Chapter 4: Coping

A loud sky-flash suddenly lit up the dark, stormy skies, the loud crackling seeming to shake the sky itself. It snapped Littlefoot and Chomper back to reality with a nasty cold shock.

The storm was only getting worse, and they had to find shelter.

So, with great reluctance, the two shakily got up and walked away, taking one last glance back at the lifeless body of their mother before going back to seeking shelter. The ran continued to pelt on the young long-neck and the little sharp-tooth as they felt their limbs go nub from the intense cold.

The two dinosaur children both felt like wrecks as their stomachs ached and their heads throbbed, their cheeks slightly red and puffy from their tears mixed with the sky-water.

Without even looking to each other, Littlefoot and Chomper continued to walk further away from the site of their deceased mother, until eventually she was completely out of sight.

The sky-water continued to fall, the wind blowing fast and hard, and more sky-flashes crackling across the cloudy, ominous sky. Inwardly, Littlefoot and Chomper shivered as their anxiety began to overcome them, it was almost like the storm was hunting them, haunting them, tormenting them.

By some miracle, or a scant mercy per say, they soon came upon a formation of large rocks that had appeared to have toppled over during the earth-shake, creating a sort of cave that was just big enough for the two of them.

The largest rock that covered them was a few feet above their heads, allowing them to fully stand up as they entered the cave. However, there was a large, round rock that rested at the back of the cave, giving them very little room to move around. But still, at least it would keep them dry, and it just managed to shield them from the howling winds from outside.

Once fully inside the cave, both Littlefoot and Chomper collapsed on the floor of the cave near the back, they're strength completely gone at this point. Their tears continued to fall as the image of their mother's death replayed over and over in their minds, flat out refusing to leave them alone.

As the image of his adoptive mother's death played again, Chomper's thoughts also turned over to Sharptooth. His mother had been killed by Sharptooth, who was in fact a sharp-tooth like him. It was the thought of those glistening teeth, those soulless red eyes, and the savage roars that continued to haunt his mind.

Was this why other dinosaurs feared him so much? Because he was inevitably destined to become a savage killer? No, he couldn't let that happen. He refused to let that happen!

Littlefoot, on the other hand, was having a similar feeling. It was too painful to believe that his mother was gone. It tore him up completely on the inside. As Littlefoot lay on the ground, his thoughts turned back to Chomper.

Was this what Chomper's kind were really like? A bunch of cold-blooded murderers searching for their next meal? Was Chomper destined to become just like Sharptooth someday? The thought of it filled Littlefoot with fright as he subconsciously scooted away from Chomper.

More thunder continued to flash outside the cave as Littlefoot and Chomper both closed their eyes and drifted of to sleep, too tired to think anymore.

The next morning, Littlefoot and Chomper had been hoping that their mother's death was only a bad sleep-story. But when they realized that they were still in the cave that they had settled in the night before, the two adopted broke into tears again as they held each other tightly.

After they managed to calm each other down, the two set out of the cave, not knowing nor caring where they were going.

Neither one of them said anything to each other as they walked across the landscape for several hours. The sky remained mostly cloudy for the entire day, almost looking like more sky-water was going to fall again.

As they walked, the two adopted brothers walked along the edge of a steep slope. Pretty soon, their thoughts shifted back to their mother as tears once again filled their eyes.

However, they were so caught up in they're sorrow that Littlefoot lost his footing on the edge of the slope, causing him to slide down the steep hill. Chomper snapped out of his depressed state with a sharp gasp before he jumped and slid down the slope after his big brother.

The two slid down the steep slope at a fast pace before they landed in a small pile on a large rock. But then the rock suddenly shifted, making Littlefoot and Chomper realize that it was not a rock as they quickly jumped off.

"Hey, what's going on here?"

They looked to see a rather old-looking club-tail lying on the ground turn towards them. The club-tail was much larger than them with dark green skin, three rows of spikes on his back, a tan snout, piercing eyes, and thick wrinkled eye-ridges.

