Sorry about the wait. I had to stop and make a story plan for a story that had a much longer hiatus going on.

This entire chapter was written in a feverish writing haze in the dead middle of the night. Literally 5 hours of nonstop writing, I practically have no clue where this chapter came from. It was like I was possessed into writing it. Sorry if it's an absolute mess, lol.

Chapter 21

"The Harvest Festival: Part 2"

'Zanui.'

'Zanui…'

Kiara's mind was racing and her heart was ice cold. Her limbs felt like they would go numb and fall off as she stared up at the lioness. 'Why did it have to be Zanui.' she thought bitterly. The many different kinds of lionesses and cheetahs in the room didn't hold a candle to the presence of Zanui. She knew she was alive, Shelyra had told her as much. But she never actually expected to meet her, let alone get kidnapped by her.

'Is their entire family just psychopaths?' Kiara thought with grit teeth.

"Princess Kiara." Zanui's voice bit through the chill of her fear, and brought her back into reality. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

'Huh?' Kiara's body was shaking like a leaf, and the look of intense confusion she was giving the lioness was heavy. "W-What… was that?" Kiara asked shakily.

Zanui's lips slowly curled into a small grin as she watched her. "It's not every day I get to speak with true royalty." Zanui said with eagerness, though Kiara didn't know if it was real or fake. "But you do seem terrified, dear. You have more power than even me!" she said.

'She's testing me.' Kiara said as she let a low growl hang in her mouth. 'She wants to find out how arrogant I am, and then she'll show her true colors.'

Zanui kept her gaze fixed on the small lioness for another minute, the low growl and the shaking showing her feelings. Slowly Zanui narrowed her eyes, which darted between Duma and the princess. Kiara panicked, maybe she'd been unable to control her feelings too much. She was about to be sent back to her cell at any moment- "Duma!" Zanui barked angrily.

The cheetah in the corner of the room flinched as she grew rigged, then she quickly stood in front of the queen. Kiara's eyes darted to the exit, wondering if the distraction was enough for an escape. Zanui stood from her spot, and walked until she was merely an inch from the cheetah. Zanui's size dwarfed Duma, and the cheetah looked like she was praying she could disappear within her own fur. "Duma." Zanui started with a sigh. "Why is the princess terrified?"

Duma couldn't meet her gaze, and she stared forward. "I-I don't-"

"What did you do?" Zanui said with a snarl as her eyes grew angry. Though unlike Shelyra she didn't threaten, only held her stance.

Duma withered under her gaze. "She didn't seem so scared before-" Duma tried to reason with her.

Zanui sighed, and lifted her paw to force Duma to look up at her. "I know you hate pridelanders, but a cub?" Duma's face faltered into despair as Zanui looked at her with pure disappointment. You could practically feel the shame washing through Duma. "I expected more from you."

Kiara was wrought with confusion herself, her breathing becoming uneven as she kept glancing at the exit. No guards, no door, her way out was right there. She felt herself lower to the ground, and she backed away from her spot slowly, praying not to be caught. Zanui poked a glance around the cheetah, and saw Kiara's attempted escape. She sighed sadly, and called out in a smaller voice so as not to scare her. "Please. Don't run away."

Kiara's body went rigged and she tensed up. She stood fully and tried to act proud. "I-I… I wasn't! I promise!" she felt the gaze of everyone in the room on her and shuddered. Finally she released a whimper she'd been holding ever since she got captured, and tears rushed down her face. "P-Please don't hurt me!"

Zanui turned back to Duma with a sharp glare and a hiss. "Get out."

Duma recoiled until she was nearly laying on the floor, and she began tearing up herself. "Zanui please! Don't make me go." she cried helplessly.

Zanui growled, "I'm not kicking you out of the family. But you will leave right now, and we will be speaking later." Zanui warned. She looked around at the rest of her guards. "Leave us, please."

Duma didn't say another word as she nodded and stood to her feet, slinking her way away from her. When Duma passed by Kiara, she felt a pang of guilt and apprehension hit her. With one last whimper she and the rest of the guards had left the room, leaving only Kiara and Zanui. The older lioness looked down at Kiara, and couldn't help but place a paw on her muzzle in disbelief. "Duma was not supposed to treat you that way…" Zanui made a few careful steps in her direction. "Princess, I apologize wholeheartedly for her actions."

Kiara's ears tucked against the side of her head, she dared a glance up at her. "W-What are you playing at?" Zanui looked saddened by that question and lowered herself in her approach. Kiara hissed and took a few more steps back, "No! S-Stay away from me. I won't fall for it."

