Lesedi knew everything about all of her children, especially Al'Asad Alnnamr's somewhat strange obsession with his big brother; Al-Afzal Asad (or Afzal for short). Bath time was a nightmare, especially with the intense wriggling that sometimes made her wonder what went on in her tiny son's brain, a budding escape artist desperate to improve maybe?

She knew it was something to do with Afzal, he wasn't in the secluded den with them; he was in the main den with his Uncle Ezekiel, and that meant only one thing- it was a mission to find his big brother.

"Hey, come on Al...you can see him in a minute..." Her voice was a low but soft rumble; she'd only just woken up herself, and she wasn't sure if she was going to be quick enough to stop him again. "You're a real fidget today huh...you can play with Afzal after your bath~"

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Al gave one last desperate wiggle before he slumped in his mother's paws with the saddest eyes and biggest pout a lion cub - who looked more tigon or liger then lion - could make. He turned the devastated look on his mother, projecting his feelings on a bath taking up time he could be using to be with his big brother and learn to be just like him. If he could talk, and one day he would, he would most likely be whining how unfair it was he had to have a bath... again. Surely he had taken one earlier this day, or yesterday... or some time. How many baths did a cub really need anyway?

Al was desperate to show how he felt so he opened his mouth as wide as he could, took a very deep breath and let out the loudest squeak anyone had ever heard. Disappointed yet again he couldn't roar, Al pouted even more as he let his head drop sadly onto the ground. He stayed still as his bath continued, letting out a puff of air as he let his gaze wander the territory from where he lay. It wasn't until he heard his big brother's name, recognising the sounds, from his mother's voice that his head rose and he perked up. He looked up at her with his big, watery sage eyes with all the hope, happiness and love in the world.

"Bi!"

He managed to say, obviously trying to say 'Big best'. His very own name for his big brother.

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"Bi!"

That made Lesedi smile, a true, soft smile that only a mother could possess. With a quick swipe between Al's eyes, and a soft rumble, she let him free from his "Prison", though making sure to keep her paw on his tail to prevent him from instantly wobbling away. She looked into the big eyes and chuckled softly, running her free paw over his head and flattening a rogue tuft of fur that refused to stick down, quietly mumbling to herself as she did so.

It was when she was satisfied with his cleanliness that she finally let him go, though only momentarily, as she gently picked him up by the scruff; slowly making her way towards the main den. She knew she wouldn't win, Al always got his way in the end...no matter what it took him it seemed.

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Al's eyes widened in excitement as suddenly the world opened wide for him. To be truthful, he was just being let go after his bath, but to Al it was like leaping out of the starting gates at a racetrack. With a delighted squee! Al leapt into the air... only to land with a thud on the ground, dust rising around his fluffy body, as he looked back over his shoulder to see his mother's paw on his tail. With the biggest pout and how-dare-you-you-big-meanie eyes, Al looked up at his mother. However he was unable to keep the look up long, sticking his tongue out and chuffing in amusement as his mother tried taming his mane.

HIS MANE. Al was quite certain that was what it was. 'Big best' had it too and Al had been excited to learn he had some too.

Finally he felt his tail being let go and with a wiggle of his hips Al pushed himself up onto all four paws. He lifted his front right paw, preparing to take the biggest step ever when suddenly he was hoisted into the air. Al whined his upset, pawing the air with his front paws, as he was taken away. He didn't know where he was going or why. He just knew he wasn't on the ground and looking for 'Big best'.

He'd already had his bath. What could his mum possibly need him to do next? Was it food time? Did he have to drink? Did he need to use the little cub's room? Was he supposed to go with his Uncle for some reason?

But no... it was... Yes. It was!

"BI!"

