Dungeon Master

"Stop or face the consequences!" A splitting cry echoed out across the jungle of Atlantis. 

 

The quick stomps of a running creature, followed by many more signifying a chase of sorts. The culprit? A young albertoosaurus, dawning an orange and black pattern named Nasaku. The chasers? A pair of iguanodons, one black and grey by the name of Guerilla, the other a white feathered coat called Agnus. 

 

"I didn't do anything!" The alberto yelped, the panic in his voice apparent, especially given his situation. His breathing was erratic, eyes darting as he glided through the unknown terrain. Any stumble in the deep jungle would mean the pursuers would catch up, and he didn't want to know what they were going to do to him if they caught up. 

 

"You're trespassing!" The darker iguanodon cried out, "All trespassers are condemned to imprisonment!"  With each word spoken, the pair drew closer and closer to the alberto.

 

It was only a matter of time before they caught up, the terrain was a confusing and cluttered with plant life. For Nasaku, it was a confusing mess. However, this was the iguanodon's home. Every tree, every root, every turn they knew where they were and how to catch up. Nasaku knew in the pit of his stomach he had no chance of escape. 

 

"If I stop, will you agree to not hurt me?" Nasaku cried out, desperation draped in exhaustion coated his words. He couldn't keep running, and even if he could the pair were hot on his tail now. 

 

"That's up to the court to decide!" Agnus cried out, his words almost echoing in the vast jungle they ran through.

 

Clenching his eyes shut for a moment Nasaku decided his fate. His quick sprinting turned into a slow walk, till he finally came to a complete halt. His breathing was ragged, the fear in his eyes apparent as the two large pursuers surrounded him. For a moment it felt like a stand-off, neither party daring to move. After a moment, Guerilla made his move. Using his body as a battering ram he slammed into Nasaku's side, throwing him to the ground with a thump. Nasuka cried out, but the fall was the least of his worries. 

 

Agnus then walked up, and placed his front leg onto Nasaku's head. The imposing thumb inches from his eye, but that wasn't the worst part. The pair wouldn't even need to use their most well known weapon, if Agnus just put a bit more weight down, Nasaku's skull would pop like a watermelon, and he knew he was at their complete mercy. 

 

"P-please. I didn't know I'm sorry! I-" Nasaku was cut off as Agnus put pressure down on his skull, causing him to cry out in pain. He felt as though his head was about to give way, but then the weight was removed.

 

The pair looked at one another before looking down at the now pitiful looking Nasaku. Without words they nodded to one another, seeming to be on the same page.

 

"For your crime of tresspassing you will be imprisoned till the court or the queen decide your fate. For your own good I suggest you don't try anything dumb and come with us." Guerilla huffed in a deep voice before the two backed off slightly to allow Nasaku to stand.

 

For a moment Nasaku just lay where he was. Though the weight was gone, he felt his whole world was still spinning and it took a solid moment for him to regain his bearings enough to begin to get back on his feet. As he stood the two iggys stood on each side, their massive bodys pressing against Nasaku, ensuring no chance at an escape attempt. 

 

"I'm sorry I didn't know..." Nasaku spoke but his words seemed to fall on deaf ears. Neither iggy even acknowledged his words, they just began walking, their bodies forcing Nasaku to walk with them. 

 

Nasaku wasn't sure if they had walked for hours, or mere minutes, but they soon came to an old building. It's walls were filled with holes, and it seemed like a wonder it was still standing at all. The test of time obviously taking a toll on the structure. The three entered the building through a large hole in the side. For a moment all was dark, only a bit of light shining through holes within the ceiling. After a moment of letting his eyes adjust, Nasaku was able to see within, and see what lay before him. Both sides were filled with cells. Metal bars with doors, an actual prison. Other iguanodons stood guard, monkeys amongst them able to actually work the doors to open and lock them. However, the worst part was the cells themselves. It was clear Nasaku wasn't the only one who had trespassed. Almost every cage they passed had some sort of dinosaur within. Some silently watched them pass, some begged for mercy or release, the worst though? It was clear some no longer had living inhabitants, the corpse within the cell a grim realization that Nasaku could quite literally be left here to rot. 

 

Nasaku's eyes began darting erratically amongst the whole scene, fear gripping his heart, and uncertainty settling in. Soon they came upon an empty cell. The guard outside nodded at Agnus and Guerilla before stepping aside to allow his monkey companion to open the door for the new prisoner. 

 

The two stepped back, giving Nasaku a moment to breath without their bodies constricting his lungs. Nasaku gulped the unrestricted air for a moment before looking back at his captors. 

 

"Please enter the cell. It'll be better for everyone if you comply." Guerilla's voice echoed down the prison hall, his eyes sharp, letting Nasaku know this wasn't a request, but more of a threat. 

 

Without another word Nasaku entered the small cell, the monkey quickly closing the door behind him before locking it and going back to the guard within the cell. 

 

The now three iguanodons stood for a moment inspecting their new prisoner before Guerilla and Agnus began debriefing the guard, a black and brown coated iggy named Kratti. 

 

Nasaku's head began to spin at the realization of his situation. The words each spoke seemed to spin into a language he could no longer understand, though he knew they were speaking the same language. Anxiety gripped his heart and he found himself slumping to the floor of his cell. This was his life now, condemned for "trespassing" when he didn't even know he was committing any crimes. Regret began to sink in. Why had he even come here? Curiosity had lead him here, word of a hidden oasis below the surface had sparked so much curiosity and wonder. Now though? It had become a tomb for him. Doubt and anxieties filled his thoughts. So much uncertainty with the whole situation, who knew what could happen now. He was at the mercy of these new Atlantians, and he wasn't to thrilled with his odds. 

 

As his mind seemed to overflow with negativity he felt himself pulled from his thoughts by the words of the new iggy, Kratti. 

 

"You, albert. What's your name?" his voice was much softer than the other iguanodons' that had captured him. 

 

Nasaku sat for a moment, pondering if it would be better to be honest or lie, "Nasaku." He spoke finally, coming to the conclusion of being honest.

 

The iguanodon nodded as he spoke, "Mine is Kratti. Good to meet you." He smiled faintly, the warmth he gave was a good change of pace. 

 

Nasaku nodded and smiled weakly back. A moment of silence draped the area before he finally spoke up again, "What's going to happen to me?" 

 

Kratti's expression gave nothing away, but his voice was calm and almost sympathetic, "We will put you on trial for trespassing. Depending on your actions depends on what happens. That being said, you came without a fight, though would have been better if you hadn't run." 

 

Nasaku cowered a bit at his words, he hadn't run to be malicious, he was just scared and confused. Kratti noticed his change and allowed a sigh to slip from his lips, "That being said... There's a good chance you'll be released and simply banished from Atlantic. Just know it will be a wait, so you best get comfortable." With those words he turned and walked away.

 

It wasn't much, but his words did give some sort of comfort. He just had to wait and hope, maybe even pray. Just had to hope they took pity on him and let him go. After all, it was all one big accident, right?