We must look towards the future, and take things as we find them… for what we once knew has sadly gone…
Those before us have made their mistakes, move past them now and time to start a fresh…
We must come to learn that even now, there is a place for us…
As long as we stand together as one… There can and will be nothing to fear…
Be one tribe amongst the darkness and our light will most definitely shine through… Burning through the darkest of cold bleak nights…
Together we can and will find our way… Only together the tribe can make it…
If we're going to survive then with every step we take we must take it together… And only then can our dream stay alive…
We must never lose sight… we must hold on… even if we are afraid…
See us all through these dark times, these new dangers… and we shall break through to another day…
If there is kindness and love then there can be a chance for us…
Just believe and you will see, as long as we stand strong and near… There is truly nothing to fear…
.
- The Tribe - as long as you're near
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Once the virus took full effect and the adult population had sadly passed away, the youth of the world were left alone; there was no order nor control. In truth for some they didn't want it and for some they either found it or formed it. Whatever the case, all knew that it was now up to them to survive.
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In the early days, the city was a place for plenty, and many would live alongside each other. Though there was sorrow and sadness all seemed to move and continue without argument or fray.
However, the peace and camaraderie days soon faded as fresh food either ran out or spoiled, soon came the days of dominance and conflict, as groups formed looking to take what they believed was rightfully theirs.
.
There were slow whispers to branch out, leave the days of the city behind, a group formed around this want and new desire.
In the echoes of the words of Zoot; "Power and Chaos!" and the formation of the Demon Dogz and the Roosters, there was another calmer and reserved lad, Hawk, he had a different view, a different way to survive. "A farm… a place where we all reap what we sow… no one goes without as long as they put in! A place where we can start again… to see a better day!"
Amber had heard Hawk's words, and even though she was drawn to his ideals and of course she had some doubts. "So you really believe wholeheartedly that it's going to be any safe out there?"
"It's going to be safer than staying here, ere."
"Oh Amber… my name's Amber!"
"Well, Amber, all I want is a place… a place where everyone can call home… an area of land where we can grow our own food and live off the land… not left here scratching for leftovers and looking over my shoulder!"
"A nice dream." stated Amber.
"If people are willing, then it can be more than that! Amber, just look around you,' Hawk meaning the city they find themselves in. 'There is no future here… no one here wants a better future! Let them live on what they can find!"
Amber took this in. "And what about then there is nothing left for them, then what?"
"Mmmm." it was clear Hawk needed to look at that point, putting a hand to his chin.
"Do you really think that they won't come for us?"
"If you don't believe in this, then why have you come… why are you speaking to me."
"Hawk, it's because I believe in this that I'am here… that I want it to work so much!"
Hawk heard her emotion, knew that she meant this, "Well then with good, head strong people like you by my side then Amber we can make my dream reality… and once that we do and if they come we will have to protect it… but please don't think I am one for war and death… if they come and wish to help they will be welcome!"
This warmed Amber and rested her doubt, and soon she stood beside the group willing to leave with Hawk.
Amber seemed to be the only one of this group, this tribe that looks back on the city as they were after a way.
.
The summer had been kind to this new tribe, the harvest was truly plentiful. However, after a few months had passed since, the Ecos as they now call themselves, left the city behind them, the frost and cold blew through the open plains, many fires had to be lit, Hawk had brought some of the key members of the Ecos together; Amber, Pride, Grey Owl and Lynx, to the central hub.
"I will go back… I will get what our tribe needs." stated Amber to Hawk.
"Are you sure?" questioned Pride.
She nods to him and speaks to Hawk. "That I am… I still remember those streets…"
"The city never left you, did it?" questioned Hawk.
Amber lowered her head. "I only offered for the sake of the tribe… ill workers will no doubt lead to hungry mouths."
Hawk knew this was right and didn't wish to push any further. "I feel responsible… but know that I can't leave the tribe…"
"Yes you must stay.' interjected Pride, with his approval. 'Many would only panic if you leave."
"But as I brought you here I will see Amber back to the last point, and then return."
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Amber with Lynx aid put a bag together, things she would need whilst away in the city. "He watches you, you know!"
