From the Spotlight to the Alley

Chapter 2: Fly Hard

It was a long descent down, but Nigel didn't mind. This combination of of these bright new colors was something he was just dying to see. Yeah, because he lived in the jungle, red, orange and tan were colors he was used to seeing, but they were usually overpowered by the rich, green of the trees and vines, leaving the varieties of yellow, red, orange, and blue looking like little toppings on an overgrown salad. (Though he wasn't even sure of what a salad was.)

He whipped over the rooftops of the cluttered village. Along the streets walked these odd-looking creatures; they had skinny, bony "wings", they were completely naked of any feathers, and their beaks were incredibly stout. Though some were quite attractive, others totally brought abomination to this new species he had discovered.

What were they? Some obscure breed of monkey? No, that's not right; they were much more civilized-well, at least, some were. They rode in these large steel horses without hooves, and some spoke in this unique code he didn't even understand.

Just in case he wasn't welcome in their territory, he remained out of sigh by perching himself on the building's rooftops. There were no words to describe how excited and curious he was. How long had this place even been here without him knowing?

Well, enough questions; it was time to explore the unknown. Flying from roof to roof, he basked in the delightful sounds of the creatures laughing, and the sights of them dancing while others twanged on these strings and pounded on these smooth-looking rocks that rested on their laps.

What a place! Oh, how his friends would enjoy this. Allowing himself to be engulfed in their music, he began to dance and enjoy himself with complete certitude that nobody saw he was there.

However, he became too careless, and fell off the roof. Unable to catch himself in mid-flight, he plummeted down to what felt like twenty-five feet, and crashed into a garbage can.

It all went dark from there. Almost as if unconsciousness itself socked him right in the face with a boxing glove.

He didn't know how long he'd been out, but when he opened his eyes, the sky was dark and a lit with brand new stars. Ugh, his parents were gonna kill him. His mom was just as dramatic as him, he wouldn't be surprised if once he returned, they were already arranging a memorial service for him.

He tried climbing out, but his wing hurt so much; he must have landed pretty hard and slept on it odd for it to hurt this much.

Just as he reached the top, he had to drop back down again once he heard someone come out the door the garbage can was placed next to.

Upon the entrance of the creatures a light bulb above the door flickered on.

Nigel peeked from the can and saw two of the creatures standing and speaking with each other.

"C'mon, Robert, can't I have just a little more time?"

"I already told you, Mike; if you can't find a promising act in three days, the deal's off!"

"But, you know how hard I try! Being a humane animal trainer is something I've always wanted to do!"

"Then I suggest you hurry up."

What were they talking about? Humane animal trainer? What did humane mean, anyway? He was starting to get the impression that these creatures were friendly to their own kind, only.

Once they left, he'd make a break for it. Sinking back down into the can, he waited for the motion-sensing light to flick off and the suspects to leave. But, his judgment was made too quick.

Trying to climb back out, he accidentally tumbled the can over, causing quite a ruckus, and attracting the attention of one of the people who was on his way home.

"Hey, who's there?"

His question was answered to the sound of a little cry for help.

"Hello?"

The cry answered back again.

Using his phone for a light source, Mike came across something he wasn't used to seeing around here since he was from the US. In the garbage pile, lay a bird. A big, white bird. Though he wasn't positive of what breed this was, it looked hurt; leaving it here to die would be completely heartless.

He carefully squatted down to pick up the little victim.

"Hey, buddy, what're you doing in the trash? Are you okay? Alright, let's get you back to my place, and check if you're okay."

Nigel didn't want to trust him, but he was too hungry and injured to run.