OK FINALLY overcame my time constraints and writer's block to get this friggin' chapter posted! Yes Mama's Girl, your prediction on the freaky fast biters isn't too far off.
They become prominent later on.
Well we'll see who pops up now! Some surprises maybe and *gasp* I actually threw in a small song! You get (imaginary) goodies if you can tell me where I got the song from (I changed the lyrics around a bit though). It's an obscure one from a rival film studio to Universal. XD
Chapter 2: FirstsPterano landed beside his sister’s nest. Most nights, he wouldn’t sleep in the nest itself, but on the rocky ledge above. It was his way of keeping an eye on his family. Tonight though, he wanted to speak to his sister. “Pterano.” She said, turning to look at him. “I heard the news.”
“You have?” he asked, surprised that word had traveled so fast.
“Yes… the vote to call you into the Council is convening tomorrow.”
“Wait… into the Council? I thought it was just to see if I could replace Littlefoot’s grandfather at a future date?” His sister solemnly shook her head at his words.
“No… you hadn’t heard?” she asked.
“Heard… what?”
Looking about her, she caped her wings about her body, and narrowed her eyes. “Pterano… there was a death today.”
“A death?” he asked in a whisper, looking down at the nest and his nephews and nieces. His sister regarded her children as well, then pursed her beak.
“Come on.” She spread her wings, and took off. “Children, uncle Pterano and I need to talk. We’ll be right back.” Pterano moved to follow his sister, the two flyers landing on the ledge where Pterano usually slept.
“What’s this all about?” Pterano asked.
“It only happened today. The eighth member of our Council, he suffered a fall today, and died of his injuries.”
“Where was this?” Pterano inquired.
“On the section of the wall closest to Threehorn Peak.”
“What was he doing up there? And who was it?”
“I can’t say what he was doing up there. It was Lothar though.”
Ptearno thought a moment, rubbing his chin and narrowing his eyes. “Lothar… the older one?”
She nodded. “Yes. Him.”
“So they’re voting on whether or not I’ll be replacing him, is that it?”
“Yes… but brother, there’s something you should know. It may be nothing but… do you know Mrs. Wimble?”
“The flyer that lives over by the Thundering Falls?” Pterano asked, nodding in her nest’s direction.
His sister nodded. “Yes. She was out flying in that area, near Threehorn Peak today. Well… as said… this may be nothing but… she claims that the area where he fell… it’s almost impossible to fall from there. And on top of that… she claims she thought she saw someone else up there with him… what she describes as a shadow moving up near where he fell.”
“Are you meaning to tell me that Mrs. Wimble thinks old Lothar was… well didn’t fall on his own?” Pterano asked, brows raising in surprise. “She’s saying someone pushed him?” Pterano emphasized.
“I… I don’t know brother. But it happened AFTER Grandpa Longneck asked if you’d consider replacing him. Shortly before the Bright Circle sank.”
Pterano paused here.
“We all learned about it tonight… and that our vote was going to become slightly… modified. The vote is now for you to JOIN the Council, and not just possibly replace Grandpa Longneck.”
“Now hold on, Tess!” Pterano protested, shoving his hands in front of him. “You’re implying that old Mr. Lothar was murdered? Who on earth would do such a thing? To what end would they possibly be aiming for?” he asked skeptically.
“Well… I don’t know Pterano… but Grandpa Longneck stopped by earlier… and as much as I hate to say this to your face… I think he trusts you. If one of our own is for whatever reason targeting the Council, then perhaps you SHOULD accept the appointment.”
Pterano’s eyes widened. “Why would I want any part of that? Authority is nice and all but… threats against my life? No… I didn’t sign up for that… AT ALL.” he emphasized. “I should turn this promotion as it were down at once! I’ll fly out to Littlefoot’s grandparents’ nest and tell them I can’t accept!”
He went to spread his wings, but he felt a tug on one of them, his sister grabbing him before he could “escape.”
“Pterano!” she glared at him now.
“Er… yes?” he asked, confused.
“Pterano…” she repeated. “Listen to me… all your life you’ve run from responsibility. You used to soar so high up in the skies to avoid all the arguing and differences of the others. You never liked getting involved… you always flew ahead and reported on what you saw and enjoyed your own little world. Pterano… it’s time. You need to step up and do this. BE the leader you always wanted to be! Grandpa Longneck is relying on you! He has faith in you… for whatever reason. But whatever reasons he has, he believes in you… and so do I. You can’t fly away from this. You’re the only one he can trust apparently… so please… don’t shirk this. For his sake if nothing else.” His sister implored.
Pterano pursed his beak, furrowing his brow as he considered this. Grandpa Longneck… trusted him? What on earth for? What could he possibly do? He had NEVER led anything in his entire life, save for that herd! What sort of a leader was he anyway? There had to be some mistake… but his sister’s eyes held no doubts. They were genuine. They were asking him to do this.
Closing his own eyes, he sighed. “Fine… I won’t turn this down then. I’ll do it… for you. And for him I suppose.” He added.
“Good.” She said, nodding. “Now come on… let’s get some sleep… we have a busy day tomorrow after all.”
Pterano was standing on the outskirts of the circle, nervously shifting his weight from foot to foot. The meeting had been convened regarding his entry into the Council, and it had created quite the stir so far. Murmurs were already flying and buzzing around their heads as the potential fate of the flyer was discussed. Pterano could hear everything from “he can’t be trusted” to “maybe he deserves a chance” and everything in between. It wasn’t making him feel any more comfortable about being put on the spot like this, and he wondered if perhaps he’d not committed some error by accepting Grandpa Longneck’s request.
“Ahem… I’d like to have your attention, please.” Grandpa Longneck cleared his throat, and stepped forward. “Please… we need to put this to a vote. Now as you know, there are seven votes amongst all of us. My own, Mr. Threehorn’s, Mrs. Swimmer, Tess, Kevin, Sigismund, and Roose.”
Pterano had never personally met the last two, but he knew who they were. Sigismund was an iguanodon, and responsible for looking after the valley’s resources in times of crises, such as the swarming Leaf Gobblers. It had been decided that one was needed for such times, and Sigismund had been chosen to fill such a role.
As for Roose… he was a commander of some sort. He led the Valley in times of battle, as he was a very skilled combatant. He was a gallimimus and reputed to be very fast. He lacked the rainbow coloration of the Rainbow Faces however, and was a plain blue with green splotches. Pterano had never spoken to him as the fellow was said to be very quiet, and who knew what went on in his mind as he studied everyone about him with his sharp eyes.
Kevin was Hyp’s father, and he was really the only other one that Pterano didn’t know to some greater extent.
“Well! I’d like to start off by saying that this is a waste of time! Mr. Thicknose can replace Lothar! Or no one can! We don’t NEED an eighth member after all!” Topsy snorted, huffing as he spoke. “To even consider that flyer is ridiculous! He’s gotten himself into more trouble than good if you ask me!”
“But he did save Petrie.” Tess pointed out.
“So did our children!” Topsy persisted. “Pterano doesn’t deserve to be one of us! He was exiled for a REASON after all.”
“Yes and his exile has expired.” Grandpa Longneck reminded him. “He served his time and that time is now past. He’s been here for several cold times now, so I don’t see why this is such a big deal. I feel it’s natural that he should be on the Council.”
“But then we’ll just end up with all these ties!” Mr. Threehorn complained. “We can’t have that! I say it’s a good thing we’re down to seven members now! No more tie votes and headaches all the time! And knowing Pterano ohhhh he’ll always side with YOU long… neck.” Topsy emphasized the last words with distaste and rancor.
“Ugh… my dad’s at it again.” Cera grumbled, rolling her eyes. “You know… I don’t like your uncle very much Petrie… but my dad just seems to be trying to block him just because he doesn’t like him… I doubt he’s worried about Littlefoot’s grandfather after all. I mean… as much as I hate to admit this… your uncle DID save you. So he’s not totally worthless I guess.”
“Mmmph! He’s not worthless at all!” Petrie said in a lower voice, narrowing his eyes at her.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just be quiet. I’m listening.” Cera said, nodding in the adults’ direction.
“Then who do you propose to replace Mr. Lothar?” Hyp’s father asked now.
“No one! As said, we don’t need an eighth member! It just creates useless ties!” Topsy shot back.
“That’s unacceptable. We need an even number of members on the Council.” Grandpa Longneck replied, shaking his head.
“It just seems like you’re delaying these proceedings needlessly, friend.” This came from Hyp’s father again; he was frowning now and shaking his head. “We can debate this all day, but ultimately, we are here to vote on this very matter, so why not open up the vote?”
“Agreed… we ARE here to vote. So let us proceed in that case.” Grandpa Longneck said, nodding. “I vote to allow Pterano to join our ranks. I feel it’s imperative that he be given this chance to join the Council and help make decisions through consensus. I vote yes.”
One by one, the Council proceeded to vote yes, and Topsy’s name came up last. He grumbled a little, glaring at Pterano with malice, but shook his head. “Argh! It’s unanimous I guess! FINE! I wont go against the unanimous opinion of longnecks and siwmmers and fast runners and… whatever!”
“That’s a yes, then?” Grandpa Longneck asked.
“Humph!’ Topsy snorted in response.
“Then…” a smile spread across Grandpa Longneck’s face. “It’s unanimous. Welcome to the Council, Pterano!” he exclaimed.
Pterano hesitantly stepped forward, looking surprisingly shy amongst his peers. “Ahem… I suppose I can only say… thank you… and I’m humbled to be sitting among you on the Great Valley Counc-”
“Ohhhh stuff it!” Mr Threehorn interrupted.
