Warning: The first half contains brief descriptions of dinosaurs being slashed and stabbed and general threats and endangerment to adults and children alike. Reader discretion advised.
We Will Hold On Forever
by
DaveTheAnalyzer
Chapter 38: Emotions Unleashed Part 2
Screams of terror filled the cave. The crowd jostled and pushed to get out of the way of the silver shadows. Another series of cries rose up as the shadows cut or stabbed some dinosaurs. Pat yowled when a shadow sliced the top of his tail. Mrs. Maia threw herself over her children and let out a scream when her forefoot was stabbed. Those wounded staggered or had to lean on their fellows. Wing Father's shadows pulled back. Papa Flyer groaned and struggled to stay in the air, the cut on his back spanning from below his neck to before his tail.
"Dad!" Petrie screamed.
Wing Father's shadows shot out a second time, leading to more panic and confusion. A domehead bellowed when a shadow nicked her sides, causing bleeding. Papa Sprinter ducked a shadow but it grazed the side of his head and he yelped. A shadow whipped into Mama Sharptooth's shoulder, who bellowed and thumped into Papa Sharptooth. A few shadows struck ghosts like Ichy but with all the chaos, it was hard to tell if they had been injured. Pat pulled Mr. Thicknose off to the side to avoid a whipping shadow. Guido called out to Swooper, who darted away a second before a shadow stabbed where he'd been flying in place. Mama Swimmer pushed Ruby's family down before a shadow could cut off their heads. Saph and Emmy wailed, in distress.
Littlefoot and the others called out in fear as the crowd struggled to dodge and move out of the way in the tight space. They felt helpless to do anything. They were closer to Wing Father than they would like but it would be dangerous to go out into the crowd. Big Daddy called to his charges with their other ghostly parents, helping the Tinysauruses scamper with the flow of the crowd so they wouldn't get trampled. There was a great danger the small dinosaurs would be crushed in the panic. Wing Father shot his shadows out a third time, this time aiming at the gang's families. Littlefoot and the others felt a chill as their families gasped and shrieked with terror. One shadow aimed for Mr. Threehorn but Tria shoved him out of the way. Cera screamed.
"No!" she said.
Mrs. Threehorn hastily slid in front of Tria to shield her. The gang's families pushed and attempted to move out of the way but there was little room. Another shadow aimed for Littlefoot's grandparents and Mr. Clubtail hastily scrambled himself in front of them. Mama Swimmer braced over her children. Papa Fast Runner pushed himself onto his mate and kids. Mrs. Threehorn and Mr. Clubtail shut their eyes before the shadows struck.
Littlefoot and the others were terrified the shadows would go through the ghosts and kill their families. Instead, they froze in Mrs. Threehorn and Mr. Clubtail. The shadows remained there a moment before the whole length of them dissolved right to Wing Father's feet and vanished. Witnessing this, the crowd's screams and cries died down to confused murmurs. Mrs. Threehorn opened her eyes and patted her cheeks. Mr. Clubtail appeared surprised by his own daring and moreover that he hadn't got hurt. Mama Longneck looked down at herself and at all the ghosts present before jerking her head up.
"Everyone, retreat!" she said. "Back into the valley! All who're ghosts, protect the living from the shadows!"
Most in the cave sprung to action. Those who were living almost stampeded to the cave entrance. Mama Longneck called over, telling them to remain calm and not trample each other. Flyers flapped through the open four holes, having to dodge shadows and resist rushing out all at once to avoid blocking their aerial escape routes. Littlefoot and the others joined in, starting and stopping as dinosaurs ran in their way, rushing forward before they got stepped on. Their families fought through the crowd to get to them. When at last they reunited Littlefoot and the others felt so much more at ease to be back with their families. Wing Father snarled. This time, he shot his shadows out to the gang. Littlefoot and the others only had time to gasp before Horen, Rica, and Duane jumped in front of them. The shadows hit them and got to their stomachs before dissolving.
"Don't you dare hurt Cera or her friends!" Horen cried.
Rica and Duane called out defiantly. The gang sent appreciative looks to the three. Several ghosts jumped in front to shield the living as Wing Father's shadows shot out again.
"Don't worry, we'll handle this!" cried one of the Tinysaurus parents.
