Healthy Competition

Healthy competition was a part of growing up and Raven was aware of that, he liked to take part in races and was very clever. He had always been an outcast in the town and he wanted to prove he belonged, that he could be useful in the future. After all this was his 16th year here, he had every right to be called a local. He knew he looked different, not bad different and he wondered why his eyes were so unusual.

Some people said he was a freak, others were scared of him and the majority were curious. He had been put through therapy, hypnosis but nothing worked. The only clue was the tattoo on his wrist, a small moon, with a pair of violet eyes and the name Raven tattooed under it.

The kids in the small town of Norsich, lived on the edge of the jungle and were taught at an early age how to stay safe. They were brought up to respect and fear the forest, that was a stones throw away.

Raven felt connected to the animals there, he often talked to them and some of the boys had saw him.

Raven couldn’t hear what they were saying, it was all in his mind. Like some sort of telepathy, it was hard to explain. Raven knew he was different and that one day his parents may come back but he didn’t look to the past only his future.

The town soon knew of the freaky orphan child that was pulled out the river as a baby and had been brought up by the strange family by the waterfall. If truth be told the setting was not ideal but no one wanted the dark haired boy, with the violet eyes. He was a mystery, one no one wanted to solve.

Raven loved his parents, an elderly man and woman who fed and clothed him all these years but who hated to leave the house. He did the chores and the work, in return for those years they had kept him alive. It was only fair and Raven was happy to do it.

For the past three months the school had ran challenges, ones of physical and mental endurance. Whittling the competition down to the last 6 finalists. The points had been collected, as the Governor’s stepped onto stage.

“Good evening all, the games have began"

There was cheering, clapping and he held up his hand, as there was silence.

Each boy was called up, the Governor’s son first, as Raven rolled his eyes. The smug git was smirking and he wanted the chance to wipe that smile off his face. It followed in a pattern, the other four members of his group and he turned to leave. What a fix, he was smarter than all of them put together. He may not be a steroid junky but he was fast and light on his feet.

"Raven Blackman" said a voice, as he looked up and the Governor gestured to the stage and he came over.

"We all know who is going home first” sniggered the Govenor’s son.

"You wish" snarled Raven

Over the next few week they were trained in survival techniques and on the 7th day they were transported by helicopter to different parts of the jungle with a bag each. They each had bag of items and were to get home the quickest, to win. The forest held many dangers, the animals, the sink holes and the landscape.

Raven looked at the sky, it was already getting light and he climbed a tree to find his position. He ran along the branches, this would be easy.

One boy headed through the trees, he intended to follow the river but there was another issue. The alligators were all out feeding, this wasn’t going to work as he turned and fell straight into a pit.

"Damn” he muttered, as he tried to climb out but more dirt fell in and then there was a pair of hungry eyes gazing down at him.

He pulled out the flare gun and shot into the sky, he had failed. Raven looked up and smirked, what idiot would go to the river at this time of day.

The flares went off in every direction, as Raven had counted 4. That meant him and someone else was left. He quickened his pace, seeing a figure ahead and saw it was the Governor’s son Robbie. He smirked, seeing him wobble, as he crossed the logs over the quicksand. Grabbing a vine he swung across, landing neatly on the other side in front of Robbie.

"Come on slow coach” as he ran.

He rushed away, ducking under vines the race was on. The finish line in the distance, as he raced forward. He saw the crowds and looked back no Robbie, when he heard a yell of pain.

Raven stopped, as he thought it could be a trap but the shouts continued. He left his bag and took the first aid kit, as he ran back the way he came.

Raven could not believe he was doing this, it was every man for himself and he was risking his win. When he got to the clearing, he saw Robbie hanging from a branch and his leg dripping with blood. Large wolves jumping at his bloodied limb, as he whimpered as he tried to climb higher.

”Pathetic” he murmured, as he strode over and the wolves turned snarling at him.

"Go home before you are killed by the approaching towns people, they will not understand.”

They whined and left, as Raven smirked up at him.

"You coming down Robbie"

"How did you do that?" as he lowered himself to the floor.

“A special talent, ambition, drive, call it what you like. I beat you and your bunch of gorilla’s.”

"You did and I owe you my life”

”Nah, I just want to be one of the guys.”

"Then welcome to the group Raven" as they headed out with Robbie hobbling on a wounded leg and Raven helping him.

THE END

Remember ambition is good, as long it doesn’t affect your morals.