In the land before time

Kor · **Reply #1860 on:** December 07, 2010, 10:16:29 PM

"How is everyone?" Flapper asked.

"I do hope they are leaving." Mim said looking around to see and make sure they were leaving or if they were planning on another wave.

Grandpa Longneck used his longer neck to look around to also see how things were going in general within the area he could see.

Pangaea · **Reply #1861 on:** December 08, 2010, 12:41:52 AM

“Um…thanks,” Pangaea said, in response to Longtail’s comment about his coloration. “Y–yeah, I’m Pangaea, if you didn’t know my name already. And…uh…you’re…you’re Longtail, right? Thanks again,” he added as Longtail helped him up.

Still shaking like an overcaffeinated Chihuahua, Pangaea cursorily surveyed the aftermath of the battle. Most of the fast biters that had not been killed or knocked out had either fled the scene or were in the process of retreating. Both Screech and Thud were unconscious, and Red Claw was clearly out of commission. He couldn't help but feel sorry for the fast biters that had been injured or killed in the fightóthey had only been trying to feed themselves, after allóbut he had a far more pressing concern for the Great Valley dinosaurs and his fellow GOF members; how many of them had been hurt (or worse) coming to save him?

Cancerian Tiger · **Reply #1862 on:** December 08, 2010, 03:06:41 AM

Ducky giggled as she went over to her brother and embraced him.

"Spike is happy you are okay, yep yep yep," Ducky said to Anna. "He also thinks you should sit down and rest up, yes he does."

"Aw, thanks Spike," Anna said before she curled up on the wet ground as she was unable to sit like a human in her swimmer form. "I'm just glad y'all are safe."

LBTFan13 · **Reply #1863 on:** December 08, 2010, 02:11:46 PM

"Well it was mostly Littlefoot's leading that kept us up there," Zaine clarified. "He made sure that we didn't leave the group because he knew we would be safer up there."

Littlefoot smiled a bit. "Thanks Zaine."

Zaine nodded and then turned to Rob. "I agree with Rick, this doesn't seem good at all. What do we do?"

"What can we do is the better question," Rob replied. "I can already tell some of the grown ups are giving me strange looks, and I know for a fact Cera's dad isn't going to like my new body at all."

"Well there has to be something we can do to keep everybody from stressing out over this," Littlefoot suggested.

"We know that you would never hurt any of us," Zaine added, "so all we need to do is remind the rest of the herd that no matter what body you are in, you are still you."

"I don't know how easy that's going to be," Rob warned. "If there's one thing I've learned in my life, it's that those who fear they are in danger will do anything to get out of that fear. In my world, humans can become very paranoid if they see something as a threat to themselves."

"But this isn't your world," Littlefoot commented. "Maybe things will be different."

"Maybe," Rob agreed, "but we'll worry about that later. We should make sure everybody else is ok, especially Pangaea."

The Great Valley Guardian · **Reply #1864 on:** December 08, 2010, 04:44:19 PM

Cyrix sighed aloud as he asked Littlefoot and Zaine, "Do both of you remember what the grown ups were willing to do to keep Longtail away from all of you once they learned he was half sharptooth? And what trouble it caused for everyone. If they react as badly to Rob as they did for Longtail, then I'm afraid our visitors trip here might not be so pleasant."

Rick grimaced at how Cyrix had mentioned what Longtail had gone through in the valley and for a moment a large stab of guilt washed over him. He then stepped forward and asked, "What if the rest of us newcomers watch over Rob, ya know, just so the other elders don't start panicking?" he suggested with a small grin.

Longtail gave a loud whistle to gain the others attention.
"Well everyone, Pangaea is alive and well." He then asked Pangaea, "Can you stand by yourself or would you like someone to help you?"

Grandma Longneck sighed in relief upon seeing Pangaea with Longtail stepping into view. "They're both alright. Thanks goodness." She then surveyed the rest of their group to make sure everyone else who'd ventured outside the valley was safe.

Kor · **Reply #1865 on:** December 08, 2010, 06:46:28 PM

"We should gather together everyone and see how injured everyone is and if any need treatment before we head back. The fastbiters may have left but they will likely return if we remain here to long." Grandpa Longneck said.

"Very likely they will." Mim said.

Myrkin · **Reply #1866 on:** December 08, 2010, 07:33:21 PM

Chomper approached Pangea, "Are you alright? You're shaking..." he said with concern, then he looked briefly at Longtail and added "Good job at rescuing Pangea, Longtail. It seems that Screech won't wake up soon."

LBTFan13 · **Reply #1867 on:** December 09, 2010, 02:35:10 AM

"There's only one problem with that," Rob commented on Rick's suggestion. "If they decide they can't trust me, they may decide not to trust any of us. Besides, I think they're view on us might be changed now after Chronicler's accidental outburst."

"We can't do nothing," Littlefoot protested. "I'm sure my grandparents will vouch for you. They always see the good in others. Surely they will see that you are not a threat to us."

"Littlefoot's right," Zaine agreed. "They always do seem to be the voice of reason in situations like these. Maybe they can help prove your still good."

"Maybe," Rob admitted, "but I don't want to cause any trouble for the herd. I'm not going to let any fighting among the herd start because of me.

"There won't be any fighting," Littlefoot tried to assure Rob. "One way or another, they will accept you."

"I hope you're right," Zaine commented

The Chronicler · **Reply #1868 on:** December 09, 2010, 10:10:15 PM

Chronicler and Ruby had followed Littlefoot and the others down the hill to rejoin the rest of the group. When Rob mentioned that unintentional rant, Chronicler knew he had to speak up to defend himself, especially now that Pangaea was among the group.

"Okay, I'll admit it, I made a mistake, my bad," announced Chronicler. "I guess I just wasn't thinking strait since I'm so tired. Anytime we're ready to go home and get some rest, I would greatly appreciate it."

Chronicler then turned to Ruby. "Just to be on the safe side, we'll leave first thing in the morning. Remember, we still need to go to your old home so we can help Claw." He then looked around and noticed the absence of the person he just mentioned. "Hey, where is he anyway?"

Kor · **Reply #1869 on:** December 09, 2010, 10:19:28 PM

"They accept Chomper, why not you. Chomper show you what ok to eat in Great Valley, like stinging buzzers." Petrie said.

"That is a good point." Flapper said as he walked over closer to where some of the others were.

Belmont2500 · **Reply #1870 on:** December 09, 2010, 10:27:52 PM

John turned to Chronicler as he overheard his words. "Aye,you noticed it as well I see" he asked...

Cancerian Tiger · **Reply #1871 on:** December 10, 2010, 02:40:15 AM

Anna also overheard Chronicler's statement, and so did Ducky.

"Anna?" Ducky piped as she gently tapped Anna's right arm.

"Yeah, what is it?" Anna asked compassionately.

"Was that really true what he said about humans? Are your kind really like that?" Ducky asked, almost afraid to do so.

"Yeah, what was that all about?" Cera demanded as she sat down to the right of Anna, facing her. Ducky joined her moments later.

"Guys, I'll be honest as always. What Chronicler said about my kind is true. Humans have done some...terrible things...to our world and even our own kind," Anna admitted. Ducky made a sad expression as Cera's darkened.

"So, I believe he said something about you guys being able to destroy us, too. Is this why you're here?!" Cera hissed.

"No! Not at all! We're not..." Anna replied.

"I don't believe you!" Cera interrupted.

"Maybe if you'd shut up and let me talk you'd believe me!" Anna barked in an offended and irritated manner. Her reaction caused Cera to shut up, mostly out of surprise. Anna took a deep breath, and sighed.

"I'm sorry, Cera. That was rude of me. However, I would really appreciate it if you'd listen to me," Anna said.

"Okay, I'll shut up and listen," Cera replied. Anna then spoke loud enough so the others nearby could hear her.

"Thanks, Cera. What I was tryin' to say before is that we are not here to hurt y'all or your world. In fact, we don't even know how we got here, and we certainly didn't come on purpose. What I wanna say is that we're not like many others of our kind. There are many humans who respect life and hate destruction, and our group here is no exception. My friends here won't hurt any of your friends, family, or anybody else who doesn't try to hurt 'em first. Why would we be out here protecting y'all from fastbiters if our intention was to take over your world? Why haven't we hunted any dinosaurs? We're not like that, that's why. We're here to be friends, not enemies. Y'all really mean somethin' to me, and the rest of my kind here. That's how we all became friends. We share a fandom of y'all, and met because of that. We never thought it would ever be possible to meet our favorite dinosaurs, and now that we have, we won't cause any harm. I really, really hope you're able to believe me now," Anna explained. Moments later, Ducky came forward and gently took Anna's right hand.

"I believe you, yep yep yep. You are still my friend, yes you are," Ducky said with a smile.

"Thanks, little one. That really means a lot to me. Cera?" Anna questioned as she looked at her threehorn friend. Cera's expression had softened during Anna's talk.

"Yeah, I admit it. I belive you, too," Cera sighed.

"Thank ya so much, Cera. I hope everybody else can believe what I said," Anna replied.

Pangaea · **Reply #1872 on:** December 10, 2010, 04:02:03 AM

“I think I can walk okay,” Pangaea said to Longtail, taking a few small, staggery, demonstrative steps, “though I’d sure like to find a safe place to rest pretty soon.”

Chomper’s observation prompted Pangaea to hold out one of his hands and look at it; sure enough, it was visibly trembling (Pangaea’s hands were normally shaky, but he’d never seen it this bad). “Yeah, I’m fine,” he said. “Just…being held for ransom by a fast biter isn’t exactly good for the nerves, especially if you’re as jittery as me.”

