It was indeed a special day. As the big lion who had come in to save them reminded everybody. This person was no other than Bazil's oldest brother, Sibusiso.
As always, the first thing that shone about him was his white teeth, which beamed at everybody as he smiled so heartily, sauntering about.
His dark eyes were always lit by his zealous spirit, forever shared with all who passed.
One might easily forget just how menacing a force he could be. Salīa almost did, and it wasn't too long since she saw the ruthless glare, gnashing jaws, and brutal thrashes his enemies had met with that night.
He wriggled his arched brows upon observing the people sweeping the groups and hanging up ornaments.
Passing a mirror, he fluffed up the short spikes of his sponged curls and adjusted his earrings and the layering of his necklaces. He was as proud as a lion, but he definitely showed off like a peacock.
Many people nearby were staring in awe. And Sibu, being Sibu, shot them a wide smile and wink before passing by.
It seemed he was quite focused on making sure certain foods were being packed, specific colors were hung, and that the musicians were well and ready.
He greeted some training zazi as he passed by. Then one ran up to him.
"Tawanda?"
How strange? Sibusiso suddenly here after being back in Salazā? Did he get here by turning into that? But then what about Tawanda? How did he get here? And why? Are they close?
The last question answered itself.
Tawanda seemed to be smiling, beaming in the same way as Sibu, then sulked about something, pointing the zazi. Salīa suspected they were picking on him.
Instead of teasing him, as Sibu often does, he pulled Tawanda into his chest, holding him for a long hug. Then he gave him a gentle pat on the head.
Feeling eyes on them, Sibu and Tawanda turned, spotting Salīa.
Tawanda was the first to run up, and he instantly protracted himself and showed an x.
"Queen Salīa, are you alright?"
Sibu bowed and made an x too.
"Are you?" he asked, offering her a smile.
She wanted to speak, but felt that if she did, tears would come through. Sibu then leaned in and pulled her for a long hug, too.
He was about ten years older than her, and so he had hugged her plenty when she was a child. She often got into a lot of trouble unintentionally, like the time she kicked that statue. Sibu hugged her then, too, but not without teasing her first.
"Sibusiso," she said, her voice raspy.
"It's alright," he patted her back. "Big brother is here for everybody. But I'm especially here for somebody. You know what day it is now?"
She nodded.
"I see I lost a few days in sleeping, but I'm preparing something. And I spoke with the bakers earlier to advise them as well."
"Why do you say that so meekly? It wasn't too long ago you were lifting us up at the Freedom Festival, encouraging us to laugh over cry and celebrate even our woes. Don't tell me you forget our Queen's words already?"
A small chuckle found her.
"It'll be fine, thank you. How did you two get here? And why? What…"
"The how is not that important. There are all sorts of pathways in this world," Sibu placed his arms behind his head. "The why is that I was on my way under father's orders due to suspicions, as you know. I joined with the zazi stationed here, and we found you."
"What about you, Tawanda?"
His head fell, sighing. Then he put it up and said, "I…"
"I asked him to join. I've always adored Tawanda and told him I wanted him by my side.
He then made me jealous by telling him he wanted to learn from my brother, but I said I was willing to fight for him to the very end.
So even if his heart is with him, I think I'll win him over with my charming looks. Don't you think?"
Tawanda shook his head shyly. Sibu chuckled and pulled his cheek.
"Let's just say, things happened where he was stationed, similar to what happened in Salazā."
They were attacked?
"But—"
"The how, what, and why of it all is something to dwell on when the others are gathered. It's not something you'll want to hear more than once, Queen."
He also gestured to a saddened Tawanda.
"All that matters for now is that we're here. But always elusive is that no-so-little snake. Have you seen her? She's probably out having her toes kissed as is her ritual."
"Snake?"
"Come on, you know her. The Chiefess."
That was her?!
"She was impressed by how fearsome you became at that last moment."
"Fearsome?"
"Oh, you looked otherworldly."
Tawanda nodded in agreement.
Otherworldly?
"Hmm, I guess I should just show you."
With that, he swung his hand to hers in a handshake. They held it and clicked thumbs. Just like that, she saw a memory of that night through Sibu's eyes.
She saw herself crouching, protecting Bazil.
Her form became statelier and glowed. Light bordered her body. Her blue eyes glowed as did a spot on her forehead where her third eye would be. Salīa's essence rose above her, forming a silhouette that rose toward the skies, imposing itself.
