[A/N: I enjoyed writing this because most of the things here are what I think too xD. I simply applied it to my fic. Well, here's the new chapter. Enjoy!]

Land of Light and Darkness.

Chapter two; Linking with the past.

Females—we were usually terrified of enemies and cowered back whenever we approached one. However, I was one the few to actually react in a decent manner. Niobe stood beside me, gaping and studying the little creature we had discovered only moments ago. Perplexed and stunned weren't enough to describe our feelings—how we felt about the situation. A small canine or hyena of some kind, one unfamiliar to me, had trailed upon our home. He didn't look dangerous, but rather terrified. As terrified as we were. As I thoroughly inspected the small infant, my conscience had confirmed that it was far too young to do anything.

Only what we were to do now weighed my thoughts. He wasn't a threat, but I didn't know if it was safe enough to bring him back to Pride Rock. I, having no idea what do, turned on the more reliable source at this particular moment: Niobe. The teenage lion offered me an equivalent astonished expression as he looked to me, then down towards the little baby.

"What do we do?" I inquired, hopeful. I was totally begging he had an idea, and not something similar to mine. My only scheme was to bring the creature back to Pride Rock.

Niobe frowned a little, staring once again down to the cub who offered us both a forlorn look. "We should take him back to your parents," he proposed, shattering my high spirited hope. He had the exact same idea as me.

I furrowed my brows at him; I had expected him to come up with another idea, but this clearly meant something. There was nothing else we could do—throwing him out into the wild was risky. He could die, or he could grow and one day attack us for not turning him in! Yeah, the second thought was paranoid, but of all the hysteria caused in this family that my mother had told me, it became an option. My scowl towards Niobe had evaporated, making room for a bright smile to form on my maw.

"...Glad you're thinking along the same lines as me," I told him as I grabbed the infant by the nape.

I trekked the quick walk back towards the pride, with Niobe hot on my heals and the pup dangling from my jaw. I was fairly young, so carrying another younger one wasn't an easy task for me. On occasion, I'd gently place him on the ground for a few seconds, stretch and pick him up again. It was then that the thought had come to me; Niobe hadn't helped with anything—he'd have to do something later.

I shifted my gaze from Niobe towards the clearing. The large kopje came into view, which was a relief to me. I wouldn't really have to deal with anymore pup work. As I struggled up the rocks, I could apprehend the somewhat dejected coos of the creature held firmly in my maw. He probably missed his parents, wherever they were. I had a high doubt that they were searching for him, though. I mean, it was possible but this infant seemed far too young to stumble across home. Not to mention, I had never seen this creature before—probably not native to the Pridelands, but lived near the Serengeti somewhere. Even more of a reason to presume he had been abandoned.

Me and Niobe had finally reached the end of hiking the large boulders that worked as the base of Pride Rock and approached the lions that stood near the entrance. My grandmother, Nala, and my grandfather, Simba, stood alongside some other lions. I could see aunt Vitani, my mother and father and Niobe's mother, Shani.

My parents and Simba were the first to approach us, and I had to mention—their eyes stuck out wider than they ever had. I could tell it was due to the cub I had held, because all of their eyes were directed upon him. Niobe stood by me, continuing to inspect the cub also.

It had taken a while, but my father spoke. "N-Nieera? Why have you brought an African wild dog here?"

I rose a brow, and place the baby down, "So... that's what they're called..." I whispered to myself. I then stared up at my father with a skittish smile. "W-well... I was playing Niobe, and we heard this sound. So we investigated and we found this abandoned pup."

"Those creatures are dangerous scavengers," Simba interjected, a scowl planted firmly on his maw. "They were alliances of the hyenas."

"But-but... he was alone. We couldn't have let him die," I argued, my voice sounding more dejected than I intended to.

All eyes were on my mother as she stepped into the conversation. "They're not native to the Pridelands," she told us. "...Not anymore at least. They were banished by my father when he became king. When I was a cub, I saw them before they were banished—I guess they've returned though."

"I would presume." Shani added, joining us. She leaned down towards the pup as he cowered away under my legs. The beige lioness then looked around, onto the horizon. "They'd probably freak out and attack us if they found out we had their pup."

"I think they might be close by the Outlands." my father, Kovu added, taking a step over towards the peak. "I should go there and investigate."

As he announced that, I felt an uprising of fear form in the pit of my stomach. If these creatures really were dangerous like Grandpa Simba had said, then why should my father go there alone? Despite being so young, I was willing to go with him—I could help out if anything went wrong. I didn't want my father killed, it wouldn't do anyone any good, and if these dogs were seeking their pup, the Pridelands would be an easy target without a king.

