Cyrix gave a sad smile of his own as he stepped forward.
"I know it is never easy to see those you care for fighting like that, even when they are new to your home." He then took a moment to look Littlefoot in the eyes. "But what is important now, above all else is that you stand up for them. Show them that you are the stone that holds them together, like a tree holds the leaves. You have to let them see that no matter how many times your feelings are hurt, or how scared you are, that your heart is strong enough to let you look them in the eyes and still stand as if you'd just saved the valley." He stopped speaking to allow Littlefoot a moment to try and digest what he'd said.
~~~~
Longtail faced Rob for several moments before shedding several tears. When the young flyer spoke, his voice cracked with both sorrow and rage. "I am so tired... of being angry all the time! Even when I'm happy, I can still feel my anger deep down inside me, just waiting for a reason to escape!" His voice while still laced with rage, became louder as he started to shout. "I am more than just anger and rage! I am a flyer, but my emotions ruin everything in my life! I'm not afraid to show what I can do, but whenever I get the least bit angry or upset, I just lose control! And the worst part of it all is... that I like it! But I know I shouldn't, I know I should stop and think things through!"
He took a breath and shuddered, turning away from Rob for a moment before speaking again, this time all the anger in his voice was now replaced with sadness and fear. "Even when Zaine mentioned my mother... I was angry, and that is the first feeling I used... even though I really felt sad inside... because he was right... he's always right. Zaine... makes me feel safe, even when I know I'm going to do something that could kill me... he helps me... even when he doesn't know it... I'm tired of being angry, I don't want to be angry anymore, not at Zaine, not at Uncle Cyrix, or anyone..."
Longtail then broke down and began to sob openly. "I don't deserve to have friends, or a family!"
~~~
Rick felt his heart skip a beat when he heard what Zaine had said. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out a quarter showing it Zaine in the light. "Zaine" he stated with a sigh. "You of all the dinosaurs I know, are not weak, and you are foolish for thinking such things. You may not have any claws, sharpteeth, or spikes to fight with, but your strength, your true strength lies right here." he said as he pointed to Zaine heart. "You may feel like nothing you do works, when Longtail loses his control of his emotions, but you'd be so far from the truth. In fact, your voice is what brings him happiness. Just being near you, lets him relax even if his face and body doesn't show it right away."
He then flashed the quarter again, being sure to show off both sides. "You see this shiny stone, on both sides are pictures. One of a flyer, and one of a human like me. You Zaine, are the human. Wise, strong, and above all, reliable. Just like Longtail is the flyer on the other side. You two, are halves of the same stone. Where Longtail is fierce and headstrong, you are clam, and confident showing that you two are meant to be friends no matter what."
~~~~
Grandma Longneck had stopped near the fast water and had a small drink as she watched the wind blow through the leaves in the trees with a content smile on her face. "These times, are just so peaceful. I love being able to take a moment to enjoy things like this." she commented aloud to herself.
