𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁;
𝗻𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱

The two Scorpius Rexes moved with lethal grace, circling the trapped trio like sharks. Their muscled bodies launched at each other suddenly, colliding in a violent tangle of claws and barbed tails. The ground trembled beneath their battle.

The trio seized their chance, darting between the fighting beasts toward the abandoned limo. They barely made it inside before the battling predators slammed against the vehicle's metal frame. The impact sent the limo cartwheeling through the air, the world spinning violently before coming to rest against a massive tree trunk, precariously balanced at an angle.

Consciousness returned slowly, their bodies hanging awkwardly in their seatbelts. Through the haze of his returning awareness, Ben's eyes fixed on a familiar object. "Huh? Kenji forgot his hat," he muttered, noting the once-pristine accessory now covered in dirt on the dashboard.

As they extracted themselves from the wreck, Ben's voice carried a mix of fear and bewilderment. "How are there two of that thing?"

Darius's scientific mind kicked in immediately. "My working theory is that since all the dinosaurs have other animals' DNA built into their genetic code, like tree frogs, some of which can reproduce asexually..."

"I meant that more as a rhetorical complaint, but thanks," Ben cut him off, managing a weak smile. "The only thing more terrifying than one psycho dinosaur is two. They make more of themselves whenever they want."

"You're right. No dinosaur, or kid, crazy enough to stay on this island stands a chance if the Scorpiuses keep replicating," Darius acknowledged, his face grim.

Vera's voice carried the weight of urgency. "We gotta do something fast."

Ben watched the distant figures of the fighting predators. "They don't seem to get along. Maybe they'll take each other out?"

"We can't count on that. I'm gonna stop them once and for all," Darius declared with determination.

Ben's eyes lit up with familiar mischief. "So, how we gonna do it? With explosions?"

"No. First, we need to disable them somehow. Knock them out maybe. To do that, we gotta go back to where it all began," Darius explained, his mind already formulating a plan.

"And? Is there a part B to that idea? Like maybe blow something up?" Ben pressed, his enthusiasm undimmed.

The ground began to vibrate beneath their feet, a rhythmic pounding growing stronger. "Think they're coming this way?" Ben's voice wavered.

"Given our luck?" Darius replied dryly.

"Right. Let's move faster."

The thunderous footfalls grew deafening. "Run!" Darius's shout barely preceded the chaos that followed.

"But where?" Vera's panic was palpable.

"I don't know!"

A wall of gray flesh suddenly burst through the treeline – a stampeding herd of Brachiosaurus, their massive feet threatening to crush anything in their path. A massive tree splintered and fell, nearly crushing the group as they dove for safety. They sprinted desperately, the sound of destruction close behind. Darius's foot caught on a root, sending him sprawling, but Vera's quick reflexes yanked him behind a protective boulder.

When the chaos subsided, Darius let out a shaky breath. "Hopefully, we're the only visitors at the Visitors Center today."

Ben's chest puffed with pride. "Don't worry, compies won't mess with us. We have a history."

"I meant that blue raptor," Darius clarified grimly.

His eyes suddenly lit up as he spotted something familiar. "There!" he called out. "Right where we left it."

"Tranq gun. Solid plan," Ben nodded approvingly.

"Yeah. Let's hope it works. Wha..." Darius's words cut off at the sound of movement nearby. Their screams of terror transformed into relief as familiar faces emerged from the undergrowth.

Inside the Visitors Center, the air hung thick with decades of abandonment. Darius stood in the dim light, his white-knuckled grip on the tranq gun betraying his nerves. "I honestly forgot I was holding it," he admitted, voice barely above a whisper.

Brooklynn placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It's okay. We'll get another chance."

The sudden patter of tiny claws against tile sent their hearts racing as a group of Compies darted past their feet in terror. In the darkness ahead, a blood-red eye gleamed like a malevolent ember. "It's the other one," Darius's voice trembled as he raised the gun. The shot echoed through the empty halls, but the dart whistled harmlessly past the predator.

Their footsteps thundered up the stairs, the Scorpius Rex's claws scraping against metal close behind. Darius whirled around for another shot, but the creature's powerful tail knocked the weapon from his grasp, sending it clattering into the darkness.

The group burst into an old industrial kitchen, diving behind stainless steel cabinets. Through grimy windows, they watched the Scorpius Rex's shadow pass, seconds before it crashed through the door. Its claws scraped against metal as it climbed over cabinets, sending pots and pans crashing to the floor in a cacophony of chaos.

Kenji's eyes darted around frantically before landing on the industrial stove. With careful movements, he reached for the knobs, cranking them to life. The sudden burst of blue flame caught the predator's attention, its primitive brain captivated by the dancing light. They seized their chance, slipping away as the creature remained transfixed.

"Outside!" Kenji's command carried them toward the exit.

Brooklynn's voice cracked with fear. "What about the other Scorpius?"

"I'll take my chances!" Kenji pushed through the door, only to skid to a halt as they came face to face with the familiar azure scales of the raptor. They scrambled back inside, shoulders pressing against the door as claws scraped against the other side. But their combined strength wasn't enough to hold it.

As they backed away from the advancing predator, Yaz's voice cut through their panic. "Up there! Come on!" Before they could make their escape, the Scorpius Rex reappeared, its massive form blocking their path.

"We're trapped," Vera's whisper carried their collective dread.

A thunderous crash from above announced the arrival of the second Scorpius Rex, its massive form crashing through the ceiling. The two hybrid predators collided in a primal battle for dominance, their fight sending tremors through the building's ancient framework. One Scorpius crashed to the lower level while its opponent continued to climb, each impact weakening the structure's integrity.

The raptor, seeing an opportunity, launched itself at the fallen Scorpius. The three apex predators clashed in a deadly dance, their battle threatening to bring the entire building down around them.

Sammy's voice carried urgent realization. "We gotta go. If the roof collapses on us, we're toast."

Understanding dawned in Darius's eyes. "But they would be, too." His voice rose with determination. "Help me!" The plan crystallized in his mind. "Come on! We gotta take this whole place down!"

The group threw their weight against the scaffolding, feeling the ancient structure beginning to give way. The sound of groaning metal and cracking concrete filled the air. "Run for it, now!" Darius's command spurred them into action.

They leaped through the collapsing doorway, hitting the ground and rolling as the Visitors Center imploded behind them. When the dust settled, they approached the rubble cautiously. Among the debris lay the still forms of both Scorpius Rexes, their reign of terror finally ended.

The walk back to the boat carried a solemn weight. Vera's eyes lingered on the fallen predators, her heart conflicted. Despite all the terror, there was something bittersweet about leaving this place where prehistoric wonders still roamed free.

The dock creaked beneath their feet as Ben faced his friends. "Well, this is it."

Sammy's eyes glistened with tears. "I know I've asked you this a hundred times on the walk back, but are you sure you wanna stay behind, Ben?"

"Yeah, man. After everything we just went through, it's absolutely bonkers that you don't wanna leave," Kenji added, genuine concern in his voice.

Ben's response carried quiet conviction. "Well, okay, I know, I know it seems that way, but the Scorpiuses are gone now. I'll be okay. You guys are my family, but this island is home. I know how to survive here."

"But every time I think of you out here all alone..." Sammy's voice cracked with emotion.

"Yeah, and I'll miss you," Yaz admitted softly.

"We'll all miss you," Brooklynn echoed.

Vera stood apart from the group, her emotions warring within her. Her best friend's earlier words still stung, making her question everything she thought she knew about their friendship.

Thunder rolled across the darkening sky. "Another storm is on the way. Best sail out before it rolls in," Ben advised.

Darius stepped back, acceptance in his stance. "Come on, guys. Ben's made up his mind. We gotta respect it."

"Stay safe, Ben!" Darius called out.

"We love you!" Sammy's voice carried across the growing distance.

"Love you, too," Ben's smile was visible even in the gathering darkness.

Sammy's voice trembled. "Are we really doing this? Are we really leaving him here?"

"Guys! Wait! No, no, no! Wait!" Ben's sudden shout carried over the sound of waves.

"Wait! Kenji, stop the boat!" Darius called up to the helm.

A splash preceded Ben's appearance as he hauled himself onto the deck, water streaming from his clothes as Darius helped pull him aboard.

His breathless voice carried a hint of self-deprecating humor. "I guess I kind of realized that since I found myself on the island, I can take that new-found self somewhere else now." He looked around at their knowing faces. "You don't look surprised to see me."

"We knew you'd change your mind," Brooklynn beamed before wrapping him in a hug.

"Yeah, man. Didn't think you'd actually go diving in the ocean, though," Kenji chuckled.

"I..." Ben started to explain.

"Needed to come to it on your own without someone telling you how to feel. I know. Took you long enough!" Darius finished, joining the embrace.

"Seriously? No one could have clued me in? Oh, well!" Sammy laughed through happy tears as she completed the group hug.

Kenji's voice carried down from the helm. "Okay, once and for all, let's get out of this dang place."

"Costa Rica, here we come!" Yaz's cheer carried their collective relief.

"If we're lucky, we'll be there by morning," Darius added optimistically.

The final moments on the boat carried a mix of triumph and uncertainty, the group's celebration cut short by the stark beam of light from above. The helicopter's spotlight created harsh shadows across their faces as the unknown voice boomed from above: "Attention, you on the boat, return to the dock and cut the engine immediately."

Darius's question hung in the salt-laden air: "Who are these guys?"

𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘳𝘪 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴！
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Sorry this was a short chapter! I plan to post more tomorrow and Wednesday for you guys.
Hope you guys are enjoying the book! Love you all!!

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©-CRETACEOUS , 2025