The Warm Farewell
A longing sigh escaped Volant's beak as the sight of her home opened far below her. She was glad that she had been able to find at least some food in this most difficult of seasons so that her children didn't need to stay hungry, at least for now. That was something that made the flyer's thoughts grow somewhat more lighthearted but even then, one thing haunted her thoughts as it had done for many, many days.
Just how was Petrie doing right now? She had started to despise herself more and more as more time had passed from their last meeting, the female not able to justify letting her son go anymore. What kind of parent allows their child to risk their lives for some cause they knew nothing about while doing nothing in the meantime? Vol ant would have wanted to hit herself but she knew that wasn't possible while flying.
She couldn't help but dread the thought that someone would appear one day to carry news about Petrie's demise, that scene appearing again and again in her sleep stories. The female's expression darkened by the second as she thought about that, knowing she'd never forgive herself if Petrie didn't return to her. She nearly let out a sob as she prepared to land, the rest of her children giving her at least some other things to think about apart from her terrible mistake. Her voice was low and mournful as she made her arrival known.
"Come here, children. I have something to eat." She said, a slight smile appearing on her beak as the younger flyers appeared from the cave in front of herself. She lamented just how weak and thin they looked but it was just another feature of this season. She nodded somewhat approvingly as she heard the reaction of her children to this news.
"Thanks a lot, momma!" They cried nearly in unison, causing Volant to look into the horizon with a longing expression. She didn't know just how long she'd be able to take this endless uncertainty over whether or not she'd see Petrie again. Her thoughts fixated on the memories about her son, refusing to accept that she wouldn't be seeing him anymore. She twitched slightly as one of the boys asked her carefully.
"Do… don't you want any, momma?" He asked while looking at the quickly disappearing pile of green food and berries. Volant exhaled deeply, trying to keep her worries to herself. Her children had already been through enough hardship without her starting to only add to their many worries.
"No thanks, Skybeak. I'm not hungry." She said, speaking the truth. Her stress had taken her appetite away completely and besides, the children needed the food far more than she did. However, one of the other kids soon asked her more assertively, clearly worried about her wellbeing.
"You haven't eaten anything in days, momma! That isn't like you!" The girl yelled, causing the older female to look at her children in growing annoyance, slightly unnerved by the fact about how little the younger flyers seemed to care about their missing sibling and secretly, she was also slightly angered by it. Her voice grew more commanding as she gave her answer.
"As I've said before, you need it more than I do. Please, don't ask any more questions, kids. Not now." She said as she turned around, preparing to head somewhere where she could have a moment of peace and try to sort out her own thoughts about the current situation. Before she did that, however, she turned to look back at the horizon, checking that there were no threats to her children anywhere nearby.
However, at the exact moment she was about to take off, she noticed a distant, tiny spot in the sky above her, halting her departure immediately. If it was some kind of flying sharptooth, she'd show it that it had chosen a wrong mountain to stalk! However, it wasn't long before she noticed that it was a very small flyer and not a sharptooth either. Volant narrowed her eyes as she looked at the other dinosaur, seeing that it was flying right towards her. As seconds passed, the female's eyes slowly grew wider and wider, not really able to believe her eyes. She hardly even heard her own words as she cried at the wide skies.
"Petrie? Is… it really is you, thank the Bright Circle!"
The young flyer felt his heart beating more wickedly than ever in his chest as he heard those words. He was beyond fatigued after flying endlessly for days on end just to return home as soon as possible. He could hardly even flap his wings anymore but hearing his mother's voice after all this time. It was a voice he had hoped to hear for so very long and he wasted no time giving his answer.
"Yep, it me, momma! Me home at last!" He cried after which he dived towards his home, all but ready to finally have a moment of rest and peace. The moments seemed to become ever slower as he approached the older flyer, not able to believe that this was truly happening. After everything he had went through… was this truly the end of it all? The boy decided to believe so and the world seemed to stop around him as he landed right into his mother's deep embrace. Volant's voice dipped with love and relief as she spoke to her son.
"Oh, Petrie. You can never understand just how I've missed you. But you are alone. Does that mean…?" She asked, the obvious implication immediately clear to Petrie. He gave his mother a weak smile, trying to ignore his adventure for now.
"No, they still alive. It a long story and Petrie want to tell about it later. But it good to be home, momma." He said as his siblings gathered around him, most of them happy to see their long-missing brother again. The brown-colored flyer's face turned into an ever wider smile even if Donnie and Terra didn't escape his sight. The boy reveled in his newfound respect as Volant spoke to him, slightly starting to overcome the initial shock at seeing her son again.
"Of course, Petrie. I'll listen to it all whenever you want. But please tell me that you are going to stay with us for good this time." She said, dreading the possibility of Petrie embarking on another journey in the dark of the night. However, the younger flyer's gestures already confirmed his answer even before he had given it.
