CHAPTER 1

On that day, everything was calm, peaceful. The magnificent sun was rising, basking the grassy hills in its orange light. The gazelles began to stir, and birds began their morning songs.

On one of the larger hills, three lions sat side by side, watching the sunrise. The one in the center was large and majestic. His muscular body was covered in yellow fur, and his mane was deep brown and streaked with grey. Yes, this lion's age was beginning to show, but he was still the headstrong leader of his pride. His brown eyes surveyed his territory as the day began.

Beside him were his two sons, whom he loved very much. The elder had just entered adulthood, standing only a few inches shorter than his father. His full mane was a few shades lighter, and his coat was shining youthfully. His eyes, brown like his father's were closed in content as the breeze rustled his mane.

The younger brother, however, had just grown out of cub-hood and into adolescence. He was only a fraction of the size of his brother, and tufts of brown mane were beginning to appear around his yellow head and neck. His eyes were green, like his mother's. The young lion was still pretty groggy, and was leaning against his father's side as he fought to stay awake.

As the sun rose higher, the father, turned to his older son and smiled warmly. "Mwana," he spoke in his deep voice, "One day, you will be the one watching over our territory as King of our pride."

Mwana opened his eyes and glanced at his dad, smiling. "Father, you've already told me this a hundred times!"

The old lion chuckled when his youngest spoke.

"Dad," the cub yawned, "How much longer do we have to stay out here?" Even as he spoke, the young lion was still half-asleep.

The father only smiled and nuzzled his son softly. "Really, Kidogo, try to appreciate moments like these. I won't be around forever, and it's good to spend time together."

Kidogo sat up, trying to shake the sleepiness away as his older brother laughed softly. Their father only turned back to the sun and spoke again.

"Perhaps a story will wake you up, hmm? Off to the west, through the.."

"Father!" Mwana interrupted, annoyed, "You've already told us this story many times."

"Hey!" Kidogo cried, "This is my favorite story!"

The elder rolled his eyes and gave in. He hated to upset his little brother, for they were very close. "Fine. Please continue, father."

The King of the pride smiled and spoke again. "Very well. Off to the west, through the vast jungle, and past the dry desert, lies a paradise known as the Pridelands. In this land, the sky is blue, the grass is green, and there is always enough food and water for everyone. The Pridelands are ruled by a powerful and majestic pride of lions. They live in the great Pride Rock in the center of the kingdom. It is a rock so high it's said one can reach heaven by climbing to the top.

"The pride of lions had one King, a powerful, but just, ruler. He also had a lioness Queen to rule by his side. Together, they had a cub, a son who would grow up to be a great King himself. However, things did not go as planned, for there was one lion whose heart was filled with darkness. This lion was sinister and cunning, and he wanted to be the next king. He was the King's brother, and was very jealous when the son was born. The evil lion proceeded to kill the mighty King, and banished the cub and rightful heir from the Pridelands.

"Under the new King's rule, the Pridelands became an evil place. All of the food and water was gone, and all of the plants died. Everyone suffered. The evil King clung to his power desperately and forced the other animals to do as he said for even the slightest bit of nourishment. Things were not well at all.

"Meanwhile, the rightful heir to the throne had grown up to become a strong adult lion. However, he was still exiled and had lost all hope of regaining his kingdom. Then, the spirit of his deceased father appeared before him. He told his son that he had to defeat his hateful uncle and take his place as King of the Pridelands. The son obeyed, and made his way back to his old home for a final showdown against his uncle.

"When he returned to Pride Rock, the young Prince was shocked and angered to see the state it was in. He engaged his uncle in combat and the lionesses watched in awe as they fought to the death. In the end, the Prince won, and took his rightful place as King of the Pridelands.

"Under the King's rule, the land was resurrected and began to flourish again. The grass was green and the trees grew tall. The animals who had fled returned to their home. All was as it should be, and peace returned to the great Pridelands."

As the old lion finished his tale, he looked at both of his sons. Kidogo was now fully awake, smiling up at his father with his green eyes glowing in content. He had clearly enjoyed the story, and never got bored of it. Even Mwana seemed interested as he looked up at the pink morning sky thoughtfully.

"Father," Mwana asked quietly, "Do you think such a paradise exists? Like the Pridelands? Where did you hear the story?"

Kidogo began jumping around excitedly. "Yeah, Dad! You must've heard it from someone."

The old lion laughed and looked at his two sons. They were both staring at him expectantly, begging for an answer.

Their father tilted his head towards the sky and closed his eyes as the wind rustled his mane.

"A little bird flew on my shoulder and told me."

Mwana and Kidogo hung thier heads in defeat. "You can't be serious," they muttered at the same time. This made their aging father laugh heartily again.

"I thought I'd find you boys up here. What's so funny?"

The three lions turned as they saw a lioness approach them. She was the dominant female of the pride. She had the same bright yellow coat of her pride, and shining green eyes. The lioness was strong and had a stocky build, making her a formidable huntress.

Mwana immediately went up to nuzzle her. "Good morning, Mom," he said softly.

"Oh, Mwana," his mother sighed, "You get bigger and more handsome every day."

The adult lion pulled back and blushed behind his yellow fur. "Mom..." he trailed off, embarrassed. Kidogo, looking jealous, bounded forward to speak to his mother.

"Hey Mom! I'm growing, too, right?" he called out to her anxiously. The lioness chuckled and nuzzled her youngest son.

"Of course you are, sweetie," she replied. She looked up and smiled at her mate as he went up to nuzzle her lovingly.

"Good morning, Makini," he purred.

Makini smiled and leaned into to him. "Good morning, Huduma."

Meanwhile, Kidogo and Mwana sat off to the side. The younger clearly was uncomfortable seeing his parents so affectionate and he made fake gagging noises behind his paw. Mwana stifled laughter. His brother could be so immature sometimes.

Huduma and Makini pulled away from each other and turned to their sons.

"I hope you two enjoyed the sunrise," Huduma said to them. The two young lions nodded their heads in unison and smiled.

"Well," said Makini, "I just finished preparing the lionesses for the morning hunt. Do you boys want to help us get breakfast?"

At this, Kidogo realized how famished he was and his stomach roared with hunger. The lions burst out laughing as the adolescent cub ducked his head in embarrassment. Makini turned and led the way back towards the other lionesses, with Huduma, Mwana, and Kidogo following.

The bright sun had risen over the Savannah by then. The day had just begun.