The Gang of Five
Role Play => Land Before Time RPG => Topic started by: LBTFan13 on January 16, 2008, 04:59:22 PM
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A long time ago, when the earth was young, humans did not exist. Then again, neither did dogs, cats, lions, tigers, bears, or even elephants. In fact, 150 million years ago, the planet was ruled by a magnificent race of creatures known as dinosaurs.
These dinosaurs lived out life normally, just like we do today, but there were always strange events that would occur now and then, and for the dinosaurs of the great valley, the most important event that would happen to their world was also one of the scariest.
Zaine continued to run alongside the pond. He wouldn't stop, and he was the happiest he could ever be. He was running towards his parents whom he had thought were dead, along with the rest of his herd. "Mother! Father!" he yelled out to them, and from his point of view, it looked like they were running towards him as well.
Suddenly, a flash of light covered the Great Valley and blinded Zaine. A few seconds passed and he was able to see again, but he couldn't see his parents anymore. Instead, he saw what looked like the bright circle. Strangely enough, it started falling towards him, until Zaine realized that it wasn't the sun, but a gigantic rock. Terrified, Zaine tried to runaway, but he was unable to move.
Zaine screamed himself awake, his body sweating hard. He panted as he looked around. The sun had already risin up into the sky, and the Great Valley looked as beautiful as ever. Zaine breathed a huge sigh of relief. "Man, why do I keep having these nightmares?"
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Ducky was playing with her siblings and her mother in the still water near where their nest was, after they had woken and eaten some early morning food.
Littlefoot was just waking up, being woken up by his grandparents. He yawned slowly stood up, stretching as he did so. "Coming grandpa." He said then walked with his grandfather over to where his grandmother had started to eat. He walked to the little pile of tree stars and started to eat the pile. He was a bit amazed at how they knew he usually woke up hungry.
Mim was elsewhere, eating her breakfast, or at least a very early morning snack.
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Zaine had gotten up by now and started eating tree stars off of a small tree. "What do these dreams mean? Why do I see my parents and then that giant rock?" Zaine was curious as to what these dreams meant, especially since every night he had the same one. "I know, I'll go ask Littlefoot. He might be able to help." With that, Zaine started walking further into the valley, looking for his friend.
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Longtail was in a tree sleeping, when he slipped and fell hitting every branch on the way down. As he hit the ground on his head, he moaned out an "Ow." 'Well now htat I'm awake...might as well go see what's going on...I thought I heard someone scream.' Longtail stood up and began to walk forward, and just so happen to bump into Chomper knocking him down while he was searching for ground crawlers. "Oh sorry Chomper...I'm just waking up." Muttered Longtail with a yawn.
Chomper nodded and said "It's okay...hey wanna help me look for ground crawlers?" Longtail polietly said "No thanks, I thiink I heard someone scream before I woke up...I'm going to find out who." Chomper however was more than happy to follow along. "Well let's go!" said the purple sharptooth with a smile.
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Argaya and Vylor were in a clearing not far from Longtail. They heard the commotion and decided to see what was going on.
"Hello Longtail. Hello Chomper." Vylor said. He examined the tree.
"Did you fall from up there?" Argaya asked.
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Longtail sighed and said "Yeah...I fell...again! I don't know why I keep choosing to sleep in trees if I can't stay in them!" Chomper giggled a little and said "Come on Longtail let's keep going."
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"Where to?" Argaya asked.
"Do you have any idea as to why you fell?" Vylor asked Longtail.
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Longtail answered Vylor's question by saying "I cant see where I'm rolling when I'm asleep, especially on a thin branch. So I tend to fall."
Chomper spoke to Argya and said "Longtail thinks he heard a scream, and we're going to find it!"
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"Strange. We both heard a scream. Argaya, do you think that you could locate the source?" Vylor said.
"I believe that it came from somewhere in the direction of the Thundering Falls." Argaya replied.
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Ducky was playing swimmer and splasher with her siblings, her sister diver had agreed to be the swimmer in this one and had taken a deep breath to dive. Ducky was watching as best as she could, determined to not be the one the swimmer got.
Littlefoot continued to eat his breakfast. He wanted to have a good large breakfast before he went off in search of his friend so they could spend some time playing instead of playing and eating.
Mim had finished her early morning snack and took a few leaves in her hand and decided to set off to see what sorts of things were going on in the area.
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Zaine kept walking until he found Littlefoot eating. He smiled a little and ran towards him, unaware of a twig on the ground. He tripped on it and started rolling really fast towards Littlefoot. He managed to scream out,
"Littlefoot! Heads up!"
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Littlefoot looked over at the voice. He wasn't sure what to do but knew he had to help somehow so he ran over to try to do his best to stop Zaine or slow him enough so he could stop himself.
Ducky and Mim were doing much the same as before.
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Zaine felt himself slow down to a complete stop. He looked up and saw Littlefoot ontop of him."Wow, thanks Littlefoot. I'm sorry or tripping on that stick and almost running you guys over."
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Denton slowly came too, awakening to the bright circle which was now high in the morning sky. He had stayed up all night listening to a grown up tell stories of old times in the valley.
Denton's mother was nearby grazing on some tall trees, she looked over at him after hearing him yawn and stirr
"My dear child, you're such a heavy sleeper" she said and she lowered her head to give a gentle nudge and a lick
"Aw mom!" said Denton not wanting the lick bath right at that exact moment
Sudenly he heard some noises in the distance, the other children it soiunded like
"Can I go meet my friends, mom?" asked Denton
"Oh, I dont see why not." smiled his mother "Just dont go beyond the great wall or out of the valley"
"Like I'd ever want to" mumbled Denton" he smiled at his mother and then galloped away to meet his friends
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Littlefoot smiles, "I'm just glad you are ok. It can be easy trip with all the twigs, rocks and stuff." He said, thinking of it happening to him and his friends a few times at least whole playing games, and running from sharpteeth.
"You eaten breakfast yet? You can join us." He said.
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Ducky saw Diver coming up and quickly dived to one side, and Diver missed her and got one of their brothers instead. She laughed as she swam off a short distance, more in the mood to play some splashing with their mother and a few siblings who were playing that instead of splasher and swimmer.
Mim came up and sat down, watching the young swimmers playing as she ate the few leaves she still had in her hand.
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"Sure, I'd like that." Zaine did have a little food, but he figured eating with Littlefoot would be a little better. Then he realized what he was going to ask him.
"Littlefoot, can I ask you something?"
"Have you ever had a strange sleep story, only not just once but many times in a row?"
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LIttlefoot nodded, "I have a few times. The last time I think was when my grandparents and I went on a journey to where a bunch of other longnecks met and... we did something amazing there." Littlefoot said. Not saying much of what they did, or that he met his dad then.
Ducky continued playing with her siblings and mother while Mim finished eating then gathered a few sticks, parts of vines, and leaves, some grass and such and started on making a nest. She figured why not practice now before it was needed then to need one and not have practiced.
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"Strange. We both heard a scream. Argaya, do you think that you could locate the source?" Vylor said.
"I believe that it came from somewhere in the direction of the Thundering Falls." Argaya replied.
"Better get going then." said Longtail as eh walked towards the falls, with Comper close behind, Chomper then mentioned "I'm hungry, can we look for ground cralwers on the way please?" Longtail laughed and said "Yes of course we can. Just use your sniffer." "Okay!" was Chompers only reply before he began to sniff the air and the dirt for the scent of any crawlers in the area.
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Denton soon came to where Littlefoot and Zaine were
"Hey guys, what's new?" he asked as he came into the clearing
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neither did dogs, cats, lions, tigers, bears
Lions and tigers and bears? OH MY :o ! Lol, I couldn't resist :P:
Petrie flies in
Petire: Me saw another flier coming to valley! It coming quick...not look to good...
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"Well, I think something bad's going to happen to the valley soon. These dreams have been happening every single night, and it always ends with a flying rock landing. What do you think it means?"
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Petrie looks up and yells. Something crashes through the trees and an adolecent flier falls on the ground.
Petrie shieks and jumps backwards.
Petrie: That's it!
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Longtail heard Petires scream and he looked over to Chomper and the purple sharptooth said "Now we have to hurry!" Longtail then took to the sky and headed for the Thundering falls...hoping to find the reason for Petire's disstress! Chomper wheeled around and said "Come on Vylor and Argya let's go help!"
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Petrie: That's the flier me saw! Not realize she that badly hurt!
The flyer, like Petrie suggested, was a female. Her colors were uncannily the same as Pterano's, but lighter, and scratches ravaged her body and tears cut through her wings. She had lost concousness, which probobly caused her fall.
Petrie gasped
Petrie: Cousin!
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Longtail landed in a nearby tree and saw what had happened and said "Petrie...I didn't know you had any cousins....is she hurt bad?" he flapped down to the ground and looked at her scars and shook his head. 'I wonder what happened?' he thought to himself.
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Argaya arrived moments after Longtail. She saw the injured flier on the ground. "These wounds will heal quickly. Though I am curious as to their cause." she said.
Vylor came skidding into the area. "Who is she?" he asked Petrie.
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Petrie: She my cousin Ptyra...My uncle Pterano said that she die in Great Earthshake!
Ptyra moves slightly
Ptyra: (unconcously) Dad...dad...
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Chomper came running up momnets behind Vylor and Argya and heard what Petrie had said but was drowned out by Longtail as he replied "Wait...your uncle Pterano thinks she's dead, but then how did she get here? And why is she hurt?" Chomper stepped forward and said "I think she was being chased by something or someone...like Red Claw maybe."
Longtail shook his head and commented "It doesn't matter, we have to get to a better spot to rest."
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Petrie: They seperated in Earthshake. They up high! Ptrya too panicked to follow and went down instead of up. Rock hit her, uncle said. Me no know why she still alive either...
He looked at Ptyra, who was still muttering to herself, and shaking
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Zaine looked into the direction Petrie flew. "What's going on?"
Just then, Zaine zoned out. He started having a vision. He saw the rock from his dream, and his parents. They flashed throughout his mind.
Zaine woke from the vision, shocked. "I just saw it again. The rock from my sleep story."
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"I guess we won't know how she survived until she regains consciousness." Vylor said.
"What do you mean Zaine?" Argaya asked.
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Ptyra's eyes open halfway
Ptyra: Daddy? Are you...dad...
She shakes again and almost regains concousness
Petrie: Ptyra! It your cousin Petrie!
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Longtail looked over to Zaine and said "Your having sleep stories...let me hear about it!" Chomper continued to look at Ptrya and said "She seems to be waking up...I do hope she is okay!"
