Disclaimer: I do not own The Lion King or any of its characters. I do own the other characters in this story and they are not to be used without my permission.

Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait. Life never ceases to catch up but here is a new chapter.

Enjoy!

Chapter 13: Crossroads

Arif was never an early riser. Has a cub he would wake to watch the sunrise with his late grandfather. Baraka had done the same. It ran in the family. And Arif wasn't surprised to know that his children followed the same 'royal tradition'. They'd said that watching sunrises were happy moments other than playing.

At this, Arif worried. His children – or at least his daughter – hadn't been playing with the other cubs. The reason was obvious. They were worried about their mother, if she could even be called that now.

Arif shuddered. He knew he shouldn't think that way… but… It's true.

Akase certainly wasn't the mother she used to be. She had changed so much and her asking him to change…? Arif simply couldn't. His parents, brother, friends and cubs found no reason, yet she, his wife, had?

It didn't seem possible. And it was the most painful thing he'd ever know. With all this he was fully sure that he no longer loved Akase. He admitted that to Rafiki yesterday. And though the words had terrified him he had been feeling this way for a while.

And why shouldn't he?

Arif sighed heavily and stared at the lands, now covered in the golden color of the rising sun. This was what he needed: some time alone on the promontory.

As he looked out, a new thought, or name entered his mind: Saada.

Arif closed his eyes. The name had come half unbidden. He wasn't surprised. He'd found himself thinking about her a lot. And not just recently, and not after he told Rafiki that he thought he was in love with her. It was long before that. And to the depths of his soul it was true.

Now, this truth scared him. He dreaded telling Saada and was tempted every time he saw her. He knew she had feelings for him. But she was afraid, just as he was. Arif found this ironic and he chuckled. Could they be any more alike or meant for each other? For as long as he could remember he had leaned on her for support and she gave it to him without question or hesitation. She knew him so well. She was there for him during his bouts of despair, self doubt and self questionings on his future.

He wanted so much to tell Saada how he felt but the timing was wrong.

And what would this mean to his 'relationship' or 'acquaintanceship' with Akase? The way he saw it, there was nothing and whatever there was, it died. What was he supposed to do? Wait it out or just wait until Akase came to her senses? There was no chance of that.

Arif bit his tongue, finding himself at a crossroad that could determine his future, and the future of his cubs. He was a shaman, a father, a brother, and a son, but most important, he was a lion who wanted nothing but peace and fulfillment in his life.

Was that too much to ask?

He didn't hear the paw steps. He didn't turn his eyes away from the lands. He wasn't sure who was coming and didn't care. At a length, Arif turned to the right, his eyes wide with surprise. The figure beside him was not who he expected at all.

It was a lioness with dark gray fur and white markings on her muzzle and legs. Her eyes were also white with gray film. Arif's mouth fell. What was she doing here and sitting beside him? Did she even know that he was not Baraka? He was about to speak but she spoke first, answering the question he would've asked.

"It's alright Arif. If I'm correct, your brother is in his chambers asleep."

The Prince nodded numbly. She was talking to him? Why? Was there a reason?

"You need help Arif," she continued. "And it's the kind Rafiki cannot give."

Arif was overwhelmed. Why in the world was she here with him?

"It's still early if my time sense is correct. You speak when you're ready. I will listen."

Arif let out a breath. This was so odd and yet… he felt like he needed to release his worry and pain. And only she could help him. With another exhaled breath, his heart beating fast, he began to talk.

And true to her word, she listened.

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Unlike his brother who did not have leadership set on his shoulders, Baraka had to be an early riser. But this time he did not. The last two nights had shaken him. But he had slept well, better than he had in months. He had no dreams. It felt good to rest easy again. Would it happen from now on? Oh, what a relief that would be!

Now he was awake, and staring at the darkness. It was comforting, soothing and what he needed after his experience in the gorge. He wasn't sure what triggered it but whatever the reason, it was meant to happen.