"Yes, Petrie stay with you. Me adventure over now." He said while yawning heavily, seeing just how vastly his siblings' approach to him differed from the one he had become used to. His breaths grew easier by the second when Volant slowly releasing him from her embrace. The female's voice wavered in happiness as she spoke to the boy.
"Thank goodness for that. It has been too long since our family last was complete. Welcome home, my son." He said while Petrie looked around himself. Somehow this place seemed very different than the last time he had seen it, his earlier fears and urgency clearly having affected his thoughts back then. Even then, one new thought came to his mind as he looked at the welcoming faces all around him as well as the cold mountains in the distance.
This was going to be his life for a long while from now on. Not that it bothered him but… he couldn't help but think about Ortin, Glide, Littlefoot and Ruby as well as the fact that it would be a long, long time since he'd see any of them again. As the flyer's eyes gazed at the imposing beauty around himself, his mind wandered back to one of the most memorable scenes he had experienced…
The seven dinosaurs moved forward in complete silence, the weight of the moment hanging heavily upon each of them. Not only did Ducky's loss still linger around them but the inevitable parting also bothered them greatly. It was clear to all of them that they were approaching the edge of the forest and after that, all of them would move on with their lives to their best abilities. It would be a long difficult process but it was something they'd have to go through for the sake of their lost friends. That meeting with the four dead dinosaurs still haunted their three surviving friends greatly but it was good to know that they held no grudge at them. The seven companions' thoughts were interrupted when Ruby spoke in an unreadable voice.
"It seems like that is the edge of the forest, edge of the forest it seems like. I'm happy to get out of this place for good!" She said even if the implications weren't lost to her either. For a moment, it was completely silent before Glide suddenly turned at her six companions and spoke to them in a grave voice.
"In that case, I think this is where we part ways. We did agree to only leave that forest together, after all." She said while nodding at Ortin who was flying on her side. The boy returned the gesture, agreeing with his friend wholeheartedly. He looked at Petrie for a short moment before he asked the other male the obvious question in this situation.
"Indeed. Petrie, are you sure you wish to do like you said earlier?" He asked, not really expecting his friend to change his mind. The bluish flyer of course would have welcomed Petrie's companionship but he had already fully accepted his decision. And indeed, Petrie's answer was exactly the one Ortin had expected.
"Petrie sure. Me want to stay with me family from now on after everything that happened. But as me promised, Petrie will help you in the future when you need me help." He said, starting to even look forward to his future on Ortin's side. He could see that the other boy truly meant everything he had said and he simply couldn't see Ortin becoming another Lenel or Haste. The bluish flyer gave Petrie a slight smile before speaking to him in a low voice.
"Very well. But you do understand that means that we won't see each other in at least five Cold Times?" He asked, that thought a somber one for me. The brown-colored flyer gulped as he thought about that fact, trying to grasp just how long five Cold Times were. It was roughly the time that had passed since his first arrival in the Great Valley and when he'd next see Ortin and Glide, they could be whole different flyers. Even then, he'd still be their friend on that day and that was all that mattered.
"Yep. It a long time but Petrie make sure me never forget about you. But me wonder, where will we meet again?" He asked, knowing that to be a very good question. Glide was the first one to answer, the obvious answer coming to her mind immediately.
"How about Streli's Hills? We all know where it is after all. If you ask me, I'd say we gathered there around the lightest days of the Warm Time as it's a far nicer place during that time." She said, immediately earning Ortin's approval. Petrie took a deep breath as he took that piece of information in, just wondering how his coming endeavors with the two would turn out. He looked at the two with a wide smile before speaking to his two friends.
"Very well, Petrie remember it. Goodbye, Ortin and Glide. Thanks for being me friends when me needed them most." He said, thinking somberly about his first steps after the Sand Cloud. Along with uncle Pterano, it had been these two who had given him the courage to move on. He'd miss them dearly during the seasons to come but at least he knew this parting would not be final. Ortin gave the other male a wide smile as he prepared to head towards the skies.
"You too, Petrie. You were there when I lost my dad and I won't forget it. All the best until we meet again, my friend." He said as he took off, followed by Glide's farewells.
"See you again, Petrie, and stay safe!" She cried and before Petrie noticed it, the duo were but small dots in the distance. For a moment, Petrie felt like his eyes were growing moist again but Ruby's next words broke the spell of the moment completely.
"I don't want to insult you, Petrie, but I'm glad they're gone. They were far from nice flyers." She said while taking a relaxed breath. The tension between her and the duo had been clear all along and inside, the fastrunner had wanted to part ways with them earlier. Petrie didn't turn to look at the girl as he gave his answer.
"Yes, they think many things Petrie not like either. But they better friends than many and me would like it if you didn't speak bad about them!" He said, meaning every word. Ruby cringed at the flyer's words, not really knowing whether or not she approved about Petrie's plans but then again, it was none of her business. Her tone was a apologizing one as she spoke to the boy.
"Sorry for that, Petrie. I shouldn't have said what I said." She merely said, causing Petrie to slowly look at her. His expression was a cam but sad one as he spoke to the omnivore.
