The Silent Forest

Summary: A field trip becomes a nightmare when the gang is separated from the rest of the group in the middle of a vast forest. Things go from bad to worse when they discover that they are not alone. Trailer and pairing details inside. Troyella, Chaylor and more.

Pairings: Chaylor, Troyella and some mild Zekepay. Ryan will also feature but with no pairing.

Disclaimer: Yep, I own it. *Keeps dreaming*

1. Group Seven

Alone. The others were all long dead. She'd join them soon. Soon, the massive amount of blood she was losing would have an effect. Her heart would slow to a stop. Her brain; shut down.

Soon, she'd die.

Her lonely, desperate, agonised sobs would subside. Her anguished screams would fade.

Soon, the forest would be silent once again.

1 Year Later…

Forests were not Sharpay's thing. Too much nature. Too much dirt. And so not fabulous. The day ahead looked bleak.

She glanced down at her pristine, brand new, hot-pink Jimmy Choo's amongst the dead leaves and damp mud on the ground; instantly regretting her choice of shoes and wishing she could just get back on the minibus where it was, at least, relatively clean. She huffed and began to consider when she could next visit the shopping mall and get a replacement pair. This trip; definitely not fabulous.

Her train of thought was broken by Ryan's elbow in her side. She looked up from her shoes to shoot him a killer glare, only to find that he was looking straight ahead. She followed his gaze until her eyes fell upon their geography teacher; an enthusiastic young man called Bryan Feeny, who stared expectantly back at her.

"Something about your shoe's more important than my speech, Miss Evans?" He asked her.

Her first thought; He was talking? She tossed her hair back and gave him her sweetest smile. "Most certainly not, Sir." She lied. "In fact, I'm finding it most intriguing."

Mr. Feeny didn't look convinced at all but nodded anyway and opened his mouth to continue his speech. He hadn't got a word out when Sharpay spoke again.

"Just wondering," She said, cocking her head to the side inquisitively. "We won't be walking much, will we? On the…" She pointed down distastefully at the floor. "The dirt? I mean, there are paths right. Hard, clean, concrete ones?"

There were a few chuckles amongst the group. Mr. Feeny sighed. "You really weren't listening at all were you." He realised. He took Sharpay's silence as a yes. "Right, well, for the benefit of Miss Evans and in case any of you missed something, I'll repeat everything I just said." He turned to Sharpay. "Listen this time." She smiled with fake gratitude.

"Welcome," Mr. Feeny began again. "To the silent forest. Today, we'll be touring the forest in groups of six or seven in a fun, orienteering exercise. I hope you're all wearing sensible shoes," He said pausing to look directly at Sharpay. "As there are no paths, not even a dirt road. This is gritty and it's real. You'll be exploring the true wild with nothing but a map and a compass. The journey is short so don't worry, as long as you use your maps correctly, there's absolutely no way you can get lost. And I'll be right behind the last group to leave. Now, a brief intro to your surroundings. The silent forest is named so due to the lack of animals, insects and various other aspects of wildlife, making it completely quiet. I just want you to stop and listen." He paused for effect, letting the eerie, out of place silence sit for a few moments before continuing. "Can anyone tell me why there are no animals or insects?"

Taylor's hand shot up. She'd done her research. She'd eagerly anticipated this trip since she began the geography course and could barely contain her excitement. It was such a unique experience. And she was sure to gain a lot of knowledge from it. As much as she loved being in the classroom, sometimes it could also be so beneficial and see for yourself how amazing the world can be.

Mr. Feeny nodded in her direction, prompting her to answer. She did so without hesitation. "The silent forest, initially named Jameson Forest after the man that discovered it, has a high toxin content in its water due to volcanic activity below the ground. Because of the sulphur in the ground, air and water, only a selection of immune or adapted plants and trees can grow and no animals or insects could survive in these acidic conditions." She finished, pleased with herself.

Mr. Feeny was impressed. "That's correct, Miss McKessie. Well done."

Taylor grinned.

Beside her, amid the group of students, a thought occurred to her boyfriend.

