Captain Jack drudged through the sullen swamps. LJ swung through the branches above, watching his friend continue the endeavor. A new map showed the ever-changing destination of the Golden Treasure, which was at the edge of the swamp. Although the area was only one portion of the large map, it had been days with no sight ahead of muddy water ending.
The boy sniffled as he walked, wiping his nose with his tattered sleeve. Frustrated, Jack looked up at LJ. "Any dry land out there?" LJ flew and danced his way to the top of a tree to observe. Disappointed, he looked down and shook his head. The Captain took off his hat and threw it in the mud. "Blast it!"
Jack protested by sitting in the mud and folding his arms. LJ jumped to the lowest limb of the tree and wrapped his tail around it, hanging the rest of his body to reach his companion. The Captain continued, "It's been days of seeking me treasure and no progress. How do I keep going?" The monkey just stared at him. "Well?" asked Jack.
Awkward silence overcame the moment. LJ stared into Jack's eyes. He tilted his head, then heaved his body back into the tree and swung away. "Figures. Never ask a monkey for advice," thought the Captain.
Just then a large ball of mud smattered against his shoulder. Jack jumped to his feet and pointed his sword out, confused as to which direction it had originated. Circling in his stance, another glump of mud fell from a tree and covered the Captain's head, slowly drooping down the rest of his body.
Not amused, Jack looked toward the sky and saw LJ, hands covered in mud. "You!" cried the Captain. Quickly he dropped his sword and began gathering mud with his hands. The pirate threw mud balls at the monkey, each miserably missing the target. LJ smiled and gave taunting shrieks, teasing Jack. The monkey began swinging from tree to tree, but when he looked down to spot the boy, he couldn't see him. Suddenly a fast ball of mud knocked him off the tree and into the below swamp.
Jack sprung from his hiding place and pounced his friend. Soon the two were laughing and tackling one another in the mud. As they ran through the swamp playing their game, neither noticed the ground slowly become greener. Still running, Jack didn't see the large treasure chest until he crashed straight into it. Now on the ground, he took a moment to understand what lay before him.
"The Golden Treasure!" he exclaimed to LJ. The quest and wish quickly returned to his mind. Jumping to his feet, Jack went to remove the top of the chest. He stopped. Looking at his friend, Jack asked, "Do you think I'm ready?" LJ smiled, urging him to go ahead. The Captain smiled back, "Either way, I've got you here."
Jack pushed the the lid off the oak box and stared at the familiar, glistening coins. The gold shone brighter, encompassing the entire surrounding area. Still it grew brighter and brighter and brighter and BRIGHTER, almost becoming pure white. The light became too much for Captain Jack and tried to shield his eyes, but felt something holding his arms.
Davey Jones appeared behind the light again. "Nope, not ready yet," he stated. The terrible, bright light turned off and Jack wailed for only a short moment. "How is it, doc?" asked Jack's mom.
"Not too bad. They've actually become a little better since last week. Still, his eyes have a little more ways to come before he can go home."
Jack turned toward LJ, now sitting on the side of his crib. He smiled, knowing his friend was there with him. Soon little eyes began to droop and deep breaths took over.
The search would continue until Jack had his wish granted.
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