I stirred about, expecting anyone to interject and volunteer to go along with him. To my dismay, nobody had. "...On your own?" I asked quietly and worriedly. Before assuming, it was good for some confirmation.

The brown lion nodded, his fully-grown mane blowing out towards the land due to the wind's increased current. "...unless someone would like to come with me."

At this, I relaxed. My frown had turned into a pleading smile, as I bounded up beside him. Luckily, he actually didn't guess what I was about to propose and let me speak. For the first time!

"Then I'm coming with you." I declared firmly, my determination displayed with a wryful smirk. Much to my dislike, father held a solid lour on his muzzle. There was no more needed to be shown or mentioned; I knew he didn't want me to come along—but I didn't want my dad in danger. I wouldn't act so easy from now on. I was going to get my way even if I knew it was risky. "I will come along."

"No, you're not, Nieera," he simply argued, tolerating how I seemed to be making all the decisions around here—I was lucky he hadn't punished me, or anyone else for that matter, for knowing he'd not accept and continue to be insisting. "You're staying here—it's far too dangerous."

I quickly scanned the line of lions for some source of hope. I was begging that my mother would step in, and reassure my father that I was old enough to tag along with him. But she didn't say anything. She didn't even suggest someone come with him—instead, she offered me a concerned expression. My mother was the queen! The King and Queen had to do everything together... To be fair, though, she did have to stay and lead the hunting party and cover for my father while he was away. Investigations would probably last all night—the pride needed one ruler to remain and watch over them.

I turned to face my grandpa; he, after my mother, was the one who'd try and make things so that we both got our own way. His vermellion mane, streaked with a tint of white, blew violently in the wind as he offered me a firm expression. Nothing else needed to be said; it was a no.

But I wouldn't give up. My body had swished to Shani and my grandmother. Niobe's mother wore a rather confused, but concerned, expression. My grandmother's feeling about this was unreadable—she stood there with a tiny simper on her maw. I didn't know if she had agreed or disagreed with my father or not.

"So that settles that," my father continued, nuzzling my mother tenderly afterwards. "The cubs will remain and I'll go alone."

"But-but," I tried again, though I was sure he'd interrupt me. Surprisingly, he hadn't. "You can't go alone! You could get attacked in the middle of the night." I realized that my mother had looked worryingly towards my father—maybe there was a chance she'd interfere and get someone to go with him. "He should be escorted." I finally added.

"That's true, Kovu," my mother finally agreed, thrusting her head under his chin again. I wish someone had nuzzled me like that in a time of worry. "You should take someone with you. And some of the lionesses, at least."

"No, Kiara—it's fine," my grandpa, Simba, told her. He approached the couple and bowed his head respectfully. "I'll be glad to accompany Kovu on this patrol."

Now it was Simba's turn to be nuzzled, by Nala. I found the situation a little better to cope with now that I knew my father had back up. While it would be more risky to lead two of my family members beyond the border...and a bunch of pride lionesses. I had found myself lost in my father's mane, nuzzling him like there was no tomorrow. I knew that this meant I'd have trouble sleeping at night—I'd be thinking of them. But it was worth the risk to make sure the kingdom was safe from harm. I nuzzled my grandfather too, before they were off with more than six lionesses behind them.

We all turned towards the little pup that cowered away from us, his head sinking deeper under his shoulders. My mother, Kiara, approached him and perched in front of him. The lionesses surrounded her, and Niobe and I had moved up front to get a closer view of the pup. My great-grandmother, Sarabi, had sat beside the queen and studied the cub.

An entire interrogation was to begin.

"Where did you say you found this cub, Nieera?" the honey-furred lioness asked me.

"I was with Niobe, somewhere near the back of Pride Rock," I answered.

"—by the creek." Niobe had specified. It was the first time he actually said something after we had arrived. I edged closer to the little pup, nudging it gently to make sure it was still conscious. It was laid down, his eyes barely open.

My mother's concern deepened—but I knew exactly what she was thinking. If we had found this little pup somewhere near Pride Rock, the family was probably close by in the Pridelands. A baby like this could only walk so far. The lioness's expression suddenly became terrified. Her ears were pinned behind her head and she hunched her shoulders a little. Shani, Nala and Sarabi had gotten the messages too.

"We must be very careful!" my mother exclaimed. "Cubs, until we find out the truth behind the story, you will remain in the cave. Tell the others too."

Despite our disappointment, me and Niobe nodded willingly.

She then turned to her mother, Sarabi and Shani. "We have to patrol this too."

"But who will remain at Pride Rock with the cubs?" Shani inquired panickingly. "As far as we know, we could be out there until sunset with the den unguarded!"

