Borderline Insanity

Elise crooned that she didn't have anything planned, but they could go play a game if Dom desired. The hatchling immediately perked up as he excitedly chirped.

He wanted to play Hide and Seek!

Elise blinked at the hatchling before asking Alice what that game was. The larger Indominus paused to answer before Dom literally fell off his sister and landed on the ground in an upset mess. Alice startled at that, but Dom let out a distressed wail.

Elise didn't know Hide and Seek?! How did she live life? What else was there to live for besides this glorious game?! James barely had enough time to face the wails before Dom simply tackled him as he continued to cry.

Why didn't Elise know this game?!

Owen blinked as James tried to comfort the upset baby, and Blue chirped in confusion.

"Dom, Dom, que pasa?"

Dom tried his best to explain to James that he had discovered the unthinkable. He had to help Elise with this game because she needed to experience the joys of testing her skills in a harmless hunt.

Elise slowly tilted her head before Alice chittered her explanation. Elise listened carefully before crooning in realization; she knew that game.

She called it Search and Rescue.

Alice blinked before turning to bark at Dom that the world wasn't over because Elise knew how to play the game. The hatchling abruptly stopped his wailing at hearing that before running back. James still had no idea what was going on, but Elise lowered her head to nuzzle the baby as she said she knew the game of searching for the one who needed to be rescued. Dom didn't understand why she thought of it like that, but Owen asked, "Baby?"

Elise snorted at the confused humans as she signed, 'Dom thought I did not know Search and Rescue.'

Owen raised an eyebrow before asking James, "Are you training Dom and Alice to be Search and Rescue animals?"

James blinked before shaking his head as he answered, "No, but we play plenty of Hide and Seek. It's Dom's favorite game."

"…Oh."

Elise snorted, but was distracted by Dom chittering at her. He was the greatest finder in the world. He could always find James when he hid on their old island, and he wanted to play Hide and Seek to prove it to Elise.

Dom was the greatest finder! Even better than his big sister!

Elise was warmed by the enthusiasm, and she turned to Owen to sign, 'Dom wants to play Hide and Seek.'

Owen snorted in amusement before suddenly elbowing James as he said, "Hey, why not put Dom and Alice's noses to work? Elise does a little training every day for Emergency ACU; Hide and Seek is a lot like Search and Rescue. We can give them a training session in the Restricted Area until it's time for Elise's show."

James crossed his arms as he glanced over before asking, "¿Que piensas, mis amores?"

Alice didn't get a chance to answer since Dom immediately agreed with a delighted chirp. He was eager to go to the next adventure! He was so excited that he couldn't stop himself from running around his sister as he chittered excitedly. Owen chuckled quietly, and James said, "It's been decided apparently."

Owen nodded as he led the way.

"I'll let Claire know that's where we're headed then."

Elise suddenly snagged Dom in her jaws before gently setting him onto Alice's shoulders before the duo followed their humans.

"Alright, Dom, eyes on me."

The hatchling finally gave Owen the attention he wanted, and James chuckled quietly. The hatchling was eager to get going, but Owen said, "Dom, I'm going to teach you how to do what we call Search and Rescue."

Alice chittered quietly at Elise; she wanted to know the difference. Elise smiled fondly at how attentive Dom was with Owen, and she explained that sometimes things happened on the island. Guests would go missing or dinosaurs got loose, but they had a pack of humans who protected this island. They made sure guests stayed where they needed to stay, and dinosaurs didn't hurt others. If that pack needed help, there was one always ready to go, but sometimes they needed her help. Elise further explained that she was usually called in to find a guest or dinosaur if neither pack could do it. It was one of her duties to this island.

Alice seemed interested in that, and Owen rose as he asked, "Alright, Elise, who are we searching for?"

Elise tapped her claw on her chest carefully in thought before Dom suddenly squealed that they always searched for James; it was how their game was played.

And if James got lost on their island, Dom would know how to find him.

Elise translated, and James was warmed by that. Owen only grinned as he said, "You know, Baby, this is a good chance for you to lead a search without me. I can go hide with James while you lead Alice and Dom."

Elise agreed with that, and Owen gestured to the radio on the jeep as he said, "I'll let you guys know when we're ready, okay?"

Elise nodded, and Owen left his vest while James slipped off his jacket. The duo grinned eagerly at one another before quickly disappearing into the jungle as Owen loudly said he knew the perfect spot to hide.

The crimson eyed Indominus snorted; Owen was like a hatchling sometimes, but she began to groom her claws to pass the time. Alice watched Dom play in the grass before he began to chase the insects. He couldn't keep up with the flies, and Alice warned him to leave the honey bees alone so he chose to chase a boldly colored butterfly.

It was adorable to see the little snowflake keep up with the fluttering butterfly before he gave up when it flew out of his reach. Dom decided to find something else to chase while Alice watched the butterfly land on Elise's nose. The crimson eyed Indominus paused to stare at it, and Alice assumed she would be hearing about how important butterflies were to the world. She turned her gaze back to her little brother before startling at a low snarl followed by a sharp clap of powerful jaws snapping shut.

Dom let out a startled yelp, and Alice snapped her gaze back to Elise to see the Indominus had gone back to her grooming. Alice stared at her for a few seconds before asking what that was. Elise paused to look at her in confusion, and Alice shifted uncomfortably before going back to watch her little brother though she kept a careful eye on Elise.

Elise continued to groom quietly until another butterfly came too close. Alice watched Elise curl her lip before suddenly snapping her jaws onto the unsuspecting insect.

Alice had no idea what to do with that. What happened to loving all creatures? Alice growled at Elise to knock that off; there was no need to hurt those butterflies, and Elise snapped at Alice to mind her own.

Butterflies weren't good.

Alice curled her lip before snarling quietly; she didn't normally care about butterflies, but there was something off about seeing Elise act like this.

What happened to the big heart? Why wasn't Elise welcoming of butterflies?

Elise hissed that she wasn't in the mood to talk about that; Alice could pick something else. Everyone had something that irritated them, and butterflies irritated her.

Alice growled quietly before glancing back at her brother and sagging at how he hid in the grass to stare at them in fear. Dom wasn't small compared to a human, but he was small compared to them.

It would have been scary to see them fight one another. Alice didn't see any reason for that, but she hadn't expected Elise to have something of a temper on her like this. She could understand it when Elise scolded the raptors, but these were butterflies.

They weren't hurting anything.

A silence lapsed between them, and the duo only relaxed when Dom began to play again. Alice continued to watch Elise carefully though the latter gave no indication of caring.

It wasn't long before Dom found another butterfly to chase, and Alice gave Elise a warning look; Elise pretended not to care. She paused from her grooming when she realized Dom wasn't making playful chirps like he was supposed to. His playing seemed awkward.

The butterfly fluttered over to Elise who startled when Dom was suddenly in front of her as he tried to bat it away desperately. Elise didn't understand until she heard the slightly destressed whine, and she sagged.

