Jurassic Park Broken Lives
Chapter 22: The Oncoming Storm
Disclaimer: I do not own Jurassic Park.
Author Note: Well the wait was for good reason; I am back in school, grade 11. I will try to update at least once a week if I can. As usual, I would like to hear what you think about the story, any ideas, and any ways I could improve.
The cave shook under the force of the ceratosaur's roar as chased the group. The ground shook underfoot and rocks fell from the ceiling as the creature quickly gained ground on Amanda, Silver Claw and Sophia.
The dark cave was hard enough to follow walking, running made it nearly impossible for Amanda, her eyes where not as adjusted to the light as the raptors and she was not able to see as clearly, even if they were. She often hit rocks that threatened to trip her every time, but managed to keep her footing, but just barely. Several times, she stepped in a small pool of water, splashing an icy jet of water up her leg that cramped her muscles.
Around a distant corner of the cave, light dimly filled the area, possibly an exit or cave-in that lead to the surface. Amanda's legs began to burn from the effort, her heart raced, and she knew that if she did not rest soon, she would collapse and the ceratosaurus would get her. Tears started to roll down her face as she began to fall behind slightly, the ceratosaurus was gaining on her and it would not be long before it caught her.
They rounded the corner and had to squint because of the brightness. The area before them opened up into a massive cavern, at least forty meters high and sixty wide, the length was undeterminable. Open to the world above by a long, wide crack in the rock, vines and roots dangled from the roof. Stalagmites rose form the ground to form towering pillars of stone. Slabs of stone off to the left, fallen from the roof that once sealed the opening, created a large, almost stair like affect to the surface, though it was very steep and smooth.
Amanda forced herself to keep up with the raptors. Her body felt as if it was on fire, her limbs began to stiffen and even breathing hurt. But what ever her pain, she was determined to stay alive, she could not die, not now, not when she found Silver Claw, not when she refused to go home with her father, not when she was finally where she loved to be, this island, no matter its danger.
Silver Claw let out a whimper, his chest burned because of his ribs and that was no going to change unless he could rest, but where, where could he rest, the cavern was large and relatively open. At the far end, it looked like there was another cave, but would the ceratosaurus be able to follow them. Amanda must be in as much pain as me, Silver Claw thought sadly. She must be ready to collapse by now.
Suddenly, the ceratosaurus lunged forward, missing the group by only a meter, but instead it hit a large stalagmite. The towering pillar of stone cracked and splintered at the point of impact before falling. It came crashing to the earth, separating Sophia from Silver Claw and Amanda. Sophia turned and ran away from the ceratosaurus. She headed towards the rocky path to the surface.
The ceratosaurus continued its pursuit of Silver Claw and Amanda.
They had to lose the ceratosaurus or it would catch them, Silver Claw thought. If they entered the cave on the other side, there was no way of knowing if it would prevent the ceratosaurus from following or even slow it down. Neither he nor Amanda could keep it up for much longer and the ceratosaurus probably knew it.
"Silver Claw!" Amanda said. Her voice was raspy and rough. "Head towards those." She pointed to a large group of closely positioned stalagmites that formed almost a wall.
Amanda and Silver Claw forced themselves harder to make it to the stalagmites. As they grew closer, the true size of the stone structures became more apparent, each stood about twenty to thirty meters high and had a meter diameter. The smooth, glossy sides, a light tan in color, had a ripple like appearance. Amanda brushed against one as she entered the enclosed area; loose silt clung to her cloths.
Amanda stopped against the wall of the cavern. She turned to see the gaping jaws of the ceratosaurus reaching for her and tried to scream but could not. She closed her eyes and hoped her death would be a quick one. The jaws clamped shut.
Amanda slowly opened her eyes after a moment to see the large teeth of the ceratosaurus only half a meter away from her face.
The ceratosaurus let out a deafening roar, causing rocks to fall from the wall and roof. Amanda gasped and covered her ears. With a heavy shove, the creature pushed forward, inching closer to Amanda. It roared again and snapped its jaws but missed Amanda.
Silver Claw stood horrified and exhausted, he was close to Amanda but he could not help. His injuries were to severe to do much more than get himself killed, if he did attack the ceratosaurus, he may harm it but it would surely be able to bite him but at least it maybe enough to give Amanda a chance to escape.
