The Lost Ones

Chapter 13

Jason hadn't realized what was happening and didn't have time to react. The arrow flew through the air, grazing Jason's face diagonally, cutting into the skin. He screamed in pain, falling to the ground and covering his face.

Stampy quickly dropped down with him, ears flattening. "Jason! Oh my- I'm sorry! I just heard the arrow whistling and didn't realize you were still holding onto me and-"

"DON'T **ING TOUCH ME!" Jason screamed. Without thinking he slapped Stampy across the face, the sound echoing throughout the clearing. Silence immediately followed except for Jason's sobs.

Stampy had fallen backward at the impact and slowly lifted his hand to his cheek, tears spilling down his face as he stared at Jason, ears flat. He opened his mouth as if to say something but couldn't find the words and just looked away, tail curling around him.

Jason covered his face back up, blood oozing onto his shirt. The rest of the team stood in awe, almost frozen. It didn't even appear as if they were blinking.

Stampy took a shaky breath. "J-Jase... I-I-"

Jason's body shook. He looked away, curling in on himself. The others had now formed a small cluster, looking at each other but not saying anything.

Stampy was shaking too. "Jason... Please... I'm so sorry... I didn't mean too..." He tried.

Jason remained silent.

Sky jerked back to life and was the first one to speak up. "Dude.... just leave him alone..."

Stampy gave a soft sigh and pushed himself up and turned to them his usually bright and energetic eyes, cold and angry. He had many things he'd like to say to them but Jason still thought they were real so he held back, not wanting to upset him further.

His tail slowly moved behind him like a cat's would when stalking its prey. He watched them carefully but didn't move from his place beside Jason in his defensive stance, not allowing any of the others to get even slightly close to him.

"Come on Jason... lets go." Ty walked over and held out an arm. "Let's get you away from here." He glanced at Stampy.

Jason looked up Ty then back to the others. He was tired, everything hurt, he just wanted to go home. But would he really leave Stampy for that?

"I... I don't know..." Jason bit his lip.

"What do you mean? He hurt you Jason. Just say the word and we'll get you away from... him."

Jason shook his head. "I just..." His head was beginning to hurt.

Stampy glared but made no moments other than to keep himself between Jason and the others, tail swishing as a warning, daring them to try.

He glanced back at Jason, eyes softening.

I'm just trying to protect you, Jase. I hope you'll forgive me... he thought to himself before turning back to the others, expecting a fight.

"I think this place has driven him mad Jason. Putting him down would be an act of mercy..." Mitch snarled.

"Look at him, Jason! He acts more like a cat than a person!" Husky exclaimed.

"He hurt you once he could hurt you again." Sundee added.

"Guys enough..." Jason sighed, he tried to stand up but fell back to the ground. "We can just... let's go..."

Stampy turned to him, eyes wide and fearful, tears beginning to brim them. "Wh-what?" His voice shook. "Jason, please, don't do this... they aren't who you think they are... Jason, you're the only one I have here... please... don't leave me..." Stampy tried to approach him but his shaking made it hard to without collapsing to the ground.