Tay's Story: Struggles

Chapter one: Not for you

The sounds of a new Cub mewing rang though out the camp.
Murmurs of Lions and Lionesses were heard all around the Pride's camp. " Did Dune and Zipper Have their Cubs? Did they have a son? " questions were being asked every second by a different lion.
Dune padded out of the nursery. Disappointment on his face. " My Pride, I have some news. As you might've guessed, we had our.. Cub... "
One lion stepped up " wait.. only one? But this pride needs more warriors to help with the great battle! " he snarled in protest.
Other lions Joined in, complaining.
Dune raised his voice, which made everyone silent. " There's more news. " he announced, looking back into the den, disappointment washing over him. " we.. we had a Female.. " he trailed off. Waiting for his prides disappointment and disapproval.
When the word "Female" was heard, most lions lost interest and walked off. But some stayed to listen to their king speak about his new daughter.
But Dune said nothing. He looked down ashamed. Having a daughter would be useless to him. All she could really do was either, A, Become a queen a provide New Cubs for the pride or, B, Become a Medical Staff member. Both useless to Dune and Zippers reputation. Zipper was the only Female who got respect in the pride, considering she's Dunes mate.
Dune looked up and opened his mouth to speak again. " And-.. her name is Tay. " he said finally. His ears flat and his head low. The Pride Members Looked up for a second. Some lionesses Smiled, But the males didn't. They didn't care for Females unless they were mates. Most shrugged and got back to there duties.
Dune slowly shook his head before re-entering the nursery.

3 Months later...

Tay ran through the savanna grasses, the wind flowing through her Tan fur. Her den mate, Ari tackled her from behind, playfully biting her ear. Tay giggled and pawed at him, she rolled around to get him off of her. And it worked.
Ari growled Playfully and chased her once again, " I'm gonna get you Elk!! " he yowled from behind her.
Tay continued to run, " Never! You will never catch me Lion!! " she yowled back, laughing at the same time.
Tay tripped over a rock and stumbled over, she landed with a confused expression on her face.
Ari tripped over her and fell on top of her. " OOF! " he mewed when he landed.
Tay giggled at Ari " my bad, I tripped on a rock! " she managed to squeak out, all of ari's weight crushing her tiny, developing body.
" oops.. " Ari replied as he got off of Tay. " haha I tripped over you! " he laughed, Tay soon joining him.
" Tay, Ari, get your tails back over here! " Zipper called out to them. Zipper was resting on a rock outside of the nursery. Her gaze locked on the two Cubs.
Ari and Tay looked at each other before padding over to Zipper.
" what's with all the rough-housing around here? That's not acceptable for a feature Queen, Tay. I guess it's fine for Ari, Because he'll be a warrior but.. just.. *sigh* " zipper Trailed off.
Tay Tilted her head in confusion. " But mom, I'm going to be a warrior too! Not some stupid Queen! I don't want to be cooped up with Cubs 24/7. " she huffed.
Ari stepped in " yeah! And we weren't Rough-housing! We were playing Elk and Lion! It's super fun! " he looked up and smiled, thinking about it.
Zipper's eyes narrowed " No sweetie, you can't be a warrior... that rank is not for you. " she looked at Tay, her eyes wide with concern and sorrow for her daughter.
" Ari your Mom is waiting for you in the nursery, go meet with her. I want to speak with Tay alone. " she nudged Ari towards the nursery.
" Alright! See you tomorrow Tay! " he smiled and ran into the nursery.
Tay watched him leave, a smile on her face. She turned towards her mother. " What is it? " she asked.
Zipper looked away, frowning. Obvious sorrow in her eyes. " You can't be a warrior, Tay. That rank isn't for Females. "
" B-but why?? I'm strong! I can be just as strong as Males! I'm just as strong as Ari! " she sniffed, beginning to get upset.
Zipper looked her daughter in the eyes, " I know.. But- "
She was cut off by Tay. " No! I will be a warrior. I have the guts. I have the strength. Pride of stars has chosen me to be a warrior!! " she hissed. Her fur spiking. " I don't care what you say. Just because you couldn't become one doesn't mean I can't! " she retorted and ran off, her eyes filled with tears.