The animals wandered the valley, their tongues dry and their eyes pleading with the silent sky for rain. Each day the sun seemed to burn hotter, and the hope for water grew smaller. Somewhere deep within the valley, one last water hole remained, hidden where few dared to go.

All the animals knew that the last water was inside the den of the great lion, whose presence kept everyone at bay. If any dared approach, a terrible roar would shake the stones—"This is MY water!" echoed through the silent valley, and the frightened animals scurried away, thirst gnawing at their bellies.

The wise old turtle watched as the animals grew restless, their patience thinning with the rivers. "They are getting angry," he warned quietly. Remy the rabbit, small and gray, lingered at the back, her paws empty as the others began to gather stones, eyes fixed on the lion’s den.

Remy paused at the entrance, her heart pounding. She crept inside, past the echo of the lion’s breathing, to see the truth for herself. There, in the gloom, lay the lion, not fierce or angry, but curled and weary, his golden mane dulled, his eyes heavy with sadness.

Remy stared, awestruck, at the heart’s gentle glow. "I'm not keeping the water from you," the lion whispered, his voice soft as moss. "I'm keeping it for this. This is the heart of our valley. If the water dries up, the heart will break. And then our whole home will turn to dust forever."

Remy rushed through the grass, her mind racing. In the clearing, she found the others gathered, still clutching their stones, ready to chase the lion away. "Stop!" she cried, her voice trembling but clear. "The lion isn't greedy! He's been protecting us all!"

Inside the cave, they see the lion standing guard over the heart, his exhaustion plain. The bear steps forward, a soft promise in his voice. "We will help you," he says, as birds offer worms and foxes gather dew to cool the lion’s brow. Together, they take turns watching the heart, letting the lion finally rest.

As the animals share the task of protecting the valley’s heart, hope returns. Suddenly, a gentle rain begins, each drop sparkling as it falls. One lands right on Remy's nose, and she laughs with joy. The earth drinks up the water, and green shoots push through the soil.

The lion no longer guards the heart alone. The animals play by the water, their voices mingling in happiness. Deep in the cave, the crystal heart glows—stronger than ever—because now, everyone shares in its protection.