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 9

In her search for them, Eshe finds Ashanti, Taka, and Mufasa together in a small spot clear of the long grass a slight distance away from the shade tree and the coalition of females separately. Once she saw that the trio wasn't with the females, she left.

Mufasa and Taka sat apart from Ashanti, giving her some space while occasionally aiming empathetic glances at poor Ashanti. Both of them are understandably filled with disgruntled displeasure. Not because of the scolding they'd gotten from Obasi from the prank they pulled but for his unjustified treatment of Ashanti. There was no call for that at all and it's making them unbelievably upset.

Ashanti is currently gnawing on some zebra scraps from a couple of days ago that no one else in the pride had initially wanted. The meat is tough after being left alone for too long, but that didn't really matter to Ashanti. She found that she was actually very hungry after the dust had settled and couldn't wait for someone else to catch something. For some reason, the craving became nearly overpowering that she had no inhibitions taking these scraps to curb them.

Eshe's heard twists in an ache for Ashanti.

Ashanti has tried so hard to bide her time for the day when Obasi will stop being so harsh and just become impressed and accepting of what she and Mufasa can offer. But there doesn't really seem to be a point anymore. This really seems to get Ashanti down.

The mindset that Obasi has been trying to engrave into the twins is hard to shake off, especially after all the effort they've put into making themselves useful.

Every rejection renders Ashanti closer to despair.

Besides, Ashanti needs a distraction right now so that the sadness doesn't overtake her. To help better keep the pain at bay from Obasi's apathetic attitude.

It makes no sense to try to show everyone it doesn't bother her. Anyone with a brain could know that is far from the truth.

Most especially, Ashanti doesn't want anyone to accuse her of being mope if one really wants to get into the specifics. She'd give them a whack with a paw if they dared to.

Eshe signals with her tail, flicking it toward the boys so they know to keep their distance so she and Ashanti can have a private chat.

Chuffing at Ashanti, rubbing a cheek tenderly against hers, arching a quirked chiding brow at her choice of sustenance, Eshe said "Scraps and bones is no kind of meal. Not for this pride. It's one better suited for hyenas and vultures."

Eshe then lays down beside Ashanti, crossing her forelegs and neatly folding the haunches regally like the Queen she is.

A self-conscious flush to her cheeks as she digs her teeth into the bone, Ashanti said "I know that, but I didn't think I could wait until the next kill is brought it. I've just been so hungry lately. I don't know. It's so strange. Whenever I see even the smallest amount of meat, I just have to pick it up. I never used to think that way before now."

All at once lightbulb seems to go off in Eshe's head as a certain incline comes to mind.

One that actually comes very familiar to her having gone through exactly the same thing in the past except she had exhibited far more control over the craving.

Excitement begins to bubble within Eshe's stomach, so she struggles to conceal it with containment. She doesn't want to jump the gun.

Remaining calm, Eshe inquired "Ashanti…how long have you been having these cravings?"

Shrugging her shoulders, Ashanti said "I don't know. A little over a week. Maybe two. It just came on suddenly. I can't really explain it."

"But I can," whispered Eshe, recalling that around that time Ashanti and Taka had been sneaking off together more often when they thought no one was watching.

If Eshe's suspicions are true, then Obasi would be furious while Eshe and the other females would celebrate.

"Excuse me," said Ashanti, cocking her head to the side, brow furrowed and blinking in confusion.

Why is Eshe behaving this way?

Doublechecking to make sure Mufasa and Taka were already preoccupied to notice this, leaning forward closer to Ashanti as an extra precautionary measure, Eshe said "Ashanti, I think you're going to have cubs?"

Say what now?

Eyes wide, bone dropping from her teeth, Ashanti said "What did you just say?"

"I believe you're going to have cubs," repeated Eshe, smiling.

Shaking her head in denial, Ashanti said "No, it's impossible. There's no way I'm pregnant. I can't be carrying cubs."

"And yet I believe you are," said Eshe, candidly. "This is a good thing. A blessing for the pride."

"Obasi isn't going to allow this," said Ashanti, fearfully, deeply shaken by this, eyes clouding with wariness. "You know where he stands on Mufasa and I, let alone Taka and me. If this is true and he finds out-."

"Let me handle Obasi," said Eshe, soothingly. "This isn't something Obasi is going to be able to change and he knows that. You just focus on taking care of yourself from now on. It's not just you that you have to look after anymore. Speaking of which, I need to do some hunting with Mufasa. I was going to give him a lesson on hunting in pairs. You should join us. That way you'll have first dibs on the best parts of the meat."

"Taka should come, too. He really wants to hunt and even if he's not part of the lesson, Taka would like to watch," suggested Ashanti.

Nodding, Eshe said, "Of course, I'll go let them know now."

Eshe then rises to inform the boys.

Lifting a paw to keep her there, Ashanti said "Eshe."

"What is it," asked Eshe.

"Can you not tell Taka? I want to be the one to tell him," said Ashanti.

Smiling with understanding, Eshe said "If that's what you want. Now come."

Eshe then heads over to the boys to inform them of the plan.

As Ashanti gets up to join them, she turns and stares at her stomach where Eshe claims there is new life growing inside of her. The possibility that there's new life growing inside of her at this very moment is staggering to Ashanti while at the same time making her heart glow from deep within at the prospect that she's carrying cubs. Her and Taka's.

Perhaps even more than one.

"Could it be possible," she whispered.

Everything is about to change, not just this.

Changes that are about to uproot them all.

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.