Warnings/TW

Abuse

Chapter 18

"Dark Places, New Faces"

The sun was finally starting to set, a golden glow shining its rays on the dry, cracked earth. The oasis nearby was teeming with life, and the flora greedily absorbed what little water existed. Makazi gave it a passing glance as he passed further into town, until he sighed and faced forward. His tail dragged behind him in the dirt, and his muscles ached. He wanted nothing more than to go home and see his beautiful mate's face. The thought made him smile.

Then again, he frowned thinking more. She had been terribly mad at him this morning before he left. Throwing the cub gnawed at the back of his head, but he'd seen what happens when they can't convince that tyrant. And he couldn't allow that to happen again, he couldn't see her like that. But a cub? He had crossed a line, he was no better than the queen.

He sighed as he stopped off at a regular spot. While eager to get home, it wasn't a good spot to refresh himself. The shade of the building mixed with the sound of the oasis river behind him calmed his nerves every time. Hopping up into a chair, a bowl of water was already in front of him. He nodded in thanks at the older lioness who merely winked and attended to cleaning dishes.

Makazi lapped at the water slowly, holding himself back from shoving his muzzle in and drinking it in a single gulp. A conversation from two guards who were off duty caught his attention, they were sitting not far from him in two different chairs. "Ah, so you've been feeling it too? Been tryin' not to get my hopes up but… it's so familiar."

"Yeah. Like it never left. Haven't tried it yet, don't feel like there's enough of it. But it's there."

Makazi felt oddly agreeable with them, the feeling that each and every one of them was missing. It finally felt fulfilled in some way. He shook his head, it was just soldiers deluding the pride with tales of their victory. Nobody really questioned why they went to war, nor dared to learn who they were before fighting.

"Don't know what it is. Bet it's got something to do with them pridelanders." The first one scoffed, as he spat disgustedly at the pride name.

"Heard from a few that we captured a princess. Hopefully they fall apart from within." The other laughed.

"They kill her?"

"I hope so!" They both laughed heartily with another.

Makazi rolled his eyes to himself, finished lapping at his water, then slipped a few square shaped bolts with holes in them as payment onto the table and made his way out. What should've been peaceful only made him feel even more upset. The war hadn't been some grand victory, I mean, just look at the poor cub in their care. Orphaned, such a shame.

He finally spotted his house on the horizon, illuminated by a few rays of light. It was one of his favorite sights. It didn't take him long to see his mate in the garden outside their house. Late for her to do so, but he didn't question it. He approached happily, "There's my favorite lioness," he greeted.

Niru turned and regarded him with a small smile, "Welcome home." She said nuzzling him back.

"Okay, what's wrong." Makazi said worriedly, "Are you still angry at me?" He said hopefully.

She huffed a laugh, looking downcast, "Yes. But that's not what's bothering me."

Makazi hummed and sat in front of her, "Same subject I assume?"

Niru nodded and laid her head under his neck against his chest, "He's so distant and angry. He refuses to talk or let me help. Especially with that potentially broken leg you gave him." She added at the end with a hint of annoyance.

Makazi hummed awkwardly before coughing, "His parents did just die, Niru. Maybe what he needs is space?"

She began to tear up, "He told me to leave him alone so he could die. Giving him space sounds like… the wrong choice? I don't know what I'm doing…" She said, releasing a small whimper.

Makazi shushed her and embraced her with both paws, "I see."

She sniffled, "That's not all… I-I think his parents were abusive he… he says I'm just like the others… and that we'll hurt him again."

Makazi shuffled uneasily, "Oh…Well. What do you think we should do?" He asked quietly.

She looked up into his face, her eyes were watery but the glint in the sunset made them shimmer beautifully, she smiled a bit, "Change his mindset? If you think we can?" She said as if asking for his help.

He chuckled, "That's the Niru I know." He said nuzzling her again.

She nodded, "He's super young, maybe he can forget the worst of it if we just try our hardest. It can't be that hard!"

Makazi tilted his head, "I feel like you've given yourself the pep-talk. I wasn't needed was I?" He teased.

She pushed him away gently then smiled mischievously, "Nope!"

A little while later I was tracing my claws around in the dirt. I felt like the biggest waste of space ever. What was I doing moping around when I resigned myself to this? Well… I expected to die quicker. But I guess Shelyra was teasing me with the idea, waiting until I get comfortable to spring it on me.

