Mysterious Wand
One early afternoon, the brothers enjoyed themselves at a refreshing watering hole. Nearby, a group of towering giraffes observed the scene, standing gracefully like the trees of the Savannah. These gentle giants had come to enjoy a cool drink.
Zarda observed as they extended their legs and lowered their long necks, using their dark tongues to scoop up water. Meeku seized the chance to catch Zarda by surprise and swiftly splashed him in the face with a quick swipe of his paw.
Zarda inhaled sharply in surprise before chuckling, feeling grateful for the jolt that pulled him from his reverie. He shook his head, sending droplets of water cascading into the air. Bathed in sunlight, Zarda appeared stunningly beautiful, sparkling like diamonds. The water around him mirrored his image, and he took a moment to appreciate his reflection. He marveled at his impressive white mane, never having imagined he would grow into a mature lion. Meeku had undergone a transformation as well; he had evolved into a striking young lion with a thick dark brown mane, having left behind his previously underdeveloped Mohawk. Both lions were amazed that their time alone on the Savannah had favored them for this long.
It was obvious that the creator had bestowed upon them tremendous compassion. He had led them through fierce storms, extended cold, dark nights, times of hunger, and even the fear of being hunted by nomadic male cheetah packs. Their lives had been utterly altered. They came to understand the value of working together, learned to rely on each other, and ultimately, how to endure. When Meeku became ill, Zarda felt the effects, and the same held true in the opposite direction.
Zarda and Meeku learned the importance of teamwork through their experiences. By uniting as a strong team, they hunted for small prey to satisfy their hunger. Over time, their combined efforts yielded enough sustenance for them to grow into the formidable lions they are now.
Zarda had grown tremendously, possibly even larger than his father, who had haunted his dreams since they left. He often envisioned the moment they would reunite with their pride, but those visions remained just dreams—never to become reality. He frequently wondered why his father and the pride had not come for them yet. King Ezekiel was a formidable hunter and warrior, yet no one came to their aid; it was likely assumed by the pack that they were dead. Now, Zarda and Meeku were both too old to join the pride, and they were acutely aware of this. It was likely that their parents had succumbed to old age or illness long ago. They faced the harsh truth: even if their parents were still alive, they would not be accepted back—especially Meeku. But for Zarda, that notion was never an option. He could never even entertain the idea of abandoning his brother. They had been through too much together for him to consider such a thing.
Moreover, both brothers were satisfied and enjoyed their bachelor lifestyle, relishing the freedom it afforded them. They had no concerns about matters of pride or the long hours spent providing for a family. Now older and stronger, they had become even more formidable. They roamed the lands without fear, hunting game as needed.
One summer evening, fortune smiled upon them when a rhino calf strayed away from its mother. After a long day of patrolling in the heat for a good meal, they had attempted to chase down several animals without success. But then they encountered the lost calf. It was a prime opportunity, as the lions had not eaten in a week and were eager for an easy catch. The calf was exactly what they required to sustain them on their journey.
Regrettably, one life had to be given up for another's survival. The hunt was swift, and the brothers used their immense strength to take down the young rhino. This calf would sustain them for two weeks, satisfying their hunger and filling their bellies. They feasted and rested beside their trophy, with the lion brothers standing guard over their prize. No one would dare to approach. Scavengers tried to creep closer, hoping to snatch a piece of the lions' bounty, but the mere sight of the formidable Zarda sent chills through them, making them feel as if they were facing a ghostly figure. The brothers had become resilient survivors and fierce warriors, honoring the legacy of the Whitemane pride. Meanwhile, the queen lioness spent countless sleepless nights praying for her sons, her heart steadfast even as her body grew fatigued.
Zarda and Meeku had wrapped up their time in the refreshing water. Both lions made their way back to shore, eager to find a sunny spot where they could dry off. They needed to warm up before setting out on a hunt, as hunger was pressing and food was necessary. The sunlight felt soothing against their damp fur, while a gentle breeze swept by, making it hard to resist the urge to linger. If it were left to Meeku, they would have preferred to be two lazy lions relishing a moment of idleness. However, Zarda, ever the responsible one, encouraged his brother to ready his mind for their hunt.
Thirty minutes had gone by, and Zarda was already feeling much drier. He asked, "Are you dry enough, Meeku?'"
Meeku lay on his back, letting out a wide-mouthed yawn. He feigned ignorance to Zarda's words, aware that he needed to respond soon—otherwise, his hefty brother would plop down on him, squeezing the breath from his lungs. Zarda frequently resorted to this tactic when he wanted to remind Meeku who was in charge. Over time, they had grown close and forged an unbreakable bond.
Suddenly, Meeku cracked one eye open to gaze at his brother. He was thinking of how to respond back before a playful attacked pursued.
"Yes, unfortunately I'm feeling dryer now. Is there any chance we could take a few more minutes to rest?" he inquired.
Zarda laughed before replying. "Great! So, you can understand why we can't keep lounging around. We need to go hunting. It's best to tackle the hard work now so we can return to watch the antelope frolic while we enjoy our dinner."
Meeku didn't find it amusing, but he shared Zarda's appreciation for the sight of the antelope bounding gracefully. He admired the way they seemed to dance through the air on their slender legs, their elegant black horns curving with a unique head thrust. Not only were they a sight to behold, but they were also a delightful treat. He savored their salty essence, reflecting on the wonderful flavor they offered.
Meeku rolled over onto his massive paws and pushed up into an arch. Stretching his long body before straightening up to his full height. Zarda stood nearby, the ever-patient brother, a role he had embraced throughout his life. A fleeting sense of frustration washed over him, prompting him to walk away, past the nibbling giraffes and into the shimmering sea of golden savannah grass that gently caressed him as he moved. Meeku trailed closely behind, Zarda's heavy footsteps leaving deep marks in the ground, a striking contrast to Meeku's lighter tread.
Zarda surveyed the horizon in search of lunch, with an array of options laid out before him. He could choose from gazelle, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, impala, springbok, ostriches, buffalo, or okapi.
"Ostrich sounds appealing," Zarda mused aloud. "Actually, on second thought, maybe not. They have way too many feathers—cleaning them would take forever." He licked his lips as his gaze wandered through the grocery aisle ahead.
"Maybe I should go for a Gemsbok this time," he said as he observed a small group grazing alongside a larger herd of impala. He didn't want to expend too much energy chasing down the quick gazelle; Zarda preferred to save his efforts for another meal. The Gemsbok was increasingly appealing to him. He could almost taste the sweet, tender meat on his lips and imagined the warm lifeblood coursing down his throat.
Zarda felt a surge of excitement at the thought, his senses sharpening. He was primed for action. Nearby, Meeku focused intently, aligning with his brother's aim. The siblings worked in perfect harmony, choosing a young gemsbok that would be an easy target for a swift kill. Meeku maneuvered to the left while Zarda silently crept to the right. Meeku would serve as the distraction while Zarda crouched down, blending seamlessly into the grass as the hunter.
He patiently waited for their meal to come within reach. Meeku circled them before rising to reveal his dark mane. Startled, the herd dashed away toward Zarda. He continued to stay hidden, cautiously allowing the small group to approach without alarming them too early. The lion hesitated for a moment, then sprang into action. Zarda charged at them with all his might, moving with remarkable speed. His long strides and powerful legs propelled him forward with incredible strength, matching the swift pace of the gemsbok.
He was like an unstoppable Mack truck, charging down the highway. The herd scattered in a perfectly executed maneuver, fleeing back towards Meeku. Zarda thrust out his right foot, pivoting to adjust his stance. He followed their dusty trail with relentless determination. As a lone gemsbok darted in front of Meeku, he sprang forward, claws digging into the unaware creature. The gemsbok let out a terrified scream, the sound echoing with pain. Meeku easily brought the animal down, tightening his grip. Just behind him, Zarda collided with the beast, delivering all his force in a single blow that nearly sent Meeku sprawling. The brothers tore into the gemsbok's flesh, blood pooling around them like rich wine.
With a swift swipe of his claw, Zarda tore open the gemsbok's belly, allowing the warm entrails to spill onto the earth. Steam rose from the exposed innards like a swirling mist. Dark blood pooled beneath the carcass as Zarda plunged his face into the opening, extracting the still-beating heart of the creature. His white face was smeared with blood, creating a terrifying sight that Meeku could never get used to as he observed his older brother from across the animal while they shared a meal. Unable to look away, Meeku felt a mix of fascination and fear wash over him. Sharing a meal with Zarda always made him anxious. There was something distinctly primal about Zarda during meal times. In those fleeting moments, he transformed from the caring brother into a fierce, predatory lion.
His brother's eyes gleamed with a wild, golden-green intensity, revealing a ferocious hunger. Meeku hissed and snarled as he tore into the rear part of the kill. He relished this section just like their mother did; it was succulent and hearty. The flavor exploded in his mouth, and fresh blood trickled from his lips. The brothers indulged until they could eat no more.
Exhausted and drained, the brothers sought shelter beneath the broad canopy of a nearby Marula tree. Zarda closed his eyes, quickly drifting off to sleep, while Meeku kept watch, ensuring his brother could rest peacefully. Deep in his subconscious, Zarda heard a familiar voice calling to him, and he responded to it with joy.
Although he knew the answer, his initial reaction was to inquire about who was present. The same soothing voice he had heard as a young cub answered him.
"It is I, the creator. Zarda, I know you haven't forgotten me so easily," Elohim said. "I have taken great pleasure in watching you grow into the magnificent lion you are today. I have come to shake things up a bit. It seems your pride has waned, but a few still hold out hope for your return. When you awaken, I need you to go to a specific place for me. Follow the gazelle trail to Rock Hill, just to the west. Hidden within the rocky cavern, you will discover a mysterious wand. Grasp it, and you will gain great power, a power unmatched by anyone but me. If you follow my instructions, I will return with further guidance. If you choose to ignore this task, then simply enjoy the remaining nomadic life you have with your brother," the creator concluded.
Zarda let out a gasp in his sleep, tears streaming down his face. Meeku observed him with worry. Without warning, Zarda jolted awake, leaping to his feet with wide eyes. The abrupt movement shocked Meeku, causing him to reflexively jump back and snarl at his brother in frustration.
"What on earth, brother! Why are you so afraid?" Meeku asked, breathing more heavily than ever.
Zarda took a moment to steady his breathing before replying. "Apologies, brother. I didn't intend to scare you. The creator came to me; it's been years since I last heard from him. He provided me with instructions and told me I need to go to Rock Hill right away," Zarda explained.
Meeku appeared even more perplexed. He couldn't grasp why the creator would ask him to do something so unusual. "Why on earth would the creator send you there? Maybe it was just a foolish dream and not a genuine encounter with the divine," he responded.
Zarda shook his head in frustration at his younger brother's disbelief. "I can't go into details right now. I'll show you when we get there," he said in response.
Meeku may not have fully understood the situation, but he placed complete trust in his brother and patiently awaited his guidance. Zarda headed toward Rock Hill, passing the tree where they had previously rested by the water. There, they searched for the familiar gazelle trail that the creator had directed Zarda to follow. His keen eyes scanned the surroundings, carefully looking for any signs. Before long, Zarda found what he had been searching for and confidently stepped onto the path, maintaining a steady pace. The trail stretched about two miles ahead of them. Soon, he spotted the recognizable shapes forming in the distance—it was Rock Hill, no doubt about it.
They began to decelerate from a rapid run to a leisurely trot. Cautiously, Meeku approached the towering boulders surrounding them, his heart racing with fear. The vastness of Rock Hill made him uneasy; he felt like anything could be lurking in its depths. In contrast, Zarda remained unfazed by fear as he confidently navigated the rocks. The lion was driven by purpose, and nothing could deter him from his mission. As soon as he stepped inside, a gentle voice directed him on which way to turn and where to go.
"Zarda, head left along the path ahead of you, then take a right at the next opening. Continue straight for a short distance. Soon, you'll encounter another fork; turn right , then jump across the small ravine and take a quick left into the rock tunnel. In the center of the open room, you'll find the wand on the ground. Grab it with your mouth and wait for my further instructions. Now, go." The creator commanded.
Zarda obediently followed every instruction given to him, with Meeku at his side. Just as the creator had promised, it lay before them on the ground: a mysterious wand shimmering with a purple fire. It resembled a human staff, with an amethyst stone embedded within. Twisted, gnarled roots encircled the gem at its tip. Meeku quickly swiped his paw in front of Zarda's chest to halt him.
"Wait, brother. Don't approach that. You have no idea what kind of danger it could pose to you," Meeku warned, with caution in his voice.
Zarda smiled patiently at his brother. Little did Meeku realize that the object he was looking at was exactly what Elohim had asked him to pick up. Zarda was aware it was safe, but his younger sibling had no clue.
"No, Meeku, you're wrong. The creator would never bring harm to either of us. He has always steered me along the right path. I don't fear it; I welcome it, and you will as well. Besides, I must go gather it and wait for his next instructions," Zarda said, confidently brushing past Meeku's paw.
Meeku withdrew his paw and gently nudged Zarda with his nose as he walked by. Taking a seat, he observed his brother ahead of him. Zarda was incredibly daring in front of the unusual glowing object. Meeku thought that if his brother were to explode, he would sprint back to the tree where they had last rested and spend his final days there, alone. Zarda inched closer to the wand. With a calm demeanor, he took it in his teeth. He stayed motionless, waiting for his master's call. Without delay, the familiar voice echoed back to him.
"Congratulations, you have made a wise choice. From this moment on, you may regard me as your master. I bless you, my creation, and I lift the curse that once shadowed you and your pride. Fear it no longer. You will no longer walk on all fours, but will stand upright like men. Your form will resemble theirs, and you will communicate in the languages of men, lions, and all creatures. You will rule the animal realm I have brought you into. Those you hold dear will also undergo transformation, and more. Your enemies will come to regret crossing your path. Life in the Savannah will be turned upside down for many. As for you and your pride, claim your rightful place as King. Seek out your mother; she still lives, but alas, your father has passed, along with your two sisters and many others. On the night of the hyena attack, when you took refuge in the cave, King Ezekiel was struck down by one of his kind even before the ambush occurred. Your father suffered a massive heart attack. But worry not, his spirit rests in peace, safely with me. He no longer suffers, but he wishes for you to care for the remaining pride. You will be the key that unlocks a bright future for the Whitemane's pride. Now go, and bring your brother Meeku back to your home. The transformation may be painful for a moment but know that I am always with you and proud of you, Zarda," said his master.
Zarda turned to confront his brother. The moment their eyes locked, a shiver coursed through their bodies, accompanied by a fierce, burning sensation deep within their bones. Zarda winced as the pain ebbed, but he couldn't shake the feeling that it would soon return. He urged Meeku to race back with him to their home. They ran as though a ravenous fire were at their heels, navigating the intricate borders and sprinting along the gazelle trail toward their familiar sanctuary. Just as they neared home, the pain surged back, and Zarda dropped the wand, bracing himself on his paws. His back arched in response to the stabbing ache in his stomach, muscles rippling across his body. His arms thickened and morphed, transforming into powerful human hands as he watched his claws fall away, replaced by human fingernails.
His midsection tightened, transforming into a lean, muscular abdomen. Zarda felt a searing sensation in his groin, as if it were being completely torn away. It shifted upward, becoming a new human-like pelvis rather than being hidden beneath his tail. His legs rippled, morphing into long, powerful thighs, while the lower half elongated, appearing fuller and better able to support his new weight. Zarda's feet retained the shape of lion's paws. His face took on a human form, yet his thick, flowing white mane remained unchanged. He inspected himself from head to toe, acutely aware of his nakedness and the chalky pale hue of his skin.
`Zarda no longer had the short fur typical of his kind; instead, his body was covered in smooth, exposed skin. He reached back to touch his tail and discovered two round cheeks jutting out beneath it.
"What are those?" he whispered to himself, taken aback. He had never noticed such roundness before. Little did he know, he had developed a human-like buttocks, which might come in handy in certain situations. As he glanced down, a wave of dizziness washed over him; he suddenly realized how high he was above the ground. Fear raced through his heart, making him feel as though he might topple over at any moment, and the thought unsettled him. Zarda swayed slightly, unsteady on his hybrid legs. Adjusting to his new body was clearly going to take some time. He was also bewildered by the other changes he was experiencing, particularly the way his groin area now appeared—much more elongated than he preferred. Overcome with embarrassment, he instinctively wanted to cover himself. In the midst of this revelation, he noticed that his brother, Meeku, wore the same look of shock, standing beside him on shaky legs, also naked.
Although Meeku's physique was reminiscent of his brother Zarda's, they shared some similarities while differing in many ways. Meeku was slightly lighter in weight, yet his build remained muscular and lean, akin to Zarda's. A faint layer of dark brown hair adorned his chest, and he stood a few inches shorter than Zarda. Meeku's skin had a beautiful bronze hue, which Zarda envied. In contrast, Zarda's skin was a stark, chalky white that seemed almost blinding. When the light hit it just right, it sparkled subtly, resembling shimmering diamonds. He became especially aware of this effect when he held the staff close to him.
The amethyst rod gleamed brilliantly, casting reflections of light onto his hairless chest, a stark contrast to Meeku's. In the daylight, however, the scars from past battles were prominently visible on his skin. He had earned many of them during the brief time he spent alone with Meeku. One memorable encounter in their youth involved a fierce battle with a Fiesta honey badger. The fight was exhilarating, leaving the brothers on edge and filled with adrenaline. They fought valiantly against the relentless hunter, using every ounce of strength they had. It was during this skirmish that Zarda collected a few of his scars; the rest came later as they faced new challenges while maturing. His current form made those scars stand out even more than before. Zarda studied his chest and arms, glancing at Meeku's before returning his gaze to himself, completely enchanted by the sight. Suddenly, a peculiar voice cut through his thoughts—it was close yet felt far away, and it was unlike the creator's voice. As he scanned his surroundings, he realized the voice belonged to Meeku, who was in the process of repeating himself.
"Brother, what has happened? What has the creator done to us?" he asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
Zarda approached him wobbly at first but quickly regained his balance. As he got closer, he instinctively covered his groin with his left hand while gripping the glowing wand in his right. In reaction, Meeku was shielded his own nakedness with both hands, a surge of fear and embarrassment washing over them. Zarda's gaze met Meeku's, silently communicating an unspoken understanding.
"The curse has finally been broken," Zarda declared. "The creator has blessed us, declaring that these new forms will benefit us greatly. We will conquer this animal kingdom, and our foes will come to regret ever challenging us. Don't you understand, brother? This is incredible news—precisely what our pride has longed for," Zarda said with fervor. He hesitated for a moment before adding, "He mentioned our mother and father and stressed the importance of locating them along with our pride."
Meeku's eyes sparkled at the mention of their parents. Zarda felt a pang of sadness, realizing that the news he was about to share would shatter his heart just as it had his. Understanding it was better to be honest and reveal it now, giving both of them time to brace for the day they would reunite with their mother and the remaining members of their pride.
Slowly he broke the silence and shared, "There is one thing I need to mention. Master revealed Father died during the battle in the cave, along with our sisters, but that they were at peace and that Father wanted us to come back to the pride. He also told me that everyone we care about has transformed just like we have—some for the worse, some for the better," Zarda explained.
Meeku was in disbelief at what he was hearing. The anguish was clear on his face—his mother was alive, but his father was gone. A single tear rolled down his cheek, and his heart ached intensely in his chest. He lifted his hand to feel the relentless pounding within. Zarda shared the same grief, mourning the loss of their father and siblings. His breaths came in shallow gasps, and he could taste the salty tears on his skin. He wiped them away and refocused his gaze on Meeku.
"Look at us, little brother. We communicate as men do, using our voices. We listen and comprehend words, and we can even stand upright without falling over. Here, our lives have been fortunate enough to become truly extraordinary. My only grievance is that my body feels exposed and chilly. How do humans manage to stay warm without fur? We need to find something to wrap ourselves in," Zarda said.
Meeku agreed with his brother, and soon he felt tiny bumps emerging all over his arms and body. Every time the cool breeze brushed against their sensitive skin, the bumps would appear. He quickly noticed that two flat brown circles on his chest had also hardened and were beginning to protrude, mirroring the bumps scattered across his body. He decided it was time to cover up. They quickly searched for materials to create temporary coverings for themselves. It wasn't an easy task, but they used the hide from their last kill, cutting it into wide strips. The hide had already stiffened in the dry sun. Meeku then cut two more long, thin strips and fashioned all the naterials into loincloths. It wasn't anything like they had before, but the handmade clothing would have tdo for the time at hand.