Chapter 8

Race against time

Week 1: Day 6

(Velvet's POV)

The air was crisp and cool, the rising moonlight kissed my skin ever so delicately, soft sounds of animals singing in the wind. Everything felt so peaceful, this truly was a primal world. I looked out over the treetops, Johnathan was slightly snoring next to me. Not a single structure in sight, no Grimm to worry about, no people to worry about. Just pure bliss as nature intended. The Brachiosaurus left who knows how long ago, but their beautiful song can be heard. I smiled and

I can see why Johnathan would like his job at times. There is no denying that this world was beautiful. Dangerous but beautiful. Though I wouldn't mind going back home, I also wouldn't mind having a mini vacation here some day, as long as I have Johnathan to teach me what is dangerous and what is friendly. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath and let it go. The salty musk of the ocean mixed with the scents of dozens of plants around filled my senses. Must be on a island or close to the ocean, wouldn't smell the ocean if it was anywhere else. I open my eyes and look up to see my armored friend and hero, asleep and snoring lightly. He looked so peaceful this way, like there wasn't a worry in the world. I snuggled closer into his arms. Even though his armor was cold and metallic, I still felt completely safe. Before long Johnathan's helmet started going off. Instead of the obnoxious siren, it was more like an annoying alarm clock buzzer. Several of the animals heard it and bellowed in alarm. Johnathan quickly woke up and put his helmet on.

"System: Stop alarm, display time left." He ordered. The buzzing stopped. He looked down at me real quick. "You alright?" He asked.

"Yeah," I replied blushing brightly. "Just admiring the view that's all."

"Really is a beautiful world." He mused looking out a bit. "Too bad we don't have much time."

"Huh?"

"Portal we came though, it's going to close in less than an hour. Rex should be gone as should most of the herd, We'll only have to worry about the nocturnal predators. With both of us having near perfect night vision it shouldn't be too much of a problem avoiding them." He replied. I was going to ask why we didn't leave sooner, but I quickly canceled that though when the soft song of the dinosaur continued. I smiled and nodded with him.

"Okay, how long will it take to get there?" I asked.

"Best case scenario, about half hour if we don't attract unwanted attention. Few minutes at full speed with the bike but we'll have predators on out tails no doubt. Full hour worst case." He replied as he started to climb down. "I'll go down first to be sure it is safe. Few dinosaurs I don't want you to see. Wait a full minute then start climbing down." With that, he fell out of sight.

I looked across the treetops and smiled as I counted to sixty in my head. Nice to know he cares about my safety. I can take care of myself just fine but I don't know the animals here, he does so it would be in my best interest to listen and follow his orders if I want to get home alive. I prefer to avoid physical violence as much as possible. Fighting Grimm is one thing, they want everyone dead so take them out before they can take anyone innocent out. Fighting other students is a different story however. We're all still learning, we're all still young and stupid. I've had countless opportunities to knock bullies down a few pegs but I choose not to act for a few reasons. 1) I would stoop to their level and turn into what I despise. 2) I don't want to severely hurt other students, no matter how badly they deserve it. 3) I don't want people to falsely accuse me of being with the White Fang. I'm sure they would stop teasing me, but it would be out of fear and not respect. 4) I know Monty will give them what they deserve sooner or later.

Though Johnathan's past peaks my curiosity. I don't know half of the things that happened to him that made him into the man he is today. From what he told me and what I can gather. He had to take potentially deadly surgeries to even be able to wear his armor, he must have been trained by some high level military officers to be able to fight like he does. Has to endure a living hell and do very gutsy stuff just to survive. He is a good father, a great friend, an excellent fighter. And that is just as much as I've learned in a week. Though there is so much I don't know about him, guess time will provide answers when Monty sees fit. And there's sixty, time to start climbing down.

(Johnathan's POV)

So far so good. No predators yet, you'd think it would be safe. But I know that in this world, there is no such thing as safe. Predators could be waiting around the next tree trunk or hiding in the bushes. Would use my Promethean vision to confirm it but with my visor damaged, it won't work. Item #1 on my list of crap to fix.

This is as good for now. Going to have to move quietly and swiftly. I look up to see Velvet working her way down. I swear she's part squirrel for how quickly she climbs up and down. I smiled as she jumped the rest of the way. She smiled as she stuck the landing.