Grandpa Longneck nodded. "Thank you! Littlefoot, all of you, run!"
The children needed no further encouragement. They joined everyone at the bottleneck at the cave entrance. It was still crowded and the going was slow. Many ghosts ran with the living before a guilty conscience or remembering they were ghosts made them float back to join those protecting the living. The ghosts had to run around and jump to intercept the shadows. Wing Father stood there wielding his shadows like serpentine stone teeth, almost seeming to give off heat with his rage. He waved his hand and the Anchors marched forward, gaze filled with violent intent. This caused panic among those still present. Littlefoot looked to the ghosts but they were still busy blocking the shadows and couldn't be everywhere at once.
"We don't have time for a fight now!" Papa Sharptooth said.
"There's too many people to just leave!" Chomper said.
Mama Flyer turned to her family. "Dear, take our children and get them out of here. Petrie and I'll be behind you."
"What?" Papa Flyer started. "Are you sure?"
"The two of us want to help and keep an eye on others." Petrie said.
"But it'll be safer to-" Papa Flyer started, then hesitated as the Anchors got closer. "Alright. There's no time to argue!"
"Good luck!" said one of Petrie's brothers. "Stay alive out here!"
Papa Flyer waved to his other children and they followed, joining the last flyers exiting from the four holes. Littlefoot and the others tensed as the Anchors loomed, mutinous
"We'll show you for daring to rebel against Wing Father." Verter said.
Several ghosts in the crowd ran past to stand in front of gang and their families, Mama Longneck, Mrs. Threehorn, Cera's sisters, and Mr. Clubtail among them.
"Don't take one step closer!" Mr. Clubtail said.
"Want to tangle with us?" Rica stuck her tongue out. "Nyeh nyeh!"
The Anchors stopped and stared in consternation. Alis hadn't moved from where she stood, at a loss for what was happening. At last, enough dinosaurs left that the bottleneck broke. Pat, Ichy, and Dil fleeing ahead of them, Littlefoot and his friends, their families, and others remaining living and dead rushed out of the cave.
The open Great Wall path was full of color and dust with the many dinosaurs running on it. The flyers flapped hurriedly alongside the path. Mama Swimmer sprinted as fast she could carrying many of her children. Those that couldn't fit were handed to Mama and Papa Fast Runner, who carried Emmy and Saph in each of their arms. Petrie and Mama Flyer flew around them, catching any children that fell out and depositing them back into the three's grip.
Screams rose up when more silver shadows darted out of the cave, going above and around the gang and their families to attack at random. Dinosaurs jumped and shoved each other in panic to dodge the striking shadows. Littlefoot's heart went up his throat when he saw some get knocked or fall off the path but the nearby flyers raced about, catching dinosaurs before they fell or actually fell, flapping hard to drag them back onto the path. A few carried the heavier dinosaurs down in a controlled fall. Ghosts hopped around and through others to block shadows from striking the living.
A shadow shot toward Pat aiming to skewer his torso but Mama Sprinter turned in place and threw herself up, where it hit her chest and dissolved. A shadow made a beeline for Petrie and Mama Flyer, who looked back and beat their wings harder. The Tinysauruses' parents jumped up and hovered in the air, the shadows hitting the middle of their back before also disintegrating. A shadow snaked through the legs, aiming for Dil. She could sense the air shift and waddled faster, calling out in alarm. Ichy flew above her, looking between her and the shadow with conflicted anxiety. Then shutting his eyes, he flapped back and it hit his head and dissolved as well.
Littlefoot and the others watched these selfless acts of bravery with amazement. Despite all the shadows and the chaos they reigned, no one appeared to be killed. Even with all the running they did earlier in the day, Littlefoot and the others found the energy to keep up with their families. They traveled a great distance, nearly three-quarters across the path. Littlefoot hoped to get to the ground where there would be much more room to maneuver.
One of Wing Father's shadows reached out for Nod and his parents. Mrs. Threehorn reached her horns up to block it but it darted around. Nod and his parents ran fast enough they passed the patch it struck but Hyp and his parents were behind them. The burst of dirt hit his foot. Hyp yelped and stumbled near the cliff before tumbling over the edge. He slid down and grabbed the edge, kicking desperately.
"Ah! Help!" he shouted. "I'm slipping!"
