Preparations of Beyond

Human have always cowered in fear of the strange and powerful phenomenon occuring in the world.

The caves provide some protection from beasts and climate but daily fultuations in air of caves cause death, diseases and distress. The air feels heavy and burns the lungs. Sometimes there are explosions in caves which cause cave ins, but there isn't any better place other than caves so they must bear the situation.

The blood splattered and body was shivering.

Rak was comforting his mother who was in excruciating pain for air and atmosphere.

Rak helped his mother to sleep and ran to the chief for medicine.

The chief was always hoarding the medicine and the medicine was only provide to his friend and family but still Rak begged "Chief please just spare few leaves for my mother ".

The chief didn't gave in, he smirked "What good will come by saving your mother, if you are desperate why don't you collect the leaves yourself ".

Chief suggestion was a suicide mission as the terrain beyond the cave posed a danger to human life. There were mega sized predator and harsh climate.The danger constantly loomed over those who dare to venture outside.

Rak had no choice but brave his way beyond the caves he visited his aunt to ask her to look after his mother wilhile he was gone. Aunt Ericka "Rak you must be out of your mind to attempt such foolish thing" , he replied " There isn't a way out, I can't make my mother bear such pain". " You know even when the hunting team goes for the hunt it is miracle when 8 return and celebration when 9 do , atleast one lose their live , it is hell out there.", she tried to fear him but he remained determined.

Erika gave in on the promise that he returned back alive, Rak assured her that he won't leave his mom alone. Now the task at the hand was to make preparations to venture outside. This task was the most essential and it is matter of life and death. Luckily he had a acquaintance from hunting team 'One armed' Sako. Rak who did skinning and butchering of the beasts brought by hunting team was familiar with the him.

Sako resided in dark and secluded part of caves and lived a hermit's live since he lost his arm. Rak heard huff and puffs as approached Sako's residence. Suddenly a bluish flame lit up the area revealing the stunning trained body of Sako practicing the spear.

The periphery was always limited due to nature of the cave and things were not visible unless they were close or the mysterious ephemeral flames lit them up. The sometime flames flashed from crack in caves . These moments can be sometimes provide refreshment from bleak atmosphere within the cave but, most of the times are awful. The critter of the cave rush to flames and attack any being in the vicinity. Couple Saurs slithered towards Rak and Sako , Rak immediately went in defensive stance while Sako extended his spear for offense. Sako flung the first while second saur bit Rak's leg sending Rak into screaming agony. Sako shut Rak's mouth as it would invite more dangers and pierced the saur splattering the blue blood.

Sako grabbed Rak and ran to a distant area. Rak thanked Soka though he was limping from the bite his life was saved. Soka replied with a scolding "You fool who asked you to travel to this secluded part?" Soka cleaned blood from his hand from the bite of Rak when he tried to shut his mouth. Seeing state of hand Rak felt very sorry " I am very sorry Sako " , "Don't worry about me think about yourself" Sako replied.

After checking the surroundings Sako assured Rak to be at ease, Rak asked " So, I am going outside to collect Efil leaves and I need your advice I locate them". Sako was angered "Are you out of mind , Do you wish wish to die!". Rak explained " I need them for my mother I can leave her in pain". "Then I am going with you or do you also not want this cripple" Sako inquired, Sako was discharged from the hunting team because he lost his arm from a hunt. Sako secluded himself from the tribe , he was one best of the hunting team he loved providing food for the tribe and took pride in his abilities. Rak assured " No Sako I believe you are still capable of hunt but I cannot put you in harms way for my duty". Sako replied "Hahahaha, don't you worry about me let's worry about the equipment needed for the travel".

Sako informed that they need spear, knife coat, rope, food supplies. Rak did had a knife from his work and his food supplies but he needed to borrow coat and rope from hunting team. Getting the cloak and rope was a difficult task as they were reserved for hunting team as they were difficult to produce and needed lot of resources. The team consists of elite and authoritative people and they were difficult to negotiate with ,for Rak to acquire the items he must convince Edward the captain.

Rak entered the area of the team with Sako by his side. As soon as he entered the area he was block "Hey freeloader,why are here with the cripple,do you need beating or what"argued Baku the member of team.

People outside the hunt party are treated as freeloader as hunt party has highest risk in their job and members usually die often in service.

Sako shouted " EDWARD , your newbies are looking for a beating". Edward came towards us and asked "Sako what are you doing here this is not place for you now". Rak defended "Sako is just helping me, please listen to our request". Edward glare intensely at Rak and asked Soka "Why should I listen to your request", Soka replied " Because you owe me your life". Soka sacrificed his arm for Edward and instead of being thanked he was discarded from the hunting party due to becoming cripple.

Edward ungratefully replied "So does being saved by you give you the right to order me around?". Sako explained "You don't have to do anything, We just need to borrow cloaks and rope". Edward argued " You know these are essential for the hunting team and are difficult to produce and repair." Sako convincely said " You have my word we won't damage them and return them within two days". Edward conditioned " Okay, if you don't keep your word I suppose you and your buddy could starve for month to make up for failure." Rak exclamated " It is unreasonable demand I don't want to trouble Sako you could take more of my food ration". Sako interrupted Rak " I accept the conditions, Now hand over items".

The team of two were a clock with holes and rope which was barely intact. As beggars can't be choosers they accepted the items and their way to entrance of the cave.

Sako instilled guidelines for Rak which must not be broken for it was matter of life and death. Sako explained the climate outside was spontaneously changes sometimes there can be sandstrom sometimes rainstorm cloak made beast hide was meant for protection in their not so much as they had only one cloak which was meant to be shared. The creatures beyond were unforgiving for any wrong step could cause the life and flora were unpalatable. Soka explained few scenarios and what to do when they encountered any dangers and finally imparted a word of wisdom "Overcome".

With the briefing over Rak was ready to take his first step outside the Ebable cave this home , his sanctuary to trenchrous world outside.