The Raging Forest

“Remain Calm! Remain in your homes! Evacuation measures will be taken shortly.” called the emergency broadcasting systems.

Leilani and Liliana looked at one another as their parents placed them in the basement. “You’ll be safe.” Their father said. Lelani nodded, Liliana frowned. “ Dad...The virus.”
“ You’ll be safe.” He assured her but they knew that. They were worried about them.

The doors of the basement shut and then the wait.

The seemingly endless waiting....

Artemis shot up from her hammock. Her brown skin glistened with sweat and she gulped in air.. That same damn dream. It was so long ago when the virus took them. All of the adults. Dead. Bodies everywhere. Children left wandering the barren land. She was only a child herself at the time. 14 years old.

She took another breath and noticed the sun creeping up from the east.

Morning. Glorious morning. It meant she didn’t have to sleep though she hated it. All sleep brought was more dreams.

She looked around her tree house. She and the former Piper built in the Raging Forest before she succumbed to the virus. That was the thing about this virus.

You were immune into you reach 25.

That wasn't too long from now for her. She was 19.

It was too soon. Way too soon.

She rose from her hammock. She dressed in her typical Dyrad clothing made only of natural material. and completely barefoot, she walked around the large tree complex. Some nicknamed it ‘The tree house’ but it was much much more. It was a vast complex built into the trees as that housed all of the Dryads. There were hundreds of these ‘Tree houses’ built within the Raging Forest and more being built everyday. There and one for the infirmary, botany, weaponry training and water treatment.
Artemis made her way toward the training fields as the young Dryads were being trained. She watched them with a smile.

Way too soon.

War

War had been awake for the past two and half hours. She couldn't stop thinking about her brother and what he has become. It was scaring her, but she had to deal with it. She hasn't seen him in a while and she hated it. No matter what she did she couldn't get her brother to love her or even acknowledge her presence. She punched the tree house wall to let out her anger, but it didn't seem to be enough. War exhaled and inhaled. She felt better. People were starting to wake up and this was a good time to get exercise. She changed into her typical dryad outfit that allowed her to move freely and shoot arrows.

She grabbed her bow and arrow holder and strapped them to her back. She left the tree house and walked out to the training area. There were a lot of people training and people waved at War. She politely waved back, but she wasn't in the mood to be with other people. She just wanted to shoot her arrows and release some steam.

Standing in front of her usual target,where many arrows lay in the center, she sets down her arrows and readies her bow. Just then Artemis walks by. Artemis is the leader of the Dryads. War loved her. Not in love because that would have been wrong, but she had strong feelings for Artemis. War was always afraid of that and she was the only reason that she was in the tribe was because of her. War wanted to be with her brother, but Artemis told her to follow who she really was. That is why Diana is now War. Before she shot the arrow she waved at Artemis. "Hey Artemis." The arrow left its holding in the bow and landed in the center of the target.

It was Saturday, with another sermon prepared and told to the Echelon masses. This time, he made a reference to 1 Corinthians 13, the Passage of Love, wording it exactly as written in his Bible:

"And now I will show you the most excellent way.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a canging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I can have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it I not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophecy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put my childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. NOw I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love."

He gave an entire sermon on that passage, afterwards. It was one which took a boldness in tackling the spiritual problems within Echelon. He even went so far as to condemn the current political climate between the tribes, calling the act of hatred towards fellow people the most blasphemous of all crimes against God. The entire assembly within church walls was moved by his words, as it always is. It would not be long before the same boldness Zechariah the Disciple displayed in his sermons spread across the rest of Echelon territory, at this rate. Each Saturday, the crowd becomes bolder in defying the norm of hatred towards one another, resorting instead to respect and compassion, even beyond the tribe's territory.

The sermon ended with music, Zechariah being one of the male singers and guitarists, giving praise to the Lord. Once it was all finished, the Disciple bid everyone a great week and stayed behind to clean up the chapel, as out of habit. He and the other Head Priest made friendly chatter as they worked to tidy things up.

"Zechariah the Disciple, you continue to impress me. I may not agree with all of your sermons, though I admire your passion in giving them to the crowd."

"When you know what you believe to be true, you will defend it to your grave."

The church was clean within a half hour, and he was off to walk beyond Echelon borders, which did not take long, since the church he gave all his sermons at was close to the Dryads. Zechariah soon came across a pair of children playing with wooden swords and hatchets, whom he greeted with a wave, the children doing so in response. It was rather convenient that the Disciple's cross was on his chest, since it meant that it was always hidden so people focus on him instead of where he comes from. Eventually, his walk led him to where young Dryads practiced archery and whatnot.

There, he caught a glimpse of the current piper of the Dryads, Artemis the Huntress. There was something about her that made him grin from ear to ear, his heart accelerate. Perhaps it was her beauty in the all-natural clothing, or perhaps it was her attitude and strong personality. Whatever the reason, he felt as though he was meant to spend the rest of his life with her. Alas, he knew the odds of it. The other suitors already failed to win her heart, yet somehow, he thought he would succeed where they failed.

