A Tale of Changes [TLK continuation]

[Zoketi]

So I am starting a fan fiction here. I've actually already typed part of this on Microsoft word, and decided to share it here. It is a continuation of TLK, taking place after TLK2 and when Kovu and Kiara are ruling. The story focuses on their two daughters, mainly Hashiki, in a world of changes and excitement.


Characters(all mine):
Hashiki-Brown grey lioness, darker toes and muzzle and underbelly. Black tail tuft. Orange eyes. Name means ‘passion’. Kiara and Kovu's daughter, sister to Malika.
Malika-A yellow sandy lioness, paler toes and muzzle. Tan tail tuft. Light blue eyes. Name means ‘queen’. Kiara and Kovu's daughter, sister to Hashiki.
Marjani-An deep brown lioness, with lighter underbelly and muzzle. Orange-brown tail tuft and toes. She has unusual dark brown boots, and dark brown eye shade. Her eyes are purple gray. Name means ‘coral’. Sister to Lumbwi.
Stara-A very pale cream lioness. Darker ears, toes. White muzzle. Tail tuft and head tuft are gray brown. Her right eye is blue, the left green. Name means ‘guarded, kept safe’. Vitani and Kopa's daughter.
Kumi-Pale creamy yellow lion, darker muzzle, toes, and underbelly. Very dark brown mane and tail tuft. Light grey eyes. Name means ‘ten’. Son of loner lions.
Lakeisha-A bright yellow lioness, with black toes, tail tuft and ears. Has a black tuft of head fur. Eyes are bright blue. Name means ‘favorite one’. Daughter of loner lions, unrelated to Kumi.
Abasi-Medium gray lion, with darker mane and tail tuft. Pale brown yellow eyes. Name means ‘stern’.
Erevu-Light ginger lion, with reddish mane and tail tuft. Lighter muzzle and toes, darker stripes on back. Bright blue eyes. Name means 'clever, capable'.
Lumbwi-Pale golden orange lion, darker tan mane and tail tuft. He has cream toes and muzzle, and bright yellow-green eyes. Brother to Marjani. Name means 'chameleon'.
Raziya-Very light orange tan lioness, lighter muzzle ad toes. Dark blue eyes. Name means ‘friendship’.
Kivuli-Dark brown grey lion, black mane and tail tuft. Lighter toes and muzzle and underbelly. Brown red eyes. Name means ‘shadow’.
Akili-Baboon/mandrill hybrid. Son of Rafiki from The Lion King. Name means ‘wisdom’.
Canons that also appear:
Simba
Nala
Vitani
Kopa
Kovu
Kiara
Zazu (maybe)
Timon&Pumbaa (maybe)
Random other lionesses

Some characters(Marjani, Hashiki, Stara, and Lakeisha) are in my FAA. You can see pictures of them there.
Please enjoy!

I am re-doing this, with another topic. You can by all means still read this one. C:

[Zoketi]

Chapter 1

“Kiara! Kiara!” The call rang through the cave, echoing on the stone walls. A peachy-yellow lioness raised her head, exposing two tiny cubs, one a brown gray and the other a yellow cream. The lioness lay on a bed of loosely scattered savannah grass, upon a flat stone near the rear of the cave. She curled her paws closer around her cubs.

“You can come, Kovu!” She spoke softly, and moments later a dark brown lion pounded through the cave entrance. The relief on his face was great as he saw his mate. Kovu halted beside Kiara, bending down to peer at the newborns. Joy and shock crossed his face.

“We have two daughters.” Kiara purred, rubbing her head on Kovu's. The dark lion placed a paw on her shoulder.

“Oh Kiara, they’re wonderful.” He rumbled, purring as well. “What should we name them?”

“I was thinking Malika for the oldest.” Kiara nudged the yellow tan cub. “She will be the queen, after all.” She examined her daughter, marveling how close she looked to herself.

“It’s very fitting.” Kovu replied. He settled closer to Kiara. “And the other?” He sniffed the brown grey cub, flicking his tail. When Kiara didn’t answer he continued. “Hashiki?”

Kiara nodded. “She will be our passion…..” After a moment Kovu stood. He shook his mane and removed his paw off Kiara and to the ground.

