Chapter 32: parasaurs and pitfalls (rewrite chapter)
authors note.
this is a re write of the principle scene earlier in the story and takes place a few days after the start of school.
Parasaur's Pov
The first few days at Dino High had been a strange whirlwind. I'd barely managed to wrap my head around the chaotic mix of personalities and classes. The science lab had felt like a refuge from the social storm. But even that bubble of relative peace was about to burst.
As the bell rang, ending our science class, I shuffled out of the room, hoping to slip through the throng of students unnoticed. My mind was a jumble of anxiety and anticipation. I'd heard the raptors were trouble, and the way they'd been eyeing me during class didn't exactly soothe my nerves.
But as soon as I stepped into the hallway, it was clear I hadn't escaped their attention. Vesper, Beatrix, and Zara were leaning against the lockers, their eyes locked on me with a predatory gleam. They looked like they were just waiting for this exact moment.
Vesper, with her sleek black feathers and an air of effortless arrogance, smirked at me. "Well, if it isn't our favorite Parasaur. How was your first science class?"
I tried to ignore the tension coiling in my stomach. "It was fine," I said, attempting to push past them.
Beatrix, always quick to jump into the fray, stepped in front of me with a mocking grin. "Sure it was. You seemed pretty lost back there. Need a map to get around this place?"
"Or maybe you need a friend to help you navigate," Zara chimed in, her voice dripping with feigned sympathy. "We'd hate for you to get too lonely."
I wasn't in the mood for their games. I glared at them, trying to keep my cool. "I'm just trying to get to my next class."
Zara's eyes gleamed mischievously as she stepped closer. "Oh, don't be like that. We're just trying to be friendly. Right, girls?"
Beatrix and Vesper nodded in unison, their smiles widening. It was clear they were up to something, and I wasn't about to stick around to find out what.
I sidestepped Zara, trying to get away, but Vesper's sharp elbow jabbed into my side, making me stumble. "Where's the fire? We're just getting started."
A wave of frustration surged through me. "I don't have time for this."
Just then, I heard the voice of our science teacher, Mr. Thompson, calling out from his classroom door. "Hey, you three! Leave her alone!"
Mr. Thompson had been one of the few teachers to show a bit of kindness, so I took the opportunity to dart past the raptors and make my escape. I could hear their laughter fading behind me as I hurried down the hall.
Human's Pov
Sitting quietly at the back of the classroom, I watched the scene unfold with a mix of curiosity and amusement. It was my first few days at Dino High, and I'd already learned that navigating this place required more than just academic prowess.
The raptors—Vesper, Beatrix, and Zara—were clearly the school's resident troublemakers. Their interaction with the Parasaur had been predictable, yet entertaining. They were like clockwork, always ready to pounce on any opportunity to assert their dominance.
As I observed from my seat, a plan began to form in my mind. The Parasaur, though clearly distressed, had shown a bit of fight in her interactions. It was a potential opportunity to stir the pot and see how far I could push the raptors without drawing too much attention.
The key was to manipulate the situation subtly, making sure the raptors would see the Parasaur as an easy target, all while keeping myself out of direct conflict. I noticed that while the Parasaur tried to avoid confrontation, the raptors were relentless. It was clear they thrived on intimidation and control.
In the hallway, when the Parasaur had tried to escape, it had caught my attention. It was a classic case of high school drama, and I saw it as a chance to exploit the raptors' aggressive tendencies. They were itching for a fight, and I could use that to my advantage.
I knew the next step was to find a way to subtly manipulate the raptors into a confrontation. But how? I had to be clever, make it look like their idea while ensuring the outcome benefited me.
Parasaur's Pov
As I made my way to the next class, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The raptors were still fresh in my mind, and I could almost feel their eyes on my back. I made a mental note to keep my guard up.
Entering the classroom, I took my seat and tried to focus on the lesson. But the raptors' earlier taunts lingered in my thoughts. I couldn't let them get to me, not today.
The class was just beginning when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to find a familiar face—one of the raptors, Beatrix, with a mischievous grin.
"Hey, Parasaur," she said casually. "Got a minute?"
I could sense trouble brewing and braced myself for whatever was coming. "What do you want?"
Beatrix leaned in closer, lowering her voice. "Just wanted to let you know that Vesper and Zara have been talking. They're planning something."
I raised an eyebrow, trying to gauge her intentions. "What are they planning?"
