Chapter 3: Loss and Love

Today was a sad day for the clan. Today, they were burying the matriarch and alpha male's cubs . All the Hyenas were sad. Shenzi's first pair were stillborn. She tried to get them out, but they had died because they got stuck. Shenzi cried as she nuzzled her unfortunate cubs. Sometimes the first born don't survive the process because of how unique that aspect of nature is for female Hyenas. Still it brought no comfort to Shenzi as she watched her children be laid to rest. Shenzi howled in mourning. At Pride Rock, Simba and Nala were given the morning report.

"How are the Hyenas doing in their home?" Simba asked Zazu.

"They are enjoying themselves your majesty. However, today they all seemed sad. It appeared that Shenzi's cubs did not survive their birth." Zazu replied.

"Oh dear. I can't believe I'm saying this but poor Shenzi. She must be heartbroken." Nala said.

"Zazu, return to the Hyenas. Tell Shenzi Nala and I wish to pay our respects." Samba then said.

"Oh Simba you are a just, and noble king. I shall do as you ask." Zazu responded.


He then flew off to deliver the message. Zazu saw Shenzi was sitting by where her cubs had been buried. He cleared his throat.

"Greetings matriarch. I have a message from his majesty King Simba. The king and queen of the Pride Lands wish to come over to pay their respects to your lost cubs and to personally extend their sympathies." He said.

"Yes. Tell them they can come." Shenzi said dully.

Zazu frowned and flew off. He was not used to seeing this side of any Hyena, let alone Shenzi. It was not long before the King and Queen arrived. The other Hyenas all were on their guard, but did not growl or seemed to care. Shenzi clearly had given them a heads-up about who was visiting. They saw the matriarch still sitting by where her cubs now rested. The royal couple approached her.

"Shenzi, as King I want to personally tell you how sorry I am for your loss." Samba said.

Shenzi nodded and thanked him. Nala sat next to Shenzi.

"Don't worry Shenzi. You and Banzai will get through this. Simba and I did." Nala assured her.

"You lost your cubs too?" She asked.

Nala nodded.


"Our cubs didn't last very long after their birth. They would have been twins. Two princesses too perfect for this land." Nala explained, her ears dropping.

"My cubs were a boy and a girl. Also twins. An alpha male and matriarch also too perfect for this land." Shenzi replied.

The two females then did something that no one would have believed had there been no one to witness it. The two queens hugged each other. Whether out of sympathy or the fact that they were just both grieving mothers who both knew that pain. Whatever the reason, it was a sight to behold. They then pulled away. A few months passed, and Shenzi was ready to mate again. Banzai chased Shenzi through the open plains. Finally, he caught up with her and lead her away to some place secluded from any eyes.

Four months passed. Banzai paced around the outside of their cave. Shenzi was surrounded by several other females. He then heard a shrill howling coming from the cave. He rushed in to see who was making that noise. What he saw made his heart sing. Shenzi was licking and doting over a cub. Their cub.

"I knew you could do it Shenzi." Banzai said.

Banzai nuzzled her and licked her cheek. Shenzi smiled and nuzzled her new born.

"It's a girl in case you are wondering." Shenzi said.

"Yay! I have a girl! Look everyone! I have a girl! I made that! I gave this clan their future queen!" Banzai said happily.


For miles, everyone could hear the joyful sounds coming from the Hyena's pup slowly got to her feet and stumbled towards her father. Banzai chuckled and let his baby climb on to his back. His daughter began to giggle as she sat on the top of his head.

"Well, well, well, she seems to be very bold like you Banzai. My mother told me that when I was born I was scared by nearly everything." Shenzi said with a grin.

"Yeah. As my old man used to say. That cub is jasiri." Banzai replied.

Ed giggled hysterically while pointing at his niece.

"Hey Banzai, I think likes the name Jasiri for our daughter." Shenzi then said.

"Then that's what we'll name her. Jasiri. Our princess Jasiri." Banzai said, as he nuzzled her.

Jasiri squealed as her mother gently picked her up. She presented the new born princess to the clan. All of them bowed before their princess.


Notes: Karama means generosity and Jasiri means bold, courageous in Swahili. I hope you have enjoyed this chapter. Reviews are Love!