. Maybe with time to think and especially after the valley's collective amnesia, he was beginning to have second thoughts. A drop of sympathy settled in Ruby.

"Didn't you see any warnings when you saw Tega was one of the Anchors?" she asked gently.

"Tega? Oh, don't remind me of her." Don grimaced. "She nearly impaled me just a moment ago after I got too close to an orange tree sweet tree she was eying. She always taunted that she was an Anchor far longer than I was."

"Yes, yes, she's a selfish jerk." Ruby said impatiently. "But did knowing she was a selfish jerk but that Wing Father still chose her as an Anchor ever make you doubt him?"

"Well…" Don looked away. "I just left that concern to Wing Father."

She couldn't help being let down. Some of her anger returned as she shook her head. "Come with me. Let's see what your proclaimed wisdoms thinks of what I'll show you!"

She grabbed his hand and pulled him back to the forest edge. Don tripped and followed, apparently too startled to wrench himself free. Ruby dragged him to her earlier view of the designated battlegrounds. Now the adult swimmers were exchanging kicks while the young children were dodging around adults' grapping hands to practice avoiding getting captured.

"See these swimmers?" Ruby said. "The adults and children are going to fight and suffer for Wing Father's pointless battles. I've seen this happen at many designated battlegrounds while my family's been around the valley. The threehorns were practicing before and every herd will practice after. Is this what you want? Is all this worth you being the valley's biggest know-it-all?"

Don flinched when a few of the swimmer children got grabbed in the exercise, yelping in pain from the adults' tight holds. For a moment, Don's face was filled with conflict. But he wrenched from her grip and stepped away.

"Wing Father fulfilled my wish," he said. "I get to share my knowledge and people respect me for it. That's all that matters."

He spoke like he was trying to persuade himself. He glared at her desperately.

"You say that, but if you have doubts, it's okay to express them." Ruby said.

"You won't turn me!" Don snapped. "I have worked too hard to get what I want! The world has at last stopped changing. I have the respect I always deserved! You won't take that from me!"

He heaved out breath, eyes hard and stance firm. Ruby slumped, disappointment billowing in her. Then her feelings for him shut out and she became cold.

"That's your position?" she said.

"It is!" Don snapped. "I suggest you accept that. If you want to know more, you'll have to go to me. And if you know your place, you won't question things again! Stop thinking about changing the world!"

Don threw out his wings and took off into the air. Ruby glared up after him. That Don had doubts but didn't act on them made him just as complicit as Tega and Verter. She stalked off back to her family. As she did, her anger colored and a terrible helplessness settled in her. It was too late to change anything. Ruby tried to persuade Don to defect but he wouldn't budge. She tried to share knowledge with Mr. Thicknose to change for the better but he soon forgot, just like they would all always forget. She couldn't use her knowledge to do anything, even stop Wing Father's horrible upcoming battles. Her family might get caught up in them. Ruby stifled the catch in her throat. What would her family think if they remembered her part in making this world?

Littlefoot walked along with his head down. He let Grandpa and Grandma Longneck's booming guide the way. He felt their glances of concern as they walked alongside him. He couldn't distract himself from his low mood. He asked his family to give him space after the fight with his friends and they respected that. But with that, he had nothing to occupy his attention from the sadness and guilt he felt. Not helping matters was that Mama Longneck had to leave to attend a valley meeting to discuss the valley defenses for any upcoming attack. Littlefoot was bothered that this fighting mentality was sweeping over his peaceful valley. The cries and grunts of sparring became audible as they passed another designated battleground.

"Hey look Littlefoot." Grandpa Longneck said, raising his head. "The swimmers are really working hard in the training regiments. Do you want to see how they fight?"

Littlefoot kept his gaze down. "Not really."

"What?" Grandma Longneck said, surprised. She sighed. "Well, you were always a gentle-hearted sort."

Littlefoot hesitated. "You won't force me to do it?"

"We would like you to participate." Grandpa Longneck said. "But we can talk about that some other time."

Littlefoot nodded thankfully. He didn't look up until the rough grunts and strikes of designated battleground sparring faded with distance. He had already seen more than enough at the other designated battlegrounds. They entered a thicker forest, the fan-like trees filled with thin pointy greens and pinecones only allowing a few dapples of light to seep in above.

