A young brownish Apatosaurus with brown eyes hid in the darkness of the cave from the sharptooth that hunted him. On his first day out on his quest, he didn't expect any sharpteeth. Well, at least until the second or third day. He stayed out of sight before the tyrannosaurs finally gave up and left the cave.

That was close, he thought to himself. Need to be more careful.

The dinosaur's name was Littlefoot. This courageous longneck was in search for his father. Both of his grandparents had passed on a few days ago. Being so young and needing a caregiver, his only choice was to find his father. He left the Great Valley, following his heart more than his eyes.

I hope the others will be fine without me, he thought. As long as they don't follow me, they'll be safe. It's too dangerous out here.

Littlefoot continued to walk along the cave's pathway. Sooner or later, he was bound to find an exit. The cave's walls and stalagmites were all looking the same as he tried to find a way out. He finally did and ran out of the cave joyfully.

The bright sun blurred his vision for a second. He had been in the cave for so long that his eyes needed to adjust. When his vision became clear, he noticed a group of trees surrounded by a shriveling pond. He decided that it was time to stop and relax a bit before he continued.

He ran to the reachable trees and starting munching away. As he ate, memories of what took place a few days ago crept into his mind.

"Grandpa! Grandma!"

Littlefoot had awoken as the bright circle begun to rise. He was surprised his grandparents weren't awake. They usually woke him up first. He tried again calling their names. Only Grandma Longneck opened her eyes.

"Grandma, Grandpa is not awake," Littlefoot stated.

Grandma Longneck looked at her husband and noticed he wasn't breathing. She tried to get up, but she couldn't find the strength to do so. She faced Littlefoot.

"Littlefoot, I need to tell you something."

Her voice sounded depressed and weak.

"What?" he asked, hoping it wasn't what he thought it was.

"Little one, Grandpa has joined your mother, and so must I."

It didn't take long to process the information he heard. He looked at Grandpa and walked up to him. He rubbed his head on his cheek with tears running down his cheeks. He then faced Grandma and walked up to her.

"But Grandma, I don't want you to go."

"Don't be afraid. When time comes, the bright circle takes us to a better place. Our time here is fulfilled."

"No, it isn't! You need to take care of me."

"Littlefoot, you have grown so much. During the times of your adventures, you survived without our help most times. We did our job to bring you into our lives through your mother and protected you when she passed away. Now, you have grown so much. You now feed yourself, bathe yourself, and get out of trouble by yourself without us. We did our job, and the sky commands us to go."

"The sky isn't so smart then. I still need you."

Grandma Longneck chuckled. She rubbed her grandson's forehead before drifting off to an eternal sleep. Littlefoot looked at his grandparents and cried. Now, he was truly alone.

Later that day, the rest of the dinosaurs held a memorial to honor their leaders. They had been the valley's rational side and had helped the valley in danger for several years. Mr. Threehorn appeared to be the second saddest next to Littlefoot.

"Longneck, I'll miss ya."

Littlefoot sat on a ledge, watching the ceremony from above. His friends were next to him to try to comfort him, but none said a word. They knew Littlefoot was in pain. Finally, Cera, a young yellowish triceratops, spoke up.

"Littlefoot, I know it's hard, but you must accept it. When I learned that my mother died, I had to move on because of her. She would have wanted me to."

"First my mother, and now my grandparents," he said sadly.

"Littlefoot," said Ducky, a green Parasaurolophus. "I…I am sorry for your grandparents, but cheer up. You are not alone. You have us."

"But I need a parent."

"You still have your dad," said Petrie, a brown Pteranodon.

Littlefoot began to cheer up a little, but his happiness went away quickly.

"I don't know where he is, Petrie."

Petrie was ashamed he brought up the thought. It made his friend gloomier.

"It's almost time," said Cera, looking down. "The longnecks are going to put them in the Cave of the Remembered. Littlefoot, you should be there for your grandparents. They've always been there for you."