Littlefoot looked around, gasping. "Hyp! I'm coming!"
He and his friends had been several yards behind Hyp. Altering his course, Littlefoot weaved between the legs of fellow retreating dinosaurs. Alarmed, the rest of his friends followed. As soon as they reached Hyp, they all grabbed his arms and kept him steady. Looking around at Hyp's screams, Nod inhaled breath before turning to make a beeline for them. Littlefoot and Cera gripped Hyp's left arm with their teeth. Ducky and Spike had forelimbs around Hyp's right arm. They strained to hold him up.
"Don't let go, Hyp!" Cera said.
"You can make it!" Chomper said. "Come on!"
Closing the distance, Nod pulled next to Littlefoot, Cera and Chomper and grabbed Hyp's arm with his teeth. Already coming up behind, Mutt gasped and parted from his family to get onto the scene. Then he grabbed Hyp's other side with Ruby, Spike, Ducky, and Petrie's help. Mutt and Nod both pulled, briefly pulling Hyp's head into view, grinding their feet in the dirt.
"We got you, we got you, Hyp!" Nod said, muffled.
"Start climbing!" Mutt panted. "We don't want to lose you!"
With a heave, the group dragged Hyp up. Hyp gasped and scrabbled his legs on the cliff face, making progress walking on it. They moved back until his slipping and sliding feet got onto solid ground. They let go, panting. Hyp stood there, rattled from the close call. Papa Sprinter and Mama Sprinter reappeared, almost faint with fearful relief. Papa Sprinter grabbed Hyp's shoulders and for a moment looked like he was about to hug him. Instead, he pulled Hyp along as he and Mama Sprinter ran ahead. Hyp let him, his surprised gaze remaining on Littlefoot and the others until they disappeared ahead. Nod and Mutt rushed off not far behind, looking around to rejoin their families. The gang examined their surroundings to make sure no one else was in trouble before they resumed running.
By now, the crowd of escaping dinosaurs had thinned, allowing Littlefoot and the others more room to flee. The whipping shadows had disappeared, probably unable to reach out the great distance, which Littlefoot only realized in retrospect. Now freed up, the ghosts ran and hovered by to rejoin their living counterparts. Littlefoot's heart leapt when they at last saw the end of the Great Wall path. Their families waited at the bottom near where the path curved to ground level, craning their necks and looking up and down it anxiously. Rushing down the path's curve to the ground, they turned off and out of the way to reunite with their families.
"Thank goodness you're all safe." Grandpa Longneck said, lowering his head to nuzzle Littlefoot.
Littlefoot closed his eyes and smiled, all too happy to accept the affection especially when Grandma and Mama Longneck walked over to join in. Cera traveled about to press her face into her family members'.
"Don't scare us by running off like that," Mr. Threehorn said when she reached him, "especially at a time like this."
"Sorry." Cera said, pulling her head away. "It was just that someone was almost about to fall off the path."
"She is right." Ducky said. "They needed help, they did, they did."
Spike nodded, backing her up. He and Ducky were held in Mama Swimmer's arms along with a few other siblings. These siblings nuzzled against the pair. Mama Swimmer sighed fondly.
"Well, you kids' good streak hasn't changed."
"Indeed." Mama Flyer agreed. "It's assuring to know you're still brave and kind."
She picked Petrie up and held him. Ruby and Chomper giggled. Chomper lay in his mother's arms. Even with dinosaurs living and dead rushing passed, Littlefoot and the others felt at peace in their families' presence. Mr. Clubtail panted as he stopped nearby, somehow exhausted, gazing up at the path warily. After Ruby's embrace with her mother and siblings, she flopped into the grass and sighed.
"Are you okay, Ruby?" asked Ruby's brother, touching her arm.
"I'm fine, Saph." Ruby said. "Just beat."
"Don't worry, you can rest here." Mama Fast Runner said, keeping a watchful eye on the sky.
"Is that wise with Wing Father and the Anchors about?" Littlefoot asked.
"I believe Wing Father and the Anchors are stunned enough they'll need some time to regroup." Mama Longneck said. "Besides, you kids need time to rest after all you did. The rest of us too, having been in the training regiments or chasing after you. Don't worry, we'll keep an eye on the path."
"…It's really you," said Grandpa Longneck's voice.
