Disclaimer: I do not own The Land Before Time or Age of Reptiles: Tribal Warfare. Characters in this fan FICTION are not my creation . . . besides Neckbiter, Stomp, Cole, Nicolai, Halla and a few others.
Littlefoot was happy, Ali was with him forever. She'd never leave, he had one more-no two more good friends if you count Cole.
Everything was good, why should anything go wrong?
Because life just isn't easy.
Not even in the great valley.
Dark Eye had been silent since the pack left. Quetzal, Leopard, One Claw and two others had stayed with him. The two that stayed were Nata and amazingly Halla.
Leopard had expected Neckbiter's mate to go with him, even be excited about the change of leadership of the pack. So he decided to ask. "Halla, why did you stay? Don't you want to be with Neckbiter?"
Halla smiled. "The question you ask is unfair. The answer is both yes and no. Yes I want to be with Neckbiter, but no I do not want to go with him."
"You're as bad as Dark Eye."
"Perhaps."
"So why didn't you go?"
Halla closed her brown eyes. "Because." She said. "I love my mate. But I love my children too. I won't give one up for the sake of the other."
"Then why did you let Neckbiter go?" Leopard asked, feeling confused.
Halla opened her eyes, she sighed. "Because. I know once my children have grown strong enough I can journey to the great valley with them. And he'll be waiting for me."
Leopard nodded and walked off. To himself he thought "Neckbiter? Wait for her? No way." Then it occurred to him. "Halla, how would you get to the valley?"
"Why, I would simply follow the path that Dark Eye led us on that time we saved the long neck. I remember it well."
"Then why didn't you tell Neckbiter?"
Halla sighed. "You poor fool Leopard. To live your life without use of your brain. Don't you see? I feel the same as Dark Eye, our pack would crush the great valley, and just think what would happen to Blue Back and his tribe. You and Quetzal stole his eggs, how many were there? Can you imagine dozens of Blue Backs? This area needs us as much as the great valley does not."
Leopard sighed again. "I was wrong. You are worse than Dark Eye."
Halla became very sad. "Speaking of whom . . . Leopard . . . why don't you go see how he's doing?
Leopard nodded and walked over to Dark Eye. "Dark Eye?" He asked. "How are you doing?"
Dark Eye scoffed. "I'm perfect." He said. "My clan just betrayed me. I might as well go join the meat eaters of bone canyon."
"You wouldn't fit in there." Leopard said, trying to cheer Dark Eye. "To many of them have beaks."
"My brother." Dark Eye said. "He killed our father and he betrayed me! My entire clan betrayed me!"
"And you're just going to let it happen?" Quetzal asked.
"You will just let them crush the Great Valley?" One Claw demanded.
Leopard missed the faint grin that crossed Dark Eye's face then disappeared. "Yes. I can do nothing. I am weak."
Quetzal scoffed. "Dark Eye. I made a promise to that long neck. I won't let Neckbiter kill him. I'm going to the great valley. You can stay here and rot."
Dark Eye jumped up, fire in his eyes. "Excellent! What I said just now was to see where you stand Quetzal, One Claw." He turned to Leopard. "And Leopard." He turned to Nata and Halla. "Nata, Halla. All of you. We cannot let our clan abandon us, and I cannot let my brother take control without doing so properly, by beating me."
"What do you have in mind?" One Claw asked.
"The faster path we took. We'll go to the great valley, we'll get there first."
"And then what?" Halla asked.
Dark Eye looked at her. The fire in his eyes didn't die, but his enthusiasm was suddenly replaced with a soothing tone. "I'll bring Neckbiter back, if I have too . . . I'll drag him." Halla nodded. Then Dark Eye added "Alive."
"Why?" Nata demanded. "You should kill him and stop further rebellion."
Dark Eye closed his eyes. "Because . . . he is my brother. I won't kill my brother."
Leopard saw the conflict in Dark Eye. He said he wouldn't, but Leopard knew Dark Eye well enough that he was actually still trying to decide. He shook his head.
Quetzal stepped forward. "Dark Eye . . . will we really go to the valley then?"
"Yes." He said. "I will bring back the clan, or I will die trying. I refuse to let our way of life, and the way of life of the valley dinosaurs slip away into chaos. Neckbiter brought the pack to him with sweet words and through the death of an old one. Once they reach the valley he may not be able to control them."
Leopard swelled with pride, knowing that Dark Eye was his friend, and knowing that he would be part of something so grand. If the six of them died, it would be in glory.
"Halla. Nata. Stay with the lair. Guard the eggs. Protect them with your life but if you face unbeatable odds run away. If all goes well we will return. If not then go to the great valley as soon as your hatchlings are old enough to journey." Dark Eye looked at Quetzal, One Claw and Leopard. "You three. Let's go. We will run all day and night and we will not stop until we reach
The four left, Leopard and Dark Eye both ignored the log and leapt across the gap. "Last one to the Great Valley is a flat tooth!" Leopard shouted.
Blue Back could smell pack hunter. He saw them, the entire clan with the exception of Dark Eye. Slinking along in the forest. He wondered where they were going. Then he heard the words "Great Valley" he knew this would be fun.
The day had come and gone, the night was reaching its end. The four shapes came to the entrance of the great valley, then hid among the rocks.
Dark Eye sighed. It was obvious that Leopard and One Claw were drop dead tired. Quetzal seemed a little tired too, but he felt just fine. "One Claw, Leopard. Rest. Sleep, you'll need it. If Neckbiter is clever enough to get here it shouldn't be for two more days, so rest easy. I will keep watch."
"What do I do?" Quetzal asked.
"Can you remember that long neck's smell?"
"I suppose." She said.
"Go into the valley. Bring him to me."
"Hungry?" Leopard joked.
"Yes, but not for him." Dark Eye said. "I may have to eat a lizard though. Perhaps a gecko." He said.
"Don't, those things are terrible." One Claw said.
Dark Eye laughed. "If some iguana gets to close to me he's breakfast."
"Don't say I didn't warn you." One Claw said and then he went to sleep. "Bones and such, stringy meat just not worth picking out of the teeth." He muttered.
Dark Eye watched the sun rise slowly in the sky. He knew that if he were going into the valley in the daytime it would be foolish, and suicide. He also knew that sending Quetzal in during the day would be suicide. "Quetzal . . . weather you find him of not, come back before the sun fully rises."
"If I feel like it." She said with a grin. And she disappeared.
Littlefoot and his friends were awake early. All of them running and playing, Cera was smashing things, Petrie was flying around, the four long necks, Spike and Ducky were playing a thrilling game of catch the rock. That's when Littlefoot noticed something moving in the tall grass. He ignored it and it disappeared. They valley was quiet, and no one else was awake. The sun was peeking over the mountains.
A small rock rolled his way, it had come from the grass. He ignored this. A rock hit his side, he began to wonder what was going on. He walked over to the grass, and looked around.
"You must be very quiet." A vaguely familiar voice whispered to him.
"Who are you?" Littlefoot laughed. "Where are you?"
"I am where I am, I won't tell you until you talk quietly! Listen, forget it. Tell your friends not to be afraid."
"Who are you?" Littlefoot asked.
"I helped save your life and you forget me? I am hurt Littlefoot."
"Your hurt!" Littlefoot exclaimed. "I'll get help!"
"I meant emotionally, and I was just kidding."
"Then tell me who are you?"
"Who are you talking to Littlefoot?"
"No one!" He said.
"I'm going to have to show myself because I must leave before the sun rises, but if I show myself and your friends scream I am as good as dead, please tell them all to close their eyes and I will show myself."
"Close your eyes everybody, no peeking." Littlefoot instructed. Slowly, everyone did as they were told. Then Littlefoot heard a rustling in the trees. A slender dinosaur appeared before him . . . with feathers on her head? "Quetzal!" He exclaimed happily.
"Who?" Ali asked, opening her eyes just a tad.
Littlefoot didn't know what to do. If Ali saw Quetzal she'd scream, if she screamed everyone would wake up and Quetzal would be in big trouble.
So he did the only thing he could think to do. He told the truth. "Ali . . . everyone. Promise me, on our friendship that you won't scream or be scared. Open your eyes."
Everyone did.
No one screamed. They were too scared to move.
"It's okay." Littlefoot said. "She won't hurt us."
"Littlefoot, you should not have let them open their eyes." Quetzal said.
"IT TALKS!" Cera screeched so loud that Littlefoot's ears began to hurt.
Quetzal looked very scared, it was a strange thing to see. "Please, I will not hurt you! Be quiet and calm."
"SHARP-"
"Cera!" Littlefoot snapped.
Cera became silent, the others were slowly overcoming their fear to the point where they could again breathe.
"Littlefoot, your valley is in danger. Dark Eye is waiting outside, he wants you to come. I have to go now, but please, stay with your friends, make sure they will tell no one, and then come."
She turned and ran like the wind towards the exit. Littlefoot was a little surprised. "The valley in danger?" He wondered aloud. He turned to his friends. "You can't tell anyone!" He said.
"Littlefoot . . ." Ali said. "Is that sharp tooth your friend?" She asked calmly.
"Yes." Littlefoot said. "She even saved my life."
Ali nodded. "Then we won't tell a soul she was in the valley, or that you're going to your secret meeting."
"Why not?" Cera asked. "The sharp teeth just want to eat Littlefoot!"
Ali smiled. "Cera . . . did you forget? It takes all sorts of friends to make the world go round."
"I'll remember if you promise not to sing." Cera said with a weak smile.
"Okay flat head." Petrie said. "We not say a word."
"On one condition." Cera said. "We come with you. To be sure that those sharp teeth don't eat you"
Littlefoot smiled. "You guys are the best."
Dark Eye waited patiently. One Claw, Leopard and even Quetzal were fast asleep. He waited among the rocks where no one could see him, he heard the sounds of life from the valley. He saw a long neck emerge, followed by two others, and a three horn. And a big mouth . . . and a flyer . . . and a spike tail. Odd herd.
"Dark Eye?" One of them asked. He assumed this was Littlefoot . . . he'd grown.
Dark Eye emerged from the rocks. "Littlefoot?"
"It's me."
Dark Eye sighed relief. "Good to see you and your friends. Though I had hoped you would come alone."
"It's okay, they promise not to tell anyone about you."
"It isn't just that. What I have to tell you is shocking, and sad. It may be best for them to just not hear."
"Whatever you say to Littlefoot, you say to me too." The three horn said.
Dark Eye nodded. "Fine. The entire clan is coming. Neckbiter seduced them with tales of an easy life in the great valley. They will be here in two days."
"You right sharp tooth. Petrie happier not knowing!" The flyer said.
