【49 - The Cycles of Nature! Assimilating to a New and Better Life!?】


The coming days passed one after the other, quickening into a blur. Heidi had found something in the tribe which she'd never had before: an extended family. Those on her father's side had been estranged, while those on her mother's side had lived away. Even without her parents Heidi thought she had more than enough growing up with three big sisters and her Grandpa. While she missed her family the entire tribe had now become her family. Everyone called her 'niece' or 'sister'. Everyone shared what they had and worked together for the community's needs, and if you were ever having difficulty there was always a helping hand. In giving up her sense of individuality she'd received a larger support system.

It was a very different society to what she knew. The were some negatives. She had to be mindful of the tribe's customs and superstitions, even if she didn't agree with them. There was less privacy, and often tribesmates would borrow things without thinking to ask. Many of the hutts lacked window coverings, so if you wanted to be alone you had to walk along the beach or into the jungle. Heidi was given weird looks whenever she'd try to fill silences while around others. She learnt that it wasn't just Kanoa, but part of his quietness and endure-without-complaining attitude was present in their culture. The positives, aside from the bigger support network, was that with everyone doing their part it didn't take long for required tasks to get done. There was no need to work more than a few hours each day. Heidi's body clock finally adjusted to a natural rhythm and she found herself waking comfortably at dawn, in no rush as there was never any reason to push yourself except for fun.

In this sense nobody kept track of the exact time. Hours was more of an estimation and people instead used the sun when talking about how long something would take. This loss of the meaning of time was probably what allowed one day to flow so easily into the next. Then that flowing became like the flickering of a book's pages under her thumb, and before she knew it a month had gone by since her return from the Sacred Mountain of Spirits. Each day she awoke feeling energized and excited. Some days she'd help with the setting up of breakfast, after eating she'd do her jobs and then much of the day was free. Later on she might be expected to help with meals or tasks but she could also explore, climb trees, rocks or the sand-dunes on the island's other side. She could go for treks to jungle clearings under the stars where frogs croaked and bioluminescent toadstools glowed pale green. This was the natural way human's developed: without procedures, school stresses or social competition.


YouTube: Incredible Jungle Sounds 8K - Exotic Birds Singing in Tropical Rainforest 8 HOURS - Part #3


That mid-morning Meilani wandered to where Heidi crouched and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"That's good. You can remember which ones are bad now," she said.

Heidi's fingers picked berries and slowly filled the straw basket she balanced on her knee. The pink bulb-shaped berries were good, the purple rounder ones were bad. A few other women were nearby, forraging in shrubs or stretching up for fruits and nuts. Nobody hurried. For Meilani it was just as much a social event as work, so long as it didn't take them too long to finish. Heidi usually filled her basket first. Now she no longer wore the touristy clothes she'd received at that resort - she wore the same leafy dress and wrapped top as the others. She'd taken to wearing a few pink flowers she liked, in comparison Meilani was often decked out with Frangipanis and various others that left her smelling floral. When Meilani retracted her hand Heidi stopped.

"Meilani... what do you think about me joining a hunting trip?" When Heidi didn't recieve a response she turned. A few of the other women were staring but then returned to their picking.

"Oh Heidi..." Meilani stepped around then crouched so they were level, brushing her arm. "Don't you think you're too small to do something so dangerous? That's really something we leave to the men."

"No way! Where I come from loads of women can do a man's job just as well if not better!"

"In some cases you may be right. But you're small Heidi and I'd hate to see you get hurt."

Heidi shot up to her feet and Meilani straightened as well.

"You wait! I'll go to the Chief if I have to and demand the men take me with them!" Heidi whipped away and continued picking berries aggressively.

Meilani sighed and wandered away. A determination had seized Heidi and didn't let up as they finished gathering food, returned to the village and as Heidi left the clearing. She walked barefoot through grass until weaving through the dense trees that were memory-triggers of the numerous private meetings she'd had in this spot.

She felt a presence behind her, then felt his hand brush her hair. He'd been getting more daring lately. Heidi turned to see Sione's smile.

"How are we?" he crooned.

"I want you to take me hunting with the other men today." At Heidi's request his eyebrows hinted confusion, but his smoldering gaze remained and he reached for her hair again. Heidi supposed he liked touching it because it was different to the other Polynesian women, hers being pitch-black and straight. She caught his wrist "I'm serious."

"Heidi..." He leaned back to assess her. "That's not a good idea."

"And why not?"

"You could hurt yourself."

"I don't care! I wanna try and see what you men get up to. I'm allowed to fish so why can't I hunt?"

