VIITricks of the Shaman
You re both healthy as hyenas. remarked the leopard kindly.
As hyenas? snorted Kiro.
Ziku lie there on the nearest branch, grinning at the two of them. I knew it, he purred. I knew they were lying. And he laid his head down to rest for the afternoon.
But, Ziku, Kiro began, and with a yawn, he looked up again. Ziku, why then would the Few be killing others? They said it was for a sickness, but it s obviously not if they re lying.
Frowning, he replied, But, my mother
Your mother s a murder, just like them. Kiro stated firmly, her eyes narrowed on Ziku in a challenge.
At first his ears pulled back, but soon Ziku gave a curt nod in defeat; he knew Kiro had a right to be angry.
So, let me get this straight, started the leopardess as she leapt onto a separate branch to oversee both the servals. You two were running away from a group of little ones She ignored Kiro s growl. that call themselves the Few and they think they are doing everyone good by killing creatures and not even for any purpose, not even to devour them. They just simply kill. You re sister was a victim, Ziku, while your mother is part of the Few
My mother and sister er, younger sibling or siblings were victims, too! cried Kiro hotly.
Yes, Ziku murmured. That is correct. But they claim that the ones they are killing are diseased and that s why they kill them.
The shaman was silent for quite some time, her eyes narrowed on nothing in particular. But finally, she spoke up, explaining, Unfortunately, I myself have come across non-devoured bodies. The servals perked but said nothing. And yet, she went on thoughtfully. And yet they were diseased, from what I could tell. A darkness that eats at their flesh from the inside out, and that can be spread forth by mating, or to their offspring, or to those who decided to eat them. But this was truly not either of you. she added curiously.
Ziku frowned and Kiro groaned, Oh, we re never gonna figure this out!
I didn t know they came all the way over here, uttered Ziku in despair.
When I went to do my rounds, searching for things that could help in medicines, Ziku, explained the leopard. And I must travel far from those. No victims have been found around my tree, or any of my lands for that matter. Although, I wouldn t be surprised if they traveled far based on just rumors of a diseased animal.
Suddenly, an idea popped into Ziku s head. But wait, he cried abruptly. Whenever I saw dead bodies, they had teeth marks in them. Couldn t that mean that the Few is diseased now, too
Perhaps, admitted the shaman pensively. But are you sure you weren t seeing claw marks?
I and his voice died away just as fast as his confidence. Oh Ziku gazed down at his paws in slight humiliation, and deep frustration.
The only thing is, that your mother lied to you, Ziku, hissed Kiro.
Looking up, he replied, But why? And what happened to Oola? Was she sick?
You two must figure this out, purred the shaman, her voice firm but rather quiet. And I can help you.
Kiro and Ziku exchanged questioning looks.
But you must listen to me carefully. the larger cat went on, eyeing them both. Over the years I have perfected the art of medicines, so heed my words, for this Few will not be easy to fool
The days inched by slowly, as Ziku and Kiro stalked through the grasslands, the words of Shingla echoing through their heads almost constantly; Strange bell-like plants can cause the untimely slumber
Kiro was the first to sniff out the plants, and together the pair took mouthfuls, trudging southwest. They swam across the river and, by the time the sun died, they were near the meeting place of the Few. Who knew if any of them were still there, though?
Ziku halted and nodded to a figure in the distance; a female serval whose back was turned to them. Kiro leapt first and, as the stranger turned around, she gasped at the sight of the pair, but Kiro had stuffed the plants into her mouth before she could call out. At first the serval spat them out and cursed, then glared at them, fur on end as she snarled, What are you Her voice fell away and she began to stagger, her eyes drooping, until at last she fell to the side, sleeping peacefully.
Ah, sleeping like a baby, remarked Kiro mockingly as she glared down at the stranger.
Enough. We can t be around here long enough, Ziku pointed out, glancing fearfully to the area of vegetation where voices were now ringing across the lands; they were only a few yards off now.
Shingla s own voice bounced around in their memory, Cover yourself in the mud by the bank to hide your scent
I don t wanna do this, murmured Kiro indignantly as they stepped upon the mired shrouded riverside.
Ziku was the first to plop down and, with a sigh, his friend followed. After a while, the two appeared like nothing but strange, dark animals in the night. Abreast one another, the pair took off to the vegetation. But as they trotted eagerly through the lands, shivering from the temperature of the night and now the chilling nip of the mud, Ziku halted and perked.
