Mheetu sat at the peak of Priderock that night. He hadn't felt so afraid in so long to see Hatari once more. He didn't know what to think or say when he would see his younger half brother after so long, but he knew Hatari would have a lot to say.

"Sir? Why are you still up here?"

Mheetu knew who it was without even looking back. Gallus was the only one who ever called him that, and the lion was being nice and didn't feel like he could call Mheetu by his first name.

"I'm worried about tomorrow. I haven't seen Hatari in so long."

Gallus gave him a slight smile. "I don't know what to even say to him after finding out he isn't my father."

Mheetu sighed heavily. "It's even worse for me considering he's my brother."

Gallus took a deep breath as he looked away. "I don't think you can even call him that anymore."

Mheetu chuckled lightly. "I think so too."

Gallus smiled slightly. "I don't think Leta should join in the battle. What if she gets harmed and something happens to the cubs?"

Mheetu smiled. "You really care for her."

"I love her."

DOTNO: TBC

Hatari hadn't moved from his spot in the Outlands since dusk had fallen. Zanta looked up from her spot in the den as she padded towards the King and sat next to him.

"You should sleep." Zanta told him.

Hatari didn't steal a glance at her. "No. I wish to remain awake in case."

"Hatari! You need sleep."

The King sighed as he rolled his eyes and unleashed his claws to flex him. "Tomorrow at dawn, my claws will be soaked in my brother's blood."

Zanta gulped. "You sound too happy for that."

"I hate him with my soul."

"Hatari, you need rest." Zanta sighed heavily. "You don't want to be killed."

"S'pose not."

Zanta nudged him towards the den. "Then sleep."

"Very well. Wake me up before dawn."

DOTNO: TBC

Gallus returned into the den to see his mate awake as she gazed down at her stomach where their cubs were growing. He smiled fondly before nuzzling her and laid down beside her, nuzzling the bump lovingly before giving it a lick.

"I'm going to be a dad." he whispered fondly.

Leta chuckled silently. "Is my father still up? He hasn't come back inside the den."

Gallus nodded. "He's worried about to say when we confront Hatari and the Outlanders."

"Figures. Hatari hasn't been mentioned to him in what seems like years. He'll worry himself to death about Uncle Hatari." Leta mumbled.

Gallus sighed. "Leta, I don't want you fighting. What if something happens to you and the cubs?"

Leta frowned as she thought about his words before shaking her head. "I'm fighting along side you and my Pride, Gallus."

"Leta! You can't."

The lioness sighed as she rolled her eyes. "I promise I won't get hurt."

"What if you do?"

"What if I don't?"

Gallus sighed heavily as he nuzzled her. "Fine, but no risky moves."

DOTNO: TBC

When the sun began raising over the lands, Mheetu yawned awake before shooting up to his paws and padded outside the den as Zazu flew over and landed on his shoulder. The bird looked calm, so Mheetu began thinking that maybe the Outlanders hadn't moved out just yet.

Zazu answered the silent question.

"They haven't arrived just yet. But they may be on the move. Sire, I suggest you gather the pride and start moving out towards the battlegrounds. It's better to be late than sorry."

Mheetu nodded as he turned to face his pride. "Let's go."

DOTNO: TBC

Hatari smirked as the animals fastly moved out of his way in fear. The Pride behind him snarling at them as they neared the battlegrounds. This was it, his Kingdom was awaiting for his return! Things would be right when he claimed the throne once more.

"Father... our Land will be returned to us!" Hatari roared in laughter.

The pride shared a look before following their leader.

"He's insane." Chuma whispered to his cousin.

Zanta nodded wordlessly. "But he's the only leader we've caught."