Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC Ashanti and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.
Ashanti: Peace Of Milele Chapter 19
By morning everyone had gotten what little rest they could get and were ready to set out again.
The group of six have reached a point in their journey where they now have an important decision to make upon reaching a canyon that has a wide and steep gorge for them to travel.
Rafiki laid out the options before them, beckoning Mufasa forward to choose for them, he said "The Earth divided is now a choice. Around of down. The decision is yours."
Mufasa stands at the edge of the canyon, peering down at the drop in front of them. He delves into serious contemplation about which path would be best for them to travel, considering all available factors to stay one step ahead of the inbound Outsiders.
Not wanting to disturb Mufasa's deep thinking, leaning in closer to Ashanti, Taka said "I think we should go around."
Shaking her head, arching a coy brow at him, Ashanti said "Well, I think we should go down."
"And why would we do that," said Taka, brow pinching.
"The Outsiders will be expecting us to take the easier path to garner quicker speeds," reasoned Ashanti. "Going down instead of around would be unexpected."
Muttering under her breath, Sarabi said "This is a waste of time."
Eyes snapping open, speaking in wonderment after recollecting his last memory of Eshe, Mufasa said "Across the deepest canyon." This appears to be all the direction he requires to reach a decision, not the least abrasive when he mentions this to the rest. "We should go down."
"Why," said Sarabi, wryly. "Because of some fairy tale."
"The rocks will hide our tracks," explained Mufasa.
"It's safer to go around," argued Sarabi.
"We're not saying it isn't, Sarabi. But it might be preferable to take the harder route," contested Ashanti.
"I picked up their scent," insisted Mufasa.
Stomping an agitated paw, and scowling, Sarabi said "The only thing you picked up is a hallucinating baboon."
Huffing, Rafiki corrected "I am a mandrill."
"The longer we stand here debating with each other the closer the Outsiders get to us. We should just pick a direction and go," stated Taka, anxiously, adding in his two cents to everyone else's opinions.
Repeating Eshe's instructions in her final lesson to them, Mufasa said "Close your eyes."
"What," said Sarabi, baffled.
"Tell me what you see, what you feel," advised Mufasa, gently.
"There's nothing on the wind," said Sarabi, not catching anything in the vicinity of the breeze.
Patiently, Mufasa said, "No, they're moving through the bush wallow."
"They, who," said Sarabi, sharply.
"The females. They're out front," said Ashanti, speaking up before Mufasa can. "My brother's right. They're getting close."
Unlike Sarabi, not doubting their abilities having witnessed their effectiveness himself, Taka urged "Which is why we shouldn't just be standing here."
"Come on, clear your thoughts. Concentrate," said Mufasa, compellingly.
"I am concentrating," said Sarabi, begrudgingly.
Reluctantly, Sarabi closes her eyes and clears her mind of all distractions. As soon as she does this, Sarabi can pick up the rapid paw steps and heartbeats of the quarry mercilessly pursuing them across the land.
"He's right," said Sarabi in astonishment. "We have to go down."
Mufasa is very pleased by this, sending a fleeting glance at Rafiki. One that is returned with a beam.
"She's got it," beamed Ashanti, exchanging a please smile with Taka.
"Come on then everyone. Let's go," said Taka, sprinting down over to a part of the canyon that would take them down into the gorge.
Excitedly, Rafiki said "Ah, we are more than one. Now the many sticks will make fire as one. Come on, we have places to go."
"And kingdoms to see," said Zazu, soaring in the air around them.
"And kingdoms to see," concurred Rafiki, laughing.
Rafiki's good mood appears to be getting contagious.
Everyone appears to be getting into higher spirits.
This change is most apparent in Sarabi.
Whereas before Sarabi had proven intolerable and unconvinced toward their unusual coalition now her mood has vastly improved after she was provided proof that this isn't totally a lost cause. Reevaluating everything appears to have done her some good in this harrowing trek. The self-centered attitude of hers is steadily vanishing as she adheres to the reality set in front of her.
Even Ashanti, Mufasa, and Taka are able to push aside whatever worries are weighing them down and seize the moment.
Therefore, pushing closer to the light that holds such promise for each of them.
Authors Note:
All right everyone, there are two winners for this competition I had going. Readers lillylight15 and BeastWarsQueen. Huge shout out to you. Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate it. Both of your verses were just so good that I couldn't just pick one. So, as promised, ask me your question, and I will answer it, but remember it's just one question so choose wisely.
A heads up for you guys, I just got word that the movie will be released on digital on February 18th. So after this chapter I'm probably going to wait a few days before I put up a new one after this. Don't worry. I'll get right back on it the moment the movie officially becomes available.
I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D
For those of you just starting out with my stuff there are other works on my profile that may catch your interest. I highly recommend you take a look as soon as the opportunity presents itself to you. Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.
Stay safe everyone. Especially with all of these crazy natural disasters occurring a lot lately due to global warming and climate change everywhere for sure. I swear it's like they're getting worse and worse all the time and it's like officials are simply just ignoring it or pretending it doesn't exist entirely just to go on with their daily lives. Especially those in multi-million dollar companies that rely on certain elements of our planet that we rely on to naturally keep us safe instead of adapting and finding new safer ways to keep in business. There are so many options out there where they can adapt, but they just refuse to see it because all they care about is money. Climate change is altering so much faster than anyone can really keep track of.
So, in light of all this, it is important to live life to the fullest as much as anyone can.
I know I am. ;) See you guys next time.