as the pride realised what happened.

“Tama go to Rafiki. Tell him to meet us back home,” Sarabi said running over.

“Yes Sarabi,” Tama replied taking to her paws.

“Ni help Simba carry Kula home,” Sarabi yelled as Simba bounded over.

“Nala please keep Aketch away from this,” Ni said as he ran passed.

                  Slowly Simba and Ni carried Kula back to Pride Rock while other pride members walked besides them. At the back of the procession Nala and Sarafina spoke calmly to Kopa and Aketch in an attempt to reassure them. Glancing back Ni smiled at his daughter, his calm exterior hiding the turmoil and fear he felt inside.

    Arriving home they found Rafiki waiting for them. Swiftly the wise baboon set to work using all his skill to draw out the poison. Grinding up powders his mixed some into a shell of water. Gently his pored the concoction down Kula’s throat in small enough amounts so she could drink it. As the concoction took affect Kula fell into a deep sleep.

“I was able to administer the antidote in time to hopefully save her life. I must warn you all she could still die. Weill be know my dawn tomorrow either way.”

“Thank you Rafiki we will watch over her,” Sarabi said escorting the baboon out.

       As the news spread the pride fell into turmoil if emotions as each member cared for Kula in their own way. Throughout the day Tama and Nala stayed by their friend’s side, talking to her and telling stories as Kula’s body fought the poison. The agony they felt was written on their faces. The thought of losing their friend was almost unbearable. All the pride could do was watch and weight. Throughout the day the pride were distracted by the news. In the later afternoon Kopa and Aketch appeared in cave baring a gift of flowers. Serious as the situation was the adults managed to smile at the cubs, touched by their thoughtfulness.

    By the time night had fallen Kula had improved enough to be able to take some water and allow the pride to have a realistic hope she would survive. To Tama and Nala surprise Ni offered to stay with Kula through the night. Lying next to her Ni looked down at his friend, watching her chest rise and fall as she lay in a state of semi-consciousness.

“I’m not sure if you are aware I’m here. I want to know how much I love you. Kula I was lost until I met you. You helped bring me back from the edge. Your selfless heart took care of Aketch without desire of reward or need for recognition. I was such a fool to try to push you away, I hope you can forgive an old fool. Please get better for me, I want to spend the rest of my life with you,” Ni whispered kissing her cheek softly.

“I want to spend my life with you too Ni,” Kula whispered open her eyes slowly.

        Looking at her Ni felt his heart almost explode with happiness. Ni’s pure words of love had drawn Kula back from the edge. Love was the strongest force of all, it could defy death and break through comas. Ni and Kula gazed lovingly at each other as the sun broke over the horizon bathing them in a haze of pure pink light.    

      Epilogue

     “Dad get up.”

       Opening an eye Ni saw his son Nassor pulling at Ni’s tail in a bid to wake up his father. A couple of months old Nassor was full of energy. In looks he was a perfect mix of both Ni and Kula with Kula’s adventurous spirit. Yawning Ni looked over to where Kula lay half-awake next to him, a soft smile playing across her face as she watched her son. Sitting up, Ni saw Aketch standing in the branches of the tree which he was resting under, a mischievous grin on her face.

“I thought you were going to watch him until sunset Aketch,” Ni said raising an eyebrow.

“Well if you’ll look at the sky you’ll see that isn’t far off,” Aketch replied cheekily.

“Hhmm that is debatable,” Ni replied looking at his daughter.

“Ni relax we have had a few nice hours sleep,” Kula yawned as Nassor pounced on her.

      Laughing at her son Kula dodge the pounce causing to cub to land down in a clump of grass. As the light began to fade the family slowly made their way through the savannah. As he watched his son and daughter racing ahead Ni felt a sense of utter joy. Seeing the look on his face Kula gently licked his cheek.

“Are you happy Ni?”

“I have never been happier Kula,” Ni replied kissing her.

      End