was exhausted from his run and he had no idea how far he ran. He didn’t care. He just had to get away from the pride, his parents, his nephews and niece, away from his friends and most importantly, away from Hasira.

            Hasira…

            Baraka didn’t want to think about her and he allowed himself to block her out of his thoughts. He shut his eyes, as if he were in pain, his body heaving. He hit the ground with a paw in frustration, and a saddened whimper escaped through his lips. He cried softly, the agony over the day’s events finally catching up with him. He felt cold and alone, more alone than he ever felt in his life. He shivered, refusing to move. He just wanted to lay there and not be bothered by anything or anyone. His coat was covered in precipitation. He didn’t bother to shake it off.

            He licked his dry mouth. He hadn’t had any water since returning to Pride Rock earlier that day. He didn’t want to move, but the thirst called him, his dry throat begging for nourishment. With a groan and aching muscles, Baraka slowly rose and walked to a nearby waterhole. He lowered his head to drink. The water was cool and refreshing, just what he needed. He lifted his head, sighed and then he plunged his head deep into the water, leaving it there for a minute or two. He raised his head, gasping. He didn’t bother to shake the water from his face or mane.

            Water droplets fell from the strands of his mane and onto his face. He hoped that it would release the pain. He panted heavily and drank some more as if there was something in his mouth that tasted horrible. He couldn’t understand what it was but after the fourth drink, the taste passed.

            He stared down at his reflection in the water. His eyes were red. He was tired and all he wanted to do now was sleep but he couldn’t. His mind was too entangled to sleep, or even think about it. So many things were going on at one time and he felt unable to keep up.

            Let’s see, there was Arif being distant, then there was the acceptance of Etana and Takata, and Hasira’s growing anger problem…

            Baraka’s front claws dug into the grass. The feeling of being split into so many directions was hard to grasp. He wondered if he was losing his sense or grip on reality. He hoped not. He was king and he couldn’t afford to fail his pride or his ancestors. They would not look kindly on a weak king, of this he knew from the history of his family.

            He sighed again and lowered his body to the grasses, allowing his forepaws to touch the top of the water then he lowered them into the water, the coolness washing over. He let out a breath of air, feeling almost better.

            He looked around. When he was here, he was not a king, but a normal lion, a lion that did not have the burden of so many on his shoulders. He felt free but at the same time he felt alone. Someone was missing, as always. He bowed his head. He kept thinking that at this time of the night he would be in his cave, pondering on life and how far he had come but even there, he realized he hadn’t come far at all.

            Baraka knew the reason. A part of him couldn’t believe he was thinking of it again. He hadn’t thought it in days but it was always the same and unless he did something, unless he changed, it would always continue. He snarled softly and shook his head. He was thankful that no one addressed his problem to Etana and Takata. He wondered how they would treat him… He shut his eyes and tried to think of something else, anything.

            His mind started to drift. He began to wonder about Etana and Dailia and the outcome of Etana’s help. Would Dailia be alright? Would she live to see another day with her mate and cubs? Baraka’s head lowered more. He hoped his friend would be healed. He hoped Etana would be alright from whatever healing method she was using.

            For some reason as he thought of Etana’s well being, a small tear came to his eye. He liked her, he knew that, but what was it about her that made him feel as though he wanted to rush home and check on her and Dailia, but her most of all?

            When she said that she could help, he had been unsure but her words seemed to ring true, which is why he led her to his chambers. He trusted her, which made sense considering he was a different person when around her. Knowing this surprised and scared him. A few thoughts invaded his mind but he shrugged them off. He liked her but that was it. He was concerned for her but only as a friend.

            That was it.

            He mindfully prayed that the lionesses would be well and safe until his eyes began to grow heavy. He was emotionally tired and finally surrendering to his tired body’s desire, he fell asleep in front of the waterhole.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Takata walked around Pride Rock, looking the magnificent structure up and down. He couldn’t believe how tall it was from down below in the grasses. He smiled as he wondered what it would’ve been like to have found this haven with his own pride. He felt that he would’ve made a good king but fate had other plans for him, plans he wouldn’t change for anything.

            He heard laughter and turned his head, seeing the royal cubs play with their parents under the star filled sky. His smile grew. He remembered doing that with Etana when she was a cub, but now she was a full grown lioness. She was smart, kind… and… The smile fell from his face. There were so many other things his daughter was but he couldn’t think about them now.

            As he walked some more, he saw a small pond of water. He swallowed. He was thirsty so he padded over and bowed his head to drink. The water was good and cold.

            While he drank he thought of Etana, wondering if she was making any progress in helping the sick guard. He lifted his head. “Etana… please be careful,” the black lion whispered to the night air. “I don’t want to lose you.”

            “Takata?” said a voice from behind.

            The lion swiftly turned. Kovu was behind him. “Kovu, good evening… Where is the pride?”

            “Getting ready to find their sleeping places and don’t worry about the den, no one will go in.”

            “Not even Hasira?” Takata wondered, his red eyes flashing.

            Kovu shook his head. “No and she knows not to cross my son. He doesn’t tolerate disobedience and neither do myself nor Kiara.”

            “Yes, I know.” Takata pawed the grass and together the two lions padded to the ramp. They walked up and when they got close enough to the den, they lied down, looking at each other. They were silent for a few minutes until Takata, facing the darkened cave, spoke. “You’re worried about Dailia aren’t you?”

            Kovu turned to him, nodding. “Yes. She’s not my daughter, not by blood, but I do love her as one. Her and… her sister, not to mention Saada…”

            Takata didn’t reply. A wave of worry came but he shrugged it off. No, you can tell him later… “I’m worried about Etana,” he said softly.

            “Why? If she said she can help Dailia, then she can…”

            “I know,” Takata snapped and sighed. “I just don’t want her to exhaust herself. What she does… it takes a lot of energy and strength…”

            “What does she do?” Kovu asked curiously. He was half surprised by the lion’s outburst.

            “You really want to know?”

            Kovu held up a paw. “Only if you wish to tell me… We have time.”

            “Alright… It started when she was a cub…” And Takata started to