We all know that I’ve not been very active on the forum, but in my absence, I’ve not just be twiddling my thumbs. I’ve been writing a lot in the form of fan fictions. I did a few kinky one shots that aren’t really worth making a thread about, but there is one with chapters that took me around a year to write. Even so, the quality is not that great. It is the first fan fiction I ever finished that isn’t a one shot. I did proofread it, but with my inexperience, I likely made a number of grammatical errors, plot holes, contradictions, confusing parts, and so forth, but I really did my best.
I feel that it’s decent for a first attempt at this sort of thing, but still, it’s a far cry from the stories of the veteran writes of this forum. I would also like to add that this isn’t a “pure” Land Before Time story. The content of this would never be considered in the making of a LBT movie. I blended a lot of Final Fantasy elements into it, so it’s a pretty crazy story. If you only like stories that could have been made into one of their movies, this story is certainly not going to interest you at all. I gave it somewhat of an RPG feel.
Anyone, let me continue by saying that it won’t bother me if no one has anything to say about it. I am well aware that it is very amateurish, so I give myself plenty of negative feedback as it is, heh heh. If you absolutely love reviewing and/or commenting, I won’t try and stop you, but my feelings won’t be effected if this thread is only littered with my own statements. I hope you fantasy lovers enjoy this a little bit. I’ll put up new chapters often, so at least there won’t be much of a waiting game to reach the end. So, that all being said, here is what my brain came up with over a year’s time. Oh, and because the prologue is very short and doesn’t really advance the story itself, I’ll start by posting the prologue along with chapter one. Have a nice day.
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The Land Before Time: Dawn of the Seven Heroes
I can face the world through a different light. Though it pains my heart, all I can do is fight, fight, fight! With the power of my mind, and the strength of my friends, I’ll put a stop to destruction ends.
I will follow my destiny no matter the path. Though danger looms within, I will find the courage to win, win, win! I’ll protect who’re close, and save who’re dear, and stop all the perils that keep drawing near.
I won’t give up and I can’t lose hope. Though the troubles are many and eases are few, I won’t stop till the job is through, through, through! As I gaze up and look all around, I wonder, is there really evil to be found?
Prologue: Read Me a Story Please
In which bedtime leads to an epic struggle.
The sun started to retire for the day, and the moon began to take its place. A warm, gentle breeze whistled through the fields of grass and tall trees. No children roamed about, playing and laughing gleefully as they tend to do; it was the time that they were tucked in for the night. A tall, stone castle stood above all else in the kingdom. From even its lowest tower, the entire kingdom could be viewed with watchful and caring eyes. Inside the window of one of the highest towers, a dim glow could be seen, as well as two shadows moving about.
“Okay, daddy, I'm going to bed now,” a small child declared.
“Now son, I know how much you like to stay up, but- wait, you want to go to bed!?” his father asked incredulously.
“Yep!” he answered cheerfully, jumping into his bed and pulling up his own blanket.
“My, you sure are growing up. This is the first time you've willingly gone to sleep.”
“I didn't say I was going to sleep, daddy,” he replied with a grin. “I said I was going to bed. Read me a story.”
His father had to keep himself from chuckling. “Where did he learn that one?” he thought to himself. "All right son, but remember your manners."
“Oh yeah! Read me a story please.”
“Good boy. Now, which one would you like to hear tonight?” he asked him.
“Well,” he began, “Is there one I haven't heard yet?”
His father pondered this. He walked over to his son's bookshelf, scanned over its contents, and then replied, “I'm afraid I've read you all of your books.”
“Oh... Well, what about one of your books? Got any interesting ones?”
“Hmmm. I'm pretty sure that what I find interesting, you would find boring.”
“Any story'll do. Don't you have just one story book?” he pleaded.
“I do have one, but you might find it boring at your age. Besides, it is quite long. How about I just make one-”
“Ooh! I love long stories! Read it! Read it!" the child exclaimed, getting very excited. His father hesitated, so the boy added, "I can just ask if I don't understand something.”
“Very well, but I can't guarantee we'll finish it tonight.”
“That's okay. You can just read the rest some other time then.”
“I only wish my wife was this agreeable,” he thought to himself. “I'll be right back,” he said aloud as he went to his quarters to retrieve the book.
