I looked at the small, golden-furred cub, snuggled up against the side of his mother. He wasn’t much younger than me, even though he had just been born. I was born not too many weeks ago - I still had my spots. Tama licked the fur on the cubs head, making it stick up. I laughed. The little cub lifted his tiny head and sniffed, and huddled closer to Tama, seeking warmth. The bright sun shining outside began to crawl deeper into our den, and I, seeking warmth myself, walked over to sit in it.

Tojo and Malka came in, Tojo looking nervous and unsure. Malka nudged him on and Tama smiled warmly towards him. As soon as he saw the cub, he became less timid, his face bright and happy as he quickened his pace towards the lioness and newborn cub. Malka followed behind, and as he passed, I tried to grab the tip of his dark tail. I missed, falling forwards onto my stomach. Malka turned and used his nose to prop me up again.

“Come on Maua” said Kula, my mother, as she walked into the cave behind Malka. She picked me up by the scruff of my neck and carried me over to the happy family. I watched as everyone grouped around the small cub.

“His name is Zawadi” said Tama, in a motherly tone.

“Zawadi” repeated Tojo, looking deeply into Tama’s eyes. “Perfect.” He whispered as he licked the tip of her nose lovingly.

“Go on, go say hello” said my mother, as she placed me onto the floor (which was much colder than my warm patch in the sun) and nudged me with her nose towards Zawadi. I approached him slowly. I had never seen something so small and helpless before. What was I supposed to do? The cub seemed to sense my presence, and immediately began to crawl along the floor towards me. I hesitated, before approaching him again. I touched his nose with mine. He smelled nice, a newborn kind of smell. He launched himself at my tail and began chasing it with his oversized paws. I flicked my tail back and forth, in a game with the small cub. The adults all smiled at the two of us playing together. It was immediate friendship.

The game ended when my father, picked me up, just as my mother had, and carried me over to where my mother had been laying down.

“Okay Maua, I think we better leave them now, Tama is probably exhausted” he said. I let a yawn escape, and he smiled towards me. “And it looks like you are too. Come on, you can play again when Simba and Nala come.”

He set me down next to my mother, who was humming a sweet lullaby. My eyes grew heavier with every note. The soft tune drowned out the surrounding noise, as I edged closer and closer towards sleep.

“Oh Chumvi, do you remember when out little Maua was born?” my mother asked when the song ended, and my surroundings slowly faded as I was slowly drifting off to sleep

---

“Nala, are you sure you’re alright?” Simba asked after she groaned for the millionth time. He wasn’t exactly annoyed by it, but he couldn’t help but feel concern for his mate, who was obviously in pain.

“I’m sure. This cub isn’t coming anytime soon.” she replied, determination set into her feline face. “Even if it was wouldn’t stop”

Simba couldn’t help but laugh at her remark. She was such a strong-willed female. Luckily, it went unheard. He couldn’t imagine what it would have been like if she had she heard his laughing.

Suddenly a large snake slithered across Nala’s path. Her heart nearly stopped at the surprise. Eyes wide, she gasped and tried to regain her breath.

“S-Si-Simba” she stuttered, hardly making out her words. Hearing her shocked voice, Simba turned to his distressed queen who had been dawdling along behind him for most of the way. Eyes narrowed and he swatted the snake away before it could harm anyone. The snake hissed as it disappeared into the grass a few metres away from the travelling lions. Simba listened for movement; although he heard none, he thought it best to keep moving, and put as much distance between the snake and them to avoid coming across it again.

“Hurry, before it finds us.”

Simba hurried Nala through the savannah as they continued their journey through the familiar lands they both ruled over and loved so much, occasionally stopping to let Nala regain her energy. Their paws grew sore and tired, every step bringing them closer to their destination, until they reached the border. The border was a low wall of stones, piled up on top of each other, stretching across nearly the entire border of the Pridelands. Simba helped Nala over the stone barrier, her feet knocking a few loose stones from their place in the wall, and crossed into the Riverlands. Their journey wasn’t far from there. In the heart of the Riverlands was where the royal den stood, and where little Zawadi was born.