“I'll get Akili.” Kovu murmured, and with a last glance at his mate, trotted out of the cave. Kiara rose, stiffly stretching her legs, and licked Hashiki. The lioness then grabbed Malika by her scruff and padded over to the cave entrance. Setting her cub down, she gazed across Pride Rock’s ceremonial Ledge. Many rocks jutted from both sides, making a wonderful place to climb and rest. A few lionesses lay around the stones, chatting and grooming.

Kiara placed her daughter on the stone, spotting her mate bounding up the rocks with the baboon, Akili, behind him. Kovu halted in front of Kiara. “Greetings, Akili.” Kiara dipped her head to the baboon.

“Thank you, Kiara dear.” Akili smiled, gesturing respectfully. “And where is the new monarch?”

“Right here.” Kiara nosed Malika. “Her name is Malika.” She licked her cub once. Akili inspected her, a gentleness he reserved for cubs in his hands.

“Is she the only?” He asked, preparing the Baobab fruit for the anointing. Kiara exchanged a glance with Kovu.

“No. My other daughter is Hashiki.” Kiara muttered, gazing into Kovu’s eyes. Akili paused in his preparation.

“Let me see her. “ He asked calmly. Kovu blinked once and dashed back into the cave, returning moments later carrying Hashiki. Akili pattered over to Kovu, taking the cub from him. Kiara shuffled her paws around Malika, flicking her tail as Kovu sat beside her. Finally Akili turned around. “This one has more of the makings of a queen.” He murmured, with a glance at Malika. Kiara gazed at her two daughters, troubled.

“It is the oldest who becomes the Queen!” Kovu growled, rising up. “We must stick with traditions!" Kiara gazed up at him, surprised at his intensity to follow traditions, when he hadn't even lived here for his childhood.

“But Kovu—“ She protested, but her mate cut her off.

“No. Malika will be Queen.” Kovu confirmed, taking Hashiki from Akili and disappearing into the cave. Akili shook his head, eyes closed.

“Kovu is determined. We shall proceed with Malika.” The baboon sighed, grabbing his Baobab fruit. He dipped his finger in the juice and wiped across Malika’s forehead. The young cub blinked at Akili with wonder, a tiny smile appearing on her tiny muzzle. Kiara smiled at her daughter, forgetting her worries about the successor in her cub's happiness.

Pawsteps announced Kovu’s return. An older lioness flanked his side. Kiara waggled her tail at the lioness, but didn’t stand—Malika lay between her paws. “Nala!” She exclaimed, as Kovu sat down beside her.

“How are you, my daughter?” Nala purred, flopping down beside Kiara. She rubbed her head against the peachy lioness.

“Very well, Mother.” Kiara licked Nala’s ear. “Akili is preparing my oldest for the ceremony.”

She nodded to the baboon, who had picked up and was now holding Malika, waiting for Kiara.
Nala gasped. “Kiara! Your cubs!” The older lioness stood up and let out a yowl. “Simba!”

Moments later, an older lion pounded up the stones, red mane waving. Nala trotted over to him, whispered a few words, then she and Simba came back over to their daughter.

“Well, Kiara?” Simba purred, gazing at Malika in Akili’s arms. Kiara smiled.

“That is Malika, and my younger daughter is Hashiki. She is in the den.” Kiara purred, pointing with her tail at Malika and then the to the cave. Simba and Nala purred, rubbing heads. They each licked Kiara, murmured words a few to Kovu, and padded over to the rest of the lionesses.

“Well, let’s get the ceremony going.” Kovu muttered, standing and pawing gently at Kiara.

“Ok!” Kiara laughed, jumping up and walking towards the end of the Ledge with Kovu. Akili followed, cradling Malika. Kiara and Kovu paused at the end of the stone. Akili squeezed between the lion and lioness, and held Malika in the air. The savannah animals below roared and neighed and squawked and chirped. Kiara and Kovu gazed lovingly at each other. Simba and Nala purred, and the rest of the lionesses roared joyfully.

But why had Kovu objected? Kiara held a nagging doubt her mind, something Kovu knows but won't tell anyone.