"They right about one thing, though. There no reason to delay this any longer. Petrie say we part ways here as well." He said, causing the other dinosaurs to look at him sadly. None of them wanted to think about that inevitability but neither did they wish to challenge Petrie's words. Littlefoot gulped as he moved closer to Petrie, his voice wavering as he spoke.
"Petrie… why won't your family return to the Valley? In that way, at least we could stay together." He asked, seriously not understanding the flyer's decision. Petrie looked at him solemnly but he didn't hesitate to give his answer.
"That because me could see me family not want back there and… neither does Petrie. The Valley… it just too small for me kind and momma seem to understand it too. It was a good home for a long time but the Mysterious Beyond not as bad as it was when we first reach the Valley. At least not some parts of it. But me promise me visit you some time, Littlefoot." He said, earning a sad look from the longneck. Petrie then turned at Ruby and spoke to her in a silent voice.
"And Ruby… me hope we see again some time. Me not know when but… the world be smaller than one might think." He said, knowing that to be true after his many adventures. The girl moved towards the boy and put her hand on his shoulder before giving him his answer.
"You're completely right, Petrie. One way or another, we will meet each other again… and then I'll no longer have to fear about putting you into needless danger." She said with a smile, causing the boy's face to turn into a wide smile. He hadn't even parted with Ruby and Littlefoot yet and he already missed them dearly. It would be along wa…
"What's wrong, Petrie? Did you fall asleep while standing?" Skybeak asked in slight worry, waking his brother up from his thoughts. In truth, only a few seconds had passed but Petrie had gone through that memory enough times fir it to simply flash through his mind. He twitched noticeably as he turned to look at the other boy, his voice a confused one as he gave his answer.
"Wh… no, no! Me… me just thinking about one thing…" He said, his expression revealing that memory to be a dear one for Petrie. His mood darkened momentarily as he heard a far too familiar voice speak to him.
"Why not tell us about it if you are simply going to stand still thinking about it? Or is it something you don't want to share with us?" The voice belonged to Donnie and he tried to taunt his sibling but to his continued astonishment, Petrie calmed down immediately and answered to his former tormentor in a completely normal voice.
"Petrie tell you all about it in time, Donnie. Count on it." He said after which Volant decided to interrupt that exchange. Even if she could see that Petrie no longer feared or even despised his brother, she knew that too much bad blood was between them to make Petrie's homecoming less than perfect. He moved between them and spoke warmly to Petrie.
"Now, let Petrie rest a moment. Can't you see that he has flown a long way just to get here as soon as he could. He deserves some time to recover from everything that has happened." She knew she was right even if she was more than curious to learn about her son's adventure herself. She could see that something bothered him deep inside but that could wait. All that mattered right now was to make Petrie as comfortable as possible. The boy yawned slightly as he looked at his mother, more than happy about her understanding in this moment.
"Thank you, momma. Me really need a moment to catch up with everything that has happened here but I wouldn't want to be anywhere rather than here now. Me happy to be with all of you… including Terra and Donnie." He said while winking at them, confirming once and for all that he wasn't afraid of them. The duo looked at him in clear bitterness and annoyance but even Donnie had to admit that the times he could pick on his younger brother were over once and for all. He didn't react to Petrie's words in any way, signaling his resignation in front of the others. Volant crossed her hands as she nuzzled the boy one more time.
"I've got a feeling we have better times ahead of us than we could have expected, children. I'm happy you cared for Petrie after all." She said, happy that her earlier assessment about her children's opinion about their brother had been wrong.
The brown-colored flyer took a deep breath as he looked at his mother, this scene feeling like a happy sleep story after everything that had happened. There would be more adventures waiting for him in the future but for now, he was where he had wanted to be for so long: he was home.
The longneck looked at the pale sky above himself, shivering slightly due to the wind blowing through the rolling meadows of the Great Valley. Littlefoot's mind was a complete flux and it was still filled with pain but… on the other hand, he also felt more peaceful than in a long time. Yes, he had lost so very, very much but he had also done his all to make things right. With any luck, his grandparents, Shorty and his father were in peace now and looking at him with pride and that thought gave him some of the courage he needed to go through every day.
Even then, that didn't change the fact that he spent most of the evenings crying himself to sleep as he thought about the memories of his loved ones. He still spent most of his days alone and it didn't help that most of the places in the Valley reminded him about some lost loved one but the fact that Petrie and Ruby were still out there alive gave him some courage he desperately needed.
The boy smiled slightly as he looked at the sky puffies above himself, thinking about the many days he had his friends had spent allowing their imaginations fly along with the winds. He missed them dearly and he hadn't spent one moment hoping the duo were still here with him or that Ducky, Spike, Cera and Chomper would still be in this world. Her was more than happy to again be in the home of his childhood but…
"OUCH!"
Littlefoot yelled as he rose to his full height, rubbing his head as he looked at a large ball of ground sparkles drop into the ground next to him. The longneck frowned as he looked at the culprits but his expression softened as he saw who he was talking to. His expression was a surprisingly friendly one as he listened to the two young fastrunners apologize to him.
