Lost Paradise (The Savages of the Blue Lagoon)

25. Chapter 25

Chapter 25

We’re all baffled by this mysterious border that the natives on the island are reluctant to cross. An entire hour has passed since we started this journey through the jungle and walked along where we believed the line might be, but we haven’t come across a single tribesman.

The natives seem highly territorial and hostile toward outsiders. I’m not in the least keen to venture over and get them to warm up to us. Perhaps I was na?ve to think that was possible when I first arrived on the island, but after seeing what they did to Astro, I now realize my Western mentality doesn’t align with their ways.

I need to let go of at least half of my preconceived notions of moral acceptability and adapt to the current environmental conditions. There's no need to change a world that has possibly thrived for centuries without external influence.

As I walk ahead, I try to keep my distance between the lads behind me. Zane and Astro have been bickering from the moment we started this trek. It’s not enough that the heat and moisture here can drive any man mad; I now have to listen to these two go on like angry old women.

Sweat drips down my back, and the humidity weighs heavily in the air.

"Astro, for the last time, will you quit walking beside me? Keep your fucking balls to yourself. No one wants them, man."

Zane's voice pierces through the thick atmosphere, sharp with irritation. Their bickering echoes off the trees, adding tension to the already fraught atmosphere. I quicken my pace, eager to put some distance between us and the growing animosity behind me. But with every step, it feels like the jungle itself conspires to keep us entangled in its grasp.

"Maybe if you'd stop lagging behind, I wouldn't have to." Astro scoffs, brushing aside a low-hanging vine. “And for the record, I’m surprised by the comment.”

“Maybe if you just put some fucking clothes on instead of walking around like a naked imbecile,” Zane's voice dripped with irritation.

“Oh, that’s cute,” sniggers Astro. “considering the threesome you had last night with little miss sunshine, I guess you only prefer older teacher's dick.”

Shit.

Reacting on pure instinct, I swiftly launch myself between Zane and Astro, intercepting the punch Zane aims at Astro's face. The force of impact reverberates through me, sending a jolt of pain coursing through my body. “

“Fuck, Teach!” Zane gasps, his eyes wide with shock. "I didn't mean—"

I hold up a hand, my fingers instinctively finding the tender spot near my eye where Zane's blow had landed.

"It's alright, just... just calm down," I manage to say through gritted teeth, trying to regain my composure.

Meanwhile, another scuffle intensifies as Jack forcefully collides with Astro, sending both of them tumbling into a dense thicket of greenery. Without hesitation, I rush towards them, pushing aside branches and foliage to reach the fight. It’s a tangled mess of limbs and fury, but I know I have to pull them apart before things escalate any further.

I manage to pull Jack away and throw him in Zane's direction. I’m out of breath, and this bloody dense jungle does nothing for air.

Astro gets up, his chest panting, and stares at the other two.

Why me?

Why the fuck me?

It’s like dealing with a fucking hormonal pack of demonic teenagers.

“Stop the fighting,” I say, pinching the bridge of my nose and closing my eyes, feeling the pain of Zane’s punch kicking into my cheekbone. “Zane and Astro. You both need to learn to live with each other. I don’t care about the fact that you hate each other’s guts.”

I look at Zane.

“I thought you were more responsible. Martial arts is not about fighting; it’s about building character, and you are far from that. The ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use it against someone. You’re not ready for the Olympics. We’re starting back to the basics, and until I see fit, you won’t be competing in any tournament.”

“Mr. Col—”

I raise my hand up to stop Zane.

“And you, Jack. What the bloody fuck is your problem?” I’m surprised by such an attack. I’m pretty sure Jack can handle his own, but he’s more of an introvert. “What riled up your feathers?”

“Feathers? I don’t know about feathers,” he says, shrugging. “Just seemed like fun to fight a naked prancer.”

“Prancer, my arse,” Astro scoffs with an amused grin.

I look upwards towards the skies, seeking enlightenment.

“Do you realize if I don’t compete, I lose my scholarship?” Zane’s still fuming about my last comment.

“You’re not ready to compete. Your mind is on attack. Until you can get football out of your system, you cannot fight.”

“This is bullshit!” he exclaims with disbelief.

