Once Kovu reached the watering hole, he gently let the lioness slid off his back near the water.

In one hurried movement, he repeatedly splashed water on her face, until she finally coughed.

He sighed.

She coughed.

Feebly opening her eyes to the sight of a dark brown lion with piercing emerald eyes. His sturdy figure made his look intimidating.

The pink vertical scar stretching over his left eye added to his dark look.

The lioness didn't even flinch at the sight of him, though. She ignored his presence altogether.

Instead, she moaned and tried to stand.

"Drink," the dark-furred lion commanded, nodding toward the water.

She tried to speak, but her voice got caught in her throat and turned into a dry cough.

"Drink."

"I-I'm...fine," she managed to say, weakly.

"Do you want to die?"

"Yes."

Kovu felt as if his heart stopped beating for a moment, how could she say such a thing?

Who was this mysterious lioness, and why did she welcome death?

He stared at her, trying to read her emotion.

She had soft features: the mud covered her coppery-brown pelt well, giving the illusion of a auburn coat, instead. She was beautiful, but too plain looking to be called breathtaking. Her dark almond shaped eyes were deep brown, and if she were to smile, they would glow.

Kovu shook his head slowly and repeated his command, "drink."

"I'm fine," was her reply, but her tone showed little confidence.

Surely, she knew it herself, if she didn't drink, she would die.

And, that was just fine, she thought.

"Listen, I didn't run all the way over here, trying to save your life, for you to just say 'no thanks, I'm just gonna die!'"

The lioness snorted, "I never asked for your help."

"No, but you needed it."

"Why didn't you just let me die, what makes me so special that you felt the need to save me?"

Kovu didn't answer.

They stared at each other for a while.

Moments past, no one spoke.

Finally, the lioness broke her gaze and leaned her head into the water.

She took a big gulp of the cool water, then lifted her soaked muzzle up and met Kovu's gaze again.

"There, I drank."

Then, as swiftly as she could manage(which was actually very feebly, considering her health state) she turned and started to walk away.

"Wait," Kovu jumped in front of her, blocking her path. "You need rest."

"I'm fine," narrowing her eyes, she growled. "Move."

Kovu stood still, but ever slightly moved his head a little closer to her's.

"No, I'm not letting you leave," he smirked a charming smile.

She gave him a death stare. And walked proudly around him.

He didn't stop her, he watched as she walked away.

Suddenly, she felt dizzy. Fumbled a few steps, and fainted.

Author's Note: Yes, short, again...ugh! I am so sorry, I just have a few...things going on in my life, I couldn't give myself enough time towork out a longer chapter...but, hey, a short chapter is better than no chapter, right? Well...please review. :)

I hope this chapter isn't completely awful. :P