Littlefoot nodded and headed down to be at his grandparents' side for one last time. The others followed. Littlefoot reached the group of adults as they pushed his grandparents on slippery stones to push them easily to the cave. The adults, who weren't able to help, comfort Liittlefoot. Petrie's mother hugged him and looked into his eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Littlefoot."

He didn't reply. He walked up next to his grandparents as the others finally got them on the rocky sleds. Littlefoot walked next to his caretakers as they were being pushed. A trail of tears was left behind them.

That night, Littlefoot laid on a rock, away from everyone. The adults had offered him places for him to stay, but he refused. He hid himself from everyone and just looked up at the sky.

Soon, he heard whispers. He lifted his head, realizing that he heard his grandpa's voice.

"Littlefoot."

"Grandpa?"

"Littlefoot, try not to be sad. Our time on this world was over, and we needed to go. You are still young, but you will soon grow up and understand. Though we can't see us, all three of us are watching you."

"That's right, Dear."

"Mother?"

"Follow your heart."

"I think it's broken."

"Let your heart guide you to your father."

Littlefoot thought about it. His mother's voice continued whispering.

"You are still young to go off by yourself, but that doesn't stop you. Find your father, my son. He will finish teaching you what you need to do in life, like me, Grandma, and Grandpa did."

The voices died. Littlefoot got on his feet and looked at the sky. He exhaled deeply and nodded. That night, he left the Great Valley to find his father.

Littlefoot decided to keep on moving. His heart told him the journey was long. He sighed and continued to march on. The sun beat down on him as he remembered the times he spent with his grandparents. Memories replayed over and over again.

Soon, he came up to fissure in the Earth. His heart told him he needed to get across. He looked around for something to make a bridge out of, but no trees were that long to clear the gap. He looked around and saw that walking around it would take the rest of the day. Since it was the only option, he walked along the fissure to find out where it closed.

As he walked, he tried to think what his friends were up to. Littlefoot made sure he left no trails so they wouldn't follow him. As much as he hated to admit it, he must not rely on his friends help. He cared about their safety and didn't want them to follow him. They had always done so and risked their lives to save him. He needed to do this alone this time.

As the bright circle hid itself behind the mountains, he continued his quest. He was not going to rest now. That would only slow him down. He would stop walking when the moon was high above the sky. By doing so, he could cover more ground and be closer to his dad's unmoving herd.

Littlefoot looked over the top of a hill. He looked around and noticed a herd of longnecks resting. He smiled and ran down in excitement. His quest was near the end. He got closer and closer. He mistook a longneck for his dad. He greeted the longneck. It opened its dull eye.

"What is this?"

Littlefoot heard that voice before. He gulped. The elder longneck rose up, awaking the others. Littlefoot took a few steps back. The elder looked down at him.

"It's you."

The elder seemed irritated.

"Hi, Old One."

"If I remember, you're that baby longneck from my cousin who always got in trouble. Tell me. How is she?"

He looked at the ground.

"I see. For a young one, you have traveled far. It's best if you get some shuteye."

Littlefoot looked at the Old One and smiled.

"Thank you."

The Old One didn't respond and went back to sleep. Littlefoot sighed in disappointment. Then his frown was gone. Someone had tapped his cheek.

"Littlefoot."

"Ali. It's great to see you."

"C'mon. You can sleep with me and my mother tonight."

Littlefoot followed the light purplish Apatosaurus with blue eyes. She was the only female longneck Littlefoot knew. If it wasn't for her, Littlefoot's grandpa wouldn't have an earlier death. She was smart and courageous like him, even though sometimes she seemed dimwitted.

They got to her mother. She welcomed Littlefoot quickly and said that he must rest up. Tomorrow would be a busy day. He agreed and slept beside Ali. It almost felt like he had a family again.

Almost a year had passed since Littlefoot joined Ali's herd. In that time, he had grown bigger and wiser. The Old One would consult with him on which direction they would go since age was getting the best of her. He would also save the herd from perilous trails and encourage them to move. He had nurtured them and saved them from starvation and dehydration. Littlefoot was growing to be a fine leader.