“What about you? Are you okay?” he asked Chomper, remembering how the little sharptooth had been knocked off of Screech’s tail. “That was awfully brave of you to attack Screech like that. Both of you.” He looked from Chomper to Longtail. “I can’t thank you enough.”

He mentally thanked Anna as well, for her efforts to reconcile whatever fears or suspicions Chronicler’s outburst might have caused.

Amaranthine · **Reply #1873 on:** December 11, 2010, 01:58:40 AM

As all of this was going on, the fast biters still stayed stock still, looking towards Red Claw to see what was going to happen next and they muttered to themselves if this was entirely worth a risk to do all of this for a flyer. Especially a youthful one that didn't seem all that intimidating.

Amy knew she was taking a risk to go near Red Claw like this, but she felt that she was to blame for this catastrophe, with the blinding of Red Claw, and the battle between the valley and these sharpteeth. She didn't know that Pangaea was captured, so she figured that these people were searching for her.

I should have never told Pangaea I was leaving, and lastly, I should have never left in the first place.

She had her hand gently rest on the face of her enemy and immediately Red Claw moved restlessly and roared to keep her away, which did make her jump, but she refused to move elsewhere.

It took awhile, but after struggling and whatnot, Red Claw became exhausted of the growling and moaning so he finally took it upon himself to rest and lie down. The rain poured even more heavily now and it accented the faces of all of the dinosaurs and other life forms below.

Tria came near to her stepdaughter Cera and nuzzled her, "Cera! Thank goodness you are alright! And you two as well!" She looked to Anna and Ducky. She also caught a bit of what Anna was saying as far as humans and the superiority.

"My dear, I have never seen such bravery coming from dinosaurs or humans then what I just saw. I'm honored to have you and your friends here with us!" She dipped her head respectfully to Anna and looked to her with a huge, grateful grin.

Amy stared at Red Claw with a distraught expression and she whispered, "Goodbye my friend." She sighed and walked away to look around her. Dead bodies of both fastbiters and Great Valley residents were scattered, and it took it's toll over her. So in response to all this, she screeched high to the sky in a ear deafening cry. The lighting flashed and the thunder rolled as if in response to the cry.

Rebecca heard the voice and she responded by screeching as well. Moaning and groaning came from the Great Valley residents as well.

In rescimencent with them. the fastbiters roared in agony and grief as well.
---------
Around this time, Pterano suddenly slowly opened his eyes and slowly got himself up. Mr. Three Horn loomed over him and stated sternly,

"PTERANO." Pterano narrowed his eyes and sighed, aggravated that the old three horn would try to annoy him now. However, instead of doing this, Mr. Three Horn gruffly said, "Get up." He gently nudged Pterano up to his feet and Pterano stood staring at the three horn stunned.
----------
As this was happening, the female fast biter retreated from the other dinosaurs and she screeched to the others, telling that they should leave with whatever food they had.

Cancerian Tiger · **Reply #1874 on:** December 11, 2010, 04:53:52 AM

"Thanks, Mrs. Threehorn. I feel very honored to be here," Anna replied as she returned a polite nod to Tria. Meanwhile, Cera took cover beneath her stepmother as the rain came down harder.

"ATCHOO!" Ducky sneezed as she shivered from the rain. This caused Anna to gently guide her closer to shield her from the elements. Suddenly, the sound of Amy's screech and the noises the other dinosaurs made caught her attention. Anna was confused at first, but then she remembered how back in her world other living things did something similar out of grief or mourning.

"What's going on?" Cera asked curiously.

"They're mourning the dead," Anna replied before she bowed her head to pay her respects for the dead. Ducky and Cera ended up copying the same gesture.

Myrkin · **Reply #1875 on:** December 11, 2010, 08:51:02 AM

When Chronicler had pointed out Claw's absence, Chomper looked around. There were quite a lot dead fastbiters and few alive but none of them was Claw. Where was he? Chomper started sniffing the air and he soon caught their friends scent and in addition a scent of other fastbiter, who had been chasing Claw. At least that's what sniffer was telling Chomper. He looked at Chronicler and Ruby.

"I think he run that way and somebody was following him. Maybe Claw needs our help," little sharptooth said to them.

LBTFan13 · **Reply #1876 on:** December 13, 2010, 03:25:54 AM

"I'm not blaming you for any of this," Rob replied to Chronicler, thinking he may have been a little scolding towards him. "None of this is your fault. The sharpteeth would have most likely wanted to fight regardless of whether or not negotiations actually succeeded. You just happened to find what made them tick." He said the last part with a laugh, indicating that he really didn't want to blame Chronicler for the fight. Rob then scanned the area around them to see the battlefield the fight created. "My god," he whispered. "What have we done? So many dead." As Amy began to screech for the dead, Rob began to sing:

"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see. T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear, the hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; 'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home. The Lord has promised good to me. His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures. Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil, A life of joy and peace. When we've been here ten thousand years Bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's praise Than when we've first begun. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now I see."

