Chapter 3: Slip Away
The first thing he became aware of was the throbbing on the side of his head. Charlie groaned, clinching his teeth as he rolled to his right side. Exhaustion lingered in every limb. Memories of the waterfall consumed his mind: the swimming with the children, the noise in the jungle, the talk with Aaron. Then HE appeared.
Charlie bolted upright, frantically twisting his head about. "Aaron. Chasity," he murmured, barely audible.
"They're not here, Charlie." It was him, and Charlie's fear swelled to frightening heights. He moved to stand, but found his wrist roped to the ground.
"There's no use in trying to escape," Ethan pointed out, calmly. "The vines will not break. They're as earthen steel." He knelt beside the bound man. "Perfect for keeping a person where you want."
"You bastard!" Charlie spat, struggling more. "Where are they?"
Ethan cocked his head, coolly. "That's none of your concern."
"Like hell it isn't! Aaron and Chasity are my children! What did you do with them!"
Ethan's face molded to stone. "I said, that's none of your concern." Then he's features turned thoughtful as he stared cold eyes down at Charlie. "I knew there was a purpose for you after you came back to life."
Charlie clinched his jaw. "What do you mean?"
"When I killed you," Ethan started, a sinister ring in his voice. Charlie's eyes widened. "Yes, you were dead. I made sure of it. But the Island brought you back to life for a reason, and now I know that reason." Ethan leaned in just far enough where Charlie couldn't touch him, but close enough to state his fact. "I thought Aaron was the chosen one, but I was wrong. Your purpose was to father a child with Claire. It was Chasity who I've waited for. She is the key."
Half a minute passed in cruel silence - both men boring daggers into one another. "My daughter is the key do nothing," Charlie snarled, shaking from anger. "Why are you back? You're suppose to be dead! I killed you!"
"The Island has it's ways. Nothing is impossible here." Ethan cocked his head, his voice curling. "You should know that by now, Charlie."
"What do you mean Chasity is the 'key'?"
"She's the perfect sacrifice. Chasity is what the Island has waited for. I've been called to deliver her." And Ethan said this as if it were the most natural occurrence.
"You're a bleedy PSYCHO! She's just little girl!"
In a flash, Ethan straddled Charlie, pinning the ex-rocker's arms with his knees. Charlie struggled, panic rising to new heights. His fight was in vain, and he knew it when large hands covered his neck. "I enjoy our little game, Charlie. I kill you. You kill me. Appears to be my turn."
With that, Ethan leaned all his weight onto Charlie's neck. Charlie felt the sickening rush of air leaving his windpipes. Ethan's cold, steel face was that of a nightmare, and Charlie shut his eyes to block out the horrible vision. He couldn't gasp anymore. Pain shot from his lungs to every limb of his body. It wasn't until Charlie was still and lifeless that Ethan let go of his hold.