Bright

The sun peaks over the horizon, basking the savannah in its glory. Today the paths connecting caves are cluttered with cubs ranging in age, for today is sorting day. One cub stands out from the others with its long shagged fur. The cub smiles brightly at everyone who passes them. They rarely get a smile back, but they do not stop. " Bright," the soft voice of the cub's brood mother fill's the shagged cub's ears. Bright turns to her caretaker, still upholding her toothy smile. " Good morning! I am going to explore today!" Bright says matter of factly. The brood mother smiles softly at Bright, but it fades quickly when she notices that Bright isn't paying attention to her anymore. Bright has wandered off, their bright coat a beacon amidst the others that explore. Bright looks around before taking off, weaving through bushes and small trees. Her tail swishes as they race across the ground, her tiny paws hardly making a sound. The sun shines on her dark skin, warming her already warm fur. Exploring had become a habit for Bright. She was always so curious, no matter how many times she heard the story of that cat that was killed by curiosity. She would follow her nose wherever it led her, whether it be to a pile of stones or into the depths of some cave where there may be another pride. It was rare that she returned without any knowledge of what was inside, but sometimes she did come home looking triumphant, clutching a shiny rock that glittered in the sunlight. She knew soon that she wouldn't be able to just explore, she would have to choose a job like the other cubs who were only months away from turning one. Bright shook her head trying to clear any thought of giving up what she loved most. Why was she worrying about working while there was a huge cave just waiting to be explored? She smiled to herself. Maybe she could help guide others to the cave and share with them her findings. She giggled. Yes, that sounded wonderful.
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It has been years since Bright has explored on her own terms. She has been too busy helping the Brood Mothers with the abundance of cubs to even think about exploring the lands. Many lions now depend on her for comfort and guidance during the birth cycles. though she does enjoy it, she has had no time to herself. It feels nice to provide solace for the parents and have people genuinely want to be her friend. Bright watches others from the small makeshift window of the brood mother's den. She smiles warmly at a group of cubs who are sneaking away to explore
in secret. Bright hopes they will find more than they are ever likely to find in their life. She thinks of her own childhood, her loneliness, and her fears. She knows that if anyone can make the world a better place, she can.

" Bright, I though you would have already left by now?" croaked one of the brood mothers. Bright turns to her with a toothy grin, " We were understaffed today, some of the ladies are helping heal the huntresses.". The Brood mother just hums in response. " I remember when you wouldn't work at all," The brood mother whispers, a dry chuckle following her words. Bright shakes her head at her old mentor. " I'll do anything to keep the Pride safe..." she responds softly.
A look of surprise flashes across the old lioness' face. " What is it, Ma'am?"
" Nothing," The brood mother says after a moment, " Just glad you're doing well."
" Thank you, Ma'am," Bright replies with a nod. After another few moments of silence, she turns her back on her old friend, " Goodbye, Ma'am."
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Bright wakes suddenly, eyes wide. Something was wrong...something really, really wrong. She sat bolt-upright in her cave. Her breath came out ragged, and her heart raced in her chest. She glanced out the cave's opening, expecting to see something lurking outside. A glance down at her claws showed her the marks they made in the bed of rocks below her. The sun was shining, birds chirped, and yet the fear remained. There was nothing out there. There should have been nothing out there. But there was.
She stood slowly, careful not to disturb the sleeping cubs. She padded quietly out of the den, pausing every few steps to listen. She didn't hear anything. She was just about to turn back into her cave when a loud screech was heard. Following the screech was loud screams and hollers. Bright darted into her cave and began pulling items from her nest to pack. She was almost done when she noticed one of the younger cubs stirring and stretching his limbs. He yawned widely, blinking sleepily.
Before he got the chance to ask any questions or notice Bright, she pushed him aside and rushed out of the den. Another scream erupted and she felt her blood freeze. As she rounded the last corner of her cave, she saw three lions fighting a.....lion? The lion was ghostly white and covered in scars. The lion growled menacingly at the three lions, baring its sharp fangs. Bright couldn't breathe. She darted quickly towards the cave entrance, Ushering all of the cubs into a hidden hole in the cave. She crouched down behind her children hoping to stay unnoticed.

The cubs whimpered at Bright's feet, terrified of the horrors just outside of their home. "hush now," Bright whispered to the cubs, " we have nothing to fear.". Bright had faith in her pride and her king, she knew that this would pass just like any other attack. " I will tell you all a story," Bright whispers again, taking a deep breath. She tells them of the brave lion who fought an evil beast to protect his family and friends. How brave he was and how he never gave up. She told them of how he found love in a beautiful forest. She told them how he found himself in a new pride, but how he was lonely. She told them how he tried to fight against this sadness and won. Her words completely diverted the cub's thoughts from the horrors outside. Their fear melted away and they stared at her adoringly with wonder. Bright continued to speak of how kind the lion became, how brave he became, and how happy he became.
Once she finished, she heard footsteps coming toward the den. She grabbed her cubs and burrowed as far back as possible.

" Bright! are you there?" The panicked voice of her brood mother-sister echoed in the cave. She quickly ran out to her and tackled her in a hug.
"Ma'am," she murmured, wrapping her arms tightly around her. "What happened? Why is everything so chaotic? Where is everyone else?" The older cat sighed and pulled away from Bright's embrace. "There was a lion with..." the lioness leaned in before continuing, " rabies.". Bright gasps in shock and then shakes her head. " all of the cubs are safe, I made sure of it." she answer's with a smile. Her sister looked relieved. "Well, I'm glad you are okay."