The Quest for Paradise

In horror I shuddered against the tree as a bloody carnage ensued below the likes of which no horror movie could ever equal in terms of gore. The soldiers hadn't even fired their guns.

I heard them screaming from all corners in a maddened way that said they'd lost it entirely. The screams became distant and all I was left with were the sounds of a beast's feast on the flesh of those caught napping.

Eventually even those sounds drew to a close and scarcely being able to bring myself to take a breath I heard the lumbering gait of the super predator of this patch of forest move off, perhaps in pursuit of more two legged meals. I couldn't help but think what fools those above were to even dare to venture forth into this subterranean paradise of hidden dangers.

Opening my eyes it was only to marvel at such an innocent looking child, as crouched with me in this tree, could be born and survive in such a place as this. I needed to get her away from this place of death!

Something of my intentions must've shown to the girl as she suddenly shook her head violently in protest of any movement on my part. With bated breath I saw her walk the fingers of both hands out through the air between us as if replicating imaginary figures.

I didn't understand what she was trying to convey to me at all. Understanding however was suddenly made very clear when almost without warning a swarm of fleet footed creatures swept into the shattered campsite below and commenced to tear it even more part than it already was.

Looking down I watched in grim fascination as nature's garbage disposal unit swung into full action.

The swarm of dangerous looking creatures didn't stay for long. They tacked off after where the large beast had lumbered off to and were soon out of sight.

The little girl moved then and started to urge me to continue climbing up the increasingly spindly fern like tree, until with a groaning creak it bent over and toppled both me and the girl into the understory vegetation of the jungle. The landing hadn't been without pain, but at least I was free of the tree!

Standing up I looked around. Except for torn up vegetation and blood splattered leaves here and there it was hard to tell that 60 some soldiers had just been here but a half-hour before. Give it a few days and this patch of jungle would be the same as it had been before.

The little girl's hand tugged on one of mine and I followed along trustingly. It began to rain and the crimson speckled leaves of the jungle understory vegetation were soon washed clean.