Just a uh... bit late. And I really don't have much of an excuse lol, sorry.

~Fiygon

Hey thanks for all the support as always, you guys are amazing. :D

Ima just reply to some reviews individually, if y'all don't mind.

jayjaymcnaenae: Thank you so much! Also I get what you're saying. However in my mind Daniel is more mature then most obviously, since he was taking college level classes already. It's really hard to write younger characters in more serious stories because generally most kids are kinda dumb and oblivious (no offense, I love kids but man... sometimes...) It probably wouldn't have been as interesting if I wrote Daniel to act more his age, though I've met some pretty smart 13 year olds, so I feel it's at least good enough for suspension of disbelief. Either way thank you for the review!

SnowyMarble; DRAMAAAAAA! WOOOO!

obiben27: 3 Always a pleasure getting a review from you! Next Fate Decides will be very VERY soon, it's close to finished. Sorry, I've had a bad case of writer's block that is slowly clearing up.

guest: Sorry I don't take story requests... But it sounds like a good idea nonetheless!

Thanks you for the reviews, follows, favs. I feel like a broken record with the thank you's :P.

DISCLAIMER: Blood, "gore", violence, disassociation.

Chapter 8

"Soul Search"

"Hey kid! Where are you going!" A hippo yelled as I passed by a watering hole.

"It's dangerous out here young one." A zebra said.

"Go back home!" A crane told me.

I had inadvertently woken the whole of the African pridelands up, if the scouts I could hear faintly yelling my name had anything to do with it. I had found a small hole at some point, clambering in to catch my breath, but after sitting in it for a few seconds I felt something tap me from behind.

"Hey what givesss kid! Find your own home!" A snake hissed at me.

"Sorry!" I yelled whilst backing up quickly, tripping over my own tail and yelping at the awkward feeling.

What the animals were telling me stung, I didn't even have a home to go to… I ran and ran, until I tripped and fell into a small puddle, and sat there for a minute, looking down at it and seeing that reflection again. That reflection of something other than me. Caked in mud as well, a face of distraughtness. I swiped my paw at it, standing back up again. That wasn't me! I huffed and rose to my feet again, the rain was making my newfound body hard to run with. The wet fur, and the fact that every raindrop felt like a bucket on my tiny body. A minute later I ran too close to a thorn bush, nicking my leg on it, and getting a thorn stuck. I whimpered pitifully.

I kept running until my name couldn't be heard anymore. The rain overpowering most other sounds at this point, I felt the wind pick up, almost taking me with it. Then I heard paw prints next to me, and turned to see the same large ethereal lion from before I was caught in the graveyard matching my pace. "Young one-"

"Stop!" I yelled out first. Slowing my run down to a walk, the apparition followed along on my side. "I don't want to hear anything about…returning hope to me, or like the circle of life, a grand purpose bigger than myself. I don't want to hear any of it!" I yelled at it.

It sighed, "That's not what I came here for. Why are you rejecting yourself, cub?"

"Because I'm not myself!" I growled, "I'm this… this thing!" I said stomping a paw into the mud aggressively, getting angrier at seeing the paw prints left behind.

"I understand this emotional turmoil you've been put in. But running isn't going to help." It said soothingly.

I groaned loudly, "Nothing will help! What else do I do?! They don't want me at pride rock, and I can never go back to my old life! Why don't you just leave me alone!" I said walking through the lion's ethereal form.

It seemed surprised by me walking through it, but sighed sympathetically. "You know that's not true. Perhaps someone more familiar can help you... Either way I recommend you find a shelter young one." It said before disappearing into air.

I repeated his voice in a mocking tone. "Ah yes a shelter, a shelter! Why didn't I think of that!" I said nearly hysterically. "Turns out, hairless monkey, or cat, you can still be just as dumb!" I berated myself. I understand I was being harsh, not just on the lion who helped me before, but on myself. The real me, not this stupid lion cub.