The young long-neck and the little sharp-tooth scooted away from them, tears still in their eyes as they sat nervously under the gaze of the club-tail.

The elderly club-tail seemed rather disgusted by what he saw as he gave a bit of snort. "What's your problem? Neither of you are hurt." He huffed. "And what are you doing with a sharp-tooth?" He asked Littlefoot.

"It's not fair!" Chomper sobbed as he and Littlefoot both scowled at the club-tail. "Why did she have to go?"

"She should've known better! That was Sharptooth!" Littlefoot added, sobbing a bit. He then turned his head away. "It's all her fault." He mumbled.

"All who's fault?" The elderly club-tail gruffly asked.

"Mother's!" Littlefoot and Chomper blurted out before they began to cry once more.

The elderly club-tail's face immediately softened. "Oh... I see." He whispered solemnly. "I see."

"Why did we wander so far from home?" Littlefoot whimpered.

"If we had just listened to mother..." Chomper choked on his words. "She would still be here."

"Oh, it's not either of your faults," The elderly club-tail said kindly, "and it's not your mother's fault. Now you two pay attention to old Rooter."

Littlefoot and Chomper stopped sniffling as they looked up to Rooter. The old spike-tail gave them a small, sentimental smile that managed to calm the two brothers down a bit.

"It is nobodies fault," Rooter said, his voice soft and wise, "The Great Circle of Life has began. But you see, not all of us arrive together at the end."

"What'll we do?" Littlefoot questioned tearfully. "We miss her so much."

"And you'll always miss her," Rooter continued softly, "but she'll always be with you as long as you remember the things she taught the both of you. In a way, you'll never be apart. For you are still a part of each other."

Littlefoot and Chomper both remained silent, digesting the elderly club-tail's kind words. "My tummy hurts." Chomper whimpered, placing his tiny hands on his belly.

Rooter gave a small chuckle. "Well, that too will go in time, little fella." He gently replied. "Only in time."

Then, without another word, the elderly club-tail simply turned around and walked away, leaving the two adopted brothers alone with only themselves.

A few moments passed before Chomper got up and sat down next to Littlefoot. The young long-neck flinched a bit as Chomper sat down next to him, something the little sharp-tooth noticed, but Littlefoot didn't move as he continued to lay down on the ground. The two then sat there for a while, snuggling up against each other in silence as they gazed out at the horizon, the sky having taken a harsh reddish-brownish hue.

"Littlefoot?" Chomper finally spoke up.

"Yeah?" Littlefoot asked, shifting his gaze towards the little sharp-tooth.

"We're still gonna find the Great Valley, right?"

Littlefoot gave a tired sigh. "Honestly... I don't know, Chomper. How can we go on without Mother?"

Chomper didn't say anything. Instead, he wrapped his little arms around his adopted big brother and pulled him into a tight embrace. "I miss her too, big brother." He said tearfully.

Littlefoot finally allowed himself to relax as he returned his adopted little brother's embrace. "I know, little brother."

The two remained like that for some time, holding in each other's embrace as time seemed to slow down.

"... Chomper?" Littlefoot spoke up, his neck wrapped around his adopted little brother.

"Mm hm?" Chomper asked.

"I'm glad your here with me." Littlefoot said with a sad smile.

The little sharp-tooth smiled back as they pulled each other tighter into their embrace, holding each other as close as they dared. Once they released from their hug, the two got up and began walking again.

Littlefoot and Chomper spent the longest time wandering aimlessly through the desert. The bright circle burned high in the sky through the clouds as they walked. They did stop every once in a while to get some rest and eat what little food they could find. But it wouldn't last long and soon they'd be out wandering once again.

The bright circle was going down fast over the horizon, leaving Littlefoot and Chomper no choice but to rest for the night in the open field. The two adopted brothers still said nothing as they laid down next to each other in the warm sand, allowing sleep to take them.