What? uttered Kiro as she skidded to a halt a few feet ahead.
Remember what else Shingla said? he murmured.
Together, the two recalled the shaman s explanation of, The rotting fruit of a certain tree will craze anyone who eats it
Ziku hastily turned, Kiro on his tail. When at last they found only one tree with visible rotting fruit hanging from its limbs and decorating the area surrounding its trunk, Ziku carefully plucked up one of the least messier plants. They moved back to the meeting place all the time Ziku kept the soft fruit in his mouth almost like he could a cub, careful not to puncture its tender body and halted near the entrance. They ducked low in the grass, waiting eagerly as Ata s familiar voice could be heard muffled, somewhat from the protected clearing within the thickets.
and that s all there is to the east of the acacia. Now, over to the bank
He s never going t shut up, Kiro groaned quietly.
Ziku thought for a moment, before something sparked in his mind. Anxiously he grabbed a twitch with his paw and snapped it. Kiro gasped in shock next to him, and Ata s voice had abruptly stopped. As he turned eagerly to his friend, he watched as Kiro mouthed something along the lines, Why d you do that?
Shona, go check things out for us, will you? Oh, and grab that lazy Yilu while you re out, she should ve been here by now. ordered Ata.
Yes, Ata. a female s voice replied.
Kiro immediately rounded the corner of the shrugs to conceal herself, while Ziku waited low in the grass. At first the one called Shona just stood at the exit, glancing to and fro into the night. Ziku remained as still as a rock, the fruit still in his mouth; he dared not breathe, and the coating around his pelt was working to hide his scent, he was sure of it.
Eventually Shona stepped fully out, and began padding down the incline, giving Ziku just enough time to leapt out, claws extended. At the same time, while in the air he chomped down on the fruit, the overly sweet juice filling his mouth, the scent of it flowing into his nostrils. As he tackled Shone into the grassland, he felt suddenly dazed but, working as hard as he could, he thrust the majority of the oozing fruit and juice into Shona s mouth. She choked, and Kiro appeared out of nowhere, standing above the serval. With a smirk she took a forepaw and shoved it deep into the other cat s agape jaw, until at last it looked as if it were stuck there.
Shona struggled and mewed and whined through a series of muffled sounds, but she could not yell out for help, and soon enough, Ziku ripped the fruit from her mouth; he himself was dizzy just from that little bit of juice, so he was sure this serval had already swallowed a larger mouthful. He was right, for as she was gasping for breath, her paws thrust out into the air, at first as if she were searching for Ziku or Kiro. And then, all four legs began to kick around, as if she were trying to fun in an awkward sort of way, still lying on her back.
It was so awkward, so strange, that even Kiro gave a giggle as she watched. Ziku wasn t as thrilled. He turned to his friend, blinking through blurring vision as he uttered, Kiro.
She looked up to him, and her smile faded. Ziku, what s wrong? she asked, but even her voice was echoing through his ears.
Shaking his head, as if trying to rid water from his ears, Ziku purred, Kiro, I can t I don t think I can help anymore.
But you have to, I can t do this alone. Remember? We were supposed to do this together. she urged in growing concern.
Ziku plopped down, feeling both exhausted and as heavy as a boulder. He hung his head momentarily, but in time as he looked up to his friend, he gave a slow giggle.
Pawing at his face gently, Kiro growled, Snap out of it.
You look funny, Kiro, he murmured, as two, no, three Kiros were standing there, glaring at him. And you re covered in mud, hehe
So are you. she hissed.
Growning, Kiro turned and looked to the other serval who still lie on her back; she d stopped kicking the air and instead, was lying there, gazing at the stars in awe, as if she had never seen them before. Eagerly, Kiro went over and nosed Shona, then thrust her to her paws with a mighty head-butt.
Oh, groaned Shona, attempting to stand, but stumbling over. Kiro immediately dashed over to her side to help support her. T Thank you, mud monster, thingy. laughed Shona, her eyes rolling and her head hanging and then flipping up again, then hanging once more, as if her skull and neck were not even attacked to the rest of her.
C mon, you, ordered Kiro quietly. As she ushered Shona toward the thickets, she glanced wearily over her shoulder to her friend, and growled, You d better stay there for now, Ziku.
Ziku replied with a chuckle.
By the time Kiro had gotten the serval to the entrance, she roughly shoved her in, and Ata s voice had halted again.
