Chapter Text
Shivering in the darkness, the young man winced as he hid behind the freezing waterfall. It’s cool waves the only thing keeping them safe from imminent danger. The only way it couldn’t find them. Glancing at the small woman beside him, he watched as she tried desperately to keep her teeth from chattering. Her trembling arms holding tight to the log they used to stay afloat.
Meeting his gaze, she slowly shook her head, quietly telling him not to worry, but he knew better. They’d been hiding in that lagoon for at least 30 mins. The tropic humidity helped, but prolonged exposure to the cold depths would soon become a bigger issue than the thing tracking them.
They were being hunted by something neither human nor animal. And based on the skinned spineless bodies of their companions, he already knew what fate awaited them if caught.
Peering through the veil of water, he could see bright green eyes gleaming behind the large feathered leaves. The moonless night providing a clear view of their enemy. Like them, it knew they were close. Waiting for the right moment to strike.
Checking the timer on his watch, he saw they had 4 hours before sunrise. Rangers were scheduled to arrive just after dawn to ensure his parties return. However, he doubted they’d stick around once they saw the destroyed jeeps parked in the clearing. In any case, he had to think of something fast. Whether it be from hypothermia or dismemberment, he wasn’t about to let them die tonight. If anyone was dying, it was.
….
2 days earlier
Rumbling through the humid Guatemalan jungle, a set of small tan jeeps drove down a dusty man-made road. The thick tires roughly trudding over the bumpy terrain as their passengers held on for dear life. Reaching a narrowed tree lined edge each vehicle came to an abrupt stop. Aware of the thick foliage ahead, the party exited the jeeps and prepared for the rest of their journey on foot.
Stuffing his foggy glasses in the pocket of his open tan shirt, Gohan grabbed his duffle bag and hoisted it over his shoulder. With his loose fitting khaki pants and hiking boot he was ready for the half mile trek. Wiping off the few beads of sweat from his forehead, he adjusted his bag and followed behind the group.
Above the thick trees, he could see the towering Mayan temple of Yaxha awaiting them. It’s square peak giving the illusion of a floating palace in the sky. A sight that usually gave him a sense of elation. That feeling of satisfaction in exploring the unknown.
Unfortunately, the expedition to this beautiful structure wasn’t about discovering the ancient. It was about the location of the previous research party, which included his missing mentor.
As one of the leading anthropologist in Mayan and indigenous people, his good friend and mentor Dr. Daimo was often called upon whenever something wasn’t easily identifiable. His invitation to Yaxha was no different.
When Gohan spoke to him a month ago he explained that a secret room deep within the pyramid had been found during a recent excavation. His assistance was requested to help confirm their findings for the governments antiquities department. Along with 6 other colleagues, he arrived with no problem and immediately began work. Everything was going smoothly, until they all went silent.
Since they were in the middle of a national park, the local rangers checked in on them every few days and brought supplies. Before their scheduled supply run, they received a frantic communication requesting immediate evacuation from the site. Something about being hunted. Assuming it was a wild animal, the rangers quickly dispatched a team, but when they arrived, all they found were empty tents.
That was ten days ago. Apparently, the entire party had disappeared. No clothes or belongings were taken. Even the newfound artifacts were still intact. All seven people had vanished without a trace.
Fearing the worst, Gohan abandoned his own work in Mexico to help with the recovery. He’d been in the jungle before and knew from experience that animals weren’t the only predators. Man was out there. National parks were usually peaceful, but it wasn’t hard for something nefarious to hide in it’s thick brush.
As they walked through the low hanging trees, he noted the absence of chirping birds. Even the usual buzzing of insects seemed scarce. Looking through the leaves, his instincts told him something was out there and it was no animal.
“Seems I’m not the only one who doesn’t want be to here.”
Pulling him from his thoughts, he followed the soft voice and found one of his fellow travelers walking beside him. He recognized the young woman from the jeep in front of his. Due to her long native plaits and youthful features, he assumed she was just a guide. Now that he was up close, he could see the Policia badge clipped to the waist of her canvas pants.
“Is it that obvious” Giving her a wry smile.
“The others can’t seem to shut up about being here.” Jutting her chin towards the three young men in front of them chattering away.
