Disclaimer: I don't any of the characters created by Ubisoft for Far Cry 3. Everyone else is fair game, though.

Rated: M for violence, profanity, sexuality, etc.

Chapter 8 - The C Boys

The day Charlie died had been devastating to Kendra and the rest of her group. Little did she know, though, that it was all a ploy. Carlos went to the beach to dig Charlie out but made a switch on the way back to the main camp. He grabbed some poor, worthless man in their eyes, and brought him along, leaving Charlie behind in the care of two other pirates. Vaas really had no intention of getting rid of Charlie. He reminded the pirate of his last pet Chris, who had supposedly died that morning. Charlie looked on as Vaas shoveled sand onto his head and then bid the viewers goodbye. The technician did not want that happening to him. The two pirates with him had tied his hands behind his back and sat him on the ground while they waited. While the pair were shooting the shit, Charlie managed to pull out the small knife that had been concealed in his hiking boot. He cut through the rope and looked around for something heavy to use. He couldn't find anything but he notice that these two dickheads weren't even paying attention to him. So he decided to test the waters. He slowly and quietly crept back and then paused. The pirates were still playing chatty cathy. He crept back further and further until he was just out of view. He then broke out into a run into the jungle, a split second thought directing him back to the beach.

The pirates had noticed his absence within a few seconds and immediately went after him. When Charlie heard them gaining some ground on him, he decided to climb a tree. The two split up and when one passed under the tree Charlie occupied, he hopped out and used his weight to knock the guy out. The pirates luckily hit a root pretty hard and he was unconscious in a second. Charlie took his semi-automatic and continued on to the beach. Once there he looked around for a pile of sand that held the other hostage. He quickly set about digging it up when he found it. "Hey, hey! C'mon, man, don't be dead." Charlie kept digging him out until he was halfway down, then he began hoisting the man out of the hole. The elder checked his pulse. There was still a faint heartbeat. Charlie began fiercely shaking the guy, thinking that he had seen him before. When that wasn't working, he dragged the body over to the water and started splashing water in his face. "Wake the fuck up!" After a moment, the man began moving around, moaning and then flailing. When he realized his arms and legs were free of the sand, he started flipping out and jumped to his feet, ready to attack Charlie.

"Dude, it's cool! Calm down, I'm not one of them," Charlie explained, holding his hands up in defense.

The other blinked a few times and focused on the other, "Who the fuck are you then?"

"The guy who just saved your ass. You're welcome." Charlie said picking up the gun and slinging it around his shoulder. "The name's Charlie."

The other lowered his fists, somewhat confident that this Charlie wasn't his enemy. He felt weak in the legs since he hadn't used them for awhile and just about wanted to collapse. And so he did. He fell onto his back and stared up at the trees. "Chris," He finally said, "My name's Chris."

"Well Chris I just got away from two pirates. I managed to knock one out but I don't know where the other one is."

Chris rose up, using his hands to support him, "Where's that fucker Vaas?"

"Back at the camp I imagine. He has my people."

"Well, he killed all mine...Oh, God...Barry," Chris grimaced and immediately turned to vomit, remembering that Vaas had fed him Barry's leg. He didn't have much food and water in him as it was.

Charlie turned his ear towards the jungle when he heard something coming their way. He hightailed it into hiding leaving Chris unawares. The second pirate came springing out, gun pointed at Chris. He shouted at the kid in Malay and all Chris could do was stutter pleas, putting his hands. A shot rang out and the pirate fell dead. Charlie came out of hiding and approached the body to make sure he was dead. He then grabbed the other gun and gave it to Chris. He also searched the body for other essentials like water, a radio and a granola bar. Charlie gave the water and granola bar to Chris, knowing he would need it more. Chris happily accepted the items and began eating the granola.

"I know it may be a lot to ask," Charlie started, "but I need to get my friends back."

"And how do you propose to do that?" Chris asked chewing a mouthful of granola.

"I haven't figured it out yet. There's a village around here somewhere, though. They can probably help us."

Once the granola had been annihilated, Chris drank some of the water and rose to his feet, "Let's find that village then. As much as I want off this island, I wanna kill Vaas more."

"Sounds like a plan," Charlie replied with a smirk.

A few minutes later, Charlie and Chris were pushing their way through the jungle. Chris had to stop every once in awhile to catch his breath since he hadn't moved anything but his head for about a week. He glanced at Charlie, still trying to figure out his story since they were at the beach. "I got a question. How did you get here?"

Charlie, who was currently scanning the area for a patrol, looked back at Chris with a shrug, "Got here by boat. Boat got blown up."

"Same. Why are you here, though? I came to film a reality show but...that got cut pretty fucking short."

"We came here for the Rakyat ruins and what's left of the people.- What reality show?"

"The Far Cry Experience," Chris replied with a proud grin, "I was supposed to survive the wild for a few days..." He trailed off looking at his surroundings. He survived alright but not the way he had originally imagined.

