~~~~~~~
Water splashed, and jaws snapped loudly. Long, bulky bodies awkwardly waded through the swamp water, each trying to get somewhere first. As these reptiles crawled over each other, in their midst a slim body made its way through, taking care to steer clear of the powerful maws that roared insults at each other. The Kimeti went mostly unnoticed in this mass of crocodiles. As she climbed out of the water the tiny black snake that always stuck to her like sap, entwined itself into her fur, wary of the inevitable shake-off. After deciding that she was dry enough, the Kimeti nuzzled at her little companion, who she'd come to call Shadow. She stopped and perked up her ears. Something wasn't right. Shadow had gone stiff, his tongue being the only movement in the sudden hush. A low dripping could suddenly be heard as the Kimeti tried to figure out what was going on. She turned around to find a snout leaking drool dangerously close to her own muzzle. A massive brown crocodile with a hungry look in its eyes was the source of this intrusion. Leaving no time to react, the crocodile threw itself forward, mouth wide open, teeth glistening, straight for her throat.
~~~~~~~
The Kimeti awoke suddenly, taking a large gulp of air. She had broken through her sac and her blood was flowing ice-cold through her body. The little black snake wrapped itself around the baby Kimeti, trying to comfort her, but nothing ever warmed up this Kimeti's blood. Perhaps it was a reminder of the dark crocodile that would be her greatest enemy, or perhaps it was just a little gift from Mother Marsh to bring her closer to the reptiles that so readily adopted her.
