Chapter 12: Talking of the past

A few more months had passed again now. Minu had become much bigger and his muscles had become bulkier. His golden tuft on his head was turning the lightest shade of brown and the red and white stripe on his shoulder was fading with everyday. He also had brown fur growing in under his arms where his mane would be. Kanami had grown too. She was still brown in colour with her white bits here and there, but her legs had lengthened and she had matured. They really weren't cubs anymore. Well, not proper cubs, but not really adolescents either. But nevertheless, they had both matured and didn't run and play about as much anymore. Heira watched them everyday and made sure no trouble came across them. She was going to teach them to hunt today. Kanami was excited but Minu wasn't so sure.

Kanami was an excellent hunter. She brought down her first kill on her first try. She clearly took after her mother when it came to hunting. Minu was also very good but not as good as Kanami. Just as he was about to bring down a zebra, he was reminded of his mother. She had always been very good at hunting. That's probably where Minu had got it from. He glanced back at the zebra and then sighed and sat down. Kanami trotted over to him. 'Hey, you alright?' she asked cocking her head. Minu wiped a paw over his head.

'Nothing, I'm just fine...' he lied. Seeing that Kanami wasn't convinced, he smiled and said: 'I'll talk to you later,' and walked off. Kanami stared after him and Heira walked up to her and sat down next to her.

'Kanami, he's probably just feeling a little homesick. He just needs more time to settle in properly.' She said. Kanami blinked and looked up at her mother. 'Come on dear, I think that's enough practice for today.'

'Ok mum,' Kanami replied as she and Heira returned to their den.

That night, Minu didn't sleep much. He finally opened his eyes and looked around. Their den was a huge hole that had been dug up by some big animal. There was also a small cave and a tree that bent over like an arch over them. Minu sat up and the walked out of the hole. He lay down so he was on his belly and gazed at the stars for a while. His ears tipped back a bit, and then they swayed back to normal. He tipped them back even further before turning his head to see Kanami standing looking at the ground and shuffling her front paw. 'Hey Kanami,' he smiled. Kanami smiled back and came to lie down next to him when he motioned to.

'I...just noticed you didn't get any sleep...you haven't been sleeping much, have you Minu?'

'No,' Minu sighed, 'no I haven't.'

'Do you wanna tell me why?' she asked, her paw twitching slightly. Minu sighed again.

'I had a great life in the Pride Lands. I had my mother, my father...my...friends...'

'Who were your friends?'

'Tirria and Sukina. They were sisters and my best friends.'

'Tell me about them,' Kanami said. Minu licked his paw before starting.

'Tirria was older then Sukina. She was more sensible but she was very fun. Sukina was younger and a bit more immature. She'd be about your age now...'

'What do you mean by "she'd by about your age now"? I don't under-' Kanami broke of and Minu saw the hurt in her dark brown eyes.

'Kanami? What's wrong?'

'Sukina is that other cub we found wasn't she?' she chocked. Minu sighed.

'Yes,' he whispered as he hung his head, 'yes she was,' Kanami shivered.

'What happened to you guys? You never told us,'

'We were attacked by Outlanders; it's a long story though...'

'Please tell me,' Kanami pleaded. Minu sighed and then took a deep breath. He then told Kanami about Zira and Scar, and Kovu and the Out Lands. He told her how Zira wanted Kovu to take over the Pride Lands and how he and Sukina had ventured of to the Out Lands to talk to Kovu and how Zira had found them and beaten him up and Sukina to death... 'Wow,' Kanami gasped as she gulped. 'I'm so sorry Minu...'

'I can only imagine how Tirria feels. I know deep down she didn't want us to go. We should have just stayed; I should have listened to my father! Why didn't I listen to my father?' he nearly yelled. Kanami pinned her ears.

'I...never knew my father...' she said quietly. Minu looked at her sadly.

'I'm sorry Kanami,' he said softly, 'what happened to him?'

'He was killed before I was born. Killed. By another lion. Because the other lion wanted my mum to be his mate. But mum didn't like him. She HATED him. And so he killed my father. He KILLED and innocent lion!' Kanami's eyes were swelling with tears. Minu nuzzled her cheek affectionately. Kanami took a deep breath.

'My father's father was killed by another lion. His own brother...his own brother killed him because he wanted to be king! Can you believe his jealousy?' Kanami frowned and looked at the ground. Then her head jerked up and she stared at Minu mysteriously.

'Minu,' she said, 'Minu, if your father's father was the king, and now your father is the king, then that must mean...your next in line for the throne!'

End of chapter 12

Ok, I'm sorry for the delay Sunrise, please don't hurt me, I've had homework and stuff, and anyway, I decided to let you decide what Minu's reaction should be about Kanami finding out ok? Ok, thanks peeps, reviews please, we need lots and lots of reviews! Ok, thanks, update soon Sunrise! Well c ya all!

:.C.a.b.: