(gif later)

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗿;
𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗮 𝗱𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗶

The boat rocked precariously against the waves, water lapping dangerously close to the deck's edge. Darius dangled from the makeshift harness, his hands working quickly to secure another layer of tape over the gaping hole in the hull. Sweat beaded on his forehead despite the cool ocean spray.

"Hurry up, Darius. With the engine off, we're gonna get swept out to sea or smashed in the rocks," Kenji called down, his knuckles white as he gripped the rope. The urgency in his voice betrayed the fear he was trying to mask with impatience.

"All right, pull me up." Darius's voice carried over the waves. "We gotta fix that hole or the gas would be the least of our problems."

Kenji huffed as he climbed down from his position, his usual bravado dampened by exhaustion. "I thought having no GPS would be the least of our problems."

The boat groaned ominously beneath their feet, causing Yazmina to steady herself against the railing. "Yeah and uh, not to add to the doom and gloom but..." The vessel lurched suddenly, making everyone grab for support. "...pretty sure we're also sinking."

"Nah. We're just riding low in the water because of uh..." Kenji cleared his throat, casting a guilty glance toward their dinosaur companions. His attempt at diplomacy was almost comical given their dire situation.

Ben's protective instinct kicked in immediately. "Do not listen to him. You two are perfect the way you are," he whispered to Rocky and Bumpy, who rumbled contentedly at his reassurance. Looking up at the others, worry creased his brow. "Isn't there some non-Dino infested dock we can get to?"

Brooklynn hunched over the worn map, her pink hair falling forward as she traced possible routes with her finger. "The closest one is on the other side of the island. We'll never make it." She dropped her hands in defeat. "We're doomed and gloomed."

"Ha! Hold up!" Kenji's sudden exclamation made everyone jump. He rushed to the boat's edge, excitement radiating from him. "There is another dock not far from here. A private dock that's not on any map. The dock near the 'Pee House'."

"I went before we left," Ben stated flatly, missing the point entirely.

"No, not the... My dad's penthouse," Kenji clarified, his eyes lighting up. "There's a private pier and everything."

Yaz fixed him with an exasperated look. "And you're just now telling us this?"

"Okay, well maybe I forgot. But now, we have a magic keycard to get inside so... meh." Kenji's casual shrug couldn't quite hide his pride at having a solution.

Hope flickered across Darius's face. "That penthouse could have everything we need."

"We'll have everything we need. My dad loves boats. He's got all sorts of nautical junk," Kenji said, his enthusiasm building.

"To the 'Pee House'!" Darius shouted, earning a chorus of echoes from the group, their voices carrying across the water with renewed energy.

The engine sputtered its last as they approached their destination. "That's it. It's the last of the gas," Darius announced grimly.

Kenji's mood, however, couldn't be dampened. He threw an arm around Darius's shoulders, grinning widely. "Totally worth it 'cause you're about to see the most exclusive spot on the island."

The group traded the failing boat for a fleet of sleek segways, all except Ben and Vera, who opted to ride their dinosaur companions. The jungle path opened before them, dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy as they made their way toward the penthouse.

Their progress halted abruptly at the sight of a lone dinosaur blocking their path. "Uh, what is that?" Kenji whispered, his segway wobbling slightly as he came to a stop.

Vera's calm voice cut through the tension. "It's just a Monolophosaurus. They're loners. Pretty much keep to themselves." She guided Rocky forward confidently, setting an example for the others.

"Then, onward. Paradise awaits," Kenji declared, leading them toward a towering structure that seemed almost alien among the jungle foliage.

Darius took charge as they approached the building. "Looks pretty clear. We get in, get what we need, and get out."

Vera patted Rocky's side gently. "Wait here, girl." Her voice was soft, almost apologetic.

"No offense but it's not really their kind of place," Ben added, though his hand lingered protectively on Bumpy's hide.

Kenji's response was quick and unapologetic. "No offense but they are 8,000-pound dinosaurs who will totally trash my pad, so... yeah. So, it's not happening anyway."

The keycard worked with a satisfying click, but their relief was short-lived as they faced countless stairs. The climb left them all gasping, their legs burning from the endless steps.

"Dude, we run from dinosaurs every day and we're still this winded from taking the stairs," Darius managed between breaths.

"Sorry. If the elevator was working, it opens up right inside," Kenji panted. Vera caught Ben's arm as he stumbled slightly, both of them sharing a breathless laugh at their situation.

The penthouse doors opened to reveal a space that seemed to belong to another world entirely. Sammy's eyes widened as she took in the opulent surroundings. "Oh, I am not dressed for this."

"Welcome friends to Casa de Kenji. Who's up for the grand tour?" Kenji's announcement fell on deaf ears as the group scattered to explore. "Or there's the self-tour. That too," he mumbled, watching them disperse.