Chucking, he wiped another bead of sweat from his forehead. “Heh, well this isn’t my first jungle or temple expedition.”
“I see. That’s good to know. You were so quiet that I was a bit concerned”
“Concerned? Why?” Raising a questioning brow.
“It’s the quiet ones that always give me trouble, which I hope I’m not going to have from you?” She asked pointedly as her striking blue eyes studied his face.
Intrigued by her forwardness, he smirked and shook his head. “No ma’am, there won’t be any trouble out of me.”
“Ma’am?” Her offended look making him laugh.
“Sorry, bad habit. I’m Son Gohan, but you can just call me Gohan.” Holding out his free hand.
Taking his hand, she was surprised by his strong grip. This wasn’t her first rodeo babysitting a set of researchers. For the most part, they were all foreigners like him. Everyone of them eager to visit the jungle with no knowledge of survival skills or common sense. It seemed she lucked out this time.
“Videl Ortega.” Returning his firm shake. “You American?” She asked, her spanish accent softly curving her words.
With his smooth angular face and dark almond shaped eyes, she figured he was one of those asian exchange students they got every once in a while. So, to hear his clear american accent was a bit unexpected.
“Chinese American. I throw you off?” He asked playfully.
“Some. Why’d you come if you’re not excited like those three?” Throwing another annoyed glance at the jabbering trio.
“As much as I’d love to enjoy this beautiful culture, my reasons for coming are a bit more personal.” Gazing up at the approaching temple.
“Explain.” She asked bluntly. Her investigative nature showing.
“I’m here for my mentor. He’s one of the missing anthropologist.”
“I see.” Understanding softening her tone. “You must be the one who demanded to come”
“Yep, that was me.” He replied with a nod. “I know your government wasn’t too pleased, but I had to be here. Piccolo was a good friend.”
“Do you have any idea what they found? I thought everything in this pyramid was in a museum.”
Seeing the Yaxha clearing just ahead, Gohan nodded slowly as they came closer to the tree lined exit. “As far as I know, it should be. However, if Piccolo was called in, they didn’t just discover artifacts. They found bones.”
“Bones?”
“Yeah, we’re forensic anthropologist.”
“Forensic? Isn’t that for crime scenes?”
“No, not always. In our case, we help date the remains so they can be classified in the right time period. We can see how they lived or died, maybe even give a deeper meaning to their culture. It’s many things.”
“I see…”
Smirking at her skeptical look, he continued his explanation. “I know it sounds creepy, but it can be fulfilling to give these people a voice. Most of them died horrible deaths and were lost to time. Providing a better understanding of their culture is our mission.”
“You’re very passionate.” She noted.
“It’s what my mentor taught me.” The sadness seeping into his tone.
Seeing his somber expression, Videl knew what was on his mind. Those people that disappeared, including his friend, weren’t coming back. As they walked into the Yaxha clearing, she could feel an ominous presence surrounding the massive structure. Whatever took them wasn’t looking for money. It wanted something far worse.
Scanning the abandoned site, Gohan tried to ignore the sinking feeling in his stomach. “Piccolo loved being an anthropologist, but at his core, he was military. He spent half of his life as a marine getting dropped in jungles just like this one.”
“Why work in one?”
Huffing, Gohan smirked as he remembered asking that same question. “Because now he could actually enjoy it.”
“It’s hot as hell and almost every animal out here will kill you.” She expressed while waving a fly away from her.
“Heh! Oh I know, which why is exactly why this bothers me.”
“What do you mean?” She asked, looking up at his stern face.
“Something happened out here, but I don’t think nature had anything to do with it. I’m pretty sure their disappearance is linked to that room they were studying.”
Taking in his observation, Videl continued walking with him as they neared the campsite. Sadly, his words held far more truth than he could fathom. That particular area of the national park was usually one of the quieter spots. Mainly due the dense foliage. No one, not even the occasional thief wanted to be caught in those woods after dark. Every once in a while there would be an animal attack, but nothing like this. Of course that was before they opened that godforsaken room.