She nods. "Yes I have noticed his glances and know that I welcome them… Hawk is truly a good man, I felt it the day I met him… and hoped as such!"
Lynx looked at Amber.
Amber held a hand to her face, as she blushed.
"No, I was speaking of Pride and his affection towards you!"
Amber looked shocked, she had never noticed, never felt he would ever see her that way. "Come Lynx, don't tease me… Pride.' she paused as she saw Lynx nod.
"Oh, but he does, Amber… that I promise you.' Lynx stated. 'The longing glances, and the awkward, as if he doesn't know how to truly feel around you!" she ended.
Amber sat back on her bed, replaying what her friend and fellow tribe member said, some of it made sense, many things that she had merely glanced over or overlooked, but her feelings were solely for Hawk and truly didn't know how to handle Pride's affection at this point.
.
"And from that look, Amber, it's clear that you don't feel the same way!"
Amber here looked up at Lynx and nodded. "Sorry I don't… my own love belongs to Hawk…"
"He has your heart?"
"That he does… and he always will, Lynx… he always will." Amber truthfully spoke.
Lynx smiles. "Then maybe it's a good job you chose then venture to the city…"
At first Amber didn't answer Lynx, she didn't feel fortunate, she then stood up off the bed. "I thank you for telling me of this."
"Ah, even though I have indeed made things a lot worse…' Lynx hugged Amber. 'For that I am sorry…"
"It's okay, you did not know how I felt… just as I never knew how Pride felt… you were helping a friend… laying the groundwork!"
"Know though, Amber, that he did not put me up to any of this… no doubt Pride would feel terrible… Ah, even angry at me!"
"All this is kinda funny in a way!"
"Sorry I don't see it?" questioned a puzzled Lynx, after Amber's comment.
"Well look at it like this, we've said our tearful goodbyes to the old world and the old ways of living, however, even now some things and characteristics haven't changed nor actually died away… We built this dream, but now again rely on the city… boy loves girl but never tells… and as for me girl likes boy and is still too scared to act."
Lynx nods now getting what Amber was getting at.
.
There was then a knock at the door.
Lynx jumped slightly.
They heard the voice from the other side, "Amber, Hawk calls for you… he states that it is time… he feels that if you wish to make it to the city in stealth you must go now."
Amber looks across at Lynx, and Lynx looks to her, luckily it wasn't Pride.
Gaining her calm and composure again, Amber answered. "Please tell him I am on my own." here throwing the back strike onto her shoulder.
"As you are, Amber."
And Amber heard the man walk away.
.
Amber steps out to leave for the city.
Lynx here goes to stand near Pride, and sees him smile.
Hawk comes to her and takes her hands in his. "This is indeed a brave thing you are doing, dear Amber… all our in true gratitude."
Amber looks right into his eyes. "I will not let you down… I do this for you, for you all!"
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Amber under the cover of dawn makes it into the city, in hopes of finding the medical supplies needed. She, in her journey, had very little sleep, only taking one rest to eat the food she had been given from the young ones of the tribe.
.
The heart of the city looked empty and bleak, there was no movement, no hustle, no bustle; just stillness and silence.
The silence was only broken by a cat jumping out of a rubbish bin or the sound of dogs barking.
Cars were burnt out and there were tags and graffiti on every wall, and as there was very little room left, they were tagged or graffitied over and over again.
.
Amber suddenly stops in her tracks, she hears approaching sirens. 'Police!?' she thought, as she now looked around so that she could distinguish the car's direction.
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A young girl; Patsy walks the streets alone, she was acting as if there was nothing to worry about, nothing to hide from.
.
It was clear to Amber that the sound of sirens she heard were getting louder and louder, she could also start to hear the faith calls and cries. 'Ah, whoever they are, they're no police!' Amber came to realise.
.
Amber caught sight of the young girl, and did what any good person would, she had to save her, get her off the open street. She tentatively stepped out and approached the young girl, not wanting to scare her. "Come here, come on... hurry… it's not safe…' she looks around, the cries now from the ever coming group were clear now, reaching out to her with a stretch out hand. 'They're coming… and if we're seen you'll surely be in danger!"
.
Amber here sees the car turn the corner at the top of the street, so did the young girl, "Please, you've got to get off the streets, little one, it's not safe!"
