All the free lions and lioness that could be found, gathered up alongside Simba, Saeska and Nathari.  Though a few lionesses were out on the hunt and a couple more patrolling the borders the turn out for the race was quite good. They moved towards the edge of the gorge and gathered round while Simba plotted a route for the two to race. Amri was already waiting eagerly alongside Kopa, Asani and Keyah. Hakima quickly joined them along with Vitani and Sierra, as Hakima eagerly joined her daughter for a pep talk. 
"My girl, are you excited?" She asked. Saeska brushed her paw on her chin and chuckled turning to Nathari. 
"This will be too easy." She laughed. 
"Don't count on it baby!" Nathari riled up, bounding with excitement. Kopa laughed joining him and patting his back. 
"This should be a treat." he cheered. "You two are gonna put on a real show. Think you got what it takes to beat him Saeska?"  
"Ho yeah!" Saeska cried out. "Watch me smoke ya to the finish line Mr. Nathari!" 
"Only one lions crossing that finish line first, and it aint, no lioness." Nathari coolly replied. A few in the crowd laughed and ohh'd at the comment made. 
"Alright, alright." Amri chuckled, taking a stance before them. "Let's get settled here. Now then, Simba? Have you thought of a route these youngsters can run?" Smiling he joined Amri and planted himself beside him. 
"As a matter of fact yes. But it's challenging, I hope both of you are up to this and can pace yourselves." Simba advised. 
"Bring it on!" Saeska cheered. 
"Always ready!" Nathari echoed. 
"That's the spirit. Down the gorge there's an entrance to a thorn field. That's where you two will start. You'll come up the ramp here and race to Pride Rock. The first one to clap Amri's paw, wins the race." Simba explained. 
"Remember you two. This is an endurance race. Don't blow all your energy on those first few minutes or you'll be huffing and puffing the rest of the way." Amri added. 
"Got it!" They both replied. Chuckling he turned to Kopa and Keyah. 
"Would you two mind, calling the start?" Amri requested. Nodding they smiled, looking to the two eager racers. 
"Our pleasure." Keyah agreed. "Come on you two; let's get to the starting line." 
"Asani my boy?"
"What's up?" He asked with a smile. 
"Head to the end of the gorge there, you'll be on check point. I doubt any issues should arise but, it's better safe than sorry." Amri politely asked.  
"Sure, it's a good place to watch to." He agreed happily. 
"Excellent." Amri replied. 
"Girls, pick a spot and watch. Have some fun, bet if you want to. We could use a little R and R." Simba announced to his lionesses. Sierra giggled glancing to Vitani. 
"I don't know who to call on this one." Sierra thought aloud. "The kids got some spunk; I've seen him climb down an entire cliff but that girl. There's something about her." 
"Well, I'm calling Saeska. From what Asani brags, she's half lion, half cheetah." She explained with a devilish chuckle. 
"Alright, I'll bet for Nathari. If I win, you tell me your little plan you've been hiding." She suggested, raising an eyebrow. 
"Oh you are so on. If I win, you gotta kiss Asani, smack on the lips!" Vitani countered. 
"I what?!" She exclaimed with a laugh. 
"You heard me!" Vitani laughed as well. 
"Might as well ask me to kiss my own twat." 
"That's my job, babe." Vitani giggled on. Kopa began guiding the two down the path in the gorge. Passing the rocks that protruded and by the tree in the middle, they carried on to the narrowing path. At last they reached their starting line. Saeska bounced towards the entrance to the thorn field followed suit by Nathari. Keyah giggled at the two, raring to go at their race. 
"A little excited?" Kopa asked. The two nodded happily before glancing to each other. 
"Care to make a little bet Saeska?" Nathari asked with a smirk. 
"Oh dear." Keyah sighed. 
"Oh ho, now you're talking. What do you wager Mr.Nathari?" She replied eagerly. 
"If I win the race, you gotta give me another kiss." He suggested with a chuckle. "And not some little peck on the cheek!" He added. 
"Hmmmm." She pondered, pacing around feigning thought. "Very well, and if I should win, Mr Nathari. You have to put your head between your legs, and kiss your own butt!" She demanded with a laugh. 
"Bleh!" He exclaimed, his tongue out as he shook his head at the thought. "I don't even think I can do that!" He protested. 
"Well you're gonna have to at least try, that's the stakes." She kept firm, her head swung up with a smile. Nathari grumbled a bit but eventually agreed. 
"Fine, deal!" He adamantly replied. 
"All settled up?" Kopa questioned. The two took to the starting point and nodded. "Alright, on your-"
"No no no my love." Keyah interrupted taking ahead of the two racers. "The hot girl, always calls the start." Kopa laughed and complied, bowing away from the responsibility. "Ready!?" She called to Saeska. "Ready!?" To Nathari. "On your marks, get set.... GO!!!" She cried. Saeska and Nathari burst from the start, rushing right by Keyah and on ahead. 
"Woo hoo! Go guys go!" Kopa cheered as they raced. Saeska had started to take an early lead, darting passed the pillars and rocks on the gorge floor. Nathari saw her tail end and began to pick up his pace. It took a few, but he caught up to her side. 
"Not tired yet I hope?" He asked with a smirk. Saeska fired one right back. 
"You ain't seen nothing yet, boyo!" She cheered. Passing the tree, they sped the length of the gorge.  The ramp leading up was dead ahead and both took aim with full speed. Much to Saeska's surprise as she slowed with the ascent it seemed Nathari sped up. Amazed, she stared blank as he took the lead. 
"Going, going, and he's gone!" He cheered, cresting the top zooming right by Asani. Not a few seconds later followed by Saeska, Asani found himself a bit slack jawed. 
"Come on girl, you got this, kick his ass!" He cheered for her. Huffing and puffing now, she started to push from his words of encouragement. She could nearly bite his tail now, and what's better they were coming down a shallow hill in the savannah. Though not much, it did provide some needed speed to help her get even with him. Nathari was huffing as well, it seemed the climb took more out of him then he thought. The occasional trip of his feet slowed him to neck and neck with Saeska. Seeing her beside him, he grit his teethed and started to push, pride rock was in sight, but still fairly far. He got a little distance ahead and this put Saeska down a bit. 
"Throttle it Saeska! Go!" Kinu cheered from aside Ni. With a smile, she looked to Pride Rock as well. Am I gonna lose this race? Not to him, no, they're showing me the love. Power it! She thought to herself. Digging deep she threw the ground beneath her feet hard. Without even noting it, she blew right by Nathari. The wind was growing loud in her ears; it was hard to concentrate on where she was going. The dizziness of the rush was sending her spinning yet still she found the heart to keep going. Finally she made it; with a quick turn she sped for the ramp and bolted up. Slamming the rock she saw her father's outstretched paw and lunged. Clapping it, she tumbled over and over, digging her claws into the ground to stop herself. Nathari had only touched the base as she made her crossing, and slowed as he ascended with his head hanging low. Amri rushed to Saeska's side, she was still lying on the ground panting hard. 
"Baby, baby you ok? Come on get up, don't lay like that." He consoled quietly. Picking her up he started walking her around a bit, and smiled as he looked to Nathari, whose head was still hanging while he panted. Simba gave Amri and Saeska a brief check just to make sure she was ok. Saeska smiled a dopey smile with her tongue dangling from her mouth. With his classic grin, Simba turned to the others and announced. 
"Saeska is the winner!!" The crowd cheered for her victory, as some exchanged smiles on the wagers made. Nathari slumped to the ground, quite upset over his loss; he was so sure he had it. Asani finally ascended the ramp and pat his back briefly. 
"Relax kid, don't take it to heart. She had this one in the bag." He casually stated, heading off toward Saeska. Reaching for a hug he snared one from her and pat her back. "Good job kido, I knew you had it in you." 
"Thanks Asani!" She huffed between pants. Her eyes slowly turned to Nathari who did his best not to meet hers. Grinning she released from Asani and found her way over, leaning her head down with a smile. "Better live up to your end of our deal, Mr. Nathari." She reminded him. 
"Oh, this is gonna suck." He moaned, cringing away from her. Kopa finally arrived with Keyah, Ni and Kinu in tow. Seeing the crowd cheering for her, he understood who won rather quickly. 
"Good job Saeska." Kopa praised with a smile. 
"Girl, you showed em!" Keyah cheered raising her paw. Saeska giggled and clapped it happily, giving Keyah a quick nuzzle to the neck. 
"Thankies lovelies, now I believe a Mr.Nathari has to hold up his." She cleared her throat. "End, of the deal so to speak." 
"Come on Saeska! Don't make me do it!" He pleaded. Giggling she shook her and puckered her lips. 
"Give that little brown button a smooch, it's gotta be hurting." She mocked. Some of the lions awed out of curiosity. 
"My girl?" Hakima asked, finally getting a chance to speak with her. "What have you wagered him to do?" 
"Oh nothing much momma, nothing much." She casually dismissed, pacing around Nathari's sulking body. "Just uh, little pecker on his pucker for losing." She giggled. Nathari groaned again, turning away from her. Hakima sighed and turned her attention to Nathari more directly. 
"Boy, it was a foolish bet. But hold your end. If you want us to value your word, you must live up to your claims. Believe me, they will all think better of you for it if you keep it, then if you bow out." She advised. 
"I guess." He moaned unhappily. He knew it was true, but was still reluctant to do it. 
"Go on then, but wait for me to go inside. It's foolishness I would, rather not see." She stated, turning to the den. Nathari watched the lionesses around him along with Simba, Kopa, Asani, Amri and Ni. He was not happy about having to do this in front of everyone. 
"Come on!" Saeska insisted, slapping his shoulder. "Lion up, Mr.Nathari." 
"Come on kid." Asani agreed. Smiling Kopa joined in, looking to the others he started chanting. 
"Nathari! Nathari! Nathari!" Trying to rally some courage for him. Smiling at the thought he slowly raised his leg, and awkwardly poised his mouth. Shuffling he tried to get closer, but it seemed just out of reach. 
"Gotta swing to it." He whispered to himself. Slamming his eyes, he did his best to just push himself. Quickly he slammed his face into his backside and flung away in disgust, as the crowd around cheered and hollered. Some repulsed while others laughed and pointed, surprised he actually did it. Covering his face, he felt so embarrassed. He started to immediately wish he hadn't done it. All the horrible thoughts started to creep into his mind. Butt kisser, brown-noser, pucker sucker and all sorts of insults he could just imagine being slung at him. The thought made his stomach turn. He felt a paw descend on his head and in shock he looked up. It was Kopa, smiling down at him and patting his head. 
"Was rough huh?" He asked softly. 
"Yeah." Nathari sighed. 
"Good on you though. You kept your word." He complimented.
"But, now there all gonna make fun of me." Nathari whined, trying to hide his face again. 
"What? No." Kopa dismissed. Asani joined him now, wondering what was up. 
"What's his problem?" He asked Kopa. 
"He thinks were going to make fun of him for doing it." 
"HAHAHAHA." Asani laughed aloud. "Ah kid, take your licks for a day or so. If anyone tries to make something of it, you just send them to me or Kopa here. We'll take really good care of them." He chuckled devilishly. 
"Damn right." Kopa agreed, patting Asani's shoulder. 
"Really?" Nathari smiled, peeking his face out. 
"Fuck yeah." He adamantly replied smiling. 
"Thanks guys." He bowed. Picking himself up. 
"Just uh, go wash your mouth out." Asani casually threw in. 
"Asani!" Kopa scolded him. He just laughed turning to the den. 
"He's free game for the day!" He shouted heading inside. Shaking his head with a smile Kopa turned back to Nathari. 
"That's Asani for you." 
"True, I may have had to kiss my ass. But he's gotta live with being one." He quipped. Kopa mockingly bopped him on the head and smiled. 
"Now don't you start that."

Sierra and Vitani were speaking quietly to one another inside. Asani watched the two for a moment, as it seemed they were having something of an argument. Raising an eyebrow he called out over the talking lionesses in front of him. 
"Trouble in paradise girls?" The two gave him a brief scowl before resuming their conversation. Hakima pulled Asani by the mane down beside her and frowned. 
"Do not provoke them." She softly scolded. 
"Can't help it." 
"Yes you can." She argued. "Amri says you should be relaxing; do not go picking fights now." 
"Sorry greatmother." He replied half-heartedly glancing around the room. 
"So what will you do with your time off?" She asked, trying to reassert his attention. 
"Ahh I don't know. Maybe talk up a few of the girls here, maybe even get laid tonight, that'll be relaxing." He answered casually. Hakima swatted his ear, griping a quick ow he turned to her quite agitated. 
"You're not ready for that." She scolded once more. 
"Says who?" 
"Says you! Asani, you are losing the center within yourself. Your heart is hurting, you must let it heal." She insisted. 
"I'm sick of waiting to heal." He dismissed. 
"Do you want another incident like Fatima?" Asani turned to her angrily and glared. 
"I asked you not to bring that up!" He fired back. 
"And watch you suffer it again? No! My boy, take some time to discover what it will take to calm your mind and focus yourself once more. If you don't do this, you will only hurt yourself more." She pleaded. Asani huffed a bit, looking to the ground. She watched him for a few moments, seeing the words sink in with him. 
"I love you boy. You know this. Someone must see in your heart what I see. When you do, you will be happy again. But this comes with being strong within, and not just without." He turned to her at the love word and smiled a bit.
"Well, I hope you're right. I'm getting kind of tired of-" He started. Much to his surprise Sierra had snuck in and grabbed his muzzle. Darting down she kissed him for a few seconds and released. With a heavy sigh, she immediately turned back to Vitani and sat with her. Slack jawed the both of them, Asani looked to Hakima for an answer. 
"What was that?" 
"This even I do not know." She quickly replied.

As the night fell, Kopa sat atop pride rock and gazed down at the kingdom below. The night was clouded, the rain spitting occasionally down on him, as the smell of it crept into his nose. It was nice, yet at the same time rather cold. He thought about how it was almost strange to him, the pride lands were somewhat foreign. He had grown up rushing through grasslands and valleys, skulking in forests and resting in open savannah. He remembered their most recent camp by the stream, where he and Keyah first mated. He missed it. Yet he knew, this was his home. It was very confusing to him. Dwelling on the thought, he barely heard the approaching footsteps of another behind him, as they settled just aside. 
"Hey Kopa." Kovu called, stealing his attention with a smile. "How's it going?" 
"Hi Kovu, not bad." He returned. Kovu clamored for something to make conversation with. 
"So, how does it feel to come home finally?" He asked. It was strangely on the spot, it was exactly what he had been dwelling on. 
"It's alright I guess." He answered half-hearted. 
"Alright? I thought you'd be through the roof." Kovu wondered. 
"I don't know." Kopa moaned a bit, rubbing his eyes. "I think I'm just used to wondering for so long, it's strange to know I've settled here." 
"Settled? Make it sound like you don't wanna be here." Kovu asked lightly. 
"I didn't say that."  
"What is it then?" He asked with concern. 
"I just, I don't know... Maybe I just need to rest." Kopa explained. Kovu nodded, letting him think for a while. 
"Took me a while to get used to the pride lands as well. Growing up in a musty desert, then to this." He recalled. 
"Yeah, I remember the outlands, sort of. Vitani snuck away a lot to see me near there." He reminisced.  
"She really loved you." Kovu said quietly. 
"I was crazy about her to. Kiara was the one who bumped me into her lips one day." Kopa laughed softly. 
"Funny, for me it was Pumbaa that nearly shoved me into Kiara's lips." 
"Haha, Pumbaa. I wish I could remember more about him. I know I was crazy about him and Timon." Kopa smiled.  
"Can I tell you something?" Kovu asked. 
"What?" 
"You're dad, has never been this happy. And believe me, I know. I've seen his ugly side and, not pretty." He recalled. Kopa looked to him attentively. His curiosity peaked he asked.  
"What do you mean?"
"Look I was always told when I was little; your dad was a monster. When I finally got to meet him, I believed every word. He was a total creep to me. He despised our whole pride because we followed in Scars legacy. Simba, well, he was Scars killer, our worst enemy." 
"My dad's not a monster, Kovu." Kopa softly protested. 
"Hey, you wanna hear my side or not?" Kovu asked. "Once I got to know him, he relaxed a bit and started letting me in. But something still seemed, broken about him. Something was just off like, he was uneasy, unsure of himself. He was a weak ruler, but he got a little better when we settled in and Kiara became pregnant. But since you came back, he's completely changed. He's smiling all the time, he's commanding with authority and he's much more like the Simba that Nala tells me about." He explained
"So he's happier huh?" Kopa asked softly, his mood improving. 
"Happier doesn't describe it." Kovu retorted with a laugh. "So, settle in. I kind of like the idea of having a big brother around."
"I guess I am your big brother now huh?" Kopa asked with a smile. Nodding Kovu smiled. "Yeah since Kiara and I were married, speaking of which. I gotta go check on Kiara." 
"I'm fine baby!" Kiara bounded in with a smile. 
"Hey my love." He softly greeted, stealing a kiss. Smiling she licked his cheek and nuzzled him. 
"Hello lover. Brother, everything ok?" She asked, turning to Kopa. 
"I think so." He nodded with a smile. Darting in she kissed his cheek. 
"Sooo glad to have you back. I absolutely love your mate." She sighed and giggled. 
"You do huh?" He laughed as well. 
"Oh yeah, I've been talking it out with her and were gonna crech together as soon as I have my cub." 
"Crech?" They both asked. 
"Boys." She sighed. "Crech, as in wean our cubs together. So they grow close." She elaborated. 
"Ah, I see." Kopa acknowledged.  
"Wait, just your mate?" Kovu asked. "She's not your life mate?"  The thought dawned on him hard. In all the travel and drama that had gone on, he had neglected to ask her.  
"I can't believe I forgot to ask her. Jeez, I gotta do that soon!" He exclaimed. Kiara took little time suggesting what to do.
"If I were you Kopa, I would. But make it big for her, romantic, special. Take her out, walk the stars with her. Give her a little special attention and cuddle nice and close, then ask her wrapped up in your arms." Kiara advised. 
"You think so?" Kopa asked. 
"Kiara and I did something similar. We were together all day training, then went star gazing that night." Kovu agreed. Smiling she nodded happily leaning into Kovu's side. 
