Beginnings
The zebras worked under the orange skyline blanketing Nyika, harvesting their crops. Sweat ran down their brows as they plowed the land, gathering the wheat, corn, and fruits from the hardened ground.
“Another of this unbearable drought. I am starting to have my doubts.”
One of the zebras balanced his bountiful basket on his head as he walked towards his hut. He looked at the zebras working on the dry field. They were lucky to have received the amount of food they got during their harvest. The Watani Village hadn’t experienced rain for weeks. Rain was sparse in the Watani Village. While it rained periodically every now and then, it wasn’t enough to prevent many of the crops from dying out. Because of this, many of the zebras went hungry, suffering from illnesses otherwise manageable through medicine made out of their plants. It was a troubling time for them.
The zebras had to use their resources sparingly, giving to those who needed the food and herbs the most while rationing their supplies. Even then, the food often ran low, meaning some would go hungry or become sickly. Soon, some of the zebras started to die out, causing panic to arise in the hearts of the civilians. Those who remained calm were required to meet at conferences to find viable solutions to the problem.
Zed was one of the zebras required for this. Oftentimes leaned on for his knowledge of plants and his spiritual connections, he was often needed for guidance for their decreasing supply of resources. Many of times, he was asked to stay longer than he wanted, taking away some of his free time to attend to his wife. Fortunately, he was able to relax for the night, taking the fresh vegetables back home. A soft smile emerged on his face at the thought of his spouse’s cooking.
I shan’t keep them waiting much longer. I think it’s time to kill this hunger.
Zed continued towards his home, balancing the basket on his head. His hut was hosted by many herbs and plants, many used for his studies, others for decoration. He pushed the door open, creeping his way inside.
And there she was. His lovely wife, stirring inside a giant, black pot in the center of the room. Humming native songs of peace and tranquility, it was nearly enough to send Zed in a trance. However, that wasn’t hard for her to do. Smiling softly, he put the basket beside the door and crept slowly upon his wife. He inched his way closer carefully, ready to wrap his hooves around her. He held his breath, held his hooves out, and prepared to surprise her.
“A nice attempt, my silly Zed, but you know I’m always one step ahead.”
He froze, backing away from his wife while chuckling. “That obvious, Kiraba?”
She giggled, planting a warm kiss on his lips. “Quite, dear.”
They gazed into each other’s eyes. Zed nearly got lost in Kiraba’s blue pools, her long locks of hair enticing him to play with. She saw the trance he was in, tapping her hoof against his face.
“Oh dear, what will I do with you? After all these years, you’re still easy to woo.”
“Kind of an easy thing to do, especially since I’m married to someone like you.”
“Still the charmer.”
The two nuzzled against each other, enjoying each other’s warmth. They would have stayed together longer if it wasn’t for the pot boiling over, pleading for Kiraba to give it attention.
“Zed, would you be a dear and bring that basket over here?” Kiraba asked, picking the wooden spoon up with her mouth and reaching into the pot.
“Of course.” Zed trotted back to the front door and picked the basket up with his mouth. He took a moment to glance at his wife, grinning toothily. Everything about her was appealing to him: the patterns on her body, the giant, golden rings through her ears and those on her front, left forehoof, her twisted hair, which were begging Zed to play with. But most importantly, the bulge in Kiraba’s stomach brought much joy to Zed.
“Little Kel dropped by today,” Kiraba said. “Asked if you had lessons coming his way.”
Zed chuckled, dropping the basket in front of the boiling pot. “Kid’s persistent, that’s for sure. Still, I should wait for him to mature. The child is only five years old, so his spiritual lessons I must withhold.”
Zed lowered his head, looking at Kiraba’s belly. “Besides, my attention is needed here, so I can take care of you two, my dear.”
Kiraba giggled, reaching into the basket. Putting the spoon back on the rack, she picked up the leeks, tomatoes, and a few celery stalks. She squished the tomatoes in her hoof, squeezing the juices into the pot. She snapped the rest of the vegetables she selected with her hooves, throwing them in the pot to boil.
“Our child has been kicking constantly. I can already tell she’ll come out healthy. But still, there’s one thing we need to address, and that’s what we’ll call our little Miss.”
