《In the Heartlands》


 Chapter 1

    Sarabi stalked through the tall grass, eyes locked on the gazelle no more than sixty feet from her.


    The young Lioness was on her own today. One part trial, one part act of rebellion from a young adult trying to prove herself.


    She took a deep breath, but just as she was about to rush the gazelle, a streak of yellow burst from the grass to her right and knocked it to the ground.


    Sarabi sank back into the grass and watched the other hunter stand up. Yellow fur with dark spots.


    A Cheetah.


    Oh Spirits give her strength.


    Her pride had recently expanded its territory, and some other Hunters didn''t respect that.


    ¡°Hey!¡± The Lioness stood up, startling the Cheetah. ¡°You know you''re in our territory, you''re not supposed to be hunting here.¡±


    ¡°Oh, is that so,¡± the Cheetah rolled her eyes. ¡°Sorry, I thought after living here for years it was my territory.¡±


    Sarabi growled as she approached the Cheetah. The other Cat quickly backing up.


    ¡°Come on,¡± the Cheetah sighed. ¡°Look, you let me keep this, and I''ll tell you where I saw an old zebra. Win win.¡±


    ¡°You really don''t get it,¡± Sarabi scoffed. ¡°This is our territory now, our prey. You need to leave.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, you Lions,¡± the Cheetah scoffed. ¡°Fine, take the damn gazelle, I''ll find something else.¡±


    ¡°Not here you won''t,¡± Sarabi pounced forward.


    The Cheetah rolled her eyes, dodging out of the way and taking off like a lightning bolt.


    Sarabi watched, not wanting to admit it, but slightly impressed at the other Cat''s speed.


    ¡°Hopefully she uses it to run far away from here,¡± Sarabi sighed as she looked down at the gazelle. It might not have been her kill, but she wasn''t going to let meat go to waste... and who''s to say it wasn''t her kill?


    There wasn''t anyone around to dispute it, and she knew she was ready! Ready to actually help her pride, rather than just be another mouth to feed.


    She threw the gazelle over her shoulders and headed back towards her pride''s camp.


    She was ready, and this would let her prove it even if she hadn''t done it herself.


    ~~~


    Mrembo sighed as she poked at the smoldering remains of her fire. It had only been a few days since that Lioness had stolen her kill.


    She''d gone after a few hares in the meantime, just to build her strength back up.


    ¡°Lions,¡± she sneered. They had no idea what they were doing.


    Hunters generally gave each other a wide berth. But she knew a few who were having similar problems.


    A pack of Wild Dogs, an old Leopard, even a troop of Mandrills were feeling the squeeze as the pride expanded its territory.


    Problem was there weren''t a lot of places to move to.


    If she moved any further out, she''d be pushing into areas that were home to a lot of Prey, and even if she''d only ever hunted animals, they didn''t take kindly to Hunters in their land.


    If she was going to make that kind of trip, she''d need strength and maybe some rations.


    Hard to do when the best you could get was a few hares.


    She sighed, kicking dirt over the last of the fire. The sun was already low over the savannah.


    Tomorrow. She¡¯d try again tomorrow. Something bigger. She could skin it, clean its hide, make a travel pouch and get out with as much meat as she could carry.


    She just had to do it before she had to deal with more than one young Lioness.


    ~~~


    Sarabi didn''t like the look of the sky. Today wasn''t just the normal gray of the rainy season, it was almost too dark to go out hunting. And she could see rain falling in the distance, though it hadn''t reached them yet.


    Still, even with her impromptu solo hunt, the pride needed more food. And, seeing as they thought she was the one who took down the gazelle, she''d been assigned to one of the hunting parties.


    She was glad her plan had worked, now she could prove she was useful to the pride.


    Still though, she had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach that she was trying her best to ignore.


    She shook her head.


    Her mother and father were leading the hunting party, and she was the youngest on the team by far, but she was determined to prove herself... she had to. For her own peace of mind.


    ¡°There''s zebra tracks leading this way,¡± one of the other Lionesses said.


    ¡°I''ve got wildebeest,¡± another added.


    ¡°I''ve got, oh... paw prints?¡± Sarabi said in surprise.


    Leading away from the watering hole were undeniably cat-like paw prints, from something walking upright.


    ¡°Cheetah,¡± she sneered.


    ¡°Another Hunter?¡± Her mother asked. ¡°I figured they''d all have left already.¡±


    ¡°I heard they''re all just hanging around on the edge of our territory,¡± another Lioness said.


    ¡°A Cheetah gave me some trouble on my hunt the other day,¡± Sarabi explained. ¡°I thought she''d have cleared out by now.¡±


    Her father looked deep in thought.


    ¡°Father?¡± Sarabi asked.


    ¡°Change of plans,¡± he called out. ¡°Hunting will be easier for all of us once these lands are truly ours.¡±


    ¡°Well... you found the tracks,¡± Sarabi''s mother said, turning to her.


    Sarabi nodded as she took the lead. She felt nervous. She didn''t want it to come out that she''d stolen another Hunter''s kill. Especially since she''d already taken credit for the kill.


    A ways off, Mrembo crouched low in the grass. If she was doing this, she might as well go big.


    An oryx. Pretty much the limit of what she could feasibly take down.


    Still, she didn''t like the idea of having to contend with those horns.


    ¡®You can do this Mrembo,¡¯ she thought to herself. Taking a deep breath, she rushed forward.


    She had speed, and she knew how to use it. Ducking under its neck, her claws already out, she drew them across its neck.


    The oryx tried to bleat but the hole in its throat gurgled with blood as it reared back, falling on its side.


    Mrembo ducked under the horns and bit into the back of its neck. Not as clean a kill as she would have liked, but a successful one.


    Now she just had to-


    ¡°Hey!¡± A familiar voice called out from behind her.


    Oh great.


    ¡°Don''t you have better things to do than to follow me around and steal my kills?¡± Mrembo asked, turning to see the Lioness from a few days prior.


    And five others.


    And one Lion.


    Oh shit.


    Mrembo gulped.


    Sarabi was... mortified, and angry. The Cheetah had given her secret away without even realizing she''d done it.


    Sarabi could hear the other Lionesses whispering behind her.


    ¡°That''s enough Cheetah,¡± her father said, stepping forward. ¡°It''s time for you to leave.¡±


    ¡°That''s what I''m trying to do,¡± Mrembo explained. Holding her ground between her kill and the Lion. ¡°You think I can make the journey to a new territory on the scraps I''ve managed ever since you showed up?¡±


    ¡°You''ve been causing plenty of trouble,¡± he continued. ¡°We''ve found carcasses, not just by the border.¡±


    ¡°You think I could do all that?¡± Mrembo asked. ¡°I''m not the only one you''re trying to kick out. I know the Leopard is still here, and Wild Dogs don''t exactly give up easily... look, just let me have this and I swear I''ll be gone.¡±


    Before her father could respond, Sarabi''s mother stepped up. Coming to her daughter''s defense. ¡°After you already tried to interfere in our daughter''s hunt?¡± She asked. ¡°You''re lucky we''re letting you leave at all.¡±


    Most of the others were shocked that she''d make that threat. Even when it came to territory disputes, killing another Hunter... it happened, but was extremely uncommon.


    Mrembo stared for a second, then laughed. ¡°Wait, did you actually take credit for killing the gazelle?¡± She asked, looking at Sarabi.


    The young Lioness felt her face heating up, her unwillingness to meet her mother''s gaze all the elder Lioness needed to know.


    ¡°Oh Sarabi,¡± she sighed. The disappointment in her voice was clear.


    Sarabi could feel the blood rushing in her ears.


    ¡°Wow, that is just... sad,¡± Mrembo shook her head. ¡°So, how about I take the oryx and leave your territory?¡± She offered again, turning her attention back to Sarabi''s father.


    Once again, he was interrupted.


    ¡°Or I could kill something else,¡± Sarabi said coldly. Mrembo looked at her in confusion for a moment before the Cheetah''s eyes went wide.


    She turned to run, but this time the Lioness didn''t let her run off.


    ¡°Sarabi! Sarabi stop!¡± Her father cried after her.


    Mrembo knew she could outrun the Lioness, but the larger Cat was giving the chase her all.


    And to make matters worse, the distant rain had finally reached this part of the savannah.


    ¡°Just give up! I''ll make it quick!¡± Sarabi called angrily.


    ¡°You''re really going to kill me cause I embarrassed you?!¡± Mrembo called back, dodging as the Lioness pounced. Both of them slipping and sliding in the rain.


    Sarabi just roared as she continued the chase. Every time Mrembo managed to put a little distance between them, she''d try to turn, but slide in the mud.


    Eventually the pair ended up at the massive river that wound its way through the savannah.


    Mrembo was panting hard, her energy flagging, but Sarabi had much more stamina.


    ¡°Okay! ... okay, you win,¡± Mrembo panted, stopping and leaning against a tree that stood by the bank of the river. ¡°I''ll leave... just please... please let me go.¡±


    Sarabi growled... but now the adrenaline was fading. She could hear her family calling in the distance.


    Had she... really been planning to kill the Cheetah?


    ¡°... go,¡± Sarabi said, turning away from Mrembo. Feeling ashamed for a whole different reason.


    Mrembo sighed in relief, looking at the Lioness... and the branch hanging above her.


    She saw the wood splinter. And...


    For the rest of her life, Mrembo would never have a good answer for why she did what she did that day.


    ¡°Look out!¡± She rushed forward, tackling the surprised Lioness.


    ¡°Gah! Why you little-...¡±


    Sarabi watched the branch fall where she''d been standing. Or maybe branch was too small a word since half the tree splintered and fell as the wind buffered it. Knocking a large portion of the ground into the rushing river below.


    Mrembo looked back, still panting, then turned back to the Lioness... whom she was still on top of.


    ¡°Uh....¡±


    Neither one knew what to say. But after a moment, both their ears twitched. The sound of rushing water growing louder.


    Unbeknownst to either Cat, a lake further up the river had overflowed due to heavy rainfall, sweeping across the savannah to join the river.


    And a wall of water was rushing towards the two Cats.


    ¡°Run!¡± Mrembo shouted, scrambling off of Sarabi, only for the loose ground to give way under her feet.


    Instinctively, Sarabi reached out and grabbed her arm, pulling the Cheetah back onto what was left of the riverbank.


    But neither had enough time to get out of the way of the raging river as it shattered its banks.


    Sarabi''s parents arrived just in time to see the water hit and watch her disappear.


    ~~~


    Sarabi groaned. She was wet, and cold, and everything hurt. Even her insides hurt, and she could feel a great many bruises all over her body.


    ¡°Ah-aaahhh...¡± she groaned as she pushed herself up, her hands sinking into the mud... where was she?


    She winced as pain shot through her head, as well as memories. The Cheetah, the chase, the tree, the river... the Cheetah.


    Standing up, she looked around. She was lying on a muddy riverbank. Her fur was a mess and... nothing looked familiar.


    She could see a mountain in the distance. Something she''d never seen before.


    ¡°Where am I?¡± She asked aloud, stumbling to her feet.


    Something behind her hissed. Not like a snake, but a deep guttural one.


    She turned quickly and saw a massive crocodile on the opposite side of the river.


    It was moving towards her, but the river was wide. And she was, thankfully, not near the water, likely due to the flood.


    Unfortunately, she finally spotted the Cheetah, lying in the mud, her legs and tail floating in the water.


    Well... she was probably dead anyway. And if not...


    Sarabi turned, but stopped, remembering how the Cheetah had saved her... but then again, they had both fallen in the river anyway...


    ¡°Spirits be damned,¡± she groaned, turning and rushing towards the Cheetah. Her feet sinking in the mud as she moved.


    She grabbed the Cheetah by a limp, outstretched arm, and yanked her away seconds before the crocodile''s jaws snapped shut.


    ¡°You''d better be alive,¡± Sarabi muttered as she stumbled up the muddy river banks, collapsing onto the grass next to the unconscious Cheetah.


    ... she was unconscious, right?


    ¡°Don''t make me have to cremate you,¡± Sarabi groaned, putting her ear against the Cheetah''s chest.


    .... ba-bump... ba-bump... ba-bump...


    Okay, she was alive... her heart was beating weirdly fast for someone who was unconscious though.


    Sitting back up, Sarabi looked down at her. ¡°Hey... hey wake up,¡± she shook her lightly.


    The Cheetah twitched, but as she took a deeper breath, she seemed to choke. Flipping over onto her stomach, she heaved, Sarabi wincing as she watched water, mud, and bile leave her mouth.


    ¡°Ack! Haaaahhh! Guh...¡± Mrembo gasped before falling back onto her back, feeling like she''d woken from death. ¡°... is this the Great Beyond?¡±


    ¡°Pretty sure we don''t end up in the same place,¡± Sarabi sighed.


    Mrembo looked over at her. ¡°Oh... it''s you,¡± she groaned, pushing herself to sit up despite the pain.


    ¡°Hey I just saved you from a crocodile,¡± Sarabi huffed. ¡°Show a little respect.¡±


    ¡°Oh where are my manners, oh great and powerful Lion,¡± Mrembo said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°How would I ever survive without you?¡±


    Sarabi scoffed. ¡°Fine, next time I''ll let it eat you.¡±


    ¡°And next time I''ll let a tree fall on your head,¡± Mrembo scoffed back.


    The two sat in silence for a while.


    ¡°Where are we?¡± Mrembo finally asked, noticing the mountain.


    ¡°You''d know better than me,¡± Sarabi shrugged. ¡°Don''t you Cheetahs wander around a lot?¡±


    ¡°Do I look like I''ve traveled much?¡± Mrembo asked.


    Sarabi didn''t know much about Cheetahs but... she''d have guessed not. The pair of them were probably pretty close in age, and the last of Sarabi¡¯s spots had just faded earlier in the season.


    ¡°How far do you think the river carried us?¡± Sarabi asked, looking back towards the river.


    ¡°Hard to say, we don''t even know how long we were out,¡± considering it had been early afternoon when the wave had hit, and from what she could see through the cloudy sky it was now morning...


    Sarabi sighed and got to her feet, wincing as she did. ¡°Guess I''ll just... follow the river back,¡± she sighed.


    ¡°What am I? Chopped lizard?¡± Mrembo asked.


    ¡°You said you were going to leave anyway,¡± Sarabi shot back.


    ¡°Eeeh... true enough, but I at least had an idea of what was around my territory,¡± Mrembo replied.


    ¡°You mean our territory,¡± Sarabi corrected.


    ¡°Oh get off it,¡± the Cheetah rolled her eyes as she stood up. ¡°Your pride decided you needed more space, and you don''t like to share.¡±


    ¡°Would you?¡± Sarabi asked.


    ¡°... fair enough,¡± the Cheetah shrugged. ¡°Look, as much as we both might hate it. We''re in the same situation. And we have a much better chance to survive if we work together.¡±


    ¡°Says you,¡± Sarabi huffed as she started following the river upstream. ¡°I''ll be fine on my own.¡±


    ¡°... have you ever hunted on your own?¡± Mrembo asked. Remembering the looks the other Lionesses had given the young Lioness when Mrembo had revealed that she was the one who killed the gazelle.


    Sarabi stopped. Her fists clenching.


    ¡°Ah, hit a nerve,¡± Mrembo observed. ¡°Well, lucky for you, solo hunting is a Cheetah''s specialty... and Leopards... Servals... hey why''re you the only Cats that need to work together?¡±


    ¡°So what?¡± Sarabi turned with a growl. ¡°You''re going to hunt for both of us out of the goodness of your heart?¡±


    ¡°Ha!¡± The Cheetah laughed. ¡°You''re funny... no. Think of it as a partnership, I keep us fed, you keep us safe.¡±


    ¡°From what?¡± Sarabi asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Well let''s see,¡± Mrembo sighed. ¡°Wherever we are, Prey won''t like us, Hunters will see us as trespassers, not to mention there might be lions or hyenas out this far, and I''d rather not get eaten by your cousins.¡±


    Sarabi opened her mouth to say something but... she considered that for a moment. It... would be a lot for one person to handle on their own.


    ¡°How do I know this isn''t a trick?¡± Sarabi asked.


    ¡°And what, pray tell, would the end goal of that be?¡± Mrembo replied. ¡°Face it, we need each other''s help.¡±


    ¡°... fine,¡± Sarabi sighed.


    ¡°Great! First things first, water and hunting,¡± Sarabi said, heading in a path horizontal to the river.


    ¡°What? Shouldn''t we at least get started heading back?¡± Sarabi called after her.


    ¡°In case you haven''t noticed, we''ve been unconscious maybe a day or more, and we could both use a bath,¡± Mrembo said, gesturing to her mud covered body and clothing.


    ¡°... fine, but you¡¯d better not peek,¡± Sarabi huffed before following after the Cheetah.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t dream of it,¡± Mrembo said with a smirk.


    ~~~


    Not far from the river, the pair found a small, clear watering hole. They drank their fill, before Mrembo took the lead and dipped into the water. Sarabi standing with her arms crossed and back turned to the Cheetah.


    ¡°You know, I thought living with so many people would make you Lions less prudish, not more,¡± Mrembo said, scrubbing the mud out of her fur, her hide clothing lying drying on a rock nearby.


    ¡°Just... tell me when you¡¯re dressed,¡± Sarabi huffed.


    ¡°You should wash up too,¡± Mrembo pointed out as she stepped out of the pool. ¡°Unless you¡¯re planning to go around covered in mud for the next few weeks.¡±


    ¡°Weeks?!¡± Sarabi gasped and turned, her face heating up as she saw the Cheetah standing there.


    ¡°I thought you said no peeking,¡± the Cheetah said with a smirk.


    Sarabi gawked. Was she really going to be traveling home with this Cat? This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Why do you think it¡¯s going to take weeks?¡± Sarabi asked, doing her best not to look at the Cheetah.


    ¡°The mountain mostly,¡± Mrembo replied, looking at the mountain in the distance. ¡°If we can''t see that from home, that means we''re pretty far, and with no idea what lies between here and home...¡±


    Sarabi groaned, looking down at the Cheetah, before her face heated up again and she pushed past Mrembo into the watering hole.


    The Cheetah rolled her eyes. ¡°Don''t worry princess, you''ll be home soon enough,¡± she said, lying down on a rock to let her fur dry.


    ¡°I''m not a princess,¡± Sarabi said in confusion.


    ¡°Well, you could''ve fooled me, and you never told me your name... I''m Mrembo by the way,¡± the Cheetah introduced herself.


    ¡°Sarabi,¡± the Lion said.


    ¡°Wonderful, we''re on a first name basis, we''ll be friends in no time,¡± Mrembo said with a smirk.


    ¡°Ugh, you''re impossible,¡± Sarabi rolled her eyes. ¡°And quit watching me!¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Mrembo stood up and got dressed, Sarabi doing her best not to look.


    Without her clothes on it was much easier to see the spots dotted all over her body. But the Lioness quickly looked away.


    ¡°I''m going to find us something to eat, don''t try running off,¡± Mrembo knew she could track her down if she did, but she''d rather not have to.


    ¡°Wouldn''t dream of it,¡± the Lion smirked back at her.


    Mrembo sighed as she walked off. Part of her wondering if she should just start running back. But she''d meant what she''d said. It was dangerous out here, especially for a young Cheetah on her own.


    Not that she was ever not on her own. Her mother had left her and her siblings a few years ago. But she''d also helped them find territories before that.


    She followed what looked like some gazelle tracks, heading off into the unfamiliar savannah.


    She wasn''t planning to go too far. Just get a feel for her surroundings and see if there were any animals nearby.


    Sure enough, she soon tracked down a small herd of gazelle. ¡°Maybe I''ll actually get to eat something this time.¡± She mumbled.


    Keeping low, she started to stalk the herd. This wouldn''t take long~


    Meanwhile, Sarabi had gotten undressed and was cleaning the mud from her fur and clothing.


    Stupid Cheetah, this was all her fault. If she''d just left their territory the first time she wouldn''t be in this mess.


    And now the Cheetah was off hunting for her. Oh how the Spirits must be looking down on her.


    ¡°Some Hunter I turned out to be,¡± Sarabi said with a sigh, putting her clothes out to dry as she went to clean the rest of the mud from her fur.


    Hearing footsteps approaching, she sighed. ¡°So did you find us something to eat or...¡± she turned to see... very much not Mrembo standing there.


    Two Gazelles stood there, staring in shock at the Lioness. Sarabi''s eyes went wide as she realized she was still very naked.


    ¡°Hey, I caught break... fast.¡± All three of them turned to see Mrembo approaching with a dead gazelle over her shoulders. ¡°... well, this is awkward.¡±


    ¡°H-H-Hunters!¡± The Gazelle shrieked, turning and scrambling as they ran.


    ¡°Wait! We''re not going to... oh what''s the use,¡± Mrembo sighed, dropping her kill. ¡°Them being here means we''re probably not in another Hunters territory though.¡±


    She looked at Sarabi, her eyes going wide as she got a good look at the Lioness for the first time. Her toned, muscular body and dark fur...


    ¡°Yeah, and they''re... stop staring!¡± Sarabi growled, noticing the Cheetah''s gaze.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Mrembo said, looking away as the Lioness got dressed. ¡°We should probably get going, in case they come back with friends.¡±


    ¡°Guess breakfast will have to wait,¡± Sarabi said with a sigh.


    Mrembo''s stomach growled loudly, the Cheetah looking away sheepishly.


    ¡°Are... are you okay?¡± Sarabi asked, noticing for the first time that the Cheetah seemed... thin.


    ¡°I haven''t had a proper meal since you decided to take my territory,¡± Mrembo huffed. ¡°Just... can you carry the gazelle? I''m not really built for lugging things very far.¡±


    ¡°... yeah, alright,¡± Sarabi said, throwing it over her shoulder as the two headed back toward the river.


    She felt... guilty?


    No, that couldn''t be it. This was just the way of things.


    ... why though? Why did they all have to keep separate territory? Why did the Prey have to be afraid of them? So far as she knew, it hadn''t been since before her grandparents days that any Hunters had gone after Prey.


    She shook her head. Things were the way they were for a reason.


    ¡°So, you think we can just follow the river?¡± Sarabi asked as the river came back into view.


    ¡°I mean probably,¡± Mrembo said with a shrug. ¡°But I''ve never been this far down the river before,¡± she looked over at Sarabi. ¡°I''ve spent most of my life in that territory you know? It''s where my mother left me when I was old enough to be on my own.¡±


    ¡°Yeah well... my pride needs the space,¡± Sarabi said, thinking about the cubs back home. ¡°We actually look after each other.¡±


    Mrembo sighed. What was the point?


    ¡°Let''s just... find somewhere we can camp out for tonight,¡± the Cheetah sighed.


    ¡°Isn''t it a bit early for that?¡± Sarabi asked, looking up towards the still overcast sky.


    ¡°Unless it clears up, it''ll still be dark soon,¡± Mrembo pointed out. ¡°Plus, I''m sore, hungry, and tired from getting washed down the river.¡±


    ¡°... yeah, I see your point,¡± even Sarabi had to admit, she wasn''t feeling the best.


    ~~~


    The smell of cooking meat made Mrembo''s mouth water. They''d found a nice little grove of trees to rest in for the night, and Mrembo had taken to carving up the gazelle.


    ¡°Are you almost done?¡± Sarabi asked with a sigh.


    ¡°You''re welcome to eat some of the raw meat,¡± Mrembo said, gesturing to the rest of the gazelle.


    The Lioness turned up her nose. ¡°I''m no savage.¡±


    ¡°Then wait your turn,¡± Mrembo shot back.


    Sarabi huffed, crossing her arms. ¡°You know, in the pride, the highest ranking member eats first.¡±


    Mrembo looked Sarabi right in the eyes, grabbed a piece of meat from the fire, and took an exaggerated bite. ¡°Mmm, thanks for the advice princess.¡±


    ¡°I told you I''m not a princess,¡± Sarabi replied, glaring at her.


    ¡°Then stop acting like one,¡± Mrembo said, grabbing the leg she''d been cooking and tossing it to the Lioness.


    Sarabi had to hot potato it for a second before she grabbed it. ¡°What does that even mean?¡± She asked as she took a bite of the leg.


    ¡°Entitled, holier than thou, like you own everything and everyone should know it,¡± Mrembo said, cutting some more meat from the gazelle carcass and putting it on the fire. ¡°Like you''re royalty, like a princess.¡±


    ¡°The King doesn''t even have a daughter,¡± Sarabi rolled her eyes. ¡°Just two sons.¡±


    ¡°Is that really what you took away for that?¡± Mrembo deadpanned, grabbing another strip of meat from the fire.


    ¡°You just don¡¯t get it,¡± Sarabi shook her head. ¡°Lions are different, special.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just the biggest,¡± Mrembo scoffed. ¡°Aside from Crocodiles anyway, but they don¡¯t usually work together so...¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have to talk, you know,¡± Sarabi replied, eyes narrowing.


    ¡°Fine,¡± the Cheetah huffed. She didn¡¯t know why she bothered trying. There was no talking to a Lion.


    The rest of the dinner passed in silence, Mrembo feeling a little nervous that they hadn¡¯t saved any meat to dry out come morning. But the Cheetah was starving. And Sarabi ate... a lot.


    She would have to up her hunting game if she was going to make this work, otherwise... she looked over at Sarabi, picking a piece of meat from her teeth with a bone fragment.


    She shuddered when she saw those teeth. Remembering the look of rage on the Lioness¡¯  face when she¡¯d chased her.


    ¡°We should sleep in shifts,¡± Mrembo said with a sigh.


    ¡°You think I¡¯m going to trust you while I¡¯m sleeping?¡± Sarabi asked with a scoff.


    ¡°Well we can¡¯t stay up all night, and in all fairness, you¡¯re the one who tried to kill me yesterday,¡± Mrembo pointed out. ¡°But unless you want me to try and find us a den to curl up in together, we¡¯re going to have to at least trust that we¡¯re not gonna slit each other''s throats in the night.¡±


    ¡°... fine, but I¡¯m taking first watch,¡± Sarabi said, arms crossed.


    ¡°Fine by me,¡± Mrembo said, sitting with her back against a tree as she leaned back. ¡°Wake me in a few hours... I mean it,¡± she said, leveling a glare at the Lion. The last thing she needed was her protection passing out from exhaustion.


    Sarabi just ¡®hmm¡¯d¡¯ in response, but Mrembo figured it was the best she was going to get.


    ~~~


    It was later that night, Sarabi was pushing her watch just a little further. Looking at the sleeping Cheetah... what was she doing? Trusting another Hunter, this was crazy.


    Granted, she knew this situation was much more dangerous for the Cheetah than it was for her. Sarabi looked down at her claws.


    She crushed those thoughts down. Even if the Cheetah did piss her off, and was, in her mind, responsible for this whole situation. That didn¡¯t mean she deserved to die.


    ¡°I¡¯m no savage,¡± she repeated quietly to herself. Getting up, she went to check the perimeter. The last thing they needed right now was a Leopard or something poking around here.


    She wondered if the Hunters here felt the same way she did, the same way, presumably, Mrembo did. If they didn¡¯t... maybe that was why the Gazelle had been so afraid?


    Then again, even back home, she¡¯d only ever interacted with Prey once or twice. And they''d always seemed nervous then too.


    ¡°I think the tracks go this way,¡± a voice caught Sarabi¡¯s ear, the Lioness instinctively crouching low in the shrubbery.


    ¡°Should we really be going after them in the dark?¡± Another whispered. What in the world were they doing? Taking a sniff of the air... Sarabi felt the blood drain from her face.


    She smelled Gazelle, and something else. Something she¡¯d only encountered once before. During a very fraught meeting between the pride and a herd.


    Things, perhaps, weren¡¯t always as black and white as Hunter and Prey, some rode the line, like the Mandrills back home.


    Still others... a rare few were outside the dichotomy all together.


    ¡°Better to deal with them now, before they do more harm,¡± the deep, rumbling voice cut clear through the darkness. And Sarabi had to clamp a hand over her mouth to prevent the word from being said.


    Elephant.


    This was bad. She slowly crept back to the campsite, putting a hand over Mrembo¡¯s mouth as she shook the Cheetah¡¯s shoulder.


    She awoke with a start, eyes wide, before they narrowed at the Lioness.


    Sarabi put a finger to her lips. Taking her hand away and motioning for them to leave.


    Mrembo was annoyed as she woke up but... the Lioness seemed serious. She nodded, getting to her feet as Sarabi stepped back. Maybe it was good they didn¡¯t have anything they needed to grab.


    ¡°I can smell meat,¡± the deep voice spoke again. ¡°I know you¡¯re here Hunters, and you know you shouldn¡¯t be.¡±


    ... okay now Mrembo was nervous.


    The two Cats began to creep away from their little campsite. Then behind them they heard an ear-piercing trumpet.


    ¡°Run!¡± Mrembo shouted, taking off ahead of Sarabi. As thundering footsteps chased after them.


    ¡°You know this land isn¡¯t yours to plunder!¡± The Elephant cried, Sarabi hearing the crashing of wood behind her as Mrembo disappeared into the darkness ahead of her.


    ¡°We¡¯re leaving! We¡¯re leaving!¡± The Lioness called back. ¡°We¡¯re not from here! We didn¡¯t know this was yours!¡±


    ¡°But you decided to take anyway,¡± the Elephant responded, Sarabi watching as a massive tree branch flew by her left, nearly clipping her ear and tripping the Lioness as it landed in front of her. ¡°Your kind deserves no mercy...¡± The Elephant loomed over Sarabi, the Lioness seeing the form of a massive Bull Elephant above her.


    ¡°Hey!¡± The Elephant turned his head, just in time to get kicked in the face by Mrembo as the Cheetah launched herself at the Elephant.


    ¡°Gah!¡± He stumbled back, more in surprise than anything, and Mrembo quickly helped Sarabi to her feet. This time grabbing her hand as she rushed into the darkness.


    She couldn¡¯t drag the Lioness at her full speed, but Sarabi still swore that she¡¯d never run so fast in her life.


    Once they made it past the treeline, out onto open savannah, it was easy for them to outpace their pursuer.


    The two came to a rest behind a kopje. Panting as they stood there.


    ¡°Mrembo?¡± Sarabi asked, looking over at the Cheetah.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± Mrembo looked up.


    ¡°... you can let go of my hand now,¡± Sarabi replied.


    ¡°Ah, Sorry,¡± the Cheetah let go.


    The Lion looked at her, confused. ¡°You kicked an Elephant in the face.¡±


    ¡°Don''t remind me, that was the stupidest thing I''ve ever done,¡± she shook her head.


    ¡°You saved me, again,¡± Sarabi continued. ¡°Why?¡±


    Mrembo sighed. ¡°Do I need a reason to think you don''t deserve to die?¡± She shrugged. ¡°I need you around but I also don''t want to see you get stomped on by an Elephant.¡±


    Sarabi didn''t know what to say to that. But... she''d done the same thing with the crocodile hadn''t she? And that was before their agreement.


    ¡°Get some rest Sarabi,¡± Mrembo said, climbing up onto one of the boulders to get a better view. ¡°We need to get out of here come morning.¡±


    This time, Sarabi didn''t argue. If nothing else... she''d believe the Cheetah wasn''t going to just kill her.


    ~~~


    Sarabi was rudely awoken when a rock connected with her face, followed a few seconds later by a startled yowl from Mrembo as one hit her back.


    Sarabi rubbed her cheek as Mrembo jumped down from her perch, looking up and snatching another rock from the air as it sailed towards her.


    She growled and chucked it back, further up the kopje, where a group of Klipspringers were glaring down at them. The small Antelopes holding rocks and sticks and fruit in their hands.


    ¡°Y-You get out of here!¡± One of them called, brandishing another rock. An older female who sounded like she was doing her best to be brave.


    ¡°Ow,¡± Sarabi groaned, rubbing her head as she got up, another of the Klipspringers crying out and throwing a piece of fruit.


    Sarabi stepped out of the way, and Mrembo leaned forward to grab it. ¡°If you''re serving us breakfast, maybe see if you''ve got any eggs lying around?¡± The Cheetah suggested, taking a bite of the fruit.


    ¡°Come on, let''s go,¡± Sarabi said. Annoyed that the day was off to a start like this. ¡°... are you actually eating that?¡± She asked, noticing Mrembo didn¡¯t drop the fruit as they walked away from the kopje and cheering Klipspringers.


    ¡°Fruit¡¯s not bad, it''s just grass and leaves we can''t handle,¡± Mrembo pointed out.


    ¡°Still feels too much like Prey,¡± the Lion replied.


    ¡°Your loss,¡± the Cheetah said, finishing the fruit. ¡°You know, it wouldn''t kill you to have a little more of an open mind.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I''ll consider that when we''re not getting chased off by them,¡± Sarabi replied.


    ¡°What? It''s just them trying to protect their territory,¡± Mrembo smirked. ¡°I thought you of all people would understand that.¡±


    ¡°You''re just insufferable, you know that?¡± Sarabi asked with a glare.


    ¡°Yeah well...¡± she stopped, catching something in the sky. ¡°Sarabi, look, Vultures.¡±


    Turning her gaze upward, she did in fact spy the unmistakable form of several Vultures, along with many more vultures.


    ¡°Ugh, can you imagine getting along with your cousins?¡± Sarabi asked, the idea sounding distasteful.


    ¡°I don''t know, I''ve never met a cheetah before,¡± Mrembo admitted. ¡°What do you think? Should we go check it out?¡±


    ¡°I''m not really in the mood for carrion,¡± Sarabi sighed. ¡°And what if it¡¯s another Hunter''s kill?¡±


    ¡°True, but it could also just be an animal that died naturally, or from another animal,¡± Mrembo pointed out. ¡°And Birds tend to travel a lot, they might be able to tell us where we are.¡±


    ¡°I guess it couldn''t hurt to check... carefully,¡± Sarabi replied.


    Heading in the direction of the circling birds, the two Cats crouched low in the grass as they made their approach.


    They slowed as they heard voices.


    Peeking up from the tall grass... they saw quite the sight. The corpse the Vultures were circling was a giraffe, but standing in front of it was a Giraffe, addressing a small group of Giraffe and other Prey.


    There were a few Impala, a pair of Tortoises, some Hornbills and other Birds, and even a Rhinoceros.


    ¡°Thank you all for coming,¡± the Giraffe at the front said. ¡°Though Kinda was not one of us, my herd raised her from when she was a small calf. She was a sweet, loving, gentle creature, and though she lived a full life, it still saddens me to see her gone.¡±


    In a flurry of dark feathers, the Vultures descended, several of the attendees wincing back.


