Chapter Text After a few couple more minutes of driving… We had finally arrived at our new home. The car came to a slow stop as I got out, the movers having already left as I took Olivia’s wheelchair out from the back, unfolding it and moving it to the front. Olivia opened the door, using her arms to sit her body atop her wheelchair, Dad and Mom getting out from the front. “So-” Edward turned to us both with a smile on his snout, “-whattya two think of the place?” He asked as we approached, inspecting as we did so. It was one story house, built on a foundation of grey stone, not as big as our last one seeing as it lacked a second floor, but that hardly mattered considering that this place was bought with Olivia in mind, with alterations such as a ramp that led in from the side of the entrance, leading into the front door alongside the stairs. “It’s perfect.” I say, Olivia nodding. “What Anon said.” She then looked at the entrance, “... The ramp makes things easier, so uh… thanks for that, Uncle Ed.” The baryonyx added awkwardly, still uncomfortable at the prospect that this was done for her. “That’s not all.” Mom spoke up, turning her head to Edward. “Show her, Dear.” Edward smiled, producing a small remote-looking device and handing it to Olivia, the baryonyx taking it as she tilted her head. “What’s this?” Dad gestured to the topmost button, “Press it and find out.” She paused before doing so… And then the front door unlocked with a click before opening by itself, showing the nice-looking interior. God damn. Mom and Dad had thought of everything. Olivia blinked, voicing my thoughts. “You guys really did think of everything.” “Of course!” Dad exclaimed as Mom joined him, all of us now standing side by side to look at the house. “Wait till you see the pool…” “Wait, there’s a pool?” Olivia simply stared at the backyard pool, a proper one instead of the above-ground set-up we had at our last place, with an honest-to-God chair lift that could go in and out of the water in case Olivia wanted to swim. God. Damn. Mom and Dad really had thought of everything. Speaking of which, the two of them were sitting on the recently unwrapped dining table, currently going through a few packages as I placed some of the bigger furniture down, moving the couch to face the bubble-wrapped TV before turning to them. “Hey, how’s this?” “That’s fine, Anon.” Dad says, glasses focused on a box. “Now what was in here again…?” I check on the coffee table as Olivia rolls up beside my parents, “Do you need any help?” “Oh, we’re fine, Dear.” “But if you want to lend a claw-” Dad gestured to a bunch of boxes that were placed on the side that lead to our rooms. “You and Anon can start opening those boxes to fill your room.” He then handed her a box cutter. “Got it.” Olivia said with a smile, taking the box cutter and wheeling around as I joined her, looking over the stack of boxes. “... Jeez, didn’t remember either of us having this much stuff…” “It just looks that way.” I claim, up a box from the tap and handing it to Olivia, the baryonyx dragging the sharp tool to cut the tape as I open it, digging through the styrofoam before grabbing what was inside. “Oh, this is your lamp.” Olivia nodded, opening another box. “... What’s this?” Briefly closing my eyes, I turned to her. “Probably m-” I then froze up, staring at the strange device held in her claws, a metal stick with a handle and a bulbous end. She then clicked a button, the bulb opening up into a sharp many-pronged end. It also had a splash guard above the handle. … Why the fuck did it have a splash guard? … … … And why did I feel a sudden, menacing, presence behind us? I peek to see Dad simply just standing there, as if having prowled into existence, a moth flying past the light fixture above to give the impression of a dark shadow briefly rolling over his form, his glasses opaque and hiding his eyes. “Oh, it’s an umbrella.” Olivia noted before noticing Dad standing behind us, “Is this yours, Uncle Ed?” “... Yes.” He simply said, taking it and placing it into the box Olivia had opened, picking it up. The brief disturbing of the styrofoam revealed other tools inside the box, such as the handle of a cleaver, the burner tube of a blowtorch… And pliers. A lot of pliers. I simply stood there, peering as Dad left into the garage, the compsognathus silently opening the door and disappearing inside. Needless to say, the next few minutes of Olivia and I were done in silence, much to my foster sister’s confusion. After replanting most of my stuff in my new room, I exited, stomach growling on cue. It was sundown already, and I was hungry. I looked to the side, seeing the unique sliding door of Olivia’s room opening, allowing me to briefly peek inside to see her adjustable artist desk and bed. The baryonyx wheeled herself out with her foldable grabber resting atop her lap. “I’m guessing you’re mostly done with your room?” “Yeah.” Olivia nodded before slowly rubbing the back of her neck. “... Just gotta attach a few things to the wall and then it’ll look like my