Vile Humanity Part 1

     Warm light filters down to the soft warm grass. It streaks across deep brown, nearly black hair. The light gently kisses the darkened skin of the female sprawled across the gentle ground. A breeze slips by, a river over her head, pulling the grass to tickle her sides.

   Deep green rustle over head, dancing to the winds sweet melody. Foliage turns and whispers the presence of another drawing near. The murmurs grow louder as the gentle padding of light feet starts to reverberate through the ground at a rapid pace.

   "Polikwaptiwa! Polikwaptiwa!" A young voice shouts seconds before bursting out of the forest edge.

   The child rests on his knees panting slightly. He skin already dark, partially from birth, partially from the constant sunlight. He wears nothing more than a light tan breechcloth tucked around his waist. This shows off his thin frame, built lean and slim from just enough food and lots of exorcise. His legs and arms already showing signs of his future strength.

   The young woman looks back at the boy meeting his deep brown eyes. Her head falls slightly to one side, dark hair spilling over a small shoulder.

   "What is it little Demothi?" ,Polikwaptiwa asks in a gentle voice.

   The young boy looks up at her, "The chief has politely beckoned you sister Polikwaptiwa."

   The woman slowly lifts herself off the ground. Her deerskin dress shifts around her movement, before slipping peacefully back into place. Her bare toes crinkle and bend around the smooth thin blades of grass.

   "Why me? Spring has already come and there are no dances, or stage shift celebrations to come." Polikwaptiwa speaks in a voice as light as air.

   The boy shakes his head finally rising to stand tall. He opens his mouth to speak more clearly, "He has summoned all of the ancestral spirits."

   With all sense of politeness gone from the boy`s voice a clear order can be heard. Sunset eyes narrow into dangerous slits at such a commanding tone.

   "Do not miss step Demothi, the others are not as light or forgiving as I am. Talk to them in such a way and they will not just flutter on." Polikwaptiwa warns.

   She raises her head and starts walking. Her long dark legs stretch out from the pulled tan dress, easily gliding over the grass. The boy follows  behind his head hanging lower than a wilting flower. His feet stomp heavily in comparison to the female ahead of him, but in all reality his feet land like cotton.

   The whish and whispers of the woods, a sound incomprehensible to all but the most highly trained ears, are overwhelming as they slip through the female`s ears. Her pace picks up until she does not touch the ground. The sounds dances around her with new light as the human world sinks away, even the pants of the boy running after her completely fade away.

   Polikwaptiwa closes her eyes listening to the rustle of growing grass and the creaking trees. She feels the vibration of paw steps reverberate through the soft dirt. The gentle kiss of the wind is joined with the soft flick of bird feathers and the silky flutter of butterfly wings gliding across her skin. The call of the world around her envelopes her in a growing worry.

   Vibrant sunset snaps open to glow and light the dimming world. Shimmering colors flow through stagnant air. A world of so much yet so little. The quite voices gain strength the sound wrapping around the fragile frame pulling her to a stop. Shapes rise in the shadows, small lines of varying widths swiping through the air in thin outlines of all colors under the sun and more. The highly trained sunset glow easily picks up forms in colors unable to be viewed by ordinary eyes.

   A light mist creeps along the ground in a gentle thin glitter. The cool damp air slips around everything in a curving wave as to avoid touching anything. The liquid motion stirs the surrounding air to be thick and light. The moisture refuses to settle, straying droplets dragging across her earthy skin covering it in small bumps.

   A chill slips down the female`s spine tracing each vertebrae. Long, slim fingers, with skin so tight the bone nearly protrudes, traces along her shoulders before digging into the fragile flesh. Her skin presses in like cloth giving to the harsh touch along the end of her small shoulders. The long hands stretch out enough to fully consume the round of her shoulders.

   "Well hello little butterfly." A smooth silky voice cues as the sharp fingers dip harshly to dig into the tearing flesh.

   Polikwaptiwa freezes in place, small tremors her only movement. She opens her mouth only to slip and stutter, "S-spider...you kn-know the rules her, l-let go of m-me."

   "Aw, now now don`t be so scared of me." The voice gently whispers, inching closer so the voice slips smoothly into her ear the breath dragging across her skin.

   "Spider, leave her alone!" A strong voice commands harshly.

   Both heads whip around to face the source. Deep purple lines bend and sway ahead of them outlining a shifting shape. It steps forward in powerful strides. The shape bends and twist before stepping ahead of them, towering over the smaller female. The rippling lines still in solid bold light. They burst in blinding rays, washing the area in a bright purple glow.

   The blinding light slowly weakens. The dizzying dots in eyes sunset and black splatter the air in flashes of color. The bold burst simmer to nothing. The male towering over them glares with shocking purple gaze. The pupils deep pinpoints set in a purple wring, the gems crafted to fit a dark strong face.

   The bone structure is clear anywhere muscles don`t prohibit from view. The muscles ripple under his skin as he  turns to glance harshly behind the smaller of the two. Polikwaptiwa shifts slightly only to freeze back in her block of ice.

   Silver clings gently to a dark bony figure. Each joint, dip, divot, chip, and bend in her shape is clear under tight earthy skin, a shade deeper than Polikwaptiwa. High cheekbones raise daring black pits, etched with the mirroring lines around the black iris. Long black hair is pulled into a thin intricate braid wrapped around her head to fountain down on both sides around her sharp face. The tall tower shivers in the icy chill of purple wind.

   The stare down does not last for even a second. Long legs give in to bend outwards allowing the taller shape toward the nonexistent ground.

   "My apologies brother crow, I did not know you took such concern for our younger sister butterfly." The silky voice speaks on light feet thinner than arched pointed legs.

   "We are all siblings here, none should have to live in fear." The male speaks calmly with such frightening certainty.

   Carefully the male wraps a powerful arm around the shoulders of Polikwaptiwa making her appear as little more than a small doll. He pulls her forward, the deep black singed feathers swishing across his legs (look up the story of white crow if you want to know why I say singed).

   "Do not fear sister, we are all in peace." 'Crow' says calmly as he continues to guide the younger female.    

   "I understand Shishiesh," Polikwaptiwa speaks lightly, tugging out of the iron grip on her shoulders, "but I should probably go find my closer siblings."

   A tight hand wraps harshly around her wrist pulling their eyes to meet in a harsh, silent clash. "Actually you will be coming with me today." The male takes an edgy tone, all kindness and peace slipping away.

   Tiny feet run around delicate skin showing through small shakes and shivers. "I don-"

   Shishiesh gives a curt nod pulling her along once more. Polikwaptiwa slips forward nearly falling as her feet stumble and fumble to find a settled pace. She glares up through loose, long, black strands to see him still looking ahead. His short black hair sways and flows, each strand with its own steps.

    "There is much to tell and this group will not settle quickly. You will be in a section of your natural predators so stay close and stay quiet." Shishiesh  whispers quicker than his steps.

   Polikwaptiwa only manages a swift nod. She manages to stretch her small legs fast enough and long enough so she only lags behind slightly. Quick light steps raise on occasion if she falls too far behind.

   "Ah...but the chief has summoned me, should I not go there?" Polikwaptiwa asks lightly, the thought just now catching up with her.

   "We have all been summoned but only few may go, that is why I brought everyone here." He responds quickly, his gaze not shifting from ahead of him.

   Polikwaptiwa falls silent far too long. Her mind in a dizzy swirl of thoughts. Her mouth finally cracks open to the best of its ability, "What horrors are we going to face?"

   "Something far worse than any drought or storm." Shishiesh mumbles, his own voice giving to a hint of fear.