Ali had also matured with Littlefoot, but she would tease with him to break the ice. She admired Littlefoot's nature leadership. She had spent more and more time with him. Ali's mother didn't mind and would smile every time they were together.

Littlefoot had not given up his quest to find his father. Just because he grew doesn't mean he didn't need a parent. He needed to find his father and convince him to merge herds. If that failed, he needed to spend as much time with his father. Ali's herd had been the family he sought. The Old One reminded him of his grandpa. Ali's mother reminded him of his mother. Ali was a good friend like his old ones.

As they marched on, he ran up to the Old One.

"Um, Old One?"

"What is it, child?" she asked as she continued to walk.

"I've been having dreams. Dreams like when I was a kid about the bright circle."

"Same here. These dreams are omens that we must fulfill. The sun will be blocked by the dark circle again, and we must push the dark circle out of the way."

"But why do we do it? Isn't it just part of the circle of life?"

"Nonsense! The dark figure is angry with the sun, so it comes to cover the sun up!"

Littlefoot decided not to argue with her anymore. One of the times he supposedly pushed the dark circle, his brain thought of the idea that it was natural. He talked to Grandpa and Grandma Longneck. One time that a solar eclipse happened, he convinced them to stay. They proceeded with life and marveled at the circle blocking the bright circle. Littlefoot thought on what the dark circle might be. After a while, he concluded that it was the circle in the night sky. It was the only thing big enough in the sky to cover it up. He decided to not tell his grandparents. Staying behind had shaken them up already. That was the last time they saw the event.

The Old One led the herd to the valley she saw in her dreams. Littlefoot walked back and joined up with Ali. She noticed he felt a little down and asked what's wrong. Littlefoot also didn't want Ali to think he was crazy, even though his heart told him he was right. The best he could come up with is that he hoped his father was there.

"I know my dad is strong, but what if…"

"He'll be there," she said and rubbed his cheek with her forehead.

He smiled. Ali had shown the biggest support for him since he joined the herd. When he felt down, especially in the beginning, she always managed to cheer him up and be by his side through the worst of time. When he was sick with a cold, she provided food and warmth for him. She had always been there for him, and he had always been there for her.

"Littlefoot, do you know how far we are?"

"A couple of days," he quickly replied. "I haven't been in this area before, but I'm sure it's near."

"How can you be sure?"

"It's like my mother told me. Listen to your heart; it speaks to you when you are willing to listen. I just believe."

"Your mother seemed wise and faithful."

"She was. She always encouraged me to move on, even after her death. Because of her, I found the Great Valley and my grandparents."

"She loved you like any mother would. I think because of her, you are who you are. You compassion for others, even if they're different, you always help if you can. Your mother must have thought the same."

"She protected Cera from the sharptooth when we were still venturing to the Great Valley."

Ali smiled.

"Littlefoot, I hope your heart never changes. It's true and pure. Sometimes you get out of hand though."

He looked at her curiously.

"Like when?"

"Like the time you chased a little one when he ate your food."

"It took me a while to find the food."

"Sure," she said, rolling her eyes. "Remember, I helped you. It only took a short time."

"Oh yeah."

Ali shook her head and faced forward.

The herd continued to walk until the Old One stopped. Littlefoot quickly ran to the front and asked the Old One why she stopped. She was about to say something when she collapsed. She looked up at Littlefoot weakly. He knew what was going on.

"My eternal rest is here," she announced.

Ali and her mother made their way to the front.

"Littlefoot, you know the way to the valley. Lead my herd there."

"But I'm still young."

"Oh? Well, you have the fine leadership of an adult."

She paused and coughed.

"You've helped this herd so much since you joined," she continued. "I know you have the skills of a true leader. Littlefoot, I need you to lead them."

Littlefoot nodded. The Old One smiled and closed her eyes. The longnecks lowered their heads in loss of their leader.

"Goodbye," Littlefoot said. "Say hi to my grandparents for me."

Littlefoot lifted his head and looked at the herd. Most of the longnecks were bigger than he was, but he wasn't afraid.

"I… We must continue. The Old One would have wanted us to. Let's go."

The others close by the Old One had heard her giving leadership to Littlefoot and followed. Ali walked up to her friend.

"Littlefoot, we need rest. Others are still mourning."

"But Ali, don't you smell them? We're in sharptooth territory. If we rest now, the sharpteeth will get us. We need to pass the area until I know it's safe."

Ali looked around and noticed fleshy creatures with sharp teeth looking at them from high above a rock formation. She gasped and looked a Littlefoot. He was focused on walking, so it seemed he wasn't aware of their presence. Ali was about to tell him something aloud, but he stopped her.

"They won't attack as long as we stick together. We outnumber them. If we do scatter, they'll pick at us easier. As a group, we overpower them."

Ali understood and remained next to Littlefoot. She looked at the clouds as they rolled by and saw one shaped like a was moving slowly to another cloud shaped like a small group of longnecks. She grinned and looked at the path ahead of her.

Night came sooner than expected. Littlefoot determined that they were out of sharptooth territory and allowed the herd to rest. The longnecks were relived and drank some of the water a nearby ditch provided them. This might have been due to the heavy skywater they had many days ago.

All were asleep except for one longneck. He was on guard duty until the night circle was high above them. Then it would be Littlefoot's turn. The longneck circled the herd and kept a watchful eye out. He noticed a few sharpteeth (raptors) a few miles away from them, but they didn't move towards them. It appears that they were eating some meat.

The bluish longneck knew they were devouring their former leader and looked away. He wanted to pounce on them, but that was pointless. Their leader had died of old age, so her life wasn't taken away by sharpteeth. It was only natural that her body was going to be consumed by the raptors that followed them.

The moon was high above the night sky. The longneck walked over to their new leader and told him that it was his turn. Littlefoot got up and nodded. The longneck walked to his wife to get some sleep. Careful not to wake Ali, he crept out of the middle of the herd to the edge of the herd. He yawned and looked at the landscape.

The grassy lands seemed tranquil at night. The raptors the longneck saw were gone. Littlefoot sat down and looked up at the sky. The rainbow faces he met told that life was full of mysteries. To his standards, he just solved one. Though no one believed him, he knew he was right. If his grandparents were here, they would back him up.

It did matter to Littlefoot that he was right, but he was also glad the others would not understand. He knew his father would be there. The person he sought for so long would be at the Valley of Longnecks.

He noticed something lurking in the shadows. It hid behind the trees, staking some prey. Littlefoot quickly walked over to face who it was. The raptors had moved from their spot and were strategically stalking its prey. Littlefoot felt he was big enough to take down the three raptors that now surrounded him.

"There's no way I'm letting you through."

The raptors cautiously walked up to Littlefoot until one ran at him. He whipped it with his tail, and it fell back. The other two jumped up to attack. Littlefoot grabbed one with his tail and swung it towards the other one. Both laid on the ground.

The one he whipped got up and sprinted at the longneck. Littlefoot whipped it again, but it dodged his tail. It jumped up at his face and grazed his claws on Littlefoot's neck as Littlefoot dodged it.

The three raptors were up now and hissed at him. They charged at Littlefoot and jumped at him. All of them received a tail whip from a bigger longneck. Littlefoot looked to see who it was and saw Ali's mother. Ali was next to her.

"Leave him alone!" yelled Ali.

The hungry raptors sprinted at the bigger longneck. Littlefoot head-butted two of them at the same time. Ali's mother grabbed the one charging for her with her tail and threw it towards the other two. The raptors got up and hissed. They ran away from the herd, hungry. Ali and her mother walked over to Littlefoot.

"You okay?" asked Ali's mother.

"I think so."

