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.

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

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

Warnings: Possible character death(s). Rated T for some language and quite a bit of violence/blood. Probable spelling and grammar mistakes due to my lack of beta.

7. Daddy Day-Care

"Dude," Troy said looking up at Chad. His breathing had now steadied and, although his arm still hurt like hell, it definitely felt better. Chad looked back at Troy expectantly. "You can… stop…." Troy continued. "Y'know… I-if you- if you… want?" He was talking of course about Chad rocking him. Chad hadn't even noticed.

His eyes widened at the sudden realisation. "Oh." He said, releasing Troy from his embrace, suddenly embarrassed. He got to his feet quickly and brushed himself off. "Sorry." He added as he gave Troy a look that said; 'Tell anyone and I'll kill you.'

Troy grinned. Chad knew what was coming. He'd never live this one down. "It was nice." Troy pouted with a mock baby face.

"Troy…" Chad warned.

Troy ignored him. "…In a Daddy Day-care kind of way." He added chuckling. "I mean it, you'd make a great nursery nurse."

Chad narrowed his eyes at his friend. "You were crying." He explained, trying to rationalise his actions. He felt somewhat emasculated for showing his sensitive side. "What else was I supposed to do?"

Between chuckles Troy spoke. "I dunno, mommy..." He said. "Tell me to rub some dirt in it? Gimme a manly pat on the back?"

Chad shot Troy one of his say-one-more-word-and-see-what-happens looks. Troy bit his lip to prevent himself from any more laughter. Chad raised an eyebrow, wanting all traces of even a smile wiped off Troy's face.

He shook his head. "That's the last time I help you out…" he muttered under his breath, making a mental note to remember this day.

"Seriously though, man," Troy said, his smile gone. "Could you help me up?" He stretched out his good hand to Chad.

Chad could barely believe his ears. "Ha!" He laughed. "So now you want my help?"

Troy nodded and put on his most innocent puppy-dog face. "My arm hurts." He whined.

Chad thought for a second, then shrugged off Troy's request. "Rub some dirt in it." He instructed, unable to hide his own smile.

Troy tried to look hurt but it didn't last long. He and Chad began laughing hysterically.

"I see you're feeling better." Gabriella observed as she, Taylor and Ryan approached them. Gabriella took Troy's still outstretched hand and helped him to his feet.

Taylor gave Chad a pat on the arm, a sort of 'Well done'. "You did good." She told him, knowing how tough it must have been for him to hurt Troy. Chad smiled at her, thankful for her understanding.

Ryan gazed distantly into the woods, becoming worried about how long Sharpay had been gone with Zeke. Only now did Chad and Troy notice the pair's absence.

"Where's Sharpay?" Troy asked Ryan.

As if in response, Sharpay's unique shriek rang out. It was distant but audible. Ryan visibly paled. Without hesitation, he turned and ran into the mess of trees towards his sister's cry. The others followed close behind.

Sharpay didn't know what to do. One moment, things had been fine. She and Zeke had been talking. They'd connected. They were actually getting along. The next, there was a snap and a mind-numbing crunch, Zeke was on the floor, groaning and writhing uncontrollably. His hands clutched his leg. His fingers desperately tried to pry the rusty jaws of the bear trap from his bleeding flesh.

She didn't know what do to. He was in so much pain. And he was bleeding. A lot. She fell to her knees beside him and tried, like him, to open the trap and release his leg. The mechanism was strong. Too strong. And even with both of their efforts, the trap didn't budge.

She didn't know what to do. Tears began streaming down Zeke's face as he sobbed repeatedly; "My leg… my leg…."

His leg.

She knew she couldn't free it on her own. She needed the others. She couldn't leave him, not like this. So she screamed. As loud as she could. Hoping they would hear her. Hoping they would find her.

They followed Sharpay's repeated screams like breadcrumbs, each one leading them closer and closer to her. Eventually, they located her and the cause of her terror.

Ryan was first to find her. The first thing he noticed was the blood. Sharpay was standing, facing him, pale and trembling. Her front was drenched in blood. Her white top and the pink jacket over it; stained. Her hands were held out as she looked at them with horror. They too were covered in the red liquid.

Ryan's heart stopped. He ran to his sister and took her hands in his. "Shar…" he said timidly. With his hands, he frantically inspected her body for wounds, sure that the blood was hers. Sharpay's eyes were blank. Tears trickled freely down her cheeks. "Sharpay, where are you hurt?"

For a second, she seemed to break out of her trance, just as the others caught up with Ryan, the scene in front of them stopping their hearts. "Zeke." Sharpay said before collapsing into her brother's arms.

"Shar!" Ryan gasped, lowering his limp sister to the ground. He fanned her with his hand. She'd often fainted for dramatic effect. This time, he knew it was real. "Sharpay, wake up." He begged.

"What the hell happened?" Troy asked. He noticed that there was still someone missing. "Where's-."

"Zeke." Taylor interrupted, rushing forward to where she saw Zeke laying motionless on the floor, blood pooling around his leg. He'd been so still before, and so silent, that his existence had gone unnoticed.

Chad and Troy joined Taylor by Zeke's side while Gabriella stayed with Ryan, trying to wake Sharpay. They thought he was dead. His eyes were shut. His mouth hung open loosely. He didn't move at all. And there was so much blood.

"Zeke, buddy." Troy said, gently tapping his unconscious friend's damp cheek. To their surprise and great relief, Zeke turned his head to the side, away from Troy's hand, and opened his eyes.

"My leg…" He whispered hoarsely.

The three looked down at Zeke's legs. Taylor gasped and looked away, her hand covering her mouth. The sight was truly horrific.

The trap had torn through Zeke's jeans. Each sharp tooth dug deep into his flesh. Each wound oozed thick blood. Troy and Chad looked at each other, then back at the leg. We need to get that thing off. Chad nodded and grabbed one side of the trap with each hand. Troy did the same, sitting and using one of his feet rather than his injured arm.

"Ready?" Troy asked.

Chad glanced at Zeke, who was watching dazedly. Then he looked at his girlfriend who was still averting her vision. "Tay," he said. She didn't turn but he could tell she was listening. "Make sure he doesn't watch." He told her. "And keep him still."

She nodded and took Zeke's head in both of her hands. "Hey," she said, gently stroking his cheek. He began to panic and squirm, knowing what was coming. "Hey…" Taylor continued. Zeke's eyes began to dart around. He whimpered and panted. "Look at me." She said. He did. "Good." His breathing slowed. "You're gonna be fine, okay? I promise."

She nodded quickly to Chad. It was time.

"Ready?" Troy asked again. Chad nodded. They each took a deep breath and began to pull.

Zeke was shaking violently. Taylor continued to stroke his face, her voice remaining calm while she murmured reassurances to him. Zeke kept his eyes locked on hers.

Getting it off was harder than expected. It was stiff. And the metal teeth dug into both boys' hands. The mixture of blood and sweat on their grip made it harder for them to get a good hold.

Eventually, the trap sprang open.

They shared a mutual sigh of relief.

But the trouble wasn't over.

Zeke was still bleeding. More rapidly now than he was before. His garish wound was dirty and, if left, would soon become infected. To top it off, Sharpay was still out cold. Not to mention that now both Troy and Chad had pretty bad gashes in the palms of their hands from where they'd been pulling on the jagged metal.

The trouble wasn't over.

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