"Leader of the parakeets," Pinion said, unsure of what name to call it by but keen to ask the question on its mind anyway. "I've always wondered, why don't the parakeets like me? None of you has ever told me and... it's not nice. Have I done something? Can I make it up to you?"

The parakeet leader may have sighed but it was too small, too high up, and the light was becoming too gloomy for Pinion to tell for sure. It fidgeted but to Pinion's relief, it stayed put and answered the question. "Something surrounds you, flamingo. Something dangerous. I cannot say what it is and I could even say that you are an agreeable bird, but we all feel your presence when you are near, and more than a few of us find it disturbing."

This answer hit Pinion hard. It felt ashamed and it gazed into space for a moment, trying to make sense of the parakeet leader's words and doing its best not to cringe as the message sunk in.

The leader was already showing signs of wanting to retreat.

Looks like you'll need to hurry - do you want Pinion to say anything else to the parakeet leader?