The Life of a Tribal

Prologue


The man walked into the lone house that sat on the top of the hill, alone and with the only sound being that of the sea crashing against the rocks and the irradiated birds above. He seemed a bit nervous, but his mercenary guide seemed to give him some confidence. He wore large glasses that reflected the light a bit to much. His hair was short and scraggy, he wore a dirty black suit with a nice little bow-tie. The mercenary watched behind as the man knocked on the door, waiting for a response.


Nothing came for a moment, and just before the man and the mercenary were ready to leave, a calm silent voice echoed from within side. The man tensed up a bit, not expecting the voice. He turned to the door, and opened it slowly. The sunlight broke through the torn and decrepit curtains as a lone shadowed figure sat at a desk, looking towards the man and his mercenary guide.

"What brings you here?" The shadowed figure said motioning for them to step closer. They walked in, the mercenary closing the door behind him. The man didn't know what to say to the shadowed figure who just sat there quiet and calm.

"I... I.. I'm... I've come to..." The man stuttered a lot, and the shadowed figure was getting annoyed by it. He didn't say a word, but his faint body language told his the story of his annoyance.

"Spit it out, I have come across your kind many a-time, and do not wish to waste anymore with your kind. So speak what you must then leave." The shadowed figure said in a raised tone of voice. The mercenary stood at the door, his leather armor was beaten and torn and his G3 Assault Rifle was in no better condition. The shadowed figure looked to the mercenary, cracking a smile that could not be seen by neither man. The smile quickly disappeared as the man with the glasses and the stutter pulled out a note pad and a rugged pencil.

"Actually, I've come to speak with you," The man with the glasses said in a clearer tone of voice. "You are the one they call: Phoenix, aren't you? The tribal from the famed Dog Tribe, they call their warriors: Dog Soldiers." The man said in a bit of excited tone.

The figure just nodded to the questions the man with glasses asked. He looked back at the mercenary, for some reason the tall man intrigued him, he wasn't like the man with the glasses. He had an interesting past all his own, but the shadowed figure just couldn't identify it.

"Yes, I am the one they called: Phoenix. And yes, I was apart of the Dog Tribe who called their warriors: Dog Soldiers. What do you want with that knowledge?" Phoenix said leaning into the light that broke through the curtains, and shinned on the table. His hands were dirty and his skin was dark. He had been out in the sun a long time. His skin was that of an aging man, and his long greying hair hung at the sides of his face, rolling down his back as well. His once dark strong hazel eyes were no more, but that of an aging man who was slowly dying like everyone else.

The man with the glasses smiled and looked at his mercenary guide, nodding his head. The man turned back to Phoenix, writing his name and tribe down before he asked his first question. Phoenix just sat quietly and calm while the man straightened his posture, like it made much difference to him.

"I've come to make a history of the famed Dog Tribe, and you were the only one known to possibly be alive. Your legend is magnificent in the area, and I've done much to discover your tribes history. Your Dog Soldiers were fierce and respectable warriors who were vicious and unforgiving fighters, but also kind and caring to the wounded and dead of the enemy. Your clan has destroyed a lot of Raider clans, and other hostile tribes during your time, and-"

"Do not tell me what I already know. Your kind has a problem with telling one's history, to the person who already knows it. So to cut through the thickness, let me guess that you've come to ask of my life since, like you said, I am the last of my tribe." Phoenix said interrupting the man. He looked at the man with the glasses, his face was a bit nervous as Phoenix had interrupted him, but he relaxed to a natural state.


"Where would you like to start, Phoenix? May I call you that?" The man asked writing some other words down.

"Yes, you may call me by my name. I do not like the name your people gave me when I became a slave." Phoenix said nodding, then quickly glancing at the mercenary who stood calm and quiet. "But where should a story such as this begin? Birth, adolescence, man hood?" Phoenix added moving a bit in his seat to get comfortable again.

