Running away will only exacerbate the situation. You think that stopping and confronting whatever it might be is best. Well, there's also the fact that you'll probably get chased down by whatever the hell is following you. This is just like Dino Crisis, except you're not a sexy redhead – wait maybe you are. You're not female though. Okay, fact is that you've got no weapons and you feel that running might cause you to finally collapse.

Sprinting like a Kenyan twice in a day plus swimming is a heavy toll on your body.

You stop and slowly turn around. Just as before, you don't see anything out there. The way the bamboo seems to clump together limits your visibility to just a few meters in any given direction. If it weren't for the discrete dirt path that runs in between the bamboo, you could have gotten quite easily lost.

The rustling and violent swaying of the bamboo resumes. Something is coming. Something is definitely coming.

You see that the disturbance is coming from far off in the right. It gets closer; bamboo plants shake as if being strongly pushed apart. You better do something before you're assaulted by whatever the hell that thing is.

“Hey!" Is anyone out there.” You shout out, voice quivering.

There is a reaction from amidst the foliage. The rustling stops and the bamboo stop swaying. Encouraged by this reaction, you continue to call out. It probably is something sentient.

“If there's someone out there, please respond!” You say, this time a bit more firm.

There's silence, you can't even hear the sound of birds anymore. For some reason this fact greatly disturbs you.

“If this is a prank, then it's not very funny!” For some reason you think that this might be the work of that trickster. You haven't seen much of her lately, and you're sure that something like this is right up her alley. Or it could be that rabbit again. He seems to like to make your life miserable.

“Tewi? Is it maybe you?” You ask the silent scenery. The void seems to carry out your voice, making it sound louder than it really is.

You wait with bated breath. There is no immediate reply. Instead, the sound of rustling resumes. This time, much more subdued.

You follow with your gaze the source of the disturbance. A trail of moving bamboo indicates that whatever it is it's nearing you. You think that you catch a glimpse of something. Something that seemed to blend in with the environment. It's gone the next instant however.

You think that whatever it is, it isn't human. Maybe it wasn't such a hot idea to stop and look around. You try to turn back in the direction of Eientei. You might still make it if you try.

But as luck would have it, your plans are ruined. As you look to your side, you encounter something truly frightening. Deep red eyes, two round reptilian orbs are staring at you. That's not all. The second thing you notice the tough scaly skin surrounding them. Light green in color, some spots are slightly discolored and brownish in tint.

You step back, as you realize that you're only mere centimeters away from the creatures snout and mouth. You fall flat on your ass, completely in shock at this sight. The creature stares at you, mouth agape. It seems to be giving you a toothy grin, showing off its razor-sharp mouth. This sight is enough to drive your primal instincts to overdrive.

However, it is not fear that governs your body. At least not for long. Curiosity, rather, begins to overtake you. As you look at the creature from your position, you recognize familiar characteristics. Large, seemingly out of place white ears that seem to droop a little bit too much. The most obvious sign, however, is the carrot-shaped pendant that hangs around its elegant neck, resting in between its forearms.

“Calumniatorisdauciraptor!” You say in surprise. You had never expected to see one before you in person. What is it doing here of all places?!

The theropod makes a hissing sound. Is it just you or is it pleased? Pleased because you identified it? It seems to wag its tail a bit as well. You spot the other tell-tale sign almost immediately – the fluffy poof at the end of the tail. Yep this is a calumny alright.

You take your time and stand back up. You know that if this creature wanted you dead, it would have done so already. The way it sneaked up to you is proof enough of its sneaking skills. Its sharp claws and talons would do an excellent job of ripping you apart. You are basically naked here after all.

Detecting no hostile intent from the creature, you slowly extend your hands to it. It doesn't back away or prepare to attack. So you place your hand gently on its head.

“That's a good girl.” You say whilst patting its cold skin. You assume that this specimen is female, since you've never seen a male of the species. Well, you had never seen a female in person either, but from what you can recall from digs. You move your fingers to its droopy ears, noting that they're much warmer than the rest of the body. Is it because its a mammalian feature? If so, this makes the Calumniatorisdauciraptor an interesting creature. A creature that exhibits primarily reptilian traits but also has accompanying mammalian traits. Including soft tissue in places complete with fur. Feathers is one thing, but this is truly extraordinary for a dinosaur. Perhaps its some sort of lost genus.

Your scientific thought is interrupted by the creature. It uses its snout to nuzzle your arm. My, my, it seems to like you. Who would have thought that such a fearsome beast could have such a soft side? You pat her head once again and she makes a clicking sound. She then moves completely on to the narrow path.

You see the calumny in all its glory. Standing straight, she's about as tall as you. However, counting her tail she's rather long as well. You figure that she's easily about two meters in length. Quite unusual for a raptor to be so big. You note that there are several yellow spots on her back and neck; markings of sort. Whether its camouflage or used to attract mates, it suits her nicely.

She stares at you with her strange eyes. It's almost as if you can hear her thoughts. She's telling you something very specific. You try to concentrate to understand her message properly. You can't really believe what she's saying.

“Are you sure that's okay?” You ask her after she finishes. She lets out a subdued hiss, confirming her words. “Well, that's awfully generous of you, I'm in your debt.”

You hesitate at first, but seeing the creatures docile expression you decide to go through with it. You approach the creature's side. You're not that sure which side is best to do this, but you ultimately decide that it doesn't matter. You raise one of your legs and swing it over the animal. It's a bit difficult since the Calumny is a bit tall, but you manage. You use your remaining foot to propel yourself up and mount the creature.

It feels odd at first, but in the end it's not too different from riding a horse you think. She swings back her head and looks at you, making sure that you're ready. You pat her on the back of the neck and tell her that it's alright.

She starts to move forward. It's a bit awkward at first, since her center of gravity is offset by the fact that she has two legs. But you manage to hold on somehow.

She said that she would take you to Eientei. You think that it wasn't necessary for her to do so, but you appreciate the gesture anyways. The raptor quickly navigates the path, taking you through the bamboo forest at record speed. This is riding in style. You had never expected to be able to be near a creature such as this, let alone have it let you ride on its back.

It takes no time at all before you're in front of the main entrance of the familiar manor. The raptor heels, letting you get off. You do so and thank her.

“Thank you very much, I'm in your debt.” You stroke her ears. She coos in pleasure, like a pet receiving praise from its master.