Ancient Foes

Chapter Four (B)

Cairo, Egypt

The call to evening prayer had just begun to echo through the streets when the ground started to tremble. At first, the people of Cairo thought it was an earthquake. The city had experienced tremors before, and for a moment, life went on as usual. But then, the tremors grew stronger. Windows rattled, and in the distance, a low, menacing roar filled the air.

From the fringes of the desert came the first creatures, breaking through the horizon like something out of a nightmare. Massive theropods, their scales shimmering in the fading sunlight, charged toward the city with a terrifying purpose. The towering pyramids, once symbols of eternal history, seemed dwarfed by the creatures that now threatened Cairo’s existence.

Chaos erupted as the dinosaurs stormed the city. People ran for their lives, cars screeched to a halt, and the skyline was soon dominated by destruction. Enormous sauropods smashed through apartment buildings, their colossal tails sweeping away anything in their path. Meanwhile, packs of smaller but equally deadly raptors hunted in groups, tearing through the crowds with savage precision.

The Egyptian military scrambled into action. Fighter jets roared overhead, releasing missiles aimed at the largest dinosaurs. Tanks rolled through the streets, firing artillery into the throng of creatures. But it was no use. The beasts were not just relics of the past—they were stronger, faster, and more resilient than any known species. A Spinosaurus, its massive sailback cutting through the air, swatted helicopters out of the sky and shattered tank defenses with a single swipe of its claws.

The pyramids watched over the c*****e, ancient and silent, while the city beneath them crumbled. Cairo, a city that had survived invasions, wars, and revolutions, now faced a new enemy—one that seemed unstoppable.

Berlin, Germany

Across the world, Berlin was preparing for the worst. After hearing reports of the attack from all over the world, the German military fortified its defenses. Streets were lined with tanks and armored vehicles, citizens were instructed to stay indoors, and the air was thick with the tension of an imminent threat.

Then it came.

A screech tore through the sky as a massive Quetzalcoatlus, a pterosaur with a wingspan large enough to shadow entire blocks, descended upon the city. Its razor-sharp beak pierced through buildings with ease, while its enormous wings buffeted the city, sending debris flying through the air. Fighter jets raced to intercept the creature, but its agility was unmatched. It swooped through the sky with terrifying speed, dodging missile fire and clawing through helicopters.

On the ground, the assault was just as brutal. Packs of raptors, smaller but incredibly lethal, emerged from the darkened streets, ambushing soldiers and civilians alike. They moved with deadly efficiency, using their claws and teeth to dismantle anything in their way. The raptors worked in unison, striking fear into the hearts of even the most battle-hardened soldiers.

Berlin’s landmarks, symbols of history and resilience, were reduced to ruins within hours. The Brandenburg Gate stood amidst the wreckage, half-buried under the destruction. And though the military fought back with all their might, the city’s defenses crumbled under the relentless attack. The German capital, like Cairo, had fallen.

Mexico City, Mexico

Thousands of miles away, Mexico City was in a similar state of unrest. The reports of attacks from other parts of the world had reached the capital, and the city was in lockdown. The streets, usually teeming with life, were eerily quiet as people huddled in their homes, praying the chaos wouldn’t reach them.

But it did.

The first sign was the sky darkening with strange shapes. A swarm of pterosaurs, their massive forms casting shadows over the city, swooped in without warning. They plummeted from the sky like winged demons, tearing through the rooftops of high-rise buildings and crashing into power lines. Electricity flickered and died, plunging the city into darkness.

Then came the ground assault. Massive creatures—Triceratops and Ankylosaurs—plowed through the streets, their armored bodies deflecting everything the Mexican military threw at them. Tanks and barricades stood no chance against the sheer force of these creatures. As they rampaged through the city, the dinosaurs left behind a trail of destruction, turning Mexico City into a battlefield of rubble and fire.

The Zócalo, once the heart of the city, was now a scene of devastation. The national palace stood in ruins, and the cathedral, which had stood for centuries, was reduced to nothing more than crumbled stone and shattered glass. The military fought with all they had, but it wasn’t enough. Mexico City, like the others before it, was overwhelmed by the power of creatures from the past.

Amman, Jordan

Jordan had braced for the worst, its military on high alert. Amman, with its deep history and cultural significance, was under tight security. But when the attack came, it was swift and brutal, leaving the military little time to respond.

