I got this idea from a story called 'A Light for everyone' by Alex Draco. The beginning of this story is similar to the beginning of his. However, my story goes in a bit of a different direction. But it was inspired by that story! You should go check it out, it's very well written in my opinion. One more thing. I am using some of Tearthgrrl OC's, just because they really add to the story. Tearthgrrl hasn't added anything to her profile for three years now, so I figured it would be okay to use some of her OC's. But credit where it's due!

Tearthgrrl OC's:

Maumbu- Eds big brother, a healer, sort of like Rafiki.

Hasina- Maumbu's mate

By the way, whenever you see : ()()()()()()(()(())(), it means the point of view is changing. Also, I did some research and it turns out that even if a person is totally blind, they will still be able to see random lights and colors, those lights and colors just don't correspond to what is actually in front of them. But for the purpose of this story, total blindness will mean that all the person will be able to see is darkness. No lights or colors, just a black void. To clear things up, 'Macho' means 'vigilant' in swahili. And the name is pronounced 'maco' don't pronounce the ch sound.

Anyways, on with the fanfic!

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Macho's POV

Macho breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Banzai exit the den. The lions hadn't killed him! Then he saw who was walking behind him. It was Matriarch Shenzi! Banzai had found her! But where were the lions that had entered the cave after him? Surely they wouldn't just let two trespassing hyenas go? Macho froze when he saw the lions exit the cave behind his comrades. They were going to pounce!

Then, he heard one of the lions shout a good bye. The lions were saying goodbye? Why would they do that? Oh, but it didn't matter. They had found Shenzi! Life could go back to normal, crisis averted.

Banzai and Shenzi approached. Macho was jubilant. Shenzi was alright! They had feared the worst when she had disappeared, but it seemed their worries were for naught. Then Macho saw the expression on Banzai's face. It looked like Banzai was distraught! But what for? What had happened? Banzai made it to their group, and cleared his throat.

"I found Shenzi, but there's a slight, errr, problem." Macho saw saw Banzai swallow as he stepped aside, showing Shenzi standing behind him. "She's well, uhh…"

"I'm blind." Interjected the Matriarch, with a scowl on her face. "I can't see."

Macho's eyes widened. What did she just say? He looked at his Matriarch in disbelief, hoping that it wasn't true. But Shenzi stayed silent. And when he looked into her eyes, they were completely gray, lacking an iris.

The other hyenas were similarly shocked. They stared at Shenzi, trying to make sense of the words that came out of her mouth. How could Shenzi, their Matriarch, be blind? It was as if an important part of their lives had been taken away, since their Matriarch was their leader, the one hyena who always knew what to do, and would always make the right decision. If she was blind, what would happen to them? Would she still be able to lead?

After a few moments of awkward silence, Shenzi cleared her throat.

"Okay, that's enough. Now, lets just get back to the Graveyard. Banzai, wherever you are, lead the way."

"Umm, Shenzi, you want to lean on one of us? So you know where to go? Asked Banzai.

"NO. I'll just follow the sound of your footsteps. I don't need any help." Shenzi snapped, clearly furious. "And if any of you think me incapable of anything, I swear, I'll scratch your eyes out!"

It seemed to Macho that Shenzi didn't want to talk about her infirmity. He supposed she didn't want to look weak in front of her clanmates. A Matriarch had to be always strong, or risk being challenged for her position.

"Alright then, let's go. We should get back to the Graveyard in time for the noon hunt, unless,you all want to stay up and hunt overnight." Macho said, wanting to change the subject. The hyenas set off back the way they came, and Macho noticed Banzai and a few other hyenas deliberately making sure to drag their feet over the grass, as to make more noise for Shenzi to follow. Macho didn't think Shenzi should be worried about her position. Her hyenas would support her whenever necessary.

After walking for a good hour or so in silence, they again arrived at the Graveyard's borders. Macho turned around and looked back into the Pridelands, the forbidden pristine paradise seemingly taunting him to stay in it. Macho gave a sigh. The hyenas would never be able to enter the Pridelands, the hate between them and the lions was just too strong.

Macho slid down the ravine, and Banzai came after him. Home sweet home, Macho thought. Then, he and Banzai looked at each other in horror. The ridge, Shenzi wouldn't be able to see the ridge! She would walk right over it, unaware the drop was there until it was too late. Banzai reacted first, turning around to yell a warning to Shenzi, but it was too late. A yelp of surprise came from above them, and Macho saw Shenzi tumble down the side, rolling down it. She slammed into Banzai, and they both went sprawling.

That was bad.

Shenzi recovered first, getting up with an angry scowl on her face. Banzai dazedly got up too, with a look of concern on his face instead.

Shenzi looked around, or tried to, since she couldn't see. Then she bared her teeth at no one in particular.