   Polikwaptiwa shrinks down, her enemy becoming her friend as she slips closer. Her small hands find their way around his arm, it takes both of them to wrap around the muscle and meet on both sides. She molds and melts into his side, after all a small insect is not built for such trouble.

   Shishiesh makes no complaint or effort to remove the petite female. He shifts his steps to move near her, the soft petals of bright flowers and gentle silky wings of fallen butterflies brush his bare side. He glances down, his eyes now a calm deep blue, to watch the shift and sway of the fluttery outfit of his companion.

   "I cannot worry them all beyond what is necessary. Some are too fragile and fearful, others are not built for fighting." Shishiesh thinks softly, a meek hope that there is something he can do to protect his siblings from the truth.

   The breezeless air shifts raising the long end of Polikwaptiwa`s vibrant dress just slightly. The blues, reds, purples, pinks, golds, and  other colors disrupt the darkness in a bright smooth sway through the air.    

   "That must be another bird." Polikwaptiwa whispers looking down at her bright gown.

   "Do not worry." Shishiesh whispers, leaning down so his voice does not need to be lifted, "They will not hurt you if you do not stray from my side."

   Polikwaptiwa manages a gentle nod shifting to lay more weight on her left leg, this allows her a bit closer. The warmth slips between the small patch of air between the two preventing chills from the icy air. The only trait in the dark empty space seems to be the nipping cold and the contrasting colors of the people walking across the bland background.

   Soon the air crackles and ripples. The defining icy chill fades, instead it is replaced by a bite of warmth in thin waves that just lick the skin of the two walking spirits. The bland background slips behind lines of light ranging in all colors under the sun. The slipping waves shift undistinguishably, taking their time to form definite shapes.

   Flames lick the air casting darker shadows across and already black sky. Smokey fog of delicate lacy grey dances freely in the sky with out bound, limit, or guiding hand. It gleefully forms shapes of horror and peace, unimaginable anywhere else. The colors strike the surface of grey stirring it further in new dips and forms, the flowing liquid passing between glimmering rocks.

    A flare of yellow lights brighter than the tame fire claims the attention of all with out moments hesitation. The burst equivalent to the sun is gone as soon as it is there. In place of the light stands a tall, muscular female with skin on the lighter side of the tone of the two approaching. She is clothed in a short sunny, sand fur top and matching torn skirt swishing around her knees. Daunting gold eyes scan the area, slit pupils grow and shrink to take in those standing bellow her. A foot shifts to cover the top of the short shining red stone.

    "Brothers, sisters there is no need to hide here. Shape to your true forms so we may begin in time of great distress." She speaks in a calm strong voice, a command impossible to deny.

   The lights flicker and shift. The empty space becomes tight and crowded with warm tightly packed bodies of people as different as snowflakes from the sky. Tall and short, wiry and thick, pale and dark, happy and grumpy, frightening and peaceful, no two were perfectly alike, yet a thin glow slips between them all, a thread holding them together. They stand in silence, head held high as each waits respectfully.

   Polikwaptiwa and Shishiesh slow to a stop. Crammed shoulder to shoulder, they stand between a thick tall man, the biggest there, with long black hair pulled back in a tight braid, deep brown eyes, and a bear print stamped on his chest. The loose cloth around his waist is a soft brown. On their other side to the right is a tiny boy with the blackest hair and eye ever seen, there is a red tone to his skin and the small frame hides true strength.

   The tall bulky man glance down at them, a small but polite growl climbing up his throat. He gives a lazy nod to Shishiesh his braid slipping forward some over large horrifying shoulders. He cast a small glance to Polikwaptiwa setting a thick meaty hand on her shoulder.

   "Do not fear sister." He grunts out before looking ahead.

   Polikwaptiwa freezes in spot, stillness an impossibility with the heavy and deadly weight on her shoulder. A slight tug on her arm pulls her away from the weight and away from Shishiesh`s lighter grip.

   Polikwaptiwa`s head snaps over to the smaller boy now holding her arm. Though his grip lighter it is clear to tell that he could crush her bone if she angers him.