---

Sambi knew his mother was returning today. He hadn’t seen her since she left him in search of a saviour for her homeland. His father kept him away when she came for Maua’s presentation, in fear she would take him away, leaving him with nothing of her but memories. Malka never spoke of her, but the others would mention her to Sambi sometimes. Regardless, Sambi didn’t know much about her, and the only memory she had was snuggling up to her tawny cream coat during the cold, harsh night, and awakening to find her missing, and his father distraught. Blood pooled on the cold, stony ground outside the den, and Malka’s face was scarred and bleeding. He was still young then, and he didn’t remember much, and now a half-grown cub, Sambi would be reunited with his mother once again.

He snuck away from the den and travelled towards the border before his father rose that morning. Malka hadn’t seemed to notice his absence yet, and he planned to keep it that way. The sun baked his back, his golden pelt boiling and his skin burning as he marched through the long, grassy plains. He knew his mother would be leaving her home at about sun rise in time to get to the den in time for preparations for Zawadi’s presentation, and Sambi guessed she would probably arrive at the border around noon.

Riverland presentations are very different to those in the Pridelands. In the Pridelands, as they are the higher monarchy of lions in all of Africa, they present their cubs by raising them up to the sky, towards the sun so it can shine down on the cub while the whole kingdom watches. In the Riverlands, the cubs are taken down to the river, where they are dipped in the water, and a spell is chanted. It’s the same presentation for both royal and common lions. In the Pridelands, the presentation ceremony is usually performed in the morning, but in the Riverlands, it is done in the evening, when the moonlight shimmers against the water. This is so the Great Lion in the moon can bless the water.

---

I awoke to a tickling sensation on my tail. Zawadi was flicking it around, after wriggling away from a sleeping Tama. I swished my tail and watched the infant stumble on his oversized paws as he tried to catch it. A yawn erupted from his tiny jaws, as he squirmed closer to me. His warm body rubbed up against mine as he wriggled into a comfy position. Soon, he fell asleep, his tiny body moving up and down in a rhythmic pattern of breathing. A few soft mews escaped his mouth as he slept.

“Mew, Mewa, Mowa” he purred.

My ears pricked at the last mew. “Mowa”. It sounded almost like my name. I lowered my head next to his, in hopes of falling asleep again.

After my nap, I awoke again to find Zawadi gone. I assumed he was with Tama again. When I padded over to play with him again, I found Tama was alone. No Zawadi. I got worried then. A newborn cub shouldn’t be alone.

How could I be so stupid?! I shouldn’t have fallen asleep, I should have stayed awake! I thought to myself. I nudged Tama’s side gently, but enough to try to arouse her.

“Tama, Tama! Please wake up!” I whispered in her ear, urgently. She stirred. Her eyes slowly opened, her eyelids begging to close.

“What is it, kiddo?” She asked sleepily, as a roaring yawn escaped her jaws.

“It’s Zawadi, he’s gone! He came over and slept next to me, and when I woke up he was gone!” I said, getting more and more worried as I spoke every word, thinking of the dangers of a lonely cub Tears pricked my eyes. I blinked them away, for Tama’s sake.

“I’m sure he’s not too far…” Tama replied reassuringly, more for my sake than for her own.

“…I hope.” She continued under her breath, and she rose from her position on the ground. She strode out of the den, with me tagging along behind. We peered around outside, to find Tojo lying in the sun. By his paws sat a small cub.

“Zawadi!” I exclaimed as I ran over to the small tanned infant, playfully licking his head.

“See Maua, I told you he wouldn’t have gone far” she said as she joined Tojo, nuzzling him as he licked the top of her head.

“So what were you two doing out here?” Tama asked, smiling.

“I just thought I’d take him out to play in the sun” Tojo replied, staring at Zawadi, who was playfully jumping at my tail again.

Soon, Malka approached us, his pace fast and a look of worry clear on his face. The way he turned his head to survey the area made him look like he was searching for something.

“Has anyone seen Sambi? I haven’t seen him all morning” he asked us, occasionally glancing around before his eyes returned to us.

Tojo shook his head.

“Sorry, I haven’t seen him since yesterday” Tama replied.

---

“Nala, is that a cub?” Simba asked his mate as he carefully stared at the figure in the grass.

It can’t be. Nala thought while staring at the cub, shocked and worried. “I think so.” She replied, “Simba, I have to tell-“

“Mother!” The cub exclaimed as he leaped from his place in the grass. A smile beamed on his face, as he nuzzled the lioness. Simba was shocked. Mother? Nala had other cubs? But who was the father? he wondered to himself, watching the little cub ecstatically leap around his paws. Sambi met Simba’s gaze and stopped.

“Mother, who is this?” he asked.

“This is my mate, Simba” she replied uncertainly.

“Simba, this is Sambi. He’s mine and Malka’s cub” she confessed. “It was before I found you. Tama, Kula and I fled the Pridelands to find where the others were living. All the male lions that could rival Scar for the throne were exiled, and Malka, Tojo, Chumvi and Mheetu all came to the Riverlands, where, as you know, most of them still live. Malka was the king here, and chose me as queen. Then Sambi was born. A few nights later I caught Malka attacking Mheetu, and came out to protect him. I left with Mheetu, forgetting about Sambi completely. I was hunting food for Mheetu when I found you.” Nala explained.

She leaned down, sorrow displayed on her face.

“I’m so sorry” she said softly. Her teary eyes met Sambi’s; he nuzzled his mother, his own tears wetting her fur.

Simba felt as though he were intruding. He never knew of Nala’s other cub. He should have known the father would have been Malka. They were friends, but he had always been jealous Malka won Nala’s affection as a cub. Malka wasn’t present at Maua’s presentation, although he still lives and reigns over the Riverlands. That must have been why. And now, they may have to meet with him again.

“But, where were you and your father at Maua’s presentation?” Simba asked as the pair finally acknowledged his presence there.

“Father took me away from the den. He thought that mother might take me back to her home, and then he would have nothing left” Sambi responded sadly.

---

Mother was carrying me through the Riverlands, tired from the walk. We had been walking around for ages, and still hadn’t found Sambi. Was it really my fault? It could have been, after all. We had decided to head back to the den and see if any of the others had found him. I hoped with all my heart they had.

The sun was still high in the sky, and beamed down hot rays on our fur, making us hot and exhausted us further than usual. I squinted my eyes as it shone in my face, blinding me temporarily.

We soon arrived back at the den. No one was back yet.

“Simba and Nala should be here soon” mother told me, trying to lighten the mood a bit. I didn’t respond; I was thinking of Sambi. How could I not have noticed?

“They’re expecting a cub soon. When it comes, we’ll all get to go the Pridelands for its ceremony.”

That caught my attention. I had never been outside the Riverlands before. I seldom ventured far from the den, let alone into another land altogether.

“Really? What’s it like?” I replied, curious to know more about the most royal of all the lands.

“Well, I, your father, Tojo and Tama were all born and raised in the Pridelands. Malka had lived in the Riverlands most of his life, and occasionally visited us. It was a wonderful place. The sky was blue, and the sun was hot. Then, on one sad, unfortunate day, we got news that King Mufasa and Prince Simba were killed in a wildebeest stampede. Mufasa’s brother, Scar, became king, and the Pridelands turned into a deserted wasteland. When Simba came back and reclaimed the throne, it returned into a beautiful land, twice as good as it was before.” She explained to me.

I was intrigued by these stories of the Pridelands. I simply couldn’t wait for that cub to come! Then we saw Tama and father, returning from their search, disappointment on their faces.

“No luck?” mother asked. Judging by the fact they were unaccompanied, I’d say they were unsuccessful.

“No. We couldn’t find him anywhere. Have Malka and Tojo come back yet? They have Zawadi, and he needs to eat soon” said a worried Tama.

“I’m afraid not. I’m sure they’ll be back soon though” said my mother reassuringly.

There we waited, in the slowly fading afternoon light. The sky was beginning to darken ever so slightly, and was turning into a palette of purple, pinks, orange and blue hues. Tojo and Malka soon returned with Zawadi, and no Sambi.

“Did anyone find him?” asked Malka, who was still very worried and visibly upset.