"Littlefoot, what happened with your friends?" Grandma Longneck asked. "We thought you would go with them this morning but when you came back, you were so upset. Did you have a fight?"

Littlefoot hesitated. "Something like that."

"That's tough to go through." Grandpa Longneck said. "Fighting with those you're close to is normal, though not fun. But we've seen you make up before. We're sure you'll do so again."

"Maybe. But…this is bigger than our usual fights." Littlefoot said

Grandma Longneck glanced at him. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Littlefoot remembered how they reacted to his claims this morning. "No."

"Oh." Grandpa Longneck said, looking disappointed. "Well if you ever change your mind, you can always talk to us and your mother. Oh Alis! Patty!"

Littlefoot jumped. Looking ahead, he saw Alis and Patty walking toward them. He only had enough time to see Alis start and beam before Littlefoot hastily looked down. He didn't dare look at Patty. He heard the rumble of her and her mother going up to Grandpa and Grandma Longneck, shadows falling on the grass.

"Hello all!" Alis said. "So nice to run into you."

"Likewise." Grandma Longneck said warmly. "Are you preparing for your turn in the training regiments? You seem in good spirits, so…"

The three grownups got into an animated discussion about their day. It sounded as though they talked like this all the time. Littlefoot was frightened that at any moment Patty might say something to him but she remained silent. He sneaked a look at her, finding her uncomfortably sweeping her gaze around him. That was strange but Littlefoot was still discomforted to be in her presence. Soon he couldn't take it any longer.

"Grandma, Grandpa, can I wander on my own?" he asked.

Grandpa Longneck gave a double-take. "What, Littlefoot? This is abrupt."

Littlefoot averted his gaze. "I just want to have a walk."

"Are you sure?" Grandma Longneck said, glancing ahead. "We were…hoping you could talk with Patty."

"No!" Littlefoot said a little too loudly. Feeling their shocked gazes, he added. "Sorry! I was only saying, um-"

"It's alright." Patty interrupted. "Give him his space."

The others swung their gazes to her. Littlefoot was so surprised he raised his gaze, finding Patty's averted gaze. She had a look of shame. Though confused, Grandma and Grandpa Longneck nodded.

"Very well." Grandpa Longneck said. "Just circle the area until we call for you, Littlefoot."

Nodding, Littlefoot scampered off. He wandered about the forest paths. Sometimes, dinosaurs passed by, talking excitedly about the training they had come back from or they were going to cycle into this afternoon. A squareshield child pranced by with her father, excitedly boasting.

"Did you see how I crushed that rock Papa?" she said. "Verter said I might soon start practicing against grownups next!"

"Way to go, Chazil!" said her father. "You make me proud. Keep working hard, for Wing Father's sake."

They passed on. Littlefoot watched them go, remembering what Cera said about his part in this. Shaking that thought away, he continued walking. He hoped his grandparents' talk with Alis would be done soon. He wondered if they would try to engage Patty and if it would occur to them to question what happened between her and Littlefoot. He tried not to listen too closely at what other passing dinosaurs were talking about. The patter of his feet echoed in his ears.

"Hey hatchling."

Littlefoot started. Hyp leaned against a tall tree on the path's left side, arms crossed and smirking in that way which meant trouble. In any other situation, Littlefoot would have cringed with dread. Instead, he only felt a flicker of annoyance.

"Oh great," he muttered. "What do you want?"

"You don't have to be that unenthusiastic to see me." Hyp said, pushing himself off the tree to slink over. "Whatever, you came at the right time. I want someone to mess with."

"I'm not in the mood." Littlefoot said.

"Did I ask what you're in the mood for?" Hyp jerked a thumb. "You, me, a goo pit, now. We're gonna get messy. Should have stuck with your friends if you didn't want trouble."

"No thanks." Littlefoot said.

He wandered around Hyp and continued walking. After a few seconds, Littlefoot heard footsteps and Hyp stepped in front of him, scowling.

"Don't act like you're better than me." Hyp said. "I'm big, you're small. Follow the natural order."

"That isn't going to help, you know." Littlefoot said.

Hyp looked irritated. "What won't?"

"Picking on others. It might make you happy for a short while but you'll only be miserable in the end."

Hyp stood rooted to the spot. His eyes were wide as though he had been struck by a blow that hurt harder than it should have. Then his fists shook. "You're asking for a pounding you little-"

"Hold it, Hyp!"

