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

[MrTitans]

Keep it up.

[Zoketi]

Thanks, will do. c:

[Zoketi]

Chapter 18:
Truth at Last

A gentle breeze danced through Mheetu’s mane tuft, weaving through his ears and into the pale blue sky. He let out a soft breath, his bottom lip folding out and his eyes focused on a single point ahead. His ears were perked up, intent to hear every sound.

He was crouched in the grass, completely still except for the gentle inhaling and exhaling that made his nose quiver. He was hunting. An elderly zebra mare was his target, she stood up ahead at the back of her herd. An easy enough hunt, Mheetu thought. She looked too weak to do much more than continue eating the grass.

Although most of the hunting was done by the lionesses, the males of the pride also had minor training in the art of catching prey. Mheetu had hunted only once before, but it had been a failed attempt. He was determined to do it right, this time. Especially since Hatari was hovering nearby, watching him. He would rather face a herd of angry rhinos then make a fool of himself in front of her. He couldn’t mess this up. The old zebra was about the easiest target in the savannah, another reason for him not to fail.

He unsheathed his claws, taking a steadying breath. Jeeze, this was nerve-racking. He could fully admit to himself that he thought of Hatari as more than just a friend now. She had been assigned his scout for this mission, to watch him and point out flaws and such. He hoped she would have to do much of that. And he knew that Kishindo and Kupata too were out there lurking, ready to see Mheetu hunt. Why everyone had decided to watch him hunting Mheetu was unsure, but it sure didn’t help his confidence levels.

At least he had the knowledge that half the pride had gathered on Kishindo’s first hunting attempt. That…hadn’t gone so well. Mheetu remembered with a faint smirk how his brother had ended up being chased by an angry gazelle buck. Then again, they had both failed their first one. Kishindo had succeeded on his third try, and here Mheetu was, starting his second. He wanted to prove himself, by upping his brother on this. He couldn’t fail.

Mheetu took a step forward, holding his breath from the anxiety. He swallowed, glancing to either side of him, then moved another step forward. He continued like this, a single silent step at a time, nearing the herd of zebra and his target. She was still oblivious. Mheetu licked his lips, stilling his tail tip. Now or never.

He launched himself forwards, hind legs propelling him with a burst of powerful energy. His claws tore up the ground as he sprinted after the zebra herd, that had let out a raucous collection of frightened calls and whinnies. The elderly one cantered behind, ears pinned back and braying with fear. She seemed to sense this would be her end.

Mheetu was just behind her, pelting along and kicking up dirt and grass. Zebra were fast, he thought with an annoyed flick of his tail, even the old one was slightly quicker than him. Although she was aged, she was stronger than she looked. Mheetu felt a twinge of fear as he raced after her.

The zebra kicked out with her back hooves, sliding to a stop. Her sides heaved, and Mheetu guessed that she had no more strength to run, and had decided to fight for her life. Mheetu’s paws skidded on the ground as he reached her, frantically trying to dodge the kick. Time slowed down as her hooves hit him squarely in the chest and he felt the wind knocked out of him.

The young lion landed with a thump in the grass, quite disoriented. The zebra was standing a few paces away, looking ready to kick out again. Mheetu groaned and sat up, his chest bruised and sparking with pain. But he wasn’t about to give up yet. The zebra had gained upper ground and seemed pleased, her old eyes showing relief for her moment of triumph.

Not for long. Mheetu shook away the hurt, charging toward the old mare. Her eyes widened with fear, and Mheetu realized her fatal mistake. She had taken time to gloat, rather than getting away while she could. Mheetu let out a snarl, narrowing his eyes. The time for play was over.

The zebra brayed wildly, trying to kick out at him and land the same blow that had stumbled him earlier. Mheetu dodged this time, ready for her attack. He ducked below the hooves and threw himself under her striped stomach. The time it took her to drop her hooves to the ground was all the time he needed to plunge his claws into her stomach.

