Unexpected Friendship
Upon completing their arduous journey, they eventually reached the campsite where the hungry and exhausted lions awaited their return.
"I have a suggestion." Said slash. The group paid close attention as he delivered an explanation.
He suggested to the lions, "How about we spend the night here, get some rest, cook dinner, and then leave in the morning? What do you think?"
His party thought the idea was fantastic, but Wazingu didn't agree. He didn't feel comfortable sleeping away from home, especially with strangers who happened to be the very lions he had tried to capture before. Now, he was feeling scared.
"I do not believe so. That would set us back a day," Wazingu responded anxiously.
Slash's irritation was mounting as the lack of sleep caused him to become increasingly cranky. In his frustration, he shoved his towering frame against the small cheetah.
"I inquired of them, not you. Furthermore, had you not captured us and made us march through the night, we wouldn't be delayed by a day. Because of your actions, we will be staying overnight. If you mention this again, I will inform your brother," he stated firmly.
He stood head and shoulders above the elite cheetah, attempting to intimidate the young one. Based on the circumstances, it appeared to be effective. The cheetah was starting to shudder. If these two had encountered each other in their animal forms on the savannah plains, the cheetah would have faced serious danger, if not certain death. Being so near to Slash's hybrid form did little to ease Wazingu's discomfort.
"DO YOU UNDERSTAND!" he asked growling in a menacing manner.
Wazingu didn't speak, but he closed his lips tightly and nodded in agreement quickly. He didn't look Slash in his eyes but keep his eyes shut, hoping the lion would move away fast. Before he stepped away, he gave Wazingu one last command.
"Go sleep over there," Slash said, gesturing outside their tent towards the tree.
Despite holding Wazingu hostage with a weapon all night, Mazunga felt sympathy for him and forgave him. The young cheetah reminded Mazunga of himself - always making mistakes and feeling like a failure, even when trying his best. The party was prepared to rest and settled down promptly for some well-deserved sleep. The three lions slept in the tent, while Wazingu wrapped himself in the zebra hide under the tree as instructed by Slash. They slept for most of the day, from sunrise to evening. As time passed, the small group got the ideal amount of rest to rejuvenate their tired bodies. Upon hearing their stomachs growling, the four of them woke up. Matiti thought it was time to eat. Slash typically sent out the two young lions, but this time he assigned Wazingu and mazunga to gather kindling, while he and Matiti packed up camp and prepared the meals. The cheetah and lion quietly left the camp.
"Is he always like that?" Asked Wazingu.
Mazunga looked at the cheetah and chuckled. He knew the answer too well. "Throughout the time that I've known him, it always seems that I can never do anything right in his eyes, but Zarda sees things differently. I wish he had come instead. You would have loved him," Mazunga replied.
"I suppose we're alike. My brother treats me in the same manner, but I understand his reasons. I was beginning to believe that I have a similar impact on everyone," he mentioned.
Mazunga shook his head to his response. " No, that's just slash, he's all attitude with claws." he replied.
Wazingu was beginning to develop a fondness for Mazunga and regretted having held him captive before. "I apologize for my behavior yesterday. I hope there are no hard feelings," he asked. Mazunga chuckled.
"If there were, don't you think I would have killed you already," Mazunga replied, eyebrow raised.
Wazingu chuckled heartily his attempt to be intimidating fell flat. "Actually, you would have probably just wet your diaper again," he replied, laughing uncontrollably.
Mazunga couldn't contain his laughter and surprisingly, he agreed. " So, am I forgiven?" the cheetah asked.
Mazunga nodded his head in agreement, smiling at Wazingu. Secondly, he inquired of Wazingu, "friends?"
Mazunga reached out his hand to shake the cheetah's. Wazingu mirrored the gesture, understanding that this act would strengthen the bond between them. He didn't have many friends, particularly not with a lion.
Mazunga stated, "Yes, we are friends, I am okay with that, just please refrain from pointing that sharp spear at me again."
"Oh yeah, Sorry about that," The cheetah replied.
As they chatted, the two collected plenty of wood for the fire. Seeing that their arms were full, they decided to head back to camp. Mazunga placed the bundles next to the fire pit, while Slash immediately started building up the flames. Matiti observed his leader closely as Wazingu and Mazunga sat together, sharing stories of their past experiences. Mazunga recounted the dreadful day at Pride Rock. Wazingu was eager to know more and asked, "Could you share your firsthand experience from the battle? I've always heard stories, but I never knew what the facts were or what was just fiction."
Mazunga recounted, "I remember feeling my heart pounding so hard in my chest that my ears throbbed. Matiti and I were inseparable, moving in sync with each other. I can only speak for myself, but I was petrified. The sounds and smells in that moment were etched in my memory forever. The sounds of life being snuffed out echoed around us, and the metallic scent of blood stung my nose. The darkness made it impossible to distinguish between friend and foe. Eventually, we learned that it was the hyenas who had taken down both of our companions." But before Mazunga could continue, he was interrupted.
Slash was starting to squirm in his seat. He had remained silent for too long while listening to the two engage in their back-and-forth. Frustrated by their reminiscences of the past, he finally couldn't hold back any longer and shouted for them to stop. The group fell silent, all eyes wide and focused on their leader.
"Enough! Stop talking. Why dwell on dead and buried events? They are in the days gone by, and we are still here, are we not? So, let's move forward, shall we. The past has no power over you unless you allow it," Slash growled.
Wazingu wrinkled his nose in disdain at Slash and then turned towards his friend with understanding eyes. The lack of compassion was void in their leader, but Wazingu had plenty to show to his friend.
"It's okay, we can discuss something else." He replied.
Slash quickly interrupted demanding at once, " Or, how about we NOT talk at all."
Wazingu fell silent instantly. He had been disrespected all his life, but never by another leader of a different kind. Feeling the hurt didn't change the fact, he still had one final question, but he decided to wait until everyone had finished eating. Deciding to ask afterwards, would ensure them a pleasant meal at least. The meat sizzled on the flame, perfectly cooked and prepared to be eaten. Each one quickly grabbed a piping hot piece before it had a chance to cool down. They clumsily dropped the meat into eagerly awaiting mouths. Juices ran down their chins as the rich flavor hit the perfect note of satisfaction. With little time remaining and a journey of at least two hours ahead, they knew they would likely be walking in the dark before reaching their destination. Slash disliked traveling at night, but circumstances had forced them to alter their plans. Slash looked towards Wazingu with a glare. He had no other choice but allow the cheetah to fulfill his sworn duties.
"Let's go cheetah! You lead the way." Ordered slash.
The lion was staring down at him waiting for a response. Wazingu quickly moved to the front of the group, tightly gripping his spear. He hurriedly avoided doing anything to further upset Slash. His fear was mounting by the second. It was no wonder they had been given the term scaredy cat. He was growing familiar with the term personally.
"I'll show you the fastest way," Wazingu stated as he made haste.
Slash was unconcerned with the method of arrival, as long as they arrived on time or better yet arrived at all. Anything else was the furthest from his mind, while Wazingu's question lingered in his thoughts. The question was weighing heavy burning a hole inside. He needed to ask it at the right timing, or it would be a disaster reaction. Plus, time was speeding ahead and if he didn't ask it soon, he may never have the chance again. The urgency prompted him to blurt it out before the group.
"I was considering staying with you for the duration of your journey, seems to me I could assist in delivering all the invites before returning home. This way it would demonstrate just how sincerely apologetic I am for my actions the other night. Additionally, having me along would provide extra eyes and weapons to help protect the group if needed. At times, these areas might be overrun by hyenas or deranged leopards that have been exiled." The anxious cheetah proposed,
Slash initially grimaced at the idea of having two Mazunga's constantly by his side, but then he had a more positive thought. Maybe it wasn't such a terrible idea after all. It could provide someone to distract mazunga, an additional set of eyes, and more assistance. Of course, it might also lead to more disorder, but at this moment, Slash was prepared to gamble on it. He turned his focus back on Wazingu's question.
" What about your brother? Would he approve of this suggestion?" asked Slash.
Wazingu stopped walking to consider his answer carefully. "I will fulfill my promise and guide you to the leopards' territory. After that, I will return to my brother to seek his permission. If he agrees, I will meet you at the exit. If he refuses, we will part ways forever," he answered.
After giving it some thought, Slash realized that the idea might be feasible. He looked at the expressions of the other two lions, seeking their approval, before finally speaking. It was evident that they also found the idea appealing.
The warrior replied, "Sure, that sounds like a good plan to me. We'll follow the same route back that you're showing us now. If we don't find you, we'll carry on to the Mawombie Parade to see King Mosiya."
"Deal!" Replied Wazingu.
Happy to see his plan well received, He gladly picked back his pace, leading the group on towards the leopard's clan. Mazunga swiftly moved his way up to accompany his friend side his side, while Slash stayed towards the back, keeping to himself. Matiti was left positioned between all three. He remained silent observing his surroundings and keeping a close eye on Mazunga's behavior. Matiti was baffled by the sudden and unexpected friendship between the two. Just days ago, he had been held captive by Wazingu, yet now they engaged in conversation as if they were long-lost friends who had finally come back together after a long time apart. He observed continuously as they remained engrossed in each other's conversation.
Slash's mind was already exhausted at the mere thought of the long journey ahead. Despite not even starting yet, he was already over it. Nevertheless, they continued onward towards the land of the Leopards.