Kong (A James Conrad Love Story)

Saving Kong

 It was nearing dark when we finally reached the top of the mountain. That hike was one of the most miserable of my entire life. Straight up a rock face, and all of us nearly fell at one point or another. My shoes were so worn smooth that they had no grip. Finally, we reached the top and a cool night breeze swept over us. I could just barely see the stars through a thin layer of clouds.

The river laid below us, twisting out to the open sea. James pointed at a bend in the river. "The boat must be just around that bend." Mason started clicking wildly with her camera, trying to take as many pictures as she could. I froze suddenly, squinting out at the view. A slight tremble in the earth told me everything I needed to know.

"What? Wells, what do you hear?" James asked me, before he saw the giant shape taking form in the mist. His hand went to his gun before I grabbed and pulled it back down, my hand tightly around his wrist. Mason stepped back. I averted my eyes as Kong reached us, staring curiously at us. Or more accurately, at Mason. I was old news, and James was so far back into the mist that he was barely visible. I could hear Mason stepping forwards, in awe of the giant gorilla. James made a move to pull her back, but I stopped him. She was safe, for now.

Her hand pressed softly into his fur, and I knew from experience just how soft it was. She let out a shaky breath and smiled, her eyes glistening in the dim light. James also relaxed, and I could tell he was in sheer awe of this beast. In Kong's eyes there was a humanity that was absolutely terrifying to behold, something that still scared me. It made everyone who saw him uncomfortable to think he was every bit as human as he or she was.

Mason lowered her hand, and Kong pulled back until he was shrouded in the mist once more. Just as his silhouette faded, explosions rocked the jungle floor. They came from a point a few klicks away, but I could still feel the earth vibrating under our feet. Packard, the bastard. The sky lit up with flames. I turned to James in terror, and I could see the fires reflecting in his eyes. He blinked once, not believing his eyes. I heard an almighty roar and knew that Kong was on his way to deal with the invaders.

"We have to go. Now." James said abruptly. Well well, someone must have had a change of heart. He started hurrying down the mountain, down a path I knew would probably get us killed. Straight down three hundred feet onto the rocks below.

"There's a faster way here," I said, going down a nearly invisible path that would lead us right to where everyone else was waiting for us. James harrumphed, not seeing why we couldn't have gone up the easier path as well. I didn't want to interfere with his magical tracker skills, but every second counted now. His manliness could take a hit.

I knew Kong was powerful, but I doubted his strength against so many armed men. Even Kong was not match for humans with enough bombs to blow up then entire island. The whole jungle seemed to be on fire, tiny bits of ash floating down around us as we ran.

A tree exploded a few meters from us, and I jumped back in surprise. "Jesus!" James caught me before I could fall over, and grabbed my hand. He didn't mean anything by it except to keep us together, but I could feel the pressure of our fingers. I was glad it was dark, because I was sure I was blushing madly.

We reached the others, and Brooks pulled on a gun on us in the half-light. If not for the fires, I wouldn't have been able to see my own feet. I could only tell it was him by a small flash of light from his glasses.

"Don't shoot." James raised his hands.

"Come on, man, which way are we going?" I was sure he could see the fires, and was ready to be off the island. The fires were still crackling, and animals were screaming out alarm calls as their homes burned. The ants had gone mysteriously silent, probably already halfway across the island.

"You three need to go back to the boat. It's that way. Wait for us until dawn. If we're not back by then, just go."

Brooks barked a short laugh, gathering up his stuff. "You ain't gotta twist my arm."

"Where are you three goin'?"

We all looked at each other. "We're going to save Kong."

Marlow smiled. "Not without me, pal."