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A piece made for 
Convexpert involving some characters from The Rescuers Down Under. Now I'll admit I'm not familiar with that particular set of movies, so I had to wing it just a little bit, but hopefully the emotions convey all the same. Enjoy!
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
It was a brisk mid-afternoon when Cody chose to take a detour through the woods. His mother was expecting him to return from school, but he also knew she had errands to run after work, so there was some time to spare before coming home immediately. Besides, he knew the forest more than any wildlife ranger, and honestly as well as any animal. It would practically be a pleasure hike.
The blue gum trees stood tall like pillars, sprinkling sunlight through their leaves as the wind blew. Cody could hear the familiar chattering of magpies, and the occasional rustle of scurrying potoroos. These sounds were close songs to him. The outback was like a second home to Cody, ever since he learned how to climb a tree.
It wasn’t long before the little ranger reached a gap within the condensed trunks. He smiled as he looked upon the familiar glade. At the center of the clearing was a large, overturned eucalyptus log. Despite it being hollow, it was very sturdy, and there was a single branch protruding from its side. Cody had a strong urge to blow into the branch like a mouthpiece. Were he to do so, the bell end of the log would release a resonant blare that could be heard for miles, as if it were a makeshift didgeridoo. He resisted, however. There was no need to alarm the other animals and call a meeting. The natural horn was only to be used for emergencies.
The boy climbed the old trunk and seated himself on top. He took a minute to reflect on the many missions and friendships that started with this place. Whenever the log was sounded, he would always be there to answer the call, no matter what time, day or night. He remembered the time he met and helped the echidna, Nelson, out of a tree snare; the time he plucked the wombats out of a flooded river during the rain season. Cody aspired to be a great forest ranger one day, like his late father.
He snapped out of his recollection when he heard the shifting of grass and duff behind him. Cody had been so distracted, it wasn’t until now he finally noticed the massive animal resting alongside the log on the other side. Using the soft duff as a natural sleep padding was a large, grey-pinkish kangaroo, whose middle was greatly distended and round that one could have mistaken her for eating a crocodile.
Cody recognized his close friend.
“Faloo?” he said, looking down at the marsupial.
The kangaroo’s ears twitched, and her head rose in his direction.
“Cody!” she exclaimed, delighted to see her human companion. The pregnant roo began to stand upright, though she had some difficulty. Faloo’s stomach was exceptionally heavy to the point even her strong legs needed a moment to adjust to the added weight.
Cody excitedly slid off the trunk and ran headlong into the kangaroo for a hug. She embraced him as far as her forelimbs would allow, and he buried his face into her fur.
“It’s good to see you, little friend!” Faloo said as she patted his back. “Either my hearing’s gone bad or I must’ve been out cold, ‘cause I did not sense you coming at all.”
“It’s great to see you too, Faloo!” Cody released his friendly hold on the marsupial. “How’ve you been?”
“Tired,” she confessed. “Big and tired,” she emphasized the last part with a hearty pat on her stomach. “My joey here has me fatigued all the time. Hopefully it won’t be much longer ‘til they come out.”
Cody let out a chuckle.
“I’m assuming you just finished school. Thought you’d take a little stroll out here, did ya?” Faloo guessed.
“Yup. Science class was fun. We’re learning about ecosystems.” Cody answered.
“You sure your mum is fine with you out here? You know she worries about you when you don’t get home on time.”
“It’s alright. She has a few errands to run today, and I have a walkie-talkie in my pack.” Cody gestured to his backpack, and Faloo gave an approving nod.
“How’s Red?”
Faloo gave a warmly-cynical smile; the kind that says ‘they’re a goofball, but I still love ‘em.’
“He’s out with the other animals taking care of Frank. Poor lizard got himself into some trouble with a nest of fire ants.”
The boy gave a snicker. “Gotta be careful with spicy food.” Faloo and Cody both laughed.
“Yes,” Faloo chuckled. “Meanwhile, I’m using this spot to relax. Plus I can be here to sound the call if an animal’s in trouble, but it’s been peaceful all day…” The hefty kangaroo took the next moment to recline herself on the log, and settle in a more comfortable position.
“...and Red’s doing very well. The big wallaby can’t wait to be a dad. He tries to act stoic, but really he can hardly contain his excitement.” She gave several rubs to her middle.
Cody sat down beside her. Other creatures had heard their laughter and started to gather within the glade. A few kookaburras flew in and perched themselves on the trunk. A trio of wombats scuttled up to the conversing duo. One ran up into Cody’s arms and greeted him with a couple of head rubs under his neck.
“They can hardly contain their excitement either.” Faloo said genially. “Still in touch with Marahute?”
“She’s doing fantastic.” Cody assured her. “Last I saw her, she was teaching her chicks how to fly!”
“That’s wonderful!”
“Yep! They’re not hatchling’s anymore.”
Around this time, the unborn joey decided it was time to wake up from their own nap. As it stretched out their limbs, an impressive kick protruded from the side of Faloo’s belly.
