"Tilting the Hourglass" (C) DakotaWereWolf, 2013

Nunka, Ishonda, Zarah (C) Khione

Duka, Jira, Jiro, Jalena, Kesi (C) Claire Cooper

Ari, Rhaenys, Sauda, Tamu, Duni, Sanaa, Jamil (C) Namacub95

Xolani, Kayin (C) SixNewAdventures

Simba, Nala, Mheetu (C) Disney

Abel, Zuri, Judas, Zareb, Zainabu, Nyako, Baako, Eshe, Sarafina, Yejide, Adwin, Timira, Gwandoya, Ashiki, Chipo, Lindiwe, Tranda, Samanya, Maalik, Mawusi, Lutalo, Katura, Adanna, Gunju, Defir, Chari, Ayodele, Rena, Ramla (C) DakotaWereWolf

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Three days ago...

            Simba narrowed his eyes as he saw the less fertile Outlands ahead of them. Though he had become to understand that the Outlands Zira had led years ago was a separate pride that were otherwise called the Neo-Outland pride, he still had a sinking sensation upon stepping foot into that land. He trusted Ekene - after all, the lion had proven to be very intelligent when he and the other several lion pride leaders had gathered to induct the newly risen Shadowland pride into their ranks. All the same, it was a subconscious nightmare he felt.

            Besides, had he not just been, an hour ago, kicked out of the lands that he had called home for years, by his own grandson at that?

            Nala, his lovely mate, sidled up to him, brushing her body against his. "It's okay, Simba," she said warmly. "Ekene will welcome us."

            "It's not Ekene I'm worried about."

            "Zira?"

            He nodded.

            Nala rubbed her head against her mate's soft mane in understanding. "I know, but that was a long time ago, Simba. And even Ekene said that not all the Outlanders supported Zira."

            "I know, I'm just being silly." Pulling away from Nala's embrace, Simba scanned about. "Now where is Adanna? I hope Abel didn't..."

            "He didn't," came Adanna's voice as she trotted up behind them. Her face was cool and calm, betraying none of what had happened behind them.

            "What was that about?"

            "Nothing. Well? Are we going to the Outlands?"

            Though Simba made for the attempt to argue with his granddaughter, Adanna ignored him and pushed ahead towards the lands.

            Stepping onto Outland soil was much different than Prideland soil. In the first place, it was less soft - of course it would be, for delicate, browning grass grew in these lands, if at all. It was nothing compared to what the Pridelands offered. But that was no longer their home now.

            It wasn't long before they met Ekene, who stood with a sullen Chinter beside him. Simba greeted him kindly, asking for refuge and then explaining exactly why they need help. Adanna's mind was elsewhere though - she had caught the scent of a familiar someone set before entering Ekene's territory. She wondered where he was, and if he knew this was where they were headed. The scent itself didn't smell that old...

            So it became not long that Ekene welcomed them into his lands. "I'll arrange for us to talk to Khari," he said kindly. "That is absolutely outrageous of him to do that..."

            "We wholeheartedly agree," said Simba. "But what else can we do? He controls the pride."

            "And you say Ashiki runs with him?"

            "Yes."

            His face darkening, Ekene growled, "Then something will be done. Please, let's go meet with the others, and I'll introduce you all."

            Adanna hung back as her grandparents walked off with Ekene and Chinter. Once they were completely out of her sight, she snuck off back out of Ekene's territory towards the spot where she had caught his scent. This time he was there, lounging about as though nothing was wrong.

            He seemed confused upon seeing her. "Adanna? I thought you were back in the Pridelands..?" inquired Gunju. "Thought you'd be saying hi to Mommy and all that."

            Though Adanna would normally be annoyed by Gunju's remarks, she felt put out at the moment. The news about Kiara's unexpected death got to her, more than she thought it would. "Got banished is what happened," she sighed as she sat beside him, not too close to be touching him though.

            "Your crazy brother?"

            She nodded.

            "Jeez, and I thought I had family issues," he said. "So now what?"