Al squealed, wriggling excitedly in mid-air as he caught sight of his big brother. It was definitely the best day ever. And he may have the best mum ever too. Of course he couldn't say that or let her know. He'd heard some other boys say you couldn't let the girls get big heads otherwise they're impossible to live with. Whilst Al didn't understand many of those words he did get the gist that you don't say how good a girl is to the girl. It will stop the good things happening. Still, he did give his mum some happy licks on her chin in thanks.

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Lesedi's smile could only widen at Al's reactions, setting him down in the den beside her paws and giving him a swift lick behind the ears before nudging him towards his brother.

It was the squeals and the easy to identify noises of his younger brother that made Afzal open his eyes, as well as his Uncles Ezekiel and Rameses. The three males looked over with raised eyebrows, Afzal mainly, as he stretched out and swiftly licked the slowly growing mane on his chest.

"It's early..."

"You know what he's like Uncle Ezekiel..." Afzal cracked a smile as he looked in Al's direction; opening up his front paws, just waiting for the young cub to charge into the daily morning hug.

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With the biggest smile ever Al ran as fast as his chubby, fluffy legs could carry him towards his big brother. He was so excited that, as usual, he didn't even try to slow down and instead ended up headbutting his brother's chest with a happy squeal. Wriggling and hopping happily, Al rubbed his entire poofy body against his brother's chest, not only ruining his mother's wash but also spreading his brother's scent onto himself as well as his own onto his brother. After all, his big brother was his and no one else's. Just as he was his big brother's and no one else's. Well, apart from mum but mum was mum, so she didn't count really.

"Bi! Mi Bi!"

He declared happily. It was absolutely clear to the world, of course, that what he really said was 'Big Best, My Big Best'. He then proceeded to look over his brother's body position before turning around to do the exact same inbetween his brother's long front legs. With a beaming grin he tilted his head back and looked up at his brother's face. His world was right again. Someday he'd be as big and strong as his brother.

Of course Al did notice as he looked at his two uncles that they were both bigger and stronger then even his big brother. It made him wonder if his big brother would end up growing even more and end up bigger and stronger then them as well.

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Afzal simply laughed as his younger brother squirmed and wriggled against him; he had no idea why Al was so attached...but it made him feel good, it made him feel amazing...especially when it came to the girls his age; if what he always observed was true...girls love guys who are good with cubs.

"Hey Al!" His voice was cheery, despite only just waking up; he could always find the energy for his little buddy. Upon looking down as Al looked up, Afzal grinned and pressed his nose to the cub's in greeting, "A great sign of respect" as Uncle Ezekiel always told him.

He knew what was going to happen next though...a tuft of fur was sticking up, and he HAD to correct it...gently licking Al's forehead in an attempt to flatten it again.

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Al couldn't help himself. When his brother's nose touched his, he licked his brother's nose playfully with a twinkle in his sage green eyes. He couldn't help but huff in annoyance, however, when he felt his brother licking his forehead. Al shook his head vigourously, trying to dislodge his brother's attempts to make his mane go away. Lifting a forepaw he began fluffing up his tuft of fur - read mane, HIS MANE - and then looked up at his big brother happily.

"Mi man, Bi!"

He exclaimed, trying to tell his brother 'My mane, Big best'. Now he looked just like his brother as far as Al was concerned. Al then turned to look at his mum and Uncles, sending happy and proud smiles their way. He then proceeded to tell them what he'd told his big brother.

"Mi man."

Al stated, shaking his head in emphasis so they could see his tuft of fur as it wiggled due to the movement.

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Afzal's eyes shone with amusement as Al spoke up, leaning down and nudging his brother with his nose, speaking in a low tone.

"It looks awesome Al...hey, one day you'll get one just like Uncle Zeke or Rameses...or maybe like mine." He winked, he knew Al would appreciate that, grinning as the adults all chuckled.