Zanui nodded and stopped, laying herself down a few feet away from the cub and looking her in the eyes. "I'm sorry." she muttered. "I'm Zanui, and-"

"I know who you are." Kiara spat with venom. "You're the sister of that demon queen of the Nchi Kavu. She told me herself."

Zanui seemed taken aback as she looked wide eyed. "She told you about me? Hmm…" she put a paw to her muzzle in thought, then seemed to realize her company once again. "Well either way. I'm sure this all looks very bad. For all intents and purposes, to you it's seemed like we kidnapped you right as you were getting saved by your family. Only to get thrown in a cell I presume and…" Her eyes fixated on the princess again with worry. "What did Duma do to you dear?"

Kiara averted her eyes with a hint of anger. "I don't trust you. That cheetah? She kept me blind and unable to speak… And she kept throwing me around and barely gave me any water a-and-" Kiara's breath shook, and it was obvious to anybody that she was holding in an outburst.

Zanui growled and looked back towards the entrance. "I promise, she won't go unpunished for those actions-"

"But why!?" Kiara suddenly demanded an answer. "Why did you take me from my parents? Why did you let me get thrown around in a cell, if you apparently aren't a devil yourself?"

Zanui nodded. "All valid questions, Kiara. But I think they are better met with my own story." She looked down at the crying cub with regret. "And just maybe, we can start over…"

After we had gotten our fill of food, Niru and Makazi suggested we head to the oasis. I shrugged and went along with it, I had my reservations and I knew what Niru was playing at. But I didn't want to upset her, and she was probably growing worried by my seclusion. She wanted me to make friends. She also insisted on carrying me by the scruff there. Due to what Makazi had talked to me about, I did it without any fuss. She just wanted to be absolutely sure of my safety, and I couldn't fault her for that.

When we arrived, there were quite a few families of lions. Most of the adults rested in the shade, conversing with their friends. And what looked to be a dozen cubs were running around playing various games in the small field below. Some flew a thing that resembled kites, others played tag or hide and seek. I watched with mild intrigue as Niru stopped under a tree next to a few other lions. She laid down and deposited me into her front paws. "Niru! How are you dear?" One of the lionesses said from nearby, looking down at me curiously.

"Oh not too much, Mfanya." Niru said as she began to groom my face.

"Niru!" I whined.

She giggled, "You know, you're a messy eater sweetie. Hold still and you can go play."

Mfanya smiled interestedly, and tilted her head with a giggle. "Not much? You're a momma now and didn't tell me!"

I blushed and averted my gaze awkwardly with a grimace. Niru herself seemed to blush and stammered out a response. "Oh n-no. I'm still carrying, it hasn't been that long, Mfanya…"

She rolled her eyes playfully. "I said what I meant."

Niru finished pretty hastily with my face and head, and then gently nudged me forward out of her grasp. "Go play Abu. Stay where I can see you, okay?"

I turned around and stared at her for a moment, blinking unsure. I honestly didn't want to go play with the cubs. I wasn't the best at meeting people my age… Well, technically I was older than them? Not in this body sadly. Makazi smiled and leaned down, giving me his own nudge. "They're all pretty friendly, don't worry."

I nodded and sighed slightly as I turned and left the group of adults on their own. I really didn't feel in the mood to make friends. It might have to do with them being a rival clan, me feeling guilty about things… I had to relent. If I didn't play with the cubs Niru would think something was wrong with me, and then she'd never let me out of her sight. Curse her extremely high instincts that were coursing through her. Maternal lionesses are the scariest for sure.

As I got to the bottom of the hill and crossed into the field, I looked around for my best option of play. It would probably be the few cubs playing hide and seek. Some of the cubs playing tag were twice my size, and they would roughhouse quite hard when they had disagreements from what I'd seen. Crossing the field, I tried as hard as possible not to look timid or weak, I nearly got run over by a few older cubs a few times.

I patiently sat at the edge of the small field, waiting for the current match of hide and seek to conclude before asking to play. It wasn't long before I heard a hiss, and a whisper from next to me. I turned and raised my brow, looking curiously at the bush. "Hey, you're giving me away!" I heard someone harshly whisper.

I tilted my head, and could barely make out the color white hiding under the plants. I widened my eyes, and it wasn't long before she reached her paw out and dragged me underneath. "H-Hey!" I started before my mouth got covered.

"Shh!" She hushed me harshly, looking out around us in anticipation. She sighed after a moment, seemingly clear. She pulled back and looked me up and down with a raised brow, "I've never seen you before…" She hummed curiously.

I chuckled nervously and whispered back. "I like to stay indoors more."

