Nighthowler 2, Ep. 13
#13 of CYOA: Nighthowler 2
The thirteenth episode of our Zootopia themed community CYOA sees Nighthowler, Judy Hopps' vigilante alter ego, getting back on track with the discovery of a river.
Nighthowler pauses, closing her eyes, focusing on the sounds of her surroundings. The constant pitter-patter of artificial rain soaking the forest faded into the background, giving way to a different rush of water. Is that a river? Well, it's a much better option than blindly pushing through the forest, hoping to stumble across a path.
She pushes her way through the undergrowth with dogged determination, forcing aside matted tangles of jungle vines and ducking under prickly branches. Every step is a struggle. Twigs and leaves cling to her fur, scratching at her naked body as if trying to poke at her most sensitive places. Ivy snares at her limbs, threatening to hopelessly tangle her up in a living net, leave her dangling naked in the forest. Twisted roots hidden beneath clusters of fern and force stumbles that nearly drop her torch. It's too late to turn back, risk getting even more lost in pitch-black jungle.
Finally, the foliage gave way, bursting out into a small clearing. Moonlight streams through a gap in the jungle canopy, reflecting off a slow-flowing jungle river, bordered by sloped banks of clay, reeds, and pebbles blanketed in soft moss. The music of croaking frogs and buzzing insects fills the air, backing the gentle rush of water trickling against hard stone and fallen logs. Away from the sprinklers, the rain let up, leaving only a cool mist that hovered above the water's surface. Carefully, Nighthowler made her way down to the riverbank, trying not to let excitement get the better of her. She carefully shook off her damp fur, not wanting to disturb the snake wrapped around her neck and shoulders, content for now to simply ride along.
She reaches into her belt and pulls out her rainsoaked map. It's virtually useless, nothing but smudged ink on damp crumbling paper, landmarks all blurring into one. Not that it had been much use in the first place. Stuffing it back into her belt, she considered what to do next - and that was when her foot hit something. Bending down, she brushes aside the reeds, taking a look. It's an old metal canister, bitten by rust, covered in dirt and algae. Whatever label it had has long since been worn away to the point of being unreadable. It must've been washed downriver from further uphill. But, if she was to guess, that was deeper into the jungles and mountains.
Maybe she should investigate?
[1] If this canister washed downstream, then there must be something upstream, right? Then that's the way Nighthowler's going. Besides, littering is a crime and if someone's throwing trash into the river, she ought' to do something about it.
[2] No, no, no. Downstream is the way to go! Nighthowler remembers her ZPD survival training, that following a river downstream is the best bet for civilization, and the last thing she wants to do is get more lost!
This episode took a little longer to get out, work picked up and I've had a load of stuff to do. Also, fun fact, if you're lost in the wilderness following a river downstream isn't always the best thing to do, they can lead to dangerous swamps or in arid places eventually just dry up. Always thoroughly research the geography of any location you plan to explore. Anyway, time is short and my people need me, he's a poll for voting, and here's a poll for suggestions.