Beach of Bones Josephine Vandorsa
Beach of Bones Written by Josephine Vandorsa of E4B Instructor: Mr. Kenneth M. Smith Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Words checked = [20007] Words in Oxford 3000™ = [94%] 1
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About the Author Josephine Vandorsa studies at a language college in the warm parts of southern Taiwan, majoring in English and Japanese. Having always been a girl of avid imagination, her passion for story-writing was ignited at the age of ten, when she completed her first horror story, The Haunting of Corsonnio. Her other novel, Entwined:
The
Rise
of
Wendaegaria,
is
scheduled to launch in 2015. Working as an English tutor, a student and a writer, she now resides in Tainan with her lovely family. 3
Audio file at http://youtu.be/3l-ABuKo9lw
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Contents Chapter 1 An Island in the Mist Chapter 2 Food and Shelters Chapter 3 Dark Dreams Chapter 4 Watch and Watched Chapter 5 The Hunt in the Jungle Chapter 6 5
Things of the Night Chapter 7 The Parting of the Ways Chapter 8 Truth Unearthed Chapter 9 Savages Chapter 10 The Broken Tie Chapter 11 Betrayal and Lunacy Epilogue 6
Chapter one
An Island in the Mist Zack The storm rocked the ship. The wind howled and the waves flung the helpless vessel around like a ragged doll. “Abandon ship!” roared the captain over the storm, “Into the lifeboats. NOW!” Zack turned to face the others. The girls were huddled to one corner, too frightened to move and the boys were very pale. They had started out joyously a few days ago, chattering 7
excitedly about the adventures awaiting them as they boarded the Marco Polo, a sailing ship bound for Fiji, the tropical island of dreams. The captain,
too,
had
guaranteed
them
an
unforgettable trip. What a way to end the last days of high school, eh? He’d said to them with a promising twinkle in his eye. Before this, everything had gone by smoothly. Crack! The sudden noise snapped Zack back to reality. He looked up just in time to see a strong gust of wind carry away part of the sail cloth, 8
leaving an ugly gap above their heads. Chloe shrieked. “We’re going to die! Oh, we’re going to die!” “Stop saying things like that!” yelled Bianca, “We’ll make it out. Together!” Zack nodded. “We must get to the lifeboats!” he shouted, trying to make himself heard over the storm. He tasted rain water with every word he said. “It’s our only chance. C’mon! To the bow!” One by one, the teens made their way cautiously on the slippery deck to the front of 9
the ship, gripping tightly onto the handrails as they went. All but one. “The sea will drown us!” screamed Chloe, shrinking further into the corner. She was wearing a tight fitting dress of shocking pink and a pair of high heels to match. Oh boy. It’s not exactly the sort of clothing fit for a time like this. Zack extended a hand. “You have to go! Come. I’ll help you, but you’ll have to abandon your shoes.” Chloe considered for a
moment, but
eventually nodded and, kicking off her shoes, 10
held Zack’s hand and followed him. But before they could reach the bow, an outcry was heard. “What is it?” whimpered Chloe. Zack did not answer, but continued his way up to investigate. They found the others leaning against the rails, looking out into the sea, shouting and waving. “What happened?” Zack asked John, as he was thrown onto the rails next to him with a sudden movement of the ship. “The crew,” said John, his voice strained, “they’ve left without us.” He pointed out to the 11
horizon. Zack squinted and saw the lifeboat in the distance in the mercy of rough waves. “Come back!” he heard Chloe scream next to him, “Please, come back!” “They won’t hear you.” shouted Todd irritably, “And they won’t turn back even if they did.” Just then, a tall wave crashed against the ship and sprayed icy water upon them. “To the centre of the boat!” Zack yelled, knowing the dangers if they kept clinging onto the side of the ship. “Get yourselves away from 12
the sides.” Another wave attacked the ship and sent the teens tumbling onto the deck. They scampered for refuge in the wheel room, which yet stood intact. Water came in after them from beneath the door but at least the wind couldn’t follow. Zack grabbed onto the tiller and pushed himself up. Spinning towards the direction of the sea, he thought he saw the black dot in the distance swallowed by hungry waves. Running his fingers through his wet hair, he turned to face the rest of the company. John’s fair hair was plastered to his face and he looked 13
miserable. Todd was staring into space. Chloe and Sandra held tight onto each other and Nick knelt by Bianca and Jenny. Only eight of us, thought Zack, dread flooding him. There should be nine! “Where’s Peter?” he yelled, but no one answered. No, no he can’t be dead. There was a scuttling noise behind him, and a fat boy scurried out from under a table. “I’m over here.” The boy said shakily and Zack sighed with relief. The storm raged on into the morning. The 14
sky cleared and shone an innocent blue, masking all evidence of the storm the previous night. The team still clung onto the mast, the shadow of the storm fresh in their hearts. Zack was the first to stand up. At first his legs shook from the numbness of squatting so long. It felt like tiny needles pricking the bottom of his feet as blood circulated smoothly once more. He ran his hand through his ink black hair and observed the ship, or what’s left of it. The railings at the bow had been torn away and what remained of the sails were strips of rags hanging loosely upon the 15
ropes. The deck was still wet and the wood beneath his feet splintered. The mast was half missing, now only a sad stump in the centre of the ship. Pieces of shattered glass from the window of the wheel room crunched as he walked over them. The water was still and calm and a vibrant blue. There wasn’t anything in miles expect for the wreckage. John appeared beside him. “Any signs of the crew?” he asked. He was tall and well built, with handsome features and a half smile on his face that made him look as if he were up to some 16
mischief. Zack shook his head, remembering the dot he saw vanishing the night before. “I don’t think they made it.” “But they were on the lifeboat.” said Chloe from behind, “How could they—” “I’m not that sure.” Zack said with a shrug, “I could be wrong.” But deep down inside he knew the truth. Another boy appeared on deck. He was tall and rather gangly, but moved his way elegantly across deck to a battered payphone on the wall. 17
Todd put the receiver to his ear and dialled. “It’s dead.” he announced after a few tries. John took his mobile phone from his pocket. He stood on his toes and held it high in the air, his eyes on the screen. A while later, he announced there wasn’t any signal. Zack’s heart sank at the news. Peter’s face appeared from a broken window, “I’m hungry.” he declared. When no one commented on that, he went on, “I suppose I’ll go below and have a look…see if there’s any food left. You people have to be hungry.” 18
“I’ll go with you.” offered Todd, and with that, the pair disappeared down the rickety stairs, which led down into the galley. Slowly, Bianca stood up. “Gosh, my legs are numb!” she exclaimed, stomping her feet. “So are mine!” said Jenny, Bianca’s best friend. “What can we do now?” Sandra, a short girl with light brown hair and blue eyes, asked Zack timidly from behind. “Wait.” he replied. Peter and Todd reappeared not long after 19
carrying a large flour sack loaded with cans. “These are all we have.” explained Todd. “Others are either broken or washed away by the storm.” “There’s a huge hole down there!” Peter said, “And things are falling out.” Bianca nodded knowingly. “We’d better find someplace to dock. The ship won’t be able to go through another of these storms.” “But we’re miles away from anybody.” said Nick as he crossed the splintered deck with caution. “I bet no one even knows we’re here.” 20
“Well, it’s just move on, or die.” Everyone fell silent. The prospect of dying was too much for them to bear but it struck the truth. “Alright, then. First things first.” said Zack, breaking the silence. He picked up a can from the bag and turned it in his hand, “Everyone must be starving. Let’s eat.” The others muttered their consent and reached into the sack for the cans. They were so dinted and dirty, that it was hard to tell what their contents were. 21
“Ugh, tuna.” said Sandra when she opened a can. John gave his can a sniff, “Mine’s beef. Wanna trade?” “Thanks.” Todd handed out spoons. He gave Zack two spoons; the other which Zack knew was for John. That there was something between Todd and John was known by all, but the cause of it remained a mystery. Neither of them would talk about it. Zack wondered endless possibilities as he handed John the spoon. 22
The teens settled in a loose circle and ate the food quietly. Though Zack had never liked canned food, going on for a day without anything to eat had turned his canned tuna into a heavenly feast. After he’d finished, he wiped his mouth with the back of his damp sleeve, satisfied, but at the same time hungry for some more. He stared longingly at the flour sack in the middle of the circle and noticed the same expression on the others’ faces. Only Peter laid down his empty can and reached out for another. Bianca slapped his hand away. “What?” said 23
Peter, looking genuinely surprised. “This is for all of us, Peter.” said Bianca crossly, “Not only for you.” “We need all the food we can.” agreed Todd and Zack nodded, though his gaze lingered on the cans. John looked up. “The sails are ruined, so we can’t possibly hope to get to land by wind.” “But there’s a steady current.” said Zack. “That’s so. But how long will it be before we get to land?” “Dunno.
It’d
probably 24
be
days,
weeks…months even.” “By
then
we’d
have
eaten
through
everything we have.” Sandra added in, “And if there’s no food on the land…” Chloe started to panic, “And what if no one finds us? We’ll be stuck here forever!” “Don’t say things like that. It’s bad luck.” said Bianca with a frown. “You’re being superstitious.” Nick retorted, “And that’s all the bad luck we got.” The angry look Bianca gave Nick did not escape Zack’s 25
notice. Dark haired and blue eyed, Nick shared the same looks with Bianca, which marked them obvious siblings. Zack had heard from John how much Nick liked Chloe, and was intolerant to anyone who had anything against her. From what Zack had seen, he thought that Nick hadn’t always been a supportive brother, and his secret affection for Chloe made it appear even so. “I think,” announced Zack, and everyone gave him their full attention. He rewarded himself with a secret smile, as he prided himself in the natural leadership qualities he’d acquired 26
through the years. People were always willing to hear what he had got to say. “I think, we ought to search the ship for anything that can still be used. Gather them into the wheel house. We must protect them, in case another storm comes our way. Let’s do it now.” They all agreed. Peter shouted first he wanted to search the galley. No one agreed. “Nothing will be left for us to eat.” Zack explained when Peter protested loudly. During the next several hours, a pile of varies objects took form. Their luggage and clothes (fortunately most were safe, if not wet), 27
canned food, packets of salted meat, empty flour sacks, metal plates, wet sheet and blankets from the cabins, ropes, knives, a map, a radio, small boxes of matches, a compass, an axe for emergency use, broken pieces of wooden tables and chairs (“They’ll make excellent firewood.” claimed Nick), a string of garlic and some onions (“we’ll be able to spice our food!” said Peter happily), a cage of eight squeaking mice found from the galley (Todd insisted they’ll come to good use), a miniature model of the Marco Polo Zack retrieved from the captain’s 28
cabin (Zack wanted to bury it on land, in memory of the crew), and lastly a large bundle of sailcloth, which Bianca and Jenny found in the engine room. Bianca dropped herself onto the deck, “Gosh, I’m exhausted.” she said as she sat down beside Jenny. It was merely an instant before their breathing grew slow and steady. The others followed the two girls’ example and were soon fast asleep. Extremely tired himself, Zack lay down on his back and closed his eyes. The
ship
drifted 29
through
the
night.
Occasionally, it would moan, causing Zack to wake with a start, fearing that the vessel was going apart. He was awakened by an excited Peter the next morning. “Hey, guys! Wake up!” The air was still cold and damp from dawn, and the others were groaning and complaining. “Shut up!” John muttered next to him. Peter started to shake Nick, who rolled onto his stomach, “Oh, cut it out.” But Peter insisted. “No, you guys have to 30
wake up and see! I think it’s an island.” That got them all awake in no time. Through the early morning mist, Zack could just make out the shape of something dark looming in the horizon. “What’s that?” asked Chloe, “Are you sure it’s an island?” Todd shrugged, “Well it’s better than nothing.” “Yeah,” agreed Bianca, “I don’t like the idea of staying another night on this wreck.” “No one asked for your opinion.” Chloe 31
hissed. Taken aback by the sudden hostility, Bianca was speechless for a moment, her mouth hanging open. But then her face hardened. “Whatever.” she said and stomped away. “The current is pushing us forward.” said Zack, “If I’m not wrong, we’ll be close enough to see what it is pretty soon.” And they waited, the air of anticipation thick in the air. No one spoke as they locked their gaze on the dark thing, as if afraid that it might disappear at any second. 32
Slowly, the eastern
sun rose and the mist dispersed. A lush green island came clear into view. All at once, the ship erupted with cries of joy. They were saved.
