Disclaimer: Still don't own Lost.
Author's Note: Hey everyone, ready for chapter three? Well then, get ready for some island tension (and a little bit of Shannon-Sayid action).
Why no reviews? –sniff—Where's the love?
Enjoy.
Chapter 3
Shannon gripped her blanket closer around her, the sudden breeze chilling her. Looking around, she spotted Jack and Locke having what looked like a not-so-civil discussion.
As if whatever it was out there could be rationally explained.
Over three weeks on mystery fricking island, and no rescue on the way. Shannon was beginning to wonder if no one would ever come. Sayid said if the tranceiver could be fixed, they might be able to get another signal--but she seriously doubted it.
Sayid. Her only comfort in this hellish place, and the only person she felt even remotely understood what she was going through after her brother Boone died.
Well, besides Charlie, the likable wannabe rock star who was always really nice if she ever needed anything.
Well, there was also Claire, who sometimes confided in her even when she wasn't in the mood to hear it.
Okay, so there were a few people.
Where the hell was Sayid?Shannon turned to face the jungle beyond, and a sudden breeze rippled through her hair. Not an ordinary breeze, either. It sent chills right through her.
Then, as if summoned by the wind, a strange echo rose from the jungle and surrounded the camp. For a split- second, everything was silent. Then people began to scramble off in different directions, and shouts arose just as the sound came again, louder this time.
Panicking, Shannon whirled around just in time to find Sayid kneeling beside her. She threw herself into his arms, sobbing.
"Where were you? I thought you were"-- She broke off, unable to finish the horrible thought.
"Shhhh. It's alright, Shannon. I'm here now." His strong arms envelopped her, and she calmed. "Come. Can you stand?" He helped her to her feet.
She rose, sniffing. "What was that?"she asked, her voice quaking.
"I don't know. I was just coming from the caves when I heard a crash in the trees, and then--that sound."
They made their way towards the group of people gathered near the only burning fire left. All the others were put out, making the camp seem like it was cloaked in darkness.
As they approached the circle of frightened faces, one voice could be heard speaking in low tones.Shannon peered around a head to see Locke motioning towards the jungle.
"...Not a threat if we stick together," he was saying. "Whatever it is out there, it can't harm us if we use our heads. Now," he paused, looking around. "We need to divide ourselves into groups"--
"And what, Locke? Go into the jungle unarmed and unprotected?" Jack's voice cut in harshly.
"Who said we would go unarmed?" Locke asked reasonably.
"Then what, John, we take the guns? There are only four. Four armed people in the jungle with whatever it is out there. That's a really great plan"--
"Hey." Kate's voice broke in. "Why don't you let him finish?"
"What the bloody hell for? You heard the man, didn't you? He wants us to wander off into the jungle in the middle of the night!" Charlie shot.
"We need to have a plan. We should go to the caves, so we'll be safer"--
"And then what,Jack?" Locke asked. "Wait for whatever it is to come get us? If we want to find out what's out there, we have to make a stand. Hiding isn't going to solve anything."
"Oh, and what is, John? Going out there and getting ourselves killed?" Jack shouted.
"Well, you got any better ideas,Doc?"Sawyer cut in sharply. "Then why don't you just let the old man talk."
Jack gave him a look that might have turned him to acid.
"Look, why don't we all just listen to Locke, then come up with a plan," Kate tried.
"Well, that's just bloody brilliant." Charlie interposed sarcastically.
"Look, all of you." Shannon jumped as Sayid's voice boomed over everyone's. "We are wasting time arguing. If we wait out the night here, we can go out in groups in the morning. Until then, we should all just calm down."
Everyone looked at him, then at Locke and Jack. Jack nodded. "Okay. We just stay here."
Everyone seemed to be satisfied with the current plan of action, and slowly started going back to their tents.
Shannon turned to Sayid, mouth open. He smiled at her, then cupped her face in his hand.
"You should get some sleep." He held out his hand. "Come," he motioned to her. She smiled, taking his hand. He led her to the tent, opening the flap for her to go in.
She stopped before she stepped in, and turned towards him.
"By the way," her voice was quiet. She leaned in and kissed him softly. "Thanks," she smiled. She turned to go, and he pulled her back. His lips met hers, and his arms went around her. Lingeringly, he pulled away.
"Your welcome," he murmured, and slowly strode away into the night.
Shannon sighed deeply, and turned to go into the tent. As she pulled the blanket around her and lay down, she fell asleep almost instantly.
A tapping came just outside the tent, breaking through her doze. She opened her eyes blearily.
"Come in," Shannon said through a yawn.
The flap opened, and Sawyer stood in the entrance.
She blinked. "Sawyer?"
"Yea, uh"... he was rubbing his hands, either from cold or nerves she couldn't tell.
She got over her initial shock. "What do you want?" she snapped.
He looked at her, and Shannon could have sworn she saw the tiniest flick of hurt, but then it was gone. "Just came to tell you that your boyfriend wandered into the jungle 'bout a half hour ago. Just thought you might like to know," he smirked wickedly.
She kicked off her blanket, scrambling up. "Why didn't you tell me when he left!" She grabbed her pink wrap and pushed her way through the tent.
"Woa there, sticks--calm down! I just thought I'd give Ali a little head start before I sent you crashing into the jungle after him." He grinned. " 'Course, you could always just pretend your being attacked--I'm sure he'd come running."
She turned on him, giving him a stinging slap across his handsomly non-shaven rotten face. Not bothering to wait for his reaction, she stomped across the sand and towards the jungle.