   "Yes Kilchii?" She asks in a light, inquisitive tone.

   "I figured you would feel better by a fellow insect. The fear on you is quite clear and a bit unsettling." Kilchii speaks.

   "Oh, Thank you." Polikwaptiwa smiles sweetly, her cheeks lifting some.

   A harsh tug pulls Polikwaptiwa back. She slips over top her feet backing up to prevent meeting the ground. She catches herself just in time settling her feet sturdily upon the dark ground. A glance is cast up to see glaring deep blue eyes and a hard set jaw.

   "It is not your duty to care for her Kilchii. She is under my orders at the time being." Shishiesh lets out in a harsh threatening manner.

   The tinier male stands tall his eyes showing no sing of distress. "You are causing her great discomfort, it is not like I am actually taking her away. The group is better when all are at peace, not just you Shishiesh." He replies calmly.

   "I need her by my side here, or would you rather that spider get her?" Shishiesh warns, his eyes little more than slits at the moment.

   "You are under estimating our sister, or the ability of us as more than single units." Kilchii responds curtly.

   Polikwaptiwa looks between them, her eyes darting side to side for a moment. She gently clears her throat, the scratchy sound soft. "I am well either way, if Shishiesh insist I stand by him than that is fine. It is interesting to see a new side of our siblings after all."

   Both pairs of eyes land on her. Shishiesh turns around tugging her closer again with out a word. Kilchii gives a small nod but refuses to move further away as his group mentality refuses to let him stray from the side of his nervous sister. Attention returns back to the golden eyes that had been staring at them all along, narrowed to a threatening manner.

   "Well if the dispute is over," The woman snaps, "it would be great if Shishiesh could come up here and tell of his findings of the future."

   Sharp looks reach their direction, tracing the outline of said man. Pupils cut into Shishiesh in distrust, some even in anger. The large man to his left nudges him lightly to get him to move.

   Long fingers lace tightly around Polikwaptiwa`s, the hand smooth and cool. Shishiesh glides through the crowd tugging the female behind him. They push past tightly packed bodies, thick and thin alike. The smell of fresh dirt, bark, and grass rises from each body passed, warm skin or oddly textured clothes dragging across their sides. Few actually part enough to let them through.

   Bony finger drag in a sickly sweet fashion cross Polikwaptiwa`s delicate shoulder. Her warm sunset eyes meet wicked icy black ones only for a second before another tug jolts her forward and into Shishiesh`s tight back.

   "Geez, I thought you were suppose to be graceful Wings." Shishiesh allows a small joke through, glancing over his shoulder at the blushing female.

   "We all fall out of our element from time to time." She whispers lightly, her flushed face turning to the ground.

   "I guess dealing with a natural enemy is like soaking those big wings of yours." Shishiesh says, pulling her on once more.

   Polikwaptiwa steps carefully onto the red rock, the rough surfaces catches on her smooth feet eating the bottoms that hardly felt the earth beneath them. Shishiesh walks up with ease no trouble on his feet though they hade seen the ground as little as Polikwaptiwa`s. She watches him climb forward, the tug on her arm fading temporarily before she to ascends where she never expected to be. Her eyes meet the gold ones, an arched sandy eyebrow causing her to shrug and duct her head.

   "Why did you bring her along Crow?" The woman asks shifting her gaze, though there little questioning is truly conveyed.

   "You know why Atsila." Shishiesh responds coolly, "You are a wise leader Cougar, do not play dumb now."

   A small growl rips through the throat of the large female, but no words follow it. She harshly jerks her head toward the top of the rock, some of the loose sandy strands laying under the thin braids slip in her face. The dark streaks of her hair catch the light as she turns around walking off the rock. Polikwaptiwa watches Atsila easily leap over the thin winding stream containing the aquatic spirits, the gliding motion through the air just short of flight.