He rose and headed out the main den. Before he stepped out into the morning light, the Lion King turned and looked on his pride. Everyone seemed to sleep the way he had: peacefully. He could see his parents in their corner; Kadiri and his family in theirs; and the other two lion guards, Mabaki and Takata, on their respective sides. The lionesses were sprawled out but with room to walk.

Then, Baraka saw one sight that made him smile with love. Near the cave where Hasira and Dailia grew up were Arif's sons and daughter, with Saada lying beside them. The cubs - Njozi especially, at least from what Baraka could see - was curled up at the lioness's side. Baraka noticed that his niece looked calm. Maybe she was. Maybe all three cubs were. It didn't matter to him. He was happy and sorrowful.

It should have been Akase there, not Saada.

He walked outside and looked up to the promontory. He was stunned. There was Arif talking with… Etana…? What the heck was he doing with her? Baraka pushed the thought away. They were just talking.

Maybe Arif needed help with a problem, Baraka thought then he smiled. If anyone could help Arif with his issue, it was Etana. Rafiki had probably tried but couldn't get anywhere. Who better to help his brother than the one who helped him so many times!

Baraka lowered his head, his smile growing. Thank you, Etana…

Taking one last look, Baraka leapt down the ramp and took off through the grasses. He was feeling drawn. Maybe Arif's problems and concerns were finally coming into focus. Baraka swallowed and allowed his paws to guide him. His mind ran rampant with thoughts. And they were all the same but this was no time to dwell.

After awhile, Baraka smelled a familiar scent. He sniffed the air and smiled faintly. He didn't intend to find her, much less think on it. But since he was here, and against his own will, he began searching. When he found her lying near a small waterhole, he gently nuzzled her and stepped back as she stirred. He grew heartsick.

She was frail and looked thinner than the last time he saw her. Was she eating? Her eyes were bloodshot with dark circles underneath. Was she having trouble sleeping? Was her inability to sleep the same as Arif's and Njozi's? Somewhere along the line, he doubted it. But he was amazed at how much she changed. She had been a rogue from birth, and lived in two prides – one for a few months – and this one for almost two years – and now she was back to where she started.

Baraka sighed, knowing where this conversation would lead but he had to try. He was doing this for his brother, nephews, and niece.

"Akase," Baraka began with authority and concern creeping into his voice. "We need to talk."

"What about," Akase asked groggily. She rose to her paws, stumbling to sit down.

"About you and how you've hurt your family."

She scoffed. "The only one who has hurt my family is Arif. Talk to your brother!" Her last statement was a snarl.

"I would, but he doesn't want my help and I won't force his paw."

"And you think you can force mine?" Akase snorted. "You stick up for him too much." She turned away. "Brothers…"

Baraka tried to keep his emotions low but he was disappointed and infuriated. This was his sister-in-law, wife of his only brother, and mother to his nephews and niece. It didn't seem possible. This wasn't a Princess of the Pridelands. To him, it looked as though Akase had stripped herself of her royal status by living out here and away from her family.

Once a rogue, always a rogue… It was a terrible thought, but it was true.

"Akase," he began again, "I'm not here to force you. I'm merely saying that you have a choice. You can swallow your pride. You can fix things with Arif. He wants to fix things. You can spend time with him and your cubs. They need you. They're suffering. Njozi is heartbroken!" He paused. He didn't mean to get upset but seeing his brother and those cubs going through all this was far too much. "You're not handling this right way," he said, quietly. "You could have, but instead you let your anger rule you."

At this, Akase whirled around and faced Baraka with blazing eyes and a set jaw. "My anger… I had every right to be angry with him! Instead of talking to me directly, he turned to Saada! Why her? She is not his mate!"

"No, but she is his friend. They've been friends all their lives –"

"Come off it, Baraka! I've seen the way they communicate!"

"And that's a bad thing to you? You're…" Baraka stopped.

"What?" Akase near shouted, the fur along her back rising. "I'm what?"

