There is something missing from our world. The amazing creatures that time has left behind. But what if we could bring them back?
What if extinction didn't have to be forever?
We're going back in time on a safari with a difference as wildlife adventurer Nigel Marvin plunges into prehistory to rescue creatures on the brink of extinction. His plan is to bring them back to the safety of the present and give them a second chance.
This time, the team goes back two hundred ninety million years to rescue one of the most famous synapsids of all time.
Welcome to the ultimate wildlife sanctuary.
Welcome to Prehistoric Park.
XXXXXXX
After so many successful rescues, the park is filled with fantastic creatures. From dinosaurs to mammoths and giant arthropods, numerous extinct species now mill about with their modern relatives.
Now, though, Nigel wants to turn his attention to one of our ancestors...or at least, a relative of them.
XXXXX
At his den, Nigel is looking over pictures of a variety of reptilian creatures. All share a similar body plan - four limbs, long tail, long body...and a pronounced sail on their backs.
"These creatures are called pelycosaurs. The group isn't actually natural, but it's become their common name in recent years. They look similar, but some of them aren't closely related. All of them, though, share a similar body plan. Most famous amongst them is this one: Dimetrodon. When it was alive, it was the most dangerous predator on land. With all of the residents both familiar and obscure at the park, I think we'd be remiss to not try and rescue a few of these creatures."
As Nigel continues to look over the pictures, a cooing turns his attention to a birdcage in his den, where a group of pigeons mill about, unsure what to do.
"Oh, sorry, I almost forgot about you. You see, these are Passenger Pigeons. Most people are familiar with them going extinct due to human hunting, but they were around in the Pleistocene, and a flock of them managed to sneak in during our last mission. Bob's still finishing up a proper exhibit for them, so until then, their stuck here. Sorry, by the way."
The birds coo in response, though whether in relief, annoyance or confusion is anyone's guess.
XXXXXXXXXX
While Nigel readies for the mission, though, the rest of the away team has to deal with some unexpected residents.
Two horned giant collided, pushing with all their might. Horns shook and creaked, whilst nearby, onlookers watched to see who would win.
Eventually, sensing a stalemate, one of the herbivores backed off, only to swipe its tail at its competitor, who jerked back in surprise.
The battle for dominance was only just beginning.
Hidden in an observation tower, Lucas and Alice watched the hybrids clash, both taking notes to be sent to the rest of the staff.
"Look's like some things don't change, regardless of species."
"Ten points to you, Lucas."
"Ha, ha, ha."
"Though, seriously, why would you expect anything different? Nature makes things such that only the most fit pass on their genes."
"Care to give an example?" asked Lucas, having an idea of what she would use.
"Well, I suppose I could: boys always fight over girls they find attractive, don't they?"
"Indeed. Do you count yourself amongst the attractive ones?"
"As much as I consider you amongst those who have the strength and interest in fighting over me."
"..."
"...Bad example."
"Yep. Hey, shouldn't we be headed over to the portal annex now?"
"Good point. Quick, let's move!"
XXXXXXXXX
To rescue Dimetrodon, Nigel and his team will have to go back two hundred ninety million years, to the beginning of the Permian Period. At this time, vertebrates had only just conquered the land, and were just starting to consolidate their dominion.
XXXXXXXX
Emerging from the portal, the team finds themselves on the edge of a forest. Behind them, a dry desert coats much of the land, but ahead of them, beyond the forest and fern prairies, are mountains, the largest of which are topped in snow.
"Most people think of the Permian as being a dry time," noted Nigel, "but much of the Permian was actually part of an Ice Age. The Ice never reached North America, where we are now, but it's influence is felt worldwide. Those mountains are just the most obvious part."
Nigel readied to move forward, only to stop when he realized that Tristan and Elise had both frozen up...as had just about everyone else. Tristan, in particular, seemed to be holding something out in front of him. Sensing that something important was going on, Nigel slowly ambled around the group to see what was causing the shock. When he finally got a clear look, he too froze up.
Before the group was a yellow bellied reptiles, with a few purple lines on its sides. Most striking, though, was its backs, which was adorned with a blue sail.
This was, surprisingly enough, a Dimetrodon.
And Tristan was offering it a fish.
This wasn't that surprising to Nigel - the sail backed synapsid was a surprisingly powerful swimmer, and would gorge itself on sharks if it found them. In fact, nearby it was the mangled remains of a primitive shark, body mostly picked clean of meat. Nearby, standing atop a fallen tree, another sail back watched the group, but this one had a different head shape, was mostly muted browns and greens, and had visibly blunter teeth - this was an herbivore. An Edaphosaurus, most likely. Others were also visible around it, forming a small congregation. Unnoticed to the carnivore sail back, Tai and Sean were trying to coax the herbivores over with some lettuce.
Eventually, hunger wins out over caution for both species, and the sail backs crawl toward the group. When they are close enough, Alice activates the portal, allowing the boys to march the synapsids into the present. A moment later, they rejoin their companions as the portal snaps shut.
XXXXXXX
AN: Read and Review! This is Flameal15k, signing off!
