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After an hour nothing seemed to come to mind as he gazed upon the waterfall. He knew this place was the very heart of the island since earth, water and sky all converged here. The on-going problem was how could he speak with the spirits of the island. As he looked around he noticed a large flat rock in the center of the river. It was several yards away from the base of the waterfall, yet its surface was flat.

Luckily the current wasn't super strong as he reached the rock and climbed onto it. As he stood there watching the waterfall something shimmered behind the crashing water. Sadly he didn't catch it right away but when he look again he saw it. "I wonder if there's something on the other side and that's where I need to go." He said to himself. With that he dove back into the water and swam under the falls.

A few minutes later he swam to the underside of the waterfall and surfaced safely. Taking a look around before doing anything else, sure enough there was a ladder. He swam over, climbed up slowly and gazed upon a shrine unlike anything he's seen. Walking closer he marveled at the statues and decorations in place. Soon something against the far wall they appeared to statues of some kind.

The statues each represented not only a specific element but, an animal associated with that element. Though each animal spirit was similar to one's that were native to the island. He took one more look around the medium sized room for clues of some kind. Sighing to himself Kenneth decided to kneel down and say a prayer. Perhaps that was the reasoning behind this rite of passage into the village.

As he folded his arms into his lap and set to work putting himself into a meditative trance. Over a short space of time things started to quiet down as all his senses heightened. His mind, body and soul were slowly becoming one with each other. Before he had a chance to react something reached out and made contact. "Well, now who's this a new spirit but, also a strong male too." A female voice spoke out.

"Male you have shown a great deal of resourcefulness and respect during your trials. Strong enough to gain our attention though what amazes us is you weren't born on this island. Though you've worked hard to reach this place and that can't be ignored. So tell me male what do you wish of me and my fellow spirits?" She wondered. While she spoke to him, Kenneth looked around trying to find the source of the voice.

"Relax, warrior there's no sense trying to find us we are speaking to you through the wind." Another female voice informed. That still didn't settle Kenneth's nerves much but, something felt wrong. Sadly he was having a hard time trying to put his finger on this situation. "You seem to have many questions feel free to ask them." A third voice said warmly. His mind went completely blank when the third voice spoke to him.

Finally after a few minutes Kenneth was able to re-locate his voice and replied. "Are you the three spirits I was told to speak to and learn the final test of my trials?" He wondered respectfully. The spirits were quiet for a good while before they gave him a proper response. "Yes, we have the knowledge you seek but, we are still deciding. So please allow us a little more time to see if you deserve it." They stated.

He agreed to give them all the time they needed to make up their minds on the matter. The three female spirits wasted no time debating amongst them selves about his worthiness. They talked about everything he's been through from start to finish even recent events. Nothing was left out of their discussions while Kenneth sat there waiting patiently. Naturally he tried to listen in but, it proved tricky to hear everything.

What seemed like several hours the three spirits finally finished speaking. They turned to face him then made their way towards where he was sitting. "We have come to a decision Kenneth if you're ready to hear it?" The spirit in the middle said. Kenneth rose to his feet then nodded giving them the go ahead. Before they spoke the three women look at each for a moment then spoke.

"Kenneth, after debating long and hard about your worthiness in this difficult trial. We have concluded that given everything you've been through that you've passed. Now we shall give you a clue as to you next and final test in your rite of passage. As the sun sets look to the sky, search for a sign showing you the path home." They spoke in unison. In a bright flash of light Kenneth snapped awake and was panting heavily.

As he gathered his breath, he rose to his feet then felt something rather strange on his chest. He looked down only to see three markings painted neatly on his chest. These markings seemed to match the ones carved on the three statues. Taking another look around he saw some thick vines growing along one side of the cavern. This was safer way out since he couldn't go back the way he came.

The first thing he did before climbing out was check the vines to see if they hold him. After ten minutes of checking them he finally climbed up and through the sky light. Once topside he looked around to see where the sun was in the sky. Sure enough the sun was just starting to set in the sky as he looked to the west. Just as he looked up to the multi-colored evening sky, a shooting star streaked across the sky.

