The Ranch

"The Wilderness Must Be Explored" (2)

"Your shirt got dirty." Kai calls out when Theodore gets back up off the ground. The three people fishing were also watching the scene.

Theodore attempts to look but gives up. "Then I should wash it off." He's eager to join Tih in what looks like fun, forgetting where Tih is standing. Or more like, forgetting what Tih is. With Tih's small body and his large one, sometimes it's hard for Theodore to remember who's the stronger one. Or maybe it's his unconscious bias instilled in him by his father.

He plants his foot on a stone above the water, hopping from one to another, making his way to Tih. Then he steps on a rock closer to the water level. It's slick with water and green from moss. He slips.

"THEO!" Kai shouts in concern. He, Lucien, and Abel rush to the area first, the others follow once they hear Kai's shout.

Theodore plunges into cold water. The strong current drags him under. His body gets battered by the smooth stones lining the riverbed. He inhales the water. It travels into his nostrils and lungs.

Theodore strains to find his foot, but the rocks are too slippery and the water too overpowering. He thought it would be easy to get back up if he fell in, but he was wrong.

He had once fallen into one when he was younger, but this is different. In any stream, water pushes from one side. The stronger the rapids, the stronger legs you need to have so as to not be dragged down below its surface. The island's river is on a completely different level.

There were warnings. Others told them when they were newbies, don't try to cross the river. It's just Tih made it look so easy. He underestimated it. And now it's time to pay for the consequences. Should he call it karma? No matter, It's well deserved.

As Theodore's body gives up, allowing him to be swallowed by the rapids. Tih catches him before he disappears downstream. He drags Theodore to land. The unconscious pre-teen vomits water along with coughs. Scrapes run along his body. Areas have already started bleeding.

Theodore's consciousness returns and he opens his eyes to the faces of his concerned teammates. He looks at Tih who's still holding on to him," Thanks." He says amongst coughs.

"Dumbass idiot asshole." Pierre's voice cracks as he turns away. He walks back to the campfire.

"Are you okay? Should we go to the clinic?" Victor asks.

"Ha, if I can't even handle this, can I call myself a man?" Theodore grunts as he sits up. There's going to be a lot of bruises tomorrow.

"You've learned your lesson?" Sherlock warns with a glare. He almost had a heart attack. That would have been a pathetic way to die.

Theodore rolls his eyes with a forced smile," Yes mom~."

The situation calms down and Theodore is handed medicine by Abel for his cuts.

"Thanks, I'll do it myself." Theodore waits for everyone to leave before inhaling sharply, his brows knit tightly in pain. His body really took a beating. The cuts are from things like sticks trapped between rocks.

He'll need to disinfect quickly. He unscrews the medicine cap and scoops some with a finger. When the medicine touches his cut, his skin burns. He sharply inhales once more, keeping his teeth clenched hard.

He's too tired. His battle with the rapids sapped all his strength. He could fall asleep right here, right now.

He hands the medicine to the person next to him, Tih. Tih continues to hold onto him long after the rest left. He couldn't understand that he wanted to uphold what little pride he has left after making a fool of himself and almost dying. But why would he. Tih doesn't care about whatever "pride" is.

Tih looks at the bitter smelling medicine can. He takes it and copies Theodore's movements earlier. He plunges his finger in the gel and spreads it across the red on Theodore. The red mingles with the clear gel.

Theodore does his best not to recoil at the stinging sensation. Kai stares daggers into Theodore as he watches from afar. He mutters grumpily," First Victor, now Theo."

Kai has been in a rather bitter mood lately. Ever since he started spotting Victor with Tih more and more. The two have been hanging out more than usual and he has been spending less time with Tih to train. It's an upsetting feeling for him, but he can't pinpoint exactly why. He himself doesn't understand what he's feeling and his memory can't help him in this situation, but he knows he dislikes it.

He wants Tih to stick by his side. Didn't he meet him first? Shouldn't he be Tih's favorite? But it seems after meeting more people, he's fallen out of favor. What should he do to become Tih's number one friend again? The thirteen year old starts plotting.

"I'm gonna call it for the day. See you guys for dinner." Theodore walks over to the group. He taps his wristwatch to remind them to message him when it's time.

"Got it." Victor nods. It's not the first time any of them have been hurt, but it was usually during a martial arts class or a monthly trial. Either way, they're usually prepared for it. Victor ponders. They might have to reassess their solemnity pertaining to the island. They've gone about it too lightheartedly. It's time to get serious.