Laya, alternatively named Kitty, Lyra, Leah, or Raiya in different adaptations, is a cream-colored lioness distinguished by brown bangs and blue eyes. Her childhood was marked by the loss of her parents to hunters, leaving her uncle Specklerex as her sole surviving relative and the source of her royal lineage. This traumatic origin fuels her inherent wariness toward humans. Early narratives depict her rescue from human captivity by the protagonist lion, initiating their relationship. Her initial caution evolves into a supportive partnership. Demonstrating teenage independence and resilience, she rejects unwanted advances from other lions, forging mutual respect and affection through shared adventures. This bond deepens, culminating in marriage and the birth of twin cubs, Rune (Lune) and Rukio (Lukio). As a mother, she actively nurtures her children while serving as a trusted advisor in jungle governance. Her ultimate fate diverges significantly across adaptations. In the original manga, she contracts a mysterious jungle plague and dies without recovery; her mate raises their surviving cub, and her remains suffer disrespectful treatment by humans. Conversely, the animated series adaptation sees her survive the green plague due to life-saving medical intervention from a human character. The 1997 film reverts to tragedy, depicting her death after caring for other plague victims; here, she demonstrates moral courage by confronting violent impulses, notably standing against an elephant leader seeking human revenge to prevent unnecessary bloodshed. Core personality traits remain consistent: compassion shown through caring for wounded animals, fierce protectiveness of family, and diplomatic strength in conflict mediation. Her background as a servant to the pygmy goddess Leona in certain storylines reinforces her sense of duty. Long-term narrative patterns chart her evolution from a trauma survivor to a stabilizing community influence, balancing familial devotion with responsibilities in maintaining jungle harmony.