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!

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()(())()(()())()()()()()()()()()()

Kiara's POV

Kiara watched the starving hyenas leave. A few minutes earlier, she and Kovu had been arguing over how she was supposed to help feed Shenzi's clan. Shenzi had explained to Kiara that since her hyenas were trapped in the Graveyard, they were starving. The Graveyard had very little food to offer, and even though the hyenas numbers were at an all time low, about fifty, they had trouble feeding themselves. So Kiara had promised to Shenzi that she would leave animal carcasses at the border every day from now on.

But Kovu didn't think Kiara had the time to go on an extra hunt every day, so he was trying to dissuade her from doing it. But Kiara saw how thin Shenzi was, and she didn't think any animal deserved to suffer like that. While they were arguing, they had heard the sound of more arguing coming from within the den they were sitting atop of. They had gone down to investigate, and had found another hyena called Banzai trying to tell Shenzi to come back to the Graveyard.

Shenzi simply was reluctant because since she was now blind, she wasn't sure she could hold up all her duties as Matriarch. But Kiara saw from Banzai's arguments that the hyenas really needed their leader back. So she helped him persuade Shenzi to return to the Graveyard. Shenzi had agreed eventually, and he had left with the blind hyena following close behind. Kiara noticed that Banzai was also extremely thin, his ribs were showing, and it was clear he hadn't an ounce of fat on him.

Once they departed, Kiara turned to Kovu.

"So then, you still think the hyenas don't need any extra help?" she said.

"Well… He did look rather thin…." Responded Kovu.

"Exactly. The hyenas really are starving Kovu, I'm just offering some help. There isn't anything wrong with that"

"Still…. If Simba finds out you're helping them, he won't be happy. Heck, if he finds out there are still hyenas in the Graveyard at all he won't be happy."

"But he won't find out. That's why this is fine. And if he does, maybe he should take pity on the less fortunate!"

"We'll just do the extra hunting while on patrol then." Offered Kovu. "That's when our absences are excused, and we go by some grazing grounds anyway."

"That's the spirit Kovu. It won't be any trouble at all!"

"Well, one would hope so."

"I don't hope Kovu, I know. Now, do you want to go back to Pride Rock?"

"Sure. I guess I'm not busy anyway…" Kovu suddenly paused. "Race ya!" He yelled, as he tagged Kiara on the shoulder and bounded off before she could reply.

Oh, I'll catch him yet! Kiara thought, as she sprinted to catch up. Kovu had a huge lead, but like always, Kiara was a much faster runner. And despite what Kovu would claim, he didn't have a large amount of stamina. And that was important for long distances like this.

Ahead, she saw that Kovu was beginning to waver. Taking her opportunity, she put on her max speed, and started running side by side with Kovu. She looked to her left to see Kovu's surprised face when she smirked and ran ahead. He shouldn't be surprised anymore, she kept beating him in these races! She saw Priderock come into view ahead. It wasn't much farther.

When she arrived, she turned around saw Kovu was slowly walking to her. It appeared he was exhausted. Wow, he really didn't have much stamina after all! After a few minutes of sitting in the sun, washing herself, Kovu finally made it.

"Man, you really can run fast!" He remarked, still gasping for air.

"Well, it certainly isn't a repeat of yesterday!" She teased.

"well.. Huff…. Just wait up next time."

"Why would I wait up for a slowpoke?"

"Because… Huff… Oh nevermind. You Pridelanders have too thick of skulls to listen to reason."

"Oh yeah? Try me."

"Well…. Actually I got nothing. You beat me fair and square."

"And you Outlanders aren't too smart either it seems!"

"I'll show you!" Kovu cried playfully, as he pounced on an unsuspecting Kiara.

"Oof!" Said Kiara, as Kovu pushed her aside. She batted at him, and he pushed her paws away. Claws were sheathed of course. Flipping onto her back, she pulled Kovu down with her and pushed as hard as she could with her hind legs. Kovu tumbled forward, and fell down into the dust.

"Ouch! You know, that's playing dirty." Kovu said.

"Still fair and square."

"Oh yeah? Well, take this!" Said Kovu as he scooped some sand from the ground and tossed it into Kiara's face."

"Hey! That's mean you know!" Cried Kiara, as she rubbed her eyes, trying to get the sand out.

"Oh come on. It's only a little sand"

"Yeah whatever. Let's just get up to the main den."