Kiraba clutched her stomach, cringing. Zed took the spoon from her and led her to their bed. He gently laid her on her back, rubbing her plump stomach. Kiraba opened her mouth, being silenced by Zed’s gentle yet firm hooves.
“Shh, this is for the best. You two girls need your rest.” Zed covered her with blankets, pecking her forehead with kisses. “I’ll prepare the food for us, so relax and try not to make a fuss.”
Kiraba’s eyes softened as she let out a sigh. “Alright then, Zed.”
Zed grabbed her hoof, kissing it. “Also, I think Zecora would be a good name. Tell me, do you feel the same?”
Kiraba tapped her chin with her free hoof. “Zecora?” She felt another strong kick, causing her smile to widen. “I like that.”
The two lovers exchanged one last glance before Zed left the bedroom. He returned to the kitchen and attended to the pot, which nearly bubbled over due to lack of attention. Grabbing the spoon with his mouth, he continued to stir the content in the pot, shifting his eyes in towards the bedroom. Kiraba was laying still, resting and patting her stomach.
“Perfect.” With a grin on his face, Zed brought the spoon against his lips, tasting the soup. It was perfect; he expected nothing less from Kiraba. He could down the entire cauldron if he wanted to. He continuously spooned the contents into his mouth, losing track of how much soup he wolfed down.
“Hey, can I have some, sir?”
Zed froze, spoon stuck in his mouth. Standing right next to him was a small zebra colt smiling up at him with wide, blue eyes. Zed dropped the spoon out of his mouth, sighing and rubbing his face.
“Kel, what do you want?”
Kel giggled, kicking against the ground playfully. “Well, Dad is kind of busy at home, and Mommy isn’t really doing anything with me, so I thought I could… you know… come here and see what you two were up to!”
Zed chuckled. “Let me guess: you came to ask if I would help with a spiritual task.”
Kel nodded his head wildly. “Yeah! Yeah!”
Zed leaned down and patted Kel’s head. “I know that you are eager, young one, but you should wait until your growing is done. You’re too young for this, to tell you the truth. Spiritual training takes a lot out of the youth.”
“Aww, but I’m mature enough!” Kel exclaimed, poking his lips out. “I promise I’ll pay attention, Mr. Zed. I can even rhyme just for it. Umm… Please, Mr. Zed, teach me to… um…” Kel sat on the floor, tapping his hoof against his skull.
“Look, I know that you mean well, but it’s not all about the rhyming, Kel. Tranquility, peace, and rigorous focus, is what triggers spiritual strength inside us. You, young one, do not need to rush this, and I won’t teach you now, no matter how much you insist.”
Kel frowned, looking down at the ground. “Not fair. Dad said the same thing.”
“Well, Abal is indeed wise. His and my suggestions you should advise. Once you’re older, and a little wiser, I’ll won’t mind being your spiritual adviser.”
Kel looked up at Zed, still frowning but nodding. “Yes sir, I understand.” Almost immediately, his frown formed into a smile, swinging his tail enthusiastically.
“I can stay here for a while, right?” Kel asked, looking at Zed with wide, shimmering eyes. Zed couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Sending you away would be rude of me. Still, at the moment, I’m kind of busy. Go sit with Kiraba for a while. Just seeing you will make her smile.”
“Okay, Mr. Zed!” Kel saluted , trotting proudly into their bedroom. Kiraba leaned up, smiling at Kel.
“Ah, if it isn’t little Kel. I hope that you are doing well,” Kiraba said.
“Yes, ma’am,” Kel said, leaning against the bed. “Although I’m a little upset, I’ll get over it. Besides, Mr. Zed promised he’d teach me when I get older, so all I have to do is be patient for a few years, and then I get to do those cool, spiritual things Dad and Mr. Zed do, like balancing on their heads using a staff and floating, and all that cool stuff!”
Kiraba giggled at Kel’s excitement. “Well, with that kind of energy, you’ll love your spiritual journey.”
Kel smiled at Kiraba, shifting his attention to her tummy. “Um, Mrs. Kiraba, when is… um….”
“Zecora, sweetie,” Kiraba said.
“You named her Zecora? That’s a pretty good name for her!” Kel looked at the stomach poking against the brown bedsheets. “Can I… well… can I touch it?”
“Of course, Kel.” Kiraba slid the covers partially, exposing her stomach to him. Curious, Kel brought his hoof towards her belly and rubbed it. It was soft, plump, and at some points, Kel thought he felt something move inside.