Hyp jumped. Running around Littlefoot on either side, Papa and Mama Sprinter stopped in front of him. Mama Sprinter gripped her chest, nursing a stitch and panting. Glaring, Papa Sprinter pointed at Hyp.

"Caught in the act. You have an explanation for yourself?"

"I – I was just messing with the kid." Hyp stuttered, staggering back. He forced out a nervous smile. "I mess with those I like, right Littlefoot?"

"Don't involve him in your excuses." Papa Sprinter said. "You tormented him enough."

"Stop this, Hyp." Mama Sprinter said, hands clasped together. "Please, you're getting a bad reputation throughout the valley. You shouldn't be like this."

Hyp glared. "Don't tell me what kind of person I should be! I don't need anyone telling me that."

Papa Sprinter stepped into Hyp's face. "Don't talk to your mother like that! She was only trying to help."

Hyp cowered. Mama Sprinter fidgeted.

"Dear, please don't yell that close to his face..." she said.

"I'm trying to help you." Papa Sprinter retorted. "What did he say to you, Littlefoot? Huh?"

"Oh, ah." Littlefoot squirmed. "That he'll push me into goo. Not the worst I dealt with but-"

"See, he says it's not the worst." Hyp interrupted.

"If you want to goof around with others, they must agree to it first." Mama Sprinter said. "You can't do it to be mean to someone."

"This is why we forbid you from meeting Nod and Mutt." Papa Sprinter said. "I wouldn't normally go to this extreme for a reason but you're latest misbehavior forced our paw. Why are you like this?"

"If I may say something." Littlefoot interrupted. Caught off guard, all three looked at him. "If – if he sees only certain examples of behavior, that's the only way he'll act with others. That'll affect him especially during the Time of Great Growing when he wants to act like a grownup."

"Where did that all come from? Are you stalking me?" Hyp demanded, angry and a little freaked out. "You're really making me mad now…"

"Stop!" Papa Sprinter grabbed Hyp's arm. "Even your bully victims are worrying about you. If what he said is true, your actions are only doing the opposite of proving your independence. You're only showing how immature you are."

Papa Sprinter pulled away, making Hyp stumble after him. Hyp yelped.

"Ow, ow, you're hurting me!" he said.

"Then come with us willingly and I won't have to pull you hard!" Papa Sprinter said.

"Oh no, please be a little gentler." Mama Sprinter said, fidgeting anxiously. "I don't think that helps."

"Are you on my side or not?" Papa Sprinter snapped. "I'm trying to do what's best for us!"

"All of you stop arguing!" Littlefoot cut in, following desperately. "Don't you see, Hyp's imitating you. Yelling only makes him double-down on what he's doing!"

Papa Sprinter whirled on Littlefoot. "Stay out of this! You're not a parent! This is the only way to make Hyp see sense!"

"Oh, I can't take this." Mama Sprinter rubbed her forehead. "I can't take this constant fighting anymore…"

"You always do this!" Hyp shouted. "You never take my side, either of you!"

"But don't you see Hyp, you're arguing like your dad and-" Littlefoot began.

"Give it up, Littlefoot." Mama Sprinter said tiredly. "Run along. This is our business."

"Honestly, you're so ungrateful." Papa Sprinter said. "Come with us. You're not leaving our sight for the rest of the day. And you won't be participating in the training regiments either!"

He pulled harder on Hyp's arm, who stumbled along. Reluctantly, Hyp allowed his father to lead him away, Mama Sprinter trailing behind them and shaking her head. Littlefoot stood reeling. A great grief and sadness overwhelmed him. For all Littlefoot tried to help, he might as well not have said anything at all. That family would never know peace or growth in this world. They would fight and argue forever and Littlefoot's complicity in this made his eyes blur. He ran off, a great tearing feeling in his chest.

Eventually, he came across the mouth of the Thundering Falls. Only a few sailbacks remained on the opposite bank, pulling water greens from the blue depths. Littlefoot collapsed with one foot barely over the water and sniffled, closing his eyes. Littlefoot had seen Hyp change for the better twice but that wouldn't be possible now. He would be the same bully, his father always harsh, and mother emotionally overwhelmed. They weren't the only ones. Mr. Thicknose, Guido…No one would change or grow. They would always revert, always falling back on their immature behavior or toxic traits. It was all Littlefoot's fault. That family and everyone else in the world was going to suffer forever because of his decision.

