[minifun990]

Part 2

As Neto looks over the gathered patrols he grins.

“I want your prides cubs too. But don’t worry-” He isn't allowed to finish. Both the prides step forwards, prepared to intimidate the lone lion. A common goal uniting the riviling prides. They had not agreed so well for almost 50 years.

But the loner doesn't flinch. Doesn't even stand. If theres one thing any smart animal knows, its that if someone or something faces what looks like unbeatable odds without fear they either have something up their sleeve or are extremely stupid.

Everyone hoped the loner was stupid.

“I see I haven't convinced you. Your little tots will come back safe and sound. I promise on my honour.”

“How do we know you have any honour?” A young lioness asks.

“What a good question Gera.” The lioness flinches at her name. “I've got a question for you” The loner prowls closer to her, through the lions and lioness like they aren't a threat.

“Does your pride know.” He leaned down to her ear, whispers in it. The lions are silent. Gera’s eyes widen. She backs away quickly as if Neto is a ghost. Perhaps he is.

“You will not hurt the cubs?” She asks, her voice shaking. The leopard shakes his head, the prides start to argue.

“You can't be thinking about this Gera!”

“You can't be serious! This is madness!”

“What did he ask you?”
The first pride speaks again. “I don't care about them, we will not leave our cubs in your care.”

“You.” Neto points at the lioness. She looks up at him, a splash of fear in her eyes. His eyes soften a little bit, his smile becomes less harsh and mocking.

“Did you know your healer is making you infertile?” The lioness gapes. Another lioness stands up.

“She wouldn't. You lie!” Finally Neto seems to lose his cool and growls.

“I do not lie.”

“It makes sense Yana.” The quiet lioness speaks. But the loud one shakes her head. Another lion pipes up, two sides form. The pride splits. Those who trust the healer and those who don't. Neto wonders how long until-

“Stop!” A lioness roars. It is the quiet one from before. Neto smiles, it is always the one others overlook who catch on first.

“Don't you see? He is tearing us apart.”

“Let’s go.” And both prides retreat, each pride acting as if the loner doesn't terrify him with his knowledge.

Neto isn't sure what happens back at the prides after they depart. But that night under the cover of darkness he is brought ten cubs. Some cry, some look around as if never having left their den, a couple quiver in silence.

Neto refuses the one still of nursing age, disgusted someone took him from their den parent at such an age.

He waits until the last lions leave, some crying themselves. They have to trust his honesty. Have been forced to by those with secrets to keep. Then he bends down to the cubs and smiles. Another one starts to cry, he can't say it doesn't hurt. He hasn't done this before.
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