FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

I could see...a house....my house. M-My childhood house. I-It was summer, June 29th, We lived in Reno. A nice suburban area where the grass the bright green...a small flower garden in the backyard along with a pool. There was also a dog house where my favorite canine Rusty slept.

In the front yard there was a white fence along with a average mailbox...I remember always getting the mail for my parents. Rusty and I even had little chases as he used to be the one to get the paper until I learned to walk and run.

Just your typical American home. There was an American flag waving proudly from our porch. The house was white....the garage was full of tools my father used along with his 4 wheeler and his lawn mower. He took me out for rides on both of them.

My father enjoyed his personal time with me. He loved teaching me about all the things that would make me a capable man in the future. While he was the more rough edge member of my family he always appreciated and loved my soft spoken and caring mother.

She was a stay home mom but she never complained about lack of work. As she said I was a handful always running around scrapping my knees if I tripped and crying all the way back inside. Dad always said he needed her around. Said she took care of him.

My father did not have a peaceful job. Some days he would come back home tired but happy that nothing happened while in his office. Other days he was just silent, just ate his meal and went to bed. No matter what I would say or ask he just patted my head and forced a smile. I knew even back then he was forced to be happy. My mother would tell me "He's had a rough day. Just give him awhile and he'll be fine Collin."

My father was a SWAT officer. At the time I really didn't know what that meant but my friends told me it was like an advance police officer or something. I tried asking my dad about it but he never talked about it. He told me he liked protecting people but seemed reluctant to say anything else about it.

Because of his job it's how I became well acquainted with firearms. I saw him put in a pistol in a safe in his closet. But it was a big safe more than what was needed for a pistol. Above it was his SWAT uniform. I touched it and it felt heavy, protected. I found this all out when I came into his private room as he was disarming himself from a night on the job. Strangely he looked happy about it because usually when I found him in that uniform it was with a frown. He just told me "I stopped a very bad villain today and no one got hurt. He'll be punished for what he did"

He would always tell me one day he'll show me how to shoot a BB gun, then advance from there when I was ready. But I knew something he didn't think I knew. One day when I was mindlessly playing I found a secret compartment in a shoe closet. Inside was a Glock 17. Even though back then I just knew it was a gun.

I thought it was typical though that a lot of American homes had firearms in their homes. In fact many of my friends dads hunted so they were in the presence of guns too.

...I didn't think very hard about things....there was no need to...I wanted to be a hero....But I turned into a failure.

One day when I'm playing with action figures in my room I heard Rusty give a yelp I never heard before shortly before hearing a loud bang. I figured maybe dad was home and having trouble with the lawn mower until I heard the sound of glass breaking and my mother screaming.

I-I didn't know what to do. I stood up holding my GI Joe SWAT officer in my hand looking at my door expecting my mother to come up and say nothing was wrong and she just overreacted...but nothing....until I heard.

"C-Collin-?...oh god don't do this-AWH! C-Come down here..." She said in a way...that I never heard before. I opened the door and came down the stairs passing the pictures of our happy little family. Formal pictures, leisure pictures, and family pictures...like Christmas and my first fishing trip.

I came down the stairs and walked into the living room...a-and what I saw...haunted me. I remember-...wait...suddenly the memory was getting brighter and brighter. The words spoken being blurred but I heard loudly and clearing.

"COLLIN! ....DON'T!!!" Screamed by my mother before a gunshot.

(...Location Unknown...)

A feeling like being pushed through water by an unseen force came over me. It was like being underwater in an ocean current before slamming into a wall. It felt like I suddenly I was allowed to breath and when I did I woke up with a struggling gasp.

Right after my first breath in I coughed like having the wind knocked out of me. I was trying to open my eyes but them seemed to scream in protest at each attempt. When I did I saw nothing but a blur.

The rest of my body felt limp like after being pushed far beyond its limit. But even though it was exhausted I still felt every sting of pain when I tried to move. I let out pain-ridden moans as my arms struggled to lift up and my hands to find a graspable surface.

I found the edge of the control monitors and managed to somehow push myself away from the nearly shattered glass...wait...on instinct I start to touch my face weakly wondering...how...i-if I crashed and then slammed my head into the controls from the impact that glass should have shatter and left the right portion of my head complete covered in broken glass.

In a daze I looked at the controls screen seeing it was shattered but not broken...in fact it was sunken in but not a single piece had broken off! I think it was a miracle that I somehow survived that.

I wanted to stand up despite knowing my legs were not ready but as soon as I moved I felt the pilots seatbelt pull me back down....wait...I-I don't remember putting it on when we tried to-OH SHIT! ALEXANDER!

I didn't want to look over to my left fearing that Alex would not be there...or maybe he would...parts of him. I didn't want to see another dead body and I don't know if I could handle seeing my savor from before in a bloody mess.

As we were falling I guess Alex must have figured it was hopeless. He stopped trying to pull the emergency landing lever and went over to me and strapped my seatbelt on. I was too much in fright watching the trees getting bigger knowing we were going to crash...I-I don't know if he had time to put on his.

As my senses were coming back I started to cough again as the smell and taste of smoke and burning metal was overpowering. My vision was coming back slowly as what was once a blur to me before had more detail. I looked straight forward to see the nose of the plane to be no where in sight. Beyond our window...or what was left of it...I could see a devastated forest along with distant fires and random parts of the plane behind us.

I couldn't hear anything beyond the forest except the sounds of fire burning and parts of our planes falling off from the remains of the crash. I didn't even have to guess that the plane was totaled...and I was afraid I-I might be the only survivor. I-I mean I haven't checked but Jesus I don't want to seeing another fucking dead body! Seeing grown men with gapping holes in their body...I-I don't know how much more I could take.

I had no choice though. Alexander saved my life and-and I should at least pay my respects to him. Fighting off the painful sore on my neck I looked over to Alexander's seat preparing to turn back if I didn't like what I saw. I saw his legs then the rest of him.

Oh thank god he looks complete. No holes or missing limbs...but still he wasn't moving. He was slumped over the right side of the seat and his arms were hanging down motionless. I couldn't tell if he was still breathing.

Internally screaming in pain I took what action I could. I managed to get my seatbelt off and tried my best to stand up. Immediately I felt a shock! Oh crap are you kidding me! Electrical wires behind us were sparking up the whole place!

We were practically in a deathtrap! Still Alexander promised to take care of him and he did...I had to try and save him! I limbed over to Alexander kneeling down giving my legs a break. I unbuckled his seatbelt before checking his pulse.

Oh gods don't let me be the only survivor. I begged inside my mind as I raised my fingers to the side of his throat. I press firmly down and even his neck muscles felt powerful than the ordinary mans.

After several moments I feared the worst before I heard a soft.

"N-Nrrgh" That came from Alexander! Oh thank god!

"Alex! Alexander can you hear me?! Are you alright?!" I asked but never got a complete word just more moans and grunts. He must be knocked out from the crash...but I don't want to wait in a cockpit surrounded by frenzied electrical wires and god help us if any plane fuel managed to get in here!

I had to get out of here but I wasn't about to let Alexander die...dammit. I knew this was a bad idea but it looks like I have to carry him out of here. I mean for a 19 year old average build teenager to drag out a knocked out bodybuilder who looked in his young thirties and was about twice as large as me...WHILE I am dazed and weak from the crash still seemed impossible.

I wrapped my arms underneath his shoulders and I could barely get Alex to his feet. I used just about every muscle I had available to get a firm grip but I was still dragging his feet.

"Goddammit. Come on Alex help me out." I talked to him hoping he would wake up and at least give me an extra leg. We dragged ourselves out of the cockpit area only to see what I feared...electrical wires galore and no signs of life beyond that.

I managed to maneuver us around the wires but I had to sacrifice some parts of my forearm skin from the burns of each nearby spark but we got through it. I looked at the destroyed remains that was once Air Force One plane that flew the one of the most powerful men in the world. Its once red carpets are now nearly black from the smoke.

Seats were completely missing and sections of the plane were missing...as in not there at all. I'm sure that parts of the plane were scattered across the forest. In fact those big sections were so large that I could see the nearby forest and we could crawl out of them. But it didn't matter because the emergency door was wide open. If it was from someone else or by pure coincidence I don't know but he had a safe way to get off and hopefully find some survivors or a way to get out of here.

As we limbed over to the door I heard Alex finally say something and place his feet on the ground.

"N-Ngh..W-Where...what?" He asked dazed but it was like a miracle to hear another voice.

"Alexander! Its me! We crashed and we both survived but I don't know if anyone else did. Can you walk or-?" I said referring to his heavy build on my body.

"Y-Yeah I can try to give you a leg...w-where is the president?" He asked starting to help walk with me but he still needed to lean on me.

"I don't know...I don't know if anyone else is still alive. First we need to get out of the plane." I told him and he nodded.

When we reached the emergency door I was thankful that the drop wasn't to far it looked like only a few feet. I told Alex to prepare and we jumped landing onto the charred remains of soil. I could see the trails of destruction we left behind us when we crashed...god I think it's a miracle that even Alex and I survived.

Right now I had to look at our options...either stay with the wreck and look for other survivors and supplies...or risk looking for help in what looks like an African forest...who knows what's out there? Poisonous snakes, Jaguars, and who knows what else.

Before I could ask Alexander about our choice I heard a distant voice.

"Hey!HHHEEEYYY!!!" I screamed from afar and we both turned towards where it was coming from. To our astonishment we saw 2 of the secret agents rushing towards us with sub machine guns in their hands.

"Oh thank god Help! I think he's injured!" I screamed back before hearing Alex protest.

"I'm fine just a bit dizzy is all." He whispered to me before breathing sharply between his teeth showing me his bluff...he must have internal injuries.

"Everyone else is at the end of the plane, close to the rudder or what's left of it. We were told to retrieve the blackbox and the radio in the cockpit. Was it intact?" They asked us as I tried to remember what I saw before. I didn't really care for the shape of the airplane so I didn't really check the gear. But still a radio to get some help should be risked.

"I-I don't know. You can check but watch out a bunch of electrical wires are sparking all over the place." I warned them but they looked determined.

"Thanks for the heads up."

" Is the president okay?" Alex asked.

"We don't know we haven't found him yet. Travis is looking all over the place for him along with the rest of the survivors."

Wow...so some people did make it through. I felt a horrible guilt in my stomach before thinking only I survived thanks to my horrible landing but...at least some people made it through.

"Thanks and be careful." I said wishing them luck and they nodded wishing me the same.

Carrying Alex on my shoulder still we shambled over the remains of the once proud aircraft. We saw....burned remains of those who didn't make it along with a few of the androids...still fucking shining even after a plane crash. They looked covered in ash but almost literally dust them off and they would look good as new. Thankfully it looks like the crash killed the ones inside.

