Carlo rested his massive head on the ground, watching the little human's every move.
Mistaking this gesture for permission to pet him, Bob slowly stood up. He took one tentative step after another toward the predator. He extended his right hand, reaching gradually toward the tip of Carlo's snout.
Just a little closer... almost there...
"Huff…"
Carlo suddenly exhaled a powerful gust of air from his nostrils.
Startled by the sudden blast of hot wind, Bob stumbled back, flailing his arms for balance before landing hard on his backside.
"Ha..."
Bob didn't bother getting up. He just sat there on the grass, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.
"Didn't get to touch you... fine. Let's leave it at that."
He fell silent, turning his gaze toward the Great Lake to watch the Brachiosaurus, the Parasaurolophus, and the Ornithomimus. Carlo turned his head as well, quietly keeping him company.
"It's actually pretty nice," Bob said suddenly. "I think I'm starting to like my job again."
Carlo turned back to look at Bob, noticing that the man was staring at the dinosaurs as if lost in a trance.
Whir-whir-whir-whir…
The thrumming of a helicopter approached.
"Rescue target located. Requesting orders: should we tranquilize Giganotosaurus 003?"
"Negative. Do not agitate the asset."
A rescue line dropped from the helicopter, dangling not far from Bob.
"Ah, my ride's here."
Bob pushed off his knees, stood up, and walked to the cable, securing himself into the harness. Once he confirmed the straps were tight, he gave the security personnel above a "thumbs up" gesture.
The cable began to retract slowly. There it was again, that weightless sensation, much like when Carlo had carried him in his jaws earlier. He looked back one last time.
"Hey, buddy. Thanks for letting me slack off for a while."
Then, he added in a whisper, "Wonder if I can file for emotional distress pay."
Carlo didn't respond. He simply watched the man ascend until he was a mere speck. Peaceful days are always comforting, yet we always seem to find ourselves wishing for something exciting to happen.
So be it.
Carlo stood, turned away from the Great Lake, and vanished into the shadows of the jungle.
…
Seriously, why is it always one thing after another? Can't a guy just have one quiet day!
Ankylosaurus Three, Rebel, followed closely behind his leader's tail.
The boss was leading him around to memorize the layout of the land, essentially transferring the mental map of the territory into Ankylosaurus Three's head. However, Rebel suspected the boss was actually taking petty revenge.
Granted, he had been distracted when facing Ceratosaurus Two earlier, leaving Ankylosaurus Two in a dangerous spot. He admitted that was his mistake. His companion hadn't even blamed him; after all, in a gambit against carnivores, any oversight could be unpredictable and unavoidable. The only thing you can do is trust your comrades and yourself.
BUT! That doesn't mean you should force me to stay out for two weeks straight just to memorize a map!
"Aunnng…"
Rebel let out a low bellow at his leader and promptly flopped onto the ground.
I haven't laid down for a whole thirty minutes! I'm gonna die!
The Ankylosaurus Leader turned back to look at his younger brother, who had been a "professional floor-layer" since they were hatchlings, and let out a heavy sigh. He nudged him with his head, only to find the fellow was dead set on playing possum.
"Aunnng…"
That's enough for today. Let's head back.
The leader gave a helpless grunt.
Heck yeah!
Rebel instantly perked up, his gait becoming light and bouncy as they began the return trip. The leader's mouth curled slightly into a faint smile as he jogged a few steps to catch up, walking shoulder-to-shoulder with Ankylosaurus Three.
"Aunnng…"
If the day comes that I die, the herd belongs to you.
Rebel's joyful trot froze mid-step. He didn't understand why his brother would suddenly say something so grim.
"Aunnng…"
You okay?
"Aunnng…"
I'm fine. It's just that the herd can't function without a leader. What I've taught you, my map, is my most precious possession. No matter what happens, it will lead the herd out of trouble. So, if I die, the herd is yours.
Rebel remained silent for a long time. His pace slowed until he was walking behind his brother again.
Why me? I spend all day laying around. Why should I be the one to carry this weight?
He didn't know how long they walked, but when he finally lifted his head, they were back at the nesting grounds. Ankylosaurus Two was still crouched by the nest, watching over her unborn children. Ankylosaurus One seemed to be obsessed with foliage; whether he was finding nesting material or setting up camouflage for the perimeter, he was always the most proactive one.
Yeah, I like leaves too... but I prefer sleeping on them.
As for the boss... where was he?
The leader had somehow circled back behind him. He gave Rebel a playful, glancing blow with his armored side, smiling as he moved toward their companions.
When did he get behind me?!
The scutes on the leader's hide were far harder than Rebel's, and the bump actually hurt, but Rebel didn't care.
"Aunnng…"
He called out, stopping the leader, stopping his brother. The leader turned back.
"Aunnng…"
You're way stronger than me. You won't die, right?
"Aunnng…"
As long as I'm alive, I won't die.
The leader gave a dismissive, perfunctory reply. Rebel was speechless.
Well, obviously you won't be dead while you're alive.
Deciding to ignore his brother, Rebel found his favorite "bedding" spot and flopped down immediately. Forget the map for now.
A nap after a meal keeps the doctor away!
…
The wandering Dilophosaurus was currently near the Cross River junction of the Primeval Ecological Zone. He was debating whether to carry his precious meat across the water.
After a moment of deliberation, he gave up and decided to hang the meat on a nearby branch. While it would be an easy snack for any of the "big guys" passing by, hardly more than a light hors d'oeuvre, he decided to bet that they'd find it beneath their notice.
He offered a silent prayer, then crossed the river, shook himself dry, and vanished into the woods in one fluid motion.
He found his solitary home: a hollowed-out tree.
This hollow had originally belonged to a native Nublar snake, but the snake had been eaten by the Dilophosaurus six days ago. The hole wasn't large, but it provided a deep sense of security. After some DIY modifications, the Dilophosaurus could squeeze his entire body inside, though he had to coil up like a spring.
Coincidentally, this tree was located in the same stretch of woods as the Ankylosaurus family. However, they had never crossed paths.
The Dilophosaurus wedged his body into the hollow, adjusted his position, and poked his head out. The forest at night was as quiet as ever, and the moon hung in the sky just as it always did.
He let out a sigh. He reckoned his left eye was truly done for. As a species with exceptional night vision, his left eye couldn't see a thing even in the dark now.
Thinking about the dangers he might face in the future sent a shiver of fear through him.
Hopefully, tomorrow will be better.
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