Author's notes: Hey guys. Sorry this took so long to finish, but as you know I seem to better think of ideas as I travel. I hope you enjoy it.


Chapter 11 Dark Side of a Sharptooth

Chomper and Ruby have travelled through the Mysterious Beyond for a good few hours now, and there has been no sign of the rock formation they call Hanging Rock. Chomper seems to think they either have gone the wrong way or unintentionally found themselves going round in circles. He feels parched from the sudden heat rush that manifested a few moments ago, and may have to find water soon. Unlike Ruby, he uses a lot of energy for his size and has to drink more water than what she needs just to keep his reserves filled for another few days.

"Ruby! I thought you knew where to go!"

"Of course I know where to go, but because everything changes out here it is harder for me to know where to go."

"Don't you travel to Hanging Rock everyday?" Chomper continued to moan.

"Chomper! You've travelled longer out here than I ever have, so you know how much the Mysterious Beyond changes because you have travelled longer out here."

"I guess, but I never travel to Hanging Rock. That is what you do." He pauses as they turn the bend. "How do you intend I climb that?!" He questioned just when Hanging Rock appeared from on high.

"It is Hanging Rock!" Ruby quickly rushes over there leaving Chomper behind. "Wait for us at the bottom of the slope!" She shouted down towards him.

Chomper sighs. "Like I even have a choice Ruby." He heads to the slope and stands there in wait, watching his surroundings in case something threatening arrives. Ruby on the other hand is desperately searching around the huge rock formation, confused as to why her family are not there right now. She could not think where they may be either.

"Where are they? I hope they're not trapped somewhere."

"Psst. Ruby." The whisper sounded masculine and very close.

"Huh?" Ruby heard the whisper, but could not pin a tail on as to where it came from.

"Ruby. Over here." The whisper came again, this time from behind the rock that juts out to a point.

"That sounds like, Indigo." She walks closer to the rock, a little bemused.

"Just hurry up and find me Ruby!" Ruby walks behind the rock, and is very surprised to see it is her brother.

"You are the you who I heard."

"Shh. Just come along." Indigo whispered with worry in his voice dragging his sister towards the cave where they always used to hide when Red Claw was alive with the others. They both disappear inside, leaving Chomper outside waiting for them.


Back in the Great Valley, Petrie is still aiding his uncle into a good recovery. Right now Pterano is resting with his wings drooping on either side of his body, giving Petrie a chance to get a well deserved roost. He too is still recovering after the dual with Gnash, and although his wounds have stopped bleeding there is still some agony remaining from where Gnash's talons pierced him. However, Petrie closes his eyes trying his best to eliminate all the thoughts of Gnash buried deep in his mind. Of course he can receive enlightenment now that Pterano is safe and alive, but there is always a chance something else may happen that could ultimately make him lose his uncle forever. Before Petrie realises he dozes off unaware of his surroundings, and never even notices the presence of another Flier coming to land in the tree opposite the nest a short while later.

"Petrie. Petrie my brother." The masculine voice calmly averred, not wishing to wake Petrie with a fright. He knows what he has been through and does not want to put him through another scare, but he just hopes his voice was enough to wake his brother. The good news is his uncle is peacefully sound asleep next to Petrie, so he can definitely relax knowing that Pterano will not suffer anymore. When Petrie does not stir, the only thing left for him to do is to wake him some other way. He lands carefully at the nest and rests a talon on his brother's shoulder, causing him to rouse with quite a shock.

"NO!"

"Petrie, calm down my brother." He rests both talons on Petrie's shoulders to try and calm him down.

"Pteren?" Petrie questioned as he glared towards him somewhat agitated.

"Sorry for scaring you Petrie, but you didn't stir from your roost."

He shrugs his brother off. "No scare me like that again!" He unintentionally shouted louder than anticipated, before instantly checking his uncle did not stir after the shout.

"I apologise, but this was the only way you could know I had arrived." He turns his attention to Pterano. "How is he?

"Uncle be resting. All his wounds are sealed with the paste me made. Me believe he on road to recovery, but he need more rest." He pauses checking the paste on his uncle's wing membranes has not started falling off, but he did not wish to explain why it is there despite having no choice in the matter because his brother may ask or even need to know. "Rincus and Sierra slashed at his wings badly. He no can fly until they sew together."