Baraka sighed. He'd hoped it wouldn't come to this. "You're blind to Arif's position. You're blind to Njozi's gift. You've brought this on yourself. It is not their fault. As for Saada, I'm glad Arif can confide in her and that the kids, your kids, can do the same." The king sighed again, pain evident in his eyes and quivering voice. "I came here in hopes of changing your mind, but I can see my trip here was wasted."

He bowed his head, turned and walked away.

Akase didn't call after him. She growled and left the clearing. She suddenly felt sick to her stomach and not from hunger or thirst, nor from the pain of missing her family, if she did. It was something else, something she couldn't place. Whatever it was, it was burned inside of her, making her blood boil.

And as Baraka made his way home or to make rounds on this side of the kingdom – the latter being what he'd do – he felt a chill in the air and not from the atmosphere.

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Njozi had asked for private meeting with her brothers.

Sharif and his sisters were sympathetic and left them alone but Sharif turned back. A look of pain fell on his face for Njozi. She had suffered so much recently and he couldn't help her. What kind of a friend was he? Could he offer any words of hope or encouragement? He wanted to do something!

Sometimes he envied his parents and their healthy relationship, but he'd rather that than what Njozi's parents had: Anger, pain, frustration and separation. He knew it wasn't Prince Arif's fault. He was a shaman with a message to keep and his own wife couldn't accept that and just left?

It surprised Sharif to know that someone could be so cruel to the one they love and turn against another loved one due to having almost the same gift. In Sharif's eyes, that was what Njozi's dreams were: a gift. And she seemed to embrace it, and he was glad of that.

With a sad shake of his head, he walked to his sisters and instead of playing, they talked. Sharif was thankful that they were as understanding to their friends' problems as he.

Not far away, the royal cubs spoke.

"You must have the same thing on your mind as we do, 'Jozi," said Adabu.

"That depends, brother. What is on your mind?"

"You're worried about Dad and Mom." Adabu spoke carefully. "Adisa and I are too, but we can't do anything. They have to work it out on their own-"

"That's the problem," Njozi snapped. "Dad wants to work it out but Mom won't give him the time of day! She hates him! And she thinks that my dreams are his fault because he's a shaman!"

The brothers exchanged glances. It wasn't their father's fault. It wouldn't be even if he weren't a shaman. Life had callings for all and being a shaman was their father's. Who were they or their mother to say anything?

"She mocked me," Njozi said, softly. "She thinks I'm crazy." The young Princess's voice cracked with hurt. She sank to the ground and cried quietly.

Adisa rushed to her side and purred soothingly.

Adabu, meanwhile, battled his own emotions. He couldn't believe that his parents' relationship was falling apart. He didn't let it show, but he was angry that his mother didn't come home when Njozi became sick. He was, however, thankful to have Adisa and that they could help each other, their father and sister through this.

They had wanted to talk to their mother several times but Arif had been hesitant. Adabu couldn't blame him. For the first time in his life, Adabu never realized how stubborn and cold his mother could be.

He lowered his ears but some of Adisa and Njozi's conversation captured his attention. He walked over and sat on the other side of his sister.

"You don't think that's weird?" Njozi was saying. "Does it upset you?"

Adisa was in deep thought. Then, "No, I don't think it's weird, and it doesn't upset me. It's obvious she likes Dad. And he likes her. They've known each other since they were cubs. It makes sense that they would have such a close bond."

Adabu understood. They were talking about Saada! He decided to speak. "Well… this may sound wrong but, with everything Dad and Mom are going through… I can't imagine them – Mom and Dad – being together anymore. Just picturing it…" The Prince shuddered. "It makes me sick."

Njozi smirked. "You're not getting visions too, are you Adabu?"

He smiled gently. "No, sorry, though I wish I could. It'd be easier on you."

Njozi shook her head. "No, this is my gift, not yours, or Adisa's. Tell us Adabu… we all love Mom but she hasn't –"

"Hasn't been there for us the way Saada has?" Adabu nodded. "Yes, I know." He paused. "Don't you ever get the feeling that our lives, and Dad's, might be better if Saada was our mother?"

