The Seven Hunters

[rhombus]

I am glad that you enjoyed the focus on the adults' emotions in this chapter.  This is something that I moved away from towards the end of the first act in order to focus on the emotions of the children in more detail.  As we have seen, and will continue to see, the actions that the adults have taken in response to their tragedy will have major implications for the Great Valley and beyond.

Thanks for the review.  

[CeraTheRed]

I am glad that you enjoyed the focus on the adults' emotions in this chapter.  This is something that I moved away from towards the end of the first act in order to focus on the emotions of the children in more detail.  As we have seen, and will continue to see, the actions that the adults have taken in response to their tragedy will have major implications for the Great Valley and beyond.

Thanks for the review. 

You're welcome. This was actually a very good opening to the second at here. Yes, I can definitely see it. And I could also see all the adults becoming paranoid if this ever happened. Nice to see Bron making another journey to find Littlefoot.

[Cruncher96]

I'm already seeing a Scene of Bron chasing the gang (now turned sharp teeth) and littlefoot begs his father to stop but to no avail. Which I think would make a sad scene for littlefoot since his father is trying to kill him.

[rhombus]

Thanks for the kind words, everyone.  Here is the next installment:

Fanfiction link:  https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9990125/20/The-Seven-Hunters

 Chapter 19   Journeys and fathers

“Is it possible for home to be a person and not a place?”
― Stephanie Perkins, Anna and the French Kiss


In a small clearing outside of Hanging Rock, seven sharptooth were sleeping peacefully.  Well...  Most of them were anyway.  A small brown fast biter with vibrant red feathers was tossing and turning in his uneasy slumber.  What could this small sharptooth be dreaming about?

If an observer was watching the scene in front of him, he would be unable to see much of anything on account of the pervasive darkness.  Almost no light permeated into the thick swamp on this night.  Not even the light of the moon was on display.  However, the steady splashing of advancing feet would indicate a presence in this foreboding environment.  These footsteps belonged to one of nature's most feared predators.  The predator made no overt sounds, but his mind was working furiously.

Hmm...  The scent is getting stronger this way...  We should advance carefully.

Littlefoot was slowly advancing through the swampy marsh that he suddenly found himself in.  He was quite hungry as he hadn't eaten in days.  In fact, he couldn't remember the last time that he had eaten.  It was like there was a fog in his mind that wouldn't let him explore those memories too deeply.  It was no matter, however, as the only thing that mattered was the resolution of his current hunger.  This was not the time for introspection; it was time for action.

He looked to his side and noted his companion.  She had been following him since...  Well, he couldn't remember.  In fact, he couldn't even remember her name.  Her only distinguishing characteristic was that she had a distinct yellow hide, with orange feathers on her head and limbs.  She had a self-assured and almost arrogant manner about her.  She seemed to be following Littlefoot's lead for the time being, but he was unsure if she would continue to do so if he proved to be a lackluster hunter.  He needed to show his competence in this hunt.  A bit of caution before the chase could ensure victory.  What this meant at the moment was that he needed to get as much information as possible.  He decided that his sense of smell would be the best source of information, on account of the darkness.

He stopped for a moment in order to consult his sniffer.  Slowly raising his snout, he took a deep breath.  

He smelled a multitude of scents with the intake of his breath.  He could smell the excitement and desperation in his own body's scent.  He could smell the combined scent of gradual decay and moisture which permeated through the swamp.  He could even smell the retreating smell of a belly dragger that must have been in the area several hours ago.  However, that was not the smell that caught his attention.

There, within an indeterminately short distance from him, was the tell-tale scent of a longneck and a threehorn.  Both of them were quite young if his sniffer were to be believed.  They would be most suitable prey.  Too small to effectively fight back, but also large enough to make a satisfying meal.

Yes...  They are close...  Very close.

He took another tentative breath in order to confirm his findings.  Yes, he was correct.  There were two juveniles very close to himself and his companion.  They had to approach cautiously now, lest they give away their location to the food.

Littlefoot turned to his companion and gave a stern nod.  They were close, the gestured said, follow my lead.

The two then began to walk ever so slowly through the underbrush until they approached a dry patch of land.  With uncertain paws, Littlefoot took his clawed forelimbs and gently brushed away the reeds that blocked his view.  What he then found surprised him.

Why...  There they are!

A green longneck shifted uncertainly as he looked in the opposite direction of Littlefoot, whereas a small pink threehorn sat mumbling to herself beside her protector.  It was a juvenile longneck and an infant threehorn.  What a combination!  The small threehorn wouldn't make for much of a meal, but perhaps they could use her to lure the tasty longneck into the open.  The green longneck was obviously trying to protect the other dinosaur,  His posture gave him away.  The classic strategy of finding your opponent's weakness and then exploiting it would work well here.  Now he simply had to communicate this to his companion without ruining the element of surprise.

Looking back towards his companion, Littlefoot noted that she had an impatient expression on her face.  Her most annoying weakness, he thought to himself.  Hopefully she could contain her emotions until the hunt was finished.  Littlefoot gestured with two claws, indicating two dinosaurs were detected.  She nodded with a grin, her impatience being forgotten in the identification of suitable prey.  Returning her grin, he placed two claws on his face in an outward direction, indicating a threehorn.  As she nodded, he used his forelimbs to indicate a small size.  She huffed.  Obviously she was not interested in a small appetizer.  This made his grin grow wider.  This one was so predictable.  He then stretched his forelimbs from his face in order to indicate a longneck.  With a gestured towards himself, he indicated a significant size for the second dinosaur.  She smiled.  It looked like they would eat well tonight.

With a final gesture, he noted that she should attack the threehorn from the opposite direction.  There were two possibilities with this strategy: either the longneck would help the infant in which case he could charge him from behind; or he would abandon her and run in the opposite direction, in which case he would catch him head-on.  Either way, the two dinosaurs were as good as dead.  All that was left was the hunt itself.  The strategy, which was always the most important part, had already been attended to.

As she began to slowly walk around the reeds in order to attack the threehorn from the other direction, he was left with his uncertain thoughts.  He was forgetting something, some part of his mind seemed to tell him.  He knew his name, but he didn't remember how he had gotten into this situation, nor did he recall who his companion was.  Oh well, he thought, it probably wasn't important anyway.  He could dedicate more time to that conundrum when his hunger was addressed.  It was the only thing that mattered right now.

A sudden squeal emanated from the clearing and instantly Littlefoot knew that the hunt was on.  

He emerged into the clearing and immediately saw that the small threehorn was being charged at by his yellow fast biter companion.  She was rapidly gaining ground on the pink threehorn and he knew that she wouldn't stand a chance.

Taking a look at the other prey, he noted that the green longneck was trying to distract the yellow fast biter and was running parallel with the threehorn.  It was a noble, yet foolish, effort.  He wasn't even paying attention to the scene in front of him where Littlefoot was now charging at him full speed.

"Run Tricia!"

The green longneck muttered something that was incomprehensible.  If he were a more naive sharptooth then Littlefoot would almost say that it sounded like that the longneck was trying to say something.  But that was foolish, sentimental thinking.  Everyone knew that flat teeth couldn't speak.  They were far too stupid for that.

His yellow fast biter companion then caught up to the hapless threehorn and bit down upon her neck.  They was a sickening glugging sound as the small infant began to aspirate upon her own blood.  She never even got the chance to emit one final scream.  One dinosaur was down, there was just one more to go.

"No!"

Ignoring the green longneck's scream, Littlefoot leapt at his throat.  With a sickening thud he landed heavily upon his back.  Placing all of his weight upon his hind claws, he raked downward and slice through the pitiful longneck's abdomen.  With a sickening gasp, the longneck collapsed upon the ground.  He had dealt a mortal wound, now all that was left was the finishing strike.

He advanced slowly towards the collapsed longneck and walked around him until he could see the longneck's face.  He had a look of absolute terror and despair.  A combination that could only be born from knowing what was going to come, but raging against the inevitable all the same.  It was kind of an amusing sight, some part of Littlefoot's instincts noted.

As he slowly advanced towards the longneck, he looked up to gaze into the eyes of his executioner.  The green longneck gasped at what he saw and cried out one final statement.

"Wha...?  Littlefoot?  Why?"

With a merciless demeanor, Littlefoot slashed out with his forelimbs and slit his brother's throat.

......

Littlefoot awoke with a panicked gasp.

What in the hell was that?!  The panicked fast biter thought to himself.  He had just had one of the most horrific dreams that he could ever remember.  He had dreams before where he had been killed or eaten, as this was a common fear amongst herbivores.  However, this was the first dream where he had actually killed a loved one.  What did it all mean?  Why was he having these bad sleep stories now?  The only thing that the brown fast biter was sure about was that it was time to collect his thoughts.

Trying unsuccessfully to calm his nerves by bringing his breathing under control, Littlefoot decided to walk to the river.  He could use a drink of water to moisten his dry and spasming throat.  Likewise, he could use the calming sound of gently flowing water as well.  Right now he was in the midst of a full-blown panic.

With unsteady feet, and an even more unsteady mind, he quickly sprinted to the clear water of the river.  He did not notice the groan that emanated from Ruby, nor did he see her concerned expression at his sudden retreat.

Several moments later, Littlefoot was staring at his own reflection in the clear depths of the small river.  Its gentle flow and crystal-clear image was in stark contrast to the turbulent thoughts and chaotic emotions that were running through Littlefoot's head at the moment.  It seemed that the events of the previous week had finally taken their toll on him.

"Why Shorty?  Or Tricia?  I would never do that!"  He almost yelled at his own reflection.  "...Would I?"  He was reminded of how he had killed Rhett during the hunger madness, despite the fact that he was a friend and the closest friend of Ali.  If he could do that, then what was stopping him from killing his own brother?  His own actions seemed to be condemning him within his own self-imposed trial of his motives.  All this seemed to make one thought stand out in his mind.

"Are we the bad guys now?"

It was a thought that had occurred in all of their minds at one time or another.  In fact, it had been uttered more than once.  However, Littlefoot's vivid dream brought the full context of their situation into clear focus.  He didn't want to hurt any of his friends, but if he stuck around then he would be a threat.  He didn't want to endanger anyone and that left only one option.

"We can never go back."

It was something that they had agreed to earlier, much earlier, back when they first left the valley.  However, this was the first time that the true emotional cost of that decision entered into his mind.  He could never see his family again.

"No.  No we can't."

Littlefoot suddenly turned at the statement that was made behind him.  He was surprised to see a familiar rose-colored fast biter stare back at him.  Her head was tilted in a contemplative expression, with more than a little touch of sadness.  He immediately wondered how much of his break down she had witnessed.  However, he found that he couldn't speak in his current emotional state.

She walked slowly and deliberately towards the river, taking a small drink when she reached its shore.  She looked off into the distance, without looking back at Littlefoot, before again speaking towards him.

"So...  You had a bad sleep story?  She asked.

He simply nodded.  He had no desire to go into the details.  He was still ashamed of his actions during the sleep story.  Not because he would never act that way in real life, but rather because he knew that he could snap and act that way if he got hungry enough.  His nightmare had, in a way, been his own indictment and conviction.  He had convicted himself of crimes that he knew he was capable of.  The only question now was what punishment he deserved.

"Was it something that happened to you, or something that you make happen to others?"  At his sudden look of guilt, Ruby knew that she had his answer.  She simply walked up to him and gave him a slight nuzzle.

"We are what we are, Littlefoot.  If we weren't what we were, then we wouldn't be what we are.  We would be something else."  She muttered in her usual sing-song fashion.  "But we decide what that means."

Littlefoot shuddered for a moment, as he suppressed a sob.  He would not show weakness here, he resolved.  Even though his weakness was on full display for anyone to observe.  After a few moments, he felt strong enough to speak.

"I killed... Shorty in my sleep story."  He admitted glumly.  "What does that say about me?"

Ruby pondered for a moment.  "That says that you love him very much.  If you didn't love him very much, then would you cry like you are?"  At Ruby's statement, Littlefoot noticed that he was crying.  Quickly feeling embarrassed, he tried to dry himself and looked away from the well-meaning fast biter.

Ruby smiled a sad smile.  Littlefoot was trying to be the strong leader, despite the fact that he was enduring enormous emotional turmoil.  He had to let it all out, lest he begin to lash out at others.  He didn't have to act strong to show that he was strong, the former fast runner mused, he simply had to be himself.  She decided to resume her speech.

"Sometimes, sleep stories show us what we fear, Littlefoot, not just what we want."  Littlefoot paused at this.  Her speech sounded a lot like what his grandparents had told him just over a week ago.  "The question is: are you going to answer your fear?  Or are you going to let your fear answer for you?"

Littlefoot paused for a moment.  Ruby had again showed her superior wisdom.  It was true that he carried unbridled enthusiasm and curiosity about the world around him, but Ruby, on the other hand, actually had knowledge about the world around her.  How could she not have such knowledge?  She had been a fast runner living in the Mysterious Beyond.  If she lacked wisdom and a well-honed sense of intuition, then she would not have survived for very long.  They had often taken her experience for granted in the Great Valley but, Littlefoot now realized, they could not afford to do so in their current predicament.  He decided to ask his next question with that lesson firmly in mind.

"What if I don't know if my fear is answering for me or not?"  He asked morosely.  "I just don't want to hurt anyone I love."

Ruby nearly broke down at his admission.  "None of us do, Littlefoot, none of us do."  She then embraced him.  "We need to gain more control over ourselves.  If we have more control, then maybe we won't lose control."  She then looked him directly in the eyes.  "Maybe my mommy and daddy can help us!  We are almost there."

Littlefoot sighed.  "Yeah..."  He looked away for a moment.  "Thanks Ruby, I guess that I just needed to talk to someone."  He paused briefly.  "I'm kind of scared of myself... You know?"

Ruby gave him a knowing smile.  "I know, Littlefoot.  I know."

The two simply rested for several moments as the bright circle continued its rise from the horizon.  Finally, after several moments, the two heard footsteps from behind them.

"There you two are!"  It was Spike.  "We were trying to track you down!"

Littlefoot smirked.  "You would have done it faster if I was there to help you sniff."  He retorted smugly.  Ruby simply chuckled to herself at Littlefoot's playful teasing.

Spike looked indignant for a moment, before a smug grin appeared on his face as well.  "Well I thought I smelt something pleasing this way, so I figured it couldn't be you!"  Ruby broke out into uncontrolled laughter at this point, as Littlefoot could hear several of the others join in as well.  "I didn't know that Ruby was with you."  Spike added to finish the teasing insult.

Littlefoot turned around with genuine mirth in his demeanor.  He decided that he should end this exchange of insults before it got carried away.

"Alright!  Alright!  So you found me!"  He yelled, but it was not an angry yell.  It was obvious that he had enjoyed the teasing exchange as much as the others.  "We need to get going.  We are almost there!"

The others nodded at this as they were more than ready to arrive at Hanging Rock.

Littlefoot turned to Ruby.  "Ruby?  Would you do the honors?"

Ruby smiled.  "The honor would be all mine."  She then paused.  "Alright, everyone!  Let's get this journey finished!"

At the enthusiastic yells of the others, the pack continued their journey to Hanging Rock.  But what would they find when they finally arrived at their destination?

......

"So...  This is it, is it?"  The threehorn was somewhat in disbelief at the actions of the longneck.  He was going into the Mysterious Beyond?  And for what?  Just to confirm what the others had already told him, that his beloved son was long-since dead?  It was truly a sad sight to see a great dinosaur to be reduced to this.  However, taking in mind his feeling on the loss of his daughter, he could relate to his dilemma.  Nonetheless, he had to broach the question.

Bron sighed.  "Yes... Yes it is."  Even after his emotions had settled after a night's sleep, he remained steadfast in his decision to seek out his son.  He had abandoned him before when he thought that he was lost when his mate had died and he would not abandon him now.  He would get to the bottom of this story, never mind how it might turn out.  He owed it to his son and to his long-lost mate.  He would either find his son alive, or he would find out his final fate.  Either way, he would seek justice for him.

The threehorn sighed.  Topps was too exhausted to try to talk the longneck out of his quest.  Even if he wasn't so exhausted, he wouldn't try to dissuade him from a mission that he could very well see himself in if the situations were reversed.  He was a father who wanted answers.  That was a quandary that he could relate to.  That didn't change the folly of it, however.

"Good luck, longneck."  Topps said stoically.  "I hope that you find the answers that you are looking for."

Bron nodded.  "So do I, Topps, so do I."

As Bron slowly walked out of the valley, four onlookers looked upon the scene with deeply concerned expressions.

Grandma and Grandpa Longneck watched their son-in-law leave the valley with profound distress.  They had already lost their daughter and their grandson, would they now lose their son-in law as well?  Then there was Shorty, Littlefoot's adopted brother.  If Bron met his doom in his lonely journey outside of the valley, could they raise in the young longneck?  He was headstrong and tough, that was true, but he was also a young kid.  They were unsure if they could raise another child.  This was especially true as they doubted that they could ever look at Shorty without seeing a bit of Littlefoot in his eyes.  It was as if they were continuously haunted by the small longneck's ghost.  They hoped that he was at peace wherever he may be, as they most certainly were not.

Shorty, however, looked upon the scene with a more childish, but no less poignant, perspective.  The longneck that was slowly receding into the distance was his father figure.  In fact, as his father had died before his first recallable memories, Bron was the closest thing to a father that he had ever had.  If Bron met his doom in the Mysterious Beyond, then he had no idea what he would do with himself.  He had already lost his adopted brother, whether due to sharpteeth or to another adventure outside of the valley, he could not afford to lose Bron as well.  Despite his well-learned tough exterior, he began to cry as one of the last loved ones that he had in this world walked away.  He couldn't help but to wonder if he would ever see him again.

Stomp was taken aback by recent events.  First, he was informed that Bron's son had been presumed killed in a sharptooth attack.  Then, he had been informed that his leader would go forth and try to find his son, whether he was found alive or otherwise.  Stomp could not relate to the pain Bron was feeling, as he had never found a mate or had children of his own, but he could deduce that it would be a soul-crushing event.  As such, he didn't try to talk sense into Bron.  He knew full well that Bron would try to find the answers no matter the personal cost to himself.  Bron had placed the full command of the herd onto his unsure shoulders, with further orders that he was to lead the herd away from the valley if Bron was not back within a week.  He knew that he was ready to lead the herd if it came to that, but he sincerely hoped that Bron would be back.  Not only had he thought of the elder longneck as a great teacher, but he greatly respected his leadership and wisdom.  He would hate to see Bron be brought down by a tragedy such as this, but he knew that he had little power over such an eventuality.  Just like the others, he had little choice but to watch and wait.

Seeing the weeping youngling, Grandma Longneck decided to intervene.  She knew that it would be foolish to ask how the longneck was doing, as he was obviously doing no better than they were, but she did know how to get his mind off of his despair.

"Shorty?"

Shorty took a moment to catch his breath.  "What?"  He asked mournfully.

"Bron talked to you for a while before he..."  She then looked at the retreating form of the longneck.  "...went on his way."  She finished her thought.  "What did he tell you?"

Shorty took in a shuddering breath before answering.  "He...  He told me to stay strong."  He paused for a moment.  "But I don't know if I can!"

Grandma Longneck looked upon the youngling with a sad expression.  "Strong does not mean unafraid, Shorty."  Shorty looked a bit apprehensive at her statement.  "I don't know what the future holds, but I do know that we will be here for you.  If you let us."

Shorty sighed before nuzzling Grandma Longneck's bowed neck.  The three longnecks then departed the entrance as Bron began his uncertain journey to the Mysterious Beyond.

......

"Well, here we are!"  Ruby exclaimed excitedly.  

Against all odds and despite all of the hardships that were working against them, they had finally arrived to the residence of Ruby's family.  Somewhere in this rocky outcropping they knew that they could find the fast runners.  The only question was where?

"Yes, but where are they?"  Chomper asked uncertainly.  He had been here before when his parents had placed him under Ruby's care and tutorage.  However, back then Ruby's parents were ready to greet him and very welcoming, whereas he currently could see no sign of them.  What had changed?

As if to answer his question, Cera made a sarcastic remark that nonetheless answered the small sharptooth's question.

"Gee... I wonder..."  Cera remarked sardonically.  "Because I know if a bunch of sharptooth showed up at my home, I would be welcoming them with open arms!"

Despite the sarcastic and somewhat mean tone of Cera's retort, Chomper couldn't help but snort.  Yes, it was that simple wasn't it.  Chomper thought to himself.  They probably think that sharpteeth have invaded their home.  How do we let them know that we mean no harm?

Ruby pondered for a moment, as her sharptooth namesake would indicate.  How can I let my mommy and daddy know that it is me?  I am not a mean sharptooth!  But why would they believe me?

"Perhaps we can simply talk to him!"  Littlefoot called out suddenly.  "Your dad speaks sharptooth, right?"

Ruby nodded, but still had an unsure expression on her face.  "Yes, but why would he believe me, Littlefoot?  Who has ever heard of leaf-eaters suddenly turning into sharpteeth?"  She paused for a moment to chew on her lip nervously.  "He would just as likely believe that I am a crazy sharptooth!  Because if I was a crazy sharptooth then I would believe such things!"  She added morosely.

Ducky sat down beside Ruby for a moment.  She could relate to her despair, but she didn't want her to give up hope.  

"Don't give up, Ruby.  Oh, no, no, no!  We don't know if it will work until we have tried it!"  The former swimmer added in a hopeful manner.

At this point Spike walked up to reinforce his sister's point.  "Ducky is right and besides...  If anyone is going to believe our story it would be your father."  He paused for a moment to think about his next words.  "He knows both languages, right?"  At her confirming nod, he continued. "Well then, all of us can attempt to convince him."

Ruby sighed.  "I guess you are right...  But I am still worried."  The fast biter admitted.  "I worry that my daddy will look at me like an enemy.  And an enemy is not the way I want my daddy to look at me!"  She was pained by the memories of how the parents of her friends had chased them out of the valley.  She feared that she would break down if her father looked upon her with such hatred.  She had never seen that look upon his face, and she never wanted to see it.

Littlefoot walked up to Ruby and laid his forelimb on her shoulder.  "Come on, Ruby."  He called reassuringly.  "We won't know until we try.  Let's see if we can track your family down."

With a few reassuring nods between the dinosaurs, they began their search.  Surely Ruby's family was here somewhere.  The only question was where?

......

Meanwhile, in the rocky bluffs to the west of Hanging Rock, a lone fast runner kept vigil.  His eyes were wary and conveyed the caution that comes with great wisdom and age.  He was obviously troubled by these new entrants into his home.

"What is Chomper doing here?"  Detras, Ruby's father, asked himself with great suspicion.  "And who are these fast biters?"

It had been just over six seasons since he had allowed Ruby to leave with Chomper for the Great Valley.  At the request of Terri and Dein, Chomper's parents, he and his mate had agreed on their proposal.  Both Chomper and Ruby would be safer in the valley, as Red Claw appeared to have a vendetta against Chomper and was a general threat against everyone else.  Furthermore, Detras argued, that perhaps an exchange between the Mysterious Beyond and the Great Valley could lay the framework for an alliance.  It was only through joint effort that they would be able to end the tyranny of Red Claw and his allies.  Such an effort could not be maintained while the Great Valley remained isolationist and satisfied with their solitary haven.

