Author's Note

This chapter will be more focused on Taka.


The gang stopped at the waterfall where Littlefoot explained that water meant tree stars. And they thought they found the Great Valley, finding green food and Cera saying she found it while Taka told her to 'shut up'. Then what seemed to be an earthshake and then adult longnecks, who got to the green food first. Cera let out a gasp and as she continued to look and was vocal in her displeasure.

"They're eating our food"! Taka had to admit, it seemed they weren't leaving anything. That kind of greed could get you into trouble in the Pridelands. Cera continued continued to complain. Then Petrie joined in. After he was done, Taka spoke. "I doubt this is the Great Valley".

"Oh, it is not a great anything. Nope, nope, nope".

Littlefoot said they go down and see if there is anything left. Taka split from them for a bit to find his own food. He decided to hunt for bugs. Not his usual taste, but he had to eat something and he didn't want to eat the others, not even Cera. How ironic, not his brother, nor mother, nor father could survive in a place like this. In fact, he's not sure how he isn't dead yet. And yet despite the danger, Taka felt better. All these friends he had. The only friend he had back home was Sarafina. His parents probably didn't care that he might be dead. As he found some bugs, he found them quite tasty, to his own surprise.

"It seems you made yourself quite comfortable".

Taka recognised that voice and saw the Crow fly towards him.

"Have you been watching me".

"Not fully. When you first got here, I knew not of where you were or how you were doing. But when I finally used my power, I was able to look into where you were and how your adventure, was so far. It seems you, crossed paths with Sharptooth. He is feared by many, including other sharpteeth".

"Are you here to take me back, because I'm not ready".

The Crow chuckled. "It's ironic. Many have suffered worse than you. Look at how Littlefoot lost his mother. And I have witnessed many that suffered worse than him. Yet you were the one I broke the rules for. You're the one I helped escape from your problems. I will never do it for anyone again. But I remember that you and I had an agreement. Do you want to stay here or return"?

"I need to help Littlefoot get back home, I owe him that much".

"That is noble, but what about you".

"I choose to stay, that is my choice".

"If that is what you really want, I won't try to change your mind. You want to stay, so be it". The Crow disappeared, leaving Taka by himself.

He went back to check on his friends. When he did, it was dark and he saw Cera, Spike, Petrie and Ducky sleeping together. He found Littlefoot inside a big footprint. Although the longneck was lying down, he was still awake. "Hey, you eat".

Littlefoot nodded. "You".

Taka only nodded. He thought to keep the business that happened to himself. As for Ducky, she couldn't sleep due to the noise. She tried to cover her ears, then bury her head under Spike's stomach. At the end, the half sleep, half awake swimmer made her way towards Littlefoot and Taka.

Ducky nested between the two, she nuzzled Littlefoot and he smiled. As she leaned on him, she drifted to sleep. Next was Petrie who waddled over and laid on Littlefoot's head. A 'thud' made Littlefoot's eye open before he closed it. Spike was with them now, his head laid on part of Littlefoot's neck and back. Taka was woken up by the small rocks that hit him when Spike landed. He saw they were all there, except Cera.

The threehorn shivered from coldness. When she opened her eyes, she gasped to find her friends weren't present. After a small look around, she saw Taka before her.

"You know it's kinda cold out here. How about you come over to where we are sleeping".

Cera huffed. "I don't need you. Threehorns can look after themselves.

Taka sighed. "I saw the concern in your eyes when you noticed they weren't around. Why do you need to act tuff"?

Cera glared. "Threehorns are tough"!

Taka sighed. "Tell me, if you weren't as tough, do you think your family wouldn't love you anymore"?

Her eyes widened.

My family hated me. You know I'm actually quite weak and scrawny for my species. My parents were ashamed that they're own son was the way he was. And my brother, his friends and many others bullied me because of it. I barely had any friends. I ran away when I couldn't take it anymore and I'm never going back. Your family obviously cares for you and you know it. You wouldn't be trying to find them if they didn't. Look, we don't like each other. It's no secret. I don't like your attitude because it reminds me of Mufasa. But you don't have to act this tough around us. We are only children. Children in a dangerous situation, admittedly, but if you would try to be yourself, perhaps we could be friends even with your huge ego. So, come on, get over yourself and come join us".

As Taka went back, Cera followed. Some small rocks opened Littlefoot's eyes and he saw Cera and Taka heading towards them. As she went beside Littlefoot, he lifted his left front leg to make room, before resting it over her. They were all cuddled together. They weren't finished yet, Taka rested beside Cera's stomach. She put her front leg over him. They all slept together for the night.


Author's Note

I was planning to have Sharptooth in this chapter, but decided to let this chapter end on a happier note, before he shows up.