He found it strange that he was singing for both the dead leaf eaters and sharpteeth, but even sharpteeth deserved a proper memorial regardless of the situation.

Littlefoot listened intently to Rob's words, and the entranced him. "What is that you're singing?"

"It's called "Amazing Grace"," Rob explained. "Where I come from, this song is usually sung in memory of somebody who has died."

"I didn't know you could sing like that," Zaine stated in astonishment. "That was beautiful."

"Thanks," Rob replied. "If only it could have been under better circumstances."

Kor · **Reply #1877 on:** December 13, 2010, 11:26:26 PM

Flapper kept his head bowed during the song. Then once it was over he looked up. "if only." he said agreeing with what Rob had said.

"It would have been...." Mim said, starting to say something but not sure how to finish what she had started.

"Are there any injured that need to be helped. We can rest a short while but it is best we think about heading back before to long." Grandpa Longneck said who felt bad about all the injured and dead, but also seeing they could not long remain where they were without more trouble coming to them likely.

Cancerian Tiger · **Reply #1878 on:** December 16, 2010, 01:24:09 AM

"That was a really nice song, yep yep yep," Ducky said before she glanced up at Anna. "What is it about?"

"Well, there's quite a story behind the origin of 'Amazing Grace', but I'll have to tell it later as this is not the place or time for it. It's a song humans sing either during times of trouble or when someone they know died," Anna whispered.

"So, who was the person mentioned in the song you guys call God?" Cera asked.

"That's a much longer story I'll be sure to share later, though I'm not sure you'd believe me," Anna said to the little threehorn.

"Why not?" Cera demanded.

"Based on your past reactions to supernatural topics, though I'm sure it would be a real eye-opener if you'll listen to me with an open mind," Anna replied. Cera remained quiet for a few moments.

"Okay, I'll try to," she sighed. "But, I do have another question. Where is this 'home' that was mentioned in the song?"

"Well, my dear, it is a place where many believe we go when we die. It's like what y'all call the Great Beyond," Anna explained. Cera nodded, acknowledging she had at least some understanding.

"What is this place like? Is it like the Great Beyond?" Ducky asked.

"Nobody has ever seen it, but those of us who believe in its existence say it is the most gorgeous and peaceful place imaginable where there is no pain or suffering. As a matter of fact, I know another song we humans sing when someone has died that also describes the place I described. It's called 'In The Garden'," Anna said before she got up. She felt it would be too awkward to sing in soprano I, so she instead sang in soprano II:

I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses.
And the voice I hear falling on my ear.
The son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own.
And the joy we share as we tarry there.
None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet that the birds hush their singing.
And the melody that He gave to me.
Within my heart is ringing.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own.
And the joy we share as we tarry there.
None other has ever known.

And the joy we share as we tarry there.
None other has ever known.

"That was really nice too, yep yep yep," Ducky said before she let out a sneeze. This caused Anna to gently scoop up her friend. She did not want to see anyone get sick, especially the children. She then noticed Ducky appeared to be very sad.

"What's wrong, Ducky?" Anna asked compassionately.

"I am very sad about those who are dead because of this, yes I am," Ducky sniffled as she could no longer contain her tears.

"It's perfectly normal to feel this way. You'll be okay, little one," Anna said as she gently held the little swimmer close in response. Anna was doing her best to contain herself in an attempt to be strong for those who were not. Meanwhile, Cera bowed her head in respect for the dead and kept her eyes closed. Although she did her best to contain herself, a stray tear escaped her right eye.

The Chronicler · **Reply #1879 on:** December 16, 2010, 10:30:12 PM

Chronicler sighed in frustration and shook his head. He wasn't interested in listening to any songs. He also couldn't understand why everyone was so saddened by the aftermath of the battle. In his mind, the losses were quite minimal and could have been much worse. Everyone should have been glad by the number of survivors, in fact, everyone whose name he could remember had come out of this battle mostly unscathed.

Bored, Chronicler began walking back home, his bamboo pole in his hand.

Ruby quickly noticed Chronicler leaving. "Chronicler?" she asked. "Where are you going?"

"I'm heading back home, even if I have to go by myself. I don't wanna stick around anymore. I've had enough of everything tonight and I would like to get some rest."

"But... but what about Claw? He is still missing, missing he is."

"We'll find him in the morning. I'm just not in the mood to go anywhere else right now."

Ruby was torn about what to do. She knew they needed to find Claw, but she wanted to follow Chronicler to make sure he was okay. Hoping for an answer that could make the decision easier, she turned to Chomper and asked, "Do you think you can use your sniffer to find Claw tomorrow?"