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"The injuries are neither deep nor serious. She will be okay. As for those sleep stories, I think that something unwelcome approaches. I've got a feeling." Argaya said.
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Ptyra's eyes fully open and the first thing she sees is Petrie
Ptyra: Petrie...where's my dad?
Petrie: Well...um...it...hard to explain
Ptyra: Where's dad!?
Petrie steps backwards. He has no idea how to explain to her about Pterano's banishment without upsetting her.
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Zaine knew everybody wanted to know what was up. "Well, I guess I should tell all of you."
Zaine told his friends about the sleep stories he had been having. He restated every detail, from him seeing his parents to the falling rock.
"I think it has something to do with my parents. I know they're dead, but then why am I seeing them?"
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Longtail nodded and said "I've had similar sleep stories and I can tell you this is a win/lose kinda thing. We may be in for a long adventure." He then looked to the sky and then back to Zaine as he said "Did you speak to a voice that came from nowhere?"
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"Perhaps you are having premonitions." Vylor said.
"I believe that something is about to happen. Zaine, you are having premonitions. Ptyra shows up out of nowhere." Argaya said.
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Ptyra: Where-is-my-father!?
Petrie: It's...almost been five cold times
Ptyra: We havn't been seperated for five cold times! Longer than that! Where's my father!?
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Longtail looked over to Ptyra and said "Please calm down...your father isn't here in the valley right now. But I'm sure he'll be here soon." He didn't know where Pterano was, cause he had never bothered to ask...so he was just trying to help Petrie.
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Zaine stopped for a moment. "Wait, how did you know about her? I mean, a voice did speak to me, but that was back during the incident with Kor."
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Longtail sighed as he remembered everyone but Zaine knew who that voice was...and he looked over and said "That voice is...my mother. She can only be heard by others who have suffered greatly in their lives...I can hear her, and so can Argya and Vylor...but I am surprised you could...it may have something to do with that dream you keep having!"
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Zaine realized he never told anyone about his parents. "Well, then I guess I have to tell you about just how my parents died." Zaine shook his head to stop a small tear from falling. "Are you sure you want to hear this though?"
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"We've heard and seen many horrible things. Argaya and I are older than we look. Much older." Vylor said.
(Post #1234 :))
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Zaine sighed. "Well, like Littlefoot, a sharptooth killed my parents. Unfortunately, they didn't finish the job. When the earthshake hit, my parents fell into the abyss, and the force launched me away from my nest. I fell and lost consciousness at that point, but when I woke up, everyone was dead. My entire herd, gone."
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(OOC: The true history of my characters is more grievous. Argaya was a dragon who watched as her entire race was annihilated and she could do nothing to stop the slaughter. Vylor is her Rider. However, that kind of magic is not allowed.)
"Well, that is sad. You are stronger than others, Zaine, to survive that ordeal when you were young. Physically and mentally." Vylor said, apparently shaken.
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Zaine nodded. "I think these dreams keep showing me my parents because maybe I will see them again, maybe soon." Zaine thought about it, but he didn't like what he came up with. I really hope not to meet them with the same fate they got.
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Ptyra: I...never knew my mother...my father said that a swimming sharptooth attacked her and she drowned (<important plot point). My father only had his sister to help him with me...
She looks around
Ptyra: Is there anyone who knows where my father is?
Petrie: Me know but...you no like it...
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Longtail shed a tear as he heard Zaines story of losing his parents and said "Well Zaine you're not alone...I lost my mother to a flying rock...she was....carrying me....and...it just...happened. There wasn't...anything I could do...but watch her die!" The tears came more rapidly now as Longtail continued "And then...my home...an island sink completely into the big water." Longtail took a deep breath as someone he knew came and put their arm around him. "Good morning uncle Cyrix." said Longtail inbetween sobs.
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Zaine then realized the mistake he made. "Longtail, I'm so sorry. You didn't have to tell me about your parents. Better yet, I had no right to ask you about them."
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Longtial's uncle Cyrix looked over to Zaine and said "It is alright...he may be sad now, but he will be stronger for it. If I may ask...I've never seen you around here before, who are you?"
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"My name is Zaine. I'm the last of my herd. They died during the earth shake, and I managed to get here." He then looked at Longtail. "We helped each other out during that dispute with Kor."
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Ptyra was not happy with being ignored in her current state. She struggled to get to her feet
Ptyra: Can ANYONE tell at least SOMETHING about my father's location!? I havn't spent my time after the Great Earthshake looking for him for nothing!
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AWKWARD SILENCE
Vylor and Argaya remained silent. Neither knew where Pterano was.
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Zaine didn't answer the flier's question mainly because he really didn't know much about him. Although, he remembered how the others prefered not to mention him after the Stone of Cold Fire incident.
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Ptyra looks at Petrie
Ptyra: Do any of your friends know? Or the grownups?
Petrie: Umm...me, friends, grownups, they know
Ptyra: Then why won't you tell me?
Petrie: Me no want to upset you
Ptyra: He's not dead is he
Petrie: Who knows? It been five cold times
Pytra: Since WHAT?!
Petrie looks at his friends
Petrie: We need other grownups...they tell...or maybe me just get Mama...
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After breakfast alone with his grandparents talking about this and that Littlefoot then went over to Ducky & Spike's nest to see what they were doing.
Mim had woken up early and had headed out to eat some of this and that as she walked along casually, eating mostly green food, but some crawlers as well. She made her way over to where Ducky & Spike's mother kept their nest. She saw Littlefoot not to far away.
"Hello Mim." He said, "up early?" he asked.
"A bit, but not to early. Just came here to see a few things here, like the structure of a swimmer nest. Want a few leaves?" She asked offering him some.
"No thanks," Littlefoot said as he shook his head, "thanks for the offer though, I've already eaten with my grand parents." Littlefoot said as he used his right front foot to point in the vague direction of where he had eaten with his grandparents.
"Here to see Ducky?" Mim asked. They both looked and could see she was playing in the water with her siblings and their mother.
"Yea, but it looks like their having fun already." He said.
"I'm sure they'd not mind if you joined them." Mim said.
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Petrie flies over to the group
Petrie: Guys! My cousin here! She have no idea where Pterano is and me no wanna tell her!!! She be away from him since earthquake and if me tell her he banished my no know what to do!!!
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"Well, he wasn't banished permanently. Wasn't it for only five cold times?" Vylor stated.
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OOC:Woah, wait a minute, just Petrie went to them...I guess they could come too
Petrie: Yeah, but me still no wanna upset Ptyra...what if he is...
Petrie chokes a whimper at the thought of the possiblities
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Zaine had just finished eating breakfast when he saw Littlefoot with Ducky and Mim. "Maybe I'll ask him about my sleep stories." Zaine walked over to Littlefoot, trying to avoid the numerous splashes of water from Ducky.
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Ducky and Diver had teamed up to splash water on their other siblings and their mother. Littlefoot sat down and watched for a bit beside Mim before deciding if he wanted to join and wait for a lul in their game before asking. Mim had looked over the nest near by and was thinking over several things mentally, examining several designs to see if a composite nest incorporating the best of each style would be possible. Neither one had noticed Zaine yet since their attention was elsewhere, as was Ducky's.
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Cyrix meanwhile had taken Longtail and lulled him to sleep, but decided that following Zaine would be a good idea, should Longtail wake up early he would then be near his friends. But as he followed Zaine into the clearing where Ducky, Diver, and Littlefoot sat he also saw Mim. He smiled as he walked over to her and said "Well, picking out the best nest type for any personal surprises are you?" He then set Longtail down and smiled again.
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"Petrie, don't worry. He is most likely alive." Argaya said in comforting tones.
"Lets go back. What about Ptrya, though?" Vylor added.
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Mim nods, "Best to be prepared beforehand then start thinking about it after you need it." She said.
Ducky had stopped splashing and was floating on her back while resting a bit. Sometimes she got some water in her mouth and sent a stream of it up like a small fountain. Diver had dived down for some underwater green food, her favorite.
Littlefoot stood up and started walking towards were Ducky and the other swimmers of her family were.
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Zaine finally caught up to Littlefoot. "Hey Littlefoot, why don't you ever try swimming? It's not that hard, at least, not the first five seconds." He laughed a little to himself.
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Petire: We get grownups and my Mama! They'll help her; she no can get to nest because her wings torn up
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"Good. We'll go get them." Vylor said.
Then he and Argaya began running towards Petrie's nest.
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Petrie: Anyone help bring Ptyra over here? Me stay with her til grownups come! They explain about Uncle!
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After hearing Petrie's question Cyrix stood up and said "I'll help get her there." He then walked over to Ptyra and said "Would you like to walk, or would you prefer I carry you?"
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Littlefoot looked at Zaine, "Swimming is pretty easy, I'm not to good at it but I'm good enough to not drown and can swim a little." He said. He walked over closer to the water and used a bit of his tail to splash some water onto Ducky.
Ducky went right side up, laughing, "I'll get you, yes I will." she said using her hands to splash a little water onto Littlefoot.
Mim watched the others play, wondering who Ptera was and if she was injured and how well she was doing, but she knew Cyrix would help her and would not need her help so she stayed where she was. She looked at Zaine and Littlefoot. Maybe Ducky and the other swimmers can teach her to swim. I've seen Cera's little sister and she swims pretty well."
Littlefoot nodds, as did Ducky, "She swims better then Cera, yes she does."
"But don't say that around Cera." Littlefoot said since the topic tended to annoy Cera or make her mad.
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Zaine laughed a little. Littlefoot was lucky that Cera wasn't around to hear that comment. "Anyway, there's something I ned to ask you. Have you ever heard of a Stone of Cold Fire?"
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On their way to Petrie's nest, Vylor and Argaya passed Zaine and Littlefoot. When they heard the words "Stone of Cold Fire", they stopped.
"Did you just say 'Stone of Cold Fire?'" Vylor asked Zaine.
Memories were flashing through his mind. First of Pterano, then of Threehorn Peak, then of the Rainbow Faces.
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Zaine looked at Vylor. "Yeah, but how do you..." He turned back to Littlefoot. "Did you guys see the Stone of Cold Fire?"
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At the mention of the Stone of Cold Fire Cyrix turned his head and walked over to where Zaine was standing and said "I've heard about such a thing...tell me what do you know about it?" It was at that moment also that Longtail yawned himself awake, and blinked several times before going over to the water to get a drink and saying hello to Ducky.
