New World [Ended - Thanks for the adventure <3 ]

[Deleted]

Kisima's eyes opened wider he's coming for me, I wonder if I can turn around and just run.
Gulping and swallowing what little saliva she had left in her mouth, the cub finally decided to stop backing off and stand her ground.

'why are you frightened' she heard him say. Kisimas look dropped to the smile on his muzzle, and then back up to his eyes again. Taking a small step towards him her little paws scruffed in the dirt.

"Who said I'm scared of you... well I'm not, so there"

Still staring at Judas, the cub started to speak again, but found only a squeak pass her lips, giving a little cough, she took another step bringing herself even closer.

" so, you want to come and play with me ? I want to go explore and everyone is busy, but its ok, you don't have too, I can go by myself...bye "

Turning quickly Kisima went to move off but in her haste tripped over her paws, nose diving into the hard dusty ground. "ouch not fair, that hurt". Pushing herself up, and shaking her body, she didn't even look at Judas, just pretended he wasn't still standing there.

"umm... I'm going now, ok ! "

[Kirsui]

Tefnut had kept her sences alert during the birth, watching the surroundings, listening to the tiniest noises that could meant a threat... Nothing made her feel alert, though, and after Sukari's baby cub had come to the world the liopardess rested her head on top of Sukari's for a while, listening as her friend's breathing calmed down to normal.

Then Sukari tilted her head and licked her, marking her as part of the family. Tefnut blinked, then smiled. She had a family now... Something to protect, something to live for. Something she had previously been missing.

"Together till the end Tefnut.......together till the end......"

"Together..." she whispered before nuzzling Sukari from behind her ear.
"You need to rest, Su... Regain your strength. I'll be watching."
Then after giving one more nuzzle to her friend the liopardess finally turned to look at Anthi. Her smile grew slightly wider when she examined the cub, looking at the golden fur that reminded her so much of Sukari... But she saw Sheek in him too, the colour of his paws was one thing.

She sighed, wishing she could see Anthi's eyes... For some reason Tefnut felt that it would be important to see the eye colour. But she knew Anthi wouldn't open his eyes yet... She would just have to wait.

[This Land]

Sukari lay there, listening to Tefnut.
"Oh Tef” she said affectionately.

Now Sukari had fully became alert from her moments of Drifting. She moved her head slowly to look down to her Belly, where Anthi Lay, still Suckling, while little growls where escaping his throat now and then. A Warm gentle smile appeared on Her Face. A tear ran down her cheek and dropped onto the ground. A tear of Joy.

Sukari this Time Properly gazed at her little cub, looking at his colours and face.
"It is so weird.......it’s amazing how he is such a strong noticeable blend of Sheek and me......Has my body colour and it’s weird how his tail tip is the same colour as my fringe, He has Sheek's Paws and most likely his Mane will be the same colour when he grows up, I wonder what colour his eyes will be, and.......
Sukari Sighed and smiled again
"He even has that little nose I remember, when sheek was a little cub” she said affectionately

Sukari Closed her eyes for a while and just lay there still, breathing in the fresh air through her nose and letting her thoughts stop rushing around. After a while of this, Sukari soon started to relax allot more then she was. She opened her eyes to gaze upon Anthi again.
"Anthi.......Welcome........My Son" she said very softly

Anthi Now had finished Suckling, he lifted his little nose in the air and started sniffing curiously while making tiny little growls, he hasn't got used to using his feet so he was wriggling around while holding his nose in the air, only using his paws as support to stop him rolling over.

Sukari Stretched over and Gave Anthi a tender Lick and a light Nuzzle. But straight after ,while Sukari's Muzzle was still right by Anthi, He took little short sniffs of Sukari, and suddenly gave Sukari's Nose a few little Licks.
Sukari smiled widely and chuckled
"Very Curious Anthi, You Little lion" she said lovingly.
Sukari Rubbed Noses with Anthi and returned a little lick.

She then very lightly picked up Anthi and gently placed Him between her front legs. Anthi soon wriggled up to Sukari's chest and curled his Lower part of his body up all snug while his head still up high, taking in all the new scents, hearing all the new sounds. Everything that Anthi's Nose touched he gave it a little lick. He was so curious, as his eyes where yet to open.