Dom was trying to protect the butterfly from her.

Elise glanced away shamefully as she rumbled that she wouldn't hurt the insect if Dom didn't want her to. She would spare this one though it didn't stop her from giving the butterfly an angry glare for souring her mood.

Elise couldn't stop her lip from curling when the butterfly landed on her nose though Alice brought her talon over for the insect to crawl into. It spread its colorful wings in thanks before crawling onto Dom's nose when Alice gently pressed her talon on the scales. Dom beamed at his big sister before scurrying off to keep his newest friend out of reach.

Elise shifted again before quietly rumbling her thanks; she knew it disturbed many when she ate the butterflies. Alice paused before bluntly asking why she just didn't leave them alone then. There was no need to eat the fluttery things.

Elise carefully watched Dom go back to his play; she was sure Owen and James would be close to finding their hiding spot, but she wasn't sure what to say. Alice was very normal to Elise, and Elise knew most normal people didn't care much for deep or dark conversations. It was uncomfortable to talk about, and they were strangers.

Elise hardly talked about her hatred for butterflies with Owen.

She paused when Alice nudged her, and Elise decided to bluntly answer. If she didn't get too detailed or dwell on certain things, then it would be fine. Alice had asked a question, and Elise would answer.

Elise took a breath before saying she had lived alone in her paddock after her sister had died. She didn't have anyone to talk to for a few weeks because her sister's body smelled too much to go near, and she was very lonely. She had found a blue beetle to talk to and had named him Friend because he was the first friend she had made after her sister died. Friend had liked to live near the stream in her paddock, and one day a butterfly had come by and knocked Friend into the stream. Elise never found the beetle, and she had been left alone after the butterfly had flown off.

She ate butterflies because one had killed Friend.

Alice simply stared at her, and Elise felt like she had said too much. She uncomfortably averted eye contact as she changed the subject by asking Alice about her home. What was life like on her own island? They had a few minutes to talk as Elise knew Owen would take his time to set up false trails and all that challenging stuff.

Alice stared at Elise and snorted at her for changing the subject. Alice would respect the Indominus's wishes to not talk about her hatred for butterflies and tell her about her own home. Alice told Elise that Sorna was a wild place. The dense jungle, the murky swamps, the clear rivers, the lush vegetation, and not to mention the reptilian inhabitants of the island. Sorna was a magical place in its own right. Those who actually lived there because they worked with Alice and Dom or with the raptors or with Security loved the island, even after hearing about all the bad stories about it, the biggest being about Dr. Grant's excursion turned survival mission story. Even though the place was wild, the animals, especially the predators, could prove otherwise. Alice and Dom were good friends with the raptors and the paex Spinosaur Sobek. To Dom, the raptors were a bunch of brothers and sisters. To Alice, the raptors were a kind of family to her, even thought they weren't all one big pack. But, Alice did trust the raptors enough to maybe protect Dom. To Dom, Sobek was a cranky old dragon who would sometimes yell at him to get off his lawn. To Alice, Sobek was a kind of father figure in a sense. From the various times that she would meet him, he would always teach her something new. Life on Sorna was sweet, but Dr. Grant and the other survivors would say otherwise. But, just because it was a calm natural preserve, didn't mean that it had its negatives, too. The free roaming pteranodons would occasionally cause a big problem and the humans would have to take care of them. But, there was one time when a pteranodon snatched up Dom and tried to take him away. But, Alice came to the rescue and clamped her jaws into one of the pterosaurs wings, and freed Dom. Since then, Dom has always had a fear of pterosaurs, even dimorphodons. Sometimes the raptors would be a nuisance when they would go out to hunt. And, Sobek would cause trouble because of his undying hatred for humans. Everyone had their own problems on the island, but Alice and Dom learned to live around those crazies.

Alice loved that Sorna was still a wild place because she and Dom would always explore it. Their paddock on Sorna wasn't big, but it was big enough for them to sleep in. James normally let the two roam free on the island, as long as they stayed within their boundary. Sobek could only tolerate the Indominus Rexes for so long before telling them to leave him alone.

Alice liked Sorna because it always reminded her and Dom that the world wasn't always sunshine and rainbows. It was a eat or be eaten world, and Alice had to prepare Dom to survive on his own one day. Alice knew the harsh realities and challenges that the world provided or threw at her. Alice could tell that Elise could see the world kind of like that, too. Elise had her own understanding of the world. She admires the little things in life that normally anyone would glaze over. But, Elise also knew the crazy challenges that came her way. Alice had never learned to appreciate the little things, but she was slowly learning that from Elise by just watching her. Elise might not like butterflies, but from the other things that she's told Alice and done around the slightly bigger Indominus, Alice figured that Elise had a good sense of maturity to survive in this world.

However, Alice used to see the world as a vast and fun place, where nothing bad ever happened. But, one event in her life, before Dom cam along changed her mind and part of her personality forever. It was the reason as to why Alice didn't always trust humans at first glance. It was the sole reason why she loved James to death. It was the reason as to why Alice was always cautious around new environments. Alice was around the age of two or three, and she was about a few feet taller than James. It was a sunny day and Alice was getting her normal checkup in which the vet of Isla Sorna, Reginald "Reggie" Miller, would pull out some of the jagged and loose teeth. James was walking back to Alice's paddock after checking up on the male raptor pack that they had on the island, consisting of Silver, the Beta, and his brothers, Raphael, Tito, and Enrique. Once Reggie finished Alice's checkup, he left the paddock, leaving Alice alone for a few minutes. There was a man by the name of Peter Hodgins, a complete stranger to Alice, and nearly a complete stranger to everyone on the island in general, who went into Alice's paddock for the wrong intentions. Alice, who didn't know about his intentions, kindly approached the man and greeted him happily. Hodgins played with Alice a little bit to gain a bit more of her liking, and then he went in. Hodgins pulled out a syringe and jabbed it into Alice's neck, making the Indominus screech and then flick the man away with her tail. Hodgins then pulled out a pistol and began to shoot at Alice's legs. One bullet hit her thigh, and Alice nearly collapsed to the ground. Alice tried getting the injected syringe out of her neck, but to no prevail. Alice then collapsed on the ground and then saw as Hodgins approached her and grabbed the syringe, which was filled with a bit of Alice's blood. Alice was then staring down the barrel of the pistol, and frightfully awaited the embrace of Death. But, James came to her rescue and the two got into a fight. Alice scurried away and watched as James beat Hodgins to a pulp and then killed him. Afterwards, James approached Alice, but she stepped away from him. James reassured Alice that he wasn't going to hurt her whatsoever. After a few minutes of reassurance, James approached Alice and then began to comfort her with his touch. James then called Reggie over, and he quickly got the bullet out and sealed the wound. He also made sure that the small spot where Hodgins injected the syringe wasn't infected, but Alice was fine. Alice from that moment on, learned that this world was wild, that she couldn't trust everyone she saw unless they gained it, and that sometimes, humans suck.

