[Private: S66, Zorry]The Lion King [Before Mufasa's Pride]

[Harvs]

Ahadi felt Uru's tongue on his ear and heard her words. "Alright, alright." He echoed in a low, gruff voice. It was always that way in the morning. By late day, his voice would be deep, regal and commanding. Shifting his weight from side to side, trying to wake up his sleeping paws, Ahadi rose to his haunches. And then to his feet. He let out a yawn as he finally awoke. Eyes still blinking to adjust to the light of day creeping through the cave. Eyes now open wide, Ahadi walked over to Uru and nuzzled lovingly. "I'll be back later, my love."

He then walked to the sunlight permeating the cave. Feeling a bit ashamed of how he ignored Taka, he sped his pace up a bit to reach his cubs quicker. Maneuvering through the sleeping bodies, he would let Uru decide when it was time for them to wake up.

---------------

"Come on Aiko, you can do better than that!" Sarafina called out from a huge head start, Kati right behind her. When Aiko called out that it wasn't fair, Sarafina couldn't help but feel sorry for her best friend. She exchanged glances with Kati, as they both shrugged. Kati ran back toward Mufasa and Sarabi, as Taka was now present. Sarafina called out to Aiko "Okay, okay, you don't have to be 'it' anymore." She didn't like it when Aiko felt left out or sad. She and Aiko were best friends forever.

Meanwhile, as Kati approached her siblings, she slowed her pace and lowered her ears. She didn't want to seem too happy in the midst of Taka who had just gotten in trouble. "Good morning Taka. Sorry about..." Looking around and seeing Sarabi, Kati stopped herself. If Sarabi was going to know what happened, Taka would be the one to tell her. "Well sorry."

Suddenly, a large shadow engulfed Taka's body. He looked up slowly and caught a glimpse of Ahadi staring down at the four cubs with a sleepy grin on his muzzle. Without a word, Taka quickly scurried behind Mufasa, scared that his father might be mad at him. Taka could understand and relate to his mother's words, but when his father spoke to him, it was on a whole different level of seriousness.

Seeing Taka's reaction to Ahadi's appearance, Kati walked right up to him and said "Good morning daddy!" Ahadi looked down at his beautiful daughter and smiled. "Good morning sweety." He placed his enormous paw lightly on Kati's head just as Mufasa did earlier. Only when Ahadi did it, Kati loved it.

[zorayda]

Uru purred softly at Ahadi's attentions and smiled as he left, watching him step down to greet his cubs. No doubt Taka would be cowed enough to hide behind his big brother or one of his friends... he never was one for confrontations. The young adult lioness settled down onto her belly, paws tucked under her chest, and heaved a happy sigh. She loved her family very much...

Which was why she would never tell them her secret. Not until.... well, that day would come. And she would face it then.

---

Aiko grinned at Sarafina when she allowed him his whiny request. He'd always been her best friend, and he considered her to be his best friend. He would never tell any of the other cubs, but the white lion had always held Sarafina in far higher esteem than the rest of them. There was something about her, the way her eyes would sparkle in play, the way she'd wrinkled her nose when she laughed, the way she treated him.

"Thanks, Saffy," Aiko said quietly, appreciating her words. "You're always so nice to me." With this, he leaned over and quickly licked her cheek in a friendly gesture before prancing away, laughing. "Come n' get me!"

Sarabi's ears perked up in interest at Kati's words and the way Taka hid behind Mufasa when his father arrived. Sarabi shrank back into the background as well, not really wanting to be around the large lion. Ahadi was gruff and sometimes a bit harsh, and being a huge cat, was already fairly intimidating. She would talk to him if needed, but preferred to avoid him whenever possible.

Mufasa gave Taka a sympathetic look as his little brother hid behind him. Taka always seemed to be in some kind of trouble...

"Hey, maybe you should say sorry," Mufasa whispered. "It would probably make him less mad at you."