"Let's begin when you entered manhood, the way the Dog Tribe initiated all their young men into manhood. Let's begin there." The man said putting his pencil to the paper as Phoenix began his story.

"It all began when I was at the age your people call: 16. But we call it something you will not speak." Phoenix said looking at the man writing it down quickly. "I awoke with the sound of some of the tribe's Dog Soldiers preparing to go out into the wasteland, and hunt. I grabbed my spear and large knife, and hurried towards the hunting party." The Life of a Tribal was just beginning.

Something new, Something good in my books.

Looks interesting keep it up.

Reminds me of Mr. and Mrs Smith for some odd reason.

Keep on going.

I like it.

Its been on for just a couple of minutes, and already you guys have finished :shocking:

Don't agree with the top part but...

This this this this this this this this!

I didn't like it though, I loved it, good work Strangelove. :goodjob:

Nicely written prologue, Strangelove. The only thing I'm curious about is your use of the colon. It interrupts the flow when in most of the cases it isn't needed. Other than that, great job, and I'm interested to see where you go from here.

a good story, that seems like it could go in a completely different dierction to most of the efforts on here. Keep it up mate.

One question, will the whole thing be carries out in interview form, a series of flashbacks or something completely different to what im thinking?

Flashback. So it will be 1st person. Something different I thought? :tops:

sounds great, Could be one for the record books

Well see?

EDIT: Chpt 1 will be up tomorrow when I wake up. I LOVE DAYS OFF!!!!

There is only one thing that bothered me, and it was so incredibly minor it doesn't matter. Great work.

Chapter 1

I awoke with the sound of some of the tribe's Dog Soldiers preparing to go out into the wasteland, and hunt. I grabbed my spear and large knife, and hurried towards the hunting party. They were all much older than me, and I had only been a couple of hunting parties out into the wasteland with my father, Long Feathers. This group of Dog Soldiers were some of the best warriors and hunters in the tribe. I used to imagine myself as one of them, and played with the other children reenacting what it must have been like in a battle with a group of Raiders or another tribe that was moving onto our land or dishonoring us in some way.

At first they dismissed me, telling me they didn't need to be watching out for a child when they were hunting Yao Guai, a most dangerous and fearsome creature to fight and kill as I later learned during my trials of becoming a man within the Dog Tribe. I persisted that they let me come with them, and that I would stay out of their way when they found a Yao Guai. But still they dismissed me and told me to go play with the others, and they would return soon and tell me of what had happened.

I was to young, and at the time unable to change their minds because of my youth. They started off, carrying swords, spears, knifes, and beaten rifles along with large burlap sown sacks that they carried the meat in. I stood where I was, standing in defeat as some of the other children in the tribe rushed over to see me. I walked back to my families tent, and put away my knife and spear.

"Phoenix, were you going to go with Husky, Bull, and the others?" My friend Raven Crow asked. She was younger than me, and would later become a strong leader of the tribe winning many battles against invading tribes and raider clans. But then we were young and good friends.

"No, they would not let me go. Husky said they could not bother watching a 'child' while they hunted Yao Guai. But I will show them, I will become like them one day, and become a strong Dog Soldier." I said with a raised tone, but a fear of getting older as well. Raven Crow looked at me, she always took care of me and helped make me feel better. The other children in the tribe were good to me as well. My mother and father were both respected in the tribe, my father had been a Dog Soldier in his more youthful days, and my mother was a medicine woman who helped heal those sick and wounded.

Raven Crow and I walked back out of the tent, and went to play what ever we felt like. Her parents were kind like she was, and raised her well. I think that is one of the reasons she became such a good leader of the tribe, is because she cared for everyone of us.

After playing with Raven Crow for hours, some of the other children began cheering and howling like most did as the Dog Soldiers returned with all four of their bags full, and their bodies bloody. Three of the carried a large piece of meat on their shoulders, wrapped in a white cloth. Raven Crow and I rushed over to them, howling them on. None of them said a word, I looked at all their faces but didn't see Husky's. I ran to Bull who was at the head of the group, his face was covered in splotches of blood and dirt. He had a few scratches on his body, but he seemed to be a bit disoriented as I tried to get his attention.