That was the sign he was told to look for and he had to follow it just as he was told. He didn't want to waste time so instead of unpacking his rope he jumped into the river. The current was strong but, it wasn't chaotic like he's seen in the past. As the crest of the waterfall drew closer he prepared himself for the upcoming drop. Positioning himself feet first in the water then his crossed his arms across his chest.

It was straight seventy-five foot drop to the bottom of the waterfall to southern river. When Kenneth surfaced he was a half mile down river from the waterfall. Since he lost consciousness when he impacted the water at the bottom of the waterfall. Using the last of his strength to swim safely to shore, where he fell asleep. Luckily during the night not a single thing happened across him as he laid there.

Kenneth finally woke up about nine hours later fully rested but, a bit sore. He caught some fish then cooked them on a small fire and enjoyed his breakfast. Once his stomach was full he checked his gear before making his way home. His home wasn't far from here but, something told him not to bother. The village was a couple of hours walk in the opposite direction from here.

That's where he went in the direction of the village since he felt his rite of passage was over. As he took his time walking back to the village he failed to notice he was being followed. The snapping of a small branch got his attention so he jumped out of sight. Sure enough a predator native to the island appeared a moment later. He debated whether or not to kill and bring it back to the village as a gift.

Normally it would take three hunters take to one of these animals down without trouble. Since he was alone it would proved to be suicide if he decided to kill it. So instead he allowed the animal to leave the area in peace to find some decent prey. When the animal had safely left the area Kenneth resumed his journey back to the village. Unfortunately it was short lived as the predator launched towards him from out of nowhere.

The sound of branches snapping, grunting and snarling filled the air within seconds. Suddenly a deafening silence and stillness blanketed the area, moments later. It seemed like hours before any movement was made as Kenneth emerged victorious. He slung the dead predator over his shoulder and pressed on towards the village. As the village finally came into sight Kenneth's injuries were draining his strength.

Uuri and Manjee were standing guard as Kenneth limped into sight minutes later. The scent of blood soon filled the air as he moved closer but, he collapsed to the ground. They rushed to side and carried him straight to Joura's hut and placed him down. She went right to work stitching his wounds up while Andorra rushed in to help. Joura told her to leave the hut since she was doing more harm than good.

Andorra didn't go very far she walked outside and sat down directly in front of the door. Everyone that happened to walk by found it rather strange but, didn't question her reasons. Several hours passed and Joura finished bandaging all of Kenneth's wounds. "Cheiftess, you can come in now I'm all done in here." Joura replied as she collapsed into a chair. She stood up then entered the hut and sat right by his beside.

"How bad was he Joura?" Andorra wonder looking at her. Joura took a moment to regain some of her lost energy before replying. "To put it simply he's dodged another bullet." She informed. Both women let out huge sigh of relief at the good news. "That's good Joura to be honest I've been on edge since he left the other day. Though judging from these marks the spirits granted him their blessing." Andorra said.

"Yes, his rite of passage is now complete and he even brought us a little gift. Any suggestions as to what should be done with his gift cheiftess?" Joura wondered. Andorra took a moment to think about it before she shared her opinion. "Have Imaya craft some suitable clothes for him using the entire pelt. Save the good meat for Kenneth and spread the rest evenly among the villagers." Andorra instructed.

Once Joura recovered some more then she got up and left her home to inform Imaya. As Kenneth slept his dreams took him to a far off place that stretched on forever. "Welcome, Kenneth to the home of your new ancestors and you must have questions." A silver haired man said. He was unsure how to proceed given the situation but, he didn't want to be rude. So when he went to speak another person approached and spoke.

"Now isn't the time for such things he needs to choose between living or death. So Kenneth choose to remain among the living or walk through the gate behind you." The second spirit stated pointing behind him. Kenneth was really confused, he didn't think his injuries were that serious. Though he knew that he was bleeding in a few places but, not severely. Besides Joura has probably patched up all his wounds by now.

As he stood there both spirits stared at him wondering when he was going to decided. On whether or not to choose to live and wake up or to walk towards his final resting place. When at that final moment a flash back crashed across his senses. That memory alone proved to be the deciding factor in this choice of life and death. Kenneth said his goodbyes then rushed towards the doorway of life.

The spirits watched and smiled as he chose to go back where he was needed. Back in the living world a few days had passed and Kenneth's body healed nicely. Sadly everyone was truly concerned that he would never wake up from his strange slumber. Luckily around dinner time Kenneth stirred from his sleep and awoke in an empty hut. Judging from the sounds outside everyone was gathered around the village center.

Sure enough as he peered outside everyone was indeed gathered around a large campfire. They were talking, eating, laughing and enjoying memories of the past. Kenneth went back inside, searched for his garments and put them on. Before he walked out of Joura's home and made his way over to the campfire. As he approached nobody was paying attention to their surroundings as he sat down.

He took a seat right behind Joura and Imaya, while Andorra was sitting to the left. As a plate of food made its way around the circle of villagers, Uuri handed it to Kenneth. Oddly enough she didn't bother to look where she was passing it. Though Imaya was the first one to notice that the plate wasn't handed to her. She looked all around to see where the large plate of food disappeared.

"Uuri, what did you do with the plate of food?" Imaya asked looking over at her. Uuri told her that she handed it off to her and she felt it being removed from her hands. At this point Kenneth simply couldn't keep his laughter under control as he snerked loudly. That got everyone attention as they whipped their heads around and stared directly at him. As they saw him sitting there, he smiled and waved hello at everyone.

Before Kenneth could do anything Andorra launched herself from where she sat. Bowling Kenneth over onto his back, hugging the very breath from his body. While everyone else burst into applause in celebration of his full recovery. "Highness please let him go before you put him accidently into another coma." Joura stated. With that she instantly let him go and sat back allowing him to sit up also.

"Thanks for that, Joura two comas with one out of body experience is plenty for me. So I've got one question for everyone here, did I pass my rite of passage." He said with a hint of humor. This time around Imaya and Joura pounced him to the ground. They hugged his neck tightly and kissed him very affectionately as Andorra watched. She got up, took a couple steps towards him and looked down.

"Girls could you please allow him to stand up there's something that needs to be said." Andorra informed. They did as she asked and moved calmly away from Kenneth. He rose to his feet and looked deep into Andorra's lovely blue eyes. "Welcome to the tribe, Kenneth in the morning we'll discuss your rights as a male. For now let's us enjoy the night and celebrate until the sunrise." Andorra stated passionately.

With that being said everyone did exactly as the cheiftess said and started to party. Music began to play, people began to dance, while others started singing. Andorra, Imaya and Joura grabbed him then dragged him in the center of the dancers. Sadly Kenneth confessed that he had two left feet when it came to dancing. They didn't seem to mind, they were more than happy to teach him the basics.

Much to his amazement Kenneth learned skills that he never thought he'd able to learn. Granted he wasn't the most graceful of dancers but, he managed for the most part. As the night wore on the celebration slowly wound down to a crawl. So everyone decided to go to bed for the rest of the night and pick up in the morning. Though Andorra, Joura and Imaya had far more explicit plans for Kenneth.

Before he even had a chance to get a word in edge wise all three women dragged him away. Right into Andorra's hut then her rather large bedroom a moment later. Soon the night was filled with the sounds of pleasure and hearts joining as one. As the four new found lovers enjoyed the pleasures of their intimacy. The village was now whole thanks to Kenneth's no longer accidental arrival.

As the morning came they awoke basking in the afterglow of their explicit night. "So my lovely ladies where do we go from here?" He wondered looking at them. Before any of them spoke they each gave him a warm kiss on the lips. "That is something we shall leave up to the spirits of the island to decide." Andorra smiled. With that said they looked to the future and prayed that it would be a smooth journey.

The End.