Once upon a time, there was a beautiful snake named Laila, she lived in Kuala Lumpur in Malasyia.

She was beautiful. Her scales gleamed under the suns rays and the color changed when she went under the light. When you look directly at her you can see that her scales are yellow and brown, but when she moves away from the light they are hazel, and when she moves towards it, it is hazel with a hint of green. Her eyes were the color of gold. But she was different, all of her friends looked up to her as if she was a god. Never once did any of her friends doubt her. One day during the middle of the afternoon Laila and her friends would bathe in the river just watching the reflection of the sun off of the water, making the water warmer than it usually is, they sat until her friend Aadil had heard a rumbling noise. He sat there listening to it, getting more worried as it got louder, and louder. Soon, Laila could hear it, she didnt think anything was wrong until she saw her family slithering towards them as fast as she had seen them

move in a while. She shot up and she knew where they had been and why they were in trouble, there had been an earthquake. They had been up by the trees when they saw it. The whole city coming down before them, they slithered as fast as they could and Laila and her friends ran as fast as they could to get somewhere safe. Everything was falling and rolling down the mountain towards them. They all gathered behind the rock, protecting each other as things flew over them and rolled beside them. Laila could see everyone except for her family. She knew what had happened and she didnt have anything to say for herself, she just hung her head in shame, blaming herself for what had happened. Laila had lost everything that day that was important to her since she was a baby, her family, her home, and her river. After a few weeks everything was back to normal, except the river. Since they had to evacuate to save themselves, their river had been taking over by a gross green colored monster. Aarif was a mean guy; he was also a water monitor. He didnt like anybody, and nobody liked him. He had taken over the river and wont let Laila or her friends near it. And the last thing for them to expect was an oil spill. Laila and her friends were drenched in oil from the earthquake. The earthquake had managed to tip over an oil truck letting oil spill loose down the mountain covering everything in their path. The river cleared up and so did Aarif along with it since he had the whole river to himself. Unfortunately Laila and her friends will have to find a way to bathe or they could die from the oil. Their only chance of doing that was to compromise with Aarif, but we all know that will never happen. Come on Aarif we could die, if we dont get to

wash. Moaned Laila. No, is No! shouted Arif, You should have thought about that before you ran away from the river. We had no other option! said Aadil. We would have died if we had stayed here. Youre going die either way, just this time it will be more painful. muttered Aarif. Aarif wasnt going to budge and now that he has the river, hell never let them get into it. Laila stepped forward to get in. Take one more step and Ill add another piece to my STUFFED editions! bellowed Aarif. Im just getting a drink. Laila said quietly. Aarif was cautious but let her be. She drank from the river and stepped backwards. Laila turned around and moved her head to tell her friends that they should leave. They walked for hours and still they could not see anything but wrecked houses and oil everywhere. It was about 10 minutes till nightfall, and everyone was tired. Laila suggested that everyone rest and go to sleep. They couldnt lose any more energy; they would need to save it for tomorrow. Everyone dropped to their knees and lay down. They all immediately went to sleep. Exhausted Laila moved away

from the group and slithered up to the highest branch of the tallest tree, and curled up. Tomorrow will be a much better day, She thought to herself, We will find another river by noon, and be able to bathe. There will be no one there... hopefully. Laila doubted her thoughts but she knew it was late and she needed to get some sleep. She took one last glance as the sun set in the pink, blue sky. Darkness was over taking the afternoon sky; the ivory black light covered the sky in less than 10 minutes. That night Laila decided to pray to the gods especially a Hindu god name Shiva, she was hoping that everything was going to be okay. After that Laila lay down her head and went straight to sleep. But before she did she saw a small light, a shining one. It was a tiny river! Guys, Dont go to sleep look a small river! Laila exclaimed. Lets go get this oil off. shouted Aadil. They all rushed over and jumped in. They were all nice and clean and they would live. Laila smiled. I told you everything would be fine. Laila smiled happily. They all went back to their little camp out and went straight to sleep. Now they could rest without the fear of losing someone the next day.