    The Giraffe speaking didn''t though, instead turning to a tall female Vulture, not as tall as the Giraffe though. ¡°Thank you Kuoza, for attending to her so quickly.¡±


    The Vulture bowed her long, bald head. ¡°Our pleasure Mrefu, our pleasure...¡± she turned and snapped, scaring a few of the vultures who came in for landing. ¡°Not yet dearies. Let our guests clear out first.¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course,¡± Mrefu nodded, giving a nod to the funeral attendees, who all began to head off in various directions.


    Mrembo and Sarabi ducked low as a Hornbill and a few other Birds swooped overhead... then Sarabi pushed Mrembo to the ground, leaning over the Cheetah as the Rhinoceros trudged past, not noticing them as it wiped a tear from its eye.


    The Tortoises thankfully went in the opposite direction to them.


    ¡°That was wei... sorry,¡± Sarabi apologized, moving away and letting Mrembo sit back up. ¡°That was weird, right?¡±


    ¡°I''ve never seen anything like that,¡± Mrembo whispered back. ¡°But before today I could count the number of times I''ve interacted with Prey on one hand.¡±


    ¡°I didn''t think they''d be so cordial with Vultures... they''re Hunters, aren''t they?¡± Sarabi said, peeking up and watching as the Vultures and vultures dug in.


    ¡°Not really, they just eat what''s left,¡± Mrembo replied. ¡°Come on, the coast looks clear.¡±


    Standing up, the two Cats approached the carcass, one of the Vultures pulling its long neck and head from within the giraffe''s body, mouth full of meat, and noticing them. ¡°Kuoza... guests,¡± he hissed.


    Kuoza pulled her head out of the giraffe''s chest, pieces of its heart in her beak, glaring slightly as she observed the approaching Cats.


    ¡°Hmmm...¡± she hopped forward with a short flight, her talons tapping the ground. ¡°You shouldn''t be here, Hunters.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we know,¡± Sarabi replied. ¡°We got caught up in a flood a few days ago, we have no idea where we are.¡±


    ¡°But we know the Prey doesn''t like us here,¡± Mrembo added.


    ¡°Ah, that flood,¡± Kuoza clicked her tongue. ¡°Tragic, so many lost.¡±


    ¡°But many found their way to us,¡± another younger Vulture chuckled, earning him an angry screech from Kuoza as she swiveled her long neck around.


    ¡°Respect Chungu! I told you if you''re to attend these you must show respect!¡± She squawked, before turning to face the Cats again. ¡°I''m afraid if you were hoping for a meal, you''re out of luck.¡±


    ¡°No, we just... we need help,¡± Sarabi sighed. ¡°We''re trying to get home, we''ve been following the river but-¡±


    ¡°Ah... you don''t... no how would you?¡± Kuoza shook her head. ¡°If you were swept downriver, you may find your way back on its banks... but you may miss your mark. So powerful the water that the entire river burst its banks. By the time it reached here it had settled, but further up near the source... why the land is almost unrecognizable in places.¡±


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Sarabi groaned. ¡°How are we supposed to get back now?¡±


    ¡°You wouldn''t happen to know the way, would you?¡± Mrembo asked. ¡°We... can''t see the mountain from where we live.¡±


    Kuoza whistled. ¡°You have been brought far... no, I do not know the way,¡± she rubbed her bloodied chin. ¡°But the Elephants might.¡±


    ¡°Ah... pretty sure they want to kill us,¡± Sarabi replied. ¡°We killed a gazelle yesterday and a pair of Gazelle brought an Elephant after us last night.¡±


    ¡°One of the rogue Bulls probably,¡± Kuoza rolled her eyes. ¡°Hunting here is... frowned upon, no Hunters call this place home. But the Elephant herd that rules this area are not so quick to anger.¡±


    ¡°You think they''d speak with us?¡± Mrembo asked.


    ¡°You''re not seriously considering this are you?¡± Sarabi asked.


    ¡°You''re the one who wants to get back to your pride,¡± Mrembo pointed out.


    Sarabi groaned.


    ¡°... I think they would,¡± Kuoza answered after a moment. ¡°You two are very interesting. A Lioness and a Cheetah... I will take you to them, after I''ve had my fill.¡±


    With that, she flew back to the giraffe corpse, her head winding its way back into the chest cavity as she grabbed the heart and pulled.


    ¡°I can''t believe they eat it raw,¡± Sarabi shuddered, unsettled by the feeding frenzy.


    ¡°Can you not judge the first person willing to help us?¡± Mrembo deadpanned. ¡°Look just... let me do the talking when we meet the Elephants, alright?¡±


    ¡°What? You don''t think I can be personable?¡± Sarabi asked.


    ¡°I think the only people you''ve ever spoken to as equals are other Lions, so frankly no,¡± Mrembo stated.


    Sarabi huffed and crossed her arms.


    ~~~


    It was several hours before Kuoza and her Vultures were finished. After they''d eaten all they could, their stomachs all visibly distended, they began carving portions of the meat off, the others carrying them back to their nests, while Kuoza turned to the two Cats.


    Well, they looked impatient, but at least they''d been willing to wait.


    ¡°Follow behind me,¡± Kuoza said, as she turned and started back the way the Cats had been traveling. ¡°Normally I''d fly and have you follow me, but if you two are spotted unescorted it will be sheer panic.¡±


    ¡°Back the way we came, wonderful,¡± Sarabi sighed, earning her a glare from Mrembo.


    As they traveled, they did spot a few other inhabitants, most giving them a wide berth as they watched in... what could only be described as curiosity. Most had never seen a Hunter before, the occasional Crocodile in the river maybe, or a Raptor flying overhead. But never a Cat!


    The sun was beginning to dip towards the horizon when Kuoza led them to the mouth of a small valley. ¡°Wait here,¡± she said, taking to the air as she flew ahead of them.


    ¡°... what if this is a trap?¡± Sarabi asked, looking around nervously.


    ¡°Then we run,¡± Mrembo replied with a shrug.


    ¡°Easy for you to say,¡± the Lioness crossed her arms.


    Kuoza returned several minutes later. ¡°The matriarch has agreed to speak with you,¡± she informed them. ¡°But you must agree to keep your hands behind your back, and not bare your teeth.¡±


    ¡°What? Like we''re stupid enough to try attacking an Elephant?¡± Sarabi asked.


    ¡°I did kick one in the face last night,¡± Mrembo reminded her, the Cheetah putting her hands behind her back and looking at the Lioness.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Sarabi huffed, doing the same.


    Kuoza nodded and led them on foot into the valley.


    It was a lovely little valley, with a waterfall that fell from the rock that surrounded it into a pond that filled the center. Surrounding the pond was a variety of trees, some fruiting, some flowering. The Cats could also see massive melons growing on the ground around the pond. And the inhabitants were equally impressive. There had to be no less than a dozen of them. All of them massive, aside from a few calves.


    Some were scattered throughout the woods, watching the Cats as they approached, but most were gathered around a single female Elephant who was resting at the base of the waterfall.


    ¡°So, these are the unexpected travelers from afar,¡± she spoke, leaning forward to observe the Cats, her long trunk taking in their scent.


    ¡°Unexpected and unintentional,¡± Mrembo informed her, trying her best to smile without showing teeth.


    ¡°We just want to get home,¡± Sarabi added. ¡°We don''t mean you any trouble.¡±


    ¡°Mmm, and the gazelle you took yesterday, did you mean them no trouble?¡± The Elephant asked.


    Mrembo gulped. ¡°That was me,¡± she admitted. ¡°I didn''t think about it... we just needed food.¡±


    ¡°Your ¡®food¡¯ has come to know these lands as safe,¡± the Elephant said. Her voice wasn''t harsh, maybe a little judgemental. ¡°And now you come asking for help.¡±


    ¡°... like I said, we just want to go home,¡± Sarabi repeated. ¡°We won''t take anything else from your land... please,¡± she bowed her head.


    ¡°Hmm... a Lion who says please,¡± she rubbed her chin with her trunk. ¡°And a Cheetah who does not travel alone...¡± a smile cracked on her lips. ¡°And I thought I''d seen everything... sit, both of you,¡± she said gently. ¡°At ease.¡±


    The two Cats looked at each other, before doing as they were told.


    ¡°I apologize for the... theatrics,¡± the Elephant said. ¡°It has been a long time since Hunters walked these lands, I am Ma Tembo. Welcome to our valley.¡±


    ¡°Mrembo,¡± the Cheetah introduced herself.


    ¡°Sarabi,¡± the Lioness replied.


    ¡°Beauty,¡± she said to Mrembo. ¡°And Mirage,¡± Ma Tembo grabbed a melon floating in the water. Breaking it with a tusk, she split it in half, then one half into further halves. Which she held out to either Cat, still holding the larger piece with her trunk. ¡°You may use your hands to share this with me.¡±


    Mrembo took her half slowly, and Sarabi did the same.


    The Lioness sniffed at it. It smelled... sweet. She''d never had anything sweet before... well, no, she had some honey once, as a cub.


    ¡°Cheers,¡± Ma Tembo nodded to the pair as she popped the entire melon, rinds and all, into her mouth.


    Mrembo and Sarabi both bit into the soft flesh of the fruit. It tasted as sweet as it smelled, something that came as a shock to the Lioness.


    ¡°Good to see you''re at least somewhat willing to open your minds,¡± Ma Tembo said. ¡°Now... as for... oh uh... Sarabi, you... you don''t need to eat the rinds.¡±


    ¡°The what?¡± The Lioness asked, her mouth currently full of the much less tasty skin of the fruit.


    Several of the Elephants, especially the younger ones, laughed. As did Mrembo, though the Cheetah did her best to act innocent when Sarabi glared at her.


    Ma Tembo chuckled. ¡°I cannot begin to describe how unlikely this meeting is,¡± she shook her head. ¡°That you two should survive the flood, arrive here, and end up traveling together? Even amongst the herds and flocks here, most animals keep to their own.¡±


    Even if extreme circumstances had forced these two together, it was interesting to see.


    ¡°Yeah, we''re lucky to be alive,¡± Sarabi agreed. ¡°... can you help us?¡±


    ¡°Hmm...¡± she leaned down, grabbing Sarabi¡¯s chin with her trunk. ¡°You know what you want... but perhaps not what you need.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Sarabi raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°And you,¡± she did the same to Mrembo. ¡°You don''t know either of those, not really.¡±


    That felt... fair, actually. Mrembo didn''t want to go all the way back just to find a new territory.


    Ma Tembo looked between the two of them. ¡°Perhaps what you both need is closer than you think.¡±


    ¡°Are... are you a Seer?¡± Sarabi asked. Her grandmother had told her about people like this. Ones who could see beyond their eyes.


    Ma Tembo chuckled. ¡°No, just a wise old Elephant with the wisdom of her ancestors,¡± she said, sticking her trunk into the water. ¡°But that wisdom allows me to do a great many things.¡±


    She pulled her trunk up, blasting a torrent of water into the air where it fell back as mist that twinkled in the evening light.


    Ma Tembo watched it intently, then nodded.


    ¡°You are farther from home than you realize,¡± Ma Tembo began. ¡°Your journey will be long and arduous, and you will not be able to complete it alone.¡±


    ¡°Told you we need each other,¡± Mrembo teased, nudging Sarabi. The Lion groaned.


    ¡°You do, but no,¡± Ma Tembo shook her head. ¡°You will meet many on your journey home. If you want to make it, you must offer help, and be helped in turn.¡±


    This sure felt like some Seer stuff.


    ¡°Follow the river until it is no longer a river,¡± the Elephant continued. ¡°You will find someone else there who will give you directions, but their voice may be silenced if you cannot help those who refuse it.¡±


    Yeah, she was a Seer alright.


    ¡°Thank you Ma Tembo,¡± Sarabi bowed her head, much to Mrembo''s surprise.


    The Elephant matriarch frowned. ¡°Do not thank me, for the path you must walk to reach your home is a dangerous one... but a necessary one, for both of you, and for the savannah.¡±


    Wow... that was a lot to take in.


    ¡°I... guess we should be going then,¡± Mrembo said, setting the rind of her melon aside.


    ¡°In the morning,¡± Ma Tembo said, stepping fully out of the water for the first time. ¡°For tonight, you may sleep here. Knowing you are safe within the valley.¡±


    That... to say that was an honor was an understatement. To offer shelter to another, a stranger, was the greatest show of trust.


    For someone to make that offer to a Hunter... many would say that was a suicidal amount of trust.


    ¡°I don''t know what to say,¡± Sarabi shook her head. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Ma Tembo nodded. Leading the two Cats to a small clearing near the entrance to the valley.


    ¡°In the morning, I will have someone lead you back to the river,¡± she informed them. ¡°If you travel all day, you should be out of our lands by the time the sun sets.¡±


    ¡°And into who''s?¡± Mrembo asked.


    Ma Tembo shook her head. ¡°No one''s for a while, a few Hunters with scattered territory, most others have moved here for the safety we provide.¡±


    Well, Mrembo supposed they could go another day without eating.


    ¡°Thank you again for your help,¡± Sarabi said, looking up at Ma Tembo. ¡°The chance to see my pride again... it means the world to me.¡±


    Ma Tembo smiled, though it seemed a bit... sad. ¡°I know Sarabi, just be sure you do not miss the scenery because you focus on the destination... otherwise something Beautiful might not make it.¡±


    Mrembo couldn''t help but shudder a bit as she said that.


    ¡°Sleep well, travelers from afar,¡± Ma Tembo said, giving them both a nod as she headed back to the pond.


    ¡°... can you believe it? An actual Seer!¡± Sarabi said in an excited whisper.


    ¡°You really believe that?¡± Mrembo asked, she was a bit more skeptical.


    ¡°How else would you explain everything she said?¡± Sarabi asked. ¡°I wonder what it all means...¡±


    Mrembo was about to say it might all be nonsense. How could a river not be a river?


    But she just sighed as she lay down. The grass here was soft. Though she was starting to miss her dens back home.


    Home... what even was that anymore for her?


    Sarabi had a pride, a family to go back to... Mrembo hadn''t seen her mother in years. Nor her siblings.


    All she had to look forward to, upon getting back, was trying to carve out a new territory for herself.


    Still, she didn''t want to just leave and find one around here either.


    ¡°Goodnight Sarabi,¡± the Cheetah said with a yawn.


    ¡°Night Mrembo,¡± the Lion replied, looking up at the starry sky as she slowly drifted off to sleep.

 Chapter 2

    Early the next morning, a rather nervous Oxpecker came and led the two Cats back to the river, where Ma Tembo had a parting gift waiting for them.


    They were greeted by an Otter, carrying a basket of fish.


    ¡°For your journey out of our lands,¡± he said, handing the basket over to Sarabi.


    ¡°Oh! Thank you,¡± the Lioness said with a nod. One the Otter returned before diving back into the river.


    ¡°Wherever this takes us, I hope we don''t have to swim,¡± Mrembo said, watching him leave.


    ¡°What? You don''t like water?¡± Sarabi asked, handing the Cheetah one of the fish and grabbing one herself. Normally she wouldn''t lower herself to eating raw meat, but fish barely counted.


    ¡°Water is fine, I just... can''t swim,¡± Mrembo admitted.


    ¡°Heh, guess you got really lucky in the river then,¡± Sarabi considered. Not that being able to swim had helped her much in that scenario.


    ¡°Yeah...¡± There was a reason Mrembo was walking with Sarabi between her and the riverbank. Thinking about it brought back fractured memories of rushing water, her lungs screaming for air... it was unpleasant.


    ¡°Well... at least we got a meal,¡± Sarabi said, not sure what to say as the Cheetah went silent.


    ¡°Yeah... you know, I''ve never had fish before,¡± Mrembo said, looking at the fish in her hand. It certainly smelled... well, it smelled.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have it a lot, the King says it¡¯s beneath us,¡± Sarabi said, unsheathing a claw and using it to peel the scales off of the fish.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bet he says that about a lot of things,¡± Mrembo muttered, watching the Lion and doing her best to mimic her. Though her claws weren''t as sharp.


    Sarabi glared at Mrembo. ¡°You know, I¡¯d really appreciate it if you¡¯d stop bad-mouthing my pride.¡±


    Mrembo opened her mouth to say something but paused before continuing. ¡°Look I know they¡¯re your family but... you understand that it sucks right? You all show up one day and just decide that my territory is yours now? That because you¡¯re bigger, and there¡¯s more of you, that I have to leave my home and try to find somewhere else?¡±


    Sarabi blinked, that was much more candid than she¡¯d expected. ¡°I don¡¯t... we need more space, we have a lot of cubs, a lot of members of the pride. It¡¯s not like we just did this on a whim.¡±


    ¡°Yeah well, you having your reasons doesn¡¯t make it any easier for me,¡± Mrembo replied. ¡°I deserve a home too...¡±


    For the most part, Sarabi had just kinda brushed it off whenever Mrembo brought this up. But that one actually hurt a little.


    ¡°... I¡¯m sorry,¡± she replied after a moment.


    ¡°Pardon me?¡± Mrembo asked, ears perking up, not believing what she¡¯d just heard.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, even if we need more space to hunt, you don¡¯t deserve to lose your home,¡± Sarabi sighed.


    ¡°Wow, first you say please, then you apologize,¡± Mrembo smirked. ¡°You really are a weird Lion.¡±


    Sarabi huffed and turned away. ¡°Whatever.¡±


    ¡°... I¡¯m sorry, that was a bad time to tease you,¡± Mrembo apologized. ¡°I don¡¯t spend much time around others but that¡¯s no excuse,¡± she sighed. ¡°I... I appreciate it Sarabi, I really do.¡± It didn¡¯t change anything, but it was nice to have it acknowledged.


    Sarabi turned back and smiled at the Cheetah.


    Mrembo smiled back. ¡°Soo... does this mean I don''t have to find new territory when we get back?¡±


    ¡°Mrembo I... even if I wanted to do that, I don''t really have much say in the pride,¡± she shook her head. ¡°I''ve... never even managed to hunt on my own. And I only came of age earlier this year.¡±


    ¡°Really? I mean, I¡¯m pretty sure we¡¯re the same age, and I¡¯ve been on my own for a couple of years now,¡± Mrembo said, looking at her curiously.


    ¡°It¡¯s different with Lions,¡± Sarabi shrugged. ¡°We spend a lot of time making sure our cubs know everything they need to know, taking them on practice, building strength, that sort of thing.¡±


    ¡°Ah, and you think the others won''t listen to you cause you''re too young?¡± Mrembo asked.


    ¡°The day we got... swept away, was the first time I was allowed to hunt with the rest of the pride,¡± Sarabi explained. ¡°And only cause I... took credit for your kill.¡±


    ¡°Oh... sorry about spilling your secret,¡± Mrembo apologized.


    ¡°It''s my own fault,¡± she shook her head. ¡°I just... I keep letting my anger get the better of me. I''m not patient enough for solo hunting... I mean, you saw how I got when you told the others it was your kill... sorry about that by the way.¡±


    ¡°Well, you stopped before you actually killed me, so you at least have some control,¡± Mrembo smirked.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Sarabi deadpanned.


    Mrembo opened her mouth for a second, almost offering to give the Lioness some pointers but... being able to hunt on her own was all Mrembo brought to this. Apologies or no, if Sarabi were able to make this trip on her own, why wouldn''t she?


    Thankfully, the Lioness didn''t seem to pick up on what the Cheetah was thinking.


    ¡°Well, we''d better pick up the pace,¡± Sarabi said. ¡°Once we stop for the night, maybe we can cook some of this up,¡± she said, holding up the basket of fish.


    Mrembo smiled softly. ¡°Sounds good to me.¡±


    ~~~


    The next few days passed without much incident. By the time their fish ran out, they were sure enough that they were out of the Elephant¡¯s lands that Mrembo felt safe enough to hunt again.


    It was a bit more work than she''d expected to bring in enough food for both of them, especially if she ever wanted to have any leftover to dry out and make into rations. But for now, they were managing.


    ¡°So... what about your family?¡± Sarabi asked, the Lioness sitting back as Mrembo carved up an impala.


    ¡°What about them?¡± Mrembo asked, not looking up from her work.


    ¡°What do you think what about them?¡± Sarabi deadpanned. ¡°Do you have any?¡±


    ¡°I have a mother, a sister, a brother, and a father... presumably,¡± the Cheetah replied. ¡°I never met him.¡±


    ¡°Oh... I''m sorry?¡± Sarabi wasn''t sure what to say to that.


    ¡°Oh he''s not dead... well, he might be,¡± she shrugged. ¡°Male Cheetahs don''t really stick around, not normally anyway. We live alone.¡±


    ¡°Oh... I feel like I should say sorry again,¡± Sarabi admitted.


    Mrembo chuckled. ¡°It''s... just the way things are. We don''t really see each other once we''re grown... I still think about them sometimes, my mother and siblings I mean, I hope they''re doing alright.¡±


    ¡°Ah... I''m an only child, which is kinda weird for a Lion,¡± Sarabi replied. ¡°But there were other cubs growing up when I was young, most a couple seasons younger or older than me though.¡±


    ¡°You must have a lot of friends at least,¡± Sarabi said, putting a few strips of meat by the fire.


    Sarabi was silent.


    ¡°... really? But you have such a sparkling personality,¡± the Cheetah smirked, dodging as the Lioness hucked a branch in her direction.


    ¡°Yeah yeah, laugh it up,¡± Sarabi sighed. ¡°I just... I don¡¯t know, I never got along with the younger cubs, and the older ones always acted like they were too busy or important to spend time with me.¡±


    ¡°Hmm...¡± Mrembo was doing her best not to make snide remarks about the Lioness¡¯ attitude. ¡°Well, I¡¯m sorry to hear that Sarabi. But... you know, their loss.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Sarabi didn''t think she actually meant that, but she appreciated the sentiment.


    Later that night, Mrembo sat by the smoldering remains of the fire. Sarabi was asleep while the Cheetah took her watch.


    So far, they hadn¡¯t encountered anyone since they¡¯d left the Elephant¡¯s land, but it didn¡¯t hurt to be careful.


    Looking over at the Lioness, Mrembo couldn¡¯t help but smile softly. The more time she spent with her, the more she found herself appreciating the company. Especially since she was much less insufferable than she had been when they¡¯d first got washed down the river.


    Looking in that direction... she wondered how far they were from home. They¡¯d been walking for days, and still, nothing looked familiar. And the river was still a river.


    Sighing, she got up, walking between the trees. Ma Tembo had said out this way was the sporadic territory of Hunters, but they hadn¡¯t encountered anyone.


    ¡°Probably for the best,¡± she said with a sigh. It struck her again just how strange her and Sarabi¡¯s situation was. Hunters kept to their own, and some, like Cheetahs, didn¡¯t even do that.


    But... as irritating as she could be, it didn¡¯t feel wrong. Being with Sarabi. Much as she hated to admit it... the Lioness was starting to grow on her a little.


    ¡°Wonder if she¡¯s feeling the same,¡± Mrembo said, looking back towards the sleeping Lioness.


    Suddenly, something fell from the tree, landing behind Mrembo, wrapping an arm around her waist and putting a hand over her mouth before the Cheetah could react.


    ¡°Mmph!?¡± Mrembo¡¯s eyes widened as she was picked up and pulled backwards into the darkness. She tried to break free but whatever had grabbed her was strong.


    They broke through the treeline, and in an exuberant voice, her captor spoke. ¡°Brother? Are you here?¡± He called out. ¡°I¡¯ve rescued the young lady!¡±


    Rescued? Who the heck was this?


    Jumping down from one of the trees, Mrembo finally got a good look. Superficially they looked like her, same yellow coat covered in spots. But their coat was smoother, their body more muscular, more suited for climbing than running.


    Leopards. Wonderful.


    ¡°Excellent work brother,¡± the new one said with a smirk. ¡°And the Lion is none the wiser,¡± he looked at Mrembo and smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry my dear, soon you¡¯ll be well away from that vile beast who¡¯s been forcing you to hunt for her.¡±


    Mrembo groaned, great. They¡¯d been watching her, and they were stupid. ¡°Mm-mmph...¡± she elbowed the one holding her.


    ¡°Ow!¡± He let her go, rubbing his chest.


    ¡°While I appreciate the sentiment, I do not appreciate being abducted,¡± Mrembo said, stepping away from the Leopards. ¡°I¡¯m not being forced to do anything, the Lion and I have... an agreement.¡±


    The two Leopards looked at each other. ¡°What self-respecting Leopard would willingly work with one of them?¡± The first asked.


    ... wow, they really were stupid.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a Leopard,¡± she said, rubbing her forehead. ¡°I¡¯m a Cheetah... anyway, thanks for the ¡®save¡¯, but I should really-¡±


    She felt a hand grab her shoulder, before she was yanked back and slammed to the ground.


    ¡°You know Mjanja,¡± the first said, a hand on Mrembo¡¯s chest, just below her neck. ¡°Cheetah or Leopard, I don¡¯t think our little rescue is very appreciative.¡±


    ¡°Mmm, we did risk angering a Lion for her Siri,¡± the second replied, standing over and looking down at Mrembo. ¡°And if she is a Cheetah... that makes her a trespasser, whereas a Leopard would be a very welcome friend~¡±


    Mrembo could probably take one Leopard, but two would absolutely destroy her. And she did not like the way they were looking at her.


    ¡°You don''t have to do this,¡± she said, bracing her feet on the ground, ready to try and flip this guy if he tried anything. ¡°We''re all Hunters here.¡±


    ¡°Hunters yes, but Leopards? ... choose carefully~¡±


    Before Mrembo had time to think on her response, a roar pierced through the night air. Sarabi charged out of the treeline, grabbed the Leopard holding Mrembo down and threw him against one of the tree trunks.


    ¡°Brother!¡± Mjanja hissed, rushing towards Sarabi with his claws out, but he was tripped as Mrembo spun around, kicking his legs out from under him.


    ¡°I''m a Cheetah!¡± She said defiantly.


    Siri groaned as he tried to get up, only for Sarabi to grab him again, this time throwing him into his brother.


    Growling, she stepped up beside Mrembo. ¡°One chance,¡± the Lioness growled. ¡°Leave. Now!¡±


    They didn''t need to be told twice. The brothers scrambling to their feet and rushing off into the night.


    Mrembo sighed, putting a hand on Sarabi''s shoulder. ¡°Tha-¡± She pulled back as the Lion turned and growled at her. Though the anger quickly left her face. Replaced with regret and shame.


    ¡°Sorry I... sometimes when I get really angry I lose control,¡± Sarabi apologized.


    ¡°Got it, give you space when you get like that,¡± Mrembo nodded. ¡°... thanks for saving me.¡±


    Sarabi smirked slightly. ¡°Hey, it''s why I''m here isn''t it? What happened? I woke up and you were gone.¡±


    Mrembo sighed. ¡°Apparently they thought I was a Leopard who needed saving from her unjust Lion captor,¡± Mrembo explained as they made their way back to camp. ¡°... or maybe they just really wanted me to be a Leopard... it didn''t seem like their intentions were altruistic.¡±


    ¡°Oh... well, I''m glad you''re okay,¡± Sarabi said, smiling at the Cheetah.


    ¡°Heh, careful Sarabi,¡± Mrembo teased back. ¡°That''s dangerously close to saying you care about me.¡±


    ¡°Pff, as if,¡± Sarabi waved her off. ¡°You''re just useful to have around is all.¡±


    Mrembo chuckled weakly as they both fell silent. They''d teased each other like that before but... it didn''t feel good saying it this time.


    That was what this partnership was built on. Being useful to each other. But the words stung both Cats, though neither said anything about it.


    ¡°If you want to get back to sleep, I can finish the rest of my watch,¡± Mrembo offered after a few quiet moments.


    ¡°I don''t think I''m getting back to sleep,¡± Sarabi shook her head, kicking out the last ashes of the nights fire. ¡°Better we get an early start and put as much distance between us and those two as possible.¡±


    ¡°On that, we can agreed,¡± Mrembo said with a nod, the pair heading back towards the river.


    ¡°Who knows, maybe today we finally figure out when a river stops being a river,¡± Sarabi said, nudging the Cheetah.


    ¡°Ugh, I hate riddles,¡± Mrembo shook her head.


    ~~~


    ¡°I can''t believe we''ve been walking for a week!¡± Sarabi groaned. ¡°And it''s still just a damn river!¡±


    ¡°I''m starting to think your ¡®Seer¡¯ was messing with us,¡± Mrembo sighed, currently walking a bit ahead of the trudging Lioness.


    It had actually been a full week a few days ago, they were part-way into their second week of travel. With no sign of anything to signify they were getting closer to home.


    ¡°Maybe you''re right, maybe she was just messing with us,¡± Sarabi groaned.


    Mrembo stopped as she came to the top of a hill, looking down... ooooh.


    ¡°Hey Sarabi? When does a river stop being a river?¡± She asked back towards Sarabi.


    The Lion groaned. ¡°I don''t know... when it drys up?¡±


    ¡°Close,¡± Mrembo said, crossing her arms and waiting for Sarabi to climb the hill. ¡°When it''s a lake.¡±


    Looking down from the hill, Sarabi saw what had once, probably recently, been a valley. But was now flooded with water. On the far side, several waterfalls fed into the lake, and to their right, the water flowed out through a narrow chasm into the river they''d been following.


    ¡°... Mrembo?¡± Sarabi asked, doing some quick mental math.


    ¡°Yes?¡± The Cheetah replied.


    ¡°There''s no way we''d have survived this,¡± the Lioness realized. ¡°We''ve been following the wrong river!¡±


    ¡°The Vultures did say the flood changed the landscape,¡± Mrembo said, sitting down at the top of the hill. The Lioness flopping down next to her.


    ¡°Great. We''re even more lost than we thought we were,¡± Sarabi muttered.


    Mrembo pat her shoulder. ¡°Don''t be so quick to give up, remember what Ma Tembo said?¡±


    ¡°That we had to help people, but the only ones we''ve met were those Leopards,¡± Sarabi replied.


    ¡°And that someone here would give us directions,¡± Mrembo said, scanning the edge of the lake. ¡°And I see... a lot of people.¡± She said, her eyes going wide.


    Sarabi sighed and sat up, following the Cheetah''s gaze to the edge of the water, where a literal crowd had formed. It was too far to tell what they all were, but there were a lot of them.


    ¡°I guess we should go introduce ourselves?¡± Mrembo suggested.


    ¡°Let''s just get this over with,¡± Sarabi sighed. She wasn''t expecting this to go well.


    ¡°That''s the spirit,¡± Mrembo said sarcastically, rolling her eyes as the two made their way down the hill.


    There was little left of whatever had once been in this valley, some trees growing at the edge of the lakes new banks were all that were left, and judging by the floating wood scattered across the lake, and the few submerged trees the Cats could see, it had happened very quicklyt.


    As they neared the crowd, it became clear it was more than one kind of person. Which, judging by the shouting that was going on, was probably the reason for the crowd in the first place.


    Peeking over some bushes, the two were met with quite possibly the oddest sight they had yet seen.


    Currently leading the shouting match was a large male Hippo, who¡¯s wide shoulders and broad chest were still dwarfed by what had to be the largest Crocodile either Cat had ever seen. She stood at least a head above everyone else in the crowd, her arms crossed as she, for the moment, let the Hippo say his piece.


    Those two and their respective groups made up about half or so of the gathered attendees. There were also Otters, some Bullfrogs, a group of very nervous looking Flamingos, and... a few things neither Cat recognized.


    ¡°Are those fish? Or... I guess Fish?¡± Mrembo asked, head tilting. She''d never used that word in that form before.


    Mostly they saw large silver fish-like heads with massive sharp teeth poking out of the water, but a few had ventured onto land to more directly engage in conversation. They were a little shorter than most of the other attendees, standing about equal with the stocky Bullfrogs. With arms and legs like everyone else, as well as a fish like tail with red markings.


    ¡°I mean that''s what it looks like,¡± Sarabi replied. ¡°This is weird, most of these are Hunters of some kind, what''re they all doing?¡±


    ¡°You really think we would trust your kind?¡± The Hippo asked, standing chest to chest with the large Crocodile. ¡°You would sink your teeth into us all as soon as our backs were turned.¡±


    There was a deep rumble from the Crocodile as she spoke. ¡°You are one to talk, how many of ours have you broken in two simply for being in your way?¡±


    ¡°Not enough from the looks of it!¡± One of the Bullfrogs shouted, earning him a hearty bellowing laugh from the Hippos. While the Flamingos giggled amongst themselves.


    ¡°Hey! Hey!¡± An Otter pushed in between the pair. ¡°Look, we''re all in the same situation here, why don''t we just calm down and take a minute to-¡±


    ¡°No more minutes!¡± One of the Fish shoved the Otter to the side. ¡°All of you must leave! We need the lake the most! We were lucky it formed this close and we still lost nearly a third of our number making the trip here!¡±


    ¡°Probably got distracted by something shiny and wandered off,¡± the same Bullfrog muttered, earning him a few muted chuckles.


    ¡°Why don''t you swim down river,¡± the Hippo said with a glare, the Cats getting the feeling that was some kind of insult rather than a suggestion. ¡°We were here first, that makes it ours.¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡± The rest of the Hippos agreed.


    ¡°We cannot! Will not go anywhere else!¡± The Fish stated, stamping a webbed foot. ¡°Our need is greatest! It is ours!¡±


    A bubbled reply came from the rest of the Fish.


    The Crocodile rumbled again. ¡°We have already had to move those few nests that survived the flood,¡± she said. Looking back, they could see most of the Crocodiles were carrying eggs in woven baskets. ¡°If we leave, we consign our children to die before they even know life.¡±


    ¡°Okay, well, I think if we-¡± the Otter chimed in again.


    ¡°If I see a single one of you digging a nest, you all will be going to the Great Beyond,¡± the Hippo stated with finality.


    ¡°You can try,¡± the Crocodile growled.


    ¡°All of you! Begone! Or we eat you!¡± The Fish threatened before leaping back into the water, all of them submerging.


    The Hippos and Crocodiles went separate ways around the shores of the lake, with the Bullfrogs following confidently behind the Hippos, while the Flamingos went the same way and kept their distance.


    The Otter who''d been speaking just sat down in the mud with a wet thump.


    ¡°It''s alright Moyo,¡± another of the Otters said, putting a hand on her shoulder.