“It’s a miracle an island is located so near where we’re wrecked.” said Nick. “You call that a miracle?” exclaimed John. He clapped Peter on the back. “Peter woke up before us. THAT’S a true miracle for you.” 33
“Good work, Pete.” Nick laughed. “I haven’t slept all night.” Peter said quietly, but the other two boys didn’t hear him. “There has to be people on the island.” said Sandra. Zack frowned, “I won’t be so sure about that. Looks pretty much uninhabited.” He ran his hand through his black hair, something he always did when he felt uneasy. Chloe gasped, “Then how would we be able to survive? We can’t live like this!” “Don’t worry,” Nick said, “We’ll build 34
shelters and fires when we get there, until someone comes along to save us.” He gazed at her, but she looked away. “What if there’re cannibals?” Jenny asked quietly to Bianca. Peter
started
to
chant,
“Ca-nni-bals,
Ca-nni-bals.” “Don’t be silly. They don’t exist on the planet anymore.” said Sandra. “Ca-nni-bals, Ca-nni-bals, Ca-nni-bals.” “I won’t be so certain.” Bianca replied darkly, “They do in places no one’s ever set foot 35
on.” and to Peter she said, “Shut up!” Sandra shivered. Chloe grabbed her hand and pulled her away from Bianca. “Don’t listen to her. Look at you. You’re being stupid.” she scolded, tossing her golden curls, “I can’t believe that you’re scared of such stories made up to frighten little children.” “But—” “Ca-nni-bals, Ca-nni-bals.” “Are we still best friends or not?” Chloe demanded. “Well…yes.” replied Sandra uncertainly. 36
“Then you’ll do well to listen to me. When have I ever lied to you?” “Ca-nni-bals, Ca-nni-bals, CA-NNI-BALS.” “SHUT UP!” they all shouted. The teens watched as the island grew steadily larger and larger.
37
Chapter Two
Food and Shelters Peter The impact the ship caught made them all stagger forward. Landing on the pile of luggage, Peter struggled to get back up but the second impact sent him sprawling back into his previous position. This time, he lay there, and looked up into the blue sky. The bags are really soft, thought Peter, resting his head on one of them. “Eww, get off my stuff!� shouted Chloe, looking at him with disgust. 38
“But it’s really comfy.” Chloe stormed over and jerked her bag away from beneath his head. “Ow!” he rolled over and cried when his chin hit the deck. There was a coppery taste in his mouth as he’d bitten his tongue. “You deserve it.” the girl glowered. Peter shrugged and got up. The others were already back on their feet and leaning from the rails for a better look. “Oh I can’t wait to get off this wreck!” exclaimed Bianca, “It’s seriously starting to get on my nerves—” 39
“Every time the ship rocks.” her friend, Jenny, finished for her. “Exactly!” Looking at the two, Peter couldn’t possibly imagine any two girls looking so different yet getting along so well. In appearance, Bianca was thin and dark with bright blue eyes that flashed with life and curiosity. Conversely, Jenny was slightly plump with mild brown eyes and a shock of bushy brown hair that she’d never seem to brush before pushing it up into a messy ponytail. In speech, Bianca was loud and 40
expressive, while the other was soft-spoken, less articulate and tended to keep matters to herself. Despite the striking contrasts, it was clear to see that both girls treasured their friendship dearly. John was the first to leap off the ship onto the beautiful white beach. He held up fists of sand and threw them into the air, laughing and shouting, “We’re alive! We’re alive!” Nick looked around, amazed. “So this is what paradise looks like.”
41
Peter noticed that the first thing Zack did when he got off the ship was burying the model of the Marco Polo. He moved further from the shore until he found a spot and started digging with his hands. Solemnly, he dropped the model into the hole, said a silent prayer, and covered it 42
all up. When he left, Peter went to the spot and said a prayer of his own for he didn’t want to be ungrateful for the crew bringing him this far. After a while, they found a clearing where the beach ended into a jungle. All deciding it was the perfect spot for them to set up a camp, they started moving their belongings from the wreck to the place. Zack directed them where each thing had to be placed. “The wood goes there.” he would say, “Yes, that’s it. Pile it all up together so we can build a shelter.” He assigned each of them work to do as well; He and John 43
would build the shelters while Bianca and Jenny make the roofs with leaves. Nick’s job was to collect as many useful things he could. Chloe and Sandra would make a fire and Peter and Todd would enter the jungle in search of food source. “We have only enough food to last for four days.” Zack told them. He handed a knife to Todd, “Here, you may need this in case of any danger.” Todd muttered his thanks and, together with Peter, stepped into the world of the unknown. Bright sunlight peered through the gaps of the 44
leaves onto the forest floor carpeted with a thick layer of moss. Colourful flowers grew on tree trunks and decorated vines that hung from the tallest branches of the trees. The air smelled as fresh as morning dew and Peter took in a deep breath, enjoying the moment. “Oh, I forgot to bring something.” said Todd, breaking the enchantment. Peter couldn’t help from being slightly annoyed, “What?” “Wait here and don’t move. I’ll be right back.” He trudged back to the camp. 45
Peter didn’t mind waiting. He examined a tree closely and saw tiny black ants at work, moving pieces of moss from one place to another with their pincers. Far above him, a bird chirped merrily, hopping from one branch to another. It was indeed a paradise, and Peter wondered how it would feel like to live the rest of his life in this undisturbed piece of land. Todd soon returned, bringing a small cage of rats. “What do you bring them for?� Peter asked him. 46
“Come on, I’ll show you.” They made their way through the dense forest and finally came to the foot of a tall tree laden with bright red fruit.
The mice were squeaking loudly as Todd dragged the cage noisily along, drowning the singing of the birds in the trees. “We should pick some of those.” Peter 47
suggested, pointing at the fruit. Todd nodded. “Can you reach it?” he asked, indicating the nearest one. Peter stood on tiptoes and picked a fruit from the lowest branch. The surface was shiny, smooth and tempting. He opened his mouth to eat it. “Wait!” said Todd. Peter paused, the red fruit an inch from his lips. “What?” “Give me the fruit.” “Go get one yourself!” Peter protested. 48
But Todd insisted, “Just give it to me, Peter.” Reluctantly, he handed over the fruit and watched as Todd broke it in half and held it to the cage. At the sight of food, the mice squeaked and squirmed and scratched at the cage with their tiny claws. “You took my fruit just to feed these things?” Peter asked disbelievingly. “Shh!” said Todd, “Shut up and watch.” And he did. Todd pulled the latch from the cage door and allowed only a small opening. One of the mice, seeing its chance, darted out 49
straight towards the fruit. Before the rest of the mice could follow, the cage door was locked once more. Peter still couldn’t understand, “What are you doing?” The sweet scent coming from the fruit was making his stomach rumble and the sight of the mouse diving happily into the fruit inflamed his hunger even more. “Just you wait.” said Todd as he moved the cage away from sight. The two of them watched. It was only a minute before the movements of the mouse 50
started to become jerky. It leapt off the fruit with a shriek and lay on the floor, twitching and clawing at its own body. Its painful squeals were horrible to hear and Peter covered his ears. Another minute passed. The mice twitched once more and never moved again. Todd moved the body with his feet. “It’s dead.” he said. “Yes, I can see that.” Peter replied, shaken. He was glad Todd had stopped him from putting the fruit in his mouth after all. With a piece of jagged rock, Todd carved a clear large X on the trunk. He said, “This way, 51
when the others come the same way, they’ll know what they can’t touch.” As they took a different route back and on the way, Todd explained the matter to him. “This is an uninhabited island.” he said, “which means there’s a high possibility that no one has even set foot in this place. There could be many species undiscovered. I’ve also read somewhere in a book that certain kinds of plants may be poisonous to any creature that are not indigenous. The fruit tree back there proved the case. That’s why we ought to be careful.” 52
Peter nodded. His gaze lowered to the cage of mice Todd dragged behind him and couldn’t help but notice how the animals became considerably quieter, as if they had heard the death cries of their companion. They found another tree. This time its fruit were round and yellow. Todd performed the same experiment before he confirmed the fruit to be safe. Peter tasted the fruit, finding it sour. But as hungry as he was, he finished it in less than three bites. After Todd drew a large circle on the tree, they collected some of the fruit in a flour sack and 53
went on their way. The camp was busy when they returned. Zack and John were hauling a roof woven of leaves onto one of the wooden shelters they made.
The shelter was small and shabby, but complete with an entrance and two openings on the sides for windows. Peter thought it looked 54
pretty nice. Under a tree nearby, Bianca and Jenny were stringing palm leaves together to make another roof while Sandra collected firewood
around
the
area.
Nick
brought
whatever he could find from the ship and laid them in a pile by the shelters. Chloe reclined in the shadow of a rock and fanned herself with a palm leaf. “Why isn’t she working?” Peter whispered to Todd, who shrugged. “Finally back! And about time!” Zack shouted as he secured the roof with ropes which 55
went around a jagged rock. “Have you got anything nice?” Chloe got up slowly. “Yeah, what have you brought? I won’t be able to live through another meal with that awful canned meat.” She stuck a hand into the sack and started picking through the fruits. From where she was sitting, Bianca shot Chloe a look of annoyance, but didn’t say anything. Todd raised his eyebrows, and drew the sack away. “Have you been sitting there all the time?” 56
“Yeah, so?” He sighed, “Then you have absolutely no right to be the first to choose. The others are working and there you sit, waiting for things to be done for you. It’s not fair to the others, you know.” Chloe started to complain, “How can I work when I’ve never done so, even once, in my life?” her voice was shrill as she batted her eyelashes. Pointing at the others, she said, “They are the skilled ones. I’ll only mess their work all up again.” 57
“Then learn.” replied Todd simply and took the sack away from her. Chloe stood there with her mouth open, apparently shocked by the way she was treated. Peter saw Bianca’s smirk of satisfaction. Zack leapt from the low wall and picked a yellow fruit. “Thanks, man.” he said to Todd. “Welcome.” “I picked some, too.” reminded Peter. Zack bit into the fruit, “Thanks.” His expression changed as he chewed. “How is it?” asked Peter anxiously. 58
Zack’s eyelids fluttered when he swallowed. “Sour.” He turned to Todd. “What exactly is this?” “I don’t know. All I know is that it’s not poisonous.” “That’s good enough for me.” Zack said and took another bite. Another hand reached into the sack. “How can you be sure they’re not poisonous?” Bianca asked, “You didn’t taste them yourselves, did you?” “No,” answered Todd, “We’ve got helpers.” 59
“What helpers?” “I’ll show them to you. Peter, would you mind bringing them to me?” “Sure.” Peter went to the edge of camp where the cage had been left. The mice squeaked in protest when he picked it up.