“Sorry Malka, no one found him” replied father. “He will turn up, eventually”

Malka’s face fell, an expression full or sadness and sorrow on his face. He lowered his head just a little, but tried to remain strong.

“We can’t go out again anyway, we have visitors” said my mother, gesturing to the two lions slowly making their way through the long, dry grass that covered the savannah. I squinted my eyes, and I thought I could make out a half-grown cub bouncing around at their feet.

“Sambi’s with them!” I cried, and bounded over. Malka’s face went from sadness to worry. Nala was with Sambi. He turned his head slightly as they came closer, avoiding eye contact.

“Sambi, where on earth were you?” I asked him, still bouncing around in the grass. He didn’t seem to know which way to look, as I circled him, bounding from one direction to the next in the long, dry grass.

“I went out to see Mother…” his voice trailed off when he saw Malka staring at him with a look of disapproval. He pinned his ears back and sat. I stopped playing and sat near him. The adults greeted each other, except for Malka who was wandering away, in the complete opposite direction of the den. Frowning, Sambi watched him go.

“He didn’t want you to see her? But, why?” I asked him, confused.

“I don’t really know. Apparently father attacked someone called Mheetu, someone I think my mother was close with.”

“I think that’s her brother” I responded. I knew from when the adults gossiped about the goings-on outside the Riverlands when Malka and Sambi weren’t around.

“Well, he attacked Mother’s brother, uh, my uncle I suppose, but other than that I’m not sure what happened, or why. Anyway, then Mother ran off and found Simba. That’s all I know. That doesn’t seem too bad to me, but obviously it’s more than that” he concluded thoughtfully, glancing towards the fading shadow that swept away from the gathering.

“Come on kids, it’s getting dark. We should go inside” called Tama, waiting by the entrance to the den. We dawdled over to where she was standing and moved past her, and into the cave. Tama waited until we were inside before following.

---

“Maua. Maua, wake up. It’s time to get ready for the ceremony” my father said as he nudged me awake with his nose. We hadn’t been sleeping for too long, but it had been long enough for the sun to be setting below the horizon. I stretched my limbs and yawned. Tojo was carrying Zawadi out of the cave. My mother, Tama and Nala were already down at the river, where I was presented after my birth. I drowsily walked over to where Sambi was still curled up in the corner, nudging him with my paw. His eyelids fluttered open.

“Wha...?” He managed to say before a yawn erupted from his jaws.

“We have to go to Zawadi’s presentation” I explained, before realising Sambi had fallen asleep again.

“Sambi!” I yelled in his ear. He sprung up, eyes wide.

“Alright, I’m up, I’m up” he said whilst stretching, his rear in the air, and forelegs stretched out in front of him. I turned to see my father, Tojo and Simba leaving the cave with Zawadi, headed for the river.

“Come on you two, we have to go” Simba said to us. I eagerly followed the group as we stepped out of the den, the sky a pinkish-purple hue and the sun a golden orange. It cast a golden glow on the surrounding figures as it sunk nearer to the horizon.

The journey to the river was short, with the adults leading in front and me and Sambi following behind. I was excited about the presentation, but I could tell all Sambi wanted to do was sleep, his tired eyes fighting to stay open, a battle that they were losing, and Sambi nearly fell over on multiple occasions after closing his eyes and accidentally falling asleep. I had to keep him talking so his mind had something to focus on.

Soon we arrived at the river, and the sun had completely disappeared. The stars were beginning to shine, and the moon was now visible, glowing in the dark sky. Malka was chosen to present Zawadi to the crowd and to dip him in the water of the river, which cast a white reflection of the moon. Malka wasn’t there, and he didn’t show up.

“Malka isn’t going to come. We have to do the ceremony with someone else” my mother said after we waited about ten more minutes.

“Well, who do we choose?” Tojo asked Tama, who was now holding a sleepy Zawadi.

After much thought, Tama spoke up.

“I think Simba should do it” she replied.

“What? Me? But I-I don’t know how!” Simba responded, surprised and wide eyed.

“Don’t worry, I can help. It’s easy” Nala said calmly. Simba was unsure, but trusted his mate fully. The pair stepped forward to the edge of the river. Tama gave Zawadi to Simba, who held the cub delicately. Simba stepped into the river.

