Difference between revisions of "The Bug"

Growing up in the shadow of Spider Rock on the edge of Canyon de Chelly National Park, Clay's grandfather would often chide his elder sister and him with "The top of Spider Rock is white from the sun-bleached bones of Dine children who did not behave themselves!" when they had not done some chore they had promised. Despite this "warning" Clay spent his days scouring for a way up to the top of the Rock or exploring the old cave dwellings built by his people on the canyon walls. Although an adventurous boy, Clay could never bring himself 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, Clay made his way up to a stepped ledge, high above the canyon floor and for a moment looking in awe at the vista stretched out before and below him. He sat there in silence for some time taking in the view and relaxing with his own thoughts.

As he gazed around something glimmering behind him caught his eye. Moving towards it he was suprised to see a silken cord hanging down from the top of the rock tower, across to the ledge on which he had found himself. Pulling on the cord with all his strength convinced him it would bear his weight and so looping his belt around it, he began climbing across to the top of the tower. Reaching the top after a surprisingly short time he discovered not the sun bleached bones he expected but a secluded oasis. In the centre of the oasis stood a roughly hewn obelisk covered with strange symbols. He reached out to touch the stone as the sun finally dipped below the edge of the small plateau and a fiery glow erupted from within the obelisk. The last thing Clay saw was the outline of his outstretched hand against glowing rock as unconsciousness took him.

A voice like the wind whispered to him, "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 skills of the Spider that you may lead and protect my children." His mind filled with strange visions of ancient Dine and silken threads seemed to spin around and through him.

Clay awoke with a shock to find himself on the same stepped ledge upon which he had stopped to rest earlier. He looked around but could see no sign of the silken cord. His mind raced. Had he simply fallen asleep and dreamed the rest of the climb? He looked down at himself and was disconcerted to find that his body did seem to be crisscrossed by fine silken threads. Brushing himself off, he sat staring out at the now darkened valley for some time. Just as he was beginning to relax, he realised that his Grandfather would probably be worried where he had got to, since he seldom stayed out this late. Rising stiffly from his seated position, Clay began working his way back down from the lofty perch. The dim light of the crescent moon cast crazy shadows on cliff wall making the route down much more hazardous than the climb up had been. Despite this Clay felt a confidence in his movements and even though he missed his footing more than once on loose shale hidden on darkened ledges and should have tumbled to the ground below, each time he somehow managed to reach out and grab a secure hand hold to break his fall.

Reach the valley floor in a far shorter time than he expected, Clay began racing back towards his home. It was well past midnight by the time he arrived at his grandfather's and despite the extended run did not feel fatigued or even out of breath. Opening the front door as gently as he could, Clay stepped softly inside. His grandfather Bisahalani was snoring quietly in his chair. Despite wanting to ask about what he had experiences, Clay made his way to his room and after washing the rock dust from his hands and face fell onto his bed and was quickly asleep once more.

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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  Na'ashje'ii - 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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  Na'ashje'ii - 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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  When Johona updated her costume, she asked Clay if he would like a similar one. He accepted and wore it for some time, when the two would patrol together

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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

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  City 'Demon' - Clay briefly changed his look to again strike fear into enemies but eventually reverted his previous 'Shell' look

• Liath TheBug BeetleLightArmor.jpg

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

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  Never a fan of the cold, when he had to travel to the north of canada, Clay sought out fellow former SODLAG member Kid Steel to create for him an enviroment suit suitable for extended periods in freezing conditions

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  Zapperoni Bio-engineered Suit

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  More to Follow...

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