"Umm… sorry, Littlefoot! We didn't mean to hit you!" Orchid said, causing the older boy roll his eyes in slight amusement. It wasn't too long since he had been apologizing for the exact same issues and that was apparent in voice as well.
"Don't worry about that. I've done that many times before as well. But how are you doing here?" He asked, knowing that the duo weren't completely happy with their new refuge. Their arrival to the Valley had been a difficult one as well and the longneck still cringed deeply as he thought about that day. He knew how hated Ruby was here and he had lied about Arial and Orchid being some lost orphans who had no place to go. While that explanation had eventually been accepted by most of the adults, the fastrunners had still been told to stay near the Secret Caverns if they wanted to stay in the Valley. Arial was the first one to answer and her expression was more than conflicted as she spoke.
"Well… it's nice that we don't have to fear for sharpteeth but… the others are mean. It isn't fun when everyone else thinks we're going to attack them at any moment. Littlefoot… we know Ruby did something bad here but what?" She girl asked, not really understanding just yet why Ruby had loved this place so very much. Of course having friends helped but… very few dinosaurs even talked to her or her brother. A lot of the things Ruby had told about the Valley seemed far away to her right now and Littlefoot couldn't really disagree.
"Yes, I know others might not want to see any of your kind again but believe me, things were far worse a few weeks ago. The Valley was almost drowned by the skywater and almost everyone fought with each other all day. At least the waters are almost gone and everyone has left you in peace for now. They will accept you In time, I promise you that much. As for what Ruby did… well, she dropped an egg and broke it which started this whole… adventure or tragedy." He said with a heavy voice, again thinking about that fateful night. Orchid started a sentence before even thinking about what he was speaking about.
"Dropped an egg? What about that? Surely she d… Oh." He suddenly stopped as he realized what Littlefoot was talking about. The longneck nodded at the other boy sadly, clearly regretting that implication himself. His answer was a forced one but he knew he had to be honest with the younger children.
"Yeah, Orchid. I hate to say it but many dinosaurs here have certain ideas about other kinds and Ruby only made those ideas stronger even if it was all an accident. To make things worse, the Valley almost forgave her but then she was attacked by Ms. Clubtail whose egg she had dropped and… Chomper killed her. And considering that she had spoken so long for the Valley accepting Chomper into the Valley…" He said, those memories making him sick even now. Arial gulped deeply as she thought about what she had just heard. She could only imagine what Ruby had gone through and bitterness for her sister's fate started to rise within her.
"How could they do that to Ruby! Even Chomper had to have a good reason to do what he did! Why did Ruby even send us to this kind of place?" She said in frustration, earning an enthusiastic nod from Orchid. The longneck looked at the duo sadly, not really wanting to explain all of this to the duo but he didn't really have a choice.
"The others are not evil, Arial, and they thought they were doing the right thing. And Ruby wanted you here because she wanted you to be safe and I promise you that this is the safest place to you even now. And besides, there are many dinosaurs here who would love to meet you. I might even introduce you to some of them some time." He said, thinking about all the slightly more distant friends he had made over the seasons. Orchid, however, was far from impressed and he sighed deeply as he sat down on a small rock next to himself.
"If you want to, Littlefoot. I just wish we were with mommy and daddy or Ruby right now. At least in the Hanging Rock or the Desolate Rise we felt welcome and safe. I miss Ruby so very, very much." He said, just thinking about all the days with his family. He might be safe in the Valley but back then, he was happy.
The older boy looked at the fastrunner glumly, understanding just how he felt. Ruby had been more than distressed when she had first arrived in the Great Valley but she had at least had Chomper with her to immediately earn her more than enough friends. Littlefoot could only hope he was right about the two siblings' chances to gain the Valley's trust in time as otherwise their lives would become unbearable indeed.
However, Orchid's voice made Littlefoot's heart sink slightly. He could completely share his missing for the older fastrunner as the longneck still regretted the fact that she had decided to take her own path forward. The longneck didn't mind watching over her siblings as it gave him at least some sense of purpose but Ruby and Petrie's absence made him beyond mournful. Littlefoot exhaled deeply as he thought about the last time he had met one of his dearest friends.
The longneck looked at Ruby and Petrie for a moment, hardly able to grasp the weight of this moment. Yes, only a day before he had thought that both Petrie and Ruby were gone but that didn't change what was happening right now. He was really witnessing the parting of the ways of the last survivors of the group of friends who had spent so many happy days together and teased fate itself by sharing the many adventures. Speaking was a real chore to him as he fought against his tears.
"I'll be there for both of you whenever you need me. Ruby… if this really is it, then I guess you have a few words to say." The longneck said, earning an understanding nod from Ruby. It was clear the fastrunner wasn't in any way happy about this moment but it couldn't be helped. She bowed towards Arial and Orchid and put her hands on their shoulders, praying that they wouldn't make this any more difficult and painful than it had to be.
