I'm about 3 months late. Yeah...

Thanks for all the favorites though! Passed 100 while I was gone. Thank you all.

TW/:Dissacotiation

Chapter 19

"A Day in the Life"

It was a long trek for the King and Queen of the pridelands as they made their way back home. It wasn't five seconds that would go by that they didn't feel the urge to turn around and pursue the one who'd taken their son. It was a quiet walk all things considered.

They were thankful upon getting within sight of pride rock that the fires were extinguished. The elephants were to thank for that. Simba made a mental note to thank them personally before he looked down at his mate. "Almost back now…" he muttered to her, not knowing how to break the silence. She made no response, only an ostensibly louder release of breath.

The moon was halfway through the sky, it had taken a while to get back. Simba was worried about what he might've missed. He hoped that there were no other tragedies tonight. A small glimmer of hope on such an awful time would be nice. He thought to himself.

A few critters stirred around the borders of pride rock, mostly ones who'd been forced out of previous homes and burrows by the fire. But other than that the savannah felt cold, heartless and deafeningly quiet. They found footing at the base of the slope, and they didn't get much farther up before a voice called down to them. "Your majesties," Sanaa and Kimya bowed from the top.

Neither were in the mood for a greeting such as this, and therefore kept their same vacant expressions. "Kimya, Sanaa." Simba said simply as they got closer.

Both guards looked at each other, clearly terrified or worried of something. And as they struggled to speak their minds, Kimya cleared her throat, "Yes, um… we uh… have to tell you…"

Sanaa huffed nervously, "What she's trying to say is that… that uh-"

"Is everyone back safe?" He asked as they reached the top of the slope.

The guards lowered their ears and Kimya began to tear up. Sanaa turned her head in shame. Simba grimaced and brushed past them, with the still emotionless Nala by his side.

Upon entering the den they noticed blood on the floors, they clearly hadn't had time to clean up, but almost everybody was sleeping. Apart from the equally worried guard Mkali, who was gently grooming her cub between her paws. When she saw them, her eyes widened. Simba approached, "The other two are acting oddly, everyone made it back I hope?" He asked anxiously.

She grimaced and slowly nodded her head, "Well… I assume you mean everyone other than-" She began whispering.

Nala cut her off with a growl as she turned her head away, "Don't remind me he's gone." She nearly threatened.

Mkali looked only sympathetic, as she slowly sighed, "We won't be able to keep it from you," she began. This caught the attention of the two royals that looked at her in curiosity.

Mkali averted her gaze, "We tried, I promise we tried… but someone took…" She choked on a few tears, "They took Kiara as well."

The silence became deadly in the cave. And Mkali and the other two guards nearly ceased breathing in fear of telling them. Nala was looking down at her paws, a few agonizing moments passed as Mkali felt chills run through her spine.

"Who?" Nala whispered out.

Mkali huffed, "We-... We don't know who. It was too dark and there was too much fighting-"

"Who?!" Nala shouted at her. It was at that the majority of the pride began to stir in their sleep, but upon noticing their return, and the current news they were getting, silence reigned once again.

Mkali shuddered, "We don't know… They didn't seem to be with the Nchi Kavu… It may have been rogues? We're not even sure if there were multiple or not."

Nala kneeled forward and grabbed Mkali's chest fur aggressively, yanking her forward a bit, and snarling in her face, "I can't even trust you three to guard the one cub I have left. And apparently you don't even know who took her?!" She yelled. Mjanja cowered out of his mother's grip and over to his father.

"Nala, stop." Simba asked, pulling her paw off of Mkali. Which only served to make the grieving lioness angrier.

"Ridiculous!" She yelled looking between her three guards, "I can't trust anyone with anything! And now I'm left with nothing!" She ranted.

Simba rubbed against her, "Nala, calm down please."

She pushed him away and sulked to the back of the cave where a small cave was. Sarafina came up behind her quickly, "Nala dear, please… We-"

Nala turned and roared loudly, "Stay away from me!" She screamed before running into the back of the cave out of sight.

It was then that all eyes were on Simba. He was shocked by the news, but he merely felt like more of a failure of a king. He sighed deeply and looked down at Mkali who was crying. He leaned down slowly and nuzzled her, "It's not your fault, my friend." He said gently.

She whimpered, "I could've done more Simba…" She wept.

