It was a beautiful day on the african savannah as the sun rose brightly across the clear sapphire sky, morning dew glistened beautifully on all blades of lush green grass and leaves of the many and multiple plant life that co-existed among the large variety of animals that lived here.
An older brown lion lay at the protruding edge of the large rock monolith known simply as Pride Rock, enjoying the sights and fresh scents. In the den behind him, he heard quiet shuffling – the King and Queen would soon join him for the day. And for once, the cubs slept peacefully – usually they were the ones up earliest. The brown lion, Mohatu's brownish-red eyes scanned the surrounding landscapes for any potential issues that may arise as he thought back to his brother, Kuua. Though he was named after Great Flower, his personality at best was rough – he didn't blame him though, for his coloration was partly the result of it. Mohatu did what he could for his younger brother to help him through variety of bullies and other things. Soon Kuua got the Roar of the Elders by saving some young cubs from a deadly situation, even though most were not lions or were only part lion. That mattered not for Kuua, for those saved soon became a part of the snow white lion's Guard.
And for some time since, everything had been happy and fine between everyone. But something happened to Kuua, and Mohatu found himself unable to recall just what had happened to them; yet he still tried to remember in the hopes that maybe he could bring him back.
A beautiful light-medium orangey-brown lioness with her stunning green eyes, lighter undercolor and belly and toes walked up with her mate, a golden chimera lion – his main fur was a nice golden though his undercolor and muzzle were more of a creamy color, his eyes were heterochromia – One was green, the other red. His mane, elbow and tail tufts were dual-toned, a darkish reddish-brownish and golden. His expression was sweet and kind, despite his large and somewhat intimidating size.
"Ah, my daughter" Mohatu had since stood up and nuzzled the lioness, smiling at the couple after.
The golden male smiled back, "Things are looking up – neighboring Prides plan to send cubs to visit later on and speak of potential treaties..."
"Indeed, Ahadi. And I've not seen speck of trouble from my lookout point here, just the usual peace and prosperity."
Uru chuckled happily, "I guess your brother's doing a good job then, I know how busy the Guard can get and all but I'm always hopeful he shows up for these special occasions but oh well if he doesn't."
"Flower, you know my brother, always letting the guard duties get in his way, but I believe he's going to show up, especially after Mufasa and Takasa kept begging him to. I think Kuua's going to train your new cub when it's born as leader of the lion guard soon, for Mufasa and Takasa's going to lead the kingdom. But how is it by the way?"
Uru snorted at being called "Flower", like she was an baby but she smiled at her father. "I just can't wait for this cub. Me and Ahadi pray it's an girl. We've twin boys who will rule and we want the little one to be different from their brothers."
Mohatu smiled at Ahadi who is beside Uru. "How much does she hit you?"
"She hits me so much, I can't even describe it," Ahadi said with an small smile. Ever since he joined the pride lands when he was an cub, Mohatu raise him like an father and it allowed for him and Uru to grow closer. Of course, it was playful hitting.
Mohatu place an paw on his shoulder, "That pregnant lioness for you, believe me, her mother use to hit me when she was pregnant."
"Speaking of pregnancy, how's the cub coming through?" Uru asked her father, excited to have an little sibling.
Mohatu turn from his son-in-law to his daughter. "Good, in an few weeks, she would give birth and I can start feeling young again. Because I'm only 5 years old yet I'm already with grandcubs so it would be good to have another little one."
Just then, two cubs came out of the cave, play wrestling before one pinned the other. "I got you again Takasa, give up, you'll never beat me. My mom taught me how to pounce for my first hunt when I turn one."
"Very funny, Sarabi," Takasa said as he try to wiggle out of the younger cub grasp. "I'm going to be king when I'm older and I demand you to let me up."
Uru, Mohatu, Ahadi all smile softly at the cubs. Uru and Ahadi been thinking about betrothing Sarabi to Takasa for some time now but hadn't got the time to do it. Perhaps after Takasa and Mufasa get back from there little adventure with the other cubs, they would do so. However, Uru and Ahadi couldn't allow their sons to get dirty. "Now Takasa," Uru scolded gently. "You mustn't get dirty, so go get your brother and Zira, then Sarafina, you must get ready to meet the other cub, these are natural and will happen when you and Mufasa rule. Now go."
"Yes mommy." With that the cubs are off to get the other, Mohatu turn back to the kingdom, Ahadi and Uru joining him.
They spend a little while there until they saw an majordomo approching them. "Sire -er; Sires?!" Zuzu screamed. ""It's time! They are here!" Mohatu simply nodded before motioning his daughter and son-in law to follow him inside the cave to get the cubs.
Meanwhile, out on the african plains Kuua had noticed the small crew long before Zuzu had, however Guard Duties such as sinkholes, mud, rockslides and flood amongst some other nuisances kept them busy. Kuua sensed something off about one of them, and one of the cubs but he was sure he and his guard could handle it if need be.