old room again.” I smile, “So long as none of the drawings you want up there come from that schoolbook, then sure.” And she definitely knew which one I was referring to. Olivia leaned her head backward against her wheelchair, letting out a soundless groan of exasperation before looking at me with an annoyed face. She then picked up her grabber and shot it forward, using the pronged end to clamp the end of my snout, squeezing my nostrils together. “GUAeegh!” I let out a noise as I cringed, Olivia’s snout briefly opened to release a cut-off laugh before giving up, doubling over on her wheelchair to clench her stomach in laughter, lowering the grabber. “Raptor Jesus!” She finally looked back up, still unable to contain the giggles in her snout. “I should do that more often…” I looked at her, my eyes wide. “Have mercy! Please!” I begged. Yet Olivia rolled forward, picking up her grabber, her hoodie drawn over her head to conceal her eyes. She then spoke. “There is no mercy.” The baryonyx was about to unleash another attack before Mom peered down the hallway. “Olivia, Anon, the refrigerator doesn’t have any groceries, so be eating at a restaurant tonight. Get ready.” She then disappeared as Olivia and I looked at one another. “Food?” The two of us turn from each other, having completely forgotten our quarrel before scrambling forward, “Food!” We arrived at the restaurant. And… Well. I guess I should have expected it with the amount of foreshadowing. So here we were. At Dino-Moe’s, close to the middle of Little Troodon. The Italian restaurant looked no different than when I had last seen it as I remembered how good the pizza was here… … And the first ‘date’ I had with Fang. A wave of nostalgia and sadness crept beneath my scales as I stared at the restaurant front, Mom and Dad inspecting the plaque for the National Register of Historic Places as Olivia waited behind them. “A historical restaurant, just like it had said online.” Mom mused, “Ooh, maybe we should explore the rest of Little Troodon after we finish eating!” Oh boy. Not a good idea Mom. Yet before I could voice my concern, or in truth, my own experiences with Little Troodon, Dad beat me to the punch, snout giving an unsure smile. “Ah, maybe not tonight, Honey. I’ve read up on Little Troodon and…-” He then peered at the other side of the street, filled with dark alleyways. “... it’s not the safest part of the city.” “Oh.” Mom suddenly grew quiet with her words, “... Should we be worried about the car?” “Nah.” Dad reassured, “We’re parked right in front, it’ll be fine.” He then looked to Olivia and I. “Alright, let’s head inside.” Oliva nodded, wheeling herself forward as Dad held the door open, Mom following after. I took one last look at the sign before finally entering, now greeted with the homely interior of Moe’s restaurant, and my family waiting beside the very same and very tired waitress behind the reception desk, putting on a plastic smile at our approach. “Welcome to historic Dino-Moes-” She then seemed to take notice of Olivia, and to her credit, seemed to put more effort into her job, stepping from behind the counter. “-table for four?” Dad nodded as the waitress guided us to the far side of the restaurant, seating us in a more open space before looking at Olivia. “Do you want to stay in your wheelchair? Otherwise, I can leave the chair for you to sit in.” Olivia blinked, “Uh, don’t worry. I’ll just stay in my own chair.” “You got it.” The waitress nodded, picking up the seat and moving it away, leaving four menus on the table. That was nice of her, a total far cry from the reception Fang and I got… We all sit down as Olivia locks her wheelchair in place, all of us reading through the menu. “Should we get some appetizers to share?” … Admittedly, I had no idea what to order that was good besides the pizza, which I had gotten for free… “The fried calamari looks good-” My parents discussed as I briefly peered at where the kitchen was, honing my keen senses on the conversation within. “Oh Marone Jerry! This one's not even frozen yet!” I heard Moe, his shouting muffled behind the door. “When I get back, I betta see all dis blood cleaned up, Capisce?!” … They must’ve been talking about a goat or something as the door suddenly opened, Moe himself stomping outside. The T-Rex looked no different than the last time I saw him, with a mustache on the end of his broad snout and small claws resting on the sides of his waist and apron. He made his way around the restaurant, eagerly checking up on the various tables. I felt… happy, to see him again. After all, he was the one who gave Fang so much support, allowing her to play in his own restaurant. Someone took notice. “What’re you smiling at?” Olivia asked as I looked at her with a blink, searching for an excuse. “The uh-” I then look down at my open menu, “-special. I just thought it looked g-” “AYYYY, Dida someboda order tha special?!” Ah. Good to hear you again… Moe. We all whip our heads to see Moe having simply materialized beside our table, a giant smile on his snout… and on mine as well. “Welcome to my restaurant!” Moe spoke, still with that same cheerful and infectious smile. “Never seen ya folks come round before, where ya from?” “Janoga Park, we just moved.” Dad answered. “What!? Ya tellin’ me ya came all dis way just ta eat at my restaurant!?” He then took his hat off, holding it against his chest as if to salute. “Imma honored…” Mom smiled, speaking up. “Are you Moe?” “Tha one and only!” He then shook his head, “But enougha bout me! “Lemme get ya orders!” “Oh!” Mom looked at Dad as he nodded, looking down at his menu. “I’ll get the veal parmesan.” Edward ordered. “Veal parma.” The T-Rex noted without even having to jot down, Mom speaking next. “And I will get the… Pollo Sane Daniel?” She then looked up at Moe, “Oop, am I saying that right?” “Eh, close enough!” Moe dismissed, “But if ya really wanna say it right, it’s Pollo San Daniele .” He corrected, gesture and all as he looked to Olivia, still turning the pages of the menu. “And ya know what ya wanna get?” Olivia paused, “I’m… not sure.” She admitted with embarrassment, Moe letting out a laugh. “Don’t worry, take all tha time ya need!” He then gestured a claw, “But if ya want a suggestion, ya might like one of the seafood pasta! One of my grandmama’s recipes.” “Done.” Olivia nodded, “I’ll get that.” Moe laughed again, “Sure thing!” He then looked at me, “And you, Kid? Still gonna stick with the special?” I pause for a moment, realizing I didn’t even know what the special was before nodding anyways, a smile on my snout. The food at Dino-Moe’s had never disappointed me before. “Sure.” “Haha! Good ta hear!” Moe then turned to stomp away. “Sit tight! I’ll be back with ya orders!” He then disappeared into the kitchen, Mom speaking up. “Well, that was a pleasant experience.” “Yeah.” Dad agreed, “I gotta admit, I did not expect-” The waitress returned, carrying a full plate of cold cuts, cheese, and some warm bread, placing it on the table as all of us blinked in surprise. “Oh, we didn’t order thi-” “It’s antipasto, comes before the food.” The waitress explained, “It’s free.” She then turned back around, “Enjoy.” Free. Food. All of us slowly turn back to the tray, pausing for a moment before ruthlessly devouring it, Olivia acquired a piece of salami at the tip of her snout before rearing her head back like an actual gator, slipping it into her maw as my parents picked at the charcuterie like the scavengers they technically were. The only one who had managed to maintain some sense of decency was me, but even that wasn’t by much, biting into a slice of prosciutto as the fat stretched out, prompting me to snap my sharp teeth to cut it away. We were then suddenly surprised by the return of Moe, the T-Rex somehow managing to hold all of our completed orders. “Alright! Food’s here!” “Wha-?! Already!?” Dad exclaimed, looking genuinely surprised, “We just ordered!” “And I just cooked!” Moe said with a laugh, laying out our plates “Veal parma for you, Pollo San Daniele over there,-” He then planted a bowl of seafood and pasta before Olivia. “- mia nonna’s exquisite recipe-” The Tyranosaurus Rex then looked to me, my plate not actually a plate, but a tray. “And for you, the ol’ Dino-Moe special-” He then put it on the table, a large pizza as my eyes widened… more specifically at the toppings. A pizza… With extra sausage, anchovies, pepperoni and ham… Fang’s favorite. “Moe’s Original Meateor Pizza.” “Ya got that right!” Moe exclaimed, “Tha best pizza ya ever gonna get!” He then bowed his head, “Buon appetito!” After a short pause, Dad, Mom, and Olivia had picked up their silverware to begin digging in, the baryonyx trying hers first after twirling some pasta and stabbing a piece of salmon, glomping her maw down as her silver eyes immediately widened. Her enjoyment was wordless, simply going for an even bigger amount with her next and quickened twirl as my parents tried their own plates, eyes widening. A few more seconds passed before I gathered the nerve, shaky claw grasping a slice of crust and bringing it to my opening snout and taking a bite out of it. And… I could already feel the heartburn kicking in as my eyes closed, the ridiculous amount of toppings and hot cheese already searing my tongue. But it tasted absolutely phenomenal. “ It really hooks you in, don’t it? ” Yeah… It really does. “Anon-” I turn to Olivia, the baryonyx staring up at me from her bowl, already halfway eaten. “... Are you crying?” Ah. I wipe away the stray tear, slowly nodding as Dad chuckled. “Can’t blame him, the food here is incredible!” “Mmhm.” Mom agreed, already eating a mawful of chicken. I briefly lowered my half-eaten slice of pizza, looking at Olivia with a slow nod, addressing her concern. “Don’t worry about me, it’s just-” I smiled, “-a lot better than I expected.” The baryonyx paused before slowly nodding, returning to eating as I slowly did the same… Savoring every bite. “I wanna go back there already…” Olivia confessed as we returned home, the baryonyx using her new personal remote to activate the