Simba released some of his own tears, "Me too."

Makazi panted as he looked up at the blistering sun, then glanced back down at the sight of their city a mile or two down from the sand dunes he was perched on. Sitting watch at a flagpole in the distance, watching for whatever may intrude. He breathed heavily through the head coverings he wore to keep his eyesight well. Stations like this were afforded to the lower ranks of Shelyra's hierarchy. But thankfully you were rotated out through the day.

Makazi's watch was a morning one, he mildly thanked his luck that he wasn't on mid-day watch. He shuddered at the thought. Overall watch was a boring thing, you'd be lucky to spot a single snake, let-alone any rogues. They'd learned their lessons long ago already.

Suddenly the main gate opened down in the city. His gaze shifted and narrowed at the figures in the distance as a horn was blown. It was Shelyra on her way out for her "mission". He nearly scoffed at the thought. She was pretentious and only out looking for my territory to claim surely. Her entourage was made up of half a dozen guards and only a single cart being pulled. Makazi considered what they might be doing, but couldn't bother to figure it out.

It took a while, but minutes later is when he realized they would be passing by his post. He groaned as he stood at attention. As the sound of paws and the rolling cart approached he held himself in that miserable position as much as possible. He held his head up, and merely prayed that he wasn't recognized.

The cart passed by, as well as the guards, but Shelyra hung back. Looking at him in thought, Makazi inwardly wanted to rip her apart for everything last night, but felt merely a bit uneasy. "I trust you'll keep things in order?" She glanced at him.

He nodded, "Of course, my queen."

She hummed, "If you do a good enough job keeping that troublemaker in check, we'll see about getting you out of these dreadful watches. Hmm?" She said putting a few claws to her chin, "Maybe say… the barracks? Or even the palace?" She said getting uncomfortably close as she practically whispered.

Makazi felt his claws unsheathe naturally, but he held in any outward sense of malice as he dug his claws into the sand below, "Sounds wonderful, my queen."

"But remember," she began, nearly cutting him off, "You have to keep him in check, and I think we both know how that went last night…" She said with a shake of the head.

"It won't happen again." Makazi murmured. Fearing talking much as he might let a growl escape.

"Oh well." she finished, "Water under the bridge. If the little orphan is too much trouble you have permission to injure him however you like, just make sure he's alive!" She said in an oddly cheery voice as she ran to catch up with the cart.

Makazi growled after she was far enough away to not hear him anymore, "Yeah, once is enough." He spat angrily. He knew she was attempting to get under his skin. To test how loyal he was, and to see if he'd snap. He'd almost thanked the fact she hadn't mentioned his mate, as that might have done it. Yet, Shelyra likes to play with her food.

Still, it was like she had some sort of grudge against Ajabu. He thought to himself how she acted about him. Surely she must've just hated the cub's parents? That had to be at least close to the truth. But why hate two parents that died for your own cause? What made him so important that he was their responsibility and not somebody else's?

He briefly thought of his mate, and then his thoughts washed away. Niru was always looking for something to do with herself, she always said so to him. Maybe this is what she needed after all?

I slowly opened my eyes and looked around. I was in a starlit void, the far reaches of distant galaxies sprawled in the sky above me. Yet there was nothing near me, except an ever expanding nothingness, the ground rippled like water when I walked, and created waves on the outreaches of my vision. I looked down, and saw my paws, but on the other side of what should've been my reflection, was me as a human. It mimicked my action of staring back.

I sighed slowly to myself, but I shook my head and smirked, "Haven't seen you in a while." I jokingly said.

"Do you consider that a good or bad thing?" Human me asked… myself? Its voice was echoey and wavy, just like the floor beneath me.

I went along with it, "It's… growing on me I guess. I hate being so weak and helpless though." I expressed, sitting down and looking up into the stars.

I sat in silence for a few moments, "As if you could do more as a human."

My eyebrow raised and I looked back down, I was crossing my arms while my counterpart held an unimpressed face. I scoffed, "What do you know? I could've done plenty more if I wasn't the size of a baseball!" I expressed my anger.

"What would you have done then? Wrestle Shelyra? Beat back the entire army of Nchi Kavu yourself? Pfft, what a joke." He said laughing at my dismay.

I growled, "Huh?!" I said, stomping my paw, and glaring at whatever was mocking me using my body, "I'd be a lot smarter than that!"

