Sorry for the delay. Writers block and trying to make some life decisions for myself and my future that are distracting me. Forgive me my followers.


Chapter 5


Red eyes watched, while the rain fell peacefully outside the den. Hearing the ever familiar pattering of raindrops against the ground, and occasionally the cave floor whenever the wind would blow it on inside.

A brown ear twitched as one or more droplets, were blown so far into the den that it happened to brush against the very one that was watching it in silence.

It been the rain hitting her face, that been the first thing that had woken her from her sleep. She was surprised it hadn't woken her mother and sister but then again, her mother looked like she was sleeping peacefully, so Adimu was happy that she hadn't woken up. It was not often that she got to see her mother sleep so peacefully.

Perhaps it was the rain?

Yes, she nodded. It had to be that.

Adimu smiled, growing up, the rain seemed to be a soothing thing for her mother. So there were days she often wished it would rain all the time as a cub. Just to see her mother at peace.

Well, aside the days she did not have to hear her sibling's whine about not being able to go out and play in the rain all the time as it got them so dirty their mother was forced to spend a lot of time getting them clean afterwards.

Her sister on the other hand, why she hadn't awoken…Adimu cast a glance at her sister who was still snoozing away. Always the deep sleeper. Just like her brothers, her eyes moved towards the two. Both were lying on their sides but snoring like hippos. Well what she supposed they snored like.

She snickered at the thought, but not too loudly as to wake her sister and mother.

A soft sigh escaped her.

Her eyes flickered back towards the rain. Watching the rain and listening to it along with the gentle breathing of her mother whose back she been resting her head upon. Adimu had hoped it would help lure her back to sleep. And yet it was becoming apparent, that it would not be the case.

With the rain and how dark the clouds were, Adimu could not even tell what time it was. Was it in the middle of the night, or was it close to dawn?

If it was close to dawn, there would be no worry about having to go back to sleep. Perhaps she could wake early and go for a hunt. Bring back her family something to eat, as they had finished off what was left of the hunt they had brought back the day before.

Even in the rain, perhaps it would make the animals less apparent of whom or what was hunting them. Rain her Aunt Vitani told her could be a great advantage in hunting as long as you knew how to use it and do it well.

But the rain could render a hunter from its prey at times when the scents got washed away or barely there that one would have a hard time finding it. It was then, that Vitani told her nieces when they were still having their hunting lessons just before their first hunt.

That on had to keep their eyes open and look for other clues that would lead you to your prey. And the clues could be anywhere and easy to notice if you just knew what to look for. Both Vitani and Sakina had spent time training the girls, even the boys, in the rain so that they would know what to be prepared for and to be ready for just about anything that mother nature could throw their way.

In spite of that, however, Adimu did wish it could stop raining if it was the case to being close to morning. Trained yes, she still preferred to hunt during clear days.

Closing her eyes, Adimu attempted to fall back to sleep. But ultimately in the end failed miserably.

With another sigh, Adimu shifted her body carefully so still not to wake her slumbering mother and sister. Slowly climbing up onto her paws, stepping back away from where she laid to give herself some more room. Adimu stretched her body.

Feeling her muscles loosen up just a tad, but still tired. Why she couldn't go back to sleep, she did not know. But she did hope it wasn't far from morning. Although even if it was, she wouldn't be called lazy for taking a nap during the day.

If she was every lion and lioness in pride rock would be called a hypocrite. She thought amusingly.

Looking at her mother again watching her sleep peacefully. Adimu turned and walked to the edge of the den. Sitting herself down watching the water as it fell from the heavens. Pouring was more like it, she thought. Seemed like the skies were opening up more and more. At least it was not like the raining seasons she grew up with.

Adimu could clearly remember her first. She only had been a few months old at the time. Foolishly like any little cub who had silly little fears when they were young, thought her mother was going to drown in that amount of rain when they had no choice but to go hunt in the foul weather.

That of course, she could blame her uncle Kovu for. That is what her mother had done when she had expressed her fears to her. And when she asked why she had such fears and where she heard such ridiculous things like the rains would make the grasslands flood and drown the hunting party if they weren't careful.

When she had told her it had been Kovu…she never seen her Uncle more afraid of anything more, than he had been at that moment, which her mother had cornered him. Her mother hadn't even needed her aunt Vitani. Those two would often gang up on her uncle if he was being a pain in the ass as Vitani would call him.

But seeing her mother being strong like that had been a good thing for a young cub to see. A mother protecting her young from anything and everything, even something as silly as scary tales from their own uncle.

Adimu always wanted to be as strong as she thought her mother was. Despite the sadness she had dwelling inside her. Her mother too had great strength.

Strength to carry on each day.

And many more things…

She had always strived to be strong like her mother. While Enzi pushed to be strong and hot tempered like their aunt.

Adimu wasn't sure that she could ever be like that…why would she be?

Miss prim and proper…

"You seem like a girl, who could use some adventure in her life."

The voice was like a ghost that drifted through her mind. The voice of that lion she had met down at the watering hole…

Maji.

Just thinking his name brought a blush to her skin that she could feel heating up just beneath her fur.

Why would thinking of a lion she had just met make her blush…or much less dream about him…?

