Note: This chapter contains children being hurt (in a manner of speaking). Reader discretion advised.
We Will Hold On Forever
by
DaveTheAnalyzer
Chapter 34: Benefits of Time Part 2
"Here's your favorite snapping shell, Ruby." Mama Fast Runner said.
Beaming, Ruby took the snapping shell, light pink and still wet from the river. Tossing it into her mouth, Ruby chewed, closing her eyes at the sweet taste and rough texture. She and her family have been walking along a river, a forest a few yards to their left. Her family smiled fondly. Mama Fast Runner looked pleased about the find she chanced on when she looked into the riverbed.
"That was great, Mommy." Ruby said. "I find it hard to find that kind of pink snapping shell in the valley."
"You gain experience being on the lookout for your children's favorites." Mama Fast Runner chuckled. "I'm glad you enjoy it."
Papa Fast Runner gazed into the middle distance, thinking hard. "Mr. Thicknose has pointed us in an intriguing direction but I'm afraid it's likely not what we're looking for."
Mama Fast Runner nodded. "Plants won't defeat Red Claw. But your friends and the valley have been able to ward off so many threats. There must be some quality that helps them last so long."
Ruby lowered her eyes. "I'm sorry my idea to ask Mr. Thicknose wasn't a helpful idea."
"Oh, you don't need to apologize, Ruby." Mama Fast Runner said. "The process of elimination's all part of finding a solution. Hopefully, we can narrow it down."
Papa Fast Runner stroked his chin. "We might find an answer by joining Wing Father's training regiments."
Ruby blanched. She turned to her mother hopeful for a rebuttal but she was nodding thoughtfully.
"That might be a wise decision." Mama Fast Runner said. "Wing Father's forces will strike against threats to the valley before those threats strike first. That might include Red Claw. It would be prudent to help."
"Wait, no!" Ruby said, stopping in her tracks. "I think you should wait and reconsider doing that!"
"Oh, why not Ruby?" Saph asked, tugging on her arm.
"It sounds exciting." Emmy clasped her hands dreamily. "We'll be beating bad guys!"
"You two should definitely not be part of it!" Ruby cried. "If the training regiments were just about Red Claw, they might have some value but this isn't just about him. We'll be attacking innocent dinosaurs!"
"Ruby, those dinosaurs aren't innocent." Mama Fast Runner said. "They are threatening to destroy the valley. We can't stand by and watch it happen, even as more recent valley residents."
"Do you know anyone who wants to hurt the valley aside from Red Claw?" Ruby asked.
"Hmm, good question." Papa Fast Runner said. "But that doesn't mean they don't exist."
"There are those who resent the valley and might act on those feelings any day now." Mama Fast Runner said. "I trust Wing Father's judgement on this."
"Come on, think." Ruby pleaded. "Don't be part of it. Please, I don't want any of you to get hurt."
"Why not?" Saph asked. "You go on dangerous adventures all the time."
"Going on adventures is different from going to war!" Ruby said.
"Ruby, please." Papa Fast Runner gripped her shoulder. "What has gotten into you? Listen to the benefits. With these training regiments, we can learn to run and dodge in a fight. We could provide distractions for allies in combat. We might even be able to spy and gather information. Know the threat before the threat knows you. It is something Wing Father and Verter will likely need in this upcoming fight."
"What if you gather the information and find the threat you were sent to investigate isn't a threat?" Ruby asked.
"Then the enemy is very good at deception." Mama Fast Runner said. "Please, consider joining us. With your adventures and time in the Great Valley, you'll be a valuable help."
Ruby wavered, seeing the hopeful look in her family and wanting to spend time with her.
"This might be what you need to work on any skills you want to improve?" Mama Fast Runner continued.
"I…" Ruby sighed. "Give me time to think about it."
Her family agreed to return in a few minutes and went on ahead. Ruby sat down on the shore, chest cooling as she stared at the rippling water. Maybe there was some use in joining the training regiments. She could use them to improve and gain skills. But she feared by the time she learned the skills she wanted, she would be sent off to battle to put those skills to use. She also didn't think she could pretend to be passionate about the training regiments like everyone else. She ached at the thought of her family joining. They might contribute to hurting innocent dinosaurs in the Mysterious Beyond, some they might know. It was the direct opposite of their mission to defeat Red Claw. Ruby didn't know what to do to stop it.
"There's Ruby!"
