Matthew and Charles played rock-paper-scissors on the back of their jeep. Bored out of their mind, they didn't even celebrate their victories. Matthew played scissor and Nolan played rock. Matthew groaned and leaned back.
"Man…this is so boring."
"You tell me." Nolan replied.
"It would've been good if something interesting happened but not even a chaos fragment's spawned…" Matthew swung his legs.
"What do want to do, die?"
"I would if it got me out of this boredom."
"I agree with you so much."
The jeep started to go uphill. Josh pressed his foot against the accelerator and with it, the engine revved. Eventually, they made it to the top of the hill. Josh braked slightly and looked out, wanting some stimulation. He raised a brow and whistled.
"Well, that's quite interesting."
He stopped the jeep. Matthew and Nolan yawned. Matthew stood up and jumped off the jeep. He leaned on the driver's window with a slouch.
"Why'd you stop us? It's not dinner time."
"Looks out there." Josh pointed.
Matthew sighed and jumped onto the back. He lifted his head and his eyes widened.
'This is something…'
He slapped Nolan on the head which snapped him back.
"Dude! What the hell?!"
Mathhew pointed. "Look."
Nolan rubbed his head and looked forward. He smacked his lips and nodded.
"Cool but that wasn't worth hitting me."
"It's like the Amazon rainforest in Ashland."
"Cuz it is a rainforest, dummy." Josh exited. "Now, call the general and ask him what to do."
Matthew nodded and gazed over the landscape first. The rainforest had over greenery with trees that covered its damp, muddy floor. Rivers flowed through the land like veins. Leaves rustled every few seconds, signaling the presence of life. He touched his forehead and closed his eyes. Focusing his mind, he didn't even move an inch.
'General, can you hear me?'
Another thought echoed throughout the space.
'Yes, Matthew. I'm listening.'
'So, we need help with something.'
'What is it? I've got time.'
'So, we've found a rainforest. So, what should we do?'
'A rainforest like the Amazon?'
'No – smaller but it's still a rainforest.'
'Okay…wait, let me ask Charles.'
Matthew waited and waited until David's thought echoed once more.
'I've asked Charles. He's say's to leave it for now. Continue with the scanning of the surroundings. We'll come by later and search it with the entire team.'
'Okay – copy that.'
Matthew let go of his forehead, leaving the space. He locked eyes with Josh and said in a solemn tone.
"He said to leave it for now. The expedition team will explore it later."
"Great! Now, let's get going." Josh smiled.
Josh opened and slammed the door shut. He turned on the car including the GPS and SONAR systems, pressing the accelerator. Matthew tripped, catching himself on the chair as the jeep began moving.
'Damn…can't he wait a minute?'
He pushed himself up and sat down, crossing his arms.
"So…do like spaghetti with or without sauce?" Nola inquired.
"I like it with ketchup." Matthew replied.
The two continued chatting as Josh drove through the thick wilderness. Hours passed with nothing but trees in sight. The jeep stuck close to the rainforest as it weaved through the overgrown forest. The sun began its descent, turning the sky orange with a hint of purple and yellow. Suddenly, Josh stomped on the brake.
"Josh…I told you not to stop." Matthew threatened.
"You didn't tell him." Nolan stated.
Matthew sighed and hopped off with Nolan right behind him... They looked forward as Josh exited the car. He tucked his hands into his pockets and stepped forward before stopping.
"Hey, man. Why'd you stop us?" Nolan asked, approaching Josh.
Josh didn't reply for a few moments. He drew a deep breath and smiled, parting his lips.
"We've made it."
Matthew and Nolan blinked in confusion. They approached their mate and gazed over his shoulder.
"Holy shit." Matthew blurted.
"…it's so damn beautiful." Nolan stated.
Beyond them was a massive cliff, then a grassy shore and tucked with the ocean as if they were holding hands. Water crashed against rocks and washed onto the grassy landscape as sunlight struck the jagged cliffs. Wind blew through the valley, rustling the bushes and leaves.
"Well…what now?" Nolan asked.
"We wait for the others." Josh pulled his sleeve, checking the time. "They should be here anytime."
Just as he said, he pressed the earpiece and it morphed into the meta glasses. Holograms appeared in vision as he moved from tab to tab, activating the radio call function.
"This is the third unit. We've reached the shore at the western end. Other western units, please response and inform of your location."
He paused and waited for a response. Then, it came.
"First unit - responding. We've also reached the western end."
Then, another.
"Second unit – responding. We've still in the jungle."
Josh relayed another message.
"Copy that. It's getting late so, lets head back tomorrow."
"Copy." The other units replied.
Jos cut the radio transmission as the sun dipped pat the horizon, plunging the sky into darkness. He turned towards his comrades and said in a deep voice.
"Mission complete, idiots. We head back tomorrow morning."