Kiara and Kovu climbed up the pile of rocks that lead to the main den of Pride Rock. There, they met Simba, who was taking a catnap in the sun. Kiara went up to Simba and jostled him awake.

"Huh? What?" Said Simba, as he got up to see who had woke him up.

"Hey dad! Me and Kovu were just on our way to the dens. I wanted to say hi!"

"Oh, uh, yeah, hi Kiara. Now if you could let me sleep, that would be nice….." Suggested Simba as he stretched back out, opening his mouth in an impressive yawn.

"Well, okay. See ya then!" Kiara figured Simba didn't want to talk right now. Oh well, she would just talk to her mom instead. Kiara went of to find Nala, her mom. She and Kovu went to the traditional resting place of the lionesses, a place where the lounged around when not on hunts.

Kiara decided that she had to tell one other lion about what she was doing with the hyenas. Kovu knew, but Kiara wanted advice from a wiser lion. So she decided she could trust her mother. Eventually they reached the rocks on which the lionesses were sunning themselves.

There was Nala! She would talk to her. Nala was conversing with Sarafina, an older lioness who didn't hunt anymore.

"Hey uh, Kovu? Could you leave me alone while I talk to my mom?" She asked.

"Yeah, sure Kiara. I'll be back soon then." Replied Kovu, as he turned around and walked off, probably to grab some food. Kiara then approached her mother.

"Hey, mom? Can I talk to you?"

"Sure! What is it Kiara?" Asked Nala.

"Well, I want to talk to you alone."

"Okay then…. Sarafina, could you leave us for a few moments?"

"Sure Nala, I'm sure you two have some things to talk about." Said Sarafina, as she got up, stretched, and walked away to another rock.

"So then….. What is is Kiara?" Inquired Nala.

"Well, I have a bit of a problem."

"Does it have anything to do with Kovu?"

"No! Why does everyone assume Kovu's the problem? Simba did that too!"

"Oh, I'm sure you'll find out soon." Said Nala, with a knowing smile on her face.

"Anyways, my problem is a bit more problematic. You see… Well… Umm.. A few days ago, me and Kovu were on patrol at the western border. And I thought I saw an animal in the Elephant Graveyard."

"Go on."

"And then later that day, I went back to the Graveyard, to see if I could find that creature again. You know, because nothing lives in the Graveyard. And while I was exploring it, I heard an animal moaning in pain. And I went to go see if that animal needed help. And when I found the animal, it was a hyena."

"A hyena! They still live in the Graveyard? I have to go tell Simba!"

"No! Wait, mom! Don't tell dad!"

"What? Why not Kiara? If there are still hyenas in the Graveyard, the king has to be notified!"

"Just, let me finish my story mom!" I'll explain why at the end."

"Well… Alright. Go on."

"Anyways, like I was saying, I found a hyena who was moaning in pain. It told me to go away, but before I could respond, it started to twitch, and it fell down, as if it had lost control of some of it's muscles. It clutched its head, and started to scream, while it convulsed on the ground. Eventually, it passed out from the pain, and lay there, unconscious."

"It was clear that it was very sick, so I dragged it back to my den, where I gave it some food. But mom, the hyena was clearly starving. It's ribs were showing, it looked dehydrated and malnourished. It was only half alive, even without the sickness it had on it."

"So, its hyena pals aren't sharing their food. Hyenas are not reasonable, they probably didn't give it any food on purpose." Said Nala.

"No, that's not it. When It woke up, the sickness that had ravaged it the night before had taken its sight. It was blind, and scared. Once I calmed it down, and convinced it I wouldn't hurt her, she told me that it was the matriarch of her clan! The matriarch! If the leader of the clan isn't getting enough food, what about the other members? The hyena told me that they were all starving, and that they could barely feed their pups. So….. I promised the hyena that I would help feed her clan."

"What! Kiara, you can't do that!"

"Well, why not?"

"Because they are hyenas! You can't trust them."

"But mom, they are starving! What's so bad about helping animals in need?"

"Kiara, there has always been an animosity between hyenas and lions. Friendships between the two species don't end well! The last lion that befriended a hyena was Scar! And we all know how that ended."

"Listen mom, if we were starving, we would welcome food from our enemies! They really need food, their pups are dying! Pups that haven't met any lions yet. Pups, that don't know of the hatred between hyenas and lions! The hyenas really need food mom, and besides, I gave Shenzi my promise that I would help."