front door as it opened on its own. “We will.” Dad he promised as we filed inside our home. There were a few things that were still packed, but we did a good job today, styrofoam peanuts scattered across the floor to show our progress and effort. Mom yawned, holding a claw at the end of her snout. “... I think I’m going to bed now.” “Same.” I agreed, feeling the weariness in my scales. It had been a long day. “Alright, I just want to say…” Dad said, all of us turning to him as he smiled. “We unpacked a lot today. Good work everyone, and goodnight.” We all retired for the night, Olivia and I going to our respective rooms after we had finished brushing our teeth. She stopped at her sliding door, claw on the handle as she turned to me. “... Goodnight, Anon.” “Goodnight, Olivia.” I respond, the two of us opening our doors. I entered my room, the interior dark and a few boxes still lying around. Most of my furniture was unwrapped already, Roxanne resting on a guitar stand. Normally I would have practiced at this time, but the rest of my family was probably already asleep… and I myself was too tired to start anyway. Shedding my pants, I lie down in my boxers and undershirt, staring up at the dark ceiling of my bed. My first night back in Volcaldera Bluffs, next week we would be going to the InGen center and the next week and a half after that… Would be the start of school at Volcano High. My gut was twisted with that idea, and I was unsure whether it was out of giddiness or dread. I guess only time will tell. With that last thought, exhaustion finally caught up, my eyes closing. The InGen HQ was a lot bigger than any of us had anticipated, almost consisting of two blocks of city space, with a small park situated around it. The building itself was more like three put together, architecture sharpish and office-like. We all entered past the automatic sliding doors and into the lobby, the receptionist silently typing at a computer as we approached, the dinosaur taking notice of us. “Hello, welcome to InGen. Do you have an appointment?” “Yes.” Dad answered, “Dr. Henri Wu is expecting to see us?” She checked the screen before nodding, “I see it.” She then gestured to the elevator, “Just press the button for the fifth floor. His office will be on the left, at the end of the hallway.” “Thank you.” We all went to the elevator, allowing Olivia to roll in first as the rest of us entered, Mom pressing the button. The doors closed, feeling it move up a few flights before reopening with a ding, a pair of Nurses waiting by the door to let us out first, entering once we had left. When the receptionist had said hallway, I had expected some bland white-walled interior… I definitely wasn’t prepared for the fully glass walls, either showcasing offices or rooms with advanced-looking machinery, a young albertosaurus exiting one of the rooms with his parents, turning to reveal him holding a white cane as we walked past them. Finally, we arrived at Dr. Wu’s office, another glass room where a tall albino troodon sat at the desk, a great deal of Ph.D.’s and certificates hanging from the wall behind him. He noticed us, standing up and gesturing to come in. We did so, opening the door as Dr. Wu approached, a smile on his snout as he shook my Dad’s claw. “Edward Agos?” “Yes, Sir.” My dad respectfully said, “You must be Dr. Henri Wu.” “That I am.” Dr. Wu looked at Mom, Joan introducing herself as they shook claws. “I’m Joan, his wife.” Then I shook his claw. “Anon.” Finally, he moved on to Olivia, a soft smile on his snout as he offered a claw to shake. “And you must be Olivia Halford.” Olivia paused before accepting it, an amused look on her snout. “... Jeez, what gave that away?” We all chuckle at that, Dr. Wu gesturing to the seats. “Here, have a seat.” He peered at Olivia gesturing to a spot by our three chairs. “You can situate yourself here, Ms. Halford.” Olivia nodded, rolling to the space between us as Dr. Wu sat back down, all of us now ready to discuss as he pressed a button by his desk. The glass wall behind us somehow immediately blurred, much to our brief collective shock. “Before we begin, I have to commend all of you.” The troodon spoke, “I understand that a great deal of sacrifice was made to be here.” He nodded his head, “I’m glad you decided to place your trust in InGen for this process.” Dad then peered at Olivia, the baryonyx looking back at Edward for a moment, “Wasn’t much of a hard choice to consider on our part.” Dad admitted before looking back, “If there’s even the slightest chance to help Olivia, we would all take it.” “I see.” Dr. Wu said with a smile as he looked to the baryonyx. “And how do you feel, Ms. Halford?” “... Fine…” Olivia simply responded. “That’s good to hear.” Dr. Wu nodded. “I’ll explain what to expect in the coming weeks.” He rested both his claws on his desk. “First we’ll do a few neuroimaging scans to find any irregularities. Once we’re done analyzing the data, we’ll discuss a plan of physical therapy and encourage any form of neuroplasticity.” “Neuroplasticity?” Dad