The sandy earth shook beneath their little feet as Littlefoot and Chomper ran as fast they could with the monstrous Sharptooth right on their tails. Chomper panted heavily as he ran, sweat pouring down his forehead, his chest burning with exhaustion as he pushed himself to keep running.

Just then, Chomper suddenly found himself stuck in place. He looked down and gasped as he saw his feet were sinking into the sand. Chomper then looked behind him and screamed as Sharptooth came charging towards him! He held up his arms feebly, knowing that this was probably the end for him.

But then to his surprise, Sharptooth simply ran past him, as if he didn't exist. Confused, Chomper looked out with horror as he realized that Sharptooth was instead now chasing Littlefoot!

"LITTLEFOOT!" Chomper cried.

Sharptooth quickly managed to catch up with the young long-neck, pinning Littlefoot underneath his clawed foot. Littlefoot thrashed around wieldy, kicking and screaming, trying desperately to get free, but to no avail!

Chomper struggled with all his might before he finally managed to pull one foot free. After managing to pull the other one free, Chomper turned to see Sharptooth lowering his head slowly, jaws open and ready to kill.

The little sharp-tooth gasped before his eyes narrowed with a low growl. Without hesitation, Chomper charged forward, bearing his teeth. Once he got close enough, Chomper lunged forward and sunk his teeth into Sharptooth's back.

The silvery taste of blood filled Chomper's mouth as he savagely tore off Sharptooth's flesh. The little sharp-tooth's instincts quickly took over as he continued to rip and tear as much as he could at the larger predator's body.

Closing his eyes and panting, Chomper collapsed to the ground in exhaustion. However, once he opened them, Chomper gasped in horror as he saw it was not Sharptooth who he had sunk his teeth into, but Littlefoot.

"L-Littlefoot?" Chomper breathed, tears already brimming in his eyes as he wobbled over to the mangled carcass of his adopted brother. No, this wasn't happening, this couldn't be happening!

"And yet it is."

Chomper jumped with a yelp as he turned to see Sharptooth looming over him, a sadistic grin on his scarred face. "Do you understand now?" Sharptooth questioned, his voice dripping with malice. "Try as you might, you know you can't resist the hunger. The irresistible taste of flesh and blood."

Chomper stumbled backwards, tripping over Littlefoot's body as he still tried desperately to get away.

"Put as much distance as you want between yourself and the truth as you wish, it changes nothing." Sharptooth stated. "Pretend to be everything you are not, kind, caring, compassionate... but there is one unavoidable truth that you will never escape."

Tears of fear and grief filled his eyes as he looked to Sharptooth now standing over the body of Mother Longneck, sinking his fangs into her flesh.

"You, like me, will always be... a monster."

Sharptooth's last words echoed through Chomper's head. The echoing soon became louder and louder, forcing Chomper to cover his ear-slits with his hands as tears began fall down his cheeks. "No." He murmured, closing his eyes and shaking his head. "No!"

"NOOO!"

Chomper's eyes snapped open as he sat up with a sharp gasp. His heart raced as it beat rapidly against his chest, cold sweat rolling down his face as Chomper looked around frantically. He was still out in the dessert.

The bright circle had already risen, though it was mostly blocked by large clouds. It's reddish-golden light shone through the clouds, lighting up the quake-ravaged land and briefly blinding him for a moment, making him blink and shield his eyes.

The little sharp-tooth let out a heavy sigh as he finally relaxed. "It was just a bad sleep-story." Chomper sighed. However, as he looked around, he suddenly noticed that Littlefoot was gone!

"Littlefoot?" Chomper called out. There was no response except for the blowing wind.

"Littlefoot!" Chomper called again, cupping his hands on his mouth and raising his voice a little.

Still nothing.

The little sharp-tooth's fears immediately picked up again as he scrambled to his feet, his eyes desperately scanning the landscape for his adopted big brother. "Littlefoot!" Chomper cried out again, his little voice echoing across the land.

He then sniffed the air for a little bit before he finally caught Littlefoot's scent. Chomper immediately followed the scent as he ran along the desert for a short bit before he finally found Littlefoot standing in a large footprint that looked like it belonged to long-neck.

