((Woo hoo! First chapter for the sequel of "To Defeat the Devil"! I know the name doesn't really make a whole lot of sense, but we chose it cus Six Feet Under pretty much means, "You're totally screwed." Our heroes are gonna have to think hard to get out of this one. XD Thank you to Tall on the Inside for inspiring us to write this story! (And possible make this whole thing into a trilogy.) We hope you Enjoy! :D ))
It all started on a, well...sort of normal day.
The clouds were high in the sky, making streaking patterns against the blue. The air was hot; the sun beat down on the outback, baking the dirt and drying the grass and bushes.
Australia stood out in the open brush looking out at the landscape. He pushed his barmah hat back on his head, and looked up at the sky.
"Where is everyone?" he asked the empty landscape.
He strained to listen for the animals and birds that were usually out and about during the day; the ear bashing buzzing of insects, chirping of birds, the calls of dingos or thumping footfalls of kangaroos. But the world stayed silent.
Australia put his hands on his hips and whistled, "Come!" he called, but none of his faithful dingos came. "What is with everyone today?"
He began to search the dry land, what he found disturbed him. Koala's hid in the tallest trees, Roos in the bushes, the lizards and snakes were curled up in their holes, and even the fearsome gators hid themselves in the mud, trembling with fear.
"Well this is just weird," he scratched his head then suddenly jumped when a pair of small furry arms gripped his leg. Looking down Australia saw Jessie, his koala friend.
"What's wrong sheila?" He picked up the nervous fur ball that proceeded to dig her claws into his shoulder. "Ouch! That hurts you little ankle biter!" But the panicked animal refused to let go, clinging with an iron grip.
Australia sighed and sat down on a rock tried to sooth Jessie. Soon a few of the other animals approached him, laying near his feet or cuddling up to his body, a rather ruffled cockatoo settled on his hat while a long brown snake (a taipan, he had to resist a shudder) coiled around his foot. While calming the frightened animals (and trying not to startle the taipan) Australia could not shake of the feeling that something bad, no strike that, VERY bad was about to happen.
"I wish I could figure out what's got you all ruffled so bad," he said quietly then an idea came to him. A possibly stupid idea but an idea nonetheless.
Australia carefully unwound the deadly snake from his ankle, and then proceeded to make his way out of the pile of animals, "All of you sit tight now!" he told them, "I'll be back... I hope."
He began to walk in the direction of a particular lake, Jessie, still clinging to him, looked up at him curiously.
"Don't worry dearest," he patted her head, "I think I know just the bloke who can tell us what's going on, but you're not goanna like 'im..."
((I apologize if my attempts at Australian slang completely fail... Oh well. On with the pointless story!))
