Yaaas! the sixth chapter is up! I hope I didn't keep you guys waiting for too long! X3 X3

I don't know if FanFiction sends out notifications to followers after a story has gone through some updates, but I've gone and touched up a good amount of the previous chapters, correcting spelling, putting in missing letters(that happened a lot more than it should have T_T) and fixing up sentences that just made no sense reading it; I'm sure there might be some more that managed to slip past me, so if you happen to spot them, let me know so I can fix those sneaky buggers! X3

Though after updating the chapters and reading through all my old Authors Notes, I have realized something terrible...I haven't been appreciating my readers like I should have! For real!

I. am. awful! For you to take the time to read or review this story when you don't even have to, the least I could have done was thank you for it!*bangs my head on my desk* Well, you can bet that I'm gonna remedy that right now!


I-Love-Trunks1: You were the first to ever leave a comment on chapter 1 three years ago and you've stuck with it even after I fell out of writing for all that time, Thank you so much for the kind words you leave after every post, hun, and for understanding when I dropped off the radar, it means so very much to me! *hugs*

lion king girl: It made me so happy to see that the intro drew you into the story, and I'm so glad that you liked my character, Ryan. I've always like stories where humans interact with animals, they're so fun! :)

Majestic Budder: Seeing your review the first time made me smile ear to ear, and I was so happy that someone thought this story was majestic X3 Although, I do I believe failed at staying majestic and very much became a squid in a barrel ;_;. I'll do my best to fix that!

come-along-toto: I was so glad to hear that my story seemed to catch your attention, I can only hope that you still find it to be a good read! :D:D

almondbutter: I appreciated your comment and I was glad to hear that you liked it, but while I can't tell you whether or not he'll make an appearance in this story, I will tell you that I am indeed a Kopa fan ;)

Emolichic: Thank you so much for your comment, hun it's always nice to hear someone say that any story of mine is cool! *does a proud/happy dance* :3

SabreSpark: You review had to be one of the most thorough and helpful I've received on this story. You don't know how awesome it was to hear that you were able to enjoy what was there, and the advice you left in regard to Ryans' appearance and taking my time with this was well noted and added to the story when I made changes. I only hope that you're still able to enjoy it to the end.

Slayer Ornstein: I'm so glad you're enjoying the story so much that you wanted to follow and favorite it! I hope you continue to enjoy the story all the way to the end! :D:D:D

Dragon of Yin and Yang: Thank you, I was so glad to see that you liked this story, and I assure you that I haven't given up on it! :)

Ddragon21: Lol, that would be me too, There's always that risk of making yourself go a little loopy if you eat something in a strange place! XD

ProcrastinationIsMyCrime: I was glad to hear that I was doing a good job on this, thank you for your comment, I don't know how long it'll take between each chapter now until the end, but I promise you it won't be flipping three years XP

Samguti: Thank you so much or leaving your comments hun, and seeing regular reviewers is always a nice sign because it means you're still enjoying the story! I hope I won't ever disappoint! :3

Jestalnaker94000: Thank you so much for your praise! And I'm happy to hear that you like Sarabi and Ryans' friendship. Sarabi was always my favorite lioness, so I wanted to give her more presence in my story :D:D

And to my lovely Guest readers, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your kind words, thank you so so much, I promise I'll try and keep more chapters coming! :D:D:D

I hope you guys enjoy the new chapter! :D


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Chapter 6: Broken Faith


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"Oh yeah, it feels so good to walk like normal again!" Ryan stated enthusiastically as he walked back and forth across the stone floor of the den because, finally, his leg was all better!

The bite was still there as itchy scabs, and it would definitely end up becoming a permanent scar, but he felt could live with that seeing as it no longer hurt or made him walk with a limp. Plus, not having any more nasty, chewed up fruit smeared all over it was a definite upside, too! And as the young man strutted and bounced about, Simba, Nala, Sarabi, Rafiki and Timon and Pumbaa all watched with smiles on their faces to see the boy in such high spirits.

"I'm glad you're no longer in any pain, dear." Sarabi said.

"Yep!" Ryan told her with a grin as he gave a firm stomp with his foot. "I'd like to see those hyenas try and get the jump on me again!"