"Bull! Where is Husky?" I asked with a distorted smile. When he looked at me, I saw what his answer was. My distorted smile went from that, to a disillusioned face of sadness.

"We were attacked by a team of those men who wear iron armor and carry laser weapons. Husky was struck in the shoulder, but he continued his charge of them. But no matter how thick and strong his hide, their laser weapons and bullets pierced. They walked over to him, the rest of us watched as they looked down at his lifeless body, firing even more into his body. We tried to help, but were so frozen with fear, we had to return. Luckily we retrieved his body." Bull said looking back at the white cloth.

My eyes began to water, I turned away, unable to show them the sadness I felt. Bull patted my shoulder, knowing how I felt about Husky's death. The rest of the Dog Soldiers continued to the medicine tent, to begin the ceremony of Husky's death. His body would have to be readied for the afterlife, before he could run and sit with the Great Dogs that watched over and protected us. Only those worth the Great Dogs could go to them and learn their ways, watching over us as well.

I ran to my tent, seeing my father sitting with Raven Crows father. They were talking about the old days like they so often did together, but my sudden intrusion stopped that, and made both look up at me.

"What is it, Phoenix?" My father said standing up from his bed. Raven Crows father, stood as well.

"The Dog Soldiers have returned, Husky is dead. Mother will be readying his body for the journey to the afterlife." I said with tears clouding my vision a bit. I closed my eyes, and wiped the tears away looking back at my father.

"I am sorry to hear that, Phoenix. The Great Dog's will accept him into their lives, like so many others before him. Go play with Raven Crow, do not let this time of mourning fill your heart of sadness, but of joy. He is going to a better place, and will be watching over all of us. Including you, Phoenix." My father said patting me on the shoulder and walking me outside. Raven Crow was already playing with some of the other children as I took a large sigh of relief, and walked over.

It was hard not to think about Husky's death, but I had to be strong. If I was going to take the trials into manhood, I could not let my emotions cloud my judgment. They could get me hurt or even worse, killed. I started playing, Raven Crow and the others felt the same about Husky's death, but knew they had to think better. We played for hours until the sun began to sink.

Great story Strangelove. I like all of it so far, lets seem more soon

great first chapter Strangelove, a few typos but thier no big deal.

Poor huskey though

Chapter 2

The next couple of days were calm and a time to remember Husky. My mother never came home while she readied Huskies body for the afterlife, leaving me and my father to cook what we could. My father and I sat around a small pot full of meat, our three dogs: Oolong, Green, and Magna all sat together watching as me and my father ate what we could from the fairly large pot. The meat was a bit tough to bit through, and it didn't go down any easier. While we ate, my mind raced with the question to ask my father if I could take the trials into manhood.

I had never done anything like them, but had heard what the Dog Soldiers had to say about them and imagined what they were like. As I thought about how to ask him the question, my father looked at me, knowing I had something on my mind. He probably thought it was about Husky, and the ceremony that would take place in the next day. But his face was surprised when I did tell him that night that I wanted to go through the trials.

"I'm 16 years old, and have heard what the Dog Soldiers say about the trials. Please let me have my try at them. I am at the age that Dog Seed would allow me to take them." I said looking at my father. He looked at me, then turned to the dogs, they looked back at him, talking to him without words. I sat as my father turned away from them, looking back at me.

"If I bring this up with Dog Seed, you can not back down once they begin. The trials are not what they seem. You go out into the wasteland, alone, with no food or water. You must learn to survive the elements of the wasteland. Once you have, then when you return. You will be a true man." My father said standing up in the tall tent. His thin beard was starting to get lighter with age.

