Hello there! Sorry for the delay but I was on vacation and... ah you don't want to know. Well here's my fifth chapter! Finally get the meaning of the title! Read and Enjoy!

FOR WARNINGS SEE CHAP 1

He fell asleep. The next morning, he awoke just in time to salute the departing lionesses. They were to leave for the hunt. This would leave him alone with Simba, Kovu and the two other males, Jeyau and Nephi. Along with the cubs of course. When the females left for the hunt, Jeyau and Kovu took the cubs to play by the waterhole. Nephi, an older lion that had remained with Mustafa in the time of his reign, sat with Simba discussing diplomatic matters. Sebek didn't wish to interrupt but Simba called him.

The golden-bronze lion walked to the red-mane one. Sebek was introduced to Nephi who turned out to be an old warrior. Nephi was telling Simba that the hyenas had ravaged the zebra herd that lived west of Prideland.

The zebras call for justice, Sire. Nephi explained.

What can we do Nephi? I can't slaughter Hyenas to please the Zebras. It's called murder.

I know Sire, but we must appease them.

May I propose something, interrupted Zazu.

Certainly, allowed Simba.

Can't we diminish the Hyenas' territory as a form of punishment?

Zazu. Do you really think this will work with bean-seize brained animals? Nephi retorted.

What do you think Sebek?

Taken aback by the King's question, Sebek stared at his kind face that honestly wanted his opinion.

I suppose the hyenas do not come near Pride Rock, he said hesitantly.

No they don't, said Zazu.

Unless they want to be hung to a tree as decorations or treat for condors! Nephi laughed.

And it's reproduction season, right? Sebek asked.

It is, approved Simba, where are you getting at?

Well, I thought that maybe we could allow them to graze and reproduce safely near Pride Rock for a year so they can grow the herd back to it's original size?

They will refuse! Zazu objected. They'll refuse because they'll think we want easy preys.

Then promise them not to hunt them, suggested Sebek.

Hey, the kid's got a brain! Nephi said giving a hard but friendly pat in Sebek's back.

What kid's got brain? Jeyau asked as he stepped on the main platform followed by Kovu and an army of cubs.

Son, began Nephi, this kid what's your name again?

Sebek.

Sebek's found a really good plan.

Nephi's praises made Sebek shrink slightly. Simba listened intently at Nephi's resume of Sebek's idea and seemed to think it through. Jeyau gave Sebek a sincere smile when his father had finished telling him the idea.

Well it's a good plan, approved Simba, now if you will excuse me I need to talk with Sebek. Zazu can you deliver the message to the herd that they can arrive whenever suits them.

But Your Majesty… the Royal Protocol says that we cannot allow permanent residents on the borders of Pride Rock….

Royal Protocol doesn't always stand!

On this, the King left the three males and Zazu to discuss the next problem. Sebek willingly followed the King to the waterhole. His usual role in the clan forbade him to drink before the King like the others did. But this time, when he halted a few meters before Simba, the King halted as well. Sebek looked at him incredulously. Simba motioned over to the waterhole for Sebek to go and take a drink.

Almost without believing it, Sebek stepped forward and lowered his head to the water. As he slowly drank the water, he heard the soft paws on the dusty earth. He felt the red mane brush his own brown. He suddenly felt protected. The King, his King was standing beside him, allowing him a peaceful drink. It was the first step to acceptance. When he was finish drinking, instead of backing off, Sebek remained by his King's side to protect him as he had done a few minutes before.

The closeness of Simba made him feel calm. The King had finally accepted him and he knew the others would as soon as they saw him with Simba. He didn't need to tremble near him anymore. That thought made his spirits lift. The freedom he felt forced him to restrain a roar of joy. What he felt for Simba was strong. Loyalty, tenderness and friendship. Simba stopped drinking and they both walked a little bit past the waterhole.

May I ask you a question, Sire? Sebek asked.

Do so my friend.

Hearing Simba calling him his friend was overwhelming. He felt like bucking with joy but he focused on his question.

You told your counsellor that the Royal Protocol didn't always stand.

Indeed.

When does it not stand?

When the situation can only be fixed by bypassing the Protocol or when another creature needs help.

So it's a chance that it stood for me?

Simba's reddish-brown eyes dug into his own grey eyes. His gaze intensified, as memories seemed to flash across the King's mind.

Sometimes, the protocol must be bypassed.

Sensing that he had hit a sensitive point, Sebek broke eye contact. They walked on for a few more meters. Just then, a smell ran past them, carried by the wind.

Hyenas… whispered Simba.

Why are they after you, Sire? Sebek wondered.

They hate me. They hated my father and hate my daughter. They'll always hate us, lions. If it weren't of us, they'd be ruling the Savannah. We should go back to Pride Rock now.

Yes Sire.

They ran back to Pride Rocks just as a large number of Hyenas appeared on the hills. Their eyeballs shone in the mild darkness that dusk offered. Sebek and Simba walked side by side up Pride Rock. Simba's new young protégé was holding his head higher but still had his tail hanging low.

That night, Sebek didn't sleep alone. But since you had to be the mate of a member of the Royal Family to be allowed in the back of the cavern where it's really dark and fresh, he remained by the entrance along with the newly arrived females. It was still fresher then outside. He slept a dreamless night.

Here I hope you enjoyed it.

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KeiraMcJulian