Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC Ashanti and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.

Ashanti: Peace Of Milele Chapter 8

Obasi's patience is getting close to being on its last thread. He will not tolerate their continued impertinence.

"You will return to the females and stay away from my son," commanded Obasi, seething.

"Enough, Obasi," called Eshe, trotting forward to intercede. "What exactly have they done this time?"

From up on the branch where he sought shelter from Mufasa and Taka's prank, Chigaru exclaimed, "They're heathens! The both of them! Here we all were taking our regular constitutional nap, and these two came barreling in screaming about a stampede, disturbing us. It not only disrupted our rest but sent us into a panic."

A brow raised as she looked at Mufasa and Taka, a light reproachful tone in her voice, Eshe said "Mufasa. Taka."

"It's no big deal, Mom. Mufasa and I were just playing," said Taka, smiling broadly, no longer hindered by his father's disapproval with his mother now present.

"I can that but aren't you two getting a little bit too old for such antics," asked Eshe.

Shrugging, Mufasa said "Probably, but I don't think we'll ever get tired of seeing Chigaru jump like that again."

All seriousness leaves Mufasa and Taka as they break down into peals of laughter at the memory.

Even Ashanti giggles around her catch at the image while the females restrain their laughter. The humor of it all is quite amusing.

From up above, Chigaru grumbles in offense and embarrassment. He begins to settle down up there, intent on ignoring the troublemakers.

The other males do the same now that they know there isn't actually any danger stampeding toward them with Obasi being the only holdout.

Shaking her head, Eshe scolded "One of these days there's going to be an actual emergency, and no one is going to believe you when it does. Do you want that to happen?"

Exchanging sheepish glances, inclining their heads to Eshe in contrition and respect at her more patient way of disciplining them for their mischievous ways, in unison, Mufasa and Taka say "No."

"Good. Then you will behave and act your age from now on," chastised Eshe, softly.

"We will," promised Mufasa.

Turning in smugness toward her mate, Eshe teased "There, you see, that's all you had to say to them. You didn't have to make yourself look so unseemly by losing your temper."

Obasi grumbles in frustration.

"Now, on to a happier note, there is good news," said Eshe.

"What is it," asked Taka.

Smiling proudly, Eshe said "Ashanti has officially made her first kill."

On cue, Ashanti steps forward, carrying the dead gazelle fawn in her jaws with its legs dangling beneath it.

Rushing forward to congratulate his sister on this accomplishment, nudging her head with his, Mufasa said "Well done, Sister."

Examining the fawn, and nodding in appreciation, Taka said "Not bad, Ashanti. It'll make a good snack."

Dropping the fawn, indignantly, Ashanti said "Hey."

Taka laughs.

Upon hearing there was food it woke all the males up.

If there's one thing, they like more than sleeping it is eating.

The males are quick to claim the fawn for themselves. Digging right in and tearing the carcass apart without any consideration for anyone else. There definitely won't be anything left for everyone else. Not even a vulture would go for it.

Ashanti waits with her shoulders up and back straight. Ready to receive the praise and recognition she's been waiting so long for from Obasi.

She wouldn't be getting it.

Obasi blatantly ignores Ashanti. Claiming his share and tearing it to pieces with his teeth.

Deeply hurt and bereaved, Ashanti departs with her tail hung low, tears building in her eyes, and her head drooped dolefully without the spirit that was there previously. She's constantly tried to remain on the positive side, but incidents like this make it so challenging not to be discouraged.

"Ashanti," said Mufasa, softly.

But Ashanti doesn't even acknowledge her brother as she walks past him. She just feels so depressed all at once.

Eshe permits Mufasa to go, gesturing him to follow after her with a paw. Mufasa does so without delay. Taka tags along wanting to check on Ashanti's condition.

The females disperse to head to their usual spot away from the shade tree for some grooming and relaxation.

Eshe needs to have a talk with Obasi.

Finished with his snack, licking the leftovers from his muzzle, stoically, Obasi said "What is it, Eshe?"

"How can you be so coldhearted," said Eshe, sadness in her eyes. "Ashanti has done nothing to earn such cruel words from you. I don't understand how you can be so terrible toward her."

"I'm putting her in her place," said Obasi, contemptuously.

"You know how sensitive she is," said Eshe. "All Ashanti wants is acceptance."

"As she should be. Reiterating what I've already said once and I'll say it again, they are not our blood. They are strays and shall never be accepted here. They never will be anything else than what they are," stated Obasi, refusing to concede defeat. "They will never be of any use to the tribe."

"You know that's not true. Mufasa has proven himself to be a good hunter and now that Ashanti has passed her assessment, she is intent on being a good provider for the pride," reasoned Ashanti.

"Why can't you see that they are no good for the pride," demanded Obasi. "Taka is meant to be king after me. I guarantee you, one day, Mufasa will betray him. Betray all of us."

"You're wrong, Obasi. That will never come to pass. The risk of it is zero. I've seen to that. While you've done everything you can to cause strife between them, Mufasa and Taka are just like brothers. They'll always see each other as that in their eyes," said Eshe, passionately.

"You made a mistake taking those two on," inferred Obasi.

Shaking her head, sadly, Eshe said "No, Obasi. The mistake is yours for being so blind."

Eshe then turns her back on Obasi and departs, returning to those who truly need her the most right now.

Authors Note:

I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D

For those of you just starting out with my stuff there are other works on my profile that may catch your interest. I highly recommend you take a look as soon as the opportunity presents itself to you. Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.

Stay safe everyone. Especially with all of these crazy natural disasters occurring a lot lately due to global warming and climate change everywhere for sure. I swear it's like they're getting worse and worse all the time and it's like officials are simply just ignoring it or pretending it doesn't exist entirely just to go on with their daily lives. Especially those in multi-million dollar companies that rely on certain elements of our planet that we rely on to naturally keep us safe instead of adapting and finding new safer ways to keep in business. There are so many options out there where they can adapt, but they just refuse to see it because all they care about is money. Climate change is altering so much faster than anyone can really keep track of.

So, in light of all this, it is important to live life to the fullest as much as anyone can.

I know I am. ;) See you guys next time.