He was still staring at her in that reprehensive way. Sione wasn't one to be deterred by her independence, the challenge only seemed to encourage him further. And Heidi's obvious interest in him was without a doubt also an encouragement. He was beautiful like many of the young men. His body was lithe, skin bronze and wavy hair a little longer than the other guys. He'd tried to kiss her twice before but Heidi had turned away and promptly left. She knew the plan had ultimately been to convince Kanoa to leave with her, so she didn't need another reason to make her want to stay. In all the time she'd been on the island Kanoa hadn't budged, instead Heidi had been the one growing attached to staying. Sione wasn't one to be deterred at all. She kept thinking her rejections would sting but his confidence was admirable. She'd always enjoyed being around him, they felt like kindred spirits. He knew her well enough to recognize when she was being stubborn, like now.

Sione sighed "when we were boys our fathers and uncles took us hunting and taught us. You don't have that background."

"You could teach me."

"Heidi, no."

"Fine! Forget about it!" She went to storm off.

"Wait," he grabbed hold of her arm and she threw him off. She met his gaze with challenge until he relented "I'll ask the Chief. But don't expect him to agree."

She softened "thank you."

And as expected Chief Tenakoto didn't warm to the idea. After a hearty lunch she met with him inside the marae, sitting on the planked floor while a group of other men stood at the entry and listened in. It was today's hunting party and Dominic was among them, shirtless in the islander garb as well. The Chief blew air out his nose, massaging his chin as he considered her plea.

"You want to join the men and hunt, Heidi?" It was the arrogant tone of Luano, his eyes bright with mirth. Heidi looked over her shoulder to glare.

"Quiet, son." The Chief spoke, weary and still rubbing his chin. "Niece Heidi, your body is not fit for hunting."

"But I'm fast. And I can fight. I know karate and combatives and I've beaten fully-grown men before. How much different is this?" Her fist hit her knee, back straight with eagerness.

"Knowing how the human body moves in a fight is not like taking on an animal. If you help the others corner a pig it will go for the weakest link, in this case you, and you don't have the muscle mass to fight it. You're much better off forraging with the other women." At the Chief's stern words she bristled.

"Well what about Denali? It's not like I'm the first to go against gender norms in this tribe. Denali is allowed to be as feminine as he likes, dress like the women do and is exempt from men's jobs." She recalled the thirty-something year old tribesman, always adorned in tropical flowers while doing his weaving. "You all say he's Two-Spirit and everyone's accepted him! ...her, whatever."

"Either way, it's not just your safety I have to consider." The Chief continued in his disapproving monotone. "What if you panic and from your lack of training, injure your brothers with a spear?"

Heidi could feel herself losing the argument. Before she could come up with her final sinking words someone unexpected came to her defense.

"Let her come, father. We'll watch over sister Heidi." Luano promised.

Heidi looked back with confusion and suspicion. His eyes still had some mischevous brightness, not meeting hers but fixed to their Chief.

"...very well. I leave her in your care." With that Tenakoto stood and left, feathers and animal skins trailing behind him.

Heidi blinked at his empty mat before the victory settled in, elation raising her to her feet. She turned around and approached the group of men. Among them was Dominic, Sione and Luano. A solemn, middle-aged man with experience and rippling muscles was to lead them. Authority typically deferred to age. With another pair of men it meant their hunting party was composed of seven.

"Well this will be interesting." Luano said with a smirk, hands at his sides. "Be sure to keep up."

"Heh. Don't you worry about me, I'll be fine!" Heidi rose to his challenge. The others were quietly concerned, but with the decision made that was that.

It was now mid-afternoon and time for the hunters to be off. They went to a hutt that served as a storeroom for hunting tools. The tribesman in charge wordlessly handed out spears and sharp clubs, he also kept an impressive boomerang for himself that looked heavy and as big as his muscled forearm. He handed out a wider stick and cloth-bag that was passed down the line of men to Dominic.

Luano passed Heidi her spear with a grin "the pointy end goes in the animal."

"Oh ha ha." she tried not to snatch it from him. For this to not be her first and only hunting trip, she'd need to behave and not cause any problems.

When everyone was ready they set off. Various tribespeople shot curious looks at Heidi as she shuffled off with the hunters. They made their way around the overlooking cliff-face and were soon treading through jungle. Heidi fell back until she was walking beside Dominic at the end of the group.

"Hey," she greeted.

"Hey."

"How many hunting trips have you been a part of now?"

"A few. But mostly I stay back, out of the way and help with herding." The bearded teen explained.

Sione looked back "the main thing is to stay vigilant. You wanted me to teach you, right?" His warm smile was returned by Heidi. Dominic noticed but didn't say anything.

