Hey guys! Fiygon-

You guys were so nice about my last chapter, oh my gosh. Thanks so much for the follows/favs/and reviews! I absolutely love writing this story, It's so fun.

To reply about the cliché-ness of the story so far... yeah, I agree. Though I did warn in the first chapter it would start out cliché, I do promise it takes quite a turn of originality. As I've said the next 9 or so chapters are pre-written, I just haven't edited them for release. Not to undermine the criticism, I welcome it!

Anyway, thanks all~ enjoy the next chapter.

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TW&Disclaimer/Brief:Blood, trauma, death

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Chapter 4

"Grief Never Just Leaves"

I was standing in a large field, a savannah. At first it seemed entirely peaceful, the stars were out, and they shone brighter than no other night. And the wind gently breezed against me and my body swayed with it. I closed my eyes, and took a deep breath in. Though no sooner had I breathed in did my lungs feel like they were constricted, and I coughed over and over violently. Opening my eyes to realize a black mist was coming from my mouth. My eyes darted up and I surveyed my surroundings, in every direction was fire. Fire that pillared higher than the trees, and much higher than I could see, It threatened to envelop me.

I started to whip my head around, looking, begging for an exit. But none was to be found, I cried out in confusion, "Hello? Somebody! Help!" The fire raged, and for just a moment I swear I could feel the heat of the flames.

A figure walked out of the fire. It was my father, though he had his back turned. At some point I'd realized, and ran to him. But no matter how much I ran the fire never moved, and my father never became closer. It was just me running towards him in the distance as the fiery torrent burned behind me. "Dad!" I yelled in desperation.

I got so tired of running, I couldn't any longer. Tears came to my eyes and I reached my hand out once again, "Dad let's get out of here! Come on!"

Something seemed to work as he turned to look at me, his face was covered in tears. I didn't understand why, I was just relieved to see him again. I started running again, but this time I was getting closer. "No!' My father suddenly shouted. "You can't Daniel, you have to go! They'll kill you!"

My body froze and my mind came to a halt, why couldn't I go? Who was going to kill me? I shook my head, "What are you talking about? Let's go home dad!' I said back with a worried smile. I began running closer again.

As I got nearer the smell of decay hit my nose and I froze once again, my dad merely a few feet from me. He looked down, and around himself in agony and horror. I followed his gaze and was met with the disfigured decaying bodies of my dad and I's friends, Jared and Ryan. At first I was confused, horrified. Then I almost felt a feeling of deja-vu, that I had seen this before. My dad looked back at me, "You can't come with us." He said, a smile surrounded by his own tears on his face.

I shook my head, and tried to step closer. But my father backed away, "Come with us?" I asked, looking around at the gruesome scene, "Why can't you come with me?" I asked.

He shook his head, "You have so much more to do, our time however… is over."

I felt fur brush up against me, as I turned to see Miri, my excitement heightened, then fell as she began to drag me away. I struggled against her jaw as she gripped my pack firmly, "Miri stop it! We have to help dad!"

Paying me no mind, my father became more and more distant again. And I cried and yelled for Miri to stop. Another figure parted the fire behind my father, and my father turned to him. Miri took me to the wall of fire, and it parted for her. My dad fell to his knees and gripped his chest, and I heard a resounding bang. I screamed in protest, and released the pack from my back. Attempting to run back to my father. Miri in her own panic, came back to shield me from another resounding bang. Before my shell shocked brain could process, Miri had taken me from the fire. The fire was gone, there were no flames any longer. I looked behind me in tears to try and find Miri, but she was gone as well. I was alone, and I would forever be alone out here.

The sound of laughter filled my ears, like a hyena. It surrounded me and scratched at the inside of my mind, I begged for it to stop. I felt pain, as if my entire body was being ripped limb by limb, then all at once…

It stopped.

My mind floated back to consciousness, I felt pain, everywhere. I ached from tiredness, and my legs and arms felt like they were torn off. I vaguely remembered waking up, though they felt more like dreams than actual reality, and in them I could barely make out shapes even. I thought I might've died but, I guess I hadn't yet. I do remember a very calm and comforting voice, she was the only reason I could calm down. But she was also a lion if my memory was correct. Could lions really talk?

