Chapter 10: Just Friends?

Zula, Drayden and Jayden briefly toured the Pride Lands at a leisurely stroll for about an hour. Along the way, Jayden and Zula introduced as many Pridelanders as possible to Drayden. Jayden wasn't sure how well he was doing remembering their names, but he didn't show any sign of confusion as they went on.

Along the way, Jayden re-met Jai and his parents, Jai Senior. And Toni. Jai's mane had grown in too, of course. It was the same size as Kivu's though the tuft of hair on top stuck out more than Kivu's and pointed to one side. His blue eyes were as striking as ever. Toni and Jai Sr. looked well and happy. Jayden had heard from Tempest about Jai's apprehension toward his father when they met for the first time two years ago before the battle with the Black Pride. Things between Jai and Jai Sr. must have been worked out long ago, for when the three approached, Jai was talking excitedly to his father, and when he introduced Jai Sr. he used the words, "my father."

Jayden was glad for them. She didn't know what it would be like to not know her father. Jai met his when he was almost full grown. That is something rather hard to accept at first, but it looked like now they were fine.

After a short conversation, Jayden, Zula and Drayden moved on. He was introduced to nearly the whole Pride now. Jayden was surprised, but she never saw the adolescent named Ahila that Mebala and Taeliss mentioned. She asked Zula about her, but the gray lioness shrugged and said,

"She wanders around the lands sometimes."

Jayden wondered about her for a while, then her thoughts drifted to Dark. They hadn't run into him during their walk and Jayden was glad for that. The more she thought about it though, the more she relized she needed to see him in a normal setting so she could become more used to Dark just being a lion in the Pride Lands. A friend. She didn't really want to talk to him, she didn't trust herself to do that yet, but to be around him with other friends nearby would be good practice.

The trio of young adults were heading home now that the sun had begun to fall.

"Have I met everyone now?" Drayden asked his two escorts

"Nearly." Zula said.

"You didn't meet the King and Queen yet, did you?" Jayden asked.

"I did. Before lunch." the lion reported.

"You were napping." Zula told Jayden.

"Oh yes. What did you think of them?"

"Kovu and Kiara were very kind. They welcomed as if I was a long lost cub of theirs…are they like that with all strangers?"

"I don't think so." Jayden said.

"No way." Zula said clearly. "Just before your Pride came, we had a problem with a male stranger. Bigger than you." She gestured with her head at Drayden.

"Is that possible?" Drayden joked, looking at Jayden to see if he made her smile. She did for a flash of a moment. Drayden wasn't a very big lion which made a smile come easily.

Zula went on. "Anyway, he came into the Pride Lands several days in a row. Kovu had to fight him a total of three separate times before the lion finally gave up."

"What did the lion want?" Jayden asked. "Surely he didn't think he could beat Kovu and take over the lands, did he?"

"I heard from someone else he only wanted a few of our lionesses to leave the Pridelands and join him. He was persistent and wouldn't take no for an answer, even when Kovu reported no lionesses wanted to go with him. He had asked them, you see, before the stranger came back the second time. Kovu doesn't force any lion or lioness to stay or go in the Pridelands." Zula told Drayden. He nodded. He had heard this before from Vitani. Kovu had allowed her and her family to leave two years ago, so clearly this was true.

"After that third day," Zula continued, "The stranger never came back."

The trio thought quietly for a short time, then Drayden said, "If he had been charming and helpful, would Kovu have let him enter the Pride to stay if he asked?"

"Um.. I'm not really sure." Zula said after a moment of hesitation.

"I don't think so." Jayden spoke up. "He and Kiara let you in easily because you are with us. Well my mom and her Pride I mean. She's Kovu's sister afterall. Any friend of her's is a friend of his, I'm sure he would say. There are many males in the Pridelands because they are family. Kivu of course. And Clous. Jai and his father. Nundi, Malowa, they've all been born into the Pride or in Jai Senior's case, family of one born into the Pride. None are strangers.

"Dark." Zula said suddenly.

"What?" The brown lioness said, startled. Then she realized.

Oops. In her attempt to forget her feelings for him, Jayden had forgotten Dark.

"What about Dark?" Zula said, looking at Jayden. "My brother wasn't born into the Pride."

