A Sharptooth's Heart II

by Sora W.T.K

One year after his previous adventure, Rex finds himself involved in a war for the fate of the Great Valley. And being part of the fight will answer Rex's question of who he really is and more...

14. Behind Enemy Lines

A little author's note. From now on, the Alimon and Dracovol names will be changed to terms to fit more into the Land Before Time universe.

Alimons = Longneck Biters

Dracovols = Broadnose Flyers

---

The stage was set. There was no going back. Everything was as they were expected to be.

Now, only one thing remained to do.

The Broadnose Flyer smirked as he took a step forward, his stance down on all four as he stalked to his enemy.

The wager was this. If Rex could beat him on a one-on-one battle, he and his friends would win entry further into the mountains they found themselves in.

But if he were to lose, then it's back to where they came from. Back to Runner and his little merry group of hunters.

Rex gulped. To fight another member of his species just to pass. Of course, he's seen stranger things, but this clearly isn't the time to fight. But alas, he has no other choice but to bear with it.

The Broadnose Flyer grinned as he closed the gap between him and Rex, bearing his teeth and giving a little giggle, getting a kick from the situation he got them in. He lowered his head a bit and gave one piece of advice.

"Don't go dying on me, Rex."

Wait, this is to the death?

Before he knew it the Broadnose Flyer lunged for a bite. Rex leapt to the side, dodged the bite and retaliated with a slash, all but which struck nothing but air as his opponent gracefully jumped back and out of the way. They circled each other, a pair of concentrated eyes glaring at each other as they studied each of their movements, looking for that precious opening they needed to damage one another.

Broadnose Flyers weren't dumb; they were quick and agile on their feet. Like their Longneck Biter rivals, they could plan before leaping, study their opponents and lay out strategies out on their minds.

Unfortunately they both had almost nothing to go on here. Rex barely fought against any Broadnose Flyer, his opponent could say the same since the only Broadnose Flyers he ever hangs out with is the Arich Pack, and even they don't fight against each other.

Suddenly Rex's opponent snapped forward with a slash. The boy sidestepped to dodge it and retaliated with a tackle. He succeeded in connecting and knocked his opponent to the ground, now he's pinned and open. Rex went for a slash across the face, but his opponent quickly reached up and held back the attack with his paw. Quickly enough a second paw struck across Rex's face and knocked him down on his side.

Shaking the stun away Rex regains sight of his enemy and gasps as he lunges toward him. Going for the defense Rex turns on his back and lifts his feet, driving them into his opponent and pushing him off and over him.

The surprised Broadnose Flyer slams hard on the ground on his back, the wind knocked out of him. He growls a bit from the slam before rolling over and getting himself back up on all four.

"Heheh, not bad, Rex." The Broadnose Flyer commented after catching his breath.

They faced each other again for a few more mere seconds because they continued on their fight. Rex leaped for the attack while his opponent charged in to meet the attack head-on. All the while Yu, Chomper, Terrel and Tanner respected the Broadnose Flyer's wish for a one-on-one battle with Rex, watching the fight unfold from afar as to not meddle.

"This isn't right." Yu made his opinion known with a slight growl. "What are we even doing standing around for? If we stay here any longer Runner might find us."

"I'm with Yu." Chomper adds with a nod. "I mean, I know we agreed to his challenge, but in the trouble that we're in, we can't stay here. We need to keep moving."

Rather than argue with them Tanner simply planted his foot forward in front of the group, intending on keeping them from moving from their spot. Rex agreed to this, so they must keep their word. Longneck Biters are pretty serious to their words, and Tanner won't change his ways now.

While the others can only watch, Rex is engaged in a fight for the right to pass. The two Broadnose Flyers fought fiercely and aggressively. Rex tried not to fight as deadly as he could, for he didn't know just how serious his opponent would fight. But a few bruises and cuts later, Rex knew this was for real.

Rex lunged for a slash, but his opponent jumped back and, standing on his hind legs for better jumping, jumped back on top of a boulder. Keeping his eyes on him Rex stood up on his hind legs as well, starting a staring contest between them for a couple of seconds before they made the first move.

"You're not bad, bro." The Broadnose Flyer commented with a grin as he stood on top of the boulder. "You have an interesting way of fighting. A little bit of Fast Biter and Sharp Tooth in there with a mix of your own kind."

Rex snorted.

"Yeah? What of it? Are you going to say I'm not normal too?"

Rex could lose count of how many times he was called 'not normal' by other Sharpteeth during his year living in the Mysterious Beyond.

"Oh don't mistake anything with what I said, didn't mean anything bad by it."

"Right…" Rex growled.

"But enough about wasting time." The Broadnose Flyer suddenly leaped from the boulder and brandishing his claws, ready to land on to Rex for the brutal attack.

Rex braced himself as his opponent tackled him to the ground, locking grips with one another as they would struggle. A head butt from Rex saved him from a bite to his face, and then he managed to push his opponent off before rolling to his stomach and getting on all four. But his opponent was quick to recover, and before he knew it he was pouncing on Rex again, this time sinking his teeth into the back of his neck and sinking his claws into his shoulders.

"Aaah!" Rex cried as he felt the sting. He gritted his teeth as he tried to shake his opponent off of him, but he was holding on tight and couldn't get him off. With a pained cry Rex reached back with his paw and managed to scratch his opponent's snout with his claws. This managed to get him to yelp in pain and release his bite.

Still reaching back with his paw Rex grabbed his opponent's arm and pulled him over his shoulder and slammed him down to the ground on his back. Rex took this chance to step back and grimace at the scratches and wound he received, but he shook off the pain and jumped forward, slamming his front paws into his opponent's chest and pinning him down. The 'oof' that came from the pounce was loud enough to ensure the pain behind the slam.

"Aagh! Okay okay!" The Broadnose Flyer yelped as he grunted from the pressure being applied to his chest. He slowly opened one eye to look up at Rex, seeing the damage he caused to the lad. The bite to the back of his neck was enough to get some blood out, seeing it going down his shoulders to his chest. He was tired out, and he was rather impressed he lasted this long.

Rex panted as he kept his opponent pinned. He wasn't a pretty sight either. He had cuts on his forehead and shoulders and scrapes and bruises over his sides and arms. Granted Rex was more hurt than he is, but it seemed like he was more tired out than Rex.

"You give up?" Rex growled as he kept holding his opponent down.

"Yeah yeah, I give up." His opponent responded with a quick nod. "Now please, get off! I can't breathe!"

Rex eyed in suspiciously at first, but then decided to get off. The Broadnose Flyer rolled away from them and slowly stood up, grunting and rubbing his sore shoulders and limbs from the battle.

For Rex he's glad the fight was over, but for Tanner it felt like the supposed battle ended too soon. But hey, whatever shoves them to move faster through this.

"All right! You won!" Chomper cried happily as he ran up to Rex.

"I knew you could do it!" Yu commented with a smile.

Rex nodded.

"Haha, yeah."

While the group celebrated Rex's victory the other Broadnose Flyer backed off as he tended to his injuries and bruises.

"Phew…" The Broadnose Flyer sighed as he rubbed his sore limbs before lifting his head up to Rex. "Geez man, you didn't have to go that hard on me."

Rex blinked, looking rather insulted from the remark.

"Hey, you're one who challenged me to a fight!"

"Yeah!" Chomper spat out in agreement. "We just wanted to go through but nooooo, you wanted to make a fight out of it!"

The Broadnose Flyer jumped back in defense and giggled a bit, more like he's amused rather than nervous from the responses. Yes yes, he recalls he actually challenged him to the fight, so he can't really complain that Rex took the fight hard to him.

"All right all right, sheesh. You guys take everything personally."

"Now that the fight is over," Tanner began as he stepped forward toward the Broadnose Flyer. "You must keep your word."

The Broadnose Flyer nodded in response. He knows when he's beat.

"Yeah yeah, you can cross. You have my word." He turned and began to take his leave, but he stopped and turned around to face the group, speaking once more. "But let me leave you with a word of advice."

The group blinked and listened to what the Broadnose Flyer had to say. After all, it could be important.

"Think yourself this: You're out of the puddle, but into the icky goo. You heard stories where a lot of other dinosaurs disappear in that stuff. Do you really want to find out what's underneath all that goo?"

Rex, Chomper, Yu and Terrel gulped. Now that was a bad analogy. They came across that substance once or twice before. That icky black goo that was thick to the touch, and very hard to swim in. If you fall in it you would slowly sink, and it was very hard to get out of that stuff. And now this Broadnose Flyer is using that analogy to this situation they are in.

So what does he mean? Are they about to cross a dangerous place? Much more dangerous than the Fire Region they were in just yesterday? Never a dull moment you would say, but just for once Rex would like to have one uneventful day of traveling.

"Well, that's all I got to say." The Broadnose Flyer finished with a grin. "See you guys around. Have fun!"

"W-Wait!" Rex called out, but the Broadnose Flyer was already gone. Now this is unsettling. He fought for the right to cross this place, but now he's having second thoughts. He turned to the others with a worried look. "So um, what do you guys think?"

"I-I don't know…" Yu replied with a shake of his head. "I'd rather take my chances with Runner with the way he made it sound like."

"He scared me too." Chomper admitted with a nod. "B-But we got this far and we made Rex fight for that guy to let us go on. We can't turn back now after all that."

"I agree." Tanner declared as he took a step forward. "We're already off course, but if we cross through this area we could skip the desert and be that much closer to Crescent Valley." He paused as he looked back to the others. "We already went through the trouble of having Rex fight to cross, so we might as well continue."

The group looks at each other and nods. Tanner's right, they already came this far. They can't go back now and let Rex's fight become nothing more than a waste of time. They're already here and if what Tanner says is true then crossing this area would be a shortcut, or at least make up for that little chase with Runner and skip the desert. Needless to say Chomper is relieved to hear the latter.

As he watched Tanner take the lead Rex turned to his friends with a nod.

"Let's go."

With a nod from everyone they all went on. Who knows where they are now, what dangers they're walking themselves into and what awaits them ahead.

One thing they keep telling themselves though: It certainly can't be worse than having a revenge-driven Fast Biter chasing after them with lust for their blood…

As they moved forward they could see in the distance some more mountains. Where could they be headed, another chain of mountains to traverse through? Or have they leaded themselves into a valley?