It was a few minutes before we saw other people...followed by the cries of the injured and others searching for the president and other survivors. As we passed the agents I noticed nearly every one of them had an assault rifle or a sub machine gun. The fighting on the lower decks must have gotten intense.

A few of the agents took Alexander off my hands much to his reluctance. I saw a group of people tending to the wounded and making SOS signs with the debris of the crash. I didn't know what a 19 year old teenager could really do. I mean I suppose I could help search and-

I froze when I was first look around for survivors. Leaning against the plane...a trail of blood show me the victim crawled a long way before giving up. I saw a girl with long hair covering her face in a veil of her honey hair ....O-Oh god...Oh god no.

I felt something like a bullet shot my heart and it felt like gravity was a thousand times heavier. I almost didn't want to go over-just collapse on the ground and be in shock of all what happened but I didn't...sometimes its curse to be able to take a lot. I-its not the first time I saw a dead body....Even before all this.

I ran over to the girl feeling tears in my eyes as I looked at her still beautiful form but at the ends of her hair I could see dark red blood. It was like she took my voice away but I managed to whisper.

"Paige..." I said praying that she would answer back but she was motionless.

"Paige? Paige!? Come on Paige wake up! COME ON!" I said shaking her revealing her face and I stared into it...pale...pale white...lifeless eyes...blue lips she was cold to the touch despite being completely numb before I felt her cold body.

I touched her face, cupped it into my hands telling her to wake up.

"Goddammit Paige don't die...don't die. You said you wanted to freakin lead people and have kids someday come on!" I yelled at her body but she never showed any response.

Swallowing the most difficult nerves I ever had I knew I had to look at her wounds. I pushed aside her veil of hair exposing her chest and immediately I reacted with angry and sadness.

"Fuck! F-F-Fuck-k" I sobbed seeing a hole in her body...it wasn't an android kill...I knew what must have happened though I dare didn't want to think about what she felt in her last moments. S-She must have had a pipe...go through her h-heart...and she crawled away before-before...

I couldn't finish the thought as I slammed my fists into the wall screaming in anger about how such an innocent life was taken...h-how such a pure innocent girl with a bright future was taken away all of that because of some fucking idealists!!!

I punched my fists into the plane before kicking it several times wishing that somehow it would bring her back. I slid down to my knees next to Paige. I-I said she reminded me like a little sister...t-that I would help her...Gods why didn't I do more for her?! Why didn't I stay with her?!

Lost in my grief I didn't even hear the approach of another person before I felt a hand on my shoulder. I reacted immediately almost wanting it to be an android...so I punch the living crap out of it. I looked up to see the Asian kid...he looked at me in sorrow for my friend. He looked like he went through hell too. His hair was messed up and his suit had numerous tears in it.

"Its not your fault...theres nothing you could have done." He said as I looked back at Paige. A few tears did manage to leave my eyes as I clenched my fist but released it knowing he was right. Travis and the others needed everyone to help fight. I had to go...I-I just wish...

"I know...I know..." I sobbed before seeing the Asian boy came with company. I saw a flight attendant and an agent put a blue blanket over her as I whispered my final apologies for her.

I got back on my feet and went over to the small refuge that was being form by the surviving passengers. I walked pass people with horrible slashes across their body. A few even had missing limbs. Others has visibly broken bones as the what few people with some medical supplies struggled to keep them comfortable at least.

I collapsed near some debris tucking my head into my knees. I breathed heavily thinking at any moment everyone would surround me blaming me for killing most of them. I heard someone approach me and I waited thinking he would quickly put a bullet into my head in rage for failing all of them.

"Are you alright Collin?" A voice asked me. Knowing immediately who it was I looked back into the little camp we had seeing all of the consequences of my piloting.

"I crashed the plane...W-We...I tried to get the landing gear out but the lever was jammed and-and." I said defending my case but instead of accusations or a punch I felt Travis sit next to me consoling me.

"You really think anyone blames you? You? A kid who we knew couldn't fly but managed to fly a plane away from a massive battleship aircraft thing and land into a forest. Collin...I don't think anyone could have done any better. Alex told me everything...in my opinion you're a goddamn hero. " He told me at first I expected it to be sarcasm but it wasn't.

"Collin we're alive because of you. Once we get the radio and make contact with someone and get the hell out of here I'm going to personally see you get a medal for this. You're probably going to be a celebrity when you get back home. I mean Jesus! I probably would be shaking and screaming in your position."

"I was." I answered back not wanting to take credit for this...I know what he was trying to say. I saved some but others are dead or scared for life...I'm not sure if I feel like a hero at the moment.

"Collin...No one blames you...in fact some of my agents told me they can't believe that you did that with Alexander. They know they couldn't have done any better. 'We' are grateful for what you did...we all owe you our lives. " He said as I...considered his words. I signed steadily before asking what was most important to him probably.

"Have you found the president?" I asked as he looked down too.

"No...Not him or the ambassadors. God what a fucking mess. He had to make it! He had to!"

"Do you have any idea who would have the technology capable of sending androids after us?" I asked but it only seemed to give him a bigger headache.

"No! Those things shouldn't even exist! The closet thing we have is a little rover meant to search unsafe rooms! But those-! Jesus they were super soldiers! Literally things out of a science fiction movie!" He exclaimed as it only made our situation direr.

Despite still being in the middle of all this I was wondering about the future consequences of all this. I mean the president attacked during a peace meeting! Whoever attacked might have the whole world against them. I-...If the president and the ambassadors are dead then people will cry for revenge.

The problem might be who's they will spill. Palestine and Israel might immediately blame the other and go into a full out war. I'm sure it couldn't have been either side and I know it couldn't have been us! God what a disaster.

"We found him! We found the president! Get medical attention now!" An agent screamed from afar and we both out off our feet. There was a swarm of people rushing over with whatever they could spare. I saw two men with s stretcher running next to us with assault rifles strapped to their backs and it made both Travis and I worried about the president's condition.

We saw a small group of people looking down and tending to...oh no. Even though I couldn't directly see him I was a pool of blood at their feet. I stopped but Travis went over to the president...and even from my distance I could see him freeze. We went pale before looking over to the others.

"Get tools now! We need to cut it off!" He barked orders and people went back to get power tools. What do they need power tools for? Against my internal protests I went closer to the crowd and just at that moment some men with some power tools started cutting debris it sounded like. When the crowd parted for them I saw him...the president and now I knew how bad this situation was.

The man who is supposed to be the most refined and composed person in the world...and he's lying in a pool of his own blood, with a large piece of shrapnel coming out of his chest. The shrapnel was still attached to the plane but just barely...the shrapnel was about half the size of his chest and was triangular in shape. Jesus...W-Without proper medical attention h-he might not-

"Make way! Get every possible medical equipment you can scavenge! Go look!" Travis yelled at the others as I decided I would try to help the few that went back into the wreck of the plane.

I went into what I thought was the remains of the supplies section of the plane. Where all the medical supplies and stuff that was going to be used for the peace meeting would have to be used on us instead.

But to our horror those crates were gone. They were destroyed in the crash. We tried to break open any practically intact medical cases but nothing seemed good enough. I consider myself lucky to have found medical alcohol. I immediately called out my find and an agent picked up the bottle and rushed over back to the crowd struggling to get the president free and alive.

I then noticed a wreck at the side of the plane...it was a car....the presidents car! Its totaled beyond repair in my opinion but I did notice something stranger...I went over to a large piece of debris blocking what I saw from a distance and saw...2 Humvees, military for sure with large machines on top. Maybe it was for the drive to the embassy? I thought there was a chance that a first aid kit was in the humvess but the doors were locked and I couldn't see anything from the windows...dammit...

"Fucking A there's nothing here! There's nothing to use!" Someone cried out.

"Shut up and keep looking!" Someone yelled back at him but slowly I was starting to think the first guy was right. Nearly everything is gone. All the food and medical stuff gone-ash! Burned! We don't have anything for the injured or anything to eat if the rescue takes too long!

"Go move! Make way! MAKE WAY!" I heard swarms of people barking as I saw a stampede of people knowing they had succeeded in releasing the president from the shrapnel but now we had to keep him alive.

I gave up trying to look for medical supplies here and went further into the plane. The plane creaked with every step I took and I was afraid of an after explosion after the crash. I saw a stationary kitchen and too my luck saw a basic medical case! Not much but its better than nothing! I grabbed onto it and pulled.

Two men who knew that the cargo section was a loss followed me and started to pull with me. It popped out after our combined pull and one of the men went back to deliver it to the others. The other agent looked at me and nodded.

"Look for any food we can find. I have a feeling it might take awhile for a rescue to find us." He told me and I agreed. All the easy microwave meals were a loss but we did find some cans of food like beans and carrots. Not much but it will have to do.

When we made several trips in and out of the plane carrying as much food and any other medical cases we found from the planes we heard some people scream.

"We have the radio! We have the radio! Does anyone know how to use it?!" They begged for assistance and to my astonishment I saw the Asian kid go over to them.

"Yes I can use it...something is wrong. I'll need some time. Get me a screwdriver." He said to some agents and they left to get his needed equipment. Crap...our radio is out we have little food and medical supplies...I felt about ready to collapse

I was about to make another trip into the plane before I felt an arm stop me. I turned to see Alex with a soft grin on his face.

"Alex! I-I thought you were injured! You should be resting!" I told him trying to push him back to the others who were injured but he huffed at my weak push.

"I told you I was fine. Just a bit dazed was all Collin. You look horrible though. Come on and sit down. Take a break." He told me, I didn't argue. I sat down where the injured were and Alexander joined me.

To my surprise he handed me a bottle of water that felt a bit cool still and I at first pushed it away.

"No it should be used for the others." I protested but Alex put it back to my face.

"Just one drink...you need it Collin." He told me obviously concerned for my health and I unscrewed the cap and took a big gulp of water. I drank so much that when it went down my throat I coughed from it. Finally it felt like my throat wasn't covered in ash anymore.

"Thanks" I told Alex.

"Its not you who should thank me. You saved my life Collin"

"What do you mean?"

"I was passed out and hurt...I won't argue. I don't think I could have gotten out of that cockpit or flew the plane without you. Do you drink?" He asked with his Russian voice now clear to me.

"No...but I probably will after this."

"Then lets meet up after we get home. I'll treat you to a place I found. Trust me I think they'll allow the guy who survived a plane crash a free drink or two and a pass for being underage." He said as I couldn't believe it but I chuckled a bit.

"How's the president?" I asked and it immediately killed the mood.

"He's in bad shape...he might not pull it through."

"What about the ambassadors?" I asked as Alex shook his head.

"The president is awake and he told us he saw them die from the crash...God...this is all so horribly wrong!" He said.

...so horribly wrong...

"Its working! I got it working!" The Asian said to the others and a few surrounded him.

"Hello?! Hello?! Can anyone hear me?! Air Force One carrying the president is down!" He said as an agent went over to the dial.

