Chapter 3: Exile

The day's first rays of light from the Bright Circle penetrated the cave opening. Inside, Chomper stirred as he began to wake up. He yawned, exposing his jaws full of formidable teeth, scratched his side with his hind legs, and stood up slowly and groggily. As his eyes adjusted to the light, he saw Ruby sleeping close by. He stood over her, remembering how he'd once had to look up to her. Now, he mused, things had certainly changed. He reflected on the conversation they'd had the night before.

"Ruby, why didn't my parents just tell me this would happen?"

"They wanted you to live without worrying about it, and I think they also wanted you to grow up happily and safely in a place like the Great Valley."

"But they could have said something to me."

"I'm not sure they had to. It's just a part of growing up. Perhaps they even thought that by not telling you, you would become a better friend to everyone, and who knows? Maybe those memories will be strong enough that you won't forget them."

"You're trying to find good in this situation, aren't you?"

"I think you've given up too soon. Your friends hold a strong place in your heart, and it would take a lot to remove them completely from your mind."

"Thanks, Ruby. I'm glad I can count on you."

They had both gone to sleep after that, but the conversation had lingered in Chomper's mind. What Ruby had said had intrigued him. His memories of his friends were strong. Stronger, he thought, than the memories most other Sharpteeth going through this had. Maybe the only reason no Sharptooth remembered much of their past after this was because none had ever had the kind of friends Chomper did.

Chomper was about to wake Ruby, then thought better of it. He would let her sleep. After all, he wasn't planning on leaving without telling her first. Instead, he moved to the opening of the cave and basked in the warm light from the Bright Circle. If there was one thing he'd miss about the Great Valley, it was the tranquility. Nowhere in the Mysterious Beyond was this peaceful when the Bright Circle rose. He moved farther out of the cave, and was about to start walking when he heard Ruby stir behind him. Apparently, Chomper didn't have to worry about waking her.

"Ruby," he said, "good to see you."

Ruby shook herself from head to tail, waking up. "I'm glad to see me too- and you, of course."

Chomper smiled briefly, then became serious again. "This is it. Today, I make everything right. At least, I think I will."

"I know you will," Ruby said, moving up next to Chomper, "your parents knew you could, too."

Chomper couldn't help but smile again. His family, despite being Sharpteeth, had cared for him well.

"Well," he said to Ruby, "we should probably head down there." He gestured towards the dinosaurs waking up.

"Yes, let's not waste any time."

As the two began to move towards the gathering dinosaurs, Chomper took one last look at his home. The cave that he and his friends had discovered so long ago was now empty, as if no one had ever lived there. He forced himself to look away. Somebody would put it to good use, he hoped.

...

As he neared the dinosaurs gathering in the Valley for another fine, warm day, Chomper began to look for Grandpa Longneck. Other dinosaurs greeted him and bid him a good day as he passed, and he returned their sentiments as he always did. Finally, he spotted Littlefoot's grandfather. He was grazing near a stand of tall trees with Grandma Longneck. Chomper made a beeline for him. As he approached, the great Longneck turned to acknowledge him.

"Fine day to you, Chomper."

"And you as well, sir."

The Longneck spoke as he continued to chew. "What brings you here today?"

Chomper became serious. "I have something important I need to speak to you about."

Grandpa Longneck swallowed. "I'm listening."

Chomper began. "I can't stay in the Great Valley."

"Why not?" the Longneck cut him off, "there's plenty of room to go around."

"I know, and I really do appreciate that you've been able to provide all of this for me, but that's not the problem."

Word of Chomper's imminent departure had obviously spread, because other dinosaurs were starting to gather around.

"Then what is the problem?"

Chomper took a deep breath. "Remember the attack yesterday?"

Grandpa Longneck nodded.

"It wasn't a Fast Biter. It was me."

Gasps and exclamations of surprise were heard from the crowd. No one could believe what they had just heard.

"Chomper, there's no reason to blame yourself for-" the old Longneck began.

"I'm telling you the truth. It was me that attacked the Threehorn. In a short time, no one here will be safe."

Grandpa Longneck thought about what Chomper had said. Finally, he spoke again.

"I think we all need an explanation," he said simply.

Chomper began, telling everyone exactly how his surprise at being confronted by the Threehorn had triggered an uncontrollable urge to attack, how his parents had informed Ruby of the inevitability of this, and how his instincts could take over at any time. When he was done, everyone stared in silence. It was hard to take in; everyone knew Chomper to be kind and eager. Now, all of a sudden, they were supposed to believe he could turn on them all just as easily? Chomper glanced around, nervously. Disapproval could be seen starting to show on several of the faces near him. Finally, a familiar voice broke the silence.

"You- you monster!" Chomper whipped around to face the source. Several dinosaurs parted to reveal the Threehorn who had been attacked the previous day, standing in a rage.

"We trusted you, allowed you to share the benefits of this valley, and for what? So you could just turn on us in the end. I always knew never to trust a Sharptooth."

"But I tried to apologize-" Chomper started.

"Apologize? This is beyond apology." The Threehorn stepped forward. "You come here and take advantage of the security of this Valley, you even befriend some of us, and now you lie to us and let us down. You are not one of us. You are a Sharptooth, and can never be trusted. I look forward to seeing you leave."

