Birds Of The Same Feather: 4-5

Chapter Four

The closer Pete got to his destination he heard the sound of music coming from short distance inside the forest. Pete became excited as he began to juke (dance) to the beats of the hotmix being played. Project Pat song “Chicken Head” was beating loud and the trees and ground trembled with bass! He started pumping his shoulders as he walked and bobbing his head. He was definitely a party bird! Dignitas didn’t know what he was doing and simply looked at him as if he was crazy and laughed. Soon after, Dignitas found himself being drawn into the beats of the music as he began to shake his tail feathers.

Along the path they passed by beautiful exotic birds. Flamingos, Parrots, Love birds, Canary’s, Blue Birds, Ostrich’s, rare ducks and geese. Yet the most beautiful of them all captivated him – a Peacock! Yes, there was definitely a party going on and all of the birds were there! The female fowls were nicely dressed in provocative clothing and stiletto heels, as large earrings dangled from their ears. All of their crowns were nicely done and curled. The male falcons and hawks seemed to dominate the party. They were there in flocks! Many were standing around holding cups of tropical fruit juice watching the girls. Others were sitting at tables playing poker and other card games. You even had a thuggish bunch hanging out in a corner, under a tree shooting dice, using blueberries and other fruits to place their wager. They even had a bar and slot machines set up. Everybody was having a real good time. As soon as Pete got there, he seemed to immediately get lost in the crowd and Dignitas found himself alone, yet unworried as he too began to mingle. The song “Body Language” by Grindin Pun started to play.

Yet with all the activity going on around him, Dignitas kept turning his attention towards two specific birds. First was the beautiful peacock that danced so seductively, and second – a well seasoned, piano playing bald eagle whom obviously had not lost any of his youthfulness! He was much older than everyone there, but his vigorous spirit was contagious and Dignitas felt naturally drawn to him.

The hot mix eventually came to an end, and Dignitas watched the sexy peacock walk away from the dance floor. Her beautiful tail feathers swayed and put Dignitas into a short trance. The bald eagle started to strum his piano as a live band began to sing “Exotic” the newest released hit single sung by rap star Grindin Pun, with the beautiful piano cords performed by Les Paul Roque.

As the song played, Dignitas became instantly hypnotized by the beautiful peacock. She and he locked eyes and held a long inviting stare. The beautifully colored bird began to dance again in a tempting swaying motion, as she drew Dignitas in deeper to her. Dignitas gave her a warm smile, and she returned a seductive smile back. Just as Dignitas was about to approach the peacock while they were still locked in an enchanting gaze, it was rudely broken by his pigeon brother Pete, when he jumped in front of Dignitas.

“Hey there buddie – whatcha looking at, Pete teasingly asked Dignitas, as he turned to look behind him at the pretty peacock?”

“Nothing – Dignitas responded with a huge adoring smile spread across his face!”

“I think you’re lying! You like the girl, don’t you? Well, you might as well give up on her – she’s Vito girl, Pete continued to tease.”

“Vito? Vito the vulture? The same Vito that had his foul smelling friends tie me up? You have got to be kidding, Dignitas yelled out in disbelief!” She is so beautiful, and he is so mean and filthy. What can she possibly see in him?

Pete looked over his shoulder once more at the peacock who was still twisting her tail, swaying to the song “Exotic”.

“I don’t know Dignitas, but you can ask her yourself – she’s coming this way now!” Pete made a quick escape and headed for the punch bowl.

With no delay, Dignitas became overly nervous. His keen eyes searched the forest for an escape, someone to talk to, any reason to retreat, but his attempt was unsuccessful. Then miraculously, he was saved by the piano playing bald eagle.

“Come-on over here son. Come and keep an old bird company for a while, the eagle waved his huge wing signaling for Dignitas to come near.”

The beautiful peacock had finally reached Dignitas, but he shot past her like a rocket and retreated safely to the presence of the old eagle. The bald eagle gave a slight chuckle as he removed his eye glasses and cleaned them with a soft leaf. Little beads of sweat formed on Dignitas forehead, and his feathers began to fluff up from perspiration. When the eagle saw this, he chuckled once more.

“So, how’s it going my colorful new friend, the old bird asked Dignitas?”