She shrugged and smiled at me. "Oh well. Nice to meet you by the way. My name is Kivuli." I finally took a look at her. She was a darker shade of white than I had seen yet out of the Nchi Kavu. And the fur around her paws was darker, and had a few spots that were almost black. Her eyes were a super colorful blue that reminded me of the ocean. Her ears had the same black spots, and around her neck her fur was much fluffier and looked like a pillow. She was gazing at me expectantly as I widened my eyes.

"O-Oh. I'm Ajabu, nice to meet you Kivuli."

She hummed, looking out of the hiding spot again, then back to me. "What were you doing just standing out there in front of my spot?"

I shrugged. "Waiting for the game to end so I could join…" I fidgeted with my paws.

I realized something as my eyes widened and I sighed, putting a paw to my forehead. She looked at me curiously. "You okay?"

I sighed, "Yeah. I just remembered that I promised to stay in sight, and the first game I play is hide and seek."

She squinted her eyes and huffed, "That's pretty strict. Who told you that?"

I had to remind myself this was a child, more so than me. "My… mom…" I said reluctantly. It was best to lie now, rather than have to play a game of twenty questions.

"Does she always keep you inside like that? Now I know why I've never seen you."

I shook my paws in a dismissive way. "No. Just, she's having a cub, so she's really protective."

She made an 'oh' face, then nodded as she thought to herself. "My mama did the same thing when my baby brother was born. I get it."

Suddenly a voice assaulted us, "Kivuli! Come out, you won. Again." The voice said with a slightly annoyed sigh.

Kivuli giggled, bumping her shoulder into me as she ran out of her hiding spot. She turned and gestured for me to follow, so I did. She ran up to the slightly larger cub, who looked between us curiously. "Who's this?"

I quickly glanced over to Niru. She was locked in conversation quite passionately, while taking occasional glances. When she saw me she gave a nervous smile and nod, before continuing to talk with her friends. Makazi turned to me and rolled his eyes playfully, waving me off as if to say; 'I'll keep her calm.'

Kivuli gestured to me suddenly. "This is Ajabu! He wants to play."

"Well, sure." The older one said with a shrug as three other cubs stood by his side who were also playing. "But it's your turn to seek, Kivuli."

Kivuli nodded, and stood in the counting spot. "I won't go easy on ya just because you're new!" She told me with a grin.

This wasn't my first time playing hide and seek, obviously. I held myself back from a dismissive eye roll. The older cub huffed a laugh. "And no more hiding with others, it ruins the game. Alright let's go!"

At that, Kivuli began counting and the cubs scattered. I didn't know the boundaries of the play area, but assumed they would probably appreciate an area nearby at the least. I couldn't hide in the same spot I was just at, she'd no doubt check it first. I gazed around quickly, one sub hid under the bridge next to the water leading into the field. One cub hid around but not in the same spot Kivuli was just in. One hid behind a tree. And the older one had gone and jumped in a small hole, then covered himself with dirt. I'm sure his mother would love that…

I spotted a pair of rocks on the outskirts of the field, which was right next to one of the main streets of the town. I ran over and spotted a small gap between the two rocks, I could just barely fit and squeezed myself in with ease. The backside facing the street was more open, but the color of my fur matched the rocks quite well at a first glance. All I had to do now was be super still. I took a deep breath, and released. 'Become the rock.' I said in my head. I giggled, I was actually having a bit of fun acting like a child again.

Niru and Makazi were locked in conversation with their friends. Mfanya was quite curious about their ward. "So how is your new little one doing anyway? And you still haven't told me the story."

Niru sighed and averted her gaze. "I don't know Mfanya. Also he's… not my cub." She said simply.

"You hesitated!~" Her friend teased lighty.

Niru blushed. "Well it's true. We're his caretakers, and apparently…" Niru grimaced. "Apparently his parents died on whatever that last excursion the queen had was. She entrusted him with me, but…"

"But?" Her friend encouraged with a slight nudge from her muzzle.

"But Shelyra almost seems to… hate him. I know she's grouchy with everyone, but when she sees Abu it's like a switch flips in her brain. I've never seen her so violent." Niru contemplated as she looked at her paws.

Mfanya hummed and her ears folded to her head. "That's rough. I wonder why though. You know my mate Hanisi right?"

Niru nodded, and Makazi averted his gaze from the cubs playing to join in. "Of course." Makazi began. "He's one of the queen's royal guards. Everyone knows him!"

Mfanya blushed and giggled. "Of course you have." She cleared her throat. "Well, he told me some about their little expedition." The lioness looked around wearily for any listeners, then her voice grew quieter. "They were fighting with the pridelanders." She whispered.