The words cut deeply, and Chomper could feel emotion welling up inside of himself. Just the other day, this dinosaur had personally thanked him. Now, he had broken Chomper down. As the Threehorn turned his back on Chomper, something happened. Inside of Chomper's mind, some new thought emerged: enemy, challenger and a second thought: intimidate. Anyone observing closely would have seen Chomper's pupils constrict, and heard his breathing rate increase. Something was forming, deep in Chomper's lungs. Chomper's consciousness tried to contain it, but it was fighting a losing battle, and as what started to become a low growl rose to Chomper's throat, he realized that he actually wanted to release this feeling. He breathed deeply, and exhaled, the released air culminating in an earsplitting roar, that shook the very bones of those nearby. Everyone was startled by this outburst, and those nearby took defensive positions. He roared again, panting. In his mind, he felt good. Never before had he felt this... alive. Suddenly, a familiar voice snapped him back to reality.

"Chomper, stop! I know you can hear me."

Chomper shook his head. What had happened? Everyone around him looked ready for a fight. He saw Littlefoot, who had called him, approaching through the crowd to stand by his side.

"Grandpa," Littlefoot said, "it's not his fault. He... can't control himself."

Even Grandpa Longneck's tail was raised, prepared to defend himself. "I understand, Littlefoot," he said, "but Chomper is right. He can't stay here. It's not a decision I want to make, but it's one I must make. Chomper," he said, now addressing the Sharptooth, "On this day, you must leave the Great Valley. Unfortunately, if all you say is true, there is nothing else that can be done. I believe I speak for everyone when I say the luck of the Great Valley goes with you."

At his words, grumbles of dissent were heard. Chomper looked around uneasily. It was amazing how quickly friends could become enemies. Suddenly, the rest of Chomper's friends appeared from the crowd.

"You're not going alone," Fyn said from the front of the group, "we're going with you."

"What?" Chomper hadn't expected this.

"It's true," Littlefoot confirmed. We all talked about it before you woke up."

"Guys," Chomper said, "it's dangerous enough being around me now. You're suggesting traveling with me into the Mysterious beyond, far away from anyone who can protect you."

"We know that," Cera said, "but it's not like we haven't been in grave danger before."

Littlefoot looked at his grandfather. His face was expressionless.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner," Littlefoot said.

The old Longneck sighed, "Littlefoot, what you are suggesting is very dangerous. I shouldn't let you go," he glanced at Chomper, "but Chomper is your friend, and you're old enough to handle a journey into the Mysterious Beyond. I suppose, in this case, I can let you leave, but promise me that you and your friends will do nothing unnecessary that might endanger yourselves."

"You have my word," Littlefoot said.

"What is this?"

Littlefoot looked over at Fyn, who cringed at the voice that had just spoken. Labon stepped forward and confronted his son.

"You were planning on leaving for the Mysterious Beyond without telling us first?"

Fyn looked up to see his father in front of him and his mother, Keva, approaching. "I've done it before!" he said, "and I'm old enough now to watch out for myself."

"That may be, but it doesn't change the fact that-" he stopped, and his face lost its expression of discontent. "Oh, who am I kidding. I would have done the same at your age. It's not like I didn't know what you guys were planning from the start."

Fyn was surprised. "You knew all this time?"

"Of course I did. I've learned a thing or two over the seasons watching out for you and your sisters."

"Then I can go?"

"Yes, it's fine with us," Keva said, "Chomper's known all of you for a while. It's better if you are there with him for his journey."

Chomper, meanwhile, was overwhelmed by everything he'd just heard. Despite his outburst, despite the potential threat he presented, every single one of his friends had willingly volunteered to help him. At that point, he knew he couldn't let them down. He would hold his end of the bargain. He'd fight his instincts until he could fight no more. For them. For his friends.

Fyn approached him. "Well, Chomper, we'd better get moving if we want to cover ground before the Bright Circle leaves the sky."

Chomper nodded. It was finally time to go.

"One more thing," Labon said, addressing everyone, "may the Bright Circle always guide your paths, all of you."

Fyn's spirit was lifted by the words; his father had recited an old Fin-Neck parting phrase, wishing him and his friends luck. He couldn't let Chomper or his father down now for sure. Chomper, too, was comforted by the phrase, even though its full meaning was unclear to him. All he knew was that the Great Valley hadn't given up on him. They trusted him. As they began to move out, Chomper took one last long look at the place he had called home for so long. He would miss it, but he hoped above all else that he could stay in control of himself long enough for his friends to return to it.

…

Soon, the eight friends found themselves at the passageway out of the Great Valley behind the thundering falls. They said their last goodbyes, and stepped into the cave. Fyn recalled how he'd come to the Great Valley through this very entrance, and marveled at how much had changed since then: how much he and his friends had grown, how he had come to meet Chomper and Ruby, and now this. He didn't know much about Sharpteeth, but he hoped that Chomper would be able to retain some memory of his friends. He thought back to his migration to the Great Valley, after his old home had become hostile and uninhabitable. He felt that Chomper was going through much of the same feelings he had dealt with during his journey. Fyn resolved that no matter what might happen, he would ensure that Chomper would find a home, and he knew all of his friends were thinking the same. Before long, the dinosaurs found themselves nearing the cave's opening. Fyn could see the light and the brush and boulders outside grow clearer the closer they came. Soon, they were crossing the border into the unknown: they had entered the Mysterious Beyond. Whatever followed would rest solely on their shoulders, now.

Whew, Chapter 3 is now complete, despite my load of homework today. Time to call it a night, but expect more chapters to follow this week!