She sat up and looked behind. She saw six shapes jogging toward her in the forest. Their familiarity stirred her out of her down mood. When they squeezed their faces into view around leaves and branches, she saw Littlefoot, Chomper, and the others.
"Hey Ruby." Chomper continued. "See, I found her."
"Just like you found that hiding place." Ducky said. "Good job Chomper."
"Cera, Ducky." Ruby beamed. "My friends. Why are you here?"
"We came to get you." Littlefoot said, stepping forward. "Can you join us? We could really use your help."
"Help?" Ruby repeated. "What do you want help with? I don't know if I should leave this spot. My family will soon come back and will worry if they don't know where I've gone." She looked down. "They also want to know if I wish to join the training regiments with them."
"Your family too?" Cera scowled. "Dang it, does everyone have to be in love with Wing Father's training?"
"Well, we here to do something about it." Petrie said.
"What can be done?" Ruby demanded. She was desperate to prevent her family from joining but rubbing her chest, she was skeptical if it was possible.
"You can help the group come up with ideas to stop Wing Father." Littlefoot said. "We need you, Ruby. You're among the smartest friends I know."
"Really?" Ruby turned to him with surprise. She didn't expect to hear that but at the same time, she thought she shouldn't be shocked. This lined up with a lot of their ambitious adventures. Hearing Littlefoot request her help, doubt seeped in. She hugged her legs "I don't know if I can help you with ideas. I haven't been able to think up ideas about how to get out of several dangerous moments recently."
"We all make mistakes." Petrie said. "Me make a lot. But when me with you during Don meetings, me found me got better ideas when hearing and talking with you. Maybe we could up with better ideas as group."
"We shouldn't have left the Red Claw issue just to you, Ruby." Littlefoot said kindly. "It's hard to think when you're alone. But if you join us, we can change that."
Ruby rubbed her chin anxiously. "I'm still not sure. Maybe."
"Our hiding place's nearby." Chomper said, pointing. "If you ever want to join us-"
A screeching call echoed overhead. Starting, Ruby looked up to find an elderly flyer circling above as he descended toward her. Ruby's stomach clenched.
"Oh no, it's Don!"
"Don?" Petrie squeaked. "Why he here?"
"I don't know but it probably wouldn't be good if he knows I'm talking with you." Ruby looked around and waved them away. "Go!"
"But what about you joining us?" Ducky asked. "Oh, this is like when Tega showed up before all of you guys did."
"Wait, she –what?" Cera said, distracted by this revelation.
Don was seconds from landing. Littlefoot glanced about and made a decision.
"We can talk about that later," he said, pointing with his tail left into the forest. "Ruby, if you want to join us, our hiding place is in a hole in that direction. There are some big leaves nearby. Once you go in, cover it with those big leaves. We hope you'll be there!"
Turning, the six raced off quietly into the forest in a leftward direction. Ruby was still uncertain but noted the route her friends took. As soon as they were out of sight, Don called out to her.
"Ruby! Ruby!"
With a last curling circle, Don landed beside her. Schooling her face into a neutral expression, Ruby turned to him.
"Don," she said, voice wavering a bit. "What brings you here?"
"I wish to speak with you." Don said, glancing about. "Where's your family?"
"They went ahead to give me time to think about joining the training regiments." Ruby said. "What do you want to talk about?"
Don fidgeted. He sighed and appeared to brace himself. "I want to apologize to you."
Ruby stood rooted to the spot, wondering if she misheard.
"Say that again?" she said slowly.
"You heard." Don was embarrassed. "Please, this is difficult for me. I'm sorry for being so rough with you in our earlier discussion. It has been a difficult day for both of us. I shouldn't have put you down about how and where you should learn from. I want to make up with you."
Ruby was stunned. In all the time she knew Don, she thought he would never apologize for anything. After a moment, Don eyed her and she realized she should probably say something.
"Thank you for your apology," she said at last. "I'm thankful you can be contrite when you make mistakes."
"Well, I admit I enjoyed our learning sessions." Don looked away. "You were my most receptive student. Maybe it would be best for us to resume those lessons."
Ruby eyed him thoughtfully. He looked abashed, not used to being tender to anyone. She was filled with mixed feelings. He nearly killed her parents, her friends' parents, and hurt her and her friends. Still, she couldn't help some sympathy rising up. Maybe she could give him a chance. Then, overcoming a clench in her chest, she remembered Ducky mentioning Tega showing up to her and Spike before Littlefoot and the others arrived and she became suspicious. Did Don have an ulterior motive? Ruby wanted to trust he changed but she wasn't going to be reckless. Warily, she decided to feel him out on his position on the current world.
