Eve walked into the trees, hesitant, because a hunter would be at least three steps ahead of them. Sheldon was right next to her, his hand protectively on her lower back as they walked, while Mouse picked up the rear. Mouse was on the lookout for animals in case Sheldon's prediction regarding the hunter was wrong.
"How scary is this hunter? No one I've spoken to even remembers a hunter of any kind," Eve began, as she looked back at Sheldon for just a brief moment, her senses all on high alert.
Sheldon sighed before speaking, in a low tone, "He is the protector of the game and even though he was looking for a rhinoceros, finding you would be an even greater prize. The game is programmed to make the players forget him so that there will be at least one surprise when they play," he explained gaining a nod from Eve.
"That's awesome," she said, sarcastically again, "I love the idea of being stuffed and hung on a wall because I don't belong in the game," she turned back and looked at Mouse, "Give me a weapon from you bag," she instructed, "I'm not going down without a fight."
Mouse looked to Sheldon for approval but all he received was a shoulder shrug, "You might as well," Sheldon finally said, giving Mouse the approval he sought.
"Was that so hard?" Mouse asked, his voice shrill, "These are Bravestone's and I can't just be handing them out without at least one other person's approval. Jeez!" he finished as he handed Eve a katana.
Her eyes grew large at the sight of it, "This seems extreme for the circumstances but it's really cool, so I don't care," she admired the weapon before looking at the two men once more, "Ok, let's do this."
Mouse gave Sheldon another nervous glance at her excitement over the sword but that was the extent of their exchange as they followed Eve through the trees, no path to be found.
After around five minutes of walking, Eve stopped in her tracks causing Mouse and Sheldon to do the same.
"What is it, Dear?" Sheldon asked, his voice soft, just above a whisper.
She turned and gave him a quick smile for the 'Dear' comment, "I heard something to our right. How close are we to the end of this area?" she asked, before adding, "Handsome."
Sheldon's cheeks reddened as he pulled out the map once more, reviewing the distance they'd already gone, "We are within a few minutes walk to the end," he announced.
Eve nodded, looking at Mouse, "We can make it as long as we keep up the same soft footed pace," she said before adding, "Look at me, turning into a jungle master," she beamed.
Mouse shook his head but Sheldon couldn't help but smile at her happiness as they continued through the jungle to the end of the game, where he was not ready to go.
"Look at this bunch," another voice joined them moments after they'd begun walking again, "That one doesn't look familiar. Are you sneaking people into Jumanji on top of ruining my hunt?" the voice asked as the rest of him entered their view. He was a small man carrying a bayonet, with a hat and a handlebar mustache that could embarrass just about anyone.
"Van Pelt, I presume," Eve spoke in reply to his many comments, "You don't want to stand in our way, so I'll give you a chance to leave this area before we force you to," she threatened.
Sheldon walked closer to her, whispering in her ear, "This is not a great plan, just wanted to make sure you were aware," he said before stepping back causing Eve to roll her eyes as she awaited Mouse's outburst to follow but when she turned his direction, he was frozen.
Van Pelt marched forward, closing the gap between himself and the team, "You don't need to worry yourself with empty threats to me. You simply need to surrender and I'll personally take you to the game's end and send you on your way. You don't belong, Ms," he added insult to injury.
Mouse moved forward and spoke, "Eve Dixon does belong. It's you who has no place here."
"They're both right, Van Pelt," Sheldon stepped forward, resting his hand on her shoulder, almost possesively, "Leave now," he ordered.
Van Pelt laughed at their unity in standing up to him and as he laughed, Eve moved toward him with her katana out and ready. She moved softly across the jungle floor until she was upon him where she simply sliced through the strap holding his gun, sending it to the floor.
"You're unarmed," Eve informed him as he looked to his shoulder to see what she'd done, "My offer still stands, you may walk away on your own or we'll force you," she repeated as Mouse moved and scooped up the hunter's weapon and placed it inside his backpack.
Van Pelt shook his head as he back away from her sword, "You've not heard the last from me, I can promise you that," he said before turning and leaving them alone.
"Let's go," Mouse instructed once they were clear and the trio raced toward the end of the trees to reach the game's end.
Eve reached the open greenery first followed by Mouse and Sheldon at the same time. "What do we do now?" she asked, out of breath from the sprint of the trees.
Mouse was the first to answer as he pulled the flare from his backpack, "We have to shoot this and if they reply then we must all shout Jumanji to end the game," he stated.
Sheldon nodded, urging Mouse to shoot the flare which he did, sending a large green flame into the sky.
While they watched the sky for their reply, Eve made her way to Sheldon's side, wrapping her arms around his waist as she laid her head against his chest, craving each moment they could have together.
As they waited, a matching green signal came from across the game causing Eve to let go of Sheldon before Mouse, Eve, and Sheldon looked at eachother.
Sheldon looked at Eve, raising his hand to her face, cupping her cheek, "Are you ready?"
She nodded, "I guess."
"Jumanji!" the three shouted in unison before they were suddenly rejoined by Bravestone, Seaplane and Ruby.
Mouse looked at Bravestone, "How'd your mission go? Any complications?"
Bravestone nodded, "Plenty but we all did it and now we can go back to our regular lives between games," he replied as Nigel drove up and got out of his SUV.
"Congratulations, you have save Jumanji and it thanks you. We all do," Nigel began, "It's time for you to leave, Ms. Dixon. Are you ready?"
Eve looked around at the 'characters' before she spoke, "Nigel, can they leave with me?" she asked, her heart pounding as she awaited an answer, her eyes squarely focused on Sheldon Oberon.
Nigel shook his head, "I'm afraid not, Ms. Dixon. Now, are you ready to go?"
Eve shook her head, "No, I'm not," she began, "Can I stay and become a character in the game like the rest of them? I want to stay with Professor Oberon," she confessed, no longer caring about her thesis or anything else.
Nigel stood in silence for a moment before he finally spoke, "Yes, Eve Dixon, you may join the game. You will now be a choice for anyone who chooses to play and your specialty will be swordsman so you should hang on to that katana. If you'll not be leaving, then I'll go back to my other duties. Is that alright?"
Eve nodded, "Yes, thank you Nigel."
Nigel left and Eve looked at the group, "Well guys, will you have me?" she asked, hoping she'd won them over during her time there so far.
Sheldon agreed by walking forward and wrapping his arms around her waist, resting his hands on her hips as he leaned down and placed his lips to hers, teasing them with his tongue as she responded and moved her hands to the buttons of his vest, gasping against his mouth.
"You can stay as long as you two get a room! Jeez!" Mouse yelled as they group began the journey back to Parrish's hut knowing Oberon and Dixon would catch up.
The End