"Rafiki sang to us of Upendi." 
"Rafiki sang?!" Kopa asked. "Think I can go without that part." Kiara, Kovu and Kopa all laughed a while before Kovu rose up to his feet. Kiara pat her belly and smiled softly. 
"Getting big, aren't you?" She asked as she rubbed her belly. 
"Come on love. Let's head inside." Kovu insisted, wrapping up Kiara. 
"Hey!" A voice called behind them. 
"Yeah Asani, what's wrong?" Kovu called back. 
"Kopa, Kovu you guys seen Sierra?" He asked. Kopa shook his head as Kovu called back. 
"No, not recently. Did you check up top? My sister's usually there with her." Kovu replied. 
"Got it, thanks." Asani hollered back to Kovu.  Rushing up the ramp he crept up top and slowly peaked in on the two. Sure enough, Vitani and Sierra were there, sitting aside each other gazing off into the sky. He could hear low mumblings of their chit chat, but nothing distinct. Inching his way close, he did his best to mask his footsteps. 
"You're not very good at this are you?" Vitani asked, with a glance to Sierra. 
"What do you mean?" She replied in confusion. Vitani nodded off behind her allowing Sierra to glance back. "Oh." She sighed. 
"Yeah, not you love." Asani rose to his feet more distinctly now that his presence was known to them. 
"Stealth isn't my thing." He confessed, approaching closer to them. 
"No kidding, not hers either though so don't feel bad." Vitani added with a smile. 
"Hey!" Sierra cried mockingly, tapping her lovers shoulder. "I'm not that bad." 
"Oh don't worry, you make up for it in other ways." Vitani comforted. With a sigh, Asani sat before Sierra, awaiting her attention. She took her time acknowledging him, in favor of gazing out into the savannah. 
"What?" She asked informally. 
"What was the deal with you laying one on me down there?" He asked, regarding the kiss. 
"Oh psh!" She laughed along with Vitani. "It was just from our wager on the race, evidently I lost." She explained. 
"Fine, I get that. But do me a favor will you?" He asked, calmly. 
"Depends." She thought momentarily. "Do I have to do anything?" 
"Yeah." He replied casually. In a snap his demeanor changed, glaring hard into her eyes, he bare his teeth and growled before he spoke. "Stop stringing me along, and stop fucking with me!" He threatened quietly. Vitani snapped to him, glaring back at him. "I'm sick of your teasing; I'm not your toy. If you don't knock it off, I'll put you back exactly where I should have left you." 
"Asani, enough!" Vitani protested, intervening between his face and hers. Pushing him back a bit. "What's the big deal? It was just a wager, grow a pair!" She scolded softly. 
"Don't lecture me; she knows exactly what I'm talking about. She knows I was attracted to her, she toyed with me, insulted me and now Amri has me on the sidelines to "rest" like a coward." Vitani tried her best to settle him as he explained his story. 
"Alright alright listen, I'll agree with you on that one ok? She's taking it too far." Vitani said audibly. Sierra turned back, upset at the statement. "Sierra, it's true. I saw the way you fawned over him while you were healing. If you're leading him on and distracting him all the time, all you're doing is hurting us. As soon as Simba finds out, your history." Vitani scolded, turning to Sierra. Sighing she lowered her head, but didn't speak. She didn't feel ashamed for what she had done but, she didn't want it to bother Vitani. Vitani picked up her head and took her attention directly. "Don't do anything where I could lose you babe, I just got you." Vitani pleaded. 
"Oh alright." She submitted. She gave a quick turn to Asani then back to Vitani and smiled. "I'm sorry baby." She whispered. Vitani smiled but shook her head. 
"Not me. Him." She redirected. Sierra turned Asani and huffed a bit before reiterating. "I'm sorry Asani." She quickly blurted out. 
"That's it?" He exclaimed, his face contorting in anger once more. "That was pathetic, just keep your trap shut if you're not even going to mean it." He dismissed. Vitani lunged for him and slapped him hard on the cheek. "Hey!" He protested. Halting any action she put a paw to his lip and hushed him. 
"Let me handle it, and don't run your mouth." She advised. "Sierra! I want you to be part of our pride, but you at least have to respect the people in it. You wronged him, apologize and mean it!" She demanded firmly. Flustered by her suddenly strong demeanor Sierra agreed not to push the matter further. 
"Wow ok. Look Asani, I'm sorry alright? It was cruel for me to tease you like that, and I'm sorry you got benched for it." She responded with a great deal more sincerity. Satisfied, Vitani turned back to him for his approval. 
"Alright fine, I accept." He replied, his face relaxing. 
"Why did it bother you so much though?" Vitani asked. Hesitating a moment his head began to lower. 
"I already said, I thought she wanted me." He replied, turning back to her. 
"Do you want her still?" Vitani questioned again. Cringing a bit, he thought his answer well. 
"No, not anymore. She'll never respect me, besides, she's a slit licker. She's all yours." He sighed, starting to turn away. Vitani caught his face and turned it back to hers. 
"Asani." She moaned, stroking his cheek. "She's been alone for a long time, give her a chance." 
"Why? Vitani, I'm not looking for a friend in her." He insisted. 
"I know." She agreed. Without warning, she lunged for his muzzle and kissed softly. In the shock, Asani broke away, dumbfounded by her affection. 
"Baby?!" Sierra protested, bounding to her feet.  
"You like him still, don't you?" Vitani interrupted. With a stammer she backed off and turned to the ground. "That's a yes." Vitani laughed. "And you, how do you feel about her?" 
"Confused." He confessed, shifting between the two. 
"Come on, let's talk a while." Vitani said, guiding him between her and Sierra. She took to chatting with him for a good while, explaining how Sierra had told her of the loneliness in the canyon, how she never really had a pride of her own before. Asani found a lot to relate to. Having lost his family in youth, he took a long time to adjust to being with Amri and Ni, even longer once they had won their first takeover. The conversation was uneasy to begin with, but as the night grew long, it went over well.
"You really hit it bad when she died huh?" Asani asked Sierra. 
"She was all I had. I loved Rayah with all my heart, and I still do." Sierra replied, gazing off into the savannah. "I can still hear your voice." She whispered. Letting a tear escape, she began to sing out into the night. Her voice, so soft, so soothing, as each word seemed to float from her and flow along the wind. She sang of the day they fled, the warmth of the forest floor. The games they played, and the discovery of their home. The song was entrancing, it seemed to fill Asani and Vitani's minds with memories not their own. Though Asani choked back any tears before they could form, Vitani let her cheek race with two that found the ground as her song concluded. 
"Amazing." Vitani stammered, leaning into Asani's body. 
"Who taught you how to do that?" Asani asked. Sierra leaning into his body as well took a deep breath and sighed. 
"My mother." She whispered quietly. Asani nodded quietly as well, tucking her head under his. 
"I see." He whispered as well. Reflecting on the stories that Hakima and Amri told of the Singing Forest, and the pride that dwelled within. The voice Sierra revealed, was a vivid reminder of the tale. Though he felt compelled to say something, he kept quiet. Stirring old wounds was not a pleasurable idea to him, and with two lionesses warming either side of his body, he had little desire to upset the moment. 
"Sierra?" Vitani asked, across Asani's body. 
"Yeah baby?" She answered, her eyes half closed. 
"I want a cub of my own." She confessed. Sierra became suddenly aware, snapping awake she rose up over Asani's body. 
"What? Why?" She protested. Slowly she raised her head to Sierra's her eyes pained. 
"I want us to be a family, a real family." She answered as her voice began to rasp. 
"Baby, I can't give you cubs. What do-"
"No, but he can." Vitani interrupted. Asani became suddenly aware of his role in this matter. 
"Wait, what? I thought you were a slit licker like her?" He questioned, giving Vitani his ear as he turned. 
"My lover girl is, but I'm attracted to males as well." She confessed. Slamming her eyes, Sierra fell back aside Asani and hung her head. "Baby, don't cry." 
"I'm not crying!" Sierra shuddered from beneath her paws. 
"Sierra don't you see now?" She pleaded. 
"What are you two on about?" Asani demanded, lost in the conversation. 
"Asani, she's attracted to you, so am I. She knows this, she bated me by saying she'll suggest me to you if I slept with her." She explained. Looking under Asani's chin to Sierra she smiled. "You're not the only one with brains in the relationship, lover." She addressed to Sierra. "Sierra, with Asani we can have cubs together. A real family, you'll never feel alone again. I want this for you, for me." She pleaded. 
"Great, you wanna use me as a cum dumper." Asani laughed. 
"No." Vitani refuted, reaching for Sierra's paw, she placed it atop of Asani's left while Vitani held his right. "Together." She stated firmly. "I love you Sierra, and I'll honor you as my mate Asani. But only, if my lover girl will join me. I can't do this without you baby, I need you." Vitani pleaded once more.  Though she no longer hid her face, she was reluctant to meet either of theirs. She feared mating, not unlike Kinu. However it was simply inexperience for her, and a longstanding desire to stray away from carrying cubs. She wanted to please her girlfriend and yet, some part of her tugged at her about cubs. She didn't want them, never desired them, worse yet if they were forced upon her she had no idea how to care for them. Her head started to shake a moment before Asani captured it with his chin and eased her. 
"Hey, are you alright? You don't look so good." He wondered. 
"I uh. I don't think I can do this Vitani." She stammered. 
"Hey, it was me asking you." Asani jokingly answered. "One simple question, why not?" She paused before answering. 
"I'm, I'm scared to." She confessed. 
"There's nothing to be afraid of!" Vitani consoled. 
"She's right." Asani agreed. "Look, I'll be honest with you. It's not exactly normal for all three of us to be together. But hell, I'll give it a shot." 
"Of course you will, all you have to do is fuck us." Sierra argued. 
"You think that's where I'm calling it quits? Fuck that! I am not some chicken shit lion, who dumps cubs on a female. Maybe one time a long time ago I was more than willing but you know what? I've seen how strong family can be. A real force to reckon with, and Sierra, you are not gonna face shit alone. You got us, you got me, you got her, and heck with a little luck you'll have your own cubs who will be there for you." 
"Rayah wouldn't want you to be alone forever Sierra." Vitani budded in. "And if you're worried about going soft, you're out of your mind. Baby, I'm tough as eagle talons and twice as sharp, you think having cubs is gonna make this girl weak?" Sierra smiled, gazing at her. Hearing the words were comforting as they had a ring of truth. She knew that Vitani would stay by her side, she had her hooked, and quite well. The fascination though grew from Vitani being just as clever, if not more so then her. She knew about her attraction to Asani, and played her into her plan quite well. To have a lover so cunning was a thrill, but to have someone just as strong stand by her, it was exhilarating. Turning to her, she couldn't help but chuckle and bow to her statement. 
"Not a chance baby." She agreed. 
"Got that right. It's our adventure now, you in?" Vitani cheered. 
"I'm in, and you pretty boy?" She answered turning to Asani. Softly laughing he traded glances to both of them. 
"Oh yeah." He replied. Sierra tossed him to his side, with Vitani adjusting him to cradle his head. 
"Well then pretty boy, let's see how you taste?" She grinned wickedly, delving into her new fascination with ease. Caressing his lips, she moaned and groaned, trying to slide inside his mouth with her tongue. 
"Tastes good, doesn't she?" Vitani teased, swishing her tail over his body. Not even caring to respond he continued his tonguesmanship with Sierra. Vitani readjusted herself again, this time picking up his arms over hers. "Baby, grab his legs." She gestured. Releasing him, she complied, gripping his waist. Together they dragged him to the center of the peak, to avoid any mishaps with the ledge. Asani found himself on his back as they took parallel sides and circled around, admiring his body. 
"Look at our new toy." Sierra began. 
"So strong, such muscles." Vitani answered. 
"Muscles, don't make the lion, baby girl. How long can he last with us?" Sierra teased. 
"Ooo, so very true love. The equipments a good size, but how well does he use it?" Vitani agreed, flicking her tail over his shaft.
"Why don't you come over here and find out?" He suggested, licking his chops. 
"Mm, brave isn't he?" Vitani sighed. 
"Let's get a closer look, shall we baby?" Sierra insisted, walking down his body. She pushed his leg down and hovered her rump over him. Leaning down, she waited for Vitani to join her. Criss-crossing legs, they both had their tail ends, dangling over, with Vitani's just leading Sierra's. They toyed with his shaft, licking and rubbing its length with the occasional tug at his balls. 
"Oh is that how you wanna play it?" He stammered, throwing his head back for a moment. Enjoying the teasing, he darted in for Vitani's tail end and began to bath it. Licking the length of her slit repeatedly, he held on tight to keep his head aloft. Falling back a moment, he let the girls continue to play with him before he made the lunge for Sierra's rump. She gasped as his tongue flashed along, sliding a little ways in with each lick he made. "Someone's a little hot and bothered." He joked a moment. He dug in once more, tasting her juice that began to ebb; the trickle from her twat had no chance to find the floor, lapped up eagerly by his tongue. His neck turned sore, forfeiting the tongue play he laid back down, settling instead to reach for their entrees with his paws. A finger prodded inside each, sinking in with a soft stroke upward before pulling back. The girls had exposed his whole length as well now, taking turns moaning and tonguing his swelling penis. He was long, his barbs bathed in glistening spit while their tongues combed the length of it. The pleasure was a little overwhelming when they occasionally lapped their tongues together, squeezing him between as they stroked.
"He's playing with us." Sierra commented, pausing briefly. 
"I think he's ready." Vitani agreed. "Who gets him first?" 
"Oh baby, that's all you." Sierra insisted. 
"Are you sure?" 
"Yeah, let's see how he lasts in your hot little bod." Sierra suggested, pulling herself away. Vitani cackled deviously, straddling his body as she swung around, her hips gradually on the descent to his waist. Asani waited for her rump to land, feeling the weight fall, he swept her over, tossing her to the ground as he pinned atop. She was shocked at the abrupt act, squealing as he grinned pressing down. 
"Whos got who now?" He whispered to her ear softly, letting her adjust properly beneath him. "You might fee something hard here." He added, prodding at her backside, his stiffening penis was bouncing about her rump. Giggling she teased him, moving left and right, dodging his attempt to penetrate. 
"Which way did she go? Which way did she go?" She giggled. Asani grunted a bit before releasing a grin. In the midst of her movement, he caught her tender opening, eagerly he lowered his hips, allowing him to sink inside. 
"Found her." He softly answered as Vitani gasped from the intrusion. He parted her walls with his slick member that wriggled to the depths of her body. She cried out, so filled, it almost hurt, he was quite big and pushed much further then Sierra's tongue could find.  
"Enjoying the ride love?" Sierra questioned, watching her girlfriend mounted. Vitani moaned with pleasure, turning to and fro from his subtle movements. It was intense, but she didn't want her lover girl left out either.  
"Sierra!" She cried out, without a moment's notice she rushed in to her side. "Baby, please, I want to taste you. I want." She pleaded in between pants.
"Best bring that pretty tail over." Asani suggested with a grunt. 
"Oh what my baby wants, she gets." Sierra agreed hastily. Swinging around, she lowered her pussy to Vitani's eager lips. Catching with her tongue, she bathed only a moment before digging inside. Sierra stammered at the touch, loving the feel of her tongue thrashing her inside. Asani watched her suckle at Sierra's pussy, his mouth began to water. Though Vitani's walls were growing tight around his penis, he wanted to taste inside Sierra's again. Lowering Vitani's muzzle, he dug in as well. Sierra gasped at his intrusion and turned around. "What? You to?" She asked.
"You taste good baby." Vitani explained. "Can't blame him for wanting a little some?" She added, licking at Asani's drooling chops. "Here." She guided him away. "I'll get her close." Panting he ensued his humping even further, feeling his hind legs already wearing. Vitani barely had the chance to dine in, before the burning within her body began to swell. The tingles rushed down her walls, she could feel it coming but held on as long as she could to her girls slit. Asani was really panting now, his own climax was building. Spinning she fell back, crying out as she came to his rampant thrusts. Asani grit his teeth, it was too much, the spasms nearly milked the orgasm from his body. He shot hard, a streaming jet splashed her depths as a barrage of seed followed. For a moment as she came down, she twitched in time with his climax before settling, feeling his warm sperm fill her inside. Sierra watched the faces made, the orgasms settle, she felt a little left out, but also quite curious to her lovers reaction. 
"So?" Sierra stammered lightly. Vitani panted and flopped her head back, her eyes closed. 
"Awesome lover girl, you gotta try it." She praised. Sierra was satisfied with her answer, but her nerves began to stir up. Asani withdrew, raking Vitani as she growled and swung over. 
"Bet that hurt." Sierra quipped. 
"Don't be a big baby." Vitani laughed. "Lasts like a second." 
"I'm ready." Asani panted, his head a little low meeting Sierra's eyes. She took a few steps back, uneasy about this now. "Hah, I don't think you are." He stated, settling down. Vitani shot up to her feet and stood between them. She grabbed Sierra's paw and kissed it. 
"Don't be scared baby, I got you." She comforted, nuzzling under her chin. Sierra recalled the expression on her sisters face after their take over. The fear, the pain. It was coming back to her so vividly. Though Vitani and Asani's mood were a bit more romantic, she began to dread the thought of a male on her haunches.  
"I uh, I don't know if I can." She nervously stammered. 
"Hey! Come on!" She encouraged, patting her shoulder. "Tough girl, remember? Here just, come down with me." She insisted, guiding her to the ground. Asani caught wind of what she was doing; passing her he approached Sierra's tail end and swung around, waiting on Vitani's queue. "I'll stick right here ok babe? Come on, give me a kiss." She whispered, leaning into her lips. The soft smacks relaxed her, enough to ignore Asani creeping up behind her. Her goosebumps returned, trickling down her back though as she felt him step over. Trembling a little, she struggled to keep her lips locked on Vitani. Asani surprised her, leaning down to her cheek, planting the softest of kisses upon it. 
"It'll be alright." He whispered into her ear, sneaking a kiss in behind it. Bracing himself he took aim for her rump and prodded along. Vitani continued to comfort her as best she could. 
"This is a sensitive thing for you, isn't it?" She asked between kisses. 
"Babe, you guys, you got me right?" 
"Of course lover girl." Vitani replied firmly, yet happily. 