Sukari Gently moved her Front legs closer and crossed them over so they where gently wrapped around each other to keep Anthi warm and snug. He soon dropped his head and curled in with the rest of his body as he was starting to feel a bit sleepy, but he still kept sniffing, and still keeping his ears perked up, twitching.

Sukari Moved her Head over and placed it on top of Tefnut's front Legs and snuggled her head into Tef's Chest again, just like last time.

"Tefnut.......I.........I seen him.......I seen Sheek.......He talked to me........not plainly or weird.......but like he was properly alive” Sukari said slightly puzzled

"I’m not sure if I was talking to a figment of a dream......or I was actually Talking To Him, if you know what I mean." Sukari continued and paused
"I really don’t know, it happened so fast and unexpected" she said confused

Sukari nuzzled into Tefnut's chest again and slowly exhaled. Her Smile appearing on her face again.
"Whatever happened while I was Giving birth.....I seen Him.....I seen that Lion Again that I loved so dearly, and that is just......Nice" she said happily.

Sukari withdrew her head from Tefnut's Chest and looked into her eyes and smiled.
"Feel free to have a Closer look at Anthi Tef, after all, he is your little nephew” she said joyfully as she continued smiling.

Sukari Gave Tefnut a Nuzzle on the Cheek and then leant her head on Tefnut's Shoulder, Looking down at Anthi, watching his head turn from side to side, almost tickling Sukari's front legs, as she felt little continuous puffs of air and flicks from a pair of ears. As you can have guessed, Anthi was still sniffing away, taking in every scent, flicking his ears, listening to every new sound.

[Liam]

Liam could tell what was happening from what little he knew of the entire group. He then thought about if he should go along with the group. He remembered vivdly what happened when he was with Tef in that cursed jungle. He looked around, watching Kisma play around and observed the others. Sukari was giving life to a new lion while Tef was comforting her.

Liam knew Safila and Tefnut were alot alike. They were kind, understanding, and seemed to be sources of inspiration to Liam. He was unsure about Judas, yet he still trusted him. He wondered where he himself would stand in all of this. What role would he play? He did not have too many redeeming features, and was unsure of his usefulness.

He thought back to what he went through, and the story of the lion 'Legacy'. He would not allow Legacy to kill off his friends, and would do everything in his power to stop him. He would do everything to protect his friends. He looked over to where Kisma had went off to and decided to follow and keep her company. He padded over and was soon next to her. "So, how's it going?" he asked kindly, like an older brother would probably do.

[Deleted]

Kisima has taken a few paces when she stopped and turned back shyly to Judas

"well do you wanna come play with me or not ?"

Looking at him, she felt herself start to smile "you can you know, there's no one to stop you"

Ooh now he's come as well thought Kisima to herself when Liam approached them. Moving her head back to Judas, the cub still waited to see what he was going to say, she thought he would be kinda cool to play with.

"So, how's it going?" reached her little ears. Taking her eyes off Judas she looked at the voice and quickly replied "umm good" and bought her head back to watch him again to see what was going to happen, she was starting to get excited and she tapped her front paws her eyes shining..."WELL ?"

[Judas]

A grin crossed Judas' face, he just stood there watching the cub bounce off but he didn't follow, yet. She shortly turned back to him, and asked him if he was going to come and play or not. "Ofcourse I am.." he smirked a toothy grin, but his expression soon faded back into the more emotionless one he used to have, as Liam approached them. Judas walked towards the child, head at height of his shoulders, his usual way of walk even if it looked like he was stalking he was far from it. Stopping behind the cub and turning to face Liam who was in all respect older than him, but still respect is a thing rarely given by Judas esspecially to those that doesn't garner trust for him. Trust was precious to the adolescent, and he didn't fling it around without a second thought, decides those that judge before they know aren't worthy of neither his time and least of all trust.

"I'm ready to leave.." he glance down at the child, and a faint yet brief smile played across his face, this animosity wasn't the child's fault. And neither was it Judas', but he naturally could't play safe around those who might do him harm. "Good day to you, sir" said the adolescent as he looked back up at Liam, these words both a greeting and a farewell. The last part of his words could either be just for spite or a geunine show of respect, but in Judas' case it would most likely be the former.

