MOMENTS

CHAPTER 2 - Seeking Help

JANJA:
I didn't want to believe it. I had one of the happiest days of my life. I had spent the whole day with Jasiri, the most beautiful and fun hyena in the whole world. And I had already planned that day for some time. Basically, I was going for a walk and have fun, have a good time with Jasiri, and at the end of the day, I was going to invite her to see the stars, taking the opportunity to ask her to be my mate. But, as always, my plans were broken. The meddling Kiara had to show up and ruin everything. Who cares if the Pride Lands were in danger? Simba is the king. Let him handle the matter. But, after thinking a lot, I realized that this was an opportunity to spend more time with Jasiri.
"Wake up, Janja. We gotta go."
"I'll be right behind you, Jasiri.", I got up, a little sleepy.
In the morning, Jasiri and I crossed the Back Lands, where we fought two leopards. Okay. Jasiri did all the work. But that was because I was still tired of getting up too early.
In the afternoon, we crossed some snowy mountains, where I took the opportunity to cozy up to the beautiful hyena with whom I traveled.
"Janja?! What are you doing?!"
"Come on, Jasiri. It's cold."
"Fine."
Jasiri's body was so hot. I didn't mind being leaning against it a lot of time.
We managed to walk fast enough to reach the entrance of a marsh before nightfall. We decided to spend the night there.
That place wasn't exactly cute, but I decided to take advantage of the fact that we were alone to try to declare myself:
"Jasiri. You... You... You are... You are..."
"What is it, Janja? Are you still cold? Hahaha."
She was always playful and I should be used to it, but whenever she laughs, I am speechless.
I was silent for a while, thinking about how I should declare myself to Jasiri. That was when she interrupted my thoughts:
"Do you think we'll find Kion in time?"
"W-What?!"
"This trip is a long one. Even if we arrive at the Tree Of Life tomorrow, Kion may not reach the Pride Lands in time."
I tried to calm her down:
"Relax, Jasiri. You're talking about Kion. He's going to make it. You'll see."
"You're right. Kion is very brave, strong, intelligent and determined. He'll be able to fix things."
My heart almost stopped when I saw Jasiri blushing while talking about Kion.
I know they are just friends, but I'm afraid she'll reject me to be with him. With some courage inside me, I decided to move forward:
"Jasiri. I..."
"It's getting late, Janja. We better rest."
"Oh. Yes. Ok."
Once again, I was unable to declare myself.
We woke up before dawn and continued our journey.
After crossing the marsh (I almost fell into a hole), it took us a whole day to cross the desert and we spend the night next to a giant lake. The next morning, I decided to drink water, but it was salty. Once again, I made a fool of myself in front of Jasiri. In the afternoon, we crossed a forest, where I was attacked by two porcupines, after having stepped on some purple flowers. I would like to make Jasiri laugh in another way, but at least I was cheering her up. I just wish she didn't talk about Kion so much.
That night, Jasiri spoke again about Kion:
"We shouldn't be far. I miss Kion a lot. You don't, Janja?"
"Well. Yes, but..."
"I know we haven't been together very often, but I miss him. We had good moments. And he saved me more than once."
"Yes. I remember that."
"Oops. Sorry, Janja. But Kion is..."
"Brave, strong, intelligent and determined. Yes, yes. You said all that. Can we go to sleep now?"
I was getting tired of hearing Jasiri praise Kion. I like him. Seriously. But I can't stand Jasiri to give him more caring than me.
We got up early again and arrived at the Tree of Life that morning.
Jasiri was happy to see Kion. I was also happy, but I didn't take that much importance. Jasiri wasted no time explaining to Kion what was going on. Finally. The sooner we got this resolved, the sooner I got back with Jasiri to the Outlands.