Their questions were answered when they reached the end of the road, the ledge of a cliff. The group gasped upon at what they saw. They couldn't believe what they were setting their eyes upon.

"Where are we?" Yu muttered.

"If I didn't know any better," Rex began to answer. "I'd say we went in a circle and ended up back in the Great Valley."

Or so you could say. The valley looked eerily similar to the Great Valley, a lush green place with a fantastic lake near in the middle. Not to mention its very own Thundering Falls! While you could say it was nearly a similar valley as the Great Valley, there was something off on this one. The atmosphere felt…Heavy, like something is not right here. Sinister you could say.

"Wow…" Terrel said in awe. He's never seen anything like this.

"Is this…Is this Crescent Valley?" Yu asked as he looked at Rex.

Rex beamed at first at the thought of already being in Crescent Valley…But then his smile turns into a frown. In the end, he shakes his head.

"No…This isn't Crescent Valley…" He sadly answered as he bowed his head. "I doubt we'd already be there, we've only been out here for two Bright Circles now…"

"Oh…" Yu frowned, now he made Rex feel bad. "Well…Um…At least we…Found a nice place to rest, right? Kind of like a second Great Valley."

"No…" Chomper responded with a slight growl. "There's something different about this one…I can feel it…"

"I agree with you there." Tanner added with an uneasy look. "It may look like a nice place, but there's something eerie about it, and I don't like it."

"Whatever it is, I don't want to set foot in this place…." Chomper added with a shudder. "Now I get it by what that guy meant by getting out of the puddle but into the icky goo…"

Rex began to frown; he too could feel the horrible feeling that lingers here. Yes, this place looks nearly as beautiful as the Great Valley, but there's something there. Something that they knew they wanted no part of. Like finding an unknown cavern and something evil is waiting inside, just daring you to come in so it can eat you.

He felt threatened. Heck, they all felt threatened just by standing out here by the edge of the cliff.

"I…I think we should turn back…" Chomper advised as he took a few steps back.

Tanner shook his head.

"We're already here. Turning back now will just be a waste of time and I will not fail on the task we've been given."

They all looked down at the valley. Despite being beautiful they still couldn't shake the feeling of dread. Maybe if they would just rush through this place and lay low nothing will happen to them. After all, life in the Mysterious Beyond all leads up to this, crossing dangerous and life-threatening areas just to reach the better place on the other side.

Rex made up his mind.

"As much as I don't want to, we don't have much of a choice. Besides, it's either this or the desert under the hot Bright Circle."

Chomper recalls his dislike of crossing deserts, but right now that sounds more pleasant than crossing this.

"Right now I feel better about walking under the Bright Circle in the desert…"

"You go if you wish." Tanner growled before setting onward down the mountain toward the valley. "But I'm not wasting any more time by standing here debating."

"But…!"

"I know how you feel, Chomper." Rex looked down at Chomper as he rubbed his paw over his head for comfort. "But come on, how bad can it be? We've been through this kind of thing before."

Chomper learned by now to trust his instincts above all else. It's what helps keep him and his parents alive. If he knows there's something that gives him this same sense of dread and threat, he knows he must avoid it at all cost.

But then again, sometimes the risks are worth it, and he's with his friends after all. If he sticks by them, he should be fine.

"Okay." Chomper nods, summoning up his courage. "Let's go."

"There we go." Rex smiles at his friend, and together they follow Tanner down the mountain.

Yu made sure Terrel was all right with this before following them.

---

Wow, that was fun. Despite having lived with peaceful leafeaters all his life, he wasn't half bad.

"Haha, what a rush." Pascal commented with a slight laugh. "But I'm afraid Rex proved to be the tougher one."

It was agreed that after a set of time they would meet up in a certain spot. Tamal was to give Pascal time to peacefully play with Rex and the others while he tried to keep the Darkarians busy as to not spot them.

Tamal however wasn't happy.

"You threw away the fight, didn't you?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Pascal replied with a giggle as he stuck his tongue out like a silly hatchling.

"Bah, whatever." Tamal shook his head, sometimes not believing how childish Pascal acts even in serious situations. "Either way, he's here now. So, what are we going to do now?"

"You act as if it's all some big mystery question. You know this one already."

"Yes, I do. But there's one problem." Tamal growls as he looks over at Pascal. "The Darkarians are also looking for him. And he just landed right in their paws. Now, how are we going to get him out of here alive and with what we want?"

"Obviously, we watch and help if they need it." Another voice interrupted.

Tamal and Pascal turned and saw another wingless Broadnose Flyer in their presence. He looked eerily similar to Rex. Blue-green skin with a dark blue underbelly and dark blue feathers along his head down his neck with a single long feather right above his forehead draped down between its eyes and nearly touching his muzzle.

"Oh great," Pascal sighed with a groan. "What's he doing here?"

"Shut up already, Pascal." Tamal huffed as he looked over at the newcomer. "What brings you here, Kumo?"

Kumo approached the two wingless Broadnose Flyer with an empty expression. Ah yes, Kumo, the Broadnose Flyer who spent his whole life with the Sodom pack, the Fast Biter rival pack of the Toviel's, Yu's pack.

He's rather unique in the sense that he's practically forgotten all about emotions. You can tell him the funniest joke or the saddest story and he won't budge a facial muscle. Who knows what he's gone through to come to this state of mind where to him feelings are nonexistent.

"Druce sent me." Kumo answered as he came to a stop.

"Checking up on us, I presume?"

"Just go back and tell him we'll be back soon!" Pascal responded with a glare. For some reason Pascal never liked Kumo.

"Pascal!" Tamal scolded with a growl.

Kumo simply shook his head.

"I overheard Rex is here in the valley." Kumo commented as he flexed his claws a bit, stretching the muscles in his paws. "Whose idea was it to let him in?"

"Hey! I didn't let him in!" Pascal responded in self-defense. "He beat me, fair and square!"

"More like you threw the fight." Tamal growled under his breath.

"Whatever. Now we got a real problem here. Rex being here isn't the problem, it's the odds of him getting out of here alive."

Pascal blinked and shrugged his shoulders. He's not seeing the problem here.

"So what? We already got enough to follow with the plan. What difference does it make if he lives or dies?"

Kumo growls threateningly at Pascal.

"Do you want the Rock Rangers and the others to find out about us?!"

Pascal remained quiet. Yes, it's important to keep themselves from the Rock Rangers to keep their plans afloat. If the Rock Rangers were to find out about their existence, it could prove difficult- if not impossible- to follow with their plans.

In other words, they depend on Rex to get what they want to deliver to the others without getting their paws dirty. A pawn, if you must.

"Ignore the little egg." Tamal insults Pascal with a snarl. "So, what do you have in mind?"

"Keep your noses out of Rex's business." Kumo responds. "Leave him to me. You two continue on as you were."

"Right, the Darkarians don't know about you, so they can't link you back to us and ruin our cover."

"Kumo to the rescue." Pascal added as he circled a claw in the air mocking a celebration. "Yipee."

Kumo scoffed at the child and turned tail to take his leave. It's been a long time since he last saw Rex. As much as he wouldn't want to see him again, he'd have to this time. But at least he'll have the safety of knowing that Rex won't figure out anything that he knows.

For his sake.

---

You would think that a place that gave a group of hunters that feeling of dread and despair would be much more threatening than this.

The valley was absolutely the opposite of what they felt. In fact, just by seeing the place up close was enough to get rid of the awful feelings.

The grass under their feet felt nice, the green food seen up on the trees looked delicious for Rex. It was…Peaceful.

For them they couldn't understand it. How could a lovely place such as this make them feel threatened?

But then again, looks can be deceiving, and they just got here and haven't set foot into the place other than the first impressions when they got off the mountain. One small step at a time, rushing in could get them killed.

"So…What now?" Rex questioned as they stand behind a mountain wall, just around the corner they can just come out of hiding and face whatever it's out there.

Nobody knew what to answer him with. They can't just jump out and explore, they had to be careful. Plus that feeling of dread still lingers, so whoever takes the first step outside will earn their respect.

Tanner was first to peak outside. He looked down both sides but suddenly gasped and hid behind the wall again, startling the group who were just a few seconds ago thinking about what to do next.

"W-What? What is it?" Chomper asked.

Tanner hushed him up and huddled back against the wall to hide, pushing the others back as he did so. They all stayed quiet as they hid, clearly not knowing what they're hiding from but also scared to even find out.

"What is it?" They heard a voice.

Rex held his breath.

"I thought I saw something." Another voice responded.

Chomper bit his lower lip.

"Oh for heaven's sakes, you and your paranoia. There's nothing here."

Terrel huddled close to Yu's leg.

"I'm telling you I thought I saw something!"

Tanner tensed, ready for an attack if they're found.

"There's nothing here. Now shut up and move! It's our turn to guard the mountain tops."

Yu winced from the shouting.

"All right, fine."

The group stayed quiet and still as they listened, whoever those two were they started to move away. Slowly Tanner crept up to the edge and carefully looked out to make sure the coast was clear. Luckily for them the two unknowns left without making a double-check. They were safe, for now.

With a nod from Tanner the group sighed in relief.

"That was close…" Rex sighed as he lied down on his stomach. "I was sure we were caught…"

"Were they Sharpteeth?" Chomper asked to Tanner.

"Worse." Tanner responded as he turned to the others. "Longneck Biters."

"What? Longneck Biters?" Yu sounded surprised to even hear that.

"Not just Longneck Biters." Tanner added with dread. "Darkarians."

The group gasped.

"What?!"

Talk about getting out of the puddle and into the icky goo. They managed to give Runner the slip, but now they're in Darkarian territory? That's worse than jumping into icky goo! More like falling into flowing fire!

"Are you sure they're Darkarians?!" Rex inquired, hoping Tanner is just assuming.

Tanner responded with a nod.

"I'm sure. I saw the scars on their shoulders. I can never mistake those."

Rex shook his head. No no no no no. Anything but the Darkarians. He still remembers his encounter against them back outside the Great Valley. They nearly got killed by a couple of them. They'll get slaughtered here.

