[Fanfic] The Journey of a Lifetime UPDATED CH. 3

[toromaga]

Here's a story I cooked up. Unlike some, I plan on finishing this one and I will be adding chapters frequently.


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The Journey of a Lifetime



Prologue


Zev was sweating as he trudged through the jungle. He hated it. He hated this stupid jungle. It was hot and sticky and full of bugs. Zev and the rest of his platoon were on a mission to destroy a BioMecha stronghold in the Madragar Waste, but his unit was spotted by a patrolling Infil-Traitor. It apparently transmitted the information to headquarters before anyone could destroy it. Shortly after, a huge group of BioMecha Sledge Troopers and Transcorchers attacked them. It was like they knew the exact strategy that Zev and the Neo Sapien army planned to attack with. They were so prepared. Zev and his comrades fought bravely but many of his friends died. He and the other men barely had enough time to deploy their weapons. They were not prepared for that kind of onslaught.

Those BioMecha were different. They were... Alive, more prepared for anything. Unlike the usual Sledge Trooper, which expected to be attacked a certain way, and if you didn't behave like the way they expect, they have trouble strategizing. These were terrifying. Their blow was struck with unnatural precision. None of the Neo Sapiens could do anything. Those things were totally in control. Whatever anyone tried, they were ready for it. The BioMecha had a perfect counter for anything they did. Jeeps were overturned, tanks were destroyed, Alpha Rangers, Omega Guards, and Shield Breakers were utterly annihilated. All in one organized strike!

Zev and some other Alpha Rangers and Omega Guards were hiding behind a Wolfhound jeep when a Sledge Trooper's missiles took out the whole thing. He was blasted one way and most of his comrades the other. He didn't know exactly how much later it was when he woke up, but it was in the evening. Everyone nearby was dead. Apparently he was the only survivor. Pretty much all the equipment was fried as well.

He picked up several rounds of ammo, a second pistol, and a few grenades. He couldn't just sit around. Transcorchers would certainly be patrolling the area for survivors or reinforcements. So he headed into the jungle. It was much better than travelling in the desert, in the desert there was extreme heat in the daytime, extreme cold at night, mirages, no water, and it was easy to go in circles, it was the right choice.

It was two days since that enourmous battle. Zev wandered in the desert for a day, living off of nothing but his survival kit, which contained food, water, a medpack, a blanket, matches, and several other essentials. This morning he reached the edge of the Madragar Jungle. His communications and GPS systems were knocked out in the battle, so he had no way of contacting an outpost or figuring out exactly where he was. His helmet was dead so he took it off and left it at the battlefield. He still had his rifle and his pistols which all had about 3/4 ammunition, and his bayonet. He had been wandering through this jungle for a few hours, he worked his way into this swamp at about twelve o'clock, and he was wandering around here ever since.

T

[toromaga]

Chapter 1, The Jungle


Suddenly Zev tripped on a protruding root. "Rrr." he grunted as he tried to rub off the smelly green swamp water. It didn't come off. He sighed in disgust and kept walking. Suddenly he noticed a blur in the corner of his eye. It was probably just a bird or something. He was not sure exactly where he was, but he knew he was somewhere in the western area of the jungle. He could tell because the air was fresher there, so it was closer to the edge. In the middle of the jungle, the air was dank, still, and thick, which made it hard to breathe. There was barely ever much of a breeze, unless one could get above the trees, which was very difficult because there were plenty of treacherous branches that would break off when stepped on, and many creatures that lurked in the treetops that wouldn't mind having a tasty meal of human flesh. It was also very dark there, even in the daytime. No one had ever been in the center of the jungle. At least, no one who had ever returned. Zev was making for the northern border, a short way out of the jungle in that area, there was a Neo Sapien outpost. The problem was that this jungle was huge... And dangerous.