"Yeesh, careful what ya wish for, kid!" Timon told him with a shudder. "It just might happen!"

"Timon's right," Simba said with an amused laugh. "We don't want to have you on den rest again any time soon."

Ryan only shrugged as he continued to walk around with exaggerated steps and movements, but while most of his friends appeared happy to see him well, Nala seemed to be a little quieter and down...

"Does this mean you'll be leaving us now, Ryan?" she asked, making Ryan become still as he looked at the queen with slight surprise.

That was right...since he was better now, he had to get back on the road to search for his mother. She was probably out there right now searching all of Africa in a state of panic trying to find him as it had been days since he first found himself stranded out in the middle of the Savannah.

"Yeah, I have to get going." He finally said, noticing the disapproving look appearing on Rafiki's face at his announcement.

"Look, I thought long and hard, I replayed what Mufasa said over and over in my head and I've racked my brain for anything that might give me a clue on what he wanted. But I got nothing." Ryan explained, more so to the old baboon than to everyone else. "I told you before, I'm positive he was looking for my mom. And that's okay, when I find her, I'll explain everything."

He paused for a moment as he retraced that thought.

"Well, maybe not everything," He began, with a nervous grin as he thought back to the spontaneous tornado, a talking ghost lion and mysteriously finding himself miles away from their camp with the ability to talk to animals. "But enough to get her to come out here and check this place out for things that might be harmful to you or anyone else in the Pridelands...If she doesn't kill me for disappearing, first."

Rafiki still held on to that expression of disappointment, but eventually, he let out a yielding sigh.

"Well, I did give you my word that if you could not discover why you were chosen, then you would be free to go." Rafiki said as he walked over and patted Ryan on the arm. "But you have a difficult journey ahead of you, young Ryan. The Pridelands are vast, as long as they are wide, and it is so rare for man to visit that many animals don't know what they look like let alone where they come from."

"Although I have heard tales…" He added, stroking at the tuft of hair on his chin. "And if they are true, then going east may be the best place for you to start looking first."

Ryan nodded in understanding, but before he could thank Rafiki, the baboon left his side and walked out of the den, leaving the young man to silently watch him go before he suddenly felt a tugging at his boot that made him look down.

He smiled when he saw that it was Kiara, who had managed to crawl over to him from where she was by her mother, half of her body laid over his foot while she tried to pull her right paw free from his boot laces as they got stuck in her claws.

"Hey, Kiara." Ryan said as he stooped down, untangling her from his laces and gathering her up in his arms before he tickled her round, fuzzy belly. He grinned when she let out an adorable mewling laugh, but almost immediately after, he lost it to a sad frown. As much as he was glad to finally be able to be on his way, he was going miss this...hanging out with Timon and Pumbaa, talking to Simba, Nala and Sarabi, but he was probably going miss watching over Kiara most of all.

His somber expression didn't go unnoticed by Sarabi and Kiara's parents, and when Nala shared a knowing look with her mate, Simba smiled as he shared the same thought and cleared his throat a bit to get his attention.

"So Ryan, Nala and I have to prep the other lionesses for the afternoon hunt." The king of the Pride Lands explained. "And if you're not in too big a hurry, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could look after Kiara one last time."

Ryan blinked in surprise at Simbas' sudden request, looking to Sarabi and Nala before meeting the large lions amber gaze again.

"Really?" he asked. "I would've thought Sarabi would be the one taking care of her now."

"We have new lionesses joining the hunt this day, as they've finally come of age." Sarabi explained with a reassuring smile. "And though I have long since retired, I still have seasons of hunting experience I can share with them."

At that, a delighted expression appeared on Ryan's face and he gave a fast nod.

"Alright, then sure, I'd be happy to watch her again." he told them.

The three lions smiled back at how eager he appeared to be to babysit the young princess, then the filed out of the den to gather the other lionesses and prepare the hunting party while Timon and Pumbaa hung back with their human friend.

"Say, this might be the last time we'll get to see ya, Ryan!" Pumbaa stated as looked down to Timon. "We should do somethin', like make him a going away feast!"