The blush only grew stronger at that thought. It had been him that she been dreaming about just before she woke.

Dreaming that she had the courage to leave the Pride Lands with him. To explore all that there was to see out there. That was all she cared too remember. If she thought any more about it, than she figured she would be more embarrassed to have herself dreaming about some strange lion she only shared a few words with.

Her parents had known each other for years…even Kiara and Kovu had met each other has cubs…and Simba and Nala…separated for years yes but they still knew each other.

She shook the thought from her head. Now wasn't the time to think about that…

Then what was she to think about so late when on a rainy night and not being able to sleep?

A young black white mane lion, popped back into her mind. She sighed. Both in frustration and wistfully. Thinking about seeing him again in two days time.

Ever since she returned to Pride Rock when Annan had come to fetch her. She was debating silently with herself, on whether or not she should actually go and meet him. Was it worth it? Would he really show up if she did?

So many questions and no answers until that day came.

Looking out at the rain again, she lifted her eyes to the sky to see whether or not she could figure out through any means what time it could be. But the sky was dark as it ever was. If it was morning and raining there was at least some light that could be seen but all she saw was black rolling clouds in the sky.

"So it's still night." Adimu sighed shaking her head. Just great, she thought. Now she had to find a way to get back to sleep. However Adimu had a feeling that no matter how hard she tried. Sleep wasn't on the schedule for that night. Her mind was just plagued with thoughts and images of…him.

Adimu wanted to cast him from her thoughts, to stop being such a silly little lioness. Acting like she had some foolish crush on someone that she scarcely knew For more than few minutes at the very least. All because he gave her charming attention that she had never received from any other male she knew.

Yes, that had to be the answer. She was some silly little lioness who just liked the attention he had given her. If she was anyone like her sister, she would be laughing and gagging at Maji's attempts to charm her. But she wasn't, and never would be like her sister. With her sisters attitude she wondered if a time came, if she'd ever have cubs.

"Probably scare the males away."

That was what Basi would say, or had said many times in the past that Adimu wondered why he ever said it more than once. Seeing as Enzi would tackle and wrestle with him until she won. Then make him take back what he said about her, lest he want to be buried in the ground with only his head remaining above the surface long enough to let the birds tear at his mane.

The thought made her chuckle to herself. "What's so funny?" Adimu whipped around only to see, that at some point Enzi had woken up. Her sister was watching her with a curious look shining in her brown eyes. "Well?" Enzi whispered, with a small yawn slowly getting up and moving around their mother so that she would not wake up.

Like Adimu, Enzi didn't want to wake their mother from her peaceful sleep either. However she was too curious as to why her sister was awake. "What's so funny?" She repeated the question. "And why are you up? Aren't you worried about not getting enough beauty sleep?" She teased with a smirk.

Ignoring the huff and scolding look her sister gave her. Enzi moved to sit down along side her. Looking out at the rain for good solid minute and again till she spoke again. Keeping her voice just above a whisper. "So what's up?" She grinned looking at her sideways from the corner of her eyes.

"I just could not sleep." Was all Adimu answered with. But that only served to make her sister roll her eyes.

"That's not a proper answer but fine…so what was so funny?" Enzi gave a yawn lifting her paw to rub her face. Grumbling as some rain hit her enough making her sneeze which only made Adimu snort in amusement.

"I was only thinking of the time you beat Basi, when he said you'd scare any male suitors away." Adimu smiled at her sister. They may be as different as day and night at times and they may not get along a lot of the times. However despite their differences, she did love her sister and she knew Enzi loved her back.

No matter how much they drove each other insane. Adimu thought, stood by that she thought Enzi worked harder to drive her crazy than Adimu did for her. Perhaps harder then their brothers did. No, she shook her head. That was a lie. Enzi could never drive me any more insane than their brothers did.

Enzi rolling her eyes. Glanced back over her shoulder at Basi who was snoring away on his side. "He should be more worried about himself." Enzi had an edge of mocking in her voice. Seeing she got her sisters attention, she continued. "I mean come on, he hardly liked to bathe growing up. Mom had to hold him now more often than naught to just give him a bath. Even now he at times forgets to bathe himself." A snicker escaped her.

"I doubt he'd catch a girl with that smell of his." A smirk came over her muzzle while she glanced once again back at their brother. Who by this time had rolled onto his back, his paw scratching his stomach in his sleep occasionally mumbling something neither of the two could hear.

"Why sister…" Adimu began to tease. "I did not know you were so understanding why a male needs to be cleaned. Isn't that for the prim and proper girls like myself to worry about?" She smiled.

Her sister scowled at her. But Adimu could see the playful glint that was shinning in the very back of her eyes. Enzi leaned toward her sister, her smirk slowly creeping back onto her face. "Well not all lionesses are going to be like me. Now are they?" She laughed. Then her face got serious. "But just between you and me." She added in a whisper. "I don't fancy myself a male that smells like a skunk if you catch my drift."

The two sisters shared a laugh. Adimu pausing in her laughter, had a thought on whether or not she should mention to her sister the male she had met. What would Enzi think of her? Would she tell their mother? Would she keep it to herself, should she ask her too? What if Enzi berated for speaking to an unknown male that could have been the danger that they been warned about? Would Adimu be able to convince her otherwise?