Makazi nodded. "I heard. Something about their princess too. They captured her?"

Niru gasped and looked at her mate incredulously, "They did what? That's awful!" Niru expressed with disgust.

"Yes, they did." Mfanya confirmed, looking down at her paws. "My mate won't talk about it anymore than that. He says that whatever they were disputing over, everything's been solved. And that everything is back where it should be… I'm not sure what he meant." She shrugged.

Niru huffed, then hummed. "What did you bring Hanisi up for?"

Her eyes widened. "Oh yeah! He said something weird, well, weirder than the other things."

Makazi raised a brow, and she continued. "When he got back, he was relieved from duty for the day… He collapsed at home. He was completely distraught and he was crying. I've never seen that lion cry in all my years as his mate, other than our son being born."

"That's odd." Niru said worriedly. "Was he alright? Did you make sure he wasn't playing off an injury?"

She nodded eagerly. "Oh yes. He made it very clear that it was emotional turmoil. He kept saying odd things, 'They didn't deserve it.' and; 'Those poor parents.' and the weirdest one; 'Nothing we're doing is worth this.'" Mfanya finished with a sigh. "I can only guess he was referring to Ajabu's parents getting killed in the fight. It must be hard seeing your friends die in battle. I could never do it!" She giggled at the end, trying to bring spirits back up. However her two friends were deep in thought at those words.

Makazi suddenly looked up at her in curiosity. "Mfanya… Do you actually know who might've died in battle? So we can know who Ajabu's parents are?"

She shook her head with a confused tilt. "I… Well I never looked into it. Or asked. I could ask my mate when he gets back?"

Niru hummed with similar curiosity. "And what is your mate doing right now? Where is Shelyra?"

Mfanya pulled her head back, a bit confused by their slight interrogation. "I… We're not permitted to know. I'm not a royal guard." She giggled, looking between the two very concerned faces of her friends. Niru and Makazi were exchanging silent words when Mfanya stretched out. "You two are adorable, trying to help Ajabu by helping him with his parents after they've passed. You should adopt him!"

Niru and Makazi were too busy locked in their silent conversation to acknowledge her when she said that. And slowly Niru turned to Mfanya and seemed to fake a smile. "Well, that's all very interesting. Thanks for telling us about it." And Mfanya nodded and began rambling about her son.

Niru's gaze began to wander, back down to the cubs. She had a few questions for her ward now, she'd thought to never bring things up, not wanting to trigger any trauma. But things weren't adding up, and Niru was determined to get the answers she could. If only to help the cub she found herself loving.

When Niru looked down though, she didn't see Ajabu. Her heart raced and her breath caught in her throat. She stood up faster than intended, nearly tripping with eyes wide. Makazi was instantly on his feet as well, knowing what she was thinking. "Whoa whoa mama. Calm down." He said nuzzling her.

"B-But Ajabu, I can't see him." She started with worry.

Makazi sighed and stood in front of her, she gently tried to push him out of her way. Makazi nudged her lovingly, "Dear, I was watching. He joined a game of hide and seek. He wouldn't be a very good player if you could see him now, would he?"

Niru's breathing slowed, and she slowly lowered herself to the ground, cringing a bit at the pain of her sudden movements with how far along the pregnancy she was. She laid to the side leisurely, Makazi could still see worry edging her eyes. "Hey…" He said slowly, lowering himself down and laying by her side. "Take it easy honey. Don't give the little one in here a panic attack as well." He said gently resting a paw on her larger belly.

She giggled sheepishly, and sighed. "Sorry. It's just, well, you know."

Mfanya giggled, "I think regardless of what you say, you've already adopted little Abu subconsciously, Niru dear."

Niru rolled her eyes playfully, and shoved her friend with her paw. "You're so insistent."

"And you're so totally on board with the idea."

"Whatever you say, Mfanya." Niru added as she closed her eyes and rested.

The hiding spot so far had been perfect. A few cubs were found, the one under the bridge, the one near where she hid. And… unsurprisingly, the older cub hiding in the dirt was found. I was one of the last ones, and the game went off the 'if you're found you help seek' rules. But nonetheless they hadn't so much as glanced in my direction. I had this win in the bag.

I gazed forward at the busy street, watching families of white lions passing by. A few gazed at me curiously, but holding a paw up in a shushing manner told them all they needed to know. After a little while a lion began setting up on the walkway corner, not that far from me. He was old, with a long white braided beard. One of his ears had a chunk taken out of it, and his eyes seemed raggedy and tired. He looked around at the surrounding lions with what almost seemed to be disgust as he nudged a wooden platform into the corner. Suddenly he jumped up onto it and began speaking.

