Territory Terror

[Adofo]

Sam: ......So? Please!

[NukasMomentofGlory]

Haramu groaned again, this time louder, and rolled onto his back, exposing his belly.
"Okay... Let me think." His tail swept across the cave floor as he thought. "Well, when I was a cub... See, where I was from, big cats of all types lived together. However, there were really strict rules about interacting with others that weren't the same kind. And lions and leopards..." He tilted his head slightly, staring at the roof of the cave. "Their territory overlapped much more than any other cats and their territories. So, they often fought a lot. My father was a leopard. My mother was a lioness. And despite the rules there, they didn't want to fight. They instead, fell in love. And shortly after that, I was born. I was hidden from the rulers, but they eventually found me, and I was taken away, far away from home, and I was brought here. This is where I met Dad. He and Simba rescued me, and Dad took me in as his own. I didn't like him a whole lot at first. I didn't really like anyone. But, Dad continued to love and care for me, even if I didn't appreciate it all the time. He did what was best for me, and... he only wanted me to be happy." He went quiet for a moment, glancing at the cave entrance before looking at Sam. Happy... His gaze softened. "He's the best dad anyone can really ask for..."

[Adofo]

Sam: ...........Can you tell me.......about the day he adopted you? .........You've never told me that!

[NukasMomentofGlory]

"The day?" Haramu asked softly, studying his brother. "...What do you mean?"

[Adofo]

Sam: It wasn't like he asked to adopt you, you said yes and the end. .......Tell me about it! .....How you felt. What you were thinking. Please?

[NukasMomentofGlory]

Haramu shook his mane.
"I don't..." Did he remember? He strained his eyes in thought before grunting. "I suppose I didn't know how to think. A human... helping me? I suppose we were just brainwashed into believing all men were bad. So I was cautious."

[Adofo]

Sam: But.....what made you say yes?

[NukasMomentofGlory]

He shifted his paws beneath him, not looking at Sam.
"I guessed... he would be the only family I'd have. And I felt protected and wanted. So I stayed."

[Adofo]

Adofo came up behind them without being noticed.
Adofo: And loved! Don't forget loved!

[NukasMomentofGlory]

Haramu's ear swiveled back and he jumped, bristling slightly for a moment before realizing they weren't in danger.
"Oh. I didn't...? Yes, that as well." He sat back down, ears twitching. "You and mom are back?"