Chapter 5

Disclaimer: I do not own the Lion King or any of its characters.

I do not own the following characters but have prior permission from the author, Nala-Nay to use them:

Hasani

Hiassen

The characters I do own are as follows (For now):

Kali(Fierce)

Usafi(Purity)

Kusudi (Purpose)

Ufisa (Variation of Ufisadi which means Mischief)

Chaka (Thicket)

Kumsa (variation of kumsaliti which means betray)

ENJOY!

A/N: I would suggest reading the Heart of a Lioness series by T5Tango. Adds some background information for later characters.

Father now Brother!

The following seven days were the beginning of something that could change the nature of the Pride. A week earlier, Kali and Mufasa had agreed on a challenge. Kali and Usafi were to keep the two cubs out of mischief for one week to the two orphaned cheetah cubs: Kusudi and Ufisa. If they succeeded then the two cubs would become permanent members of the pride. If they failed, then the two cubs would be forced to leave Pride Rock and live with a cheetah family. Mufasa would let Kali's be in the choosing process. After the decision was made, both father and son left to announce it: Mufasa to the Pride and Kali to Usafi. The Pride was outraged at Mufasa's announcement but nonetheless conceded to it as long as they stay in a small den only a few strides away from Pride Rock, This compromise was eventually agreed upon, as would be enforced the following day. Among the lionesses most of them most likely believed the two cubs would not succeed and the cheetahs would be gone long before the week was up. The few who supported were Sarafina, Sarabi, and of course Simba and Nala themselves. They were all shocked that these two would make such a rash decision, but still supported them after hearing the story of how they found Ufisa and Kusudi. The next day would mark the start of the challenge, so that night Kali and Usafi slept with their parents and siblings very closely because they knew that they would sleep with their new 'cubs' instead. The cheetahs were allowed to sleep next to Mufasa that night, just in case any lioness who would try to harm them.

The two cubs were very different from their 'parents', or at-least parent figures in the minds of Kali and Usafi, in more ways than just species. Kusudi was mostly a quiet cub was who never really comfortable around anyone other than his sister. He had a normal cheetah appearance and blazing red eyes similar to Mufasa's. Ufisa was definitely her namesake. The first six days of their challenge, she would always ask during the"exploration trips", which usually was just playing pretend on the backside of Pride Rock, if they could do something dangerous, or try and scare Zira. She was a thrill seeker, and on a few occasions got her way. Kali finally understood why his parents would be upset when he or Simba disobeyed them. He ironically found himself yelling at the cubs, for things he remembered doing himself. Her pelt was also like that of a regular cheetah, but her eyes unlike her brothers were two different colors. Her left eye was a deep bluish color like that of the a river and her right eye was yellow like the shining sun. Both cubs had conflicting personalities and would make it a challenge for their new guardians in raising them.

On the first five days of parenthood, Kali and Usafi had a repetitive routine. They would wake up with their cubs and then begin the day by eating whatever had been caught for breakfast. Once they finished eating the small family would go to the waterhole for a drink. The rest was pretty straightforward. Ufisa and Kusudi would go exploring, and investigate all the strange things they could find. It could be watching / narrating the events of an ant mound, or trying to catch their prey which was usually a butterfly. When they were finished with this they would go visit the grave of the young cubs late mother. Of course with a Simba and Kali's aunt Naanda accompanying them, just in case their farther was truly out there. This would always lead to them bursting into tears. Kali, and Usafi, would always come close to them and hug them both in a small, yet strong group hug.

After this they would always take them back to Pride Rock to eat lunch, despite a few certain lionesses' protests. The two lion cubs would climb Pride Rock, and bring down a leg the animal to share which the cheetahs in their home. Then they would entertain the cubs for a while by playing tag or hide and seek with the two youngsters. Once everyone was tired-out they would be carried by Sarabi and Sarafina to the sun bathing rocks to hear marvelous stories of the king and Queens own cub hood. Kali and Usafi often brought their cubs to see Simba, and Nala, whom would help them entertain the cubs by allowing them to watch them pin each other repeatedly. By now it would be sundown it was to eat dinner and then go to sleep with them. On the fifth night however, was different from previous ones.

"Kali! Usafi! I cannot sleep." She would whine in an annoyed tone.

Kali the calmer of the two, decided to address this. "What would you like me to do to help you go to sleep?" He asked with eagerness because he saw his mother's paw outside the den. Sarabi had been adamant to always have someone outside the den. She was probably listening to hear how he would handle this.

"Could you sing me to sleep? That is what my mother used to do. I might have slept well these last few days, but tonight it's different"She asked

Kali pondered this, and thought that for once, he might not be able to be everything a cub could need. He looked to his mother, who's head could now be seen though the cramped entrance. Her eyes were closed, but ears were indeed listening intently. I do know a song. He pulled Ufisa close to him and placed her in his forepaws. He looked down at her with a smile and then began to sing:

"Fatshe leso lea halalela

Daughter, sleep now

Kings watch from the great stars

See them watch you?

Call them, they will come

Fatshe leso lea halalela"

Once he finished he looked down at Ufisa and saw she was sleeping peacefully. He then looked to his mother who appeared to have smile on her face as wide as the moon. The song he had sung was the lullaby that she had sung to Simba and him when they were younger. He hoped it made his mother see the strength of his thoughts were answered, when his mother slowly got up from her resting spot, and joined her son with his little family. Though he wanted to prove he could be a responsible parent; he was still a cub himself. As he laid his head down to fall asleep, his mother's presence gave him a sense of peace that he had not has sense sleeping in the secluded den, away from his parents.

The sixth day brought more changes to the new father and mother. Their routine with their cubs went about its daily cycle up until it was time for dinner. When they arrived for dinner they both noticed that the a group of certain lionesses had already eaten and had left nothing for Kali and his family.

"Sorry nothing left for you, Kali" Zira said with a wicked smile.

Knowing that this was part of their plan to get Kali and Usafi to give up, Kali asked Simba and Nala to help Usafi watch Kusudi and Ufisa. While they did this he came up with a plan to counter the obstacle that stood in his way of protecting the two cubs he already saw as his own son and daughter. He approached his father and mother and told them about his situation. As it may come to no surprise, Mufasa and Sarabi were outraged and were going to question the Pride when Kali stopped them. He then discussed his plan. He suggested that he, Simba, Nala, and Usafi all go off together and make their own kill while Sarafina watched over the cheetahs. Mufasa was about to argue when Sarafina, who had heard everything , entered the conversation and stated that he had her blessing cause she wanted him to succeed after also witnessing Kali's paternal side with Ufisa the previous night. She also said that she knew Usafi was a good mother because of how she would always get in the way of any of the lionesses who would give Kusudi or Ufisa dirty glares and give them one of her own. Hearing her explanation Sarabi also agreed and Mufasa with some hesitation conceded as well.

"As long as either I go with you to make sure you do not get hurt. Alright?" Sarabi said.

"Alright. Thanks mom." Kali said with enthusiasm.

Satisfied with his parents and Sarafina's blessing he then turned back to his friend, brother and girlfriend.

Mufasa then spoke up "You know. There is a certain gazelle mother whose recently abandoned her newborn with a deformed leg. She told me, she was hopping one of our lionesses could put it out of its misery."

"AHH. I see where you are going with this." Sarabi said as he winked back.

"Hey you guys, I just talked to our parents, and they have agreed to my plan to fix our food predicament." Kali said.

"What plan is that?" Simba asked curiously.

"A hunt. We four go on a hunt together and bring something back to eat while Sarafina watches Kusudi and Ufisa." Kali said with supreme determination, but also desperation.

Seeing his desperation, the three other cubs looked at each other and then replied in unison "Let's do it!"

"Kusudi, Ufisa. I want you to stay with Sarafina. Ok? We will be right back." Kali said to spotted pranksters.

"OK." The cheetahs said in unison.

After settling on a plan of attack for their first hunt, Kali and Usafi nuzzled their temporary cubs and sent them to their 'grandmother'. Once they reached them, the four cubs set out with Sarabi for a meal.

"Mom. I want you to be waiting just in case the plan does not work, so that at least we might get the food." Kali said.

Sarabi nodded while thinking Well he really has this all planned out. This should be entertaining.