When Sandra saw the mice, her eyes grew 60
as large as plates, “We’re not going to eat that, are we?” Todd laid the sack on the ground and removed the cage from Peter’s hands. “No. They have better uses.” At the sound of squeaking, John drew near with curiosity. “What are they for?” “Toxin testers.” said Todd, “One of them died today eating a fruit. I drew an X on that tree so if you chance to get to that part of the jungle, look out for it.” “That’s
pretty
clever.” 61
complimented
Bianca. “Yeah, it is.” John agreed, somewhat grudgingly. He grabbed a fruit from the sack and went away. Bianca tried to squeeze a tiny piece of fruit through the bars but the holes were too thin for anything to go through. Tiny claws scraped impatiently at the bars. After a few unsuccessful tries, the girl put one hand over the latch and held a fruit in another, looking at Todd, “May I?” “But you’re wasting the fruit!” said Peter. He couldn’t bear to see anything edible go to 62
waste. “It’s alright.” said Todd. “Those mice are hungry. In no time they will be eating one another. Can’t let that happen. Don’t give them too much, though.” “Sure.” Bianca gestured to Peter, “Come help me.” “What am I supposed to do?” he asked. “I’ll push the fruit through the entrance. Stay near in case they escape.” That scared him. “So you want me to catch them?” He wiped his forehead with the back of 63
his hand, “What if they bite me? What if they bite me and infect me with some disease? What if I die infected?” “Then perhaps you’ll be a great deal brighter than you are now.” replied the girl irritably, “Trust me, you need it.” Peter frowned, but stood at the ready anyway. Cautiously, Bianca opened the door ever so slightly. Mice were jostling and shoving at the small opening. A thin one slipped through its companions and came out before Bianca could stop it. 64
“Catch it, Peter!” she shouted. Peter lunged at the tiny creature, but it swerved and ran on. His breath was knocked out by the fall and his belly ached. As he struggled to get up, Bianca and Todd raced past him. Too tired to stand, he sat where he was and watched as a little grey thing ran nimbly across the grassy ground, followed by two blundering large ones. The sight was actually rather funny and he couldn’t help but giggle to himself. The mice sped on blindly in terror — right into the opening hands of John. The fingers 65
tightened around its body and gripped on like a vice. Bianca and Todd came running to a halt, panting. “Oh, thank you!” cried Bianca, holding out her hands. But John did not hand it back to her. Instead, he examined the little animal while it wriggled desperately in his hand. “Bad mouse.” he said softly, “Bad, bad mouse.” Then, without warning, the mouse bit him on the hand. John yelled, and in sudden pain and anger, hurled the animal to the ground with all his might. Dizzy from the impact, the mouse staggered, trying to 66
move away. But John took hold of it by the tail and slammed it again and again into the dirt, while its screams could be heard quite clearly from a distance where Peter still sat. Peter pushed himself up to the scene, shouting, “Hey, don’t hurt it! We still need it for experiment!” But obviously John was in no mood to listen. He picked up the mouse again — which was by then weak and dying and unable to resist — by the tail and circled the part where its head joined its body with his thumb and forefinger. With a twist, the mouse gave a 67
piercing cry and grew silent. Peter stared in terrified awe as John dropped the body and kicked it at his direction. “There’s your experiment.” he said coldly. There was something primitive in his eyes, something more animal than human. Beneath John’s brown eyes, Peter swore he saw blood red.
68
Chapter Three
Dark Dreams Chloe “Oh Chloe, I want to go home.” whined Sandra for the hundredth time. “You’ve said that many times before. Shut up. It’s annoying.” Chloe wasn’t known for her patience. It was her third day on the island. She was busy laying out all her clothes from her luggage. There was a perfect corner in the new shelter where she could wedge a branch as a rack to hang her clothes. If she was to be trapped on 69
an island, she might as well be trapped with style. Too bad her pink dress was ruined by the sea. That was one of her favourite. Her shoes were displayed in a neat row by her new mattress. Three other identical ones, belonging to Zack, John and Sandra were laid neatly upon the sandy ground. Zack had made one for every of them by stuffing dried leaves under a layer of sailcloth. Though it wasn’t exactly what one would call comfortable, Chloe loved it, for it came from Zack. She was never truly interested in any boy 70
until he came along. Boys always fell under her charm, and she found them boring and unchallenging. But not Zack. She had her eyes on him the every first day she had met him, and he was also the only reason why she was stranded here along with a group of losers. She hung the last pieces of clothing upon the rack and exited the shelter with Sandra at her heels. “Where are we going?” she asked. “Just shut up and follow me.” Chloe thought Sandra was rather dim for a sidekick, but at least she was obedient. Ah, well. One cannot have his 71
cake and eat it, too. She saw Zack working on the other side of the camp and stood there, watching him hack away at the wood with the emergency axe. He looked up and found her staring at him. “Is there anything wrong?” he asked. Why don’t you return my affection like the other boys do? She shook her head. “No.” “Good. Because we’ve got lots of work to do here. Why don’t you guys find something to do and make yourselves useful?” he jerked his head over at Sandra. 72
“We’re going off into the jungle.” she told him. “Be careful, then. Bring something along to protect yourself.” Chloe’s heart swelled with happiness at his words. So he does care for me, she thought as she slipped in through a space between two trees into the jungle. She disliked the outdoors but she hated labour work even more. The others didn’t seem pleased at seeing her relaxing in the corner while they do their jobs. I won’t let them see me then, 73
Chloe thought. Large leaves offered shades for her against a blazing yellow sun and light breezes whistled a cheerful tune through the trees, drying the sweat on her forehead as they passed by. Chloe lifted her arms to the air and twirled around and around, letting the breeze cool her off. She felt very dizzy and stopped to catch
her
breath.
That
was
when
she
remembered Sandra was there with her. “Oh, I thought you were back at camp.” Sandra looked a little confused. “No, I’m not.” 74
“Of course you’re not. Come on, we’ve got to get going.” “Where?” “Well, duh, anywhere I like!” The two girls went on side by side. Once, Sandra tripped on the mossy floor and hurt her knee, which started to bleed. At the sight of blood, Chloe started to feel faint. She hated blood, and was extremely sensitive towards it; both the smell and the sight of it disgusted her greatly. She told her friend to put her wounded leg where she couldn’t see it. Sandra obeyed, 75
though Chloe still imagined she could smell the scent of blood in the air. Sandra saw something glistening in the distance and suggested that they take a look. A stream ran in between the trees towards the direction of the sea. When Chloe and Sandra followed it up river, they reached the side of a lake. Tall weeds stretched from the still water and waved lazily in the breeze.
76
“I’m so hot.” complained Chloe, “I’m going in for a swim. Want to join me?” She started stripping off her outer clothing. “You could wash that ugly wound, too.” “Sure! But…” Sandra glanced nervously around. “No one will see us, right?” 77
“Of course not. We’re all alone. I’m sure we’re pretty far from the camp.” Sandra was satisfied with that answer and started shedding her clothes as well. They left their clothes hanging on a low tree branch and started off towards the water when a movement nearby caught their eyes. Curious, the girls hid behind a tree to investigate, and what they saw told them how lucky they were to see it before entering the water. A seven-foot long crocodile lay on the bank in the sun, its mouth slightly parted, forming a 78
scary smile. It shifted to its right and remained still again. Sharp teeth like the side of a saw lined the edges of its snout.
“Oh, dear.” whimpered Sandra and was about to scream when she was stopped by Chloe clamping a hand over her mouth. “Don’t do that!” Chloe scolded in a furious whisper, “Have you any sense at all? It’ll hear you!” 79
“I want to go home.” cried Sandra as silently as she could. Chloe felt she could have screamed herself, “How many times do I have to tell you? We’re waiting for a rescue boat. How do you suppose you’re going home without it? Swim?” “Please, just get me away from that thing. I’m scared” “Alright, but at least we need our clothes. We’ll grab them and find somewhere else to wear them back on.” Something stirred beside the crocodile and 80
Chloe saw, to her dismay, that it was another one. When Sandra was busy retrieving the clothes, she rounded towards the opposite side of the lake to have a better look. Just as she had expected, more crocodiles stretched their scaly bodies upon the bank, enjoying the warm sunlight. “We have to tell the others.� Chloe said, after she and Sandra had done dressing. The others will have to thank me for this, Chloe thought. For her, it was also another chance to speak with Zack. No one said it, but it was plain 81
he was in charge of everything. And such a fine job he was doing, too. She broke the news to him that evening without Sandra, for she didn’t want to share the glory. First she told him about the stream and then the lake. John and Nick were with him, and they listened intently. “Oh good, we’ll have fresh water, then.” Zack said. Nick clapped his hands, “Nice work, Chloe.” She ignored him, focusing her attention on 82
Zack, “There are crocodiles over there.” John nearly choked on himself, “There are what?” “Crocodiles, at least twenty of them, down by the bank of the lake.” “What? Really?” Zack raised his eyebrows in doubtfully. Chloe nodded, “Yes, Sandra and I saw them. Huge horrible lizards.” “Did they come after you?” Nick asked anxiously. “No, I don’t think they even saw me…What 83
should we do about it?” Zack thought for a minute. “Nothing.” he said. Chloe’s eyes widened in disbelief, “What?” “Nothing.” repeated Zack. “The only thing we can do is to warn the others not to go near the lake.” said John. “But,” Chloe couldn’t believe that such a matter could be taken so lightly, “What if the crocs crawl into camp when we are sleeping? Some of us may die because of this.” “Don’t worry too much.” said Zack with a 84
lazy smile. He leaned himself upon a tree, “Crocs never go far from water. They won’t bother us.” “How can you be certain?” demanded Chloe. “I learned it from Discovery.” John scratched his chin, “I believe the very thing we have to worry about is…” His voice trailed off. “Is what?” urged Nick. “Well, crocs…they don’t appear on islands like this, you know?” 85
“Appear?” “Yes. Appear. We’ve been here for three days now, and the only animals that we see…or we know of are birds and crocs. And according to Chloe’s description of the lake, it sounded much too small for a crocodile colony to start. And they can’t swim through oceans…So that means—” “Someone
brought
them
here.”
Zack
finished for him darkly. “Someone has been here before us, and they brought them here.”
86
Twelve days had passed. There was nothing much to do on the small island. Every day, a small group of them would go exploring but Zack forbade them to go near the lake. Most of the time Chloe stayed behind, offering to keep watch for the camp when she actually just wanted
to
rest
and
reserve
her
energy.
Sometimes, when Sandra was napping, she would stroll alone to the edge of the jungle and feel the breeze carry away the heat on her face. 87
She was terribly hungry. The fruit that the others brought back each day were always sour, making
her
lips
pucker,
also
leaving a
bottomless hunger in her stomach. Her beautiful golden curls were unwashed, tangled and carried the light scent of grease. Everything on this island she hated; the island itself, the incessant crash of the surfs on the beach, the hot sun that baked like an oven, and the people she’s been stuck with. There’s John, to whom everything seemed like a big joke and Peter, the gross one. Todd always looked too sombre and Bianca and 88
her stupid friend, Jenny were always finishing words for each other. Nick appeared almost anywhere she went like a ghost, too eager to please her. Even her sidekick, Sandra, was becoming annoyingly clingy as well. Was it that hard to stay alone for one second? As always, the only person she liked was Zack. A blue bird perched itself on a branch above her head. Chloe stood back and looked at it as thoughts—thoughts she would never have back in her comfortable home—crossed her mind. She imagined the fat little creature turning on a 89
spit, its fat dripping into the fire with sizzling noises and the heavenly smell of cooked meat. She imagined her teeth sinking into the juicy flesh, tearing it clean from the bones. She imagined the savoury tastes of the bird on her lips, the satisfying feeling of being well-fed. Without really knowing it, her hand was reaching up, towards the bird. But it flew away before her fingers could get within a yard near it. Highly disappointed, she returned to the shelter. Sleep was hard that night just like every other night here on this island. The sound of 90
waves coming from all sides seemed about to swallow them every second. Wild imaginations of scary things were never far from her mind, especially at night, when everyone was asleep. She often had nightmares; nightmares of armies of dead people crawling out from the sea, black horses with wings hovering over her, glaring at her with blazing red eyes and a shadowy hooded figure holding a knife over her bed. The temperature dropped when the figure glided in. It stood at the doorway, watching her with eyes she could not see. Chloe felt the hairs 91
on her neck stand up as she pulled the covers to her chin. “No.” she said, “No! Go away!” Slowly, it started moving towards her. She looked frantically around for help but the shelter was so dark she couldn’t see anything but for the shadow. Sandra? Zack? John? Anyone? “Get away from me!” she tried to say, but her voice was stuck in her throat. It kept coming forward and stopped right at the head of her bed. Frightened, Chloe shut her eyes tightly, refusing to look at the horrible figure. Let it be gone, please, let it be gone! 92
Gathering her courage, she peered between her eyelids and saw a white flash very close to her face. The tip of a knife was inches to her neck. Chloe watched in horror as it descended slowly and screamed when the cold tip touched her skin. “What is it?” She heard voices close by and screamed some more. Someone shook her roughly by the arm. Let it be gone, let it be gone, she pleaded, again and again in her mind. Then she heard Sandra’s voice. “It’s me, Chloe. Wake up!” 93
She did, breathing heavily. A bright beam of moon light shone from the entrance illuminating Sandra, John and Zack, who were all kneeling by her bed with looks of worry. The air was warm again. “She’s had a terrible nightmare.” Zack concluded, after a long silence. “You nearly scared us to death.” Sandra said, giving her a hug. John looked serious for once. “Are you sure you’re alright?” he asked. “I saw…I saw…” Chloe stuttered, searching for the right words to use. What did I see, 94
exactly? Zack moved closer. “You saw what?” Her neck hurts. “I thought I saw…” “What did you see?” Sandra repeated, much to her annoyance. “Nothing.” she said firmly, “I saw nothing.” “So it was a nightmare, then?” Zack asked. Chloe nodded, “Ye…yes, I think so.” She was starting to feel rather stupid. “I’m so…sorry I woke you up. It was nothing.” The three got up and went back to their beds. John sat in his and asked her, “Are you sure 95
nothing was there?” The usual smirk had returned to his face. “Yes.” Chloe replied, irritated. “Oh, if that’s the case.” He lay down and pulled his coat over his head. “Goodnight to you all.” Chloe lay back into the bed again. Turning her head to face the entrance, she knew she was too frightened to get back to sleep, but she couldn’t bring herself to admit it to the others. “Are you okay, Chloe?” came Sandra’s voice from the darkness. 96
“I’ll be fine.” she replied. Then memories from the dream came flooding back into her mind and she could almost taste the terror and helplessness she’d felt when the shadow pressed the knife to her throat. Without really knowing it, she touched the spot where she remembered the figure had nearly stabbed her and found it wet. Surprised, she held her hand away against the light and saw it coated with a dark substance. Drawing it close to her nose, the smell which was all too familiar nearly made her faint with nausea. 97
This time, she really screamed. And she didn’t know when she’ll ever stop.
