Totem Warrior

Separated

I sat while looking around. This shelter was made like a large dome of stacked stones. There were two gates, on the front and back, made of thick and strong wood. Inside were many tents prepared for sleeping, while in the middle was where people gathered to eat or to sharpen weapons.

I deliberately waited a few minutes after Noe left me, pretending to be warming myself by the fire. I didn't want to seem close to anyone, I believe Noe thought the same. After that, I returned to the camp reserved for the boys from the logistics team.

When I arrived, all the children were already lying in their places and some were fast asleep. Today was tiring. I saw that Noe was already lying in the corner and it looked like he had started to fall asleep. I chose one of the empty spots and lay down there.

I couldn't fall asleep right away, not because of the snoring from the boy next to me, but because my mind was full of the things that had just happened. Noe's words were ringing in my ears that tomorrow was going to be a tough day. On the first day alone I almost died twice, how can I face a tougher tomorrow? I still hope that all of this was just a dream and tomorrow morning I will wake up in my world. This totem world is too terrible to live in.

***

“Rex!” cried Noe in a hushed voice.

I opened my eyes because Noe woke me up. Part of me was disappointed that I was still awake in this strange world. I looked around and found that it was still dark, but the camp was empty.

My eyes were still sleepy, but I felt that my body was fresh and full of energy. I still felt sore in some parts of my body, especially on my feet because of the scars that haven't dried up from yesterday's hunting, but I thought it's not a big problem.

"Come on, quickly!" whispered Noe again.

He had already taken his equipment and carried it on his back, after that he immediately ran out of the tent leaving me. I jumped to my feet and immediately grabbed my equipment sack that I put beside me. Carrying my equipment sack, I ran outside and by the time I was outside the camp, everyone was already lined up. All eyes were on me as I lined up behind my yesterday group.

“Today we will collect as many hunted animals as we can and bring them to the shelter. For that, we will be divided into small groups. Two Totem Warriors with three or four logistics teams in one group," said our leader.

The people lined up in front of me started to look restless, some glanced my way. I can guess what's on their minds. No one wants to be in a group with me, of course. Noe and Rea quickly got their group together. Noe glanced at me but there was no place left in his group. I can only stay silent, waiting until the last group is formed.

"You come with me, kiddo," said someone who suddenly tapped my shoulder from behind.

Rais Musi, it was he who tapped me on the shoulder. I could see the other totem warrior who was with him and the two kids from the logistics team were unhappy with the decision, but they kept quiet. Maybe, Rais Musi wanted to give me a chance. At least that's the only positive thought I can think of right now.

In a few minutes, we were out of the shelter, just as the sun was rising. The totem warriors will probably hunt until just before sunset like we did yesterday. I quickly caught up with Rais Musi and my small group. Today, I am determined to do better.

"If anyone is left behind, prepare to die," said Rais Musi when we entered the forest.

I know he said that to the rest of the group but I felt offended. We all nodded. After that, no one dared to speak. We were concentrating because the two Totem Warriors in front of us were already walking slowly, lurking around.

We kept doing that, combing the forest, until the sun was right above our heads. It felt like time went by so fast. It's already noon, but we haven't found a single beast yet. However, the two Totem Warriors suddenly lowered their bodies. From Rex's memories, I knew that if they were sneaking around like this, it meant something was close by. Finally, we will find one beast.

However, when we waited a few minutes, the forest remained silent and nothing happened. I followed the rest of the team, crouching and staying behind the totem warriors, but it made me sleepy. Just as my eyes were about to close, I suddenly heard a terrifying hiss. I widened my eyes and saw a snake that was probably as tall as a double-decker bus.

The two Totem Warriors immediately stepped forward and threw their spears. Spear of Rais Musi and his friend, whose name I don't know, miss. The giant snake was angry. With its tail, it tried to attack them. With agility, Rais Musi jumped and rolled to avoid the attack. I watched flames come out of his palms and he took an arrow with a very fast motion. Fire flashed from the tip of the arrow and quickly, the arrow flew from the bow and hit the snake's head.

"Good job Rais!" praise his friend.

I and the other members of the logistics team got ahead and we did our job well and fast. I dug into Rex's memory. We had to cut off the head of this snake and only take the body. We divided the snake's body into several parts and put them in the sacks we brought with us. Only one animal, but our sacks are nearly full.

“One more animal, we can go back to the shelter. If there is still time, we can go find another one after emptying the sacks,” Rais told us.

We nodded in agreement. In the Totem world, no one said yes as approval, from Rex's memory I knew that would be impolite. So, I followed with a nod and silence.

We walked further through the forest. I felt quite tired already because we didn't take a break at all to eat. On hunting days, we only ate one meal at night after hunting, because we couldn't afford to waste time resting. It's too dangerous. After all, the meat of the beast that was last night, was magically enough to fuel us until the afternoon.

The sun was starting to lean to the West, but we haven't found any beasts yet. Maybe they knew they were being hunted. However, we can't go home if we haven't filled our sacks with animal meat. The two Totem Warriors would go home in disgrace if that happened.

"Lodi, wait," Rais said suddenly, stopping us. He looked down at the ground.

I also looked at his gaze and noticed that on the ground there were animal tracks. I didn't know what animal it was because the footprints were very large.

"The trail is still new," replied Lodi, apparently that was his name.

“All of you collect firewood to take to the shelter and wait here until we return. This beast cannot be approached by many people," said Rais.

"This place is quite safe, as long as you stay together," Lodi added. He then gave us one of his flaming torches to protect us.

After saying that, they went behind the trees.

"What are you waiting for? We collect firewood, but don't go outside the reach of the aura and the light of the flaming torch," said one of the children from the logistics team. I and the others nodded.

The child hung the flaming torch on one of the trees, and after that, we were all busy looking for firewood. I made sure to stay within reach of the torch and headed back to the center to put down the kindling I found. I went back to looking for firewood and suddenly I saw Rais Musi. I was surprised because shouldn't he be hunting beasts?

“You, go down this path. There is a river. Pick blue fruits there. It will be very useful for us in the future,” said Rais.

“Bu-but—”

“You dare to argue?” he asked in a rising tone. I swear I could see flames burning from both of his palms at a glance.

I immediately shook and lowered my head. He left immediately after that.

I saw the path he showed. The road leading to the river was not protected by the flaming torch and it was getting dark. I must quickly carry out his orders before it gets dark.

I quickly ran towards the direction Rais indicated. My heart was pounding because the flaming torch was no longer protecting me. However, I found the river he was referring to and those bright blue fruits. I immediately picked it up and put it in the sack. The fruits were very small and I picked them up along with the branches to make it quick. After finishing, I ran back to where I was before, but it felt like I was struck by lightning. I saw no light of the flaming torch at all and my group was no longer there.