"Aw c'mon, Pumbaa, it's the kids last day at Pride Rock, we gotta do something special…" the meerkat said as he scratched the red-orange fur on top of his head thoughtfully before a lightbulb seemed to switch on. "Wait, I got it! Let's round him up a going away feast!"

"Oh yeah, that sounds wonderful!" Pumbaa agreed with an eager nod before the red warthog suddenly realized that his friend had repeated the very same thing he suggested just a moment ago. "Wait.."

"We'll get nothin' but the best! Crickets, beetles, grubs, worms..." Timon listed off excitedly before he suddenly gave a shudder. "Egh, no snails, though! And its bit late for utamu, but hey, we'll manage!"

"Guys, you seriously don't have to do all that!" Ryan insisted with an exasperated sigh. You would think they would have noticed by now that he wouldn't eat bugs even if they offered.

"Nonsense, it's what pals do!" Timon told him, waving his paws dismissively before he clambered up to sit on Pumbaa's head. "Just sit tight, kid, we'll be back in a jiff!"

"Guys!" Ryan tried again, but Pumbaa left too fast for them to hear, leaving him alone in the den with his young charge before the boy let out a short laugh, rolling his eyes and shaking his head at their unyielding persistence. It was rather annoying that they kept trying to feed him bugs, but he appreciated that they wanted to do something for him.

He looked down at the bundle in his arms as Kiara growled out a tiny mrrah! then he just smiled as he sat down to relaxed with her.

"Well Kiara, guess this'll be the last time you'll have me for a babysitter." Ryan told her in a soft voice, although he knew that she probably couldn't even hear him. "And just so you know, seeing you open your eyes would be a pretty awesome going away gift."

"Will they be amber like Simba's? Blue like Nala's?" He mused, rubbing a finger under her chin as she purred contently from the attention. "Or maybe they're orange like Sarabi's, that's something I'd like to see before I go."

Of course, he received no answer from the little cub besides a chorus of little growls as she suddenly grabbed at his wrist with both paws and started nibbling on his knuckles playfully while her eyes remained shut. And though he was a bit disappointed that she still wasn't ready to open them, he just decided to enjoy the rest of his time with her.

Besides, if his mother let him come back with her to the Pride Lands, maybe he'd get to see them then.

"Ryan!"

Startled by the sudden, urgent shout, the young man jerked his head up just as he saw the little figure of Nuka dashing through the entrance of the den as fast as his four legs could carry him without tripping. "Ryan, you-you gotta come quick!"

"Nuka? What's wrong?" Ryan asked him, feeling a little alarmed at how terrified the cub appeared to be when he finally skidded to a stop at his feet.

" My..my brother and sister, s-something's wrong..with them!" Nuka began, struggling to speak between his gasping breaths. " I think..I think their sick!".

Sick? Ryan felt a rush of concern as he thought about the two other little cubs.

"Are you sure?" the boy asked in a serious tone. "How sick are we talking? Should we try and find Rafiki?"

"Th-they're breathing hard a-and they're not m-moving or crying anymore and..and I don't know what to do!" He cried, his bright red eyes almost on the verge of tears as his front paws were practically dancing all across the floor from nerves. "I don't know where Rafiki is and mother told me to never ever to bother her or the other lionesses when they're getting ready to hunt!"

"You're the only one here, please, you just gotta come help them!"

Ryan hesitated for a moment as he looked down at Kiara, not sure what he should do...

On one hand, he wanted to see if he could try and help Nuka's siblings, but he didn't want to risk exposing the little princess to whatever virus they may have contracted. And he was uncomfortable with the idea of leaving her here in the den all by herself because Simba and Nala trusted him to watch her...

"Ryan!"

With that frantic plea from the anxious cub, the young man finally made a decision.

"Okay Kiara, I gotta go help Nuka." He said as he gently set her down. "I'll be right back so please, please don't move!"

Kiara seemed a little confused at being sat down so suddenly, but it just couldn't be helped as he reached over and grabbed his backpack, slinging it over his shoulders while he stood to his feet and got ready to go.

"Take me to them Nuka!" he said.

The young cub didn't need to be told twice as he led Ryan out of the den and down the small path that lead around towards the side of Pride Rock.

