Lost In Tomorrow

Chapter 5: Shadows in the Mist

Leo's muscles ached as he retraced his steps back through the western jungle. His encounter with the predatory creature and the discovery of the strange structure left him both shaken and exhilarated. 

Each step felt heavy, his mind racing between what he'd seen and what might still be lurking ahead. His makeshift spear remained tightly in his grasp, his knuckles white with tension.

The eerie quietness returned as he pushed forward, the bioluminescent glow of the plants around him giving off an otherworldly vibe. 

He passed the familiar purple trees and the pulsing plants that he had marked earlier with fabric strips. But now, everything seemed different—more menacing, like the jungle was holding its breath, waiting.

"Okay, Leo," he muttered to himself, pushing a large leaf aside, "just stay calm. Nothing's jumped out at you yet. Except for, you know, the terrifying alien predator. No big deal."

He let out a short laugh to break the silence, but it only reminded him of how alone he was. His eyes scanned the jungle carefully, the fabric markers fluttering faintly in the humid breeze, guiding him back toward the shelter. He felt an unsettling tingle crawl up his spine—this jungle wasn't finished with him yet.

Suddenly, a movement ahead caught his eye. Leo froze. The bushes, once again, began to shift. His heart pounded. Slowly, he crouched down behind a thick tree trunk, holding his breath. Through the thick underbrush, he spotted the creature—the same predator that had attacked him earlier. 

It was standing just a few feet away, its sleek, shining body camouflaged against the jungle, nearly indistinguishable from the surrounding plants. Its dark eyes were scanning the forest, but it hadn't spotted him yet.

Leo's heart hammered in his chest, but he forced himself to stay calm. He couldn't afford another chase. Not now. He watched as the creature sniffed the air, its long claws tapping rhythmically against the ground, as though it was listening for something. 

For a moment, Leo considered turning back, maybe finding a different path. But no, that would only lead to more trouble. He needed to get to the shelter, and this creature stood between him and safety.

Quietly, Leo tightened his grip on his spear and surveyed the area. His gaze landed on a thick patch of vegetation off to the side. If he could just sneak around it... He crouched lower, moving carefully, one step at a time, trying not to disturb the underbrush. 

His movements were slow, and deliberate, as he inched his way past the creature. His eyes flicked to the creature, which remained still, though its ears twitched slightly as if catching a sound in the distance.

"Please don't turn around," Leo whispered under his breath, inching his way through the tall grass. His foot nearly brushed against a root, and for a brief second, he paused, afraid the smallest noise would alert the beast.

Just a few more steps. Keep calm. Almost there.

Suddenly, a twig snapped under Leo's foot.

The creature's head snapped in his direction, its eyes narrowing as it searched the underbrush.

Leo froze, his breath catching in his throat. He waited, every muscle tense, ready to run if he had to. But the creature didn't move. Instead, it sniffed the air again, then turned and slinked back into the shadows. Leo let out a slow, controlled breath, his whole body trembling with adrenaline.

"Too close," he whispered, shaking his head. He stood slowly, glancing back at the creature one last time before continuing on his way.

As he pushed deeper into the jungle, Leo's mind wandered back to the strange structure he had seen. What was it? Who built it? More importantly, did it have anything to do with their crash? His brain was full of questions, but the jungle wasn't giving up any answers.