I groaned, blinking my eyes open. The first thing I saw was a curious face right up in front of mine, it was the lioness I saved from before. She startled me, "Ah!" I yelled loudly.

She backed off of me quickly, "S-Sorry! I'm sorry." Alright so I guess it was all real, and not a dream. They really were talking. And ouch, my body really did hurt. Why did I throw myself into danger with a pack of hyenas...

I gazed downward, noticing that my body was covered in wraps, some from my own backpack, others made of leaves and string. I was in a small cave, with an entrance on the right around a corner. I felt something shift under my head, only just now realizing I was laying against something furry and very comfortable. "Oh thank the great kings, he's awake again." I heard the same soothing female voice say with relief.

"Kiara, I told you not to disturb him!" She said sternly, as the lioness under me shifted me against her stomach so she could crane her head and look at me as she shook the sleepiness from herself.

"Hello little one. How are you feeling?" My eyes met her bright blue ones, filled with comfort and care. I almost had to stop myself from crying, they reminded me so much of Miri.

Blinking away the sadness and the fact that my reality now involves talking lion prides, I laughed rather solemnly, "Not… not great. But still better… I think." I said shifting my body to look at her better.

She frowned worriedly, "You're still hurt badly, please don't move too much." She said, nudging me back down against her stomach more.

I had a splitting headache, "W-What happened… Where am I? Why am I using a lion as a pillow?"

The lioness laughed gently, "One question at a time mtoto."

I recognized the word from the little amount of Swahili I knew, meaning 'child'. So I guess that would confirm I was still somewhere in Africa. Disrupting my idle thoughts I nodded very slowly, looking back up into her curious and compassionate eyes, "Sorry… I'm being rude, My name is Daniel. Who are you two?"

She seemed delighted, "Daniel is a nice name… I'm Nala, and this is my cub Kiara. I believe you saved her?"

"Yes I think so, nice to meet you two…" I said slowly, unable to really bow my head or greet them properly.

Kiara watched me for another moment, as her eyes slowly began to water. Then she started crying, "I-I'm so sorry! If I hadn't been there you wouldn't be…This... it's my fault…"

I couldn't move much, but I couldn't help but try and laugh a bit to calm her down, nervously I began to defend her, "No, no! I had all the chances in the world to leave. It's not your fault! I just didn't want them to hurt you… And I wanted to help."

Nala nuzzled me warmly, "And I'm so grateful you did! You couldn't have made a mother happier."

"It's… no problem." I said, blushing.

Though her features shifted to a raised eyebrow and a look of scrutiny, "In your condition? To say it was no problem? From the bottom of my heart thank you. That was very brave." She started, "But…" she began to continue, making me avert my gaze in unsureness.

"I do wonder what would make you enter such a dangerous place. You really should have been more careful, cub. Human or lion, both of you could've left the circle of life far too soon, I'd say this outcome was a gift from the great kings in comparison!" She scolded me. I looked sheepish for some reason, not really able to answer the real reason I had entered. Why was I letting a talking lioness scold me? She was right though, it was foolish.

Not a moment later she hummed pleasantly and nudged against my face with worry, "Daniel… If you don't mind me asking… Why were you out there?"

I shrugged, and attempted to avoid giving the real reason. The 'wanting to die anyway so not caring reason…' I looked up into her eyes, "I could hear Kiara yelling from outside the graveyard, and went in to help her. I guess I didn't think much before acting… but… I really don't regret it." Nala nodded, a sympathetic smile mixed with uncertainty. She almost seemed to curl around me tighter with her body.

Kiara nuzzled against my side, "Thank you thank you!"

Though her voice still exuded confusion, "Yes little one. But I was more curious on why you were out alone in the savannah to begin with? Were you lost?" she asked with intrigue.

I simply had no answer I'd like to give them. What if I told them and they heard of the poachers and decided I was too dangerous to keep around? That I'd bring trouble to their home? 'Would it be alright to lie to them though? That would be selfish….' I thought. She was eyeing me with an ever increasing amount of worry, I guess it would be strange if some random human entered your homelands with no explanation to give. "I… I uhm…" I began.

Just afterwards a caring male voice came to my ears, and I turned to see the same lion from the brief moment I saw him yesterday, a light orange lion with a large red mane. And light red eyes. "He's awake?" He asked surprised. The lion was massive, in comparison to me. He was probably a good half a foot taller than Nala. And much stronger by the look of his build.

"How are you feeling, little one?" He asked me as he sat down in front of me. The realization that once again, I was in a lion's den. And that this male could at any moment end me with one swipe. The thought made my spine shiver a bit.

He must've sensed my unease as the lion lowered himself farther to the ground with a n understanding expression, "There's no need to be afraid. I'm sorry if I have scared you."

I nodded, and groaned in pain at the action as the lion frowned worriedly, "Honestly, I almost wish they'd finished me off, with this pain…" I said morbidly through the aching pain in my limbs.

Nala growled lightly, "Don't say that!" She said quickly with worry.

The large lion looked at me intrigued, and sympathetically. "As I would imagine, with those wounds… Don't strain yourself to move too much, please."

"So what would be your name, uh Sir?" I asked as politely as possible.

He smiled and chuckled, "I am Simba, King of the Pridelands. This is my mate, and daughter." He said, gesturing behind me.

Wait, if he was the king, that would make Nala… Stupid! You could've made the dots connect already, they were calling Kiara princess of the pridelands. And Nala called her daughter. You are just casually addressing, and resting against royalty right now!

I bowed my head quickly, as best as I could, gritting my teeth against the pain, a bit of sheepishness and panic in my voice, "Sorry for the disrespect, your highness."

Nala growled suddenly, nudging me back into position with a huff, "What did we both just tell you about moving your body Daniel?"

I recoiled at her scolding, and answered with a small voice, "I was just trying to be respectful…"

"By hurting yourself?" Nala asked with a raised eyebrow. She sighed with a shake of the head.

"He's a king, and you're a queen… I just thought…" I said, trying to reason with her.

She sighed worriedly, putting a paw against her muzzle, "I know Kiara is stubborn, but it looks like we found someone even more stubborn than her."

"Hey!" Kiara yelled.

"Sorry," I said quietly looking downward, my eyes watering with tears slightly.

Nala quickly nuzzled me, with worry, "Oh Daniel I'm so sorry for growling. Don't cry little one. I'm just worried is all, okay? You're not in trouble."

I looked back up at her and once again wanted to cry more as her eyes met mine. I did not expect this level of care from a pride of lions. Let alone from any animals out here. But I held them in and nodded, "It's alright," I said with a small consoling smile.

I blushed and averted my eyes, embarrassed by myself for crying, as Simba sighed agreeingly, "She's right… Daniel was it?"

"Yes sir." I said

He nodded thankfully, "Just because we are royalty doesn't mean we need the formalities. You are our special guest here!" He said welcomingly. "And I prefer that our guests feel safe. Besides, you saved our daughter's life. So please, address us by name."

I hummed, unable to accept the praise, but nodded at his proposal, "It was nothing… So where is 'here'? What are the pridelands?"

Simba nodded, "Nothing? Nothing but bravery my friend… We'll have to show you the lands, once you recover some more. For now, I want you to recover."

Nala nodded, "We have plenty to talk about. But for now you need rest to recover."

I groaned, and she laughed warmly, "Okay… But I don't want to use you as a pillow the whole time. I'm sure you have things to do." I said.

She shook her head, "You don't have to worry. We've had a rotation of lionesses so that you always have a 'pillow' no matter when." she said the word pillow with a giggle. "And my turn just started a bit ago, so you're stuck with me." She said with a sweet smile.

I blushed deeply, "How long have I been sleeping?"

Nala hummed, thinking to herself, "About a day and a half, though you did wake up twice in panic."

After a minute of silent thought, remembering both times vaguely, I smiled, "T-Thank you, for saving me…" I said genuinely.

Simba nodded with a smile. "No, thank you young one." I blushed as I moved my face further into the fur on the side of Nala.

She smiled, "Of course mtoto. Now sleep." She said, nudging my face gently.

"Are you..?" I began to ask.

She nearly seemed to roll her eyes with a giggle as she nudged my head and purred, "Yes, go to sleep!" she said forcefully.