[Deleted]

Kisima started to giggle when she heard Judas say "Good day to you, sir", turning she looked at Liam " Sir, could you tell Safila I'm exploring... well, we are exploring really and I'll be back later."

Moving away a little, she then tilted her head up towards Judas once more, "ya ready, lets go."

This tme Kisima walked around the branch lying on the ground instead of trying to jump over it, she wanted to make an impression with this lion and prove that she wasn't a baby that Anmani kept telling her she was, and she was ready for adventure.

Shyly smiling at the lion, she held her head up high, as carried on walking, with her tail flicking happily from side to side slicing through the air.

"So, where do we go, what shall we do Judas ?"

[Kirsui]

Tefnut smiled when Sukari got a closer look at Anthi, her ears perked up as she listened kept listening to the surroundings for alerting sounds. She watched as Sukari placed Anthi between her front paws, watched how the small cub curled up but didn't fall asleep. A curious little cub indeed...

Sukari went on to tell of what she had experienced while giving birth. She listened, remaining silent as she thought.
"The mind is a complicated thing", she finally said. "Some things that we experience can't be explained, and at times it is better that way."
She smiled, nuzzlig the top of Sukari's head.
"If you say you saw Sheek... Then you saw him, no matter what others say or think."

After saying this the liopardess flashed another quick smile at Sukari before she leaned closer to Anthi. She brought her head closer slowly, not wanting to scare the little one with her sudden precence. She had never been this close to a newborn cub and from her expression one could see she was almost as curious as Anthi was. When her head was close enough for her to smell his scent she stopped, memorizing what he smelled like. It would now be up to him what would happen.

[Liam]

Liam nodded to Judas in response, but soon felt a little embarassed when Kisima called him 'sir'. "Oh...uh...sure thing." he said, smiling. He went back to Safila and told her what Kisima was doing.

[This Land]

Sukari watched proudly as Tefnut Got really close to Anthi

Anthi still curled up in the corner poked his nose out as he picked up another scent. He felt puffs of air on his face, so he reached out his little paw to touch what was emitting this Air. So Anthi's Little paw Ended up resting on top of Tefnut's Nose. Anthi lifted his nose up aswell and took in the scent. Of of course, Him being him gave Tefnut's nose a few little licks and a couple Rubs with a slight Purr.

Sukari Smiled warmly
"Clever little one isn't he, he must know you are part of the family, not a single bit hesitant or scared" Sukari Chuckled.

Anthi Uncurled from his little ball and Leant his body up against Sukari's Front leg.. With his Head and two front paws resting op top of Sukari's, sniffing over to Tefnuts Direction.

"I think he wants to say a proper hello Tef" Sukari chuckled again.
She Gently Picked up Anthi and then placed him between Tefnut's front Legs. this was Very Abnormal for a Lioness to do this with a cub at such a young age, but Sukari Had no reason why she shouldn't.

Anthi Now in the arms of Tefnut, went in the same position that he was in when Sukari was looking after him., He curled up by Tef's warm Fuzzy chest. Sniffing away and flicking his Ears, At one moment he buried his nose under Tef's Arm, and it poked out the other side, he took a little sniff and withdrew his nose back in.

"I think we both will have to keep a eye on this one Tef" Sukari said Jokingly.
"I never knew Cubs were this Curious about things" She chuckled.

Sukari rested her head back on Tef's shoulder and watched Anthi.
"See Tef, Anthi is not a single bit Scared of you, you are a Natural Auntie" she said as she smiled warmly

[Deleted]

Safila lay there, the sun burning into her fur. Not feeling uncomfortable, but just enjoying the rays as they covered her body.

Hearing the noise coming from the bushes where she knew Sukari was giving birth to her cub, she hoped all was well. She knew it wasn't really her place to go and see, it was Tefnut's, and she was with Sukari, so they would all just have to wait and see.

Looking away she saw Anmani lying under some bushes satisfied after his lunch, smiling to herself at the picture he made haha, big guts he is, he will learn

Not seeing Kisima anywhere in sight, nor the new one called Judas, Safila rose from where she sat and started looking around little scamp, where has she got to now ?

About to move, she waited as Liam was now heading in her direction with a smile on his muzzle.