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Littlefoot nodded, "It was just a regular falling rock, though it did have fire on it as it fell. Those, other rainbowfaces told lies about the stone having magic powers. Pterano and 2 other flyers grabbed Ducky and went there. We went after them and eventually rescued Ducky, with some help by those other rainbowfaces. The flyers wanted to use the stone to gain powers and rule the other dinosaurs. There was an earthshake and Ducky fell, who was saved by Pterano, but for his actions he was bannished from the great valley. But since he saved Ducky and seemed to have reform his banishment was changed from being forever to 5 cold times." Littlefoot said, "those other rainbowfaces liked to talk in riddles and say, " Littlefoot said, changing his voice to be more like the 2 rainbowfaces from the movie, "That would be telling." He said.
Mim nodded, "They do sound, odd. I've heard some others talking about them." She said.
Ducky was floating in the water again and nodded to what Littlefoot said. "They were mean, but Petrie's uncle was not as mean as the other flyers, he seemed sorry when they dropped me from that high place and I fell." She said.
She looked at Longtail and as Longtail came close she waved saying, "Hello sir." She said to Cyrix, "Hello Longtail, Are you all doing well today?' She asked looking at the various folks who had just arrived.
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Ptyra: Yeah...I guess you could...
She climbs onto his back, very weakly, but quickly
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"You do realize that those rainbow-faces might have been telling the truth about the stone. Those fliers might not have known how to use it, though." Vylor commented.
"Truth be told, that explosion of the stone seemed too powerful for an ordinary stone. And I've never seen an ordinary stone explode before." Argaya added.
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Littlefoot looked at the two, "But the explostion wasn't caused by the stone, it was done by the smoking mountain when bubling fire came out of it very fast and there was an earthshake after more smoke came from the smoking mountain."
Mim nodded, "Some call that an eruption. Some, if not most, smoking mountains send out smoke and also bubbling fire and very hot rocks also and can send the burning rocks pretty far as the bubbling fire flows from it like water in a river."
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(OOC: I don't call this (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2122/2207252218_42803d2458_o.jpg) an eruption. I call it an explosion.)
"Personally, I think that that wasn't an ordinary stone. There was something ... different about it, and I don't mean it was blue or anything like that." Vylor replied.
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Cyrix looked over to Ducky and waved back, then he turned his attention to Ptyra by saying "Well Ptyra, what will you do now? You certainly can't go back out into the Mysterious beyond while you are injured like this." Longtail then walked over and said "Well I could go look for him." Cyrix immediate reaction to that statement was to turn around and poke his nephew on the head as he replied "No...you can't I won't risk losing you."
Longtail then asked "Well what are we supposed to do? Stand around doing nothing...?"
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Littlefoot looked at Longtail, "There is no way to know where he is, he is a flyer and can move around a lot. It's not like us wanting to visit the warm place we stayed at while the great valley grew to cold for green food, or the leaf gobblers ate all the green food and we stayed in the other place while the great valley regrew it's green food, those places do not move around. Even Mo who lives in the great water would be hard to find since he swims around and would be hard to find. "
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Ptyra: I've been worse...flying might be a problem...I just don't get why we're going to the Mysteryous Beyond to find my father...I don't even WANT to go back there...it's the way I came...those sharpteeth...wanted me out of their territory...but since I have you with me...I'm safe...
She pauses
Ptyra: But WHY would my father be in the Mysteryous Beyond? Someone's been keeping something from me! And what's this Stone of Cold Fire buisness? I've heard enough about it already! Bring back the dead...heal the sick...a whole lot of rubbish if you ask me...
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Cyrix spoke to Ptyra once more "Well hopefully Petrie is on his way back with some of the other elders and you can get the full story about what has happened." Longtail nodded at what Littlefoot said and sighed "Yeha...you are right. But still I too am just a bit curious as to what happened!"
At that moment Littlefoots grandpa walked into view "Well good morning everone...Petrie told us we have a visitor and I came by to say hello." The elderly longneck looked down at Ptyra and said "Are you by chance the one Petrie mentioned?"
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While grandpa longneck talked with Ptyra, Zaine moved closer to Littlefoot.
"Look Littlefoot. I don't know much about the last Stone of Cold Fire, and to be honest I really don't care. I think there's going to be another one. That would explain the strange sleep stories I've been having these past few weeks. I always see a flying rock falling towards me, but before that I see my parents. They have to be connected somehow, but I don't know why."
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Littlefoot nods, "It could be that a message from someone who wants you to find this stone of cold fire or whatever the name is. My mother contacted me and wanted me to come to the great valley. I saw her once in some water in a tree star on the ground with water in it, and once in the clouds." He said, some sadness coming into his voice.
Mim nodded, "I've heard of such things, never witnessed anything like that myself. Though the dream state could theoretically leave one more susceptible to certain things, or it could be certain facts one knows but is not aware of can be worked out in the dream state." Mim said.
Ducky splashed some water on Longtail. "You want to come in and play, there is plenty of room, there is." She said.
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Zaine nodded. "Maybe my parents are trying to contact me. Maybe I'm supposed to find this stone so they can talk to me." Then he thought of something. "If I find the stone, what if I can bring back my herd?"
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Littlefoot nods smiling a bit at the happy thought. "Maybe you can, it can't hurt to try anyway. You could wish them to be in the great valley or something like that, or wherever you are when you make the wish."
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Zaine smiled as well. "As soon as we see the stone land, we should go and find it. Maybe you can use the stone to bring back your mother, if you don't mind me bringing her up."
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"I don't think that mortals should meddle into the affairs of the dead. It isn't natural. Communicate, yes. Revive, no." Argaya said.
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"Well what else could it mean? If the stone really does have magical powers this time, then I still hve some strand of hope."
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Ptyra: Yes...I'm the one...Mr. Longneck...may you please tell me where my father is-Pterano-he may have spoken of me...please tell me where my father is!
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Longtail laughed as he jumped into the water and used his tail to splash water at Ducky and said "You are so going to lose!" Meanwhile Grandpa Longneck nodded to Ptyra and said "Alright...if you would like to know, I will be happy to tell you."
He cleared his throat and said "It all happened about one cold time ago...your father Pterano came to the Great Valley looking for the first Stone of Cold Fire, and to do so he kidnapped Ducky and took her with him. But in the end saved her and the our other young ones and we the council decided to lower his sentence to Five cold times...we haven't seen him since....I'm sorry if this isn't what you wanted to hear...but it is what happened."
Cyrix immediately turned to Ptyra and asked "Are you going to be okay?"
-
Littlefood nods a bit, "Though if there were only one wish the stone could grant she'd rather you use it." he said looking at Zaine, "You having your herd back would be great, they may be all alive, just lost due to the earth shake, like happened to some of us on our way to the great valley. My grandparents, Cera's dad, and Ducky's mom were separated from us but were all alive and well, your herd may be as well. They just don't know to look for you here in the great valley." Littlefoot said. "Having my mom back would be great, but if there is only one wish, then you should have it to bring your herd where you are so you can be with them again." Littlefoot said nodding as he looked at Zaine.
Mim nods, "Very well said, some far older then you have never said such wise words in all their lives." She said looking and going over to pat Littlefoot.
"uh.. thanks?" He said, a bit embaressed and not sure what to say.
Ducky nodded, "I agree with Littlefoot, yes I do." She said having caught most of what Littlefoot said and pausing in her playing to listen. "Having your herd back would be great, yep, yep, yep." She said. She knew how much Litttlefoot missed his mother so refrained from mentioning her at all. She turned back to Longtail as she got splashed, and started to splash him, "No, I will not loose, no, no, no." She said laughing as she returned to the game.
-
"Dead men tell no tales. They shouldn't be woken from eternal slumber because they are missed. But you decide what you will do. I won't tell you." Vylor said in a resigned tone.
-
Zaine nodded. "Thank you Littlefoot. I guess we shouldn't worry about it now because the stone hasn't even landed yet." He smiled. "Come on Littlefoot. I'll race you into the water!"
-
Ptyra's shoulders fall, she looked aghast, then she shot a hard look at Petrie
Ptyra: Why didn't you tell me in the first place?
Petrie: Me no want to upset you! Me sorry, but
Ptyra: At least I know his location...not sure if I could go there the entire way...being a cripple...
She looks at her torn wings
Ptyra: But I'm at the destination I've been meaning to be at...that's fine for know...
At the moment, Ptyra was far too weak and tired to show all her feelings about her father.
She sighs
Ptyra: I'm really tired...can't think strait...that sharptooth...
-
Littlefoot nods, "Your on." He said then took off for the water.
Mim walked closer to Ptyra, "It may seem like a long time but he'll come here, if for no other reason then to visit with his nephew and sister, and imagine how happy he'll be when he finds out you are here too." She then looked at some of Ptyra's injuries, Maybe I can help with some of your injuries." She said.
Ducky continued to play with Longtail in the water.
-
Zaine started running behind Littlefoot. "No fair! You got a head start!" He started laughing as he sprinted towards the water, making sure not to trip over anything this time. He reached the water's edge, and noticed Littlefoot was right next to him. He then leaped into the water.
-
"Slow. You both should work on your speed." Vylor said, already standing in the water. Argaya was with him.
-
Zaine raised his head out of the water just as Littlefoot splashed in. "Yeah we may be slow, but we're better at splashing you!" He whipped his tail into the water and splashed Vylor and Argaya.
-
Longtail smiled at Zaine and replied "Oh yeah, well I'll bet you can't beat me and Ducky!" He then looked over to the little swimmer and said "You ready for a big team splash?" He then raised his tail ready to attack
-
"Uh oh" Zaine laughed and braced for the splash.
-
Littlefoot jumped into the water to join in with the fun, getting ready to splash someone with his tail.
Ducky nodded to what Longtail said and got ready to start splashing herself.
Mim tried to gently pat Ptyra to try to reassure her as she also tried to get a better look at her injuries without touching any of the areas waiting to see what Ptyra would say about her earlier offer. "Things will turn out ok." She said as reassuring as she could.
-
"Littlefoot, you might want to duck in a few seconds." Zaine dipped his head under water.
-
Longtail timed his splash with Ducky and moved his tail though the water and the splash he and Ducky made was indeed huge...the splash itself covered the shore and lapped up against Cyrix feet. Longtail was laughing although he wasn't sure if actually hit anybody...it was still pretty funny!
-
Littlefoot did his best to duck as Zaine said.
Mim continued looking over Ptyra's injures without touching them doing her best to judge them and see what sort of treatment they would need. "You'll be fine no no time at all." She said with a soothing a voice as she could.
-
Cyrix nodded to what Mim said to Ptyra and replied "Yes you see, and then when and if the time comes I'm sure you'll be able to see your father again!" Longtail however was no lying on his back in the water just floating.