            "I don't know, but we're not sitting out and taking this, that's for sure."

Tilting The Hourglass

Book Five

            The bright, yellow moon hung overhead in the black background of the sky, the stars twinkling ever so brightly. Timira waited for her mate to meet her on the edge of the border of the Savannah pride. She was becoming concerned with the passing minutes. He had promised to meet her once the moon was high in the sky, but already it was beginning to start its journey towards the mountains. If they waited much too long to leave, then Mheetu would know of their intentions to leave.

            As he had promised, Adwin immediately went to Mheetu the morning after Timira confessed of her history of Lindiwe. The older lion's response had been... less than welcoming. In fact, he even raised his voice at his successor. As Adwin had explained to her when he returned from visiting the former leader, he had said, "It was like he was scolding an army of cubs. I have never seen him that angry before." But Timira did not expect less of Mheetu - she knew he wanted them to stay, no matter what.

            Well sorry, old man, that's not in the plans tonight.

            When Adwin told Timira that Mheetu protested against the idea, the brown lioness insisted that she would go anyways. Adwin agreed, saying he would follow after her. "What about Gwandoya?" she asked him.

            Adwin found a solution in Ngosi, who was less than thrilled to look after Gwan, but nonetheless did so after he got an explanation.

            So then all they had to do was wait until nightfall to sneak away.

            Timira tapped her paws impatiently. Come on Adwin, this is taking too long.

            She heard the rustling of grass behind her, and she swiftly rounded on Adwin, who smiled guilty at her. "Sorry for taking so long," he whispered. "I went to go see Ngosi before I left. About Gwandoya."

            Relieved, Timira brushed her side against his. "No one caught you?"

            "Mheetu's fast asleep. Are we ready to go?"

            "Are you sure you want to go? I told you that you should stay here."

            "And let you go off on your own? The pride will be fine. Mheetu's here. I want to go with you."

            Timira's bi-colored eyes found themselves lost in Adwin's dark blue irises, which glowed of the love he felt for her. She was truly touched. "Oh Adwin..." She licked his nose.

            His cheeks turning a fade shade of red, Adwin cleared his throat, and averted his attention to the sky. "How long do you think it'll be until we find this... Judas?"

            Timira shrugged helplessly. Honestly she wasn't so sure if she would even be able to find the damn lion. They were a nomadic pride, moving from place to place when they needed to. She had no doubt they moved locations with Lindiwe's and Gwandoya's disappearances, and she could barely recall the scent of the gray lion.

            Sensing his mate's hesitation to respond, Adwin said gently, "It'll be okay, we'll find him. Or we might find someone who could help us find him."

            Did any other lion prides know of Judas? Timira wouldn't believe so. They weren't a well-established pride, like the Savannah pride, and from what Lindiwe had described of her home, they were well isolated from others. This was going to be more difficult than she realized.

            Adwin nudged her, giving her a soft smile. "Stop worrying so much. If we can find someone who might've seen him, then it'll be okay."

            Though Timira was glad her mate was trying to be optimistic for her, Timira could not help the nagging voice at the back of her head. "But what if we don't?"

            "We'll find a way, Timira."

            She sure hoped so.

            With her dedicated mate beside her, the pair made off into the night. Find the gray lion with the red mane. That was important.

~ * ~

In the Pridelands, the following morning...

            Zareb's muscles groaned as he felt an indent of sharp claws breach his shoulders. With one eye open, he looked up and saw Yejide standing over him. "Get up," she said gruffly. "You and Sarafina are hunting today."

            Because Yejide wasn't Abel, Zareb rolled his eyes. "Five more minutes," he grumbled, burying his nose further back into his paws. He felt the sharp raking of Yejide's claws on his shoulder. "Yej, cut it out. I'll hunt when I want to."

            "You're not going to want to do that," came a strong voice. At first Zareb was afraid that it was Ashiki, but as he sat up in alarm he saw that it was only Mawusi who was warning him. He knew very little about the pale-colored lion, other than that he never left the side of Abel, or of Abel's despondent father, Defir.