"Tough break, man. Haven't I seen you before?"

"Maybe. Ever see Kick-Ass?"

"Uh...yeah, actually."

"I'm the Red Mist," Chris stated with another proud grin.

"Oh, shit, yeah you are. You look so different with facial hair!" Charlie replied with a grin of his own, reaching out to shake Chris's hand.

"Hey, the ladies love it," Chris shook Charlie's hand before rubbing the little bit of growth he acquired.

The two began moving again soon after. They eventually reached a road that led west and hopefully to the village. Charlie honestly had no idea where to go. He could only rely on what David told him; that was to head west to find the village should they ever get split up. As they went along the road, they had to duck for cover on the side in order to avoid two patrol jeeps. The risk of being discovered was nerve wracking. Charlie wanted to facepalm at himself for not thinking to take the clothes of the two pirates back near the beach. It sure would have come in handy right now. Then again, if the villagers saw them like that, there would be a problem.

"Yanno what? If we're gonna be running around gunning down pirates like Rambo, we should have a name," Chris remarked randomly.

"Oh, absolutely," Charlie retorted sarcastically, "What the hell do we need a name for?"

"I don't know, they always have cool team names in the movies."

"You've been working in Hollywood too long bro."

"Seriously, you can't tell me you've never wanted a cool team name."

"Okay, okay. I don't know...the fuckin...C Boys?"

Chris stopped in his tracks and stared at Charlie in disbelief, "The C Boys? That's the lamest shit I've ever heard. What are we a boy band?"

"Better than C Men."

Chris thought about it for a moment and tilted his head to the side in agreement, "True, but we gotta think of something better."

"In the meantime, let's focus on finding this village before it gets dark. There's tigers and shit out here."

"Right. I heard them at night when I was on the beach. I'm surprised one hasn't tried to eat my head or something."

"Well they will now."

"Thanks, dude, that's comforting."

"You're welcome."

Hours passed as they went along this road. The daylight slowly turned into dusk and the mosquitoes came out to feast. Chris and Charlie were constantly smacking themselves in an effort to kill the pesky insects. Chris couldn't hold out much longer. His body yearned for rest and nourishment. Charlie had to grip his upper arm and pull him along just to keep him moving. After another two hours, they finally heard some music up ahead. It was dark enough to catch the dim flicker of light off in the distance. Chris drank down some of the water and narrowed his eyes to try and get a better look from their location, "Is that it?"

"Only one way to find out," Charlie replied, cocking the hammer of his AK-47. They hunkered down and crept closer to the noise and light, hoping they didn't stumble upon yet another pirate encampment. As they neared they could see people dressed in regular civilian clothes. No red shirts or anything. They were apparently having a feast. The sight of a boar roasting over a pit made their stomachs scream in agony. "I think this is it," Charlie stated, daring to get closer.

"How do we know they're not working for Vaas or something?" Chris hissed, holding Charlie back.

"Why would they? He kidnaps their people just as much as tourists. If anything, they'll be happy to help. Besides, my friend overheard some of the pirates talking about them. Apparently their not on amicable terms. C'mon." Charlie slung the gun over his shoulder and slowly entered the village. The people that had gathered around the fire pit observed him and Chris, watching them like a hawk. A dark skinned man broke away from the crowd and neared them. He gave them a once over and immediately knew what had happened. "Have you escaped Vaas, my friends?"

Chris and Charlie looked at each other before nodding. The man smiled and held his arms out, "Then you are truly an inspiration! Not many have escaped him before. In fact, only one has but he is no longer with us. And now, the jungle has given us two more strong warriors. Come, come, you must be famished." He gestured to the fire pit and guided them over, "I am Dennis by the way."

"Charlie."

"Chris."

The two sat down on a broad log, thankful to rest their legs. They were given water and they immediately drank that down. Dennis sat adjacent to them on a wooden crate. "How long have you been traveling?"

"Several hours," Charlie replied, "Though my friends and I have been here a few days already. As for this guy-"

"I've been here nearly a week...I think," Chris responded looking a little crest fallen.

"Fret not," Dennis stated, clasping Chris's shoulder, "You are safe now. This is Amanaki Village, what is left of it after our battle with Vaas's people. Still, we are strong."

Charlie used this opportunity to get some information and perhaps some help, "Listen, I don't wanna impose or anything, but Vaas still has my friends back at his camp. I haven't seen them since yesterday morning. Is there any way you can help me?"

"I can help you...but first, you must help yourself," Dennis gestured to the women that brought the pair some food and a small cut from the boar. "Eat up. Gather your strength and then get some rest. In the morning, we will talk." With that Dennis left, traipsing off through Amanaki.

Charlie wanted to go after him but he knew the conversation had ended and wouldn't be picked up again until morning. Dennis came off as a decisive man. And so, Charlie just ate the food he was given, his worries had somehow been put aside. He did indeed feel safe here but the back of his mind wondered about the welfare of his friends. He glanced at Chris who was busy stuffing his face. No one could really blame the guy if he had been buried for as long as he thought.