Dignitas didn’t hear the eagle speaking to him, and therefore did not respond. He was too busy being distracted by the amazing peacock who had again locked eyes with him.

“Son, the eagle called? Son – look at me son! Whew-who! Over her son – the eagle snapped his fingers to get Dignitas attention.”

That didn’t work at all, so the old bird strum a key on his piano hard and long, and that was the only thing that mad Dignitas snap out of his gaze.

“There ya go! I thought I had completely lost you for a moment there. Yes, it seems as if a beautiful ladybird can still stiffen some feathers, the well seasoned eagle taunted as he looked over the top of his glasses at Dignintas.”

“She is amazing! I have not seen any bird in the forest as beautiful as she, Dignitas adoringly replied as he took another glance at the peacock.”

“What’s the matter? You don’t like Flamingo’s in stilettos? Boy what’s wrong with you – the eagle laughed loudly? He rose from his piano and extended his wing to Dignitas. “The name is D.J, and as you can see I am the D.J! Do you get it son, the eagle joked as he chuckled and slapped Dignitas across the back? “It’s about time to wrap this party up. It’s been a long night and these baby birds are too much for an old bird like myself to keep up with! What’s your name son, the eagle asked as he slowly began covering his beautiful Grand Piano with a protective tarp?”

Dignitas threw his shoulders back, poked his chest out, stood tall and replied – “My name is Dignitas Singularis.”

“I like the way you said that kid. Who gave you such a prestigious name, the eagle questioned as he raised one eyebrow?”

“My pigeon mother gave it to me, Dignitas answered proudly.”

“Really – the eagle responded with surprise! My great grandfather was named Dignitas!” The old bird limped slightly due to a bad knee and made his way over to Dignitas. He took his glasses off, cleaned them once more, put them back on and leaned in closer to get a good look at Dignitas. He walked around Dignitas as he slowly looked him up and down from head to toe. He examined his tail feathers and glorious crown. He pushed his glasses up real close to his nose, gave a bit of a squint and then spoke…..

“Son, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you aint got a speck of pigeon in you! You stand taller than me. You bigger than me, and your wings are huge! Where in the heck did you get the idea you were a pigeon son? Did that boy over there tell you that fib – the eagle asked as he nodded his head in the direction of Pete the pigeon?”

Dignitas gave a bit of a low grunt, as he wasn’t too pleased with the eagle sarcastic remarks. “I know I am not a pigeon, that is obvious to me sir. I also know she is not my real mom. She took me in when……he suddenly stops talking! Look – it’s a very long story that I am frankly tired of telling! Can we please just drop the entire conversation, Dignitas requested frustratingly?”

The old eagle could easily see that the topic was a very sensitive one for the still young fowl, so he agreed to drop it. “Yeah kid – we can drop it for now, but only if you promise to tell me later. I am diggin’ that name of yours. It’s unique and almost one of a kind. I haven’t heard it in centuries, the eagle agreed as he gave Dignitas a long, questionable stare.”

“Thank you – Dignitas responded as he breathed a long sigh of relief.”

The eagles attention however was now focused on activities across the forest. “Hey kid, it appears your pigeon brother and adorable ladybird are getting quickly acquainted. You two do know that’s Vito girl – don’t ya? She is trouble waiting to happen! Stay away from her! The both of you – the eagle instructed.”

“Yes, I know. Pete told me. He made it seem like getting to know her would be such a terrible thing, yet he is all up in her face chatting away – and she doesn’t seem to mind his company, Dignitas replied in a somewhat jealous manner.”

“Well son, don’t worry yourself over it. You know, every weekend we have a baseball game right over there in the sand field right behind this here forest - D.J. pointed to the field. You are more than welcome to play with us. Your pigeon brother is on a team I coach. All of the other birds will be there, especially your ladybird friend. She’s one of the cute little cheerleaders, the bald eagle invited.”

Dignitas eyes lit up as a huge smile spread across his face. “Really - I would love to come watch as he visualized the beautiful peacock in a short skirt.”

