I think this is one of my favourite chapters! ^^ I was hoping to get to 20 reviews by now but hey nobody's perfect! However, do not stop sending those reviews people! I need them to keep my morale up! Enjoy reading...

The Brink of Anew

Dawn crawled into the savannah. The grasses of the African plain were enveloped with the morning dew. This day was different from any other day. Somehow, the fresh air indicated the animals that this was a new day, a fresh start to a new beginning.

In the Zolo household, Zolo was out hunting for breakfast. Normally, the alpha-lion would order the other lionesses to get the food but Zolo was not your everyday alpha-lion. He was a responsible and independent lion. Hence, it was clear that Zuba got his attitude from him.

Zuba was thinking. Thinking about what should he say to apologize to Florrie, "Uhh.. Florrie, sorry for beating you up to pulp… No" that didn't fairly sound right. "Hey, your scars healed.. heheh sorry," that was even worse. "Please Florrie! Forgive me!" that was pathetic.

Nothing-quite sounded convincing to him. He spent the whole morning thinking up phrases for an apology. By that time, Zolo had already gotten their breakfast. "Son, if you keep that up, you'll give yourself a headache," advised his father, placing two preys on the table, "Come here and eat with me."

Zuba agreed with his dad and sat next to him. His mouth watered seeing the appetizing prey in front of him. Zolo took a bite and Zuba followed. "Son, why not just say sorry," Zolo suggested. "One simple word: Sorry."

"Easy for you to say, you didn't almost kill someone," Zuba muttered.

"How about give her some flowers?" Zolo come out with another suggestion. "Lionesses love flowers."

"Flowers? Where can I get flowers?" Zuba questioned.

Zolo giggled to his ignorant son, "Leave that to me. You just get ready for your date."

"But I haven't planned anythin' yet?"

"You haven't but I have," his father grinned, "Just go get ready okay!"

Zuba went along with his dad mysterious, unknown plan, having no idea what to do but just groom himself.

Over at the Lars household, Florrie was getting herself readied for the date.

During her usual morning hunt with her mom and the other lionesses, Zolo had a talked with her. "Florrie, I'm sorry for what happened the other day," he started.

"No, I was the one who started the fight," Florrie admitted herself, "I'm the one who should be apologizing."

"In any case, my son wants to make up an apology to you," Zolo continued, "He should be at the Flowering Grounds this evening."

"I'll be there," she acknowledged.

The Flowering Grounds was a famous place for romantic couples to spend some quality time together. She knew why he picked that place.

"Perfect," she complimented herself. She examined her refection in the water. A little unsatisfied with the scratch on her face, but she knew it would heal eventually. She was keen to meet Zuba, she really needed to set things straight.

After a final check on her tail, off she went to the Flowering Grounds.

The Flowering Grounds was located on a small edge of a cliff, near the watering hole. You can see the whole preserve from up there.

There were flowers everywhere from buttercups to daisies. The darling evening buds drew near sweet aromas in the air. The spot was the perfect destination to tighten up a relationship.

Zuba stood in the middle of the flowerbed, awaiting his fiancée to arrive. His head started doubting that she would come. "I wonder are these flower are the right flowers for her?" he thought, holding a bouquet of freshly picked flowers in his sore paw. While he waited, he admired the beautiful scenery of the watering hole.

As the gentle breeze blew his mane tenderly, a lioness figure appeared behind him. "Umm… Sorry for being late… again."

Zuba turned to the voice. It was Florrie. She looked beautiful. More beautiful than the last time he saw her. Well, that is what happens when you squinted you eyes all day. The drifting flowers that the wind blew perfected her image. "You looked beautiful," he said silently.

"What?" Florrie's ears twitched.

Zuba got a hold of himself, "I mean… Thanks for comin'"

Florrie smiled and stood besides her fiancée. His mane continued to wave along the winds. The day was rather windy.

"I-I uh. picked you these…" he gave Florrie the bouquet of flowers.

Florrie took a whiff of the flowers. They were both sweet and lovely. "Thank you," she responded.

"Zuba, I want to say I'm sorry…" Florrie started, "I wasn't nice to you yesterday."

Zuba was utterly confused. Why is she apologizing? He was the one who supposed to ask for forgiveness.

"I didn't mean to talk about your mom like that."

Zuba then understood. He felt a small burden on his chest was lifted. "It's not you fault."

"It's not your fault that I loved my mom so much," Zuba continued, a tear leaked out of his eyes.

"My mom was the kindest lioness I ever know. She was always there for me. When I was a cub she would always play with me when my dad was too busy with his duties…" Zuba's eyes started filming the good times he had with his mom.

Zuba's mom was a beautiful and elegant lioness. She was caring and loving. Like Zuba said, she would always plays with Zuba. She enjoyed pampering him as much as Zolo did.

Zuba remembered the day, he's mom played hide and seek with him. He'll never forget the day, she gave him a bath or the time she shared her piece of her meal with him.

He held his tears during the moment, letting some leaked out little by little. Each tear lighten the lumber on his chest.

Zuba told everything he want to say about his mother. Her personalities, her intensions, her desire, her everything. He even told Florrie, her wish on her final day.

"Zuba, don't cry when I'm gone, you'll find someone else to share your love. Don't forget: I'm always here for you…" Leila released her last breath. Zuba held his mother's lifeless paw and cried all with his entire might saying, "Mom! Don't go! Mom!"

The visualization ended as Zuba's last tear dropped from his chin, "She would always advise me to be nice to other lions. She taught me many useful things…"

Florrie whose eyes were also swelling felt even more blameworthy than she was before. She wanted to cry with him but she can't. She got near to Zuba and wiped his tears away. "I'm so sorry… Please forgive me."

Zuba smiled and sniffled a bit, "I'll forgive you, if you forgive me."

Zuba reached her cheek with his paw, the one that Florrie bit and started stroking the scar he gave her. "How could I ruin a beautiful face," his heart whispered.

Florrie was dazed at Zuba's action. Yet she liked the way he tenderly stroked her cheek. She then placed her paw on the paw he was currently motioning and affectionately helped him rubbed her wound.

Both of the lions felt a connection was being made. Both were pleased to know that each had a soreness to share.

Their eyes met, as they were a face distance from each other. Each having their own thoughts in their mind. Ignoring the evening scenery besides them.

Moments past, as they were still easing each other's pain. Than it hit them. What were they doing? Zuba carefully pulled back his paw from Florrie's clasp.

"Uhh… Sorry. I was distracted."

"That's okay…" Florrie said nervously, feeling empty without Zuba's warmth on her face. "Thank you, Zuba… Thanks for telling me about your mom."

"And thank you for listening…" Zuba replied.

"If you ever in trouble, I'll be glad to lend an ear," Florrie offered, sympathizing Zuba.

Zuba nodded gently, approving to Florrie's bid. He turned to the side to view the spectacular sight of the savannah he nearly missed.

Florrie joined him afterward. They spent the entire evening watching the sunset and the birds that flew by it, keeping the distance from each other. It was the moment that Florrie had wished for. The only thing missing was her prince charming.

"Maybe Zuba CAN be my prince? But he's the type I'm looking for," Florrie thought, seeking answers in her heart. She really can't endure the feelings she had for Zuba…

Wordlessly her heart whispered, "But maybe this was just sympathy."

You guys should be lucky that I updated this today... I must admit, I too was excited for this chapter but the next one must have enough reviews you got that? Thanks! Muahahahaha-haks-haks *cough* ...Sorry... ^_^