"If there's acid in the water and ground," Chad began the question that his teacher had been anticipating.

"And air." Taylor added.

"And air," He continued. "Is it safe for us? Like, won't we burn to death or something?" His eyes began to dart around suspiciously. He didn't want to burn to death.

In all honesty, Chad shouldn't even have been there. He didn't study geography. But he had charmed his way onto the trip just for a chance to get out of school for a day and spend time with his friends in the woods. It sounded like un-missable fun.

He wasn't interested at all in the 'unique ecosystem', he had no idea what the teacher was talking about most of the time. But being in the woods sort of reminded him of his time back in scouts when they'd go camping and stuff. It brought back fond memories of the fun times he used to have with Troy when they'd sneak out of their tents at night when everyone was asleep and go swimming in the river or play pranks on the leaders.

"No Mr…" Mr. Feeny frowned, realising the boy in front of him was completely unfamiliar. "Sorry, son, what's your name again?"

Chad grinned. "Chad Danforth." He answered.

Mr. Feeny thought. The name didn't ring any bells. "Well, no, Mr. Danforth, you won't burn to death." He explained. "The ph of the acid isn't strong enough. And since we're only here for a day, the sulphur content in the air won't affect you either. If we were here for a long period of time it would be a different story. As long as you don't eat or drink anything, you're fine."

Chad nodded and, although the teacher had lost him at 'You won't burn to death.', he pretended to understand.

"What about Joseph Jameson Jr.?" Zeke chimed in from the back of the group. The others turned to look at him quizzically. They grew more confused upon seeing Zeke's dead serious face.

Mr. Feeny chuckled. "You heard about that, huh?"

Zeke nodded. He too had done research, but not the type that Taylor had. See, Zeke wasn't too keen on wandering through an acidic forest without supervision, so he'd Googled the silent forest to find out the risks involved and found a link to an article on the long lost great-great-grandson of the forests discoverer.

"That's just a legend." Mr. Feeny assured him.

Legend stated that after discovering the forest, Joseph Jameson had decided to spend the rest of his life there, unaware of the risks and effects that the toxic air would have on him. He raised his children there and after he died they raised their children there as well and their children's children and so on. Gradually, the Jameson offspring became mutated and apparently, according to the website, they still roam the forest, eating anyone and anything that crosses their path. It is even said that Joseph Jameson Jr., the youngest of the mutants had been spotted numerous times.

Zeke didn't believe everything he read on the internet, he wasn't stupid, but this story seemed pretty convincing. He'd even tried to talk his mother into letting him stay at home. But she told him to stop being paranoid and 'stop watching all those scary movies with Jason'.

"Dude," Troy whispered to Zeke while Feeny proceeded to split them into groups. "Who's JJ Jr.?" He asked. Zeke was always full of legends and random myths and stories. Troy relished in listening to his friend retell them.

Troy was all up for adventure. That was why he took geography. Trips, videos and one more lesson with Gabriella. But mainly the trips. He loved getting out of the classroom, especially if he got a chance to go to a huge forest like this one. He was slightly disappointed that there were no animals but was glad he could spend the day with his girlfriend and best friends as they explored the forest; 'learning'.

Zeke was about to answer his question when Troy's name was called.

"You are in group seven." Mr. Feeny told him. "Please stand over there." He pointed to next to the minibus. Troy gave Zeke a look that said; 'Tell me later', and did as he was told.

"And…" Mr. Feeny continued grouping people together. "You two," he said pointing at Taylor and Chad who both silently hoped for Group 7. "Group…seven."

Chad grinned and he and Taylor made their way over to Troy.

Next to be called was Ryan. He didn't really care what group he was in. He didn't want to be there. As much as he loved wildlife, he could just tell it was going to be one of those days. Sharpay was going to moan and whine about her ruined Jimmy Choo's which he'd told her not to wear in the first place. She was going to crave attention and make the day about herself. He loved his sister but she could be a real pain.

And he just knew he'd be grouped with her because, well, he always was. Sharpay and what's-his-name. Every time.