[Zoketi]

Chapter 2

Hashiki woke, feeling something heavy lying on top of her. She blinked open her eyes, finding herself gazing up at golden fur. “Malika!” Hashiki mewed, pushing against her sister. “Move over!”

Malika twitched a bit, and Hashiki squirmed out from under her. Kiara was slumbering peacefully next to her cubs, and Kovu was snoring beside his mate. The cave was full of sleeping lions, barely visible in the dim morning light. Hashiki stumbled off the rock where the King and Queen slept, rolling onto the floor. She skidded to a halt just before crashing into a lioness. Picking herself up, Hashiki began to totter through the cave. She hesitated at the entrance, gazing across the Ledge.

Something hit her tail suddenly. Hashiki let out a squeak, turning around. A young lion, dark grey brown with black tail and black half-grown mane sat behind her. A playful grin lit his face, and his brown-red eyes glowed in the darkness. “Where ya going, little Princess?” He meowed, paw still on Hashiki’s tail.

Hashiki tore her tail free. “That’s none of your business, Kivuli!” She squeaked furiously, starting to walk out of the cave. The young teenager lion sprang, and landed in front of the dark cub.

“You cubs aren’t allowed outa the den without permission.” Kivuli replied smartly, blocking Hashiki’s path.

“So?” Hashiki replied, though his words were true. Kivuli smirked, flicking his tail.

“So, maybe you should go back inside.” He purred, jumping in front of the cub as she tried to get past him.

“No! I’m bored!” Hashiki grumbled, sitting down angrily. Kivuli sighed.

“I can’t let you go, I’ll get in trouble.” He muttered, exasperated. Cubs, he thought. Hashiki pouted, lying down and placing her head on her paws.

A sudden movement distracted the pair of them. A lion was moving in the cave shadows, approaching the entrance. A sleek young lioness, a bit disheveled, emerged from the den.

“Do you have to make so much noise?” She yawned, blinking at the two lions on the Ledge. She was the same age as Kivuli, if not a bit younger.

Kivuli froze, turning his gaze to the female. “Oh! Hello, Raziya!” He stammered, a faint blush creeping over his face. “Sorry, I was just telling Hashiki here to go back inside.” He glanced at the young cub. Hashiki watched Raziya, maybe the newcomer would let her go play.

Hashiki’s wish was granted. Raziya sighed. “Just let her. You wanna come with me?” Her voice rose playfully at the end. She flicked her tail at Kivuli.

The young lion nearly jumped with excitement. “Oh, yes!” He purred, standing up and following the pretty teenager, to a side path along the Pride Rock. Hashiki couldn’t believe her good luck. She smirked after the two lions, and raced down the ramp to the savannah below.

Hashiki skidded down the stones, making a bit more noise than she would have liked. With a nervous glance to see if any of the other lions had woken, she began to set off at a brisk trot. The plains were lightening, and Hashiki could spot movement in the distance of zebra and wildebeest.

The brown grey cub sped through the grass, heading for her favorite spot, the small watering hole. It was a little pond, with a large tree and rock to one side. It was a great spot for cubs to play.

Hashiki finally reached it, mewing with happiness. She leapt upon the gray stone, curling up and watching the clouds.

I wonder if Mufasa and the other Great Kings of the past can see through clouds? She wondered, gazing upwards at the gray sky. It looked like rain, despite the lightening day. Hashiki sighed, wishing she had Marjani with her.

The little cub scrambled off the stone, pausing at the edge of the pond. The water rippled playfully, so Hashiki stuck a paw into it. She withdrew it quickly, shaking the freezing drops off her paws. "Brrr!" She exclaimed, stepping back.

Suddenly Hashiki felt paws shove her from behind, hard enough so that she staggered into the pond. "Yowwwrrr!" She shrieked, whipping around and pelting out of the cold water. Standing behind her in the grass was Malika, smirking contentedly.

"Good morning!" She giggled as she watched her sister stand at the water's edge, bristling with cold and annoyance and dripping.

"Malika!" Hashiki growled, shaking her fur again and licking her chest. "What was that for?"

"Nothing." Malika purred. "I couldn't resist."

