It was five days later when Moonlight turned three months old. Terk was holding her when Starboard came and scratched Terk's eye. He grabbed Moonlight. Terk knew she wouldn't be able to keep up and quickly woke Kerchak and Kala. She knew that the day would bring a lot of hurt, but she also knew Moonlight needed to be found. She was in grave danger.
"It was my fault," Terk said, "I was holding Moonlight and Starboard came. I wasn't quick enough. He grabbed her.
"It's not your fault," Kerchak reassured Terk, "It's Starboard's fault. Take the little ones to the cave and stay there until we return. Come Kala. We must go track Starboard and get to Moonlight as soon as we can."
Terk led the little ones into the cave.
They searched for Moonlight for over 48 hours. They finally found her in the river. She was floating on her back.
"Mommy, Daddy," she called out to them.
Kala jumped into the river. She floated on her belly, almost in position until she was close enough to grab Moonlight. Then she flipped onto her back still holding Moonlight to her. When they were near enough, Kerchak grabbed them out of the water.
"It's alright," he said soothingly.
"The sad Kitty Cat tried to throw me in the water and I couldn't swim," Moonlight said, "But I knew if I floated I would be okay and you and Mommy would find me."
"It's okay little one," Kerchak assured Moonlight, "You're safe now."
He looked at Kala.
They came to the Leopard's Den. Moonlight looked terrified.
"Kala," Kerchak whispered, "Take Moonlight out of earshot and eyeshot. I need to deal with Starboard."
Starboard was sleeping when he woke to a strong whack from a stick on his back.
"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!"
"I don't think what I'm doing," Kerchak said, "I know what I'm doing"
He continued to strike at Starboard.
"You have NO RIGHT to hurt me," Starboard growled.
"You attempted to drown my child," Kerchak replied, "I am the leader of my family and I am protecting them."
Starboard bit Kerchak's arm, causing him to drop the stick.
"You Leave My Family ALONE," Kerchak demanded.
"And what if I don't," Starboard asked.
"Next time, the stick will hit your head and smash your brains. Your son will be an orphan."
He turned and left Starboard gawking.