20 hours after arrival
As the sun began to rise, Natalie stretched, rubbing her eyes before scanning the camp ground. This trip was not what she expected.
After discovering the lake and the islands strange effects, Natalie and her friends began to formulate an escape. Unfortunately, the path they originally took had mysteriously vanished. Without a clear path, and with the sun setting, the trio decided to setup camp for the night. This, however, led to other complications.
They were still growing younger. The island slowly sapping their years away. A twenty four hour stay would mean Natalie and her friends would find themselves 19 years old. This was not an appealing option but, trying to maneuver through the jungle at night was a far worse. Setting up watch rotations and hastily erecting their camp, Natalie and the others now spent a night along the edge of the lake. With the sun now rising, Natalie made her way towards the edge of the lake.
It still seemed impossible yet the evidence was plain to see. Natalie was younger, much younger now judging by her reflection. The young brunettes reflection was that of a pretty 23 year old with light brown hair. Checking her physical body, Natalie could see a firmer body, her breasts having risen, straining her shirt. Adjusting her shorts, she could see her waist had thinned, her legs looking flawless, even her feet seemed smoother as the sand and water tickled her feet. "Hope this is as far as it goes," she whispered as she examined her youthful reflection.
Waking Dorothy and Susan, the pair also took note of their rejuvenated appearance. Thick healthy hair, trim fit bodies, youthful faces, they looked fresh out of college. Both Dorothy and Susan now adjusted their loose shorts as they quickly began to pack. "Nat have you found a path," Susan asked, pushing her long golden blonde hair behind her ear. "I think so," Natalie replied. After waking, she immediately fired up the drone, searching for a path. "I found a path that will take us to the other side of the island," she said. "From there we can contact the boat. They should be able to get us from there."
"Good enough plan," Dorothy stated. "But we should also have a secondary plan." Natalie and Susan glanced at Dorothy, noticing the ebony haired beauty putting on her boots. "What do you have in mind Dorothy," Susan asked.
"I spent some time going through Amelia's diary," Dorothy said. "She figured out that the water pauses the effects of the island by about 12 hours the first time. Afterwards though, the effects begin to minimize. If we're stuck here too long, the water won't work more than a few minutes." Natalie and Susan shuddered, realizing they needed to be careful. "Also," Dorothy continued. "We should avoid any food that's on the island. That means coconuts and berries are a no go."
"Why is that," Natalie asked.
"I think they might affect you mentally," Dorothy continued. "Just reading through the diary, I noticed that Amelia's writing and personality began to change after she was forced to survive on the food the island provides. The island might make us physically younger but the food makes you mentally younger."
"Good thing I have enough rations then," Natalie sighed. "We should probably drink some of the lake water then before sticking with what we brought." Dorothy and Susan nodded, the trio quickly filling a canteen before drinking it down. As the water hit their lips, they were astonished how good it was. This was perhaps the cleanest, freshest spring water they ever had the pleasure of drinking. "Wow that hit the spot," Natalie said in awe. "Whenever you're ready I say we make for the coast."
"Sounds good," Susan stated. "But, there's one more thing." Dorothy and Natalie paused, curiously studying the attractive blonde. "While you're trying to contact the boat," Susan continued. "I think Dorothy and I should try building a raft."
"Why would we build a raft," Dorothy asked.
"Just in case the boat doesn't come," Susan replied. "Things have been weird enough already. What happens if we can't make contact? We could be stuck here for awhile. Right now we're 23, but what if that changes? If we lose a few more years, we're going to start losing strength. Do you want to try cutting a tree down at 15? 13? Even younger?"
"She has a point," Natalie shrugged.
"Okay fine," Dorothy huffed. "Really didn't feel like building but it's a decent idea. Last thing any of us want is to end up going through puberty in reverse." The trio nodded, watching Natalie now fire up the drone. As the trio followed, they could only hope to escape this island before they joined the other lost ones on this mysterious island.