"Quetzal, One Claw, Leopard and I will try to defend the valley, but . . ." He looked to make sure his companions were asleep. "We wont win." He said sadly. "Littlefoot, your valley will no longer be a safe place. You must close the entrance. With the entrance closed I can get the pack to turn back. Make them think Neckbiter was lying and end it all without loss of life."
Littlefoot nodded. "I like the plan. But I have to talk to the adults before we can do anything like this. They wont believe me."
"If you can promise me my safety I can introduce myself."
"A sharp tooth afraid of leaf eaters?" The three horn asked.
"No. A single sharp tooth afraid of being trampled to death by hundreds of very large dinner trays." For some reason that prompted a smile from the three horn.
"I'll talk to them." Littlefoot said.
Littlefoot was gone for a long time, but eventually his flyer friend Petrie returned.
"Grown ups laugh. Not believe flat head. But if you come now they listen. And not trample."
Dark Eye nodded. "Lead the way." He said.
"You keep up with Petrie?" The flyer asked.
"I'd be embarrassed if you could fly half as fast as I run." Dark Eye said. And off they went.
Quetzal watched Dark Eye go through half closed eyes. She sighed. She roused her comrades, and told them Dark Eye's plan, which she'd listened to through a feigned sleep.
"The valley dinosaurs wont ever agree!" Leopard said. "Dark Eye is walking a dangerous path even talking to them, I would wager half of my meat for ten moons that their brains are the size or nuts or small rocks."
"Regardless what do you think our chances of fighting the entire clan are?"
"Impossible." One Claw said.
"I do not see the point." Quetzal said. "We will face our clan in impossible odds. What chance have we got of defeating them? And if the valley dinosaurs don't cooperate then we waste our lives."
"If they wont cooperate I wont fight." Leopard said.
"You two do as you will-I will give my life for Dark Eye-yes even if it is only a waste." Leopard said.
"Is your faith in him so great then?" Quetzal asked. "That you would end your days and cease to be because Dark Eye demands it?"
Leopard shook his head. "No. Not because he demands it. Because he does not."
Quetzal shook her head. "I know what I must do. I cannot stay here a moment longer. You two must come with me I am not asking I am commanding."
Dark Eye was amazed at the gathering of leaf eaters. At first it'd been only a pair of three horns of different breeds, and a long neck, the only ones willing to listen he expected. Now it was a gathering of dinosaurs so old it made him feel ill.
These oldsters would have been cut off from their herds and killed anywhere but here. He knew they couldn't leave, he knew they wouldn't leave. If he failed they would die. But why did he care? Something inside him cared. He could not-no would not let things turn so badly. He would not let the feature of his kind be compromised because his nest brother had gone mad with power and hunger.
"My clan, three score strong is advancing on your valley."
"How do sharp teeth know where the valley is?" A three horn-the father of Cera asked.
"Carnivores following herds could hardly miss it. My clan has known of the great valley for some time. Others know of it as well but only I know the location. However . . . Neckbiter, my nest brother has taken control of the clan and has promised them an easy life here."
There was a round of roars and snorts of anger.
"Impossible! Sharp teeth are to stupid to enter this valley! They are to stupid to even . . .er . . . talk." An old flyer said.
"I can talk up a storm, and I have a wide vocabulary of curses if you'd like to call me stupid again." Dark Eye said calmly, almost politely.
"How long do we have? What do you propose we do and why is it that you are not interested in living in our valley?" Littlefoot's grandpa asked.
"You have two days." Dark Eye said. Then pointed to a group of children who'd come to see the sharp tooth. "The children." He said. "Look at them. So small. So innocent. They know nothing they come to see what a sharp tooth looks like. I would give them a day to live in the wild if they are so curious." There were some angry roars and stomps. Dark Eye ignored this. "Your oldsters. They would be dead by now in the wild, to old to keep up with herds and to weak to fight off a determined carnivore."
Now the valley dinosaurs were about ready to smash him. All he did was speak truth but perhaps they thought it was a threat.
"You see you cannot live anywhere else-your to used to the easy life. You must close the great valley, the entrance must be smashed completely. So that no one can get it you must destroy EVERY entrance."
"And then how would others get in?" Littlefoot's grandfather asked.
"They wont. No one, not leaf eaters, not meat eaters." Dark Eye said. "If you keep letting people in you'll be over populated. How many of you actually leave the valley each season?"
"No one, some wondering herds but never great numbers . . ." Sharp Nose, the other three horn said.
"Exactly. With no meat eaters in the valley your numbers are increasing soon you'll all die of starvation as the plantlife is smashed by your numbers."
"Didn't that occur to you when you made the plan to trap us in here?"
Dark Eye shook his head. "I always think of everything. What ever I miss my brother used to think of." He said-slowly realizing how important Neckbiter had been as an assistant of sorts. "Which means your fighting my other half-if he doesn't see my strategy before it's launched he'll see whatever mistakes I've made and kill me and my comrades. That is why you must close the valley. There is still an exit. The mountains. Through a dangerous trip over razor sharp mountains you can leave, but getting in through there-almost impossible. So once you leave you cannot come back. This is-I think your best chance." Dark Eye sighed. "The truth is that if your entrance is closed I can turn my clan back, convince them that Neckbiter was mistaken." Dark Eye thought for a moment-something was wrong with that-something was very wrong-something he was missing. Neckbiter would have seen it-but he was the enemy now-and chances were-he would still see it-much to Dark Eye's peril.
Neckbiter snapped the neck of the opposing pack hunter. Through shier strength, cunning, and sweet words he'd won over two other clans, bringing his clan's numbers to something fearful around seven score. He did not know that Blue Back and his pack followed him. He did not know that Long Jaw also followed and he did not know that such a large number of pack hunters were slowly trampling the path and leaving an easy trail for Blue Back. Such things Dark Eye would think of. Neckbiter saw now that his brother might have made a useful aide or slave.
To little to late.
Halla was not with him, yet he did not take another mate. Though he felt having one would be necessary a part of him missed Halla, and the rest of him would only accept Quetzal who had also stayed with Dark Eye. He led his pack to the area of desert that would lead them to the great valley in a day. After that day there would be water and meat, and they could prey upon anything they found on the way.
"Listen up!" He shouted, his seven captains, each in command of a score copied his words. "Up ahead is pure desert, and the mountains that burn." He wasn't sure about the mountains but he didn't want to sound like he hadn't made this trip before. "No stops along the way, if you get separated your on your own. Captains you are in charge of your scores." Neckbiter turned towards the burning sands. He let out a great roar to tell them to move.
Blue Back and his pack followed, whatever pack hunters strayed from the pack or were to tired to continue they preyed upon. When the pack hunters slaughtered a pair of long necks from a full herd and savaged the carcasses, Blue Back held his clan back and was content to fall upon the remains, he ate first and finished most of the remains, Climber and Talon fought violently over the remains while Short Tail simply ate what was left leaving the two females with nothing.
Blue Back did not know that Long Jaw was following him, mad with a lust for vengeance he heeded not his hunger and continued down the path following the hundreds of prints made by the pack hunters and the much larger prints made by Blue Back and his herd. The familiar scent of Talon and Short Tail drove his madness to another level. One that few modern men would understand but one that a male lion may feel. The madness of being separated from the pride. Separated from his mate and his infant. And all because Blue Back had beaten him. But not again. Never again would he lose to Blue Back. He would find Blue Back and smash him! He would then force Climber to be his mate as he was sure Blue Back must have forced Talon.
Soon something would end for him-his life of solitude, or his life as a whole. But whichever ended one thing he was certain to lose was his misery. How then could he turn back on his path?
Quetzal, One Claw, and Leopard were gone. Dark Eye had no idea where they were. He stood alone at the still open entrance of the great valley. He smelled the air. The familiar scent of the clan filled his nostrils, but also he smelled the cold fresh morning. His last perhaps. He savored it.
There was a rustling and he turned around. He saw approaching him two large long necks-not quite yet adults but still large to him.
"Where are Quetzal and the others?" Littlefoot asked.
Dark Eye didn't answer.
"They left didn't they." The female, whom he'd been introduced to as Ali said.
"Yes." He said. "Can you blame them?" He asked. "What of the valley?"
"They will not close the entrance." Littlefoot said.
Dark Eye sighed. "Best to go inside there Littlefoot. Stay with your kind, when my clan comes and I am dead your only safety will be numbers."
"I wont." Littlefoot said. "You saved my life many seasons ago. Now your going to die to protect the valley. I cannot do much, but the least I can do is protect this valley with you."
"And me." Ali said.
"And me." Cera, the three horn said.
Dark Eye nodded. "Then so be it." He said morosely. He sighed. "Who thought I'd die fighting for something I would have just as easily eaten ten seasons ago." He laughed.
"What changed you over those ten seasons?" Littlefoot asked.
Dark Eye closed his blood red eyes. "You." He said. "Ten seasons ago I'd never oppose Neckbiter for the sake of some stupid leaf eaters. I would keep the clan away to keep the balance of things, but I would not fight Neckbiter once beaten. But now . . . ever since I met you I simply cannot let my own nest brother destroy everything. Don't you see? Your valley is becoming overpopulated, and that is your concern. But I cannot let my kind become so. And I cannot let Blue Back rule our valley unopposed." Dark Eye sighed. "Then let them come. The four of us against three score, we may die, but this is what legends are made of."
"I've always wanted to be in a legend." Sharp Nose said. Dark Eye turned around and saw Sharp Nose, and Cera's father.
"We wont close the valley. We cannot keep others from the safety of the valley in good conscience." Cera's father said. "But, everything comes with a price, if the price we must pay for our continued safety tomorrow is some danger today-then we'll pay it."
Inside Dark Eye thought they were all fools, himself included. He let out a roar that would have stopped the heart of a leaf eater had it been his prey. It was answered by roars from his leaf eating comrades.
"We'll protect this valley, or we'll die trying!" Cera enthused.
"How heart warming." Leopard said, emerging from the forest several feet away from the valley. "Mind if I join you? I too have always wanted to be part of a legend."
Dark Eye grinned and Leopard joined the ranks standing on the other side of him.
"Where did One Claw and Quetzal go?" Dark Eye asked. "Why didn't you stay with them?"
"Don't worry about them. I couldn't stay safe knowing my sworn brother was in danger."
"Then we'll face doom together." Dark Eye said.
"Maybe not." One Claw said, emerging from the same point Leopard had. "After all, miracles can happen."
Dark Eye's grin became a smile. Leopard roared and Dark Eye and One Claw echoed it with ferocity that would have made Blue Back tremble just a bit.