Suddenly the dinosaur let out a painful howl and pulled away from Amanda, a knife stuck out of its lower jaw just behind the bone at the front of the lower jaw. Warm blood splashed onto the ground, leaving a red trail as the creature retreated. With another roar, the ceratosaurus began to move off and into the distance, perhaps after Sophia. Amanda breathed in heavily and looked to Silver Claw.
"Are you alright?" She asked. Her breath came in raspy gasps.
"Yes," Silver Claw sighed and looked out at the ceratosaurus. "Look out Amanda!" Silver Claw jumped forward, pushing Amanda out of the way as the ceratosaurus burst through the stalagmites. Silver Claw roared as his impact against Amanda hit his ribs.
The ceratosaur's head hit the wall with a tremendous crash. The cavern wall shook and boulders fell from the ceiling.
"Run Silver Claw," Amanda gasped as she stagger to her feet and out of the stone pillars, heading towards the cave.
Silver Claw quickly followed Amanda. Behind them, the ceratosaurus pushed the rest of its body into the gap they were hiding in and slammed against the other stalagmites in order to free itself from the enclosed area. The towering pillars of stone fractured under the force. With a thunderous roar, the ceratosaurus broke free and pursued Amanda and Silver Claw.
Boulders fell from the roof as a large slab of stone overhanging the cave began to break free from the wall. Amanda and Silver Claw dodged the numerous falling rocks from the walls and ceiling as they rushed for the cave. Just as they entered, Amanda tripped and hit the ground, hard.
"Amanda!" Silver Claw shouted, stopping to check if she was all right. He nuzzled her head but she was out cold.
A loud thud sounded close by. Silver Claw slowly looked up to see the ceratosaurus a few meters away. It gave a low hiss and opened its mouth. Drool dripped from the razor sharp teeth and onto the stone ground below.
Silver Claw hissed back and raised his killing claws. His feathers stood on end and he prepared to attack the ceratosaurus. He was ready to do anything to protect Amanda. Just as the ceratosaurus charged forward, the overhanging section of stone gave way. The ceratosaurus dropped to the ground with a sickening crack, the slab of stone crushed its neck and a wall of dust washed through the cave.
Through the dust, Silver Claw could see a small beam of light shining in from a corner of the cave where the stone did not cover. He began to choke on the air. It left a bitter taste in his mouth.
For several minutes, the air remained filled with dust, and then finally, as the dust cleared, it revealed the ceratosaur's head only a meter away from Amanda's feet. The predator's tongue lay limply out the left side of its mouth, the eyes closed, and a pool of blood was inching outward from the base of the stone slab.
Silver Claw got excited. Not that he was alive but because of the fresh blood. He found the smell intoxicating and inviting once more. His mouth began to drool and he felt hungry, very hungry. How could he not, it was not the blood of his mates that he smelled but that of a possible food source, and that made it right in his mind. He slowly approached the head, stepping in the pooling blood as he approached. He lowered his head to take a bite.
"Silver Claw?" A voice sounded from outside. "Silver Claw, where are you."
Silver Claw snapped back. "Sophia?"
"Silver Claw where are you," Sophia called out even louder, unaware Silver Claw answered her.
"In here," Silver Claw shouted.
A light clicking sounded on the slab of rock and the beam of light disappeared for a moment. "In here?"
"Yes Sophia," Silver Claw replied and turned to Amanda. The blood was getting closer to her and he did not want her smelling of it. He moved towards her, leaving a trail of bloody footprints.
"Are you alright?" Sophia asked.
"I am fine," Silver Claw said. He grabbed the collar of Amanda's shirt and pulled her away from the blood, to an area in the light.
The light disappeared slightly as Sophia looked in. "Is she dead?
"No, she hit her head." Silver Claw said, looking at Sophia. "She might be out for a bit."
"Oh, well, do you think you might be able to get out of their," questioned Sophia.
"Not unless that rock is moved." Silver Claw set down next to Amanda's head.
"That's not going to happen," Sophia said. "This thing crushed most of the ceratosaurus, only part of the tail is sticking out on this side."
"Maybe there is another way out of here?"
"For your sake, there had better be," Sophia said. "And for your sake, you also better hope you are alone in there."
"Yeah," Silver Claw sighed and looked down at Amanda. "I hope she isn't hurt."
"Why did you choose her for a mate?" Sophia questioned unexpectedly. "I mean, come on, she's human and you're a velociraptor. How could that possibly fit together and expect to last?"
