The air was filled with excitement. Five riders zipped by on their mounts as the crowds clamored and cheered for their favorites. The birds dipped and dodged in the scramble for first place. As the first race of the fall, for many it was a time for enjoyment, for some, simply happy memories.
"... And the final lap is here as our racers give it their all..." the announcer spoke.
One rider in particular stood out, his bird seemed like it was slightly past its prime.
"Come on girl, let's show them how it's done", Nod said, swooping near the pond they flew over and steadily gaining momentum. Passing two racers and easing into first place, Nod smiled triumphantly as he won the race by a wing. Having passed the finish line, Nod flew near the stands, extending his hand for some hive-fives.
"Ha ha, yeah!", he yelled as he righted his bird and landed promptly. Later Nod found Ronin in the milling crowd. He didn't think he'd come, what with all the work and the new recruits. Now that Nod was back to being a Leafman, he did put more effort into it, and was doing great. As a sort of compromise, Ronin let him do his own thing every now and then.
"Hey, did you see the entire race? That is how it's done" Nod said.
"Well, it was OK", Ronin replied, turning away to find his hummingbird.
"What do you mean ok, it was perfect. Some of those maneuvers are difficult to pull off", Nod retorted. He was happy with winning. By now, most of the people were gone, probably going home to eat supper.
"I know. Just try to be less of a showoff." Ronin mounted his bird. "Also, the queen and I discussed a new idea for ensuring the Leafmen's safety in combat, but we need to test drive it."
"That's easy, tell her I'll do it, I'd be happy to do it" Nod said, bringing his bird alongside Ronin's.
"Are you sure? Because no one is pressuring you to." Ronin pulled out a knapsack and looked inside it.
"Yes I'm sure, as a matter of fact, I'll do it as a personal favor for her", Nod bowed in his saddle as emphasis.
"Great, then here you go" Ronin tossed the sack to Nod, who looked at him expectantly. "We'll review the results in two weeks and see where to go from there."
Just then, Finn came up on his bird with a couple bows. "All set, ready when you are."
"Alright. If you need me Nod, I'll be at the archery range for about an hour", Ronin said over his shoulder before taking off.
"Ok, I'll head over to MK's before going home", Nod hollered back as he inspected the outside of the sack.
As they flew off, Finn asked Ronin, "How did you get him to do it?"
"Simple, reverse psychology", was the answer.
Meanwhile, Nod opened the sack and fished around in it, finding something hard inside.
"I wonder what's so important about this anyway? Whatever it is... Oh come on", he groaned as he pulled it out. "Really?"
In his hand, he held a shiny green acorn helmet.
Howdy readers! This is my first story ever, and I'm new to this fan fiction thing. I loved the movie Epic and wished there was a sequel. Been thinking about this plot idea for a while, so I'm planning it out. There may be some things out of character, that's not my forte but trying hard. Gonna try update weekly, max. two weeks; my internet at home isn't too reliable though so forgive me in advance. Please review, constructive criticism is good, positive even better. Also, does anyone know what is the name of Nod's bird or should I make one up? I'm assuming it's a girl unless I'm told otherwise. That's all for now, y'all take care.