RETURN

by S. C. Deutsch

  The thought terrified her. Ana remembered how the webs had melted off the reptile when the spiders had attempted to entrap it. Ana was sure the same acid that was in the venom probably oozed from the skin. If it were still present when she touched the dragon, more of her skin would burn off, possibly enough to kill her. Ana tried once more to climb up the rock but only succeeded in shredding more skin. Resting her forehead on the wall, Ana sighed heavily before gritting her teeth and forcing herself to move.

  She got as close to the dragon as possible without touching it. The monster’s head now hung down, blood and ichor pooling underneath. Still wedged firmly, its front legs dangled off the ground, swaying slightly. Ana gingerly reached out with a foot and tapped one of them with the toe of her shoe. Wanting to make sure that touching the reptile wasn’t going to kill her, Ana decided to use the shoe as a test subject. If it started smoking, she could kick it off and hopefully avoid another burn. When nothing happened, Ana kicked again, a little harder this time. The leg swung more, but the shoe seemed fine. Exhaling noisily, Ana relaxed slightly, feeling a little better about the chances of escaping her predicament alive. Concluding the skin was either no longer caustic or not caustic enough to burn, she took a deep breath, expelled it, and steeled herself for her the next step.

  Moving closer, Ana placed one foot as far back on the dragon as possible, managing to center her foot on its thick neck. She reached up with both hands and slammed her palms into the rock, creating gouges with her fingers, and stifled the cry of pain the action caused. Using the dragon as leverage, Ana pushed herself up, scraping her shoulders and ripping her shirt slightly in the process. Pulling the other leg up, Ana balanced herself on top of the dragon, taking a deep breath to wedge her upper body between the boulders. Sliding the left foot down the dragon’s body as far as possible, Ana used the right one to take her weight. Letting go of the rock, she moved the left arm across the rocks as far as it would go and dug in. Once she felt she could move safely, Ana expelled the air from her lungs and inched forward. Repeating the process, she moved over the dragon’s body, eventually dropping back onto the path.

  Ana collapsed after moving several feet away from the dead creature. Her entire body was trembling, her face and head burned, and her fingers were bleeding and raw. Moaning softly, Ana curled in a ball and let the spasms take her.

  Jax found Ana a little while later. Crouching, the little animal lightly ran one delicate claw down the unconscious girl’s cheek. When Ana flinched in pain, Jax peered at the burns more closely, cocking her head and gently lifting strands of hair off Ana’s scalp. Rising, the little creature trotted off into the jungle, returning with the anti-burn fruit. Ripping the fruit in half, Jax treated the burns, tossing the fruit remains under the dragon’s body instead of burying them.

  Ana slowly came around once the burning eased. Sitting up, she looked closely at her fingers. They were severely abraded, and several nails had ripped below the quick. Struggling, Ana rose and tucked her hands under her armpits, hoping it would help ease the throbbing. Taking their time, Ana and Jax slowly made their way back to the glade.

  When Ana arrived, Snick ran to greet her and attempted to give her a hug. Ana stepped back and thanked him but told him no. She asked him to wait while she took care of herself, then made her way to the pool. Dipping the injured fingers in the water, Ana gritted her teeth against the stinging, not removing them until no more blood oozed from the scrapes. Calling to Jax, she asked her companion to retrieve the packs, indicating where they had been dropped when she fled the glade. Jax loped off and retrieved both, dragging them behind her as she bought them to Ana. Ana gingerly opened hers, the small act causing her to wince in pain, and removed the last sliver of soap. Snick started to question her about it, but Ana raised a hand, silencing him while making a lather and proceeding to clean the scrapes and cuts. Ana then rewrapped the soap and stowed it back in the pack, saving it since she planned on taking a more thorough bath once Snick was gone.

  Bending forward, Ana rinsed her face and hair, wincing when the water touched the burns. She supposed there would now be yet more scars added to the ones she already carried but was glad she had been able to save Snick while managing to stay alive in the process. Drinking several handfuls of water, Ana spit out the first few to rid her mouth of the dust. Finishing up, she stood and made her way to the center of the glade, asking Snick to join her.

  The pair sat facing each other, foreheads almost touching once again, with Ana speaking much more slowly this time. She was utterly exhausted and couldn’t seem to keep focused. Her body was crying out for sleep and Ana had to keep forcing her thoughts back to the matter at hand. Snick was patient, sensing that what she had to say was important. Whenever Ana fell silent, he reached out and gently touched her knee, offering a warm smile as reassurance. Ana was grateful for his concern, not entirely sure she could hold it together if he tried to rush her.

  The pair of little creatures had gone off in search of food. Ana hadn’t insisted Snick’s companion leave this time, deciding it no longer mattered. But Jax had taken the creature by the hand and led it away. Snick watched the pair leave, then looked at Ana expectantly.

  “Are you still willing to help me?” Ana asked the boy softly, once she was sure she could stay on track.

  “Of course,” he replied, nodding enthusiastically several times. “After what you just did, I’ll do whatever you want. Promise!”

