The sun was shining brightly on this beautiful morning. The jungle was awake early and thriving as magnificent monarchs and hyper monkeys were passing through the canopies. Along with snakes rapidly racing on the forest floor and elephants galavanting through the rivers. These beautiful creatures were only few of many. One little tiger cub in particular was quite curious. He had begun to roam around uncrossed boarders without his mother at only eight weeks old. He was extremely brave for this, and the most brave out of his siblings at that. He ventured out to a new place with a gorgeous waterfall that filled out into a small pool area. Which was surrounded by a grassy field, that felt super soft to his little paws. He wandered around for a while, along with playing by himself enough to tire out. He decided to lie down and rest on the soft grass he was so fond of. Suddenly, he awoke to a sound coming from the bushes behind him. He turned around quickly, as he slowly backed away towards the waterfall. The sound was getting louder and the bushes began to move. Whatever this was, it became closer and closer to meeting small cub face to face. He had backed up to where he could go no further, for his back paw was now touching the pool of water. Not knowing how to swim, he began to panic and cry frantically. To his surprise and relief it was his mother, who had been upset and on the hunt to find her little one for what felt like forever and a day. They met up and hugged before lying down, both amused to be together once again after a lengthy afternoon. The mother began to bathe him, since he had gotten fairly dirty from playing in the field. They spent a while in this beautiful place before returning home... Home at last! Little cub gratefully ate his dinner their mother had prepared for them that evening. Once he was finished, he snuggled down safe and sound on a bed made of leaves, with his siblings, who had already made it warm... The following morning the cubs slept in while mama tiger took a morning stroll to enjoy a small amount of leisure time. A time that doesn't occur very often anymore. Her mate had passed away about six months ago, trying to save her from a vicious male tiger that had tried to attack her for being in his territory. She missed him at times but she was strong for her cubs and carried him with her always. When she returned, she was delighted to find her little ones all bouncing around waiting for her to let them go outside and explore. They were so excited they completely forgot about breakfast and had to calm down, so they could sit and eat. The day moved by quickly and pretty soon it was nighttime once again. Mama tiger was laying them down when she noticed something was off. She then realized that her brave little baby had left once more. Very concerned, she left to find him. Along the way she started to call for him, but no answer ever came in return. After looking for a bit, she finally remembered where he was the day before. She headed to that beautiful grass field, and that's when she saw her baby boy. He ran to her side thrilled to see her. He tugged her tail, trying to get her to follow him, she began to follow. He took her to a mysterious cave behind the waterfall. He didn't seem anxious, but his mother was indeed distressed. To her delight he had discovered a doorway to another field, only this was gloriously made and stretched for as far as the eyes could see. The giddy cub took her through to show her it was safe. She now understood why he liked going to the field, because she also fell in love with this place. It appeared to be so peaceful and elegant. Soon after, they brought the rest of the family there to roam around and play. They all had the time of their lives. The Mama tiger had finally decided it was safe and made it their new home. After a few days they had come across new water areas, more food, and plenty of resting places in the sun, as well as some shady spots... Months passed and the brave little cub started to miss home, so he left on a quest to that special place. Along the way he came across a snake, he got frightened but tried to ignore it. Then all of a sudden it went for him. He was bitten and bolted almost immediately after. He ran to his old home and decided to lie down and rest because he wasn't feeling well. He had been there for a couple hours, but couldn't get back up when he tried to. In fact, he could barely move at all. He tried to call for help, but he knew they were too far to hear him. He eventually used all his willpower to get up and mosey back to the waterfall, refusing to go back into the hidden field because he didn't want his family to worry. He knew something was very wrong. Knowing that, he decided to make a barrier around the waterfall entrance ensuring nothing could bother his family. Now they couldn't get out and he couldn't get in, but at least his family was safe. Knowing his father looked after family, he followed in his footsteps. Mama tiger had figured out later that evening, that he hadn't returned. But when she tried to go look for him she realized they were trapped. She was confused at first until she remembered something that happened a long time ago with her first litter of cubs. Her mate had trapped everyone in a small cave to protect them when he was hurt. It was for their safety while he healed. She knew then that her baby boy had learned what being a protector was and that he now took the role of lead male. She began to call and see if he would answer. He did, but she could tell something was wrong. They communicated until he became too tired to speak. They said a sad but heartfelt farewell before alerting her other cubs... They mourned for a few days, but they knew why they were there. They knew he led them there to keep them safe, and that he was very special. They never forgot him as they grew up... One day, they all went up to the barrier and broke it. They made a flower place near the pool for brave little cub. They would sit there together from time to time enjoying the view and memories of brave cub. They never left that home, even when they started their own families. Before they knew it, an entire population of tigers were bred and kept safe in that beautiful field. This would be a forever home for these tigers.