[Trade] Crashing Out

Crash's honey colored tail flicked behind him with glee as he approached the large booth. The colors of the massive structure awakened a feeling he couldn't name. Reds,blues,and yellows tinted the cloth that was hastily flung over the metallic deathtrap that the humans created. It reminded him of his own childhood journeys into the tropics. There was no knowing what kind of dangers one could find out there. Humans particularly were something that bewildered him – as even though they were gone, their structures still haunted the flora of his homeland.

Humans are such a weird bunch! It's really incredible how a group could be really stupid 'n smart at the same time. He would never be as dumb as that.

He snickered at the thought. If humans wanted to fly, why didn't they just... make wings? Why make a thing out of metal. Super complicated for no reason! No wonder they were all gone. Deciding he was finished with that thought, Crash jauntily approached the table that was set-up underneath the wing. The little cubby was decorated in string lights that matched the exterior, all twinkling at different intervals. Different items of various rarities lined the shelves – gems, jerky (for carnivores only), berries (for herbivores only), and at the very tippy top... a moon shaped headband. Crash took a moment to gape at the prizes, specifically eyeing the jerky as it shimmered in the dim lighting.

"Hello young chap! Do you want to take a stab at my game? Promise it's all legit! Swear on my mom's ol' egg tooth. Name's Cheron 'n the game is quite a simple – especially for smart folk like you 'n me!" Cheron's grin was so wide it almost looked suspicious; but how could Crash not trust such a nice gentledino.

Upon further inspection, Crash noticed the raptor that was manning the booth mirrored his own coloration in places. The bright beak that now stared upwards at his face was framed with stark amber stripes. It reminded Crash of how the sky looked like at sundown – tinges of light fading out as the night took over. Under normal cirucmstances, Crash would prefer to be hunting something that looked as delectable as the Oviraptor in front of him, but he was determined to keep up a positive attitude for this fair. It was only right that he behave himself considering that he was cordially invited to this place.

Crash remembered the night he heard word of the fair. The brisk winter air was starting to urge the leaves of fall to start their journey down to the ground. Crash could taste the bitter cold on his tongue as he opened his mouth to breathe. His feathers were coated in a layer of fresh snow. There was a loud caw in the air as several paper panphlets fluttered to the ground, dropped by a green and pink Tapejara. Crash scurried towards the new object in front of him, pushing his snout into the paper so he could get a better look at the words written on the page. 

Come one! Come all! To the grand Lunar Light Festival. Witness the heavens descend at the behest of our lovely host, Cheron.

Crash felt intimidated. Who was this Cheron fellow and why did he have aerial support? How did he write? Could dinosaurs write? Was this a human? Was the bird Cheron? Could Tapejara's hold writing utensils in their mouths? 

All were important questions, but none answered the most important: would there be food? It was really not ideal for Crash to make such a journey with the cold months approaching fast. He shuddered at the thought. He'd seen dinosaurs unable to survive the winter months before... he had no plans to join their frosted fates. He glanced at the paper once again, but found a line that he didn't note before.

Food will be provided to those who come. For you gluttons especially~!

That settled it! Crash would go. He shook his head and was reunited with his present surroundings: bird, meat, game. Crash mustered up all of the courage in his body and shook off his nerves, letting his adrenaline take over.

"Oh absolutely, good feathery fellow! I would love to play your game. In fact, I'm probably the most elligible contestent you've seen in a while. I've got the brains, brawn, and teeth to take on any challenge you could put in front of me. Tell me what I have to do! I'll crush it."

Cheron looked astonished at the sudden burst of energy - making a loud squak as he covered his crest with his forelimbs. He quickly recovered and regained his usual confident exterior, flashing Crash a confident smile.

"Thadda' boy! The game is so simple - I'm sure you've got it in the bag. Funnily enough, that's the whole game too~ Just throw this -" Crash was presented with a rounded red rubber ball. "into the gilded hoop. You get three tries. Each successful toss gets you one point. Get all 3 in and you win a prize!" 

Crash thought this all sounded simple enough - I mean throwing a ball into a hoop was easy... right? Crash picked up the brilliantly red ball and made his first toss, easily landing it within the hoop. A small crowd was starting to gather at the unspoken promise of success. This first throw caused a few smaller dinosaurs to erupt in cheers. All of that caused Crash to puff up. He could feel the excitement around him as shivers of excitement flew down his spine. What a thrill! He struck a small pose and resumed the position - ready for the second throw. The ball was swiftly returned to him and with the thawk of his tail, the ball sailed through the air with a satisfying 'Thwip' as it made it in the hoop. Crash could feel his ego bluster at the promise of a prize... does he actually have a chance.

It was all on this. The last throw. Crash readied himself - he had already done it twice... what was one more time? He took the position and steeled his nerves. This was it. With one last eager movement of his mouth, the red ball began flying through the air. Crash could feel his heart beat in his chest. This was it. He would win....

The ball landed on the floor. Inches away from the hoop.

"GOSH DAN-"

and he screamed.