"Good landing but your form could use a little refining. 9/10." I joked. She chuckled a bit.

"At least I didn't need to be pinned to the tree by my team mate because I had no strategy." She replied as I uncovered the bike. Less than half a tank left. We should be good.

"Velvet." I replied softly. She looked right into my eyes with her big chocolate brown ones. "The trip will be extremely dangerous. I can't promise your safety but I can promise to do everything in my power to protect you. Time is not on our side so listen carefully to what I'm going to tell you." I said with a dead serious tone. "Till we get back, you do what I say, when I say it, how I say it, no questions asked. We maintain silence as much as possible, keep noise to a minimum. Watch everywhere you step, every possible ambush spot, and for the love of all things holy, RUN when you see big glowing eyes. You see or hear anything suspicious, you tell me. Most of these animals won't hesitate to eat us and there are some who you will wish killed you once they get a hold of you. Do I make myself clear?" I asked. Hate playing the 'strict bossy person' but it needs done if I want her to survive.

"Crystal clear." She whispered.

"Good. Let's move out, quietly." I ordered putting the bike in neutral and started heading west. Have to keep a vigilant eye and ear out for everything. I'd sooner die then see another friend in the clutch on those . . . monsters. "System: Set motion tracker to max range. Divert power from nonessential functions to main battery." I whispered to my helmet. Need to figure out how to recharge it when I get back. Can't just plug it into the wall socket and forget about it. I'll have to take out and recharge the battery packs that way. Few pieces are independently powered by their respective battery packs (Helmet, chest piece for the most part) for their instruments, in case the reactor gets damaged. Uses less power then I thought yet requires me to recharge them often without the reactor. Not looking forward to tearing them out and recharging them. The fission pack that came with the suit was beyond field repair after fighting a lightning crazed sith inquisitor, brought it back to a Halo-verse for repairs or replacement. I know Palmer said it would be a while to replace it since I was non-UNSC personnel (meaning I was low on the waiting list for armor repair) and it would cost me a good chunk of credits.

No Johnathan, stay focused. What matters now is getting Velvet back home. Everything else comes second. Focus on getting both of us out of here alive and in one piece. But with her unique scent, stealth may not be possible but it's better then charging toward the portal, guns 'blazing, alerting every carnivore within ten miles of our location. I suppressed a groan in frustration. This is going to be a interesting night. If we do get in trouble, I'll get Velvet back one way or another, even if it costs me another arm.

Half hour later

(Velvet's POV)

We've been trekking through this dense jungle for a while, the cool tropical air felt nice and refreshing. I followed Johnathan's orders as we walked in silence. Though I can't help but think about what he said earlier. What could the glowing eyes mean? Probably predators, but what animal could make him sound afraid and angry? I need to remain focused, don't want the predators to get the jump on us when I smell like a gourmet meal to them. I looked around as we slowly walked though the underbrush of this primal jungle. A twig snapped to my right, making Johnathan and I jerk our heads toward the sound. One of the orange bird like animals walked out of the brush about ten meters from us. It let out a low chirp while looking around. We both relaxed upon seeing it was just a herbivore, or what I assume is one if Johnathan is relaxed. I let out a sigh which seemed to startle the animal. It let out a loud shriek and bolted the other direction.

"Well, that was weird." I whispered. The animal barely got out of sight before something jumped up and dragged it down by the neck, something small. Soon more jumped on it and joined in. The orange animal gave a loud shriek before a bone sickening crunch silenced it. A low chattering echoed though out the jungle. almost like a rattlesnake and a crocodile hiss, but not quite. Johnathan stopped dead in his tracks as soon as he heard the chattering. He pulled out his pistol as he looked around as more chattering and hissing echoed around us. There was nothing anywhere. Bushes shook off to my left along with more of the chattering. I couldn't find them even with my perfect night vision. Something about the chattering made my heart stop in fear. I know we're being hunted, no doubt in my mind. Worst part is that I have no idea what these things even are, or what they are capable of.