But all of that had happened six seasons ago and in that time Ruby and Chomper had only visited them once.  Now, Chomper appeared to have traveled to their home all alone, with no Ruby to be seen.  What had happened?  The possibilities ran wild within the elder fast runner's mind.  

Perhaps Chomper had decided to become the sharptooth that he always knew that he had to become one day.  But if that was the case, then why was he here with a pack of sharpteeth?  His parents had left strict instructions on how he was to be reunited with them in the event that the realities of his kind caught up to him earlier than they had expected.  Those instructions did not include leaving by himself.  Furthermore, who were these six fast biters?  Surely Chomper would not have been permitted to make friends with other carnivores while he was in the valley?  Finally, and what worried him the most, was the absence of Ruby.  Ruby was an incredibly responsible fast runner who had a sense of right and wrong that in some ways even exceeded his own, due to his need to be more pragmatic in the Mysterious Beyond.  He knew that she would never betray her responsibility to Chomper.  This left two possibilities: either Chomper had left without her permission or else she was...

He didn't even want to confront that possibility.  He and his mate, Pearl, had always known that Ruby could very well meet her doom during her mission to the valley.  She could fall prey to Red Claw and his minions.  Her omnivorous nature could lead to a misunderstanding and one of the valley residents could kill her in a panic.  She could fall victim to the common sicknesses that rarely afflicted fast runners of her age.  Or there was Chomper...

One of his greatest fears, and one that he never shared with his mate directly, was that the hunger madness could take hold of Chomper's reason and that he would kill Ruby in the process.  Chomper had a good thing going on in the valley.  He was with the only friends that he had ever really known.  This would make it very hard for him to accept the inevitable and leave when he began to have difficulty finding food.  If he waited too long and lost control of himself then Ruby, as his caregiver, would be the most likely victim.  

He took on a dark expression as his brow held the weight of a multitude of troubles.  Either Chomper was here without Ruby's permission or she had met her end.  Either way, he couldn't have a pack of sharpteeth take up residence by Hanging Rock and threaten his family.  He had to lead this sharpteeth away from Hanging Rock, even if it ended up being the last thing that he ever did.

He took one final look towards the bluffs downwind, where he had led his mate and children to safety.  She had agreed to watch the children, while he took on reconnaissance duty.  She most likely would stop him if she knew what he was about to do, but he knew it was for the best.  Nonetheless, he couldn't help but wonder if he would ever see his family again.

With a heavy heart, he began his descent down the bluff.

[Ducky123]

Sorry for being late again, school prevented me from reading this earlier

The chapter starts really nice... with a dream. As all of your previous dream sequences, this one is really good. Littlefoot and, supposingly, Cera are going after their closest family members that they could hunt down: Shorty and Tricia. Now if that was to happen in reality... which is exactly what the former longneck fears. You described his inner turmoil pretty well and the scene with Ruby was kind of heartwarming Oh, and that teaser... Spike is having some funny thoughts.

So Bron is really going... I can imagine very well, how great the turmoil for Shorty must be... he doesn't really know Grandma and Grandpa very well and now he is to stay with them because his father figure abandons him to seek for answers about his son by blood that he had abandoned before... Now that's some drama A very interesting plot, that's for sure.

"Gee... I wonder..." Cera remarked sardonically. "Because I know if a bunch of sharptooth showed up at my home, I would be welcoming them with open arms!"

I like Cera's sardonic comment

Ah, Ruby's father acts very reasonable here. Though I haven't seen much of him in the Tv-series I can say that you caught his personality really well. I wonder how the encounter will go?

Well, I'll see soon, I suppose; enjoyed the read

What in the hell was that?! The panicked longneck thought to himself.

I don't know if it is your intention to write "longneck" here... he's technically a fastbiter now

He did not notice the groan the emanated from Ruby, nor did he see her concerned expression at his sudden retreat.

...the groan THAT emanated from Ruby. Little typo that happens to me quite often as well

It seemed that the events of the previous week had finally take his toll on him.

TakeN...

[rhombus]

Thank you for the feedback.  

I will be making the corrections that you indicated.  I also noticed a few others that I failed to notice during proofreading, such as:

as Littlefoot could here several of the others

That, of course, should read "hear" and not "here".  It is amazing how much can escape my notice despite proofreading.   :blink:  Thank you once again for the corrections.

With regards to your comments on the story, I am glad that you enjoyed the character interactions in this chapter.  We can begin to see that although the pack is still the same bunch of dinosaurs that we know and love, they are beginning to take on new personality traits that correspond to their new lifestyle.  In this chapter, for example, we can see that their playful banter has turned from childlike playfulness to playful insults and sarcastic humor.  Although they may not quite recognize it in themselves, their mental changes are becoming more apparent.

With regards to Bron and Ruby's father, there is indeed some drama there.  It will be interesting to see how they deal with what fate has given them.  

I should have the next chapter posted on either Sunday or Monday.

[rhombus]

Fanfiction link:  https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9990125/21/The-Seven-Hunters

Author's Note: You will notice during some of the gang's dialogue in this chapter that the dialogue is printed in bold. This indicates that the person who is listening to the conversation is only translating it literally, as opposed to translating it in the manner in which it was intended.  It would be analogous to a person who speaks English as a second language interpreting an English conversation in an overly formal manner.  That is why that conversation will sound a little off.

 Chapter 20   Reunion of the fast runners

“He promised us that everything would be okay. I was a child, but I knew that everything would not be okay. That did not make my father a liar. It made him my father.”
― Jonathan Safran Foer, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close


How can I stay here?  Bron is out there alone, while I am here sitting and worrying!

Shorty was castigating himself as he stared intensely at his own reflection.  Bron, his adopted father, had just struck off into the Mysterious Beyond in the slim hope of finding Littlefoot alive again.  Although Shorty couldn't deny Bron's logic in having him stay in the valley, it still didn't sit well with the green longneck.  Littlefoot was his brother!  He should be there as well.

His troubled mind thought back to the conversation the two had prior to Bron's departure.

......

"Do you think that he is still alive?"

The elder longneck and his adopted son were sitting on a ridge overlooking the Mysterious Beyond.  Some 300 feet down was the deep gorge that formed one of the entrances into the valley.  From this vantage point each could see for miles around.  Miles of desolate, barren land greeted their eyes.  The Great Valley formed an oasis of life in this landscape of death.  In much the same way, Bron's optimism on Littlefoot's survival formed a small ray of hope in a world of darkness.  He would not part with it until he was convinced otherwise.

Bron looked down at the small longneck and sighed.  Much as he hated to admit it, he knew that his hope was a long shot at best.  It was true that Littlefoot had escaped from impossible situations before.  Likewise, based upon the tales that others in the valley had told, Littlefoot and his friends had disappeared many times before only to show up many days later.  Because of that, he could not discount the possibility that Littlefoot and his friends had gone willingly with Chomper and his fast biter companions.  That was the only possibility that truly gave him hope.

"I... Hope so, Shorty."  Bron said softly.  "He has gotten through tough spots before."

Shorty nodded slowly and took a deep breath, which he slowly exhaled.  He was trying to calm himself from the emotional breakdown he had when he woke up that morning.  He was greeted by a few brief seconds where he did not remember that Littlefoot was missing, before the reality of the situation again entered his mind.  He was no longer concerned about putting on the "tough guy" act, he was now simply interested in getting his brother back.

"Yeah..."  Shorty muttered.  "But this is different."

Bron couldn't fault Shorty's logic.  "Yes.  Yes it is."  He affirmed.

Each sat in silence for a few moments, trying to gain comfort from the other's company.  The bright circle has rose nearly an hour before and soon it would be time for Bron to make his lonely journey into the unknown.  Although members of his herd had volunteered to help him, Bron had refused all aid.  He would not endanger another dinosaur for his personal mission.  It was a long shot anyway, but it was one that he had to try.

Bron's thoughts were interrupted, however, by a question from Shorty.

"Why can't I go with you?  He is my brother!"

Bron sighed at Shorty's recurring question.  He understood the youngling's sentiments, but he could not agree with letting Shorty endanger himself by going with him.

"It is too dangerous, Shorty."  Bron stated sternly.  As he saw Shorty begin to take on a pleading expression, his tone became softer.  "Shorty, you are my son."  He began.  "Not a son by hatching, but I still consider you my son."  He then looked the small longneck in the eyes.  "I can't lose both of you.  Littlefoot wouldn't forgive me if I risked your life.  You may not always get along with him, Shorty, but Littlefoot loves you as much as you love him."  He saw that Shorty was crying now, even as he listened intently.  "Promise me that you will stay here with Grandma and Grandpa Longneck."

Shorty looked at his adopted father with pleading eyes, but saw that Bron's expression brokered no disagreement.  With a heavy heart, Shorty gave his answer.

"I promise."

......

Shorty sighed as the memories from that morning faded from his mind.  He had given Bron his promise that he would not seek him out, but rather stay put in the valley.  He was unhappy when he made his promise and he was unhappy now.  How could he stay put while his father went off, potentially to his doom?

"Are you alright, Shorty?"  The booming voice of Grandpa Longneck called out.

Shorty turned his neck and answered sadly.  "I... Guess.  I miss him already."

Shorty heard the stomping of large feet and knew that the elder longneck was approaching him.

Shorty felt the longneck nuzzle him.

"I miss him too, Shorty."  The elder paused for a moment and realized that Shorty was probably not just talking about Littlefoot, but was thinking about Bron as well.  "I am sure that Bron will be back soon.  He just has to...  make sure."  He couldn't speak more of it, the emotions still cut too deeply.

The elder again raised his neck and spoke to the youngling.  "It is time to eat, Shorty."

Shorty was not hungry, but he knew that no wasn't an acceptable answer.

"I will be there in a moment.  I just... need some time."  He answered sadly.

The elder longneck noted the longneck's dejected tone, but decided that nothing could be done about it.  "Very well.  We will be in the clearing when you're ready."

As Grandpa Longneck walked off, Shorty's thoughts again fixated upon Bron's journey.  He knew that he couldn't just let Bron leave on his own.  He had promised, that was true, but Littlefoot was his brother.  He owed it to him to find answers.  He had very quickly made up his mind on what he had to do.

Taking a glance at the two elder longnecks, he noted that they were facing away from him and were some distance away.

I can make my escape now.  He realized.  They had been watching him continuously since Bron left, as they were concerned for the green longneck, but now they had turned away in order to eat their meal.  He knew he may not get a chance like this again.  Please don't worry too much!  I have to do this!

The green longneck then quietly snuck into the underbrush.  He resolved that he would retrace Bron's steps and find his brother, even if it ended up being the last thing that he ever did.

......

Detras held his forelimb out and noted the wind speed and direction as it blew against his feathers.

A steady breeze to the west.  He thought for a moment.  The sharpteeth are to the east.  I should be safe for the time being.

He couldn't rely upon sharp teeth or pointy claws like the sharpteeth, nor long tails or powerful horns like the leaf-eaters.  Rather, all that he had as a fast runner were his wits and intelligence.  Those were the only attributes that made the difference between survival and a premature end.

He looked at the scene before him.  The fast biters had spread out along the bluffs around Hanging Rock.  They were looking around with darting eyes and were taking numerous sniffs as they were obviously searching for something.  They smell my family.  He deduced.  But I won't let these killers ever find them!  He resolved.  Detras noted that the presence of Chomper may indicate that this was an innocent meeting and not an attempt at hunting.  However, he couldn't take that risk.  If Chomper and his new friends were truly here with peaceful intentions then that would become apparent soon enough.

He took a closer look at Chomper for a moment.  Detras couldn't see much detail from his vantage point as he was still a longneck length higher in altitude compared to the dinosaur, but he could observe his expression and actions.  Chomper had a grim look on his face, he noted, as he was listening to something that the brown fast biter was telling him.  Detras couldn't see any malice in the sharptooth's face.  Actually, he noted, the sharptooth appeared to be kind of... sad.  Detras then looked at some of the other fast biters.  A dark green fast biter and a lighter green counterpart were on the rocky outcropping that gave Hanging Rock its name, carefully inspecting its crevices for something.  Meanwhile, a yellow fast biter was saying something to a rose-colored fast biter.  The rose-colored fast biter had a slumped posture and seemed to be muttering something to her yellow counterpart.  After a few moments, the brown fast biter walked towards the two fast biters and placed his forelimb upon the rose-colored fast biter's shoulders.  What was going on here?  These were not the actions of ruthless killers.  Perhaps they were searching for something other than food?

As he was having these uncertain thoughts, he noticed a small brown sharptooth flyer approach from the south.  Detras had an interest in flyer behavior ever since he was a youngling.  In fact, he had learned from his mother that flyers could be useful in finding potential prey.  A sharptooth flyer would often circle around sickened or injured prey for quite some time in order to be ready to feast upon it when it finally dropped.  He had since learned that the presence of such flyers could also indicate the presence of an egg-filled nest or a lake teaming with fish, which was a particularly useful piece of information for a fast runner.  He had used the behavior of sharptooth flyers several times in his life in order to get a quick meal.  Keeping in mind that information could be gleamed from the actions of sharptooth flyers; he decided to take a closer look at this particular specimen.

It seemed to be in the middle of soaring flight, where a flyer would rely upon warm air rising from the rocks in order to gain lift as opposed to the flapping of wings.  Detras had learned that flyers would go into this mode of flight whenever they were scouting for something.  He figured that it probably saved energy and allowed the flyer to focus all of its attention upon the ground.  Was this flyer part of Chomper's group as well?  If so, then he knew that he would have to be careful.  Hiding from sharpteeth above was an even harder undertaking than hiding from sharpteeth on the ground.

With that in mind, he began to creep underneath the bluffs, so that their rocky outcroppings hid him from the air.  This would make his journey slower, but he couldn't take the risk of premature discovery.  He had to get closer to the newcomers and try to figure out their intentions.

......

"Where are they?  I smell them so they should be here, but they aren't here so how can I smell them!"  Ruby asked in sadness and confusion.  They had journeyed for a week in the most tragic and demoralizing undertaking the gang had ever made.  Her family had to be here.  Otherwise, their journey would have been all for naught.

Chomper tried to comfort his caregiver.  "Maybe they left to get food?  I am sure that they will be back.  We can still smell them, right?"

Ruby simply nodded.  Even before she had transformed into a sharptooth, she had become quite homesick.  She had gone from being with her family every day of her life to effectively raising a sharptooth in a mysterious land.  True, the Great Valley was a wondrous and safe place, and her friends kept her company, but they weren't her parents.  She missed them dearly.  She especially needed their comfort and counsel now as she had become one of her worst fears.

Littlefoot sighed.  He had to admit that he too had placed much hope on them reaching Ruby's parents and seeking their advice.  The thought that they might not be here, or that they might flee from them, had barely crossed his mind.  As it was, he had to admit, even if they found her parents they may not be able to help them.  Who had ever heard of leaf-eaters turning into sharpteeth?  It was an absurdity, but here they were.

Cera decided to interject.  "They might be hiding from us."  At Ruby's confused expression, she sighed and continued her thought.  "Well, we are sharpteeth now, right?  If I were a fast runner and I saw a bunch of sharpteeth coming my way I wouldn't exactly invite them over to dinner!"  Cera's tone was more sarcastic than what was helpful, but she did have a point.  Even if they tracked down her family, they would have to immediately prove their benevolent intentions.

Ruby nodded.  "You're right.  You're all right.  It is just so frustrating!"  She got up and began to pace.  "If I were my daddy where would I go?  Maybe if I went there then I would find my daddy?"

Chomper nodded excitedly.  "That's an idea, Ruby!  Where would your family hide when you were in danger?"

Ruby placed her clawed forelimb to her chin and pondered, much in line with her sharptooth name.  Where would they hide?  She then looked up to the bluffs to the west.  Yes, we would hide downwind so that the sharpteeth couldn't smell us!  My mommy and daddy would go that way!

With a grin on her face, she waved at the others with her forelimb.  "Come on, everyone!  I think that we can find them over here!"

With that, the pack began to head towards the western bluffs of Hanging Rock.

......

Damn!  Detras lamented to himself.  They are heading straight for them!

He had hoped that perhaps the sharpteeth would lose interest and head away from Hanging Rock, but now he could see that was not going to happen.  His course of action was now clear.  He would try to engage Chomper in conversation to assess his intentions and, if that failed, he would lead the pack on a chase away from his family.  He had raised three wonderful children, including Ruby, and loved the most amazing mate that he could have hoped for.  If this was how it finally ended, then he was at peace with himself.  At least they would carry on.

Creeping closer to the trail that the pack was following, he hid himself behind a large boulder.  He was still downwind, so he would have the element of surprise until they finally were right beside him.  Then he would carry out his plans.

Keeping in mind his knowledge of the sharptooth language, he decided to listen in.  Perhaps he could gleam some information about their intentions from their discussions?

"Ponder, which direction is the pack to follow?"

Detras always had difficulty with the sharptooth language.  Oh, he could speak it well enough, but he only had competency in it as a second language.  As such, everything uttered in that tongue seemed to have an odd pattern to it.  He realized that what would sound weird and overly-formal was often meant to be taken as informal in that language.  This was because the sharptooth language was very precise in how intentions and personal names were communicated.  This is what one would expect as any miscommunication between sharpteeth could lead to battles and death.  Nonetheless, he was quite convinced that he wasn't translating their conversation completely accurately.

"Seeker, the family of mine should reside in the yonder bluffs.  In the yonder bluffs should they reside."

He had to stifle a chuckle, it was nice to see that even some sharpteeth had Ruby's sing-song manner of speaking.  They had tried to correct Ruby's speech when she was a small youngling, but they only had minor success.  They had simply learned to accept it as one of the unique things that made Ruby, well...  Ruby.  It was odd though...  He had never heard any other dinosaur speak in such a way.

"I hope that we find them soon.  Yes, yes, yes!"

Detras had a sense of dÈj‡ vu.  Hadn't one of Ruby's friends from the valley spoken like that?  What was her name...?  He pondered to himself.  Oh yes, Ducky!  The swimmer.

"Talking about finding them is not going to speed up our search, Ducky."

Detras was deeply confused by this sudden turn of events.  What?

"I was under the impression that we were using our pack names, Stern Claw."  The brown fast biter had uttered her name with a teasing inflection.  The limited knowledge of the language that Detras held, however, did not allow him to discern whether it was a playful tone or insulting tone that was used.  There was much detail in sharptooth that was lost to him.

"I will use the pack names with other sharpteeth, Littlefoot, but not amongst my friends.  I may no longer be a leaf-eater, but I would prefer to remember..."  The yellow fast biter trailed off.  He had never heard a sharptooth express melancholy before.  More interesting, however, was the content of her words.

I may no longer be a leaf-eater, but I would prefer to remember...  Detras repeated to himself in his head.  What in the hell was going on here?

He now noticed that the pack was nearly at his location.  Deciding to continue his surveillance on their conversation for a bit longer, he decided to begin darting from rock to rock, and follow them from behind.

"It's okay, Stern... Cera."  Chomper corrected himself as he noted her upset expression.  He would go ahead and use their original names in this conversation.  "I am sure that we will find Ruby's parents soon.  Maybe they will know what to do next?"

So, this is a peaceful encounter. Detras noted from behind the rock he found himself.  I guess I should have never doubted Chomper, but...  If this is a friendly encounter then where is Ruby?  Why didn't Chomper bring her?

"I know that my father will be able to give us assistance!"  The rose colored fast biter exclaimed.  "He is the wisest fast runner that I know."

No, this cannot be... Detras's mind raced.

"I am sure that he will, Ruby." Littlefoot affirmed.

Detras had more than enough of this.  He was going to get to the bottom of the situation.

Detras stepped out from behind the rock and cleared his throat.  The pack turned at this sudden intrusion and Detras was greeted with exclamations of both surprise and elation.

"Father, there you are!" The rose colored fast biter exclaimed.

"I am no fast biter's father.  Now who are you and what do all of you want?!"

......

Ruby was taken aback by her father's tone.  It seemed that her worst nightmare was coming true, her father was looking at her with the same anger that the parents of her friends had shown.  Would her own father reject them?  She couldn't bear the possibility.

"But daddy, it is me!"  Ruby affirmed.  "The stone of cold fire changed us."

"The stone of cold fire is a youngling's tale and fast runners don't turn into sharpteeth."  He affirmed bluntly.  He noted the sad expression of the fast biter's face and softened his expression a bit.  "I am sorry, whoever you are, but I am not your father and you were never a fast runner."

Chomper stepped up then.  "Mr. Fast Runner, you have got to believe us!  The stone fell in the valley and it did this to us!"

Littlefoot then piped in as well.  "Surely you saw it!"

Detras held his forelimbs at his sides in a show of indignation.  "I saw a flying rock several days ago.  That is nothing out of the ordinary."

"Not out of the ordinary!"  Cera exclaimed.

"Fine, it was an amazing rock.  You are not going to convince me that was the legendary stone of cold fire and that you..."  He pointed at Ruby.  "Are my daughter."  He then looked sternly at Chomper.  "Now, WHERE IS RUBY?!"

Chomper was taken aback by this. He must think that I betrayed her, just like all of the other parents. He bowed his head in sadness. Why does everyone think that I am a monster?

Ruby was getting quite angry at her father.  Daddy or not, no one talks to Chomper like that!  

"I am Ruby and I can prove it!  Prove it I can!"

Detras did not change his expression.  "Then prove it!"

She decided to try to recount a story that only she and her father would know.  "Do you remember the time of the great dryness when no sky water fell for a long time?"  At his nod, she continued.  "When we got too hungry I went ahead and stole a threehorn egg and barely got away.  That is how you got that scar."  She then pointed at her father's barely noticeable scar.

He paused for a moment. Only... Only Ruby would know that...  But it is impossible.

"You heard that from Chomper.  Ruby must have told him and he told you."  It was obvious by the tone of his voice that he was unsure of himself.

"Daddy, you've got to believe me!  Please!"  She was practically begging him.  Something fell within his stomach and he was conflicted about what to do.  All of his knowledge and expertise was telling him that her story was false.  Leaf-eaters simply didn't turn into sharpteeth.  However, what motive could they possibly have to lie to him?  If they wanted to eat him and his family then they surely could do so without much hassle.  After all, Chomper knew the general layout of Hanging Rock.  He needed more information.

"Tell me the whole story."

Ruby took on a hopeful expression.  She swallowed in an attempt to calm her nerves before she began her story.

"We were in the Great Valley when the stone of cold fire fell from the sky..."  As she recounted the events immediately after that impact, the emotions of panic and confusion again washed over her and her companions.  They hadn't really had time to simply sit and think about what they had gone through in the previous week.  It was almost unbelievable.  Within such a short span of time, everything that they knew and loved had been turned upside down.

"The parents argued and argued.  They didn't know what to do with the stone.  That was why they were arguing."  She paused for a moment.  "We decided to make a wish, in case the parents destroyed the stone."  She lamented their rash decision.  They could still be in the valley, safe and at peace, if they hadn't touched that cursed stone.  Now they were killers.  Their sense of innocence and naivety about the world had been crushed.  She knew that regardless of what happened, she would never get that back.

"We all had a weird sleep story that night and then we found out that we had all changed..."  She shook her head at the memory.  "The adults thought we were enemies and chased us out..."  She then elaborated on how they had to take the long path to Hanging Rock, but she left out the more gruesome details of their journey.