Mama Longneck turned. Grandpa and Grandma Longneck stared at her with wet eyes. Grandpa Longneck sniffed, trying to compose himself.
"I never thought we would see you in our lifetimes," he continued. "After all these cold times. It's been so long."
"You haven't changed a bit." Grandma Longneck said with a watery smile. "Even if you were with us in our hearts, we missed you every day. This is a horrible, trying situation but if there's a bright side to it, at least we're able to see you one more time."
Mama Longneck appeared caught off guard. "I – I admit, I missed being present with you like this. I was always in your hearts but being able to speak like this is…nice." She sniffled. "Mother. Father…"
She stepped closer and nuzzled them. Her head went through them. Grandpa and Grandma Longneck faltered for a second before smiling sadly and continuing the head rubbing as best they could. Littlefoot found himself wiping his eyes. The flapping of wings made Mama Flyer and Petrie look up. Papa Flyer and Petrie's other siblings flew toward them, looking concerned.
"So you're alright." Papa Flyer said, landing. "Thank goodness."
"To you as well." Mama Flyer replied. "Thank you for looking after the children."
He titled his head. "Did you just express relief about my wellbeing?"
"So what if I am?" she asked coyly. "Even if we aren't like how we used to be, I still care about you."
Papa Flyer became awkward. He averted his gaze before giving a cough.
"Shouldn't we be going somewhere to hide or at least be not too visible?" he asked.
"Not at the moment." Mama Flyer said.
"Yes." Petrie said. "Sensitive family times happening now."
He pointed to Littlefoot's grandparents and mother still nuzzling each other. Papa Flyer appeared to catch the hint. Mr. Threehorn visually drank in Mrs. Threehorn and his other daughters.
"It was nice to be with each other again." Mrs. Threehorn said. "Even if it happened some days before."
"Yeah." Mr. Threehorn's throat was caught. "I missed you and all the girls so much. I'm glad to have spent the last few days with all of you as a family."
"I admit, it was kind of strange sharing a mate with someone." Tria smiled a bit. "Still, I found I didn't mind it."
"I liked playing with you, Cera." Horen said. "It was nice."
"Getting to know Tricia and Tria too." Rica said. "I had fun."
"Maybe this was what life would've been like if we made it to the valley." Duane said.
Cera nodded, sniffing. "Tricia probably wouldn't have been born if Mom was still alive. It would have been nice though. I wish there was a way where we could have had both."
Tricia cooed in agreement. Sad smiles were exchanged. Mrs. Threehorn nuzzled Cera. Seeing Mama Longneck looking at Cera and the others, Littlefoot walked in front of her ready to do something he often wished to.
"Mother, these are my friends," he said. "That's Cera - you met her a couple times. Those two are Ducky and Spike. They're brother and sister, long story."
"I know." Mama Longneck smiled.
"The flyer's Petrie, that's Ruby." Littlefoot continued. "And here's Chomper. I know, it's kind of weird to befriend a sharptooth…"
"It's okay." She brought her head down. "I know. I know all about your friends."
He looked up, surprised. "You do?"
"I have been watching you ever since my passing," she said. "I've seen the friends you made, the adventures you had. I couldn't have been prouder."
"Really?" Littlefoot shuffled. "I got us into a lot of danger."
"I wasn't exactly happy about that." Mama Longneck said. "But I saw when you took such risks, it was for the benefit of someone else or to learn and grow. Those are the best qualities I would want out of my son."
Littlefoot blushed and his gaze traveled around shyly before he smiled up at her. Mr. Threehorn and Cera gained shameful expressions before he looked at Mrs. Threehorn.
"If she's been watching over her family, you must have been watching us too," he said.
"That's the case," she frowned. "I can guess what's making you uncomfortable. Mrs. Longneck and I got to know each other in the afterlife. We kept an eye on what our living family members were doing."
"Ah." Cera dragged a foot in the grass. "So you saw my – less than stellar moments."
Horen sighed. "Yeah. It wasn't exactly great to watch. But you've gotten much better."
"Whenever you made a mistake, you always came back to your friends." Rica said. "You became a great threehorn."
"Your sisters are right." Mrs. Threehorn smiled fondly. "You didn't change into someone else. You still have your wit, your intolerance for nonsense, your skills. You became the best version of yourself."