[Harvs]

Aiko didn't have to tell Sarafina what he thought of her. She already knew that they were best friends. And they would remain best friends until the end. Every morning was the same with little or no change whatsoever. Aiko would wake Sarafina up out of boredom and request play. And being his best friend, Sarafina would get up regardless of how tired she was and play with him. The games varied from day to day. Very seldom did they play hide-and-go-seek though. Aiko's white fur made it difficult for him to hide. But they enjoyed play fighting and playing tag.

Sarafina let Aiko have a bit of a head start before she'd chase him at a steady pace. She and the other females were naturally faster than Aiko, so when it was just him and her, she would slow down to match his speed and make things fair.

"Ready or not, here I come Aiko!" Sarafina ran at Aiko at a reasonable speed. A huge grin on her muzzle. Her mornings were always the same, but always enjoyable. She wondered what they would do after the game was over. She had overheard Ahadi telling his Mufasa, Taka, and Kati that he had something important to tell them. Whenever he singled them out from the group, it always meant that they'd be gone for the whole morning. Sometimes longer. What did he show them anyways? Sarafina was bothered by this question as she came closer and closer to Aiko.

---------

Taka looked at his brother from behind. Apologize? Taka echoed in his mind. He never tried that with his father before. He couldn't help but wonder, what would happen. Maybe it would work? Who knew? But Mufasa seemed to think it would help. One paw at a time, Taka slowly crawled out from behind his big brother toward his father. Ahadi turned from lovingly patting Kati on the head, to looking upon his youngest creeping slowly toward him.

"D-dad... I... I'm sorry." Taka ushered quietly. He thought about looking his father in the eyes, but he just couldn't do it. He thought about what his father might do to him. Would he be punished? What if he hadn't heard him. Thoughts raced through Taka's mind, until he spoke again, louder "I'm sorry dad."

Taka seemed on the verge of tears. He didn't want his father to be diappointed in him.

Then, Ahadi bent down to Taka with a serious look. "Taka. I just have two words for you son"

Taka cringed in fear. What could the two words be? What was he going to do to him. Ahadi brought his paw around Taka and grabbed him from behind in a quick movement. His heart stopped.

"C'mere you!" Ahadi said in a hushed yell as he brought Taka into a gentle noogie, laughing hard. Ahadi was never one to hold a grudge, but he usually only messed with Mufasa this way. It seemed weird to Taka, but all he could do was struggle free from his father's playful grasp.

[zorayda]

Aiko grinned and played with Sarafina, letting her catch him a few times and running until he was exhausted.

"Whew!" He flopped onto the ground, panting. "Wonder what's up with Taka and the others?" he mused, watching the large Ahadi tussle with his youngest offspring.

----

Mufasa smiled to himself when he saw that his father was playing with Taka. He'd forgiven his brother for his impatience and made him feel accepted all at once. He looked over to glance at Sarabi, but he noticed that she'd gone missing. He frowned, knowing why. Sarabi had always felt a little intimidated around Ahadi, the gruff and large lion of the pride. He caught Kati's eye instead and smiled.

"I'm glad that he forgave Taka," he murmured.

Just as he said that, Uru came around the corner, laughing at her mate and son. "The pride's all up and ready for the day," she said. She glanced at Taka through Ahadi's forearms and winked at him, her wine-red eyes sparkling.

[Harvs]

Sarafina and Aiko played until they were both too tired to continue. They both stopped in their tracks and laid down for a well earned rest. She looked at her friend and then at the other cubs, pondering Aiko's question. What was up with them? Sarafina got to her feet and nudged Aiko to help him up. "Come on Aiko. Lets go over to them."

-----------

After a few seconds of Ahadi's suttle, but playful nature, Taka finally broke free from his hold. Ahadi smiled upon his cubs and Sarabi, who seemed to always steer clear of his presence. And he couldn't blame her, he was a rather intimidating lion. Though after morning, he wasn't as gruff or harsh, sometimes he couldn't help it. It was who he was.

