Wow! You did awesome, Friendly Sharptooth!

Why thank you.

It's from The Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big Water, it was said by Ducky, and it was addressed to Mo. She eagerly accepted a compliment until her humble nature set in, in which case she grew quiet and downplayed the acceptance of her being special with the extra, "I guess."

It's from The Land Before Time V: The Mysterious Island, it was said by Petrie, and it was addressed to Cera as she tried crossing a log.

"WHERE WERE YOU LAST FRIDAY AT 2 IN THE MORNING?! WERE YOU ALONE?! AND DID YOU HAPPEN TO BUY A CHEESE DANISH EARLIER THAT DAY?!"

I'm actually at the same place every Friday at two in the morning- Azeroth, or in non-player terminology, I am playing World of Warcraft at that time.

Nope, I wasn't alone. I have a lot of friends on there I do things with, whether it's an instance (dungeon), dailies (quests), just chatting, or some other WoW activity.

I did not have a cheese danish earlier that day, but the cafeteria here did serve those a little over a month ago, and I had one then.

Thank you for the questions.

It's still your birthday here, so I hope that allows this to count.

With wisdom and love,
Littlefoot does guide.
With friends deep in peril,
He won’t run and hide.

Cera doesn’t back down,
When there is trouble.
She addresses the issue,
And works on the double.

Kind and thoughtful,
A gentle friend too.
Who else could it be,
But Ducky through and through?

There when he’s needed,
Careful to the core.
Petrie couldn’t be more loyal;
Friends are worth fighting for.

Though quiet is Spike,
Many thoughts abound.
If you have a dilemma,
A solution may be found.

At the heart of this sanctum,
We celebrate one of fame,
As if you look inside of him,
Can’t you see the forum’s name?

Happy birthday, sir.

"A nice chapter you made here. Nice work."

Thank you for your kind statement. I do appreciate it.

Side Story: The Origin of Dusk’s Group

In which it is learned how Dusk came to meet his companions.


   “Wake up, sleepyhead,” a female Sharptooth said, gently shoving the one sleeping beside her.

   “Ugh. Not now,” he replied, turning over onto his side.

   The female grinned. She wasn’t giving up that easily. She bent over him, hands extended, and started tickling his belly.

   “Ha ha ha! Fine, you win.” He sat up and stretched, yawning loudly.

   She suddenly hugged him tight, starting to tear.

   “Hey now, what’s this about?”

   “I’m sorry, it’s just, I’m so happy you’re alive again. When I found you dead, I just wanted to fall over and die myself.”

   “Really, Menta, you cling to me too much. When I die, if it happens before you, I want you to find the strength inside to press on for the both of us. Dying as well wouldn’t be doing either of us any favors.”

   “Dusk, my brother, we’re all that’s left of our herd. If I lose you, then I’ll be alone with no reason left to carry on.”

   “Come on. You’re a pretty Sharptooth. I’m sure it wouldn’t be hard for you to find a nice, strong male to start a family with. Now enough talk of this. I’m going to get us some breakfast.” With that, Dusk arose and walked off into the distance.

   “That sister of mine… When will she realize that life doesn’t revolve around me? Hm, what’s this?” he asked to himself as he saw a Flying Sharptooth nestled in a tall tree. He snuck up quietly, making no noise, then snatched him right out of it.

   “Ack!” he screamed, flapping hard trying to get away.

   “It’s no use,” Dusk said aloud.

   “Please, don’t eat me! I’ll do anything!” he screamed.

   “That’s odd. I’ve never met a Flying Sharptooth that could speak for a land walking one to understand. They usually just know squawks.”

   “I’ve been around and picked up on your dialect,” he replied. “Now please, find someone else to devour.”

   “Do you have a wife and/or kids?” Dusk questioned.

   “Much as that information may save me, no, I am alone.”

   “Impressive. You’re an honest one. Even knowing I might let you go if you have family, you made it clear that you did not. I wouldn’t think of harming such a noble creature. I’ll be on my way now.”

   “Wait!” the Flying Sharptooth called.

   “Mm?”

   “I must repay you for sparing me. Let me come with you, and Iëll help until you feel weëre even. I have nothing else to do anyway.”

   “What could you possibly do for me?” Dusk wanted to know.

   “I can scout out prey over a great distance and report back to you. That would greatly reduce hunting time.”

   “Very well. I will accept your service to me. Now if you don’t mind, you can start right away.”

   “As you wish,” the Flying Sharptooth replied. Before he took off though, he added, “I’m called Ceit.”

   “Dusk.”

   With that, Ceit flew off. In a matter of minutes, he returned with news.

   “Two adult Swimmers are grazing nearby.”

   “Good work. Lead the way.”

   It wasn’t long before Menta heard footsteps in the distance. Dusk was back and carrying two small dinosaurs, a Flying Sharptooth accompanying him.

   “Made a new friend, did you?” she asked him.

   “I suppose, yeah. Here, you can take this and I’ll split this other one with Ceit.”

   “No, Dusk. You’re bigger than me. You need a whole one more than I do.”

   “If I may interrupt,” Ceit cut in. “I’ll hunt for my own meal. You two enjoy these.”

   “If you insist,” Dusk said.

   “I do,” he replied.

   After Ceit had left, Dusk explained what had happened.

   “How long do you plan on keeping him around?”

   “Eh, whenever I get tired of him. Endearment is not something to give up lightly. Anyway, I think I’m going to go for a walk.”

   “Mind if I join you?” Menta inquired.

   “Not at all. Nothing really for you to do around here.” With that, the two adult Sharpteeth took off for a relaxing stroll. Little did they know, however, that their walk would be anything but relaxing…

********************

   “I hate being an only child. I hate it! Why won’t you give me a brother or sister!? I’ve been asking for months! You’re the worst parents ever!” a child shouted.

   “I’m sorry, son. It’s just- complicated,” his father replied.

   “Tell me why or I’ll keep shouting!”

   Both of his parents sighed.

   “It’s not easy raising a son that’s so disagreeable,” his mother told him.

   “We have our hands full with you, and besides that, with the way you treat everyone, we don’t think it would be a very happy environment for a new child,” his father added.

   “Grrr, I hate you all!” That said, the child stormed off in a huff as his parents sadly watched him go. His mother started to follow, but his father stepped in front.

   “He’s too angry to listen to reason. Let’s just let him cool off.”

   “Alright.”

   “How dare they not give me a sibling! They don’t deserve to be parents!” The child was kicking a rock as he stomped along. Each time, he kicked it harder and harder. Finally, he kicked it so hard that it went soaring threw the air. As he saw where it would land, he tensed up. The rock hit a grown Fast Biter squarely in the head.

   “What the- Why you little-” he snarled, having seen the boy.

   “Uh, I’m really sorry.”
   
