Dawn of a new Guard #10

The New Leader

I think you've all waited long enough for this chapter and I hope no one gets mad at me for doing this. Enjoy the chapter! 😅

Some time had passed and Kion and Fuli's cubs have grown fast. Siku and Nyota only wished to follow in their parents' paw prints and try to prove their worthiness of being a leader. Kion couldn't help but notice Siku's confidence, strong headed nature and arrogance to proving his worth. He would always challenge his sister to some sort of competition. Nyota however was a little more quiet and wiser. She had a way with words that her brother lacked and she didn't really know her place or potential in the circle of life. Siku was sure of his place but Kion warned him to never be too sure of himself for it might bite him in the end. Nevertheless, Kion was proud of his cubs and only wanted the best for his family even if their competitions get a little tiresome over time.

Kion sat with his beloved mate, Fuli, as they watched their cubs have a race. Siku was in the lead as he effortlessly manoeuvred around the course. Fuli couldn't help but smile at his speed. He was getting faster with each day. Siku makes a sharp turn and runs towards Kion and Fuli.

"Look out dad!" Siku yells as he runs past.

Kion watches his son, the blur of golden yellow zoom until he was but a small dot in the distance. At this point, Nyota was exhausted from running. She flops onto the cool green grass in front of her parents.

"Hey mum. Hey dad," she says puffed.

Kion chuckles and picks up his daughter by the scuff and places her in between his paws.

"You did well my little star. You're already faster than I am but I think you're better when it comes to strength," he says gently.

"I guess you're right but I want to be just as fast as Siku. I get tired of his ego about how great he thinks he is," Nyota sighs.

Kion shakes his head and licks her forehead. "He's just over confident. It's part of his personality".

"Cockiness can lead to underestimating others and you should never underestimate your enemy, right dad?"

"Right".

Fuli nuzzles her head against Kion's thick mane. Kion returns the nuzzle which causes her to purr.

"You've taught her well," she whispers in his ear.

Siku finally returns, a little out of breath. He sits beside his mother with a determined smile.

"I think I just beat my speed record! Soon I'll be as fast as you mum. Maybe even faster," he says puffing out his furry chest.

"You think you'll be as fast as me? In your dreams, kiddo," Fuli replies and ruffles up his tuft of fur on his head.

"Mum! You're messing up my mane!"

Fuli chuckles and pulls him into her paws and begins to lick him clean. Kion cleans Nyota as well as she laughs at Siku.

"I see nothing on your hairless little head, brother," she says referring to his little tuft of red fur on his head.

Before a Siku could argue, Fuli tells them to quiet down until they are clean. Once they were clean, the cubs run off to play.

"Be careful!" Fuli calls out to them.

"We will!"

Kion smiles as he watches them run. He couldn't help but see a perfect mix of himself and Fuli in both of them.

"They're growing up so fast," says Fuli with a sigh.

"It feels like only yesterday they were born. They were so small. So fragile," Kion replies.