"Here these are the frequencies that should work" He told us but...t-there was no immediate reply...nothing. The agents looked at the radio thinking it was still broken but we could see the lights! I-It was working but why can't we hear anyone.

Another agent took the microphone and started yelling into the radio.

"Attention this is US secret service! Air Force Flight Phoenix 412 is down! Repeat Air Force Flight Phoenix 412 is down! We are desperately in the need of assistance! We need medical supplies and the

president's condition is in critical! If anyone is out there please respond!" He ended the transmission...someone...anyone......we waited for what felt like years....

Nothing but static.

"WHAT THE FUCK?! THIS FUCKING THING IS BUSTED STILL! GODDAMMIT!" The man on the microphone screamed throwing into a rage.

"M-Maybe its those goddamn androids! Their jamming the signal!" Another man offered but it didn't do the one in rage any good.

"OH FUCKING GREAT! WE'RE STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF SOME GOD FORSAKEN FOREST! NO MEDICAL SUPPLIES! HARDLY ANY FOOD! AND THOSE GODDAMN ROBOTS ARE CUTTING OFF OUR COMMUNCATION! FUCK!"

"No..." The Asian boy softly said as it silenced all of us even the one screaming before.

"No what?"

"This radio is supposed to be unjammable...this radio is suppose to be heard on any active frequency. Even for a place like Africa we would have heard a reply from a local tribe group, Local militia or foreign aid workers." He said as we wondered what he was saying.

"What the hell are you saying kid?" Someone asked. He looked at all of us with a serious face that I knew he believe his words.

"Either all the satellites in the entire world have been disabled....or we're not on Earth anymore..." He told us as...

I looked at Alex and he looked at me. Our eyes wide knowing that...i-it might be true...t-the portal might not have come from our planet...T-That we might be on another planet.

Amazingly no one argued with him...we didn't look at him or each other. Alex and I turned our attention to the forest...a-an alien forest...what was out there? What horrible things from our nightmares might want to eat us? What if the whole planet is nothing but forest?...What if...we are all alone on this place.

I remember going back to the makeshift camp we had looking into the soil...wondering...how fucked are we? If we are on an alien planet...how would we get home? W-We're not going to survive this...w-we're going to die.

"Listen up! We're organizing a group to go out and look for help. Any volunteers?" A man said as I stood up wondering...why delay it?...Sure we might find out we're on Earth still but what if not?

Why just sit here and wait to die? Its not the first I've felt like this...and sometimes I wish I ended it there. I was going to volunteer myself before Travis held me back.

"No you've done enough."

"I-I can walk. I can do more." I said back to him but he didn't look ready to argue.

"You're sitting here kid and don't make me say it again." We'll find help and we'll be alright.

I wondered if anyone told him what that Asian boy said? Should we really risk more lives out to a place we don't know is hostile and foreign to us? It could be an alien planet filled with monsters or more of those androids. If this was an all forest planet kind of world who could build such futuristic robots exist?

Travis just sat next to me and didn't say a word and neither did I. I wouldn't dare bring up the president's condition with him. Alex wasn't as close as Travis was to him. I can tell deep inside him that its eating him up. I wonder if he blames himself...or me.

So here we were with our butts praying that we would heard helicopters or the radio give a signal but nothing happened. A full hour of just waiting and waiting, hearing nothing but the cries of the injured and calls for any other survivors. We took just about all the food we could save and realized it wouldn't be enough for even a few days.

I prayed that this was really Earth that I didn't screw us all and end up in a place that we'll never be found. I wanted to say it could be worse. I mean there's air and vegetation. Which means that there must be water and vegetation usually means food. We might have to go collect in the jungle but what would we face out there?

I had to keep my mind focused on goals and possibilities it was probably the only thing keeping me sane at the moment. I could feel Travis glance over at me every once in awhile and I wish he would just say what was on his mind because it was killing me guessing at all the reasons.

Suddenly we hear a sharp gust of wind...which was strange because there was no wind before. It wasn't much out of the ordinary until we heard...a low beat of some kind...almost like drums.

The beats came every 2 seconds within each other. Each beat lasting a second before a silence then another one. It was no helicopter I've ever heard...

Travis stood up grabbing onto his assault rifle, which up close now I could see it was an M16 kind of gun. It wasn't just us who heard it others stood up looking in all directions praying it was a rescue.

"Where is it? Can't they find us?" Someone said as a sinking feeling in my gut feared the worse...

Then we heard things rushing in the woods. It sounded like it was coming from 3 different things but they made no sound other than the stomping of their feet against the earth.

The agents immediately took position pointing their various guns in the direction of the forest waiting to see what would appear. I hid behind Travis who was shielding me before the brush finally cleared and we saw...

The agents running for what looked like their lives and the face of panic was all I could make out on them.

"Holy shit Run! The fucking robots are right behind us!" One of them screamed before hearing the familiar clunks and clanks of the androids. Just as soon as they ended their sentence another one of the diamond shaped ships flew over head and it was the sound we heard from earlier.

This confirmed my thoughts. W-We're not on Earth there's no way. These things are here to kill us and they won't stop until every one of us is dead!

The robots pushed aside the brush the running agents came out of 10 seconds earlier and started firing their arm cannons. The agents returned fire and it became an all out war.

Travis emptied his round and started to pull me to cover.

"Take Cover! Take Cover!" He told me. He didn't have to tell me again. I hid behind some broken off passenger seats and Travis jumped over them reloaded his rifle and fired from behind the poor cover we had.

I looked up once with him and saw several androids on the ground. We were holding our own but it will only be a matter of time before they could surround us or we run out of ammo.

One agent from inside the plane pointing a strange looking gun and fire something with a loud "Fpoosh!" sound. I saw a trail of smoke before an explosion at the end of the trails killing 3 androids with it. It was a grenade launchers...A-A grenade launcher?! What was-

A nearby lazer bullet made me duck back down for cover and wiped away my thoughts. We had to fight of these things with whatever we had! Another agent was running towards us but tragically we saw him get hit in the legs immediately sending him to the ground. It didn't kill him. Despite all the gun fire and yelling I could hear his cries of agony. God he probably will never walk again.

I had to help this man! Still ducking down I went to the edge of the seats telling the man I was coming for him but I didn't know if he heard me. I counted to three wishing myself luck but as soon as I took 3 rushing steps a stray lazer bullet struck the man in the head.

But I was already sprinting towards the man and I wanted to turn around but I noticed his gun. UMP 45...My father used that gun once. Since the agent was dead I went for his gun instead and as soon as I had my grip on it I ran back to cover and next to Travis.

"Goddamn motherfuckers!" He screamed firing another round into an android charging at him. But at his left flank I saw another with its blade out and going behind him I fired into the robots head. I felt at least a dozen bullets leave the barrel and most met their marks into its head.

Travis nodded at my kill and we continued our battle. I don't know how much time passed. I didn't have any extra ammo so I only fired when an android came close and when Travis was reloading.

I was starting to think we were outnumbered and outgunned until a loud machine gun started clouding the air with its smoke. I looked over at the cargo section of the plane seeing a Humvee being pushed out by a few agents and another at the end of the 50 caliber machine.

Each shell dropped an android and it was tearing up the forest revealing more and more of the androids. I had no idea why a Humvee was in a plane but maybe it was extra security for when the president landed.

I looked at the presidents tent seeing it was riddled with bullets. I thought the worse until I noticed it was empty. So they moved him. Thank god but it may only buy him a few extra moments.

I saw another android creeping up on us and I killed it with my remaining ammo. I asked Travis for a gun but he didn't hear me in his rage at the androids. He was screaming curses and threats at them until just like that....

Silence. We heard a few androids running away but when they left...there was nothing but a eerie silence. We created a cloud of gunfire smoke that was now parting to show maybe 50 androids dead on the ground. Sadly on our side I could see maybe a dozen men on the ground...worse a few of the injured were shot dead in their crippled state...killing injured...Jesus that's just...

"I think they retreated." Travis whispered bumping me on my shoulder pointing his M16 at the forest still.

"Maybe...what the hell do we do? I mean shit Travis we only have so many people and guns! They appear to be endless and-"

"Calm down Collin! We need to keep our cool. These things will not take the president easily! Hey did you see the other agents leave the forest?" He asked.

"What? Wait you mean the search party guys? I saw 3 of them." I told him

"I sent seven and there's no way they were all killed. I think they are lost. Can you look for them?" He asked as I looked at him ready to scream "Hell no!"

"Are you crazy?! I'll be killed! I don't even have a gun!" I protested as he took out his pistol from his pants and handed it to me.

"It has only three bullets." He told me and it only made me want to yell at him more.

"Great I'll have three shots! That'll stop a swarm of them right?!" I yelled but he looked back at me and gripped me on chest and pulled me close.

"Listen here you little punk! We need to hold this place and I'm not going to put up with any of your bull-..." He said to me before seeing my fright. I think he forgot I was still a teenager really. A young adult in a warzone. He tried to calm himself down by taking a deep breath.

"Listen...we need everyone we have to survive this. I know I'm sending you out on a dangerous mission but I need everyone here. Please Collin. If you find them dead then come straight back here. Okay? Please Collin." He said as I wanted to refuse but I had to look at it from a war perspective.

I learned about war tactics from class, we were really screwed here and...goddammit.

"Fine I get it! I'll go!" I told him though I understood his reason I hated that it was me who was going. I was sure I was going to die.

I took my empty UMP with me but prepared myself to draw my pistol at the first sign of danger. I left the small safety of the camp and went into the wild...the endless jungle not knowing what I would come out with...that is if I came out at all.

(Castro's view)

Warriors were running everywhere. The smiths were flooded with orders and they struggled to supply every man with a weapon. Healers were preparing healing rituals and our shaman was hymning chants of welcome to the great white phoenix.

We knew that our brother and sister tribes nearby were doing the same. Legend always told that the phoenix would appear in one area but we never thought it would choose us to appear before!

My brother was preparing his young warriors while my father was addressing the elders and the veteran warriors. I only watched from my father's hut until I knew...t-this was my chance!

Going in the chaos I ran for my tent before being stopped by the shaman Akia! I looked at her wondering what she wanted because I really wanted to see the phoenix as a warrior and not just sit this one out.

"Hold on Castro your father wanted to say something to you." She told me as my ears laid back fearing the worse.

"What? What does he want me to do?" I asked before she sighed.

"He wants you to stay here with the tribe along with him. Your brother will be the one to greet the white phoenix. " She said as my fur stand up in protest.

"B-But I want to see the phoenix! Please I won't get in the way I just-" I argued back she silenced me with her emotionless stare.

"This is your father's order. We will all see the phoenix Castro. I know that for sure." She said as it only seemed to crush my dreams rather than give me hope. I trained to become a warrior for so long! D-Don't I deserve to see great white phoenix as it smites downs the last of the metal ones?

I wanted to approach my father and complain but a horn being blown calmed our villages preparations.