As he walked, Zev tried to conjure up in his thought everything he'd ever heard about the Madragar Jungle. He remembered tales of living trees that swallowed the unwary traveller, of thirty-foot snakes that ate humans, and of beast-men that guarded the jungle from trespassers and poachers. He believed these as a child. He knew better now, those were just old rhymes and stories, they weren't true.
Zev heard frogs croaking somewhere deeper in the jungle, monkeys hooted somewhere high up in the canopy, insects creeked in the shrubbery. Suddenly, he heard a sniffing sound in a bush about 15 feet away. Probably an animal. Zev quietly walked toward it. Each step brought out the warrior inside of him. This is what he lived for. This was his passion. A blur shot from the bush and dissappeared into the canopy. Now he was positive someone, or something, was following him. After emptying a few bullets into the surrounding foliage, he started walking again.
Suddenly he heard a click and fiery pain ran up his leg. "Aaaaaaaagh!" he screamed as he looked down to see a large metal trap. Several of it's metal teeth were biting into his lower leg . "Arrr!" he sat down carefully, trying not to aggravate the wounds. 'Who put this here!?' he thought angrily. He tried to remove it but was tightly clamped on his leg. Finally he fired two pistol shots at the trap, the hinge blew off and his leg was free. Zev slowly pulled out the two jaws of the trap.
There were several bloody puncture wounds running along his leg. He slowly pulled up some of his pant leg and nursed the wound, he put some medicine on the wounds to keep them from getting infected, then he wrapped it with a bandage. He slowly stood up and tried to walk, but it was much more difficult now. He limped slowly through the swamp, he tried to stay on the parts of ground that weren't submerged in the murky water, although even the "dry" ground was slippery and mushy. But his boots which were cleated around the edges, kept him from slipping. 'Man, Stupid BioMechas. Stupid jung-' suddenly the wind was knocked out of him, and he was hit hard in the head.


Next half of CH. 1 will be up in a sec. I have to post these in halves because the board only allows posts with 10,000 charchters at a time.

T

[toromaga]

When Zev awoke he was on a platform high in the trees. He had a headache. It was evening now. He quietly checked his watch, it was seven O' clock. The sun was just setting and the sky was orange. It was warm, but there wasn't much light here, he was still under the main leaf cover of the jungle.

A figure cloaked in dark blue was sitting on the opposite side of the platform. "Friend or foe?" Zev asked. No answer came. "Friend, or foe?" Still no answer. Zev raised his pistols to shoot at it, but quick as the blink of an eye, the figure shot across the platform and ripped both guns from his grasp. Zev blinked, and the shadowy figure was sitting back where they were in the exact same position. Zev reached to his back for his rifle, but it wasn't there, and neither was his bayonet.

The figure stood up and faced him. Zev couldn't see it's face because it's hood was up, but it was breathing deeply, and it seemed like the person was softly growling, like a small motor. "Who are you?" Zev demanded. The figure pulled back it's hood and Zev saw that it's head was the head of a wolf! At least, something that looked like a wolf. It looked much more human, it looked like it could talk. And those eyes... They were much different from anything Zev had ever seen, and he had seen quite a bit. It was like it was reading his mind. This was no animal. Zev saw that this creature was thinking. It was processing Zev the same way humans do. It was trying to decide what he was doing there, who he was. The creature pulled the rest of it's cloak back over it's shoulders. Zev saw that it was dressed much like a human. It had brown knee-length cloth pants, a white and silver chestplate with crescent moons intricately engraved on it in silver. There were leather straps wrapped around it's lower arms, ending with gloves with the fingers cut off, much like Zev's. It also had yellow goggles pulled up above it's eyes, a crossbow strapped across its back and a white belt with same crescent moon design as the chestplate. There were several leather pouches attached to the belt and a curved sword was sheathed at it's side. The entire creature was grey and furry.

"What... Are you?" Zev asked, his eyes wide with amazement, but not fear.
"A Guardian." answered the creature in a steely voice.
"Of what?"
"This Jungle." said the wolf. "Who are you?" it asked back.
"I'm a soldier. AR-4697 of Platoon R1, if you want to know." Zev said proudly "I suppose you heard -or saw- the battle two days ago?"
"No", answered the wolf-creature coldly.
"Well, I was in it. I was using an overturned jeep for cover against the BioMechas -that's who we were fighting,- when one of them destroyed it. I was blown one way and my friends, the other. I woke up that evening, all my friends were dead. I wandered in the desert for a few hours, and made it into this jungle. I've been wandering here all day."
The creatures eyes flashed with hatred at the mention of the BioMecha, but it quickly regained it's composure. "I know. I've been following you for several hours."
"What!? You were the blur I kept seeing?"
"Yes."
"You were the one that set the trap? Oh, I guess I didn't tell you about tha-"
"I saw you. No. Guards regularly set traps around the City. Some are worse than the one you were caught in."
"City?" asked Zev.
"The City of the Meta-Beasts," said the creature.
Zev stared back in amazement. "So the tales of the beast-men are true?"
"Yes. I will take you to the Shaman Council to be judged. But you must be blindfolded," said the wolf.
"How do I know this isn't a trap? How do I know these Meta-Beasts are real and you're not the only one?" asked Zev with suspicion.
"You don't 'know' either one is true, but I assure you this is not a trap. You'll have to trust me about the Meta-Beasts. Besides, would you rather I leave you in the jungle to starve?" responded the wolf-creature.