The golden Xenoceratops drew gasps of appreciation, particularly from Darius and Vera, whose shared knowledge created a moment of connection. "Is that..." Vera began, her eyes sparkling with recognition.

"A replica of the 16 million-year-old Xenoceratops discovered in Southern China," they finished in unison, sharing a laugh at their synchronized response.

Kenji's pride showed through as he added, "Oh sure. Also, it's gold."

The walls told stories of wealth and influence through photographs, catching Sammy's attention. "Oh, my gosh! Kenji, is that your dad?"

"Yeah and that's the first skyscraper he ever bought," Kenji explained, his casual tone masking something deeper.

"Is that him at the white house?" Sammy's excitement was palpable.

"What can I say? Dad plays golf with the prez," Kenji replied with practiced nonchalance.

Sammy's curiosity pushed further. "Hey, how come there aren't any pics of you..."

Kenji quickly redirected her attention, pushing a magazine into her hands. "If you like those, check this out. There's even a pic of dad on the cover of Modern CEO magazine. Yeah, he owns a magazine but you know, so few genre."

The discovery of food brought a new wave of excitement. "Guys, snacks!" Yaz's call sent everyone rushing forward.

Kenji couldn't resist adding context to even their snacks. "Um, imported snacks," he corrected, watching as Brooklynn devoured hers.

"I could eat only this all the time," she declared through a mouthful.

Kenji appeared with bottles of water, unable to resist showing off. "Thirsty? Just so you know, it's from a very exclusive artesian well in Paris. Filtered through diamonds."

Yasmina grabbed a bottle without ceremony, but even she couldn't hide her surprise. "That's not water. That's an experience."

Ben watched it all with growing frustration, his survival instincts warring with the temptation of comfort. "Look at them. They've all gone soft," he muttered, leaning against the wall.

"You mean enjoying human luxuries?" Vera challenged playfully, savoring her chocolate.

"Hello! I thought we were supposed to be searching for gas? A patch for the boat? A GPS? Any of this ringing a bell?" Ben's outburst carried more worry than anger.

Vera approached him with the chocolate bar extended like a peace offering. "Ben, chill. Have a bite."

He hesitated before taking it, his resolve crumbling at the first taste. The chocolate disappeared quickly, drawing a knowing smile from Vera.

"Told you," she said softly, nudging him with her shoulder, their brief moment of normalcy a reminder of what they were fighting to return to.

The pair meandered onto the balcony, basking in the panoramic view of the jungle canopy stretching endlessly before them. Without warning, Rocky and Bumpy materialized below, their massive tails thundering against the ground as primal bellows erupted from their throats.

"Uh, guys... something's up," Vera called to the group, her voice tight with tension.

"She only acts like that when she senses danger or when she's constipated," Ben sighed in concern, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt.

"Odd observation, but he's right. Rocky isn't usually like this either," Vera added, her eyes scanning the treeline.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I hope it's the second one," Brooklynn said, attempting to mask her nervousness with humor.

"I'm sure it's nothing," Kenji huffed, though his shoulders tensed.

"We can't risk it. You said your dad has a portable GPS up here?" Darius said determinedly, already formulating a plan.

"Yeah, somewhere. But I didn't even show you the hot tub yet. 16 jets," Kenji said, his attempt at nonchalance falling flat.

"We'll go down to the garage. If there's gas or something to patch the boat with, that's where it will be," Ben said, gesturing for Vera to follow as he strode toward the exit.

"We're coming with," Yazmina declared, hustling after the pair. "Sammy, are you coming?" she called to the girl perched anxiously on the couch.

"Oh, um, yeah," Sammy stammered, scrambling to join her.

"Glad to be out of it. So much marble and gold and comfort. That's no way to live, am I right?" Ben muttered, his voice echoing off the opulent walls.

"You've been in the jungle way too long," Vera chuckled, though her eyes remained vigilant.

A thunderous crash reverberated through the corridor. "Did you hear that?" he whispered, every muscle coiling with tension.

The group slunk around the corner, inching toward a door. As they crept closer, a Monolophosaurus loomed into view through the circular window, its scales gleaming under the fluorescent lights.

"How did they get up here?" Sammy shrieked, clapping her hands over her mouth.

"Does it matter?" Yaz snapped, already backing away.

"Back to the penthouse," Vera commanded, her voice steady despite the fear coursing through her.

The group pivoted to retreat, only to freeze as another dinosaur's menacing silhouette materialized at the opposite end of the hallway. Behind them, the trapped creature shattered the glass with a deafening crash, shards tinkling against the floor as it wriggled free of its confines.