-
Zaine rose his head out of the water after the wave died down. "Nice spash Longtail. Someday mine will be bigger." He laughed and began to try and rest on his back in the water as well. He failed the first few times, but eventually he got the hang of it.
-
Ptyra manages a small smile
Ptyra: Thanks...I might as well stay here...I've been moving around a lot between herds...I need a permanant home...and I promiced myself it would be with my family...
-
Littlefoot moved a bit deeper into the water and relaxed in the water. "nice." He said sighing a bit.
Ducky swam around a bit closer to the group then started to just float like the others. "Yes, just floating can be fun, it can." She said.
Mim patted Ptyra, "When you are ready I'm sure Petrie can find a flier large enough to carry up to your aunt's nest. I'm sure she'd not mind you staying with her. You'll heal quickly I'm sure. Till then you just rest and you'll feel better soon enough. Are you hungry or thirsty?" she said.
-
Ptyra: I'm a little too tired to notice any hunger or thirst...maybe I'll eat after resting...been a long time since I've last fished...
Ptyra smiles
Ptyra: I hatched on a cliff near the Big Water...my father and I did lots of fishing there...
She looks over at the water where the others are swimming
Ptyra: I think they're scaring away all the fish though
She laughs slightly
Ptyra: When I was little I had fun scaring off all the fish until Dad snapped at me for it "Fish die faster if you scare them off" he would say. I'm still wondering if that's true or not...one herd I was with argued about it when I brought it up.
-
Vylor and Argaya decided to dry themselves off.
They both got out of the water and lied down, collecting their thoughts.
-
(OOC: I want to introduce the Stone of Cold Fire soon. I was planning on having it appear at night time, like the first one, but I wanted to get your opinions.)
-
OOC: that would be nice, then some or most adult may not see it. Not sure what the others think though.
Littlefoot and Ducky relaxed in the water.
Mim went to get some stuff to deal with Ptyra's injuries and returned and started to clean off the wounds if any looked like they needed or should be cleaned, then lay the things out in an organized way to have them handy.
"Sorry but some of these steps may be a bit painful." Mim said to Ptyra.
-
"Need a hand, Mim?" Vylor asked. He and Argaya walked over to Ptyra to examine the severity of the injuries in detail.
-
Zaine got out of the water and shook it off. "Well, I needed that." At that moment, he looked up into the sky and saw something. It looked like a blue circle flying through the sky. "What is that thing?" he asked out loud. Then it hit him. "Oh my gosh! It's the Stone of Cold Fire! It's here!"
-
Ptyra looks up in surprise
Ptyra: So it DOES exist...but...why is it coming a second time?
She winces at the pressure of a plant against a wound
-
Min nods to Vylor, "yes help is always handy. She said. She paused in her treating of Ptyra's injuries. She made up some leaves into a paste and used a bit of vine, softening the end ot help with applying the paste.
She used some sticks, if needed to set if any wing was broken. She also used some thin and very flexable leaves on each side to help close Ptyra's wings with goo between them, if it would help the wings to heal. She also applied some goo to the wounds and covered them some leaves to help keep the dirt out, making room at spots so Vylor could help also.
-
Ptyra becomes distracted by the stone
Ptyra: I wonder where it's heading
Petrie: It go to Mysterous Beyond!
-
Zaine watched as the stone headed into the Mysterious Beyond. "Amazing. I never thought I would see anything like it." He looked over at Littlefoot. "Was this like the one you saw?"
-
Littlefoot wasn't speaking since he had seen it and was watching it also. He nodded to what Zaine said. "As I remember that is how the other one looked, it also made a crackling sound like fire in the trees." He thought a moment, "Hmm, I wonder if those riddle talking rainbowfaces will come, they showed up a little after the first one did." Littlefoot said.
Mim continued to work on Ptyra's injuries till they were all deal with as best as she could. "There, you should heal up nicely in a short period of time." She said.
Ducky was watching the stone fall also, "wow, that is pretty, it is." She said nodding.
(ooc: had to watch the scene to be sure it looked the same before I did Littlefoot's reply.)
-
(ooc: hey that's cool)
Zaine smiled. "There's still a chance I can see my herd again. I say we go out and look for it the first chance we get."
MEANWHILE
In the Mysterious Beyond, two egg eaters watched as the stone landed far away from them.
"It's time," one said. The two began to run towards the landing zone.
-
"That is odd. I feel something ... different now. That stone is special." Vylor said.
"It is if as though there is a field of power radiating from it." Argaya added.
-
"It must be a real one," Zaine said, "because I feel it too." Zaine then realized that the grown ups were never going to allow them to leave to find the stone. "We'll have to sneak out somehow."
-
Ptyra: How can a stone have some kind of power? It's just a rock, for goodness sake!
Petrie: You nothing like uncle...
Ptyra: I was always told I was like my mother, Petrie
She looks towards the Mysteryous beyond
Ptyra: I wonder if anyone there is seeing it...
-
Longtail was still floating on his back in the water as the stone flew by overhead, and he opened his eyes...he looked on in awe...it was different from any flying rock he'd seen before. "Wow..." was the only word he could get his mouth to say as he watched it fall into the Mysterious Beyond.
Cyrix on the other hand while watching the stone fall tried to turn his head to see it land, and then heard what Zaine said and replied "Of course we won't let you go...it's far too dangerous! You young ones could get hurt!"
Just then Longtail's right eye changed color, and he said "Yep...this one has to be the real thing...."
-
Littlefoot shrugs, "It could be real or it may not, no way to know sitting around here while the grown ups argue. What if Red Claw or someone else gets to and used the stone?" He says.
Ducky nodded, "That would be bad, it would." She said, with a bit of a fearful look on her fact.
Mim finished up with Ptyra and looked over to make sure she had done the seeing to the injuries properly double checking her work. She had heard something and had looked up to watch it for a bit that she could see it. "Unless one has proof that can lead to a conclusion one way or another all one can do is say opinions and their personal theories." She said.
-
Zaine looked at Cyrix. "That's why we have to go. If that stone falls into the wrong hands, it could mean big trouble for us. Please, you have to let us go!"
-
Cyrix glared at Zaine as if getting ready to scold him, but then said "Only if Mim and I go with you...there is no other way!" He then turned to Ptyra on his back and said "Are you well enough to travel on another adventure?"
-
Zaine sighed with relief. He didn't think Cyrix would have let them go, but he guessed the only reason was to keep an eye on Longtail. "Thank you. We'll leave later tonight. The grown ups won't be awake then.
-
Mim nods, "That does sound best. The more eyes looking for sharpteeth and other dangers the safer we'll be." She said.
Littlefoot nods, "That will give us time to rest and eat so we won't need to do that during the trip."
Ducky nods, "We need to get it before some bad guys do, we do, we do, or it could be bad. I remember what those flyers wanted to do with the last stone." She said, nodding with a bit of a look of fear on her face.
-
"Well, we are wasting time talking about it. We should start preparing now." Vylor said.
Then he and Argaya ran to go get some food.
-
Ptyra: I suppose so...
Petrie flies up onto her shoulder
Petrie: You no worry, me stay right with ya! 'Cause me good cousin!
Ptyra smiles
Ptyra: Yes you are
-
Zaine nodded. "All right. Let's meet up back here tonight after everyone else is alseep. Make sure you eat a lot, because we may not get to stop much in the Mysterious Beyond."
-
(Just as Zaine finishes his sentence, a very large, very old , beige colored longneck steps from behind a bunch of trees. The little ones gasp as this longneck noone has ever seen before steps closer to them. He stops, towering over them all, when he begins to speak.)
Twilight: "Young ones, did I hear you correctly? Surely you aren't planning on doing something so un-wise as traveling off into the mysterious beyond unsupervised? I'm sure you all know the dangers that lie there, such as quicksand, fast water, and sharp teeth!
( Twighlight then looks around to make sure that none of the children's parents are around to hear the sentence that he has just spoke.)
-
Mim turns to the new arrival, "They are not going off unsupervised Cyrix and I will be going with them and if you doubt my ability I've spent all my life but the short time I was here living in what you call the mysterious beyond dealing with sharpteeth in various ways." Mim said, leaving out that she knew the kids would sneak off anyway regardless of what the adults said. "And though I may look like a hatchling to you but I am full grown."
Littlefoot nodded, "We know, My friends all hatched out in the mysterious beyond and came here by ourselves, the 5 of us. We know the dangers and such out there, but some things need to be done rather then arguing and wasting time that you grown ups seem to always do, sir." Littlefoot said.
"It's true, yep, yep, yep." Ducky said agreeing with all that Littlefoot said.
Petrie nodded from where he was, "It very very scary. We 5 come here & do sometimes, though it scaries me very much." Petrie said, shaking a bit at the thought of going outside the great valley but if his friends went out there he would have to too.
-
( Twighlight looks at Mim, Littlefoot, and Petrie as they talk and explain their reasons and then begins to talk directly to Mim and Cyrix.)
Twighlight: "May I speak to you two, in private?"
( Twighlight then turns and heads back off towards the bunch of trees while Mim and Cyrix follow, away from the little children. Twighlight then turns around and begins to talk to the two other "grownups".)
Twighlight: "Please, I know you only want to please these children. And even though I don't know the full story, i'm sure that nothing good can come out of leading them into the mysterious beyond. Sharpteeth, what about them. If you encounter them, there's no way that only you two can protect those children. Why, I couldn't bear it to know that you young ones went out there, and never came back. Please listen to the voice of experience.
-
Cyrix smiled and almost laughed but held back as he said "You don't need to worry, our nephew Longtail the young blue flyer you saw has been fighting sharpteeth since the day he hatched, he is able to protect everyone here....but still it would be better that we get to the stone first rather than someone who would use it for their own gain."
-
Mim went off with Cyrix and the other Adult. She nodded to what Cyrix said. "Imagine of a sharptooth got his claws on the stone, assuming that the stone does possess supernatural abilities. Also, for some odd reason, it seems that the adults of this valley would rather argue then do anything, making their children do what needs to get done by default."
Not knowing what else to do Littlefoot began to eat, letting Ducky get to some of the leaves and branches so she could eat also.
-
Zaine looked over at Littlefoot. "Are the adults here always this nosy?" he whispered. "If so, getting out of here may be harder than we thought. I mean, what if this one tells the others? What if Cera's dad comes after us?"
-
"Don't worry. I know a way where he can't get to us. It is also very hard to find. Vylor and I were lucky to come across it in the first place." Argaya said.
-
"There are lots of ways out of the great valley my friends and I have found and use from time to time." Littlefoot said.
