The Lion Guard - AU

Chapter 8.1

It was two moons since Fuli found out she was carrying cubs, and she wasn't feeling any better, in fact, she seemed to be feeling worse.  She couldn't run as fast as normal, either.  The cubs were slowing her down.  As much as she hated to admit it, even to herself, she needed to be replaced if she wanted the best for her and the cubs.  Fuli looked at her mate, who was just waking up, but before she could say anything, she gagged.  She forgot about that part.  She waved her tail in Kion's direction to tell him that she needed to talk to him, but she walked over to the falls and put her muzzle near the water before puking into it.  After she was finished, she walked back over to Kion.  "Kion?"

"What is it, Fuuls?"  Kion asked.

"I don't think I can be on the Guard anymore."  Fuli answered.  "I'm too big to be able to run fast anymore."

"You're right."  Kion agreed.  "But who are we going to put on the Guard in your place?"

"Kaz?"  Fuli suggested.  "He'd be able to replace me."

"You want to come with me to tell him?"  Kion offered.  "If you're feeling well enough, that is."

"I may not be able to be in the Guard, but I can still walk."  Fuli insisted.

"Okay, then."  Kion shook himself, then sounded distant as he spoke again.  "Off to Duma Falls."

Once they were out of any sensory range of the rest of the Guard, Fuli looked at Kion.  "What's wrong?"  She knew Kion well enough to know when he was worried.

"The Mark."  Kion started.  "I've been thinking about what purpose it served for a while now.  After a little thinking, it's fairly clear.   It prevents corruption from evil forces."

"What about you and your scar?"  Fuli asked.

"That was completely on my part."  Kion answered.  "I was too focused on never being like Scar that I forgot about him being power hungry before he got his scar."

"That makes sense."  Fuli agreed.  "But why are you worried?"

"What happens if I make Kaz the fastest of the Guard and you lose your Mark?"  Kion responded.  "I can't lose you."

"You made Kasi the fastest of the Guard."  Fuli comforted.  "I won't lose my Mark."

"And Kasi is part of the Night Pride now."  Kion nodded his gratitude.  "I should've thought of that.  Thanks."

"No problem."  Fuli responded, then looked up.  "There's Duma Falls."

Kion stopped at the entrance.  "Hello?"

"Who's there?"  Came Kaz's voice.

"It's us," Fuli answered, "Kion and Fuli."

"Come on in!"  Kaz invited them.  Once Kion and Fuli walked in, he spoke again.  "What brings you here?"

"I think we might need your help."  Kion responded.

"Why-" Kaz's gaze drifted to Fuli.  "Oh.  Who's cubs?"

"Kion's."  Fuli answered.  "And before you ask, yes, it seems impossible."

"I'm not going to question how it happened," Kaz responded, "but why do you need me?"

"Since I'm having cubs," Fuli explained, "I have to take a break from the Guard.  Would you mind being the fastest on the Guard until the cubs are weaned?"

"I'd love to," Kaz answered, "but I'm leading my coalition."

"Come on, Kaz."  A female cheetah walked out and butted Kaz.  "You can go.  I can lead it."