The Fight To Survive: A World Away- Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Moving On

After Vega and Star have run a couple of miles, they stop to catch their breath. Star finally has time to reflect on what has occurred over the past few years. Redeye has murdered his whole family. First his parents, now Brush. He can’t get away with this. But Star has no chance against Redeye right now. He must wait. In the meantime, he must also move on. Star looks to Vega, then motions for them to keep going. Vega nods and the move off.

A few weeks later and they’ve established a new territory. It encomposes about seven small oasises. Star and Vega decide to do a walking tour of it to try and figure out what species live here. They’ve seen Prenocephales, Protoceratops, and a few Giganotoraptors. All three species are somewhat difficult to bring down. Vega was hoping for a flock or two of Gallimimus. With the drought still in full swing, Star and Vega are getting tired quickly and go to find some water. When they arrive, Vega sees exactly what he wanted. A flock of Gallimimus. He comes up with a plan and lets Star know what to do through a series of head motions. The two tyrannosaurs nonchalantly walk towards the pond and each take a drink. The Gallimimus are a little nervous, but calm down when they see Star and Vega are just drinking. Star and Vega walk off and enter the vegetation around the pond. But they don’t leave. Instead, they circle around and hide along the trail the Gallimimus used to enter the oasis. Eventually, the flock starts to head down that trail to leave. After most of the flock has passed, Star and Vega attack. Together, they leap onto the back of one of the stragglers and pull it down. The others run off, leaving a cloud of dust in their wake. As the Gallimimus struggles, Star bites down on it’s slender neck, killing it instantly. Star and Vega have not eaten anything substantial for a while, so this meal is important for them. They tear off large chunks of hot flesh and swallow them whole. Pretty soon, there’s nothing but bones left. Star’s mind begins to wander back to his family, but he shakes the thought out of his head. He picks up a bone and begins to play with it in an effort to get his mind off of it. Vega senses Star’s discomfort and playfully nudges him. Star looks to his friend and mentor gratefully. Then he and Vega chase each other around and toss a bone back and forth to each other. It’s a good feeling for both of them.

A few months pass and Star finds himself hungry. Food is getting more and more scarce as the drought presses on. He and Vega have had to resort to catching smaller and smaller prey. Vega is also hungry and decides to go hunting. Star gets up and follows his friend. After walking a little while, they come across some herbivores. It’s a small herd of Prenocephale. Star and Vega know these dinosaurs can be dangerous if fought in close combat. So instead, they set up an ambush. Star drives the prey towards the hiding Vega and he leaps onto one. Together, they quickly finish it off. Star and Vega take their time eating though. They’re not sure when they might find food again and want to savor every bite of fresh meat. Star looks up from his meal to see a family of Tarbosaurus walking by. He watches as the chicks play and run around while the adults lead the way. Star sees another chick, smaller than the rest, lagging behind. It trips and falls. Star rushes over and helps the little Tarbosaurus to his feet. He gives it a little push and it continues on it’s way. It’s parents wait for it to catch up, then keep walking. Star watches them depart, and as he does, a tear streams down his face. It’s become clear to him now. He’ll never be able to move on.