"I would like that." Ruby said. "I would like to know more about the world, now there's more time to learn about it."
"I'm glad you agree." Don said, smiling.
"Speaking of more, it seems the valley is training more often in these training regiments," she said. "It seems we'll be attacking herds and groups in the Mysterious Beyond soon."
"Yes." Don frowned. "So much of our time will be taken up by attacking and conquering. I don't think that will be pleasant."
*Okay, okay.* Ruby thought. *This is promising. Maybe he can help.*
"I'm worried it'll lead to less people attending my lectures." Don went on. "I'll have to talk to Wing Father to address that potential inconvenience. I'm glad I at least don't have to join in the fighting."
*…or he can be disappointing again.* She bit back a sigh. *I guess I shouldn't be surprised.*
"Do you want us to resume our learning sessions now?" Don finished.
Ruby kept her expression still, ignoring the tightening in her chest. This conversation only solidified her decision to join Littlefoot and her friends. Don wouldn't do anything to help her family in the training regiments, which had to be stopped. Now how to give him the slip so she could rejoin her friends? Amid these thoughts, Ruby realized Don wasn't mentioning someone.
"What about Petrie?" she asked. "Aren't you going to invite him?"
Don looked uncomfortable. "It might be awkward for both of us. Not to mention, I'm not sure there's much more he could learn."
Ruby wrestled down a flare of anger. Don was so discomforted by what he did to Petrie he didn't want to invite the boy to avoid the guilt. He also appeared to think Petrie wasn't capable of learning and growing smarter. She put on a stern look, not difficult with the outrage blaring in her.
"That isn't fair," she said. "Petrie has been part of our talks since our talks began. You can't leave him out."
"But-" Don began.
"I think you're underestimating Petrie. Petrie's smarter than you think. It wouldn't feel right to continue our smart discussions without him. Petrie has helped many times in our adventures, rescuing friends, spotting danger. I'm sure it'll work if you give him a chance."
Don opened his beak. He put a hand to it, guilt, hesitation, and other emotions flitting across his face. Ruby waited with bated breath. At last, he shut his mouth and his eyes flickered to her resignedly.
"I guess you're right," he said. "It would be awkward to not invite him. I'll go over to his family and ask. Do you want to come?"
"I think it'll be faster if you go alone and fly back with Petrie." Ruby said.
"I see." Don frowned oddly. Slowly, he stretched out his wings. "I'll be back soon. Don't move from this spot."
He took off, circling up before flying into the distance. Ruby watched until Don was looking nowhere in her direction, then shot into the forest.
She ran as fast as she could down the route her friends took. She thought she saw the clearing with the hole in the distance. She was thinking she might get there in record time when a shadow passed over her and Don swooped passed above the treetops. Ruby stopped and ducked in a thick bush, heart hammering.
*Why's he back now?* she wondered. *I didn't give anything away. Does he know I'm up to something?*
He flew about, turning his head left and right gaze scanning before he turned right and appeared to vanish. Ruby moved quick, getting halfway there until he appeared again and she stopped behind a stray boulder. He circled about and went off. She darted off and hid underneath a thick tree canopy until he appeared overhead once more. She used all her experience in the Mysterious Beyond to keep out of sight and not make too much noise. His frown was serious. If he caught her, Ruby suspected she would be in big trouble. He went off in another direction. She rushed forward and saw the small clearing, a hole to the left and some big leaves piled near it. Her heart rose.
*Just a little further. A little further…*
No shadow appeared. Ruby didn't dawdle. Don would notice if there was a hole and that it was suddenly covered by leaves. She heard wings flap behind her. Pulse throbbing, she ran to the hole, grabbed the large leaves, and jumped while the leaves fell on top over the hole.
Barely a second later, Ruby saw a distant silhouette pass above through the sunlit green leaves. Don growled in frustration.
"Where did she go?" he said. "Oh, Wing Father's concerns better not be true."
Don flapped off. Ruby didn't wait to see if he would come back. Turning, she spotted a tunnel and pattered toward it, a mix of concerned and encouraged.
*I guess I'm still good with thinking on my feet after all.* she thought.