His voice was deep and commanding, I was surprised he wasn't a leader for Shelyra's forces. His voice grabbed many passerby's attention, "My people! The Nchi Kavu!" He called out. Many, once noticing who it was, rolled their eyes and continued on.

"Look at what they're doing to us! Look at where Shelyra's reign has gotten us!" He growled out with force, looking for anybody to listen to him. "War! Bloodshed! Is that what the people of our pride want? When they write the history books, do you want to be known as the ruthless killers? The pride that when given a chance to show an ounce of mercy, decided to step on it and commit heinous acts?!" Not a single person was stopping to listen, but I found myself slowly gravitating away from my hiding spot to listen. He glanced at me, but continued normally.

"We thought the bloodshed was over. Didn't we? Shelyra proved her stance on the matter! She cares not for your wellbeing, only that of the pride's! Our blessings shouldn't be something to be afraid of, they should be our pride and joy! The thing we live for!" He continued to preach in the streets, he was barely worried if there were listeners now. The most curious thing to me, was that a few guards passed but didn't seem to care either. Even though he was downright slandering the queen. Was that because she was currently absent so nobody cared? Or was the Nchi Kavu a free speech… pride? Huh.

"Where were you when history shifted?! When the anarchy of her reign ended? I promise you, if we have enough people, we can take it back! Take back our legacy, and our pride from the paws of that wretch! I swear this to you!" He glanced down at me again, giving a short smile before looking back up. "If any of you agree, if any of you wish to be on the right side of history, I implore you… Speak with me! We will bring change, this I swear to you, my people!"

I looked around, nobody dared approach. I felt the urge to clap suddenly, intrusive thoughts, doing so was definitely a bad idea. I agreed with this lion to an extent, and if he knew anybody else that felt the same… We might be able to stage a revolt. Slowly I approached him as he grumbled under his breath, "Umm… Sir?" I started.

He looked up and smiled again, waiting for me to continue. "I just… wanted to say that I agree with you. I hate all of this war and hatred. And-"

He held a paw up and chuckled, "Whoa, slow down there little one. I always appreciate another person willing to listen, but you're a bit too young."

I grimaced. "Are there a bunch of others like you? Others that hate the way she rules?" I asked carefully.

He leaned down to eye level. "Listen." He said with a sigh. "Go be a cub, little one. If you must help me, ask your parents and maybe try and steer them on the right path. But I will not endanger you." He ruffled the top of my head and stepped back, returning to his wooden post. He began speaking again, different words but mostly the same message, I stepped away and groaned. He wasn't wrong, how would I ever convince anyone of anything? I was just a stupid cub anyhow. Nobody wants my help, or to listen to me…

"Found you!"

I heard a giggle from right behind me and felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned on a dime to see Kivuli lounging on the rock right above me. I smiled and laughed, "Took you long enough."

She jumped down and bumped into my side playfully. "Well, you were a little bit out of the play area. But it's our fault, we didn't show you." She said absentmindedly as she looked up at the preaching lion. She raised her eyebrow. "You're better than me. I wouldn't be able to hide next to this guy."

I shrugged. "I don't know. I kinda agree with his message."

She rolled her eyes and jumped in front of me, looking at me with a playful sneer. "You actually listened to that loon? He's the pride crazy. My mom says he's senile, whatever that means."

I huffed and glanced at him, before turning to her again. "Well I didn't have a choice anyway." My grin returned. "So did I win?"

She rolled her eyes again with a giggle, then booped me on the nose. "Yes." I almost began to celebrate, but she interjected. "However, due to being outside the boundaries…" She looked me directly in the face with a mischievous look. "Disqualified." She announced.

"Oh come on."

"Tough luck." She began, walking back towards the rock. Her tail rushed under my chin as she passed. "Come on, we've gotta get back before they start again without us."

I began to ran to catch up to her, she weaved in between the cubs around us expertly as I struggled to keep up. I wasn't proficient enough yet as a lion cub, and my leg being slightly injured. So unfortunately before I could even react, I ran straight head on into someone. A larger cub, maybe twice my size. He fell over, thankfully not on me, as I fell backwards. I noticed that the ball he was kicking got quickly stolen by another larger cub who laughed as they ran with it.

The larger cub stood and shook his head, before fixing me with a glare. "Hey, tiny!" He began storming over to me as I looked up sheepishly.

"S-Sorry-" I started.

"Sorry won't cut it." He sneered as he sized me up. "You just lost me that match, I bet my allowance on it."

