Chapter 2: 2
She was already up way before her domesticated hens. The light was only beginning to peek through the towering mountains, casting a shadow all over the tropical. Behind her, Rain was religiously tracking the path. It is one of the paths that she usually trekked on whenever she is out scouting the area. In places like these, one must be careful in leaving a mark, and a trail leading back to you is something you don't want to have.
Talon carefully ducked out under a huge branch of an oak. A cracking snap can be heard under her feet and she flinched. For an average human, she was already considered the stealthiest among all, however, she also made mistakes. A breaking twig in a dense jungle is one of them. Footfalls is also one of them. Being reckless is one of them.
With wide, alert eyes, she checked the surroundings for any changes. From afar, she can see hoppers, big ones, playing hide and seek with themselves. They are not a threat at all, unless you are walking with an entire garden space.
Turning to her left, there's no notable changes. Rain was also creeping in her eastern direction, checking. You see, one thing she did not want to encounter early in this morning is a group of cougars. She trekked in the Northeastern direction, the same direction where Mice came from last night. The area was usually filled with the apex predator in the island. They might be used to her invading their territory but definitely not during the time they're hunting for food.
There is no disturbance to the surrounding area, hence, she resumes her steps, adding extra caution to where she places her feet next.
The weather was good today and the sun was already high in the sky in no time as she continued trekking through the dense forest. Though the sun was already up and blasting, the thick canopy blocked most of the light.
Breathing cleanly, she stared at the cliff in her front. One of her landmarks. She pat herself on the back for successfully reaching the cliff in just three hours. Usually, it would take her half of the day. But through the years, all the paths, hidden trails, lush caves, and the ecosystem of the island, she had it all engraved in the back of her mind.
Humming with a small smile, she stared at the overgrown vines hanging on the side of the cliff. They are sturdy and could hold her weight without a worry. Since the deadly disaster, the biome evolved and adapted to its surroundings, resilient and thriving.
"Let's meet on the eastern shed." she signaled to the animal behind her. A whine can be heard from the wolfdog while a grateful smile forms on her mouth. The intelligent animal would always whine every time she did something dangerous. It is soothing to know that she has someone that would mourn for her death in this forsaken world.
Reaching out in the beast's direction, she scratched the animal behind his ear and nudged its head with her own. A gesture they were used to doing every time they are about to embark in a scouting trek. A gesture of luck, and maybe, farewell.
"Find something to eat, Rain. We will meet in an hour." she said to the animal.
Rain gave a crisp bark before disappearing in front of her at an unbelievable speed. They had already tried taking this path before and they already knew what to do. The animal also knew the location of the shed she made years ago. It is more like a dugout shelter. It is easy to make and easily blends with the vegetation.
Making sure to tighten the strap of her bag, she looked down the cliff once again. She needs to scale down a cliff of more than a hundred feet. It has to be done quickly and efficiently. The vegetation below might look like it can cushion an accidental fall but underneath those overgrown foliage were huge rocks, pointy and deadly.
Looking down once again, she could not help admiring the leather shoes she made last year. Who would have thought that humanity would revert to living like the ancient times once again? Scoffing in amusement, she turned around, watching her feet carefully step on the vine. After getting the feel of the vine against her hands, she takes a few more steps down, quick but precise. The strength of the vine was enough to reassure her mind.
"Oh, Lord." she muttered in surprise when she saw an emerald tree boa with half of its body coiled around one vine. The beautiful snake stood out against the vine. She made sure to scoot away from the snake. It might be nonvenomous, but it can still injure anyone, and she did not want infections. It is a nasty business and has no room in the wild.
Grueling minutes ticked by, her arms were already sore from gripping the vine. She breathed deeply, hugging a huge tree root and putting weight on her legs to rest for a few minutes. By now, Rain is already halfway through the northeastern shelter. If she wanted to keep up and finish her scouting early, she needed to be down the cliff in under an hour.
"The disturbance better be worth it." she grumbled under her breath. Pissed at the thought of some intruders wanting to score some game in the jungle. They are bound to be dead if she is not quick enough to intercept them. Those dumb people living in the districts always thought they could just swagger their way into the vast rainforest without a thought for their safety.
Talon being the only person living in the heart of the rainforest, acknowledged by the district heads as someone to be left alone in exchange with trade and keeping an eye on the fools determined to put their life in jeopardy in the jungle.
The grudge she had died along with the people who caused her parents death. Yes, she is not resentful anymore, but she made sure to keep her interaction with the districts at the lowest minimum.
The more she thought about it, the more she got pissed with the intruders. Twice, thrice a year is the allotted number she spends trading with the people from the different districts. Now, she might as well make it fourth with how she has to talk to them.
With one leap, she was able to successfully scale the cliff down. Picking up her pace, she beeline for the strangler figs where it would lead to the possible location of the idiots. Tugging at her necklace, she placed the tiny piece of bamboo hanging from the chain between her lips. A distinct shrill sound resonated through the jungle. She was already out of the cougar's territory and if she wanted to find the intruders quickly, she would need Mice.
She did not stop walking, she kept her eye peeled over the wide canopy of trees. In this area, the sunlight can penetrate through the thick foliage. That means she can easily spot the eagle. In no time, the massive bird was already flying above ahead of her. Tucking her fingers under her tongue, the eagle recognized the sound.
Relieved she tried her best to keep up with the bird while snacking on some of the jerkies she packed. After this scouting, she would have a big meal. The thought of it made her mouth water, and motivated her more to double her pace. Let's hope there will be no obstacles later.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone