The Great Rift

By: Phoenix Ride

Ch.1: Megumi Comes

Long ago, in the serene peace of an ancient land, a beautiful valley grew green and lush, with plenty of food to share, and many creatures stomping around its landscape. These creatures were large, giant, ruling over the land like titans in every sense; sky, land, and water alike. These creatures are known as the dinosaurs.

Here, in this magnificent valley, known by all dinosaurs as the Great Valley, dinosaurs of every type and kind can grow and live together in peace. The tradegy that came before they could make it to this peaceful has been made into nothing more than a whisp of a dream. Here past sins could be relaxed or forgotten, but sometimes there are those who hold a grudge to the past, and keep their anger burning for the punishment of those sins, for the rest of their life.

"Can't catch me!" laughed Littlefoot to one of his friends, Ducky, as he tried to avoid being tagged.

The little swimmer was huffing and puffing in order to keep up with the speedy longneck. As Littlefoot raced further away, Ducky stopped and observed her other two friends, giggling in the bushes nearby. Cera and Spike had teamed up during this little game of tag, and were determined to not let ducky touch them no matter what.

"Can't you...hold...still?" breathed Ducky, hoping her friends would vote for another game " All this running is making me tired."

"I guess that's true" said Littlefoot, finally walking back " even though we've grown up some, it will still take us a while to reach our full size."

"Yeah!" said Cera, excitedly " I can't wait to be a full frown Threehorn. Roar!"

"Sounds like somebody's mad again," came a familair voice from the sky.

Looking up, Littlefoot and the others smiled as Petrie and thier newest companion, Guido, glided down to perch on one of the rocks. Petrie had grown up too during the last few months and was begining to look like an adult Flyer. Guido however, remained in his normal size. Littlefoot could only confirm that Guido had already reached his grown state.

"Hey guys" greeted Littlefoot " What's up? Is your mom feeling better Petrie?"

"Yeah, she'll be fine" answered Petrie " Me and Guido just a running a few errands for her. Heard big news from the grown-ups. A nomadic tribe is heading here today."

"Wow" said Littlefoot " it's been a long time since another tribe has visited."

"Ooo" said Ducky " shall we go meet them?"

"You guys can, but not me" said Cera " I have to get back home for babysitting detail."

"Bye Cera," called the others, as the Threehorn ran off.

"Come on, let's go," said Littlefoot, and he and the others raced off to greet the nomadic herd.

Soon, they were all standing by the valley gates, waiting for the first signs of a dinosaur to slip through.

Moments later they came, a herd of Longnecks proud and tall, with mostly grown-ups, and only a few kids on the side. Most of the kids had already grown into their teen state, and ambled along in stride with their parents.

Littlefoot counted about twenty-four Longnecks in the group, when Guido pointed out a lone, kid Longneck, trailing at the back of the group. This Longneck looked close to Littlefoot's age, and brownish-gray scales plating her form. Her head hung down low, as if sad or depressed. It did not seem that this longneck led a very happy life.

"I wonder why she's so down?" asked Guido.

"Let's find out," said Littlefoot, and they walked closer towards the herd.

As they neared the little longneck, Littlefoot began to notice the scars that sported across her body, looking like they had been caused some time ago. One scar sported the neck of the poor creature, while other rested on a leg.

Choosing to take the cautious approach while addressing her, Littlefoot spoke up for himself and his friends. The longneck child just stared back with careful curiosity.

"Hi" said Littlefoot " welcome to the Great Valley. My name's Littlefoot, and these are my friends; Petrie, Guido, Ducky, and Spike. What's your name?"

"Megumi" said the longneck, staring up with her dark eyes " I guess…it's nice to see you too."

"So" said Ducky, looking to break the ice " is this your herd?"

"Not really" said Megumi " the nomads only found me after I was attacked by a couple of Sharpteeth. They took me in and healed my wounds, but I could never feel part of their tribe. My father was my only family, and he's long gone from here."

"That's so sad" said Littlefoot " do you want to hang out with us?"

"Maybe sometime" said Megumi " but right now I should keep with the rest of the herd. Find a place to sleep you know?"

"That make sense" said Petrie " see you tomorrow Megumi,"

And the young dinosaurs left, leaving Megumi to follow after the nomadic herd.

Later that night, as Littlefoot was being tucked into bed by Grandma Longneck, the young-ling explained about the encounter with Megumi. Grandma listened with open ears, brimming with joy at the thought of her grandson making a new friend.

"I hope she'll come play with us tomorrow," Littlefoot yawned before closing his eyes to sleep.

"I'm sure she will dear," Grandma whispered, and tilted her head towards the moon.