Littlefoot lay there for a while, wallowing in his guilt and regret and struggling not to burst into tears. He didn't know how much time passed but at some point, he saw the reflection of someone standing next to him in the river. Wiping his eyes, Littlefoot squinted at it. The tall figure and silver wings looked familiar. Gasping, Littlefoot shot to his feet and looked to his right to find Wing Father floating beside him. Wing Father stared at the opposite bank, the roar of the Thundering Falls washing over them. Littlefoot froze, the grief now mixed with some fear. He had managed to avoid the being for many days but Wing Father found him at last.

"You seem saddened by that family." Wing Father said at last.

"What?" Littlefoot said.

"Hyp and his parents. That expansive heart will only bring you pain..."

Littlefoot stared up warily. "Why would you care about that?"

"I'm the savior." Wing Father said, raising an elegant hand. "It's only…natural I'd be concerned that one of my subjects is suffering. To make the kind of world we want, people like Hyp's family are a necessary sacrifice."

Littlefoot felt a blow inside him. He looked at the river. "Were Cera and Chomper's parents being in that brutal fight also necessary sacrifices?"

"Yes." Wing Father said.

Littlefoot's grip on the shore tightened. "I don't believe that. There wasn't any point to Cera and Chomper's parents going through that. And there isn't any point to the training regiments either. The world is under your control. Who's there to fight? And yet you made the Great Valley forget about yesterday and everyone's now learning how to fight. How does this create paradise?"

Wing Father was silent for a bit. Somewhere beyond Littlefoot's dulled emotions, he expected Wing Father to lash out in fury. Instead Wing Father let out a low sigh.

"I knew you wouldn't be fooled for long," he said. "Now is the time to really talk with you, Littlefoot. It's time I was honest."

Littlefoot stared. "Fooled? What do you mean? Didn't we also talk before we changed the world?"

"Like I mentioned, this is an honest conversation. I've been waiting for this for a while."

Wing Father turned to smile at Littlefoot. It had more of a sharp edge. Littlefoot's dulled feelings were replaced by a wave of dread. He wouldn't like what he was about to hear.

"I come from the afterlife." Wing Father began. "It is where the souls of the dead move on to dwell. There are also other beings who have always called the afterlife their home, most having existed since before life ever entered this world. In a far off future that'll never come to pass, they were to be called angels and demons."

Littlefoot turned the information over in his head.

"So you're one of those…angels?" he asked.

"I decided to present myself in that respect." Wing Father said with a slight smile. "We can't die. There's no death in the afterlife. You just exist forever. In the unfathomingly long time that entails, we have to entertain ourselves in some way. I entertained myself by watching your mortal world. Life was so short and you creatures made the most of it. So much drama and conflict. It engrossed me so much I was no longer content with just watching."

Wing Father stared into the middle distance, gaze full of longing. There was something unseemly about it. Remembering Wing Father's earlier mention of "fooled," Littlefoot's mouth became dry.

"What do you mean by 'just watching?'"

Wing Father didn't acknowledge the question. "I wanted to play a part. But only in very specific circumstances could a being like me touch the mortal world and even then, only briefly. I tried all sorts of methods. Eventually I was found out. Many didn't like what I was doing. Angels, demons, even deceased mortals…they all arrayed against me."

Wing Father frowned. Littlefoot's raised his head.

"I don't like where this is going," he said.

"The mortal souls wanted to protect their world." Wing Father continued. "They fought me with the angels and demons. Among the mortals who fought the hardest was your mother. I was insulted. A lowly mortal like her, daring to oppose me. I was so furious I unleashed an attack that accidentally connected me to her. I first tried to fight it but found in my struggles that I could contact those who have recently died. A bonus was no one could interfere with my plans."

Littlefoot was shocked. "You - you caught my mother? What did you do to her?"

"Nothing that you can understand." Wing Father smiled. "She wasn't aware of or hurt by what happened. I couldn't reach the mortal world myself. I could only talk with the recently deceased, those on the way to the other side. They shied away, fearing me. So I decided to present myself as a savior. I really got started when I met Patty and Tega."