Ducky nodded, "Oh yes, lots and lots. The grown ups do not know of all the ways we do, no they do not." She said shaking her head at the last part of what she said.
-
"Then you probably know where we are talking about." Vylor said.
"Anyways, we need to get out of here soon." Argaya added.
-
I thought I was Petrie!
Ptyra: All this riff-raff about a STONE having magic! I'm not as gullible as my father to beleive such a thing. A stone can't grant you control over THIS valley, or heal the sick, or even more impossible bring back the dead! The dead can't come back and no stone's going to change that!
She sighs
Ptyra: (silently) Perhaps that's not the only reason why my father wanted the stone...
-
Ducky looked over at Ptyra, "He seemed to think everything would be better if fliers were in charge, and especially him." She said pausing in her talking.
"That is wrong though," Littlefoot said, pausing in his eating while shaking his head " No one is any better then anyone else. Everyone has certain things they can do better then anyone else or any other type of dinosaur."
Ducky nods, "Momma says that, yes she does." She said nodding.
-
Zaine nodded, "Which is why we have to find it. If someone like Pterano gets the stone, they could use it to control everyone."
-
"Pterano changed his outlook, though. His goal is now to help, not control." Vylor said.
"Still, that idea is a scary one." Argaya commented.
-
Ptyra: Yes, it does sound strange to think about...but how in teh world can an oddity of a STONE grant you power over this valley? Why the Great Vlley? Why this over anywhere else? Surely this isn't the only "Perfect Place" in the world, can it? And...I've heard that this stone can bring back the dead...sruely he was keeping a secret to himself...another truely selfish thought...my aunt said that he loved my mother very much...
She looks around
Ptyra: I think it's preposterous! Nothing can bring back the dead, nothing ever will! And nothing can grant control of anything!
Petrie: Me no be so sure if me were you! Me mean...remember the night flowers? They just flowers and yet they help your grandpa, Littlefoot.
-
"Ali's herd told us about those, though only Ali would help us, the rest of the herd refused to help." Littlefoot said remembering quite well. "Wether the stone works or not we still have to try to keep it away from others who will try to use it for evil." Littlefoot said.
Ducky nodded, "It would be very bad if some folks got their hands on the stone, it would." She said.
-
"I would rather fight for a meaningless cause than not know my fate." Vylor said.
"I agree with Vylor on this one." Argaya replied.
-
Longtail who by this point had dried himself off and had been listening to his friends talking finally said "Well, I'm with Vylor and Argaya on this one...I say we go and fight for a rock rather than wait for something bad to happen." He then smiled and continued by saying "Besides I'm not afraid of any sharptooth....well except the really big ones like Red Claw."
-
Ptyra: Who is this Redclaw exactly? And just how huge is he?
-
"He is large, he is a full grown sharptooth of the same kind as Chomper. Maybe begger even." Ducky said, looking a little scared as she thought and imagined Red Claw, "And he travels with two fast biters also." She said.
"We've been able to elude them before using our wits and working together, and we'll be able to again if we need to." Littlefoot said looking at those present and with determination on his face.
-
( Twighlight shakes his head for a while and then nods as he looks over and sees a huge watering place where the grown-ups have gathered.)
Twighlight: "You youngsters may not now it, but I once traveled with some of the members of this heard. I know that they do take long times to "discuss" problems before actually handling the situation. So, I will leave those young ones in the care of you two. I wish you would listen to the voice of reason and take more grown-ups with you, but alas, I have my own things to handle now that I'm back in the great valley. Please, do be careful. Tell those little ones that we longnecks do hear better than we let on, and that I won't tell the others where you're headed. However, if I'm confronted, I won't hesitate to tell them where to find you. Take care, be safe.
( The old longneck then turned around and headed off in the direction of the other adults.)
[ooc- don't worry, I won't tell anyone, this was just a way for me to get out of this story.]
-
Cyrix nodded and said "Of course." and called out as Twilight left "Good luck and safe travels." He then turned to Mim, and said "So we still leave tonight while the night circle is high!"
-
Mim waves to Twilight, "Thanks, to bad there are not more like you." She called after him.
Mim turned to Cyrix noding, "It is likely best. We should go and get some information on the stone, and I'm sure Littlefoot and the others will be going anyway. We can't just rush to the stone once we are near either. We have to be careful. Others may have arrived at or near the stone before we have, or about the same time if not after we arrive."
-
Ptyra: I still think the whole thing's farfetched, but I may have a chance at finding my father
-
"I think it will take more than our wits this time," Zaine commented. "If this is the real stone, then I have a very bad feeling about this."
MEANWHILE...
In the Mysterious Beyond, Ozzy and Strut stopped again. "There's no way we can get to the stone like this," Ozzy said. "We need a new plan."
"What if we use the children in the Great Valley?" Strut suggested. "That longneck who was with the little sharptooth?"
"Yes, him." Ozzy remembered. "We could use him very well."
-
"I feel that we should all be on the look-out for any duplicities." Vylor said.
"If you are right, Zaine, then we would be in danger of tricks by any enemies." Argaya added.
-
Zaine nodded. "I agree with leaving tonight. What do you guys think?" He looked at Littlefoot and the others.
-
Littlefoot nods, "It is best, but we have to be very careful. It's dangerous out there, and that stone has likely attracted more attention then those here in the great valley." He said looking around at those present. "We should eat before we go, and get a nap if we can so we'll be alert."
Ducky nodded, "Imagine if a sharptooth got to the stone. That would be very bad, it would."
"We have to be extra careful once we get close. See if we can tell what sort of folks may have been there before us." Littlefoot said.
-
Ptyra: We may as well find a place to rest...who knows who long we'll be up?
Petire fakes a yawn in agreement
Petrie: She right
-
Zaine nodded. "Then it's decided. We will leave tonight then."
ooc: for the sake of keeping the rp going, i'm skipping the rest of the day and now it is the night of us leaving.
Zaine woke up just after the bright circle had fallen from the sky. "It's time."
-
"Finally! We've been up for hours." Vylor said in a whisper. Argaya nodded.
(OOC: Thanks. I couldn't think of a reply for a while.)
-
Ptyra: I think I'll walk some of the way, just so I don't tire anyone who can carry me
-
"We should wait for the others to get here before we leave," Zaine suggested. I really hope we get to the stone before anybody else does. I have to know if I can see my parents again or not.
-
Littlefoot snuck away from his nest when he woke up and saw what time it was. He had told his grandparents he was tired and wanted to take a nap. He ate a little on the way to Ducky'smother's nest area.
Once close he snuck as quietly as he could to where she was and gently nudged her. At first she rolled over. He nudged her again a bit harder this time.
"Ducky." He whispered. She opened one eye then another. She opened both of her eyes and stood up.
"Li.." she started to say then put her hands over her mouth while looking around to be sure she had not woken anyone up.
"Come on, we can swing by some of the others to see if they want to come." Littlefoot whispered before picking up Ducky with his mouth to place her on his back. Once he was sure she was securly in place he snuck away to not wake anyone up and went off to the next place.
-
Cyrix was looking for Longtail so they could meet up with the others and just as he passed under a tree something fell and hit the rainbow face in the head...hard enough to force him to fall over. He opened his eyes to see none other than his nephew mumbling something about trees.
"My...ow...dear nephew, why continue to sleep in trees if you keep falling out of them?" he asked quietly, and Longtail's response was "Because being off the ground helps me sleep....but the branches I sleep on are pretty thin...so I just slide off."
Cyrix sighed and grinned as they both stood up while he said "Well now that I've found you, let's go meet up with the others..." Longtail nodded and said "Okay!" and followed his uncle towards the valley wall.
-
The group went to where Mim usually slept and found her not to far eating a leaf. She waved to the others.
"Hello, I was just waiting a short time to see if any of us would come by here before I headed out." Mim said.
"Let's go to where we are suppose to meet the others." Ducky said, the others nodded and Littlefoot, Ducky and Mim headed to where they were to meet the others.
-
Ptyra streches as the others gather and winces as her scars tighten
-
Zaine smiled as everyone arrived at the meeting spot. "I was afraid you guys wouldn't show up. Anyway, we're all here, so now lets head to the Mysterious Beyond. The stone should have landed over there."
-
Mim nodded, "We should, if everyone is here is ready." She said, then looked over at Ptyra, "How are you feeling?" She asked.
Ducky nodded, "Yes, this is a good time, before we are discovered, yep, yep, yep." She said.
"Sounds like a good idea to me too." Littlefoot said nodding.
-
Meanwhile, not far from the group, Ozzy and Strut were listening on their conversation. Ozzy sneered. "Yes. There's the little hatchling longneck that ruined our plans, and it looks like he's got some new friends. Perfect."
"Why's that perfect?" Strut asked confused, and Ozzy roled his eyes.
"The green longneck knows where the stone is, and coincidentally he is friends with Littlefoot. We can use him."
-
"I think that it is a little too late for discovery. I am hearing some conversation, but none of us have the voices I am hearing. It is coming from over there." Vylor said, pointing towards a pile of rocks that were large enough to conceal multiple dinosaurs.
-
Zaine could hear the voices as well, and he recognized them immediately. The ones from my dreams. "Wait here guys. I'll be back." He then walks over towards the bushes and peered in. He managed to catch a glimpse of two egg eaters running away. Damn. Zaine ran back to the group. "I think Vylor's right. We have to leave now."
-
Mim nods, "It is the right time, and we have to be sure to keep watch for any trouble or troublesome folks who may be around. Great care is required it seems." She said, "It seems someone has taken an interest in us already." She said.
Littlefoot looked at Zaine, "Did you see who it was?" He asked curious.
Ducky nods, "I'm ready, is everyone?" She said making sure she had a good hold on Littlefood.
-
Ptyra stands up from where she was sitting and lets Petrie perch on her shoulder
Ptyra: We're all ready
-
Longtail and Cyrix walked up as well and Cyrix said "Well if someone is ahead of us, then we should hurry!" With a serious look on his face Longtail nodded and replied "Yeah, let's get to that stone first...Whoever is trying to beat us there...I wanna see the looks on their faces when we get there first!"
-
Littlefoot nods, "Yes, let's go." He said.
-
Zaine nodded. "Ok guys. To the Mysterious Beyond! Let's move. While the others took lead, Zaine sayed back with Littlefoot. "I saw two egg eaters back there. They remind me of the ones from my dreams, but what does it mean?"
-
Littlefoot thought for a moment, then got a bit of a fearful look, then one of determination, "They must be after the stone also. I wonder if it was the one from before who we met. They were after the egg that Chomper hatched from but his parents chased them away." He said thinking back and remembering the events.