Zev thought for a moment. He wasn't sure he could trust this strange creature whom he had only just met. Although the creature did have a point when it mentioned Zev starving in the jungle. It was almost impossible to find a way out of this jungle without a map. There would be no way Zev's food supply would last. "Alright, fine," Zev reluctantly agreed.

After Zev and the wolf climbed down the rope ladder from the platform, he allowed the Meta-Beast to blindfold him with a strip of black cloth from one of it's pouches. The wolf led Zev through the jungle for a few miles. Zev noticed he was starting to leave the swamp. He could tell because the ground wasn't so soft and slippery. After a while longer, the two stopped abruptly. "You can take the blindfold off," said the wolf. Zev removed the cloth and saw that he was in a small clearing. "We camp here tonight," said the wolf, as it took off it's cloak and layed it on the ground a few feet away. Zev took his own blanket out of his pack and layed it on the ground too. "I'm going to get some firewood. You guard the camp." said the wolf as he tossed Zev his guns and his bayonet in it's sheath. Zev put the small pistols in the holsters at his sides and strapped his rifle and knife to his back. He sat down on a log.

Suddenly he noticed his wound didn't hurt anymore, and he hadn't been limping. He pulled up some of his pant leg and checked the wound. It had been freshly bandaged and the bandages were holding some potent-smelling leaves onto the wound. 'The wolf must have tended the wounds while I was asleep!'

Zev was so absorbed in thought he didn't hear the approach of a tiger. Zev snapped back to reality and whirled around to face it, but it was already pouncing at him. Zev tried to reach for his guns but the tiger hit him in the chest and the wind was knocked out of him. Zev gasped for air and tried to roll out from under it but the tiger had him securely pinned down. Suddenly a blur hit the tiger and it was knocked off of Zev. He jump up and fired his pistol a couple times at it. The tiger stumbled and fell down dead. "Nice work," said the wolf.

"Couldn't have done it without you." Zev said, grinning.

After putting some rocks around it, Zev lit the firewood up with one of his matches. "Let's get that tiger over here and cook it." said the wolf. "You eat meat?" Zev asked awkwardly. "Yes. Most people that know of us think Meta-Beasts are vegetarians since we're 'animals'. That's not true. Just because we resemble animals doesn't mean we are. Humans eat animals, right? Humans are basically a kind of animal. Same with us. Meta-beasts are different from animals just like humans. We can talk, walk on two legs, and use weapons. It's like a human eating an animal." replied the wolf, matter of factly.

"Oh, I see." Zev couldn't believe an entire society had lived right here in this jungle and none of the Neo Sapiens ever even knew about it! He wondered what other species may exist under their very noses.

Soon Zev and the wolf were sitting in front of the warm fire eating roast tiger meat. "So, what's your name, anyway?" Zev asked. "I am SwiftStealth of the Swift tribe. Swift, if you wish. You?" "Zevern Anders. Zev to most. Glad we finally know each others names, after all this time!" said Zev enthusiastically. "Yes, I'm glad." answered Swift. You talk for a few more minutes. "I think I'm going to bed now. Goodnight." said Swift. "Goodnight. And thanks." "For what?" "Fixing my leg." smiled Zev. "Your welcome." With that, Zev lay down on his 'bed'. It was not too comfortable. Sleeping with nothing but a thin blanket between himself and the hard ground. He wondered about the new friend he had found. He thought about tomorrow, and this 'Shaman Council'. After a few hours of tossing and turning and thinking, Zev drifted off into a deep, dreamless sleep.

T

[toromaga]

Chapter 2, The Way of the Beasts


Zev awoke, his whole body ached from lying on the ground all night. The sun was just starting to rise over the horizon, lighting the grey sky with it's orange rays. It was still a bit chilly since the sun hadn't completely risen yet. Zev saw that Swift wasn't in bed and was nowhere to be seen. Once again Zev began to wonder if this was all some trick to get him lost deeper in the rainforest. He quickly shoved the thoughts out of his mind.

