Rule number one of the clan: stay with the clan. The Haunted Woods was full of nasty monsters that would stop at nothing to hurt everybody. There was safety in numbers. Rule number two of the clan: never leave the glade. While the Haunted Woods was full of dangers, the glade was safe. If needed, designated hunters would venture out and gather supplies, but they never strayed too far from the clearing.
This is what Nevissa always heard. Whenever she asked about the rest of Neopia, this was what everybody would always say. Her parents, her friends, the clan leader, everybody. It was like the wind to leaves; whenever a gust came by, the same rustling could be heard as a response.
However, when a sickness came across the clan, something stirred within Nevissa. The others' fur turned grey and their emotions dulled. The hunters did their best to gather herbs and supplies, but nothing would make the ill better. Every day, the sickness spread. Not even the strongest among the clan were immune; it was only a matter of time before the hunters began to fall ill. Even Nevissa's older brother, Orec, grew sick after his latest hunting trip.
Something had to be done.
The Varwolves were secluded Neopians. Nevissa knew that. But she knew the cure was far outside her clan's territory.
In the night, while the moon was highest and everybody was asleep, Nevissa acted. She carefully wrote in the dirt with her claw that she was leaving to find a cure. Then she carefully treaded around the clan. The clan always set up plenty of dried leaves and twigs around the glade in the event a monster came by while they slept. As Nevissa had set up these alarms before, she knew where they were. As carefully as she could, she stepped over each leaf, each twig, careful not to rustle anything to wake anybody up.
The moment the red Varwolf was past the barrier of twigs and leaves, she ran. She ran as fast as she could, as far as she could, determination fueling her.
However, her instincts kicked in when she heard a large snap amongst the trees. Without even freezing, she dove into a nearby bush. She carefully peered out of the foliage, watching for whatever made that noise.
All of the tales from her parents, Orec, and the leaders did not prepare her for what she saw... |
Author: chasing_stars44
Date: Mar 24th
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