I stopped under a ridge of dirt that overhung a small mound. It blocked the rain, this was good enough. So I settled there and began crying. Why was it always me? Nala was right. I didn't have anyone back in the human world waiting for me. But life was so cruel, they wouldn't want me anymore now right? I wasn't me anymore, just this thing that acts like me.

I licked at the thorn in my leg, it was rather large compared to my tiny body, and bleeding. I didn't want this form to be injured as well...

As I sat there I felt the wind whip around me again, out of familiarity I looked up. And an ethereal form of Miri stood there, in front of me. My heart stopped, and my expression was probably one of wonder. She smiled warmly, walking over and curling around me, though I could barely feel it there was still a familiar sense of ease. I laid there speechless, "M-Miri?"

"Daniel… Why did you run little one?.." she asked with a sigh.

"Miri I… I miss you so much… Please take me with you… to where my dad is. You're the only ones I belong with." I asked while crying.

She caressed my face with a paw, "You know I can't do that…"

"Why not!? I just want to be loved, somewhere! I want my family back!" I said burying my muzzle into her side.

She stroked the back of my head with a paw, "But you already have one, here, in the pridelands." She said soothingly.

I shook my head, "I'm… not one of them. I don't even know how to control which person I am!"

She laughed quietly, "Silly, you are the person who you are. I didn't give you my blessing to make you feel more lost, I gave it so that you could find yourself."

She looked at me proudly, "This is you, as a lion. Nobody else."

"But who am I!?" I asked her desperately.

She sighed, "I wish I could tell you, and take the heartache away. You just need to figure it out for yourself I'm afraid." She leaned in, "But you'll need their help, trust them, you'll find it I promise."

"Would they really… accept me? I-I thought that I would be in danger if I stayed." I asked hopefully.

She nodded, "They already have accepted you, they do not wish to harm you."

She started fading again, and she looked upwards and sighed, and I cried out, "Will you come back? Please…"

She laughed sadly, "I'm always with you, everywhere and inside your heart, my cub. I love you." She said pressing her muzzle to mine before disappearing. I grasped at the empty spot where she was and whined. The cold wind reached my body once again, and I curled in on myself and cried.

"Have you seen a white cub?" Nala asked the pride animals frequently.

"Yeah, bolted right past in that direction." He said pointing farther.

They nodded in thanks, looking in the direction in which he was said to be. A crane bowing respectfully and pointing them again in his direction. "Daniel!" Nala called out.

A snake slithered out of its hole, "You looking for that brat? What's all the noise?" The snake said, shaking its head in tiredness.

Nala growled, "Yes the white lion cub?"

The snake noticed the two as the King and Queen and shuddered nervously, "Uh, y-yeah. That way." He pointed.

They nodded, and Nala turned to him with an emotionless stare, "I'll forgive calling my cub a brat once, snake." She said sourly.

The snake bowed best it could, "Yes forgive me my queen!"

The two found themselves wandering aimlessly after that, until they came across some muddy paw prints. "This way!" Simba said.

A growl interrupted them both, as a thin, lanky lioness with red eyes stalked out of the brushes along with a clap of thunder. "Zira…" Simba growled, standing slightly in front of Nala.

"Oh joy if it isn't my favorite murderer." She said venomously.

Nala growled loudly, "Zira… Why are you here?"

She circled them, "If you haven't noticed, you two are dangerously close to the edge of the pride lands. And you keep spouting that god awful name out, so loudly as well."

She stopped, approaching Nala a bit, "You wouldn't happen to be looking for a cub would you?"

Simba stomped forward, and growled to get her to back away. But it was almost overshadowed by Nala's rage filled roar, "Where is he?! What did you do?!" She yelled.

She held her paw to her chest, and acted surprised. "Whatever do you mean? It was just a simple question, I have done nothing at all!"

Simba glared, "If you touch him Zira, by the great kings I WILL drive your people away from these lands!"

"Funny. You two seem to have a knack for losing things that are precious to you, no?" She said with a smirk.

It struck a chord with Nala as she jumped forward, baring her fangs inches from the lioness, "Leave Zira! Before I make you regret it!"

Zira looked down at the ground, tracing the paw prints with her vision, "Funny, the prints almost seem to lead…" she fake gasped, "Right into my territory!"

Mufasa and Nala's eyes widened, and she chuckled. "Tsk tsk that's no good place at all!"

Simba walked forward, pushing her out of the way, "If you've come to distract us…"

She shook her head, "Of course not! I have done nothing to the little angel! Just wanted to say hello to some friends of mine."

Nala rushed past her with a growl, continuing to follow the prints. Simba took one last glare at her before following his mate. They followed them for a good while, as the rain got heavier.

Simba could hear Nala's panicked voice, "Simba do you think that Zira?.. I-I can't…" her voice began shuddering.

He shook his head, "No, he's fine. He tricked a whole pack of hyenas, believe in him." Simba said, trying to calm her down.

Suddenly hearing just what they had talked about, the crazy laughter of a pack of hyenas, Nala's breath stopped, and her fur bristled in fear. "S-Simba,"

He nodded and growled, "Hunt laughter, I hear it. Come on!" He yelled back at her as they began sprinting.

I looked all around me, I was alone. I didn't hear anyone calling for me anymore… did they even still want me? I ran away, even though they were trying to help me. What if my chance was gone, and they didn't want me. I stood up, cringing at the pain in my paw, and whimpered, "I'm here!" I yelled, starting to cry extensively, "I'm sorry! Please don't abandon me! Nala, Simba!" I yelled into the night of the savanna. I hunched over, curling my tail around myself and sniffling as I felt my tears welling up.

I heard the rustling of the grass, feeling terrified of what it could be, but suddenly I became a bit hopeful, "You found me?" I asked towards the rustling bushes.

A set of paws stepped out, then two more. And the sound of laughter hit my ears as my blood ran ice cold. Three hyenas stood in front of me, "Oh yes we found you! Thanks for calling for us." Shenzi said.

"Made dinner easy tonight!" The angry one, Banzai said. Ed laughed crazily in agreement.

"H-Hey, we can negotiate!" I said desperately, backing myself against the wall of the dirt cave.

"Alright," Shenzi started, "I'll start, we eat you from every part that won't kill you, and you scream in pain the whole time. Sounds fun right?"

I shook my head vigorously, "No, I don't get anything out of that!" I said shakily.

They all laughed, and Banzai stepped closer, "What is it you lions always tell each other? Oh yeah! You can join your ancestors! That's pretty good right?" He began to lunge for me, I recoiled downward in fear, but his tail was grabbed by Shenzi and he made an impact with the ground, as she put a paw to her chin.

"I have to ask," she said looking at me with a raised brow, "You ain't like, sick and diseased right? Why are you all white colored?" She said with confusion.

I was suddenly given an amazing idea, and nodded, "Why else would I be out here alone? They threw me out because I'm-" I paused to fake cough a few times, "I'm dying terribly. I can barely stand the pain…" I said clutching my chest and looking downward.

All three hyenas took a large step back, and Banzai whined, "Lions are cruel man." He said convinced.

Shenzi shook her head, "Nuh uh. Not riskin' my hide for that!"

Banzai groaned, "Ah man but I'm starving!" Ed laughed in agreement.

I tried to make myself as small as possible, whilst taking incredibly slow steps away from them as they talked amongst themselves. And eventually it turned into an argument amongst themselves. Once I was a considerable distance away I jumped as Shenzi yelled, "Hey, idiots!" She began, breaking apart their scuffle, "Ain't we been tricked like this before by some human? How we know he ain't lyin'?"

They all looked at me, and I shrank more. Standing up against these hyenas was scary enough as a human, but as a cub it might as well be a twenty foot behemoth threatening to rip you apart. Shenzi bared her teeth, "And the brats' been sneakin' out!"

I shook my head wildly, "N-No! I wasn't!"

She snarled as she got closer, making me squeak in fear, "You're lyin'!"

