Chereads / Kingdom and Clans, Dry Lands / Chapter 9 - Chapter 9 Hybernation Is Over

Chapter 9 - Chapter 9 Hybernation Is Over

Zarda settled beside Osborn in a reclining chair, his eyes closed as he rested next to his friend. No one demonstrated more devotion than Zarda at that moment. Osborn's breathing was steady and serene, his chest rising and falling gently with each exhale. He was free from pain, existing in a deep state of hibernation. The bear had remained in this condition for two weeks, and all vital signs appeared normal. The real challenge lay in the endless wait for him to open his eyes.

A yawn escaped from Osborn, and the once-sleeping bear was now wide awake. He opened his eyes, bright as day, and took in his surroundings. A sense of melancholy washed over him as he realized he couldn't remember anything from before the plane crash. He was bewildered by how he had ended up in a bed, especially in such a comfortable room. He noticed a slender tube running from his vein up his arm, leading to an IV bag filled with clear liquids. A machine sat snugly against the right wall, humming softly. Turning to his left, he saw Zarda peacefully snoozing, beside a larger IV bag that seemed to contain urine.

"Hey mate, are you planning to sleep all day or are we actually going to get out for a change?" Osborn said playfully.

Zarda could hear Osborn, but he was convinced it was just a figment of his dreams. He had frequently envisioned Osborn emerging from his hibernation and returning to his usual self. Osborn noticing his gentle approach wasn't working. So he gave Zarda a nudged on his shoulder, speaking up once more.

"Zarda, you alive, mate? I can't wait around all day for you to wake up," he said, letting out a deep, guttural laugh.

Zarda awakened, his eyes brimming with tears of joy. The lion leaped forward, enveloping his friend in a warm embrace. He clung tightly to the bear, sobbing with gratitude that his companion was safe and sound. After a moment, Zarda gently pulled away, gazing in wonder at his friend.

"I never expected to see you awake, but here you are, looking great! Did you lose some weight or change your hairstyle?" Zarda teased in response.

Osborn erupted into laughter once more, and Zarda couldn't help but join in. He was eager to lift the mood and bring a sense of joy back, a welcome shift from the somber atmosphere that had lingered for the past month.

Osborn scanned the room, overwhelmed by a flood of questions and the sense that time was slipping away to ask them.

"Where is everyone, mate? Please tell me they got off the plane safely," he asked. "And by the way, where are we? Are we in a spaceship or something?" He asked.

Zarda took a deep breath and slowly exhaled as he settled back into the recliner. He knew this was going to be a lengthy conversation. He began recounting the event from the very start, describing the moment the plane crashed. He spoke solemnly about Osborn's injured leg and the three friends they had tragically lost. Zarda then detailed their current situation and how they had ended up where they were. He provided updates about Oridian's return with information regarding the map, portal keys, and the ongoing city invasions, as well as how President Abaji was managing the crisis for the time being. He even shared the story of the long hibernation and recovery he had gone through, and how faithfully he stayed by his side during the ordeal.

"So that's what that smell is! I just thought it was me. Wow, you really stink!" Osborn exclaimed, laughing heartily.

Osborn hinted at how truly grateful he was that his best friend always stood by him, no matter the circumstances. Big Zee even showed patience, waiting for the right moment. Now was the time for Zarda to make that appointment, with Osborn right there by his side. Given everything that was unfolding, Zarda needed to be informed and actively involved.

Zarda rose to his feet and reached for the nurse call button on the medical equipment. Moments later, a nurse, a caracal feline, entered the room. She was a cheerful spirit with a genuine passion for healing. Her infectious smile was so captivating that it caused Osborn's machine to start beeping rapidly.

Zarda chuckled and tapped his friend's arm, saying, "Relax, Romeo, before you give yourself a heart attack, Casanova."

"Hello, Osborn! It's wonderful to see you awake. Your friend has been right here with you the whole time. Your other friends frequently ask about how my favorite patient is doing. How are you feeling? Zarda are doing good?" the nurse asked kindly.

"I'm feeling great; just a bit hungry," Osborn replied.

"Never better, especially now that Osborn has awakened from his slumber. Thanks for checking in, Nurse Sandy," he responded, a wide grin spreading across his face.

"That's great to hear, Zarda! And for you, my wonderful patient, I'll bring you something from the dining hall. But first, please allow me to finish a few tasks before I head out," replied Sandy.

She smiled in response and carefully disconnected Osborn's machines. With practiced efficiency, she removed the IV bags from his vein and catheter. Her small hands lifted the sheet and reached between Osborn's thighs, retrieving the tiny tube from his manhood. A deep blush spread across Osborn's brown cheeks in shock and embarrassment.

"Whoa, whoa! Please tell me you took me out to dinner first before touching me like that," Osborn joked.

Sandy found Osborn's humor charming and laughed hysterically in response. She was happy to see him being so cheerful. Despite her fears , assuming he would wake up grumpy from his long nap.

"What else could I possibly get from the dining hall, silly? Of course I'm bringing you dinner... hot stuff!" Sandy said, laughing out loud before turning to leave.

Zarda was also chuckling, covering his mouth with his hand as he tried not to meet his friend's gaze. Osborn shot him a skeptical glance before replying.

"Come on, mate, she made me anxious. I've never encountered a more stunning being than my nurse. It's a bit tragic, though—what connection could there possibly be between a feline and a bear, even as a hybrid?" Osborn confessed with a hint of sorrow.

"Honestly, what am I? Am I not a cat, a king of the jungle, no less? Of course she would see it that way. Take Ordian and me—two different types of felines yet perfectly compatible," he responded.

Osborn exhaled in reaction to Zarda and said, "Of course, but you share the same species. What would we name our offspring—Crears or bearacals? Regardless, this old guy prefers to wander solo. How about you? Are you still longing for your family, Zarda?" He steered the conversation in a new direction.

The lion cast his gaze down at his trembling hands, fidgeting anxiously. He avoided meeting Osborn's eyes, and his voice trembled as he spoke.

"Every day reminds me of how close we once were to home. Now, here we are in what they refer to as Saudi Arabia, a desolate land of sand, seemingly worlds away from where I belong. But I hold onto hope that one day I'll make it back home."

Out of nowhere, Sandy appeared, shifting the focus of conversation. With her trademark cheerful smile and gentle, angelic voice, she entered the room, balancing a large tray filled with food and utensils.

"Check out what I've got! A delicious steak and mashed potato dinner for one hungry bear. It even comes with peas and corn on the cob. Yum, it looks fantastic! Enjoy! I'll return shortly with your ice water and a slice of chocolate cake. See you soon," she said as she stepped out again.

The meal was truly fit for a king, even though Osborn wasn't one—yet he couldn't help but feel like royalty in that moment. He eagerly dug into the juicy, thick steak cooked to perfection. With fervor, he combined the peas and mashed potatoes, shoveling the mix into his mouth. After savoring a bite of the sweet corn on the cob, Sandy returned, just as she had promised, carrying a tall glass of ice-cold water and an even bigger slice of chocolate cake. Osborn couldn't shake the thought that she might have brought him half the cake! His eyes widened in sheer delight at the sight of it.

He eagerly accepted the glass from Sandy and downed the cool, refreshing water. It had been a month since he had drunk water in such a satisfying manner. Despite Sandy's efforts to keep him hydrated, he still felt parched. The moment the cold water touched his tongue, it reignited his energy. He quickly devoured the food, saving the biggest challenge for last: a towering slice of cake.

Word spread quickly, and before long, Osborn's friends, including Big Zee and Grizk, arrived at his room. Zarda stepped outside to give them some privacy to embrace and chat with their bear friend. Meanwhile, Sandy joined Zarda outside the room.

"Your friend is such a lovely hybrid. I'm going to miss taking care of him now that he's fully healed," she chuckled, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

Zarda was perceptive enough to notice the silent emotions that lingered between them; he sensed that Sandy harbored a fondness for Osborn that reflected her own. Regardless of whether their relationship remained purely platonic, it was clear that a spark was beginning to ignite between the two.

"You don't have to stop taking care of him just yet. It might take some time for him to fully recover now that he's awake, and he may appreciate your company even more. Plus, I've been neglecting my love and other important things for far too long. Trust me, looking after him a little while longer will be beneficial." Zarda encouraged.

Sandy couldn't suppress a smile, a hint of blush coloring her cheeks. She relished the feeling of being needed and caring for others. It was a talent she had effortlessly embraced.

"Then it's decided. I'll watch over him while you handle your other important tasks," she responded.

Big Zee and his son Grizk emerged and took their place in front of Zarda. The elderly lizard examined Zarda with satisfaction, glad to see that the King could resume his usual affairs.

"Zarda, it's time for you to meet President Abaji. He's been looking forward to your arrival. Feel free to come alone; there's no need to bring anyone unless you'd like to. Just come as you are. If you're interested, meet me tomorrow morning around 7 a.m., and we'll head out together," Zee said.

Last to arrive was Oridian, who approached Zarda with a soft touch, gliding her hand along his tail as she nestled against his side. Gently, she turned his face toward hers with her right hand, their eyes locking in a deep gaze. A surge of desire filled the air as they moved closer together, their lips finally meeting in a fervent kiss. Their breaths quickened, and the playful dance of their tongues only stoked the embers of passion between them. With a firm embrace, Zarda pulled her tight and guided her toward his room. As the doors slid open, they erupted into the space, lost in a whirlwind of desire. It wasn't long before he had her on all fours, supported by the bed as he took her from behind with fervent intensity. Sweat glistened on his powerful biceps, and the sounds of her moans filled the room as their ecstasy echoed around them. For the next few hours, they indulged in one another, making up for lost nights.