Warning: This chapter contains violence and child endangerment. Reader discretion advised.
We Will Hold On Forever
by
DaveTheAnalyzer
Chapter 42: Kindness, Fall Part 2
Littlefoot and the others left Cera behind with Pat as they ran with Mr. Clubtail and Skip alongside them. As the chaos ensued in the meeting circle, Ducky and then Spike parted to hop into their holes, Skip accompanying them. Wing Father and the ghosts continued to struggle with each other. Mrs. Threehorn had reared onto her hind legs and thrust her horns into Wing Father's chest to drag him further down. Petrie flapped off Ruby as his mother came into view, settling into the small hole.
As they passed the hill, a shadow tentacle surged out of the grass to strike at them. Littlefoot, Chomper, and Ruby broke apart to avoid it. Before Mr. Clubtail could take care of it, Mama and Papa Sharptooth jumped on it, Mama Fast Runner hopping on and punching it. As soon as they saw Mr. Thicknose, Chomper parted to step into his hole gingerly. So many ghosts have crowded into the meeting circle they now united in a colorful glowing smudge. Littlefoot saw among them the ghost flyer and longneck they spoke to earlier, the spikethumb, the Tinysauruses' parents.
When Papa Fast Runner was visible, Ruby went over and he grabbed her shoulders briefly before she went into her hole. Now it was just Littlefoot and Mr. Clubtail moving as fast as they could. He saw Mama Longneck pull her head back for a moment to shout orders, Mama Sprinter gripping tighter onto Wing Father, and Grandpa and Grandma Longneck wrestle with shadows on the outer edge of the meeting circle. When they saw Papa Sprinter, he was watching the action transfixed.
He stirred when Littlefoot came over into the hole and Mr. Clubtail stopped beside them.
"So now what'll happen?" Papa Sprinter asked.
"I'm still guessing a lot of this." Littlefoot admitted. "But I think me and my friends need to close our eyes and think hard."
The ghosts continued to push against Wing Father, each ghost phased in to the four around them. Mr. Threehorn and Tria struggled against a shadow tentacle that managed to escape from Wing Father's side but only a few other living dinosaurs could help out like this. Littlefoot shut his eyes and sank deep into his mind. The sounds of battle and whipping shadows faded into the background.
*I don't know if you guys can hear me,* he thought, *but you should close your eyes and think hard about wanting Wing Father out of this world.* Hesitantly, he refocused his thoughts toward a presence he wasn't sure was there. *Valley, I don't know if you can hear us or you can even think. But please, help us. Wing Father's still our world. He exploited you to make us suffer. You must have hated what he's done to us and the world. Please, help us get rid of him so we can have our peaceful valley back. This'll be the only time we ask you for anything. Our appreciation will be really great if you support us. Please…*
For a second, there was no response. Littlefoot feared he was communicating with nothing and he wasted everyone's time. Then energy surged through the ground, into the soil underneath his feet and up his legs. He heard a couple gasps and opened his eyes. His own hole was glowing white. Several more gasps rose up from the area as similar glows shot up around the meeting circle. Papa Sprinter yelped and fell onto his side, staring. Mr. Clubtail goggled at Littlefoot. The light spread far fainter in the earth throughout the area. This caused the struggles in and around the meeting circle to falter as everyone looked about to find the source of the light. Mama Swimmer and Mrs. Maia stared about in shock. The crestless swimmer and spikefrill ghosts about to join their fellows in pushing against Wing Father paused in confusion. Mama Longneck, Cera's sisters, and others lifted their heads in wonder. Wing Father jerked before he swept his gaze around the area, noting the seven shining holes surrounding the meeting circle in anger.
"What have you done?" he demanded.
"Don't ask us!" Mr. Threehorn turned in place to look at the glowing earth, stunned. "We're just as lost!"
"At least he doesn't seem to like it." Mama Sharptooth said, stumbling to his side.
"It's making it easier to hold Wing Father down and push him back." Mrs. Threehorn said, reorienting her stance and thrusting forward again.
Closing his eyes again, Littlefoot thought. *Guys, can you hear me?*
*Whoa, I can.* Cera said. *This is freaky.*
*This is like when Wing Father spoke to our minds but much better.* Ruby said.
*Is this what it would feel like if everyone talked with their minds?* Ducky wondered.
*Me no know how this possible,* Petrie said, *but valley doing this.*
*I'm honored the valley would allow me to take part with all of you.* Chomper said.
*Okay everyone, think hard.* Littlefoot said. *We don't want Wing Father to be here anymore. He lost the right to stay and should leave. Got it?*
*Right.* Spike agreed.
They all stood in their holes concentrating on that thought. Littlefoot could feel Cera and the others focusing hard and did his best to contribute. Once their thoughts all seemed to unite, Littlefoot's eyes flew open once more.
"We wish for Wing Father to be banished from this world!" he proclaimed. Though far away, he could hear all his friends speaking at the same time. "You exploited the Great Valley and the people who called it a home. We ask you to leave!"
The earth shook. At the meeting circle, Wing Father lurched back with a cry of pain. Taking advantage of his distraction, the ghosts redoubled their push into Wing Father and others crowded in. Mrs. Threehorn dragged her horns out of Wing Father's chest and shoved them into his leg to better push him while the domehead did the same with his head. As more ghosts came into the meeting circle, the shadow tentacles dissolved on contact, barely able to find room to slip through. Wing Father writhed, screaming and snarling at them. The ghosts began pushing into each other to get at him and those behind pushing forward to back the ghosts at the front. Then a slopping walking sound become audible and Littlefoot turned to his right to find Ichy and Dil advancing on the struggle not far away. Guido hopped and flew the short distances between trees above, keeping an eye on them.
"It's final battle time, huh?" Ichy said. "Guess I better go and get rid of the guy in charge of all this weirdness."
"Be careful, alright?" Dil said. "Who knows if he can hurt you? Though can you do anything against him?"
"Oh really?" Ichy replied. "I'll show you what I can do!"
He shot out for Wing Father and his figure shrank with distance until he was barely visible. Littlefoot could just barely make out Ichy as he struck against Wing Father's chest, who only twitched slightly. The living dinosaurs stepped away, staring in awe. Littlefoot glimpsed his grandparents back away with Mr. Threehorn, mouths open. Mr. Clubtail hesitated and then sent a look to Littlefoot.
"Alright if I join?" he asked. "This looks like everyone needs to pitch in."
"Go!" Littlefoot said. "Do what you have to!"
Mr. Clubtail nodded gratefully and ran over, nodding to Grandpa and Grandma Longneck and the gang's families as he passed. He dodged around and squished between ghosts until he joined the horde of spirits pushing against Wing Father. Wing Father was almost pulled down out of sight by all the ghosts touching him. He struggled and thrashed against them with all his might, wings flapping hard in any direction. A great white light started appearing behind him like a waterfall, an enormous square patch of brightness. His eyes darted to each bright spot where Littlefoot and the others stood defiantly.
"Don't do it!" Wing Father shouted. "If you do this, Littlefoot, you'll lose more loved ones. They won't be around forever."
"True but at least they'll live by their own choices!" Littlefoot said.
Wing Father hissed and looked around, focusing his attention on another of the gang.
"You can't always be brave, Cera!" he shouted. "You'll courage will fail you one day. And you'll face the consequences of what you're doing now!"
"Nice try but you already did this earlier in the day." Cera said. "You didn't persuade us then and you won't now."
"You thought we couldn't beat you but you were wrong!" Ruby added. "We can find solutions to problems. In fact, I just found a clue on how to beat Red Claw!"
"Wait, you have?" Papa Fast Runner's voice faintly said.
"That's the first I heard of it!" Chomper said. "Good job, Ruby!"
"I'll tell you all about it when this is all over!" Ruby answered.
Mama Longneck and the other ghosts started walking into Wing Father, pushing their heads into his feet and wings. The light grew brighter. Wing Father writhed and his eyes kept seemingly flicking behind him. He glared down at Mama Longneck.
"Was it so wrong for me to visit your former world?" he demanded. "I wanted to see what the living world was like. Why do you deny that to me?"
"If that was all you wanted, no one would have a problem!" Mama Longneck replied. "But you lost that right when you decided to make us your playthings! We almost have him, everyone!"
They pushed extra hard against Wing Father. Wing Father growled, his wings mostly vanishing into the light. Amidst the increasing glare, wind started whipping around, making the living stumble. Littlefoot glimpsed Mama Swimmer and Mrs. Maia stumbling and bumping into each other, Grandpa and Grandpa Longneck sliding their feet into the dirt and bowing their heads. Papa Sprinter leaned low with his fingers in the earth, struggling to remain on his feet. Littlefoot rocked in his hole, feeling he could relax his focus a bit. Even as he continued to think with his friends to help the Great Valley banish Wing Father, Wing Father was already halfway into the light. He began to smile and hope filled him. Littlefoot couldn't help but feel relief that it would finally be over…
He felt something smooth slither around his rear right leg and wrench him off his feet. Crying out, Littlefoot fell on his stomach and was rapidly pulled away. Distressed, he looked back to see it was a silver shadow. Papa Sprinter called out in alarm and lunged at it, only for it to smack him back. Littlefoot shoved his feet into and against the earth in panic as he was dragged between trees and bushed around the meeting circle. He grabbed a tree trunk and wrapped his legs around it but the shadow was too strong. He was wrenched off, getting nicked and smashed into rocks and sticks before he continued being yanked across the grass. Several cries of dismay filled the air. Ruby and Papa Fast Runner ran over to grab him but the shadow swung its retracting length and whipped them aside. Chomper and Mr. Thicknose came not long after, seizing the shadow and they could only hold it a moment before it wrenched them off.
