The last runner : Academy of magic

Chapter eight: The Cannibals

While digging David turned to Elvis. "Go and tell Kevin that we have sight on the waterfall,"

"Sure," Elvis stood up as he hurried back to the room and delivered the message to Kelvin. Kelvin followed him back into the tunnel and before they got there Thomas and the others had already finished opening the tunnel.

A wide smile spread across Kelvin's face as he turned to see all of them lying weakly on the floor. "You have all made me proud," he said as he embraced each one of them and helped them up. "Let's prepare our things, we leave tonight,"

They all cleaned up themselves, changed into a different outfit and carried along everything that was necessary.

"What is that?" Thomas asked when he noticed Kelvin pick up a small remote containing just one red button on the table.

"You will know what it is after we leave," Kelvin answered then turned to the others. "You all should come with me," He said and they all moved into the tunnel.

When they arrived at the waterfall Kelvin moved ahead of them as he looked downwards Into the turbulent river. He looked across to the other side of the forest but he knew that they would not be able to make it across the river without being carried by the ranging waters so he turned back to them again.

"Is there anyone of you that does not know how to swim?" He asked as he noticed Vicki quivering. "What is the problem Vicki?"

"She is afraid of heights and water," Felix answered.

"Please don't leave me behind, please," Her eyes turned pale again as it almost looked wet.

"We are not leaving anyone behind, I will help her through it, but I hope the rest of you can swim?"

"Yes, we can," They chorused and he signalled them to walk towards him which they all did but Vicki stayed behind.

They looked into the river as they saw the turbulent waters from the high height and they were all frightened since it was dark and there might be rocks around.

"The water is turbulent but none of you should fight back or try to cross over to the other side," Kelvin said.

"What then do you insist we should do?" Richard and Alex chorused and Kelvin turned to them.

"The goal is to just flow with the current but be mindful of the rocks," He said as they all turned to him because the plan was a ridiculous one. "Listen to me. I know this is insane but I have a map on the river. it will lead us to a shore so everyone of you must do as I said, understand?"

"Okay, if you say so," David answered. "However, I will insist you go first sir," He said and Kelvin shook his head abruptly.

"I have to carry Vicki along with me and minus that, I cannot leave this place until I ensure that you are all with me. I won't leave anyone behind," Kelvin said.

"Like a good Shepherd. Huh!" David chuckles then glanced down into the water.

"Alright, You all should give way, I will be going first," Jerry said while moving backwards as they all cleared away in the middle. After a sharp sigh he ran forward as he jumped out of the tunnel into the river.

They all moved to the edge as they glanced downwards to see if he was alive but it was useless since it's dark and the water was turbulent.

"There," Mike pointed towards the right side which was the direction the river was flowing towards and they all turned to see Jerry holding onto a rock as he was waving at them.

"I warned him not to hold on to any rock," Kelvin whispered to himself then turned to the others. "Who is next?"

"I'll go," David answered as he jumped off and others followed after him until it was just Vicki and Kelvin.

"We are next Vicki," Kelvin turned around to see her seated on the floor at an edge of the tunnel and he walked towards her.

"I can't do it, I can't jump in," She said while quivering in fear and her eyes were held on Kelvin.

"How old are you?" Kelvin asked.

"Fifteen," she answered.

"I had a fifteen years old daughter too," He said gently as Vicki stopped quivering then paid attention to him. "She was beautiful but she was also afraid of heights. It was serious until a day played a game with her and after I was done with the game the fear left,"

"Where is she and what game is that?" Vicki asked.

"She was with her mother before I was taken away from them. I only hope that there is a way black home and when I return, I hope I will find the both of them together. My wife and daughter are waiting for me, that is the reason I have to fight until I see them again. I know that you have family but you can't see them again unless you stand up and fight for your life," he hesitated then reached his hand out to her. "Come on,"

Vicki took hold of his hand as he helped her on her feet.

"All you have to do is get on my back and close your eyes, then daydream about eating your favourite meal but hold on to me as strongly as you can. Are you ready?" He said and she nodded slightly.

Vicki closed her eyes then got on Kelvin's back and after a count of three they jumped into the water. The waves were so strong that it pushed them and just as Kevin had instructed the others, he didn't fight back but was only cautious of large rocks in the river. He tried as much as possible to keep Vicki upwards to have enough air but it wasn't successful since the water splash and turbulence moved on the contrary.

It was almost like an unending ride and mixed with the night time it was terrible but they had to bear It, and over time the ride ended in leaving them unconscious until the day.

"Hack! Hack!" Kelvin coughed hard as water spilled out of his mouth. His head ached badly as he gently opened his eyes but dazzled by the ray of sunlight he turned left and spotted Vicki lying unconscious on the floor.

"Vicky," He muttered as he crawled towards her and when he arrived at the spot she lay, he pressed her chest continuously with his two hands. "Come on, wake up! Come on!" he said and after a while she spilled water out of her mouth and her eyes fluttered open.

"Where am I?" she mumbled.

"Thank goodness," Kelvin moved away from her and after a few deep breaths he recalled the others who he had asked to jump in earlier.

"Silas," He whispered as his eyes spring wide. "Come on Vicki, we should find the others," He said then stood on his feet.

He helped Vicky up as they looked around the river shore but they couldn't find Silas, and the others anywhere so they both headed into the forest and after a long search they found Mike, Felix, Rachel, Ana, Alex, David, Elvis and Elise seated together as they were warming up themselves with a fire in-between them.

"Guys," Kelvin said and they all turned and when they saw him they were a bit relieved. "Where is Silas?" he asked.

"We have no idea. Thomas and Jerry are also missing," Mike answered. "I suspect that the river must have dropped them in the other side,"

"No," Kelvins whispered and his eyes spring wide in shock. He hoped that what he was thinking was not the case.

"What is the problem?" David asked.

"They took them. The cannibals took them, and if we don't rescue them before sunset today, they will be used as meat," Kelvin answered.