The Sharptooth War(4)

Uncertain Future

Sharptooth bent down to the water, gulping down some. RedClaw drank beside him, eyeing the others with an angry expression.

Cera noticed, snorting. RedClaw grumbled something about insufferable GreenEaters, walking away. Sharptooth sighed, sitting down.

For about the millionth time, he thought about his father's death. It had been weeks now, but the snap still echoed through his skull, haunting him whenever he retreated into his mind.

Sometimes he still refused to believe he'd lost both his parents, but he would always have to come to reality. They were gone, and his last true family was his brother, who was more lost than he was.

Speaking of, he turned to study his brother. RedClaw was using his arm claw to play with a small plant in the rocks, his eyes glossed over.

Before Sharptooth could get up to go over to RedClaw, Chomper appeared beside him.

"Hey, um, we need to talk." Sharptooth looked down at Chomper, who was about as solemn as he'd ever seen him. He had an uncharacteristic frown on his face, and was looking at RedClaw with concern.

Sharptooth grumbled, "What do you need to talk abou-" Chomper shushed him, making RedClaw glare at him. Chomper narrowed his eyes, and RedClaw rolled his eyes, turning away.

Sharptooth spoke again, in GreenEater this time. "Is it about my brother?"

Chomper gave a blank expression, saying, "It's just, well, is bringing RedClaw to the valley a great idea? I mean, this is the same Sharptooth who tried to kill us countless times and invaded the valley. What if he dies, or worse, attacks someone?"

Sharptooth turned away, closing his eyes. Chomper was right to worry, and to be honest, he wasn't sure what his brother would do in the Great Valley either. But he couldn't leave his brother. He was the last thing he had of his family.

"I'm still working on that part. I just... I-" He fell off, unable to continue. Chomper patted him. "We're here for you, if you decide to remember that we were the ones who amcared about you before they did."

Chomper walked back to the others, his words stinging Sharptooth. 'I pushed them away the moment I met my father. And then I got him killed trying to help them. Who am I supposed to turn to anymore?'

Regina suddenly popped into his mind. He felt his heart twist. He'd left her to Tyrant, not even thinking to wait to get her out as well. The thought of him twisting her to be another of his mindless minions made Sharptooth curl his lip in rage.

He sometimes dreamed about ripping out that bastard's throat.

He really missed everyone. But he had to handle his problems one at a time.

So he walked over to RedClaw, sitting beside him. His eyes darted to his face, at the scar he'd left on him. He now wondered if he could've saved his brother earlier, if he could've kept him away from Tyrant's claws.

RedClaw raised a brow at him. "What do you want?" He didn't snarl. Just asked blandly, like he didn't care.

Sharptooth gave a small smile. "I wanted to talk. We haven't had much time since... well, you know."

RedClaw turned his head away, Sharptooth noticing a small tear. Suddenly, RedClaw said, "We could make it. Out here. You and I could run somewhere Tyrant can never find us, and not have to die like so many others."

Sharptooth nearly choked, looking up to make sure Chomper wasn't listening. Seeing Chomper deep in conversation, he turned to his brother.

"Come on, dont think like that." RedClaw looked up at him, scoffing, "Why not? We've lost everyone. Our father's gone. Regina is more than likely soaking up every lie Tyrant tells her. And Screech and Thud are happy being his little lackies..."

Sharptooth frowned. "I thought you just teamed up with them for the benefits?" RedClaw sighed, ripping the plant from the ground. "I thought so. But they were all I had. And I treated them awfully, even though they were my only friends. And now... I'm afraid I've pushed them too far away to get back."

Sharptooth looked up at the gang, and saw Chomper looking over. His eyes reflected pity.

Sharptooth whispered, "I know the feeling." They stayed silent for awhile, before RedClaw said, "You aren't going to run, are you?"

Sharptooth frowned. "I want to. I'm terrified. But I was always a fighter, and if I am going to die, I want to take Tyrant with me before I do. I want to give the world a chance at peace, without terrible dinosaurs constantly ruining it."

RedClaw snorted, humurously saying, "How noble of you." Sharptooth chuckled, resting his tail over RedClaw's. "We're in this together. I'm never leaving your side again. And I dont care if the valley tries to kill you, I will fight until I die to protect you."

RedClaw smiled, sitting up. He held an arm out, Sharptooth rolling his eyes and giving his brother a fist bump.

"Whatever we face next, we face it together."