   “You’ll be even more sorry when you wind up in my belly!” he growled, starting to chase him. Agu ran as fast as he could go, but the Fast Biter caught up quickly. The child turned at a clump of trees and looked back to see the angry adult nearly upon him. However, since he wasn’t looking where he was going, he ran into something- someone, to be precise. He fell onto his back from the impact and looked up to see two grown Sharpteeth gazing down at him.

   “Don’t let him eat me!” he exclaimed, hiding behind Dusk’s foot.

   “Give the little brat to me, strangers. He’s my prey, not yours,” the Fast Biter declared.

   “Aw, Dusk, we can’t let him eat this cute little boy,” Menta whispered.

   Agu heard her and smiled innocently at them.

   “Very well. Leave the boy alone, Fast Biter,” Dusk told him.

   “How dare you steal my lunch!” the boy’s pursuer yelled. But knowing he could not overpower two full-grown Sharpeeth, he went on his way.

   “Thanks, guys,” the boy said appreciatively.

   “Our pleasure, dear,” Menta replied with a smile.

   “Where are your parents, son?” Dusk questioned. “We’ll take you back safely to them.”

   “My parents? Uh, right. Well, you see, they’re- dead! Yeah, that’s it! They were killed in that big earthshake that happened not long ago. I don’t have a family anymore.”

   “Oh, Dusk, we have to take him in! We can’t let such a young boy face the world alone.”

   “Sister, be reasonable. We’ve never parented before.”

   “No one is prepared to parent before they try,” Menta argued.

   Dusk let out a heavy sigh. Ceit had just been added to the scene, now his sister wanted another addition.

   “I suppose we can look after him for a while.”

   “Alright! Thanks!”

   “Yeah, yeah,” Dusk replied. “So what’s your name, kid?”

   “Agu.”

   “Dusk, and this is Menta. Anyway, let’s head for home. I’ve walked enough for now.”

   The three Sharpteeth turned and began to return to the mountain that Dusk and Menta lived on.

   “So, are you two mates?” Agu asked them.

   “If we weren’t siblings, we probably would have ended up getting hitched,” Menta said with a laugh. “We’re very close.”

   “I see,” Agu replied. “Whoa, look at that! There’s a big fight over there!”

   However, Dusk and Menta had already noticed it. A single, female, adult Sharptooth was fighting against two Three Horns. Her mate was already dead, killed by the sharp horns.

   “Dusk, we have to help her!” Menta exclaimed.

   “On it!” Dusk replied. They started to run over, but they were too late. The two leaf-eaters had her corned, and the male finally gouged his horns into her chest, killing her as well.

   “Mommy!” a little girl screamed.

   The Three Horns were about to kill the child too, but Dusk and Menta overpowered them, killing them quickly. Menta stooped over and picked up the sobbing child.

   “Mommy… Sniff hic!”

   “Oh, Dusk…” Menta trailed off.

   “No, no, no! Ceit has moved in with us, and now we have little Agu as well. We aren’t switching from two to five in one day.” Then Dusk took a good look at the little Sharptooth in his sister’s arms. She gazed up at him with a the most pitiful look he’d ever seen.

   “Ugh! Fine.”

   Menta hugged her brother right away then set the girl down.

   “Don’t worry, dear. We’ll take care of you. What’s your name?” she asked her.

   “Sniff it’s Coaley.”

   “Well, Coaley, I’m Menta, this is my brother Dusk, and the little one here is Agu.”

   “Thank you so much,” she replied, hugging Menta tight.

   The group arrived back on the mountain and were greeted by Ceit.

   “Who’s that guy?” Agu asked.

   “Ceit, a friend,” Dusk answered.

   “Have an interesting walk?” Ceit marveled.

   Menta giggled. “You could say that.”

   Dusk plopped onto the ground. “I’m so tired of my kind being killed off just because our diet is meat. If everyone could live off of plants, there wouldn’t be so much trouble in the world.”

   Menta rested a hand on his shoulder. “That’s a nice thought, brother, but it’s only something that could happen in dreams. Best not trouble your thoughts with things that could never be.”

   Dusk sighed. “You are right.” Then he suddenly put a hand on his head.

   “Dusk, are you alri-” but Menta immediately felt odd as well. Ceit, Agu, and Coaley felt unusual too, and Agu groaned loudly.

   Suddenly, Dusk, Menta, and Ceit shrank exponentially. Dusk and Menta were barely bigger than Agu, and Ceit was small enough to perch on one of their shoulders. Everyone let out a cry of surprise. Next, everyone’s coloration changed. Dusk was the first one to speak.

   “This- power. I don’t understand it, but, I feel great!” He turned to a small ledge overlooking a cliff. He gazed down at the shadow it left and shouted, “Shadow Pull!” The ledge quickly gave away and plummeted down to the ground.

   “I feel power too,” Menta added. “Do you think it is what shrunk us?”

   “Has to be. We suddenly became like kids again as soon as we got this power. I wonder, is this a dream?”

   Menta came over and pinched him.

   “Ow! Couldn’t you have pinched yourself?” Dusk asked. Menta only giggled.

   “This is so awesome!” Agu exclaimed. “Copy!” Out of nowhere, two more Agus came into view.

   “What can the rest of you do?” Dusk asked.

   “I can move things with my mind, hear thoughts, and scan for knowledge in other dinosaurs,” Menta said.

   “I can create things that aren’t real that can act on their own, alter how things seem, and change someoneës memories,” Ceit added.

   “I can move things anywhere I’ve already been,” Coaley concluded.

   “Greetings,” a voice suddenly rang out. Everyone turned to see a Rainbow Face. “You all must be a little confused right now. Allow me to explain.”

   “Hey, you’re a leaf-eating dinosaur!” Agu pointed out. “How come we can understand you?”

   “You’ve all been given a gift. Part of that gift is universal speech. In other words, you can understand any form of communication. But that’s not what’s important. You now all have abilities thanks to the Stone of Cold Fire. Itës power has finally spread enough to reach this spot.”

   “How can a stone that is cold be on fire?” Menta questioned.

   “It isn’t really a cold, burning stone. It’s a symbolic title. For something to be cold and on fire at the same time means that it must defy nature. The stone defies the boundaries of all that is natural by giving dinosaurs special abilities- magic. Of course, there are a few side effects in most kinds if dinosaurs, as you can see from the new sizes and colors.”

   “Fascinating. Is there anything else we need to know?” Dusk inquired.

   “I’ve told you all that you need to know about the stone. What I will add is, I could use your help finding it. It was recently hidden somewhere on this mountain.”

   “It’s hidden on this mountain?” Dusk asked. “I’m sure there’s some long story involved, but we’re not interested. I’ve had a very busy day, and I’m not up to go searching for some rock. Maybe some other time.” Dusk turned to Menta and thought to himself, “You said you can hear thoughts, right? Blink if you heard that.” Menta blinked. “Good. Now, he seems to be withholding information about this stone. Scan his mind for what he’s not telling us, then tell me in my head.”

   “Okay,” he heard in his thoughts.

   She then did so, and Dusk’s eyes widened.