"Shenzi? Is that the name of the hyena you rescued?"

"Yeah."

"You're sure its name was Shenzi?" Asked Nala.

"I'm sure. Why do you want to know?" Said Kiara. She noticed that Nala had unsheathed her claws. It seemed she didn't like Shenzi.

"Oh, no reason. But back on topic. You say you promised to help feed them?"

"I did, I'm not about to break it either."

"If you promised, I'm afraid that's that. It's dishonorable to break a promise. Even to a hyena." She grumbled. "But I should still tell Simba."

"Oh, don't tell him yet mom! I don't know how he will react. Let me tell him, I'll get to it eventually."

"You're sure you will tell him?"

"Absolutely."

"Well then, I suppose it's fine. But do be careful around the hyenas Kiara, they are vile creatures, and I don't think they can be trusted."

"Don't worry mom, I don't think they are as vile as you say." Said Kiara, as she turned around, and walked back the way she came,

()()()()()()()()()()())()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Shenzi's POV

Shenzi was not proud of crying. She had never, ever done it before. But last night she had let out all her built up emotions, all her disappointments and fears about her current situation, and cried.

She wasn't happy.

The problem was, her sudden loss of sight of was just that. It was too sudden. She had no time to prepare, to get ready for it. But it had happened nonetheless. And it was cruel. A blind Matriarch hadn't ever happened before. Not at such a young age anyways. Some of the older ones eventually lost their sight, but they knew it was coming. They could retire, and appoint a new Matriarch, preferably their own brood. But Shenzi didn't have any pups. She had never felt like it, and she had no one to do it with. She didn't really love anyone.

Well, that was not entirely true.

But anyways, the fact of the matter was that she had no heir, no one to pass on the responsibilities to. She had to tough it out herself. Unfortunately, she didn't have a clue as to how to do that. Without sight, she couldn't hunt, she couldn't fight, she couldn't even tell one hyena from the other unless she recognized the voice. How was she going to help out her clan like this?

"Hey Shenzi!" Came a voice from somewhere to her right. It was Banzai. She groaned mentally. She didn't want any visitors right now! She just wanted to sit here in the dark, (or what she assumed was the dark, it might have been a patch of sunlight for all she knew), and think.

"Ugh, what is it Banzai?" She growled. She heard the footsteps come to a sudden stop.

"Oh, well, I need to talk to you."

"About what?"

"Well…. I know that you need some rest, but last night, the word got around that you had in fact lost your sight. We need you to speak to our clanmates to assure them you're alright."

"We?"

"Oh, Macho and Ed are here too."

"Reporting for duty Matriarch Shenzi!" Said Macho. Meanwhile, Ed simply let out a laugh to let her know that he was there.

"Oh…. There's more of you." Muttered Shenzi. Ugh! She hated not knowing! She figured it was only Banzai, but Macho, her lieutenant, and Ed were standing next to him the whole time.

"We just need you to reassure the clan members that you are alright. We can't have rumors flying around." Said Macho.

"Also, that other slight problem of any female being able to challenge the Matriarch for her position. We need you to get them to see that you are still strong." Added Banzai.

"Well, right. Are any of them assembled anyplace?"

"We took the liberty of gathering all fifty-four of us in the ravine where most of us sleep. They were all already there anyway, sleeping. We just told them to stay put."

"Slackers. Why aren't they off hunting?"

"Well, because the sun hasn't even come up yet."

"Whatever! That's no reason not to have a patrol out!" What Shenzi really didn't like was that she didn't know the time of day.

"Well, anyways, they still need to hear from you."

"Okay. One of you, lead the way."

"I will!" Volunteered Banzai. She then heard the scuffling of footsteps, which she assumed was him turning around. Then he started to hum again. Gah! She hated that humming! Unfortunately, it was the easiest way for her to follow Banzai. Just follow the sound of the annoying humming. She got up, and went after Banzai. She heard the heavy, purposeful footsteps of Macho to her right, and the sputtering of Ed to her left. Banzai remained somewhere in front of her.

Suddenly, she stepped on a sharp rock. She felt it poke through the pads of her paw, and she stumbled forward. She thrust out her feet to catch herself, and she left herself skid forward. Phew. She hadn't fallen.

"Are you okay Shenzi?" Asked the voice of Banzai.

"Banzai, I'm fine. Now keep moving!"

"Sorry sorry, I'll keep going."