Enzi really wasn't the sort of lioness. That Adimu figured would be the one she went too about this sort of thing. Normally that was reserved for Nala or her mother or even sometimes Kiara. Her aunt Vitani would most definitely give her a scolding or two about talking to strange males. But then again that was her aunts way of showing she was protective of her elder brothers only offspring.

It was one of the ways she got the cubs to behave when they were younger. To guilt them into thinking what their father would think if he knew what dangers they posed themselves in. Their mother didn't enjoy the fact that Vitani did it. But at times it was effective enough that Sakina would let it slide with only a minor strict talking to with the lioness.

Thinking it over carefully. Adimu thought it was better left unsaid. Giving a little jolt when she felt something touch against her shoulder. Relaxing when she saw it was only her sister's paw. "Hey you still in there?"

"Still in what?"

"Your mind silly." Enzi shook her head. "You been really spacey today."

"I have?" Adimu asked, doing her best to pretend she did not know what her sister was talking about.

Eyebrow quirking just a tad. Enzi eyed her sister suspiciously. Having an inkling her sister was hiding something from her. Not just her, but their brothers and mother as well.

In any case, something in Enzi told her that her sister wasn't going to tell her a thing. No matter how much she pressured her to tell her. It took a lot in her to keep herself from doing so. Their mother always taught them that it was rude to pry unless they thought their loved ones were in danger.

Enzi couldn't tell if that's what she thought Adimu was in by keeping her thoughts to herself. Nevertheless for now she wasn't going to pressure her sister to tell her anything. But there was no harm in trying to see if she'd tell her something.

"Yes Adimu, you been spacey." Enzi gave her sister a look.

Plastering a smile on her face. Adimu gave her sisters cheek a little lick. "It's nothing. Just a little worried with this whole rogue thing out there." She held herself back from sighing in relief when Enzi nodded in understanding. While Enzi had a feeling there was more too it, she of course was not going to push it.

Looking out of the den then back at her sister. Enzi shared a grin. "Don't worry about them rogue sister dear. Three rogues against five males and a large number of females. Even an idiot knows better than to go up against something that greatly out numbers them." Adimu knew she was right. But of course that worry still lingered there along with other thoughts.

With her paw still on her sisters shoulder. Enzi gave it a pat. "Is that all?"

"Yes Enzi that's all." Adimu nudged her sister gently. Earning a purr as Enzi nudged her back. It was moments like this Adimu enjoyed her sister's presence, when they shared their sisterly bond. Not when they were arguing or Adimu thought she was too reckless among other things.

"So is that also the answer to the unanswered question I asked earlier. About why you were up?" inquired her sister.

Resisting the temptation to roll her eyes. Adimu nodded. "Yes…what is with you? You're normally not the twenty question kind of lioness. That's normally reserved for me."

"Yes." Enzi agreed. "Because you take so much after mother."

"I shall take that as a compliment." Smiled Adimu, giving her sister another nudge. The two leaning their heads against one another.

Separating, Enzi gave her sister a look. "Try and get some sleep."

"Take your own advice." Adimu said back to her.

"Oh I will." Enzi did not bother to stifle her yawn. Stretching out her body, she turned to make her way back to where she had been laying beside their mother. Before the lioness woke at not feeling her cubs beside her. Not the first time, they could ever sneak out of the den as cubs when their mother was sleeping. She always knew when they were gone from her side. Claiming she had superpowers to know when they woke up and tried to sneak away. They didn't believe her, but hey must be a mother thing.

Not something Enzi was willing to try out any time soon. Going on their second year. The young lioness had other things in mind other than starting a family. She figured Adimu may be the first if a good enough male came along. Like that one she met out hunting…she paused at the thought scowling. She would need to keep that fool away from her sister.

She deserved much better she thought than a male who just charmed his way through females.

Shaking her head at the notion of that male around his sister. Enzi could only hope Adimu was smart enough not to fall for his stupid charms. Taking a look back over her shoulder. She stopped when she saw Adimu was not following her. "Come on, worrying isn't good for you. Sleep is. You worry too much."

"I'll be with you in a minute. I promise." Adimu gave her sister a look when Enzi gave her one.

Shrugging, Enzi laid herself back down slowly beside their mother so as not to wake her. Watching her sister for another more, she turned her head when Adimu said she be there yet again in another minute. Resting it back upon her mothers back. Listening to her mothers gentle breathing using that to sooth her and gently lull her back to sleep.

Watching her sister. Adimu finally allowed herself, to breath the sigh of relief she been holding back.

"You worry too much."

For all one knows. Perchance she did worry too much. If what she told her sister happened to have been the only thing on her mind.

Sitting where she was at the mount of the den. The rain still falling behind her. Adimu watched her sister drift off back to sleep. Envious that her sister could sleep so easily. Well all of her family seemed to be able to sleep easily that night. With the exception of her good self. If she went and checked all the other dens. Adimu was certain she would find everyone else asleep all the same.

All but her.

The thought made her a bit grouchy enough to grumble.

On the hand, perhaps she just was not trying hard enough. With that thought in mind, Adimu pushed herself back up onto all four paws. Working to push all the thoughts of what had woken her in the first place from her mind. She moved to go back to her mother's side. When out of the corner of her eyes, something caught her attention.

Something in the rain.

Something in the rain or someone in the rain was moving outside.

Not directly outside the den. But off to the side of the Kopje just within eye shot if you could catch it. The rain was coming down so much. She would have been surprised if she managed to see anything through it. But sure enough she was certain that someone was outside in the rain.

A stray animal that strayed too close to Pride Rock in seek of shelter from the elements?

An unusual thing. Not many of the other animals came close to Pride Rock unless they were called for something. Like a royals death, or the birth of a royal or other emergency matters.

Sometimes another predator, like a leopard or a cheetah would come over. To have words with the lionesses. But hardly ever a herbivore. The birds as well on occasion. But it was often only Zazu present the majority of the time around Pride Rock. No one could guess where his nest was. He preferred it that way, said it kept rowdy cubs from bothering him when he wanted to be alone.

Other than that, the animals kept away from the Kopje. If they needed the King or the Prince consort, Zazu would fetch them and they would go off to see the animal that required their attention that day.

Could it be just the rain and her lack of sleep playing tricks on her?

That was a possibility. Adimu could not throw away that possibility that what she saw out there was nothing at all.

It was her curiosity that had her squinting through the rain. To get a better grasp at what she was seeing. It took her a good solid thirty seconds. But in the end she was certain whatever out there was a lion. Just by the way they moved. And from the mass of soaking wet hair on their head. It was male.

Her innards seemed to freeze over.

A male.

What if…what if Maji had come to see her? Or what if it was one of those rogues?

Both thoughts made her heart hammer inside her breast. Each for different reasons. But hammer away it did. That she was certain it would thump its way out of her chest with the force it was beating with.

Unable to look away. Adimu squinted a little further, pushing her head a bit ways out of the den. Doing her best to ignore the rain that was pounding down onto her head. Soaking it quickly enough that it was causing her to shiver. She did not loose focus however. She began making out more to the shape. Yes it was most definitely a lion and male.

It's shape seemed to large for Maji's, she thought.

A small wave of disappoint coursed through her. It was quickly replaced by fear that it could be what she was thinking the worst of.

That was when she caught sight of their fur. Brown, with a dark brown mane.

Relief coursed through her. There was only one lion she knew with that colouring. "Uncle Kovu?" She spoke barely above a whisper.

That was when confusion set it. Why would her uncle be out in the rain this late? She didn't know any of the males to patrol so late much less in this weather at night. During the day yes they would. But rain at night made it more difficult to see anything. Despite their good vision in the dark. The rain tended to distort things.

There was a chance that he may have trouble sleeping just like she was that night.

Both her uncles had been working hard on patrols to keep them safe. Each worrying about their families and the pride in general along with the animals of the Pride Lands. It was a lot on their shoulders. Something she did not envy them for and was certain her brothers felt the same. They may have royal blood in them. But they would never rule and neither of them wanted too.

Her cousin didn't want too either. But he was the only heir to Kovu and Kiara, so she did not think he had much choice in the matter. Lest the two had another cub and they could name that one heir.

Biting her lip in contemplation. Adimu debated whether or not to go out there and approach her uncle. Looking back over her shoulder. She saw that everyone else was still asleep. Enzi was now softly snoring away. Not as loud as their brothers but still it made her smile until that smile dropped when she looked back out into the rain.

Giving it a minute to think it over. Adimu decided to take the chance. Her uncle wouldn't be mad at her for being awake and out in the rain if it was out of concern for him. And she was concerned. The males needed to be in their best shape. Not overly tired from worrying and overworking themselves day in and day out.

Without another thought. Adimu took a step out of the den. Then another one until she was fully out in the open. Like with her head before, her entire body was soon soaked in seconds.

Making her way in the direction the male was going. She tried calling out. "Uncle Kovu?" She could have sworn she saw the figure tense a bit. But kept on walking.

He must have not heard her. With the way the wind was howling, echoing off the large Kopje from all directions. It would be no surprise to her if he did not hear her. So she tried again. "Uncle Kovu?" This time a bit louder than she had before. But the wind still howled much louder than she did.

Frustration began to set in. Picking up the pace she tried running toward the figure that turned the corner of the Kopje. Only to stop when she thought she caught sight of yet something else in the rain. Turning to look, she squinted her eyes but saw nothing. Was the rain, and lack of sleep truly playing games with her?

Shaking her head, shivering at the coldness of the rain. Adimu debated if she should just head on back to the den. Get out of the rain. No doubt she'd wake her mother who would demand to know why she been out in the rain or that she been out in the middle of the night. The latter was the most likely that her mother would demand. Rain didn't matter, being out in the dark of night alone while danger lurked outside the lands was what made her standing there all the more foolish in her mind.

But I'm not alone, she told herself. Uncle Kovu is out here with me.

Kovu…

She quickly picked up her pace suddenly wanting to find her uncle all that much more. Making her way around the corner she had seen her uncle vanish around. Stopping when she saw he hadn't gone far. It may be that he had heard her after all and was just waiting for her to catch up so they could get out of the rain together.

Smiling, she picked up the pace. "Uncle Kovu?" This time she was certain she saw him react to her calling his name. Relief began to flood her. Then she started noticing something that she hadn't before. Was her uncle always this big in structure? Her eyes blurred with need for sleep but she could swear the lion standing in front of her, her uncle, suddenly looked as big as King Simba.

That couldn't be.

Her Uncle Kovu may be a strong lion. But he certainly was not as big as Simba in size body or mane.

That relief that had filled her. Started to brain slowly and was beginning to be replaced with fear. Not wanting to be wrong. She spoke only now her voice held a stutter to it. "U-Unc-Uncle Kovu?" Pausing where she was. Adimu didn't dare take another step further. Her hackles began to stand on end.

Something wasn't right here. Her instincts began to scream at her. Suddenly more aware of everything around her. Adimu caught the sound of paws upon the slippery muddy ground. Not just one set, but two. Coming up behind her. Her breath hitched in her throat, too afraid to look back she kept her eyes on the lion that was in front of her. That was when she took her first good look at his mane.

Where at a distance through the rain. It had appeared first to her as dark brown, much like her uncles. Now that she could get a closer look at it, it wasn't dark brown at all. But rather it was black. Black like her brothers manes.

Her heart began pounding in her chest now.

Why? Why didn't she just stay in the den?

Perhaps this was some sort of nightmare? And she would wake any minute now. Cuddling up along side her mother. Hearing her brothers' hippo snores echoing throughout the den.

Shaking, not from the rain this time, she knew deep down that she wasn't dreaming like she wished. This was the cold hard reality. And she had been foolish enough to wonder out of the safety of her den. Away from the safety of her family. Lured foolishly into this trap. It may not have been that in the beginning, that she guessed, but when she started to follow and call out. She made her presence known and their plan must have changed.

Red eyes filled with fear. Watched the lion she had followed, start to turn toward her. Her breathing began to become uneven as she could not decide if she should stop breathing or breath faster as terror set in.

"Well, well, well…" The voice sent a chill down her spine to her tail. "You are a pretty little thing aren't you?" Adimu heard snickered from the two behind her. She was too afraid to look back to see who they were. Far too focus on the one who was in front of her.

Now that he was turned toward her. It allowed her to catch a good look at his face. Confusion set in along side her fear. No wonder she confused this lion with her uncle. She swore he looked like an older version of her Uncle. With the exception of his black mane. He had her uncle's fur. But more importantly…he had his uncle's eyes.

Eyes that held no warmth and love in them like Kovu's did.

No…these eyes…they held more malice in them than what Adimu thought was humanly possibly. The only playfulness that was in those eyes. Was the glee he got from luring her into a trap and what he might be thinking about doing to her. Something that Adimu did not want her mind to linger on.

The lion in front of her, took a step in her direction. Instinctively she drew back from him. Only to stop when she heard the growls behind her that reminded her yet again, that they weren't alone.

"Don't be afraid little one." The dark lion seemed to coo to her. Enough to cause her to shudder both from fear and disgust. He finally stopped when he was in front of her. Only a breath of space, between the two of them. "Oh yes." he purred. "You are indeed a pretty one."

"This one is mine!" One of the two behind her growled. The one in front of her looked at the one who spoke. But Adimu did not. Still unable to bring herself to look.

"This the one you said you saw with Maji earlier today?"

"Yes and I want her!"

Maji? They knew Maji…how did they know Maji?

Adimu tried to remember what Maji had told her about how he convinced her that he hadn't been one of the dangerous rogues. However she couldn't recall it. Too many thoughts were running through her head. She did however make out the argument that was going on around her.

"Just because you spotted her first does not mean you get to have her!" That voice she had not heard yet. Telling her that it was the second one behind her. All males. Three rogues. Just as Zazu had been warned.

"Of course it does." The one who spoke before behind her. Claiming that he wanted her, snapped at the second one. From his voice he seemed young. Perhaps a year or two older than her. While the other one seemed older. Much like the one still standing in front of her. "The young should get the young. They make for better breeding."

The sounds of snarls and growls behind her made her shudder. The dark lion before her catching this. Snapped. "Enough the both of you." Adimu didn't relax even when she heard the two behind her settle at his words. The dark lion smirked looking back at Adimu. Who lowered her eyes to the ground. No longer wishing to lay eyes upon this stranger, who she incautiously pursued.

"Are you afraid?" The question was calm. But the chill that ran back through her made Adimu want to shudder. This time although she kept herself from doing so. Yet while she didn't. The lion seemed to take her silence as his answer. For a twisted smile of pointed jagged teeth formed in front of her. "You are? Aren't you." Slowly he began to circle her.

This time she got a glimpse of the other males as they too began to circle her. Like the vultures circle their pending pray or circling that allowed predators to know when a animal had recently fallen. Her breath caught in her thought when she looked upon them.

One was gray in colour, even his mane seemed gray among the brown mixed. With eyes like molten gold. On anyone other than him such eyes would have been alluring and beautiful. But they weren't on anybody else. They were on him and there was nothing she could think of that could possibly explain how wrong they were on him. Such beautiful eyes, placed on someone so vile on the inside. That they did not reflect beauty but arrogance which promised violence on her should she run.

His body was big. Not as big as the one she had followed. But bigger than her uncle Kovu and right about the size of Simba.

The third of them all. He looked just like the first. Only his brown fur was lighter. Lighter than both the dark lions and Kovu's. His mane was black as well. Smaller than the larger males. He was perchance a little older than Kovu or maybe younger or the same age. His eyes weren't like the other though.

Where the older male's was green just like her uncle's. This ones eyes were sky blue. A colour that was familiar to her just the same. Where had she seen eyes like that? Then it hit her.

Vitani.

They looked just like her Aunt Vitani's eyes. But they held no warmth in them. Her aunt may be a stubborn lioness. A free spirited one with an attitude that could make the males afraid to cross paths with her. A little bit snappy with cubs if they bothered her too much. But her aunt loved them and held warmth in those eyes whenever she looked upon her elder brothers only cubs.

These eyes despite their familiarity. The same with the dark lions. They held no such familiar emotions she knew in the eyes of her family.

But why…why did they look so alike?

No…that wasn't something she had the time to think about. They were circling her still, even when the dark one stopped back in front of her. The other to kept it up. Like they were anticipating her to run and ready to intercept her at any time should she try.

Which brought up the question as to why she hadn't run yet. She should run. Get far away. Get help…call for help…why wasn't she doing that?

Then she knew why.

Her eyes travelled to the lion's teeth and claws. He was so close to her that he could kill her just as she opened her jaws to call for help.

Adimu tensed as the dark one leaned in closer than he had previously. It was then she finally found her voice. "W-Wh-what do you want?" The words first stuttered out of her.

A look of dark glee came over the lions face. He let out a bark of laughter that reminded her of claws on the rocks. She resisted the urge to cringe. "Well looky here boys…she does speak."

"Her voice is as pretty as I remember it when I watched her speaking with Maji." The other brown one with the blue eyes smirked at her as he circled her for a sixth time.

Adimu felt her hackles rise again. He had seen her and Maji together. She heard it bettered briefly before but she was too afraid to dwell too much on it. But that lion had been close…how close? She hadn't caught any other scent and Maji must not have either or her brother when he came to find her.

Be brave

It was her mother's voice. Something her mother always told her whenever she was afraid as a cub.

To just be brave.

But Adimu did not know if she could be brave at that moment. It was then she noticed the dark lion was speaking. She lifted her fearful gaze to meet his. "You want to know what we want little lioness?"

"Y-y-yes." She found her voice again. Unable to get rid of the stutter that was a cause from her fear.

"I would think that would be quite clear." He smirked. "Wouldn't you?" He stepped closer till his muzzle brushed past hers. He smelled her scent. He must have liked something he smelled because he purred. Whether it was her natural scent or her fear she couldn't be certain.

"Tell me little lioness. What do you know about what happens when rogue males come to challenge a pride's ruler?" He asked her.

Her heart began to pound even more in her chest. As if something like that was even possible. But it did. Adimu knew the answer. It was drilled into every young one from a young age. What happens when another male wishes to take the pride of another. It was meant as a warning to cubs, for not only would a male leader die but the cubs in his pride were well. To make room for the new rulers future line.

Many prides she been told were different. In some prides the male leader mated with all the females and cubs would end up being his. In her pride it was different. They had always allowed new blood in. Well at times. All the cubs recently born and grown in years had some relation to each other to some degree. She and her brothers were related to the King through blood by the fact that their father had been Simba's cousin. By his uncle scar. And they held related through her cousin Ajali by the blood of both Kovu and Kiara.

But while their pride may be different from some others. That did not mean they weren't all told the same thing. Just in case something…like this…ever occurred.

The dark lion laughed. "I can hear your heart racing. So you do know what happens." He looked her back in the eyes. "So you know what we want. Best thing about this is…no cubs to kill so no whiny lionesses to worry about…well unless you weep for the lives of those males we are going to kill."

Her heart stopped dead. To the point that Adimu thought she'd die of fear. Fear not for herself but for her family. It was becoming clearer and clearer to her. They were here to take the females and kill the males. It was just as Zazu had warned them. Males that had taken the prides before they had come here.

But why had they left those prides?

And while she did not wish this upon anyone. Not these three. Why couldn't they have stayed with those prides? Why did they have to come here?

That was when something else became clear to her…three. There were only three of them.

A spark of hope began to form in her.

Three was only three of them and…"You will not win here." Whether it was out of courage or stupidity the words came right out of her mouth.

It caught all three of there attentions. For the dark one stepped back from her and the two circling her had stopped. All three were watching her. Two with sneers and one with a look of contemplated amusement.

With what she could only describe as a stupid ounce of courage. Adimu spoke up again. "There are five males here and only three of you. My Uncle Simba has never been defeated before. He drove off a tyrant King and drove the hyenas from the Pride Lands and fought and survived against another tyrant wanting to kill him and take these lands. And that was when he was just one male in this pride. Now there are five." Adimu could feel her courage rising again and brought herself to glare at the male in front of her.

Adimu didn't know what she expected from them. Had she hoped to see fear in them suddenly? To tuck tail and run? Whatever it was…it wasn't the laugh that came from the one in front of her. Soon followed by the other two joining in. They all laughed for what seemed like eternity.

With his twisted smile of jagged teeth. The one in front of her said. "Oh my dear." He shook his head causing some of his sopping mane to fall into his face. "Did you not think we did not know that? My sweet girl." The way he talked too her made her want to shudder and gag. She did not want to be HIS sweet girl.

"We have stalked this pride for some time now. We know what males you have. One old male, just starting to gray along the edges of his mane. A young male who looks strong. And three young males so wet behind the ears I doubt they ever seen a decent fight." The dark one chortled. It like everything else about him made her wish he wouldn't laugh.

Adimu could feel whatever courage she was gathering within herself wane just a little. A knot forming in the pit of her stomach.

Be brave.

Her mother's words echoed through her mind once more. Squaring her shoulders she tried to stand as tall as she could. Planting her paws firmly on the ground. Seeing this it only worked to make them laugh all over again. Finding obvious amusement in her all the sudden backbone. If she were any other lioness in her pride she might have smacked them by then.

But Adimu was never a fighter. A huntress yes, through and through. But fighting…she never enjoyed it. Not even pretend wrestling with her siblings and cousin.

She had no undoubtedly earned her nickname of miss prim and proper. No matter how much it quirked a nerve in her whenever it was spoken in her presence. But while she wasn't a fighter. Adimu had the suddenly urge to smack the smirks right off these three lions faces.

Never had she met anyone who took pleasure in someone else's fear or pain.

All she knew was stories. Stories from those who lived in Scar's reign and those who had lived and served her grandmother Adimu. The young lioness could not believe she came from such bloodlines. Her father had two terrible parents. Often she heard her brothers and sister whisper at stories told if they too developed those genes. As it was said there father had perhaps gone a bit mad in the end, but their mother swore she saw the old lion she knew had been in there before the madness of the Outlands had corrupted him and the madness that was Zira.

Sakina held firm to the belief that if Nuka had stayed in the Pride Lands. If she had only believed at the time he had nothing to do with Kopa's death. That Nuka would never have turned out the way he had being corrupted by his mother alone away from the Pride Lands. Away from the love that Sakina could and would have given him.

This was the first that Adimu was getting of the…real world and what truly lurked outside the borders of their lands. Evil may have been in the Pride Lands many years ago. It was all but gone when they were born…until this very moment…

Adimu's eyes darted around. Taking in the three lions but also looking for a means of escape. She had to warn the others. But if she roared here they would most definitely cut her off she felt.

She could almost feel and picture the claws or teeth buried in her throat to keep her from roaring for help.

No. In order for her to warn the others. Adimu had to get away from them. Even if they wounded her, as long as it wasn't her throat that could instantly kill her, she had to get away from them. Wounds would heal. No one could come back from death.

Adimu tensed all the sudden when she felt a paw on her muzzle turning her gaze back to the one in front of her. The urge to bite the paw that touched her was strong. "I know what you are thinking little lioness." A smirk crawled its way onto his muzzle.

"And what is that exactly?" Adimu asked with a inquiring tone. Bitterness dripping from her voice. What came over her she did not know. All she knew was she did not want to play their games any more. Not to be some damsel lioness who only stood quaking with fear and did nothing while these…dark things hurt her, her family and her pride.

"And you are wrong…my brothers do know how to fight…and they will defeat you…and if you think five males isn't enough to defeat you…then I and my fellow lionesses will." Adimu thought she had them there. They were the largest pride for miles around. Even other animals that came and went from the Pride Lands spoke that they were the largest pride that they seen or heard word of.

Not with just how many grown males they had. But the large number of females they had all the same. No doubt the entire pride would fight them. How could they possibly win?

Her words, however did not seem to have much to any effect on them. In fact the grins on their faces grew wider if it was possible for them too. The youngest of the three snickered and grinned at her. His teeth not as jagged as the others, she noted. "Little kitty has some bite to her. I like that." From where he was he took a step toward her but Adimu stepped back away from him.

This time actually bumping into the gray one behind her. She yelped jumping back away from him but pushed herself closer to the younger one that was advancing on her. His striking blue sinister eyes gleaming in the night. "Oh yes, this one is definitely mine."

The gray one behind her growled in disagreement. Opening his mouth to protest when the largest one snarled to silence him. "Enough, the two of you. You can fight over the females when we finish this pride's ruler and successors off…well after I've had my choosing." The larger one smirked. The two others scowled but did not say a word.

Turning his attention to Adimu he smiled a smile that made her want to shudder. Nonetheless she resisted the urge. Why give them the satisfaction of allowing them to see her afraid of them. It was distressing enough that they could no doubt smell it coming off her. She didn't need them to see it not like they had when they first cornered her.

Adimu was silently trying to figure out a way to get away and go for help. To raise the alarm. Eyeing her options and openings. She could feel their eyes boring into her. Expecting her to run. Something in her told her that it was exactly what they wanted her to do. Give them a chase. Call for help and give them a fight.

To lions like these, what good would a sneak attack and kill do. Not much thrill there.

Adimu wanted to gag that she was thinking like they would. But if it helped her figure out a way to get around them then she would.

Letting the idea's roll through her mind. Adimu decided to just act. Her red eyes lifted to look at the one in front of her as he smirked down at her. "As to your lionesses of this pride little girl. There may be some causalities. But you lionesses always become helpless after your males are gone. That is all we need…them…gone." He smirked leaning down towards her. Their muzzles barely touching. "And then you will be ours…just like every pride before yours has been before we grew bored of them."

His laugh chilled her to the bone.

Be brave.

Adimu slowly unsheathed her claws. The mud pooling around her paws concealing them from view. Working to not let his words effect her. Adimu forced herself to think positive thoughts. If she thought negative thoughts, and pictured them winning then she would get nowhere. No…she had to have hope. Always have hope, just as her family always told her.

If her family and pride could overcome all they did before, what was three male rogues compared to hundred's of hyenas that had once roamed the lands. That when defeated, had run like spineless cowards with their tails between their legs. If her pride could do that, they could send these three off with perhaps no tails to put between their legs but stumps to show they had messed with the wrong lions.

Adimu watched as he inched closer to her. "But if this is the spunk of this pride…I do not believe we will get tired of this one any time hoo-Hah!" His cry cut him off mid-sentence. When he was deemed close enough, Adimu struck.

Lifting her paw she had scratched him along side the face. Her claws digging deep enough that she tore at the tissue and the muscle beneath. This gave her the opening she was looking for. With that brief moment and sudden attack, the other two were briefly stunned at it while the one she hurt had put his paw to his face.

Ducking her body low to the ground, Adimu slipped her way past his raised leg. Ducking under him and making her way past them. She did not get far when they came to their senses and began to give chase to her. With no option in mind other than to call for help, to raise the alarm now that she was out of the danger of being killed…for the time being.

Adimu did not waste another second. Not even stopping her running. She opened her mouth and let out the loudest roar she had ever roared her entire life. The sound echoing against the stone of the kopje. Mixing with her misfortune with the howling of the wind.

New fear began to bubble up inside her. What if they did not hear her…

The young lioness did not have much time to reflect on that thought. When suddenly from she found herself rammed from the side. Her body flying off the ground only to land with a sickening thud. The wind knocked out of her. But luckily she did not hear anything crack. Unfortunately that did not mean she didn't feel any pain.

Fighting back the tears of pain that threatened to fall. Adimu attempted to get up but could feel her paw was sprained from where she had landed on the ground with it. Barely making it up with use of her other paws. A larger one than her own smacked her side and sent her sprawling back onto the ground.

Her terrified pain filled eyes looked up to meet the enraged green ones blazing above her. Blood soaked his dark brown fur. The rain falling was making it drip down more onto the ground each time the rain hit that side of his face. The dashes were deep that they were sure to scar over. If only she had taken out those monstrous green eyes while she had been at it.

So much for not wanting to show fear. Now Adimu could not hold it back. The paw on her pushed her more into the much. A gasp escaping her from the pressure his paw caused on his chest. "I press any harder and I suppose I'll break a rib." Adimu let out a gasping cry when she felt him do exactly that. The rib did not break but any more pressure and it threatened to do just that. "Would make up for what you did to my pretty face. Now wouldn't it." Adimu kept herself from crying out this time when she felt his claws unsheathe. Puncturing her just a bit. But the more he pressed his paw the deeper they dug.

"Brave." A word she had not exacted to come out of his mouth. Not a compliment exactly a compliment she wanted to hear come from him. "I will give you that." He bent down over her. His blood dripping from his wounds down onto her. Now soaking her own brown fur with his blood. "But foolish…I could have allowed you to live little girl…now I do not think I will give you such honour."

A soft whimper came from Adimu's mouth before she could even stop herself. The thoughts racing through her mind was her family. Would she ever see them again? Why hadn't she just stayed in the den? Even if they still attacked…The tears that had threatened to fall were now slipping freely from her eyes. But with the rain one could not see them. "Mother…" She could barely whisper with the pressure on her chest.

Closing her eyes, Adimu braced herself. Not wishing to look into those eyes or that face. Bad enough it would be the last face she ever saw. No…not if she pictured something else. The image of her mother floated behind her closed eyes. With that thought in mind, Adimu braced herself for the pain that she knew was to come.

It was just when she was to feel his jaws around her neck. That something sounded across the plains and into the night. Something that brought new hope to her heart. A piercing roar echoed around them. A roar that was ever familiar to her…no it wasn't the Kings…nor her uncles or brothers…it was…

The dark lion and Adimu lifted their heads simultaneously. One with dark brooding surprise, the other with hope.

Eyes opening Adimu stared with the dark lion in the direction the roar had come from. And there she stood, her pale fur soaked from the rain…anger on her face. Anger directed at the very thing that stood over Adimu. More anger than the young lioness had ever seen on her face or thought possible that there could be seen.

Green eyes glared back into darker green. Paws firmly on the ground the lioness stalked forward, claws digging into the ground with every step. Firmly her voice spoke one demand that sparked emotion inside the young lioness.

"Back away from my daughter!"


Once again sorry for the late chapter. Will need to keep trying harder when I am actually able to write when the ideas flow through my head.

Hope you don't mind I leave this here. Did not want to do the whole attack with one chapter.

Hope you enjoyed and please remember to review. Thank you.