   “Very well,” the Rainbow Face replied in a disappointed tone. “Do you have a psychic in your group?”

   “I am,” Menta replied. “Why do you ask?”

   Dusk mentally sighed. He didn’t want this guy knowing what all they could do.

   “Excellent. Well, if you ever come across an unusual stone, just contact me telepathically. Well, good-bye for now. Transport!” And with that, he was gone.

   “So now what do we do?” Agu asked.

   “Well, I-” but Dusk was interrupted by thundering footsteps down below. A large herd of Long Necks was passing by. They came to a stopping point near a clump of trees and started to eat. Two small children came into view and started running away from the others.

   “What should we play this time?” the girl asked.

   “Rescue,” the boy answered.

   “Again? Can’t we play something else? You always say that.”

   “”It’s decided then. I’ll run a little bit away then you scream for help. Then I’ll come and pretend to fight off Sharpteeth.” With that, the boy ran back into the herd and waited for a bit. The girl, being so fed up with rescue, started to walk off.

   “I’m curious about that memory changing ability of yours, Ceit. Despite what I told that Rainbow Face, I do hope to find this stone, and we could use as much help as we can get. Ceit, do you think you could alter that little Long Neck’s memories to think we raised her from a hatchling?”

   “As you wish,” Ceit replied, flying off. He flew to a moderate distance over her head, then closed his eyes and concentrated. Finally, he opened his eyes and landed right before her.

   “Hey, Ceit,” the Long Neck greeted him. “Where are the others? Sorry about wandering off like this.”

   “Don’t worry,” he assured her. “Dusk and the others are this way.” Ceit then lead her back to the other Sharpteeth.

   “Ceit, may I speak to you in private please?” Dusk requested.

   “Of course.” Then the two of them walked a small distance away.

   “Even with our powers, I don’t want to risk that herd worrying about their lost one and coming to find her. That many Long Necks are a serious threat even with our powers, especially now that I’m so small. You also mentioned being able to make things that aren’t real. When you were in her head altering her memories, were you able to see her old ones?”

   “Yes.”

   “Then, would you be able to make a fake version of her that would act normal enough to stay with that herd?”

   “Not a problem.” Ceit took off and flew near the Long Necks. Again, he closed his eyes and focused. A dinosaur suddenly appeared on the ground looking just like the girl. Ceit then hastily flew away and watched what she did.

   “Where’d you go?” the boy from before called.

   “Sorry, Rhett! I just walked a little bit too far. We can keep playing now. Ah, I’m being attacked by Sharpteeth! Save me!” she acted.

   Rhett rushed over and started whipping his tail into the air as if he was fighting. Ceit grinned then returned to his friends.

   Dusk looked down from above and thought to himself, “Eh, her color is slightly different, but maybe no one will notice.”

   “Mission accomplished, Dusk. Her name is Ali, by the way,” Ceit whispered.

   “Excellent job, Ceit. Attention, everyone,” Dusk continued. “There is a special stone somewhere on this mountain. I want us all to spread out and start looking for it.”

   “What does it look like?” Agu asked.

   “No idea. Just look for a rock that’s unusual.” As everyone started to scatter, Menta approached Dusk.

   “There is another interesting thing I found in his mind as well. There seems to be some prophecy that someone from this world will try making a wish that will cause trouble, and it would take the combined efforts of seven diverse kids to stop the wish from happening.”

   “What do you mean, ëSomeone of this world’?” Dusk inquired.

   “Oh, right. It turns out that that Rainbow Face comes from another world.”

   “Fascinating. You did very well, Menta. And by the way, I would appreciate it if you didn’t read my mind again without permission.”

   “Thank you, and I promise that I won’t. Well, I’ll start looking for this stone now too.”

   The six dinosaurs searched for hours but had no luck. Everyone finally met back up, and Dusk had more to say to them.

   “I want all of us occasionally looking for a group of seven kids, each different and living in one place.”

   Menta raised a brow, but knew that he would explain when he was ready.

   “I don’t see how my wish would cause any trouble, but there’s no harm in being careful,” Dusk thought to himself.

   Days passed as the group switched off between looking for the stone and looking for those kids. They had no luck with either search. Finally, a familiar face approached Dusk.

   “Hello,” Rey said to him, who was alone.

   “We meet again.”

   “I noticed that you’ve been scouring this mountain. I presume you’re trying to find the stone now?”

   “I don’t see how my activities are any of your business.”

   Rey chuckled. “Then you must be. If you weren’t, you’d’ve surely just said no.”

   “Perhaps.”

   “Listen, friend, I don’t want any trouble with you. But that stone is property of my kind, and I will see to it that it comes back into our possession.”

   “I don’t recall any forming of a friendship between us. And surely you’ve heard the saying, ëfinders keepers’?”

   Rey let loose an abrupt chuckling. “So that’s how it’s going to be, eh?”

   “In any case,” Dusk said, changing the subject, “what do you think about this world being free of meat-eaters?”

   “That would be catastrophic. Why do you ask?”

   “Just curious. Now if you don’t mind, I have things to do.”

   Dusk met with Rey and eventually Reina as well on numerous occasions after that, each time growing more and more hostile towards each other. One night, as everyone was gathered around, Dusk had something to say to his companions.

   “I have a plan to make this world a better place. For now, I only ask that you trust me and follow my orders.”

   “I’m with you, Dusk,” Menta replied.

   “I’ll follow you anywhere,” Ceit added.

   “I’m with ya too, Dusky,” Coaley chimed it.

   “Dusky, huh?” Duck thought, not amused with that nickname.

   “I remain loyal to you, Dusk,” Ali told him.

   “I guess, whatever,” Agu concluded. Menta gave him a light but abrupt smack on the head.

   “Show some respect,“ she ordered, and Agu grimaced. Turning to Dusk, she continued, “You make a fine leader. Therefore, I believe that you deserve a title worthy of your position. I will help you achieve any goal you set out to accomplish, my lord.”

   “Lord, eh? I like the sound of that.”

I do apologize to you all for being generally unclear as usual. I read the earlier Bron discussion and so was not making a copied topic. This thread is completely unrelated to anything I’ve seen said on this forum about Bron. This was not made to see if his actions made sense, what he did do that he should not have, what he did not do that he should have, why he did what he did, was it right for him to do what he did, and so forth. The Bron discussions I’ve seen have been more general. This thread has a straight focus on a single aspect of his actions: whether or not they were for the best in the long run. Did things turn out better than they might have if Bron had stayed with his family? This is basically an examination of what might have happened if he had stayed and if that outcome may or may not have been better than what did come to pass. I created this topic because I have not seen to my knowledge a specific addressing of whether or not his choices made things better in the grander scheme of things or not.

Almaron’s reply is what this is about:

"If they hadn't split up, all of Littlefoot's family could have wandered into wilderness and all perished, or they could have come to live in a new location.

