Gallus felt bad for leaving without even telling Leta, but he didn't know what else to do. He couldn't have stayed within the Pridelands knowing his father could attack at any point in time.

The only option he saw was going along with Hatari's training and plans until he was sure he could protect his love and her family by being at Hatari's side until the end. But he knew with his sudden leave, Leta wouldn't think twice before jumping to the answer of their mateship being over.

"I'm getting something to drink."

Hatari didn't bother to look at his son as he spoke with Nuka. Gallus was at a lost. His pride, his home didn't even feel like they were truly his pride and home, like he belonged somewhere else. But he couldn't do anything else.

When he got to the Outlands' water, he just simply looked down before shaking his head and bent down to take a drink.

"You look lost." a sudden voice said. Gallus' eyes widened as he looked up to see a baboon. "Dat is not good, no."

Gallus walked over with confusion in his eyes. "What's that supposed to mean? Who the hell are you?"

The baboon shook his head. "No. I cannot answer until you know who you are! Until then, who I am remains unknown to you but me!"

Gallus rolled his eyes. "Whatever." he rumbled coldly. "Leave me the hell alone."

The baboon shook his head once more and walked in front of Gallus. "You should be in da Pridelands. You live there, do you not?"

"No. I don't."

"Lies! You do and your mate is waiting for you."

Gallus huffed as he shoved the monkey out of the way. "I don't have a mate. Not anymore. I left her. Okay? There, end of story."

"But you love her."

Gallus sighed heavily as tears filled his eyes. "I thought so."

The baboon frowned and suddenly whacked him on the head, earning a loud yelp from Gallus before he chuckled and began his way to the Pridelands. "You follow ol' Rafiki!"

Taken aback, Gallus gave one last look towards his pride before sighing heavily as he rolled his eyes and began slipping away, praying to the Kings above that the baboon wasn't going to take him where he thought he was going.

DOTNO: TBC

Gallus was out of breath when he noticed how the damn baboon lead him into the Pridelands and he growled before turning back. He couldn't believe had fallen for this stupid trick! Why did that stupid animal think he'd ever even want to come home back here?

It wasn't his home! It wouldn't ever be his home, and to think that baboon thought he could get away with it.

In the distance, Leta slid to a stop when she saw Gallus standing there and silently looked up at Rafiki who nodded before disappearing. She gulped as she thought back to how she felt when he suddenly left for the Outlands.

Confused, heartbroken, angry, and deeply sad but now seeing him again, she felt like she could breath once more.

"Gallus...?"

The lion stopped still as he gazed over his shoulder and gulped as he saw his love. Was this why the baboon had brought him here for? Simply because of Leta? He silently made a note to end that animal's life if he ever saw him again.

"Leta...?"

"Hi..."

Gallus shifted awkwardly on his paws. "Leta... hey."

Leta blushed before gazing down at the ground. She didn't know what to say. Then, she looked up with a slightly upset expression. "Why did you leave us, Gallus?"

Gallus sighed heavily as he lowered his head with shame. "I did it to protect you."

"That didn't mean you had to leave!" Leta cried out.

Gallus gulped as he walked over and nuzzled his mate, which she returned with ease despite her anger with the slightly older lion. "I'm sorry, Leta."

Leta nuzzled into his mane and sniffed. "Bakura is downright pissed with you for leaving."

"I thought as much." Gallus mumbled. "But with the way my father is, I had no choice. Please, I know what I'm doing by giving into his commands. I'm not going to let him hurt you because you're all I have left."

Leta nodded. "I love you, Gallus." she said as she brushed her body against Gallus.

Gallus closed his eyes as he gave her a nuzzle. "I love you too, Leta. But I have to do this." he mumbled as he got to his paws. "The sun is setting and father will wonder."

Leta shook her head as she stopped her mate. "Just... spend the night with me?"

Gallus blinked. "Leta, do you realize...?"

"I know!" Leta roared, taking her mate aback. "I know what I'm saying. I know what you want! I know you're protecting us. Me. But, what about what you said at the Watering Hole the day Prince Maalum was here?" she asked and Gallus sighed. "Was that just a lie? But... you're the only one for me and I just can't let you go."

Gallus sighed as he nuzzled her once more. "Leta, I meant every word. But, are you sure you want me to stay the night?"

Leta nodded as she nuzzled him. "Yes."

"... just this once. But then we can't see each other until my father is finished off for good... okay?"

"Okay."

DOTNO: TBC

"There you are!"

Gallus groaned when he saw his father the next morning. "Hello to you too, father."

Hatari glared. "Just where were you?"

"Training." Gallus answered with a shrug.

"I..." Hatari was taken aback as he watched his son lay down on his paws and nodded slowly. "Well, good job, son. Have the morning off, but we train until dusk."

Gallus nodded wordlessly as he licked his paw before smiling softly as he remembered Leta. He knew she still didn't understand, but at least he got to tell her what he was doing.

"You're going to fall!"

The lion rolled his eyes as he looked up at Kiara and Kovu. "Leave me the hell alone."

Kovu sighed heavily. "We're just trying to look out for you."

Gallus arched an eyebrow. "If I recall, you aren't my parents, are you? Now, leave me be."