After a half hour of searching they eventually stumbled upon a young gazelle grazing near Acacia Grove. It's back leg was twisted into an unnatural shape. Only Sarabi knew it was there cause Mufasa arranged it, but was anxious to see how Kali planned to pull this off. The four cubs saw the prey and Kali nodded to his friends. They then got into their positions for their attack. Usafi jogged and tumbled around until she was a few strides away from the gazelle. Once she stopped, the gazelle looked up from its grazing and stared at her, for her unique colored, even to a newborn, the pelt caused many animals both lion and non-lion alike to stare. That's right just stare right at me Usafi was thinking as Kali's plan began working. While the young gazelle was distracted, the next part of the plan was put into effect. Simba and Nala burst forth from the tall grasses they were hiding, and began to swipe at the creature's legs as they were running.

Unfortunately, Simba and Nala were laughing from enjoying it too much, thinking it was a game, that the prey was beginning to go off course. Oh no we've got to drive it to the trees, Simba and Nala thought as they continued trying to steer the calf in its direction clawing at its hind quarters. Startled by the pain, the gazelle then started to run, all the while being chased by Simba and Nala who were slowly driving it towards the grove with their annoying tactics. Once they got it so agitated that it was going towards the grove without them, they stopped running and waited for Kali to complete the most crucial part, the Kill. Good Luck Kali Simba thought as he saw the beast approach the grove.

As Sarabi watched the display, she almost laughed as she saw Simba and Nala and the other cubs plan unfold. Her laugh was halted when she noticed that Kali had completely vanished. She started looking frantically for her other son with a worried look. Her worry was alleviated when she saw Kali on the branch of one of the trees. She could not help but wonder What is he up to?

Kali saw the gazelle rushing forward towards the tree on whose branches he had climbed up and positioned himself for his moment. Once the gazelle was close enough, Kali pounced on it from above and landed on its bucking back. He dug his claws into the back so he would not be thrown off. The other cubs surrounded the gazelle, so even if Kali was thrown, they still had a chance. He then made his killing move. Extending one of his forepaws, he unsheathed his claws and put them into a stabbing position towards the neck of his prey. He then lunged with his claws and dug his fangs straight into the gazelle's neck and through its jugular. All of this, he did while shouting one word "KIFO!"(Death). The sudden blow to its throat killed it instantly and it collapsed on the ground with Kali still over it. He removed his fangs from its neck and then proudly looked towards his brother, friend, and girlfriend as they congratulated him. They all embraced one another and then Sarabi grabbed the kill and proceeded to drag it back to Pride Rock. She was in awe they managed to make a kill.

"You were awesome Kali. I knew you were tough, but not that tough." Simba said with pride towards his brother.

"Yeah. Well I am already starting to feel sore from that move from the tree. That and having it land on me did not help." Kali said through a wince in pain.

"Kali. I never thought you were so talented at hunting. Sure you are still young to make kills, but your strategy was very impressive. How would you like to aid me and the other lionesses with our hunts by coordinating them?" Sarabi asked with praise.

"Sure. I'd love that."

"You want do a girls job?" Simba taunted his brother.

"Hey!" The three lionesses said in unison while glaring at him.

"Sorry." Simba said with his head bowed in shame, while his brother playfully shoved him.

"Besides, I am going to be lead huntress," Nala said proudly.

"Not if I beat you to it." Usafi said with a challenging grin.

"Enough" Sarabi Roared through her teeth, while carrying the gazelle's by the neck.

When they arrived all eyes went to the four of them with the same expression: disbelief.

"What the hell? HOW?" Zira said as Kali and the others tried to finish carrying their first kill towards Ufisa and Kusudi.

Mufasa and Sarafina had the same disbelief, but quickly changed to pride at their children's success. The cubs Kusudi and Ufisa rushed forward hungrily and happily to their 'parents' kill and began to eat it viciously. Smiling at their successful kill, the young hunters joined the cubs in the meal and soon devoured, but did not finish the meat.

Once they finished their meal the two cheetah cubs said "We're tired."

Kali and Usafi lead them to the secluded den. Once they settled in their usual spot, their families, both Kali's and Usafi's came in and lay down next to them. Then, both Sarabi and Kali shared a glance and began to sing the lullaby to Ufisa and Kusudi. Once they were asleep, the now united family would join them in the wonder that is sleep.

