The jungle. Wild. Merciless. Kinda boring. But home. 

Kimi Fujioka liked it that way. 

Her trail was formed by human feet over hundreds of years, cutting through the Pomaika’I jungle. It was hot—very hot—typical equatorial Pacific Island jungle weather—good getting-hypnotized-by-a-snake weather. 

Oops. Spoiler alert. Good thing Kimi didn’t hear that. 

Kimi was a young woman, 20 years old, of Japanese descent, but born and raised in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Her tanned skin and toned body glistened in the equatorial sun that poked through the treetops. She was almost naked, except for the bikini and loincloth she wore, which she and her mentor Julie referred to as a "Standard issue" jungle girl “uniform”. Stringy black hair hung from her head and had been washed yesterday, but the heat and humidity were brutal on her hair. Not thinking, she pulled her hair up into a bun and kept going. 

A snake popped up from the brush and lunged at Kimi. She readied herself and did not draw her knife at the side. The snake was almost on her when she ducked. The snake overshot her head, she straightened her legs, caught the snake with both hands, and threw it aside. But the snake tried to wrap the latter part of its tail around her torso. Stunned initially, she pushed the snake off as much as she could. She could tell the snake was coming back to bite her shoulder, from the shadow on the ground. This big boi was too hungry to think, but she’d just eaten half an hour ago. 

She pushed the snake’s head away. Squeezing its throat, she managed to push the snake’s body off her. Then she stepped out of the coils, grabbed the snake’s throat like a cricket bat, and flung it back into the brush. This time, it didn’t try to fight back. In its animalistic brain, it must've realized that Kimi wasn’t worth the hassle. 

A shame. She got along with most snakes on Pomaika’i. 

Sighing, she wiped her hands of sweat. The snake would continue to live. There might be a wild chicken, boar, or even a deer nearby for it to eat.  

She continued.  

After what felt like an hour, Kimi felt the need to stop. Her legs were aching and so were the soles of her perpetually bare feet. Instead of picking at her feet, she sat down at the foot of a mighty tree, stretching her legs out with a long, satisfied sigh. As soon as she sat down, she heard a sinuous flute playing felt something soft curling around her waist and thighs. Looking down, she saw it was a snake’s tail, and the fluid, sinuous way it moved, plus the scale patterns, were familiar. Of course, while there was probably only one snake on Pomaika’i that could do any of this, she was still bewildered. The tail gently pulled her up, although it felt like she was yanked upwards at first. She remembered the movie where this happened but in a bad way. But if this was who she thought it was, then this was a gentlemanly move. 

Her suspicions were confirmed when she came face-to-face with the culprit. Kaa, the python. He was grinning as usual, happy to see her. He deposited her on the branch, and she stood. Now that she knew who’d absconded with her, she relaxed, adopting a casual stance.

“Sssssssssssaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy nooooooooowwwwww. What, have, we, here?” he asked, teasing. “It’ssssssss a jungle girl, all by hersssssssself! And I haven’t ssssssssssseen you around for a whillllle!” 

“Oh. Hi, Kaa,” Kimi remarked like she was bored. 

The legendary snake was taken aback, unhappy. How rude! Someone should teach her some manners! She wouldn’t be rude to him when he inevitably had her under his spell, wrapped up in his coils.  

But he’d also watched her defeat that wild snake earlier. 

“I wasssssss jussssssst assssking how you were,” he said. “Forgive me for being friendly!” 

“And?” she asked. 

He chuckled. “Thingsssss have been ssssslow around here,” he said. He wrapped his tail around her back, and gently pulled her close. In a good sign, he saw her move her feet with his tugging. “I’m jusssssst glad to sssssee a familiar faccccccce.” 

“Well, here I am,” she said. 

He simply brought the tip of his tail up and gently placed it on her back, like a friendly gesture. “How hassssss the jungle life treated you?” he asked. 

She beamed. “Jungle life is still the best,” she replied. 

“Any action-packed adventuresssssss lately?” 

“No, not really,” she replied. “It’s been calm. Been slow, too.” 

“I ssssssee we have ssssssomething in common,” he said. 

Kaa was smiling. Not smugly, though; Kaa-nfidently. Mentally, he formulated a plan to keep Kimi with him so he could work his magic on her. Rarely did things stray/deviate from his plans. An important step was to establish who was in charge of the encounter. Once that first domino fell, it would only be a matter of time before he had her under his spell, in his coils. And he was no young snake. Yes, this is the same snake from Kipling’s novel, only Disney was accidentally correct about his hypnotic abilities. But turning him into a creep sounding like a child molester crossed the line. If he believed in human law, he would have sued Mr. Disney and his company for defamation a long time ago. 

Wait, where was he? Oh, right! 

“I know what you want to do to me,” she said. 

“You do?” he asked with faux surprise and indignation. “What could you possssssssibly mean?” 

Kimi rolled her eyes and looked away. Kaa immediately swooped around to keep his eyes on her. She turned away again. He had to laugh to himself. Her token resistance was adorable. She would be even more adorable when she was under his spell with a blank look on her face, his colored rings pulsating in her eyes, a big dumb grin on her lips, and her entire body wrapped in his coils.  