Kati looked back at Mufasa and said, "Yeah. Dad can never hold a grudge." The statement was half true. Ahadi could hold a grudge, but not against his own children.

Taka looked at Uru, for once in the eyes. For some reason she always seemed to like Taka more than her other cubs. Maybe it was because they shared the same fur color... maybe it was because he was the youngest. Or maybe it was only a coincidence. It was probably that. Taka took a few steps back to join his brother and sister on a level plain.

Ahadi glanced back at his mate and smiled. "Thank you Uru." He started over to give her a quick loving nuzzle before heading off with his children.

[zorayda]

"Yeah," Aiko quickly agreed, and trotted over to see Mufasa and his entire family standing around, making loving comments and such. A pang of self-pity coursed through the young white lion--he'd never met his family. He was found as an infant and raised by a surrogate lioness of the Pridelands, never knowing who his real parents were. He covered up his momentary sadness with an arrogant huff. "Sheesh, what a bunch of corny dorks," he muttered, lip curled.

---

Mufasa grinned back at his sister at her comment, silently agreeing. Ahadi could be a bit... tough, but inside, he was a truly good king and father. When Taka walked back over to them, Mufasa patted his head with a big paw, just like he did with his sister, and chuckled.

"See, I toldja Dad would forgive you."

---

Uru was very pleased with her mate's actions with their cubs, knowing that she'd found the 'right one'. Such beautiful eyes and dark mane he had, what a good heart...

Her moment of reverie was interrupted suddenly by Zuzu, the female hornbill that acted as the royal majordomo.

"My queen, hyenas have invaded our lands once again!" She squawked, feathers fluttering and falling out in all directions. "They're closing in on the herds and scaring them away! You and your mate must come, and bring some pride lionesses, too!"

Uru's face hardened into an angry mask. Those mangy scoundrels... would they never learn?

"Ahadi, let's go."

Mufasa looked from Zuzu's face to his mother's and father's eagerly. "Mom, can I go? I'm tough, I can help!" He insisted, choosing that moment to flex his forearm as he stood. He hoped it would impress his father enough to let him participate, for once...

---

Sarabi hid around the corner, ears perked up when Zuzu made her sudden appearance. She giggled quietly to herself at Mufasa's display, thinking him silly but rather amusing. Her brown-red eyes tracked the progress of the lions and awaited the moment that Ahadi would leave...

[Harvs]

As Taka broke free from Ahadi's grasp, the large cat looked down at his children. Soon they were joined by Aiko and Sarafina... together. And Ahadi wasn't surprised by this. The two were practically inseparable. Every morning they were together, and every night they stayed together until Sarafina's mother pried her from her friend to go to sleep. Maybe one day, they would be something more than friends. But... what was he thinking? Ahadi had let his mind wonder off yet again.

"I appreciate you all for waiting an extra day, Mufasa, Kati, Taka. Ahadi began in a strong but gentle voice. It wasn't his usual tone, but being a father, he had to learn some self-control for his voice. "But I think you've all waited long enough. Come along. There's something I'd like to show-" He was interrupted by the majordomo Zuzu's sudden entrance.

The hyena's are back already!? They're becoming braver. He thought, as the cubs leaned intently into this conversation. Ahadi tried to block them from view of Zuzu, but to no avail as Taka and Kati looked under Ahadi's legs, still staring at the ranting bird. Sarafina however, tapped Aiko on the shoulder and pointed over to Sarabi, who was hiding from Ahadi. She gestured toward her with her head and trotted over to her friend, assuring her that it was alright.

Hearing Mufasa's question, Ahadi stepped in and said "No son. It's too dangerous." His tone had changed from charming and playful, to serious and gritty. Several lionesses stepped out of the den and toward Ahadi and Uru. Ready for action, the lionesses stood by the king's side awaiting his command.