Alice understood that Elise went through a much harder life as a hatchling. Experiments, injections, a young siblings death, Elise had it hard, and Alice was happy that Dom wouldn't have to go through that. She would rather Dom be dead than go through that kind of experience.

Elise tilted her head as she chittered that the island sounded nice though she preferred her home. Alice's island didn't sound as friendly, and Elise had enough violence for her life. She was content with where she lived and how she lived.

Elise then flicked Alice with her tail as she told Alice that she could relax here and have fun. This island was secure, and humans came here with the intent of being educated and amused; weapons were not allowed here.

They were safe, and if something happened Elise would protect them.

Alice snorted at the Indominus; she didn't need protecting. If anything, Elise would need the protecting with how soft a life she now lived. Elise may have had a hard life, but she never lived in the wild.

Dom made a delighted squeal as he leapt into the air to bat at another butterfly before disappearing into the tall grass. Elise rumbled in amusement before the duo glanced over to the car when Owen crackled on the radio.

"Elise? We found our hiding spot."

Elise crooned to Dom to come over so he could pay attention; she had every intent of making sure he walked away with sharper skills, and the hatchling skittered over eagerly as Owen said, "So, here's the situation. We are two guests who wandered away from the attraction, and James is bleeding, which he actually is."

Alice tensed in concern as Dom whined, but Owen said, "He slipped on some rocks and smacked his nose; he's fine, he just has a nosebleed."

Elise snorted in amusement though Alice threw her a dirty look; Elise didn't notice it as she was focused on the radio, and Owen added, "Let's see, I'll challenge you guys…if you can find us in under a half hour Elise will get out of tomorrow's training, I'll buy Dom a good steak, and Alice will get the morning off so she can sleep in."

Alice liked that, and Owen said, "Timer starts now; get going!"

Elise crooned happily as she gently nuzzled Dom towards the articles of clothing left behind. She chittered at Dom that in searching, it was very important to memorize the scent. She added that she knew it would be easier this time since he already knew James' scent, but it was how things were done.

Dom was always eager to improve his seeking skills though he chirped that he was the best in the world; it would be very hard to improve. Elise seemed amused by this, but she replied that there was always room to improve; those who disagreed rarely improved.

Even the very best in the world could improve.

Dom simply chittered that he wanted to find James; they were wasting time here!

Elise crooned for him to lead the way because she was excited to search with someone else; she had always done this alone.

Dom wriggled his haunches as he boasted that he would easily find the scent before her, and Elise rumbled that she already had the scent. The Indominus hatchling indignantly squealed that she lied!

Elise grew soft as she lowered her head before crooning for him to pay attention to the things that weren't scent. The Indominus gestured to the footprint in the softer dirt as she explained it was a different way to seek besides scent.

Dom eagerly pressed his snout to the footprint before trilling that it was James' scent, and the hatchling eagerly took off into the jungle. Elise rumbled in amusement as she called out for him not to rush just in case they made a false trail. Alice only snorted that Elise was wasting air; when Dom became focused on seeking, he didn't hear anything else.

The crimson eyed Indominus blinked at her before replying that habit needed to be broken soon or Dom could get hurt; especially on a place like her island. Dom needed to learn now.

Alice paused slightly as Elise took the lead after the hatchling; that had hit a wrong chord with her. She felt she was doing a fine job with raising Dom, and she didn't appreciate Elise's critique. Elise glanced over her shoulder to grab Alice's attention because she didn't want Dom to get hurt on her watch.

She wanted everyone to be safe.

Alice huffed quietly; she supposed she wouldn't get offended

But it didn't stop her from feeling irritated.

Elise wove around another tree before glancing back as Alice made a low grumble after the branch smacked into her. Elise wondered if trees didn't grow as close to one another on Isla Sorna, and she asked if Alice was fine.

The Indominus only said she was just perfect; Elise felt bad after that and did her best to avoid the cluttered trails. Alice remained quiet as they walked, and the duo found Dom working the river thoroughly. Elise couldn't stop her smile at seeing the attentive hatchling, and she crooned that he was doing a good job.

Dom perked up at the praise before going back to searching for the scent again. Elise was content to sit on her haunches as she opened her mouth to taste the air. She knew Owen and James had gone through here, and she could already tell they had spent a lot of time creating false trails.

Dom was inspecting all of them.

Elise glanced to Alice as she asked if she wanted to help Dom, but Alice said that her brother liked to do his own thing. He was independent. Elise glanced at her for a few seconds before calling Dom over; she had a trick to teach him. The hatchling chittered that he knew what he was doing, and Elise reminded that even the best could improve.

Dom paused to think about that before bouncing over because he did want to improve his skills. If Elise was trained to do this, then there was a small possibility that she could know something that he didn't.

But it was a very small possibility.

Elise snorted in amusement as she fondly tapped Dom's nose, and she crooned for him to take a deep breath. The hatchling did so, and Elise chittered that he needed to be completely calm and focused for what she was going to teach him. Dom was eager to prove himself a capable seeker, and he plopped his haunches down as he watched intently.

Elise flicked her tail proudly, she knew Dom could be focused easily enough with the right words. He was a smart hatchling, and Elise wondered if Alice was happier to let Dom just do his own thing. She was his guardian, and it wasn't Elise's place to say otherwise, but she would make sure Dom learned to focus a little before he left here.

An overeager hatchling could easily be killed, and Elise would be incredibly sad if that happened.

Elise scooped Dom close to her side as she told him she would give him a secret of hers. Alice watched her little brother shift eagerly, and she wondered what this secret was; she didn't want Elise to put silly ideas into Dom's head because she would have to get it out of the hatchling's head.

Elise didn't notice the other Indominus as she told Dom the world was full of clues if he looked in the right places. That nose of his would help him see even the tiniest of secrets. Alice crinkled her snout when Dom chirped eagerly, and Elise continued that the greatest help was wind.

Dom blinked before retorting that the wind was only helpful if it was blowing towards him; Alice taught him that, and the scarlet eyed Indominus beamed. Elise was wasting her time teaching Dom things he already knew.

Elise pulled her lips into a smile when a small breeze blew through the area, and she spotted a few petals from blooming flowers breezing through. She swiped her fingers at them before showing the crinkled colors to the hatchling as she asked him to smell the petals.

What did he smell?

Dom placed his small hands in Elise's palm as he stretched himself to intently analyze the smells before suddenly letting out a chirp.

He could just barely smell Owen!

Alice narrowed her eyes as Elise chittered that wind was a helpful creature, but Dom replied that wind was nothing. Elise snorted as she asked him if he could feel the wind, and Dom answered that he could. Elise continued that wind was not nothing as nothing did nothing. Wind was here, and she travelled the world rightfully so. Sometimes she was harsh, but most days she was a gentle friend.

Elise asked Dom if he ever took the time to smell the stories Wind brought on her wings.