Duane nodded firmly. Cera looked up, not sure about if Mrs. Threehorn was being honest. Upon seeing her birth mother's serious earnestness, she ducked her gaze, ignoring how her sisters giggled. Mr. Threehorn lowered his head and let out a sigh.
"I mustn't have been inspired much hope while you were watching me," he said.
"Yeah." Mrs. Threehorn averted her gaze. "To be honest, I was more worried about you than Cera at times."
"I shouldn't be surprised." Mr. Threehorn closed his eyes. "I've been endangering Cera and messing up a lot."
"You're temper and stubbornness hasn't helped." Mrs. Threehorn conceded. "But living in the Great Valley has done you good."
"You sure it hasn't been making me weaker?" he asked. "Verter said…"
"I believe Verter has his own reasons for making you think that way," she said impatiently. "Not like how he does things is doing him any good. The valley has gradually moderated your stubbornness and temper, and helped you make better decisions. I'm glad you shifted some of your priorities. Parenting isn't all about protecting. It's taking care of and nurturing your children to the happiest they can be."
Mr. Threehorn looked at her dead daughters. "Was I not very good at nurturing?"
"You weren't like that all the time." Horen looked away. "I love you Daddy but I have to agree with Mommy."
"You're sometimes scary and I didn't know how to approach you." Rica asked. "I liked how you were in Wing Father's world."
"Is that true?" Mr. Threehorn wondered. "That world also brought back some of my worst traits."
"True." Duane said. "But the traits you had for the first couple days were great. You were so nice and fun. I'm sad I didn't live to see you be that kind of dad."
"Don't be afraid to ask for help." Mrs. Threehorn said "I've seen you try to shoulder the burden by yourself and how it usually led to your mistakes. Remember, you aren't alone. You often saved Cera and Tricia by working with other dinosaurs."
Mr. Threehorn took this in. He frowned slightly, as though not all the words quite agreed with him. But he didn't want to make his family suffer. He appeared to be taking his first mate and daughters' words under serious consideration. Tria looked relieved by this before sneaking a glance at Mrs. Threehorn and became awkward.
"So…I hope I didn't stir too much trouble for you when I entered Topsy's life." she said.
"I admit, it hurt a bit to see Topps falling in love with somebody else." Mrs. Threehorn said, lowering her gaze slightly. She shook her head. "But it happens after someone loses a mate. I was relieved to see how much you made him happy. You've been a good mother to Cera and have been raising Tricia well."
"You're just being nice." Tria sighed. "I often hesitate and try not to stir conflict. I'm not so sure I've been such a good mate and mother. You're so firm and decisive."
"Not all the time." Mrs. Threehorn admitted. "I've held off too on occasion. Threehorn conflicts can be exhausting. I'm not saying your conflict avoidance isn't a problem but parenting's a learning experience. You'll learn where to stand your ground and be firm."
Tria and Mrs. Threehorn smiled at each other, relieved. It was awkward to meet with their circumstances, so it was nice they could get along so well. Tria then stared fondly at Mr. Threehorn before nuzzling him. Mama Sharptooth watched all this with bemusement.
"Well, this is proving to be an interesting experience," she said. "I never expected to hear so much from leaf eaters' perspective. Are you alright Chomper? We kind of forgot to ask amongst all the ruckus. I'm sorry for what we said in that world."
"I'm fine." Chomper replied. "I'm doing better now. You were alright the first couple days, though it was strange seeing you eat leaf eaters without killing them."
"Think about it from our side." Mr. Clubtail shuddered. "I never expected I would just let a sharptooth walk up and chew on my back."
Papa Sharptooth snorted. "It isn't an easy experience to wrap our heads around either."
"Mmm." Mr. Clubtail considered those memories. "Did I taste good though?"
Mama and Papa Sharptooth as well as everyone else turned to stare at him. Mr. Clubtail looked about nervously.
"What?" he asked. "What? Can't – can't a dinosaur be curious? Wait, I just remembered. You already answered that in the other world."
The gang and their families laughed. Mr. Clubtail looked embarrassed, rubbing his cheek, but didn't appear to take it personally. Littlefoot's grandparents and Mama Longneck chuckled and shook their heads fondly at each other.
"It's good to have you here again, Mr. Clubtail." Grandpa Longneck said.