Hashiki snorted, swiping her tongue on a paw. "So, how did you escape?" She asked, as Malika sat down.

"I didn't. I asked Mother to go to the watering hole, and she said ok." Malika meowed, glancing back at Pride Rock. "She didn't really wake up, so I guess she thought you were with me."

Hashiki sighed, relieved. "At least I shouldn't get in trouble, now." She concluded, finishing washing her back paws. Malika smiled.

"Probably. So, anything new?" The golden cub questioned.

"Oh, not really. Looks like rain doesn't it?" Hashiki replied, as she and her sister both looked at the clouds above.

"Oh boy." Malika sighed. As they spoke, rain began to patter down on the savannah.

[Zoketi]

Chapter 3

"Great. Way to ruin our playtime." Malika hissed at the sky, as the rain sprinkled cheerfully downwards. "Oh, hey guys." She added, spotting two lioness cubs trotting towards them.

One was very light, while the other was a darker reddish brown. "Hello." The reddish one meowed, seeming quite pleased.

"Hi Stara, hi Marjani!" Hashiki sprang up and raced over to her friends. Malika followed slower.

"Nice day, isn't it?" Stara, the light one, muttered dryly. Hashiki cuffed her playfully.

"It's only a bit of rain." She purred, flicking a raindrop off her nose. Malika and Stara snorted. Marjani exchanged a glance with Hashiki.

"Oh, come on." Stara exclaimed, looking back. "Is this some kind of meeting?"

Two other lion cubs had appeared through the gloom, a gray and a red orange. Malika rolled her eyes and Marjani sat down. Hashiki, as if nothing could spoil her good mood, scampered over to the newcomers. "Hey Abasi!" She smiled at the gray cub, who laughed at her cheerfulness. "Hey Erevu!" Hashiki turned to the other one.

"What's up?" Erevu commented, gazing around at the other three female cubs.

"Rain?" Malika sighed, with a glance at the clouds. Abasi laughed. "Why are we all here?" She growled, pushing Marjani's tail away.

"I dunno." Abasi answered, looking rather abashed.

"Whatever. Let's go somewhere else, away from these males." Stara mewed in an undertone to Hashiki, who giggled and put a paw over her mouth.

Erevu raised an eyebrow, but didn't speak.

"Er...yeah." Marjani meowed quietly. "We're gonna go play...uh....near the Barren Woods." She invented, referring to a dry and desolate place near the edge of the Pridelands with a few scruffy trees.

Abasi and Erevu nodded, seeming not to care, and both males sprinted away, rain lashing their pelts.

Marjani glanced at her friends. "Hehehe ok then." Hashiki jumped up, about to go to the Barren Woods. Stara and Malika stood up as well, with Marjani beside them. The four cubs padded off, through the torrent of water.

As they neared the Barren Lands, the rain finally began to let up. The cubs slowed, having passed the first sign of aridness, a tall and dirty boulder.

"Why'd we come here again?" Malika meowed, glancing around the empty place.

"It was the first thing I thought of." Marjani replied under her breath.

"I don't know." Hashiki answered her sister. "Come on, we can still play." She jumped onto a flat stone, with a small roar. Stara scrambled up beside her.

"Yeah." Marjani sighed, poking a sad-looking weed. The rain seemed to have cheered this place up, but the clouds were quickly moving away, and the sun had finally peeked out, warming the cubs' drying fur.

"What was that?" Stara's tense meow alerted Marjani from her thoughts.

"What, me?" Hashiki asked innocently, while Malika snorted. Hashiki had been faking soft choking noises.

"No not you," Stara shot an annoyed glance at Hashiki. "I hear something moving...."

Marjani strained her ears, but heard nothing.

Hashiki shrugged. "It was probably a mouse or something." She ignored Stara's angry glance and tackled Malika. Stara hissed quietly and jumped down to investigate.

She skirted a thorny bush and scented. Her face contorted into a snarl as her suspicion was confirmed: it was a lion. Rather, a lioness. Stara crept further, wishing her companions would be quiet for a moment.