It reminded him of the previous sessions with the Manling, Kainak the Jungle Dude, and even one or two with Kimi’s mentor, Julie/Hulie. He had lost track of all of the times he’d hypnotized humans. 

“How are you?” he asked casually. 

“I just fought a wild snake,” she replied. “I took care of him.” 

“How do you know they were a male?” Kaa asked. 

“I don’t know, I just assumed.” 

“Never assssssssssume anything,” said Kaa. 

“Thanks for the lesson,” she said. “I should go now.” She turned to leave. 

“And jusssssssssst where do you think you’re going?” he asked like a sitter who caught a kid trying to sneak out of the room. Kaa gently wrapped his tail around her wrist, holding her firm and making her halt in her tracks. Despite her momentum leading her to lift her leg, she felt a thrilling excitement in her chest. It wasn't fear or nervousness that tightened it; it was the anticipation of what she knew was inevitable. The knowledge that Kaa was in control, weaving his enchantment, and soon she would be enveloped in the softest coil cocoon, both thrilled and comforted her. 

She quickly regained her composure, a playful grin spreading across her face as she turned back to him. “What makes you think I was leaving?” she teased, adopting a playful, coy demeanor. 

Kaa chuckled warmly, the sound almost like a gentle hiss. “You’re being coy,” he observed with a knowing smile. 

“Coy? I’m not being coy,” she insisted, rolling her eyes dramatically but unable to suppress her grin as she looked away. 

Kaa laughed, a rich, deep sound, repeating his earlier playful jest. “You’re being coy,” he teased again, clearly enjoying the playful banter. He released her wrist, and instead, his tail found its way around her shoulders, drawing her closer in a gesture that was both familiar and comforting, much like an embrace. 

“I sssssuposssssse I’m being too ssssussssspiscccciousssss,” Kaa murmured, his playful tone laced with sincerity. “I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” 

“Not at all,” she replied, her tone as casual as if they were discussing the weather. 

“Good,” he said, nudging her gently towards him. She allowed herself to be steered, knowing exactly what was next. Her eyes lingered on him, full of anticipation and excitement for the hypnosis session she knew was about to begin. Her gaze betrayed her eagerness, but, perhaps out of tradition or simply to maintain a semblance of dignity, she turned her gaze away, even though everything about her posture indicated she was ready and waiting for Kaa to begin. 

“I dunno,” she said. “I really should be going.” 

“Why don’t you sssssssstay a little longer?” he asked. “Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeasssssssssssssssssssssse?” 

“Well, since you asked nicely, sure,” she said. 

Since her tone was playful, excited, and eager, Kaa knew he didn’t have to rush things. So, he removed the end of his tail from her shoulder. She leaned forward as he did this. 

“Sssssssincccccce I forgot to asssssssk, how isssssss your mentor, Hulie?” he asked. 

“She’s doing alright, still,” Kimi replied. “She just stopped a bandit gang threatening Pele tribe villages.” 

“Sssssenssssssational,” he said with a lingering emphasis on every 's.' “I missssssssss talking to her.” Their conversations, almost always free from the influence of hypnosis, were something she cherished. Despite her aversion to being hypnotized by him, the allure of receiving advice from the renowned Kaa was irresistible. Their discussions could stretch for hours, a reminiscence of times long before Kimi washed ashore on Pomaika’i. 

Kainak, however, harbored a certain enjoyment for hypnosis. Yet today, he was not in the mood to proceed with it. He was aware of how eagerly she anticipated the experience but found more thrill in spontaneity. But true to his playful nature, he extended his tail and lightly stroked her jaw, watching as her chest tightened in response. She turned to meet his gaze with a smile, but it quickly faded when she realized he wasn't about to go further. “I ssssssaw ssssssssomething,” he teased, maintaining the jest in his voice. 

“Sure,” she said skeptically. 

“Why don’t you sssssssssit down?” he asked. She sat down on the branch, one leg pulled up to her chest, the other dangling. He released a small laugh through his nose. This was perfect. She was cooperating with him. 

“Sssssso you fought a sssssnake?” he asked. 

“Yeah, I just said I did,” she replied. 

“I wasssssss jusssssssst trying to re-ssssssstart the converssssssssation,” he said, frowning. “How did you ssssssssssubdue him?” 

“I picked him up and tossed him away,” she said. 

As he jokingly mentioned, "And you’re going to let me hypnotizsssse you," his voice was a playful whisper, almost like a secret meant just for her. Instantly, his words drew her in; she leaned forward, eyes twinkling with curiosity as though they were waiting for more. 

“Hm?” she questioned, her curiosity piqued. 

Feigning innocence, he responded, “Oh, nothing.” Her eyes narrowed suspiciously, but he could see the spark of interest that danced within them. Her breath hitched slightly, and she bit down gently on her lower lip, a telltale sign of her anticipation. Kaa grinned, amused and pleased with the effect he had on her. He could sense her eagerness, like an electric current in the air, eagerly awaiting the escape into his blissful hypnosis. 