"Wait." Littlefoot interrupted. "What happened to my mother? How long did you have her?"

"Don't believe time flows the same way between your world and mine." Wing Father waved dismissively. "I found if I gave the two a bit of my power I could resurrect them, even influence the world through them. It was only when Don accepted my offer that I was able to bring souls back. But once mortals discovered the ghosts' true nature, they were sent back. I could see through the ghosts' eyes but was still learning how to manipulate the world through them. I knew I needed four Anchors to gain a foothold but that wouldn't be enough to drag me to the mortal world. I also needed seven individuals who embody the sins and virtues that make up all living beings. They had to already have tight bonds or it wouldn't work. The world was so large, I was at a loss of where to look. Then I met you and your friends."

Littlefoot remained silent, shifting uncomfortably. Wing Father had already told some of this before the time before the ceremony but there was now a more ominous tone to these words.

"I saw you and your friends three times, getting tangled up in the ghost phenomena. I normally wouldn't think much of it, except I noticed there were seven of you and I felt a tug of familiarity from your mother that made me realize you were her son. It seemed too perfect. Each of you embodied the sins and virtues I was looking for. But to make sure, I brought that sharptooth back for a test."

"You're sounding more selfish by the moment." Littlefoot panted. "That test wasn't actually benevolent, was it?"

"I'm glad you finally realize." Wing Father's smile was chilling. "It would have been a victory for me either way. If you survived, I found my seven chosen sinners to bring me to power in this world. If you all died, I would have got my revenge on your mother for opposing me. To my great surprise, you passed. You each managed to make contact with the sharptooth, which allowed me to make seven more connections."

"Seven connections? What do you…?" Littlefoot trailed off. A chill went through him. "No, no, no! We aren't dead! We don't have any powers! You can't be connected to us!"

Wing Father chuckled. "It's nothing like that. You remember whenever your heart cooled or tightened? That was me."

Shakily, Littlefoot touched his chest. It felt cold and tight. He hadn't really noticed it but looking back, he had been experiencing a cold or tight chest ever since that sharptooth encounter, growing more frequent with every day. Littlefoot hastily tried to rub warmth into his chest, but the cold didn't abate.

"Whenever I saw an opportunity, I used that to influence your decisions, inclining you to choose in ways that benefited me and your friend circle." Wing Father said.

"That was you?" Littlefoot staggered back, gaze wandering as he remembered. "Wait, I have seen my friends touching or scratching their chest a lot lately. I've seen them wince as though their chests hurt. You were the reason we were feeling that? Then you were really making us do things. But wait – that means you blocked my connection with Mother!"

"Correct." Wing Father's eyes gleamed. "It was so sweet seeing your break down that night."

Littlefoot's ears rang. He turned to Wing Father, anger curdling in his veins. "Don't joke about it. You – it was all you. You took mother. You hurt her! Give her back! Give her back now!"

"Who says I'm keeping her?" Wing Father said innocently. "You have been with her the last few days. I let go of her after no longer needing her."

"You know what I mean!" Littlefoot stamped the ground. "You must have put on mother's voice because of that connection. You hurt and tormented us. You hurt my friends and family! You made us change the world!"

He charged. He struck Wing Father's legs, ramming his shoulders into them. Littlefoot didn't get sent flying back like Mr. Threehorn had been but Wing Father didn't react. Littlefoot grunted and rammed repeatedly into Wing Father's legs.

"Is that a wise decision?" Wing Father asked, amused. "Do you know how the others might react if they saw you attacking the world's savior?"

"I don't care!" Littlefoot snarled, striking again "This is all your fault! You hurt everyone I know! You made us all suffer and made the world so much worse!"

"And you think you played no part in making that happen?"

Littlefoot stopped. Feeling a cool of dread, he raised his head. Wing Father smiled down.

"There was always something in you that would make this choice," he said. "You always wanted to make the world safer for those you love. It makes sense you would go along with the first person who says they can make it a reality."

Littlefoot shook his head. "No. That was all you. You forced us!"

"Don't lie. The ritual wouldn't work if you and your friends didn't want the new world in some way. Deep down, you thought I had the right idea, that your grandparents were wrong about the circle of life. And here was a savior, willing to give you everything you want. Except I was never a savior. And you were willing to overlook that."