98
Chapter Four
Watch and Watched Peter “This is it, Peter.” said Todd as he threw the green bottle containing a rescue note into the ocean. “Let’s hope someone sees it soon enough.” They stood side by side for a while, watching the waves toss the bottle around as if playing with it. After the strange incident that took place in Chloe’s shelter, Zack announced the following dinner that they have to take turns keeping watch. It was arranged that two or three of them were to 99
stay outside the shelters every night for any signs of the unusual. The first watch was started by Zack and John who reported the next morning, looking very tired, that the coast was clear. Nick, Todd and Peter were assigned to watch for that night and the night after that. “Go get some sleep.” Todd told Peter after the bottle disappeared in the distance. “You’ll need full attention tonight.” Peter yawned, “Don’t need you to tell me that.” he said, settling himself under a palm tree for a nap. 100
That evening, each of them was left with a thick wooden spear sharpened by Bianca during the day. Those were their weapons, along with a kitchen knife kept safely in their pockets. The night was cool, with warm breezes coming in from the sea. White sand brushed lightly at their feet. Peter watched the little white particles run across the back of his feet. He reached down, caught some sand in between his fingers and opened them again, setting the white flakes free in the wind. “Ow!� came a cry behind him. 101
He turned to see Nick rubbing his eyes. “There’s something in your eyes?” he asked, concerned. Nick glared at him through red eyes, “Strange that you should ask.” he spoke through gritted teeth. Then he started rubbing his eyes again. “Damn, that stings.” Todd chuckled, “Stop rubbing. You’ll only make it worse.” “What do you suggest I do, then?” said Nick angrily “Try opening your eyes wide.” Todd replied. 102
“Are you friggin’ mad? That hurts!” “I know it does.” “You—” “Just open them wide.” said Todd calmly. Nick stopped shouting and reluctantly obeyed. Peter stared at him, still confused. “What have you got in your eyes?” he asked. “Shush, Peter.” commanded Todd, and to Nick he said, “A little wider…” Nick began to squirm, “It hurts!” “Shush. Quit
moving. 103
And stop that
whining.” Tears welled up in Nick’s eyes and, as they fell, carried grains of sand along with them. Nick swiped it up with a finger and shoved it into Peter’s face. At the sight of the white grains sticking to the tip, Peter finally came to realization. “Oh!” he said, “I’m sorry!” He hoped there was some way to make up to Nick for what he had done. Nick got up and walked towards the sea. “Get lost.” he growled. 104
“No, really, I’m sorry.” Peter tried to follow Nick, but was stopped by Todd. “When he tells you to ‘get lost’, I believe he does mean ‘get lost’.” he said. He left him standing there and walked some distance, until he found a comfortable place to sit on the beach. With his hands, he started ploughing through the sand but was careful not to spray them so high that the breeze might sweep them into its arms. The sand made soft noises like thin rain when they fell to join their millions and billions of relatives on the beach. Peter found the 105
sound oddly comforting. Shwap, shwap, shwap, went the sand. It sounded like a small symphony, decided Peter, like a band of minute people playing music. He saw Todd pick up small shells and place them into his pocket. Then he started to dig again. Shwap, shwap, shwap, went the sand. Nick was seated on a rock not far from Todd, his face buried in his hands. It was unable to tell whether he had fallen asleep. Peter knew better not to wake him. He wondered if Nick would 106
still be angry at him after a good sleep. Shwap, shwap, shwap, went the sand. The warm air caressed him and combed through his hair, calling to him with voices only he could hear, mixing with the soft noises of sand falling. Shwap, shwap, shwap, went the sand. He felt his eyelids droop. Would it be alright if he dozed off on watch? A small voice in his head asked. Todd is awake, digging for seashells. He will most surly keep watch, he assured himself. Everything was so peaceful, so warm 107
and so quiet. So quiet? Peter’s eyes fluttered open. Todd was no longer sitting. He was staring intently into the darkness of the jungle, hands raised, posed for a fight. Nick wasn’t far behind him. The point of the spear in his hand also pointed to the jungle. “Is there—” but before he could finish his sentence, he received a silent ‘Shush’ form Todd and an irritated glance from Nick. He couldn’t see very well in the dark, so he tried to listen. 108
There was a soft clicking noise in the darkness. “Who’s there?” Todd called out. There was silence. “Show yourself.” Todd commanded, “We’re armed.” They waited some more but still nothing happened. Nick lowered his spear. “Nothing’s out there.” he said. Just as he said it, the shadow of a figure appeared right before them. The three boys were frozen with fear. The clicking noise started again. The figure waved, and then dived back into the jungle as suddenly as it had appeared. 109
“Should we go after it?” Peter asked. “Yes.” Nick said. “No!” Todd objected, “We won’t be able to see it in the night.” Nick let down his weapon, but held onto it tightly, “What is that thing?” he said. “I don’t know. But it can’t be something good. You all saw it, didn’t you?” Peter and Nick both nodded. “Good. That means it wasn’t my imagination.” He positioned himself at the entrance of a shelter. “The best thing we can do now is prevent the thing—let’s call it The 110
Shadow—from coming near us. We’ll tell the others in the morning.” As he stood guard with Nick at the entrance of the other shelter, Peter felt more awake and afraid than he ever had been in his entire life.
111
Chapter Five
The Hunt in the Jungle Todd Two less mice and three more trees with X marks on them. Todd sat alone against a fallen log and looked at the yellow fruit in the bag. Holding one in his hands, he hesitated a long while before taking a bite. The taste was, if possible, more sour than he had remembered. It stung his tongue and made his teeth ache. His stomach was churning with acid and he felt as if he were 112
about to throw up, but he forced the fruit down his throat anyway. It was the probably the only thing he’s going to eat today. Nineteen days had passed since he’s had a decent meal. He shut his eyes tightly and saw spots of white light popping in the darkness. Feeling weak and tired, he decided he’d done enough for the day, and returned to camp. Bianca saw him coming and ran forward eagerly to the bag. “Anything new today, Todd?” Miserably, he shook his head. “Oh, that’s alright. We’ll live on these. No 113
pressure, okay?” “Thanks.” “No problem. Hey Jenny!” she called her friend, “Come and pick one of these.” Jenny came jogging, and together, the two girls picked all the fruit they needed. Peter came by and made a face, “Not these again.” “Go get something yourself if you’re not satisfied.” said Zack, who had just appeared beside him. “There is enough canned meat left for each 114
of us.” complained Peter, “Why can’t we eat them?” “Those are for emergencies.” “This is an emergency!” Zack shrugged as he picked a fruit for himself, “Whatever. I’m not here to reason with you.” “Take it or leave it, Peter.” said Todd. Peter snatched one from the sack and ran off. That night, Nick called up a meeting. “We must hunt.” he said. The rest of them stared at him blankly. 115
“We don’t see any animals on the island.” said Zack. “Except for some birds.” said Bianca. “Very fast birds.” John supplied. “Never mind about the birds.” Nick said, “I have a treat for you tonight.” He reached into his pocket and held out seven tiny eggs.
116
They all gasped with shock and disbelief. “Where did you get them?” asked Bianca. “By the river.” Zack took one carefully between his fingers and studied it. “Bird’s egg?” “That’s no bird egg.” said Todd quietly from 117
behind. “But they’re so tiny.” Chloe said. “Peter and I have searched the trees for nests and found none.” Chloe folded her arms crossly, “You two weren’t doing a very good job, then.” “Some animals can grow very large, starting from tiny eggs.” Todd replied calmly. Zack understood. “These are crocodile eggs.” He turned to Nick, “Do you understand how dangerous this is? Do you understand how much danger you put yourself in?” 118
Nick shrugged, “It’s better than nothing.” “We have the fruit—” “That we could barely swallow.” Nick waved his hand in the air dismissively. “Anyone hungry?” In no time, the eggs were sizzling on a dinted frying pan brought from the wreck. Peter added some salt and garlic as delicious smells filled their noses. Todd ate his share of egg in total bliss. It tasted like the best thing he had ever eaten in his whole life. Zack poked gloomily at his share with his 119
fingers but eventually hunger got the best of him and he swallowed the whole piece with a swift gulp. Nick talked as he ate. “Has everyone considered my suggestion, about hunting?” “What do we hunt for?” John inquired. Licking his lips, Nick answered, “An animal, large enough to fill nine empty stomachs.” Bianca looked up from her food, “You mean crocodiles?” “No, no. Oh no.” said Zack, pushing himself up off the ground. “The eggs are one thing. But 120
the crocodiles…you’re out of your mind.” “I know.” said Nick, “We could have been killed.” “Exactly.” “We’ll die eating more of those fruit anyway.” Todd’s face turned slightly scarlet when Nick said this, but he knew he couldn’t argue. He didn’t know how much longer he could stand the foul sour taste. Chloe yawned, “Good. Finally someone came down with a plan. I hope there’s meat for dinner tomorrow.” 121
“Have you seen those things?” Sandra asked. She opened her arms to its whole length. “They’re huge!” “Yes, I did.” Nick said, “But I don’t believe we have a choice.” Zack crossed his arms stubbornly, “I don’t like it.” “Neither do I, Zack.” said John, “But we’re hungry.” Peter agreed enthusiastically. “I’m hungry, too.” said Bianca, “Yet there’s only a slim line of chance for us to catch a 122
crocodile.” She stood over next to Zack, “I’m with Zack on this matter.” Jenny supported her friend’s view by moving to her side. Chloe appeared to be greatly horrified by what Bianca was doing. “I’m with Zack, too.” she said quickly as she stood over next to him. She gestured for Sandra to follow her. “I’m with Zack, too?” she asked, obviously unsure of what she was doing. Chloe rolled her eyes. “Duh.” But John pulled Sandra to his side, “You don’t have to do everything she says, you know.” 123
he said, looking boldly at Chloe, “It’s not like she’s right on everything.” Despite his hatred for John, Todd had to admit he was right. Sandra looked torn and uncertain, glancing backwards and forwards between Chloe and John. “He’s right.” Zack joined in, “This is a vote. Let yourself decide what you want.” The teens waited for the answer. Todd secretly studied each of their faces. Most showed restlessness,
while
John’s
gaze
remained
unwavering and Zack’s brow set into a deep 124
frown. The faint trace of a smirk on Bianca’s face told him she was enjoying the moment greatly. “Well?” Chloe demanded. “I-I…” Sandra closed her eyes, as if the pressure was too much for her. When she opened them again, she took a deep breath and said one single word, “No.” “Excuse me?” “I said no.” repeated Sandra, louder this time. John pulled her close to him protectively, 125
“You heard her.” he said to Chloe, “The answer’s no.” The last vote fell onto Todd. His mind worked furiously the pros and cons of the matter. “Well?” Zack urged, tugging at his thick dark hair. After another moment of silence, Todd looked away and said, “It’s my fault not finding anything better to eat. Sorry, Zack, but we’ll have the hunt.”