“Oof,” she groaned. “I’ll tell you what fella needs to hatch. This little mate.”
“Really?” Cody asked, clearly intrigued.
“Yes. This baby’s been dancing in here constantly. The last show was before I fell asleep.”
The boy giggled. “Can I feel?” Faloo smiled warmly at him.
“Of course you can.” He approached, got on his knees, and placed a palm on the fuzzy orb. A moment’s pause and he placed the side of his face against it to try and get a better feel, but couldn’t discern any movement on the other side. With his ear pressed against her fur, inside Faloo, it sounded almost like the ambience of being underwater.
“Huh, I don’t really feel-ACK!” He cried out as the joey gave him a hearty kick, surprising the child enough that he pulled away. Faloo had to fight to suppress a chuckle at the display. The kookaburras in particular were having a laugh.
“He’s already got his thumping legs,” she teased. There was a pause as the boy gingerly replaced his palm and contemplated the curve rising and falling with her breathing.
“If you don’t mind me asking, have you picked out a name?” Faloo hummed to herself as she pondered whether to reveal the answer or not.
“We… have actually,” she answered, prompting the boy to tilt his head. “Red and I have decided… our joey will be named Cody.”
At that response, the boy’s eyes lit up. “Really?”
She gave a confirming nod. Cody’s face beamed instantly. He almost didn’t know what to say.
“Woah. I… I’m honored. But why would you want to name your kid after me?”
Faloo looked at him with the most warmhearted smile. “Cody, do you know how afraid we all were after you were taken by the poacher? I was so frightened by the thought that I’d never see my little friend again. You’ve helped so many of us in the Outback, and have shown how loyal you truly are. No one else could’ve been determined enough to climb that cliff to save Marahute. You had more than enough courage to face McLeach, Joanna and even a whole bask of crocodiles. You’d never betray your friends even if it meant the cost of your own safety. You’re the reason me and Red are together, and are about to start a family. I want you to know how much you mean to us. I’d say… you’ve more than earned it.”
The boy was still with amazement and gratitude. “Wow. Thank you, Faloo. I promise to be the best big brother to him ever.” A gentle bump from Faloo’s curve rose up under his palm, as if in response.
Then a thought occurred to Cody.
“Wait, what if it’s a girl?” he asked, looking between her and the fuzzy orb in question. The kangaroo’s smile simply got bigger.
“Codi with an I,” she said simply.
“Oh…” Cody responded. “Neat!”
Convexpert involving some characters from The Rescuers Down Under. Now I'll admit I'm not familiar with that particular set of movies, so I had to wing it just a little bit, but hopefully the emotions convey all the same. Enjoy!_________________________________________________________________________________________________
It was a brisk mid-afternoon when Cody chose to take a detour through the woods. His mother was expecting him to return from school, but he also knew she had errands to run after work, so there was some time to spare before coming home immediately. Besides, he knew the forest more than any wildlife ranger, and honestly as well as any animal. It would practically be a pleasure hike.
The blue gum trees stood tall like pillars, sprinkling sunlight through their leaves as the wind blew. Cody could hear the familiar chattering of magpies, and the occasional rustle of scurrying potoroos. These sounds were close songs to him. The outback was like a second home to Cody, ever since he learned how to climb a tree.
It wasn’t long before the little ranger reached a gap within the condensed trunks. He smiled as he looked upon the familiar glade. At the center of the clearing was a large, overturned eucalyptus log. Despite it being hollow, it was very sturdy, and there was a single branch protruding from its side. Cody had a strong urge to blow into the branch like a mouthpiece. Were he to do so, the bell end of the log would release a resonant blare that could be heard for miles, as if it were a makeshift didgeridoo. He resisted, however. There was no need to alarm the other animals and call a meeting. The natural horn was only to be used for emergencies.
The boy climbed the old trunk and seated himself on top. He took a minute to reflect on the many missions and friendships that started with this place. Whenever the log was sounded, he would always be there to answer the call, no matter what time, day or night. He remembered the time he met and helped the echidna, Nelson, out of a tree snare; the time he plucked the wombats out of a flooded river during the rain season. Cody aspired to be a great forest ranger one day, like his late father.
He snapped out of his recollection when he heard the shifting of grass and duff behind him. Cody had been so distracted, it wasn’t until now he finally noticed the massive animal resting alongside the log on the other side. Using the soft duff as a natural sleep padding was a large, grey-pinkish kangaroo, whose middle was greatly distended and round that one could have mistaken her for eating a crocodile.
Cody recognized his close friend.
“Faloo?” he said, looking down at the marsupial.
The kangaroo’s ears twitched, and her head rose in his direction.
“Cody!” she exclaimed, delighted to see her human companion. The pregnant roo began to stand upright, though she had some difficulty. Faloo’s stomach was exceptionally heavy to the point even her strong legs needed a moment to adjust to the added weight.
Cody excitedly slid off the trunk and ran headlong into the kangaroo for a hug. She embraced him as far as her forelimbs would allow, and he buried his face into her fur.
“It’s good to see you, little friend!” Faloo said as she patted his back. “Either my hearing’s gone bad or I must’ve been out cold, ‘cause I did not sense you coming at all.”
“It’s great to see you too, Faloo!” Cody released his friendly hold on the marsupial. “How’ve you been?”
“Tired,” she confessed. “Big and tired,” she emphasized the last part with a hearty pat on her stomach. “My joey here has me fatigued all the time. Hopefully it won’t be much longer ‘til they come out.”
Cody let out a chuckle.
“I’m assuming you just finished school. Thought you’d take a little stroll out here, did ya?” Faloo guessed.
“Yup. Science class was fun. We’re learning about ecosystems.” Cody answered.
“You sure your mum is fine with you out here? You know she worries about you when you don’t get home on time.”
“It’s alright. She has a few errands to run today, and I have a walkie-talkie in my pack.” Cody gestured to his backpack, and Faloo gave an approving nod.
“How’s Red?”
Faloo gave a warmly-cynical smile; the kind that says ‘they’re a goofball, but I still love ‘em.’
“He’s out with the other animals taking care of Frank. Poor lizard got himself into some trouble with a nest of fire ants.”
The boy gave a snicker. “Gotta be careful with spicy food.” Faloo and Cody both laughed.
“Yes,” Faloo chuckled. “Meanwhile, I’m using this spot to relax. Plus I can be here to sound the call if an animal’s in trouble, but it’s been peaceful all day…” The hefty kangaroo took the next moment to recline herself on the log, and settle in a more comfortable position.
“...and Red’s doing very well. The big wallaby can’t wait to be a dad. He tries to act stoic, but really he can hardly contain his excitement.” She gave several rubs to her middle.
Cody sat down beside her. Other creatures had heard their laughter and started to gather within the glade. A few kookaburras flew in and perched themselves on the trunk. A trio of wombats scuttled up to the conversing duo. One ran up into Cody’s arms and greeted him with a couple of head rubs under his neck.
“They can hardly contain their excitement either.” Faloo said genially. “Still in touch with Marahute?”
“She’s doing fantastic.” Cody assured her. “Last I saw her, she was teaching her chicks how to fly!”
“That’s wonderful!”
“Yep! They’re not hatchling’s anymore.”
Around this time, the unborn joey decided it was time to wake up from their own nap. As it stretched out their limbs, an impressive kick protruded from the side of Faloo’s belly.
“Oof,” she groaned. “I’ll tell you what fella needs to hatch. This little mate.”
“Really?” Cody asked, clearly intrigued.
“Yes. This baby’s been dancing in here constantly. The last show was before I fell asleep.”
The boy giggled. “Can I feel?” Faloo smiled warmly at him.
“Of course you can.” He approached, got on his knees, and placed a palm on the fuzzy orb. A moment’s pause and he placed the side of his face against it to try and get a better feel, but couldn’t discern any movement on the other side. With his ear pressed against her fur, inside Faloo, it sounded almost like the ambience of being underwater.
“Huh, I don’t really feel-ACK!” He cried out as the joey gave him a hearty kick, surprising the child enough that he pulled away. Faloo had to fight to suppress a chuckle at the display. The kookaburras in particular were having a laugh.
“He’s already got his thumping legs,” she teased. There was a pause as the boy gingerly replaced his palm and contemplated the curve rising and falling with her breathing.
“If you don’t mind me asking, have you picked out a name?” Faloo hummed to herself as she pondered whether to reveal the answer or not.
“We… have actually,” she answered, prompting the boy to tilt his head. “Red and I have decided… our joey will be named Cody.”
At that response, the boy’s eyes lit up. “Really?”
She gave a confirming nod. Cody’s face beamed instantly. He almost didn’t know what to say.
“Woah. I… I’m honored. But why would you want to name your kid after me?”
Faloo looked at him with the most warmhearted smile. “Cody, do you know how afraid we all were after you were taken by the poacher? I was so frightened by the thought that I’d never see my little friend again. You’ve helped so many of us in the Outback, and have shown how loyal you truly are. No one else could’ve been determined enough to climb that cliff to save Marahute. You had more than enough courage to face McLeach, Joanna and even a whole bask of crocodiles. You’d never betray your friends even if it meant the cost of your own safety. You’re the reason me and Red are together, and are about to start a family. I want you to know how much you mean to us. I’d say… you’ve more than earned it.”
The boy was still with amazement and gratitude. “Wow. Thank you, Faloo. I promise to be the best big brother to him ever.” A gentle bump from Faloo’s curve rose up under his palm, as if in response.
Then a thought occurred to Cody.
“Wait, what if it’s a girl?” he asked, looking between her and the fuzzy orb in question. The kangaroo’s smile simply got bigger.
“Codi with an I,” she said simply.
“Oh…” Cody responded. “Neat!”
Category Story / Pregnancy
Species Kangaroo
Size 120 x 77px
File Size 41.3 kB
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