"Okay, that's not funny." Chomper began as he shook his head. "Now I really say we should turn back and leave!"

"I'm with Chomper!" Yu added with fright. "If we stay here they'll find us and kill us! Let's just turn back and cross the desert and cut our losses about wasted time."

"Too late to even turn back." Tanner informed them. "You heard them; they're going to patrol the mountain tops around here. They just cut our only escape out of here."

Rex grasped his head between his paws and shook it. This is horrible. They're stuck here now.

"Now what are we going to do…?"

Tanner quickly thought of a way they could get out of here alive. Unfortunately one way to do so was stuck in his mind, and he couldn't think of anything else at the moment.

"We move forward." He finally responded. "If we stick to the shadows of the mountain and stay quiet, we might be able to sneak past them. If the Darkarians live here, they might have a system of caves in these mountains as well. I can use that to lead you guys to safety."

"A-Are you sure?" Chomper was terrified. Heck, they all are.

"No guarantees, but I'll do my best to get you all through this alive. I pushed you guys into this, so I'm going to lead you all out of here."

Rex took a deep breath and nodded at Tanner.

"Okay, we're in your paws."

Tanner nodded and looked outside. It seems like the coast is clear, but where to go? Certainly not out in the open where they can be spotted. He studied the mountain formations and the edges of them, mentally mapping the area based on what he can see. He hummed and turned his head to the others.

"Stay close to me." He instructed them.

With a nod the group followed Tanner out of their hiding spot. Sticking close to the mountains they are finding some good shadow to cover themselves in, also quite a few boulders here and there they can take cover behind. They were lucky so to speak, not many of them patrol this area at least. They managed well.

However they eventually ran out of luck. Boulders were starting to become scarce to hide behind in, and they often held their breath as a patrolling Longneck Biter walked past them with their only cover behind a small boulder and the tall grass. Sometimes they even had to resort to rolling in dirt to hide their scent from the opposition.

Eventually they came to a point where sneaking around the valley was not an option. No matter how far they manage to get they just cannot see anything other than Longneck Biters. They not only found Darkarians to hunt them down, they found their home. And they're right in the middle of it all at their mercy. Sneaking around down here was getting more and more dangerous.

It was time to resort to the mountain terrain for cover.

With Tanner in the lead they turned to the mountain walls and scaled them. They had to avoid the paths leading up the mountains, sticking to the beaten path would only increase their chances of getting caught.

As they scaled they had to stop and cling tighter to the walls to avoid getting spotted by either Longneck Biters moving down below or above. With dirt clinging to their skins did their job to mask their scent, but everything else depended on their skills as hunters to hide from watchful eyes. Other than Tanner they really had no clue on what they were up against. They didn't know exactly how smart Longneck Biters really are and how good their eyesight and scent are. Every second they stay here is a gamble as to whether or not they'll be alive after that next step.

They couldn't continue to climb to the top however. Not only was the short climb of about twenty feet treacherous enough, but they have no idea what's waiting for them up there at the top. Who's to say there aren't any Longneck Biters up there patrolling the border as well?

They soon found a spot to rest within the mountain range, a spot where Tanner made sure there weren't any Longneck Biters nearby for the group to rest. Once he gave the okay the entire group just collapsed on the floor to rest.

"I'm beat…" Yu complained as he panted.

"So am I…" Terrel chirped as he rested next to his cousin.

Rex lifted his head to look at the group. Yu and Terrel are exhausted. Chomper was hanging in there, but he too was beat. A little scared though, but then again so is everyone. He slowly got up to a sitting position and looked out to the valley. They managed to cover some ground from where they got into the valley, but the process was painfully slow. At this rate they might even have to spend the night here. Now there's something he's not looking forward at all.

"I…Really wasn't expecting a valley such as this…To…Have so many…Meat Eaters…" Chomper managed to say between breaths.

Clearly he's not the only one surprised to see this place filled with nothing but Longneck Biters.

"I know!" Terrel added with a furious nod. "I mean…This place looks more like where Leaf Eaters would live in!"

"Not everything is what it seems, Terrel." Yu responded to his cousin's question along with a gentle nudge with his snout. "I'm sure your father mentioned this to you whenever he would teach you about hunting. Remember?"

Terrel blinked and thought back. Oh yeah, he did mentioned that when his father told him about prey who tried to use their surroundings to hide from potential predators. Not to mention the teachings about trusting your instinct. Although that's something they all seem to have ignored before going into this place.

"Oh…I guess I just forgot?"

"You should all stop your talking and rest." Tanner interrupted the group with a slight growl. "Any more of your yapping and you could alert the Darkarians."

Terrel flinched and lowered his head.

"Sorry…"

Rex frowned. Tanner seems pretty stressed. Maybe he's bothered by the fact that he thinks he pushed them into this place, or maybe the fact that he's practically babysitting them through this place is getting to him.

Whatever the reason he would have to deal with it; at least until after they find a way out of this valley. After a few minutes of rest the group was on the move again. They tried this time to take the paths they could find in the mountain range, moving east and following the range toward south. If Tanner was oriented enough they came into the valley from the north side, and if there's a proper entrance to this valley then it would have to be to the huge cavern he saw to the south side. If they can get there without being caught- or worse, killed- they could navigate through the cavern and they would be out.

However, nothing is that easy.

Just as the group cross another flat space in the path they found an obstacle they wished they wouldn't face here.

A dead end.

"Great…" Tanner scoffed.

As the group pondered what to do next Chomper- who was trailing behind a few feet- blinked as he heard a crackling sound. It sounded like it was coming from a close source. Something in him told him to look down, and when he did he could almost feel his heart climbing up his throat.

Cracks were webbing all over across the ground.

Frightened Chomper immediately tried to get away from the cracks, but not even taking three steps did the ground give way under him. And before the others knew it Chomper was no longer with them.

The sound of his scream startled the group to turn around and gasp to see their friend missing, nothing but a hole in the ground from where he was.

"Chomper!!"

The group ran back to the spot and looked down the hole, but with their additional weight the cracks simply just grow bigger and the ground under them breaks as well, plummeting the whole group down into the chasm.

They must really pay attention to never ever get close to a hole. The additional weight just might make a bigger hole and drop them as well.

"Ow…" Rex rubbed the back of his head as he sat up. That was a long fall down and a stupid pebble just had to land on his noggin. "My head…"

Tanner grunted as he got up, pushing and shaking off rocks and pebbles off of him.

"Is everyone okay?"

Yu lifted his head and spat out dirt before answering.

"I'm fine…I think…"

"Get…Off…"

Yu looked down and gasped as he realized he landed on top of Chomper. He immediately jumped off of the Sharptooth and helped him up with his snout, making sure his friend is all right and nothing broken from the fall. He immediately then made sure that Terrel was all right as well. He was starting to curse again Terrel's desire that made him follow them out here. This valley, this Darkarian-infested hive, is no place for a child like him.

"Okay…Now what?" Chomper asked for their next move as he got up to his feet.

Tanner sniffed the air, checking for any presence of Darkarians in the caverns. Okay, if the Darkarians haven't alienated their Longneck Biter instincts too, these caverns are supposed to be free until the Night Circle goes up in the sky. Though given their track records he wouldn't be surprised if they've turned their backs on their instincts as well.

"Looks like we only have one way to go." Rex commented after he stood up on all four and looked down both directions of the cave.

"B-B-But aren't the Darkarians in here?" Yu pointed out, the fear in his voice was very obvious.

"They shouldn't be." Tanner responded after sniffing the air, not catching any scents in the area. "Longneck Biters stay out of their caverns while the Bright Circle is out, they only go in when the Night Circle is up."

"Are you sure?" Yu added to his questions.

Tanner looked over his shoulder at Yu and turned to face him.

"Kid, I'm a Longneck Biter. If I'm not sure of my own kind of dinosaurs, then who can give you better advice?"

Good point.

"Well we aren't gonna get anywhere by standing around." Despite being scared as well Rex wanted to get out of here, now. "As long as the Bright Circle is out we better take this chance to get out of here before they all come home for the night."

Chomper nods in agreement.

"Sounds good to me. Let's go, Tanner!"

With a nod the group was on the move again. Like Rex said, they only have one way to go; they can't go down the other way lest they want to backtrack.

Gathering their courage they moved down the cavern, keeping their eyes open for any movements and keeping their sniffers in check for any scents that aren't their own. It was painfully slow moving through the caverns, but they needed to be careful, now more than ever that they're stuck in the caverns. Unlike the outside where they had room to maneuver and get away they were sitting ducks in these caverns. If they're caught and outnumbered, it's over.

They said it before and they'll say it again, facing Runner and his group sound much more pleasant right about now.

The road down the caverns was pretty straightforward. Every now and then they would face with multiple paths of course, but Tanner took the lead over which direction to choose. He's a Longneck Biter after all, and all those Bright Circles living in the caverns in the Great Valley walls must've made him an expert in travelling through caves and tunnels.

While Yu stayed close to Terrel while through these caverns, Rex got a little nostalgic with the pebbles and rocks all over the ground. He lost count on how many times he's stubbed his toes and tripping over rocks. By now his paws ached, but he wouldn't dare to stop and increase the dangers.

Chomper, as usual, kept a straight face and his bravery up when on the field, but you could tell that underneath all that tough Sharptooth act he's just as nervous and scared as the others.

As for Tanner, he tried his best to remain calm and lead the others to safety.

They all soon reached a chamber in the caverns. They were standing up a ledge with a two story drop in front of them. Down below they peaked and saw a Longneck Biter or two either patrolling the caverns below or just passing through. They couldn't really tell.

"We can't go this way." Rex stated the obvious. "There are Longneck Biters down there."

Tanner hummed as he looked at their options. There's a path to go down, but it'll just lead to the level below where those two Longneck Biters are. Who knows if there are others down there, they can't risk taking those two down and hope nobody would hear the fight and come to check the noise out.

Their other choice would be another path that leads them upward, and while it may seem like a good idea to get far from these Longneck Biters it really doesn't seem to lead south, where they intend on going.

"Looks like we're going up." Tanner told the group as he stepped toward the other path they had available.

The group looked at each other before following Tanner. They felt nearly safe in these tunnels too until they found Longneck Biters. Who knows what awaits them on the upper level. Maybe more Longneck Biters?