"Oh please God, please don't be what I think it is." Johnathan pleaded as he flashed his helmet lights on. Almost instantly I spotted at least ten maybe fifteen hungry predators screeched in anger before backing away from it. All of them half my size, huge beady white eyes gazing at us hungry and very viciously. Blood red belly and neck, bone white skin, pitch black stripes along it's back, and LOTS of sharp, pointy teeth dripping with saliva. Few of them hissed as the lights shined their way. He turned all around. Everywhere we looked, there was one of these predators. Johnathan kept his lights shining at them as they inched closer. To say I was scared would be lying, I am absolutely terrified right now! My heart stopped as their eyes pierced deep into my very soul. There are dozens of these things, and I have no way to fight them all or even half. Plus the odor they emit, absolutely reeks of death and demise. What scared me even more is that they were able to stay hidden from mine and Johnathan's night vision. My gut is screaming at me to get out of there

"Velvet. On the bike. Now" He ordered starting up the bike, his voice oozing fear as his gaze never left the main group by me. The closest one hissed as it got closer. I took a step back as they got closer, every single one of them hissing and chattering. I jumped on the back as one jumped on a log and got in the pouncing position. Johnathan quickly shot the bike forward as the lead one pounced, barely missing me and ramming into grass I was at seconds earlier.

"Johnathan, what are these things?" I asked as they started chasing after us. I couldn't directly see them, but I can hear their clicks and chatter. Taunting me, teasing me as we bounced off the ground. What ever was asleep before, they sure as hell were awake now. The jungle filled with a chorus of noise.

"Troodons. Very ugly bastards with a nasty bite. Stay away from their jaws, trust me." He answered making a hard left, narrowly avoiding the waking form of some of a longed necked animal, with the Troodons hot on our tail. I held on to him tighter. As the magnificient beasts rose to their full height and began to move. One of the Troodons was running along side us. It turned to try and pounce on me but got crushed as a Brachiosaur stepped on it. Yet with one gone, three more took it's place just as we exited the jungle. A herd of Brachiosaurus beside us with the troodons hot on our butts.

"They're getting closer." I Informed as one started running along side us. It looked right at me and jumped, it took hold and clamped it's jaws around my right leg. I winced in pain as it bit down, quickly shaking it off just before it slammed into the side of a rock. I bit my tongue to stop myself from screaming as it's teeth ripped away a large chunk of bloody flesh. Almost immediately I started feeling woozy and weak, almost falling off Johnathan. He reacted quickly and grabbed a hold of me.

"You okay? What happened? " He asked swerving left to avoid a Brachiosaurus leg. The animal bellowed in alarm as it echoed through out the air. I looked behind me to see the troodons beginning to break off. Several flanking to the right while others ran to chase after the large crested animals. My vision beginning to blur and get wavy. Like everything was in a large bowl of soup.

"I'm fine. . . Just. . . Tired." I lied as it started hurting to breath, I didn't want him to stop just for me. We need to get out of here. Just a little bite, I'll have it looked at when we get back. Just as as we passed another tree a huge migraine hit me like a truck. Head feels like a million tiny elves were smacking the inside of my skull with sledgehammers and blasting rock music. The pain was unbearable. I let go of Johnathan with one hand to hold my head. Everything started getting twisty and swirly, I couldn't think straight.

"Velvet talk to me!" He yelled as he swerved to avoid a surprise jump from a few Troodons. Johnathan quickly punched the gas as we ran over one of the beasts. We bounced as it's bones cracked and broke under our weight. Everything started getting brighter and my head started hurting more as the portal came into view. I can still hear the chattering from the animals behind us. Another wave of nausea hit me making me let go of him. He grabbed he and used his free hand to hold my hand around his waist as we ran toward the portal.

"Johnathan." I weakly said before we drove through the portal, Johnathan yelling my name was the last thing I heard as everything was just engulfed in a bright light.

(Johnathan's POV)

RWBY-subverse

We blasted out of the portal, mud soaked tires skidding across the ground as it tried to gain traction, popping and sending rubber everywhere. I was forced to slam on the breaks to avoid hitting the wall. I spun the bike around and pulled out my pistol just as the first troodon passed though. I fired and blew a hole in it's oversized head as it went to the ground dead. A four more jumped out and hissed at me as they wildly blinked. I fired once again getting two in the head as the others hissed and ran back toward the portal. I kept my pistol aimed at the portal for a few more seconds before I let out a sigh of relief. Those monsters ain't coming over, not on my watch. I looked behind me just as Velvet fell off the bike. My heart sank as she hit the cold, wet, ground.

"VELVET!" I yelled jumping off the bike and immediately went to her side. I completely ignored all the reporters around me as I began checking her for anything out of the ordinary. Arms look good. I forced one of her eyes to open. . . damn it. Discolored eyes that jerked and moved around randomly. I patted her down more to try to find the source. I'm praying that I'm wrong for once. I looked down to see her right leg was bleeding. I quickly rolled up her pants leg and my blood turned to ice. It was a ragged bite, heterodont bite pattern, about 20 centimeters wide. I know this bite all too well. "FUCK!." I swore wasting no time picking her up bridal style. She needs a counter agent. Something opioid based and powerful. Anything less and she's dead. "Where's the nearest hospital! She needs help right now!" I spat out looking the nearest reporter dead in the eyes. Dark skinned lion faunus, large furry mane, lion tail swishing nervously.

"Nearest major one is about nine kilometers due west by Park street." He answered. Damn it, too far. Even at my top speed I'll never make it before the convolutions begin. There has to be closer, a smaller doctor office or something. "But there is a small clinic about three kilometers on south ave down the road. But the doctor isn't fond of Faunus." He said.

"I'll make him listen." I said seething with anger as I bolted down the ally way. Completely ignoring everything around me as I ran. Rain pelted my armor as I took off left. "System: Pull up mini-map of the area. Mark my location." I order dodging a car to my left. My helmet beeped as a map of Vale showed up on the bottom left portion of my HUD. A red triangle showed me as I ran down the road.

"Little Bunny Foo Foo. Why don't you come play with me." Velvet sang delirious swinging her arms around, rest if unintelligible babbling far as I can tell. I'm not entirely sure if that is a real song or if she's making up as she goes. I dodged right as another car nearly hit me, honking it's horn at me. It took everything I had not to let go of Velvet to give him the middle finger. Hang in there, just a few minutes. One of her hands slowly stroked the side of my helmet. I couldn't look down at her because I was too busy dodging cars left and right. "You have such a beautiful face. So blue. . . so pretty." She said giggling like a mad woman. It's official, she is completely delirious. She needs that counter agent now.

"Hang in there a little longer. We're almost there." I say picking up my pace. My legs ached as I forced them to keep moving, my lungs burned but I ignored it. I squinted up ahead, my HUD automatically zoomed in at a white square building with a caduceus symbol on the top with glass doors leading in. That must be the place. My HUD returned to normal as the door started growing closer by the second. Oh I am going to feel this in the morning. I spun around so my back takes a blunt of the blow as I smashed though the glass door of the clinic. I tucked Velvet into my core as best I could as we rolled on the glass covered ground before I sprang up and looked toward the terrified blonde receptionist. "She needs a doctor right now!" I yelled setting Velvet down on the nearest chair.

"Sir, you can't just shatter the door . . . " The receptionist tried to inform before I cut her off.

"Send me a bill. She needs help right now!" I yell pointing to Velvet's bloody leg. "She's been bitten by an incredibly venomous animal. She needs a powerful counter agent ASAP! We don't have time to argue."

"I understand your concern sir, but Dr Malbec much rather not see any faun. . ." She barely squeezed out before my robotic fist slammed though the wall. The area around my fist shattered and cracked as the receptionist jumped back in surprise. Forget my patience wearing thin, it's long past fucking wore out!