With a lighthearted tone, he announced, "Well, it’ssssssss time to do the thing." His voice was laced with a teasing joy that was hard to resist. 

“What thing?” she pressed, intrigued yet again, her brow arching in a delightful blend of curiosity and confusion. 

“Thisssssssssss thing!” he exclaimed with enthusiastic abandon, turning his full attention towards her. His eyes lit up, a dance of vibrant, swirling colors that captivated her every sense. As if watching a magical sunset unfolding within the confines of his gaze, she found herself drawn into the myriad of golds, light blue, and light greens that pulsed invitingly from the center of his eyes. 

He relished the moment, this legendary python known for the enigma of his hypnosis, flashing a warm smile. "Theeeerrrrreeeee we goooooo," he purred in a manner that felt both intimate and graciously inviting. She couldn't help but follow his lead, her attention unwavering as she was driven by a heartbeat drumming in tandem with her rising excitement, every thump echoing the promise of the hypnotic adventure she was about to embark on. 

Perched elegantly on a gnarled branch, she crossed her legs and rested her hands in her lap, fingers delicately intertwined. Her posture radiated eagerness, indicating she was completely engaged and ready to dive into the splendid adventure that awaited them both. The air around them seemed charged with possibility, wrapping them in a cocoon of vibrant energy as they teetered on the edge of something extraordinary. 

A soft, nearly inaudible gasp escaped her lips as her gaze locked with his, an electric spark igniting between them. Her mouth remained slightly open, a silent invitation, as she leaned forward, captivated by the motion of his head. Around the edges of her vision, the world began to fade into a haze, but the center—his mesmerizing eyes—remained brilliantly vivid, drawing her in deeper. The knowledge that Kaa wielded the power of hypnosis added an intoxicating twist to the unfolding moment; it was more about the delicious sensation stirred within her than any specific outcome he might have in mind. She found herself offering up only the faintest semblance of resistance, relishing how it extended the hypnotic journey, enhancing her anticipation. 

Kaa hummed a gentle, lilting tune, the sound weaving through the air like a hypnotic spell. She instinctively mirrored his movements, swaying gently as she leaned against the rough tree bark, feeling a sense of calm enveloping her. Her heart rate began to slow, each thump echoing softly in her ears. Meanwhile, Kaa’s tail tip glided up to her lower back, tracing delicate spirals across her skin, coaxing her into an even deeper state of relaxation. "Yessssss. Let thisssss wondrousssss feeling ssssset your mind and body at easssse, Kimi," he hissed, his voice smooth and soothing. "For you are a guesssssst in my tree. A mossssst welcome guesssst." 

As the induction took hold, Kimi felt her body slacken, surrendering to the wave of disorientation that washed over her. It was reminiscent of the blissful haze of intoxication as if she were floating on a soft cloud, liberated from the weight of reality. Every muscle in her body sighed in relief, melting away tension like butter on a warm skillet. Kaa’s hypnosis became an enchanting escape, a haven where she could let go of her worries and surrender herself entirely. The warm embrace of his presence felt like a comforting hug, cradling her mind and spirit. In this cherished state of openness, the idea of allowing someone else to guide her, to command her thoughts and actions, became an exhilarating freedom—an enticing liberation she had long desired, echoing the way Kaa’s magic had freed her friend from another universe. 

With a deliberate movement, Kaa withdrew his tail from her back, allowing it to lower gracefully before wrapping it tenderly around her midsection. The soft, silky texture of his tail enveloped her body, creating two gentle loops that offered both a sense of security and an almost intimate embrace. As the coils tightened slightly, she felt a soothing pressure that was oddly comforting.  

Her gaze was locked onto Kaa’s mesmerizing eyes, unable—and unwilling—to shift her focus away. The enchanting dancing colors in his eyes demaned every ounce of her attention, drawing her into a world that balanced precariously between reality and a dreamlike trance. Though her expression remained calm and neutral, there was an appreciation for the extraordinary spectacle unfolding before her—an awareness of being part of something far larger and more captivating than she had ever imagined. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each thought valiantly battling against the intoxicating pull of hypnosis, wrapping her in a velvety embrace. Despite the rhythmic pulsing of the rings in his iridescent eyes, she fought to maintain her steady gaze. Yet even in her struggle, there was a deep admiration for the power, the grace, and the beauty of what was happening, an acknowledgment of the formidable allure that was Kaa. 

Kaa, however, showed no concern for her resistance; he was fully aware that extending the induction process would ultimately be advantageous for both of them. His voice, dripping with a smooth, persuasive melody, slithered into her consciousness like a gentle current wrapping around her, lulling her deeper into the enticing abyss. "Yessssssssssssss, it'ssssssss sssssssssoooo goooooood," he whispered with a mesmerizing rhythm, his words an irresistible coaxing echo that promised comfort and surrender. "Keep your eyessssssss locked firmly on mine. You're enveloped in my nurturing coilsssssssssss," he continued, reinforcing his irresistible invitation, each sibilant note designed to draw her further into his compelling embrace. 

