Chapter Text
Teaching them to survive and thrive on the Island wasn’t the hard part. The hard part was denying them the chance to ‘ascend’. He gave them a deadline. One year. If they could prove to him after one year they could defeat The Island Bosses he'd get the Overseer’s permission to take them to Scorched Earth with him. Humans were stubborn creatures no matter where they came from.
They exceeded his expectations. Even the women. They wanted to get off The Island even if it meant going to a desert. The option of maybe getting back to their loved ones was a huge motivator. He told them he couldn’t one hundred percent promise that but it sure motivated them. He admired their dedication and strength. He wished he’d had that type of constitution his first year on the ARKs.
He’d never thought he’d see the women who were not martially inclined taking up weapons ready to learn. To fight for survival at his side. They had spirit he’d give them that. Now they were getting ready to head off the Island. Uploading their tames to the Obelisks allowed them to take them across ARKs. He’d given them warning. Scorched Earth was a desert with dangerous creatures. The temperatures swayed from hot enough to kill to cold enough to freeze you at night.
He looked at them. “I’ve set it to send you to safer zones with little dangers beyond raptor. You’ll be in your skivvies just like you arrived on The Island. Do your damndest to get to the river or a water source.” He squeezed A-Yu’s hand. “If you can; find each other, I’ll find you. Stay in the shade during the day if you can. Use what I've taught you here to make primitive clothing and tools until I can get to you. Most importantly, Survive.”
They all acknowledged; even Jin Guangshan despite his snotty attitude, and Harry licked his lips. “Uploading Survivor: Mo Xuanyu.” He let go of his hand and they watched him disappear into the Obelisk Terminal. “Transferring to Scorched Earth.”
Harry looked to the next person. “Uploading Survivor: Xue Yang.” The man gave a sharp grin and gave his hair a playful tug before he vanished. “Transferring to Scorched Earth.” This continued until only he was left. Taking a deep breath he uploaded himself as usual and listened to Helena speak of how he was doing so well. When he next opened his eyes it was to a familiar heat and dryness in the air. To sand and the sound of a jerboa ruffling through the sparse underbrush.
He got up and brushed off the sand as best he could and took in his surroundings. The river was to the east of him. He knew where to go and he’d grab anyone he came across. Grabbing hands full of berries from the sparse shrubs he made his way east. His hope was cut short on finding anyone along the way when he got to the river alone.
He set up a ‘bob shack’ in the shade by the river after making primitive tools. He made it big enough for everyone to crowd into. Setting up a campfire and a storage he donned plant fiber clothing, several primitive tools and spears, a belt full of bolas, and set out to find the others. He wouldn’t consider them dead until he found the bodies. He tsked when he found a drop to try getting Siren out of only for it to dissolve in front of him.
He didn’t want to head for his home on Scorched without finding everyone. He stayed out the entire first day searching and returned to the shack at dark when it got too cold out. He set out standing torches so that anyone could see them burning from afar. He stayed awake the whole night. “Hope you are all okay out there.”
When the sun started rising he left a note on the table in the shack before setting back out to try for another drop and keep looking. By the time noon came round Harry was sweltering and exhausted but he had a drop coming down in front of him. He rushed up to it and crouched to avoid any predators seeing him. He heard the rustling of grass to his left and readied his bola. He jumped up as the drop placed its legs down.
He came face to face with Madam Jin who had a spear to his throat. He grinned. “Smart woman.” She was dressed in tattered fiber clothing but looked overall well. “You’re the first one I've come across.”
She pulled her spear back. “You’re the second I've come across. Saw some torches by the river and sent Sisi to head there.” He tossed her some cooked meat. She looked hungry.
“Probably my shack.” He told her as he accessed the drop to get Siren out and some better gear. When Siren appeared he cooed at her. He filled her pack with as much as he could from the stored inventory of the drop terminal section. “Which tame do you want out?”
She kept her back to him ready to attack anything that came at them. “Rìluò (Sunset).” The Tapejara was slower than his Argentavis but the saddle held two. He selected the dino for her and he cringed. The drop was about to break. She could tell as well. “Some clothes would be wonderful also. For both Sisi and I.”
Harry nods and quickly pulls out the silk dresses he’d made right before they left The Island. He’d worked hard with Shi Qingxuan’s help to design them. He handed her the two silk dresses and outer robes. He pulled out a set for himself as well from the male sets he’d made. He was about to pull out a few more for any others they managed to find but the drop dissolved. “Well, guess that’s it for now. We should head back so Lady Sisi doesn’t worry.”
Madam Jin inclined her head in agreement. They climbed onto their mounts and took to the skys. Harry kept an eye out for anyone else along the way back to the shack. He saw some raptors chasing a morellatops but no humans. If Sisi and Madam Jin could survive the first day then so could everyone else. He was sure of it. Even Xiao Xingchen, who was blind was smart enough to survive.
He was sure of it. He’d find everyone. He looked to the skys knowing the river was the best place to meet since it ran through the desert like a beacon. It was always not too far from the safer spawns as well. Once he was sure Madam Jin and Sisi were settled he’d head out again on Siren to fly along the river looking for anyone else.
Landing at the shack he saw Sisi peeking out the doorway. He climbed down from his mount and was immediately hugged by the woman. He froze in shock. After a moment he hugged her back. “I’m glad you are alright as well.” He wasn’t used to human touch and affection but he craved it now that he had experienced the good kind.
He helped them both inside and turned his back as they changed. As soon as they were settled he headed back out. He needed to find the others with what daylight they had. Taking deep breaths he centered himself. Flying along the river he watched for any movement. He let out loud whistles hoping they could hear him. In Scorched Earth the sounds carried.