Things are Looking up

As we awaken in each other's embrace, I can't help but feel a sense of peace wash over me. Despite the discomfort of the makeshift bed we had fashioned out of leaves, there is a tranquility in being held by Alex that surpasses any physical pain. In his arms, I feel safe, protected from the dangers lurking in the jungle's darkness around us.

As we rise early to start our day, the jungle stretches before us, shrouded in mist and darkness. The towering trees loom overhead, their branches entwined like a canopy, blocking out much of the weak morning light. Strange calls and cries echo through the dense foliage, reminding us that we are not alone in this untamed wilderness.

Despite our hunger, our search for food yields little results. The mango trees in this area are sparse, offering only a meager handful of fruit. We drink sparingly from the river, wary of the potential parasites that could lurk in its murky depths.

As we walk through the jungle, the path ahead of us is narrow and winding, hemmed in by dense foliage and towering trees. Sunlight filters through the canopy above, dappling the ground with patches of light and shadow. Strange, exotic birds flit among the branches, their calls echoing through the air.

I listen intently as Alex describes the next band or artist, determined to guess correctly this time. "Okay, next clue," I say, eager to redeem myself. Alex grins mischievously before giving me the next set of clues.

"This band was formed in Seattle in 1994. Their lead singer tragically passed away in 1994."

I rack my brain, trying to recall any bands or artists that fit the description. Suddenly, it clicks. "Nirvana!" I exclaim triumphantly.

Alex nods, impressed. "Well done! You got it."

I grin mischievously as I prepare to give Alex his next challenge. "Okay, Alex, time for your clue. This band was formed in London in 1970. They're known for their flamboyant lead singer and iconic anthems like 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'We Will Rock You.'"

Alex furrows his brow, deep in thought. After a moment of contemplation, he shakes his head. "Hmm, this one's tough. Can I get a cheat clue?"

I nod, knowing exactly which cheat clue will give it away. "Sure, here's your cheat clue: 'Galileo, Galileo, Galileo, Figaro...'"

Recognition flashes across Alex's face as he gasps in realization. "Queen!" he exclaims, a grin spreading across his face. "How could I have missed that? Damn, I must be getting dehydrated."

As we continue walking, I find myself drawn to Alex's presence, his warmth, and strength offering a sense of security amidst the uncertainty of our surroundings. The memory of our kiss from last night lingers in my mind, its significance not lost on me. It felt like more than just a friendly gesture, sparking a blush to creep up my cheeks as I recall the intimacy of the moment.

Summoning the courage, I finally voice the question that's been weighing on my mind. "Hey, Alex... Mind telling me some more about you?" I ask tentatively, watching as he pauses, a hint of surprise flickering across his features before he nods in response. "Oh, sure, I don't mind," he replies, his voice soft yet filled with an openness that invites further conversation.

I seize the opportunity to delve deeper into his past, hoping to learn more about the enigmatic man who has become my steadfast companion in this unforgiving jungle. "You mentioned being part of this Sons group... Is it based in the USA or is it foreign?" I inquire, curious about the organization he's associated with.

"We're mercenaries, essentially," Alex begins, his tone matter-of-fact as he offers insight into his world. "We operate on a small scale, but our reach can be worldwide. In America, specifically in the Southern District where I'm from, there are 13 Sons, like myself, along with 40 other members," he explains, revealing a glimpse into the intricate structure of the group he belongs to.

Alex's words paint a picture of a life shaped by rigorous training and high expectations. He speaks of a childhood marked by the relentless pursuit of perfection, where failure was not an option. I can sense the weight of his past bearing down on him, the burden of expectation evident in his every word.

"We are trained from a young age to become Sons, and only a certain number of us were allowed the title," he explains, his voice tinged with regret. "We had to pass..." His voice trails off, and he looks down, a shadow passing over his features. "I just... I just know it wasn't worth it in the end."

As we walk, he opens up about the unique skills and opportunities afforded to him through his training. "We were taught many unique things, and given many unique opportunities, however failure was not tolerated," he continues, his tone somber.

I watch as he scans the ground, his eyes catching sight of a half-eaten mango. He pauses, looking around, before continuing. "It's how I learned how to forage and hunt. It was expected of us."