126
Zack, Nick and John planned the whole night for the hunt while Todd stayed away. He understood the dangers and hated himself for the choice he’d made. It had been his way of redemption, to make up for what he couldn’t give; in this case, it was decent food. When the plan and route was decided, all of them started on producing the most primitive weapons—sling shots and wooden spears. These were the only things they had against the giant lizards. The next morning, the hunting company, 127
consisting Zack, Nick, John and Bianca, set out, leaving the others to guard the camp and Todd to find something edible. Alone in the woods, Todd started to explore the wonders himself. The cage of mice—now only four left—swung with every step he took. His day had been rather productive as he discovered some spinach-like plants. They tasted bitter, but at least they weren’t sour. There was a rustling noise behind him and Todd turned, alert, with the stick with his hand. He saw nothing. “It’s probably just a bird.” he 128
said to himself. But then suddenly, something sharp grabbed his ankle and began to pull backwards. Todd fell to the ground with a yell and tried to get back up. At first he thought that a crocodile had attacked him but he saw no green scaly animal, but a metal thing larger than his hands, and was shaped like a mouth full of pointy teeth. He wanted to run in the opposite direction but horrible pain shot through his leg as the teeth sank deeper into his ankle. Blood came out in thin rivers down his shoe where the teeth were. 129
The thing tugged again and Todd knew that it would tear his flesh away if he continued to battle with it while it was attached to him, so he decided to force the jaw open with his hands. Yet just as he leaned over to his feet, the jaws loosened on its own and slithered away like a snake into the darkness of the woods. Todd couldn’t understand what had happened, but he decided it was safer to get back to camp where there were other people around. He tore a part of his shirt to make a bandage then slowly, leaned on his stick and limped back to camp, biting 130
back intense pain. The hunters returned that evening with their head held low. “We didn’t catch anything.” explained Zack, as they ate boiled plants for dinner. “It’s not that bad.” Nick said, “We got pretty close to catching one of those animals. We cornered one, remember.” “Yes, a smaller one.” said Zack, “But our weapons
aren’t
good
enough,
and
crocs
practically wear their bones on the outside. It slipped back into the lake before we could find a 131
way to kill it.” Bianca sighed, “at least Todd brought us something new to eat.” “Guys, listen to this.” Todd showed them his wounded leg and told them what happened. “That cut’s really deep.” exclaimed Nick. “Yeah, it’ll take quite some time to heal.” commented Zack, “What did you say that thing look like again?” “An animal trap made of metal with very, very sharp teeth and a thin chain attached to it.” replied Todd. 132
Bianca frowned, “It doesn’t sound like something we brought from the ship.” “Stick tight from now on.” said Zack. “I truly damn hope rescue comes soon. I’m tired of this place, and all its mysteries.”
133
Chapter Six
Things of the Night Sandra
She heard a rustling noise and turned. A large dragonfly flew by lazily and stopped on the trunk of a tree. Despite being stuck on the island for the twenty-fifth day, the sight of big insects like this still frightened Sandra. Not wanting to disturb the creature, she moved away quietly with the smallest movements possible, her gaze never away from the revolting metallic shining surface 134
of its body. “Seriously, it’s only a dragonfly.” said a voice and Sandra screamed. Angrily, she turned to see John grinning at her. “Why did you do that?” she cried. “What did I do?” asked John with an innocent expression on his face. When he saw that it did not please her, he sobered and sighed, “Okay, I’m sorry.” “That’s really immature.” He looked at her with those deep brown eyes of his. “I know. That’s why I did it.” 135
Sandra couldn’t help but smile. This was John she’d known almost all her life; always teasing her, but then forcing her to forgive him later with the sweetest look on his face. Though she didn’t know what had happened between Todd and John, she assumed that with John’s friendly nature, the problem had to be Todd’s.
That night, all of them were awakened 136
by shouts coming from the entrance of the shelter. “Wake up! Wake up!” called Nick, “We saw the Shadow!” Zack was up within seconds, “Where is it?” “It’s gone.” came Todd’s voice from outside. Chloe leaned over to her, her face pale. “Come on. Let’s go out and see.” When they got out, Sandra saw John emerge from behind a tree. “John!” she called. 137
“Did
I
hear
someone
say
‘the
Shadow’?” “Yes, it was the Nick and Todd. Why did you just come out from the woods?” John blushed slightly, “I went for piss.” “Oh!” said Sandra, a little embarrassed herself. Since they were all awake, Zack rounded them up for a meeting. “We have to leave this island. It’s not as safe
as
it
seems.
Obviously
there’s
something or even someone out there, trying 138
to hurt us.” Nick leaned forward. “What do you suggest we do?” “We’ll build a boat.” said Zack, “We can’t sit here and wait for some help that may never come.
We’ve
got
to do
something!” “Fair Point.” John agreed. “Can’t even take a safe piss without the Shadow peeking from behind a tree.” Nick laughed. Todd cast a dark look over at him. 139
“Look who’s speaking.” he said under his breath, but John heard him. “Got
a
problem
with
that?”
he
challenged, standing up. That was a surprise for all of them; this was the first time since they’d landed on this island John spoke directly to Todd. Todd looked up at him coldly, “You weren’t with the others on the day of the hunt.” It was more than a statement. It was an accusation. John growled, “You think you could say 140
that and blame that leg on me? Yeah? Is that what you’re planning?” He pointed down at Todd’s leg all wrapped up in bandages. “Where do you think I’d get the thing to do this for me, huh? I would have done this long ago if I had it.” “You heard him.” Todd said, raising his voice, “He had the intention. He said it himself.” “Get me one of those things you talked about then, I need to thank it.” John said, his voice rising along with Todd’s. 141
Zack spoke, “Hey, man. Calm down. We’ll talk this over.” John turned his head slowly to him. Sandra saw the usual smirk on his face, but somehow it had gone sour, like curdled milk. There was something disconcerting and frightening about the look. “You tell him. He doesn’t want to talk this over. He only wants to see me blamed for something I didn’t do.” He said this very quietly. But it seemed even the wind and the waves had quietened to hear his words. “I didn’t do it.” 142
Zack peered up at him for a long time, as if he was trying to determine what to believe. Shadows cast by the fire danced on his face. “We’ll talk this over.” he said again at last. John snorted, “Is that all you can say about this? You’re just as hopeless as the rest of them.” He shook his head and moved to the far end of camp, away from the others. “He’ll get over it.” Zack told them after an awkward moment of silence. 143
Sandra got onto her feet. “Where are you going?” said Chloe. “Off to talk to John.” she replied. Chloe held her hand and yanked her back down. “Don’t talk to him. He’s unstable.” Sandra could feel colour rising in her cheeks. John was right. She couldn’t let Chloe take over her life. “I’ll do what I want.” Chloe glared at her. “You are my friend.” 144
“Jenny is Bianca’s friend, too. But I never see Bianca treat her this way.” She got up again. “What makes you think anyone would like to make friends with a stupid girl like you?” Chloe cried, “I took you in!” “Thanks but no thanks! Now, if you will excuse me, I’m going to find someone who really treats me as a friend, not a servant.” shouted Sandra angrily, and went off. For some time, she looked for John, but he wasn’t on the camp site. Tired and angry, 145
she decided some sleep would do her good so she returned to the shelter. She crossed the shabby shelter, feeling her way through the dim light. Her feet caught something and she tripped on the leafy mattress, feeling something hard knock into her belly. John’s clothes were folded in a neat pile in the corner and so was his sail cloth covers. Cautiously, she lifted the sailcloth and cleared away the dry leaves with her hands, revealing the thing. She held it close to the light coming through the 146
window and gasped as she saw jagged teeth on the sides and a thin chain attached to the end of it. The metallic surface of the thing gleamed sinisterly and specks of dried blood could be seen. In horror, Sandra let the thing fall from her hands and started to back out from the shelter. She never made it. Something solid stood in her way. Turning to see what it was, the last thing she saw was the face in the shadows. She felt a sharp pain on the back of her head and everything darkened and blurred before she could even 147
utter a sound.
148
Chapter Seven
The Parting of the Ways Nick Nick gripped the piece of stone tightly in his hand and drew another mark on the tree trunk. Twenty-eight, he thought sadly, twenty-eight days on this island. The burning leaves sent its signals day and night, like a thin grey worm crawling up to the heavens. But still, no one came. He lay back under the shade and looked towards the beach, too tired to move. Heat rose from the ground in gentle white whiffs, turning 149
his vision wet and blurry. There was a light breeze, but it only transferred the heat from one place to another. Nonetheless, it carried Chloe’s lovely voice to him, for which he was grateful. Turning his head to one side, he tried to make out the words. “Where is she?” She sounded extremely frightened and worried. He wanted to get up to her, but decided to get more information. “…you last see her?” someone asked. It sounded like Zack. 150
“Last night.” Chloe said. From her voice, Nick could tell she was crying now. He sprang to his feet and followed the direction of the voices. “She left to find John last night.” Chloe said, “When I returned to the shelter and called her, she didn’t answer, and it was dark, so I thought…I thought she must be asleep already.” “And then?” “This…this mo-morning when I woke up, I found her bed empty.” “Well, it’s still early. Perhaps she’d gotten into the jungle for an early stroll. She’ll be back 151
soon, I’m sure.” “No!” Chloe cried, “You don’t understand! She never goes anywhere without me!” Nick saw Zack and Chloe standing on the other side of the beach. Chloe’s golden hair blew in the wind as her arms waved in distress. Zack had his arms crossed over his chest and his brows went low to form a disapproving frown. “Come on.” he said, “Perhaps she just needed a little space of her own.” “No.” insisted Chloe, “Tha-That’s not Sandra. That’s not her. She would have told me 152
where she went. I…I was thinking…wh-what if the Shadow’s got her?” Nick could see from Zack’s expression that impatience
was
growing.
“Now
you’re
exaggerating.” “No, I’m not. Sandra wouldn’t have run off on her own. She’s t-too stupid for that. The Shadow must have got her.” “You know,” Zack started running his fingers through his hair, “The most effective way to rid ourselves of the Shadow now is to finish building the boat. So, the best way I could help 153
with this situation is to return to work with the others. Feel free to come along after you’re over it.” He turned to leave but Chloe grabbed his arm. With an exasperated sigh, he demanded, “What do you want me to do, then?” “Search for her.” Chloe said as she held onto Zack’s arm like a wounded little girl. A knot tightened in Nick’s stomach as she drew herself up very close to Zack and slipped another hand over his shoulder to whisper in his ear. “Find her.” That action seemed to have pushed Zack 154
over the edge. “I’m not like the others.” he replied, wrenching his arm away in disgust, “I’m not your servant. I’m sick and tired of you bossing everyone around. Who do you think you are? What do you take us for?” Streams of tears spilled from her green eyes. “I thought you were a friend.” “I was. But now I’m not so sure.” said Zack. He saw Nick standing nearby and went to him. “Here’s your chance.” he said quietly, only for him to hear, “Comfort her. Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted to do?” With that he left, running 155
his fingers through his hair. Nick tried to keep the smile off his face while his heart was actually dancing with joy. Chloe looked up at his approach with tearful eyes. “What do you want?” she demanded. “Are you okay?” Nick asked. It was the only thing he could think of at the moment. “Am I okay? Am I okay? Are you serious? Do I look like someone who’s okay?” Fail one. “No.” Don’t make her more upset than she is now, Nick told himself. Prove yourself to her. “But you could tell me what 156
happened.” One step at a time. The look Chloe gave him suggested she didn’t trust him. But finally, she said in a low voice, “Sandra’s gone missing.” He pretended to looked shocked at the news. “How awful. Were there no signs of her at all?” Tears fell down again as Chloe shook her head. Nick wanted to hug her, to tell her she was fine and could rely on him. He wanted to wipe the tears away from her pale cheeks and comfort her with a soft kiss on the forehead. But he knew it wouldn’t be very wise to do those things at the 157
moment. One step at a time. “We should search for her.” Chloe’s large eyes blinked. “You’d do that for me?” she asked. Anything. “Yes.” said Nick. With a joyful cry, she threw her arms around him. “Thank you!” she sobbed into his clothes, “Oh, thank you!” Nick hugged her back, happy beyond words. He felt her fine hair between his fingers and savoured the wonderful sensation of holding her so close to him. I must be in heaven. “I’ll do 158
everything I can.” he promised, “We’ll find her.” As he followed a trail through the dense jungle looking for Sandra, everything seemed a great deal better than it had been since the day they arrived. The irritating humid air didn’t bother his as much, and the tall grass brushing by his calves felt exceptionally gentle. He searched the ground for foot prints or any clues that could lead him to the missing girl. The deeper he travelled into the jungle, the harder it was for him to move on. For the fifth time, he tripped on slippery moss growing on tree roots 159
and nearly swallowed a mouthful of dirt. Nevertheless, he stood up, still happy and ready to go on, with a silly expression of satisfaction and determination on his face. He searched until dusk, to no avail. Sandra had gone leaving no trace behind. Nick was frustrated and angry at himself for failing Chloe’s quest. He was on the other side of the island and knew that he should return soon. Night was falling, and who knows what’s out there waiting for him. He remembered the night when he stood watch with Peter and Todd. The 160
dark thing that waved to them so invitingly and yet so sinisterly was definitely still somewhere in the woods, and he had a bad feeling that it wasn’t something nine teenagers could handle. Nick picked up his pace back the way he came. He touched the side of his trousers now and then to feel the knife through the fabric, to make sure it was still there, and that he still stood a chance of defending himself if necessary. The setting sun played tricks on his eyes producing long shadows and turning tree branches into fingers. Once or twice, he thought he saw the Shadow 161
staring at him with its evil eyes and reaching out to him with hands that stretched impossibly far. But they were only trees. He tripped several times more as he moved through the dim light. The air appeared to be hazy in the distance as he neared camp. Squinting, he moved forward, only to be invited by the heavy smell of smoke. With his hands, he covered his mouth and ran into the clearing. Both the shelters were burning like bonfire.