   Shishiesh rolls his deep blue eyes, the motion shimmering some. He steps up in large swift steps. Polikwaptiwa catches up with small, swift, skip like steps, her feet padding against the ground lighter than a fallen feather. They stop to perch atop the thin tip of the rock, skillful balance keeping them far from the close ground bellow. The eyes trace their shapes scrutinizing every detail, one of little trust another of little importance yet none speak against their respective leader`s decisions.

   "Well, if you are all willing to listen and believe me for once, I have very important news of the future." Shishiesh speaks, lifting his head in an arrogant fashion.

   Whispers slipped through the crowd like an epidemic, their voices claiming the air. The ghost of their thoughts claim the sky. Only a few remained silent, whether out of respect or a nature of solitude meant little to the man rocking patiently on his feet.

   "Quite less you anger the wind!" Atsila snaps, her eyes ablaze to melt the golden core. Her orders are obediently respected as no one else dare so much as breath too loud.

   Shishiesh smiles widely, "Thank you Atsila. Now if I may speak.."

   He falls silent. His eyes, once again a shimmering purple, slip across the angry faces of the crowed. Mouths snapped shut, attention placed forward, and chest rising carefully settle the air into, a not so respectful, peace.

   Shishiesh`s face falls seriously, "Well then, there is much to cover before deciding the group to meet with the chief of our supporting tribe." A long pause consumes the air, more attention is snagged. Some shift nervously on their feet as he starts again. "I have looked into the future of the tribe at request of the medicine man of the tribe, his concern I fear is met with a brutal reality. I have looked far and wide in a nightly search. At first little rose to bring concern, but nearly a full sun passing in and miles from home I found the cause of concern. Settled upon the sea, floating like a giant canoe settled atop the water. It was taller than a bear, with branchless trees ranging through the middle holding skins of no animal I have ever seen.

   The monstrous boats are not the frightening thing, but instead what they carry. People with skin lighter than the dead, as if the life had been drained out of them clamber onboard. They are loud and clumsy, thudding about blindly as they try to fight the water`s will and end up getting thrown around. They are clothed in thick skins as if expecting the frozen water to fall at any second. The skins are bright colors that stand put more than a flower patch to a bee. And the noise!

   Oh you would not believe the horrid wails that escaped their pale faces! Like a dying animal caught in a snare they squeal an unbearable sound. The unknown tongue is thick and choppy. The putrid smell, like bile, is much louder than their whining.

   They are blind beast! Savages built only to fail! They are not fit for survival yet they are rushing toward are land like horsed backed tribes to war! A danger and death is their only cargo! Monstrosities! Beast!" Shishiesh voice falls to rapid squawks of warning, more bird then human.

   Whispers pick up in heavy waves. They melt and mold to a roaring sea, only a foam of the words melting into Polikwaptiwa`s ears. Panic and hysteria settle in, until a sharp voice rises above them.

   "Why did you bring that bug up there? What can she do?" The harsh voice snorts making sure to emphasis the word bug.

   A batter of silence calms the waves of worry. Eyes glance and bodies part to reveal a chunkier male. His full weight consist solely of tight packed muscle. Hanging from his neck are two long gleaming tusk that match the black boar skin around his waist. His meaty arms lay across his chest while his big brown eyes scan Polikwaptiwa sizing her up.

   Shishiesh narrows his eyes like darts shot at the other male. "Now pig,"  He emphasis the word bitterly, "with these people comes great change which the so called 'bug' happens to specialize in. If any of us can actually deal with the new threat it is her."

   The man snorts, lifting his head to send back thin long strands of fine hair. "She can`t do anything. Don`t insult those of us with the strength to fight by acting as if she is our savior."

   "Chochmo, listen  to him and stop being such a boor you boar." Atsila snaps, her golden gaze slipping behind her only slightly.

   Warm wind slips harshly out of his nose in a threatening manner. His foot meets the ground in a solid thump, dragging away the nonexistent ground. Particles lacking before float up into the air claiming the space in a glittering puff.