Adisa and Njozi looked at each other, and nodded. A silence passed for a long moment until Njozi broke it. "Remember when I told you guys how after Mom insulted Saada, that Saada and Dad were walking close? And that Saada rested her head on Dad's shoulder?" She took a deep breath. "I knew then that Dad would be happier, us too. But…" Njozi's ears fell. "That may not happen."

"I wish it would," Adisa muttered. "We'd be better off. However, I wish no ill toward Mom." He shook his head. "Why are we feeling this way? Why now?"

"Maybe we always have, that is, since Mom and Dad started arguing." Adabu turned to his sister. "'Jozi, you were the first of us to receive some real, almost motherly comfort from Saada. How did that feel?"

The Princess searched her memory. "It felt… good. It was nice to have someone, other than you two, actually listen. Saada listened to everything I said. And I saw no cruelty or mockery in her eyes. I was drawn to her."

Adabu and Adisa nodded. "That's how we've been feeling," said Adabu.

Njozi shook her head and walked towards the waterhole. The vision came without warning. She fell to the ground, putting her paws over her head in pain. Adabu and Adisa rushed over but she did not hear their words. She shut her eyes, but the pain worsened.

What she saw in her vision terrified her. Her body began to grow weak and numb.

Within seconds, Njozi lost consciousness and fell into a deep sleep.

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Saada watched Prince Arif and his cubs from a respectful distance. She was feeling isolated but wanted to give her friend time alone. After all, she wasn't part of the family. It made her emotionally sick. She wanted so much to spend more time with Arif and the cubs. She had no other family, aside from Mabaki.

She noticed Arif going to the cubs. She also rose, wondering what was wrong. She could see Arif lying down next to …Njozi? Saada felt her heart beating fast and hard in her chest. Did Njozi have another vision?

The irresistible impulse to go down and find out, to help in any way, if Arif wanted it, was too great but she stopped herself. She couldn't. It wasn't her place. She loved the cubs but that place wasn't hers nor could it ever be. Agony spread across her features.

The light brown lioness left the area, needing to be alone.

Saada didn't know where she was going but she needed time from Arif and the cubs. She didn't want to suffocate them. The thought alone was unbearable. She felt her heart ache in a way she never before experienced.

As she walked in a random direction, her chest felt heavy and her breathing short. Soon, her walk became a run. She needed it. Maybe it would clear her head. It did. She was thankful. She ran for a good long while.

She suddenly stopped and inhaled the cool air. Looking around gave Saada a surprised expression on her face. Where was she? She had never been to this side of the Pridelands. It was green and full of life yet there was a chill in the air.

In the distance, she spotted a lean figure. Was that a lioness? Saada felt her stomach twist and turn and recognition dawned on her.

Akase…

Saada shivered. She hadn't expected to run in the place Akase had made her home. But now she was there. Would she turn back? Could she? She tried but her legs wouldn't move. She felt frozen, her paws stuck to the grass and dirt. Then she realized she hadn't talked to Akase alone. Maybe with just her… She moved up to the Princess. "Akase?" she asked politely. When there was no response, she tried again.

"What do you want?" asked the hard edged voice.

"You need to see Arif and your cubs," Saada said. She watched as Akase stood and faced her.

Saada's heart sank. Akase had been gone only a few weeks and she looked like this? What was she eating? Was she sleeping? She looked… Saada shrugged. She didn't want to think about it.

The lioness grunted. "Now why would I do that? Thanks to Arif, my daughter may be a shaman when she grows up!"

Saada shut her eyes. She had to be truthful, even if it hurt. "Your daughter; you haven't been treating her like one. She needs her mother, as do your sons. But you're too blinded by your anger at Arif to realize that. Your children no longer have a mother. You stopped being their mother the day you left Pride Rock and Arif."

Akase narrowed her bloodshot eyes. "And you think you can just step in?"

