AN: Sorry it took a few days for this update. But I have been writing so much I needed a break to collect my thoughts. Plus I have severe ocd so I need time to myself now and again. Hope you all don't mind.


Chapter 6


This was starting to become both ridiculous and concerning.

A week and still no sign of them.

He had thought…or more like hoped that if he had stayed he would have caught them returning at some point. But still there was no sign of a single lion that belonged to the Rasheda's. There was no sign of any lion within the surrounding area's whatsoever in over the course of the week.

Zazu had started to become agitated during that time. He had even gone off into the Jungles to see if he could find them but he dared not fly too far in fear that he would get lost. But he still could not find them.

During his third day there, Zazu had taken up the courage of asking the animals he saw within the area. Which were very little. But most of all were some birds that nested within the immediate area that he asked the most.

And the answer they gave him had all been the same. That the Rasheda's had left. Where they'd gone no one knew nor did they know when they would return. Many of whom he spoke too said that they thought the Rasheda's would never return and reported that there were strange happenings in many parts of the jungles that was making many animals within the surrounding area's leave.

They would either leave the jungle or they would move further into it where they figured it would be safe. Many figured the Rasheda's had done the same.

This worried Zazu. What else was he suppose to do? If the Rasheda's did not return he would have to leave without delivering his message. If that were to happen, he did not know what to say when he returned to the Pridelands and Simba asked him how everything had gone.

But Zazu did not know if he should wait any longer to see whether or not they actually returned. He had duties back in the Pridelands that he needed to attend too. Years of service told him it was irresponsible of him to be away from his duties for too long for there was no telling what the King could need him for.

That and Zazu was beginning to wonder if Simba had actually given up on the searches for Eshe and Kopa or if the King had announced whether or not Kiara was his new heir. He hoped the King had, for it was important that the Kingdom given the proper chance to mourn the loss of their heir with Kopa but rejoice in the knowledge that the Pridelands still had an heir in the form of the little princess.

Sitting atop the waterfalls, Zazu gazed on down into the grove which like days before was empty of any creature. But from time to time he would see creatures emerge from the bushes and trees to drink from the water. Each time they would enter with caution, and check to make sure the pride that was meant to live there was not present before continuing on to the water.

He did not know how much longer he had to wait.

But there was one thing Zazu did know and that was that he could stay no longer. He feared that the Rasheda's had indeed moved on from the grove to a safer place from the dangers that they had heard of. He did not have any doubt about the threat he heard about, for when he had gone to check for food of his own he had come across sections of the jungle where trees upon trees were cut down and these strange creatures that were doing it. And they were continuing closer to the Rasheda's grove everyday.

It was around late afternoon when Zazu made the conscious choice that it would be best to wait no longer. He would simply have to tell his King that the Rasheda's no longer resided where he had sent him and tell him of the new happenings in the Jungle. He knew King Simba would not be pleased that he hadn't tried harder to find the Rasheda's and delivered his news but Zazu did not know what else he could do.

With a flap of his wings, Zazu decided on taking one last fly over the Rasheda territory. Flying over the parts of the jungle that were being cut down everyday. What beasts tore down trees? He pondered to himself. He also wondered what those strange beasts that those two legged creatures road on that roared louder than lions.

And with this last fly over, Zazu turned his body and prepared himself for the long flight on home to the Pridelands with a heavy heart hating that he had failed his King with the mission Simba had bestowed upon him.


Blue green eyes watched from the shade of an acacia tree while a dark tanned cub with a cream underbelly and bright blue eyes carefully walked her way around the small grove of trees and stones at the back of Pride Rock. Nala had thought it would be good for the cub while Simba was out on patrol and the hunting party, which Sarabi had taken over again for the time being without Zuri around, that she would bring the cub out of the den to play.

Simba after Zuri's death seemed to become more over protective than he had been in the past. She and Zuri would always joke that Simba was a worrywart at times. But in the end Zuri would say Simba was the same young spirited lion she said she had fallen in love with. A prankster that made Zuri want to pull all her fur out while growing up she said on more than one occasion.

Nala could understand by Simba felt the need to suddenly keep his only remaining cub near Pride Rock and more importantly near the main den where Simba figured Kiara would be the safest of all. But the young lioness did not see it that way. She remembered the first few weeks of Scar's reign where her mother would have her hide away in the cave they had all relocated too when Scar had taken over the main den. Sarafina had been so worried that one of the hyenas would kill her young daughter even though Scar had given permission that Nala should be allowed to live. The only times Nala saw the outside of the cave during those first weeks had been when she accompanied her mother and the hunting party out into the Pridelands.

Nala did not wish the same for Kiara. She wanted the cub to be free and happy. To enjoy life as much as she could with the knowledge that she had been the only one to survive that terrible night. It would be a burden Kiara would have to live with she was sure and so Nala wanted to make the cub as happy as she possibly could. The threat that once plagued Kiara was no longer.

No Outlander, as they were now calling them, had stepped foot in the Pridelands since that night. Although word from the Eastern pride, who had also sent their regards to the King on the Queens death and the royals cubs deaths, that the Outlanders had been seen hunting on their lands before they were chased out but not before they had managed to catch something.

As far as she saw it, it was now safe for Kiara. As it should have been for her and her deceased mother and siblings from the day the Pridelands had peace.

The young lioness brought herself back from her thoughts when she noticed the young princess was beginning to walk herself out of the area that Nala now claimed to be little Kiara's nursery. It was a safe place, still at Pride Rock but not in the main den. However she would still need to keep an eye on her given the way the cub was heading led toward a drop off the side of the structure.

Quickly getting to her paws Nala made toward the young princess. Reaching out she grasped Kiara and turned her so the cub was heading back the way she had come. "Whoa there little Princess. Not so fast. You play in here not out there until you are much older." Nala reminded the cub who looked back over her shoulder at Nala with wide blue eyes and an innocent smile. "Those cute little eyes and smile aren't going to make me change my mind Princess Kiara."

Kiara stared up at her babysitter and slouched her shoulders when she realized she was not going to get her way in the matter. Four weeks old and mobile, she wanted to out and do things now that she could fully walk. The things Kiara did most of all since she learned to fully walk without stumbling every few steps, was look for her Father and more importantly her Mother.

She often heard the others talking about her Mother, and her father would speak of her a lot. But Kiara still could not understand where she was. But when she wasn't looking she liked spending time with the other lionesses and Gina and her cub Kodi. "Dada?"

Chuckling, Nala shook her head "Sorry little Princess, but your father is still out on patrol." She smiled down at the cub that tilted her head a little to the side like she was trying to understand Nala. Kiara herself had only begun talking within her fourth week much to the surprise and happiness of the Pride. Although the only thing the little Princess seemed to be able to say was little things like "Dada" and such.

