[Trade] Blood

While growing up in the abandoned, ruined Alpha Labs made one usually considered more mature than those growing up outside of it- as actually surviving to grow was rare. Velvet had done a good job raising Shadestealer, Jupiter, and Avati- the three were now almost the size of an adult, lacking the bulk but having the height. There was one more test, however, to prove that they were capable enough to leave Velvet's side and make their own way into the laboratory and the danger of teeth and spikes and chemicals. The test was simple- go out and hunt. Succeed, or die. It was a harsh test, but it was necessary for the life they lived.

The three adolescents took off at what would have been around midday- there was no way to tell time inside of the laboratory, so there was no designated time of activity- the dinosaurs inside slept when they were tired and prowled the rest of the time. 

Shadestealer was the most eager for this hunt- he was a bit more of a lone wolf than the other two, which was saying something as their species was already very solitary. His footsteps were eager but proud as he strolled down the corridor with his head held high. While they were smaller than others of their kind, the fact that they ran in a pack would give them a leg up over any competition. Eventually they would be forced to separate and go solo because of their large appetite and territorial instincts, but for now they were a force to be reckoned with.

Jupiter was cautious but alert, following behind Shadestealer and taking care to scent the air. His golden feathers had grown out, even if dulled by the unhealthy conditions of where they lived. He was the most physically swift of the three, already preparing to dart off and chase any movement that could possibly feed them.

Avati was, as usual, more levelheaded. Occasionally she would nudge her snout against Jupiter, breaking him out of moments when movements of shifting inanimate objects almost ended up with him lunging and losing some teeth. The piebald female was the calmest of the three, her red eyes picking up on subtle details that others missed. Signs of other creatures who had passed by, both new and old. As apexes of the sealed away world, the three would be able to eat just about anything they came across- as long as they were quick.

Because of this, Avati was the first to catch the scent. Flicking her tail, she stopped and huffed as she sniffed at a fresh looking splatter of blood- small, it wouldn't spread the scent far, but it was like a waving flag to them. Shoving her out of the way and ignoring her hiss, Shadestealer scented the splatter. He was quick to catch the scent, raising his head and letting out a deep rumble. Jupiter and Avati copied him- they had a trail, it was time to hunt.

Together the three moved throughout the walls of the metal prison, their loud footsteps ringing out against the ground and walls. There was no reason to be silent- their prey would hear them coming either way with the way they traveled in a group. 

Soon, it came into view. Their target- a Dacentrurus, called Dia. Red feathers of many shades covered their bodies, black stripes fading into their natural body color. Blood dripped from a small cut on their leg, likely from stepping on a jagged bit of metal. Such a small, easy mistake to make lead to their doom.

Dia bellowed as soon as she heard them coming, the herbivore fleeing as the carnivores converged. Jupiter took off, easily speeding past his packmates as he bellowed deeply. Dia swung her tail at him as he approached, forcing her to slow down. The deadly spikes were a terrifying defense, and one blow could be the end.

Thankfully, the blow missed, slicing only feathers. Jupiter yelped, falling back in order to avoid any more damage. However, his charge gave his packmates a chance to catch up with their target.

Shadestealer suddenly pushed past, roaring loudly as ducked down and nipped at one of the back legs of Dia. His sharp teeth dug in, tearing and causing damage to the relatively unprotected back legs. The dacen bellowed, swinging her tail around until she hit. Shadestealer grunted as one of the spikes painfully bumped against his feathers, digging in and leaving a thin but long scrape. Hissing, the green male backed off.

Avati took the opening that was provided, running in with a loud hiss as she tried to draw the herbivores aggro. Dia locked onto her, winding its tail back as Avati ran between the wall and the angry herbivore. The dacen suddenly lashed out with her tail, only to howl in anger as Avati juked, turning around in time to dodge out of the way of the spikes. Instead, they hit the wall- the tough, metal wall. The spikes had been swung with enough force that they were able to sink ever so slightly into the metal, temporarily trapping in the tail. Avati wasted no time, locking her teeth around the large shoulder spike in order to keep Dia still.

Before the dacen could find a way to free her tail, Jupiter reamerged. Quickly the yellow carnivore sunk his teeth into the tail of the herbivore, locking it in place and stopping Dia from freeing herself from the wall.

Dia bucked and bellowed, shaking and pulling in an attempt to dislodge the two attackers. The stood firm, however, refusing to move or let go even as their feet slid and teeth hurt. 

The fight ended as Shadestealer clamped down around the neck of the herbivore, quickly cutting off its struggles and forcing it to the ground with the weight of three large carnivores. Soon, after last movements had ceased, Shadestealer unhooked his fangs and stepped back and let out a low rumble. Jupiter followed, quickly becoming the first to enjoy their hard earned meal. Avati snapped at him, the two bickering for a quick moment before a snort from Shadestealer reminded them of the time limit they were on- it would not be long before more hungry carnivores arrived, so they needed to eat and leave fast. But for now, at least. All was peaceful, and they were able to enjoy the few rare moments of peace.