Grounded On Juniper Island

Ivory Beach

The nearing midday humidity had turned the trio into a moist mess. They had found themselves out in an open paddock, only a hundred metres away from Ivory Beach. The floor was filled with sand and succulent beach weeds. Adorned by purple flowers, the succulents created a path leading to their destination. 

In the distance crystal blue water shimmered. Seagulls were flying above, circling what appeared to be a school of fish, while brown cylindrical masses stretched across the beach. Their flippers flapped around throwing sand over themselves. Whilst their mouths gaped open revealing rose pink gums. These were guarded by a set of short fangs. The bulbous nose sat in between their eyes like a giant sausage. They were elephant seals. It was these blubber-filled creatures gave the beach it's name. 

 Oleg had a terrible feeling about where the next clue may be. It was sure to be amongst the herd of  volatile seals. Mating season was the time of year to stay away. To make matters worse,  every now and then he would winch as droplets stung his eyes. Every time he felt a pitter patter on his back, he knew it wasn't rain

Why am I doing this? is what he often thought throughout their trek but when he glanced at Jane his frustration disappeared.

Her pale expression and drenched skin made it obvious to him she was not acclimatised to the thick humidity that hovered over Juniper Island. They had been trekking for close to half an hour. 

 Jane's legs began to sway. A nervous ripple went through Oleg's body.

"Get behind her Lior", called Oleg. "Keep a close eye on her."

Lior didn't answer. He came to halt and jogged to the back of the pack.

"Almost there", whispered Lior. "Are you sure you don't want a rest".

"I am sorry", strained Jane in a whisky voice, "but I must get there."

"May I ask why?"

Before she could respond Jane found herself falling onto her knees. Oleg whipped himself around and sprinted over. The adrenaline pumping through him  didn't make his limbs feel like it's usual gelatinous state.

It was there she started to take in shallow breathes.

It was a sickening sound as if someone had clamped down on her windpipe. Each breath sent  needles into Oleg's stomach.

"Take her in the shade", said Lior, who was surprisingly calm throughout the situation.

Oleg took on his command carefully lifting her to her feet. With the help of Lior her arms slung over their shoulders. For a few metres they ambled, trudging to palm tree they had both instinctively chosen.

Lior couldn't believe the irony of it.

"Are you still with us", asked Oleg as they ventured into the shade.

"Yes", whispered Jane forcing herself to push the words out. She flashed a small smile that rose with her dimples. In that moment, the paleness had faded.

The boys rested her against the trees. Lior scrambled his hands on the sand.

"Aha", he said handing Jane a bunch of palm leaves.

"Take off your sack cloth Jane. We need to cool your skin."

"What game are you playing?", grunted Oleg  screwing up his face.

"Trust me. I am not trying anything funny. The quicker we can get her cooler the sooner she can recover". Oleg nodded at Lior in agreement. He was right there was no time for fussing around.

"Now Oleg, go fetch some fresh water from Jango Lagoon."

"Of course, just please keep her safe."

"Will do. Now go!"

There was a hidden strength in his voice. Oleg knew Lior to be a sweet and timid boy. His opinion changed as they had spent more time together. His coolness under pressure had consolidated it.

In order to get to Jango Lagoon, he would have to follow the beach north until till he found the path made from pebbles.

 Oleg ran down the dune his legs were swallowed by the sand. In an instant heat rushed to his feet and calves. He clenched his teeth ignoring the pain the best he could. 

 I've got to do it for Jane.

Suddenly he felt a tug at at his ankle. A pesky root, he thought. His momentum sent him face first into the sand.

To his surprise, he was able to push himself up to his knees. Despite how dizzy he had felt Oleg knew he had to run. Sand rushed to all his crevices. He swept the grit from his eyes ignoring the discomfort it left. His vision was a blur. He could hear the sound of grunts and gurgles but before he could work was on going on he rebounded off a solid mass.

Above him a splash landed on his head. It slid from his hair to the crook of his neck.

"Just my luck", he said. 

He turned around finding himself being approached by four male elephant seals. They were the size of a small car. Their bloodshot red eyes glared at him.  The violent grumbles echoing from their mouths made him want to curl up in a ball and hide. As they shifted closer to him Oleg knew he only had one choice.

Pressing his hand onto sand, the footing beneath him separated creating  bunkers around the each seal.

The seals panicked as they tried to clamber out of their trap. Oleg released his hands shooting them into the distance like wayward cannonballs.

His ears pricked up. A pop was heard over the cacophony of grunts and wails. Next to his foot was an oddity. It was one he was familiar with.

Another egg.

It was the shape of a football and the size of one too. Woollen fur wrapped all around it. Spots of tan, black and white made up its complexion.

Instinct told him to place his hand on the top of the egg. It responded with a clear light.

 Oleg wasn't going to make the same mistake again. He sprinted back to the dunes. 

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Hey everybody,

I have entered Grounded on Juniper Island in the Pastel Awards. If you've read it or just want to show your general support, I would love for your support by voting for me in the "People's Choice' category. It would mean so much to me. Once again thanks for reading.

Lots of Love,

JA

https://www.wattpad.com/369058589-pastel-awards-2017-people%27s-choice-award/page/