His tail coiled tightly around her midsection once more, forming two secure loops that cradled her with a gentle yet unyielding embrace. A soothing sensation enveloped her, as he tightened his grip, drawing her deeper into the mesmerizing experience that unfolded. He moved with fluid grace, his head rolling in a captivating dance that seemed to weave a spell all its own, causing the vibrant world around them to dissolve into a blur. All that remained was the enthralling rhythm of his presence and the soft, comforting pressure of his coils. Hypnosis served as a clever hunting strategy, as the Bandar-log found out, but playing with humans offered a far richer delight. 

“Your limbssssssssssss feel heavy, almost too heavy to lift. But that’ssssssssss a good thing—you’re relaxssssssssing,” he purred, each word wrapping around her mind like his coils around her body. 

Kimi could feel the weight of her limbs, as if each one were anchored down by lead, rendering her unable to move. The sensation was disorienting yet strangely reassuring. Kaa's tail slid methodically along her body, the smooth, cool scales gliding over her skin, inducing a delightful shiver with each gentle caress. She never tired of this exquisite feeling. As her surroundings faded into a soft haze, his luminous eyes remained sharply in focus, glowing with an otherworldly brilliance that captivated her completely. In that moment, they were the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. 

“Sssso relaxssssssed… Sssso at easssse… Ssssso blisssssful…” Kaa's voice flowed like silk, lulling her deeper into a state of relaxation.  

With each passing moment, her thoughts grew pleasantly foggy, and her eyelids began to droop, fighting against the gravity of Kaa’s hypnotic influence. She struggled to keep them open, not wanting to succumb to slumber before surrendering to his spell. But the effort felt increasingly futile as the edges of her vision blurred into obscurity, leaving only Kaa and his entrancing eyes vividly defined. She felt another tender squeeze enveloping her arms and midsection; it was merely Kaa adjusting his embrace, the silken scales soothing against her skin. The sensation was like being wrapped in a cool, comforting blanket—she could remain in those coils forever (if she wanted to, and she liked being wild and free). 

She relished these moments with Kaa, fully aware that this was the “real” Kaa—far removed from the Disney caricature—and she embraced the enchanting experience with complete trust. Kainak had shared tales of his encounters with Kaa's hypnosis, sparking Kimi's curiosity and igniting a passion within her. Ever since that day, her sessions with Kaa had become a cherished ritual, filled with wonder and thrill. Approaching each encounter with an eagerness to cooperate, she found immense joy in the captivating spell he cast upon her. It wasn’t an addiction, but rather a delightful exploration of freedom and surrender. 

In the depths of the vibrant jungle, Kaa remained still, his tail coiled languidly around Kimi as time slipped away unnoticed. Rarely did he lose focus when hypnotizing his subjects, and today was no exception. His attention was entirely fixated on her, the rhythmic hum emanating from his throat resonating like a lullaby meant to draw her deeper into his sway. With deliberate grace, he glided his sinuous body, captivating her gaze and compelling her to follow his every movement. A sense of pride swelled within him; he was well aware of Kimi's backstory—her struggles, her triumphs—and it only fueled his desire to put her in blissful emptiness. 

“Woooonnnnnnderfulllll, Kimi,” he purred, his voice dripping with a mixture of charm and power. “Thisssssss will be a great ssssssesssssssssssion.”  

In her hazy state, Kimi felt an odd disconnection from reality, as if time had ceased to exist. Kaa's massive, mesmerizing eyes drew closer, enveloping her vision entirely, and with each heartbeat, her remaining clarity began to fade. He tightened his grip gently, adjusting his hold so that his tail lay softly against her chest, just below her shoulders. A curious contrast coursed through her; the gentle breeze of the jungle kissed one part of her skin while Kaa's smooth, cool scales enveloped the rest, creating a paradoxical sensation of safety and vulnerability. 

“Jusssssssssst a liiiiiiittle mooooooore,” he cooed softly, pleasure glinting in his eyes as he sped his mesmerizing rings. Kimi’s eyes fluttered open slightly, caught off guard by the sudden shift, her heart racing with confusion and allure. The jungle faded away, leaving only Kaa and his hypnotic hold on her mind. Her chest tightened a little more. She was close to falling completely under his spell. She knew it, he knew it. Kaa was patient. She kept resisting just a little bit, soaking his hypnotic eyes in to enjoy it before she fell. Her mind was clouded, feeling empty. She wanted to obey Kaa, yet she wasn’t ready to fall just yet. She felt his tail reach her shoulders, and she somehow knew she had to savor the moment. He pressed his face against hers. The tail reached her neck. 

The tail coiled around her with a firm yet gentle grip, its texture cool against her skin. Kimi’s eyes, usually bright with curiosity, grew wide as she succumbed to a final wave of mesmerizing hypnosis that washed over her. Instinctively, she relinquished all resistance, letting herself drift fully into his captivating hold. As her consciousness faded, her expression turned slack and vacant, a mirror to the stillness of her mind. A silly grin slowly spread across her lips, adding an eerie charm to her demeanor. To any passerby, she would appear utterly ridiculous, lost in a trance with that vacant smile plastered across her face. 

Good thing there weren’t humans around. 

She was coiled from chin to waste in a cocoon of coils, immobile. If Kaa wanted to eat her, he could. But he wouldn’t. Instead, he turned off the colored rings and took a step back (for lack of a better term) to admire his handiwork. Another job well done. 

“Comfortable?” he asked. 

“Very comfortable,” she replied. 

He chuckled as he examined her. The way humans appeared under his spell, with their eyes wide and filled with colors, and the wide, blank smiles on their lips, warmed his literally cold-blooded heart. It resembled how a human feels when looking at a happy dog or a purring cat. 

Satisfied, Kaa lay back on the branch to relax, with her still standing on it. Lazily yet effortlessly, he lifted her, still coiled from her neck to her knees, into the air. Then he gently waved her around, tipping her so that she faced the ground. When she lifted her head, he began waving her around again. 

“Kaa!” she shouted. 

He stopped waving her from side to side and gently lowered her back down, making sure she was safely nestled on the branch. "Oopssss! I got distracted," he said with a sheepish grin, placing her securely on the branch as if making a mental note to be more careful. Having a human under his spell, coiled in his grasp, was fascinating to him. It was like having the keys to a marvelous, mysterious playhouse where he could explore and enjoy the unique experience as he pleased. He remembered from personal experience that there were certain limits to this interaction. If the subject didn’t want to go along with his plans, they simply wouldn’t. It added a layer of challenge and excitement to his magical repertoire—one that he relished.  

So, he paused to think, pondering his next move in this whimsical human game of sorts. Should he entertain himself with his favorite, the scale walk? He loved it when the human walked along his scales with grace. It was an activity that wasn't just intriguing to him; it was downright delightful. But who was it really for? He mused, realizing it was more about his own amusement than for his curious subjects.  

Despite this, he was tempted. The gentle sway had a certain charm, the way his scales caught the light, reflecting it in tiny rainbows. He couldn’t help but grin at the thought of this tiny, personal show—an extravagant performance just for them. Whatever he decided next, he knew it would be an adventure all its own. 

An idea popped into his head. He stood her up without removing his coils from around her. “Get ready to fly!” he said, then lifted her off the branch as if she had taken off into the air. “You’re flying!” 

“I’m flying!” she repeated. The thought filled her with such exhilaration that she could vividly picture herself not just flying, but effortlessly gliding over the vast, vibrant jungle. Gone was the feeling of being tightly coiled; instead, she fancied herself as Supergirl, her spirit soaring with the wings of imagination. Up there, the sky was the limit, and as she climbed higher into the imaginary azure expanse, a boundless sense of freedom and pure joy enveloped her.  

She was liberated from the earthly chains of gravity that usually kept her earthbound. In that magical headspace, she felt invincible, like nothing could ever hold her back or bring her down. The energy coursing through her, the thrill of limitless possibility, made her feel like she could conquer anything that came her way. Though in reality, she might still be under the sway of his spell, comfortably cradled by his coils, her spirit was undeniably soaring. You see, it's all about where your mind lets you wander, and hers was exploring the wonder of being unstoppable and truly free. 

Gradually, he guided her through the landing procedure, bringing her towards another branch. Her mind’s eye saw the jungle trees approaching until she breached the canopy, flying towards the branch he would place her on. She extended her legs like she was a bird about to land. Her bare soles hit the rough bark. She curled her toes, bending her legs to brace herself. She didn’t need much help to stand up straight, as he gently tugged her, in his coils, onto the branch until she stood up straight on it. Most of her body, sans her legs, were still coiled. 

“You’re not flying anymore,” he said. “Empty your mind and return to blissssssssssful emptinessssssssss.” 

Her vision blurred again, but her ears remained focused solely on Kaa’s voice. He lifted her off the branch, just to re-wrap her down to her knees. Then he set her down on the branch. She reclined on it, and her bare lower legs dangled straddling the branch. “Oh, what to do, what to do,” he sang. 

”I guesssssssssssss… nothing? Nothing’ssssssssssss wrong with doing nothing. What do you think, Kimi?” 

”I like hanging out with you,” she replied. “Being under your spell.” 

”And I like having you around while you’re under my sssssssspell,” he quipped back. She giggled and blushed. He smiled and reclined on the branch. They stayed like that for a few moments, enjoying the moment. The sight of her, coiled and hypnotized was hypnotic in a sense because he couldn’t take her eyes off her. He’d done a great job this time. He lifted her off the branch again. Carefully, he carried her to a spot above the ground. He held her there, then wound his tail around her to finish wrapping her, so that her bare feet were the only things visible. Then he added more wrapping to her midsection. 

He had an idea that he was going to implement. 

Then he felt a tug. 

Sighing, Kaa sat Kimi and the coils back on the branch, unfurled himself from another one, and lowered his head. Kainak, hero of the Pomaika’i jungle (real name Kyle Anderson of Winnipeg, Manitoba) watched him descend. The lean, but muscular man in his late-20s crossed his arms, waiting for Kaa to reach his eye level. The real-life Tarzan fearlessly stared Kaa down, making direct eye contact. Oh, he was coming with a challenge. He knew Kaa could hypnotize him on the spot, and he still met his eyes. He meant business. 

“Hello, Kainak,” Kaa replied, trying to hide the annoyance at being interrupted. 

“Hey, Kaa,” said Kainak. “Just wondering if you noticed any, uh, bad guys come by. Been tracking someone for a couple of hours.” 

Kaa’s annoyance instantly dissipated. “Oh. Well, unfortunately, I have not sssssseen anyone lately,” he said. “I have not ssssssmelled them, either. Are they native, or...?” 

“Italian,” he said. 

Countries. A human concept he couldn’t understand. “No, I have not. Sssssssorry.” 

“Thanks,” said Kainak. He turned to leave. For a second. “By the way, who is it this time?” 

“What?” Kaa asked. 

“Who’d you hypnotize this time?” he asked. 

“Are you jealousssssssssss that I have other playmatesssssss besssssssside you?” Kaa asked.  

“Well, no, I--” 

“I don’t appreccccciate being sssssssubject to sssssssusssssspiccccccionssssssss,” Kaa said again. “You’ll have to wait to be hypnotizssssssssed.” 

“So there is someone,” said Kainak. 

Kaa sighed. In trying to get Kainak to leave, he gave the game away. “Alright, it’sssssssssss Kimi,” he said. “She’sssssssssss jussssssssst resssssssssssting in my coilssssssssss.” 

“Has she had fun?” Kainak asked. 

“Of coursssssssssse ssshe hasssssssss,” said Kaa. “Now pleasssssssssse, be off with you!” 

Kainak held his hands up, smiling sheepishly, and backing away. In mere seconds, he was up in the trees to pursue his enemy. As much as he admired the jungle-dweller’s sense of justice, Kaa didn’t like being interrupted in the middle of a session. Kaa sighed and pulled his head back up into the foliage. 

“Who was that, Kaa?” Kimi asked upon his return. 

“Kainak,” Kaa replied. 

“What did he want?” 

“To know if I had ssssssseen anyone,” he replied. “Bad guyssssssss.” 

“Oh,” she said. “Should I…” 

Kaa shook his head. “You don’t need to,” Kaa replied. “We’re sssssssstill playing.” He was still miffed about the interruption. 

He had an idea. “Sssssspeaking of, you could usssssse ssssssssome more jungle girl training,” he said. 

“Let’s do it!” she said with as much excitement as the spell allowed. Kaa lifted her again, placing her on the branch and unravelling his tail from around her body. She stood stock-straight, eyes filled with colored rings staring off into nothing, still wearing that silly grin. Fluidly, he moved his body around until a thick part of his body stood in front of her. 

Kaa circled his head around her, leaned in, whispered to Kimi. "See that ape? It wants to harm you," he said with a hiss, manipulating her instincts. "It's preparing to attack—will you fight or cower?" 

“Fight!” she replied, snapping into a fighting stance. When he directed her gaze, Kimi saw the imagined ape. With Kaa's tail barely restraining her, she roared in defiance as the ape charged, appearing menacing. Rising from her crouch, she struck what seemed like the ape's stomach—a plush section of Kaa's tail, harmless in reality. 

To Kaa, the repeated punches felt like a soothing massage rather than a cause of discomfort or pain. "The ape won't give up so easily, Kimi. You must make a stronger effort," instructed the serpent as he gently maneuvered his coils, pushing the jungle girl back. Thankfully, the snake's tail prevented her from falling off the branch. "The ape is so stubborn. You'll need to teach it a lesson," Kaa advised Kimi, encouraging her to persist by raising his tail once again as a target for punching practice.  

Kimi bent over, spread her arms wide, and lunged at the ape with the force and determination of a seasoned rugby player. She wrapped her arms tightly around its massive form, wrestling fiercely in a bid to throw it off the side of the branch. The ape fought back strongly, managing to push her down onto her back. But Emi was quick; she rolled away expertly, keeping her grip firm on both the branch and the ape simultaneously. Her agility and focus allowed her to swing herself back up onto the branch, all while maintaining her hold on the ape—a significant section of Kaa's body. Mustering all her strength with an empowering roar, she miraculously lifted the ape and forcefully threw it back onto the branch. In truth, it was merely that familiar part of Kaa's body gently making contact with the branch once again. 

“That'sssss nice. You sssssspent so much time sssssssitting on my branch; it must have been very uncomfortable for you. Would you like to flex your muscles, my dear?" The python stopped tickling Kimi as he gently placed her back on the branch and slowly uncoiled her. 

"If yesssss, then come to me... And ssssshut your eyes, too," he commanded with undeniable authority, readying himself for the next task with calm assurance. 

At his command, she obediently approached him, closing her eyes without hesitation. This ritual had become second nature, a symbol of the trust that had flourished between them over time. Despite the blank slate in her mind, she never doubted what Kaa would do next. 

As Kimi began to step off the branch, Kaa let her fall lightly only to deftly catch her head with the tip of his tail, balancing the entranced jungle girl with precision. "Let'ssssss mixsssss thingssssss up a bit, shall we?" he proposed confidently, forming a coil staircase with his serpentine body, preparing to utilize it with expert skill. 

Kimi remained motionless as he held the tip of his tail to her forehead, patient and ready for the signal. Upon receiving the nod, she smoothly moved off the branch and cascaded head-first onto the secure tip of his tail. Hypnosis rarely achieves such feats, yet remarkably, she sustained perfect balance. 

Under the influence of his gentle command and guidance, Kimi descended the staircase of his coiled form. Despite her closed eyes, she maneuvered the intricately crafted path with total ease, relying on instinct and unwavering confidence. 

Kaa couldn't help but think that Emi might have memorized the coil path through all their past encounters. Though this realization dawned on him, it didn't faze him in the least. The serpent was intent on bringing Emi joy, and he firmly believed that his hypnotic abilities enhanced her happiness tenfold. 

As they strolled down together, he chuckled to himself, reflecting on how this brave, intrepid jungle girl, who had once courageously stood against armed mobsters, was now under his friendly influence, willingly engaged in his playful control. It wasn't absolute control, naturally, but even this partial mastery brought him satisfaction beyond measure. 

"Keep walking and… sssay... How are you feeling? How are my coilsss?" Kaa inquired gently, as he skillfully extended the spiral staircase, ensuring Kimi didn’t falter. He had no intention of harming her, as that wasn't part of his nature. His objective was purely to provide a sense of comfort and amusement, and he wasn't about to abandon his fun-filled games just yet. 

"I feel amazing, Kaa," she responded, her voice filled with appreciation, as she continued her descent without opening her eyes or making the slightest twitch. Emi relished this calming, relaxing hypnosis session—an oasis of tranquility after the storm of a stressful battle against Russian mobsters. The reassurance that Kaa would never harm humans enveloped her in a cocoon of safety, ensuring she was never in any real danger. While there were boundaries she wouldn’t cross, this trusting interaction exemplified the essence of allowing another to lead, bringing happiness and a unique bond she cherished profoundly. 

The girl was indeed safe from any danger, thanks to Kaa's watchful presence. Kaa was determined to ensure that she would steer clear of anything that could harm or even threaten her life. For instance, when Kimi was about to tumble off the serpent's tail once more, she was saved by a snug coil loop, thoughtfully crafted just for her by the caring brown serpent. Kaa had ingeniously secured Kimi within a wheel-like structure made out of his coils, maintaining his firm and steady posture. He had no intention of allowing the brunette to fall at any moment. "Now, tell me... What do you sssee?" Kaa gently inquired of the entranced girl, his tail stealthily coiling around her waist, providing an added layer of security. 

Kimi experienced a sensation akin to being jostled around, only to find a sense of physical stability when Kaa skillfully created the little wheel of coils for her to walk on. The comforting tail encircling her waist added to her feeling of safety. "I see the colors," she replied with a serene smile, recognizing the vibrant hues surrounding her when asked what lay before her. 

"And what colorssssss do you sssssee?" Kaa asked with curiosity as he gradually paused his motion, holding Emi gently in place. He intended to provide her with the utmost attention and tranquility, allowing the jungle girl to unwind even further. "And at what sssssspeed are they changing?" he added thoughtfully, as his tail slowly coiled up from her waist, embracing her comfortably, reaching her chest and enveloping it. 

"Blue... purple... green... yellow... they're so steady," she noted in a calm, dreamy voice. Her eyes remained closed, enhancing the sense of relaxation that Kaa was fostering. She naturally ceased her movements as the coils came to a stop beneath her chest, allowing her to fully savor the peaceful environment that Kaa had created for her. 

“That’sssssssssss good,” he said. 

They played for a few more hours. It was mainly making waves with his serpentine body. She kept under his spell that whole time, even when she had to step away for… “business”, or when he sent her off to hunt for dinner. She came back with a wild chicken and a Pomaika’ian deer buck. He met her on the jungle floor, watching her prepare a fire and spit to roast the chicken. She expertly gutted and de-feathered hers. Then she cut the buck’s horns off so Kaa could eat it.  

“I’ve got a brilliant idea,” Kaa hissed with a playful smirk, after dinner was over. “Let’sssssssss take a ssssselfie and sssssssssend it to Julie.” 

“Oh, definitely,” Kimi replied. That wasn’t the python’s hypnosis nor his spell talking. She pulled out her phone, posed with Kaa, and captured the moment. She quickly typed “Chillin’ with Kaa,” and hit send to Julie. 

Within moments, her phone pinged. Julie's response came through with two photos and texts. In the first, the brunette jungle girl shot Kimi a hilariously disapproving glare alongside the message, “I expected better from you.” Kimi couldn't help but giggle. The second photo showed Julie with the same expression and proudly flipping the bird with the caption, “For Kaa.” 

Kaa burst into uncontrollable laughter. Kimi laughed, too. 

After they finished dinner, he gently enveloped her in his coils and climbed back into the branches. Once they were settled, he loosened his embrace so she could sit comfortably. With a warm smile, he peeked playfully down at her from above. 

"Wonderful..." Kaa murmured, his tail reaching Kimi's chest. It slowly and gently began to squeeze around her upper torso, sliding all around and giving the jungle girl an experience like never before. Kaa would never go further and harm Kimi in any way, but he knew she was enjoying the level of touch she was receiving right now. Finally, the python looped around Kimi's neck and gently tugged, finishing his cocoon. 

"Comfyyy?" Kaa asked in a sing-song way, staring at the jungle girl's beautiful face, spiraling eyes, and goofy grin. 

"Oh yes, I'm very comfortable," she assured him warmly.  

“Well, thisssssss hasssssss been a good ssssssssessssssssssion,” he said. “Desssssssspite Kainak’sssss interruption…” 

“It has,” she replied. 

“Not the best, but sssssstill good,” he said. 

One encounter last year felt like their best session, at least for him (and probably for her too). She had a tough moment, recalling how her foster family abused her when she still lived in her native Australia. In that session, Kaa gently drew her head close and began to hypnotize her. She didn't fight it; instead, she let him guide her through the moment. He didn’t fix everything, but he certainly helped her cope that day. She trusted him enough to allow it. Being hypnotized by the legendary Kaa wasn’t bad at all—it was more like a badge of honor for getting through all the shit life had thrown at her. Falling under his hypnotic spell and being wrapped in his coils ironically liberated her from the past. 

Wrapped snugly from head to toe in Kaa's smooth, comforting coils, she felt secure and serene. Kaa had masterfully enveloped her in what could only be described as a full-body coil burrito, yet she remained upright, her head slightly tilted as she gazed at him with a soft smile. The sensation of being gently cocooned brought a surprising sense of ease, igniting the kind of conversation that required little more than shared laughter and the understanding that sometimes comfort comes from the unlikeliest of encounters. 

"Wonderful, my dear Kimi. Now for the rest of your treat," Kaa chuckled. He carefully raised the young woman wrapped in his coils until her small bare feet hovered just above the branch. Kimi felt completely weightless as the python began to gently squeeze and caress her, expertly massaging her entire body with care. 

Kimi closed her eyes, sighed, and moaned as Kaa began the massage, the sensation transforming her surroundings. Her body, which had felt fine moments ago, now surrendered to this exquisite relaxation. The feeling of his muscular coils gently enveloping her, kneading her tensions and cares away, was nothing short of "heavenly." She relished the hidden benefits of jungle life—his unique companionship offering her solace and an escape from daily burdens. Grateful for these moments, she appreciated every time Kaa’s presence helped her find peace amidst the wilderness. 

In the serene heart of the jungle, a profound moment of connection unfolded as Kimi's tense muscles began to unwind, each knot loosening into a melody of hypnotic bliss. Her soft moans transformed into gentle sighs, an auditory symphony of surrender. With her back arching, she extended her legs as far as the comforting embrace of Kaa's coils would permit, cocooned in their secure hold. She had reached a state of relaxation so profound that sleep began to weave its gentle threads around her consciousness. A few more soothing caresses from Kaa's encircling presence nudged her into slumber, her head gracefully bowing backward, her body surrendering completely to the cradle of his coils. 

For Kaa, feeling Kimi transition into complete relaxation within his embrace signified a sacred trust. The jungle girl's surrender to his hypnotic influence conveyed an acceptance that moved the benevolent python deeply. Her senses, entirely enveloped by his spiraling gaze, reflected a harmonious bond of trust between them. Kaa felt privileged, knowing that Kimi had allowed herself to venture so deeply into this trance of tranquil joy. 

Though he delighted in the idea of further playful escapades, Kaa recognized that the day was drawing to a close, and Kimi’s energy was spent. The promise of a hypnotically induced slumber seemed the perfect precursor to another day brimming with adventures. “Ssssleeep my sssweet Kimi… pleeeeeeaaaaasssssse go to sssleeep,” Kaa whispered tenderly, his voice a soothing lullaby as he gazed at Kimi’s serene expression. Her swirly eyes and broad smile exuded an endearing charm that melted his heart. 

With her eyes already cloaked in the sweet balm of rest, Kimi assented to one final suggestion, succumbing to the blissful embrace of sleep, her delightful grin etched upon her lips, held safely in the tender bonds of Kaa's coils. 

Kaa watched Kimi slowly close her eyes, surrendering to a serene, dreamless sleep induced by his hypnosis. An appreciative smile spread across the python's face at the sight of her goofy grin, which was a delightful reminder that the jungle girl remained under his magical spell. Tomorrow promised more adventures for the two, filled with laughter and shared moments. 

Carefully and gently, Kaa adjusted Kimi's cocooned form, so her serene, angelic face gazed upwards to the starlit night. The peaceful scene was set as she was cradled back and forth in the hammock, the hypnotic motion nudging her deeper into a restful slumber. This was a sight that filled Kaa's heart with warmth and contentment. 

“Resssssst well, Kimi. And get excited for a whole new day tomorrow,” Kaa murmured, his voice rich with fondness. He too surrendered to the lull of sleep, curling his body comfortably as he settled his head down, watching over his friend with a sense of gratitude for the day they shared and anticipation for the joy tomorrow would bring.