Chapter 15: I Teach You To Hunt

-x-

"Pierre, how's the cake going?" Chelsea called out to the prodigy cook.

"Very well. Just give me more time and It'll be fantastic!" He beamed, proud of his work.

It was Elliot's and Natalie's Birthday. Everyone was there and having a good time for the two.

-x-

"No! You are doing it wrong!" Shea growled, placing her hands in the right position. "Like this." Then he threw his spear far off into the distance. "You try."

Chelsea held the spear in her hands uncertainly and threw. It went ever so far as it could go, five meters away. She frowned. "Blame the spear. It ain't me."

Shea looked at her, his voice solid. "Again."

Hello, it's me. Yeah, I might start interrupting by using these fancy italics. Very dandy right? And I hope not to do it often, just when needed. You see, apparently we had skipped far ahead to where we are supposed to start. And like always, I care for each character enough to make a whole chapter for introducing them. SO… let's go back a little… a week ago from this scene…

Chelsea's POV

I stared at my hands full of bras and underwear. Today was chosen to be the most dreadful day of the week, "wash your bras and underwear" day. I always wished on these days that I had a washer and dryer.

It's been getting tougher and tougher for me to find a chance to escape to wash these necessities. Pierre's visits come randomly while Denny's is basically every chance he gets. Taro checks up on my work daily as well as to see if my crops are growing well (which they are… due to Pierre threatening me).

I sighed. Where would be a good place to run off too? (And that's when the light bulb shines brightly above my head.) The Jungle…

Gannon had told me that I had enough money to pay for the labor of building that new bridge to the Jungle. He should've finished by today and I have yet to check out the area… as I had always done.

But then the doubts hit me. What if something bad happens (to me) like it does all the time when I visit new unexplored areas? I recalled the Forest Incident. Then recalling all the times I somehow hurt myself when I find a Harvest Sprite. … Oh well.

I'm bound to find someplace there to wash my stuff. And I doubt anyone is up by this time. Better now then never. I quickly and neatly stuffed my needs within my rucksack and left my house, locking the door.

It occurred to me that I've been getting faster, maneuvering through the towns. I'm sure that everyone was awake, just getting prepared for the day. I continued walking through East Town, now passing Pierre's and Lanna's House. Turning north, I saw that the bridge wasn't far off. I sprinted my way towards it.

The bridge itself started creaking which scared me every time. But I had never seen so much green in my life since I crossed over. It was weird. Flowers of different colors growing in patches here and there, vines crossing over head, and Tons of thick and skinny trees with vines crawling all over the place. It was like - in a very very odd reminiscing way - the scene from Tarzan.

I continued walking slowly, trying not to make any sounds. It was too peaceful and quiet here and I surely didn't feel like ruining it.

"WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE!" I screamed, jumping forward. I quickly whirled around to find a Harvest Sprite, color turquoise. I saw that he had a worried expression, glancing around nervously. Jumping to my shoulder, he raised a tiny finger to his lips.

"I'm sorry for scaring you, but please be quiet." I nodded and he smiled. "My name is Manfred. I am the guardian of the Jungle. Pleasure to meet you."

"Another of Noe's family?" I asked.

"Indeed, Chelsea. I hear a lot about you." The little guy then tugged at my hair. "Noe asked me to show you around. Is there anything you looking for in particular?"

I blinked. "Umm.. Is there like.. A spring .. Or a pond? There's something.. I'd like to wash…" It was sorta awkward, I didn't really know how to explain, but apparently, he didn't mind.

Tugging my hair some more -which somewhat hurt, he told me to keep on walking forward. Take a right, move to the left, take another right, keep walking forward. I had to say as he was leading me that everything looked like the same place over and over again, like in the Forest…. Oh, I should probably ask now before the same thing happens again like Neil (the youngest of the Sprites who made her and himself lost in the Forest…).

"Manfred, do you know where we are going?"

"Yes I do… Please trust me." He then smiled, "Ah here we are."

II was bust looking at Manfred that I hadn't watched where I had stepped and felt my shoe and leg burn my skin, I spazzed out, jumping and falling, quick to rub my soaked warm leg. Looking up, I found hot springs. Lots of hot springs. The steam rising in the air, warmth fluttering all around.

"Will this work to your satisfaction, Chelsea?"