Zev sat up, yawned and stretched. Swift entered the clearing from the trees. "Wha!" Zev started. "Just me." said Swift, his icy voice pierced the silence. "Phew," sighed Zev with relief. "How do you do that? Walk so quietly, I mean." asked Zev. "I'm part of the Meta-Beast breed known as the Moon Stalkers. We are excellent trackers, and although all Meta-Beasts move quietly, Moon Stalkers are the quietest. We need it for tracking and hunting. My name is SwiftStealth and it has a meaning! I guess I didn't notice I was going so quietly since I do it all the time," Swift proudly explained. "Oh, well, it sure freaked me out!" Said Zev shuddering. They both laughed a little at this. Swift never laughed much at all. Zev wondered why.

After a little leftover tiger meat and some protein cubes from Zev's pack, they packed up and got ready to go. "I'll have to blindfold you again," said Swift, putting his cloak back on.
"I know, I know."
Swift blindfolded Zev and they started walking.

As they walked, Zev conveyed his thoughts about the Council. "So, I meet the Shaman Council today?" asked Zev.
"Yes."
"What is this council anyway?"
"Well, there are six Thunder Shamans, two Razor Claws who have achieved the rank of Shaman, two Shaman Storm Wings, and two Sphinx Lords," Swift explains.
"Uhh...Yeah..." said Zev, bewildered.
"Oh, sorry. I guess you'd say six gorillas, two panthers, two hawks, and two griffons," replied Swift,smiling. "This is going to be an interesting day," said Zev, chuckling a little. "What do they actually do?" asks Zev.
"Well, they decide most things having to do with the Meta-Beasts. The Razor Claws are very skilled in the art of weapons handling and they teach it to us. The Sphinx Lords are masters of the arts of focus and hand-to-hand combat, the Thunder Shamans of healing and strength, and the Storm Wings teach the arts of agility and speed. All Meta-Beasts are born with these instincts, the Shamans just help us refine them and use them effectively."
"Why are there no Moon Stalker Shamans?" Zev regreted saying this the instant the words left his mouth. Swift sighed. "The Moon Stalkers are the smallest clan of Meta-Beast. There are only four tribes, or families as you would say: The Swift Tribe, the Night tribe, the Claw Tribe, and Moon Tribe," Swift explained.
"So how many of you guys go into battle?" asked Zev.
"The total operating Moon Stalkers are twenty-four in all. Moon Stalkers don't really fight in wars or anything. We're mostly hunters, spies, stealth troops, or scouts."
"Who do the Meta-Beasts fight?"
"Usually Sectoids,when they try to expand their hives into our territory."
"Sectoids? What are those?" asked Zev, curiosity showing in his face. "You don't know what Sectoids are?" asked Swift. "No... Should I?"
"You Neo Sapiens are less informed than I thought! Sectoids are a race of huge insects. They're usually around seven feet tall." Zev stared in disbelief at what he had heard. "We've heard reports of things like those from scouts in the Madragar Wastes. We always thought the heat in the desert had fried their brains a little," said Zev.
"You should believe what you hear a little more often," answered Swift wisely. "We also fight Neo Sapien poachers and hunters sometimes; not the honest ones. We let them go with a warning. They usually never come back here. We hunt the lawless ones. The ruthless ones that hunt for greed. Even though we aren't animals, we don't like unnecessary harm coming to our home," said Swift with distaste.
"Yeah. We try to keep them in check. Their slippery though. Why do you have to 'fight' them? What do they have, an army?" asked Zev.
"They sometimes hire mercernary groups to escort them through the jungle. They can be pretty tough, but we usually take care of them."

They walked for a while in silence. "Swift, why do you trust me so much with all this information? For all you know I could be trying to plan an attack on your city." said Zev. "You're honest; I saw it in your eyes." said Swift. "You what?"
"I saw it in your eyes. All Meta-Beasts have the ability to read the heart of a person to a certain extent." Zev raised his eyebrows at this. These Meta-Beasts were amazing.
"Why are you taking me to the Shaman Council if you know I'm telling the truth?" Zev asked Swift. "So they can decide what to do with you. Don't look so worried, you'll be fine."

Soon Zev and Swift stopped for a few minutes to rest on a rock in a large clearing around the path. It was noon now and the sun was blazing at it's highest. Zev was allowed to take off his blindfold, as long as he didn't leave the rock. It was impossible for Zev to know exactly where he was anyway. With all the high trees surrounding them, it just looked like any other part of the jungle. Zev looked around to see that he had been walking on a cracked, overgrown path that jungle was quickly reclaiming.
'Swift must have been really be guiding me well' thought Zev. He hadn't tripped once.