"No!" Littlefoot backed away, doubt and denial warring inside him. "I wouldn't, I didn't – no!"

"It was all a lie." Wing Father continued. "Some part of you must have suspected I wasn't being genuine. But you were so tempted you ignored what your instincts were telling you. You willingly swallowed the claim that my morals were relative. Because of you, everyone's lives are now mine to play with. You all will fight and argue based on what I find the most entertaining. No one will ever grow or change. And it is all thanks to you Littlefoot."

Littlefoot collapsed, overwhelmed with guilt. "Stop it! Stop! I – I didn't mean to!"

"Ironic, isn't it? The son of the mortal who fought against me gave what I most wanted." Wing Father said. "Everyone will suffer and forget because of you. Do you think they will be forgiving if they knew you helped me? You've wanted to make the world a paradise but you've only created the opposite. And I won't be done here. Soon, worlds you can't comprehend will know and curse your name."

Littlefoot screamed, chest so cold it hurt. He covered his face but it didn't stop the guilt and horror of what he was a part of. All those he ever knew, the innumerable other lives that he might never meet, were all going to go through pain and torment because of him. He had been to and seen many places but that was only a fraction of what existed in the world. Even that mysterious rainbow face pair might not be safe. The weight of it all was so much that Littlefoot felt he might suffocate under it. He didn't want to think or feel anymore. He wanted this all to be over. He scraped the ground and panted, seeking an escape, any escape.

"Kill me!" he said. "Just kill me! I don't want to live anymore! I can't deal with this burden!"

"Oh but that's the thing." Wing Father raised a finger, smiling. "You can never die. That's the consequence of your chosen world. Now if you'll excuse me, I have dinosaurs to train to fight for my vision."

With that, he floated from the river. Unable to hold it back anymore, Littlefoot broke into sobs. He beat his forefoot on the grass, feeling a flash of pain from a small rock hidden in the dirt but that was nothing compared to the pain he should be feeling. He wanted to disappear, to cease to exist. But there was no escape. He would have to live with the responsibility forever, helpless as the rest of the world was plunged into violence. How could he have been so foolish? He should have fought against Wing Father but doing that would have made him lose his grandparents. And now there was nothing he could do to stop it. He cried through the hurt and terror and guilt until he couldn't shed any more tears. For ages, he remained where he lay, stewing in his misery. Gradually, he became aware of familiar foot rumbles.

"Littlefoot! Where are you? You're grandparents are getting worried! Where did he wander off…oh there you are."

Sniffling, Littlefoot looked up. Mama Longneck was standing nearby. He had only enough time to see her relief when she noticed his red-rimmed eyes. Alarmed, she jogged up to him.

"Littlefoot, what is it?" she asked. "What's wrong?"

She lowered her head to nuzzle him. Littlefoot jerked away.

"Littlefoot?" she said, confused.

"Keep away!" Littlefoot said.

Mama Longneck's head reared back. "Littlefoot, I want to help. I don't like seeing you upset."

"No one can fix this!" Littlefoot cried. "I don't deserve you. I never should have made that deal."

She stood still, worried and thinking. "Did you fight with your friends? You refused to say anything after you came back from talking to them this morning. There has been a general sadness about you lately. Do you want to talk about it?"

"What would be the point?" He looked away. "You won't remember tomorrow. There isn't anything you can do."

"What do you mean?"

"It doesn't matter. You won't believe me anyway."

He felt a fresh wave of tears. He didn't know where to go from here. He had no hope. After a few moments, a shadow fell over him and he looked up to realize Mama Longneck was still there. She lowered her head, eyes full of sad conviction.

"I admit, I don't know what's going on but you're in pain," she said. "I can't sit by and do nothing. If it will help, I'll believe you. I'll put aside any doubts. Even if I can't do much, at least we can talk so you won't have to shoulder all this pain alone. Please, Littlefoot, I'm your mother. I want to be there for you."

Littlefoot stared up. Mama Longneck was earnest and beseeching. In spite of himself, his tears dried. She really wanted to help. Even after all these horrible changes and disruptions, his mother was still her kind self. A part of him still hesitated and wondered if she would be able to help. She would forget tomorrow. But now, she was there for him, like he wished for ever since he first reached the Great Valley. Taking a deep breath, Littlefoot turned to her and began to talk.

Next time…

Benefits of Time