asked, Dr. Wu explaining. “The ability for neural networks in the brain to change and reorganize.” He then continued, “Using proper physical therapy, we can potentially have the body rediscover those nerves and heal itself over the next few months… But if all else fails, we can discuss potential workarounds, implants and such.” Dr. Wu’s snout tightened, “But understandably, that will be left as a last resort. Surgery comes with its own risks, you see.” Dad and Mom nodded, peering at Olivia to give an encouraging smile as Joan looked back, asking. “Have there been any similar cases like Olivia’s, and if so, have they been… successful?” Dr. Wu perked up, “There’s actually been… a trend, so to speak, of baryonyxes suddenly losing their ability to walk, and more often than not, losing the ability from the knee joint.” That info surprised us all, our eyes widening. “There’s been no real medical investigation as to why this is… all I have is theories, and as for if there have been any successful cases of those baryonyxes…” Dr. Wu paused, closing his eyes as he shook his head. “I’m sorry to say, but not to my knowledge.” Damn. But hey- “First time for everything.” I find myself blurting out, Dr. Wu nodding with a smile. “Precisely.” Dr. Wu looked to Olivia, “It will be a lengthy and year-long process, as we are treading new ground.” He then clasped his claws together, “But it’s important to not give up… and to not give up hope. If this is program successful, then who knows how many others it may help in the future.” There was a pause as Olivia briefly peered down for a moment. She then peered back up, eyes narrowing in determination. “I won’t.” Olivia then paused again. “Give up I mean I-” She emphasized before awkwardly finishing, “I won’t give up.” Dr. Wu chuckled, nodding his head. “Don’t worry, I understood the first time.” He then slowly stood up, “With that made clear, let me give you a tour of the facility.” We all nod, allowing Olivia to leave first as we followed after her. InGen really was decked out with the best equipment and facilities, the tour having been a good showcase of what was in store for Olivia, ranging from simple parallel bars to specialized pools for hydrotherapy. They had it all, which put us all in high spirits. The week then passed, and as of now… I was jogging, my tracksuit keeping me warm from the early morning cold. Ever since moving, I didn’t really have many ways to exercise at the moment, and neither for the foreseeable future, which made me think that I’d have to buy my own weights to put in the garage. Panting, I rounded the corner, breaking a good sweat as I explored the area around my house. To give an idea of where it was situated, we were close to the oceanside and getting to the beach would be about a 20-minute drive… We were also, of course, close to Volcano High, probably 7 minutes at a decent walking pace. I would’ve normally confirmed that but… I guess I felt that I had no good reason to go there yet. Reaching another avenue of the suburbs, I came across a park beside some outdoor fitness equipment, a potential solution to my lack of exercising equipment problem, with basketball and squash courts built nearby, a few dinosaurs playing a game in the former. It looked to be a pleasant place, figuring I’d return at some point as I ran past, continuing my exploration. The last week, just the night before the first day of school. One last night before I finally returned to Volcano High. Dad decided for all of us to have a movie night before the big day, all of us sitting on the couch and enjoying our new streaming service. Unfortunately… “Wow, this movie blows.” Dad admitted, checking the ratings as he shook his head. “And it’s 4 out of 5 stars? I doubt that.” Mom yawned in agreement, “Aren’t bad horror movies supposed to be a little funny too?” “Heh, yeah.” Dad chuckled as he turned to us, “You guys wanna put on something else?” He then smiled, “How about 80’s action?” “Sure.” I say with a nod, knowing those movies were always a fun time. “But before that-” I then motion to Olivia, the baryonyx finishing up her drawing. “Let’s see what art Olivia’s got for us.” She smirked, holding the paper up. “I had some good material to work with.” It’s instead of us, all doing ‘The Scream’ as we stared at the TV playing, showing 4 out of 5 stars on the TV… all the while Dinold Schwarzenegger stood behind the couch, equally cringing alongside us and vocalizing a ‘EAUGH’! We all laugh at that, watching a better movie before heading to bed. I spent some of that night, just thinking about tomorrow before sleep found me. *BLEEP* *BLEEP* *BLEEP* *BLEEP* *BLEEP* *BLEEP* I woke up to the sound of my alarm clock, telling me plainly that it was time to get up. Sitting up from my bed, I rub my eyes to peer at my alarm clock. 