An earsplitting screech from above interrupted Zev's thoughts. He covered his ears tightly. When it was over, Zev stopped clutching his head. "Man, that's got to be one big hawk! Or is it another Meta-Beast?" asked Zev.
"Yes it is. It's a Storm Wing. They guard the entire jungle and beyond and alert the City if anything is wrong."
"Why haven't we heard any so far?" Zev asked.
"They're usually pretty quiet but she's seen us."
"How? She's like, three miles high!" asked Zev.
"Storm Wings have extremely good eyesight. They can shoot the eye of a rabbit from a hundred feet away, in the dark. They can also fly at speeds up to two hundred miles an hour!"
"You guys are full of surprises," said Zev in astonishment. "You sound like an encyclopedia, Swift," said Zev.
"A what?" Swift asked. "An encyclopedia. It's a book of facts on things," Zev tried to explain. "Ohhh! I guess I kind of did." Swift exclaimed.

Suddenly a shadow passed over Zev and Swift. A few seconds later a slender bird-like creature landed in front of the of them. She had dark, sharp, piercing eyes that seemed to Zev to see right through him. Her chest and wingtips glinted blue in the sun. Her beak, lower arms, and legs were all a shining golden color. Her neck was covered in pure white feathers, and the the dark grey and black ones which covered the rest of her body were smoothed out, making her look important. She folded her two huge wings behind her back. "Greetings SwiftStealth. Who's this?" she asked in a high melodious voice.
"Greetings, TalonSlash. This is a soldier of the Neo Sapiens. He was the only survivor of a battle three nights ago," answered Swift politely
"Nice to meet you. I'm TalonSlash," she said politely. She bowed slightly.
"Nice to meet you too. I'm Zev Anders."
"I saw the battle you were in, on the borders of the jungle. I also saw the two of you and your fire last night. I told the Shaman Council," said TalonSlash. "Good, I'm bringing him to the Shaman Council. It would be better if they were expecting us," said Swift. "They are. They were the only ones I told. Anyway, why is he here with no blindfold?" she replied. "We're just resting for a few minutes," said Swift.
"Alright. I'll tell the gatekeepers to expect you."
"Thank you TalonSlash!" said Swift as TalonSlash spread her wings, ran a few feet and swept up into the air.

T

[toromaga]

"Guess we'd better get going." Said Swift in his usual 'never-say-more-than-needed' manner. He blindfolded Zev and they started walking again. They walked a mile or two in silence. Zev felt himself beginning to climb upwards, then they turned around, and kept climbing, then turned again. They did this a few times before they reached a flat rocky area. Swift guided Zev through another wooded place. Swift stopped Zev abruptly. "Who goes there?" asked someone with a deep voice. They sounded high up and far off. "SwiftStealth, Moon Stalker. I am here to meet with the Shaman Council." Swift called back. 'This must be the gate to the City.' thought Zev. Suddenly he heard the sharp grinding of metal. Swift led him forward for a while. Zev heard a metallic clang behind him. It was silent as Swift led Zev forward or a while. There was silence except for bird twittering in the trees, and apparently Swift was leading Zev along a stream. Zev could hear it trickling and singing as it flowed.

Slowly Zev began to hear talking and other noises. Walking, running, shouting. Zev thought he was now in the Meta-Beast City. Swift stopped Zev and began to untie the blindfold. He slowly pulled it away from Zev's eyes. Zev gasped. He beheld the Meta-Beast Village. Immense ruined stone and marble buildings and arches bordered the City like a huge fence, all were tangled and choked with vines. Beneath the ancient remains were other buildings that had been built. They were similar in design to the ruins, but they were newer and there were animal designs engraved onto the outer walls of the small buildings.

Zev stared in awe at the exotic and ancient majesty of the Meta-Beast Hidden City. "Wow... This is incredible..." Zev trailed off. Swift smiled proudly. Zev stood looking around for a few minutes, not noticing all the eyes staring back at him from all around. When he finally snapped back to reality he looked around and saw all the Meta-Beasts staring at him. He slowly nodded to them. "I'll-I'll take you to my place." said Swift smiling. Swift hurridly lead Zev down the street a little ways, then he turned and walked down another. He lead Zev into a small house. Swift collapsed onto the floor screaming with laughter "You-You should have seen yourself!" Yelled Swift between laughing. "That was hilarious!" Zev stood in the doorway watching Swift roll around on the floor. "Thanks. I'm so glad you enjoyed it." Zev said plainly. Swift slowly got up off the floor. "Sorry. That was just so funny!" Slowly, Swift started laughing again. Zev soon to joined him. Zev and Swift finally stood up, their sides aching from laughter.

