Him Chapter 7

She was chattering at him rapidly. He understood that she was communicating something essential to him - her name, Ren. It was a beautiful sound, the most enchanting he'd ever heard. Transfixed, he echoed the sound back to her, hoping to connect.

Ren's reaction startled him. She bared her teeth and exclaimed loudly. He recoiled instinctively, fearing aggression, before he remembered - this creature displayed its pleasure in perplexing ways. Her outburst, the flashing teeth, were both signs of delight, not hostility. A warmth spread through his chest; he was happy to have pleased Ren. Perhaps now, she would no longer attempt to flee from him.

Sinking to his haunches, he welcomed the stream of her chatter. He knew she wanted more from him, but for now, he was happy to bask in the simple pleasure of the moment. As the suns crawled across the sky, Ren's excitement seemed to wane. She stood at the entrance to the nest and screamed into the incycle. She gestured at herself, "Ren," then swept her hand from the top of her head down to her toes. "Human," she said this time. She pointed at her chest, "Ren," then gestured to encompass her entire self, "human," she repeated. She pointed out into the dark forest. "Human. Noey."

The wind blew in through the opening and he smelled the harsh odor of a predator. The noise must have drawn them. He had fought with one recently and now he feared its nestmates were on the prowl for him. He was usually left alone by the predators in the area having already established his dominance and securing his place at the top of the food chain, but recently they had begun to roam closer to his nest. Ren's prey scent making them bold. For the first time in his life he felt fear. Fear of Ren becoming food for another beast.

The smell became more pungent as the predator grew closer, and he heard it let out a screech not too far off. Soon it would be upon his nest and he would be hindered while trying to protect Ren. He stood abruptly and ducked out of the nest. Leaping from branch to branch and using his claws to dig into the bark of trees and climb, he met the predator as it made its way through the trees.

The beast was a sight to behold. Its body was a perfect blend of power and agility. Four muscular legs ended in razor-sharp claws, perfect for gripping and tearing into prey with lethal precision. The beast's torso was long and flexible, allowing it to make swift, deadly turns while chasing. Its neck was sturdy, supporting the weight of its large head which boasted a broad skull adorned with piercing eyes, like burning stars in the gloom; they gleamed with intelligence and focus. Its muzzle was elongated, housing formidable teeth capable of delivering bone-crushing bites and jaws wide enough to devour him yawned open.

It was a mass of powerful muscles, covered in shimmering emerald and turquoise scales. A spiky ridge ran down its neck and back, a threatening crest along its spine. Its long tail thrashed with deadly purpose, tipped with a venomous barb. Every movement made its scales rasp against each other. Despite its monstrous form, the beast moved with a primal grace, a predator's deadly confidence.

His heartbeat was steady within chest as he slid into a killing calm. As impressive as the beast was, he too, was a predator and had survived on his own for as long as he could remember. He locked eyes with the beast and let out a guttural roar, baring his own razor-sharp teeth. Holding a hand up towards the beast he flexed his claws, the tips glinting with deadly intent in the dim light.

The beast jolted to a stop. Predator faced predator in the moonlight. Its eyes burned with a fierce inner light, and its jaws parted, revealing rows of teeth capable of crushing bone. It let out a sharp, chittering, screech and the incycle fell silent in response.

He crouched low before leaping forward, his long strides eating up the distance. The beast watched his approach, its tail thrashing back and forth. As he neared, the beast struck, its jaws wide open. He leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack. He counterattacked, swiping at the beast viciously with his claws. The beast tried to dodge, but he was faster. His claws raked across the beast's scales, leaving deep gashes.

The beast let out a pained roar as it stumbled back. He took advantage of the momentary distraction, striking again and again. The beast tried to defend itself, but his attacks were relentless. The beast managed to land a few blows, his scale-covered skin provided little protection against its bites and claws.

He lunged forward, claws extended, aiming for the beast's neck. It managed to dodge to the side, counter attacking with a lightning-fast swipe of its claws. The blow landed on his side, tearing into his flesh, drawing blood.

Pained, he let out a guttural growl and retaliated, delivering a series of vicious blows with his spiked elbow. The beast was not easily defeated, using its powerful legs to kick him away before lunging forward to sink its teeth into his shoulder.

The pain was searing as he felt the sharp teeth pierce his flesh, but with a roar of defiance, he wrenched himself free and slashed at the beast with his claws. The two beings continued to trade blows, their roars echoing through the incycle, the branches beneath them stained with blood.

As the battle raged on, both combatants began to tire. He felt his movements slowing, his breathing growing ragged. The beast took advantage of his weakened state, striking with renewed ferocity. He tried to defend himself, but the beast's attacks were too strong. He managed to land a few final blows before collapsing to the ground, his body covered in wounds, and at its limit.

The beast stood over him, its chest heaving with exhaustion. It let out a triumphant roar, its burning eyes glowing with victory. He knew that he had to end the fight, no matter how much it hurt. If he fell to the beast then Ren would be alone. With his last bit of strength he swung his leg up and kicked at the beast's side while it was celebrating its victory. He felt his talons go deep, the force of his kick driving them through the beast's ribs. As the beast's body went limp, he let out a pained roar. He had won the battle, but he was grievously injured, and knew that he might not survive.

The edges of his vision began to blacken and he pulled himself into a sitting position. He couldn't go unconscious out here. He had to get back to Ren. He struggled to his feet and felt wetness gush from his midsection as he straightened. Before he could assess his injuries he heard an unfamiliar sound coming from the direction of his nest. It was Ren and she was screaming.