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It took some time for Mayhem to finally make his mark among the wild lionesses who wandered oh so close to his land. He wasn't as big or as brave, nor as fearful or courageous as his fierce counterparts, but he was careless and dangerous, outspoken and fearless. In due time, the wary strays made their way into his pride, leaving Mayhem feeling both proud and indecisive as to what his next move would be.
As the moons passed and the seasons changed, Mayhem grew even more reckless, putting not only himself, but his pride in danger. He'd chase after fruitless fights, allow the lionesses to go days without eating, and eventually, chased several from the pride with little to no remorse.
The food became scarce once more, and Mayhem soon grew wary as the lionesses refused to hunt, much less bring back a decent meal. There was talk about leaving, of finding a King who would rule them with respect, rather than carelessness.
Late one evening, as the stars shined brightly overhead, Mayhem caught wind of a scent both familiar and strange. Rising from his spot at the head of the pride, he padded towards the scent, unable to place it. He followed the scent all the way to an old, abandoned den. Memories of his youth quickly filled his mind, as the realization dawned on him.
<i>"...Regardless of what happens, you must never, ever forget who you are. You are the new King."</i>
"I'm the King," Mayhem roared, smacking his huge paw across a nearby rock. "I'm supposed to lead!"
"It's about time you realize that," a gentle hum rang out. Mayhem turned his head to see Sarabe padding towards him. "We've all been waiting to see if Mafasu's message would finally reach you."
"He was a great King," Mayhem hummed, his mind wandering back to the early days when he and his mentor spent endless hours hunting, fighting, and otherwise. Mafasu had taught Mayhem all he needed to know to succeed as a King, and Mayhem had put all that to shame. "I have failed him," he roared.
"No you didn't," Sarabe hummed softly, her head pressing against his thick mane. "You've simply forgotten who you are."
"I am so sorry," Mayhem puffed, hanging his head in shame.
"You are forgiven," she hummed softly.
With a quick flick of his tale, Mayhem's mind was made up. He nudged Sarabe once, before racing off, a loud roar ripping from his chest.
The following morning, after Sarabe had successfully taken the young huntresses out for a hunt, Mayhem stood before his pride, Sarabe ever loyal, at his side.
"I have made many, grave mistakes these last few moons," he roared, his dark eyes meeting those of his pride. "And I cannot ask to be excused for those mistakes, however, if you'll let me, I'd like to make it up to you."
A startled woof echoed throughout the pride.
"Sisters, we have not fought this hard to walk away from our land," Sarabe roared, stepping up beside Mayhem, her head held high. "We promised each other, that no matter what happened, we'd stick together. Who are we to pass judgement on Mayhem?"
A unison of roars rang clear across the plain.
"I promise you, you won't regret this," Mayhem growled as he bowed his head.
He led the way to the den, his mane flying in the wind. Once the small pride was assembled, he could see life flicker back into the eyes of the lionesses he had so long taken advantage of.
"This is our home now," he roared with true compassion. "And together, we will make it great! Together, we will make Mafasu proud!"
"Here! Here!" The lionesses roared with excitement.
"Today, a new pride will rise!" Sarabe roared. She rose onto her hindlegs, before collapsing heavily, sending a cloud of dust into the sky.
"Today, the Intrépide <small>(fearless)</small> Pride will rise again!" Mayhem roared as loudly as he could, sending a flock of birds flying. The lionesses joined him in chorus, excitement filling the air.
From that day forward, Mayhem made sure to never again forget who he was, where he came from, and how he became King. Everything he ever did, was in honor of Mafasu.
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