"And now here we are."  She was nearly in tears at this point.  Her retelling of the story had unleashed powerful memories that still haunted her.  "We need your help, daddy.  We have no idea what to do."

Detras paused as he processed everything that she had said.  There was no deceit in her voice, as she obviously believed every word of it.  He noticed that she seemed to hesitate over something when she elaborated on the journey to Hanging Rock, but that was not what concerned him.  He decided to address his concerns.

"What about the sleep story?"  He asked.

"Sleep story?"  Ruby was taken aback by his sudden request.

"The weird sleep story before all of you turned...  What was it like?"  He asked softly.  He was almost convinced, as her story had been so truthful in its presentation and emotion, but he had to make sure.

"Well um...  A fast biter was chasing me..."  She then elaborated upon the fearful chase and her narrow escape.  "After I escaped I was in a narrow cave, so I decided to go forward, as forward was the only way to go..."  She then mentioned the six pathways, and the fact that five of them were blocked by boulders.  She did not notice that Detras had taken on a sad, yet contemplative, expression at this point.  His eyes were closed as tears began to fall like raindrops from his face.  "But then Chomper, four fast biters, and a sharptooth flyer... um...  all of them..."  She pointed at the rest of the pack.  "Chased me and I ran...  I eventually came across a dead fast runner and a pool of water where..."

"You saw your reflection as a sharptooth."  Detras finished for her.

Ruby simply nodded.  "Daddy?"  How does he know how my sleep story ended?

He answered her unspoken question.  "I had the same sleep story on the night after the stone fell."  He slowly opened his eyes for the first time since Ruby began recounting her dream.  He then walked slowly towards Ruby with an unreadable expression on his face.  Tears continued to fall down his cheeks.

"Ruby...  It's really you, isn't it?"  He asked in a mixture of awe and sadness.

"Yes, daddy."  She answered softly.

Father and daughter embraced, as each began to weep with unrestrained emotion.  He didn't know how it happened or why it happened, but he would help his daughter and her friends find their place in this hostile world.  That he vowed.

[Ducky123]

Hmm, Shorty is as likely to keep a promise as Ducky is to become mad Bron did the right decision. It would be too dangerous with Shorty coming along but Shorty rather wants to find his brother... I can understand his reasoning very well. That'll lead to a very interesting situation since Grandma and Grandpa obviously will notice his departure very soon and Redclaw is probably just around the corner

Detras seems to have some great experience. It's nice to follow his process of thoughts since it flows so naturally

I like the Ruby-centered part as well. She shows some traits of her father after all.

The last part has a lot of different emotions, all of them being elaborated on very well in my opinion. Detras listening to the conversation of the Gang is a rather funny part while the rest is really full of tension, drama and later sadness. It's only logical that he's not trusting the Fastbiter that claimes to be his daughter (who would? I sure wouldn't ).
A very strong ending undoubtfully

I'm looking forward to reading the next part, as always

How can I say here?

You omitted the "t"

[rhombus]

Thanks for the review, Ducky.  

Hmm, Shorty is as likely to keep a promise as Ducky is to become mad    Bron did the right decision. It would be too dangerous with Shorty coming along but Shorty rather wants to find his brother... I can understand his reasoning very well. That'll lead to a very interesting situation since Grandma and Grandpa obviously will notice his departure very soon and Redclaw is probably just around the corner 

Yep, you pretty much know where this plot point is going   .  However, the resolution to the crisis is probably not like you what you expect.  

Detras seems to have some great experience. It's nice to follow his process of thoughts since it flows so naturally 

I like the Ruby-centered part as well. She shows some traits of her father after all.

Thanks.  That is indeed something that I wanted to touch on in this chapter.  Looking at Detras's characteristics is like looking at Ruby as well.  In him we get to see a bit of what it is like to be a fast runner and the struggles that they all face.   Ruby truly does get many of her traits from her father.

I should have the next chapter posted within the hour.  

[rhombus]

Fanfiction link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9990125/22/The-Seven-Hunters

 Chapter 21   The reunion that wasn't

“They say time heals all wounds, but that presumes the source of the grief is finite”
― Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Prince

"Shorty!"

Grandpa Longneck was beside himself with panic.  They had just turned away for a moment to eat breakfast and when they turned their heads, Shorty was gone.  At first they suspected that he had simply gone to the river in order to drink some water or reflect, but after some time it became apparent that he was nowhere to be seen.

"Shorty!  Where are you?!"

Grandma joined in the chorus.  She was even more concerned than Grandpa was at this point, if that was even possible.  Bron had entrusted them with his adopted son, their adopted grandson, and they had managed to let him slip out of their sight.  They had grown to expect the occasional adventure from Littlefoot, but they did not suspect the same out of Shorty.  Even as they yelled for the small longneck's attention, they knew where he had gone.  There was only one real possibility.

"Oh dear!  He must have tried to find Bron!"  Grandma stated what had now become apparent.

As much as he didn't want to admit the reality, he couldn't discount what all of the signs were pointing to.  Shorty must have decided to break his promise to Bron and seek out Littlefoot as well.  It was bad enough that Bron, a full-grown and experienced longneck, had decided to strike off on his foolhardy mission.  But to have a youngling do the same...  Littlefoot had managed to survive his fair share of adventures, but Shorty was not as cautious as Littlefoot.  He was prone to bouts of bravado and, as a consequence, had not been subjected to the Great Longneck Test.  The fact that Shorty had left alone did not spell well for his chances, and both of the elder longnecks knew it.

Grandpa stopped for a moment and bowed his head in defeat.  It would be no use yelling for him if he was outside of the valley.  They only had two options now.  Either they could seek him out for themselves, leaving the valley behind, or they could wait for the youngling to return on his own.  Right now, he didn't know which would be the better option.

He looked at his mate with a forlorn expression.  He didn't say anything.  He didn't need to.  His expression said it all.

What do we do now?

Grandma shared her mate's expression and pondered for a moment.  They were faced with two options, neither of which was particularly enticing.  They could leave the valley in order to search for Shorty.  However, in the event that Shorty abandoned his search and came back to the valley, then he would more than likely leave again to seek out his caregivers.  Likewise, they could simply stay in the valley.  But if they did this then what would they tell Bron if Shorty never returned?  How could they possibly tell him anything else other than they had done everything that was within their power to find Shorty?  With that final thought, she knew what they had to do.

"We have to find him."

Grandpa sighed.  He figured that was what she would say.  He couldn't fault her decision, but he was quite concerned with their probability of success.  They were not getting any younger and they would make tempting targets for any sharpteeth of significant size.  They also didn't know in which direction Shorty had decided to flee.  However he could take a guess.

"He must have gone out the same exit that Bron took!"  He deduced.  "We should begin looking there!"

......

"Seen anything?"

Shorty sighed.  He tried to go out the same exit that Bron had taken, but he had quickly found that the security was far too heavy.  No, he had to try another path.  Although now he doubted that his second choice of an exit was going to be any easier.

"Nothing.  I almost wish we would actually see a sharptooth.  This is so boring!"

Shorty had been listening to the inane mutterings of these two threehorns for the better part of an hour.  He knew that if he didn't escape from the valley soon then he would be discovered and miss his chance.  Littlefoot's grandparents would never let him out of sight after he pulled this stunt.  He had to make his move soon.

"Don't say that, Garnus!  Sharpteeth are not something to joke about!"  The companion of the battle-happy threehorn chided, before deciding to question his companion's competence.  "Besides, knowing you I would have to do most of the fighting!"

"Ha!  You know that I am the better fighter!"  The other threehorn taunted in response to the other's insult.  

Argh!  Threehorns are so stubborn.  No wonder where Cera got that from!  Shorty then felt incredible sadness as he reflected that Cera was more than likely dead.  But...  But...  She might be alive!  She and Littlefoot had survived through impossible situations before. The young longneck reflected.  He wouldn't give up.  He would have to continue his journey.

And it seemed like circumstances were finally beginning to take a promising turn for the longneck.

"Oh yeah?!  Then prove it!"  One of the threehorns challenged the other.  The two threehorns then began to circle one another in preparation for a battle of wills.  Now that each had placed their pride on the line, Shorty knew that neither would back down until one was injured or brought to the ground.  With their fixation on their petty dominance battle, they would be doing little to watch the entrance.  Now was his chance!

Crash!

As the two threehorns locked horns, Shorty ran speedily through the open entrance.  He had lost quite a bit of time waiting on the security to become distracted.  He would have to make up for lost time.

......

Stomp!  Stomp!  Stomp!

The loud lumbering footsteps of the two sauropods echoed across the Great Valley.  Grandma and Grandpa Longneck had proceeded at their fastest pace towards the entrance where Bron had vacated the valley.  Their loud yelling from earlier and their current journeying had not escaped the noticed of the valley's residents.

Topps sighed.  One of the flyers had informed him of Shorty's disappearance some time earlier.  The panicked yelling of the grandparents had given away the situation without any need of the flyer to inquire further.  As soon as he had heard the news, Topps had ordered one of his deputies to see to it that the defenses at the valley's exits were redoubled.  Now they not only had to ensure that sharpteeth stayed out, but also that one of the valley's residents stayed in.  Topps lamented the fact that Shorty seemed to share Littlefoot's adventurous nature.  It was the last thing that the grandparents needed right now.

"Mr. Longneck?  I have alerted the guards to watch out for Shorty."  Topps affirmed.  He hoped that they were not thinking about what he suspected that they were.

"He has probably already left."  Grandma Longneck affirmed.  "We have to find him."

Crap. Topps thought to himself.  I am getting far too old for this.

"It isn't safe out there."  Topps tried to reason with the longnecks.  This was an odd situation for the threehorn, as he was usually the more proactive one.  However, he knew that they were not thinking clearly right now.  He had to try.  "We could send..."  But he never got a chance to finish his thought.

"Let us pass."  Grandpa Longneck demanded.  It was spoken softly, but it brokered no disagreement.  Topps knew that further obstruction would get him nowhere.  Nonetheless, he would try to reach them as he let them pass.

"Very well."  He consented, as he gave a gesture to the domeheads watching the entrance.  The domeheads then broke rank and opened up a path through the entrance.  Topps was not finished, however.  "But let me say what I have to say."

Grandma Longneck's expression did not change, whereas Grandpa sighed.  After a brief pause Topps got an answer from Grandpa.  "Go ahead."  It was spoken without enthusiasm.

Topps collected his thoughts for a moment before speaking.  "It would be much safer to let a flyer do the search.  They can fly away if it gets too dangerous."

Grandma Longneck interrupted.  "But if Shorty is attacked, then we could protect him.  A flyer could not."

Topps continued.  "Yes, but there is no guarantee that you will find him.  Who knows where he went?"

Grandpa Longneck retorted.  "He obviously wants to find Bron.  He probably went out the same way that Bron did."

"Perhaps, but none of the guards have seen him."  Topps began.  As Grandma attempted to interrupt again, he continued his thought.  "Just let the flyers do a scouting run around the valley first.  That is all that I ask."  Taking her hesitation as a positive sign, he continued.  "He probably hasn't gotten far.  If they find him then they can have him travel back.  If not, then you could go on your journey."

He sighed again.  Though he would never admit it, Grandpa Longneck had become a trusted friend over the years.  Despite the insufferable sense of superiority that Topps sensed from all longnecks, the adversarial exchanges between himself and Grandpa Longneck had more often than not led to positive outcomes.  A grudging respect had developed between the two and Topps did not want to see the ancient longneck throw his life away in an ill-advised venture.  He hoped that he would see reason.

The two longnecks looked at one another for a long moment, before Grandpa Longneck responded.

"Very well.  But if they don't find anything then we will have to do what we must."

For the first time in several minutes, Topps noticeably relaxed.

"Brakus?  Go get Volant..."  Topps began.

"Already here!"  Topps noticeably jerked at the unexpected voice.  It seemed that the behavior of the longnecks had also been noted by the elder flyer.

"Are you ready to begin a search?"  Topps began.

Volant nodded.  "Of course.  If Shorty is near the valley then we will find him."

......

Shorty was running at a brisk pace from the mountain pass that he had taken.  I have to get away before they start looking for me.  The longneck thought to himself, unaware that a search party was already being assembled.  Not even thinking about the possibility of being seen by flyers, he was running in the open.

He had never taken this pass out of the valley before.  On all of the occasions that he had entered the valley with Bron he had taken the north pass, as the herd usually turned at Hanging Rock and went straight towards the valley.  He was unsure if he could easily reach his father from this path, but he figured that he had to try.  It was what Littlefoot would have done in his place.

He took a quick look around.  He was on the edge of a bluff that rose above the Mysterious Beyond and followed the contour of the rock wall surrounding this section of the valley.  The bluff was barren of most vegetation, with the exception of a few grasses and shrubs.  In terms of possible routes that Shorty could take, he noted several meandering paths all around him.  One led downward into a narrow crevice and looked quite dangerous.  In fact, he wondered if he would ever be able to escape if he took that route.  I don't like the idea of being trapped in the Mysterious Beyond.  Shorty noted.  He immediately determined that path was not an option; he needed to look at the others.  The second path was the most obvious.  Taking this path would simply involve following the bluff along the curvature of the rock wall.  Shorty was left wondering if it actually went anywhere or not.  Perhaps it simply followed the bluff that surrounded this section of the valley?  Perhaps it led nowhere in particular?  Shorty was fast losing confidence in his mission.  

That simply left the third path that Shorty had noticed.  It was a small crevice that led up the rock wall.  It was only about as wide as a small longneck.  Shorty supposed that he could climb up that path if the need should arise, but what would that accomplish?  It led up to the top of the rock wall and Shorty was certain that Bron did not go that way.  This path was out of the question.  However, when he looked up that crevice he noticed something that he didn't expect.  A flash of teal and green feathers.

"Hi there!  What are you doing?"  The bundle of feathers asked.

"Ahh!!"  Shorty screamed as he darted for the nearest crevice in the bluff.  What is that thing?! He thought in his panic.

Shorty then heard a thud from the landing of a very light body.

"Hey, don't be shy!  I don't remember anyone being scared of Guido before."  Guido was quite confused by this sudden intruder.  What was a small longneck doing out here in the Mysterious Beyond?  Perhaps he was looking for the Great Valley?  But if so, then where were his parents?  There were too many unanswered questions.

Shorty, meanwhile, was beside himself with worry.  He had just begun his journey out of the valley, but if this weird looking flyer told the others then his journey would come to a sudden end.  He couldn't allow that to happen!

"It's okay."  Guido tried again.  "You can come out now."

But the more Shorty thought about his situation, the more that he realized that he had no choice.  He would have to confront this flyer and convince him not to tell the others.  With that in mind he walked out into the open.

"Ah!  There you are."  Guido pondered for a moment as he placed his wing to his beak in a contemplative expression.  "But... Why are you here?  The Great Valley is that way."  He pointed with his wing as he made that observation.

Shorty gulped.  He might as well tell the truth.  This flyer did not look like the flyers that were on watch duty in the valley.  Perhaps he was an outsider?  Either way, perhaps he would be responsive to his dilemma.

"I have to find my dad."  Shorty said stoically.  "He went to look for my brother and I can't let him do this alone."

A spark of recognition went off in Guido's eyes and he seemed to age in front of Shorty's eyes.  The burden of repressed emotions and irreconcilable regrets returned to the forefront of the flyer's mind.  He knew exactly who this longneck was.  He had heard the stories from the other flyers the night before of the despairing longneck and his adopted son.  

"Shorty?"  At Guido's question the small longneck looked down in defeat.  Yes, there was now no doubt of the longneck's identity.  The flyer could very well understand his motivations, but he could not condone his actions.  

Guido sighed and decided to begin again.

"Shorty, it is dangerous out there."  He shivered at the thought of his previous excursions into the Mysterious Beyond.  There was legitimate fear there, but he also cherished the memories of his adventures with Petrie and the others.  This was especially true considering he had no memories of his life before he entered the valley...  But now these cherished memories were tarnished with extreme sadness.  His friend was gone.  He couldn't shake the feeling that he could have done something... anything... to have saved him from his fate.  Now only shame and fear remained.  "I can fly away from danger, but you can't.  You shouldn't go out there alone."

Shorty sighed.  This flyer obvious was not an outsider and knew exactly who he was.  He would either have to dissuade the flyer from telling the others or he would have to flee and hope the others would not catch up.  His options were limited.  Shorty decided to try to appeal to the flyer's empathy.

"I have lost my brother and now I might lose Bron too!"  He bit his lip.  Come on!  Don't cry!  You're stronger than this!  He raged at his weakness in his head.  "What would you do in my situation?"

Guido gave Shorty a small knowing smile that radiated no happiness.  He knew all too well what Shorty was going through.  He would have to make Shorty see that his actions were foolish.

"I would mourn what I lost and try to move on."  He said softly.

Shorty raged at this.  "Well I won't!  You don't understand!  I have lost something that you can't even begin to understand!"

The small longneck was crying now.  His emotions, having previously being restrained the thoughts of his planned journey, were on full display.  He obviously was not thinking rationally now, he was simply running on emotions.  Guido tried very hard not to take the longneck's vitriolic words personally.  He would simply show him that he understood Shorty all too well.

"I have lost a friend too, Shorty."  Guido answered softly.  Shorty did not answer, but his expression indicated that Guido had his attention nonetheless.  "Petrie...  Was like a brother to me.  He accepted me as I was, even when the others would not."  Guido looked down in regret.  "We... had adventures with one another, but I wasn't with them on that night..."  He then looked at Shorty, with each of them being a window into the other's grief.  "I will never forgive myself for that."

Shorty swallowed hard as he searched for the right words.  

"I... I have to try!"  He stated quickly.  "Littlefoot would have done the same for me!"

Guido nodded and sat down beside the longneck, whereupon Shorty decided to do the same.  Shorty's thoughts about a quick exit were forgotten for the moment.

"He probably would have, Shorty."  Guido stated matter-of-factly.  "But... What if you were in his situation?"  He paused for a moment to search for the right words.  "Dead, more than likely."  Well, so much for being subtle. The teal flyer chided himself as he noticed Shorty take on a despairing expression.  "Would you have wanted him to risk his life on a pointless journey?"  

Shorty quickly shook his head.

Seeing that Shorty was seeing things from his perspective, Guido continued.  "What would you want him to do?"

Shorty sighed.  Seeing from Guido's perspective had shaken his faith in his current mission.  He was endangering himself, scaring his grandparents, and breaking his promise to Bron, all for a hopeless dream.  The dream of finding Littlefoot alive again.  He was truly acting foolish.

"I...  Would want him to live a good life."  The longneck answered softly.

Guido simply nodded, as he saw some of Petrie's siblings fly above.  Ah, it seems that Mama Flyer has sent out a search party.  He looked back towards Shorty, who was now crying against Guido's feathers.  Well... I can make this less painful for him.

One of Petrie's sisters landed beside Shorty.

"There you are!  The entire valley is looking for you!"  

Another sibling then spoke up from the air.  "They are going to be so mad when they find out that you left the valley!"

Shorty decided that he wouldn't resist his punishment.  He had done this to himself.  He had no one else to blame.  With that in mind, he began to speak.

"I'm sorr..."  But he was interrupted by Guido before he could finish.

"Uh... Yeah...  Sorry about that!"  Guido began.  "Shorty wanted to talk about things, so we went to a quiet place."

The sibling that had landed looked surprised.  "So you didn't try to go after Bron?"

"I..."  Shorty began again, only to again be interrupted by the teal flyer.

"Oh no!  He wouldn't do that."  Guido answered for him.

The small flyers seemed to consider this as they began to fly back towards the valley.

"Tell the others that I will bring Shorty back when we are finished!"  Guido called towards them.

"We will."  The flyer who had landed answered in an understanding voice, before taking off again.  She was quite relieved to not have to do another scouting mission outside of the valley and she knew that her siblings felt the same way.  She could understand the need of the two dinosaurs for companionship in these dark times.  Sometimes one simply needed to talk to someone else who had been through the same thing that you have experienced.   She had her brother and sisters, but who did those two have?

As the flyers flew out of hearing range, Shorty looked at Guido with a surprised expression.

"Why did you do that?  You could have told them the truth."

Guido gave him a small smile.  "I think that you have been through enough."  He then looked around.  "Let's go back.  I think that I have an idea that might help out Bron."

Shorty's expression brightened at Guido's statement and he slowly rose to his full height.

The two dinosaurs then began their journey back to the Great Valley.  It was up to Bron now.

......

Miles from the valley, meanwhile, Bron continued his lonely search for his lost son.

He had left the north pass and decided to take the direct path to Hanging Rock, which was the same route that his herd usually took but in reverse.  He had heard from some of the other adults that the sharpteeth had taken another route that meandered around the valley.  He was unsure where the sharpteeth could have gone, but he knew that both routes intersected a day's walk outside of Hanging Rock.  What would take him the better part of a day to transverse would instead take the sharpteeth several days.  He just might be able to catch up to them by taking the more direct route.  Or so he hoped.

The bright circle was beginning its descent from the sky and Bron knew that evening was soon approaching.  He would have three or four hours of daylight at best.  I need to quicken my pace!  He thought glumly.

Taking a quick look around him, he could see that he had arrived where the two paths intersected.  A narrow ravine surrounded by two large rock walls indicated the end of the path that the sharpteeth had supposedly taken.  The only question was where to go now?  He didn't see any sign of sharpteeth footprints or, for that matter, any sign of Littlefoot.  If only he could find some clue...

There!  His mind screamed.

He looked to his left and noted a footprint embedded into the dirt.  It was underneath an outcropping of rock beside the rock wall.  It was for that reason that the sky water had not washed it away.  It was a rather small footprint.  The footprint of a small two-footer sharptooth.  He knew who this belonged to.

Now I've got you, Chomper!

With renewed determination he followed the direction of the footprint in the hope of eventually catching up with the sharpteeth.  And his son.

......

"So can you do it?!"  Shorty asked excitedly.

Guido had just told his plan to Volant and the other adults.  Shorty was worried about Bron being out there all alone.  Perhaps, if he had aerial surveillance then he could have an advantage if sharpteeth were encountered.  Even a few minutes of warning would be good enough to make a hasty retreat.  Likewise, since flyers had the gift of flight, they would not be placing themselves under significant danger.  Especially if the flyer in question were an experienced adult.  This idea had appealed to Shorty immensely.  His dad could be safe and he wouldn't have to frighten his adoptive grandparents in the process.

"Well...  I don't know, Shorty."  Grandpa answered cautiously.  "Volant has already done a lot since the attack."

Before Shorty could respond, however, Volant responded for herself.

"I will do it."

Both grandparents looked surprised at her response.  Grandma then decided to speak.

"Are you sure Volant?  You have been doing so much already"

Volant waved off her comment with a wave of her wing.  "It is no problem.  Bron is not just looking for Littlefoot, you know.  If he somehow does find Littlefoot alive then I have no doubt that my Petrie will be there too."  She answered truthfully.  "If he is willing to risk his life in the search then the least that I could do is to help."

With a few short pleasantries between the adults, the flyer flew off.  She left a noticeably relieved family of longnecks behind as she entered into a world full of uncertainties.

......

Longneck footprints!

Bron had discovered the footprints left by Ali's herd during their migration.  It seemed that the sharpteeth had decided to follow the herd in order to find a suitable meal.  