His grandparents and the gang's families heard his call and ran over. Grandpa and Grandma Longneck stepped onto the silver shadow, only to be rocked off their feet and tumbled to the side. Mr. Threehorn and Tria bit at it and Mama and Papa Sharptooth joined them. They nearly had it in place in but it jerked enough to hurt Mr. Threehorn's teeth, and whipped them off. Mama Swimmer and Mama Flyer grabbed onto the shadow but were thrown off too. The gang's families looked terrified as Littlefoot was pulled out of reach.
"Littlefoot!" Grandpa Longneck cried.
"Grandpa!" Littlefoot shouted, waving his forelegs as he got dragged closer around the meeting circle. "Grandma!"
"Where did that come from?" Mama Swimmer said.
"I thought all those shadows were taken care of!" Mr. Threehorn said.
"That shadow's somehow stronger than the others!" Papa Sharptooth said. "We need to break him out of it!"
"But only a ghost can really damage these shadows!" Mama Flyer said.
Wing Father threw his head back and laughed. The ghosts had stopped pushing and many looked around and lifted their heads in alarm. Littlefoot glimpsed the Tinysaurus parents appearing horrified by what was happening. Mama Sprinter looked frightened. Mrs. Threehorn's eyes darted indecisively. Wing Father tried to move and the ghosts stumbled side to side as they attempted to keep him in place. Mama Longneck looked back, expression full of terror.
"Fools!" Wing Father said. "If I can't have this world, I'll at least have the boy who took it away from me! I'll drag Littlefoot down and he'll truly be with his mother forever!"
"Don't you dare!" Mama Longneck screamed.
She jerked up as though to run after Littlefoot but she didn't dare break away from the ghost group since they were the only ones keeping Wing Father down. The ghosts were so pressed together in their task it didn't look like they could break apart. Hastily, Mama Longneck pushed back into Wing Father's legs. Mr. Clubtail looking helpless, not knowing what to do.
Littlefoot got dragged into the remains of the meeting circle, parallel to the ghosts. His stomach felt sore from the scratches and the friction of being pulled over a long distance. He scrabbled his feet toward anything he could grab onto, large pieces of rubble, indentations in the ground. But it either wasn't strong enough to hold him or he couldn't get a good grip on it. He was only a couple of longneck lengths from Wing Father's back and the square patch of light, and whatever fate awaiting him. Out of the corner of his eye, Littlefoot saw his friends running toward him from all directions to help. Littlefoot lost his energy to struggle and let out a cry of fear and frustration. He didn't want it to end like this! They had been so close to stopping this torment for good and with everyone alive. There must be some way, any way…
A booming step.
Littlefoot looked behind him and his heart dropped. The shadow immediately stopped pulling him. Standing at the edge of the meeting circle was the first sharptooth. He examined the scene before him, Littlefoot with a silver shadow binding his right rear leg, the ghosts pressing against Wing Father. The living adults and children rushing to help Littlefoot stopped where they were. Gasps emanated all around. Cera inhaled and resisted the urge to step back. Spike's mouth dropped and Ducky shook on his neck. Mr. Threehorn gulped and Tria turned to whisper at him. Mama Swimmer clapped her mouth and Mama Flyer flew a bit higher in the air. Grandpa and Grandma Longneck had stopped mid run, as still as Saurus Rock, faces full of terror.
"Littlefoot, no!" Grandpa Longneck said.
All eyes were frozen on Littlefoot and the first sharptooth ghost. Looking behind him, Wind Father's figure was barely visible as his eyes widened and his face filled with a vindictive joy.
"Yes, yes! Now's your opportunity to take revenge on the boy! I'll hold him in place."
Littlefoot yelped as the shadow tightened around his rear leg. Ruby stared with her mouth open, as though her worst fears were about to become reality. The first sharptooth looked at Wing Father before gazing back down at Littlefoot. The first sharptooth marched toward Littlefoot, each footstep booming closer. Littlefoot jerked at his foot but couldn't get it out of the shadow. He froze when the first sharptooth loomed over. His heart beat fast as though to compensate for the little time it had left. /Littlefoot didn't know if the first sharptooth had the powers from when Wing Father was influencing him but wouldn't be surprised.