The travelling party began by checking traps that'd been laid out the day before. The first four had yet to be sprung while the fifth and last was a rope hanging from the canopy overhead. Luano stepped over to inspect the frayed end. Whatever was caught had managed to chew its way through to freedom. Their leader decided it was time for big game hunting so they went deeper until the jungle ended by the base of a mountain. Further up Heidi could see remarkable rope-bridges connecting the sharp cliff-faces. It looked hazardous, swaying in the wind hundreds of metres above sharp rocks and a running stream. They were laying low in the shadows. Much of hunting was a waiting game, and Heidi had to ignore the stiffness and crouching. A herd of striped antelope were grazing and gradually moving closer to the forestry. By using hand signals the others split up along the clearing's perimeter. Everyone was in position and Heidi's anticipation gave way to boredom. She watched a high-up spider building its web, then a curious toucan flew to a branch and eyed her over its colourful beak. Heidi raised a finger to her lips and it tilted its head.

When the herd was close enough their leader positioned himself, he twisted back with the boomerang ready to throw. Then his muscles tensed and he hurled the weapon with impressive strength. It whipped through the air and arced toward the animals that were only beginning to raise their heads in concern. Then he picked up a spear and led the charge.

They broke the treeline and the herd scattered. Heidi's heart raced as she fought to keep up, long grass whipping against her legs. They managed to cut off a few antelopes that darted and dipped between chasers. Spears were thrown and missed. One slipped away. The second rushed at Sione who'd already lobbed his spear, he tried grabbing but it sped out of his grip. The hunters hurried to surround the last one. Sensing its hopelessness it became frenzied, rushing at Luano only to back off again. Their leader was creeping closer, aiming his spear and waiting to get just a few feet closer... Luano threw his spear first and the antelope twisted, the sharp end bouncing off its horns. It charged at Heidi and she felt herself freeze up. Dominic jumped and daringly seized its horns, but he got thrown off and the antelope sprang over him, galloping away to rejoin its herd.

"Are you okay?" Heidi leaned over him.

"Ow... yeah, I'm fine." Dominic sat up and the other men came over, everyone out of breath.

"It didn't work..." Heidi felt the heavy disappointment.

"We only got one this time." One of the men said.

Before Heidi could ask she saw the dead antelope in the grass. That big boomerang had flown with enough force to one-hit kill it. She couldn't help but feel impressed by the experienced hunter leading them. He issued his instructions and the wider stick and sack given to Dominic was retrieved. In it was twine they could use to tie the animal's feet to the stick and carry it between two of them, all the way back to the village. After their prey was lifted up it dripped blood from its injury. The leader gathered the extra weapons in his arms and they were ready to head back.

"Let me go repair the broken trap." Luano requested.

"We have to return the weapons first."

"I won't be long. Heidi can come with me. She's not going to be able to help you carry that anyway."

"...alright. Don't take too long, you two." The leader moved off while the prize was carried, the others stuck close to lend a helping hand if necessary. Both Dominic and Sione glanced back but couldn't say anything about the arrangement.

Luano looked at Heidi and she crossed her arms.

"Let's go."

She didn't like him and he didn't like her. So as they trekked through the jungle together she wondered why he'd wanted to go with her, and why he'd convinced his father to let her come along in the first place. Luano was arrogant and entitled, everyone in the tribe treated him with extra respect. He was to be the future Chieftain after all. When Heidi spoke to him her voice only held disdain. He didn't like her because she was close to Kanoa, and Luano obviously resented him because he couldn't stand anyone else being more special. They were brushing through wide leaves and ferns when suddenly Luano stopped and crouched down.

"What is it?" Heidi asked.

"Boar tracks. They're fresh. You wanted to prove yourself as a hunter, right?" He looked back at her.

Heidi clenched her jaw before answering "sure."

His grin was back along with the brightness in his eyes. It wasn't like Malo's mischievousness which was always good-natured, Luano's wasn't innocent at all. But Heidi wasn't about to back down from a challenge. They followed the tracks deeper into the wilderness. It led them to a burrow and behind it, quivering bushes. Luano nodded and Heidi clenched her spear. She began to approach the noise, hearing snuffling and grunts. When she was close enough Heidi took a deep breath before springing out.

The pig squealed. Heidi met its dark eyes and found herself unable to lob the spear. Instead it charged past, knocking her on her butt. She winced and the bushes behind her shuddered as the pig made its escape. Luano chuckled as he approached her. She scowled and climbed back to her feet.

"Was it more of a challenge than you thought?" He jibed.

"You've had your fun. Let's go repair that stupid trap."