" Kisima asked me to come tell you, she is off exploring with Judas, and she will be back...umm sometime." , hearing that the cub was with Judas, made her frown.

"What !! she doesn't know if he's friendly, what if it's some sort of trap.... Liam maybe you had better show me where you last saw them?"

[Judas]

Judas quietly trudged after the cub, just following her wherever she went they had now left the area were the others were gathered, the cub seemed happy; her head held high and the tail flickering from side to side.

At her words the young male stopped in his tracks and his gaze trailed his surroundings, there was nothing but endless savanna here occasionally broken by the lone umbrella tree. "I am not honestly not sure were to go. As I'm not familiar to these lands.." a soft grin crossed his face looking down at Kisima.

"As for what to do, what do you want to do?" Judas said, purposely returning the last segment of her question back at her, the only playing Judas knew were wrestling and hide and seek.. both not so much play in his mind, but deadly seriousness. And if he tried wrestle with this little one, he might end up hurting her, and she might get lost if she tried to find him should they play hide and seek. And who knew what kind of creatures were lurking out there in the tall grass. And decides if this cub became hurt, the others would most likely put him to blame, even if Kisima would possibly protest, after all who listens to a child?

[Deleted]

Watching Judas face when he said 'what do you want to do', made kisima giggle.
"Can't you think of anything at all.....ok guess I can choose then. Mmmm we can play Kings and Queens, yeah that's what we will do...ok ?"

Looking back at him just standing there, she tilted her head to one side looking at the top of his head. Bowing her own head she looked around her as if searching for something. Stepping away, over to some tall dry grass, Kisima pulled some out with her teeth, dropping them on the ground and using her paws moved them into a circle shape. Slowly she stomped all over them squashing them together, giving them another push with her paws, she bent and pulled them up revealing a small flat looking crown.

Walking back to where Judas stood, the cub grinned her small white teeth flashing.

"Lie down Judas, so I can put this on you." Watching while he did as she asked, she carefully placed it on top of his head. "There, now you are the King and I will be the Queen, so I'm going to get on your back now, and you will lead the way....ok Judas ?"

[Liam]

Liam nodded and led Safila to where the pair were most recently and immediately picked up their scents. "They aren't too far from here. We can still catch up." he said before he caught sight of the two. "There." he said quietly so that Kisima and Judas had not heard him.

[Deleted]

Safila trailed along behind Liam, he had better be looking after Kisima or he will be asking for trouble, why didn't I keep a better eye out for her

Her ears pricked up when Liam softly whispered he had found Judas with the cub. Looking where Liam pointed, Safila got a surprise as it wasn't what she had expected at all.

Trying not to laugh out loud, the lioness's eyes shone brightly while she held her paw up and over her muzzle stifling any noise that may have passed through her lips.

How on earth did Kisima convince Judas to play a game like that, haha look at her being carried around as though she is the Queen of the Savannah

Still grinning, Safila looked at Liam, who it seemed found the sight just as funny as herself. tapping him on his shoulder to get his attention, Safila nodded with her head that they should go back for now, and let the two have there game time.

[Judas]

The adolescent did as he was told and Kisima put the grass crown on his head. He didn't really feel much like a king, but oh well pretending at least once in your life has never hurt anyone. He then lay down letting Kisima onto his back as he rose again and be began to trot around, not too fast but merely a fast walk, at the same time making sure the cub held on.

"Lead the way to were?" Judas asked as Kisima said he should lead the way, his ears flickered back and forth as his nose-rill's flared they were being watched, he could feel it but he didn't want to worry the cub so he kept it to himself, decides the presence didn't smell threatening.

The lion had now stopped his trot as he waited for Kisima's instructions on were to go, where did she actually want to go. The only two options Judas saw was either heading back to the group or deeper into the savanna, the first option seemed the safest, not that the adolescent couldn't defend himself should he encounter hostilities, but having a cub around should he forced to fight might not be desirable.

[Kirsui]

Tefnut waited patiently, knowing the cub would catch her scent soon. And indeed he did, and with fascination the liopardess watched as Anthi rested his paw on her nose. Then she felt it, something small and wet touching her nose as well. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise, but a calm purr came out from her soon enough as she let her eye lids close halfly. He had licked her, and she knew he wasn't afraid.