I backed up more, feeling my feet slip behind me due to the wet mud, "P-Please don-"

"Quiet! I've had enough of my meals playing tricks!" She yelled in my face.

I curled in on myself, "Please… I-I'm all alone, don't do this…"

All three laughed, Banzai stomped closer, "So now you're begging for your life, huh?"

Shenzi faked a pouty face, "Aww poor lion don't have a family… Don't worry, we'll put you out of your misery."

I screamed as she grabbed me by the scruff on my neck and threw me. Realistically it was probably only a few feet, but the force she threw me towards the ground knocked the breath out of me. And it felt like I had fallen off a building. My body refused to cooperate, and my limbs felt like jelly. My ears rang, and I had no time to regain my breath as I was picked up again, swung multiple times before hitting the ground once again. I managed to cough out another plea, "S-Stop! I ca-n't brea-th…"

Shenzi snarled, "That's the point!" They laughed more. As Banzai picked me up again, I closed my eyes and waited for another impact. One of these would end up breaking something soon enough.

A deafening roar hit my ears, and for a moment the ringing stopped. A lion and lioness came stalking out of the brush. Their faces so contorted in anger and hatred I barely recognized them. Until they spoke, "Put.. him.. DOWN!" Simba commanded in the scariest voice I'd ever heard.

Nala's eyes never left Banzai, daring him to do so much as scratch me. She stepped forward, "My cub is not a plaything, or your food. Mutts!"

Banzai seemed scared straight, as he mumbled out, "Y-Your cub?" With me in his mouth, he gave a sheepish look. Then he tossed me to Shenzi who grabbed me unceremoniously around my stomach with her teeth. A much more horrifying and uncomfortable spot to be in.

Simba stalked forward with Nala, "One mistake here, hyena. And I will kill you, and your friends." He said.

Shenzi scoffed, placing me in one of her paws, holding me by the scruff with a claw. "Oh sorry… your highness" she mocked, "I'm just following that circle of life or whatever you lions preach about."

Simba huffed and continued to eye her annoyedly, before glancing down and giving me a reassuring look, "You said this is your cub?" Shenzi asked with a bit of a giggle.

Nala snarled with rage, "You'd do well to listen. Give him to us."

Shenzi rolled her eyes, "Fine, you can have him!" She bit my scruff again. And for a moment I thought I would be passed off, but then she began swinging me around again. And I heard both Simba and Nala growl and yell at her, but I didn't hear it as my body made impact with the ground a final time. I felt numb, and my vision had black spots. But it came back to me fast enough to see both of their shocked reactions. As I had been thrown behind the hyenas and skid across the ground. I couldn't move my body.

The hyenas laughed for a solid minute straight, Shenzi laughing the hardest, "Take your dumb brat! He's useless anyway!" But after looking at Nala's face, I had a feeling Shenzi was about to learn her lesson on messing with a lioness's cubs.

I don't know if Nala could tell that I was still alive from where she stood. But it was as if all of her dignity and prowess as the Queen of the pridelands was now meaningless, and in its place was a wild lioness. One who had potentially had one of her cub's life taken. She stared at my unmoving body in shock, which slowly shifted to a deadly glare, and a deep growl as she turned her attention to Shenzi. For a moment, I thought I could see Shenzi taking a step backwards.

Nala pounced forward, immediately shooting for Shenzi's neck as she yelped in surprise. Simba, not quite filled with as much rage but still angry, equally chased after and caught the now fleeing duo behind Shenzi. Nala fought a rather one sided battle to pin the hyena to the ground, twisting and turning multiple times. Nala eventually came out on top, though deciding not to kill her yet. "I'll kill you!" Nala shouted in her face. Huh, maybe I was wrong.

Shenzi looked scared, and choked out a few words, "-I… I'm sorry-..!" Nala pushed down on her windpipe, making her squirm in fear.

Nala looked like a different lioness to me, at that moment she looked primal, like a lioness in the wild. Ready to kill what she had hunted to protect at any cost. "I'm sorry?" Nala said in disbelief, "You're sorry? You tried to kill my cubs in front of me twice, but now that I'm about to kill you, you're sorry?" Nala's breathing was loud, then she snarled, and I felt at any moment she would make the kill.