He did not have to go far, since his room was just a little down the hall from his son's. His wife was snoring loudly, which blocked out the noise he made as he got the book down. He couldn't light a candle for fear of waking her, but he grabbed the right book with ease since it felt different from any of his other ones. He crept back into his son's room, only to see him fidgeting immensely.
“I was only gone a few minutes,” he said with a laugh.
“Yeah but, I've never heard anything that wasn't from a child's book before. I've never even opened one for adults before.”
“Probably because you can't read yet," he replied with a grin. "But who is to say if a story is for youth or the elderly? If you enjoy it, then it's right for you; it doesn’t matter whether you're young, old, or something in between.”
“Wow, I never thought of that.”
“Well, as you get older and experience things for yourself, you will also learn a great deal. Now, let's get started, shall we?” With that, he drew attention to the book.
It was covered in dust, yet appeared brand new- an odd combination. It had a golden inscription in bold lettering on the cover.
“What does that say?” the child asked.
“It says, ëLegend of the Seven Heroes,’” came his father’s reply. He opened it up to the first page. The book seemed completely new, from its binding, to its pages, to its lettering.
“How old is this book?”
“It’s many years old.”
“Wow, you sure take good care of it then.”
“But of course. This book is my most prized possession. Well, besides you and your mother, of course. It is the only copy in existence.”
“Wow. It must be super valuable!”
“You’re probably right. Now then, shall I begin?”
“What is it about?” he wondered aloud.
“It's about an epic struggle of young, well, why not have me start reading and see for yourself?”
“Yeah, that's sounds more interesting. Okay, I'm ready.”
With that, his father took back the book, and began to read.
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Chapter I: A Friend in Need, Makes a Friend Indeed
In which friends are left, and a friend is made.
The brilliant star known as the bright circle had been up for quite some time. It wasn't yet evening, but the day had already passed its brightest point. It was a warm day, and a cool breeze roamed through the trees. They began to dance back and forth, and a single leaf, called a tree star, broke free from its high branch and began drifting down slowly to the Earth below.
It was rather beautiful, with its deep green coloration and the way it fluttered about as gravity called it down. It teetered back and forth as it neared its destination, and drops of dew on its blade began falling off, like it was crying. It was almost like the little leaf was afraid of some impending danger, as it trembled through the air. As it neared the ground, the final contribution of its life became clear.
Chomp!
“Spike! It Ducky's turn to get first tree star of day!” Petrie exclaimed.
“Oh, that is alright. It is. It is. Spike is probably much hungrier than I am,” Ducky reasoned.
“Uh huh,” Spike agreed with a nod while chewing. He finished then knocked against the tree his snack had fallen from, causing many more to fall down, resulting in a pile big enough to fill the whole gang.
“Okay guys, let’s get some tree stars too!” Littlefoot exclaimed to the others.
“I’m gonna get some, but not because you told me too,” Cera responded.
“Huh? Did I say something wrong?” he asked her, confused.
“You’re not our boss. Whether I eat or not is not your decision.”
“Uh, it was just a suggestion; I wasn’t ordering anyone to eat,” he shot back, getting a little worked up.
“Sure didn’t sound like a suggestion.”
“Two berries say Spike finish off that bush before they stop arguing,” Petrie whispered to Ducky.
“You are on.” Turning to her brother, she said, “There is plenty Spike. You do not need to rush.”
“Hey, that no fair!” Petrie huffed. Ducky just giggled.
Spike simply continued eating, wishing that everyone would just get along.
“Would you like me to say ëOkay guys, I suggest we all get some tree stars, if that’s okay with all of you?’” Littlefoot asked, getting quite angry.
“Sounds good to me,” Cera replied with a shrug. “You just solved your own problem.”
Littlefoot sighed, knowing that this could go on all day if one of them wouldn’t be the bigger dinosaur.
“I’m sorry for starting this argument. I’ll try to be more careful in the future with what I say,” he said meekly.
“Uh, good,” Cera replied slowly, a bit taken back at his surrender.
Petrie picked Ducky two berries.
“Hello my friends, my friends hello. What is up besides what is normally up?” a familiar voice called as its owner approached.
“Oh hi, Ruby,” Littlefoot said. Seeing her alone, he asked, “Where’s Chomper?” When Ruby’s around, Chomper tends to be also.
“He’s still back at the Secret Caverns; he isn’t feeling well.”
“Huh? Is he okay?” Littlefoot questioned her, quickly concerned.
“Worrying is something you don’t need to do.” She sighed. “It’s his teeth again.”
“Did he lose another one?” Cera asked.
“No, Chomper didnët lose one, two is how many he lost. That is not a bad sign though; it shows how much he’s maturing. He even said he’d be okay by himself and that I should go ahead without him. Sometimes I wonder if he even needs me to look out for him anymore,” she finished with a low tone. “Even though it wasn’t yesterday that his parents asked me to take care of him, it certainly feels like it.”
“Do not worry, Ruby. Chomper will always need you. He will. He will,” Ducky added in a comforting voice.
“Thanks Ducky, but Chomper becoming independent is not a bad thing, but a thing that is good. All Sharpteeth, actually, all dinosaurs, one day learn to take of themselves. It’s part of the great circle of life. Still, it will be sad for me when he’s ready to be on his own. He may even end up leaving the Great Valley. That’s why I want to enjoy him as much as I can while I know I still can.”
Chomper had gotten used to his most recent mouth trauma and had headed toward the others. There was now only a short distance and a small bush between them.
“I wish Chomper’s parents had let someone else be his caretaker. I certainly don’t feel comfortable doing it, even after all this time.”
Chomper froze. He had done so right behind the bush, so no one had seen him yet.
“Ruby doesn’t like taking of me?” he said to himself as a small tear formed in his eye.
“I still regret agreeing to look after him.”
That was all Chomper needed to hear. He quickly took off, running back down the hill he had just climbed up, all the while wiping away tears.
“You see, I really care about Chomper, so I just want him to have the best care, and the best care is something I don’t think I can give.”
“Don’t say that Ruby! You’ve done so much more than just keep an eye on him, and even with that you’ve done great!” Littlefoot exclaimed. “Remember the first time he lost a tooth? He was so depressed but you were able to cheer him up when we couldnët. You have done so many things for him, and so well, that I can’t think of a better dinosaur to be his caretaker.”
“Me think so too. You do whole bunch of good for Chomper, like how helpful you been when he and Ducky trapped with Thud in Mysterious Beyond,” Petrie chimed in.
“Or the time when Chomper flooded your guys’ old cave. You did not get angry with him like many would have. Oh no,” Ducky added. “In fact, Chomper tolded me later that you were still nice when he broke those stone teeth, and that made him feel much betterer.”
“Thanks guys, to all of you I thank,” Ruby told the group. “Well, I’d better go see how he’s doing.” She stooped over to pick up a crawler she had spotted, explained “In case he’s hungry and his mouth is feeling better,” then headed back to her cave.
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“I guess I’d better go back to my parents’ place. I’ll just tell them I was ready to go home. I don’t want them to think badly of Ruby,” he thought to himself as he trudged off into the Mysterious Beyond. “Maybe I’ll get lucky and see Elsie again.” He slid down a small decline that led up from the valley then continued his somber trek.
He was a bit nervous. After all, last time he came out to the Mysterious Beyond on his own he was nearly killed by some other Sharpteeth. He wished that he didn’t have to walk all by himself, but he didn’t know anybody way out here; his far-off parents were it. However, that was about to change…
Dark clouds had begun looming overhead. The sky puffies bulged with the large horde of evaporated water they had collected. They rolled in from all directions, shielding the Earth below from the warm, brilliant rays of the bright circle. It had been a while since it had rained, so plant life was sure to appreciate such an oncoming event. Chomper, on the other hand, would not be so happy about it.
The winds began to pick up slowly, but gained speed as the minutes passed by. The trees swayed back and forth, while smaller plants like grass and flowers shook violently. Flyers in the area sought land as the skies became unsafe for travel. The clouds wasted no more time and small droplets began to descend upon the land.
At first, Chomper was too fixated on the news he’d stumbled upon earlier to care about the bad weather very much. As things continued to worsen though, he came to his senses and looked for shelter. Try as he might though, he could not. A tree, having had its support uprooted by the strong winds fell over, nearly hitting him.
“Wah!” he exclaimed as he jumped out of the way just in time. More and more trees began to lose their hold and come crashing to the ground. They were fairly small, barely big enough to scratch a full-grown Sharptooth, but to a very young one…
“Look out!” a voice roared through the air. Chomper turned around and stood dead in his tracks. Another tree had lost its grip and was about to crush him when he was knocked back a good distance. The tree crashed to the ground and splintered off into several pieces- a safe distance from him. He looked up to see another Sharptooth, black, and about twice his size. He seemed to be around Littlefoot’s age and stood just a bit taller than him.
