Dawn

The night was in full force when Specimen 5283 stumbled into the treeline of a forest, groaning in pain as he turned around to observe the bleeding wound on his shoulder. Driven by hunger, the lab grown acrocanthosaurus had dared to venture out of the human structure and away from his sister in an attempt to hunt creatures that could only be found outside the walls. Unfortunately, they were not easy prey as mocking stories had led him to believe. Those who chose to remain in the alpha labs held a high sense of pride in their ability to survive in harsh conditions, often scoffing at those who remained outside its walls. Unfortunately, Specimen had found out they were wrong the hard way. A fluffy, long necked creature had seemed like a good first hunt outside- until it had turned around and driven its sharp claws across the softer parts of his scales. Needless to say, the hunt had failed- and there was a lot of blood.

Specimen huffed loudly as he observed the blood running down his white scales. The wound was too far away for him to clean. In the alpha labs this would be almost certain death with all the debris and death and decay- but maybe out here he had a better chance.

A twig snapping nearby caught his attention, causing Specimen to whirl around and snarl loudly. Unused to world outside he was unable to locate his stalker, instead choosing to crouch down so his armor plating was on display while bearing his teeth. Maybe it wasn’t something too bad- he could use a snack.

A dark shadow slunk out of the night, and Specimen felt his heart sink. Well. This was the worst case scenario. Another adult acrocanthosaurus, its silver eyes fixated right on him. The other acrocanthosaurus was male, covered in thick glossy feathers. His pattern was like the night sky itself- covered in faint swirls of deeper and lighter colors, and splattered with stars. Not a single scar decorated the other's body, or any devices from humans long ago. This was likely a wild born acrocanthosaurus, then. How humiliating that his death would be a weaker ones hand. 

However, instead of springing into combat and ripping out his throat like any lab born would have done, the other simply dipped his head and let out a deep hum. Specimen narrowed his eyes in confusion as the other showed no signs of aggression. If this had happened in the labs, he would have already been dead and half eaten by now. 

“That looks rough.” A silky voice cut through his confusion, and with a flash of panic Specimen realized he had drifted off topic, relaxing himself as the fog of blood loss entered his mind. Shaking his head rapidly, Specimen almost tipped over, managing to catch himself before letting out another growl. 

“Stay back!” Specimen hissed, snapping his teeth in a threat display. “You do not want to fight me. I grew up fighting others of our kind constantly. I will destroy you if you approach!” 

Instead of looking scared this seemed to catch the others interest. “You grew up in the Alpha Labs?” The black acrocanthosaurus seemed to grow excited, head raised as he started to slowly approach. “How long did you live there? What was it like? Were you around when humans were? Did you….” Specimen felt the fog that had been creeping in at the ends of his vision finally take over and he collapsed, his last sight being the other acrocanthosaurus leaning in.

When he next arose, he was in the same location. It seemed to be a few hours later- dawn was steadily approaching on the horizon, and the sky was starting to glow. Someone had dragged several branches and piles of foliage around Specimen, seemingly in either an attempt to make a nest or to hide him- both failing. Heaving himself to his feet, Specimen winced as he felt a pull at his muscles. Checking over his shoulder, he was surprised to see some kind of planty paste over his wound. Taking a quick sniff, he leaned back with a growl of disgust. Some kind of strong floral scent filled his nose, causing Specimen to rapidly shake his head and almost topple over again. Well. At least the blood scent was covered.

“Oh! You're awake already.” A muffled voice cut through his fog, causing Specimen to look up in confusion as the black acrocanthosaurus entered the area. Held in his mouth was some kind of hooved mammal, which he dropped in front of Specimen. Quickly he snatched it up- while his pride stung at having to receive  help, he needed his strength back. “I thought you would be out longer, but you heal fast!” 

“Why did you help me?” Specimen interrupted, letting out a confused growl. “Any proper member of our kind would have already killed a wounded member of our kind, at the very least to reduce competition. But you didn't? Why?”

The black theropod huffed, before nodding at the trees around them. “That's not how we do things out here. There’s no need- the islands are big enough that there's no need to kill others of our kind needlessly.”

Specimen snorted, cocking his head. “Unlikely. Eventually, there will not be enough food. You cannot tell me that even then, our kind do not fight and even those outside the lab would have left me.” 

“Ok, fine! Fine. I wanted to hear about the Alpha Labs.” The black acrocanthosaurus finally admitted with a soft hiss. “I knew you were from it the second I saw you- your scales and armor give it away. Not to mention the thing on your ankle.” He nodded at the human device. “And besides. You seem to need the help.” Specimen growled at the others' smug tone, but he was correct. 

“Lets make a deal, then.” Specimen stretched fully out, testing his ability to move. There was a slight bit of pain, but it was easy to bear. “Show me the best places to find food, and how to hunt out here. And then, I will tell you about the Alpha Labs.”

“Deal.” The other agreed immediately, before pausing. “Oh, Im Solaris. Should have mentioned that earlier.” Specimen didn't offer his name- he didn't have one anyways, just a codename. “Now, follow me, and I’ll show you this really cool place…” The sunrise caught Specimens attention and he paused for a moment, staring up at the sky and drowning his new companion out. Maybe this place isn't so bad after all..