Run (Zach Mitchell)

Chapter 7: Raptors

I couldn't exactly tell where we were going, but I know we were still in the main area of the park. People were running around wildly, whether they were trying to get away or just running. I could feel Owen's protective arms holding me as we were running somewhere. Somewhere I hope was safer than here.

I noticed the area got darker. We must've gotten under shade. I couldn't see straight, the pain was so disorienting. And then I felt cold metal replace the warmth. I tried to open my eyes wider to see what had disturbed my comfort.

It was dark. I was on cold metal, sending shivers down my spine, and then I was warm again. When I had opened my eyes enough to see what was going on, I realized that I was in a vehicle, and Zach was holding me, Grey sitting next to him.

"Zach," I started to say, attempting to hoist myself up.

"You need to rest. Lay back down and sleep. You need it. I'll be right here when you wake up, I promise." Zach assured. I did as he said and closed my eyes, my world fading into darkness. But just before I succumb to sleep, I could hear them talking.

"Can we stay with you?" Gray asked.

"I'm not leaving you as long as I live." Claire responded.

"No, no, him!" Gray said pointing to Owen. I could tell he was smirking. "Yeah, definitely him." I smiled, drifting off into a deep sleep.

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I woke up to bright lights and a door opening. When I opened my eyes, I realized I was still in the car. I looked up, seeing Zach holding me, and Grey sitting next to him.

"Hey." He said.

"Hey." I started to sit up, and Zach helped me.

I finally took the time to take in my surroundings. We were at the raptor containment facility. I was still extremely groggy. It was dark outside, how long was I out?

"You've been out for a while, Owen gave you a sedative." Gray answered my unspoken question. How did he do that? I just nodded.

"Where's Owen?" Gray pointed outside of the truck at the raptor cage. I thanked him, and though it took a bit of convincing, Zach finally let me go and I made my way over to the muzzle cages that the raptors were currently being held in. I hated to see the raptors in that state, it felt like they were too contained. I've felt that way too occasionally, but this place is my home. And I could never leave it. That is, until now. But I can't think about that right now.

"What's going on?" I asked Owen.

"They've decided to run a field test. I have no choice but to go along with it."

"No choice? You always have a choice. You should've stopped them-"

"I tried! But has anyone here thought of a better plan to apprehend that thing? If they have, I'd like to know. People are dying, Skylar. And more will if we don't do something about it. We should at least give it a shot. But we're doing it my way." Owen explained.

"I don't even know who you are anymore." I said sharply. Owen has been in the navy, and I know he's smart, and this could actually work, but the Owen I know wouldn't do this. Even if it was his way.

"We've already lost so many," I whispered somberly.

"And we can't change that. More lives will be lost, that is inevitable. But if we play our cards right, we can control how many. You have to think about it from both sides. If we don't do anything, that beast will stop an nothing to eat everything that moves. As long as that dino is still out there, all those people still on the island are in grave danger. But if we try, we could save them. All of them."

I sighed, realizing he was right. The longer we wait, the more dangerous she becomes. I want what's best for everyone, human and animal. And that's to kill that Rex.

"Look, this is going to happen. But how it happens makes all the difference. And you know that Hoskins way is probably worse than not doing anything at all." Owen added. I was hesitant to go along with it, but I don't trust Hoskins with my Raptors one bit.

"Alright. But please, be safe. Keep all of them safe. They're like my children."

"Well, we did raise them."

"You know what I mean." I hugged him. "Good luck, and please be careful."

"Stay safe, kid," Owen said, running off to go be the leader again.

On my way back to the van, I saw Hoskins walking over to the cages.

"Hey Hoskins!"  I caught up to him and punched him firmly in the face. "That, was for my raptors." The raptors growled as if they agreed with me, making Barry, who was comforting them at the moment, laugh. I cradled my hand, shaking it occasionally to try and shake off the pain. I really hope I didn't mess it up too badly. After walking away from Hoskins, I let myself in the raptor cages and did my best to calm the raptors down. Owen entered a few minutes later.

Zach and Grey must've gotten bored being left in the car, cause they were leaning on the wall of the cage, watching us. I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks when I felt Zach's eyes on me.

"What are their names?" Zach asked. I could tell he was trying to get on my brothers good side.

"Well, there's Charlie, Echo, Delta," I pointed to each one as I named them, "and this is Blue. She's the beta."

"Who's the alpha?" Asked Grey.

"You're lookin' at 'em, kid," Owen answered. He turned to me. "It's time."

I nodded. "I know."

I'm so so so sorry I haven't updated! I've had a really busy summer and school just started so I've had no time for this story. I've been updating so many of my other stories that I've totally forgot about this one. Go check out my other stories if you want.