AND THEN A PLOT BUNNY HAPPENED.
But only because I misheard the lyrics the first time! *facepalm*
BUT ANYWAYS plot idea! So since Chinter ends up joining the Outland Pride, she tries to win Ekene's affections. I'm sure this would also set her up against Gotto, who'd disapprove of her mannerisms.
Then the Outlands are invaded by a newer threat descending from a large lion pride that come from the Shadowlands. Ekene takes the Outlanders to stay in the Riverlands, but Gotto and Chinter are separated.
Gotto protects Chinter on their journey to the Riverlands, but they end up ambushed (whether by Shadowland lions or Silverback, the silver hyena, I haven't decided), but Gotto ends up too wounded to continue going on.
Chinter forces him onward, but he'll never make it to the Riverlands. And the experience haunts Chinter for the rest of her life.
SO THERE. Gotto got the ax! I'm so cruel!
Lyrics (C) Lydia