"Not a word about that to anyone, or I'll see that hyena on waste duty for a month!" She said, very angry. Macho swallowed. Shenzi really hated to mess up in front of her clanmates. She probably wasn't kidding about waste duty either. Having to clean up feces for a month was not Macho's idea of fun.

"Okay Banzai, come here." Said Shenzi, still angry.

Banzai scampered up to his matriarch and quickly responded.

"I'm here" he said.

"Lead me to Hasina's den, I need to talk to her."

"Course Shenzi."

"As for the rest of you, go off on another hunting party. Rest time is over. We need to work on refilling our stocks again. Now get to it!" At her command, Macho and the rest of the hyenas scampered off.

Macho hoped the rest of the clan wouldn't react too badly to Shenzi's problem. They were all fiercely loyal to her, but would a blind Matriarch's still be able to lead them all the right way? Macho brushed off the mutinous thoughts. Shenzi always did the right thing before, there was no reason she couldn't lead the correctly now.

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Banzai's POV

Banzai checked behind him to make sure Shenzi was following him. He was doing his best to discreetly hum, so that Shenzi would have a noise to follow. Even though he now knew that Shenzi could no longer see, Banzai still couldn't really believe it. Shenzi always seemed to know what she was doing! How could she now hunt along with him now that she couldn't see the prey! How could she fight off challengers if she couldn't see the foe? How could she chastise him for his mistakes if she couldn't see him make them? Oh, it was all so horrible!

They were currently walking through a deep ravine, with red geysers dotting the edges. The geysers were active, so the place was filled with steam. Banzai made sure to take a long path around the geysers, to avoid any chance of Shenzi falling in. All the while, he continued his humming.

They exited the ravine, and traveled through a series of caves. The hyenas had to live in caves to avoid detection by the lions. unfortunately, those two lions that had healed Shenzi now knew there were still hyenas around. Banzai dearly hoped the lions would continue to ignore what was left of the hyenas. Finally, they arrived at Hasina's den. Inside, Banzai heard the hungry squeals of pups. He had forgot that Hasina had given birth! At least that was good news.

Hasina! Would you accept visitors at this hour?" Asked Shenzi, as she stood outside the den. Banzai figured that she had heard the pups, and had surmised that they had arrived.

"Yes, I would. Come on in!" Responded Hasina from within the den.

Shenzi nudged Banzai. "Where exactly is the entrance?" She whispered to him. Banzai took her paw and pointed her a few feet to her right. She grunted a thanks, then walked forward into the cave. Banzai followed her in, and made sure to tap her on the shoulder to stop her from bumping into the cave wall. All the while, he could tell Shenzi hated to be dependent on him.

Hello Hasina" Shenzi said as she sat down. "How are the pups?"

"The pups are doing fine. A bit hungry, but Maumbu always can dig up some extra food for them. They like to play, but they wear themselves out soon enough." Responded Hasina.

"And how are you doing?"

"Less tired now that it's been a while since I gave birth, but the pups still tire me out with their antics. Maumbu has to stay longer at his healer's den since there's been a rash of colds going about, but he still finds time to play with our pups."

"Is Maumbu tired from so many patients?"

"Some days. Most of the time it's just hunger pangs and cramps that he has to help with. It's a bit rare that he actually has a disease to work with. Truth be told, I think he's glad for the recent colds. He finally has something else to treat.

"I'm sure he's still serious about stopping the colds." Responded Shenzi.

Banzai stood behind his friend as she and Hasina talked. So far, Shenzi had not told Hasina that she was blind. He supposed she just didn't want to talk about it. He wouldn't have wanted to either. But she would have to tell everyone eventually, a secret such as this one didn't stay hidden for long. Then, Shenzi wrapped up her conversation with Hasina.

"So Maumbu is at the healer's den?" Asked the Matriarch.

"Yes, he is. He's not due back for a few hours yet."

"Okay. Thank you Hasina, I'll drop by later. For now, goodbye." Said Shenzi, as she backed out of the cave. Banzai followed her. Shenzi took a few probing steps and walked away from the cave mouth.

"So Shenzi, are you planning to go to Maumbu?" He probably isn't busy during the noon hours."

"No Banzai, I want to go off to talk to some lions. Of course I want to go see Maumbu! Why do you think I asked Hasina where he was?" She said sarcastically. "Now, lead the way." Banzai started to hum again, and they set off to the healers den.

When they arrived at Maumbu's, Banzai and Shenzi entered.

"Hey Maumbu! Shenzi's here to see you!" Banzai called out. From a corner, a sleeping figure gave a start, and then quickly got up.

"What? Oh yes, sorry Matriarch Shenzi, I'm awake, I'm here." Said Maumbu. However, it was clear he was only half awake. He looked rather drowsy.

"Maumbu, I need your advice. Do you have any herbs or treatments for…"

"A cold?" Interrupted Maumbu.