He could hear Simba voice speaking to the lionesses about the hunt, and as he followed Nuka further down, Ryan managed to catch a quick glimpse of them as they were all gathered together by the stone that acted as a pillar under the ledge of Pride Rock. But as the little cub didn't slow his pace, he kept his focus on staying right behind him while the pride seemingly took no notice of them or where they were running off to.

Thankfully, it didn't take long for Nuka to finally led Ryan to where his brother and sister were, and the concern the boy immediately grew into dread when he saw them...laying out in the open with the sun blaring down on them in the exact state that their older brother had described.

And wasting no time, Ryan hurried over to them and knelt on one knee before he picked up the little baby girl to examined her.

He first discovered that she was alarmingly warm, and she gave a curious mew before she opened her striking blue eyes to see what was going on. Ryan was a little surprised at how bright they were, but he just gave her a friendly smile before he turned her over and brought her little body up to his ear, pressing it lightly against her ribs to listen...

Other than her labored breathing brought on by the heat, he couldn't hear anything else that was out of the ordinary like short, raspy breaths or even a cough. And as he looked closely at her face, he was relieved to see that he didn't have a runny nose or weepy eyes.

She was just too hot.

It seemed to be the same case with Kovu, the little boy cub, when he checked on him as well. And during the time he spent looking them over, he made little side notes that they both were a little older that Kiara, having lost the spots on their pelts and that they were old enough to open their eyes and hear; but it didn't look like they could walk properly on their own or speak just yet.

All the while, Nuka fidgeted silently, nearly beside himself with concern as he watched the young man check every nook and cranny on his siblings small, fuzzy bodies.

"They're...they're not dying, are they?" Nuka finally managed to ask.

"Nope, just a little hot, is all." Ryan assured him with a comforting smile as he gathered both the cubs up into his hands. He then had Nuka follow them over to some shade under an overhanging rock ledge with a small, skinny tree growing on top of it where he shrugged off his backpack and pulled out a water bottle.

"They're gonna be just fine." the young man assured as he sat down and placed the cubs on his crossed legs.

At that, Nuka practically melted into a puddle on the ground as he let out a long sigh of relief.

"Oh, that's great!" He stated happily. "They're alright!"

Ryan smiled, but as soon as he uncapped the water bottle and picked up the little girl again, high pitch growling suddenly reached his ears and a slight tugging on the front of his hoodie made him look down to see that Kovu had a mouthful of it clenched in his tiny teeth while his emerald green eyes glared up at him with distrust. Ryan was sure the cub meant to come off as threatening because he didn't want him holding his sister, but the young man couldn't help but find the whole scene adorable.

The infant may not have had full control over his motor skills, but he was still a feisty little thing.

"So, I guess this little guy here is Kovu, right?" he asked, making some conversation Nuka and letting Kovu continue to 'attack' him as he poured a small stream of water along his siblings back and gently rubbed it in. "Sarabi told me that's what he was called, but I don't think I ever heard what your sisters name was."

"She's Vitani, mother picked it!" Nuka said, his mood becoming perkier now that he knew that his brother and sister were going to be okay.

Ryan nodded as he set Vitani down closer to Nuka and plucked Kovu up for his turn, he squirmed in his grip because he didn't trust Ryan, but as soon as he felt the cool water on his hot back he instantly stopped fighting and settled down in relief.

"Well, I can tell she's gonna grow up to be a pretty lioness like, uh...like your mom." Ryan complimented, though it was a little forced. Still, he wanted to say something nice about Zira, if only for Nuka's sake.

"I don't think so, Vitani used to have different parents, so she might look more like one of them instead." Nuka told him with a shrug of his shoulders. "She and Kovu didn't grow in mother's tummy like I did, but my dad wanted her to take care of them anyway."

Ryan blinked in surprise, so Nuka already knew that they had been adopted.

He was kind of curious as to how long he had known about it or when he had found out, but he figured it wasn't that important to him know as he set Kovu down next to his sister and cup his palm, filling his hand up with some more water and offering it down to the two younger cubs who took loud and clumsy drinks from him.

