Welcome to Gaia! ::

Cheetah cub – Mbali (Different)
Mother: Jamala (Beauty)
Father: Bavu (Strength)
Genet: Tamu (Sweet)

The hot desert sun was just appearing over the sand-ridden lands, a faint golden light flooding over the endless, barren sea. A handful of trees broke the vast expanse of dunes, and the desert's occupants darted home to their families, hoping to make it before the heat settled over the white sand. The sky grew lighter, littered with shades of pink and gold, the stars slowly disappearing under the veil of light until the next evening, when they would reveal themselves and glitter in the black velvet sky.

In the sea of similarity, it can be hazardous to stand out. But what is life without a few risks?

Bavu paced tersely outside of the whelping den, his bulky, charcoal hued frame weary from lack of rest. His usually bright, intelligent aqua eyes were dull, and heavy lids drooped dangerously low over them. He plodded back and forth, steps getting slower and slower as he saw the sun rise for the fifth morning in a row. Suddenly, his long black flakes quivered, and he averted his now alert gaze into the den. A small sigh escaped Jamala, Bavu's mate, breaking the silence of morning. The now proud father's steps grew light as he jogged into the den. His eyes adjusted to the dark interior and roamed lovingly over his mate first, and then lowered, looking for his new children. Suddenly, he noticed something was amiss.

The cubs... There were none.

He looked up, confused, to Jamala, and a sudden chill ran down his spine. Her eyes, her beautiful, violet eyes, were full of hot tears. How did he miss those? He took a tentative step forward, toward Jamala. Tears streaked her snowy face, and everything about her seemed gray, lifeless. Bavu's large head shook back and forth slowly, as if in disbelief.

"Jamala..."

His deep vocals tried to comfort his disheartened mate. She pushed his consoles off, her voice ringing out, sad and angry.

"I had no cubs... Except this one... Who... Who..."

She lifted up a lifeless bundle from between her front paws. Tears fell from her face onto it, washing away a light layer of dust that had gathered on it. Bavu's jaw dropped, and his own eyes filled with tears.

"Jamala..."

He murmured again sadly, eyes trained upon the now tear-blurred cub. She let it drop, and then looked up at her mate's concerned expression. Reaching out his nose, he rubbed against her damp face, murmuring words of comfort in her ear. She leaned away from him.

"Just get rid of it..."

Bavu nodded sadly, and picked the small, lifeless bundle up in his powerful jaws. Just feeling the small, helpless cub in his powerful grip, imagining how easily that the young cub could fall prey to the evils of Africa, sent a fresh wave of tears down his face. He quickly turned his back to his mate, so she didn't notice the tears. He loped out of the den, tear-blurred eyes darting cautiously back and forth, watching out for the other pride members. He didn't want the others to see the cub, for he didn't want to explain. Not yet.

Soon, he reached the large waterhole, where all of Africa's flora and fauna were chatting amongst themselves. There was a particular rodent that Bavu was looking for. Tamu, a small, albino genet, whom of which was said to have magical powers, was the one. Bavu trotted about hopefully, watching carefully for the small white genet. Suddenly a small, grumpy voice was heard near the edge of the waterhole.

"Scoot backs you, you, PERSONAL SPACE INVADERS!"

A large smile lifted the corners of Bavu's mouth, and he wedged his way in toward the noise. There was Tamu, hissing and spitting, fur puffed up, the zebras around him rolling their eyes and moving away from him. Bavu trotted up, and the genet suddenly flattened his fur, a smile on his face.

"Bavu! How are you doing?"

The genet asked, his bright red eyes looking suspiciously over the small cub. Bavu motioned with his head toward a gnarled tree a ways away from the waterhole. Tamu nodded, hopping onto Bavu's back, and they trotted off toward the tree. When they reached it, Bavu gently placed the cub on the sand, and Tamu hopped down, looking at the cub curiously.

"Jamala and I, it was our only cub. She thinks a stillborn. I did too, but I think he may still be alive. On the way here, I named him "Mbali", for his different beginning. Could you save him?"

Tamu looked up at his big lion friend, and nodded solemnly.

"I'll do what I can."

The small white genet murmured mystical words, dancing around the cub. Nothing. Tamu frowned, and looked up at Bavu sadly.

"I'm sorry my friend. You go on home to your mate, I can take care of Mbali."

Bavu nodded slowly, his eyes shining with grief.

"Thank you for trying Tamu. I am indebted to you."

Bavu whispered before slowly walking away. The white genet sat, watching the large black lion retreating toward his home. Suddenly, Tamu's ears perked up. He heard a small snuffling noise beside him. He looked down, his red eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. The small, spotted cub, Mbali, was wriggling along the sand, small whimpers escaping its tiny mouth.

"BAVU! BAUUUUUUU!"

Tamu called, but the lion was too far gone. He quickly scooped up Mbali and raced off after Bavu, The cub swinging in his mouth, the genet's short legs carrying the odd couple after the ebony lion.