            Nonetheless, Mawusi had just the right demeanor that he could intimidate Zareb without having to threaten his life. "Okay," the light colored lion grumbled, refusing to meet Mawusi's eyes.

            Zareb gazed about in the den he and the rest of Abel's loyal subjects took residence in. Besides Nunka, he hardly knew anyone else who swore loyalty to Abel. He knew their names - Katura, Yejide, Ishonda (he was definitely afraid of Ishonda), and Sarafina, but anything else he was unaware of. All he knew of Sarafina was that it was her brother, Abrafo, who was a prisoner in the dens below the Rock. He almost pitied her in a way.

            Realizing she was not in the den with them, Zareb exited and found her waiting for him. She gave him a smile that did not quite reach her eyes. "Ready to go?" she asked him.

            Zareb shrugged. "I have no choice, right?"

            "I suppose."

            Hearing his own words, Zareb quickly tried to rephrase his response. "I mean, if we don't, then Abel is-"

            "I get it. Let's just go, right?"

            Great, you idiot, you just made her upset, he thought to himself. He wanted to come up with something in apology to Sarafina, but the lioness was already making her way down the Rock. With a great sigh, he followed after her.

            Zareb made sure to keep his mouth shut as he walked alongside Sarafina. The lioness was not quick to make conversation with him either, so it was an uneasy walk out into the hunting fields. Zareb was wishing he was hunting with Nunka instead. Even though they hadn't been friends for too long, the gray lion was much easier and friendlier to talk to.

            But ever since that first night when he and Nunka had been scolded heavily by Abel, the pair weren't assigned to work together as much anymore. And when he often spoke to Nunka, Zareb found the gray lion looking around, as though trying to find someone. Unless it was Abel he was watching out for. Zareb hated Abel for everything he was doing - he was a pretentious little brat, even though he and Zareb were around the same age. Zareb couldn't understand how he could have anyone supporting him, but when he looked at Yejide and Ishonda and Katura, he knew they were crazy.

            Snapping away from his thoughts for a second, Zareb realized that they were walking without a purpose, even though they were supposed to be hunting. It was then that he saw Sarafina had an off-distant look in her eyes too. His heart ached for her.

            "Umm Sarafina, we were supposed to turn at that tree back there," he nonchalantly pointed out.

            This caught her attention as she came to an abrupt stop, a shaken look on her face. Zareb wondered if she thought he was Abel for a second.

            "O-Oh right, sorry, just thinking is all. Let's get going then. Abel's going to be hungry."

            "Umm, are you okay?"

            "What? Yes, of course I am. Enough talking, let's hunt."

            Zareb nodded, silently agreeing with her decision. But when they began their hunt, he saw that Sarafina hardly put any heart into her hunting. She tried, oh yes she definitely was trying, but she barely seemed interested in the baby gazelle she chased about, trying to hunt down. Her mid-leaps could barely even be constituted as an effort. Zareb felt sorry for her.

            It took around ten minutes for Sarafina to finally quit her pursuit, and to watch the gazelle race off to rejoin its mother. Her pelt was coated with dust, and her shoulders shook as she fought to catch her breath.

            Zareb came alongside her, his head turned so he wasn't looking directly at her. "Want to call it quits?" he asked.

            "A...Are you kidding? Abel will... you could've helped me."

            "Seemed like you had it under control."

            She scoffed, which sounded better to Zareb's ears than her quiet 'I'm-not-depressed-but-I-actually-am' attitude that she had earlier. "I think I might have preferred hunting with Ishonda and Yejide over you."

            That allowed for Zareb to smile. "Oh I'm sure they would've been really happy with you."

            To his surprise, Sarafina allowed a chuckle to escape her mouth. "I suppose you're right. Let's just take a break and re-group. I'm not going back without something."

            "Fair enough."

            The pair chose to relax underneath a dying tree, their coats blending in with the dried grass. While Sarafina still fought to completely recover all her strength, Zareb decided to make small talk. "So, you and your brother Abrafo... Did you really try to invade here?" He knew it was a stupid question to ask as soon as it left his mouth, but he just wanted to make small talk with her, and if that meant looking like a fool, so be it.

