Difference between revisions of "The Bug"

Growing up in the shadow of Spider Rock on the edge of Canyon de Chelly National Park, my grandfather would often chide my older sister and I with "The top of Spider Rock is white from the sun-bleached bones of Dine children who did not behave themselves!" when I had not done what I was asked. Despite this "warning" I spent my days scouring a way up to the top of the Rock or exploring the old cave dwellings built by my people on the canyon walls. Despite my adventurous nature I could never bring myself to go along Canyon del Muerto or into the Mummy Caves out of respect for past ancestors. Late one afternoon while exploring the base of Spider Rock once more, I made my way up to a stepped ledge, high above the canyon floor and for a moment looking in awe at the vista below me. I sat there for some time taking in the view and relaxing with my thoughts.

As I gazed around something glimmering behind me caught my eye. Moving towards it I was shocked to see a silken cord hanging down from the top of the rock tower. Pulling on the cord with all my strength convinced me it would bear my weight and so tying it around me I used it to climb higher up the tower. Reaching the top after a surprisingly short time I discovered not sun bleached bones but a secluded oasis. In the centre of the oasis stood a roughly hewn obelisk covered with strange symbols.

Clay exploring Canyon

I reached out to touch the stone as the sun finally dipped below the edge of the plateau and a fiery glow erupted from within the obelisk. The last thing i saw was the outline of my outstretched hand against glowing rock as unconsciousness took me.A voice like the wind whispered to me "You are the first of my children to seek me in an age. I see in your heart you are bold and fair. I shall teach you the ways of the Spider that you may lead and protect my children." My mind filled with strange visions of ancient Dine heroes and silken threads seemed to spin around me and through me.

When I awoke I was back on the stepped ledge upon which i had rested. Had I fallen asleep and simply dreamed the rest of the climb? I sat staring out at the darkened valley below me for some time. It had felt real! Realising my Grandfather would be worried where I had got to, I got up from my seated position and began working my way back down from my perch. In the dim light of the crescent moon the route down proved much more hazardous than the climb up had been. More than once I lost my footing on loose shale and almost tumbled to the ground, however each time I somehow managed to reach out and grab a secure hand hold to break my fall.

Before moving to the Canyon Clay had been a thin child, happier inside reading than being outside. This attitude was frowned upon to a point by his grandfather, who encouraged him to explore his new surroundings. The days of scrambling and climbing around the Canyon soon turned Clay from thin to wiry; and as the years progressed from wiry to athletic and muscular despite his still slight frame.

Coming Soon...

Coming Soon...

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  Bisahalani required that his grandchildren dress more formally for family occasions

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  Native 'Skins' - Clay's original costume was inspired by his ancestors and he hoped it would strike fear into the VIPER troops looking to use the Canyon as a hidden base. It did. At first.

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  Native 'Warrior' - When he was injured and VIPER realised that he wasn't a 'spirit', Clay fashioned a more practical costume to prove him some physical protection

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  City 'Red Bug' - When Clay moved to Millennium City with his sister, he decided to take on what he felt was a more modern urban look similar to her costumes.

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  City 'Ninja' - With general wear and tear and the availability of better equipment, Clay soon felt the need to update his costume again

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  City 'Shell' - After a particularly vicious battle, Clay adopted an armored costume which he still wears most often

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  City 'Shell' - Clay relaxing before going out on patrol

• Liath TheBug BeetleLightArmor.jpg

  City 'Blue Bug' - Alternate Light Armor constructed by Kitty Kaboom

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  Zapperoni Bio-engineered Suit

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  More to Follow...

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