-
Zaine remembered Littlefoot mentioning them before. "Didn't they try to get rid of you also? I mean, you and the others kept getting in their way the whole time they were here."
-
Littlefoot nods, "They wanted to get rid of all of us. They wanted to throw me off of the great wall. Luckily Chomper was there to save me and his parents to chase them off. Though that had nothing to do with saving me, they were just mad that they were trying to harm their hatchling." Littlefoot said, remembering the time and a bit fearful of certain events.
-
Zaine felt equally concerned. "If these egg eaters are the same two as before, then we might be in big trouble. What if they come after you again?"
-
"I don't think Littlefoot is their target, Zaine. From what I heard, they were talking about you." Vylor said.
"I may be wrong, but they want you to manipulate." Argaya added.
-
"We just have to be on the watch for those two." Littlefoot said.
Ducky nods, "They are bad, yes they are, just like a sharptooth." She said nodding.
"Likely they are not the only one's the stone may have attracted the attention of. They may also be up to more then just wanting the stone." Mim said.
-
Zaine thought for a moment at Vylor's comment. "You're right. They could come after me. I know where the stone is, and if they get a hold of me..."
Meanwhile...
Ozzy and Strut kept a safe distance away from the group, but they still chose to follow. Strut was the first to comment. "Why don't we just grab the green longneck now? It'll save us the trouble."
"Pipe down," Ozzy whispered. "We have to time this perfectly. That meddlesom longneck Littlefoot is with them. If we just run out now, he will foil our plan again. We have to wait until the time is right to take him."
-
"We should be careful. We should keep watches at night." Vylor said.
"Watches should be in pairs. Vylor and I will take the first watch tonight." Argaya added.
-
Cyrix nodded and said "Yes...Vylor is right, we do need to be very careful. This is a very dangerous time for us." Longtail then said "Besides they haven't met me yet...should they try anything stupid...well lets just say it'll be alot of fun."
-
Zaine smiled a little. "Thanks guys. It's good to know I've got friends like you backing me up. I don't think I could have made this trip without you."
-
Littlefoot nods, "We are all friends and help take care of each other." He said.
Ducky nodded, "Yep, yep, yep we do, we do." She said.
Mim looked at the others and added, "and we look out for each other too." She said.
-
With a rather cocky grin on his face, Longtail said "Hey, we're like a family...it's just what we do." Cyrix nodded but said nothing...'so headstrong...' the rainbow face thought to himself.
-
"Don't worry. We've got your back." Argaya said. Vylor nodded in responce.
-
Zaine smiled and turned back to the front. Suddenly he noticed they were heading towards the edge of a cliff. "Everyone! Stop running! Quick!"
-
Longtail heard Zaine scream, but he was moving far too fast to stop, so he did the next best thing....he spread his wings, and flapped as his body went careening off the edge of the cliff...and Longtail had to admit...he was worried for a moment, and as he looked down he knew why! The bottom of the rock face was jagged and pointy...if Zaine hadn't warned everyone, they might've gone right over the edge.
Longtail looked back and said "Good call Zaine!"
-
Zaine nodded. "We've got to find a way around this cliff or we'll never make it to the stone. Everyone look for another path."
-
Ptyra quickly scampers to find a path. She sees a shadow on a cliff high above her. She cocks her head in a mixture of concern and curiosity. The shadow moves away. Ptyra blinks and hopes that she was just seeing something
-
Cyrix looked around and said "I don't see anyway down...Longtail see if you can find a way down from the air!" longtail nodded and smiled "Okay Uncle..." He looked around for a moment and frowned as he didn't see a way down. 'I have to keep trying!' thought Longtail to himself as he continued to try and find a safe way down for everyone.
-
Mim and the other stopped when they heard Zaine call out.
"Don't go to far apart." Mim said.
She and Littlefoot looked around nearby for any path, separating, Ducky helping Littlefoot to look.
"Anyone see a safe way down?" Littlefoot asked.
"We need one since that way is a bad way." Ducky said thinking of the way some had almost fallen.
-
Zaine kept looking around. "There's gotta be something we can use." Then he spotted a giant log that stood conveniently in front of the cliff. Yes. "That tree! If we knock it down, we can use it to cross!"
-
Cyrix walked over to Zaine and patted him on the head, and said "Very good Zaine, now would you care to help push this tree so we can get across?" As Cyrix moved towards the dead tree Longtail shouted "Don't worry I'll get that tree down!" The little flyer then procceed to fly as fast as he could straight at the tree...
But as his head collided with the massive trunk the tree didn't even budge, and all Longtail managed to do was get his head stuck inside..."Uhhh...a little help would be nice!" however Cyrix was too busy laughing to be of any help...
-
"That is a good idea." Littlefoot said. "Does everyone else think so also?" He asked looking around.
"I think it is good, I do." Ducky said.
Mim nodded, then watched as Longtail did what he did. She smiled a bit and walked over to where Longtail was stuck.
"Is he hurt?" Ducky asked.
"I don't think so." Mim said as she grasp Longtail and looked closely at how he was stuck before she started to work carefully to try to extract him, leaving room so if someone else wished to help also could.
"Try to relax Longtail and we'll help." She said.
-
Zaine laughed a little. "Longtail, I admire your enthusiasm, really, but please don't go and kill yourself before we even get into the mysterious beyond." He then ran over to the tree and placed his head on the trunk. With all his might, he started pushing.
-
Longtail did as his aunt commanded and relaxed his body while Cyrix came over to help Zaine push the tree over, however just as it started to move Longtail's head came loose and he landed on Cyrix's back. He then looked over to Mim and said "Thank you Aunt Mim!"
-
"I'm just glad you are ok now." Mim said smiling.
"We all are, we are." Ducky said nodding.
Littlefoot went over to start helping Zaine push the tree trunk across.
-
Zaine noticed Littlefoot began to push as well. "Keep going guys! Just a little more and we can knock it over!" Zaine could hear the tree begin to split a little.
-
Longtial then decided to help again and this time took a safer approach and used his tail to whip at the tree trying to get it to fall over but he wasn't even sure it was working so he said "This isn't getting any easier!"
-
"Unfortunately, nobody said this would be easy," Zaine commented. "Keep trying Longtail! I know we can knock this thing down." This time he knew he heard it split. "Almost there guys!"
-
"Oh good cause I thought it was just me pushing!" said Longtail sarcasticly for which his uncle quickly corrected him "Longtail, don't be so arragent! At least not now!"
Longtail remained quiet listening to his uncles words as he continued to push the tree.
-
Mim, now sure that Longtail was ok, started to help to push the log. Littlefoot continued to do so using his shoulder and side, as he had done before.
"Not long now." he said.
"We can rest after this is done." Mim said.
-
Zaine laughed at Longtail's comment. "Oh, so is that what you were thinking?" He heard the tree split even more. "Just a little more!" Finally, the tree fell over and became stuck between the two cliffs, forming a bridge. Zaine jumped up with joy. "Yeah! We did it!"
-
Longtail and his uncle Cyrix sighed simultainously and as Cyrix said "About time...I was getting tired of pushing!" Longtail however cracked a grin and replied "But uncle Cyrix didn't you tell me once that getting tired was the first step in giving up?"
Cyrix at that point grumbled something under his breath and said "Well, we had better keep going...we don't want anyone getting to the stone before us."
-
Mim nodded to what Cyrix said, "Yes, certainly not, though care and alertness is still needed." She said, looking at the makeshift bridge to see if it seemed pretty stable. "it seems as safe as it can be." She said after doing what examine that she could.
Littlefoot nods, "My friends and I have crossed logs often. They can be tricky, bit if you are careful things should be ok." He said.
"Oh yes, as long as you do not look down if it is a high place." Ducky said.
-
"Gee, thanks Ducky," Zaine laughed. He for one didn't really like heights too much, but he knew he had to deal with it if he wanted to get the stone. "Well then, who wants to go first?"
-
'I will. I'll take the front. Argaya can take the rear.' Vylor said.
He then took a step onto the log to make sure it would hold his weight.
-
Mim nods, "Be careful." She said.
Ducky nods, "Crossing logs can be dangerous, yes it can." Ducky said nodding.
"Who wants to go second?" Littlefoot asked looking around at those present.
-
Cyrix then let a sly smile cross his face and without a word, or making any noise at all Cyrix grabbed his nephew and in a single moment ran across the bridge with Longtail to stunned to even scream. As Cyrix got to the other side of the tree bridge, he put Longtail down and patted his nephew on the head and just smiled.
He then looked back across the bridge and said "Anyone else feel like trying to cross now?"
-
"I will." Littlefoot said.
"And me on Littlefoot." Ducky said.
Littlefoot carefully got onto the log and walking slower then usual made his way across. He mainly looked ahead, but looked slightly down to be sure he saw where the irregular areas of the log was so he would not trip on them.
"You are doing very well." Ducky said during his way across.
Once he was across he went over to where the others were and Mim got on the log and started across. She walked the way across with little difficulty, making sure of her footing before she put her next foot down. Once across she went over to where the others were as well.
-
Zaine nodded. "I guess I'm left." Zaine put his foot onto the tree, and it seemed fine. Just don't look down. Zaine began to carefully walk across the log. He got to the middle and began to relax. This doesn't seem so bad
Just then, he heard a crak behind him. Zaine froze where he was and looked back. Oh no. The tree began to split and he looked back to the others. "Uh, guys? I think we've got a really big problem!"
-
"Hurry across before the crack reaches you." Mim said.
Littlefoot nods, "We can find another way back into the great valley on the way back." He said.
"Lots of ways back in." Ducky said nodding to what Littlefoot said.
-
Longtail was stunned at what his uncle had done...to risk both there lives like that and smile...was something he most likely would've done too. 'We are too much alike' said Longtail too himself, and then he heard the crack and Zaine say something about a problem, and almost immediately Longtail turned around and jumped down the side of the cliff.
Cyrix was a little worried but was sure Longtail knew what he was doing...and indeed he did! As the crack in the tree became wider, Longtail after gaining enough speed braced himself against the crack trying to hold the tree together long enough for Zaine to cross. And to prove this Longtail shouted "Zaine get across now!"
-
'Argaya! Run across quickly!' Vylor shouted as he heard the crack.
-
Zaine nodded. "You don't have to tell me twice!" Zaine began to run across the log. I hope Longtail and Argaya get back safely. Suddenly, Zaine tripped over a branch. He fell onto the log and grabbed hold so he wouldn't rollover. Come on Zaine. Get off this tree now! Zaine shuffled himself the rest of the way, jumping onto safe land. He turned around. "Argaya! Longtail! Hurry!"