Silver Claw snorted at Sophia's rudeness and was silent for a minute. "I…I don't know for certain why I chose her," Silver Claw finally admitted. "She was the first creature I found after the attack and we just kind of connected. She was scared of me at first but after a while…she learned to trust me and I her, we became close because of similar experiences."
Silver Claw gently nuzzled Amanda's head and placed it on his side by sliding his snout under it and moving his body under her. He licked her cheek but she did not stir. He whimpered softly and rubbed his snout against her head again.
"Oh," Sophia sighed and moved her head so that more of the light could enter the cave. "But I do not understand why."
"She and I were alone," Silver Claw said and looked toward where Sophia had been. "I think we connected because of that. But anyway, she loves me as much as I love her."
"She must truly care for you because she was determined to find you even after you attacked her." Sophia said.
Silver Claw changed the subject slightly. "What happened after I left?"
"You were lucky you were not their." Sophia snarled. "The humans used something on me that put me to sleep and when I woke, I was in a cage."
Silver Claw chuckled slightly, a series of quick repeating growls. "I would have liked to see that, you must have been mad."
"I was furious! If it were not for Loki being there, I would probably have attacked one of them one Amanda let me out." Sophia said.
"Where is Loki anyway?"
"One of the females is taking care of him," Sophia said and explained what happened to his leg.
"Is he going to be alright?"
"I don't know." Sophia sighed. "What about you, how are your injuries?"
"I think I broke another rib when I fell on that slope into the streambed," Silver Claw said and looked to his chest. "Either that or the other ribs moved slightly."
"Oh Silver Claw…" Sophia whimpered sorrowfully. "Are you in any pain?"
"Not much right now," Silver Claw said and licked Amanda's cheek again.
"You should try to keep off your feet until they are healed or else you could end up unable to hunt or worse." Sophia whimpered. "I don't want to see you like that."
"I know Sophia," Silver Claw said softly. "I would be an unfit mate for Amanda if that happened."
"I would not care if you were like hurt though…" Sophia stated in a low tone. "Maybe I should go. I am of no help here."
"No," Silver Claw protested. "I like talking with you Sophia."
"Yeah but seeing you with a human mate makes me uncomfortable," Sophia admitted. "It is so…unnatural."
"Why does it make you uncomfortable," Silver Claw asked.
"Well for one, what about hatchlings?" Sophia asked. "You must want children of your own someday, every raptor does."
"Yes, I do want children." Silver Claw sighed. "I knew that we could never have children before I asked Amanda to be my mate."
"Would she even want children if she could?" Sophia asked.
"I never brought it up but she has had dreams where she was like us," Silver Claw said with a smile. "We had children in those dreams so I imagine she would."
"But dreams are just that, dreams. They mean nothing and you know that. It is just your wishful thinking that they may be anything." Sophia said almost cruelly. "What if you where injured enough that you were unable to hunt? Could she bring you food?" Sophia questioned. "As well as say…I could."
"Probably, every time she has hunted, she has had success."
"Really?" Sophia said, shocked. "How could that be, how many times has she hunted?"
"Three," Silver Claw stated proudly. "She killed two gallimimus and an adult triceratops."
"Beginners luck," Sophia snorted, remembering her seven failures before her first catch and kill.
"Yeah ok," Silver Claw said, shaking his head. "She is a natural hunter."
"What about instincts?"
"I have never really seen her have trouble with hers," Silver Claw said, thinking it was an odd question.
"I mean you Silver Claw," Sophia said. "You're a hunter, not some friendly prey that gets along with everyone and everything."
"Well…there have been a few times that I slipped and nearly done something to her or couldn't think because of the fresh blood from a kill or either her or Ellie." Silver Claw admitted and lowered his head. "I can control them."
"Are you sure," Sophia said, almost brutally. "What if she were to disappear again?"
Silver Claw snarled and showed his teeth. "That is not what we are talking about!"
"Yes it is," Sophia said. "Those were your instincts at work and look what happened. I don't think she would forgive you twice."
"Sophia!" Silver Claw roared. "How dare you say that!"
"How dare you say that," Sophia mocked, sticking her head in the hole. "Well it is true whether you like it or not."
Silver Claw's head perked up. He remembered several other times she was like this and his mood changed from anger to curiosity. "You're jealous aren't you?"
"What," Sophia snarled. "I am not."
