NALA

You can say it's been crazy these past few hours, after receiving the news of king Kijani passing, everything been on standstill. Vitani called off all hunting for the day, each means there's nothing for us to really do. She and the king are probably attending over some matters involving the kingdom, I know that for sure. All we can do it sit and wait.

I've actually been trying the help the others. Me and a few other lionesses from the pride lands, my mother included of course. We've been talking to some of the lionesses from the Mountain pride. We know first paw what losing a beloved king feels like. It's only right to help them in their time of need. Besides, this is a way to talk and connect with others.

I haven't been doing much of that lately or at all really, especially with my own pride. I have to stop being so distant, it's just hard to sometimes. it's hard to share the feeling of pain and hurt, and being scared...lost. I believe it harder for me to say what I'm feeling because I relive so easily. but...it's not like my brain on repeat sometimes, playing the same scenarios over and over again in my head.

life's easier when you play dumb and or die on the inside... I told myself I won't do that anymore. I promised my mom that. That conversation we had the other day. I really needed it, and I know I've been avoiding her-trying to hurt her as much as I could...just so I would be able to deal with myself. It won't like that anymore...not anymore.

"I can't believe it really happened, he's really gone." Limpo, was a lioness I was helping. At least being an ear for her to talk to. " I know I've heard the other lioness talk about it before...in small conversation. Nothing more than that. King Kijani has always been to himself, especially as he got older. at least That's what I'm mother says."

"Did you know him well?" I asked. I watched her wipe her tears away.

"No, I mainly knew of him. I was the last cub before he started training Kijivu to be king." that did explain how she was younger than the others but still a tad bit older than me. maybe by a few years give or take. " So for me to be crying is silly..."

"Silly?"

"Yes, I barely knew him. why should I be here crying? If anything I should be helping others who have known him longer, personally."

"Well, I don't think you're being silly. In fact, I think it's really sweet. you cared for him, even though you didn't necessarily know him. he was your king, you have respect for him and love him just the same. I'm sure he loved you just the same if you had gotten to know. I was heartbroken too when we lost our king. King Mufasa." a cold shudder went down my spine.

"King Mufasa? The name sounds a little familiar. Like I've heard it before from someone else."

" You probably have, he was an amazing king. He died a long time ago. when it happened, I'm sure I didn't understand the concept of dying. I just knew I heard my mother say he was sleeping and wouldn't wake up. That made me sad."

" I'm sure it gets easier after a while..."

"It does, but not overnight for might hurt the worst when it's late at night. when you have nothing to think about. That's when the thoughts can keep you up at night, but you have to remember it's like Queen Vitani said, he's in a better place. You have to be happy for him." Limpo had nodded her head. I can't believe I haven't seen her before. Maybe I have but I wasn't paying attention. She seems really nice.

I'd like to be friends with her. I'd like to have one friend here. "I wondered if he was suffering, I always thought of him as an extra father to me. I think I'll be able to sleep better if I know everything was peaceful in his final days."

"I can't say. I hope not... he went in his sleep. the best way." the tears stopped flowing from her eyes, yet sadness could still be seen on all over her face. I had to think of another way I could help. " Limpo."

"yea?"

"I think I heard the other lioness saying the King and Queen are doing sort of... one on one with the members of the pride. To see how they are doing, with the sudden news. would you like to go? I think it would be helpful for you."

"No... I don't think I should. I wouldn't want to burden them ... especially with all the things they have to deal with. The king, I know he and his father were really close. The last thing they need is me crying up a storm. they need to heal first."

"I understand, but I think sometimes the fastest and only way to truly heal is, when you heal with others. That's something I'm trying to learn to do. think of it this way, you won't be alone and more importantly, you won't feel alone." I pray i was giving good advice. The words sounded good in my head and felt so good saying it to her. I actually believe it myself, I hope she was able to receive it. "So, would you like to go?"

"...yeah, I would. thank you, Nala." a genuine smile reached my face.

"You're welcome. Let's go."

The way the mountain pride land was set up, all the dens seemed connected. The terrain was difficult to maneuver sometimes. Most times I got confused, not knowing which den was my family den, or if the open rock before me was even a den in the first place. For me, it was a huge mountain with dens connects by tunnels. It was still a cliff for me. I don't know how lions came to inhabit this place.

Honestly, I don't think we pride land lions will ever get used to this. it's not natural for us, it certainly isn't home. I walked behind Limpo because I still didn't know where I was going. As we talked, she started to cheer up more, which was want I wanted. It almost looked as if she hadn't been crying at all. Limpo only had a few small tear stains on her cheeks.

That was enough to make me happy until I was something...or someone that made me sick.

"King Nuka." Limpo greeted. bowing her head. please don't bow to him, he's no king. He's a tyrant. Limpo looked at me like I was crazy for not doing the same. ugh, I guess I should follow suit. For her to feel more comfortable not him.

"Hello, I'm so sorry to hear about the news of your late and beloved king." No, he's not he's lying. I'd bet his one good eye on that. " I was just as shocked as you when I heard the news this morning."

"...it...it's very sad isn't it."

"Yes, very. I was hoping I would have a chance to meet him. But unfortunately, I won't be given that honor. I heard he was a great king."

"He was." okay lets leave now.

"Might I ask, where are you two off to-"

" We're going to see the King and Queen." I didn't realize I was going to sound as blunt as I had until the words came out. and yes, they were both looking at me crazy. " we just...have to get there, before anyone else gets here. We won't wait to wait right Limpo?"

"right i-"

"I see do you know how long that will take?" Nuka's gaze was one me, and I did my damn best to avoid his. since we've come here. this is the closest I've been to him in days. and yes, it actually made a difference. being able to sleep peacefully at night. In a place where I am actually loved and not lusted over, or belittled, assaulted... that alone suffocated me so much. Not being forced against my will feels...liberating.

I know it won't last if I have to go back to him.

"We don't know, a few minutes, hours...days. whatever Limpo see's fit right."

"...right." There was no doubt I was confusing Limpo with my behavior towards Nuka, but if she knew the truth she's want to avoid him at all costs too.

"I only ask because I need you for something." something, could he be so obvious.

"Well I'm sorry Nuka, but I have to be with Limpo right now."

"I know, but it is rather important for you to know." I don't need yo know anything, I just need to keep my eyes forward. The only thing I hate more than Nuka, it how fucking persistent and convincing he can be. He's so manipulative. " I wanted to inform the pride of this, but I luckily ran into you." I don't think it was by luck... i saw Limpo turn to me.

"Nala it's okay, if you need to go I can handle it from here."

"no!...no- I mean are you sure?" dammit don't say it... don't say it. say you need me to go with you, so we can both leave. " I mean...i...just wanty to be with you, if you need me."

"Thank you, but you've done enough really. I think I can handle it from here." no-no, don't say that. "I'll see you later." she faced back to leave and headed off towards the den. I could feel my heartbreak with each step she took father from me as she rounded the corner out of sight. Then there it was the awkward silence before the blow up.

"Nala." He said my name so low I could barely hear it. That's when I know he's mad. " What the hell do you think you're doing?" oh no.

RyanSquad, I haven't chosen death but some of my characters sure will be facing it coming up.

KawaiiCutie12, yea I was like damn I have to get him back in the story, so it makes sense sort of. Raikif and Zira I totally didn't think of that... I'll have to incorporate that in some conversation.