ARK: The Island

Chapter 6: Indra and the Wayas

I awoke to a strange buzzing sound. Opening my eyes, I saw that the area was illuminated by a greenish glow. Shaking my head, I sat up and took a look around. Right next to my tree, there was an abnormal structure, (kind of diamond shaped) with the same kind of material circling around it. It appeared to be made out of some sort of metal, and the inside appeared to be emitting the green glow. I cautiously slip down from my tree an creep closer.

It provides no reaction.

I keep walking until I'm right up close to the thing, and in curiosity, I touch the center. Suddenly, the box fizzles and disappears. I leap about two feet back. What was that?! After waiting a few seconds, nothing happens. The thing also seems to have dropped several items: A sleeping bag, a torch, some thatch, and some arrows tipped with something green. Picking one up, I study it closely. The green stuff on the end looks thick and sticky, and I have no clue as to what it's used for.

I give it a sniff.

It smells kind of herby to be honest, with a mix of Vaseline. Weird. Well, it can't hurt to maybe try some, right? I scoop a small bit onto my finger and drop it into my mouth.

Gah!

It tastes like Vaseline! Very pasty and-

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I groggily open my eyes to see a raptor in my face.

"Ahh!!" I scream and instinctively wack it with my fish. It snarls and let's me up, and I'm wondering why until I hear the laughter. I turn my head to see a woman seated on its back. She has long, black hair and dark skin, with golden eyes that gleam mischievously. She wore simple hide clothing, along with colorfully feathered cuffs, necklace, and headband. "I see someone got into the narcotics." She says in an interesting sounding accent. Despite being in the presence of someone possibly dangerous, my cheeks burn. So that's what was on the arrows.

"Uhm, yeah..." I say, carefully reaching down to grab my bow. The woman made a face at my actions. "I have no intention to harm you, you do not need your weapon."

"You can't trust everyone."

She sighs. "True, but you must learn to trust some. I am Indra Machowsi, (Pronounced Ma-cow-zi) Leader of the Tribe of the Waya." I stare at Indra. On normal terms, she seemed like a woman I could trust. But after my encounter with the Red Dowwns, I wasn't to keen on trusting this lady. "Look, ma'am," I say, sighing. "I'm sure you're a really nice person, but if you would excuse me, because I've really got somewhere to be." And with that, I turn on my heel and walk away. "Like scouring the beaches for a new home? Hoping to find protection?" I pause. Indra continues. "We can give you protection. You are new, and lost, but you're a fighter. I can tell. Come, and I will give you nourishment and supplies for your journey." I slowly turn to face her, one eyebrow raised. "And how do I know this is not a trap?" Indra smiles. "I have nothing to gain by killing you. I only want to help." I think about that for a moment. It was a tempting offer. Food and supplies, but at what cost? Oh, what the heck.

"Fine. But if this is a trick, I swear..." Indra smiles again. "You have nothing to fear. Follow me." And with that, we head deeper into the woods.

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After about a 2 hour walk, we arrive at a clearing in the jungle. It contains a small village surrounded by spiked walls. Indra causally jogs up on her green raptor. "Alejandro, let us through." She calls out. Seconds later the door opens, and a tall guy with a few missing teeth gives us a wide grin. "Ah, greetings Indra. Picked up another straggler I see?" He says glancing back at me. I frown. Indra simply smiles. "Not a straggler, this one's a fighter. Let us through." The guy, apparently named Alejandro, complies, and we walk into the village.

The village consists of about ten small houses, along with a watchtower and what appeared to be a stable. Indra walks me up to a small house and dismounts her raptor, giving it a pat on the head. We go into the house, and I am slightly awed by the inside. The house is a small square shape, with only two rooms. The main room consisted of a fireplace against the wall off to the left, with a few chairs seated around it. On the wall by the door there was a small kitchen area, along with a wool mat and a workbench. Across the way was a small table with seating, with a feathered crochet on the wall. The bright fireplace and a few torches were the only sources of light. To the right was the bedroom.

Indra interrupts my thoughts. "Please, take a seat. Dinner will be here shortly." I sit at the table, and Indra sits across from me. Seconds later a woman walks in with a full platter of food. I can only stare. After five days without a proper meal, I am famished. The platter contains a large serving of what looked like lamb chops, along with some lettuce and red berries off to the side. Indra hands me a plate. "Help yourself."

Once we are properly served, I dig in. The lamb chops taste so delicious and filling, but I try not to rush. When we finally finish, Indra sits back in her chair. I wait expectantly. Before long, she starts to speak. "Years ago, I was in the same situation you are in now. I fought for life, but this island gave me none. I tried to fight off it's beasts, it's demons, but to no eval. Until someone offered me a hand. I took it. Swa'shi was the original founder of this tribe. She handed it down to me before she passed, telling me to be wise, always, and that this would be the closest thing I would ever have to home. And it has been. I have no desire to leave." I simply stare at Indra. Then I can't help but blurt out, "But what about your home, I mean your real home? Surly you aren't from here? If you could try to leave then why-" Indra is shaking her head. I close my mouth. She continues. "This place is not what you think it is. It is filled with many wonders, yes, but also dangers. I have seen many like you. You seek only to leave, but you cannot. There is no escape from this place. It's walls are surrounded by an unbreakable barrier, and it's ceiling with a guarded sky. Many have tried to leave, but they always fail. There is no escape." I freeze, trying to process everything Indra said. No escape? Then that means, that means... I shake my head "How can I believe you? There must be a way off this place, there has to be!" Indra sighs. "I tell the truth. You must see it in my words." She stands. "Come. I will lead you to your sleeping area." She walks out. I sit there for a moment, and then numbly follow. "There is no escape. There is no way to leave." That means... I've lost everything. My friends, my home, my life. And worst of all, I didn't even know how. Four days ago, I woke up on a beach trying to remember how I had gotten there. An inescapable beach, an inescapable island. There was no way off. I have lost everything.

A lone tear dribbles down my cheek as I walk outside and under a starry sky.

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The next morning dawned bright and early. I awoke from my spot in the small hut Indra had lent to me. I yawn and stretch, wondering how I'll spend the day. Running through the woods? Chasing dodos? Who knows what Indra will have me do.

I sit up, and let out another yawn. Something doesn't feel right, causing an itch in the back of my mind. It must be something I was told, maybe yesterday?

"There is no escape."

I frown. Oh. Right. That.

Pushing my thoughts away for later, I stand up and head outside. It's bright and sunny, and the villagers are walking about, doing chores and what not. "Hey, newbie!" A voice calls out. I turn my head. Alejandro, the guy from yesterday is walking towards me, a bag in his hand. I give him an irritated look. "Yes?" He shoves the bag into my arms. "Here's breakfast. And some clothes. Indra wants to meet you at the stables in an hour. The showers are over there. Hurry up, because you don't want to see her when she's angry." I nod, and turn towards the building he pointed to. I probably should shower first. And so, I march my way over to the supposed bathhouse.