"Y-yeah." Mr. Clubtail said, giving a faint smile. "Right back at you."
Thoughtfully, Mama Longneck's gaze roved the kids. "Littlefoot, can you and your friends still sense Wing Father in your hearts?"
"Huh?" Mr. Threehorn said. "Sense what in their hearts?"
"That time when Wing Father controlled the ghost sharptooth to attack Littlefoot and his friends, he made a connection with each of the kids." Mama Longneck said. "It allowed him to observe them and influence their emotions."
"He what?" Mama Swimmer shrieked.
"That creature just keeps digging himself deeper." Papa Flyer growled. "Are you alright, Petrie?"
"I – I am." Petrie said, caught off guard. "Just tired."
"Are you and Spike okay, Ducky?" Mama Swimmer asked. "Oh, you two have been through a lot."
"We did well, I guess." Ducky said. "He did not completely control us, just prodded us in certain directions we might have taken anyway."
Spike nodded in agreement, grunting. Their brothers and sisters stared at them with a mix of concern and horror that they seemed used to this. Mama and Papa Sharptooth looked down at Chomper alertly.
"What about you, Chomper?" Papa Sharptooth asked.
"Yes, and how are you Ruby?" Papa Fast Runner said.
"Please everyone, I understand your concern, but give them a chance to speak." Mama Longneck cut in. "Well children, is the connection still there?"
Surprised, the gang rubbed their chests in a searching manner. Littlefoot touched his forefoot around that area. He felt many things there, relief, joy, worry, lingering guilt, but there wasn't any cold or tightening of the chest.
"No." Littlefoot said. "I can't feel him at all." He perked up as he patted at a familiar warmth in his heart. "In fact, I can feel your presence again, Mother!"
"I can't feel him neither." Cera said, patting her chest with relief.
"Me wonder if breaking the deal and the rocks broke that too." Petrie said.
"That's a relief to hear." Mama Longneck sighed, a smile appearing. "I'm glad we have our connection again, Littlefoot. That means Wing Father's not infallible. We can use the ghosts like ourselves and those in the valley to take down Wing Father."
"You mean, we can actually do that?" Mr. Threehorn asked.
"You saw the Anchors' reaction when Littlefoot and his friends explained it." Mama Longneck said. "I admit, not all of the ghosts would be willing but I'm sure there'll be enough volunteers that we can defeat the Anchors and disconnect Wing Father from this world."
"I'd be willing to help." Mrs. Threehorn said. "It's to protect my still living family."
"We have a strategy." Mama Flyer said faintly. "I thought we might never defeat those monsters."
"It's nice to finally have some hope!" Mama Swimmer said.
"We'll offer any assistance we can." Mama Sharptooth said.
"Us as well." Mama Fast Runner touched her chest. "We're called fast runners for a reason."
"That's settled then." Mama Longneck said. "With this plan, the living and dead will join together to defeat Wing Father once and for all."
The grownups gave calls and growls of affirmation. Grandpa and Grandma Longneck at first wore the same determined looks as the other parents before guilt gradually crossed their faces. Mama Longneck gained a look of concern.
"What's the matter?" she asked.
"If only we made the connections about the ghost before that ceremony happened." Grandpa Longneck said. "It would have spared Littlefoot and the others much suffering."
"Oh, Grandpa and Grandma Longneck, do not blame yourselves." Ducky said.
"How were you to know?" Petrie asked.
"We should have looked at the death aspect more closely." Grandma Longneck said. "But with hindsight, it was so obvious."
"But it wasn't obvious to everyone else either." Cera said.
"We only knew it would work when we saw it work with Patty and his mother." Ruby said.
"My friends are right." Littlefoot said. "No one knew how to beat them. Even if we did somehow find out, ghosts weren't appearing as much when we learned about the Anchors. We wouldn't have been able to do much about it."
"Littlefoot's right." Mama Longneck said. "You were working with limited information. We can't change the past. We should focus on taking advantage of our current situation to the best of our ability."
"True." Grandma Longneck conceded. "But it's one part of a pattern we discovered with ourselves. If you had been watching us, you must've see how we were doing here. We tried our best to take care of Littlefoot in your place." She averted her gaze. "We know we've been falling short of your expectations."
