Taka saw Mr Threehorn eating in private. He didn't want to be nosy but he needed to know. He coughed to get the attention of the threehorn. He said nothing but acknowledged his presence.
Taka asked. "Why"?
"Why, what"?
"Why did you offer to be my guardian. You didn't want me in the Great Valley and now you offer to look after me? Why"?
He sighed. "Your little speech reminded me of my father. He always wanted me to be tough like any threehorn should. But I loved my father at the end of the day and I know he loved me, although he never said it out loud. The way you described your father, reminded me so much of him. I considered myself lucky to have had him as my father and I still do. But I'll admit there were plenty of times I disappointed him. There were times I hated him. He would always yell at me for losing a fight or crying. Insult me for being afraid of night. I do yell and scold my daughter but never in the way, he did to me. I'll admit if I was your guardian I would be quite strict. And I'm not exactly a gentle and patient parent. I guess I never saw the issue because I assumed Cera would have it easier than me. But now I see that some had it harder than me. You said your mother hated you too. My mother was kind, the only time she acted tough was when she kept him in line".
Taka nodded.
"Cera told me a lot about you. She said you were rude and cocky".
Taka resisted replying that Cera was one to talk.
"But that you were also smart I was angry when I found out that you were a meat eater. I only got over it because she said she would never see you again".
"And yet here I am".
"You did impress me with your speech. You even changed my mind about letting you stay. I don't usually change my mind. You really do have a way with words. But you don't need to pick me and I wouldn't blame you. I was going to let you be thrown out of the Great Valley to fend for yourself".
"At least you feel bad about it. My parents never feel bad about anything".
Topps sighed. "Exactly like my father".
"I'd take you over my own parents any day of the week".
Topps snorted. "That doesn't say much".
Taka laughed. "True".
Later on, Taka talked to Mr Thicknose and Grandma Longneck. They both appeared to be great picks. So, it was a surprise to the entire Great Valley when he picked Topps. Even Topps himself was surprised.
He was currently discussing the issue with Littlefoot and Cera.
"You actually picked my dad. Why"?
Taka already had an answer. "I didn't think I would but after we talked, I realized we got a lot in common. That's why he offered and that's why I picked him".
Littlefoot laughed. "So, you and Cera are going to be like brother and sister now. I say it's fitting".
Taka continued. "He partly reminds me my father, except not in a bad way and I think he's the best option for me".
Littlefoot nodded. "I guess that makes sense. Still, It would have been nice to have a brother".
"Hey, you the father of a sharptooth, how many ones our age can see that".
Littlefoot giggled. "Fair enough I suppose".
It was made official that Topps would be the guardian of Taka. Time will tell if that was the right choice.
Author's Note
I apologise for the short chapter. I'll try and make sure the next one is longer.
