Scorch

The sunset was fading fast, and darkness crept in where two small lion cubs huddled against a massive tree trunk. It was the best shelter they could find on short notice. Wary of the shifting shadows and strange noises in the night, Scorch sidled closer to her new companion. She was surprised to hear small sniffles and a quiet whimper coming from the other cub, Mossi. All day as they waited alone in the clearing Mossi had put up a brave front, insisting someone from her pride would be along soon to fetch her.

Scorch nuzzled Mossi between the ears, "Hey... It's ok."

"No it's not," Mossi sobbed quietly, "They left me. They really left me!"

"I won't leave you," Scorch promised as she snuggled close, wrapping her tail around the both of them. "We're littermates now. Together we are our own pride." She purred a soft song of comfort to her new sibling. "Let's try to get some sleep. Tomorrow is a new day and we can face it together."

----

"Mossi? Mossi!!! Oh my stars I thought we'd lost you forever! Why did you wander off?" Thyme, Mossi's mother, was overjoyed to have found her wayward cub.

With her buddy to back her up and caught up on sleep, Mossi was back to her old self and full of sass. "I didn't wander off! YOU FORGOT ME!" She yowled at her flustered mom. "And this is my new sister, Scorch. You have to take care of her now too!" she demanded.

"Um, hi?" Scorch mewed shyly. "It's nice to meet you, Mom!"

Thyme shook her head, laughing to herself at the situation. There was no refusing Mossi! She gave Scorch a motherly lick on her forehead. "Welcome to the pride, little one. Thanks for looking after Mossi. You're a good sister."