TMNTTLK lover; There are a bit more obstacles but that's all I'm going to say.

Enjoy chapter eighteen!

A bit away from Hakuna Matata Falls, the youngsters of the pride hung out debating what to do.

"How about to the borders?" a teen Shaina smiled turning her dark blue eyes to Sherise who was lying on a ledge. "What about you, your grace? Think you're brave enough?"

Josh jumped up after seeing that look in his friend's dark purple eyes. "No," Josh shook his head. "You don't have to prove anything."

Sherise looked from her to the snickering Shaina and Uzuri. With a growl, the dark brown teen leapt off her perch and trotted down a grassy path.

After making sure no one was watching, Sherise quickly dashed in the swaying grass towards the eastern border.

After leaping on some stones that was scattered across a creek. Sherise found herself in a pretty nice area. Not as grand as the Pridelands but got quite the view as well.

"Wow!" the princess whispered as she looked around in awe.

Sherise smiled as a white butterfly flew over her head before landing on a ledge. The bug flew away but Sherise was in awe at the sight before her eyes.

"This place isn't so bad..."

"Watch out!" a male voice called out.

Before Sherise could register what's happening she was tackled by a blur.

Sherise sat up and shook her head to knock away the dizziness before looking for who attacked her. To see a bit younger than her pale creamy brown male with a small black mane sit up and shake his head.

"Hey what's the big idea!" Sherise growled.

The pale creamy brown male pinned his black rimmed ears and lowered his leafy green eyes. "I'm sorry. I was training and..."

Sherise smiled lightly. "Hey it's okay. I should of watched where I was going. I'm Sherise by the way,"

The pale creamy brown male smiled sheepishly. "...My name's Loki."

Sherise smiled brightly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Loki."

Loki grinned before he whimpered and took a few steps backwards as well-built red-brown lion with a black mane appeared.

"Jesùs!" Sherise cried out, surprised to see her guard.

Jesùs growled at Loki causing the young male to turn and flee.

Jesùs snorted before turning his dark brown eyes on the in shock princess. "What are you doing out here? You know these lands are forbidden! Are you trying to get yourself killed!"

Sherise was stunned until everything that's been happening boiled over and she lashed out. Her dark purple eyes narrowed and teeth bared. "What's it to you! You don't seem to notice me anymore!"

Sherise was now breathing heavy after her outburst. With Jesùs standing shocked and surprised. Sherise growled before running off.

...

That night Queen Kiara went in search of her daughter and heir. She was worried about Sherise and this behavior was troubling. The golden orange lioness found her daughter on a hill looking out to the stars, that was twinkling under their gaze.

"Anything special you're looking for?"

Sherise gasped before looking to see her mother. The dark brown teen lioness sighed before looking back to the stars. "Is it true that the great kings will guide us when we are lost?"

Kiara sat next to her daughter and nodded while her gaze stayed on the stars. "Yes. Kings and queens. But what do you need guidance with, dear?"

Sherise sighed deeply, tears falling from her dark purple eyes. "Momma...I believe that I am in love."

Kiara nodded before looking at her daughter. "What makes you think that?"

Sherise sniffed up some tears before quietly sobbing. "He's all I ever think about. Has been since I was young...but I never understood until now..."

"Umm..." Kiara wondered. She had a good feeling who her daughter had fallen for. "This remarkable lion wouldn't be Jesùs, would it?"

Sherise's eyes widened as she looked at her mother. "How did you know?"

Kiara smiled before nuzzling her daughter. "A mother knows. But you can't be afraid to express your heart."

Sherise looked away with a sneer. "Even if he's with that ungrateful lioness?"

Kiara chuckled before nodding. "Jesùs' heart never truly belonged to Jessica. Maybe...it's you. But you'll never know until you tell him how you feel."

Sherise flatten her ears. "I don't know..."

Kiara nodded before standing. "Your Uncle Kion is taking Zawadi to meet the new king and queen of the Mountain Region. Meet them at the South-east border before the sun is the highest in the sky. You can stay as long as you need to feel better."

Sherise smiled before embracing her mother. "Thanks mom."

Kiara smiled brightly as she watched her daughter head off into the dark savannah. She knew that before her daughter leaves, she has to tell her the truth.

With a deep breath, she stood and headed back to priderock. Before she stepped a paw on the rocky slope, Kiara's ears perked at the sound of her name.

"Queen Kiara,"

Kiara looked behind her to see Jesùs apporching with his sons towing at his side. "Jesùs? What brings you guys out here?"

"I was teaching the boys about the rulers of the past." Jesùs took a deep breath. "Have you seen Sherise?"

Kiara sighed before nodding. "She's leaving with my brother and nephew tomorrow. I don't think she'll be returning with them though."

Jesùs frowned and pinned his ears flat against his black maned covered head. "Do you know why she's leaving?"

Kiara gave the young lion a stern expression. "I can't tell you that. You just have to go meet her before she leaves. She'll be meeting Kion and Zawadi at the south-east border before the sun is highest in the sky." Kiara dipped her head before continuing up to the main cave.

While Jesùs stood where he was, wondering why his friend was being withdrawn from everyone, even him. With a heavy sigh, he headed up behind the queen with his sons following.