Grandpa and Grandma Longneck marched closer. Cera and the others bent their legs as though preparing to dash and grab him. Littlefoot looked up, eyes wide, wondering if he made a mistake showing the first sharptooth mercy. The first sharptooth's gaze wasn't furious but that didn't make his stoic, grim expression anymore scary. Chomper looked just as scared as everyone else but as he examined the other sharptooth's expression, a look of confusion came across his face. The first sharptooth raised his foot. Grandpa and Grandma Longneck and the gang screamed and shot forward but the first sharptooth slammed his foot down with a loud boom…
…onto the shadow tentacle. It dissolved from both sides of contact before vanishing. Littlefoot moved his sore free foot, staring up.
"Get out of the way."
It took a moment for Littlefoot to realize the first sharptooth directed that statement at him. Hastily, Littlefoot ran off to the left as the first sharptooth shot forward. He met up with his friends and family just as the first sharptooth rumbled around the square patch of light, pushed through the crowd of ghosts, and slammed into Wing Father. Wing Father reeled back with a cry of pain. The first sharptooth slashed and bit at Wing Father relentlessly, letting out defiant snarls. On either side of him, Mama Longneck and Mrs. Threehorn watched him in shock before hastily joining in pushing against Wing Father. Wing Father thrashed, shock mixing with agony as dozens of ghosts shoved against him. The light behind Wing Father brightened again, soon reaching the same luminosity as before.
Wind buffeted the area. Littlefoot, his friends, and his grandparents had to close or shield their eyes, the brightness almost penetrating their eyelids as it reached its peak and…!
Slowly, the wind calmed and the light faded away. Blinking from the brightness seared into their eyes, Littlefoot and the others looked around. It was a blue, beautiful afternoon with only a few sky puffies in the sky. Wing Father was nowhere to be seen. The other living adults shook themselves, looking about the area, whispers beginning to fill the air. Most of the ghosts still stood in the meeting circle, looking as stunned as everyone else. Mama Longneck stared at Littlefoot, relief clear on her face. Littlefoot swept his gaze about until it landed on the first sharptooth. Cera and the others inhaled breath. The first sharptooth stared at the gang for a long moment, expression unreadable. Then he turned and vanished where he stood.
"What was that about?" Cera said at last.
"I think he was paying back Littlefoot." Chomper said slowly. "I don't know how but his words about finding something better affected the sharptooth. It made him rethink things."
"Only Littlefoot can get that sharptooth to do that." Petrie commented.
"I hope he does find some peace." Ducky said. "Well, as much peace as the sharptooth we killed can get."
Spike nodded and let out a slow sigh. The gang's families made a beeline for them. The ghosts broke apart to go to their loved ones. Mrs. Threehorn, Horen, Rica, and Duane joined Mr. Threehorn and Tria in going to Cera.
"Cera, you're okay." Mrs. Threehorn said.
"What you did with that light was so cool!" Rica said.
Cera shuffled and gave a bashful smile. "It was Littlefoot's idea. All we did was stand there and think hard."
"But what you did made a difference." Tria said. "We're very proud of you."
Mama and Papa Sharptooth lowered themselves to Chomper, growling approvingly to their son. Chomper nodded, smiled, and growled back with more than a hint of pride. This startled the nearby leaf eaters.
"What?" Mr. Threehorn said. "I can't understand them anymore."
Mama and Papa Sharptooth looked up at the leaf eater's chatter and appeared to come to the same realization. They growled at Chomper and Papa Fast Runner, who nodded. Papa Fast Runner touched his chin.
"We're back to speaking our own languages," he said. "It's been strange hearing both leaf eater and sharptooth at the same time."
"A pity, in some respects," Tria said. "I liked getting to know Chomper's parents."
Papa Fast Runner turned to translate this for Mama and Papa Sharptooth, who appeared flattered. Nodding awkwardly, Mr. Threehorn averted his gaze. Mama Fast Runner walked over to touch Ruby's shoulder.
"You did well in that trying situation, Ruby," she said. "I'd like to hear very much about your idea to defeat Red Claw."
Ruby looked up and smiled. "I'll tell you, don't worry. I can tell you'll soon want to put it into practice."
Mama Swimmer lowered herself and held Ducky and Spike. The two clung to her arms, filled with so much relief. Skip stood nearby, fidgeting with a smile.
"Oh, are you alright, Ducky, Spike?" Mama Swimmer asked. "All that chaos with the light and Littlefoot getting dragged off…you didn't get hurt, did you?"
"We are fine, Mama!" Ducky said. "We do have some owies but those are from dealing with the Anchors rather than the light."
"I looked after them while they did their thing." Skip said. "They were amazing."
Spike nodded, allowing himself to raise his head proudly which caused the others to chuckle. Mama Flyer sat with Petrie, checking him over.
"I commend you for what you did, Petrie," she said. "I was scared but you handled yourself well."
"It was a bit scary." Petrie admitted. "But also amazing."
