| | Calm'Branch | |

| | Branch snarled at the lioness growing close. ` `Leave me and my mother alone!` `Branch bared his teeth. ` `It's okay, Branch.` ` Mother insisted, giving the newcomer and apologetic glance. ` `You know how they are at this age.` `
` `I totally understand. Greetings, Branch.` ` The lioness nodded curtly to Branch. Branch felt his hostility melt as he was treated older than he was. For some reason, Branch liked that. ` `Hello.` ` He dipped his head, trying to seem not as pleased as he was, but polite and impressive.
` `My name is Shattering'Hope. The queen of Galaxy'Clan. I wish for you to join.` `
` `What about my mother?` ` Branch quired.
` `She wishes to remain where she is.` `
` `Mother? Is that true? You don't want me near you?` ` Branch felt sorrow grip his heart. ` `No. I do want you.` ` Mother breathed. ` `More than anything.` `
` `But I can't have you. I'm a lone lioness without a queen or king. I wish to remain a lone lioness, but I know you'd make a perfect pride-lion.` `
` `I'll miss you too much! ` ` Branch's eyes darted desperately on his mother. ` `You must do this. It is what I want for you. ` ` Mother's voice tightened with a beg. ` `Please. ` `
Branch was thrown around in emotions. Sorrow, anger, pleasure, hatred, extreme anxiety. The list went on and on. Suddenly it stopped. The answer was clear. ` `Okay.` ` Branch nodded slightly. ` `Goodbye my sweet Branch. I will love you forever. ` ` | |

| | Branch was panting now, following Shattering'Hope as quickly as he could. But as he came to a stop, he felt the jaw around his chest- anxiety and unbelonging release its grip. His expression faded to calm. His mind- usually buzzing with fears and hostility- grew quiet. ` `You seem at peace. ` ` Shattering'Hope noted. ` `There's a custom of the clan...` ` She continued. ` `How would you like a new name? ` `
` `I like my name! ` `
` `It won't change much. ` `
` `What do you have in mind? ` `
` `You shall be Calm'Branch.` ` | |