"I'll go easy on you, your first time with a real male and all." Asani agreed as well. He swabbed back and forth along her rump, feeling the soft flick of her lips across his member, he moved back slightly. He could feel it parting, the wet folds catching him. Asani kissed her neck as he leaned in. Her eyes went wild as he pushed in, the wet flesh of her body was so welcoming, and unlike Vitani, she was so very tight. A strange thought to him, thinking she might be more accommodating in her age over Vitani. Careful, he withdrew in small ebbs, pushing back in as she grew more accepting. He began to realize, she was squeezing, she loosened well in brief moments, then grew amazingly tight. The pressure was stimulating, causing him to moan with each crushing squeeze. 
"Is, that right?" Sierra asked, glancing back as Vitani kissed her neck. 
"Girl you're fine, squeeze all you like." He answered with a shudder. Asani began a slow rhythm pulling out, and then pressing in with her squeezing. Sierra reached for Vitani's lips once more, kissing her passionately, flicking her tongue to hers between the seal of their mouths. Though she groaned now and then from the thrusts at her tail end, she seemed to be enjoying the sensations. Vitani eventually released and smiled, stroking her lovers cheek, then sitting up to kiss at Asani's as well. 
"You're doing good with her." She applauded, patting his arm. 
"She gets so tight, it's unreal." He cried out with a thrust. Giggling she rose to her feet, flicking her tail to his arm, trailing it down his belly and sweeping away at his backside. 
"Mind if I watch?" She asked. Asani nodded, unable to answer verbally. Crouching down, she monitored his penetration. Seeing his furry shaft, slick with moister slide out then push back in, parting her lips wider and sinking the fur into her rump. She flicked her tongue out, catching his balls that trickled with her dampness. 
"Oh damn." He moaned. "Do that again." Intrigued she called back. 
"Liked that huh?" 
"Yeah." He stammered once more. Vitani began obliging, flicking her tongue along his balls as he withdrew. Enjoying it a few times, she made more firm attempts to press on them as he dug himself back in. Sierra was losing herself, her walls to excited. She began pressing against him as he thrust, fueling the fire growing within her loins. 
"Yes! Come on!" She cried out. Asani quickened his pace, Vitani couldn't keep up with it anymore, and choose instead to casually watch. Sierra's grunting grew more and more audible, she closed her eyes swinging up, her muzzle just under Asani's chin. He leaned down as he pounded faster, taking her cheek to his. She gave the deepest shudder yet. Howling she felt the rush of her climax, seeing in her mind his intruding hard cock, he body took over the motions. The clinch inside was working all its own, squeezing and suckling him within. His stamina was fairing him well, but his legs grew sore. In typical Asani behavior, he told himself fuck the pain and kept pounding her tail end hard. Her claws protruded, gasping she raked the ground as she gave a long whimper and settled her head to the ground, still jolting from his mating. 
"Come on Asani, let's see the show." Vitani encouraged from his back end. His short hard grunts were giving away his need to unload. "Maybe this will help." She whispered to herself. Reaching for his sack, she grabbed hold and followed his pace. Asani felt it, but shook his head. 
"Stop." He blurted out between pants. "Just, let em go." Vitani frowned a little, but complied. "Just, suck em as soon as I go here." He added in after. Raising an eyebrow she smiled and chuckled. 
"Alright handsome, if you say so." She complied. Her wait was short, huffing and puffing he was ready to release again. 
"Go!" He called, pushing in once more hard into her tail end. Vitani cusped them into her mouth, feeling her tongue scrape across his furry balls. She felt the jolts within, the movement of his fluids from the tender sack to his buried shaft. Closing her eyes, it seemed as if the ejaculations spewed from her mouth into Sierras warm and yearning pussy. Sierra moaned as she felt him flood inside her. It was rather comforting, a lubricating coat to ease her soar vaginal walls from his rampant thrusting. Vitani released him, watching her lovers tail hole begin to drip with seed. Smiling she leaned in, licking up the seeping drops before they could find soil. They both felt her tongue, trimming along the edges. Sierra opened her eyes, her head still heavy on the ground. 
"Baby, where are you?" Vitani stopped immediately and darted over to her. Enclosing her head aside hers she bathed her cheek lovingly. 
"I got you babe, I'm right here." She comforted. 
"I love you." Sierra cried out. 
"I love you to lover girl." She answered happily. They held each other a moment before Vitani rose up to a panting, and rather messy looking Asani. His mane had begun to frey from the sessions. She closed his mouth a moment and gazed into his eyes. 
"Good job handsome, your an amazing lover." She complemented with a kiss. Asani smiled as he resumed his panting. 
"Yeah well, had a lot pent up." He replied with a quick laugh. 
"Oh?" She chuckled. "You think you're done tonight?" She interrogated. 
"What?" He sharply answered. Giggling again, she covered her mouth. 
"Oh don't worry, we'll give you a few to get your mojo going again." 
"Well, it's not that. I was going pretty hard, the legs need some rest." He corrected. 
"Oh, well I think we can work with that." She giggled again, pushing him back off of Sierra. She gave a sharp cry as he withdrew. 
"Son of a!" She shouted. 
"Sorry." He laughed as Vitani pushed him to the ground. He embraced the moment to rest while she softly stroked along his chest. The soothing touch was entrancing to him, enjoying every second of it, he tried to settle his panting. 
"That's a good boy, you just let us take care of you now." She playfully cooed, leaning down to his neck for a kiss. 
"Oh by the heavens do not stop what you were doing that was awesome." He blurted out with a laugh. Giggling she took to his chest once more, pacing her paw back and forth along it, gently tickling down the center. Sierra at last on her feet joined on the other side of his body. 
"Oh, he's a complacent pet now?" She asked with smile to Vitani. 
"Why don't you get his belly?" She chuckled back to her. 
"First things first." She stated, leaning down to his ear. "Was it good for you?" She asked softly. 
"Don't do that." He dismissed. 
"Don't what?" She asked. 
"Cheapen it." He replied firmly, darting in for a kiss on her cheek. "You're a better lioness then that. I know that for damned sure now." 
"Is that so?" She asked, trailing off. 
"Yeah, I know so." He answered strong, grasping her arm. 
"He's right." Vitani threw in. "This is a real good thing we got going. He's a great male, a wonderful lover, and best of all he cares for us. He deserves our love babe." 
"Hmmm." She moaned, starting to play with his ear. "Maybe your right, pet." 
"I'm ready." He announced, his eyes closed from the massage. Sierra glanced down at his waist, and saw no member rising. 
"No you're not, let's get you ready." She laughed, working down to his waist. She started to massage his more tender bits, bringing his erection to life once more. Sierra guided Vitani down for a turn on top of him, riding him while she played with his soft furry balls. After her ride, Sierra took a straddle and followed suit. This time with Vitani's rump atop Asani's mouth while she suckled Sierra's mouth. With the night growing late, and his energy utterly spent, Asani passed out flat on his back after finishing inside her. They giggled over his now shaggy, exhausted body and took a side of him each. Reaching for each other while they draped an arm of his each, they clamped him between them and fell asleep. 

The sun rose up warm, the cloud from the previous night had mostly cleared, and the grass felt soft on Amri's feet as he drank from the watering hole. Smiling he gazed out over his new home with pride, planning what to do today as he was training with Kopa and Nathari today. Looking behind him, he heard the somewhat clumsy footsteps of Asani approach. Smiling he called out and greeted him. 
"Good morning kido, you're up early." He beamed. Asani grew closer to him, and much to his surprise, Amri saw the biggest smile he had ever seen on his face. "In a good mood?" He asked. He let out a casual laugh, slowly turning to Amri, still with the same dopey smile. Amri looked him over as Asani took a drink from the water, his fur matted and feathered in spots. His scent was masked by the musky smell of Sierra and Vitani's bodily fluids that still clumped the fur near his backside. "Oh, I see." 
"Best, night, ever." He laughed, finishing his drink. 
"Why do I smell both of them?" He asked, as if he didn't know the answer. 
"Oh you know, I'm mating both of them. Were in a three way relationship." He answered happily. Amri couldn't hide his giggles anymore, swatting Asani's back he bellowed. 
"Good job. You in love then?"
"Oh I don't know, maybe. For now, it's just a real good thing we got going. But uhh, I'll be staying on vacation a while, if you don't mind." He requested. 
"Something tells me you won't be getting the rest you're supposed to be." He quipped. 
"Do I look like I care?" He laughed. 
"No I suppose not." Amri laughed as well. "Come on, let's head back."

Nathari was out wondering the soft grasslands of The Pride L ands, half exploring and feeling remorse for losing the race to Saeska. He went over every moment in his mind, thinking where he could have improved. It was just unthinkable to him that she could go so fast without him making some kind of mistake. The other issue was his nightmares, in particular one where he heard a lioness screaming under Ezeamaka's claws. He found himself shouting near the top of his lungs this morning as he woke. The thought made him shudder. Lost in his thoughts, he paid no attention to the screeching lioness charging toward him, at least not until she landed a few inches from his face kicking up a wall of dust in the process. 
"Ah!" He shrieked bounding back a bit. Saeska laughed hysterically, bounding around him with his fur riled up. 
"Got ya good didn't I!" She taunted, bouncing around him still. 
"Don't do that!" He cried out, covering his chest. 