Littlefoot jerked with some surprise. "No, no, Grandma, Grandpa, what makes you say that?"
Hurt came in for him but at the same time it made sense in retrospect. The night Verter revealed time had stopped, he overheard his grandparents discussing their regret and failure about protecting him. This must have been stewing in them for a while.
"All the times we didn't protect you from danger or the emotional turmoil one goes through at your age, especially recently." Grandpa Longneck sighed. "Granted, time being stopped does limit what we could've learned but that wasn't an excuse. We should have been alert and kept Littlefoot from trouble. But we didn't want to suffocate him, and gave him space. He could have been hurt or killed so many times because of our negligence."
"We didn't always help with the issues that bothered him." Grandma Longneck said. "We didn't even help Bron when he was in danger until Littlefoot and his friends left on their own to rescue him. We didn't ask enough about his emotional struggles. I tried to teach him wisdoms to avoid danger and get through life but I never clarified you should be flexible with them. We must not appear like reliable caregivers."
"Grandma. Grandpa," he said, guilt weighting like lead in his stomach. "Some of that's my fault. I either didn't want to bother you or get you involved. I admit, some of what you mentioned does bother me but I still love you guys."
Mama Longneck nodded. "Remember, Littlefoot changed the world in the first place to save you."
"That's true." Grandma Longneck said uncertainly. "Still, maybe we should have let Bron or some more reliable adult look after him."
"Listen, do you think I wouldn't have made similar mistakes if I was the one who survived?" Mama Longneck asked. "I let Littlefoot wander about on the journey to the Great Valley, which wasn't always wise. Still, you saw with Cera's family they still loved each other even with their many regrets. All families are imperfect. I'm not ashamed of you. You gave Littlefoot a loving home."
Grandma and Grandma Longneck raised their head in surprise.
"We have?" Grandpa Longneck said.
"Of course." Littlefoot said. "I love Dad but I declined joining his herd partly to be with you. I wouldn't have done that if I didn't like being with you. Besides, a lot of the dangers you had to deal with were my fault."
"When he was in danger, you looked for and helped him." Mama Longneck said. "When he was troubled by something, you tried to support him to the best of your ability. Listen, do you love Littlefoot in spite of his faults?"
"Of course we do!" Grandpa Longneck said.
"Some of it was to honor you and we came to love him even more in his own right." Grandma Longneck said.
Mama Longneck nodded, turning to Littlefoot. "Is it the same for you, Littlefoot?"
Littlefoot hesitated. "Yes."
"Then even with each other's flaws, you should stay together." Mama Longneck said. "You love each other and can find a way to work on and forgive each other's mistakes. You wouldn't be so worried about failing each other if you didn't feel that love. So don't beat yourselves up over it. I'm so glad you were able to become close to each other."
"Me too," he said. "I want us to remain together."
"Of course." Grandpa Longneck said, appearing encouraged. "If that's what you want, we won't object."
"That's it then." Mama Longneck smiled. "Don't hold back. Express that what binds you together."
Littlefoot and his grandparents stared at one another, overcome with emotion, before nuzzling each other. Littlefoot's heart swelled from the affection they exchanged. His grandparents looked so relieved, as though a burden had been lifted. At the edge of his vision, Littlefoot noticed Mama Longneck watching wistfully. His chest tugged with sadness. He pulled away to look up at her.
"Mother. Will you join us?" he asked.
She gave a comforting smile. "I don't need to intervene. This is for valuing the family that are still around."
He smiled. "You're still part of our family. That'll never change."
Mama Longneck stared in surprise. After a moment, she smiled and walked over to join the nuzzles. The mix of cool and warmth traveled all over Littlefoot. Even though it wasn't the same as living warmth, he was glad for encouraging Mama Longneck to join. Grandpa and Grandma Longneck sighed contently. He and his family probably would have been like this for a while except there was a booming step.
"You think that makes everything alright?"
Patty stood stock still several feet from where the open Great Wall path ended, head high in the air. Her muscles were tense, teeth gritted, radiating fury. Littlefoot and his parents broke apart to stare. The gang and their families stepped back, a mix of wary and tense.
"Our dead loves ones will leave soon." Patty continued. "I'm not going to lose my mother again. If you don't find a way to reverse this, I'll take drastic action against your families. You'll pay for your insubordination!"