Then the contact was lost and Tef opened her eyes, only to see that Sukari placed Anthi between her - Tefnut's - front legs. She blinked, looking at Sukari as if to question the lioness slently if she was sure of what she was doing. But Sukari didn't take Anthi back, and the cub had already curled himself up by her chest and was poking his nose out under her arm before drawing back.

She was finally released from her silent amazement when Sukari spoke.

"I think we both will have to keep a eye on this one Tef. I never knew Cubs were this Curious about things. See Tef, Anthi is not a single bit Scared of you, you are a Natural Auntie."

She chuckled, a warmn smile coming on her lips as she glanced down at the cub before looking at Sukari.
"Curiosity runs in the family", she said, grinning.
Oh, she knew she had been a real trouble maker with all her curiosity when she had been a cub... And from what she had heard, that indeed did run in the family. She could well remember one time when she had played with uncle P...

She suddenly sighed, turning her gaze away from Sukari to some spot on the ground next to her paws. She hadn't thought of that time in a long time, and she didn't want to start now. Some memories were better forgotten, and unfortunately that contained about all her childhood before she had left to wander on her own.

[Deleted]

Kisima crouched down on the lions back and started giggling, his short blackfur off his mane was starting to tickle her chest, making her squirm a little.

Reaching up with her little paw, she moved his 'crown' back into place after watching it start to slip. Looking away she saw an umbrella tree standing there further in front of them. A smile lit up her face and she shouted out, getting excited.

"JUDAS, JUDAS..... look at that giraffe....look he's watching us, he wants to play as well... come on, LETS GO..."

Holding on more firmly, Kisima tried not to bounce around, as she waited for her new friend to see what she saw.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Safila, couldn't stop smiling at the sight her and Liam had witnessed. Even though none of them had had much of a chance to get to know the newcomer, she still thought it odd that after his behaviour, he had been willing to play and looks after the cub.

looks like I had better make an effort when they return, if Kisima's intincts are correct, he could be good to have with us now, we have a newborn as well

"Well Liam, seeing as how it's the two of us, would you like to walk a little or just return to where the others are?"

[Judas]

The squeal of the cub caused the adolescent to cringe, being screamed in the ears isn't a nice feeling. Kisima was still on his back albeit very excited about something she had seen up a head. Looking in the direction of the umbrella tree Judas' squirted as he could see a pair of stilt like legs carrying a long neck, the splotched brown fur said that this creature was a giraffe.

"A giraffe.." Judas replied his voice holding no excitement but rather hints if subtle surprise, Kisima yelled that she thought the giraffe wanted to play as well, but the male's ears folded back and he bit his lip, a habit of his when he got nervous.

"I dunno Kisima. Giraffe's don't like lions, and especially not the bulls.. he can be dangerous. A kick can kill you.." he was being very blunt with the child, but she needed to learn the hard way, and out here there was no room for mistakes, nor were you given any second chances. The wind was picking up and out of habit the elderly adolescent sniffed the air, but the scents mixed in it caused him to growl, not on purpose though it had been an instinctual reaction.

"Kisima, I think we should go back.." the tannic male's voice had changed to almost whisperer and his body had grown tense and his claws were exposed scraping the dirt. There was something out there, stalking them both had he been alone then this would've been easy but now he had a child to take into consideration. This was a rare thing for Judas he rarely took the safety of others into account usually he concerned himself only with well.. himself.

The lion's gaze darted around at the sea of yellow grass that surrounded him, his brows narrowed he could see shadows out there in the grass. He wanted to run, but he knew that would make whatever stalking them give chase and Kisima would never be able to outrun these pursuers; hyenas. "Leave us alone!" Judas called out into the savanna, his voice lining a growl as his head lowered to the height of his shoulders, he was now going on the defensive.

[Liam]

As Liam observed Kisma and Judas, he didn't see Judas as a threat, but had found him sort of like a father figure for Kisma. Feeling a little envious of that trait, he sighed, but smiled as Kisma was enjoying herself. Soon enough, he snapped back into focus when Safila spoke. 'Well Liam, seeing as how it's the two of us, would you like to walk a little or just return to where the others are?' As Liam heard this question, he had an instinct to return to the others, but his words spoke otherwise. "I'll walk with you if you want." he replied, sounding a bit happy about this as he wanted to get to know Safila some more.

