Past Island: Regrets and Guilt (Past Series #1) [COMPLETED]

Chapter 11: The Watcher's Fog

Raiver stumbled through the dense jungle, the shadows playing tricks on his mind. The humid air clung to his skin, making each step feel like a struggle. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched, an eerie presence lurking just out of sight. His heart pounded in his chest, and his breath came in shallow gasps. The dense foliage seemed to close in around him, and every rustle of leaves made him jump.

Raiver had always been the strong one, the protector among his friends. But here, in the heart of the island, he felt small and vulnerable. Memories of his past began to surface, memories he had tried so hard to bury.

It was a summer afternoon, and Raiver and his best friend had decided to take a trip to the river, or "ilog," as they called it. The sky was clear, and the water was inviting. They laughed and splashed, enjoying the carefree moments of their youth. But as the afternoon wore on, dark clouds began to gather. A storm was coming, fast and furious. The river, once calm and gentle, turned into a raging torrent.

Raiver and his friend tried to get out of the water, but the current was too strong. They were separated, and Raiver could only watch in horror as his friend was swept away. He tried to get help, but by the time he reached the spot where his friend had disappeared, it was too late. He watched helplessly as his best friend drowned, the life fading from his eyes.

The guilt and helplessness had haunted Raiver ever since. He had tried to move on, but the memory of that day was like a shadow, always lurking at the edges of his mind.

As he walked deeper into the jungle, a thick fog began to roll in. It started as a light mist, but soon it grew denser, obscuring his vision. The air grew colder, and Raiver could hear the faint sound of water rushing somewhere in the distance. The fog seemed to carry whispers, faint and indistinct, but enough to send chills down his spine.

He pressed on, but the fog grew thicker, and soon he could barely see a few feet in front of him. Panic began to set in. He felt like he was walking in circles, lost and disoriented. The whispers grew louder, and he could hear cries for help, mingling with the sound of rushing water.

"Raiver, tulong!" a voice called out, faint and desperate.

Raiver's heart skipped a beat. It was his friend's voice, the same voice that had called out to him all those years ago. He turned, trying to locate the source of the voice, but the fog was too thick. Shadows moved in the mist, taking on the shapes of drowning people, their hands reaching out for help.

"Raiver, tulungan mo ako pre! please!" the voice pleaded.

He tried to move towards the voice, but the fog seemed to pull him back, like an invisible force holding him in place. The spectral figures grew more distinct, their faces twisted in agony. Raiver felt a deep, overwhelming sense of helplessness. He couldn't save them. He couldn't save anyone.

"Stop!" he screamed, covering his ears, but the cries only grew louder.

He fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "Pre, I'm so sorry."

The fog seemed to close in around him, the cold seeping into his bones. He felt like he was drowning, just like his friend. He couldn't breathe, couldn't think. The guilt was suffocating.

"Raiver," a different voice broke through the fog, strong and clear. "You have to let go."

Raiver looked up and saw Killua standing there, his face determined. "Killua?" he gasped.

Killua nodded, stepping closer. "You can't save everyone, Raiver. nagawa mo na ang makakaya mo, it's not your fault!"

Raiver shook his head, the tears flowing freely now. "But I failed. Hindi ko siya nagawang iligtas."

Killua reached out, grabbing Raiver's shoulders and pulling him to his feet. "You have to accept that some things are beyond your control. Holding onto this guilt won't bring him back. You have to forgive yourself."

Raiver looked into Killua's eyes, seeing the sincerity and compassion there. He took a deep, shuddering breath and nodded. "You're right," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I need to let go."

As he said the words, the fog began to lift. The spectral figures faded away, and the air grew warmer. Raiver felt a weight lift from his shoulders, a sense of peace washing over him.

He turned to Killua, a small smile forming on his lips. "Thank you, pre" he said. "Di ko alam kung makakaya ko to kung wala ka."

Killua clapped him on the back, grinning. "That's what friends are for. Tara na, kailangan pa natin hanapin yung iba and get off this island."

Raiver nodded, feeling a renewed sense of hope. The journey was far from over, but he knew he wasn't alone. With his friends by his side, he could face whatever challenges lay ahead. They started walking together, the shadows of the past finally beginning to fade.

As they made their way through the jungle, Raiver couldn't help but think about his friend. He would never forget him, but now, he could remember the good times they had shared without being consumed by guilt. He had faced his demons and came out stronger on the other side. And for the first time in a long time, he felt like he could breathe again.

The journey ahead was uncertain, but Raiver knew that as long as they stuck together, they could overcome anything. He glanced at Killua, who gave him an encouraging nod. With renewed determination, they pressed on, ready to face whatever the island had in store for them.

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Past Island: Regrets and Guilt

Written by: @Clintoooon_

DISCLAIMER : This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, place, or events and incidents are either the products of the author's imaginations or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblances to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

@All Rights Reserved. Clintoooon_. 2024.