THE CRIMSON STONE

CHAPTER 5

In the chopper, Leon and Charlie were instructed to wear a life jacket as they were traveling above water. Charlie was feeling out of sorts due to the experience she had. She was also really worried about her aunt and uncle's condition. What she just witnessed was way beyond anything that she could have imagined happening to her. Her mind and body was still finding it hard to digest what she just went through.

As Charlie was lost in her thought, Leon said to Curtis,

"Thanks for the back up,"

"No problem. It was quite fun actually. And glad that you're still alive," Curtis said from the cockpit.

As they flew, the chopper's radar detected a missile coming in their direction.

"We got a problem, Leon. There is a missile coming at us," Curtis said frantically.

The chopper swerved sharply causing Charlie to lurch forward in her seat. However, there was another missile coming in at 3 o'clock of the chopper.

"Curtis, get out!" Leon shouted at Curtis as he grabbed Charlie who was is shock and jumped out of the chopper on the opposite door.

"Oh… my…-"Curtis stuttered as the missile came in contact with the chopper.

'BOOOM!' The chopper exploded with Leon and Charlie escaping the explosion just in the nick of time. The remnants of the chopper dropped along with them as they plunged into the sea below.

In the water, Charlie was still in shock therefore she didn't move a muscle. With her eyes closed, she felt empty in the water as if there were nothing else left to do for her to do except remain still. She found the buoyancy of the water intimidate her somehow. She felt at peace until someone groped her body.

Her eyes flew open and she saw that it was Leon. He was fumbling with her life jacket as if searching for something. He eventually found the pin to inflate the life jacket and gave it a tug. She then felt her body float towards the water surface just as her lungs burnt for oxygen.

Leon managed to get Charlie and himself onshore. This is due to Charlie's body that became numb from the impact of the fall from the chopper. Therefore, her body just lay unmoved in the water until Leon swam them to the shore.

"Charlie, are you ok?" Leon asked as he lay her down on the sand.

Charlie opened her mouth to speak but she only managed a weak nod. Her whole body felt as if it has been slapped a dozen of time. After all, she didn't really drop in the water aerodynamically. Her arms, her thighs, her everything felt sore to the bones.

Leon, who felt like they are too out in the open, promptly scanned the area of the beach swiftly. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw a piece of flesh which looked like a human's hand smeared with blood.

"Come on, we got to make a move fast," Leon said as Charlie got up into a sitting position.

Charlie got up with the help of Leon and the two of them started to head towards the woods. They walk fast and as silently as possible to avoid any unintended attraction. As they went deeper in the woods, they eventually found a small cave in between a few large rocks. The cave was however located near the main village ahead.

They went into the cave to take a break. Just then, Leon's communicator beeped.

"Leon, are you alright?" Tia asked worriedly.

"Yes, thank you. The girl is alright too although a little washed out. However, Curtis… he wasn't that lucky," Leon replied.

"Yes indeed. He was one of our best pilots."

"Listen, there's a village nearby from where we are. I was thinking of heading into it to find some information and hopefully some food and water. The girl is really not in good condition right now,"

"I can imagine. Ok, but be careful Leon. And while you're at it, I'll try to find a rescue team for you,"

"Alright. Over and out." Leon said as he closes his communicator.

Charlie was leaning against one of the rocks when Leon asked,

"Think you'll be alright here alone while I go check out the village?"

"I guess so. It seems safe enough." She replied.

"Well here, take this." Leon said as he handed her a GPS system in the shape of a ring.

"What is it?" Charlie asked as she took it from him.

"It's a GPS system. In case we get separated, I can track you down," Leon explained.

"Sounds good." Charlie replied and gave Leon an amiable smile.