A/N: Sorry about the scare last chapter, I was just really scared that I thought people didn't like my stories anymore. So, I wasn't sure if I should quit or not. But, that's somewhat in the past and let's move on with this chapter, which is very short. ...Enjoy. Ignore any grammar or spelling mistakes.

I don't know why I thought Farijika would come back. Of course she wouldn't; why take care of a runt? Although, that thought didn't answer why I'm still in here. I remember when I was cub staying in this inhabitable shelter and hoping to see her face again. I remember consistently going unconscious from starvation or thirst, but I didn't care because I kept that foolish ray of hope of somebody coming to get me. Again, of course, nobody showed up. I sighed miserably and asked aloud, "Why aren't you back?"

I was startled at my voice being gravelly, but I figured that either it was my dry throat or that I haven't used it these few months. With that in mind, I hobbled over to a stray puddle, which came from a rainstorm two days ago. I lapped up the small puddle, coughing as it hit the back of my throat, but stopped when I heard leaves crunching outside. I instantly shot my head up and shouted, "Farijika? Farijika, is that you!?"

I clenched my paw around my throat, thinking that would calm the soreness. The noises got louder outside, making my ears perk up in curiosity and causing a grin to spread across my face. It can't be, can it!? Forgetting about my injured leg, I bounded toward the entrance of the cave with a bit of excitement and adrenaline bubbling inside of me! I can't believe she actually came back, maybe waiting in here wasn't all for nothing!

Once I got out of the den, the light instantly blinded me. I groaned as I rubbed the burning sensation out of my eyes. As soon my vision got less blurred, I looked around, but didn't see Farijika anywhere. I sighed, "Figures."

Right when I turned around, an excruciatingly sharp pain shot up my left leg. I looked down and growled at the sight of my crippled leg; unfortunately, it seems like it hadn't healed since I broke, or more like mangled, it. The fur around it looked matted and the color is brownish, but I'm not sure if it's from dry blood or the possibility of decay. I retched a bit at the thought, and yet I knew it was stupid contemplation. Why would my leg hurt if it was decaying? Anyway, to keep from further harm, I just lied down and took deep breaths to block out the shots of pain.

As I was lying there, I started thinking about Pride Rock and how everyone was doing. I thought aloud, "I bet they're still completely mortified at dad's death. Oh, Aheiu! I'm such an idiot! Why did I practice my roar? Why did I have to be so naïve? Why-" I took a deep shuddering breath and sighed. I went on, "No point in getting frustrated or sad about it, it's not like I can go back and change the past; and even if I could, I would let myself die in the stampede. Sure, it'd be a brutal death, but at least no one would be too grief stricken. Plus, mom and dad could always have ano…ther-"

A choked down sob came out and I bit down on my maw to silence myself. I shook all the negative thoughts out of my head and tried thinking positively. There has to be a bright side to all of this…is there? I searched around in my head for something, until only one idea popped into my head. I exclaimed, "Uncle Scar! I know he's going to be king, and if I know my uncle, he's ruling just as fairly as dad. That's one good thing! I know he's definitely looking after everyone: Zazu, Tojo, Chumvi, Sarafina, Sarabi, Aziza, Chiku, Dalila, or Na…Nala."

Nala…I can't believe I just left her, left everyone. Maybe, I should've told Scar to tell them something so they don't think I just abandoned them or arouse them with betrayal thoughts. I covered my head with my right paw and sobbed a bit. I whispered, "When is this all gonna end?"

Right after I said that, I heard noises again, but now they were a lot clearer and closer. My head and ears shot up and started looking around to find where the sound was at. My heartbeat quickened when I thought of the possibility of a predator attacking. I wouldn't be able to fight them with the state I'm in. Although, that doesn't mean I can't die trying. I shouted, "Hello! Who's there?"

The noises got louder and I heard it in a brush a foot or two away from me. Slowly and carefully, I got to my paws and crouched down. I growled, "C'mon out and face me!"

He noise ceased for a few seconds, causing my heart to calm, and then the shaking started coming towards me. I unsheathed my claws, getting ready to pounce on the intruder. The shaking stopped once the intruder got out of the brush. My eyes widened at what I saw.

Cliffhanger...kind of. Honestly, this is just an excuse because I lost motivation to continue with the chapter, so I said, "Screw it, I'mma do a cliffhanger," and that what happened. I know lame excuse, but when in doubt...cockapuss (I know someone watches Nostalgia Critic). Also, Dalila, Aziza, and Chiku are just names. They aren't characters I named I just wanted him to name off more lionesses in the pride. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Please leave a review!

If you haven't read A Little Rebel (it's in the story: A Little Roar) yet, please check that out because reviews seriously motivate me to put up another chapter.

Disclaimer: I own nothing from the TLK franchise.