162
“You were supposed to keep watch.” shouted John angrily. “Was it that difficult?” He hurled a plank of wood at Peter. “I’m sorry.” Peter whimpered. “Sorry? Is that all you can say?” Peter ducked as another object came flying at him. “I fell asleep! I didn’t know! I’m so sorry!” John turned viciously towards Zack. “Look at him!” he raged, “Retards like him will kill us! I’ve told you thousands and thousands of times! 163
If we can’t work as a whole group, we’ll only survive if we’re divided. At least I want to survive, and there’s no stopping that!” Nick saw Zack weighing the suggestion in his mind. He could tell that Zack was not only angry at Peter, but mostly at himself. John was impatient. “Well?” Zack finally nodded. “Folks, John’s right. If we go on like this, fighting against one another and neglecting our responsibilities, we’ll all die before any rescue can arrive. We’ll divide ourselves into two groups…see how it goes.” 164
“I want to choose for my group.” John said, but Zack shook his head. “That’s enough, John. You have what you want. Less people means less dispute. Let them choose for themselves.” He drew a line on the sand with his toe. “Choose a side, people.” said he, and went over to stand with John. Gradually, the others chose their sides. Chloe went over to Zack’s side, and Todd, Bianca, Jenny and Peter stayed on the other. Only Nick was left, unable to decide where to go. 165
“You’ve got to choose a side.” Zack said, “It’s either them or us.” “I wouldn’t blame you if you chose the other side, buddy.” John told him, “It’s your sister there, after all. I’ll understand” “I…I, uh…” Bianca stepped forward, “Nick, I’m your sister.” A hand touched his arm. It was Chloe. “Come with us, Nick.” Nick was at a loss. He looked towards the others, hoping for some guidance, but Zack only 166
looked away. Bianca grabbed his other arm roughly, “Don’t you see? She’s just using you because you do everything she says.” Nick’s mouth opened and closed, not wanting to believe his sister. He jerked his arm away from her grasp. The others watched intently at the battle between the two girls, waiting for his final decision. “I’m your sister.” Bianca sounded desperate. “Please, Nick. Come with us.” Chloe said, holding onto his arm. There was fury in Bianca’s voice. “Don’t 167
you touch my brother, you wretch.” Chloe started to cry. “Why do you have to be so mean?” she said between sobs, “What have I ever done to you?” Bianca couldn’t believe her ears. That was one of the biggest lies she had ever heard. She was so angry, that she marched forward and slapped Chloe hard across the face. Nick finally stepped in. He decided his sister had gone too far. “How can you do this?” he shouted at her, “What’s wrong with you? She has done nothing to you!” 168
“Done nothing to me?” Bianca shouted back, “You never knew what dreadful things she’s done because she never did it in your face. All she does is cry like a baby angel when she needs you. She’s using you.” “I was just doing whatever I could to help her!” “So that you can win her heart? Oh yeah, keep going on with that dream that’ll never come true.” Nick was really angry now. He pushed his sister, causing her to stagger backwards. Chloe 169
rushed forward and held her by the arm before she could hit the ground but Bianca wrenched it out of her grasp with disgust. Chloe looked hurt. “Fine acting. Doesn’t work for me.” “How can you do this?” Nick demanded, “She’s even trying to help you!” Defeated, Bianca threw her arms into the air. “You are the biggest fool ever to walk on this planet! If you prefer to go with that piece of rubbish that had eyes like a leaky faucet, fine. But don’t you come running back to us with your tail curled between your legs like a dog.” 170
With that, she stomped off into the opposite direction.
171
Chapter Eight
Truth Unearthed Bianca As they trudged back to camp, Bianca couldn’t help but notice Jenny’s thick brown hair waving before her, which was highly unusual. “Where’s your ribbon, Jenny?” Jenny’s hands flew to the back of her head and cried out in despair. “Oh no!” “It’s just a ribbon.” Bianca said, as she removed her own ribbon from her hair. “I could borrow you mine.” 172
Jenny shook her head, “No, you don’t understand.” said Jenny, her voice shaking with emotion. “That was a present from my mum! And I lost it!” Tears streamed down her face. “Don’t worry. We’ll find it.” Bianca comforted. She removed the bundle of firewood from Jenny’s arms. “Give me that. C’mon, let’s return to camp. Perhaps you left the ribbon there.” As they neared a marked tree, they took care to skirt the area. A trap had been set up by the suggestion of Jenny, to fend off unwanted 173
visitors. One wrong step, and the person would be brought up into the air, dangled by the ankle. They found Peter right outside of camp, apparently waiting for them. He looked puzzled when he saw the swollen-eyed Jenny. “What happened?” “She lost the ribbon her mother gave her.” Peter patted Jenny on the back, “Don’t be sad. You can ask her to give you another one after we are rescued.” Upon hearing that, Jenny broke into tears. Bianca went over to Peter and smacked him 174
on the head. “Why did you do that, you moron? Her mother died of cancer.” she whispered and Peter looked ashamed. “I’m sorry.” “Never mind that now.” said Bianca curtly as she threw down the pile of firewood. “You look like you have something to say.” Peter brightened up. “I found something that I think you’ll take great interest in. I didn’t bring it here because I think where that thing is located is um…pretty essential.” Bianca raised an eyebrow, “Show it to us. 175
And give me a hand on these, will you?” she said, pointing at the pile of firewood, “My arms are sore.” “Todd doesn’t know about it yet.” Peter said as he walked with them back to camp, “He’s still out, searching for food. But I’m sure he’ll be very interested.” He then led them to the ruins of the shelters. “Todd told me to watch the camp before he left, and so I did. I got bored and started digging through the pile of ruins. And then I found this.” He moved a half-burnt wooden plank away, revealing a strange object. 176
It was a curious object. Though it was all brunt black, she recognised at once what it was as she recalled Todd’s description the other night. An animal trap made of metal with very, very sharp teeth and a thin chain attached to it. “I believe this was what attacked Todd in the forest the day the guys went hunting.” “Exactly!” said Peter, growing excited. “But how did it get here?” Jenny asked nervously. “I think I have the answer to that.” Peter said. 177
Bianca looked surprised, “Really?” “Yes.” Peter got down onto his knees and removed more pieces of rubble. “You see the shape here?” he said, indicating a dark rectangle burnt to the ground, “This used to be a mattress. The leaves and the sailcloth were all burned to ashes in the fire, but this thing remained.” Bianca tapped her chin, “So it means the object was beneath the mattress.” “Correct.” Peter said, looking very proud with himself. “Whose mattress was this?” asked Bianca. 178
Peter lowered his voice. “I can’t be certain. But I do remember coming in here once to get something for Zack.” He pointed to the left, “His mattress was right here, at the end of the shelter and Chloe’s was there,” he said, pointing to his right, “Nearest to the entrance because it’s the coolest spot of the shelter.” “Sandra’s mattress had to be right next to Chloe’s.” said Bianca. “Which is right next to where I’m standing right now.” Peter said. Jenny took a step back, “So Todd was right.” 179
she gasped. Bianca nodded, “It was John.”
When Todd returned and was informed of the discovery, he wasn’t surprised, but no less angry than he had been the night when he accused John. Peter wanted to confront John, but Todd advised against it. “It’s too dangerous.” he said. After a dinner of boiled leaves, they went to 180
sleep under the stars as they did the two nights before. Bianca found a private spot behind a tree where the crashes of waves weren’t so deafening but at the same time not too far from the others. Before drifting off to sleep, Bianca thought she smelled something funny, but was too tired to get up and investigate. She woke up the next morning with the sun shining in her face and the strange smell last night still in the air. She went to the others and found Todd awake. “Morning.” he said. 181
“Morning.” said Bianca with a yawn. She told Todd about the smell. “Do you smell it?” Todd sniffed the air, “Now you said it, I think I can catch a whiff. Where does it come from?” “I don’t know. Do you think we should go find out?” Todd agreed. They started the search from Bianca’s tree, where the smell was stronger. As they followed it into the forest, the smell grew quite disgusting and Bianca felt as if she were to vomit. It reminded her of rotten meat put out in 182
the heat for too long. They stopped at a cluster of shrubs. Bianca held her hand over her nose in disgust and Todd pushed the grass and leaves aside for a better look. “Holy shit.” he said. “What? What is it?” Todd backed away from the bush. “Bianca, I think we just found Sandra.”