The whole Pride since then had tried to get Kiara to say their names. Which the cub was starting to learn one by one. Nala herself was called "Ala" for it seemed little Kiara still did not grasp it completely yet on how to pronounce it but the lioness would encourage the cub to keep at it saying she would get it sooner or later.

Patrol? Kiara thought. What was 'patrol'?

She knew her Father did it a lot for it was often the answer she gave when she called for him. She watched while Nala stepped around her and went to settle herself down beneath the acacia tree she previously occupied. Sitting down on the ground, the little princess sat watching her babysitter who had laid her head down on her paws closing her eyes.

Mewing, Kiara jumped onto her own paws and hurried on over to Nala's side. Said lioness peaked at her with one eye. "Yes Kiara?" she asked, watching the cub who smiled widely at her. Nala then felt a ticklish jolt go through her causing her to jump a little, her eyes fully opening to see that Kiara had poked her in the side just near her ribs. Hm, who knew she was ticklish there, she thought amusingly to herself.

When the princess poked her again, Nala was more prepared for it and so it did not tickle as much as it now before. Shifting her body, she looked down at the cub. "I take it you want to play?" she asked smiling when she saw the cubs face light up at the thought of playing. Looking around the area she had brought Kiara, Nala noted it was much too small for her to run around with the cub in. So with that decided, she got to her paws again this time picking Kiara up she began to leave and head around to the front of Pride Rock this time where there was some decent grassy area's that were soft enough for the cub to play in.

She set Kiara down she looked up catching sight of Ajia and Durra who were resting on some rocks taking in the sun. Getting on in age they often agreed to stay back while the younger ones did the hunting. They raised their heads however when they heard the excited squeaks of their princess and smiled at the sight of the young cub running around in the grass.

Climbing to their paws they made their way over to Kiara and Nala.

"She's such an innocent little thing." Durra commented bending her head down to the cub's level when Kiara ran over to the lioness and poked her in the nose with a paw.

"That she is." Ajia agreed chuckling at the cubs antics. "She's just like her father…and her brother." Ajia's eyes saddened for a brief moment at the thought of Kopa. It was only a few days ago that it was announced that the search for the two missing royal cubs was being called off. The whole pride knew that it had been one of the hardest things Simba had to do, to accept that his cubs were never coming home. But each of them had been grateful for the chance to mourn properly rather than be out there searching all the time and their hearts breaking each time they came back with nothing.

It was around that time that Simba had announced Kiara as his new heir. But the Presentation Ceremony was not going to happen, not yet at least, not until Zazu returned with news from the Rasheda's. Ajia felt for them. To live so far away and to receive news of Zuri's and the cub's deaths must be just as terrible as it had been for them. For Zuri had actually been blood to them.

"I thought Simba requested for Kiara be kept in the den." Durra mentioned looking up at Nala who rolled her eyes and nodded her head.

"Aye, he did. But I figured Kiara would benefit growing up where she could see more than stone walls around her at every turn." Nala answered laying her paw on Kiara's back she stroked the little cub's fur making her purr and flop down on her back for Nala to scratch her tummy. Which the lioness complied. Growling playfully the little princess grabbed at Nala's paw and gnawed at it with her teeth but they didn't bother Nala they were simply milk teeth they couldn't really do any damage to her. "I know it's something Zuri wouldn't want for her daughter. She was always one to bring Kopa out of the den for some fresh air and playtime. In her own words she would say it's beneficial for young cubs."

The two older lionesses nodded their heads. Looking down at their princess, Durra was the next one to speak. "Such a terrible thing that Kiara will be raised without a Mother. That's no way for a cub to grow up especially for one as young as her. And with her siblings and that gone she has no real playmates her age."

"Well not lion cubs…but she does have young Kodi. He and Kiara seemed to get along just fine when Gina comes to feed her and allow the cubs to play." Ajia pointed out gazing down lovingly at the young cub. "As for a Mother…she has all of us to look out for her. She'll know all about Zuri. I hear Simba tell Kiara about her every night. I don't think there is one night that Kiara hasn't fallen asleep to the stories about her mother and brother."

Nala pulled her paw away from the cub causing Kiara to cry in protest but soon enough the cub was back on her own paws and pouncing at all three lionesses paws. "I think someone wants to play." Ajia laughed.

Nodding, Nala smiled and bent down to nudge Kiara with her snout causing the cub to giggle and pounce at her but Nala had already jumped back and began running away along the grass with Kiara taking off after her. But the creamy tanned lioness made sure that she didn't run too fast so that the cub could easily keep up with her but at the same time have to chase her in order to catch her. But when Kiara saw that she couldn't catch Nala and caught sight of Ajia and Durra still just sitting around her saw them as much easier prey.

Running toward them however caught their attention and the two older lionesses smiled and started to run away from the princess causing her to squeal in frustration that all her prey was running away from her.

Laughing the three lionesses continued to outrun the princess until the cub finally tired herself out and laid flat on her stomach her paws stretched out on either side of her so that she was spread eagle on the ground. Lifting her head she squeakily called out for her babysitters. "'Ala! Dur! Aji!"

The three lionesses made their way to the princess and sitting down around her, Ajia reached out scooping the cub up with her paw she set Kiara on her own again. "Well I think it's time for the little princess to take it easy…" as if to agree with that, a roar was sounded signalling the return of the hunting party. Kiara perked at this. She knew that roar, it was her grandmother's roar.

"Granna!" The cub squealed. Given she was still learning to talk that was all she knew how to pronounce grandma. Jumping fully to her paws but almost tripping at first, she darted past the three lionesses and began heading off toward where she saw the hunting party returning dragging the body of a zebra along behind them. "Granna! Granna!"

Sarabi lifted her head when she heard the ever familiar but adorable voice of her granddaughter. She found it awfully amusing and cute how Kiara pronounced grandma. The cub would eventually learn how to pronounce it correctly but for now Sarabi did not mind how Kiara said it. But she did hold a look of surprise at seeing her nearly one month old granddaughter coming toward her when she knew Simba's rule of not letting Kiara done from the den.

Although she did think it was a little ridiculous she didn't go against her sons wishes for the time being given how little Kiara was. Dropping the part of the kill she was carrying she turned just as Kiara was upon her and latching onto her paw with a cry of. "Granna!"

Smiling, Sarabi bent and nuzzled her last living grandcub. The thought broke her heart every time she thought about it but she rejoiced in know she still had Kiara. When the search for Eshe and Kopa were finally called off, Sarabi had gathered Kiara in her paws that day and wept for hours while just holding the confused cub who had tried her best to cheer up her grandmother. But Sarabi had been allowed to freely cry that day for she was now getting her proper chance at mourning rather than clinging to false hope.

Licking Kiara atop the head right between her ears, Sarabi smiled as she squeaked. "Hello my darling. How is grandma's favourite girl?"

"Play fun!" Was Kiara's only answer.