  “Be very careful of making promises, especially ones you might not be able to keep,” Ana said, smiling slightly. “But thank you. Before we go any further, it is extremely important you understand something. What I would like you to do needs to be done precisely the way I ask. Any deviation could get one or more of us in trouble. Are you still willing to help?”

  Snick nodded again, becoming more serious in response to Ana’s demeanor. Ana gave him another soft smile, then took a moment to decide on the best way to continue.

  “Here’s the deal,” she finally said. “Like I told you before, I’d like you to do me a favor. But the way you do it and things I ask you to say need to be done a certain way. I am going to have to ask you to repeat the statements I give you back to me, just to make sure you’ve got them exactly right.”

  “I think I understand,” Snick said, cocking his head slightly. “But why is it so important that it be repeated exactly the way you say it?”

  “I’ll answer as many questions as I can when we are done. But again, if it is not done perfectly, one or more of us may end up in serious trouble, possibly even dead.”

  Snick nodded solemnly, folding his hands in his lap as he looked at Ana, a serious frown marring the boyish face. Ana sighed inwardly, hoping she wasn’t making a huge mistake.

  “Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it. I have a lot to tell you, so please do not interrupt.” Ana reached out and took Snick’s hands in hers, trying to convey the seriousness of the situation. Snick nodded, so she continued.

  “The children who approached you on the beach will not hurt you.”

  Snick looked up, surprised, but let Ana continue.

  “There is a camp further down the beach where most of the children sentenced to come here end up at after their isolation period is done. The people in the camp are only interested in helping you and it’s where you will go after leaving here.”

  “I don’t believe you,” Snick said flatly, shaking his head. He removed his hands from Ana’s and crossed them over his chest, a look of disbelief and defiance on his face.

  “Snick, did I not ask you to trust me?” Ana said, sighing heavily. “Have I done anything that would make you believe I intend you harm?

  Snick pursed his lips and thought about it, then reluctantly shook his head, letting his hands fall into his lap as he looked down.

  “I’m sorry Ana,” he said with genuine remorse. “It’s just that they came at me with knives. After what they did, it’s hard to believe what you are saying is true.”

 
; “I know. I had a hard time believing it myself at first, too. But I promise what I say is the absolute truth. The leader of the camp, a boy by the name of Jan, will most likely talk to you at some point. For right now, you don’t need to know anything more than that. Except that I trust Jan to do whatever is in your best interests.

  “The camp is a safe place to spend the rest of your time here. There’s food, shelter, and other kids near to your age. They will keep you safe and make sure you are back on the beach in time for your ride home. You will almost certainly be asked to pitch in with the chores that need to be done, but I don’t believe they will ask you to do anything that might put you back in danger.”

  Snick refused to look at Ana, so she placed one finger under his chin and lifted his head. Seeing the mulish look still on his face, Ana sighed again. She was stubborn herself and understood why Snick was having such a hard time believing her, but right now, she sincerely wished he were more gullible.

  “Snick, this is important. If you do not let the camp take you in, you may not survive. I am deadly serious. You have only seen one of the dangers this island holds. There are many, many more. And a lot of them are not as obvious as the dragons. So please think about this and do as I request. It is the safest choice and possibly the only way you will stay alive.”

  Snick thought about it for a few minutes, eventually nodding as the stubborn look left his face.

  “Because it’s important to you,” he said, “I’ll do it. I am still not sure I believe you, but okay, if you say so.”

  Ana nodded, smiling at Snick in gratitude.

  “Thank you. I promise, this is the safest thing for you. And you’ll see. After you spend a little time in the camp, you’ll know I was right.

  “I am going to hang onto the backpack for now, but I promise you will get it back at some point.”

  “I don’t understand why I can’t have it.”

  “As I said, Jan will be talking to you at some point and when he does, I am sure he will answer your questions. There’s nothing you need in the pack at this moment and I will make sure you get it back before you leave.

  Snick opened his mouth, his face again radiating displeasure.

  “Uh, uh,” Ana said, holding up a hand to stop him. “I will not argue with you on this. You are not getting the backpack right now, no matter what.”

  Snick’s jaw snapped shut and his eyes shone with anger. Ana pretended not to notice and took a deep breath, steadying herself for what was to come. Looking Snick straight in the eye, she continued.

  “Ok, Snick, listen up and please pay attention. I have questions for Jan, but I am not allowed to ask him myself. Nor can I approach the camp or ask anyone there to help me. But I can ask you to talk to him. I can’t tell you why only you can do this, only tell you there is no other option.

  “In order for this to be done without anyone getting in trouble, you need to tell Jan exactly what I say in precisely the way I tell you. But you cannot tell Jan I am the one asking these questions. I need Jan to come here, right where we are sitting, and he needs to come alone. But again, he cannot know I am the one asking. And he needs to know that even though I am currently staying here, I will not be around if he does decide to come. If Jan starts questioning you, do not say anything more than what I tell you, and say it exactly the way I tell you to. But Snick, it’s really important you convince him, okay?”

  “I don’t understand,” Snick said, looking at Ana in total confusion. “How am I supposed to convince this Jan person to come here if I can’t tell him who’s asking, can’t change the way I ask him, can’t answer him if he questions me about it, and finally, tell him you aren’t going to be here without letting him know who you are and that you are the one who is asking?”