Cowards!  Bron thought with fury.  Chomper had been cared for in the valley as if he was another one of the children.  They had given him their trust.  Now he had betrayed that trust by hunting his former friends.  Bron would never forgive this outrage.

No.  He told himself.  Littlefoot has gotten through tough situations before.  Perhaps he and his friends are now on one of their adventures?  No one found the bodies...

He repeated those words in his mind as he set off in the direction of the longneck footprints.  It was almost a foolish hope at this point, but he had to keep his faith in his son's survival.  It was the only thing that was keeping him going at this point.

......

Volant was flying at full speed towards the intersection of the two paths.  She had told Bron about the route that the sharpteeth had taken and she had heard from the others that Bron had taken the northern pass.  It was obvious then that he was trying to catch up to the sharpteeth by taking a more direct route.

I must keep up! She chided herself.

She hated to admit it, but she was not as athletic as she was in her younger days.  The numerous scouting trips she had taken in the previous week had done much to exhaust the flyer.  Notwithstanding her exhaustion, however, she was making good time on her journey.  A flyer at full speed could travel in a few hours what would take a land-walker a full day.  This was a good thing, because evening was fast approaching.

Look at that!

She suddenly noticed the tell-tale prints of a massive longneck.  They were freshly made and untouched by wind or sky water.  He must have gone this way. Volant deduced.

She quickly adjusted course and followed Bron's footprints.  In order to speed her progress she stopped flapping and allowed her wings to extend as far as they were able.  Now that she was over an open expanse of sun-scorched ground, she could feel the warm air rising from the ground below.  She could ride this expanse of warm air and quickly accelerate her journey.  And save some energy.  She admitted to herself.  She wasn't getting any younger.

As the minutes went by, she noticed quite a change in the ground below.  It went from scorched ground to green grassland.  The thermals were not as strong here, but they were still sufficient to keep her aloft.  Unfortunately, however, this change in terrain hid Bron's footprints.  She hoped that he hadn't changed direction.  If so, then she might never find him.

Looking ahead with her powerful sense of vision, she stared out at the horizon.  From her vantage point she could see the grassland continuing for miles, with a curious hill blocking her view of what came after...  That hill must have been at least several hours away for a land-walker, which means that he surely couldn't have reached it by now.  So where was he?  All that she could see was the expanse of green, a hill in the distance, and several smaller hills rather close by.  Those hills all had vegetation, expect for one that appeared to be barren.  That is odd.  She thought.  A brown hill in a sea of green.

If she could have done so and stayed aloft, she would have slapped herself.  

That is no hill!  That's Bron!  

She quickened her pace towards the lumbering giant.  He wouldn't have to complete his mission alone.

......

The next day:

Bron awoke with an uncomfortably hot feeling radiating over his body.

"Urgh!"  He exclaimed. It appears that I overslept.

He looked out at the expanse that lay before him.  He had decided to call it a day the night before when he saw the bright circle begin to fall behind the horizon.  He knew that he would not be able to get any good searching in during nightfall, so it would be best to rest and wait until the next morning.  However, he had apparently underestimated his own exhaustion from the traumatic events of the previous two days.  It was the baking heat of the bright circle in this shade-less grassland that had finally awakened him.

As he rose to his full height, he looked back towards the direction of the Great Valley.  Volant had found him the night before and had briefly talked to him.  She had promised to come back after the bright circle had risen to its full height.  He was surprised by her offer and had politely declined her help, as he did not want to endanger someone else.  However, what she had said next opened his eyes to how his journey had affected everyone else.

......

"Thanks for the offer, but I don't need any help."  Bron stated politely.  He was quite surprised by the flyer's initiative in trying to help him.  However, he would not have anyone else risk their lives on his behalf.

"Well, Shorty would seem to disagree."  Volant retorted.

"Shorty?"  Bron was surprised by this development.  "I'm sure that he knows that I can take care of myself..."

Volant took on a serious expression and looked at Bron with an almost impatient expression.  "I'm not so sure.  We found him just outside of the valley earlier.  He claimed that he was just talking to Guido, but I am not stupid.  He was trying search for you before Guido talked him out of it."

This greatly upset Bron.  "He promised me that he would stay in the valley!  I will need to have a talk with that boy when I get back."  He thought that he had taught Shorty better than that.  Littlefoot quite possibly had been killed when his adventurous side got the better of him...  He didn't want Shorty to fall into the same trap.

"Well, I think that it is you who needs the talking to."  Came the unexpected retort from Volant.

"Huh?"  What did the flyer mean?

"Have you even stopped to consider how your departure has affected everyone else?  How it had affected your herd?  Your family?  Your son?"

"Of course I have!"  How dare this flyer question his good intentions!  He continued his answer in a frustrated tone.  "I have placed my herd in good hands and Shorty understands why I am doing what I'm doing!"

"They may understand, but they are not coping well."  Volant answered sternly.  "They care about you."  She punctuated each word with emphasis.  "Especially Shorty."  She then flew over to an area closer to Bron.  "They don't want to lose you too.  Have you thought about that?  How would they cope if you died out here?"

Bron sighed.  His journey, though born out of good intentions, also was selfish in its single-minded determination.  He had failed to take the needs of his loved ones into account.  He could finally see it now.  How had he been so blind?

Volant nodded as she could see that he was beginning to accept the reality of the situation.

"Okay."  Bron said simply.  "I accept your help.  And..."  Bron paused for a moment to collect his thoughts.  "Tell Shorty that I am doing fine."

Volant smiled.  "I am sure that he will be glad to hear that.  I will see you when the bright circle is at its highest, longneck."  She looked around for a moment at the rapidly darkening scene around her.  "And good luck."

......

Bron groaned at the memory.  He had been so blinded by his grief and insecurities that he had neglected everything else.  He would have to make amends when he returned to the valley.  No. He stopped himself.  When he and Littlefoot returned to the valley. He had to maintain that hope.  His search was not finished yet and it wouldn't be finished until he found Littlefoot.  One way or another.

Slowly turning back towards the footprints that he had been following, he decided to resume his journey.

......

Several hours later:

"So this is here the longneck herd congregated."  Bron observed, seeing the multitude of footprints and the indentations obviously left by resting longnecks.  It was odd, though.  The multitude of habitation signs seemed to indicate that the herd had stayed here for quite some time.  However, this area was not a good place for a herd to congregate.  There were two large forests on either side, he noted, but a distinct lack of food in the grassland in-between them.  Why didn't the herd stay closer to the forest edge?  Where they looking for something?  If so, then what was it?

"Not a very good area."  Volant observed.

"No."  Bron affirmed.  "No, it is not."

Bron began to move away from the main site where the herd apparently had congregated and attempted to look for any sign of the sharpteeth in the surrounding area.  If Littlefoot and his friends had survived and Chomper's betrayal was not actually a betrayal, then it would be logical to assume that they had gone with Chomper willingly.  For the life of Bron, he couldn't understand why they would go with a pack of sharpteeth anywhere...  Or for that matter leave the valley for well over a week...  But it was the only option that coincided with the possibility of Littlefoot's survival.  Therefore, he had to entertain the possibility.

Away from the herd site, there wasn't much to see besides a seemingly infinite expanse of grass and two impenetrable forests which established the boundaries of the grassland.  If only he could see the footprints of the sharpteeth, or for that matter the footprints of a longneck not associated with the herd, then he could know that he was on the right track.  But until then...

"I think that I have found something!"

At Volant's sudden call, Bron rose and ran a short distance away.  Not immediately seeing what had caught her attention, he asked the obvious question.

"What?  What is it?"  Bron asked in confusion.

Volant responded immediately.  "Footprints by the forest!"

Bron ran over to where Volant had directed her gaze and felt a rising sense of hope at what he saw.  Footprints.  Longneck footprints.  These footprints were very small.  In fact, they were about the size of Shorty's.  Or Littlefoot's! Bron's mind deduced.

"Are these longneck prints?"  Volant asked, obviously oblivious to Bron's inner turmoil.

Bron's mind continued to put the pieces together.  The prints did not come from the herd as far as he could tell, but rather originated from the forest itself.  Of course.  Bron thought to himself.  Littlefoot tried to follow Chomper and took a different route, through the forest.  This would be safer, as large sharpteeth couldn't fit between the plentiful trees.  If these were Littlefoot's prints.  No, there were his prints.  They had to be! His mind affirmed.  Then he could find Littlefoot if he simply followed them.

Unfortunately for him, he did not notice the prints from Ali which were much less noticeable due to her lighter build.  Consequently, he had reached the wrong conclusion on whose prints these were.  As far as Bron was concerned, they were Littlefoot's.

"Yes!  Yes they are!"  Bron affirmed.  Wasting no time, he ran off in the direction of the footprints.  His son had to be this way!  He would soon get to the bottom of this situation.  He didn't care why his son had run off with Chomper or the pain that he had put his family through; right now he just wanted to welcome him back into the fold.  There was still time to make amends.  He could spend time with his son like a true father should.  He could start again.

Volant followed from the air.  She observed Bron's excitement and redoubled effort.  If these are Littlefoot's prints. Her mind deduced.  Then Petrie might be close behind!  She was elated.  Hope was not lost!  For the first time in over a week she felt an emotion akin to happiness.  Hang on, Petrie!  Mom is coming!

The two quickly sped across the area looking for any sign of their children.  However, Volant was the first to see the horrible sight.

No!  Please no!

Bron did not see it until a few seconds later and for several moments thereafter he was unable to process what he was seeing.

Before both of them was the skeleton of what had once been a longneck.  Most of the flesh had been stripped of the remains and nothing remained on the corpse to indicate its identity.  The skeleton lay in a prone position with its empty eye sockets staring in Bron's direction.  As if it was asking a final question of him.  Where were you dad?

Bron collapsed to his knees as he screamed in anguish.  Oh no!  It was true all along .  He thought mournfully.  My son is gone!  As he began to openly cry he heard the sound of mournful sobbing from behind him.  Volant had come to a mournful conclusion as well.  If Littlefoot was gone, then Petrie was more likely no more as well.  Bron was too far gone in his grief, however, to pay her much heed.

He slowly moved his head to Rhett's skeletal head, mistaking its true identity for Littlefoot's.  As he nuzzled the remnants of the long-since fallen longneck, he decided to make his peace with his beloved son.  He hadn't been there for him enough in life, but he could repay his debt to his son.  It was the only thing that he could do for him now.

"I'm sorry!  I'm so sorry, son!"  He said through gasping sobs.  "I can't bring you back... I couldn't save you..."  He trailed off as his thoughts turned to his regrets.  "But I can promise you two things, Littlefoot.  I will take care of Shorty.  I wasn't much of a father to you, but I won't make the same mistake with him..."  He paused for a moment as he sucked down a shuddering breath.  "And I promise you one more thing, Littlefoot."

Bron's eyes hardened as he focused on the sharpteeth footprints that he saw retreating from the longneck's corpse.  With frightening resolve and calm rage he made one vow that he would follow to the death.

"Littlefoot, I will avenge you."

[rhombus]

Fanfiction link:  https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9990125/23/The-Seven-Hunters

Chapter 22   A talk between fast runners

“To an old father, nothing is more sweet than a daughter. Boys are more spirited, but their ways are not so tender.”
― Euripides, Suppliant Women


"So where's mommy?"  Ruby asked her father as they began to head towards the rock formation that gave Hanging Rock its name.  It had taken several moments for the fast runner and the former fast runner to regain their composure.  

Detras was overwhelmed and amazed by recent events.  His own daughter was not a sharptooth.  He, as an omnivore, had never reacted to sharpteeth with the same vitriol as the leaf-eaters.  He knew better than most that it was improper to judge anyone for doing what was necessary to survive.  He had even taken a life once...  No.  He resolved.  Now is not the time to think about that.

He looked at his daughter.  He knew that she had never taken a life before... at least during her fast runner days.  Her reactions during her conversation seemed to indicate that they were hiding something, but he was careful not to read too much into that.  How will she react to the necessities of her new life?  He thought to himself.  He could accept her change of fate, but could she?  He would definitely have to talk with her.  There were facts that she would need to accept sooner rather than later.

"They are in the Hidden Caves."  Detras explained.  "I saw sharpteeth and... we couldn't be sure of your intentions."  He tried to make the admission as gentle as possible.

Ruby looked down in shame for a moment.  She tried not to let her father's suspicion hurt her, but how else could she react to her parents looking upon her with fear?  Intellectually she knew that her parents had no way to know that the pack of sharpteeth was made up of their daughter and her friends.  However, she was struck by the change in her relationship with her father.  Back when she had visited her parents before, her father had taken the demeanor of a parent when addressing her.  Typically a fast runner would greet another with hands at the ready and unbroken eye contact.  This showed both respect to the threat that the other posed, but at the same time did not convey hostility.  It was only when fast runners joined to form a pack or a family unit that they dropped this usual demeanor and greeted others in an unguarded manner.  This more open demeanor was only dropped when a child grew up and went their own way.  In that way it marked the end of innocence and the beginning of adulthood.

Detras was currently using the standard fast runner demeanor with her.  This was an improvement from the aggressive stance that he had taken earlier.  Was her father now looking upon her as an adult?  Or as an outsider?  His conversation thus far expressed his unrestrained acceptance of her, but she still couldn't shake her unease at his now more remote tone.  She wasn't sure that she was ready to quite accept what being an adult would entail: being on her own and making her own decisions.  But isn't that what I have already been doing?  She questioned herself.  Even as a fast runner in the valley, she was practically on her own in raising Chomper.  So why should she feel alienated by her father's change in demeanor?  She supposed that her emotions needed to have time to catch up with her intellect.  

"Oh."  Was the only thing that Ruby could say.

Chomper noted the awkwardness that seemed to have developed between Ruby and her father.  Chomper had been used to being looked at with suspicion and fear.  He didn't like that, of course, but he had pretty much accepted it as part of his lot in life.  However, he supposed, Ruby had not.  It must be hard to have your daddy look at you with fear.  He observed.  

"So... um..."  Spike seemed to be searching for the right words as everyone turned to look in his direction.  He observed that everyone had turned their attention to him and decided to spit out his words.  "You said that you had the same dream that Ruby had?"  At Detras's nod, Spike continued.  "I wonder...  Did any of our parents have the same dream?"

It was a serious question that had many implications.  If their parents had experienced the same dream, then perhaps they could eventually find a way to confirm their stories.  It had worked on Ruby's father, after all.

"Yeah..."  Littlefoot seemed to ponder the idea.

"Maybe we can tell mommy, Spike?  Then she would know what happened to us!  Yep, yep, yep!"

Cera sighed.  She had a sarcastic side to her, but not even she wanted to ruin the pack's new-found hope.  However, she figured that it was up to her to make the obvious point.

"But we can't speak to our parents, Ducky."  Cera affirmed.  "None of us know leaf-eater."  

Chomper began to speak, but Cera cut him off.

"And they won't believe you, Chomper."  She retorted to the unspoken statement.  "We would need to learn leaf-eater before we could have any hope of talking to them."

Littlefoot spoke up then.  "Yeah.  And we need to find a way to talk to them so that adults don't kill us."  He then looked towards Ducky, who had taken on a morose expression.  "But we do have hope, Ducky."  He affirmed.  "One day...  One day we will talk to them again."

"Yeah!"  Chomper affirmed.  "And I will teach you how to talk to them."  Chomper found it ironic that he would now have to teach his friends leaf-eater, as they were the ones who had begun to teach him.  He supposed that everything had gone full circle.

After a few moments of processing what had been said, the group continued their journey towards Ruby's family.  A comfortable silence had descended upon them and Ruby noted that her father had taken on a more relaxed expression.  Perhaps the innocent banter of the group had reminded him of who he really was dealing with.  These were not born and raised sharpteeth, but rather leaf-eaters who had suddenly become sharpteeth.  

As Ruby confronted these thoughts, her introspection was broken by a sudden call from her father.

"It's alright dear!  You can come out now!"

The pack stopped in their tracks in front of a rocky bluff.  There was nothing distinct in these rocks to indicate the presence of any caves in the bluff.  Ruby was familiar with these bluffs, but the others were not.  As a result, they looked on with incredulity while Ruby waited with great anticipation.

Suddenly, the pink head of a fast runner peaked over one of the rocks.  So that's where the Hidden Caves are!  Chomper thought.  He would have never smelled them out if Detras had not led them to the site.  Chomper was reminded of a saying that his daddy had always told him.  There is nothing trickier or faster than a fast runner.  Unless one is injured, it is better not to even bother.  He supposed that was good advice.  Although, I would never hunt Ruby's family anyway! The small sharptooth affirmed in his mind.

"Who... are these sharpteeth, dear?  Pearl, Ruby's mother, asked in concern.

Detras looked at Ruby with an unsure expression.  "That... will take some time to explain, dear."  That is putting it mildly. He thought to himself.  "Why don't you come down with the kids?"  He invited.

Pearl gave him an uncertain expression, before hesitantly leading her children down the bluff.  Ruby was elated.  All of her siblings were still here.  None had met their doom since her last visit several seasons ago.  This was a legitimate concern for those living in the Mysterious Beyond.  Without thinking about it, however, she had a toothy grin on her face.  When she looked at her mother, she was greeted with one of the most hurtful glares that she could have imagined.  Realizing what had happened, Ruby removed the grin from her face and looked down in a hurt expression.  Ruby was unable to see her mother soften her expression and look at the rose-colored fast biter with a confused expression.  Why would a fast biter care about her thoughts?  Over the next few moments, the family finished their journey down from the bluff to where the pack was standing.

Pearl wore an exasperated expression, as she was obviously uncomfortable with having an entire pack of sharpteeth so near to herself and her children.  Her children, meanwhile, were hiding behind her legs.  They were quite afraid and each was thinking the same thing.  What is daddy doing with sharpteeth?

"Okay, dear."  Pearl asked in an annoyed fashion.  "What is going on?  And who are these sharpteeth?"

Detras smiled a nervous smile before responding.

"Well, dear, do you remember that dream about Ruby that we had a few days ago?  Uh..."

......

"Mommy!  Mommy, wake up!"

Both Ruby and her father were congregated around the female fast runner.  Ruby was pleading with her mom to regain consciousness, while the rest of the pack held back away from Ruby and the fast runners.  Each had looks of concern on their faces as they saw the scene play out before them.  Ruby's siblings, on the other hand had ran from Ruby when she had embraced her mother mid-fall.  They were now cowering from behind Detras's feet.  They did not quite comprehend what had happened and were terrified beyond belief.

"Ruby?"  Her father began.  "Ruby!"  That finally got Ruby's attention.  "Move away from Pearl, will you."  He requested firmly.

Ruby was taken aback by the request.  "But, mommy isn't alright.  If she was alright then she wouldn't have fallen!"

Detras sighed a bit before responding.  "She has just fainted, Ruby, you gave her quite a surprise!"  At Ruby's guilt-ridden look, he decided to continue.  "Don't be sad, Ruby.  I am sure that she will be fine.  But right now you are scaring your brother and sister.  They don't need to see a sharptooth growling over their mother."  As he said this he gestured to the two small youngling who were clinging in fear to his legs.  "They can't understand you, you know?"  He added softly.

Seeing that her presence was making the situation worse, she moved back to rejoin her pack.  She was surprised to suddenly feel a light pressure on her right shoulder.  As she looked back, she could see that Littlefoot had placed his paw on her in a show of support.  With a supportive nod from the pack leader, she returned her focus to her family.

After a few moments, movement could be seen from Pearl.

"Did... Did that actually happen?"  Pearl asked weakly from her prone position.

"Yes, dear."  Detras answered softly.  "Our Ruby has returned to us a changed dinosaur."

Before Pearl could speak, however, the two siblings couldn't contain their relief at their mother's recovery.

"Mommy!  Mommy!"

Detras moved back a bit, before gesturing for Ruby to follow.  After a moment she was beside her father, whereas the siblings and her mother were a short distance away.  Detras looked Ruby in the eyes and gave her a sardonic smile.

"Ruby?"  Detras called out in sharptooth.  "Pearl?  Children?"  He then called out in leaf-eater.  At Detras's call, the others looked at him with attentive expressions.  The siblings, meanwhile, hid behind their mother.  They still had no idea who this fast biter was, but they knew that she made mommy collapse.  Pearl, meanwhile, looked at her daughter with an accepting expression.  The initial shock had begun to wear off.

"Perhaps we should tell the children what happened in leaf-eater this time."  He muttered in the sharptooth language.  "Right now I think they are quite confused."

As both Pearl's and Ruby's nods of understanding, they attempted to explain this to the children in a way that they would understand.

......

I can't believe it!  Here is the Great Valley!  It is hard to believe that it has already been three years.

Chronos and Logos were walking along the northern pass to the Great Valley.  They had stopped at Hanging Rock and the Canyon of Lost Winds in order to search for the Stone of Destiny.  However, their search had turned up nothing thus far.  They knew for certain, however, in which direction the rock had fallen.  This left the Great Valley as the next stop that they needed to examine.  

And if Chronos was honest with himself, he would admit that he was curious about how the children were doing as well.  They were surprising intelligent for their respective kinds.  

"Stop right where you are!"  

The gruff voice of a threehorn greeted the duo as they were about to pass into the valley.  This is certainly a change from how they greeted us before.  Curious. Logos thought to herself.  Something must have changed.

"We are stopped."  Chronos responded.  "What seems to be the problem?"  He asked cautiously.  He decided against being overly questioning on this threehorn.  He detected a sense of something. Extreme agitation.  His mind provided.  During his original journey to the valley he was not very aware of the minute expressions that permeated dinosaur communication and as a result he came across as somewhat odd and even confrontational when he came across narrow-mindedness.  However, the years that he had spent in the mysterious beyond had changed him somewhat.  He now knew, for one, when it was time to keep one's mouth shut.

"I will be asking the questions here."  The threehorn stated gravely.  However, his demeanor did not hint at any aggression.  It seemed that Chronos's respectful response did not further antagonized the guard, despite the overt impoliteness that the guard displayed.

"What are your intentions?"  The threehorn then asked.  His bored manner seemed to indicate that this was a question that he had asked on several occasions before.

Logos tried to repress a chuckle at this.  Border security.  I never thought that I would see this in such a primitive culture. She thought to herself.  Perhaps they are a bit more advanced than we gave them credit for?

"We simply wish to take refuge in the valley.  The Mysterious Beyond is a very harsh place."  Logos answered.  Sometimes the simplest of lies were more effective than more complex ones.  Besides, no one would challenge her answer, which was probably the same answer that any other dinosaur would give.

"Hmm...  I can't fault you there."  The threehorn answered.  "Very well, you may enter as soon as I inform Topps."  

Ah, so the paranoid threehorn is behind this.  How very unsurprising.  Chronos thought to himself.

"You will also need to inform us of what you have seen on your journey."  The threehorn continued.  "The valley will not be caught off guard again."

Chronos and Logos shared a brief knowing glance at one another.  This was very interesting indeed.

And now an interrogation... Logos thought to herself.  What happened to this place?

......

"Alright children, time for sleep."  Pearl called.

"Ah, mom!"  The siblings answered almost in unison.  

Ruby had to laugh at the response of her brother and sister.  Her siblings certainly had grown, both mentally and physically, since her last journey to Hanging Rock.  It had been a great experience to play games with them in the water once more.  They had been hesitant at first, with their sister now being a dangerous predator, but they had soon adapted to the situation.  In many ways children could adapt more readily to change than adults.  It was nice to see that they didn't look at her with anything other than kindness and love.  It was a counterpoint to how her parents now looked at her.