7:30am. Time to head out for a run. I turn it off, getting ready. And with a motion done an innumerable amount of times, I execute a combat roll, tackling the floor and headbutting it, minding my snout of course, a loud thump ringing out. Briefly, I heard Olivia’s muffled laugh from the other side of the wall, indicating that she was already awake as I rose back up, standing up from the floor to grab my tracksuit from my closet, putting it on. After I was done, I exited my room, moving on to Olivia’s door and opening it up a tiny bit, wedging my snout through the small gap. I then roared, “WAAAAAAKE UPPP-!” My jest was repaid with swift retribution, suddenly feeling the familiar prongs of her grabber enclose at the end of my snout. “GUAeegh!” I immediately shut the door, Olivia laughing even harder as I reopened it, leaning against the frame to see the baryonyx atop a floor mat in the middle of her room. She put down her grabber to continue doing her morning stretches, using a yoga strap to assist many of her leg movements. “What time did you get up.” “Like 7:00.” Olivia answered, “I fell asleep pretty early.” I nod, “I’m gonna go run, I’ll be back in an hour.” “Ok.” January seventh. Year 201M2019 BC. Volcaldera Bluffs. Weather conditions; nice and cool. This is my second time living close to water. I adjust the cuffs of my woodland camo jacket, checking the pockets of my dark blue jeans, making sure everything I had was there before tapping the tips of my vintage sneakers against the floor, pressing my toes further into the black socks. They were hand-me-downs from Dad, but despite them looking as if they were mauled by a wild animal, they felt comfy and were built much better than the consumer crap of today. Olivia on the other hand, was wearing her favorite purple hoodie over her t-shirt and dark pants, retro sneakers and white socks over her inert feet, tied with elastic laces. The marine layer was active at the moment, casting a morning mist over the sidewalk as Olivia and I exited through the open door, Mom hugged Olivia and me as Dad stood by the frame with a smile, asking. “You both know where the school is?” “Yep.” I confirm, Olivia and I already turning around as Mom waved. “Have a good first day!” Mom called. “We will!” The two of us responded, the door slowly closing as Olivia and I made our way down the sidewalk. “... Can barely even see where I’m going.” The baryonyx murmured, steadily wheeling herself beside me. “Same.” I confirm, “But it looks like the morning mist’s beginning to clear up already.” Olivia paused, squinting her eyes before nodding. “You’re right. I think I can see 10 feet in front of us now.” She then paused, “You… wanna hop on the back? I think I can get us to school faster.” Looking to her, I shrug. “Sure, why not.” Approaching behind her wheelchair before hopping on the back. “Just be care-” She immediately sped forward with the push of her arms, tugging the wheel to instantly accelerate to high speed. I almost fall off the back, claws tightening on the handles as we race down the sidewalk. I don’t think I’m ever gonna get used to that. Olivia slowed every time we crossed the road to check both ways before continuing like a baryonyx-powered E-Bike, passing a few more suburban houses as we rapidly approached a corner. Readying myself, I lean heavily to the side, squatting my right leg out like a pro-motorcyclist as we made the turn, startling a pair of dinosaurs. Briefly, I analyzed them, realizing they were students on their way to Volcano High, indicating we were definitely on the right track as we zipped past, the amount of students and roadside foliage growing as Olivia began to slow down. “Crap. Traffic.” Olivia murmured as I stepped off the back, ignoring the gazes of a few nearby students as I walked beside my foster sister. “Doesn’t matter. Besides-” I check the time on my phone, “-we’re early.” I then look back up, and sure enough, in the distance and past the treeline… I could see it. The rectangle-shaped building was no different than I had remembered, with a few vines growing from its walls, the middle sporting two pillars like a Greek temple and surrounded by dull green fields… with the chiseled name written over the glass entrance. Volcano High. “Is that the school?” Olivia asked, wheeling herself forward. “Yeah…” I confirm, shaking off the surreal daze as I continued walking beside her. We arrived at the steps, a few students already staring. I recall when I had first arrived, hatefully imagining what they were thinking of me, the only human at the school. But now, thanks to my enhanced hearing, I could actually hear what most of the students were actually saying. “Dude, check it out.” “Who’s the paralyzed chick? Never seen her before.” “Ooh, is that a utahraptor? He’s pretty tall…” “Meep Morp.” I scrunch my eyes up at the last one, Olivia gesturing her head toward . “... You were right, the school’s not even open yet.” “Then we’ll wait.” I answer, sternly scanning the crowd of students… “... You wanna sit down?” I blink, turning back to see Olivia pointing toward a very familiar bench, the paint cracked on the rotting wood. “Uh, I’m good.” I dismiss. “You sure?” Pausing, I notice a leaf flutter close to my snout as I blew it away, the piece of