“Hahah!” Pterano regarded Topsy with narrowed eyes, but only looked at him in profile as he walked by, not turning to face the threehorn. “It’s nice to see SOME as warm as ever concerning me.” He moved to Grandpa Longneck’s side. “Thank you once again for this opportunity. I promise… I won’t let you down.” For whatever you actually need me for, he didn’t add.
“I’m sure you won’t Pterano… I’m sure you won’t.” Littlefoot’s grandfather seemed to be implying something here as he gazed at Pterano with a sagely look… but just what it was was hard to say. The old flyer could only smile, and gazed out at the gathered dinos, smiling as he turned his own thoughts inward, wondering just what it was Grandpa Longneck wanted from him…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The voice belting out the song was strong, and belonged to a very red looking flyer, a carmine in color as he zoomed through the skies, a bold look of determination upon his features as he sang his heart out, looping and turning and performing rather impressive aerial acrobatics.
“A flyer is a winner and he’s never late for dinner. He explores everything he can out in the Great Beyond! You can always hear him shouting and you’ll never ever doubt it: To the skies! And what lies beyooooond!”
The tune was mostly catchy, and even though he was no star singer, he was at least on key for the most part. An equally red rhamphorhynchus flew after him, struggling to keep up with the dips and twists and dives. “Norton!” he called. “Norton! Wait! You’re sure a piece of work, you know that?”
“Hahah!” The carmine colored flyer called Norton turned in mid-air, flapping to stay stationary and looked back at his fellow flyer as he grinned. “I have to be Sylvaticus! Father would approve I think!”
“You don’t know that Norton.” The red Sylvaticus responded.
“No… but I’m pretty sure I’m right!”
“And since WHEN do flyers ever shout that?”
“Huh… well I’m sure father shouts it out! I mean what self-respecting flyer wouldn’t, after all? A flyer always has to be the best he can be!” Norton replied, nodding.
“Hah! Yeah… right. Whatever you say. Anyway, where are we heading today?” Sylvaticus asked.
“That mountain over there! I saw a few caves that would make perfect roosts for flyers! Who knows… we might… well let’s just take a look, shall we?” Norton suggested.
Sylvaticus sighed, and shook his head. “You’re hoping HE might be there… right?”
Norton’s face fell a little, and he nodded. “Yeah… I haven’t given up looking. You should know that by now. My dad’s out there somewhere… and I’m going to find him. I’m not ever giving that up.” Norton shifted his gaze to the great expanse stretching before them. “It’s a big world… I haven’t even scratched the surface yet. I CAN’T give up!”
“What if he was eaten by some sharptooth or something? I mean… that’s… within the realm of reason, right?” Sylvaticus asked.
Norton’s eyes only widened, and he flapped directly in front of Sylvaticus’s face now. “That… NO. He was too great for that to happen to him!” Norton emphatically insisted.
“Well I’m glad you have faith at least. My own family… hah. I don’t think I’ll ever see them again.” Sylvaticus shook his head.
“Ah. Well… shall we?” Norton nodded in the direction of the mountain peak. Sylvaticus nodded as well, and the two began flapping in the direction of one of the caves in the distance.
“So what’s it like for you?” Sylvaticus asked now as they flew. “I mean… do you feel incomplete without your father… or is it just more curiosity?”
“I… I don’t know, Syl.” Norton shook his head. “I just know I want to find him. He’s the only thing I have left… and yes… I guess it does hurt… thinking about it. It’s like a part of me isn’t complete… yes. Heh… it’s my purpose in life, I guess you could say.”
A sudden blue glow ahead of them caught their attention. “Huh… what’s that?” Norton murmured, banking toward the mountain now. The glow was emanating from one of the caves. It was certainly mysterious… and Norton had a sense of adventure about him, and he would never back down from something like this.
Landing on the lip of the cave, the red pteranodon gasped as his eyes beheld a crystal of the purest blue, pulsing and glowing as if infused with its own source of energy.
“Wow!” Sylvaticus breathed. “What… is it?”
Norton only shook his head. “I’m… not sure…” He started shuffling forward now, into the cave and toward the glowing blue stone.
“Hey! Norton!” Sylvaticus said, but Norton acted as if he didn’t hear his friend. It was as if he was being drawn toward it now… and indeed, the young flyer could hardly explain it himself. It was almost as if something within the stone was calling out to him… asking him to walk forward.
“Norton… I don’t think we should…” But Sylvaticus didn’t finish, as Norton wasn’t listening.
Norton walked forward, as if hypnotized by what he saw. Sylvaticus himself didn’t really see anything out of the ordinary here, but Norton kept walking, in awe. He stopped before the pulsating crystal, and stared into its depths. And before Sylvaticus could so much as react, Norton began to reach his hand out, stretching to touch the stone…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cliffhanger time! Wahahah! Let's see if I can update this on a faster basis than I've been doing.