As they follow the path a crack in the cavern wall catches Chomper's attention. He stopped for a moment to investigate the crack, seeing that it actually leads to another chamber in this maze of caverns and tunnels. He noticed the crack was big enough for him to squeeze through, but not anyone else.

Wondering where it leads his curiosity takes over as he slowly squeezed through the crack, trying not to make a sound as he ventured deeper into the narrow pathway. He sniffed the air with his sniffer to check for any scents up ahead, just in case he needed to be ready to turn around and go back.

He didn't go too far through the narrow pathway when he started hearing something. It sounded like…Voices.

As quietly as he could he reached the end of the narrow pathway and found himself up on a ledge in another chamber. He wasn't alone either, for as he looked down from his ledge he spotted another Longneck Biter talking with a…He wished it wasn't, but the Longneck Biter's talking with a…a…

A Broadnose Flyer.

"And what brings you back to Fortress Valley?" The Longneck Biter inquires.

Fortress Valley…? Is that the name of this valley?

The Broadnose Flyer was standing on all four in front of the Longneck Biter, his wings closed against his back. Chomper thought back as he laid his eyes on him, but it took him a few seconds for him to realize who he's looking at here. This Broadnose Flyer is the same one they faced back at the Great Valley Mountains!

"I've simply come to discuss the progress on the plan." The Broadnose Flyer responded as he eyed the Longneck Biter. "However, I'm curious to also discuss on what your kind has planned for the boy."

"Boy?" The Longneck Biter seems to act as if he does not know who he's referring to.

"Don't play dumb with me, rockhead." The Broadnose Flyer l growled, adding an insult at the end. "I know you are aware of him, the Broadnose Flyer born in the Great Valley."

The Longneck Biter didn't say anything. He didn't have to; it's obvious this Broadnose Flyer has done his homework.

"I am simply curious to know the Darkarians' plans on what to do with him." The Broadnose Flyer continued as he looked at his claws, examining them.

"That is for us to know." The Longneck Biter merely replied. "If you are concerned, there is no need to lose sleep over a mere child."

As Chomper listened in he couldn't help but worry. This Broadnose Flyer, could he mean Rex? Born in the Great Valley…Yup, that sounds like Rex. What do they want with him? What did he do to deserve their attention so badly?

"Oh quite the contrary my friend." The Broadnose Flyer added as he moved his eyes away from his claws and to the Longneck Biter. "I myself have plans for him. One that will benefit both sides."

"Oh?" The Longneck Biter inquired with interest.

"Yes. You see, as part of your alliance I too am aware of your plans and ideals." The Broadnose Flyer began as he set his paw down to the ground, his eyes firmly placed on the Longneck Biter. "This boy, this nuisance as I hear some of your rockheads call him, can be of good use to us."

The Longneck Biter listened. This is the first time the Broadnose Flyer side of their alliance even had something to contribute to the cause. And if it involves him, then it'd better be good, just in case they'd have to call off the order for his head.

"As we all are aware, this Broadnose Flyer has close ties to the inhabitants of the Great Valley, including the Rock Rangers you so despise." He looks at the Longneck Biter as he continues. "I believe I can exploit that weakness of his."

"You seem confident about this plan of yours." The Longneck Biter adds. "And how, pray tell, certain are you that he will comply? I am fairly certain from Stormwhite's report that he has seen your face."

"Oh he will." The Broadnose Flyer added to prove his confidence. "I have a certain…Link to him as you say, that will make him listen and obey me. He will come looking for that love he has been robbed of for so many bright circles."

The Longneck Biter remained quiet and calm. If he was surprised, he sure did a good job at hiding it. He began to wonder what this Broadnose Flyer meant. A certain link to him? He suddenly thought back to an operation the Darkarians did many many many bright circles ago, back when the alliance with the Broadnose Flyers was first brought up.

Longneck Biters moving through the night…A certain attack…One Broadnose Flyer in the group…

"Ah yes, as I recall." The Longneck Biter finally talked. "So, that was you."

The Broadnose Flyer nodded. He too recalls that night.

"Yes, just as you recall, that fateful night where your merry group of savages attacked my home…"

"Yes, when we began the alliance with the Broadnose Flyers." The Longneck Biter adds, once again with no surprise or shock in his figure or voice. "So that boy is the result of our deeds. Or, in other words, your son."

Chomper had to hold his mouth shut with his arms to keep himself from gasping out loud. This Broadnose Flyer…Is he really Rex's…?

The Broadnose Flyer remained quiet as he stared at the Longneck Biter with a glare, remembering that night.

So many bright circles ago he found himself enjoying a pleasant life in the forests near the Great Valley.

He was looking for a place to settle, and he found one.

One thing he wasn't counting on though was the presence of the Longneck Biters.

He was attacked…

"…You agreed no harm would be brought to him while I served you…"

"Very well." The Longneck Biter broke the momentary silence. "We shall discuss further upon the matter later in the presence of the master. He will also be intrigued to hear on what you have planned."

The Broadnose Flyer turned his head away.

"Of course. As long as you keep your end of the deal." He finally replied. "In addition, I would also like to remind you on the terms the other Broadnose Flyers have agreed on when they decided to form this charming family of ours."

"A reassurance?"

"More like a reminder on what we wish to gain on this little agreement."

"You insult me, believing that we have forgotten." He fully remembers the agreement. "In return for their aid, they expect full recognition of your kind as equal to ours, control of Fortress Valley handed over to them after our success in taking the Great Valley, and the death of the dominant Broadnose Flyer in Crescent Valley."

The Broadnose Flyer nodded. Oh yes, he does remember.

"That is correct. And I hope you intend on keeping your word."

"I am a Longneck Biter of my word." The Longneck Biter closed his eyes as he slightly lifted his head. "Of course, you'd be wise to do the same."

"Are your pathetic lesser lights speaking to you again?" The Broadnose Flyer spat out. Oh how he hated when this Longneck Biter began his stupid story telling with the lesser lights in the sky.

"…" The Longneck Biter didn't respond for a few seconds. "Your second shall weep before thy dying breath…That is what they are saying."

"Pfft," The Broadnose Flyer spat, what does that mean anyway? "Thanks for your free prophecy, but I don't believe in that stupid tale about you."

"Believe what you wish. It is not of my concern." The Longneck Biter began to turn to leave. "I will inform the master of your presence. He will like to hear what you have to say."

"Let me remind you once again," The Broadnose Flyer interrupted the Longneck Biter. "You lay a single claw on the boy, and I'll make you all regret it."

"Is that a threat?"

"Decipher it to your own conclusion."

Chomper was terrified. So it was true. The Broadnose Flyers are working with the Darkarians to take over the Great Valley! Just as they expected! And what's worse…This Broadnose Flyer…He's…!

He couldn't hear anymore of this. Staggering in fright and horror the little Sharptooth made his way back through the crack. His mind was all a blur trying to let everything he heard sink in. The name of the place, their goals, and the horrible truth he just heard.

He knows he heard him call Rex 'son' back when they fought him at the Great Valley Mountains. But he didn't truly believe him until he heard him talk about it again. And this Longneck Biter seems in on it too. That's more proof that it's true.

He managed to get through to the other side and turned to face the crack, slowly backing away from it. His heart was still thumping against his chest, still unable to believe what he just heard.

And if that wasn't enough, he just bumped into something.

"Chomper!"

The Sharptooth jumped with a yell. He turned around and pressed his back to the wall. To his relief, it was just Tanner, Rex and Yu. And they don't look too happy.

Tanner gave him a glare before speaking.

"Where in the world were you? We were worried sick the moment we looked back and saw you gone!"

"We thought you fell down another hole or something." Yu added with a slight growl. "Or worse, a Darkarian grabbed you."

Chomper tried to say something, but he lost his voice from the horrific event he just went through back there, hearing a few nasty things. And just the sight of Rex reminded him of one thing he heard back there.

Rex frowned upon noticing his friend's terrifying look.

"Are you okay? You look like you've just woke up from a sleep terror…A really bad sleep terror."

Sleep terrors. The opposite of sleep stories.

"I-I-I'm fine…" Chomper managed to find his voice, getting a bit calmer. "I'm sorry; I just…Found this little crack in the wall that led somewhere."

Tanner gave him a look, but instead of snapping at him he just sighed and looked back at Chomper with a gentler look.

"Judging by how shaken up you are, you must've seen or found something."

"I uhhh…Saw a Longneck Biter…Talking with a Broadnose Flyer…"

Rex blinked. A Broadnose Flyer? Here?

"R-Really? What'd they say?"

"They were talking about…Taking over the Great Valley together with the Broadnose Flyer…"

"As suspected." Tanner sighed aggravatingly. "Seems like we have more of a reason to get to Crescent Valley and deliver the news as soon as possible now."

Rex was disappointed. He hoped it was just a rumor. That only one rouge Broadnose Flyer was in the coup. But now, hearing from Chomper that there were more of them, he couldn't begin to tell how much it hurt him that his own kind would do such a thing. He turned his head away in sadness, feeling shame for their actions.

"This place…" Chomper continued. "I heard they also called it Fortress Valley."

"Fortress Valley…?"

"You've heard of it before?" Yu inquired.

"No, doesn't ring any bells." Tanner answered with a shake of his head. "But let's leave that aside for now. It's obvious we can't stay here. Let's just move on and get out of here before we're caught."

"Yeah!" Terrel chirped with a nod. "Let's go! Please, I'm scared!"

Yu lowered his head and nuzzled his cousin.

"We're almost out, Terrel. Hang in there."

Motioning his head to continue Tanner led the way again through the tunnel with Yu and Terrel following behind. Rex was still standing there with his head turned away, feeling sad and ashamed about his kind helping the Darkarians on their mission. How could they side with them on such a horrible deed?

Chomper couldn't help but stare at Rex with a frown. Oh man, how is he going to tell him? How is he going to say to him that he has just seen his father, and he's the one leading the Broadnose Flyer alliance with the Darkarians? Could he even bring himself to say? He was praying that he would find his family in Crescent Valley, and find the parental love he never had there. How is he going to tell him that he will never find that love now?

