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Forte's memories started with his mother. Her warm tongue moving over him as he slept, curled up with his siblings. Her scent, a mixture of a sweet flowery smell along with that of the milk that fed her cubs, and the feeling of her soft fur against his own was what he missed most.
Then there was the earliest memory of his eldest brother, Komai, who was bonded to him through their father's blood. His first wobbly steps and ventures into the unknown world began by the side of his brother. There was never a day spent without Komai there to watch over him and he looked up to his brother always wishing to be as brave, smart, and of course, handsome as he was.
The sun rose and set for many days both of them growing and learning together until the evening came when their father, always so stern and strong, made the separation that would affect Forte for his entire life. From the day Komai left until the day he was meant to leave his pride, he vowed to find his brother and would not stop until he did.
The first few moons on his own were the hardest he'd ever endured. He'd come close to death many times and he started to wonder whether he would even survive.
Forte wandered the plains until he came upon the shade of trees and luckily for him a pool of water where he could rest. He was close to the relief of water when he was knocked onto his back and there he stayed, knowing he couldn't fight anymore. He heard the deep growl of a large male lion who's territory he'd clearly trespassed on. He mustered up the strength to pull himself up a bit and as he turned to face his attacker the growling stopped, both males standing still in utter shock. He was standing face to face with a full-grown Komai and although he looked far different, he could never forget those emerald green eyes.
With that reunion, Komai helped Forte up onto his feet and now he is the proud king of the Jungle's Edge Pride, consisting of several lionesses and cubs. His lionesses mean more to him than life itself and he treats them like gold. He keeps his friends close, his enemies closer, and his ladies even closer still.
Every few moons Komai's and Forte's prides meet and enjoy one another's company, the reunions a symbol of the day the brothers under the sun found each other again.
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