There was a sick giraffe spotted the other sun, but Oh, Shona, you ve come back. Where s Shona? Shona!
Kiro listened as the rest of the group gasped.
What s happened to her?
Is she going to be alright?
You re all so funny! she laughed.
Eagerly Kiro raced away, then grabbed Ziku by the scruff and yanked him down to the ground, so that the pair was concealed among the grasslands again. She watched from a few yards away as Ata padded out into the world angrily, an amused Hatiti following, and a concerned yet fierce looking Yisha at the rear.
Yilu! Ata called out. Yilu, where are you?
He scented the air anxiously, but when nothing could be found, he snarled, Whoever is out there, we will get you!
Hehe, look at this strange bug, Ziku giggled.
Kiro froze as Ata and the others turned their way.
Shh, she muttered under her breath, and as the Few began over, she prayed to the Kings and Queens of the Past.
They came closer, and then so near that at last Ziku and Kiro were practically lying at their paws. But none seemed to notice, for their scents were gone, and their pelts were so dark it seemed at first that they were either clumps of dirt or maybe even strange looking rocks. A couple feet from them, Ata glared into the distance, then shouted, Come out, you cowards!
The group moved on, and Kiro finally found that she could breathe once more. Ziku was lying on his belly next to her, staring calmly at a blade of grass. When Ata and the others far enough away, Kiro turned and hissed into his ear, Ziku, snap out of it. We need to get the rest of the group, then we can question your mother
Here they are! a voice cut in right behind Kiro, practically causing her to leap out of her fur. Hatiti was laughing as she ran over from behind them, and Kiro rounded to meet her face on. Look, Ata! They are here! The dirt
Kiro leapt furiously to silence her as they suddenly rolled in the grass, but by then Ata and Yisha were running back.
Your son again, Yisha! howled Ata, engaged. And this one! This sick one!
Kiro s fur stood up or at least tried to beneath the caking mud and she gave a loud hiss.
We spoke to a shaman, she suddenly blurted. I am healthy!
Yisha s eyes settled in worry on her son, but before anyone could say anything, she murmured, That can t be it.
What do you mean? snapped Kiro. I m fine! I m healthy as a hyena!
Exactly. growled Ata, his teeth fashion in the night. You would be hyenas are full of diseases and parasites.
But
Mother, Ziku s weak voice suddenly broke in, and the whole group gazed wonderingly at him.
Yisha moved forward and craned her neck, sniffing his mouth. Fruit like Shona it was you
It was you. he then broke in, sitting up but falling back again.
Kiro gently helped back up as he began to recover.
Mother, why are you doing this? he murmured.
I already told you
No! What happened to Oola, Mother? What happened t her? he demanded, though his head suddenly hung where he sat.
Enough of this kit talk, let us dispose of them both right now! snarled Ata, raising a paw.
Wait! Yisha ordered, stepping between him and her son. He deserves to know Looking more gently toward Ziku, she began; A long time ago I had two sweet kittens. They were healthy and dear to me. Then one sun, I found their father, sick and dying on the outskirts of my territory. I didn t know what to think of it, but then a great shaman came around, and told me that my cubs father was dying. I was fearful, but the shaman put him out of his misery. And I was checked to make sure I was healthy still, and I was. But then a sun came that my daughter grew, and she had somehow gotten sick. So the shaman came to me again and told me she was going to die slow and painful. I was told to to put her out of her misery. But I couldn t. So, the shaman helped again, and that is how Oola
Ziku s eyes grew wide as his mind cleared up. Shingla! he cried in fury and despair.
Yisha fixed him with a concerned look, murmuring, He still doesn t get it. That fruit s still in his system.
No, it was Shingla, wasn t it! he snarled.
Who is Shingla? demanded Ata.
Crazy thing, snorted Hatiti, pawing at Ziku s head; Kiro turned viciously and snapped back at the white serval, who pulled away and growled in return.
No, my son, uttered Yisha, her voice practically choking in shame. I was supposed to kill her. But I I couldn t so the shaman did Ata.
The group was silent for a moment, before Ziku finally cried, Why? This doesn t make sense! Oola wasn t sick! he snarled and glowered at Ata, who stood over him more powerful, more experienced, and larger than him; he was helpless. Kiro wasn t sick either! We talked to a real shaman!
I am a real shaman! Ata cried, and took a large paw to swipe at Ziku s head.
Snarling in pain, Ziku fell over, and Kiro leapt to his side, her back arched as she hissed at Ata once more.