"Our sister tribe Hyrid comes chief Teryal! Chieftess Rianda is leading them!" A wall guard shouted and my father nodded but looked slightly overwhelmed.

"Preparations for the council meeting are not yet complete! Surely Chieftess Rianda must understand that we cannot prepare everything in an instant!" He exclaimed but it was too late. We saw our sister tribe's warriors with the leader in front looking anxious to see my father.

My father stepped before her and they began speaking to each other.

"Chief Teryal! You saw the white phoenix yes?" She asked as my father nodded.

"Of course we are preparing for the celebration and preparations for the welcoming of our fabled savior!" He said...but she looked back at us with confused and shocked eyes.

"Celebration and welcoming? No! Did you not see?!" She exclaimed as everyone went quiet.

"See what? What is wrong Chieftess Rianda.?" My father questioned.

"The metal ones are attacking the phoenix! We saw maybe 2 hundred in number entering the forest before the sounds of battle! One of the other tribes must be there already because my scouts hurried back to tell me they heard cries of rage and injuries that the metal ones never make!" She said as everyone gasped at the sudden turn of events.

T-The metal ones...t-they're attacking the white phoenix! The blasphemy! The ill regard for the gods answers to our prayers! The metal ones truly are the heartless creations of this world. No honor! No regard for mother nature!

Father and the other warriors looked in shock from the news. Quickly having to decide a plan of action he shouted.

"Prepare for battle!" He said as we chanted our war chant which I joined in. While the others were putting away what we thought was going to be a great time we had to prepare for a battle. The metal ones will not touch the white phoenix while any warriors from Kanza still live!

I lost Akia in the crowd of warriors preparing and knew that if I returned to my hut I would only be found out...I'm going to see the phoenix no matter my father's or brother's wishes.

I ran back to my fathers massive hut and looked in the wheat baskets that were made for him long ago...inside was his spear. I quickly grabbed that but I knew I would need something else. Turning to my side I saw a war axe and smiled. Yes...these will be prefect weapons! My father's weapons when he was my age. My brother got his machete so it is only fair I get his war axe! I tucked the handle of the war axe to my side before hearing something.... weird.

"Shrshuckkkg- Hello?! I-Treshiuecj- there?! We need-Kresh!-elp!" Was what I heard before seeing the oracle on the ground. W-What? I-Is Azah saying something to me? Knelling down to pick it up and asked softly.

"H-Hello? Azah? Is that you god of wisdom?"

"Can any-whooesh-hear me?! We are under attack! Please the love of g-uufth-Help us! Flight Phoniex-Reetchek- Is down! Repeat-whoogh- Phoenix is down!" it said as it my blood turn into the coldest winter I've felt.

I immediately ran outside screaming and holding up the oracle to share the god of wisdom's voice with my tribe.

"T-The oracle! I-Its speaking to us!" I screamed and a crowd gathered around me. I listened to what else the oracle was going to say.

"H-perosh-elp us! We are running out of amm-yoush- and taking causalities! We pushed back those metal-freaks away but we can hear more of them-Oh god!" It said before a loud crash...and the oracle went silent. Everyone waited...and waited but nothing.

Akia ran up to it and took it away from my hands and examined it wondering if it would speak to us anymore. Father and the sister chief ran up to it as well.

"What else Azah?! What else?! Give your people a sign! We beg of you!" Akia pleaded into the oracle but all we heard as the silence that it usually gives us.

"Castro! Did it say anything else while you were in the tent?!" Father ordered as I stumbled to remember exactly what it said.

"I-It said...Phoniex is down...and that it was under attack. Otherwise nothing Wait...I-it was asking for HELP!" I said realizing that we had no choice know. Father and the sister tribe chieftess nodded.

"Every warrior capable of fighting head to the forest now! Those metal ones with not get away with this desecration to our gods!" The warriors chanted again but was backed up with the rest of our village. We wanted revenge! The metal ones are trying to defy fate but they will not prevail!

Zio was looking for me from a distance. I can tell he wanted me to stay...no...no brother you will not be the only one getting glory here. I hid behind others who were preparing for battle and slowly made my way to the wall where the gate was. Dozens of warriors were rushing out of it and I was going to join them.

The foxes and cheetahs far ahead of the bigger but stronger warriors but I will keep up...I will kill a metal one today! And the white phoenix will honor me as a warrior! We rushed through the fields my brothers and sisters in arms charging at the forest screaming war chants and singing songs of battle.

Hmm...I wonder...I-If I rush in with the others that might not give me the chance to kill a metal one. I mean our sister tribe had 300 warriors while ours had 250. With that many warriors after a 200 metal ones...or even less because of what the oracle was saying. I heard the sounds of a struggle. One of the other tribes warriors must already be there. For all we know there might be only 100 left! No...I will get a kill.

No matter what!

Running away from the others I entered the forest about 500 yards away from where the others were entering...I will find one and when I do everyone who ever made fun of me will be in the surprise of their life!

(10 minutes later)

O-Okay maybe coming in alone was a bad idea. I have no idea where to go! The smoke from the phoenix's fire seemed to disappear from sight and there were no sounds being made in the entire forest!

No! I-I can't miss my chance! I-If I miss my chance I'll be laughed at even more when I go back to the tribe! I'm sure the others already found the phoenix and are receiving praise from it while I'm here lost in the woods!

In despair I stopped in my tracks fighting back the desire to cry. W-Why? Why can I never get a chance?! W-Why does everyone already count me as a failure before I can even try?! Why am I teased and ignored?! Please gods. Azah, Perity the forest god, any of you! Please just give me a sign! What am I doing?! Why am I here?! Is it too much to ask for a purpose?! What about glory?! Is strength or wisdom too much to ask for?!...W-...What about a mate?...s-someone I can hold and call my own. Someone unique and different like me...so I'll know what they've gone through and we'll help each other.

I-...I'm just asking for happiness...just some happiness in my life.

Suddenly I heard a noise. I-It was like a rattle but not one I've ever heard of. Like it was a fast distant beating drum! Then I heard what sounded like a struggled before a loud crash!

I looked up into the sky seeing smoke! I-is it the phoenix?! Maybe the gods have answered my prayers! Oh thank you Azah! Thank you but I shouldn't waste this time for praise. If I wait too long I might miss my chance! Sprinting through the forest leaving my paw marks into the soil I ran towards the sounds of a struggle.

Is there someone else? M-Maybe it could be a famous warrior who'll help me become stronger or wiser! Or maybe it might be my mate I asked for! Ohh I can't wait! But what I saw in front of me was not what I expected...

Before I entered the clearing I noticed that the surrounding landscape was burned...like gone, ash really except for a few dead branches and bits of grass. In the center of this destruction I saw some sort of....white....rock. But it looked burned, covered in ash. But I could see things moving inside. Like wheat turning in a circle but they were large...and gray.

I then noticed figures next to the rock...on the ground there were 3 figures...one was leaned against the rock and...and I couldn't make out 'what' it was! It was black so maybe it was burned beyond recognition? But the other two were-

I hid behind a tree noticing 2 metal ones on the ground defeated but one was still moving. W-Was the burned man responsible but overwhelmed by 3 metal ones. Suddenly three loud bangs erupted from the air and I turned back to the last metal one wounded but still standing. I wondered what made those odd sounds but it appears to have affected the metal one in someway....hey!

T-This could be my chance! A lone wounded metal one and I have a spear and an axe to finish it off! I-I could shop off it's head and prove my first kill! So this was my gift! Oh thank you Azah! I finally have my chance I've awaited for so long!

Slowly leaving the tree I positioned my arm and pointing my spear at the metal who was stumbling closer to the white rock. The metal one was looking down and had its blade out but I see no problem in killing one of the metal ones with its back turned.

I waited for my perfect chance and when I saw the metal one raising its arm for some reason I launched my spear at it. I prayed that it wouldn't miss. Suddenly the sound of metal being pierced filled my ears and I saw a large spear inside the metal ones back...I-I......I did it! I killed it!

The metal dropped to its knees and I charged forward with my axe in hand. I was panting and smiling a newborn with a new toy! I finally had a kill now I can get a mate and be respected! I was about only 10 feet away from it when it dropped to the ground revealing-...

I stopped in my tracks.

(Collin's view)

Go through a forest! Without a compass or any sense of direction and expect to find some men! This is literally like asking me to find a needle in the haystack! Can I even find my way back from here?! I might be lost myself even though I've only been in the forest for a few minutes.

The smoke of the airplane was starting to disappear but I still see the gray in the sky. Wouldn't those men have thought the same...no probably because these trees cover up the entire sky! I swatted away a branch angry over my position. I was going to get lost I know it. I knew it before and I know it now. Where the hell could I go? The plane is the only safe place...well as safe as being attacked by killing androids can be!

I stomped my foot into the ground ruining my shoes. I practically forgot I was still in my fancy suit for the peace meeting. Obviously this suit is ruined beyond repair...god look at me. I'm in the middle of a forest, being hunted by androids, I have next to no ammo and I'm worried about my suit.

"Fuck this!" I screamed as a little branch swatted my face probably karma for what I did to the other one before. I threw the branch a few meters into another tree before going into a personal rant.

"Screw this! I shouldn't have to be out here! Those men knew what they were risking and more lives should not be lost because of it! Who's to say that they're not dead? Shouldn't we have every available man defending the president Travis! Huh?! God!" I said ending with a irritated huff before looking at my surroundings...even if I wanted to go back...where was the plane?

Trying to peak through the trees I saw no smoke or anything...great...oh just great. I'm dead. Oh I'm lost but I mind as well be dead! With my situation trying dire I realized my options...I could try to survive out here alone but...what food will I find? What else is hunting me out here? I could try to find the plane and only end up being more lost and waste my energy. O-Or...

I looked into my right pocket...seeing Travis's pistol. 3 shots... I would have 3 for any predators or androids that found me before being torn apart with their blades or claws.....No...

I don't want to die like that...No I have 2 shots...the last should be saved for me. If I don't find the plane again and I'm struggling to survive...at-at least it would be on my terms, when I'm ready.

Maybe but...its still early. I won't do it until I know I couldn't survive out here. Wilderness experts said keeping calm is important and keeping tasks in mind is one of the best ways to keep your mind focused.

I searched through the forest for several more minutes before spotting smoke in the air! The plane! Good! I'll just tell Travis there's no sign of the men and-

As I rushed through the brush and came into the clearing I noticed...that it wasn't the plane...well...it was part of it. Coming into the small clearing I saw one of the engines. I could hear the metal parts still moving inside it...still moving slowly from its once great trip. I felt a shudder enter my spine. Seeing such a massive part of human creation brought down like nothing. Those androids are the superior killing machines. They were designed for things like this.

The engine had sections broken off it too and was still making smoke but it looked like it was safe. I approached the wreck slowly. I was going to have to make this my landmark. This might have to be my personal base for awhile. I should also try to find a little piece of debris and use it as a knife. Make clear markings in the trees to it would lead me back to this place.

But as soon as I was about to begin my search something caught my eye. I took cover side the engine that was oddly cool but I could feel some heat still radiating from the back of it. Something was in the front. I pointed my empty UMP 45 at it. I knew I was going to have to switch to the pistol but still I didn't want to throw away this weapon.

In the front of the engine I could see a figure...leaning against the engine...a black arm...wait! I slowly got out of my cover before seeing-Its one of the agents! Taking cover again I said loudly.

"Hey! Hey!" I called for him hoping to hear him respond but he didn't. Dammit man can you really not hear me?!

"You! At the front of the engine!" I told him but nothing.

"Are you injured?" I asked but once again nothing. A fear in my heart told me the man might be dead. I sighed not wanting to feel heartless about this but...i-if he still had his gun then I could really have a weapon with some ammo!

Leaving my cover I approached slowly with my empty gun still pointed at him. I asked him again

"You alive?" But still got no words out of him. Each step I took was cautious and slow. My eyes focused on him until I a loud rattle came from under my feet. I looked down to see...u-uh?

At my feet was another UMP 45 along with 2 clips of ammo. W-What? What was this doing here? Was it the agent's gun? Why did he leave it out here? I reached down and picked up the first clip seeing it was fully loaded. Well...I do need some ammo.

I took out my empty clip and inserted the new one in. I knew who to reload these guns...F-Father showed me...well...told me...but I really learned from my gun loving professors. With the loaded UMP 45 in my hands I felt powerful, like a master of my own fate.

I smiled a bit at my good fortune and reached for the other clip...I should have known it was too good to be true. Suddenly I felt a force clasp around my upper arm. In that split second I panicked thinking it was like some sort of bear trap, that was arm was going to snap off, but the burned coming from my arm told me...it was rope. But not like any rope.

When that split second was over I felt myself being dragged across the ground like an animal caught in a trap. I quickly flipped over planting my feet into the ground and looked up to see an android coming out of the clearing and one of its arms were attached to the rope...oh god these things can set up traps too!

The android screamed its metallic sound and I screamed in fear. H-Holy shit!

"LET GO OF ME! LET GO OF ME!" I cried before realizing I still had my UMP in my right arm! Since the rope wrapped my left arm I aimed with one arm and fired several bullets into the robot causing it to twitch before collapsing onto the ground. I ripped off the rope from my loosened trap thanks to its death but to my horror 2 more androids appeared from the forest.

"FUCK!" I cursed firing the remainder of my clip into the second android before it could get its first shot off. One left! One left! I emptied the clip from the gun and searched for my second clip...oh crap wait!

I realized in that second I was trapped the second clip flew out of my hands near the engine! I wanted to run back to the engine but suddenly the last android ran forward and for a second I saw my life flash before my eyes....

I thought it was going to stab me with its blade...and that it was going to be all over....Mom...D-Dad...I-I'm sorry I-

I was launched 20 feet from where I was standing and crashed against the flat end of the engine sending an echo through the forest. I landed on the ground with a sharp cry...I was expecting to feel blood rushing out of me but when I moved I saw only a big bruise where the robot punched me..I-It only punched me? W-Why wouldn't it-

There was no time to think as I looked up to see the android slowly approaching. I saw that the UMP I had was knocked out of my hands and landed near-about 15 feet away and that my UMP was literally right on top of the second clip! I started to crawl over to the only hope of survival but the android followed me slowly. Its red eyes glowing in rage as I panicked thinking I wouldn't reach the gun in time-WAIT!

I remembered my pistol! 3 shots. I-I have only three shots! I reached into my right pocket and pulled it out. I wanted to cry in relief for it still being there but I still had to kill the thing. Still crawling towards the bigger weapon I fired my first shot. It met its mark in the androids neck...T-That usually kills it but-but its still coming at me! Crawling foot by foot I fired my second round and it hit the robots lower jaw...but it still came forward.

I saw its right arm turn into the form of its blade...still red from the blood of the other agent here it killed. It was twitching and still making shrieks like it was in pain but looked determined to kill me even though it couldn't make expressions at all.

I-..I only had one bullet left....the UMP is still out of my reach...W-Would I really kill myself...here? In the middle of an ash covered forest? I thought...I thought for what felt like years but it was only a few seconds...my answer was a third shot...into the androids face.

I hit it directly in the nose thinking my shot had not been wasted...but my heart felt ready to burst out of my chest as the android stepped closer and closer...o-oh god...I-I'm going to die...I-I'm going to die!

The android was almost feet away from me and had its blade arm raised I clenched my entire body ready to feel its blade take my life but a sudden whistle ended my sobs and I looked up to see...

A....A spear. The tip end of a spear coming out of the androids chest! The android looked down at its recent wound before going to its knees. Seeing my chance I crawled just a bit further from the android and finally reached the UMP. I had my back turned to when I crawled I quickly loaded my new round and turned around standing up to see that the android fell but a figure came near and-

I stopped dead in my tracks-

I thought when I saw the spear that some African tribal hunter had saved me but what I saw was...was impossible. I thought the hunter was wearing a tribal fur coat like hunters would in prehistoric days but...

It felt like my mind was ready to explode. Like all of this really was a dream. My body felt completely nonexistent at that moment. Or maybe it had dropped off the earth.

I-In front of me...was....was...a dog...b-but it was standing on two legs! Like a human would! It was dressed like a tribal..I-I mean it was wearing a loincloth but that's it. Its fur was real. I saw it blowing with the wind. It had a muzzle like a dog would, its ears where similar and even its hackles were that of a dogs but it was standing on two legs! The creature was just slightly smaller than me from what I can guess.

In its hands...that strangely looked human like mine but I could see paw prints like a dog would clenching onto an axe. The thing was just staring at me back...those were definitely dog eyes...or was it a wolf? I-I don't know I-I just don't know! I kept my gun pointed at it and it still had the axe in its hands. Both of us were armed and could potentially kill the other.

I had no idea how this thing would react. Would it behave like a dog would? Would it see me as some sort of threat and attack me for intruding on its territory? Would it be glad to see me like a domesticated dog would? Would it be cautious? Would it ignore me? I had no idea but I didn't want to ask....c-could this thing even understand me?

(Castro's view)

When I ran up to the fallen android I expected to see one of our warriors but what turned to face me was...something I have never seen or heard of before!

I-It was shaped like the metal ones but...it wasn't exactly like them. There was no shining metal on him. There was this tannish skin on him like a hairless one of us but-but I'm sure the metal ones didn't cut off this one's fur.

I-In fact I could see some fur still on top of its head. It was brown like my eyes...I then noticed his eyes were brown like mine. I can only assume this is a male...or is a female? Or is not gendered?!

This creature was not wearing what we wear. There was stuff covering the most of him. It was black...but stained from what I can tell. It had no muzzle...like the metal ones but there was something coming out of its face. It was breathing heavily out of ...is it its nose?

The creature and I stood in front of the other panting from my run over here and it appeared exhausted for some reason...wait...C-Could it be? Could it have made the sounds before? Those loud bangs? I noticed its-what I can only think- weapon in its hand...seeing it was an oddly formed stick with a rounded end...w-was it some kind of spear?

I had my axe and I felt ready to defend myself from this thing. I-I thought I was only getting my first metal one kill and now I'm facing a thing that my people have never heard of! I wondered what this creature might be capable of? Could it spit fire at me? Could it fly 20 feet in the air and cut me down from above?!

Suddenly I saw it slowly lowering its weapon and-...and slowly I did the same but we keep our eyes on the other. I'm sure this creature was preparing to defend itself if I leaped for an attack and I was thinking the same of it.

It took a step back and I noticed its feet were covered...almost like the moccasins the elders and shamans wear but different. These ones were black and pointed, even sharper than its weapon in my opinion. I did the same and took a step back away from the creature.

The tension in the air was like poison. What was this thing? A gift from the gods? A new enemy to fight? A rare creature? This was nothing I had ever expected to find! With our weapons lowered we started to walk back. Step by step the creature was walking away from the white rock and I was doing the same. He noticed that I was copying his moves and took a step to the right, which I did too.

He stopped again and looked at me...something was telling me that...whatever this is, it's not evil. I mean I'm a lone warrior young and probably a tasty snack for any predator yet he made no aggressive act towards me. Only when I ran up to him with my axe in hand did he look ready to fight. Was this creature intelligent?

If it could make those weird looking spears then it should know how to hunt and defend itself. I was about to ask this creature if it was alright and if it could understand me before we heard something behind me. Ruffling of branches and leaves. This creature and I immediately turned towards the source of the sound and what step forth was-

It was one of our warriors! He waved back and before I knew it a large party of warriors came into the clearing with them was...oh no...my brother Zio. I thought I would receive a scowl from him but he looked relieved to see me and ran closer to me...until he noticed the creature too. The other warriors then saw it too and looked at it just as in awe as I was.

But then suddenly some noises were made behind the creature. I expected more of our warriors but then...w-what in Azah? Suddenly more of those-those things appeared from the forest carrying various sorts of weird spears and staffs. One of them who looked as large...in fact I dare say as large as Boris. He smiled seeing the smaller creature but like us...when they saw us they stopped in their tracks and looked at us in awe too.

They look almost all the same, most had a black covering on most of their bodies except a few with blue vests like a few honored hunters of ours wear. Most had fur on their heads except a few that were completely bare. A few of them walked up to the boy and appeared to whisper into what I guess was its ear.

At the same time my brother and a few others did the same.

"Castro! What is that?! What are these things?!" He whispered loudly before looking back at them.

"I-I have no idea! I-I killed a metal one thinking it was attacking one of our own and it was...that instead." I told him as the warriors from both sides had a tight grip on their weapons each looking as shock, terrified, and confused as each other.

"D-Did it attack you? Did you see it with the metal ones?" Zio asked

"Y-Yes but...d-do you see that one near the edge of the rock." I shifted my head so he could see the dead one at the edge of the rock. We noticed a few of the creatures going over to their fallen brethren and frowned at what I guess was his death.

"It was dead when I got here. I heard the sounds of a struggle and when I got here 2 of those metal ones were dead. I killed the last one." I added.

"Was it facing you? Did the metal one attack you?" Zio asked

"No it was facing him. I-I think it was trying to crawl away before I threw my spear at it...I-I think I must of saved its life."

"D-Did it say anything?" Zio asked as I shrugged

"No but I didn't ask...what do we do brother?"

"I don't know. I have no idea how we can...hey...isn't that father's spear? You took father's spear?!" He said in my ear as I whimpered. I knew I was found out but there were more pressing matters right now.

"W-We should wait and see what they do. I-If they attack then we have no choice. If they leave then we leave them be." My brother said to me and the others and they nodded but by the looks on their face...I could tell that if either side made a bad move that we would be fighting more than metal ones today...