-
"Hurry everyone there is little time." Mim said.
"Yes, get across quickly." Littlefoot said.
"Hurry faster." Ducky said with concern in her voice.
-
'Don't need to tell us twice! Longtail, please tell me you have something planned.' Argaya said as she began sprinting towards Zaine. She paused only to help Zaine get back upright.
-
Zaine got back up thanks to Argaya's help. "Thanks Argaya. Let's get off this tree!" The two of them rushed to the cliff and jumped off the log just in time. As Argaya landed, the log brokw away and fell below. Zaine was glad everybody was safe.
-
Longtail said through gritted teeth said to Argaya "Yeah...my plan is to keep this tree intact long enough for you to get off it! NOW GO!" the tree was becoming too heavy for the little flyer to hold, and the tree cracked in half, knocking Longtail from it and throwing him down the cliff side.
"LONGTAIL!" cried Cyrix as he watched his nephew fall from the tree into the abyss.
-
Mim went closer to the edge putting a hand on Cyrix's shoulder. "I'm sure he'll be flying up pretty soon. The sudden action of the tree may have surprised him for a moment." She said, hoping what she said was true.
Littlefoot nods, "He'll be ok, I"m sure." He said trying to reassure Cyrix and hoping what he said was true.
Ducky nodded to Littlefoot and Mim's statements, "Yes, he is a flier so he can fly back up, yes he can." She said. She was sure things would be ok. The tree had surprised him and one could fall quite far in a moment or two so she was sure he'd be flying back up quickly enough.
-
Zaine was startled by what happened to Longtail. "I hope you guys are right, because Longtail may not be able to fly back up if he's hurt bad." He hoped he was wrong. He hoped that Longtail was all right. Why am I even saying that? Longtail has to get back up. He has to!
-
Longtail hadn't come up out of the gorge and Cyrix was becoming desperate...and he began shouting his name "Longtail!" CAN YOU HEAR ME?" and as his voice dissipated into the gorge he began to fear the worst. Until a shrill scream could be heard coming back.
Longtail's wings then raised over the edge of the canyon wall and after that came his head, with his eyes the size of falling rocks. He then dragged himself closer to the others took a deep breath and exhaled as he collapsed from shock and fear.
Cyrix however was so amazed that his nephew was alive he didn't move for a few moments...
-
'I think that we should rest here for tonight.' Vylor said after he saw Longtail.
-
Zaine nodded. "I agree. That was way too close for comfort, and to go on like this would be crazy."
Meanwhile, far away from the group, Ozzy and Strut observed from their hiding place. "Perfect," Ozzy said. We'll grab the green longneck tonight while the others are asleep."
"What about the other one?" Strut asked. "What about Littlefoot?"
"We'll worry about him later. Right now our priority is finding the location of the Stone of Cold Fire." Ozzy said.
-
Cyrix smiled and walked over and picked up Longtail and cradled him in his arms and said to the others "yes...perhaps rest is best...I for one know I am far too tired to do anything else right now, but Mim and I will have to stay awake to stay alert for sharpteeth and egg eaters."
-
Zaine looked around. "Ok guys. This should be a good place to rest for now. Tomorrow morning we head out. So I guess pick a spot and make yourselves comfortable."
((OOC: To keep the story moving, I'm going to skip ahad to later that night. A major conversation between Zaine and the egg eaters will occur, so please don't interrupt it. im not yelling))
Later that night, Zaine woke up after another nightmare. He couldn't sleep because of that same dream from before. "I don't want to wake the others up, but I just cant sleep. I guess I'll take a walk around." With that, Zaine got up and walked around. He enjoyed the peace that was around him. "At least nothing bad is going to happen at the moment."
Unfortunately, it would seem he spoke too soon. At that moment, Zaine heard a rustle in the bushes next to him. Zaine stopped and looked at the green leave. "Hello? Is anybody there?" Nobody answered him, so he decided to walk closer. Still nobody responded, so he stuck his head through the bushes. "Is somebody following me?" Suddenly, four hands grabbed Zaine and pulled him through the bushes. He tried to yell out, but his hand was covered by one of the hands. The two captors began to carry him away from the group. What's going on? Who's kidnapping me? Zaine looked up and was horrified to see the two egg eaters from before. Ozzy looked down at him and sneered.
"Hello, my little green friend."
-
Ozzy and Strut reached a clearing and dropped Zaine on the ground. "All right leaf eater," Ozzy started. "We know you know the location of this Stone of Cold Fire. If you know what's best for you, tell us where it is!"
"Forget it!" Zaine countered. "You're the ones from my dreams. You two only want the stone for your own evil wishes! I'll never tell you where it is!"
"You better watch what you say little one," Strut commented. "If you don't want to be physically persuaded, I suggest you tell us where the stone is!"
"Oh, I'll be talking, but it won't be to you two creeps! Once the others find out you're here-"
"They won't," Ozzy interrupted. "Because you aren't going to tell them!" Zaine laughed.
"What makes you think I won't tell them?"
"Because if you do, then we will just have to deal with them ourselves," Strut said. "We can't have anyone giving away our plans."
"Don't even think about it!" Zaine yelled. "If you so much as lay one finger on my friends you'll regret it!" Now Ozzy laughed.
"You are in no position to be telling us what to do little longneck! If you tell, we'll start with your overgrown flier freak."
"I won't let you hurt Longtail!" Zaine said. "I'll kill you myself if I have to!"
"We'd love to see you try." Strut taunted.
"Listen to me very carefully child," Ozzy said in a low tone. "We are taking you back to your little tour group. When the bright circle rises into the sky, lead them to the stone. We will follow you to make sure you don't alter the path. If either of your friends learn of our presence, then we take matters into our own hands, and I can assure you it will not be pleasent. As long as you keep going, we promise not to hurt them" Zaine stared at the two egg eaters hard.
"What guarentee do I have that you won't break your end of the bargain?"
"None," Strut said. With that, Ozzy ran up to Zaine and knocked him unconscious. Zaine fell to the ground. "Did you kill him?"
"No," Ozzy shook his head. "He's only asleep. When the time comes, he'll do what we tell him to." With that, Ozzy picked up Zaine, ran back to the area where the others were sleeping, and gently placed Zaine down. "Sleep well little longneck," he whispered. "It may be your last sleep undisturbed." He then turned around and left.
-
(If it's okay with you...I'm gonna time skip to the morning scene...)
Cyrix blinked several times and yawned not knowing what had taken place the night before. He looked around at the others and did a quick head count. He was satisfied to see that everyone was present and accounted for, he then stood up and stretched his limbs and said "Okay everyone Rise and shine today is a brand new day."
Longtail opened one of his eyes and groaned "Uncle I was having such a great sleep story, why ruin it?" Cyrix sighed at his nephew and said "Do you want someone to get to the stone before us?" "No." was longtail's only answer.
-
'Zaine is missing.' Vylor said.
'This is bad. He was the one leading us to the stone. If those egg-eaters got him, then we might be in trouble.' Argaya added.
-
"Is it morning already?" Littlefoot asked yawning as he slowly opened his eyes. He looked down and saw Ducky was sleeping on him. He nudged her gently.
"Not yet Momma, let me rest longer." She muttered. Littlefood nudged her again.
"Ducky, it's morning." He said. Ducky opened her eyes and started yawning.
"Already, it seems like we just layeded down, it does." She said stretching a bit as she yawned again.
-
Zaine slowly began to regain consciousness, but to him it only felt like he had been asleep for a long time. He stretched out his legs and yawned. "Morning already?" He began to stand up, but for some reason he felt a throbbing pain in his head. "Why does my head hurt so much? What did I even do last night?" He looked around for a moment. Then it hit him. "Wait a minute. The egg eaters..." He looked back at the bush, but nobody was behind it. "Was it just a bad dream?" Zaine shook his head, not knowing exactly what happened last night, and decided to gather with the others. For some reason, he had ended up farther away from them than before.
Zaine heard Vylor's comment about him being missing, so he piped in. "Actually, I'm right here guys."
-
'Oh, sorry. We didn't see you there, Zaine.' Vylor said.
-
Mim remained laying down resting as she chewed on a few leaves. "How is everyone doing this morning?" She asked looking around.
"Fine." Littlefoot said getting up.
"Wanting to sleep a bit more, yes I do." Ducky said as she got up.
-
Zaine still felt a little uneasy. Was that really a dream I had? Did it really happen? He knew he couldn't let the others know because then they would be even more worried. Just relax. Just don't think about it. "We should head out soon. Who knows where that stone landed."
-
Longtail looked at Zaine and smiled as he said "Don't worry I'm sure we'll get to the stone first...not too many herds believe in these types of stories...so we have a great lead on just about everybody!"
Cyrix smiled and said "I do think my nephew has a point, so for those of you who need more rest, take another few moments while I take a look around for any signs of trouble."
-
"Good idea about resting. We'll have to pace ourselves to not overtire ourselves." Mim said. "We'll have to keep the look out for any sort of danger." She said.
"I hope we can find a good spot for each night." Littlefoot said. He looked around, "We can cope with any danger that happens." he said confidently.
Ducky nods, "Even the scary ones, we can." She said.
"That is a good attitude to have." Mim said nodding. "How does everyone else feel?" She asked as she looked around at the others.
-
Longtail blinked and said "I'm ready to go Aunt Mim." The flyer then stretched as he said "But I suppose I'll go with Uncle Cyrix to keep things safe." The two of them began to walk around the group checking every bush, rock and crack in the ground just to be safe and ensure the groups protection.
-
Ptyra: I'm certainly ready to sleep...plus I'm starting to ache a bit from my injuries
Petrie yawns widely
Petrie: Me agree
-
Mim nods, "Maybe we can eat a bit or get some water till they return." Mim suggested. Littlefoot and Ducky went over to a nearby bush, after Cyrix and Longtail had checked it, and started to eat some of the leaves there. Mim finished the few that she already had.
-
Zaine nodded. "Yeah, I'm a little hungry also. I guess we can stick around a little bit and eat." Zaine walked over to a low bush and began chewing on the leaves. One particular leaf he was after started to fall, and then a light breeze carried it through the air. Oh no you don't. Zaine smiled and chased after the leaf, running around the others. He kind of felt silly, but he didn't care. At the moment, he wanted the leaf. Just then,the breeze died down, and the leaf fell into a nearby pond. "Darn," Zaine sighed. "Oh well."
