It was forever his job to keep and eye on things for Hakuna and to find things that might interest her. And over the seasons they’d been together, he’d done just that. He’d found MANY things of interest, had provided communication between Nyota’angavu and Moricorm during Moricorm’s brief stay outside the pride, and then provided Moricorm with one of his own chicks, so that such a viciously wonderful demon would have a pair of eyes in the sky.
Now he was looking to continue his own bloodline. However he could. Of course, that meant either playing the nice guy and ensnaring a good-looking lady-bird for his magpie self, or going with some one-night stands. As nice as that first would be, luring some girl in until she couldn’t get away, Matata was a realist. The latter option was the more viable one. He knew how to watch over eggs. Ithil was proof of that. She turned out fine (if a bit zealous). Hakuna had given him permission to fly however far he needed to do his duties, so long as he RETURNED. He sighed as he flapped his wings and-OHLOOKATTHATSHINY!
His eyes had caught the glint of gems in the moonlight, and knew what he needed to do. He divebombed the wearer, a silver and blue colored wild dog. The canine yelped as Matata’s first attempt missed the necklace around her neck and his claws raked her upped back instead. Growling she snapped at him as he flew up, her hackles raising. Matata went up and pumped his wings to get out of her jumping distance, just as her jaws snapped at where his tail feathers had been.
“Hand over the shiny, lady, and I won’t peck your eyes out!” The wild dog barked.
“No way! Pich not hand over anything! All gift from Pich’s sister!” Her tail stood straight out, the fur on it raised slightly as well. Matata snorted. Ah. The sentimental sort. He’d solve that right quick! He dove at her again, wanting that necklace. She yelped and dodged, and he chased after. It. Would. Be. HIS SHINY! As they went, he was growing more and more agitated. She was quick, and stubborn no matter how he dived or managed to peck or claw, she remained steady and wouldn’t hand it over! And he couldn’t get his beak or claws on it! He flew back up, deciding he needed a break. Matata perched in a nearby bush, watching the dog as she panted, trying to catch her breath and cool off. Hmmmm…He would need to follow her. Yes. He would follow her, and take it once she was asleep or off guard. The magpie resisted the urge to twitter in satisfaction, lest he give his position away.
When the wild dog started off again, Matata waited a few moments before following, always making sure to stay out of her vision. He wanted that necklace SO BAD. So very badly. He followed her the whole night, watching as she met with this creature and that, and sniffed out various things. Sometimes, she uncovered things he recognized as the raw materials for shinies. And as tempting as those were, they weren’t SHINY yet, and they weren’t the necklace. And he wanted that necklace. Eventually, she stopped under a large tree, yawning.
“Pich meet up with Ele in the afternoon. Too tired right now…” As she settled, Matata flew into the branches of the tree, exhausted himself. Mmm…perhaps some sleep would do him good. Yes. He needed some sleep, if he was going to have the strength to carry the necklace home. The bird yawned and fluffed his feathers, settling down for the night.
When he woke, the wild dog was gone. He squawked and gnashed his beak a bit, before taking to the sky again, hoping she hadn’t gone too far. He got lucky, because she hadn’t. He chittered gleefully and dived at her again, knowing she wasn’t expecting him. This time, he grabbed the necklace. It was loose enough that he pulled it right over her head, and flew as high as he could as fast as his wings could carry him. The wild dog yelped and jumped up, trying to catch him and failing. As Matata flew off, cackling like a mad-bird, the wild dog sat there, looking heartbroken.
She sniffled a bit, then stood and shook herself, starting back towards Eletumaini again. She was not going to enjoy telling Lela she’d lost the necklace gifted to her. Pich sighed. Maybe she needed to wear fewer of her shinies. Perhaps she could see if Lela could make her a bag to store them in, since she was always on the move. Yes! That could work! She grinned. A nice sturdy bag! And then she could change her shinies when she felt like it! And protect her most important ones more easily! The silver and blue wild dog picked up her pace, determined to get back to Ele faster now. The sooner she was with him again, the sooner they could visit Lela!
Matata settled in a new tree once he was certain he was far enough from the wild dog, feeling oh so very proud of himself. Mmm…a new shiny for his collection. It was a very well-crafted shiny, he decided. Whoever had made it knew what they were doing. And had quite the creative streak. He may have been a vicious magpie, but he had an appreciation for creativity in the shinies he stole. He twittered and took to wing again, having rested for a bit. He needed to get this home. And he needed to check in with Hakuna. He was due for a report soon. And perhaps he could dangle his new shiny in front of his daughter. Ithil was sure to show jealousy this time!
Life, Matata decided, was very good for him. And if he managed to outlive Hakuna…well, that would be even better. Long live the most cunning demon. Strength had nothing to do with it.
