ARK: The Island

Chapter 8: Journey Together

"Hey, open the gate!" I yell up to the most annoying person I've met so far. Alejandro is such an idiot, always messing around. You could be getting chased by a T-Rex and he still wouldn't open the gate. "You didn't say the magic word!"

I roll my eyes. "Please just shut up and open the gate. I really don't want to wait around to be someone's dinner."

"Alright. So you want me to shut the gate?"

"No, shut your mouth."

He laughs, and Flame, seemingly sharing my annoyance, growls fiercely. "Dude, seriously. Open the gate. Otherwise I'll tell Indra you were misbehaving, and maybe she'll kick you out." A look of fear passes over Alejandro's face for a moment, and then he rolls his eyes. "Nah, she needs me. But since you ever so politely insist, I will open the gate." He does, and I jog through, Flame on my heels. "Thanks," I mutter to Alejandro. He over dramatically bows. "It's been a pleasure m'lady." I sigh. What a moron. I wonder if Indra has ever gotten sick of him and threatened to kick him out. It's not like he had a major job or anything here.

I continue my way to the stables, gaining some impressed looks from the villagers on the way. I smirk. Not such a newbie now, am I? Flame seems interested and excited about his new surroundings and keeps sniffing at the air, but he keeps close. "Ah, I see you succeeded!" A familiar voice calls out. I turn around to see Indra trudging towards me, with her raptor in a tow. Flame growls protectively, which surprises me since I've only known him for a little over an hour. I put my hand on his snout, signaling for him not to attack. Indra looks impressed. "Congratulations. I see you two already share a bond." I smile and nod. "Indra, I would just like to say thanks for all your help. Also," My cheeks heat up a bit. "I guess I never introduced myself. I'm Josi." She smiles. "It's been a pleasure Josi. I assume you will be leaving in the morning?" Before I can respond, Flame suddenly tackles Indra's green raptor, and the two begin to fight. I jump towards them. "Flame, no!" But Indra simply puts a hand out to stop me. "Flame and Kanati are only playing." I turn to look at the raptors. Flame has 'Kanati' pinned down, but the green raptor kicks him across the grass. Flame gets up, and I expect him to pounce while Kanati is still down, but he waits until the other raptor is up before attacking. I sigh in relief. Who knows how hard it would be to separate those two. I turn back to Indra and reply to her question "Yes, if you don't mind."

"Of course not. But before you go, I would like to give you something. Follow me."

A few minutes later, we arrive at a small, open shop. The inside appears to contain several saddles and some gear. Indra hands me a knife and what I assume is a raptor saddle. I look at her, surprised yet again. "Indra, you don't have to-"

"You will need these for your journey. Please, take them." I close my mouth and nod. She smiles. "Good. Now I would go and get Flame used to them before tomorrow. You wouldn't want him to throw you, correct?" I laugh. "No, that would be pretty bad actually." Indra smirks. "Then get to it. I'll see you in the morning." I nod, and head off to find my raptor.

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An hour later after wrestling with my raptor, I finally had Flame tacked up. I sigh. "Buddy, you know your going to have to wear this in able for us to travel together." He growls and shakes his body. I roll my eyes. "You're such a spazz! It can't be that bad!" Flame makes a strange rumbling noise and chews the bit. "Oh well, don't worry, I'm sure you'll get used to it eventually," I say to him encouragingly.

Next is the more difficult part. Riding him. "Alright buddy, I'm going to get on you. Please don't freak out." I put my foot in the stirrup and slowly lower myself onto Flame's back. Flame curls his neck and squats uncomfortably. I pat him affectionately. That went better than I expected. "Good boy." I squeeze his sides softly and he moves forward at a walk, then a run. And boy was it fast. "Woah!" I yell as Flame darts between houses and people. I almost fall off, but then regain my balance and ride with him around the turns. We reach the spiked fence, I pull back on the reins, and Flame comes to a halt. "Well," I say, panting. "That was fun."