foliage drifting before gently landing atop the bench. A violent crack was heard before the entire seat fell apart, collapsing into a pile of wooden splinters. I nod, Olivia staring wide-eyed at the mess. “Yep.” I then heard more whispers, now clear looks being sent our way as more students passed, now clearly staring at us as Olivia shifted uncomfortably in her wheelchair. Turning to her, I gesture toward the stairs, a ramp beside the steps. “Let’s go wait at the entrance.” Olivia nods, the two of us now going up toward the glass doors, Olivia wheeling herself up the ramp as a few students stood to the side to give space, all the while gazing as she passed. … Shit, this was genuinely worse than the time I had first come here, remembering expressions of confusion and contemplation… But at least none of them looked at me like I was a fucking unicorn, casting a glare at some dumbshit who was sporting the most obvious glance as Olivia passed. What? Had nobody ever seen a fucking wheelchair before? Internally sighing, I get my thoughts under control. I wasn’t here to be outraged on Olivia’s behalf. We finally arrive at the top, the dull blue glass obscuring the interior, turning back to see most of the students finally going on with their own business. I then look to Olivia, the baryonyx peering down with a slight frown, perhaps realizing how different this was going to be from Mezosoic Private. Gently, I placed a claw on her shoulder, giving it a light squeeze as she peered up. “If anything goes wrong, we’ll be together.” I promise, a smile slowly building on her snout as she nodded. I relinquish my claw, slowly moving up to the door to see if I could peek inside and get a status before the door suddenly opened from the left side, Olivia blocked out as I was briefly startled, the opener equally as surprised, golden eyes wide and a crest of orange with striped black. Wait… Nas-? “Anon!” It was Naser, the pterodactyl already moving past the door, dressed in his proper and gaudy green flower jacket over his black buttoned shirt… a bit different than what remembered from it, displaying blossoming volcano wildflowers on its polyester surface rather than the bland red and yellow blooms that I recalled. A great big and joyful smile on his snout as he drew an arm back, swinging it to clap against my dumbfounded claw and grasping it, much like I had done to him when we first had him at our table back in Mezosoic Private. “When I saw your name on the committee sheet, I could hardly believe it!” Raptor Jesus, everything was happening to quickly as I finally recovered, just barely peeking at Olivia to see her wide silver eyes and shocked expression on her snout, silently staring at the sidelines whilst she remained unknown to him. Struggling to speak, I let out a cough before nodding. “Yeah, bro.” I smile as best as I can “It’s… really good to see you too.” He smiled, beginning to peer away. “Where’s Olivia? I saw her name and- and-...” Naser froze up, head turned to the paraplegic baryonyx… whatever he was going to say having died in his snout. … I guess the paper hadn’t told him. After a few seconds of his stunned gaze, Olivia was surprisingly the one to speak first, claws fidgeting in her seat as she peered up, eyes unable to meet his. “Hey… Naser.” She then did her best to smile, giving an unsure giggle. ”L-Long time no see, huh?” Naser was silent for a few moments, blinking as he looked down. “I- W-When-” The door then reopened, and a familiar… but cheerfully annoying voice spoke up, slightly out of breath. “Naser, you ran really fast. I almost couldn’t catch up.” It was said like a compliment, but I couldn’t help but sense some trace of irk frustration within that sentence as a violently pink parasaurolophus exited the door. Another ghost standing before me, prim and proper in a buttoned-up shirt and pants with brown loafers, a pink tie around her neck and equally pink framed glasses over her light green eyes… her hair, blonde… Not covered in blood like I had last seen it. “O-Oh um, sorry…” Naser apologized, rubbing the back of his neck as he quietly glanced at Olivia, the baryonyx still peering down, trying to keep the saddened frown away from her snout. … Fuck… I had hoped things would go smoothly between the two of them but… I’m broken from my thoughts, realizing Naomi was talking to me. “Hello! You must be Anon!” She greeted, turning to Olivia. “And you’re-” “Olivia.” She quickly answered, wheeling past Naser as if to get away from the awkward situation. “Olivia! Of course! We’ve been expecting you two.” Naomi peered at the pterodactyl, “Naser was overjoyed when he saw your names on the sheet, he couldn’t stop talking about you and Anon.” She then paused… and for a moment… I swear I could see an errant twitch at the side of her muzzle as she stared at Olivia. “Especially about you.” “... Cool…” Olivia simply said, keeping her gaze away from Naser. Naomi clasped her hands together with a smile, “Anyhow, welcome to Volcano High! I’m Naomi, student council president and your