Today, their dying day they would die with valor at the defense of those weaker than they. There was no turning back, the scent of the pack was stronger now-even the leaf eaters whose sense of smell was weaker than theirs could smell the advancing hord.
Dark Eye smelled something else, faint. Something familiar, he didn't know what it was. He also smelled two other clans, Neckbiter must have increased his numbers. Not good.
There was a rustling and he prepared himself for battle. That's when it happened Quetzal emerged from the trees and bushes, slightly battle scared. She made a screeching roar, which was echoed by unseen voices. She ran to Dark Eye and the valley defenders.
"I am sorry to be late. I was visiting some friends a day away, I am afraid it took another day to return or I'd have come last night."
"Who did you visit?" Dark Eye questioned.
From the forest emerged pack hunters, like but unlike Dark Eye's clan. They were slightly smaller and red with black stripes.
"I scented this pack when we first came to the valley, I found them in the mountains, one score only, their dogged and have not eaten since yesterday when they fell upon the remains of their old leader." She whispered.
"What happened to the old leader?" Dark Eye asked.
Quetzal's chest swelled with pride. "I 'replaced' him." She said. "And two others."
He grinned.
"I told them I would let them go back to the mountains and live their miserable lives after the fight today. I . . . do not think they will be much help, but I had to try. I knew the leaf eaters would never seal the valley." She said.
Dark Eye nodded. "Then . . . let Neckbiter come. If I can I will turn him back without a fight but if it comes to a fight and if we die-I am glad to die with you three-" He corrected himself looking at the five valley dinosaurs. "You eight-by my side." He laughed. He then said "LET THEM COME!"
Neckbiter led the tribe through the forest. He looked down at the walls of the great valley. Just as he remembered it. Everyone was going wild with joy. The giant mountains that they knew must surely hide the great valley.
"Forward!" He shouted.
The clan kept it's clam pace, emerging from the forest to see a large hole in the mountains. A door of sorts. Standing there were twenty small pack hunters (the ones from LBT 3 by the way) barring the way. Nothing to his seven score. But also, behind them he saw two full grown three horns and one child. He saw two young long necks. He saw three pack hunters he remembered well, Leopard, Quetzal and One Claw.
And at the front he saw Dark Eye.
He laughed. "Dark Eye! Beaten but not broken?"
Dark Eye didn't answer. Neckbiter walked calmly to the front. "And so you intend to stop me? When I am so close?"
"I wont let you into the valley." Dark Eye said calmly. "Turn around, we can all go home together."
"You fool! You cling to traditions and the old way of life as if you fear drowning in a sea of progress. Well now the clan is mine-you made your choice back at the lair.
Dark Eye was silent for a moment, then he said "If you will not turn back I will have to fight you for control of this pack."
"Look at them! Do you think they will listen to you?"
"I'll fight anyone who opposes me. That is one tradition that I will cling to."
"Brother, brother, we must unite. Turn around and look behind you. Leaf eaters, you would die for leaf eaters?"
"I would." He said. "And as you said-you are not my brother."
"I said that?" Neckbiter asked, not quite remembering-not truly caring. "Well no matter. Surely the smell of all those leaf eaters is working on your appetite. Surely you want to feel their warm blood trickling down your throat?"
Dark Eye glared up at him, Neckbiter was close enough to see his deep red eyes, and in them shone a terrible anger. "I wont harm the valley dinosaurs. But I do long to taste warm blood. Perhaps I should satisfy my hunger?"
"Indeed. Turn and join us." Neckbiter said.
"Perhaps though, my hunger is not for their blood. Perhaps I hunger for YOURS!" He rushed for Neckbiter.
Neckbiter met the charge and he and his brother were thrown into a vicious fight. Unbidden his seven captains rushed to his aide and he took the chance to leave.
He watched as Dark Eye was assaulted by his seven, a comfortable grin came over his face and sat for two seconds. Then he became expressionless as Dark Eye gained control of the situation. Then his face twisted with terror as Dark Eye began to kill each of his captains in turn.
First was Nats, a newcomer, strong and proud his throat was torn from his neck by Dark Eye's powerful jaws and then his head was snapped backwards by Dark Eye's powerful tail. Then at the same moment another was killed in a similar fashion. Though Dark Eye was getting a few cuts and scratches he was-it seemed in complete control, moving to quickly for the five remaining captains to work well.
He leapt onto the back of one, and allowed a second to follow him, the two captains fought madly against each other, neither realizing the mistake until the winner stood over his dead foe triumphantly and had his neck snapped by Dark Eye.
Dark Eye turned on the last three, he tore through one's throat then literally ripped the head off of another. The seventh now stood before him and it was Pytor.
Dark Eye glared at him, strong and fierce Pytor approached him in a friendly manner, passed him by-though never escaping Dark Eye's gaze, then took a position near Quetzal, One Claw and Leopard.
Blaine was next to leave the group Neckbiter didn't want to let him, but he was still trying to get over the shock of losing seven captains.
Blaine left, Claw seemed unsure of weather or not he should follow his brother. He decided to do so and set off, but Neckbiter was on him in a flash.
"Where do you think your going? Don't you see what's behind them? The Great Valley! As I promised don't throw your life away defending your dinner!"
Claw rushed back into the ranks. Neckbiter glared at Dark Eye. "Dark Eye!" He shouted. "Prepare yourself!"
"Neckbiter!" Quetzal shouted, "Turn back now, do not let it come to this!"
"Ah Quetzal. When this is over-if you still live you and I will lead a happy life in the valley."
"Your bloody loony!" Quetzal spat. "No one on this side of the field will survive. But don't think that you will walk away without losses."
"Sweet Quetzal, if you wish to die for a fool's cause then I will grant you a quick death. But if you simply retreat to the sidelines you will be spared. I offer this to any of you-save the leaf eaters."
Some of the smaller red pack hunters tried to retreat but Quetzal gave a sharp growl that put them back into their places. This caused Neckbiter to respect her all the more.
"Kill them." He said to the hord, and they rushed in like a hundred ants covering a beetle.
Dark Eye was still scared by the combat, as the hord advanced he thought desperately. "Littlefoot!" He shouted. "Ali, Cera, go into the valley and give warning to everyone, tell them that there is more than three score, tell them that they must at least go into hiding." The children turned and ran.
"Thank you." Cera's father said. "I didn't want them to see more bloodshed than what you did earlier."
Dark Eye was silent. "For your lives matteys. For your lives." He said. And then he himself, scared and tired rushed for the enemy willing and ready to die for dinosaurs who would never feel the slightest gratitude for the deed.
He was surrounded by snapping snarling pack hunters, and he treated them as he treated any rival pack. He destroyed whomever got in his way, the few who cringed and tried to escape he destroyed. To show mercy now would be to show weakness, no one who stood before him was allowed to escape without the help of their comrades. Some of the dinosaurs he fought he knew, and they refused it seemed to fight him or Quetzal or the others. They were all to happy to fall upon the starving red pack hunters, and when Neckbiter gave a roar two of the three score that had charged retreated. Of the dead was Hama, a face Dark Eye knew. Two of the enemy had not retreated, Claw stood next to his brother Blaine who was badly wounded, and the second was Pytor's mate. Dark Eye himself had several scars and wounds, but he ignored them all.
He glared at Neck Biter, who glared right back. Ten of the red pack hunters were dead, Cera's father had a cracked (but not broken) horn, and Sharp Nose too was gravely wounded.
Neckbiter roared and another three score-these ones untested in battle, fresh and zealous charged forward, Neckbiter with them.
Neckbiter rushed towards his enemies. He slammed into a red pack hunter and bit it's back, breaking the spine easily he tore into the carcass and made sure it was dead. He turned on another and with a simple swipe of his tail killed it. He did not know-though he guessed-that they were starving. To him they were simply fragile and easy to kill. This gave him confidence in his strength. He came upon ten pack hunters surrounding two on Dark Eye's side. Blaine lied on the ground with blood coming from cuts and a broken leg. Claw stood over his brother viciously defending.
Neckbiter stepped through the circle. "Go." He said to the ten. "Find some more interesting prey." He turned to Claw. "And you. Traitor times two I see."
Claw snarled. Then Dark Eye appeared in front of them. "Go to the side Claw, stay there and out of the fight."
"But Blaine!"
"Take him-have you no strength? Drag him if you have too." Dark Eye barked. He looked at Neckbiter. "You should go find more interesting prey." He said. "Like perhaps-me."
"If you insist." Neckbiter said, and he lunged forward, Dark Eye moved quickly but Neckbiter moved just as quickly.
Onlookers may have seen two titans, slightly larger than the others of their kind, and much more powerful, they both fought violently, neither made progress on the other, and both fighting desperately to keep himself defended while attacking at the same time-something that both were able to do under normal circumstances, but not against their equal.
And equal they were, neither could gain ground on the other, and the fight was finally ended when Quetzal rammed herself into Dark Eye, throwing him to the side, Neckbiter thought for a split second that Quetzal had turned to his side-however this was proven wrong when a three horn barreled towards him, throwing him into the air. He landed hard and let out a painful yelp of surprise. His hord retreated and he stumbled to the front of them.
Dark Eye looked at his forces. Pytor was missing a hand, his mate was on the ground-Dark Eye did not know if she was dead or alive, the last of the red hunters were dead. More three horns had come out of the valley, Littlefoot too was with the fighting group now. The seven score of Neckbiter was now only one score unused females, and four and a half score scarred bloody warriors.
There was a score of three horns now, and some thump tails with their armored backs, the valley defenders now numbered one and one half score, large powerful leaf eaters guarding their homes. Dark Eye however saw nothing but dead-his kind-dead. He'd killed some of them, one and a half score lied dead at his feet including the one score of red pack hunters Quetzal had brought. Of those who survived Dark Eye sent to the sides, Pytor, his mate, Claw and Blaine, and three more from his pack that had joined during the last melee.
Quetzal, Leopard and One Claw refused to go. One Claw's left arm hung limply, Leopard now had scars on his tail to match Quetzal's and Quetzal had a scar going over her eye (like an eyebrow).
He walked forward, weakened he stood before the remnants of the valley defenders.
"Neckbiter! As I look around all I see is dead. Our kind dead. You came here to kill the leaf eaters and yet you are sending your own kind to their deaths. If you try another charge you will not escape your final fate. I do not want to see any more of our kind dead, I caution you to turn back and go home!"
But Neckbiter didn't listen. He was silent for a moment then let out a long roar, and with it the remaining five and a half scores charged upon the remaining dinosaurs.
Dark Eye was working hard to be everywhere at once, to keep the enemy from getting to Quetzal and Leopard and One Claw. Killing those in front he tried to keep from behind overrun, but it was not possible. The valley dinosaurs were peaceful creatures, and though they looked fierce few of them caused any damage to the skilled hunters.