"Don't Interrupt me!"

"Sorry! Sorry, I'm sorry." Maumbu amended quicky. His eyebrows were only halfway up. He was trying hard to wake up completely.

"Not for a cold, but rather, do you have anything for, well…. Blindness?"

"Blindness? Like a hyena has got gunk in his eye, or like his vision is fuzzy? From lack of sleep of course," grumbled Maumbu.

"No, I mean, if even a hyena has their eyes wide open, they can't see anything but blackness. Complete loss of eyesight."

"Total blindness? Why would you be asking about that?..." Asked Maumbu. Then, he suddenly seemed more alert, and he looked closer at Shenzi, squinting as he did so.

"Oh gosh… Shenzi, I didn't know…"

"Shut up! Do you have anything for it?" Demanded the Matriarch.

"If you do, we need it quick." Interjected Banzai.

"Oh…. Well… Ummm… There might be a few things we could try, but truth be told, even if they worked, none of the required herbs can be found in the Graveyard. We would have to send excursions into the Pridelands. And we would also have to ask that blasted monkey for a few things. But all of the possible remedies aren't really for blindness. They are for other ailments, and probably won't help at all. None of what I've seen can do anything for total blindness."

"So you can't help me."

"No. I probably can't. We could still try though."

"Oh, never mind. It's not worth all the time it would take to gather said ingredients. The time could better used on more hunting parties. Food is becoming more scarce as of late."

Banzai felt so sad at that moment. Was there nothing at all that could help his best friend Shenzi? Not even fate could have been so cruel as to take away her eyesight. It was horrible.

"If you don't mind me inquiring, how exactly did you lose your sight Shenzi?"

"Sorry, Maumbu, but I do mind. Maybe another time."

"Okay. Sorry about your eyes then."

"Hey Banzai, take me to our den, I need to get some sleep."

It was clear to Banzai that by needing to get some sleep, she really meant that she wanted some time to think. He figured Shenzi needed the time alone.

"Well, come on!" Shenzi demanded.

"Oh, oh right, well then, just follow me."

Banzai went out of the den, and continued his humming. Shenzi followed close behind, and although he heard her trip a few times, which were characterized by sudden cursing, she kept up pretty well. They walked through a few more ravines, until they reached a secluded elephant skull which he, Shenzi, and Ed called home. From inside, he heard a mad sort of cackling.

"Well, it appears Ed's home." Remarked Banzai.

"Yeah, so he is…."

They both entered their skull. All the other hyenas lived underground, but since Shenzi was the matriarch, she chose to instead live in a elephant skull near the back end of the Graveyard. It was allowed since it was near multiple cave entrances, and was tucked away in a hidden corner, far away from prying eyes.

"Hello Ed," said Banzai, as he went inside. Ed sputtered a greeting, then, in a series of laughs only Banzai understood, asked him what was up with Shenzi.

"Listen Ed, Shenzi isn't feeling so well right now. That's why she is in a bad mood.

Ed asked if she had been at Maumbu's yet.

"Yeah Ed, we went to go see Maumbu. He didn't have anything for her." Responded Banzai.

"Huh. Nothing at all." Grumbled Shenzi. "Now if you two could clear out, I'm going to get some sleep."

Banzai didn't move. When Shenzi didn't hear them leaving, she got frustrated.

"Well, get on out of here!" She yelled, teeth bared. Banzai decided to leave. When he exited the skull, he saw Shenzi growling at them. Unfortunately, she wasn't even facing the right direction. Somehow, seeing Shenzi like that finally drove home to Banzai that Shenzi, was in fact, blind. She couldn't see anymore. And even though he would never admit to Shenzi that he really liked her, it broke his heart to see her like that. Sadly, he slunk away. Behind him he saw Shenzi curl up and sit down. Suddenly overcome with a need to apologize to her, he went back to the entrance of the Skull.

He was about to speak up when he heard a peculiar noise he had never heard Shenzi make before. Ever. It was the sound of sobbing! He looked closer, careful not to make a sound. He saw Shenzi sniffling, and tears run down her cheeks. It seemed she really, really needed her alone time. Banzai felt as if one of his last emotional barriers had been torn down. Shenzi never cried, but here she was, blind, and sobbing. He couldn't take it anymore! He had to leave before he himself started to cry too.

Banzai dearly hoped Shenzi would be alright.

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Well, sorry if this chapter felt a little forced. But I still think it's not bad. Anyays, I'm also sorry if you think it's completely out of Shenzi's character to cry. But I think it's fine here. Cause, now that Shenzi is the Matriarch, she is extremely protective of her clan. And becoming blind like that just took away her ability to do so. So she just needs to let all her frustration out. This is how she is doing it. So anyway, of you liked it, leave a nice long review. Anonymous reviews work just fine too! Constructive criticism accepted. No flaming!