Later that day, Littlefoot took a nap, snuggled up in a sunny patch of soft, green grass. His head was resting on his favorite rock, resting close to it as he drifted off to sleep. The warm rays of the sun danced across his face, casting a gentle glow. Littlefoot's gentle snores harmonized with the soothing rustle of leaves and chirping creatures, creating a serene symphony in the Great Valley. As he rested, he dreamed that he was back in the Land of Mists and standing at the only tree with Tree Stars left was, to his surprise, his mother. Littlefoot slowly walked towards her, but his mother stopped eating and turned around to see him. Littlefoot's Mother gazed lovingly at her young one, her warm eyes filled with tender affection. Her back was still wounded from the Sharptooth attack and she nuzzled her head on to that of Littlefoot's, whose usually vibrant face now wore a troubled expression. His brow furrowed, and his eyes seemed lost in tears. His mother's heart swelled with compassion, and she felt an overwhelming urge to comfort him.
With a gentle smile, she reached out, her soft voice whispering soothing words, "Dear sweet Littlefoot. What troubles you?"
Littlefoot's eyes gazed upward, meeting his mother's compassionate stare. Standing together in the Land of Mists, surrounded by swirling vapors, he confessed, "It's not fair. She should've known better. Ali left us and what if she's not coming back? Why can't I just let her go? Why do I miss her so much?".
His voice trembled slightly, revealing the depth of longing as he began to let out soft sobs. The misty veil seemed to echo his sentiment, as if the land itself shared his sorrow as raindrops began to fall down. Littlefoot's mother listened attentively, her expression filled with understanding and warmth, ready to offer comfort to her son. Then, suddenly, her gentle form began to dissolve, her image distorting as raindrops enveloped her. Her loving expression faded, fragmenting into tiny droplets that merged with the falling rain.
As his mother vanished, a faint whisper lingered, "Littlefoot…".
Suddenly, a distant cry pearced the misty veil.
"Littlefoot! Help!", Ali's desperate voice echoed through the Land of Mists, growing louder.
Littlefoot's heart skipped a beat, his eyes widening with urgency. Dark skies unleashed turmoil, thunder boomed and lightning flashed. A hurricane brewed, its fury intensifying. Littlefoot's vision locked onto Ali, clinging desperately to a swaying tree branch, shrieking and screaming for help amidst relentless lightning strikes. The branch creaked, groaning under the force, then snapped. Ali's terrified cry faded into the distance as the hurricane's mighty wind swept her away. Littlefoot's anguish exploded into a heart-wrenching yell, his voice echoing through the stormy landscape. But suddenly, the scream shattered the nightmare's grip. Gasping, Littlefoot jolted awake, his chest heaving, and his eyes wide with residual fear. Sweat dripped from his brow, and his surroundings slowly came into focus, reassuring him it was just a terrible dream. He then let out another gasp, as Rooter, an old Scolosaurus, who approached him with a look of sympathy on his face, his gentle voice softening.
"Rooter… I…", Littlefoot tried to explain.
"Hey, buddy. Rough nightmare, huh?", Rooter asked, concern etched on his face. "Want to talk about it?"
Littlefoot took a few deep breaths, still shaking off the vivid nightmare. "Rooter… I saw Ali… the hurricane took her away… I couldn't help her.' Littlefoot's voice trembled, his eyes welling up with tears.
Rooter's expression turned soothing, his voice gentle. "Littlefoot, it was just a dream. Ali's safe. I am here for you." He paused, offering reassurance. "You are not alone, buddy."
Unnoticed, Cera stood behind a bush, empathy covering her face. She listened intently, her eyes locked on Littlefoot.
"Littlefoot, why don't you go find some sweet berries or play Toss the Sea with your friends? Do something that makes you feel better, buddy.", said Rooter.
