CHAPTER FOUR

The jungle was always treacherous for Jack. His surroundings look alike at the same time, they were unique and different. He held a spear in his hand even if catching a pig wasn't his business in the jungle.

Herbs or poison, he didn't know the difference. He relied on his sense of smell and sniffed at each interesting leaf and flower he could spot. A foul odour could be poisonous; anything with a sweet scent would be wrapped in a leafy bundle. This was all for the sake of Ralph. He needed something more than meat and water; he needed something more than just fruits and seaweed. He needed something special to get his strength back.

The afternoon sun was high in the blue sky. It emitted arrows with intense heat to the boat-shaped island. The trees in the jungle were tall and its leafy shade was thick. Even if only thin strings of light passed through the green canopy, the heat settled and bared a scorching breath. Beads of sweat decorated Jack's face when he came out and ran towards Castle Rock.

The tall boy with the mop of messy red hair came inside a cave. Bill, a Biggun, clumsily exited after he acknowledged the Chief's presence with a bow.

"Ralph? You, okay?"

"I can't move my left arm." The boy on the flower bed automatically replied in a hushed voice. "But I think I can walk already."

"No," his firm voice boomed in the rocky interior. "You mustn't. You. Rest."

There was a place in the cave that was shaped like a big bowl. He threw all the things he scavenged in the stony bowl. He held a rock with a round end and began to pound at the flowers. They piece quickly tore apart and he continued to beat them until it looked like orange goo.

Ralph heard the usual noises again. The pounding sang a soft and calm melody of reassurance and care. The Chief grew to be too affectionate ever since he was almost killed. He gave him a small smile which the other boy never saw. He took note his incomplete sentences—a sign that he totally lost it. He was only partly Jack Merridew but nonetheless, completely a savage.

The smile became sad. It was easy to transform into one but the way out was harder than difficult. Jack would never be the same.

Or so the fair haired boy though.

He didn't know that the redhead would later find the way out because of him.

'Might as well...'

His very last thoughts were drifted to sleep.

There was a vision of a black screen where his senses were unconscious but his mind was still alert. Then, he was shaken by a tremor. His body vibrated along with the shaking earth. Shock and panic filled his lungs, choking him with filthy hands. Air disappeared and he was drowning in silence. Then his eyes finally shot up and he quickly sat up. His head thudded on a rock when he abruptly sat up. Now the rock was moving and creeping like a shadow, staggering for him. It was a monster! The demon had slender fingers with long nails, crooked malevolently and scratched his cheek. He let out an ungodly scream and shielded himself.

Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! His heart was racing. He lowered his arms and slowly opened his eyes. The world was dark but he realised that Jack was hovering above him. He held out a coconut with orange juice inside. He slowly lifted the rim to the injured boy's lips. The cold liquid flooded his throat and cooled his system. It tasted funny. Drowsiness took hold of him again. He dropped to the side. This time, a dream played in his head. Ah, a sweet dream it was. His fair hair was all over his face, his breathing was steady.

"Get well. Soon. Please?"

Ralph never heard it. He wouldn't turn out well even if he heard it.

I can't believe I kinda suck at writing horror. It's my favourite genre. Wish I could be better. Somebody help me instill fear in stories, please! ): Hope you enjoyed it though! More updates soon! I'll try to be quick with it, too. I can't have you all hanging in suspense with wild imaginations for that long. Or can I? :D