"I didn't mean to. Njozi looked like she needed someone to talk to. She came to me, not the other way around. She trusts me."

"She could've gone to her grandparents!"

Saada turned away slightly, praying not to get angry. "Maybe Njozi was afraid that Kovu and Kiara wouldn't understand."

"And you would?" Akase near laughed. "Just because you and Arif spend time together, it makes you an expert?"

"No, it doesn't. Njozi sensed I would listen and not judge her. But you didn't listen, and judged her and in front of Arif. It's not his fault. Njozi is a gifted cub, gifted as her father."

"Like father like daughter!" Akase muttered. She looked at Saada, her face dripping with madness. "Let me tell you something Saada and I'll speak slowly. Stay away from my cubs."

Saada was unfazed. She met Akase's gaze with a determined look. "I can't do that. They need a mother. I'm not saying I will be, but I will be there for them whenever they need me."

Akase's fur rose and a low growl formed in her throat. She chuckled ruefully. "As for Arif," she said at last, ignoring Saada's last statement, "you are not his mate! You had your chance!"

At this Saada was deeply hurt. Maybe Akase intended that. "I know …" Saada said quietly. "But I do love him. Whether he feels the same, I don't know. But you can't stop me from caring about him or the cubs. You can't stop me from helping them." Saada felt her throat tighten and she could see the deep well of rage in Akase's body.

This made her wonder. Would Akase attack?

Knowing she couldn't change Akase's mind, Saada only whispered but loud enough for Akase to hear. "You've broken Arif's heart and crushed your cubs' spirits. I feel sorry for you."

With that said, Saada turned and walked away, her head low, her mind clouded, and as she expected, her heart shattering for her best friend's emotional suffering.

Before Akase could even blink, she started moving. She was confused. Why was she…? Then, in a flash, Saada's words came to her mind, echoing. But I do love him…

The small bout of rage now spread all through her body. Her blood was boiling. Her vision became blurry, then sharp a moment later, and clear the next. Her lips curled into a soft snarl. Her front claws emerged and her tail lashed in fast strokes. Akase had no idea what happened next. She found herself running at Saada.

The rest was a blur.

Saada, however, did not hear the Princess, or ex-Princess's fast and hard breathing. She did not hear the sound of running of paws.

What she did feel was a crushing weight on her back.

Teeth sank deep into her neck and claws violently pierced her shoulders.

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By afternoon, the pride stripped the evening kill. Many ate leisurely, but there was no chatting. Everyone, even the cubs, was silent. Some wandering eyes turned toward the den. They wondered what was happening.

Kovu and Kiara rested near the lower caves. Arif's cubs were beside them.

Njozi, after she fainted earlier, said she was feeling better, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. She shivered and snuggled next to Kiara. The Princess Regent licked her granddaughter's forehead and gave a worried glance to Kovu.

The guardians stood in front of the den. It was only Kadiri, Takata and Dailia. They stood at attention, their faces filled with the duty their king had given. No one was allowed in.

Within the darkness and coldness of the cave, Mabaki sat shivering in a corner. His forepaws and his back were stained in blood. He forced gag down his throat. His eyes were full of grief but there was no news. It would be days, months, even years before he'd get the image out of his head. He couldn't understand what had happened or how.

He had been patrolling his assigned area. But the smell of blood in the air was hard to ignore. Like any good guardian, he went to investigate.

Lying in the grass, near death, was a lioness but Mabaki knew her. His own sister… His heart had sunk into his stomach. He'd tried waking her but got no response. Believing his sister had a chance; he gently picked her up, placed her on his back, and ran home.

Whoever did this, Mabaki swore they would pay. No one attacked someone he loved.

The question that embedded itself into the white lion's mind was: Who would do this? Saada was the most innocent person he knew. She wouldn't hurt anyone.

From what he had seen, the blood and marks on Saada weren't from an antelope or any other grass eating animal of the Pridelands. To him, they were from a predator. Could it have been a lone leopard… or a cheetah… a rogue?

