Well this is my contribution to Vanven's day. I hope everyone is safe and not being eaten by zombies and killer moose. Canada is a deadly place now.

Year 0 day 90

Narrator

We now approach the monsoon season. The arid, dry landscape magically transform into a lush greenery marshland. Many animals will migrate to avoid the flooded area for higher altitude. It is in these pockets of land that show the diversity Africa has to offer. Eraqus and his pride has already begun the journey to the highlands.

Vanitas POV

"Are we there yet?" The runt said.

I was getting to my last drop of patience, "say that one more then and I'll feed you to the crocs!"

Ventus shrunk down in posture. My idle threats are harmless to him, but full agitated I would commit them. He knows me well. Our mom told us to stay close to her this time. We are heading to the wet hunting grounds and it gets very crowded. I already hate this trip.

At least, I will only be bothered by the runt. After the cobra attack, every cub in our pride feared the sight of me.

It's sweet to be the prince

We approached a low flowing river bank, deep enough for swimming but not enough to hide a hippo. There was the danger of crocodiles.

"Weeeeeee…." A speedy blur zoomed by me. The runt must of stumble on himself and slid ahead. He already forgotten the dangers already. I raced up to see some logs floating nearby.

NO, that log isn't moving right

I extended my claws for maximum speed and control. I had to hurry. Ventus had already slid far enough for an ambush. I was just 2 pounces away. The log suddenly submerged and Ventus was unaware.

"CHOMPP..."

I may have bitten too hard, but better me than the lizard. I lunged back onto land and climbed up a nearby tree. Crocs can't climb tree. Ventus was completely disoriented. I licked the bite marks, it was a bit deeper this time. Just when I thought I had to go kiss his butt, the damn cub opened his eyes. "B-big bro, you saved me again." He gave me a well deserve purring and rubbing.

Just like back when we first met

I continued licking him gently. My mom called us over when the croc left the riverside. Ventus was ok to move; still he rode on mom's back just in case. I watched over him while lion paddling through the river.

After a day of walking, we arrived to the hunting grounds. So much noise. There was several pride groups that we now gotta share food with. Lucky, there is plenty to eat. "Wow, I never saw this many lions. Can we play with them?" the runt was bursting with joy. I just couldn't share the same thrill even though this is my first time. I just want to get away from them all and hone up my skills.

"Go ahead, I'm off to train" I was hiding something from Ven. He always gets excited with other people. Why does he need others when he has me? I'm training here to protect him. I saved him multiple times now.

GRrrrrr

The more I kept thinking about Ven, the more irrational I become. I found some frog to pounce on. I hid my presence, kept my breath dead silent and readied my claws. Thrusting forward at my best speed, I knock out the frog. I don't eat frogs, so I left the fresh meat alone. I detected something by my nose. Unknown lion scent, could be a lone male lion. I went into a hidden state again. Another scent came on radar. It was Ventus. Getting a better view, I spotted Ven playing with a reddish mane cub. They were playing chase the cricket. I felt nothing, but seething contempt for this unknown cub.

Who does this cub think it is, playing with Ven?

I lay into the tall grass just behind them.

I think it's time to practice my throat kills.

I pounced once more, thinking I would land and execute this intruder. Instead, I got hit mid air by the runt. He'd improved on speed, greater than mine.

"uupfft….uh" I mumbled out.

"Vani, why were you trying to kill Lea? We just became friends." Ventus demanding voice was refreshing.

I chuckled back to him, "because I'm your big bro. If they aren't strong enough, I'll chase them away." Maybe that was wrong of me to say. I just want the runt to myself. Ventus wasn't amused. He got off me and turned away. "I'm going back home." He sniffled.

Later that night, I saw him getting a bath by mom. He wasn't his happy self. I went to talk to him after our bath was finish. It was eerily quiet for the runt. Ventus wouldn't look at me and just laid down with his tail facing my direction. I fastened myself on top to make sure he didn't leave. "Why are you giving me the silent treatment?" I nudged his cheekbone.

"You never let me make new friends. Everyone I play with, you chase them away. They are all scared that you will kill them." He huffed. Maybe I have overdone it. Screw that thinking, I did what I had to do.

"I'm just guarding you like a big brother should." I justified my actions.

He began weeping. "Sniff… wahh…" I really messed up. Ventus can be a pushover, but not a crybaby. When he cries, it is something that unbearable.

I rubbed his neck with my cheek, "do you want me to leave you alone with your friends?"

He purrs back. "No…", the speedy runt answered back. "I want you with me, always big bro. Just don't kill them, please…" He rolled over with his stomach facing me, begging and filling me with a dirty thought.

I gave a reluctant sigh, "agreed. If they pissed me or you off, I will beat them down. No one hurts my beta male." I took the time to lick his belly slowly.

"Hehe…stop it Vani… you know I'm helpless against your licks." He laughs so hard now. I prefer him this way. I wish he was younger, so easy to please him back then.