“Ok then son, be there at 10 o’clock a.m. The game starts at 11 sharp, but I need you to help me get some things set up before the game. Tell your pigeon brother Pete to come along early with you. I’ll see you soon son. I gotta get home before the wife starts nagging.” The bald eagle completed putting the tarp over his piano and headed down the forest trail home.

It had gotten quite late and Dignitas was starting to feel extremely tired. He looked around the forest to locate Pete and just as he had suspected, Pete was still chatting up the beautiful peacock. Dignitas began to feel more and more jealous, so he decided he would politely break up their never ending conversation. He smiled devilishly as he casually walked over to the two.

“Excuse me Ms. Lady, may I have a word with my brother, Dignitas asked the peacock with a pleasant smile?”

“Oh my gosh – it’s a miracle, he can talk! For a second there I thought you were still the only bird left on earth that still chirped! I will make you a deal, if you tell me your name, I promise to stop talking your brother ear off – the peacock sarcastically teased with a dimwitted and dinky tone in her voice.”

Dignitas gave her an indecisive look as he hesitated, as he remembered what the lion father had taught him, which was – you can always determine the intelligence of a female from the conversations she holds. “My name is Dignitas Singularis, he replied proud and strong as he stood tall and stuck his chest out!”

“Wow, the peacock giggled in a goofy manner as she twirled her hair and popped on a piece of bubble gum. I must admit, you say your name with much pride. What type of bird are you anyway? Are you one of those last hybrids the humans made before the old world ended, she teased again as she continued to pop on that nasty bubble gum?”

Dignitas was totally hurt and offended by the peacock ignorance and sarcastic questions. He frowned at her, put his head down as he turned and walked away.

“I’m sorry – wait! The peacock reached out for Dignitas wing arm. I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just that I have never seen another bird like you before around here. You know what – just forget I said any of that. Lets start over – my name is Scarlett.”

Dignitas reached out his wing hand to shake hers. “The old eagle D.J. invited me to play baseball this weekend with everyone. He tells me you are a cheerleader.”

Scarlett shook Dignitas hand warmly. “Yeah, that’s right, she nodded her head. Me and a few of my friends cheer for the teams. We don’t pick a side. We cheer and encourage both teams to do their best. It’s all about having fun no matter who wins or loses. This weekend D.J - the bald eagle team is playing against a flock of pretty huge geese and falcons. They could definitely use a bird with your wings on their team. Pete also plays, and I am sure you will have fun, the beautiful peacock insisted.”

“I already told the old eagle that I would be there. I hope I see you there too Scarlett, Dignitas replied blushing quite a bit.”

Once again, Dignitas was rudely interrupted by his pigeon brother Pete. “Yes - we will be there Scarlett. Now since Dignitas is on the team, we are sure to win – Pete excitingly cut in.”

Scarlett gave Pete a scowled facial expression as she rolled her eyes at him, and offered Dignitas her attention once again.

“Yeah, un-huh, whatever – she replied sarcastically to Pete as she threw up a wing (hand) in his face, with her head cocked in the opposite direction!”

“See you there - Scarlett said smiling flirtatiously at Dignitas.”

Pete turned to Dignitas filled with excitement. “Isn’t she the most beautiful bird you have ever seen? I mean - there were some really cute flamingos in here tonight, but they didn’t have anything compared to Scarlett. And guess what Dignitas? She and Vito broke up, Pete stated enthusiastically.”

“I saw her first, Dignitas replied candidly, with no emotion.”

“Yeah – but I have known her longer, Pete replied with a mischievous look in his eye.” Immediately signaling a competition with his adopted brother, for the heart of the beautiful peacock.”

As the two continued their walk home, Dignitas didn’t say too much. He was lost in deep thought thinking of the next time he would see the beautiful peacock. Disregarding everything the bald eagle had told him not to do!

{The End - Chapter Four}

Chapter Five

The next day Dignitas was shocked when the beautiful peacock came to the barn to visit him. Many of the barn animals were outside watching the children play as they did chores.

“Who’s your pretty friend Dignitas, Cammille the cow asked?”

“This is Scarlett, I met her at the forest party last night, Dignitas replied smiling.”

“Scarlett? Why does that name sound familiar, Cammille asked as she patted her chin with her hoof in concentration?”

Pete stepped out the barn. “It sounds familiar because she is Vito the vulture girlfriend, Pete snitched.”

“We are not together! We broke up a long time ago, Scarlett corrected Pete in a scornful tone.”

“Oh – I’m sorry, I forgot! My bad – she’s Vito’s EX-girlfriend, Pete remarked sarcastically! So, SCARLETT who are you here to see, Pete questioned with an authoritative tone?”

Scarlett rolled her eyes at Pete as usual. “I came to see Dignitas, if it’s not a problem with you!”

Petes beak (mouth) dropped open in total shock. That was not the answer he was expecting. “Problem? No, there’s no problem! Not one problem at all! You two go right ahead, he answered to Scarlett as he stormed off towards the barn and shut the door hard behind him.”

Dignitas didn’t pay his pigeon brother any attention. All of his attention was focused on Scarlett. He was captivated by her beauty. She appeared even more beautiful to him today than she did last night at the party. They held hands as they headed into the forest for a walk.

“Hold on you two. Wait just a minute! Don’t you two move another inch – Cammille the cow yelled out.” She went back in the barn to retrieve a big picnic basket.

“From the looks of things, you two are gonna be gone for quite some time. Dignitas, you can’t keep leaving home without eating. It’s not healthy for you, Cammille stated as she held out the basket for Dignitas to take.”

As Cammille waited on Dignitas to come to her to grab the basket, she turned to Pete. “And you! You got one more time to slam my barn door and you gonna have a problem on your hands. Do you hear me Pete? I aint Paige – I aint gonna put up with your nonsense OR your temper tantrums!

“Yes maam, Pete responded respectfully to Cammille the cow.”

Dignitas walked back to get the basket from Cammille as he left Scarlett back in the distance waiting. “I want you to be very careful with her Dignitas. Vito is a very jealous and treacherous vulture. I don’t want you getting hurt because of her, Cammille the cow warned.”

“I promise to be very careful at all times. I have my cell phone with me and will call you if anything transpires, Dignitas assured Cammille.”

Leona the lion, her husband Leo, Cammille the cow, the coyotes, and a few other animals watched Dignitas and Scarlett head down the forest trail with the look of discontent. They did not like Dignitas being with Scarlett …… AT ALL! Dignitas and Scarlett enjoyed their first alone time. More and more visits continued with Scarlett that stretched throughout the week. They shared long walks, long talks, boat rides, playing on the swings, picnic fires by the lake, watching the two suns set, and on one occasion – a sweet long, intimate kiss. Dignitas adored the beautiful peacock and fell in love with her quickly. The weekend came all too fast. He awoke extremely late, however Pete had already been awake for quite a while before Dignitas, and was up totally refreshed and ready for the days game. Dignitas rushed at getting himself together. He had promised the bald eagle he would be there and he didn’t want to be late. He rushed out the door running for the huge sand field as the song “Runnin” by Les Paul Roque sounded throughout the lands. Pete followed behind him at a short distance in flight, although he wasn’t his usual talkative self. He seemed pretty cold and distant with Dignitas. When they arrived, D.J. the bald eagle was already there setting up his keyboards.

“Oh good – you two made it. You are a bit late. I didn’t think you two were coming. Never mind all that, I am glad you are here. I need to repaint the lines for the baseball diamond, the bald eagle informed them.”

“No – I said I would be here and I always keep my word. The father lion taught me that if I didn’t have anything to ever offer a person, offer your help and keep your word – so here I am! What do you need me to do first, Dignitas asked cheerfully?”

“My, aren’t you a cheerful and full of spirit today! What’s gotten into you son? This wouldn’t have anything to do with that pretty little ladybird – would it, D.J. the eagle asked with a tad bit of concern?”

As always – Pete jumped his rude beak into the conversation. “Yeah it does! He spent every day this week with her! Sometimes they stayed away for long hours. Cammille and Leona even became worried one night and sent me out searching for him. I found them curled up by the lake kissing, Pete snitched with a vengeance!”

The old eagle raised one eyebrow and looked over the top of his glasses at Dignitas with the most discriminating of looks. He walked around to the back of his keyboards and plugged them in.

