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

Chapter 20: How to Survive Wilderness?

As dawn broke over Past Island, the group woke up to the sounds of the forest coming to life. Birds chirped in the treetops, and the sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. Despite the previous day's hardships, they felt a renewed sense of purpose.

Gathering around the fire, they discussed their next steps. The food they had found would last for a day, maybe two, but they needed a more sustainable solution.

"Kailangan siguro natin ng permanent na tutulogan," Jax suggested. "Somewhere we can protect our supplies and rest without fear of another animal attack."

"Tama tama," Raiver said. "Let's find a better location and start setting up. We'll need to build shelters, find a reliable water source, and set up traps and foraging areas."

With a plan in place, they set off, each with a specific task in mind. The forest was both their adversary and their ally, providing the resources they needed while challenging their every move.

------------------------------------

// Finding a New Camp //

The group scouted the area, looking for a suitable spot to set up a more permanent camp. They found a space near a larger stream, surrounded by dense vegetation that could provide natural cover and resources.

"This is perfect," Darren said, surveying the area. "Let's get to work."

They divided the tasks among themselves: Remy and Jax would focus on building shelters, Ashton and Raiver on setting up traps and gathering food, and Killua and Darren on securing a water supply and building a fire pit.

// Building Shelters //

Remy and Jax began by collecting sturdy branches and large leaves. They created simple hut, using vines to lash the branches together and the leaves as roofing material. It was hard work, but they were motivated by the necessity of their task.

"This reminds me of those survival shows," Jax said, wiping sweat from his brow. "Except it's not as glamorous when you're actually doing it."

"True," Remy replied with a grin. "Pero okay nga to oh. We just need to keep at it."

By midday, they had constructed three shelters, enough for the group to sleep in relative comfort and protection from the elements.

// Gathering Food and Setting Traps //

Ashton and Raiver ventured into the forest, checking the traps they had set the previous night. To their relief, they found another rabbit and a few small birds caught in the snares. They reset the traps and moved on to forage for edible plants.

They found more wild bananas, ferns, and some berries they were certain were safe to eat. Their knowledge of foraging was growing, and they carefully avoided any plants they couldn't positively identify.

As they worked, they shared another memory from their past. It was a time when they had come together to help a friend in need.

"Do you remember when Killua broke his leg during that hiking trip?" Ashton asked as he picked berries from a bush.

"Hinding-hindi ko yun makakalimutan" Raiver replied. "Ang lalo natin non sa kalsada, and he was in so much pain."

They had been on a weekend hike when Killua slipped and broke his leg. They were miles from the nearest road, and cell service was nonexistent. Without hesitation, they sprang into action. They created a makeshift stretcher from branches and their jackets, taking turns carrying Killua back to the trailhead.

"Isang oras din yun, no?," Ashton recalled. "But we didn't give up. Alam natin na kailangan niya ng tulong."

When they finally reached the trailhead, they managed to flag down a passing car and get Killua to the hospital. The experience had tested their friendship and their ability to work together under pressure.