Chapter 12: The Blackwood Flats, Overcoming Fears, and Pity

Disclaimer: Sorry about not updating in awhile, I got lazy!! Cursed laziness. Anyway, fic time!!

"Oh wow" Jake awed in shock. Words completely failed him to described how the environment and good mood had dropped dramatically.

The sun had seemed to have vanished completely. Black Clouds clouded the sky. The wind moaned softly, like a depressing sonnet. The trees were almost fully dead, most if not all, of their leaves, fallen off, or dead ones. The forest seemed to stretch on for miles and miles. The scent was very distinctive. Whilst in waterfall city, and vidabba earthfarm, it had a crisp clean scent that no amount of air freshener could fix back home. It was like smelling the air for what it truly was, minus any pollution. It smelled great!!

Here, however, brought back the pollution, as bitter and dry!! Like a desolate wasteland, with no hope of revival. It frightened Jake abit. He had to go in their???

Suddenly, not feeling so brave, he asked, "I've faced down T-Rex's, so why am I getting so intimidated," he asked.

The answer was simple.

During those times, while being in life threatening situations, he knew he could get out, cause had the situation under control. Whenever he was in control, nothing could stop him from succeeding, and achieving his victories. Here, on the other hand, was an unpredictable situation. There were poisonous snake, insects, carnivore's dinosaurs, deadly swamps, and the dreaded Red-faced Tyrannosaurus.

"I don't know If I can do this" Jake said admitingly. When he accepted to help Samantha, maybe that was him just being in a moment of brief bravery. I mean, he was just a kid!! And he was alone, how could he possibly tackle this place???

Feeling his hand getting nudged, he glanced back at Backstop, who had a grim look on his face.

"Et sin dangerous mentu, tur scared" Backstop asked. He could sense that Jake's sprits seemed low all of a sudden. Usually, Jake was energetic and full of life. Now……he seemed empty of it.

"I'm not sure if I can do this, I've handle pretty bad situations, but this might be out of my league" Jake admitted. He was feeling a tiny bit of fear.

"Dets gese Samantha" Backstop asked. He didn't show it. But he was worried about Samantha as well. Unlike most dinosaurs, which wouldn't hesitate to show how they felt, Backstop was different.

Jake looked down in depression at the ground. He knew that Samantha's life was at stake here, but……what would his brothers think if they knew what he was up to, like Rosemary ratted him out or……he was killed.

"I'm……afraid" Jake said quietly.

Backstop huffed as he nudged Jake to get his attention.

"Tur afraid, ha, tur mas bravest human I reve met. Samantha, es counting on tu, nad tur afraid. She ermanta want tu see tu jike this, os shape ua, be brave, and stop being a coward" Backstop said sternly.

Jake was silent. He didn't want to admit it, But Backstop was absolutely right. He couldn't chicken out now!! Samantha was counting on him, Rosemary was counting on him. His grandfather would go in with both his arms tied behind his back!!

"Alright, I'm sorry, let's go, no more fear" Jake said solemnly. Turning towards the entrance, he sighed. No backing out now!!

"By the way, I noticed you using some English words, you learning from me" Jake smirked.

Backstop laughed as he responded "Tuen better than you"

Jake laughed as they turned and entered the Blackwood Flats…

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Cyrus Crabb was in a pickle.

The senate had refused to listen to his suggestion to prepare an expedition to the world beneath to find new sunstones. But of course, blinded as the scalies were, they refused, preferring death then saving their worthless hides!! The fools!!!

"I need someone who'll listen," he thought.

Perhaps one of the three boys?

No…that wouldn't work, all of them were currently busy working for these scalies.

"So who" he thought.

Glancing up, he noticed Zippeau, a friend of the three boys, walking by.

"Of course" he smirked inwardly.

Stepping out of the shadows, he called "Professor, could you spare me a moment".

Zippeau nodded, a little shocked by his sudden appearance as he asked, and "Yes, and uh you are".

Cyrus bowed as he said "Cyrus Crabb, I deal in antiques". Gesturing for them to walk, the two continued down the side street, past a few pedestrians.

Deciding to butter up Zippeau, he said "I heard your lecture in the senate the other day, it was a rather brilliant presentation".

It worked as Zippeau briefly blushed as he said, "It was hardly a lecture," he laughed.

Deciding to cut to the point, Cyrus said "See, I've recently come into possession of an ancient scroll, and uh…being a somewhat uneducated fellow, I can't really make it out in detail……I believe it relates to the world beneath".

This got Zippeaus attention as he stopped and asked in awe "The world beneath…really".

Buttering him up more, Cyrus said, "I'm sure a scholar of your standards would have no problem deciphering the text, I mean if its not any trouble".

"Oh no no, it would be a pleasure" Zippeua smiled.

Cyrus smirked inwardly. His planned had worked!! All he need from the professor was for him to decipher one of the scrolls he found, and he would finally be able to get off this damn island!!

Still smiling, he said, "Well, if it's really no trouble at all, my shops just up this way".

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Now inside, Cyrus quickly switched his sign from OPEN to CLOSED. No need for anyone to know what he was up to.

Zippeau was already deciphering the message in his room.

"Yes, this language hasn't been used in over a thousand years, it's incredible" Zippeau said with awe.

Entering the room, Cyrus could already see Zippeau busy at work. Already finishing the first of the translations, he started on the next one.

"Of the tip of the southern coast, too the small reef bordered to the south by the Polonga River lies a Diamond Cave, almost three hundred feet below sea level, the cave is guarded by……oh dear" Zippeau suddenly halted. Looking up he said, "The writing has been washed away, I would like to read more, I believe this scroll describes an entrance to the world beneath" he said.

Sitting down, Cyrus said "Well, you take your time professor………you know I m ay have just realized we have some friends in common…the three boys from the plane".

Zippeau glanced up as he smiled briefly. "David, Karl and Jake Scott" he said. Yes, those three boys were defiantly something. Far different then most dinotopian boys their age.

Cyrus, trying to look sad, said "I had a little cry, when I heard what happened to them, tumbling over the great falls". Cyrus voice changed as he said "But then I heard rumors that they survived".

Zippeau nodded as he remarked "I've just left the boys in Vidabba, their all safe and well".

Relief, Cyrus nodded "Safe and well…yes, yes that is good news, was worried about them, really nice fellows once you get to know them".

Nodding, Zippeau glanced to the left and noticed something he hadn't noticed before. Sitting on a pile of books, was the Rebecca's Folly, the same book that had gone missing from the library. Shocked he said, "I don't believe it, this…this belongs to the library of Dinotopia, this was stolen".

Relief switched to fear as Cyrus quickly got to his feet, and nervously laughed, "Stolen, ha ha ha, that's a rather harsh term".

Noticing something else, he said, "This ceremonial jar is from the city museum, this is a terrible theft" Zippeau said, his voice becoming stern.

Shacking his head in denial, Cyrus stuttered "The museum, no no".

Pointing an accusing finger at Cyrus, he demanded "What else have you taken, I'm going to have to report you to the authorities". Turning his back to look at the book, he made a fatal mistake.

"We'll see about that," Cyrus thought.

Raising his cane, he hissed, "I don't think so scaly". With that, he raised his cane back, and brought it down as hard as he could to the back of Zippeau's neck, knocking him into unconsciousness.

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"Let me out," cried Zippeau.

Cyrus huffed heavily as he pushed the cart, carrying the tied up Saurian. He was close!! So close to escaping from this island!! He was not about to let some scaly ruin everything he planned!!

Shoving the cart, he winced as he passed by some people, who wondered what he was in the sack, and what he was doing with it at night??

Cyrus huffed some more. Without his cane, it was rather difficult. But nothing he could not handle.

Ignoring another cry of help from the sack, Cyrus halted in front of a tunnel. That would do. Pushing it through the tunnel, he came to a canal.

"Why can't we just live in harmony" asked the distraught Zippeau.

Pushing the sack into the water, he chuckled as he gave his answer.

"Harmony is overrated".

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Karl's vision slowly came into place.

He was tired!! After last night, he couldn't sleep that well since his talk with Rosemary. While he felt a little better understanding what he had to do, he was still a little upset that he had to look after a baby dinosaur. Jeez, he didn't want this!!!

Before going to bed last night, he was completely bored, so he did a puzzle for the heck of it. It turned out to be a triceratops!! Was he really so bored, that he even cared what kind it was??