The next day, the sun rose in the blue, plus a dash of orange, sky. She slithered down the brown, gray bark of the tree and went to the river. But the river had dried up! No! What happened? She bellowed. She looked up to the burning sun and realized that it had gotten so hot it had dried up the river. She walked away, more upset than she had been since her family. She decided not to tell everybody else, it would just disappoint them. Come on guys get up, we have to move on, Laila said. What about we just stay here? Aadil asked. I mean we have a river now. Laila looked away trying not to cry. She sighed and told everybody why, even though it hurt her as well. Guys, heres the truth. This morning the sun was so hot and the air as well. It dried up the river. I didnt know this was going to happen. She replied, Im sorry. Its alright, said Aadil He smiled, We can find another one.

Laila smiled at him, thanking him for making her realize there was hope. She knew he was right. That day Laila and her friends trekked along the mountains of Malaysia. It was burning up, trails of sweat stuck to Laila gleaming scales. They reached the valley in a few hours and everyone collapsed to the ground. Laila, panting trying reach for air. A few seconds after she stood up and walked around and said, "I recognize this place," She said confused. "No, No. This is wrong we have gone in a circle this can't be right!" She dropped crying, she was thirsty and tired. Aadil crawled over and took her shoulder, and comforted her. It turned out to be the same river. She didnt recognize it because the oil had cleared up. "Don't worry we'll figure something out." Aadil whispered to her. "We can fight for the river! You did it once you can do it again." And indeed she did. When she was with her family, her mother and father fought another snake for the river. Laila was the one who saved the day. Just when her family was about to give up, she struck the snake in the stomach, making it fall to the ground. They claimed the river that day all thanks to Laila. "I can help." "So can I." "We can all help." Everyone stood up confidently, chiming in.

You guys are the best, Laila mentioned. Nor can you run down and explain to Aarif our offer and the deal? Sir yes sir! Nor said. I mean mam. He blushed a little and slithered off to go tell Aarif. Aarif! Aarif! Screamed Nor. Aarif stood up with a jolt, protecting his river. Dont come any closer or ill rip you in half. Nor gulped and stopped. We are up in the mountains. We circled and ended up back here. We wanted to make a deal, we fight for the river? Keep talking. Aarif said interested in the sound of this. We will make a deal, if Laila fights you and she wins we get the river and you vanish from this place, but if you win you will never see the sight of us again and you can have the river all to yourself. What do you say? Nor asked eagerly. I like it, alright, amongst the trees 10:00 am sharp on Wednesday, deal? Aarif asked.

Deal, Nor agreed. And he ran back up the mountain to deliver the news to Laila and all her friends. Laila! Laila! Nor cried, once more panting and gasping for air. Calm down Nor, take a deep breath. Laila said calmly. Nor took a breath and rested for a moment. Then he continued. Aarif agreed, he says hell do it amongst the trees and 10:00 am sharp, on Wednesday." Perfect that gives us a day to get ready and practice, thanks Nor. Laila said gratefully. Laila stood up, going around hugging each one of them. That night everyone had fun, and Laila knew that if they helped her, she was sure to win. They slept well that night; Laila told them to go to bed early because tomorrow was going to be a big day for them. And it sure was. In the morning everyone woke up at dawn and helped Laila. Nor helped her practice dodging while, Lyana helped her strike with her tail. And Aadil helped her block strikes. At Lunch everyone was exhausted, it had got very hot, incredibly quickly. They rested for half an hour eating and drinking some juice. They got back to work a few minutes later, they were sweating and burning up. Finally, after 6 hours of training, Laila was ready. That night, the only light in the sky was the white moon, the brightness lighting up the river, reflecting shadows off of the water. Laila looked up at

the moon smiling. She could hear the sound of the ripples from down below. Tomorrow we get victory. She said quietly and then slithered off into her little den. The sun rose in the sky early that morning and everyone was awakening by the chirps of birds, and their wonderful little songs. Lailah stretched as far as she could and then slithered over to the place where everyone else was. After breakfast, Laila got ready. Mud lines were made on her face under her eyes to show that she was tough. She was given a bit of protection to keep her from getting hurt to severely. Armor? Nor asked her as he checked off everything she needed. Check. She replied. Good luck charm? Check. The good luck charm was a pin her mother and father had given to her for her 10th birthday. She had kept all this time. She pinned it inside the armor so it didnt hurt her while she was battling against Aarif.

Good I think thats everything. He smiled happily. What time is it? I think just about quarter to 10:00. Laila replied. Lets head on down there now. Laila headed down the mountain with everyone behind her. When they reached they see that Aarif was still asleep. Laila woke him up and he jumped up with a swipe of her hands. Laila dodged it as it came towards her. Apparently, that practice would do her good after all. Shall we? Laila asked him, with a slight mock in her voice. Yeah lets go. Aarif replied. They all wandered into the trees and rounded up around Laila and Aarif. Remember winner gets the river, and loser is vanished from the grounds. Laila mentioned. Good luck. I dont need it. Aarif snarled. Nor wandered over to them and started counting down from 3. 3... 2... 1.... go. And he ran out of the arena.

Aarif went straight for Laila but she dodged in, as fast a bull fighter. Aarif weighed tons just like a tree but Laila was as fast as lighting and those entire things she practiced came in handy. It had been half an hour. And everything that had happened was just Aarif kept running towards her. Finally he got restless and was panting so hard. Laila took one look at him at she struck him with her tail. A billion volts of pain entered Aarif cheek and he fell to the floor. Laila was surprised she could even do that, but she wasnt sure if he was faking or if he was actually hurt. She didnt take the chance, she headed towards him and then all of a sudden he jumped up and slashed her across the face with his long sharp claws. Laila fell on the floor tears running down her face. But she couldnt give up it gave her time to think. You have to get up Laila. You cannot let them down. Even if you fail you know that you didnt win without putting up a fight, you have to get up. Ignore the pain deal with it later, you cant think of yourself right now. As soon as she came back everything she saw was doubled and it sounded like echoes. She heard rude laughs coming from Aarif and gasps from her friends. Then she came back she could see and she struck him across the face and kept doing that until it was over. She had won. Aarif surrendered, blood mark across his face he stood up and said, How did this happen! I should have won! You tried at least. Laila said kindly, squinting her eyes from the pain. Oh, be quiet. Aarif said rudely. Laila thought about what would happen now. Her and her friends

would get the river and Aarif would be vanished forever. He was a horrid guy but she couldnt help feeling like she was doing something wrong. She decided to let him stay and share the river with her and everybody. After all 2 wrongs dont make a right. You know Aarif, even though you're an awful person, Im not, Laila cried. You can stay, but, you cannot have things your way, you cannot boss people around, and you cannot bully everybody. I dont need your sympathy. snarled Aarif. Fine suit yourself. Laila huffed, Come on guys lets go claim our river. They walked away cheering for Laila when she heard Aarif. Wait! OK I wont please let me come with you, I beg of you I will die. He cried. Thats what I thought, She smiled. Come on now. Lets go get the scratches cleaned up. Aarif waddled over to them and they all walked to the nice freshwater and jumped in screaming and playing happily. It was a better day than they thought it would be. It was a great day. 2 Months Later......

Aarif and Laila ran down the hill and cannonballed into the river. Luckily for Aarif and Laila their scars had cleared up and there was nothing but a scratch now. Everybody had become the best of friends with Aarif and he had become the best of friends with them. Everybody had dinner together and lunch and breakfast. Aarif and Laila kept practicing their skills together and doing pretend fights. Nor was the helper but he was so scared that he was gonna get his tail chopped of so Laila made an armour for him to. Laila and Aarif would laugh whenever Nor got scared, they would always fall over laughing. The best part about now is that someday. Everybody sat on their favorite rock and watched the sun set in the orange sky when the temperature was just right and the waters ripples were the only things you could hear. The reflection off the water was what Aarif liked the best he said it was a beautiful shiny reflection of what they were. And that was a big happy family. And they lived happily ever after.