The seventh day was the most important and altering one of the entire week. The routine once again went as usual, now with the inclusion of the dinner hunt which was left over from yesterdays. But little did they know that someone had followed them to Pride Rock today. The moment Kali and Usafi went to collect their children, they heard screams of terror. The four lion cubs went to assess the situation. What after seemed like an eternity,they arrived what they saw chilled their bones. Standing over an unconscious Sarabi, in front of Ufisa and Kusudi was a full-grown male cheetah. They saw first-hand his hungry glare in his eye. Yes, they noticed that in the place of his left eye was a huge scar. Fearful, yet determined Kali moved forward to get a closer look at the cheetah.

"Who are you? What is your business in our kingdom?" He asked. The cheetah mad with hunger and insanity looked to him and said.

"I am Kumsa. I was about to eat my two pieces of prey here when this lioness got in my way. Do not worry she is still alive, and I will leave once I have had my fill." He stated while diverting his gaze from Kali to the two fearful cubs.

"What? Kusudi and Ufisa are not prey, but are members of our Pride. What gives you the right to take their lives?" Kali asked outraged at what he heard. They are the same species as him for Great Kings and Queens sakes. Kali thought.

"What right? How about this? I am their Father and that means I have every right to do what I want to my son Chukizo (an abomination) and daughter Sadaka (sacrifice) here. So if you will excuse me, I am going to eat now." Kumsa stated coldly and angrily. " He then began to crouch and bare his fangs at the two cubs.

Kali and his friends were frozen at what they had heard. This was the father of the two cubs they are supposed to protect and he had said he was going to eat them because of that fact. But what had started to make Kali's blood boil was what he had called them. The thought of a father killing his own cubs was sickening to him and with these thoughts in his head he yelled.

"YOU CALL YOURSELF THEIR FATHER! YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A MONSTER, AND THE TRUE CHUKIZO. YOU MAY HAVE HELPED THEM ACHIEVE LIFE, BUT YOU ARE NOT WORTHY TO CALL YOURSELF THEIR FATHER! I AM MORE WORTHY OF BEING THEIR FATHER THAN YOU, AND I WILL NOT LET YOU HURT THEM!" He roared with deep fury, but to the average adult it sounded like a cry for help.

Kumsa then lunged. Simba and Kali saw this and rushed forward. Simba had beaten Kali there and proceeded to shield the cubs. NO not Simba too Kali thought wit terror in his eyes.

Kali jumped and ran in-between the legs of the crazed cheetah, Kumsa's claws on his hind foot manage to run across the silver prince's back. He cried out in pain as he felt the claws pierce his flesh and cause blood to flow and collapsed onto the ground, with his eyes locked on the other helpless cubs and his brother. He stayed like this for a moment until he was flung by Kumsa jaws into a nearby rock where he crumpled but did not fall unconscious. Kumsa was about to make another attempt when he was cut off by a thundering roar. Both Scar and Mufasa, who had heard Kali's scream and seen him get thrown, rushed forward and tackled Kumsa. Scar used his thin profile and speed to rush around the cheetah in circles so as to distract him. This worked long enough for Mufasa to jump above Kumsa, get his jaws around his throat and crush his windpipe. Once Kumsa lied dead, the king, Scar, a now awake Sarabi, Usafi, Kusudi, Ufisa, and the rest of the pride who were now quickly approaching, now scrambled frantically towards Kali's wounded body. He was still alive even though his fur was now stained with his own blood. He had deep wounds to both his chest and back. The Royal family and everyone else in the pride feared he would pass away. Sarabi was about to call for Rafiki when Kali started to stir. He opened his eyes and slowly but unsteadily stood up. All those gathered sighed with relief at the Prince's recovery and then went silent as Mufasa, began to speak.

"Kali ?" He asked, hopping for a response

"I am sore, but are Kusudi and Ufisa are safe ?" He replied with a shaky but determined voice, almost as if he was going to attack Kumsa.

"Yes son. They are a bit shaken up, but are fine thanks to you."
"Then, I can't complain."

Hearing his response Mufasa looked to Sarabi, then his brother, and finally all the other lionesses in the Pride,hoping their eyes for an answer to an unspoken question. When he saw that all held an expression of agreement he turned back to Kali and said:

"You have endured much today and for the six days prior to it, Kali. You have shown many qualities that I am proud to see in your eyes. I have reached a decision that the entire pride and I are happy to give you. I was at first hesitant at this decision, but seeing what you have endured you have convinced me this is the right choice. My decision is this: Kusudi and Ufisa may remain as permanent members of our Pride." He stated with pride and majesty.