guide!” She then looked to Naser, the pterodactyl clearly distracted with his thoughts and giving the same old ‘something is bothering’ Naser look that we both knew all too well from him. “Naser, is there something you should say?” He then perked up, remembering some unknown cue as he blinked. “R-Right.” He then looked to Olivia and I… but mostly at Olivia, still unable to keep most of his gaze away from her. “We’re the welcoming committee.” I catch a brief frown on Naomi’s face, yet it quickly disappears as she looks back to us with a smile, handing the two of us a brochure. “I also had this prepared just for you two!” ‘Volcano High and You: A new beginning to Adulthood. ’ I resist the urge to gag, wanting to at least try to get along with Naomi this time around. Even if this whole attitude of hers was just a facade… an act. “So why did you both transfer here?” Naomi asked as we briefly read through the brochure, looking up at her. “InGen.” Olivia answered for us, the baryonyx quick to realize that she hadn’t really elaborated. “I’m doing a program at InGen that… might help me walk again, so we moved here.” I saw the change in Naser’s eyes, snout tightening in brows slanting as if in disbelief. He then tried to speak. “Olivia, I-” “That’s so good to hear that you’re trying your best!” Naomi exclaimed, holding her hands up by her open snout as she closed her eyes happily. “I’m sure you’ll be glad to know that here in Volcano High, we have all sorts of programs and benefits for paraplegic students that-” And then she went on and on, my mind automatically just… tuning out all of her words as Olivia and I just blankly stared. Everything really was coming full circle. Now all that was left was… “Oof! Why’re you walking so slow Reed?!” I froze up. “Oh, like sorry, Trish.” A pause, “Think someone slipped something in my carfe this morning.” For those few seconds, I didn’t dare to turn around, didn’t dare to peer and see what was behind me. It was only until… I heard the last voice. “Pretty sure it was because you were smoking carfe.” … Slowly, I inch my head to the side, peering over my shoulder to see a trio I could never forget… A velociraptor in a red tanktop and ripped jeans, unconnected headphones hanging from the back of his neck. Reed. A triceratops, wearing a yellow hoodie and tight track pants, an O and an X printed on the surface of her sweatshirt like an incomplete tic-tac-toe game. Trish. And- And… A pterodactyl with wings like a fallen angel, feathers and scales of grey and the lightest azure respectively, a black top and tight pants, the latter ripped like broken butterflies, wearing a pair of boots that almost went up to her knee. A choker was around her neck, as well as a skull pendent of some tiny animal resting between her perky chest. For a moment, I didn’t dare think of her name, a numbing coldness rising in my entire being. It was only when I closed my eyes, regaining my breath that… something had begun to happen. Recollections… "You… uh… SKINNIE. ” How unnatural it sounded when she had said that, as if only doing so because she had heard it said by someone else. “Guess you aren’t that awful… ” She had said that after that whole debacle during science class. “AHAHAHAHAHAHHA. God you are such a dweeb. ” The first time I had told her my own favorite band, I had found the nickname endearing. “We’re already in detention, what’s a FEW MORE DAYS?! ” Those car windows are a lot tougher than people realize, after which we got the fuck out of dodge. “Music is the only thing I’ve ever been decent at, and even then… ” I had interrupted then, something along the lines of encouraging her to try something new… looking back, maybe that wasn’t the right thing to do, knowing there was still so much more she had probably wanted to say. “WE GOT A VENUE WE GOT A VENUE WE GOT A VEN- AH!” Her squeals of pure joy at Moe’s restaurant were like a drug, her wings like the softest blanket. “God Anon, that’s twice now… ” I wish I could have had that jam session with her, after she taught me the most amazing things with a guitar. “Oh no. Ohhh no. Let me help you up. ” It had hurt so much after falling down those stairs, and she had been the only one there keeping me steady. “You’re such a fucking dweeb… ” She had been the only one keeping me together. I open my eyes, catching her beautiful amber eyes, the fiery orange disappearing with a blink, lids covered with purple and red makeup, natural markings running underneath her eyes like warpaint, a short crest rising from the back of her head, decorated with a spiked collar. And... for a brief moment, I realize I was standing where she stood when I first arrived in my past life, having given me that stare, that I had rationalized to be of contempt... of judging... … … … I smile, unable to hide the melancholy in my eyes. In this life, I had found her again. That Monochromatic Weirdo. Fang. [NOTES] Like rowing a boat, we enter the future backwards. All we see are the scenes of the past, and no one cannot see the views of tomorrow. - Vinland Saga