Day 16 - Stranded

A/N: Dying with the dinosaurs didn't sound like an ideal way to go. A short piece set during issue #4 of Who Is Marty McFly? (BTTF #16)

Marty wiped at his brow, ignoring the uncomfortable sensation of his sweat-slicked hair. Although he was used to warm summers in California, the current combination of the heat and extreme humidity was becoming unbearable. Those documentaries and textbooks lied…They made living with dinosaurs look so appealing…

A hair must've brushed against his cheek, reigniting the flames of pain that rippled through his flesh. He clutched at his face, swearing quietly to himself as the exposed wounds stung bitterly. While their escape through the raging river had washed away most of the blood, he couldn't help the feeling of contamination that came with swimming in a prehistoric river. God knows what sort of stuff was in that water, and now it's in my face…

"Come on, Marty! Not much further now!"

Marty wheezed brusquely in response. If he says that one more time

The teenager gasped as he heaved his fatigued body over the next boulder, ignoring the irritating scraping of his sneakers against the ancient rock. His muscles were aching, his feet protesting with every step they took. Although he was desperate for a rest, he also understood why they couldn't let their guard down; the tiger-creature had proven that they were never truly safe in this hostile environment.

He was grateful when Doc decided they could afford to spare a few seconds to take a breather. "Doc, how the hell are we gonna get out of this one?!" He asked despairingly. "I-I mean, there is not a single

"Relax, Marty, it's all under control!" Doc brushed his sweaty locks aside, taking a moment to survey their surroundings. "I had to pick this spot because it'll still exist in 1985-"

"DOC!" Marty's patience snapped. His icy tone caused the scientist to jump in shock, though the teenager was oblivious among the fire dancing in his eyes. "Doc, for God's sake, how the hell do you expect us to get out of this?! Let alone get out of this alive?! What, are you gonna expect this Irving asshole to have a change of heart? After all he's done to us - after stealing your work and kidnapping me - you really think he's gonna just decide to be a good guy again?! What planet are you living on, Doc?! We are LOST!" Marty's voice broke as he roared. "We're completely and utterly screwed!"

Geez, where did all of that come from?

The young man stood silently for a few moments, stunned by his own outburst. "I-I'm sorry, Doc, I don't…I didn't-"

"It's alright, Marty," Doc's voice was oddly quiet. He placed a hand on Marty's shoulder and gave it a comforting pat. "…It's, uh, perfectly understandable given the current circumstances. And you are in pain, after all-"

"I-I know, Doc, but I shouldn't…I mean, you're helping me, a-and I go and scream at you for doing it-" The teenager broke off with a curse as his hand accidentally brushed against his wound. "It's just…H-How are you so convinced that he's gonna come back for us?"

"I do owe you an explanation for all of this, but we can ruminate on this later," Doc proposed boldly, wiping his brow. "Come on; the sooner we get moving, the sooner I can explain all of this to you."

Biting his tongue, Marty nodded quietly. "You're the doc, Doc."

I've had enough of this humidity anyway…