“Who’re-?”
“No time. Come on!” the mysterious Sharptooth ordered. He grabbed one of Chomper’s arms and raced towards a large rock formation that towered high up and over at an angle. He got underneath, pulling Chomper in with him. “We’ll be safe here. It would take a lot more than wind to knock this place over,” he roared gently but loudly enough to be heard over the storm.
“Th-thank you,” Chomper roared to the stranger as he shivered.
“You’re welcome,” he answered. Then he noticed Chomper’s discomfort. “Hey, you’re gonna freeze like this. You don’t have enough fat to keep you warm at your age. Come ëere,” he offered, holding out his arm. Chomper happily obliged and huddled in close to be somewhat protected from the chill. He had been much afraid, but with this new Sharptooth, he felt at ease.
Despite it not yet being even midday, Chomper was exhausted. The combination of traveling and his emotional trauma had drained him. It wasn’t long before he fell asleep, leaning against the stranger.
The storm raged on for a while, but fleeted as daylight took its rightful place. The bright circle broke through the clouds and one of its rays shined directly onto Chomper’s face. “Ungh,” he moaned while shielding his eyes with an arm. He didn’t stir right away, but when the realization of the day sunk in, he awoke with a start. He looked around, but he saw no one; the Sharptooth from last night was gone.
He got to his feet and walked out from under the rock formation. There were several small trees scattered across the ground, but the area didn’t look too bad. There was a squishing noise as he walked on the soggy grass while he got his bearings. While he wasn’t very far from the course he had been on, the fallen foliage completely threw him off.
“Where am I?” he wondered aloud.
“Not far from where you were before,” came a voice.
“Wah! Oh, it’s you!” Chomper said, relieved at the sight of the Sharptooth from earlier. “Where did you go?” he asked him.
“I’m sorry for not telling and startling you. You seemed very comfortable so I didn’t want to wake you. I was just getting these for us,” he replied while revealing a large, folded leaf he was carrying. Opening it, Chomper’s eyes fixated on a wide selection of buzzing buzzers, none of which flew away.
“Wow! These are for me too?” he asked as he began salivating.
“I said ëus,’ didn’t I?” he answered with a laugh.
“Oh boy, I love those! But, how did you get them to stay on that leaf?”
“Ah, that’s one of the tricks I’ve picked up in my travels. A buzzing buzzer nest is full of a sweet-tasting liquid called honey. I’m not keen on eating that stuff, but it works wonders on catching these delectables. You take a large leaf, break open one of their hanging nests, get the goo all over the leaf, then when these little guys fly in to attack you, you start swatting the leaf at the swarm, and there you have it- they all get stuck to it,” he explained.
“Wow, youëre so smart!”
“Heh, I’ve just been around, that’s all,” he replied, handing the buzzer-covered leaf to him. Chomper took it with a hearty round of gratitude. He picked some off and munched on them gingerly, so not to aggravate his mouth pain from earlier.
“Anyway,” the stranger continued, “if you don’t mind my asking, what’s someone as young as you doing out here all alone?”
Chomper had been warned by his parents against telling too much to strangers, but he had really warmed up to this one. He had saved his life after all. “I just found out that one of my best friends wished she’d never met me, so I ran away,” he replied gloomily.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. That’s just awful. I shouldn’t have asked such a thing. How about something more pleasant, like, what’s your name?”
“I’m Chomper, but I don’t mind talking about what happened. I was just about to meet up with my friends when I heard one of them say that she isn’t comfortable looking after me.”
“Oh my, that must have really hurt.” He paused, trying to think of the best thing to say next. “You know, Chomper, that story sounds pretty hard to believe.”
“What!?” Chomper asked incredulously. “It’s all true! I’m not lying!”
“I dunno. You seem too mature to need someone to look after you.”
Chomper now turned red at his outburst. “Oh, uh, thank you. I didn’t mean to-”
“Don’t worry about it,” the stranger roared gently. “I should have said that in a better way.”
“May I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“What’s your name?”
“Oh, you’re right. It was rude of me to ask about you without introducing myself first. The name’s Dusk.”
“Will you be my friend Dusk?” Chomper asked him.
“No, I will not be your friend because it looks like I already am,” he replied with a grin.
“Thanks,” was all that Chomper could think of to say.
“Anytime.”