"Them two damn wing brains need to be taught a bloody lesson!" Pteren forcefully threatened with a clenched talon.

"Me thought so too, but Uncle Pterano say otherwise."

"Yes he would. If he could not beat them, then we definitely wouldn't manage." He pauses as he calms. "What's the use in getting revenge if we're just gonna die trying."

Petrie soon changes the subject. "How are you? Have you found yourself a mate yet?"

"I'm fine thank you, and no. I haven't had any luck so far."

"And the others?"

"I wouldn't know, but there is one thing I should tell you."

"What?"

"The others are coming here to visit you and our uncle as well."

"They coming here! Wow! It been so long since me see you all. But why are you all coming back?"

"They have most possibly heard about your dual, as have I. I suspect it is due to them wanting to check you are both alive."

"Me understand. Me just can't wait to see everyone again."

"And I'm sure they all feel the same." He casually hugs his brother who instantly does the same. "It's so good to see you again Petrie."


Indigo is still dragging his sister behind him deeper into the cave, and Ruby is wondering why he is leading her so deep inside. They come to a narrow land bridge that seems to stretch over an underground river, seeing as Ruby could feel how damp the air is around her. She cannot understand the reason for being dragged so far already, and proceeds to asking a question.

"Indigo! Why are you dragging me so far inside, as you are dragging me so far inside?"

"Ruby! Stop asking dumb questions! Beryl is just round this bend. I'll explain once we reach her."

"But this is pointless. I am too far away already. He needs me!"

"Yes! He needs you for a midmorning snack! Now come on already!"

"But… Indigo! You don't understand..!"

"I understand plenty!" He interrupts her mid-sentence. "Now please stop this silly chat. Beryl is just down this way." He quickly turns right into a darker location of the cave causing his sister to follow unhindered.

"Whoa!" She sighs quietly so her brother does not see, then suddenly goes into thought about Chomper stuck outside in the heat. But, Indigo. The Sharptooth out there is Chomper, do you not realise or even remember him. Chomper will not eat us, his heart for his friends is too pure. And he is stuck out there, parched and burning from the heat. He would never leave without me, even if he had to. I did not want a discussion or go this far inside Hanging Rock, there is just not enough time. Her thoughts start to reconsider now, the fact that her two siblings will help them. Perhaps they just do not care for Chomper anymore, but she cannot forget or even leave him for reasons only she knows.


Chomper is by now, lying down panting like a dog in the heat of the Mysterious Beyond. He does not wish to wait here any longer than he has to, despite not knowing where Ruby has gone to. He saw her disappear over the ridge and has not seen her since, but why would she leave him out here for this long. Something must be the cause for the length of time she has already been, even for a Fast Runner. He stands up with a struggle and quickly though lumbering, heads to a nearby watering hole he seems to realise is over there just to get out of the open air. He needs shade, and will by any means find some only to cool down. He is certain Ruby will remember exactly where it is he will be going, so he will wait for her there.

Moments later he reaches this temporary resting point in all its beauty, where a fair amount of other Sharpteeth and Fast Biters are as well, drinking from the cool waters or lounging in the shade. They all look to him gulping his much needed fluids, taking his appearance as just another carnivore needing a drink in all their unique ways. Two recognisable Fast Biters who Chomper recognises as Thud and Screech are there too, just looking at him with one eye open while they loll, one on his back the other against another tree. They both have a surprising and cheerful grin that Chomper has never seen them show before, so clearly they have been enjoying this cover of the trees for quite a while. But even Chomper knows why they are so happy and relaxed now, for they finally have freedom to do as they please because Red Claw does not control them anymore. They close their one eye, and go back to resting.

Those with mates are slightly more cautious of this new Sharptooth, and despite their suggestive positions they simply just move to a different location to wait out the extreme heat of the land. They soon move back nearest the water once they see he is not interested in any of them or even a threat, and simply go back to whatever it was they were doing. Now that his throat has finally stopped burning, Chomper casually walks under a tall broadened palm tree and lays there to rest waiting for Ruby to appear. His lying position clear enough to them as they can see he is indeed waiting for someone, his back to them all.


Ruby is still being dragged by her brother, even more further inside. Funny he said Beryl was just down here, neither of them have stopped for even a breather yet and Ruby is getting frustrated. She can see Indigo is looking lost, like he made a wrong turn somewhere which was not at all what she wanted to happen. Did Indigo intend for them to get lost, or was it in fact never intended at all?

"Indigo! Have you purposefully got us lost or something?!"

"Why would I do that?!"

"Because you don't recognise Chomper, and you always recognise Chomper! This was all planned right from the start!"

"Stop assuming you know things more than I! It gets under my scales!"

"But I do know more than you! I am much older, and because I am older I'll always know more than you!"

"Oh that's great! Ha, ha, ha!" He proceeds to laugh satirically at his older sister for her assumption. "Considering the fact that I knew this cave was here in the first place Ruby!" He looks around still confused and speaks to himself. "I guess I may have missed the turning." Ruby purposefully stops in her tracks and yanks her arm free from Indigo's grasp.

"That does it!" She stands with her arms crossed and looks away instantly, placing her foot on her brother's tail to cause him to fall.

"Ruby-aah!" Indigo crashes on his front and looks back towards his sister quite angered by her actions. "Get your foot off my tail! Ruby take it..!"

"Listen!" She snaps a glare in his direction interrupting him mid-sentence. "Beryl will be waiting in the chamber nearest the falling water!"

"Huh?" He tries to yank his tail from under her foot.

"You're leading us further away! And don't even say 'you know more than me', for I found this cave before you found this cave! And clearly I still know your weakness which you overlooked yet again?"

Indigo still tries to yank his tail free from under his sister's foot. "Ruby! My tail!" Ruby releases her foot and watches Indigo roll over when he pulls too strong, before grabbing her brother's arm to drag him back the way they came.

"We were meant to turn left after the land path!"

"Em. What?" Indigo did not seem to understand what it was Ruby had been saying. "Hey!" Already Ruby is dragging him from behind.

"Just come along and be quiet Indigo!"

"Oh fine." With his confusion and Ruby's frustration finally receding, they rapidly head to where Beryl still is waiting for them. Ruby has had enough of the time wasting, so when the discussion finally goes underway she will not be discussing long.


It took them a good five minutes to reach Beryl's location, but Indigo was surprised Ruby could remember from so far back. How did he forget that the underground falling waters are Beryl's special place? He recalls three waterfalls in that chamber, all with their unique ways of falling. The added mystery to them being the three differently coloured glow bugs that all three of them used to chase around in play when they were much younger.

"Beryl!" Indigo called as he did not see her.

"Hey Indigo! Hey Ruby!" Beryl shouted as she came out from under the largest waterfall. "It's so good to see you again."

"It's so good to see you too." Ruby replied as she let her brother go. Beryl instantly heads to her brother, a little surprised by how long he took in getting back.

"What kept you?"

"His short-term memory issue again." Ruby complied. "He doesn't even remember Chomper."

"That Sharptooth is not Chomper Ruby! He'll eat us! I'm telling you!"

"No he will not Indigo. Why do you think I prefer travelling with him out there?"

"He's bigger now right, much bigger than all of us put together. He knows to protect his friends from danger and threats. His size would keep most of them at bay."

"So you still remember him Beryl. That's great!"

"Of course. He came to all of us when the Great Valley residents chased him out that day, with all of your friends too Ruby." Beryl stated as if she always remembered Chomper's trouble years ago.

"Well. That was after we lost both him and Tyrana out there during a swirling sand threat. The wind was pretty strong too."

"This does not change the fact that he is dangerous Ruby!"

"Ugh! Let it go Indigo! Gees!" Ruby complained quite suddenly.

"Typical! You never believe anything I say! Hmph!" Indigo looks away and struts off in a strop a few steps.

"So, why are you travelling out here with him anyway Ruby?" Beryl questioned.

"It's his parents. They need our help." Ruby certainly sounded desperate.

"His parents!? Ruby! Mum and dad told us not to go near them remember! Why did you go and break that rule yet again!"