Before taking off, Ahadi turned to Zuzu and said "Zuzu, stay here and watch over the cubs. Make sure nothing bad happens to them." Without another word, Ahadi started slowly toward the direction Zuzu had flown in from, but was suddenly stopped by Taka

"But dad! What about your promise?" He asked with a sad expression on his face. This would be the second time the hyenas had forced their father to break a promise. Ahadi turned back and quickly said "Later Taka. I promise."

Within a minute, only the cubs and Zuzu were left at Pride Rock. Taka looked out on the horizon at his father and mother until they disappeared from sight. He stayed and watched where he thought they were, just hoping that they'd return. Later Taka. I promise. The words remained in Taka's head, tormenting his mind. Until he turned his head sharply away from the now-gone pride and muttered "Yeah right..."

[zorayda]

Mufasa's ears drooped when Ahadi broke his promise once more and simultaneously denied him the right to fight off hyenas. Taka's sad and hurt expression only made it worse...

"Hey," Sarabi said, coming from around the corner. She nuzzled Mufasa, knowing that she didn't need words to comfort him. Two tears slipped from Mufasa's eyes and ran down his muzzle, but he refused to tremble or shake with any sobs. Only whiny cubs did that... Mufasa put a paw on Taka's shoulder sympathetically.

"Are you okay, brother?" he asked quietly.

---

Uru trailed behind her mate, her quick paws not quite quick enough for the larger, long-limbed lion.

"That's another promise broken," she reminded him quietly, her eyes boring into his. "Those cubs love you, 'Hadi, and you're going to break their hearts." Her words came in between pants as she ran, her flexible spine undulating with every long stretch and push with her feet.

-----

Aiko looked at Sarafina curiously when he noted Taka's discouraged and cynical look.

"You think he'll be all right, Saffy? He seems down..." Aiko didn't like the lion too much, but seeing him so downtrodden made him want to help, to do something...

[Harvs]

Ahadi's eyes blazed with fury as his mind raced along side his legs. Had the hyenas no shame? Would they spend the rest of their lives eating red meat? Even after Ahadi had passed away? The thoughts remained in Ahadi's mind, but one thought boggled his mind far greater than the others; would he be back in time to keep his promise with his three cubs? Would the hyenas stop him from proceeding with his promise again?

Uru's sudden statement slightly startled the already unsteady lion [try saying that 5 times fast]. He looked into his mate's eyes and replied. "How was I to know that the hyenas would strike two days in a row?" It was true. The hyenas were starting to experiment with the king's patience. If they kept this up, Ahadi would have no choice but to deal with them even more harsh than he already was. But it was also true that if there were any more interruptions, his children wouldn't be as open to him. He had to do whatever he could to maintain his land and love his cubs.

Ahadi looked up at the sky and thought to himself. Father... please help me. I can't do this alone. Mohatu had always been a just king, and a good father. He seemed to balance those two so perfectly... so why couldn't Ahadi?

-------

Sarafina turned to Aiko, slightly shocked that he had expressed care to Taka. She knew that he and Taka weren't the best of friends, but this was just unheard of. So much so, that Sarafina almost forgot that Aiko had said something. "Huh? Oh... yeah, he'll be fine. He just needs some time to cool down."

-------

Taka felt betrayed. His father had once again postponed his promise. And to add insult to injury, he made another promise before he left. And what was keeping him from breaking this promise too? Nothing. Nothing had changed. The hyenas were still a threat, and Ahadi was still the king.

He felt Mufasa's paw on his shoulder and heard his question. Taka shot a hateful look at his brother before realizing that this wasn't his fault. As quickly as he could, he wiped the look off his muzzle and noticed the tears running down Mufasa's face. "Why did dad have to be king?" He asked out of nowhere. Simple, Short, and to the point, the question hung in the air for a long while. Even Zuzu didn't know what to say as the silence went on for too long to count.

