The Six Campers and The Soldier: A Camp Cretaceous Story (OC fanfiction)

Old Friends

We had arrived at the dock. The morning sun had risen over the horizon, giving a cool, happy feel. But the tension between myself, Darius and Kenji seemed to weigh on everyone. Whether they knew or not. I go to walk down the ramp but I stop myself. I have to do something before I leave. "Ryan, what's wrong?" Yaz asks as everyone turns back to me. "I can't leave yet." I say to her which makes her go wide eyed. "Why, there's nothing left to do." She reasons. "I want to pay my respects to my father's grave before I go. You guys don't have to come with me but this is something that I need to do." I say which brings everyone closer. "If you need it than we'll wait for you." Darius says to me which I smile. "Go on. We'll stay here and man the boat." Sammy says excitedly. "We won't go anywhere with the captain." Brooklynn says jokingly which makes me look at Kenji. He still has a scowl on his face but he nods in agreement with the others. "Thanks guys, I really appreciate this." I say which brings them all even Kenji into a group hug. "I'll be back." I say as we break and I head back into the jungle.

I walk amongst the trees. Bright sunlight passes through which gives an almost heavenly look of the jungle. I see Gallimimus's run through the shrubbery. I look to my left and see a Sinoceratops gazing on a patch of grass. As I pass through, I think about everything that has passed over the last several months. When Sammy told us that six months had passed since the fall of Jurassic World, I was shocked at how quick the time had gone. Anyway back to what I was saying. Everything had changed from how I looked at life, too how I see other people and too how to connect with people that I thought I would never like let alone tolerate. But they have surprised me, all of them. They have showed strong will, resilience and a drive to survive. They are some of the most brave and wise people that I've ever had the honor of knowing and I'm glad to see them as family.

I arrive at camp and I look more deeply at the damage. The Scorpios really did tear this place up. I see the makeshift grave to the right. I walk up and kneel down. "Hey Dad, how's it going." I say as I place my hand on the tombstone. "I'm going home today. Yeah, after all this time, it's finally time. The gang let me come here so I could pay my respects one last time." I say as I chuckle. "I wish you could have met them. They are a spectacular group of people. You would have liked Darius, that kid can talk your ear off about dinosaurs but he has a heart of gold and a loyalty so deep, he would risk his own life for those he cares about. Brooklynn......she's pretty much like Darius only to a more extreme level. She's a loyal and caring friend but she can get on my nerves at times. She's like the sister I never had. Sammy, Sammy is the person that would have your back through thick and thin. The strength of her resilience is something that surprised me. Even after the Mantah Corp debacle, she still look out for us even if everyone slightly didn't trust her. She's very brave and I couldn't imagine anytime here that wasn't filled with joy with her presence. Now Ben, that kid had an identity crisis of the highest order. But he showed true bravery and courage to overcome adversity. He still doesn't listen but his strength comes from not listening, so I can't really fault him there, doesn't mean that I don't want to throttle him but anyone that can take an Ankylosaur will have my respect to the day I die." I take a breath after all that. The emotions of thinking about my friends and taking to my dad, it's getting to me. "Kenji.......he has grown and matured during his time here. I think that Brooklynn's influence has cracked that rich boy facade that he carries. We are at odds due to my decision making when it came to rescuing Brooklynn. And......after thinking about, he's right. I did take risks with Brooklynn's life and I see how my decisions could have put her at greater risk. I see my mistake and I need to make amends. Kenji deserves at least that."

I sit down and take a deep breath. "Yaz......what can I say about her? She's the most spectacular woman I've ever met. Her heart, her will, her strength. Everything about her makes my stomach flutter like butterflies. Being with her always makes my day brighter. I wish you could have met her, her sarcasm could almost match yours. I really like her and I don't know how to approach her about it. If you we're here, you would have told me to go for it already. I don't know what to do." I sit there in silence as I think. "Just go for it and hope for the best? Sounds like something you would say. I might just do it. Only live once, I suppose." I say as I get up and stand in front of the grave. "I love you dad, and I'll miss you." I say as I silently leave a prayer to God. I go to leave but I hear a thudding coming from my left. A loud growl alerts me to the uninvited arrival.