Chapter 1 The Key to Survival
The undergrowth pressed in from all sides, leaves brushing against his legs with every careful step. He was of a darker skin tone. Girded with a jersey around his waist, a beige shirt, and black leggings, his calves wrapped and bandaged. A worn sword rested in his grip, its hilt cold against his palm.
He moved silently, letting the wind carry his scent away, avoiding every snap of twig or rustle of leaf. He dropped to one knee, eyes sweeping the forest, ears straining for the slightest whisper. A shadow of a frown twisted his face as he peered into the greenwood, every muscle coiled, ready for whatever might appear.
A loud screech broke the quiet, rippling through the wood and sending birds and animals flying out of hiding. Peering from the underbrush, a beast tracked through the forest, each step capable of making the ground shake beneath it. Needle-like hairs arched along its back, two carved tusks peeking from each side of its drooling mouth, its black and grey skin dry and rough as if it were tough leather. The air around it carried a smell similar to rotting meat.
The boy, overwhelmed by each feature of the beast, sat stunned as it blurred past him. His heart raced, his body felt numb, but instincts kicked in and he began the chase, using tree branches and boulders as stepping stones. His entire focus was on the beast. Running, the beast’s tail within arm’s length, he jumped, grabbing onto the hairs, squeezing and tightening his grip.
The beast, trying to shake him off, began moving chaotically, smashing its body against the trees. The boy, unable to hold on, was tossed, flying a short distance away, giving the beast room to escape.
He lay there staring at the sky, partly covered by the canopy of leaves. Letting out a huge sigh, he heard clapping.
“That was amazing!” The voice called, amused. “That was bravery… or a death wish.”
Gripping his sword tighter while trying to hold onto the comfort of the ground, the boy sat up to look at his audience.
The voice emerged from the shadows of the trees, revealing a boy with skin the color of cold bronze. He wore boots made for long distances and a brown coat left unbuttoned, his clothing perfectly kept, hiding any evidence of physical labor.
“You’re quite impressive, being able to catch up with the beast the way you did,” he said, smiling—but the expression didn’t reach his eyes. He paused. “Hello there, I’m Key.”
Key stretched out his arm, signaling an offer of friendship and help to get him up. The boy took the offer.
"I'm Sky." He answered.“Nice to meet your acquaintance… Sky,” Key said, a light smirk on his face. “But to be honest… we’re after the same thing. You’re hunting the beast, right? Let’s work together.”
Key led Sky to an open field. The grass was as high as their waists, swaying with the eastward winds. A calm silence filled the atmosphere as they carefully walked, watching their feet.
“So what exactly do you want from me, Key?” Sky asked, guardedly.
“To cut to the chase, I need help catching that same beast you attacked earlier.” Key stared at Sky, his expression cold. “And I know you need mine, judging by what I saw earlier. You’re doing this for the prize money that the Watu village offered, right? We can split it. 100 Tshede is enough between the both of us, and 50 each can last a few months.”
Sky, with only a bronze sword and the clothes on his back, desperately needed the money. He couldn’t survive any more nights without food, he couldn’t survive sleeping in the wilderness, and he could not survive being constantly lonely.
Sky looked around, taking in the scenery. He paused and lazily swung his sword, feeling its weight.
“Fine,” he muttered. “But you should have a plan.”
With a large smirk and a chuckle, Key said, “Don’t worry your pretty little head. I’m great at plans—I just need your brawn.”
Key crouched and grabbed a stick, tracing the ground with it. “You see this?” He pointed at an indentation in the dirt. “It represents the beast. It will need to come from this direction, and you’re going to lead it all the way here.”
Sky squinted. “Where exactly?”
Key pointed south. “One of my traps is there. Big enough to kill a monster.”
“One of your traps?” Sky asked, frowning.
“Yes,” Key answered. “I have a few hidden around, but the one in question is the most dangerous… a fall pit.”
Pointing to the trap’s direction, Key continued, “Your job is to lead the beast to it.”
Sky peered at the ground with his sword. “What? You want me to ride it again?”
Key clasped his hands. “Exactly. You’re fast, strong, and extremely durable. You can do it.”
Sky murmured, “I hope this works... or we are both dead.”