"Yes. They told us that, but I'm still responsible for him and nothing will ever change that fact. They trust me enough to relay messages to him whenever he is away. But now we must save them! They need all the help they can get!"

"And what is so dire that they can't do it on their own Ruby?" Indigo moaned under dark question as he strutted back to them.

"Indigo listen! Why would they tell me to inform Chomper on this threat, if they couldn't handle it themselves? Don't you remember what Chomper and the others had been through when they met each other again."

"No I don't."

"Well I do. They were under constant threat from a plated Sharptooth." Beryl recalled. "Yes I know we weren't there, but they did mention it one time when an issue arose."

"That's right, and Chomper's parents struggled to beat him."

"But I'm going with Indigo on this one." Beryl seems to be agreeing with her brother for some strange reason.

"Huh?"

"What if Chomper has forgotten both me and Indigo? You were the only one he mostly hung out with, so he wouldn't recognise your younger siblings. He may see us as food, like Indigo has been trying to say."

"Chomper will recognise you both, I know he will. However, this new Plated Sharptooth seems much bigger than the last one. They were fleeing from it due to their injuries when last I visited which is why they told me to inform their son, but now I'm worried they've been hurt further or worse. This is why we have no time to lose. If you're not gonna go with me, then I'll help save them with Chomper alone." Ruby quickly starts to head off, but her brother stops her.

"Ruby wait!" He looks to her concerned, a hand on her shoulder.

"I've waited far too long already Indigo, far too long I've waited. Chomper needs me right now, and I will not wait any longer for you or Beryl to decide." She heads towards the next chamber. "Catch me up if you finally agree to help, but I doubt either of you are even thinking that. Goodbye." Ruby turns rapidly down the chamber, and disappears out of sight from her siblings before they could even speak again.

"Ugh! Why is she so stubborn!?" Beryl quickly heads off after Ruby.

"Beryl, wait up!" Indigo complained raising an arm, before following Beryl out of concern for his fears and worries. Perhaps Ruby is right but Beryl could be too, and he does not know who to believe anymore. Braving up is the only matter he needs to comply with right now, for Ruby knows Chomper more than anyone else he knows.


Back outside the heat hits Ruby like what a fire gives off when you stand too close, but peering down the descent she does not find Chomper. Looking to the sky she could see no clouds, and the shadows of the high rises nearby seem very small. Now she is certain midday has finally arrived, and ultimately she knows to find shelter instantly upon going out there. She does not want to, but Chomper's disappearance makes her think something has happened to him. Just when she goes to run down the slope bracing herself for the burning sensation most probable on her feet from the land, her siblings appear.

"Ruby wait!" Indigo called down to her, before he ran with Beryl to grab her shoulders.

"I can't you two. Chomper has disappeared. I feel something terrible has happened to him." She tries to shake them off.

"We are both going with you." Beryl stated. "Please, don't rush off like that again."

"I'm sorry okay." Ruby apologised. "I know Chomper can take care of himself, but I worry for him sometimes. Where could he have gone?"

"Don't you remember the nearby Watering Hole." Beryl continued. "Chomper would've gone there to stay out of this heat."

"Then let's hurry and find him." Ruby complied, before running on ahead.

"We'll be right behind you Ruby!" Beryl replied, much to Indigo's dismay though he knows he has no choice.

"We will?" His question sounded as though he were frustrated and confused at the same time.

"Yes Indigo, now stay close." Beryl concluded before heading on.


Stepping onto the burning ground, heat overwhelms them instantly once they leave the shade that Hanging Rock tries to give at this time. They look around for any threat before quickly speeding off towards the watering hole, however unknown to them a pack of Fast Biters had seen them running. Emaciated due to a poor hunt these past few days, they dare venture out into the open air parched from the high degree.

Following Ruby and her two siblings does not cause any difficulty however, despite salivating consistently the heat simply evaporates their drool before it even reaches the ground. Of course, the moist saliva is welcoming to their dry jaws but so is the feeling of water cooling their throats, now that they can smell it so close. They are certain the three Fast Runners are heading to this watering hole, but showing themselves from the same direction will prove too suspicious seeing as their pack leader has already chosen the meal they will hunt. Some seem to believe his choice of food will just get away from them, but they have no say in the matter and right now anything will do.