Ruby noted that her father was still looking at her with the respectful demeanor that a fast runner would show an adult, as opposed to the parental stance she was accustomed to.  Her mother seemed to be using something in between a parental and adult stance when addressing her, as if she wasn't sure where Ruby fit anymore.  Their expression indicated nothing but love and relief, however, which helped to put her fears and worries behind her.

She then looked at her friends, who had stayed off by themselves while Ruby and her family were reacquainting with one another.  It seemed that they were just as unsure what to do in this situation as Ruby's parents were.  They had made brief conversation with her parents in sharptooth after they had introduced one another, but then they had politely excused themselves at Littlefoot's insistence.  He was still concerned about their control over their instincts which, Ruby had to admit, was a valid question at this point.  She was still quite satisfied with their meal of carrion from earlier, but she couldn't really speak for the others.  In any case it would probably be too much to ask for her parents to be comfortable with seven sharpteeth hanging around their small children.

"Come along, little ones.  You can see Ruby again tomorrow."  She answered them.

Ruby's sister was surprised.  "She isn't going with us to the nest?"

Ruby was carefully observing the exchange as Ruby's mom paused for a moment.  "She... Will probably want to rest with her friends, Berry."  She answered warily.  "Don't worry.  I'm sure that she will be back tomorrow.  Tell her bye."  

"Bye, Ruby!"  At their enthusiastic waving, she waved back.

"See you tomorrow!"  She tried to force some enthusiasm into her voice, with only moderate success.

Ruby felt an uncertain emotion arise within her upon saying her goodbyes.  She was still welcome in her family's territory, but was no longer welcome in the nest.  So that was it.  She was an independent adult now.  The unclear messages that her parents were sending her were now very clear in their meaning.  She tried not to feel sad at the premature coming of this necessary life event, but she couldn't help but feel melancholy at its passing.  Her childhood days were now done.

As her mother and siblings walked back towards the nest, she turned back and walked towards the pack with sunken shoulders.  She needed some time to think by herself.

Meanwhile, Littlefoot and the others were talking amongst themselves while they waited on Ruby.  Sunset had just arrived and they were debating amongst themselves on whether to attempt a hunt nearby or to simply get some sleep.

"I say that we go hunt some ground fuzzies."  Spike answered assertively.  "After all, Ruby's parents won't want a bunch of hungry sharpteeth in their territory."

Cera snorted.  "Well of course you would say that.  You eat more than any of us!"

Spike looked at Cera before responding with a sarcastic come-back.  "All the more reason to ensure that I am fed, right?"

Littlefoot nearly snorted water out of his nose, as he was drinking from the river at the time.  Cera had to chuckle at Spike's response as well.

"Well, I can't argue with you there."  Cera affirmed, still chuckling from the previous exchange.

At this point Ruby walked into the clearing where they were congregating.  She had a noticeable slump in her posture as she walked by her friends.

"Hey, guys."  She greeted them.

"Oh!  Hi Ruby!"  Ducky responded.  "We were waiting for you.  We were!  We were!"

Littlefoot, however, noted the morose expression on Ruby's face as he was directly facing her.  He greeted her with a concerned look.

"Ruby, are you okay?"

Ruby sighed.  She wasn't quite sure.

"Um..."  She began to answer.  "I don't know.  If I did know then I would tell you."

The others now looked at her with a mixture of confused and concerned expressions.

"How you don't know if okay?  Either you okay or not okay."  Petrie questioned.

Ruby decided to simply state her situation.  "Mommy and daddy won't allow me in the nest anymore."

Littlefoot was surprised by this.  "Why would they do that?"

"You honestly don't know why they won't they let a sharptooth sleep with their young children?"  Cera asked sarcastically, but then backtracked when she saw a pointed expression from Littlefoot.  "I'm sure it is nothing personal, Ruby."  She added quickly.

"But they let you play with them."  Chomper replied.  "Why won't they let you rest with them?"  He did not understand the dichotomy.

Ruby sat down as she pondered how to explain this to the former leaf-eaters.  She was only a year or so older than them, but she had been informed by her parents about how such things were done.  A fast runner's life was punctuated by many rituals to symbolize special life events.  She supposed that leaf-eater society had fewer of these rituals.

"When a fast runner grows up they are told to leave the nest."  She answered matter-of-factly.  "When that happens they are expected to find their own way.  If they were not old enough then they would not be told to leave the nest."

Cera had a moment of understanding.  "So you're an adult now?"  At Ruby's nod, she continued.  "Then why are you sad?  You can do what you want now."

Ruby sighed.  "I don't know.  I guess that I'm not ready to think about my parents that way."

Littlefoot nodded.  "I guess that would be hard.  I mean they are your parents..."

Littlefoot trailed off as he and the others turned towards an advancing figure in the distance.  It was Ruby's father.

"Ruby?"  As she gave her father her undivided attention, he continued.  "You and your friends are invited to dinner."  He looked up at the sky as he said this.  It was now quite dark.  It would indeed be a very late dinner.  "My apologies for the lateness, but it took a while to get enough fish for all of you."  At the talk of fish, all of the pack arose in surprise.  They had not expected any sort of dinner to be provided.  How long did it take Detras to get so many?  As none of the others had fished before, only Ruby had some idea of the answer to that question.

"So that's where you have been!  You didn't have to do all this, dad."  Ruby reflected that he had been absent while she had reacquainted herself with her siblings.  In fact, Littlefoot didn't really have a chance to talk to him about their predicament on account of his absence.  He must have been gathering fish for the entire evening!

"Yes, I did.  It is the job of the host to provide dinner for their guests."  He answered matter-of-factly.  "Will you join us for dinner?"

Ruby was taken aback by how formulistic his speech sounded.  He was giving the standard offering of food for guests that was given for a respected outsider.  She had seen on a few occasions when distant relatives arrived at their territory.  It seemed that she was now in the same category.  It reinforced what she had already learned.

"We would be honored to join you."  She gave the standard acceptance back.  "Will you give us a moment?"

Ruby's father smiled.  "Of course.  We will see you when you are ready."

As he slowly retreated back towards Hanging Rock, the pack began to talk amongst themselves.

"I...  See what you mean, Ruby."  Cera admitted.

Ruby sighed.  "Yeah..."

Littlefoot didn't know what to say.  He had no experience in seeing how longneck children were treated after they went through the Time of Great Growing.  He supposed that he never really gave it much thought.  It would be odd to have your parents suddenly treat you differently.  He supposed that Ruby's extended absence from them had prevented a more subtle transition.

"Well, come on!  I am hungry."  Spike affirmed.

Ducky laughed.  "You are always hungry, Spike.  You are!  You are!"

The others joined in the laughter as they began walking to where the fast runners had situated themselves.

......

I can't believe that they're all dead!  

Chronos was utterly lost in his thoughts.  He and Logos had just found out what had happened to the children.  It seemed that their curiosity and outgoingness had finally caught up with them.  He willed himself not to display his grief, as nothing could be done about it at this point.  Besides, they still had a mission to complete.

"We are terribly sorry to hear about the valley's loss."  Logos affirmed, and this brought Chronos out of his morose thoughts.  "But we have not seen the sharpteeth anywhere."

The threehorn simply nodded.  "Well it is getting late.  I suppose that you can find a resting place for the night."  Undoubtedly the threehorn was also ready for his interrogation duty to be over.  Even guards had to sleep sometime.

"Thanks."  Chronos answered, while trying his best to hide his unhappiness at the situation.  "It seems that rock has brought nothing but bad luck."

The threehorn stopped.  "Are you referring to the flying sky rock?"

Both Chronos and Logos stopped.  "Why, yes.  Yes we are."  Logos answered quickly.  "It seems that we have had nothing but bad luck since that rock fell.  I guess it fell someplace close to here."  She answered carefully.

"You can say that again!"  The threehorn roared.  "Ever since it crashed into the valley things have changed for the worst!"

Logos and Chronos exchanged excited glances.  It seemed that they had finally found their stone.

......

The pack had begun to lounge around as they were now completely full after their massive meal.  Ruby's father had seemingly collected fish of every color and kind imaginable.  Ruby was amazed that so many kinds of fish existed in the river.  Let alone the fact that her father could catch them all in one evening.  It seemed that he was far more skilled at such things than she ever had known.

"Thank you, Detras!"  Littlefoot affirmed.  "We haven't eaten like that since..."  Upon realizing that they hadn't stuffed themselves like that since they had killed another dinosaur, he decided not to finish that thought fully.  "Well, not since a long time ago."  He finished.

"Yes, we are very grateful.  We are!  We are!"  Ducky affirmed.

The others muttered their thanks as well, but Detras took it all in stride.

"No need to thank me."  He protested.  "It is the least I could do for our guests."  He then looked at Ruby "...And our daughter."

Pearl decided to step in at this point. "It has been nice to see you all."  She stopped for a moment before deciding on how to word her next question.  "But what are all of you going to do now?  Based upon what you told us, you can't go back to the valley anytime soon."

Littlefoot nodded at this.  "That is true.  We were actually wondering if you could help us with that..."  He trailed off for a moment as he saw that the two fast runners had taken on uncertain expressions.  "We know how to get food, but we still have trouble..."  He sighed.  "We had a lot of trouble when we were getting here.  The lands were bare."

Detras stared at Littlefoot for a moment before turning his attention to Ruby.  He could read his daughter, regardless of her changed form.  He needed a truthful answer to the question that he had in his mind.

Ruby shifted uncomfortably as she was subjected to her father's scrutiny.

"So...  You have killed before?"

His question seemed to echo across the pack.  Ruby had avoided mentioning their hunt in her explanation to her father.  However, it seemed that he had found out her secret.  Now it was time to admit her bloody deed.

"Yes, daddy."  She looked down as she said this.  She couldn't bear to see her father's disapproval.

"Ruby, look at me."  She heard her father's words, but was reluctant to follow his command.  After a moment she looked up at her father.

Detras looked upon her with a compassionate expression.  This perplexed her.  Why wasn't daddy angry with her?  Why wasn't he disappointed?  She could barely bear with her own actions, so why did he have such a muted response.

"Tell me what happened."  He said softly.  "It obviously hurts you still.  Don't keep the hurt deep inside."

Ruby then began to tell her parents everything.  She told them about the unstoppable hunger, the growing rage, and the advancing discontent.  She told them of the plan that was developed and how they stalked their quarry.  She almost broke down when she admitted her role in chasing the longneck to his eventual doom.  After it was all said she fell silent and closed her eyes.  She awaited her father's rebuke.

She was surprised to feel pressure around her neck.

She opened her eyes.  Both of her parents were hugging her tightly.  Both of her parents were crying as they embraced their fast biter daughter.  In her relief at their accepting response, Ruby began to cry as well.  The family embraced for several moments.

The pack looked at one another uneasily at this display.  They were uncertain how to react at this intimate moment between the fast runners and Ruby.  They were simply glad that they had reacted with such acceptance.

After a few moments, her parents broke away from Ruby.  Each took some time to regain their composure.  Ruby was the first to speak.

"You're not mad at me?"  Ruby asked in surprise.

Detras responded.  "Why would we be, Ruby?  You did what you had to do."  He shook his head for a moment.  "It is never easy to kill and you have punished yourself more than enough."  He looked away guiltily.  "You experienced true hunger once before, when you stole that egg..."  Ruby nodded as he recalled that memory.  "And I had to go through something similar when I was younger as well."

Ruby looked surprised as Detras seemed to recall a long-forgotten memory.

"Dear..."  Pearl began, as Detras waved her off.

"No, dear.  I suppose that I should tell her that tale."  He affirmed sadly.  "She isn't the only killer in the family."

Several gasps emanated from the pack at this affirmation.  Ruby's dad was a killer too?

Detras sighed.  "After I left my parents nest I was poorly prepared for independent life."  At Ruby's surprised expression, he decided to explain.  "Part of the reason that I tried to teach you all that I know, Ruby, is because my parents didn't educate me well at all."  He shook his head.  "I nearly starved in the month after I left."

Ruby was transfixed by this story.  Her father had never told her about his childhood.  In fact, anytime the subject came up he would quickly change the subject.  She supposed that she now knew why.

"I came across a flyer nest during my terrible journey...  And I devoured the helpless younglings in order to satisfy my hunger."  He looked up sadly.  "I still remember the grief-stricken shrieks of the mother after I fled from the scene."

He then placed a forelimb on Ruby's shoulder.  "Fast runners are half-teeth, Ruby, we eat both meat and plant.  And sometimes that means that we have to do things that we are not proud of."  At Ruby's nod, he continued.  "Now that you are a sharptooth, you know this better than most.  I can't blame you for being what you must be.  Nobody can."

Ruby gave a small smile to her father.  "Thanks, daddy."

Detras then looked up at Littlefoot once again.  "I am sorry but all of you can't stay here."  He looked back at Ruby, who simply nodded in resignation.  She had already deduced that would have to be the case.  "There isn't enough food here to satisfy a pack of sharpteeth.  And I have your brother and sister to think about, Ruby.  I have to keep them safe."

Ruby gave her father a knowing, yet sad, smile.  "I understand."

"However, I can help you.  Have any of you heard about the lowlands?"  At the confused expressions of the others, he decided to elaborate on his plan.  "There is plenty of food for both sharpteeth and leaf-eaters in the lowlands, but it is far more dangerous for wayward leaf-eaters unless you are in a large herd.  Of course, since you are all 'the danger' now."

Littlefoot was interested in this possibility.  "Can you tell us where the lowlands are?  It sounds like a nice place."

Detras smiled at the former longneck.  "Indeed I can.  You see... if you turn north at the black pillars..."

......

"I can't believe it!"

Logos had exclaimed her surprise at seeing the Stone of Destiny with her own eyes.  The stone was a perfect sphere, about as wide as a small tree is long and black as the night itself.  She had always dreamed of this moment since she was a youngling.  To see one of the Stones of Destiny with her very eyes...  It was impossible for her to describe her emotions at this point.

Chronos, meanwhile, had collapsed to the ground in wonderment.  Here was one of the stones that went by many names throughout the galaxy.  Some called them the 'Stones of Destiny'.  Others called them the 'Scourge of the Ancients'.  And others still, the 'gift of the elders'.  This stone that had been allocated to this star system, however, was simply referred to as the Stone of Cold Fire by the residents of this planet.  If only they knew of its true power.  Thankfully, however, its black coloration indicated that it had long since lost its powers.  That was a great relief.  The danger to the planet had long since past.

"I suppose that it is a special rock."  The two rainbowfaces had shuddered at the response as they had forgotten the presence of their companion.  Mr. Thicknose had led them to the rock upon their expression of interest in the curious relic.  "In fact, you seem to be the only two that care about the rock anymore.  Ever since the children..."

Chronos turned his attention away from the stone and looked at the sad elder.  "We are sorry for your loss.  I... actually met the children that were lost.  They were very intelligent younglings."

Mr. Thicknose sighed.  "Yes...  Yes they were.  The days seem lifeless now without children to teach."  He shook his head sadly.  "I never would have suspected Chomper...  He seemed like a nice kid..."  He trailed off in his despair, as the two rainbowfaces looked on sadly.

"We are sorry to have bothered you."  Logos began.  "You have something more important to be concerned about than a rock."  She didn't believe her own words, however, as she knew the true nature of the stone.

"It's alright.  I suppose that I needed to focus my mind on other things for awhile."  He sighed.  "We can't change the past, after all."

The large dinosaur then began to walk away from the duo as it was now quite late.  He would try to sleep and hope that he was not again haunted by the dreams of those who he could no longer teach.  Sometimes a dream that reminds you of what you have lost can be more haunting than the worst nightmare, because the loss will continue to haunt you even after the dream ends.

As he walked away, however, Mr. Thicknose said one last thing to the rainbowfaces.

"There is one thing I never figured out about that stone, though."

Chronos paused for a moment.  He had redirected his attention onto the stone.  "What is that?"

"When it first fell, its bright blue glow lit up this side of the valley.  But after the children were killed it turned black."  He shook his head sadly.  "It's as if the stone itself mourns for the children."

As the footsteps from the lumbering dinosaur trailed off, the two rainbowfaces looked at one another in horrified silence.  The stone has originally glowed like just the old stories had said, but then changed to black?  And this had happened only after the children went missing?  They both knew that this could only mean one thing.

The children had activated the stone.

[Ducky123]

Poor Grandparents... they now have to search for Shorty. I would get pretty annoyed in their situation

Ah... Topps and Grandpa, aren't they cute? Seriously, I like the fact that you describe them as friends, as dinosaurs who respect each other. It doesn't always look like they do in the movies after all.

Guido? What a surprise! I must point out that you have done a very good job at that scene I don't really know if, what I will say in my next sentence, will be critism or actually praise because I can't decide which of the two point is the stronger one   Well, this isn't the ¥Guido we have seen in LBT 12. He's a lot more mature and wise than could be expected from that character. Since, however, quite some time has passed since the Tv-series has ended, I can very well imagine Guido to grow quite some maturity and earn some sort of wisdom (his amnesia seems to be cured). I actually like the fact that you have changed his character a little

Bron is really acting foolish and selfish and Volant is fortunately pointing that out. This is yet another pretty good scene

Oh, and that last scene had to come... You know, the coolest scenes are those where you can foresee what is going to happen like here. A familiar place and hints to a very familiar place is a very awesome combo in this case Well, as I was reading this in R.E lessons yesterday   I just had to smile upon realising the obvious...

So long story short, another great addition. I hope that I can continue with chapter 22 tomorrow... my week has been somewhat busied  

[CeraTheRed]

Woah, the Rainbow Faces make a return. I love how this was a huge emotional ride, that ended with a discovery by the Rainbow Faces, who know what it means. I'm really interested to see how they influence the story from here until....they leave. IF you're planning on keeping them in, that is.

[rhombus]

Thank you both very much for the reviews.  

Poor Grandparents... they now have to search for Shorty. I would get pretty annoyed in their situation

Indeed.  But after having Littlefoot run off during each film on one adventure or another, I am sure they are used to this by now.  

Ah... Topps and Grandpa, aren't they cute? Seriously, I like the fact that you describe them as friends, as dinosaurs who respect each other. It doesn't always look like they do in the movies after all.

I am glad that you like my portrayal of their relationship.  This is one area where I decided to take some creative license in order to show more friendship in my story than is shown in some of the films.  They have both suffered loss (both before and after the loss of the gang) so I figured that they would have quite a basis of understanding.  Additionally, this is one situation where Mr. Threehorn would probably be capable of being more rational than the grandparents, as threehorns seem to lean more to practical solutions and sending out a flyer would be the more practical choice.  

Guido? What a surprise! I must point out that you have done a very good job at that scene I don't really know if, what I will say in my next sentence, will be critism or actually praise because I can't decide which of the two point is the stronger one Well, this isn't the ¥Guido we have seen in LBT 12. He's a lot more mature and wise than could be expected from that character. Since, however, quite some time has passed since the Tv-series has ended, I can very well imagine Guido to grow quite some maturity and earn some sort of wisdom (his amnesia seems to be cured). I actually like the fact that you have changed his character a little

I understand the mixed feelings on my portrayal of Guido.   We have only seen him emotional (in terms of being sad) a few times in the series and each time it seemed rather understated to me.  As a consequence, I had to extrapolate how he would react to losing his best friend in a way that brought little closure.  I figured that he would probably try to put up a brave front in order to support Petrie's siblings and that he would dedicate himself to the protection of the valley as Volant had.  When this is added to the fact that several seasons have passed since the TV series ended, as you mentioned, I figured a more mature portrayal of the character would be the best option.  Although I must admit that I still don't have the characterization down on Guido to the same extent as the other characters.  It took me several revisions of that scene before I finally settled on the scene that is currently in the chapter.

Oh, and that last scene had to come... You know, the coolest scenes are those where you can foresee what is going to happen like here. A familiar place and hints to a very familiar place is a very awesome combo in this case Well, as I was reading this in R.E lessons yesterday I just had to smile upon realising the obvious...

Thanks.    The stage is now set for some interesting character interactions in the third Act.   Lets hope that the pack survives that particular reunion if it comes...  :unsure:

So long story short, another great addition. I hope that I can continue with chapter 22 tomorrow... my week has been somewhat busied

I greatly appreciate the fact that you took time out of your busy schedule in order to give me feedback. I hope that you enjoy the next chapter.

Woah, the Rainbow Faces make a return. I love how this was a huge emotional ride, that ended with a discovery by the Rainbow Faces, who know what it means. I'm really interested to see how they influence the story from here until....they leave. IF you're planning on keeping them in, that is.

Oh yes.  Don't worry, the rainbowfaces will have further involvement in the story.   They have just now figured out that their journey has only begun...

[CeraTheRed]

Thank you both very much for the reviews. 
Oh yes.  Don't worry, the rainbowfaces will have further involvement in the story.  They have just now figured out that their journey has only begun...

YAYZ! You are quite welcome. I'm glad they'll be characters now, I love how mysterious they are. I like the names you gave 'em, too. And might I say, you are GOOD at emotional stuff.

[Ducky123]

Ruby's fear of being considered a grown-up fastrunner now, is a very interesting aspect. I do wonder where you always get those interesting ideas from... They just fit so well Fastrunner society seems to be really awkward towards an outsider, though you could say that about sharptooth society also

Chomper reteaching the gang how to speak leafeater will be very funny, I suppose. I'm especially wondering how you're going to do that since I have read a similar thing in another great fic

Pearl is quite shocked upon realising what has happened. Very nice.

Haha, Chronos' and Logos' thoughts are quite amusing. I'm happy that they have a reappearance here.

Ruby had to laugh at the response of her brother and sister.

Can Ruby understand them? I thought leafeater sounds like grunts and burps to sharpteeth

The fact that Ruby isn't allowed in the nest anymore is very interesting but also very logical as Cera points out (love that statement of hers).

Spike hasn't lost his appetite

Wow, Ruby's father has done some effort... I'm surprised that he actually invited sharpteeth! to dinner. Well, again you're displaying the unusual rules and manners of fastrunner society really well.

Chronos and Logos want to find the stone then... Well, they're obviously depressed because of the children's death.

Detras has even killed? Now that explains a dark part of his great character.
No chapter of rhombus without a more depressed scene I do like the message that Detras and Pearl are trying to get across. I think it'll not only help Ruby to cope with her new situation but also the whole group since the fastrunners' advice also applies to them
And now they have a place to journey to at least...

I can so imagine Mr. Thicknose speaking those few final lines... It just fits him perfectly.

Right, a very good chapter again Keep it up!

He knew that he had never taken a life before... at least during her fast runner days.

He? Didn't know that Ruby changed gender also (excuse my little joke, hehe).

"And then won't believe you, Chomper."

They...

"Our Ruby has returned to us a changed dinosaur."

Either "as a" or just "as" (one of those version should be right, I think )

Chronos and Logos where walking along the northern pass to the Great Valley.

"were"

[rhombus]

Thank you very much for the review, Ducky.    I have made the corrections that you have indicated.  