"Whew. So this is where you live, huh?" asked Zev as he surveyed the room.
"Yep. It's not much but I don't need a lot. Besides, I'm usually not here anyway." Said Swift.
" It has one room?"
"No. Well sorta. My bedroom is on the roof."
"Cool! Can I see?" said Zev.
"Sure, follow me."

Swift led Zev up a wooden ladder to the top of his house. There was a hamock underneath a large roof of animal skin stretched across four poles. "Wow, this is nice!" Said Zev, squinting. It was about two o' clock and the sun was still very bright. "Are you hungry?" asked Swift. "Not really. Maybe a little bit." "Let's go downstairs." said Swift. Swift went down the ladder and Zev followed. "I'll be right back." said Swift. "Okay." answered Zev. Swift went out the door.

While Swift was gone, Zev thought of the strange turn of events that had brought him to come to this strange City and caused him to meet it's inhabitants. Soon Swift came back with his arms full of food. "Sorry about that. I didn't have any food on hand. Like I said, I'm usually not here." said Swift apolegetically "It's fine." said Zev. Swift had eggs, fruit, bread, cheese, and a large flask of water . Zev helped Swift unload the food and put it in the pantry. After a quick meal of bread with cheese and some fruit, Swift asked:

"Want a tour of the Village?"
"Sure!" answered Zev. "I'm eager to see how Meta-Beasts live."
"Okay."

Swift lead Zev outside into the street. As they walked, Swift pointed out some things of interest. pointing to the right side of the street. Some of the Meta-Beasts that saw Zev stared, but most acted normal. Zev understood. If there was an anthropomorpic wolf walking own the streets of New Thratica, his home-town, most people would stare too. "So, Swift, I've been wondering, what are these markings carved into the walls of houses?" asked Zev pointing to a house right next to him.

"These carvings tell the history of the family that lived in the house." explained Swift.
"So if a Meta-Beast moves what happens?"
"Meta-Beasts don't 'move'. Meta-Beasts usually live with their parents. The males can move out of their parents house once, like I did. The females stay with their parents. Once a Meta-Beast has has a house built they stay there the rest of their life, unless it is destroyed. Extensions can be made to the house as the family grows." said Swift in his dictionary-like manner.
"Very interesting... So, what's your family history?" Swift sighed.
"I'll show you when we get back." said the Moon Stalker quietly.
Zev looked down regretfully. Why did he keep asking stupid things that seemed to offend Swift?

T

[toromaga]

It was evening when the two returned to Swift's house. They were both tired, Swift had shown Zev most of the City. They collapsed on different chairs when they got in. After lying silently for a few minutes Swift stood up. "Follow me." he said. Zev stood up and followed Swift outside. It was warm outside. The sun was setting and the sky was a pinkish orange color, there was just enough light to see the carvings on Swift's house. Abruptly, Zev remebered his impolite question and Swifts promise from earlier. Swift thoughtfully and sadly traced his finger along the lines and shapes of the Meta-Beast hieroglyphics.

"You wanted to know the history of my family." said Swift sadly.
"No, Swift, it's alrig-"
"No, I should tell you." Swift looked at the ground.

