1Huntress #3 - Kijito

Kijito was named by her mother to forever be a free, flowing like a stream wherever she pleased, and as she grew, Kijito stayed true to her namesake.

She loved her mother, and her father, despite him being distant due to rank and duty. One day she decided that life in their little pride simple wasn't for her, so she said farewell to her family and friends and left to travel the world.

Several months into her journey, she came upon a rogue male. He wooed her for days and they spent one glorious night together, but when morning came, he was gone without a trace. Kijito travelled on, hoping to come across him once more, but when it became obvious she was pregnant...she had other issues to consider.

Eventually she gave birth to a single cub, a male. Kijito instantly loved her son, but was heartbroken by his chances in life. Almost no pride, including her father's, would allow the son of a rogue to join them - his mere presence was a threat to a throne.

Determined to find somewhere safe to raise her son, Kijito set off immediately to travel from pride to pride, seeking somewhere to stay and raise her son. Many welcomed her, but not her cub. Almost out of hope, Kijito ventured into a jungle territory with her now young adolescent son.

She was greeted almost immediately by a lion referring to himself as Jivu, Commander of the Royal Guard. She begged him to see the King, and he agreed to set up a meeting, in the mean time welcoming them both as guests of their lands.

As they walked, a speckled lioness called out a foreign name to them, but suddenly froze and stared. The trio stopped as she bounded down the piles of boulders from her den, her face a mask of shock. Behind her another lioness peeked out from the shallow cave and stared.

The first lioness reached them and introduced herself as Majani, a shaman, and the pride's herbalist. She remarked that Kijito was the spitting image of a former mate of hers, as well as her daughter, Mzimu. She gestured towards the other lioness, who was now steadily conversing with Jivu, but kept shooting looks down to Kijito and her son.

After some discussion, Kijito was thrilled to learn that Mzimu was her half sister, making her two newborn cubs, her niece and nephew. Kijito admitted she was still concerned for her son's welfare, and wouldn't stay if it meant she had to abandon him.

Majani was filled with determination and immediately led them to the King. Sikia was mildly perturbed so many had come to see him over something so simple. He made it abundantly clear that he was tightening laws that had allowed to many to join the pride - there just weren't enough resources for new lionesses. However, he would make an exception for Kijito and her son to join, as they were family.

Kijito was overjoyed and moved into Majani and Mzimu's den that evening.

Kijito means 'stream' in Swahili.