Fastrunner society seems to be really awkward towards an outsider, though you could say that about sharptooth society also

Indeed.  The cultural dissonance was intentional on my part.  I wanted to incorporate a more accurate depiction of how some animal species will abruptly evict the young after a period of time, while at the same time depicting Ruby's family in character.  I guess you can view their reserved, ritualistic actions as a way of reconciling an unpleasant reality relating to growing up (being evicted due to their instinctual drive on the matter) with their cultural values (caring for family as a chief value). This is reminiscent in many ways of how certain rituals in human society are created in order to gloss over our instincts.

Can Ruby understand them? I thought leafeater sounds like grunts and burps to sharpteeth

She cannot.  She can, however, deduce their meaning from the context of a vocalization.  So if her mother is obviously calling the children to bed (presumably she would use the same cadence in her voice as she used when Ruby was young and called to sleep) and the children give a downtrodden "grunt" or "burp" then Ruby can probably deduce the meaning.

I might revise that exchange in this chapter in order to make that point clearer, however.

Wow, Ruby's father has done some effort... I'm surprised that he actually invited sharpteeth! to dinner. Well, again you're displaying the unusual rules and manners of fastrunner society really well.

Thanks.   In this context, Detras is communicating his love on his daughter by supporting her friends, even though it is conducted through the cloak of ritual.  It is basically his way of saying "You can't stay here, but I still love you."

Detras has even killed? Now that explains a dark part of his great character.
No chapter of rhombus without a more depressed scene

You know me all too well.  

I do like the message that Detras and Pearl are trying to get across. I think it'll not only help Ruby to cope with her new situation but also the whole group since the fastrunners' advice also applies to them

Indeed.  They have no choice but to accept the inevitable now.  Ruby's family, being omnivores, understand this all too well.  

I should have the next chapter posted sometime tonight or tomorrow.  In it, we will see what the pack is up to after they have adapted to their new lives in the lowlands.

[rhombus]

Fanfiction link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9990125/24/The-Seven-Hunters

Chapter 23   Life of the pack

“Rather than turning the page, it's much easier to just throw the book away.”
― Anthony Liccione


One month after the events of chapter 22:

As the small mammal peaked out of its burrow it cautiously sniffed the air.

Danger no smell!  Safe to leave?

The rapid thought process of the small creature was in overdrive.  He had just survived a horrifying encounter with the predators outside.  It had started with the sound of scraping.  Then, in a terrifying blinding sight, the ground above him was ripped away and the rays of the bright circle permeated through the tunnels.  He had escaped the grasping claws the feathered beast through sheer luck alone, but the rest of his family had not been so lucky.  He had heard the death squeal of his mother and the painful gasps of one of his brothers who had been impaled by the predator's claws, but it was mainly the sounds of panicked footsteps that greeted his ears.  After a few moments, however, even those sounds became sparser, being interspersed with the sounds of sudden death.

And then silence.  The terrible silence.  He was all alone.  Everyone else had been devoured.

Now perhaps it was safe to leave.  He had to run off and find a new place that would be defendable.  As it was, his old home had been ripped apart, just like his family.  With a cautious step forward, he prepared to dart off into the unknown.

It was the last thing that he ever did.

Squeak!  Schluk!

Well that was a successful hunt. Littlefoot thought to himself.  To think that I used to have difficulty hunting these things!

The pack had separated in order to hunt at the stream's edge.  It was a source of plentiful prey, as the ground fuzzies often built their burrows in the soft ground here.  It was close to the water, which meant that the ground fuzzies didn't have to go far from safety in order to quench their thirst, but that didn't protect them from Littlefoot's pack.  They had become quite proficient at hunting these vermin in the last month.

It is a shame there are less of them now.

It had not escaped the notice of the pack that they would soon have to look at other food sources.  During the beginning of the wet season there had been more than enough ground fuzzies to feed everyone, but they had dwindled quickly.  Between their daily hunts and the sudden flood a few weeks ago, the mammal population had been hit hard.  Now even the idea of hunting dinosaurs had been floated during the pack's conversations.  It was a step that no one wanted to take again, but it seemed that fate would soon leave them with no choice in the matter.

With these heavy thoughts going through his head, Littlefoot thought back to the morning they had left Hanging Rock.  He remembered that he had awakened earlier than most of the others.  But not everyone...

......

One month ago in Hanging Rock:

Littlefoot had awakened after the nicest sleep that he could remember in quite some time.  For once he had not been plagued with bad sleep stories or mental anguish.  Whether or not that was due to his full belly or the fact they were now in a safe place, he did not know.  But he was grateful nonetheless.

After blinking his eyes for several moments, he noticed that it was still early morning.  The bright circle had just begun to peak over the horizon and it would probably be a while before the others would awake. Perhaps he should take the opportunity to get some more sleep while he still could?

He looked at his sleeping companions for a good place to curl up and resume his slumber.  Chomper and Ducky appeared to be in a light sleep, so any movement on his part might wake them.  

Best to look towards someone else.  He concluded.

Petrie was perched up in the bluffs, so obviously Littlefoot would not join him.  Not that a small flyer would provide much heat in the cool morning air anyway.  Spike and Cera seemed to be sleeping deeply, however, so perhaps he could sneak in there.  As he was preparing to do this, however, a sudden thought occurred to him.

Where is Ruby?

The rose-colored fast biter was nowhere to be seen.  He suddenly arose, somewhat concerned at this development.  He had become quite protective of his pack after the change.  Even if she was simply out exploring or taking a morning drink, he felt that he had to ensure her wellbeing.  There were many new instincts of his that he had questioned or attempted to fight, but this was not one of them.

He quickly arose and looked towards Hanging Rock.  There was no sign of her there.  Where could she have gone?  

As he began to walk towards the stream, he suddenly heard a voice.

"Don't worry, little one.  She is having a conversation with her dad."

Littlefoot turned around.  It was Pearl, Ruby's mother.  She had a friendly smile on her face, as she was munching on some snapping shells that she must have recently acquired.  It seemed that Ruby was not the only early riser.

"I'm not little."  Littlefoot had not meant to sound so petty, but it seemed that his ego now couldn't handle being put down by a fast runner.  After all, they are food! Some distant part of his mind noted.  However, his facial expression gave Littlefoot away.  As soon as he had made his protest, an almost apologetic expression fell upon his face.

Pearl noted this and chuckled softly.  "You may have teeth and claws, young one, but you are still little at the moment."  She then looked at Littlefoot for a moment as she considered her next words.  "Would you like a snapping shell?"

Littlefoot blinked.  He had never tried one before.  In fact, he had never even tried fish before their meal the previous evening.  Just a mere week ago, such a invitation to breakfast would have seemed impossible.  But now here he was.

"Uh...  Sure."  He accepted gratefully.  "I have never had one before."  He admitted.

Pearl nodded.  "I guess that is not unexpected.  You were a leaf-eater before, I would hardly think you would consider eating a snapping shell back then."  She stated the obvious.  "You... were a longneck, right?"  Littlefoot nodded.  "Yes...  Ruby told me what all of you used to be."  Littlefoot cringed at her use of "used" as if putting it in verbal form confirmed a horrible reality.  "But it is hard for me to remember.  You all kind of look alike now."

Littlefoot said nothing further as he sat beside Pearl and she presented him with a snapping shell.  He looked at it for a few moments, before looking up at Pearl in confusion.

She laughed at his perplexed expression.  "I was wondering when you would finally admit that you were confused."  She took a moment to let her laughter die down.  "We fast runners can eat these because of this."  She then pointed at her beak.  "We can break through its tough shell and eat it whole, but for other dinosaurs it is trickier."

She then took the snapping shell and pointed at its front.  "Here is where the shell opens, you do not want to do anything here."  She then flipped it so that the top of the shell was facing Littlefoot.  "And of course you can't do anything with the tough shell."  Finally she flipped it again and showed him where the large muscles were at the sides of the bivalve.  "You can't see them, but the meat here allows it to close its shell.  Slice the meat and you open the shell."  

She then handed him the snapping shell.  "Try it."  She insisted.

With a curious expression on his face, Littlefoot tried to do what Pearl had insisted.  He took his large sickle claw from his foot and pried the shell open ever so slightly.  Then with a pronounced shluck, he sliced the muscles at each side of the snapping shell's opening.  With a sickening gurgling sound the shell opened, exposing the meat inside.  He dug in immediately.

Pearl laughed again.  "Enjoy!"

After a few moments of slurping out the meaty contents of the snapping shell, Littlefoot turned back towards the fast runner.  "How did you learn how to do that?  Because you have a beak and all..."

Pearl smiled.  "Well, you pick up things here and there.  You have to if you are going to survive in this world."  She answered softly.  "To answer your question, though, I learned that little trick from watching how fast biter's ate snapping shells."

Littlefoot's mouth went agape.  "You hung out with fast biters!  Why?"

Pearl laughed again.  "No, I didn't hang out with them!  But when you are at the watering hole, you see what the other dinosaurs do."  

Littlefoot looked unbelieving at this answer.  "Leaf-eaters and sharpteeth at the same watering hole..."

Pearl sighed.  She had forgotten that Littlefoot had been a longneck and they typically kept to themselves.  Thus, he would have no idea what kind of "truces" developed when resources were scarce, such as watering holes.

"Yeah, it is kind of an unspoken rule.  A sharptooth could drink without risk of being trampled, provided that the leaf-eaters got the same protection."  She spoke matter-of-factly.  "But such an arrangement isn't perfect... and they are broken from time to time.  My parents would have given me a stern talking to if they knew that I had gotten as close as I did."  She smiled at that distant memory.

"Sounds like another fast runner that I know."  Littlefoot observed, thinking of Ruby before the change.

Pearl snorted.  "I know."  Apparently Ruby's curiosity and adventurism were already well known to her parents.  No wonder why she had fit into the gang so nicely.  Littlefoot and Pearl both shared a chuckle at the former fast runner that they both knew.

After a few moments, and a few more snapping shells, Pearl decided to speak again.

"How are you holding up, dear?"  

Littlefoot was confused for a moment, before the implications of the question became apparent to him.  She was asking how he was adapting to becoming a sharptooth.  Well, how well could one adapt?  He didn't really know how to answer the question.

"As... As good as could be expected, I guess."  He said without enthusiasm.

Pearl frowned.  "So not good at all then..."  At this, Littlefoot shook his head sadly.

Pearl thought for a moment.  "You know, Littlefoot, there are stories about you in the Mysterious Beyond."

This shook Littlefoot out of his melancholy for a moment.  "There are?"

She nodded her head.  "Yes, there are stories about the fearsome five.  The five leaf-eater children who killed the great sharptooth and humbled many others.  You all have built up quite a formidable reputation."

Littlefoot swallowed as he processed this news.  He and his friends had not set out to be sharptooth killers.  They simply had gotten themselves into unfortunate situations and had to get out of them.  The residents of the Mysterious Beyond must have thought that they were abominations!  Well, Littlefoot had to admit, they were abominations now...  What else could you call a leaf-eater that turned into a sharptooth?

Pearl, meanwhile, continued her monologue.  "I never believed those stories.  I figured that they must have been exaggerated until they lost all sense of reality to them, but now I see that there was a lot of truth there."  She then directly looked at Littlefoot.  "You are a good leader, Littlefoot, whether you believe that or not."  Littlefoot looked unsure at her sudden affirmation.  Undaunted, she continued.  "I don't know how much of the stories that I have heard were true, but I know that if you have survived through all that Ruby has described during your journey, then she is in good paws."

Littlefoot looked down as he could hear the unspoken command. Keep my daughter safe. She had always been a leader of sorts to the gang, and his instincts now bristled at any challenge to his position, but he was still daunted by the responsibility that it entailed.  He hoped that he could live up to her expectations.

She placed her paw on Littlefoot's shoulder.  "I don't know why fate has changed you, Littlefoot.  Maybe he who slays a hundred sharpteeth becomes one himself?"  Littlefoot looked down as he digested the implications of that.  "Perhaps fate made a mistake and put the heart of a sharptooth into a leaf-eater's body?  Perhaps it was correcting a mistake."  Littlefoot was on the verge of tears now.  Why was she bringing him more pain and guilt?  Hadn't he suffered enough?  "But one thing that I am sure of is that you were changed for a reason.  I hope that you, Ruby, and the others can find out what that reason is.  You have done great things, Littlefoot.  I trust that isn't about to change yet."

Littlefoot nodded as he tried to comprehend all that had been said.  "But will those great things be good things... We are sharpteeth now."

Pearl sighed.  She kept on forgetting her audience.  Fast runners had to accept the allure of both leaf and meat.  Leaf-eaters, on the other hand, often only saw things from one extreme.  "Leaf-eaters may hate sharpteeth, Littlefoot, but sharpteeth are not bad.  They simply do what they must in order to survive.  Now you must as well."  Littlefoot seemed to think about that for a moment.  She then continued.  "Do what you must fast biter, but don't forget where you came from.  If you do that then I am sure that you will do good things."

Littlefoot nodded.  She spoke the truth.  "Thanks...  I am still trying to get used to things."

Pearl nearly snorted at the understatement.  "Aren't we all?  I am still getting used to the idea of being the mother of a sharptooth."

Littlefoot looked at her with an unreadable expression.  "You seem to be handling it well."

Pearl smiled.  "I know that Ruby is still Ruby.  As long as that is true, I can handle anything.  When you realize that you are still you inside, Littlefoot, then you will handle it as well."

Littlefoot smiled an unsure smile.  "That is easier said than done."

Pearl nodded.  "I am sure that you will manage."

Silence permeated the scene for a several moments.  Littlefoot had just talked to Pearl for the first time today, but it had felt like that he had been talking to her for ages.  She seemed to have that effect on people.  Feeling secure with this dinosaur, he decided to bring up what was on his mind.

"So...  The lowlands that Detras told us about...  Is it really full of food?"

Pearl smiled.  It seemed that the 'leader' was now turning his thoughts to the journey ahead and the prospects of his companions.  For being an uncertain leader, he certainly showed promising leadership characteristics.

"During this time of year, yes.  There will be plenty of eggs and fish.  She confirmed.  "You may even be able to avoid hunting dinosaurs for a while."  She knew that she had hit upon a concern of his when he gave a relieved expression.  It seemed that he still had reservations about the act of killing.  She continued.  "But it is less plentiful during the dry season.  You will need to move on to more promising hunting grounds when those times arrive."

Littlefoot nodded.  "Well, thanks for the help.  Maybe that will give us enough time to... learn what we need to learn."

She smiled.  "I am sure that you will be fine.  Just remember: when the food gets scarce, then it will be time to leave.  You don't want to get... in the state you were before."  She then looked at him with a sad expression.  "That must have been so terrible..."  She lamented as she considered what Ruby must have gone through.  "Promise me that you won't wait until it is too late.  You will leave when the food does."

Littlefoot nodded solemnly at the fast runner.  "I promise."

......

Back to the present:

While Littlefoot was thinking back to the events of last month, Petrie was scouting high above the outskirts of the lowlands.

It look beautiful! Petrie thought to himself.  In fact, if he was honest with himself, then he would have to admit that the sight that greeted him was second only to the valley in sheer majesty.  

The lowlands were, as their name indicated, a series of areas where the rising waters from the wet season congregated in large pools and streams.  These large pools slowly drained into two large rivers that left the area to the north and east.  The result was miles and miles of tall grasses and reeds, interspersed with large water-tolerant trees.  Ever since the pack had arrived, the area had teemed with life.  Herds of swimmers, domeheads, and even threehorns had congregated at this great confluence of large rivers.  However, the pack had not had to resort to attacking dinosaurs since their migration, as there were also plentiful populations of ground fuzzies and ground sliders by the numerous streams.  This was a great relief as the pack was in no hurry to kill a dinosaur for a second time.  Even if they were not adverse to the act of killing, any hunt on a dinosaur in a herd would incur serious risk.  Ground fuzzies were a far safer option.

Petrie had taken to regularly going on scouting runs after his meals.  It was always useful for the pack to know when new herds entered into the area.  A new herd indicated both new threats and new opportunities.  The recent entry of the threehorns, for example, necessitated that the pack move their normal sleeping area.  The pack had decided, quite wisely, that resting right next to a threehorn herd would probably not be good for their survival.  Petrie's early alert to that herd had given them enough time to make an orderly evacuation and find a more suitable site.

What that?

Petrie looked towards the horizon and noticed what appeared to be leafless trees rising in the distance.  After a few moments of looking at the sight in confusion, he noticed that the tress seemed to be curving.

That not tree!  That neck!

A longneck herd!  It seemed that the pack would soon have a new set of neighbors in the near future.  This wouldn't resolve the recent decline in ground fuzzies, but perhaps they could leverage this development to their own advantage?  He would have to tell the others.

Petrie turned sharply in the air as he redirected himself back towards the lowlands.  It was time for him to give his report to Littlefoot.

......

Thud!

Darn!  Missed again!

Ruby was not having much luck in today's hunt.  She had ripped through seven burrows, but had only had success twice.  Three times before, she found the burrows to be empty and during the two other attempts she had missed the target.  As she was lamenting her failure in the latest hunt, she heard a loud yell from a familiar source.

"Damn it!"

Ruby smiled a bit to herself.  It seemed that Cera was not having much success either.  Ruby reflected that it was somewhat petty to feel better about one's own failure through the prism of another's lack of success.  However, it was nice to see Cera be brought down to size for once.  She was always bragging that she was the best hunter and it got grating after awhile.  Nonetheless, she decided to give her some words of encouragement.

"Don't worry, Cera.  If you keep on hunting then I am sure you will catch something.  So if you keep hunting then you shouldn't worry."

Cera groaned at the fast biter's words.  "We all are doing horribly today!  We will go hungry at this rate!"

Ruby and Cera both turned as they heard another dinosaur's footsteps emerge from the top of a nearby hill.  It was Littlefoot.  Much to Cera's displeasure he seemed to have a smug smile on his face.

"Are the fuzzies too fast today?"  He asked mockingly.  "I thought that our best hunters were on the task?"

Cera seethed at his teasing tone.  Undoubtedly that was the reaction that he wanted, but she couldn't help himself.  "Don't get cocky just because you got lucky!  Perhaps you could provide some of the meat we have been lacking!"  At this she gave a mock swipe at her leader.

Littlefoot dodged the mock attack with ease.  He gave Cera a small smile.  "Now you know how it felt to be us the last couple of days."  He said this in reference to her insufferable bragging over the last week.

Cera sighed.  She was loath to admit being wrong, but she knew that was beat in this case.  "Fine!  I guess that I overdid it over the last few days."  She admitted.  "But we do have a real problem here, Littlefoot."

Ruby nodded at this.  "We couldn't catch many ground fuzzies.  We will go hungry if no ground fuzzies can be caught!"

Littlefoot paled at Ruby's comment.  It was true, as he had noticed earlier, that the number of ground fuzzies was quickly declining and the specter of hunger was again appearing on the horizon.  They would soon have to find a new food source or leave if they were to avoid the hunger madness.  They still had several more bad days to go before things got that bad, but he had to plan for the worst all the same.

Littlefoot sighed.  "I guess that we need to find new food.  The ground fuzzies won't last us much longer."

Cera grunted in the affirmative.  "Yeah, it's not lasting some of us right now!"

Ruby frowned.  Her daddy had warned her about the possibility of hunger during their visit to Hanging Rock.  What would her father have done in this situation?  She began to ponder that question as she remembered that conversation from a month ago.

......

One month ago in Hanging Rock:

Ruby had awakened early, as she often did, and decided to take a drink of water from the stream.  She was surprised mid-drink to feel the tap of her father's paw on her back.

"Ah!"  She yelped in surprise.

Detras smiled a teasing smile.  "You seem to be out of practice, Ruby.  Just because you're a sharptooth now doesn't mean that you can let your guard down."

Ruby gave a small chuckle once she realized who had scared her.  "I didn't expect you, daddy!  If I had expected you then I wouldn't have been surprised."

Detras snorted.  It was so nice to hear Ruby's voice again after such a long absence.  Even if she was irrevocably changed now...

"Well, that was the point wasn't it?"  He smiled at Ruby playfully.  "It is fun and games now, but it won't be out there."  He said this as he gestured towards the land beyond the stream.  "Of course, you understand that now.  Don't you?"

Ruby frowned at being reminded of the dark days from her recent past.  "Yes, daddy."  She affirmed.  "It has been a very scary time."

Detras embraced his daughter.  "I know, dear.  I know.  I just want to make sure that you don't let your guard down out there."  He paused for a moment, as if he were considering some gave matter.  "Would you care to follow me to the 'seeing rock'?"  He asked slowly.  "There is something that I would like to show you."

Ruby paused in surprise for a moment.  The seeing rock had always been off-limits to her as a child due to the difficult and dangerous journey up to the summit where it resided.  When she was much younger, she had injured her arm falling off of one of the bluffs on the path to the formidable rock.  Why did her daddy want her to go there now?

"Uh... Sure daddy.  But isn't it very dangerous?"  Ruby asked uncertainly.

Detras smiled a disconcerting smile.  "That's the point."

Ruby looked on in confusion as Detras began running towards their destination.  He wasn't giving her any time to ask further questions.

"Wait for me, daddy!"

The two dinosaurs soon disappeared amongst the distant bluffs.

......

"Whoa!"

Ruby nearly slipped off of the bluff she was attempting to transverse, but hastily grabbed its edge.  She could clearly see the drop off below her.  The sheer face of the rock wall was all that could be seen for nearly an entire longneck-length down.  If she fell here the best she could hope for would be a severe injury, and at worst...  

As she attempted in vain to grasp ahold of the rock, she felt a pressure upon her forelimbs.  It was her father!

He hastily pulled her back onto the rock.

"That was a close call, Ruby!"  He spoke in a gasp.  "I thought that I had lost you!"

Ruby struggled to catch her own breath.  "Thanks, daddy!"  She gulped for air for a few moments.  "I thought that I lost me, too!"

Both father and daughter sat on the bluff for several moments as they regained their composure.  Finally, after a few moments, Ruby took the chance to ask the question that was on her mind.

"Why are we going up here?  It is very dangerous!"

Detras nodded.  "Indeed it is, Ruby.  That is the point of the test."

Ruby blinked.  "A test?"  She was totally confused.  "But I already passed the great test of speed... What is this test testing for?"

Detras smiled.  "You will just have to see, Ruby."  At her dower expression, he added some explanation.  "This isn't a fast runner test, Ruby.  This is something far different... Something...  I picked up in the Mysterious Beyond long ago."

Ruby opened her mouth as if to speak, but Detras cut her off with a wave of the paw.

"Are you ready to continue?"

Ruby gulped, remembering her close call just moments before.  However, with a resolve that seemed to come from someplace deep inside of her, she nodded.

"Yes, daddy."

......

"We are almost there, Ruby!  Detras called out to his daughter.  "You might just pass this test yet!"

Ruby struggled up the rocks.  How could her father be such a fast climber at his advanced age?  She was having quite a bit of difficulty climbing these sheer cliffs.  Hopefully, the journey became easier before she made a critical error.

After a few moments of climbing up the latest rock face, she was surprised to see that she and her father were both in a large crevice of some kind.  It appeared to be about two fast runners in height and about a fast runner in width.  Within the rocky crevice, four opens could be seen.  Are these caves or something else?  Ruby thought to herself.  Do we get to the seeing rock from those?  If not, then where do we go?  It was up to her father now.

Detras looked at Ruby with an odd expression.  He seemed almost apologetic, as if he were apologizing for some great crime.  What is daddy up to? She asked herself.  She had never seen that particular look on either of her parents' faces.

