Name: Akin (bxr)

Name meaning: Brave boy

Age: Varies

Gender: Male

Parents: Alex and Stone

Siblings: Avani, coming soon

Crush/mate: Bernard

Cubs: Open

Personality: What his name means, brave

Likes: Bernard, hot sunny days, a cool lake or river, antelope, being accepted

Dislikes: Most girls, rainy days, fire, most men, rhinos, being ruled out

History: When Akin was born Alex and Stone struggled to think of a name for him. Then Alex thought of the perfect name. "What about Akin? It means brave boy." Stone agreed to this, knowing that he would be very brave indeed. Akin grew up quickly enough, and loved being around girls. He would always flirt with them and most girls thought he was cute. Many had a crush on him but Akin played hard-to-get. He would go out with one then dump her for another. Yet, he never really seemed to have a connection with the girls.

   Akin was always saving others from things like getting into trouble, but had never been in any real danger. Until the day man came. They set off a fire to try and kill some lions. Just so they could use their coats. Akin found himself running like he never had done before. To an exit. then he stopped. All around him lionesses were looking for a way out. Akin ran back over to them. "This way, quickly!" He told them, and ran to the exit. The girls all followed him and got out safely. Akin checked the area to make sure no one was left. Then he heard coughing. Akin ran and found a lion cub about the same age as him lying down. He was choking. Akin put the lion onto his back and ran to the exit with him. He ran to Stone and Alex with the lion still on his back and escaped with them.

   Thankfully everyone escaped and no one was hurt. Brandon and Amy rushed up to the cub, with Alice and James close behind. The lion cub opened his eyes. "Oh Bernard, thank goodness you're safe!" Alice cried and flung herself onto the lion. "I'm OK, little sis, thanks to him." Bernard told her. He then turned to Akin. "Thank you for saving my life. I owe you one. What's your name?" He asked. "My name's Akin, and it was no problem." Akin told Bernard, blushing slightly. "Akin, meaning brave boy, well your name is certainly correct. You are very brave." Bernard commented. He nuzzled Akin suddenly. "Thanks again, Akin." He purred, then left. Akin smiled then found out he was blushing fiercely. Alex picked Akin up and took him to a cave. They would return when the fire was out.

   The next day Akin found it had been raining heavily because the fire had gone. They all moved back to pride rock and Akin hoped to see Bernard again, but didn't. Akin didn't get it, why did he like Bernard so much, they were both boys! Akin all of a sudden didn't feel like flirting with girls. They wanted to know who the lucky girl was since he dumped one of the girls, but he didn;t like any of them. All he could think about was Bernard. That night he went to bed without a word. Alex was worried, he normally made such a fuss about going to bed, so she confronted him. Akin didn't want to talk about it with others around so Alex took him and Stone outside. Akin told them about everything, and how he was so confused. Alex couldn't figure it out, but Stone could. "Akin, I do belive you have a crush on Bernard." He smiled. Akin's jaw dropped, but Stone nodded. "Some lions just aren't into the opposite gender, they would rather be with someone who is the same gender as them. In your case, it's a boy. It's fine, Akin, many lions are like it your not alone." Stone lowered his voice. "And I heard that Bernard doesn't like girls either, he likes boys, just like you." Akin felt a little releaved. His parents understood, and talking about it made him feel better. Akin fell asleep the moment he got into the cave, and decided to visit Bernard in the morning.

   But the next day, when Akin went to do just that, he suddenly hid in the bushes. Some lions were trying to take Alice and Bernard back to their own home. Akin felt horrified. He would never get another chance if Bernard left! Brandon was fighting the male lion and Amy was fighting the female. Soon, they both left but Brandon had died from his injurys. Amy and James felt upset, Alice grew up with him so she was upset, and Bernard hung his head. Akin stepped away a little. King Saman and Queen Thema held a funeral for Brandon. Akin sat beside Bernard. Everything was so messed up. Akin wanted to wait a few days before he admited his feelings.

   Two days later, Akin was playing with Bernard, who were now best friends, when Bernard stopped. "Akin, I - I know you will never feel the same way about me, but I - I have a crush on you!" He burst out. Akin's heart stopped. He was amazed he was still standing on the ground instead of shooting up into space with delight. Akin stepped forward and nuzzled the surprised Bernard. "I have a crush on you, too." He purred. They were soon going out with each other, and the sensible people congratulated them, and saying that Akin was brave doing this. But most of the lions teased and made fun of them. Bernard was really sensitive and easily got hurt by the name calling. This also made Akin sad, too. Over the years the teasing got worse, and it was still going on while they were adults. Bernard soon got sick of it and one day Akin was called over to him. "Please, Akin, lets run away! I hate all these lions offending us. I don't want to live here anymore. Lets just go, and never come back!" Bernard pleaded. Akin thought for a while. "OK, let's go." He finally replied. He said goodbye to his family and left, probably never to return