The Obelisk

-Chapter 22-

What. Is. THAT.

Forest stumbled back, lifting his eyes acrossed the giant creature. Her yellow eyes were fixed on his face.

Long spines protruded from her head and neck, going all the way down her spine. Her scales had whirls of blue and black that needed at her tail, and long, sharp claws curled menacingly on her talons.

“Velanosaur,” Spark muttered under her breath, her tail twitching.

“Velanosaur?” Forest whispered.

“Don’t trust her,” Spark hissed, leaning close so only Forest could hear. “They are major predators and I don’t like the look on her face.”

“You’ve been looking for us?” Rust asked Ripper.

“Why yes,” Ripper said pleasantly.

“Why?” Spark growled.

“To help you,” The Velanosaur explained. “Let’s say I have a friend who talks allabout you.”

“Who?” Crimson demanded.

“A certain friend with magnificent powers,” Ripper continued ominously. “Powers to see the future.”

“The Basilisk?!” Forest exclaimed. “really? You know her?”

“Oh, Forest,” Ripper chuckled. “The heart of the group. The first one Peeri confronted. You’ll do anything to protect the innocent, no matter what. I always looked forward to seeing you in person.

Forest furrowed his brow. Was that true? Would he protect anyone at any cost?

I did leave my family… for something I didn’t even understand yet.

Ripper hissed with satisfaction and turned to Spark. “Spark,” she said with delight, earning a little growl from the Carnotaur. “That little fire that never burns out. Now you are fit for a destiny. No wonder Peeri chose you. I mean, if I were a future-seer, you’d be on the top of my list for saving the world, too.”

This made Spark deflate a little, her suspicion towards Ripper wavering slightly. She looked down to the ground with an expression that looked like a battle was going on in her mind.

“And… uh—Rust.” Ripper stepped forward, her tail slithering on the rock behind her. “A deinonychus! Perfect for the prophecy! Of course, I always found you’re kind interesting. No one understands you, do they? Deinonychus’s don’t really deserve that bad rap everyone gives them, don’t you agree?”

Rust looked up to her, puffing up his chest. “Yeah,” he agreed. “Totally.”

“It’s not you’re fault the worlds so silly, so why would everyone bug you for it?” the Velanosaur continues.

“It’s not fair,” he said faintly.

Ripper turned to Crimson. “Tell me. Are you a fighter?” She asked Crimson.

“Yes.” Crimson confirmed.

“Will you do whatever it takes to stay alive?”

“Yes.”

Ripper smiled a ginormous, triumphant smile. “You will all save the world. And I will help you.”