Chapter 8: Test for Acceptance

Once we found the healing flowers, Chomper (reluctantly) ate them, and his arm started to heal. I put a leaf on his side, to make sure it didn't get infected, and we started to head back.

It only took a few minutes to get back to the Valley, and along the way, I had a converstion with the young Sharptooth. Though one key thing he said was sticking with me:

"In this world, when we fight against Sharpteeth, it's for Survival. Not honor."

This was a concept that I understood, but never really had to apply. I didn't live in a town where I had to fight someone to survive. Never got mugged in the street, but I had a bully back at school, which is what started me learning to defend myself. He used to beat me up to get my money, but the first time I was able to fight back, he backed off forever.

This is where I started to learn the fighting arts, but I remained a street fighter first and foremost. I never had to fight to survive, but I understood the concept of self-defense. Now that I'm in this world, I'm going to have to apply it.

Which is why I devised a plan right when we got to the Valley. But anyway, once we were back, the first thing to happen was Ali came over and hugged me, saying "You're safe! I knew you could do it." And while I did like getting a hug, I was thinking 'This explains that rumor.'

Then the group noticed the leaf on Chomper, and everyone went to see if he was okay. After they asked what happen, I answered with "The Sharptooth made one last desperate shot. Though this time, he aimed at Chomper."

"And you defeated that Sharptooth again?" Cera said, "That's really awesome!" And the rest of the group agreed, because they all nodded their heads. They could figure out that I didn't KILL the Sharptooth, but I did do substantial damage to him. And this was enough to impress them.

The rest of the day was just the six of us hanging out, up until around sunset, where Mr. Threehorn came to me, and told me to come to the meeting place. There, all of the adults were there, waiting for me.

Littlefoot's Grandfather was the first to come up.

"So, Yuri," He said, his voice calm and and humble. "It has come to my attention that you and the children left the Valley earlier."

"Forgive me sir. We were just trying to go on a small hike."

"No. I understand," Grandpa Longneck continued, "But we called you down here to talk about something the kids said... Is it true you fought that Sharptooth again?"

"Yes I did," I responded truthfully, "I told the others to head back, and I'll meet 'em when it's done." This brought small murmurs from the adults around me. Then Mr. Threehorn came out and asked, "If I may have a question, why would you risk your own life for them, anyway? Most Humans who have came to this world died defending themselves from Sharpteeth?"

"That's kind of like asking why you guys band together against Sharpteeth whenever they find their way into the Valley. I'm doing it for the good of them."

This evidently shocked the crowd, who were looking at me confused, but at the same time, amazed. It was Grandpa Longneck who was the first to talk, saying "That is very noble of you. You've only been staying in the valley for a few days, but you have shown to be a good person."

"I am a guy with a unique moral code. And one of the things in that code is 'Never risk your friends when you can do it yourself.'"

"And you consider them your friends?" was Mr. Threehorn's question (surprisingly, it wasn't said meanly. It was just a curious question), to which I nodded lightly. "Well, regardless of the reason," Grandma Longneck cut back in, "We are grateful for what you did. It was very noble of you to risk yourself for them, and we wish to thank you in a way."

"We have been talking it over for a while now," Grandpa Longneck continued, "And we wanted to know if you wanted to become a permanent member of the valley." Hearing this was incredible. From what I had been told by the Valley's Elder, Mr. Thicknose, no human had ever been a permanent member of the Valley, mainly because they never wanted to, or never had the morals to where the Valley wanted them to stay. This would be an epic chance, but I had to do my plan first.

"I would love to," I told them, "But I cannot yet."

"Why," asked Mr. Threehorn, and so I started my plan. I told a lie, saying "Where I'm from, you have to go through a trial before you can join a new clan. It's tradition." The adults all looked at each other, and then back to me. Grandpa said, "Well... If it is your tradition, then we will respect it. What is the trial?"

"I must spend 7 days in the forests, living off the land. I can have contact with members of the clan while the Trial is happening, but I cannot come back to the clan's home, in this case the Valley, until the 7 days are over. Once the 7 days are over, I can join the clan."

Apparently, they were convinced by this lie, as they agreed to it, saying the trial will start tomorrow. After the meeting, Mr. Threehorn came to me, and said "Your clan has some interesting traditions there, Yuri. Good luck in advance."

"Well, thanks," I said, "It's good to hear you respect my traditions." (Man it is a good thing I'm a good actor) "But anyway," he continued, "I also want to thank you for... well, you know..."

"Putting my life on the line so that the rest of the group, your daughter included, could get away? No problem, Mr. Threehorn."

"Please. My real name is Topps, and you can call me that," he said, a grin on his face, "Since you're likely to be a member of the Great Valley, you don't have to be so formal anymore."

"You really have confidence in me, Topps?"

"Yes I do," Topps answered, "I've only seen you fight twice, but your talent as a fighter is amazing. I have faith that if any human I've seen has a good chance of surviving 7 days in the Mysterious Beyond, It's you." As soon as Topps finished that sentence, he held out his hand, which I shook, and then we went our own ways.

So to know that Topps, who I would have expected to be the MOST skeptical of my abilities, had some confidence in my ability to win this trial was a good sign. Grabbing my duffle bag, I made sure I had everything I needed. Because this trip, while it was a personal trial (but a made up one), it was mainly a training trip.

A trip to master not only my 'Berserker's Mindset', but my instincts in general.

Okay, now this Chapter, I am posting like at 4AM, and I'm really tired, and I made quite a few spelling mistakes (thank goodness for spell-checker), but I got it. And yes, I do read the reviews, and I really didn't have an idea for this chapter, but then 'Hunter' asked that question about Honor vs Survival and what not, and that gave me an idea.

So thank you very much Hunter. You really helped me with that comment.