Tug of War

The hot afternoon sun cast rippling heatwaves across the savannah as Ja'bari and Ayo approached a familiar watering hole. The spot brought a smile to their faces.

"Remember this place?" Ayo chuckled, pausing beneath the shade of a thorn tree. "Hard to believe this is where we first met."

Ja'bari nodded warmly. "You taught me how to see myself differently, even without eyesight. I'm glad we became such good friends."

Ayo laughed. "And I'm glad I decided chatting up random lions was a good idea that day!"

Smiling, Ayo casually moved towards the water's edge when Ja'bari suddenly sensed danger. His shadows stirred urgently, sending a chill down his spine.

"Ayo, wait!" he shouted.

At those very words, a hulking crocodile burst from the water, its jaws wide and eyes cold. It snapped shut inches away from where Ayo stood, the meerkat jumping backward just in time.

"Hey!" Ayo snapped, fur puffed indignantly. "What's your problem?"

The crocodile glared arrogantly, dragging himself ashore with a confident swagger. "This is MY watering hole. You two trespassers aren't welcome here anymore."

"Hold on," Ja'bari protested, stepping protectively beside his friend. "Who exactly decided you're in charge here?"

The crocodile sneered. "Me, obviously. I'm the strongest animal here. Strength decides who owns the watering hole. So get lost, weaklings."

Ayo folded his arms, raising one eyebrow skeptically. "Strongest? Maybe biggest jaws…but strongest?" He chuckled loudly. "Try dumbest!"

Even Ja'bari couldn't help but laugh. At that moment, the ground trembled as an enormous hippopotamus emerged from the water, grumbling loudly in a deep, booming voice.

"Strongest animal? You?" the hippo snorted disdainfully, massive teeth showing as he spoke. "Please! No one's stronger than me. If being strong decides who controls this watering hole, then clearly it's mine."

The crocodile bristled, slapping his tail on the shore. "Ridiculous! I'm stronger and smarter. You'll swim elsewhere if you know what's good for you."

The hippo shook his massive head, sending droplets flying. "As if you can move me, little toothpick!"

Ayo rolled his eyes. "This is ridiculous."

Ja'bari smiled, an idea forming in his head. "You know..." he interrupted with a thoughtful tone, "If you're both so strong, why not prove it—with a friendly tug-of-war challenge?"

The crocodile and hippo paused, intrigued. "What do you mean?" the crocodile asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.

"Easy," Ayo grinned, quickly catching onto the plan. "We'll have a contest! You two grab opposite ends of that vine. Winner gets the watering hole. Deal?"

The two rivals exchanged suspicious nods, the crocodile smirking confidently. Ayo moved swiftly, laying out the vine. "Ready when you are."

Facing each other, crocodile and hippo latched onto the vine, immediately pulling with all their strength. Neither moved much, locked in place, muscles tightening. But before a winner could emerge, another hippo stomped forward, drawn by the commotion.

"Excuse me, but shouldn't the strongest hippopotamus compete?" she asked sharply, eyeing the competitors critically. Soon other animals, curious and excited, began streaming in, watching eagerly.

With multiple contestants lining up, the tug-of-war quickly descended into laughter-filled chaos. Animals of all kinds—zebras, monkeys, even several young elephants—joined in, pulling playfully. Before anyone realized, strength had turned into teamwork, rivalry into cheerful cooperation.

After several hilarious attempts—some collapsing into giggling heaps—Ja'bari stepped forward, shadows whirling gently around him. "You see?" he said. "The watering hole doesn't belong to only the strong—it belongs to all of us. Together."

"Territories and disputes are unnecessary," Ayo smiled warmly, gently patting the crocodile's scaly back. "We can share respect instead."

There was quiet murmuring among the gathered creatures. Unexpectedly, it was the crocodile who broke the silence, chuckling faintly. "Fine, fine. Perhaps…we can each use it. As long as everyone shows respect."

"And you don't jump out of the water like that again!" Ayo teased, wagging a finger playfully.

The animals laughed, the tension dissipating in joyful relief. As the crocodile slipped gratefully back into his watery home, the hippo gave Ja'bari a respectful nod before lumbering contentedly away.

Watching it all, Ayo grinned and nudged Ja'bari. "Clever thinking. Guess even 'cursed princes' know something about peace."

Ja'bari laughed lightly, feeling the warmth of friendship once again. "Guess so. Let's go back and tell Jackie what happened."

Friends side-by-side, they walked from the watering hole as animals peacefully gathered behind them, all now united by smiles, laughs, and newfound respect.