Chapter 2: Flying Lessons and Meetings

Character name: Skylar Young

Alias (pterodactyl name): Tara

Age (human): 18

Hair color: Ginger

Eye color: Brown

Voice Actress/ singing voice: Jennifer Love Hewitt

"Now spread your wings," instructed Pterano the next morning as we stood on a tall mountain ledge.

I followed suit and kept my head up, temporarily blinded by the sunlight. The breeze ruffled my wings so I straightened my back and kept my wings out. Pterano seemed pleased that we were doing a good job but he didn't say when to take off so I turned back to look at him for more instruction. Big mistake on my part.

His gaze was so gentle that I felt sweat drip down the back of the horn on my head. I gave him a shy smile but kept my wings out still. Suddenly, I felt his presence behind me and his claws caressed down my arms. My heart stopped in my chest and my wings and arms became motionless. It would be embarrassing if he could hear my heart beating because it went double the pace than it normally went.

"Do you want to feel the wind in your wings?" he whispered in my ear.

He was testing me, wasn't he?

"I'm ready to fly," I said quietly. "Can you please release my wings?" I mentally patted myself on the shoulder for not stuttering.

"Of course," he said in his normal tone, releasing me.

I leapt up in the air and flapped my wings feverishly but I started going down. My heart flew up into my throat and my head pounded with blood. Due to my fear of falling, I closed my eyes and braced myself but I landed on something hard. When I opened my eyes, I saw Pterano flying me back up to the mountain again. Gratitude filled my body because I didn't know he would catch me if I fell.

"Thanks," I said over the rushing wind.

"You're welcome, my dear," he answered, landing us on the mountaintop. He gave me a soft smile and rested a hand on my shoulder in a comforting, reassuring way. Judging by his gentle glance, he didn't mind having to save me.

"Are you ready to try again?" he asked after letting me catch my breath.

I nodded, standing up again. Oh, I was ready, all right!

…

"Good," said Pterano after a few tries; the last one was actually successful. "You finally did it. Good job, indeed, my dear." He smiled at me ecstatically and took my hand in his clawed one.

We sat for a few minutes staring into each other's eyes with smiles on our faces. Because I was so happy of finally succeeding, I impetuously threw my winged arms around his neck and gave him a tight hug to tell him thank you. At first, he seemed a little bemused by my behavior but then he returned the hug gently. His hold was so inviting that I just wanted to go to sleep but I kept myself awake by sniffing his scent. A strange musky smell filled the air that I never recognized before. What was this smell? It filled my body with unknown desire and love. Was this a pterodactyl's way to launch into mating? Was it mating season for pterodactyls?

When we broke to look at each other, our beaks got caught in the others and it prevented us from escaping. Pterano let out a laugh and he maneuvered our heads so we would be released. Once free, I took a deep breath and began to speak but a loud screech filled the air, alerting everyone in the valley that something was going on. We looked around as if expecting something to fall or an earthquake.

"It's meeting time," said Pterano, apathy returning to his voice.

"How do you know?" I asked, looking at him in confusion.

"Before I was banished from the herd," he started, "either Topsy or Mr. Longneck would let out a sound that alerted everyone around that we needed to discuss something. So, we should go and see what is going on. It's probably about you. It's not every day that we gain someone new in the valley."

"Oh," was all I could say.

"Let us go," he said, taking off into the sky.

I nodded and followed him. Sure, I wasn't the best flyer but at least I was finally in the sky and not falling.

…

Every species of dinosaur in the valley gathered in their respectful groups and Grandpa Longneck and Topsy stood in the center to discuss what was going down. I did not like the way Topsy glared at Pterano but I guessed that was understandable because the flyer did some dishonest things in the past, as any human in my world would know. Many groups were murmuring as they looked from Pterano to me but stopped when Grandpa Longneck spoke up.

"I am sure you're all wondering why I called you all here today," he started in a loud tone that got everyone's attention. "Today, two visitors have decided to come to our valley—one old, one new. I'm sure you all know Pterano."

There was a unanimous murmur throughout the crowd and some glared just like Topsy did but Grandpa Longneck regained peace.

"This is Tara," he effectively changed the subject by gesturing to me. "Mrs. Flyer told me that she joined her family recently. So, Tara," he now looked at me, "where did you live before this?" His expression was kind yet prompting me to speak but I didn't know what to say.

"Um," I stammered, shuffling on my feet, "well, I…uh…" I looked to Pterano for some help and he smiled at me kindly.

"She came from the Mysterious Beyond," he supplied. "I met her awhile back but she agreed to accompany me to the Great Valley. Does that sound viable to you, Mr. Longneck?" He gave the longneck a respectful look, pleading that it would work.

"Surely," answered the elderly longneck, nodding in reply. "Is she your mate, Pterano?" He cocked an eye suspiciously like saying "is she here because it's mating time".

"No," answered Pterano, going a little red in the face like I did. "We're just friends. Acquaintances, really."

"Ah," replied Grandpa Longneck before looking at the whole crowd, "well, meeting adjourned."

With that, everyone simmered away and Pterano and I flew off with Petrie and his family. I was pleased that Petrie's family took me in without hesitation. That was what a true family was and I knew it. I felt happy that I was in the Great Valley for once. Maybe living there wouldn't be so bad after all.

A/N: *motor powers out* Did you all hear that? That was my muse powering out. I hope you all like this chapter! Thanks to those who reviewed! I hope I won't disappoint you! Please comment! Peace, I'm out!