I shot up, jumping up and down with happiness as Oolong, Green, and Magna stood up, barking and howling with me. I thanked my father and rushed to tell Raven Crow the news. If I had known what was ahead of me, I probably wouldn't have been so rash in my decision. But if the Great Dog's didn't think I could have done it, they would not have helped guide me through some of the hardest times when I felt like giving up. But that is the past, and what cannot be changed should not be pondered any longer than it should be.

Raven Crow was sitting with her mother and father, eating their food when I walked into their tent with a large smile on my face. Raven Crow placed her bowl beside her as she stood up and greeted me with a bow. I returned the greeting, and looked at her parents who bowed their heads in greeting.

"I have great news Raven Crow, my father is going to speak with Dog Seed about me taking the trials into manhood. Then I can become a great Dog Soldier like Husky and Bull." I said with an almost wildly incoherent voice of happiness. She smiled and laughed a bit as her parents walked over and congratulated me. They were happy for me as well, everyone in the tribe would hear about it by tomorrow morning and be congratulating me and my father. I spoke with them for a bit before both Raven Crow and I were tired and need rest. Tomorrow my father would talk with Dog Seed to decide if I was ready, while the ceremony of Huskies death would begin.

good chapter to set things up for later, makes me think of the trials of the vampire from Darren Shan. If you can do them that well then it will certainly be one to remember

Glad you liked it. More info is welcomed


Chapter 3

The next day, the ceremony for Husky's burial was beginning. I woke up to the sound of drums being readied, and other instruments being tuned and readied. People through out the village were talking about the ceremony. My possible initiation into manhood was taking a back seat to the ceremony, which made me feel good in a way. Raven Crow found me, wandering through the tents as my father spoke with Dog Seed inside his own tent.

I was not allowed inside, it was only those who could be invited or asked in that could enter Dog Seeds tent. I stood with Raven Crow in silence, we were both nervous for me as I heard distorted voices talking inside.

"How long will his decision take?" Raven Crow asked me.

"I'm not sure, but if the Great Dogs have any say in it, then not long." I replied looking back at the tent.

"Let's go play while we wait. It will make the time pass quicker." She said grabbing my arm and pulling me away from the tent. I followed Raven Crow through the tents, finding some of the other children: Toff, Foliage, and Dover playing together in the center of the village near the bon fire area where Husky would be burned once the ceremony was finished. We played for a couple of hours, chasing each other through the tents laughing as the thought of what my father and Dog Seed were talking about left my mind.

As the day grew and small little celebrations started, my father and Dog Seed finally left the tent with an answer. When they found me, I was busy catching my breath and letting my body relax before chasing after Toff.

"Phoenix, we have some important news for you." My father said putting his hand on my shoulder. I was still catching my breath when Dog Seed stepped towards me. His body was well toned and though old, he was in good shape. His hair was shaven all around, except for a long piece of hair that was at the top of his head, and wrapped in some brahmin leather at the base. His eye's were strong like Husky's had been, and his skin was dark like all of ours.

"Young Phoenix, your father has come to me asking that you take the trials into manhood." Dog Seed said with a deep powerful voice. "I have thought on what he has said, and the questions he has brought up as well as some of my own. And after speaking with the Great Dogs through the Smoke of Truth, I have decided that you may take the trials."

I was completely shocked and excited at what I was hearing. Me, Phoenix , son of Long Feather and Ghost was about to take the trials into manhood. Raven Crow rushed over wondering what was going on. I looked at her with complete excitement.

"What is it, Phoenix?" She asked looking at me confused.

"I'm going to be taking the trials into manhood!" I said howling up to the great blue sky. The Great Dogs had truly seen that I was able to go through with the trials. I jumped up in air, running around like I had just been possessed by some evil spirit from the wasteland. My father and Dog Seed smiled as I rushed to the tent, greeting: Oolong, Green, and Magna with thanks. Some of the other villagers had seen my excitement and walked over to my father and Dog Seed asking what was going on.

I was to distracted and excited to hear what they said as I went to tell the others about the news. Toff, Foliage, and Dover all congratulated me with hugs and howls. I rushed over to my father to ask what I would need during the trials. He looked at me, Dog Seed had left back to his tent to prepare for the ceremony.

