The Skill of Adaptation
Queen Saharrah sat on the ground with her legs folded beneath her, a stark contrast to her previous postures. She appreciated certain aspects of her new form, while others left her feeling less than pleased. As she rested her hands on her lap, seeking comfort, she attentively listened to her son. Zarda was relaying all that the great creator had communicated and done for him. He marveled at how well everyone grasped his words and could engage meaningfully. However, as he continued, he sensed the atmosphere growing tense. He noticed the others attempting to cover their discomfort, their expressions turning somber. Suddenly, a lioness interrupted Zarda's train of thought by gesturing toward Meeku's garments. Whispers of curiosity and intrigue rippled through the group, prompting Zarda to quickly turn his attention to his brother.
Their whispers brimmed with envy as they compared their poorly designed clothing to the outfits worn by Meeku and Zarda. Meeku sported garments crafted from gazelle hide, adorned with green vines he had collected upon arriving at his mother's home. At last, he had crafted new outfits for both of them, just as he had wished before starting his quest to find their mother.
Zarda, with keen insight, turned to his brother, who was diligently engaged in a new project. "Meeku, could you assist me in creating coverings for our family?" he inquired.
He glanced over at his brother with irritation. Why should he be the one to handle it? he pondered. Still, he recognized that his brother had every right to make the request. Setting aside his feelings for the time being, Meeku concluded that it was best to fulfill what was asked of him.
"Of course, where do you suggest I go to collect materials? There's nothing available here except for deep in the jungle," he responded.
Zarda glanced around and took a better look at the jungle nearby. "That looks like the best option. I'd begin there," he remarked, gesturing beyond Meeku.
Meeku understood the mission before him. He didn't bother to ask for any additional guidance. Instead, he turned and set off on his journey into the jungle.
"My brother needs assistance transporting materials. Are there any lion warriors ready to follow my commands?" Zarda asked confidently.
Warrior Slash and Razor both stepped forward eagerly to volunteer. Zarda felt a surge of satisfaction and sent them off to assist. It had only been thirty minutes since their brief reunion with his pride, yet everyone was treating him as if he were already the King. In reality, he was not the king—he had only just begun to reconnect with his family. Zarda knew he wasn't ready for such a role. Fear and uncertainty loomed over him. No one had taught him how to govern; not the other lions, nor his father. He and Meeku had grown up alone, just the two of them, constantly on the move. They took turns sleeping as young cubs, struggling to feed each other every day. Despite the odds, they did their best to survive. The nights were cold and daunting without a large pride for protection. Life's lessons came hard at times—some painful, like encountering ants, while others were sweet, such as the first time they discovered Natal plums. They quickly learned which animals posed a threat and which ones feared them. As they grew stronger, they seemed to attract fewer enemies, aside from a select few.
"We'll create coverings for you, so you won't feel exposed anymore. I need to consult the master for guidance on our next steps. Our way of life will change, and the framework we once knew will evolve as well. It won't be simple, but I believe we'll adjust quickly. Meeku and I did just that. We had to master the art of adaptation, taking care of each other without a pride for many years. That was the toughest adjustment we've faced. This will be a stroll on the savannah compared to what we went through alone," he shared.
"Are we?" paused Queen Saharrah for a moment. "Are we the only ones that the creator altered? she inquired.
Zarda recognized the wisdom that his master had imparted to him. Although he wasn't certain what to anticipate, he felt confident that others had undergone the same transformation. Taking a deep breath, Zarda released it with a sigh.
"Can you protect us as our King? Omma, a nearby lioness asked.
Every gaze, including Zarda's, was locked onto her. The crowd buzzed with curiosity, each person leaning in, eager to hear what she would say and how Zarda would respond. Omma took a deep breath and continued with her speech.
"We truly need a king, especially since we haven't had one since your father last ruled. Given that you are the rightful heir to the throne, you are next in line after the..." Omma, the lioness, halted her words.
The Queen shot Omma a disdainful glance, interrupting her before she could complete her sentence. Zarda understood the reason behind it; he wasn't oblivious or foolish.
"It's alright, Mother. Meeku and I are aware of Father's situation. Master informed us just before we located you. We had a brief period to grieve, but I believe we will both be alright. Personally, I feel strong, though I'm uncertain if I can follow in his footsteps. I will if that is what you desire. To be honest, I'm scared. I have no idea what to do or say. I've only ever known the nomadic way of life. If you decide that I should lead, I will do so, but with one condition: Meeku will serve as my right-hand general, fighting beside me. I will never abandon him! The traditional ways of leadership are fading, and it's imperative that we adapt to the new norms. Adapt or be left behind," Zarda declared firmly.
His mother nodded; she would never consider separating her sons now or at any time in the future. Saharrah was open-minded about embracing new ways to thrive, or at the very least, giving them a try.
"I won't separate you two, nor will I send him away from us. I've just gotten you both back; it would be madness to do otherwise. You are both here to stay. You can lead in your father's kingdom, my son; I have faith in you. The same blood that flowed through your father's veins now courses through yours. You are destined to inherit his throne. I've waited so long for this moment, so don't be afraid. Your fathers, old warriors will train you up at least in some old ways of rulership. It seems that life has introduced a new player into the game. We can either engage with it or leave it untouched in its box, but that seems difficult, doesn't it? It's your throne—go ahead and claim it." Saharrah replied.
In the meantime, Meeku strode swiftly, his longer strides allowing him to cover ground quickly. His new body was brimming with thrilling new abilities. He could hear footsteps closing in behind him at a rapid pace. Glancing over his shoulder, he spotted two familiar figures—it was his father's trusted warriors. They carried themselves differently now, age evident in their demeanor. He chuckled, recalling their prime, not so long ago. However, as he turned back, he couldn't help but notice their aging bodies moving faster towards him. To him, they seemed too slow in retrieving supplies. Disgusted, he kept a few paces ahead of them, quickening his stride whenever they attempted to advance. He wanted to avoid allowing them to surpass him.
"Old lions, sluggish hybrids – a dreadful deal for them," he muttered to himself.
Meeku admired his own youth as he observed the worn bodies of the others. While they lacked the trim figures of their younger selves—like those of Meeku and Zarda—they still retained a hint of lean muscle that contributed to their endurance. Their bellies hung slightly over their leaf-made loincloths, and their faces showed the marks of age. Meeku surmised that a life spent fighting alongside his father had taken its toll on them. The stresses of such a life seemed to accelerate aging tenfold. Even the once-vibrant gold of their fur had dulled to a smoky gray.
Breaking the silence, Meeku turned and called back to them, "How long did you all search for Zarda and me?"
He tried to lighten the mood with conversation during the uncomfortable silence of their journey. He wanted them to know that he was aware of their presence behind him. Before long, a rough, elderly voice replied. It was the warrior named slash.
"Your mother searched every day until recently, which is why we found you when we did. Otherwise, we would still be in the jungle, starting our new lives. She was growing weary of it and yearned for open spaces, determined to keep looking for you. Its the very reason we left out of this place," he replied looking up at the thick jungle foulage before him.
Meeku felt a rush of emotion. He hadn't intended to get sentimental; he simply wanted to engage in light conversation. However, his mind wandered to thoughts of his father, causing his hands to tremble. In an effort to hide his vulnerability from the warriors, he swiftly rubbed his hands together.
It was Razor's moment to pose a significant question. "Where did you two disappear to? We searched for you endlessly, only to be met with silence and heartache," he said.
This old lion spoke with an accent that Meeku found odd. It was unlike his own and certainly different from that of his brother Zarda. It seemed as though all the languages had become jumbled up with the BIG change.
Halting in his steps, he glanced back at Razor. "That depends, how much time do you have?" Meeku responded.
Slash replied to his question this time, "Well, with all the time in the world, I guess I'm eager to hear your answer too."
Meeku took a deep breath and began to recount his story at a measured pace. "After escaping Pride Rock, we were guided by Lioness Mara into the territory of the warthogs. We anticipated she would stay with us, but an urgent instinct compelled her to return and save the others. That night marked the first time we had ever been alone and separated from the pride. Somehow, we lost our way in the darkness, unaware of our misstep until dawn broke. The path we were on led us straight to the Hog Hill Clan. The following morning, we sought their assistance. They offered us safety within their lands but couldn't help us locate our pride. After tirelessly searching, we ultimately surrendered to our fate and embraced a solitary existence as young bachelors. As time passed, we matured and learned to fight for our survival. At one point, we defended ourselves against cheetahs, and then came a month of relentless rain. We endured the torrential downpours, nearly drowning in the river but managing to survive. Along the way, we made friends with fascinating creatures like baboons and meerkats, while encountering some we hoped to avoid in the future. Zarda and I quickly learned the art of hunting if we wanted to stay alive. Day after day, month after month, we persevered. We must have relocated seven times before we were ready to claim our own territory. Once the other animals began to fear us, we had no trouble settling down. In fact, if it weren't for the Creator calling out to Zarda this morning, we would still be at our comfortable home right now," Meeku recalled.
The warriors stood in amazement, exchanging wide-eyed looks. Truly, they realized, the King's formidable blood runs strong in both of his sons.
"I'm glad you both took the master's words to heart," Slash said, his tone turning somber. "Your mother has been worrying for so long that it's clearly taken a toll on her. I can't say for certain how much longer she has, but the stress of searching for you must be weighing heavily on her. Yet here we are, all transformed into these new hybrids. Who knows? She might surprise us all and outlive every one of us." He chuckled softly before continuing, "Many of us are growing old and weary, me included. We yearn for a King to guide and lead us. I long to see this pride return to its former glory." said Slash.
Razor interjected, "Indeed, I share that wish, and I'm sure your father would have too. With no cubs to carry on our legacy, our future appears bleak. If we are the last ones left, it will signify our extinction. Zarda must find a lioness and ensure the continuation of our bloodline."
Meeku wholeheartedly agreed. He was eager to witness his brother take the throne. He longed to return to the safety and solace of their pride but achieving that would require sacrifice and dedicated effort to restore it to its former glory. A hush enveloped the three of them as they made their way deeper into the jungle.
Zarda mind was filled with questions, recognizing that it was time to seek a peaceful place to connect with the creator. He politely stepped away from the group of lions for a brief respite. It didn't take long for him to find a tranquil spot at the base of an abandoned termite mound. Although he couldn't remember it feeling so rough before, his old skin was indifferent to the texture. His new skin, in contrast, was sensitive and still adjusting to the sensations around it. Taking a moment to clear his thoughts, he searched for the right words to convey his feelings. With hope in his heart, Zarda moved forward, trusting that the master would hear him.
"Master, I seek your guidance. What should we do now? How can we hunt with hands like men and continue our bloodline? You mentioned that we are blessed, but I feel adrift. Please teach me. What must we do?" Zarda inquired.
He didn't catch the master's voice immediately, and a sense of panic began to rise within him. "Could he be asleep?" he wondered. "Where are you? We need you!" he shouted. Yet, his mind remained filled with silence.
"I'm here, Zarda. There's no need to worry. Tonight, I will share a vision in your dreams, just as I will with other chosen hybrids. Many creatures have retreated into hiding. When some of the herds, litters, gangs, parades, and packs transformed while others did not, it instilled great fear and panic among them, both old and new. In their terror, they scattered far and wide. I will visit only the leaders among their kind and share with them what I'm sharing with you. Remember, you alone have been chosen to rule over all creatures—hybrid or not. Every being, except humans, will fall under your domain. You need to explain this to your pride, and tonight you must seek refuge in the jungle. I will be working on the Savannah and will need you to be safely sheltered within the jungle. I will bring food for you all shortly after my arrival. When you get there, gather stones to create a circle. Fill the center with dry sticks and leaves. Then, use the wand I gave you to ignite the kindling; I will make sure it catches fire. Once the fire is going, the food I sent you will be plentiful. You must prepare the catch by spearing the animal with a long, sharp spear. Meeku has already been working on this project. Once you spear your meal, hold it over the fire, turning it occasionally for even cooking. For now, cook it with its fur and feathers, but do not eat it raw! Your pride must never consume meat while it is still bloody again. I will also show you in the vision how to cook more effectively and hunt more efficiently. Advise your pride to be patient with me and with you. Farewell for now, Zarda. I must take my leave." said the creator.
Adapt or perish! was Zarda's mantra. He felt a surge of contentment with the instructions given by his master. Quickening his step, he hurried over to his mother, where the lionesses had once again gathered to hear their future king. He spoke deliberately, issuing clear commands for them to gather whatever supplies they could find. He then led them towards the jungle, where he would soon reunite with Meeku, Slash, and Razor, who were loaded with valuable materials. It was the master who had imparted his knowledge to Meeku, teaching him how to create coverings, and with each attempt, Meeku improved his skills. The warriors were taken aback to see the entire pride arrive so swiftly. Zarda felt a sense of satisfaction as he received more good news from the creator. Emulating a true leader, Zarda assigned two lionesses to collect sticks for kindling. They looked at him with surprise at first, but he recognized their confusion. To clarify, he demonstrated how to gather and break firewood. Once he was pleased with their efforts, he turned his attention to searching for loose stones.
Queen Saharrah recognized his need and accompanied Zarda as they both collected handfuls of stones. She was more acquainted with the area and guided him closer to the waterfall, which was the ideal spot for finding smooth stones. As they approached the magnificent sight, Saharrah allowed him to take in its splendor. He marveled at its force, while a cool mist wafted through the air, brushing over them perfectly. The sensation felt delightful against his skin. He shut his eyes and took a deep breath, inhaling the damp and revitalizing air.
Saharrah observed silently before breaking into his tranquil moment. She softly spoke up, "Zarda, there's something I need to show you," she said.
The Queen guided Zarda through the dense greenery, steering him toward a towering pillar located at the edge of the waterfall. It had been some time since they laid King Ezekiel to rest, and small buds had started to bloom along its sides, making his grave appear beautiful. Zarda was confused at first. To him, it was just a rock adorned with pretty flowers. What was the significance? He glanced at his mother's face, where tears streamed down her cheeks. At last, her prayers had been answered; they were reunited. Although his sisters were gone, their spirits lingered. She had never had the chance to give her daughters or anyone else a proper burial. Their bodies remained as haunting reminders, at Pride Rock, of that tragic day. They had only managed to save the King and flee before the hyenas returned.
Zarda realized that the beautiful stone marked his father's grave. Saharrah knelt before it, placing her hand on the chilly surface. It felt unusual to connect with it in such an emotional way. Zarda joined his mother, helping her lay down stones while they shared tears and spoke to Ezekiel as if he were still there. As time passed, Zarda eventually grew tired of crying and knew he needed to start the fire. Gathering back up the stones, Zarda decided to head back to the camp, with Saharrah following closely behind, after spending a few more moments with her king alone. When Zarda returned to camp, he was pleasantly surprised to see that they had gathered enough materials to create a substantial fire pit. The lionesses had also returned, their arms filled with bundles of kindling. It was much easier for them to carry things with hands and thumbs than for him with paws and retractable claws.
Zarda quickly obeyed the creator's instructions, needing the spear that Meeku had crafted. Meeku was taken aback by the request, but he bent down and retrieved the spear from the hip strap he had made. As he handed it over, Zarda grasped the spear with one hand and held onto his staff with the other, touching the wand to the branches. In an instant, purple flames blazed to life, their crackling energy surprising everyone. Instinctively, they all ducked for cover among the bushes. Zarda recognized that he needed to be courageous for the sake of the group. He placed his trust in the master's wisdom. When the others saw his bravery, they also began to find their own. Zarda explained that fire, when wielded properly, provides food and warmth—key elements for survival. Conversely, if mishandled, it can bring about destruction and chaos, leading to death.
Just then, a series of loud thuds echoed nearby as large birds plummeted from the sky. Though very much alive, they could no longer fly. Spotting a suitable bird close by, Zarda steadied Meeku's spear in his left hand. He swiftly thrust the spear toward the prey, piercing the fallen creature. With care, he roasted it over the fire, maintaining a safe distance. Inspired by his actions, the others began to follow suit, shaping branches into spears and embarking on their own hunt for dinner.
Those who observed his actions quickly began to imitate him. They crafted spears and gathered the birds. The master had blessed them with an abundant food supply, allowing everyone to feast to their heart's content. Meeku quickly finished his meal and set to work sketching designs for long tunics for the lioness and long pants for the male lions. The night was enveloping, and a sense of satisfaction washed over everyone. Fatigue took hold, and they found cozy spots among the banana leaves to settle in for the night.
Zarda set a night watch and stood in for the night alongside his brothers, Slash and Razor. Meanwhile, the lionesses took the leftover materials Meeku gave them and used as blankets from the chilly nights ahead. The days were warm and humid, but nights dropped to a bitter cold. As time went on, the creator bestowed more and more knowledge upon Meeku, teaching him the art of creation, construction, and shaping with his hands. Confronted with the difficulties posed by the weather, Meeku swiftly adapted to create more suitable clothing for the small pack. Lacking their natural fur for protection, it was necessary to explore innovative solutions beyond conventional techniques.
A serene stillness enveloped the entire savannah. The only sign of life was the gentle swaying of the trees stirred by the cool breeze. Zarda looked up at the star-filled sky, leaning against a palm tree as he kept a watchful eye on the northern edge of the jungle. His hand rested easily on his staff, as he remained alert to the possibility of an unexpected attack. Meeku patrolled the southern perimeter, Slash kept an eye on the area behind the waterfall to the east, and Razor stood guard at the western edge. They each diligently surveilled their assigned areas, careful not to wander far from their posts. Zarda decided it was time to head back to camp to switch shifts with two younger lions, Matiti and Mazunga. Having spent their cubhood observing elders Slash and Razor, Zarda had confidence in their instincts, trusting they would respond quickly to any threats. He handed them Meeku's spear as a weapon, urging them to watch over each other for added safety. With his watch complete, Zarda knew it was time to visit the visions the master had in store for him.
Zarda settled into a spot beside the lionesses as they dozed, nestled on soft palm fronds. For the first time, he lay on his back to sleep, acutely aware of how unnatural it felt in his human form. The earth didn't embrace him as it did when he was a lion. As he closed his eyes waiting for darkness to enveloped him. His spirit began to rise gently from his body, floating through pastel hues of pink and purple clouds. The warmth surrounding him sent a delightful tingling upon his skin. The sweet scents of lavender and jasmine filled the air around him, enhancing his comfort as he drifted. In the distance, he caught sight of a pristine white throne shining before him.
He moved closer, but only within a short range. Pain coursed through his eyes like flames as he attempted to gaze upon the figure seated on the throne before him. Quickly, he averted his gaze downward. The figure spoke gently to him; it was the creator. The master instructed Zarda to pay close attention, as he had a wealth of guidance to share. Zarda absorbed every word that flowed from his master's lips. The creator began with discussions of sustenance—eating, hunting, and food in intricate detail—then shifted to explain how Zarda and all females would function now, highlighting the different ways life would emerge from them. Following that, the creator delved into the topics of war and conflict, outlining necessary actions. He continued by teaching Zarda how to forge, construct, and design tools, weapons, and structures for daily life. Zarda's mind whirled with the overwhelming flood of information.
"At last, Zarda, I am convening a significant meeting in two days. You, your brother, and two formidable warriors will embark on a three-day journey to Mount Sabyinyo, an extinct volcano located in the eastern region of Africa's Virunga Mountains. There, you will once again witness my works and wonders. This will be the place where you will first encounter the chosen animals as equals. You shall not harm your prey or your foes. This site will be sacred to all. I will sanctify it when I reveal some more crucial matters at the precise location. Be sure to bring spears, food, and warm clothing for your journey," instructed Elohim.
With that, Elohim began to slowly disappear. Zarda's spirit descended swiftly, plunging down through the soft, colorful clouds and the hazy pillows of mist. Zarda re-entered his body, his eyes snapping open. While, Throughout the night, the Creator labored on, touching the minds of each hybrid leader.