What's Meant To Be (Mheetu's Story)

[Zoketi]

Chapter 6:
Addition

Mheetu swished his tail slowly, his gaze wandering placidly away from the training. He felt his eyelids droop, and quickly shook his head to clear the tiredness. It was the middle of the day, the heat making it even harder to stay awake.

He was sitting in the shadow of an acacia tree, supposedly watching as Jeshi and Kishindo battled in the sandy ditch under the watchful eye of Filimbi. Male fight-training. Mheetu was waiting for his turn, but he was doubtful of ever being able to land a single blow on either cub. Jeshi, already a large teenager, was nearly triple Mheetu's weight and Kishindo, though still called a cub, was much larger than Mheetu.

"Tuck in your head, Kishindo!" Filimbi corrected sternly, motioning with his paw. "Jeshi, don't underestimate your opponent--that was a good example of it." The meowing continued on, and Mheetu was not paying attention at all.

Another cub was watching--Nzuri. Mheetu's gaze kept flicking to her, almost subconsciously. She was lounging lazily on the edge of the ditch, eyes following the movements of Jeshi. All the cubs had been sent out of the Log-Place, ordered by Uchawi. Madini was giving birth to her second cub. All the lionesses were there, but the males and cubs had been sent out. Mjanja was also here, watching from across the ditch.

Mheetu sighed softly, his paws scuffling softly on the dusty ground. He hated boredom. It was so...exhausting. It crept slowly through his limbs, making him limp and utterly brain-dead at times. What a bother.

"Hiya."

Mheetu glanced around, jolted from his thoughts by the soft voice. Nzuri was padding slowly closer, even the day's heat affecting her. Her usual bouncy pawsteps and bright expression were gone.

"Oh...hello." Mheetu replied in a dull tone. He blinked his green-blue eyes at her, seeing his boredom reflected in her bright blue ones. "You ok?" He added, somewhat concerned about her less-than-happy expression.

Nzuri jumped slightly, quite unlike her usual self. "Yeah, I'm fine." She muttered, plopping her hindquarters down beside Mheetu.

He tilted his head and blinked at her. "You don't look fine."

"I am."

"Are you sure? I'm always here to talk."

"Mhmm....just a bit worried about Madini." She admitted softly.

"I am too." Mheetu flicked her with his tail. "She w--" He was cut off, as a sharp call came from the ditch.

"Mheetu!! It's your turn!" Filimbi was calling. Mheetu stood up immediately, turning away from Nzuri and approaching the edge of the sandy ditch. The young cub felt Nzuri's tail flick his shoulder, and he glanced back just before she loped away to watch from her original spot.

He slid down the dirt to land in the sand, shaking the grit from his light-hued pelt. "I'm ready." His determined voice was louder than usual as he gazed up at Filimbi, feeling the eyes of Nzuri on his pelt. It gave him a strange tingle, and he straightened.

"I see." The King replied, the corners of his mouth lifting faintly. "I want you to work with Kishindo, as he is only slightly larger than you." He informed the cub. Mheetu thought that was an understatement, as Kishindo was more than "slightly" larger than him.

Still, he turned to face his brother without a complaint. Kishindo glared playfully at him, a smirk painted across his muzzle and his tail twitching eagerly. Mheetu sighed to himself.

"Alright Mheetu, I want you to try and find the best way to knock over Kishindo. Do it any way, as long as you refrain from using your claws. I am just going to study your strengths, we'll work on actual moves later." Filimbi directed, stepping back a bit and dipping his head for the two to begin.

Mheetu's eyes flicked back to Kishindo as his opponent stood waiting patiently. He readied himself, making sure his claws were sheathed and keeping his gaze fixed now on his brother. "Come on, Mheetu." Kishindo muttered, his eyes glinting.

Mheetu huffed softly, feeling so very small. His brother could be quite full of himself at times, but he always was backed with goodness.

With a quick movement, Mheetu bolted forwards. Kishindo was ready, and dodged even faster. But Mheetu expected this, having seen his brother do this many times with Jeshi. The smaller cub turned easily and let his paws thump against Kishindo.

Kishindo stumbled sideways, looking around at Mheetu. He reared up, and before Mheetu could move he felt himself brought down under his brother's paws. He struggled away, Kishindo didn't have a good grip, and rolled quickly to his paws before charging back towards the older cub.

He grappled with him for a bit, swiping and pawing at his opponent. Kishindo retaliated with harder and more effective blows, but they were fewer. Mheetu's smallness and agility helped him to wiggle free when trapped.

After a few more minutes of combat, Filimib stepped forwards. "That's enough." He told the two cubs as they broke contact and panted up at him.

Mheetu let out a long breath and sat down, sides heaving visibly. Kishindo did the same, a bit less exhausted, but still looking beat.

It was not a moment too soon. The thumps of numerous pawsteps was growing louder, heading for the sandy ditch. Filimbi looked around, his ears pricking.

Nzuri let out a squeak and disappeared from view, over the top of the ditch. Mjanja rose to his paws slowly and followed his daughter. Filimbi shook his mane and then hurried to the side, climbing up the step-like piles of dirt and sand to leave the ditch, and also disappearing. Mheetu blinked and followed, hearing Jeshi and Kishindo right on his tail.

Mheetu hauled himself out, grunting slightly, and then tumbled forwards as his momentum became too much for him to withstand. He stood up, shaking his head and blinking.

Filimbi had just halted, touching noses with Uchawi and Kijani. Both looked excited and were purring. "You must come now, Madini is ready for you!" Kijani burst out, while the King's expression changed from worry to delight.

The two lionesses beamed happily, and they quickly turned around and began to follow Filimbi. The tan-pelted lion had already charged forwards, in eagerness to see his mate. Mjanja ran beside Kijani, and Jeshi, Kishindo, Nzuri, and Mheetu trotted after, each of them bubbling with excitement.

The group reached the Log-Place, with Filimbi immediately dashing towards the den under the huge log. The rest of the group split up; Kijani following Mjanja and Uchawi padding across to Ngoma and Kitawi. Jeshi followed his father, Filimbi, Nzuri scampered to Kijani and Mjanja, while Kishindo and Mheetu followed Uchawi.

"Did she have the cub?" Kishindo asked, poking his mother with a paw. Uchawi smiled, giving her cub a lick. "Yes, my dear." She purred.

Mheetu tilted his head. "What is its name?" He mewed curiously.

"Filimbi and Madini have yet to decide. But it is female." His mother replied softly.

Only a few minutes later, Filimbi emerged from the den. His son Jeshi slipped out beside him. A delighted expression brightened Filimbi's face, he appeared overjoyed. He glanced back, as Madini padded slowly behind him. A tiny bundle hung from her jaws.

The rest of the pride began to gather, congratulating the mother and asking questions. Kishindo and Mheetu were made to stay back, but Uchawi and the rest of the adults brushed against Madini and gave her rumbled purrs of comfort.

Mheetu watched with mild curiosity, his tail flicking softly. Uchawi returned quickly, her eyes glowing. Before her cubs could ask, she spoke.

"The cub's name is Hatari." She smiled, sitting down beside her sons. Mheetu's gaze flicked back to Madini, who had lay down next to Filimbi and was conversing with Kijani. The little cub was tucked between her front paws.

Mheetu felt a glimmer of pride--he was no longer the littlest. He couldn't wait to play with this new companion.

[Azerane]

I've only read a couple of chapters so far. But chapter two especially gives great promise towards future aspects of the fandom, Nala finding out about Mheetu as an adult etc. Nice stuff

[Zoketi]

[quote="Azerane"]I've only read a couple of chapters so far. But chapter two especially gives great promise towards future aspects of the fandom, Nala finding out about Mheetu as an adult etc. Nice stuff [/quote]

Thanks! I'm working on the next chapter now. I've had such an annoying writer's block though, getting slowly through it.

[Zoketi]

Chapter 7:
Adventures and Discoveries

Mheetu's ears flicked as the patter of paws sounded, approaching quickly. The small lion cub glanced up, peering over the swaying grass to see who was moving about on such a hot day. He strained his eyes in the sun's glare, sniffing softly and perking his ears. Following the path of rustling stalks with his eyes, he rose to his paws and took a slow step closer.

"Hiya, Mheetu!" A familiar meow erupted from the grass, and two cocoa-brown ears appeared over the sea of green and yellow. Mheetu's mouth curled into a rusty smile, his muzzle slightly stiff from being in a consistent frown. He raised his tail as Nzuri bounded into view, followed moments later by Kishindo, Jeshi....and Hatari.

The smallest cub's whitish-blue gaze was bright with innocent excitement, her stubby legs pulling along her unsteady body with childish glee. Mheetu tilted his head at Nzuri, confused. Shouldn't Hatari be back with her mother? She hadn't been allowed out of the Log-Place yet.

"Nzuri, what is--?" Mheetu was cut off by his friend before he could complete his question; she guessed what he was asking.

"Madini let her go for her first time, as long as we protected her." The she-cub replied smartly, blinking her brilliant blue eyes.

Mheetu nodded slowly. Jeshi halted a few paces from him, curling his tail gently around his little sister while she mewled with delight. Kishindo loped over as well, his thick tuft bouncing with his trotting gait. He slid to a halt next to Nzuri.

"So, where are we going today?" He asked, his expression unimpressed and rather bored-looking; albeit in a handsome way.

"Exploring!" Nzuri chirped, her tail flicking straight up with her exuberant meow. She looked mischievously from one cub to the next, her typical c'mon-we-won't-get-in-trouble expression painted all over her face.

Jeshi exchanged a look with Kishindo; both males rolling their eyes at their excitable friend. "And where, exactly?" The older lion muttered dryly.

"To the forest!" Nzuri beamed at them all, oblivious to their hesitation and doubt. She could be a bit nearsighted, Mheetu thought, but he loved her all the same.

He let out a soft sigh, his gaze leaving the group and locking on a smudge of trees further away, marking the western boundary of the Meadowlands. Obviously, Nzuri had picked a place were they really weren't supposed to be. And now, they had Hatari to look after.

"Nzuri, we can't go there." Jeshi huffed, demonstrating his more adult-like outlook. He was a young teenager, but rather mature for his age. Nzuri frowned slightly, though the spark never left her eyes.

"Please? You can look after us, right?" she pleaded, smile returning, "I mean, you can always stop danger if we're in trouble, can't you?" Oooh, tricky she was. Mheetu nearly smiled as he realized her ploy; she wanted to push Jeshi's confidence into letting them go. The older male certainly wouldn't want to be called weak.

It worked, and Jeshi nodded slowly, appearing to be fumbling between annoyance and not-so-hidden excitement. Nzuri smirked faintly, then abruptly turned and darted away. Kishindo blinked, then followed, with Mheetu close behind. Jeshi took up the rear, keeping a slower pace for his small sibling.

In a few minutes, during which there was little talking as they had been running at quite a good speed, the five cubs at last reached the edge of the wood. Nzuri, still in the lead, shot her friends a grin before heading confidently past the first stunted tree. Mheetu scooted past Kishindo to walk beside his best friend, his eyes focusing on every sight they saw.

An unintentional silence descended upon the children. They were occupied with studying their new surroundings; thick tree trunks and masses of ferns and tangling vines. It ensued for a bit, but with Nzuri it couldn't last.

"That's a weird plant." The brown cub mewed softly, poking a paw toward a crooked pair of ferns.

"Yeah." Mheetu agreed, his attention already on something else.

The silence returned for a few seconds until Jeshi spoke.

"Hey...do you scent that?" The maned cub questioned, his tone hinting slight concern. The little patrol stopped, raising their noses to sniff the air. Mheetu curled his lip, the stench of wet mud and sour sickness reaching his nose.

"Ewww!" Nzuri spat, she too apparently catching the same whiff. Kishindo gave a loud snort, and Hatari squeaked and cringed against Jeshi.

"Hey...I smell lion too!" Kishindo spoke, giving a hearty inhale. Mheetu scented, and underneath the disgusting smell was the faint scent of lion. He flattened his ears, only now realizing that they could be in serious danger.

"Yeah, me too." Nzuri nodded, looking a bit nervous for once. She brightened quickly. "Let's go say hi!" Without waiting for an answer, she sped away into the undergrowth. Jeshi let out a growl and Mheetu just stared after her, shocked by her recklessness.

"No, Nzuri, come back!" Jeshi sprang after the she-cub, leaving a frightened Hatari who Mheetu took under his care to comfort. He pressed against the small lioness, his tail tip twitching. He didn't want to follow Jeshi, but hoped the older cub would fetch Nzuri. Kishindo, too, stayed put, but his claws sheathed and unsheathed repeatedly.

"Aaeeeerrrrrr!!"

A distant cry echoed through the trees, and Kishindo immediately jumped up and leaped away. Mheetu let out a panicked mew, and coaxed Hatari into following him through the trees. The two bolted toward the sound, along the trail Nzuri had made.

Panting, Mheetu clambered over a small log, reaching for Hatari to climb up. His eyes widened as he saw the scene before him, still yards away through the trees.

A strange, brown-red lioness cub was standing over Nzuri, and spitting crazily. Jeshi was readying a pounce, and Kishindo was still running toward the group as fast as he could. Rage and fear jolted into Mheetu's throat, and he looked to Hatari. "Stay here!" He whispered furiously, licking her small head. Then, he leaped off the log and darted after his friends.

"Mrrroooffff!!" Another cry, but this one sounded more like a surprised exclamation than an attack call, like the first. A thump sounded, and scuffling arose. Mheetu heard Jeshi's growls and Nzuri's snarling, and moments later Kishindo's grunting.

Mheetu could see them now, fighting furiously with the strange red cub. Without thinking he joined the battle, digging his claws into the splotchy fur of the attacking female. He nearly recoiled, and realized that mud was covering most of her pelt. That's what we scented!

Before long, the four cubs had overpowered the new cub, who lay under their paws hissing with rage. Jeshi took command, peering down at her while a fleck of blood dripped off his nose. None of the cubs were seriously hurt, but they had a scratch here and there.

"What was that for, muddy?" Jeshi snarled, his orange-amber eyes gleaming.

The dirty she-cub spat at him. "Get your paws off me!"

"Yeah, right!" Nzuri taunted, tail twitching. She, Mheetu, and Kishindo all backed away, letting Jeshi handle the stranger. Their older friend glanced sternly at Nzuri.

"I'd like you to explain your reason for attacking my friend." He continued his interrogation, paws firm on the she-cub's shoulders.

Finally the red cub stopped struggling. "I took on all four of you. If you hadn't come, I wouldn't have beat that little brown one easily. I'm the best fighter in the forest." She boasted, glaring over at Nzuri, who returned the glare with a pttthh sound.

"Where do you come from?" Jeshi asked her.

"None of your business."

"Don't you have a pride or a family?"

"Na. I take care of myself." The red cub seemed proud of this attribute, and shut her odd golden eyes for a moment.

"What's your name?" Jeshi asked hesitantly; Mheetu guessed he thought the stranger would refuse that certain piece of information.

"Kupata. Are you gonna get off me yet?" She grumbled, wiggling again.

"Sure. Won't you come home with us?" Jeshi meowed, his ear twitching. Mheetu and Nzuri exchanged a glance. Why would he invite this fierce cub into their pride?

"Really?" Kupata stared up at him, surprised. She seemed to loose her confidence and fight. "Don't you hate me for hurting you?"

"No, you were just being a cub." Kupata seemed a bit put off by that, and her grimace returned. "But you need a pride, don't you? Come on, we won't kill you." Jeshi slowly stepped back, allowing the red-pelted cub to get to her paws.

"Like you could." She snorted softly, shaking her fur. The icky mud clung tight, as if she hadn't bothered to clean it in days.

Mheetu looked urgently to Jeshi, concerned about the King and Queen's reaction. Especially with Hatari with them, the adults would certainly be angry. But he seemed the only one other than Jeshi himself who was worried, Nzuri and Kishindo had sped right over to chat with Kupata.

"I'm Nzuri, that's Kishindo, Jeshi's over there, and this is Mheetu." The brown cub was introducing her friends as Mheetu came near. He flicked his tail, smiling politely to the red female, then turned to follow Jeshi to Hatari.

Immediately the little cub was afraid, but Jeshi made sure she was comforted. Nzuri glanced at their new companion. "Don't even think of attacking her, she's the Princess. Except Jeshi is going to be King, since he's older. And her name is Hatari. This is her first time out of our home...." Nzuri continued to babble, while Mheetu trotted ahead to pad behind Jeshi and his sister. In that procession, the cubs made their way back to the Meadowlands.

They took quick time through the trees and finally through the grassy plains of their home territory. Jeshi led them, Hatari dangling from his jaws--too tired to walk more.

"Jeshi! Hatari!" Madini's urgent call rang from the Log-Place, and she burst out with Kitawi and Ngoma. "Where have you been?"

After a lengthy explanation and slight excuses; both King Filimbi and Queen Madini accepted Kupata into the pride. She would be cleaned up and well-fed, and the whole pride was friendly to her; despite her protective and fierce personality. The cubs were given a meal, and sent straight to their nests for a mild punishment of wandering far. They were all tired, though, and the sun had just set.

Mheetu snuggled up against Uchawi, hearing his mother's tongue rasping Kishindo's fur. Their adventure had worn him out, and he felt content and sleepy under the swath of stars. He was very glad that Kupata had joined, she seemed a to hold a promise of a great huntress and pride member. He sighed happily, too tired to think much more. Sleep quickly too hold.

[Zoketi]

Chapter 8:
Won't Believe Lies

Miles from the homeland of the Meadowlanders, a cream-pelted lioness lay on the tip of the striking rock formation; Pride Rock. She was gazing upon the savannah below, already becoming dry and desolate. Under the reign of the new King, Scar, things had decreased considerably. Sarafina was glad for her son's sake that she had given Mheetu to a safer future. Although guilty about lying to those who had known of the expectancy, she told herself it was for the better.

She was beginning to deteriorate in health, as was the rest of the pride, excluding Scar and his no-good hyena bodyguards. They were always well-fed and happy. It was despicable. A king should value his pride, try to serve them and keep them healthy and safe. Not ignore them and be selfish and lazy. That’s what Scar had become.

Sarafina was very troubled. The herds, unhappy with the new ruler, were starting to leave the Pridelands. Drastic changes were happening, and nearly everyone was upset. Things were beginning to just fall apart, come crashing down and no one was trying to stop it.

"Mother!" A sweet voice rang out from behind Sarafina, and she turned as Nala bounded up. The harsh life hadn't affected the cubs much yet, too young to understand many of the problems. Nala looked as playful as she had been since Simba and Mufasa's death, which although wasn't her usual self, was not as depressed as the adults.

"Yes, dear?" Sarafina smiled, letting out none of her more depressed feelings. The movement of her muzzle felt stiff, she hadn’t smiled in some time.

"What are you doing up there?" Nala asked, sliding to a stop beside her mother. She peered over the lands below, looking slightly nervous to be on the ledge. "I thought we weren't allowed."

"Just admiring the view." She replied, licking her daughter's head. Although it wasn't a complete lie, she wasn't really admiring the savannah. "And I'm allowed here, because Scar likes my company." She cut it off quickly, ending that subject.

"Oh. Mother, can I ask you a question?" Nala looked back to Sarafina, her wide turquoise eyes full of boundless curiosity and a slight wariness.

"Of course, little one. What do you need?" Sarafina nuzzled the cub.

Nala hesitated for a moment, as if struggling to find the right words. "Mother...why is my brother gone?" She stared up at Sarafina, completely serious now.

The pale lioness didn't reply right away, a pang of grief slicing through her heart. "Nala, he was stillborn." She sighed quietly, turning her head to look again at the stretch of grass below. She hated to lie, but she could tell her daughter. Not yet. She feared Nala would try to find her brother, and maybe get hurt or even killed in the process.

"But, I met him! You named him Mheetu, and he was alive." Nala protested, remembering her first meeting of her brother.

Sarafina closed her eyes for a moment. "He...he died a bit after you saw him. I told you after I returned from my hunt." The hunt in which I took him to his father...

Nala looked unconvinced. "He couldn't have died, though." She meowed, upset. "He was my brother, so he was strong." Her voice trembled, and she rose quickly to her paws. "Didn't you bury him?" She seemed to have given up her protesting, though her eyes gleamed with a strange light.

"Further from Pride Rock, I cannot remember, little one." Sarafina lied again. Oh, it was so painful to lie to her daughter. She stroked her tail against Nala's beige-toned flank. "Don't yet these trouble you." She soothed.

Nala let her ears droop, and she gave a half-hearted smile. "I'm going to play with Tama now." She announced softly, then turned and trotted away. Nala just couldn't believe her little brother was dead. She remembered her mother's return from her make-up hunt the night Mheetu was born. Yet, she smelled of soft grass and milk-scent underneath the scent from her gazelle kill.

Nala's paws skidded on the stones. That was it! The scent of living cub, not death-scent! Her ears rose, and her eyes brightened. She was sure of it...

Mheetu was alive!

She had already made up her mind, he must be living. All the clues pointed that it was so. She wasn’t just imagining it, she was sure. And Sarafina had returned less upset than she should have been…in fact, she had appeared relieved before Nala had raced over her, before she had spotted her daughter. Her expression had hastily changed to one of mourning. It had made Nala wonder…and now she realized why. Sarafina had been lying.

Nala skidded over the stones in her excitement. She promised herself she would search for her brother. And nothing would be able to stop her. Not Scar, not any of the new laws or anything about the Pridelands. She knew she could.

Determination and excitement flared inside the young lion cub. Heartbeat quickening, Nala sped down to the savannah and towards her friends, thrill building inside her.

[Zoketi]

Chapter 9:
Monsters in the Dark

Mheetu's nose twitched and his ears flicked up at the faint sound of pawsteps. He raised his head, peering around Log-Place in the misty dawn light. Sniffing, his eyes blinking rapidly, he detected a familiar scent. "Nzuri?" He whispered, his voice wafting through the clearing.

The brown she-cub poked her head around the bushes. "Get Kishindo, and follow me!" Nzuri mewed, beckoning with her chocolate-tipped tail. She pattered away around the bark of the Log without waiting for a response. Mheetu yawned, glancing back at Uchawi and Kishindo.

He rolled over, nudging his brother with a paw. "Wake up!" He hissed softly, as Kishindo shifted and mumbled.

"What...?" The older cub groaned, his eyes peering blearily at Mheetu.

"Nzuri wants us. Come on." Mheetu replied quietly, sitting up and flicking his tail. He rose to his paws, yawning again, then slipped away from his mother's side and past the Log. His ears pricked at the sight of Nzuri, Kupata, and Hatari sitting in the middle of the space; Nzuri looking wide awake, Hatari appearing somewhat tired and Kupata looking as though she was sleeping still, despite being in a sitting position.

Mheetu crept towards them, followed momentarily by a grumpy Kishindo. "What now?" Mheetu mewed to the girls, raising a paw to scratch at his ear.

"Remember the tunnel?" Nzuri grinned, as the others looked curiously at her.

"Tunnel?"

"What are you talking about?"

Mheetu nodded slowly, knowing where this was heading. "You promised." Nzuri reminded him, putting on a fake pouting face. Mheetu shook his head with a soft sigh.

"I know." He rolled his eyes, but followed her nonetheless as she trotted away. Hatari, Kupata, and Kishindo moved behind them, still muttering and questioning Nzuri and Mheetu's words.

"What tunnel?" Kupata snorted, catching up to Mheetu. He blinked, eyes flicking to Nzuri ahead.

"It was Nzuri's idea...ask her." He avoided answering, still a bit nervous about the whole plan.

Kupata trotted up to the other female as the five walked through the savannah. The sun was just barely peeking over the trees in the distance, the morning misty and dim. The dew-covered grass brushed the cubs' fur, sprinkling it with cold water.

Mheetu flicked his tail as their destination came into view. His tail twitched as Nzuri sped up, her tail a little speck between the stalks. He darted after her, secretly excited about the tunnel, even though he was a bit scared as well. Who know what lay down there? Giant holes, terrible darkness, maybe even monsters...

Mheetu shook himself of the bad thoughts. He slowed to a halt behind Nzuri, eyes scanning the innocent-appearing pile of stones. Kishindo and Kupata arrived moments later, staring at the rocks. Hatari tumbled in lastly, larger than their last adventure but still quite a bit smaller than the others, her paws skidding on the ground as she slid to a stop beside Nzuri.

"This doesn't look like a tunnel." Kupata commented scornfully, flicking a clawed paw at the stones. Nzuri huffed, padding closer. She heaved against the closest rock, pushing it away from the concealed entrance that she had shown Mheetu those many weeks ago.

"Does it now?" She blinked arrogantly at the fiery red cub, pride in her gaze. The black hole yawned eerily from the rocks. Kupata stared for a moment, then flicked her tail and turned away. Mheetu let out a soft breath; the two hadn't gotten on with each other from the moment Kupata had pounced on Nzuri.

"So are we going or not?" Kishindo asked grumpily, seeming less-than-impressed with the tunnel. Obviously, he was still half-asleep. Nzuri glanced to him.

"Of course!" She purred, beckoning with her tail. "Follow me!" And with that, she ducked into the darkness.

A moment of hesitation lay upon the four cubs. Mheetu exchanged a glance with Hatari, glimpsing a reflection of his mixed fear and excitement in her eyes. He then slunk into the tunnel.

Immediately, he half-stumbled, half-slid down a steep pebbly slope. Mheetu let out a small mew of surprise, trying to regain balance but without success. He heard a shriek as Hatari discovered the incline, and heard her too scrabbling on the stone. Moments later, the land leveled out, and Mheetu tumbled forwards with his momentum until he came to a rest a few paces away.

“There you are!” Nzuri’s delighted meow came from somewhere in the darkness. Mheetu grunted a reply, testing his rather scraped paw-pads on the stony ground. “I was wondering when you guys would get here.” The she-cub gave a small giggle, and Mheetu couldn’t help but feel more relaxed at her confidence and ease.

He gave a gasp as something soft rammed into his back, making him fall face-first on the rocky ground. He caught a whiff of Kupata’s scent, and heard the reddish cub mutter an apology, “Oh. Sorry.”

He heard her wander away, and then a loud yowl announced the arrival of Kishindo, who had landed with a thump next to Mheetu. “All here?” Nzuri asked, and without waiting for a reply, Mheetu heard the sound of her pawsteps heading further into the tunnel.

Quickly, Mheetu rose to his paws and followed her. He felt a pelt press against him, and recognized Hatari’s fear-scent. “Mheetu?” The cub whispered.

“Yes, Hatari?” Mheetu turned his head instinctively, even though he couldn’t see her in the darkness.

Mheetu gave her a gentle lick. “Don’t worry. You’re safe here.” But he wondered if he should have told her that. Could he really promise such a thing? Even so, he would do all he could to protect her if needed. Hatari kept to his side as they padded through the dark tunnel.

“Aha!” Nzuri’s voice echoed through the tunnel ahead, and Mheetu could now see a chink of light coming down from the ceiling. Hatari’s pelt vanished from his side, and he saw her silhouette bounding over to Nzuri’s outline, gazing up at the source of the light. Mheetu followed, heading up the slight incline to the others. Kupata and Kishindo came a moment later, both letting out exclamations of relief at the light.

The light painted a dim picture of the tunnel around the cubs. It was about the height of a full grown lion, and wide enough for the five to stand in line facing forwards or backwards. The tunnel was littered with rocks and dust, making it look like an ancient cave.

To Mheetu’s pleasure, there were shafts of light all the way ahead, as far as he could see. He glanced to Nzuri, who was also gazing ahead, and she sprang forwards.

"Keep up!" She called back as she ran, her eyes glowing in the dim light. Mheetu flicked his tail, meeting Hatari's gaze, and darted after her. With the faint light, it made it much easier to maneuver around the stones and other obstructions. Mheetu found himself actually enjoying it, the sense of adventure bright in his mind.

They traveled on, chatting and joking. Kupata and Kishindo stuck together, muttering, while Nzuri, Mheetu, and Hatari conversed throughout the walk. Time passed, and Mheetu guessed that the Meadowlanders had noticed the five cubs' disappearance. He felt a calm sense of delight, mixed with excitement. He felt as if nothing could destroy their fun.

That was, until he slammed into Nzuri, and noticed her powerful fear-scent. Stumbling back from her, he felt a wave of terror. What had spooked her into stopping? Hatari and Kupata arrived moments later, both skidding to a halt in confusion and fear. Kishindo came sliding in lastly, meowing, "What's going on?"

"Shh!" Nzuri hissed, whacking his mouth with the tuft of her tail. "I smell...hyenas."

Hatari let out a small squeak of fear and Mheetu felt her trembling pelt press against him again. He himself had felt a cold claw of horror pierce his heart. Hyenas! If they were found, they were as good as dead. "Nzuri, we have to back." He muttered softly but urgently.

She glanced to him. "I know." She seemed to regain her control, shaking her pelt and backing up. "Come on!" She whispered fiercly to the others. The five cubs began to step back, each wary and too scared to make a sudden run for it. Mheetu couldn't see any hyenas, but he could smell them--very close.

"Oh look, Kuharibu, lion cubs!" A sneering voice rose out of the tunnel ahead, and between the light, Mheetu could see the faint outlines of two hyenas.

"Eheheheh....they ain't even Pridelanders!" Another voice replied with a dark chuckle.

"They seem scared of us, don't they?" The first one cackled. Female, by the sound of her voice.

Kuharibu snorted. "Goody! I always like a chase." He grinned, and the cubs could see the sharpness of his teeth glinting in the dimness.

And then a third voice floated from the darkness. "Scar said to bring back any trespassers we found."

"Aww, Shenzi...can't we just eat 'em?" Kuharibu whined, facing the newcomer, a fierce-looking female.

"Surely these five can't do no harm." The first voice reasoned, her glowing green eyes darting from Shenzi to the cubs. They were frozen in terror, too scared to even mew.

"Kijivu...Kuharibu....is that all you two think of?" Shenzi sighed. "Your mother wouldn't have been pleased." She told the siblings. "You're just like Banzai...food food food."

"Well, Scar won't give us anything!" Kijivu grumbled. "The dumb lionesses won't hunt properly."

"Yeah...we haven't had a decent meal since forever ago!" Kuharibu argued, his voice still whiny.

Shenzi snorted, closing her yellow eyes for a moment. She seemed to have a change of heart, for a smirk widened her muzzle. "True...I really can't resist fresh cub." She growled, bending down to gaze eye-to-eye with the cubs. Mheetu swallowed as he stared straight at the hyena matriarch's shining orbs.

"Hellooo...." Shenzi smiled, before lunging with teeth bared.

The cubs fled. Panic descended on them, as they darted in all directions. Mheetu's voice had returned, he let out a terrified caterwaul as he scrambled over a rock after Hatari. Every thought deserted him, every thought except for the one that screamed, run, run, run!

Kijivu was on his tail, her breath warm and heavy. "Run all you can..." She purred in a canine way. Mheetu wailed, his legs burning as he ran almost blindly through the tunnel.

"RRWWAAAAOOORRRRGGHHHH!!!!"

Something huge and pale-colored flew over Mheetu's head, and he glanced back to see a lion slam the hyena to the ground, his muzzle screwed in a furious snarl, and his blue eyes dark with anger. It was Asubuhi. A few paces away, a hissing Uchawi was swiping at Shenzi, and Ngoma was tussling with Kuharibu.

Mheetu stumbled back, feeling relief pour through his limbs. Were the others safe, though? He gazed hurriedly around. There, Nzuri was trembling next to a stone. Further away, he could see Kupata's fiery-red pelt backed against the tunnel wall as she watched Uchawi battle away her tormentor. Where were Kishindo and Hatari?

Mheetu pressed himself against the ground as Asubuhi's tail swished through the air above him. He searched the darkness for the missing cubs. At last! He spotted Kishindo, cowering underneath a stone that was leaning against the tunnel side. And there was Hatari, almost invisible in a crevice in the tunnel walls. Mheetu blinked with relief.

A pitiful yelping made him glance back up. The three hyenas were fleeing, their outlines fading into the depths of the tunnel. Mheetu scampered over to Hatari, who had her head tucked down and was quivering. "Are you alright?" He panted, nosing her ear.

She flinched and raised her head, baring teeth at him. Then she relaxed as she recognized Mheetu. "Y-yes..." She mewled, "are they gone?" Her eyes were wide with fear still, as she peered past Mheetu's shoulder.

"They are." He assured her, stepping back so she could squeeze out. As she did, Mheetu glimpsed something dark and glutinous on her right back leg. He stifled a meow as he realized it was blood. "You're hurt!" He exclaimed as she crept out, holding her leg up slightly in a faint limp. Mheetu felt his heart twist with pity as he realized the expression on Hatari's face was one of great pain.

He reached forward to sniff her injury when he felt teeth close around the scruff of his neck. He let out a wail before realizing it was his father. Asubuhi lifted him up, away from Hatari. "She's hurt! Bleeding!" He yelped, struggling.

He felt Asubuhi's grip loosen and Mheetu dropped from his jaws to stand protectively next to the shaking Hatari. He turned, gazing up into his father's stern and worried face. Ngoma had come over, carrying Nzuri in her jaws. Uchawi was sitting a ways off, her paws around Kupata and Kishindo.

"Hatari? Can you move your leg?" Asubuhi bent down to inspect her wound. He gave it a lick, staining his tongue red with her blood. She trembled and nodded, moving her leg gingerly up and down to prove it.

"We need to get out of here." Uchawi murmured, glancing down the tunnel to where the hyenas had disappeared. "We're too close to the Pridelands." Mheetu neither knew nor cared what the Pridelands were. He was too scared. He felt guilty and dumb for having come down here.

Asubuhi grasped Hatari in his jaws and nudged Mheetu forward. Uchawi rose to her paws and snatched up Kupata, while motioning for Kishindo to start walking. Ngoma strode past them, Nzuri swinging from her mouth, and took the lead as the lions headed home.

They took a slightly different route, through a small tunnel that Mheetu hadn't noticed in the dimness until now. He assumed it had a larger exit, since the way the cubs came in was too small for a grown lion to get through. The shafts of light were not in this side tunnel though, the group was plunged into total darkness.

Mheetu began to see a glow of light at the end. As they walked closer, he saw it grow into the exit of the tunnel. It opened up onto the meadow, Mheetu could see Log-Place in the distance. He pattered onward, in no hurry to leave the tunnel and submit to the inevitable punishment.

As they left the shadows, Mheetu looked back at the tunnel's other entrance. It was a dark hole in the side of the rocky hills that separated the Meadowlands from what Mheetu knew was called the Outlands. It was the border of their territory. The tunnels must lead underneath.

They soon reached Log-Place, where Kijani, Mjanja, and Filimbi raced out to meet them. Ngoma dropped Nzuri so she could rush to her parents, and Asubuhi trotted quicker to greet Filimbi, whose eyes widened as he saw his daughter's condition.

After much nuzzling and minor scolding, they were back and settled around the old log. Mheetu crouched beside Kishindo, while Uchawi lay curled around them. Asubuhi was giving his report to Filimbi, who had taken Hatari to Madini--both of whom were hidden inside the log, Jeshi was sitting importantly at his father's side, and Mheetu could see a hint of annoyance on his face, as if he felt left out of their adventure.

Mjanja and Kijani were lying across the clearing with Nzuri between their paws. The siblings Ngoma and Kitawi were near them, lounging back-to-back. Kupata was sitting beside them, watching with her usual grumpy expression.

Asubuhi sat down beside Filimbi, who shook out his ruffled mane and strode towards Uchawi. "Mheetu, Kishindo, I know you've been told this, but do NOT go near those tunnels again." He told them in his deep growl. He hesitated for a moment, glancing between Mheetu and Uchawi, who had a stern, knowing look in her purple eyes, and Mheetu wondered if there was some other reason for them forbidden to go there besides the danger. Something to do with Mheetu, the way Filimbi was acting.

He then huffed and strode towards Mjanja and Kijani. Mheetu glanced up at his mother. She gazed calmly back, eyes narrowed slightly as if to say, don't ask. He looked away, and lay his head on his paws. It was late afternoon, and the heat was making him very sleepy. Satisfied that there was nothing anyone else wanted to scold him about, he drifted into slumber.

[Zoketi]

Chapter 10:
Not So Brotherly

The butterfly drifted enticingly overhead, flapping its bright wings and swirling easily on the breeze. Mheetu followed it with his eyes, too lazy to reach a paw up to bat at it. He huffed softly, shifting his paws and flicking his tongue over his muzzle.

He lay in the waving grass on his back, nearby to the Log-Place. Around him, the rest of the cubs were also lazing about, napping or just watching clouds. Kijani was perched on a stone, in sight of the six young lions. A few days had passed since their adventure into the tunnels--their punishment was not leaving sight of any of the adults and keeping near Log-Place--, and it was another stiflingly hot day.

Mheetu watched as the butterfly floated out of reach, soaring towards the distant forest. He closed his eyes and sighed heavily. Sleep pressed on his limbs, but he didn't want to succumb. He wanted to do something other than lie around. He turned his head, looking into the bored expression of Nzuri. She lay on her side, tracing a pattern in the dust with one of her claws.

Her eyes flicked to Mheetu. "Whatcha wanna do?" She asked slowly.

"Dunno..." He sighed. His eyelids fluttered, fighting to close.

"Let's play Huntress and Prey!" Kupata shouted, jolting the cubs out of their sleepy trances. She had sprung to her paws, looking around with an excited spark in her eyes.

Mheetu slowly sat up, yawning. "Okay." He agreed. It was at least something to do.

Nzuri rolled over and got to her paws, as did Kishindo and Hatari. Jeshi followed suit after a moment's hesitation. Mheetu padded over to Kupata, eager to begin before he fell asleep.

"I'm the huntress." Kupata announced arrogantly, eyeing the rest of the cubs. Nzuri curled her lip and Hatari looked rather put out, but neither complained.

"We'll take turns." Jeshi meowed, glancing between the female cubs. Hatari blinked gratefully at her brother.

Kupata seemed not to care. "Let's begin!" She growled, bending down and waggling her haunches. "Go over there and be wildebeest!" She waved a paw a few paces away.

"We were wildebeest last time!" Kishindo whined, padding over after Hatari and Jeshi. "Can't we be zebra?"

"It's just prey! Does it matter?" Nzuri replied with a small smirk. Kishindo rolled his eyes.

"Fine..."

"I think he actually wants to be a zebra!" Hatari giggled into Mheetu's ear. He grinned at her.

The five stood in the thick grass, awaiting Kupata's hunt. She had disappeared into the scrub, and they drifted around, acting as best they could as wildebeests. Mheetu mouthed some grass, but gave up after the first bite. He had done it a few times before when they played, but always had thoughts that he might like it later. Apparently not yet.

"Rooooarrrr!!!" Kupata charged out of the grass, making all of the cubs jump and start to flee, giggling and laughing as she chased them. Mheetu swerved away, following Hatari. He glanced back, just in time to see Kupata launch herself on Kishindo and knock him down.

Mheetu skidded to a halt, as did Hatari, Nzuri, and Jeshi. "You always choose me!" Kishindo grumbled as he lay under Kupata's triumphant stance. She was purely smirking, appearing quite satisfied with herself.

"That's her way of showing him she likes him." Nzuri whispered, giggling quietly. Hatari mrroowed in laughter.

"You should have chosen Mheetu, he's fatter." Kishindo was arguing. Mheetu's grin slid off his face as he looked over to his brother.

"What?" He meowed, eyes dark. Kishindo glanced up, looking angry. Mheetu wondered what had got him in such a foul mood.

"It's true, you know. I look nothing like you." He snorted, looking Mheetu up and down. He struggled for a moment, and Kupata stepped away from him, looking slightly confused at his rage. Nzuri and Hatari had neared, both appearing concerned.

"So? Is that bad?" Mheetu growled, feeling the fur lift on his neck and shoulders. Did Kishindo really have something against his appearance? Maybe there was something else going on...he really did look different from Kishindo and Uchawi...

"I didn't say that, but it sure doesn't match the rest of us!" Kishindo hissed, rolling to his feet. Mheetu felt himself begin to get angrier.

"So you dislike my differences?" Mheetu spat, unsheathing his claws.

"Yeah, maybe I do!"

"Well I don't like YOU being the same!"

Mheetu immediately regretted his words as he heard the sharp intake of breath from Nzuri, and the dismayed expression of Hatari. Even Jeshi looked slightly disturbed. "No...I didn't mean..." He stumbled over his apology.

"You think being part of a pride, and looking similar is bad?" Nzuri questioned, her voice unusually grave, and tinged with hurt.

"Wait...no!" Mheetu stammered. "I don't!"

"You just said you did." She responded, narrowing her eyes.

"How do you know you don't have a pride, where everyone looks similar to you?" Jeshi asked. He seemed not to care about entering their argument.

"I don't..." Mheetu began, but trailed away under their angry faces. "Now you all seem to have a problem with me!" He snarled, recovering quickly.

"Yeah, I do!" Kishindo bared his teeth. "You think you're all high-and-mighty being special....what would you say if I looked different instead of you?"

"You'd rather be "fat", or whatever you called me?"

"No, I just said if I looked different...I wouldn't want to be like you. True Meadowlanders are slim and strong. Unlike you."

"You're calling me a rogue?"

"Yeah. Pudgy warthog, that's what you are." Kishindo taunted angrily.

"Well go revel in your stupid skinny shape, then!"

"You're not my brother anymore!"

"I never was!"

Kishindo flattened his ears. "Maybe you don't belong here." He snarled. Mheetu's eyes widened. He hadn't expected such a cold response.

Not all of them had turned on him, though. "Why does it matter?" Hatari spoke up quietly. Kupata didn't say anything at all. She didn't seem to want to take a side. Mheetu thought that she might back him up, since she looked different too.

"You're too young to understand." Jeshi swung his head to face his little sister. She stepped back, looking hurt.

"We're going over there to play." Kishindo announced. "Not with you." He added angrily to Mheetu. He strode off, and after a moment, Nzuri and Jeshi followed him. Kupata hesitated, looking puzzled and frustrated, then she padded away too.

Mheetu sat down and sunk his claws into the soft, dusty soil. Had Kishindo always had a problem with him being different? Uchawi never once mentioned anything to suggest he was not a part of the Meadowlanders... He blinked away tears of anger, and lay down with his head on his paws.

"That was mean of them." Hatari hadn't followed the others. She lay next to him, pressing her pelt comfortingly against his. He looked to her, still to angry to feel grateful.

"You look fine just the way you are, and that shouldn't change." She continued, her eyes gazing clearly at Mheetu's.

He began to relax. "Thanks, Hatari." He gave her a warm nuzzle. "I just don't know what's got into Kishindo. He was so angry today."

"Just ignore it." Hatari mewed. "He'll get over it."

Mheetu was glad for her kind words, but he wasn't as confident. He looked over at her again. "You're a good friend." He murmured, as she brushed her muzzle against his cheek. The two cubs sat together as the pride frolicked and napped.

[Khanu]

Wow this is really really good! Can't wait to read more!

[Zoketi]

Thanks! I'm just about to post the 11th. I've finished the 12th too, so I may post it later. ^.^

[Zoketi]

Chapter 11:
Twelve Adventurers

"Kula! Chumvi" Nala raced down Pride Rock to find her friends. She slid to a halt on the dirt, eyes darting around.

"Here!" Kula's head popped up over a round grey stone. "What's up?" She asked, putting one paw after the other on the rock. Chumvi's head appeared over the stone too, eyes questioning.

"Where are the others?" Nala breathed, gasping for breath as she padded over to the siblings. She had an idea. A wonderful, dangerous, exciting idea. It involved adventure, something she was no beginner with.

"Tama, Malka, and Tojo are by the waterhole." Kula reported. "Why?"

"I have a fun idea." Nala responded, smiling widely. Kula brightened, and Chumvi looked interested.

"Does it involve eating?" Kula asked seriously. Chumvi rolled his eyes, and Nala giggled at her friend's aptitude for food.

"No, but it does involve adventure!" Nala meowed happily.

"Ooh, where to?" Chumvi put in, scrambling over the rock. Kula followed, tumbling after her brother and rolling to a halt at Nala's paws.

"I'll tell you when we meet up with the Malka, Tama, and Tojo." Nala smirked down at Kula, then trotted off. Chumvi nudged his sister playfully, and sprang after Nala. Kula snorted and got to her paws, jumping after her friends.

The six cubs--and Tojo's birds--were all together as Nala announced her exciting plan. They hadn't had any type of adventure since Simba died, and all were thrilled to be doing something fun. Especially with the decreasing condition of the Pridelands, they were itching to get away from Scar and his hyenas.

"We're going to search for my brother." Nala meowed bluntly, her voice a bit more serious now.

"You have a brother?" Chumvi's eyes grew round as if he had never heard such a thing.

"Well...Mother had another cub and named him Mheetu. She said he was stillborn, but I saw him move. And when she came back from her make-up hunt that night, I smelled living cub on her! She must have taken him to somewhere safe." Nala explained.

"Woah...I wonder why." Malka commented, glancing to Chumvi.

"So...I guess we should head that way." Nala pointed towards the Outland border. "That's where she was heading."

"Let's go!" Tama jumped up, her eyes gleaming. Tojo, beside her, looked rather startled and flicked his ears. One of his birds flitted around his head, her eyes wild.

Nala regained some of her happiness. "Follow me!" She bolted away through the grass, pushing away the worry that they might get caught. She would make sure they wouldn't.

They traveled through the savannah, following Nala's less-than-certain speculations on where they should be heading. Nala was beginning to fret that she was going the wrong way, doubts kept blossoming into her mind. She knew she had to at least reach the boundary of the Pridelands--then they could really begin the search.

"There's the Outlands." Tama mewed calmly as they gazed out into the dry, stony lands. Nothing lived out there, except maybe a rogue or two--and of course the termites.

"We could skirt it by going this way." Tojo suggested, nodding towards the bit of land stretching around the Outlands, that met in the distance with a strange rocky set of hills. The four birds on his back chirped in agreement.

"Good idea." Kula nodded with delight, glancing to Chumvi, who also nodded.

Nala flicked her tail. "Okay." She meowed, turning her paws to begin marching in Tojo's direction. She hoped Sarafina had passed through here. It seemed like she would, as it probably led to far better lands than the Outlands.

"I wonder if your brother is living in another pride?" Malka pondered out loud.

"That would be cool. Maybe we'd meet other cubs!" Tama meowed, her tail swishing rapidly through the air.

"Yeah! He would have a bunch of friends, I bet." Nala nodded.

"I hope we get there soon...I'm starving." Kula mewed in a complaining tone. She glanced longingly at a herd of antelope in the distance.

"That's all you think about, isn't it?" Tojo commented dryly. One of his birds squeaked loudly.

"Look! We're almost to those rocky hills!" Nala interrupted, giving an excited bounce and trotting ahead of the others. She almost felt like Mheetu was just beyond them, waiting to be found...

The cubs all rushed forward, excited by the prospect of crossing an important barrier. The grass brushed their pelts as they moved, the wind blowing back their whiskers. Tojo's birds soared neatly over the cubs. Nala led them on, her tail flying high like a banner of determination to find her lost brother.

She reached the stones first, and began to clamber up. Tojo launched himself up after her, his birds fluttering around him, trilling encouragement. Malka sunk his claws into the dirt and pulled himself up, while Tama sprang neatly from one rock to the next. Kula and Chumvi tussled quietly as they climbed, arguing about something.

Nala heaved herself up onto one of the highest stones. "Wow..." was all she could say as she gazed over the savannah, much greener and lusher than the Pridelands. Tojo and Tama reached her a moment later, both staring with incredulity. Malka snorted as he flopped onto the top, before looking up and uttering an exclamation of shock. Kula tottered up a second later, blinking, and Chumvi followed her, expression changing from disgruntled to awed.

"Nice savannah." Malka commented jokingly. That seemed to break the trance, and the cubs all laughed.

"Do you think Mheetu lives here?" Tojo asked, while his birds perched on a rock next to him.

"Hey look!" Chumvi pointed down the slope, to the waving green grass. "Lion cubs!"

~~~

Mheetu dashed through the savannah, followed by Hatari, Nzuri, and Kupata. Kishindo and Jeshi were a few paces behind them.

"Gotcha!" Nzuri squealed as Jeshi poked her with a paw, and darted quickly away. Mheetu, Hatari, and Kupata scattered, giggling as Nzuri turned to chase them. Kishindo stepped back to avoid her, and Jeshi sprung further away, taunting her to come after him.

Mheetu ran ahead, letting his guard drop as he looked around the savannah. Maybe he could find a place to hide, a tree or behind a bush? They'd never find him! He grinned faintly and scoured the area for a suitable place.

His attention was distracted by some unfamiliar shapes on the rocky hills. Skidding to a halt, he stared curiously up at them. He was so intrigued he didn't notice Nzuri approaching until she bowled into him. "Whaaa!!!" He yowled, flailing his paws as he tumbled away.

"Oops." Nzuri laughed, poking him with a paw. "I got you, anyway."

Mheetu glared playfully at her. "Look up there. They look like lions!" He nodded up to the slope.

Nzuri turned to follow his gaze. She squinted and her ears pricked. "They do!" She agreed, tilting her head. "I wonder who they are! Hey, Kupata, Hatari, Kishindo, Jeshi!" She called to the rest of the cubs. "Come here!"

They obliged, looking curious at her excited tone. "What is it?" Kishindo asked, avoiding Mheetu's eyes but staring puzzled at Nzuri.

"Look!" She pointed up at the slope. "They look like lion cubs!"

"Woah!" Hatari squeaked, blinking.

"Trespassers!" Jeshi growled, flicking his tail from side-to-side.

"No...they're just on the slope." Mheetu told him. "Besides, they're just cubs like us."

"Yeah! Let's go say hello!" Nzuri grinned as she bounced up and down.

"I guess..." Jeshi muttered, putting on a wary expression. Mheetu thought he was probably hiding his curiosity.

"C'mon then!" Kishindo bounded after Nzuri, and Kupata quickly followed. Mheetu glanced to Hatari, who looked resigned to Nzuri's ideas altogether, and they both trotted after their friends. Mheetu stared up the hills as they walked, his mind whirling.