"He'll be back later you two."Kati finally broke the silence. She hated seeing her brothers so put out. She looked back at Sarafina and Aiko for help. Then to Sarabi. All of the sudden, she blurted out "Hey! I know what we can do! let's go to the watering hole!" She looked around in silence. Her idea had been rejected, but she wasn't going to give up so easily. "Come on guys. We haven't been there in weeks."

Sarafina approached her friend and said "That sounds like a good idea. We won't get in trouble if Zuzu comes with us."

(wow... this post is huge. Oh well. )

[zorayda]

Uru became quiet at Ahadi’s outburst, following his body language and realizing how frustrated with himself he was. It was hard to have cubs and to run a kingdom... she would know, she was queen. She allowed him the quiet moment of looking at the sky, probably speaking to his father, Mohatu...

Soon, they came upon a dead, torn apart zebra carcass. Several hyenas were scrambling to get away from them, their giggling yips irritating Uru’s ears. She’d bet her mahogany fur that they’d eaten more than their share, scaring away the herds. The queen glanced sharply at the rag-tag group of pride lionesses behind her, an unspoken order given. They spread out, attempting to surround the pesky canines.

“Whenever you’re ready, darling,” Uru said fiercely, looking again to her black-maned mate.


-------
Aiko realized what he had just said, reminded by Sarafina that he wasn’t supposed to like Taka. He straightened, the haughty look on his muzzle once more.

“Well, not like I care or anything. I just don’t want him to be a downer on my mood when we’re playing and stuff,” he scoffed loudly, making sure the dark cub heard him. But then Sarafina went over to Kati, agreeing that they should go to the waterhole. Immediately wanting to get on Sarafina’s good side, Aiko trotted up, too.

“Nah, let’s get rid of bird-brain and go check out those cliffs we’re never allowed to see,” he whispered, gesturing to the bird who was still watching the trailing figures of the king and queen leave. “We need a distraction... Tell the others what’s going on, will ya?”

His blue eyes quickly turned back and forth in though, until, finally, a mischievous smirk came to his muzzle. “Okay, I’m gonna start a little fight with Taka over there... you guys make your escape while that’s going on, and I’ll catch up with you later,” he whispered in Sarafina’s ear. Her fur tickled his nose. “Make it quick, though. I dunno how long I can hold ol’ Zuzu off...”

-------

Mufasa was startled out of his tears when Taka sharply drew away from his touch, a spiteful look in his eyes. Knowing that his brother was easily hurt, Mufasa tried not to take it to heart, but in spite of his efforts, he couldn’t help but to feel hurt by his little brother’s small gesture of hatred. The golden cub was drawn out of his thoughts by Kati’s voice, suggesting to go and do something fun, and also by Sarabi, who had chosen that moment to lean her head upon his shoulder in comfort.

“It’ll be fine, you’ll see,” she said gently, gesturing to Taka. For a brief moment, Mufasa saw wisdom in her wine-red eyes, something beyond her years. But then it was gone, replaced by that playful glint he’d often seen in her gaze as she listened to Kati.

“Yes, let’s do that,” Sarabi agreed with Sarafina, a smile coming to her face. She was really only agreeing with Kati to cheer the brothers up, but as she thought about it, she warmed to the idea of an adventure. The fragile bubble of happiness was burst a second later, however, when a white blur launched itself straight at Taka.

“Grr, you! Why are you ruining everyone’s mood?!” Aiko growled, pinning Taka to the ground in false anger. He bent down to whisper in the dark cub’s ear. “Just play along,” Aiko encouraged, and gave the cub a slow wink out of Zuzu’s eyesight. The white cub bent down, growling, and tugged realistically at Taka’s ear.

“Oh goodness! You two again, break it up!” Zuzu squawked, her indigo feathers flying everywhere. “Honestly, what will your parents think!”

As Aiko scrabbled at Taka, Sarabi looked at the others, amused.

“Guess that’s our cue to get outta here,” she muttered to the rest of the cubs. Mufasa half-smiled, watching his little brother to make sure that he didn’t take Aiko’s words seriously.