As for the others, Spike, Petrie and Ducky would have been left to fend for themselves indefinitely, while Cera could have been eaten by Sharptooth, without Littlefoot's mother fighting to save her and her own son. Alternatively, Cera's family could have come to the rescue, which would have left them on Cera's side of the divide when the Earthquake occured.

They'd have made their way to the Valley after this, and would probably have passed Ducky. Would they have left her to die in the wastes, or would they have begrudgingly allowed her to follow them?"

A compare and contrast to the what if had Bron stayed with his family.

For anyone else who may want to reply in this thread, again, it’s a very different premise than earlier Bron discussions, provided I didn’t simply forget something. It’s not a city like the other ones, and instead is a narrow road. For all the details of Bron’s mindset and so forth, the older discussions have that aplenty, but this is simply about whether or not his actions caused a more positive after effect than had he stayed. I think the problem was the last sentence of my original post. I did not do a good job of making sure it was known to be in sync with the first sentence of my original post. I will work on this, and I thank you all for your replies.

For numerous reasons, I will no longer be voluntarily reviewing chapters of fan fictions here. I believe that it’s not a good idea as far as I’m concerned. So unless someone specifically asks me to review his or her chapters, in which case I'll do my best to oblige, here is what I am going to do: I will be waiting until fan fictions are over and then review them as a whole. So here is my first one after reaching my decision:

The fan fiction called One of a Kind interestingly enough focuses on a sister of a main character. The author gave detail to a character so rarely seen. The story is about an argument between Harper and Petrie that indirectly results in her being kidnapped. Petrie blames himself and goes off looking for her, his friends following. She was taken, along with other children, both new and old, for research purposes. They go through a rough time until the captor’s herd, the gang of five, and Petrie’s uncle manage to find her and save all the kids. After a saddening split and a dangerous battle, they arrive back at the Great Valley where things aren’t what they used to be, but rather, are better for numerous characters.

The author creates a clever character foil between the antagonist (Harper) and her brother (Petrie). She pays attention to details and is more logical and responsible while Petrie ignores things (like in Through the Eyes of a Spiketail when he says, “Gutsy, gusty, what the difference?” in an indifferent tone) and tends to be very illogical (shown by his many fears that cause no harm throughout the series) and is very brash (the way he flies off in this story without a plan). Like with all foils, Petrie’s contrasting attributes help to highlight the main character. The irony of this foil is that Petrie goes on adventures and has poor travelling qualities, while Harper, who stays at home and plays, has the qualities of a great adventurer. This really helps to make this protagonist interesting.

The premise was very creative. The official The Land Before Time storyline established many reasons for villains to be present, such as wanting food, wanting revenge, wanting power, and so forth, but this story uniquely presents the plot of villains doing what they do for knowledge. They bring with them a lighthearted worry to the reader, as they are mean but not murderous, threatening but barely a threat, and serious but mild compared to most villains. The two runners were adults physically but youth mentally, making their crimes more of a mistake than an actually sin. They believed their actions to be right, even with the kidnapping, so Pterano, who later comes into the story, has more than one reason to see himself in these two.

The dramatic irony brought a fair amount of humor even though the misconception was never spelled out later. Pterano is treated well by his gracious host then vows to get revenge on her children without knowing it. The readers have knowledge beyond the characters, so the words in that scene have a different meaning than they do for the speakers. An old example of a time this was used was when Jacob in the book of Genesis told his uncle that if anyone stole his idle, he will die. Only the readers, outside of the culprit herself, knew it was his own wife! So there is a buildup established that makes the story gripping until the confrontation takes place.

The conflict of the story was very light for most of the story, and this made the read more relaxing. The two antagonists were going to return everyone, so other than any minor injuries the kids might’ve gotten, readers had no reason to fear. However, this suddenly got very dark when a legendary sharptooth attacked the group. Some readers may think this was a random fight scene added to make things more interesting and give some more action. That is not the case. The author clever used the battle to show a character’s transformation, Pterano. He recalled what he did last time he was in a situation like this- then did the exact opposite. It was great to see the author working on so many characters.

The story had great foreshadowing for a sequel to take place. Two children are removed from their family, banished (ironically, just like Pterano was who behaved just like them) and basically vowed that this wasn’t the end. As the future is hinted at, readers reach the heartwarming conclusion of the two most focused on characters whose argument started this, at least, their role in it. They are on even better terms than when the story began, and things end with a smile from readers as one mischievous starts a game with the other. Though never spelled out, one might imply from all that happened that Harper is not so jealous of Petrie’s adventures, having now seen how scary and dangerous they are instead of the fun and laughter she apparently thought them to be. Perhaps now she is glad she stays at home and plays.

The story was very gripping, from a fascinating plot, to likable and believable characters, to feeling so much emotion throughout. There were logical actions from characters and some illogical, so this really brought out the realism of thinking. It flowed very naturally, not leaving readers suddenly lost as to why the story got to a certain point. Even Pterano’s sudden appearance was smoothed into the story so naturally that this entire fan fiction can be seen as a straight line, not some mountainous area, and this allows the story to be understood very well and keeps why are things are happening clear. More tension builds up slowly so readers aren’t suddenly sent for a loop, and the climax was beautifully done, even though it was very heart wrenching. From beginning to end, the picture of what was going on was consistent.

However, there was some room for improvement. There were a lot of grammar errors, such as leaving out or adding a letter, making a run-on sentence, leaving out a comma, double punctuating, etcetera. Two words used that should not be in a dinosaur story were “people” and “heavens,” but this was very minor so served as almost no distraction. The grammar issues, on the other hand, were very common, so depending on the reader, this could really take the focus off the story and onto the mistakes. There was a contradiction near the very start. The narrator says that Harper did not throw Petrie, just gently set him down, but Petrie felt as though he was thrown. So it was established that he was set down, not thrown, further supported by the narrator saying that Petrie took it otherwise than how it actually happened. Then shortly afterwards, the narrator says Harper literally threw him. Another issue was that it was never specified what the title meant. Was it about Harper? The pair of runner siblings? The premise of the story? It was a nice-sounding title, but it leaves readers wondering why it was created in the first place.

Another thing that could have been improved was the contrast between Harper’s situation and all the others. What was going on with Harper was much more interesting than the other character scenes, so while not seeing what’s going on with Harper, Ridge, the runners, and so on, readers are more looking forward to getting back to her scene. The other characters mostly just walked and talked while Harper’s scene had intriguing villains who put the kids through trials. In other words, the appeal of her scene and all the others were unbalanced, leaving a sort of looking ahead to what was going on with her instead of simply enjoying every moment as it came.

In the end, readers are left with a very well-written story that while seemingly a bit rushed at some points, leaves them in awe and with emotions at how splendidly the author portrayed her creative and interesting plot. Readers can really feel for the characters, but not only that, relate to them. A lot of real life can be observed in this fiction. The author found a way to make every scene interesting enough to keep going and keep a sort of trance as readers wonder what’s to come of the victims, the captors, and the seekers. The antagonists were brilliantly created with similar but contrasting personalities that made their actions and dialogue unique and amusing. The story wasn’t very long, but it still managed to do a real number to the readers minds and hearts as it flowed from start to finish. To shed some fascinating light on a mostly-ignored character and be captivated by many instances of love, fear, courage, and more, one can read the heartwarming tale known as One of a Kind.

