DESIGNED FOR ME BY DAKOTAWEREWOLF

Name: Tarik (meaning 'conquered general')

Parents: Wemusa and Jahia

Siblings: Naanda, Sarabi, Diku (half-sister) and Dwala (half-sister)

Mate: Neema

Cubs: Tojo, Kula and Kamaji

Pride of Origin: Bahari

Personality: Tarik is the happy medium between his two sisters: not as bold, outspoken or physically strong as Naanda and not as wise and well-spoken as Sarabi. However, that doesn't mean he is stupid or weak, he's simply the middle ground. As a cub, he is much more prone to following his sisters than being a leader himself, prefering to just agree with their views to avoid fights. However, as an adult he grew into his role as king and his short reign was considered a good one.

History: Tarik was the last born cub of Queen Jahia's litter and the only male making him the default heir to the throne despite having two elder sisters, Naanda and Sarabi. 

Despite growing up with the knowledge that the throne is securely his, Tarik is remarkably level-headed mostly because Naanda and Sarabi are quick to correct him should any hubris overcome him. In return, Tarik acts as the peacemaker between the two and brings them closer together despite their differing personalities. 

Things really changed when Tarik and his sisters were teenagers. Wemusa sent Sarabi away with his Second to the Pridelands as the royal family there were looking for a betrothed for their prince, Mufasa. Tarik and Naanda were both heartbroken at their sister's departure and doubted they'd ever see her again. However, things took an unexpected turn when Wemusa's Second returned with another female. Her name was Neema and she was a Pridelander princess sent to be Tarik's betrothed in return for Sarabi's betrothal to Mufasa.

At first, Tarik copies Naanda's behaviour to an extent and outright ignores Neema. He didn't ask for or particularly want a betrothed and had always believed that he would be able to choose his future mate for himself. However, he isn't as outright hostile as Naanda, herself, instead preferring to ignore Neema's presence altogether and hopefully she would take the hint and go away.

However, a stern talking to from Jahia made Tarik realise how awful he was being. Would he have allowed Mufasa to treat Sarabi as he was treating Neema? No, of course he wouldn't. So, Tarik approached Neema and asked for a second chance to prove himself to her. They were going to be mates in the future, better they have at least a friendly relationship.

When Tarik reached adulthood, Wemusa eventually passed away and suddenly Tarik had the throne he was preparing to take all his life thrust upon him. Tarik takes to ruling reasonably well, remembering his father's teachings and backed up by his mother, Naanda and Neema should he ever falter. He is nothing if not dedicated to making sure the Bahari Pride thrives under his leadership.

Despite their rocky start, Tarik came to love Neema fiercely and she him in return. It was because of this that Tarik managed to convince Naanda to at least be civil with her (her lingering distaste for anyone born outside the Bahari Pride somewhat disturbed him). From their union, two cubs were born: a male named Tojo and a female named Kula.

However, happiness is not to last and everything comes crashing down around him when the Bahari Pride's long enemies, the Jabali Pride, attack. 

Despite their superior numbers, Tarik and his pride are taken by surprise and a great many of his people are slaughtered by the surprise attack. Despite the Jabali Pride's entire might bearing down on them, Tarik and Naanda refuse to give up without a fight and run headlong into the fray determined to take as many Jabali lions down with them.

Just when it seems as if they could have the upper hand, Tarik heard a loud panic-filled wail and turned to see Kula huddled with his younger half-sisters, Diku and Dwala, about to be ripped apart by the Jabali Pride's king. Without thought, Tarik charged him and tackled the older male to the ground allowing the cubs to escape. The fight was bloody and brutal and just as Tarik clamped down on the other lion's head, his claws rent into his belly. Tarik killed the elder male and was mortally wounded himself.

The last thing he saw was Neema's tear-stained face as she was forced to flee to saftey whilst he died. He never even knew his mate was pregnant again with his final son, Kamaji.

Relation to TLK: Brother of Sarabi, Father of Tojo and Kula