Alice blinked before Dom went wide eyed like the world had been opened up. He had just discovered something incredible; he had a way of talking to something that his sister had deemed nothing?

Elise then asked Dom where the petals had come from, and the hatchling gestured to the area. The snowy Indominus asked him if he thought there was a good chance Owen and James had gone there since the petals had come from there.

Wasn't that easier than trying to smell every trail along this river?

Dom went wide eyed at the wisdom bestowed to him, and he immediately splashed through the river in his haste to get to the other side before quickly working the small area. He let out a delighted chirp in discovering the new trail, and he squealed.

Elise was wise in befriending Wind!

Alice remained still as her little brother disappeared into the brush while continuing to declare that he would befriend Wind as well for she was helpful and nice!

Elise smiled before flicking Alice's shoulder to follow; she didn't want to lose Dom, but she startled when Alice growled at her. The scarlet eyed Indominus snapped that she didn't want Elise to fill Dom's head with silly ideas like that! Her island was dangerous, and Dom was going to get himself killed while trying to talk to the wind.

Alice didn't like the idea of personifying the wind because it was childish, and she told Elise that; just because she had an easy life on this island didn't mean Dom would get the same thing on the other island.

Elise was badly caught off guard by that and even slightly hurt, but she lashed her tail as she retorted that Dom was free to think what he pleased; he didn't have to believe what she did. Dom chose to acknowledge the wind as something more than nothing.

Alice snarled that Dom was a hatchling; he didn't know better.

Elise narrowed her eyes before coldly retorting that Dom was intelligent enough to be treated as such. Alice treating him like a dumb hatchling would get him killed sooner than her telling him about Wind.

The smaller Indominus disappeared into the jungle before Alice let out a long growl; she would never treat Dom as a dumb creature; she knew he was smart.

But Alice knew there was a difference between unintelligent and naïve; Dom was naïve.

Just like Elise apparently.

"Did you really have to make it thirty minutes, Owen?"

Owen snorted as he kept his nose tucked under the neck of his shirt while glancing at James; the man had simply taken to covering his nose with both his hands. They were crouched in a hallowed out trunk of a tall tree, and Owen finally replied, "I had to give them a fair chance. Besides, I have no idea what you're complaining about; you can't smell anything at the moment."

James stared at Owen dryly as he said, "I can taste the mierda, Owen. I can taste it."

The duo glanced at the large pile of dung not far from them, and Owen said, "Yeah…but it'll deter them a little bit; Elise has gotten really good at finding us. It's getting hard to challenge her."

"I know that feeling; Dom is good at Hide and Seek."

Owen snorted again before the duo fell into a silence though the buzzing flies would grow annoying. Owen was sure Elise would be stumped by the river; water always stumped her, but he had noticed the breeze coming through. Elise's time seemed to cut in half when there was a breeze.

He never could figure out why, but he hope if guests ever got lost, they would do so on a windy day.

The man glanced over when James suddenly asked, "Remember Maria?"

Owen gave a small chuckle as he wiped his face. "How could I forget her? She was the orneriest dolphin we ever had; I don't think Blue is as ornery as her. She's close, but I think Maria is ornerier."

James checked his nose to see if it was still bleeding as he asked, "Does Blue lure you in with false cuddles before striking?"

"Only when she knows I have an Oreo in my pocket, but she's gotten a lot better. I remember when she would play dead to try to get me into the paddock; I've got a few scars from her."

James chuckled, "Raptors are a little more dangerous than dolphins; Maria would just lure us in before splashing us."

"I remember she soaked you right before a big date; you didn't get time to change."

The man sniffed as he checked his nose again before grimacing at the memory. "That one had not been a good date, Owen."

Owen remembered that much, and the two fell silent again; he really hoped the trio would hurry up. He was getting tired of smelling the dinosaur dung, but he leaned back against the rough bark as he tried to ignore it, and James asked, "Remember when you sprinkled laxatives into my doughnut before we had to run the four miles?"

Owen grinned widely at the memory; that had been the greatest thing in the world, and he replied, "I remember you beating the shit out of me with your pillowcase full of bars of soap."

James laughed; that had been his revenge. He hadn't appreciated running back home with heavier pants, and Owen hadn't even tried to deny his crimes. The man had laughed the whole way back.

The Spaniard elbowed Owen as he added, "Then I put the oil under your precious bike; I had you convinced it was leaking oil. I never seen you pale so fast."

"It was a brand new bike, James! I couldn't afford anything else."

James began to laugh again, and Owen eventually joined in; they fell into another round of silence with flies buzzing. James was glad to see his nose had finally stopped bleeding, and Owen suddenly asked, "Was it ever hard raising Alice? Like, was she like raising the raptors?"

James raised an eyebrow as he shrugged, "Alice was a lot like Dom as a hatchling, but I was never joined at the hip with her like you are with Elise. I let Alice have her space, but I visit her regularly. She has a place to sleep with Dom, but she's free to roam Isla Sorna as she pleases. ¿Por qué?"

Owen nodded in thought before replying, "I was just curious; Alice isn't like Elise very much."

"They're two different creatures, Owen; even the raptors aren't the same."

Owen rubbed the back of his neck as he said, "Yes, but I mean Alice is…she reminds me of an adult, you know? She's got a mature way of looking at the world, and I just wonder if Elise would be like that if she had someone to raise her."

James pressed his lips in thought before asking, "Elise is like a child? I know she is very friendly and warm."

"Yeah, but I know she can be a serious adult; maybe it's just a difference of personality."

The man nodded in agreement, and Owen asked, "Is Alice fine with being alone?"

James paused to think before answering, "She has her moments where she likes to nap alone, why? Another comparison to Elise?"

"Yeah, Elise doesn't like to be alone; it scares her. She can be alone, she just doesn't like to be."

James glanced over as he replied, "Well she was alone for how long in her paddock? I will say I am amazed she is as functional as she is."

Owen glanced around as he sighed, "It's little things, James, but it's nothing that can't be helped over time, you know? I just worry about people having to leave the island. If humans had to leave Isla Sorna, would you worry about Alice and Dom surviving?"

"They are my amores, Owen, I worry about them now."

Owen glanced at James, and the man added, "But I get what you mean; I know Alice and Dom would be fine."

"…I know Elise would be fine too; she still has Rexy, and the girls do see her as an Alpha."

They fell into another round of silence as James stared at Owen curiously before saying, "It's not your fault she grew up alone."

Owen pressed his lips before saying, "I was the one who pushed the hardest to kill her after she escaped; I thought she was just a mindless killer. I mean, I know she ordered the girls to kill me when she first took over, but…we just did a lot of bad things to one another."

"Does that ever bother her?"

Owen shrugged as he answered, "I know she still feels bad about trying to kill me."

James stretched his legs out of the log slightly as he sighed; it still smelled here, but he said, "I have a theory, mi amigo feo."