"Oh come on Mr. Nathari! It was just a prank; don't go all wussy pussy on me." She mocked. "So, what do you want to do?" 
"What do I huh?" He asked, befuddled. 
"Come on, think of something Mr. Nathari. What can we do?" She asked playfully. 
"Well, you could start by calling me Nathari instead." He suggested with a smile. 
"Ugh, fine. Nathari." She bowed feigning grace. "What is thou bidding good sir." 
"Rematch?" He said with a toothy grin. 
"Why? Looking to get trounced again?" She fired back with a smirk of her own. Suddenly her face blew wide eyed. "Swimming!!" She exclaimed. 
"Oh! Right!" He recalled. 
"Come on, show me show me show me show me!" She rambled rushing to the nearest watering hole.  In their haste, Nathari realized she was taking him to the game one instead of the pride rock one. 
"Uh, Saeska. Wrong one." He called out. 
"It's fine! See, no game there. If they show up, we shoo ourselves away." She answered back. Not interested in arguing while running they rushed to the lip of the water. Saeska with her usual kick up turned to meet Nathari face to face. "Beat ya again." She mocked. Pushing her muzzle away he brushed off her claim and looked around carefully. No game was present, this much was true, and the pool was much bigger. Decorated along the sides with tall grass and a few trees dotting the eastern bank, he was satisfied with the choice. "So come on! Show me what you can do!" She cheered, shoving him toward the water. 
"Easy, here check it out." He insisted. Taking a few paces back he lunged in with a huge splash that nearly caught her. Waiting a moment she caught his head bobbing out of the water. Nathari dove back down, disappearing from sight for a while. Saeska scanned the water, growing a little concerned before hearing him come up on the opposite shore. 
"Whoa!" She cried out. Nathari shook the water out of his budding mane and body and glanced back to her. 
"It's a little murky, but it's good swimming!" He evaluated. Swinging back around he dove in once more. She waited a moment again, seeing him peek his head just out of the water. With just his nose and forehead cresting, he playfully glanced back and forth before her before sinking back in. 
"What are you do-" She asked, just as he pounced out and tackled her to the ground with a roar. 
"Croc got ya! Your it now!" He laughed, pinning her down. Giggling she fended him off. 
"Knock it off, your dripping all over me!" 
"Well come on, get wet!" He insisted as she rose up, nudging her to the water, she toppled over and fell in to the shallows. "Eep!" She squealed as she splashed about, rising to her feet. 
"Oh please." He sighed, leaping back in. Another splash catching her this time. His head bobbing once more, he called again. "Come on, just try it out." Smiling she eased herself in, the water going up to her neck. It was a little cold on her feet, but rather nice closer to the surface. Nathari swam over a little closer to guide her. "Ok, ever swam before?" He asked. 
"No, just waded." 
"K, you gotta paddle, it's a lot like running just in water instead. Keep your head up, kick with your left foot, paddle with your right paw, then change. Paddle with your left paw, kick with your right." 
"Ok." She cautiously agreed. Forcing herself into deeper water she clamored just to stay above the surface. "Whoa whoa whoa!" She cried as her head sank. Nathari ducked down to pick her up and push her back to the shallows again. Saeska coughed up the water she swallowed, and waited on his instruction. 
"You alright?" He asked. 
"Yeah." She coughed. "I'm alright." 
"Try again, just, here." He demonstrated, strafed beside her. "Try doing this." He suggested, paddling the water without moving. Saeska watched briefly and started to follow along. 
"Ok." She complied. 
"Now kick off, but don't stop, get that rhythm going just like I said. Left paw, right foot. Right paw left foot, you gotta alternate." He reinforced. This time Saeska kicked off and managed to stay aloft a little better. Smiling she felt she had it, till she lost her balance and dunked in once more. Nathari once again dove in and pulled her back. "You gotta stop doing that. Can't hold your breath?" 
"I'm not thinking of it till it's too late." She explained once again between coughs.
"Ok then, let's try this one more time. Paddle again." He instructed. Once again Saeska was paddling in place. "K good, keep going, you'll know when to push out." 
"How?" She asked, as Nathari dove under once more. Suddenly she felt him beneath her, pushing her out into the water. It startled her a moment, but she resumed her motions while he carried her out. She could feel the water moving with each push, her head just aloft as she began to swim. Nathari slipped lower and eventually out of the way completely as she stayed afloat on her own. Peaking up from the water once more, he watched as she finally felt the rhythm and was swimming ok. 
"Alright, you got it!" He cheered. 
"Haha, this is actually kinda hard but it's so fun!" She exclaimed, treading along the water. 
"Yeah, you'll get a good work out from it, trust me." Paddling around, he noticed some of the game animals were approaching on the eastern bank. "Damn." He whispered. "Saeska, let's go. Other animals are coming." He called out to her. 
"Aww." She whined, paddling to the shore. Stepping out she shook herself off alongside Nathari. Her fur frayed in every direction while she dried out. Nathari chuckled at the sight, something he failed to keep hidden from her. "What's so funny?" She asked firmly. 
"Nothing, just, you look like a giant puffball with ears." He laughed hysterically; Saeska looked herself over and frowned at him. 
"Meany!" She barked, marching ahead of him. 
"Hey come on! It was just a joke." 
"Well I'm not laughing." She stomped the words with her head swung up in a snooty expression. Opening her eyes, she gasped. A rhino stood right in front of her. Nervously she paced back, not wanting to anger it, but it was too late. Snorting it started toward her, Nathari rushed to her side to help. 
"Come on! This way!" He shouted. The two lead him out into the open savannah. Pride Rock was a fair distance away, he wasn't sure if they'd make it. "Split up!" He called out. Saeska broke right while he darted left. The rhino chose her, and continued to run. "Oh great, he was supposed to pick me!" Nathari cried, returning to her trail. Saeska was frightened, running hard she managed to keep a fair distance ahead. Nathari passed the rhino and got between Saeska and it. The tree coming up on his right was the only object of any reasonable size coming up. Rushing to it, he leapt onto it and hopped back, landing right on the rhinos back. He slowed and tried desperately to toss Nathari off. "This was a great idea!" He cowered atop the bull. 
"Nathari!" Saeska cried out. She watched in horror as he was tossed off. A quick move spared him the horn but only barely, he was up and running and this time with the rhino on him. Getting some distance, he looked back at the tree and thought a moment. The idea struck him and he turned around, bolting back towards it, and the rhino. Strafing to the side of it, the beast turned and charged once more. 
"Come on fatty, whatcha got!?" He taunted. He slowed just a bit to let him creep up and as the tree closed in, Nathari leapt up and out of the way, as the rhinos horn dug deep into the tree. The creature bellowed in rage, unable to break free. 
"Sorry pal, you went barking up the wrong tree." He quipped. Saeska grabbed his arm and stole his attention. 
"Stuff the lame lines and let's go!" She demanded, leading off toward pride rock. Laughing with the arrival near the base they took a moment to catch their breath. Smiling he glanced to her and was already eager to retell the story. 
"Jeez, did you see the size of that guy?" 
"No, I had no view whatsoever when he was stopped right in front of me." She chuckled sarcastically. 
"Did ya see me get him off of you though?" He retorted a bit more proudly. 
"Yes, although it was a really stupid idea. I did work." She confessed, bathing her cheek briefly to settle her drying fur. 
"Pretty, heroic of me, wouldn't you say?" He suggested, starting to pace around him. Shaking her head she rolled her eyes with a smile at his attempt to impress her. 
"Oh absolutely." She answered, grasping her chest with a dainty paw, feigning the weakness of a common lioness. 
"Come on! Admit it, it was pretty brave. Diving onto his back, baring him straight for that tree." He carried on. 
"It was, I won't lie. But knock it off with the bragging Nathari." She retorted, heading towards the ramp. 
"Hey, I'm just trying to show you I care for you!" He protested. Saeska swung around, giving him a much more serious glare. 
"Care for me?" She questioned. "I've known you for like a week, why do you care for me?" 
"Well." He stammered, brushing behind his head. "You are Kopa's friend. And Kopa was the one who saved my life. It's only right that I care for the same things he does." He constructively explained. Saeska walked closer as he spoke, listening intently to him. 
"So, you only care for me, because Kopa does? Is that it?" She asked stern, but her tone was kept soft. She wasn't one for intimidation, but she wanted to know the whole story. 
"Well, yeah. Isn't that reason enough?" He asked shyly, biting his lip. 
"Nathari you're terrible at hiding things. Come on, spill it. Why do you care for me?" She insisted, placing a paw on his. Giving a deep sigh he rose his head up. 
"Listen, you're like, the only friend I've had. I only really had my brother to hang out with back home and. It's nice to have someone my age." He confessed. 
"I'm like a month away from two years old and being an adult. I think I have some age on you." 
"But you're like me. I mean, what adult farts on someone's head right?" He said with a smirk. Saeska nearly burst out laughing save for the paw covering her mouth. "See." He reiterated. 
"Alright, I can see your point." She admitted. "But this is why you care for me? Are you sure it's not something else?" She interrogated once more, leaning into his face. 
"Eee, well." He looked off, trying to find an explanation. 
"Hey, knuckled head."She tapped his forehead. "You're still lousy at hiding things." 