Eventually, Banzai stopped humming. Shenzi decided to stop walking as well. Had they arrived?

"Okay Shenzi, we are on a small ledge. If you walk forward a few feet, you'll be at the edge. That's where you will address the hyenas. I'll tell you when to stop. And be sure to look down about forty-five degrees, so it looks more authentic." Said Macho.

Shenzi strained her ears. Indeed, she heard somewhere below her the sound of a bunch of animals muttering, whispering amongst themselves. Banzai was right, she had to put any rumors to rest. She stepped forward until she felt Macho tap her on the shoulder. She stopped, then looked down like Macho had told her. The whispering below her stopped immediately.

"Hello my friends!" She started. She heard some appreciative murmurs in response.

"Now, I'm sure, some of you have heard about my recent affliction. I am here to say for sure that yes, I am indeed blind." Shenzi heard some gasps at this proclamation.

"Don't worry, I can assure you that while I may be cursed with this blasted misfortune, I can still perform the Matriarchal duties. I can still lead us. I can still get us through this famine. The way I see it, the blindness is just one of the many prices I have to pay to see us through this. And it isn't the worst. Almost all of us have had pups die from hunger. We have all lost family members. We all have had to suffer. But we are still here aren't we? We haven't yet perished from this blasted earth, even though it seems nature itself conspires against us. Even though those stinking lions push for us to die, we haven't yet. We are still here! And I can tell you, I am absolutely certain that it will stay that way, no matter what cost I have to pay. I am still your Matriarch. I am still strong. I will see us through this." Shenzi said, as she finished her speech. She felt rather satisfied by it. It wasn't too bad, for coming up with it on the spot. She started to back up, when she heard voice ring out from the crowd.

"You're still strong? Yeah right!"

Shenzi froze. She recognized that voice. It was a female hyena called Mabaya! A/N: Mabaya means 'evil' in swahili. Mabaya was always questioning her orders, and she had made it clear she didn't like Shenzi. However, Shenzi was stronger, and had forced Mabaya to submit to her, the Matriarch. Unfortunately, It seemed Mabaya was now seizing an opportunity to challenge Shenzi.

"I say a blind Matriarch is a weak, useless Matriarch! As per my right as a female and member of this clan, I challenge you, Shenzi, for the leadership of the hyenas!"

Unfortunately, that was true. As a female, and a clan member, she had the right to challenge Shenzi for the position as Matriarch. Most of the time, this simply didn't happen. But every once in awhile, a Matriarch did lose their position to a challenge.

When Mabaya issued her challenge, Shenzi heard some gasps of disapproval. Which was good. There were still hyenas who trusted her. Shenzi decided to answer Mabaya with a growl,

"Mabaya, the right to issue a challenge remains yours. If you want to fight, we'll do it right now." Shenzi then turned around and addressed Banzai and Macho. "Okay Banzai, I need you to tell me which way she comes from. I won't be able to see it, so I'm going to count on you."

"But Shenzi, you shouldn't have to fight while you're blind! These challenges sometimes end in death! You are still the Matriarch, just tell her to back down! Who cares about honor?" Said Banzai. He sounded a bit desperate, especially when he mentioned the possibility of death.

"It's not about honor or pride, if I back down, it's a forfeit. And she would automatically win. There is now way I am letting a brat like her become the Matriarch."

"But Shenzi!"

"No Banzai! Now come on. I need you to help me win this."

"Alright alright. Just…. make sure to grind her face into the ground. And don't die." He added quickly.

"Right. Let's go." They walked down the ledge, and this time Shenzi made sure not to slip. Banzai tapped her on the shoulder, then directed her to a spot some feet in front of her. Shenzi was a little nervous. Since she was blind, this would be a little tough. Above her, Macho shouted out the rules of the fight, and she heard Mabaya take her position. Speaking of rules, there weren't many, all you had to do was prove you could beat your opponent, even if that meant killing her.

"Hey Shenzi, you ready for this?" Shenzi heard the sarcastic voice of Mabaya sneering at her.

"Oh don't worry Mabaya, this won't take long." Replied Shenzi confidently. In truth, she wasn't so confident. This would suck, even if it went well. She hoped Maumbu would be ready to treat some wounds.

"The challenge on the position of Matriarch Shenzi shall be resolved as is the tradition! When the word is given, they shall fight, and the victor who has proved herself stronger shall become the Matriarch! Okay then, three, two one….. Go!" Macho shouted.