(Collin's view)

I saw a group of the walking animals talking to each other which astonished me. I-I would think such different creatures would hate each other. Literally every kind of human animal was here. Leopards, Lions, Bulls, Horses, Foxes, and the husky were to only name a few I could pick out.

Alexander, Travis, and 2 others came up to me and seemed to be shielding me from our company.

"Collin...what the hell are these things?" Travis asked.

"I have no idea. I was searching for survivors like you asked and I was ambushed but-"

"But what?" Travis asked puzzled.

"T-That dog, the husky, he threw a spear at one of the androids. H-... I think he saved my life really." I told them, as it only seemed to make them more nervous.

"D-Did it do anything else? Did it seem ready to attack you?" Alex asked and...I thought thinking about how it was charging at me. It was running so fast before. I-I really don't think I could have fired if the thing had intended to kill me at first.

"N-No it was approaching one of the androids before stopping and looking at me. L-Like it was fearful about me too. Travis...guys what should we do?" I asked hoping for some good ideas. We tried to listen in on what the others might be whispering but we couldn't make out anything. For all we know it could have been grunts like regular animals do.

"I say we kill them" One of the agents said with blond hair and small glasses.

"What?" Alexander asked.

"We don't know what these things are but I'm sure as hell not getting a spear in the gut. We're in enough trouble thanks to your guys brilliant piloting skills" He said as Alex turned to him and looked ready to rip him in half. A strike of guilt entered me before Alex told him to shut up or he'll offer him up as a sacrifice to those "beasts"

Travis also joined in the ideas about what to do. Jesus that dumbass agent should realize we couldn't fight a three-way battle. If we held off those androids we would only end up with tribals coming at us at all sides...b-but...

Something in my heart and my mind said...That can't be. That husky 'had' the chance to kill me. It could have attacked me by throwing its axe but it stopped. It didn't growl, it didn't swing its weapon about menacing like a tribal in Africa would...it stopped to look at me. It didn't follow animal instincts.

These things had the intelligence to make weapons! Those look like sharp spears and axes...and their private areas are covered like tribals on earth would be. I-If they have common decency then who's to say that they know how to grow food? In fact how do they manage to survive alongside with the androids? Those weapons went straight through that android and now that they've seen us instead of full out attacking us...they're talking to each other. Which means they must have some scene of communication. They must govern themselves somehow.

Both sides looked ready to argue within their numbers about a course of action. God why are we doing this? Arguing when-...I looked back to see the husky looked pushed out of his opinion too. But instead of looking at me he was looking at his spear.

I looked at it too...noticing it was adjourned with many feathers and from what I can tell perfectly crafted wood. Even from here it shined and I knew from my studies about cultures in Harvard...this spear was important to that husky. The husky looked at it with sorrowful eyes before he noticed me looking at him. Then I looked over at the spear and knew...somehow...w-we must make contact. Standing here arguing about what to do was pointless. I wanted to see if these really were 'beasts' or 'savages'.

I walked over to the fallen android and place my hand around the spear. Even from the grip I can feel...the history of this weapon. It was beautifully made and would be special to its owner. When I pulled the spear out of the androids chest making a loud sound of metal being scraped everyone went silent.

I looked down the spear seeing the black oil the machine ran off of. The spear seemed accustomed to this even though I didn't know for sure...I-I just FELT like it was made for killing these robots. Still I'm not taking this spear to admire its beauty. If these things have any sense of kindness they will appreciate what I'm about to do.

Holding the spear upward I walked slowly over to the husky. Every other tribal on his side backed up at my approached but had their spears pointed and ready. My heart was pounding against my chest. I wasn't sure if I should speak or bow in respect I-I just had no idea! When I was within arm distance of the husky who looked at me just as scared as I was of him I held the spear sideways and gripped it by the middle.

I motioned my arms for him to take the spear. He looked at it amazed that I would give it back as if doubting my ability to even comprehend what I did. Finally after beating what felt like a brick in my throat....I spoke.

".................Here............."

Everyone's jaw seemed to drop open and nearly everyone made a gasp. The agents looked ready for any signs of aggression from the tribals but they looked at me in awe of my words. I bowed down slightly showing I was going to be submissive to the person who saved my life before. The least I could do was return his spear.

Then I saw the husky move his arm and gripped the spear only inches away from my hand. I let go as soon as I was sure he had his firm grip around it but he didn't seem to care...I-I at first feared I made a bad move before-

"Y-....You can talk?" H-HE SPOKE? ENGLISH?! THAT TRIBAL SPOKE TO ME! Everyone on our side seemed as equally shocked as the tribals now and the air was...I-I can't describe it. I-I've always heard the saying "History in the air" For some reason I felt this moment was a great moment in human history...w-we've made first contact with an alien species! I-I'M THE FIRST PERSON TO HAVE EVER TALKED TO AN ALIEN! AND EVEN MORE AMAZING WAS THAT WE SPEAK THE SAME LANGUAGE!!!

"Y-...You can understand me?" I asked back and once again everyone gasped.

"Y-Yes...I-I understand." The husky said and I looked at his eyes...we were only feet away...a human with a UMP strapped to his back wearing a worn suit and a husky alien tribal with a spear in his hands and an axe to his side...i-it seemed iconic. Completely different things...talking...

Suddenly a lion approached me and said.

"I-If you can understand us then let me ask you this...a-are you friendly? D-Do you fight with the metal ones?" The lion asked as the husky said.

"Brother no."

"Metal ones...do you mean those androids?" I asked

"Androids? Is that what you call them? Yes then the met-..androids...have they attacked you?" The lion asked but Alex walked up to me by my side.

"Yes...the-..metal ones...attacked us and we had to defend ourselves. We mean no harm as long as you don't attack." Alex stood by me and...i-it felt...weird.

"Then if you mean no harm then can we ask...h-have you seen the white phoenix? It landed somewhere in this forest." The lion asked as Travis came to my other side.

"White phoenix? No we have no idea what you mean. We crashed here not long ago." Travis said as...it made me wonder.

"Surely you must have seen it! It was screaming in the sky. A trail of fire behind it. The "androids" you speak of were attacking the phoenix. " The lion said as I realized.

"They're talking about the plane." I said as everyone looked at me.

"What?" They all asked.

"You saw us crash. That wasn't the phoenix you guys hoped for...it was us. In our" flying machine." Hoping it wouldn't confuse them.

"B-But that's impossible! The oracle told us that the Phoenix was down! We heard the sounds of battle and thought our brother tribes were defending the phoenix!"

"Oracle? The only attempt we made to contact anything else was our busted radio. We called saying we needed help and that-"

"Flight Phoenix was down" The husky said as if realizing something. Everyone looked at him now.

"B-Brother! They speak the truth! When I first heard the oracle it said "Flight" Phoenix was down not the white or fabled phoenix was down."

"N-No i-I can't be...c-can you show us? Can you show us your..."plane?" the lion asked as we looked at each other.

"Should we do it?"

"We're in the middle of alien planet being hunted by androids and an army of tribals with weapons capable of piercing through armor our bullets hardly make through and you think we should consider going at this alone?" Alex asked sarcastically because he was practically mocking his superior.

Travis looked like he got the message.

"Yes...we can show you but we need a promise in return."

The walking animals gathered for a second and whispered among themselves before nodding.

"Very well. We will help if you show us the..."phoenix" first." The lion said and it was agreed....the first agreement between our kind. If only we knew what history we had made right there. The others walked away but I stood there next to the husky who looked nervous to be around me and I felt the same way.

"Um...t-thank you by the way...for saving me." I said softly

"Y-Yeah I-I was glad I was there." He said back...it felt like we should have said more but...what could be said really?

We walked together...all the agents and tribals looking at each other studying their form, their looks, all their differences to be pointed out. Each side was still cautious about the other. The agents seemed to grip their weapons far more tightly than before and I noticed the tribals had their weapons tight in their hands.

The Husky and I were in the back of the group and we walked a safe distance away from each other. I gave the occasional glance at him...noticing his feet...I didn't know my dog body parts well but I think the back legs their knee is called a hock I think. It was still there on the dog and it was bent more upward like as if making a regular stand on its legs. It was astonishing I was starting to wish I took more Biology and Anthropology classes at Harvard because today was revolutionary! Scientists would have to scrap past theories and create numerous new ones!

I wondered if we ever got back home what would people think about them? Would they be afraid? Welcome them with open arms? What could our two species accomplish? I had to calm down, I had to focus we don't know too much about them yet but we've made a compromise already so we should have a chance to learn more about each other.

I examined the husky further as we walked back with the others. He appeared to have claws so even if we were unarmed say...he might have had a clear advantage over us. I then noticed his tail that was curved up and curled slightly like a huskies would be...

I then noticed he was looking at me. I hoped I wasn't offending him in some way but I noticed his eyes were...looking at my hands. I looked at them then back at him, at that moment he noticed my glances at his tail. He looked away and I saw his tail react nervously like he was being punished...so the tail does react with his emotions.

I suppose it was awkward glancing at each other so I stopped my curiosity for a moment and didn't dare look back. My mind still wondered about things...if they are tribals...that must mean they have a camp somewhere.

"I-It cannot be..." someone said as it made everyone stopped.

I saw we were back at the plane crash and the tribals looked at the destruction at awe. I had no idea how they were going to react. I held my breath and prayed for the best.

"W-What is...." One of them said before a Leopard appeared and looked furious. I noticed that the walking animals still had fangs as well as their claws. I was scared what the tribal might say.

"U-Unbelievable! These monsters attacked the white phoenix Zio and dare claim it as their "flying ship" to come here on our territory! I knew they couldn't be trusted we-" It was screaming as the agents looked back in terror at the tribals who looked equally as frightened...here we were feet away with guns and spears...fighting this close would literally be a bloodbath. But suddenly the lion from before stepped in front of the leopard and baring his fangs.

"Fenrien! Silence and look with your eyes instead of your blind anger! This is no phoenix!" He shouted at his comrade as the other looked betrayed.

"Do you see feathers?! Do you see the white flames that are said to surround it?! They are not there! This is not the white phoenix!" He said and I felt ready to pass out in what...I don't know but I don't know how many more startling discoveries I could take right now.

"I am sorry for his outburst...I am the chief's son and he would not disobey me when I say...I believe in these newcomers." He said as I breathed a bit more easily now. The leopard though looked at the chief's son with a glare that I could tell was not happy about this.

"If you have come from the sky then we must take you to the chief to decide what must be done with you. We are not hostile to newcomers but your presence might be frightening to our people back at our tribe. Our chief and my father Teryal is a fair and just leader and our shaman Akia will decide if you are truly harmless. " He said as Travis looked at him then nodded.

"We have no choice, we cannot hold out here alone. Listen up! We're going to follow the tribals back to their camp! Get everything into the Humvee's! Every last bit of food, ammo, and medicine we have! Move it men move it!" Travis barked orders again and all the agents ran towards the plane to gather what they could. I was about to join before I heard the husky whisper.