Their thoughts had been right all along, as just through the small section of trees lies the watering hole where many others will also be. Perhaps here there are fish to give them their much needed energy for the later hunt, but amidst these plans they walk round to find another way through and keep suspicions to an absolute minimum. Though when the Fast Runners leave, then they too will do the same.

"Chomper!" Ruby called while strolling through the small group of trees.

"But, Ruby. Sharpteeth will be here, and they will eat us."

"Oh quit complaining Indigo. We will be fine here." Beryl concluded before they enter the small oasis with Sharpteeth on all sides. Both of them instantly see Ruby heading straight for a Sharptooth lying down with his back to all the others, and at the same time notice all carnivores in the vicinity ogling at them with interest. "Okay. They're all staring at us."

"Aah!" Indigo screamed before speeding off to hide behind Beryl, a snort of perplexion from one Sharptooth frowning at him.

"Indigo!" Beryl was not amused.

"He looked at me, and licked his jaws."

"Seriously Indigo, he was teasing you."

"Nah-uh!" Beryl shrugs him off and heads to Ruby, now walking around the large purple Tyrannosaurus who does not seem to notice her. "Beryl, wait!"

"This, is the scary Sharptooth Chomper you don't even recognise Indigo?"

"That is not him! He is too big!" He bends back in fright.

"Oh come on Indigo, have some valour." Now standing next to Ruby in front of Chomper, she clearly understands he is still the same Chomper from years ago. Ruby gently touches him on his snout, hoping he opens his eyes to see them.

"Chomper?"

Chomper opens his eyes to see Ruby staring back at him. "Huh?" Chomper raises his head. "Oh, Ruby and Beryl. Sorry. I dozed off for a moment there." By now, Indigo is staring wide eyed and his jaw is dropped, with no words at all being spoken. He has his head bent downwards too, utterly flabbergasted by a Sharptooth who can speak a language other than his natural tongue. That is all he needed to understand this one is the same Chomper from years ago, clearly giving him reason to relax.

"Em. Hey there, Chomper." Indigo edges slowly closer to him as Chomper looks in his direction.

"I wondered where you'd be Indigo. But what are you three doing here?"

"We came to find you."

"Sorry. You took too long and I could not wait any longer out there."

"Blame Indigo. It's his fault."

"Hey!" Indigo did not sound very amused for the blame being put on him. "You know my issue! We have not seen Chomper for years, so how was I to remember."

"But you do realise the others here are staring at me speaking to you. We should go." It is then that the Fast Biters appear, their leader looking at the only Fast Runner he can see before it disappears behind the girth of a purple Tyrannosaurus. Some larger carnivores move off upon their appearance disturbed by how skinny they look; worried in case they turn on them but surprisingly these hunters stare down at the water, watching for any movement of fish in the oasis. The leader too does the same as his pack, knowing fish can feed them for the time being while they think on how to hunt their prey now that a large brute has come into the picture; one they will not easily take down. Perhaps the three Fast Runners travel with him, he understands that much by how friendly they are to each other despite how disturbing it actually is. They need to lure the Sharptooth away, or distract him enough so they can pick off one of their prey. All three will sustain his group for the remainder of the day, and he will do all he can to keep it that way.

"Let's just drink our fill and take off everyone."

"I'll head off now to avoid any suspicions."

"But it is far too hot out there. We'd be better off staying here."

"And then my parents may die before I get there!" Chomper unintentionally raised his voice, then calmed himself down. "I haven't forgotten the message Ruby gave me Indigo. And I do not intend to leave my parents alone under the threat of a Plated One. I'll go on my own if I have to." Chomper stands to his feet and starts to head off. "I'll see you out there." Indigo watches him leave, upset for what he said to him.

"I'm sorry." He joins his sisters in having a drink, noting the seven Fast Biters eyeing all three of them as they chew on some fish they only just caught. He nudges both his sisters and moves his eyes a few times towards the location the carnivores are looking at them, hoping it is enough to inform them without drawing the attention of their enemy. They understand just what their brother is trying to tell them, before finishing their drink to head off and meet Chomper. Indigo looks at the pack leader, who chomps down on a large bass before grinning menacingly at him revealing his sharp jaws and what little remained of the fish; a gulp of fright coming from Indigo as he hurries on ahead of his sisters. The pack leader watches them leave before vocalising the new plan.