            Sarafina replied with a deadpan look. "Yeah, two lions versus an entire pride. We have a chance."

            "But you know what I mean right?"

            "We didn't mean to trespass. We've been searching."

            "For who?"

            "Our family." That solemn tone returned to Sarafina's voice. "We all separated. I was with my brothers, Abrafo and Gacheru, but Gacheru's gone, and we didn't find our older sister, Rena."

            "I'm... sorry to hear that."

            "Let me tell you something." Zareb leaned in to listen closely. "I've been thinking lately... just to escape, and find another lion pride. Abel's insane."

            Zareb gave a cold chuckle. "That much is obvious. But you wouldn't make it far, not with Ashiki and Mawusi keeping watch."

            Sarafina frowned. "I like Mawusi. He's very nice to me."

            "Really?" Not once in his memory could Zareb recall a time that the pair were even spotted with one another.

            Seeing what he was thinking on his face, Sarafina clarified, "He's come to me when no one's awake. He's a really nice lion."

            "Why does he go to you?" Realizing what he had said sounded too defensive, Zareb attempted to add, "I mean, why only you?"

            A sly smile crossed Sarafina's face, but she did not say anything to deliberately embarrass him. "He said he felt bad for me the most, not to be arrogant about it."

            "Really?" Zareb's eyebrows stitched together. "That doesn't make any sense. Maybe he has a crush on you?"

            "He's too old for me. Anyways, I'm not interested."

            "Oh, good."

            "Has Abel put you back on guard duty to watch my brother?"

            Zareb shrugged. "Sometimes. It's mostly the three girls who do his grunt work."

            "Ishonda, Yejide, and Katura."

            "Exactly."

            "They're dark lioness," Sarafina added. "I overheard them talking on why they were serving Abel."

            Zareb's attention perked at that. "Oh yeah? Why?"

            Her head tilted back in consideration, Sarafina said, "Ishonda wants to be strong because she wants to kill her family-"

            "Wait, I thought she said that she did-"

            "No, she only told Abel that so he would let her join. I heard her tell Yejide the truth - she attempted to kill them, but she got banished by her father. Yejide joined because she wants an adrenaline rush..."

            "A what rush?"

            "Adrenaline. She wants to feel alive."

            Zareb frowned. "That's an odd reason to side with Abel."

            Sarafina nodded her head in agreement. "And then Katura, who was kind of the same as Ishonda, but she wants to kill a lion pride for killing her mother."

            "Really?"

            "Really."

            "Wow... Now I'm really scared to be around them."

            Sarafina chuckled, and even Zareb smiled. "Yeah I know. Mawusi said he wasn't too crazy about them either, but he won't do anything about it."

            "Why not? He's a big lion, and Abel's small. He could overpower him!"

            "He's not interested." When Zareb gave her a look, she clarified, "I mean that he feels he has to owe Abel. Because of Defir."

            "Abel's father who isn't doing anything?"

            "He's grieving." Sarafina cast him a sharp look.

            Zareb challenged her by glaring back. "So what? Yeah, the queen's dead, but he was still a king. Even he has to know that Abel's kind of crazy."

            "Look I don't know, okay? All I'm telling you is what Mawusi told me."

            Sighing, the pale lion turned his head. "Sorry, didn't mean to get mad."

            Likewise, the tan lioness averted her own gaze. "No, it's okay. I didn't mean to get worked up either."

            The pair sat in an awkward silence, neither raising the courage to look at the other. They stewed in their own thoughts, of Abel and their growing fear and worry of him. When he finally chanced it, Zareb looked over at Sarafina, who was once again lost in thought. He had never met a lioness who challenged him so quickly.

            Finally, Sarafina stood up, her eyes landing on his. "Ready to go? We still need to catch something to eat, and Abel might think something's up."

            He agreed, mumbling a quick 'fine', and allowing himself to follow her. However, this time he was really beginning to notice Sarafina.