"Humvee?"

I was sure he was talking to himself but I couldn't bring myself to let him stand there confused by our words. Breaking my before promise not to examine him more I clearly pointed out the dog like muzzle he had and like a dog he titled his head to the right slightly when the word "Humvee" came up. Swallowing the awkwardness in the air I spoke to him directly.

"Its what we call-um...a fast moving...um er-land vehicle." I told him and he jumped when he heard me talking him but it didn't appear to make him understand.

"What's a vehicle?" He asked back and I knew this wasn't going to be easy to explain.

"Um-lets see I would try to put it as-" I said before a loud roar came from inside the plane. The tribals reacted immediately with their spears and axes at the ready. The leopard started screaming again and now I was more terrified than ever...because I'm one of the only humans next to the tribals still.

"I knew it! They must have harbored evil spirits in the-" The leopard screamed before our 2 humvees came out of the cargo wreck...and once again the tribals were in awe of our machines.

"W-What are those?!"

"They are like...turtles but look armored!"

"What else have these newcomers brought? I have never even heard of things like these!" The tribals were whispering to themselves before I saw Travis and a large group of people surrounding someone else...the president!

Even from here he looked back. The piece of shrapnel was still in his chest and the rest of the agents looked like they were losing a battle to keep him alive. The trunk of the Humvee was opened and the president was placed in it. It was the one of the only safest places we had right now...Still we have no medicine that could possibly help that...

I had the feeling no one else was going to ask what we all wanted in the back of our minds. Travis wouldn't admit it, Alex wouldn't be the type to beg...we are at the tribals territory, we have nothing and we are at their mercy.

"Excuse me." I said loudly as most of the tribals and the remaining agents still with the tribals looked at me. This was the chiefs son so asking him was the next best thing to asking the leader of the whole group. The lion looked at me curious what I was going to say.

When I went up to him I couldn't help but shiver at his size...he was pretty big, at least 5 inches taller than me. Even from behind the fur I could see his muscles bulging like he was a bodybuilder or something. I'm sure the tribal life forces everyone to be fit.

"Yes? Um what do you want?" He asked me as my lungs felt ready to give out.

"C-Can we borrow medicine?" I asked hoping he would understand. Surely they must know what medicine is.

"Medicine?"

"Yes...um we have a lot of injured people. The androids-um metal ones...wounded a lot of my people including our leader. We are afraid he will not make it...I know you are taking a risk to lead us back to your village but...please...we need help." I said as the agents looked like they didn't like my words but it had to be asked. I'll deal with any backlash from Travis later we had to help the president someway! The lion looked at me with wide eyes and I saw his tail flick. The leopard just gave me a glare like he did with the rest of us.

"Um...I-I do not know. I mean 'if' my father approves then we would but-" He said and that's all I needed to hear. Before I could say anything that agent with the blonde hair and glasses came through the crowd.

"You got to be fu-" He said about to rant but another agent held him back. I had to use diplomacy right now. He and the others had to see that.

"Yes...and thank you. I hope we prove ourselves worthy of your trust."

"Probably not." I heard the leopard whisper in disgust before he followed the leader lion and the other tribals. They stopped at a point in the woods and the leader motioned his head.

"It is this way. We will reach the village in an hour." He told us and everyone went back to their own kind. I took one more glance at the husky tribal and he did the same...i-...I wonder what he was thinking?

The tribals lead the front while our people were in the back carrying whatever they could with their hands and any bags they found. Some of us though had nothing and just walked. Others were carrying the injured through the woods. The Humvees had to maneuver around the massive trees but managed to keep the ride smooth for the president.

As I walked I could hear his violent coughing knowing every moment we keep that metal shrapnel in him...the less chance he has to live. I noticed one of the agents trying to give blood to him but I couldn't help but hear in my mind..."it won't do much good."

I shivered what it must feel like for the president right now...to be given blood and probably have as much bleed out right after you got it. The mood turned when I heard another voice from the agent with the glasses.

"Fucking having to follow these goddamn animals. They'll probably just rip us apart when we get out."

"Shut the hell up Carter." An agent whispered and I guess I know the douchebags name now.

Carter was trying to recruit people I think to wait back at the plane but he should know that would only doom us. No help was coming...everyone one of us was realizing that as we walked. We were not on Earth, we are not on land that we charted. We are alone...

The walk through the forest was quiet. Only the whispers and glances from each side of the different species was what I could point out. I lost sight of that husky tribal...why was I so interested in just him? In front of me were other walking animals, horses, bulls, big felines...maybe its because I've noticed that there are no other dogs in the group. Strange but then again who knows?

I half expected us to walk in a woodland village but then we saw...gold up ahead. Gold? It was a tannish yellow of some kind. The tribals walked into it with no trouble and we followed cautiously.

When we broke through the forest did I see it...fields...endless fields of wheat. Only then did I remember that before Alexander and I crashed, right before entering the forest I saw tons of wheat fields like the ones in North Dakota or Idaho. Our people looked at the amazing bounty of wheat. We didn't expect to see anything like this again.

In my mind I was thinking...so they must have master agriculture and must certainly have enough to feed them! I mean look at this! I'm sure this could feed everyone for an entire year! I only wonder how they made this. Even with out modern day machinery it would have taken months to carve all this out. We would need perhaps billions of seeds and thousands of people to collect them! Either these tribals have a lot of people...or they must have a surplus meaning we could negotiate for some food!

"Hey look!" someone said on our side. I looked at the young flight attendant pointing to where we were heading...I saw in the distance a-a village...smoke was rising but not too much....Civilization. I was starting to think maybe these animal tribals live similar to the ways of American Indians on Earth.

Still I couldn't get over how much wheat there was out here! It was like an ocean! A never ending-...

Suddenly my mind...it ached but not painfully... It was thinking very hard yet I had to put no effort. My eyes felt like they were seeing another world...before there was hundreds of tribals and agents walking through the endless wheat...b-but right now I could only see myself.

I looked around to see no village in the distance...just nothing but endless wheat. I turned to see the forest still but...Then I saw...a child far away from me. Completely confused and thinking myself insane I went towards the child looking at the forest. When I got closer to the child I could see brown hair...a red shirt having a superhero symbol on the back of it...little jeans...w-wait.

Then when I was only feet away the child turned to me...at first I saw his soft smile. His innocent aura, i-it felt like I was his father but I know I wasn't...when I looked into his eyes I felt something in my heart...This child was me...

"This place is like our dream." He told me keeping his smile as I looked at me stunned.

"dream?" I asked confused.

"Yeah! You know the one we went too when we felt sad! We wanted to just run through the forest then rest on the wheat! Maybe there's a waterfall we could swim in somewhere! We can explore this whole planet isn't it great?!" He said jumping in joy as I remembered...

T-This...this was like my dream...the nature here was...breathtaking. It looked totally uncorrupted as if blessed. I felt the urge to either run into the forest with my younger self or just collapse on the ground and enjoy the soft wheat bed. It was the perfect temperature, not too hot or cold...a slight breeze...a clear blue sky. I wanted this place because it felt like I could literally just sit here all my life and not need to prove anything to anyone. It was my paradise. When I wanted to relax I would relax, when I wanted to play I would play...

Letting my feelings get the better of me I opened my arms and fell onto the wheat and it felt like being reunited with an old friend...or maybe like you've been awake for days and finally got the perfect bed. With the day I've had it felt like I could ret for years before doing anything. I could hear a beautiful voice singing a lullaby...my eyes were growing heavier before I came to sleep...

"...............n.............."

"C..........in................"

"He-....Coll-......"

"Collin wake up!" A voice said loudly interrupting my dream as I looked around confused. A part of me wished everything was just a dream...that I was just on the plane still but I saw we were still in the wheat field. I looked up to the person waking me and it was Alex.

"Good you are awake...I was worried your heart quit on you." He told me with a happy sigh.

"W-What happened? it felt like I suddenly went into a dream without having to close my eyes or something." I said feeling a bit woozy still.

"I don't know. I think you've just been through a lot is all. You suddenly collapsed on the ground and went straight to sleep." He told me before noticing...w-wah?!

I then noticed my feet weren't on the ground...I was being lifted off the ground like a baby or bride by Alexander! A blush of embarrassment came over my cheeks as the agents looked at us awkwardly but they certainly looked envious of my sleep. We've all had a hell of a day.

"A-Alex you can put me down." I said softly as he smiled.

"You sure sleepy head? You won't collapse again?" He teased as it only made me more flustered.

"Put me down!" I complained and he chuckled gently before placing me back on my feet. I had an immediate reaction of regret wanting to go back to sleep as soon as I took a few steps. What I did notice though was that we were a lot closer to the village of the tribals.

I noticed massive logs as if built as a fortress. Along the massive wall was people looking at our approach...oh yeah that leader lion told us our presence would certainly cause a bit of commotion when we got here. Based on my bodies protest for sleep if they wanted to grab us and place us in a cage I don't think I could run away. I would just lay down on the ground and give up. God I was such heavy thoughts that I just wanted to sleep and think about all this.

"Stand aside I must see my father!" The lion proclaimed to the guards, they looked at us and our vehicles in shock. They didn't disobey him though we saw the doors open up and from above all the tribals I could see a large crowd had gathered to see us...new creatures to them no doubt. I would have liked to say I would be interested to see the others of the tribals but my body felt about ready to quit out on me again. Those tribals better not show me a bed because I was probably going to leap on it and fall instantly to sleep.

I did find it odd that they had walls while most native American tribes had just camps. They were ready to pack up and follow buffalo herds across the plains...so why does this tribe want to stay? I thought then I realized the answer was right behind me...the wheat. I'm sure I wouldn't want to leave this place either and with the nearby forest for defense and living purposes it probably seemed like the best home.

The walls were hardly 10 feet tall so they weren't anything out of tribal capabilities. They looked pounded into the ground and from what I could see...if I had to guess they must attacked every so often. On the wall I can see burned marks where I can only imagine the androids would fire their lazers at the village. These weren't small logs either they had to be at least 7ft thick. It must have taken a lot of force and willpower to have hauled these all the way from the forest.

When the first of the agents and flight attendents entered I heard the crowd whispering and talking to themselves. I was still on the outside of the wall but I could see the agents looking back at them. Everyone looked on edge yet I don't think they expected an attack.

Why because when I finally got in the village I saw...huts...numerous huts and tepees like Native American culture. I think the agents were expecting disgusting odors in the air, wet mud and houses built with straw and crap. But instead with my own eyes I saw...literally the definition of a peaceful village in my books. Not one hut or tepee looked misshapen. The ground had clear paths of where it inhabitants walked and the air was fresh. Actually I could smell what smelt like a blacksmith nearby but otherwise the air was clean.