He immediately suppressed his feelings and put on a forced expression of uncertainty.  "Oh let's see here... I think it is the first cave that leads to the rock..."  Ruby followed him from some distance behind as he went into the dark cave.

"Daddy?"  She asked.

Detras didn't seem to hear her.  "Yes, yes.  I think that it is this wa.... Ahhh!!!"

Ruby rushed to where her father was in a panic.  What had happened?

She ran into the cave entrance, before stopping herself with her powerful forelimbs.  

"Whoa!"  She cried.

She had nearly fallen through a large hole in the cave floor.  The crevice that it led to was just large enough for a full-sized fast runner to fit through and it seemed to lead down into dark, uncertain depths.  The floor of the crevice was smooth and seemed to provide no foothold as it led downward at a steep angle.  How could anyone escape from this once they fell through?

"Ruby!"

She looked around frantically before finding the source of the scream.  It was her daddy!  He was struggling at the edge of the crevice in an apparent attempt to resist sliding down into its dark depths.  She hadn't seen him initially on account of the poor light in the bleak cave.

"Daddy!"

With a sudden surge of energy, she grasped his right forelimb right before he lost his grip on the edge.  She could see rocks tumble from his previous hold and they seemed to fall into a deep, unknowable oblivion.  She couldn't allow her father to fall!  She just couldn't!  She had to find some way to get him out of here.

"Ruby..."  Detras spoke softly.

"Daddy, I will get you out of here!"  She struggled to speak as she was putting all of her energy in holding her father, who was an adult fast runner.  Even a full grown fast biter would have found the task challenging, but for a young fast biter...

"Ruby..."  Detras started again.  "You can't hold me for long dear... and you might fall too..."  As he said this another rock fell from the perch where Ruby lay, but she did not budge.  "Just let me go... I want you to be safe."

Ruby took on an expression of rage.  "Never!  If you fall then I fall!  I will never leave you behind!"

Detras looked at Ruby then with an unreadable expression.  "But, I am not of your pack, Ruby."

In Ruby's current state, the weirdness of Detras's statement did not register.  She simply answered out of instinct.  "Yes, you are!  And I won't leave you!"

As Ruby continued to struggle, she closed her eyes to ignore the pain that her arms were feeling.  She was quickly losing her grip on her father.  What could she do?

"Look at me, Ruby."

I have to find some way to rescue daddy!  I just have to! The poor little fast biter thought to herself as she struggled to support his weight.  She was going to lose her grip soon and it would all be her fault.  Tears began to pool in her eyes.

"Ruby, look at me."

She finally opened her eyes.  "I'm so sorry, daddy.  I'm losing it..."

Detras smiled, which confused his poor daughter.  "Then let go, dear.  I am in no danger.  There is a way back up from down there."

In her confusion, Detras took the opportunity to free himself from her grip and he speedily slid down the crevice.  Ruby was stunned in place.  What had just happened?

After a few moments, footsteps could be heard outside of the cave.  They stopped right outside of the entrance.

"I'm sorry, Ruby.  I am so sorry.  I promise to tell you what happened.  But you have to promise me to let me finish."  He stopped for a moment, as if to wait for an answer that never came.  "Alright, dear?"

Ruby didn't know what to think at this point.  Her father was never in danger.  Then why did he scare her like that?  Was that part of the test?  If so, then what sort of sick test was that?!  She felt seething rage at what had just happened, but she also felt betrayal.  She decided to give him a chance to explain himself, but she could promise no more than that.

"Very well."  Was all she gave in response.

Detras gulped.  Well here goes nothing...

......

"What you have just taken in the sharptooth test of fidelity.  It is a test to make sure that a sharptooth can be relied upon to place the pack's wellbeing above his or her own."  Detras attempted to explain.

Ruby was seething at this point.  She was sick to death of tests and challenges.  Hadn't she been through enough as it was?  However, as she promised, she kept her mouth shut.  Only an irritated growl escaped her mouth.

"Personally, I think the test is rather cruel..."  Detras admitted.  "But the vow I made to Chomper's parents doesn't exactly leave me much choice in the matter."

Ruby looked up in confusion at her father.  Chomper's parents?  What did they have to do with this?

Detras anticipated her unspoken question and continued.  "You see, Ruby...  When a sharptooth of Chomper's kind reaches the age of independence they are put through the test."  He licked his lips in nervousness.  "Each test is slightly different depending on the temperament of the dinosaur, but in one aspect they are all the same."  He took a deep breath as he knew she would not take the next statement well.  "The sharptooth must face death in some way, either of themselves or of their loved ones, and they must be faced with a choice.  Either they allow themselves to escape or they risk themselves for the pack."  He then looked directly at Ruby.  "Only when they pass the test are they deemed ready to lead a pack."

Ruby blinked a few times before her anger got the better of her.  "Lead a pack!"  She was beside herself with rage.  "Lead a pack!"  She repeated in thoughtless anger.  Detras took a slight step back at his daughter's reaction.  "My pack already has a good leader and he isn't me!  Why do I need to pass a stupid leadership test?!"

She stopped herself before she could lash out, much to Detras's relief, but he decided to quickly explain himself before her anger rose again.  "The test isn't really for you, Ruby.  Although I am glad that you passed.  I never doubted you for a moment."  Ruby was even more confused now.  "The test is for Chomper, but it can only be given by a dinosaur that has passed the test themselves."

Ruby's mouth opened slightly, before she promptly closed it.  Now it was beginning to make sense.  But there were still unanswered questions.  

"But why can't his parents give the test?  Isn't the test something that parents would give?"  She asked.

Detras sighed.  "Assuming they are still alive, yes."  Ruby paled at this admission from her father.  Were Chomper's parents truly in that much danger?  If so, why weren't Chomper and she told?

"Daddy?"  She asked in confusion.

Detras sighed.  "Chomper was sent to the valley for his own protection, Ruby."  Upon seeing her nod, he continued.  "You already know this, of course.  But his parents were in danger as well.  Red Claw always settles a grudge."  He shook his head at the thought.  "They wanted to make sure that Chomper was protected in the event that they... didn't make it."

Ruby covered her mouth with her forelimbs.  This revelation explained so much.  She had never truly understood why sharptooth parents would abandon their child to relatively unknown caregivers.  Surely, they would just watch the child more closely if it came to that.  However, now it all made sense.

Detras continued.  "They wanted to make sure, if they didn't make it, that Chomper received all of the training that he could.  That includes the test that you have just taken, the most important of sharptooth tests."  He looked down as if he were thinking of something.  "It is not something that your kind..."  He suddenly realized the implication there.  "That your current kind, fast biters..."  He quickly amended.  "...would usually take.  But it is extremely important for Chomper's kind.  If one day Chomper's parents are gone and I am gone..."

"Daddy..."  Ruby interrupted.

Detras continued undaunted.  "If that time comes... then you will need to give Chomper the test.  Promise me that you will not fail, Ruby."

After a moment's pause, Ruby nodded solemnly.  "I promise."

Detras sighed in relief.  "Good."  He responded, as the two embraced again.

He paused for several moments as Ruby process what had happened in the last several moments.  He had obviously given her much to contemplate.  After a few moments, however, he began again.

"I didn't like tricking you back there, you know.  You have every right to be angry with me."

Ruby paused for a moment before responding.  "That is good, daddy, because I am still angry at you."  Detras looked down in shame at this admission.  "But you had a good reason to trick me.  So even though I am angry with you, I won't stay angry."

Detras simply nodded.  What more was there to say?

Ruby still had a question though.  "So I can give that test now?"  Detras simply nodded.  "Well...  What am I supposed to learn from it that I didn't already know?  If I already know the lesson then why take the test?"  She asked inquisitively.

Detras nodded.  He was pleased with his daughter's question.  Her line of thinking was right where it needed to be.  

"It is one thing to know something, Ruby."  He said this while pointing at his head.  "It is quite another to know something.  In your heart."  Ruby nodded, somewhat unsurely.  Detras decided to continue.  "In a pack, you may have to make hard choices.  Sometimes even preemptive ones... in order to prevent tragedy.  The test that you have taken is meant to ensure that you will do whatever it takes to protect your pack from any danger."  With that explanation, he continued with a question.  "What is the greatest danger that your pack has faced thus far, Ruby?"

Ruby spoke without hesitation.  "Ourselves.  Hunger made us dangerous."

Detras nodded.  "Then that is the threat that you must always guard against.  You may not be the leader, Ruby, but you can help the leader make the right decision."  He then smiled at his daughter.  "I am sure that you can give Littlefoot a helpful nudge every now and then."

Ruby nodded.  "Yes and Cera likes giving nudges too!"

Detras snorted at this.  That sounds like what I would expect from a threehorn.  Former or not...  

"That poor kid..."  He replied in a sardonic tone.

Both father and daughter laughed at Littlefoot's misfortune as they began their descent down the hill, the diversion of the 'seeing rock' having been removed from their itinerary.  Soon the daughter would leave the nest and help her pack find a new home.  But for now, for that very moment, she was still his little daughter as far as he was concerned.  He knew that with her wisdom and the bravery of the others that they would succeed in the harsh life ahead of them.  Of that he had no doubts.

......

Back to the present:

As the memory faded away, Ruby knew what she had to do.

She looked at Littlefoot who seemed to be thinking deeply about the situation.  "We need to find other food, Littlefoot."  She affirmed.  "If we can't find ground fuzzies, then may be need to... you know..."

Both Cera and Littlefoot looked somewhat disturbed by that possibility, even though it wasn't something that they hadn't done before.  They simply hadn't done it since the first time...  The memories of their hunt of Rhett still haunted them in the deep recesses of their minds.  It was not a wound that they wanted to reopen anytime soon.  However, it seemed that fate had other ideas.

"Yeah..."  Littlefoot eventually responded.  "I guess that you are right.  We either have to find other food or find a new home."

Cera nodded.  "Yeah.  But good luck convincing Ducky of that."  She reflected on the former swimmer's reluctance to hunt.  "She still hasn't forgiven herself over Rhett, you know?"

Littlefoot pondered that for a moment.  "Have any of us?"

There was silence for a while as each participant in the conversation knew the answer to that question.  Whether they felt guilty about their actions or not, they still had to hunt.  That was simply a reality of their new lives.  These three had adapted to that reality better than some of the others.  It would be up to them to convince Ducky.

Ruby finally broke the silence after some time.  "Well, Ducky isn't going to convince herself.  So let's get going so that we can do some convincing."

With that the trio walked to where the others were hunting.  They would soon break the news that a second hunt was at hand.  The only question was: who would be on the menu this time?

......

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Mysterious Beyond:

I have to run faster!

Thud cursed himself as he ran through the underbrush.  He ignored the painful, stinging sensation as the thorns and bristles dug into his hide.  He had to get away from his pursuer before he got him.

I'm so sorry brother...  I couldn't save you...

He stopped abruptly as he found that his path had run out.  In front of him was a shear bluff that seemed to fall into a deep ravine full of raging waters.  It seemed that his luck had run out.

"Well...  Well...  It looks like the great Thud will soon meet his brother after all!"  A malicious voice called out from behind him.  "When you finally meet him wherever cowards go when they die, would you care to give him a message?"

Thud turned towards the evil brute that stood before him.  A red fast biter with a deep scar above his left eye was what greeted his eyes.  This massive fast biter was the one who had pursued him for the better part of an hour now.  This dinosaur was the one who had murdered his brother in his sleep.  Would he now be the end of Thud as well?

Bleeding, fatigued, and enraged, Thud used up the remainder of his energy to put on a brave face during what may be his final moments.  He stood his full height and gave a defiant roar.

"Perhaps I should ask what your message will be, Long Jaw?  You were the one who killed a sleeping dinosaur!  I am sure that you will be quite alone when you go to the afterlife of cowards!"

Long Jaw grimaced and let out a merciless roar.  "I suppose that I will have to silence you forever!"

As the fast biter ran full speed at the injured Thud, he knew that he had little chance for survival.  Red Claw always made sure that his enemies were dealt with.  And he had no greater enemy than an underling who had outlived his usefulness.  He supposed that Long Jaw was the underling of the hour, to be used and then discarded at a later time.  He figured that he had finally gained enlightenment a bit too late.  Now Thud was going to pay for his shortsightedness.

Stomp!  Stomp!

Or will I?  He thought to himself.

Looking down towards the raging water, he noted that he might have a chance.  If only...

Stomp!  Stomp!

Looking back towards the massive fast runner, he noted that he was charging at full speed.  If he could only time his move just right.

Stomp!  Stomp!

Now!

With a sudden flurry of movement, Thud let go of his foothold on the edge of the ledge and bit into the right leg of the charging dinosaur, allowing the momentum of the charge push them all into the abyss below.  The roar of rage from the other dinosaur nearly deafened Thud as he saw the hapless fool careening head-first towards the watery depths.  Thud was careful to maintain his hold, as he wanted to make sure that his companion hit the water first.  Thud knew that unless he got incredibly lucky, that this would be his final act.  Right before he hit the raging water below, he had one final coherent thought.

This is for you brother.

And then the waves consumed them both.

[rhombus]

Fanfiction link:  https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9990125/25/The-Seven-Hunters

Chapter 24   A time to kill

“You're late."
"Sorry. I was busy talking about my feelings and killing people.”
― Jennifer Estep, Spider's Bite


"So it has come to this?"

Spike was not surprised by the decision of the pack, but he wasn't exactly joyful at the prospect either.  They had been finding fewer ground fuzzies and ground sliders in the last week or so.  For the first time since their departure from Hanging Rock, the specter of hunger was again appearing on the horizon.  At least this time everyone knew that they should resolve their hunger on their own terms, as opposed to becoming out-of-control killers.  But knowing that intellectually was a far different prospect than emotionally accepting the choice before them.  Spike supposed that he was more willing to accept the inevitable than others in the gang, but he still had reservations.

He supposed that he always would.

Littlefoot looked stoically at Spike and gave a firm nod.  He and Cera both knew that the time had come, but they knew that the others may need some convincing.  It was one thing to consider hunting in the days after their hunt of Rhett, when the killing instinct was still fresh in their minds.  However, it was quite another thing to consider killing after becoming complacent in the lifestyle they had enjoyed over the previous month.  The assistance of Detras in finding the lowlands had given them a chance to adapt to being hunters and to begin to develop the skills that they would need one day.  Now it seemed that the "one day" had finally arrived.

It is time to kill. Littlefoot noted to himself.

Ducky, meanwhile, was trying to absorb what the pack had just been discussing.  Why do we have to kill again?  I do not want to kill!  Oh no, no, no!  She knew that their options were dwindling and that they would soon have to change food sources to something more stable than ground fuzzies.  After all, that was what they had been talking about for the last week.  However, that did not make the prospect of killing another dinosaur any less horrifying.  For someone as empathic as Ducky the act of killing was not merely painful, it was soul-crushing.  As her sharptooth name, Haven, attested to, she would have preferred to be a protector of others rather than their doom.  But as they learned from their first hunt, you can only fight fate for so long before fate finally exacts a heavy price.  

With those thoughts going through her mind, she reached a decision.  She would do what was demanded of her in this hunt, but she would blame herself all the same.  Yet, she had no desire to participate in the killing so she knew what role she should volunteer for.

Ducky sighed sadly.  "I guess I will help.  I will.  I will."  She said without enthusiasm.

Chomper had been watching the debate without giving much input.  He reflected that he had changed much in the intervening month despite having not changed physically at all.  When he resided in the Great Valley he was quite excitable and childlike, he noted.  This display of innocence was not something that he would have gotten away with in the Mysterious Beyond and he supposed that his time in the Great Valley allowed him to experience childhood as if he were a leaf-eater child.  He often wondered if being hatched by the gang had given him a drive to seek out such things, or if it were simply part of his personality.  He supposed that he would never know for sure.

Now, however, he had been taking on a more pragmatic approach to everything.  His conversation was often brief and to the point.  His personality a bit more introspective and less extroverted.  The friendship and childlike wonder that characterized him were still there, but they were being expressed differently.  Is that because I have sharpteeth friends now?  He thought to himself.  He had always been a child of two worlds.  Maybe he had acted more like a leaf-eater in order to fit with the leaf-eaters?  Now that they were beginning to put away their leaf-eater ways it seemed that he was no longer suppressing his true instincts and feelings.  Surprisingly, they hadn't even seemed to give those changes in him much heed.  I guess they are following my lead.  Chomper deduced.  I hope that I am leading them in the right direction!

He put his thoughts aside for a moment and looked at the pack again.  Littlefoot, Ruby, and Cera were discussing the herds in the lowlands and which would make for a better target.  This was a very important consideration as not only the success of the hunt, but also their safety, was at stake in this venture.  He decided to listen in to the conversation.

"I say we go after the longnecks that Petrie mentioned."  Cera affirmed.  "Besides, we all know how great they taste!"

How very compassionate, Cera.  Chomper thought sardonically.  She obviously wasn't thinking about Littlefoot's feelings at the moment.  Hunting your own kind must be a difficult thing indeed.  He had already done it once...

"Oh yes, Cera!"  Spike mocked, interrupting the trio's conversation.  "Let's go after the same herd that we terrorized a month ago.  I am sure no one will want our blood or anything!"

Well put, Spike. Chomper noted.  Spike had really begun to think like a sharptooth since the change.  He had a good grasp on calculating risks and potential benefits.  Cera, on the other hand, was always a bit too outgoing for her own good.  It was one of her traits that had been unaffected by the transformation.

Seeing that Cera was about to make a biting comment, Ruby decided to interrupt.  "Maybe we can have Petrie take a look?  If he takes a look then we can see what is there?"

Littlefoot pondered this for a moment.  "Yes...  If we could hunt a weak or solitary dinosaur then we would have a better chance..."  He looked about for a moment.  "Petrie?"

Petrie flew down from his perch on an adjacent tree.  "Yes, Littlefoot?  Me here."

Littlefoot nodded.  "Take a look at the herds and see if you can find any weaknesses.  We can wait here."

"Me do it and let you know!"  Petrie affirmed before flying off towards the watering hole.  Petrie knew that the interactions between the herd members would give away their social status and alliances.  And what better place was there to see these displays at work than the watering hole, where everyone congregated?

As the small flyer flew away, Chomper decided to bring up a very important topic with the pack.

"How well can all you of understand leaf-eater?  I have been teaching you for a month now."  Chomper spoke in leaf-eater.  Unfortunately, what everyone else heard was something like this:

"How good do each speak leaf-eater?  I teach all for month."

Chomper had gradually been teaching the others leaf-eater so that one day, they all hoped, they could perhaps let their families know what happened to them.  However each of them were having difficulty in learning their old language.  Leaf-eater lacked the nuance and nonverbal components of sharptooth and as a consequence this made the language sound simplistic and almost childlike.  They also found that ambiguity infuriating as well.  Whereas sharptooth had fine distinctions in order to clearly identify the intent and meaning of the speaker, leaf-eater did not.  This made miscommunication more likely, as was the case now...

"We don't have time to worry about that now, Chomper."  Cera chided.  "We are preparing to hunt!"

Chomper smirked.  "Yes, Cera.  I kind of noticed."  His sarcastic tone was lost on no one.  "But if you can understand what the food is saying then you can hunt them better!"  He added excitedly.

Ruby nodded at this.  "Oh, I see.  If they say what they are going to do then we know.  And if we know what they are going to do, then they may not be able to do it!"

Littlefoot smiled "Yes!  They can't plan a good defense if they are telling the herd what to do... Because we will hear it also."

Chomper smiled.  "Exactly!"

With that, the pack continued to practice the leaf-eater language while they waited on Petrie to return with his report.  Even if they could only pick out directions and names with any accuracy, that would give them a distinct advantage.

This made one thought stand out in Chomper's mind.

The poor leaf-eaters won't stand a chance.

......

From the air, everything looks peaceful.  It did not matter if the dinosaurs on the ground were sharpteeth or leaf-eaters, from the air they very much looked the same.  From this vantage point Petrie could almost forget that he was now a predator that had to kill in order to survive.  He could almost pretend that the events of the previous month were simply a bad sleep story.

Almost.

Petrie was flying above the lowlands in search of vulnerable prey, a rather familiar undertaking for him at this point.  At times he felt somewhat guilty that the others seemed to have the hard work in actually hunting for ground fuzzies, while he could easily dive upon his prey from above.  He had finally made peace with his role, however, as he realized that no one else could do his task.  The pack needed an aerial presence to seek out opportunity and avoid danger.  He was the only pack member who could fulfill that need.

Still, however, he felt as if there was an ever-present gap between himself and the others.  He had the glorious ability to fly and could see a view of the world that was lost on his companions.  Likewise, he no longer could truly feel the same rush of danger and anticipation that the others felt on a regular basis.  In the event of an attack he knew that he could always fly away from the danger, whereas his friends did not have that option.  They would have to either fight or flee.  He wondered why that option did not come to him more often when he was younger.  He would often panic and cower amongst his friends as opposed to taking flight and helping his friends from the air.  He had finally begun to lose this habit before his transformation, but his change to a predator had driven the last vestiges of it into the past.  The naive innocence was gone.

Me must be what me must be. The small flyer thought to himself.  Me flyer, so me help from air.

Putting his thoughts aside for a moment, he took a look at the prospects before him.  The large watering hole was impossible to miss as it was a mass of blue in the sea of green grass below.  It emanated from the adjacent stream, which had flooded and overflowed its banks many weeks before.  The resulting pond of water lacked the aquatic vegetation or algae of the adjacent stream and therefore was more appetizing as a source of water for the assembled herds.  There were three major leaf-eater herds that had populated this stretch of the lowlands for the last few weeks.

Taking a look to his west, Petrie could see the most intimidating of them.  The threehorn herd was a truly magnificent sight from the air and a horrifying one from the ground.  What it lacked in numbers it more than made up for in composition.  It was made up of primarily male adolescents as far as Petrie could tell.  They were only 12 in number but they were brimming with aggression.  This was more than likely a breakaway group from a larger herd.  Perhaps they be kicked out of herd for being mean? Petrie deduced.  He had no concept of threehorn power dynamics or how young upstarts were often purged from established herds, so the entire situation seemed odd to him.  In any case, the belligerence of the herd members meant that everyone else kept a wide berth from them.  Two of its members had gotten into a confrontation with a longneck in the week prior, which had nearly led to a battle between the herds before cooler heads prevailed.  The pack would certainly not find their next meal here.

Looking some distance to the east of the intimidating threehorns, Petrie could see the longnecks of Ali's herd.  The sight of her herd brought many conflicting emotions in Petrie's mind.  First and foremost was the feeling of guilt.  He had contributed to the destruction of Rhett, his friend and the only friend of Ali's in her herd.  Could he now help the others in causing her more grief?  What if she was the most promising target?  Could he then tell Littlefoot to finish what they had started over a month ago?  The implications were horrifying, but Petrie knew that he would do what he must.  Pity would not fill the emptiness of their bellies and mercy would not prevent the arrival of bloodlust.  They had to be calculating now and pick the best target.  Never mind who that might be.

Flying some distance above the herd, he could clearly see the Old One who was being flanked by two of her deputies.  They still watch her and not young ones!  Petrie noted.  The young ones, Ali included, were still surrounded by the respective adults, who were spread out throughout the area around the watering hole, but it amazed Petrie that the strongest of the herd were protecting the leader and not the most vulnerable.  Perhaps they could exploit this flaw one day?  Taking a closer look, however, realization dawned on Petrie.  