   Atsila does not even flinch. A glint dashes across the gold surface, an animal caged  banging against the bars. The reverberating ring of muscle crashing into weak metal shines in the daring look.  Paws pad lightly, yet still shake the earth with the sight of dagger claws and jagged teeth.

   Heads quickly duct toward the down. Bodies lower and shrink pressing against the protective solid earth that stops them from completely disappearing. Forms slip from the two howling beast threatening to protect their honor and claim. The air shakes and rattles with a thumping beat. Hearts echo in the moving silence, a constant reminder of the hiding life.

   (Avonaco)

   A thick head lowers, shining tusk a daunting ram to face. A golden claw swipes into the air raised far above the head, a hammer ready to crush and snag. A thick still fog claims the air in a tight grasp. All breath fleas with the beating hearts as a second slows to a million years. An echoing freeze of time, shattered in the clattering ground.

   Two flashes, black and gold, storming toward each other with the intent to maim whatever they hit first. A thunderous boom of feet, slapping the ground and shaking the souls of those around them. Closer and closer, drawing ever near with greater strength. Their spirits already locked in fierce battle promising much worse in sight....only to stop short.

   "You would hurt the queen simply because you do not stand on the mound Chochmo?" A patient obedient voice questions.

   Small hands tightly grasp the gleaming tusk with little effort. The thin, short boy standing just as tall as the ridge of the boar stands there diligently. His spine is straight, and his black eyes are locked on the boar. He stands perfectly straight a bit of dust stirring around his reddish ankles.

   "Avonaco release me!" Atsila snaps from behind the small boy.

   The young woman yanks harshly away from the thick hands clamped around her. The tall man who offered kindness to Polikwaptiwa earlier stares down at Atsila with harsh eyes. His heavy arms quickly grab her again, preventing her from getting away. A thin wisp of gold dusts away from her in the minor breeze as she glares back up at him.

   "It is my duty to guard all animals. You know the rules here, if you can not enforce them someone else must take control." The large man grunts finally releasing his lazy grip to reveal small bruises.

   A shift of black smoke bends to reveal Chochmo adjusting the boar skin around his waist and the gleaming tusks on his neck. He rips out of the smaller man`s grasp, his large nostrils flaring out further before stomping off into the swaying crowd. The odd people bend away as if passing a boundary between him  and any of them would send a devastating disease spiraling through the ranks.

   "The big and small alike bending to aid each other," Shishiesh scoffs to himself, his arms crossed over his lean frame, "we will need that in coming times."

   "What do you mean great change is coming?" Polikwaptiwa raises her voice to the volume of an owls wing beat.

   Shishiesh glances back at her arching a sleek eyebrow. "What you can`t tell what it is?"

   "Can you see the change as it happens in a chrysalis?" Polikwaptiwa asks in return, a sharp edge to her delicate voice.

   A smug smirk twitches at the corner of Shishiesh`s lip. "No, I guess not." He mutters, turning his head to look back at the chatting crowd. "But this time, seeing the result of change may be far too late to meet it." Shishiesh whispers to himself under his breath.

   Shishiesh does not speak for a long moment. The world around the two standing upon the rock slowly slips into the hum of a background miles away. Finally he shifts his head enough to peak over his shoulder at the small female. A few strands of dark hair reflecting the light in deep purple and blue brush across his forehead.

   "I guess it is you and me going to see the tribe." Shishiesh says, before the darkness slips out of sight replaced by a nothingness.

   The aching empty space is a grand contrast from the dark plains of their hidden world. Caught above life and death the in between place they resided in to pass quickly into the world of their living tribe is a plain of darkness with minimal features and life but it is much more than the nothingness of passing back to the world of the humans. A bit of lightly slips through cracks, quickly the empty travel, a travel of nonexistence, is replaced by a bursting ball of harmless white light.