[IC] This Means War

[natcat]

“Good.” I said feeling myself begin to slowly drift off into much needed rest. This mission had turned out a lot differently than what I’d initially imagined, if only I wasn't so stupid… I could hear the others as they murmured to each other, the sounds of their voices floating away as I finally fell asleep.

[liah]

After about an hour it was completely dark outside. We'd all decided not to make a fire so we could stay hidden, so the cave was dark too. Christy, the others, and I all began to talk for a bit until we fell asleep. Every two hours we'd switch and keep watch. Watching for the enemy and making sure Sam was okay.

I was the first one awake the next day. I sat with my legs crossed, leaning up against the cave wall and looking at the rays of sun shining through the waterfall. It was very pretty and I'd never seen anything like it before. The light breaths of everyone in the cave filled my ears. It was almost time for us to go. Our ride would be here soon. Taking a deep breath, I stood up and grabbed my bags, slinging them over my back. I hated to wake everyone up but it had to be done.
"It's about time to go, guys." I looked around. None of the men budged, but Penelope and Christy slowly opened their eyes. I'd leave it to them to get everyone else up.

[natcat]

Slowly, I awoke from my deep sleep, to the sound of the others shuffling about quietly, collecting their things so we could get out of here.
I swallowed over my dry throat and glanced around groggily, knowing that I should get moving but I just couldn’t find the will. My body throbbed and I could feel a strong headache coming on, all I wanted to do was go back to sleep, but I knew that wasn’t an option. Not when we were just about to get out of this place.
With a sigh, I used the wall for support to slowly push myself up, ignoring the sharp pains that flew through my muscles.
“How long till we get out of here?” I croaked, surprised by how dry and sore my voice sounded to my ears.

[liah]

"Just a few more minutes. The helicopter should be here soon." I turned around, curious to see who'd asked. I couldn't recognize the groggy voice. Upon seeing it was Sam who'd spoke up, I frowned. He didn't sound too good and he definitely needed to get to a hospital back at the camp. "Hey, are you thirsty?" I dug into my pack and pulled out a water bottle. "If not, you should drink something anyway. Get hydrated." I walked over to him as he struggled to stand up. I offered him my arm in case he needed any assistance.

[natcat]

"Thanks." I said as I took her arm to help me get the rest of the way up, one hand against the wall to steady myself.
"Do we have to go back to the beach or is it coming to us here?" I asked before clearing my throat trying to rid it of it's croak. Looking at Daisy, I leant back against the wall and took the water bottle she was offering me, not realising how thirsty I was before I took my first sip.

[liah]

"They want us to meet them back on the beach." I frowned. "But maybe we can get them to come here. That way you don't have to walk so far." I watched as he guzzled the water down. I knew he'd be thirsty. Glancing back at the others, they were all standing with their bags in their hands, ready to go.

"Makin' a radio call now. Of all the damage we did yesterday, it ain't safe for us to gone on out there. Not to the beach anyway." Slacks interrupted. "Hopefully they'll answer on time." He stepped out from the cave, trying to get in contact with out ride. Just a few minutes later, inaudible voice were coming through the radio he had. All we could do now was wait to see if they'd come to us, so we wouldn't have to go to them.

[natcat]

"Hopefully." I said my voice clearer now before I wiped my sleeve across my mouth and handed the bottle back to Daisy.
Feeling uncomfortable in my stiff, damp clothes, I looked towards the cave opening, watching the water fall in front of it like a curtain, shielding us from the Jaxlor's. My body ached and all I wanted was to be in a warm comfortable bed and sleep my way through the pain. It would've been much easier than the position we were in now.
"Anything?" I asked, raising my voice so Slacks could hear me.

[liah]

"Uhh." Slacks peeked his head inside of the cave. "They'll meet us. But they'll be late. 'Nother twenty minutes or so." Slacks nodded, stepping back outside of the cave. He began speaking to the radio again, telling the helicopter our coordinates.

"I guess we can relax for now then." I sighed. "Wana go outside and get in the sun? Might warm you up a bit. This cave is kind of chilly." I looked over at Sam who still had a tired expression on his face. I was sure he just wanted a good nights sleep and some medical attention. We'd patched him up, but the medics could do better.

[natcat]

I looked to Daisy and nodded slowly. "Yeah, that'd be great." I said and slowly pushed myself off of the wall with a wince.
I kept one arm wrapped around my stomach as I slowly moved towards the door, I was definitely black and blue underneath my clothing but I was determined to make it across the cave, one painful step at a time.
Eventually, after what felt like a lifetime, I reached the caves entrance and leant heavily against the wall, already out of breath.
Looking over my shoulder, I noticed everyone had gone back to milling around as they waited for the helicopter to take us out of here.