I heard two enter, it sounded like Niru and I vaguely remembered Makazi's voice. They were happy together, that much was obvious. I listened for a while as they spoke of mundane things, for a bit. They reminded me less of Simba and Nala. They were younger, and clearly quite in love. I could tell just by the way they talked. Good for them…

I was checked on a few times, usually following an emotionless raise of my eyebrows. But each time I was only met with a smile by Niru, who would return to her previous task. It was when I began to hear cooking sounds and smelling the first bit of a homemade dish that I finally rose to my feet. Out of sheer curiosity at just what they were doing I peeked around the corner. They had a fire going and cuts of meat strewn across thin rock slabs. Niru was even putting what looked like seasoning or spices on it, using a bowl attached to a stick. She would grab it in her mouth and gently sprinkle it. It was mesmerizing to watch a lion cook. I felt I had gone insane.

"Hello little one," I heard Makazi's voice from my right. I had annoyingly ended up sitting down in the entrance to watch her absentmindedly. And that's when he attempted to strike up a conversation.

"She is quite impressive to watch, isn't she?" He said with a smile.

I chose to stay quiet, turning around to hopefully be ignored. "Oh!" Niru remarked suddenly. "Are you hungry?" She giggled.

I sighed to myself and retreated, "I'll bring you some when it's done, alright?" She offered.

I was already gone, back to my corner. Makazi peaked in but I shot him a dirty look. I'll give them something, they are getting better at leaving me alone.

An hour or so passed and my mind was running blank with things to do. It really was boring being a captive, sitting in a corner. Almost made me question if this was some sort of test, whether I could join her people or stay true to myself. I wasn't going to entertain the idea, they were not going to get me to budge.

A while later niru came in, with a woven basket hanging from her maw. She gently placed it in front of me as she smiled ecstatically. "There you go! It's a homemade recipe, I'm sure you'll like it."

I looked up at her in intrigue before gazing down at the basket, unintentionally leaning forward. It was the most appetizing smell and look wise that I've seen in weeks. Seeing gazelle get grotesquely eaten raw wasn't the most appealing thing, and seeing steak cooked like this made my mouth water. And the smell was absolutely delicious.

I noticed she seemed pleased with my reaction. I swallowed deeply and backed up, turning my face into the corner. I heard her sigh from behind me, "I know you have to be hungry…" She said, eyeing the bowl she brought me this morning. I gave no reaction.

Suddenly she huffed and I heard shuffling, she was laying right behind me with the basket in between her front legs. "No, cubs need to eat. I will sit here until you at least eat a bit." She said with an heir of confidence, holding her head up high. I rolled my eyes, good luck with that.

She began to coax me multiple times, eating it herself to demonstrate that it was good. Which did tell me it wasn't poisoned, so not all useless. After trying ceaselessly to get my attention, it felt like forever, but at some point she slumped over. I glanced back, and she was on her side, looking rather sad. "I just want to help you. I don't know how to get you to trust me." She said defeated.

I looked away with a short, "You won't."

"Okay, don't trust me…" She said, clearly upset, "But please, eat! I couldn't forgive myself if I let a cub starve." She said one last time with hope.

I leaned down and into a lying position. At least it had gotten quiet in here, she was no longer pestering me. "I… I understand what you must be going through." Oh she is not going there right now, is she?

I turned and growled, she recoiled a bit with a whimper, "I know it's not something you want to talk or think about. I've been through a lot of the same feelings."

I growled louder, "You don't understand how this feels." I said with a low voice.

She looked at me sympathetically, "I bet I would if you'd speak. I would be more inclined to leave you to your own grief… But you're hurting yourself little on-"

"Stop calling me that!" I yelled.

Makazi peaked around the corner, but I didn't back down. I stood on my legs and glared, "You're both with her. I don't know if she put you up to this. But I'm not playing your stupid game! It's not fair!" I yelled.

I could see Niru's optimism breaking by the second, as tears welled up in her eyes again. But I didn't stop this time, I didn't let myself feel bad for her. Just as I began to think that, Niru rose to her haunches, leaned down and picked me up. I growled as my body went limp. I expected to be carried off as Shelyra's plan had failed, but instead, Niru deposited me into her front paws and began to hold me close.

I stopped fighting, only out of shock at what she was doing, however. Her body rocked a few times, and she nuzzled me, "Not everyone wants to hurt you." She told me, "You're safe." She reassured me.

I felt something ache in my heart. And for once, I was the one holding back tears, "N-No. You don't get it!" I said.

She shushed me, and I became frustrated again, "Please put me down." I asked with tears streaming down my face.

She shook her head, and began crying to herself, "No. You need love little one."

I felt so helpless, completely terrible. If this was a long thought out psychological warfare from Shelyra, then she had won. I can't do this! "I want my momma!" I said, finally breaking a bit. The words came out so suddenly I couldn't hold them in.