"Would you be mad, if I said I liked you?" He asked shyly. 
"No, buuuut you also gotta realize something." She paced around him. 
"What's that?" 
"You're still a cub, Nathari." She stated for him. "You're too young and to be honest, I'm not ready. I don't want to be bogged down in lovey dovey land like everyone else. I want to have fun, explore, have a few adventures and see this land and everything it's got to hide!" She carried on. 
"Oh, I see." He sighed hanging his head once more. Giggling she swung back to him and picked up his chin. 
"But when I get older. Things settle down a bit, I'd be lucky to have a sweety like you." She assured him. "Would it be ok Mr. Nathari if that was my answer?" 
"Yeah." He smiled. "It'd be ok." Giving him a big toothy grin she darted into his lips and gave him a quick kiss. 
"That's for teaching me how to swim." She explained as his face continued to melt with joy. 
"It was my pleasure." He swooned, watching her head up the ramp she gave him one more quick smile before she faded behind pride rock. 

The night arrived; the sun had just set on the horizon as Nathari watched it from the top of pride rock. Hearing a girlish giggle, he looked down to see Kinu and Ni arriving home. She was leaning into his mane, smiling and laughing as they talked. As they ascended the ramp, Ni gave a brief wave to Nathari along with Kinu. 
"Hey kido!" He called out. 
"Hey Ni, hi Kinu!" He replied. They turned and headed inside with another giggle escaping from Kinu. 
"Huh, I bet they were doin it." He softly said. Nathari took to day dreaming, fantasizing about the day he and Saeska would be together. About how long his mane would be, and how strong he had become training with Amri and Kopa. In his mind he fought off huge lions, leopards and wild creatures the likes of which no one would care to imagine. He recalled the fight with the spider and proudly reflected on the battle there in the canyon. Of course he neglected the part about him throwing up but, in his mind he was a hero. He carried on a good while, long after Ni had passed but was awoken by the tap of Simba's paw on his back. 
"Hey, you know this spot is reserved for kings right?" He joked. 
"Oh sorry!" He quickly got up. Simba laughed and settled him down by his haunches. 
"Relax Nathari, I was kidding." He insisted. 
"Oh ok!" Nathari beamed, turning back to the savannah. 
"So I never really got a chance to talk to you yet, your close with my son, yes?" Simba asked, settling in a spot right next to him. 
"Yep, well. Kopa and I met while we were fighting really." Nathari quickly changed his tone. 
"What? Fighting, what do you mean?" Simba asked, puzzled by his statement. 
"Well see, I was originally with a member of my old pride and a few flunkies he brought along. We were tasked with finding lion prides and taking them over, so you know, we could expand our own back home." 
"I see, so where did Kopa come into this?" Simba questioned. 
"We challenged Amri's pride, and we lost. Me in particular, I lost to Kopa. He spared me though, thankfully. But it was what happened afterward that well, really made a difference." He explained. Smiling Simba rolled his paw. 
"Go on." He insisted. 
"Ezea was really pissed at us for failing. He called Kamili a weakling and made me hold him down while he killed him. Then he turned on me and cut me down my back and left me to die. I was there for two days, getting sicker and sicker, till Kopa came and saved me. I couldn't believe he wanted to help me, he had some stuff going on with his pride and said he needed me but. He like, defended me like I was his own when the hyena's showed up and-" 
"Hyena's?" Simba asked abruptly. 
"Oh yeah, Shenzi, Banzai and Ed. They were real jerks at first, but when they found out we weren't friends with this lioness they hated. They adored us, even played a few games with me. Shenzi was the one who treated my wound so it wouldn't get sicker." He went on. 
"Those three." Simba fumed. "Those traitors, helped murder my father." He groaned, closing his eyes. 
"They what?!" He exclaimed. 
"They worked for Scar, my uncle. He betrayed my father and murdered him, and when he took over, they came along for the ride." Simba informed him. 
"No, it can't be." Nathari stammered. "They were so nice to me, Shenzi helped save me!" He pleaded. 
"I'm sorry Nathari. But if they step foot in this kingdom again, I won't show any mercy on them." He stated solemnly. 
"But, King Simba. If it wasn't for them, Kopa might have never made it back!" 
"What?" Simba questioned. 
"They told Amri where to go to get to the canyon. If they didn't have their route through the dark, we would have died in spider traps. And if we went the long way, it would have been years before we got here!" Nathari insisted, pleading to Simba. 
"He's right my friend." Amri chirped in from behind. Strolling towards them he settled just behind. "She had a good understanding of some of the medicines to treat wounds. Rafiki taught her, and she used it to aid the boy." 
"I understand." Simba sighed. "But listen, there's something's that even I am not ready to forgive yet. The hyenas laid waste to the Pride Lands. The lionesses here despise them, even those of Zira's old pride. I cannot welcome them back."
"Then perhaps for the boy's sake, and the favor they granted your son. Simply treat them as you would any other. Cast them out if they should come, but do not resort to killing them." Amri suggested. Simba pondered his suggestion a moment, shifting between Amri and Nathari. 
"They really helped you?" He asked. 
"Yeah." Nathari eagerly answered. 
"The directions Shenzi gave were quite useful. And yes, they did befriend your son." Amri agreed. 
"Very well. If they enter into the Pride Lands, they are prohibited to hunt or eat. But since they are friends of yours, you may visit them, away from Pride Rock, understood?" He asserted. 
"Yes!" Nathari cheered. 
"Very kind of you, Simba thank you." Amri bowed. 
"You're welcome." He sighed, rising up he quietly found his way back inside. 
"Didn't seem very happy about that." Nathari commented. 
"Nor should he be. The hyenas have torn this kingdom apart in the past. There is little trust for them here, my young friend." Amri explained. 
"How do you know?" 
"I knew nothing of it, until I spoke with Nala a while. She told me much of the events here. There is so much grief, so much pain and yet, they persevere through it all. A truly inspiring land this is." Amri carried on poetically. Nathari remained silent until he saw the arrival of Kopa and Keyah coming up the ramp. 
"Hey guys!" Nathari called out. Keyah was giggling, leaning into Kopa's body. It was strangely vivid to Ni and Kinu's arrival. Kopa and Keyah however joined the two. 
"How's it going little bud?" Kopa greeted, patting Nathari's head. 
"Good, how did your date go?" He chuckled deviously. 
"Date?" Keyah asked. "Oh I wouldn't call it a date so much." 
"Why's that?" Amri questioned. Giggling she turned to Kopa then back to them. 
"We're to be mated for life!" She squealed with delight. 
"That's wonderful!" Amri praised, patting Kopa's back. 
"Woo hoo!!" Nathari cheered. "Congrats da- I mean Kopa." He nervously stammered. 
"Thanks kido." Kopa smiled. 
"Simba!" Amri called out. "Nala! Come!" The two took a bit of time but made their way out eventually. 
"What's going on?" Nala asked. 
"Mom, Keyah and I are to be mated for life." Kopa eagerly replied. Gasping she flew her ears back and hugged him. 
"Oh my baby! I'm so proud of you!" She cheered. Simba reached in and held Keyah tight in his arms. 
"It's wonderful to have you in the family, congratulations." He softly said, releasing her.
"Thanks!" She smiled, turning to Nala for her hug from her. Kopa held his father tight a moment as well, releasing Simba scratched his sons head. 
"That's my boy. I'm proud of you." He beamed. 
"Thanks dad." He smiled back. 
"We'll have the ceremony tomorrow!" Simba announced. "I'll have Zazu bring Rafiki down. Maybe Timon and Pumbaa can help spread the word to the kingdom." 
"Sounds good dad." Kopa agreed, scooping his mate back into his arm. 
"It's a long journey Kopa." Amri began. "But it is one worth taking, and for all its ups and downs, you'll always have each other." 
"Come on Amri, Nala, let's go tell the others, let the kids have some time alone." Simba insisted, guiding them back inside. Keyah and Kopa both took to a side of Nathari and lay down. Smiling he looked to both of them. 
"So Nathari, have you been thinking about what you're going to do?" Keyah asked, opening up the conversation. 
"What do you mean?" 
"Well, you haven't really joined our pride. Simba invited us in, technically if you wanted to; you're free as a bird." She explained. 
"Keyah, I'm pretty sure he wants to stay here." Kopa interjected. 
"Ah-ah!" She interrupted as well. "Let him answer." She trailed on
"Well, Kopa's right. I'd really like to stay here if that's ok." Nathari answered. 
"Is that so?" She replied, twirling her paw on the ground. "I would think a young buck like you would thrive exploring the world, seeing new sights, meeting new faces." 
"But I don't want to go anywhere." He adamantly protested. "I like it here, why do you want me to go?" He pleaded. 
"Keyah, where is all this coming from?" Kopa questioned as well. 
"I've been thinking about you, Nathari. You're in a similar situation Kopa was in not long ago. You're getting attached to us, but you have family and friends far away." She explained. 
"Yeah but, my mom cut me loose when I turned a year old." Nathari replied. 
"Cut you loose? Or just pushed for you to be independent?" She retorted softly. 
"No, look I know she loved me and all but, she told me to go with Ezea and train. She barely talks to my older brothers, if she even bothers to see them so I know!" He reaffirmed. "I know she cut me loose." 
