Survivor [Zach Mitchell]

Chapter 1 - Zach

Massive. The island was massive.

Trees and vines filled the area and even at shore, the jungle like structure of the area was only several feet away. The ocean that surrounded it were filled with various life forms, some of them peeking out from beneath the waves to take a look at the new species that just arrived on their island. How we got here unharmed is a miracle.

"I still don't think you should come. You're too young for this." Aunt Claire whispers as we reach the first island by boat, soon to take a helicopter after to reach the main destination.

I shake my head, offering her a comforting smile as my hand reaches over to gently rub my back. "I can handle myself. Don't worry."I assure her causing her to grimace as the boat docks, Owen coming out from one of the cabins and out into the deck where we were.

"Ready?"He asks, his eyes shifting between his girlfriend and I, as cadets on board carry luggages off of the boat and into one of the many helicopters that would be used for the long trip.

Aunt Claire still eyes me, her lower lip trembling causing Owen to take a step closer, taking her away from me and holding her tight.

"Zach, go down and get your backpack. We'll meet you on the heli." He says, his hand going up and down her back as she buries her face into his chest, trying to calm her nerves down. A sigh escapes my lips as I nod, leaving them to sort her shit out. I don't blame her though. I get it that I'm not that old enough to go on trips like these but I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. It gets annoying when everyone still treats you as if you were still five years old.

I see one of the cadets carrying my backpack and I rush to him, taking away my things from him before slinging it over my shoulder. I walk around, watching as scientists from different parts of the globe are packing their items, some of them even carrying rolling bags. I snort at their idiocy. Like hell you can carry that while running away from something that will try to eat you. Luckily, I'm not stupid like them. I packed light. An extra pair of clothes, knowing I won't be able to change unless I'm lucky enough and flashlight, rope, a walkie-talkie and extra batteries. I also had a knife and a pistol packed, in case something happens. Thank God for Owen again. This time for allowing me to carry lethal weapons.I'm probably going to get more once we reach the island, but for now, I'm cool with this.

My feet take me around the island, finding only a few buildings and a small airport. Nearly everyone here was either a scientist or a sailor or a pilot. The few that weren't, were people just like; people that had access to a private island because of their companions. Nonetheless, I seemed to be the youngest one out of everyone here.

I continue to walk around the small island, heading towards the airport by foot. Thoughts of how horribly wrong things could go begin to swirl my head. I don't want anything bad to happen to my aunt or Owen. God knows I could never forgive myself if something did. I need to take care of myself and show them that I can be dependent.

By the time I reach the airport, I find Owen standing near a helicopter, his eyes searching the crowd of scientists before they land on me, relief washing over his features. "Zach!" He calls out, his hand raised as if to signal where they were. I wave back, taking long steps towards their direction, my heart beating wildly against my chest. This is it. I was going to start a new journey again. No one to take care of but myself and no one to depend on.

Owen patted me on the back as I reached them, hopping into the plane before sitting down and strapping myself across my aunt.

"I'm still scared, you know."She tells me as her eyes watch her boyfriend yell to a few people before jumping on board and joining us. A give her another smile, a small one as the helicopter begins, the noise growing louder as it lifts us off the ground.