Littlefoot and the others waited anxiously. It had been a few minutes since they left Ruby. Had she finished her conversation with Don? She hadn't indicated either way if she would join the gang. What if she went toward the hole while Don was still in the area and he thought she was acting suspicious? Littlefoot's heart clenched. If Don caught her…
The leaves shushed and there was the indistinct growl of Don saying something. The light reflected off the turn in the tunnel gained a green tinge. Littlefoot and the others tensed. A few seconds later, footsteps echoed and Ruby's shadow preceded her arrival.
"I managed to give him the slip, barely," she said. "But he still might be flying nearby. We should slip to somewhere more private."
"Already on it." Littlefoot replied. "Chomper, find a cave where no one can sneak in or overhear us."
Chomper hesitantly stepped around him to sniff the ground. Turning, he and Littlefoot led them deeper inward. He felt his friends' gazes rove the back of his head and braced himself for a tough talk. They took turns through the vast tunnel network, choosing based on Chomper's guidance. Littlefoot glanced back, seeing some of them nervous traveling so deep underground. Littlefoot and the others just needed to locate a place where they could talk and be honest with each other.
At last, after Chomper indicated they keep going straight, they entered a cave with a round ceiling wide enough to give everyone plenty of room to sit down and face each other. With a white shiny rock in the corner to provide limited light, Littlefoot thought the choice was perfect. While all of them separated and settled down, Littlefoot saw Ducky giving the white shiny rock a wary look.
"What is it?" he asked.
Ducky squirmed. "That rocks just reminds me of a bad memory."
With everyone sitting, an awkward silence followed. They have only been together a few brief times the last couple days. Now they were reunited, the gang struggled to search for what to say.
"So, we're here." Chomper said. "Do you have a plan?"
"We'll come up with one later." Littlefoot said. "First, I need to tell you something."
"Oh, this had better not be a trick." Cera growled.
"It isn't." Littlefoot took a deep breath, preparing for the plunge. "I'm sorry for agreeing with Wing Father to change the world."
His friends stirred in surprise. Petrie and Ducky exchanged looks. Ruby put a hand to her mouth. Littlefoot plowed on before he lost his nerve.
"I know I said it earlier but it needs to be repeated," he said. "I shouldn't have given in. I should have found some other way out, something that would have spared our parents. Now everyone will suffer and hurt each other because of me. I really regret what I've done."
He hung his head. His friends stared, not sure how to react. Chomper scratched his neck. The air in the cave was awkward.
"Hey, Wing Father hold our family hostage." Petrie said. "There nothing we could do."
"Still, I shouldn't have done it." Littlefoot said. "It wasn't just because he held our family hostage. I was tempted by his offer. I was scared to lose my grandparents from old age, sickness. I wanted them to stay and be with me, always. It made me overlook the benefits of the circle of life: growing up, changing for the better. I should have took that into account when I made my choice with Wing Father."
There, he said his piece. Littlefoot tried to keep his expression neutral. The others watched him, the uncertainty disappearing. Some were touched while others' gazes softened. Spike sent a sympathetic look. Squirming, Cera averted her gaze.
"Well, maybe I was too harsh," she said. "I had something like that happen today when Verter threatened Tricia."
"He what?" Ducky gasped.
"How could he?" Petrie said. "She never do anything wrong!"
"Like he cares about that." Cera looked down. "When that happened…I just froze and couldn't think. The only thing I could do was make sure he didn't hurt her. It's tough to act in those scenarios. Though I still have mixed feelings, I understand what Littlefoot was dealing with. My folks were also on the line. If you hadn't given in, I probably would've. There's only so much you can do at times."
"I agree." Ducky held herself. "That was a scary time for all of us."
"We all were cracking with Wing Father threatening our parents." Petrie said.
"I don't know about the others but I'm not mad at you anymore." Chomper said.
"Still, I appreciate what you said to us very much." Ruby said.
Many nodded in sympathy. Patting over, Spike nuzzled Littlefoot. He leaned into it with a tear glistening down his cheek.
"Thanks, guys," he said. "I was worried we were going to lose our friendship."
"Me too." Ruby said, smiling faintly. "We spent so little time together lately, I feared we might drift apart."
"That has happened." Ducky said thoughtfully. "But we always get back together."
"Yep." Petrie said. "That one thing that no change."
The others smiled. Chomper sat up and appeared to regain some of his old cheer. Spike sighed, so happy for them all to be together. For a moment, it was like their friendship was back to what it was before. Overwhelmed, Littlefoot sniffled before sitting up straighter.
