In the land before time

[Cancerian Tiger]

Anna waved at Rob in acknowledgement, not wanting to interrupt Mr. Threehorn.  

"Who is that?" Ducky whispered.

"Shh, a friend of mine," Anna whispered back.  Ducky nodded before she returned her attention to Mr. Threehorn.

[LBTFan13]

Rob stepped forward, knowing very well that speaking out of line would most likely cause a bad impression. "They're setting up a trap. Pangaea is nothing but bait."

"How do you know that?" Zaine asked.

"Because if it wasn't so, Pangaea would already be dead." Rob looked at Mr. Threehorn. "You know it's true. Sharpteeth are not known for taking hostages. Red Claw must have found out about our arrival, so he sent Screech and Thud to lure all of us out into the Mysterious Beyond."

Littlefoot was intrigued by this particular human's words. He hadn't gotten the chance to really meet this one yet, but for some reason he knew he was right. "What does that mean for Pangaea?"

"My guess," Rob answered, "is it will buy us some time. Red Claw is not stupid. Pangaea is no use to him dead, not yet at least. He'll wait to kill him until he has all of us, which buys us a little bit of time that we shouldn't waste."

"You seem to know a lot about this kind of thing," Zaine deducted. "Any personal experience?"

Rob shook his head. "Let's just say I know how a villain works."

[Belmont2500]

"Perhaps we could sneak in to where Pangea is being held and hopefully come out unnoticed" John explained, while it may not be the easiest tactic, since Raptor's smell is sharp,he had to try.

[Myrkin]

Chomper and Claw were near their cave, when they heard Mr. Threehorn's call. They listened to till that scream fell silent. Then, Chomper said to fastbiter:

"It sounds like Mr. Threehorn's roar. He usually does that, when there is an emergency!"

"That's a very efficient way to call others I must say." Claw spoke, looking in the direction in which he heard Mr.Threehorn's roar, then turning his gaze to Chomper "Should we go to gathering place right now or should we see if Chronicler and Ruby heard that call?"

"I think we should go to cave and then we could all go to where Mr. Threehorn is." Chomper answered. Claw nodded. They didn't know what kind of emergency this was all about, so it would be safer to travel in four than in two. They went to the Ruby's  cave and they arrived at their destination shortly after.

"Ruby! Chronicler! Did you hear Mr. Threehorn's roar?" Chomper called to fastrunners as soon as he and Claw entered the cave.

[Cancerian Tiger]

"I think Rob's onto somethin'.  I mean, isn't it odd that they did not eat him right on the spot?  They would've done so or even remained in the valley and came after someone bigger and more plump if they were seekin' out a food source," Anna added.  "I too think this is a set-up, but we've gotta get our friend back."

"True, but that could also mean the search party would be put in danger," Mrs. Swimmer spoke up.  Anna looked up at her.

"If there's a group of us, we will outnumber those knuckleheads.  They won't stand a chance against us," Anna replied.

"But, you humans are so small and have no horns or spikes on you, and even when you're dinosaurs, most of you guys are still pretty vulnerable," Mrs. Swimmer said.

"We may appear defenseless, but believe me M'am, our type are not to be underestimated in our defense abilities.  We know a lot about their type, even their mannerisms and pattern of attack.  Wouldn't you feel more comfortable knowing some of us in the search party know fastbiters more than anybody in this whole valley?" Anna asked.  Mrs. Swimmer thought hard for a few moments.

"I guess you're right," she sighed.  "I just don't want to see anybody get hurt."

"Trust me, we'll be okay," Anna reassured her.

"But, what about the Mysterious Beyond?  I understand you've never been out in those surroundings, so how do we know you guys won't get lost or hurt?" Mrs. Swimmer asked.

"With all due respect M'am, I'm quick to learn a new terrain.  I've always loved exploring new surroundings.  Besides, I think a couple of my friends here came from the Mysterious Beyond, and with the help of Chomper if he shows up, we'll be just fine.  Don't worry so much 'bout us.  Our friend is more important to us right now," Anna said.

[Pangaea]

Mr. Threehorn didn’t want to admit it, but he was impressed by Rob’s powers of deduction, and his keen insight on the situation. “Well, then,” he said, “all the more reason to have a large rescue party. Who’s with me?”

“I am,” Rebecca said. “If Red Claw’s setting a trap, then I can fly ahead and see just what he’s up to.”

She turned to face Guido. “Guido, you come, too. You’ll need to take us to where you saw the fast biters catch Pangaea, so we can find which way they went.”

Guido visibly shuddered at the thought of seeking out and possibly facing down a pack of sharpteeth, but he didn't flinch. “I–I–I'll do it,” he said. “Anything for Pangaea.”

“Good,” Mr. Threehorn said. “Who else is coming?”

[Kor]

"If any flyers come perhaps they can help to scout out the area and keep watch.  That alone will give us an advantage they lack." Grandpa Longneck said.

"And we may need to move in according to the wind.  It's harder to smell something if the wind is blowing in a direction that does not carry the scent to the sharpteeth.  Also it may help if we have an idea of who will do what instead of waiting till we are there.  Who is best at what sorts of things, being stealthy ect." Flapper said.  

