Dawn of a new Guard #10

Control

Almost forgot to post. I had a pretty crappy yesterday so the chapter must've slipped my mind. Sorry guys! Here you go.

Kion, Fuli, Bunga, Beshte and Ono sit outside the ring of stones laid out on the ground. They watch as Roho and Moyo spar against each other. They note how the young lions move against each other. Roho was stronger but he lacked technique. Moyo was a little faster, but he still took his time to evaluate his brother and wait for an opening to strike.

"They've grown a lot," whispers Beshte to Bunga who was happily munching on some grubs.

"Yeah and these grubs taste better during a show," he replies as he pops another into his mouth, only to get a look of disgust from Fuli.

Beshte was right about Moyo and Roho. They had grown into young adolescents and so had the rest of Nyota's team, whatever it was they were currently doing. Moyo had grown a light reddish-brown mane but despite his change in size, his kind nature and friendly smile did not. Roho had grown too. His mane was dark brown but other than that, his protective or bossy personality hadn't improved much to Nyota's dislike.

Roho manages to make Moyo trip and fall before lunging and pinning him to the ground, victorious. He looks at Kion and receives an approving nod. Roho grins and looks down at Moyo. Moyo squirms a little under his weight but Roho keeps him still. The sound of giggling makes Roho's ears twitch. He looks ahead of him and up the pile of stones to see Nyota and princess Imani walking past but they stop to watch the fight in front of them.

Nyota, being a hybrid of lion and cheetah, still had her signature skinny lion build and light brown spots on her head, back and tail. She had a fuzzy cheetah-like tail that was tinged red like her father's mane and her head was a little furry. Nyota had taken every single bit of advice her mother and father have given her about leading the lion guard. Her lion guard. She still had Fuli's temper - no surprise there - and Kion's rational thinking when things seemed to get out of hand. In other words, she was ready to lead. Everyone believed that.

Her cousin, Imani, the princess of the Pridelands and the daughter of Queen Kiara and King Kovu, had grown into a beautiful lioness with shining aqua eyes and creamy brown fur. Over the years, she had learned and mastered what it takes to lead and has gained the trust and respect of her kingdom as soon to be queen. She hoped she will make her family proud someday. Her calm nature and wisdom made those around her look up to her. Nyota certainly did. Sometimes she would talk to her cousin to vent about whatever is troubling her and receive her advice. Imani was a little older and taller than Nyota but that never bothered them when they wanted to spend some time together.

Roho looks at Nyota, his leader, wanting to get her approval of how well he fought but her smile and bright blue eyes make his heart skip a beat. Moyo uses this opportunity to roll and pin him. Roho, a little flabbergasted, tries to fight him off but Moyo keeps him down.

Defeated.

Nyota and Imani laugh at how easily Roho lost as Kion counts to ten to officially give Moyo the win. Moyo grins smugly at Roho.

"Serves you right for boasting, Roho! Never underestimate your opponent even if he's your own brother!" Nyota yells.

Roho growls and curses under his breath. Moyo soon releases him from his grip and helps him up.

"Well down Moyo. You both fought well but there are still a few things we noticed," Kion begins, "Moyo, it is smart that you wait for an opportunity to strike but remember, not every fight will be fair and you may face more than one opponent. Roho, like Nyota stated you must never underestimate your opponent or get distracted".

"Yes sir," says Moyo.

Roho simply nods, still trying to swallow his embarrassment.

"I think you guys deserve a break," says Beshte with a smile.

"That's all for now," Fuli says before the lion guard leaves to start patrol.

Moyo quickly picks two little flowers and climbs up the stones to sit by Nyota and Imani.

"For you, ladies," he says gentlemen-like, placing the flowers in front of them.

"Thanks Moyo," Imani replies with a smile.

"Yeah, it's sweet of you," Nyota says also smiling.

Moyo smiles shyly as a slight blush covers his cheeks. Roho quickly joins them before Moyo can try anything else.

"Having some girl talk or something? I'm surprised you're interested in talking about random stuff since you always get up at us for talking about stuff," Roho says with a smirk aimed at Nyota.

She frowns, "I'm clearly not on duty, Roho. Also, is it considered 'girl talk' if we talk about politics because that's what we were discussing before you were so easily beaten? So much for the protector".

"Ouch!" laughs Moyo, only to get a death glare from Roho.

Imani couldn't help but giggle before clearing her throat, "Calm down you two. You always seem to find something to argue about".

"Maybe we wouldn't be at each other's throats all the time if someone respected his leader and didn't make comments about everything," Nyota replies as she licks her paw.

"Oh come on. You'd be lost without me. You just don't want to admit that I'm a valuable member of your guard," Roho argues.

"As valuable as warthog dung," Nyota mutters.

"Hey!"

"Guys!" Imani yells, "You need to stop acting like cubs. As entertaining as this can be at times, you don't want it to affect the situation. Also, you both need to respect each other. Roho, you need to obey to your leader's decisions and she must listen to your opinion. That's how good leadership works".

Nyota rolls her eyes, knowing that her cousin was right. She always is.

"You're gonna make a fine queen someday," Nyota says.

Imani smiles, "Thanks Nyota. We should be going now. Later boys".

Nyota nods as they stretch and stand on all fours. "Agreed. See ya guys".

"Bye," Roho and Moyo reply.

When Imani and Nyota had walked far enough away, the princess begins to giggle. Nyota looks at her confused.

"What's so funny?" she asks.

"Oh nothing," Imani replies, "but it's cute that you have two guys trying to impress you".

Nyota stops in her tracks, "Why would you think that? They're brothers. They always get competitive with each other".

"Find either of them attractive?"

"Imani, you're crazy. Besides, I don't want their affection. I just want them to do what I say when we're on duty. It won't be long until all of the responsibilities my mother and father have will be mine. Their marks have almost faded completely".

"I get that you're worried and you don't fully trust Moyo and Roho but you can't control them. Especially when they're competing for the same female".

Nyota scoffs, "Competing for me? They're only wasting their time. Didn't Moyo also give you a flower?"

"To not make his feelings obvious of course".

"Whatever you say, Imani".