There was a steady, primal look in her eyes, now golden, ready to rip down anyone who dare tried her.
This was quite different from what she remembered before passing out, save for the part where she shouted, "Stay away from him," so vehemently.
Her face flushed as she removed from the memory and saw Sibusiso staring at her with an arch smile.
"You know, I was so worried about my poor, feeble, little brother wandering through this big, scary realm alone. But lo and behold, he hired an all-mighty formidable protector, the zaza of all zazi to be his guardian. My heart's now at ease," he teased. "But I wonder how he affords such services of the greatest of the greats with such meager coin. I hope he earned his dues respectably, like I taught him, and didn't misbehave by offering you other ways to pay."
Sibu winked and chuckled up a storm, causing Salīa to flush even more.
Feeling a scorching glare bore into him, they looked over and saw it belonged to an unimpressed Bazil.
"Bazil," Salīa ran to him.
He ran his hands through Bazil's hair, no longer locs, but just thick curls roaming free. He only wore pants, revealing bandages all over the trunk of his body.
There were some bruises and scratches, all with dots of ointment on them. But even so, he opened his arms wide and took Salīa in for a hug.
"Ah, baby brother," Sibu squeezed in and tried hugging him, only to be shoved. "Don't be mad, she knows I was joking. Don't you?"
"Commander Guardian Bazilani!" Tawanda did the same greeting to him and did not move.
Bazil looked to Sibu, who nodded, and that was all he needed to know to understand.
"Zazi Tawanda," he greeted, and Tawanda stood up. "I hear you were part of our rescue. Thank you."
Tawanda looked as if he were about to burst into tears of joy.
Unable to make words in excitement, he bobbed his head endlessly. Eventually, he managed to say, "You were amazing out there!"
Bazil looked away, his lips pressed together.
"And you, Queen Salīa," he added. "Both of you."
Salīa blushed at this. She felt Bazil staring, somewhat perplexed.
"Don't tell me you fought."
"Oh, she almost did." Sibu squeezed his shoulder, having Bazil groan out in pain. "Sorry, brother. But you should've seen it. You were out to defend her. She was out to defend you. Both of you showed sides of yourselves that were truly magnificent. You were all, 'Roaarr!' And she was all like, 'Grrr!'"
Tawanda stifled a laugh.
"Honestly, little brother. It was so romantic. I swear not even this book could compare."
Up he lifted that very same erotic book that Salīa enjoyed at the bookstall, and Auro talked with her about endlessly in the tavern.
"I mean, I've only just started it. The drawings are not that mature, as the artist has quite a young hand that imitates the greats. But I'm sure they'll develop. Luckily, the plot seems unique, and the words sharp."
Bazil spotted that dreaded book he'd seen more than enough times, grabbed it, ripped it to shreds, and tossed it.
"You say this isn't a good one, then? I'll take your word for it," Sibu nudged him. "Although I'm surprised such an esteemed guardian as yourself is reading such naughty things."
These words had Bazil's head boiling to the top.
"Why are you really here, Sibusiso?"
"My dear brother, you see right through me! But don't you worry, I'm just here to spend some time with you. Aren't you happy to have your oldest brother around?"
Bazil chewed his lip.
It seems he is, even if he doesn't admit it.
"And I wanted to see if you two go any closer?"
Bazil and Salīa instantly turned to him, which didn't go by unnoticed. Sibu laughed vibrantly.
"Ah, I see I've stumbled upon a story better than the one you ripped up. And here I thought those smaller marks on your neck were from mosquitoes."
Salīa tried to keep a calm expression, but her face betrayed her as it heated. Bazil glowered, his brow twitching, causing Tawanda to tug at Sibu. But Sibu was enjoying the spectacle.
"Now, tell me, did you enjoy my recommendations for the inns. I specifically chose ones that were not only safe but good enough in case you two wanted somewhere quiet to—"
"Sibu!" Bazil growled.
Sibu chuckled endlessly.
Tawanda tugged him and whispered, "Maybe you shouldn't joke when he's not calm."
"Oh, don't worry. He's calm, isn't he?" he poked at the veins rising at the top of Bazil's head as he glared.
"Yeah, about as calm as water in a pot of sizzling oil," Nagapie said, shaking her head.
"Ah, little bush baby!"
"Don't you start," she warned Sibu. "The Chiefess wants to see you all."
X