The Pridelands grew bright and green as the sun rose higher into the sky. A group of zebras ran across the grasslands. Young Princess Kiara walked into the sleeping cave where all the other lionesses still slept. Kiara had just returned from talking with her father, Simba, the king of the Pridelands.

He had announced that Kiara was to start her lessons, the next day, for being queen of the Pridelands! She was very excited and was full of energy even more then she was yesterday. She walked over to her mother, Nala. She was eager to wake her to tell her the good news. Nala stirred and then opened her eyes. Her Green eyes sparkled. "Wha…What is it Kiara?" "I want to tell you something, Mom!" Nala got to her feet. "What is it?" "Daddy told me I can start training," Kiara said. "Well, that's great, Kiara" said Nala. "Can I go tell Spotty," Kiara asked. Spotty was Kiara's best friend, since birth. The two were almost like sisters. "Well, I suppose…" said Nala "Yay!" Cried Kiara. She ran over to her friend. Spotty was already stretching out her muscles, as Kiara called out to her. "Hey Spotty" Spotty looked her way. "Oh Hey Kiara, what's up?" "Hey Spotty, Guess what?" Kiara asked. Spotty gasped. "You finally caught that butterfly!" "No" sighed Kiara. "But I wish it was" Her face brightened up again. "But, this is better. I get to start my training, tomorrow!" Spotty smiled from ear to ear. That's awesome!"

That night, Kiara lied down next her mother and father. She wanted to go to sleep quickly, so she could get up quickly. Unfortunately, she had a nightmare. And this nightmare was not pleasant.

The Pridelands were wrapped up in the darkest blanket of stars Kiara had ever seen. She was hiding behind a rock, paws trembling. She wanted to run. Run back to Pride Rock, but her legs wouldn't move. Why am I here? She thought. All of the sudden, she heard screaming. Kiara peeked her head from behind the rock. She stared in surprise as she spotted an elderly gray and white lion. It was doing something. Kiara stretched her head from the rock even more. She was surprised to find out that it was swatting at something.

As Kiara looked closer she realized in horror that it was a cub he was swatting at! It made her cry out when she found out that cub was Spotty!

That lion was hurting Kiara's best friend! She tried to call out to the lion but no sound came out. The lion kept on hitting Spotty until he pinned her to the ground. He bit down into her neck. There was a sickening crack, and then Spotty fell limp. Kiara started crying. The lion turned to her, his eyes glowing. He let out a roar of triumph.

Kiara woke up, beads of sweat rolling down her forehead. "I have to tell her." Kiara whispered to herself. She ran off to tell Spotty.