Rex turned his head as he noticed everyone leaving. Before he followed them he took note of Chomper's stare.

"What is it?"

Chomper shook his head.

"…Nothing." He couldn't bring himself to tell him.

Rex was about to say something but he stilled his tongue. Chomper must've been pretty scared in there as he's still slightly shaken, so maybe he shouldn't push on what he heard about the Broadnose Flyer. Instead he looked over to his right and motioned to Chomper.

"We should get going before we're left behind."

"Y-Yeah, okay."

With that the two Sharpteeth moved to catch up to the others. Leaving behind the tunnel and crack in the wall that revealed so much to the young Sharptooth.

Fortress Valley, huh? So this is the Darkarians' home…

Before they knew it the tunnel lead them back outside somewhere in the surrounding mountains of the valley. As they step outside to the fresh air and the warmth of the sun they notice they've made it halfway through the road. If they continue this pace and avoid being seeing they should get to the exit and get out of there before the Bright Circle goes down.

They were lucky they haven't been caught yet. Tanner's really good at this sneaking around stuff.

"We're doing well." Tanner told the others. "I believe that cavern to the south of us should take us outside of the valley."

Who knows if it really leads them out, but it's their best chance to get out of here. It's their home, so if Tanner's home at the Great Valley is of any indication they have the mountain tops well guarded. Trying to sneak over the mountains to get out will practically be suicide.

"I hope you're right." Rex comments as he scratches his nose. "I'm actually getting worried. I mean, Fortress Valley? Definitely sounds like a place the Darkarians would make their home in. One wrong step and we're dead."

Tanner stalked toward a path downhill to make sure the coast is clear, but he suddenly froze in his tracks.

"…Tanner?"

"Shh."

The group looked at each other and remained quiet. They inched closer to where Tanner was and laid low to avoid being seen. Soon they began to hear voices, a female and a male. Oh great, more Longneck Biters over here.

"Have you heard from Amaro…?" The male voice asked.

"Yes, I saw him not too long ago. I believe he said he was going to Crescent Valley again."

Rex blinked. What? Crescent Valley? What are the Darkarians even going there? Isn't that Broadnose Flyer territory? Please…Don't let it be that Crescent Valley is in cahoots with the Darkarians…

"Ever since that Broadnose Flyer joined, we've been sent to that valley…And for what…?"

"I'm not sure…But I don't like it…It's like they're trying to start something…"

"You're giving them too much credit, Hitomi…"

From the sounds of it, it seems like Crescent Valley is having Darkarian problems too. Wow, Rex thought, they're a bigger problem than they realized.

"I don't know how much more I can take of this…" The male voice added with a sigh.

"I know how you feel, Blanco. But we can't just leave. Any traitors will be hunted down and killed."

"There's gotta be a way…I'm sick of this…Every day being the punching bag, being teased at…Getting the glare from you-know-who…I can't go on like this…I want out…"

"Blanco…"

Rex frowned. He couldn't help but feel bad for this Blanco person. It sounds like he's really gotten the short end of the stick in this pack. It's funny, he never expected to feel sorry for a Darkarian. Inching a bit closer he managed to catch sight of the two Longneck Biters.

One of them was pure white with a single orange strip on his neck, a larger one on his back and one on his tail (roughly the same size as the one on his neck). The X scar is on his left shoulder.

The other Longneck Biter has a light blue underbelly and her whole body a dark teal color. The X scar is on her right shoulder.

"It's not fair." The male, Blanco, continued. "I was born into the Darkarians. I never liked the way they did things, but I never had a choice in the matter." He growled as he clawed at the ground. "I'm not much of a fighter; I'm just fresh meat just waiting to happen. Ugh, curse my mother and father…"

"I understand your frustration, Blanco." The female consoled Blanco. "I don't approve of their ways either. My father is one of the highest ranking in the Darkarian's army. However, I refuse to leave without him, he's all I have…"

"Hitomi…"

It was rather sad; to see these two stuck in something they refuse to be a part of with no way out. So, looks like not all the Darkarians are bad. Imagine that.

Rex, Chomper, Yu and Terrel all felt sorry for them. Tanner however wasn't so impressed, and instead turned his tail rather than show sympathy.

"Whatever…"

The group looks at each other. Okay, so maybe Darkarians were never on good terms with Tanner, but to spare no sympathy for these two? That's true hatred right there.

"Let's go." Tanner urges the group to move. "Before they spot us."

The four decide not to ask questions as they turn and follow Tanner down another path. They still got a bit ways to go before they can even get out of here.

As they took their leave though, a third Longneck Biter has found and made his way to Hitomi and Blanco. He looked rather young to even be in this kind of violent pack, his feathers looking new and clean, his brown skin and tan underbelly. He's a guard in the valley, but he urges to be out on the field soon to join the others in their hunts.

"Blanco." The newcomer speaks, his voice sounding young but ruff. "It's time." He did not wait for a reply as he soon turned and walked away afterwards.

Hitomi cocked her head and looked at Blanco.

"Time…?"

Blanco lowered his head with a sigh.

"Today's a prisoner's execution…We're feeding them to the pups…"

"What? How could they…? Don't tell me it's the-"

"I'm afraid so…" Blanco screwed his eyes shut, unable to bring himself to move. "It's my turn today with him…I don't know if I can bring myself to do it…"

Hitomi gently nuzzled Blanco to comfort him. Blanco was never the bravest or the strongest one. In fact, he was practically a wimp. A shy and weak Longneck Biter who's always stuck in the lowest job in the pack.

"I should get going…" Blanco muttered to Hitomi before taking his leave.

Meanwhile the group of intruders was making their way to the south through the mountains. They've managed to give the slip to a few Longneck Biters passing through so far, so far everything's going smoothly.

Tanner made sure to keep every single one of his senses heightened and his mind prepared in case anything were to happen. Like a hunter stalking his prey, he had to be ready for anything.

When they came across a clearing through the mountains he just had to stop behind a group of boulders with the others. The end of the road. Up ahead they'll just find themselves out in the open where everyone can see them. The cavern is just up ahead, but they'll have to get across to get there. And from the look of things, they'll be spotted way before they even get there.

Tanner looked for another option. He spots another route that leads to a cave, but it definitely won't lead them to the one they want.

"Looks like we'll have to make a run for it." Tanner told the others once he reached his conclusion.

"Make a run for it?" Yu echoed with a whimper. "Are you crazy? We'll be dead before we get to the cave!"

"What other choice do we have? We can't stay in the mountains. The path ends here."

The group took a moment of silence to think. Tanner's right, this is the path's end. They can't rely on the cover of the mountains to move anymore. It's either make a run for it or stay here and wait to be captured.

Rex looked at the cave close by. It doesn't look like it'll take them to where they want.

Suddenly they were startled to hear a very loud chirp, almost like a roar. It sounded distressed, pleading for help.

"What was that?" Chomper inquired, startled by the sound.

Yu shook his head.

"I'm not sure, but why does it sound familiar…"

Just suddenly two Longneck Biters were coming up the path, prompting the group to hide behind the boulders. As careful as they could they peaked from behind the boulders to spy on the two Longneck Biters. A brown one and a white one, the same one they saw earlier.

They watched them go right into the cave, curiously seeing the white one hesitating to go in for a few seconds.

Before the group could say anything between them they heard the same loud chirping sound again, this time sounding more desperate.

Yu listened as best he could to the call for help, and then it hit him like a rock being thrown at his head. He recognizes that sound…!

"Rex…!"

Rex looked at Yu. He's starting to recognize the sound as well. Even Terrel seem to recognize it. It does sound familiar…

It then hit Rex too. That call for help is from Yu's pack! And he recognizes who's calling for help too. It's from a Fast Biter, and it's coming from someone they used to know!

"It can't be…" Rex gasped.

"What?" Tanner felt like he was missing something. He looked back and forth between Rex and Yu, beckoning for an answer. "What is it? What?!"

They didn't answered though, their instincts to help one of their own suddenly took over. Almost without thinking Yu broke off in a run toward the source of the sound.

"H-Hey!" Chomper called out. "Yu! Come back!" He suddenly jumped as Rex too followed suit. "R-Rex! Not you too!"

Tanner was confused and horrified. Where in the world are they going?! They're going to get themselves killed!

Tanner was about to call them back when he almost felt like falling to the ground in horror. Even Terrel ran off after them! Of all people. Terrel!

Have they gone insane?!

Taking the lead Rex and Yu ran into the cave as the chirps echoed through the tunnels. They recognize that call from anywhere. Yu's pack has their own distress chirp that would only be used to call for help from the others. It's a Fast Biter thing.

But…But how? A Fast Biter from Yu's pack? Here? Was it following them?

They both finally reach the end of the tunnel and stop by the entrance of a chamber. Standing before them are the two Longneck Biters from before: the brown one and the white one. Just beyond them are three Fast Biters, two small hatchlings and a big one, presumably their mother.

"You fellas are next." The brown Longneck Biter growled to the prisoners. He took a step forward but the Fast Biter reacted with a more threatening growl, keeping her hatchlings safe behind her legs. "Peh, you can either come alive or dead. It doesn't make a difference."

The Fast Biter snarled and did that chirp again.

"Bah! You're annoying me with that stupid call of yours!" The brown Longneck Biter snarled and nearly bit the Fast Biter's head off. "Shut your trap already!"

Blanco merely watched in horror. He doesn't want any part of this. They can't fight back, what's the point of this? This isn't the right way to get their meals. Why are they even resorting to keeping other dinosaurs prisoners like this?

"Fine." The brown Longneck Biter spat and took another step forward. "You want to come dead? It'd be my pleasure!"

The Fast Biter snarled and lunged to attack. The Longneck Biter jumped in with his great speed and slammed his paw across the Fast Biter's face, knocking her down to the ground with merely one blow.

The hatchlings chirped, worried for their mother, but their mother growled at them to stay back. After that the Longneck Biter was about to slam his paw down on her head to kill her, until a certain someone beckoned him to stop.

"Stop!"

The Longneck Biter stopped in his tracks and looked over his shoulder. Much to his surprise- and amusement- there's a Broadnose Flyer and another Fast Biter…Wait, make that two Fast Biters, in the same cave as they are.