"Let's hear it."

The Spaniard twirled his thumbs around one another as he mused, "Elise had to take care of her sick sister, no? That would force anyone to mature; I don't think Elise was allowed to have a childhood, but now she has you and Rexy to be her parents. She has family and no sick sister to look after. I think she's just catching up on the childhood she missed out on; she will mature at her own rate."

Owen pressed his lips in thought before saying, "I guess that makes sense; she's starting over."

The man finally shrugged as he said, "Elise is happy and healthy; I shouldn't get worked up over this, and she'll let me know if something is bothering her."

James patted the shoulder while replying, "Bien; that is all we worrying parents can do."

Owen smiled before frowning at hearing a branch snap. The duo grew tense as they listened intently as the sounds of something running very fast drew nearer. Owen glanced at James as he whispered, "What the hell is tha-"

James let out a shriek when his legs were suddenly snagged, and he was yanked out of the log before Owen could even comprehend what had happened. The remaining man finally shook himself as he bolted out while yelling James' name. Owen gave his own yell after being snagged and hoisted off the ground. The man twisted as best he could to look at his captor before blinking at the amused crimson eyes.

"Elise!"

The snowy Indominus crooned fondly as she held Owen close to her chest, and he glanced over when James' yelling grew louder again.

Owen blinked at watching Dom bolt by with his teeth firmly snagged into the pants, and James sliding on the ground right behind him. Owen had to laugh at how Dom had no problem with dragging James around, and the hatchling suddenly slid into a stop while James continued by him. Alice finally appeared from the brush as James slid into her leg, and she blinked at him before making a soft croon. Dom didn't give his human much of a chance to recover before practically belly flopping onto the stunned man, and Owen grimaced at the whoosh of air being forced from James.

Alice gave a sharp bark at Dom to be more careful with James, and the hatchling startled slightly though James wheezed as he gently pushed him off.

Owen only chuckled as Elise softly nuzzled him; if there was one good thing about her raising her sick sister, it was Elise knew how to be incredibly gentle with fragile creatures smaller than herself. Blue was rough enough as it was, and there was something about being tenderly cuddled by the gentle giant.

Owen glanced at his timer as he said, "Good job, Baby, you guys found us in twenty-three minutes. Did you let Dom take the lead?"

Elise nodded as she nuzzled Owen again before glancing over as Alice made another snap at Dom. She growled that she didn't want to repeat herself, and the hatchling curled his tail before bouncing over to Elise to hide behind her leg.

Elise blinked at Dom crouching low to her before curling her lip at Alice and told her to stop being so snappy at everyone. If she needed to sleep or eat then she needed to say something, and if that wasn't the reason for her bad attitude, then she needed to knock it off.

There was never any reason to snap at a hatchling.

Alice growled at her for being contradictory; Elise had just got done telling her to treat Dom like an intelligent hatchling, but excusing this action was suddenly fine. Elise lowered Owen to sit next to Dom before she rose to her full height. She didn't want to fight, but this was her island, and she was the Alpha.

Alice needed to respect that.

Elise kept her tone firm though unwavering as she rumbled that Dom was intelligent but inexperienced. Alice needed to explain why it was wrong what he was doing rather than snapping at him. If he kept doing it after she explained it, then it was fine to snap at him because he chose not to listen.

Right now, he didn't know any better.

Alice narrowed her eyes before the duo both rose as tall as they could to glare at one another. Elise remembered to stand like Rexy always did: tall, proud, and unwavering; she wasn't looking for a fight.

She wouldn't let it go that far, and she puffed air through her nostrils to make it clear she was done with this conversation. She took a step back before James quietly said, "Amor…"

Alice blinked at her human, and James motioned for her to follow as he walked away from Elise. The larger Indominus glanced over to see Dom was still hiding behind Elise, and she felt her mood sour even more as she followed James.

She didn't want to be the bad guy, she just didn't want Dom to feel guilty about accidentally hurting James. That would crush her poor brother.

She didn't want that.

Elise puffed air through her nose once more before lowering herself as she curled around Owen and Dom. The latter was still hunkered down low as Owen kept a hand on the white back; he gave Elise a questioning look, and she pressed her face close to him before turning to Dom.

The hatchling slowly sat up as Elise remained gentle in her tone. She told Dom that he wasn't in trouble with her, but he needed to learn to be gentle around humans before he got too big. The hatchling chittered that he was just playing; he had been happy to see James.

Elise crooned that she knew that, and she pressed her face close to Owen as she said humans could be very fragile sometimes; like thin sticks that could break easily. She had to be very careful around her human because she could break him easily.

Dom was quick to point out that Elise was much bigger than him; he knew not to jump on James when he would become her size. The crimson eyed Indominus smiled as she continued to chitter that it was simply best to learn now because James wasn't always going to be bigger. It was good to learn while Dom was still smaller.

The hatchling twitched his tail as he seemed to think about that before rising to Owen's height. He looked the human up and down before thrusting his head into the man's shoulder. Owen slightly stumbled under it as he wasn't expecting it, but he gently scratched the back of the scaly head as he asked, "Elise, what was that about?"

Dom suddenly chittered at Elise if this was gentle enough, and Elise crooned that it was a very good start. She turned to Owen as she signed, 'Alice is cranky.'

He raised his eyebrow as he glanced over to where Alice and James were talking; he could see the white scales through the leaves, but he couldn't hear James talking. Owen sighed as he checked his watch. They needed to head back to the log; maybe everyone needed a little nap. He didn't blame Alice for being cranky. He couldn't imagine how stressful it would be to bring Dom here and trusting a stranger Indominus to lead them around this unfamiliar island.

"We'll head back when James and Alice are done talking. I just hope you aren't pushing Alice's buttons in any way, Baby."

Elise caught the warning tone, and she made something of a shrug. She had been trying to avoid pushing buttons, but she wasn't going to tiptoe around Alice; not when she was snapping at others.

Elise curled around the duo more tightly as she ran a tongue up Dom before praising him for doing a good job. Dom chirped happily, and Owen said, "I guess I owe you a big steak, don't I, Buddy?"

He chuckled at the excited sound Dom made, and Elise kept a careful eye on where Alice had gone off to.

She hoped James could figure things out, and they could then enjoy the rest of the day.

Alice and James were a good distance away from the others, but still visible enough to see them of course. They were just far enough so that at least James couldn't be heard. James looked up at Alice and said, "Amor, que pasa?"

Alice simply stared at James and didn't say anything, because it's not like James would understand her anyway.

"Did Dom do something that upset you?"

Alice shook her head.

"Did Elise do something that upset you?"

Alice nodded her head and then let out a rumble, saying that Elise was like an irritating hatchling.

"Que hico?"

Alice pointed at her snout and sniffed the air.

James arched an eyebrow and then asked, "She poked your nose?"

Alice shook her head and then did the same thing but then pointed at Dom.

"She poked Dom on his nose?"