The inhabitants were an image of the village. Like the huts and tepees they wore the same things really. Loincloth for the men and boys with the exception of the warriors with us, they sometimes had vests or a strap of leather with little knifes or feathers. If my world culture class serves me right I think that indicates how many kills they've gotten. The women also wore loincloths but also had what appeared to be bras on as well. It looked like they were made of cloth as well but I didn't want to stare at animal breasts for too long.

Besides maybe staring at women for too long is considered an insult or something. What was truly fascinating to me were all the species of earth animals here! Imagine! An alien race we can immediately identify with! There were Foxes, Leopards, Lions, Bulls, Horses, Wolves, Tigers, Panthers, and Cheetahs. But oddly a thought came to mind as it said...but no dogs...no Huskies.

They all looked at us in wonder. What were these beasts? Where did they come from? I could imagine them thinking. Younger ones were asked to go back to the huts and hide while the older ones looked at us in awe. We saw a few courage ones get close to us and nearly touched us for a split second as if thinking we would bite back with claws and fangs like they had.

Of course it didn't exactly put us at ease to have people touch the agents. I was sure the agents were thinking they were tasting us or something. Judging how much meat on our bones and that. I did wonder what these things ate.

There are nature rivals living here together. Foxes are hunted down by Wolves yet I can see them standing next to each other as if equals. There were so much talking and whispers that I couldn't make any clear voices out.

When the Humvees came in everyone gasped and a few ran for their huts as they saw as what the warrior tribals called "armored turtles" I suppose for tribals that makes sense. I'm sure the presidents life was hanging by a thread. We had to get help or else he won't make it through the night.

Then we saw the warrior tribals parting but the agents stood in line. They then chanted something before bowing. The agents froze in place but I snuck my way through them to see what we stopped for.

In front of us was the lion leader from the jungle...and now what I can assume was the real leader talking to him. Jeez I thought the other guy was taller but this guy must at least be 7 feet tall! He was adjourned with feathers and carried a massive staff. On his head was one of those hats feathers Native American tribes wear. I might have listened in class but I didn't get everything right.

The leader looked at us as amazed as the other tribals were. The younger leader talked to him and I could see a female dressed the same appear from the hut that I admit must have been the size of a human house! This had to be the leader. None of us dared to go up and explain our case. The three leaders talked to themselves as I saw a female wolf examining us with stunned eyes...she was dressed different. See looked more...mystical...then the others...she was carrying a staff too and had tattoos colored red over her body with symbols. Some I could identify from here like the sun but the rest were too far away.

Then I saw the husky tribal appear before the leader and I saw...huh?! The big leader gave the husky a hug! What was the meaning of that? I don't think hugging was part of Native American ways unless they were family but they are lions and he's a dog!....maybe not everything is earth like. I'm sure a few traditions could be blended together.

After what felt like hours with all these eyes staring at us the chiefs started to approach us. He raised his arms showing his staff before addressing us.

"You who comes to our home, burns a part of our forest, and have no name that we have given you. Name yourselves! What are you called? " He said loudly in a clear voice so that everyone including his tribe could hear him.

All of us trembled and stuttered. I admit I did too, I looked at Travis thinking at any moment he would step forward and say something but he only looked forward in a blank stare...Alex looked a bit more at ease but I could practically hear his eyes glancing at all the tribals still....No one stepped forward...-oh...oh come on people someone. Anyone say something! I screamed in my mind.

"Come speak! My sons told me you speak our language!" He addressed us again and still no one answered...god...here were special agents of the United States and yet they looked like frightened children. Sure I am the same but I'm not a battle hardened soldier! I'm a student who was studying to be a-...

At that moment I felt a-a fire in my heart. If no one else will speak for us then I will! I went up to Travis wanting his company if I did this. The chief I could tell was eyeing me as I went to Travis.

"Travis!" I whispered loudly and he shook his head as if waking up and realizing our present situation. He looked at me confused as I said confidently.

"I'm going to tell him. Can you join me?" I asked as he paused thinking about it then nodded but I could tell he wasn't confident about it. I left the group of humans and shortly after Travis followed. Then I saw Alex following me with a protective glare at the rest of the tribals. At that moment I saw an equally as massive bull stand next to the lion chief and looked at Alexander rather than me.

Alex was at my right and Travis was at my left. I felt a protected by them but when I was right in front of the lion, bull, and the female tiger chieftess I felt like it mattered nothing. All of them were taller than us except for Alex being taller than the female but she was taller than Travis and I...In fact....I was the shortest one here...My heart felt ready to give out.

Then chief stood proudly in front of me as I looked submissive to the guy I bet because I was ready to run back if he growled at me or something. He looked at me as if waiting for me to speak first and it felt like I was choking before I managed to give my name to the massive lion.

"I-....I am Collin. Collin Gunderson. A-And we called ourselves...um humans sir." I said as Travis and Alex looked at me as if amazed by my courage to give my name.

"Collin?...and you call yourselves...Humans?" He repeated my words as I nodded my head swiftly.

"Y-Yes sir. U-Um we did not mean to burn part of the forest. We crashed here and had to fight off those andr-...metal ones.' I said as every tribal who wasn't a warrior gasped as I said metal ones.

"Metal ones?...They attacked you?" He asked as I swiftly nodded again. My face felt on fire as each word was like trying to push against a thousand pounds of weight.

"Yes...w-we were attacked on our...flying machine and when we crashed they attacked again. We had no choice but to defend ourselves." I said as he looked at me with curious eyes then looked at our little tribe of humans. His glare seemed to pierce me like one of those spears as he looked back down at me.

"My sons also told me that there was no white phoenix ...only what the described...'like the metal ones but yet not like them'...what do they mean?" He asked as finally Travis stepped in.

"Its what we call a plane sir. It allows our kind to fly through the skies." He said as suddenly the wolf shaman gasped and stepped forward.

"F-Fly through the sky?! I-Is such a thing possible? W-Was the white phoenix we saw in the sky you?" She asked as if excited or like a child eager to learn.

"U-Um yeah we believe you saw us crash. We are sorry for anything offenses we caused." I replied as she looked at me curiously. At first I thought she wanted a closer look at me but she leaned more forward and forward that I had to keep my mouth away from her muzzle but she kept leaning forward looking me dead in the eyes. I looked at Travis and Alex but they looked at her confused what she was doing.

I feared at any moment she would bare her fangs and bite me but she didn't. She actually sniffed me. The lion chief looked at her as if waiting for something. Then just like that she backed off and turned towards the chief.

"There is no lie in this ones eyes...he speaks the truth...but-..." She said as the chief looked back at her.

"What?"

"...Nothing...they are not here to harm us." She announced and suddenly the tribe started cheering as we looked at them surprised by their sudden cheering.

The chief then looked at me and instead of a cold emotionless look I saw a small grin.

"Then we welcome you Collin and the humans! My sons tell me you have killed many metal ones and seemed willing to talk so we will welcome you for now. But I think before anything we should prepare some beds for our newcomers. People of the Kanza tribe! Prepare some tepees for the newcomers!" He ordered as everyone went to their huts and tepees and started running over to the east side of the village and started preparing...o-our huts?!

I thought it would take days of negotiation to be able to talk to the chief and be allow to stay inside their walls but in a few moments they welcome us like lost brothers?! I wondered if maybe they weren't as violent as we thought or maybe they were just naïve. The lion chief held his hand to me and the female tiger did the same to Travis.

"Then we welcome you to our people. Kanza, people of the wind! Are you the leader Collin?" He asked me as it-...WAIT!

"N-No! B-But please-" I said but Travis beat me to it.

"O-Our leader was injured in the crash and needs medicine! C-Can you please help him?" Travis begged as the chief looked serious again and went to one of the Humvees. He looked at it strangely as if expecting it to have a life of its own. He touched of for several moments noticing it was hard like a rock but yet as thin as a sheet. He followed us behind the Humvee and I didn't dare look.

The president looked completely white. He's lost a lot of blood and looked near death. His breathing was soft as the wolf shaman approached him and touched his hand...

"His life spirit is very weak." As all she said before nodding at some other wolves.

They went into a hut and we heard the clinking of what sounded like bottles inside. She then motion for two agents to bring him into the hut. They did without question as Travis followed close behind. I thought I would join before I felt a massive hand on my shoulders. I thought it was Alex but soon I felt claws where fingertips should be and it made my blood run cold. God getting into a fist fight with this guy would be suicide...

I turned to face him and we gave his soft smile again.

"Do not worry young Collin. Our healers are some of the best in the plains. If he can helped they can save him." He said as I only nodded.

"Well. I wish we could speak more but the humans look exhausted. Boris! Please show Collin's bodyguard here his tepee. We can talk more about their strengths in battle tomorrow." He told the bull next to him as I heard a bullish huff.

"That is his bodyguard? Doesn't look so tough to me." I heard him grunt as Alex shot back a glare. I could sense the tension in the air between these two. I mean I always thought it was a stupid rumor that big bodybuilders guys hate each and start fights but...it almost looks true. Alex looked just about as big as the bull named Boris. I could believe that bull was a bodyguard and I'm sure that bull must see that Alex is just about as fit as him.

"Alex..." I said softly as if begging him not to start a fight here or along the way. He nodded but still kept his glare at the bull as they walked off. I rubbed my eyes feeling close to collapse again as the chief chuckled.

"And don't worry young Collin I have a place for you. Castro!" he said as I saw...the husky! The husky jumped as his name was called and he approached his father but glanced back at me every so often.

"Please show Collin his home. Maybe you two could talk more like I heard Zio saying." He told us as he looked at me...t-they told him I was the first to talk with their kind?

"U-Um yes father. F-Follow me um..C-Coul-...Coell. Collin! Yes Collin right?" He said having trouble pronouncing my name.

"U-Uh yeah Collin." I said confirming him as we walked again. Once again we shared glances at each others figure. I saw the agents looking on as their tepees were built at extraordinary timing.

Neither of us spoke to the other as it felt...odd...only 2 hours ago...we saw each other...the first of two species...and now were living within the same village. I tried to break the silence between us.

"So...your name is Castro huh?" I said like I was back on earth with a girl or something. I was bad with girls usually except with Pai-...her name put me in a sad mood.

"Y-Yes Castro Talon." He answered and answered with that nervous tone that you felt bad for asking anything else. Then after a brief walk we stopped to see an average looking tepee and I figured that meant this one was mine. It was located in the near center of where us the 'humans' were now located.

I pushed open the leather door to see only a small bed with a sheet blanket. It wasn't much but it had all I needed at the moment...a good night rest. Castro waited outside the door looking at my reaction. I sat down on the bed and looked at him.

"U-Um....rest well" He answered swiftly and I could hear him speed walking away.

Usually when big things happen I take a moment to reflect about the day...what I learned...what happened...what I could have done better...what I could have done worse...

Tonight...I fell to my side landed right on the center of the bed...and fell straight to sleep.