"Yes you are. I've seen you act like this before." Silver Claw said. "That is why you are mocking me."
"I have not acted like this before," Sophia said and turned her head away from the hole.
"You're blushing right now aren't you," Silver Claw grinned. "I caught you like your father did several times, now what are you jealous of?"
"I told you I am not jealous, and how dare you bring my father into this."
"Sophia…" Silver Claw said.
"I am not…" Sophia said stubbornly.
"Yes you are," Silver Claw said. "Admit it!"
"Fine, I'm jealous." Sophia snapped, "So what."
"Of what," Silver Claw asked politely.
"That is none of you're business, now is it."
"If you're mocking me then it is, and as long as you continue to act like this, it will remain to be."
"Of you and that human," Sophia admitted in a low tone.
"What?" Silver Claw said, only hearing her mumble.
"Of you and that…human," Sophia shouted at Silver Claw.
"You found someone to care and love for and have them care for you," Sophia said. "I…I have nothing and no one, you were the only one I have ever had any real feeling for and as long as your human mate is alive, I will not have you to be with."
"Oh Sophia," Silver Claw said in a low voice. "I am sure you will find someone that will make you as happy as I could have, probably even more."
"I should go…" Sophia whimpered and jumped off the rock.
"No wait Sophia!" Silver Claw said but she was gone. In the distance, he could hear her claws clicking against the stone as she probably was climbing the rocky path to the surface.
Before long, the sound was gone and the area became quiet. A gentle breeze snaked through the tunnel towards him and moved the feathers on his head slightly.
At least the cave goes somewhere, Silver Claw thought. "Amanda," he said softly to her ear. "Please wake up my Amanda."
She stirred slightly but her eyes remained closed. Silver Claw tenderly licked her cheek and Amanda moaned. Slowly, her eyes opened.
"Silver Claw," she questioned softly, her voice dry and rough.
"Hello Amanda." Silver Claw smiled.
"What happened?" Amanda groaned and slowly reached for her head. She felt a small bump on her forehead.
"You tripped and hit your head," Silver Claw replied.
"Oh," she moaned, "And what about the ceratosaurus, is it gone?"
"Dead," Silver Claw said. "A rock fell on it."
"What about Sophia?"
"She ran off," Silver Claw said, "I think she wants to be alone for a while."
"I'm happy to see you."
"I am happy to see you as well Amanda," Silver Claw said softly. "I thought I may have killed you." His feathers dropped.
"Forget about it," Amanda said and reached for his head with her right hand. She gently pushed his feathers up. "I want to see you happy."
"How did I end up with a mate like you," Silver Claw chuckled.
"Good luck, I guess." Amanda replied.
"I was wondering, why did you say yes when I asked you?" Silver Claw questioned.
"You were talking with Sophia, weren't you?" Amanda questioned suspiciously.
"Yes," Silver Claw confessed. "She got me thinking of several things."
"You should know that she is jealous of us," Amanda stated.
"I know. I caught her acting like she normal does when she is." Silver Claw replied. "That is why she ran off."
"Well, I said yes because…" Amanda said, trying to remember. "Because you are kind to me and protect me, because you care for me as much as my family did, and because I love you." Amanda laughed slightly. "My father would freak if he saw my husband was a velociraptor, it would be hard just to calm him down, let alone explain my reasons."
"It is too bad that he could not be here to see you," Silver Claw said and nuzzled her cheek. "I think he might accept it."
"You don't know my father," Amanda laughed. "He might pass out when I tell him, then who knows what."
"When you…tell him?" Silver Claw asked. "What do you mean by that?"
"Well, he and some others in my family did survive." Amanda said. "I don't know how but I saw my father on the mainland." Her voice changed to a low saddened tone. "I left him to come here and be with you. My father said he wanted this island destroyed before I left."
"How did you get here," Silver Claw asked. "And what do you mean when you say that he wanted to destroy the island."
"He literally wants this place destroyed, every last creature destroyed." Amanda said, almost in tears. "I could never let him do that, and I could never bring you away from here so he could do that."
"Well, maybe if all of Jack and Sara's pack was moved as well, we could." Silver Claw said. "It would be nice to see your home."
"They would put you in a cage and experiment on you, Silver Claw." Amanda said. A single tear rolled down her cheek. "I wouldn't be able to live with myself if that happened."
"I would hate that," Silver Claw said and licked the tear from Amanda's cheek. "I'm sure as long as you're here, he won't do anything."