Suddenly a shape sprang out from behind a bush, landing nearly on top of Stara. The cream-colored cub pressed herself to the ground, staring up at the stranger, who was a bright yellow lioness. She had black paws, muzzle, tail tip, and a small black tuft on her head. She was young, not quite adult, but not a cub either. Stara backed up, watching the lioness.

"What'cha doin' here, cubby?" The lioness snarled, advancing on Stara.

"Nothing..." Stara growled definatly, straightening. The lioness, who obviously had been expecting the cub to flee or cower, halted.

"Then...." She seemed to loose her strength. Pawsteps announced the arrival of Hashiki, Malika, and Marjani. At this the lioness drooped. She stepped back.

"Oooh who are you?!?" Hashiki burst out, skidding to a halt.

"So you were right." Marjani murmured to Stara. Malika just stared.

The lioness scuffled her paws, completely different. "My name's Lakeisha." She meowed, attempting to smile.

Hashiki grinned. "I'm Hashiki, and this is my sister Malika." She prodded Malika. "That's Marjani, and I guess you've met Stara." She pointed at each cub in turn.

"Oh...." Lakeisha dropped her gaze as she looked at Stara, who bared her teeth. Marjani nudged her. "Why are you here?" Lakeisha asked, regaining her former attitude.

Malika shrugged. Hashiki glanced at Marjani. "Just playing." Marjani supplied. "Why, do you live here?"

"Yes." Lakeisha sounded embarrassed, as if living here was uncool.

"Hmm." Malika twitched her tail, while Stara glared openly at the teenager lioness.

"Ok then." Hashiki mewed awkwardly, waiting for the others to do something. "Wait a second..."

The grey brown cub pricked her ears. Marjani's eyes widened, and Malika stood up. "What?"
Lakeisha tensed too.

"HYENA!"

[Yippee for cliffhangers. ]

[Zoketi]

Chapter 4

All five cats whipped around and fled. Behind them, an adult hyena had emerged from some scraggly bushes a few paces away, its mouth in an evil leer. Hashiki let out a high-pitched yowl, running beside Marjani, whose jaws gaped in terror. Stara was in the lead, followed by Malika and Lakeisha.

"Somebody, help!" Marjani gasped out, as the cubs and teen all ran.

THUMP! Hashiki smacked into Stara, who had halted. "What are you doing?!?" Hashiki wailed, trying to push Stara fowards. Marjani had skidded to a stop beside them, and ahead Lakeisha and Malika had turned around.

"Guys what--" Lakeisha started, but she was silenced as she spotted the hyena, now walking, eyes gleaming. It headed straight for the lionesses.

"I'm fighting." Stara meowed determindley, turning and facing the hyena.

"What? No, Stara!" Marjani protested, blocking her friend. But Malika had dodged around Hashiki and looked at the hyena too.

"Yeah. We're more, it's just one." The golden cub snarled, letting her claws slide out. Hashiki gaped at the two, as Lakeisha nodded. The teenager hissed softly, padding closer to the hyena, who had paused and was watching them. Hashiki and Marjani exchanged a fearful glance, but being cubs, couldn't resist an "adventure".

Lakeisha sprang. Out of all of them, she was the oldest and best fighter. If the hyena had been expecting a fight, it certainly wasn't prepared for the teenager lioness's strength. A moment later Stara and Marjani leaped, both snarling fiercly. Malika pelted fowards, and after a slight hesistation, jumped at the hyena.

The creature was now covered in biting, scratching lions, and easily outnumbered. It did manage to land a few blows, before collapsing under the attack. Hashiki dodged its flailing paws and slashed a paw down its flank, nearly slicing Marjani's tail as the orange brown cub leapt past.

Finally, Hashiki pulled Stara back. The hyena was now howling in pain and submissiveness.
"Come on, it's beaten." Hashiki coughed, as the others backed off.

"Let's go before an others come." Lakeisha meowed, and started to limp away. Marjani and Stara followed quickly, as did the two sisters.

Once a good distance away, the five lionesses halted. Marjani immediately flopped down and began to lick her thigh, which was bleeding. Stara jumped on a rock to watch, ignoring her few injuries, while Malika and Hashiki washed each other's fur and wounds. Lakeisha, having on minor cuts, sat down to lick them.