“Pete, the old eagle began to speak – how about you go and start painting them lines. After that, get the dug-outs in order. I wanna have a word with Dignitas in private.

The pigeon brother stormed off the field with his arms folded, as he looked back at D.J. and Dignitas with anger.

“Pete – the eagle called out! Don’t walk – fly! And hurry up at getting it done, the bald eagle demanded!” Pete grunted and took flight.

“So son, is that true what your brother said? Have you and that ladybird been spending time together – alone time, the eagle interrogated?”

Dignitas held his head down in shame. “Yes sir, we have - he answered D.J.”

The eagle took a seat at his keyboards and made a grumbling noise of discontent as he plopped on the piano bench and let out a long sigh. “Huhhh, the eagle exhaled, son didn’t I tell you and Pete to stay away from that gal? I know she said she and Vito are no longer a pair, the gossip is all over the lands, BUT does Vito know that? Son, a male does not easily let go of his mate, especially one that is as beautiful as she. I can see the hostility building between you and your pigeon brother over that fowl. Trust me when I tell you that if any woman can date a filthy vulture, she not much of a catch son! You let her be! Don’t ever become so obsessed with her and let your heart overpower your common sense! Your pigeon brother is a totally different story – none of them have good sense! I can see trouble brewing Dignitas, stay away from her. I aint gonna tell you no more son, the bald eagle demanded.”

Dignitas was not prepared for the speech the wise eagle had given him, yet he had the utmost respect for D.J. and nodded his head in agreement as he told the eagle – “Ok.”

“Good – the eagle replied softly.” He went over to his D.J. table and started the hotmix off with Grindin Puns song “Momma Told Me.” Dignitas giggled because he knew D.J. played the song to tease him. A short moment later you heard the chitter-chatter, slow stampede, and wing flapping of all the forest animals coming to the game. I flock of chickens and group of squirrels started dancing to Grindin Puns song as they yelled out….

“Heyyyy – that’s my song!”

The two teams had also arrived. The geese and falcons had on their green and white uniforms that read “Forest Fowls” and brought a couple of ducks with them as well for fill-ins. D.J’s team he coached wore deep beige and burgundy uniforms that read “Desert Dwellers.” Everyone began to cheer both teams on! The opposing team were a large flock of mean looking birds and Dignitas started to feel a bit intimidated.

“Ummm – D.J., I have never played this game before. Maybe it will be best if I just sit back and watch until I get the hang of the game Dignitas nervously spoke.”

“Nonsense, don’t be silly son! I can tell you are a bird that learns fast. Things come naturally to you. I tell you what – I will let you watch for one inning, then after that - I want you in the game. Besides we all play for fun. It does not matter which team wins or loses, it does not matter if YOU win or lose, because I am with you all the way. As long as everyone gets in the game and enjoy playing, we are all happy – the bald eagle explained to Dignitas. But for the sake of friendly competition, when it comes to winning today’s game, have no doubts son because – we can and we will, D.J. affirmed with a confident smile.”

Pete flew back over where Dignitas and D.J. were standing. “Hey guys, everything is ready and everyone is here. Dignitas are you ready to play, Pete the pigeon asked, forgetting his previous anger towards Dignitas?”

“Yeah – I guess. D.J. says I will be ready after watching for one inning, Dignitas answered with hesitation and confusion.”

The huge eagle moved in closer and stood in between the two. “Why are you so doubtful of yourself son, D.J. asked Dignitas?”

“I don’t know! When I look around, I see almost a pair or more of everyone, and then there is just me – just one little ole me, Dignitas responded to D.J. insecurely.”

“So, are you saying you are out-numbered in the game, or are you saying you feel inferior to all the other animals – the bald eagle persisted with his questioning?”

Dignitas threw his wings in the air. “I don’t know, I don’t know, he repeated in a frustrated manner.”

“Okay – that’s enough of that! That aint nothing but negativity and I don’t want to see that in you ever again! I don’t want you falling into that state of mind. Inferiority is not in your blood! You are a young bird that has obviously been thru a lot in so short of a time. Your pigeon brother and others have taught you the basics of life. How to hunt, how to conduct yourself, how to survive, yet there is so much more you have yet to learn. After the game, I want you to come back over here and talk with me before you go home tonight, the bald eagle instructed the colorful frustrated fowl.”

Pete, stood in silence as the eagle lectured Dignitas. When D.J. was done, Pete injected himself into the conversation, but this time very politely. “Excuse me - D.J. should I stick around after the game too, Pete asked?”

“No – you go home, the eagle responded immediately, as he looked over the top of his glasses at Pete!”

“Welllll – oooookay, Pete remarked with embarrassment and disappointment.”

“Pete, you said everything was set up and everyone is here, lets get this game started the eagle said loudly. Dignitas, since you are unfamiliar with the game, I want you to stand over here by me so I can teach you the game and the rules as its being played. It’s a pretty easy concept to grasp. You simply swing the bat, hit the ball as far as you can, and run to each base before they throw the ball to either baseman and tag you out. If you ever get confused on what to do when you get out there, just listen for my instructions and I will guide you. Yet before I can say something, the crowd will usually beat me to it. Don’t be so nervous, you will do fine son, the bald eagle assured again.”

“Ok D.J. – Dignitas replied as he gave the eagle a huge smile of comfort and relief.”

Minutes later, the cheers from flipping, tumbling and high kicking female fowls rang out in the field. It was Scarlett and the rest of the cheerleading squad. Dignitas once again became captivated by her beauty. She looked sexy, innocent and adorable all at the same time to Dignitas, as she wore her hair in a pony tail, a headband around her forehead, and a short red and white cheerleader uniform. His feathers began to ruffle and stand up on their own. He subconsciously threw his shoulders back, stood tall and poked his chest out. Scarlett immediately noticed him and blew him a big kiss.

D.J. the bald eagle saw it and quickly spoke up. “Dignitas Singularis, if you so much as catch that kiss and blow her one back – I will pluck every last one of your tail feathers OUT! Simply wave hello to her, look away, and keep your head focused on the game, the eagle seriously instructed.”

Dignitas did as he was told and quickly looked away. He even went the distance and turned his back to her. Scarlett was not pleased with Dignitas treatment towards her at all. She hesitated for a brief moment and candidly strutted in a funky, little walk over to the dug-out where Pete and the rest of his teammates were. She bent slightly over in her short skirt, exposing her cheerleader panties and lower tail feathers as she chatted with Pete.

“Hiiii Pete, how’s it been going, Scarlet flirted with Pete as she pulled the bubble gum out her mouth and twirled it between her beak and fingers?”

Pete quickly took the bait, and became enchanted by her presence, since she had ignored him for an entire week. He unbuttoned his uniform shirt to display his well defined chest and six pack.

“I have been good Scarlett. Just been at the barn working out, hitting the weights and sit ups, Pete replied showing off his massive biceps and abdominal muscles.”

“Ooooh – your muscles are so hard”, Scarlett remarked as she started feeling on Pete’s biceps, then rubbed his chest and abdomen. She then leaned into him as she put both her arms around his neck and glanced out the side of her eyes to see if Dignitas was looking. Doing everything possible to make him jealous. Dignitas watched from the distance as the two joked and laughed. Scarlett and Pete often looked over in Dignitas direction, apparently letting him know that they were talking about him. Dignitas instantaneously became jealous!

“Hey son? Son? Youuu, whooo – son? Boy – do you hear me calling you?” D.J. struck a loud chord on his piano again, and gained Dignitas attention.

“Yes sir! I apologize. Were you saying something, Dignitas asked the old eagle?”

“Son, I understand how you feeling right now about that beautiful little peacock over there, but you are not alone. There is another that shares in your jealousy! Take a look towards the bleachers on your left. Now look in the top row, middle of the section, the bald eagle instructed to Dignitas.”

Dignitas looked and gasped – “Vito”, he remarked in a low, fearful voice.

Yes - It was Vito! Staring in an angry, unbroken gaze at Pete and Scarlett. The two were so occupied with their conversation that they hadn’t even noticed Vito was at the game. Dignitas sprang forward headed for the dug out to warn Pete.

The old eagle quickly grabbed Dignitas by a tail feather and plucked it out very roughly. “That’s one – D.J. counted as he laid the feather on top of his keyboard, looking at Dignitas smiling devilishly.”