The zebra knew it was over. She had fought hard, but as soon as the pain blossomed in her stomach she realized she was doomed. Her life had been good, she recalled. She had mothered many foals and seen the migration many times. She had fallen down waterfalls and climbed mountains, and defended the young of her herd. She was prepared now; her time in the Circle of Life was drawing to a close. She shut her eyes as the hunter cut deep into her abdomen, then shoved her down with a strong push. The old zebra wasn’t giving up. She was giving her life.

Mheetu stood over the animal, as she lay dying on the ground below him. He had been slightly surprised by her docile end, letting him turn the ground red with her lifeblood. He could still see her breathing, and knew he had to end it now. She was in plenty of pain…but she seemed not to mind. It was almost as if she was letting him take her life. He felt momentarily stunned and shaken. Was this always how it felt, to kill another creature? He knew they relied on hunting to survive, but still…

He swallowed and bent down, clasping his jaws around her strained neck and locating the thick vein that supplied blood to her heart. He clamped tightly around it, feeling the strange sense of remorse again. The zebra’s eyes flickered, the bright, beautiful light of life shining in them. Then it was gone.

Mheetu kept still, his blood-stained jaws still clutching the dead mare’s neck. His throat felt dry, and he felt shaky. And then the hatred poured in. He wasn’t supposed to feel sorry for his prey! He unlatched his teeth from the zebra’s neck, disgusted with himself. But she had gone so purposely, so nobly, he was completely moved by it. He shook his head, trying to push away all the confusing thoughts.

“Mheetu!” A voice brought him back to reality, and he started, his ears pricking and eyes blinking open wider. “Oh, you did it!”

It was Hatari. She was galloping towards him, her beautiful eyes shining with admiration and delight. Mheetu rose shakily to his paws, licking the blood from his muzzle. He gave her a smile, feeling completely out of it. “Y-yes…I did.” He mewed, breathless. As he said the words he felt stronger. He had done it. He had completed a hunt, successful! He then sat back down. Oh. It was a bit tiring.

“Congrats, Mheetu!” Kupata and Kishindo were nearing, both looking pleased and mildly surprised. Kishindo seemed faintly jealous, but Mheetu didn’t mind. He was sure he would have felt the same had Kishindo caught it on an earlier first try.

“You were amazing.” Hatari breathed, stopping in front of him. “You didn’t give up at all!” She looked thrilled by his success. She pressed her nose against his, and Mheetu let her warm scent swirl around him. He couldn’t believe how close they were.

“Y-yeah…” He stammered out, lost for words. He stood still, gazing deep into the young lioness’s brilliant gaze.

“Hey!” The pair jolted apart, Hatari backing away with her ears flicking nervously and blushing faintly. Mheetu felt embarrassment rush up to his cheeks, and he too stepped back. His paws stumbled over the zebra’s legs, and he ended up scrabbling for balance. That didn’t help at all.

Nzuri had strode over, looking annoyed. Mheetu avoided her gaze. Before she could speak, another voice rose out from the meadows.

“Well done, Mheetu.” Asubuhi was striding over, his expression delighted and impressed, and his eyes showing a glimmer of amusement. He must have seen the aftermath of the hunt too. Mheetu flushed faintly, but smiled at his father. He padded towards the pale-furred lion, thrusting his head against Asubuhi’s mane. His father purred softly, nuzzling Mheetu’s sprouting mane tuft.

He stepped back, blinking calm blue eyes at the teenager. “I would like to talk with you, my son.” He meowed, betraying nothing in his gaze.

“Oh…alright.” Mheetu nodded, still ecstatic from his hunt. He glanced back where the carcass lay. “Er…” He began, but Hatari padded to his side.

“We’ll take it to Log-Place and tell the others of your success.” She put in for him, smiling faintly. Mheetu blinked warmly at her. She flicked her tail against his shoulder as she padded away, beckoning to Nzuri, Kupata, and Kishindo to help. Nzuri cast a frustrated look at Mheetu, but followed the others.

Mheetu turned back to his father. Asubuhi looked less happy now, and Mheetu wondered momentarily what had occurred. In fact, the adult lion seemed almost tense. Slightly concerned, Mheetu opened his mouth to ask, but Asubuhi cut him off with a swish of his tufted tail. “Come.” He directed, walking away. Mheetu flicked his ears and padded after, head tilted slightly with puzzlement.

The two padded through the Meadowlands, father and son weaving through the grass. Mheetu felt as if he should say something, but he wasn’t quite sure what to speak about. In his hesitation, Asubuhi started to talk instead.

“That was quite impressive.” He commented, referring obviously to the hunt. Mheetu blinked appreciatively at his father, but his tail gave a confused swish. He was sure the hunt wasn’t Asubuhi had brought him alone to talk about. He thought for a moment as silence ensued, then looked up at his father.

“Was it just me…or is it usual to feel sorry for your prey?” He asked, looking down and feeling slightly ashamed of his feelings. To his surprise, Asubuhi gave him a rough nuzzle.

“No, it’s not just you.” He replied gently. “I felt the same way when I killed my first prey. A young wildebeest, it was, and I felt so guilty after watching it crumple to the ground, bleating with terror. But I killed it, even though my heart told me not too.” He continued, glancing up at the blue sky. “You get over it eventually. I have killed prey enough times to not even notice the feeling anymore.”

“Oh. I never knew hunting was so emotional.” Mheetu mewed, kicking at a small stone. The sad, yet peaceful look in the zebra’s eyes still swam in his mind. His father gave him a kind look.

“So Mheetu, I assume you know that wasn’t what I brought you out here to speak with you about.” Asubuhi shook his mane out, introducing a new topic as they moved slowly along. Mheetu glanced up, blinking with interest and confusion. “I don’t know what you might think about what I am about to tell you, but please, remember that I will always love you, my son.”

Mheetu felt a chill of fear race up his spine. What in the Great Kings was Asubuhi about to say, that he was scared that his son might be upset about? He pulled back his ears, his eyes glimmering with apprehension. “O-okay…father?” He managed to mew, tense.

Asubuhi took a steadying breath before saying more. “Mheetu…you aren’t a Meadowlander. Your mother is not Uchawi, and you were not born here in the Meadowlands.” He kept speaking before Mheetu barely registered what he said. “Mheetu…you are a Pridelander…and your mother is named Sarafina.”

[Kopalover]

Wow! What a moving chapter! Please continue, I can't wait to see what Mheetu says!

[Zoketi]

Thanks! :3 Working on it now!

[MrTitans]

do not keep us hanging to long . No rush make it good

[Zoketi]

I will, as best as I can. c;

[Zoketi]

Chapter 19:
A New Outlook

Mheetu stared up at his father, momentarily not comprehending what he had just said. What? What? What? His brain was stumbling over thoughts, too shocked to react just yet. He wasn't a Meadowlander? They...they lied to him? For all this time, he really didn't belong here? Why...why would they do that? He didn't understand.

His jaws opened and closed, trying to find his voice. Asubuhi gazed worriedly down at him, as if waiting for a reaction. Mheetu blinked and stopped walking. He felt numb. It was as if his whole world was coming down around him. He wasn't related to anyone in his home--no, it wasn't his home. He was...was a Pridelander?

"Mheetu?" Asubuhi mewed, his ears flicking back and his blue eyes full of guilt and anxiety. He halted in front of his son, looking back to him.

"I don't belong here?" Mheetu replied, still to numb to feel anything but shock. He stared straight ahead, ears pinned back and eyes wide.

"Wha--oh Mheetu, that's not what I meant!" Asubuhi stepped back and placed a creamy paw under the young lion's chin.

Mheetu began to feel a twinge of anger. "But...but why didn't you tell me!" He meowed, focusing on his father's concerned face. He pulled away from the lion's touch. Why had they kept it hidden from him for so long?

"I didn't know...I wanted to wait until you were truly ready..." Asubuhi dropped his head, his mane flopping down around his face, hiding his expression from the young lion. He looked so dejected, Mheetu felt suddenly terrible, but the betrayal pushed it away.

"But you lied! Uchawi is not my mother, Kishindo not my brother!" He raged, sinking his claws into the ground. He felt tears of anger sting his eyes. All this time, and he had been in a false reality. Kishindo had been right. He really didn't belong here.

"Mheetu...I'm sorry..." Asubuhi murmured, lifting his head slightly with an upset expression.

"Did they know?" Mheetu asked, his voice hinting at a faint snarl. "Did they?"

"Uchawi and the rest of the adults did, but none of the cubs. Not even Jeshi." Asubuhi answered. He straightened up, as if deciding to stop cowering from his son. "Son, I understand why you are--"

"No you don't!" Mheetu screeched, backing away, his pale fur bristling. "You lie to me, you all did, has that ever happened to you?" He was so caught up in his fury, he barely noticed the hurt in his father's clear gaze. He closed his eyes tightly for a moment, breathing heavily.

"Mheetu, listen." Asubuhi strode closer to his son. Mheetu looked up, opening his mouth to say something, but his father continued loudly, "No, please listen. Your mother gave you to me when you were a newborn cub, because the Pridelands were too dangerous for you to grow up in. It was for your own safety. I couldn't tell you when you were younger, not when you might try to go home and get hurt or killed!"

Mheetu glared up at the lion. "I don't understand. Why would you let me live this...this fake life?" He cried, shaking his fur out.

"Mheetu, you can't call this a "fake life". You love it here, nothing will change that. This is your home, because it is where your friends reside." Asubuhi responded, glancing around the savannah.

Mheetu trembled slightly. "But why would she have sent me away? My real mother?" He was less angry now, the fury dissolving into despair and grief. He sheathed his claws and looked up at his father.

"Sarafina loved you. She wanted the best for you. And she couldn't give that in the Pridelands." Asubuhi explained, seeming relieved the Mheetu was calming down a bit. He bent to nuzzle his son's head, and Mheetu didn't flinch away.

"I still can't believe this..." The teenager mewed, his shoulders relaxing and his ears drooping. "Will you tell them?" He glanced up hesitantly, now feeling extremely guilty for all the anger he had held and poured out onto his father.

"Only if you wish, my son." Asubuhi dipped his head, concern emanating from him. He licked Mheetu's forehead. "I will always love you, wherever you may be."

Mheetu pressed against his father's comforting fur. "I'm sorry." He mewed out in a tiny voice. "I just feel so lost now." He buried his nose in Asubuhi's thick mane. He felt like a little cub again, and almost wished it were so, then he could be innocently living his life without the burden of being separate from his friends. "I'll tell them."

He pulled away from Asubuhi and stood up, his eyes sad and confused. He swallowed, then padded in the direction of Log-Place. He felt like a whole new lion, a visitor or stranger. He wasn't one of them. It was a new perspective, and not one that he liked. Everything suddenly felt unfamiliar, strange, different. He slunk through the grass, not checking if his father was behind him.

Mheetu slowed as he reached the clearing, and he entered warily. Oh, what would he say?

"Mheetu!" Hatari came racing over, her eyes glowing as she spotted him. She seemed to notice his depressed posture, and worry flashed across her face. "Are you alright?" She halted in front of him, eyes wide.

"Yes...I'm fine." Mheetu meowed, looking up. He gazed into the concerned eyes of his friend, and felt sick. He wasn't her pridemate. What would she think? Would she still like him? Would the rest of the cubs want anything to do with an outsider? He licked his muzzle.

Hatari still looked worried. "Oh...alright." She mewed, stepping back as he walked past her. He glanced back to her, flicking his tail.

"Wait, I need to tell you something. Fetch the rest of the others--Jeshi even." Mheetu told her, taking a slow breath. He turned at pawsteps, but it was only Asubuhi walking into Log-Place. The tan lion gave him a comforting look, and Mheetu felt more confident. He turned back to Hatari, in time to see her nod, confusion shining from her eyes, and then turn and spring away. Mheetu headed back out of the clearing, knowing they'd follow his scent.

He sat down a few paces from the bushes surrounding Log-Place. It wasn't long before the rest of the youngsters arrived, Hatari in the lead. They all gathered around Mheetu, many looking puzzled and interested.

"Well? What do you want?" Kupata asked in her gruff tones, standing next to Kishindo.

"Yeah? What's up?" Nzuri added, blinking bright blue eyes. "Hey, are you okay?" She mewed a moment later, sitting down. She had noticed his nervous disposition, as expected.

"Er...um...my father told me something that is kind of important." Mheetu began, hesitating and nervous. This would be a big thing to comprehend. He wasn't sure how they would react. Hopefully less dramatic than his had been. "I'm...n-not a Meadowlander."

"What?" Nzuri yelped, jumping right back to her paws. Hatari looked shocked and confused, and Jeshi surprised and puzzled. Kupata seemed not terribly shocked, and Kishindo looked almost as if he had been expecting as such.

"But...how is that possible! Uchawi is part of the pride, and Asubuhi basically is!" Jeshi asked, his ears flicking. Mheetu shook his head quickly.

"No, Uchawi isn't my mother." He glanced to Kishindo. "You're not my brother." He remembered the words from an argument they had, and felt sadness tighten his throat. He dropped his head.

But Kishindo only seemed concerned. "This is crazy...I'm really not? I really didn't mean it all either...I wish you were my brother." He pinned back his ears and blinked at Mheetu.

"Then where are you from?" Kupata asked, giving Kishindo a sympathetic look before turning to Mheetu. She obviously believed it fast enough.

"The Pridelands." He answered simply.

"What, with the mad King?" Nzuri gasped, looking again shocked. "How?"

"My mother sent me away so I would be safe. I guess she thought he might hurt me or something." Mheetu explained, shrugging slightly. Talking with his friends was making him feel better. At least they didn't seem revolted by the fact that he wasn't a true Meadowlander.

"Wow...this has been quite a day for you, Mheetu!" Jeshi commented. "At least you got a good hunt!"

"Yeah, don't worry. We're still your friends." Nzuri nuzzled Mheetu's cheek.

"Thanks." Mheetu gave them a small smile. He glanced to Hatari, who hadn't spoken up throughout the conversation. She stared back at him, betraying nothing in her gaze.

"C'mon, let's get back to Log-Place." Kishindo nudged Kupata, giving Mheetu a knowing look. He stepped away, glancing back. "Nzuri, Jeshi, let's go." He winked at Mheetu, who stared back, confused. The four young lions headed away, leaving Hatari and Mheetu alone in the grass.

"Are you alright?" It was his turn to ask her. Mheetu rose to his paws and padded closer to the younger lioness.

"I guess. I still can't believe you're not a Meadowlander..." She mewed, looking dejected. Mheetu didn't know what to do to comfort her, so he sat still. "I can't think of you as not one." She continued, confusion bright in her eyes.

"I can't either." He replied softly, curling his tail around his paws. He wondered if he'd ever return to the Pridelands, and maybe meet his mother for real. Maybe he even had other siblings. Real siblings. He thought of Uchawi and Kishindo as family, and he still should. He knew they would too. He shook his head slowly and glanced over to Hatari. "I'm still the same lion."

"I know." She replied in an even quieter voice, and leaned towards him. He didn't move, but let her head rest against his shoulder. "And I'm glad."

[MrTitans]

Good Lord I hit refresh and this what I see Nomnomomomomom. I need more to fill the craving. You have such amazing talent.

[Zoketi]

Thank you!