Kuua, after slapping aside an enemy Pride Lion who tried to challenge for the lands with his cohorts he used his Roar of The Elders to send them flying back home. His icy sky blue eyes landed on the shy cub, to which he smiled slightly at as he looked back in the direction of Pride Rock – he knew also how much his nephews were begging to see and meet him. Shaking his head, his luxurious large white mane blew in the wind. Turning to his keenest, a white leopard, "Spot anymore trouble, Cheki?" Meanwhile he climbed a tree to check, he looked to the rest of his guard. "Think y'all can handle things from here? You all know how badly my nephews wanna meet me" He chuckled slightly at that.
The rest of his guard continued, nodding. "We'll send the fastest, Mbio, if there is cause for alarm" Said a fairly large white big cat, though very faint stripes could be seen on him. The tiger's eyes were also blue. Mbio was their white Puma, and indeed did prove to be the fastest and still be able to hold his own in a fight if it came down to it.
"Thanks, Nishati." Kuua replied with a respectful bow, before running off to Pride Rock. Hopefully, nothing would slow him. Nishati was his strongest whereas Mbio was fastest and Cheki was keenest of sight. That left his bravest, and youngest member – a tiliger, a hybrid; and not one very common either. Ushujaa. Kuua himself was the Fiercest, and the leader.
Kuua knew more visitors would be coming later, yet still soon enough. After quickly stopping by a waterhole to check his appearance and quick grooming, he soon found himself walking up the rock step path leading up to Pride Rock and upon seeing his brother embraced him. "Hey bro, kids huh?" He teased as cubs excitedly ran out of the den to meet Kuua.
"Uncle Kuua!" Takasa and Mufasa ran out and jumped on him, pinning him. "We've thought you wouldn't have made it." Takasa says as he embrace his uncle.
"What and miss the special day?" Kuua asked, playfully seeming to be insulted from the remark.
Suddenly, all of the lionesses gather up, "It's starting." Mohatu stated. Just then, the sun of the sky were replaced by beautiful colors, Takasa and Mufasa seem to think this was cool while Mohatu, Uru, Ahadi, and Kuua wasn't fazed by this since they all faced this once.
Suddenly, lions and lionesses all gather up around something, as the royal family slowly descended to them. "Greetings Mohatu. It's an pleasure to see you again," Bwana said. "But where are my manners? Let me introduce you to my family; my mate, Kupenda, my son Ni, my brother, Uwevu, my sister, Nuzri."
"Hi, how are you all doing?" Kupenda asked smiling at them. Although they just met, Uru had an feeling she would like this lioness.
"My son, who will live with you in the pride lands, for he has a better life here." Bwana explained. "His older sister will be the Queen and we wanted Ni to have someone in his life. And we think it best in the pride lands since there more cubs here."
"Um... hi..." Ni shutters. Then he turn his gazed to all of the cubs who was smiling, glad to have an new friend. He look at certain creamy cub and found himself not able to take his eyes off of her.
"My brother, Uwevu, and his son, Runju." Bwana wave his paws on them. Most of the pride landers got chills just from seeing them. They had red eyes, brown manes, black fur.
Runju look at the cubs as well who simply glare at him, they can tell he was a bully and each had an feeling they would have to defend Ni from him. Just as he look at the cubs, one caught his eyes, the same creamy one Ni's has been staring at. "And here is my sister, Nuzri."
"How do all of you do?" Nuzri asked bowing to each of them.
Bwana scanned each of the royals with his eyes before staring at Uru. "Uru, is that you? My, have you grown. I remembered you being that trouble-maker cub that me and daddy had to get out of an struggle."
Uru blushed deeply before deciding to change the subject. "Here is my cubs, Takasa, Mufasa." Uru said nudging her cubs forward.
"Ah yes," Bwana said nodding his head toward the two. "They both are so cute and will no doubt be perfect rulers when they're older."
"Takasa, Mufasa," Ahadi says sternly. "Say thank you to Bwana."
"Thank you." Both of the cubs said together, knowing the manners each of their parents taught them.
"Well, now that's settle and we all got to know each other," Bwana said with an slight smile. "We better start heading home."
"Please, Uru, Ahadi," Kupenda pleaded. "Take care of my baby, it's hard to let him go but he's still got a life ahead of him. Runju's too." Kupenda said the last part roughly.
"Yes, we promise." Uru said gently.
"Bye mom and dad, I'll miss you." Ni said nuzzling his parents leg.
"Remember son," Uwevu whispered to his son with an evil smile. "I'll always be at the elephant graveyard and let me in on your plans. The pride lands will be mine soon enough." Raising his voice so everyone can hear him, "Be an good boy son and don't start battles."
"Yes dad, I miss you." Runju said faking tears to his eyes.
"Now sis' I said goodbye," Ni said, his parents nodded and simply walk off. "I'll miss you."
"Parents child," Runju spat rolling his red eyes. "Shut up, now they can't protect you."
"No but we can," Ahadi declared. "I think little time in the cave would teach you some respect young man."
Runju attempt to run away but Ahadi grabbed him by the scruff and this caused the cub's rage to increase. "Hey let go of me! You ain't my father!"
"No, but you're in my lands," Ahadi said, his voice muffled. "And will show some respect."
"After you put him in the cave," Uru says nudging her mate. "We need to have an talk with our sons for you know what." Ahadi nodded, knowing that it was time for Takasa's and Mufasa's Queens to be reveal.
Ahadi sat next to his 7 month old sons, they were going to finally be told who they will betrothed to. Though Takasa and Mufasa didn't know what it was about so they just sat there, staring up at him. "You both are going to be King when your older and with an new silbing on the way, we had to tell you who you will betrothed to."
"Betrothed," Takasa and Mufasa asked giving each other confuse looks, for they didn't know what it meant.
"It means married darlings," Uru said with an smile.
Takasa and Mufasa face were replace by disgust when realization dawn in. "No way! Mom!" Takasa shouted with an gag look.
"We ain't marrying anybody." Mufasa declared.
"That's what your parents said when they both were younger." Mohatu chuckled coming onto the scene with an warm smile at the cubs. "But look how that turned out."
Takasa and Mufasa still look at each other, still not convinced but before they can remark about it, Ahadi interrupted them from doing so. "After much consideration, we've decided that Takasa you'll be married to Sarabi and Mufasa you'll be married to Zira." Suddenly rain starter to fall on them and Ahadi figure it would be best to go inside so they won't get sick. "Come on, let's get inside."
A month pass and Uru belly were expanding, a sign of Takasa and Mufasa's handsome brother or beautiful sister were growing inside of their beautiful mother. Ever since joining the pride, Ni has grown more adapted to the pride and even loved playing there. Takasa and Mufasa made sure he came with them whenever they went to play with the other cubs. Ni was sure he had an crush on Sarafina and he was certain she had one on him too. Unfortunately for the light brown cub, Runju been trying to impress Sarafina for some time and even assault Ni every chance he gets. However Takasa and Mufasa stands up for the younger cub and warn Runju to stay away from him. Though they couldn't always play with their friends because of their father's training them to be king.
Uru and Ahadi sighed, laying in the cave as another rainy day passes. "You know Ahadi," Uru turned her head to her mate and smiled. "In another month, our new cub would be joining us. Oh, we are going to have another baby, another little one."
"Yeah, Kuua been wanting to train our little one when they're born. Why don't you ask Rafiki if it's an girl or boy?" Ahadi asked nuzzling his mate's cheek. "You're in that state now."
"Nah, I don't want to ruin our surprise when it comes. But I can imagine with Takasa and Mufasa and this cub is going to give us an handful." Uru chuckled. Then turn to the two cubs who were laying between their mother's paw, sleeping soundly. They were sure great destiny were in store for them, not knowing far away an lion stood.
"Think it's a time of peace, do they? Well I, Uwevu, will rule the pride lands but I'll need to corrupt Kuua to my side but that will likely take some time."
A few days later, Kuua sat upon Pride Rock's edge to meet the newcomers who were to stay with them for awhile. Mohatu had taken up keeping a close eye on the cub called Runja, never letting him get far away. The rest of the Guard was doing well even without their leader amongst them. Ahadi was training both of his sons, and the lionesses were enjoying a much needed break amongst themselves. That left Kuua to cubsit the rest of the cubs, now that he didn't mind too much for he thought there could be more betrothal later.
"Hey, ease up there Ni" Kuua saw the play getting rough but smiled after.
"Sorry." Said cub apologized to both.
"It's alright" Kuua replied, as some new cubs came into view. Kuua stood up and walked over to greet them,
"Thank you for watching are little ones, while there is a Pride War going on." One of the lionesses said.
"Indeed." Added a tiger.
Kuua couldn't help but grin happily, "It's no trouble, really."
"Be good Bubu" A not fully white lioness said to the brownish cub that sat beside a pure white cub.
"Mom! I told you, I don't like my name!" The cub shook his head, "Anyways, this is my bro Panja"
Panja ran up to Kuua, "Whoa; didn't know there was another white lion near us!" At least this cub was happy.
Kuua looked over now, a relatively normal brown cub somewhat reminiscent of Mohatu but lacking the toe coloring stood proudly beside a darker brown cub which had the similar feature of uncolored toes are the first brothers. To the left of him, Kuua saw two more lion cubs. One was orangey, and the other more akin to a lioness's color. Kuua happened to notice that the one called Bubu had a unique feature which was that of a dark underside color. While he found that cub interesting enough, he looked to the one beside the near-Mohatu alike.
Said cub obviously wasn't too happy. Said cub also growled at his brother, whom just gave a sad look to Kuua. "That's Kingo"
Giving a nod, Kuua lastly looked to the tiger cubs. While there was some differences, the two were roughhousing but being careful enough in their play. After everyone had their last moments with their parents, they followed Kuua – some a bit more reluctantly than others, but in the end still did.
After making sure the cubs were settled from their long journeys, having a bed and everything Kuua returned back outside. He knew more would be joining them shortly, but for now Uru and some other lionesses were quite happy to look after the current guests so Kuua could go do whatever his duties needed.
Kuua patroled his own route for awhile, happening upon the so called Elephant Graveyard. A low rumble, upon scenting Runja's father Uwevo here. Pouncing down, he pinned the unsuspecting male. "What's this about corrupting me?" Kuua had to chuckle though, for Uwevo didn't know Kuua's secret – yet.