Shenzi readied herself.

"Dodge it!" She heard Banzai cry. She immediately backed up up a few feet, and she heard Mabaya land in front of her. She had pounced as soon as the contest began! A dirty trick. She lashed out in front, hoping to scratch with her adversary. She felt her claws meet fur, and a sudden gasp of pain from Mabaya. Yes! She had scored a hit!

"On your right!" Came the voice of Banzai. She jumped away, hoping she wouldn't trip.

"Right again!" Said Banzai. This time, she extended her claws and clawed in that direction. Unfortunately, she didn't feel any contact this time.

"Behind you!"

Shenzi tried to jump forward, but it was too late. She felt Mabaya land on top of her, and start to claw her back. Shenzi rolled on her side, tossing Mabaya off. She then hoped she wasn't miscalculating, and leaped to where she thought her opponent was. It turned out she was only partially correct. She landed on Mabaya, but slipped, and hit her head on the ground. Ouch! She tried to get up, but Mabaya slammed into her with her shoulder.

She tried to get up, but then she felt claws rip into her side. Grimacing from pain, she tried to hit Mabya again, but couldn't find her. Probably sensing victory, Mabaya moved closer to try to deal a finishing blow.

"Straight up! Jump!" Yelled Banzai. Well, that made no sense, thought Shenzi, but she supposed he was the one that could see the fight. She jumped up, and heard an 'oof' below her, as if someone had missed a pounce. When she landed, it was right on top of Mabaya. Shenzi immediately seized her chance, and started to claw long gashes into the traitorous brat. It felt good, to be inflicting pain onto someone who had insulted her.

Mabaya rolled onto her back, a risky maneuver, since the stomach was exposed. But then Mabaya started to claw at Shenzi. They both grappled each other, rolling around in the dust, trying to hit the other. Shenzi was careful not to let go, because if Mabaya got away, She would lose the advantage.

She felt her ear, her muzzle, her shoulder, and her neck all bleeding. Mabaya aimed primarily for the head. So she was probably trying to kill her. But Shenzi felt Mabaya start to tire. She lunged and bit her as hard as she could. A sharp yelp told her she had hit her mark. Mabaya went limp, and Shenzi stood over her vanquished opponent, smiling with pride. She had done it! Even though she was blind, she had defeated Mabaya!

"Shenzi? Are you alright? Said Banzai, his voice coming from somewhere close to her left. Shenzi got off Mabaya, and she felt her defeated adversary scamper away.

"Yeah Banzai, I'm more than fine. I feel great!"

"But you're bleeding. Come on, let's get you patched up at Maumbu's."

"Just a second. Banzai, are all the hyenas watching?" She asked. She wanted to say something.

"Yeah, they're all still here." Replied Banzai. Shenzi raised her head and proclaimed:

"Well then, that's finished! Now, does anyone else want to call me weak!?" At those words, a chorus of 'no's' echoed throughout the ravine. "Yeah, that's right. Now, those of you who should be on hunting duty, get to it. The rest of you, make yourselves useful." She heard the hyenas disperse, and eventually, all the noises faded away.

"Okay, now do you want to get those scratches treated? Some of them look pretty deep." Said Banzai, concern in his voice.

"Yeah, I suppose so. Where is Maumbu?"

"I'm right here." Said Maumbu, somewhere off to her right.

"Of course you are. Now then, are any of my wounds life threatening?"

"No, but they will hurt if I don't give you something to numb the pain." Replied Maumbu.

"Get on with it then." Maumbu started to rub something on her scratches. It stung!

"Ow!"

"If you don't grit your teeth and stay still, this will take longer than it has too." Reminded Maumbu.

"You be quick! Ouch!" Off to the side, she heard Banzai snicker.

"Banzai, if I hear your amusement one more time, I will tear your throat out!" She heard him swallowing, and things were quiet again. Eventually Maumbu finished his work.

"Okay, I'm done. Just no more exercise for today. You might start bleeding again. You should be fine for tomorrow though."

"Okay, that's good. Now, I have to go talk Macho. I want to talk to him about the hunts."

"Well Shenzi, if you want to go talk to Macho, you will have to wait. He already left with his hunting party, when you gave the word." Said Banzai.