“Kel, you want to feel her kick?” Kiraba asked. Kel nodded. “Then hurry up. She’s pretty quick.”
With that said, Kel leaned against the bed and put his ears against her stomach. Eliciting his giggles, he waited for any movement, sitting patiently. It only took a few seconds for something to press against Kel’s ears, causing a wide grin to form on his face.
“I felt her, Mrs. Kiraba! She kicked!”
“That’s… nice Kel.” Kiraba groaned, clutching her stomach. “Just…”
Kel’s smile melted, growing into concern. “Mrs. Kiraba, are you okay?” Kel asked. “Is the baby kicking too hard?”
“No, Zecora’s being… ugh… good.” Kiraba tensed up, holding her stomach while cringing. Kel stepped back, looking shaken up by Kiraba’s apparent pain. “Just… feel funnier than I…”
Kiraba cut herself off with pained grunts, scaring Kel. “D-don’t worry, Mrs. Kiraba. I’ll go get some help! Um… MR. ZED!”
Kel ran out of the room, screaming out for Zed. Not paying attention to where he was going, he ran into Zed, causing him to stumble and fall to the ground. As he looked up, Zed glanced at him with raised eyebrows.
“Kel, what is wrong with you?”
“I was sitting by Mrs. Kiraba and she asked if I wanted to feel her tummy and see if Zecora would kick —which is a pretty name for her— and I did it and then she kicked but after she kicked Kiraba started groaning and I’m not sure what’s going—”
“Kel, breathe!”
Kel paused, exhaling and panting.
“Now that you have calmed down, little one, care to explain what is going on?”
Kel nodded, pointing towards the bedroom. “Mrs. Kiraba is in pain, and I don’t know why.”
“Kiraba?” Immediately, Zed darted towards the room to attend to his wife. Kel slowly followed behind him, concern apparent on his face. Re-entering the bedroom, he stood beside Zed, who was soothing Kiraba by rubbing her head. She was still groaning, looking towards her husband for comfort. A small reassuring smile formed on his face.
“It’s okay, Kiraba. I am here. The time is quickly drawing near. As soon as this ordeal is over, we’ll nestle our child under the cover.”
Kiraba gave Zed a pained smile, resting her head on the pillow. Zed sighed, turning towards the confused and scared Kel.
“Kel, I hate to spring this on you, but there is something I need you to do.”
Kel looked up at Zed eagerly. “Yes sir?”
Zed looked at Kel sternly. “My wife, Kiraba, is going through labor, so I have to stay here to assist her. I want you to go to Mosi so she can give birth properly.”
“But… But he’s so far away!” Kel exclaimed. “What if I don’t get there in time, and something bad happens to—”
“Kel, one thing that I can assure is nothing bad will happen to her. I need you stay calm and focus. It’s important that you get help for us.”
Kel was a little shaky, looking up at Zed and nodding his head. “I… I understand, sir. I’ll go right away!”
Zed watched as Kel darted out of the room, making his way through the serengeti. Zed smiled softly and nodded, confident in his decision to trust Kel.
“He’s a good kid, isn’t he?” Kiraba murmured out those words before cringing again. She breathed heavily, Zed trying to alleviate the pain.
“Shh, Kiraba, don’t waste your breath. You need to rest and keep up your health.”
Kiraba remained quiet, other than the inevitable grunts she would give off. Zed stood by her side, waiting for Kel to come back with their doctor.
***
Kel ran down through the open field, his tiny hooves trying to make his way to the doctor’s hut. Part of the way there, he stopped, panting and gasping from lack of breath.
“Why does he have to be so far away?” Kel said to himself, panting and letting his tongue hang out. “I’ll never get to him in time. What if Mrs. Kiraba—”
Kel looked to the horizon. It was getting dark, and many of the zebras were lighting their torches in order to guide each other. As the torches lit up, his determination was set ablaze.
“No. Mr. Zed told me not to worry about that. Mrs. Kiraba will be okay, and he needs me to stay focused.” Kel slowly began to walk again, breathing in and out. “You must remain focused and calm. You’ll have the doctor soon in your… um… palm?” Kel shook his head, giggling lightly at his attempt. “Rhyming is harder than I thought. That should be the first thing I ask Mr. Zed to teach me how to do when I’m older.