            The pair were successful in treading down a small gazelle, and were on their way back to Pride Rock when they noticed a small circle not far from the watering hole. Abel was there, they realized.

            Dropping the leg he had been carrying in his mouth, Zareb said, "Wonder what's going on?"

            "You two!" It was Yejide who greeted them, her eyes cold as she inspected the food they had brought back to them. Her ears twitched. "That's all?" she asked.

            "You only sent two of us out there, what more can you ask for?" Sarafina snapped before Zareb could let the words tumble from his mouth.

            Yejide snorted. "Fine. Just bring it to the dens."

            "What's going on?" asked Zareb.

            "Not your priority. Take it back to the dens. Now."

            "Here, we'll help." Behind Yejide stood Sanaa and Duka, an older pair who had lived in the Pridelands well before Abel's birth. That was all Zareb knew about them, other than the fact that they weren't supporters of Abel.

            Yejide, however, seemed offended by idea. "No, I asked these two to bring it back," she snapped, raising her voice to show her superiority over them.

            Sanaa ignored her and reached down to grasp a limp leg in her mouth. Duka followed, taking the other leg. Sarafina and Zareb were both bewildered by the act, and they had no doubt that Abel would hear about this later. But shaking off their initial astonishment, with the pair's help, they managed to bring the gazelle over to the dens faster than they had been when it was just the two of them.

            Not another word of protest came from Yejide's mouth.

            "Thanks," murmured Sarafina as the four of them dropped the gazelle onto the ground.

            "It's no problem," replied Duka, who licked his lips.

            "She's going to get you both in trouble, though."

            "Abel's not going to do anything to us," said Sanaa. "Yejide's just full of hot air, haven't you realized that?"

            Oh yeah, thought Zareb. Loads and loads of times.

            Sarafina was shocked by their nonchalant attitude, but she did not prod for an explanation. She accepted the pair's response, and left it at that.

            "Who's guarding the prisoner den?" she asked them.

            "It's Nunka and Ishonda this time," said Duka.

            Oh, Nunka's on guard duty? And with Ishonda? Must be important, thought Zareb. He never saw a moment when the yellow lioness wasn't attached to Abel's side. I bet he's having a grand old time.

            Even Sarafina seemed surprised. "Really? But Ishonda's usually with Abel. Why did he ask for her to stay behind?"

            Neither Duka nor Sanaa knew the answer. They both shrugged.

            "I guess I can't get in to say hi to Abrafo then," sighed Sarafina.

            Zareb's eyes went to her, and in his mind he imagined strutting up to Ishonda, and demanding that they see Abrafo. And Ishonda would quiver underneath his hard gaze, and allow them through.

            However, it was Duka who spoke up, a gentle smile on his face. "We'll talk to them about it. Maybe we can replace them as guards."

            Sanaa winked. "We'll let you see your brother."

            Despite the delight radiating on Sarafina's face, Zareb was less than thrilled by the offer, only because it was they who suggested it, not he.

            "Oh I also wanted to ask," said Sarafina. "What was going on back there? That crowd?"

            "I assumed it was a new arrival," said Duka. "And Abel sent his welcoming party."

            "At first I was a bit nervous, but then it turned out that it was a rogue," sighed Sanaa. Zareb cocked his head at that. Nervous? Why?

            "Do you know who it is?"

            "No. Other than it was a lioness, and she had the most unusually colored coat."

            "Yeah, it was black," added Duka. "Never seen a black lioness before."

            His attention now captured, Zareb asked, "No name was mentioned?" He knew of one black lioness, long ago, when he still lived with his family. Her name was Ramla, and they had been cub hood friends.

            But Duka shook his head. "No, didn't hear anything."

            Sarafina was staring at him intently. "Someone you know?"

            Zareb shrugged, already starting to move away from them. "Nah, probably not."

~ * ~

            Ashiki watched Abel with narrowed eyes as the small lion was exchanging eccentric words with the dark lioness, even long after the crowd had cleared away. Only he and Mawusi, who were the ones patrolling the border, remained, waiting for Abel to bark his commands.

