Kulipari: Seeds and Weeds

Cobra

The Kulipari readied their weapons. The Snake, sunlight shining off its black scales, raised its head above them.

"Always wanted to work on my Skinning." Dingo said as she aimed.

"Wait!" Kuli jumped in front of the snake.

Parasite glared. "What do you think you're all doing. Cloud is with us."

"Cloud?" Darel questioned. "You mean the snake?"

"Where do you think we get the name from?" Husk hissed.

"But...but he is a child of the Queen Cobra." Stargazer gasped. She and the others in the council room gaped at the snake.

"We're not our parents." Webber hissed, looking at the ground.

Kuli pet Cloud. "Its okay. You just scared them is all."

While the Snake couldn't talk, he did move in the pet, scales running across Kuli's hand.

The merc leader jumped onto the giant Snake's back, followed by the rest of her crew.

Darel, the other Kulipari, and Corah hesitated. Corah was the first to board next, sitting behind Parasite. The others hopped aboard after her.

Darel's mother stood beside the snake, looking expectantly at Darel.

"Mom, I'll--"

She put a hand on his shoulder. "This will be hard Darel. Harder than previous battles."

Darel scoffed. "Mom, its Quoba."

"That's why." Was all she said as she hugged her eldest goodbye

Darel stood frozen for a moment, then looked to the ground, running his fingers across the jewel in his dagger.

"Darel?" Corah asked in concern, touching his shoulder.

Darel shook himself from his thoughts. He looked back to his siblings and Koa. "Keep watch over the village. And Koa."

Koa looked down in guilt.

"Hey," Darel said gently. "You're fine. You just need a little help."

"But I'm kulipari. We don't need help."

Darel rolled his eyes. "Did Jir tell you that. He's the wisest frog here and I love him, but he can be a little preachy."

Koa gave a small grin, but his nervous eyes went to Kuli, sitting just before Cloud's head.

Darel turned to face them as well. He nodded.

With a cry, the giant snake began to move, making clouds of sand in his wake. The last Darel saw of Nova Australis was clouded by dust.