The Further Adventures of
Scamper
The Penguin
Introduction:
Hi! My name's Scamper. I'm the leader of my flock, and I go on a LOT of adventures. Since you're reading this, you've probably already heard of my adventures as a little chick. But if you haven't, I've basically been shot-at, nearly drowned, almost eaten, and scolded very hard during that period. Of course, I did meet a lot of friends. Take Snowflake, for instance. She's my mate. I met her for the first time well before we even started school. She's very timid, but she's safe under my protection. Sure, her worrying can be a little irritating at times, but she's my best friend and I wouldn't trade her for anything at all. Of course, when I'm not available, she's not afraid to take matters into her own flippers. Then there's Cowboy, a husky dog who was with the men from that animal protection program. Every summer, he comes with the animal protection people and helps us penguins out. Then there's Louie, a Macaroni Penguin that I haven't seen for two years already. He was a great friend. He helped me and Snowflake escape from the clutches of evil poachers who were going to sell us to a zoo somewhere. No one knows where he is, and no one knows if he'll ever come back. But one day, all of that changed...
Prologue: Winter of 1986
Scamper, Snowflake, Louie, and all the other penguins were congregated outside of the nests at the request of Mr. Feather. The sun was about to set, and pretty soon, the whole continent would be engulfed in darkness. Scamper was wondering what the meeting was all about, when he and Snowflake were tapped on the shoulder by Louie.
"Scamper, Snowflake," said Louie. "I've made up my mind. I'm not coming with you guys to the ocean." Scamper felt his heart sink. Snowflake was also depressed when she heard this. Louie had been their friend for quite awhile, and they all went through a lot together. Scamper and Louie were almost brothers.
"What?" asked Scamper. "Why?"
"Because," said Louie. "We were lucky enough to be able to find your flock, but I still have to find mine."
"Okay, but can Snowflake and I come with you?" asked Scamper. Snowflake nodded at this, agreeing with Scamper.
"You guys are already home," said Louie. "But I'm not. Not yet. I don't want to be responsible if I accidentally lose you guys."
"But Louie..." began Scamper. Mr. Feather cleared his throat and raised an eyebrow at the young penguins, indicating that he was ready to speak. Scamper and Louie stopped talking and listened to Mr. Feather's speech.
"We were all lucky to escape with our lives in the battle against the bad men," said Mr. Feather. "Soon it will be dark and cold again. But, we have to look forward to next year, when we'll need a new leader."
I wonder why papa isn't the leader anymore, wondered Scamper. After all, he's not dead or even injured. Hey, where is he anyway?
"We'll need someone very brave," continued Mr. Feather. "And has an adventurous spirit. That's why I plan to nominate: Scamper!" Scamper was taken by surprise at this.
"Who, me?" asked Scamper. The whole crowd was agreeing with Mr. Feather's decision. Mr. Feather grinned at Scamper.
"Yes," said Mr. Feather. "I've appointed many of our leaders, and I know that you'll do a good job." Louie grinned too, putting a flipper around Scamper's shoulder.
"We know that you can count on Scamper," said Louie.
"Oh, Scamper, I'm so proud of you!" said Snowflake.
"This is a wonderful thing, Scamper," said Gracie, Scamper's Mother.
These guys must be nuts, thought Scamper. I can't lead all of these penguins by myself. I need someone to help me. Scamper turned toward Louie. Maybe he could use this as an opportunity to keep Louie here.
"Louie," said Scamper. "What about you? Can you stay and help me?" Louie put his flipper around Scamper's shoulder again, this time in a "goodbye" gesture.
"You'll manage, alright," said Louie. "I've got my own home to find." Louie backed away from Scamper, finally ready to leave them.
"Bye, Scamper!" was the last thing Louie said before he set off on the great quest to find his home. The Adélie Penguins of Scamper's flock were starting to miss Louie already.
"So long, Louie!" "Good luck, Louie!" "Goodbye!" called the penguins to the shrinking figure strolling off into the sunset. Then a chopping noise could be heard in the air. The penguins looked up and saw a bright red helicopter hovering above their heads. It was the scientists' helicopter, ready to take them back from whence they came. The red-bearded man and his dog, Cowboy, were inside, looking down at the congregated penguins as they left Antarctica. It was the ending of one time, and the beginning of another. The season of dark and cold once again came upon Antarctica. The scientists returned to their homes, Louie set off to find his family, while Scamper led his flock of penguins back to the ocean to spend the long winter as they always had: in the protection and abundance of the sea.