O-Ka-Pi, O-Ka-Pie, Life Goes On

The chaos that Fern has created when she started to chase the young okapi serves its purpose, the clatter of hooves and loud cries of alarm drown out the separated youth’s weaker cries for help. She dodges kicks while moving it toward the ambush spot, the cluster of trees she had pointed out to Rudy drawing closer and closer… The motley gray form of Rudyard lunges out from the hiding spot and his teeth strike true, griping a leg and pulling the creature off balance. Surprise and Rudy’s attack work against the stunned young okapi and it stumbles. Fern is there, rushing forward toward the creature’s neck and lunging up to grab hold. It screams in fear and falls to its side as the gray girl opens its throat. Hot blood gushes out with each weakening heart beat until it finally stills.

Tongue darts out to lick away the errant blood on her lips as Fern looks to Rudy. Tossing him a wink, she jokes, “Not bad hotshot! Now, you get to carry it back to the castle.” She stifles a laugh as she watches his features, waiting for the moment he realizes just how big this thing is.


"Fern Lark"