A Dance with Death - Part One

Hey guys, I am beginning something I have always wanted to do - write fiction! You will begin to see a different side of me that is not science. I hope you readers enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

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Suddenly, a giant hand covered the rays of the sun as the group of researchers made their way into the thicket in search of the unknown. All they were told was that Africa was a home to many jewels which also included animals of their interest.

Stan and his team of researchers found their way through the thick layers of the West African grasslands trampling on any grass that stood on their way, while their heavy duty boots made a rhythmic sound like a Chinese festival in procession. After some minutes of intense walk in the ever angry and scorching African sun, they made their grand entry into the great forest as the birds announced their arrival by taking off from the trees.

A giant hand covering the rays of the sun from forcing its way into the tiny spaces left by the tree canopies, welcomed them into the forest. There was no ray of light except for fireflies that flew here and there. They must have heard of the visit of Stan and his team, thus have decided to give them a grand welcome. Stan and his team switched on their torchlights and followed after the footsteps of their guide whom they had met in the village square. Their tour guide did all he could to persuade them not to enter into the thick forest because there had been tales of men who went and never returned. A little tap on his shoulder and some legal tenders in his pocket made him change his mind immediately.

For the past five days, their experience in the West African forest had been an unpalatable one, as they have had encounters with almost all species of reptiles known to man. All thanks to Pat, the team’s zoologist who took it as a point of duty to lecture the group on the characteristics of any strange animal they encountered. Species of Snakes and Lizards all made a ceremonial entry into Susan’s book of records as she immediately wrote them down in her giant notebook.

Stan, Dan and John, the other scientists have been on a search for an endangered specie of African Monkey which could serve as the missing link in the evolution of man. Discovering this specie of monkey will answer several questions and bring an end to series of debates emanating from the evolution theory.

Louisa, Stan’s mother until her last breathe had dedicated her entire life to the conservation of endangered species and made her son take an oath to carry on with the work even after her death. According to her, all species of animals have equal rights to life and protection from extinction. With each day that passes by, he remembered how she melted in his hands like an uprooted grass experiencing a transplanting shock, until she finally gave in when she could not resist any longer. She gave up the ghost after making Stan swear to finish her research work.

As they moved, Susan suddenly was immediately thrown into frenzy as she shook like someone who had been electrocuted by a 5000-volts cable. She went from one side of the road to the other until she finally hit her head on a tree and fell unconscious. She shouted at the top of her voice . The team of researchers and their guide could not make out what the real problem was, so they stayed to attend to her. There was no trace of any reptile or attack from any animal. Susan was mute on the ground as the team tried to revive her. Suddenly, she went up like a ghost and headed straight into the woods. She must have been remotedly controlled by a serious force because she looked as someone who was sleep walking.

Susan suddenly disappeared as the team approached what looked like a strange scene before them. A strange light shone before them, a careful look at the light revealed human like figures dancing around and chanting songs only the gods could understand. They were naked except for the piece of clothing covering their private parts. They spoke in strange tongues and danced with so much ecstasy around the fire.

As the visitors tried to find their way back, the dancing suddenly stopped and they felt a cold hand on their shoulders. Before they knew it, they were surrounded by strange beasts in human form. These beasts looked ferocious and angry and were ready to strike at any moment.

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**Picture used is from Pixabay