Walking up to Artemis until he was about ten feet away from her, he tipped his hat and said, "Good morning, Miss Artemis! How are you, this fine morning?"

Artemis looked over as War spoke. She smiled breifly. “ Ohaiyou.” She said quickly. It was a habit, Artemis has picked up a long time ago. Her parents would sometimes go days speaking just Japanese so that she and her sister could speak it fluently. She even had a slight twang when she spoke English, even though was born in America.

She then noticed Zechariah approaching. People came to the Dryads for food and medicinal herbs, or clothes from time to time. They weren't allowed in to the Treehouses but they were allowed on the grounds. It would seem like a bad idea with Power and Chaos running around, rounding up Lost Ones. Children who somehow managed to not have a Tribe, but since the Dryads were just as skilled fighters are PaC, they were safe.

She gave him a respectable bow. “Ohaiyou, Zechariah. What brings you here?”She asked though she had a pretty good idea already. He probably thought himself attracted to her though she really hadn't the time. She had to make sure that all of her people were fed, skilled and comfortable. Love wasn't really in the cards right now. Where she younger, then perhaps

Zechariah figured Artemis would ask why he was here. Being leader of a tribe was troublesome and stressful. Being a leader, period, always took much to handle. Being Head Priest back at Echelon, he knew the stress all too well. As such, he thought it best the conversation not be long, since he realized there was much she had to attend to. "I was just passing by, after having given a sermon, back home."

Walking over to one of the stalls, he purchased some bait for his rod and went back to Echelon territory. Not only did the church have a yard which bordered Dryad territory, but it was also near a river that had plenty of salmon. Applying some of the bait, he let loose the line and hook and perched himself on one of the rocks along the bank of the river. This was one of few times he could relax before his duties as Head Priest began to take up most of the rest of the day. He had to keep the clergy below his rank organized, after all, with next week's sermons, the charity work to be done within and beyond Echelon borders, education for children, and more. Fishing here was one of few moments where he could even pray to god without an interruption.

There was that, and Adam the Follower, the Co-Piper of Echelon, was not the kind of person which he could be comfortable around. In fact, the very character of that man deeply sickened the Disciple. The "Follower" was an utter disgrace, in his book, always preaching a hateful Gospel different from the truth written in the Bible. Why was that heretic even given a leadership post, to begin with?

Adam

Adam had sat through the entire sermon that The Disciple had just given. They have never been on equal terms, but Adam knew not to disrespect him while preaching. It wasn't right. He sang songs of praise along with the Echelon people and soaked in all the words that he had wanted to hear. It helped him keep his head high and believe that what he is doing will benefit his people. The Follower left the church soon after Zechariah did. He saw him go into the Dryad territory talking to the leader, Artemis.

Dryads were essential to survival, but he couldn't stand being there with them. It was mostly because of his relative that lives with them. He can't see her and refuses to let her see him. He keeps his distance and tries not to talk about his family much. He can tell that she thinks about him, but it is best just to stay away. He turned in the direction of the home that him and the Piper share. He placed his bible on the bed and sat down next to it. Not matter how many times he prays for success for his tribe nothing changes.

He opened up his bible and looked for verses to read that will help him get through the day.

2 Timothy 1:7 - For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Not everyone agreed with the way Adam interpreted the bible, but Adam doesn't see it that way. It even says god has given them power. Why not use it. He put the bible back down and went outside to join the others.

Sparky wiped the sweat from her brow as she took a break from working on a broken transformer. She could already tell that today would be an extremely hot day. She glanced down from her position high atop the pole. Sure her job was pretty dangerous sometimes, but it was something she really loved doing. Her stomach growled loudly and it was then that she realized that she hadn't eaten anything since breakfast yesterday. She had been to busy lately to think of anything else besides her job. She often felt under appreciated by everyone even by her fellow tribe members. Sure it was great that they had their laptops and that they could work on restoring some form of the internet, but who did they have to thank for all that? Without the power she provided, they wouldn't even have enough juice to charge a double A battery, much less a laptop.

Pushing the negative thoughts from her mind, she made a slow trek down, careful of where she placed her work boots. She landed lightly on the ground and wrapped the harness around her. She would worry about this particular trouble-making transformer later when it cooled down a bit. Besides, this transformer was rather close to the Dryad settlement and they had no real need for power anyway. Picking her tool-box from the ground, she made her long trek back to the Cyber settlement, passing the Dryad settlement as she went.

Zechariah did not catch anything, that day, so he would save the bait for another time. On his way back to the church, he saw Adam, whom he decided to try to ignore. Once at the church, the other clerics were there to begin the after-service meeting. As usual, he kept everyone organized.

