Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Storm

A few weeks pass. Synca has encountered Kano and Longtooth from time to time since their first encounter. He’s come to view them as friends. They allow him to feed on their kills with them as long as there’s enough to go around. They also allow him to pass through their territory as long as he stays clear of the nest when it’s unguarded. Synca respects these rules and complies. Life is good for the Nanotyrannus.

At about mid-afternoon, Synca decides to go hunting. He leaves his sleeping spot to go search for a suitable meal. He catches the scent of a herd of Edmontosaurus. The giant herbivores are far too large for him to take down on his own. He moves on. Synca’s having trouble finding food when he hears something. It’s a nearby stampede. This could mean a meal. Synca quickly investigates. When he reaches a nearby rise, he stops and watches the events unfolding. He sees Kano and Longtooth hunting the Edmontosaurus herd. Synca knows they can bring one down and waits patiently. After the two giants execute their plan with cunning efficiency, Synca begins to get closer. He sees they brought down a good sized individual. But he stops short. Walking towards the carcass is a young Tyrannosaurus, still covered in feathers. The baby joins his parents in the feast. Synca does not even try to feed with the family. He knows Kano and Longtooth would never allow it. Besides, he really didn’t want to take food from the youngster. The baby looks over and sees Synca. Synca stares back. Then, he turns and moves on. He makes a mental note of the new arrival for later. Storm shrugs his shoulders and begins to feed again.

The months go by. Synca has had a few encounters with Storm here and there. Nothing more than an occasional glance, but encounters nonetheless. But one day, things become quite different. Synca is walking about his territory when he senses something. He ducks behind some brush and waits for the animal to pass. When he sees it, his jaw drops. It’s Scarface, fully grown. Synca knows something is not quite right. He decides to follow the killer. As he does, he notices the sky darkening. Rain clouds gather as it turns to night. Synca knows it’s risky, but he must follow Scarface.

While following Scarface, Synca notices a change in the environment. He’s entering the territory of Kano and Longtooth. Scarface has just reached the top of a hill. He watches as Kano and Longtooth lead Storm back to the nest. Synca waits for Scarface to make his move and as he waits, thunder booms. Scarface lets out a tremendous roar and begins his descent. Synca moves over to where Scarface was standing as rain starts to fall. He watches as Scarface heads toward the nest.

Kano looked up the moment he heard Scarface roar. He immediately leads his family to the nesting area. Once they get there, the rain is coming down in sheets and lighting begins to strike. Visibility is low and the only time they can see well is when lightning strikes. The thunderstorm is ironically making young Storm very nervous. He huddles as close to Longtooth as he can. Then, the ground begins to vibrate. It’s not from the thunder. Kano and Longtooth watch as Scarface enters the nesting area. Once Storm lays eyes on the terrible killer, he bolts for a small opening in the rock-face. He turns to watch his parents step forward and take a stand against Scarface. A low growl is uttered from Scarface as he snarls at the approaching tyrannosaurs. He will thoroughly enjoy this. Kano and Longtooth roar at the intruder. They know what Scarface has done in the past and what he is perfectly capable of doing now. The only thing that matters to them is Storm’s safety. They will lay down their own lives so that he may keep his.

Scarface charges the tyrannosaur parents. It’s a mock charge. Scarface does this three more times. They stand shoulder to shoulder facing the attacker. Eventually though, Kano charges back. He swings his head against Scarface’s and sends him stumbling back. The attack backfired though. Kano is momentarily dazed and disoriented. Scarface seizes the opportunity. He grabs Kano by the back of the neck. Kano roars in pain. As lightning strikes, so does Longtooth. She slams into Scarface’s flank. He lets go of Kano, but turns and attacks Longtooth. He grabs her by the snout and swings her head around. She kicks out with her long toe claws, but can not shake Scarface. He gives one more swing, then lets go. Longtooth loses her balance and the momentum of the swing causes her to fall against and smash her head against the rock-face. She slumps to the ground. Kano, in a moment of blind fury, attacks. He grabs Scarface by the shoulder. Eventually, he repositions his bite and grabs the arm. Scarface attempts to pull it out, but Kano holds fast. After some struggling, Scarface is free, but his arm is gone. That’s when he too loses it. The murderous intent in his eyes blazes like a forest fire. He charges Kano and slams him against a tree, causing the whole thing to fall over. Storm watches from his sanctuary as Scarface approaches his father who is lying on the ground, unable to get up. Kano gives Storm one more look. In his eyes, Storm can see he is saying “Goodbye my son.” Then, Scarface’s body blocks Storms view, but it’s probably best that it does. He would not want to see what’s about to happen. But he hears it. A sickening crack that can be heard even above the pounding rain sounds out. Scarface roars in victory. Then, he remembers Storm. He approaches the rock-face. He finds the small opening quickly. Storm has trouble seeing what’s happening, but when lightning strikes, soon followed by a clap of thunder, he sees it. The ominous silhouette of Scarface. Lightning strikes and he can see blood dripping from Scarface’s fangs. Storm backs up against the back of the hole as much as he can. Scarface thrusts his scarred snout into the opening in an attempt to reach Storm. But Storm was born with all the intelligence and fighting heart of his parents before him and strikes back. His small, but needle sharp teeth, slash Scarface’s snout. Scarface rears back and roars. He tries again, but Storm attacks again. After several attempts, he finally gives up and leaves.

Synca sits down in shock. He watched the whole thing. The impact of what he just witnessed is profound. He knew Scarface was deadly and powerful, but not this powerful. He shuts his eyes, hoping that the mangled bodies of Kano and Longtooth will no longer be there, but they are. When Synca opens his eyes, there’s a new flare in them. He has a new purpose in life. Protect Storm and end Scarface’s reign of terror.