Beatrix shrugged. "Not sure. But you might want to watch your back."
I could tell she was playing a game, but I couldn't ignore the warning. I needed to be cautious, especially with the raptors' behavior.
Human's Pov
From my vantage point, I watched as Beatrix approached the Parasaur. It was clear she was setting the stage for something. The raptors were skilled at manipulating situations to their advantage, and I was curious to see how this would play out.
The Parasaur's reaction to Beatrix's "warning" was one of apprehension, which was exactly what I'd hoped for. It was all part of the plan. If the raptors could push the Parasaur's buttons and create a volatile situation, I could further manipulate the outcome.
I waited patiently for the right moment to intervene. My goal was to escalate the tension just enough to incite a confrontation between the raptors and the Parasaur. But I needed to ensure it didn't seem like I was orchestrating the chaos.
Parasaur's Pov
The rest of the class felt like a blur. Beatrix's "warning" had left me on edge. I could see Vesper and Zara whispering among themselves, their eyes occasionally darting in my direction. It was clear they were up to something, and I couldn't afford to let my guard down.
When the class finally ended, I gathered my things quickly, eager to leave before any more trouble could brew. But as I reached the door, Vesper blocked my way, her expression unreadable.
"Where do you think you're going?" she asked.
"I'm heading to my next class," I replied, trying to stay calm.
Zara and Beatrix joined Vesper, forming a tight circle around me. The tension in the air was palpable. I could sense a confrontation brewing, and I was ready for it.
Human's Pov
I watched from a distance as the situation began to unfold. The Parasaur was clearly uneasy, and the raptors were closing in on her. It was the perfect setup for a showdown.
As I observed, I realized it was time to implement the final part of my plan. I subtly moved closer to the group, making sure to stay out of sight but close enough to influence the outcome.
The raptors were clearly itching for a fight, and I had a few psychological tricks up my sleeve to escalate the situation. I whispered a few choice words to some of the bystanders, making sure they would amplify the tension. A few well-placed comments about the Parasaur's "weakness" and the raptors' "superiority" helped fan the flames.
As the confrontation reached its peak, I could see the science teacher Mr. Thompson, making his way toward the scene. I knew this was my chance to put the final touch on my plan.
Parasaur's Pov
The raptors were closing in, their taunts and jabs growing more aggressive. I could feel the heat of the confrontation rising, and I braced myself for what was about to come.
But just as things were about to boil over, Mr. Thompson appeared, his authoritative presence cutting through the chaos. "What's going on here?" he demanded.
The raptors immediately straightened up, their faces masks of innocence. "Nothing, Mr. Thompson. We were just having a friendly chat," Vesper said, her tone smooth and convincing.
Mr. Thompson's eyes scanned the group, his expression stern. "I don't like the look of this. Everyone, back to your seats. We're going to have a talk."
I sighed with relief as the raptors grudgingly backed off. But I knew this was far from over.
Human's Pov
As Mr. Thompson intervened, I watched with a mix of satisfaction and anticipation. The teacher's arrival had momentarily defused the situation, but I wasn't done yet.
I knew I needed to find a way to keep the raptors' anger simmering. So, as Mr. Thompson started talking to them, I discreetly dropped a few comments here and there, subtly stoking the flames. I mentioned how the Parasaur had managed to get under their skin, how it was such a shame they couldn't "finish the job."
The raptors were clearly struggling to contain their frustration, and I could see the Teachers's calm words doing little to quell their simmering anger.
Parasaur's Pov
Mr. Thompson's attempt at calming the situation seemed to be having the opposite effect. The raptors' anger was still visible, and I could sense their frustration growing.
The Teacher's soothing words weren't enough to cool the raptors' tempers, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something more was at play. I glanced over at the human, who seemed to be enjoying the show from the sidelines.
Human's Pov
As the Teacher tried to defuse the situation, I couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph. The raptors were clearly frustrated, and their attempts to remain composed were starting to crack.
The room was filled with the clamor of raised voices, each word a sharp jab in the volatile argument that had erupted between the raptors. Tensions had reached a boiling point, and the once orderly classroom now resembled a battlefield.
"Why do you always think you're so much better than us?" snapped Raptor 1, her voice dripping with venom.
"Better? You think you're entitled to everything just because you're the loudest?" shot back Raptor 2, eyes blazing.
Raptor 3, typically more reserved, had been drawn into the fray, her claws tapping impatiently on the desk as she interjected, "Can't you all just stop being idiots for one second? It's pathetic."