"As you may already know, our must be beyond just words. As such, there is much that requires our attention, beginning with the homeless children still wandering about what's left of the city. They need loving individuals who will take them in and treat them as their own." He placed a list of them he found within the week. "Take a good look at the names of these children. We must post up notices for our people to find them before Power and Chaos do, and bring them to this church's orphanage without encountering those brutes. If we succeed, it will be a matter of finding people, Echelon or otherwise, who will adopt them."

The other Head Priest scratched his head and asked, "How do you know they are still alive?"

"All the more reason they must be found, now isn't it?" The Disciple went on with the rest of the list of things to do. "As usual, we have our morning breakfasts to give to help with poverty, mission trips to other tribes so to lend a hand and spread the Word, mediation between those who do not get along, and other duties we normally do. We have more work to do this week than last week, with plenty of requests all over the place for aid and mediation. Gentlemen, we are executing this to-do list, beginning today. Let's get to it. That is all I have to say on that."

Next, he went through what will be discussed next week. "Now, next Saturday we have to cover what is written on spiritual needs over the physical. There are plenty of scenarios where Jesus performed miracles, yet he makes clear the purpose. Our sermon has to go into detail on that, which will help to lower the resolve to continue rivalries with the other tribes due to more people seeking to discipline themselves spiritually. Any questions?"

Of course, there were some debates, yet everyone knew how much Zechariah uses the Bible to counter any arguments within the norm. Eventually, the entire conference was in agreement on what verses would be used for the sermon after working cooperatively on the matter. This was one of few places where the political climate of the tribes did not have much bearing on what should be done. the main focus was always God and spreading the Word through a combination of actions and words.

"That is all, gentlemen. I shall see you here, next week."

He went outside the church again, this time headed to the Piper's residence. Here was where he would check up on the current state of affairs. he was the advisor, after all. That meant he would always have to come here to handle politics, as much as he hated it. Then again, a Head Priest is, by tradition, an advisor to either the Piper or the Co-Piper. He felt blessed that he worked more closely with the Piper than Adam.

Adam the Follower

Adam had finished his daily prayer and The Disciple was talking at the after-service meeting. He spoke about helping the children and avoiding Power and Chaos. That was the only thing that the Follower and him agreed upon. Power and Chaos are crazy people that just want to claim all the tribes as their own. But Zechariah wants the children because it is the right thing to do. Adam wants the kids so that his tribe will grow stronger. Turn everyone into the followers of Christ and mold this place into God's image.

He stepped out of his residence to hear some more of the things that Zechariah would feed to the other clerics. He was already preparing another terrible seminar that would lead them in another direction. He wanted the Echelons to go towards greatness and power, not cower and submit to the people. Yes Jesus performed miracles, but what if getting Echelon to power was another miracle Jesus was trying to perform. He walked back inside his residence sitting at his desk with a few different bible versions open.

The meeting was over and the Disciple was making his way toward his residence. Letting out a long sigh and pretended to be friendly. "Hello Zechariah. Are you ready to discuss current affairs?" he asked running his hands through is hair. He wanted to get this over with, but these moments with him tend to last longer than necessary.

Zechariah heard Adam come in, his eyebrow arched in a manner which spoke bounds of observance. He knew Adam was only acting friendly, but he indulged him and remained calm. "Why else would I be here? What is going on, of note?"

Here comes the usual stuff he says. The Disciple would be surprised if he heard anything the Follower said reasonable. I'll bet he's going to complain about me being around Artemis. Clearly, he ignores what Jesus said about the sick needing a doctor. Of course, I should not press the Word too much. If anyone asks about it, I will gladly answer the questions.

"To start off with, I have seen you around the Grave Diggers. How did your latest diplomatic trip to them go? What did they say to your words?"

Adam the Follower

Adam didn't like the tone of voice Zechariah was using with him after all the work it took to pretend to be nice to him. Well that ship has sailed. Adam was going to question his visit to Dryad territory, but the Disciple had beat him to it. He was asking about his trip over to the grave diggers.

Adam tried to convince the Grave Diggers to believe in God the way that Echelon does, but they didn't listen. He ran his fingers through his hair and walked further into the room and sat in a chair a good distance away from him. "They will not convert, but they will continue to be out allies," he said. That was all that matter. Having allies would put the Echelon at the top.

"So what were you doing in Dryad territory today?" he asked. Echelon and the Dryad's weren't exactly friends. He refuses to be there because of his sister. No one in Echelon knows about her and he would like to keep it that way.

Zechariah shrugged. "I purchased some bait for fishing." Crossing his arms, he added, "You know, you can attract more flies with honey than vinegar, yet you still use vinegar. That is why I do what I do. I strive to show God's image through charitable actions, giving credit for the ability to do so to God. A man will better approach a believer when he knows he or she has no ill will towards them. Then, when the times comes that they are curious about what we believe, we answer their questions to the best of our ability. That is how we convert people, not through words alone. Talk is for naught when what is done does not reflect what is told."

The Disciple shook his head while looking sideways. "Pardon my rudeness. I just know how you truly react to what I do."