Sweat poured over Akne's brow like a river. He was hot, exhausted and almost completely out of all reserve of energy. This was the misery he would find for the rest of his life- he was sure of it.

How long had he been walking? hours? It had to be nearly forever. He was certain he could not even see that blasted Watering Hole any longer. Looking back it was still visible- heck, it was only about 100 feet away. That Red Wine he'd been drinking really packed a wallop.

He continued walking- no looking back anymore, it was too depressing. The wine began to leave his system and he began to feel better, not good, but at least he wasnt feeling like he was gonna die anymore. Maybe this would be for the best, get the Watering Hole behind him, start fresh elsewhere and maybe even find himself a woman that he didnt feel like gambling away. It was a new day.

He was almost feeling good when he saw a vision of someone approaching. It looked like someone familiar, someone he knew from ....Alli? no, not possible- obviously a mirage. What do you do with mirages? ignore them compeltely or you'll go mad, just ignore her.

The vision spoke, but Akne just walked on by. He was obviously loosing his mind and seeing things- and hearing as well- but he was not going to talk to illusions. Nope, nope. Just keep on walking away and the illusion will vanish. Amazingly it did.

Akne continued walking along, not really sure what direction he was headed but fairly certain he was not going in the right direction for the Oasis. The desert was getting more arid,there was no vegetation of any type and he had forgotten to bring any water. Even worse, he had not shaven for several days and his beard was feeling itchy. He knew he was going to die out here, but to do so feeling uncomfortable just was unfair.