DISCLAIMER: I know I put one in here somewhere, um, just a sec… and I'll go see if I can find it. Oh, yes. - I don't own anything to do with the D&DC!

STORY: This story is based on the episode "The Traitor" written by Jeffery Scott (C) 1984. The basic plot and the characters are therefore not mine, but the actual "writing" is. Confusing, no? This story relies heavily on events in the actual episode - The Prologue just goes over roughly what happened in the episode itself, until the very slight change in events.

AND BEWARE - It is an Alternative Episode, and so anything can happen…

PROMPT - Started ages ago, this was finished for the prompt #77 "Unforgiving" at the LJ Darkfic Challenge site.

RATING: PG13.

THANKS: Goes to all those brilliant people who read and enjoy my stories, especially those who leave reviews/comments and tell me so :) And special thanks to Ebonlock - whos chance remark reminded me of this and gave me the impetus to finish.

THE TRAITOR (Alternative Version)

Prologue

They had walked through the Moon Forest since dusk, but the Ranger had to face it. They were never going to get through to the far side without a rest.

His friends all curled up against the ferocious winds, and tried to rest, but Hank was glad to be the one on first watch tonight. This forest gave him the creeps, and he wouldn't have gotten much sleep anyway.

The night passed without anything happening. The thick mist had cleared, letting the moonlight in and Hank had started to think that this forest wasn't such a bad place.

Then there was a sudden snap of twigs, and he leaped down from the rock, pulling a fiery arrow. He looked around carefully.

Suddenly in the shadows he saw red, and recognised the little man standing in front of him.

'Dungeonmaster!' he exclaimed, 'but I thought you were going to meet us…'

Their Guide looked sadly at him.

'Things have changed Ranger. I came to warn you.'

'About what?' asked Hank. 'Are we in danger?'

'Your friends will find great jeopardy, but you will face the most difficult trial of your life.' The Guide turned. 'Be strong, Ranger and listen to your heart.'

'Dungeonmaster, wait!'

He raced forward after the man, but the Dungeonmaster was gone.

Sleep, lovely sleep. He was comfy under the blanket. It might not be hooked up to a power source, but it was thick and warm. He didn't want to wake up.

Soft snuffling noises. Yawns. Thumping noises.

Then Eric the Cavalier opened his eyes at the sound of Bobby's voice.

'Wow, living teddy bears!' exclaimed the Barbarian.

The Cavalier watched in confusion as three dwarf sized bears tried to sneak away with the weapons. But now the kids were awake, the would-be thieves stood no chance.

Sheila the Thief and Diana the Acrobat stopped one easily; Presto caught another with the Hat, and Hank had grabbed the last. They were all herded together in the centre of the clearing.

Looking sulky and afraid, like children caught with their hands in the cookie jar, the three Bears stood in a little group. They were small, about half his height, grey and white, with little pink centres to their ears. They wore rough tunics and each had a dull red stone around their necks.

'All right you little kleptos, start talking!' said Eric, feeling annoyed and stupid. He leaned forward menacingly, resting his elbow on his raised knee. How could these little critters have walked off with his precious Shield so easily?

'We didn't do anything,' wailed one of the bears.

'You were going to hurt us,' continued the little female one, looking around at the children with big, pale-blue eyes.

'We were only defending our selves' continued the first.

'Let us go,' said the last one.

'Whoa,' said Hank, 'one at a time. Who are you?'

'We-eee are Cloud bear,' said the female one, as if it was perfectly obvious. 'We not stee-eel weapons, we take so you not harm us.'

'Yes, we need them to defend ourselves,' agreed another.

Eric was listening in disbelief. Who in their right minds would want to chase after these annoying little creatures. What was the point!

'Who from,' he asked the first bear. 'They have ugly flat noses and tusks that stick up. And mean eyes.'

'Wait a minute,' said Presto thoughtfully, ' know that description.' He turned and walked off, pointing his finger in the air, trying to look erudite. 'It's coming. It's coming.' There was a sudden gasp. 'Ah! It's here!'

Four Orcs were standing close by, with more running up from the trees behind.

'Ah! Orc soldiers!' Eric shouted.

'Get them,' ordered the Captain.

The female bear gave a high-pitched shriek and started to run, her companions close behind. Sheila and Bobby followed. Hank turned to give them cover, the arrows from his Bow scattering the soldiers for the moment. They all ran on.

Judging by the roars and grunts of the Orcs, they were close behind. It was obvious that retreat was the best course of action, and Eric ran after the others, towards the largest tree they could see.

Suddenly, there was a cry from behind and everyone paused and turned to look.

'Hey, let me go!' shouted the Barbarian, held tightly by an Orc soldier.

'They've got Bobby!' gasped Sheila.

Hank moved first, as always, and ran after the retreating soldier, his Bow raised.

The Cavalier paused and looked to see if Presto and Sheila were OK. They were close to the big tree, one of the bears had already started climbing. He allowed himself a quick smile. The other Orcs would be too far away to get them. This was a piece of cake…

There was a rustle of leaves from behind him. Suddenly, an Orc grabbed him pinning his arms to his side.

There was a low growl.

'Gottacha!'