“Now, repeat after me: I promise, in the name of the great kings, the stars in the sky, and the great lion in the moon” said Nala, guiding Simba through the actions of the ceremony.

Simba repeated her words: “I promise, in the name of the great kings, the stars in the sky, and the great lion in the moon”

“I shall guide this cub through life, alongside his parents and family” Nala recited.

Simba once more repeated Nala’s words.

“Even in death, until the end of his life” she finished.

Simba finally spoke the final words of the speech.

“Even in death, until the end of his life”

“Now, you have to carefully dip him into the water” Nala instructed from the bank.

Simba did what he was told, and carefully dipped little Zawadi into the river. He squirmed as the cool water came into contact with his skin, making him shiver. Simba was worried, would something go wrong? Would he drop Zawadi? Would Zawadi get too cold and get sick?

“Okay, now you need to lift him out” coached Nala.

Simba lifted Zawadi out of the river and carefully placed him on the bank. Zawadi shook the water from his fur, making it stand up, giving him a fluffy look. I laughed, he looked so silly! Tama bent down and nuzzled Zawadi and Nala did the same to Simba.

“I’m so proud Simba. You did so well” Nala said with pride.

“But, how did you know how to do it?” asked Simba, looking at her, confused.

“I know from Sambi’s presentation” she explained, which reminded me that he was standing right next to me. Except he wasn’t standing anymore. He was on the ground, sleeping in the dirt. I smiled. It was so much like Sambi to just fall asleep wherever.

“We should get back to the den, before someone else falls asleep” remarked my mother, lifting me up by the skin on my neck. Nala did the same with Sambi, who didn’t wake when she did so, grabbing him by the waist instead because of his size. He was large and heavy, as he was half grown, but Nala didn’t care, nor did she show any signs of struggle or weakness the entire journey back.

The hot sun baked the rock, and my paws burned and ached with pain when in contact with it. There was hardly any life that morning. A few birds chirped in the trees in the distance, but other than that, silence filled the Riverlands.

I gradually made my way towards the river, to be cooled down by the calm water, still and unmoving. The hot air was humid and uncomfortable, so a swim would definitely be the best option this morning. Once I arrived, my feet were burned and sore from the hot, dry ground. I was a few steps from the edge of the bank, so I ran as fast as I could and plunged into the cool water. It splashed onto the bank, creating a slippery, muddy surface. It felt so good, I could stay there forever.

I had been swimming for a long time, creating ripples that continued for a while before finally fading into the calm water. A voice behind me startled me and I fell, splashing more water out of the river.

“Hey, watch it!” said the voice. It was a female, and it sounded old and tired. Looked behind me to see a gold and black bat eared fox, looking at me half annoyed.

“I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to-“

“Hey, it’s okay! I’m the one who should be sorry, it wasn’t your fault” she said apologetically.

“So, what’s your name little one?” she asked me, smiling curiously.

“I’m Maua, uh daughter of Kula and Chumvi” I replied, thinking of the best way to introduce myself.

“Ahh, Kula and Chumvi. I remember when they were cubs. So playful and always eager to learn. Oh, how rude of me! I forgot to properly introduce myself. I’m Bhati, daughter of don’t know and don’t care. Never knew my parents” she said, grinning.

“You knew my parents?” I asked inquisitively. How did she know them?

“We were friends. I used to look after most of the cubs in the Pridelands” she replied.

“Those were the days…” She trailed off into thought, a smile on her pointed face for a few moments. She realised she had been distracted and quickly turned her attention back to me. “So, are you lost? Or are you just out playing?” she asked me, a kind smile spreading across her maw as she lowered her head ever so slightly down to my general height.

“I was bored, and no one was awake. So I came out here” I explained to her, still a little shy.

“Well darling, shouldn’t you be getting home then? What if they wake and find you gone?” she told me in a sweet voice. She was obviously used to being around young cubs, and seemed very motherly. I wondered if she had any pups of her own.