I heard Simba and her speak a bit to each other afterwards, much quieter than I could hear, and afterwards he left the room. Kiara seemed to come over and lay up against me, and that made me happy, that she was safe still. I had at least done one thing right, when it mattered.

"He's just a small child… it's awful Simba." Nala said, pacing back and forth while Simba sunbathed with Kiara nearby playing.

He hummed agreeingly, "I'm very curious, why is a human around these lands…" Simba said thoughtfully.

Nala groaned, "Saving our daughter it seems." She said laying down next to him finally, nuzzling into his side.

Simba nodded, "We haven't seen their kind here ever since my great grandfather drove them out."

Nala looked surprised, then steeled her expression with a shrug, "I don't care what he is, he's a nice boy. And he needs help."

Simba smiles, "I agree, love. I'm just curious what happened to bring him here. If he's here, other humans might be nearby."

Nala's eyes widened, "Oh yes, especially his parents! They must be worried sick about him! Oh Simba, we have to send scouting parties."

Simba chuckled, "Way ahead of you. I've got Zazu on scouting duty, asking other animals about any human signs. And a few other sisters out looking."

"You're very sure that he is a child. How old do you think he is?" Simba said curiously.

Nala thought for a second, "Just a lioness skill. He can't be older than Kiara. In fact, Kiara is probably a couple years older…"

Simba chuckled, "Humans live up to a hundred years."

Nala looked mildly shocked, but quickly shrugged. "So they probably mature a bit slower, so maaaybe he's not younger age wise. But mentally the same age as Kiara, I'm sure of it."

Simba shrugged as well, "Might as well ask him, when he wakes up again."

Nala looked downward in thought for a little while, "Simba what if his parents are…"

Simba nuzzled her out of her saddened expression, "We think positively dear. He might just be lost."

Nala nodded with uncertainty, looking away and back to the wide plains below the rock. Before starting with an uncertain voice, "Yes but... when I asked him earlier he seemed to be having trouble giving an explanation. I can't help but think the worst… He acts almost exactly the same as some of the orphaned cubs that have wandered into the pridelands…" There was a long silence as both the King and Queen held onto that thought. The reality of his presence being both hard to understand, yet perfectly relatable.

"Sire!" Zazu said, coming to a perch in front of Simba on a rock, bowing gracefully.

"Ah Zazu! Any morning news for me?" He asked his old friend.

"Of course." He cleared his throat, "Ahem! The Hippos are having a disagreement over who gets the right or left side of the pond to the north. The zebras are-"

"I meant about the humans, Zazu. The royal duties can wait." Simba said as Nala laughed.

"Yes, of course." Zazu bowed again. "I have asked multiple animals, and have gotten reports of a human. And the description matches perfectly with the one already found."

Simba nodded thoughtfully, "And what did they say?"

"Some zebra reported him past the elephant graveyard, apparently he was wandering aimlessly muttering to himself, and laughing. Calling himself a; 'stupid hairless monkey.' And telling the surrounding predators to; 'Just eat me already you cowards'. Apparently the predators were getting very unnerved."

Nala gasped, "That's awful! Simba's he-"

Simba suppressed a laugh at Zazu's delivery of the info, and Nala batted him with a paw, bringing him out of it, "Yes, That is quite concerning." He said sincerely.

"Yes quite." Zazu said, continuing. "Nobody knows where he came from, he's just walked through the lands and made quite the scene. Some birds near the old wastelands say they saw him cutting his arm, to draw predators with the scent of his blood."

Simba growled, "He's… much too young to want to die. What could've happened…"

Zazu huffed, "To me it sounds like you must simply get the answer from him yourself. I would like to know beforehand if humans are getting too close."

Nala shed a few tears, standing up, "No… something must be wrong." she said, sure of herself as she started walking back towards the cave. She turned her head, "Do not disturb him with any more questions for now. He will speak when he feels comfortable." She said mainly looking at Zazu. They both nodded as she disappeared into the cave.

Simba sighed, "Anything else of note my friend?"

Zazu shook his head, "I'm afraid no other humans are anywhere to be found, Sire. I will keep the searches on."

He nodded solemnly, "Continue reading the royal duties… if you will." Zazu nodded, returning to his previous readings.

The next time I woke up, I was against a lioness I did not recognize. When I blinked my eyes open and yawned, she turned slowly and smiled warmly. "Why hello, young one."

