The Lost Ones Book 2: Welcome Home

Chapter 41

It stuck into the ground right beside Jordan's face.

Jordan gasped as he could breathe again and stared with blurry eyes at the sword beside him but couldn't bring himself to move.

Mitch struggled with the figure until he felt the soft feeling of fur against his skin. He looked up in shock, tears beginning to roll down his face.

"J-Jerome...?"

Jordan tried to sit up and saw the two blurry figures but collapsed again on the ground that was becoming stained with his blood.

Jerome looked back at Mitch, his face softening. "Hey bud..."

A few drops of rain fell from the sky, it wasn't long before it turned into a downpour.

Jordan closed his eyes feeling the rain starting to drench him and slightly relaxed despite the pain as the water washed over him.

Mitch quickly wrapped his arms around Jerome and pulled him into a hug, tears rolling down his face. He appeared to have finally snapped back to reality. "I-I'm sorry! I just... Y-you're back! But how-"

Jerome gently pushed Mitch away, looking over at Jordan. "Later..." Was all he said before moving over to Jordan. He looked at the other for a second and nudged him with his paw.

Jordan winced at his touch, giving a small hiss but weakly opened his eyes, his glasses protecting them from the water but didn't make it any less blurry.

Jerome sighed before carefully picking Jordan up, tilting his face into his chest to protect it from the rain.

Mitch stared at the blood on the ground then at Jordan. He covered his mouth in utter shock and ran over to the two. He gently placed a hand on Jordan's arm.

"O-oh my gosh I-I'm so sorry... I d-don't know what got into me! I just-!" He broke down sobbing.

Jerome looked over at Mitch. He wanted to hug him, comfort him, at least give him a light pat on the back. But Jordan's safety was more important at that time, and his arms were full.

Jordan subconsciously leaned against Jerome, not fully awake anymore.

Jerome looked nervously at Mitch. "Where are the others?"

Mitch shrugged. "I uh... I scared them off, I guess..."

'What are you doing?! We had a deal!' The voice hissed.

'You didn't follow your end, why should I follow mine?' Mitch thought back.

'He's back to normal, yes?'

'No thanks to you!'

'How do you know that?'

'Because Jordan's the reason he's back to normal.'

The voice scoffed. 'Don't think you are out of this yet...'

'You already made me do something horrible, can't you just leave me alone?'

It laughed. 'No. But... I suppose I can for now... but I'll be back...' it then went quiet.

Mitch shook his head, his eyes still wide.

Jerome looked at him concerned. "You okay?"

Mitch silently nodded.

"Jordan?!" Sqaishey's voice called out. She came running through the trees with Jerry as a sword in her hands. She saw Mitch first and narrowed her eyes. "What did you do to him, Mitchell?!" She snapped, lunging at him to attack in anger.

Tyler came running right behind her. Despite not having a weapon on him he still looked ready to fight.

Mitch jumped back and hid behind Jerome.

Jerome looked sternly at Sqaishey. "Don't worry... only a few scratches."

Tyler let out a small noise in surprise. "D-did you hear that...? Or am I going crazy?" He whispered to Sqaishey.

Sqaishey stopped, lowering her guard briefly before standing a bit defensively, her eyes still narrowed. She simply nodded at Tyler before responding to Jerome. "So you're back?" She asked, glancing at Jordan in Jerome's arms. "And if they are just scratches, why is he unconscious?"

Jerome stared at the ground. "I... I guess I am." He gave a dry chuckle.

Tyler put his hood over his head. "I'd have to guess the rain... I can imagine being part enderman doesn't make you immune to water..."

Sqaishey didn't look so believing but didn't voice it. She moved to get a better look at Jordan, a frown etched across her face. "If that's true we need to get him some shelter."

"Need... denser trees." Jerome responded. "Wait out rain."

Mitch glanced at Jerome confused. At this point it was beginning to become clear that the bacca was unable to form full sentences while speaking.

Sqaishey's eyes softened a little and nodded. "I think there were some back where me and Tyler were."

Tyler nodded. "Yup, I don't think they were too far. We should still hurry though."

Sqaishey nodded and turned to go back the way they came.

Before the rest of the group followed Mitch nudged Jerome.

Jerome turned to find the other untying his signature jacket from around his waist. He looked hesitant and afraid as he held it out to Jerome and gestured towards Jordan.

Jerome gave a slight smile and lowered Jordan a bit so that Mitch could lay the jacket over him, protecting him from the pouring rain.

Noticing this, Tyler tugged on the back of Sqaishey's shirt and looked back at the others.

Sqaishey glanced back and watched but said nothing of it.

Tyler sighed and pulled the diamond sword out of the ground before following Sqaishey.

Jerome was a bit slower at following, readjusting to walking on two legs once again.

Mitch trailed much farther behind, not even making an effort to keep up.

(I would have posted this yesterday but internet was being weird. so here it is today)