Chapter XVII: The Failed Prophecy

In which Dusk succeeds.


   Littlefoot was the first one to wake up and greeted the morning with a long yawn. Then Ace awoke, followed by the others. Cera tried standing up but stopped and groaned.

   “Ugh. I’m still all sore from fighting that creature last night.”

   “That’s understandable,” Ace commented. “Acid Crawlers are a force to be reckoned with.”

   “I am just glad that no one got hurt, yep yep yep,” Ducky chimed in.

   “Me wish we had some water,” Petrie said.

   “You won’t find any way out here, but you may spot some prickle drinkers if you fly up high,” Ace replied.

   “Prickle drinkers?” Petrie asked.

   “There is a plant out here that can survive without water, getting its nutrients solely from the magic in the air itself. Inside of them is a sweet, nutritious liquid.”

   “Okay! Me start looking right away,” he called as he took to the skies.

   “When he finds some, or if he returns without having done so, we move out.”

   “Aw. I wish Petrie could carry us around like before,” Cera complained.

   “Like I said when we first arrived in the desert, the air is too thick and muggy. Flying is extremely difficult, and Petrie would tire very quickly with passengers. No one else seems to be that badly off. Are you really in that much pain?” Ace inquired.

   “That battle was just a little too much for me. I’m sorry, okay?” Cera retorted.

   Ace walked over to her. “Where do you ache?”

   “My back, but what difference does it ma-” but she stopped when Ace reared up on his hind legs and rested his front ones on her back. He began rubbing her back gently, curling up his toes repeatedly.

   “Ah. That feels great. Thank you.” Ace kept it up for a few minutes then stopped. “That was very nice of you. I feel a lot better now,” Cera told him. Her face was red, and it wasn’t from the heat.

   “Don’t get all mushy on me now. I just need everyone in top form so we can cover a lot of ground quickly.”

   Cera sighed and rolled her eyes. She wished that he would soften up, just a little.

   “Hey! Me find some!” Petrie called down, but he was huffing hard. He started to land, but was so exhausted that he couldn’t hold his wings out any longer. He suddenly came plummeting to the ground. Ruby was just below and held out her hands, catching him before he hit the ground.

   “See what I mean about trying to fly in this atmosphere? Imagine what would have happened if we were riding on him,” Ace told them. The kids shuddered.

   “Thank you, Ruby.”

   “Thank you for the thank you, Petrie.”

   “Enough dawdling. Petrie, guide us to where you saw them, and Littlefoot, make sure to keep us cooled off.”

   “Okay,” both of them said.

   As the children walked along, Littlefoot occasionally shot water into the air which showered down on them, and Cera couldn’t help but stare at Ace.

   “He may act all tough, but I bet he’s a real softie. That massage felt so good, and I didn’t even ask for it. Being in top form indeed! I bet he likes me. In any case, I’d better do what I can to always be on his good side,” she thought to herself.

   “How much farther is it, Petrie?” Littlefoot asked.

   “Not much. Although, me had seen something important that me wanted to tell you guys about. Me just wish me could remember what it is,” he said in frustration.

   The group started walking up an incline in the ground. It wasn’t very steep, but it was high enough to partly block what was directly on the other side.

   “Ooh! What was it!? It was so important…”

   Ace, who was leading the group, finally reached the top of the hill. As he took one more step, he vanished from sight.

   “Ace!” Cera shouted.

   “Oh, me remember now! There big hole on other side of this hill.”

   Cera sighed in frustration as everyone ran to the top and looked down. Ace lay at the bottom of a hole. Fortunately, it wasn’t very deep.

   “Ace!” Cera called down. “Are you alright?”

   “Nearly. I hurt my ankle.”

   “Okay, I’ll make Littlefoot bigger then he can lower his tail down to you,” Cera announced. “Grow!” Littlefoot expanded to a much large size and did as Cera had suggested. Ace grabbed onto it with his mouth as Littlefoot cringed from the pain and pulled him up.

   “Nice going, Petrie!” Cera exclaimed angrily.

   “Me- sorry,” he replied, cowering.

   “Don’t worry about it. What’s done is done,” Ace told them. “Unfortunately, my limp is going to slow us down.”

   “Don’t worry, Ace. You can lean on me as we walk,” Cera offered.

   “Much obliged.”

   As Ace put pressure on Cera’s side as they walked along, she couldn’t help but feel jittery at how good it felt to be so close to him.

   “Hey, look!” Petrie shouted. “We’re here.”

   The seven of them stood before a small gathering of foliage.

   “Nice going, Petrie!” Littlefoot complimented.

   Ace hobbled over and dug one out with his horn. He then jabbed a hole into the side facing up and said, “Cera, let’s have you drink first.” Cera blushed and was about to say something nice when he added, “With supporting my weight, you must be the most tired.”

   She then sighed. “I’ll get to him yet,” she thought determinedly. “Mm, this is really good! It’s like drinking a tree sweet.”

   Everyone took turns until the plant was sucked dry.

   “Okay, we’ve all be refreshed. Let’s continue. Ah!”

   “Wait, Ace! We walked a good distance to get here so why not rest your foot in this shade? We may not find any good cover for a while, and it’s so uncomfortable sitting on the hot ground,” Cera stated.

   Ace sighed. “Very well, but not for long.”

   “In the mean time, why not tell us a bit about yourself?” Cera asked curiously.

   “Not much to say.”

   “Aw, come on.”

   “Very well. I used to live on Earth in a place called the Geyser Forest. It was a heavily-wooded, grassy place with water that erupted from the ground. My parents didn’t like mingling with others families much, so we lived on our own. I was their only child. We were very happy living together, and life was good.”

   “Don’t your parents miss you?” Littlefoot inquired.

   “No, I’m sure that they don’t.”

   “Come on,” Cera pressed. “All parents would miss their kid being gone for so long. Have you ever thought of going back to our world to see them again?”

   “No, and let’s talk about something else.”

   “Aw, how can you honestly not want to see them again? Do they even know you’re here?”

   “I honestly don’t want to go back and no, they don’t know that I’m here. Now, let’s talk about-”

   “But it isn’t right to keep making them worry like this. After we get the stone back, why not come back to our world with u-”

   “My parents are dead, okay!?” They don’t know that I’m here because they’re gone! Gone forever! Are you happy now?”

   Cera cringed. Reina had mentioned that Ace was an orphan, but she had completely forgotten about it. She was trying to be nice by showing concern, but all she had done was make him angry.

   “I’m so sorry. My mother is gone too. She got sick one day and never recovered, so I know what it’s like to lose someone. If you don’t want to talk about it anymore, I won’t ask you about it.”