"Oh, me know why they spread out!" He exclaimed.  "They hatching eggs!"

He could see that pairs of longnecks had congregated around assorted depressions in the grass.  He could see the gleaming white coloration of the oblong orbs between the expectant mothers and fathers.  This was certainly a possible new food source, but also a very dangerous one.  None of them had any hope of going against a full-grown longneck, let alone one endowed with the maternal instinct to protect her young ones...  But it was a possible opportunity to monitor, nonetheless.  He would have to mention this to the others.

This only left the swimmers...

The multitude of swimmers that swamped the eastern side of the pond seemed to continue off for an indeterminate distance past the horizon.  The lowlands were prime habitat for their teaming numbers as it not only provided them with plentiful food, but shelter as well.  A sharptooth would have to be foolish to hunt them so close to a body of water.  At the first sign of trouble the swimmers could immediately escape the danger.  A swimmer on land was vulnerable, but a swimmer in the water was untouchable.

Petrie sighed.  There did not appear to be any good prospects by the watering hole, nor any obvious weaknesses that the pack was ready to exploit.  Turning back to his west and gradually rising in altitude, Petrie prepared to give the pack the bad news.

Wait!  What that?

As he turned back towards the direction of the pack's territory, he noticed an object fluttering in the distance.  It was a flyer!  He would have to investigate further.

......

"How do you expect us to catch flyers?!  They can fly, you know?"

Petrie had to smirk at Cera's commentary on his plan.  Of course the idea sounded foolish at first glance, but Petrie had a plan.

"Yes, momma flyer can fly, but not babies!"  He made a flapping gesture with both wings as if to make his point.  "You scare momma and momma attack you, while me knock out nest!"

"So let me get this straight..."  Cera began, still perplexed by the flyer's plan.  "You want us to climb up the tree, get attacked by an angry flyer in the process, while you knock the babies out of the nest."  She then stared at Petrie with an unimpressed expression, as she obviously found the idea to be crazy.  "Is that your plan?"

"Yes!"  Petrie affirmed, unaware that Cera was being sarcastic.  "Isn't plan great?"

Cera could not contain her objections any longer.  "Maybe for you!  But what about us who get to be pecked by momma up there?"  She looked at him in disbelief.  "It doesn't sound too good to me."

"Petrie."  Littlefoot began, eager to avoid a protracted argument.  "I think hunting the flyers sounds like a good idea... But I think we need a better plan."

Petrie nodded and looked at Littlefoot expectantly.  "Okay.  What plan that?"

Ruby had to chuckle at the exchange between the dinosaurs.  "I think that we need to make a plan before we can tell you the plan."

"Oh."  Petrie now realized they were back to the planning stage.

"Well."  Spike was now making his voice heard in the discussion.  "Let's get moving then.  We can plan while we get there, can't we?"

Littlefoot nodded.  "Very true, Spike."  He then looked at the others.  "Alright, gang!  Let's go!"

The gang then began to walk towards the trees that Petrie had mentioned.  The flyer had said that they were well east of the watering hole and south of the stream.  The trees would be the only elevated landmark within visual range so they would have absolutely no element of surprise unless they managed to somehow hide in the grass and completely evade detection... an unlikely scenario.  However, Petrie's recommendation of an overt attack as a distraction followed by a covert attack on the nest had a significant risk of danger to the group.  A full-grown flyer may only be about the size of Littlefoot and a third of his weight, but any fight would not be an even contest.  All it would take is one rake to the eyes in order to permanently blind one of the pack...  They were about to play a very high stakes game.

"So... Anyone else have any ideas?"  Littlefoot probed the others.

Although he didn't want to air his concerns to the pack, he was quite concerned about the upcoming hunt.  Threatening an adult, even an adult flyer, was a far different proposition than attacking a child.  They were in a situation now where serious injury or death was a valid concern.  They got lucky in their first hunt and were able to avoid that prospect.  But now they either had to take their chances or go hungry for the day.  If they went hungry then there would be no guarantee of a better outcome tomorrow.  He supposed it was better for them to take their chances today.

"Well, you all can climb now, right?"  Chomper asked.  When he saw the others nod, he continued.  "I can't with these little arms."  He wiggled his arms as if he were disappointed with their size.  "Well, at least I can help gather up the babies when Petrie knocks them down!"

Chomper was pleased that the rest of the pack was taking the initiative this time and not waiting for hunger to make the choice for them.  However, he was quite surprised that Petrie had recommended going after another flyer.  Littlefoot had acquiesced about going after the longnecks before their first hunt, the hunt that had killed Rhett, but he was the leader and sacrifices were expected of him.  Petrie, on the other hand, did not have the burden of leadership placed upon him.  Chomper reflected that a lesser dinosaur might have and say that no suitable prey had been found, as opposed to being honest and recommending an attack on his former kind.  But it appeared that Petrie was willing to make sacrifices for the group.  He felt a swelling of pride in the flyer.

"Will you be okay doing this, Petrie?"  Chomper asked the inevitable question.  "It must be hard for you."

Petrie sighed.  "Me guess so...  Petrie not want to think about it too much."

Chomper could understand that.  He decided to spare the flyer any more contemplation of the actions he would soon have to take.

"Maybe it would be best if we split up for the attack?"  Spike pondered.

Littlefoot stopped for a moment to consider what the green fast biter had said.  "Oh.  Why is that?"

Spike thought for a moment.  "If the mother has all of us to chase, she will have a harder time catching us."

Cera interrupted, as she now understood Spike's line of thinking.  "...And that could give Petrie the distraction he needs!"

Littlefoot smiled.  It seemed that a plan had been formulated after all.  "Sounds good, guys!"

"Your plan might just work after all!"  Cera exclaimed.  She had somehow managed to combine both condescension and praise in her tone.

"Me told you so!"  Petrie stated triumphantly.

The pack then continued on in the direction of their destination.  It should only be a few more moments now.  Littlefoot thought.  Then we will see our prey. They were slowly advancing through the tall grass in the hope of evading detection for as long as possible.  It would only be when they say the layout of the land around them, that they would consider their exact plan of attack.

"Here they be!"  Petrie hissed quietly.  Littlefoot gave a gesture telling the others to stop, as he crawled towards Petrie's perch on a nearby bush.

Littlefoot rose and saw the sight that had caught Petrie's attention.  

Nearly two longneck lengths ahead of the pack stood five extremely tall trees.  These were the 'water-root trees' that often grew were floods were common.  The five towering pillars of treestars dwarfed everything in the immediate vicinity.  The flyers had certainly picked the most defensible site for their young ones.  All around the trees there was nothing but tall grass, although the grass thinned significantly near the trees.

Littlefoot then looked towards the tops of the trees.

Nearly two thirds of the way up the middle tree stood a massive bundle of dead vegetation.  There is the nest. Littlefoot observed.  Petrie is most certainly the only one who can reach it. He could clearly see the rather large form of the mother flyer on top of the nest.

"Um... Petrie?"  Littlefoot inquired.

"Yeah?"  Petrie whispered.

"Why don't we simply wait for her to get food?  I mean, if you knock them off then we can grab our meal and run!"  Littlefoot questioned.

"You mean food already on tree?"  Littlefoot looked down in embarrassment as Petrie gave the obvious answer.  "She not need to leave tree to get food."

Littlefoot sighed.  "Alright, let's get this started.  I think that you should come from the other direction, while we attack from the front and sides."

Petrie nodded.  "Good plan.  Me ready."

Littlefoot looked at Petrie for a moment before giving him a small smile.  "Good luck!"

As the flyer proceeded to fly off in an indirect path to his destination, Littlefoot looked back at his companions.  "Everyone else ready?"

At the flurry of nods and affirmative grunts, Littlefoot began to give their orders.

......

Chirp!  Chirp!  Chirp!

"Here you go, young ones!"

Flutter cooed at her small children as she proceeded to give each one their late evening meal.  With a small gurgling noise emanating from her throat she then proceeded to regurgitate the berries into their gaping beaks.  This was not a particularly enjoyable aspect of caring for infants, but as it was necessary to make her offspring grow and thrive, she did not complain.  After all, the little ones could not yet eat sweet bubbles on their own.

Gradually, the little ones began to quiet down as their bellies were filled with mommy's latest offering.  She continued cooing until they quite quickly feel into a deep slumber.

"Rest well, little ones."  She cooed as she flew herself to a higher perch.

This was Flutter's first litter of younglings and she was determined to give them the best possible start in life.  Her mother had raised her and her siblings in a rocky outcropping by the ocean.  As a result, she had known little else but the crowded rocks by the shores of the continent.  Her childhood was filled with territorial disputes and squabbling over food, as very nearly every square inch of the rocks was filled with flyer families.  When it became her time to court a male, she knew that she would need to seek out a nesting site elsewhere.  This patch of tall trees seemed to be godsend to her.  They were tall enough to allow her to see any threats.  They were full of tasty treestars and were close to berry bushes.  In short, they seemed to be the perfect spot to raise her family.  She was quite pleased with her handiwork.

She decided to begin the evening watch, as her young ones would surely sleep for the remainder of the night.  At their young age, being mere hatchlings, they could not fly and pretty much had two settings: sleep and eat.  As the males of her species did not take part in the raising of young, she was their only protection until she could teach them the basics of flight.  She supposed that her constant vigilance was overly paranoid on her part, as her nest was quite secure, but she would not allow herself to grow complacent.  

She looked at the view around her.  The constant waving of the tall grasses were the only things in motion within the now-darkening lowlands.  She could see the watering hole quite a distance away and the lumbering dinosaurs staying within its range.  The scene was just like she wanted it: boring and non-threatening.

Until something caught her attention.

Another flyer?  Here?

She saw a flyer in the distance, although she could not make out its species.  It seemed to be flying towards the watering hole.  Even though it was flying suspiciously low, she was not too terribly concerned about this development.  She had seen flyers stop off in the lowlands before in the process of traveling elsewhere.  Surely that was what this flyer was doing as well?  Perhaps he was flying low because he was exhausted?  The fact that he was here was not as concerning as the fact that she had not noticed him until now.

She groaned to herself.  How can I be so blind!  She had missed a flyer in her observations; perhaps she had also missed other things?  I need to do better for my children! She chided herself.  Putting the flyer out of her mind for a moment, she examined the scene around her a bit more carefully.  

The grass was still swaying with the light wind as the bright buzzers (fireflies) began to make themselves known.  Evening was fast approaching and the lands towards the horizon were already being covered in the cloak of night.  Only about an hour of daylight remained before nightfall.  Taking a closer look at the grass she found nothing out of the ordinary, the grass simply blew to the left and to the right in time with the easterly winds.  The only disturbance in that pattern was where the red berry bush stood immobile to her west.

Wait a moment.  A berry bush?  There are no berry bushes that way!

Startled, Flutter looked closely at the 'berry bush' that had caught her attention.  All of the leaves were bright red with the remainder of its bulk being covered by the grass.  The leaves were only slightly moving, which was strange considering that the grass around it was swaying extensively in the wind.  Two bright buzzers had also taken residence in its upper branch, as opposed to the bright buzzers elsewhere who were flying to and fro.  She was confused by this development until she saw another one of its 'branches' rise from the grass.  A 'branch' that had noticeable claws.

That's no bush!  That's a fast biter!

She suppressed a shriek as that would give away the exact location of her nest.  Instead she dived off of her perch and proceeded to fly towards the intruder.  She had to dissuade him from advancing any further.

Squawk!

She gave the warning call when she was well away from the nest.  If it is smart then it will take the hint! She affirmed in her mind.

The fast biter looked up and began to run towards the trees where the nest was located.

Idiot!  She thought angrily as she proceeded to perform a dive at the intruder.

Squawk!

The brown fast biter dropped and rolled as she struck out her talons.

Thud!

She only hit dirt.  The red feathers of the fast biter flashed below her as he rose and proceeded to run to the west, away from the nest.

Well at least that worked.  She thought to herself, as she struggled to regain altitude.  She was about at the height of her home tree when she heard something that disturbed her.

Roar!

She immediately swung her head to see what had made that sound when she saw something that took her breath away.  As the brown fast biter retreated a safe distance, several other fast biters and a sharptooth were now steadily advancing towards her tree from the west.  It looked like an ambush.  Those malicious beasts! She raged.  They won't make a meal out of my children!  She flapped her wings in order to adjust her direction and then she advanced towards the yellow fast biter who appeared to be the closest to her nest.

Squawk!

At the warning call from Flutter, the yellow fast biter turned and proceeded to retreat back in the direction it came.  

"Coward!"  Flutter huffed, as she turned herself back towards the nest for a second swoop.

As she turned, however, she could now see that the brown fast biter with red feathers had reappeared and was advancing into the open with the others.  In fact, several of the others were now running around in wide patterns while watching her.  What are they doing?  She thought to herself.  They aren't trying to go up the tree... She then looked back towards the grass where the yellow fast biter had returned and was also advancing towards the others.  And they aren't attacking me...  

Chirp!  Chirp!  Chirp!

"My babies!"  She screamed as she turned towards her nest.

There was that flyer!  And he was clawing at the base of the nest, where sticks and bits of vegetation could be seen falling to the ground below.  It had all been a distraction!  They were trying to preoccupy her while this dastardly flyer took the children.  A deep, blinding rage overtook Flutter as she saw the scene before her.  This flyer would die!

Squawk!

As the tree raced towards her she could see the face of her enemy.  Its brown crested head gave no hint of emotion as it stopped its assault on base of the nest.  Its red eyes seemed to be watching her in a cold, calculating manner.  She had no idea why this flyer didn't simply try and take one of her babies and quite frankly she didn't care.  She simply wanted to eliminate him!  She had threatened her children and that was a death sentence in her eyes.  She did not stop to consider the possibility that a more extensive meal was planned by the flyer.

She struck out her talons as she approached the small flyer.  At that very moment, however, Petrie dove into the small hole that he had made in the nest's base.  The mother flyer's attack struck the base of the nest which was enough to cause the now weakened base of the structure to give way.  With a sickening crash, the nest tilted over and sent its contents spilling into the air.

Chirp!  Chirp!  Chirp!

As she heard the shrieks of her children as they began to plummet to the ground below, she realized the magnitude of her folly.  The flyer was trying to knock the nest down, and her hasty attack had helped him in his endeavor.  Now all of her children were doomed.

"No!!!"  She shrieked.  

The small brown bodies of her flightless children seemed to be suspended in air for an instant in the mother's mind.  As their mouths gaped open and called for their mother to save them, she knew there was nothing that she could do now.  In a few moments they would all be gone.

After a few terrifying seconds the sickening sounds of small thuds and cracks could be heard on the ground below.  The chirping promptly stopped as the bodies of her children now lay shattered and lifeless on the ground below.  Her beautiful children were all gone.  All of her hopes and dreams for them being crushed just like the broken bodies below.  Her children and her happiness would never rise again.  Now only the bitter pain of loss remained.

She took a breath as the reality of the situation took hold.  My children...  

Another breath.  It is all my fault...  I should have been more careful... I should have picked a better nest...  I should...  

Another breath.  If only that flyer...  That flyer...

Her rage rose again as she realized that the killer of her children still lived.  She looked at the spot where her nest used to reside and saw the flyer slowly extricate himself from the ruins of the nest's base.  He appeared to be shook up, but otherwise uninjured.  That was something that she would soon remedy.

"Die sharptooth!!"

She dove after the small flyer as she had a new mission on her mind.  The flyer had to die!  She couldn't save her poor children but she could remove a worthless sharptooth from the world.  

Thud!

She struck out again at the fiend, but he deftly dodged the attack and proceeded to fly around the tree.  What he lacked in speed he more than made up for in maneuverability.  Her attacks were missing their mark as he flew around and down the tree in a tight arc.  She knew that she could finish him if he got into the open... But in order to do that she had to remove his protection...

She then proceeded to dive faster in her turns around the tree in order to make him steadily go downward towards the ground.  That is right, sharptooth, when you run out of tree then you will find out what death feels like... She would exact her horrible revenge that she vowed.

Caw!

The sharptooth made an unintelligible call towards his companions below.  Cry all you want, sharptooth, they can't help you in the air!  She affirmed to herself.

The sharptooth flyer then suddenly broke away from the tree and began to fly just above the ground.  She followed his lead and proceeded to gain speed as they flew in a linear fashion towards the west.  She was now so close that she could almost feel the breeze from his flapping wings.  In only a few more seconds this flyer would meet his end and she would have her revenge...

Suddenly, Petrie curled up his wings and dove straight into the ground in a sudden stop.  Her attack overshot the flyer and she landed with a thud on the ground below.  She shook herself off and took a look at the hapless flyer.

"My children...  My beautiful children are gone!"  She roared at the cowering flyer.  "You will die for this sharptooth!"

She prepared herself for a final run at the exhausted flyer.  Both of them knew that he couldn't get into the air fast enough now.  These were his final moments.  With a final step forward she prepared herself for the charge that would end it all.  Petrie, for his part, seemed to take a put on a oddly stoic expression, even as unrestrained fear shown in his eyes.

With no fanfare, she charged.  The air rushed against her ears as she let out a shriek and sprinted towards the flyer.  She shifted her weight forward so that she could lunge and strike out at the loathsome murderer.  As she approached the flyer she opened her beak and prepared for the final strike.  This was it...

Crash!

Flutter crumpled to the ground as she felt a massive weight bear down upon her.  As she crashed into the ground she could see a flash of green follow a topsy-turvy trajectory and flip over the flyer in an uncontrolled roll.  The only thing that greeted her ears was the overpowering crash, her unsteady breath, and the roaring of her heart in her ears.  She was still trying to process exactly what happened.  That was when it hit her...

Pain.  Unbearable stinging pain.

She clutched at her right wing, only to be greeted with a splash of crimson as her other wing dipped into the damaged appendage.  She stared at the damaged body part in horror.  The fast biter must have shredded through her wing in the process of tackling her to the ground.

"Ahh!!!"  She screamed as the pain intensified to unimaginable levels.  She retreated her other wing from the injury in order to stop exasperating the already unbearable pain.  She clenched her eyes shut and tried to ignore the agony.  Only the sound of shuddering breaths and stifled whimpers greeted her ears.  She knew that she was doomed as she awaited the end.

After a few moments passed since the attack, she opened her eyes and noticed the green fast biter and brown flyer.  They both looked back at the injured Flutter, the brown flyer with a look of relief and the green fast biter with a look of absolute horror.  The fast biter then looked at her bloody claws and seemed to sigh deeply.  If Flutter wasn't distracted by her own plight and the annihilation of her family, she would have found that reaction confusing.  Why would a sharptooth be shocked by the act of killing?

Flutter closed her eyes again for another moment as a mournful and pained screech left her beak.  She let her head lie prone of the ground for a moment as she lost herself in her agony.  The sound of her rapid, shuddering breaths again reached her ears once she was again cognizant of her surroundings.  With a slow shake of the head, she slowly lifted her upper body and again looked at her tormentors.

The fast biter had lowered her head somewhat low to the ground and the flyer appeared to be whispering something into her ear.  After a few moments, the fast biter sighed and nodded slowly as the flyer seemed to pat the fast biter's nose in a conciliatory manner.  The predator then rose and looked over to her quarry.  Flutter knew that this was the end.

Predator and prey locked eyes for a brief moment that seemed to drag on for ages.  

Flutter's eyes only conveyed sorrow and pain to the killer.  All of her efforts and the efforts of her family were in vain.  She would not be able to continue her lineage.  No one would remain who could tell her tale or carry on her legacy.  All was lost.

The fast biter's eyes betrayed unimaginable sadness without shedding any tears.  The image of the ruined flyer reflected in the moisture of the predator's eyes.  The reflection of her broken body caused the pain and suffering of the poor flyer increase exponentially.  Was the pathetic shattered flyer actually her?

As Flutter struggled to breathe and felt her lifeblood rapidly spill out onto the ground below, she asked her soon-to-be killer a final, mournful question.

"Why?"

Flutter was stunned to see a single tear fall from the fast biter's eyes, as the predator answered her in leaf-eater.

"I am sorry.  I am so, so sorry."

Flutter was shocked at hearing a predator actually speak.  She didn't have much time to consider this development, however, as the predator advanced for the final strike.  The sound of rushing air and a flash of green greeted Flutter's senses for a split second, which was soon replaced with the terrible sound of ripping flesh and a sea of crimson covering her field of view.  

Her world filled with unbearable pain as the sharptooth ripped through Flutter's undefended throat in a single bite.  Her lungs expanded in an attempt to suck in a breath, only to fail as her lungs filled with torrents of sputtering blood.  She had already taken her final breath.  She suddenly felt quite lightheaded and incoherent even as she felt a last burst of panic.  Mercifully, her vision began to cloud and her pain began to dissipate as her lifeblood poured from her body like a waterfall.  Her prone body now faced skyward as her eyes gazed unfocused at the sky above.  A sky to which she would never return.

One of the last things she was aware of was the sound of rushing blood leaving her body in spurts.  A sound that was rapidly getting softer and softer...  As that sound began to dissipate, she thought she could head something melodic in the background that almost sounded like cooing chicks.  Such a lovely sound.  She would have answered if she were still able.  

Be right there children...




So there you have it, the pack has killed again. In the next chapter, the pack will react to their latest hunt and they will encounter two dinosaurs that they have not seen for several seasons. But will their reunion be a happy one? Or will it be an excuse for the pack to quickly start their third hunt?

Find out in the next installment, Chapter 25: A Familiar Duo.

[Ducky123]

Ah sorry I'm extremely late

The chapter starts with a really interesting introduction. At least I consider such little scenes that don't necessarily contribute to the plot very good (and I'm aware of the fact that I should use them every now and then... that is, when I can finally win the fight against writer's block and lack of motivation ).
The talk between Pearl and Littlefoot is veeeeeeery well done in my view. We haven't learned much about Pearl yet but this scene shows that she is actually pretty easy-going and quite a motherly character The hints at the Gang killing Sharpteeth are a good aspect too. It leads to the interesting idea of fate being responsible that you have written about. Littlefoot's reactions are very reasonable yet not always foreseeable for the reader His leader instinct seems to be well developed after all

Haha, Cera has a bad day, awesome And a Longneck herd is arriving? This can only mean one thing but I'll keep my mouth shut for I don't wanna spoil the fun of the other readers (and I'm not going by your synopsis which you don't really seem to follow anyway )

Detras is motivating Ruby to do something which is dangerous? Now I really wonder what he's up to...

A test... And quite a challanging one at that. Gee, Detras did a bloody good job at acting to be in grave danger Very enjoyable scene! Also the way Detras explained himself and the tradition behind it... Very good.

The only question was: who would be on the menu this time?

Well, any unliked one-shot characters?

Poor Thud... I *almost* feel sorry for him. Well, of course is isn't clear whether he made it or not... that's the point of cliffhangers after all.

Right... I'll try to read the most recent chapter asap, can't promise you that I'll be able to though. My mood can have very hard switches, lately... And more often than not, it is not the LBT-related things I fancy doing...

At any case, awesome chapter

The rapid though process of the small creature were in overdrive.

Two things: I suppose you meant to type "thought" and "was" here.

How could her father be such a fast climber had his advanced age?

*at* his advanced age. Those darn typos! :unsure: