Listen Carefully
The waters gradually withdrew from the land, the clamor of the receding floods echoing in an annoying manner as they sank into the earth. It was not yet safe for the residents to fully abandon the mountain. Some ventured into the waters during daylight hours, returning to rest at night. These daytime excursions provided them with greater opportunities for exploration. Meanwhile others remained on solid dry land staying to their own kind. Strangely, the humans had gathered on one side, while the four-legged beasts gathered on the other. The kingdoms of the kings were huddled together opposite of the other two groups. Mount Sabyinyo was now split into three sections. As long as each group kept their distance, the peace was maintained. It had been weeks since anyone had eaten, and hunger was causing discussions of rebellion. Zarda needed the master to respond before they faced another punishment. He lowered himself and called out in faith.
"Master, we are hungry, but afraid to take another life. Do you not care? What do you want us to do?" Zarda inquired.
A soft breeze drifted over the mountain peak, whispering to both humanity and the rulers of the hybrids. The Creator was instilling specific guidance in their hearts. Those who listened grasped the message, and those who understood recognized that the four-legged creatures were intended solely for sustenance. However, they were firmly instructed to preserve a small remnant of the wild beasts to ensure their population could replenish itself once the floodwaters receded completely. Once granted permission, both groups set out to hunt and feast, taking only what was necessary. They diligently adhered to every instruction, fearful of provoking His wrath once more.
It had been a month and a half since the floods subsided, and four months since Hazel's announcement. She was now well past her due date and could give birth at any moment. Warthogs typically carried their babies for 153 to 180 days, and Hazel was at around 160 days. Her stomach was swollen and tender, making her feel miserable. The physical strain of hiking up the mountain months prior had taken a toll on her body. Thankfully, the floodwaters were receding, bringing a newfound appreciation for water in the Savannah. While some people despised it, Hazel now understood the importance of water. It seemed like just one more week was needed for the earth to fully drain itself. After the floods receded, the earth sealed up and remained empty for several weeks. Humans rushed down the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo. The animals ran off to hide wherever they could. Zarda and his kingdom stayed on top a little longer. They gazed at him with admiration, seeing him as their ruler. Even the kings bent down in respect before him. Zarda was shocked. He felt unworthy of such reverence, knowing he had not done anything to earn it.
"Please, bestow the honor upon the master, not me. We have more important tasks ahead of us to concentrate on. The land is barren, and we must begin anew. Today, let us come to an agreement to restore the kingdom's treaty," he declared.
Zarda stood on the familiar stone where he had originally signed the treaty, He stepped down, as a familiar silver dust descended towards the rock. Within the shimmering particles, new treaty terms and writing materials appeared. Each king stepped up, quickly dipping the feathered pen into the ink. They signed their names once more. Believing this time no one would bring upon them this devastation again. Zarda and multiple Kings agreed to merge their kingdoms, aiding each other in creating a stronger combined realm. However, certain animals, like giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and whale sharks, chose to go their own way. Purk and Zarda were enthusiastic about joining forces, as was King Mosiya's parade. The cheetahs, black mane pride, and eagle colony decided to join, while water buffalo, zebras, and rhinos settled on the outskirts of Zarda's new kingdom. Smaller groups, like the butterfly flutter tribe, owls, meerkats, and bull frogs, combined on the opposite edge. King Ghakarhi and the gorilla band, who had sought refuge on the Virunga volcano mountain during the flood, were spared. The baboons joined them, and Safari the baboon king struck a deal with the gorillas to merge their kingdoms for added protection. It was a significant adjustment for all tribes involved.
New Life
Hazel's screams of pain and distress filled the air as she went into labor. Outside, an excited Purk waited near his tent while Zarda stood by, offering moral support. Inside, old Queen Torila and Saharrah helped Hazel through her contractions. This new experience was frightening for all three of them. Hazel, a new mother, had never given birth before, while Torlia and Saharrah were experienced in motherhood, but not when it came to giving birth in human form. Torila instinctively guided Hazel through the pain as the contractions continued. Pulling back the sheepskin blanket, she examined Hazel closely to determine how far along she was in the birthing process. Hazel was growing tired. She shut her eyes and breathed heavily.
"Hazel, dear, you mustn't get too relaxed. You need to keep moving so the baby can get closer to the birthing canal," Saharrah stated.
Hazel glanced over at Torila with a look of disappointment. Torila gently rubbed her shoulder and assisted her in sitting up. The old queens then guided Hazel inside for a walk, to help with the delivery of the baby, as they didn't want her exposed naked body to be seen by other kingdoms. Hazel was completely unconcerned with being naked; all she could think about was the intense pain pulsating in her lower body. She would occasionally double over in agony from a powerful contraction while clutching her stomach and screaming. Her body had expanded significantly, with her belly, hips, and breasts swollen from milk production, creating a painful pressure on her back. As Hazel paused to rest her hands on her knees, she was overcome by a severe contraction. Her body shook with agony, her knees bending slightly as she prepared for the wave of pain. The elderly queens held onto her arms tightly as she braced herself for the intense spasm creeping up her back. A piercing scream echoed from inside the tent, causing Zarda and Purk to suddenly spring to their feet in concern. Despite being new to the situation, Zarda was more concerned than his friend. Purk quickly stopped Zarda from rushing inside, assuring him that Hazel was fine and urging him to calm down, which was somewhat amusing considering Zarda wasn't the one expecting. Nevertheless, Purk remained composed.
Torila assisted Queen Hazel in making her way back to her bed. They ensured she was comfortable, preparing for the final contractions. With Hazel fully dilated and ready to push, Saharrah guided her to take a deep breath and give it her all. Despite her effort, pushing hard only led to screams of frustration. Torila lent a hand, helping Hazel move her upper body closer to her legs. Yet, despite all the effort, there was nothing coming out. Hazel took a moment to catch her breath, feeling the sweat on her head and chest. She was sticky and wet, the intense pressure from below adding to her discomfort. Her back was starting to cramp, causing even more pain. Every part of her body seemed to ache, especially Hazel's eyes, as they burned from the sweat trickling into them. With her eyes tightly closed, she took a deep breath as another contraction hit. She exerted even more effort this time as she pushed. Finally, a little piglet squealed as it came into the world. Hazel gasped from exhaustion and collapsed onto the bed, feeling dizzy and overwhelmed with the need to rest. Queen Saharrah carefully took the piglet in her arms, swaddling it in a white linen blanket. She then carried the screaming newborn out to its father.
"Congratulations, father, you have a healthy and lively son." Said Saharrah.
She passed the small bundle to his father's outstretched arms. Both Purk and Zarda were moved to tears when they gazed upon the small face of the piglet. Its round features, big blue eyes, and adorable snout filled their hearts with love. A few white hairs adorned its head, and its body was surprisingly human-like, just as they had suspected. Purk carefully opened the blanket to confirm that the piglet was indeed male, and to his delight, the piglet's skin was a vibrant shade of pink. Purk was unable to contain his tears, overwhelmed with pride for his son. Another loud squeal echoed from the tent as Hazel went into labor for the second time. All who were present were in disbelief. Torlia urgently called for Saharrah to come quickly. Saharrah rushed inside the tent to find the queen pushing through a strong contraction. Hazel strained and panted, determined to deliver the tiny creature. A small, circular head emerged, indicating the arrival of a new life. Moments later, after a strenuous push, the piglet was born. Saharrah quickly wrapped the baby in an old shirt. The piglet let out a short, adorable squeal. Hazel reclined on the bed and promptly drifted off to sleep, her exhausted body unable to remain awake.
"What did she have?" Asked gran hog Torlia. Saharrah smiled over at her.
"You have two healthy piglets. The first a male and the second an adorable female." She replied.
Torlia was overjoyed to be in love and finally holding her grand piglet. With all her loving embrace, she carried the tiny newborn in her arms carefully. She walked outside of the birthing tent and back over to show her son, Purk, his second-newest source of pride. Purk's eyes widened in amazement at the unexpected arrival of two newborn piglets. What a delightful surprise and miracle they all were a part of. He felt incredibly blessed to have two healthy babies.
"How is Hazel doing?" Asked Purk.
"She's doing fine. She's resting now, don't you worry Aya lu, aya ameer." Replied Torlia.
Saharrah was inside the tent tidying up Hazel's afterbirth, making sure she was recovering properly. The new mother was resting after such a tiresome labor. The elderly queen, Saharrah, approached gently, giving Hazel a tender, loving kiss on her forehead, before exiting the tent to locate her son. He stood nearby, admiring his friend's new arrival of twins. Zarda's eyes sparkled with the same brilliance as Purk's. The joy was unmistakably written on his face, radiating a sense of peace and happiness that felt extraordinary. Having just experienced a truly incredible moment, he was determined to take charge and ensure that his future heir would arrive soon. He turned his gaze towards Natia, who beamed with love as she watched the twins. She longed to cradle one in her arms.
"I can't wait to see my future grand cubs being born." Whispered Saharrah softly in his ear.
Zarda wasn't going to lie. He, too, desired to experience what Purk had. It would be a wonderful feeling to look down at his own cub, between him and Natia. Torlia observed Natia's longing desire to hold the baby and offered her the chance. Natia accepted graciously, tears welling in her eyes as she gazed at the exquisite hybrid creature. Zarda felt a wave of emotion himself, watching his beloved shed tears over such a beautiful moment. He envisioned the baby nestled in her loving embrace as one of their own. The thought filled him with pride, mirroring the way his own father had been. He pondered whether he would be like his father—protective, gentle, yet firm when needed. He knew he wouldn't find out until that day arrived, but it was certainly a magnificent future to anticipate.