"Hearing you say all that means so much to me. After regaining your trust, I'm going to do anything I can to help find a way to stop Wing Father."
The others nodded, looking determined. Smacking her lips, Cera looked down.
"That's all well and good," she said, rubbing her chest. "But the world's about to go to war. Wing Father's very powerful. What makes you think we can stop him?"
"Now let's not get cynical." Littlefoot said.
"You can't tell me how to feel." Cera retorted.
"You're rubbing your chest. Is it cold?" Littlefoot asked, stilling. "That means Wing Father's manipulating your emotions."
Cera jerked her paw from her chest, wide-eyed. "Wing Father is – what?"
"Since when?" Chomper cried. "How do you know? Are you sure?"
"Yes. Wing Father's been manipulating all of us. He told me himself not long ago…"
Briefly, he recounted what Wing Father revealed in his connection to the gang's emotions. Cera and the others listened, skepticism turning to horror. A few looked down and jumped, realizing they were rubbing their chests.
"You mean when heart feel cold, that Wing Father messing with our feelings?" Petrie squeaked.
"Something to that effect." Littlefoot said. "If he wants us to think or feel a certain way, he has been pushing us in that direction."
"Oh no, no, no." Ducky clapped her mouth. "Is that why I have been behaving badly with my family?"
"How could he do this?" Chomper said, gritting his teeth. "He and Verter are evil!"
"I know." Littlefoot said, nodding determinedly. "We shouldn't let him pull down our moods. It's what he wants."
"My - my mood doesn't feel like it's pushed by somebody else." Cera said, unsure. "Is – is he watching over us now?"
At that point, their hearts clenched hard. They yelped, pressing forepaws and hands to their chests. Littlefoot felt an ominous reverberation in his heart. Spike looked down at his chest with panic. Ruby's eyes darted about, terror filling her face.
"He here!" Petrie yelped. "Wing Father controlling our emotions!"
"It's not like that!" Littlefoot said, trying to instill calm. "He's not putting thoughts into our brains. He just nudges us to thoughts he wants us to focus on."
"Who cares how it works!" Cera cried. "He's watching us now!"
"Is that why Tega talked to me and Spike before Littlefoot, Cera, and Petrie came to meet us?" Ducky asked.
"And Patty with me?" Chomper hugged himself. "I thought that was strange."
"Wing Father can still communicate with the other Anchors." Ruby said, leaning down. "After he saw us decide to go against him, he probably communicated with those like Don to try to intervene. Oh, what should we do?"
"Everyone, calm down!" Littlefoot said.
"But Wing Father know we up to something!" Petrie said.
"What will he do to our families?" Ducky said.
"Everyone, don't panic!" Littlefoot said. "Wing Father can't reach us here! He talks with his Anchors and influences the world, so he can't stretch himself too thin! We need to push him out of our heads! Be brave!"
"Easy for you to say!" Chomper said.
"You already displayed it. You were brave to choose to come after I talked about stopping Wing Father!"
"But choice isn't possible anymore!" Ruby said. "Mr. Thicknose and everyone else…!"
"We can still choose." Littlefoot said. "We all displayed the potential earlier. Cera, you had to gather courage to leave Verter's training regiments."
"What are you talking about?" Cera asked. "I was scared the whole time."
"It's still brave to do something despite your fear. You're always like that when we need you." Littlefoot turned. "Petrie, your quick thinking helped save us many times. You gave a good cover story to distract your parents."
Petrie glanced up, shivering. "But me not think hard about it. Me just came up with it on spot."
"Still, learning and experience help with those snap judgements." Littlefoot turned again. "Ducky, you let your family have fun and are going to save them, even if losing living forever might upset some."
"I guess." Ducky said, slowly pulling her hand from her chest. "I did let two of my brothers and sisters go play with their friends. Hey, the cold feeling got better!"
"That's it, keep going!" Littlefoot smiled sympathetically. "You have often put the happiness of others first, Ducky. You can do so again and you can let others be happy or sad when they need to be. Spike, you take action when it counts and you often bring a smile to us."
Reluctantly, Spike nodded, indicating that was true but he hadn't always taken action when he should have. Littlefoot nudged him.
"You've made some mistakes but you can always improve, and your laidback attitude is appreciated." Seeing Spike let go of his chest, Littlefoot turned to their youngest friend. "Chomper, you always helped in any way you can. Your kindness is a good point."
