JUNGLE DAYS: UNEXPECTED GUEST

 -.This short story takes place between the 1st arc (Beginnings) and the 2nd arc (The Dark Lands).-

With each step, the roots of the trees trembled and the leaves shook wildly. A huge shadow slowly darkened the ground, forcing small animals to get out of its way so as not to get crushed under its feet. The majestic presence of the gray elephant marching through the jungle is an spectacle that demmands respect from all creatures. However, the pachyderm's mind would leave pride for another time, for it was only focused on one goal: to cool off on this extremely hot day.

Its destination was a beautiful crystalline pond adorned with lovely water lilies. A safe haven where many members of its species often go to drink and rest in group. Upon arrival, the elephant stepped into the water to lower its temperature, quickly feeling a refreshing sense of relaxation. With its long trunk, it began to splash a large amount of water all over its body to bath itself. The tranquility in the place was so profound that the noble animal couldn't help but close its eyes and submerge a bit to take a short nap. The moment was perfect, after all. It was everything the elephant could have wished for...

After a pleasant time, the peaceful silence was interrupted by a strange noise coming from the other side of the pond. The pachyderm's excellent hearing detected it immediately despite the distance. The sound of a splash meant that something had just entered the water... an unwanted guest. The elephant was no longer alone.

Feeling slightly insecure, the pachyderm slowly approached to discover the intruder. It saw a suspicious dark silhouette swimming underwater, very close to its legs. Only one creature tends to stalk that way: a crocodile. The elephant knew that facing a crocodile could be a very dangerous act. However, she decided not to be intimidated by the predator and defend its territory, as the pond was a sanctuary exclusive for the elephants. Without hesitation, the pachyderm introduced its powerful trunk and pulled the creature out of the water by one of its limbs.

They both looked at each other... "What kind of crocodile is this?", the elephant thought. The girl remained hanging for a few seconds while the fish she had caught with her mouth, her right hand and her right foot were still wriggling. As a display of her great agility and skills, Y'shaati managed to balance her body to grab on to one of the elephant's tusks. Then, she used them for support so she could climb up the pachyderm's head, without releasing any of her prey in the process. Already on top of it, the blonde simply sat on its back, held two of the fish with her toes and began to devour the one she had in her hands.

The elephant didn't move while all this was happening, although it did feel a bit annoyed due to the unwelcomed visitor's disrespect. It only limited itself to observe and decipher what kind of creature she was. "Is she an ape? Is she a human?".

Whatever the case, the good news is that at least she didn't seem to pose a threat, so its worry disappeared after a while. When she finally finished eating, Y'shaati jumped into the water again and swam to the edge of the pond.

The pachyderm didn't care at all and continued with its shower...