Again Dark Eye met with Neckbiter. In the center of the enemy they glared at each other.
"Neckbiter." Dark Eye spat. "If your name did not suit you so well, I would change it to Sly Tongue."
"Soon the only name suitable for you will be 'Dead One'." Neckbiter roared. They rushed at each other, this time they would not be interrupted. Dark Eye fought with all of his skill attempting to take Neckbiter down, the valley dinosaurs were slowly being overrun, and some of them were turned over, and killed. This time it seemed the clans would not retreat.
Littlefoot was fighting desperately, he wasn't meant for combat of this sort. His tail flashed like a whip, and he brought his heavy legs down upon any slow enough to be their victim. He had knocked a few opponents aside but he had not killed any yet. Though no thoughts beyond those of fighting held his mind at the moment, later he deiced that it may have been best that he left the battle without a single kill.
Two three horns were dead, and one thump tail too. Some of the dinosaurs had retreated into the valley. Dark Eye and Neckbiter were dueling, Quetzal was doing her best to hold off five opponents. Leopard and One Claw were trying to be everywhere at once. Littlefoot was getting desperate. He didn't want to think of what might happen if the valley defenders failed. The great valley dinosaurs would suffer severe losses, the old ones would be easy prey for the pack hunters, and after that the infants, then the younger dinosaurs and the primed adults would finally be eaten.
He didn't want to think of Grandma and Grandpa, they were beyond old, they seemed ancient to him and he knew their chances of survival were slim if the pack hunters managed to get into the valley.
That's when he heard a roar-familiar to him he knew it well.
The roar of a T-Rex, a roar he'd heard to often in his life.
A large T-Rex with a bright blue back rushed into the battle and immediately threw a three horn on it's side and tore into it's stomach. A sight Littlefoot was happier not seeing.
The pack hunters were in confusion now-some seemed to be in favor of uniting to fight the larger sharp teeth, and others were interested only in the destruction of Dark Eye.
Two more rushed in, Littlefoot was filled with terror when one of them rushed towards him. Sharp Nose appeared before him and took the assault. His horn penetrated the large sharp tooth's side. The sharp tooth, which had a patch of purple over her eyes, went mad with rage and tore into Sharp Nose' back.
There were two roars then. One of agony from Sharp Nose, and another from a familiar large green sharp tooth. Long Jaw approached the field of combat. This sent the pack hunters into utter chaos, some fled, and others remained on task. Littlefoot let his tail fly like a whip and hit the female sharp tooth in the eye, she stumbled away from Sharp Nose, and was beset by a dozen pack hunters. She fought most of them off, and was saved by her comrade, a sharp tooth of green and purple like her, with a patch of purple on her nose rather than her eyes. The two male sharp teeth were fighting one another, and the pack hunters. The battle was no longer a battle, it was hellish chaos.
That's when it happened. Petrie flew overhead, and squawked "All ready now Littlefoot! We close the entrance get inside!"
The surviving valley defenders rushed in, but Petrie was knocked out of the sky by Zipolote.
Littlefoot caught Petrie with his long neck, and as Zipolote flew in for another strike he was suddenly snatched out of the air by a flash of tan and brown.
Quetzal landed, she was scared and battered, but in her jaws was the dead Zipolote, she dropped him to the ground and turned towards Littlefoot. "You heard the flyer, get inside, once the gate is sealed we'll run."
"Everything has gone wrong for you." Littlefoot said. "Hasn't it. Your clan is being wiped out, the four big sharp teeth-you cant hope to fight them can you?"
Quetzal didn't answer the question. All she said was "Go." Then she rushed back into the fray.
It was a free for all and no one seemed the winner. Littlefoot, with Petrie on his back tried to lead Sharp Nose to the valley entrance, however just as they reached it the rockslide closed it. Littlefoot turned and faced the enemy. The valley was gone to him, that part of his life was gone . . . and so his own life might as well have ended there-what was he to do without his family? Die. What else could he do in this hellish fight?
Quetzal fought desperately, fighting both rival clan members and the T-Rex family. Littlefoot's words sounding in her ears, she came upon Dark Eye and Neckbiter, still fighting viciously. Didn't the realize that the entire pack had to work together now?
Of course they did. They simply couldn't let one another go. It was a fight of the most premarital level, their instincts had all but taken control, and blood and fear had clouded their minds. It was up to her. She turned and looked at the situation. The pack hunters had more or less united, unfortunately so had Long Jaw and Blue Back.
Climber and Talon had retreated, Blue Back and long Jaw fought the remaining pack hunters. Both sides zeal was lower than the ground itself now that both the pack hunters under Neckbiter, and the T-Rex family knew they would not get into the great valley.
She leapt towards Long Jaw, she landed on his snout and tore into his eyes, but he closed them in time. He threw her off and into the air, and as she came down, he caught her by the tail with powerful jaws. He threw her to the side, and as she hurdled towards the mountainside she knew she'd never survive the landing. She had a second to think about this, and come to terms with it. She'd die-there were so many things she hadn't done-wanted to do and now couldn't. Still a hunter knew that death was part of the never ending cycle of life. Hunters knew this better than most, and Quetzal was a hunter. She embraced death all but willingly, but was saved by a flash of brown and tan, this time not a pack hunter-a neck. A long strong neck.
Dark Eye saw Quetzal thrown towards the rocks, in that second he forgot Neckbiter, Neckbiter forgot him. They looked at the scene and saw the peril that the clan(s) faced. Their rivalries were put on hold for the moment. They rushed into the fight. Dark Eye leapt onto Long Jaw's back and bit at his neck, trying to get through the thick scales on his back.
He hadn't even noticed the larger meat eater's arrival, but now he would certainly force a retreat from the beast. If not he'd kill the great green titan.
There was a long sorrowful howl from Climber, and Blue Back retreated, leaving Long Jaw alone to face the wrath of the pack.
He did not stay long, he retreated himself, running fast to escape. Dark Eye was thrown from his back, and all became black.
Ten moons had passed, Ali, Cera, Stomp, Cole, Ducky and Spike all waited by the mountain pass that was now the valley's only exit. Hoping Littlefoot might come. The grown ups said it was a waste. But somehow the youngsters were convinced Littlefoot and Petrie had survived.
And so day and night they waited. Until one day they could wait no longer, and they had decided to go out and search. No sooner had this decision been made then Petrie flew by overhead.
Following him, was Littlefoot, aiding the wounded Sharp Nose.
The valley will always remember Littlefoot in this adventure, and how he-braving the deadly, steep, sharp mountain pass found his way once again into the great valley. And he was not the last, once other dinosaurs learned of the pass they too continued their pilgrimage into the valley. Though in fewer numbers now, those that made it seemed to appreciate the valley more, and those who had lived in the valley before had a greater respect for the safety they enjoyed. And, it can also be said that they held a great respect for four sharp teeth, whose names were passed down in stories and legends.
Dark Eye. Quetzal. One Claw. Leopard. They were known as the four guardian spirits of the entrance to the great valley, and it was said that no dinosaur could enter without their approval.
Ali and Cole's herd eventually broke up, there was no longer a need to be huddled together as there were no predators. Many dinosaurs left the valley though the pass and Sharp Nose and his clan was among these.
When he was fully grown Stomp also left the valley in search of his long lost mother, and with him went Cole. Together the two had many adventures in the mysterious beyond.
Cera grew and led the Three Horned Police of the valley, egg snatchers never had it so hard, not even when her father led.
Petrie and Ducky and Spike all remember the conflict, and they often explore the walls of the valley in search of any breach, using Petrie's skills as a flyer to see from the sky, Ducky to see underwater holes and Spike used his great strength to seal them. They became known in the great valley as the "Handy Saurs" (Handy men)
And Littlefoot? He never forgot about his sharp teeth friends, just as he never forgot about Chomper. And he often can be seen standing on the walls of the valley staring out across the great expanse of land, watching for incoming herds, or possible danger. He is considered the valley sentinel, though there is no real need for it-the smell of dead pack hunters many seasons buried, is a smell that keeps any predator far from the valley. To the few who come close enough to see the solitary form of an enormous male long neck on the wall, fear becomes overwhelming and they never return, bringing with them tales of the ghost dinosaur.
For Dark Eye it was twenty moons before he and the remaining two scores of his clan returned to their lair. In the seasons to pass Dark Eye and a humbled Neckbiter led the clan together, one always seeing the flaws in the other's plans and working together to correct them soon no one could stand up to them. Rival clans knew well to stay away from the territory of the two brothers, and the clan itself never ventured to invade another's territory. Blue Back and Long Jaw were forced to make peace with each other to face this new threat. However battle for supremacy of the land was over. Neither cared enough, and both were weary of confrontation with the other.
Dark Eye stood guard over his entire territory, and he did it well. With the lair moved to a high mountain, where a pack hunter could easily come and go as he pleased a two claw would have great difficulty making any advances. Blue Back too had moved his den to a more secure area, and this was the reason that neither clan nor family cared enough about each other to continue their battle for supremacy, save some unexpected skirmishes the two were almost peaceful towards one another.
Neckbiter was not exactly reformed, he'd simply lost interest in trying to fight Dark Eye now that he saw how effective they were as a team. He no longer desired Quetzal as a mate for several reasons, one of them being that Halla was the only mate he needed, another being that Quetzal made it quite clear, painfully clear you might say, that she hat no interest in him by giving him the gift of three scars on his flank to match hers.
Quetzal still hunted at the head of the pack, skilled and deadly none save Dark Eye could surpass her, and none save Neckbiter could match her. Her children inherited her feathers, and her great prowess.
Leopard eventually became Nata's mate, though he claimed he did not enjoy adopting five 'annoying' infants he shows no signs of protest towards them.
One Claw had been gravely wounded in the battle, and though four seasons later his wounds were healed, and now he hunts with every party he is spending most of his free time in solitude in the forests of the clan's territory, he is Dark Eye's eyes and ears making sure that no other clans enter the thick forests where Dark Eye's sight cannot see.
And of course the pack has it's legends too. A legend of a mysterious valley where a Long Neck Ghost resides. None enter the valley, for generations after this tale is told, the valley was left untouched by this clan or any others. No one dared go near the rocky mountains. Only the six who invented the legend know it's truth, and so long as the legend protects the valley they intend to tell no one the truth.
As for the red pack hunters from LBT III, they also have a legend-or rather a saying of caution.
If a brown and tan female pack hunter with feathers on her head comes to contest leadership of the clan-just run away or face great losses. Of course the pack has now only a score of members, old ones, young ones and females to weak to fight when the new alpha demanded it-still their legend spread to other clans of their kind, and without knowing it Quetzal became quite the celebrity.