He was pleased with himself, but it didn't matter. Heidi got what she wanted in the end. She came along and was involved, but they may have lost an antelope and a pig because of her. But maybe not. It had still been exciting. She hadn't expected a sudden wave of compassion to be what made her stuff up. She'd always liked meat, but she'd never looked an animal in the eye and killed it before. It was just trying to live, same as her. Perhaps it was hypocritical. In the coal province Heidi had once shot and killed an attack dog, but that was in self-defense. Out here in the wilderness it felt wrong to disturb this creature in its own home. But that was nature, she supposed.

They returned to the village and Luano said nothing about the boar Heidi had failed to catch. Villagers had taken the antelope carcass into the trees to be skinned, drained and disembowled. Then it was going to be spit-roasted over the fire in preparation for dinner that night. Meilani and a few others had gone diving for seafood, they returned with oysters and crayfish. Seafood that was considered a delicacy in other parts of the world was readily available here. She had another hearty meal that evening of antelope meat, salad with nuts, crabs legs and luscious fruit including the pink berries she'd picked. It was another warm night and the cicadas were ringing, children laughing and playing while the moon hung above the horizon. Not a care in the world here.

"Heidi, would you like to have a swim after this? Just you and me?" Meilani asked.

Heidi sucked out the remaining juice from her coconut before nodding.

They walked to the beach after that. Then with their decks in hand they waded into warm and waist-deep water. Heidi had spoken to Meilani loads of times before then, but only around Kanoa or the other women. They'd yet to have their first duel despite the fact Heidi had dueled several villagers so far. Heidi was a good duelist and rumour had it Meilani was too. The wait felt like build-up. Also a courtesy given to Heidi so she could better familiarize herself with 'future cards' before their battle. Meilani ran water over her face, a stray Frangipani drifted away in the calm ocean. The moonlight emphasized her clear skin and full hair. She was a beautiful girl.

"I can't believe the water's this warm at night. It's like those hot summers I used to have back home. I love it." Heidi said. She could glimpse the shadows of swaying palm trees and lights from the village, the sound of chatter and children playing was carried softly along the wind. You had to listen to make it out.

Meilani faced up to the stars "I wanted to make sure I was strong enough to stay by Kanoa's side when he leaves to complete his mission."

"...I'm not sure if Kanoa is ever going to leave." The lost hope was evident in Heidi's voice.

"Either way, I want to be strong enough if he does. Even though I don't own a phoenix."

Heidi stood out the water with a smile "then let's see what you've got. Yoshi, I accept your challenge."

They drifted apart and then stood amidst the black ocean, summoning their tables and setting down their decks. The glow from their hands was enough for them to see. The moon and stars shone overhead, an island breeze caressed them warmly. Ten shields appeared and the game was underway.


+ Paleowolf - Feral Spirit (dark tribal powerdrums)


Both girls charged, then Meilani went again.

"Lionel charge. I summon Jasmine, Mist Faerie and sacrifice her to boost Heaven's Rosia. Done."

"I charge Moel. Now I can play Topgear, Start Dash!" A red-gold archer manned a bow of blue fire. "Now the first fire creature I play costs 1 less per turn. Done."

"Good… we'll see if your rush beats my mana ramp. I charge Kernel. Done."

Heidi drew "light, nature and water?"

"Perhaps you too might consider adding another civilization to your deck?" Meilani laughed.

"Nah-uh! I'm fire all the way! I charge and only have to tap 3 for Magnum, Fast Attack Puppet!" A cowboy doll started firing pistols in both hands. "We can't put creatures into play without tapping mana cards! He's also a speed attacker, so ike!"

Meilani turned as glass rolled over her. Thankfully she wasn't harmed. "Shield trigger! Dondon Shower Now! I add two mana then return Aegis Boost to my hand. Magnum goes back to yours!" The nature-water spell shimmered between its two colours and Heidi's creature was washed away.

"Alright… Topgear, shield break!" Flaming chunks of glass were cast into the water before vanishing. "Turn end."

"I cast my Now or Never twinpact! The spell side of Holyend. It lets me bring out a creature that costs 7 or less then send it right back to my hand." Meilani grinned while Heidi looked confused. The smaller girl knew something was coming… "I bring out Kirazeus Savark! Topgear is sent to your shields face-up!" Heidi's creature was blown back, flattening into a gold heiroglyph on her shield. "Next, as Kirazeus would leave the field I can burn Topgear to your graveyard instead!" What was left of Heidi's creature dissolved.

"Good play…" she conceded.

"Go, Heidi."

"I charge. I summon Magnum, Fast Attack Puppet and… end my turn."

"I summon Jasmine, Mist Faerie and this time I'll keep her. Kirazeus attacks! On my shields I add from my deck Lionel and Puchohenza. Double-break!"