"Yes, I do. Orchid, Arial, I stand behind my decision. You will go to the Valley with Littlefoot and stay there until my return, stay there until my return you will. I would love to stay with you as I know that you still miss mommy and daddy as much as I do. But ev…" She was suddenly cut short by Arial who spoke to her in a sad and pleading voice. Ruby hardly understood her words through her tears but she could very well tell what it was about.
"But mommy and daddy would want us to be together, Ruby! You're all we have! please, do not force us to do this!" She yelled, causing Ruby to shake her head in an effort to clear it to her best ability. She had really hoped the duo had accepted the inevitable by now but apparently she'd have to do this the hard way.
"Indeed, Arial. I'm sure mommy and daddy would have wanted that but they would have also agreed with me. Besides, I am not either of them and I simply cannot guarantee your safety! There is a reason why children your age seldom survive in the Mysterious Beyond and I'm not going to risk seeing you torn to pieces in front of me! We all deserve far better than that!" She said, knowing that she was right. Arial sniffed as she nodded, not really able to argue with her sister for much longer. Ruby took another sigh before continuing her plea to her siblings.
"The Valley is a beautiful and peaceful place and I know Littlefoot will make sure you that you will not have any problems there. Now, I am not going to lie to: my deeds there earlier might make some of its denizens suspicious of you but I am sure you will be fine out there." She said, earning a nod from the longneck. Orchid's eyes narrowed as he gave his answer, more than concerned about it all. Even despite his age, he could see the wisdom within his sister's words and he could already see that her decision was final. He then asked the older omnivore the one question that puzzled him.
"Okay, Ruby. But please tell us how long you plan to stay away. Surely we have to know just how long the wait will be?" He said glumly, causing the older fastrunner to look at him oddly. It was clear she didn't want to give any promises but she still felt like she owed her brother some kind of an answer.
"I do not know, Orchid. I will be away for at least two Cold Times, maybe more. But do not worry: I will be there for you in time. You have my word." She said, causing the boy's head to fall further. It was a long time for a child that young to even truly comprehend and to him, it sounded just like Ruby was never going to return. Deep inside he knew that wasn't true but he wasn't able to hide his chagrin at that news.
Littlefoot looked at that scene with a long face, not really willing to join it himself. However, he knew he couldn't simply stand still and with a forced voice, he asked the fastrunner the question swirling in his mind.
"But Ruby… how do you think the Valley will react to seeing you again? I'm not sure it's a good idea for you to come back there." He said, causing a pondering thought to rise to the fastrunner's face. She had been right about to give her answer when she fully realized Littlefoot's point and her confidence seemed to feel immediately as she started to think about the question.
"Well… I think I should be able to come up with something but at the very least, I'll be able to send you some kind of message and if I cannot get you myself, then come to the Hanging Rock to meet me, Orchid and Arial. I know you don't know each other but promise me that you'll listen and obey Littlefoot at all times. He knows what to do." She said to her siblings who nodded at their sister sadly.
Littlefoot had an even harder time holding back his tears. He was happy to see that Petrie and Ruby still had some plans but he just felt a wide void inside himself. Yes, he was going to the Valley but just what did he have there anymore? Trying to fight back those thoughts, she spoke to Ruby in the lowest voice that was still somewhat audible.
"I will miss you, Ruby. More than you can imagine." He said, not really thinking about whether or not that claim was hyperbolic but right now it was what he felt. The fastrunner narrowed her eyes as she heard those words after which she sighed deeply. Her voice wavered deeply as she prepared to answer. However, before she could speak, that scene disappeared from Littlefoot's mind as he heard Arial speak to him.
"Did you hear what I just asked, Littlefoot?" She asked, causing the longneck to twitch noticeably. He blinked as he heard those words, not even noticing that he had drifted that deeply into his memories. His voice was an unsure one as he finally reacted to the question.
"Huh? Oh, please say that again, Arial." He said, slight embarrassed by those words. Arial rolled her eyes at the longneck's lack of concentration but she didn't waste time repeating her question.
"I asked whether or not you think she'll be alright. We don't think she should have been left out there all alone." The girl asked, causing the longneck to look at her in a thoughtful but also calm face. He might have disagreed with her decision but he had no doubts about her capabilities. He took a brief pause before he finally spoke to the young omnivore.
"You may be at ease about that. I know her almost as well as you do and I know she will go through any hardship to keep her word of seeing you again. I have no idea what she is up to now but I promise you that she'll return just like she promised." He said, not really knowing whether the duo believed him but that was the only thing he could say right now. The two siblings looked at each other in clear uncertainty but before anyone else could say anything, the three dinosaurs heard a loud call from above themselves.
"Hey, it was true! Littlefoot, you are back!" The longneck's eyes widened as he heard that voice, not really having expected to hear it again. He turned to look at the speaker and saw him just in time to see him land into the ground next to him. Littlefoot spoke to him happily, more than eager to hear what the newcomer had to say.
"Hey there, Guido! And yes, I am back. How have you been?" He asked but to his deep chagrin, when Guido looked at the two omnivores, he gulped deeply and whispered to the longneck.
"I… is it wise to stay close to them? We… we cannot know if… if they do something similar as Ruby." He said, almost shuddering as he spoke to the other boy. Littlefoot, however, wasn't willing to listen to that for a second and he spoke to the glider in a determined and uncompromising voice.
"Drop it already. I promise to you that they won't hurt any dinosaur while they are guests of the Valley." He said with a deep voice, causing Guido's face to darken slightly. However, he did as told and he didn't want to linger in that issue for any longer.
"O… okay. If you say so. But I'd like to ask if you saw Petrie out there? I mean… he hasn't returned here since he went to look for you." He said with a nervous voice, dreading the chance that he'd have to hear about the demise of his closest friend. However, Littlefoot's expression immediately confirmed that the flyer was at least alive and neither did his words keep the glider wondering for any longer.
"Don't worry, Guido, Petrie's fine. He went on to rejoin his family and they should visit us some time again. I bet you want to hear all about his whereabouts?" He asked, knowing the answer already. He knew Guido liked him as well but Petrie had always been the only one to whom Guido was truly close. The green-colored male took a wide smile after hearing those words but his answer surprised the longneck completely.
"Of course I do but before you tell me, I… I think there is one other thing you should know." He let out a nervous chuckle after finishing and the longneck cocked his head in clear interest as he gave his answer. Something within Guido's tone really raised his interest.
"Well, what is it?" He asked simply to which the glider's smile only widened. He turned to look towards the entrance of the Valley as he gave his answer.
"We just received a new group of Farwalkers… and Ali is among them." He said, knowing that the larger boy wanted to hear that piece of news. And indeed the longneck's eyes widened completely as he heard those words and he stuttered severely as he tried to form some kind of an answer. He was just so completely astonished about hearing about her as the tragedies of the past season had almost wiped her from his mind. Now, however, those buried feelings flowed back into his hearts, warming it heavily.
"A… Ali? You mean… she's already here?" He asked to which Guido nodded happily. His voice was a meek but happy one as he gave his answer.
"I kinda figured you'd be interested in hearing this." He said after which Littlefoot's happiness only grew more profound. He was already about to storm off before he noticed the wondering faces of Orchid and Arial looking at him. The longneck stopped to speak to them briefly before heading to see one of his closest friends.
"Orchid, Arial, remember not to wander too far from here in order to keep the calm with others. Guido, thanks a lot for telling me this! See you all around!" He said as he ran towards the entrance to the Valley, more than eager to meet Ali again. It seemed like he still had more dinosaurs he deeply cared about in his life than he had ever imagined and despite the sorrow lingering within his heart. Even then, he couldn't help but feel that the female longneck's appearance was a true opportunity to put the recent hardships behind himself for good.
A deep yawn escaped from Ruby's mouth as she felt her consciousness slowly starting to return from the land of sleep stories. The first thing she noticed was that the morning was relatively warm and for the first time in a long while, she didn't really even feel the cold through her plumage. The fastrunner slowly rose a sitting position and her face too an expression she hadn't felt in ages: that of peace.
Inside, the guilt and self-hate still lingered but to her clear relief, the all-encompassing fear and stress were gone. The girl could hardly believe that there wasn't some sharptooth bound to get her or some friend or family member to be saved. Now, she was alone and that feeling was sweeter to her than any other she could have come up with. She felt… free for the first time since leaving the Valley.
Ruby walked towards the opening of the cave she was sleeping in, smiling slightly as she saw the bright dawn over the small forest she had claimed as her home. It was located about half way from the Land of the Dancing Waters to the Great Valley and it seemed in many ways like a small paradise to her. She hadn't seen any sharptooth nearby and it had just enough food so that she didn't have to go hungry even in the middle of the Cold Time. Besides, that place was more beautiful than any other place she had seen since the Valley with its steep hills and glimmering ponds.
Another thing that made the omnivore breath easier than before was the fact that her mind again felt like her own. The spirits' influence seemed to be completely gone which was something that seemed like a true blessing for her. She had still spent many nights crying herself to sleep over Chomper and her parents but slowly, the girl could feel her mind starting to recover from the many ordeals of the recent pasts. Despite her losses, she wouldn't have believed only a short time ago that she'd even feel this happy ever again. It would still be a long way since she'd be the same fastrunner she had been but she was on the right path now at least.
Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted as she felt her belly letting a gurgling sound like it always did in the early morning. The girl turned to look at her right, listening to the sounds of the small woodland before deciding that there was no danger anywhere to be seen. Quickly, she dashed downhill towards her favorite pond, knowing that it wouldn't disappoint her this time either. She ran for a few minutes straight, avoiding any spots of hard water in the ground before she finally stopped in front of a small, lake that was fed by a small and calm water path.