Kali stood there for a moment in complete shock. Did he really just say that? He thought. When he realized the truth, his expression quickly changed to pure joy as he saw everyone bow to him in respect of his accomplishment. His brother, Nala, Usafi, and his two new pride members came forth and immediately embraced him in a hug. The embrace broke apart and everyone, even those who were merely watching, had joy in their eyes. Even Scar congratulated him.

"Congrats Kali. I am so glad you are alright." He said with tears flowing down his eyes with joy at his nephews victory and worry for his wounds.

"Thanks Uncle Scar." Kali said and nuzzled his uncle.

"Also, Ufisa and Kusudi." The king said as he addressed the two cheetahs who anxiously looked at him. "Me and Sarafina discussed this a bit before seeing all this happen and we wanted to ask if you Kusudi would like to grow up with Sarafina as your mother and Ufisa if you want to come be a part Kali's family as his little sister?" Mufasa asked with hope in his voice.

The two cheetahs were stunned at first but then got tears in their eyes and ran to their new respective guardians.

"I guess that answers that question. Welcome to the family, sis." Kali said through a laugh and a wince of pain.

"Thanks big brother." Usafi said through her tears.

"Me and Nala feel the same about you Kusudi, we are happy to call you our little brother." Usafi as she and Nala gave him a big hug.

"I am so happy."

But from the cave, three other faces looked down at the scene with complete disgust. Zira hated the fact Kali had survived and that Kumsa had failed. But what she hated even more was that Scar was smiling at the fact that Kali had succeeded. This made her rage increase because she knew she would have to kill Kali before Scar finally gave that smile to her. Next to her, Hasani and Hiassen who sneaked away from their parents also looked down with rage in their eyes. The plan they had discussed with Zira of luring Kumsa to Pride Rock to kill the cubs and Kali who would die defending them, had failed.

"Well isn't that great? Kali and Simba survived, those cubs survived and everyone seems happy about it. Let's face it we can never win." Hasani said with shame. I'll never get Nala now and won't be able to get my revenge for the humiliation I endured at Kali's paws.

"This is a learning experience brother. We might have failed this time, but next time we will succeed." Hiassen said to reassure his brother. Those cubs are Kali's weakness. I will use those cubs to lead Kali to his death along as those spotted freaks. Usafi will finally be mine.

These thoughts in their minds, the two cubs followed Zira into the cave and began to plan to achieve their dreams.

While Zira and the two cubs slept, the rest of the Pride went back to the kill the lionesses made began to eat. Kali and Usafi, along with their siblings and new adopted siblings ferociously ate. Once everyone finished the pride retired for the night.

As Kali went to lie down, Usafi, came over to him, licked him on his cheek and said "Good Night". She then lay down next to him and fell asleep. After this both Kusudi and Ufisa came up and snuggled up next to them. Then they looked at him with a tired smile and said together with a yawn "Good Night. We want to say thank you and that we love you, big brother."

Hearing this made Kali's shed tears of joy and fell asleep with his head nestled over his new spotted family. As he finally drifted to sleep his thoughts were focused on the three words he cherished and wanted to hear from the first day he found Kusudi and Ufisa, We love you.

Unbeknownst to everyone, Scar along with Zira and the two cubs Hasani and Hiassen were walking away from Pride Rock with sinister thoughts in each of their minds.

Author: Awww. Isn't that just sweet. Kali showed just how much of a father he really is despite his young age. Also, if you have ideas for Kali's hunting nickname please do not hesitate to send them.

Again, I recommend that you read the Heart of a Lioness series by T5Tango

Swahili:

Kipimo halisi wa Baba:

Ni nini baba?

Je, ni mmoja ambaye husaidia wewe kuja katika dunia hii?

Ni yeye yule inafundisha jinsi ya kutembea?

Ni yeye yule anaimba kwa wewe wakati wa usiku au anakwambia hadithi?

Ni mtu baba ambaye hisa damu yako?

Au ni yeye mtu ambaye daima ingekuwa huko kwa ajili yenu bila kujali wengine kufikiri?

Translation:

Actual measurement of the Father:

What is a father?

Is it the one who helps you come into this world?

It is he who teaches you how to walk?

It is he who sings with you at night or tells you a story?

Is one dad who shares your blood?

Or is he someone who would always there for you no matter what others think?