"I didn't just ran well over three kilometers though oncoming traffic in the blistering rain, just for some pompous jackass to not even try helping her because she's a fucking . . . " I screamed but was cut short by a loud crash behind me. I turned to see Velvet fall to the ground shaking and bouncing all over the place. "SHIT!" I swore pulling my fist out of the wall and running over to Velvet. I skid to a stop and wrapped my arms around her, using my vastly superior strength to hold her steady as the shaking got worse. Damn it this is not good! "I need that counter agent right fucking now dammit! Carfentanyl or anything of that nature! Quarter mill! NOW!" I yelled as Velvet's breathing began to get more erratic as she shook violently in my arms. I couldn't make out much on what the receptionist was doing. It seemed like she was arguing with the doctor but I could care less as long I get what I need. I did everything I could to keep Velvet's head from bashing itself in on anything. I swore again as Velvet struggled to breath as the toxin coursed though her veins. I heard someone yell to my left. I looked to see the receptionist throwing me a syringe as some grey haired man with red eyes tackled her to the ground. I reached up and swiped the syringe from the air just before it hit me. Carfentanyl injection, definitely a powerful opioid. I moved to Velvet's arm and rolled up her sleeve as she bounced and shook in my arms. "Hang on Velvet. This will help." I said pulling off the plastic cap reviling the needle. I got to be careful, I inject too much and it will kill her. I did my best to steady her arm as I aimed the needle at a exposed blue vein. I took a deep breath and pushed the needle into her skin and pushed down on the plunger slowly, almost instantly she stopped shaking. I pulled it out and threw the needle to the side, I put two fingers on her neck as I felt her heart beating. I let out my breath to find it slowed down considerably. The color in her eyes returned just before she closed them and let the analgesic do it's job. "She'll live, she's going to be okay." I said out loud to myself holding her now sleeping form close to my chest. I thought I almost lost her for a second. I could feel something wet rolling down my cheek. I readjusted myself and got up with Velvet still in my arms. "Thank you" I said to the receptionist as she managed to pick herself up right before said pompous jackass of a doctor walked out into the lobby basically breathing fire at me for daring to bring a 'filthy animal' into his clinic. That is about as far as he got before my armored boot slammed home right in the twins. I turned to the receptionist and told her to send Beacon the bill before I began making my way for the nearest airship station. It's been one long day, and we both need some rest.

(Serena's POV)

MERC research center

I'm going fucking insane! Johnathan had better be thankful and bring me one hell of a souvenir when I find him, or else I'll kick him with my steel toed boots right where it hurts. I am getting very frustrated over here. I'm running out of options, patience, and coffee. Been six days and yet I'm still coming up with nothing. I searched over three hundred thousand different possible routes today to Johnathan's universe yet none have a strong enough connection to create or maintain a portal. Easy part is getting to the sector, but whenever I get the link anywhere close to his world the Multiverse portal projector Mark VII (or MPP7 for short) shuts down. Starting to turn into a pain in my ass. Like someone on the outside is tampering with my work.

Elaia was currently in 'school', better known as in her room with Mu, to learn a bit more about her heritage, history of her home universe as far as Lore goes, and a bit about our universe. One joy with having a AI fragment at your side, she can teach her about stuff I can't. Basic stuff that isn't too complicated for her to understand, in case she wants to go back home when she's older. Blackmail material only lasts so long so it is plan B. She'll at least be intellectual. Won't have too good of people skills but at least she'll be smart. Johnathan can teach her to fight when she's old enough, like in her teen years.

I pulled strands of my hair out as the projector shuts down for the hundredth time today. I hate it when my brother gets his ass stuck somewhere and I'm left to hunt him down. I'm no longer worried about him. Mu's right, he can take care of himself just fine. I'm now beyond pissed at him for making me worry so much. He better be fighting like hell to get back. I swear if he's relaxing a lawn chair sipping soda again while I'm working my ass off to find his, I'm breaking his legs and I be merciful either.

"Now Elaia, what is the name of the Moons of Nirn?" Mu asked from the other room. I'm glad she's trying to teach Elaia about her original home. Good to know your roots and

"Masser and Sec...Sec..Secundra? Think I'm pronouncing it right." She answered. I smiled at her attempt. I can't even pronounce the moons right half the time. At least she's trying, that is all I can ask for. Better than not trying at all.

"Very good Elaia." Mu praised. I always liked Mu with her being Alpha's mercy and humanity, she is very motherly toward others. From what I understand, when the Alpha AI started splitting apart, she was the first to go but kept a secret. Apparently the Director thought mercy didn't have any place on the battlefield, so he kept the AI back till Johnathan found out. Think him and Johnathan had a heated argument regarding Mu. Can't remember exactly what happened, but Johnathan kept Mu when he returned home and she's been an unofficial part of our little family since. Like the mom we never had growing up.

Sadness crept into my heart the minute I began thinking of my parents. Even though I never met the woman, I miss her dearly, dad too. From the stories Dad told me, mom was an amazing woman. Very sweet, heart of gold, never would hurt anyone but mess with her friends and your as good as dead. He said her angel cake tasted like it was baked by angels.

Dad meet her when he was on the job, he was a Multiverse explorer as well. MERC has been around longer then I've been alive. He quit MERC when he heard mom was pregnant with me and my brother, they lived on a farm and well you can figure out the rest. Can't remember the universe she was from. Dad tried to find it but we never got anywhere close according to him.

Seen a few photos of her and dad. I do see a lot of her in myself. Same hair, same facial features, same smile, similar personality, even the same eyes. I do wonder if she would be proud of us or not? There would be so many questions I would ask her if I could see her at least once. I was snapped out of my daze when someone knocked on my door. I didn't even bother cleaning up a bit as I opened the door.

"Hola Serena. Wow you don't look so good." Owen Verde greeted in his kind f neat Spanish accent. He is one of the few co-worker around here who are nice. He is a little over a inch taller then me, Spanish tan skin, deep emerald green eyes. His attire wasn't like mine too much. Khaki shorts, blue t-shirt that read 'I survived Jurassic park'. Seems fitting with the other things he brought back. Let's just say he's like a teenage Chris Pratt. One of the few other teenage explorers in this facility.

He wasn't very muscular or head strong so he has a job like mine, sending his assigned explorer to and from universes, collect data from the instruments in out explorer's suit or equipment, occasionally go to the peaceful universes to give our explorer a break. Too bad his explorer went rouge and almost killed Johnathan. Last I heard, Emily was in the Star wars expanded universe sector. Not sure why but I can only assume it isn't good.

"Hello Owen. You came at a very bad time." I replied letting him in.

"Okay, what Johnny do this time?" He asked sitting down at my chair. He always called my brother Johnny. They were the best of friends till Emily betrayed Johnathan. Now he doesn't trust anyone else here. Only a few people which I don't blame him either. If I didn't get to him when I did, she would of thrown him into a lava pit.

"Got his butt trapped, I'm left to find it and kick it again." I replied.

"Alright, which region or sector did he get trapped in this time?" He asked.

"American anime region. I know the exact universe he's in. Can't find a route to him. Every time I get close the projector shuts down and restarts everything. I tried everything I can think of and yet can't keep a portal open long enough to track him or tell if he's still alive. " I informed. I normally don't accept help from friends with these types of situations, but I think with over six days of squat calls for me to put my pride aside and accept it; for Elaia's sake. He cracked his knuckles and started typing away at my computer.

"Now, what is the name of the deities of Nirn's moons?" Mu asked.

"Jone and Jode, Jone is the little moon, Jode is the big moon." Elaia answered right off the bat like it was nothing.

"Good job. Keep up this rate and you'll outsmart everyone here." Mu praised. I can't help but smile there. She's learning new things at a fast rate. If she ever wants to go back to her home universe, she'll easily outwit even the most of the bards.

"Mu teaching Elaia again?" Owen asked.

"Yeah, can't trust command to keep her safe when me or Johnathan isn't here. Best she knows her home universe as a backup plan." I replied. Command can be a bit sketchy, I know the boss won't let us keep Elaia once he finds even a sliver of counter blackmail. Best be prepared for the inevitable then be lost to it.

"She's a good kid. I can see why you're both protective of her." He replied before the projector started humming. "Don't see what the issue is. Seems pretty simple and..." Before he finished that sentence the projector shut down and the computer went black.

"Found the problem. That area is a dead zone. No one goes in or out. Just need to wait until it clears for a proper extraction, assuming he is still there." He informed. I face palmed at my idiocy, Of course that was the problem. Why didn't see it earlier? Am I really stressing out that badly over something so simple.

"You're kidding?" I asked. In multiverse terms, a dead zone is where a sector or universe has it's ties to the main universe severed or disconnected. Making it extremely difficult to fix a portal to that location. Most one can stay open for in a Deadzone is ten seconds. Barely enough time to get someone in or out. Some cases there have been worlds dropping off our map inside these dead zones, these are called decaying or lost worlds, they get lost into the void between universes called 'The Black'. No one knows what happens after a universe goes into 'The Black', no one has ever came back from it. Johnathan came close to getting sucked into 'The Black' a few times on his adventures. He described it as 'looking into a ever expanding void and feeling hopeless to escape'.