Kivuli stood in front of him defiantly. "Isn't that your fault more than his, Jabari?"

Jabari rolled his eyes and scoffed, lightly pushing her out of the way. "Stay out of it." He got closer to me as I slowly got to my feet. "Who even are you? I've never seen you around, freak."

The name hurt a bit, but I nodded with a smile to hopefully deescalate. "My name's Ajabu. Nice to mee-"

Suddenly he shoved me back to the ground with his muzzle and growled threateningly. "What a stupid name. How are you going to repay me for everything you just cost me? Huh freak?" He taunted angrily.

"Jabari, stop." I heard Kivuli command from nearby.

I felt my own anger rise, I was getting bullied by an actual child. The realization I was older hit me and I looked back up with my own scowl. But the size difference as he loomed over me really made me unnerved. He knew how to use the height advantage to look imposing well, most bullies did. He noticed my scowl and raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Now the little loser thinks he's scary?" He grabbed me by my scruff and tossed me to the side a foot or so.

"Jabari!" Kivuli screamed at him in anger. "I'm going to tell!"

The feeling of being thrown wasn't new, but the memory of the hyenas doing it made the action all the worse. I was now slightly frozen in fear, and I looked over at him with a lot more worry. He just barely licked his lips as his eyes met mine, "That's a better look. It suits you more, makes you look like prey."

He began to make steps towards me again, but Kivuli stepped in front of him and placed her two front paws on his chest. She tried to push him back. "Jabari stop! He's my friend!" She yelled at him fruitlessly.

"Make better friends." He said nonchalantly as he kept walking, her feet skidding on the ground.

"What, like you? You're a big bully and nothing more!"

He didn't seem to like that, so he pushed her with force and she did a few flips in the dirt. She shared one look with me as she stood to her feet, and looked back at the direction of the oasis, I nodded her way. Whether she was leaving to get help, or saving her own hide, both were better outcomes than both of us getting beaten up. He was a bully, but he wouldn't do anything too bad. She fixed me with a last worried look before she ran off.

"Finally." jabari said as he loosened his shoulders. "A lioness shouldn't see this."

"See what?" I asked. "I said I was sorry, I can't do anything else about it."

He loomed over me and snarled downward. "No, but the entertainment of making a freak like you hurt is a nice way to cheer me up."

I tried standing up again but he just shoved me back down into the dirt. "Stay down in the dirt, it's where you belong." He growled.

I stood up again, this time dodging his shove, but it only made him angry and he shouldered me to the ground with a lot more force. It knocked the breath out of me, not unlike the last hyena attack. I looked up with apprehension, I couldn't help my quickened breath. The mix of the hyena attack memories and the looming figure over me caused me fear. I didn't want to be scared of a common child bully, but I was a much smaller child, what could I do?

"Do it already." He sneered. "Cry for mommy!" He taunted me as he stepped on my paw while I tried to stand up.

I grimaced and grunted in pain, he stood on the paw I had just injured a day ago. My back leg. "Go to hell." I said simply.

He grit his teeth and stepped down harder, causing me to yelp in pain. I looked all around me desperately, looking for anyone who could help. But not a single adult was looking our way, the town was too caught up in their activities, and without taking a closer glance it probably looked like we were playing. "What, not gonna scream for mommy?" He taunted more. "Maybe she didn't want you? A freak like you probably doesn't have a mom huh?"

"Shut up!" I yelled at him. "Just take the apology and leave me alone, I'm sorry okay? I'm sorry! Stop projecting your own family problems on me!"

His face turned into such a look of hatred that I silently cursed my own mouth. Abruptly he stepped down even harder on my paw. I felt and heard a crack, and searing pain shot up my leg, I screamed. "You don't get to talk to me like that." He warned. "Nobody will miss a stupid little orphan. I will kill you."

One of the other cubs he was playing the game with approached and put a paw on his shoulder. "Jabari, hey man that's way too far-"

"Screw off!" He yelled growling in his friend's face. "I'll fight you too!"

I was too lost in my own pain, my vision became dizzy and I started to feel hot. He shifted his paw, probably unintentionally during his argument, and I released another scream as tears flooded my cheek. His friend pushed him off of me suddenly, and Jabari was about to start a fight when the cub pointed down at me. "Jabari! Look at his leg dude!"

I looked at it myself as did Jabari. It was not… right. It was definitely not pointed in the correct direction, and the sight of it made me scream as another wave of pain shot through me. Jabari was now backing up, fearful of his own actions. His friend shook his head. "Nuh-uh! That's messed up bro! I'm not getting blamed for that!" He said before running off.