Alice huffed at her human, but he was getting close. Alice stared at her human until he finally put two and two together.

"Did Elise teach Dom something by using his snout?"

Alice nodded her head and then James added, "It was something new to Dom wasn't it?"

Alice slowly nodded her head at that one and hung her head low a little bit. James let out a sigh and then said, "Ay mi amor, ahora entiendo. You're upset because Elise taught Dom a different way of something that you already taught him."

It didn't surprise Alice that James had figured it out. He did stuff like this every now and then on Sorna, and he was getting better at it.

"Alice, mi amor, I don't know where to begin with this," said James as he put his hands on his hips.

Alice kept her head low and stared at James with a sad look. James placed his hand on the snow white face and then opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted by Owen who said, "Uh, James, sorry if I'm interrupting, but, well, we got to get going."

James looked into Alice's scarlet eyes and then looked over at Owen and said, "All right. Let's get going."

Owen hesitantly shook his head and then they all headed to the jeep for Owen and James to ride. As Owen got into the jeep, James looked up at the saddened Alice and then said, "Uh, I'd like to walk with Alice for a little bit, you mind?"

"No, not at all," replied Owen.

Owen looked over at Elise and then to Dom and asked, "Okay Dom, do you want to ride with me or with Sunshine?"

The hatchling Indominus looked at Owen and then Elise and back to Owen before jumping onto the jeep and let out a happy trill at Owen, making the raptor trainer smile.

"That's my buddy," chuckled Owen as he patted Dom's head.

Owen then looked at Elise and said, "Stick close Sunshine."

Elise nodded her head and then slowly turned her gaze to a still irritated yet saddened Alice, who turned her gaze away from Elise.

"I won't be too far ahead James. Just, call me when you need me," said Owen as he started the jeep and then began to drive off, with Elise walking alongside it, and James and Alice slowly treading behind it.

James walked alongside Alice, not knowing what to even say to Alice. James didn't expect Alice to be like this. It was very rare for Alice to feel this kind of jealousy and slight irritation against another creature, let alone another Indominus. But, James should've known that it would have happened because of how Alice thinks and how mature she was. James knew that Alice saw the world as an adult would, and James agreed with Owen when he said that Alice reminded him of an adult. Alice was mature in her own right, but when it came to raising Dom, it was a bit different.

"You know, you used to be a lot like Dom when you were younger," James said as he looked up at Alice with a smirk.

Alice looked at James and then snorted a bit. Of course she used to be a hatchling like Dom. Alice didn't understand what James meant.

"You used to see the world as a big jungle to explore. It was your oyster."

Alice let out a disgusted chitter, she hated oysters and how they tasted. A coworker of James brought a plate of oysters one day and gave one to Alice. She later threw it up on the guy. She didn't like that they weren't chewy. They were slimy.

"It's a figure of speech amor. You need to learn to catch those more often."

Alice knew what James meant, she wasn't dumb.

"Anyway, you know that it wasn't easy raising you, right?"

Alice looked at her human and tilted her head as she continued to step forward. Alice didn't think that she was hard to raise.

"You provided me with challenges everyday, and sometimes, you even irritated me to the point of leaving for a few hours before coming back to keep tending to you."

Alice saw a little surprised at hearing this. She didn't know that she actually used to irritate James.

"Past tense Alice, you don't irritate me now and sabes que te amo con todo mi corazon. I remember how you learned on the island. I tried teaching you a few things, more civil things than hunting and a few other things that wild animals do. I taught you how to be gentle around more fragile creatures, such as humans, but, that didn't stop you from being a little rough with me regardless. You used to tackle me a thousand times a day, and I always told you to remember to be gentle, but, I didn't snap at you whatsoever. Sobek and the raptors taught you a few other things, even how to be a bit more rowdy. I didn't get mad at them for teaching you the opposite of what I was teaching you, because you were still young, and I simply let you make your own decisions. I trusted you in everything you decided to do and I knew that you would grow up to be a gentle giant, which you are mi amor."

Alice was warmed by his last words, but wondered what James was trying to get at.

"What I'm trying to tell you is that, you gotta let Dom learn different things, and to let him be. One day, he's going to grow up Alice, much like you and become a fun and awesome bigger Indominus. Tienes que dejarlo hacer so que el quiere mi amor. I let you do what you wanted, even if it was wrong. you learned from your mistakes on your own, and I know Dom will too. Let him make his own mistakes to learn from."

Alice knew that James was right about everything he had just said. She needed to let Dom be his own man and learn from all the decisions he makes. Alice didn't always have to be stern in teaching him something. Alice normally taught Dom gently. She was upset and irritated because she didn't want Dom to die if he took the lesson Elise taught him to heart.

"And besides mi amor, it's just for today. I don't know on whether or not you''ll see Elise again. Maybe him learning something from her today isn't such a bad thing. He could forget it by tomorrow for all we know."

Alice knew that Dom never forgot anything. He remembered everything.

"Now, in regards to snapping at Dom, I gotta say that I'm a little upset at you for doing that. You nearly started a fight with Elise amor," said James in a more stern tone.

Alice frowned at that and hung her head.

"Amor, you didn't need to snap at Dom. I was fine, a little dazed at the moment, but I was fine. Simply telling him that humans are a little more fragile than he thinks would have been good enough. I have a feeling that you snapping at him like that reminded him of when you snapped at and nearly hurt him while you were still mad a day or so after your rampage."

Alice's stomach began to hurt a little. She didn't want Dom to be scared of her at all. She hated it when Dom was scared of being near her. Alice wanted to best for Dom and wanted him to enjoy everything.

"Dom looks up to you greatly mi amor. You've taught him so well on how to survive on the island. He reflects every action you take. He learns from you by watching you. I think watching you being a little sour isn't a good lesson for him to learn."

Alice agreed with James. She didn't want Dom to be sour at all, but from what she could tell by looking at him up ahead on the jeep, he was having the best of times...with Elise. Alice wasn't going to let this small irritation and slight jealousy pry into more of her mind. She had a reputation of being a sweetheart to uphold.

"Alice, are you okay?"

Alice looked down at her human and then lightly nodded. She thought back to her recent actions and decided that it was better to make things straight. She wanted to straighten things out with Dom before apologizing to Elise for being sour with her.

"Amor, you know that I've told everyone that you're a sweetheart. I think you should try to keep up the good name."

Alice nodded her head and then nudged her human lovingly, making James chuckle.

"Ay mi amor, you're crazy, you know that?"

Alice snorted at James and then gently pushed him with her snout.

"Te quiero mucho tambien, mi amor."

James looked up at Alice and smiled. He was happy that he was able to get to Alice. She as hard to work with at times, even at such an age, but he was getting better at working with her.

"I suggest talking with Elise first, before we get to her paddock, so that then you can talk to Dom before he takes his nap, so that he can have sweets dreams rather than nightmares."

Alice nodded her head and saw that what James had said made sense.