A loud crash woke him from his slumber. A postal bird, in it's frenzied state, crashed head first into the wall. "Whoa, what the" Karl said in shock.

"Sorry, sorry" squawked the bird, which Karl identified as a Dimorphodon. Stumbling onto the night desk, it squawked "I've got a message for a Karl Scott".

Annoyed that Karl didn't respond, still in slight shock, it said "It is polite to offer the postal bird a treat after such long journeys you know".

"Of course, one second" Karl said as he dug underneath his desk, and poured some water into the dish next to his desk.

"Here you go" Karl said, trying to look appreciative.

Drinking quickly, the bird sputtered a few times before relaying its message. "Greetings from Marion at Canyon city" it started.

Karl sat up, eager to hear from Marion.

"I miss seeing your face, David seems parentally terrified, (at this Karl smirked), but I'm trying to keep his spirits up, I miss seeing Jake as well, did he complete that assignment for my mother, your in my thoughts many times, good day, end of message" the bird said.

Although confused about this assignment, Karl quickly said, "Wait, can I send a reply back".

Karl smirked. He had a brilliant idea!!

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Karl groaned as he continued to watch his egg.

Nothing had changed ever since he got it. It wouldn't move at all!! When was it going to hatch?!? Also, earlier before he came down to check on his egg's progress, he asked Rosemary about the assignment Jake was given. Oddly enough, she seem a little stunned by the question, but said that Jake had gone to waterfall city to assist Zippeau with something. Without saying goodbye?? That wasn't like Jake…

"No movement yet" came a voice.

Looking to his left, he noticed Samantha.

Shaking his head, he mumbled "Nothing, not even a shake". Out of curiosity, he asked "What's she gonna be like when she hatches, is she gonna be big".

Samantha laughed as she said, "She's a Chasmosaur, one of the Hatrosaur family.

Karl raised an eyebrow as he asked "And what do you know about them".

Samantha smiled as she chuckled "They honk…loudly".

Karl nodded as he continued to stare at the egg.

Samantha then put a hand to her forehead, and mumbled "I'm going to go lie down".

Karl glanced at her and noticed for the first time, her head looked a little…sweaty. Was she sick or something??

"Are you alright?" he asked. Normally Samantha was one of the healthiest people he had ever met. Lately though, she looked abit under the weather.

"I'm fine, don't worry," she said as she left the room, holding her forehead.

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David sucked in his breath as Oonu spoke of their next training exercise. Yesterday, David had the honor of being humiliated. By constantly falling off the Skybax machine that would help them get used to the wind currents in the canyons.

Oonu glared at his students as he spoke "Today is about fear, last year, a cadet almost fell to his death on this climb, so your vigilance is vital".

David raised an eyebrow at this. Climb?? What Climb?

"Follow me" Oonu commanded as he went to the side of the cliff and began to climb down. Noticing no one else was following he grunted, "C'mon, move it". He was determined and tough that was for sure.

David, on the other hand was terrified. He wanted them to climb down there! That was suicide!! He never did any rock climbing back home because of his fear of heights!! He'd defiantly get killed trying to do something like that!!

Stepping forward, David peeked down…and instantly looked back, already feeling his vertigo kicking in!! My god…this was insane!! But, apparently his teacher didn't think the same as he was already ahead of the others. Slowly one by one, everyone started to climb down after him. David was the last one to follow, his breathing increasing ten fold.

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*Crack* Crack*Crack*Crack*

Karl's eyes snapped open in annoyance. Couldn't he get any sleep around here??

Looking for the source of the noise, he glanced to his left…and noticed the egg was shaking rapidly. Eye's snapping open, he jumped his chair.

"What……it's hatching?" he said shocked!!

"SAMANTHA, ITS HATCHING" he called. At that, both Rosemary and Samantha rushed into the room, eager to see Karl's saurian life partner.

"I think I see something," Karl said as the egg cracked further. Until the top part broke…and a tiny head poked its head out of the egg.

The Chasmosaur honked, finally born!! Looking around eagerly at it's new environment, it noticed the three humans looking at her with interest, continuing to honk, it whistled slightly at the sight of Karl. This confused him.

"What are you going to name her?" asked Rosemary. She knew that with this Chasmosaur, it would help Karl change for the better.

Karl gave her a stunned look!! "Name her, I'm not gonna name her anything, I can't take responsibility for her" he protested.

The Chasmosaur broke more of its egg, and continued to honk at Karl. "What does she want?" Karl asked.

Samantha grinned as she said "She think's you're her mommy".

"She want's you to feed her" added Rosemary!!

Karl shook his head, complelty distraught. "Oh you've gotta be kidding me…Oh man" he groaned.

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David felt like he was in hell!!!

Here he was, thousands of feet above the ground, scaling the side of a cliff, completely untrained in rock climbing, with a other recruits, trying their best not to let the high winds blow them off into the canyons below!!

Having his back to the rocky wall, he moved back so others could pass. What the hell was he doing up? Why did he let himself believe Rosemary?!? She had made a terrible mistake about sending him here, and now he was paying for it!!

Romana passed him and started to climb up after the others, where above Oonu was helping students reach the top.

Noticing David wasn't following, she asked "David, what's wrong".

Scaling the wall again, and putting his back to it, David's eye's widened in horror at how high up he was!! Breathing hard and fast, he said "It's the height…I think…I think I'm having a panic attack".

Romana, shouted encouragingly "Remember, you're of the sky".

David shook his head furiously as he shouted "I'm not of the sky, I don't know who even said that, if's it's anything I'm of the couch". Firmly closing his eyes in defeat, he yelled, "I can't do this"!!

Romana, not willing to give up on David, shouted, "Take my hand".

No other choice, David allowed himself to be pulled up where he climbed the rest of the way up in silence. Not on firm ground, but still on the side of the cliff, David got in line behind the other recruits.

Oonu, already their, said "You must face your fears if you are to overcome it, fear is the future, there is no fear in the present, only action and reaction". With this, he turned towards a gap in the cliff, which below had a four thousand foot drop, and dashed towards the gap. Slamming his boots into the edge of the gap, he leaped towards the other side. There, he indicated towards the cliff wall on his left. "This rock, Is the place where Gildeon Altar formed the corp., and flew the very first skybax, it is a tradition that every new recruit writes their name on this rock, jump across and add your name to this illustrates list!!

Slowly, one by one, the recruits jumped across the gap, which would lead anyone who failed to fall to their immense death. Soon enough, it was David's turn…

David slowly peeked down as his eyes went wild. Oh god!! He was thousands of feet up!! And his vertigo problem wasn't exactly helping. David's hear began to race again, his hands became sweaty and his legs felt weak!! Backing up, he struggled to maintain his breathing.

"Make the jump Cadet," ordered Oonu. Why wasn't David following like the others?

David shook his head. "No…No I can't do that" he called.

"Make the jump," he ordered once more. This had never happened before!! He knew David as an off-worlder was nervous. But, this was abit much.

"I CAN'T DO IT," shouted David in despair. Didn't he understand, that if he missed, he would fall to his death?!?

"C'mon David, you can do it" called Romana. Some of the other cadets also called out for David to jump!!

"I can't" David shouted once more.

Oonu, sighed in aggravation as he straightened his posture. "See me tonight, after training" he ordered.

David sighed. He really had messed up!! He wanted to jump!! He really wanted to!! But…his fear of heights was far too great!!

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Later that night, David met with Captain Oonu. He was probably going to be expelled, or discharged or something. Well, that was fine by him!! He wasn't capable of becoming a flyer anyway!!

Meeting him in front of some of the memorial saddles, Oonu gestured towards one of them. "This saddle, belonged to my grandfather, Oolu, who taught the great Will Denison, the finest Skybax rider ever, Romana is his daughter, and has many of his skills.

David, skeptical, retorted, "I don't see why anyone thinks I can ride a skybax, I have a terrible fear of heights, and I don't see how that anyone who hasn't experienced that can really understand".

Oonu sighed as he remarked "Your not frightened of heights David, your frightened of something else".

David laughed inwardly. What did he know?! He probably doesn't even know fear, so he can't judge me like that!!

"Come forward David," commanded Oonu.

As David stepped forward, Oonu pointed at another saddle. "Do you know whose this is?" he asked.

"No" David responded.

"This belonged to Gildeon Altar, the first man to ever ride a wild skybax, he was two years younger then you when he did it cadet, of all the things you do in your life David, nothing will ever compare to the sensation of flying a skybax for the first time" he said proudly.

David shook his head in denial as he glanced away from his teacher. He didn't understand!! "No, I can't do it sir, I've been wrongly assigned, trust me, I know" he said sadly.

Oonu, however was the complete opposite, as he had a firm, determined look in his eye!! "No cadet has ever failed my course, and you will not be the first" he firmly stated.

David opened his mouth to respond when it suddenly happened.

"Captain" came a voice of panic. The alarm went off, as danger was afoot. The screech of Pteranodon filled the air.

"What is it?" commanded Oonu.

"Someone's down there" pointed a frantic Romana.

A scream of terror then erupted as David charged towards the source of the shriek!! Coming out of the cave, he gasped, "It's Marion".

She was near one of the cliffs, and went past the safety barrier to study the Pteranodons, and had apparently gotten two close, as two of them were now attacking her!!

Marion, in a moment of desperation, removed her sunstone and pointed it at the Pteranodons!! Instantly, they both began to screech in pain as the bright light her their eyes. In frenzy, they both took off and fled, leaving Marion stunned.

"Marion, are you alright," shouted David as he grabbed her.

"I'm fine" she said still dazed.

"C'mon, we've gotta get you outta here" David said as he helped her too her feet.

Marion was only partly listening as she remembered what her mother said. "She was right, it did protect me".

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Karl continued to watch his dinosaur sleep in her crib. It was strange… Watching a baby dinosaur sleep, seemed no different then watching a human baby sleep. Samantha seemed to look better then she did before. She still seemed abit sweaty on the forehead, but insisted that she was fine.

"Why isn't she making any noise?" asked Karl. Not once had she made a honk ever since she went into her crib. "Maybe something's wrong with her" he said.

Rosemary, also curious, said "It's very strange, Chasmosaurus are known for their powerful voices……maybe its trauma of her birth".

"She is an orphan," Samantha added.

Karl looked down at the innocent creature as he remarked "Really…that's too bad".

"Last month, their village was destroyed by the Tyrannosaurs herd that attacked you, her mother was giving birth when it happened, she was trampled to death" Rosemary said with sadness.

Samantha, wanting Karl to understand since he looked confused, said, "It's very rare for a dinosaur to lay so many eggs, twenty-six in all".

"All the eggs were smashed except this one, a skybax rider brought her here" Rosemary smiled.

Wanting to know, Samantha grinned, "So, have you decided on a name yet".

Karl sighed in aggravation. Ever since she was born, they've been constantly asking him for a name. "I already told you, I'm not naming her, because I'm not keeping her" he said aggravated.

"But you have to name her" protested Samantha.

Giving in, he said "Alright, okay…umm…twenty-six, that's what I'm gonna call her…happy" he said, hoping they wouldn't push it.

Neither of them did, as they smirked.

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Jake sighed as he pushed some of the dead branches out of his way. They had already been walking for at least two hours, and had seen no sign of life.

"This is getting ridicules', doesn't anything live here" Jake groaned.

"Maybe they would come out if you stopped complaining," grunted Backstop.

"What would you know you…"? Jake started. Then he halted…Wait a sec……did he just say something to him in perfect English?!?

"What, did you just" Jake started.

Backstop shrugged as he took the lead. "Hearing you talk in that annoying voice can be helpful sometimes".

"Annoying voice?!? You lousy little" Jake started. Knowing that it would turn into another argument, he sighed. "You know what, forget it".

Taking the lead again, Jake halted at the sight before him. There was a black swamp, with dark sludge water, so dark, you couldn't see anything. A few broken logs floated above the surface, some insects landed on the water and sucked some of its fluids before taking off.

"That look's dangerous" Jake commented. He had to cross that stuff. Looking around, he could see that he had too, seeing as there was no other path in sight around the stuff. And since he didn't feel like walking all the way back just to find another path, he accepted it.

"I guess were swimming it" Jake said.

"You want to cross that disgusting stuff, no way" Backstop huffed. He had been in pretty nasty situations before, but this took the cake.