"All you will need is yourself. When the trials begin, you will be given one spear, knife, and two brown seeds. These seeds are very mystic, and will have to be given to you by your mother. But Dog Seed will get them from her before you have to leave out into the wasteland, alone." My father said sitting on his bed. I sat on my own, but was to excited to sit for to long. "Get your rest, you will need it for the ceremony later, and tomorrow when you begin your trials."

I did what my father asked, and calmed down. It wasn't easy, my adrenaline was pumping erratically and I felt like I would live for ever. But finally I calmed down, and I started to feel tired from all the running and excitement. I quickly fell into a deep sleep, not waking until my father came to awake me for the ceremony.

I rubbed my eyes and stretched my weary arms and legs, getting up to see everyone in the center of the village. A large bon fire was going in the center, and people were hitting drums and playing other instruments as people in magnificent ceremonial gowns danced around the fire, howling and shaking gourds with seeds inside. People watching were talking and enjoying the entertainment as they passed food and drink around, sharing what they could.

Raven Crow came over with Toff and the others, still excited for my trials. We talked about what it would be like, Raven Crow wasn't able to take the trials, but would later take a much greater trial, that I would only hear about while out in the wasteland in my later years.

"The Great Dogs are sure to take, Husky. With such a great ceremony and a past of being such a great Dog Soldier, I know Husky will be running with the Great Dogs." Toff said looking over at me with a smile. I smiled back, and passed a bottle of water over to him. He was my age, but was not as adventurous as me or the others. We all sat around the fire, Husky's body was still inside the medicine tent, my mother was making the final preparations to his body. I was so excited for Husky, but was still feeling sadness that he would no longer be defending us or being a friend.

After a hour or so of eating and drinking, the entertainment stopped and some of my mothers assistants rushed out, putting the bon fire out. The crowd was silent as four other assistants of my mothers, walked out carrying a large raised platform that carried Husky's body on top of it. My mother was dressed in beautifully colored clothing as the assistants followed behind. Husky's body was dressed in a bright colorful gown with different colored stones and metals attached with colorful necklaces. The four assistants brought the raised platform above the smoldering bon fire, resting his body exactly above the center of the smoldering sticks.

Some of the women were crying while the men stood strong and held their emotions. The Dog Soldiers bowed their heads to Husky, giving him one last farewell before the bon fire was lit once again. My mother spoke some ceremonial words in our language, giving us all hope and hope for Husky on his journey to the afterlife.

Once she finished, and turned to the platform, one of her assistants walked over to her and handed her a torch. I watched in sadness and happiness as the bon fire erupted once again, consuming Husky's body in its bright yellow and orange flames. Small eruptions of different colors exploded in bright blues, reds, and greens. All of our dogs howled to the sky as we watched the fire burn the platform down.

After Husky's body had been consumed, and his journey to the afterlife had begun, we all returned to our tents. I quickly fell back to sleep, not thinking about my trials that were starting tomorrow. My father didn't go to sleep when I did, but went to tell my mother about tomorrow.

I fell into another deep sleep, dreaming about the trials ahead of me. I dreamt that I was out in the wasteland, with a magnificent head dress of a Great Dog on my head. I continued to walk through the wasteland, not going to any particular place when suddenly out on the horizon, I saw a large figure coming towards me. I began to panic, not sure if it was a friend or foe. I tried to run but my legs wouldn't take me. As the figure grew closer and closer, I began to panic even more, still walking like I had from the beginning all while the large growing figure grew close.