Curiosity gets the better of me, and I ask about the creatures we encountered the other night. His response is chilling. "Those weren't people," he asserts, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "Those things... were not human."

I try to make sense of it, wondering if he's being prejudiced or simply expressing anger. But his next words send a chill down my spine. "It took everything I didn't have in me to outrun them," he admits, his voice tinged with a mix of fear and disbelief. "And not only that, it took both of us to fight one hand to hand."

The realization hits me like a ton of bricks. Despite our efforts, we never truly defeated the creature. "I broke multiple bones in its body, and at best, it charged back at me for more," Alex recounts, his expression grave. "I think whatever those things are, we fight them one on one, but never as a group. Not until we can even the playing field."

Despite the danger we faced, Alex tried to reassure me, his smile offering a semblance of comfort. "I don't want you worrying too much about things we may not be able to control at this time," he says, his words a balm to my troubled mind.

We walk in silence for a while as we describe the bugs and my aching feet, we have been following the distant sound of rushing water for a while now. 

As Alex asked about me, I couldn't help but feel a pang of uncertainty. What was there to say about myself? But his question prompted me to ponder, and soon enough, an image of my favorite meal flashed in my mind with vivid clarity.

"Chopped steak smothered in onions, with a side of mac and cheese, collard greens, and a nice slice of cheesecake without the strawberry drizzle," I reply, a wistful smile tugging at my lips. The thought of that meal alone was enough to make my mouth water.

Lost in my daydream, I imagine Alex bringing me this meal, setting the stage for a candlelit dinner. In my fantasy, I'm dressed in a short, form-fitted black dress, with just enough skin showing to tantalize but not reveal too much. It's a scene straight out of a romance novel, and for a moment, I allow myself to indulge in the fantasy.

But Alex's voice breaks through my reverie, pulling me back to reality. He stops me just in time as I'm about to step off an embankment, and I look down to see the steep drop below. The sound of rushing water fills the air, signaling that our destination lies somewhere below.

"We need to be careful," Alex warns, his tone serious. "If we lose our footing, we may have a bad time. But it sounds like that's where we need to go."

With his guidance, we carefully make our way down the embankment, clinging to trees and limbs for support as we descend into the unknown. 

The descent down the embankment was slow and cautious, each step calculated to avoid slipping on the loose soil and rocks. We used tree branches and roots as makeshift handholds, lowering ourselves down with care until we reached the bottom.

As we stood at the base of the embankment, we were greeted with a breathtaking sight. The area around us was lush and green, with tall trees stretching up towards the sky. In the distance, a waterfall cascaded down from a rocky outcrop, its gentle roar filling the air.

We smiled at each other, feeling a sense of accomplishment at having made it this far. The terrain had been challenging, but the beauty of our surroundings made it all worth it. We continued to walk, following a path that led us through a clearing in the jungle.

As we emerged from the clearing, we found ourselves standing at the edge of a river. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the sunlight in a dazzling display. We followed the river for a short distance until we came upon the source of the waterfall.

It was a majestic sight. The waterfall cascaded down from a height above us, creating a shimmering curtain of water that fell into a large, tranquil lake below. We stood at the edge of the lake, taking in the beauty of the scene before us.

And then we saw it. Floating in the middle of the lake was a boat. But not just any boat. It was a Jefferson Marquessa MY, a luxury yacht known for its elegance and opulence. We stared at it in disbelief, unsure of what to make of its presence in this remote location.

"Is that what I think it is?" Alex asked, his voice filled with awe.

I was shocked, my mind racing to comprehend what we were seeing. "Is that a boat?" I echoed, my voice barely above a whisper.

An old boat described by Alex as a Jefferson Marquessa MY floated in the middle of the lake, its once luxurious exterior showing signs of wear and tear. From a distance, we could see that some of its windows were missing, likely a result of the boat's journey to this remote location. Despite its slightly battered appearance, the boat seemed to be in relatively good condition, considering its age and the circumstances.

The lake itself was vast, stretching out before us with no end in sight. The boat was not far from where we stood, its presence both intriguing and unsettling. Should we call out to whoever might be on board? The idea of human contact was both enticing and nerve-wracking, given our current situation.

I scanned the sky for any signs of smoke, indicating the presence of a nearby village or settlement. Seeing none, I felt a glimmer of hope that the boat might be our ticket to safety. Our stomachs rumbled in unison, a reminder of our hunger and the need for sustenance. Perhaps this boat belonged to someone who could help us, someone who had a supply of food and water.

But as my thoughts drifted back to the previous night, a cold chill ran down my spine. The events that had led us to this moment were still fresh in my mind, a reminder of the dangers that lurked in this seemingly idyllic wilderness.

"Maybe it came over the waterfall?" I suggested though the idea seemed far-fetched. The distance between the waterfall and the lake was too great for a boat to have made the journey unscathed. "Do you think this lake is safe to swim in?" I asked Alex, my eyes flicking between the waterfall and the water below.

Alex frowned, his expression thoughtful. "This water is flowing out somewhere," he said, gesturing towards the lake. "If it wasn't, the water levels would be higher. We'll have to be careful not to get caught in any underwater currents."

I looked at him, realizing for the first time just how exhausted he must be. Despite his efforts to conceal it, I could see the fatigue in his eyes. We were both running on fumes, our bodies pushed to their limits by the challenges of our journey. 

Alex's disappointment was palpable as we decided against swimming in the lake. His hope of finding familiar territory dwindled with each step we took into the unfamiliar landscape. We were both exhausted, our bodies weary from the journey. Covered in mosquito bites and feeling the effects of our ordeal, I couldn't help but feel self-conscious about my appearance. Alex noticed my discomfort and offered a comforting smile.

"I did see some ripe mangos a little bit back," he said, his voice gentle. "What do you say we fuel up on those and then come back and make a plan?"

His suggestion lifted my spirits, and I forced myself to see a silver lining in our situation. "Okay," I replied, mustering a smile. "Besides, I have to have enough energy to learn how to step, right?"

"Step?" I asked, intrigued, as he beckoned me to follow. "Like I said, those things were not people, and they were beyond human," he explained. "So, I'll have to teach you what I know so we'll have a better chance against them next time. And the first part of all of that is teaching you the Steps."

My mind raced with questions. What were these Steps, and how could they help us against the creatures we had encountered? As we walked back to find the mangos, Alex began to explain.

"The Steps are a series of movements and techniques that can help us move faster and more efficiently," he said, his tone serious. "It's not just about speed, though. The Steps also teach us how to be more aware of our surroundings and how to anticipate danger."

As we reached the mango trees, Alex showed me how to pick the ripe fruit and we sat down to eat. The sweet juice was a welcome relief, and I felt a surge of gratitude towards Alex for his resourcefulness and kindness.

As Alex elaborated on the Steps, I couldn't shake the feeling of inadequacy creeping over me. The more he described them, the more they sounded like something out of a military training manual or an ancient martial arts secret. It all seemed so complex—balancing relaxation and tension in your muscles, controlling your breathing, and managing an adrenaline rush—all while trying to maintain an edge in a fight.

"Temporary use can give you an edge in any fight," Alex explained between bites of mango. "But overuse can cause your muscles to cramp. Trust me, it's hard to relax them once they do. And don't even get me started on the pain." He chuckled, but there was a hint of resignation in his laughter.

Taking another bite of mango, the realization hit me like a ton of bricks. The reason Alex had been incapacitated the night before wasn't just exhaustion—it was the result of pushing his body to dangerous limits to protect us. The thought made me feel a wave of sadness and horror. He had sacrificed his well-being to ensure our survival.

Looking at him now, I couldn't help but admire his resilience and strength. Despite the pain he must have been in, he still found the energy to teach me, to guide me through the Steps that could potentially save our lives. His selflessness humbled me, and I made a silent vow to do whatever I could to support him in return.

As we finished our meal and prepared to return to the lake, I felt a renewed determination. The Steps may be challenging, but with Alex's guidance and support, I knew that I could learn them. And if it meant standing beside him in the face of danger, I was willing to endure whatever pain and discomfort came my way. Together, we would overcome whatever obstacles lay ahead.