    ¡°It ain''t alright,¡± she sniffled, pushing his hand away. ¡°This place could be something amazing, but that lot can''t look past their own egos to see it.¡±


    Sarabi and Mrembo looked at each other. ¡°Well... Ma Tembo said to offer help,¡± Sarabi said with a shrug.


    Pushing through the bushes got the attention of the Otters, most of whom chittered at them before jumping into the water.


    Except for Moyo, who just flopped back in the mud. ¡°If''n yer gonna eat me, can ya do me one kindness and take me where the others can''t watch?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, I prefer my meals less depressed,¡± Mrembo said, kneeling down and leaning over the Otter.


    ¡°We''re not gonna eat you,¡± Sarabi said with a sigh. ¡°We heard some of that argument... you wanna fill us in on what''s going on here?¡±


    Moyo sighed and looked up at the pair, her head tilting quizzically. ¡°You a Lion?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± Sarabi replied.


    ¡°And a... Leopard?¡±


    ¡°Cheetah,¡± Mrembo corrected.


    ¡°My mistake,¡± Moyo sighed and got to her feet. ¡°I''m Moyo, what brings ya''ll this way?¡±


    ¡°Sarabi, and this is Mrembo,¡± the Lioness introduced them. ¡°We got swept down river in the flood, we''re trying to follow it back but... I can''t believe we came through here.¡±


    ¡°Heh, probably not,¡± Moyo chuckled. ¡°Alright, well, according to the Flamingos, this place used to be a small dry valley with barely an offshoot of the river that fed down that way,¡± she pointed towards the waterfalls. ¡°But when the river busted its banks, I guess something blocked it from keeping on its normal route, and most of the water spilled down this way, flooded the valley and kept on carving a new path til it met up with itself down river a ways.¡±


    ¡°Guess we must''ve gotten sent down stream before that,¡± Sarabi guessed. ¡°Explains what we''ve been following, and why Ma Tembo''s land is untouched if most of the water stayed here.¡±


    ¡°Shoot! Ya¡¯ll know Ma Tembo?¡± Moyo asked excitedly. ¡°I grew up down there, moved out a few seasons ago to start my own raft.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, she gave us directions... and fish,¡± Mrembo said, holding up the empty basket they''d been given.


    ¡°I knew I recognized Riverfolk work,¡± she said with a smile before it faltered. ¡°Or, Otter I mean.¡±


    ¡°Moyo!¡± One of the other Otters popped back up. ¡°Are you dead yet?¡±


    ¡°I ain''t dead and I ain''t gonna be dead Laini,¡± she shot back. ¡°Now go get the others and tell ¡®em to stop bein anti-social, we''ve got guests.¡±


    He sighed, but soon enough he and the other five emerged, one hanging back in the water, likely due to the two pups holding onto her sides.


    ¡°So, if ya''ll are just trying to get back up river... well, ya might be outta luck,¡± Moyo admitted. ¡°I ain''t too sure how much of up river is the same anymore.¡±


    ¡°Well... actually we are trying to get home,¡± Sarabi said. ¡°Ma Tembo said someone here would be able to give us directions.¡±


    Laini scoffed. ¡°Not sure who that could be, and even if we knew, they''d probably be too busy yelling at each other.¡±


    ¡°Yeah what''s going on here?¡± Mrembo asked. ¡°Why is everyone here and arguing... and what''s with the Fish?¡±


    Moyo chuckled. ¡°Oh right, they don''t really come to the surface much,¡± she sighed. ¡°A lot of us lost our homes in the flood, dens washed away, ponds that got filled in with mud, raging rapids where there used to be calm waters. It''s a right mess.¡±


    ¡°Which we don''t need to be putting ourselves in the middle of,¡± the mother Otter called from the lake. ¡°Honestly Moyo, first you make us help the Crocodiles, now this?¡±


    ¡°Aibu, just cause I jumped in doesn''t mean I made ya''ll help,¡± Moyo sighed. ¡°And I told ya, those''re their kids! How''d you feel if your pups were in trouble and someone didn''t help?¡±


    The Otter just grumbled to herself.


    ¡°You helped the Crocodiles?¡± Sarabi asked.


    Moyo smiled shyly. ¡°T''weren¡¯t no thing, just helped dig out their nests, made some baskets to help carry the eggs, anyone would''a done it.¡±


    ¡°Somehow I doubt that,¡± Mrembo said. ¡°So it seems like you want everyone to get along, what''s the deal with the others?¡±


    Moyo sighed. ¡°Where to start... there''s Kuuma and the other Crocodiles, lookin for somewhere to bury their eggs before its too late, I lead ¡®em here when I heard about it from an Eagle friend of mine, but by then Poa  and his pod had already shown up and stacked their claim.¡±


    Mrembo nodded. ¡°And... the Fish?¡±


    ¡°Tigerfish, and make sure you call ¡®em that if they''re nearby,¡± Moyo advised. ¡°Don''t know their names, normally they keep to themselves, but apparently a lot of ¡®em got left high and dry when the water moved on... literally, they can''t last long outta the water. They breath air fine, but their skin dries out.¡±


    ¡°So like a Bullfrog,¡± Sarabi replied.


    ¡°Sorta, but way faster,¡± Moyo explained. ¡°Speakin of ya don''t need to worry too much bout that lot, or the Flamingos, they''re just throwin their lot in with the Hippos cause they''re figurin that''s the winnin bet.¡±


    ¡°Something we should consider doing before it''s too late,¡± Aibu chimed in again. ¡°How long do you think the Crocodiles are going to be grateful even if they do win?¡±


    ¡°Fer the last time Aibu, they ain''t gonna eat us,¡± Moyo sighed.


    Aibu scoffed, taking her children and diving underwater.


    ¡°She... lost her mate to a crocodile a few months ago,¡± Moyo explained sadly. ¡°I think she''s holdin it against the Crocodiles too.¡±


    ¡°Maybe she''s right Moyo,¡± Laini said with a sigh. ¡°I know it''s not what you wanted but... the Hippos probably won''t bother us.¡±


    ¡°That ain''t the point Laini,¡± Moyo sighed. ¡°I just know we could make this place something amazing if''n we weren''t all hung up on wantin it for ourselves.¡±


    ¡°Well... maybe you need to start thinking about reality,¡± Laini said with a sigh, turning and diving into the water with the others. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    Moyo seemed really hurt by that.


    ¡°Sorry you two had to see that,¡± she apologized. ¡°Look I don''t know who here could help ya but... truth is they probably won''t.¡±


    ¡°Well... what if we help you instead?¡± Sarabi suggested.


    ¡°Pardon?¡± Moyo looked back at them in confusion.


    ¡°Ma Tembo said we''d need to help others on our way back home in order to make it,¡± Mrembo explained.


    ¡°Oooh, she do the water trumpet thing?¡± Moyo asked with a grin. ¡°Well...¡± she looked at the two of them. ¡°Hmm... actually there might be a couple things you could help with, not sure anyone could talk sense into Poa but...¡± a smile crept onto her face. ¡°Maybe if they see us workin together, they''ll start to realize we don''t need to keep fighting like this!¡±


    ¡°That''s... optimistic,¡± Sarabi said with a nervous smile. What were they getting themselves into?


    ¡°There''s two things on my mind right now,¡± Moyo said. ¡°I''m worried the lakes drainin out the chasm too fast fer one, if we could block it up a bit, that''d slow it down enough to stabilize it.¡±


    ¡°Alright, and the other?¡± Mrembo asked.


    Moyo looked back towards the Hippos. ¡°... Poa''s a bull of his word... but he only said he''d attack if''n the Crocs dug any nests,¡± she smiled. ¡°Didn''t say anything about the three of us.¡±


    ¡°I''m not sure what''s scarier, the thought of getting near a Crocodile nest, or the thought of pissing off a bull Hippo.¡± Mrembo said with a shudder.


    ¡°Oh that''s just cause you don''t know ¡®em yet,¡± Moyo said. ¡°Come on, eggs first, I''ll introduce ya''ll.¡±


    ¡°Are we really doing this?¡± Mrembo asked in a whisper as she and Sarabi followed behind Moyo.


    ¡°I''m sure it will be fine,¡± Sarabi whispered back. Though admittedly she was a little nervous as well. It wasn''t that Ma Tembo had made it sound like this would be easy but... what were they supposed to do? She and Mrembo barely got along and they''d been traveling together for almost two weeks.


    Walking a ways down the shores of the lake, the group came across the Crocodiles.


    ¡°We need to act now!¡± One of them hissed, standing in front of Kuuma. ¡°We cannot afford to wait any longer!¡±


    ¡°You know we cannot take them all on,¡± the larger Crocodile said with a sigh.


    ¡°Our eggs won''t last much longer like this,¡± another female said sadly.


    Kuuma rumbled deeply, before Moyo cleared her throat. ¡°Maybe we can help with that?¡±


    ¡°Well, if it isn''t the little Otter,¡± one of the Crocodiles scoffed. ¡°Here with another bright idea that will doom us?¡±


    ¡°Quite Kina,¡± Kuuma hissed. ¡°Moyo... why have you brought these Hunters here?¡±


    ¡°These two are Mrembo and Sarabi,¡± Moyo introduced the pair. ¡°They''re trying to get home after the flood, but in the meantime they''re lookin to help out around here.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Kuuma asked, seemingly unconvinced.


    ¡°And how exactly do you plan to do that?¡± One of the females asked with a scoff. ¡°Lead us to another lake we can''t have?¡±


    ¡°Nope, we''re gonna make your nests for ya,¡± the Otter said proudly.


    The Crocodiles groaned.


    ¡°Just listen,¡± Moyo defended. ¡°Poa said he''d only get violent if any of ya''ll started digging, way I see it, he ain''t got space to complain if we do, ¡®specially seen as these two ain''t even Riverfo-err, ain''t from around here.¡±


    Kuuma seemed to consider it for a moment.


    ¡°You can''t be seriously considering this,¡± Kina asked with a groan. ¡°You really think Poa will care about semantics?¡±


    ¡°What other choice do we have?¡± Kuuma muttered. ¡°The eggs have less time left than it would take to find a new place to nest.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like we''re in business then!¡± Moyo cheered. ¡°Sarabi, you seem like the strong type, you help me start digging out some mud for the nests, Mrembo, can you start gathering material? Leaves, twigs, grass. As much as you can.¡±


    For someone who barely came up to their knees, she had a very take charge attitude when it came to getting things done.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Sarabi said with a nod, following Moyo''s lead as they started to dig out mud and building the base of the nest, while Mrembo used her speed to the best of her ability, gathering as much plant material as she could, which the Otter started piling up into the nests proper.


    Kuuma had to admit, for the handiwork of a bunch of furry things, they weren''t half bad.


    As they were finishing up the second nest, about half of what they needed, they heard a commotion from the water.


    ¡°Kuuma!¡± Poa bellowed, rising up from the water. ¡°I told you that...¡± he gawked a bit, seeing all the Crocodiles hanging back, while Moyo and two Cats were building nests. ¡°Moyo,¡± he glowered. ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡±


    ¡°Afternoon Poa,¡± Moyo said with a smile. ¡°Just doin¡¯ a little construction is all.¡±


    He grit his teeth. ¡°I can see that, but I also remember saying what I''d do if any nests were made.¡±


    ¡°Technically that was just directed at the Crocodiles if I remember,¡± Moyo said. ¡°And you know me, I can''t help but help.¡±


    ¡°Mhm... and these... Hunters?¡± He asked, watching as Mrembk returned with another armful of materials.


    ¡°Just some friends who''re also looking to help out,¡± Moyo explained. The two Cats looking at the Otter strangely. Friends?


    ¡°Hm... well, if they''re not the Crocodiles, then they won''t mind if I do this,¡± he said, coming out of the water and moving to smash one of the nests.


    ¡°I wouldn''t if I were you,¡± Sarabi growled. ¡°I don''t like when people mess with my things.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡± He asked, turning to face her. ¡°And what''re you going to do about it, Lion?¡±


    ¡°Hey hey, there''s no need for things to get hostile,¡± Moyo said, putting herself in between the two of them. ¡°Poa... come on, you don''t wanna see a buncha kids die do you?¡±


    The Hippo turned his glare down to the Otter, before snorting. ¡°Keep your damn nests! But if I see any of you in the lake, I''ll be back.¡±


    With that, he charged back into the water. Moyo letting out a sigh of relief. ¡°See? Told ya he was a bull of his word.¡±


    ¡°Do you have a death wish or something?¡± Mrembo asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Hey, I know I don''t look like much, but I can hold my own in a scrap,¡± the Otter said confidently. ¡°Now come on, we''ve still got a couple of nests to build.¡±


    The work continued without any further interruptions, with Kuuma and the others inspecting their work as the two muddy Cats and the Otter stood nearby.


    ¡°Not bad, I have to admit, you''re good with your hands Moyo,¡± Kuuma said, nodding to the others who started placing the eggs within the new nests.


    ¡°I''m just glad we could help out is all,¡± Moyo said with a grin.


    ¡°Well... they''ll at least be safe until they hatch,¡± Kuuma sighed. ¡°But without access to the lake, food is going to be an issue.¡±


    ¡°Oh don''t you worry none, I''m sure ol Poa¡¯ll come around,¡± Moyo said confidently. ¡°We''re all Riverfolk after all.¡±


    Kuuma rolled her eyes. ¡°Yes well... you have our thanks Moyo, but... we still have much to discuss.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Moyo nodded, seeming a little let down by the dismissal. ¡°Come on gals, we got a river to block.¡±


    ¡°I know we''re supposed to help,¡± Sarabi whispered to Mrembo as they followed behind the Otter. ¡°But are we really just gonna follow her around and do stuff?¡±


    ¡°Mmm... maybe we need a more direct approach to the problem,¡± Mrembo considered.


    ¡°So, like I said,¡± Moyo said, leading the two towards where the river was flowing out of the valley. ¡°I''m worried this place is gonna drain out and make all of this pointless anyway. But if we can dam it up a bit, that should give the lake time to settle in.¡±


    ¡°That sounds... complicated,¡± Sarabi said.


    ¡°Not really, I just need ya''lls help to drop some big rocks in by the mouth of the river,¡± she said, gesturing to the boulders that sat near the mouth of the chasm leading out of the valley.


    ¡°... well, good luck with that,¡± Mrembo said, patting the Lioness on the back.


    ¡°What? Seriously?¡± She groaned.


    ¡°Do I look like I''m built for this kind of work?¡± Mrembo asked.


    ¡°Ugh, fine,¡± the Lioness muttered. ¡°I have to do everything around here.¡±


    ¡°Alright, so just try to get ¡®em close to the mouth of the chasm,¡± Moyo directed.


    ¡°Yeah yeah,¡± Sarabi huffed, putting her hands on one of the boulders and pushing.


    It rocked a little.


    ¡°Hmm... Mrembo, are you sure you''re not gonna help?¡± Moyo called back to the Cheetah.


    ¡°I can do it! Hrrrawwwwwr!¡± Her huffing turned into a full on roar as she gave the boulder another shove, this time sending it rolling into the river.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Moyo jumped back. ¡°Okay, now how about-¡±


    Without waiting for direction, Sarabi started shoving, or in some cases, tossing, the boulders into the river.


    ¡°Your friend is scary strong,¡± Moyo said, moving to sit over by Mrembo.


    ¡°We''re not friends,¡± Mrembo replied, watching as the Lion hefted a boulder onto her shoulders. She was impressive to watch work.


    ¡°Oh, ah''m sorry, your partner,¡± Moyo corrected.


    ¡°What?¡± Mrembo looked at her in confusion. Before realizing what she meant. ¡°By the Spirits no!¡± She cried out, startling the Otter. ¡°L-look,¡± Mrembo continued. ¡°We''re just working together to get back home... we''re useful to each other, that''s it.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Moyo said, looking deflated. ¡°My mistake...¡±


    ¡°Well you don''t need to look so defeated,¡± Mrembo sighed.


    ¡°Ah just... there ain''t a lot of people who care about others outside of their kind these days,¡± Moyo said sadly. ¡°Especially Hunters... guess I just thought I''d finally met some kindred spirits.¡±


    ¡°Is that what the whole... Riverfolk thing is?¡± Mrembo asked. ¡°You''ve used the word a couple of times.¡±


    ¡°Heh, just... something I came up with when I was a pup,¡± she admitted. ¡°I always used to try and play with the calves from a local pod... ma would tell me off, sayin ¡®ya can''t trust all the folks in the river Moyo¡¯,¡± she rubbed the back of her head. ¡°I kinda took the opposite lesson from all her talks.¡±


    ¡°... ya know Moyo, I think the savannah could use more people like you,¡± Mrembo said, watching Sarabi work for a moment before getting up. ¡°I''m gonna try something,¡± she said.


    Rushing towards the cliffs of the chasm, she grabbed a tree branch from the river bank and walked past the panting Lion. ¡°Take a break, I''ve got an idea.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Sarabi watched as the Cheetah ran at the cliff, running up the wall before jumping up a foothold. ¡°What''re you doing?¡± Sarabi called.


    ¡°This is taking too long, I think if I can find... ahah!¡± She jammed the tree branch into a crack in the chasm.


    ¡°Mrembo, whatever you''re doin, be careful!¡± Moyo called, watching as she Cheetah stepped onto the tree branch and started to bounce. ¡°That''s not careful!¡±


    ¡°Oh relax! I know what I''m doing!¡± She said, watching the cliff as she levered some of the rocks that had been loosened by the rushing wall of water that had crashed into it.


    Soon, a cracked splintered up the wall, and as the branch began to give out Mrembo leapt into the air, flipping backwards and landing on the banks of the river as part of the rock wall collapsed. Filling in the holes of the makeshift dam Sarabi had started.


    ¡°Hoooowe! Ya''ll''ve been holdin out on me!¡± Moyo cheered, jumping to pat the Cheetah on the back.


    ¡°Whoa...¡± Sarabi said, eyes wide. She knew the Cheetah was agile, but that was something else entirely.


    ¡°What? You can''t be the only one who gets to show off,¡± Mrembo said, nudging the Lioness.


    ¡°Now this is looking nice!¡± Moyo called from a top one of the partially submerged rocks. ¡°Flows much slower now that it''s gotta work around all of this!¡±


    ¡°Furry thing!¡±


    ¡°Gah!¡± Moyo nearly fell back into the river as one of the Tigerfish poked its head out.


    It... might have been the same one from earlier? It was hard to tell.


    ¡°Oh, uh... hi, there uh... sorry, I didn''t catch your name earlier,¡± Moyo greeted, the two Cats on edge now that the Otter was stranded out there with the Fish in the river.


    ¡°Names are not important! What is important is why you are messing with river!¡± He... she... they demanded.


    ¡°We''re not messing with it... okay we are, but it''s for a good cause,¡± Moyo explained. ¡°These here rocks''ll help keep the lake from draining too fast, least til the water fully settles.¡±


    The Tigerfish looked at her in confusion. ¡°You protecting the lake for us?¡± They asked.


    ¡°Ah''m protecting it for everyone,¡± Moyo corrected. ¡°We all need somewhere to live, we all need the water, ain''t no reason we can''t share the space.¡±


    ¡°Bah! You don''t need. We need. You can survive land, but not us,¡± they shook their head.


    ¡°I know you need the water more,¡± Moyo said with a sigh. ¡°But... well, watch this.¡±


    She jumped and dove into the water, swimming quickly around the Tigerfish, veering off for a second and chasing something before he surfaced near them with a fish in her mouth.


    ¡°My kind can survive on land just fine, but we can only really hunt in the water, same as you, and the Crocs,¡± Moyo explained, taking the fish from her mouth. ¡°And the Hippos and Bullfrogs are in the same basket as you, their skin can''t handle bein out of the water too long. They dry up, start to burn somethin fierce.¡±


    ¡°Same... basket,¡± they seemed to consider that for a moment. ¡°Most do not bother with us, too strange they say.¡±


    Moyo smiled and held the fish out to them. ¡°Maybe they just haven''t gotten to know you yet.¡±


    ¡°A gift?¡± They asked, surprised.


    ¡°Yeah, consider it a peace offerin,¡± she said. ¡°Just... promise me you''ll at least think about what I''ve been sayin?¡±


    They seemed to consider that for a moment, before quickly snatching the fish. ¡°Accepted.¡±


    With that, they dove back under water, swimming back into the lake.


    ¡°That went... well?¡± Sarabi guessed. She couldn''t really get a read on the Fish.


    ¡°It at least seemed positive,¡± Moyo said, jumping out of the water. ¡°Woo! You two showin up just plum made my day.¡±


    Mrembo chuckled, she didn''t fully understand everything the Otter was trying to do. But she appreciated her attitude.


    ¡°Glad we could help but now what?¡± Sarabi asked. ¡°This all seems like bandages, no offense.¡±


    ¡°No, you''re right,¡± Moyo sighed. ¡°We can help folks with their problems, but if they won''t talk through their problems we''re never gonna get anywhere.¡±


    ¡°It''s gonna get dark soon,¡± Mrembo said with a sigh, once it was clear no answers would be easily forthcoming. ¡°You should get back to your raft.¡±


    She sighed. ¡°Yeah, I ¡®spose so... hey wait. Ya''ll''ve been helpin me all day, have ya''ll had anything to eat?¡±


    ¡°Not since yesterday,¡± Mrembo admitted. ¡°Normally I try to catch us something a little closer to evening once we''ve made camp.¡±


    ¡°Tell ya what, you two set up camp, I''ll catch ya some supper,¡± Moyo said with a grin.


    ¡°Moyo, that''s very kind of you but-¡± Sarabi began.


    ¡°No buts! I insist, ya''ll''re my guests here,¡± she jumped back into the river. ¡°Ah''ll meet ya back by the lake.¡±


    With that, she swam off, leaving the Cats alone.


    ¡°She''s... an odd one, isn''t she?¡± Sarabi said.


    ¡°Maybe, I like her though,¡± Mrembo replied, heading towards the lake. ¡°It''s a better attitude than ¡®I''ve got mine, screw yours¡¯.¡±


    ¡°I suppose so,¡± Sarabi admitted. It wasn''t like she was unfamiliar with the concept, she came from a pride after all. It was just weird having it coming from someone else. Especially since it... didn''t really benefit her or her raft.


    It''d be way easier to just stay out of the way.


    The pair found a nice patch of dry, solid ground to set up camp on, and soon enough, their Otter friend popped her head up out of the water. ¡°Someone order a fish fry?¡± She asked, hoping out with a couple of large fish in her arms.


    ¡°You know you don''t have to do this,¡± Sarabi said.


    ¡°Speak for yourself, I''m hungry,¡± Mrembo huffed, already getting the fire started.


    ¡°I just mean, it''s not like we''re doing this out of the goodness of our hearts,¡± Sarabi continued.


    ¡°I know, you need directions,¡± Moyo recalled. ¡°But the way I see it, you''re still willing to help, and that''s gotta count fer somethin.¡±


    ¡°Well, if you''d like, you can join us for dinner,¡± Mrembo offered, getting the fish ready to cook.


    ¡°That''s kind of ya, but I oughta be gettin back to my raft,¡± Moyo said. ¡°Might bring the Crocs something too, seein as Poa banned em from the lake.¡±


    ¡°Just remember to take care of yourself too,¡± Sarabi spoke up. ¡°It won''t do anyone any good if you work yourself to the bone.¡±


    Moyo chuckled as she slid back into the water. ¡°I''ll keep that in mind, see you gals in the morning,¡± she''d try to think up some plans tonight.


    For now though, she had some fishing to do.


    ~~~


    Both Cats realized a couple of things the next morning as they woke up. First, they''d apparently forgotten to set a watch last night, as they were both waking up at the same time.


    The second being related to the first, as they only realized the first thing when they woke up, sitting up with a start... right next to each other. It was only because they''d jolted awake that they didn''t know whether or not they''d been cuddling.


    The third thing, and the one that more immediately grabbed their attention... someone was shouting again.


    ¡°Guess we''re starting early today,¡± Sarabi said, getting up and running in the direction of the shouting.


    ¡°So much for beauty sleep,¡± Mrembo yawned, stretching as she got up to follow.


    They soon came across the source of the shouting, as a crowd had once again gathered. And Poa was once again the center.


    The Hippo was tightly holding the arm of a young male Crocodile, the Bull staring up and shouting at Kuuma, while the boy looked... terrified.


    A few of the other Hippos were there, and Crocodiles, as well as one of the Bullfrogs, and a few Tigerfish were watching from the river.


    And of course, Moyo was already there.


    ¡°I told you not to enter the lake!¡± Poa shouted, squeezing the Crocodiles by the arm. ¡°But you lizards can''t even follow that direction! Now you either leave, or we start breaking spInes.¡±


    ¡°He''s a child!¡± Kuuma hissed, getting as close to the Hippo as she dared without fearing he''d hurt the boy. ¡°You bluster and threaten and we have done nothing to you!¡±


    ¡°It''s. Ours.¡± He growled. ¡°And anyone who doesn''t agree can clear out!¡±


    ¡°Just stop it!¡± Moyo shouted. ¡°It doesn''t need to be like this! We can share the lake! I even thought up how we can-¡±


    ¡°Enough from you!¡± Poa shouted, stomping the ground. ¡°You and yours can leave too! I''ve had enough of your nonsense!¡±


    Moyo didn''t seemed deterred. ¡°But if ya''ll''d just listen to me for a sec, I know we can-!¡±


    Poa bellowed loudly, and wielded the young Crocodile like a cudgle, swinging him at Moyo and throwing him, sending both of them tumbling.


    The Crocodile quickly scrambled to his feet, rushing back to Kuuma and the others.


    Moyo groaned, lying there dazed as Poa approached her.


    Sarabi and Mrembo both rushed forward, putting themselves between the Hippo and the Otter. Sarabi''s lips pulling back as she growled, while Mrembo¡¯s ears folded back as the Cheetah hissed.


    He just glared at them. ¡°Out of the way Cats, this doesn''t concern you.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I just don''t like bullies,¡± Sarabi replied.


    ¡°Gals... don''t get involved in this,¡± Moyo warned, standing to her feet. ¡°Poa, please, ah know yer just trying to do right by your pod, but maybe if you-¡±


    ¡°You question my authority?!¡± He bellowed, surging past the Cats and shoving them to the side. Before grabbing Moyo. ¡°You think you know so much better?! You know nothing! You rat!¡±


    He threw the Otter into the lake, the Tigerfish scattering as he stepped in as well. ¡°You''re so desperate to lead, to interfere? Fine, I challenge you for the right to rule!¡±


    Everyone gasped, even the Crocodiles and Cats. That was a challenge not to be taken or given lightly, and it was unheard of to issue it to one not of your own kind.


    ¡°Have you lost it?!¡± Moyo shouted.


    ¡°Refuse and leave, with all your friends, or accept and die... and I promise I''ll still allow some of your raft to survive.¡±


    A switch flipped in Moyo when he said that. She could handle the threats, the insults, the belittlement, so long as it was aimed at her. But she would not let someone threaten her raft.


    ¡°Fine! You wanna fight so bad? I''ll give you one!¡± Moyo shouted, diving underwater, Poa giving chase.


    Sarabi and Mrembo rushed to the edge of the lake, joined by pretty much everyone else.


    ¡°What do we do?¡± Mrembo asked.


    ¡°Nothing we can do,¡± Sarabi shook her head. ¡°Just have to hope she has another plan.¡±


    Underwater, the lake was a very odd sight. Fully submerged trees, and ground still covered in grasses, swayed in the current. Some of the trees still appearing fully alive.


    Moyo swam around one such trunk as Poa barreled after her. She knew he''d have a hard time catching her, but he was also nearly ten times her size, and made of solid muscle.


    If he laid a hand on her, it was over.


    ¡®So I just gotta tucker him out then,¡¯ she told herself, dodging through some tree branches which he then had to crash through.


    Poa''s powerful muscles pushed his bulk through the water, keeping him at pace with the slender Otter.


    Moyo knew she was going to have to get creative, she swam downwards, hugging what had once been the floor of the valley, Poa having to take a moment to sink after her. Swimming around a tree, she grabbed onto a still supple tree branch, pulling it back and letting it snap forward as Poa rounded the corner.


    The Hippo grunted as it connected with his gut. A few air bubbles escaping his nose as he glared at Moyo.


    The Otter dodged around his reaching arms, swimming up and pushing off of his head, his head craning back and jaws snapping as she did.


    Moyo swore she lost a few hairs from that one. She surfaced for air, literally jumping out of the water, but Poa didn''t even bother with the distraction.


    Diving back down, he was right on her tail again. But she saw an opening, literally, in the trunk of an old submerged Baobab.


    There was no way he''d fit in there, and, hopefully, there''d be an exit from the trunk further up.


    Playing hide and seek didn''t seem like the most honorable way to survive this, but at the moment she didn''t care.


    Swimming inside, she immediately turned and swam up the trunk, pausing about half way up before hearing a crack behind her and watching Poa cave in the trunk to squeeze after her.


    She continued upwards, the trunk narrowing, Moyo beginning to fear she was going to he trapped in here with a raging Hippo, before she spotted a beam of light and dashed through a hole to the outside.


    Poa roared in rage and pushed up after her... and pushed up after her.


    With a start, he realized that while the base of the tree had been brittle enough to break, it was a different story halfway up the trunk and inside.


    Snarling, he tried to sink back down, only to feel the wood squeeze his midsection.


    His eyes went wide as he realized his predicament. The Hippo wriggling and flexing to try and get free. His lungs beginning to burn as he realized, with no small amount of horror, that his roar had used up he last of the air in his lungs.


    He was trapped, and he was either going to suffocate or drown.


    And worse yet... he''d lost.


    Moyo cautiously peeked back into the tree trunk, seeing the Hippo stuck there brought a brief smile to her face, before she noticed something in his eyes that she''d never seen on a Hippo before.


    Fear.


    She dove back down, looking at him from below, and realized his situation.


    Back on the shore, Sarabi and Mrembo were realizing that despite the anxiety of the situation, watching an underwater battle was boring when you weren''t underwater.


    ¡°So we''re running if he comes back right?¡± Sarabi whispered.


    ¡°I say we go grab the Otters and book it,¡± Mrembo agreed.


    A gasp from the crowd brought their attention back to the lake, the two Cats gawking as Moyo surfaced and swam towards them.


    And she wasn''t being followed.


    ¡°Help!¡± She called out. ¡°Poa got himself stuck! He''s runnin outta air!¡±


    Everyone just looked at each other, the Hippos staring in disbelief as the Crocodiles whispered amongst themselves.


    ¡°What''re ya¡¯ll standing around for?!¡± Moyo shouted, turning to the Hippos. ¡°Yer just gonna let him die?!¡±


    ¡°We can''t interfere until a winner has been decided!¡± One called. ¡°If you concede...¡±


    Moyo understood that as a warning, if she conceded, she''d have to put her faith in Poa''s gratitude that he wouldn''t make good on his promise.


    ... she couldn''t let him die down there though.


    ¡°Fine! I-¡± She was cut off by a splash, as Sarabi jumped into the water.


    ¡°Lead me there,¡± the Lioness stated. ¡°I''ll get him out.¡±


    Moyo looked between her and the Hippos, before nodding, taking the Lions hand, Sarabi taking a deep breath as they submerged.


    Moyo led her right to the Baobab, leaving her at the base as she went up to look at Poa again.


    He was no longer moving, but hadn''t gone limp. Moyo realized with a start that he''d given up.


    Looking up at the Otter... his glower slowly turned to a soft look of respect as he nodded to her.


    Moyo looked back at Sarabi, gesturing wildly.


    The Lioness looked up into the trunk, she might be able to pull him out but Moyo seemed panicked, and the Hippo wasn''t moving.


    She braced herself on the bottom of the lake, her feet sinking into the mud, grabbing either side of the hole Poa had busted through, and began to pull. Her muscles straining as she did.


    Moyo looked at her in confusion for a second, before she heard a creaking, squealing, cracking coming from the tree. A long crack going from the large hole at its base to the one at the top as, veins popping on her neck, Sarabi pulled the tree apart with a mighty roar.


    Moyo rushed into the mess of splintering wood, swimming under Poa¡¯s shoulder and kicking with all her might.


    Sarabi pushed up off the lake bed... or tried. Looking down, she was ankle deep in the mud, and couldn''t seem to pull herself free.


    Panicked, her lungs burning, she watched as Moyo and Poa¡¯s silhouettes shrank as they neared the surface.


    Mrembo paced back and forth on the shore. This was taking too long. In reality it had only been a minute, but it felt like an eternity.


    ¡°There!¡± One of the Hippos pointed as Moyo and Poa broke the surface. A few of them rushing forward to help the prone Bull and exhausted Otter to the shore.


    But no Lioness appeared.


    ¡°Moyo! Where''s Sarabi?¡± Mrembo asked, panic rising in her voice.


    Moyo looked back at the lake. ¡°She was right behind us...¡± she moved to dive back in, but stumbled. ¡°Come on, Spirts be damned,¡± she panted, trying to drag herself back into the water.


    ¡°Save your strength,¡± Kuuma said, before diving in with a splash.


    The next few seconds were probably some of the longest of Mrembo¡¯s life. But soon, the Crocodile reappeared, a soaked, limp Lioness in her arms.


    ¡°Sarabi!¡± Moyo and Mrembo both rushed to her as Kuuma placed her down on the shore. The Cheetah arriving first and kneeling beside her.


    It didn''t look like she was breathing. ¡°No... nononono.¡± This couldn''t be happening.


    Moyo stumbled over, putting an ear to Sarabi¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Mrembo!¡± She called, getting the Cheetah''s attention. ¡°Put your hands on her chest and start pushing.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Mrembo looked at her in confusion.


    ¡°If you want yer friend to live then do what I say!¡± Moyo shouted.


    The Cheetah didn''t question that, putting her hands on Sarabi''s chest and pushing down.


    ¡°Just keep doing that... come on gal, don''t give up on us,¡± Moyo whispered to Sarabi, before leaning down and locking lips with the Lioness, breathing into her.


    Sarabi''s eyes fluttered open, the Lioness sitting up with a start as she coughed up water.


    ¡°Wh-what the-¡± she stammered.


    ¡°Sarabi!¡± Moyo cheered, jumping and wrapping her arms around her shoulders. ¡°Ah''m so sorry!¡±


    ¡°Gah! Wh-what''re you-hey!¡± She cried out as Mrembo likewise wrapped her arms around her.