"10 years ago there was a hidden outpost on the edge of the jungle. Most Moon Stalkers didn't live in the City. We are mostly scouts, as you know. These Moon Stalkers were usually in the jungle were they could easily move back and forth from the outpost and the City to transport information. One day when most of the Moon Stalkers were on patrol and only a few were guarding the outpost, a BioMecha ambush caught them off guard. They tried to fight back, but blades and arrows weren't that much good against those iron behemoths. They were completely slaughtered, along with most of the returning Moon Stalkers. They were unprepared for such a fight, just like the guards." Swift paused sadly. "Eventually some patrolling Storm Wings saw what was going on and alerted the City. Almost every Meta-Beast was evacuated to come to their aid, but the main force was too late. The battle was already lost and there were no survivors. The BioMechas were gone. They were moving into the jungle, ripping down trees and destroying rock formations. they were trying to turn the jungle into a forward base of operations. Mostly using traps and ambush, the Meta-Beasts were able to track down the whereabouts of the BioMecha construction operations." Swift sighed again, full of regret and sadness.
"Wow... Where were you in all of this?" asked Zev slowly and quietly.
"I was the only survivor of the attack on the outost."
Zev gasped.
"Yes. It's true. I wandered in the jungle for days, looking for revenge against the metal warriors who had murdered my family and many of my kin in cold blood." A tear drop fell from Swift's eye. "I was hungry and fatigued, but my hatred, my rage they drove me on. I hunted and tracked for many days, barely sleeping, until at last I found the BioMecha construction site itself. The construction was going quickly and the compound was over half-way completed. I craved, I hungered to enter the base and take my vengeance on the BioMecha. To fight and die with honor and glory, avenging my kin for the hideous pain and the gruesome torture they endured before being murdered. It was a struggle, but I managed to restrain myself. I knew I could put myself to better use than committing suicide and causing grief to others. I waited silently, watching the steel giants go about their construction. I learned the entrances, and the defenses. One day I summoned my courage, and entered the base. You know how stealthy I am. I followed personnel through the high security doors, I crawled across ceilings and heard passwords being spoken. At long last I found the location of the power core of the base. The generator that ran the entire building. I stole a datapad from an office and entered the coordinates. After being in this base long enough I was used to technology, seeing it used so much. I entered the base coordinates into the pad and made my escape. After finding the Meta-Beasts who were planning the attack I showed the datapad to them and I explained what it meant. We attacked at dawn, the BioMecha didn't expect our sheer numbers or our more advanced weaponry. We salvaged much of the BioMecha technology from the previous battle. Meta-Beasts are very quick learners. I was assigned the job of destroying the power core of the base. I snuck in, and destroyed the main reactor. I raced out of the compound as it began to implode. When I returned to the battle I saw that both sides suffered heavy losses, but it was clear we were winning. The BioMecha only had an edge over us in sheer brute strength and technology, but with our agility and speed, and the stolen technology, we were able to force them back. With their outpost destroyed and many of their troops dead, they made a hasty retreat. We chased them through the jungle. They were at a disadvantage in the jungle because of their size and unfamiliarity with it. We eventually slaughtered them all. But I still want revenge for my family and the many Meta-Beasts that died in that fight." Swift ended with a gleam in his eyes.
"I had no idea, that all that had happened. I'm sorry." said Zev.
"It's okay. I think it's time for the Council now."

The ringing of a large bell in the village square signalled that Swift was correct. Swift stood up and lead Zev to the chambers of the Council. Zev thought about all he had heard as he walked. The sky was turning to a dark blue shade and stars were beggining to appear. The moon shone brightly. At last Zev knew the way of the beasts.

[toromaga]

Chapter 3, The Council

Swift lead Zev quickly through the dark streets of the Meta-Beast Village. It was dusk, and it was time for the Shaman Council to judge Zev. After about twenty minutes of silently walking through the streets, Zev and Swift reached a large stone building with two huge doors, each about 15 feet tall. The doors opened by themselves with the a metallic clang and the sound of creaking wood. After they closed again Swift lead Zev down a very long hallway with benches on either side that stretched the entire way.

"So, uh, Swift, what are these shamans called again?" asked Zev.
"The 'species' as you would say?" asked Swift, slightly confused at Zev's meaning.
"Yes," answered Zev.
"The ones who resemble gorillas are called Thunder Shamans, the panther-like ones are Razor Claws, the eagles are-"
"Storm Wings, I remember."
"Yes," Swift smiled. He was glad that his friend was getting familiar with the Meta-Beast species.
"And the griffons are called Sphinx Lords," he added.
"Thanks," said Zev smiling.
"Sure."

At the end were two more huge doors exactly like the last ones. They opened into a large round room with a ceiling so high that Zev couldn't see the top. When Zev looked down from staring at the ceiling he was startled. Around him were twelve chairs arranged in a perfect circle; in the chairs were Meta-Beasts.

Zev saw six massive ape-like creatures scattered inbetween the other council members. They had dark eyes and penetrating gazes.On their forearms were yellow armor made of wood and bone. The armor had stripes of red warpaint. Some had sticks strapped to their backs, another stick was tied across the top of that forming a wooden cross. On the sides of the crosses were skulls. What species were they from? Zev wondered. There were some animal skulls, BioMecha heads and empty brain cases, and some human skulls? From poachers, Zev assured himself.

There were two feline looking Meta-Beasts. They were completely black except for a few gray highlights here and there. Zev saw that one was obviously female, with it's thinner build and more prominent curves. The creatures had a few plates of bronze and purple armor. Zev saw that each piece had some sort of feline trait. The face of a tiger or cat. The armor was attached to the beast's bodies assymetrically. The beasts looked very wise. Their tails waved slowly as they sat cross-legged in their council chairs.

