CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE


Meanwhile, Chomper whispers to Tiny "Release the Stinging Buzzers." Tiny obeys. The Buzzers chase after the Flyers, scaring them off. The Buzzers also attack many of the Two Claws, including Chomepr and Tiny. In the confusion, Chomper and Tiny are able to toss the bee hives into sinking sands, thus destroy the evidence of their actions.

Blasted Stinging Buzzers! Well, we'll get the Longnecks. I can still see their footprints! We'll travel all day if we have to. Shredder says. Several in the pack whine. Quit your whining! We attack the Great Valley in two days! Now come on! The group travels without resting or eating. This time, at least Shredder lets them relieve themselves, much to Rusty's relief.

At nightfall, the pack starts to find more traces of the Longnecks. I'm tired! whined a Two Claw.

Me too! another added.

Quit your whining! If you think this is hard, how do you expect to take on the Great Valley? Shredder snaps.

"What are we going to do now? Shredder will soon find them and I really don't want to end up in a situation where I have to attack Longnecks to protect my friends. I am torn inside. You see, I don't want to hurt Leaf Eaters, but I am friends with Rusty, Marie, Phyco, and Zelda, and, of course, you my dear Tiny. I couldn't just watch Longnecks kill them or you, even if they are defending themselves from the pack." Chomper says to Tiny.

Before Tiny can reply, something happens to give Chomper hope. The ground shakes.

Earthshake! Tiny yells. The ground rumbles. The earth starts to open. The Longneck herd, which is nearby, scampers.

Various members of the pack run off yelling Earthshake!

Shredder grumbles Bunch of wimps! I fought a Longneck in the middle of the Great Earthshake itself! This is nothing!

Chomper feels angry inside at Shredder's mention of his attack on Littlefoot's mother, but is able to keep from taking any actions that will give away his true loyalties. When the earth stops shaking, the Longnecks are gone and much rubble lies in their path.

Uncle, I think that this will take a while to get through. The Longnecks will be gone by then and they don't have to mess with this. I suggest we dig through this and attack right before dawn. That way, we can get through this, rest a bit, and then ambush them while they are resting. Better than really expending our enegy now and then attacking them while they are awake and alert. Chomper suggests.

Good call Chomper. I like the way you think. Shredder replies.

Phyco asked You think maybe the Earthshake was, you know, a sign?

Chomper replied Possibly. Sure was convenient. The group moves the rocks. This takes them a while.

Meanwhile, Tucompso says to his new friend So, Lumoava, in case I am not making my intentions clear enough, I want you, and we both have the same goal. If you are interested, I will give you friendship, loyalty, increase your chances of having a full tummy, and I will do so much more to make the rest of your life a paradise, and ask only one thing in return.

And what would that be? she asks him.

That you please be kind to me. Mother and father weren't the kindest to me because I'm well, a bit short, even for a shorty sharptooth. My brothers and sisters all picked on me. I guess you could say that I have had it hard in life. Tucompso replies.

She stares at him, baffled. So they thought you were too short and they thought I was too ugly. Well, I don't mind your height and you don't mind my looks. So I guess that's a plus. says Lumoava.

Tucompso paces, wondering what she will say. The two of them are on the outskirts of the Great Valley. Lumoava is still uneasy about being with Flatteeth. Suddenly, a Large Claw (Deinonychus) appears. It chases after the two of them, its maw dripping with saliva. Tucompso is able to get ahead of Lunoava. However, she doesn't see where she is going and trips over a small rock. The Large Claw moves toward her. Oh look, dinner!

Tucompso stares at her and starts to move her direction. No, save yourself! she cries to him.

The Large Claw moves to bite her, but Tucompso jumps at its face and grabs onto it, clutching it with his claws. The creature cries out in pain. Go! Tucompso yells to Ludoava. She lingers, not wanting to leave him. I said go! Tucompso yells again. This time, she flees to the safety of the Great Valley.

The Large Claw tries to attack Tucompso. He moves and it strikes itself in the face. The creature cries out in pain. Tucompso uses the opportunity to scamper to the safety of the Great Valley.

Tucompso said Alright, now that that's over let's enjoy the sights and sounds. Tell me, do you like it here so far?

You saved me. You know what, you can be my mate. We'll have our union ceremony tomororw night. said Lenoava.