"No, but he will attempt to find me first." Amanda stated and started to cry.
"Please don't cry my love," Silver Claw said softly and rubbed his head against her cheek, purring loudly. "I don't like to see you like this."
Amanda brushed away her tears and smiled at him. "You sound like a cat when you purr."
"I sound like a what?" Silver Claw questioned, unsure of what a cat was.
"A cat, it is an animal with fur, long tail, pointed ears and it hunts mice, well at least the pet cats do." Amanda said. "They purr when they are happy, like when you pet them."
"Oh, and a pet is?" Silver Claw questioned.
"I though I told you," Amanda said.
"If you did, I have forgotten," Silver Claw admitted.
"Ok, a pet is an animal people keep because they are fun to have around or they keep you company." Amanda replied. "For example, I have a dog back home."
"Am I your…pet," Silver Claw questioned in a serious tone.
Amanda began to laugh. "No Silver Claw, you are not my pet." Amanda gently rubbed his head. "You are my husband, or mate, which ever you want to use. Pets aren't mates with their owners but really close friends."
"Ok," Silver Claw said content with her answer. "How are you feeling?"
"Stiff and sore," Amanda replied. "My head hurts and I'm hungry."
"I don't know what to do with the soreness but the head of the ceratosaurus might take away the hunger." Silver Claw suggested.
"I can't be eating too much raw meat Silver Claw," Amanda said. "It made me sick and when I was on the main land, they gave me some things to get rid of the infection because of the bacteria on the raw meat."
"Oh, so you need to…cook it, if I remembered the right word."
"Yes, I hope you won't mind the smell when I do." Amanda said. "First I have to get Sarah to teach me how to start a fire though."
"Who is Sarah?"
"She is the one who help me get here." Amanda replied. "She studies animals and is helping Loki with his leg."
"Yes, I know about Loki's leg." Silver Claw sighed and nodded his head. "What else has she taught you or is going to?"
"She showed me several edible plants," Amanda answered.
"Plants are disgusting," Silver Claw stated clearly. "How can you eat them?"
"You are a carnivore, I am an omnivore," Amanda said with a smile. "I can eat both plants and meat."
"Oh, I was wondering why you ate those things off the bushes back in the old building." Silver Claw said.
Amanda smiled and scratched under Silver Claw's chin. "Do you think we should get going now?"
"Yeah, it might be getting dark soon." Silver Claw said, "And we do not want to get stuck in a one way cave during the night."
"That's for sure." Amanda groaned as she slowly stood up. "I'm going to be sore tomorrow."
"Me too," Silver Claw slowly stood up and looked the ceratosaur's head. "Do you mind if I have a bite to eat?"
"Go ahead," Amanda rolled her eyes. "Just hurry up, ok."
He nodded his head in response and quickly moved the ceratosaurus. Silver Claw quickly devoured what little meat he could pull off the skull. Within a few moments, Silver Claw had his fill and began to move off, leaving another trail of bloody footsteps behind.
"It might get really dark," Silver Claw warned. "Stay close to me, ok."
Amanda placed her hand on his back. "There, now you won't wander off on me."
Silver Claw only shook his head, giving a slight chuckle. For several minutes, the two of them moved forward at a quick pace until the light became so little that Amanda could no longer see and Silver Claw had trouble avoiding objects. The darkness surrounded them, only light breezes lead the way.
For over an hour, they traversed the winding cave, then not far away, a dim glow lit the cave, though it was not enough to be daylight. As they rounded the corned, Amanda stopped in amazement. The walls of the cave glowed in a light blue hue. By the looks of it, something coated the walls. An area of wall, cracked and open, let a small stream of water trickle down to the ground.
"Wow," Amanda said as she stared at the walls. "What do you think that stuff if?"
Silver Claw stared at it for a while before answering. "I don't know but I don't think we should touch it."
"Yeah, you're probably right," Amanda sighed. "I wonder where that water is coming from."
"Maybe we are under a stream or a river," Silver Claw said.
"Maybe, there was a small river near the trailers."
"Well, let's get going." Silver Claw stated. "I won't to be here, at least not under this area of cave. What if it collapsed on us?"
"What are you nervous about?" Amanda asked.
"I don't like being under ground and really don't like the fact that water is coming in here."
"Why?" Amanda questioned. "You seem almost scared of it."