            "I heard tales about dark lions," Mawusi mumbled beside him. "They bring bad luck."

            "I don't know why Abel didn't let me kill her," growled Ashiki.

            "He's building up his army."

            "But she's another one deliberately trespassing. Doesn't that seem odd to you?"

            Mawusi shrugged.

            "Hmph, if I was in charge, I would've had her killed for thinking that she was special. So what if she's a black lion? Big whoop."

            "Yes, but it is King Abel who rules now."

            "Let's clear out!" roared Abel, his bright eyes dancing with delight. "Back to the Rock! Mawusi, take my father out into the fields for a while! Keep him occupied."

            Mawusi was surprised by the command. After all, Abel had not done much with the way of his depressed father. He just let Defir be. Nonetheless, Defir's son was in charge now, who was he to question him otherwise? "Yes sir." Mawusi felt Ashiki's eyes fall upon him.

            When Abel led the dark lioness off, Ashiki nudged Mawusi, his face scrunched up. "I don't trust her," he growled. "I'm going to catch up with them, see what's going on."

            Mawusi blinked his eyes rapidly. "You mustn't, Ashiki! He won't tolerate your business now."

            "Feh, what do I care what he tolerates now and tomorrow?"

            "Ashiki..."

            "Go tend to his incapacitated father. I'm going to find out what's so interesting about this female here..."

            Mawusi swallowed his protest as he watched the large gray lion stalk off. It wouldn't have done him any good to continue to waste his breath dissuading Ashiki from his task. He had learned that quite well that the gray lion had darker intentions, far more than anyone else saw.

            So Mawusi did what he had to do - he went to Defir to see how his old friend was doing. And every time he saw the black-maned lion, his heart broke every time. He once met Defir when Defir used to live in the confines of the Shadowland pride, when he, Mawusi, was still young. The pair had become close, only separating when they decided that they needed to part ways to discover their own destiny.

            Mawusi had been ecstatic to reunite with Defir, and never left his side, which was why he requested Abel that it should be he to look after Defir. Abel never protested Mawusi's intents, for he knew how loyal the light colored lion was to him.

            Defir used to be so youthful, but now with the death of his mate he had become a shell of himself. He barely ate much anymore, only doing so when Abel forced him to, and his black mane began to lose its healthy gleam. He even barely left the spot of the large den where he and Kiara used to sleep together.

            There's no life to him anymore, Mawusi thought sadly as he approached Defir. Many times he had wondered about putting Defir out of his misery, but he had made the mistake of mentioning it to Abel, who had responded with a harsh no, and had since been suspicious of Mawusi seeing his father sometimes.

            Mawusi sidled up to Defir, who barely responded to his presence. Mawusi expected nonetheless from him.

            "Defir, do you want to go hunting?" he asked.         

            Defir shook his head weakly.

            "Come on. Abel thinks it's time for you to leave the den."

            "I'm fine," he murmured, his eyes never leaving the ground.

            "It'll be good for you to get out."

            "No, I'm okay."

            "ASHIKI IF YOU DON'T GET OUT OF MY WAY, I WILL SLASH YOU DOWN!"  

            Mawusi leapt at the sound of Abel's loud voice; even Defir started a bit, though he refused to move much beyond that. Mawusi moved to the front of the den where he found the large lion blocking Abel and the black lioness's way.

            Though others would have quelled before the sound of Abel's voice, Ashiki stood strong, which only infuriated Abel more. "MOVE OR ELSE." Behind Abel, Ishonda (who was panting heavily from bursting all the way from the prisoner dens to the top of the Rock) and Yejide were making their move. Out of the corner of his eye, Mawusi saw Zareb, Sarafina, Duka, and Sanaa join them.

            Ashiki did not stir. "I want to know why she is here, and now," he snarled.

            Abel took another step forward. "That is not your call to make. You obey ME. Get out of the way, or else."

            "Ramla?" Mawusi heard Zareb inquire. The black lioness refused to acknowledge him, however.

            "She's a black lioness! You know the suspicions! And suddenly you're allowing yet another lioness waltz in?!"

            Mawusi saw Abel's claws unsheathe.

            "Enough," came a strong voice. It took Mawusi a few seconds to realize it was the stranger, Ramla, who spoke up. "You need him alive."

            Much to Mawusi's surprise, he saw Abel's form relax, his claws sheathed, and the threat of a bloody fight no longer shining in his eyes. Merely he ignored Ashiki, shoving past him with Ramla at his side, and the pair heading down the Rock to find other places to chat.

            When it looked like Ashiki would pursue him, Mawusi blocked his path, signaling him that it was better to stand down. Mawusi knew he was not as intimidating as Abel was, but he knew Ashiki enough that his pleas would not go unanswered. The gray lion reluctantly backed off, and decided that he would go see what his mate was up to. Mawusi watched him go until he found himself set upon by several questioning glances from everyone else who had arrived on the scene.

            "I don't know," he answered, shrugging, before making his way back into the stand to sit beside his old friend.

~ * ~

            Once they had gotten far enough from the chaos of Pride Rock, Abel turned on Ramla, his bi-colored eyes sparkling with interest. "Well? You are a seer."

            Ramla smiled. "That I am."

            That she is, agreed Zuri. I can sense it from her.

            "Then tell me a vision. Any vision."

            Much to his chagrin, Ramla giggled. "Oh, it is not that simple. I have visions when they deem appropriate. It's not something I can do on command."

            Abel's nostrils flared in disappointment; however Ramla added, "However, I will tell you something I did have a vision of. A gray lion, and you, fighting to the death."

            "A gray lion?" Abel's disappointment vanished into intrigue. "Go on."

            But Ramla shook her head. "That was as far as the sight would allow me to see."

            "Hmph, what a disappointment. Was it a lion with a-"

            "Red mane, yes. You seek Judas, The Forgotten Prince."

            "I don't care about his title, I care about him. I already know who he is. You can't tell me who wins?"

            Ramla leaned back, her face looking all of a sudden vacant. Abel, though he would not loudly admit it, was a bit frightened that she would faint.

            No, my love, crooned Zuri. She is experiencing a vision.

            Now this excited Abel, and he began to pace in front of her, expectant of what she was seeing.  "Well, what do you see?" the impatient lion asked her.

            She wasn't there, not in that moment. No, she was experiencing the past, the present, and the future. That was her gift. It was a blessing, not a curse.

            The lion finally stopped pacing, and glared at her. "Well?"

            "The land will become red," she said, her eyes still glossy with the images that ran through her mind. Her voice sounded automatic, like she wasn't even there. "The tide will turn, and the power will shift. And when the rain falls, one shall rise, and another shall fall."

            That was enough for Abel; when Ramla came back from experiencing her vision, she saw that she was alone.

~ * ~

            "Ashiki, I want you to organize our hunting party," commanded Abel as he strutted back and forth in front of the large gray lion. Accompanying them in the back of the den was Yejide, Ishonda, Nunka, Zareb, Sarafina, and Katura. "Take as many as you need with you. We need the strength of twenty lions."

            "We already have that with you here," commented Yejide, not unkindly.

            Abel's nostrils flared. "I will not underestimate this one. We need many others."

            "And the black lioness?" asked Ashiki. "Will she come with us?"

            "No, I want her here to stay."

            "Mawusi?"

            "He will guard Pride Rock in our absence."

            "King Abel, you are accompanying us?" Ashiki's head dipped only briefly when the younger lion shot a scolding glare at him. "Sorry, I was under the impression that you were to stay behind. Wouldn't that be a better call?"

            "No! I need to be there! I need to be the one to-"

            From the shadows emerged Mawusi, with Sanaa and Duka following him. Mawusi dipped his head in apology. "My apologies, King Abel. I heard there was a meeting and I-"

            But Abel had no time for his apology. "My father?"

            "He is being carefully monitored by Chipo and Lindiwe. He is okay. Now, do you require my assistance?"