Amber points off up the street. "They're getting close!"
"What do we do?" asked the girl, who looked truly scared, and now was looking to the older person for help.
"We can't outrun them.' commented Amber, seeing no way of making it to the end of the street. 'We'll just have to get out of sight. Come on, quickly now down here."
Amber held out her hand, the girl looked up and smiled, taking the stranger's hand.
.
The police car now was so near, Amber could make out the driver, who clearly wasn't old enough in the old world to actually drive.
.
A dog's barking could be heard, it breaking the tension here.
.
"What are the gangs doing here?" asked the young girl of the lady who had luckily come to save her.
For a second, Amber didn't answer. Amber here looks up, seeing the man standing tall, and knew him as Zoot.
Here she looks to Patsy. "Who knows?' stated Amber with a lighthearted struggle of her shoulder. 'But for now all we can do is keep out of sight… Get down!"
The pair crouch down here and hide, just in time, behind a set of bins.
.
The police car races by, not stopping to check the surrounding streets.
.
"Whew, what a relief… it appears that they weren't out after us!" stated Amber, a hand swiping across her forehead.
"Unless they're toying with us. Locos are known in these parts for that!' said the girl. 'they love to catch you off your guard."
.
"You left yourself out in the open back there!' stated Amber, as she still crouched down by the young girl. 'Who are you and what are you doing out here alone?" Amber pointing back to the streets.
Patsy looked to the floor, not answering Amber, no one at that age liked thinking they were in trouble.
And Amber saw this, "Hey… it's okay… please, I'm not here to harm you…' she placed hand on her chest. 'I'm a friend… I only want to help you!"
The young girl looked up, saw that there was good in her.
Amber here smiles. "My name is Amber… and now please what is your name!"
"I'm Patsy." answered the girl, a hand here on her chest.
"So then Patsy, which tribe do you belong to? Maybe I can help take you back… and hey who knows they can help me in return!"
"Tribe?' she stated back in some confusion. 'I am here on my own… these are my streets… I came to play!" Patsy here scuffs her shoe across the ground.
"Ah, playground…' Amber kneed down. 'This city isn't a playground, Patsy, trust me… there are bad souls here… no doubt like the ones in that car!"
.
Amber looked to Patsy here, "Look, as you don't have a tribe, and due to this being your playground, maybe… just maybe we can help each other!?"
Patsy shrugs. "I don't know!?" Patsy here holding out her hand and waving it to show her unsureties here with purposely.
"You see I have come in search of medicines for my tribe, the Ecos… And like I said, am I in need of help… So Patsy, what do you say… will you help me?"
She shrugs again. "I suppose I should, Amber… ah, I do seem to owe you a big favour… so yeah, for now I guess I can help you…"
Amber smiled. "Well for now I guess we better get off the streets, things seem a little intense on the streets. And I don't fancy being locked up!"
Patsy taking stock of things came to realise that maybe the city wasn't all her, yes she knew areas well, but others she didn't tread, didn't feel secure and safe in.
.
Amber didn't return yet, Pride paced up and down the main hub. "I am worried?" he stated out loud to Hawk.
"I understand your concern."
"Then we must go back… form a search party… who knows how bad the city streets could have gotten."
"We should have never agreed to her going alone." stated Grey Owl.
Hawk shook his hand and signalled with his arms to calm down. "We must give her time, we must have faith in her skills… her doing… I feel she won't fail us!"
"Time!?' scoffed Pride, not happy with Hawk's view. 'she's been gone too long… Amber could be in danger."
Hawk stated, "For now we shall give her time… Amber knows we are in need and won't let us down!"
Pride folded his arms, he looked Hawk directly into his eyes. There was a second of silence, then Pride backed away and stormed out of the hub.
.
Hawk at this turned to the others. "I have trust in Amber… I would never leave one of our own in danger, you know that of me… but in the same hand… I can't afford to send further tribe members back into the city… out of fear!"
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Lynx believed in Hawk and his view point, later she was still concerned about Pride, she knew that he couldn't rest until he knew Amber was safe; and she was right to be, as she now stood in front of Pride hut and he had already left.
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It was getting late in the day, Amber looked up at the sky. "We better find somewhere to shelter for the night!" she said to Patsy.
"I would normally sleep in the park."
This shocked and saddened Amber, she had gotten a good clean break following the virus, 'Hawk's dream saved me, but ah, we still left many behind… left many to this city.' she came to stark realisation.
And to try and escape Zoot's patrolling army, Amber took Patsy off the streets, entering into a run down multi-storey car park.
.
Here they find a car to sleep in, Amber offering Patsy something to eat.
The young girl smiled, and took the food out of her hand, without taking another thought. "Thanks!" she stated, so gratefully. Her eyes open wide at the sight.
Amber saw that it must have been sometime since she had eaten a good meal, and felt bad that for her food like this came easy.
.
The pair soon fell asleep, huddled up together in the back of the car, under a woven blanket that Amber had taken with her from the plantation.
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By nightfall, Pride had made his decision that he was to leave the camp, a black sack thrown over his shoulder and a spear in hand. Deep down he couldn't live with himself if something had happened to Amber, and in his emotions resented Hawk for not acting.
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Lynx turned and ran, she spotted him and tried on the edge of the camp and came to talk him out of leave. "You heard his ruling, Pride,' she stated, now taking hold of his forearm to try and pull him back. 'we must first honour the tribe, after all we are one!"
"Yeah well there's always an exception!" snapped Pride, who instantly pulled himself free.
"I know you care for her!"
Pride stops and looks back over his shoulder, a look to question how, 'how would show know that,' but turns and leaves without another word spoken.
.
By the morning, Pride made it to the city, he truly didn't know which way to go, nor how he was going to find Amber. He had not slept nor rested all night, was his drive, but now he felt lost, foolish somewhat. 'She is here, I know she is, but hell where… where to start.' he bushed a hand back over his head. 'Ah, my heart has outgunned me this time.' he came to think.
.
"Patsy!' Amber said, as she had woken up with a jolt. 'Wake up!"
"Huh, what is it…' Patsy rubbed her eyes. 'What's going on!?"
Amber had sat up, bushing aside the blanket. "Someone's coming!" she pointed out, as she had heard footsteps echoing in the car park. No looking out of the window.
.
Amber could now see a shadow approaching, only sensing danger she slowly opened the car door and stepped out, she signalled for Patsy to stay behind her.
Amber goes to open the boot of the car, inside she luckily finds a crowbar and holds in firmly in her hands, taking a stance just in case she had to strike.
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Amber and Pride met, "So you've changed your mind… and chosen to stay!" Pride pointing to the girl.
"Pride!" she actually sounded shocked to be seeing him there before her.
Pride rolls his eyes. "Given up on the dream, Hawk's dream, have you!?"
"It's not like that, I haven't changed my mind… my heart is with the Ecos… but we have been done for sometime now… and have gotten their struggle."
"This isn't our fight, Amber… those who stayed knew their choice!"
Amber shook her head. "For a second I felt as if I was running away if I just returned… I know that's not much I can do here… It is clear the tribes have long taken over, but there are still good people here… people who need help and I hate seeing the heartless get away with it!"
Pride said nothing, and folded his arms.
"This is where I grew up… where you grew up too, Pride!"
.
"I came to find you… came to see if you were safe, Amber, when others didn't." he stated
Amber looked into his eyes, she knew who he meant, knew now that she would have to discuss his feelings for her and hers for Hawk. "Hawk you mean… I know of your feelings, Pride, your feelings for me." Amber felt bad in telling him this, but knew that the truth was better said.
Pride lowered his head. "And?" he asked of her.
Here she told him that, "For now you must know that I can't return…"
"I can't believe you're just giving up… giving up on our dream… we had everything… Hawk had given those who wished it a new start!"
"And for that I will always be grateful to him…' she had to say how she felt, how it was Hawk who she loved, loved for all time. 'Hawk has my affection, Pride, I never considered you in that way… and now I know that I have to… that I must!"
"Then you have made your bed!" replied Pride, very, very harshly.
.
Amber handed him the bag of medical supplies she had found, Pride's hand longed on hers.
He pulled away in the end and walked off, not turning back to take one last look even though he truly wanted to.
.
- The end -