Buford's Trick

The afternoon sun scorched the savanna hotter than any animal could remember, causing everyone to find shelter wherever they could. Ja'Bari wiped sweat off his muzzle while laying in the shade of a small thorn bush, panting lightly.

"This heat is unbearable," he said, glancing dried-eyed at his friends Jackie and Ayo. "We need to find someplace cooler."

Ayo nodded tiredly, his usually cheerful mood worn down by the relentless sun. "Agreed, but have you seen the watering hole nearby? It's absolutely packed with animals!"

Jackie shook her head in dismay. "There's no way we'd all fit there. There has to be another option."

For a long moment, silence filled the stifling air. Then, inspired by a sudden memory, Ja'Bari brightened. "What about that secret pond we found in spring? It was hidden behind the Great Shadow Tree—I'm sure few animals know about it!"

Ayo's ears perked up hopefully. "That's brilliant! Let's try it."

Before leaving the pride's territory, the trio sought permission from King Ja'Meer and Queen So'ona. When Ja'Bari finished explaining, King Ja'Meer nodded proudly, giving his approval. "Be safe, young ones—I trust you to be careful."

Queen So'ona's expression softened with worry. "Yes, but please stick together. Don't wander too far, okay?"

"We promise!" chimed Jackie, reassuringly nudging Ja'Bari's shoulder.

The friends set out westward. They pushed through tall grass and trudged across dried, cracked earth under the blistering sun. Their paws grew sore, their mouths parched from thirst.

"I really hope your memory serves, Ja'Bari," Jackie muttered wearily. "Everything just looks the same out here."

"Don't worry," Ayo replied confidently. "Just look out for the Great Shadow Tree. When we see it, we'll know we're close."

After what seemed an eternity, Ja'Bari spotted a wide, sprawling acacia tree breaking the monotonous landscape horizon. "I see it!" he called out happily. "And there's the pond, just behind those zebras!"

Approaching, the friends saw a herd of zebras resting beneath the acacia's branches. They greeted them politely, yet one zebra sighed heavily. "Good luck reaching the pond, little ones. That rhino over there isn't letting anyone near the water."

Jackie frowned, confused. "Really? That can't be right. I've met her before—she's shy and gentle, never territorial."

Ja'Bari stepped forward thoughtfully. "Let's go talk with her first. Maybe there's more to this."

They approached cautiously, studying the rhino splashing gently in the shallow water, small birds fluttering contentedly around her thick hide. For a moment, it appeared peaceful.

"See? It's fine," Jackie said quietly, beginning to relax.

But suddenly, the rhino turned sharply toward them, charging out of the pond with a furious snort. "Stay away!" she called fearfully. "You bullies won't hurt my friends!"

Swiftly, the trio scrambled back, narrowly avoiding her charge. Panting, Ayo shook his head anxiously. "Those zebras were right—she's dangerous!"

But something gnawed at Ja'Bari's instincts. "No, something's wrong," he muttered softly. "She doesn't seem angry, just scared. Let's hide nearby and observe."

Nodding in agreement, Jackie and Ayo followed him carefully to a patch of dense grass. Hidden, they watched quietly, noticing the rhino pacing nervously. On her back perched a colorful oxpecker bird, whispering constantly into her ear.

"Buford," Ayo hissed, recognizing the bird. "An oxpecker—and not the kind kind. They're supposed to help animals with poor eyesight, but he's known to trick others for selfish reasons."

From their hidden spot they heard Buford's mischievous voice clearly. "Don't let anyone near, dear rhino! They're dangerous predators. Only I can protect you."

Realization dawned. "Buford made her scared of everyone else," Ja'Bari whispered angrily. "He's claiming the pond just for him and his flock!"

Determined, they moved forth again, more careful this time. "Excuse me!" Ja'Bari called out gently from a safe distance. "We're not here to hurt anybody. Just smell us—your nose can tell we're friendly!"

The rhino paused uncertainly, raising her head and testing the air. "Strange…they do smell different…" she mumbled quietly.

"No!" Buford shrieked, panic rising in his voice. "They're just tricking you again!"

Jackie stepped carefully forward. "Listen to us. That bird on your back isn't your friend. He's lying to you to keep the pond all to himself."

"Ridiculous!" Buford scoffed. "I've protected her this entire time from dangerous predators—and you're nothing but a bunch of foolish kids!"

The rhino's ears perked, confusion flickering over her face. "Wait, Buford…first you said they were dangerous, scary predators…now they're just kids? That story doesn't add up."

With a large shake, she flung Buford off her back. He landed ungracefully in the dirt, indignantly sputtering and ruffling his feathers. "Bah!" he screeched furiously. "Who needs this pond anyway? Come on, flock—let's find another spot!"

Angrily squawking, the whole flock took to the sky, vanishing towards the horizon.

The rhino exhaled a sigh of relief. "Thank you," she said warmly. "I'm sorry for earlier—my name's Cera."

"You're welcome," Ja'Bari answered, smiling kindly. "Friends protect each other—real friends don't lie. I'm Ja'Bari; these are my best friends, Jackie and Ayo."

With newfound confidence restored, Cera lifted her head proudly, trusting her own senses as sounds around her turned clearer and scents suddenly stronger. "I'll trust myself next time," she promised gratefully.

With the pond open to all again, they jumped into the refreshing water, splashing joyfully alongside the grateful zebras. Finally cool and relaxed, they spent hours enjoying the oasis Cera now happily shared.

As the sun slowly set, painting the savanna crimson gold, the friends made their way home—hearts filled more with pride in helping than mere relief from the heat. Glancing back one last time at the peaceful pond, Ja'Bari smiled warmly.

"Helping others feels even better than cooling off," he murmured happily, knowing they had restored kindness and trust to their part of the savanna.