"Of course," Jayden said, feeling bad, she hurriedly added: "I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything. Dark was a special case. He wasn't born into the Pride, but brought as a cub. I think that makes him pretty close to being born in though." she tried. "He grew up here, I mean. So of course he's not a stranger…"

Zula nodded and Jayden watched her carefully. Had she made her friend mad?

Drayden looked a little confused and Zula caught his expression. She seemed glad to explain how Dark was brought to the Pridelands by his biological mother, a black lioness, and the black cub was adopted by Sanu, Zuna and Zula's mother though at the time, the twins hadn't been born yet.

Jayden relaxed while the gray lioness was telling the story, because her friend was using a light and friendly tone. She wasn't angered. Jayden felt so relieved. The last thing she wanted to do was lose one of her only friends. Zula and her twin sister both were fiercely protective of Dark because he was different and had been treated differently in the past.

As the trio approached Pride Rock, they could see the entire Pride gathering around the clearing in front of the rock. It was almost time for the spar. The lions and lionesses that were present were forming a large circle. In the center was a large space, big enough for two fighters with some extra space for them to roll around, leap or dodge. The fighting would soon begin once everyone was seated.

Kovu and Kiara sat to the far left of the circle, and Simba and Nala were next to them. Kiara's youngest cub, Afia, was resting in her paws. Jayden spotted Kivu, Ciara, Jai, Tali, Mani and even Tempest had made it out, though she was laying down. She was smiling and talking happily to Ciara and Tali. They laughed merrily at something she said. Jayden smiled. It was great to see Tempest out and with some energy. The rest and medicine had done her a world of good. Of course the wounded lioness wouldn't fight this night though. She still needed time to heal.

At least I hope she realizes she can't fight tonight! Jayden thought. I'll be sure of it. A wicked smile came to her lips as she envisioned herself planting her bottom on her older, yet smaller sister to hold her down.

Drayden had moved away from Zula and Jayden since Koru on the far side of the circle was calling him over. Jayden spotted Tome and Dayya, but before she could walk over to join them, Zula quickly whispered in her ear, "Something going on between you two?"

"Huh? Who?" The brown lioness said, genuinely confused.

"Drayden!" she hissed, her orange-red eyes gleaming with excitement. "He couldn't keep his eyes off you nearly the whole time we were out."

"What? He wasn't looking at me. Only when I was talking. That's just being polite, Zula."

"I'm not so sure." she smirked.

"You're imagining things."

"So there's nothing going on between you two?"

"No."

"Not boyfriend and girlfriend or anything like that?"

"No."

"Has he ever said he likes you?"

"No! Do you live in a fantasy world, Zula?"

"Sometimes." she joked.

"Come on. We're just friends. Some people think we're a couple because our names sound similar. Don't be one of those people. Our names have two different letters, so obviously we're not a match." Jayden teased.

"That's not why I thought-"

"Shush. Come on, let's sit down, your sister and mine are waving their tails at us to come over."

Zula sighed dramatically with frustration, but followed her friend. Jayden walked over to her sister's side and sat down.

She never thought about if Drayden really liked her in the way Zula implied. Jayden never noticed his ice blue eyes trained on her for longer than necessary. Surely Zula was imagining things.

Jayden's eyes wandered to several lions down where Koru and Drayden sat. They talked to each other about the spar. Are you entering? Who do you hope you fight? I hope it's not Kovu. Things like that. Suddenly, Drayden began to look at her, but she quickly turned her eyes away.

What if he did like me? Jayden thought, and had no answer. Why can't I like him back?

Another voice came in her head. It's too soon.

Yes…it is.

Her eyes wandered, looking for Dark. He was missing. Oh no, wait. He was laying beside Clous and Sanu on the other side of the circle near the King and Queen. Sanu was speaking to him, but he looked a bit distracted. His blue-gray eyes were looking at his paws, some of his black bangs hung in his eyes. After a few moments, Sanu got up and moved to sit by Tikana a few lions down. Jayden looked away before Dark could feel her gaze as Drayden had.

More Pridelanders had gathered now. Jayden tried to count, but kept messing up because some lionesses excitedly moved around, talking to their friends. Mebala and Taeliss were among the culprits until Zula, beside Jayden, motioned for them to come sit down. Jayden finally counted all the lions, the number came to 31. That didn't include herself, or Ahila, who still hadn't arrived.

Such a mysterious youth…Jayden thought. Kovu's loud voice interrupted any further thoughts,

"Welcome! I believe everyone has arrived."