Mama and Papa Sharptooth turned and growled at Mr. Thicknose. Mr. Thicknose blinked and Chomper translated.
"They said thank you for looking after me," he said. "Both with that light thing and when I came to live in the valley."
Mr. Thicknose was wary but flattered. Mr. Threehorn and the rest of Cera's family turned to look at Pat.
"We're thankful that you looked after her while we were busy." Tria said.
"Yeah, at least the kids had some supervision while we were busy fighting physical shadows." Mr. Threehorn said.
"I'm glad Cera has made such good friends of every age who would look out for her." Mrs. Threehorn said.
Pat laughed bashfully. Mama Longneck walked up to Littlefoot, nuzzling through him with the slow strokes of relief that came from a narrow escape from danger. Grandpa and Grandma Longneck came in not far behind, wearing similar expressions
"Oh Littlefoot," Mama Longneck's voice shook, "for a moment I thought you were going to…"
"We all did." Grandpa Longneck said, nuzzling Littlefoot as well.
"Are you hurt?" Grandma Longneck asked, taking her turn to also nuzzle him. "Is your rear leg alright?"
"I'm okay. I'm okay." Littlefoot said, then winced. "Alright, my leg's sore and so's my stomach from being dragged around but that'll heal in a few days."
"Hey Littlefoot." Papa Sprinter said, stepping over nervously. "I'm sorry. I should have been more on the lookout for danger. I was careless."
"It's alright, Mr. Sprinter." Littlefoot assured. "It took us all by surprise. I forgot about it after I warned the others we should be careful about shadows sneaking around."
"What's done is done." Grandpa Longneck agreed. "We can only now go forward. Still, if that sharptooth hadn't appeared when he had…"
Mama Longneck let out a breath and looked out on the horizon. "I'm going to have a talk with him. He's not forgiven for all he's done to Littlefoot and his friends but he came at just the right time. We were able to drive Wing Father from this world."
Footsteps and wing flaps became audible. Looking around, Littlefoot saw many dinosaurs living and more than a few dead come out of hiding, sighing with relief and some even cheering. Among them was the Tinysauruses and the gang's brothers and sisters. The swimmer siblings cried out and made a beeline for Ducky, Spike, and Mama Swimmer.
"Ducky, Spike!" Bitty cried. "You are alive!"
"We were scared we would find you see-through!" Eda said.
"I was scared you wouldn't win!" Osber sniffled.
They gathered around the three. Ducky accepted Bitty and so many others in a group hug. She blinked about, eyes wet.
"Oh, everyone!" she said. "I am so sorry we made you all worry, I am, I am. But we are safe now."
Spike nodded and murmured softly, bunting his head gently into Shean, Norkel and Fussy. Mama Swimmer lowered herself to nuzzle her youngest children, some crying and sniffling.
"Mama, Mama!" Tuo said, rubbing her eyes. "Scared…you…!"
"Ssh, ssh, it's okay." Mama Swimmer said. "Mother's here. I'll make sure we can all settle back to normal soon."
"Petrie, Petrie!"
Flapping over were Petrie's siblings and father. Petrie and Mama Flyer took off to flap around their family members, who pressed against the two as they passed with relief.
"You look beat up." Terri said, looking at Petrie's few scratches and wounds.
"Did you fight the bad guys?" Rano added. "How did you deal with them?"
"Slow down, slow down!" Petrie said, chuckling. "We didn't fight but we saw lots of fighting. We did help in end. Mama too, she did loads."
More than a few of his siblings turned to Mama Flyer.
"Really, is that true, Mama?" asked another brother.
"I didn't do much," Mama Flyer said, "but everyone played their part."
Papa Flyer flapped over to her. "I think she's underselling herself. I'm glad you're alright. I can't believe you managed to deal with all that weirdness."
"I know." Mama Flyer smiled faintly. "Thank you for looking after the children while hiding."
Ruby's siblings Emmy and Saph ran in and hugged their oldest sister.
"Ruby, you're okay!" Saph said, looking around their big sister. "So are Mommy and Daddy!"
"I thought you would be alright but I'm glad you can hold us without us falling through you." Emmy said.
"I'm glad I'm not a ghost either." Ruby replied. "Things will calm down soon."
Mama and Papa Fast Runners stepped closer and Ruby's siblings hopped into their arms for a hug. Tricia had separated from the other siblings to go over to her family, pressing against the living members and going through the ghost ones without a care before chatting away. Her family listened indulgently.
"So, does she understand what happened?" Rica asked.
"I think she understands some of it." Cera said. "She's probably just glad to be back with us."
"Well, we are glad to be back with her too." Duane said.
"She'll probably have questions when she grows up." Horen said. "I mean, I would."
"We'll be sure to tell her in an appropriate manner." Tria said. "Some of it will be too much for her."
