It is already the next day and the morning breeze sends chills down my spine. I groggily sat up from the bed I made last night and looked around. The sun is still not high up, so I can gauge that it is still six in the morning. I can hear the birds chirp loudly in the forest while scanning the beautiful enormous trees that surround me.
I haven't had the time to properly look at this place. It looks so magical. The rays of the sun shone down like a spotlight since the large leaves of the trees were covering the sky. Sometimes, I just love to watch how nature unfolds its beauty.
Nonetheless, I can appreciate the peace it brings to me. I feel like I truly belong here, I feel like I can be myself. However, the danger it brings isn't to joke around.
I opened my bag and took out the food bag I prepared and got some granola bars to start my morning. I'm really trying to conserve my food and water but it is very hard to do so since I'm always hungry.
[Survival Tip #3: Conserve as many resources as possible]
After gulping down my breakfast, I meticulously arranged my backpack again, and jumped down from the tree branch I was sitting at. It's actually 15 ft. high off the ground but it's not a problem for me since I've strong feet. Heh.
I sigh as I looked up onto the upcoming sunrise. I could barely see it as the gigantic trees practically covered it— their leaves gently swaying as the wind blew.
'C'mon Azalea, stop daydreaming.'
I need to get a move on, and get this Ghost Orchid so that I can go to the lake, and get the rock called Zap.
I wonder if Lilianna and I got the same contents in the list.
I walked around the entrance of the cave— too scared to go further in. I haven't spotted any transparent flowers anywhere. Where could these orchids be?
Yes, Ghost Orchids are transparent and very hard to see. That's why it is rare since people who don't know what to look for often miss it. I know what it looks like since plants are my specialties. Plus, I've seen it multiple times in the books that my grandma used to give me.
But, no doubt, they are very hard to see. Normally, sunlight will help you spot them since they shine whenever there's direct sunlight, but the sun is covered at the moment.
Psh! who needs the sun? I believe in my good eyesight.
(c" ತ,_ತ)
Maybe not. I've been searching this area for almost 3 hours now. Great! I have completely wasted my time looking for nothing. I sighed and sat down on the ground. This is too frustrating. I want to go home as soon as possible.
I was ready to move on to another location when I caught a glimpse of something moving out of the corner of my eyes.
What was it? I slowly stood up and was ready to run, but then I saw a cute puffy tail poke out of the bush.
Awww what a fluffy tail. But I never dared approach it. No matter what, never explore things on your own when you know it's unsafe. That tail could be a bait to make me go near it, and the next thing I know some weird creature would jump me and then eat me. Heck no!
[Survival Tip #5: Never explore unsafe places on your own]
I was about to turn and leave when it suddenly ran at me and jumped onto my arms. I was so startled that I fell on my butt while the creature stood on his hind legs— its head was nudging my chin.
Oww!
I was about to freak out when I saw something in its mouth— It's a transparent flower. I looked at the creature that managed to push me down, now sitting on the ground in front of me. It put the thing in its mouth on my lap while its tongue was sticking out and its head tilting to the side— trying to act cute.
What a very cute fox. I only realized that it is a Red Tail Fox when I saw streaks of red in its tail. I didn't notice it before and even if I did, I will still walk away.
To survive in the wild you need to be wise in your decisions and be observant of your surroundings.
[Survival Tip #1: Be wise in making decisions and always be observant of your surroundings]
Red Tail Foxes are very wise creatures and they have the wildest instincts. Since they're herbivores, they have to struggle in the wild as prey for the bigger animals. That's why Red Tail Foxes are cunning creatures. Moreover, they can differentiate the good herbs from the bad ones.
"Wow! Are you giving this to me?" I asked the Red Tail Fox in front of me while picking up the transparent flower on my lap. The Red Tail Fox only tilted its head and stood up— going back to the bush it came from.
That encounter was... magical. Wait. I think I've been using the word 'magical' too many times. But that's the only thing I can describe the feeling. I felt like I was supposed to be here, and that feeling is very fulfilling.
I was still in a daze— thinking about my encounter with the Red Tail Fox, it suddenly went out of the bush and nudge me on my knee.
'Is it asking me to follow?'
I put the Ghost Orchid safely inside a pouch that was dangling to my side, and hesitantly stood up. Of course, I am still wary and distrustful of this very cute creature. It doesn't hurt to be extra careful.
[Survival Tip #2: Be wary and never let your guard down no matter what]
I carefully walked to the bush and took a peek around it. Much to my surprise, I saw another Red Tail Fox with its tail cut in half— bleeding all over the ground. Honestly, it pained me looking at it struggling with the pain. If the other Red Tail Fox brought me here, then there's just one thing they need me to do— it's to help this poor creature.
I put my backpack down and kneeled in front of the injured animal. First, I got some of my clothes and wrapped them around the tail to stop the bleeding.