He was put into group seven along with Sharpay, of course. Yes, it was going to be one of those days. He could already see the frustration growing in her about the fact that she'd been put in a group with basketball lunk-heads.

One of those days.

Gabriella was left until almost last. It was like being called for sports. The nerves grow as each person that isn't you gets called and you're left feeling like no-one wants you. She knew which group she wanted to be in. It was obvious. The one with her friends. The one with her boyfriend.

As she stood waiting, the looked at the other groups, considering just how bad it would be if she didn't end up in group seven. She talked to the other people in her class and she had friends other than Chad, Taylor, Troy and Ryan but she couldn't help but think that conversation in another group would be forced and awkward. The trip would be much less enjoyable and, although it was meant to be about education, it's always good to be around your friends.

"Miss Montez," The teacher finally called. He looked at his clipboard, heightening her apprehension. The wait was strangely nerve-wracking. Surely, whatever group he called wouldn't matter too much. It was no big deal if she wasn't with her friends. "You can be in group… six." He said.

Her heart dropped and she looked over at an equally as disappointed Troy before turning to go to group six. At least Kelsi was there.

"No wait," He said. "Sorry, no, group seven please."

Gabriella couldn't hide her relief. She grinned and skipped cheerfully over to her boyfriend.

Sharpay rolled her eyes as Troy and Gabriella embraced. How pathetic.

The final names were called and the groups were finished. One by one, they were sent into the forest with a map and a compass. To pass the time before they were sent off, group seven set up their equipment; going through their bags to check they had everything.

Troy playfully zipped Gabriella's jacket to the very top to keep her warm and she did the same for him, smiling while looking intently into each others eyes.

"Oh please." Sharpay huffed. A sheepish Zeke a appeared at her side and she gave him a look that said; 'And you want… what?'.

"I-I could…" He stammered. "I could do yours…. If you want." He said motioning the zip on her jacket. "Your zip, I mean. I could zip you up. If you wa-."

"No." Sharpay said as if it was obvious. She turned on her heel and walked towards her brother. "Ry, I don't think I can take this." She muttered under her breath.

While rummaging in his bag, Chad found a Polaroid camera that his mother had packed for him, insisting he'd need to take pictures. "Photo-op anyone?" He said waving the camera in the air.

Gabriella set it up on a timer, propping it on top of the boxes of lunches that were ready for later. Meanwhile the others got into position. Gabriella ran back to the group who stood in front of the minibus and said; "Everybody say 'Trees'!"

There was a flash and a photo slid out of the camera. They all huddled around it waiting for it to develop.

"Last but not least," Mr. Feeny called, getting their attention. "Group seven." He beckoned them over to him, handed Ryan a map, Zeke a compass and then pointed into the thick forest. "Off you go. See you on the other side."

Ryan was the first to start walking with Zeke beside him as they both looked closely at the equipment they'd been given. Ryan was closely followed by Sharpay who was desperate to just get in and out ASAP. Next was Chad who walked hand in hand with Taylor as they spoke excitedly to each other in hushed voices. Troy followed after them looking back at Gabriella who shoved the slowly developing Polaroid into her pocket and started after him.

Behind them, Mr. Feeny watched them go. "Have fun!" He called out. "And be safe…." He added.

If only things were that easy.

A/N: I hope you liked the opening. I've been working on this chapter for ages because every time I wrote something I'd delete it and start again! Thanks so much to zanessatroyella4evr620, ChaylorTwilightQueen10, EllaKnight22, tiff1686, TheDiamondPrincess and Kt luvs for your reviews. They are much appreciated so keep them coming.

A lot of people added me to their story alert. I love that you want to keep up to date with my story but please review as well. You don't have to do it for every chapter. Just one will do. I like to know how the readers feel and any suggestions are welcome. I have planned out the story already but if there's anything you want to see I might try to get it in.

Also, I'm on a bit of a roll this weekend. I can't promise anything but there may be a new chapter up before Monday. Depends how I feel and if I decide to get any revision done for my maths exam on Monday. :P

It's good to be writing again.

xX M Xx