At that moment, Hashiki heard pawsteps thundering towards them. As she looked up, a lion leapt over a rock, landing right amidst the young lionesses.

Hashiki groaned softly, as Malika gasped. It was Kovu.

Kovu's eyes stretched wide as he took in the dust-covered cubs, and then Lakeisha. "Cubs!" He growled. "Explain yourselves!"

Malika took a deep breath, as if to start talking. Suddenly a few lionesses appeared behind Kovu, including Kiara, Vitani, and Marjani's mother Haiba.

Kiara instantly rushed past her mate towards Malika and Hashiki, pulling her daughters close and starting to wash them.

"Mother..." Hashiki mewed, trying to escape Kiara's tongue. Behind them, Haiba had snatched up Marjani and was talking to her under a tree. Vitani was with Stara, holding a paw on the cub's tail while muttering swiftly to her brother. Kovu, while listening to Vitani, had gone over to Lakeisha.

"Alright." Kovu's loud call made Kiara stop washing her cubs, and Hashiki managed to pull away. "We're going home." He walked over to his mate, and scruffed Hashiki as the gray brown cub tried to sneak off.

"Father!" Hashiki squealed angrily. Kovu fell into step with Kiara, who was gripping Malika. Ahead Vitani was walking beside Stara and Haiba was holding Marjani. To Hashiki's surprise, Lakeisha was following.

Hashiki kept quiet during the journey back home. She could tell that she was in trouble, the way Kovu walked, stiff and emotionless.

The little patrol finally reached Pride Rock. Kovu set Hashiki down near the base, Kiara put Malika down beside her. Knowing Kovu would talk to them, Kiara smiled at her mate and followed the rest of the lionesses and cubs up the Rock.

"You two know you shouldn't have done that." Kovu sighed. sitting down. Malika and Hashiki didn't answer. "It is for your own safety that we know where you are going."

"Ok." Hashiki replied quietly. Kovu smiled a bit. Malika and Hashiki returned it, glad for happiness.

"Now go up to your mother, and behave yourselves." Kovu stood up and began to walk towards the other side of Pride Rock. Hashiki and Malika bounded up the stones and into the cave. Kiara, who had been waiting at the entrance, swooped over and grabbed Hashiki's scruff, much to the cub's protest. Malika sniggered and loped over to Marjani and Stara.

As Kiara settled down to wash Hashiki, the cub was thinking of...what else but another exciting adventure!

[Kopalover]

I love your way of writing skills! You wrote so much! I love the story line and how well planned out it seems and all the new characters you brought in!
Keep going!

[Zoketi]

Aww thanks! I really enjoyed this, cubs are soo much fun to write about.

[Zoketi]

Chapter 5

Hashiki sneezed again, as Malika's waving tail danced in her face. "For the seventy thousandth time, move your stupid tail!" She grumbled, swatting the cub's plume.

The two sisters were lounging in the shade of Pride Rock, while the day's heat kept everyone else in the cave above. Hashiki was thouroughly fed up with her sister, so she decided to take a walk.

Malika didn't seem to notice as Hashiki crept away, slipping into the long savannah grass.

Once a bit farther, Hashiki broke into a loping gallop. The heat was intense though, and she soon slowed to a walk, panting. "Ueghleck..." She spat, pausing to cough.

Finally she reached the watering hole, where Hashiki bent down to drink. The water was cool and oh-so-refreshing! Hashiki yawned, half-waded into the pond, feeling like she could fall asleep. Then an idea drifted into her head, and she blinked her eyes open again.

It would mean straying towards the Outlands, if not into them, but the adventure from a few days ago had faded and Hashiki was ready for more excitement. Somehow the punishments managed to be forgotten....

Hashiki slurrped up a last gulp of water, then shook her pelt and ambled out of the watering hole. She then began to trek across the plains, avoiding the herds and trying not to disturb anyone. The heat was making everyone cranky.

At long last Hashiki reached her destination, the end of the Pridelands and beginning of the Outlands. The rocky, barren lands were just like the Barren Woods, though darker and with fewer trees.