My mother told the lionesses firmly, "Vitani will remain with the cubs and the pregnant lionesses," she declared. "We, however, must get going to investigate this now. Mother, will you run and tell Vitani that she's in charge?"

The beige lioness nodded and scrambled off at once to perceive my aunt. Once again, I felt terror play around with my intestines and around the stomach. The situation was only worsening, and there were many risks coming along with it. I hoped the African wild dogs weren't in the Pridelands, though I didn't know what they'd do if they actually were here.

My grandfather had mentioned earlier that they were unbearably dangerous—but in what way? If they were alliances of the hyenas...would they try to get rid of all the lions here? It's what the hyenas had tried to do due to Scar's lies. Even so, no lion deserved to suffer at the cost of Scar.

As soon as my grandmother came bounding back to the cluster of lionesses, they set off—down the rocky slope and towards the edge of the kopje. Niobe and I watched from the high ledge, until they grew smaller and smaller off into the clearing. I had wondered if Namiya and the others had returned; I was so very worried for their safety.

Aunt 'Tani arrived a few moments later, scowling at the sight of the sleeping pup. The pup! I had completely forgotten about it! I cantered over towards the infant, coiling beside it and scooping it into my paws like my mother had done to me and Namiya many times when we were born. The pup reclined into the safety of my fur, and a sound (that I guessed symboled his happiness) errupted from his throat.

My aunt stared at me bewilderingly before sitting on her haunches beside Niobe. "Why have you got that creature here?" she questioned, staring at me still. "Do your parents know of—"

"Yes, they do," I interrupted her. There was no need to complete the question. I already knew what she was going to say. "In fact, it's why you're in charge. They took off to go and investigate the scene."

"Scene?" I saw her cast her eyes on Niobe. "What's she talking about?"

Niobe sighed, rolling his eyes before explaining to my aunt. "We found this wild dog by the base of Pride Rock. The king and queen fear the African wild dogs have returned. They went to investigate."

Aunt Vitani, too, suddenly appeared to be agitated. Her eyes widened. "The African wild dogs have returned? But that's impossible!"

"Hey, we're back!"

We directed our gaze towards the five lion cubs that charged towards us. Before they knew it, they were on the ground panting. I was so relieved that Namiya and the others returned, so relieved that I ran up to them and embraced them all. Being the curious lioness she was, Namiya edged cautiously towards the pup with a strange look on her face.

She looked at Niobe, then me, then aunt Vitani. "Who's this?" At her inquiry, the other four cubs came and stood by her, contemplating the new visitor. "Is he some kind of hybrid?"

"No, Namiya," came the voice of the older lioness. "It's an African wild dog. Your parents just took off to go investigate."

"Investigate what?" came the female voice of one of the cubs—Jamilla. "What's going on?"

Niobe took a step towards the brown lioness. "These creatures were the alliances of the hyenas, apparently. And they've returned." I could hear several gasps escape from the mouths of the cubs.

"So that's why your dad told us to return?" the other male named Jafari asked me. "So we wouldn't get hurt?"

I nodded briefly. "Mother says we're not to leave the den till this is all solved."

My response had stimulated the disappointed moans from the other cubs. I huffed in annoyance too—it was nice to hang out with just Niobe, and to share information about ourselves. But now we were stuck with the huge cluster of the other cubs who'd find conversations like this boring. They'd always want to play games that would tire them out, or they'd almost always do the opposite of what I wanted. Despite that though, I was glad they were safe and sound.

One of the brown-furred cubs from our group, named Kya, cautiously slithered her way into my aunt's arms. "Hey aunt Vitani? Why were the African wild dogs banished in the first place? How were they friends of the hyenas?"

"I'd like to know too," Jafari interjected, sitting in front of the older lioness. The other cubs followed, but I managed to slip into aunt 'Tani's paws too.

The tawny female lion sighed. She then proceeded to closing her eyes—her way of beginning a story.

"I was a young cub then, and Scar will still king," she began. Like all the other cubs, I managed to shiver at Scar's name. The only one that seemed perfectly fine was the African wild dog pup, who had nestled behind me without me even noticing. "My mother didn't spend any time with me or Nuka, our older brother. She was always in the cave with Scar, nursing a baby Kovu in her paws.

"Me and Nuka grew tired of having to sit on the end of the perch and watch the Pridelands continue to rot. So we took the chance to disobey our mother, and we ran down and away from Pride Rock. The other pride lionesses will still out hunting under the supervision of some hyenas, so it was quite easy to slip away."

She readjusted herself, lowering her head slightly. We were all quiet and intrigued in the tale, for we all wanted to perceive the truth of this strange commencing, and if it was safe to keep this pup or not.