Shenzi started crying, "T-They've been in our territory both times! It's not our fault we-" Shenzi's voice cut out as she released a loud pained shriek. I recoiled in surprise, looking back in curiosity to see that Nala had dug her claws in and ripped a paw off of Shenzi's front leg.

I shielded my eyes away, as blood rapidly came out of the appendage, I felt my stomach drop. Shenzi sobbed, "I'm sor-ry.. my Queen! I-I'm sorry…" she sounded like a baby.

Nala still seemed filled with rage as she dropped the bloodied piece she had ripped off onto her face. "Shut your mouth! I am not your Queen!" She yelled downward.

I looked over to Simba, he had his hands full making sure the other two were properly yelled at. I painfully lifted myself into a sitting position, still feeling quite dizzy. Shenzi looked at me, and I felt an immense sense of unease. Because I genuinely felt bad at that moment… She was just an animal trying to live, like everybody else. She pleaded at me, "Cub! I'm sorry! I-I'm so sorry!"

I was about to step forward, but Nala clawed her face with a swift strike, making her shriek again. Nala grabbed the back of her head with a paw and raised it up a bit to make her look at her, "Now you ask him for forgiveness? You make me sick!"

"N-Nala," I said quietly, trying to get her attention.

Nala didn't notice as she shoved Shenzi's head back in the dirt, "How does that feel? Not very good I bet!"

"Nala." I said a bit louder. I started crying, it hurt seeing someone you cared about do things like this.

Nala grabbed hold of Shenzi's other paw. And the hyena squirmed and flooded her eyes with tears, "N-No, no! I'll do anyth-hing!" She hiccuped. I felt a pit form in my stomach, and I wanted to cover my ears preemptively.

Nala began to draw blood again, but she stopped as Simba said loudly, "Nala!" He yelled desperately.

She looked over in shock, as did I. Simba didn't look angry, he looked quite understanding. But he sighed and pointed towards me quietly, and shook his head. When Nala turned and saw me crying profusely, all of the anger and hatred left her face, replaced by relief. At that moment she realized I was okay, she looked around herself at all the blood and shook her head wildly as if she hadn't realized. She quickly backed away from Shenzi who looked surprised and thankful to Simba. He released the duo of Hyenas who had also been caught up in the intrigue of their leader's pleas. Simba commanded the two, "Help her out," The two hyenas said not a word as they came to collect their bloodied leader. And dragged themselves out of the clearing leaving a trail of blood.

Simba walked over to Nala, who was staring at the ground with wide eyes, the blood stained her fur. Simba nuzzled her and guided her head up as they both looked at me. Admittedly I couldn't stop crying, at first because I was being saved. But then because Nala had scared me, I knew she was a lioness and all, but it was jarring to say the least. Nala looked at me, and put on a caring sympathetic smile, "Daniel! Oh thank the ancestors…" She took a few steps forward, and I recoiled away from her while processing everything that had happened. Taking myself a few inches back.

She didn't seem surprised, and she simply took a dignified standing position, turning her head downwards. Simba bowed his head low in respect, Nala was putting on a straight face, but I could tell she was holding in tears. "I-I'm sorry Daniel. I don't know what came over me a minute ago. But I-I promise, we just wanted to protect you…"

She gave a hollow smile, not that it was hollow emotionally towards me, but that it was clear she felt ashamed. I continued crying, and Nala shied her head away from looking at me, she took a deep breath in but it was shaky, "Y-You can… hate me." She broke at that, and started crying, "I know it was cruel but we love you Daniel. I was so scared of losing you… I-I understand i-if you hate me for what I just did." She choked out.

I don't know why but the sudden realization that I was saved, and that Simba and Nala were here finally came to me, like an epiphany. It didn't matter what Nala had done, the hyenas wouldn't have hesitated to rip me apart, so why would I expect Nala not to do the same for someone she loved? I stuttered nervously, "You actually came for me?" I asked in disbelief.