    ¡°I''m glad you''re okay,¡± the Cheetah said quietly.


    Sarabi hesitated a moment before returning the hug to both of them.


    ¡°Careful Mrembo,¡± she whispered back. ¡°You''re dangerously close to saying you care about me.¡±


    Mrmebo chuckled. Hearing that... it didn''t hurt this time. Both Cats knowing there was at least some honesty to the statement.


    ¡°Uh... gals,¡± Moyo squeaked. ¡°Do... you mind?¡± The Otter was squished between the two larger Cats.


    They looked at each other for a moment, before laughing as they broke the hug.


    ¡°I''m glad you''re alright too,¡± Mrembo said, ruffling the Otters hair.


    ¡°Same,¡± Sarabi added.


    Moyo smiled at the pair, before turning and sighing. ¡°Looks like this ain''t over yet,¡± she said, Mrembo and Sarabi turning to see several Hippos approaching, along with Poa.


    ¡°Moyo,¡± the Bull Hippo said, looking down at the Otter as she got to her feet. Mrembo and Sarabi on either side of her.


    ¡°Poa,¡± she replied. ¡°You done with all this foolishness?¡±


    Poa sighed, before dropping to a knee, the other Hippos following suit. ¡°You have bested me in the right to rule, and spared my life... the pod and the lake are yours.¡±


    Moyo¡¯s mouth fel agape. ¡°You serious right now?¡± She asked, looking to him and the other Hippos. All of them looking at her deferentially.


    ¡°Though I have lost, and acted with shame... I would beseech you to allow me to remain a member of your pod, at least until my calves are grown,¡± he continued.


    ¡°... you really are serious,¡± she realized. ¡°I uh... well, shoot. Yeah, you can stay. Ah didn''t do all of this just to start kicking folks out.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Poa said with a nod. ¡°If I have your permission, I shall gather the others and inform them of what has transpired.¡±


    ¡°Uh... yeah, of course, permission granted,¡± she nodded. Poa nodding back as he turned and headed back towards the rest of the pod.


    The other Hippos stayed though, still kneeling in front of the Otter.


    ¡°... ya''ll can get up,¡± Moyo said. ¡°If''n yer gonna be part of my raft, ya gotta learn that that ain''t how we do things.¡±


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am,¡± they nodded and stood up.


    Moyo sighed, looking around, she saw the Crocodiles had all gathered and were discussing something.


    ¡°So... this means I have authority to make decisions right? And you lot''ll respect ¡®em?¡± Moyo asked.


    ¡°Of course,¡± one of the other Bulls said with a nod. ¡°The pod-er, raft of Moyo will follow your every word.¡±


    ¡°Great... hey Kuuma! Ya got a sec?¡± Moyo called, the Hippos following her as she walked towards the Crocodiles.


    ¡°Did an Otter just become leader of a bunch of Hippos?¡± Sarabi asked, still shocked.


    ¡°Apparently,¡± Mrembo replied. ¡°And I think she''s gonna invite the Crocs to stay.¡±


    She looked at Sarabi and smiled. They¡¯d... probably need to talk later. But for now...


    ¡°Come on, let''s make sure she doesn''t get eaten,¡± the Cheetah said.


    ¡°So, I know ya''ll ain''t really a group,¡± Moyo said as she addressed Kuuma. ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°Actually,¡± Kuuma interrupted. ¡°With everything that''s happened, we''ve decided to form a float, for as long as we''re living at this lake.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Alright,¡± Moyo nodded. ¡°Do ya''ll need to have a challenge of your own or...?¡±


    ¡°Normally yes,¡± Kuuma said. ¡°Though... we decided to forgo it this time, as it was obvious to all who our leader should be.¡±


    ¡°Heh, yeah that tracks,¡± Moyo chuckled. ¡°So Kuuma, ah wanted to-ah cripes.¡±


    She watched as the Crocodiles all kneeled before her.


    ¡°... seriously?¡± The Otter asked in shock.


    ¡°Seriously,¡± Kuuma smirked. ¡°You led us to a new home, saved our eggs, fed us, and stood your ground against a Hippo on our behalf. Even I cannot compete with you.¡±


    ¡°Well... shoot,¡± she turned back to the Hippos. ¡°Is this gonna be a problem?¡±


    They hesitated for a moment. ¡°Not if you say it isn''t.¡±


    ¡°Some of the pod might disagree, but you''re our leader, if you decide that we''re all one raft now... we will follow,¡± another nodded.


    ¡°As will we,¡± Kuuma nodded. ¡°So long as you prove yourself worthy to lead.¡±


    ¡°Well ah''ll certainly do my best,¡± Moyo said, rubbing the back of her head. ¡°... seems like ah''m on a roll so... might as well give this a shot.¡±


    She rushed back to the waters edge, where several of the Tigerfish were still watching.


    ¡°So... do ya''ll get what''s going on?¡± Moyo asked, addressing them generally.


    ¡°You all form school,¡± one spoke.


    ¡°You control lake,¡± another added, looking between the Otter, the Hippos, and the Crocs.


    ¡°Something like that,¡± Moyo said, still a little unclear herself. ¡°I''m making an official offer to all of you, you can stay here, call this lake home, so long as you remain friendly with everyone else living here.¡±


    The Tigerfish looked between each other, muttering and mumbling amongst themselves.


    ¡°We would... join your school?¡± One of them asked.


    ¡°Ah mean, it don''t need to be anything official like that,¡± Moyo said, rubbing the back of her head. ¡°Just so long as you agree to keep the peace, talk with us about any problems ya''ll have, be a part of the community.¡±


    ¡°We will join your school,¡± several of them said at once. With others joining in after the fact.


    What followed was... several very hectic hours for the young Otter. As her ¡®rule¡¯ was effectively cemented. The rest of the Hippos and Otters were informed by Poa and Moyo, the latter, especially Laini, looking extremely shocked that Moyo had actually pulled this off.


    The remaining Tigerfish were organized into the school, and the odds and ends of the Bullfrogs, Flamingos and the like were told they were free to stay, without joining Moyo''s raft, so long as they agreed to act peacefully with everyone else.


    Plans and rules were made as far as fishing and hunting were concerned, and near the end of the day, as everyone gathered near the shore where they''d been arguing just a day earlier. The lake was given an official name.


    Ziwa la Amani.


    The Lake of Peace.


    ¡°Personally, I think it''s a little on the nose,¡± Mrembo said, cooking some fish, as well as a few crabs.


    ¡°Pfff, shut up,¡± Moyo laughed, shoving the Cheetah playfully.


    Right now, it was just Sarabi, Mrembo, and Moyo around a small fire. The new ¡®Queen¡¯ as Sarbai had taken to calling her, taking a moment to relax with her friends.


    ¡°Ya know this wouldn''t have happened if ya''ll hadn''t shown up,¡± Moyo said. ¡°Ah was pretty close to giving up there for a minute, but...¡±


    ¡°Don''t give us too much credit,¡± Sarabi said. ¡°It was your dream to make this happen, we just helped give it a little push.¡±


    ¡°Still, I appreciate it a lot, and ah swear, first thing tomorrow I''m gonna get everyone together and figure out who knows how to get you home.¡±


    ¡°Thanks Moyo,¡± Sarabi said, passing out the fish as it finished cooking. ¡°To Queen Moyo, long may she reign.¡±


    ¡°Here here!¡± Mrembo cheered.


    ¡°Please don''t go spreading that around,¡± Moyo groaned. ¡°Ah don''t wanna be Queen, ah just wanna be Moyo.¡±


    ¡°Moyo could still be a queen,¡± Sarabi pointed out. ¡°But alright, we''ll stop.¡±


    Moyo smiled, and the Otter began talking about her plans for the future of her new, greatly expanded raft.


    Eventually, she excused herself, heading back into the water to meet up with the rest of the Otters. She''d been... kinda neglecting them the past few days, she needed to apologize and make sure everything was alright.


    That left the Cats once again alone by the fire.


    The silence was... awkward.


    ¡°So... about earlier,¡± Mrembo began.


    ¡°You don''t have to say anything,¡± Sarabi interrupted. ¡°I know it was stupid to risk my life like that, especially when we''re supposed to be working together.¡±


    ¡°... Do you really think that''s what I was going to say?¡± Mrembo asked sadly.


    ¡°Maybe... maybe it''s just what I wanted it to be about,¡± the Lioness admitted. ¡°I... don''t want to complicate things.¡±


    ¡°Bit late for that,¡± Mrembo said with a sigh. ¡°Sarabi I... I was scared I''d lost you. Not that I''d lost my protection. That I''d lost you.¡±


    ¡°... I didn''t want that to be the last time I saw you,¡± Sarabi admitted. ¡°And when I saw your face when I woke up... I was so relieved.¡±


    The two looked at each other, neither sure what to say.


    ¡°I''m no good at this... I''ve never spent this much time with someone other than my family,¡± Mrembo admitted. ¡°But... friends?¡±


    Sarabi smiled. ¡°Yeah, friends,¡± she said, leaning in and hugging the Cheetah.


    ¡°Oh! Uh...¡± Mrembo slowly returned the hug. Before, when she thought Sarabi had died, it''d just been a reflex, following Moyo¡¯s lead. This was much more intentional in a way Mrembo was unfamiliar with.


    She didn''t hate it though.


    Sarabi broke the hug after a moment, looking away shyly. ¡°Why don''t I take first watch tonight?¡± Sarabi offered. ¡°You did all the cooking after all.¡±


    ¡°I always do the cooking,¡± she deadpanned. ¡°You almost died.¡±


    ¡°... please don''t remind me,¡± Sarabi whispered. ¡°I get why you''re afraid of the water now.¡±


    This time it was Mrembo who initiated the hug. Wrapping her arms around the Lioness from behind. ¡°It''s alright,¡± Mrembo assured her. ¡°We''ll be more careful, look after each other... friends.¡±


    ¡°Friends,¡± Sarabi repeated, putting her hand over one of Mrembo''s. ¡°Thanks Mrembo.¡±


    ¡°Anytime Sarabi,¡± Mrembo assured her. ¡°Get some rest, I''ll wake you in a bit.¡±


    Sarabi nodded and lay her head down. Mrembo watching as her breathing slowed.


    Things were going to be different now. She could feel it. She just wished she knew what that meant.

 Chapter 3

    Despite Moyo''s best attempts, no one had any idea how to get the Cats home.


    Several days passed as they slowly exhausted every possible lead in between mediating disagreements and beginning projects.


    The only bright side was that Moyo at least had ideas they could help with to keep them distracted.


    ¡°Hrrrraaaah!¡± Sarabi huffed as she tossed another massive log onto the pile.


    The current of which was trying to clear the debris from the lake. ¡°Think that''s the last of them,¡± one of the Hippos who''d been helping her said. ¡°The rest are still too firmly planted.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Sarabi said, wiping her hands together. ¡°Guess I''ll go see what Mrembo¡¯s up to.¡±


    Heading off, the Lioness sighed. She was happy to help out but... she didn''t know what to do with herself here. Everything felt like it was just a distraction.


    She came across the Cheetah after a short walk, finding her sitting by the edge of the lake. ¡°Don''t tell me I''ve been hucking logs while you''ve been doing nothing,¡± Sarabi said, putting a hand on her hips.


    ¡°Heh, good to see you too,¡± the Cheetah said. ¡°Just taking a break, Moyo had me scouting out the surrounding area.¡±


    ¡°Ah... anything noteworthy?¡± Sarabi asked, sitting down next to Mrembo.


    ¡°A few landmarks... nothing that points to home,¡± Mrembo knew what she was looking for.


    Sarabi just sighed again, pulling her knees to her chest. ¡°Why would Ma Tembo send us here if there¡¯s no way home?¡±


    ¡°Maybe we just need to wait a bit,¡± Mrembo offered. ¡°Other people might show up when they hear about this place... and besides, it¡¯s not so bad here,¡± she looked out over the lake. ¡°If we are stuck... there are worse places we could have ended up.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you want to stay here?¡± Sarabi asked, looking at the Cheetah incredulously.


    ¡°I¡¯m just saying if we don¡¯t have any leads... I don¡¯t know, just forget I said anything,¡± Mrembo said, looking away from the Lioness. She¡¯d been thinking about it over the past few days and... she didn¡¯t really have a reason to keep traveling.


    What was she going back to? A territory that was no longer hers? The hope that Sarabi¡¯s pride might be grateful enough not to kick her out?


    No, she didn¡¯t have a reason to go back... except for Sarabi. Despite it all, she didn¡¯t want to abandon the Lioness.


    That had probably been the biggest change these past few days, as both of the Cats realized that what had once been a bond born only out of convenience had turned into something stronger.


    Mrembo didn''t know the first thing about being friends with someone, but she was pretty sure leaving her to fend for herself in the wilderness wasn''t it.


    ¡°Come on, maybe Moyo has something for us,¡± Sarabi said, getting up and heading around the lake to where the Otter had set up.


    ¡°Hiya gals!¡± Moyo said, greeting the two Cats with a wave. ¡°How''s it goin?¡±


    ¡°Well I got all the logs out,¡± Sarabi said.


    ¡°Great! That''ll make the lake safer, and we''ve got some buildin materials,¡± Moyo said excitedly.


    ¡°You''re going to build something?¡± Mrembo asked in confusion. People didn''t really build things on the savannah. It just wasn''t done.


    ¡°Well, why not?¡± Moyo asked. ¡°S''just like a camp, only more permanent. I''ve got a few ideas, specially if''n we can get started before the dry season hits.¡±


    ¡°Heh, you never do things halfway, do ya?¡± Sarabi asked with a smirk.


    ¡°Nope!¡± Moyo cheered. ¡°Speaking of, I asked Laini to head down river ¡®n ask some folks about directions.¡±


    He was also letting them know about the existence of the lake, a bit risky, especially if another pod or float decided they wanted it, but she''d sent Kuuma with him to keep him safe.


    ¡°Thanks Moyo, we really appreciate you helping us get home,¡± Sarabi smiled, though Moyo could see Mrembo looked much less excited at the prospect.


    ¡°Yeah well... you''re both welcome to stay as long as you need,¡± Moyo assured them.


    ¡°Moyo!¡±


    ¡°Gah!¡± The Otter jumped as one of the Tigerfish popped up behind them. ¡°I told ya''ll ya don''t need to yell.¡± Honestly she was still figuring the Tigerfish out.


    ¡°Sorry, sound not travel good through air,¡± the Tigerfish apologized. ¡°You asked that we tell you if we find anything interesting on lakebed.¡±


    ¡°Oh? What''d ya''ll find?¡± Moyo asked. Mostly she wanted to make sure there were no underwater caves or anything else potentially dangerous.


    ¡°Something moving, not sure what,¡± the Tigerfish explained. ¡°Normally we eat but school leader gets say.¡±


    She was still having some misgivings about having been made the leader of so many different groups, but she had to admit, the pros far outweighed the cons.


    ¡°Yeah no, don''t eat it, least til ah take a look at it... can ya''ll bring it to me?¡± She asked.


    The Tigerfish nodded and dove back underwater. A group of them surfacing a few minutes later with a large... something.


    It was a large, oblong shape, it looked almost like it was made of mud but it had a sheen to it and it looked... softer? More fleshy?


    ¡°What in the...¡± Mrembo muttered.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Moyo agreed, tapping it lightly. It had a lot of give, and to her surprise, something inside pushed back. It was a thin, hollow, fleshy shell.


    ¡°This is creeping me out,¡± Sarabi said, growling as the object continued to move. ¡°Moyo?¡±


    The Otter considered her options for a second. ¡°Can one of ya''ll cut it open?¡± She asked, more curious than worried.


    ¡°You need to learn self preservation,¡± Sarabi deadpanned as Mrembo stepped forward. ¡°Wh-Mrembo!¡±


    ¡°Oh it''ll be fine,¡± the Cheetah rolled her eyes, holding out a claw as she approached. ¡°Whatever this is, I doubt it''s a threat to us.¡±


    She eyed the object for a moment, then pressed her claw to the top and dragged along the length of it.


    There was a gasp from within, and Mrembo jumped back as a hand reached up through the slit.


    It was brownish-grey, with four long fingers.


    ¡°Yeah, sure,¡± Sarabi said, stepping in front of Mrembo and Moyo just in case.


    Another hand joined the other, grasping at the cut and grabbing either side, tearing away the soft cocoon.


    Water spilled out, or maybe it was some kind of slime? ... mucus? Either way the three of them stepped back as a being pulled itself free of the cocoon.


    It was by far the weirdest looking creature any of them had seen. It had a long, eel-like body, covered in brownish-grey scales. Much like a Snake it had arms but no legs, though it did have four... whiskers? Tentacles? Some kind of long, whip-like growths coming out the side of its body. Two just above the arms, another two further down where legs would have been. Its face was sort of like a muzzle, and it had two tiny black eyes. It coughed, hacking up more of the mucus as the cocoon deflated behind it.


    ¡°Oooh... by the will of the Spirits that was a long one,¡± the creature spoke, stretching and curling its long body.


    ¡°It talks,¡± Mrembo muttered in shock.


    ¡°It can also hear you,¡± the creature scoffed. Its voice sounded like an old mans. ¡°Honestly, have some respect.¡±


    ¡°Sorry uh... sir,¡± Moyo said, taking a step forward. ¡°She, well, we just ain''t never seen anyone like you before.¡±


    ¡°Hmm...¡± he leaned forward a bit, the tendrils above his arms waving slightly. ¡°No, I suppose you wouldn''t have, especially the land dwellers.¡±


    Sarabi noticed his eyes didn''t seem to move, in fact they looked clouded over.


    ¡°What are you? If''n ya don''t mind me askin,¡± Moyo continued.


    ¡°Are you... blind?¡± Sarabi asked.


    ¡°That''s two very personal questions young ladies,¡± he huffed. ¡°I''m a Lungfish, and while my eyes may not work, I am not without sight... now, I''ve been asleep for a very long time. Does this lake belong to anyone?¡±


    ¡°Uh... me, ah guess,¡± Moyo admitted, rubbing the back of her head. ¡°Welcome to Ziwa la Amani.¡±


    ¡°The lake of peace... aaaah, I see,¡± he nodded, his tendrils waving again. ¡°You''ve done a great and unexpected thing little Heart.¡±


    ¡°I... thank you?¡± She said, a little shocked.


    ¡°... how do you know her name?¡± Mrembo asked, realizing no one had introduced themselves yet.


    He chuckled. ¡°I know a great many things Beauty... tell Mirage she need not worry, I mean you no harm,¡± he bowed his head. ¡°Moja Kina, Seer of the deep, at your service.¡±


    ¡°By the Spirits,¡± Moyo gasped.


    ¡°Wait... you''re the one Ma Tembo meant for us to find!¡± Sarabi realized.


    ¡°Well, I guess his voice would have been silenced if the Tigerfish ate him,¡± Mrembo muttered.


    Ignoring them, he slithered forward and put a hand on Moyo¡¯s shoulder. ¡°We have much to discuss, young Otter... but first, I believe there are some promises that must be kept.¡±


    He turned to the Cats. ¡°Two souls, adrift in the waters of uncertainty, disparate on the surface but a mirrored reflection deep down,¡± he spoke, putting a hand on either of their shoulders. His skin was cold and clammy. ¡°The river can lead you no further I''m afraid. But home is closer than you think, though you will not realize it until your journey is nearing an end.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Sarabi asked, how could her home be nearby? There was no way they were anywhere near her pride''s territory.


    ¡°Travel west with the setting sun, away from the river and the mountain,¡± he continued. ¡°Walk until something stops your journey, and the one to whom you return a piece of themselves will point you in the right direction.¡±


    ¡°... are Seers required to speak in riddles?¡± Mrembo deadpanned.


    The Lungfish chuckled, then turned back to Moyo. ¡°Come find me once you''re done, as I said, we have much to discuss.¡±


    With that, he slithered back into the lake, disappearing under the surface and leaving the trio alone.


    ¡°Looks like you''ve got a Seer now,¡± Sarabi smirked, crossing her arms. ¡°Congrats your majesty.¡±


    ¡°You said you''d stop saying that,¡± the Otter groaned. Both excited and nervous at the prospect. ¡°... ah guess this means yer leavin, huh?¡±


    ¡°We have to keep going,¡± Sarabi said with a nod.


    Mrembo remained quiet. Something Moyo couldn''t help but notice.


    ¡°Well... I''m not gonna stop ya, even if I am gonna miss ya,¡± she said, running forward and hugging both of them around the legs. ¡°Take care you two, and look after each other, alright?¡±


    ¡°We will,¡± Sarabi assured her, patting her on the back before turning to Mrembo with a smile. ¡°After all, what''re friends for?¡±


    The Cheetah couldn''t help but smile at that. She might not have a reason to go back but... she had a reason to keep going.


    ¡°Heh, I knew you two were friends,¡± Moyo said with a grin as she broke the hug.


    ¡°Yes, yes, you were right about everything,¡± Mrembo chuckled. ¡°You take care of yourself alright? And don''t let anyone push you around or doubt you.¡±


    ¡°Don''t you worry ¡®bout me,¡± Moyo said with a smirk. ¡°We''re all gonna be just fine now.¡±


    Moyo insisted on filling a few baskets of fish for the Cats to take with them, and, less than an hour later, they had crossed the river with some help from the Hippos and were on their way west.


    ¡°Not to sound ungrateful, but I¡¯m getting a little tired of fish,¡± Sarabi said, looking at the baskets they were carrying.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not hunting until we run out of food,¡± Mrembo replied. Well... it might be a good idea to grab something and dry out the meat. In case they ended up somewhere with less food. Which, given they were leaving the vicinity of the river, was more likely to happen. ¡°... maybe if I see some easy prey.¡±


    ¡°Someday you¡¯re going to have to teach me how you tell,¡± Sarabi said. ¡°If nothing else, maybe knowing what to go after will help.¡±


    ¡°I guess I could give you a few pointers,¡± Mrembo said. At this point, she didn¡¯t think the Lioness would run off on her.


    ¡°I¡¯d appreciate that,¡± Sarabi said with a smile, turning to look ahead. ¡°So... into the unknown huh?¡± She chuckled, nervously.


    ¡°All of this has been unknown, we¡¯ll just be without the river to follow,¡± she looked over at the Lioness, and Sarabi felt Mrembo¡¯s hand grasp hers. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, alright? We¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    The Lioness smiled back. ¡°Thanks Mrembo... come on,¡± she said, pulling away from the Cheetah and pushing ahead. ¡°We go until something stops us.¡±


    ¡°Right... whatever that means,¡± the Cheetah rolled her eyes, following behind the Lioness.


    ~~~


    ¡°Alright so what do you see?¡± Mrembo asked, looking ahead as she and Sarabi crouched low in the tall grass. Ahead of them were a herd of gazelle.


    ¡°A lot of antelope,¡± Sarabi whispered back. ¡°Look I know how to hunt, it''s just the alone part that gets me.¡±


    Mrembo sighed. They''d been traveling for another five days so far and were taking a small break. So they were taking that time to try and teach Sarabi how to hunt on her own.


    ¡°Alright, why don''t you take a shot at it and let me see what we''re working with,¡± the Cheetah suggested.


    Sarabi nodded and crept forward.


    So far so good, she was quiet, going after one on the outskirts of the herd. But then it all went wrong as the Lioness rushed forward way too early.


    Mrembo might¡¯ve been able to cover that distance, if she couldn''t get any closer or if she made a mistake. But the Lioness was easily outpaced by the speedy gazelle.


    ¡°Grrrr...¡± Sarabi growled, stomping back towards Mrembo. ¡°These things are too fast. I need something slower, like a zebra.¡±


    ¡°I don''t think the type of prey is the issue,¡± Mrembo sighed. ¡°You pounced way too early.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? I was close,¡± Sarabi replied, trying her best not to sound offended at the criticism.


    ¡°Yes but not close enough,¡± Mrembo shook her head. ¡°You said before your problem is patience, so I assume this is the issue, what was going through your head when you made your move?¡±


    ¡°Just thinking that if I got any closer it¡¯d hear me and run anyway,¡± Sarabi explained. ¡°So I figured it was better to get a jump on it.¡±


    Mrembo crossed her arms. She¡¯d never taught anyone before and it¡¯d been years since she¡¯d had lessons. ¡°You need to get closer when you¡¯re on your own, the most important thing is making sure you can make it to the prey before it outpaces you,¡± she explained.


    ¡°But it''s gonna hear me if I get that close,¡± Sarabi huffed. ¡°I''m not as stealthy as you.¡±


    ¡°You''re plenty stealthy,¡± Mrembo said, putting a hand on her shoulder. ¡°I think your issue might just be a lack of confidence... as crazy as that is to say given everything about you.¡±


    ¡°Heeeey,¡± Sarabi''s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°What I mean is, despite acting like nothing bothers you, you clearly have some issues when it comes to hunting alone,¡± Mrembo explained.


    Sarabi glared for a moment before sighing. ¡°It''s not... the most important thing in the pride, but it''s a way to prove you can contribute more than you take. And every time I get the chance to try... I choke and I blow it. I get too angry or too anxious, give myself away or move too quickly... I''m afraid the others are going to start thinking I''m a burden.¡±


    ¡°Well... I don''t think you''re a burden, for what it counts,¡± Mrembo replied. ¡°Come on, we''ll find something else to practice on. This time I just want you to get as close as you can. No pouncing, just keep quiet and see how close you can get, think you can do that?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I can do that,¡± Sarabi said with a nod.


    ¡°Good, now come on, daylight''s wasting,¡± Mrembo said with a smile, turning and leading the Lioness towards their next target.


    ~~~


    Over the next few days, Sarabi continued to practice under Mrembo''s guidance. She was getting better at not jumping too quickly, which was her main issue, and Mrembo even taught her some breathing exercises to help with her anger. Something her mother had taught her and her siblings to help when it came to running.


    ¡°Soon you''re going to be hunting all on your own,¡± the Cheetah had half teased half commended after Sarabi''s latest success, getting close enough to an impala to pull some hairs from its tail.


    Sarabi had gotten a look in her eye, one of brazen confidence. And when Mrembo woke up the next morning... she was gone.


    ¡°Sarabi?¡± The Cheetah called out groggily, sitting up and rubbing the sleep from her eyes. They''d had to camp out on the open savannah last night, so it was easy to look around and... she was nowhere in sight.


    ¡°Sarabi?¡± Mrembo called again. Still no response came. Had she... left?


    ... oh.


    ¡°Oh,¡± Mrembo said sadly, her ears falling flat. Of course she''d left. The Lioness could hunt on her own now... she had no need for the Cheetah anymore.


    Mrembo pulled her knees to her chest. She was used to being alone. It was how she''d spent almost every day since her mother had left her. But... she scoffed.


    ¡°Did you really think it would be different?¡± She scolded herself. ¡°You''re better on your own anyway... no one to let you down.¡±


    Even as she did her best to convince herself of that, she felt tears stinging her eyes. Had it all been a lie? Just some act the Lioness had put on? Sure they hadn''t been best friends or anything but... they had been friends, right?


    ¡°Don''t cry,¡± she huffed, wiping her eyes again. ¡°You''re a Cheetah. Cheetah''s don''t cry.¡±


    She sighed, pushing herself to her feet. No use in sticking around here, she supposed, looking back the way they came... maybe she should just head back to Moyo.


    She stopped. Was she really just going to leave? What if Sarabi hadn''t abandoned her? What if she was in trouble?


    Pacing the camp, she found the Lionesses footprints and, taking a deep breath, she followed them.


    Part of her didn''t want to believe that Sarabi would just abandon her like that, even if the more skeptical part of her told her it was exactly what a Lion would do.


    She walked for a while until she saw something approaching her. Or someone, seeing as it walked on two legs. But it was weird looking, way wider at the shoulders than it should have been.


    And as it got closer, she heard a familiar, and annoyed sounding, voice.


    ¡°Stupid... heavy... ugh, really should''a thought this through,¡± Sarabi muttered, not having noticed the Cheetah yet.


    Walking forward, she saw the Lioness struggling with a zebra slung over her shoulders.


    ¡°... need some help?¡± Mrembo asked, not believing what she was seeing for a second.


    ¡°Gah!¡± Sarabi dropped the zebra, looking up at the Cheetah, Mrembo saw her face was covered with blood. ¡°What the... dammit! You ruined the surprise.¡± The Lioness huffed.


    ¡°Surprise?¡± Mrembo asked, looking between Sarabi and the zebra.


    ¡°I... wanted to show you that your training paid off,¡± Sarabi muttered. ¡°And... ya know, as a way to say thanks for everyth-¡±


    She was cut off as the Cheetah rushed forward and wrapped her arms around the Lioness. Relief washing over her... and guilt. Sarabi had tried to do something nice for her and she''d immediately thought she''d abandoned her. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°That''s very sweet of you Sarabi,¡± Mrembo said, looking up at her with a smile.


    The Lioness just rubbed the back of her head, before returning the hug. ¡°I just... wanted to let you know how much I appreciate everything... really.¡±


    Mrembo chuckled. ¡°Well... I appreciate it, now let me help you carry it back. Honestly you''re gonna pull something one of these days.¡±


    ¡°Pfff, this is nothing, did you see some of those trees I was hucking back at the lake?¡± Sarabi smirked, the pair grabbing either end of the carcass as they lugged it back to camp.


    ¡°You know we''re not going to be able to eat all of this,¡± Mrembo pointed out.


    ¡°Hey, you''re always talking about wanting to save some leftovers,¡± Sarabi replied. ¡°I figure we eat our fill and dry out as much as we can carry.¡±


    ¡°Heh, look at you, planning ahead,¡± Mrembo chuckled. ¡°Keep this up and you''re not gonna need me around anymore.¡±


    ¡°Don''t say stuff like that,¡± Sarabi said, stopping and staring at the Cheetah. ¡°Just cause I can hunt on my own doesn''t mean I don''t need your help... and regardless, it doesn''t mean I don''t want you around.¡±


    ¡°Sarabi...¡± Mrembo stared back at her for a second, not sure what to say. ¡°Sorry,¡± She said after a long moment. ¡°I''m sorry, I just... let''s just get back to camp.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, okay,¡± Sarabi said with a nod. She wasn''t sure what had gotten into the Cheetah but... well, maybe some food would help.


    ~~~


    Breakfast was good, Mrembo having never had zebra before and Sarabi not having had it for months. But it was still awkward.


    Sarabi wasn''t sure why Mrembo was being so quiet or dodgy.


    The Cheetah, meanwhile, couldn''t get over her guilt. While Sarabi went about cutting up and preparing the remainder of the meat, or at least as much as they could carry, Mrembo offered to scout ahead. Their only direction still being ¡®west¡¯.


    She did like to have some idea of what was ahead of them, and going for a run would hopefully help her clear her head.


    ¡®Some friend you are,¡¯ a voice mocked in the back of her mind. ¡®She tries to do something nice for you and you think she abandoned you?¡¯


    ¡°I just made a mistake,¡± Sarabi muttered to herself. The savannah rushed by her as she felt the wind running through her fur.


    She didn''t know why her first thought had been that Sarabi had abandoned her. There''d been plenty of other options. But that had been the first one to jump to her mind.


    Maybe she was just so used to being on her own. It''d been years since she''d split ways with her mother and siblings, and her interactions with others in all that time... Sarabi was far and away the most, and the most positive.


    Stopping as she came to a small grove of... what the hell were these?


    She''d never seen trees like these. They were bigger than Acacia trees but unlike Baobabs they had a wide leafy canopy. The oddest thing about them was the... fruit? That hung from the branches was grayish-brown and oblong in shape, and they were all hanging from vines, some of the fruit were nearly as long as her arm.


    ¡°Strange...¡± she sniffed the air, her brow furrowing. And they smelled like... mice??


    Moving slowly through the grove, she kept a lookout for anything, or anyone, that might live here. ¡°Hello?¡± She called out, hearing and seeing nothing. ¡°I''m not here to hurt anyone, my friend and I will just be passing through later...¡±


    No response. Well, if anyone lived here, hopefully they''d stay as scarce when she and Sarabi passed through later today.


    But as she turned, she did see one sign of habitation. There was a pile of the odd fruit, resting on the ground just to her right, between a couple of trees.


    Weird place to keep food.


    Approaching slowly, she kept her eyes up for any movement in the trees... then heard a crack beneath her.


    She jumped as she felt the ground give out under her, scrambling forward as a thin layer of leaves and sticks collapsed into a sharp, spike filled pit.


    She barely managed to grasp onto the edge of the pit, claws digging into the dirt as the trees erupted around here.


    Jumping down, hooting and screeching, were a collection of... well, they looked like Mandrills. But their fur was black, and their faces were all plain. Much like Mandrills, it''d be difficult to tell them from whatever their cousins were, were it not for the leather clothing they wore... though unnervingly, several of them were wearing pelts from which the fur had not been removed, letting anyone who saw them know just what creatures they''d been taken from.


    Unlike the Mandrills Mrembo knew, these creatures wielded strange tools. Sticks that had been sharpened to a point, or branches shaped into clubs and covered with spikes.


    She knew Primates were good at making tools, but those looked a lot more dangerous than the knives and hammers she''d seen the Mandrills use.


    Still though, she had no reason to think they''d be anything more than a little pissed that she''d sprung their trap.


    ¡°Hey!¡± She shouted. Her call, and the realization she hadn''t fallen into the pit, putting a stop to their hollering. ¡°I don''t think I''m what you were looking for... a little help?¡±


    The Primates, whatever they were, looked at each other, and one stepped forward, a grin on his face. Alarmingly, this one was wearing a pelt that could only have come from a Lion.


    He reached a hand out, which Mrembo took, and as he squeezed her hand tightly... she realized too late that it was a predatory grin.


    He swung with the weapon in his other hand, a sharp pain shooting through Mrembo as the club connected with her skull. Feeling him pull her up out of the pit and throw her over his shoulder as darkness took her.


    ~~~


    ¡°Where the hell is she?¡± Sarabi asked with a huff as she stood up.


    Mrembo had been gone for a while, enough that the Lioness was starting to worry... especially with how she''d been acting this morning.


    Sarabi had thought the Cheetah would''ve been excited and happy for her. Instead she''d been acting cagey right up until she left.


    And now she wasn''t back from her scouting. She''d never been gone this long before.


    Sarabi couldn''t help but think about what had happened with the Leopards.


    ¡°Spirits be damned,¡± Sarabi groaned, unable to push that thought aside now that it was in her mind. ¡°I swear, if she¡¯s just off sulking, I¡¯m never doing the cooking again,¡± she muttered, having to leave most of the zebra leftovers behind as she headed in the direction she¡¯d seen the Cheetah heading in.


    Finding nothing for the longest time just made her more nervous. She knew that Mrembo wouldn''t just run off on her, but there was nothing out here to distract her.


    ¡°Come on Mrembo, where are you?¡± Sarabi muttered, picking up her pace as she ran across the savannah. She knew she was no match for the Cheetah in sheer speed, but she could still book it when she needed to.


    Soon, she spotted the first thing that broke up the monotony of the savannah. A grove of Sausage trees.


    She''d never seen them before, but one of the older Lionesses had told her and the other cubs about them, teaching them about plants with medicinal properties. And the fruits that hung from the branches were unmistakable.


    Making her way into the grove... something was off about this place. She was a Hunter, so she was used to things getting quiet whenever she passed by... but this place was deathly quiet.


    She kept quiet as she looked around, not seeing hide nor hair of the Cheetah. Then she heard voices.


    ¡°Why do we always have to reset the pit?¡± One griped.


    ¡°Stop whining and help me get this done,¡± another replied, Sarabi sneaking around and spying two Primates of some kind laying a framework of twigs over an open pit. ¡°The sooner we get this done the sooner we can get back.¡±


    What were they doing?


    ¡°You think the chief is gonna cut into it right away?¡± The first asked.


    ¡°You kidding? That thing barely had any meat on its bones,¡± the other scoffed. ¡°Sides, we''ve got a few others on the chopping block first.¡±


    ¡°Wonder who''ll get the pelt though, those spots would look pretty nice,¡± the first chuckled.


    Sarabi felt her blood begin to boil.


    ¡°Probably one of his...¡±


    The two turned as the Lion leapt from her cover, the Chimps screeching and trying to run, only for Sarabi to pin them both by their throat.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± She asked coldly, holding one down with each hand, claws distended.


    They both looked at each other, but neither of them spoke.


    She lifted them up and held them over the spike filled pit.


    ¡°Where is she!?!¡± The Lioness roared, baring her teeth.


    The first one shrieked, especially as he felt her claws digging into his flesh. ¡°W-we don''t-¡±


    ¡°Shush!¡± The second chided, glaring at the Lion. ¡°We don''t speak to prey.¡±


    Sarabi''s eyes went wide. To call a Hunter Prey was already offensive enough, but to refer to a person as prey...


    She dropped him.


    The other Chimp winced as a gurgled, choked cry came from the pit, he looked away... and right into the glaring eyes of the Lioness


    ¡°Choose your next words wisely... where is the Cheetah?¡±


    ~~~


    Mrembo''s head pulsed with pain as she came too, wincing and touching the side of her head.


    Pulling her hand back... it was wet with blood.


    That wasn''t a good sign.


    Woozily, she sat up, realizing she was in... what was this?


    In her life, she''d stayed within a hollow tree a few times, so she recognized it as something made of wood but... it clearly wasn''t natural.


    On three of the sides, as well as the top and bottom, were wooden panels, while the front was made of wooden bars, with just enough space for an arm to reach through.


    ¡°Where am I?¡± She wondered aloud, thinking back to the moments before she''d blacked out... before the Primate had knocked her out.


    Looking out between the bars, she saw a large area that had been clear cut of all foliage, save for a lone, bare Acacia tree. In which several of the Primates lounged, including the one who''d knocked her unconscious.


    The entire area was surrounded by a barrier of wooden logs, and there was a large fire pit with a spit roast over it.


    Seeing the one who assaulted her, Mrembo growled, grasping the bars. ¡°Hey! What''s the big idea here?!¡± She shouted, her sudden outburst causing something in the back of the cage to move.


    She spun around quickly, ready to strike. But instead of an enemy, she found herself staring into the terrified faces of a pair of Hyena pups.


    ¡°Oh! It''s alright,¡± Mrembo said, dropping her aggressive stance. ¡°I''m not going to hurt you...¡±


    They didn''t respond, but as Mrembo felt a shadow fall over her, the pups squeezed even further back against the back of the cage.


    Turning, Mrembo found herself face to face with one of the Primates, staring at her through the bars... and pointing one of the pointed sticks at her through them.


    ¡°Keep quiet prey,¡± he snarled. ¡°It''ll be your turn soon enough.¡±


    ¡°Exuse m-row!¡± She jumped back as he jabbed the spear at her, the Cheetah crouching low and growling.


    ¡°Heh, fuckin cats,¡± he chuckled as he walked off, feeling he''d gotten the point across.


    Mrembo didn''t move from her position as he left, not until a quiet voice spoke up from behind her.


    ¡°Th... they don''t like it when we talk,¡± one of the pups warned. Her voice barely whispered.


    ¡°I can see that,¡± Mrembo muttered quietly. ¡°What''s going on here?¡±


    The pups looked at each other as Mrembo sat back in the corner opposite them.


    ¡°My name''s Mrembo,¡± she introduced herself.


    ¡°I-I''m Wema,¡± the girl spoke. ¡°A-and this is Tunu.¡±


    The boy nodded, seemingly too afraid to bring himself to speak.


    ¡°Lovely to meet you both,¡± Mrembo smiled gently at them. ¡°Don''t worry, I''ve dealt with worse than this. And I''m sure my friend will be here any minute to rescue us.¡±


    Sarabi was never going to let her out of her sight after this.


    ¡°Th-they,¡± Wema sniffled. ¡°The Chimps. They''re doing things... w-we were out scavenging, with our mom and they jumped us...¡±


    Tunu started crying, covering his face with his arms.


    ¡°Hey, hey, it''s alright,¡± Mrembo assured them, moving closer to the pups. ¡°Sarabi will get us all out of here... where''s your mother?¡±


    Wema teared up as she hugged her brother.


    Oh... oh no.


    ¡°Oh Spirits, I... I''m so sorry,¡± Mrembo said. They had... but why would they leave the pups alive?


    Her attention was drawn away from the cubs by the sound of horrified bleating.


    Mrembo could see a few other cages from the limited view through her own. And she could see one of the Chimps pulling a young male Oryx from one, yanking him by the horns.


    Several of the other Chimps screeched and cheered. And as they pulled the Oryx towards the spit roast, Mrembo felt her blood run cold.


    ¡°No... by the Spirits please no,¡± she muttered, watching in horror as the Oryx was flung down onto a stone slab stained with blood.


    Two Chimps held him down as another approached with a sharpened blade of stone.


    ¡°No... no no no! Stop it!¡± Mrembo shouted, pulling at the bars of the cage. The pups whimpered behind her, but she had to do something!


    She caught the eye of the Chimp who''d knocked her out, the one wearing a lion''s pelt.


    He smirked, before turning to the others... and giving a thumbs down.


    Mrembo turned her eyes to the Oryx, just as he, in desperation, looked in her direction.


    The Cheetah''s emerald green eyes were the last thing he saw, the dagger drawing across his neck an instant later. Blood draining from him as life drained from his face.


    Mrembo''s breathing picked up, and her heart pounded as hard as it did when she pushed herself to her very limit.


    Slinking back against the back of the cage, she grabbed the pups, pulling them close and holding them tightly as they cried.


    ¡°It''s okay,¡± she said, her voice cold and emotionless as she stared ahead at the macabre scene. ¡°Sarabi is coming.¡±


    In his tree, the chief licked his lips.


    ~~~


    Sarabi glared ahead at the massive wooden camp the Chimp had led her to. According to him, Mrembo would be in there.


    She swore, after this, she was never letting that Cheetah out of her sight!


    ¡°Alright, how do I get in?¡± Sarabi asked, ducking back into the grass and looking at the Primate whom she still held by the wrist.


    He looked very nervous. ¡°Y-you don''t,¡± he replied. ¡°The only p-others who get brought in are ones brought by hunting parties.¡±


    She looked at it again. It was surrounded almost entirely by a fence made of sharpened logs that had been stuck into the ground. But there was an opening where the Chimps could come and go.


    This wasn''t going to be easy, but the sun was beginning its descent, and she had to hope Mrembo could hold out a little while longer.


    That just left one thing to deal with. ¡°So,¡± Sarabi said, glaring at her captive. ¡°You got me where I needed to go... but I can''t exactly just let you leave,¡± she said coldly.


    ¡°I-I swear I won''t tell anyone,¡± he begged. ¡°Just let me go and I''ll run the other way.¡±


    Sarabi glared at him, taking a deep breath before speaking. ¡°Growing up I was taught that you should only harm another if they mean you or the pride harm.¡±


    She let go of his wrist.


    The Chimp sighed in relief. She''d believed him! He could run off, go and-


    A clawed hand went to his throat, and a choked scream was caught there as he was shoved to the ground, the Lioness on top of him.


    ¡°Mrembo''s not in my pride... but she might as well be,¡± she glared coldly at him as she squeezed, feeling his windpipe collapse. ¡°I''m sorry, but I just can''t take the risk.¡±


    With one fluid motion, she lifted his neck and bit down. Everything about it was so familiar, the feeling of it breaking in her jaws, the snapping, cracking sound it made... the taste of blood.


    She dropped the now lifeless Primate and pulled back, spitting the blood from her mouth.


    She hoped the Spirits would forgive her for this. Though she had a feeling that these Primates had done far worse.


    ~~~


    Sitting back in the cage, the cubs at her side, Mrembo watched the Chimps work as the sun slowly began to set. As darkness set in, they began to light fires around the camp.


    More fires anyway, aside from the... she did her best not to look at the cooking fire.


    About an hour ago, they tossed some meat into the cage. But Mrembo had refused to touch it and, not wanting to leave her side, the pups hadn''t moved to grab it either. Though she could tell from the occasional rumble from their stomachs they were very hungry.


    She wondered how long they had been there... she wondered if they''d seen what had happened to their mother.


    Looking through the bars, she saw the... feast, was finally coming to an end.


    And she saw the one who had knocked her out. The Chief, she was pretty sure, approaching the cages.


    Approaching her cage.


    ¡°Stay behind me,¡± she said quietly, moving the pups behind her and sitting forward on the balls of her feet.


    He stopped at the bars of the cage and glared. ¡°You know, I really thought you''d be more grateful than those little runts.¡± He sighed, looking at the untouched meat.


    Mrembo just snarled at him. His accent was... strange. Like he hadn''t grown up on the savannah at all.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, cat got your tongue?¡± He asked with a smirk.


    ¡°I don''t talk to monsters,¡± Mrembo said defiantly.


    The Chimp slammed the top of the cage, making the pups flinch and whimper.


    ¡°It''s about time you all learned some damn respect,¡± he glared at the Cheetah. ¡°You know my parents were killed by things like you. Sure they didn''t talk, but you''re all the same. It was only because of some Outsiders I survived, not you animals.¡±


    Outsiders? She''d heard about them, beings from outside the savannah, who didn''t have cousins as far as they knew. Who didn''t have a natural place.


    That explained the accent. ¡°They gave me my name, and taught me how things should be,¡± he gloated.


    ¡°So what? Some hunter killed your family so you''ve got a vendetta?¡± Mrembo scoffed. ¡°Then why kill that Oryx?¡±


    ¡°Because if you''re going to be on top,¡± he said, standing to his full height. ¡°You can''t make exceptions, you''re all going to learn that your place is beneath us.¡±


    ¡°Someone will stop you,¡± Mrembo stated. ¡°Maybe not me, but someone.¡±


    ¡°Heh... foolish cat,¡± he smirked. ¡°Soon all shall learn to fear the name Caesar!¡±


    Suddenly a scream pierced the darkness, followed quickly by another.


    ¡°Caesar!¡± One of the lookouts shrieked. ¡°Something at the entrance! Eyes! Eyes in the dar-¡±


    They were cut off as the dead body of one of the guards was chucked at them, knocking them to the ground.


    That seemed like as good a signal as Mrembo was going to get.


    She''d checked the cage earlier, and it seemed like it opened from the top. So, once Caesar had spun around, beginning to shout orders, she fell back, aimed her feet upwards, and kicked as hard as she could.


    There was a cracking of wood, and the heavy wooden gate fell forward, flattening Caesar as it caught him off guard.


    ¡°Time to go kids,¡± Mrembo said, scooping up the pups before rushing out of the cage.


    ¡°Stop them!¡± Caesar shouted, pushing out from under the door to the cage.


    Many of the Chimps had already taken up arms, most moving towards the entrance to camp, but several were now looking in Mrembo¡¯s direction.


    Running to one of the nearby cages, one of the few that was still locked, she kicked the latch at the top, then jumped back with a yelp as a leopard pounced out.


    The cat snarled at her before turning to run, meeting the rushing Chimps with claws and teeth.


    Okay, maybe no more cages.


    Jumping out of the way of a spear thrown in her direction... she had to get the pups out of here.


    She ran towards the entrance, ducking and weaving between weapons. She was almost there when she felt a knife cut deep into her side. Wincing, she grit her teeth and pushed on.


    Stopping just outside the camp, she set the pups down. ¡°Go, hide, I''ll find you after.¡± She said, smiling at them as she cupped their cheeks.


    Wema nodded, taking her brother by the hand and rushing off into the grass.


    Mrembo turned in time to see another spear chucked in her direction.


    This one she caught midair. The tip inches from her face.


    She snapped it over her knee. Spinning the two halves in her hands as she rushed back into the camp. Towards the large throng of Chimps surrounding... well, she assumed it was Sarabi based on the roaring.


    The Lioness had missed the Cheetah in all the commotion, she was currently surrounded by Chimps on all sides.


    They had her outnumbered and surrounded... but they were still nervous. Even with spears. The last one that had tried to jab her had gotten yanked into her grasp and had his head slammed into her knee.


    They hadn¡¯t had time to check if he was still breathing or not after he''d dropped.


    ¡°What''re you waiting for?!¡± Caesar shouted, marching to join the fray after having finally dealt with the leopard.


    Urged on by their leader, one of the Chimps rushed forward, wielding a dagger. He got a slice on her upper arm, before the Lioness grabbed him and threw him.


    He not only impacted the fence with a loud crack, but the impact knocked one of the torches loose. The orange glow of fire beginning to grow as the dry, trampled grass around the fence caught fire.


    ¡°Raaah! Idiots!¡± Caesar shouted, grabbing a gnarly looking spiked club and pushing one of the other Chimps out of the way. ¡°It''s your lucky day cat, I could use a new pe-GAH!¡±


    Mrembo leapt from behind him, spinning and kicking him square in the jaw and knocking him to the ground before landing, somewhat wobbly, next to Sarabi.


    The two Cats looked at each other and smiled, but the reunion would have to wait.


    Pushing himself up from the ground and shaking off the kick, Caesar screeched, and the rest of the Chimps closed in.


    Mrembo and Sarabi stood back to back. The Lioness making powerful, deadly swipes whenever they got to close, often grabbing them and chucking them towards the growing fire, while the Cheetah was a flurry of movement, able to dodge or deflect most attacks that came her way, while any Chimp that got within range was beaten with a hailstorm of punches that often left them unable to act if it didn''t kill them outright.


    Still, the Cats weren''t invincible, the spears were especially effective until they could manage to rest them away from their wielders.


    Soon though, the Cats, bloodied and bruised, stood before the remaining Chimps. Some seemed to have fled, and of the dozen or so fighters, only three were left standing.


    Along with Caesar.


    ¡°ENOUGH!¡± Caesar screamed at the top of his lungs, ignoring the fire that was engulfing the camp as he strode forward. ¡°You think you''ve won?! This is only a setback!¡±


    He swung with his wicked spiked club, and Mrembo stepped in front of Sarabi, deflecting the brunt of the attack, though she could feel it dig into her arms.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know who the FUCK you are!¡± Sarabi shouted, leaping over Mrembo and scratching down Caesar¡¯s chest. ¡°But no one hurts my friend!¡±


    ¡°Gah!¡± Caesar stumbled back, four large bloody claw marks now torn into his chest, his Lion pelt falling away. ¡°Raaah!¡± He ran forward, club raised, swinging and bashing Sarabi in the side with it, knocking the Lioness to the side. ¡°You¡¯ll make a fine replacement!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you touch her!¡± Mrembo hissed, racing forward, spinning the spear halves she¡¯d taken, she tossed one. The Chimp dodged it, but she proceeded to close with him, slamming her fists into his chest several times.


    She tried to retreat, but he grabbed her leg with one of his dexterous feet, hitting her with an upper cut and looming over her with his club. ¡°You think you¡¯ve changed anything?¡± He asked tauntingly. ¡°This little... distraction ends here. And I won¡¯t stop until every. Single. One of you-Hrrk!¡±


    He was cut off, letting out a strangled gasp as the pointed tip of a spear pierced through his back and out his chest. ¡°You should talk less,¡± Sarabi said with a growl, leaning forward from behind him, a smirk on her face.


    Mrembo jumped to her feet, rushing forward, the other spear half in her hand as she slammed it into his chest, the Chimp letting out one last gasp as she jammed it into his heart.


    The two cats stepped back from the Chimp, watching him stumble before he collapsed onto the ground. Panting, they looked at each other, both bloodied and bruised as the fire began to rage around them.


    Wordlessly, they rushed out of the burning compound, leaving whatever Chimps remained to either scatter... or burn.


    Stopping a ways away, Mrembo started looking around for the pups, before Sarabi grabbed her and pulled her into a tight hug. The Cheetah wincing as pain shot through her side.


    ¡°You are never leaving my sight again,¡± the Lion said quietly, trying to hold back tears.


    ¡°Sorry... I¡¯m sorry,¡± Mrembo panted, leaning against the Lioness. ¡°Thank you... thank you.¡±


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯re friends for?¡± Sarabi asked, smirking as she let go of the Cheetah. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s get outta here.¡±


    ¡°Wait...¡± Mrembo said, her breathing sounding shallow. ¡°The... the pups... Wema! Tunu! It¡¯s safe! I promise!¡±


    It took a moment before the grass rustled, and the two Hyena pups stepped out, taking a cautious step forward as they eyed the Lioness.


    ¡°I told you... my friend would come...¡± Mrembo panted, stepping towards them and falling to her knees.


    ¡°Mrembo? What¡¯s wrong?¡± Sarabi asked, moving to her side and touching her shoulder.


    Moving her hand away from her side, where the dagger had cut her early in the fight, Mrembo saw her hand soaked with rich red blood. It had cut deep.


    She fell forward again, Sarabi catching her. ¡°Hey, hey, stay with me,¡± Sarabi said, scooping the Cheetah into her arms. The Lioness only knew the basics of first-aid, and that was a nasty cut from a weapon she¡¯d never seen before. ¡°We have to stop the bleeding,¡± she looked back at the burning fire, she knew she could cauterize a wound but if the cut was too deep...


    ¡°O-our pack has a healer,¡± Wema spoke up.


    ¡°Are they far? Can you take us there?¡± Sarabi asked, panic growing in her voice.


    Wema looked at her brother, before raising her head and letting out a long, whooping howl. They listened for a second, before a response came in the distance.


    ¡°Come on,¡± Sarabi scooped the pups up, cradling Mrembo in one arm and the pups in the other as she ran in the direction of the howl.


    ¡°Sarabi,¡± Mrembo muttered blearily. ¡°I... I¡¯m sorry... I thought you left,¡± the Cheetah apologized. ¡°I-I didn¡¯t...¡±


    ¡°Hey, you can apologize later... just hold on, okay?¡± Sarabi said, not liking the finality in her voice.


    Rushing through the darkness, Wema occasionally giving another howl, Sarabi changing direction whenever the response came, eventually she saw a small fire ahead. And the telltale eye shine of several Hunters.


    Sarabi had never encountered Hyenas before, though she knew they lived and hunted in groups, like her pride.


    ¡°Lion! Halt and... by the Spirits, Jasiri!¡± One of them turned as a younger female rushed forward.


    ¡°Mama!¡± Tunu gasped, he and Wema jumping from Sarabi¡¯s arms and rushing forward into their mother''s arms, several other pack members hugging the pups as well.


    ¡°Please...¡± Sarabi interrupted the reunion, stepping forward. ¡°She needs help...¡±


    ¡°Good... they¡¯re home...¡± Mrembo mumbled, looking and smiling at the reunion before Sarabi felt the Cheetah go limp in her arms.


    ¡°Mrembo!¡± Sarabi shouted, looking down at her. The Lion''s amber eyes meeting the Cheetah¡¯s emerald ones before they fluttered close.


    The last thought on the Cheetah¡¯s mind was how beautiful they looked, and how sad it was to see them full of tears.

 Chapter 4

    Mrembo didn''t dream very often. Or at the very least she didn''t remember the ones she had.


    So when she opened her eyes and found herself lying out on the Savannah, underneath a sunlit sky full of stars, she was a bit confused.


    ¡°Mrembo, keep up,¡± a familiar voice called, getting her attention.


    ¡°Yes mother,¡± the Cheetah cub replied, following dutifully behind her.


    Mrembo''s mother looked back at her daughter. She wasn''t a young cub anymore. She''d proven that on her successful hunt.


    The Cheetah cub found herself wishing she hadn''t. She knew what was happening, her mother had never been shy about it.


    ¡°As I was saying,¡± the adult Cheetah continued. ¡°This''ll be a good territory for you. Plenty of prey, the other Hunters shouldn''t bother you too much.¡±


    ¡°But... mother,¡± Mrembo spoke up despite her nerves. ¡°Why can''t Saumu and Haraka come with me?¡± She missed her sister and brother.


    ¡°Mrembo, we''ve been over this,¡± her mother sighed. ¡°We hunt and live on our own. It''s our way, it''s what''s best for us,¡± she turned to her daughter and kneeled in front of her. ¡°Don''t worry, I know you''ll do fine... now come on, I''ll take you as far as the nearest watering hole, then you''re on your own.¡±


    ¡°Yes mother,¡± Mrembo replied, hanging her head as the older Cheetah walked ahead of her.


    Glancing to the left, she saw another familiar Cheetah following behind a Lioness. The latter was wearing a wide grin on her face.


    ¡°Well, this is it,¡± Sarabi said, coming to a stop. ¡°Finally home.¡±


    ¡°Right, home,¡± Mrembo muttered. This was the edge of her old territory, the edge of the Lion¡¯s territory. ¡°Feels like that last bit went really quickly.¡±


    Sarabi chuckled. ¡°Yeah... thanks for all your help Mrembo,¡± she said, turning to the Cheetah and putting a hand on her shoulder. ¡°I don''t think I would''ve made it without you.¡±


    ¡°Same,¡± Mrembo said with a smile. ¡°... Sarabi I-¡±


    She was cut off as the roar of several Lions sounded in the distance.


    ¡°I think that''s my que,¡± Sarabi said, glancing in the direction of the roars. ¡°Maybe I''ll see you around... good luck with the new territory.¡±


    Maybe? Good luck?


    ¡°Is this really it?¡± Mrembo asked, standing on the edge of her old territory with Mrembo over the border.


    ¡°I mean... I can''t really invite you in,¡± Sarabi said with a shrug. And as she turned the ground between them erupted upwards.


    Mrembo found herself falling down past the edge of a cliff, her friends back to her as the Lioness stood at the top.


    ¡°Sarabi!¡± Mrembo cried, scrambling to try and scale the cliff. ¡°Wait, please!¡± She called, even as the Lioness began to walk away. Wherever she grabbed the cliff crumbled away under her fingertips.


    She found herself in a free fall, the ground rushing up towards her.


    ¡°Sarabi! Don''t leave me!¡±


    ~~~


    ¡°Sarabi... please...¡± Mrembo muttered in her sleep.


    The Lioness in question sat up a little, leaning over the Cheetah to see if she¡¯d woken up... no. Still asleep.


    She sighed. It¡¯d been two days since the night of the fight, two days since she¡¯d brought Mrembo to the Hyenas for help.


    Two days since she¡¯d last opened her eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay Mrembo,¡± the Lioness muttered, grabbing her hand. ¡°I¡¯m right here.¡±


    ¡°Knock knock,¡± a voice came from the open flap of the tent. Sarabi turned to see Jasiri standing there, a bowl of water in her hand. ¡°Sorry, I heard you talking and thought she might be awake.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Sarabi shook her head, turning back to the Cheetah. ¡°She¡¯s just... been talking in her sleep all day.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a good sign, right?¡± Jasiri said, placing the bowl down next to her.


    Sarabi didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°The healer did everything he could,¡± Jasiri assured her. ¡°She just needs time to recover.¡± That wasn¡¯t a total lie, his exact words had been ¡®only time would tell¡¯.


    ¡°... I¡¯m supposed to keep her safe,¡± Sarabi replied, clenching her fists. ¡°That was the deal...¡±


    ¡°Hey, you got her out of there,¡± Jasiri said, putting a hand on the Lioness''s shoulder. ¡°And you got her here. The way I see it, she¡¯s lucky to have you.¡±


    Sarabi just scoffed. If this was lucky, maybe the Cheetah would¡¯ve been better off without her.


    Jasiri sighed. She understood better than most what the Lioness was feeling, given her recent failure to protect her pups and her mate.


    ¡°Wema and Tunu made her this,¡± she said, handing Sarabi a woven bracelet of twigs and dried grass. ¡°They call them friendship bracelets.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure she gets it,¡± Sarabi said, placing it down next to the Cheetah.


    Jasiri nodded, stopping as she turned to leave. ¡°You¡¯re welcome to join us for breakfast if you need to stretch your legs.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t leave her,¡± Sarabi shook her head.


    Jasiri just nodded as she left the two Cats alone.


    Sarabi sighed, picking up the water bowl and lifting the Cheetah¡¯s head so she could feed her some. ¡°You¡¯re gonna be alright Mrembo, I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡±


    ~~~


    The thunder roared outside of Mrembo''s makeshift den as the Cheetah cub huddled inside the tree hollow she''d found, shivering as she hadn''t made it in time to avoid getting soaked by the rain.


    It was only a few months since her mother had left her... since they had gone their separate ways.


    She sniffled. She was hungry, cold, and tired. Sure, she could hunt on her own, but without her mother... there was no buffer if she had a few bad hunts. No one to depend on. No one to be there for her.


    She leaned against the tree trunk. She was... so tired. Maybe she could close her eyes... just for a second.


    ~~~


    ¡°Mrembo?!¡± Sarabi panicked as the Cheetah''s already slowly breathing slowed even more. ¡°Don''t do this to me!... please,¡± she put her head on the Cheetah''s chest, crying softly. ¡°I need you...¡±


    ~~~


    Mrembo shot up as another form pushed into the space of the tree hollow. A... a Lion?


    Mrembo knew she should be scared but... she seemed familiar.


    ¡°Hey... you alright?¡± The Lioness asked. She looked about Mrembo¡¯s age. With light brown fur and amber eyes that seemed to sparkle even in the darkness.


    ¡°... I¡¯m cold,¡± Mrembo muttered, pulling her legs close to her chest.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± the Lioness said, smiling as she sat down next to Mrembo, pulling the Cheetah into a tight, warm hug. ¡°You¡¯re gonna be alright.¡±


    Mrembo almost pulled away, but instead leaned into the embrace. She was warm... comfortable. It was nice, she thought to herself. To have someone again... someone who cared about her.


    ~~~


    In the waking world, Sarabi cried softly into the Cheetah¡¯s chest. This wasnt fair. She couldn¡¯t lose her. Not like this. Not after everything...


    Prrrrrrr


    ... what in the world was that?


    Prrrrr


    She lifted her head up, realizing it was coming from Mrembo. A soft, humming, buzzing sound. She had... no idea what that was. But... it didn¡¯t seem to be bad.


    ¡°Sarabi...¡± Mrembo muttered, and the Lioness felt a hand weakly grasp her wrist.


    Looking up with a start, Sarabi watched as the Cheetah¡¯s eyes slowly opened.


    ¡°Don''t cry...¡± The Cheetah said, seeing the same sight she''d seen before everything had gone dark. Those beautiful amber eyes full of tears.


    Sarabi felt her lip quiver for a moment, before she leaned forward, hugging the Cheetah. ¡°Spirits thank you,¡± she choked out. ¡°I''m so glad you''re okay.¡±


    ¡°Of course I''m alright,¡± Mrembo replied softly. ¡°I''ve got you.¡±


    That just made the Lioness cry even harder.


    ~~~


    It was about a day later, Mrembo had regained some strength, thanks in part to being able to eat again.


    ¡°Just take it easy alright,¡± Sarabi warned, still sitting right next to the Cheetah.


    ¡°Sarabi, I¡¯ve been lying here for three days, I want to get up,¡± Mrembo sighed, trying to rise to her feet, and wincing as pain shot up her side.


    ¡°I told you,¡± Sarabi sighed, moving to support her as she began to lean, helping her sit up part way. ¡°There, better?¡±


    ¡°Barely,¡± the Cheetah sighed. ¡°I hate being stuck like this.¡±


    ¡°Well, I know it¡¯s hard for you, but this is one thing you can¡¯t rush,¡± Sarabi said, smiling gently at her and moving so Mrembo could lean her good side against her.


    Mrembo huffed as she leaned against the Lioness. Well... this wasn¡¯t so bad. Not that she was going to say that out loud.


    ¡°I''m... sorry I put you through all of this,¡± the Cheetah sighed.


    ¡°Seriously?¡± Sarabi scoffed. ¡°You almost died and you''re apologizing?¡±


    ¡°I just... if I hadn''t run off...¡± Mrembo began.


    ¡°Stop it,¡± Sarabi wrapped her arms around the Cheetah. ¡°What happened wasn''t your fault, and I''m just glad you''re okay.¡±


    Mrembo sighed contently and leaned back against the Lioness.


    Prrrrrr


    Her eyes went wide. Was that...


    Prrrr


    Oh Spirits.


    ¡°So... what is that?¡± Sarabi asked. ¡°It started hapening while you were asleep.¡±


    ¡°It uh... it''s called purring,¡± Mrembo said sheepishly. ¡°It''s... something that happens when a Cheetah is... happy.¡±


    ¡°O-oh,¡± Sarabi said. ¡°That''s... good.¡± She wasn''t sure what to say to that.


    ¡°I''m sorry,¡± Mrembo apologized. ¡°I just... you''re the first person who''s cared about me... who I''ve cared about, since I parted ways with my family.¡±


    ¡°You don''t have to explain yourself,¡± Sarabi replied. ¡°I know it''s weird given how everything happened but... I''m happy I met you too, Mrembo.¡±


    Prrrrrrr


    Mrembo groaned and hid her face in her hands, while Sarabi tried and failed to hold back a chuckle.


    ¡°Mrembo!¡±


    The Cheetah looked up as a familiar, excited voice called out to her, followed by two Hyena pups running into the tent.


    ¡°Wema! Tunu!¡± She smiled as the pups ran up to her. ¡°It''s good to see you again.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re glad you''re awake,¡± Tunu said. ¡°Did you get our bracelet?¡±


    Mrembo held up her wrist with the woven bracelet, the pups tails wagging happily.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Jasiri said, coming in behind her pups. ¡°They heard you were awake and I couldn''t stop them... I hope we''re not interrupting.¡± She said, seeing the Lioness with her arms wrapped around the Cheetah.


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Mrembo said, smiling at her.


    ¡°Good to see you''re feeling better, everyone was worried about you, especially Sarabi,¡± the Hyena said with a smirk.


    Sarabi muttered, not really able to argue given she was still hugging the Cheetah.


    ¡°You two are so cool,¡± Wema said, looking up at both Cats with wide eyes. ¡°You took down that whole Troop on your own!¡±


    ¡°Heh, they weren''t so tough,¡± Sarabi said proudly.


    Mrembo rolled her eyes. ¡°Take this as a lesson kids, you can take the Lion out of the pride, but you can''t take the pride out of the Lion,¡± she teased.


    ¡°Ugh, and to think I was actually worried about you,¡± Sarabi shot back playfully.


    Mrembo chuckled, as did Jasiri. ¡°Sorry, you just... remind me of someone,¡± she smiled sadly. ¡°Kids? Would you mind leaving us for a bit? I need to speak with Mrembo and Sarabi alone for a minute.¡±


    ¡°Aww, okay momma,¡± Tunu sighed.


    Mrembo raised an eyebrow. Momma? But she thought...


    ¡°We''ll be back later though,¡± Wema assured the Cheetah.


    ¡°I''m looking forward to it,¡± Mrembo said, smiling at them as they left.


    ¡°... I can''t thank you enough for bringing them back to me,¡± Jasiri said, a sad look in her eyes. ¡°When they went missing with their mother... I thought I lost a part of myself forever.¡±


    ¡°Wait, are you their mom or not?¡± Sarabi asked in confusion.


    ¡°They told me that their mother... well,¡± Mrembo didn''t finish that sentence.


    ¡°Yes, I am, and so was my mate,¡± Jasiri replied, sounding a bit confused. ¡°She was the love of my life, and I''m glad the ones who took her from me got justice.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay,¡± Sarabi was still a bit confused. But... maybe it was a Hyena thing?


    ¡°... I''m sorry, are you two not together?¡± She''d kinda just assumed, given how the Lioness had been acting... and the fact that she was still holding the Cheetah.


    ¡°What?! No! We''re just friends,¡± Sarabi said, sounding shocked. ¡°Why would you think that?¡±


    Mrembo was... very quiet. Something Jasiri took note of.


    ¡°My mistake... anyway, I didn''t send the pups away just to thank you, I need to know what happened at the Chimps camp,¡± she was eternally grateful to them, bit she did have a job to do as leader of her pack. ¡°We checked it out, scavenged a bit-¡±


    ¡°You didn''t eat any of the meat did you?!¡± Mrembo shot forward, wincing in pain.


    ¡°No? Everything there was burnt to a crisp,¡± Jasiri said as Sarabi chidded the Cheetah and eased her back down. ¡°Why?¡±


    Mrembo was quiet for a moment. Given what they''d probably done to her mate, she wasn''t sure she wanted to say it.


    ¡°They were making no distinctions,¡± she mumbled after a moment. ¡°Everything and everyone was prey to them.¡±


    The tent was silent, neither of the others knowing what to say to that. ¡°Oh Spirits... you¡¯re sure?¡± Jasiri asked, her face pale despite her dark fur.


    ¡°I... saw them put an Oryx on a spit roast,¡± Mrembo said with a shudder.


    ¡°... Mkali...¡± the Hyena got a far away look in her eyes.


    ¡°I... I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Mrembo apologized.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be.¡± Jasiri stated. ¡°You got our pups out of there, and killed the ones who... who did it... if you need anything, just ask.¡±


    She came in here wanting to know a little more about the... odd travelers who¡¯d shown up at their doorstep. But... right now, she just wanted to hug her pups.


    Wordlessly, she left the Cats alone.


    Mrembo sighed, realizing that Sarabi¡¯s grip on her had gotten even tighter. ¡°Sarabi?¡±


    ¡°I meant it, you¡¯re never leaving my sight again,¡± the Lioness muttered.


    Mrembo groaned. ¡°Sarabi...¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ¡®Sarabi¡¯ me,¡± she said, pulling back and away from the Cheetah, letting her lie back down so they could talk face to face. ¡°If one thing had gone differently, if I hadn¡¯t gotten their when I did, you could¡¯ve been... could¡¯ve been...¡±


    Mrembo reached over, putting a hand on Sarabi¡¯s knee and smiling at her. ¡°Come on, you don¡¯t think I¡¯d go down that easy do you?¡±


    ¡°I spent two days wondering if you were ever going to wake up,¡± Sarabi replied. ¡°Look just... no more running off like that, okay? For me? ... please?¡±


    Mrembo sighed. How could she refuse that? ¡°Alright, I promise... no more running off.¡±


    Sarabi smiled, but it faltered after a moment. ¡°What was going on that morning? And... after we got out of the camp... you thought I left?¡±


    The Cheetah sighed again. ¡°It was stupid, just... got too much into my head.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s something I did,¡± Sarabi began.


    ¡°No, Sarabi I...¡± she took a deep breath. ¡°Like I said, you''re the first person who I''ve cared about since my mother left me to my territory... the first person I¡¯ve spent a lot of time with aside from my family... the first person I¡¯ve ever considered a friend. After my mother left... I guess I just got used to the idea that that¡¯s what people do... they leave when they¡¯re done with you.¡±


    ¡°Mrembo...¡± Sarabi leaned over, taking her hand. ¡°I am not going to leave you... maybe if I¡¯d known how to hunt on my own when we started off I wouldn¡¯t have traveled with you but... I swear we¡¯re gonna make this journey together.¡±


    Mrembo smiled as she looked up into those beautiful amber eyes of hers. ¡°I know,¡± she assured her, squeezing her hand... though a thought crept into the back of her mind. One she tried to push down as Sarabi let go of her hand.


    Her dream from the day before came crawling back to her, making the Cheetah wonder. What was going to happen when their journey did end?


    What followed was an even more insidious thought. Did it have to?


    Couldn¡¯t they just... find a place of their own? Stay here? Go back to Moyo and her raft?


    If home meant a parting of ways... it didn¡¯t feel like home to the Cheetah.


    ¡°Hey, you alright?¡± Sarabi asked. ¡°You got all quiet?¡±


    ¡°Yeah just... tired,¡± she lied. ¡°So... have you asked Jasiri about where we go next?¡±


    ¡°No? Why? You think they¡¯d know something?¡± Sarabi replied.


    Had she not put it together? Maybe if Mrembo played dumb, they could... just keep going west... forever.


    Even if it didn¡¯t mean betraying Sarabi¡¯s trust, that didn¡¯t sound like an appealing idea. ¡°We went until something stopped us, and returned Jasiri¡¯s cubs to her. That seems to tick all the boxes.¡±


    ¡°Huh... I guess I hadn¡¯t given it much thought,¡± Sarabi admitted. She¡¯d been so worried about Mrembo, that nothing else had crossed her mind the past few days. ¡°I should go ask her.¡±


    As Sarabi got up to leave, she noticed the sad look in Mrembo¡¯s eyes and remembered some of the words of advice Ma Tembo had given her at the start of this journey.


    ¡®Just be sure you do not miss the scenery because you focus on the destination... otherwise something Beautiful might not make it.¡¯


    She¡¯d used the word beautiful there... Mrembo¡¯s name. She had a feeling that that wasn¡¯t just a coincidence.


    ¡°I can talk to her at dinner,¡± the Lioness said, sitting beside Mrembo. ¡°Not like we¡¯re going anywhere til you¡¯re healed up anyways.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll try not to hold us up too long,¡± Mrembo replied before she felt a familiar hand on her shoulder.


    ¡°You take all the time you need,¡± Sarabi smiled at her. ¡°Home will still be there, it¡¯s more important that you get better.¡±


    Mrembo returned the smile, feeling her face heat up slightly as she gazed into Sarabi¡¯s eyes. For the moment, all her anxious thoughts quieted. They were together for the moment and maybe that could be enough.


    ~~~


    Several days later, Mrembo was back on her feet, much to the annoyance of Sarabi and the clan''s healer. But the Cheetah was antsy, and between her doing it right, or her doing it her way...


    ¡°I feel ridiculous,¡± Mrembo muttered, leaning on the staff she''d been given to help keep the weight off her bad side.


    ¡°We could go back to the tent,¡± Sarabi suggested.


    ¡°Heh, nice try,¡± Mrembo chuckled. ¡°I''m not going to get better if I don''t work at it.¡±


    ¡°That is not what the healer said,¡± Sarabi pointed out.


    ¡°I''m not lying on my back for another whole day,¡± Mrembo sighed. ¡°So unless you want to carry me, I''m just gonna... hobble around.¡±


    Sarabi thought for a moment, before Mrembo felt a strong pair of arms scoop her up, the Cheetah squeaking. ¡°S-Sarabi?!¡±


    ¡°This was your idea,¡± the Lioness said with a smirk. ¡°Now... what do you want to see?¡±


    ¡°You are unbelievable,¡± Mrembo huffed, crossing her arms. ¡°Just... show me around the camp.¡±


    The Cheetah felt her face heating up a bit. She wasn''t going to admit it but she kinda liked this.


    Though the soft purring was a pretty good indicator to the Lioness.


    The Hyena camp was interesting, neither of the Cats had ever been to another Hunter''s camp... and Mrembo had never been to one period.


    It was interesting. There were probably at least two dozen Hyena''s milling around, various tents and huts that had been set up. Cubs running around, they were obviously well and truly in the Hyena¡¯s territory, and aside from a few sideways glances, none of them seemed to mind the Cats presence.


    ¡°So, does your pride have a place like this?¡± Mrembo asked, looking around at the sights.


    ¡°Well, we moved recently when our... territory expanded,¡± Sarabi found herself unable to look at the Cheetah. ¡°So it wasn''t all set up but yeah, it''s a pretty similar set up.¡±


    ¡°Huh...¡± Mrembo had to admit, it seemed kinda nice. Not having to find a new place to stay each night.


    ¡°Oh good, you''re... uh,¡± the pair turned to see Jasiri standing there. She almost said something along the lines of ¡®you''re sure you''re not together?¡¯ Before she thought better of it. ¡°How''s the side?¡±


    ¡°It''s getting better,¡± Mrembo said. At least that''s what the healer told her when he changed her bandages this morning. ¡°I was trying to walk around on my own, but someone decided this was better.¡±


    ¡°The healer said you still need rest,¡± Sarabi reminded her. ¡°This way you don''t risk making it any worse.¡±


    The Cheetah just grumbled, earning a laugh from Jasiri. ¡°Well, I''m glad you two are out and about. We brought back some things from the Chimps camp, what was left of it anyway.¡±


    ¡°Some of their tools?¡± Sarabi asked.


    ¡°Yeah, a few things that survived the fire,¡± Jasiri said, leading the pair in a different direction. ¡°Since you two are the ones who... brought them down, you get first pick of the goodies.¡±


    ¡°Do... do you take down other groups often?¡± Sarabi asked, a little nervous.


    ¡°Not really, but it''s a rule we have, we don''t just hunt, we scavenge, so in situations like this... finder gets dibs,¡± Jasiri said, leading them into a tent with a collection of items.


    ¡°... I don''t know what half of this is,¡± Mrembo admitted. There were a few daggers that... looking at those made her wince. There was also a spear, and some other things she didn''t recognize.


    ¡°If I put you down, are you gonna behave?¡± Sarabi asked.


    ¡°I''ll be good,¡± Mrembo assured her, Sarabi putting the Cheetah down. ¡°Hand me that spear,¡± she said.


    ¡°Looking for something stabby?¡± Sarabi asked, passing her the weapon. ¡°What''re these things?¡± Holding up a pair of weird bags with a pointed tip.


    ¡°Waterskins, they-¡±


    CRACK


    Jasiri and Sarabi turned to see Mrembo having broken the tip of the spear off. Turning the spear into a staff.


    ¡°I like the reach, but I don''t like their methods,¡± the Cheetah muttered.


    ¡°... anyway, waterskins, they hold water so you don''t have to find somewhere to drink everyday,¡± Jasiri continued.


    ¡°That sounds useful,¡± Sarabi said, looking over the rest of the objects.


    ¡°You don''t want a weapon?¡± Mrembo asked.


    ¡°I prefer my claws,¡± Sarabi said. ¡°What do you think? Anything else catch your eye?¡±


    ¡°I think I''m good,¡± Mrembo said, grabbing some leather straps so she could strap the staff to her back. She''d still like to have her hands free sometimes.


    ¡°Heh, like to travel light,¡± Jasiri said. ¡°So, what is it that''s got you two traveling? Don''t see a lot of Lions out on their own. And it''s weird to see a Cheetah traveling with someone.¡±


    ¡°It''s a long story,¡± Sarabi said, as she began to explain what had led them this far. Ending with Moja Kina''s directions.


    ¡°Wow... that''s a lot to take in,¡± Jasiri said, sitting down and putting a hand to her head. ¡°We don''t have a Seer, and I don''t think anyone here knows where a Lion pride might be. We... tend to give other Hunters a wide berth.¡±


    ¡°Yeah I know the feeling,¡± Sarabi muttered. ¡°But... you, or someone here, must have some idea, right?¡± The Lion continued. ¡°Maybe someone else who knows the savannah? Some Birds or...¡±


    ¡°No we... well,¡± Jasiri rubbed her chin. ¡°There is a group we''ve talked with in the past, their leader knows a lot. They''re really the only ones who I can think of who might be able to point you in the right direction.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± Sarabi grinned. ¡°Who''re we dealing with? And where are they?¡±


    Jasiri sighed. ¡°They''re only a few days travel north,¡± she explained. ¡°And they''re uh... Termites.¡±


    ¡°...Termites,¡± Sarabi repeated. ¡°Like the things that eat wood?¡±


    ¡°Well, we met Fish, I guess Insects isn''t much of a stretch,¡± Mrembo said with a shrug. She''d actually heard of something similar. A warning about Scorpions her mother had given her.


    ¡°The Queen is... it don''t know if she''s properly a Seer, but she''s close, they know the earth, and they see things differently,¡± Jasiri sighed. ¡°Just... be careful, you''ll know their territory when you see it. I''d suggest waiting for a patrol before you go in. They''re... not violent, just... particular.¡±


    ¡°Got it, well, we''ve still gotta wait for Mrembo to heal up,¡± Sarabi said, putting a hand on the Cheetah''s shoulder. ¡°You can tell us about them later.¡±


    ¡°Yeah I''ll need to talk with some of the others,¡± Jasiri said with a nod. ¡°Glad we could point you in the right direction,¡± she laughed. ¡°I''ll be honest, I was ready to ask if you two wanted to stay with us.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Mrembo asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°I owe you more than anything for saving my pups,¡± Jasiri reminded them. ¡°Plus you''re clearly accomplished Hunters... any group, pack, pride, whatever, would be lucky to have you.¡±


    ¡°Well... we appreciate the offer, but we gotta get home,¡± the Lioness said with a nod.


    Once again, Jasiri noticed that Mrembo went quiet.


    ¡°Hmm... well, alright,¡± the Hyena considered.


    ¡°... Sarabi? Can you take me back to the tent?¡± Mrembo spoke up. ¡°I''m feeling... tired.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Yeah, of course,¡± Sarabi nodded. ¡°Thanks for the help Jasiri, we''ll see you at dinner.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, see you then,¡± Jasiri nodded, watching as Sarbai picked up the Cheetah and left.


    ~~~


    Mrembo lay on her back in their tent, it was later the same day. She''d told Sarabi she was going to turn in, and the Lioness had, after a bit of urging, gone out to have dinner with the Hyena pack, rather than just bringing it back to the tent.


    It had been a while since Mrembo was alone. And right now... she was feeling more alone than she had in a long time.


    Not because she was alone in the tent, that wasn''t bothering her. Something else was.


    ¡°What am I going to do?¡± She asked with a sigh, putting her arm over her face.


    She heard the flap of the tent open and sighed. ¡°Back from dinner already?¡±


    ¡°I uh...¡±


    Mrembo looked up in confusion, seeing Jasiri there instead of the Lioness she''d been expecting.


    ¡°Oh... Jasiri,¡± Mrembo sat up as much as she could. ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    ¡°I... wanted to talk with you,¡± the Hyena said, rubbing the back of her head. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Mrembo deadpanned and gestured to her still bandage wrapped midsection.


    ¡°No, that''s not what I meant,¡± Jasiri shook her head. ¡°Mrembo... I can tell you really care about Sarabi but... do you want to go home?¡±


    Mrembo looked at her for a moment, before looking away.


    ¡°I... I don''t have a home,¡± the Cheetah admitted sadly. ¡°Sarabi¡¯s pride took over my territory before we got washed down river.¡±


    ¡°Oh... she didn''t mention that,¡± Jasiri said, looking back out at the bonfire.


    ¡°I don''t think she thinks about it much,¡± Mrembo admitted. ¡°... I don¡¯t know what''s going to happen when we get back. But... I can''t just leave her.¡±


    ¡°You really care about her that much?¡± Jasiri asked.


    Mrembo put a hand over her heart. ¡°She''s... the first person I''ve cared about in a long time... the first one who¡¯s cared about me.¡±


    ¡°Reminds me of me and Mkali,¡± Jasiri replied.


    Mrembo didn''t respond to that.


    ¡°Mrembo... do you...¡± Jasiri began.


    ¡°Please don''t,¡± Mrembo muttered. ¡°I just... you saw how she reacted. Even if...¡± the Cheetah shook her head. ¡°She''s going to go back to her pride, meet some... nice Lion,¡± she sneered. ¡°And I''ll at best get enough thanks that I''ll be able to... hang around the territory.¡±


    Jasiri looked at her. ¡°That''s stupid,¡± the Hyena huffed. ¡°Mrembo... look, I don''t know the first thing about you two. About Cheetahs, Lions... but you can''t do that to yourself.¡±


    ¡°Well what am I supposed to do?¡± Mrembo asked, glaring at her. ¡°I can''t leave her, not now. And if I tell her...¡±


    ¡°You really think she''d abandon you?¡± Jasiri asked. ¡°Mrembo... when she thought she was gonna lose you, I haven''t seen someone that upset since... well, since I lost Mkali and thought I''d lost the pups.¡±


    Mrembo was quiet. She didn¡¯t want to think Sarabi would leave her but... she¡¯d never felt this way before. And that scared her.


    ¡°Just... think about it? Okay?¡± Jasiri said with a sigh. She didn''t want to push too much. She remembered how she¡¯d felt when she¡¯d started courting Mkali and... their situation was a lot more complicated than hers had been.


    The Cheetah just nodded. And Jasiri left her alone.


    She... had a lot to think about.


    ~~~


    ¡°Alright, there''s enough bandages to last the next week, which should be good,¡± Jasiri said, handing a small leather bundle over to Mrembo. ¡°So long as you don''t do anything too crazy and tear it open again.¡±


    ¡°Well, I guess it was only a matter of times before I got my first scar,¡± Mrembo said with a chuckle.


    Sarabi and Mrembo were currently standing at the edge of the Hyena''s camp. It had been about a week and a half and the healer had finally given Mrembo the all clear to be able to travel again.


    In addition to the staff and waterskins, and the bandages, Jasiri had also given them some dried meat.


    ¡°Thanks for all your help Jasiri,¡± Sarabi said with a smile. ¡°We''ll... give the Termites your best?¡± If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°Just let them know who sent you,¡± Jasiri replied. ¡°Like I said, they''re just... different. Knowing you came from here at least means you''re not complete strangers.¡±


    Mrembo felt a tug on her leg, and looked down to see Wema and Tunu standing there.


    The Cheetah kneeled down, smiling and pulling down them both into a hug. ¡°We''re gonna miss you Mrembo,¡± Wema said, hugging the Cheetah, her tail wagging.


    ¡°I''m going to miss you too,¡± she said back. ¡°Take care of each other alright? And look after your mother.¡±


    ¡°We will,¡± Tunu said. ¡°And make sure you don''t take off the friendship bracelet, okay?¡±


    Mrembo chuckled, releasing the pups and showing off the bracelet. ¡°Never, I promise.¡±


    ¡°Like I said, they''re a few days North,¡± Jasiri explained as the Cheetah stood back up, Wema and Tunu running back to their mother''s side. ¡°You''ll see the mounds before you reach the border of their territory.¡±


    ¡°Right, and wait for a patrol before we enter,¡± Sarabi remembered. ¡°Again, thanks for everything.¡±


    ¡°Just paying back what you did for us,¡± Jasiri said, smiling down at her pups. ¡°And taking out those Chimps, I think you helped the whole savannah with that one.¡±


    ¡°Just keep an eye out, I''m sure some of em ran off when the fire started,¡± Mrembo replied.


    ¡°We''ll be careful,¡± Jasiri nodded. ¡°You do the same. I''d love to see you two again some day.¡±


    The Cats smiled as they turned, heading north.


    ¡°Let me know if you need to take a break,¡± Sarabi said as the pair set off.


    ¡°Mmhm, you planning to carry me again?¡± The Cheetah asked with a smirk.


    ¡°Hehe, you''re not that hurt anymore,¡± Sarabi chuckled. ¡°Just... I don''t want you pushing yourself too hard.¡±


    Mrembo smiled. Even if it wasn''t... it was nice to know she cared. ¡°Come on,¡± Mrembo said, nudging the Lion. ¡°We''ve got a lot of ground to cover... and I''m looking to stretch my legs.¡±


    With that, the Cheetah took off ahead of the Lioness. Not pushing to her full speed, but it was nice to run again.


    ¡°Mrembo! Come on, you''re gonna hurt yourself!¡± Sarabi called, running behind the Cheetah.


    ~~~


    Sure enough, after a few days of travel, Mrembo and Sarabi came to a clear change in the terrain.


    There was... a lot of mud. Or at least, it looked like a mudslide had swept through the area.


    ¡°You think this has something to do with the flood?¡± Sarabi asked, her paws sinking into the soft dirt as they walked.


    ¡°That was weeks ago though,¡± Mrembo pointed out. ¡°... didn''t Jasiri say something about termite mounds?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I figured-¡±


    *crunch*


    Sarabi looked down, her foot having pushed through something brittle just beneath the dirt.


    Pulling up her foot she saw... what was that? It was brown and brittle and slightly shiny.


    Kicking away some of the dirt, the Lioness jumped back as an insectoid face stared back at her.


    ¡°Relax... I think it''s dead,¡± Mrembo said, nudging the body with her foot.


    ¡°Jeez... what happened?¡± Sarabi asked, kneeling down next the body, going to check the pulse... then stopping as she realized her foot had accidentally caved in its chest.


    It was... surprisingly empty in there.


    ¡°My guess is the mudslide killed it,¡± Mrembo said, standing up. ¡°Have you ever heard of Insects before?¡±


    ¡°No... well, Scorpions,¡± the Lioness said with a shrug. ¡°Jasiri said to wait for a patrol... let''s find a place not right next to a dead body.¡±


    It took a while to find a place to sit that wasn''t just... dirt.


    ¡°So, guess we just wait then,¡± sitting down on top of a large stone that sat half buried in the ground. ¡°You gonna be alright?¡±


    ¡°You know, Cheetahs don''t actually have a need to do everything fast,¡± Mrembo huffed as she sat down beside her. ¡°We''re just as capable of being patient as anyone else.¡±


    ¡°Could''ve fooled me,¡± Sarabi teased, nudging the Cheetah.


    Mrembo chuckled but didn''t say anything.


    Sarabi realized that had been happening a lot lately. The Cheetah would just go quiet. And while it wasn''t like they talked constantly before, it was becoming more noticeable.


    ¡°Sarabi?¡± Mrembo asked, currently sitting forward with her hands on her knees, looking out over the mudfields. ¡°What''s going to happen when we get back to your pride?¡±


    ¡°I don''t... what do you mean?¡± Sarabi asked, not understanding what she was getting at.


    ¡°I mean... is that going to be it?¡± Mrembo turned towards her. ¡°When we... when you get home... are we done?¡±


    ¡°Well we''re not gonna be traveling anymore,¡± the Lioness tilted her head.


    Mrembo seemed to get kind of angry at that. ¡°Not... urrrgh... us Sarabi!¡± She snapped. ¡°What happens to us when you get home?¡±


    ¡°Oh... I... I don''t know,¡± Sarabi admitted, surprised at the outburst. ¡°I''m... sure the others will appreciate you helping me get back.¡±


    ¡°Enough to let me stay?¡± Mrembo pushed. ¡°And stay where? Just... in the territory? Are we still going to be friends once you''re back with your pride?¡±


    ¡°Of course we are!¡± Sarabi said back, sounding offended at the accusation. ¡°You think I''m just going to dump you once I''m home?¡±


    Mrembo''s silence spoke volumes.


    ¡°Mrembo... come on, if I was going to leave, I could''ve left you with the Hyenas,¡± Sarabi said. ¡°You''re my friend whether we''re stuck out here or not.¡±


    ¡°So what happens then?¡± The Cheetah asked sadly. ¡°How does a lone Cheetah fit into your life in the pride?¡±


    ¡°I... I don''t know,¡± Sarabi admitted. ¡°But we''ll figure it out... we''ve figured everything else out, right?¡±


    ¡°... yeah, okay,¡± Mrembo said with a sigh. ¡°Just... think about it, please?¡±


    She felt bad putting this on Sarabi, but it would fall to her in the end. Her and her pride.


    ¡°Alright...¡± Sarabi replied. Not sure what else to say.


    The two sat in silence for a while longer, before Sarabi spoke up. ¡°You think Moyo''s doing okay?¡±


    ¡°I''m sure she''s gotten herself in the middle of some insane situation or another,¡± Mrembo replied with a smile.


    ¡°She does seem to be a trouble magnet,¡± Sarabi agreed. ¡°She found us after all.¡±


    ¡°More like we found her,¡± Mrembo corrected.


    ¡°Yeah, I guess we do attract a lot of trouble... how''s the wound?¡± Sarabi asked, looking at the bandages around the Cheetah''s midsection.


    ¡°Better everyday,¡± Mrembo assured her. ¡°It looked pretty scared over when I changed the bandages this morning.¡±


    ¡°Good, that''s good,¡± Sarabi said with a nod.


    ¡°... thanks for taking care of me while I was down,¡± Mrembo said, smiling over at Sarabi.


    ¡°Hey, you''d do the same for me... even if I''d be less stubborn during the healing process,¡± the Lioness said with a smirk.


    ¡°You. Be less stubborn?¡± The Cheetah asked incredulously. ¡°I''ll believe that when I see it.¡±


    ¡°Hey if you can be patient, I can be less stubborn,¡± Sarabi replied.


    ¡°Heh, I suppose you can,¡± Mrembo admitted. She was a much different person from the angry, standoffish Lioness she''d been when they''d started this journey.


    Before either of the Cats could continue the conversation, both of their noses wrinkled as a sharp, acrid smell hit their nostrils.


    ¡°Urgh, Spirits what is that?¡± Mrembo asked, looking around.


    ¡°I think it''s what we''re looking for,¡± Sarabi said, turning and facing behind the pair. Mrembo turned as well and saw three figures approaching, seemingly having emerged from underground.


    They were the same as the body the pair had encountered, but seeing them moving around was... different.


    They were a little shorter than either of the Cats, though given the size of the cousins, they were much bigger than either would''ve expected.


    Like a Bird they had six limbs, though instead of wings they had an extra pair of arms that emerged just a little below the first pair.


    Their bodies, like an insects, were covered in a hardy looking exoskeleton, brownish-red in color. Though they appeared more flexible at their joints, including their fingers, which they had four of.


    The head was the oddest part, large compound eyes, sat above a set of clacking mandibles. And a pair of wiggling antenna sat atop their heads.


    Both Cats stood as the Termites approached, their mandibles clicking as they seemed to speak to each other.


    Jasiri surely would''ve mentioned if they couldn''t speak the common tongue right?


    ¡°Huunterssss,¡± one of the trio stepped forward, this one with green eyes. The only thing that made them stand apart from the other two. ¡°Whhhat do you seeek-k here?¡±


    It sounded like whatever vocal system they had, it wasn''t made for words like theirs.


    ¡°We came for directions,¡± Sarabi said, stepping forward off of the stone. ¡°Jasiri of the Hyena pack sent us? We''re lost and in need of help.¡±


    ¡°Hhhhr-Help?¡± The same one clicked. ¡°Weee cannot hellp. The watersss nearly destroyed us,¡± they hissed and shook their head. ¡°Queen... gone... nests gone, memory brrroken... no help.¡±


    ¡°Well maybe we can help you?¡± Mrembo asked, remembering Ma Tembo¡¯s advice. ¡°Get things fixed up? Then maybe you can point us in the right direction?¡±


    ¡°Hmmrrr... I doubt it,¡± the Termite shook his head. ¡°But... neveeerr hurts to try... can''t get much worssse.¡±


    They turned and spoke to the other two, saying something in a series of quick, chittering clicks.


    ¡°Follow,¡± they stated, before the three Insects turned and started trudging deeper into the mudfields.


    ¡°You don''t think they''re gonna eat us, do you?¡± Mrembo whispered, her experience with the Chimps leaving a mark on her.


    ¡°Jasiri said they were just different,¡± Sarabi reminded her, smiling at the Cheetah and putting a hand on her shoulder. ¡°Don''t worry, I''ll keep you safe if this turns into a trap.¡±


    Mrembo smiled and nodded, the pair following after the Termites.


    She believed that, she really did. She just... hated the thought that there might be a fast-approaching end to that promise.


    ~~~


    The Termites didn''t answer any of the Cats questions as they led them further into the mud fields. As they traveled further in... it became more and more clear that the Termites territory had been hit by the flood.


    There were few Termite mounds still standing, and the ones that were... weren''t in great shape.


    They also saw more Termites, some living ones skittering around, most of them stopping to look at the Cats as they passed.


    They also saw more dead ones, lying in piles or half buried in the mud.


    Then there were some that were... just standing there. They didn''t seem dead, but they weren''t moving.


    ¡°This is creepy,¡± Sarabi said quietly.


    Mrembo had to agree, especially the listless looking ones.


    Further into the territory was the largest mound of collapsed dirt and clay they''d seen so far. With a lot of Termites surrounding it.


    Some of them seemed to be trying to build it back up, or excavate down, but... something wasn''t right. None of them were talking with each other, the ones building up and the ones digging down kept getting in fights with each other.


    There was one Termite though, that was different from the others. Slightly taller, with a lighter colored exoskeleton, they seemed more... present than the others. Trying to give orders.


    They also had a large pair of gossamer wings on their back.


    ¡°Three guesses as to who we''re talking to,¡± Mrembo smirked at the Lioness.


    ¡°Princess,¡± the green-eyed Termite spoke up, getting her attention. ¡°Wee have visitorrrss.¡±


    The Princess turned her head towards them, her eyes were a dark purple. ¡°Hmmmrrr...¡± her wings buzzed as she walked over, the Termites following her a she moved towards the cat. ¡°Huunterrrs... there is... no prrrey herrre.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not here to hunt,¡± Sarabi informed her. ¡°Jasiri sent us? We... need help with directions.¡±


    ¡°Ja... siri...¡± she seemd to think hard on that for a second. ¡°Mmrrr... I don¡¯t know... memory is... fractured.¡±


    ¡°... what happened here?¡± Mrembo asked. ¡°You seem... are you okay?¡±


    The Princess seemed to consider that for a moment. ¡°... no,¡± she shook her head. ¡°The flood... we were not prepared, no growth here,¡± she reached down with one arm and picked up some of the soil, letting it fall through her fingers. ¡°Nothing to stop the water, it broke down the mounds, flooded the tunnels. The Queen... mother...¡±


    ¡°Oh... I¡¯m sorry,¡± Mrembo apologized.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that mean you¡¯re the queen now?¡± Sarabi asked.


    Her wings buzzed. ¡°Cannot ascend,¡± she hissed. ¡°Barely enough food to go around... not enough for the metamorphosis.¡±


    ¡°We will give for you, your highness,¡± the green-eyed drone replied.


    ¡°No! No, I... don¡¯t want to start off my rule like that,¡± the Princess said, her wings buzzing.


    There was... very little familiar about the Termites, and their faces gave off no emotion. But... Mrembo and Sarabi weren¡¯t sure if she was nervous, upset, offended? It was somewhere in that family of emotions, probably.


    ¡°What do you mean meta... whatever that is,¡± Mrembo asked.


    ¡°Metamorphosis,¡± the Princess repeated. ¡°The... the change I would need to go through to become queen.¡±


    ¡°And you need food in order to do that?¡± Sarabi continued.


    ¡°A very large amount is required to begin the process,¡± the Princess said, her wings buzzing again. ¡°And as you can see...¡± she gestured around at the desolate mud fields. ¡°The queen... my mother was... not concerned much, we had most of what we needed... underground.¡±


    ¡°Do you need... wood?¡± Mrembo asked, that being one of the only things she knew about Termites.


    The Princess sighed. ¡°No, meat. We are... rrrr... not Hunters, we farmed underground. But for this... I require meat.¡± Her mandibles clicked.


    ¡°Hmm... and if you were to... ascend? Would you be able to help us with directions?¡± Sarabi asked.


    The Princess looked around at the gathered drones sadly. ¡°... yes,¡± she chittered. ¡°The memory would be restored... we would know then.¡±


    ¡°Alright, then we''ll help you,¡± Sarabi said, crossing her arms and nodding.


    ¡°What?¡± The Princess asked, tilting her head in confusion.


    ¡°We''re trying to get home,¡± Mrembo explained. ¡°The flood washed us down the river. A Seer told us helping others would help us get home.¡±


    ¡°Hrrr... we knew we were not the only ones to suffer,¡± the Princess muttered.


    ¡°How much food would you need?¡± Sarabi asked.


    ¡°You really mean to do this?¡± The Princess asked, her antenna twitching.


    ¡°Yeah, I mean...¡± Sarabi sighed. ¡°Look, I won''t pretend we''re here out of altruistic intentions but you all look like you could use help, and even if you can''t give us directions, I''d feel bad leaving you like this.¡±


    Mrembo smiled softly. She really had changed hadn''t she?


    The Princess looked around at the rest of the Termites, the ones fighting, the ones standing listlessly on the edge, the ones crowding around her in desperation...


    She sighed.


    ¡°I would need enough to supplement my growth and then some... several thousand pounds worth of meat at least,¡± she said after a moment.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Sarabi nodded. ¡°Guess we''d better get started then.¡±


    ¡°Uh... Sarabi? A word?¡± Mrembo pulled the Lioness aside. ¡°How the heck are we supposed to get that much meat? We''d need to take out an entire herd! Maybe more than one!¡±


    ¡°Well we can''t do nothing,¡± Sarabi replied. ¡°Besides, we''re both good hunters. I bet we can do it.¡±


    ¡°You are vastly overestimating us,¡± Mrembo groaned. Not to mention they had to bring whatever they killed back here.


    ¡°I shall accompany them,¡± the green-eyed Termite spoke up. ¡°To assist... and ensure.¡±


    Greeeat.


    ~~~


    ¡°Sarabi, seriously, this isn''t going to work,¡± Mrembo said as the pair trudged through the mud fields. ¡°Nothing lives here, and like I said. That much meat...¡±


    It wasn''t just the amount of work it''d take to kill that many animals that was getting her. The thought of it... didn''t sit well with her.


    ¡°I didn''t think you''d give up when we''re this close,¡± Sarabi said back to the Cheetah.


    ¡°I''m trying to be realistic,¡± Mrembo muttered.


    ¡°Hey, Greenie,¡± Sarabi said, turning to the Termite accompanying them. They''d asked for their name but... apparently they didn''t have one. It seemed like none of the Termites did, and only the royalty had titles. ¡°Do you know where any prey might hang out?¡±


    They clicked their mandibles and tilted their head. ¡°Noo grazing material here,¡± they shook their head. ¡°But... sooome prey would come to the mud wallows.¡±


    ¡°Oh so there aren''t even herds here,¡± Mrembo scoffed.


    ¡°Would you stop being so pessimistic?¡± Sarabi asked with a groan. ¡°Why don''t you show us to the mud wallows Greenie?¡±


    They nodded, pausing for a second. ¡°Whyyree do you keep calling me that?¡±


    ¡°Greenie?¡± Sarabi asked. ¡°I know you don''t have a name, but I have to call you something and... your eyes are green.¡±¡±


    They touched one of their compound eyes, making the Cats wince.


    ¡°Many of the rrroyal guard... had eyes like these,¡± they explained. ¡°I am... the only one who did not die with the Queen... I was above ground, with the Princess...¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Sarabi said, not really sure what to say to that. ¡°I''m... sorry to hear that.¡±


    They clicked again. ¡°This way,¡± they stated, before turning and heading in a different direction.


    ¡°They''re not easy to talk to,¡± Mrembo noted as the Cats followed behind the Termite. ¡°Are you sure about this? This feels very different from helping Moyo or stopping the Chimps.¡±


    ¡°We can''t give up now, not when we''re this close,¡± Sarabi shook her head. They''d been traveling for weeks! They had to be close to home. ¡°Besides, they need help.¡±


    ¡°Mmm, I guess,¡± something about this still didn''t sit right with Mrembo. This problem was... strange. To say the least.


    After about an hour, they made it to what might have once been a watering hole, but was now just a collection of muddy pools.


    It did look like something had been here recently. Judging by the squished down portions of the mud pools.


    Sarabi sighed. Maybe the Cheetah was right. What the heck was she expecting to find? It wasn''t like there were many animals that liked places like this, there was no way they''d find enough warthogs to gather that much meat.


    As she was thinking, and ¡®Greenie¡¯ was standing nearby chittering, Mrembo circled the pools, trying to figure out what had been here.


    It looked big, judging by the smoothed down portions of the mud wallows. And a little ways away from the pools, she found tracks in the soft dirt.


    Wide, round tracks, with the very slight imprint of four toes at the front.


    ¡°elephant,¡± Mrembo said quietly.


    ¡°You find something?¡± Sarabi asked, coming up beside her.


    ¡°Just something we''ll need to avoid,¡± Mrembo shook her head. ¡°Only thing big enough to leave tracks like this is an elephant.¡±


    ¡°An elephant huh?¡± Sarabi considered.


    Mrembo did not like that face.


    ¡°Sarabi, don''t even think about it,¡± Mrembo warned. ¡°Nothing hunts elephants, no Hunters or cousins would dare.¡±


    ¡°It''d be a lot easier than trying to take down an entire herd,¡± Sarabi pointed out. ¡°And maybe...¡± she turned back to their guide. ¡°Hey Greenie? You guys are good at digging right?¡±


    ¡°Weeee excavate tunnels regularly...¡± they hissed.


    ¡°Great! I''ve got a plan,¡± Sarabi said with a smirk. ¡°Think you can get a few other Termites to help us with something?¡±


    They''d passed a few of the listless ones not long back, and it seemed like they perked up when ¡®Greenie¡¯ had gotten close.


    ¡°I will trryy,¡± they said, skittering back the way they''d came.


    ¡°Sarabi, what are you doing?¡± Mrembo asked, grabbing the Lionesses arm.


    ¡°You remember that pit you almost fell in when the Chimps grabbed you?¡± Sarabi asked.


    Mrembo looked at her in shock. ¡°You''re really going through with this?¡±


    ¡°This could be our only chance!¡± Sarabi defended. ¡°Plus, I think killing one elephant is better than needing to slaughter an entire herd.¡±


    Mrembo couldn''t argue with that but... this still felt way too risky.


    ¡°This whole situation doesn''t feel right,¡± Mrembo shook her head.


    ¡°You''ve been acting weird all day,¡± Sarabi said, crossing her arms. ¡°Since we left the Hyena''s camp really... what''s wrong? This isn''t still about the thing with my pride is it?¡±


    ¡°No I just... forget I said anything,¡± Mrembo said, still thinking about her talk with Jasiri.


    Part of her really wanted to say something.


    Part of her really wanted Sarabi to say something.


    Sarabi sighed. ¡°Okay, fine just... I''m here if you need to talk.¡±


    What was going on with her lately?


    It had to be the thing with the pride she''d brought up earlier. She''d been squirrely and distant ever since they''d left the Hyena camp.


    Part of her really hated the attitude change. After everything they''d been through, she really thought she was just going to throw her away like that?


    Part of her couldn''t blame her, since she had no idea what she was going to do when she actually got back to the pride.


    The King was the one who made decisions. And she... she hadn''t even proven herself as a Hunter. Not to the pride anyway.


    But... they were still her family. They''d appreciate what Mrembo had done for her.


    Right?


    Another long silence fell over the pair. Neither sure what to say to break the silence, both wishing the other would say something instead.


    ¡°I-yyyy returnn,¡± Greenie broke the silence as they approached with five other Termites, the formerly listless Insects walking slowly behind Greenie.


    Their mandibles and antenna chittering as they followed in their path.


    ¡°Alright, let''s track this thing down first,¡± Sarabi said, turning back to Mrembo. ¡°Can you do it?¡±


    Mrembo sighed. ¡°Of course I can...¡± she turned back to the tracks. ¡°... just one, hopefully it''s on its own and wasn''t heading back to a herd.¡±


    Hunting one elephant was suicidal enough, but trying to even draw one away from its herd?


    ¡°How is this even going to work?¡± Mrembo asked as she started following the tracks. ¡°That pit only worked on me because it was disguised... and also it needs to be big enough to catch an elephant.¡±


    ¡°I mean, these guys seem industrious,¡± Sarabi said, looking back at the Termites.


    ¡°You know, I think you''re being a little overconfident here,¡± Mrembo said with a sigh. ¡°Not to be rude but you just started hunting on your own, and neither of us have ever used a trap before.¡±


    ¡°What can I say? So long as we''re together, there''s nothing we can''t do,¡± Sarabi said with a smirk.


    Mrembo couldn''t help but crack a smile. She knew this was frankly a terrible idea but... she looked over at the Lioness.


    If... if they were close to home. If these would be their last days together... maybe she shouldn''t be focusing on what wasn''t going to happen.


    Her own feelings aside... Sarabi was her best friend.


    Her... only friend.


    The Cheetah sighed. She needed to apologize. Once this was done, she''d try to patch things up.


    For now... they had an elephant to find.


    ~~~


    It turned out the elephant they were tracking was on its own. And, judging by the size of it, it was an adult bull elephant.


    Currently it was digging into the soft ground with its tusk, looking for... water? Maybe roots?


    Neither of the Cats really knew.


    They didn''t really need to know.


    There were a couple things different about this hunt, aside from their choice of prey of course.


    First off, the surroundings, the Cats were used to hunting in tall grass, and there was almost nothing that would work as cover here.


    Second off, the goal of the hunt was to either get the elephant to run in a specific direction, or, maybe more likely, to get it to chase them in that direction.


    The Termites were a ways a way, with Greenie leading the group of Termites in excavating a hidden pit.


    The hope was they could dig out... effectively a sinkhole. Something with dirt on the top, but not enough dirt to support the weight of an elephant.


    Now it just fell to the Cats.


    ¡°That''s way bigger than I was expecting,¡± Sarabi gulped, the two of them crouching low, their fur and clothes covered in mud in an attempt to camouflage themselves.


    Mrembo glared at her, the Lion doing a double take when she saw the Cheetahs harsh look.


    ¡°Oh don''t give me that look,¡± Sarabi huffed.


    ¡°We''re about to piss off the biggest most dangerous thing on the savannah!¡± Mrembo hissed. ¡°I can''t believe I let you talk me into this.¡±


    ¡°If you don''t wanna help you can go wait with the Bugs,¡± Sarabi said, turning her attention back to the elephant.


    ¡°I''m not leaving you here to get squished,¡± Mrembo shook her head.


    ¡°Your faith in me is outstanding,¡± the Lioness rolled her eyes. ¡°Any ideas?¡±


    Mrembo groaned. ¡°Well... as much as I hate this. I am faster, and harder to hit.¡±


    ¡°Yeah but if it does hit you...¡± Sarabi didn''t finish that sentence.


    ¡°You''re not that much tougher than me,¡± Mrembo pointed. ¡°Not so much that it''ll make difference against... that.¡±


    Her eyes locked on those tusks.


    ¡°I don''t wanna just stand around while you''re bait,¡± Sarabi said.


    ¡°It won''t be better if we''re both doing this,¡± Mrembo replied.


    ¡°Mmm... fine,¡± the Lioness huffed. ¡°I''m gonna head back towards the Termites, I don''t wanna get left behind when it goes charging after you.¡±


    Mrembo nodded.


    Sarabi started to move but stopped after a moment.


    Then Mrembo felt a strong pair of arms wrap around her. ¡°Be careful,¡± Sarabi implored. ¡°If it comes down to it, I''d rather have you than have this work.¡±


    Mrembo felt her heart racing faster. And she returned the hug.


    ¡°I''ll be careful, promise,¡± the Cheetah assured her.


    ¡°You''d better be,¡± Sarabi said, breaking the hug and turning, slowly making her way away from the elephant and back towards the Termites.


    Mrembo smiled as she watched her go. Then took a deep breath as she turned back towards the elephant.


    She waited a few more minutes, letting Sarabi put some distance between them.


    Then she took another deep breath and stood up, her staff in one hand as she approached the massive creature.


    ¡°Alright jumbo,¡± she called, whacking that ground a few times with her staff to get it''s attention. ¡°I don''t think either of us are going to like what''s about to happen.¡±


    The elephant turned, it''s trunk raised in the air as it waved its head. Deep, rumbling sounds, almost growls, coming from it.


    Mrembo got as close as she dared, still out of reach of it.


    She hissed at the elephant, her muscles tensed as she was ready to run.


    It pawed the ground, swaying from side to side as it shook its head.


    Mrembo growled and leapt forward, close enough that she could hit it with her staff, whacking one of its tusks before turning and running as it trumpeted.


    The shaking ground gave Mrembo a pretty good idea that her plan was working.


    The elephant was chasing her. Hooray.


    The good news was that she was definitely faster than it.


    The bad news was that she had to measure that, both to keep from burning herself out, and to keep within range of the elephant.


    What followed were the most terrifying moments of the Cheetah''s life. Breathing hard as she ran, occasionally glancing back to ensure it was still coming after her.


    A few times, it seemed like the elephant was starting to lose interest, thinking it had chased her off.


    When that happened, she fell back, hissing and growling to keep its attention.


    The second time she did that, she had to duck when she let it get too close and it swung its tusks at her.


    ¡®Just keep moving,¡¯ she told herself, scrambling forward, her paws throwing up dirt as she ran.


    Ahead of her, she saw Sarabi waiting, along with Greenie, the Lionesses'' smile quickly turning to a look of terror as she realized just what they were doing.


    Mrembo realized then a slight error in the plan.


    She had no idea where the pit started. She was going to have to try and swerve around it, and hope that the elephant couldn¡¯t turn quick enough to avoid it.


    ... or.


    She got an idea, looking at the staff in her hand.


    No turning back now.


    She poured on the speed, holding her staff out as she rushed forward.


    She took a guess, then planted the tip of the staff into the ground in front of her, using the momentum to throw herself forward.


    Behind her, the elephant continued forward, rushing past the point where Mrembo had vaulted as the Cheetah spun through the air.


    A few feet beyond that, the ground cracked and gave away. The elephant trumpeting as it fell.


    There was a loud crash behind the Cheetah as Mrembo landed, smiling at Sarabi... and feeling the ground give way beneath her.


    Her eyes went wide for a second, before an arm shot out and grabbed her.


    For a second, the two Cats were back on the riverbanks in their territory. Lighting flashing around them as Sarabi grabbed the Cheetah.


    This time she pulled her into a tight hug.


    ¡°I''m sorry,¡± she apologized, her voice shakey. ¡°When I saw it after you I...¡±


    She gulped. What was she thinking?! She''d been so focused on getting home that she''d risked Mrembo''s life on this stupid plan!


    ¡°It''s okay Sarabi,¡± Mrembo began.


    ¡°No its not!¡± Sarabi said, stepping back from the Cheetah. ¡°I... I get why you think I''d abandon you...¡±


    ¡°Sarabi...¡± Mrembo stared at her for a second, before pulling the Lioness back into a hug. ¡°I''m sorry for how I''ve been acting. I just... I''ve been alone for a long time. And after spending so long with you... I can''t imagine going back to that.¡±


    ¡°You won''t have to, I promise,¡± Sarabi said, hugging the Cheetah tightly. ¡°I... I don''t know what I''m going to do but I promise, I''m not gonna leave you.¡±


    Mrembo smiled. Maybe... maybe Jasiri was right.


    ¡°Sarabi I... I have to tell you-¡±


    There was a loud, angry trumpet from the pit.


    Both Cats jumped as they looked down into the pit.


    The elephant was still alive.


    It... didn''t look like it was going to be getting up.


    At least one of its legs, maybe multiple, was broken.


    ¡°Uh... I don''t think it can get out,¡± Sarabi said. ¡°But... how do we...¡±


    Greenie chittered something, and the other five Termites jumped into the pit.


    ¡°No! What''re you doing?!¡± Mrembo asked in a panic, watching as the Termites descended onto the elephant.


    There was a sickening crunch as the elephant shifted, one of them getting caught under the massive weight.


    The other four took their pincers to its throat.  It was a bloody few seconds later that the elephant stopped moving.


    The Cats stared in shock.


    ¡°What,¡± Sarabi asked with a growl, turning to Greenie. ¡°Was that?!¡±


    ¡°Finishing it off,¡± they hissed.


    ¡°One of them died!¡± The Lioness shouted. ¡°We could''ve come up with a plan without risking anyone!¡±


    Greenie¡¯s mandibles clicked. ¡°Drrrones are... disposable.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Sarabi asked in confusion.


    ¡°Only the rrroyaals matterrr,¡± they continued. ¡°Thissss will ensurrre the survival of the hiverrr.¡±


    ¡°I... I don''t... raaaaah!¡± Sarabi turned, kicking a chunk of dirt into the air.


    She growled and turned as she felt a hand on her shoulder.


    She felt herself grow calm as she looked into Mrembo''s eyes.


    ¡°Let''s just go get the Princess,¡± the Cheetah said sadly.


    After a moment, Sarabi nodded, shooting one last glare at Greenie.


    They set off back in the direction of the Princess, the Termites, including Greenie, following behind them.


    ~~~


    It was later that night by the time they got the Princess back to the pit.


    ¡°You... actually did it,¡± she said, looking down into the pit with a look of what was probably amazement.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to sound so surprised,¡± Sarabi said, crossing her arms.


    ¡°Sooo... how does this work?¡± Mrembo asked, still a little unclear on what was about to happen.


    The Princess continued to stare down at the dead elephant. ¡°I... being to consume,¡± she said. ¡°And once I have eaten more than my fill... that will trigger the changes to begin...¡± she explained.


    ¡°Okay, do you want some privacy?¡± Sarabi asked.


    ¡°To... ascend,¡± the Princess continued. ¡°To... ensure the continuation of the hive...¡± her wings buzzed as she looked around. At the Termites surrounding her, at Greenie who... seemed to be one of the only ones possessed of themself. Back at the elephant. ¡°I... I¡¯m sorry!¡±


    Her wings buzzed loudly as she took off.


    Most of the other Termites went listless as she took off, the ones around Greenie chittering in confusion as Greenie just watched after her.


    ¡°Uh... what just happened?¡± Sarabi asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking there¡¯s more to this than we understand,¡± Mrembo admitted. ¡°I¡¯m gonna go after her, you... well, it¡¯s not like anyone here can panic,¡± she sighed. ¡°Just... wait here? Make sure they don¡¯t fall in the pit.¡±


    Mrembo didn¡¯t wait for a response before rushing off, pushing through the crowd of Termites in the direction the Princess had flown.


    Tracking a flying Insect at night was... probably impossible, and her night vision was not great, she knew Sarabi¡¯s was much better.


    Still, she had to try, and she hoped that the Princess wasn¡¯t going anywhere specific. After a few minutes of running in the dark, she heard a weird... gasping, chittering noise up ahead.


    Slowing down and veering in that direction, she walked until she found the source. Sure enough, the Princess was sitting in front of another collapsed mound, holding her head in all four of her hands as she sat there.


    ¡°... hey,¡± Mrembo greeted. ¡°You sorta ran off without saying anything... I take it there¡¯s more to this whole ascension thing?¡±


    The Princess looked up at the Cheetah, her mandibles dripping... something. Maybe mucus? Was this how they cried?


    When she didn¡¯t say anything, Mrembo sat down next to her, looking up at the stars. ¡°It¡¯s alright, you don¡¯t need to talk if you don¡¯t want to.¡±


    ¡°... have you ever wanted something that you knew you couldn¡¯t have?¡± The Princess asked sadly.


    ¡°... yeah,¡± Mrembo replied, her thoughts turning to Sarabi.


    ¡°... it¡¯s worse when you have your dream, but know you¡¯ll have to lose it,¡± the Princess sighed. ¡°I love my wings... I love seeing the world from above, they¡¯re... the only reason the guard and I survived the flood.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re beautiful,¡± Mrembo complimented.


    ¡°... the Queen doesn¡¯t have wings,¡± the Princess shook her head. ¡°The Queen... my mother... once you ascend, all that matters is running the hive, and laying eggs. We become... bloated, lose our wings... my mother hadn¡¯t seen the surface in decades.¡±


    ¡°Oh... I... I see why you don¡¯t want to go through with that,¡± Mrembo admitted.


    ¡°I¡¯m selfish,¡± she shook her head. ¡°If I don¡¯t do this... my hive will die... the others, they can¡¯t even think anymore!¡±


    ¡°Except for Greenie,¡± Mrembo pointed out, earning a confused look from the Princess. ¡°It¡¯s... what we¡¯ve been calling the... guard? Cause of their eyes.¡±


    ¡°Ah... those selected to become royal guard always turn... different,¡± the Princess replied. ¡°After spending so much time around the Queen.¡±


    ¡°Well... what makes them different?¡± Mrembo asked. ¡°Or you and the Queen for that matter?¡±


    Her wings buzzed for a second. ¡°It... would have to be the jelly,¡± she muttered.


    Jelly?


    Spirits this was weird.


    ¡°Could you explain a little?¡± Mrmebo asked.


    The Princess nodded, then made a... very wet hacking sound, before spitting up a glob of vicious, slightly yellow mucus. ¡°Royal jelly,¡± she explained. ¡°A drone fed this, or kept around this, changes, becomes more independent... with enough from a young age, they can become a Princess.¡±


    ¡°And the others seems so listless because they don¡¯t have that?¡± Mrembo asked.


    ¡°They¡¯re... better when there¡¯s a Queen,¡± the Princess continued. ¡°Especially in groups,¡± she sighed and stood up. ¡°They can¡¯t last much longer without a queen, and...¡± she looked down at herself. ¡°Even if I can reproduce as I am... it would not be enough to keep us alive.¡±


    Mrembo looked up at her, thinking for a second. ¡°So... the jelly makes you... more than a ¡®drone¡¯, and you need the food to become a Queen,¡± she summarized.


    The Princess nodded.


    ¡°... what if you mixed the two?¡± Mrembo suggested.


    The Princess looked at her in confusion.


    The Cheetah stood up and smiled. ¡°Walk with me back to the elephant, I¡¯ll explain on the way.¡±


    The Princess tilted her head, following behind the Cheetah, explaining a plan that... neither of them knew if it would work.


    But the Princess was willing to try.


    ~~


    At first Sarabi didn''t understand why the plan changed so suddenly. Then Mrembo explained the Princesses situation.


    Now the Lioness was sitting off on her own, feeling... frankly terrible.


    She''d risked Mrembo''s life on this plan, and it turned out if they''d gone through with it, she''d have ruined the Princesses life.


    Ma Tembo''s words seemed to taunt her.


    ¡°Spirits what''s wrong with me,¡± she sighed. She''d done it again. Got so focused on getting home that she just... stopped caring about anything else.


    It was early the next morning, and Mrembo and the Princess had been up all night enacting their new plan.


    Sarabi had helped where she could, mostly going out and bringing as many of the listless drones back as she could, though Greenie had an easier time since she literally had to drag them back.


    The gathered drones had dug out the pit, allowing easier access to the corpse of the elephant.


    Walking back over, she looked down at the body. It was currently... sort of a sickly yellow. As the Princess stood over it occasionally spitting another glob of that royal jelly stuff which she''d rub into the elephant''s body.


    They''d been... basically marinating the body in the stuff for hours.


    From what she''d been told, this might make the drones more like Greenie and the Princess.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Mrembo said, coming up alongside Sarabi. ¡°You alright?¡±


    ¡°Just... thinking that I really screwed up on this one,¡± she sighed.


    ¡°I wouldn''t say that,¡± Mrembo replied.


    ¡°I could''ve gotten you killed, and if the Princess had gone through with my plan, I would''ve consigned her to... what? Just lay eggs for the rest of her life?¡± The Lioness shook her head.


    ¡°... yeah,¡± Mrembo sighed, rubbing the back of her head. ¡°But it all worked out... maybe,¡± she said, looking down into the pit. ¡°... if this doesn''t work, I don''t know how we¡¯ll get home but... I promise I¡¯ll find a way.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll find a way,¡± Sarabi corrected, putting a hand on the Cheetah¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°I think it''s ready,¡± the Princess said, walking up the ramp the drones had dug out.


    ¡°So none of you have ever tried this before?¡± Sarabi asked, looking down at the now gooey corpse.


    ¡°No, only those selected to become royals have been raised on the royal jelly,¡± she shook her head. ¡°I... have no idea what will happen.¡±


    ¡°Hopefully something good,¡± the Lioness muttered.


    Without another word, the Princess spread her wings, and took off. Circling just above the drones.


    ¡°Eat.¡± She began to chant as she flew over them. ¡°Eat. Eat. Eat.¡±


    ¡°Eat. Eat. Eat.¡± With a direct order from the Princess, the drones moved forward, the Cats moving out of the way as the Termites descended into the pit.


    ¡°Should we be watching this?¡± Sarabi asked as the Termites began to swarm over the corpse, tearing out chunks with their mandibles.


    ¡°You can look away if you want but I''m curious,¡± Mrembo said.


    It was much more orderly than either of them were expecting, there was no pushing, shoving, or fighting. As more Termites pushed into the pit, the ones that had gone in first were pushed out.


    They were mulling about and twitching slightly as they climbed out of the pit.


    ¡°Let''s go see if it''s working,¡± Mrmebo said, Sarabi following behind the Cheetah as they made their way around the pit.


    At first, they didn''t seem any different from how they had been before, standing there, listless aside from the occasional twitch of movement.


    Then Sarabi noticed something. ¡°Weren''t their eyes all orange before?¡± She asked, looking at one watching as the lenses of its compound eyes slowly turned blue.


    ¡°Hey, you''re right,¡± Mrembo said, looking into the eyes of another as its lenses began to turn white.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    She jumped back as the Termite tilted its head.


    ¡°By the Spirits it''s actually working,¡± Sarabi said.


    ¡°Hello,¡± another Termite, this one with bright red eyes, turned and greeted the other. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°I... do not know,¡± the first one chittered.


    ¡°I do not know either,¡± the other shook its head.


    ¡°Hello,¡± another walked up, with pinkish eyes.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Sarabi called, getting the attention of... oh, okay, a lot of heads turning in her direction.


    There was a buzzing, and the Princess landed next to them. A muffled murmuring coming from the growing crowd. ¡°The Princess,¡± they all whispered.


    ¡°It... it worked,¡± she gawked.


    ¡°Princess,¡± a green-eyed one... was it Greenie? ¡°What is going on?¡±


    ¡°I... I could not do it, I could not become queen,¡± she shook her head. ¡°But I could not leave you as you were... the Cheetah came up with a plan for you all to imbibe the royal jelly.¡±


    ¡°We are... all royals?¡± Another asked.


    ¡°I do not know,¡± the Princess admitted. ¡°Perhaps there are no royals now... perhaps we can all just... be.¡±


    The crowd muttered amongst themselves again.


    ¡°Do you... remember anything? From before?¡±


    The Queen had always spoke of possessing the hive''s memory but... the Princess did not feel that.


    ¡°Only guarding you and the Queen,¡± okay so it was Greenie. He seemed slightly more cognizant than he had before.


    ¡°I remember tending the larvae... oh the poor things,¡± another spoke, grasping their chest. ¡°The flood... oh no...¡±


    ¡°I remember the hunting parties,¡± another spoke up, standing up a little straighter.


    More began to chime in, as it seemed that whatever memories the drones had personally experienced were coming back to them.


    The Princess looked out over the crowd in amazement.


    ¡°I... thank you,¡± she turned to the Cats. ¡°You''ve given me a great gift... my freedom,¡± her wings buzzed. ¡°And my people... thank you.¡±


    ¡°I''m glad we could help,¡± Mrembo said with a smile.


    ¡°... names,¡± the Princess said. ¡°Names are... important to your kind... what are yours?¡±


    ¡°My name is Sarabi,¡± the Lioness introduced herself.


    ¡°Mrembo,¡± the Cheetah bowed her head.


    ¡°Hmm... then in your honor, I shall be Mrabi,¡± the Princess nodded her head.


    ¡°I would... like to still be Greenie,¡± Greenie chimed in. ¡°And I would like to remain your guard, your highness.¡±


    Despite her emotionless Insectoid face, the Princess seemed to smile.


    ¡°If there''s any way we can repay you,¡± she turned to the Cats.


    ¡°Well... we do need directions home,¡± Sarabi replied.


    ¡°Right... directions...¡± she turned to the crowd and rose into the air. ¡°My people!¡± She called out. ¡°Our new friends need to find their home! Do any of you know from where they hail?¡±


    There was a chittering murmur from the crowd as they began to confer.


    It would take a while, as the newly cognizant Termite reclaimed their memories, and figured out from where the Cats had come.


    But by the end of the day, they didn''t only have a heading, they learned they were no more than a weeks travel from a location Sarabi actually recognized.


    ¡°We''re almost home,¡± Sarabi said with a smile.


    Mrembo smiled as well. She was happy for Sarabi but... that meant time was running out.


    She had an end date for their travels together.


    She had to say something. And soon.

 Chapter 5

    ¡°Just a few more days,¡± Sarabi said, walking a bit ahead of Mrembo.


    ¡°Yeah...¡± The Cheetah replied. She... hadn''t gotten up the courage to say... what she wanted to say.


    Currently, they were walking through a forest, following game trails through thick brush.


    ¡°So, I''ve been thinking,¡± the Lioness continued. ¡°About when we get back to my pride.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Mrembo perked up.


    ¡°Our territory is... pretty big now,¡± she began. ¡°I think I could probably sell the pride on letting you stay if you act as a scout for us.¡±


    ¡°A... scout?¡± Mrembo repeated.


    ¡°Yeah, you know, help us keep track of the herds, let us know if there''s anything that might be trouble,¡± Sarabi turned back to her with a smile.


    Mrembo just stared at her. ¡°Is that what you think I want?¡± The Cheetah asked cooly. ¡°To just... exist on your periphery? Be allowed to stay ''cause I''m marginally useful?¡±


    Sarabi looked shocked. She''d expected her to be excited. ¡°Hey, I''m trying here,¡± she defended.


    ¡°Are you?¡± Mrembo scoffed. ¡°Cause it seems like you''re just trying to justify my existence.¡±


    ¡°I''m sorry I can''t just tell the pride to let you stay,¡± Sarabi huffed. ¡°The King doesn¡¯t want other Hunters around, I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll appreciate you helping me but... yeah, I need more of a reason than ¡®she¡¯s my friend¡¯ okay?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want my home to depend on proving myself useful to your pride!¡± Mrembo shouted.


    ¡°Well what do you want?!¡± Sarabi growled back, feeling deeply frustrated. ¡°I¡¯m really trying here, Mrembo!¡±


    ¡°I want to live my life Sarabi!¡± She reached forward, grabbing the Lionesses'' hands. ¡°And I want to live it with you.¡±


    The anger and frustration fled the Lionesses face, replaced by a look of shock and confusion. ¡°What?¡±


    Mrembo gulped. This... was not how she imagined this going. ¡°S-Sarabi I...¡± she looked up into the Lionesses'' deep amber eyes.


    She leaned up, stood on her tiptoes, and kissed Sarabi.


    Sarabi¡¯s eyes went wide. This was... what was this? Why was her heart pounding so hard?


    Mrembo broke the kiss, leaning back. ¡°I... I want you Sarabi,¡± she said, looking up at her. ¡°... that¡¯s what I want... just you.¡±


    ¡°Mrembo,¡± Sarabi looked down at her, a thousand things rushing through her head. All the time she¡¯d spent with Mrembo, what Ma Tembo had said about losing something beautiful, she thought back to her mother, telling her to play nice with the male cubs, because one of them would be her mate someday.


    She leaned in and kissed Mrembo, wrapping her arms around her as she pushed her forward, the pair falling into the thicket as the Lioness threw herself at the Cheetah, the sun beginning to sink over the horizon.


    It was intense and passionate, an explosion of emotion that had been building for some time.


    As darkness fell over the savannah, the two lay there, Mrembo purring in her sleep, a soft smile on her face as Sarabi had wrapped her arms around her.


    The emotional high of the moment having faded, Sarabi was having a much different experience.


    Unwilling or unable to pull away from the Cheetah, she didn''t move away from Mrembo. She just stared straight ahead, swallowing hard.


    ¡°What have I done?¡± She asked quietly.


    ~~~


    Mrembo stretched awake, feeling herself press against something warm and fuzzy.


    Oh.


    Oh that was right~


    ¡°Mmmmmr... morning beautiful,¡± she purred, her eyes only half open as she turned and looked at Sarabi.


    ¡°... morning,¡± the Lioness replied, not making eye contact. She looked exhausted.


    Mrembo rolled out of her arms, letting the Lioness sit up.


    ¡°Did you see where my top went?¡± Mrembo asked. Last night had been... intense. Not that she was complaining.


    Sarabi just looked away.


    ¡°Heh, no need to be shy,¡± Mrembo purred, standing up and approaching the Lioness. ¡°You weren''t last night after all.¡±


    ¡°Just... stop,¡± Sarabi said, turning away from her. ¡°Let''s just go.¡±


    ¡°Sarabi?¡± Mrembo asked, putting a hand on the Lionesses'' shoulder. ¡°What''s wrong?¡±


    Sarabi pulled her shoulder away. ¡°Here,¡± she reached down, grabbing the Cheetah''s top and tossing it to her.


    Mrembo caught it and looked at it in her hand.


    She let it drop.


    ¡°Sarabi, talk to me,¡± she said, circling around Sarabi.


    ¡°There''s nothing to talk about,¡± the Lioness huffed.


    ¡°I think there is,¡± the Cheetah insisted. ¡°Why''re you acting like this? Last night-¡±


    ¡°Last night was a mistake!¡± The Lion turned and growled.


    ¡°... what?¡± Mrembo asked, her eyes going wide.


    ¡°It was a mistake,¡± she repeated, glaring at the Cheetah. ¡°Maybe... whatever that is works for Hyenas, but I''m a Lion. And we''re not even the same species!¡±


    ¡°Why does that have to matter?¡± Mrembo asked.


    ¡°Because I''m part of a pride!¡± Sarabi shouted. ¡°And this,¡± she gestured between the two of them. ¡°Will never work with that.¡±


    ¡°Oh would you shut up about your pride!¡± Mrembo growled. ¡°Why don''t you think about what you want instead of trying to prove yourself to them!?¡±


    ¡°What I want is the same thing I''ve always wanted! I want to go home! I want to be back with my pride! And I''m not gonna give up my whole life just for some stupid Cheetah!¡±


    Everything went quiet after that, and Sarabi immediately felt a wave of guilt wash over her.


    ¡°Mrembo I-¡±


    *smack!*


    The Lioness stumbled as the Cheetah slapped her.


    ¡°How dare you,¡± Mrembo said coldly, tears welling in her eyes. ¡°How dare you make me think someone like you could care about me. How dare you make me think a Lion could be different,¡± she swallowed hard. ¡°And how dare you make me think I could ever love you.¡±


    With that, the Cheetah turned and ran.


    Sarabi reached forward, finding herself unable to take a step as she fell to her knees, arm outstretched.


    She felt like someone had reached into her chest and ripped out something vital.


    ¡°Oh great Spirits,¡± she gasped out, tears running down her face. ¡°What have I done?¡±


    ~~~


    Mrembo ran.


    She ran and she ran until her legs gave out. Her heart pounding in her chest.


    She collapsed onto the savannah, having broken through the treeline a while ago.


    She sobbed as she fell into the tall grass. Feeling... broken.


    ¡°It''s better this way,¡± she choked out. ¡°Better if I''m alone...¡±


    She curled up, pulling her knees to her chest. Feeling the wind pick up around her.


    In her mind, she cursed herself for being so stupid. To think, she actually thought they could have something.


    Her mind drifted back to last night. Remembering the Lionesses strong arms around her, her hands running through her soft fur. Their bodies pressing against each other.


    It all felt so dirty now.


    Was it really wrong? Jasiri had seemed happy, even having lost her mate.


    And... it hadn''t felt wrong. Not in the moment. Not with her.


    Mrembo sniffled. Cracking her eyes open. ¡°Better alone,¡± she repeated. If Sarabi was so sure her place was with her pride... then that was Mrembo''s place. Alone.


    The wind was really picking up now, and Mrembo could feel something pelting her fur.


    ¡°Really?¡± She sighed, sitting up. First she loses Sarabi, and now another storm was-


    As she turned to face the oncoming storm, her vision was filled with red.


    It was a storm alright. A sandstorm.


    Mrembo cried out in pain, clutching her eyes as a gust of harsh wind hit her face, throwing sand into her open eyes.


    She doubled over, clutching her face. Holding back from rubbing her eyes even as they screamed in pain.


    She tried to get to her feet only to stumble forward and fall again. She had to find shelter, a storm like this could bury her alive, but she couldn''t see.


    Eyes still stinging, she covered her face with her arm and crawled forward, feeling for anything she could use as cover.


    She was alone in this. That was the way it had to be. Even if she wished, more than anything, that she could have her friend at her side.


    ~~~


    Sarabi lost track of how long she kneeled there, staring in the direction Mrembo had run.


    She... she had to come back. She needed her to come back so she could apologize. So she could hold her tightly and tell her how sorry and stupid and wrong she''d been.


    She cried without sobbing, tears rolling down her face, staining her fur. The pain in her chest was still just as sharp as it had been when Mrembo had turned and ran.


    ¡°Please...¡± she muttered. ¡°Please...¡±


    Her ears twitched as she heard something howling in the distance. Not like a canine howl, like wind.


    Turning her head, she saw a wall of red approaching. Oh... oh Spirits.


    ¡°We need to...¡± no, not we, her. She needed shelter... ¡°Mrembo...¡± she finally pushed herself to her feet, grabbing the Cheetah''s discarded top as she took off, tearing through the underbrush. ¡°Mrembo!¡±


    She had to find her. Even if she could never take back what she said. Even if Mrembo hated her forever. She had to find her. Had to know she was safe.


    The storm overtook her just as she pushed through the treeline. She covered her face and turned away from the direction of the storm. ¡°Mrembo!¡± She called out, trying to shout over the roar of the storm.


    The roar...


    Sarabi grit her teeth, raised her head and roared as loud as she could.


    ~~~


    Mrembo''s ears twitched as something sounded over the roar of the storm around her.


    At first she thought the storm was just picking up, but then it stopped... then it sounded again.


    A Lion''s roar.


    ¡°Sarabi...¡±


    Mrembo turned in the direction she''d come... or she tried to. She still couldn''t see.


    ¡°Sarabi!¡± She called out, stumbling forward as she tried to run.


    She tripped, tumbling to the ground and coughing, the sand stinging her lungs as well as her eyes.


    She rolled onto her back, facing the sky and yowled.


    A few seconds later, a familiar roar responded.


    ~~~


    Sarabi rushed across the savannah. Roaring, then waiting for the response.


    The yowl came. She was getting closer.


    She wasn''t sure how long this had been going on. Mrembo had run far in the time they''d been apart.


    She steeled herself. She had to find her.


    She had to tell her...


    She roared again.


    ¡°Sarabi!¡±


    The voice was faint, but she could hear it.


    ¡°Mrembo!¡± She called back.


    ¡°Sarabi!¡±


    She was closer.


    ¡°Mrembo!¡±


    ¡°Sarabi!¡±


    There!


    ¡°Mrembo!¡± Sarabi gasped, rushing forward and tripping over something soft.


    ¡°Ow!¡± Mrembo hissed as the Lioness tripped over her.


    ¡°Sorry! Are you okay?¡± Sarabi asked,


    ¡°I can''t see!¡± The Cheetah hissed, coughing as she shouted, her throat sore from their call and response.


    ¡°It''s okay, I''m here,¡± she reached down and helped the Cheetah to her feet. ¡°Come on.¡±


    Mrembo leaned heavily against the Lion as Sarabi led her back towards the forest. ¡°Come on, come on...¡±


    A shape loomed ahead of them, though they were still a ways away from the forest, and not a hundred percent sure they were going in the right direction.


    As they approached, Sarabi saw the thick, woody trunk of a Baobab tree, with an opening at the base just big enough to squeeze into.


    ¡°Thank the spirits,¡± Sarabi sighed in relief. She helped Mrembo into the trunk, then squeezed in herself.


    Mrembo leaned against the interior of the trunk, sliding to the ground, her eyes still shut tight.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Sarabi asked, kneeling down next to her.


    ¡°What do you think happened?!¡± Mrembo shouted. ¡°The storm... grrrr.¡± She grasped at her face.


    ¡°It''s okay... it''s okay,¡± Sarabi said soothingly. ¡°Here just... lean back.¡±


    Mrembo felt one of the Lioness¡¯ hands cradle her head, helping her lean back. Part of her wanted to resist but for now, she let it happen.


    ¡°Okay, open your eyes, I''m gonna wash them out with the water skin,¡± Sarabi explained.


    Reluctantly, Mrembo slowly opened her eyes. Her bright emerald green eyes were bloodshot, and Sarabi slowly titled the waterskin, pouring water into her eyes.


    The Cheetah winced, but managed to keep her eyes open.


    ¡°There you go,¡± Sarabi said as the water streamed down her face. ¡°Better?¡±


    Mrembo blinked a few times, her eyes still bloodshot and a little blurry. But stinging much less.


    ¡°Yeah...¡± she looked up at Sarabi. ¡°You-¡±


    Sarabi pulled the Cheetah into a tight hug. ¡°I am so sorry,¡± she choked out. ¡°I didn''t mean it. I swear.¡±


    ¡°Sarabi,¡± Mrembo sighed. ¡°That... I don''t...¡±


    ¡°Please,¡± the Lioness leaned back. ¡°I know I can''t take back what I said but... I didn''t mean it. Last night wasn''t a mistake. I just... my mother always said-¡±


    Mrembo grabbed her head and pulled her into a kiss.


    The Lioness tensed for a moment, before relaxing and leaning into the kiss.


    ¡°You talk too much,¡± Mrembo said, pulling away after a moment.


    ¡°Mrembo... I-¡±


    Mrembo put a finger to her lips. ¡°No more apologies. No excuses, no explanations...¡±


    She pulled her finger away.


    ¡°... you''re amazing,¡± Sarabi said with a smile, shaking her head as she cried. ¡°And beautiful, and just... you are the best thing that''s ever happened to me... and I hope I didn''t ruin that.¡±


    Mrembo smiled, leaning forward and kissing her cheek. ¡°That is exactly what I wanted to hear,¡± she purred, wrapping her arms around Sarabi''s shoulders. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I sprung it on you like that. I just... I''ve been thinking about it a lot.¡±


    ¡°Can you forgive me?¡± Sarabi asked, cupping the Cheetah¡¯s cheek. ¡°Give me a second chance?¡±


    Mrembo smiled at her. ¡°I think I can do that,¡± she leaned in and kissed her again. Sarabi wrapping her arms around the Cheetah''s back as they embraced... and realizing she was still holding her top in her hands.


    ¡°Um...¡± Sarabi blushed, holding up the top as the kiss broke. ¡°Do you want your top back?¡±


    ¡°Mmm, I don¡¯t think we''re going to need it for a while~¡± she purred, grabbing the top and tossing it to the side as she pounced. The Lioness falling back as the Cheetah kissed her deeply.


    Last night had been an intense experience, like two elephants crashing into each other in battle.


    This was different. It was slow, deliberate. Like a pair of dust devils dancing around each other, slowly twirling and teasing until they built to a crescendo and two became one.


    The storm outside drowned out cries of passion and whispered confessions alike.


    And as the dance came to an end, the two Cats lay wrapped in each other, exhausted in the best possible way. Neither knowing exactly where one of them began and the other ended.


    But Mrembo needed one last thing.


    ¡°Sarabi,¡± she whispered. ¡°Promise me, no matter what happens... we''ll stay together.¡±


    ¡°I promise,¡± Sarabi replied immediately. ¡°No matter what... I''m yours Mrembo.¡± She meant that, taking a deep breath as she squeezed the Cheetah.


    The Cheetah purred loudly. ¡°My Sarabi... I''m yours.¡±


    ~~~


    ¡°I think it''s all clear,¡± Sarabi said, poking her head out of the trunk of the tree.


    They''d been in here since yesterday, waiting out to the storm and just... talking.


    They had a lot to talk about. This was new territory for both Cats, neither having ever been in a relationship before.


    ¡°Where do you think that came from?¡± Mrembo asked as they emerged from the trunk. ¡°It''s still the rainy season.¡±


    ¡°Probably the massive expanse of loose soil where the Termites live,¡± Sarabi replied. ¡°Think they''re alright?¡±


    ¡°So long as they hunkered down from the winds, probably. I don''t think sand would bother them much,¡± Mrembo pointed out. ¡°So... back to it?¡± The Cheetah asked with a smile.


    They''d talked a lot about Sarabi''s pride and while they still didn''t have much of a plan for introducing her, Mrembo had a much better understanding of its importance in Sarabi''s life.


    Mrembo might not have family but... she didn''t want to be responsible for Sarabi losing hers.


    ¡°Actually there''s something I want to do first,¡± Sarabi replied. ¡°But I need to find something.¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°Oh?¡± She was suggesting a delay?


    The Lioness smiled at her. ¡°It''s a surprise~¡±


    ¡°It is way too soon for you to be pulling that,¡± the Cheetah crossed her arms.


    ¡°You sprung this whole thing on me, let me have a little mystery,¡± the Lioness replied with a smirk. ¡°Besides, I promise you''ll like it.¡±


    Mrembo chuckled. ¡°Alright, fair enough. So what''re we looking for?¡±


    ¡°I need to find some flowers,¡± Sarabi explained, looking around at the sand blasted landscape.


    ¡°Flowers?¡± Mrembo asked in confusion.


    ¡°Yeah... probably not a lot around here,¡± Sarabi admitted, rubbing the back of her head. ¡°Come on, let''s head back to the forest.¡±


    ¡°What do you want with flowers?¡± Mrembo asked as the two got their bearings and started heading back towards the forest.


    ¡°I told you, it''s a surprise,¡± Sarabi said with a smirk. ¡°You''ll just have to wait.¡±


    ¡°You are being much more mischievous than usual,¡± Mrembo pointed out.


    ¡°Maybe it''s payback,¡± Sarabi said, taking the Cheetahs hand and pulling her close, putting her arms around her shoulders. ¡°Or maybe I feel like I can really be myself around you~¡±


    Mrembo couldn''t help but purr as she felt Sarabi''s arms wrap around her. She literally couldn''t help it. After so long on her own, it seemed she was weak to an affectionate touch.


    ¡°F-fine, keep your secrets,¡± the Cheetah huffed, her face heating up.


    Sarabi chuckled. She found Mrembo''s purring to be positively adorable. Especially once she figured out all she needed to do was hold her hand to make it happen.


    ¡°I will, thank you,¡± the Lioness smirked, leaning in and kissing Mrembo''s cheek. ¡°Now come on, I do wanna try to make up some time today.¡±


    If she couldn''t find what she was looking for out here, there was a place just outside their old territory that her mother had taken her to once.


    She remembered something her mother had told her that day. ¡®I know it may seem silly now, but when you find the one who you''ll spend your life with, it won''t¡¯


    Sarabi looked over at the Cheetah beside her. She knew this wasnt what her mother had had in mind when she said that but... she couldn''t imagine being with anyone else.


    ~~~


    It took a few days for the pair to reach the location where Sarabi knew she could find what she needed.


    They came to a grove of white flowering Acacia trees, surrounding a small pond.


    ¡°I will admit, this place is beautiful,¡± Mrembo said, strolling through the shade at Sarabi¡¯s side. ¡°Is that why you brought me here? Some sorta... romantic getaway~¡±


    ¡°Of a sort,¡± Sarabi admitted. ¡°Help me gather some flowers alright? Ones still on the tree.¡±


    Mrembo kinda liked this new mysterious side to Sarabi... at least as long it was about a surprise for her.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Mrembo said, jumping into the branches of one of the trees. She might not be a Leopard but she was very acrobatic.


    Sarabi began picking flowers from some of the low hanging branches, before she heard a soft thud behind her, and turned to see Mrembo with her arms full of flowers.


    ¡°Think this''ll do it?¡± The Cheetah asked with a smirk.


    Sarabi chuckled. ¡°Alright, but the next part is going to take some time,¡± the Lioness replied as she sat down, patting the ground beside her.


    Mrembo placed the flowers down and sat cross-legged next to the pile.


    ¡°So are you going to tell me what this is for?¡± Mrembo asked.


    ¡°Just be patient,¡± Sarabi chuckled as she started picking out flowers, and some more supple twigs and vines, and began weaving them together.


    The Cheetah watched curiously as Sarabi slowly weaved together a flower bracelet.


    ¡°Is... is that for me?¡± Mrembo asked as Sarabi held it in her hands.


    The Lioness was quiet for a moment. She''d... never been meant to make this. Not the first one anyway.


    ¡°Amongst Lions,¡± she began. ¡°There''s a tradition. When a Lion decides he wants to be mates with a Lioness, he goes off and makes a bracelet like this,¡± she explained. ¡°Then it''s up to the Lioness to make a matching bracelet if she wants to be his mate as well.¡±


    ¡°O-oh,¡± Mrembo felt her face heating up.


    ¡°Mrembo I...¡± she took a deep breath. ¡°The other day, before the sandstorm... you said you wanted to live your life with me,¡± she turned and smiled at the Cheetah. ¡°I can''t imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else.¡±


    Sarabi took the Cheetahs arm, and began wrapping the bracelet around her wrist. ¡°Mrembo... I offer you my heart,¡± she said, looking in her emerald green eyes.


    ¡°I... Sarabi,¡± Mrembo gasped out. ¡°I don''t know what to say...¡±


    ¡°You don''t have to say anything,¡± Sarabi assured her. ¡°If you want the same thing,¡± she gestured down to the flowers.


    The Cheetah seemed to think for a moment, and Sarabi worried she might have overstepped. Before she felt the Cheetahs hand squeeze hers. ¡°Would... would you help me? I... don''t really know how to do this.¡±


    Sarabi chuckled and smiled. ¡°Of course.¡±


    Sarabi coached and guided Mrembo, thankfully they had a surplus of flowers, as the Cheetah needed to restart a few times.


    ¡°Yours is much nicer,¡± the Cheetah sighed as she looked at the finished product.


    ¡°I think it''s beautiful,¡± Sarabi assured her. ¡°Cause it''s from you~¡±


    She held out her wrist for the Cheetah.


    ¡°I''m... sorry if there are words I''m supposed to say,¡± Mrembo apologized.


    ¡°Just speak from the heart,¡± the Lioness said with a smile.


    ¡°The heart huh?¡± She considered that for a second. ¡°You said you remember me saying I want to spend my life with you,¡± she said, tying the bracelet around her wrist. ¡°I said something else that day... something I regret saying in anger...¡±


    Sarabi tilted her head, so much had happened so fast, she wasn''t sure what she was referring to.


    ¡°I love you Sarabi,¡± Mrembo said as she looked into Sarabi''s eyes. ¡°I love you and being your mate makes me the happiest Cat alive.¡±


    ¡°Maybe the second happiest,¡± Sarabi said, wiping a tear from her eye as she looked at the bracelet. ¡°I love you too Mrembo, I''m sorry it took us going through all of that for me to realize it.¡±


    ¡°That''s all in the past my darling,¡± Mrembo purred, climbing into Sarabi¡¯s lap as she wrapped her arms around her. ¡°Mmm... should we... consummate our new relationship?~¡±


    The Lioness smirked. ¡°I like the way you think my love~¡±


    The two fell backwards into the flowers as they kissed deeply. Neither realizing, at the moment, that they''d done something no one else in the savannah had ever dared.


    ~~~


    It was later that same day, pushing into the night, and the two Cats, both still smelling slightly of flowers, were trying to make up a little of the time they''d lost due to their earlier amorous activities.


    ¡°I think we''re gonna have to set up camp and keep watch tonight,¡± Mrembo said, looking at the almost fully set sun.


    They''d gotten lucky the last few nights, finding places they could hunker down together and... well, snuggle.


    ¡°Looks like it... so you really can''t see anything at night?¡± Sarabi asked. She''d mentioned it before but Sarabi had never really questioned it.


    ¡°It''s not like I''m completely blind in the dark,¡± Mrembo said with a sigh. ¡°It''s just... not very good.¡±


    ¡°I feel like we should really figure this all out at some point,¡± Sarabi said as the pair crested a small hill. ¡°Speed and strength aside, I always assumed we were the same.¡±


    Mrembo laughed. ¡°Not to open old wounds but... you acted very much like we weren''t the same for a long time.¡±


    ¡°I just meant like... you know, Cats,¡± Sarabi replied sheepishly.


    ¡°I know,¡± Mrembo chuckled. ¡°Mmmm... if you''re interested in seeing more of my moves...¡± she spread her arms and threw herself down the hill in a cartwheel, turning it into a backflip as she landed at the bottom. ¡°I''m also very flexible, but I think you got a hands on demonstration of that earlier~¡±


    ¡°Keep your voice down,¡± Sarabi said, chuckling as she ran down the hill. ¡°You want the whole savannah to hear that?¡±


    ¡°Oh come on, no ones around,¡± Mrembo chuckled.


    ¡°Yeah... that''s a little weird,¡± Sarabi knew where they were now. Only a day or so from the edge of the pride''s territory. That meant there should''ve been Prey around here.


    ¡°Maybe the Wild Dogs or the Leopard scared them off,¡± Mrembo offered. Remembering some of the other Hunters who''d shared or bordered her old territory.


    ¡°Mmm... maybe,¡± the thought made Sarabi kinda sad. Ever since they''d helped Moyo, she couldn''t help but wonder why they all had to be separate. And those thoughts had only gotten stronger after she and Mrembo had become mates.


    Then again, all parties involved in both of those situations were Hunters. Or at least weren''t exactly Prey.


    ¡°Come on, let''s keep moving,¡± Sarabi said, taking Mrembo''s hand as they tried to find a place to set up camp.


    A short time later, they''d found an area mostly clear of grass to set up camp. ¡°I don''t like being so out in the open like this,¡± Mrembo said, fidgeting nervously.


    ¡°It''s fine, no one''s going to sneak up on us,¡± Sarabi assured her.


    ¡°Mmmm...¡± Mrembo grumbled as she sat down.


    ¡°Come here,¡± Sarabi said, pulling her close. ¡°Better?¡±


    ¡°I do feel safer with you,¡± the Cheetah chuckled, purring softly. ¡°... so, what''re we going to do when we get back home?¡±


    ¡°You''re my mate now... that''s all that matters,¡± Sarabi assured her. ¡°They''ll have to accept you as part of the pride.¡±


    Granted, there was no reason the King wouldn''t just exile both of them right after that but... well, they''d cross that bridge when they came to it.


    ¡°Mmm, a Cheetah in a pride,¡± Mrembo chuckled. ¡°I appreciate you doing this for me Sarabi... I really do.¡±


    ¡°Hey, you''re worth it,¡± Sarabi said with a smile. ¡°If they can''t accept us... what do you think, would Jasiri or Moyo be a better fit for us?¡±


    ¡°Well, we are Hunters, so...¡± she stopped, Sarabi seeing the Cheetah''s ears twitch before her eyes went wide.


    She grabbed Sarabi by the shoulder and flung her back, the Lioness yelping as the ground behind them erupted.


    Mrembo jumped back as a massive stinger impacted the ground where they''d been sitting.


    ¡°Scorpion!¡± Mrembo shouted as a massive creature rose up from the ground.


    It was jet black, with a shiny exoskeleton. The stinger curled up behind a long body with six legs. From there its body curved upwards, a pair of massive claws were its arms, and an insectoid face even stranger than the Termites had been.


    ¡°Explains why this place is so empty,¡± Sarabi growled as she got to her feet.


    No one really knew much about Scorpions. They were few and far between, and hunted whatever, and whoever, they pleased.


    There was even disagreement as to whether they were people at all. Given their odd appearance.


    ¡°Watch out!¡± Sarabi warned, both Cats dodging as the claws made a grab for them.


    ¡°Can we please catch a break?!¡± Mrembo shouted, rolling as the tail stabbed at her again.


    Sarabi roared and rushed forward, catching the Scorpion off guard as she pushed it back a few feet, before its many legs dug in.


    The stinger took position above her, but as it moved to strike, Mrembo swung her staff and smacked it away, causing the Scorpion to hiss in pain.


    ¡°Oh you don''t like that?¡± Mrembo asked, seeing an opportunity.


    She jumped up, using Sarabi as a springboard, and punched the Scorpion in the chest several times, staggering it as she flipped over its head, landing on its back and using her staff to pin the end of its stinger to the ground.


    Sarabi grunted, using the opening to grab its claws and pin them under her arms. ¡°Stand down! NOW!¡± The Lioness roared.


    ¡°You''re trying to talk to it?¡± Mrembo asked incredulously. Her own mother had described these things as monsters.


    She pushed down on her staff, planning to push until the stinger popped off.


    The Scorpion seemed to realize what she was doing as well.


    ¡°Sssstop!¡± A very deep, hissing voice called out.


    ¡°Oh they do talk,¡± Mrembo muttered. ¡°... I''m still taking this off.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± The Scorpion hissed, straining against Sarabi. ¡°You consign me to a fate worse than death!¡±


    ¡°You''re trying to eat us!¡± Mrembo replied.


    ¡°You are Prey!¡± The Scorpion shot back.


    ¡°Quiet! Both of you!¡± Sarabi shouted. ¡°Mrembo, don''t dismember them.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± the Cheetah huffed, still keeping the pressure on the stinger.


    ¡°And you,¡± Sarabi glared at the Scorpion. ¡°Give us one reason not to pull you apart.¡±


    The Scorpion glared back at her. ¡°I do not need to explain why I hunt.¡±


    ¡°Well why''re you hunting us?¡± Sarabi asked, pulling on their pincers.


    The Scorpion winced. ¡°Why would I not?¡± They asked.


    ¡°We don''t hunt anything that talks,¡± Sarabi replied.


    ¡°Why?¡± The Scorpion asked.


    ¡°This doesn''t seem to be working,¡± Mrembo replied. ¡°Maaaybe they''ll be more understanding if we take off the bit that can poison us?¡±


    ¡°Hrrrrr! Evil!¡± The Scorpion hissed.


    ¡°Most people would say the same thing about you hunting people,¡± Sarabi growled. ¡°Everyone else has agreed that if it talks, it''s not food!¡±


    She knew things used to be different, a long, long time ago. But their ability to reason was what separated them from their cousins.


    ¡°My stinger is what makes me a Scorpion,¡± they hissed. ¡°If it is lost... I am nothing.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like it''s important to you,¡± Sarabi considered. ¡°Would you ever remove another Scorpion''s stinger?¡±


    ¡°Never!¡± They shouted, they clearly felt strongly about that.


    ¡°Well for us, hunting another person is as unthinkable as removing a stinger is for you,¡± Sarabi explained. ¡°I don''t know why your people didn''t get that message but... consider this a warning.¡±


    The Scorpions mandibles clicked. ¡°Warning?¡±


    ¡°Leave this territory and stop hunting people,¡± Sarabi growled, pulling them closer. ¡°Change is coming to the savannah... and you don''t want to be on the outside of that.¡± She took a deep breath and let go of the claws.


    ¡°Sarabi....¡± Mrembo said nervously, tightening her grip on her staff.


    The Scorpion raised back up to its full height, just staring down at the Lioness.


    ¡°Mrembo... let them go,¡± Sarabi said, keeping eye contact with the Scorpion.


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Mrembo asked in confusion.


    ¡°Trust me,¡± Sarabi smiled.


    Mrembo groaned. Her mate was going to get her killed one of these days.


    She pulled her staff away and jumped back, expecting a strike.


    Instead, the Scorpion flexed its tail, curling it back into a resting position.


    For a moment, it regarded the two Cats, before turning and scuttling away into the night.


    Sarabi let out a sigh of relief.


    ¡°That was insanely risky,¡± Mrembo said, walking up to her.


    ¡°Hey, it worked out didn''t it?¡± The Lioness asked with a smirk.


    The Cheetah grumbled. ¡°I don''t want you to get hurt.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Sarabi wrapped her arms around the Cheetah. ¡°But someone needed to try to talk to them.¡±


    Mrembo sighed. ¡°For someone who started out trying to run me out of my territory, you''ve become quite a people person.¡±


    ¡°I''ll take that as a compliment,¡± Sarabi rolled her eyes. ¡°Come on, let''s find somewhere else to camp.¡±


    ¡°What? You don''t trust your new friend will leave us be?¡± Mrembo asked, following behind her.


    ¡°I''m optimistic, not stupid,¡± Sarabi chuckled.


    That was... how she was looking at the meeting with her pride too. She had hope that things would turn out well but...


    ¡°Big day tomorrow,¡± Sarabi sighed.


    ¡°Yeah, big homecoming,¡± Mrembo took Sarabi¡¯s hand in hers as the two continued on. Pushing ever closer to the morning, and their old home.


    ~~~


    ¡°It''s weird being back after so long,¡± Sarabi said, walking alongside Mrembo through very familiar territory.


    Hers.


    Well, her prides.


    It had been early in the afternoon when they''d passed over the border. Now... they were heading for the center.


    ¡°You know we might not find them today,¡± Mrembo pointed out. ¡°The territory is pretty big... might take us a while to reach wherever your pride is.¡±


    They were both nervous about this. Mrembo at the idea of being presented to a bunch of Lions, Sarabi at the idea of confronting her pride.


    ¡°I can see if anyone is around,¡± Sarabi said, stepping forward and raising her head as she let out a loud, echoing roar.


    ¡°A little warning next time please,¡± Mrembo said, rubbing her ears.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Sarabi apologized, looking out over the savannah and waiting. After a few moments, a roar sounded in the distance.


    Both Cats looked at each other. ¡°So... this is it,¡± Mrembo said.


    ¡°Yeah...¡± Sarabi stepped forward, taking her hand. ¡°I promise, I''m not going anywhere, no matter what.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Mrembo leaned up and kissed her. ¡°Come on, let''s get you back to your family.¡±


    The pair continued on, walking side by side through the familiar lands. Until, coming over the hill, they saw them.


    Four Lionesses and two Lions.


    Sarabi recognized all of them. But she especially recognized two of them.


    ¡°Mom... dad!¡± Despite herself, she took off running towards them.


    ¡°Sarabi?¡± Her mother gasped. They''d been out hunting when they''d heard the roar. She''d never thought... ¡°Sarabi!¡±


    The two met halfway down the hill, the older Lioness wrapping her arms around her daughter.


    A few seconds later, Sarabi''s father caught up with them. Pulling them both into a tight embrace.


    ¡°I can''t believe it! You''re alive!¡± Her mother said in disbelief, tears in her eyes.


    ¡°When the flood hit, we thought you''d,¡± her father choked out.


    ¡°I know, I''m sorry,¡± Sarabi said, nuzzling under her mother''s chin. ¡°I never stopped trying to get home, it just... took a while.¡±


    Mrembo smiled softly, though while Sarabi''s parents were focused on the reunion, the other Lionesses, and the Lion especially, were looking at her.


    She swallowed hard as she made her way up the hill. Sarabi¡¯s father looking up at the approaching footsteps.


    ¡°Sarabi?¡± He asked, taking a step back. ¡°Is this the Cheetah from that day?¡±


    ¡°Oh! Yeah,¡± Sarabi pulled free of her mother''s arms. ¡°Mom, dad, this is Mrembo, I... I wouldn''t be here if it wasn''t for her.¡±


    ¡°It''s nice to meet you,¡± Mrembo said with a nod. ¡°You have an amazing daughter.¡±


    ¡°Oh... thank you?¡± Sarabi''s mother looked at her husband. This was quite a change. Considering Sarabi had been trying to kill the Cheetah last they saw her.


    ¡°I''m Shujaa, this is Mwindaji,¡± Sarabi''s father introduced them. ¡°... you helped our daughter get home?¡±


    ¡°I like to think of it as we helped each other,¡± Mrembo said with a smile.


    ¡°It''s her home too,¡± Sarabi added, standing next to Mrembo. ¡°We wouldn''t have made it back if we hadn''t worked together and...¡±


    Mrembo felt Sarabi''s hand grab hers. And, for the first time, her parents noticed the floral bracelet on their daughter''s wrist. And the matching one on the Cheetah.


    ¡°Sarabi... what is this?¡± Mwindaji asked.


    ¡°Mom... dad, Mrembo isn''t just my friend, she and I are mates.¡±


    Her parents both looked on in shock. While the assembled Lionesses all gasped.


    The other Lion though...


    ¡°What,¡± he asked with a sneer. ¡°Do you mean?¡±


    Sarabi swallowed hard. ¡°Prince Kwanza.¡± Well, this was less than ideal. She''d wanted more of a test run before having to explain their situation to the King or his sons. ¡°I asked Mrembo to be my mate, and she said yes.¡±


    ¡°Sarabi,¡± Mwindaji put a hand over her mouth. ¡°What did you do?¡±


    ¡°I followed my heart mother,¡± Sarabi replied. ¡°I love Mrembo, and inspite of how we... how I treated her. She loves me.¡±


    ¡°It''s true,¡± Mrembo chimed in. ¡°I-¡±


    ¡°Don''t you speak Cheetah,¡± Prince Kwanza sneered.


    Sarabi growled in response. ¡°Don¡¯t you talk to my mate like that.¡±


    ¡°Sarabi,¡± Shujaa said warningly.


    ¡°You would dare speak to your Prince in such a manner?¡± Kwanza huffed.


    ¡°In defense of the one I love, I will,¡± Sarabi replied. ¡°Mrembo accepted my proposal, that makes her a member of our pride.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a Lioness! You can¡¯t propose!¡± The Prince scoffed.


    Mrembo blinked, wait, that was a rule?


    ¡°No, I can¡¯t propose to a Lion,¡± Sarabi corrected. ¡°Luckily, the one I fell in love with is a Cheetah.¡±


    ¡°... Sarabi, please tell me your plan doesn¡¯t depend on a technicality in tradition,¡± Mrembo whispered.


    ¡°Just go with it,¡± Sarabi whispered back.


    The Prince snarled at her, looming over the Lioness. But Sarabi stood her ground. She¡¯d faced worse than him. ¡°I should banish you right now,¡± he practically spat.


    ¡°Well you can¡¯t,¡± Sarabi replied, stepping forward defiantly. The Prince taking a step back. ¡°Only the King can leavy that kind of punishment.¡±


    ¡°You think my father will stand for this?¡± Kwanza scoffed. ¡°You¡¯d just be wasting his time.¡±


    ¡°Well, I spent months getting back here so you¡¯ll have to indulge me,¡± Sarabi stated, crossing her arms.


    ¡°Sarabi, it¡¯s not too late,¡± Mwindaji said, putting a hand on her daughter''s arm. ¡°You¡¯ve been gone for a long time, everyone would understand if you¡¯re a little confused. If you made a mistake.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not confused mother!¡± Sarabi growled. ¡°And Mrembo isn¡¯t a mistake. She¡¯s. My. Mate. I love her... and I want her to be part of our family.¡±


    Sarabi knew she was in for an uphill battle but... she¡¯d really hoped she¡¯d at least have her parents on her side.


    ¡°You''ve completely lost it,¡± Kwanza said, shaking his head. ¡°Fine, looks like the hunt is over,¡± he glared at Sarabi and Mrembo. ¡°We''ll deal with these two trespassers first.¡±


    Sarabi growled as he turned, the other Lionesses turning with him... including her mother.


    Her father looked at her sadly. ¡°I can''t believe I have to lose you twice...¡± he shook his head as he too turned and followed the others.


    ¡°Sarabi... do you really want to do this?¡± Mrembo asked. ¡°We could just... go.¡±


    ¡°No... I have to see this through,¡± after everything they''d been through. She wasn''t just going to give up.


    It didn''t take long to get to where her pride had set up camp.


    Mrembo clung closer to Sarabi as she realized just how many Lions were part of her pride.


    She''d thought Jasiri''s pack had been large, but there had to be at least twice as many Lions here. And that wasn''t even counting all the cubs she saw running around.


    ¡°I can see why you needed the extra space,¡± the Cheetah muttered.


    ¡°Kwanza?¡± Another Lion met the group as they approached. ¡°You''re back early... what''s going on?¡± He asked, looking at the group, his eyes lingering on Mrembo.


    ¡°Sarabi has returned, but she''ll be leaving soon,¡± Kwanza glared back at her. ¡°Take us to father Pili.¡±


    The younger prince nodded, leading them further into the camp, towards a large hide covered tent.


    As they walked, all attention turned towards them. The other members of the pride whispering as they walked.


    Sarabi just stared straight ahead, pulling Mrembo closer to her, daring anyone to get close to her mate.


    ¡°Father!¡± Kwanza called. ¡°You are needed.¡±


    There was silence, followed by a sigh. ¡°What is it Kwanza? I thought you were going to handle the hunting.¡±


    Exiting the tent was a tall, dark manned Lion. He rubbed his eyes and yawned, evidently having been awoken from a nap.


    He blinked, his eyes adjusting, before they locked on Mrembo. ¡°What,¡± he asked. ¡°Is this?¡±


    ¡°Well, why don''t you explain?¡± Kwanza said, crossing and moving to stand by his father. Pili doing the same, though the younger Lion was still confused.


    Sarabi and Mrembo had all eyes on them. ¡°Your majesty,¡± Sarabi bowed her head. ¡°As you know, I''ve been... lost, presumed dead, for a while. Ever since the flood.¡±


    The King nodded. ¡°I recall, we even had a funeral... explain the Cheetah.¡±


    Mrembo held back a snarl. She did not like this guys attitude one bit.


    ¡°Her name is Mrembo,¡± Sarabi corrected. ¡°And I wouldn''t have made it without her. She helped me survive.¡±


    ¡°You needed help,¡± he repeated. ¡°From a Cheetah.¡±


    ¡°We helped each other,¡± Sarabi replied. ¡°And as much as I''d love to regale you all with all of our stories,¡± she said loudly, looking around at the gawking Lions. ¡°I''ll jump to the part that matters to you.¡±


    She held up her arm, showing off the flower bracelet on her wrist, the rest of the pride gasping as they realized the other was on Mrembo.


    The King stared in shock, before his lips curled back in a snarl. ¡°You make a mockery of our tradition!? You invite a Cheetah into our pride?!¡±


    ¡°I mock nothing!¡± Sarabi roared back. ¡°I love Mrembo! She''s everything I could ever want in a mate!¡±


    ¡°She''s not even male!¡± The King roared.


    ¡°So what?¡± Sarabi glared at him.


    The camp grew quiet as the two stared each other down.


    Mrembo felt very small in that moment. Being watched by so many Lions.


    ¡°I should kill you both right now,¡± the King snarled. ¡°Leave, now! And never show your face here again!¡±


    ¡°You''d banish me for following my heart?¡± Sarabi asked, not sounding surprised.


    ¡°You''ve defied our ways, broken our traditions, and invited an outsider into our pride,¡± he growled. ¡°Leave or die.¡±


    Mrembo thought for a moment, then turned to address the rest of the pride. Her family. ¡°All I want,¡± she spoke up. ¡°Is to spend my life with the one I love. Would any of you support me in this?¡±


    The silence, even from her own parents, spoke volumes. A few, a small few, looked like they might want to say something. But either fear or peer pressure kept them quiet.


    She scoffed. Had this really been what she''d been fighting to get back to?


    ¡°Come on Mrembo,¡± she said, turning away from the King. ¡°There''s nothing for us here.¡±


    Mrembo followed her, the Lions watching the pair as they left.


    Once they were out of the camp, someone did call out to them.


    ¡°Sarabi!¡±


    She turned to see her mother and father standing there.


    ¡°Where will you go?¡± Her mother asked.


    ¡°I have a few ideas... you''d be welcome to join us,¡± Sarabi said.


    Her mother seemed like she might take a step forward, but stopped, looking back at the camp before stepping back.


    ¡°... fine,¡± Sarabi sighed. ¡°Just know this. Wherever I... wherever we end up,¡± she took Mrembo''s hand and turned to smile at her. ¡°We''ll be happy.¡±


    Her father gave the pair a small nod, before they both turned and headed back into the camp.


    As Sarabi and Mrembo continued walking back the way they came, the Cheetah finally spoke up. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Sarabi sighed. ¡°I don''t know, I just... I don''t know,¡± she shook her head. ¡°But... I think I will be,¡± she smiled at the Cheetah. ¡°After all, I''ve got you.¡±


    Mrembo reached over, grabbing and squeezing her hand. ¡°Always.¡±


    ¡°So,¡± Sarabi said, pushing forward. ¡°What do you think, Jasiri or Moyo?¡±


    ¡°Mmm, maybe we just explore around for a while?¡± The Cheetah suggested. ¡°There''s a lot more out there we''ve never seen, maybe we could even check out that mountain we saw.¡±


    Sarabi chuckled. She had to admit, there was something appealing about that idea.


    She finally understood what Ma Tembo and Moja Kina had meant. It didn''t matter where she was. So long as she had Mrembo. So long as they had each other.


    They were home.