The room buzzed with the energy of their argument, a stark contrast to the subdued atmosphere earlier. Students craned their necks to catch every detail, murmuring amongst themselves.
"I can't believe they're actually fighting," whispered one student to another.
"Yeah, it's like they're in a different world," replied the other, eyes wide.
As the argument reached fever pitch, Mr. Thompson, the teacher, was red-faced and struggling to regain control. His authoritative shouts were swallowed by the chaos.
"Enough! Everyone sit down! This is unacceptable behavior!" Mr. Thompson's voice was a thunderclap in the cacophony, but it went largely unheard.
The parasaur girl, who had been the center of the raptors' ire, saw her chance. She started inching toward the door, hoping to slip away unnoticed amidst the pandemonium. Her heart raced, each step feeling like a mile as she weaved through the tumultuous crowd.
But luck was not on her side. Just as she reached the threshold, a foot shot out from the crowd, sending her sprawling. She hit the ground with a gasp, her hands skidding on the floor.
The human, lounging in the corner, couldn't help but chuckle softly, a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes. His foot had been the one to trip her, a small but pivotal move in his plan.
"Look, she's trying to run!" shouted someone in the crowd, their voice rising above the general noise.
The raptors' heads snapped towards the parasaur girl, their hunter instincts kicking in with a fierce intensity. Without a moment's hesitation, they lunged towards her, their movements a blur of predatory speed.
The parasaur girl barely had time to react before they were on her. Claws and teeth flashed, a maelstrom of sharp edges and vicious intent. The classroom was filled with the sounds of tearing fabric, grunts of effort, and the occasional yelp of pain.
"Get off her!" screamed Mr. Thompson, his voice breaking with desperation as he tried to wade through the chaos.
The parasaur's dress was ripped apart, exposing her to the class in an embarrassing and humiliating display. She roared in rage, a sound so loud and piercing that it shattered the glass cups on a nearby shelf. The high-pitched wail was a shockwave of anger and pain.
The raptors, momentarily stunned by the deafening cry, held their heads in their claws, trying to block out the excruciating noise. Their ears flapped uselessly as the parasaur's voice pierced through their defenses.
"Stop it! Stop it now!" Mr. Thompson's voice was a desperate plea, but it was drowned out by the violence unfolding.
The parasaur girl, her fury uncontainable, grabbed one of the raptors by the head. With a raw, primal strength, she lifted it off the ground and slammed it onto a nearby table. The impact was bone-jarring, a loud crack echoing through the room as the raptor's body crumpled against the wooden surface.
A collective gasp went up from the students, their eyes wide with shock and disbelief. The raptor's arm and leg were bleeding, as broken feathers floated all around, and the table groaned under the force of the parasaur's attack. The wood splintered, and the raptor let out a high-pitched scream of agony.
"Did you see that? She's completely wrecking them!" someone whispered, their voice a mix of awe and fear.
"Yeah, this is insane," another student replied, their eyes glued to the scene.
The parasaur, her rage unspent, continued her assault. She hammered the raptor with all her strength, each blow a calculated strike aimed at causing maximum damage. The raptor's attempts to shield itself were futile; the parasaur's strength was overwhelming.
Finally, with a final, brutal slam, the parasaur broke the raptor's face knocking her teeth out, sending a spray of blood across the table. The raptor's screams turned into pitiful whimpers as it lay crumpled, barely conscious.
The classroom was in chaos. Some students were crying, others were shouting in shock, and a few were trying to hide under their desks. Mr. Thompson, his face pale and his hands shaking, struggled to regain control of the situation.
The human, still standing off to the side, watched with a mix of satisfaction and curiosity. His manipulation had worked perfectly, setting off a chain reaction that had led to this explosive confrontation. The chaos was exactly what he had hoped for, and he reveled in the success of his scheme.
As the noise began to settle and the raptors' aggressive energy waned, Mr. Thompson finally managed to call for help. "Security! We need security in here, now!"
The parasaur, breathing heavily and still seething with anger, looked around at the wreckage of the classroom. Her eyes met the human's, but just glanced past them, she didnt know, he smiled without her seeing covering his mouth with his hand silently chuckling.
With the raptors subdued and the class slowly returning to a semblance of order, the human's plan had reached its climax. The scene of violence and chaos was crafted by his skillful manipulation, and as the security arrived to escort the injured raptors and restore order, the human could only smile at the success of his tactics.