Jabari was too stunned in his stupor to notice Kivuli return. "Over here! He's-"

I heard a loud gasp, "My baby!" Niru's telltale voice screamed in fear. I quickly heard pawsteps coming my way as a crowd began to gather. Niru laid down and gently as she could she lifted me into her arms, being apprehensive of my leg. I screamed in pain once again, and buried my face in Niru's chest fur and wailed. "Oh my ancestors! What happened!" She panicked as she inspected my leg.

Makazi took a look himself, filled with worry. "That's bad…" He seethed angrily.

"It was Jubari!" Kivuli accused, pointing a paw at him.

The cub was stuttering as he backed up and tripped over his own tail which was between his legs. "I-I-I-I didn't-"

"Yes you did, you were just bullying him!" Kivuli continued as she glared daggers at him.

Makazi raised his head, and glared dangerously at Jubari. "Is that true?" He took a few steps forward, and the cub shrinked inward on himself. "Were you bullying him?" He asked. The cub started stuttering but Makazi yelled. "Tell me. Now!" He commanded as his scowl deepened.

"Y-Yes sir." The cub muttered.

"It hurts…" I hiccuped in the pain. "N-Niru-"

"I know, little one!" She said with tears in her own eyes as she began licking my face gently. "Momma will fix it, I promise!" I had no care in the world about what she called herself right now. The pain was excruciating and all I could do was cry, my vision still dizzy and blurry from tears.

Another lion came out of the crowd, looking around and over at Jubari. "What's going on here? Son?"

Jubari looked over, and I could practically see the shiver run down his spine. "D-Dad? I-"

"Your son," Maklazi started with a growl. "Just broke my son's leg. His leg, on purpose!" He shouted, pointing over to me.

The lion, who was apparently Jubari's dad, looked over at me, then back at his son with the deepest scowl I'd ever seen. "You did what?" He growled with a deep threatening voice.

"W-What? Dad? You aren't even going to question it-"

"Look around you Jubari!" His dad screamed at him. Jubari hesitantly lifted his head and looked around at the crowd. They were all looking at Jubari with disgust, and he knew it. "Do these people all look like they're on your side son?"

Makazi returned to us, and he nuzzled my face. "It's okay buddy, we'll get you all fixed up alright? I'm sorry we took so long." He said as he teared up.

Jabari's dad was too busy screaming at his son in the back, so when he walked over I barely noticed. My tears barely came out, and all that was left was pain. Jabari's dad bowed so deep his muzzle graced the sand. "I am so sorry about his actions. I assure you he will be punished."

Niru growled as she continued to caress me lovingly. "Keep that bully away from my cub." Niru warned. "Teach him some lessons about anger while you are at it!" Niru yelled as her tears flooded her cheeks again.

Jubari's dad grimaced and he released a sigh. "You don't have to forgive either of us. Best wishes on your cub's recovery. I will of course pay for any medical supplies needed to help him." He promised.

"You better." Niru said with one last growl as she slowly stood up. I whimpered at the movement as she held me in one of her legs. "Shh… Shh baby I know." She said, beginning to carry me away.

Makazi and Jubari'd dad said a few words, a lot less heated than Niru's words, then he ran to catch up with us. Makazi leaned against Niru to support her as she carried me. The last thing I got a glimpse of was Kivuli, she looked extremely upset, but she still managed a smile and waved at me. I forced my own smile, and obviously didn't wave back.

Niru rushed so fast that Makazi begged her to slow down, I even almost wanted to ask as well but… Y'know. Pain. We got back to the den, and Niru rushed inside, grabbing a pillow and very gently placing me on it. "Stay." She commanded as she began searching around for what she needed.

Makazi looked helpless. "Niru, what do you need dear. How can I help?"

She hummed as she hurriedly searched through all of her medical supplies. "Get me the wrap and the splint." She told him.

It wasn't long before Niru was back over, with a host of medical supplies. It honestly looked like overboard, and I was the one suffering… She gently hushed me again. "Sweetie, this is going to hurt. But I promise it'll all help you a whole lot. Okay?"

I nodded, and she slowly started. The first thing she did was lather my leg in this paste and gently rub it in, I grit my teeth in pain. Slowly my leg grew numb, and she applied another type of paste. "This helps with the pain." She explained. She grabbed a mixture of herbs that Makazi had been crushing together. Then she offered them to my mouth, "Eat these honey."

I followed her orders and ate the herb mixture. It was very minty, and tasted bad, but I didn't really care right now. Niru sighed shakily, "Okay. I need to realign the bone, and then wrap it with a splint. This will hurt a good bit more but I have to do it." She placed her forehead against mine, a tear coming out of her eyes. "I love you little one." She smiled. I didn't have time to react to her words before I felt my bone shift with a pop, and I screamed again.