[liah]

I watched as Sam slowly made his way towards the mouth of the cave. I could tell that with every step he took, a shot of pain surged through him. Once he reached his destination, he relaxed. I walked out behind him, stepping into the hot, muggy outdoors. "If you need some help just holler for one of us. Shouldn't be too much longer 'til the helicopter gets here." I looked behind me at Sam through the waterfall. With a small smile, I walked off to a nearby log and sat down. It was hotter than I'd thought outside. The air was thick and muggy and very hard to breathe in. I rubbed my hands down my face and took a deep breath, hoping I wouldn't have to bring out my inhaler.

[natcat]

Following Daisy outside, I stopped at the side of the large pond the waterfall was falling into. "I never got to say thank you." I said once I'd taken a painful seat on the grassy ground. "For coming after me I mean. You didn't have to do that, so thank you." Glancing over at her, I smiled, as much as I could considering one side of my jaw was swollen.

[liah]

I looked up, my eyes meeting Sam's and smiled back. "You're welcome." I nodded. "If I was in the same situation, I'd hope someone would do the same for me." I took another deep breath and ran a hand through my hair. It was becoming difficult for me to breathe but I didn't want to cause a scene. "If you're ever in trouble, I got your back." I smiled.

[natcat]

I nodded my head in thanks. "And I, yours." I said before turning my attention to the pool of water before me. I watched as the sun glistened on the water and sighed in relaxation remembering that we were still in the tropics, with the heat beating down on us. I knew that as soon as the helicopter arrived we would be whisked away to our base camp, back to the cold dull air of normality.

[liah]

"They should be here soon." I mumbled to myself before standing up and stretching. Looking around at everyone in the camp, I could see that they were occupied. Picking grass, dangling their feet in the pond, or either talking with one another. I casually began to walk off, digging in my pocket in the process. Once I was far enough away, I took my inhaler out and took a big puff. After a few seconds, I exhaled and hoped I'd feel a little better. Stuffing it back in my pocket, I began to make my way back. I could hear helicopter blades in the distance. They were close.

[natcat]

I looked up to the sky through the canopy of trees surrounding us, listening as I heard the sound of the helicopter approaching. I wasn't the only one who heard it.
"Get your stuff guys, we need to be ready to get straight in. We don't wanna have to be here any longer than we need to." Georgie yelled as the repetitive thump-thump of the helicopter grew louder and louder.
I stood up slowly and watched as everyone jumped into action, hoping one of the others would grab my pack for me as I knew I wasn't going to be able to run back in and get it.

[liah]

I began to pick up the pace until I got back to our camp. Mostly everyone was all packed up. I could see Penelope jogging towards the cave to get her bag and probably Sam's as well. "I hope they get here quickly." I said as I bent down to pick up my bag that I'd left on the log. "The Jaxlor's probably already spotted our helicopter and are making their way here." I up towards the sky to see the helicopter hoovering over us. It was getting ready to land.

[natcat]

I backed up, standing right against the rock face the cave was set in, clearing space for the helicopter to land. As we waited, I could see the others scanning the surrounding trees for any signs of Jaxlor's.
Once the Helicopter touched the ground, a soldier dressed in black with a Tilerian symbol on his shoulder pushed opened the side and waved us forwards. With relief we all moved towards the helicopter, the others climbing in as I walked over as fast as I could, which wasn't very fast at all.

[liah]

I stood against a tree as the helicopter landed. Once the solder dressed in black waved us over, we all knew it was our time to get on. Walking over to Sam, I reached my arm out to him. "Need a hand?" I offered. "I know you do, so grab it and let's roll." I gave him a small smile. I couldn't wait until we were back on our own territory. I wanted to take a hot shower and go to sleep.

[natcat]

I smiled at Daisy, grateful and then took her arm letting her help me towards the helicopter. "Thanks." I said once we reached the door and the soldier inside pulled me up. I gasped at the sudden pain but was relieved to finally be inside where I knew I was safe.
Taking a seat next to Penelope, she patted my shoulder and smiled at me as I pulled my seat belt on, obviously pleased to be getting out of this place as well.

[liah]

I filed onto the helicopter after Sam, making my way to the back where Lyric and Slacks sat. Slinging my backpack onto the floor, I took the window seat and strapped my seat belt on over my chest. Once everyone was strapped in, the helicopter slowly began to rise off of the ground. In just a few minutes, we were up in the air and on our way back to the bases. I was so relieved to be out of harms way and far from the Jaxlors. I got comfortable in my seat, crossing my arms over my chest and leaning my head onto the window for a nap I knew I needed.