“Ouch – Dignitas cried out! What did you do that for, he questioned the eagle as he rubbed his tail?”

“I’m not going to explain myself son. I already warned you in advance, D.J. answered.”

“Dignitas continued to rub the area of the plucked feather. But I thought you said don’t go near Scarlett. I was going over to warn Pete, Dignitas explained.”

The eagle looked over the top of his glasses before he spoke. “Son – who is standing over there beside your pigeon brother, D.J. asked?”

“Scarlett, Dignitas answered in a very low, babyish voice.”

“Who – D.J. asked again. And this time speak up son. I can’t hear you!”

“Scarlett , Dignitas replied louder.”

“That’s right – Scarlett! Now – let’s not have this conversation again, the eagle spoke with authority!”

The game began and Dignitas tried his best to pay attention and quickly learn the rules, yet found it difficult to concentrate because of Vito continuously watching Pete. Not once did Scarlett return to her cheerleading squad, as her team cheered on both teams. Shortly, it was Pete who was next up to bat, she gave him a good luck kiss on the cheek and rejoined her squad. Dignitas shook his head in disbelief. Scarlett looked over at Dignitas and gave him a so what, you can’t say nothing type of look! He immediately frowned up at her in disgust!

A chubby flamingo cheerleader waddled over to Scarlett and pointed to the bleachers where Vito was still seated. Scarlett turned and looked at Vito, gave an uncaring flick of her wrist and yelled out – “Come on Pete, hit a home run!”

That was more than enough for Vito. He stood up from his seat, gave Pete the ugliest look, and took flight. Dignitas watched him until he was no longer in sight. Pete hit a home run and cleared all the bases. It was now Dignitas turn to bat.

“Go ahead son. You will do fine, the eagle encouraged him.”

As Dignitas approached the batting area, D.J. began to play a fast melody to hype up the crowd – “Les is Best” by Les Paul Roque. The fast tune immediately excited the crowd and supporters for both teams cheered Dignitas on. He felt an extreme burst of confidence and hit the ball on the first pitch.

“Run Dignitas …… Run….. they all cried out and cheered!”

Dignitas quickly flew to first base with his wings spread out wide. He looked over at D.J. for approval. The eagle gave him a huge smile and a thumbs up as he continued to play the fast melody on his keyboard. The game continued and Dignitas found himself having more fun than expected. He was loving the way all the animals cheered him on and supported him. Not once did he look at the beautiful peacock Scarlett while he was playing. He was focused on the game and had completely forgotten about her. This also made Scarlett angry! But as usual, Pete found it necessary to comfort her. Dignitas didn’t care, he was having too much fun!

In the second inning, Dignitas was asked to play outfield in an effort to prevent the opposing team from hitting so many home runs. Dignitas was a huge bird and his team knew he would do well at catching. A huge cocky ostrich stepped up to bat. He pounded the plate a couple of times and swung the bat to signal he was ready for the pitch. Pete was now pitching and threw a fast curve ball. The ostrich swung hard and missed!

“Strike one, the umpire yelled, as he threw the ball back to Pete.”

Dignitas stood in the outfield waiting, anticipating the catch, as he pounded his baseball mitten. Pete winded up, leaned back and threw a fast, but low ball. The ostrich swung hard again – and missed!

“Strike two, the umpire yelled out, as he nodded and threw the ball back to Pete once more.”

Dignitas still excited and filled with so much adrenaline pounded his baseball mitten again, as he looked over at D.J. for continued support. The bald eagle was still busy at playing the fast melody “Les is Best”, his hands were moving so fast over the keys that all he could do was nod in agreement to Dignitas to let him know he was doing just fine. The crowd began to cheer louder and louder. Scarlett and her cheerleading squad were also cheering loudly for Pete to strike the ostrich out. Pete looked around the field. All bases were loaded and the falcons were winning. He then turned to look at Dignitas and gave him a wink as to say “get ready”.