Niru seemed horrified and saddened, "Shh… I know. We're here for you cub."

But the fact that she didn't understand only made me cry more. She had the wrong idea entirely, and what good would telling her do? If she really was being genuine, then she would only get hurt by having that knowledge. But she wasn't, was she? This was a really good act if so. Makazi came over, and tried to get in on the hug. But it was too much, I squirmed as hard as possible and maybe used my claws a bit until I was dropped.

As soon as I was on the floor again, I ran. Out of the room, out of the cave entrance. I stumbled a few times because of my leg, but it wasn't enough to stop me. And they were too stunned to follow after me.

I ran until I was behind another building, they hadn't come to look yet, but I tried to blend in and began walking.. It was nearly completely night time, the sky was dark except for a lighter blue on the horizon. Fireflies danced amongst the cattails and water lilies. I heard frogs croak up and down the river and locusts chirped in the distance. It was a very calming scene after everything that just happened.

I walked leisurely along the bank, which a path followed next to. I heard families laughing and talking from inside their huts and nearby caves. I saw a few cubs chasing each other near their parents. I did well to avoid any guards I came across. At some point, I found myself right in front of an entrance. The vast expanse of desert in all directions taunted me. This was it, I could run. But if I didn't make it home before daybreak? Well… I'd be dead. I set one paw forward, and then held it back. I couldn't do it like this…

And why was I acting like this anyway? I asked myself confused as I turned around and walked back into the village. Why was I giving up? I wasn't dead, not yet. And my pride was alive, waiting for me to find my way home. I did want my momma, and my dad, sister, all of my family! I couldn't make that happen from beyond. So why was I giving up?

I passed by the river, and the families who had slowly begun to go home. A few smiled at me, the cubs waved. I waved back with a hint of a smile. These were people. Well, they were lions and such but semantics! They were living here just like my pride does in my home. They had nothing to do with the invasion! They're probably being fed so many wrong stories about my pride.

I passed a window, and there was a mother and father gently wrestling with their cubs before they all curled up and slept in their bed. I groaned to myself, that can't be fake. This town felt so familiar yet distant, I wasn't looked at oddly either for my colour. It was a strange feeling. I growled, hitting myself on the face with a paw. Stop being like this… You were raised better Daniel…

In my distractions a guard passed by me. "You alright son?" He said with intrigue.

I jumped and stared at him, before laughing awkwardly, "I was just on my way home."

He nodded, "Sorry I spooked you. Be safe then." He said before continuing on past me. I breathed a sigh of relief once he was gone. But it was weird, even the guards didn't recognize me on sight and acted just like all the others.

A few more houses down and I was close to the cave I'd fled from. I peaked my head around the corner, and saw the cave I'd just left. I was about to make a step forward, when I saw Shelyra happily stalk her way into the den. I frowned deeply. I knew it! It all was a trap, of course it was… I silently snuck up to the side of the cave, listening in on the conversation.

"W-What do we do?" Niru asked shakily. "What if he left out into the desert? Then what are we supposed to do?"

Makazi paced back and forth as he sighed, "Maybe he comes back. You might have frightened him too much."

She whined, "We have to alert the guard than,"

Makazi broke his pace to round on her with a worried expression, "Absolutely not! Do you know what Shelyra will do?"

Niru lowered her head and shook it sadly, "But the cub is-"

He grabbed hold of her shoulders, "The cub isn't gone yet. I'll go look just-... don't tell Shelyra." He said seriously. Niru eyed him widely.

"Don't tell me what?" Makazi whipped around to see the queen standing with a look of curious innocence, "Oh. Am I intruding?" She said, holding a paw to her face.

Makazi bowed and stammered for a second, "Of course not, my queen. We welcome you!"

Niru quickly followed the same out of habit. And Shelyra nodded with a satisfied hum, "How is the cub I brought you doing Hmm? I hope he hasn't been in too much trouble." She said walking over to the table and seating herself.

Makazi and Niru glanced at each other and laughed a bit, before sitting down as well. "No, no." Niru started, "Quite frankly he's been rather quiet and hasn't left the room all day." Makazi nodded agreeably.

Shelyra tilted her head, "I presumed you'd put him to work! I guess you two do have soft-spots hmm?"

Makazi chuckled, "We definitely tried! Can't even get his name out of him."

Shelyra smirked, "Oh? Well, do you think it would help if I talked with him? It is quite disrespectful to refuse to help."

Niru waved her paws, "No!" She cleared her throat, "I mean, we already put him to sleep. He's a little demon until then, you know how it is."

Shelyra laughed a bit, "Oh well."

Makazi hummed worriedly, "Not to be rude my queen but… was there something in particular you needed help with this late? Surely you've got other things?"

She sighed, "Yes. I'm going to be away. I just wanted to check in on how it was going."

Niru seemed almost too intrigued at that, "For how long?"

The queen shrugged, "It shouldn't take more than a couple of days. I'm not taking many with me so we should be protected here. We leave at dawn."

Niru smiled, "Well then you need to get your rest! Don't let us keep you here." She said getting up and practically nudging Shelyra.

Shelyra stood up with a bit of a startle, then looked towards the side room, "I'm going to make sure the little one wasn't spying." She said suddenly.

Makazi got up and blocked her path, "Let me! You don't have to worry yourself with that."

Shelyra rolled her eyes and pushed past him. Niru and Makazi could only share one look of terror with each other before it happened.

Shelyra bounded back into the room tackling Makazi to the ground, slamming his head into the floor with a front paw. She growled at the two with fierce eyes, "You lied to me! Where is he?"

Niru started crying instantly, "No! Don't hurt him. It was my fault!"

Shelyra looked down and growled, jumping off of Makazi with all four paws causing him to grunt in pain. She landed in front of Niru and circled her. "Niru, dear… Explain!" She said, snarling in her face.

She sobbed, "I'm sorry! We were trying to get him to eat and he slipped past us and ran! We couldn't stop him-"

Shelyra brought her paw up and grabbed Niru "Was that not one of the many things I warned you about specifically when I dropped him off here?" She said as if she was offended.

Makazi coughed a bit, "Niru's lying it was my fault…" he got out quickly as he groaned.

Shelyra smiled at him, "That's very cute Makazi. But one more lie and that tongue will be over my mantle piece!" She giggled.

The queen grabbed Niru's muzzle with her paw, "I expect more from you."

Niru quivered in fear, "Y-Yes I kn-know." She said through sobs.

Shelyra unsheathed her claws, "I will not have my blood be tainted by such cowardice and treason!" She began to dig the claws into her muzzle until it became painful.

"Y-Yes mother! Forgive me p-please!" She begged.

Niru is Shelyra's daughter as well? That makes her Miri's sister! I… Then she had to have been truthful this whole time. I swallowed harshly and bit back my fear.

I bounded into the room, "I'm back! Sorry I-" I said slowing to a halt, faking my surprise at what was going on.

Shelyra let go of her, looking over at me in surprise. I tilted my head, "Are you guys playing in here?" I asked innocently.

Shelyra approached me slowly, "Where were you little one?" She said with a fake smile and voice.

I pretended to think to myself, putting a paw to my chin quizzically, "I remember I was about to eat, but I got thirsty so I ran down to the river. I was super excited to try Niru's cooking!" I said happily.

Makazi and Niru's faces lit up from behind Shelyra, and they instantly kicked in to help. Makazi stepped forward, "You can't just leave without asking." He replied harshly.

I frowned and curled my tail inward, "Sorry… I wasn't trying to be a problem for you." I said faking a few tears.

Niru came over and grabbed me by the scruff, "Well you have been a problem. You need to do what you're told." She said with a low growl.

"Yes ma'am… sorry Queen Shelyra." I said as sincerely as possible.

I could see she was fuming, she wanted to rip me apart at that very moment. But in light of her daughter not knowing everything, she decided to be diplomatic. Albeit through gritted teeth. "Oh it's no trouble. I'll be off, I have very important duties to attend to tomorrow." She said throwing me and Niru a sideways glance of anger.

Niru smiled back at the doorway, "Goodnight mother. Good luck tomorrow." I could hear her contain a loud snarl at that as she stalked out of the cave faster than a cheetah.

Makazi wasn't far behind, as he checked the corner. He eventually turned around and nodded with a smile. Niru set me down on the floor and ran over to him, "Oh are you alright dear?" She said worriedly.

He chuckled and grabbed hold of her muzzle, "Me? What about you?"

She shook away from him with a giggle, and looked towards me. And Makazi followed her eyes. I smiled sheepishly, "My… My name's Ajabu." I said simply.

Niru smiled widely and went to take a step forward, but she brought her paw back again, "Well. Thank you Ajabu, you saved our hides." She laughed.

Makazi nodded with a hum, "You're a smart cub. But… what changed your mind on us?" They both nodded curiously.

I guess it was obvious I was smiling at them and acting a bit happier. I shrugged, how was I going to explain any of this? I decided on an easier route for now. "I… I just had time to think." I said looking at my paws.

Niru leaned into makazi and giggled. I approached them both, and bowed my head, "Niru I'm sorry I've been so mean. I… I don't like acting like that… You don't deserve that." I said through a few tears.

