Queen of the Jungle

Episode II

Worry for Keen had risen in her. Weeks had passed. The lioness was gone from the pride most of the time. All the Sisters were a little suspicious but Brilliant was scared they wouldn't be as accepting if she told them. A small zebra was grazing at the base of the valley. She just had to wait for her Sisters to drive it towards her. Brilliant felt her pelt prickle in excitement as she drew close enough to go full-sprint. I'll get it if I close it off near the the side. She crouched near the tree. Thudding footsteps, unaware of the predator, came closer. Brilliant tightened her body, ready to leap.

A panicked bray came from the zebra. Brilliant leaped out and sunk her claws into its haunches, dragging it down. Once the animal stopped writhing, she bit its neck. Every predator made its prey's death quick. It was how the circle of life worked. "Nice kill," Mischief praised. Her littermate's eyes shone.

Brilliant puffed her chest. "It's going to taste delicious."

They met up with Hope and Cunning; the two lionesses had caught a small gazelle. "Excellent," growled Hope. She gave them a confident look.

The four of them dragged their prey back to their sleeping territory. Terror growled in satisfaction and climbed down from the big rock he was on. "It took long enough, I'm hungry." He ripped the leg off of the gazelle and tore the meat of. Blood splattered the ground around him and his muzzle was stained crimson as he ripped the flesh off.

Brilliant stifled the lash of her tail. The lion swiped his tongue around his jaws and pushed the messy carcass back towards the lionesses. Brilliant sank her teeth into the shoulder and chewed hungrily, feeling the meat satisfy her quench.

"Brilliant!" a voice called. Keen walked over to her. "Brilliant, come here."

She left her prey and followed Keen into the shady patch. "Yeah?"

"When my cubs come I'll have to leave the pride."

That's not news. Every lioness who breaks the code must. "Yes," she answered in a grave voice.

"Will you help me with the birthing and then finding the home?"

A queasy feeling filled her. She didn't want to say no, but she also didn't want to get exiled. "Sure," she finally answered.

"Thank you," Keen rumbled, her eyes filling with gratitude.

Brilliant flicked her tail and pointed her nose back to the prey. "I'll finish my portion now."

"Oh, sorry for keeping you from it."

"It's fine."

Brilliant stalked back to her food and clawed the meat down to shreds. She picked at the pieces and chewed thoughtfully. "Whatcha thinking about." Mischief pawed at her. She growled slightly and got up, shaking her coat.

The sun was wallowing in the sky, slowly clambering down behind the mountains. Brilliant went to where Brazen was lounging. Brazen was the newest lioness in the pride, recruited from when the old leader of Fearsome's pride was killed. She was a quiet lioness that did as told and kept to her self. Brazen was small and had a dark brown pelt and cream colored chest. It showed that she had been from a different pride. All lions looked slightly different. The lions in her pride were muscular and long with light tawny fur and almond shaped eyes. They all had similar features that resembled one another.

"Hello," she greeted Brazen.

The lioness dipped her head in acknowledgment. "Greetings, Sister."

Brilliant laid down beside her in the corner of the area. They both watched the pride in silence. "What did it feel like?" she asked suddenly.