"Well, at least he's efficient." Shenzi muttered to herself. "Okay then, there isn't much left to do today then. I can't hunt, and that was pretty much it for things I did…." That thought left Shenzi feeling depressed. There really wasn't a whole lot for her to do then was there? All she did every day was to keep hunting, desperately trying to get enough food for all of them. And now, she couldn't hunt…

Banzai must have noticed her frown, because she suddenly felt him rub up against her. She pushed him away.

"What's wrong Shenzi?"

"Banzai, I don't know. I just don't know. What am I supposed to do now?"

"If you need time to think, I know just where to do that." Offered Banzai.

"I'll just leave you two alone then." Said Maumbu, in a strange tone of voice. She heard him walk away.

"Why did he use that tone of voice?" Said Shenzi, mostly to herself.

"Umm, I have…. got no idea!" Said Banzai. Somehow, he didn't sound so convincing. Oh well, it didn't matter.

"So Banzai, where is this spot of yours where you go to think?"

"It's down one of these caves. Way down past where we normally spend our time."

"Fine then. Lead the way." She said.

She heard Banzai move off, with that infernal humming again. Sighing, she tried to follow the sound. After a few minutes of walking, she started to get frustrated. She had already tripped three times, and since she couldn't see where they were going, it was impossible to tell how much farther. They had been steadily going downhill, probably further and further down into the winding caves. Then, Banzai stopped. She could tell because she had bumped into him, pushing him forward into the ground.

"Ouch!"

"Oh, I'm sorry, did you bump your head?" Shenzi said, laying the sarcasm on thick.

"Yeah! No thanks to you."

"Well, aside from being wimpy, what are you planning on doing down here?"

"I was going to tell you that we made it here, before you so rudely pushed me over."

"Uh! Banzai, just hurry it up. Where are we?"

"Well, we aren't quite there yet, we still gotta hop down this inactive geyser."

"Down a geyser? Are you insane?"

"No don't worry, it's fine. I fell down it by accident a few months ago, and it was alright. Just walk forward about three steps, then jump forward. You'll be fine!"

"Somehow, I don't feel reassured. Okay then, but you first."

"Here I go, and….. oomph!" Banzai let out a grunt when he landed. Shenzi followed Banzai's directions, and then jumped down herself. Unfortunately, she was a few inches off, and her hind legs clipped the edge. She tumbled into a somersault, and fell down into the geyser. Fortunately, Banzai was there to break her fall.

"Oof! Geez, you nearly killed me!" Said Banzai. Shenzi had landed on him, so the landing wasn't too bad at all. She got up, and brushed herself off.

"Well then, now that we have successfully tested the safety of jumping into an inactive geyser, what are we down here for?"

"Well Shenzi, we are in a small cave. Except in this cave, there are these beautiful rocks that sparkle white, and cover the walls and ceilings! They are like miniature underground suns! There is actually some light down here, and it comes from these crystals! It's, it's amazing to look at! It's just simply wonderful!"

"Oh. Great."

"Yeah! Aren't they just…. Oh. Right." It seemed Banzai realized his mistake, because he paused, and his voice trailed off. "I'm sorry Shenzi, I forgot that… Well, you know."

Shenzi frowned. This was certainly a brutal reminder that she couldn't see.

"Don't worry, It may look bad now, but we'll get through it."

"Easy for you to say, you aren't the one with the infirmity."

"Shenzi, don't call it an infirmity! You still look very…." Banzai suddenly trailed off.

"Very what, Banzai?" Shenzi heard Banzai swallow. He had been about to say something, but he cut himself off."

"Uhh, physically fit. You still look physically fit."

"Oh. Well, that isn't the problem."

"It doesn't matter if the problem was worse, I have known you since we were pups Shenzi, you can get through anything."

"Sure, but can the clan get through anything? Banzai, there's less and less food every day, if something doesn't change soon, we'll all starve. And we just lost another hunter. I can't hunt for us anymore. All I can do now is sit around, and eat up the food supply." She paused. "Banzai, what am I going to do to get us to survive this?"

"Don't worry Shenzi, we'll work something out." At that moment, she felt him rub up against her again. And this time, she didn't push him off.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Well! I'm pleased with this chapter! 5200 words! Anyways, it seems Kiara has fully commited herself to helping the hyenas, and Shenzi is desperately trying to keep up with life in the Graveyard while blind. Its hard! Anyhow, if you liked this chapter, please leave a review! The longer the better. Anonymous reviews work fine. Constructive criticism accepted. No flaming!