"Wait!" A young voice came from behind Kovu. A lioness came bounding over. No, not a lioness, an adolescent. Mid to late adolescent. She wasn't much smaller than Mebala or Taeliss, but certainly smaller than Jayden herself.

That must be Ahila.

"Sorry! Sorry, I'm here." she said in a light and airy voice, then dropped quietly in the spot next to Dark. In the glow of the evening, the new comer appeared to be light peach in color. She had long fluffy cheeks like Ciara or Kivu. From this far away, she couldn't see the color of her eyes. Sitting next to Dark, Ahila caused quite a contrast.

"As I was saying, now that we've all arrived…" Kovu said, looking Ahila's way on the last word. The Pride chuckled warmly, and the lioness looked embarrassed. "..We may begin our celebration. My sister is back! And with her, her family. Let us all give them a warm welcome while they stay while Tempest regains her health." Kovu smiled at Vitani from across the circle. Some lionesses cheered and Vitani waved her tail a little.

"A feast has been prepared. Prey freshly caught by Ciara,Tikana, Kanai and Nala will be served shortly."

"I helped too, Dad!" the light orange cub, Afia jumped up from her mom's paws.

"Yes of course. My daughter Afia caught prey too, but I don't suppose she's willing to share it." Kovu said with a fond smile.

Afia looked triumphant and shook her head 'no.' Kiara smiled at her daughter with pride and chuckled.

What could a cub catch? Jayden thought. Maybe they're humoring her.

"Before we begin the feast," Kovu went on, "It has come to my understanding there was some sort of announcement." Kovu tossed his head back and forth. It seemed he didn't know who it was that wanted to speak.

"I guess that would be me." Tempest's voice rang out over the circle of lions. She stood, somewhat shakily and Mani moved closer incase she needed to lean on him for support.

"What is it dear?" Kiara said kindly to Tempest. All eyes were on the light peach-gray lioness.

Jayden's heart was thumping. Booming. She's going to make the big announcement! I can't wait to see everyone's reaction.

Tempest smiled and with a puff of air, moved her bangs from her eyes. "Mani and I are having a cub."

Cheers went out. Mostly from Temepst's friends, Tali, Kivu, Jai and Ciara, even though some of them already knew the news. Others cheered as well. A few lionesses came over to congratulate Tempest. Kiara even went over and nuzzled the lioness.

"This is excellent news!" Kovu's voice rang out. "Especially for Vitani and Tome's Pride. Their princess will soon have a new Prince or Princess!"

More cheers rang out, and Vitani and Tome looked really proud. They nuzzled each other. After the cheers and congratulations, the feast began. Some lionesses drug in the prey the lionesses mentioned earlier had caught. Afia came carrying her own prey, which turned out to be a small field hare. Jayden smirked at the sight.

The feast was great, there was enough food for everyone to eat their fill. After a few minutes of digestion, the scraps were moved. The spar would begin soon. The night had taken over. Some light struck around, but most of it was reflections of the sun on the clouds. Lions were settling and quieting.

Kovu stood, "Who will begin?"

The Pride hesitated for a moment. Jayden knew Kovu liked for the spar to be fast paced, so she hoped someone would volunteer quickly. Kivu flung to his paws and stepped forward. "Who will face me?"

Jayden giggled. This was the silly boyish Kivu she remembered. Kivu was more mature now, but she was glad he hadn't lost his fun side.

"I've been waiting for this!" Jai, sitting only a few lions away from Kivu, stood and joined the brown lion in the center. Everyone cheered.

"This is a fine way to start this year's spar!" Kovu announced his acceptance and sat back down by Kiara.

"Go Kivu!" Mani shouted from the side lines.

"Go Jai!" Toni shouted.

"This battle has been long overdue." Kivu said dramatically with a smirk.

"The fight!" Jai said, and leaped at his lifelong friend. They tussled, pawed, bit lightly, pinned and tumbled. Just when Jayden thought maybe Jai had the upper hand, Kivu would turn it around and land many good blows. The moves were quick so it was hard to follow each detail. Yellow mane and brown mane mixed together in a blur as the lions fought. On occasion a roar, or snarl was heard, and only one or two yelps escaped their lips.