"Ah, so you had fun playing." Sarabi knew exactly what the cub meant. After raising Simba through his first month she knew exactly how to understand cubs when they were just starting to speak. She stood straight when Ajia; Durra and Nala reached them. Nala bowed her head, "I know Simba said he wanted Kiara kept in the cave but I thought it would do her some good to have some fun…" she explained while her mother stepped around Sarabi making her way to Nala's side greeting her daughter with nuzzles and licks.

"No need to explain Nala." Sarabi smiled softly. "I completely understand." Turning, Sarabi began helping to divide their dinner. Taking a portion for herself and Simba which she would hold onto for him to return, she didn't even have to motion for Kiara to follow for the cub after waving at the others bounded on after her grandmother. Sarabi walked until she found a good source of shade and set down her food.

Settling on the ground, she began to tear at it while Kiara sat along side her watching her grandmother with curiosity. Sarabi smiled at her granddaughter and was tempted to have Kiara try a piece of meat but she knew the cub was still much too young she thought. Perhaps another month she'd be able to eat a little before they weaned Kiara off Gina's milk.

Even though Gina was doing it willingly they still did not want to put the cheetah out too much for feeding Kiara. Speaking of which, Sarabi looked up from her meal when she heard someone approaching her. "Greetings Gina."

The Cheetah smiled at the former Queen and bowed her head. Gina had been a cub when Sarabi had been Queen and an adolescent when she and her own mother had left the Pridelands after Scar became King and food started to become scarce. It wasn't until Gina was a full adult and had heard of the Pridelands prospering again that she made the journey back to the land of her birth to see how things were going.

When she had seen that the lands had returned to their former glory and were enough prey for her to live off of. Gina had decided to settle back down in her homeland and within a short year later she bore her very first cub. She was thankful for Simba's return and Scar's downfall, for she had wished by the time she had cubs of her own that she would be able to raise them in the land she was born in. And now thanks to Simba she was getting that chance exactly. It was one of the many reasons she was not bothered at all to feed the motherless princess.

"Greetings Sarabi." She smiled sitting down in front of the beige lioness. From behind her, her son poked his head out and waved at the former Queen who smiled back at him in a motherly way.

"Would you like a piece?" Sarabi offered motioning to the food she had taken for herself and Simba. But she didn't mind if Gina took some for her services.

The cheetah shook her head. "No, but thank you nonetheless. You already let me stay in the lower caves here at Pride Rock while I feed Princess Kiara. But I can hunt on my own, plus it allows little Kodi here to watch his Mama hunt." Gina smiled proudly down at her son. He was a few months older than Kiara but still too young to be weaned yet but he was old enough to try meat and watch his mother hunt.

"Are you going to be as good a hunter as your mother when you grow up Kodi?" Sarabi asked the small cub who had stepped out from behind his mother and was playing with Kiara when the tinier cub started batting at the paw he held in front of her as she laid on the ground. He turned his head to look at Sarabi with bright golden eyes.

A large smile cracked across his muzzle and he nodded. "Yup! Sure am Miss Sarabi!" He claimed holding his head high but he was soon on the ground when Kiara with all her little mighty self had tackled the older cub to the ground for him to play with her.

Both adults chuckled at the cub's displays.

"Careful now Kodi. Remember she's still much too little to play too roughly with." Gina reminded her son.

"Don't worry Mum. I'll be careful." Kodi managed to see as he tried to climb up only to find himself back down when Kiara pounced on his back sending him to the ground with an "Oaf!"

Happiness washing over her face while she watched the two cubs. Sarabi felt watching this moment of playtime between the two, was like nothing terrible ever happened. The only thing that made her sad was that it did happen and the cubs Kiara should have been pouncing on right now should have been her brothers and sister.

Across from her, the lioness watched as Gina laid herself out on the ground stretching her hind legs out behind her. Positioning her self so that both cubs were directly between her and Sarabi. The cheetah remained silent for several moments just watching the two cubs play before asking. "How does Princess Kiara fair…and King Simba…if I'm not to bold to ask?"

Chewing off a piece and swallowing it, Sarabi licked her muzzle clean and sighed. "Don't worry…it's not to bold. It's a question anyone would ask knowing the situation, really. Kiara is fairing well…I do not know if she truly understands that her Mother is gone and won't be coming back. I can often see her attempting to search for her." Sarabi explained as Gina nodded her head in understanding. "But in another month I believe she will start to grasp the things we explain to her more fully." Falling silent, Sarabi took another piece and chewed thoroughly this time as she contemplated how to answer the rest of Gina's question.

"As for my son…" the beige lioness sighed warily. "He's doing…well…that's all I can say on the matter. He still mourns. We all do. But he spends more time away from Pride Rock now than he did when Zuri was alive…if it weren't for Kiara I'd think he wouldn't return at all and just wander the Pridelands doing his patrols. That's the thing with him…even more he spends more time away from Pride Rock now…he still comes home and goes straight to Kiara to spend time with her." Sarabi smiled and looked at Gina. "He even bathes her."

Gina stared at the lioness in confusion. "Didn't he ever bathe his cubs before?"

Laughing, Sarabi shook her head. "Heavens no. Zuri did all the bathing for the cubs. He tried when Kopa was first born but according to Zuri he did such a sloppy and poor job at it that she banned him from ever cleaning the cubs again. Not that I could blame her. He's just like his Father, Mufasa couldn't bathe Simba properly either and sometimes I think it's because he was lazy and didn't want to do it so he made it out that he couldn't just so I'd keep him from doing it again." Her laughter was soon joined by Gina's at the thought of it.

She would not say it out loud but Gina did find it strange for lion males to help raise their young. For cheetah's it was mating and then the female's raising the cubs on their own until the cubs were old enough to venture off and start their own life. It was a sad thing really. She often envied lions with their large family groups. Last time Gina had seen her mother was a tear prior to returning to the Pridelands and she highly doubted she see her mother again. Gina figured she had mated again and was raising yet another set of cubs.

Just like she would do when Kodi was old enough to leave her side for good. But for now her priority was making sure her cub lived past his first year and then his second. It was why she was grateful for only one cub this time around for it makes it easier for her to keep one cub alive. And right now with being in service to the King with feeding Kiara she had a place to live out of the elements for the time being so Kodi was safe.

Her ears perked when she heard the rumbling of stomachs. Turning her head to the two cubs she nodded her head. "Alright you lot, time for your own suppers."

Kodi looked up from where he had Kiara pinned and grinned. But first he helped Kiara to her paws then made his way toward his mother with Kiara in toe. Gina settled herself more comfortably on the ground as the two cubs began to suckle from her.

Watching this, Sarabi then finished her meal and set the rest aside for Simba upon his return then laid began to clean her face with her paw. Once she had done exactly that she laid her head down on her paws eyeing her granddaughter. She was grateful to the Kings above that Kiara had managed to survive. Sarabi feared how worst it could have been if they had lost all of them.

Lifting her eyes skyward, Sarabi stared up at the sky and though she could not see the stars in the middle of the day she still prayed. 'I hope you are watching over them up there Mufasa. Oh, how I wish you were here. Our son really could use your guidance.'

Just as she finished her prayer, she felt a rustle of wind pass over her tickling her fur for a brief moment. Closing her eyes she smiled.

Sarabi remained there resting in silence while listening to Gina occasionally speaking something to Kodi. The former Queen opening her eyes when she felt someone bumping into her. She smiled when she saw that it was Kiara. "Done your dinner little one?" she watched as Kiara nodded her head and started to drag herself into Sarabi's arms. Moving them, Sarabi allowed her granddaughter to lay snugly in them. Yawning, Kiara curled herself up and nuzzled her face in her grandmother's chest before she started to doze off.

"She's an adorable little thing." Gina purred from where she had taking Kodi in her own arms the moment the cub was finished suckling and began cleaning his face. The cub sat still while his mother did her work.

"She's a perfect combination of both her parents. Her fur is just like her fathers but you can tell the darkness of it comes from her mother's dark pelt. But her eyes…well those are solely her mothers." Sarabi whispered her head bent close to Kiara's so that her nose would nudge the cubs ears causing them to flick.

Finishing up her cleaning job on her son, Gina let him settle down beside her stomach where he curled himself up against her. Looking toward the lioness in front of her she asked. "I never had the chance to meet Queen Zuri. But I still respected her. Many respected her ruling. But I heard that she wasn't from the Pridelands…where did she come from?"

"She comes from a place far from here. A jungle of sorts. She said that's where her pride had lived for many generations. It was her pride that found Simba and brought him to their home and helped raise him up. When Simba returned, she came with him. However I knew she missed the jungles dearly. I could hear it in her voice whenever she would speak with Simba about their cubhood or whenever she told stories of the jungle and Rasheda's to Kopa." Sarabi sighed. She knew Zuri wasn't the only one to miss the jungle but Simba as well although she knew her son would never admit that to her face for fear he would upset her. But Sarabi was not upset with her son for missing the place he grew up in. But she was happy her son returned for it made her feel joy again. Something she thought she would never experience after her mates death.

But she knew Simba would never return there. Not now that Zuri was gone. Sarabi had spoken about it with Simba when she heard that he had actually done what she had suggested by sending Zazu out to the Rasheda's to let them be aware of what has happened. And to let them mourn in their own way. And it wasn't just because Zuri was gone that he wouldn't return. It was around that time Simba told her, that he had promised Jaali and the lionesses that nothing would happen to Zuri. That he had given his word that he would look out for her and their cubs and no harm would come to them.

But he had failed. And so he had no right to face Jaali, the lion he saw as his brother just as much as he saw him as a friend, or to face any of the Rasheda's again.

Sarabi had tried to convince her son that all that had happened was not his fault at all. But Simba would not listen to her, she thought sadly.

Her son was truly convinced that it was his failure in not being there for his mate and cubs that cost them their lives.

Gina looked thoughtful when she listened to where Sarabi said the now late Queen Zuri had come from. "I think I've heard of a jungle far from here. Never been there but I have spoken to a few who have. Must have been a paradise but I'll always love the Pridelands. This was why I was so happy when Simba returned…" Gina turned her gaze downward to her son who like Kiara was now napping along side her. His face tucked into her stomach to block the sunlight from his eyes. "I always wanted to return after my mother and I left half way through Scar's reign when the herds had started to leave. But when I caught word that everything was returning…I came to see for myself. And I'm glad I did…this place is where I wanted to raise my cubs should I ever get the chance at having some."

Smiling, Sarabi nodded. "Yes…this place was where I wanted to raise my family when I grew up. It saddened me to watch the Kingdom I had come to rule over die under the reign of my mate's brother. I had tried to convince him to leave on many occasions when we no longer could find food. But I failed every time. Scar just would not leave. And I'm a little bit glad for it had given Nala time to go and find help and come back with my son. And now…I have a family again…" Sarabi looked down at Kiara lovingly. Then sighed, "Even if my family suffered losses once more…"

"My condolences Sarabi," Gina smiled sadly. "But hopefully with the Outsiders gone now. Your family will be at peace. And I pray the Queen and young Prince's and Princess we all lost are at peace in the afterlife."

"As do I, my dear. As do I." Sarabi nuzzled her granddaughter.

The two decided shortly after that to change their conversation to a much lighter one. Both speaking of their memories they had from growing up in the Pridelands as cubs, then with Gina speaking of the places she'd been after she and her mother had left the Pridelands.

Sometime after that, Gina excused herself from Sarabi's side. Picking up her son, Gina bowed once to the former Queen before carrying Kodi off to the back cave she been given in her stay at Pride Rock.

Sarabi watched her go before she too decided it might be time to bring Kiara up to the den to finish her nap. But just as she was getting up she heard hurried footsteps and looked up expecting to hear that something was wrong when she saw Simba dash around the corner with a frantic look on his face. "Simba by the old Kings what is wrong?" she asked. But she quickly jumped back when Simba came barrelling toward her. "Simba?"

She watched as her son quickly threw himself down on the ground and gathered his sleeping daughter in his arms. In that instant Sarabi felt knew she knew what was going on. She stood back and watched with sympathy as her son clung to his only daughter. She could hear his frantic whispers as she approached him slowly. "Simba…it's alright…"

Simba's head snapped up to face his mother. "What is she doing out of the den!?" he demanded.

Eyes softening, Sarabi sighed. "Simba…it was decided that she needed to get out of the den…"

"Something could have happened to her!"

"What could have happened Simba?' Sarabi scowled. "Zira and her lot are gone. What could possibly happen to her?"

"Accident's happen Mother." Simba muttered pulling away from his daughter who was now awake again. Kiara mewed confusingly until she noticed her father was there. "Dada!" she squealed rubbing herself along his forelegs. The King gazed down at his daughter a smile tugging at his mouth.

Shaking her head, with an irritated sigh Sarabi reached out and forced her son to look at her. "Yes Simba, accidents do happen. But nothing can happen to her whole she's a Pride Rock. Zira's gone…and we all look out for her. Kiara is never left a lone for a second. You'd think we would let a cub just learning to walk and talk on her own?" Sarabi gave her son a stern look when he looked down sheepishly. "Really Simba…I never even let you explore around Pride Rock on your own until you were at least two months of age! Heck even Kopa had a babysitter until he was over three months. You never even took him out onto the Pridelands until he was three months, a month older than you were might I add when your Father first took you out." Sarabi pointed out.

Grunting, and closing his eyes. Simba heaved a sigh, "Look I'm sorry. I know I overreacted but I just don't want anything to her. I mean…besides you…she's really all I have left of my family." Wrapping his paw around his daughter, Simba nuzzled the cub making her squeak happily up at him.

Eyes softening, Sarabi reached out laying a paw on her only sons shoulder. She leaned in to rest her head against Simba's head he turned to look at her, her eyes baring into his. "I know my son. I felt the same when your father died and you were gone. Only I had only the Pride to keep looking out for. But try and remember that they aren't truly gone." Sarabi this time placed her paw on her son's chest over his heart.

"I know…but hey…I'm a single father now…I feel the need to protect my only offspring left…" Simba bent and picked Kiara up by the scruff as Sarabi decided to pick up the left over's from the meal she had brought for her and Simba upon his return figuring her son would eat when he returned to the den. Sarabi said nothing to what her son had said and instead just followed him up toward the main cave.

The rest of the pride, who were all lounging about, stood when they saw the King returning with the princess. Nala quickly approached with an apologetic smile, she had been the one to tell Simba where she had last seen Kiara when the King returned to find the den empty of his daughter. "I'm sorry again Simba…I only meant to…"

Placing Kiara down, Simba nodded his head to his old friend. "Don't worry. I understand Nala…I just wish you'd ask before you take Kiara too far from the den."

Sighing, the young lioness nodded her had in understanding. "Don't worry. I will." Nala turned her eyes down toward Kiara who was once again clinging to her Father's leg. "But I think we had fun today don't you think Princess?"

Lifting her head, Kiara stared up at the creamy tanned lioness with wide blue eyes. She nodded her head with a wide smile. "Fun with 'Ala!"

"It's Nala, Kiara. Nala." Simba corrected his daughter. But Kiara would have none of that, she puffed out her cheeks and stomped her paws shouting. "'Ala!"

From all around the pride burst into gales of laughter.

"She's a stubborn one that she is." Ita called out.

"Like her Father at her age!" Aufa laughed.

"No…" Simba whispered with a loving smile. "Just like her Mother."

Calming her laughter, Nala grinned at Kiara then at Simba. "I don't mind what she calls me Simba. She'll get the hang of calling me Nala sooner or later but right now how she says it is just fine." She smiled at the lion in front of her taking in the look of love and joy Simba had when he looked upon his daughter. It was much the same look he would give Zuri when she was still around. And part of Nala ached that he would look at her the same way but Nala began wondering if it would ever be.

Nala knew she had feelings for the King. But she also knew her love for him was not like that of which Zuri had for Simba or Simba for Zuri. She knew this by listening to the things the two ever said about each other. Sure there were times Zuri said Simba drove her crazy to the point she wanted to smack him hard into the ground for playing some prank on her but she loved him more than she ever thought she would.

She wondered if her feelings weren't as deep because she hadn't know Simba growing up. Nala may have known him first. But Zuri had known him longer and had been there along side him while they both grew up. When Nala looked upon Simba she saw him as she remembered him to be as a cub but also she saw someone completely different.

The cub she knew hated responsibilities and liked to break the rules to have fun. And while this lion in front of her still had that playful spirit, which at the moment she knew was locked away deep inside him from his losses; he was also a changed lion. All the years of spending time in the Rasheda's had changed him. He was more responsible and a stickler for rules he set out for his young. He was raised to be a protector of that pride so he used that as King of the Pridelands.

This lion was the same yet so different.

Nala often felt like she was loving a ghost of the past.

She loved the cub she had once known.

Zuri had loved both the cub and the lion in Simba.

And Nala wondered if it would be different if Simba had stayed in the Pridelands.

She knew it would have been but still she wondered.

And still she wished but she knew it would never be. But for now she figured she just focus on helping her friend to the best of her abilities and that meant keeping his daughter safe. Kiara was her Princess and would one day be her Queen so Nala would look out for her and be there for the cub when she needed it.

Nala stood back watching while Simba took his portion of the hunt and began heading on inside the den with Kiara padding on after her Father. From beside her, her mother came to stand. "Are you alright my love?" Sarafina asked watching her daughter closely as she watched the array of emotions flash in her daughters eyes.

Looking toward her mother, Nala shook her head. "No I'm just fine Mother." She answered knowing she would be.

Watching her daughter, Sarafina placed a paw on hers and nuzzled her only daughter before stepping away to speak with Sarabi leaving her daughter sitting there. Looking back toward the den, Nala stared on inside where she could see Simba had finished eating and was now bathing Kiara. She smiled watching the two; she thought it was sweet how Simba was taking over person care for his daughter. Climbing to her paws, she moved on into the den and sat down bear them. "It's amazing; you seem to be getting better at bathing you. Zuri would be so proud." Her smile widened when he shot her a look of irritation. "You know you could always leave her bath times to us."

"No thanks. You guys get her enough during the morning and afternoon this is my only time with her." The King mumbled running his tongue along his daughters back.

"Why don't you just take her out into the Pridelands?" Nala asked.

"She's much too young, my Father didn't take me out till I was two months old and I didn't take Kopa out till he was three months." Simba stated matter-of-factly like it was the most obvious thing and she should have known that before asking.

"Oh please…Zuri told me all about the things you did in the Jungle when you arrived there. She was only a month old. You three out there were allowed to leave the grove so young. Kiara should be allowed to go out into the Pridelands this young…I was her age when my mother took me first out into the grasslands. Just give it some thought." Nala rolled her eyes nudging her friend with her paw. She thought it would do Simba some good to spend some extra time with Kiara and Kiara to spend some time with Simba away from Pride Rock even if it she was still young. But Nala hadn't been lying when she mentioned she been Kiara's age when she first went out into the Pridelands with her mother.

Sarafina had wanted to take her daughter around and Nala loved it. For it had been her and her mothers first outing together.

Grunting, Simba kept on bathing Kiara. The cub squirmed in his paws but Simba managed to hold her still long enough. Months of watching Zuri bathe the cubs paid off as he used the tricks he saw her use to keep the cubs from moving around too much. "I'll give it some thought." Which he would.

Simba wondered if he really should take Kiara out away from Pride Rock. But he was worried so much for her safety. But she would also be safe if she was with him. And he wouldn't take his daughter too far from Pride Rock; he would manage to keep within sight of it. Something he figured that if Kiara were ever to go out to play on her own in the future it was something he would make sure she did.

"See that you do." Bending down, Nala smiled at the cub. "You make sure your Daddy takes you out there for some fun, kay?"

"Fun!" Kiara squealed.

Smiling, Nala nudged Simba with her paw before turning and leaving the den to join the other lionesses. From behind her she could hear Kiara repeatedly chanting. "Fun! Dada! Fun! Fun! Fun with Dada!"


When the next day arrived, Simba who had given the idea of bringing Kiara out much thought brought his daughter first to Gina for her morning feeding before he would bring her out into the Pridelands. When he had told the others that morning that they didn't have to worry about Kiara and had a break from watching her, they just smiled at him and joked.

"Oh finally, a break from the trouble-maker."

"Oh my, no Kiara today. How will we go on without the little Princess by our sides?"

"Kiara, raise trouble for your Daddy."

"Play hide and seek with him Kiara. He'll just LOVE that."

Simba could not help but roll his eyes at the thought of their words. He was sure with how young Kiara was she wouldn't be causing any trouble for him any time soon. Hopefully.

When Kiara was done her morning feed, Gina smiled and nudged the cub with her snout. "Have fun today little Princess." She said folding her paws in front of her. "And be good for your Father."

"Fun! Fun! Fun!" Kiara chanted dancing on the spot causing Gina to laugh. Kodi pouted, "Why can I go too Mum?" he asked looking at his mother.

"Because this is King Simba's and Princess Kiara's father, daughter time my little one." Gina answered rubbing the top of her sons head with her paw.

Grinning, Simba bent his head to get a closer look at Kodi. "Another time in the future. Okay Kodi?" He watched the cheetah cub's face light up and nod his head excited for the fact that one day he would be allowed to see the Pridelands with the King and Princess.

Grinning, Simba reached down and picked up his daughter. Nodding his head to Gina when the cheetah bowed her head to him. Then turning he left the cave and began heading on out into the Pridelands but like he told himself the night before he ventured just far enough that he was a good distance from Pride Rock but the structure was still within viewing distance.

Ears up, and on alert. Simba made sure to look around with his eyes and turn on the spot several times to see that there was no emitted danger to his daughter before setting Kiara down on the ground.

The cub slumped till she sat snugly on her rump. Her little ears perked and her eyes wide with excitement. Her nose twitched from the various scents she did not recognize on the air. For a moment this frightened her, and getting to her paws she backed up slowly until she hid beneath the massive frame that was her father where she knew she'd be safe.

Gaze following his daughter, Simba grinned a little and bent his head down to peer at his daughter who was now completely hidden beneath him. "Don't worry Kiara. Daddy is here to protect you; he won't let anything happen to you." He spoke softly to the cub watching her slowly sneak back out from beneath him. Her head poking out from between his forelegs.

The King himself took a step back so that his daughter was once again in front of him. She jumped realizing she was fully exposed again and attempted to try and hide once more but Simba stopped her with his paw. "Sit Kiara." The cub sat herself down on the ground staring up at the red mane lion before her. "Take deep breathes." Kiara did as she was instructed.

"Good." Laying his paw on her head, Simba smiled down at her which calmed the cub. "Now little sweetheart. Nothing out here will harm you while I am with you…you just have to stick close to me or we have to go back to Pride Rock. Is that understandable?"

Head still beneath her Fathers large paw, Kiara tilted her head thinking about what he just said. She really didn't understand him but what she did understand she nodded her head to say she did. She smiled when he grinned down at her. Kiara loved it when her father grinned. He was too sad at times she thought.

Licking Kiara atop the head messing up her fur a little, Simba stepped around her and began making his patrols with Kiara following in line along side him. The King managed to walk slowly enough for Kiara to keep up with him without making her trot or run along after him so she wouldn't get too tired out.

"Dada! Dada! Dada!" Kiara chanted in a sing-song voice.

Those animals the two of them passed Simba would hear chuckling as they went on by at the sight Kiara made. Simba could only guess his daughter had been excited to spend some time with him and the King could not lie that he too was excited. He could still feel his grief there inside him which he usually reflected upon when he did his patrols but having Kiara along side him made it easier for him to feel calm knowing she was there.

When he saw that Kiara seemed to be getting tired he would carry her before placing her down again when she insisted on walking. Saying she was a "Big girl!" Which Simba could not deny his daughter.

It was around mid-day when he stopped at the Watering hole for a drink and a rest. Letting Kiara look around but he would not let her venture no further than he could reach with his paw. Resting there in the shade, Simba watched his four week old daughter while she batted at a slug that moved along the ground. "Careful Kiara." He warned.

Too late.

For the little Princess slammed her paw too hard down on the slug squishing it. Confused, Kiara lifted her paw and stared at the now dead slug. Lowering her paw she pushed at the slug, trying to get it to move again not really understanding why it wasn't moving. Looking toward her father who was watching her intently, Simba waiting to see his daughter's reaction to death. "Dada?"

"Yes my little Princess?"

"No move!" Kiara pointed to the slug before moving toward her father when he motioned her toward him. Licking her between the ears, Simba nodded his head. "Yes Kiara, it won't move because it's dead."

Kiara looked at her Father strangely. "De…Dead?" she asked confused. What was dead she thought.

Simba nodded his head wrapping his paw around his daughter drawing her close to him. "Yes Kiara. It is dead. He won't move again Kiara." Seeing his daughter was still confused, Simba sighed and closed his eyes trying to think of the best way to explain all this to her. She was getting to the age where he figured she would need to know for in another month death would be understandable to her. "Alright…Kiara do you remember where I keep telling you where Mommy is?"

Kiara scrunched up her face. Where Mommy was? Where did his father say where her mother was? Kiara tried her best to always find her but never could. That was when a thought struck her young mind. "Sky?" But why would Mommy be in the sky she thought. That was silly. Only birds got to go into the sky.

Nodding his head the King looked up toward the sky where the clouds drifted on the wind. "Yes Kiara…Mommy is in the sky…and so is that slug now." Simba nodded his head to the slug that Kiara had squished. Turning back to his daughter, Simba ran his paw down her back. "Sweetie I know you been looking for your Mommy. But Mommy is like that slug over there…she can't come back. She's in the sky now…with your brothers Kopa and Musa and your sister Eshe. They're all up there with your grandparents. Looking down on you my little Princess."

Kiara stared at her Father for the longest time as she allowed her young mind to process what he was explaining to her. Her mother was in the sky…just like the slug…the slug was dead…and could not come back or move again…so her mother was also…

The little Princess left tears welling up in her eyes. Seeing this Simba was dealt a pang of guilt. It rose when his daughters tearfully asked; "Mama…dead?" If his heart wasn't already broken with the loss of his family, Simba swore it would have crumbled at the sight of the heart broken face on his four week old daughter. But he knew she needed to understand that her mother was gone. One way or another, she needed to understand.

Paw still rubbing her back, Simba nodded his head slowly. "Yes sweetheart…Mommy's dead. She's not coming back." He clenched his eyes shut when he saw her eyes begin to tear up even more. But closing his eyes didn't block out the sound of his daughters crying. And in seconds he too felt tears coming to his own eyes. Curling himself around his daughter, Simba held her close letting Kiara clung to his fur and bury her face in his mane which almost appeared to engulf her.

"I know sweetheart…I know it hurts…" Simba whispered nuzzling his little girl.

"But…mommy's not truly gone…she'll be watching over you. You just need to have faith." Simba whispered remembering the dream he had with his mate telling him that she was there watching over him and Kiara. Closing his eyes, the King just remained where he lay cradling his precious cub to him listening while she cried. But it wasn't long before the cub managed to cry herself to sleep.

Looking up at the sky, Simba knew right about now he should return Kiara to Pride Rock. Though he wanted to spend more time with his daughter he knew it was better too return her and then continue his patrol. For he didn't know how if she would be too distraught from knowing the truth or not. Carefully picking his daughter up, Simba began making his way back toward Pride Rock slowly so not to disturb his sleeping daughter.

Climbing up the slope and stone step way, Simba saw the pride resting with Gina and Kodi, the cheetah and lionesses in deep conversation. But they all fell silent at the sight of Simba surprised that he was back so early. But the King paid them no mind but instead just headed on inside the den.

Sensing that something was wrong, Sarabi was on her paws immediately and chasing on after her son. "Simba…Simba what's wrong has something happened to Kiara?" she asked frantically moving toward her granddaughter once Simba laid her carefully down. Sarabi looked her over for wounds and sighed in relief when she saw that the cub was only sleeping and unharmed. But when she lifted her head she saw that upon closer inspection her son's face was littered with tearstains in his fur and tears still in his eyes. "Oh Simba, what happened?"

Looking at his mother, Simba spoke lowly "I got Kiara to understand that death was and that her Mommy was never coming back." His voice broke as his said this.

Eyes widening in understanding, Sarabi reached out laying her paw on his. "It was bound to happen Simba."

"I know…but you should have seen her little face when she figured out the truth…" Simba sighed looking down at his daughter. He nuzzled her gentle when he saw her start to stir but didn't wake.

Looking down at Kiara Sarabi this time could notice that her fur was also streaked from the tears she had shed. My poor girl She thought sadly.

Pulling away from his daughter, Simba stated "I need to finish my patrol Mother. Could you please look after her?"

"You never have to ask that Simba, I'm more than happy too." Sarabi smiled laying herself down beside her granddaughter deciding to stay inside the cave with Kiara. She didn't want to move her for fear of waking her.

Giving his daughter one more nuzzle then one to his mother to thank her, the King left the den with a wary mind. Still ignoring the looks that his pride were giving him all wondering what had happened but he figured they would get the answer out of his mother for he heard them and Gina get up to head inside the cave to check on Kiara and find out what happened from Sarabi.

Making his way from Pride Rock, Simba went on to continue his patrols. The only thought calming him from what had just happened with his daughter was the dream he had of his mate. He never had another dream like that no matter how hard he tried. But it did seem that the nightmares he had been having had vanished which he was thankful of even though he still really wanted to see his mate in his dreams again. He did and he didn't. He would dream of the times in the jungle but they were simply memories he was reliving. They didn't react like they did that night she told him to have faith and was watching over them.

Simba soon found himself nearly the Western borders of his Kingdom where the green grass stopped and went on into the barren Outlands. Standing there just above the ravine that separated the two lands Simba stared off into the Outlands. Out there laid the lioness that had killed his family and there were nights he regretted not killing her in return but that would leave cubs motherless. Just like his own was. And he could not do it even if it meant knowing the she was still alive while his beloved was not.

He didn't know what it was, but as he stood there staring out at the barren wasteland he left like there was something out there for him. He felt some sort of pull. But he just could not understand what it meant.

Perhaps it was just his left over anger at wanting to get the lioness that took his mate from him.

Squinting his eyes, Simba thought he saw something moving out there but whatever they were was too small to be any of the lionesses. Must be the cubs.

Taking his eyes off the Outlands Simba turned and began heading away from them wanting to get as far away from the wastelands as much as he possibly could.

He was just leaving when a shadow swooped over him. Lifting his head he expected it to just be some sort of bird. Well he was half right as to what it was or who it was. "Zazu!?"

The hornbill flapped his wings tiredly. He had travelled as fast as he could to return to the Pridelands matching his flight time of four days like the last. He'd just passed over into the Pridelands when he noticed a familiar shape of brownish gold and red. Swooping in low, Zazu let the wind glide him the rest of the way down before he crashed unprofessionally into the ground.

Seeing his majordomo hit the ground far too quickly and too hard Simba hurried over to him. Using his paw he helped the majordomo onto his feet. "Zazu…what happened, you been gone a week…did you get lost again?"

Shaking his head, Zazu cleared his mind and shook his feathers to shake the dirt and grass off them. Lifting his eyes toward his King he began to apologize. "Forgive me sire…I did not mean to take so long. It's been a tiresome journey."

"No need to apologize Zazu. It was I who sent you on this job; I know how tiring it can be." Simba waved off the hornbill's apology. "Did you see them…did you tell them?"

The majordomo fell silent as he contemplated on what to say. He had gone over in his mind what he should say to the King upon his return. He was half way home when he knew it would be best to lie. "Yes sire…I saw them and I told them. They did not take the news well…but they send their condolences and prayers as well as well wishes for Princess Kiara." Zazu hated to lie but he did not know how Simba would take knowing he really had not seen the Rasheda's nor did he even know their whereabouts or if they were even alive for that matter.

But he did know one thing, he wasn't about to deliver bad news to the lion who was still overcoming the death of his mate and cubs.

Simba sighed and hung his head.

So now the Pride he had come to see as family knew that he had failed in protecting Zuri. He nodded his head when they said they had well wishes for Kiara. But he still did not think Jaali would be too happy with him for breaking his word. "Thank you Zazu. You may rest for a day or two before returning to your duties. You need the well needed rest."

"Thank you sire, but I do not think I have the strength at the moment to return to my nest." Zazu ruffled his feathers with a deep sigh. His wings were sore from flying.

"Then I shall give you a ride. I am near done my patrols; I will take you back to Pride Rock." Simba motioned for Zazu to hop up onto his shoulder which the hornbill did without complaint. But as he perched himself there upon his King's shoulder much like he had done with Simba's father, Mufasa, Zazu could not help but feel guilty that he had lied to the King he served.

It was for the best, he told himself. It was for the best.

Settling himself there, folding his wings into his sides the hornbill closed his eyes to rest while he rode on the King's shoulders the rest of the way around the Pridelands as Simba finished his patrols and then make his way back to Pride Rock.

It is for the best.


His paws felt heavy.

His head was spinning.

His head felt like it was on fire.

His vision blurring and tunnelling.

But still he kept on moving like nothing was wrong.

Ahead of him, Kopa could see that Nuru was scouting out the area. The two of them had caught scent of a predator not too long ago and both were taking caution. The scent wasn't that of a lion Kopa knew, but the scent of a leopard Nuru told him. Something they both should be wary about for there was really no way the two of them would be able to outrun the large spotted cat.

Nuru looked back and forth around the area. The scent was on the wind but she could tell it was soon moving away from them. That made the fur on the back of her neck finally stand down. Satisfied that danger was out of the way, Nuru turned and began hurrying on back to Kopa with some good news. When she was scouting ahead she had seen the outline of the Jungle that told her they were finally arriving there.

Over the week it been slow with Kopa's wounded paw but it seemed that his paw was finally getting better for the cub able to walk on his fully now.

Smiling she approached the cub. "The leopards scent left the area. We're safe for now. But that scent goes well with what I saw in the distance. We're finally there Kopa!"

Finally there? Kopa thought. It took a moment for it to sink in before it did. "The Jungle? You saw it?" he asked trying to keep his words from slurring. By the look Nuru was now giving him he knew it failed a bit but she still didn't ask if something was wrong. Even though he had his suspicions she was figuring it out herself.

Eyeing her young companion, Nuru knew something was wrong with him but he just refused to say anything to her. But her nose told her what was wrong. The cub's wounds on his head had clearly gotten more infected during the trip. This worried her but she didn't know what she could do but get to the jungle and find some clean water for him to clean those wounds.

She nodded her head. "Yes I spotted it just up another should be another mile or two. Then we can rest in the shade and find something to eat before we find your family." She didn't mention finding a way to help those wounds not wanting to the cub to know she knew about what was wrong with him. Kopa clearly seemed to be looking out for her in not wanting to worry her plus she knew it would help the cub's ego. He may be a cub but he was a male and males had their prides.

Moving along side him, she kept close to him when she noticed his walking began to stumble a bit. She would be there to catch him if she had too. The two fell into a steady walk heading into the direction Nuru was pointing out for them to go. Both their mouths were dry and their stomachs hungry from lack of food or water for three days since their last drink or something they had caught.

It wasn't long before Kopa could see it.

The horizon that appeared to be littered with trees.

Trees with leaves.

Something he hadn't seen since he left the Pridelands.

At first he thought it was a mirage but the smile on Nuru's face confirmed that, that just wasn't the case and that it really was real.

The exiled Prince picked up his paws and began moving faster wanting to get under the cover of shade so badly. But the faster he moved the more he began to feel dizzier but he kept himself going. Beside him, Nuru was running along with him he could tell she too wanted to get under the cover of the trees and find some food and water.

The closer they got the taller the trees became.

Even taller when they were finally covering the two wary travelling companions.

Kopa stared up at the trees in wonder. He never had seen trees so big before. Not even Rafiki's tree was that big, he thought.

Shade, he thought. There really was nothing like shade after days of being out in the sun.

From beside him, Nuru was suddenly jumping around like a newborn calf just starting to walk. "Whoohoo! Shade! Finally!" She cried out flopping herself down on the ground she rolled around in the coolness the grass beneath the trees had to offer her. Nuru was use to being out in the desert but to be in actual shade was still a blessing, she thought.

Rolling onto her stomach, Nuru stared off into the jungle that got denser the more it went in away from the desert's edge. Her large oval ears suddenly perked to try and hear for anything. Just because they were out of the danger of the desert didn't mean they were completely out of danger from things she KNEW lurked in the cover of the trees and bushes.

Once she was sure she heard and felt no danger, Nuru climbed back to her paws. She knew now would be the perfect time to find some water from them and some food. Kopa would need the food in his system to help battle the infection while the water she needed to clean his wounds properly. "Kopa…stay here I'm just going to find something for us to eat…alright?" She tensed when she didn't hear a reply. "Kopa?" The serval turned sharply letting out a startle gasp at the sight of the cub on the forest floor, his eyes closed and breathing heavy.

"Kopa?" She cried running to his side. Her paw went to his forehead which she quickly retracted when she noticed how high a fever he was running. It was even higher than the night before when she had checked it while he slept. "Oh no…" she whispered frantically checking the rest of Kopa's vitals. Putting a paw on his chest she was happy that he was breathing but he was breathing far too heavily even for being passed out. But that wasn't the only thing that worried her. The cub's heart rate was skyrocketing.

Pulling away from the cub she moved behind him grabbing him by the scruff she dragged him further away from the deserts edge further into the shade where she laid him where he could be safe while she tried to find help for the cub. Letting the cub go she moved in front of him again lifting his head with her paw she smacked him lightly to try and rouse him from his unconscious state.

"Kopa! Come on Kopa open those eyes. I need to try and find help for you. I need you awake while I do that…come on open those eyes!" Nuru shouted tears in her eyes. She may not have known the cub for long but she didn't wish to see him die from the infection she knew was taking affect on him. Bending down she gave the cub a little lick on the cheek.

"Don't worry Kopa. I'll find you help. I promise." She whispered pulling away from him she checked the area to see whether or not it was safe to leave him. But knowing she had no choice, she began running off into the jungles as fast as she could. Forcing herself through brush and around trees. "Help!" She called out.

Her voice echoing into the jungle.

"Help! Somebody please, I need help!" She continued to cry out. But there was no response to her cries. Nuru knew if she didn't find help she would have to find a way to take care of the cub's sickness herself. Her ears caught movement on ahead of her. Hoping it would be someone to help her; she picked up her paws and ran faster toward the way the sounds were coming from. Her heart beating faster when she heard voices.

"Hello?" she called out. Running faster. She heard the voices fall silent at her cry but she could still hear movement ahead of her. Following that, Nuru suddenly jumped through a bush and collided with something…something hard and covered with black fur.

Falling backwards she landed on her side groaning. She heard shifting of the form she had crashed into and by its scent she knew it wasn't any feline or canine. Gulping, Nuru lifted her eyes to see herself staring into the angry face of grown male silverback gorilla.

The gorilla growled and bared his teeth threatening at her slamming massive fists into the ground. "Who are you and what are you doing in my territory!?" the silverback demanded.

Keeping herself low to the ground, Nuru stared up at the silverback unsure what to say. "Well?" he demanded again. Hearing more movement, Nuru tensed but this time she saw it was only a bunch of females who were approaching, some with young on their backs.

"What is going on?" One female asked. But some greying fur on her face, Nuru could tell she must be an elder in the troop.

Staring up at her, Nuru felt like she could reach out to this female more than to the male demanding answers from her. Crawling toward her, Nuru stopped when the male growled at her. Not moving any further toward the old female, Nuru looked up pleadingly. "Help…"

The old female looked down at Nuru with confusion. "What do you need help with? Are you hurt?"

It was than Nuru knew with those questions this female may be of some help to her and Kopa. "No…but please…my young companion needs help…he's been wounded and his wounds have gotten seriously infected. Please, he's fallen unconscious and I can't do it alone to clean them. Please you got to help me…please." Nuru begged looking up at the old female watching shock and concern comes over her face.

Climbing fully to her paws, Nuru stood as bravely as she could.

"Please I need your help or he'll die!"