"What the heck is this?" The Longneck Biter muttered as he turned to face the newcomers. "Where did you three come from?"

The Broadnose Flyer simply growled and pointed a claw at the two Longneck Biters.

"Let them go, or you'll have to deal with us!"

The Longneck Biter simply grinned and burst out laughing. The Broadnose Flyer merely frowned and lowered his claw, looking at his Fast Biter friend and back at the Longneck Biter, looking rather confused at the laughing.

"Bwahahah! Oh that's rich, kid!" The Longneck Biter laughed. "You…Hahah, you seriously think you're…Hahaha…That you're…A threat to me?" The Longneck Biter slowly calmed down and bared his teeth at the intruders. "You fellas aren't even worth being appetizers!"

Rex shook his head and glared at the Longneck Biter as he went down on all fours. Yu even took up his stance to fight, baring his teeth and claws.

"Ah…" The Longneck Biter was amused the three shrimps weren't backing down. Ain't this lucky, he's going to bring more meat to the pups than he was planning.

Rex, Yu and Terrel weren't even thinking at this point, they were running on instincts. Living in a pack of Fast Biters they've acquired an instinct to stick together and help other Fast Biters of the same pack in need, even at the risk of their own lives. They knew the potential suicide risk here, but they didn't pay any mind to it. Their instincts to help one of their own have completely overwritten any sense of self-safety.

"Hahah, you kids got spunk. Well, if you want to die…" He grinned as he placed a paw on the Fast Biter's head, pinning her down. "I guess I can arrange something right now."

Yu was growing more agitated as the Longneck Biter laid a paw on the Fast Biter's head. He just couldn't take it seeing another harming one of their own.

"Sharptooth dirt!" Yu swore out at the Longneck Biter.

"Oh, what language." The Longneck Biter responded with a grin. "Is your mother proud of you for that one?"

Mother…? That was the last straw!

Yu snarled as fiercely as he could and gave a deadly glare, one that even disturbed Rex.

Seeing the look on the Fast Biter gave the Longneck Biter chills. Chills of excitement.

"So, you want to fight after all, eh?!" He grinned as he stepped forward toward them. "Hahah, looks like we'll get to have some fun after all, Blanco!"

The Longneck Biter looked over at his partner and felt his grin disappear. Blanco was there all right, but he was just out of it. He was terrorized, backed away to the wall like a scared little hatchling. Oh for the love of, Blanco is this much of a wuss?!

"Blanco!!" He shouted.

But he didn't move. He was just…Paralyzed in fear.

Growling in frustration the Longneck Biter snarled and spat in disgust.

"Why do I always have to get stuck with the whimps?!"

He wasn't going to let this stop him though. He was competent enough by himself to take on a stupid Dracovol and Fast Biter. Heck, he's killed three Fast Biters by himself the last time he was given the duty of executing prisoners. This is nothing!

In fact, this was practically an exercise.

"Looks like the pups are going to have a feast tonight." The Longneck Biter commented as he licked his lips before pouncing.

Seeing the pounce coming the Broadnose Flyer and Fast Biter jumped out of the way. They soon turned to attack, jumping at the Longneck Biter baring their claws. He managed to slip away though, as he jumped forward and ran around them before going in for the attack once again.

He jumped for a slash, but Rex reached out and grabbed his paw, stopping the attack. Yu took this opportunity to go for a bite but the Longneck Biter reared his head back and then thrusted forward, his long neck used as a range extender and head butting Yu square in the muzzle, knocking him down.

With a snarl the Longneck Biter reached in with his other paw to attack Rex, but the Broadnose Flyer grabbed the other paw with his. Before he knew it he was on his back on the ground wrestling with the Longneck Biter.

They bit and clawed at each other, drawing blood and injuring one another. But in one roll the Longneck Biter had enough and pushed Rex off with his hind legs, throwing him off and to the ground.

As Rex slowly recovered the Longneck Biter was already on his feet and ready to attack, but just then Yu jumped in and landed on the Longneck Biter's back and sank his teeth into the back of his neck, clamping tightly to stay latched on and to hurt him.

The Longneck Biter roared and snarled as he trashed about to get him off. Try as he might, Yu was holding on pretty well. He recalls the last two times he fought against the Longneck Biters. For some reason they just have a hard time shaking anyone off who bites into the back of their necks. They're practically defenseless.

Also, he wasn't going to let him go anytime soon. Not after that crack about his mother.

The Longneck Biter snarled and got up on his hind legs, trying to buck Yu off. But this proved his mistake. Rex managed to recover from his slam when he saw his chance. The Longneck Biter was too preoccupied with Yu and left his underbelly exposed.

This was his chance.

With a growl Rex ran in and delivered and horizontal slash. His claws made contact and the Longneck Biter's eyes widened. The pain was unbearable and he let out a roar in agony. He buckled and fell to the ground.

Yu jumped off just in time as the Longneck Biter fell. They both looked at the Longneck Biter as he laid on the ground in pain. Rex's claws went in deep and gashed his belly. He won't be able to get up with that.

But then again, surprises do happen.

"Agh…" The Longneck Biter winced as he snarled. To their surprise he managed to get up on his paws despite the wound to his underbelly and all the blood he's losing. "This…is…nothing…!"

Rex and Yu prepared themselves. This Longneck Biter is planning to fight to the death no matter what injuries he sustains.

"You big bully!" An all-too-familiar voice insulted the Longneck Biter, much to Yu's horror.

A Fast Biter hatchling, Terrel, managed to sneak up on the Longneck Biter and jumped onto his back. Before he could do anything about it the hatchling's sharp teeth sank into the Longneck Biter's neck!

"Terrel!" Yu gritted his teeth. No no no! Get away from there!

The Longneck Biter roared as he trashed about once again to get another annoyance off his back. Longneck Biters can't reach back far enough to even get the opponent off when they are latched behind them like this. Their hope is either trash about to get them off or resort to other means such as backing up into boulders or falling on their backs to the ground.

"Aaaagh!" The Longneck Biter roared in pain as the hatchling shredded into the back of his neck. The wound to his abdomen was agony enough, but this was too much.

"Terrel, get away from there!" Yu begged.

But the little hatchling wasn't letting go, he just held on there as tight as he could. He wasn't gonna let this Longneck Biter bully his cousin and friend around!

Rex and Yu didn't know how to get close with the Longneck Biter so out of control. But if they don't do something Terrel might get hurt.

Just then a red streak jumps over the two Sharpteeth and collide against the Longneck Biter. A strong blow to the head topples the enemy to the ground, all while the shock of the blow threw Terrel off of the Longneck Biter, ripping off a chunk of flesh in the process.

Rex gasped.

"Ah! Tanner!"

Tanner stood over the downed Darkarian, a furious growl rattling out from his throat. He looked vicious, like an out of control Sharptooth. Rex and Yu didn't dare to go near him.

"Gck…" The Longneck Biter tried to move his head. The blow to the head was powerful, and the way he was trashing about to get Terrel off left him to take the strike with his head at an awkward angle. In the end, the blow to the head had broken his neck.

"That'll be the last time you ever hurt anyone else." Tanner growled at the defeated Darkarian.

The Darkarian wanted to say something, insult them, growl a them, anything. Why was a Longneck Biter with them, and how could he lose to such inferior Sharpteeth? His eyes suddenly clouded over, and lost consciousness from the blood loss. He'll be dead in a matter of minutes, something Tanner was thankful for.

He turned with a growl, seeing Chomper catching up. But Tanner was clearly mad.

"What in the world is wrong with you three?!" He scolded to Rex, Yu and Terrel. "Did you forget where we are?! You can't pull this kind of stunt here, of all places!!"

The three Sharpteeth wince and lower their eyes, avoiding eye contact from the enraged Longneck Biter. Okay, so they weren't thinking and charged in without a second thought, completely disregarding their own safety and the other's. But dang it, can you blame them for the reason they had?

"Guys…" Chomper broke the silence, calling to them.

The group turn to Chomper and looked over at where the Sharptooth is facing. The second Longneck Biter they saw in the cave before fighting the other one was just standing there, trembling in fear. He scurries against the wall trying to get away from them, scared out of his mind after seeing what they did to the other Longneck Biter.

"S-S-Stay back…!" The white Longneck Biter tried to warn them.

Tanner however didn't show pity. He growled as he stepped closer to him. He wasn't going to let any Darkarians to get away and alert everyone else.

"Give me one reason why I should…"

Before Tanner could even take another step a Fast Biter runs in and stands between him and the Longneck Biter. This came to Tanner's surprise, since when are the Fast Biters in cahoots with the Darkarians?

"Please…Don't hurt him…" The Fast Biter pleaded.

Tanner was shocked. Even more shocking was the two little Fast Biter hatchlings came up and stood with their mother as well, protecting the Longneck Biter.

"W-What…?"

The group was just as confused as Tanner was. Okay, time to recap. These two Longneck Biters came to kill them, right? Why on earth would the Fast Biter call for help one second and then tell their rescuers to back off the next?

But then of course, this Longneck Biter was the same one they saw earlier. The one who wanted nothing to do with the Darkarians, yet he didn't have a choice. Maybe he doesn't want to kill them after all, and had to do it because he was forced to. Well, with the other Longneck Biter gone, there's no one else here to force him to do so.

But then again, if they realize he didn't do his job, it could cost him his life.

"Please…" The Fast Biter spoke again. "This one isn't evil like the others…He…It's because of him that we're still alive…"

"…" In the end it was Rex who made the decision. "All right, we won't hurt him if he doesn't hurt us."

Tanner spun around to face the Broadnose Flyer.

"What?! Are you serious?!"

Yu took a step toward the Fast Biter, looking at her and seeing if he can recognize her. That voice, and of course the calls for help she did, brought all the pieces together.

"It can't be…" He spoke to the Fast Biter. "Diana?"

Rex ignored Tanner's protests upon hearing the familiar name. He pushed Tanner aside- much to Tanner's frustration- and made it up to Yu's side, his eyes set on the Fast Biter.

"What? Diana?!"

The Fast Biter was surprised. How did they know her name? Her eyes went back and forth between Rex and Yu and a look of surprise swept her face.

"Rex…? Yu…?"

