"They are the Black Moon Pride." Ni explained. Everyone had gathered around the rouge in the den. "That lion that attacked me was a simple border guard and he nearly killed me. They're strong. Really strong."
"I have heard of the Black Moon Pride." Tabasuma spoke up. "But they are nothing more than a fairly tale, meant to scare cubs. And if they really do exist, they died off a long time ago, the lands they are said to have inhabited are barren, nothing grows there. No one could survive there."
"They're no fairy tale." Ni shook his head. "They've taken refuge in their old lands and are looking to take land from other prides and expand their kingdom." Ni looked down. "I was our king's second son, so when I could take care of myself I was exiled, yet I was still able to return and visit. I went back to my pride and saw it had been taken over by the surviving members of the Black Moon Pride, my father and my eldest brother had been killed, my friends, mother and siblings are being held prisoner, I managed to sneak in and get some information. I tried to plead to our sister pride but the Black Moon Pride beat me to them, and one of the scouts spotted me and chased me all the way here." Ni's eyes suddenly widened. "Oh no."
"What is it?" Mufasa asked raising an eyebrow.
"I led them right here!" Ni cried in fear. "Oh I'm so stupid! I put all of you in danger because of my stupidity!"
"Calm down." Taka placed a paw on the young lion's shoulder. "I'm sure we're well enough prepared to take on this pride."
"No! You don't understand! They took out two prides! They're strong! Once they see these lands, they'll attack full force! Please tell me you have allies!" Ni began to get hysterical.
"Calm down!" Taka said again, this time with a little force. Ni nodded, taking a deep breath. "Now, if it makes you feel any better, we will consult with Malka's Pride." Ni nodded again.
"We will speak with them tomorrow when we take Malka back in the morning." Mufasa explained. "For now, rest, you're still injured and it is getting late." The large lion turned to Tabasamu. "Will you go and get Sarabi, Sarafina and the cubs. I'd rather you accompany them back, especially if that lion is still hanging around." Tabasamu nodded, exiting the den.
Not to far from pride rock, the younger lions and lionesses of the pride all sat and conversed with Sarabi and the pregnant Sarafina watching them.
"They grow up so fast." Sarabi said with pride as she watched her Simba.
"They do indeed." Sarafina smiled and she watched her girls. "It won't before this one's up and about on their own." The lioness motioned to her stomach. Sarabi smiled at her friend.
"Have you thought of names yet?" She asked.
"Not really, but we were thinking Chaka for a boy or Shani for a girl."
"Those are lovely names...Mufasa was the one who thought of Simba, but I've always thought Mheetu had a nice ring to it."
"Hmm, Mheetu." Sarafina thought for a second. "I like it."
"So do I." The lionesses turned to see Tabasamu walking towards them. "Hello my queens." He smiled politely as he took a seat next to them. The two lionesses greeted him with smiles. "The kings have sent me to escort you back."
"OK," Sarabi nodded. "And what of the young rouge?"
"His pride was attacked and he was chased into these lands by one of these attackers. He has pleaded with the kings to have an audience with King Ajabu. So tomorrow morning a few shall accompany Malka back to his kingdom." Tabasamu filled them. The two lionesses absorbed the information and nodded.
"I suppose we should head on." Sarafina yawned, standing slowly. Sarabi called over the cubs who yawned and stretched before trotting over to the adults, Nala and Nadra quickly went up to their mother and walked along side her while Simba and Moyo nuzzled their respective parent as they started their journey back to priderock.
"Be careful out there." Sarabi warned her mate as she nuzzled his red mane lovingly.
"Aren't I always?" Mufasa joked.
"Nope." Taka said simply earning him a playful growl from his brother. "I honestly don't know how you could've survived your cubhood without me."
"Hush." Sarafina nudged her mate. Sarabi pulled away from Mufasa and licked him on the cheek.
"Please be careful," she muttered.
"I will." Mufasa promised. Sarabi nodded stepping away. Taka stepped up nuzzling his brother. "Now you need to be careful."
"Please, I'm perfectly capable of running a kingdom without you for a day." Taka rolled his eyes but smiled.
"I know but you're still my little brother it's my job to worry." Mufasa muttered as Taka pulled away. The larger lion turned his head and leaned his cheek towards his brother. "Now give us a kiss." Taka laughed pushing his brother away a bit.
"You're incorrigible." He laughed as he stepped away. Simba stepped up to his father.
"Are you sure I can't come dad?" The young lion looked up at his father with hopeful eyes.
"No. I need you to stay here and help your uncle look after the kingdom." Mufasa said nuzzling his son. Simba huffed but nuzzled his dad back. After a goodbye from his nieces and his pride, he, Tabasamu, Msimu and Malka were off.
The three adults and the young male were almost to their destination. The sun was at it's highest point in the sky, signaling that it was almost midday.
"So are you going to warn King Ajabu?" Msimu asked the large lion beside her. Up ahead Tabasamu walked with Malka.
Yes, I promised the boy." Mufasa answered. "It's probably nothing to be worried about. Tabasamu said that the pride he speaks of died off a long time ago, that is if they even existed."
Msimu nodded, looking ahead as Malka and Tabasamu slowed down to join them.
"The Prince here was just telling me that you and King Ajabu knew each other as cubs." Tabasamu piped up. Mufasa chuckled.
"Heh yes we did. Your father was a lively cub. Always eager to run and explore, no matter how much his father tried to get him to stay still. He was always moving. Even now he can't sit still sometimes." Mufasa recounted his cubhood. He turned to Malka with a fond smile. "I see much of him in you young Prince." Malka smiled back.
"Thank you sir." Mufasa nodded as they came upon a hill.
"Ah here we are." The red maned male quickly began leading the way around the hill. "I bet your parents have missed you Malka. I must say it's been far too long since I've seen my old..." Mufasa's eyes widened as he gazed into the dark green eyes of a dark pelted lion who glared at them.
"...friend."