The End.
Oxxxxx{:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Littlefoot was happy, Ali was with him forever. She'd never leave, he had one more-no two more good friends if you count Cole.
Everything was good, why should anything go wrong?
Because life just isn't easy.
Not even in the great valley.
Dark Eye had been silent since the pack left. Quetzal, Leopard, One Claw and two others had stayed with him. The two that stayed were Nata and amazingly Halla.
Leopard had expected Neckbiter's mate to go with him, even be excited about the change of leadership of the pack. So he decided to ask. "Halla, why did you stay? Don't you want to be with Neckbiter?"
Halla smiled. "The question you ask is unfair. The answer is both yes and no. Yes I want to be with Neckbiter, but no I do not want to go with him."
"You're as bad as Dark Eye."
"Perhaps."
"So why didn't you go?"
Halla closed her brown eyes. "Because." She said. "I love my mate. But I love my children too. I won't give one up for the sake of the other."
"Then why did you let Neckbiter go?" Leopard asked, feeling confused.
Halla opened her eyes, she sighed. "Because. I know once my children have grown strong enough I can journey to the great valley with them. And he'll be waiting for me."
Leopard nodded and walked off. To himself he thought "Neckbiter? Wait for her? No way." Then it occurred to him. "Halla, how would you get to the valley?"
"Why, I would simply follow the path that Dark Eye led us on that time we saved the long neck. I remember it well."
"Then why didn't you tell Neckbiter?"
Halla sighed. "You poor fool Leopard. To live your life without use of your brain. Don't you see? I feel the same as Dark Eye, our pack would crush the great valley, and just think what would happen to Blue Back and his tribe. You and Quetzal stole his eggs, how many were there? Can you imagine dozens of Blue Backs? This area needs us as much as the great valley does not."
Leopard sighed again. "I was wrong. You are worse than Dark Eye."
Halla became very sad. "Speaking of whom . . . Leopard . . . why don't you go see how he's doing?
Leopard nodded and walked over to Dark Eye. "Dark Eye?" He asked. "How are you doing?"
Dark Eye scoffed. "I'm perfect." He said. "My clan just betrayed me. I might as well go join the meat eaters of bone canyon."
"You wouldn't fit in there." Leopard said, trying to cheer Dark Eye. "To many of them have beaks."
"My brother." Dark Eye said. "He killed our father and he betrayed me! My entire clan betrayed me!"
"And you're just going to let it happen?" Quetzal asked.
"You will just let them crush the Great Valley?" One Claw demanded.
Leopard missed the faint grin that crossed Dark Eye's face then disappeared. "Yes. I can do nothing. I am weak."
Quetzal scoffed. "Dark Eye. I made a promise to that long neck. I won't let Neckbiter kill him. I'm going to the great valley. You can stay here and rot."
Dark Eye jumped up, fire in his eyes. "Excellent! What I said just now was to see where you stand Quetzal, One Claw." He turned to Leopard. "And Leopard." He turned to Nata and Halla. "Nata, Halla. All of you. We cannot let our clan abandon us, and I cannot let my brother take control without doing so properly, by beating me."
"What do you have in mind?" One Claw asked.
"The faster path we took. We'll go to the great valley, we'll get there first."
"And then what?" Halla asked.
Dark Eye looked at her. The fire in his eyes didn't die, but his enthusiasm was suddenly replaced with a soothing tone. "I'll bring Neckbiter back, if I have too . . . I'll drag him." Halla nodded. Then Dark Eye added "Alive."
"Why?" Nata demanded. "You should kill him and stop further rebellion."
Dark Eye closed his eyes. "Because . . . he is my brother. I won't kill my brother."
Leopard saw the conflict in Dark Eye. He said he wouldn't, but Leopard knew Dark Eye well enough that he was actually still trying to decide. He shook his head.
Quetzal stepped forward. "Dark Eye . . . will we really go to the valley then?"
"Yes." He said. "I will bring back the clan, or I will die trying. I refuse to let our way of life, and the way of life of the valley dinosaurs slip away into chaos. Neckbiter brought the pack to him with sweet words and through the death of an old one. Once they reach the valley he may not be able to control them."
Leopard swelled with pride, knowing that Dark Eye was his friend, and knowing that he would be part of something so grand. If the six of them died, it would be in glory.
"Halla. Nata. Stay with the lair. Guard the eggs. Protect them with your life but if you face unbeatable odds run away. If all goes well we will return. If not then go to the great valley as soon as your hatchlings are old enough to journey." Dark Eye looked at Quetzal, One Claw and Leopard. "You three. Let's go. We will run all day and night and we will not stop until we reach
The four left, Leopard and Dark Eye both ignored the log and leapt across the gap. "Last one to the Great Valley is a flat tooth!" Leopard shouted.
Blue Back could smell pack hunter. He saw them, the entire clan with the exception of Dark Eye. Slinking along in the forest. He wondered where they were going. Then he heard the words "Great Valley" he knew this would be fun.
The day had come and gone, the night was reaching its end. The four shapes came to the entrance of the great valley, then hid among the rocks.
Dark Eye sighed. It was obvious that Leopard and One Claw were drop dead tired. Quetzal seemed a little tired too, but he felt just fine. "One Claw, Leopard. Rest. Sleep, you'll need it. If Neckbiter is clever enough to get here it shouldn't be for two more days, so rest easy. I will keep watch."
"What do I do?" Quetzal asked.
"Can you remember that long neck's smell?"
"I suppose." She said.
"Go into the valley. Bring him to me."
"Hungry?" Leopard joked.
"Yes, but not for him." Dark Eye said. "I may have to eat a lizard though. Perhaps a gecko." He said.
"Don't, those things are terrible." One Claw said.
Dark Eye laughed. "If some iguana gets to close to me he's breakfast."
"Don't say I didn't warn you." One Claw said and then he went to sleep. "Bones and such, stringy meat just not worth picking out of the teeth." He muttered.
Dark Eye watched the sun rise slowly in the sky. He knew that if he were going into the valley in the daytime it would be foolish, and suicide. He also knew that sending Quetzal in during the day would be suicide. "Quetzal . . . weather you find him of not, come back before the sun fully rises."
"If I feel like it." She said with a grin. And she disappeared.
Littlefoot and his friends were awake early. All of them running and playing, Cera was smashing things, Petrie was flying around, the four long necks, Spike and Ducky were playing a thrilling game of catch the rock. That's when Littlefoot noticed something moving in the tall grass. He ignored it and it disappeared. They valley was quiet, and no one else was awake. The sun was peeking over the mountains.
A small rock rolled his way, it had come from the grass. He ignored this. A rock hit his side, he began to wonder what was going on. He walked over to the grass, and looked around.
"You must be very quiet." A vaguely familiar voice whispered to him.
"Who are you?" Littlefoot laughed. "Where are you?"
"I am where I am, I won't tell you until you talk quietly! Listen, forget it. Tell your friends not to be afraid."
"Who are you?" Littlefoot asked.
"I helped save your life and you forget me? I am hurt Littlefoot."
"Your hurt!" Littlefoot exclaimed. "I'll get help!"
"I meant emotionally, and I was just kidding."
"Then tell me who are you?"
"Who are you talking to Littlefoot?"
"No one!" He said.
"I'm going to have to show myself because I must leave before the sun rises, but if I show myself and your friends scream I am as good as dead, please tell them all to close their eyes and I will show myself."
"Close your eyes everybody, no peeking." Littlefoot instructed. Slowly, everyone did as they were told. Then Littlefoot heard a rustling in the trees. A slender dinosaur appeared before him . . . with feathers on her head? "Quetzal!" He exclaimed happily.
"Who?" Ali asked, opening her eyes just a tad.
Littlefoot didn't know what to do. If Ali saw Quetzal she'd scream, if she screamed everyone would wake up and Quetzal would be in big trouble.
So he did the only thing he could think to do. He told the truth. "Ali . . . everyone. Promise me, on our friendship that you won't scream or be scared. Open your eyes."
Everyone did.
No one screamed. They were too scared to move.
"It's okay." Littlefoot said. "She won't hurt us."
"Littlefoot, you should not have let them open their eyes." Quetzal said.
"IT TALKS!" Cera screeched so loud that Littlefoot's ears began to hurt.
Quetzal looked very scared, it was a strange thing to see. "Please, I will not hurt you! Be quiet and calm."
"SHARP-"
"Cera!" Littlefoot snapped.
Cera became silent, the others were slowly overcoming their fear to the point where they could again breathe.
"Littlefoot, your valley is in danger. Dark Eye is waiting outside, he wants you to come. I have to go now, but please, stay with your friends, make sure they will tell no one, and then come."
She turned and ran like the wind towards the exit. Littlefoot was a little surprised. "The valley in danger?" He wondered aloud. He turned to his friends. "You can't tell anyone!" He said.
"Littlefoot . . ." Ali said. "Is that sharp tooth your friend?" She asked calmly.
"Yes." Littlefoot said. "She even saved my life."
Ali nodded. "Then we won't tell a soul she was in the valley, or that you're going to your secret meeting."
"Why not?" Cera asked. "The sharp teeth just want to eat Littlefoot!"
Ali smiled. "Cera . . . did you forget? It takes all sorts of friends to make the world go round."
"I'll remember if you promise not to sing." Cera said with a weak smile.
"Okay flat head." Petrie said. "We not say a word."
"On one condition." Cera said. "We come with you. To be sure that those sharp teeth don't eat you"
Littlefoot smiled. "You guys are the best."
Dark Eye waited patiently. One Claw, Leopard and even Quetzal were fast asleep. He waited among the rocks where no one could see him, he heard the sounds of life from the valley. He saw a long neck emerge, followed by two others, and a three horn. And a big mouth . . . and a flyer . . . and a spike tail. Odd herd.
"Dark Eye?" One of them asked. He assumed this was Littlefoot . . . he'd grown.
Dark Eye emerged from the rocks. "Littlefoot?"
"It's me."
Dark Eye sighed relief. "Good to see you and your friends. Though I had hoped you would come alone."
"It's okay, they promise not to tell anyone about you."
"It isn't just that. What I have to tell you is shocking, and sad. It may be best for them to just not hear."
"Whatever you say to Littlefoot, you say to me too." The three horn said.
Dark Eye nodded. "Fine. The entire clan is coming. Neckbiter seduced them with tales of an easy life in the great valley. They will be here in two days."
"You right sharp tooth. Petrie happier not knowing!" The flyer said.
