A massive crocodile rests upon firm rock. His nostrils begin to flare. He squints, descending deeper into thought: a sliver of memories pulsing into view.
“Such is the crocodile way”
-------------------------------------------
Pua taps at the dark, grassy plains, embracing the firmness of the soil between his claws. The morning sun shines across the Pride Lands: a silhouette haven for the awakening herds. Faint rustling winds blow through the fields. Long strands of dry grass tickle the skin of the giant reptile.
“Far more this season… but the nests are safe. A sun bath would be nice.” Pua sighs, sinking his weight onto the mud bed by the vast Lake Matope. The sun rises, its light warming the reptile’s glistening scales. He nestles his snout onto the ground, listening to the stirring rumbles of his float from afar. Suddenly, the padding of paws shifts towards Pua’s resting place.
A slender lion approaches the lake’s shore. It lowers its muzzle into the cool water, shuddering as the sunlight shines on its black mane. The visitor utters a lowly growl, claws protracting into the moist earth. Pua leans towards the lion’s sounds. He smiles.
“Pardon, little Askari? Is that you? Oh, it has been a long while since you’ve visited, young prince. How are you this morning?” Pua exerts a potent chuckle, “Is your brother hiding nearby? I recall he’s quite good at it.”
The lion lifts his drenched muzzle. His shoulders hunch as he straightens his backside, dropping his hindquarters onto the cushioned mud.
“Pua. What a surprise.” Askari responds. He breathes in the morning air, scratching at the dirt atop his paws. He keeps his back towards the crocodile. Pua stares back expectantly, his tail slithering.
“Well… I’m pleased to see you, Askari. You can report to your brother that our nesting grounds have been well preserved. Promising births this season.”
“Oh, is that so? How interesting. Congratulations…”
“Why, thank you.” Pua replies, shifting his claws. Askari remains still, staring out across the lake. The chirps of bokmakieries flourish through the winds. The sun rises.
“So, tell me Pua, these little ones of yours… Will you be taking good care of them?”
“Why yes. Even now, we take turns keeping watch. Our instincts remain as strong as ever. Such is the crocodile way.”
“Quite right. I remember now. Will you stay close to them?”
“Yes.”
“Always?”
“Yes…Askari, is something the matt…”
“Hmm, how many do you think will make it?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Survive, Pua. How many?”
“Askari! They have yet to hatch. We protect our little ones with our lives.” Pua hisses, bracing the ground with firm grasps.
“Really? Then perhaps you can tell this to my pride… teach them of the crocodile way.” Askari turns to face the mighty Pua. His left eye, decorated with a bright slash.
“Askari… how?” Pua asked.
“It doesn’t matter. Not to you, not even to… him. Know this, I see things for what they are. Oh yes, they’re much clearer now.”
“Askari, you must seek your shaman. He may help you.”
“You presume I am helpless?!” Askari glanced back to the crocodile, both now facing the other, reflections in each iris. Pua stood his ground, letting Askari shake his mane with a growl.
“Hmph, I don’t need help. Be it yours or theirs. This…mark, it is a reminder.”
“You are not thinking clearly, Askari. I remember you loved your pride, your brother. You were inseparable, playing together even here, by this very lake.” Pua explains. The lion scoffs, turning back to Lake Matope, his brow rises, listening to echoes of laughter.
“As you said, Pua, it’s been a long while.” Askari says. Pua’s tense limbs cease, returning to pat the soil beneath.
“Askari, I am not one to intervene with the pride. Your family? Meet with them. You seem very distressed.”
“Hmm, such is the way of the crocodile indeed. You are no different then. My sympathies to your hatchlings. What’ll be left of them, anyways.” Askari says, turning away from the waters. Pua’s brow narrows, neck jutting towards Askari.
“This attitude of yours will not be appreciated, young prince. Crocodiles do not take kindly to such behavior. You should leave.”
“Of course. The sun is rising quickly anyway. A patrol awaits. Farewell. Oh, and Pua, no need for formalities next time. It’s Scar now. Do remember… not that we will meet again for the occasion.” The young lion begins his trot, moving further onwards to the savanna borders. Pua glares one last time at Scar, his firm expression soon softening.
“I…I mustn’t get involved any further. His family will help him. They must. I know it.”
