The Gang of Five
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As you know, the forum has been fighting spammers and bots for years. We have seen our fair share of "Custom Kitchens UK", scammy Internet hosting companies, and bots trying to send us to a business's homepage. But after fighting the tidal wave of spam for so many years, the admins had a persistent thought: what if the spammers are right? Not in terms of posting nonsense links and trying to scam our users, but in trying to make money through our unique platform?

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A new world...Same old faces

LBTFan13

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Littlefoot couldn't bear to look at Longtail in his condition. He was too busy caring for Ali. At the same time, Littlefoot felt a newfound anger he had never experienced before, and it was directed towards Cyrix. The comment he made about him and Ali came as a shock, but the cold tone he yelled at him through was not a surprise. Littlefoot always new Cyrix had it in him, he just never expected it to come out at a time like this. Regardless, he knew he was angry at Cyrix, and it was going to take a lot to forgive him.

"Is this good enough for you?" he asked in rage. "You wanted him to stop being a leader, and now you have your wish. I hope you are happy you monster!"

Zaine on the other hand couldn't speak. The sight of his best friend on the ground overtook his senses. A huge mix of emotions fought in his mind. He felt anger because of how he attacked him. He felt sorrow for the loss of his friend and brother. Most of all, he felt hate. Hate for the world. Hate for the beyond. Hate for himself. He hated himself most of all. It's my fault. It's all my fault. Why didn't I just do what he asked? Why didn't I just say the truth in the first place? Now after everything, he's........... Tears began to flow out of his eyes. His emotions began to explode whithin him and he yelled out in pain.

"DAMN YOU LONGTAIL! GET UP! DON'T YOU DARE QUIT NOW! NOT NOW! GET UP YOU HALF BLOOD BASTARD!"

((OOC: Please pardon the language, but I felt that this is most likely how Zaine would react to Longtail's death))


MrDrake

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Drake stopped where he was "Yes, it's possible that the flowers could help him" he told Kit.

However, Luna had already left herself, she wanted to go and get the flowers herself, as she didn't like watching someone like Longtail, not breathing or anything along those lines.

Drake turned back around and had a quick glance around "Where is my daughter?" he asked them.


raga

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"Littlefoot!  Stop this!" Cera yelled as she stepped between him and Cyrix.  "You're making the same mistake as Longtail, this is NOT the time to be fighting.  If you have a problem with Cyrix, there will be plenty of time for that later."  Cera turned to Cyrix, a dark look on her face.  "Trust me, I'll even hold him down for you," Cera said, not making any effort to hide her anger.


Cancerian Tiger

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"Please, STOP IT!" Ducky screamed at the top of her lungs.  The good-natured swimmer had taken about more than she could handle, and the fighting was not making anything easier.  

"Look at you!  Fighting while a stranger who has been kind enough to provide us shelter AND not try to eat us is trying to save Longtail!  He has, he has!  What kind of friend is that?! " Ducky yelled in anger as she felt herself become shaky before tears of rage began to emerge.  Renn went over to comfort her.  

"Ducky's right," Spike added.  "We have a life to save, and yet it seems fighting is more important to you guys right now!"

"This is stupid!" Renn piped up.  "Seriously, if there's a bone for you two to pick, save it for later!  Longtail's life is far more important right now!"  

"We need to remain calm and try to help Longtail!  What Cyrix said to Littlefoot was beyond hurtful, and if there was nobody in jeopardy right now, I'd stay outta this fight!  However, Longtail's life matters more right now!" Aurelia said.



MrDrake

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"Everyone, just shut up" Drake more or less ordered "Arguing never gets anyone anywhere, trust me on that one" he told them in an attempt to remain as civilized as possible "Now, we need to be focusing on the picture in front of us, and I need some of you to help me with one small detail....which is finding my daughter, if she's run off in the middle of the sky fire, she's going to get hurt most likely, and I don't want that happening"


The Great Valley Guardian

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Hunter continued to stare at Longtail's body as she quietly cried to herself.
'He wasn't thinking at all during his fight with Zaine....but the moment he saw Cyrix in trouble, he knew what had to be done...and he did it without a moments thought.' she thought in her mind.

Pearl wasn't worried the least bit by the arguing going on around her, she just held Sol close to her and was trying to be strong for her hatchling, but found it hard not to shed several tears every time the child asked 'Why is daddy still sleeping?' her response would be a soft humming sound and a gentle lick to her hatchlings beak.