With a gentle nod, Rooter turned and walked away, leaving Littlefoot to find solace. Cera, still hidden behind the bush, watched the old dinosaur leave. The young longneck gazed around, lost in thought, as the melody of "Strange Magic" by Electric Light Orchestra enveloped the landscape. The song's enchanting harmony seemed to lift his spirits. Inspired, he spotted a large, flat rock and began to paint with berry juice. With vibrant strokes, he brought his friends and himself to life on the rock. Ali's gentle smile, Cera's confident pose, Spike's grin, and Ducky and Petrie's playful splashes emerged. As the song swelled, Littlefoot's tail danced, blending colors in joyful harmony. The painting flourished, capturing laughter, adventure, and friendship. The song wove its spell, transporting Littlefoot to memories of cherished moments with his friends. His heart lightened, and a smile spread across his face. Cera comes out from the bush as the song fades out, walking towards her friend. She then saw his painting and was mesmerized by the brilliant and vibrant hues. Her eyes widened with wonder.
"Littlefoot, your painting is… breathtaking!", Cera exclaimed. "The way you captured us, our friendship… it's like the Great Valley itself came alive!"
Her voice filled with sincerity, Cera's tough exterior softened. "You're incredibly talented, Littlefoot. This is truly special."
Littlefoot's face glowed with a warm smile, thrilled by Cera's praise. "Thanks, Cera! I was thinking about us, and the colors just flowed.", he replied, eyes sparkling. "You look amazing in berry-juice pink!"
Cera chuckled as Littlefoot gestured to her depiction in the painting. "I'm glad you like it!", Cera responded.
Cera's expression then turned vulnerable, her voice gentle. "Littlefoot, if you ever left the Great Valley… I'd miss you very much.", she said, her words hanging in the air.
Littlefoot's eyes widened, surprised. "Really? Well, why didn't you ever tell me?", he asked.
Cera's heart opened, her words flowing freely. "I didn't know how to before. You were always so full of wonder, exploring… I didn't want to hold you back. But seeing your painting, remembering our adventures… I realized how much you mean to me.", she said, her voice softening further.
"You're more than just my best friend, Littlefoot. You're my family.", Cera finished.
Littlefoot's face glowed with warmth, his heart touched by Cera's words. "Aww, Cera! I'd miss you too!", he said, smiling and feeling grateful. "You're my strongest best friend, always there."
His voice was filled with emotion as he continued, "I couldn't imagine the Great Valley without you either. We've shared so many Adventures. The egg stealers. The Sharpteeth we accidentally let in the Valley. Brining water back to the Valley. And our adventure with Ali to save Grandpa."
He stepped closer, his eyes shining as he began to nuzzle his head on Cera's. "You're family to me too, Cera."
Littlefoot and Cera leaned in, their heads gently touching in a heartfelt nuzzle. Warmth and affection flowed between them, sealing their bond. As they pulled back, smiles spread across their faces. Littlefoot's eyes in particular sparkled as he said "Hey, you want to go explore the Secret Caverns with me?"
Cera's grinned widened. "I'm always up for an adventure with you!", she exclaimed proudly.
Littlefoot chuckled and said, "Alright, come on! But you'll have to keep up!".
Together, they set off towards the mysterious caverns, excitement building for the discoveries ahead. Would they see things with glowing eyes that use the dark as a disguise or catch them by surprise? They didn't have to worry about that. For they would look through caves both big and small. They'd see funny rocks, even a waterfall. They ventured through the Secret Caverns, their footsteps echoing off ancient stones. As they rounded a corner after a while, they stumbled across a lone longneck, shrouded in shadows. Soft sobs filling the air. Curiously, Littlefoot and Cera approached cautiously. The longneck after a while lifted her head, revealing tear-stained cheeks, as well as a familiar face.
"Ali!", Littlefoot exclaimed, thrilled.
Ali's eyes sparkled momentarily before refilling with tears, sniffling. Littlefoot rushed to her side and said, "What's wrong, Ali?", concern etching his face.
Ali's voice trembled as she told them through tears, "It's not fair! She should've known better! That was those egg stealers. It's all her fault."
"All who's fault?", Cera asked.
"Mother's!", Ali said through her tears.
Littlefoot recognized a moment like this and softly said, "Oh… I see. I see."
"Why did I wander so far from home?", Ali said through her sobs before being nuzzled by Littlefoot. Ali continued, "She knew those two were dangerous. What am I going to do without her?"
"It was not your fault, Ali.", Littlefoot said gently. "It was not your mother's fault. Now, you pay attention to me. Because it was nobody's fault."