Jayden remembered Jai and Kivu had a friendly rivalry between them nearly all their lives. They've always been the same size and height. And of course their mane size, which mattered very much to the boys stayed the same over the years. Jayden wondered if they still fought about it.

On occasion when Kivu and Jai stopped for a brief moment, one gave the other a look with a raised eyebrow and they moved quickly back into battle. The taunting looks made Jayden believe the two still teased each other about their manes. Jayden laughed, it was very fun to watch these two battle. Finally the spar ended when Kivu pinned Jai hard in the dirt. Both were panting heavily.

"I give… for now." Jai announced.

Kivu grinned, and let the peach lion stand.

"Until next year!" Jai said, moving over to where he had been sitting by his family. Lionesses cheered.

"I'm unstoppable!" he taunted.

Jayden saw Toni nuzzle her son quickly. Jai didn't look embarrassed. She saw Nundi who was nearby roll his eyes though. The next match began right away.

Taeliss jumped up and then Sanu. Taeliss was much smaller than the older lioness but she didn't look afraid. Without a word, Taeliss and Sanu jumped at each other, and their spar began. It was gray-brown verses light gray with a flurry of paws, tails and teeth. Jayden noticed both lionesses had two different beautiful shades of blue eyes. That made her think of Dark. Jayden turned to look at him. He was talking quietly with the peach lioness beside him, looking back to watch the spar every few seconds. Jayden felt a quick pain in her chest.

Why is he talking with Ahila? It's his own mother sparing right now, he should be paying attention.

Dark's head lowered a little bit and he talked almost right in Ahila's ear. She smiled a small bit and responded quietly. Jayden's fur stood up on end. Her heart pounded.

What's going on? Why are those two so friendly?

"Taeliss is doing pretty well, don't you think?" Zula muttered in Jayden's ear. She focused back on the spar, heart still fluttering.

"Oh… yes." she replied. Taeliss is your new friend, you should support her. "Go Taeliss!" Jayden shouted.

"Yeah, get her!" Zula added.

Taeliss seemed to gain strength from their cheers, and leaped at the older gray lioness with renewed vigor. Sanu was more experienced though and matched her blow for blow. Jayden's eyes wandered to Dark and Ahila again. They were still chatting. It really pushed her nerves to the limit. She had to hold back any growls, and correct any angered expression that unwillingly came to her face.

The spar was over then, Sany had won. Everyone cheered for her, but many complimented Taeliss for doing so well.

"Good job!" Zula told her friend. Taeliss tiredly smiled and nodded in response as she sat down. Sanu had already returned to her seat.

Dayya, on Jayden's right sprang to her feet. "My turn!" she leaped into the clearing. Dayya was a pretty good figher as she grew into adulthood, and with as much hunting practice she had, she had grown muscular. It helped she had Vitani and Tome's genes in her too.

Tali and Mani's mother, Kanai jumped into the center to face her.

"Show me what you have learned, young one." she said.

"Woo! Go mom!" Mani shouted.

"You'll be impressed." Dayya taunted and their spar began. Jayden tried to pay attention, but again her eyes went to Dark and Ahila. They were still talking. Ahila's eyes met Dark's several times.

Is she flirting with him? she watched them. Were they smiling? A little… But she's just an adolescent! She has no chance with him. Right? They must be just friends.

Jayden turned back to the spar when lions were giving out cheers. It appeared Dayya was doing well. The pale red lioness gave Kanai a hard strike with her paw into the older lioness's brown shoulder, then used the other paw to strike her in the neck. It must have been a hard hit, because Kanai stepped back and shook her head a bit. But she leaped back into battle after a split-second.

Jayden didn't watch the rest of her sister's spar. She could not stop looking at Dark and Ahila.

What if they are a couple? her heart was sinking. Dark's just a young adult. He could like someone younger. Afterall, Mom is much younger than Dad. Jayden was starting to feel sick.

Cheers sounded. Dayya had won. Before her sister could return to her seat, Zula smacked Jayden on her arm. "You should spar your sister!"

"What!?" Jayden said. "No…"

"Come on!"

Dayya overheard, and called to her, "Come spar with me, sister!"

"Um, no that's okay." But Zula was pushing her. Jayden hoped someone would speak out and tell Dayya she couldn't spar two in a row, though there was no such rule like that.

"I challenge you in front of the whole Pride!" Dayya announced. The crowd cheered. Jayden knew she couldn't say no now. It was her turn.