I timidly nodded in agreement, and we started on our way back to the den. She wouldn’t let me go alone, in case of danger. My fur had dried quickly, and I was getting hot again. Bhati watched as I panted, breathing heavily. My mouth was dry and uncomfortable. Bhati stopped, gesturing for me to take a last drink before we completely left the river. The cool liquid ran down my throat, quenching my thirst. I lifted my wet lips from the water and dawdled over to Bhati again.

“You feel better?” she asked me.

“Yes, but don’t you want a drink too?” I asked curiously.

“No, I had plenty of water to drink just before I met you” she answered, in a voice to assure me not to worry. Bhati headed off again and I quickly caught up with her.

The dry grass crackled under our paws on the walk back to the den. It prickled slightly, but not enough to irritate me. The sun was hot and burned my fur. Bhati looked uncomfortable in the heat, but as she didn’t want to complain, she kept it to herself. I could see it by her expression though, she couldn’t hide that. Soon I could see the den up ahead, and my face brightened up.

“Is this the place Maua?” questioned Bhati, although from her voice I could tell she already knew the answer.

“Yes it is!” I replied happily. I was glad to be back, and I hoped that someone was up.

I bounded up to the entrance of the cave and peered in. Mother and Tama were both up and yawning and Tama was feeding Zawadi. Nala was nestled against Simba’s fiery red mane, with Sambi huddled close to her, all of them sleeping peacefully. My father and Tojo were also sleeping, sprawled out across the hard ground. Malka still hadn’t returned.

“Maua, where have you be-” started mother, before noticing the small golden fox beside me.

“Bhati?” she said unbelievingly. “Is it really you?”

Tama looked up, stunned, mouth wide, before a smile emerged from the edges of her lips. Leaving Zawadi, she and mother came over and lovingly nuzzled Bhati.

“Oh Bhati, we thought they got you” said Tama, getting teary-eyed.

“Who?” I asked. My mother turned to me, and sat.

“Back when we were children, when we thought King Mufasa and Simba were killed and Scar’s tyranny reigned over the Pridelands, Bhati couldn’t bear to leave, and fought to ensure our survival. Scar grew tired of her complaining and asked her to leave. She refused to leave, just wanting to protect us. But Scar wouldn’t take no for an answer. He had the hyena’s chase her out of the Pridelands, and Bhati tried to fight back. We all thought she had been killed.” She explained. I saw that Tama’s face was wet and stained with tears. I could imagine all the loss and suffering they must have felt for all those years.

“But now, we know that you are safe Bhati. Our minds are finally at rest.” She concluded as she embraced Bhati once again, shedding her own tears of happiness.

“Wow, that’s… so sad…” I said softly, my eyes growing teary and blurring my vision. I felt my mother’s large paw sweep me towards her, and I stumbled across the ground until I reached her. Clinging to her other leg, I wiped my eyes on her dark fur. She licked my head with her rough tongue, causing some of my fur to stick up, as I nuzzled into her paw.

“Yes, it was…” said my mother, trailing off into thought for a few short moments. “But everything is alright now. Bhati is safe.” A reassuring smile appeared on her face. “We really missed you Bhati”

“And I missed you too, my darlings” the little bat eared fox replied, a loving, motherly smile plastered on her lips. “But, where are the boys? And Nala? I- oh, they’re sound asleep” she said giggling. “Well, we’d better leave them to rest. I’ll come back later when they wake up.”

“What? Don’t be silly Bhati! Please, stay with us here. We’d love to hear more about what happened after you left” said Tama, laying on the ground in her place and preparing for a story with eager eyes.

“Thank you dear, but there isn’t much to hear. Nothing much interesting happened between then and now” Bhati replied, flickering one of her oversized ears. She scratched the itch quickly.

“Please, Bhati. At least stay with us for a while. We don’t care how boring you think the stories will be, we still want to hear them!” begged Tama, pulling the cutest puppy dog face she possibly could.

“Well, alright Tama. I suppose I could stay for a while longer” Bhati said smiling as she sat on the cold rocky ground. She swished her furry tail, which piqued little Zawadi’s attention. He had wandered over to where we were sitting, and he jumped after it, missed, and stumbled onto his stomach. Bhati chuckled, and taking in a deep breath, she began her story.

“Well, it all started when the hyenas were sent after me…”