"Maybe." Chomper said, closing his eyes. "I try to help in whatever way I can."
"Then we back each other up in the ways we can't." Finally, Littlefoot looked to the newest of their friend group. "Ruby, your curiosity makes us see things in a new way. Your thoughts and ideas have saved us more than once."
"Not always." Ruby's anxiety gave way to thoughtfulness. "But maybe that not always comes when I force myself."
"That's right." Littlefoot looked at all of them. "No matter what Wing Father may want, we have changed and still can. We are still aware and can do something about this. Let's put our minds together to come up with something, like we did on our adventures. Maybe we can figure out a way to stop Wing Father and save our friends and family."
He panted, his chest giving a wrenching feeling. His friends had their eyes raised up, thinking hard to recall Littlefoot's examples. Many paws relaxed from chests. All of them appeared to realize the traits they desired were always in them in some respects or that there were other traits they could be proud of. The reminder of their loved ones made them focus on what they should be fighting for. This didn't throw their anxiety away but it gave them a boast of courage. Cera looked up, determination overwhelming some of her fear.
"Alright, if you insist," she said.
"Me agree." Petrie said. "We brave and quick-thinking."
"We have to stop Wing Father." Ducky said, Spike nodding firmly. "The rest of the world counts on it. We must fix what we broke."
"You're right." Chomper said, becoming grim. "We back each other up and help however we can."
"We have changed and can still change things." Ruby said. "Let's figure out a way how. Hey, I don't feel that chest pain anymore."
The others frowned and patted their chests. Littlefoot felt nothing in his chest.
"Me neither." Petrie said. "Wow. Di-did we drive Wing Father away?"
Littlefoot smiled. "See what we can do? Let's act before he comes back. Now it's time for anyone to shout out ideas. Um, does anyone have any?"
He resisted the urge to cringe. That was an awkward way to end a speech. Cera and the others were caught flat-footed. Many patted the ground or stared hard at the ceiling, searching their brains for some inspiration.
"What about we use our own influence power to make people remember." Ducky suggested.
Chomper squirmed. "You mean…that? I don't know. I didn't feel right after messing with other people's minds."
"Wait, you did it too?" Petrie asked.
"What are you all talking about?" Littlefoot cut in.
"Like with the Anchors, it seems we can influence people to do what we want if we're forceful enough." Chomper said, looking uncomfortable. "I found that out after…others chided me for not joining the training regiments and I told them to forget the conversation."
Littlefoot stared. "That is – are you serious?"
"It happened with me too." Ducky said, lowering her head. "I did not mean to, I just wanted my brothers and sisters to go on adventures with me. But when they wanted to leave, I said no and they could not, even though they wanted to. I really discovered it after I heard about the training regiments and forced my family to run away. I almost wiped their personalities before making them forget what happened. It was all so horrible. I hate I could do that."
Spike patted over, pressing into her, guilt of his own shining in his violet eyes. Petrie looked away.
"Me shouted really loudly when my parents were arguing," he said. "Not only did it make them stop arguing, they and my brothers and sisters forgot it ever happened."
The others listened to this with mounting horror. Littlefoot wondered if he ever accidentally manipulated his parents. He could understand the guilt that must come from doing that. Ducky twiddled her thumbs.
"I would prefer not to have this power but maybe we can use it to make family and friends remember what is happening…"
"I don't think it'll work." Cera frowned. "This morning, I almost got my family to remember what happened yesterday but Verter was able to overpower it. After that, my parents wouldn't even listen to me."
Petrie nodded. "Besides, it not permanent on some things. My parents always went back to arguing before long."
"I think I used that power to almost sway Mr. Thicknose." Ruby murmured. "But he just swayed back to his dry, grumpy self."
Chomper sighed. "Guess that idea's a bust."
"I am kind of glad though." Ducky said. "I did not like it very much anyway."
"Anyone else got a suggestion?" Littlefoot asked.
They hummed in thought. Frowning, Ruby raised a hand.
"What if we find the Anchors' weak spot?" she asked.
"You mean, like…to kill them?" Petrie squeaked. "No, no, me can't do that!"
"I am not suggesting that!" she said hastily. "What I am suggesting is if there is a part of their body we can attack that can break their link to Wing Father. If we do that, maybe we can break Wing Father's hold on the world too."
"Maybe." Chomper said. "Nothing our parents did really put them down for long."