The two adults looked shocked as Simba hummed in confusion, "Of course we came looking for you Daniel."

Nala, still shocked by my words, tilted her head, "You thought we wouldn't?-"

I paused in silence for a few minutes, "Y-You don't hate me?" I asked once again.

Nala seemed appalled and astonished at the same time, "I should be asking you that… After what I just did."

I nodded, "I don't think you're bad for doing that…" she seemed relieved and thankful by that.

Nala's breath seemed to stop, "Daniel… Why did you run?"

I lowered my head and thought for a few moments, "I thought you'd get rid of me when you found out… but now you're calling me your cub, and you found me, and…" I had to stop, to allow myself to breathe. They both stared, waiting for me to finish.

What felt like a very long time passed, I lifted my head up and I cried more, "Do… Do you two still want me?" I asked hopefully, as if it was the craziest question that I'd ever had.

Nala's eyes welled up with tears, and she released a whimper. A few seconds later Nala ran forward and practically tackled me in the warmth of her fur. "N-Nala?" I was surprised by the sudden action, as Simba walked towards me as well.

She cried, holding me to her chest with her front paws, "Of course we want you! We want you to be our cub so much!"

"Nala you… really mean that?" I asked, relieved. I could feel her purring deeply and it brought me great comfort.

She nodded, and began nuzzling my face, "I'm here for you, little one."

I don't know why but I suddenly felt my heart swell in happiness, and so said the first thing on my mind, "Momma..?" I said with a small cry.

She paused, and her voice shuddered, then she nodded with no hesitation, "Yes Daniel. Momma's got you."

I cried, like a small child. My cries probably echoed onto the savanna. Simba nuzzled me, "So it looks like we don't have to ask you anymore." He laughed gently.

I shook my head vigorously, and he beamed, "Welcome to the family little one." He said, wrapping a forearm around Nala who held me.

Nala brushed against my paw and I yelped, she looked at it worriedly, "Oh cub, I completely forgot! Are you hurt? Is anything broken? Oh, you're bleeding!"

I shook my head, "Bruised, but otherwise okay," I said slowly.

She carefully removed the thorn with her teeth. "All better," She said.

She got comfy and began licking the wound, "Momma will make it better, it's alright," she said between my sobs.

I shivered, still, and she began licking my body all over, "So dirty!" She said.

"I-I'm sorry I ran, I-" I hiccuped the words out.

"Shhh….." She said gently.

"I'm so stupid and… and causing trouble for e-everyone" I continued in between sobs.

"Quiet now, love." She told me with a nuzzle, continuing to lick my body clean of mud.

"You still want me..?" I asked in disbelief.

She pulled me closer, "I would never not want you."

I buried my face in her chest fur, "Even though I'm a white lion... and a human?" I asked.

Simba nudged me, "Daniel, it's not the way you look that we love. It's the person inside."

She laughed motherly, "And we will always love that person."

Simba laid down next to Nala, nuzzling me, "Kiara was wrong to scare you like that, we're so glad we found you in time."

I shook my head, "Don't blame Kiara… She didn't mean it…"

They nuzzled each other, "We won't…" Simba said.

Nala nodded, "We'll talk, but she won't be in trouble. Well, more trouble than she already is in from the graveyard incident." She said with a small laugh.

Leaning down to put her nose against mine, "But maybe we can forgive her for that too, since it gifted us with you."

I held onto Nala like a lifeline, "I… I was so scared… I thought you would hate me." Nala hummed whilst nuzzling me.

"Nonsense," She told me, nestling her muzzle into my neck.

"I didn't even feel like I was me anymore… but some friends made me realize that was silly…" I said looking at the sky with a small smile.

Nala and Simba looked at each other happily, and rested against each other with their heads. I sighed disappointedly at myself, "I… I made so many people sad…"

"Hmm?" Nala said curiously.