The dinosaurs emerged from the desert, a herd of herbivores followed by deadly carnivores. Triceratops rammed through the city's defenses, while massive predators like the Tyrannosaurus rex and Carnotaurus stalked behind, their eyes gleaming with bloodlust.

The military tried to intercept, but the creatures had already breached the outer walls. Tyrannosaurs crashed through the city’s central district, crushing tanks beneath their feet and smashing buildings into dust. Helicopters flew overhead, trying to hold the line, but the c*****e was unstoppable.

Amman’s historic sites, ancient landmarks that had stood for thousands of years, were reduced to ruins. The Citadel, with its Roman and Byzantine history, crumbled beneath the weight of the attack. And the military bases, scattered throughout the city, were no match for the ferocity of the creatures. In hours, Amman was reduced to a burning wreck, the ground soaked in blood and fire.

Each city had fallen swiftly and mercilessly. The dinosaurs, these ancient titans, roamed free, leaving destruction in their wake.

---

The air was thick with tension as alarms blared across Washington, D.C. The sound was deafening, cutting through the city like a blade. Inside the White House, the President of the United States, William Caldwell, stood in the Situation Room, surrounded by his top advisers and military personnel. The screens showed real-time satellite images of the approaching threat—dinosaurs, massive creatures moving swiftly toward the nation's capital.

"Mr. President," a Secret Service agent barked as he entered the room, his face pale, "we need to move you and your family to safety. Now."

Caldwell looked up from the screens, his expression grim. "How long do we have?"

"Minutes, sir. They're coming fast."

The President hesitated for a brief moment, his eyes flicking to the images of the advancing creatures—Tyrannosaurs, Triceratops, and flying Pterosaurs. "Get my wife and children to the bunker immediately. I’ll be right behind you."

"Yes, sir." The agent nodded and hurried out, already issuing commands through his earpiece.

General Marcus Taylor, head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stepped forward, his jaw clenched. "Mr. President, we’ve mobilized all available forces. Anti-aircraft systems, drones, ground troops—they’re all in place. We can still hold them off."

"Do we even know if our weapons will work?" Caldwell asked, his voice edged with frustration. "This isn’t like anything we’ve ever faced before."

Taylor grimaced. "We’ve had limited success in other areas, but it’s been inconsistent. These creatures are… different. Stronger. More resilient."

Caldwell exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of his office heavier than ever. "Then God help us all."

---

Outside, the White House grounds had turned into a war zone. Soldiers, armed with the latest in modern weaponry, lined the perimeter. Anti-aircraft guns, missile launchers, and tanks had been deployed to protect the heart of American democracy. Overhead, F-35 fighter jets screamed through the sky, performing reconnaissance and preparing for what was about to unfold.

From the north, the ground began to rumble.

The soldiers felt it first—the tremors beneath their boots. They glanced at each other, their faces tense. The low growls and roars of the dinosaurs echoed through the streets of Washington, growing louder with each passing second.

"Eyes on the horizon!" one of the commanders shouted. "Here they come!"

In the distance, the towering figures of the dinosaurs appeared, cresting over the hill like ancient gods brought to life. At the front, a Tyrannosaurus Rex bellowed, its massive jaws snapping at the air as it led the charge. Behind it, several Triceratops plowed forward, their horns gleaming in the midday sun, while flying Pterosaurs circled overhead like vultures waiting for a feast.

"Fire!" the commander yelled.

The ground shook as the first round of missiles launched from the anti-aircraft systems. They streaked through the air, leaving trails of smoke as they locked onto their targets. The missiles hit the dinosaurs with devastating force, exploding on impact, sending shockwaves through the air.

But when the smoke cleared, the creatures were still standing.

"Impossible..." a soldier whispered, eyes wide with disbelief.

The T-Rex shook off the explosion like it was nothing, roaring in fury as it charged straight for the White House gates. The Triceratops behind it lowered their horns, ramming through vehicles and barricades as if they were mere obstacles in their path. The flying Pterosaurs swooped down, their talons tearing through the soldiers and scattering them in panic.

"Fall back!" the commander yelled. "Fall back to the second line!"

But it was chaos. The soldiers who had never seen anything like this, were overwhelmed. The dinosaurs tore through their ranks with ease, crushing tanks and smashing through defenses as if they were made of paper. The once formidable line of defense around the White House crumbled within minutes.

Inside the White House, the President’s wife, Carol, and their two children were being hurried down the hallways by a team of Secret Service agents. The sounds of destruction outside grew louder with each passing second, and Carol’s heart pounded in her chest.

"Is Daddy coming?" their youngest daughter, Emily, asked, her voice trembling.

"Yes, sweetheart," Carol lied, her eyes darting toward the agents. "He’s right behind us."

Suddenly, the building shuddered violently, and pieces of the ceiling began to fall. The roar of the Tyrannosaurus Rex echoed through the halls as it crashed through the front gates, tearing apart the grand façade of the White House with its powerful jaws.

"We need to move faster!" one of the agents shouted. "This way!"

They rushed through the halls, making their way toward the secure bunker beneath the East Wing. The building trembled again as another section of the outer walls collapsed. The beasts were closing in.

---

Back in the Situation Room, President William Caldwell watched in horror as the live feed from the White House security cameras showed the c*****e unfolding just outside the doors. The Tyrannosaurus Rex was ripping through the lawn, smashing cars aside with its tail, while the Triceratops barreled into the structure, destroying the columns that supported the iconic front of the building.

"We’ve lost the outer defenses," General Taylor said, his voice grim. "They’re inside the perimeter."

Caldwell’s face was pale, his fists clenched. "We need to get out of here. Now."

"Mr. President, we’re running out of time," a Secret Service agent said urgently. "We have to move."

Caldwell gave a last look at the screens, the sense of helplessness almost unbearable. "Evacuate the rest of the staff. Make sure no one’s left behind."

"Yes, sir."

As the President and his team were hurried down a side exit, the roar of the dinosaurs grew deafening. Outside, the T-Rex slammed into the side of the building, its massive head tearing through the walls like tissue paper. The creature let out a triumphant bellow as it crushed the east wing of the White House beneath its feet.

The Triceratops followed, smashing through the Oval Office, its horns skewering the walls and furniture in a frenzy of destruction. The flying Pterosaurs swooped down, their talons ripping through the roof and shattering windows, adding to the devastation.

Within moments, the White House—one of the most iconic symbols of American power—was reduced to rubble.

---

In the skies above Washington, a helicopter carrying the President and his family flew toward an undisclosed secure location. President Caldwell looked out of the window, watching as the smoke and dust rose from what had once been the heart of American democracy.

"Will, are you all right?" Carol asked, placing a hand on his arm.

Caldwell didn’t respond immediately. His mind was racing, filled with the images of the destruction he had just witnessed. The world had changed—irreversibly. No longer could humanity rely on the strength of their weapons or the security of their borders. The dinosaurs were here, and they were unstoppable.

"I’m fine," he said finally, his voice hoarse. "But the White House is gone. We’re in a war we weren’t prepared for."

As the helicopter flew into the distance, the city of Washington lay in ruins below, a stark reminder that the dinosaurs had come to reclaim the Earth. And nothing—not even the seat of the most powerful nation in the world—was safe.

---

Deep in the rugged hills of southern Lebanon, a Hezbollah command center buzzed with tense activity. Hidden away from prying eyes, it was an underground bunker fortified against aerial surveillance, complete with sophisticated tunnels leading to and from the facility. Inside, dim lightbulbs flickered over maps spread out across a large steel table. Several men stood around, their eyes focused on strategic plans for an attack on Israel—plans that had been weeks in the making. Armed to the teeth, they were ready to strike.

Ali Sharif, one of Hezbollah's top commanders, stood at the head of the table, his brow furrowed in concentration as he surveyed the map of Israel’s northern border. “Tonight,” he said in a low, gravelly voice, “we’ll make them bleed.”

The men nodded solemnly, their faces hard with determination. They had been preparing for this moment, waiting for the right time to unleash their arsenal of missiles on Israeli cities. With the chaos that had engulfed the world—the dinosaurs wreaking havoc in major cities—they saw an opportunity. Israel’s defenses would be focused on survival, not on them. This was their moment of advantage.

“We’ll fire from these coordinates,” Ali pointed at a red-marked section on the map. “And by the time they retaliate, we’ll have moved to secondary positions. There will be no time for them to respond effectively.”

The sound of boots shuffling and weapons being checked echoed through the bunker. The men were ready. It felt like a perfect storm—the world distracted by prehistoric monsters tearing through major cities, while Hezbollah could slip through the cracks unnoticed.

Suddenly, the ground beneath them trembled. A low rumble at first, it grew into a violent shake that rattled the walls of the bunker. Lights flickered as dust and debris fell from the ceiling, and the men stumbled, catching themselves on chairs and tables.

“What the hell was that?” one of the fighters barked, his voice tense with fear.