   Ace was silent for a while, and none of the other kids said a word. Surprisingly, it was Ace who broke the silence.

   “Lightning set fire to the forest we lived in. We tried escaping, but we were closed in, burning trees lying all around us. My father scooped me up with his head and threw me over to safety. He urged me to run, but I tried staying with them. That is my biggest regret, my most horrible memory. I watched my parents get burned right down to their bones then barely managed to escape with my life.”

********************

   “Hey, I bet that is why Ace froze when Littlefoot shot fire at him. It brought back the horrible memory of his family.”

   “That’s right, son. When I read that a memory from his past had flooded into his brain several chapters ago, this is what it was about.”

   “Poor Ace,” the child said quietly.

   “Yes, what happened was unfortunate. The circle of life can be a wonderful thing, but at times can be very cruel.” With that said, he went back to the story.

********************

   Dusk started to open his eyes slowly, then finished quickly, having remembered what was to happen this morning.

   “The bright circle has risen,” Dusk announced. “Everyone up.”

   The others yawned, stretched, then slowly sat up- that is, except for Agu.

   “Not yet, mom. Just a little longer…”

   Coaley giggled. “Wake up, silly. Your mom isn’t here.” And with that, she playfully poked him on the nose.

   “Huh? Wha? Oh. Mornin’, guys.”

   “This is it, everyone. It’s the big moment. Time for my wish at long last to be granted.”

   “Oh, yeah!” Chomper said, finally remembering. “Speaking of that, what is your wish going to be?”

   “After years of seeing my brethren fall from fighting for food, my wish will bring about a new age of peace and life. I am going to wish that Sharpteeth survive off of green food like Flatteeth. Think about it. No more risking lives just to get a meal. The world will flourish with no more fighting.”

   “Wow! What an awesome idea. I can’t believe those Rainbow Faces actually though that something bad would come of this,” Chomper commented.

   “Thank you. Now, let’s waste no more time. Everyone, gather around.” The others gathered at him, forming a circle around him.

   “When I hold up the stone, everyone say, ëI wish that Sharpteeth were made to live off of green food like Flatteeth.’”

   Dusk then held up the stone, and everyone did so. The stone shone brightly and grew very hot. So much in fact that Dusk had to drop it. Rays of light shot out, some hitting the dinosaurs, while others flew through outer space. Suddenly, everyone but Ali felt an odd sensation in their mouths. Dusk reached his hand up and felt his teeth. They were flat!

   “It was a success,” Dusk announced, getting choked up. “Onward to a new era of dinosaurs!”

   “Wait,” Chomper said. “Will the Sharpteeth on our world realize why their teeth suddenly became flat?”

   “I’m sure they will,” Dusk replied. “I wished that our kind was made to live off of green food. So to all the Sharpteeth on our world, I’ll bet that to them, it was like living off of green food was always normal. I’m assuming that the only reason we don’t magically have that new instinct is because we were part of the wish that did it.”

   Dusk then reached down and grabbed a chunk of a prickle drinker. Putting it into his mouth, he started to chew, and everyone looked at him in apprehension. Swallowing, he said, “Delicious.”

   “So, um, now that you have your wish, you’re going to give back the stone, right?” Chomper asked slowly.

   Dusk took on an evil glint in his eyes. “Never. The power of the stone will forever be mine, and mine alone. Those Rainbow Faces will never get it back!”

   Chomper jumped to his feet. “I can’t believe you! The stone isn’t yours. You can’t keep it!”

   Suddenly, much to Chomper’s surprise, Dusk started chuckling. “Kidding, my boy, kidding. Of course they can have it back. Next time we run into those friends of yours, the stone’ll be returned immediately.

   “Oh. Uh, good,” he replied, very embarrassed at his outburst.

   “The thing is, they probably won’t find us in this desert. Let’s get out of here and find some water so your friend can use his power to find us.”

   “Okay!” Chomper exclaimed. He was overwhelmed with joy that everything turned out fine and no one had to get hurt.

********************

   Rey reached down to pick up his wine-filled chalice, but before his hand could complete its task, the cup cracked all on its own.

   “That’s an ill omen,” Rey thought to himself gravely. “Something must have gone terribly wrong.”

Chapter XVI: A Change of Loyalty as a Wish Draws Nigh

In which the two groups become equivalent in number, and Dusk prepares to get his heart’s content.


   “Coaley, get away from him!” Menta shouted.

   “Move away, Chomper!” Petrie called out.

   “It’s alright,” Coaley and Chomper replied in unison, which made Coaley giggle.

   “He’s a friend of mine,” Coaley explained.

   “Yeah,” Chomper agreed.

   “Me no care if she friend!” Petrie said indignantly. “She with Dusk, so she bad!”

   He raised a wing to summon a beast when Menta yelled, “Stop!” and Petrie was frozen in the air.

   Chomper turned in dismay, but Menta explained, “My power isn’t hurting him. He just can’t move.”

   Chomper’s eyes narrowed in thought. “Dusk once said that I’m welcome to go with you guys. Does the offer still stand?”

   “You wanna join us!? You bet!” Coaley exclaimed, giving him a big hug.

   “Dusk did extend such an invitation. I therefore can’t turn you down, but to suddenly switch sides like this, well, I’m going to keep my eyes on you,” Menta warned suspiciously.

   “I understand,” Chomper replied.

   “Let’s get out of here quickly before my time freezing spell wears off.” With that, the three Sharpteeth ran off into the distance.

   “Come for-” but Petrie suddenly stopped his summoning when he realized that he was alone. “Ch-chomper? Where you go?” he asked nervously, looking all around him. There was no reply. “Me gotta tell friends about this!” he cried, quickly starting to fly away. “Wait, did we come from this direction, or- Oh, phooey. Now me lost.”

   Several minutes later, a tired Petrie came huffing back to his friends.

   “Where’s Chomper?” Littlefoot immediately asked.

   “He- he-”

   “Spit it out already!” Cera demanded.

   “Gone.”

   “Explain,” Ace ordered.

   “We bumped into two members of Dusk’s group. Me just about to summon a beast when they vanished, Chomper as well. Me have no idea where they went.”

   “They’ve kidnapped Chomper!? When I get my hands on them, my hands will teach them a lesson,” Ruby said angrily.

   “Dusk has gone too far this time!” Littlefoot exclaimed.

   “Let’s all try and calm down. Getting riled won’t bring him back. See if they’re near any source of water, then we’ll go from there,” Ace suggested.

   Littlefoot donned his water form right away and focused hard. “They’re- not near any- sources of water. I’m sorry.” He then changed back to normal. “Did I spot where they were with my power?”

   “No, but you still provided me with the answer.”

   “Uh, come again?”

   “The only place anywhere around here with almost no plants or zero water spots is the Deranged Desert. That must be where they are.”

   “What is the Deranged Desert?” Ducky asked.