With newfound determination, he trotted faster and faster, letting his shadow lead him to his destination. The hut he was looking for was very noticeable. The doctor’s door was decorated with a big, feathered necklace, which surrounded the skull of a zebra. The skull itself had a bone sliding through it with a red and white turban wrapped around its head.
Kel reached the hut of Doctor Mosi, stopping to catch his breath. The hut was made more visible by the torches that surrounded it. Smiling in satisfaction, he walked up to the door, knocking his hooves against it for an answer.
“Enter.” A deep, gruff voice allowed Kel passage into his home. He pushed the door open, and walked into the hut.
The house looked like a tornado hit it. The floor was powdery, clay bowls laying on the ground with different colored herbs falling out of them. Papers were lying all over the place, which Kel could only assume were important papers, so he didn’t bother them. And then there was Mosi, rushing in and out of the main room, ignoring Kel completely. As the only certified doctor in Watani, Mosi led a very busy and tiring life, doing his best to attend to every needy patient that comes his way. Whether the ailment was dire or minor, he would help, and it wore on him, making him seem older than he actually was.
“Um, Doctor Mosi?”
He didn’t answer. He fumbled through his herbs and medical supplies, pulling out a small case of purple liquids.
“Doctor Mosi?”
Mosi rushed back into the the room. The patient was breathing heavily, pale and sickly.
“Here, drink this,” Mosi said, pouring the content in a small bowl. “It won’t taste swell, but it’s what you need.”
The sickly zebra slowly lifted his head as Mosi brought the bowl to his mouth, allowing him to slowly drink the contents. Kel walked into the room and inched his way closer to Mosi, tugging at his unkempt tail.
Mosi groaned. “What is it, Kel? I don’t have time to play with you.”
“It’s Mrs. Kiraba, sir. She’s in pain!”
“Oh?” Mosi turned his head towards Kel, eyes widening slightly. “What is wrong with her?”
“Well, I don’t really know, but Mr. Zed said something about her going into… um… labur?”
“It’s labor, son. And I’m sorry, Kel, but I can’t help deliver this one. This zebra is very ill, and he needs my undivided attention. I don’t have time to help Kiraba.”
“Bu-but, she’s in pain,” Kel said, whimpering.
“And this zebra is in danger of dying. I have to put his needs before hers.”
Kel frowned, eyes beginning to water. “But… Mr. Zed… he told me…” He began kicking the floor in disappointment. “He’s going to be upset with me.”
Mosi sighed. As soon as his patient downed his drink, he placed the bowl on the counter by the bed and walked out of the room. Kel watched with saddened eyes as he rummaged through his pots and drawers, pulling out individual things. Mosi placed a small, brown sack and a sheet of paper on the table.
“While I can’t help her myself, I can give you a few things to make the delivery easier for them.”
“Really?” Kel exclaimed, causing Mosi to shush him so he wouldn’t disturb the sick patient.
“Yes, Kel. That bag and piece of paper is all you need to deliver the child safely. All you have to do is deliver it to Zed and have him deal with it. That clear?”
“Crystal, sir.” Kel saluted, a wide grin forming on his face.
“Good.” Mosi grabbed the paper and sack, dropping them in front of Kel. “Now, make haste, child. They’re going to need this for the safest birth they can possibly have without me there.”
“Got it!” Kel lifted the paper with his mouth while Mosi strapped the sack around his back. “Pwank wu, fir!”
“Yeah, yeah, just get going, kid.” Mosi shooed Kel off, who swiftly trotted out the door and into the dimly lit serengeti. With his task complete, all Kel had to do was go back to Zed’s hut and give him the news.
***
Zed continued to stroke Kiraba, trying to sooth her from her pain.
“Breathe, Kiraba.”
She obeyed, breathing hard and panting. Zed did everything he could to keep her calm, praying under his breath that Kel would hurry up.
“Mifter. Zwed! Mifter. Zwed!”
And his prayers were answered. He sighed and turned around seeing only Kel. His hopes quickly sank.
“Kel, while I’m happy you’re back, I can’t help but notice someone that you lack.”
Kel spat out the piece of paper in his mouth. “Who, Dr. Mosi? Well, he said he was busy with another zebra, and could not come and help us.”