Two hawks were also assembled in the council chamber. They sat statue still. Their broad wings were folded behind their backs. Zev once again noticed the power of their sharp eyes. It was again clear that one was female.

Lastly, two enormous beasts sat in the shadowy part of the circular room. Their heads were bowed and their eyes closed. They wore almost no armor that Zev could see.

Swift stepped forward. "Greetings members of the Council. I am Moon Stalker SwiftStealth." Swift bowed low.
"Greetings, SwiftStealth. What news do you bring?" asked one of the gorillas in a very deep, but kind voice.
"I bring news from the jungle border. TalonSlash told you of the battle of the Neo-Sapiens and BioMecha in the Madragar Waste on the border of the jungle?"
"Yes. She reported that it was a gruesome battle. She also told us you were travelling with a human from the battle."
"Yes, I was. This is Zev Anders. The only survivor of the battle," Swift said.
"Greetings, Zev. I hope you find the Meta-Beast Village hospitable," boomed the huge ape.
"Thank you, sir. I do," answered Zev confidently. It didn't matter that he was talking to a massive Thunder Shaman, one of the most elite Meta-Beasts in the entire village. Zev was used to Meta-Beasts now, seeing them everywhere.
The Shaman nodded and sat down. "Swift, you bring him for judgement, do you not?"
"Yes sir."
"Then we must begin this council." answered the gorilla.

The gorilla gave a barely visible hand signal. Soon Zev heard the ringing of a large gong. "This council has officially begun," boomed the hulking ape. Apparently he was the head of the council. "Zev will ask you questions andyou will answer them." Zev nodded in agreement.


"Where did you find him?" asked another Thunder Shaman in a stern voice. He looked younger and his fur was a deeper shade of black than the one that had spoken before.
"Northeast region of the jungle, in the swamps," answered Swift.
"What was he doing?" the younger ape asked again.
"Walking. Nothing strange, just walking through the jungle."
"How long were you in the jungle before SwiftStealth found you, Zev?" asked one of the panther Meta-Beasts with a grating, growling voice.
"A day; Swift found me the the next day around noon."
"And why did you enter the jungle?" asked the female Storm Wing.
"I knew it was better than travelling in the desert," answered Zev.
"Where are you heading?" asked the panther that had talked before.
"A Neo-Sapien outpost north of the jungle," said Zev.
"Do you know where it is exactly?" asked the sharp-looking panther.
"No. All I know is that it's several miles north of the jungle." said Zev.
"By the way, what was the army you were travelling with going to do?" inquired a Thunder Shaman. This one had brownish fur and was slightly taller than the others.
"We were heading to a BioMecha fortress in the western area of the Madragar Wastes. We were attacked before we arrived, and that's how I got here," Zev explained.
"Hmm," grunted the Thunder Shaman that seemed the head of the council. "Leave us. We must dicuss this matter," he said.
"Yes sir," said Swift bowing.

Swift lead Zev out of the large council room. They sat down on the benches lining the sides of the hallway. They began to hear voices from the Shaman Council.

"Well, I hope this goes well," Swift sighed.
"Uhh, forgive my ignorance, but what could go wrong?" asked Zev, looking worried.
"Well, actually the worst thing that could really happen would be that you would have to live in the Village the rest of your life."
"What!? I can't do that!" Zev sighed, "It almost makes me wish I'd never found this place. I want to get home to my family."
"Of course you do," Swift replied. "It's very unlikely that they would do that. They'll probably arrange to send you home," said Swift cheerfully.
"I sure hope so" said Zev.

After a few more minutes the large doors opened. The younger brownish Thunder Shaman stepped out. "Come in," he said in his low voice. Zev stood nervously. The two entered the room and the Thunder Shaman sat down.

"I am glad to announce," said the large, head-of-the-council shaman, "that the Neo Sapien Zev will be taken to the outpost in the north tomorrow."
"Yes!" Zev whispered, overjoyed.
"We have arranged for SwiftStealth to guide you since you know each other already. Would you like that?" the great ape asked.
"Yes, thank you, sir!" said Zev enthusiastically
"You are dismissed." the Thunder Shaman boomed.

Zev and Swift bowed and left the room. The doors slowly closed behind them.

Instantly, Zev let out a loud, "Yes! I'm goin' home!"
Swift smiled. "And I get to get you lost, or, guide you," he said teasingly.
"Lucky me," said Zev rolling his eyes.

Zev sighed with relief. They left the council building ready for the next stage of their journey.

[KelJaws]

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