I stared at him stupidly. "Uhh.. Yeah…"

"Very well. If you need me, don't hesitate to call." He then walked under a bush, disappearing from sight.

This was convenient - very convenient. Like an outdoor bath! I could come here every morning or night and just soak here. No one is gonna follow me if they don't see me. And there's no one out here. I'll soak here tonight. I felt myself shiver with excitement. Like any other girl, I like being clean, it excites me.

I took of my rucksack and flashed out my bras. Sticking a single finger into the water, I instantly pulled it out. It was hot… well of course it would be. But that's good. Erika told me that running things under hot water could kill off bacteria and germs.

I had also brought some soap with me. Lavender scented soap. I dumped my bras first and began scrubbing until the bubbles washed off. Looking around, I was searching for a place to hand them up. Right beside me, there was this stick looking thing pocking out from a bush. It looked like a good spot. I pulled at the stick to feel that it was being quite stubborn. I yanked on it and it came out more. Neatly I placed my bra on there.

Turning back for my next bra, I re-did the process, ready to hang up the next soaked bra on the stick, but once I turned for it, the stick and bra was gone.

Placing the wet bra on my rucksack, I crawled to where the stick should've been with my bra. Looking through where the stick stuck out, I found the stick was standing with no bra on it. I caught my breath as I found a set of feet beside the stick and looked up to find the honor was male…

MALE?

He was a tall man, tanned, but slightly lighter than Denny. His hair spiked straight up, held by a single band and his body was obviously well built, since he was topless. What struck me most though was that his get-up… was like Tarzan… -insert Tarzan call here- His clothes were tiger patterned as well as his look alike boots.

I frowned. First a Cowboy. Second, a Pirate. Now Tarzan whom I've NEVER seen on the island before. Whoopedidoo. And to think all my horror times have them included…Why I say that is because Mr. Tarzan was examining my bra. He blinked at it. He raised it. He sniffed at it. He ran away with it.

I stood up, my eyes filled with horror. "What the crap?" I crashed through the bushes, then gasped and crashed through them again to grab my bras and stuff them into my rucksack. Crashing through the bushes the third time, I swiftly ran after Tarzan the bra thief.

"Where'd he go?" became my mantra during that time. I ran here and there but to no avail. I slowed down, coming to a stop.

"I'm not going to find him… I have no heck of an idea where I'm going in the first place." After all, Mr. Tarzan never saw me right? So if I go after it, then they would surely figure out it's mine… A "Guy's" bra- Oh, crap… My name is on there. (It clearly says on the tab "This is the Property of Chelsea Acres.")

She cursed under he breath and turned to smack her face into a wooden wall. Cursing again, she rubbed her nose angrily and stared at her suspect. A wooden wall that was a part of a wooden shack.

"Heh? Someone lives here?" She murmured. Probably this is where Mr. Tarzan lives…creeping quietly to the door, she slowly creaked it open to peek through.

Inside the home was somewhat like Denny's shack, except with animal skins on the floor and walls and tribal signs and feathers and a collection of spears and knives. I looked back for a second to rethink this over again. What exactly am I chasing after again? And is it REALLY worth it?

"Wada. Look." I turned my attention back to find Mr. Tarzan talking to a shorter, wrinkled, black spiky hair, cheetah clad man with a skull tied with bones around his forehead. He had really thick eye brows and beady eyes (like Taro's) and a black lizard was sticking out of his mouth. I guess he was Wada.

Said man now had hold of my bra. He looked at it with a look of knowledge unlike Mr. Bra Thief who had a look of confusion.

"…………………" He then raised it up to his chest and wore it like it should be worn. "…………….. Woman cloth………….. Why you have, Shea?" He handed it back to now known name Shea, who stared at it.

"I find on spear. Something was tugging on spear while hunting and found this."

Oh woops.. Seems like it's my fault ( I tugged on the spear..). But wait… Obviously, they never went into town, now judging by their looks and language (which is really choppy), but does that mean they were on the island before we got shipwrecked?

SHUNK.

A little "eep" escaped my lips as I fell back from the door, that swung open with a spear pierced in it. The two native men were now looking at me with intimidating looks. I was hesitant as I stood up, brushing away the dirt that caught on to me.

"Who are you?" Shea asked sternly.

Voice shaky, I answered, "My.. My name is Braden."