Second, I examined its body to locate more injuries that I should be wary about. I noticed that its right hind leg is broken. I don't know how worst it is since I'm nowhere near an expert. But, I know a thing or two about treating a wound. It's basic survival skill and knowledge.
[Survival Tip #6: Know how to apply basic first aid]
Upon checking its body, I noticed that it had a big belly. My eyes widened as soon as I realized what was going on.
This Red Tail Fox is about to give birth.
Umm. What was I meant to do then? Help it give birth? But animals know how to give birth on their own. Oh well, whatever.
(*'◒'*)
After three hours, the mother Red Tail Fox finished giving birth to three cute babies. I was here the whole time when the momma Red Tail Fox went through labor. I wasn't even giving birth but it feels like I was the one experiencing it.
I donated another set of clothes, and placed the babies on them to prevent them from getting dirt all over their bodies. I also relocated them to a safe place, making them a small tent using my clothes and some sticks.
Now, I'm sat with them under this gigantic tree with vines dangling from its branches. It actually helped us hide from the eyes of the predators especially since momma Red Tail Fox is injured.
I stayed with them for another hour when I heard something coming. I was ready to defend these defenseless creatures and kill whatever was attacking. But, much to my surprise, it was the father Red Tail Fox. I was wondering where this fella disappeared to.
He first walked into the small makeshift tent I made them, and checked on his family. When he saw that they were safe he came to me, and nudge my foot.
I kneeled down and petted his head. "Your family is safe now. You don't have to worry about them," I said.
But the creature continued to nudge at my hand. It's as if telling me to open my hand— which I did. I held out my hand, and he put something in it. I didn't even notice that he was holding something in his mouth.
Ugh, it's full of saliva.
However, I was very surprised when I saw a small yellow rock on it.
WHAT THE HECK! Holy mother of turtles.
How did this guy know I was looking for this? Is this some kind of cheat? Is this supposed to happen? Did Lilianna also get some help from some random animal she met in the forest?
I know Red Tail Foxes are smart creatures, but they are this smart? I feel like I hit the jackpot! First, he gave me the Ghost Orchid, and now he gives me the Zap. These two are really really really really really hard to find especially in the Outskirts of the Zulu Forest.
"Wha—wha—what? Ho—how did you know I was looking for this?" I asked the Red Tail Fox in front of me, still bewildered at how he managed to help me find the two rare things on the list.
I guess I am pretty lucky.
ε=ε=ε=ε=ε=ε=┌(;￣◇￣)┘
I made my way back home slowly but surely, making sure I got the remaining eight things on the list. They're not very hard to find since I can mostly find them on my way home.
It's already sunset,and I guess I have to stay another night in this cursed place. Don't get me wrong, I still think that this forest is no good no matter how magical it seemed.
The Red Tail Foxes are safe and they're staying on top of the tree we were just at. I relocated them there before I left since I was unsure if they're safe on the ground especially when they have an injured and babies with them.
Not gonna lie, they're so cute. How I wish I could've hugged them. But I was still wary. Not that they'll bite me, but it's for my peace of mind. I'll never touch something if I am not sure that it's safe. That screams 100% death.
I camped out another night and woke up earlier than I expected. Well, I guess I can now say that I will be back home tonight. I just need to follow this compass my mom gave us. She said to follow the opposite way the red line is facing since this line is always pointed at Mt. Zeata.
I don't know how that works but I trust it anyway. She's my mom— she'll never put me in harm's way. Well, not intentionally.
╰(*'︶'*)╯♡
I returned home at past 10 in the evening. It was a very long and tiring walk back home. I didn't realize I was out that far. I swear it was not that far.
Whatever at least I'm back home. Say goodbye to tree branches and forest floors. Happy to be home— alone.
I thought Lilianna would be here too. But I guess she's still struggling to find those rare things. I mean I was also struggling, not until I met those Red Tail Foxes. Such a lifesaver.
I didn't expect it to be that excruciatingly exhausting. When I returned home, my mom isn't here so I just put everything down in my room, for now. I'll just sort all of this mess tomorrow since I need a good bath and a long deep sleep today.
I plopped down on my bed.
"Oh! How I miss you my precious, lovely, and comfortable bed. Did you know how hard it was without you? Psh! If only I could bring you, I would've," I ranted while hugging my pillow, and feeling the softness of my bed.
I am so tired and everywhere in my body is sore from walking nonstop, and sleeping on hard branches. Sleeping on trees isn't very comfortable. My back aches, and there are lots of bugs and noises that scare the heck out of me.
I'm just saying, whatever happens, I'll never stay in the forest ever again. That was by far, the worst training experience I ever had. So, I hope nothing like that happens again.
ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•
TO BE CONTINUED...