A.N: To artist seeking money from for their art, please leave the comment section open for discussions about the story only and don't private message me for I will most likely not respond. Thank you.
Chapter Nine:
At All Cost
The following day, the Sky-beings interacted with the grandkids, who were happy to learn more about the world beyond their own. Nancy pointed to a hologram screen, Johnathan holding Claw and Star on his lap while Fang sat by him, given she was growing and could no longer fit in his lap. All the while, Ty-Rex watched, amazed by the knowledge the pair shared with the children.
"They're open, speak freely."
"Of course, they want our young to know about the world beyond. Sometimes, I find it hard to grasp, but am amazed none, the less."
"Fastrunner, why did you stay with Chomper. He was not full sharptooth, didn't that ever bother you?"
"No, I trusted him. We were kids together, I knew he would never hurt me or the gang."
"But he's also an unknown creature. How did you handle it?"
"That's the thing, Ty-Rex, when you love someone, you accept all their qualities. Just as Chomper had to accept my unique speech, the funny way I talk. Along with other things." Ruby sighed. "I miss him."
"Well, I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."
After several days, the Sky-beings were prepared to leave. They hugged each of the grandchildren, the older fast runners, even Screech and Thud. They linger when embracing Ty-Rex, who felt himself slowly give into the hug, reaching around to hold them close. Ty-Rex wasn't turned off by affection as he was before, finding he quite enjoyed it.
Like the tide, the seasons came and went, Ty-Rex settling into his role and ignoring any attempt at contact with Chomper. It was on a hot summer day, the children played in the water, Ty-Rex watching them with Ruby by his side. He'd never felt so much pride, not even killing compared to the joy he felt that moment. The scent of blood was nothing compared to the scent of family and loved ones.
Then, the joyous atmosphere changed as the children screamed, for something big moved under the surface. Ruby grabbed her spear and went to intervene, until Ty-Rex speedily dove into the water, swimming swiftly to reach the young. Fang held Star and did her best to get to Claw, who was lifted in the air by a long tentacle, many arms appearing above the water. Fang screamed and was grabbed and held fast, biting, and escaping with Star. Ty-Rex made sure Fang and Star was okay before going in to save Claw.
"Dad, help!" Claw cried, being drug under the water.
On shore, Ruby help Fang and held a sobbing Star. Her gaze was focused on the splashing, unable to see under the water. Bellow, Ty-Rex found himself attacked by many arms, being drug deeper, and deeper. Claw was there, unable to get lose, which enraged Ty-Rex, causing something deep within him to boil. There was a pulsing sound, that grew louder and louder and faster and faster. His body began to give off a soft blue glow, becoming brighter and brighter till...
Whoosh!
A light of blue zapped out of the water, Ruby gasping and shielding the children's eyes, unsure where such a light came from. Once the light stopped, the water settled, bits of the large creature floated to the surface. Then, from the water, Ty-Rex appeared, carrying the head of the dead creature in his muzzle, Claw riding safely on his back dorsal spike. Ruby watched in awe as he came on shore, dropping the head of the creature, leaning down for Claw to hop off.
"Mommy, daddy saved me!" Claw was bouncing with glee. "Did you see that? He blew that thing apart with his light."
"He did, didn't he." Ruby was speechless.
"Well, who wants sea food?"
The family gathered to enjoy the strange creature, Ruby, Screech and Thud working to cut it up. Rodney and Trudy studied the beast, never seeing such a thing before. Ty-Rex played with the kids, lifting them so they could slide down his back and into the shallow water.
"Did he really spew a light?" Screech asked Ruby as they worked.
"Yes, it was like fire, burning brightly, killing this thing."
"Amazing, the second Boss is also full of surprises." Thud added.
"He sure is."
After the meal, Ruby and Ty-Rex tucked their kids into bed. Kissing each one, they left the rooms. Ty-Rex held a smirk when they headed for the front door.
"What's so funny?"
"Remember when you wouldn't let me come in here?"
"Yes, sorry about-"
"There's nothing to appetize for." Ty-Rex reached out to brush her cheek, only to draw back. "Given who I was, I would've let me near those kids. They're wonderful, even the prey."
"Thank you for protecting them today. I don't think my heart could handle losing another."
"Another?"
"A fast bitter egg that never hatched. I blamed myself for it."
"You are a wonderful mother, never question that." His eyes were tender and despite being predatory, reminded her of Chomper. "How about a short walk?"
"Sounds nice."
They went to the beach, never going too far from the house. As they stood, Ruby gazed up at the moon. Unlike Ruby, Ty-Rex's gaze was locked onto Ruby.
"I hope you know, I would do anything for the kids, and for you."
"I know that now."
Ty-Rex took Ruby's hand, placing his other to her waist, spinning her round and round, dancing as Nacy and Johnathan taught him. Ruby flushed, never pushing him away or stepping back, leaning in and letting him lead.
"What's this?"
"It's called dancing, a thing done between friends, couples, mates..." Ty-Rex trailed off. "I was so mad for so long. In truth, I envied Chomper, for what he had I and what I could never get. He had friends, a wonderful mate, beautiful children. Now, I'm able to share some of the joy he felt."
"Ty-Rex?" Ruby whispered.
Then, Ruby gasped, seeing they left the ground, moving up into the air. Instinctively, she grabbed onto him, Ty-Rex only holding her close, treasuring ever minute he shared with her. Once Ruby realized they weren't falling, she enjoyed the weightless sensation, giving in and letting him lead her in the dance.
Ty-Rex:
"If happiness was a tangible thing, it would be you,
If you'd told me the feelings you bring, I think all untrue,
And beings search for a wonder like you, all their life,
You still amazing me after all this time,
I belong somewhere so far, now my heart is where you are,
Leave you here I would never, I'll forever,
Promise as one does,
I, I will protect you, at all cost,
Keep you safe in my arms,
I, I will protect you, at all cost,
At all cost,"
Ruby:
"What's pain, when I look at you now way,
I could explain you,
Even if I tried to, I'll never dream like I used to do,
If someone tried to hurt you, I won't ever let that happen,
I'd fight for you in ways you can't imagine,
Feel my heart beat fast, I hope,
It would be alright to stay right here beside you,"
Both:
"And promise as one does,
I, I will protect you, at all cost,
Keep you safe in my arms,
I, I will protect you, at all cost,
At all cost,
If you ever feel like you're lost,
I'll come find you,
Man all fronts,
There's no ocean I won't swing across to be right by you,
To I'd run,
In the past I had doubts but I've none, cause I'm beside you,
And promise as one does,
I, I will protect you, at all cost,
Keep you safe in my arms,
I, I will protect you, at all cost,
At all cost."
They dove, Ruby being lifted and held in Ty-Rex's strong arms, seeing the Big Water move under them. When they reached the Island, Ty-Rex let Ruby down, keeping her closer. Ruby made a move and took Ty-Rex's hands, finding she grew to care about him as her friend, co-parents and maybe even more. He was still Chomer after all, so was it so wrong to have feelings for him?
"Ty-Rex, I-I..." Ruby noticed he shook, letting go of her hands to rub his head. "Ty-Rex, are you okay?"
"Ruby..." He uttered before his eyes rolled back and he passed out.
For a moment Ruby wondered if he had a massive attack and died without delay. She rushed to his side, placing her head against his heart, hearing it beat, so, he was alive. What made her wonder, was why had he collapsed, he seemed fine. Maybe he feared what she was about to say and decided pretending to pass out was better than hearing what she had to say. For she was about to confess her feelings for him.