Wait, Ata! Yisha called desperately.
Ata stood over them, his claws kneading the earth, but he waited.
Is this true? Is Kiro not sick? Yisha demanded.
At firs the male didn t answer, but after a moment he swung around and snarled, Don t give me that, Yisha! I ll feel no pity! I ve saved us all a hundred times over! Other animals they were sick.
Yeah, but not Kiro. snarled Ziku, standing up fully now as he boldly glared Ata in the eyes. And I doubt Oola was either or our father!
With another snarled the leader bashed Ziku to the ground. He gasped for breath and rolled over, just as Kiro was thrust on top of him. Her body rolled over his and then into the dirt, unmoving.
ATA! Yisha had practically roared, if a serval could have done so. She leapt between the yearlings and the full grown adult, snarling, Ata, is it true? Kiro isn t sick what of Oola, and her father!
For a moment Ata said nothing, and only the gleaming of his teeth flashed in the shadows, but finally, he snarled, Other servals are ignorant, Yisha. Except a select few including you. he added, a clear fondness on his rough voice. Only the best of the best should live. The strongest, the smartest the most beautiful, he then said, glancing to Hatiti, who had been sitting in the same spot the whole time; she grinned in satisfaction at the comment. Hatiti is rare and beautiful, so no doubt she should live. And you are wonderfully brave, Yisha. Shona and Yilu have their ups, too, including their undying loyalty. And I I am powerful and strong. he remarked, puffing out his chest in pride. Then he turned scornfully to Kiro and Ziku and spat, But these kittens are nothing! Yisha, you bred with a foolish male! And Kiro s own dame was just as foolish! Kiro growled, but he ignored it. Stick with me, and we will create the best of our species! Weaklings like these will soon be gone from the lands. And not only for our kind, but for all kinds. That disease will be rid from the animals, and so will the disease of weakness. We will
Before he could finish, Ziku had lunged forward and, with an impressive amount of strength, he had forced him to the ground. Ata snarled and clamped a mouthful of fangs into his forepaw, causing him to scream. But Yisha shouted, Not again! and she pounced into the battle as well. Beside them, Hatiti crouched down, readying herself for a good leap of her own to join, but Kiro had tackled her.
The brawl was bloody as howls and hisses filled the night, and clumps of earth was kicked into the air as a storm of churning dirt clouds came up at their paws and rolling bodies. But it didn t last long, and Kiro had delivered Hatiti a killing bite to the throat.
No! cried Ata in anguish as he noticed the feline lying there, a pool of blood spilling from her throat. My beautiful
He turned abruptly to Kiro and growled, You! lunging forward, but Yisha and Ziku were on him in no time once more.
In moments, Yisha and her son had him grounded as they stood over him. Kiro crouched near by, but something moved behind her, and in a swift moment she turned and thrust herself into Shona. Luckily, the serval was still suffering from the affects of the rotting fruit.
How could you! Yisha cried into Ata s face. My family! You made me believe Oh, how could you, Ata?
Yisha, please, begged Ata in a newfound fear. It was for the good of the whole, remember?
It was for the good of you! growled Ziku viciously as he dug his uninjured paw into Ata s throat.
No, he choked. The good what of the sick I saved the animals from the disease!
Ziku, stop. ordered Yisha.
Reluctantly he obeyed as she glared down at him. Why would you do such a thing? she hissed. Something so good and then something so bad?
Because I can, growled Ata back at her; Ziku s paw was still pressing on his throat, though it was lose enough to let him speak. I can help us all. What will you do without me? Disease will take over the lands. Remember? Even your son said they were diseased for real
There s always been sickness! hissed Ziku, flicking his tail impatiently. But species everywhere are still living and thriving this sun! They always will! He turned to Yisha and exclaimed, Mother, don t listen to him. He s done nothing good. He s using the excuse of sickness so that he can have control over his own kind. So that other servals will treat him like a god, and so that he can breed with whomever. He thinks only certain individuals deserve life. He s a damned cult leader!
Yisha s mouth was pulled back in a vicious but silent snarl as she stared hard at Ata. It was almost as if she were contemplating about the whole thing.
Mother, meowed Ziku, suddenly growing worried. Remember your mater remember your daughter! Oola is dead because of him, and for no good reason!
The words seemed to have done it, because in that instant Yisha drove her fangs into Ata s exposed neck. With one last dying breath, Ata fell silent, unmoving.