Rex and Yu grinned happily and nearly jumped for joy.

"Diana! It's really you!"

"Terrel! It's really her!"

The Dracovol and the two Fast Biters had a joyous reunion with the Fast Biter, who they identified as Diana. All while Tanner and Chomper just stood there watching in overwhelming confusion. They had no idea what in the world is going on here. Do these three know this Fast Biter? From the look of things they definitely do.

"My word!" Diana reacts in shock and delight, unable to believe these Sharpteeth- of all Sharpteeth- would be here. "How in the world did you three end up here? Did-Did the Darkarians catch you as well?"

The three of them calmed down enough to finally respond to her question.

"Heheh, it's a long story." Rex replies with a grin. "We're on a journey to a far-off place, and we ran into trouble and accidentally ended up here in Fortress Valley. Finding you here was another accident. We're just as surprised as you are."

"What are you doing here anyway?" Yu chimed in with a question. "I mean, we thought we lost you all those Bright Circles ago. We thought you were dead."

"Yes…" Diana nodded as she lowered her head. "That was a horrible time…I-"

"Can someone explain to me what in the world is going on?" Tanner interrupted them with a growl. "Please! Don't feel obligated to do so!" He then added with sarcasm.

Rex and Yu realized they were so caught up with this little reunion that they totally forgot to let Chomper and Tanner in on their little circle.

"Um, sorry." Yu apologized. "Chomper, Tanner, this is Diana. She's…One of my pack's Fast Biters."

"Really?" Chomper inquired as he tilted his head. Looking at her now, she does seem a bit familiar, but he couldn't exactly put his claw on it. "Now that you mention it…She…Does look a bit familiar…"

Diana nods.

"Yes…I used to be, at least…You see, it all happened so many Bright Circles ago…"

It was a simple trek through the desert. But that day, there was a storm made of sand. We tried to stick together to the pack, me and my two children here. But we must've gotten separated. I couldn't find the pack, and it seems that they lost sight of me as well.

"So, you got separated from the pack in a sand storm." Tanner recapped, making sure he has it right.

"When we realized we lost you, we sent one of our own to find you." Yu recalled that day with a sad look on his face. "He was pretty insistent on finding you again."

"Sharp." Rex recalled the Fast Biter's name.

Diana nods.

"Yes, my mate."

We kept going, managing to get out of the desert with our lives. Tired from such a journey we found shelter in a cave in the mountain walls. We stayed there for a few Bright Circles. I had to take care of my children, they were so tired after that sand storm and all that travelling we had to do.

I couldn't begin to describe how happy I was when Sharp found us. I was so happy…

"So…What happened?" Terrel inquired as he looked up at Diana. "Why didn't you and Sharp came back…?"

Diana sighed sadly as she continued.

"They came…"

The next Bright Circle Sharp was ready to take us back to the pack. But then we were attacked. It appeared our little sanctuary was within the mountains of this place, Fortress Valley. And we invaded the space of the Darkarians.

They…They killed Sharp. And they took me and my children away as prisoners…

"Sharp…" Yu gasped. "Sharp's…Dead?"

"I don't believe it…" Rex commented in shock. "All this time…You were here? Held as a prisoner?"

"My children and I would've been dead long ago…" Diana looked over to Blanco, who managed to feel a bit more comfortable but still nervous and scared being with these new faces. "But Blanco here, he felt sympathy for us…I don't know how he did it, but somehow he managed to convince them and kept us alive all this time…"

Blanco smiled a bit and lowered his head, blushing a bit from Diana's kind words.

Tanner however didn't feel anything. He couldn't grasp the concept of a Darkarian actually having a heart. He's pretty biased when it comes to Darkarians, mostly because he never ran into an event that would give the Darkarians any reason to say that they truly have a heart or care.

"I uhhh…Guess we owe you one then." Yu commented to Blanco.

"Yeah yeah, thanks a lot. Now, can we please move on? I'd like to get out of this wretched valley before we get into any more trouble!"

Rex gave Tanner a look. Geez, the least he can do is show a little gratitude this Longneck Biter isn't hostile toward them. He doesn't even want to be part of the Darkarians, otherwise he would've attacked them by now.

"You must've been through so much here…" Chomper couldn't even begin to fathom how horrible Diana's life must've been since she was held as a prisoner here, complete with her two hatchlings. "I can't imagine how horrible it must've been…"

"Diana, please come with us." Yu offered to her. "We're getting out of here and I want you to come with us. Plus, I know my dad and the rest of the pack would love to see you and your hatchlings back with us."

Diana smiled. Finally, she was coming home. Away from these savages and toward safety and paradise with her children. She could almost break down in tears from the happiness. It would've been perfect if Sharp was still alive…

"Oh yes, I would nothing more than to finally leave this horrible place behind." She responded with a happy nod.

"If we must." Tanner muttered with a shake of his head. "This will only make it harder getting out of here through the caverns, but we simply can't leave you here to die."

"Caverns? You don't mean the entry way, do you?"

The group turned their heads to Blanco. So he finally spoke.

Tanner snorted with a growl.

"What of it?"

Blanco took a step back, intimidated by Tanner's behavior.

"W-Well…If you want to get out of the valley, that's…That's not the best place to go through…"

"What do you mean?" Rex inquired.

"A lot of Darkarians patrol the caves. You won't make it far if you try to go through there…"

Tanner wasn't about to believe a Darkarian, but the others may have different opinions on this one. Diana frowned, just about ready to lose hope, but the look on her face just made Blanco to want to help them.

"There is a safer way out, though."

The others blinked and looked at Blanco with hope.

"Next to the entrance, you should see a small hole up above. It should be big enough for even a Broadnose Flyer to squeeze through. If you go through there you should make it to the other side of the mountain walls."

"And why should we trust you?" Tanner growled.

"P-Please…" Blanco stammered, trying to stand up to Tanner's stubborn ways. "I know you hate Darkarians…But trust me…Please…"

Rex, Chomper and Yu frowned. It might be a bit hard to trust a Darkarian, but then again Diana did say this same Darkarian has managed to keep her alive up until now. And besides, wasn't he the same one they overheard expressing his hatred toward Darkarians as well?

They must be cautious, this is true. But in Yu and Rex's opinion, if Diana is willing to trust him, then they suppose they can trust him too.

"The best I can do is getting the Darkarians' attention for a short time." Blanco continued despite the nasty glare he's getting from Tanner. "I think I can give you enough time to make for the opening for you all to escape. But once you're on the other side, you have to be careful. You're going to have to climb down the mountain side and there might be a few Darkarians out there patrolling."

Tanner was skeptical about this, heck he wouldn't even dream about trusting a Darkarian no matter how pathetic or weak they look. But Diana insisted that it was all right to trust him, and even Yu and Rex urged him to trust him, repeating over and over that if Diana can trust him they should too.

In the end Tanner finally submitted and agreed, much to everyone's delight.

The idea was simple, as Blanco described. With the brown Longneck Biter's death he will use that to get everyone between the prisoner's chamber and the cavern's attention. With the distraction set the others will sneak their way to their escape zone.

The group hid behind the boulders from before, making sure they were out of sight from the cave and waited for Blanco to spring the plan. Tanner still couldn't believe they were actually going to trust a Darkarian, of all dinosaurs, with their escape route.

"This is insane. We're trusting a Darkarian with our lives here!" Tanner protested with a growl.

"Look, I know you don't like the Darkarians and this idea may look silly to you, but can't you just have a little faith here? I mean, not all Darkarians can be evil." Rex tried to reason with Tanner to calm him down.

"That's like telling a leafeater hatchling to trust an adult Sharptooth to help him find food." Tanner responded. "It might look like he's leading you to food, but in the end it's all a trap."

"You're not one of much faith, are you?" Diana inquired as she kept her two children close.

Tanner didn't bothered to answer. He simply turned his head away with a snarl and waited. There's nothing else they can do now but to trust this Darkarian, as much as he didn't want to.

Meanwhile Blanco took a deep breath. He's been trying to keep Diana alive for so long, trying to find a way to help her escape with her hatchlings. He couldn't save Sharp, but he was determined to save Diana. She didn't deserve this kind of life, kept away in the shadows by the Darkarians to be killed later. It's…it's just not right.

"Okay…You can do this…" Blanco coached himself as he tried to summon up some courage. "I'll just say I found him…Say there's a scent going upward toward the mountain…It should keep them busy searching there while the others run for the other side…" He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "For Diana…Okay, I'm ready…"

Blanco took a deep breath and roared. The signal echoed as far as the other side of the valley where their target waited.

The group jumped as they heard the roar. There's the signal!

Tanner sprung to his feet and got ready. He watched as Longneck Biters responded to the call. Soon he saw Darkarians showing up and made their way toward Blanco. My word, there's got to be at least six or seven in that group alone! They would've definitely been dead if they decided to make a run for it…

"Brown Claw's dead!" Blanco told the group of Longneck Biters.

"What? Dead?"

"What do you mean dead?!"

Blanco flinched and gulped, but he tried to be brave.

"I-I don't know! I just found him dead in the prisoners chamber! I-I think I caught the scent of whoever did it heading up to the mountains…If you hurry I think we can catch the culprit!"

"Whoever killed a Darkarian in our own home is a stupid one! You three! With me! We'll head up the mountains and scout the one responsible! As for the rest of you, go in with Blanco and investigate the scene!"

"Roger!"

"You got it, boss!"

From the safety of their hiding spot the group watched as the Longneck Biters went about their orders. All right. Blanco did his part, now the rest is up to them!

"Now's our chance!" Rex announced.

"I doubt such a plan will work for long." Tanner responded as he looked to the others. "We have a very small window of opportunity here. So we have to move fast!"

"Get ready…" Rex watched as the other Darkarians went out of sight. Just when he was sure they wouldn't be seen he gave the signal. "Now!"

No time to waste! As fast as they could they ran from their hiding spot and toward the giant cave entrance in front of them. This was their only way out of here, their only shot.

They ran as fast as their legs could carry them, panting for breath and refusing to stop for anything. They've been through horror traveling through this place. The mere thought of being stuck behind enemy lines like this with the Darkarians was horrible. They couldn't wait until they were out.