183
Chapter Nine
Savages Chloe “Wake up, Chloe. Collect firewood. Now.” commanded a harsh voice from the entrance of the tiny shack. She rolled over to face him. “John, it’s still early. Can’t it wait a while longer?” and to reassure him she added, “I’ll go then, I promise.” But John persisted, “I’m the leader of the team. I’m not like Zack. When I say NOW, you 184
go NOW.” Chloe got up slowly and sighed, “If you say so. Just…give me a minute to dress, please?” She couldn’t bear to hear herself now; how meek and obedient she’s become. There was suspicion in his eyes, but he said, “Be quick.” and went away, Sniffing as she went through her clothes, Chloe remembered again the horror that came down upon them all as Zack’s reign ended. The new leader wanted things done quickly and done his way. Zack, still guilty about all the things 185
that had happened, was obliged to obey whatever who once was his old friend wanted him to. Nick tried to talk sense into John, but was shut out every time he tried. And as for her‌ She pulled her worn T-shirt away, revealing fresh bruises on her body. If it hadn’t been for Zack, she was certain John would have killed her there and then. It was another night of fatigue as they sat around the fire, eating fruit in silence when John proposed they go on another hunt. Nick responded enthusiastically to the idea. 186
Zack, as if wanting to say something, opened his mouth but closed it again. In the end, he nodded weakly, “And you, Chloe?” asked John. Seeing Zack’s stressed look, she knew he opposed to the idea, but had made his mind not to disagree as he still wasn’t able get over the idea that he was the one that caused situation to turn out so badly. Chloe wanted to help him. “I don’t think we should.” she replied slowly as she stole a fleeting glance at Zack, who remained expressionless. 187
John’s face, originally full of laughter, turned dark instantly. “Why is that?” “Because it’s dangerous.” she told him “You’re not the one that will be hunting. It’s us boys. You will stay here and watch the camp.” At that, Chloe turned white with fear. “But there’s the Shadow…” “To hell with the Shadow.” cursed John, “It doesn’t exist.” Nick stepped up into Chloe’s defence, but John wouldn’t listen. “I don’t care. The majority agreed. She stays. If she doesn’t,” he threw her a 188
dirty look, “well she could be excellent croc bait.” And that was a tipping point for Chloe. “You can’t do this to me!” she screamed at the departing figure of John, “You’re heartless and cruel and…I knew it was you who injured Todd!” She said that only out of spite. But when John stopped in his tracks and turned to face her, she knew she’d said the wrong thing. “Say that again?” John said, advancing towards her. 189
Chloe just couldn’t back down. “You set the trap for Todd, and you—” John knocked her heavily to the ground. The other two boys jumped up and cried out in alarm when John started to kick Chloe relentlessly. “I. Didn’t. Do. It.” he snarled each word as his feet landed on her, “I. Fucking. Didn’t!” Curled into a heap on the ground, Chloe used her hands to shield her head and face while the other two boys tried to pull John off her. The blows ended when Zack punched John in the face, but the intense pain was still there and it 190
had already been there for three days. Outside the shelter, the others were making weapons with wood and stone, no doubt for the hunt. “Remember to fetch the dry ones.” called John as she set out quietly into the jungle. Moving aimlessly through the trees, Chloe cried softly to herself. She missed Sandra, whom she regretted being so mean to. Sandra would still be with her now if they hadn’t quarrelled that night, and she would definitely do her best to comfort Chloe, despite all the wrongs she’d done her. She even missed the members of the other group 191
stranded on the island. They never treated her badly, even though she often did them injustice. But most of all, she had never missed home so badly. She would’ve given anything at that moment just to have a glimpse of it again. Sobbing now, she sat on a mossy rock and buried her face in her hands. There was a rustling noise nearby, and Chloe looked up instantly. Something moved behind a tree. With effort, she bit back her sobs and stood up to face whatever might come. “Who’s there?” she managed to say, but her 192
voice was drowned by the loud beating of her heart. “Chloe, is that you?” came a voice she recognised as Todd’s. “Yes! Yes!” She could hardly contain her joy when Todd’s head emerged from behind the tree. She ran over and embraced him, much to his surprise. Awkwardly, he dropped his fruit sack and hugged her back. “Am I glad to see you, too.” he muttered. Chloe pulled back. “How are things at your end?” 193
“It’s okay…” said Todd, “Though we still have trouble finding food. How’s things going on with you guys?” “It was awful.” Tearfully, Chloe told him all about the events that had happened since the day they’ve parted. And Todd listened quietly, nodding sympathetically. When she’s finished, Todd sighed. “I should have seen that coming.” He glanced around nervously. “I came in hopes of finding anyone of you…apart from John…to warn you.” 194
“What? Why?” “We were going through the ruins of our camp when we found this.” He pulled out a curious object from his sack and showed it to her. Chloe was confused, until Todd held the saw-like edges of the object to the half-healed wounds by his ankle. “Oh!” she cried. “It was hidden under John’s mattress.” explained Todd, “This is solid evidence. And…” his voice trailed off. “And?” repeated Chloe anxiously. 195
Todd lowered his head, “I’m sorry to bring this to you, Chloe, but Sandra is dead.” Even though she’d been expecting this, Chloe couldn’t keep the shock off her face when she heard the news. “But she could be anywhere!” she said, hoping her words could change what happened. “She can be hiding somewhere—” “She was hidden somewhere.” said Todd. “We found her body in some shrubs.” Suddenly weak in the knees, Chloe collapsed to the ground. Despite the grief and 196
guilt that filled her, she was too tired to cry. “She was such a sweet person.” she murmured to herself, “No matter how hard I treat her, she’s always sweet and kind. Who would do…what sort of animal would do this to her?” “That’s a question we’d all like answered. But I think it’s John.” Chloe’s eyes went wide. “You’re saying he’s the murderer?” When Todd nodded yes, she asked, “How would you know?” He hesitated before answering, “I knew him too well.” There was a faraway look in his eyes 197
when he said that. “Have you ever wondered why John and I don’t talk anymore?” “All the time.” Chloe replied, “What happened?” “John and I used to be best of friends. We’ve known each other since four and had seldom been apart…until the day I saw him for who he was.” He paused before going on, “John’s always been fond of violence. He doesn’t really show it on the outside, of course. He was too clever for that. However, he couldn’t hide the fact from his best friend. I caught John countless 198
times torturing animals in the neighbourhood. Once he trapped a cat in a box and killed it by throwing the box down from the treehouse we built together. I have to admit, shamefully, that I didn’t do anything to put a stop to his actions…didn’t want to damage our friendship, you see. But one day, I saw him tie Mrs Anderson’s four-year-old son little Tommy to a tree and was aiming stones at the boy’s head. The little boy was crying and so I told him, then, that it was a terrible thing to do, and that he might hurt the kid. But he laughed and said to 199
me, he was using little Tommy for target practice. “’You wanna try?’ he asked me. When I refused, he didn’t look too happy. ‘He’s not going to tell’ John assured me and stuffed a handkerchief into the boy’s mouth to stifle his cries. ‘Can you tell your mama about this?’ he demanded and little Tommy shook his head ‘no’. I couldn’t bear it anymore and threatened to tell the adults about this if he doesn’t let the boy go. He didn’t listen and went on with his cruel game. I was so furious that I knocked him off his feet 200
and released little Tommy, who ran home to his mama with John running after him. Afraid he was going to hurt the kid, I followed. When I got to them, I saw Little Tommy back in the arms of Mrs Anderson. John was talking to her. Then Mrs Anderson lifted her head and saw me approaching. She looked so angry ‘Don’t you ever come near my son again!’ she screamed, ‘Or I’ll call the police!’ I saw the triumphant look on John’s face and realised what he had done. We’ve never talked ever since.” Chloe drew in a deep breath. “Why didn’t 201
you tell the truth?” The smile on Todd’s face was sad. “Who would believe me? I tried once. But people thought I was a liar trying to place the blame upon my friend. The John you thought you knew…did he come across as someone who would do such things?” “No.” Todd knelt down beside Chloe and placed a comforting hand upon her shoulder. “I have to leave. I didn’t tell the others where I was going. They’ll be worried sick.” he said, “I hate to say 202
this…but you must forget about Sandra. For safety’s sake.” With the support of Todd, Chloe got back onto her feet. “Remember my warning.” said Todd. “Tell the others if you must, but never, ever within earshot of John. He is a very dangerous person. Take my word for it. Here,” Todd picked up a dry branch nearby, “I’ll help you with the firewood. Return to camp as soon as you can. Don’t get John angry, and don’t get him suspicious.” 203
The camp was quiet when she returned. The guys must have gone hunting, she thought. She dropped the load of firewood by the fire, then made her way towards the shelter when a dreadful sight caught her eyes. Zack was dead, tied to the trunk of a tree. A sharpened spear stood between his ribs and his eyes were wide open with fear even in death. Chloe fainted. When she came to herself 204
minutes later, she found herself lying at the foot of Zack’s dead body. Screaming in fright, she staggered away from camp and ran in the opposite direction. On and on she ran, not knowing where she was going, only to make as much distance from the camp as possible. Reflective lights dancing amid the leaves told her she was near the lake. She stopped to catch her breath. There was a pain in her chest and she clutched herself as she leaned against the tree. Then she heard voices. Carefully, she peered from behind the trunk, hoping to catch a glimpse 205
of Nick or anyone from the other group. Anyone but John. However, to her dismay, the silhouette on the other side of the lake was unmistakeably John’s. But he was not alone. Peter and Nick were with him. As Chloe watched, John and Peter seemed to be quarrelling, while Nick stood aside, his face set in an expression of bewilderment. It was too far for her to hear what they were saying. Gradually, as voices were raised, Chloe could hear some key words and phrases carried over 206
water. Words such as ‘cruel’ and ‘impossible’ were used, and then came ‘knife’, ‘friend’ and ‘Sandra’. Chloe’s blood turned cold at the name. She now understood that Peter was confronting John. Stop it, Peter, she begged under her breath. Stop it. You’ll get us all killed. Now Nick stepped forward and jabbed an angry finger at John’s chest, demanding him if what Peter said was true. Instead of replying, John struck the side of Nick’s head with his spear and he fell to the 207
ground. Seeing this, Peter started to run but John threw the sharpened wooden stick at him, impaling his leg. He fell, shouting in agony. From behind the tree, Chloe prayed silently for Peter. Run, Peter, run! Peter staggered up and tried to escape. However, with his wounded leg, he could never outrun John, who caught up in three large strides. The latter dragged Peter to the edge of the lake and pushed him in. Though too weak to get onto shore, Peter managed to keep his head above the water. For a moment, Chloe thought that John 208
intended to drown Peter, but when she saw dark logs gliding across the water to the boy, she knew he was done for. “Swim, Peter!” screamed Chloe. “Swim!” Peter heard her voice, but unfortunately, so did John. When his eyes met hers, a strange smile formed on his lips. Chloe understood it was time for her to leave. She turned to go, but not before she threw one last glance at Peter. He was already gone, under a mass of reptilian creatures fighting for a piece of him. In a panic, she ran down the route from 209
which she came, careful not to slip on the slope. From time to time, she would look back to see if she was followed. She wasn’t. Nearing the old camp, she ran faster, eager to feel safe again. As she passed under a marked tree, something tightened around her ankle and whisked her into the air, head down. Dazed and dizzy, she tried to free herself, but the more she moved, the deeper the rope cut into her flesh. “Help!” she called, hoping someone from camp would hear her, “Help! Todd? Bianca?” Blood was rushing into her head and she felt 210
sick. There were footsteps approaching. “Todd? Is that you?” she said, as she spun herself with difficulty towards the direction where the footsteps come from. And nearly fainted with fear when she saw John, looking up at her in amusement. “Hello, Chloe.” he said pleasantly. She fought all the more to get out of her restraints, but still she dangled there, helpless as ever. “You can’t break out of this trap, Chloe. I should know. I designed it, remember?” 211
“Please, John.” she pleaded, “What I saw at the lake…no one will ever know of it. I swear.” “What was it at the lake?” said John, “I didn’t
do
anything.”
His
tone
suggested
otherwise. “Please,” Chloe said again, “Let me down. I won’t tell…I promise. Just…just don’t hurt me.” John starred at her for a while, and said at last, “No, I don’t think I will.” “Please.” Chloe’s voice was weak, “I will never tell.” “We are on an island.” John replied, “There 212
isn’t many people you could tell.” He knelt down and started to search the ground for something Chloe couldn’t see. “When…when we get off this island.” She was struggling to catch her breath, “When we…we are rescued…I won’t tell.” John smiled. “I know you won’t.” “Th-thank you.” whispered Chloe. “Can you help—” “Because no one speaks after they are dead.” “No, no, no, please…” 213
John collected a handful of rocks and backed up to a fair distance. The first blow struck her forehead. Chloe had no strength left to cry. Closing her eyes, she hoped she could see her home for the one last time.