The classroom was a wreck, a physical manifestation of the disorder in society; it was chaos; it was the only place I could thrive, where everyone else was too busy destroying each other; they had no time to destroy me.
The din of the classroom began to settle as the initial shock of the brawl gave way to stunned silence. The air was thick with the acrid scent of adrenaline and fear, mingling with the shattered remains of the classroom's once-orderly appearance. Mr. Thompson, his face pale and drawn from the stress of the situation, struggled to regain his composure.
"Everyone, please calm down!" he bellowed, though his voice was barely audible over the collective murmur of the students. "I need everyone who was involved in this chaos to come forward."
The raptors, battered and bruised, were helped to their feet by a couple of concerned students and security personnel. Their eyes, filled with a mix of pain and humiliation, were fixed on the ground as they tried to steady themselves. The parasaur girl, equally disheveled and panting heavily, was already fighting to suppress her lingering fury.
"Mr. Thompson, I didn't mean—" the parasaur began, her voice trembling with a mixture of anger and desperation. "I was just trying to get away, and they attacked me—"
"Save it," Mr. Thompson cut her off with a tired wave of his hand. "We'll deal with your explanations later."
He then turned to address the students who had witnessed the scene. "I need all of you to stay seated and remain quiet until further notice."
The human, who had been quietly observing the chaos from the edge of the room, tensed as Mr. Thompson's gaze fell upon him. He had been hoping to avoid any direct involvement, content to watch the situation unfold from the sidelines. However, as Mr. Thompson's eyes locked onto him, his heart sank.
"And you," Mr. Thompson said, pointing an accusing finger at the human. "You too. Principles office, now."
The human's mind raced, confusion and a twinge of panic battling for dominance. How did I get found out? he thought, a sense of disbelief washing over him. His eyes flicked towards the parasaur girl, who was now staring at him with a mix of curiosity and rage.
"Wait, why is he being sent too?" the parasaur girl demanded, her voice breaking through the tense silence. "He was just sitting there. How is this fair?"
Mr. Thompson's glare was unwavering as he addressed the parasaur. "I don't have time to explain every decision I make. You're all going to the principal's office. Now."
The parasaur girl's eyes widened in shock and frustration. Her expression shifted from anger to confusion as she struggled to comprehend the situation. Why is he involved? What did he do? Her thoughts were a whirlwind of unanswered questions as she was ushered toward the door by a security guard.
The human, caught off guard by the sudden turn of events, was equally bewildered. He tried to maintain a composed facade, but internally, he was grappling with the realization that his manipulation had backfired. He had expected to orchestrate chaos, not to be swept up in it himself.
As he walked toward the door, his mind raced through the implications of Mr. Thompson's decision. What does this mean for me? Did I overstep somehow? The look of irritation from the parasaur girl only intensified his anxiety. He had been careful to stay out of the direct conflict, but now he was being lumped in with the instigators.
The parasaur girl was still struggling with her own frustrations. "You don't understand," she tried to explain as she walked alongside the human. "I had to defend myself. They wouldn't stop attacking me. And now I'm being punished for it?"
The security guard who was leading them to the principal's office said nothing, but the look on his face was one of grim resignation. He had seen this kind of thing before—students being caught up in the fallout of conflicts, regardless of their actual involvement.
The human glanced sideways at the parasaur, noting the genuine distress in her eyes.
"Just… just tell me," the parasaur girl said, her voice cracking slightly as she turned to the human. "What did you do? Why are you here?"
The human's eyes met hers, and for a moment, he saw the genuine confusion and anger reflected in her gaze. He opened his mouth to respond but was cut off by Mr. Thompson, who had followed them to the door of the principal's office.
"Let's not waste any more time," Mr. Thompson said sharply. "You all need to go in and explain yourselves."
As the door to the principal's office opened, a sense of foreboding filled the air. The parasaur girl took a deep breath, steeling herself for the confrontation ahead. She knew she had to explain her side of the story, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something more was at play, something she couldn't yet understand.
The human, too, felt a twinge of anxiety as he crossed the threshold into the principal's office. He had hoped to manipulate the situation from behind the scenes, but now he was facing the consequences of his actions. As the door closed behind them, the sense of impending judgment loomed over him, how could they have noticed? he wondered to himself,
Had he been so obvious? or where the people at this school just more skilled then he had thought. a chill ran down his spine, he surely hoped not.