"I'm sure she'll understand," Mr. Threehorn shifted uncomfortably, "though there'll be some aspects very difficult to mention to her."
"I'm sure you'll get through to her." Mrs. Threehorn said. "You all will."
The three threehorn parents' expressions softened and they nuzzled one another. Cera and her sisters looked up, sighing but laughing over this lovey-dovey display. All the Tinysauruses and the ghosts that guarded them reunited with those that fought Wing Father and Tega, With his far larger ghost mate, Big Daddy went over to the gang's families.
"And here I thought those like me fighting fast biters was the weirdest things were going to get," he said. "So Wing Father's gone for good?"
Mrs. Threehorn nodded. "I believe so. When that sharptooth came in and we pushed with all our might, I felt him vanish from the world. He no longer has any mark here. I'm sure he'll be unpleasant to deal with in the afterlife but there'll be others of his kind who'll keep him in line."
Petrie started. "There others like him?"
"Not all are cruel like him." Mama Longneck assured. "I don't feel comfortable elaborating but they'll make sure he can't repeat what he did again. Though with him gone…we won't be able to remain much longer."
At this pronouncement, the rest of the living and dead dinosaurs faltered. The celebration quieted. A bittersweet silence fell over the area. Cera lowered her head. Mr. Clubtail was downcast. Mr. Thicknose wore a sad expression. For a moment, no one knew what to say.
"Mom, Dad!"
Hyp came running, Nod and Mutt stumbling and panting as they struggled to keep up. Papa Sprinter clapped an arm on Hyp's shoulder when they met and pulled him close to Mama Sprinter. Panting, Hyp looked around before Mama Sprinter traced her fingers slowly and sadly through his cheek.
"Is he gone? Did you kick Wing Father's butt?" he asked. He noticed their expressions. "Why do you have those looks on your faces?"
Papa Sprinter hesitated. "We defeated Wing Father. Everything's back to normal. Though that…means…"
"I'll have to leave soon." Mama Sprinter finished.
Hyp looked crestfallen. Nod and Mutt glanced at one another in distress and sent Hyp a worried look. But he gulped and managed to lower a hand into his mother's shoulder.
"Then I'm glad I got here in time," he said.
His parents huddled closer to him. Littlefoot looked at Mama Longneck, steeling himself.
"So…it's that time now," he said at last.
"Yes." Mama Longneck nuzzled her head through him. "I'm glad we had the chance to speak like this one more time."
"We'll have to say goodbye again?" Cera asked
Mrs. Threehorn nodded. "I'm afraid so. Soon, we'll be coming back to where all the dead dwell. Though be glad we can say goodbye again. It'll be better than the last time we parted. I'm proud of all of you, your father, and what your friends accomplished."
"Farewell, dear." Mr. Threehorn shuffled a foot. "I'll try to do better, for you and those who're still with me. Will you be alright on the other side?"
"Definitely." Mrs. Threehorn smiled. "Especially since we were able to speak again. You look after Tria, you hear? Don't let her do all the emotional lifting."
He sighed but straightened his shoulders. "I'm not good at this feelsy stuff but I'll do my best."
"It was nice meeting you." Tria said. "I could see why Topsy had been taken with you. I never thought we would get along but it was nice to share our favorite grumpy threehorn. It was good to know Cera's other sisters too."
"I didn't think I'd like you either but you proved me wrong." Horen admitted.
"It was fun being with you, Cera." Duane said. "Tricia too."
"Keep up the cute act as long as you want, Tricia." Rica said. "That'd be funny."
Tricia chirped pleased at the praise before seeing the expressions on her ghost sisters. Her face shifted from confusion to sadness. She rubbed through the three as though pleading for them to stay. Mrs. Threehorn lowered her head and accepted the same affection. Tricia began to sniff. Cera blinked hard as her eyes misted.
"Goodbye, Horen, Rica, Duane," she said. "I'm going to miss you a lot. I loved playing with you."
She became overwhelmed. She resisted for a moment before realizing what was the point and started to cry. Mr. Threehorn went over to nuzzle her, tears slipping out of his eyes. Tria pushed against Mr. Threehorn, offering them whatever comfort they needed. Other families were starting to cry as well as they shared goodbyes. Mama Sprinter phased her hands through Hyp's and Papa Sprinter's with a tearful smile.
"Goodbye dear, Hyp," she said. "I'm happy you both are in a better place."
"I wish we were in a better place when we were together." Papa Sprinter murmured. "When you were alive and in the last few days. At least things were much better after we got freed from Wing Father's control."
"Yeah, it wasn't so bad. It would have been nice if it lasted longer." Hyp said, gaze slightly to the side. "I shouldn't have walked all over you – or any of the squirts."