No, that was impossible. The leopards and cheetahs were good animals and always loyal to the Lion King. No rogues had been spotted around the borders for months.

So who…?

Mabaki sighed and sniffed. Tears threatened to form. Then he remembered sniffing his sister for a scent. He had found it. The scent was unmistakable and unbelievable. He wanted to tell Arif but how could he?

His thoughts were suddenly cut off as he heard the king and his brother speaking, near the royal chambers. Mabaki lied down and tried to distract himself. He started by licking the blood off his paws.

"Njozi said she had a vision of two figures fighting. She didn't say who or what type of figures but it was brutal," said Arif, pacing up and down.

Baraka was sitting patiently. He was worried for his childhood friend but couldn't let it show. "Was this just a random vision?" he asked. "Normally Njozi's visions are about you and Akase and now she has a vision that doesn't give her specifics?" He shook his head, refusing to say more.

"Why Saada," Arif suddenly asked, pain and hurt evident in his voice. He looked at Baraka, lips trembling, and eyes torn. "What did she do to deserve this?"

Baraka didn't reply. Even he didn't know the answer. He wasn't sure there was one.

Rafiki emerged from the chamber, his expression grim.

Arif felt his throat constrict and his heart beat slowly. "Rafiki… will she be alright?"

Mabaki waited. He felt his heart skip a beat and his body trembled.

The mandrill shook his head. "She will be, thank de gods. De wounds were pretty severe but de medicated leaves should heal them. As for her body…" Here, Rafiki paused. Then, "Physically… from what I examined, she took a nasty blow to de head. Her sides are also bruised. When she wakes, she will be in a lot of pain." He turned to Baraka. "I left some herbs in de cave, sire. If she's in any pain, give some to her, but I warn you, they may not be strong enough."

The king nodded. "Thank you Rafiki."

Rafiki bowed and walked to Mabaki. The white lion wrapped a foreleg around the shaman's back as the mandrill embraced him.

Soon, Rafiki left the den and Mabaki approached his friends. "Arif… I…" He stopped to see Baraka leave the den. A moment later, the king came back with Etana at his side.

"Baraka, you think she can –" Arif wondered, a hint of hope in his voice.

"Can she take the edge off?" Mabaki asked.

Etana stepped forward. "Believe it or not Prince Arif, I have felt your daughter's pain and worry over her vision. And Mabaki I felt your worry over your sister. Both will be fine. Arif, your daughter is strong in mind, body and spirit. She will grow into a fine lioness one day. You will teach her everything you know about shamanism and the spirits. And her dreams, or visions, are a gift from them. She does not take them for granted, which is good. Mabaki, your sister is also strong and with my help, she will live."

She walked in-between them and whispered in Mabaki's ear. "Saada has much more to do. Her time has not yet come." Without waiting for a reply, she walked up and into to the king's chambers.

The three lions went outside. Baraka gave the pride the same instructions he had given in the past. No one made any objections, not even Hasira, for which Baraka was deeply thankful but he didn't say that aloud.

Mabaki joined his friends, who expressed their sympathy and love.

"She'll be fine 'Baki," said Dailia. "Etana freed me from the pain of my fever. She can help Saada too. She's a gifted lioness."

The white lion just nodded, silently thanking her. But he shuddered. How he wanted to tell Arif! But was he right? Was the scent he smelled hers? True, there was no question. He'd always had an amazing sense of smell.

As the pride continued to eat, some now engaging in soft conversation, Baraka and his parents left to talk in the grasses.

Kovu was first to speak. "Son, does Etana feel comfortable healing Saada? I know she can do it but don't you think –"

"Dad… she felt me come out. She came to me, asking if she could help. It wasn't the other way around. In fact, she was very insistent. Who was I to say no?"

"Baraka, did Mabaki say anything?" Kiara asked.

The king nodded heavily…

That night, while the pride slept in the lower caves, Baraka and Arif slept beside the main den.