Ali’s eyes narrowed. “Probably just an airstrike nearby. Israeli jets.”

But the rumbling intensified, a guttural, monstrous sound echoing through the earth above them. The noise wasn’t coming from jets. It was something else—something alive.

The men rushed to grab their weapons, but the fear was palpable now, spreading through the room like wildfire. Outside, an explosion rocked the earth, sending chunks of stone and dirt raining down into the tunnel system. Several men ran toward the exit, pushing past one another in their desperation to see what was happening outside.

Ali followed quickly, heart pounding in his chest as he made his way toward the tunnel entrance. His mind raced with possibilities—had the Israelis somehow detected their location and launched a strike? But even that couldn’t explain the deep, animalistic roars reverberating above them.

When they reached the exit, the sight that greeted them froze them in their tracks. Emerging from the shadows of the forested hills were enormous creatures, towering above the trees, their massive forms illuminated by the pale moonlight. Dinosaurs.

One of the creatures—a Tyrannosaurus rex—let out a deafening roar that shook the ground beneath their feet. Its eyes glowed with an unnatural intensity, the result of the Z’harr’s modifications. The beast’s massive feet crushed everything in its path, trees snapping like twigs under its weight as it advanced toward the bunker.

Ali stared in disbelief, his mind unable to fully comprehend what he was seeing. “By Allah…” he whispered, his voice trembling. “It’s them.”

A second dinosaur, a pack of velociraptors, emerged from the dense trees, their agile bodies darting toward the bunker’s entrance with terrifying speed. Their claws glinted in the moonlight as they tore through anything in their path—branches, rocks, even the steel of the bunker’s outer gates.

“Fall back!” Ali shouted, raising his rifle and opening fire. His men followed suit, unloading rounds into the beasts, but the bullets did little more than aggravate them. The dinosaurs, impervious to conventional weapons, continued their rampage, their eyes locked on their targets.

One of the raptors pounced on a Hezbollah fighter, its claws sinking deep into his chest. His scream echoed through the hills, cut short as the beast tore him apart in seconds. Panic spread through the remaining fighters as they realized the futility of their efforts.

“We need to get out of here!” one of the men shouted, scrambling toward a nearby vehicle. But before he could reach it, the T-rex’s massive tail swung through the air, smashing into the car and sending it flying like a toy. The man’s body was flung into the air, landing in a twisted heap on the ground.

Ali, still firing uselessly at the approaching beasts, felt a cold dread settle into his bones. This wasn’t a battle they could win. The dinosaurs were unstoppable, their sheer power overwhelming any defense they could muster.

“We’re finished,” one of his lieutenants muttered, eyes wide with terror.

“No!” Ali barked, though his own fear was evident. “We regroup. We—”

But before he could finish, the T-rex let out another earth-shaking roar and charged. Its massive jaws opened wide, teeth gleaming in the dim light, and with a single bite, it crushed the outer wall of the bunker. The structure, once thought to be indestructible, crumbled like sand.

Ali and his remaining men scattered, trying desperately to find cover, but there was no escape. The dinosaurs had surrounded them. Another raptor leaped from the shadows, its claws slashing through the air. Ali ducked just in time, but the man next to him wasn’t so lucky. His body was torn apart before it even hit the ground.

The chaos was total. Explosions from nearby missile stores went off as the dinosaurs trampled over them, sending fireballs into the night sky. Hezbollah’s carefully constructed hideout—its plans, its weapons, its fighters—were being systematically wiped out.

Ali, bloodied and bruised, scrambled through the rubble, his thoughts a jumbled mess of panic and disbelief. He had survived countless battles, fought wars against powerful enemies, but nothing—nothing—could have prepared him for this.

The T-rex, now looming over the shattered remains of the bunker, roared once more before slamming its colossal foot down, crushing the last remaining bit of structure under its weight. Ali looked up at the beast, eyes wide with the grim realization that this was no ordinary threat. The Z’harr had unleashed something far beyond the scope of human warfare.

In a final, desperate move, Ali pulled out a grenade from his vest and hurled it at the approaching velociraptors. The explosion was deafening, but when the smoke cleared, the dinosaurs were still there, unscathed, their eyes glowing with an eerie intelligence.

And in that moment, as the creatures closed in, Ali understood. There would be no victory here. The war they had been preparing for was irrelevant. The real threat had always been something far greater, far more terrifying.

The dinosaurs were here, and there was no escaping them.