[PRP] Nyarai vs The Forces of Evil

[Z o m b i k ii]

They were coming.

Nyarai was not quite sure how she had found herself in the role of a babysitter - nor did she ever remember agreeing to watch the cubs whilst Afya tried to seduce her husband. Surely the dark lioness could not be pining for another litter so soon!? The less time the two spent along the better in her opinion - look what happened last time!

Nyarai could not even imagine what it must be like raising so many tiny souls - but had a feeling she would be more familiar with what Afya’s life had become after tonight. The pale lady laid in the entrance of her den, her tail twitching behind her as she scanned the horizon for the first signs of the invading army; outnumbered and without a battle plan, all she could do was pray that death took her swiftly.

Her brother had, smartly, signed up for the night patrol - abandoning her in her time of need! He was much more stern than Rai herself - and spoke with an authority that she could not even dream of. Alas, the brave Guard was not returning until sunrise; leaving her alone in their home all evening without support. Even Afya had Kione! Not that she could imagine the great marshmallow of a male being that much help. Still - it was backup and she had none!

The female sighed - she was still thin and tired from her illness, but not nearly as much as she had been. Maybe this was Afya’s way of distracting her from the depression that had sunk into her friends bones? The dark female always had the strangest ways of showing her affection! As small black and white dots started to run up the pathway that lead to her home - Rai stood and braced herself.

They were here.

”Hello little ones!”

----

It was Afya, the small Afya, that reached her first - running between Nyarai’s front legs and rubbing her face against them. The smile on her face showing her excitement at the prospect of a sleep over at her auntie’s. All her siblings were excited really - they knew their aunt was a soft touch.

Tonight - they could get away with murder if they felt inclined to do so. It did not take the little minx long to realise that her uncle was not home...

"Is uncle... out?" The little one beamed.  

[Krysin]

"Thanks Nyarai, see you in the morning!"

Afya's voice called out in the distance, signaling that she wasn't even going to stick around long enough to make sure that all of her children stumbled towards the proper den. She disappeared long before Nyarai would have the chance to protest the sudden extension of the baby sitting period. What was supposed to be a few hours most likely would shift into the entire evening.

There were nine cubs in total. Nine, easily twice the number of what any single lioness would want to raise. They were all here for Nyarai alone to handle. It would likely be a miracle if she survived.

"Hi aunt 'Rai!" Femi had trotted up behind her sister. The female twin seemed to be in a relatively... agreeable mood. Known as being one of the biggest troublemakers, she was putting on all the charm for Nyarai. The cub purred and stood up on her back legs, placing her paws against Nyarai's chest. Her head bumped affectionately underneath Nyarai's chin.

'Sucker', the little one thought.

One of the few cubs would genuinely wanted to just curl up and cuddle for the evening was towards the back of the massive gathering of youth. His sisters had once again hogged the show, and Kabili sat towards the back of the group with a pout upon his face. What were Afya and Femi doing? He tried to wait his sisters out, to see if they'd back up from Nyarai and let everyone else do their greetings.

When they didn't, the pale cub stomped forward. He wanted attention, but did not want to demand it since it seemed... fairly brazen to do. "I'm hunggrrryy!" he whined. If he complained enough, surely Nyarai would pay him some attention.

"Aww, what'choo gonna do, cry 'bout it?" Femi cockily taunted her brother.  

[MangoMeow]

There was a loud snort as one of the male cubs waltzed up, blue eyes narrowed in disinterest. Why was he not surprised that his sisters were immediately trying to butter their babysitter up? He wondered what scheme they were coming up with now.

Kokayi yawned, slowly meandering closer and then flopped down. Of all the cubs, he’d inherited his father’s attitude the most, to the chagrin of his mother.

He jumped though, as he felt the light brush of something behind him, swiveling around and then rolling his eyes at his timid sister.

Miniya had been hiding behind her father as they walked, stifling her whines as he piped in with a mumbled “thanks” before nudging her forward and leaving with Afya. She’d been dreading this day, the day her parents decided to leave them. Don’t get her wrong, of all the adults she knew, Nyarai was on her “safe” list, but still! That didn’t make it less scary.

She stumbled after the other cubs, seeming to shrink into herself as she walked until she was starting to squirm against Kokayi’s side.