They both stared at me the looked at one another. As they did so, I stepped into the house, removing the spear from the door and staring at the sharpened point. If this hit me…

Wada stared at me. "…………….This………………….Girl……………."

I blinked, then blanched. Old Native Wild Man knows?

"……..That…….. Hers… Give………" He poked Shea with the wooden end of his own spear. Shea looked back at me and studied me briefly before turning back to Wada. "Wada… This is Man."

Wada smacked him on the head the same style Taro smacks me with his rod. He looked discontented and turned to look at me. "Why does man have woman thing?"

I didn't answer…. How could I answer?

Shea threw me back my now dry bra which I caught and quickly stuffed in my rucksack. "Where you come from?"

I looked at him and his glare. If glares could kill, I would already be dead. "… From.. Past the Bridge.."

Shea frowned. "Big man built bridge. He looked strong. No one come over but you."

I nodded. He must be talking about Gannon.

"You come from over the bridge?" The younger Wildman asked. He didn't seem mean and though he wasn't as civilized, it was still humane enough. IT should be no different from talking with everyone else.

I smiled. "Yeah, there's other islands than this island and much more people."

He nodded. "My name.. Shea. This is Wada." He looked over to the older man, who was eating a roasted fish.

I didn't really know what to say. They lived like this..? They must hunt their own food… haven't come into contact in such a long time. Perhaps.. They were around the time when all contact was lost to this island, during the time of the old rancher.

"Well… It's good to meet you." I bowed slightly. "But I better go." I began to turn for the door, but A hand on my shoulder stopped me.

"Be careful. Wild dogs." He looked serious. "Dangerous."

I nodded. "I will." Once his hand slid off, I left the house.

I didn't know why, but I was fazed. Culture shock has hit me good.

-x-

The Next Day…

Lanna giggled happily, holding her fishing rod close. "Hee. It's not everyday where Braden goes fishing with me…" She was looking at the said farmer happily, the her green eyes went past him, to look at the tan fisherman. "But why are you here?"

Denny looked back at the frowning popstar. "Likewise." He smirked as she fumed.

"Now. Now. Let's fish peacefully. Wouldn't want the fishi -"Chelsea suddenly cut off as she grasped on to her rod as she felt it wiggle.

"You caught a fish, Bray?" Denny peered over to his little bro who had a worried look on his face.

"Y-Yeah… But I dunno if I could -" Cutting off again, she felt it yank harder than expected and jerked backwards, now getting to her feet.

Lanna's eyes filled with excitement. "Oohh, Braden caught a big fish!" She stood up next to the farmer, observing quietly.

Chelsea yanked again, afraid as the feeling of the line snapping was revealing. The weight was massive. She then mumbled under her breath, "Denny?"

"Yeah? Need help?" He asked, getting to his feet.

"No.. Not that…." Yanking on the rod again. "If some killer shark comes out, think you can handle it?"

He snorted, adding a big mocking grin. 'That is .. If you could pull it out first."

Chelsea raised a brow, keeping a good hold on her rod as she tried to reel it in. "Oh, are you challenging me?"

"~Maybe"

Chelsea felt the rod tug and finally took her chance to haul it in. She pulled on it strongly, adding weight as she shifted to her side and made a final pull. The water splashed high as the large King Fish sparkled out. But it wasn't the only one flying through the air,

SHUNK SHUNK SHUNK

The fish flew back much farther than its supposed landing point and as it made impact to the ground, it didn't budge. It was dead. It had knives decorated with feathers punched into it in a row, blood slowly trickling out.

Lanna grabbed at Chelsea sleeve as they just stared at it.

"Where… Where'd the knives come from?" Denny muttered out, turning to look at Chelsea.

Chelsea shook her head, then quickly turned around toward the jungle to find the bushes and leaves rustling. She squinted her eyes, frowning… "I think I just stole someone's lunch…" After all, they were fishing beside the bridge leading to the Jungle. It was bound to be his target.

Lanna and Denny were confused. They looked at each other then at their target of affection, who began walking toward the limp fish and pulling out the knives.

The popstar blinked as Chelsea laid the knives out and gently placed the fish in the bucket. "But Braden. You caught that fish. Wasn't it supposed to be your dinner?"

"I can eat other things… " Closing up the bucket and picking it up, she blinked herself, trying to think of the right way to say it. "I better return this."

