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?”
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
“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.