It was dark, cold, and windy, deep in the forest. Hippo was scared. It was a horrible night, with the occasional snap and crack from branches in the distance. Unknown noises rustled left and right as Hippo made his way into the forest, uncertain to where he was going or if it was the right way back to the hippo colony. Hippo was also afraid. Afraid that a monster would pop out at him, or that the next step he takes would bring him into a deep, dark pit of doom... since Deep Dark Pits of Doom do occur during the dark.
SKKKRREEAAKKK
A horrifying screech was heard and Hippo stopped dead in his tracks.
What was this?
Was it going to pop out at him?
Was it a human, ready to eat him for dinner like those mangy grasshoppers?
Cautiously, Hippo took another slow step.
SKKKRREEAAKKK
The sound was heard again right when Hippo took his step.
Oh NO! Thought Hippo. What was he going to do?
Hippo was frightened.
SKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKK SKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKK SKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKK SKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKK
The screech sounded, over and over in a horrible ballad, like when Heppo had his first tantrum... then Hippo thought... HEPPO! He had to do this for him, he had to conquer his fear and defeat whatever this screeching thing was. He had to get home, and sleep in his grass, eat his Lilly pads, bathe in the cool waters, and bask in the sun.
He charged! SKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKK!! The sound was heard again, closer and closer to Hippo as he ran. It came closer and closer... louder, and louder... and Hippo began to get tired...really tired. His stubby legs were burning and the screeching creature sounded like it was right above his head.
Hippo didn't want to, but he began to slow. Hippo didn't like to run... even if it meant it was for his life.
Hippo stopped and took a couple breaths.
SKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKK
The sound was right behind him.
SKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKK
The sound was closer. Hippo wanted to continue running, but he decided not to, for he knew he could never compete with this thing. He got ready for his doom...
SKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKKSKKKRREEAAKKK
It was right behind him, and he could hear the creature breathing heavily.... steadily.... and he heard it grumble, deeply.
Hippo closed his eyes and slowly turned around to face whatever this screeching creature was.
He opened his eyes and....
To Be Continued.....
