It was a very hot day. Hotter than usual. The rays of the blazing sun beat down on the Wasteland. A young girl walked across the plain, her steps becoming slower and slower as she moved on. The girl looked around, her eyes taut with exhaustion. It was hard to believe that anyone could make it that far out into the desert. Especially with one as small and fragile as her. Finally the girl gave out, her wounded side hitting the ground, as she cried out in pain. Her side was covered in blood, her clothing stained red, as if it were the wound itself. A couple of hours passed as a group of people had just moved in, looking over the girl with a smirk. The leader poked her with his stick, "This one is still alive. Move her into a vehicle and get some water. We'll see if she's any use to us, in what lies before us." One of the bigger men picked her up carefully, the scabs on her side breaking open again, the blood seeping through his hands and onto the parched ground.

In a few days after the group had found the girl, she was well enough to talk and move. The leader had found her in the watering hole, her shoes lying next to her, and her feet in the ice cold water.

"I'm surprised you are still alive." The leader said, his harsh words burrowing into her mind," And yet, my monks were about to pray for you." The girl just stared at him, listening to every word he had said.

"I want to see if you are worthy enough to keep your stay in Spargus." he said, gesturing with his open hand. The young girl watched him and stood up.

"My name is Damas, King of Spargus." The king, known as 'Damas' said, his voice carrying out a note of respect, "And you are?"

"Melina." The girl said, crossing her arms, "My name is Melina."

Damas looked at her and smiled, "Well then, Melina. Head out of the doors, and go to the barracks. I want to see if you can hone your skills good enough, for what ever troubles that lie ahead." Melina nodded and did what she was told. Before she walked out into the training area, she overheard a few people talking.

"Yeah, there's a new kid here. He had a large orange rat and a moncaw with him."

"Really?" said the other guy.

"Yeah, he's pretty well built for his age, but he's unconscious at the moment. Damas said he had found 'em in the desert, almost near their death." The man chuckled.

Melina shook her head and strapped on her chest armor, then putting shin guards over top her boots. Her boots were studded with sharp points at the end. Melina walked out, and stood in front of Damas, who was currently standing, "Here, is a warrior that today, is going to prove her worth to our people. In the end, whoever lives, wins." He said, smirking.

Melina looked at him and nodded. She turned around, facing the obstacle course and made a long jump, casting over a river of lava. Melina looked down, sighing as she continued forward, and collecting the gems as she went. Once the gems were gathered, Damas called her to the battle throne and tossed her a gun, "Anyone could make a few measly jumps," he said, pausing and watching her carefully, "I now want to see you in action. But, you will most likely die."

"And if I do?" Melina said, her voice quavering from the loss of adrenaline.

"Then it will be as if we never found you."

"Fine by me, my liege." She said, turning around and mounting the elevator. She got off, and landed on the ground, barbarian-like people closing in on her. Melina noticed a dagger on the side of her boot. She looked up, the barbarians coming in even closer. Melina growled and rolled to the side, blasting a few shots from her gun, taking out a few of them. Her eyes were a dark blue, and the look of determination in her eye. She shot her gun, until her ammo was diminished and she had all but her dagger to take out the last of her enemies. Melina's heart raced as she grabbed her dagger, and ran towards the barbarian. She jumped into the air, and made a clean cut through his neck, decapitating him. She was panting and the crowds were roaring. She smiled and looked up at Damas, who was clapping and smiling big. She sheathed her dagger and hit the showers. She got in, and touched her side, but her wound wasn't there anymore. She had wondered if the Wastelanders had healed her.

'Nah' she thought 'I highly doubt it, although it could be possible. But…' She thought until a loud screech of metal doors stirred her from her thoughts. She was already out of the shower and dressed, as a huge guy with a scar on the side of his face came in. She looked up at the man, who apparently had an Australian accent.

"That was some pretty good shootin' ye did out there mate."

"Yeah?" she said, her voice filled with fear as she cowered away.

The man nodded and looked down, "If you're up to it, you could help me take out some metal heads." The girl looked up at him and smirked, "Metal Heads?"

"These ain't any scrawny blokes that you would see in the city. These are Wastelander Metal Heads. You can use me vehicle that is…if yer up to it…"

Melina nodded coolly, and followed the man. He turned right as soon as he got into the garage, "By the way, the name's Kleiver."

"My name is Melina" she replied, hopping into one of the large vehicles.