"What about their hearts?" Ducky asked. "We seem to be connected to Wing Father through them."
"I don't remember Verter or the other Anchors rubbing their chests." Cera said.
"Maybe it is another part of their body." Ducky said.
"It'll be hard to find out." Littlefoot frowned. "We can't sneak up and attack parts of their body to test it out."
"They already know we're up to something." Chomper said. "Wing Father might punish us even more for doing that – hurt us, trap us in a cave, or worse."
They shuddered. Though death no longer existed, Wing Father might be able to do terrible things they couldn't imagine. Ruby sighed.
"You're all right," she said. "I don't want to risk you all on an idea that isn't the right one. I'll drop it."
"Oh, we are not getting anywhere." Ducky said anxiously.
"Don't worry, we only just started. Keep going." Littlefoot said.
"How do you know we'll come up with something good?" Chomper asked.
"We won't know until we try. Don't give up. Let's find some idea, any idea."
His friends looked skeptical but turned their gazes in random directions. Spike sat down and put a forefoot under his chin, expression contemplative. Littlefoot worried if he was putting too much pressure on his friends. Stopping Wing Father would be a big ask even for grownups. What if it was more than seven children could handle? Petrie tapped his beak, trying to shake out some inspiration.
"Oh, me no know," he sighed. "Is there some way we can reverse ritual?"
Ducky blinked. "What do you mean?"
The others looked at him. Petrie was caught off guard by all the sudden attention.
"Me did not think much about idea," he said. "Just…ritual got us into this, maybe ritual can get us out."
Ruby touched her chin. "There's an idea."
"How would that work?" Littlefoot asked. "Wouldn't Wing Father and the Anchors have to take part to change things back?"
"Maybe. Maybe not." Petrie said. "They needed us to finish job."
"So do we stand on those stones again and wish the old world back?" Ducky asked.
"Sounds simple enough." Chomper said.
"But what if we stand on those stones and nothing happens?" Littlefoot said. "Maybe Wing Father's hold on the world's too fixed to shake off."
The others looked downcast. Rubbing his chest, Littlefoot winced. He should be helping his friends along with their ideas, not shoot them down. He just didn't want to take risks on proposals that mightn't have any foundation. Frowning, Cera stared at the ground.
"It's probably not fixed yet," she said.
"What makes you say that?" Ducky asked.
"I don't know. Maybe it's nothing but…" Cera looked up. "Me and Chomper met someone who remembered the old world."
The others started. Spike sat up, mouth open. Littlefoot goggled, taking a moment to find words.
"You met…what?" he yelped. "When did that happen?"
"After Verter took our parents." Cera said. "As we were nearing the pit in the Mysterious Beyond, we saw that flyer being blown about. We mentioned that this morning. We forgot to add she crashed into the ground in front of us but that wasn't the weird part. What was weird was that she was shocked to still be alive."
"Oh yeah!" Chomper said with a dawning expression. "Now I remember!"
"Why didn't you tell us about that earlier?" Ruby asked faintly. "It's a big thing not to tell."
"Hey, we were looking for our parents!" Cera said defensively. "After finding out what Verter was doing to them, we forgot about it."
"What she say that make you think she remembers?" Petrie said.
"She asked why we weren't shocked she survived the fall." Chomper said, wincing. "It took a moment for us to catch on to the importance of that statement but by the time Cera asked about it, the flyer forgot and left."
"She forgot already? That is strange." Ducky scratched her face. "But why is this important to doing our own ceremony?"
"What's special," Cera said, wincing with a grimace, "is that she was coming from outside the Great Valley. Maybe dinosaurs in the Mysterious Beyond are still under his influence but he doesn't have full control of the world yet."
"I see now!" Petrie shot up. "So that proof there still enough time to change world back."
"But it took us, Wing Father, and the Anchors to change the world." Littlefoot said, troubled. "It won't be enough with just us to change it back!"
"Maybe enough to throw Wing Father and Anchors' control off." Petrie said.
"Then everyone can get their minds back." Ducky clapped.
"That's still a lot of guesses there." Littlefoot said. "We want to change the world all the way back, remember?"
"Of course." Cera said. "But I feel we're warm here."
"I'm still not sure…"
"Littlefoot, you're rubbing your chest!" Chomper said.
Littlefoot jumped. He looked down, seeing his paw on his heart. He hasn't realized he had been doing it. The others watched with chilled expressions.
"Wing Father must be trying to influence the conversation!" Ducky cried.
"Why?" Petrie asked. "Me thought he went away."
"He must have thought the big and loud strategy wasn't going to work," Ruby said, "so he went for the more subtle - ow!"
She winced, pressing a hand to her chest as though stung. The others flinched and touched their chests. Littlefoot felt like a stinging buzzer was bobbing around in his heart.
"It hurts again!" Ducky said.
Chomper groaned. "Why's he doing this?"
"Maybe we are getting too close to good idea – ow!" Petrie yelped. "Maybe not!"
"Maybe so!" Littlefoot said. "Yow! There's a clue there! Keep talking!"
"But why?" Cera asked. "What's the point of the pain?"
"Do it anyway!" Littlefoot said, wincing as his heart clenched. "Ack!"
Petrie panted, hugging himself. "If – if we do ritual with just seven of us, that be enough to change things partway – ow!"
"I don't know if that would help." Ruby said, looking relieved as she pulled her hand from her chest.
"No, don't go with the down answer!" Littlefoot jerked with another painful spurt. "The lesser pain must mean Wing Father's leading us to the answer he wants! The greater pain must mean we're close to something!"
"Easier said than done!" Ducky panted. "Oh, this hurts!"
Cera gritted her teeth. "Well, doing the ritual with just us might not fix everything but it might be enough to break his control of everyone – ack!"
"Then grownups can fight Anchors!" Petrie said. "Ow, ow, ow!"
"But our parents fought them before and they just kept coming back!" Chomper said, relaxing before shaking his head. "No, they must have a weakness!"
"What if Wing Father control was not as strong yesterday but today his control of the world is complete?" Ducky said doubtfully. But her eyes widened. "No, that cannot be true! I was starting to feel better – now it hurts again!"
Spike gasped and flinched, beating a forefoot and whimpering from the pain. Appearing to realize something, he grunted and pantomimed with his forepaws of something being pushed off and falling.
"What, Spike?" Cera said. "Are – are you talking about Mr. Clubtail's death? What about it?"
"The reason Mr. Clubtail was killed." Ruby said. "We thought the reason was because they didn't want to be discovered and cause panic. But – yow! – what if there was another reason they feared that panic!"
"Another reason?" Petrie said. "Like cave being damaged?"
"That's right!" Littlefoot said. "If the cave was damaged – ow! – then the ceremony couldn't happen! If using it with just us can change things partway," he panted and moaned, "maybe that'll also break it! And then we have the advantage!"
Another burst of pain. Moans and cried filled the cave as the seven writhed on the ground. Littlefoot wondering how much more pain he could take. It was like his chest was being burned by ice and it was agonizing. Just when the pain reached its peak, it disappeared. Littlefoot and the others lay panting, startled by this sudden absence. Cautiously, Littlefoot pressed his chest. His heart felt normal. Slowly, they all got back up.
"What just happened?" Cera said at last.
"We – we turned Wing Father's control against him." Littlefoot said slowly. "We used it to confirm that theory."
The gang was silent, taking in the magnitude of what they just did.
"Can Wing Father still sense us?" Ducky asked. "I – I do not feel cold or anything."
"I don't know." Littlefoot admitted. "But if we know the theory's on the right path, we need to act quickly."
"What, now?" Chomper asked, the last to stand up.
"Wing Father must know what we plan to do." Littlefoot said. "If we don't move fast enough, they might find some way to block off the cave. This might be our only chance. I know it's quite a risk but we need to act now!"
His friends stared at him. Nervous and fearful expressions crossed many faces. Littlefoot could see the risks weighing on them. But Ducky took a breath and stepped forward.
"I will do it," she said. "This is for our families."
Spike stepped beside her, nodding seriously. Petrie raised his hand.
"Me three," he said. "Me come up with idea, so me responsible for it."
"I'm going too." Chomper said. "You'll need my sniffer to pick up danger or any clues that might help."
Ruby clenched her fists. "Everyone should be able to learn without what they learn being forgotten."
"I'm scared. But we can't die in this world." Cera murmured. "What do we have to lose?"
Littlefoot relaxed, a brief smile appearing. "Thanks, guys. Let's go!"
Turning, he and his friends raced out of the cave and into the tunnel network, set on their mission. They didn't know what challenges or dangers lay ahead but they were willing to brave anything to save the world and those they love.
Next time…
Re-turning the Circle