"I see, so they're adopted, huh?" Ryan finally said, no use trying to keep it hidden it if Nuka knew the truth. "Then, your dad must have been, er...nice, taking them in like that."

"Maybe, I don't remember what dad was like all that well, I just remember what he looked like...the other lionesses don't talk about him much." Nuka admitted a rather sad expression on his face before he perked up a little more. "But mother always says that he was really smart and clever and that he was an amazing king! He had to be, because he made me a big brother!"

Ryan didn't say anything, Nuka obviously seemed to idolize Scar which was amazing after all the bad that he had done. Just what was Zira telling him? Did she purposefully leave it out whenever she would talk about him?

"But you know what's kinda funny? Even though he had different parents, Kovu's pelt looks a lot like dads, he even has green eyes like he did too!" The cub added with a grin. "I think that's why mother likes him so much, and I guess that just means Kovu and Vitani were meant to be our family!"

It was so obvious that Nuka loved them both, regardless of the fact that they weren't related by blood, and Ryan could stop a smile from appearing on his face to see it.

He could only hope it would stay that way...

"Okay, that should do it." Ryan finally announced, taking his hand back when Kovu and Vitani finally had their fill of water. The both of them were looking a lot more comfortable now that they were cooled down. "For now, I'd just keep them here in the shade, so they won't overheat again. Do you think after a little bit, you could groom them and dry them off?"

"Oh sure, I do that all the time when mother's away!" Nuka told him with an affirmative nod. "She likes their fur to be nice and clean."

Hearing that, it made Ryan a little angry, because if he compared Nuka to his two siblings, it was clear that he was somewhat neglected. Sure, he was fed, but there was a lot more to caring for children than just giving them food. But despite that, Nuka seemed to be more concerned with his baby brother and sister's wellbeing than his own.

Ryan inwardly commended him for it, and he was truly impressed with the way Nuka took charge to find them help when he thought they were sick.

"You're a very good big brother, Nuka, Kovu and Vitani are lucky to have you looking out for them." Ryan told him earnestly, ruffling the black tuft of fur that was on Nuka's head. " And I think your mother should be very proud to have such a great helper!"

The young lion positively beamed with delight at Ryan's words, gently pawing his siblings closer to him before he laid down beside them while Ryan began to pack his stuff back up.

"Thanks a lot, Ryan, I'll make sure Kovu and Vitani stay here in the shade with me until mother comes back." the cub promised. "And I'll let her know that it's not a good idea to let them stay out in the sun next time, too."

Ryan paused as he looked back over at Nuka in confusion...Zira had left them out here? Without any water or shade? Maybe he was wrong about her just neglecting her oldest cub, because no good mother would just leave her babies out in the sun like that!

Though despite the few choice words he had about her, he held his tongue for Nuka...but he would be sure to inform Sarabi about it when she came back from talking to the new hunters of the pride!

"Yeah...you do that Nuka." Ryan told him with a halfhearted smile. "But if you need help with anything else, don't be afraid to call, okay?"

The young cub gave a nod and waved him off as Ryan started back up the path to the den of Pride Rock. He saw that Simba, Nala and Sarabi were still in their meeting with the other lioness at the base of their home, still too engrossed to take notice of him as they discussed rules and which herd they were going to stalk.

But as he got closer and closer towards the top, he suddenly got a feeling that something wasn't right...and he finally figured out why as he stood right before the mouth of the cave as a distressed mewling reached his ears. And with his heart beating fast with worry, he sprinted inside the den as fast as he was able; inside, his hazel eyes widened in fear when he didn't see Kiara at first, but after another cry, he turned his head to see that the young princess was laying on her back off to his left.

Several feet from where he had left her.

"Kiara!" he exclaimed, racing over to her before he dropped to his knees and picked his up to inspect her.

Her fur, once clean, was now mussed and covered with dirt, like someone had just kicked her around on the floor for a while before they finally decided to leave her alone. But thankfully she wasn't bleeding, and as he gently ran his hands over her back and legs, he was relived to find that nothing seemed to feel broken; though that didn't seem to comfort Kiara any as thin little streams of tears spilled out from her closed eyes.

"What happened to you?!" Ryan asked aloud as he tried to sooth her cries.