She was a lighter, dirtier brown color, with an even lighter underside, with red eyes that seemed to show a bit more wisdom. And she seemed older than the other lionesses I woke up with, like Nala. "H-Hi, who're you?" I asked.

She seemed unbothered by my presence, welcoming even, "I'm Sarabi, King Simba's mother." she said with a short look of playfulness.

My expression must've looked surprised, as before I could do anything she laughed warmly. "I'm just an old lioness, don't be too overwhelmed."

I caught myself from trying to bow, and smiled as thankfully as possible. "I'm Daniel… Thank you for letting me sleep against you…" I said getting quieter and quieter.

She shifted again, and laid her head back down onto her paws, "Do I make a good place to rest against?" she asked, gauging my reaction with a laugh.

"Y-Yes…" I said whilst blushing.

She curled further around me and rubbed her muzzle against my face, "Good! My son always hates laying against me or letting me give him baths."

"Baths?" I asked.

She nodded and tilted her head, "The moment I would begin to lick him clean he would squirm away and complain about me ruining his mane." she said fondly. "Though you didn't seem to like them much either." she said to me with a raised eyebrow.

I thought back, vaguely remembering waking up during my feverish haze. This lioness was that one, the one I had scared. Now knowing she was such a kind spirit, and Simba's mother, I felt horrible. I lowered my head guiltily, "I'm so sorry, I didn't know what was going on… I'm sorry I said all those mean things."

She laughed louder than normal, making me look up in surprise. She shook her head then brought her muzzle against my head, "No sweetie, you're quite alright." She said quietly and comfortingly into my ear. I felt my body untense itself, not getting any punishment, though I knew I wouldn't anyway. She brought her head back and looked down at my body then back up at my face again, raising a brow, "Though I still disapprove of your cleanliness." she said making a playful disgusted face and sticking out her tongue.

I nodded and giggled a bit, "Maybe when I'm feeling better… okay?"

She hummed, looking up in thought, then nodded. "Deal." she said finally, nuzzling me again.

After a while of us laying against each other in comfortable silence, Sarabi spoke up, "More than just your body is pained…"

I hummed in confusion, "Hm?" I said looking over to her. Her eyes gleamed with worry and understanding, and I averted my gaze again.

"Your heart hurts little one, I know what that pain feels like…" She said sweetly, trying to crane her neck to look at my face, but I kept shying away.

"I'm sad that I'm hurt, that's all." I said quietly.

I heard her sigh, and a few moments of silence passed as she started, "I had a mate once." she paused, making my head turn slightly in curiosity, "He was strong, brave, the most caring lion I knew… A fantastic father... He was everything a King should be." she had my full attention as I watched her look upwards, her eyes closed and she smiled fondly.

She brought her head down, "My mate Mufasa, he was lost too soon. And with his loss, I thought that I had lost my only son Simba as well." she shook her head, "I was grief stricken. My family had been ripped away from me all in one night, and I would not see Simba for many years. Not until he was already that of the image of a King."

I felt sad for her, the story left so many questions to be had, though, "I'm sorry, that must've been painful." I said, trying to offer my condolences, a look of understanding on my face.

She opened her eyes, and turned to me with a worried and caring face, "Little one, I think you know that it is painful." she said, looking at me knowingly.

She continued, "I'm telling you this because I understand that feeling. The feeling of emptiness and terrible sadness, going through that pain on your own is hard. And though you are brave, you are still just a cub. And I dare say that pain is far too much to bear on your own."

I looked down, and couldn't help tears from building up in my eyes. A single whimper escaped my mouth and Sarabi nuzzled me, "Shh... " She began soothingly, "You don't need to tell us if you aren't comfortable, but you must know that you are not alone okay? Me, my Son, Nala, you don't have to hold it in for us."

I cried more, sobbed into her fur. She purred and comforted me, "I know sweetie, I know." she said reassuringly, "If nothing else you have me young one. Okay?"

I nodded, face still firmly against her neck. I stayed that way for a while, until I had fallen back to sleep. Sarabi curled around me, rubbing my back until I had calmed down. She didn't know what had happened, but she understood my feelings. That would be enough for now though, surely I wouldn't need any other help.