Suddenly a large roar came from the beast as I realized it was a giant Yao Guai, charging at me now. I tried to run again but my legs still wouldn't pick up the pace. Before I could do anything, the Yao Guai with claws and teeth ready to tear me apart was struck from the side by a suddenly mysterious figure. I fell to the ground, putting my arm out to defend myself. When I realized I wasn't being attacked, and heard the sound of a fight, I looked over and saw a large dog fighting the foul beast. I laid watching as the two large creatures fought, cutting and bitting into one another but neither was giving the other ground. Suddenly the Yao Guai turned to strike the dog in the throat, but was subdued when the large thinly built grey muscular dog came around and bit the Yao Guai's neck, breaking it with a quick jerk.

My heart was pounding as the Yao Guai fell to the ground lifeless and limp. I was breathing hard as the large dog walked over with blood covering most of its body. I couldn't move, fear held me down as the dog stopped in front of me and spoke in my tribes language. It told me that it was the Great Dog, Anubis, and would he guide me through the trials. Before I could say a word, I saw Anubis walk off. I sat there, no longer scared or frightened. I soon awoke from my dream a bit disoriented, but quickly got myself together. The day of my trials was at hand, and I was no longer scared of what was ahead of me, knowing that Anubis was watching and protecting me was I needed to succeed.

great chapter doc, but who honestly calls thier child foliage

they all talk like dey got downsyndrome

I think you mean to say Northern Shoshone, because that's where I'm getting some of the way they speak and rituals (melded for FO use). If you've ever been to one of their little "powwows" you'll see that all the great medicine men and others who still practice their old native ways speak like that. It's a way to get a better message through, rather than talking like most Americans do. The reason I know, is because for three years of my young life, I lived on a Northern Shoshone reservation with my parents, and learned a bit of something from them.

So saying they sound like they got "down syndrome" is a bit insulting, not matter if it wasn't intentional.

I thought that to, but found it sort of a comical thing for the story.

Good read Strangelove, can't wait to read the next chapter... Whenever I get the chance to?

Agreed, you stole my words.

It was funny and the comment was a bit tounge in cheek, and immortal bones don't acuse others of sounding like and i quote ' Dey got downzsyndrome'
when you can't seem to spell either they or downs.

Glad you all liked it. And I have no idea who would really name their kid "Foliage", it was a mix of me having no idea's for a name, and just like its been said. I thought it would be funny to add something strange like that. Well, here is Chpt. 4 ENJOY!


Chapter 4

The whole village was waiting outside as my mother dressed me in a traditional trial into manhood robe. It was a green colored robe with different designs embroidered onto it, and beads that made me sound like a giant noise maker. The head dress was a bit annoying to wear, but I couldn't complain. After being given a small sacred token from my mother for good luck, I stepped out with the sound of howls and cheers from the entire village. Raven Crow, Toff, and the others were all standing in front waiting for me with a smile. My father and Dog Seed came forward, handing me things important for my trials.

"These are four seeds. Our ancestors before us, called them Mescaline, and they will help you see beyond your natural eyes into a world of almost divine measure and being. When taken, do not be afraid of what you may see, everything you interact with while taking Mescaline will help you on becoming a man." Dog Seed said handing me four small brown seeds.

"When do I take the Mescaline?" I asked putting them in a small brahmin skin sack attached to my waist.

"When you feel tired and feel that you can go no further, take two of them. But not in unison. Take one, and wash it down with what water you find. The second should be taken all by itself. Repeat the other two in this order." Dog Seed said as my father handed me a short spear and a small gourde filled with water that had been gathered and blessed by my mother the night before.

I slung the gourde of water around my shoulder, letting it hand at my side. Everyone around me was smiling and quite as my mother walked out holding a thin flat stick and two small bowls. My father removed the robe I had been wearing, it was mostly just for looks and presentation. It would be more of a hassle if I wore it out into the wasteland. Everyone stood and watched as my mother dipped one end of the stick into a bowl of white paste, this stood for honor and wisdom. I stood proud and strong, trying to show my determination to accomplish the trials into manhood. She spread the paste down the ridge of my nose, and down the sides of my eyes, then across my forehead.