Eager to extinguish her hunger, Ruby bowed towards the waters, waiting for the right moment to strike. It wasn't long until she saw some movement in front of herself and she didn't waste any time seizing the opportunity. However, her hit was a complete miss and Ruby couldn't help but cringe deeply as she felt the frigid water hitting her face. The omnivore crossed her hands over her chest, trying to warm herself up again.
While waiting for the water to dry up, she looked at the looming hills around herself, never getting enough from the majesty of this place and about this chance to reconcile with her past at long last. The omnivore knew that she loved these simple and stress-free days but deep down, she couldn't help but feel the loneliness starting to creep into her heart. All her love she had been surrounded by the dinosaurs she loved and with whom she would have been ready to share everything and now… she was alone.
She couldn't help but imagine her siblings being here with her now, laughing and cheering her up in her glum moments after which they could play through the day. Ruby couldn't help but feel glum about their absence but even then, she never forgot just why she had chosen this path. Now, there was absolutely no way she could let her mistakes hurt those around herself and she didn't have to look after anyone anymore. And she still accepted the fact that she had made the right choice.
Still, the girl couldn't help but wonder just how her brother and sister were doing right now. Were they happy in the Valley? Had the Valley even accepted them in? That was one thought that had haunted the back of her mind for a long time now but there was nothing she could do about it. She couldn't really just turn around and head to the Valley to check they were okay. For better and worse, they were away from her right now.
Even then, the fastrunner had a faraway look on her face as she thought about her siblings as well as her friends. She could only hope they were alright right now and deep inside, she knew they were. Her face turned into a slight smile as she thought about her last moments with the only remaining dinosaurs she loved in this world.
The longneck's words caused Ruby's face to fall as she could see just how genuine the look of sorrow was on Littlefoot's face. His expression seemed to make her courage fall as well as it only underlined the weight of this moment. The omnivore's voice nearly died down as she tried to answer but it wasn't long until she finally managed to form some kind of an answer.
"I think I know just how you feel, Littlefoot. But this is not the end, Littlefoot. I promise." She said with a low voice. The longneck looked at her with a somber face and his voice carried the same feeling even if it wasn't quite as broken as before.
"Ruby, I don't know if you understand but my mother said that she will always be with me, even if I couldn't see her. I always wondered what that meant really but believe it or not, it was she and dad who told me to follow you. Without them, I would still be lying out there alone. What I'm trying to say is that… maybe we can do the same." He said to which Petrie answered in a more upbeat voice even if it was still far from a happy one.
"That what Ducky and the others promise to us as well! Me not sure how it work but me more than happy to try!" He said, earning a soft smile from the other boy. Littlefoot tried to gather his thoughts as he continued from where he left off.
"There was this another thing one old dinosaur told me just after my mother died. He said that it was the things we thought each other that kept us together and… we all have thought each other a lot, haven't we?" He asked, hoping that the others would see the point he was trying to make. Ruby frowned at those words but decided against challenging that claim. And besides, there was some sense she could see in the male's words. Her voice trembled deeply as she gave her answer.
"Y… yes there is. More than I could ever think about. From each and every one of you." He said while looking at each and every one of her companions. Petrie looked at her with wide eyes and his voice was more than appreciating.
"And you thought a lot to all of us! Like what stardays are!" He said to which Ruby merely nodded glumly. She answered shortly, just thinking about everything her friends had said.
"Thanks, Petrie. I hope I've taught you more than that as well but it's something at least, isn't it?" She asked, more than appreciating the still-clear feelings of appreciation of her friends. For a fleeting moment, she started to wonder whether she could keep her calm at all and that became all the more difficult as Littlefoot spoke to her again.
"You've taught us far more, Ruby and I'll never forget any of it." He said with a sad smile, causing a single tear to flow down the fastrunner's cheeks. After a few seconds, she sniffed briefly before spreading her arms and gesturing her two remaining friends to approach her.
"Come here, both of you. For old times' sake." She said and neither Petrie or Littlefoot hesitated to do as they were told. She wept even more as she felt one of Littlefoot's legs and Petrie's left hand touch her back as she embraced both of them deeply. That moment seemed to last forever in Ruby's eyes and again, she lived through the day she met that duo for the first time, how they had made her starday as happy as it simply could be and how they defended her against the Valley's fury. Her heart was beyond heavy as she looked at Petrie and Littlefoot's eyes, trying to keep her mind in the task at hand. She simply couldn't let her emotions take hold now and make her reverse the decision that she knew was the right one for everyone involved. Slowly, she allowed the trio's embrace to break and she spoke to them in a low, trembling voice.
"Thanks, both of you. I'd love to go with you but this is where we have to go our separate ways. Goodbye, Littlefoot, Petrie as well as Orchid and Arial." She said while looking at the four dinosaurs. Each of them nodded back at the fastrunner but the first one to speak was Petrie.
"See you again, Ruby. As well as you, Littlefoot. Petrie have to now but Petrie visit you once the Warm Time approaches. Bye, both of you!" He yelled as he took off, leaving the two groundwalkers to look after him with longing eyes. Knowing that the time had come, Littlefoot spoke to the two younger omnivores.