Thinking quickly, Vera jabbed her finger toward the vent above, and they scrambled up like desperate spiders, hearts hammering against their ribs.

"We have to go back for the others," Sammy pleaded, her voice quavering in the confined space.

"They're safer in the penthouse. We'll meet back up with them after we hit the garage," Yaz assured her, though uncertainty lingered in her tone.

A bone-chilling screech ricocheted through the metallic vent. "Let's keep moving," Sammy urged, her words barely above a whisper.

As they rounded the corner, another Monolophosaurus materialized like a nightmare. "Move. Go back!" Sammy screamed, her voice cracking with terror.

"This one goes down," Vera announced as they encountered an opening, her flashlight beam revealing the dark shaft below.

"Down where?" Yazmina demanded, peering into the darkness.

"Who cares?" Ben shouted as he launched himself into the void. The group plummeted down the vent, their screams echoing off the metal walls before they crashed onto another floor. They bolted to the garage, their footsteps thundering against the concrete as they frantically searched for supplies.

"Rolls Royce on a jungle island. That's practical," Ben scoffed, his sarcasm barely masking his breathlessness.

Yaz wrenched open a locker, revealing a caulk sealant. "Ooh, sealant. We could use this to patch the yacht," she exclaimed, hope flickering in her voice.

"Now, all we need is gas," Ben said, already scanning the dimly lit space.

Ben and Vera crouched beside the limousines, their hands steady as they guided the siphon hose into the gas tanks. "Sammy? Sammy?" Yasmina's concerned voice cut through the tense air, snapping Sammy out of her daze.

"Hi! I... uh... What?" Sammy blinked rapidly, her fingers twisted in the hem of her shirt.

"Is something bothering you?" Yazmina pressed, studying her friend's face.

"Dinosaurs in the building isn't enough?" Ben quipped, earning a sharp slap on his shoulder from Vera.

"You are horrible with social cues," Vera huffed, rolling her eyes.

"I didn't mean it that way. It's just there's a lot of pressing things going on," he replied, rubbing his shoulder.

"I know what you mean-" Vera's words died in her throat as thunderous footsteps reverberated through the ceiling. Dinosaur screeches crescendoed above them, and suddenly the vent exploded inward with a metallic shriek, raining debris as a pair of Monolophosaurus dropped into the garage like living nightmares.

The group dove into the nearest limousine, their breath held captive in their lungs as the predators stalked the perimeter, their claws clicking against the concrete floor.

"Let's go!" Yazmina's whisper barely disturbed the air.

"How? We just took all the gas out of the limos," Ben retorted, pressing himself deeper into the leather seat.

"Not that one," Sammy breathed, pointing toward a sleek black limousine lurking in the shadowy back corner.

The group slithered from vehicle to vehicle, their movements precise and calculated. "One more to go," Yazmina exhaled. As Ben's fingers grazed the door handle, a dinosaur materialized before the window, its hot breath fogging the glass. The creatures circled the car like sharks, their yellow eyes gleaming in the dim light.

"Ready?" Ben whispered, his question met with terse nods from the others. He yanked the door open and they exploded from the vehicle, their feet pounding against the concrete as the dinosaurs surged after them.

The first Monolophosaurus hurled itself at the windshield of their target limo, spider-web cracks erupting across the glass as screams filled the air. "Go, go, go!" Ben shouted, his voice cracking with urgency.

As they peeled out of the garage, tires squealing against concrete, they spotted Darius, Brooklynn, and Kenji sprinting from the main entrance. Vera flung the door wide, her arm extended as they raced toward safety.

The moment they piled in, the Monolophosaurus lunged, its razor-sharp teeth snapping inches from Darius' leg before Bumpy and Rocky charged in like avenging angels, slamming into the predators with earth-shaking force.

"Let's hit it, girls!" Ben called out, his voice thick with relief.

Later, gathered around the boat, Darius peeled away the final piece of tape from the hull, his brow furrowed in concentration. "So, how are we going to fix this thing?" he asked, examining the damage.

"No idea. I never got around to making a 'Brooklynn unboxes boat repairs' video," Brooklynn huffed, running her fingers through her hair.

"Too bad. That would've gotten tons of views," Sammy smiled, some of her usual warmth returning to her voice.

"All right, people. So, what do we got?" Darius called out, surveying the group.

"We can make this work," Sammy said, determination hardening her features.

𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘳𝘪 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴！
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Sorry for the late uploads! I'm a bit behind on my uploading schedule but I plan to write a ton today and tomorrow so you might see multiple uploads depending on if I stop procrastinating lol.

Anyway once again thank you soso much for all the love and support! Seeing your comments truly brighten my day. Love you all!!

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©-CRETACEOUS , 2024