Conflict Of Pride (Kion X OC)

Chapter 1

"Dad? Is this the place? Our new home?" Niani asks, staring up at the oddly regal rock formation with intrigue. They're still quite a distance away, but from the hill they stood on, the large formation known as Pride Rock was quite hard to miss.

A low rumble comes from the lion, who goes by the name Moku standing near her. "Quite possibly. It has been generations since our prides have coexisted on the same land. Hopefully, it can continue, even if it's just for a little while." He turns his head and looks to the group of lionesses behind him. His pride has dwindled to just five lionesses and only one cub, his own daughter, in the past few months. "Stay here and rest while I speak with the current king of these lands."

Niani looks back towards her weary pride, all tired and hungry and practically still standing only from sheer will. A couple in the back even laid down when assured by their king that they could relax, and the cub is sure more will do the same soon. As tired as she was, she wasn't really ready to rest. "Dad, can I please come with you? I want to see Pride Rock up close." She says after turning back to her father.

"You need to rest the most, Niani. You're still a cub and journey was harder on you than the rest of us." Moku tells her and leans down, affectionately nuzzling the top of her head. "I'll come get you and the others when it's time. For now, just stay here with the lionesses."

With her ears flat against her head and her tail drooping with clear disappointment, she nods and sits down with her head hanging sadly. She won't deny that the journey took its toll on her body. They traveled for days and her body is sore. Her paws also hurt quite a bit, but she really wants to see Pride Rock, too. The formation was practically a legend to her pride, told by the king with every generation. Even if they haven't seen it themselves, they say that the view is something incredible. And she hopes to see it for herself.

Moku smiles at her silent acceptance and turns to leave, walking towards Pride Rock without his own pride to back him up. He was left vulnerable, but he argued that it was best this way, to show that they aren't a threat. Niani watches his form walk away until he was nothing bigger than a speck. Even as a weary and desperate king, he looks so regal and full of unwavering pride.

The cub lays down and sighs boredly as she stares at the large rock, wishing that she followed her father, regardless of his wishes. Glancing back at the rest of the lionesses, they all seemed to have succumbed to the weariness that's overtaken their bodies. Many of them napping, or at least seeming to be napping. Off in the distance, she manages to catch sight of a water hole.

It's been a while since she had fresh water, most of their sources were dirty puddles and drying rivers. Unable to resist, she tiptoes past the sleeping lionesses before scrambling down the hill. She knows she's supposed to stay with the others, but convinced herself that she would be back before they even realize she's gone. She did catch sight of a white bird flying overhead, but paid no attention. After all, what's a random bird when compared to fresh water?

When she arrives to the water hole, she clamors over to the edge and begins to drink, her tail swishing behind her in content. She was so lost in how good the clear and fresh water tasted, that she didn't even notice the rising mass coming out of the water, casting a large shadow over her much smaller form.

As soon as she realizes her general area has darkened considerably, she looks up, only to meet the gaze of a young, but still large, hippopotamus. Startled by his sudden presence, she screams and practically falls on her back in shock, before she quickly adjusts herself and darts behind a nearby boulder to hide.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you!" The hippo says, lumbering out of the water. His voice was surprisingly gentle, causing Niani to peek out from behind her hiding place. "I'm Beshte. What's your name?" His face shows a friendly smile that causes her to relax considerably before she fully comes out of hiding herself.

"I'm Niani, and you didn't scare me too badly." She says with a sheepish laugh and sits down in front of him with a friendly smile on her face. "It's nice to meet you."

"You too! Say, I don't think I've seen you around her before, are you from the Outlands?" The hippo asks her, his voice lowering a bit when he says 'Outlands'.

Her brows furrow in confusion at the term, then she thinks back to what her father said about these lands. The Pridelands are where life is thriving and where animals live in peace and harmony, while the Outlands are desolate and filled with hungry scavengers. She shakes her head in her answer. "Nope! My dad said our pride used to share this land many generations ago, before mine separated to find fertile lands of our own. It was good for a while, but recently, there was a bad drought and famine." Her face drops to sadness as she remembers. Half of her pride died from famine, including her own mother. However, she quickly recovers with a smile, even if it's forced. "Since we can't use that land anymore, Dad said we should come here, at least long enough for our pride to get strong again, and then we'll find new lands to call home. He's speaking to the king now to ask permission!"

"Oh! I'm sorry about your home, but I'm sure he'll let you sick around! He's a pretty nice king, after all. And I'm friends with his cubs, and I'm sure they'll love to meet you!"

"I hope so!" She agrees gleefully, then flinches as she hears a familiar roar in the distance, and it didn't sound happy.

"Who was that?" Beshte asks, looking off into the distance in the direction of the roar, concern and worry on his face.

Niani shook her head. "That's just my dad. I didn't think he'd be back so quickly and he's probably mad I snuck off from our pride. I'll see you later!" She says and begins to run off without delay, hurrying back to the hill her pride rested on. She vaguely heard her new friend say good bye to her, but didn't have time to look back. The sooner she gets back, the better.

So, this is the reboot of my fic, The Rogue Print! I hope this is good and I'm so sorry for the delay! 😭