The young long-neck let out a sniffle as he nuzzled his cheek against it, whimpering mournfully. When he finally saw Chomper, Littlefoot hesitantly stepped out of the footprint, taking one last sad glance at it.

Chomper immediately rushed over to him and wrapped his little arms around his neck and pulling him into a tight embrace, making Littlefoot stagger a little. The little sharp-tooth stood on the tip of his clawed toes as he struggled to hold back the tears that threatened to spill while he buried his face into Littlefoot's chest. The little sharp-tooth's body shook violently as he clutched onto the young long-neck tightly, tears now dripping down his cheeks.

"Chomper...?" Littlefoot questioned in surprise, his voice filled with concern as he looked down at his shaking little brother.

The little sharp-tooth didn't respond as he only tightened his grip, tears still flowing.

Littlefoot's face turned solemn as he wrapped his long-neck around Chomper. The two remained like that for several minutes, clinging to each other like the poor, lost children they were.

"Littlefoot... Chomper..."

The long-neck and the sharp-tooth both jolted as they heard the whisper in the wind. Who had said that? It sounded like... mother! But that couldn't be! They saw what happened to her. How could she be speaking with them?

"Littlefoot... Chomper..."

Hearing the voice again, Littlefoot and Chomper both looked around for the source of the voice. But there was no one else around, much to their confusion. They were all alone.

A soft swishing was then heard as they looked up to see the tree-star that Mother Longneck had given them gently float down from the sky above. They watched closely as it landed almost gracefully in the large footprint.

Chomper loosened his grip on Littlefoot as they stood up and cautiously walked over to the tree-star. As they approached it, they noticed there was a small puddle of water in the center of the leaf, making it show their reflections.

"Dear children..."

The two brothers' eyes widened as they looked around for the voice. It was their mother's voice! But where was it coming from?

"Do you both remember the way to the Great Valley?" The voice asked as Littlefoot and Chomper gazed back it the tree-star.

Hesitantly, the long-neck and the sharp-tooth slowly shook their heads. They had been so caught up in their grief that they had forgotten the way.

"Follow the bright circle past the great rock that looks like a long-neck and past the mountains that burn."

Littlefoot and Chomper both nodded as they listened closely to their mother's instructions, leaning closer to the tree-star as they took the words to heart.

"I'll be in your hearts my dear, sweet children." Mother Longneck's voice said lovingly. "Let your hearts guide you."

Mother Longneck's voice then faded away into the near-silent wind, leaving the two children alone once more. For several moments, Littlefoot and Chomper remained completely still before looking to each other, neither one speaking or blinking as they came to a silent understanding.

Finally, Littlefoot picked up the tree-star in his mouth and gently placed it on his back, the water in the center trickling down his sides. He then turned to Chomper, who he now noticed seemed to be rather tense.

"Are you okay, Chomper?" Littlefoot asked in concern.

Chomper blinked for a moment. "Sorry, I just..." He trailed off for a moment. "I-it's nothing." He said quietly. "We should get going."

The young long-neck simply nodded, not wanting to push his boundaries any further.

The two then set out, remembering their mother's instructions as they followed the bright circle. They walked for what felt like forever, as their feet soon became numb from walking so long. Soon, they found themselves walking along the edge of the ravine that had divided them from their grandparents. The cliff rose up high towards the heavens above, reminding the two of them just how small they really were.

"Looks like we won't be able to go up that way." Littlefoot observed solemnly. "I'm not very good at climbing."

Chomper looked to the top of the cliff before he gazed down into the deep ravine below. "Me neither." He gulped, gazing down at his tiny arms. "Not with these arms, anyway."

The bright circle continued to rise in the sky as the two brothers walked along the side of the ravine. As they walked, they kept searching for some way to get to the other side of the gorge, but found nothing, so instead, they decided to simply go around it if possible.

However, Chomper quickly picked up a familiar scent as they kept walking along the ravine.

