66 million years ago, the
fated sky boulder descended upon the Earth, on its collision course with
destiny. Creatures far and wide shuddered under the ominous shadow that would
soon close their chapter in the history books.
For one group of creatures,
fate was about to intervene in the most unlikely of ways…
In the swampy lowlands of Utah, the PixelSaurs thrived; Brontos, Rex’s, Tri’s, Air’s,
Claw’s and Venom’s lived side by side in relative harmony. Each would know its
place in the great circle, and each would stay true to the rule of truce.
Each species would know when it was their time to drink from the great basin,
or eat from the elder trees, or play amongst the leafy ferns. These breakaway groups of
Dinosaurs were much more civilised than their larger, wilder, and in some
cases, carnivorous cousins. Instead, the PixelSaurs formed societies, built
structures, and, for the most part, ate leaves, plants and Ginkgo fruits. For the PixelSaurs, their age
of civilisation was truly beginning and life seemed bright. That was until the
Day of Shadow…
It began like any other day; Skyfire rose between the split peaks of mount
Solace, and it was the Bronto’s turn to drink from the great basin. PixelSaurus
#0024’s neck arched over the water as she took down big gulps of water.
She
could see Skyfire’s reflection over the ripples as she drank; a comforting warm
glow that undulated with the surface movement. In what can only have been a
blink of a moment, the bright, familiar glow, suddenly seemed tarnished. She
lifted up her long neck to look at Skyfire’s true form, only to see a black
shadow across its top. Open-mouthed, #0024 stood agaze at the sight, as other
PixelSaurs raised their necks - almost mirroring her expression.
The chatter of voices grew steadily until one prominent and authorative bellow
silenced the PixelSaurs. #0001 – the eldest and wisest
Bronto, called a meeting of the heads of the six tribes, to talk about the ominous
event. After many hours, and now entering nightfall, it was eventually decided,
after much discussion, that it was likely a ShadowMoon – a rare occurance where
the moon can be seen in front of Skyfire.
Still concerned, but somewhat relieved, the tribes went their separate ways to
bed down for the night. All was quiet and peaceful, with only the faint sound
of the crickets in the grasses and the occasional scattering of leaves in the
wind. #0024 slowly began to close her eyes as she drifted off to sleep.
An hour or so passed, and she
was awoken to the sound of raised voices. PixelSaurus #0001, was talking with a
Bronto who didn’t seem to fit in with their tribe; she had a strange accent and
kept gesticulating in desperation to get her point across.
#0024 stood up and walked up to the pair. “Grandfather” she said “what’s
wrong”. He looked towards the stranger who then turned to her and said: “You are
all in grave danger, and I'm trying to save you. In just a few days from now,
a great sky boulder will destroy everything and everyone you hold dearest. You must listen to me. We don’t have much time, and you need to leave anything
behind that you don’t need”
Once more the heads of the six tribes were gathered – this time to discuss the
stranger’s tale. Strong opinions were had, and for the first time in a long
time, there appeared to be a distinct disagreement between them.
After careful discussions, they rose from their meeting table and slowly nodded to each other, seemingly
in agreement.
They beckoned the stranger over who recounted her story for all to hear; “I come from a time far in
your future – a future you will only have if you listen to me.” She then
recounted the warning of the sky boulder and laughter begun to erupt around her
– that was until she uttered her next sentence.
“We must travel south to the forest mountains of Antar, and you must bring the mystic stones with you.” It was with those two words
that the laughter stopped… replaced by a silence louder than any words could
fill.
PixelSaurus Rex #0053 stood
up: “How do you know about the stones? Their knowledge is known only to those
within the six tribes – you are not worthy of this knowledge”. The stranger continued; “I know of the stones,
because of their importance in my own time. Please - we have to get moving. You have to believe me – my own fate is now tied to yours.”
Bronto #0001 stood up, glancing around the five members seated around the
table, and then back to the stranger. “Please come with us.” he
said. And with that the leaders of the six tribes took the stranger to the
entrance of a deep and foreboding cave, the mouth of which was adorned with lit
torches.
“If what you say is true, you will pass the test that lies within the cave of
the mystics…”