"Quetzal, One Claw, Leopard and I will try to defend the valley, but . . ." He looked to make sure his companions were asleep. "We wont win." He said sadly. "Littlefoot, your valley will no longer be a safe place. You must close the entrance. With the entrance closed I can get the pack to turn back. Make them think Neckbiter was lying and end it all without loss of life."
Littlefoot nodded. "I like the plan. But I have to talk to the adults before we can do anything like this. They wont believe me."
"If you can promise me my safety I can introduce myself."
"A sharp tooth afraid of leaf eaters?" The three horn asked.
"No. A single sharp tooth afraid of being trampled to death by hundreds of very large dinner trays." For some reason that prompted a smile from the three horn.
"I'll talk to them." Littlefoot said.
Littlefoot was gone for a long time, but eventually his flyer friend Petrie returned.
"Grown ups laugh. Not believe flat head. But if you come now they listen. And not trample."
Dark Eye nodded. "Lead the way." He said.
"You keep up with Petrie?" The flyer asked.
"I'd be embarrassed if you could fly half as fast as I run." Dark Eye said. And off they went.
Quetzal watched Dark Eye go through half closed eyes. She sighed. She roused her comrades, and told them Dark Eye's plan, which she'd listened to through a feigned sleep.
"The valley dinosaurs wont ever agree!" Leopard said. "Dark Eye is walking a dangerous path even talking to them, I would wager half of my meat for ten moons that their brains are the size or nuts or small rocks."
"Regardless what do you think our chances of fighting the entire clan are?"
"Impossible." One Claw said.
"I do not see the point." Quetzal said. "We will face our clan in impossible odds. What chance have we got of defeating them? And if the valley dinosaurs don't cooperate then we waste our lives."
"If they wont cooperate I wont fight." Leopard said.
"You two do as you will-I will give my life for Dark Eye-yes even if it is only a waste." Leopard said.
"Is your faith in him so great then?" Quetzal asked. "That you would end your days and cease to be because Dark Eye demands it?"
Leopard shook his head. "No. Not because he demands it. Because he does not."
Quetzal shook her head. "I know what I must do. I cannot stay here a moment longer. You two must come with me I am not asking I am commanding."
Dark Eye was amazed at the gathering of leaf eaters. At first it'd been only a pair of three horns of different breeds, and a long neck, the only ones willing to listen he expected. Now it was a gathering of dinosaurs so old it made him feel ill.
These oldsters would have been cut off from their herds and killed anywhere but here. He knew they couldn't leave, he knew they wouldn't leave. If he failed they would die. But why did he care? Something inside him cared. He could not-no would not let things turn so badly. He would not let the feature of his kind be compromised because his nest brother had gone mad with power and hunger.
"My clan, three score strong is advancing on your valley."
"How do sharp teeth know where the valley is?" A three horn-the father of Cera asked.
"Carnivores following herds could hardly miss it. My clan has known of the great valley for some time. Others know of it as well but only I know the location. However . . . Neckbiter, my nest brother has taken control of the clan and has promised them an easy life here."
There was a round of roars and snorts of anger.
"Impossible! Sharp teeth are to stupid to enter this valley! They are to stupid to even . . .er . . . talk." An old flyer said.
"I can talk up a storm, and I have a wide vocabulary of curses if you'd like to call me stupid again." Dark Eye said calmly, almost politely.
"How long do we have? What do you propose we do and why is it that you are not interested in living in our valley?" Littlefoot's grandpa asked.
"You have two days." Dark Eye said. Then pointed to a group of children who'd come to see the sharp tooth. "The children." He said. "Look at them. So small. So innocent. They know nothing they come to see what a sharp tooth looks like. I would give them a day to live in the wild if they are so curious." There were some angry roars and stomps. Dark Eye ignored this. "Your oldsters. They would be dead by now in the wild, to old to keep up with herds and to weak to fight off a determined carnivore."
Now the valley dinosaurs were about ready to smash him. All he did was speak truth but perhaps they thought it was a threat.
"You see you cannot live anywhere else-your to used to the easy life. You must close the great valley, the entrance must be smashed completely. So that no one can get it you must destroy EVERY entrance."
"And then how would others get in?" Littlefoot's grandfather asked.
"They wont. No one, not leaf eaters, not meat eaters." Dark Eye said. "If you keep letting people in you'll be over populated. How many of you actually leave the valley each season?"
"No one, some wondering herds but never great numbers . . ." Sharp Nose, the other three horn said.
"Exactly. With no meat eaters in the valley your numbers are increasing soon you'll all die of starvation as the plantlife is smashed by your numbers."
"Didn't that occur to you when you made the plan to trap us in here?"
Dark Eye shook his head. "I always think of everything. What ever I miss my brother used to think of." He said-slowly realizing how important Neckbiter had been as an assistant of sorts. "Which means your fighting my other half-if he doesn't see my strategy before it's launched he'll see whatever mistakes I've made and kill me and my comrades. That is why you must close the valley. There is still an exit. The mountains. Through a dangerous trip over razor sharp mountains you can leave, but getting in through there-almost impossible. So once you leave you cannot come back. This is-I think your best chance." Dark Eye sighed. "The truth is that if your entrance is closed I can turn my clan back, convince them that Neckbiter was mistaken." Dark Eye thought for a moment-something was wrong with that-something was very wrong-something he was missing. Neckbiter would have seen it-but he was the enemy now-and chances were-he would still see it-much to Dark Eye's peril.
Neckbiter snapped the neck of the opposing pack hunter. Through shier strength, cunning, and sweet words he'd won over two other clans, bringing his clan's numbers to something fearful around seven score. He did not know that Blue Back and his pack followed him. He did not know that Long Jaw also followed and he did not know that such a large number of pack hunters were slowly trampling the path and leaving an easy trail for Blue Back. Such things Dark Eye would think of. Neckbiter saw now that his brother might have made a useful aide or slave.
To little to late.
Halla was not with him, yet he did not take another mate. Though he felt having one would be necessary a part of him missed Halla, and the rest of him would only accept Quetzal who had also stayed with Dark Eye. He led his pack to the area of desert that would lead them to the great valley in a day. After that day there would be water and meat, and they could prey upon anything they found on the way.
"Listen up!" He shouted, his seven captains, each in command of a score copied his words. "Up ahead is pure desert, and the mountains that burn." He wasn't sure about the mountains but he didn't want to sound like he hadn't made this trip before. "No stops along the way, if you get separated your on your own. Captains you are in charge of your scores." Neckbiter turned towards the burning sands. He let out a great roar to tell them to move.
Blue Back and his pack followed, whatever pack hunters strayed from the pack or were to tired to continue they preyed upon. When the pack hunters slaughtered a pair of long necks from a full herd and savaged the carcasses, Blue Back held his clan back and was content to fall upon the remains, he ate first and finished most of the remains, Climber and Talon fought violently over the remains while Short Tail simply ate what was left leaving the two females with nothing.
Blue Back did not know that Long Jaw was following him, mad with a lust for vengeance he heeded not his hunger and continued down the path following the hundreds of prints made by the pack hunters and the much larger prints made by Blue Back and his herd. The familiar scent of Talon and Short Tail drove his madness to another level. One that few modern men would understand but one that a male lion may feel. The madness of being separated from the pride. Separated from his mate and his infant. And all because Blue Back had beaten him. But not again. Never again would he lose to Blue Back. He would find Blue Back and smash him! He would then force Climber to be his mate as he was sure Blue Back must have forced Talon.
Soon something would end for him-his life of solitude, or his life as a whole. But whichever ended one thing he was certain to lose was his misery. How then could he turn back on his path?
Quetzal, One Claw, and Leopard were gone. Dark Eye had no idea where they were. He stood alone at the still open entrance of the great valley. He smelled the air. The familiar scent of the clan filled his nostrils, but also he smelled the cold fresh morning. His last perhaps. He savored it.
There was a rustling and he turned around. He saw approaching him two large long necks-not quite yet adults but still large to him.
"Where are Quetzal and the others?" Littlefoot asked.
Dark Eye didn't answer.
"They left didn't they." The female, whom he'd been introduced to as Ali said.
"Yes." He said. "Can you blame them?" He asked. "What of the valley?"
"They will not close the entrance." Littlefoot said.
Dark Eye sighed. "Best to go inside there Littlefoot. Stay with your kind, when my clan comes and I am dead your only safety will be numbers."
"I wont." Littlefoot said. "You saved my life many seasons ago. Now your going to die to protect the valley. I cannot do much, but the least I can do is protect this valley with you."
"And me." Ali said.
"And me." Cera, the three horn said.
Dark Eye nodded. "Then so be it." He said morosely. He sighed. "Who thought I'd die fighting for something I would have just as easily eaten ten seasons ago." He laughed.
"What changed you over those ten seasons?" Littlefoot asked.
Dark Eye closed his blood red eyes. "You." He said. "Ten seasons ago I'd never oppose Neckbiter for the sake of some stupid leaf eaters. I would keep the clan away to keep the balance of things, but I would not fight Neckbiter once beaten. But now . . . ever since I met you I simply cannot let my own nest brother destroy everything. Don't you see? Your valley is becoming overpopulated, and that is your concern. But I cannot let my kind become so. And I cannot let Blue Back rule our valley unopposed." Dark Eye sighed. "Then let them come. The four of us against three score, we may die, but this is what legends are made of."
"I've always wanted to be in a legend." Sharp Nose said. Dark Eye turned around and saw Sharp Nose, and Cera's father.
"We wont close the valley. We cannot keep others from the safety of the valley in good conscience." Cera's father said. "But, everything comes with a price, if the price we must pay for our continued safety tomorrow is some danger today-then we'll pay it."
Inside Dark Eye thought they were all fools, himself included. He let out a roar that would have stopped the heart of a leaf eater had it been his prey. It was answered by roars from his leaf eating comrades.
"We'll protect this valley, or we'll die trying!" Cera enthused.
"How heart warming." Leopard said, emerging from the forest several feet away from the valley. "Mind if I join you? I too have always wanted to be part of a legend."
Dark Eye grinned and Leopard joined the ranks standing on the other side of him.
"Where did One Claw and Quetzal go?" Dark Eye asked. "Why didn't you stay with them?"
"Don't worry about them. I couldn't stay safe knowing my sworn brother was in danger."
"Then we'll face doom together." Dark Eye said.
"Maybe not." One Claw said, emerging from the same point Leopard had. "After all, miracles can happen."
Dark Eye's grin became a smile. Leopard roared and Dark Eye and One Claw echoed it with ferocity that would have made Blue Back tremble just a bit.
Today, their dying day they would die with valor at the defense of those weaker than they. There was no turning back, the scent of the pack was stronger now-even the leaf eaters whose sense of smell was weaker than theirs could smell the advancing hord.