All of a sudden, a booming roar echoed off the walls of the den before the young man felt heavy paws slam into his back and shove him over until he was pinned to the floor under a heavy body.

Kiara had flown from his hands at the unexpected assault, but he could only watch as her little body tumbled away with a pained cry as whoever attacked him wouldn't let him up. Not long after she stopped rolling, the cubs mewling wails renewed as the other lions came running in to see was all the commotion was with Nala and Simba leading the charge.

"Kiara?!" the queen cried out in fear as she ran over to her crying daughter while her teal blue eyes scanned over for injuries.

"You see? I knew this man was not to be trusted!" a voice loudly said from over Ryan before he finally felt the weight on his back get off of him and he looked up to see Zira stalking away to pace back and forth along the line of her pride sisters.

"Zazu was right, yet we still let him stay!" Zira continued as she sent Ryan a scalding glare. "Now you have proof that he's a monster, but at what cost?! He's already hurt the princess!"

Ryan couldn't believe his ears, she was seriously accusing him of doing this to Kiara?!

Suddenly, a chorus of whispers and growls filled the cave, and he looked on to each lion, either talking to each other in hushed, suspicious voices or glaring at him as their lips began to fold over their fangs. They only ones who looked like they didn't fully believe what Zira had told them was Sarabi and Nala as they didn't seem to know what to think or do.

But Simba...Ryan felt like his blood grow cold at the huge lion glared down at him with the angriest expression the boy had ever seen.

"I give you safety, I give you my trust..." the king of the Pridelands said in a low tone, his voice oozing with rage while slowly stalking closer to the young man as he began to tremble. "And harming my daughter is how you repay me?!"

"N-no! Simba, it wasn't me!" Ryan began as he finally found his voice. "I swear, I would never-"

"Silence!" Simba roared, rattling the entire den while Ryan cried out and covered the back of his head with his arms as he braced himself to feel teeth and claws rip into him...but nothing happened.

So, daring to crack open and eye and look back up, he was surprised to see Sarabi, standing over him with her head held high and her topaz gaze hard and firm as though she intended to challenge her own son in order to protect him.

"Mother, what are you doing?!" Simba demanded in confusion. "Stand aside!"

But Sarabi did not stand aside, instead, she took a few meaningful steps forwards that both forced Simba to back up and allowed Ryan a chance to sit himself up.

"I know you're angry, but hear me, my son." the old lioness began, her voice low and serious. "You cannot have his blood on you paws!"

Bewildered whispers started back up anew among the pride as they wondered what their former queen had meant, as much as they respected her, they could hardly believe that she would come to Ryan's aid after what he had done. But Zira was the only one among them to actually voice her displeasure as she all but got in Sarabi's face.

"You would actually defend this vile creature after his crime?!" she demanded angrily. "Then not only have you gotten soft in your old age, Sarabi, but you have also become senile! I say we let Simba kill the man and be forever done with his kind!"

"Then in doing so, you would have death come for us all!" Sarabi stated loudly without falter.

At that, she had everyone's undivided attention.

"You all have heard of the evils of man, but you know nothing of what they are capable of!" Sarabi began. "There is not simply one or two clans of them out there, there are many, so much more than we could ever number! And when it comes to their young, they will go to great lengths to protect them...or avenge them; kill this boy, then more of his kind will come!"

"Then let them come!" Zira stated with a scoff. "What can creatures with nothing but fur on their heads possibly do against our whole pride?!"

Sarabi turned her gaze over to Zira, her brilliant orange eyes clashing with the much younger lionesses' ruby ones before she looked back to the others and her son.

"You are young Zira, and you are strong, as are you all." Sarabi said. "But if any of you believe that we can stand a chance in doing battle with man or his deadly creations...then you are foolish!"

Zira let out an angered growl at the deliberate jab, but she said nothing more as she bowed her head and slinked back to stand with her pride sisters to let Sarabi speak further.

"Kill him, then there will be more." Sarabi continued. "And they will bring sticks that have the power to kill even the mightiest of elephants with only a thunderclap!"

"Do you really want to bring that fate upon these lands?" she asked, peering into Simbas' eyes. "Upon your family?"