"Thank you, Hyp." Mama Sprinter said. "Your apology means a lot. Now you can grow and learn from your mistakes. Maybe now you and your father can have a better relationship. Please continue to listen to each other."
"I'm still going to be a wise guy, you know." Hyp replied, sniffing as his voice got a catch. "It would be kind of boring if I wasn't."
Mama Sprinter chuckled and sniffled. "That's fine with me."
"Though don't expect me not to noogie you when you do it." Papa Sprinter joked.
Hyp and Mama Sprinter laughed, even as they started crying. Hyp felt Nod's hand on his shoulders and Nod's head pressing into his side. He found he wasn't embarrassed shedding nears near his friends. Maybe that was also part of being big. More crying filled the air as living and dead did their best to embrace one another. The ghosts of the Tinysauruses nuzzled their sobbing children. Big Daddy pressed into his mate's foreleg clumsily, Lizzie not far behind him. Ichy and Dil watched this before they turned to one another. Guido still closely observed the two from a nearby tree.
"So you're going away again, Ichy?" Dil asked.
"Looks like it." Ichy sighed.
"Do you want us to cry and press into each other like the others are probably doing?" she paused. "They are doing that, right?"
"Yes, they are. And ugh, no. I don't like that feelsy mush." He fluttered his feathers and hopped uncomfortably near her. "Well…it's been fun."
Dil gave Ichy a dry look. "Would you really call what we went through fun?"
Ichy snorted. "Some of it was, even looking back. We got up to wild stuff. Don't get into any trouble that you aren't sure you can get out of."
Dil raised her head, offended. "I won't. You were the one who usually led me into trouble. I'll be glad to no longer hear your squawking." She hesitated, mood lowering a bit. "It might be too quiet at times. Make sure you don't tick off anyone powerful like Wing Father in the afterlife."
"What, me tick off anybody? No!" Ichy said, smirking. "In fact, I'm going to make loads of friends. When it's your time to go, you'll have to make sure not to tick me off!"
"Ugh." Dil rolled her eyes. "That's it, I'm going to live as long as possible."
"That's one way to motivate someone not to croak early." Ichy's smile fell. "Find someone, alright. And I don't mean a mate or someone to be your eyes. Just some company in the hunting life."
Dil gave an "mmm" of acknowledgement, suddenly finding it hard to look at him. The two stood next to each other in companionable silence, valuing the time they had left. Up above, Guido sniffed and wiped his eyes, touched in spite of himself. Mr. Clubtail took a visual sweep of everyone present and gulped.
"Well, it's been nice knowing you all," he said. "Glad to have this chance – to speak and settle things."
"Us too." Mama Swimmer said. "What you went through was horrible."
"The Great Valley won't be the same without you." Mama Flyer said.
"Be careful with your bopper where you're going." Guido said.
"We'll miss you a lot." Pat said.
"Would you?" Mr. Clubtail asked. "I don't remember us exchanging words. I barely talked to a lot of people here."
"So?" Mrs. Maia said. "That doesn't change things will be different without seeing you around."
"We'll be sad you're no longer with us." Grandpa Longneck said.
"I know I was sometimes hard on you but I agree with the others." Mr. Threehorn said. "You'll be missed in the valley meetings."
Mr. Clubtail stared at everyone. Smacking his lips, it was hard to tell if he was about to smile or burst into tears. Taking a breath, he turned to Littlefoot and the others.
"Thanks, kids," he said. "For knocking some sense into me."
"But Littlefoot's mom was the one who did that, not us." Chomper said.
"But it was you changing the world at least part of the way back that allowed her to chide me in the first place." Mr. Clubtail replied. "Not to mention I was there with you through all your struggles and arguments today. You gave me a lot to think about."
"Oh, that is nice to hear." Ducky said. "I am glad we managed to spend the day with you that way."
"We really thankful you help protect us when Anchors after us." Petrie said.
"It's the least I could do." Mr. Clubtail managed a smile. "Be sure to enjoy sweet bubbles and other foods that catch your fancy while I'm gone."
Spike thrust his head up and down solemnly, somewhat belied by the way he licked his lips. His friends laughed. Ruby smiled fondly.
"We'll be sure to do that, Mr. Clubtail," she said. "I hope there are cool things in the afterlife for you to eat, too!"
"Bye, Mr. Clubtail." Littlefoot said. "May you find peace and happiness."
"Make sure not to eat all the sweet bubbles in the afterlife," Cera said. "Seriously, it was good knowing you."
Mr. Clubtail sighed and rolled his eyes. "You and Mr. Threehorn can't go through a conversation without a smart remark. But I guess that's part of your charm."