Dark Eye smelled something else, faint. Something familiar, he didn't know what it was. He also smelled two other clans, Neckbiter must have increased his numbers. Not good.
There was a rustling and he prepared himself for battle. That's when it happened Quetzal emerged from the trees and bushes, slightly battle scared. She made a screeching roar, which was echoed by unseen voices. She ran to Dark Eye and the valley defenders.
"I am sorry to be late. I was visiting some friends a day away, I am afraid it took another day to return or I'd have come last night."
"Who did you visit?" Dark Eye questioned.
From the forest emerged pack hunters, like but unlike Dark Eye's clan. They were slightly smaller and red with black stripes.
"I scented this pack when we first came to the valley, I found them in the mountains, one score only, their dogged and have not eaten since yesterday when they fell upon the remains of their old leader." She whispered.
"What happened to the old leader?" Dark Eye asked.
Quetzal's chest swelled with pride. "I 'replaced' him." She said. "And two others."
He grinned.
"I told them I would let them go back to the mountains and live their miserable lives after the fight today. I . . . do not think they will be much help, but I had to try. I knew the leaf eaters would never seal the valley." She said.
Dark Eye nodded. "Then . . . let Neckbiter come. If I can I will turn him back without a fight but if it comes to a fight and if we die-I am glad to die with you three-" He corrected himself looking at the five valley dinosaurs. "You eight-by my side." He laughed. He then said "LET THEM COME!"
Neckbiter led the tribe through the forest. He looked down at the walls of the great valley. Just as he remembered it. Everyone was going wild with joy. The giant mountains that they knew must surely hide the great valley.
"Forward!" He shouted.
The clan kept it's clam pace, emerging from the forest to see a large hole in the mountains. A door of sorts. Standing there were twenty small pack hunters (the ones from LBT 3 by the way) barring the way. Nothing to his seven score. But also, behind them he saw two full grown three horns and one child. He saw two young long necks. He saw three pack hunters he remembered well, Leopard, Quetzal and One Claw.
And at the front he saw Dark Eye.
He laughed. "Dark Eye! Beaten but not broken?"
Dark Eye didn't answer. Neckbiter walked calmly to the front. "And so you intend to stop me? When I am so close?"
"I wont let you into the valley." Dark Eye said calmly. "Turn around, we can all go home together."
"You fool! You cling to traditions and the old way of life as if you fear drowning in a sea of progress. Well now the clan is mine-you made your choice back at the lair.
Dark Eye was silent for a moment, then he said "If you will not turn back I will have to fight you for control of this pack."
"Look at them! Do you think they will listen to you?"
"I'll fight anyone who opposes me. That is one tradition that I will cling to."
"Brother, brother, we must unite. Turn around and look behind you. Leaf eaters, you would die for leaf eaters?"
"I would." He said. "And as you said-you are not my brother."
"I said that?" Neckbiter asked, not quite remembering-not truly caring. "Well no matter. Surely the smell of all those leaf eaters is working on your appetite. Surely you want to feel their warm blood trickling down your throat?"
Dark Eye glared up at him, Neckbiter was close enough to see his deep red eyes, and in them shone a terrible anger. "I wont harm the valley dinosaurs. But I do long to taste warm blood. Perhaps I should satisfy my hunger?"
"Indeed. Turn and join us." Neckbiter said.
"Perhaps though, my hunger is not for their blood. Perhaps I hunger for YOURS!" He rushed for Neckbiter.
Neckbiter met the charge and he and his brother were thrown into a vicious fight. Unbidden his seven captains rushed to his aide and he took the chance to leave.
He watched as Dark Eye was assaulted by his seven, a comfortable grin came over his face and sat for two seconds. Then he became expressionless as Dark Eye gained control of the situation. Then his face twisted with terror as Dark Eye began to kill each of his captains in turn.
First was Nats, a newcomer, strong and proud his throat was torn from his neck by Dark Eye's powerful jaws and then his head was snapped backwards by Dark Eye's powerful tail. Then at the same moment another was killed in a similar fashion. Though Dark Eye was getting a few cuts and scratches he was-it seemed in complete control, moving to quickly for the five remaining captains to work well.
He leapt onto the back of one, and allowed a second to follow him, the two captains fought madly against each other, neither realizing the mistake until the winner stood over his dead foe triumphantly and had his neck snapped by Dark Eye.
Dark Eye turned on the last three, he tore through one's throat then literally ripped the head off of another. The seventh now stood before him and it was Pytor.
Dark Eye glared at him, strong and fierce Pytor approached him in a friendly manner, passed him by-though never escaping Dark Eye's gaze, then took a position near Quetzal, One Claw and Leopard.
Blaine was next to leave the group Neckbiter didn't want to let him, but he was still trying to get over the shock of losing seven captains.
Blaine left, Claw seemed unsure of weather or not he should follow his brother. He decided to do so and set off, but Neckbiter was on him in a flash.
"Where do you think your going? Don't you see what's behind them? The Great Valley! As I promised don't throw your life away defending your dinner!"
Claw rushed back into the ranks. Neckbiter glared at Dark Eye. "Dark Eye!" He shouted. "Prepare yourself!"
"Neckbiter!" Quetzal shouted, "Turn back now, do not let it come to this!"
"Ah Quetzal. When this is over-if you still live you and I will lead a happy life in the valley."
"Your bloody loony!" Quetzal spat. "No one on this side of the field will survive. But don't think that you will walk away without losses."
"Sweet Quetzal, if you wish to die for a fool's cause then I will grant you a quick death. But if you simply retreat to the sidelines you will be spared. I offer this to any of you-save the leaf eaters."
Some of the smaller red pack hunters tried to retreat but Quetzal gave a sharp growl that put them back into their places. This caused Neckbiter to respect her all the more.
"Kill them." He said to the hord, and they rushed in like a hundred ants covering a beetle.
Dark Eye was still scared by the combat, as the hord advanced he thought desperately. "Littlefoot!" He shouted. "Ali, Cera, go into the valley and give warning to everyone, tell them that there is more than three score, tell them that they must at least go into hiding." The children turned and ran.
"Thank you." Cera's father said. "I didn't want them to see more bloodshed than what you did earlier."
Dark Eye was silent. "For your lives matteys. For your lives." He said. And then he himself, scared and tired rushed for the enemy willing and ready to die for dinosaurs who would never feel the slightest gratitude for the deed.
He was surrounded by snapping snarling pack hunters, and he treated them as he treated any rival pack. He destroyed whomever got in his way, the few who cringed and tried to escape he destroyed. To show mercy now would be to show weakness, no one who stood before him was allowed to escape without the help of their comrades. Some of the dinosaurs he fought he knew, and they refused it seemed to fight him or Quetzal or the others. They were all to happy to fall upon the starving red pack hunters, and when Neckbiter gave a roar two of the three score that had charged retreated. Of the dead was Hama, a face Dark Eye knew. Two of the enemy had not retreated, Claw stood next to his brother Blaine who was badly wounded, and the second was Pytor's mate. Dark Eye himself had several scars and wounds, but he ignored them all.
He glared at Neck Biter, who glared right back. Ten of the red pack hunters were dead, Cera's father had a cracked (but not broken) horn, and Sharp Nose too was gravely wounded.
Neckbiter roared and another three score-these ones untested in battle, fresh and zealous charged forward, Neckbiter with them.
Neckbiter rushed towards his enemies. He slammed into a red pack hunter and bit it's back, breaking the spine easily he tore into the carcass and made sure it was dead. He turned on another and with a simple swipe of his tail killed it. He did not know-though he guessed-that they were starving. To him they were simply fragile and easy to kill. This gave him confidence in his strength. He came upon ten pack hunters surrounding two on Dark Eye's side. Blaine lied on the ground with blood coming from cuts and a broken leg. Claw stood over his brother viciously defending.
Neckbiter stepped through the circle. "Go." He said to the ten. "Find some more interesting prey." He turned to Claw. "And you. Traitor times two I see."
Claw snarled. Then Dark Eye appeared in front of them. "Go to the side Claw, stay there and out of the fight."
"But Blaine!"
"Take him-have you no strength? Drag him if you have too." Dark Eye barked. He looked at Neckbiter. "You should go find more interesting prey." He said. "Like perhaps-me."
"If you insist." Neckbiter said, and he lunged forward, Dark Eye moved quickly but Neckbiter moved just as quickly.
Onlookers may have seen two titans, slightly larger than the others of their kind, and much more powerful, they both fought violently, neither made progress on the other, and both fighting desperately to keep himself defended while attacking at the same time-something that both were able to do under normal circumstances, but not against their equal.
And equal they were, neither could gain ground on the other, and the fight was finally ended when Quetzal rammed herself into Dark Eye, throwing him to the side, Neckbiter thought for a split second that Quetzal had turned to his side-however this was proven wrong when a three horn barreled towards him, throwing him into the air. He landed hard and let out a painful yelp of surprise. His hord retreated and he stumbled to the front of them.
Dark Eye looked at his forces. Pytor was missing a hand, his mate was on the ground-Dark Eye did not know if she was dead or alive, the last of the red hunters were dead. More three horns had come out of the valley, Littlefoot too was with the fighting group now. The seven score of Neckbiter was now only one score unused females, and four and a half score scarred bloody warriors.
There was a score of three horns now, and some thump tails with their armored backs, the valley defenders now numbered one and one half score, large powerful leaf eaters guarding their homes. Dark Eye however saw nothing but dead-his kind-dead. He'd killed some of them, one and a half score lied dead at his feet including the one score of red pack hunters Quetzal had brought. Of those who survived Dark Eye sent to the sides, Pytor, his mate, Claw and Blaine, and three more from his pack that had joined during the last melee.
Quetzal, Leopard and One Claw refused to go. One Claw's left arm hung limply, Leopard now had scars on his tail to match Quetzal's and Quetzal had a scar going over her eye (like an eyebrow).
He walked forward, weakened he stood before the remnants of the valley defenders.
"Neckbiter! As I look around all I see is dead. Our kind dead. You came here to kill the leaf eaters and yet you are sending your own kind to their deaths. If you try another charge you will not escape your final fate. I do not want to see any more of our kind dead, I caution you to turn back and go home!"
But Neckbiter didn't listen. He was silent for a moment then let out a long roar, and with it the remaining five and a half scores charged upon the remaining dinosaurs.
Dark Eye was working hard to be everywhere at once, to keep the enemy from getting to Quetzal and Leopard and One Claw. Killing those in front he tried to keep from behind overrun, but it was not possible. The valley dinosaurs were peaceful creatures, and though they looked fierce few of them caused any damage to the skilled hunters.
