Welcome to the Jungle

Chapter 15: Believer

The storm was now in full effect, the rain whipping the earth. Droplets struck any surface with force and the smaller trees were bending under the wind. Somewhere deep into the island, Mike futilely wiped the water off his face for the thousand times as shoved the door to the lab open and he called for his friend. "Winn? Come on, Let's go! I found us a ride!"

Winn rushed to greet him with an astonished face. "You did?"

"Yeah, let's go!" Mike nodded and wished Winn could get ready faster. His stomach was flipping with worry. "Ehm, hey did you manage to contact the National Guard?" He asked.

"Yeah! Actually no, I mean yes I sent a message, but no one was on the line. So I wrote a loop and the message will be broadcasted on repeat until someone notices it."

"That's genius!" Mike stared at Winn in awe.

Winn chucked with a smug look. "You bet it is!"

"No kidding! But could you be all cocky and pack at the same time?" Mike motioned for him to collect his laptop faster so they could leave. Mike took the little time to wait to check on the dinosaur eggs one last time. They were safe and sound. He could come and fetch them later.

"So what did you find us?" Winn asked as soon as he picked up his backpack and they headed for the exit.

"Something fast." Mike answered simply and pushed open the door to reveal their ride. He had found it in the same old garage Alex had found the jeep inside.

"A motorcycle??" Winn's face fell.

"What's wrong with a motorcycle?" Mike frowned. He was expecting Winn to actually be more delighted since he had always fancied how cool riding a bike is.

"In this storm!?" Winn shouted as he held onto his hat before the wind could take it off.

"Oh come on Winn! What's a little rain has ever done to you? We already got all wet when we walked here."

"You call this a little rain? And I have to play spider monkey?"

Mike rolled his eyes. He didn't feel up for another round of arguing. They were losing precious time. He went to get on the bike and wore a pair of goggles he had found.

"I don't want to force you to do anything Winn. I'm going, but you can stay here until this is all over and then I can come to get you." Mike declared and stared at Winn seriously. Winn gazed back at him with eyes filled with hesitation. But they grew sharp and grave moments later as if he had come to a decision.

"You ain't going anywhere to have all the cool adventures without me, Matthews! I'm coming with you even if it's scaring the crap out of me! I won't be a redshirt!"

Mike smiled at his best friend brightly and tossed him the only helmet that had come with the motorcycle. "Then hop on Schott! We've got to go and save the day!"

Winn wore the helmet and clung to Mike's back like a baby koala bear. Mike didn't wait for a second longer and roared the engine to life and sped away.

They were moving as fast as the weather allowed them. Mike's vision – even with the goggles - wasn't that clear and the thick fog over the island added to the problems. He kept checking the landmarks to make sure they were on the right track and even though he knew this part of the Park by heart, it was still difficult.

At some point on their way, Mike sensed something chasing them. Even with the loud sound of the engine, he heard the bushes moving. Mike hit the brakes hard, inclining the whole bike to a side to use the friction and skidded on the slippery ground before coming to a full stop. Merely inches away from the greenish figure that had jumped in their way.