Cliffs

The chill was rapidly approaching the islands as the seasons shifted and changed. Even in the more tropical climate, it was obvious; plants withered and shrunk as the cold air sapped away at them, and the herbivores followed suit. It was time to migrate deeper into the island, where the more tropical areas lied. They would be safe from the approaching winter for a time, and any amount of time was valuable in the life they lived. However, it was a tough journey- the best parts were surrounded by high, jagged mountains and cliffs. Predators stalked every corner, keen to single out the weak and injured at their most vulnerable.

A small herd of styracosaurus trudged their way through a treacherous mountain path high below sea level. It was a daring path- one few herbivores took, as the cliffs were high and sharp, and a single misplaced foot would result in a dinosaur meteor. But still, the three herbivores pushed on. They were daring where others would not- they answered the call of the sun and followed her through her path through the sky. And the sun had traveled this way, so they did as well.

Solstice led the herd, as always- yellow feathers blown harshly by the wailing wind, but he was unfazed in the face of danger. He was the one who read the sun's path, and who interrupted its messages- the leader of the Sons of the Sun. Many had rebuked them and their ideas, but Solstice held firm in face of their scalding criticism- jealous, for they were far from her light while he was born in it. Despite his round shape he was elegant and sure as he traveled across the cliffs, confidently putting each foot forward. Sharp rocks grazed and tore at his feet, but they were strong from years of travel. The height had little effect on him- if anything it made him bolder and more energetic, so close to the sun.

Behind trailed his daughter- an adolescent female known as Radiance. She appears extremely similar to Solstice, having a similar yellow hue and the same scruffy feathers. Her eyes also sparkled with adventure and mischief, and something darker deep down. She pranced after her father, following in his footsteps. Often she would stop to peer down below, looking at the world below. When they passed the carcasses and bones of those who failed to make it, it was not pity that stirred in her gaze, but glee and pride. Radiance had survived where others had not, and she was proud of the fact- and scornful to those who had not made it. With a little laugh she kicked away one of the bones, watching with fascination as it clattered down the slope, chipping off with every rock it hit.

The third member of the group lacked their gleeful passion for the mountains. Charcoal trailed behind the other two, much slower and much more careful in his steps. He carefully avoided looking at the cliffs, and avoided getting too close to the sides for fear his head would start spinning. The styracosaurus looked ahead to his step-father and half sister. It seems he lacked their drive for adventure and heights- perhaps it was genetic? The grey herbivore shook his head at the thought, no time to linger. Slowly he trotted after them, carefully scanning ahead for any potential falling hazards or other signs of danger. However, he was so distracted by by terrain, he failed to notice what lay ahead- brown feathers ahead pressed to the ground, and yellow eyes scanning him.

With a screech the raptor jumped forward, pouncing on Charcoal and sinking his claws into his back. Charcoal cried out in fear, shaking his head rapidly and attempting to buck it off. However, all his frantic motions accomplished was causing him to trip and collapse- concerningly close to the edge of the cliff. The grey styracosaurus paled even more as he came face to face with the drop- but the heavy weight of the raptor on his back made that no option, even as the ground crumbled under their weight.

The pounding of footsteps broadcasted Charcoals salvation. Solstice and Radiance charged in, furious bellows leaving their mouths and making the ground shake all the more. Radiance was smaller and faster and struck first, her first blow knocking the raptor off of her brothers back. Charcoal was quick to heave himself to his feet, and Solstice was quicker to nudge him away from the crumbling cliff edge. The two were quick to back away- but the other two were not.

Radiance stayed, despite Solstice’s warning bleat to return. The yellow styracosaurus had the utahraptor cornered against the cliff, horn pointed at it. The raptor was clearly hurt, a deep wound in the leg making it unable to jump or escape. Solstice bleated again, but Radiance ignored it. The raptor whimpered in fear, bowing its head down- there was no need to keep fighting. They had won, and Charcoal had barely suffered any injuries. But Radiance was not done.

Slowly she approached, forcing the raptor further and further back against the cliff. The poor creature shrieked and fanned its wings in an attempt to balance- but that is when Radiance struck. With an almost gentle tap she pushed the carnivore with her horn- sending it off the edge, its screech of pain growing all the quieter as it got further and further away.

Solstice and Charcoal stared in silence as Radiance made her way over with a proud little swagger. One was much more horrified than the other- but before Charcoal could raise a protest, a harsh gust of wind had him shivering and lowly calling out a request to move on. Solstice agreed, and the three began their trek once more- with Charcoal careful to keep a distance from his sister, now more aware than ever of the strange gleam in her eye and wanting no part of it- lest her find himself taking the same path as the raptor.