It grinned at me, "Man, you are better off dead aren't you?"

It continued laughing and I swiped my paw at the ground which distorted my view, "Since when did I give you permission to talk to me anyway? Only I can talk to myself buddy!"

When the image stopped rippling, it wasn't me anymore, just a mass of black energy. It quickly formed back into my human self. "It's not about smarts, kid, it's about action. Fact is, you're just a coward through and through." As it said this it kneeled down and smiled at me from the other side.

I wanted to make a retort, but I failed to do so as I stuttered in anger at what to say. "I try my best when I can…" I said with a sigh, beginning to walk in no particular direction, "And that's all that really matters."

But unfortunately since it was a reflection it matched my pace perfectly as it glided beneath me. "You were a coward and ran when your father died." I rolled my eyes, increasing my pace.

"You resigned yourself to death after saving Kiara."

Again, I walked a bit faster.

"You ran from them when you thought they'd hate you."

"Shut up." I growled as my speed increased.

"Got scared and ran from home when they took Kiara."

Faster, I went.

"Ran from all of your problems and became a willing captive!" He said with a chuckle.

Even faster.

"Ran from the only two allies you have right now even!"

"Stop talking!" I yelled, sprinting at this point.

I skidded to a halt as the reflection evaporated and appeared in front of me as a dark mass again. Two vortex-like eyes stared right through me as I heard a much more distorted voice.

"And what have you been doing since I've named all your failures?"

I stepped back a few feet as I tripped on my own tail.

"You ran."

I stood back up and glared at it in hatred, "At least I tried! It wasn't out of cowardice! It was for my family!" I said huffing for air.

"Just give up already…" It said before the black mass engulfed me.

My eyes shot open as I felt a wet tongue drag across the side of my face. I looked around rather quickly as I met Niru's face who was leaning over the vacant bed I was in. "Morning my sunshine!~" She said cheerily in a song-like voice.

I took a deep breath of relief as I stared at her with wide slightly fearful eyes. She went from a rather cheerful look, to one of momentary worry as she tilted her head at me. "Everything okay little one?"

I stretched my body some as I nodded, averting my eyes "I'm okay."

She only thought about it for a moment longer before she smiled and leaned down to pick me up unprovoked in her maw. I sighed but didn't protest as she entered the main area and placed me on the table next to the primitive kitchen.

"It's almost midday. You were such a tired little cub, I couldn't force myself to wake you up!" She said ruffling through a few baskets.

"Would you like a meal? What's your favorite meat, and how do you like it cooked? Not that I have to cook it. Raw is good to some others, but not so much to me." She finally found the basket she was looking for and pulled out a small rock bowl.

She placed it on the table next to the fire, "I know my Makazi likes specifically zebras, cooked just enough to where it's still pink in the middle when you eat it, but the outside is brown. Oh~! And I like it the most when it's all a bit more brown than usual and-"

I gazed around for a second look at her kitchen. It was truly impressive for a lion, only adding onto a growing list of questions that racked my brain. And the rest of it followed in the same vein, the table, the various shelves and other things specifically built with lions in mind. Just how in the world was it possible?

"Ajabu?" She said, catching my attention again.

I looked over and smiled sheepishly. Her ears lowered onto her head, "Sorry, I'm rambling…" She started over to me, "I get excited cooking for new people. Are you hungry little one?" She asked simply.

I felt odd, I hadn't been asked these questions in what felt like forever, "Umm… just make your favorite, and we can share?" I tilted my head.

She giggled and licked my muzzle, "Sounds like a wonderful idea." She said as she went back to her cooking.

I zoned out. My dream replayed in my head over and over. I wanted to go home, I wanted to see my parents. But I wanted to help, I really did. The Nchi Kavu needed help.

But would I ever be able to go home? It was beginning to feel hopeless for someone like me to make all of this happen. I stopped thinking rationally, and began shivering as I thought about what Shelyra was planning with me.

I let my mind get to me. My fear overtook all other thoughts for a minute. After all, what did I do? Why did I deserve this? My breathing felt increasingly harder. Were my parents even okay? Did I even have anybody to return to?

"Little one." I heard.

I snapped out of my thoughts abruptly, and Niru sighed from right in front of me. "Are you sure you are alright?" She said with genuine worry.

I laughed nervously a bit, "What makes you think I'm not?"

She looked at me as if she was studying me, "It's just that… I know that your-" She stopped herself and sighed again, "You were staring off into nothing… Most cubs are hyper and jumping off the wall. I guess it just threw me off." She said with a half smile.

I felt relief as she eased away from me and made the final few touches on the food. She deposited an absolutely delicious looking half-slab of meat in front of me. It was cooked, but to describe in regular terms, was around medium rare. I felt excited, "Your favorite is the same as mine!"

"Oh?" She expressed curiously, as she sat nearby with her own half. "You have good taste." She giggled.

I'd liked medium rare as a human, but now with the added benefit of raw meat tasting good to me now… My first bite confirmed my suspicions, it was heaven. I retracted before I dug in, and bowed slightly. I felt a bit sheepish because of my manners, "Thank you for the meal, Niru."

She leaned over and nuzzled the top of my head, "Of course Ajabu." She said tenderly.

A little while later I was in the back room again laying on my stomach. Though this time not to sulk in any corners, I was using my claws to draw in the sand. At first I started with little things to pass the time, I wasn't a huge artist but I did miss the simplistic act of it. Eventually I began mapping out everything I'd seen about the place I was in. Was this a town? It kinda passed being just a den a while ago. Though the same could be said about pride rock.

I racked my brain but couldn't fill anymore of the map out. I labeled houses I knew were just family dens, what I was really aiming for with this? I don't know. I didn't have some grand plan or anything. My lack of information was annoying me however, and I groaned in frustration.

Eventually I heard pawsteps from behind me, my ears directed them towards the source before I even noticed, I heard giggling, "What a little artist you are!" She said with praise, I tried to keep myself from feeling upset by how childish she regarded me. Because to her I was just a tiny cub, she didn't know otherwise.

I looked over at her and smiled slightly, "It's not that great, just for fun."

She approached me, making sure not to step on any drawings. "Well, then I get to be your biggest fan." She said in a serious yet joking tone, I actually giggled at that.

She licked the top of my head again, "I'm going out into the town, wanna come with me?"

Ah, so it was a town. I looked up excitedly, "Yes please!"

She nodded and grabbed me by my scruff, before dodging her way out of the room of pictures. Then she placed me down, "Just stay close alright? I don't want you getting out of sight."

"Yes ma'am." I said respectfully.

"Maybe you'll see some of your friends while we're walking around! That'd be fun, right?" She said happily.

I just hummed dismissively as I followed her out the entrance. Everything was much brighter during the day, obviously. And hotter. The town was relatively the same from before, but there were a lot more out roaming the pathways this time. Which made poor Niru look a bit stressed as she constantly checked for if I was still there.

We made our way to the right for a bit, turning left into some sort of trade area. All things considered it was still a small town. There couldn't be more lions here than at pride rock. There were a ton more lions here in the trading streets though. Canopies strewn over the streets, and it looked like you'd step on somebody if you were less than a little careful. Niru looked at me, "I want you to walk underneath me. Keep your tail on my paw so I know you're there alright?"

I was still looking around in intrigue but obliged her words. She walked slow enough for me to keep up at my normal stride. There were lions selling house furnishings, meats, even spices. It was making me second guess everything in my life to this point. When did lions learn this sort of thing? Then again, when did lions learn to talk…

Niru stopped at one spot finally, a less crowded stand than most. She greeted the lioness running it, "Mimea, how are you?"

"Oh good! Hope you aren't getting that many patients." She said worriedly with a similar voice to Niru's. Mimea was quieter, and reminded me a lot of Kimya….

Niru shook her head, "Oh no not at all. Just running out of aloe herbs."

"Just got some this morning!" Mimea gestured to a whole basket.

Niru was already ruffling through a small bag, placing a few things on the counter, as payment? Did these lions have currency even too? I came forward and stood on my hind legs, placing my front paws on the wall to try and get a better look. "What're those?" I said curiously.

Both lionesses paused for a moment and Niru giggled, "Sweetie, those are Sarafu." She took a couple and held them at eyesight for me, they were square shaped bolts with holes in the middle. They were seemingly made of some sort of rock, but they looked metal. "We use it to get things from others. It's a fair trade."

"Why, isn't he just the cutest." Mimea said, leaning over the counter and giving me a smile. Then looking back up at Niru with raised brows, "You didn't tell me?"

Niru shook her head, and began whispering over the counter. I sighed and lowered myself, looking around at some other stands. I caught sight of some cubs in the distance playing. They all had cloth tied on their wrists, two different colors. I assumed they were teams, as they were kicking and swatting a ball shaped basket around.

"Well, here's the order of Aloe." Mimea started, setting a small basket on the table.

Niru nodded in thanks, and looked down at me as I finished drawing a portrait of a passing bug. Well, a terrible looking one. I looked up at her curiously and she smiled. Turning to Mimea, "Um, actually I need one more thing." She said pointing to something out of my sight.

Once they were done with their transaction Niru began walking. The opposite of where we came from. "Well… that's all I had planned for. But it's a nice day, let's go to the oasis!"

"What's at the oasis?" I asked curiously.

She looked almost concerned down at me at that question, "It's a very beautiful place. And there's usually a lot of younger cubs with their parents there. Have you never been?"

I just shook my head as I absorbed this area of town to my memory. "Sounds cool though!" She just nodded with an unsure look as we continued to walk.

As we walked down the less traveled paths, a few lions would take notice of me. Some looked in confusion, others paid no mind and only smiled widely at me. I was wondering really, how long it would take for someone to realize I wasn't meant to be here. I spotted a guard up ahead, and ducked under and behind Niru's leg. She noticed, but seemed to keep to herself. I thought I spotted a grimace on her face about it however.

We arrived at the center of town. Which was a lot like the watering hole back home. There was a sizable pond, with lush trees, leaves and flowers around it. There were a few couples around, some cubs with their mothers, it was kind of like a park. Niru walked over to an area of shade under a couple trees, not too far from the other lionesses. She laid down and smiled at me, "Do you recognize any of those cubs?" She said pointing behind me.

Obviously I wouldn't, but I turned and pretended to analyze them for a moment. They were all playing tag, wrestling whenever one of them tagged another. The scene made me smile, but I had to shake my head as I regarded Niru. "No."

She sighed sadly. She seemed within her own thoughts for a while, as she seemed conflicted. Finally she asked, "You didn't have any friends, did you?"

"Bit harsh…" I said with a short laugh.

I stared out over the pond, and shrugged slightly, "I mean, you're my friend… I hope." I said whilst sitting down.

She suddenly embraced me, "Of course I am." She said, licking the side of my head.

I strive to change the subject, eyeing the basket sitting next to her. "You use the leaves to help people?"

She followed my gaze and nodded swiftly, "I'm who most lions go to when they need help! I heal their wounds and give them advice."

She nudged my leg gently, "Speaking of which. How does your leg feel?"

"It's sore, but I don't mind too much." I replied.

Niru sighed, "You know we're still… super sorry about that right? We never wanted to hurt you."

"I believe you." I said which seemed to ease her a little bit.

After a minute or two, she began to groom me. I hated when mom did it, so obviously I expressed my discontent at Niru doing it as well, "There's literally water three feet away."

She giggled, "If everyone washed in it our drinking water would be quite nasty no?" She said continuing on with it. I knew there was no arguing your way out of a bath with a lioness so I accepted it without any more hassle. When she was finished she relentlessly nuzzled my face which made me miss home just a little bit more.

We sat in silence for a while, as the sun was setting, making the sky glow with an orange and purple hue. The fireflies became visible as they came out. And the group of cubs from before had thoroughly passed out by now. A bunch of families and groups of friends were out and laughing with each other, there was an overall sense of peace now that Shelyra was currently out of town. I could even see that some guards were less stone faced stoic than before.

"Niru?" I asked.

Her head on her right paw and her eyes closed, she hummed gently in acknowledgement. I continued, "Why does… The queen treat you like that if… you're her daughter?"

I felt her stiffening a bit, but she relaxed again and sighed. She lifted her head and set her eyes on me sadly, "I don't know either, little one."

That was really all I could know about that. If even her daughter hadn't the slightest clue, then it must not be an easy question to answer. "She hates me too, and I don't know what I ever did to her. Did she ever tell you why she hates me? Or what I did to her?" Niru looked at me with surprise.

I started thinking back, all if this just for some stupid blessing that I don't even know what it was for, "I just wanted to be happy. I tried so hard and then she came and ruined everything. I don't know if it's right to say but I… I hate her." I began to tear up but I turned my head away. I could feel her eyes on my back after I said that.

I sighed, my voice wavering, "I-I'm sorry. That's mean of me."

Niru quickly pulled me towards her chest, "Shh…" She started rubbing my back, "Let it out, I've got you sweetie."

If I wasn't careful I would end up saying too much. And I had to control my emotions right now if I wanted a chance at keeping them out of this whole thing. I sniffled and forced my tears away, forcing myself to not cry. It was tough but I managed it. Niru seemed upset at that, "It's not good to hold things in cub. You're much too young to have to do that."

I shook my head, and it looked like she was going to argue to get me to cry more. She looked conflicted as she looked down at the ground. She sighed loudly, "I hate her too sometimes." She started, "She wasn't always the way she is now. Ever since my sister left us she just…" My ears perked up as I listened intently. "She just changed, and then when..." Niru shook her head of the thought and nuzzled me, "So I don't blame you, she's been awful." She took a deep breath as she watched a firefly pass in front of her.

I eagerly felt like questioning her about Miri now. "Your sister left?" I said with a tilted head.

She nodded, "Her and my mother had a big argument about our family blessing and she left. I miss her so much." I saw a few tears forming in her eyes.

The guilt rose within me. Especially since I didn't know how to tell her that she was already gone. At least she wasn't confused about where the blessing still was… I really wasn't trying to take advantage of her in a vulnerable state. I felt awful but I kept pressing for answers, "Oh, I'm sorry Niru… Why did she leave?"

Niru nodded, "Well, my sister is older than me. So she became the blessed heir to the throne. But my sister always hated her royal duties, and one night she argued with mother and… She left, because she had fallen in love with someone outside of our pride…" Miri fell in love? I could tell Niru wanted to say more, but she stopped herself.

"Niru what is the-" She chuckled and nuzzled my face to cut me off.

"Little one, you're so curious that your brain is going to get too big for that little head of yours." She said ruffling my hair.

"B-But…" I protested.

She shook her head, "More stories another time, okay honey?" She looked up at the sky, the sun nearly set by now.

My stomach rumbled, further ruining my plans. She giggled, "Let's head home. Makazi will be there soon, and we can eat." She explained before grabbing me by the scruff and collecting her things.

When we arrived back at the den, a single light was already on inside sitting on the window. Which seemingly alerted Niru to something as she quickened her pace. Once we got inside I could see why, one of the town guards was seemingly injured, he was holding his front right paw on the table.

He was an older lion, with mostly Grey fur with a few patches of white. He had a large flowing mane of white hair that I was slightly jealous of. He was battle scarred, and his mane had three braids below his chin. One of his eyes was blinded I'd guess, as there was a large patch of fur around it missing and it was closed. I would have been terrified of his appearance if he didn't have such an outgoing friendly posture as he smiled sheepishly at Niru.

"Ukuta? What's wrong?" Niru asked concernedly, quickly placing me on the ground and going to inspect him.

His voice was deep as he rumbled out a short laugh, "Well you see. I was on guard duty out on the north side, and seemed to have gone the road less traveled."

Niru raised her eyebrows at him expectantly and he cleared his throat, "I stepped on a snake…" he uttered with a smile.

Niru shook her head, "Let me guess, it bit you?" She said as she grabbed his paw and began inspecting the area.

He laughed loudly, "It ain't my fault! He was in my blind spot!" He said jovially.

"You've been applying pressure?" She asked, going to a basket and pulling out some things.

He hummed, "Once I got away I tried sucking the venom out too, as best I could anyway."

I watched Niru work her magic for a while. She really was a very good healer, and reminded me much of my dad when she was in "doctor mode". It wasn't long before he had been injected with some antidote, and the wound disinfected. She sighed afterward, "You're lucky it didn't go deep, or latch on very long."

He flexed the stiffness from his arm a bit as he placed it back on the floor. "Well when somethings bitin' you get a bit quick in the feet I'll say."

She started packing up her medical supplies, "I don't know why they still have you on guard duty. They know that the other eye doesn't work right?" He laughed but didn't reply.

That's when I seemed to catch his eye finally, as I was lounging kind of like a house cat with a front paw hanging off the edge. He smiled just as widely at me, "Well hello there youngin'!"

My eyes widened and I nodded, "Hello sir." I replied quickly.

Niru walked over to me hurriedly, "Oh I'm so sorry for leaving you up there Ajabu. You probably can't jump off with that leg…" She said depositing me on the floor.

"Another patient of yours?" Ukuta asked.

Niru looked for a second, then hummed, "Something along those lines."

As she said that, Makazi finally returned. Walking through the door and looking curiously at Ukuta. He merely raised his bandaged arm and he nodded respectfully. Niru and Makazi greeted each other lovingly.

"Been meaning to ask," Ukuta started rather abruptly.

Makazi nodded, "Shoot."

"Well it's more for Niru. How far along are you my dear?" He asked curiously with a smile.

Niru sat on her haunches and looked down with a loving look as she placed a paw on her stomach, "Only about three weeks, I'm so excited." Makazi licked her cheek.

Niru was pregnant… That gave me just another reason on my growing worry pile of why I shouldn't include them in my plans. Once I made them anyway. I tilted my head curiously, "You didn't tell me you were having a cub." I looked up at her.

She giggled, "You didn't ask!" She replied mischievously.

"Well I'm glad for you two. It's about time the younger generation took over this pride." He said standing up slowly and stretching. "Well I thank you kindly Niru, I best be heading out."

Niru nodded, "Are you sure you won't stay for dinner?"

He laughed nervously, "I've already got to explain this to the mate, wouldn't want to keep her waiting much longer." He said in disdain at the wound. He said his goodbyes and left swiftly afterwards.

"Right, dinner!" Niru said excitedly. "Any preference this time little one?" She said looking back at me.

I shook my head, "Uhm, maybe I'll try Makazi's way this time?"

She nodded eagerly and got to work. Makazi smiled at me, "Good choice." I could tell he was keeping his distance a little bit, he still probably felt bad.

Makazi was great too, buuuut I still preferred Niru's choice overall. We'd finished eating and I had resigned myself back to the dirt room. Niru came after me worriedly until she saw I was just playing. She was talking quietly with Makazi in the other room, but I was lost in my own world. I finished the final parts of my dirt map, with new areas and things labeled a bit better. I felt proud of my work.

After a little while Makazi and Niru came in, and Makazi's eyes widened at the ground. "Wow." He started, "Very creative isn't he?" Niru nodded.

I watched curiously, as Makazi saw what I was doing and began walking towards me. I stood up and growled at him. I could see his ears droop and he recoiled a bit in sadness, "Hey, paws off!" I said.

"Honey," Niru said, pointing at his feet.

He looked down and saw that he had stepped on some of my drawings and messed them up a bit, and he let out a sigh of relief, "Oops…"

I stepped around and swatted at his paw playfully, "This is restricted territory!"

He chuckled, sounding a bit more playful now, "Sorry sir, it's just that you're so small down there I can't quite hear you." He said, placing a paw to his ear.

"Oh yeah?" I started mischievously. I began mimicking his actions, pointing at him and then pretending to be a raging monster for a moment, then I crossed my paws.

He raised a brow, "Oh? You don't like when I do this?" He said, wiping away a line on one of my drawings.

"That's it!" I said with a grin as I jumped at his paw that caused the damage and attacked it viciously.

He fell backwards dramatically as Niru giggled at us, he hit the ground and played dead. I ran over to him and put my paws on his chest, "Mighty beast felled!" I yelled triumphantly.

He reached his paws up suddenly and grabbed me with an evil laugh, "Too easy, cub." He said before licking the back of my head.

My blood ran cold as I squirmed out of his grip, "No tongue! I already had a bath!" I yelled defensively.

I shouldn't have given him that reaction, because he seemed even more intrigued as he crouched and stalked at me with an evil grin. "Your days are numbered." He uttered before chasing me around the table slowly.

Niru hummed nervously, "Careful. His paw." She reminded him.

It wasn't much of a fight as he caught me and playfully rolled around on the ground as I held his face back with my paws. But after a few rolls it eventually made contact, and I was licked senseless and without reason. I was disgusted! He chuckled, "I win."

I stuck my tongue out at him, "Licking is a crime."

"Well then I'm a criminal." He licked me again on the forehead to prove his point.

Niru came over with something in her mouth, depositing it on the floor. "We can help you remake them though."

Makazi released me as he stared at the basket curiously along with me. Niru laid down, "It's a present for you Abu." She said, my curiosity ignoring my shortened name.

I tilted my head, "A present? For me?" I said, confused.

She nodded with a small giggle as she opened the basket, and placed a thin shale slate in front of me. Along with a slate pencil. I stared at it in wonder, as she explained, "It's something you can draw on. And then when you're done with them you can wash it and draw like it's brand new!"

I continued to stare at it, and was lost for words. She had actually gotten this for me? That was so nice of her…

"Abu? Are you alright dear?" She asked gently.

I ran up to her muzzle and hugged her, and released a few tears, "Thank you!"

She smiled warmly and embraced me, "Of course! I'm glad you like it!" She said licking me, yet this time I didn't care. I quickly nuzzled her then ran back over to it.

I tested it but had a hard time obviously using the slate pencil with paws. She hummed, "It's a bit hard but I'm sure you'll get the hang of it! Look." She demonstrated how effortlessly she could write by placing the pencil between her toes on her paws. It was very impressive.

Makazi nudged me gently, "He's going to nail it. I'll give it a day or two." He said confidently.

I practiced for a while, until I eventually became confident enough to try copying some drawings from the dirt in the other room. With the other two helping, what felt like a few minutes had probably been an hour or two. Eventually at some point my mind became foggy and I felt someone nuzzling me, "Hey, Ajabu." Makazi started, "I think it's time for bed, little one. You're out like a rock."

I nodded with a yawn, and Niru reentered the room. "I heard that yawn!" She said gently picking me up by the scruff with no protest.

"I'll be there in a minute." Makazi uttered with a yawn himself.

The candles were put out, and the den put to rest as I was placed into the center of the bed. Niru climbed up and curled around me, licking my body more. I didn't think I needed more baths but I had no more energy. "Niru?" I asked quietly.

"Hmm?" She hummed.

"Why did you… get me a gift?" I asked sleepily.

She nuzzled me, "Tomorrow is a holiday where mothers usually get gifts for their little ones. I thought you deserved one too." she whispered sweetly.

I yawned again, "Thank you again… You're the best." I managed to get out.

Makazi crawled in and almost seemed to fall asleep immediately. I yawned one last time, "Goodnight."

She nuzzled me until I was resting against her stomach, "Goodnight Abu. I love you." she whispered to me before laying her head next to me.

If I had been awake, this might have spelled bad news. But I didn't hesitate in the waking realm for much longer.

Review Replies/Writing Musings If ya don't care don't read

Word count: 7,020 longest chapter so far I think? Just kind of happened on accident.

I know it's a little slow of a chapter, I just wanted time for Daniel to chill y'know. Thankfully in my 3 month hiatus I have finished the rest of the story plan details. So yes, this story is going somewhere I promise. We're at a bit of a low point for our characters.

Sorry if you guys don't exactly like the whole particular part of this story being mostly OCs. I bet that's a little bit jarring and not everyone's cup of tea, but also I feel like there is plenty of CC centric fics around so I don't feel too bad.

Anyway let me know what you guys think about the chapter. Reviews always help, even if I'm a bit lazy lol.

Silverleone: Shelyra just defaulting to her daughter is incredibly very presumptuous haha. Thank you for the review.

Plague Doctor 2035: Daniel is definitely starting to notice something is up with his form switching. Not that he had the chance to figure it out before lol. Thanks for all your reviews I really appreciate them. I know your waiting on Fate Decides as well, it'll come one way or another. The problem is mostly me getting in my own head and telling myself it'll be trash or it'll disappoint people. Anyway thank you.

MysteryWriter175: She's definitely not the personality type... lol. Thanks for the review

SnowyMarble: *Daniel wakes up* "Huh?" *Skyrim music starts playing* Ralof: "Hey you, you're finally awake." Oh shoot, I just leaked the ending oops.

L0RD3N: Sorry for dying kinda. Also no violence this time oof. Thanks though!

Umbra Lycan: They definitely wouldn't object! Thanks.

Fl1y1ngD0gg0: That means a lot, thank you. And yeah it's still going, it'll be finished eventually.

By the way I like questions, obviously non-spoilery ones. Makes replying to reviews easier so ask away if you'd like.