Denny raised a brow. "To the sea? Fishy dead."

"Ummm.. Not… quite… But he needs it more than me.." Chelsea quickly scurried off to the bridge of the Jungle as Denny and Lanna persisted, yelling, "WHO?"

She continued passing through some trees and found Manfred scavenging at a nearby bush. He noticed her arrival before hand though and greeted, "Why, hello, Chelsea!" He seemed really giddy as he cheered, "You're Alive!"

Chelsea, dropping the bucket, scratched the back of her neck. "Of course I'm alive. What makes you say that?" Manfred gave her a queer look and answered, "I though that Wada and Shea might've eaten you since I hadn't seen you come yesterday after our meeting."

The farmer stared at the Sprite. "So you're telling me this now? Why hadn't you said they were cannibals BEFORE I MET WITH THEM?"

The Sprite pleaded, raising his hands. "N-N-Noo! It's not like that. I was just assuming -" Before he finished, a bare foot appeared next to him, belonging to the younger Wildman, Shea.

Chelsea blinked at his figure, seeing he was wearing the same thing as yesterday and noticing that his face was discontented. He looked up surprised to find her standing there and asked, "You've returned?"

"Ah.. Yeah…" Raising the stained knives, she continued. "These belong to you?"

Shea took the knives from her hands and nodded. "I killed big fish with knives for food tonight. But it was gone."

"Not exactly…" Chelsea pulled her bucket between them and popped open the lid, gesturing for Shea to come closer. Pulling off the lid, he was able to see the mentioned big fish and stared at it with amusement. "Did you catch?"

"Yeah, but your knives killed it. I'll give this to you." Since apparently it's your dinner… Chelsea added in her thoughts.

"No. Your catch. Your food." Even if his face and expression said otherwise, it was hers. It's her food. He knows he should catch his own. "Men don't take other man's food."

Chelsea and Manfred sweat dropped. He still thinks I'm a guy… I guess that's a good thing.

"Covering the bucket once again, she shoved it toward him. "It's yours. Anyway, I already have food at home." Un-appetizing herbs, but it'll do. "I'm giving this to you."

The Wildman seemed quite irritated by this gesture and opened his mouth to decline the offer, but his stomach growled loudly, clear to their ears. Shea's cheeks lightened pink and he turned away. "Thank… you."

This time, Chelsea smiled. "You're welcome."

Instantly, Shea grabbed the white bucket and Chelsea's wrist, dragging through bushes and trees.

"Uhh.. Shea?" Chelsea began.

"Eat with us tonight!" He said with a smile growing on his face. "Wada will be happy with big fish."

Chelsea thought the offer was nice, seeing she could share their catch together, but then again, it struck her that Taro (her own personal Wada) would be wondering where she had gone to as they picked up the produce for the shipment today. It was only a quarter 'til five. But before she could even deny, Shea's house was already in view.

"Wada!" Shea yelled happily. "Look. Big fish Braden caught." By this time, he had already let go of her wrist and headed toward Wada with the bucket. "Let's feast tonight!" Then looking over to Chelsea, "With Braden."

Wada stared at the fish. Then next thing Shea knew, a smack to his forehead.

"Agh, Wada!" Shea complained, rubbing his head.

"…………….. Her Food……………."

Chelsea watched amusingly as Shea pouted, saying things she couldn't comprehend that made Wada's frown grow, earning another smack with the wooden spear. Then the spear pointed to her.

Shea looked at her and asked, "It's your catch. What do you want to do?"

Chelsea looked at the bucket of fish, then at the two wildmen before her. It was strange. A weird nostalgia coming over her. Here was this family of two, who hadn't affected of the world of money, perhaps not knowing the power of money or its existence at all. And yet, they still lived happily, though it wasn't a complete family set as Chelsea knew of, and still were able to provide themselves with food and… clothing…But she liked it. Though, it may be considered poor, to her it seemed just as equal as rich… with so much mo-

"ACK!" Chelsea screeched as she rubbed her forehead vigorously. "That hurt!" She glared at Wada who withdrew his spear.

"Answer?" Shea questioned again.

"Oh.. Yeah.. Fish." Chelsea then smiled. "Let's fry it. Make sure there's enough for each of us, but there should.. It looks big enough."

Shea nodded and stood up. "I'll get fire ready."