"Not kidding, that entire sector is a dead zone right now. Nothing we can do but wait it out." He replied.

"We can't wait this out. Remember last time he was trapped in a dead zone. Took weeks for it to clear up, even then he was barely alive when we dragged his butt back." I reminded. I can't wait for the dead zone to fix itself. Johnathan needs to be home ASAP. Who knows what is hunting him or trying to kill him this time.

"What if we try an unconventional way to find and bring him back." He offered.

"What did you have in mind?" I asked. He just gave me a blank stare like I was asking a dumb question. "NO! Not with them. You know Azula has issues with Johnathan. She'll gut him."

"You and I both know her pack is the best at tracking. We send them in when the portal is open and use them as a catalyst to organize extraction. It's a long shot, I agree, but it's the best option we got. Unless you want to wait and hope to god he finds his a route to us, because we're not going to him till it's clear." He replied. Damn it, I can't argue with that logic. Sure Azula's way are extremely prehistoric but she is the best bet I have. Johnathan took her down on numerous occasions, he can do it again. Hopefully they won't attack on sight like last time.

"Alright. We'll do it your way, but we're using my radio collar so that way I can track them. Can't risk others finding out. They'll use this time to kick Elaia and Mu out without Johnathan to protect them. We don't have the training to take them on or the resourced to keep them here forever." I informed. Not many people here like sharing a base with a artificial intelligence that outwits all of them, or a non-human child, and with Owen using his best asset we'll have even less firepower to work with.

"Deal." He replied shaking my hand and got up to the door. "I'll get Azula and her pack prepped. Command asks, we'll say it's a routine exercise or a experiment on their effectiveness."

I cringed at the thought of command finding out. Johnathan is the only one keeping Elaia here since he's her legal guardian. Command made an exception for Mu with her being able to work everything when I need a break (The communications, the data collectors, the projector when needed).

I hope Azula doesn't hurt Johnathan. Last time those two crossed paths, she almost sliced his gut open had it not been for his armor. Raptors are VERY hard to train, Owen still hasn't gained their trust to where they see him as Alpha. Azula is the main problem. Rojo and Rosa are submissive and let her or Johnathan take command. Not often but he can control the two pretty well. Azula is a little harder, she won't let anyone cage her

"If it's any consonance, I'll fight to my last breath to keep your family safe for him. It's the least I owe him after Emily." With that he closed the door and left. Leaving me alone in the living quarters. I hope Johnathan is having better luck then me right now. He's going to need every ounce of it with Azula coming his way.

That's a wrap people. Wanted to introduce the story's main antagonist but decided against it because I am tired and think I explained her enough this chapter. Her name is Emily Verrater, apprentice to everyone's favorite Star Wars badass Sith lord. I'll introduce her more next chapter.

Going to post this before my Beta gets to edit it so you all will have something to read and I don't lose people while he's editing. He does a pretty good job catching the errors I never notice. And if anyone's wondering Johnathan's theme song. Unknown soldier by Breaking Benjamin. Fits his experiences and personality pretty well.

I recommend everyone watch Jurassic World because this may contain a few ideas from it. Like the end fight a bit, semi-tamed dinosaurs, maybe even have Johnathan take a few people to it, we all know who that will be. Now time to answer a few reviews and Pms.

ww199011-I do not have any idea who they are so I don't know whether it is suppose to be a joke or insult. I'll go with joke.

MadnessDH98-I never noticed that I make Velvet and Johnathan think alike. Hope I made her seem less like him thinking wise. I'll try to fix that in future chapters. This is still a first draft so reviews like this are good. Helps me get better, and in return you guys get slightly better content per chapter

Well I'm done for the day. Before I leave, I have one thing to say.

HAPPY INDEPENDANCE DAY AMERICA!

Okay, I'm done being patriotic for today. Peace.

~Dgreen20

Nothing much to say here besides HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!... one day late… crap. ah well. happy 5th of july! everyone and see you next chapter! WetworkzNinja and Dgreen out.