Again Dark Eye met with Neckbiter. In the center of the enemy they glared at each other.
"Neckbiter." Dark Eye spat. "If your name did not suit you so well, I would change it to Sly Tongue."
"Soon the only name suitable for you will be 'Dead One'." Neckbiter roared. They rushed at each other, this time they would not be interrupted. Dark Eye fought with all of his skill attempting to take Neckbiter down, the valley dinosaurs were slowly being overrun, and some of them were turned over, and killed. This time it seemed the clans would not retreat.
Littlefoot was fighting desperately, he wasn't meant for combat of this sort. His tail flashed like a whip, and he brought his heavy legs down upon any slow enough to be their victim. He had knocked a few opponents aside but he had not killed any yet. Though no thoughts beyond those of fighting held his mind at the moment, later he deiced that it may have been best that he left the battle without a single kill.
Two three horns were dead, and one thump tail too. Some of the dinosaurs had retreated into the valley. Dark Eye and Neckbiter were dueling, Quetzal was doing her best to hold off five opponents. Leopard and One Claw were trying to be everywhere at once. Littlefoot was getting desperate. He didn't want to think of what might happen if the valley defenders failed. The great valley dinosaurs would suffer severe losses, the old ones would be easy prey for the pack hunters, and after that the infants, then the younger dinosaurs and the primed adults would finally be eaten.
He didn't want to think of Grandma and Grandpa, they were beyond old, they seemed ancient to him and he knew their chances of survival were slim if the pack hunters managed to get into the valley.
That's when he heard a roar-familiar to him he knew it well.
The roar of a T-Rex, a roar he'd heard to often in his life.
A large T-Rex with a bright blue back rushed into the battle and immediately threw a three horn on it's side and tore into it's stomach. A sight Littlefoot was happier not seeing.
The pack hunters were in confusion now-some seemed to be in favor of uniting to fight the larger sharp teeth, and others were interested only in the destruction of Dark Eye.
Two more rushed in, Littlefoot was filled with terror when one of them rushed towards him. Sharp Nose appeared before him and took the assault. His horn penetrated the large sharp tooth's side. The sharp tooth, which had a patch of purple over her eyes, went mad with rage and tore into Sharp Nose' back.
There were two roars then. One of agony from Sharp Nose, and another from a familiar large green sharp tooth. Long Jaw approached the field of combat. This sent the pack hunters into utter chaos, some fled, and others remained on task. Littlefoot let his tail fly like a whip and hit the female sharp tooth in the eye, she stumbled away from Sharp Nose, and was beset by a dozen pack hunters. She fought most of them off, and was saved by her comrade, a sharp tooth of green and purple like her, with a patch of purple on her nose rather than her eyes. The two male sharp teeth were fighting one another, and the pack hunters. The battle was no longer a battle, it was hellish chaos.
That's when it happened. Petrie flew overhead, and squawked "All ready now Littlefoot! We close the entrance get inside!"
The surviving valley defenders rushed in, but Petrie was knocked out of the sky by Zipolote.
Littlefoot caught Petrie with his long neck, and as Zipolote flew in for another strike he was suddenly snatched out of the air by a flash of tan and brown.
Quetzal landed, she was scared and battered, but in her jaws was the dead Zipolote, she dropped him to the ground and turned towards Littlefoot. "You heard the flyer, get inside, once the gate is sealed we'll run."
"Everything has gone wrong for you." Littlefoot said. "Hasn't it. Your clan is being wiped out, the four big sharp teeth-you cant hope to fight them can you?"
Quetzal didn't answer the question. All she said was "Go." Then she rushed back into the fray.
It was a free for all and no one seemed the winner. Littlefoot, with Petrie on his back tried to lead Sharp Nose to the valley entrance, however just as they reached it the rockslide closed it. Littlefoot turned and faced the enemy. The valley was gone to him, that part of his life was gone . . . and so his own life might as well have ended there-what was he to do without his family? Die. What else could he do in this hellish fight?
Quetzal fought desperately, fighting both rival clan members and the T-Rex family. Littlefoot's words sounding in her ears, she came upon Dark Eye and Neckbiter, still fighting viciously. Didn't the realize that the entire pack had to work together now?
Of course they did. They simply couldn't let one another go. It was a fight of the most premarital level, their instincts had all but taken control, and blood and fear had clouded their minds. It was up to her. She turned and looked at the situation. The pack hunters had more or less united, unfortunately so had Long Jaw and Blue Back.
Climber and Talon had retreated, Blue Back and long Jaw fought the remaining pack hunters. Both sides zeal was lower than the ground itself now that both the pack hunters under Neckbiter, and the T-Rex family knew they would not get into the great valley.
She leapt towards Long Jaw, she landed on his snout and tore into his eyes, but he closed them in time. He threw her off and into the air, and as she came down, he caught her by the tail with powerful jaws. He threw her to the side, and as she hurdled towards the mountainside she knew she'd never survive the landing. She had a second to think about this, and come to terms with it. She'd die-there were so many things she hadn't done-wanted to do and now couldn't. Still a hunter knew that death was part of the never ending cycle of life. Hunters knew this better than most, and Quetzal was a hunter. She embraced death all but willingly, but was saved by a flash of brown and tan, this time not a pack hunter-a neck. A long strong neck.
Dark Eye saw Quetzal thrown towards the rocks, in that second he forgot Neckbiter, Neckbiter forgot him. They looked at the scene and saw the peril that the clan(s) faced. Their rivalries were put on hold for the moment. They rushed into the fight. Dark Eye leapt onto Long Jaw's back and bit at his neck, trying to get through the thick scales on his back.
He hadn't even noticed the larger meat eater's arrival, but now he would certainly force a retreat from the beast. If not he'd kill the great green titan.
There was a long sorrowful howl from Climber, and Blue Back retreated, leaving Long Jaw alone to face the wrath of the pack.
He did not stay long, he retreated himself, running fast to escape. Dark Eye was thrown from his back, and all became black.
Ten moons had passed, Ali, Cera, Stomp, Cole, Ducky and Spike all waited by the mountain pass that was now the valley's only exit. Hoping Littlefoot might come. The grown ups said it was a waste. But somehow the youngsters were convinced Littlefoot and Petrie had survived.
And so day and night they waited. Until one day they could wait no longer, and they had decided to go out and search. No sooner had this decision been made then Petrie flew by overhead.
Following him, was Littlefoot, aiding the wounded Sharp Nose.
The valley will always remember Littlefoot in this adventure, and how he-braving the deadly, steep, sharp mountain pass found his way once again into the great valley. And he was not the last, once other dinosaurs learned of the pass they too continued their pilgrimage into the valley. Though in fewer numbers now, those that made it seemed to appreciate the valley more, and those who had lived in the valley before had a greater respect for the safety they enjoyed. And, it can also be said that they held a great respect for four sharp teeth, whose names were passed down in stories and legends.
Dark Eye. Quetzal. One Claw. Leopard. They were known as the four guardian spirits of the entrance to the great valley, and it was said that no dinosaur could enter without their approval.
Ali and Cole's herd eventually broke up, there was no longer a need to be huddled together as there were no predators. Many dinosaurs left the valley though the pass and Sharp Nose and his clan was among these.
When he was fully grown Stomp also left the valley in search of his long lost mother, and with him went Cole. Together the two had many adventures in the mysterious beyond.
Cera grew and led the Three Horned Police of the valley, egg snatchers never had it so hard, not even when her father led.
Petrie and Ducky and Spike all remember the conflict, and they often explore the walls of the valley in search of any breach, using Petrie's skills as a flyer to see from the sky, Ducky to see underwater holes and Spike used his great strength to seal them. They became known in the great valley as the "Handy Saurs" (Handy men)
And Littlefoot? He never forgot about his sharp teeth friends, just as he never forgot about Chomper. And he often can be seen standing on the walls of the valley staring out across the great expanse of land, watching for incoming herds, or possible danger. He is considered the valley sentinel, though there is no real need for it-the smell of dead pack hunters many seasons buried, is a smell that keeps any predator far from the valley. To the few who come close enough to see the solitary form of an enormous male long neck on the wall, fear becomes overwhelming and they never return, bringing with them tales of the ghost dinosaur.
For Dark Eye it was twenty moons before he and the remaining two scores of his clan returned to their lair. In the seasons to pass Dark Eye and a humbled Neckbiter led the clan together, one always seeing the flaws in the other's plans and working together to correct them soon no one could stand up to them. Rival clans knew well to stay away from the territory of the two brothers, and the clan itself never ventured to invade another's territory. Blue Back and Long Jaw were forced to make peace with each other to face this new threat. However battle for supremacy of the land was over. Neither cared enough, and both were weary of confrontation with the other.
Dark Eye stood guard over his entire territory, and he did it well. With the lair moved to a high mountain, where a pack hunter could easily come and go as he pleased a two claw would have great difficulty making any advances. Blue Back too had moved his den to a more secure area, and this was the reason that neither clan nor family cared enough about each other to continue their battle for supremacy, save some unexpected skirmishes the two were almost peaceful towards one another.
Neckbiter was not exactly reformed, he'd simply lost interest in trying to fight Dark Eye now that he saw how effective they were as a team. He no longer desired Quetzal as a mate for several reasons, one of them being that Halla was the only mate he needed, another being that Quetzal made it quite clear, painfully clear you might say, that she hat no interest in him by giving him the gift of three scars on his flank to match hers.
Quetzal still hunted at the head of the pack, skilled and deadly none save Dark Eye could surpass her, and none save Neckbiter could match her. Her children inherited her feathers, and her great prowess.
Leopard eventually became Nata's mate, though he claimed he did not enjoy adopting five 'annoying' infants he shows no signs of protest towards them.
One Claw had been gravely wounded in the battle, and though four seasons later his wounds were healed, and now he hunts with every party he is spending most of his free time in solitude in the forests of the clan's territory, he is Dark Eye's eyes and ears making sure that no other clans enter the thick forests where Dark Eye's sight cannot see.
And of course the pack has it's legends too. A legend of a mysterious valley where a Long Neck Ghost resides. None enter the valley, for generations after this tale is told, the valley was left untouched by this clan or any others. No one dared go near the rocky mountains. Only the six who invented the legend know it's truth, and so long as the legend protects the valley they intend to tell no one the truth.
As for the red pack hunters from LBT III, they also have a legend-or rather a saying of caution.
If a brown and tan female pack hunter with feathers on her head comes to contest leadership of the clan-just run away or face great losses. Of course the pack has now only a score of members, old ones, young ones and females to weak to fight when the new alpha demanded it-still their legend spread to other clans of their kind, and without knowing it Quetzal became quite the celebrity.
The End.
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