Suddenly, the pond began to form ripples. Surprised, Zaine lowerd his head to get a better look. What he saw was a glimpse of the stone of cold fire. "The stone..." It shined bright blue and made a crackling sound. The pond began to change, but this time Zaine saw a massive volcano. It hadn't erupted yet, but smoke was coming out the top. Zaine noticed the stone resting on the hill leading to the top of the volcano. "The Smoking Mountains..." Zaine couldn't believe what he was seeing. "The stone is at the Smoking Mountains." At that moment, he began to hear a voice in his mind. This voice was one he did not expect to hear, and he hadn't heard this voice in a long time.
"Son... Listen to your heart and you shall hear me..." Zaine was shocked to hear this.
"Mother?"
"You must not let the stone fall into the wrong hands... It's power can be used for great evil if given the chance..."
"Mother? How is this possible?"
[I]"I am always with you Zaine... Listen to your heart, and you will know the way...:[/I] At that moment, the voice vanished, and the pond calmed. Zaine looked around, waiting for the voice to come back.
"Mother?" he called out. "Mother!?" but it was no use. Zaine sighed and lowered his head. "What did she mean by falling into the wrong hands?" Then he remembered. "The egg eaters..." Zaine rushed back to the group.
"Guys! I know where the stone is! It landed at the Smoking Mountains! We have to leave now!"
-
At the sound of Zaine calling out both Cyrix and Longtail both looked up from the patrol they were doing, as Longtail asked "Zaine how do you know where it is? I mean we all saw it fall, but how do you know exactly where it is?"
Cyrix walked over and said "I'm sure Zaine will tell us if you give him the chance."
-
"It's too hard to explain, but the punchline is I saw it in my mind. I think the stone is trying to make a connection with me, but I can't really tell for sure. Whatever the case, that's where I saw the stone."
-
"Then we best head there right now before anyone else gets there." Littlefoot said, ready to set out at once.
"Hmm." Mim said thinking, "It may be an advisable course of action, if everyone is ready." She said looking around at the others present.
"Even before we get a eat a little?" Ducky asked.
-
Zaine realized that some of them were still hungry. He wanted to get to the stone really fast, but noneof them would be able to keep up with him in this state. "I'm sorry Ducky. We can wait a few more minutes if some of you are still hungry. As soon as your done, we need to move!"
-
"Perhaps we can move, and get some food as we go by grabbing some leaves and such as we go hear them." Mim suggested.
-
"Well in that case..." said Longtail pausing long enough to jump onto Cyrix's back and flapping his wings he took to the sky, turned around and said "If you are really worried Zaine I can always fly ahead as a scout."
"Absolutely not!" cried Cyrix "But uncle aren't you the one always telling me that flyers were made for recon work? That's what I'm doing!" Cyrix then looked to Mim and said "Please talk some sense into the boy! He won't listen to me!"
-
Zaine shook his head. "You uncle is right Longtail. It's too dangerous for you to go alone. Besides, I don't want..." he stopped right before he finished his sentence and hesitated. He remembered Ozzy's threat, and he didn't want to let it slip that they were following him. What should I do? I have to tell them about the egg eaters, but I can't without getting them in danger. Then he thought of an idea.
"Longtail, can I talk to you privately for a second?" He looked over to the others. "Littlefoot, can you come also?"
-
Longtail was upset, but nodded to Zaine and followed him away from the rest of the group, hoping this would be important.
-
"Sure." Littlefoot said and walked over to where Zaine was wondering what he wanted to talk about.
Ducky nods, "If you got hurt we may not be able to find you, or get to you very quickly, no we may not." Ducky said with concern in her voice.
Mim nodded, "Scouts are important, but going alone is not very safe. It may be safe to fly straight up to look ahead. What do you think Cyrix." She asked him.
-
Zaine led Littlefoot and Longtail to a small clearing not too far from the group. Once he felt that he was alone with them, he turned to them. "Listen guys. There's something I wanted to tell you back there, but I was too scared to say anything." He hesitated at first, but he realized he could not keep this a secret. "I think we might be in trouble. Those egg eaters that I saw before we left the valley are following us. They're using us to try and get the stone. They kidnapped me last night and threatened to hurt you guys if I told anyone they were around, but I can't take it anymore. I'm worried about you guys. I don't want you to get hurt on my account."
-
Cyrix smiled and said "Finally someone who is talking some sense! Yes that is a good..." but Cyrix stopped short as he realized that Zaine, Longtail, and Littlefoot had walked off, but were still visible. And he continued by saying "Perhaps we'll tell him once he is done talking."
Longtail however just grinned and replied "I was wondering why I was getting that foul smelling stink in the air. It must be those stupid egg stealers...they do tend to smell bad especially when they're being stupid."
-
Littlefoot looked determined, "They are dangerous and you can't trust them at all." He said, remembering his and his friend's earlier encounter with them. He nods to what Longtail said, "I'm not sure which smells worst, their breath or the stinky flowers we had to hide in on the island we met Chomper the second time." He said.
Mim nods, "We are stronger if we stick together." She said.
"It is better for us to stick together, yep, yep, yep." Ducky said nodding.
-
Zaine tried to break a smile at Littlefoot's comment about the flowers, but for some reason it wasn't working. "I jus don't know how I can do this. I mean, I'm the one who knows the stone's location, and if the egg eaters tries to use one of us as bait..." He felt worried at the thought of being kidnapped again by the egg eaters. He felt a little assured that Littlefoot would be able to take care of himself since he had dealt with them already, but Longtail had never met them before. Zaine wasn't sure if Longtail could really fight them off.
-
Longtail was still sniffing the air however and he then said "They must be close....*sniff* really close...they smell really bad! Ughh...they smell almost as bad as a dead, and decaying sharptooth, and don't ask how I know that!" He was almost gagging on the smell, but he still couldn't tell where they were.
~~~
Cyrix nodded in agreement with Ducky and Mim. He then turned to see if the trio was done talking, when he noticed a very harsh smell in the air, but he brushed it aside as he knew out here a lot of things smelled bad.
-
Zaine caught the scent as well. He then realized where it was coming from. "Oh no. We have to get back to the others! They're coming for us!" However, it was too late. Without warning, Ozzy and Strut jumprf out from their hiding place and surrounded the three of them. Ozzy began to laugh.
"We warned you little longneck," speaking towards Zaine. "We warned you not to tell, and you ignored us. Now we take matters into our own hands."
"We know you saw the location of the stone," Strut continued. "Tell us now if you don'twant us to get violent with you. Zaine didn't say anything. He was to nervous to really do anything.
"Nothing?" Ozzy asked. "Then maybe your friends will help convince you."
"Leave them out of this!" Zaine finally yelled. "They have nothing to do with this!"
-
"You bullies, why don't you just go away. We won't let you have the stone." Littlefoot said defiantly standing confidently.
-
Longtail was about to get into his fighting position, but stopped as he asked "Hey Zaine, are these the two boulder brains you were telling me about?" he then laughed and said "Cause in all honesty they look worse than they smell!" He then gave Ozzy a hard glare and said "You don't scare me...I've fought sharpteeth bigger then you...although you are still pretty ugly!"
-
"Well well well. If it isn't the bosy weed wacker that spoiled our supper last time. I thought we threw you off the Great Wall already. No matter, we'll make sure we don't fail this time." Ozzy sneered and Strut looked towards Longtail.
"And look what we have here? An overgrown bird with an attitude! This is too good." He laughed mocking Longtail's determination.
"If you so much as lay a finger on them, I swear I'll kill you!" Zaine threatened.
"Try me. I dare you," Ozzy mocked as well. With that, Zaine began to charge Ozzy with all his might. Ozzy simply stepped to the side and tripped him. Zaine rollled and ran smack into a nearby boulder. "That was too easy. Now Strut!"
(If this sounds too superficial, then I'm sorry, but this is what I had planned)
Strut suddenely pulled a vine from underneath him, and a vine net from above fell ontop of Littlefoot and Longtail, trapping them inside. Strut began to laugh. "Don't even try chewing your way out! The vine's too strong for that."
-
He was distracted a moment since he was looking to see if Zaine was ok.
Despite what they said Littlefoot tried to struggle his way out of the vine and to bite through it.
-
Zaine looked up to see his captive friends. "You monsters! Let them go now!"
"You are in no position to give out orders!" Ozzy yelled back. "Choose your next words carefully little leaf eater. Your friends' lives may depend on them." Zaine couldn't control the anger inside of him, but he didn't want his friends to be hurt.
"What do you want?"
"The stone," Strut began. "You tell us where it is, and we won't hurt your friends."
"Why should I trust that you will hold your end of the deal?"
"You didn't honestly think that we went through all the trouble of trapping your friends just to go and kill them did you?" Ozzy began to laugh. "You are dumber than I thought. Well that's the deal."
-
Littlefoot looked over at Zaine. "You can't trust them." He said.
-
Suddenly, Argaya and Vylor came charging into the two egg-eaters head first. When they made contact, they slid to a stop and wrapped their tails around the leg of the egg-eater they charged at and pulled the leg out from under them.
'As we said, we've got your back.' Vylor said.
-
"It's not me they're after!" Zaine yelled. Ozzy and Strut rolled around and grabbed the net Littlefoot and Longtail were trapped in.
"Unless you tell us where the stone is now we'll throw your friends off the side of the cliff!" Zaine looked behind the two egg eaters and realized they weren't lying. The clearing they were all in was next to the edge of a clff.
"The Smoking Mountain!" Zaine finally said. "It's at the Smoking Mountain!"
"Are you sure?" Strut asked. "You better not think about deceiving us little kid."
"I'm sure! Now let my friends go! You promised!" The two egg eaters looked at each other and then looked back at Zaine.
"What are you talking about?"
-
The whole time this had been going on...Longtail had a smile on his face. Even while being trapped in a net and being threatened. He suddenly started laughing and said "This is going to be too easy!" He looked over at Ozzy and Strut and said "Go ahead...toss us over the cliff....what's stopping you?" He then looked to where Zaine was and winked.
-
Littlefoot heard what Longtail said and thinking he had an idea thought he'd play along.
"Yea, it's not that far down. Besides you know if you do what the others here will do to you." He said to the two egg eaters.
-
Ozzy thought for a moment and smirked. "In that case, I guess we'll just have to take them with us." He then began to laugh, but Zaine couldn't take it.
"No! You promised to let them go!"
"Wake up kid!" Strut said. "We promised not to hurt them, but we said nothing about letting them go." The two egg eaters than picked up the net, ran towards the cliff, and jumped off.
"NO!" Zaine ran to the edge and looked down in horror. "Littlefoot! Longtail! I swear I'll bring you back!"
-
To Be Continued...