"We had approached the swamp—infested with crocodiles and other dangerous creatures. And when we saw the crocodile emerge, we decided to turn back...until we heard an ear-piercing screech. Both alarmed, me and Nuka spun our heads around to investigate. It was an African wild dog pup, just like that one," Vitani pointed to the sleeping infant behind me, "but Nuka insisted it was too dangerous—that we should go home."

-x-

"Nuka, we've gotta save it!" a young Vitani screamed at the top of her lungs, stopping dead in her tracks and screaming loud enough to weigh Nuka's movements as well. "It's a pup, young like us! It also has a family!"

"V-Vitani, we c-can't! T-the crocodiles will gain on us, a-a-and we could get in lotsa trouble!" He spun around to face his sister so he could get the message through her head easier. "M-mother will kill us if she f-finds out we're gone!"

Vitani lowered her voice a little. "Do you think for a second that mother even cares about us?" Her face had contorted into a haunting vexed expression. "She's probably home, doting on that new cub and telling Scar how much she loves him and-"

"Vitani! We've gotta go, and NOW!"

The female lioness cub's stubbornness persisted.

"I'm not going anywhere without that pup," she told her older specifically. "Mother can kill me if she wants, and you can go if you want—but I'm gonna help that little wild dog."

Without wasting a second, the tawny lioness bounded up towards the river swarmed with crocodiles logged onto each other. Her electric blue eyes then casted on the endangered pup, lowering itself into a fighting stance and growling audibly, yet whimpering on the inside and begging for its parents' arrival.

She scanned the area around frantically for some sort of help—like any adult would do if their pup was in the same situation. And like the kings knew she needed it, a log had come into view. Vitani charged towards it, propelling like an adult lioness on a hunt, and successfully landing on her feet. "Hey you!" was her scream for the terrified pup about to be eaten. She extended her claws and forelegs, wincing as the pup grabbed on.

CRACK.

The log slowly began collapsing due to their weight, and the famished crocodiles seemed to be ever-so-desperate for a morning snack.

"Vitani! H-hold on!"

It was Nuka, grabbing onto his sister's waist with his paws, and pulling her back by her tail with his mouth.

-x-

I was so stunned by the tale told I couldn't move. My aunt was... a hero! And by the same creature that pressured into my leg at this current moment. I could be a hero too, maybe I could even solve this problem and help my parents...

"Did you save him?" I heard Niobe question, his blue eyes widening in shock. "Did the crocodiles eat him?"

My father's sister sighed. "Yes, we did. But soon afterwards, Scar and the hyenas approached us with my mother. My mother grabbed my by my waist with her jaws, biting them so hard and releasing a sheer pain from me. Sometimes I still have nightmares from that moment—especially now," She referred to the pup. "She grabbed Nuka and had dragged us back to Pride Rock, ready to abuse us like she always had for running off. But I could still see what was happening."

"Scar and the hyenas had cornered the cub, and were ready to push him back to the crocodiles. However, his pack were just across the other side, and were jumping on rocks to head towards us. Scar sent the hyenas to attack at once—so many hyenas and dogs were injured or dead. I think the pup that I had rescued died, and Scar had told them if they didn't want their numbers decreased, they'd had to join him.

"Hesitantly they did join, and regretted it. I guess I understand why they despise lions and hyenas so much—particulary those linked or related to Scar. Even now, they hate us. They had begun killing lions here, so King Simba banished them."

"But why do you think they've returned?" asked Jamilla from beside Niobe. "If we haven't seen them since Queen Kiara was a cub—"

"For revenge, probably," Vitani answered shortly, "or maybe because where they live is short of food and water."

All eyes were on the pup I had brought. I took him into my arms, and held him gently. Everyone leaned over me to get a food shot of the pup, though he seemed to be asleep. He seemed perfectly harmless—he wouldn't know we were his enemies, and if we raised him, he would think of us as a family.

"What are we gonna name him?" Namiya asked me, barging every other cub out of the way to come and sit beside him.

"I'm not sure yet," I said. "I don't even know if we're gonna keep him. We'll wait for our parents to get back."

"But until then, we can't just keep calling him 'Pup'!" Kya reminded me. And she was right. This pup needed a name.

"Blue!" I yelled randomly, causing all the cubs to stare at me perplexingly. At once I felt embarrassed.

"Blue is a cute nickname for the pup," Niobe backed me up. "Look at his blue eyes."

Thanks to Niobe, all the other cubs had agreed in calling him Blue for the short time being. Blue would become a great friend of us—I felt it. He seemed incredibly friendly. Even if he wasn't a lion, he'd become one by being in our pride. And maybe then, we could prove to the African wild dogs that they could become our alliances again, and trust us.