narrative-life in the jungle

The huddle of snakes loomed over the unconscious, writhing globule of flesh nested within the leaves. It seemed as if the jungle's world had stopped just for this baby-and all the jaguars, toucans and insects paused in their daily rush for survival to ogle at this grub-like being. Beneath the harsh, unforgiving burn of the tropical sun a few warbled cries emitted from the pile of leaves.

Although compelled by its pitiful, bulging figure, not a creature stirred for fear that the snakes might lash out at them. There was no doubt the human youngling would have to face its own morose fate. 

Za, the fearsome leader, stared unblinkingly at the bulky package. A globule of saliva glistened on his right fang. Snapping his neck back, he shot up. Leaves shot up from his path. He hovered in the air, dancing menacingly. The trembling youngling gave him a blank look. His scarlet eyes gleaming with gustatory glee, he was perfectly poised to sink those fangs into such plump, juicy meat. 

"Za, wait." a voice croaked from behind. 

As heads turned, the circle of snakes quickly dispersed as they gave way to the figure crouched behind their leader. 

Za whipped his head around. His eyes pierced the figure behind him, but as he identified the snake he relaxed his posture. 

"Boong."

"Give me the child."

Za tilted his head menacingly, tongue flicking in and out as he boasted those razor-sharp fangs. 

"I respect you as an elder, however king gets the first bite." Boong shook his weathered, wrinkly head dismissively. 

"I don't aim to satisfy my hunger, little Za," he slithered leisurely over to the child and stared into its glassy gaze. "I ask that you let me care for it."

Za's croons stiffened. Za's own blood froze, as he cocked his neck at his own advisor. Even the burrow animals had emerged to dolefully observe, fearing for the wise snake. The air felt thick. Had a pin dropped in that very forest, you would have heard it hit the ground. 

"Alright."

If any of the snakes had shoulders, you would have seen them immediately sink in relief. "And how do you plan to care for... it?"

Boong smiled, his weathered, chipped fangs coming into view. 

"The same way I took care of you all these years."

And with that the baby clambered onto Boong's back. No one questioned how it had been inclined to do so, but as Boong feebly slunk away it was certain that he would already raise another formidable, powerful creature.