Disclaimer: Yea, I own Lost. If you say so.
Author's Note: Hey all! Sorry for the lateness of this update--I've just been really busy (I know, I know--typical excuse) but I promise the next few chapters will be worth it. Okay, so this chapter focuses a bit on Sayid (and a bit on Shannon).I don't exactly know where I'll take it from here--(I have a few ideas; just haven't picked yet.)
So read & please, please, please let me know what you think!
Chapter Five
Sayid made his way through the jungle, kicking aside leaves and fallen branches. Swinging off his pack, he knelt on the jungle floor. This was the spot. Reaching forward through the tangled vines, he felt something rough. Grasping it, he pulled it forward.
Aha, he thought. It was the black rope which had once led him to Rousseau's trap, many weeks ago. Reaching into his pack, he found the lighter he had stolen from Sawyer's stash. He flicked it on and held the flame closely to the rope.
"Help!"
Sayid jerked up, looking all around. The sound came again, louder this time.
"Somebodyplease, help!"
He dropped the lighter into his pack and stood, facing the direction of the shout.
"Where are you?" he yelled, cupping his hands around his mouth.
"Please! Somebody--help me!" The scream became more frantic, and Sayid started forward.
"Help!"
"Just hold on!" he shouted again, running towards the sound.
He crashed through the jungle, every branch and swinging vine coming into his path.
"Hurry! Please!" The call was closer now, and Sayid broke through the last branchees and vines.
Stopping, he gazed around, confused. This is where the screams were coming from, yet there was no one there.
"Sayid!"A shriek came from above. Sayid jerked his head upward to see a hanging net, with Shannon trapped inside.
He pulled out his knife from his belt and turned to climb thetree that the net hung from.
"Sayid, hurry! Please!"Sannon was calling, tremors in her voice. Sayid continued to climb, knife between his teeth, and reached for a branch. It cracked, and he lost his footing. Bracing himself, he pulled his weight to a higher bough, just below the net.
"Shannon, its okay. I need you to get ready to jump."
"Jump? Are you crazy?" her voice rose in panic.
"Shannon, listen to me. I won't let anything happen to you. Trust me."
She was trembling, looking down at him through the net. Tears and dirt stained her face. Sayid reached up, grabbing the net, and began to cut through. Finally it gave, and Shannon started to fall.
"Jump!" Sayid shouted, and she let go. The net and knife fell away, down and down to the jungle floor.
Gasping for breath, Shannon broke down into sobs, collapsing into his arms.
"Its alright. I'm here now," he murmured softly. He reached up and touched the side of her head, and his hand came away dark red. He lifted her chin with his other hand. "You are hurt," he said.
She gazed up at him, her eyes filled with fear and exhaustion. "Take me away from here," she whispered, shaking. He pulled her closer, and began guiding her down the branches of the tree.When they reached the ground, Sayid turned towards her.
"Shannon--" he stopped, and he caught her just as she started to fall. Lifting her up, he carried her through the trees.
He reached the edge of the jungle and stepped onto sand. The camp was just ahead. Suddenly, he heard a noise, and turned to see Charlie, jaw dropped.
"What the bloody hell happened?" he asked, stepping forward.
"I don't know." Sayid answered calmly, but Charlie could see the anger in his eyes.
"I'll get Jack," he rushed towards the camp.
Sayid continued forward, his strength slowly seeping from him. When he reached the tent, he strode in and placed Shannon gently on the blanket. Turning, he saw Jack and Charlie in the entrance.
"What happened?" Jack asked, stepping inside and kneeling at Shannon's still form. He quickly opened his pack.
"I found her trapped in a net about eight feet from the ground. You want me to tell you what happened, Jack?" Sayid's voice rose, rage building in his eyes.
Jack looked at him questioningly, eyes darkening.
Sayid turned abruptly and left.
Storming back towards the jungle, Sayid saw Kate passing by. He kept going.
"Sayid?" Kate turned, concern in her voice. "Sayid! Where are you going?"
Sayid didn't stop.
"To find John Locke."