Hashiki quavered slightly, her earlier glee melting away into fear. A breeze blew in from the stony lands, making Hashiki doubt her idea. Oh no, I'm such a newborn! Hashiki thought, and determindly marched onwards, heading a bit to the right so as to walk along the edge. For a while the only sound was the pattering of her paws, and Hashiki found the stillness unnerving. Even though Simba had taken in the Outsiders and their leader dead, the evilness of Zira still haunted the desolate place.

Hashiki paused to rest beneath a towering boulder, wishing for a nice drink of water again.

Hashiki stifled a chuckle as she thought of Malika, stuck under the blazing sun. Strangely enough, the sun didn't seem to want to shine here, or maybe a cloud of evil just covered the area. Hashiki dabbed lazily at a spider, watching it crawl underneath a pebble.

"Hello."

Hashiki whipped her head up so fast she cricked her neck. Standing before her was a handsome lion cub, very pale in fur color but with a strikingly dark tail tuft and mane tuft.

"Wh-whoyou?" Hashiki stuttered, her words rather jumbled in surprise. The newcomer smiled shyly, his gray eyes twinkling. He obviously understood her, because he replied:

"My name is Kumi."

"Nice...er...to meet you!" Hashiki felt a faint blush creeping about her cheeks. "I'm Hashiki."

Kumi's eyes flashed to stare into hers, and his paws scuffed the ground. "You look like you live around here, but you smell like a Pridelander." He commented.

Hashiki narrowed her eyes, embarrassment gone. "I'm not an Outsider." She meowed coolly, rising. Kumi immediatly looked abashed.

"Oh, I'm sorry." He gasped. "I didn't mean it like that."

Hashiki felt a bit surprised at his heavy apology. Before she even thought about it, she had rushed over to the cub's side. Kumi had not expected this, and stepped back hurriedly. Hashiki hadn't time to speak before he slipped on a sprig of weed and fell over, creating a cloud of dust. Hashiki let out a laugh that had failed to be held back and padded over to Kumi's side.

"You alright?" She purred, as he glared up at her with glowing cheeks.

"Yeah." His anger seemed to abate, and only his embarrassment could be seen. Hashiki smiled warmly at him, and he returned it.

"So, are you from the Pridelands?" Kumi asked, regaining his quiet attitude.

"What...oh, yep!" Hashiki jolted back from gazing dreamily at the pale cub. Her face reddened, but Kumi wasn't looking at her. "Er...so do you live around here?"

Kumi's head shot up. "Why, yes. Just back there." He pointed behind him with his tail. Hashiki nodded, feeling at a loss for words.

"I'm Kovu and Kiara's daughter." Hashiki couldn't help bragging. At this Kumi's eyes widened. He looked interested, then blushed.

"Oh. S-sorry, I didn't k-know you were r-royalty!" He yelped, slapping his tail to the ground.
Hashiki was not ready for this and she laughed. "You don't have to grovel, and I could care less what you call me." She chided playfully. Kumi looked relieved, as if he had thought she would've scolded him.

"Wanna play?" Hashiki prodded Kumi's pale leg, and bared her teeth in a playful grin. Kumi answered by lowering into a bow and wagging his tail. The creamy cub launched at Hashiki, sending her barreling away. His unexpected strength only made her want to beat him more. She jumped up and began swatting at him, fast blows that Kumi matched. He's so good! She thought as she dodged a particularlily fierce jab. I bet Malika would be swooning over him.... Hashiki blushed as she realized that she had been doting on him too, and this lack of concentration earned her a blow to the stomach. She landed on her back, and before she could shake her head Kumi had pinned her down, grinning triumphantly.

"Beat'cha!" He called, letting her up. Hashiki, face redder than ever, gazed at him. He was smirking.

"Yeah, you were really good." Hashiki hadn't meant to say it, but it had slipped out. Kumi's smirk disappeared, and was replaced by an embarrassed smile.

"Thanks." He looked down, and Hashiki felt her head spin. What a modest cub! "I'd better go."

Hashiki felt her happiness rush away. "Ohh....ok." She felt dejected...why did she feel this way around him?

"Can we meet again?" Kumi's inquiry made Hashiki let out a squeal of joy.