Unbeknownst to him, they weren’t the first people to investigate the deserted site. After learning about the missing group, a small search party was sent in along with two representatives from their antiquities department. Their original assumption had been foul play. It wouldn’t be the first time someone betrayed a team member to steal the artifacts for themselves.
However, when the party arrived, it was clear something else was amiss. As the rangers stated, everything was untouched. The large canvas tents they slept under were all intact, including their personal belongings. The plan was for them to stay a week and investigate what really happened. Only one returned.
“Ortega!” Jumping at the sound of her name, Videl looked up to see her partner calling her forward.
“All right people, listen up.” The man called out sharply.
“My name is inspector Luis Gutierrez and this is inspector Videl Ortega. As you already know, the previous research party that was here has gone missing. Everything they were looking into has been left behind and needs to be recovered. But, before we get started, there is something you need to know.” He explained.
“I won’t lie. This recovery mission is dangerous. Our last scouting party lost several of it’s members when they came to investigate.”
Gawking at his statement, the other young men stared in disbelief. “What? I thought we were the first?” One asked.
“When we made aware of the issue, a few inspectors and members of our antiquities department came to make sure nothing was stolen. But some of them didn’t make it back. From our intel, they were taken in the middle of the night.” Videl replied.
Narrowing his eyes, Gohan stepped forward. “Taken? Were there any clues to how?”
“Not that we know of. But, we’re not taking any chances this time. Along with myself and Gutierrez, there are three armed guards with us.” Pointing to their drivers, which were pulling out assault weapons from their black cases.
“We’re also not staying as long either. You have 48 hours to retrieve and log the items left behind. During that time Ortega and I will try to gather as much information as possible. You are to stay close and in constant communication at all times. I have no intention of dying in this fucking jungle because of any of you.”
the warning, Gohan nodded in understanding. “What do you want us to do first?”
“We’ll set up camp in one of the big tents. It won’t be comfortable, but it’ll be easier to keep an eye on everyone. After that you’re free to split your duties in logging the artifacts. As for the temple, we’ll be visiting that once you’re all settled.”
Holding up her wrist, Videl pointed to her watch. “You all should have an all purpose watch, correct?”
She continued when they nodded in affirmation. “Good, set your timers. Gutierrez and I would prefer to be out of here before that, but in case something happens, rangers are scheduled to arrive that morning for a follow up. If this becomes too dangerous, we will evacuate immediately. It’s only a about half a mile from here to the jeeps, but if you lose your way it can feel like 20. Make sure you always note your position so you don’t get lost. Remember, we leave in 48 hours.”
“Let get started.
******
Hidden within the tall trees of Yaxha, an unseen creature crouched on high a branch watching the group. It’s vision only able to follow the heat signatures from their bodies. The creature knew them to be humans. A weak species his kind had been using to polish their hunting skills for generations.
Echoing their words in it's garbled speech, the creature repeated what he understood.“We leave in 48 hours...”
Using the enhancer in its mask, the being zeroed in on the humans with long objects in their arms. Recognizing the items as weapons, the creature snarled and silently jumped down from his perch. With it's targets in sight, an invisible cloak phased over its brown armored body. The clear silhouette seeming like a mirage as it moved between the trees.
******
Once the sleeping tent was set up, Gohan took a moment and introduced himself to the other young men. It helped to know what they specialized in so the work could be easily divided. Hector, the dark haired man was a local from the University. His field also happened to be in forensic anthropology. The other two, Alan and Nick were American students that studied at the same University. However, their field only focused on the dating and cultural aspect.
They decided that he and Hector would review whatever remains were found while the other two made sure the physical items were logged. Due to their condensed time frame, they agreed it would be best to get everything crated and study it when they returned to the city.
After learning about the previous search party, they had no desire to start longer than necessary either. But, before getting started, Gohan still had something he needed to do first.
Stepping out of the tent, he walked towards the two inspectors and called out to them. “Hey! Do you mind if I look around Piccolo’s tent? He usually kept good notes and it would help to see how far they got.”
“That’s fine.” Gutierrez answered. “Videl will go with you. I doubt we’ll get any good prints in there, but it’s still a crime scene. You'll have to get permission if you want to take something.”
“Understood.” Nodding for her to follow.
