FSE

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Hey guys, sorry for the long wait. This chapter is a bit lackluster and short :S. Next few chapters will have a few surprises. Without further ado. I present:

Chapter Five:

The monsoon season had approached. It was now two weeks since Mike had left his home and one week to the day since he had rescued Kane from his brother. The two had been travelling non-stop for the past few days. Sometimes walking, other times hiding in amongst the trailers of some of the road trains that occasionally drove by. The two of them had now reached a range of mountains known as The Kimberleys. Rain drove the two of them to seek cover amongst the rugged terrain. Mike knew from experience that the rain could last days, and a flash flood could take them at any time. It was with these sobering thoughts that Mike led Kane up high into the mountains to escape the rising waters that lurked with not only rapids, but some of the largest crocodiles known in the world.

The two pressed onwards. Deciding it would be safer to have Kane in the lead in case he slipped, Mike stopped on a rock ledge. There was a small shelter in the rock not too far from where he stood. Kane clambered over the edge, puffing from the climb. "Bleedin' heck! Now that was a climb and a half." Kane panted.

"It's not over yet mate." Mike replied, shouting over the downpour. "There's a cave about ten meters above you. If we can get up there, we can rest easy for the night."

"Lead the way." Kane shouted back.

"No, you go first. That way, if you slip, I can catch you." Mike replied.

Kane turned and looked up trying to find where the cave was and instead received a face full of water that was coursing down the cliff face. Turning away Kane spluttered. "I can't see it Mike. How do I know where to go?"

"Kane! If we don't leave now, we'll most likely die on this ledge. We need some dry space. Just climb up!" Mike cried with desperation in his voice. The rocky ledge was starting to give way due to the amount of water that had made its way through the cracks in the rock and Mike knew that it was only a matter of time before the small ledge would give out.

Knowing that Mike wouldn't move until he did, Kane gathered up his courage, grabbed hold of a small rock jutting out from the cliff face and began the arduous climb up to the cave.

***

It was sometime later that Kane reached the ledge where the cave was. The climb had been slow and perilous. Yet Kane knew that Mike was counting on him to reach the cave; and so, he pressed on. Kane scrambled over the edge and rolled into the shelter of the cave. Mike had followed close behind; keeping an eye on Kane. "Phwar! Now that was a climb and a half!" exclaimed Mike. "Nice work mate." Mike shook the water off of himself. It was going to be a long time before he got dry.

"Thanks." Kane sighed happily, knowing that they were going to be safe for another night. And this time, it was thanks to him.

As Kane settled down, Mike set about searching for anything that could be used to make a small fire. However, his search was in vain. There was nothing in the cave but rock. Mike heaved a sigh of frustration, and sat down heavily next to Kane. "This sucks. We'll be wet for most of the night; and if this rain persists, we'll most likely be damp for the next few days."

"Hey, it's alright." Kane said reassuringly. "At least we have plenty of food, and we aren't going to freeze to death. Besides, we can always go out tomorrow. The rain has to stop sooner or later."

Mike was surprised by Kane's little speech. He couldn't believe that he was the one being reassured. Especially by one that young. Mike lay down, turning over what Kane had said in his mind. Turning to say something to his young friend, Mike saw that Kane had already fallen asleep. Smiling to himself, he knew that Kane had the right idea. Sleep was the best thing for them at the moment. Turning on his side, Mike closed his eyes and listened to the rain outside. Before long, he had dozed off into a deep slumber, and the two of them waited out the night, uncaring of what tomorrow would bring.