Heidi ducked her head in her arms as the volley of glass blew by "...no trigger."

"Go, Heidi."

"You bet! I summon Hibiki, Explosive Dragon Edge!" As far as Heidi was concerned this human was like the modern version of her Mini Titain Gett. A dark-haired, cat-eared girl with jet-boots. She was a 2000 speed attacker, and of course, a draguner. She raised an arm, electric chains shot up and pulled open a vortex to hyperspace. "I equip her with the Glee Gee Horn, Passion Sword!" A red, dragon-styled blade fell into her hands. It was racing with the blue electricity. "Shield break!" Her opponent stepped back and frowned at her card. Heidi announced "I end my turn and Glee Gee Horn dragsolutions into Little Big Horn, Passion Dragon!" The sword levitated away and became a 5000 red-armored dragon that could attack untapped creatures. "Turn end."

"I cast Faerie Shower!" Another nature-water spell. Meilani picked up her top two cards and put one of them into her mana. Her expression gave nothing away. "Kirazeus attacks and I gain two shields! Double break!" Meilani's defensive panels grew to four while Heidi was left with one.

"Trigger! Tenshukaku Dragon King Keep!" Red energy blazed over her body. "I look at the top five cards of my deck and show you… Gatling, Sonic! Now I can destroy one of your creatures with power 6000 or less and I choose Jasmine. Mana Arms 5, since I have five fire cards in my mana I can also add him to my hand!"

"Good save," Meilani said as her faerie was scorched to ash. "I'm done."

Heidi drew with passion "I have six mana now! I summon Glenmalt, Dragon Edge!" A heroic warrior in red and gold landed. "From the hyperspatial zone I equip him with Gaiheart, Galaxy Sword!" A giant blue blade was called down, fixing itself into the warrior's grip. "Hibiki attacks! Invasion! For free I get to evolve her into Gatling, Sonic! Double break!" She morphed into a black coated warrior who aimed a cannon-arm. It rotated and spewed fiery bullets across the space.

"No triggers…"

"Glenmalt attacks!" Without his sword the hero punched with a fistful of fire. Meilani grimaced against the flames, now standing behind a lone panel. "Since that was the second attack this turn it causes Gaiheart to dragsolution into Gaiginga, Passionate Star Dragon!" The sword became a bipedal dragon of gold and blue, tall and with 9000 power. "A creature of yours with 7000 power or less gets insta-killed!"

"That won't work on Kirazeus, with 11000 power he's too strong."

"True. But Gaiginga has speed attacker and 13,000 power while attacking. Attack Kirazeus!"

"Urgh!" Meilani grunted as her gold dragon was burnt and torn. Her wavy hair billowed. Heidi had been choosing to attack the shields with card imprints first so Kirazeus couldn't burn them to stay on the field. "A powerful dragheart… I thought I might be seeing Mars this duel, but it seems like you have a brand new trump card. I have no creatures left..."

"And I still have two creatures left to attack! Go, Little Big Horn, Passion Dragon!" The smaller quadruped roared as it charged, flinging its head through the last shield.

"Dondon Shower Now! I send away your Gaiginga!" In leaving the field her impressive dragheart was sucked back into hyperspace instead of going to Heidi's hand.

"Not Magnum?" Then Heidi realised. "I see… Magnum, todomeda!"

"Ninja Strike, Saizoumist Dolge!" The giant blue shinobi landed hard enough to ripple waves. "My graveyard is shuffled into my deck, I gain a shield for the turn." Pistols shot down a shield that turned out to be Arcadia Spark "if only I'd got this first I could've tapped all your creatures… but I can send away one of your creatures! Gatling, Sonic gets shuffled into your deck and you draw 1." The light-water spell shone in her outstretched hand and Heidi smirked victoriously while doing so. "What is it?"

"Whenever Gaiginga is chosen I get an extra turn." Heidi's tabletop completely untapped for another round.

Meilani laughed once then sighed "it's your game, Heidi."

The girls removed their cards then trudged out together through the water.

"You've got a really strong deck." Heidi complemented.

"Thanks. It has more shield triggers than most. But luck isn't always on my side."


AN: Mid-term exam done and so I'm back to more writing. It was pree easy, I've lucked out this semester. Now I can only hope the assignment and final exam will likewise be no sweat as I come to them. Lockdown is going crazy in Australia now. We've got over a thousand Covid cases and people are getting fines for straying too far from home and there's a 9pm curfew and everything. The whole world needs to chill out a bit, like my story is. I suppose as we all know, change is inevitable. Next chapter marks the legendary half-way point of this story.