Then as I stood only wearing a small gourde, and my loin cloth, my mother dipped the other end of the stick into the other bowl. This paste was red, almost the same shade of blood. This stood for strength and power. After she spread the red paste across my cheeks in two parallel lines, and one single red strip on my chin. She spoke a few words in our language, giving me the prayer of health on my journey out into the wasteland.

"Good luck son, and may the Great Dogs watch over you and return you to your tribe." My mother said to me, hugging me close as a mother would.

All my friends, family, and fellow villagers watched as I turned out into the wasteland. My trials into manhood were ahead of me, at the time I was young and impressionable, I would not return the same. My mind was completely crushed and rebuilt, opening my mind up into a world I had never dreamed about. I was afraid and determined at the same time, one feeling taking hold more than the other at times.

As the village went out of sight and I had no choice but to continue forward into the wasteland, I began to realize that the sun felt much hotter. Everywhere I looked, it was an empty uncovered spot. There seemed to be no place where I could take refuge from the wasteland sun. But I continued on, moving deeper into the wasteland, not sure what I would find during my trials into manhood.

I was farther into the wasteland, as I had ever been in my youthful life. Everywhere was nothing but empty land, I feared that during my trials, I would come upon a traveling group of armored men, like the one's that had killed Husky. I was only armed with a short spear, not long enough to throw far, but short enough I could use close up if I needed to. My knife would come in useful for killing small animals, and cutting the meat from their bones. I had no means to make a fire, so I would have to eat the meat raw if I could get any at all. But no creature seemed to be out here along with me. I felt alone and somewhat isolated during this time. Even though I knew Anubis was watching over me, I still felt that feeling of being alone and not being able to do anything about it.

As I moved farther into the wasteland, I began to feel a bit sick and nauseated. I took a gulp of water, feeling a bit better as I drank. I didn't have much, and would need to find more soon. My mescaline seeds were still in my small brahmin sack, tapping together as I walked. The sweat rolled down my face more and more as I wiped it away. The sun beat down on me even more, I could feel the rays of it go deep into my skin as I continued into the wasteland unsure if I would die or be able to continue.

After awhile, I felt as if I was ready to drop dead where I was. I thought to myself that the Great Dogs had forsaken men, especially Anubis who had told me he would watch out for me. I felt a great shame that I was not ready for the trials, and that I had rushed things to soon. But then I remembered what Dog Seed had said about the Mescaline.

"When you feel tired, and feel like you can go no further, take two of them." I remember he said. So I did as he had told me. I stopped where I was, and pulled two brown little seeds from the sack. I took the first one, chewing it as best I could. It was bitter and stale, and I felt like spitting it out. I closed my eyes, thinking the taste would leave. My mouth began to suddenly feel dry even more and a bit numb. I grabbed my gourde of water, and took a long gulp, finishing the water I had. I suddenly felt better, and my mouth did not feel so dry. In fact it felt like a waterfall was brewing in my mouth. I grabbed the other, and quickly chew it as well. I opened my eyes, and did not see what I had before. I suddenly realized myself running. But not like a human would, but like a dog. I looked down and behind me, still running as I realized I was in a dogs body.

I tried to speak, but I could not hear myself. The only thing that left my mouth was the exact words I spoke, but as if they were written down on something. I tried to speak again, but the same thing happened, I saw my words rather than hear them. My body suddenly felt strong and powerful as I picked up the pace. I looked around me, tall mountain like formations rose from the ground. The sun above me was no longer as hot, but felt cool and calm. I saw strange plants that I had never seen before in my life, rise from the ground.

The sky was like a giant body of water, moving around, but in the sky. The clouds were large and puffy, but had a strange roll to them. I saw other dogs, but I did not see them as you would normally see them. These dogs were transparent. All I could see of them was their veins and arteries, moving blood back and forth to their heart. They formed around me, when I suddenly realized I was no longer running. I had stopped at a watering hole, and was lapping up water as a dog would. The transparent dogs did the same, and I could see the water flow through their bodies as they drank. Suddenly colors became more alive and real, showing themselves like I had never seen before.