Mama Longneck turned to Patty. A look of pity crossed her features before she became all business.
"You all remember our ghost discussion earlier," she said. "Spread out to deal with the Anchors so we can finish off Wing Father."
"Got it." Mr. Threehorn became determined. "Are you ready for this dear?"
Mrs. Threehorn nodded grimly. "Let's do it."
"I want to help too." Horen said.
"I'll gather any ghosts that're willing to offer assistance." Papa Fast Runner said.
"The children will need to be kept safe though." Mama Swimmer said.
"I'll take care of them." Papa Flyer stepped forward. "I'll ask the Tinysauruses to guard the children. Their ghosts parents will be valuable protectors if the Anchors decide to target them." He ruffled his wings. "I'm not happy about the situation but it's the least I can do."
Mama Flyer touched his shoulder. "Thank you, dear. I'll join you until the kids are settled. You heard him children, please gather around us!"
With that, the kids started gathering around Mama and Papa Flyer. The swimmer children ran over, some lingering long enough to accept Mama Swimmer's assuring touch. Ducky and Spike joined them and other members of the gang also jogged over. Littlefoot stepped in that direction but stopped.
"Wait!" he said, an idea occurring to him. "There's still something I need to do!"
"What? Can it wait?" Grandpa Longneck appeared caught off guard, sending Littlefoot a concerned look. "I don't like the idea of you endangering yourself anymore."
"No." Littlefoot said, resolve solidifying in him. "I'm sorry but I need to do this. I ignored a terrible thing going on while Wing Father was in control. It might still be happening. I can't allow it to go on any longer."
Silence. His friends stared at him. Cera shook herself and stepped to him.
"Mind some company?" she said.
Littlefoot hesitated. "Only if you want to."
"We do." Petrie said, flapping toward him. "You must have good reason for this."
"We started this together and we should continue to help each other however we can." Ducky said.
Spike thrust his head up and down with a determined glare. Chomper hit his own chest.
"You're not leaving us out of this," he said.
"Our smelling skills and thinking skills can help out in case of danger." Ruby said.
"Wouldn't think of leaving any of you out." Littlefoot said with a slight smile. "Can you let us go, Mother? Please?"
Mama Longneck studied them with a neutral expression. Littlefoot and the others kept their faces resolute. Grandma and Grandpa Longneck looked to Mama Longneck. Though cautious, they seemed ready to trust her judgement. At last, she nodded.
"I can see we can't stop you. This seems important to you. But I want a grownup to accompany you."
Mr. Clubtail stepped forward. "I can fill that role."
Littlefoot jerked, staring at him. "Mr. Clubtail?"
"I'm a ghost. I can protect them from any Anchors that try to target them." Mr. Clubtail looked away. "Besides, I need to make up for the terrible things I said earlier."
Littlefoot and the others stared, heartened. Many parents still sent hesitant gazes to the gang but Patty stomped forward.
"No!" she said. "I won't let you get away!"
"We don't have time to debate this." Mr. Threehorn said. "Mr. Clubtail, look after them."
"Good luck everyone." Mama Longneck said. "I hope all who're still alive come back with that aspect unchanged. Be safe, Littlefoot!"
The adults scattered in all directions. Papa and Mama Flyer flew on either side of the gang's siblings while escorting them to the safety of the nearby underbrush. Making eye contact with Mr. Clubtail, Littlefoot and his friends started running. Growling, Patty rumbled after them.
"Wait!"
Grandpa and Grandma Longneck stepped into her way. Mama Longneck walked between her parents and stopped ahead of them. Patty staggered to a halt, glaring in consternation.
"Go Littlefoot!" Mama Longneck cried. "Do what you need to do!"
Littlefoot nodded. "Thanks, Mother!"
With Mr. Clubtail, they ran into the heart of the valley. Littlefoot and his friends were filled with determination to do what was right and purge what remained of Wing Father's ills.
Next time…
Anchors Away
Note: Hopefully I can post the next set of chapters within a few months but no promises. Also, I forgot to answer last week but a reviewer asked if this story will have a sequel. It will not. If I ever write more fanfic, they'll take place in different continuities for The Land Before Time and other fandoms. i come from the fanfic tradition of each story being self contained and while some may overlap, there won't be fanfic sequels unless I clarify otherwise.