Tracker? - James Conrad

He remembers you

I groaned as I woke up, someone instantly at my side.

"What the hell happened?" I ask annoyed as I clutch my head as a setting pain pulses through it.

"You just... dropped." A voice I recognise as Mason explained to me. My vision focused and I saw we were back in the jungle.

"Where are we? And where's everyone else." Mason cleared her throat and looked to Hank for an answer.

"W-well." He cleared a lump in his throat. "They're kind of sort of-" He was cut off by an impatient James.

"They're going to kill Kong."

I sat for a moment before everything clicked in my head. If they try killing him the way they did the first time when they arrived. The big one was definitely going to come out from hibernation. I subconsciously press on the scar on my stomach, the pain reminding me that nothing can really heal here. It's a stamp on my skin now. It will never fade.

"We're not going to let them." I shake my head and stand up, much too quickly. I stumble and almost fall but Mason is by my side in an instant.

"Easy tiger. You're not in any state to do that." I sighed and glared as she sat me back down on a rock.

"We're going back to the boat. We need to find a way to see the river." James explains our situation. I sigh and slowly get up. Feeling only slightly better on my feet.

"I think I know a place."

Conrad, Mason and I climbed the small mountain pretty easily. It was dark out by now. We reached the top where a small ledge was. I leaned over and saw the river.

"There's your river." I crossed my arms. As James went to survey how far away we were I couldn't help but notice the lights in the other direction. Fire. Packard.

"The boat must be around that bend." James points to where the river stretches behind a mountain. I give a simple nod in response.

"I know it's not fair." Mason whispered to me.

"Kong hasn't done anything wrong. He's protecting his home. He's protecting us." I sigh out.

Then the earth beneath us shook violently. Mason grabbed my arm and James pushed us behind him.

There he was. King of the island. Standing and just.. Staring at us. I hesitantly removed myself from Mason's grip and walked out in front of James. He grabbed my wrist before I could get far. Kong gave a low growl at this.

"Victoria-"

"Just let go Conrad. I'll be fine." I assured him. He studied my face for a moment before letting go. I walk over to Kong and see his eyes following me.

"Hey big guy. It's been a while hasn't it." I laugh to myself. Call me crazy. But I think Kong smiles.. To the best of his ability anyway.

"He remembers you." I turn around and see Mason smile. She slowly walks out from behind Conrad.

"Of course he does. He knows and remembers everything that happens here. It's not always a good thing." I reach out and stroke his nose, like the first time I saw him. He lets out a sigh, making me grin. I look at Mason.

"Go on, it's okay." I say to her. I take a few steps back as she copies my actions. I look at James, who hasn't said a word. His hands are at his sides and he looks conflicted.

"We need to help him. He means no harm James. Surely even you can see that." I whisper.

"I can't protect our group. It's too dangerous Victoria." He replies to me. I reach out and take his hand into mine. Intertwining our fingers.

"I'm going whether you like it or not. Hank will follow me. Mason will want to help. You know that. I know you do." I point out. 

"It's not safe-"

"James. We don't care if it's not safe. It's the right thing to do. And I'm doing it. With or without your okay." I roll my eyes. I was louder so Mason turned to me. I walked back up to Kong.

"Give me a lift? For old times sake?" I plead to him. He holds out his hand. I jump on and he moves down so his hand is level with the ground. The rest of the group looked at me through the trees. I jumped off and grabbed one of Kong's fingers with my hand before kissing it as a thank you. I looked up at him. He nodded at me and left. I can't let him die.

When I got back to the group, Mason and James weren't there yet.

"Well?" Hank asked eagerly.

"I'm saving him. It's a free choice whether you join me or not." I put my hands on my hips as I speak.

"Then we're all with you." A voice speaks from behind me.

"What made you change your mind?" I don't turn around as I question him.

"You were right." I smirk at his words. I turn around, walk up and hug him. He almost immediately hugs back. I pull away only enough to face him.

"Thank you." I hug him again. When I let go I face our whole group.

"Well? What're you waiting for. Let's go."

Loud bangs and booms echoed throughout the jungle. I look up and see the all too familiar smoke filling the air. They're trying to smoke him out.

"I'm going to kill Packard." I seethe, I turn back to James and quickly draw his handgun from its holster, I cock it and start walking.

"I don't think you-"

"I was a mercenary. I can handle a glock-19 thanks." I comment and continue walking.

They won't kill God.

I won't let them.