Cyrix looked from Littlefoot to Cera, and then over to Zaine and Pearl, with his gaze finally resting again on his nephew's body. Something just didn't seem right...but now wasn't the time to discuss it. With everyone glaring daggers at him Cyrix knew it would be wiser to simply stay where he was and not speak, knowing if he said the wrong thing it would only make matters worse.

Sweetie gently licked Zaine's face in attempt to calm him down.
"Please Zaine, I know you're angry and sad....but shouting won't bring....Longtail back. I...I finally understand what he said to me when I lost my parents. To...let go, but never forget. My last lesson...." She then hugged Zaines neck as she began to cry as well.

~~~

Longtail heard fighting somewhere on the island and he was rather curious and as he turned around a tree he came across an unfamiliar sight. Two arguing Longnecks one notably older than the other and they seemed rather upset with each other. One was arguing about being able to lead and protect the herd better, the other being stubborn and refusing to give up his position because of someone he loved.

Suddenly Longtail realized that this sounded familiar to his fight with Zaine, and he let out a sigh he didn't realize he was holding. He then turned away and began to think about his life.
'I've been a fighter since the day I hatched, and nothing will change that...but...just maybe I wasn't meant to lead...just protect those I care about. Come to think of it...I tend to be at my very best when the odds are against me, and my friends are counting on me...no matter what the obstacle might be.

His thoughts were interrupted however by a soft and peaceful singing coming from a nearby cave which he cautiously stepped into. After walking a ways into the cave it opened up into a massive cavern with a water fall and single dinosaur sitting by the waters edge.

As Longtail stepped closer he could tell it was a hatchling and she appeared rather happy. She then turned and asked, "Ah, it is rather unfortunate that we haven't met before now. I've heard good things about you Longtail."

Longtail blinked in surprise that this hatchling knew his name and was going to ask a question when she spoke again.

"Your questions will have to wait, you don't have time left...you have to make one more choice here...now! You can either stay here with me in the afterlife, or you can return to those you've left behind....but you have very little time to decide...I'd do it quickly if I were you."

Longtail chuckled and said to himself 'One last choice....'


LBTFan13

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Zaine cried even harder along with Sweetie. "I should have left the herd when I had the chance. I should have just left and never come back. He wouldn't have been so angry at me then. He wouldn't have fought me, and he would still be......" Zaine couldn't bear to finish. "It's all my fault. He was my brother and best friend, and now he's dead because of me!"

Littlefoot glanced at Zaine. "You can't blame yourself for this Zaine. Longtail was going through a hard time and wasn't thinking clearly. Besides, nobody can control the changes in our climate. The fire rocks come at random."

Zaine shook his head. "But if we weren't fighting we would have been more prepared for the storm! We would have found this place much sooner!"

"Beating yourself up is not going to make things any better," Littlefoot commented. "It will certainly not bring him back either." Littlefoot knew none of his words were getting to him, but he decided to keep trying. "Zaine, I know how it feels to lose somebody you really cared about. My mother died when I was very young, and now my grandma and grandpa are gone too. My father is more than likely dead too. My entire family is gone, but I keep moving on for their sakes. If I just gave up and blamed myself for everything, then they would have died for nothing."


raga

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"Hmph, I like you quiet" Cera said with a stern look towards Cyrix.  She then turned to the scene around her and her face softened, she had to struggle to hold back the tears.  "Littlefoot is right Zaine, this isn't your fault, you just have to be strong".



Ali stepped up next to Littlefoot, bringing her head up next to his.  "Plus Zaine, you still have Sweetie."  Ali then whispered in Littlefoot's ear, "And your not alone either sweety."


Kit12

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Kit kept glanced to outside the cave. "I'm telling you it's a bad idea, and if we go back over to where Ptyra is she'll tell you the same" Petrie tried to persuade his cousin.

"I...I know that..." Kit said, "but I also can't come up with a better one...".

From where they sat against the wall of the cave,  Pip sighed, "All this yelling, my head hurts!".

"Yeah" Dinah told her friend, "the lowest volume discussion I've heard has been what your sister and cousin are currently trying to figure out" she indicated Kit and Petrie, "but I think she's caving and won't do it".

"Well, she's has to figure out if it's safe" Pip defended.

"Ah, probably is" Dinah shrugged, "why we could probably..." her eyes lit up!

"Dinah, no" Pip said.

"Aw come on, I know you remember just as well as I do how many times your sister and my aunt and the others all snuck off because arguing adults never notice".

"But..." Pip went on.

"It's our turn to do good while they 'discuss' it, come on they did it a million times, it's in our blood to be good at it" Dinah went on.

In the end Pip didn't have an excuse.

"Do we even know where it is?" he asked as they reached the outside of the cave.

"Yeah, sure, there was something about the smoking mountains or...something, we'll find it" Dinah assured, "Now come on!".


The Great Valley Guardian

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(I'm guessing no one else looked into the Discussions section? :lol) Longtail smiled as he looked to the little hatchling and gave a simple reply.
"Take me back...I have things I need to do."

The child like spirit nodded her head and stepped forward before saying, "This may hurt a bit." She began singing again, and she could see Longtail's eyes close as he listened, but then he also began to twitch and grit his teeth as he faded from sight. After he disappeared, the flyer let out a sigh and said, "I'll see you soon daddy."