"Well as a raptor, I am not supposed to admit to these things but you are my mate and I should tell you." Silver Claw said and looked down. "Please don't tell anyone."
"What is it?" Amanda asked in a sweet soft tone.
Silver Claw looked at her face. It was color in a light blue glow. Silver Claw lowered his feathers.
"I am afraid of two things, drowning and being buried alive." Silver Claw said in a low soft tone.
"Why?" Amanda asked softly.
Silver Claw looked away before answering. "I don't like deep water because if you go under and can't get up, you breathe in and die." Amanda felt a chill run through Silver Claw. "Same with buried alive, but you are crushed as well. I am fine near the entrance because I can escape but beyond about thirty meters…"
"Ok, we'll get out of here soon and I will never ask you to go in a cave or swimming again." Amanda said softly. "You know I am afraid of things as well."
"You can ask me to go swimming, as long as we are near shore." Silver Claw replied. "And I know you are afraid of some things, you told me some of them before."
"Oh yeah," Amanda said and stroked his head. "Let's go, I don't want you to feel uncomfortable."
"Ok."
They passed back into the darkness. For several more hours, they followed the cave. Silver Claw occasionally hit the wall while Amanda stepped in pools of icy water. Then at last, the two of them rounded a corner and in the distance, a dim light.
"I think we're there," Amanda said happily. "It looked like we might have gone across the island before we got out."
"Yeah," Silver Claw sighed.
Suddenly, a massive crackle shook the cave. Amanda and Silver Claw raced to the entrance and stopped. Outside, black clouds covered the sky, a heavy rain soaked the island in a torrential downpour, and lightning flashed across the sky, illuminating the ocean a few meters away from the cave. Massive waves crashed against the shore, soaking Amanda. The sea was a torrent of waves and foam, the swells were at least fifteen meters high and the wind forced them towards shore. Another wave shook the ground as it battered the shoreline.
"What…should…we…do?" Amanda shouted over the crash of waves.
Silver Claw looked around and then he noticed a large valley like shape in the rock down the shore. "Follow Me!"
Slowly, they moved down the coast. The ground was solid rock under their feet, slippery and smooth. Amanda stayed close to the cliff to ensure that the wind and water did not sweep her off her feet and into the sea. Silver Claw stood between Amanda and the coastline, the constant crash of waves was beginning to take its toll on him. The icy seawater was chilling his body until he shivered and the wind only made it worse.
"Silver Claw, are you ok?" Amanda shouted over the wave and thunder.
"Just hurry," Silver Claw replied. His body trembled.
They finally rounded the base of the valley shape and found a long slope to the forest above. Short grasses and shrubs covered the windswept slope.
The cold was beginning to take its hold on Amanda as well because she shook with tremors. Her wet clothing was as cold as the rain that continued to beat against it. Both Amanda and Silver Claw slowly looked to each other.
"Can we do it?" Amanda asked. Her lips were turning a light blue.
"We have to try." With that, Silver Claw began the ascent.
Amanda quickly followed Silver Claw up the steep slope. The soil turned to loose stone, as they grew closer to the top, thorny weeds snaked their way throughout the grass and along the path Amanda and Silver Claw were climbing. Amanda dropped to her hands and knees when the wind gusted heavily against the slope and she dared not to straighten herself. Silver Claw's body trembled but he managed to keep his footing.
"Don't worry Silver Claw," Amanda shouted over the rain and wind that pelted her body as well as the slope. "We're almost there!"
Silver Claw trembled. His legs felt like weights anchored him to the ground. He knew that if a carnivore found them once at the top, he would not escape. A massive crack of thunder caused him to flinch. The sound echoed in his ears and caused him a great deal of pain. He closed his eyes and surged forward.
Suddenly, he reached forward and only found open space. His body collapsed and he fell into a puddle of mud. A faint voice sounded nearby and he slowly opened his eyes just in time to see Amanda wrap her arms around him.
"Silver Claw," he heard faintly. "We… it, we made it, we made it to the top."
Silver Claw smiled and slowly lifted his neck to look around. They made it, he thought as he looked at the surrounding jungle. It was dark, the jungle echoed with the sound of falling rain and blowing wind, but for now, it seemed they were alone.
"Yes we did," Silver Claw replied to Amanda. "Could you help me up please?"
"Sure," Amanda smile and gently placed her hands under his stomach and pulled up. After several tiresome tries, Silver Claw stood on his own feet and shook off the mud.
"Let's find somewhere to rest, I'm cold." Silver Claw said. "I'm sure you're colder than me though."
"Yes," Amanda said. Droplets of rain streaked her face and her hair clung tightly to her skin. Her lips were pale blue and she had a slight tremble.
Amanda and Silver Claw quickly, or at least as fast as they could, moved into the jungle. The rain became lighter as it ran down the trunks of the trees rather that off the drooping leaves. They passed deeper into the jungle and soon found themselves surrounded by towering pines.
"What do you think we should do," Amanda said. "It doesn't look like were going to find a good spot to stay."
"One moment," Silver Claw said and raised his head, sniffing the air. "Follow me."
Silver Claw slowly wandered through the trees. The thick branches above sheltered them from most of the rain and wind. Silver Claw stopped suddenly and sniffed a bush.
"What are you doing Silver Claw," Amanda questioned. "I'm freezing."
"Be careful when you come in, it has thorns." Silver Claw said and slowly disappeared into the bush.
"Silver Claw," Amanda said, confused. She slowly pushed into the bush and found herself face to snout with Silver Claw. "Why did you come in here?"
"Do you feel rain?"
"Well no but…" Amanda started and looked up. The bush was spacious and dome shaped. The ground was dry and in the center, a long stem rose up. "This will do, how did you find it?"
"The smell, I recognized it from my old home." Silver Claw exclaimed. "It was a little hard to find in the rain but…here it is."
"I wish we would have got out of that cave sooner, I can't stay in these cloths now."
"Why not," Silver Claw asked while he laid himself next to the stem.
"I can't sleep in wet clothing." Amanda said, "I'll freeze"
"Oh," Silver Claw said and looked to his side. "If you like, you can sleep against my side if you like. I think I can keep you warm."
Amanda sat next to Silver Claw and cleaned the remaining mud from his side. Amanda shivered slightly. She rubbed her hands together and blew into them.
She placed the back of her right hand against Silver Claw's side. "How did you warm up so fast?"
"I don't know." Silver Claw answered. "It just happens."
"Well, this will help a lot." Amanda pulled off her shirt and hung it on a low hanging branch off to the side.
"Wait Amanda, could you stand over to the side for a moment." Silver Claw said. Once Amanda was out of the way, he stood up and started digging a small grove in the dirt. Once he was done, Silver Claw piled leaves and dirt around the outside until he constructed a crude nest. "There, now we can have a nest."
Amanda smiled. "Silver Claw, would you look away for a moment?"
Silver Claw tilted his head.
Amanda rolled eyes and sighed. "I want to get out of my pants."
"So?" Silver Claw questioned.
"Why do you ignore me when I ask you to look away," Amanda asked.
"Why do you feel uncomfortable to change in front of me?"
"I don't know, I think it was because it was what I used to do."
"Well, if it makes you uncomfortable," Silver Claw said and turned his head away.
Amanda pulled the wet pants off her legs and hung them on the tree. A small thud made Amanda look down at a blue stone. Amanda smiled and picked it up. She laid herself in the nest and set the stone on her stomach.
"Silver Claw, you can lay down now." Amanda said and tilted her head to see him standing over her.
"You have the stone with you?"
"Yes," Amanda grinned. "I forgot about it in my pocket."
"Well, it's nice you have it." Silver Claw curled around Amanda, placing his neck under her head.
"What do you think about all this?"
"All of what?"
"Us, being away from our pack, our life together," Amanda sighed sleepily as she looked at the leafy dome. She yawned.
"It feels different being with you rather than another velociraptor, I feel more comfortable around you than say…Sara or Sophia." Silver Claw nuzzled the top of Amanda's shoulder. "Personally, I like being alone with you. It gives me more time to get to know you better."
"If we could though, I would like to wander around this island to see the different places and maybe we could claim a territory of our own and start our own pack someday. Sure we cold not have children but it would be nice to lay claim to someplace." Silver Claw sighed. "You know, this has been nice to be alone with you and just talk about things we happen to think about. What do you think Amanda?"
Amanda remained unmoved and quiet.
"Amanda?" Silver Claw questioned and lifted his so he could see her eyes. She was asleep. He smiled slightly and licked her cheek. "Good night my mate."
Silver Claw gave the air one final test and slowly closed his eyes. A single thought crossed his mind. He was with his mate, and they were alive…