Niru cooed and picked me up in her paws, "It's okay sweetie. I forgive you, don't cry!" She said cheerfully.

Makazi ruffled my hair, "I'm the one who really needs to apologize. Though I'm happy you're still able to run on it."

Niru's eyes widened, and she pulled me away from her chest to inspect it, "Oh of course." After a few seconds she sighed with relief, "It's fine. But you need to be careful about it. Please." She said timidly.

I nodded, "Sure thing!" Though internally I was groaning about being injured yet again.

She giggled and licked the tip of my nose, and I blushed as I recoiled a bit. "Oh, sorry about that." She said whilst setting me down gently.

My stomach growled and I looked up sheepishly, "I… can I still try the food?" I asked.

Niru smiled and nudged me gently, "Of course. I knew you were hungry." She teased as she went to gather the basket. She returned and started another fire, "Just let me heat it up alright?"

"Really? You don't have to…" I mumbled.

"It's really good when it's warm, you'll like it." Makazi told me.

Not much longer afterwards, the basket was placed in front of me again. I didn't need any coaxing, so I tried it immediately. I nearly ended up shedding tears at how good it tasted. She probably could've put anything on it and I would've done the same. Raw meat and just regular cooked meat gets old after you've had better. And this was certainly better! "Thank you," I said in between bites, "It's great!"

"You're quite welcome, Ajabu." Niru said with a giggle as she ate a few pieces herself.

I yawned deeply. I was still massively tired from everything lately. After I finished eating I looked around, "Where do I put this?"

Niru walked over and grabbed the basket, "Don't worry about that dear. I've got it."

I nodded in thanks and stood up, stretching my limbs. I felt more comfortable around them now, but it was still a bit awkward. I didn't know if I should say I was going to sleep or what. So I just… didn't. I returned to the room I'd been in and lied down in the corner.

I contemplated whether telling them everything was a good idea. At the moment, they were in the dark so Shelyra wouldn't harm them. Well, more than she usually does apparently. But they also served to help me stay safe, while I found some way to get out of this place. But… I'd be leaving the Nchi Kavu behind, with a tyrant… I attempted to clear my mind.

I could hear Niru and Makazi conversing, it reminded me of other times, and gently lulled me along as I attempted to sleep. But the ground was intensely cold, I was shivering. I covered myself with my tail for a bit of warmth.

It was only a few moments later when I felt a muzzle gently nuzzle my face, "Little one, it's much too cold at night to sleep alone like this." She whispered. "May I move you?" I grabbed onto her muzzle for warmth in my half-awake state, and she giggled as she grabbed me by the scruff.

It was when I was deposited into the comfort of cloth that I noticed, but soon after they both hopped up onto the woven bed and curled around each other. I was in between the two. And though I felt much warmer now as Niru curled protectively around me. It reminded me too much of Nala and Simba, I couldn't help but begin to cry. Niru didn't ask why, or give me more space. She just curled further around me and shushed me lightly, she must've understood in some way.

Niru was unexplainably fluffy compared to Nala, I inevitably fell asleep quickly in her embrace.

Thanks for reading!

I'm curious whether anybody expected that about Niru. Daniel certainly didn't! Did you guys think Daniel was going to lay down and give up? He probably thought he was, but life has other plans. Tell me what you guys thought! I got so many great reviews last chapter!

Plague Doctor 2035: Intrusive thoughts are pretty crazy. But he has had random thoughts like that before! And thank you for calling me one of your favorite authors!

MysteryWriter175: Thanks for the review and honesty! But I'm gonna take a moment to defend my boi Daniel for a second tho... He's been through hell in like the span of a week. Just because he's fallen once or twice doesn't mean he's down for the count. Well, you can see that from this chapter. He's still a kid in a lot of aspects. And yes the way you described Shelyra is pretty spot on!

Silverleone: That's what I'm saying! If I was Daniel I woulda cracked by now, burn everything down! Thanks for the review.

L0RD3N: There's been violence in this and last chapter now! lol. Just no fights, they scare me . Thanks.

SnowyMarble: And the wait has ended and begun once again. Thanks for the popcorn! lol. Oh, and the review of course!

Thank you guest reviewers! I appreciate them all but it'd get confusing to reply to them. You guys rock still!

Well a 1 week update is always nice. I don't think it'll happen again next weekend because I'll be out of town, but it'll be soon for sure!

I've been really obsessed with the Nurture album by Porter Robinson the past 2 weeks. Specifically "Mirror" and "Something Comforting". Not that these have much in common with the story, but that's what I've been writing to for the most part. I recommend the whole album if you haven't listened to it.

-Fiygon out.