Pete leaned back, and came forward with a smooth pitch. The ostrich swung with all his might, and then all you heard was the crack of the baseball and the breaking of the bat. The baseball went soaring thru the air at top speed, past Pete and up over everybody head – flying right in Dignitas direction! It was coming in amazingly fast and super high! Dignitas had to run in order to make the catch. He kept his eye on the ball and began to run backwards. Suddenly everything went quiet. The cheerleaders stopped cheering, the crowd stopped screaming and the music stopped playing!

A large shadow hovered above. Dignitas took one more step backwards and fell off the edge of the cliff! He descended downward fast, as he flapped his wings furiously in an effort to take flight! He screeched loudly as he did the night the vultures tried to capture him as he continued to spiral downward. Immediately the baseball field was overshadowed from high above as Dignitas continued to scream out in fear.

Pete, D.J., and the ostriches immediately took off the cliff after him. The old eagle soared the fastest of them all and caught him. The ostriches arrived seconds later. Dignitas was a huge bird, so it took the skills of the old eagle and the ostriches to maneuver up under him and fly him safely back to the top of the cliff. The huge shadow continued to circle up above, every so often blocking out the two suns. The other birds and land animals became afraid and sought out refuge.

“He’s okay everyone! We got him – the bald eagle yelled out as he straightened up his glasses.”

Pete wiped fearful and nervous beads of sweat from his forehead. The ostriches and old eagle were completely out of breath.

“You gave us quite the scare son, D.J. huffed and puffed as he spoke to Dignitas. And what are you sweating for – you didn’t do any work, the eagle asked Pete the pigeon?”

“He sure did, I was terrified – one ostrich agreed. And you sure are heavy, he told Dignitas. Whew - I need Gatorade, said the ostrich as he slowly walked away out of breath!”

The bald eagle eyes searched the sky for the huge shadow. It had disappeared! “Are you okay son, he asked Dignitas in a concerned voice?”

Dignitas was slightly trembling. “Yes sir. I am fine, thank you. Thank all of you – he replied with a heart pounding tremor in his voice.”

D.J looked at Pete, then at Dignitas. “So, at what point were you gonna tell me you couldn’t fly son? Every single bird under these two suns can fly, how come you can’t – D.J. questioned Dignitas disappointingly?”

Before Dignitas could answer, D.J. then turned to Pete. “You never taught him how to fly? What is wrong with you?”

Pete just stood there looking ashamed and dumbfounded. “I didn’t think his wings were strong enough – Pete responded.”

D.J. became even more angry! “You didn’t think his wings were strong enough, D.J. repeated? How did you come to that conclusion given the fact one of his wings is almost three times bigger than you – D.J. yelled! So, exactly WHAT have you taught him? You know what Pete, don’t even answer that, I will find out myself, the bald eagle screamed with an attitude!

Before D.J. could go into his third stage of rage, the beautiful peacock Scarlett raced over to hug Dignitas. “Are you okay honey? I thought I almost lost you. I didn’t know you couldn’t fly – Scarlett said with concern.” She then let go of Dignitas and started to giggle in a teasing fashion. “Oh my – she began to giggle upon her realization, YOU CAN’T FLY! What type of bird are you she laughed aloud ignorantly?”

The huge shadow suddenly reappeared. Dignitas lowered his head in shame from Scarlett’s teasing and taunts. Not only was he ashamed that he couldn’t fly, but he was also ashamed because he didn’t know who he was. So, when the object of his affection teased him, it immediately broke his heart.

D.J.’s feathers stood on end due to the peacock insensitive nature and lack of sincere concern for Dignitas situation. The huge shadow above began to hover at an even lower altitude, circling slower and slower.

The bald eagle looked at Scarlett over the top of his glasses. “You know what sweetheart, we all have had enough of your drama here today! Take a look around, everyone has gone home, except you. I suggest you leave now, D.J. demanded of the peacock.”

Scarlett mouth gaped slightly open in disbelief. She rolled her eyes at the bald eagle. “Come on Pete, lets go, she said.”

Pete looked at the bald eagle for confirmation. “Go ahead, you are not needed. Please get her out of my eyesight, the further the better, D.J. spoke still angry at Pete!”

“But you stay here. I don’t want you out of my sight, not even for the slightest minute, he told Dignitas. As of now, you live with me. You can’t fly – that’s unbelievable, the bald eagle grunted!”

{The End - Chapter Five}