James smiled and then told Alice to get Owen to stop, and she let out a bark, and the raptor trainer, along with Dom and Elise, stopped and waited for James and Alice to catch up. Once James got to the jeep, he hopped into the passenger's seat and turned to rub Dom's head, who rubbed his snout all over his human's face lovingly. James then looked up at Alice and lightly nodded his head. James told Owen that they were ready to rock and roll and they were once again off to the log.

"So, what's up with Alice?" Owen asked.

"Just a little misunderstanding,' replied James.

Owen looked at James for a few seconds with an arched eyebrow, but then brushed off the response and focused on the road.

Alice was walking a bit behind Elise, because she didn't know if Elise was a little irritated with her for being irritated at Elise. Elise looked over her shoulder and gestured for Alice to walk next to her, and the slightly larger Indominus did so. Alice looked at Elise and then chittered an apology, saying that she was sorry for what had happened. Elise looked at Alice and said that it was okay. Elise apologized back, saying that she was sorry for irritating her. Alice however didn't want Elise to apologize whatsoever, she told Elise that it was fine if she taught Dom new things. He would learn from his mistakes. Elise was a taken aback a bit of how quick a change of mind Alice had. Wow, maybe James was just that good to get Alice to change her mind a bit. Elise told Alice that everybody learns from their mistakes and that she was right about how the hatchling Indominus would learn from his mistakes. Alice nodded in agreement and then asked for a truce. Elise accepted the truce by bumping her shoulder with Alice's. Alice gave a slight smile and then looked at Dom, who was harassing James by consistently pecking at him. Elise looked at Dom, and then at Alice, and told her that she had to apologize to him. Alice knew that already, she just needed Dom not to be scared of her anymore. She hated it when he was.

The walk back to the paddock had been uneventful though Elise noticed Alice seemed a little quieter than usual. It didn't bother her, but she hoped Alice really did believe thing were fine between them. This was hardly the worst fight Elise had ever had; it was more of they had simply annoyed one another.

She was hopeful this meant the rest of the day would be good as well now that they had gotten it out of their systems.

At least Dom was having a good time though he seemed to be yawning more, and Elise chittered to Alice that she knew a safe spot with nice ferns that they could make a nest for Dom; it would be quiet as well. She would get any nesting material Alice wanted and they could go on from there.

Alice replied that she liked that idea, and Elise silently promised to make sure she didn't overstep any boundaries with making the nest; she would have to make sure Alice made it as she pleased.

Dom was her brother after all.

Elise was a little saddened by that; she remembered how Small One liked her nest; it had to be lined with ferns and soft bark while the bedding had to be dried grass.

She would never have a reason to make a nest like that again, and she sincerely hoped Alice never took that activity for granted. Elise still sometimes started to make a nest for Small One if she wasn't paying attention, but the Indominus had been getting better about it.

Dom was mesmerized with everything around him, and Owen chuckled quietly at the gentle thrust in his shoulder when they had reached the paddock doors to Elise's home.

"Much better, Buddy."

Dom chirped happily, and Owen turned to Elise as he said, "I checked with Tim; Rexy is napping in her nest. Try not to make too much noise, alright?"

Elise garbled in agreement at that; Rexy was never happy when she was woken from her nap for no good reason.

Usually someone had to be dying for her to deem it a good enough reason.

Owen checked his watch as he said, "You have about a half hour before your next show, Baby; James and I will meet you at the log, okay?"

Elise nodded as the doors shut behind her, and she crooned for the duo to follow her. It wasn't too far a walk, but Alice hesitated before quietly chittering that she wanted a few minutes to talk to Dom…in private.

Elise blinked at that, but she only replied that she would be right down the trail if they needed anything.

They could take all the time they needed.

Dom looked up at his big sister and took a step back, making Alice's heart sink a little. She didn't like it when Dom was liked this. He was scared of her. Something that Dom hadn't been since Alice snapped at him on Sorna.

Alice looked down at her brother with saddened eyes. She could see the fear in his crimson eyes and she wanted to turn that fear to happiness.

Alice chittered to Dom, telling him that they needed to talk about something. Dom didn't respond, he just listened to Alice speak. Alice told Dom that she was very sorry for snapping at him. She didn't mean it whatsoever. She was a little irritated and cranky when she did it. She wasn't in full control of her thoughts and her emotions at the time. Alice told Dom that would never do anything to scare or hurt him. She told him that she hated it when he was scared of her. Alice told Dom that he loved her more than life itself and that all she wanted was for him to learn and be safe.

Dom now knew that he needed to be more cautious around humans. They were fragile and needed to be treated lightly. Dom knew that when he grew up to be Alice's size, he would have to be more careful with James, but, while he was still the size he was now, he felt like tackling people was just fun! But, Dom would soon start to develop more tender actions towards humans, such as nudging them, like he does to Owen.

Alice told Dom that she would never to it again and that she was very sorry for it and that he would be able to find it in him to forgive him.

Dom wasn't one to hold a grudge. He was still very young. He didn't even know what a grudge was.

Alice tried getting closer to Dom, but the hatchling moved away. Alice hated it when Dom was like this. She told the small Indominus that he didn't have to be scared. Alice then told him that he just needed to be a bit more careful around humans, something Dom had learned from Elise. Alice then decided to apologize to Dom for getting mad about not letting him make his own decisions. Alice reassured him that he was his own man, and that he could do whatever he wanted to. He just couldn't kill humans unless they attacked him.

Dom was grateful that Alice told him that he could be his own man, and that he could do whatever he wanted. A bit of a mistake though. Dom normally took things to heart. Meaning that those words would become a problem in the future. With that, Dom then decided that he couldn't stay scared of his sister. It was his own sister he was talking about here! It was Alice. And Dom loved her so much for protecting him and teaching him.

Alice got happy when she saw Dom step closer to her. Alice lowered her head and then nuzzled Dom lovingly. The hatchling chittered in response and then let out a wide yawn.

It was about time for Dom to take his nap, but first, they needed to make Dom a suitable nest.

Alice began to look around. Elise's home was nice, and that meant that Dom would be able to sleep in a nice, comfortable nest.

The duo followed the trail through the jungle to find Elise sitting tall as she admired the blossoming flowers on tree before she turned her gaze to them to ask if they were ready to leave. She felt the second best place to nap was right under her false log because the sun always seemed warm there. There was just enough background noise to be soothing, and the softest ferns grew there.

Dom scrambled onto his big sister's back as Alice chittered her question; she wanted to know what the first best place was. Elise simply turned to lead down the trail as she answered that her adopted mother's nest was the best place.

But Elise didn't know how Rexy would react to seeing these newcomers from nowhere. She was incredibly protective and territorial. Elise still wasn't sure why Rexy had decided to adopt her; it wasn't like she heavily resembled a Tyrannosaurus not to mention her snowy complexion.

It wasn't a color the suggested a survivalist in anyone who wasn't in snowy regions.

Elise remembered asking Rexy why she had adopted her, and the elder had simply replied that she just looked like she needed help. Rexy thought Elise was intelligent, could be respectful, and she felt the need to raise something before she died.

Rexy didn't regret her decision.

Alice didn't like the idea of a territorial carnivore prowling around, but Elise assured her that Rexy hardly came over here unless she needed to bring Elise home for some reason; this was Elise's territory.

Alice still wasn't convinced, but Elise assured them she wouldn't allow Rexy to hurt them. Rexy wasn't bad, and she could be reasoned with unless her nest was touched.

That was a very bad thing to do.

Alice decided she would heed the odd warning just in case, and she made sure to drill it into Dom's head as well. The hatchling only garbled quietly that he was tired and wanted to sleep. Elise found it adorable, and the trio fell into a comfortable silence as Elise led the way to her log. It wasn't a long walk, and Alice blinked as they broke into the small clearing.

It was actually quite stunning though the false log looked odd, but the trees were healthy and flowers bloomed rainbows. Elise was right, it was quiet here, but they could hear the park's noise though it wasn't too much.

It was hard to sleep when things were too quiet, and Alice snorted as she glanced to the log. Underneath it was a very large hammock where fern nests had been created, and they looked used.

Many happy naps had been taken here.

Elise gestured to them as she chittered that Dom could sleep in any of them or eve the hammock if he desired. He could make his own nest if he wished. Alice opened her mouth to reply but glanced over to the log when she heard the glass window sliding open, and Owen said, "There you guys are. Dom getting ready for his nap?"

Elise was going to nod her head, but she glanced over when the hatchling decided his nap could wait a few seconds in favor of exploring this new log; he had never seen one so hollowed out before.

The nap could wait, and James smiled gently as the hatchling immediately went to work on exploring every nook and cranny of this place. He kept a careful eye on him though the wall full of photos and drawings caught his eye.

"Que es esto?"

Owen smiled at the wall as he answered, "Elise's fans from all over the world; people know she doesn't want to travel, but it doesn't stop them from sending little mementos to her. She gets to see the world right here; sugar skulls from Mexico are one of her favorite gifts."

Elise crooned to confirm this though Alice tilted her head until Owen brought one over for her to see as he said, "It's part of a celebration in Mexico, Alice; it's a way of how they honor their dead. James knows about it."

"I'm not Mexican, Owen."

Owen waved the huff off as he went to put the sugar skull in its proper place though Dom gently snagged his claws onto Owen's arm because he wanted to see this sugar skull; he knew what sugar was.

It was delicious and sweet even if it made him really hyper; he loved it. Owen chuckled when the hatchling licked the decoration before making a disappointed sound. James only shook his head fondly as he said, "It is not real sugar, but I will buy you a churro before we leave, bien?"

Dom chirped as he went back to exploring the log, and Owen startled when Lowery walked around the corner with a large soda in his hand as he greeted, "Hey cool people."

Elise made a soft croon, and Lowery saluted her as he said, "My fellow American how I missed thee." Owen snorted lightly before he turned to James as he said, "This is Lowery, he's from Control; he's the only one who stayed during the evacuation. Lowery this is James, an old buddy from the Navy."

Lowery gave a wave as he sipped his soda before glancing over when Dom eyed him oddly though Elise chittered to Alice that this man was nice. He was a little awkward, but he always meant the best.

Alice didn't understand that until Lowery gave a wide wave of his hand as he said, "Greetings neighbor from another island." The larger Indominus blinked at him, and Owen snorted, "You're fine, Alice; Lowery's weird."

"I prefer the term unique."

Owen laughed quietly as he walked over to put the skull away, and Lowery raised an eyebrow at Dom who continued to stare at him with wide eyes. It wasn't like he had ever been around babies before; he was actually getting a little uncomfortable, but the tech-geek glanced over when James asked, "So you stayed behind during the evacuation?"

Lowery gave a small nod as he adjusted his glasses and said, "Yeah, someone had to stay behind, but it was nothing. I knew the Control Room was the safest place."

James nodded at that before turning when Alice made a chitter, and he blinked at her. The man walked over because he wasn't quite sure what she wanted, but Lowery made eye contact with Dom again when the hatchling scooted closer. He furrowed his brows as he glanced to Owen who was walking over before the tech-geek gestured to the hatchling.

"Not to sound mean, but I'm getting a little creeped out with Dom here. Why is he staring at me like I got sausages around my nec-"

Dom suddenly lunged at the tech-geek, and Lowery shrieked as he back pedaled only to be knocked flat on his back. His large soda went spilling across the floor before the man flinched at the warm tongue licking his face.

Owen froze at seeing the large hatchling on Lowery, but James was the first to trot over as he said, "No, Dom; you cannot tackle people like that."

Dom was so excited to smell the sweet drink this new person had; he wanted some. He loved how it bubbled and fizzed before he would make loud burps that could scare even the birds. He hadn't been sure how to ask this stranger for a drink, but people thought it was cute when he tackled them.

He felt back for causing the drink to spill, so he gave the warm kisses in hopes of enticing forgiveness from him. The stranger smelled nice, but Dom snapped his head up when he heard James talking. Dom knew the scolding tone, but he focused on how James was walking over quickly with his arms stretched out to catch him.

It was the chasing game! Dom knew this one very well; James could never catch him! The hatchling quickly glanced down the way the stranger had come before bunching his muscles; James always teamed up with Alice when they played this game.

Owen immediately bolted forward when he saw what Dom was thinking; Blue had done the same thing when she was little. The chasing game; it was such a bad game he did with the girls.

It had seemed so harmless at first until he realized how easily these animals assumed it was a game until they ran right into danger.

Dom was going to bolt for the exit, and Owen said, "Dom, no!"

It was too late, Dom had already rocketed down the exit with the full intent of winning this game, and James gasped as he realized what was happening. The man ran after his hatchling before letting out a yell as his foot slipped in the spilled soda, and Lowery wheezed when the muscled man landed on him.

Owen hadn't processed that the soda had been spilled and jumped over the fallen duo before both his feet suddenly went into the air, and his head smacked into the cement. Owen saw stars, and Elise let out a startled bark; she knew that sound all too well.

Owen's head had made a similar sound after crashing on his bike; he had forgotten what had happened for most of the day. Human heads were fragile, and Elise stuck her head into the log to nuzzle her human as she made concerned sounds.

Owen only groaned in pain as he clutched his head though James finally pushed himself up and out of the log before letting out a breath at the sight.

He didn't know where Dom went, and none of the guests gave any indication of even seeing the little hatchling. James wiped his lip nervously before giving the shrill whistle as he called out, "Dom! Amor! Come back!"

Dom didn't come back.

A/N: Uh Oh...What's gonna happen next? Stay tuned and find out! Leave reviews! We love hearing what you think of the story so far!

Thank You-TM of Skullduggery