"A large rescue party does give us an added advantage over them as well." Mim said.

Petrie flew over to where Littlefoot was, glad to see some of his friends there.  "Littlefoot going?" Petrie whispered to him since he guessed the adults would not want any of them to go.

[Cancerian Tiger]

"I'm comin' without a doubt," Anna spoke up.

"Me, too," Cera added.

"No, Cera," Anna said as she turned her attention to her threehorn friend.  "This is a task that's too dangerous for you little ones.  Predators seek out the young and vulnerable, and I couldn't live with myself if I intentionally put y'all in danger."

"But, I am not vulnerable.  I'm a brave threehorn, and everybody needs a brave threehorn around," Cera protested.  Anna leaned forward and gently rested her hand on Cera's back.

"Cera, please listen to me.  You're a very brave threehorn without a doubt, and you've proven that time and time again, but this time I need ya to promise me you'll stay outta this task," Anna said.  Cera abruptly pulled away from Anna and stormed off for her nest, evidently upset with her friend.  Tricia ran after her older sister, confused as to what was going on.  

"Cera, wait!" Anna called as she began to follow Cera, but Mrs. Swimmer stopped her.

"Let her go, Anna.  What you said is right.  She needs to understand she's not old enough yet.  That goes for you too, sweetie," Mrs. Swimmer said as she gently picked Ducky off of Anna's shoulder.

"If you say so, Mama," Ducky said.

"Need help gettin' all the little ones back to your nest first?" Anna asked.

"No, thank you.  We don't have to walk so fast, so we'll move at a more comfortable pace," Mrs. Swimmer replied before she gently rested her right hand on Anna's left shoulder.  "Be careful out there."

"I will M'am, and I'll look after the others," Anna said.

"Good luck, Anna.  I will be thinking about you guys, yep yep yep," Ducky spoke up.

"Thanks, little one.  We'll be back," Anna said before Mrs. Swimmer gathered up her children and headed for her nest.  Anna turned toward Mr. Threehorn and headed for him.

[The Chronicler]

Chronicler had just finished telling Ruby the 2003 Bionicle storyline when they heard the call for the meeting.

"Now what?" grumbled Chronicler, who had hoped he would be able to go to bed soon.

"That was Mr. Threehorn," replied Ruby. "It sound's like he's calling an emergency meeting for something very important. We should go there and find out what's so important to hear about."

"Do we really have to go? It's seems a little late, do you think?"

"Maybe, but don't worry. We have our own emergency to deal with tomorrow, so we will find out what this new emergency is and then we will come back here. It shouldn't take too long to explain it."

"Fine," sighed Chronicler. He grabbed his bamboo pole and followed Ruby out of the cave.

They soon ran into Claw and Chomper.

"Yes," replied Ruby to Chomper's question. "We are actually going there right now, going there right now we are."

"Let's just get this over with so I can get some rest," said Chronicler, as he continued to follow Ruby.

When they arrived at the meeting, it was obvious they were a little late. Chronicler decided to ask one of the fellow humans about what was happening. His first choice was Pangaea, but he was strangely absent, so he went to his next choice, Anna.

Chronicler walked up to Anna and asked, "What's going on here?"

[Cancerian Tiger]

"Guido saw Pangaea get nabbed by Screech and Thud, and now we're formin' a search party to go after those guys and save Pangaea," Anna replied to Chronicler's question.

[LBTFan13]

Rob nodded. "I may not be a dinosaur, but I do know how to fight. I'm in."

"Count me in too," Zaine added, but Rob shook his head.

"Zaine, Anna has a point. This mission is really too dangerous for you and the others. You need to stay here where it's safe."

"Rob, if you really created me," Zaine argued, "then you know that I ever abandon my friends. Pangaea is just as much my friend now as yours."

"I understand," Rob replied, "but you were also not meant to be stupid. You're not going."

Zaine wasn't sure what he was feeling at this moment. He wanted to do everything he could to help, but he wouldn't deny that Rob was telling the truth. "You better come back. I will never forgive you if you die."

"I won't Zaine," Rob assured. "I promise."

Littlefoot was still intrigued about Rob. He really wanted to get to know him more, but this situation was not helping at all. He walked up to him. "Excuse me, but your name is Rob?"

Rob looked down. "Yes it is. I've been waiting all my life to meet you Littlefoot."

"I know this seems strange," Littlefoot admitted, "but I feel like I've seen you before, like in a sleep story or something."

Rob knew what he meant. "To tell you the truth, I've seen you in my dreams as well, but we can talk about that when I return. I would go talk to Cera. She doesn't seem too happy."

Littlefoot nodded and turned around. "I'll be at Cera's nest Grandpa." With that he ran off in her direction.

Rob turned back to Mr. Threehorn. "If you would have me, I would like to accompany you in the rescue. I can assure you I am not as weak as I look."

[Myrkin]

"You do?" Claw (who with Chomper had followed Ruby and Chronicler to the meeting place) asked "Can I help? You might need as many people in the rescue party as possible." he volunteered right off. If Pangea was still alive, then they had do everything to save him. Even though he, Ruby, Chronicler and Chomper were supposed to go to Mysterious Beyond to find a cure for him the next day, Pangea's life was in more immediate danger than Claw's.

"I want to help too! I can track down Screech and Thud with my sniffer." Chomper said.

[Pangaea]

“Well, we’ll see about that,” Mr. Threehorn said to Rob, “but I must admit you’re very knowledgeable for a newcomer. I think we could use you.”

He turned to Claw. “You too. I suppose we should feel lucky to have a sharptooth on your side.” He snorted.

Now he looked down at Chomper. “But youó” he began, but Rebecca cut him off.

“ócan come, too, provided it’s okay with Ruby. She is in charge of you, isn’t she?” She faced Mr. Threehorn. “Before you say anything, keep in mind that Chomper’s the best tracker in the valley, and furthermore he’s the only one of us who can speak Sharptooth, as far as I know.”

“You expect we’re going to negotiate with those sharpteeth?!” Mr. Threehorn asked incredulously.

“If we end up having to talk to them, we’ll need a translator. And Chomper’s the only one we have. Now are you going to argue with that, or do you realize we can’t waste the time?”

Mr. Threehorn could only sputter. The flyer had outargued him once again. He nodded grudgingly. “Oh, all right.” He took a moment to make a mental tally of how many had volunteered for the rescue mission so far. “I guess that makes seven of us. Who else?”

[The Chronicler]

"You can go with them, Chomper, because Chronicler and I will be going with them too," replied Ruby.

"Woah, wait!" exclaimed Chronicler. "Why do you suddenly assume that I'll be going with you?"

Ruby felt a little embarrassed that Chronicler had not reacted the way she had hoped. "Well... it's just... I've noticed that you always carry that stick with you wherever you go, so I thought that you would have wanted to fight those Fast-Biters, because you said that you will always carry that stick in case if you have to protect us."

Chronicler sighed in frustration. "Fine. I'll go with you, not because I want to but because I feel like I have to. Remember, I was the one who finished off those Fast-Biters the last time they attacked us, and I have a feeling that they'll want to settle a score with me."

[Kor]

"I"m willing to come along." Mim said.  

Flapper wanted to go too, but wasn't sure since his lack of knowledge and experience about flying would be quickly found out if he did go.

[Cancerian Tiger]

Once Cera reached her nest, she found her sleeping area and curled up.  She was still very angry and was doing her best to not cry.  Tricia was curious at first as to what had upset her sister, but then went over to her mother and snuggled up to her.  Knowing the two were out of earshot, and that nobody else was nearby, Cera let herself cry silently and mostly out of anger, but also because she felt insulted.

[LBTFan13]

Littlefoot noticed Petrie approach him. "I don't know," he whispered back. "I really want to help, but I know my grandparents wouldn't like it." He looked back forward as he continued walking. "I really want to see Cera. She didn't seem happy when she ran off, so I just want to see she's okay." Eventually, the two of them reached Cera's nest. He could see she was very upset about what happened. Littlefoot figured she probably wanted to be left alone, but she was his friend first and a threehorn second. "Hey Cera, are you ok?"

Zaine didn't want Rob to know what his true intentions were, but he was not planning on letting his friend leave without him. Like it or not, Rob. I'm coming with you. He remained quiet, looking at everybody converse about the situation.

Rob nodded towards Threehorn. "I promise I won't let the group down. I hope after this you will finally trust us. I know under that pride you have a good heart. You just don't show it as much, but I've seen it."

[Cancerian Tiger]

Cera jumped up when she heard Littlefoot's voice and quickly wiped her tears away before she looked in his direction.

"Why would you care?!" she snapped, but then realized how she sounded.  "I'm sorry, Littlefoot.  It's not you I'm mad at, but to answer your question, no I'm not okay.  I just can't stand being told I'm too small or I'm too young or I'm this or that.  What gives some bossy newcomers the idea they can tell me what I am or what I can do?"

[Kor]

"Grownups to bossy." Petrie said, "We no babies." He said crossing his arms with an annoyed look on his face.  "What we do.  We stay or sneak off?" He asked.

[LBTFan13]

Littlefoot nodded. "I really do want to help. We did sneak off when those egg stealers took one of Ducky's eggs, and nobody noticed. Of course, every other time they did catch up to us one way or another." He sighed, not knowing what to do. "I don't know. What do you guys want to do?"

"I suggest we go." Littlefoot turned around and noticed Zaine. "I wanted to see if Cera was okay, but I guess you guys plan on going after Pangaea. You can count me in."

"Are you sure, Zaine?" Littlefoot asked. "Rob wanted you to stay here."

"Rob is not my dad," Zaine replied. "As cruel as it sounds, I can't always let everybody tell me what to do. I have to think for myself. Well I think we should go."

Littlefoot smiled. "I agree. Pangaea may be a newcomer, but he is our friend." He looked to Petrie and Cera. "What about you two?"