This many to laugh. The ghosts started to fade. The living dinosaurs gasped and more started crying. Color and detail seemed to drain from the ghosts' bodies. The surroundings on the other side of them was becoming more and more visible. The ghosts pulled away, gathering together in front of the living. Though many were sad and crying themselves, the ghosts seemed ready to go. Mr. Clubtail smiled with tears in his eyes. The Tinysaurus parents swung their necks in the air in farewell. Ichy waved bemused at Dil. Many of them and the living started saying goodbye to one another.
"Thank you, everyone!" Mr. Clubtail said. "Farewell!"
"We'll miss you, Mr. Clubtail!" Tria said.
"Don't let a boulder squish you on the way out, Ichy!" Dil called.
"Oh, I'll show you squishing!" Ichy retorted.
"Goodbye dear, all of you!" Big Daddy said. "I'll look after the kids!"
"Be well, Hyp, dear!" Mama Sprinter said.
"You too!" Hyp said, sniffing. "I'm – I'm going to miss you!"
"Bye, Cera, Tricia!" Rica said.
"It's nice meeting you, Tria!" Duane said.
"Bye, Daddy! B-bye!" Horen said, lip wobbling and bursting into tears.
"Farewell, girls!" Mr. Threehorn said. "You too, dear!"
"Don't forget what we talked about!" Mrs. Threehorn said. "I love you and Cera!"
Cera broke down and cried "Mommy! Horen! Rica! Duane!"
The ghosts faded further, soon little more than outlines. Big Daddy and his charges wept loudly, huddled in a big group. Cera and Mr. Threehorn cried as they pressed their heads together, Tricia weeping and pushing against Cera's foot, whether for her comfort or her sister's it wasn't clear. Grandpa and Grandma Longneck nuzzled, tears streaming down their cheeks. Littlefoot staggered forward, barely able to see Mama Longneck's smile.
"Bye, Mother!" he said. "Goodbye!"
"Goodbye, sweet Littlefoot." Mama Longneck said. "Remember, the dead are never really gone. We'll always be with you, in your hearts…"
The ghosts faded until they were little more than impressions in the air. Then they were gone.
Bron and his herd bade farewell to the fading ghosts of their loved ones, waving tails and forelimbs in the air. Shorty cried against Bron's foot watching as his birth parents became little more than smudges in the air. Bron looked down, attempting to comfort the boy. A wind swept by him and he started as though he heard a voice before he smiled. Wild Arms closed his eyes and took a shaking breath as his former herd vanished. Etta waved away her cousin, tears trailing down her beaming beak.
Pterano watched his ghost breakaway herd fade with a hand on his heart. Some had mixed expressions, others were thankful for being able to make peace with Pterano. More than a few were reserved as they all vanished. Pterano stood there a while before his hand closed into a sure fist. Then he turned and flapped away.
The yellow bellies waved goodbye and nuzzled their ghost companions as they faded, some stumbling or falling through them but laughing good-naturedly. Foobie closed his wet eyes and let out a breath as Loofah and Doofah clasped his shoulders.
The air was still broken by crying and some last calls of farewell. Cera and Mr. Threehorn remained close together, tears streaming down their cheeks. Tria took turns nuzzling the two and Tricia, who sniffled and cooed. Hyp sobbed in his father's arms. The Tinysauruses' sniffs and quiet sobs were mixed with happy murmurs. Dil blinked hard. In the tree above, Guido clasped his hands, letting out a sigh. The gang's brothers and sisters gasped and made sounds of astonishment. Mr. Thicknose looked amazed. Grandpa and Grandma Longneck sniffled but smiled. Littlefoot and the others slowly gathered together, staring at where the ghosts had last stood.
"It's – it's all over." Littlefoot said at last.
"Yeah." Petrie said, wiping his eyes. "But new day begun."
"But it's the middle of the day-" Cera began, then shook her head. "Oh, right. Things will grow and change now."
Ducky clasped her hands. "We will not remain small and young forever."
"We'll become bigger. Our diets will change." Chomper said softly. "A lot of things to prepare for."
"But there will be good things to look forward to too." Ruby said.
"That's right." Littlefoot said, looking at the horizon. "And we'll be able to face it."
Spike nodded with a solemn murmur. They all stood there as the bright circle shone in the afternoon. It was going to be tough going forward but they were going to be alright. A yellowing treestar blew by, spinning as it landed near Littlefoot's foot. He looked down at it and smiled.
Next time…
Time Moves On
Note: Yes, that climatic scene with the first sharptooth was based on a scene from Doctor Who's The End of Time Part 2. I even have the music piece from that episode, The Clouds Pass, play in my head for it. We have only 2 chapters left now that'll be posted in September or October at the latest. They could be considered the epilogue or the final chapters of this are, but they're definitely the final ones for this whole story. Until then, Free Palestine, and if you are able, please donate to a fund for Gazans on gazafunds-dot-com (except replace the "-dot-" with ".").