"Ooooh of course!" She purred, giddy joy returning. She dashed up to him, licked his cheek, then sprinted away without another word.

Upon returning to Pride Rock, Hashiki pretended that she had only been at the watering hole. She had given her pelt a good washing (Haha now Kiara can't find an excuse to lick me to death!) and by the time she entered the cave she could've cared less about what the other Pride members thought about her lateness. Evening had come, and with it a cooler temperature. Hashiki settled into the nest beside Malika, still lost in thought about Kumi.

"What's your problem?" Malika poked Hashiki's paw, smirking at her sister's blank look.
"Ohh, nothing." Hashiki mumbled. "Nothing whatsoever."

[remanjot]

That's so well written. Like the post.

[Zoketi]

Thanks. :3

Chapter 6

It was a few months later. Hashiki had been visiting Kumi nearly every night, and had managed to keep her travels a secret. She was growing too, though not quite a teenager yet.

Hashiki woke bright and early, in order to sneak off to visit Kumi. The sun hadn't even risen, and the cave was quite dark. Hashiki padded quietly through the cave, careful not to step on anyone. She finally made it outside, stretching fully in the open air. Her tail flicked eagerly, and she was excited to see her friend.

Hashiki trotted down Pride Rock, jumping off stones and then running through the grass. Her mouth opened in a grin, and her paws flew through the air.

"Hashiki?" A voice called from behind the gray brown lioness. Hashiki skidded to a halt, wondering who it could be.

A lion cub was following her. It was Lumbwi, Marjani's brother. Hashiki could tell he was interested in her, all he did was follow her around.

"Oh, hi Lumbwi." Hashiki sighed, turning around to face the orange cub.

"Hi!" Lumbwi meowed brightly. "What are you doing up so early?" His tail flicked back and forth.

"Um...just going for a run." Hashiki lied, hoping he would leave. Her heart sank at his next words.

"Can I come with you?" Lumbwi asked excitedly. Hashiki groaned softly.

"Er...I kinda wanted to be alone." She muttered. Lumbwi looked dejected, but shook his head cheerfully.

"Ok, maybe next time?" He meowed, turning and pattering off. Hashiki smiled sadly after him, a bit sick of lying. He's not too bad, at least he doesn't get upset about much. She thought, starting to run again.

Hashiki neared the Outlands where Kumi lived. She slowed to a walk, and padded among the dry stones and trees, trying to stay calm. Her excitement to see her friend bubbled inside her like hot mud.

She finally reached the spot where they had been meeting. It was a large stone, beside a scraggly bush. Hashiki curled up on the stone, waiting for Kumi.

He arrived a few minutes later, trotting up like normal. "Hashiki!" He roared joyfully, sprinting over to her as he spotted her. Hashiki sprang up with a mew of delight.

"Kumi, don't go yelling please---ahh!" She scolded playfully, as Kumi knocked her over. She sprawled off the rock, shaking her head. Kumi looked at her from above, smirking.

"You..." Her words were lost as he leaped. They tusseled for a bit, then finally stopped.

"I wish I could stay longer." Hashiki murmured. The sun was now rising, giving the land a golden glow. Kumi didn't speak but rubbed his head on her. For a while they were silent, just watching the sunrise.

Hashiki at last pulled away, standing up. Her eyes closed, her mind tried to throw off the reality of having to go. "I must go now." She meowed sadly.

"Can't you stay a bit longer?" Kumi pleaded, gazing up at Hashiki. She shook her head.

"If we wait, it will be even harder." She sniffed. Reluctantly she turned and jumped off the rock. She glanced back at Kumi, then trotted away towards the Pridelands.

She speed up to a gentle run, feeling the grass sweep her feet lightly. Her heart felt low again, and she realized....she was crushing on him. Hashiki sighed, what on earth would she do, Kumi wasn't a member of the Pride! She couldn't be his mate....

Hashiki jogged up to Pride Rock, slowing down. She sat down under a tree, feeling depressed, and gave herself a wash. The sun was now above the horizon, and the Pridelands were coming back to life.

[Not to exciting, just another day. But now its for sure that Hashiki has a crush. Also Lumbwi's introduced here, got to add him to the character list.]