"I'm all alone. And afraid. And lost.", Ali said, her tears beginning to go away as she felt comfort from her friend. "My tummy hurts."
Littlefoot's expressions turned empathetic. "All of that will go away once we get you out of here.", he said to her.
"We won't leave until you're safe.", Cera said, nodding resolutely.
Littlefoot, Cera, and Ali after a while emerged from the cave's darkness into a warm sunset-bathed Great Valley. Golden hues danced across the landscape as the three friends made their way through the tranquil evening. Littlefoot guided Ali gently, ensuring her safety. Cera walked alongside, offering reassuring presence. As twilight approached, Littlefoot led Ali to his grandparents' tranquil clearing. They were surprised to see Ali.
Grandma Longneck asked softly, "Ali, child, why have you come back to our valley sad and alone?"
Littlefoot spoke up, his voice filled with sorrow, "Ali's mother is gone, Grandma. She was taken by Egg Stealers."
Their faces suddenly began to reflect empathy, understanding Ali's pain. Grandma Lngneck's voice softened the sorrow, saying "Oh, Ali. We're deeply sorry. Losing a loved one is never easy. But you're safe now. We're going to take such good care of you."
"You'll find comfort and family here.", Grandpa Longneck reassured.
Ali's eyes welled up, grateful for their love and support. Cera smiled softly, knowing Ali was in caring hands as she walked off back to her resting area with her step-father, a gray three-horn named Bambo. Bambo wrapped his tail around the young three horn, pulling her nearby.
"My little one.", he whispered.
Cera's eyes sparkled with love. "Hi Daddy.", she said.
Bambo nuzzled her gently. "How's my strong little battle angel today?", he asked playfully.
Cera smiled and replied, "Hee… Very happy, Daddy.".
"And no matter where you go, no matter what you do, stay close to us. We may feel safe here in the Valley and the Great Wall may protect us from Sharpteeth and other dangers of the Mysterious Beyond. But that doesn't mean there aren't any dangers in the Valley too.", Grandpa Longneck said to Ali. "You must always be careful."
"Now, it is time for sleep. The Bright Circle has now gone from the sky.", Grandma Longneck said, leading both her grandson and Ali to a resting place.
"But I'm not sleepy.", Ali said, following her to thee resting place.
"Go along, Ali.", Grandpa Longneck insisted.
"But I'm not…", Ali tried to say before yawning, drifting off to sleep. "I'm not…", she said once more before falling asleep.
Littlefoot laid next to Ali, telling his grandparents, "I'm thirsty."
"Yes, Littlefoot.", Grandpa Longneck said as Grandma Longneck placed a dry Tree Star with water drops on it next to him. Littlefoot then let out a big yawn.
"Good night, Grandpa. Good night, Grandma.", Littlefoot said as he nuzzled them both, ready to drift off to sleep next to Ali.
"Good night, my little one.", Grandma Longneck said to him before walking off to their resting place with Grandpa Longneck.
Littlefoot then gazed upwards at the star-filled sky, the twinkling lights shimmering like diamonds against the velvet darkness. His eyes sparkled with wonder as he remembered his mother telling him, "The stars up above are the souls of our loved ones. No matter where you go, how alone you are, or how lost you feel, they're watching over us."
A gentle smile appeared on his face.
"Good night, Mother.", he softly whispered, his voice filled with love.
As he spoke, the stars seemed to shine brighter, their gentle sparkle enveloping him. Littlefoot's eyelids grew heavy, and his breathing slowed. With a heart full of peace and love, he yawned once more and drifted off to sleep under the starry night sky. Meanwhile, Cera fell asleep next to Bambo after the two watched the stars twinkling above. His heart was filled with warmth and love as he whispered to his daughter, "I love you, my little battle angel.".
The Great Valley became a serene nocturnal paradise. Soft moonlight cast a silvery glow, illuminating the rolling hills and lush vegetation. The gentle rustle of leaves and chirping crickets filled the air and a calm breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers. The towering trees stood sentinel, their branches swaying softly. A tranquil lake reflected the starry sky, its surface shimmering. The air was filled with peace and magic and in this serene landscape, Littlefoot and his friends slept soundly.