Zed sighed. “Great…”
“But he did give you these. He says they will help.”
Kel unwrapped the sack from his back and let it drop on the ground, scooting it closer to Zed along with the paper. Zed picked up the bag, untied the string around it and peeking inside.
“Well, what is it?” Kel asked, walking towards the bed. Kiraba, devoid of energy, weakly patted his head.
“They’re crushed leaves from a dawa tree. These are often used for making tea.” Zed set the bag down on the small table by the bed. He then grabbed the piece of paper, unfolding it to read it.
“Well, what does it say?” Kel asked, cringing everytime he heard Kiraba groan in agony. Zed read the paper thoroughly, his expression becoming more serious the further down he went. After exhausting every word inked out on the paper, he set it down and looked sternly at Kel.
“Listen, this will be a difficult task, but I need you to do everything I ask.”
“Yes, sir.” Kel listened eagerly.
“We’re going to have to help her give birth, and bring my daughter into this earth. If you’re willing to take this responsibility—”
Zed sighed. There was no going back from what he was going to offer.
“—I’ll start honing your spirituality.”
Kel’s eyes lit up immediately, mouth agape in shock. “Really? No fooling?”
“Yeah, no fooling.”
Kel straightened himself, saluting to Zed with a determined grin. “Don’t worry, Mr. Zed. Kel is here to help all he can! We’ll bring Zecora here, safe and sound!”
Though he was still in great concern for his wife’s stability, he couldn’t help but chuckle at Kel’s enthusiasm. “Yes, we will.”
The two followed the notes instructions carefully, making sure everything was set in place. Kel assisted by warming water in the kettle for the leaves. Zed was in charge of having to actually deliver the child itself, instructing Kiraba of everything she had to do. It felt as if time had stopped. Zed and Kel were pressured to deliver Zecora without one mistake. It was stressful, especially for Kel.
However, after ten minutes of hard work and precision, Kiraba finally gave birth to their child. Blind and naked, the baby zebra squirmed and wiggled in the hooves of her mother. Zed nestled against Kiraba, enjoying the moment.
“Wow, she’s pretty,” Kel said, leaning towards Zecora, who started crying loudly in Kiraba’s hooves. “She’s also really, really loud.”
Kiraba and Zed chuckled. While feeding her newborn child, Kiraba looked towards Kel, giving him a weak, tired smile.
“Thank you, Kel. You did well.”
“Always ready to help someone in need.” Kel swung his tail around, looking up at Zed. “Sooo… when are you going to teach me?”
Zed shook his head. “Kel, it is not the time or place. Right now, we just need our space. But I promise you, when the sun rises again, that is when your training will begin.”
Kel nodded respectfully, backing away. “Yes, sir.” He stretched out his hooves and began to yawn lightly. “I’m kinda sleepy, so I’m going home. Goodnight, Mrs. Kiraba! Goodnight, Mr. Zed! Goodnight Zecora!”
Kel waved at the family before sluggishly walking out into the dim fields. Zed lifted some of the covers and joined Kiraba under the covers. She was still feeding Zecora, humming to her in order to lull the infant to sleep.
“Wow, Zecora is a hungry one,” Zed said, kissing Kiraba’s cheeks. “How long before you think she will be done?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Kiraba said, “I could do this all night. Definitely easier than my previous plight.”
“Yeah, I’ll bet.”
The two kissed, lying next to each other, nothing but the crickets to make a sound and the moonbeams shining through their hut. It was a soft, tender moment between two lovers and their newborn child.
“So, even when I gave you my trust, your attempt at making dinner was a bust.” Kiraba taunted Zed, flicking him with her tongue. Zed lowered his eyes, smirking.
“I just nearly had a panic attack! Can’t you cut me a little slack?”
Kiraba stuck her tongue out at Zed. “No.”
Giving up, Zed plopped his head on the pillow, wrapping his arms around Kiraba and Zecora. “You’re cruel.”
Kiraba giggled, blushing from the embrace. “Yet, no matter how much you whine, you will stay forever mine.”
Zed smiled, closing his eyes. “Kwa moyo wako mgodi—”
“Sisi ni milele kitu kimoja.”
Author's Note
Just for curiosity sake, would you guys like me to make a directory for the words foreign words? I don't want to confuse people throughout the story.