   “The excruciating heat combined with the magic in the air often makes those who traverse it deranged, hence the name,” Ace explained.

   “Um…” Ducky continued.

   “Ah, let me guess. You guys don’t know what deranged means?”

   The kids chuckled slightly in embarrassment, leading Ace to sigh.

   “Deranged means illogical, irrational, you know, like not thinking clearly.”

   “Ohhh,” the kids replied in unison.

   “Well then, is it really safe for us to follow them there?” Cera wanted to know.

   “I don’t care how dangerous it is, because no matter how dangerous it is, I don’t care if it means saving Chomper,” Ruby exclaimed.

   “I- I’m sorry. I wasn’t suggesting we abandon him. I just wanted to know what we’re up against,” Cera apologized. “Like, is there anything we can do to keep from getting deranged?”

   “Yes, there is,” Ace replied promptly. “The answer lies in the form of our Long Neck friend.”

   “Huh?” he asked.

   “If you keep us cooled off with your water power, we should be just fine.”

   “That is, if he can stay awake long enough,” Cera muttered.

   “Eh?”

   “Your water form just wants to sleep all the time,” she replied.

   “Well, Spike can carry him on his back like before, and we could just wake him up from time to time,” Ducky suggested.

   “That’s a good idea,” Ace complimented. “Alright, let’s move out. The Deranged Desert is this way.”

********************

   “It’s so hot,” Agu complained. “Why do we have to go through this wasteland?”

   “The ground is so hard that we won’t leave any footprints,” Dusk explained. “We need to get as far away from those kids as possible, and this way they can’t track us.”

   “That’s not how we’ve been able to follow you,” Chomper explained. When the three of them had gotten back to Dusk, he had welcomed Chomper warmly, though he had suspicions like Menta had.

   “Oh?” Dusk asked curiously. “How then have you all been able to find us time and again?”

   “Back in our world, Cera had the ability to see anything near plants. On this world where we got our new power, Littlefoot gained the ability to see anything near or anything that had been near any source of water. So he can see you every time you pass by a water source like a lake or waterfall, and he can spot you when you go near plants, since they soak up water from the ground.”

   “That is very helpful information, Chomper. I’m truly glad you finally decided to join us. You’re already a valuable asset.” Dusk and Menta’s doubts were starting to fade already.

   “And I’m happy to be here.”

   “With that said, they still shouldn’t be able to follow us,” Ceit pointed out. “In a place this dry, I can’t imagine many if any plants growing around here, and I certainly couldn’t picture any ponds and such here either.”

   “Very true, Ceit,” Dusk agreed.

   The group suddenly came to a halt when the ground started to shake. It was only a mild tremor though, so no one lost their balance or panicked. When it stopped, they pressed onward. It wasn’t long before the quake returned, only to stop again shortly afterwards. This happened two more times before Agu finally spoke up.

   “Isn’t all this shaking annoying you all out of your minds!?”

   “Well sure,” Dusk answered, “but what will complaining do about a natural phenomenon? We just have to try and ignore it.”

   “How could anyone ignore the ground moving underneath their feet?”

   “Do you want to be carried?” Coaley asked him.

   “What good would that do!? I would still feel the ground moving from someone’s back.”

   “Don’t snap at her like that,” Menta scolded. “She was just concerned about you.”

   Agu sighed. “I’m sorry, it’s just, this stupid heat combined with the annoying ground is making me cranky.”

   “It’s okay,” Coaley assured him.

   “I hope this desert isn’t too long,” Chomper said. “We won’t last very long here without water.”

   “My thoughts exactly, Chomper. If we didn’t need to cross this area to put some distance between the two groups, I would never have come here. Let’s take a little break,” Dusk suggested. As Ceit was about to land, Dusk added, “But not you, Ceit.”

   “Very well. I’ll scout out the area,” Ceit replied, already knowing what Dusk was going to ask. Dusk grinned in response.

   “Ah! The ground isn’t so bad on the feet, but it’s too hot for me to sit on,” Coaley announced, quickly getting back to her feet.

   “It’s not that bad,” Agu said, trying to sound tough. In all actuality though, his rear was really hurting from the hot ground too, he just wanted to seem stronger than Coaley.

   Chomper also managed to tolerate the pain of sitting, so said, “Coaley, you’re welcome to sit on my lap. No need to keep standing up after walking so long.”

   The little Sharptooth grinned and walked over. She kissed Chomper on the cheek, turning him red before she nestled herself on his lap. Dusk and Menta looked at the two little Sharpteeth then glanced at each other, exchanging grins. As they relaxed, Dusk decided to make conversation.

   “So, Chomper, what ended up making you want to join us?”

   “I’ll bet it was to be with Coaley,” Agu teased with a laugh, but he grew silent at a glare from Menta.

   “I just know you have good intentions,” came his reply. “I’ve been thinking a lot, and you must have a good reason for trying to get a wish granted. If you were bad, you wouldn’t have saved me when we first met. I just want to help you guys so we can end this silly squabble between my friends and you all. I mean, I know there is some prophecy about your wish causing trouble, but I want to believe itës wrong.”

   Dusk’s eyes suddenly widened. “I’m such a fool! Why didn’t I realize this sooner? With Chomper here, we have enough to make my wish!” He then rubbed his hands together excitedly. “As soon as Ceit gets back, we can take care of it.”

   “Before I help you though, please tell me, what is your wish for?” Chomper inquired as the ground shook again.

   “It’s simple, really. My wish is for-” but Dusk was interrupted as a huge creature shot up from underground.

   He had no legs or arms, just slithered along on his belly. His scales were a mix of light green and tan, and his fangs jutted out a ways from his mouth beneath his single eye. He dove for the dinosaurs, mouth ajar.

   “Move it!” Dusk ordered, and the lot of them scattered. “That thing moving underground must have been what was causing those tremors,” he thought to himself.

   The beast eyed all of them, trying to decide on who to attack. Coaley’s foot hit a small pebble on the ground, causing her to stumble. That made up his mind. He dove for her, and she let out a cry. Chomper dashed for her at an incredible speed, lifting her up and getting out of the way just in time.

   Dusk formed a ball of energy and threw it at the beast. The explosion did so little to his scales that he didn’t even draw blood.

   “Take out his eye!” Menta shouted. “Stop!”

   The beast froze in place as Dusk began conjuring a massive ball of energy. Suddenly, the beast broke free of Menta’s spell, slamming his tail onto the ground which broke Dusk’s hold on his energy. He dropped the ball, and the explosion sent him flying.

   “Sorry!” Menta called out. “He’s too massive to hold very long.”

   “Don’t worry! I’m fine. Just do that once more and I’ll be sure to get my energy blasted quick it enough.”

   “No good! Stop has a long cool down. I can slow him down though.”

   “That’s fine. Ali, Fuse with me!”

   Ali nodded and ran over. “Dusk, Fuse!” Ali’s now-transparent body drifted into Dusk’s and he began forming a new ball much faster and bigger than before.