“How does it feel not being a Teacher’s pet anymore?” Astro smirks with amusement. “He gets to have the princess all to himself now, knobhead.”

“This has nothing to do with Eve,” I mutter angrily.

“You’re using your teacher status every time you want to make a point.”

“No, I don’t!”

“You just did with Zane.”

A frustrated sigh leaves me.

“You can’t fuck a student in the real world,” Jack adds, “but here there aren’t any rules. You make things up as you go.”

When has this become about me now?

“You're right, Jack. Here, I’m not your teacher. But rules will apply, my rules. Because I’m the leader of this pack.” I look at Astro. “You all had a chance to challenge me last night. This daily challenge stops now. The next person who attempts it and loses will be forced out of the pack and away from camp. At some point, I’ve got to draw the line.”

Dropping my long-armed spear on the floor, I swiftly remove my shirt and look at each man in the face .

“If there’s someone who wants to challenge me for leadership, step forward.”

Astro goes to step forward, but Jack pulls him back and gives him a slight shake of his head.

“No?” I ask, eyeing each one, and I know as much as they want my position, it would be a tough fight. I always win, especially when rules don’t apply.

“Good then. Let this be the last time anyone tries to challenge me because as long as we are on this island, there can be only one Alpha.”

I collect my shirt, put it on, and collect the spear.

“For the record, my name is Foster,” I announce. “I’m letting formalities down since we’ve established leadership in our pack. And I’m setting down a major rule concerning Eve. No one forces themselves on her. I’m not holding exclusive rights on her, but I also won’t allow for her to be disrespected either.”

All three men remain still, silently watching me.

“And for the record, Astro, you’re going to cover yourself,” he opens his mouth to say something, but I won’t let him object this time. “I don’t give a flying toss about your born-again nudist lifestyle. Eve is putting an item together for you, and I suggest you thank her and avoid your usual snide remarks when she presents it to you. Even if it looks like shite.”

I don’t hesitate and begin to move further through the jungle and hear them follow me.

We push through the dense foliage of the jungle. Every step feels like a struggle against the lush greenery that threatens to swallow us whole. Sweat trickles down my forehead, mingling with the damp air that hangs heavy. The sounds of the jungle surround us, a mix of chirping insects, rustling leaves, and distant calls of unknown animals of which, other than birds, we haven’t seen.

With each stride forward, anticipation mounts. We started this treacherous hike this morning, and it feels like we’ve been on this trail for an eternity and still cannot locate the source of whatever is making these savages stay away from this part of the island.

Yet, I’m determined to press on, driven by the unwavering determination to find answers.

“Are we going in circles?” Astro asks, and I stop as he lifts up his bare foot, which has blackened from walking.

“No,” Zane says, looking around the area searching. “I’ve been breaking foliage on purpose as markers. So far, we haven’t repeated our trail.”

That was smart. I’ve been doing similar.

“Are you alright to continue?” I ask, concerned about Astro walking barefoot.

He lets his foot down and nods, determined to see this through.

Without further words, we push through, and after what seems like an endless journey, we emerge from the jungle onto a long, open shore.

The sight that greets us takes my breath away.

We’ve been stranded on this island for what seems like forever, but what’s before me is something else altogether.

Stretching out in front of us is a vast expanse of light golden sand kissed by the gentle caress of the waves. I shield my eyes from the bright sun as I scan the horizon, my gaze falling upon the scattered debris of a plane strewn across the golden sand.

“Is that from our plane?” Zane asks.

The wreckage lies scattered like a puzzle left unfinished by the hands of fate. Pieces of twisted metal jut out from the sand, glinting in the bright midday sun. Parts of the fuselage, once a sturdy shell of protection, now lie as broken pieces, its once smooth surface marred by the relentless assault of the ocean waves.

Debris litters the shore, a grim reminder of the violent collision that had brought us here and the aircraft to its untimely end. Bits of shredded fabric cling to the wreckage, fluttering in the gentle breeze like tattered flags. The smell of salt and decay hangs heavy in the air, mingling with the acrid scent of something vile.

“It has to be from our plane,” Astro replies. “I’m guessing the rest of it sunk to the bottom of the ocean.”

And there, amidst the wreckage, in the far distance, lies something that sends a chill down my spine.