As the day continued, I felt like I could go on like this forever. Like my life had so much more meaning now that I had seen another almost divine world. Everything that I knew was obsolete, I had been awakened to a new world. A world where dogs roamed free and nothing bad could touch me. But I would later come to realize that was not always true.

When I finally came out of my hallucination, I realized I had really been moving. I was no longer being pounded by the suns rays. I was in a dark damp cavern. Long rock formations rose up and came down from the cavern floor and ceiling. Water calmly dripped, making a relaxing sound as I saw a large gathering of water. I hurried over, my mouth was no longer numb or wet. It was dry. I drove my face into the water, gulping up what I could before taking a breath of air. I grabbed for my gourde and filled it up all the way to the top. My body felt so fresh and rejuvenated as I fell backwards into the large gathering of water. I swam around for a moment, enjoying the cool water.

When I finally got out, I pulled my loin cloth off and squeezed it to get the water out. And as I was doing this, a strange noise suddenly echoed through the cavern. I did not know what it was, but I know I was weary. I quickly put my loin cloth back on, and grabbed my spear and knife. The noise sounded again, but I could not tell where it was coming from. The echo from the cavern made it impossible for me to hear where it was coming from. What little light I had from the surface, was not doing me good at this time.

I stepped around quietly, my short spear at the ready as I saw a large dark figure standing before me. I stepped back, shocked at the sight of such a strange almost terrifying creature. It had two large claws for hands, and two smaller hands jutting out the side of its waist. It was much bigger than me, and I felt I didn't have much to defend myself with. Before I knew it, the creature was charging me. Its claws clamped down a couple of times before I thrust the spear forward. I heard the cry of the creature as I drove the spear deeper into its body cavity. It tried to grasp me with its claws, but I cut at them with my knife. The large creature pulled away, almost throwing me into the water with my spear. I let go, and had only my knife for defense as the large creature broke the handle of the spear with a clamp of its claws. I was shocked and amazed at the creature as it came towards me again. I charged forward, unsure if I would survive the encounter with the great beast. And as I charged forward, knife at the ready, the beast fell to the ground, skidding towards me before it stopped at my feet. I stopped where I was, and didn't dare touch the creature incase it was a rouse.

Instead, I poked the creature with my knife, no sound of pain or anguish came from the large beast as I stood shocked. It had died from the wound, and was trying to put up one last fight. I was saddened over the creatures death, but was glad I had conquered it. I rolled it over, pulling out the end of the spear from its body. It had green and white blood, not like a human. I had never seen one of these creatures before, and sort of thought myself as a discoverer of a new creature. When I came upon my first settlement of your people, I would be told that my discovery was no discovery at all, and that your kind had known about the creatures before, and even had a name for them: Mirelurk. But that is later.

As I cleaned off the spear, and looked at how to fix it, I heard another sound like the one the Mirelurk had made before the fight. I looked around, unable to see the impending attack, I quickly found an exit. A small hole in the ceiling. Just large enough for me to fit through. As I gathered my things, I hurried over to the rocks that lead up to the hole, and began climbing. I suddenly saw my aggressor. It was not the size or shape as the one Mirelurk I had fought before, this one looked almost like a man. The creature as I later found out to be known as a, Mirelurk King, stood wailing as I made my escape. When I finally reached the surface, and got as far away from the hole as I could, I stopped and rested on the wasteland ground. It was cooler now, the sun had gone down and it was night.

I felt tired, and need to get some rest if I was to continue on. I looked around, finding those large mountain like rock formations I had seen while in the divine world as a good place to sleep. I hurried over to one, climbing it as I made my way to a small hole that would just fit me and my things. I quickly made my climb towards it, and made sure it had no creatures that might want to harm me inside. After a quick inspection, I placed my things beside me and fell asleep. My first day of the trials had not been such an easy one. The days ahead would be no better.

Nice new chapter, Strangelove. Good length so I can't complain. :thumbsup: keep on working.