The Island

(Chapter 19) Broken Pieces (Revised)

Janette seems to have a, "keep to yourself" vibe going on. She talks very little, showing almost no emotion, but focused to what she needs to get done. I was told that she is the scout, the first into danger, the first to lay her life for the rest of the group. She is also the fastest raptor out of the entire pack. If danger is ahead Janette scouts before letting the pack continue, the last scout died during a hunt. An enemy clan of raptors attacked the scout and executed him. Dispite this, Janette seems intent in taking that raptors place, I just have to admire someone like that.

My hand raises and points forward, "It's right there."

Janette runs up to the tree and sniffs around, "There are a lot of different body odors around this area. It will be difficult to find which is your brothers."

As the silence between us grows in discomfort a voice comes from behind me, "David?" I turn to find Henry limping toward me, a sharpen staff in hand. He points at me with a face of anger, "What are you doing here?"

I throw my hands in the air, "Please, just hear me out."

He limps passed, shoving me to the side, "You are done talking to me." His eyes fall on Janette, I can hear is frustration, "I can see you took my advice and joined your brethren."

Janette backs out of his way, "What is he saying? He doesn't sound happy to see you."

I wave my hand, "It's none of your concern, he's just angry."

Henry stops and kicks me with his staff, "Oh, I am beyond angry. You betrayed me, we are probably on this fucking island because of you."

I catch my breath, "I had nothing to do with the ship sinking or how we got to this island, it just happened."

Henry slams his stick against the tree, "Stop lying to me! You and I were brothers, does that not mean anything to you? Just... go and replace me with..." He extends his staff towards Janette, "With that?"

Janette backs up a little more, "Is he threatening me?"

I shake my head, "No, Janette." I turn toward Henry, "I am your brother Henry. We've been through hell together. Please, listen to what I have to say."

Henry turns back around and grabs a pack on the floor, "So, you'll help me get of this island?"

I nod, "I've been wanted to get off this island from the very start... But I want to help the raptors. They are being hunted down."

Henry's fists tighten, "So, the devil has finally shown himself under the mask. You would help these animals than your own brother, fuck, your own kind!"

I stand straight, "I want to do both."

Henry turns and limps passed me, "Well, you only get to do one and one of your options is leaving, choose who it will be."

I grab Henry's arm, "Don't make me choose."

His face hardens, "The fact that you have second thoughts about who you are going with makes it very clear. Goodbye David. If I see you or any of these creatures and I'll treat you all the same."

I tighten my grip on his arm, "Please." I plead.

Henry shakes free and flips me off, "Go to hell David."

My hand reaches for him again, "Please."

All Henry says before he leaves is, "Go be with your real family."

Janette walks forward and asks, "So, you make peace?"

I fall to my knees and watch as the only person I would die for limps away angry at me for what I have done. I groan and whisper out to Henry, "I won't forget you brother." Once my courage comes back I lift myself up and begin, "We didn't make peace, but I am not giving up on him. Let's go back."

The sun sets over the mountains bringing brightly colored insects out of the barks of trees.

Janette seems to enjoy their colors and takes a few moments to enjoy their luminescence. I ask if their color is new to her.

"No, they come every once in a while. The others will be admiring the lights. Father orders us to take time to enjoy them, to remember the beauty of life. Before we didn't understand our own existence, but after a while, the fruit gave us the ability to learn. Father wants us to appreciate our ability to appreciate."

I nod, "Sounds like Father is a wise raptor."

Janette shakes her head, "No, just old."

I smile, "Which brings the question; how old is he?"

Her face hardens in thought, "I think he mentioned that this is the fourth generation he has been apart of. That's why he has been so hard on Buddy. He is to take his place as alpha. Only an alpha raptor can live for so long."

I rub my chin, "How do you know Buddy will live for so long?"

Janette continues on her way back to the cave, "When an alpha is born the hatchling will open is eyes before his mother, before the day ends. That raptor will learn quicker than any normal raptor. On the day that the alpha dies, the next will take his or her place."

I then ask, "What if more than one alpha appears or if no alpha appears?"

Janette turns to me and says, "Well, the pack would have to go on without a leader until one hatched. If multiple appeared then when the original alpha dies then a battle of leadership will take place to test the strength of the raptors. The victor will take over the pack, the loser can choose to stay with the rest or take those loyal to him or her and leave."

I point behind me, "So, what is with that raptor Rex?"

Janette turns back around and continues, "Two babies were born, when the alpha died Father and Rex had a duel. Rex broke our law and cheated during his fight. Father won none the less and casted him out. They used to be brothers, just like you and that other human, but the greed of becoming leader blinded Rex until it consumed him from within."

The cave finally becomes visible and we both head inside, "Why do you think Father keeps me?"

Janette turns and says, "Father has a kind heart, he wants peace between our species. He will go to great lengths to make that happen. He's also curious to see what a human can be. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if he made you alpha."

I chuckle, "Buddy would love that."