Chapter 26: Leaving Comfort
The morning sun filtered softly through the cracks of our family cave as I carefully packed my belongings. Today was the day I would leave for the Training Forest Grounds a rite every young dinosaur faced after awakening. It was the moment to leave home and prove one's survival in the wild.
"Make sure you pack extra sleeping furs," Mother called from the main chamber, her voice echoing through the warm stone walls. "The training forest caves can get cold at night, especially in the outer regions where wyrmlings stay."
I nodded and folded my softest furs into a leafy travel bag, making sure everything fit snugly.
Mother's voice came again, firm but caring.
"If you're all done preparing, come eat this farewell feast before it gets cold!"
We gathered around the central fire, and my eyes widened. The meal she'd prepared was fit for a chieftain's send-off thick cuts of grilled meat coated with golden honey, their scent mixing perfectly with the smoky aroma of the fire. Roasted tubers and wild berries sat in woven bowls beside them, glistening under the flame light.
"This smells incredible, Mother," I said, sitting beside the fire with a grateful smile.
"I wanted to send you off properly," she replied warmly, her eyes holding both pride and worry. "Something to remember home by during the tough days ahead."
We ate together, surrounded by the comforting warmth of family. Every bite of honey-glazed meat melted in my mouth, the sweet and smoky flavors dancing together. But more than the food, it was the feeling of togetherness I wanted to hold onto.
Blazefeng whispered, smirking.
"Look at him, Irontail. No manners at all when he eats."
Irontail chuckled.
"Let him eat as much as he can. Once he's in the training forest, he'll starve."
I froze mid-bite. "What do you mean?"
Blazefeng grinned.
"In the forest, there's no mother to feed you. You'll hunt for every scrap yourself. I heard from the older brothers it's like living in a hellish world."
I arched a brow. "I'm touched you're worrying about me. But what makes you think you'll survive better than I will?"
Both of them snorted.
"You're comparing us to yourself? We're pure-blooded, unlike some… anomaly. Oh, and bad news—your third brother's one of the instructors in the training forest. He hates you as much as we do."
Third Brother.
A name I'd heard but never met. If he was an instructor, that meant he was already a strong juvenile—possibly even at the Hunter Stage. My journey ahead suddenly felt much heavier.
Before I could respond, Sister Emberdance cut in sharply, glaring at them.
"He has his sister on his side. Chill, Rider. Your third sister cave's in the middle region of the forest. If anyone bullies you, you tell her. "
Her fierce tone made me smile despite my nerves.
"Thanks, sister. Good to know I'll have backup."
Mother reached into a small pouch and pulled out something that shimmered in the firelight—a necklace carved from polished stone, shaped like a tiny flame.
"This has been in our family for generations," she said softly, placing it in my claws. "It protects the wearer when family cannot be there. I want you to have it."
I accepted it carefully, feeling the faint warmth pulsing from the pendant. It seemed almost alive, like it carried our family's spirit.
"Thank you, Mother," I said, slipping it over my neck. "I'll treasure it."
"Grow strong and make our family name proud," Father said, his deep voice rumbling through the cave. His Leader-Stage aura filled the space like rolling thunder. "Show them what Scorchclaw blood truly means."
Before anyone could respond, a sharp, commanding voice echoed from the cave entrance.
"Time to go, little brother."
Blazefeng and Irontail perked up instantly.
"Third Brother Ironhide is here!"
At the entrance stood a T-Rex easily ten times my size. His crimson scales shimmered with metallic silver streaks, dusted with iron fibers. The leather gear wrapped around him marked him unmistakably as a training instructor.
"I, Ironhide, pay respect to the parents," he said, bowing respectfully to Emberheart and Scorchclaw.
Father's eyes narrowed slightly, his tone shifting into cold authority.
"Good. You've improved in your evolution stage but it's still not enough to replace that scarface from the Magmaroar family as chief instructor."
Ironhide lowered his head. "I am guilty, Father, for not meeting your standards. But I swear, within a century, I'll evolve to Peak Hunter and take that position from them."
Father's expression softened by a fraction.
"Good. The training forest is vital to our clan's future dominance. Do what you came here for."
"Yes, Father." Ironhide turned toward me. "Brother, prepare yourself. It's time."
Our eyes met for the first time. He didn't say another word just gave me a look filled with disgust before turning away, careful not to anger Father.
Mother stepped forward, gently embracing me despite her still-healing injuries.
"Take care of yourself, my little flame. And remember home will always be here."
Father placed his claw on my shoulder, his gaze sharp but proud.
"Train hard, don't bring shame to our name, and make the Scorchclaw roar echo through the Jurassic world."
"Be safe, brother," Emberdance added, her tone fierce. "And don't let anyone push you around."
Ironhide growled impatiently.
"Step faster. The others are waiting."
We followed him out into the bright morning light. A small group of young dinosaurs was already gathered outside. My heart lifted as I spotted Pallet, her amber eyes glowing with excitement.
"Rider!" she called. "I was hoping you'd be in this group. Finally, we'll train together!"
I smiled. "Yeah. This is going to be amazing."
Around us, the other younglings shuffled with mixed excitement and fear. Some faces I recognized from clan gatherings, others were complete strangers future rivals, maybe even allies.
"Everyone here?" Ironhide barked.
"Good. The journey to the Training Ground will take two days on foot. Stay together, follow my orders, and save your energy."
And just like that, we began our journey through the Flame Forest, leaving behind the warmth of home.
The wind carried the faint scent of smoke and honey, reminding me of my mother's feast. I touched the flame pendant at my chest and breathed deeply.
Behind me lay comfort and safety.
Ahead waited hardship, rivalry, and growth.
But for the first time since my awakening, I felt truly ready. I had my family's blessing, a friend by my side, and a secret strength burning quietly within
the strength of the dragon's blood.
Nervous? Yes.
Afraid? Never again.