   The beast started slithering quickly at Dusk but Menta yelled, “Slow!”

   Though the beast was now moving at a slower pace, he still easily caught up to Dusk. He was about to grab Dusk in his mouth when it suddenly seemed to the beast that his body was freezing cold. He shivered abruptly, making the ground shake slightly.

   “Now’s your chance, Dusk! Get him!” Agu called out.

   Dusk finished a massive ball and threw it at the beasts eye. The beast quickly excreting a green ooze from his mouth which hit the ball, causing it to explode in mid air. He suddenly stopped feeling cold as Agu fell to the ground.

   “I’m sorry. He’s so big that I can’t hold an illusion for very long on him.”

   Menta’s slow spell had worn off so the creature quickly slithered over to a prey. This time, it was Chomper. Still holding Coaley, he ran as fast as he could. The beast fired more green ooze which landed on the ground, causing a sizzling sound as it ate through the hard terrain.

   Dusk fired another massive ball which hit the beast’s body, but still, it wasn’t enough to do much damage. He quickly turned and fired more spit at Dusk before resuming his chase with Chomper. Dusk barely managed to dodge it in time.

   “My energy just can’t get through his scales!” Dusk shouted.

   Chomper looked at where the ooze had landed and saw the hole in the ground it had made. This gave him an idea. He quickly changed direction and began running straight for the beast.

   “Chomper, what’re you-” Coaley began in a panic.

   “Trust me,” was all he said in reply.

   He began shooting more ooze which Chomper easily avoided. Finally, he came right up to the beast and hopped on his back. The creature immediately fired more spit before realizing what would happen if it missed. Chomper jumped off, and the ooze splattered all over the beast’s back. It quickly ate away at his scales, and he hissed in agony. He then dived down, entering the ground once more, having given up on his meal.

   “Alright, Chomer!” Dusk complimented as Ali left him.

   “My hero,” Coaley said with a grin, kissing him once more.

   Getting bashful, Chomper placed Coaley on the ground saying nothing but grinning from ear to ear. Suddenly, Menta fell to her knees, and Dusk rushed over.

   “Menta? What’s wrong?”

   “Hello, my lord. Nice day, isn’t it? Sure is hot though. I’m in heat alright. Get it? I’m in heat?” Then she burst out laughing at her own joke.

********************

   “Huh?” the child interrupted. “I don’t get the humor. Does being in heat have a meaning other than being in a really warm place?”

   His father froze. “Uh, about that… Well, you see, it’s, um… Ask me in a few years, okay?”

   “Sure, I guess.”

   His father hastily returned to the story to put his son’s question behind them.

********************

   “What’s wrong with her?” Coaley asked, worried.

   Agu then stumbled over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. “You, good dinosaur, are not funny. I didn’t laugh. Did anyone laugh? Nope. Only you did, meaning you aren’t funny. Did I say that already? Oh well. Saying it twice must mean that I really meant it.” Then Ago fell over as well.

   “Whatever’s wrong with Menta seems to be affecting Agu too,” Chomper pointed out.

   “Maybe they just need some rest,” Dusk guessed. “I wonder where Ceit has gotten off to.” Dusk looked all around and spotted a tiny gathering of plants. “I found some shade. I’ll carry Menta over. Chomper, can you handle Agu?”

   “Sure,” he replied, lifting him up. Dusk hung Menta over his shoulder, and they all made for the foliage. Upon arriving, Chomper and Dusk set their friends down.

   “So- thirsty,” Agu moaned.

   “Wait!” Chomper exclaimed. “I’ve seen prickly plants like these before. They have this liquid inside that’s good to drink. Dusk, help me break some open.”

   Dusk obeyed, and soon they had gotten through to the juice. He poured some into Menta’s mouth, and Chomper did so to Agu. Both of them coughed a little but managed to swallow.

   “Just relax you two. We’ve been through a lot,” Dusk said. Menta and Agu closed their eyes and quickly feel asleep.

   Very soon, a shadow passed overhead. Dusk didn’t notice it in time so was soon under attack from the creature. He snapped at Dusk’s face, and Dusk was about slash into him when he noticed who it was.

   “Ceit?” Dusk asked in disbelief.

   “Food! Food!” Ceit chanted over and over and as he bit at Dusk.

   Sighing, Dusk thought to himself, “Seems to have affected him as well.” He grabbed his friend and held him down. “Chomper, pour some of that stuff into his mouth, would you?”

   “Sure thing!”

   Ceit sputtered a bit but finally swallowed the plant juice. He ceased his attack then landed on top of Menta before drifting off to sleep as well.

   “The rest of us should refresh ourselves with some of this stuff too,” Dusk suggested, and everyone drank a little of the plant juice.

   Turning to the sleepers with a look of concern, Chomper asked, “Do you think they’ll be okay?”

   “Yes. They seem to be resting very peacefully,” Dusk replied.

   Those who were awake looked up at the starry sky and decided to get some rest for the night as well. The rest of them laid down a slight distance from each other except Coaley. She cuddled up against Chomper’s chest, and he smiled.

   “Oh, by the way, Dusk, there’s something I’ve been wondering about,” Chomper began.

   “Go ahead.”

   “Well, back when you saved me from that flying tree, did you do it just in hopes that I’d join you?” To Chomper’s surprise, due to his question being very serious, Dusk chuckled.

   “Not everything I do has a hidden agenda, Chomper. I saved you for a very simple reason: I care about my kind. Now, let’s all try and get some rest.” Before closing his eyes, Dusk added, “And as soon as we all wake up tomorrow, I’ll finally get my wish.”

"What is your favorite genre of music?"

If I had to pick from the straightforward list of genres (jazz, rock, metal, bluegrass, and so forth) I would have to pick country. Country is the only station I have on for music when I’m driving. I love so many songs of that style. Some I love of this genre include:

The Night the Lights Went out in Georgia
Tall Tall Trees
Ring of Fire
Three Wooden Crosses
It’s Five o’clock Somewhere
She Thinks my Tractor’s Sexy
Something Like That
Online
Wild One
Drink, Swear, Steal, and Lie
Some Beach
And Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off

On the other hand, if I could be more specific, give a type of music not under a specific genre, I like church hymnals best. Sure, radio stations have Christian music, but the ones in my area are loaded with contemporary Christian. I honestly do not enjoy the sound of New Age worship music. I know such stations play the oldies sometimes, like Angels we have Heard on High, Old Rugged Cross, Oh Come All Yee Faithful, As the Deer Panteth, and so forth, but every station I find plays mostly the new stuff. I know a ton of people like the new sound of Christian music, and that’s great, but you won’t catch me enjoying the tune of any. Truly, I can’t say I like listening to the music of any worship songs produced over the last number of years I’ve heard. If someone makes one that sounds like the old days, he or she can call me, heh heh heh. So I love old hymnals best, but due to availability, if you’re ever a passenger in my car and have no preference, I’ll be playing a country station. Thank you for the question.