"Well, let's go Orchid and Arial. We have a long way to go." He said, knowing that his goodbyes with Ruby had already been said. The two siblings seemed to hesitate for a brief moment and just as they were starting to approach the longneck, they turned towards their sister and moved to embrace her for a short while before being ready to leave her.
"Goodbye, Ruby. We will wait for you every day we spend in the Valley!" They said before their older sister returned the gesture and nuzzled each of them for a brief moment. Her words were nearly obscured by her tears but they were still intelligible to the two children.
"I know, Orchid and Arial. And I'll miss you as well. But off you go now. Littlefoot's waiting for you." She said and with forced movements, the duo let go of their sister and turning towards the longneck with deep, bitter sobs. Ruby looked after them for a moment before she realized that her own emotions were slowly pouring out of the shell she had tried to build to herself. The omnivore turned around and started to walk into the distance alone, with her tears starting to drop into the ground increasingly heavily.
After a few seconds, she turned to look at the forms of her siblings and Littlefoot which were quickly growing more distant and to her shock, Arial did the same at the same moment. The younger female waved at her sister one last time before Ruby did the same. Forcing herself to move forward, Ruby turned away from her siblings and headed towards her own future, not looking back for the second time.
Ruby hardly noticed the ripples in the water that her tears were causing, those memories completely having drawn her attention. Even now, that meeting was a difficult one for her to go through and she knew it would be for a long time. Even then, the knowledge that she wasn't alone was enough for Ruby right now as she wanted to believe that the small flicker of warmth lingering deep within her heart was built there by Ducky, Chomper, Cera and Spike as well as her still living friends.
The fact that they had said themselves that they would be with her was something that gave the fastrunner strength and hope even now. She couldn't have asked for more and even if she'd never forgive her guilt in starting this entire adventure of death, pain and loss, the fact that least her friends didn't blame her for it was something that gave her a modicum of ease. The past couldn't be changed but with her friends' love, maybe she could prevent things like that from happening in the future again.
Suddenly, the fastrunner's hand again sank into the cold waters and this time, she could feel her claws impaling one scaly swimmer, it's struggles over almost immediately. Ruby slowly raised it to the surface and started her meal while looking at the skies with a thoughtful look.
One day, she'd meet her friends again and find her own destiny and even make her parents proud of her. She'd repay her debt to everyone she had harmed to the best of her abilities and she'd become the fastrunner she was born to be. But for now, she was more than happy to enjoy this small moment of peace after all that had happened. A weak smile rose to her face as the Bright Circle's pale light illuminated the pond and its surroundings, giving much needed hope to the lone form on its shores.
And this indeed is the end of Separate Ways. The journey that started nearly three years ago concludes with this chapter and I cannot thank those enough who have followed it all the way to this point. I've been more than happy about all the feedback I've received over these years and I probably couldn't have done this without your help. I hope this final chapter brings you some closure after everything that has happened.
As for my own future, it is very much uncertain. I'll likely continue doing the prompts in the coming months but I won't take up bigger projects at least before June because of my university stuff and a planned trip. That being said, I cannot promise at all I'll make another long LBT fic and certainly nothing close to the length of Separate Ways. I hope you all understand and see you again with my next short story which should release sometime next month. I'll take it easier with writing from now on overall. But again, thanks to everyone who has read this story and to those who have shared their thoughts about it!
Anagnos: Thanks for the review. The first part of this chapter certainly is a difficult one and the Gang certainly had a lot of heartbreaks to deal with. Their journey has certainly been a difficult one and I simply couldn't make its end too much easier. And yep, Littlefoot's tale was worth telling even if I was unsure about its inclusion at first. So thank you for wanting to hear it.
And yep, the latter half of that installment was a happier one even if it still had its own melancholy. Even the surviving members of the Gang will never be the same again. Their dead friends' appearance will help them move forward but the pain is still there, never to leave. And yep, we indeed saw more about the Gang's futures in this chapter and I hope you'll like those sequences!
The Rhombus: It's good to hear you liked the Gang's reunion as it was one scene I decided to include only after I had started this chapter. I feared it might be a controversial scene but it's good to hear it was well-received. And yep, that meeting was a real blessing to the Gang as it was paramount for them to know that their friends were at relative peace. As for the final part of the review, yes, the Gang's members have finally reconciled with each other but they also have come to realize they no longer share the same path in life. It's likely their friendship will last forever but it will have a different form than before.
jaythefox02: In fact, I hadn't expected to include Petrie's feelings at first myself but I thought it would fit that scene well. After all, the duo were very close to each other and especially after losing the swimmer, it wouldn't really be a wonder if Petrie found that he had some romantic feelings for Ducky. And yep, I'll never resurrect a character in any story as it just takes all tension and drama away immediately. But overall, thank you a lot for your reviews and I truly wish you found this conclusion a worthy one!