"I'm sorry!" Niru cried as she quickly put the splint around my leg and wrapped it before I could recover from the pain. "Momma's sorry! Shh…" Makazi did his part by gently stroking the top of my head.

It wasn't long before she was done, and my leg was in the correct spot. But now I couldn't move it, just great Daniel. Go and get your leg broken, why don't you? God I'm stupid. When it was done Niru gently picked me up, bringing me to her chest. It still hurt, but a considerable amount less now that it wasn't shifting any. Niru's tears came out in full now. "I'm so sorry!" She apologized. "I knew it was a bad idea, you're too little."

Great, there's also that. Niru's never letting me out of her sight again probably. She's going to coddle me until the day I die, and with Shelyra around, that might be soon… I grimaced, "I-It's okay Niru. It's not your fault."

"But it is." She said resolutely. "I knew your leg was hurt, I knew you were just a tiny cub… I should have followed my instincts the whole time. I'm so terrible at this!" She said sadly.

Makazi leaned into her and nuzzled. "Dear…" He started, but didn't get another word in.

"It'll never happen again!" She declared. "You're staying right next to momma until your leg heals. And even after that, I'll make sure I have an eye on you all the time." She said nuzzling me repeatedly. It seems she had already decided she was now my new mother without even asking, and the worst part was I didn't have the energy to argue.

"Mom- uh, Niru." That little slip is going to exacerbate the problem even more, ugh. "It's really okay. I've been hurt badly before."

"I know your heart hurts too little one. We're here for you. I promise baby." She assumed my answer before I could even continue.

"I just-" I sighed, relenting and deciding not to argue anything right now. "I think I just need a nap."

She widened her eyes and nodded, practically rushing me to the bedroom. "Of course, you need plenty of rest for that leg to heal." She gently got into bed, and placed me between her front arms. She nudged my broken leg onto one of her front paws, "Keep it elevated, try not to move it off. It will heal better." She instructed.

I yawned and nuzzled my face into her fuzzy chest, the reality of everything getting to me. I held back another set of tears I really didn't want to release. I was emotionally, physically, and mentally drained. Niru just shushed me and licked my back gently, "Sleep now cub. Momma won't go anywhere, I promise."

Makazi poked his head in. "Need anything else dear?"

She slowly shook her head and smiled gratefully at him. He came over and nuzzled her, then nuzzled me with the gentleness I'd only expect from Simba or Nala. "I'll be right in the kitchen, just call for me alright?"

One nod from Niru was all he needed as she laid her head down, encompassing my body in a shady canopy which also kept my paw in place. She yawned herself, and slowly her rapid heartbeat lowered until I could hear it. The gentle sound lulled me into my nap. It's fine, you'll wake up, and set the record straight. And she'll stop…

Caring so much…

Yeah right.

I think at this point telling her she isn't my mother wouldn't even work. There are just too many hormones for my argument to reach her.

I sighed, and tried to blank out my mind. Stressing won't get me anywhere, I still have to figure out how to escape Shelyra when the time comes.

Having two moms isn't weird, at least for now… Right?

.

.

END

I did not expect this to be a 3 part 'chapter'. Expect more on that story from Zanui in the next chapter, and the conclusion of the Harvest Festival.

Niru's emotions have boiled over and she has claimed this small sassy cub as her own. How's Daniel going to fix that? Will he want to fix that? Let me know your thoughts in a review! (And I'll try to reply!)

Thank you Greenegonenuts and Wyldclaw for the compliments, it means a lot.

Silverleone: I can imagine Niru and Nala getting into a contest. Winner gets a son, lol. Also yes Nala needs therapy, LOTS. Thanks!

vburro08: If you meant how many sisters does Shelyra have? Only 3, Zanui, Shelyra, and Sadaka. The only cubs Shelyra has are Niru and Miri. I promise there are no more surprise family additions. Shelyra's 2 sisters were revealed in chapter 15. Thanks for the review!

Plague Doctor 2035: Any questions you have will eventually get an answer, I promise. I'm sorry it take me so long to get to those answers, but... say la vie. When it comes to Kiara, lots of people have different responses to traumatic situation. I just wrote Kiara's natural coping mechanism to be sassy and try and pretend she's not in such a dangerous position, which sometimes cracks under pressure. She actually did the same thing when Shelyra had her captured as well, it was just a lot less pronounced cause there was a LOT going on. And next chapter will answer most questions about Zanui's people. As always thanks for your reviews friend.