In seconds they made it to the mountain walls next to the cavern entrance. Rex stop in front of it but didn't dare to set foot in there. It was dark, plain and simple. They'd have to rely on their senses other than sight to travel in there. And if they were caught, they'd be dead.

"Up there!" Chomper called as he looked up.

The others looked up and saw up above in the mountain the opening Blanco told them about. They'd have to climb, but it's better than nothing.

Tanner and Rex went up first with Terrel and Diana's two hatchlings, followed by the others. During the whole run and climb it was suspense and tension all around. They prayed and hoped that there was really no Darkarians around to spot and attack them. They placed a lot of faith into Blanco for this, here's hoping their faith weren't misplaced.

They reached the opening. Just as Blanco said, it was big enough for even a Broandose Flyer to squeeze through. Tanner went in first, followed by the hatchlings. Rex made sure to go in last, allowing Diana, Yu and Chomper to squeeze into the opening first.

Rex took one good last look at Fortress Valley. Such a beautiful place…Who knew the Darkarians would take this place as their home…

If…If they had Diana in here as prisoners…Then my gosh, what other dinosaurs are held here against their will as prisoners? Leafeaters…even Sharpteeth…

The Darkarians…Truly a force to fear…They have to be stopped…

Rex just couldn't let the Darkarians do the same to the Great Valley. Not his home.

Determined- now more than ever- to reach the Crescent Valley he went through the opening and crawled his way through to catch up to the others.

The small crevasse through the mountain was uncomfortable to say the least, but it was the safest way out without risking the cavern and possibly getting lost and caught. Besides, a scrape or two against rocks is better than being torn apart by teeth and claws.

Despite the uncomfortable travel aside the group safely reach the other side of the mountains. You couldn't begin to describe how happy they were to finally be on the other side of the mountains, free and away from that place!

"We're…We're free!" Yu jumps in happiness.

"Yay!" Terrel cheers with a grin. "We're finally out of that scary place!"

"Don't celebrate yet, guys." Chomper reminded them all. "We're not out of it yet."

"The kid's right." Tanner adds with a nod. "Blanco said there might be Darkarians out here near the mountains. We have to climb down and get as far away as we can before we can celebrate."

Terrel complains. They're right, Yu thought, Blanco did say that.

"We must make haste then." Diana suggested, nudging her children to get up. "I dread the longer we stay the more chances we have of getting caught."

Rex nodded.

"Let's go."

With Tanner and Rex in the lead the group began to move down the mountain. They carefully climbed down the boulders until they found a path leading down, just like on the other side. They're sure Darkarians use this path to get around, as well as unsuspecting travelers who think this path would lead them to safety or shelter.

As they helped each other down to the path one of Diana's hatchlings wandered off a few steps and stopped. Up ahead a second path met with the one they're on. Just then the hatchling gasped as it saw someone moving down from the second path and into theirs. A Longneck Biter!

"Mom!" The hatchling chirped.

Rex turned and gasped as he too caught sight of the Longneck Biter. Unfortunately for them he saw them as well. He roared and charged after the group for the attack as the others were just finishing on their descent to the path.

With a roar Tanner jumped over the group and into the Longneck Biter, pouncing it down into the ground and holding it down.

"Go!" He snarled back to the others. "I'll hold him off!"

Rex took a step forward.

"But-"

"Just go!"

Rex stepped back once and nodded. Motioning to the others they hurried down the path to the surface below. The sooner they're out of here the sooner they're out of danger. Tanner can take care of himself, after all he's a Longneck Biter, and above all else, a Rock Ranger.

As they kept on moving down another Longneck Biter stopped their advance up ahead. The group skidded to a halt as their path was blocked. Dang, Blanco warned them about this. But they didn't expect it would be this tough to slip past them out here.

"Oh no!" Yu snarled as a second Longneck Biter stopped their advances.

Behind them a second Longneck Biter cornered them. And to make it worse a third Longneck Biter has just reared its ugly head on top of a boulder to their left.

"We're trapped." Rex growled as he stood on all fours facing the second attacker.

"How did they know?!" Terrel asked, terrified as he huddled near Yu's leg.

"The Longneck Biter that surprised us." Chomper responded. "He roared before he attacked. He must've alerted these guys about us."

Diana was terrified as she huddled her two children together, protecting them. They were so close to reaching the end of their nightmare, to finally be free again. They're right there! Why oh why are the Darkarians so cruel?

Rex eyed the three of them. This is terribly bad. They can't take on three Longneck Biters at once! Rex, Chomper and Yu can barely take on a single one of them together. How are they going to get past three of them…?

The third Longneck Biter snarled as he was about to jump off the boulder to attack them. Rex watched him and thought that maybe he could stop him and get the other's attention when he saw another figure above that Longneck Biter. He watched as it jumped and landed right on top of the Longneck Biter!

The snarl and roars of the attacked Longneck Biter caught the whole group- even the Longneck Biters- by surprise as they set their eyes on the boulder. Whoever attacked the Longneck Biter had a lot of guts with two others here.

They couldn't see anything from where they were standing, but the sound of bones breaking was sure enough to let them know that one of them is dead. It was just a matter of waiting to see who was left standing, and if it was friend or foe.

A couple of seconds later the victorious figure stood at the edge of the boulder. It was standing on its hind legs, looking down at them.

"Ah!" Rex gasped. He's…

"It's not nice to overwhelm others like this." Kumo threatened to the Longneck Biters. "Stuff like this always comes back to bite you in the tail."

"Kumo!" Rex, Chomper and Yu cried at the same time.

Kumo looked down and looked at them all.

"Long time no see, you three."

This was the surprise of their life! To meet again with Kumo here, of all places! They haven't seen him for almost half a year. That's a lot of Bright Circles to go through! All three of them were smiling from ear to ear to see him again.

Kumo wasn't sharing such happiness, but then again this is a dinosaur who they have never seen smile or laugh.

The newcomer jumped off of the boulder and landed between the group and the Longneck Biter. He landed and stood on all three of his four legs, one paw off the ground with his claws flexed out ready for a fight as he defended the group.

"So," Kumo began as he stood between the Longneck Biter and the others. "This is another fine mess you boys got yourselves into."

"Yeah yeah, scold us later." Rex responded as he stood in defense on the other side facing the other Longneck Biter.

"Fine." Kumo replied to Rex's reponse. He takes a step forward and holds his paw back to the others. "Stand back, I got this one."

The Longneck Biter seems to have had enough of this creep. He snarled and jumped forward to attack.

Kumo charged and tackled into the Longneck Biter. The attacker landed on his paws and snarled at the wingless Broadnose Flyer before attacking with a slash. Kumo grabbed the paw with his and used his other paw to sink his claws into the Longneck Biter's shoulder, drawing blood.

The Longneck Biter snarled in pain and went to bite Kumo's arm, but Kumo was one step ahead. Without mercy he sunk his claws deeper and moved them upward. In a sickening sight the claws dragged and created deep wounds snaking from the shoulder up the Longneck Biter's neck. He was applying so much force into it that his arm was shaking as he forced his claws through skin and muscle.

Before the Longneck Biter could register what happened Kumo's claws reached his jaw and mouth, the claws so deep that it scraped the bone until they exited through his lips.

The others- minus Rex, who was busy with the other Longneck Biter- were horrified to see such a wound. A huge gash from the shoulder up the neck to the jaw. You could even see the muscles and bone inside.

With a snarl Kumo released the Longneck Biter's paw and slashed him across the face with his other paw, knocking the Longneck Biter to the ground. What power...And how ruthless…

Kumo wiped the blood from his claws on the ground as he looked over his shoulder to the others.

"I think this is when you're supposed to run and never look back."

Chomper and Yu shook off the shock of such fury and motioned at Diana and the hatchlings to move. Kumo watched as they kept moving down the mountain, staying behind in case anyone else showed up.

"Hm?" Kumo noticed that Rex was still here, and playing with the other Longneck Biter. He has to be playing, he possibly can't be taking this long with one measly Longneck Biter.

"Agh!" Rex cried as he landed on his back on the ground. He rubbed his cheek as he just got struck across the face. "I'll show you…!"

Before he could even get up Kumo tackled into the Longneck Biter and bit into his neck. Not even a chance to react before Kumo pinned the Longneck Biter down with his front paws and pulled his head back as hard as he could, ripping off a chunk of the Longneck Biter's neck and spitting it out. Geez, who did they killed for Kumo to even slaughter them so savagely?

"Whoa…"

Kumo jumped off of the Longneck Biter and took a step toward Rex.

"I see you haven't changed at all."

"Are you calling me weak?" Rex growled as he slowly got up on all four.

"I'll leave that to your imagination."

Suddenly another Longneck Biter came out from the boulder to their left. Upon seeing him Kumo glared and took his stance.

"Heads up!"

Rex turned and gasped.

"Wait! That's not a Darkarian!"

The Longneck Biter took a defensive stance as he saw Kumo taking his offensive stance. He was glad to see Rex was okay, but who's this other guy?

"Friend of yours?" Kumo inquired.

"I was about to ask Rex the same thing." Tanner added.

Kumo softened his glare and got out of his stance, recognizing the Longneck Biter as non-hostile.

"Whatever. It can wait. Right now we have to leave. The others have probably reached ground by now."

Rex nodded and together with Kumo and Tanner he ran down the path toward the base of the mountain. Soon enough they reach the bottom and reunite with the others, but they weren't going to stop.

No, they were going to run as fast and as far as they could, their eyes never looking back to the valley they just escaped from; the home of the Darkarians.

Diana especially would never want to see that place again; the place where she lost her mate; the place that made her and her children's life a living hell for so many Bright Circles.

However, she will never forget the kindness of one Longneck Biter in particular: Blanco.

He wanted to leave the Darkarians so badly, it tore her heart to escape that place but leaving him behind.

Blanco…I pray you'll be safe…And that one day we may meet again…Under more pleasant circumstances…

As for Chomper…

"Yes, just as you recall, that fateful night where your merry group of savages attacked my home…"

"Yes, when we began the alliance with the Broadnose Flyers…So that boy is the result of our deeds. In other words, your son."

That conversation he eavesdrop will haunt him for the rest of his life. That Broadnose Flyer…Rex's…