Crocodile tears

When Fern makes it to Rudy’s side, she is unprepared for the way he says her name. He… he seems relieved to see her? Confusion surfaces but they have a task at hand so Fern pushes all the feelings and thoughts away for the time being. Later, when it safe, there will be time for emotions and talking but right now, there is an angry crocodile to deal with. He jokes about finding her something better and she smirks, quickly replying, “It’s okay. We’ll have plenty of time for more adventures later.” Her heart catches in her throat for a moment as she realizes what she has said, a smile briefly appearing.

Attention focus on the crocodile as Rudy lays out the plan, Fern nodding along. When he moves off to attack its left side, Fern confirms his plan, saying, “You got it… fearless leader.” She shoots him a wink and playful smirk before moving to the crocodile’s right side. The creature watches them as they move, quickly becoming displeased at being stalked by the two wolves. It cracks it mouth open, releasing a deep, throaty growl as a warning. Rudy nears the growling beast, waiting a moment before running in to snap his teeth at it. The crocodile answers in kind and Rudy has to jump away to avoid the swinging head and snapping teeth.

Fear reaches its icy claws out, trying to grab hold of Fern’s heart as she remembers finding Rudy hurt and bloody on the shore of the river. Determined not to allow him to be hurt again, she dances forward, growling and snapping to get the crocodile’s attention on her. It works as it turns it massive head her way, answering her growl with its own. Fern continues to growl and snap at empty air, looking for an opportunity to dart in and score a hit. Something catches its attention for a second and Fern lunges in, snapping at its back right leg.

Shoulder protesting the swift movement, Fern’s mouth comes up empty as the creature snaps its body around, trying to bite her. Dropping her body, Fern rolls away, before swiftly regaining her paws and darting away, tail tucked as it snaps at her retreating butt. Finding a safe spot to reset her defenses, Fern looks to Rudy, ready to for the round of attacks.


"Fern"