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Akase walked around at mid-moon. To her relief, the weather was cool. She loved the cooler evenings, especially out here. Everything was peaceful but she was not out from her shelter for the peace. She couldn't sleep. She'd been having bouts of sleepless nights ever since she arrived in this part of the kingdom. But in her sleepless nights she had no inkling to go home. She just couldn't. Not with Arif there. She could never face him again without feeling angry.

The question was who was she really angry at? Arif – for doing his job, and for keeping a message, or herself – for being hardheaded and all but driving an irreparable wedge in her marriage…?

Was there an answer to the question? Akase wasn't so sure. She wasn't sure of anything anymore. But there was one thing she was sure of: She hated being in the dark, she hated secrets with a passion. To her, that's what Arif was keeping. Not a message but a secret.

She thought about her daughter. She thought about choosing a name. It was Arif who suggested that she be named 'Njozi' in the first place. He knew what it meant: Dream. Akase had been wary about such a name but it stuck, as did the names of her sons, names Arif had also chosen. But Njozi… how was it that she literally lived up to her name? It didn't make sense and it scared her to a deep extent and she still believed it was Arif's fault. She felt that not only if he hadn't become a shaman and that if he hadn't given Njozi such a name that this wouldn't have happened.

But the past couldn't be changed. She knew that better than anyone. And names… names couldn't be taken away. Once they were given, they stuck for life.

Akase had never been good at names, much less giving them to others. She never realized that her own mother and father had had names, and had never heard her parents speak their names aloud in her presence. She still marveled the fact that she had been given one. Why? Rogues didn't have names. They did not associate with anyone but themselves.

But in a pride, or all prides, everyone had names. Everyone was different. They had attitudes, personalities, hopes, dreams, futures, lives to live and families to watch over, love, and care for.

In all her time in the Pridelands, the past – her rogue life, the only life she had ever had and known – was completely washed away. Being in a place where you thought of others before yourself was overwhelming but Akase had fallen into it quite well. But now, it seemed her old life had caught up with her. How she wanted to go back, apologize to her mate and daughter, apologize to her parents-in-laws and brother-in-law for her behavior! Was there a chance? Could she go back?

Would Arif accept her again?

Without warning, Akase growled and shut her eyes. No. There was no way he would, not after what she did. Her heartbeat skipped. Did he know? Surely he must by now. She was surprised that he had not come to her, angrily demanding an explanation. What was there to explain? How could she explain it?

She looked down at her paws. Though in the dark she could not see the faded remnants of blood, she did feel it. No matter how many times she licked her forelegs or washed them in a waterhole, the feeling was still there.

What she had done was a crime. She had brutally attacked an innocent lioness and left her for dead. Worse, it was a lioness her mate had deep feelings for. She had worried for the rest of the day that the Prince would find her. But to her relief, he had not sought her out. Akase wondered how he was, and then mentally cursed herself. He wouldn't be alright. He was probably angry and worried.

She couldn't make amends now. She had crossed the line. There was no returning. No going back.

Akase stopped and looked around. Had she really walked this far from her cave? She was standing in tall grass, the tips of the blades coming up to her shoulders. She never realized what beauty the night could produce out here this far into the Pridelands. In the darkness and so much grass surrounding her body, she failed to feel something touch her foreleg. Suddenly, she hissed a bit in pain and stared down at the ground.

She could see nothing and perceived the bite to be nothing but a stick she had accidently brushed up against in her stop. Looking up at the stars one last time, Akase resumed her walk.

Without warning, she found herself stumbling and falling. She shook her head when a wave of dizziness came over her. Was she tired? Her eyes were heavy, her limbs aching.

"Maybe I'll rest here for the night," she said to herself, laying her head on her paws.

Within a fracture of minutes, darkness closed in on her and her breathing, once relaxed and deep, became slow, and another minute later, non-existent.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Next Time: Sadness, grief, remorse, and questions invade the Pridelands as the pride has to adjust to a tragic loss…