The celebrations continued, a new sense of joy coursing through the village. Chris and Charlie were given as much food and drink they could take. Then they were shown to a simple house, it's design made a stark contrast to Vaas's shanty camp. They were also given fresh clothing and were shown where they could shower. Chris let out a joyous shout as he jumped face first into the bunk. The feel of an actual bed was something he had taken for granted before. Now, he cherished it. Charlie was a little more apprehensive, though. While he trusted these people wouldn't hurt them, he couldn't help but be on guard. How were they not constantly harassed by Vaas's people? The villagers weren't more than a four hour drive away from those animals and yet they could enjoy food and dance like they hadn't a care in the world. He needed more answers and decided to drill Dennis a bit in the morning.

Charlie awoke to the sound of water running out back. He turned slightly in his bed and noticed Chris was scrubbing off layers of dirt and God knew what else. Charlie got up a few minutes later and stretched a bit. That's when Chris came back, extremely pleased to be clean again. "Holy shit, you have no idea how good it feels to be clean. No more sand, and dirt and piss." He grumbled something under his breath about Vaas but Charlie easily ignored it. He then went out back to take a shower himself as Chris got dressed. "Now this place decides to be heaven!" Chris called out so Charlie could here him. "If only I met these villagers first, huh?"

Charlie was happy to be clean himself, though he wasn't as filthy as Chris was. Once he finished, the pair went out into the village again to find Dennis. Chris had gained some new perspective since his arrival on the island. Where once he was a Hollywood star, acting such scenes like this, he was now a man trying to fight against an ostensively evil force. He sure would have a story to tell when he got back home, if he got back home. As they neared the center of the village, Dennis approached them with a smile, "My friends, you are looking much better now. Are you feeling better too?"

"Much. Thanks," Chris replied.

Dennis nodded once, "Good, good. So, you still want help to fight against Vaas?"

Charlie crossed his arms and nodded, "Yes, anything you can offer."

"I told you before I could help you, you must help yourselves. It is one thing to tote around a weapon and shoot the pirates, it is something different to truly fight them. The man, Vaas, he was once Rakyat and they are powerful warriors of Rook Island. To go against him, you must be warriors yourself."

"Ah," Charlie interrupted, "Sorry but we don't exactly have time for that. I don't know if you noticed, but Vaas isn't exactly a guy of patience."

Dennis held up his hands, "He will first ransom your friends and wait for the money to arrive, then he will find a buyer to sell them to. That takes time. If he knows you have escaped, then he will keep your friends alive to get to you. Trust me, Charlie, I know what I am doing." He gestured for them to follow and began walking up a small path that led out into the jungle. "Vaas and the pirates use the jungle to their advantage, so must you." He faced the two men and handed them each a knife and a gun.

"So you want us to what? Go full Rambo or something?" Chris asked taking both weapons. This seemed like a load of bullshit to him. He had to agree with Charlie that this was wasting time. It was best to go after Vaas now before he realized what happened.

"No, I want you to learn. We gain our power from the jungle, from the island. In order to beat Vaas you must know where you stand, you must know the terrain, how he works, where his people and your allies are. It is not an impossible task. Do not fear your instincts. Society has taught you to fail, not nature. Go for a hunt, collect some plants and animal skins, know the ways of the island so that you may succeed. Trust your instincts." Dennis grabbed a hold of their shoulders with a reassuring grip, "Charlie, Chris, I know that you will do well. I knew it when I set eyes on you. I promise, by the morning, things will be a lot clearer to you. We can then plan our attack and start picking off Vaas's men. The rebellion will rise again and you two will lead us." With that, he put his hand on his across his chest and gave them a small bow before walking back down the hill. Charlie noticed for the first time that Dennis had tatus much like Vaas.

"What the fuck was that all about?" Chris stated, breaking the silence. Charlie looked to him and shrugged.

"C'mon man, let's just go. There might be something to all this. If Vaas was Rakyat, he had to go through the same thing Dennis is trying to put us through. I doubt the pirates did. It could give us an advantage."

"What you believin' this witch doctor shit?"

"No, I'm just saying, let's see how this pans out. My boss, she's smart, she's gotten us out of way worse than this. She's an extremely persuasive person," Charlie replied. He looked down at the gun and the knife with a sigh, "I just hope I'm not too late."

A/N: TADA! Ask and you shall receive. I had been wondering if I should throw Chris into the mix for shits and giggles, but since you guys were wanting it, I went with it. Him and Charlie can be the comedic relief. And perhaps the true heroes of the story! -le gasp- Stick around kids, I'm working on another chapter right now. If it's not out tonight, it will be tomorrow.

P.S. Thank you for all your wonderful reviews. Really, I'm so glad that you guys are enjoying it cause I had no idea where I was taking this initially. I may get busy from time to time with real life, but I have no plans to stop this story now. So stick around and be on the lookout. Much love.