They might look like a zebra, but okapis are actually part of the giraffe family! These zebra-like stripes help them blend into the vegetation and dead leaves found in the forests of Congo where they live!
Don’t call me a Zebra!
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Thank you very much, ER_Bubbles.
That was a wonderful comment!
I can’t wait to write the next installment, but before I can
do that… I need at least one idea from my fellow Earthrangers out there.
If you guys have any ideas for the next episode then please
send them, if you win you will be put on the wall of Fame.
I like the story african cats are cool but what about elephants or maybe a lemur I think more animals thats my idea lots more animals.
Dear Readers,
I have been very busy lately and I don’t have enough time in the day to write
the next episode of my story.
It will be a while before I get a chnce to write it… in the mean time, I would love for
you guys to set more ideas for the episode.
Sorry for any inconvenience.
Your Fellow Earthranger,
Gabjas
Hello Earthrangers!
Wow, it has been quite a while since the last episode!
It’s already December, where does the time go?
* * *
“The child must live.” hissed a serpent.
Wivu’s long, ebony body twisted impatiently as he spoke.
A mumble of agreement arose from the gathered people.
A rumbling growl sounded from Shujaa, the lion Spirit of the South.
His face remained stony and expressionless, his fiery eyes flickered to Wivu.
The words spoke of the serpent’s tongue flowed like silk. “Does something bother Shujaa?”
“Granted, the child WILL live, but I understand the consequences of our actions.” Shujaa announced.
Busara, a frail tortoise nodded in agreement. His words were paced and broken as he spoke.
“The child has become less of a child than you, my king. He has seen many hardships and faced many dangers.. yet, this is only the beginning of his story. The consequences are great, and he must not fight alone. He will travel, and by chance… he will meet my descendant. Together, an unbreakable bond will form.” Shujaa smiled and pondered this notion for a moment.
“I understand what must be done, but he needs a guide to lead him.”
Kaskazini, a young female okapi stuttered as she spoke to the lion. “I Kaskazini, am destined to be leader of the North, I will lead him as far North as possible, he will depart and I will remain in my kingdom until my coronation, I will return when my task is completed.”
Wivu smiled and nodded to Shujaa.
“Very well,” Shujaa declared.
“Young Kaskazini, Spirit of the North, you will be Bahati Mtoto’s guide.”
The young okapi blushed as a cheer chorused from the gathering.
Wivu smiled and impatiently eyed the animals as they began their journey to their land, he turned and breathed to Shujaa.
“Well?”
Shujaa’s face once more, remained cold and emotionless.
“Do what must be done.” Shujaa mumbled.
Wivu slithered of the stony surface of the out cropping and made his way to the Savannah.
Shujaa frowned as he onlooked his journey.
Had he made the right decision? He once knew Kusemnheana very well, now he was willing to sacrifice her life for the journey of her son.
* * *
Hello again, I hope you guys enjoyed this episode!
I will try to return soon to write the next one!
Remember, I’m still looking for ideas to put in my story!
If your idea is chosen, you will be put on the wall of fame!
All earthrangers are welcome to join in with the fun!
Thank you.
Your Fellow Earthranger,
Gabjas
What happens next? What happens to Kusemnheana?
I am on the edge of my seat here!
Alright everybody!
It is the holiday season and I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas (or other holiday tradition you may celebrate)!
I will give all earthrangers until December 31st to send in their best story ideas for this story!
Everyone is aloud to particiapte (including monitors), please keep it less crazy (I’d like it to make SOME sense…) and please have a wonderfull December!
Remember, the deadline is December 31st so get your submissions in!
I will check back daily (except for on Christmas Eve and Christmas day) and you may just find your name on my little Wall of Fame! So go ahead and have a great holiday season!
Thank you,
Merry Christmas!
Gabjas
Very good questions, ER_Bubbles!
I have decided that for those who are on the edge of their seats asking these excellent questions, the contest has been canceled and we will just go on with our normal episodes- Ideas are still welcome!
The next episode will be very soon- so stay tuned!
Thanks,
Your Fellow Earthranger,
Gabjas
Fun Fact!
Did you know…
Did you know that all the names in my story are actually words in Swahili?
Kusemnheana (or something like that) means ‘loving one’.
Shujaa means brave one (I believe, not sure) and Busara means ‘wise one’!
Wow!
that soooooooooooooooooooooocool and smart. how did you know those words
Why thank you!
I wanted to add a splash of real african culture to an african-based story, (I am not fluent in Swahili) so I went to an English to Swahili translation website and picked up a few words!
Here are some useful Swahili words!
Greetings – Salamu
Goodbye – Kwaheri
Who – Ambao
What – Nini
When – Wakati
Where – Ambapo
Why – Kwa nini
How – Jinsi
If anyone has a word (or words) they would
like me to write down in Swahili then post a
comment and I’ll do that for you!
Thanks,
Your Fellow Earthranger,
Gabjas
arn’t they extinct?
Nope, they aren’t extinct but they are threatened. Their population is about 10,000-20,000 in the wild.
Wow- I had no idea that okapis are threatened.
How sad! They`re such beautiful creatures and deserve to live long, happy lives in the wild! 😀
Thanks,
Your Fellow Earthranger,
Gabjas
Kaskazini- Diary Entry
December
9:00 pm
I used to keep a journal of all the feathers and shiny rocks I found in the north when I was young, I have decided to keep a journal to record my journey with Bahati Mtoto.
Ever since Kiongozi died, a drought had flattened the land. It’s raining now, and I’m trying to avoid getting water on my first journal entry, wouldn’t that be a shame?
Nevermind that, though. It’s raining- it’s pouring and now I’m afraid for a different reason…
monsoon season, actually monsoon season is in June and then it retreats from the West by October.
Something weird is going on…
* * *
Hello Earthrangers!
I decided to include some different methods of writing from different perspectives.
Every once in a while I will throw in a journal entry of Kaskazini, the young female Okapi entrusted as the guide of Bahati- but weird events are taking place… it’s up to you to decide!
All you have to do is type in your ideas for the story and if I choose it then your idea will be put in the story and you will be put on the WALL OF FAME!
Some of the questions I’d like you to answer are….
1. What happens to Kaskazini?
2.What are Bahati’s reactions when he realises his quest?
3. What is his quest?
4. How can I incorporate a bear and a shark in this story in a way that makes sense?
5. What’s up with the rain? Is something serious going on or is it just a coincedence?
YOU DECIDE!
Everyone and anyone who’s and Earthranger can particapate!
I look forward to your ideas!
Thanks,
Your Fellow Earthranger,
Gabjas