The feast went really well. Wada -though not content to know that this wasn't his catch- was still happy with the fact that the meal was enough to fill the stomach. Shea was impressed by the farmer's unforeseen appetite, but began scolding once he saw something that bothered him. The scarfing down of food, the disrespect.

Once she finished her part of the fish, she replied back. "Sheesh, Shea. What's wrong with me eating?"

"You should show respect for food."

"Respect?"

"Yes." Wada nodded at this.

After a moment of silence, Chelsea looked at her worn down watch on her wrist and gasped. "Man.. It's late. I better get going." Standing up quickly and cleaning up after herself, she looked at the two wildmen. "Uhh.. I'll see you guys later (I guess)?…" Wada waved her off, going off to do his business, but she noticed that Shea was still looking at her. "…Something wrong Shea?"

He abruptly stood up and demanded. "You come back tomorrow."

She took a while to nod, quite intimidated by his serious look. "Yeah…okay, I will. Good night." As she turned to leave, she stole another glance at Shea, his face still looking quite upset.

-x-

And … the Next day…

"Sooo… What's up, Shea?" Chelsea inquired as she followed the jungle man through the many leaves and branches. There was no response from him.

The farmer didn't really know how long she's been wandering in the jungle with her jungle friend, nor did she know why, but his movements were rough ever since she first entered the jungle and met up him at the entrance. All he said to her since their meeting was, "Follow me." Then a gruff turn around and stomping. For her enjoyment, she would stop every so often to where he would notice this and come back, grabbing her arm and dragging her.

Thanks to not paying attention, a familiar movement of her bumping someone's back was made again, quickly followed by her grumbling. But the grumbling quickly stopped as his hand clamped over her lips.

Shea pulled her quietly forward until she stood right in front of him, her back against his chest. He raised his other hand and placed it on his lips, gesturing to be quiet, then pointed in front of them, pointing to a wild dog. She was confused but obeyed, watching the canine as it crouched lowly in the undergrowth. Wondering what the dog was doing (and looking at), she searched around until she found a rabbit nibbling on some grass. She found the thought of the animal in a wrong environment strange, but then considered that everything has become strange to her since her coming to Sunny Island.

Suddenly, loud rustling and growls were heard, startling Chelsea. The sight wasn't that delightful either as she saw some blood splattering at some nearby leaves where the rabbit was last seen, the dog from earlier now occupying that space, ravenously chowing down.

Quickly she was dragged away again until they reached an open space. Shea's hold on her let go and she stumbled a little forwards. He had a very serious face, brows slouched and lips pursed.

Chelsea scratched the back of her neck nervously. "Is … Is something wrong?"

He took in a breath. "I….." A pause, Chelsea looking bewildered. "I…."

"I? What?"

"I .. I will teach you to hunt!"

And from there, that's where it all started. Hunting lessons always came to Chelsea whenever she decided to visit (which was practically every other day since she would always come by and give them her best catch of the day for food). Spearing, dagger throwing, observing. But, it was quite obvious that it hadn't bothered Chelsea at all.

Actually, she would seem just as normal as any other day, even if it was extra to her being physical, but it didn't really seem to take affect. Then again, Shea gave no pity about farming. He didn't see the significance yet, but he did know that Chelsea was and is a hard worker and that alone impressed him enough.

"You did well." Shea smiled proudly at his pupil.

Chelsea sat down, sweat beading on her forehead. "Not as good as you."

"Of course not." His voice rigid once again. "Much more to learn."

"Haha. Right." Looking up, she saw the moon begin to rise on the pink sky. "It's late. I better scoot."

A howl rang throughout the jungle and Shea stopped her as he grabbed her shoulder. "I come with you."

"Huh?" Chelsea blinked. "Oh.. No,no. It's fine. I know my way around now. I can go myself."

Shea didn't accept the answer. "It's better if we go together. You don't know how to fight wild dogs. Once man knows, he can go alone."

Chelsea was still surprised to how Shea still didn't get that Braden was really a girl, no matter how many times Wada pointed it out. But she shrugged it off. I guess it's better that way, she thought mentally.

They both walked quietly through the gray leaves now. The swishing of grass and leaves and the trickling of water clearly heard.

-x-

I like Shea. He's my favorite out of the bunch since he's different. But for some odd reason, I like Wada more… whack people with sticks and stuff…

- Do Jo