They meet Chomper at the location he stated specifically, but Indigo is constantly checking over his shoulder worried those Fast Biters from earlier are tailing them. He understands now that they are indeed targets for a pack of very hungry hunters, ultimately quickening his pace to be beside Chomper considerately. Chomper by now realises something is on Indigo's mind, and being the kind hearted Sharptooth he is, decides to ask what is wrong.

"Indigo. Don't think I have not noticed. You are extremely close to me right now. What is the matter?"

"I am worried those Fast Biters are following us. They want to eat us."

"Let them try! I'll make sure they lay not even a claw on any of you!" Chomper looks round as Ruby does the same, but they did not see any Fast Biters in the vicinity.

"Indigo are you sure? I do not see any of them." Ruby continues.

"You recall those Fast Biters from the watering hole right?"

"Yes."

"It is them! I am certain they are after us, I could see it in the eyes of their leader."

"Don't be so paranoid Indigo. I'll protect you from them." Chomper assured, looking around once more for any sign of small hunters.

"But, we don't even know where or even when they'll attack us from first. How are you even going to stop them? We are guessing here!"

"Let's just continue on, so we can help save my parents."

"Will we even manage that? It's a Plated Sharptooth for crying out loud! They are huge!" Indigo motions with his arms to prove his point further.

"I've fought one before with all my friends, how hard can it be t...?"

"Do not forget Chomper, you nearly drowned after he fell and took you with him? Littlefoot dived to save you, and Cera tried her best to distract him from harming your dad before your fall. If I recall them saying a long while back when you were separated from us and Tyrana, that Plated Sharptooth was a major challenge then. Who's to say this one will be any different?" Beryl cut in to speak her mind. She is much braver than her brother by far, but her points are almost always correct whenever she shares and explains her ideals.

"You always know just what and how to say it Beryl. I can't believe I did not see it like that." He looks around again in case a threat is near, as they continue further on to where Chomper's parents live now. They do not realise just how close the Fast Biters are, for they are known to stay well hidden out in the deserted lands that are changing to their natural habitat of a prairie.


It is not long before a feeling of being watched comes to pass between the four, and the burden of being unable to hide as they traverse the changing land. They recognise it as a prairie, and are most certainly standing out too much against the plains. Any carnivore that can be disguised out here would clearly see them from a mile away. Chomper feels it now just as much as his friends travelling with him do, that something may happen soon without them even knowing it until too late.

"Stay close everyone. We stand out far too much through here."

"I'm worried about not getting to shelter in time, as getting to shelter in time is important to all of us." Ruby complained.

"But seeing a huge Sharptooth like you Chomper, would they not just cower?" Beryl explained.

"Are you forgetting about us three Beryl?" Indigo questioned. "You, Ruby and I! We're the targets!"

"And Chomper is an obstacle they'll never get past." Beryl continued. "How do you expect them to get to us with him around? It would be ill advisory. Found out the moment they charge, Chomper would catch and send them away."

"Taking down a pack is a different story altogether Beryl. Even I know that." Chomper complied. "Let's just keep moving." However suddenly there is a distracting barking from somewhere in the distance, one neither of them recognise. Chomper is alerted by two Fast Biters that appear from nowhere, and even then cannot clearly see just what kind of Fast Biters have found them. "They've found us."

"They're the same ones from the Watering Hole."

"How?"

"By how skinny they are. Unlike some, I don't forget a threat that clearly wants our flesh." He pauses. "They've been following us since Hanging Rock." Indigo complained, until suddenly Beryl is dragged away by ner neck screaming.

"BERYL!" Ruby bellowed, but before she could even act Indigo charges ahead after her with Chomper trying to keep the other three in his eye contact at all times.