"What about your father?" Kopa asked. 
"I told you, I don't know who my father is."
"But you said your brother cared for you?" Kopa restated. 
"Yeah, Paro was cool with me hanging around. But Ezea probably told them I died a weakling." Nathari sighed. 
"Well, unlike what happened to Kopa, I just want to know one thing Nathari." Keyah asked. 
"What is it?" 
"Would you like to stay with us?" She asked, placing a paw on his. Smiling he nodded eagerly. 
"Of course! I mean, you guys are like the best lions I've ever met." Nathari happily answered. 
"No, Nathari. I mean stay with us, me and Kopa." She requisitioned. A puzzled look began to form on his face. Looking to Kopa he was smiling as well, he was just as confused until he realized what she was doing. 
"I don't get it." Nathari gave up. 
"Nathari. You're still an adolescent, which means if you want, we can take you in as our own." Kopa explained. 
"It means, Nathari. You would be our son, at least in name." Keyah added with a smile. Nathari's jaw slacked, slowly turning between the two of them. 
"You.. Want me to be, your son?" He stammered. 
"Nathari, you're a wonderful young lion. You have such a brave and loving heart. It's our honor if you would join our family as our own." Keyah said firmly, leaning into him.
"You would be our son. You'd always have a home in the Pride Lands, and no one can take it away from you. So, what do you say?" Kopa asked, wrapping his paw over his back. Nathari wiped at his eyes and sniffled, he couldn't believe it. It would be the first time in his life he would really be part of a family. Growing up he had always felt alone, his sisters would ignore him. His mother would only address his needs and hardly talk to him. Worst of all, he had no father figure at all until Paro stepped up to the role for a while. Even then, he only spent the time he could with him, often leaving him alone. But now, he wasn't alone. A real family wants him; he befriended Saeska and always has friendly faces around him. It was overwhelming, having trouble managing the tears, he nodded.
"Yeah." He eked out. "I, wanna be your son." Kopa and Keyah wrapped him up tight, holding him between them. 
"It's ok son. It's alright." Keyah comforted, eagerly taking to her new role. Kopa nuzzled his cheek, sneaking a quick lick behind his ear. 
"Welcome home, son." He whispered. Nathari let out a small whimper, nuzzling him back. 
"Thanks, dad."

Two months had passed, and though the days grew colder, the hearts of the lions and lionesses of the Pride Lands grew warmer. Kopa and Keyah were wed atop Pride Rock, with Ni and Kinu at their sides. Not long after, Ni and Kinu announced their pregnancy, as the signs of sickness had settled in with her. Nathari and Saeska were regularly together; his budding mane was truly blossoming now into a golden coat that slowly began enveloping his neck. Still as childlike as ever, he was often found playing and adventuring with Saeska unless his training with his new father was due. And Asani, Vitani and Sierra were regularly busy mating, though often just the girls when Asani was out training. Kiara, had recently given birth. Her only child a beautiful golden coated cub named Dasha. His little eyes aglow with the same hue as his father were barely open as he spent much of his time tucked away under his mother. Keyah, was far along now. It was uncomfortable to move, as Hakima surmised she was due any day. She was lying on her side, watching Asani, Sierra and Vitani chat away as Kiara was hunched in behind her. 
"How you holding up sis?" Kiara asked, patting her side. 
"I'm ok." Keyah replied, still unmoving. Sierra glanced to Keyah then back to the two. 
"Just a sec." She said, before rushing over to Keyah's side. "Hey preggers, got a question for ya." 
"What is it?" Keyah replied, slowly rising up. Sierra interjected, easing her back down. 
"Easy now, wouldn't want you to topple the den." She joked. Keyah laughed as well, shaking off the joke. The family had gotten used to Sierra's tone, but she had started to work on toning it down as well. 
"Listen, my baby-girl over there was wondering. When you're in heat, do you think you get pregnant better earlier in it, or later?" 
"Well, it was earlier I think for me. But Kiara said she went the whole heat before she found out she was pregnant a few weeks later." Keyah replied. 
"Yeah, it's true." Kiara chirped in behind her. 
"Oh, alright. I figured that as well. Not exactly eager to blow up to your size but, my girls pretty excited." Sierra smiled, turning back to Vitani. 
"It's rough at this point, I won't lie. But I can't-" Keyah cut off, feeling something churn inside her. Sierra watched a moment, before leaning down with concern. 
"Hey, you alright honey?" She asked. Keyah waited a moment, a sharp pain hit her side once more, cringing she moaned and curled in. 
"Ugh, I think it's happening!" Keyah cried out. 
"Oh shit. Hey pretty boy! Get your tail out there and get Kopa!" Sierra demanded. 
"What's up?" Asani questioned back. 
"She's gonna blow!" Asani glanced over to Keyah with a panic look on his face. 
"Whoa shit! Yeah I'm gone, Hakima?!" He called. Hakima was already rushing over. 
"I have her boy, go on!" Hakima acknowledged. She pulled Keyah up from her curled in position and set her head under hers. Her legs on their side, she began panting uncontrollably. "Easy girl, easy. Take slower, longer breaths." She instructed. 
"Anything you want me to do?" Sierra asked. Hakima, thought a moment before turning to her. 
"For now, no. But I do thank you for the urgency girl." Hakima decided. Sierra nodded and returned to Vitani's side, who was sitting watching the unfolding show. Keyah groaned one more, Kiara stroking her back, letting her son be for a moment. 
"Keep breathing sis, try to hold it till Kopa arrives."
"No." Hakima interrupted. "Don't risk hurting yourself. If you feel it coming, let it come."
"Kopa." Keyah moaned, closing her eyes. 
Asani found him outside, training with Amri and Nathari. Thankfully he wasn't to far away. 
"Yo, Kopa!" He hollered out. 
"What's up Asani?" Kopa replied, pausing from his lesson. 
"Get your ass back home! Keyah's ready to go!" 
"Keyah!? Amri I-" Kopa stammered. 
"Say no more, boy. Go!" Amri encouraged, shoving him off. Nathari followed close behind with Amri at the rear. Kopa rushed up the ramp into the den and found Keyah inside. 
"Keyah!" He cried out, hastily joining her. Giving her a brief kiss, he took over Hakima's position and held her. 
"You made it." She moaned between pants. 
"Of course I did my love, I wouldn't miss this." He said, nuzzling and kissing her cheek.
"Kinu!" Keyah cried out. "Kopa, Kinu wanted to be here. She wanted- UGH!" She squealed, the pain shooting through her. Kopa settled her down and nodded. 
"Son, you got the fastest feet here, find Kinu and Ni." Kopa ordered. 
"Got it." Nathari agreed, bursting out the door. 
"Vitani! Where's Zazu?" Kopa asked. 
"He's bugging around somewhere." She replied with a smile. 
"Think you can find him for me? Get him to give Nathari a hand." He requested. 
"No problem." She nodded heading outside, Sierra followed behind as well. Kopa held fast to Keyah, keeping her head tucked with hers. Ni and Kinu arrived after a while along with Nathari. Zazu had helped him find them after Vitani tracked him down. Everyone gave there space for the most part, save for Kinu, Kopa, Hakima and Kiara. Kopa held fast while the others were within a foot of her. Keyah raised her legs, feeling the cub breeching. She grunted and groaned, pushing the little ball out from her body. His head barely breached the tip when she paused to catch her breath. 
"Come girl, you can do this." Hakima encouraged. 
"You got this love. Push." Kopa joined in. Keyah pushed once more, the matted fur of her cubs head breached her opening, as it passed, the body poured out and landed on the ground. Blind and helpless, Hakima gave it the gentlest of pushes towards Kopa. Scooping it up, he began to bath it thoroughly, cleaning the blood and placenta from its body. Keyah continued groaning though, pushing still it seemed. 
"There's more?" Kopa asked in astonishment. 
"No! I'm just doing this for fun!" Keyah retorted. Kiara and Hakima laughed as Kopa kept his mouth shut. 
"Don't take it personal boy, this is very trying for her." She comforted. Kopa continued to bath as the second head crested her opening. She didn't pause this time, pushing through, its head breeched and the body poured out with it. Hakima once again gently pushed the small cub to Kopa. He scooped it up, letting it rest aside the other as he bathed it. Keyah joined in bathing the newborns, her pain subsiding, at last she was finished. 
"Ready to see what we have?" Kopa asked. Keyah smiled as Kopa turned over the first ball of fluff to fall out of her. Its legs parting revealed its tiny penis and baggage below. Keyah closed her eyes, leaning into his side. 
"A boy!" She cried softly. The little lion flopped back on his side, his eyes still shut tight. Kopa turned the other over on its back, once again the legs spreading apart.  Gazing down the length of it, they discovered a small fold near the base of its body. "And a girl!" Keyah cried with joy. Kopa stammered at the sight. 
"We got both." He said with a shudder. 
"Have you thought of names?" Hakima asked. Keyah and Kopa both nodded, Simba, Nala, Timon, Pumbaa and everyone closed in tight to hear it. 
"My daughter, is Stara." Keyah announced. Many in the pride turned to the other with smiles. Kinu in particular smiled. 
"I knew you'd like that name." She quipped. Keyah laughed turning to Kopa. 
"And my son, your name, is Aurok."