“Do you know which tent is his?” Walking up beside him.
“Oh yeah.” Pointing to a long slender green tent tacked to the ground. Unlike the larger more comfortable tents, this one had no standing room with just had enough space to sleep.
“It looks small.”
Chuckling, Gohan agreed with her observation. “Yep and if he wasn't 7 feet tall it’d be smaller. Like I said, military. He didn't need much and hated wasting space.”
Coming to the tent, he opened the flap so she could enter first. “7 feet? In this?” Bending down to crawl on the canvas covered floor.
As she moved farther in, Videl carefully looked around the tiny pad. She noted how his sleeping bag was left unfurled and messy yet the small stack of books in front were neatly lined along with water canteens and a tin of coffee.
“He must’ve left in a hurry.” Gohan stated, confirming her hypothesis.
Remembering his previous statement, she gathered Piccolo was a stickler for order. So, to see his messy bed was a red flag.
“Something probably startled them while they slept. We should check the other tents too.” Videl agreed as she scooted down to give him more room.
Sitting cross legged, she watched him pull the glasses from his pocket and put them on so he could sift through the books. Studying him closely, Videl figured there was a more behind that cute nerdy exterior of his. Especially with the muscular physique he failed to hide under his thin white under shirt. When he excused himself to reach across her, the chain around his neck fell out, revealing three metal tags attached.
“I see.” She said out loud, leaning back on her hands. “Seems you followed in his footsteps all the way.”
Pausing over her lap, he turned his head towards her. “Huh?”
“The tags. You military too?” Jutting her chin at the dangling chain.
“Oh yeah.” Looking down at his dog tags. “Though I just did my time and got the hell outta there. Four years was enough to last a lifetime.” He said sarcastically as he continued to rummage through the bag. After another moment, he made a triumphant sound and pulled back with a leather bound notebook in hand.
“Good. I thought you were going to stay there forever.” Leaning up straight.
“I could have.” Giving her a flirtatious wink. “You smell good.”
Raising an eyebrow, she huffed a laugh. “You should be more serious. We’re all probably gonna die out here.”
“Doesn’t mean I’m wrong.” He retorted with a smirk, his busy thumbing through the worn pages.
Opening her mouth to counter, she stopped when a loud hiss grabbed her attention. Quickly turning her head, she gasped as green snake slithered out from the rumpled sleeping bag. Baring it’s poisonous fangs, reared back for a deadly strike. Before she could scream, Videl was pushed back while a hand swiftly darted out and grabbed the snake by it’s head.
Panting at the near miss on her life, she watched Gohan expertly pin the wiggling snake down and stab it’s skull with the hunting knife from his waist. When it finally stopped moving he pulled the dead reptile up, completely unfazed by the blood dripping down his arm.
“I’m not gonna let you die.” He whispered, glancing up at her surprised blue eyes.
“Ortega! You alright in there?”
Snapping out of her stupor, Videl let out the breath she’d been holding and answered. “Yeah! I’m good. Just a snake!”
“A WHAT!”
“Let’s go. I don’t need your partner kicking my ass.” Making his way out the tent.
“I doubt that.” She whispered, trying to avoid snake blood as she crawled out behind him.
******
Covered in it’s invisible veil, the creature stood by as one of the humans came closer. Clutching the blade strapped to it’s armored thigh, it’s hidden green eyes narrowed when the human walked directly in front of him.
Sensing a weird presence Gohan stopped in his tracks. Getting that watched feeling, he flung the snake corpse to the ground and carefully scanned the surrounding brush. Noticing a slight movement in the air, a chill running up his spine. It seemed as if space was literally waving by itself. Taking a step forward, he blinked, wondering if his eyes were playing tricks on him. Holding the handle hunting knife tighter, he was about to reach out when the inspector called out to him.
“Hey! It doesn’t take that long to throw a fucking snake away.”
Rolling his eyes, Gohan gave the leaves one last look before turning back to the camp. “I’m coming!” He yelled back, murmuring ‘asshole’ under his breath.
Growling under his mask, the air sparked as the creature removed it’s invisible cloak and followed the human. Memorizing the lower beings heat signature and voice, it added him to the list of targets.
“I’m coming…”