"You have a better idea" Jake retorted. No getting an answer, Jake picked up a heavy looking rock, and tossed it into the murky water. It floated for a good five seconds before sinking into the darkness.

"Hmm, doesn't look too deep" Jake concluded. Putting a foot into the water, he cringed. Only problem was that he would be damn cold after he went in and got out!! Oh well.

"C'mon" Jake said as he started into the water. The other side was a good, thirty feet away, not that far. Already, the water was up too his waist. Feeling for the bottom, he sighed as he touched it. So it really wasn't that deep after all.

"Heh, this isn't so bad" he said. Cold, but not that bad!! It could be worse after all, this water could be infested with Mosasaurus!! At that, Jake froze. Why the hell didn't he think that before?!? Now at the half waypoint, he looked around wildly. No sign of them. Then again, the water was dark enough to hide them…

"Gotta chance it," he decided as he glanced back too see Backstop not that far behind him. "Keep up slowpoke" he mocked.

"Annoying human" Backstop grunted. What was with this human?!? He was so damn annoying!! Always having something too say, and always managing to make him angry!! It was like he was fighting with himself!!

Tensing up, Jake counted silently. "Three…two…one………GO" he shouted. He broke into a run, having somewhat difficulty, charging across the murky waters. Almost there!! The water receded down to his ankles as he got to the shore!! Made it!!

Glancing back, he saw that Backstop was having trouble. He was caught in something as his hind right leg was struggling to move. Jake groaned as he realized he was right!! This guy was slowing him down!!

"Man, your irritating" Jake said as he was about to go back and help when he froze. Several logs had appeared around Backstop, drifting slowly towards him. As they got closer, Jake realized they weren't logs!!!

"OH DAMN, RUN BACKSTOP" he shouted.

Aware of the danger he was in, Backstop yanked his leg free as he tried to dash towards the shore, which proved helpless as he was having a hard time staying above the water. Suddenly, like he thought, one of the Mosasaurus leaped from the water, and clasped its jaws around Backstops side!! Backstop let out a shout of pain as it struggled to get it off him.

"BACKSTOP, HOLD ON" Jake shouted as he dumped his backpack on the shore and leaped into the water after him, sword in hand. He wasn't going to watch anyone else die!! Not on his watch!!

The situation was bad as the others that surrounded Backstop were now coming towards Jake!! Jake tensed up as one of them erupted from the water, jaws open. Jake dived to the side as it missed in its clamping attack. Bringing his sword up, he jammed it into the creatures back. Not done, he ripped it to the left, taking some of its flesh and scales out.

It roared in pain as Jake thought he had won!! Bad move on his part!! He should have been paying more attention!! The second Mosasaurus clamped down on Jake's leg!!

"GAHHHHHHH" Jake screamed in pain as he struggled to get free! !It hadn't gone through the bone, so he was luckly…so far. Still it really hurt!! Ripping his sword out, he slashed it across the eyes of the surfacing Mosasaurus!! It backed up, as blood spilled from it's wounded eyes!! Not wanting anymore, it quickly swam away. The same with the one that he attacked.

Groaning in pain for his bleeding leg, he swam towards Backstop, who still wasn't able to get off the one attacking him!!

"GET OFF HIM" Jake shouted as he jumped onto of it's back, adding more pain to his leg. The Mosasaurus, not expecting this, whirled rapidly, trying to get Jake off. Jake, then raised his blade, and brought it down, once, twice…three times into skull. The Mosasaurus stopped struggling as it became still, obviously dead!

"Are you alright?" Jake asked with a weak grin.

"ME, YOU'RE THE ONE WHO JUST GOT BITTEN IN THE LEG, ARE YOU ALRIGHT" shouted Backstop.

Jake shrugged as he winced in pain. "I'll survive," he said as he trudged towards the shore, Backstop behind him.

Translations: "Tur afraid, ha, tur mas bravest human I reve met. Samantha, es counting on tu, nad tur afraid. She ermanta want tu see tu jike this, os shape ua, be brave, and stop being a coward-Your afraid, ha, you're the bravest human I've ever met. Samantha is counting on us and your afraid. She would'nt want to see you like this, so shale up, be brave and stop being a coward.

Et sin dangerous mentu, tur scared-This is a dangerous place, your scared

Dets gese Samantha: What about Samantha