The first rays of the sun appeared. Because of them, Ali saw the slash, He would recover, but the thought of almost losing him taunted her mind. She rubbed his cheek while a tear rolled down her cheek.

Littlefoot felt the drop of water. He didn't understand why she cried, but he remembered the raptor almost slashing his throat. It barely missed, but he felt claws digging into his scales. She must have seen the scars.

"Ali, I promise I'm alright."

"But Littlefoot, the scars."

"I know, but I'll live. You don't have to worry. I'll always be here."

"Littlefoot," interrupted Ali's mother, "we must go. The bright circle is rising, and those sharpteeth will return in greater numbers."

Littlefoot understood. He lifted his head away from Ali and faced her.

"I'm alright."

The three longnecks walked back to join the herd.

Finally, the herd was entering the valley, which was a crater. They had been walking for two days. Lucky for them no sharpteeth appeared. They walked into the fruitful valley and were welcomed by the longnecks there. The herd sighed in relief and respected Littlefoot for bringing them here.

Ali and Littlefoot walked around. She noticed he was looking for someone. She noticed his face lit up. He must have found the dinosaur. He walked up to a green Brachiosaurs that was as tall as him but older.

"Shorty," greeted Littlefoot.

"Is that you? Man, I thought I was going to be bigger. Oh well."

Ali looked at Littlefoot and then at Shorty. Probably they were friends.

"Ali, this is Shorty, my foster brother,"

She was stunned to hear the word 'brother' but greeted Shorty respectfully.

"Hi."

Shorty looked at her and then Littlefoot and then back to her. He smiled.

"Hi ya."

"Shorty, have you seen dad?"

"Um, he's somewhere. Probably by the water."

"Thanks."

Littlefoot and Ali left. Shorty walked in the opposite direction to find a tree to eat the leaves off of it.

"I thought he was going to be a friend, but I wasn't expecting you to say brother. He's a longneck but a different kind."

"He was adopted by my dad when we were younger."

Littlefoot spotted a tall, brown eyed Apatosaurus with a darker brown color that looked like him. He was drinking some water. Littlefoot smiled and walked over to the longneck.

"Dad."

The longneck turned around and greeted his son.

"Littlefoot, is that you?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Son, you had me worried. I came and visited the Great Valley to see how you were doing. They told me about your grandparents' deaths. When I asked about you, they hadn't seen you for many days. You worried me. I thought I lost you."

"I'm sorry, Dad. I was looking for you, because Grandpa and Grandma wanted me to. I was alone. So I left the Great Valley, but soon I met up with my friend's herd and stayed. Dad, this is Ali."

His father looked at the female longneck that appeared to be Littlefoot's age. She smiled.

"Nice to meet you sir."

"Call me Bron. Have you been keeping my son out of trouble? He's quite the adventurer."

"I know. Sometimes he gets out of hand, but I'm there to make it right."

Bron laughed as Littlefoot blushed. Ali looked at him and smiled. Littlefoot's blush faded, and he addressed his dad.

"Dad, before they left, my grandparents told me to find you for my final lessons of life."

"I think you have, son. You led a herd here safely. The only skills I could teach you were leadership and responsibility, but it seems you understand them."

Littlefoot thought about it. Probably everything happened to train him. Bumping into Ali's herd was no coincidence. His grandparents and mother maybe encouraged him to leave the Great Valley.

"Maybe you're right."

"Son, I'm proud of you. You've grown to be a fine leader."

Littlefoot nodded, "Thanks Dad."

A few months passed since the solar eclipse and departing from his father once again. Littlefoot lead his herd through the trails of the mysterious beyond. Now they were close. Littlefoot never wanted to go back, but he had to. He just hoped no one recognized him. Ali sensed that he was tense.

"Is something wrong?"

"It's been a while. I'm nervous."

"Littlefoot, I'm sure they will welcome you with open arms."

They cleared the pathway and stopped. Littlefoot was startled at what he saw. The Great Valley had died.