"Looking good Al!" A lion cuddled up to the king piped up, his soft red eyes were tired, but they had every bit of interest in the young lions. "Very handsome~"

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If possible Al's grin grew bigger at his big brother's words. Most of the words escaped him but he knew what the important ones meant - he was just like his big brother. He was so filled with happiness and love, fit to burst, he couldn't help but lick every inch of his big brother in baby lion licks lovingly and with a lot of enthusiasm. Of course since he was so little he could only reach his brother's chest, and because he wasn't old with experience and talent his version of licking was wiping his tongue against his brother's fur and a lot of the time ending up with his brother's mane caught up in his teeth inside his mouth. In the end Al had to give up in defeat, knowing he wouldn't be the best bather like his mum.

"Mi Bi."

He said softly, purring as he looked up at his brother lovingly. His gaze strayed briefly as he noticed a couple of young lionesses looking at his brother. Frowning he moved to stand between them before saying quite loudly and clearly:

"MI BI. NO U. MI."

It didn't even occur to him that very few would be able to translate his words into: 'My Big Best. Not you. Mine.'

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Afzal's eyebrows rose at Al as the young cub stood up; wiping his paw down his chest to tame the now messed up fur.

"Hey, they know; don't worry about it~" He tried to speak as softly as he could...but getting between him and the girls? Come on, why can't an adult step in and help? Wait, that's because Al was a cub...and Cubs seemed to rule this pride more than his uncles.

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Happy he was understood, Al turned back around and waddled back over to sit pressed against his brother's chest. Yes, he was very happy with his life. He had his mum and his brother, and thanks to them he was always fed and slept well. No harm had ever come to him thus far and due to this Al believed there was no bad in the world. Even the rain, snow, storms, and such were fun and all things good. He didn't know a thing of drought or starvation or pain or death. He'd never been sick either. Life was good. Very good.

Now that he had his brother's attention Al wanted to go do something with him rather then just stay in the cave. He wanted to learn more. The more he learnt the bigger he'd be, after all.

"Bi! Bi, go."

He demanded, keeping eye contact with his brother whilst tugging on his fur. Whilst Al knew he couldn't physically move his brother it didn't mean he wasn't going to try anyway.

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The cub's attempts to move him just made Afzal smile, and he slowly stood up, being careful to not knock Al over. He looked over at Lesedi with a look for approval, a smile appearing on his face as she gently nodded.

"Go ahead~"

"Awesome, thanks mum!"

"You two can come with me~" The darkest male, their uncle Ezekiel, stood up, stretching out and softly smiling as he looked down at them. "I'm going on a walk...so you can go far...and YOU" He bent down to gently press his nose to Al's, "Can see a bit more too~"

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Al beamed happily when his brother stood up. However his gaze soon fell onto his Uncle Ezekiel's face upon seeing his movement out of the corner of his eye. His eyes widened in awe as his Uncle's large head came as close as possible to his own. He even felt a part of his soft nose cover the entirety of his nose. There was no doubt in his mind that his brother would one day be bigger, stronger, and more awe-inspiring then their Uncle. After all, Al loved his brother and his Uncle was pretty epic. He was a very lucky cub.

"Ta Zizi!"

He said to the large lion, his words roughly translated to 'Ta (Thankyou) Zizi'. Zizi, of course, was Al's own name for his Uncle Ezekiel. It was the simplified version of the name that he could actually pronounce. Happy things were going his way Al turned around and waddled out the den, his fluffy fur making the action look supremely amusing.

"Go Bi, go Zizi!"

He called back.

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Afzal and Ezekiel simply glanced at each other in amusement as Al waddled outside; following the small ball of fluff.

"Just think one day Al...we could go out on all sorts of adventures together, when you're a bit older." Afzal instantly caught up with him, with Ezekiel trailing behind them. "We could meet so many lions...make so many friends..." He looked up, then backwards at Ezekiel. "Where to?"

"Follow me, I have someone you'd love to meet~" Ezekiel chuckled as he bounded forwards, leading the boys away from the safe boundaries, picking Al up from beside Afzal, as to save the poor boy's little legs from the long walk.

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