"What is it, Chomper?" Littlefoot asked.

The little sharp-tooth sniffed the air again. "I think my sniffer's found something." Chomper then took a big whiff. "It's coming from over there!" He said, pointing far out in front of them.

Trusting Chomper's sniffer, the two cautiously followed the the scent before they spotted something on their side of the ravine just a few yards away. It was Cera! Indeed it was the young, head-strong three-horn they met the day before, wandering along the ravine as well, looking just as lost as they were.

"CERA!" Littlefoot and Chomper shouted in joyful recognition.

The two then raced over to the young three-horn, overjoyed to see a familiar face. But Cera, on the other hand, didn't seem to happy to see either of them as she frowned sourly at them.

"What do you want?" She questioned irritably as they approached.

Littlefoot and Chomper recoiled slightly, a bit startled by her hostility. "Uh... nothing." Littlefoot replied, trying not to tick her off. "Where are you going?"

"I'M going to find my OWN kind." Cera stated in a snoot tone, sticking her horn pridefully in the air. "They're on the other side."

"But we've looked all over here." Chomper spoke up as the three children peered into the ravine below. "You can't climb up to the other side."

"Maybe YOU can't!" Cera snorted, getting in the little sharp-tooth's face. She then jumped down onto a small ledge a short ways down from where they were standing, hanging just at the edge of the ravine and sloping down into the canyon below.

"Wait," Littlefoot called out quickly, "you could come with us. Me and Chomper are going to the Great Valley, maybe we could help each other."

However, Cera seemed to heavily disagree with that idea. "A three-horn does not need help from a long-neck!" She retorted snobbishly. "And especially NOT from a sharp-tooth!"

Chomper winced slightly at the nasty remark as Cera stuck her horn up in the air again and kicked some dirt into the two brothers faces. However, her little act of defiance instantly backfired on her as she slipped on the slick rock and slide down the slope into the darker canyon below, nearly disappearing into the darkness of the canyon while screaming all the way.

"Well at least we wouldn't be alone!" Chomper called down to the young three-horn as she landed at the bottom of the canyon.

Cera, feeling a dent in her pride, quickly got to her feet and glared angrily at the brothers. "Well, when I find my family I won't BE alone!" She then once again raised her horn and tail high in the air as she walked down through the ravine in a pompous fashion. "Three-horns can be very dangerous." Cera stated, continuing her little 'superiority' speech. "And they only TALK with other three-horns. And they only TRAVEL with other THREE-HORNS!"

Littlefoot gave a heavy sigh as he watched Cera disappear into the darkness of the ravine. But he was quickly snapped out of his thoughts when he heard a loud 'THUMP' right next to him. The young long-neck turned to see Chomper plopped down on the ground, gasping for breath.

Chomper was completely worn out, his legs and feet aching, sweat dripping down the sides of his snout, and his stomach growled with hunger.

"Are you alright, Chomper?" Littlefoot asked, lowering his head to the little sharp-tooth's level, his face full of concern. "You seem really tired."

"I'm okay." Chomper half-lied. "I just need to rest for a little bit." He then placed his hands on the ground and forced himself up. However, as soon as he took a single step, Chomper collapsed to the ground, exhausted.

Littlefoot couldn't help but smile kindly at his adopted little brother. "Here." He gently offered, gently helping Chomper up before turning his side to him. "I'll carry you."

Chomper smiled back in silent acceptance as he carefully lifted the tree-star from Littlefoot's back, holding it in his hands before hoisting himself up onto his brother's back. Almost immediately when he sat down, Chomper quickly fell asleep on Littlefoot's back, snoring slightly.

Littlefoot smiled fondly at the little sharp-tooth. "Sweet sleep stories, little brother." He said softly, giving Chomper an affectionate lick before he continued across the wasteland towards a small cluster of trees that was just on the horizon.

HOO! I'm finally done. Sorry about all the delays, I've been really busy with stuff like school, but I'll be sure to update some of my other stories as soon as I can. See you later!