The Lost Ones

Chapter 32

Jason let out a loud scream and buried his face into Stampy's jacket.

Stampy clung to Jason and glared at Kala, fur bristled. "There! You killed him! Now leave us alone!" He snarled.

Kala didn't reply and stared at where the body had been confused.

Jason shook and choked out a sob. He couldn't bring himself to look at Kala.

Kala turned them and glared at them but said nothing for a moment. "Good luck reaching the top." He finally said before vanishing.

Jason stayed clinging onto Stampy, his grip continuing to get tighter as he sobbed.

Stampy gently rubbed his back and was trying to keep from crying himself.

"S-stamps..." Jason sobbed. "I-I can't do this anymore..."

"J-Jase... We... We are almost there... Look. Right up there.... He'd want us to make it."

Jason looked up above Stampy's head, the bright red glow of the beacon barely visible. He sniffed. "B-but... it'll be with-without him..."

"Captain, he gave himself up so you and Stampy could return him. Yes, it will be without him but it would be counterproductive to stay here."

Jason's body fell limp and he rested his head on Stampy's shoulder. "I-I guess we should try... f-for him..." His hand squeezed onto the bandana.

Stampy nodded and slowly stood up and offered to help him up.

Jason took Stampy's hand and stood. He felt sick and tired, and he could barely even walk, but it'd only hold them back if they stayed there.

"You... You think you can make it?"

"Y-yeah... I don't wanna weigh you down..."

"Alright..." Stampy took a step towards the path up to the top again, making sure Jason was good.

Jason slowly trailed after him, grabbing onto his arm for support.

Stampy gave him a small smile and helped support him as they continued onward.

Jason was slow at walking, but he tried his best to keep up. His face was still red from crying, and he spent most of the time staring at the ground.

Stampy kept his pace steady but slow for Jason as they hiked up the mountain.

Soon the sun was beginning to set, and a cool breeze flowed through the trees.

Stampy shuddered slightly but kept moving, but kept checking on Jason.

"I hope this is okay but... c-could we bunker down for the night?"

Stampy turned to him. "Of course. We should be out of here in the morning in that case." He agreed, eyes soft.

"T-thanks. Is there anywhere nearby...?"

"A cave about 30 blocks further up." Stella answered.

Stampy nodded and headed towards it.

Jason followed. The cave was another small opening in the side of the mountain. It only had enough room to fit the two of them.

Stampy stepped inside and sat down.

Jason sat down, pulling his legs up to his chest. He kept looking at his arm.

Stampy sighed and looked at him. "I'm sorry Jase..."

Jason sighed. "I c-can't believe that he's... actually go-" He choked back a sob.

Stampy hugged him. "Me either..."

Jason hugged him back. "Why'd it have to end up like this? We were so close!Maybe if we didn't stop he wouldn't have shown up..."

"I don't know, Jase..."

"It isn't fair..." Jason nuzzled into Stampy's shoulder.

"I know..." He replied softly, just holding him close.

Jason was crying again. "I miss him so much..." he fell silent for a while. "A-at least you're still here with me..."

"I'll be right here the whole rest of the way. I promise."

"T-thank you..."

"Of course. Get some rest."

Jason wiped his eyes and nodded. He slowly loosened his grip on Stampy.

Stampy let him lay him on his shoulder and laid back as well.

"Uhm... you want me to move?" Jason asked.

"If you want too. I don't mind if you want to stay put."

"Good, you're comfy..." Jason stayed where he was, his hand moving up to pet Stampy's head.

Stampy leaned down a little so Jason could pet him and purred.

Jason smiled and closed his eyes. One hand ran through Stampy's hair while the other was still tightly holding onto Quentin's bandana.

Stampy fell asleep, curled up in Jason's lap again, purring.

Jason had also drifted to sleep, the tears on his cheeks finally beginning to dry.

(We only have four more chapters to go! Thanks for sticking with us so long! - Molly)