'How did he get past me?' Chomper questioned in thought through anguish after seeing him pull off the act, but already Indigo has barged into the Fast Biter; forcing him off of his sister into a roll across the barren ground. Indigo is ultimately pinned angrily by a second who appears after seeing the stunt performed, her foot claws stabbing into his flesh as he grimaces with pain and hatred. He tries kicking at her girth to throw the weight off of him, but she continues holding him down waiting for her mate to recover from his crash. Indigo has one final chance to escape and take his sister back to Ruby and Chomper, but finding the pressure points that will cause the carnivore to jump back in pain and surprise must be just right.

'Between her hips! Between her hips until she backs up! I can't waste anymore time!' Beryl is still trying to stand, her neck now bleeding from the bite wound as Indigo starts kicking between his assailant's hips with force. He has no fear when it concerns family, and right now Beryl may still be in trouble. The Fast Biter begins to squeal in pain upon the contact of the Fast Runner's feet, and he does not let up. She growls threateningly trying to keep a grip and she knows how much pain the Fast Runner is going through trying to kick her off of him. That is when Ruby intervenes and barges the Fast Biter off of her brother, before helping her sister return to her senses.

"Quickly! Get back to Chomper!" She helps Indigo to his feet before running with them towards Chomper under pursuit by both Fast Biters. Reaching him, they are soon surrounded by the whole pack.

"They've herded us into a trap! We can't move!" Beryl cried.

"Stand under me!" Chomper shouts, before speaking in his tongue to the hunters as all three of his friends stand under him keeping a close eye on the hunters. 'Leave us alone!'

'Move! Or we will be forced to take you down!' The leading Fast Biter threatened. 'Seven of us and only one of you! You stand no chance!'

'I will not let you take them!'

'So what, you're protecting these Fast Runners? Those considered only one thing, our sustenance. You are a disgrace to all of us!'

'I've already heard this Rockhead crap from others, and I don't care! They didn't stand a chance against me and fled like the low lives they were! You are no different!' Chomper huffs air through his nose at him, and the leader returns with a threatening growl. Some of them snap their jaws trying to cause a Fast Runner to fearfully run from under the cover of the Tyrannosaurus.

'You have no right to keep them from us! Even if they are your kill, we will be taking them for ourselves!'

'They are not my kill!'

'Then you have no reason to protect them.'

'I have all the reason! Now leave!' Chomper answers with a roar, standing his ground.

'Fine then! We will strike you down!' He makes a series of calls to his pack, and they call back in understanding before jumping up and attacking Chomper on all sides; clawing and biting at his hide causing him to step back a few feet revealing the three Fast Runners under protest; thrashing about trying to throw them off.

"Chomper!" Ruby goes to charge but Beryl stops her in her tracks.

"No Ruby! We must get away!" She starts pulling her back. "They know Chomper will be too much for them to handle! We are an easier kill! They'll come back for us once Chomper is far enough away!"

"But, he needs help!" She watches in awe as Beryl pulls her further away, but then Chomper seems to be forced to the ground, almost crushing two Fast Biters as they rapidly jump out of harm's way. Did he intentionally fall? Ruby did not think this was the case, and out of concern for herself or her siblings she breaks out of Beryl's grasp. "Let me go!"

"Ruby stop!" Indigo yelled after her, but she continues as if she never heard him. The next thing they all see is Ruby, pinned to the ground by a Fast Biter's weight; his jaws around her neck and his claws deep in her flesh before she could even scream. Chomper recovers from his intentional fall, only to see the horror of his best friend about to be killed. Suddenly there is a bellowing roar, as Chomper charges madly to her rescue throwing his assailants off of his body with force. They crash powerfully on the ground, quickly understanding what is about to happen to one of their own.

"Chomper?" Beryl questioned in confusion, wondering why he has suddenly gone wild. The ground is shaking underfoot, and what they witness next horrifies them all. Ruby is relieved by the loss of weight on her body for sure, but at the same time worried by Chomper's actions. She has never seen him like this, and never expected to hear the dying cry from the Fast Biter as he simply dies with a scream amidst Chomper's killing bite. Hearing him swallow the carnivore whole she had to get as far away as possible, her bleeding wounds and pain aside. She stumbles in a dizzy spell reaching her brother and sister. Viewing the carnage between her best friend effusing blood from deep lacerations and the Fast Biters still attacking out of revenge, her world simply goes dark as her body goes limp in her brother's arms.