As another feline cub awoke, a scoff was heard as a response to Bagheera's statement. "Really Bagheera" Shere Khan said, finishing a stretch and fully standing up on the top beam of one of the "clubhouse's" ruined pillars, and then shaking his head, "the way you worry, especially since the danger's past, it's almost as bad as the snake. You're a cat, show some dignity" .
Shere Khan leapt down from the pillar as he continued, "Even if the drought had stretched on, we ca'ts always find ways of surviving, like...chasing some other unfortunates from a small watering hole found or what not" the young tiger smirked as he cleaned one of his paws. Truth be told, Shere Khan himself would probably not have had the bravery to do such a thing if the animal were anything but a kid their age easily pushed around; but in idea, it sounded good to say.
~~~~
Meanwhile an adolescent panther, Basdev, continued on through this new jungle that looked to be just coming back from a drought; but importantly, back to producing green good for prey and watering holes.
He could even see one just up ahead. Basdev smiled. Just then a commotion was heard behind him and a black blur shot past him to rush headlong into the watering hole.
"Namita!" Basdev called, concerned for his kid sister drowning or something. He darted in and quickly grabbed her, fishing her out, and half swimming then walking back to the shore.
He sighed, "I swear, it's like you think you're part tiger sometimes" he said, referring to the only cats to really take the water. Namita giggled, "Sorry Basdev" she apologized to her brother, "it's just been so long since we saw a really good watering hole!" she went on excitedly.
Her brother smiled and nodded, "Yes I know". The land they had come from had died what would be a while ago now, and the others hadn't looked very promising until they came to this jungle. "But one would think you'd drink from the water first" he shook his head again.
Namita giggled again, walking over to do just that, "Yeah, you'd think". Basdev sighed, "Seriously Namita, you have to be more careful; I can't afford to go losing you" he said.
His sister sighed, "I know you promised dad you'd watch me, but you don't have to be this good at it". Basdev smiled. "That wasn't a compliment" Namita informed him.
She walked a bit farther until she could see a structure of some sort in the distance, "What d'ya think that is?" she asked her brother. "No telling, but we should focus on laying low until we know more about...".
Namita was rushing off before he could finish his sentence. Basdev sighed, "never mind" he quickly followed after his sister.