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Chapter Ten
The Broken Tie Jenny Jenny couldn’t understand how an island that seemed so small when she first saw it from the ship can be so much like a maze at this moment. She had left the camp with Peter earlier in the morning to look for Todd, who had gone missing. Peter was to search the eastern part of the island while Jenny searched the west. Bianca stayed behind to watch the camp. After a couple of hours without any signs of him, Jenny 215
returned to camp, only to find Bianca gone as well. She set out at once to find her. In a place like this, they’re supposed to stick together. Finally, she found her friend standing by the lake, her face in her hands and her head bowed low. “Bianca?” Jane called out to her, “Bianca?” Slowly, a pale face rose from the hands. “Oh, it’s you.” Bianca replied, her voice terribly strained. There were streaks of tears running down her face which startled Jenny. She had never seen her best friend cry like this before. 216
“What happened?” “My brother’s dead.” “Don’t play the fool.” She rose suddenly, and pointed a finger into Jenny’s face. “It was you, wasn’t it?” “Nick’s dead?” said Jenny. “The Shadow’s got him?” “I doubt if it’s truly the Shadow.” she pulled out a pink ribbon. “Ring any bells?” Jenny was getting more and more frightened. Bianca looked insane at the moment, her hair tumbling into her eye and her lips twisted in fury. 217
“I really don’t know what you’re talking about.” She reached behind her for the knife for safety’s sake. “Looking for your knife? Are you going to kill me too like you killed Nick?” Jenny was shocked and angry at the sudden accusation, “I didn’t kill him!” “Oh, yes you did! You bastard!” Bianca started to shout. She stormed forward and yanked Jenny roughly by the collar, choking her. “I found this ribbon near the water where I found my brother’s wet and torn jersey. Who 218
was it left early in the morning claiming to look for Todd? Where’s Todd now, eh? WHERE IS TODD?” Her grip tightened. “Why would I kill Nick? I have no cause at all!” Jenny said as she struggled to break free. Bianca showed no sign of mercy. “You have a cause. The problem is that you wouldn’t tell me about it. You have a crush on Nick, don’t you?” Embarrassed that her secret had been discovered, Jenny’s face grew red. “Perhaps, Maybe...” It was getting harder to breathe. “I 219
didn’t kill—Please, let me go.” Bianca ignored her, “I saw Chloe’s dead body just now near the camp. Dangled high up on that trap. The trap…you set it. You suggested that it be able to stop unwanted intruders.” “Yes, but I—” “The trap wasn’t for intruders. It was for Chloe. You have always hated her, but you wouldn’t say it. This morning, you left early—” “To find Todd!” “You came back without him! You weren’t even searching for him!” her fingers pressed 220
harder. Jenny tried desperately to pry open the hands that held onto her throat like a vice. “You were planning to kill me, too!” Jenny felt light-headed, “Please let me go, Bianca! Li –listen to yourself! ” Bianca started to tremble. Jenny’s eyes began to water. Black and red dots appeared before her eyes and her vision turned blurry. “Please…” Then suddenly the pressure was gone. Jenny collapsed to the ground coughing and panting. She saw two figures wrestling nearby. It was 221
Todd and Bianca.
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Chapter Eleven
Betrayal and Lunacy Bianca Todd pinned her to the ground. For a while she trashed and clawed, but fatigue got the better of her and she went limp. Her head was so hot. “What did you think you were doing?” demanded Todd. “Why did you do that?” “She…she killed Nick. She killed Nick!” And she was screaming again. Todd looked over to Jenny, “You didn’t.” “Of course I didn’t.” Jenny said as she sat 223
up slowly. “I was searching for you, then for her. She kept saying I killed Nick, but I didn’t.” “Get a grip of yourself.” Todd said, as Bianca continued screaming. “You’re making a fool of yourself.” He splashed cold lake water onto her face and she grew quiet. The heat in her head subsided. It took her some time to register where she was. She saw Todd looming above her, and tilted her head to see Jenny clutching her throat protectively. “Oh, no.” Bianca muttered, “Oh, no! What have I done?” 224
“You nearly killed her.” he got up from her. “Why? Oh…my head hurts.” “Nick is dead.” said Todd calmly. “Who did it?” she asked. Jenny moved closer, “I’m sorry, Bianca. I really don’t know.” “It’s not your fault.” Bianca replied. She couldn’t understand the surprised look on her friend’s face. There was a look of relief on Todd’s face. “We have to go.” he said. “This is a croc infested lake after all.” 225
He helped Bianca up to her feet and embraced her. Then everything happened very quickly. Something flew past her head. She turned to see Jenny with a long spear sticking out from her chest. Then a figure came bursting out through the trees, wielding the emergency axe taken from the ship. Todd dropped her and went forward to face the threat charging at full speed towards them. He didn’t even stand a chance. He was weaponless. “Run, Bianca!” Todd shouted. The 226
axe crashed into his head and silenced him. Dazed, Bianca didn’t recognise the face of the attacker, but somehow she knew. This was the murderer of her brother. With a sudden ounce of strength, she charged towards him. Her sudden action surprised and confused the figure, allowing her a split second to jump onto him. He fell onto his back with Bianca on top of him. She hit him with all the strength she had, knocking out some his front teeth. A hand closed around her throat and lifted her away from the ground. It was then she had a close look at the attacker. 227
“John!” she cried. John reached for the axe and brought it down on her.
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Epilogue
John stared at his hands, sleek and wet with blood. The exhilaration has passed, and now he realized how alone he was. Looking up to the sky, he stretched his arms to the air and yelled with all his might. “Terribly lonely, isn’t it?” said a voice. John spun around, raising the knife in his hand, positioned for a fight. “Nah,
save
your strength”
the
voice
continued. It was a whisper, but it filled his ears
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and deafened him. “You can kill the others. But you can’t kill me. No one can.” More afraid than he ever was in his life, John asked, “Where are you?” There was a laugh, amused but full of disdain. “Most people would ask who before they ask where.” it said. “Do you want to know who I am, what I am?” John felt a presence behind him and whirled around. But there was nothing. Something brushed the back of his neck and he turned to face it with the knife, only to meet thin air. 230
“Don’t be scared.” mocked the voice, “You weren’t in the least scared when you kill those friends of yours; surly you can’t be scared now. Do you remember the pleasure you had? The thrill? The amazing feeling when you dominate a life?” When John didn’t answer, it continued, “I love it. I love it when a life slips from my fingers like a little phantom. How beautiful that feels. How…exciting.” It let out a giggle, “The thing I love more, though…” There was a long pause and John waited, frightened of what he might 231
hear. “I love it, when I see someone like you…someone as despicable…love the same thing I do.” John opened his mouth to speak but no words came. He wanted to throttle the owner of the voice, wanted to see him die slowly and painfully, wanted to feel the blood warm on his hands once more. “I know what you’re thinking. You want to kill me.” the voice laughed, “Oh, isn’t that right? You do love to kill. Well then, you’re no better
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than me. We are what the world despise. We are what the world fear.” “You don’t know me! YOU’LL NEVER KNOW ME!” roared John. He didn’t know why he did that. Perhaps it was because he was truly frightened. “Oh but yes I do, I’m afraid. I know you, so that was why I placed my toy where you could find it. Don’t you remember it? Such a delicate piece, complete with teeth and strong hinges. I showed it to you because I knew what you would do with it. You used it on your 233
enemy…what was his name? Todd? Oh, but he was once your friend, wasn’t he? You hid and used my toy on him. It was all very interesting. I was watching the whole time, like a show. But the problem was that at the last second, you hesitated, and let him go.” There came a sigh as cold as the wind, “That was rather disappointing. But I know I’ve got other chances, and so I waited. How did it feel when you killed Sandra, the tiny one? How did it fffeeeeeeeeel?” the last word was low and soft, like a lover’s whisper. “It’s amazing what people would do to hide their 234
ugly secrets. You were no exception. She was your friend, was—?” “Who are you? How did you know all this?” The voice clicked its tongue disapprovingly, “Tut, tut. It’s not good manners to interrupt when someone is talking. I’ll tell you when I want to. But not now.” It giggled again, “I’m so excited. I’ve been preparing the speech ever since the very day you lot got here. At least let me finish it. Where were we? Ah, yes. Sandra.” The way the voice spoke the name gave John the dreadful feeling that the ghost of Sandra had returned to 235
him for revenge. “She was your friend. And she was also the one who introduced you to the joy of killing. Oh, oh, oh.” it chuckled, “A great friend, indeed! “Your next target was still Todd, but oh, it was a clever thing to do to tear one group into two. And who would have thought of disguising as fear itself. You knew I came once, to Chloe, the pretty but snobby one. Then you decided it was fun to dress up like what people think I might look like, to spread fear and despair throughout the island. You make them want to 236
go home. But you aren’t going to let them, are you? You had too much fun. Fun you couldn’t have when you were back in your civilised country. Isn’t that why Todd and you became enemies? Because you are too much like me. You set the fire to the shelters and the boats when Peter was asleep. I was watching the whole time, like it was a favourite reality show. Then, you started killing them off. One by one. But, but, but, but, but…” The speaker inhaled a deeply and laughed. “There was one you didn’t kill. Zack. Oh, he was 237
a great leader, I give him that. Only, he was too blinded for not seeing you for who you really are. He was left to watch the camp. I grow a little impatient sometimes, if you know what I mean…Kind of like how you’re feeling now.” John’s hands trembled, “You don’t know me.” he said again. But his words sounded empty. “You and I both know it’s not true. So let’s go on, shall we? Right. I decided to do Zack in for you. You even drove pretty and intelligent Bianca insane! What an accomplishment! Who 238
knew she had so much love for her lovelorn brother? Why, you’re almost half as good as me! But the great finale came as a disappointment. It’s…too quick for my taste. You just understand the importance of sustainable pleasure, do you?” Another giggle, “But take this advice from me: if you ever want to kill someone, don’t talk too much, just do it. Simple as that.” It paused and said, “Except for me, of course.” John felt an icy cold blade against his throat while the hot breathing that belonged to the owner of the voice warmed the back of his neck. 239
“Who are you?” he whispered. The last thing he heard was the breeze in his ears. “I am the Shadow.”
The red St. Bernard had been on sea for weeks in search of a missing ship called the Marco Polo. Till this day, still nothing was discovered; no ship, no wreck and no teenagers. It’s been two months since the parents called in for help. Their children had gone on a 240
graduation trip, promising them to call every night to tell them they’re safe. That one night the anxious parents waited and waited for the call that never came. They tried to contact the children themselves, also to scold them for making their parents worry, but none of the teens answered. When they went to the police for help, the police just assumed that their children were too indulged in their own fun to answer their calls. Angry and frustrated, they turned to the fire department for help. The St. Bernard was thus sent forth to the mission. 241
Finally, a sailor saw something floating on the waves — a green glass bottle. He called for a net and fished up the object. The note inside was perfectly dry. The sailor read it and ran to the captain’s cabin in excitement for he knew he’d found what they were looking for. The captain studied the note then his map. After some time, he went on deck himself and changed the course of the ship, which arrived 2 miles outside the island by the following nightfall. Originally, the rescuing ship intended to continue forth in the morning. But when the sun 242
shined through the clear water, it revealed the corals and rocks beneath, which made it impossible for the large ship to go on. To make matters worse, the weather forecast reported a strong storm coming rapidly their way. The captain gave orders for a boat to be lowered into the water with eight rescuers inside. He wanted them to row to shore and camp there, while the ship would move to open sea, far away from the course of the storm before they could be caught in it. He would then return to pick them up after
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the storm is over, and if they were lucky, they would have the missing teens with them. The rescuers hopped out of the boat once it hit the sand. Before setting off to investigate, they tied the prow to a rock to prevent it from floating away. The island was amazing with its wild, natural beauty. The beach was a paradise for anyone who craved a vacation; a curvy white line of refined sand alongside the blue, blue water and a blue, blue sky. As they went on into the jungle before them, they saw beautiful trees laden with bright juicy fruit and bushes dotted 244
here and there with round berries. A rescuer suggested that they make camp first before they go on, so they headed back towards shore. When they reached the beach, a black thing half buried in the white sand caught their eye. It was a ship, a miniature model of the Marco Polo. They stared in wonder over the model, and a while later, began to squabble over it, arguing of possibilities. A cloud flew overhead, blocking the dazing sun, and at the same moment the air turned cold. One of the rescuers lifted his head 245
uneasily to the sudden change of atmosphere, but soon resumed his deep discussion with the others. Neither did he notice the strange gust of wind that swept across the beach, nor the boat, lifting with the rapid rise of the tide, sailing away silently towards the vast open sea.
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Acknowledgements Though this project had been the cause of many sleepless nights, I’m not going to pretend I didn’t have fun writing it. Special thanks and appreciation to my Practical English Writing professor, Mr. Ken Smith for his guidance and instruction. Through this particular project, he had provided me the opportunity to turn the whimsical thoughts and imagination in my head into something others might enjoy as well.
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A
group of nine teenagers were washed ashore
an uninhabited island during a fierce storm. The island seemed like a paradise in the day but at night, strange visions and ghastly shadows disturbed their dreams. It was after a while they discovered there was a another presence on this island beside themselves; a sinister being lurking in the shadows, waiting to devourer its next victim. As fear sank into the heart of the teenagers, they realized they have to devise a way out of the island. Yet, as they failed to get over their grudges against each other, things came to a drastic downturn‌ 248