Standing in an open space, a young lizardman swung a spear in fluid motions, the weapon cutting through the air with deliberate precision. Each swing, thrust, and spin followed a carefully practiced routine, his focus unwavering.
"Brother, what are you doing?" called a voice.
The young lizardman paused mid-thrust, turning to see another lizardman approaching. The newcomer's tone carried a mixture of curiosity and amusement.
"Practicing," the spear-wielder replied simply, resuming his movements.
"Practicing for what?" the second lizardman asked, settling himself on a nearby rock. "There's no need. We're not at war or anything."
"You never know," the first lizardman said, continuing his routine. "A fight could break out any day, and I'd rather be ready for it than caught off guard."
His friend chuckled, leaning back lazily. "You always say that. But let's be honest—you just like looking impressive with that stick."
The spear-wielder smirked and abruptly stopped, planting the butt of his spear into the ground. "If you're so interested, why don't you join me? I thought I told you before—if you want to learn, just ask."
"Nah," his friend replied, waving him off. "It's way more fun to watch you struggle. Besides, I'd rather sit here and enjoy the show."
The young lizardman sighed, shaking his head as he set the spear aside and sat beside his friend. Reaching for a small flask, he took a sip of water, his gaze drifting toward the horizon.
First-Person POV
It's been 16 years since I woke up in this place. At first, everything was strange—this body, this tribe, the way of life here. But over time, I adapted, trained, and found my purpose.
I want to make something of this tribe, something more than just a group of warriors and hunters. I want to turn it into a kingdom—a place where lizardmen can thrive, protect one another, and stand strong against any threat.
Of course, that's easier said than done. To make that dream a reality, I need strength, allies, and a foundation. Tomorrow marks my coming-of-age ceremony. After that, I'll be free to explore the forest, seek out what's been calling me, and gather the resources and people I'll need.
"You're lost in thought again, aren't you?" my friend asked, breaking my reverie.
I glanced at him, grateful for the distraction. "Just thinking about tomorrow," I replied.
He grinned lazily. "Finally, we'll get to explore the forest without the elders breathing down our necks. It's about time."
He was one of the few who knew my true plans—not just to explore but to leave, even if only for a while. There's something out there, something that's been pulling me toward a certain part of the forest for as long as I can remember. I don't know what it is, but I intend to find out.
"You're still planning to go to that spot, aren't you?" he asked, his tone unusually serious.
I nodded. "It's important. I can't explain it, but I feel like whatever's there will help us. Help me."
He shrugged. "Well, you've got my support. Just don't expect me to do much running around."
I rolled my eyes. "You'll work when it matters. I'll make sure of it."
Third-Person POV
The two lizardmen's conversation was interrupted by the sound of someone creeping closer. A smaller lizardman, barely past her first molt, approached with exaggerated stealth.
"BOO!" she shouted, jumping into view.
The older lizardmen didn't so much as flinch. They turned to her with unimpressed expressions, the spear-wielder raising a brow.
"You've got to try harder than that," he said, crossing his arms.
The girl pouted, her tail twitching in frustration. "Why didn't you react? That was my best one yet!"
"You're too loud," the lazy one said, stifling a yawn. "Could hear you coming a mile away."
"Am not!" she protested, her face reddening.
"Are too," the spear-wielder replied, smirking.
She stamped her foot, glaring at both of them. "One of these days, I'll get you! Just you wait!"
The spear-wielder chuckled, leaning on his spear. "Keep practicing, and maybe you will. But until then, why don't you focus on something more useful?"
"Like what?" she challenged, crossing her arms.
"Helping me out tomorrow," he said, his tone softening. "I'll need all the help I can get during the ceremony."
The girl blinked, her bluster fading. "You're nervous, aren't you?"
He hesitated, then nodded slightly. "A little. But it's not just about the ceremony. It's what comes after. I want to make the tribe stronger—not just for us, but for everyone. And I'll need people I can trust to help me do that."
She grinned, her earlier irritation forgotten. "You already have us. Me, the lazy one, and the other two. You know they'd follow you anywhere."
Her words brought a faint smile to his face. "Thanks, little one. I'll hold you to that."
The lazy one got to his feet, stretching. "All this talk about the future is making me sleepy. You're the ambitious one. I'm just here for the ride."
"Sure you are," the spear-wielder said, shaking his head. "But you'll work too. Even you can't sit around forever if we're going to make this kingdom a reality."
"We'll see about that," the lazy one replied, already walking back toward the village.
The young girl followed, calling over her shoulder, "Don't stay out here too long, or the elders will think you've run off again!"
The young lizardman stayed behind for a moment, watching them go. His grip tightened on the spear as his thoughts swirled. His sister was right not the blood-related one, but the little kid, she, the lazy one, and the others were as close to family as he could ask for.
They were the foundation of something greater.
"Tomorrow," he murmured to himself, staring into the forest. "It all starts tomorrow."
With that, he stood and followed the others, the faint glow of the village fires guiding him home.