~~~

Cyrix over heard Dinah and Pip's conversation and although he preferred to stay in his spot he knew he had to interfere for their own good. So he stepped over to the two aspiring escapees, and without saying a word simply shook his head in a 'no' fashion and stayed to watch the two incase they tried to sneak away.

Sweetie smiled at Ali's words.
"Ali and Littlefoot are right, you can't blame yourself. None of us knew this was going to happen...it just did. And to me, you were very brave to try and protect Longtail, even during your fight." She then hugged Zaine once more and tried to relax.

Pearl was still holding her daughter Sol, when she felt something strange in her heart...she didn't know what it was, but it made her jumpy...almost as if she were now anticipating something to happen. She looked to her brother Diamond and he nodded his head as well.
Pearl also had enough foresight to tell the others. "Zaine, Littlefoot...I can't explain it...but I've just got this feeling...like something...good is going to happen soon."

Ruby was standing next to Ducky trying to help her calm down after her outburst.
"Sometimes bad things happen for a reason Ducky. I know it hurts to lose a friend, but if try to focus on the good...then good things will come to us. You'll see." she said as cheerful as she could muster.

Hunter was now facing the mouth of the cave with a sad and defeated look on her face. "First my mate...and now one of my closest friends...I..I can't lose anyone else. I just can't."

The first thing he felt was pain...searing, horrid, agonizing pain. And his first response to deal with it was to scream....and that's exactly what he did. Longtail took in a breath of air and roared from his position on the floor as his body now semi aware of it's surroundings, tried in vain to stop the burning sensation. He rolled, he clawed and he scratched and snapped at the air as he continued to roar in protest to the pain he was feeling.


LBTFan13

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((I actually just found it now that you mentioned it :lol  My bad. If I had been on all day I would have voted for him to return, which seems like what you chose anyway so it works out :p ))

Littlefoot couldn't help but smile a little at Ali's words. When she pulled her head next to his, he felt a very soothing warmth he had never felt before. He looked over to Ali. "Ali, I can't tell you how much I appreciate you staying with me after everything that's happened." He nuzzled her face and closed his eyes, smiling even more. "I love you so much Ali."

Zaine was also feeling some warmth through Sweetie's hug. "I'm sorry Sweetie. I just........... I just can't bear to lose anybody else. Longtail and I were so close, and now he's gone. I just don't want to see it happen to anybody else I care about." He closed his eyes trying to stop the tears from falling, and it seemed to work for a bit.

Fortunately, the sound of a familiar scream caught his attention. Zaine's eyes widened with shock. "Longtail?" He glanced down and realized Longtail was indeed alive, but he was in a great deal of pain. "Something's wrong with Longtail!" he yelled. Without hesitation, Zaine gently but firmly placed his tail on Longtail's stomach to hold him down in an attempt to stop him from rolling around. "Guys help me hold him down!" he frantically ordered. "Sweetie hold his head in place. We have to get him to calm down."

Littlefoot quickly placed his tail on top of Zaine's in an attempt to reinforce him. "I got you Zaine! Everybody else grab a wing of a leg!"

"Hold on Longtail," Zaine said with a stern voice. "Just hang in there buddy. We'll get through this together."


raga

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Cera stared in disbelief.  "Wow Longtail, you sure do know how to make an entrance" she muttered to herself.  "Hurry!  Someone pin him down before he hurts himself!"  Cera then yelled, feeling useless with her big clumsy paws that would only crush the flyer.


Cancerian Tiger

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"I've got him!" Renn spoke up as he dashed in and pinned Longtail to the floor with his clawed hands.  "Gah!  He's so strong!"


The Great Valley Guardian

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Pearl and Sweetie seeing the apparent miracle in front of them moved to help in any way they could.

Sweetie grabbed Longtail's tail and held it firmly enough that it wouldn't thrash around and hurt anyone, all the while a proud and happy smile was kept on her face.

Pearl was going to help, but realized she was still holding Sol, and stepped back to let the others try and help. "Please Longtail j-just try to relax...we're here to help you." she said at a whisper not bother to try and be heard over his screaming.

Cyrix wanted more than anything to step over and help calm Longtail down, but he just couldn't. He was leaning against the nearest wall and was crying even though his eyes showed surprise and love for his nephew. Even as he continued to cry he smiled in spite of the way the others felt about him.

Hunter hearing the commotion stepped over to Longtail and leaned over his head as she spoke a word she hadn't spoken in several cold times being a safety word in case Longtail wouldn't respond to anyone when in a frenzy. "Guardios."

Longtail was still thrashing about even though he was being held down rather firmly by his friends around him, but once he heard the safety word Hunter spoke Longtail's body went limp and his breathing slowed down, although he did so through gritted teeth, instead of his nose.


LBTFan13

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Littlefoot sighed in relief as Longtail slowly began to calm down. "That's it Longtail. Just breathe slowly. Deep breaths. We're almost through." He looked towards Hunter. "That was quick thinking on your part Hunter. Nice job."

Zaine also looked towards Hunter. "Where did you learn that word? I've never heard it before, or the language you spoke in for that matter."


Kit12

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With a sigh, Dinah and Pip had returned to the cave, and at all the commotion of Longtail screaming, had flinched and wondered if staying outside for a bit wouldn't have been better.

But it seemed to be good and soon Longtail came around.

Kit sighed in relief of both the other flyer being ok and it solving her dilemma.


raga

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Cera relaxed as she saw Longtail calm down.  "Well I'd love to know what just happened."


The Great Valley Guardian

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Hunter smiled at Zaines question and Littlefoot's praise.
"That was a safety word he Longtail had me memorize in case something happened and he wouldn't listen to those around him. It seems to have worked, and the language I spoke it in was ancient sharptooth."

Sweetie let go of Longtail as he settled down.
"A-are you in pain Longtail?" She asked quietly

Longtail opened his eyes and although he was looking straight up at the ceiling of the cave his eyes gave his answer in the form of almost raw, unrestrained rage from the pain of his burns.

Pearl stepped forward with tears in her eyes.
"We need to find something to cool him down, or stop the burns from hurting him any further."

Sol still being held in her mothers embrace smiled and replied, "Daddy's awake. Goodie."

Cyrix stayed where he was now too shaken to move. He kept one eye trained on what was going on with Longtail, but he didn't want to ruin the happy moment everyone was having.

Ruby stepped next to Cera and asked, "I think what happened was Longtail may have been in shock from the falling rock, but woke up because he knew we'd miss him."


MrDrake

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"Hmm, you must be rather lucky to be alive" Drake told Longtail as he walked into his cave again before returning with some water in what seemed to be rocks carved into bowls, placing them onto the ground.

Drake no longer had to worry as much about Longtail as he did, however, he was still wondering where his daughter had gone at this time "She better not be after those flowers, it's too dangerous...." he uttered to himself.


LBTFan13

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Littlefoot looked over towards Drake. "Thank you for letting us hide out in your cave. I don't know what we would have done if you hadn't shown up. My name is Littlefoot. Our home the Great Valley was destroyed by those fire rocks. Now my herd and I are looking for a place to go. Again, we are very grateful you allowed us to stay here."

Zaine could tell Longtail was in a lot of pain. "We have to do something to help him. He's hurt badly." Zaine then overheard Drake's comment about his daughter searching for flowers. Maybe they can help Longtail. Whatever the case, I have to do something. He looked towards Drake. "I'll go and find your daughter. If these flowers can help then I need them for Longtail. I'll find them and her and bring them both back here." Zaine looked at Sweetie. "I want you to stay here and take care of Longtail. He needs us now more than ever."

"You can't go out by yourself!" Littlefoot protested. "It's too dangerous!" Zaine glared at Littlefoot.

"I just watched my best friend get hit by a flying rock. I just fought him too! I'm going to find those flowers because I believe they can help Longtail, so don't you dare tell me about dangerous." Littlefoot tried to argue, but he knew Zaine had made his mind. Zaine headed towards the entrance of the cave. "Don't wait for me. If I'm not back, get Longtail somewhere safe, and tell him I'm sorry."