All the while, Ryan couldn't believe what he was hearing as his heart was on the verge of breaking...did Sarabi really believe that he was the one who hurt Kiara?

"Sarabi," He started, making her look turn her head to look at him. "You don't think I actually-"

But he stopped when he suddenly noticed a gentle smile appear on her muzzle, and looking back up in her eyes, he didn't see any distrust or anger...they still held that kindly light that regarded him as a friend. And deciding to place his trust in her, Ryan said nothing more while Sarabi turned back to face her son.

"Well Simba?" she asked him. "What will your decision be?"

Simba glowered at both his mother and at Ryan, an internal tug of war going on in his mind; He so badly wanted to punish the man who dared to hurt his cub after all he and his pride had done for him...but Sarabi made a valid point. If he did kill him and caused many more like him to come bearing these so called thunder sticks, then he would have needlessly put his home and entire family in danger.

With a frustrated growl, he motioned to his lionesses to clear a path before he threw another heated glare in Ryan's direction.

"Get out!" He spat angrily. "Find your kind and never return here again!"

Hesitantly, Ryan stood to his fee, his legs shaking over the fact that he almost lost his life as looked over the angry, snarling faces of other lions. Though Nala wouldn't even look at him now, she only gazed down at the floor with a torn and confused expression on her feline features with Kiara while she sat between her paws.

Maybe she was having trouble believing that he was the one who scuffed her baby up...

The young man slowly started towards the entrance of the den, but he sent one more glance in Simbas' direction.

"I really didn't do this..." He began, trying one last time to plead his case.

"GET OUT!" Simba roared, making Ryan jump a foot in the air before he ran out of that den, down the path and away from Pride Rock as fast as his legs would allow. Pretty stupid in hindsight to run away from predators like lions the way he did, but thankfully, they all just let him go.

They all watched as his figure got smaller and smaller the further he went, and once they could no longer see hide or hair of him. They tried to go back to their business as they still had a hunt to go on.

Except for Simba, who gave a resentful snort as he sought out his mother, who had gone to the end of the long ledge and still gazed at the spot where Ryan disappeared along the horizon.

"Why did you interfere?!" he demanded angrily.

"Haven't I already told you?" Sarabi asked without sparring her son even a glance. "If you had killed him, then our pride would have been in danger."

"I want your real reason!" Simba said firmly, standing beside her as he tried to get her to look at him. "Tell me the truth!"

Sarabi only gave Simba a sideways glance with one topaz eye, staring at him quietly for a few moments before she looked back out to the Pridelands and shook her head.

"I will never believe that it was Ryan who laid a cruel hand on Kiara." She finally told him with unwavering confidence in her voice. "How can you be so quick to believe otherwise?"

"He was the one alone with her, mother, who else could it have been?!" the king asked in frustration. "Zazu warned me that man was full of deceit, that he would strike out when we'd least expect it, had Zira not been there to stop him-"

At the accusation Simba was about to make, that was when Sarabi finally turned to him, cutting off his sentence at the quiet anger and deep disappointment he could see upon her face.

"I'm alone with my granddaughter all the time, Simba." She said in a soft, but firm tone. "Had this happened on my watch, would you be just as convinced that I could have harmed her as well?"

"You can't compare yourself with him!" He yelled furiously. "It's different and you know it!"

He whipped around with an exasperated growl and storming back towards the den to rally up the hunting party as he decided to join them himself, if only so he could do something about this pent-up aggression!

But then, he suddenly paused, looking back to his mother with a scowl.

"I showed him mercy for your sake, mother, " he began. "But if I ever see him again…not even you will be able to stop me a second time!"

Sarabi watched him as he left, sighing heavily before she looked forward and gazed up into the clouds with an uneasy expression on her face...hoping, praying to Mufasa and all the great kings of the past to see that Ryan was kept safe while he was out there on his own. And that her son would soon see reason before he did something she knew he would later regret...


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Nuuu!Ryaaaan! Whyyyy?! ToT ToT

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, later on I might go back and touch this up a little, but I was very excited to finish this chapter and post it!*dances*

If you guys happen to spot spelling or grammar errors before I get back to this, be sure to let me know! :D:D:D