Muhimu could hardly believe the situation she had put herself in. It was a long and hard thought decision to have another baby after Hamu was old enough to be a responsible big brother to a foal. That ended up being the deciding factor. So almost exactly a year ago to this very day, Muhimu brought her herd to another’s grazing spot for some much needed mingling. There she met a male, their leader. He was nothing like other male zebras she’d met like Thurston. He was confident, funny, brave, bold, and looked at her like she was the most beautiful zebra he’d ever laid eyes on. She could hardly remember his name, but she’s certain that it started with an “M” like her own name. They felt the love that night for sure, but sadly, her new mate sort of disappeared within the next few days, along with several other animals. While she missed him, she was relieved to know that while me might be gone, his offspring began to grow inside. That’s where the trouble came.

Twins. The zebra had put not one but two big foals inside of her, and that realization came only just days ago after being undeniable about it for the past two months, when she and others noticed that she was growing out bigger than most pregnant zebras. Nearly at her due date, the blue eyed and fair herd leader slowly sauntered under the shade of a tree. Her belly swayed as much as any pregnant or even full animal that lived in the Pridelands. After she stopped, she huffed and glanced back towards her immense belly as she felt them moving within. When they moved, they did not move as one, and that is that made Muhimu realize that, along with her much larger size from when she was about to have Hamu, that she was in fact going to have two. She would love them unconditionally of course, but she wouldn’t deny the effect that they were having on her body. She would wince at a sharp kick that bumped against her stretched out stomach and glance back.

“Ooof…I know you’re eager to come out, but I’m not the one who decides when it’s time…this fat and useless body of mine will be…”

The zebra narrowed her eyes as she made that last remark. She was still not over the fact that she just had to double over into labor with Hamu the second when they’d be most vulnerable to the Outland’s predators. Her body had really betrayed her in that moment, and would have gotten her killed if not for Kion and his friends being there to help her, especially Bunga. Muhimu wished she could see that dingy little honey badger again. He might be obnoxious, but she did owe him quite a big deal of gratitude. She liked Vitani and her lionesses to a degree, but she would always miss Kion and the antics of his friends. These thoughts settled her hormonal temper and she found it in herself to smile resting a tender hoof against the surface of her belly as she felt the twins stirring again.

“Hmm…perhaps I should name one of you after Bunga…oof, I get the message you two. Less talking, more eating.”

Her hoof came down, and with a huff and puff, Muhimu waddled out briskly from under the tree, beginning her evening feast upon the grasslands that she ruled over under the great king’s watchful eye. She was eating not even for two now, but for three. As she chomped, gobbled up and swallowed mouthfuls of luscious and dampened greenery, a song in her heart that threatened to come out as a musical number and two little foals in her belly, Muhimu felt content, and in moments like these, came to love the extra weight, the cravings, and even the sharp kicks. They made her feel as alive as the life she carried within. She didn’t know when the time would come, but she knew now to make the most of it. She knew deep inside that she didn’t have long…
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Julias-Rocks stuns again with this exquisite artwork of our favorite zebra (Thurston does not count) as she’s expecting her twins. I had a lot of fun writing the story for this one, so I hope you enjoy it too!