𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲;
𝘆𝗮𝗰𝗵𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗿

Ben and Vera separated from the group, their footsteps muffled by the thick fog as they searched for supplies to repair the boat. The heavy mist hung low, transforming familiar shapes into looming shadows.

"What's that?" Vera squinted, her voice barely above a whisper. They approached a small crate, its contents glinting dully in the dim light. "Maybe we can use these to repair the radio." She hefted the box, its weight reassuring in her arms. Through the swirling fog, she caught sight of Darius and Brooklynn's silhouettes.

The air suddenly vibrated with a thunderous bellow that seemed to come from everywhere at once. The group turned slowly, hearts pounding, as two massive Ouranosauruses materialized from the mist like ancient ghosts. Vera released a shaky breath of relief, her shoulders dropping slightly.

"It's okay. They're just Ouranosauruses. They're big, but they're pretty much harmless."

The creatures' eyes narrowed, their massive bodies tensing before they charged forward with surprising speed, making the ground tremble.

"Do they know that?" Ben shouted, his voice cracking with panic.

"This way! Hurry!" Brooklynn called, leading them through a narrow crevice between the stacked crates.

"We gotta find the others," Vera said, her voice tight with determination.

Once the thunderous footsteps faded, they emerged cautiously from behind the barrels. "Let's go!" Darius commanded, right before colliding with Kenji in a tangle of limbs.

"Kenji! You're okay!" Brooklynn's relief was palpable in her voice.

"Darius broke my fall! Thanks bro," Kenji said cheerfully.

"No problem," Darius groaned from beneath him.

"Where's Sammy?" Yaz asked, scanning the area frantically.

They spotted Sammy just in time, pulling her to safety as the dinosaurs' heavy footfalls approached. The group crept back toward the boat, every step measured and careful.

"We gotta get on that boat and cast off," Darius whispered, his eyes never leaving the direction of the sounds.

"What about the hole in the side?" Ben's worry was evident in his voice.

"We'll figure something out. We don't have a choice," Darius replied firmly.

"And then? Where do we go?" Kenji asked.

"Anywhere but here," Brooklynn huffed. "Come on, it's this way."

"No, it's that way," Yaz countered.

"We just came from that way," Vera sighed, frustration creeping into her voice.

"There! Party yacht for the win!" Kenji's triumph was cut short as the dinosaurs' shadows loomed closer. He grabbed a handful of poppers, throwing them to create a momentary distraction.

"Come on, Bumpy!" Ben called out anxiously.

"Can you do anything with this tape?" Darius asked Brooklynn hopefully.

"Only everything! Quick, grab whatever you can to plug it up," Brooklynn directed.

Vera rushed to gather Mitch and Tiff's discarded clothes, stuffing them into the breach. "This won't hold long, but it's all we got," Brooklynn warned.

"Hey! They're coming!" Sammy's voice was tight with fear.

"Get us out of here!" Darius shouted to Kenji.

"Let's go! Kenji, drive!" Brooklynn urged.

The boat lurched forward as Darius made a desperate climb aboard. Their momentary relief was shattered as the vessel suddenly rocked violently. The toolbox Vera had been clutching throughout their escape slid across the deck.

"No!" Vera lunged for it, but Ben pulled her back just as the box crashed against the railing and tumbled into the dark waters with a splash. "Those were our only tools," she groaned, watching their chances of proper repairs sink beneath the waves.

"Better the tools than you," Ben said quietly, still holding her arm. Vera met his eyes and nodded, though frustration was evident on her face.

Their exchange was cut short as another powerful impact rocked the boat. Peering over the edge, they saw the Ouranosauruses cutting through the water with surprising grace, repeatedly ramming the vessel.

"Oh, they can swim?" Sammy's voice was filled with disbelief.

"We can't outrun them," Darius said grimly.

"Then maybe we could scare them off!" Brooklynn suggested.

"Hurry!" Yaz called out. Darius dove into the boat's storage, emerging with an armful of fireworks. The group worked together, launching them in quick succession. The explosions of color and sound had the desired effect, sending the dinosaurs retreating into the darkness.

"Bye-bye, swimming dinos!" Sammy called out triumphantly.

"There's my heroes!" Sammy approached Rocky and Bumpy before turning to Yaz. "Okay, I gotta ask. How on Earth did you get them to like you so much?"

"Easy. I carry around snacks in my pocket. Kind of a habit I got into while running," Yaz explained with a laugh.

"So, you were just messing with me?" Sammy asked, eyebrows raised.

"Yeah. Bumpy wasn't in on it. She's too highbrow for that kind of thing. Rocky too, of course," Ben said, drawing a giggle from Vera.

"Whoo. For a minute there, I thought I was losing my mojo," Sammy chuckled.

"Too high brow?" Vera asked, trying to keep her tone light despite her heightened awareness of Ben standing nearby. She hugged her arms around herself, partly from the cooling evening air and partly to steady her nerves.

"Yeah, these women have class, Vera," Ben replied, attempting to maintain his composure though his heart skipped when she moved slightly closer. He focused on patting Bumpy's side, giving his hands something to do. "They appreciate the finer things in life. Like pocket snacks and dramatic escapes."

"Oh really?" Vera said, forcing herself to sound casual even as she wondered if she was imagining the slight tremor in his voice. She shifted her weight, pretending to adjust her shoe while stealing a glance at him. "And here I thought they just liked you for the snacks too."

Ben laughed, the sound slightly nervous but genuine. "Well, the snacks help," he said, scratching the back of his neck. "But I like to think my charming personality plays a part too." He immediately wished he could take back the word 'charming,' feeling his cheeks warm.

Vera felt her own face flush but covered it with a small laugh, telling herself he was just being friendly. "Charming, huh?" she teased gently, keeping her tone playful to mask the flutter in her stomach. "Is that what you're calling it?"

"I mean—" Ben stammered slightly, quickly looking down at Bumpy again. "You know what I mean." He risked a quick look at her, hoping she hadn't noticed how flustered he'd become.

Neither of them noticed the knowing looks exchanged between their friends, or the small smile Sammy tried to hide behind her hand as she watched them maintain their careful distance from each other, both trying so hard to act like they weren't hyperaware of every move the other made.

LEAVE A COMMENT AND VOTE

_________ ⋆ ★
©-CRETACEOUS , 2024