[Deleted]

"Leave us alone!"

The smile left her face and she crouched down on his back. "Who are you talking to Judas, I can't see anyone."

Starting to feel scared, Kisima jumped down off his back so the tall grass now swayed around her, giving her protection.
Looking up at her new friend, seeing how brave he was being, the cub stood tall and mimicked Judas and started growling. Moving in closer, she stood by his side looking up at him.

" What do you want to do, are we going to fight ?.. I can you know.. it's just I've never been in a fight before, only playing with Mani, but I can try I guess... Judas ? "

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Safila gave the adolescent lion a quick glance over, then shifted her gaze away. She was bored this day and needed something to do, even if it was just walking around. The birth of Sukari's cub was taking up all of hers and Seleters time and attention.

"Feeling hungry Liam, ? we need to see what we have around here to keep you from starving"

Looking at his reaction, she wasn't sure if it was embarrssment or something else. Turning her head away Safila softened and lowered her voice "It's fine Liam, who says we all have to be the same, life can be boring alot of the time, you are who you are, don't let it worry you..ok ?"

Moving off, the lioness turned, looking over her shoulder hoping to get a glimpse of kisima and Judas. where have they gone, I can't see them anywhere
Frowning now, she stopped still and continued searching the horizon. Bringing her nose up, she sniffed the smells on the light breeze. There it was again, filthy vermin, getting too close for comfort.

"Liam we need to head back, but first, I'm worried about where Judas has taken the cub."

[Liam]

Liam followed Safila, and soon was a bit nervous at the hunger comment. He was about to interject before Safila read his expression and commented. "It's fine. I can try to get used to meat anyway." he said. He personally doubted this, but he didn't want Saf to worry. His eyes then shifted in a direction where he caught a glimpse of something.

'Liam, we need to head back, but first, I'm worried about where Judas has taken the cub.' These words registered within Liam's mind in an instant. "Right. But I don't think that is our only concern." he commented, his eyes shifting a second time, this time he trained his ears for any slight sound.

[Deleted]

"you're right Liam, Hyenas... you can smell them too can't you..? Let's just quietly move towards where we last saw Judas with the cub, I'm sure he will protect her, but with us being there, hopefully we will outnumber the foul animals... come "

Staring at Liam, then giving her head a nod as if for him to follow her, Safila lowered her body and stealthily moved forward, watching where her paws were being placed in case she stood on anything that would give their position away to those who were out looking for something to maim and kill.

[Liam]

Liam only nodded to respond to Saf's question. He made sure not to step on anything that would blow their cover, and was prepared to fight if need be. He remembered his encounter with hyenas vividly, and this time, he could actually fight back incase they were to attack. You remember what those creatures did to you. This is a perfect chance to get revenge. Oh shut up. You may be one who enjoys getting even, but I am not.. Liam's thoughts ran in his mind as he had his usual disagreement with his other side.

[This Land]

An explanation about this roleplay post can be found by clicking here

"Instinct"

As much as a lioness wants or tries to resist, it's core instincts are always present, wanting to take over and control or alter said lioness's unique personality and what makes who she is...no more. Hunger can make a lioness kill the most innocent of newborn prey, without guilt of taking a life that has hardly been lived. When a lioness wraps it's paws around another pride member in play fighting, if the other sparring partner tried to pull away, the claws would naturally unsheathe and dig in, even if they were the best of friends. A new dominant male lion of the pride will intentionally kill any cubs not of his bloodline, regardless of how cute, playful or submissive towards the new lion, they are seen as a threat. This will also by too bring the lioness back into heat, so she will be able to produce cubs for the new dominant male, thus his bloodline continues. All this and many others are real examples of how instincts can control in unexpected ways contradictory of their normal personality and beliefs.


Sukari had been fighting so hard, but she could not any more. She is now a lioness with a newborn cub, Anthi. The only living proof of her late mate, Sheek. This cub meant more to her then anyone could imagine, the more she nursed and cradled this little miracle the more a deep urge inside her grew.....she had to be alone, it didn't feel right being surrounded by other Lions and Lionesses. Her motherly instinct was growing by each passing moment and all these "unrelated" friends and acquaintances were overwhelming her head. She didn't want these thoughts to control her normal loving, social nature, but it was. Tefnut though, a liopardess and the half sister of Sheek, she felt like family and meant everything to her, she had supported Sukari through her entire sorrow of loosing Sheek, a debt Sukari could never repay and would be forever grateful for, they were also the best of cub-hood friends. Her heart was saying she couldn't imagine leaving her, but her brain was making her think otherwise. She now needed to be alone with her newborn until it was the right age to be re-introduced to the group. If that was ever going to happen though ?

From a mothering lioness view, this group consisted of many male lions, in nature this now could be viewed as a threat to Sukari and her cub Anthi, her mind flooding and being moulded with hormones and instinct, she could not help but tell herself that Anthi was not safe, Regardless if the lion's intentions were completely different and how long and loyal they have been to her, how is she to know in the future ? Their Instincts could kick in at any moment and the results could be fatal.

As much as Sukari had been through with the group, a bond of just friendship just does not last in this kind of world. We all grow up and go our own ways eventually, regardless how how deep that friendship goes, its a natural law....of nature. Of course she would miss them all terribly, she loved them all in many different ways, but it all comes down to the most important thing and as selfish as it may be, it's her own bloodline survival.

Sukari's eyes opened softly, she immediately looked down and seen the blurred outline of Anthi, she waited a moment for her eyes to adjust to the sweet little ball of fluff to come fully into focus, she smiled warmly as she just gazed at him sound asleep. Tefnut must of placed him back between her paws while she was asleep. Sukari raised a brow at herself, what was she thinking handing over her cub to Tefnut to look at and hold at such a newborn age ? In her heart it felt right at the time but her brain was now saying that's not what a Lioness should be doing with newborns ! Sukari winced and gritted her teeth as she battled with her inner emotions, some coming from her heart and some coming from her brain. She was changing and she couldn't help it. What nature does to an animal can be a gift for survival or a curse.

Sukari opened her eyes again as Anthi was making little chirps as he exhaled. It Immediately soothed her inner battle. She soon reminisced that Sheek was a terrible snorer, she hoped that in the future these cute little chirps didn't turn into that. That's one trait she didn't want Anthi to of inherited, she faintly chuckled to herself of the thought.

Sukari peered through the branches and leaves that surrounded her "birth den". The night was cold and a layer of mist hung low over the area. It was an opportune moment to do what she had to do. The dark would hide her visually and the low mist would dampen the scents left on the ground. Mist also meant no breeze so her scent couldn't be carried in the air. Anthi still being newborn would hopefully mean he shouldn't make so much noise either, she just had to be gentle as to not wake him up too much. Sukari slowly rose from the warm spot she had made with her own body heat, Anthi reacted to the now lack of warmth from his mother and his body started to shiver a little. She immediately felt a little guilty letting her tiny son feel cold but she knew it would be for the best. Sukari gently picked up Anthi by the nape of his neck, sat down and held him close to her chest while cradling him with her paw.

"There there Anthi, I'm sorry, but we have to go, but don't worry, we will find another place and you will be warm and safe once again" she whispered and purred

She Knew Anthi wouldn't understand her words, but what mother doesn't talk to her newborn?

Sukari Looked at the sound asleep Tefnut. Her eyes started to soon fill. She blinked and tears started to trickle down her tear duct and onto her cheek. Her nostrils started to feel blocked, but she dare not make any loud sniffing sounds. She continued to gaze at Tefnut's peaceful slumber. She wanted so bad to hear Tefnut's voice once more before she left but she knew if she woke Tefnut saying she was leaving then Tefnut may protest and explain a million reasons why to stay. Then again Tefnut was naturally a solitary animal so she may understand her reasons as to why to leave, and they could embrace one more time, feel each other's warm friendship and hear her voice once more. Sadly Sukari could not take that chance, and it was killing her heart. Her Instincts were pulling her away but her heart was still holding on.







"I'm sorry Tef....Im-so-sorry....I hope when you wake...."

Tears started to flow down her cheek then tapping onto the ground

"...and you find me gone...you understand. When Anthi is grown a little, I hope we meet again one day....and you want be angry".

Sukari knew she was lying to herself a little, this group it felt has a curse of living in constant misery, fighting and dying. Not to mention there was the possibility of “Legacy” the main culprit of these tragedies to still be alive. Sheek had injured him severely defending the group before he died. But Legacy fled, his final fate unknown. How far away Sukari had planned to get away from this place was very much so, to have a complete fresh start in her life without the slightest worry of even a hint of Legacy. She strongly felt that this would be her final goodbye.

Sukari couldn't resist her emotions, she leant forward with Anthi still hanging from her muzzle, and ever so lightly pressed her muzzle on the side of Tef's cheek, she just wanted to feel the warmth from the only family she had left one last time and she couldn't resist. It also seemed like Anthi had the same idea, Anthi felt Tef's warm fur too, he reacted mid sleeping and his tiny paw reached out and touched Tef's muzzle, Sukari seen this out of the corner of her eye and withdrew her small embrace.

"Anthi you little cutie, yet I'm so sorry you have to say goodbye like this" She whispered gently

Sukari took a couple of steps back, thankfully it seemed her little stunt didn't wake Tefnut up, it had been a busy day after all.

Every moment Sukari stayed there was getting more and more painful, she closed her eyes tight shut and turned her back on Tef.

"Goodbye, my dear....dear sister" she whispered"

Sukari crept out of her den and into the open. She knew there would be at least one member of the group awake on lookout while the others slept. Due to the mist surrounding the area she could not see anyone, which fortunately also meant they could not see her. But they could be laying anywhere, she didn't want to risk bumping into the awake lookout of the night. It would all be down to sound detection alone. She stood completely still for a moment to pick up the faintest of sounds, anything to give away who was awake so she could go in the opposite direction.

Sukari stay motionless. Her thoughts consumed her mind with guilt with what she was leaving behind, but she knew she had to, it was for the best for her and Anthi. But the guilt still lay. They had all went through so much together. Safila now a fully grown Lioness, Kisma and Amani now on the way to almost getting to an adolescent age. They grew up with her and now she is going. Hopefully Tefnut may explain the reason for her departure, in a bad way or good ? Who knows. She hoped the latter. Liam and Judas where the newcomers, though first sceptical she accepted them as they seemed nice, but now Sukari being in Mother mode she has grown extremely protective and could not help but not trust them, she didn't want it to be personal, she just wants what's best for Anthi. Aramile was now turning to be an old man just like Sheek. As much as she admired him she knew that he had a massive liking for her, he even admitted it. What if now that Sheek is gone he made an advance on her ? She didn't want that attention in her now "new" life with Anthi. Sukari also took a moment to mourn the other members and her close friends of the group that had died. Mino, Pulsar, Jenna, Jenna's Parents, Desmani and of course Sheek. Other Lions and Lionesses also came and went in their group, each imprinting a bit of their life on it over the years. Sukari then said her goodbyes in her head to the remaining living members of the group.

Her ears, still perked up for any sounds, soon enough detected an old sounding yawn coming from ahead of her, definitely that would be of Aramile. With that information, she turned back towards the den and veered off to the side. Suddenly she caught a glimpse of 2 figures lying together by the base of a tree not so far from the den. It was Armani and Kisma, curled up side by side keeping each other warm. It seemed they were playing lookout on Sukari's birth den. This in turn made Sukari's heart ache. They looked so cute together and shown they had became the closest of friends, she was sure they would grow up to look after each other, and she wont be there to watch them grow old. She winced as another tear dropped down her cheek, she couldn't find the words to even think.

With one final soft sigh through her nose, she started to walk away from the area, tears still dropping on the cool dewed grass, and some tears rolling onto Anthi himself, soaking into his fur. Anthi let out a little chirp and stirred in his sleep. His tiny body so sensitive to everything that touches him, he must of felt his Mum's tears.

"This is it my little Anthi, time to find a new home and a new life...."

Credits to Kirsui for the drawing.

This drawing of Sukari and Anti doesnt correlate to the current happening, as Anthi in the story is Newborn. Just thought it somehow nicely fit ^^