"I yelled at Mkali, and the other two… I thought they were making fun of me… they just wanted to see me happy…" I cried.

Simba nuzzled me, "They're out here searching for you, I promise, they're more worried than upset with you."

Nala nodded, "Everyone is worried for you mtoto. The whole family."

Her words struck me surprised, as I realized I now had two grandmothers, two parents, a sister… and a whole pride to go along with them.

I yawned, tired from all the running and crying. Nala nuzzled me, "You can sleep mtoto, we'll be here when you wake." I tried to protest and keep my eyes open, but my eyes slowly faded to black regardless.

The king and queen stayed still for a while, taking in the warmth of their newest family member. The love they felt for this lost soul was equal to their own daughter. Nala purred leaning into Simba's side more, "We found him just in time Simba… I mean, it's horrible what happened to him but…" she said with a sigh.

He nuzzled back, "I understand. We'll be sure to honor his family by raising him well, I promise." She nodded in agreement.

They heard the rustling of the tall grass, and both tensed up. Zira once again stalked her way out, smiling, "Bravo! You found him." She said stepping under the overhang dripping with rain water.

Simba snarled viciously, before breathing deeply and sighing. "Listen. We'll be out of your territory as soon as possible. I can arrange our pride sisters to compensate you with a meal-"

"No, I could care less that you are in my land." Zira said quickly with a wave of the paw.

Nala hid the sleeping cub under her chest as she leaned forward and glared, "Then why are you following us?" She asked.

Zira smiled her usual unconvincing smile and sat down, "I simply wished to meet the new prince is all. Very adorable…"

She turned her head up in thought, raising a paw to her maw, "Though it does make me wonder. Where does a white cub come from?"

Simba and Nala looked at each other and shifted uncomfortably, and Simba eyed her worriedly, "He was lost without a family."

Zira nodded, "Oh the poor thing!" She said with worry dipped in sarcasm, making Nala growl.

"You know," she started, "A little… story… happened to come to my ear recently."

The King and Queen listened cautiously as she sighed, "They said there was some horrific beast in their elephant graveyard, posing as a vengeful spirit!" She said with a short laugh. Nala growled quietly, trying to keep her anger held as Simba stood stoic.

Turning her head upwards again, "They said though, that it resembled one of those "Humans"... Do you know about them? Said to bring death and famine to our lands?"

She put a paw to her maw, "Oh sorry, your lands." She turned an eye sharply, "They said you took him after he was badly hurt. You wouldn't have perhaps… saved him? A human?"

Simba stepped forward, "And how would that concern you?"

She acted timidly, "Oh I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to overstep my boundaries! I was just worried for all of my friends, all the animals in this land… Surely keeping him alive would've been a fool's move." She smiled, "And Mufasa's son is no fool!"

Simba growled, shoving his muzzle inches from her face, though she showed no emotion. "Zira, what.. do.. you.. want!" He asked slowly with anger.

She sighed, "I only request that for the greater good of the pridelands, that you dispose of that human. And I'm also concerned by the white cub… are we not only being invaded by poachers, but by the pride of the sands as well?"

She began to walk away, towards the grass, and Nala growled, "He is our pride member, our cub. Not theirs Zira, he never has been!"

She stopped in her tracks, "I see."

Simba shook with rage at her insults, not only at him, his father, and his pride. But on his newly adopted son as well, "Zira, if I catch you around my cubs again, you won't be walking away with your back turned." He said threateningly.

She gazed back with a wild smile, "Oh don't worry Simba, you won't see me near any of your cubs." She said continuing out into the tall grass, disappearing from sight and sound.

Simba sighed with released tension and dropped back to the floor with his mate, Nala nuzzled into his side and sighed as well, pulling herself up to bring the cub back into her paws. She stared at him for a small moment, then smiled, "Don't let her get to you Simba. We have better things to worry about." She said excitedly, looking down and nuzzling the white cub.

Simba looked down at the cub and nodded with a large smile, "Yes, of course." Though he'd be lying if he said he couldn't get what had happened off his mind.