  “I know,” Ana replied. “It’s going to be a problem, but I think if we put out heads together, we can figure out a way to do all of this without it getting any of us in trouble. What do you think?”

  Snick thought about it for several minutes, then smiled and nodded, telling Ana he was ready to help. Ana wasn’t sure how much help the boy would actually be, but any assistance was welcome, and she took everything he said seriously, going over the pros and cons before moving to the next idea.

  The pair worked on the statements as the sun moved overhead. They broke for lunch when the two small creatures returned bearing loaded branches but continued as soon as the fruit had been consumed and the remains buried at the edge of the glade. Jax and Snick’s companion settled on the rocks, dozing in the sun, as Ana and Snick took up the conversation again.

  When they had worked out precisely how Snick would phrase the questions, Ana glanced at the sky, then faced Snick once more.

  “Well, Snick,” Ana said. “I believe this might actually work. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me. We still have a little time before you have to go, so I’ll try to answer any questions I can. And Snick, I’m really glad I met you and I hope you feel the same.”

  “Of course, Ana,” Snick replied. “It was the least I could do. I promise to help you whenever you need it. All you have to do is ask. I owe you my life.”

  “Snick, that’s sweet,” Ana said, smiling sadly. “No one has ever promised me that before and if I needed help, I would definitely ask. But it will never happen. You and I will never see each other again, so when you leave, it will be good-bye forever.”

  “Why, Ana?” Snick asked, sadness tinging his voice.

  So Ana told him, telling Snick about her directives, keeping it as general as possible. Explaining she was forbidden things that others were not, Ana stressed that it was imperative she be as careful as possible, for everyone’s sake. Snick asked why it was so different for her and Ana replied that she wasn’t sure, having never been told the reason. She refrained from telling him about her suspicions, deciding he didn’t need that type of information. Additionally, Ana was worried that it might prove dangerous if he held any beliefs about the island or the people here, possibly affecting his behavior once he returned home. She had no desire to be a part of him slipping and getting sent here again.

  Ana was honest with Snick, to a point. She didn’t hesitate to explain that she was forbidden from entering the camp or even asking anyone for help, explaining that the only reason she had been able to talk to him was due to his not having been there yet. Once they parted ways, the two could no longer associate. Snick offered to stay, but Ana refused, telling him that it was safer for him to be with the others. Ana did not disclose that she had a strong feeling she was going to pay for her intervention in the standoff with the dragons and that any further assistance would cost both of them dearly. Instead, she told him her departure was sooner than his, so it was better he leave now instead of trying to find his way to the camp after she departed.

  Ana knew she was bending the truth. Her departure was the day before his but she strongly felt the boy only needed basic information and nothing more. This excuse was good enough to serve her purposes while still giving her time to work out how to continue communicating with Jan after he came to the glade, should he actually respond to the request.

  Ana didn’t know if Jan would come or not. It hinged on several factors, foremost among them being if Jan had been honest in his declaration about missing her. She was hoping that that alone would be enough to send him here, but it was extremely important that he understand why she was unable see him face to face. Ana hoped to get Jax’s help if Jan came and needed to finish with Snick in order to start working on the next phase of her plan. She had some confidence that her companion could eventually be made to understand what was being asked, but with Jax being so literal, Ana suspected it was going to take multiple attempts before the little creature finally understood, especially after being told for so long that the camp was forbidden. Ana realized she had been giving Jax conflicting messages and knew it might cause problems now.

  Ana planned on exploiting another loophole she had discovered. One that would only w
ork if she could get Jan to come to a predetermined location. Ana was not allowed to TALK to anyone from the camp. But nothing said she couldn’t WRITE to them. And while she didn’t want to commit anything to written form, Ana hoped that by doing it in the glade, at least some of it would stay hidden from the government’s prying eyes.

  Deep down, Ana knew she probably only had this one shot. There might be another opportunity to catch another child if one around the right age arrived in time, but Ana highly doubted that would happen. The chance of another person in Snick’s age group arriving in the next few days was slim and even if she lucked out, Ana wasn’t sure she had the strength to undertake another flight and possible fight. She expected that more than likely, the next arrival would be from the oldest group, seeing as none in that age range had arrived in the last several days. Should that be the case, the person would be barred from interacting with the camp for their entire stay. Even if some way could be found around that particular prohibition, the logistics involved would be too complicated, and there was no guarantee any plan would be successful. Ana had been very lucky with Snick’s arrival, making an indelible impression on the boy since he was the right age to feel more than grateful for what she had done. Ana knew she had manipulated Snick as she had done to others in the past but convinced herself this bit of subterfuge was necessary and that it wouldn’t hurt Snick in the long run.

  Ana wished there were different way to communicate with Jan but hadn’t been able to come up with another alternative, paranoid that the government would find out the pair were conversing if any other method were attempted. Even this first attempt at contacting him was huge risk, but Ana had been unable to think of any other ideas and with time running short, she felt there was no other choice.

  “Ana, why do you have soap?” Snick asked, startling her. “And why is it solid? I’ve never seen solid soap before.”