            "No, you are not needed with us. Stay here and guard my lands."

            "Understood."

            Abel's eyes moved beyond Mawusi. "And you clowns, you stay here as well. You're not needed in the fields."

            Though Sanaa and Duka said little but just nod their heads in understanding, neither could hide the anger they felt for Abel, not because he denied them the chance for blood, but because of his disregard of them as anything but his playthings.

            So when Abel turned his head to resume assigning everyone their roles, Sanaa and Duka quickly departed. "This is bad," warned Sanaa. "You don't think he's going after the Outland pride, do you?"

            Duka shrugged helplessly. "It didn't sound like he did. I heard Ishonda saying that it was a gray lion he was looking to hunt. Adanna didn't say that Ekene was gray, did he?"

            "No, okay so they're safe. I'm going to go today."

            "With Abel?"

            "No, to Adanna. She'll need to know this."

            Duka took a look back over his shoulder, then faced Sanaa again. "You don't think... he's going to wage an all-out war?"

            Sanaa shrugged. "It could be possible. If he does, then maybe Adanna was right."

            The sun was high in the sky when Abel took his forces out of the Pridelands. Beyond the border, at the same time, Sanaa was passing on the word to Adanna that Abel was on the move.

            Sanaa's message was frantic - Abel was going to destroy a lion pride, led by a gray lion with a red mane. She didn't know of the other large lion prides out there, but knew there was some hidden vendetta, something that stretched back long before Abel's birth, but she didn't understand where Abel's intense hatred of this mysterious lion came from.

            Adanna nodded her head, absorbing every word her friend was telling her. She didn't know what she was going to do, but the wheels were spinning in her mind. When she urged Sanaa to leave her, having gathered enough information, Adanna went to the one who would know more about the isolated lion prides.

            Gunju, her companion, was well-versed in the knowledge of lion prides. Before Adanna, he had spent a good half of his life moving around, weaving from bachelor pride to bachelor pride. For some reason, he reminded her of Azazel, her former betrothed.

            He was waiting in the same spot, underneath the shaded tree in between the territories of the Pridelands and the Outlands. When she approached him, he smirked. "Anything new about your crazy brother?"

            Adanna rolled her eyes, as she had a habit of doing when having to deal with Gunju's nonsense. "Oh the usual 'I'm-going-to-kill-off-a-lion-pride' deal he usually has."

            Gunju sat up, his smirk beginning to fade. "Really? He's launching an assault?"

            "Looks like. You've traveled a lot, have you met any lion prides led by a gray lion with a red mane?"

            "Oh, I think you're talking about Judas."

            "Judas?"

            "Yeah. Don't know much about him though, but he took over Ari's pride. Ari was this big shot back in his day, was one of the first lions to keep a tight grip on his rule until he got too old to remember what he was supposed to be doing."

            When Adanna didn't react to the supposedly big deal of the situation, Gunju clarified, "Those lion prides out there don't run like how the Pridelands and Outlands do. They're their own parties, and lions take them over all the time."

            "Oh, okay. Well we're going to stop my brother from destroying them."

            "Why? Do you know him?"

            "No, but maybe if we can get him on our side against Abel. I mean he sounds like a big deal."

            Gunju shrugged. "Eh, like I said, don't know much about him other than word getting around. So, we're traveling?"

            "We're traveling."

            "Just like the good old days. Don't need to tell your folks?"

            At first Adanna had not considered the notion, but in the end she decided she would inform Simba, Nala, and Ekene of her intents. And when the sun had began its descent to the East, she and Gunju hurried out of the lands, for all she had to hear from her grandfather was the following words:

            "Judas? He's my brother."

~ * ~

            With the moon risen high in the sky, Adwin and Timira resumed their quest. They had stopped during the day after a long night of traveling to rest before continuing their travels. They had decided that night was a better time to travel - even though lions were more nocturnal beings, other threats were not. Besides, as long as they knew the scent of a nearby lion, they could easily avoid them.

            Though initially hopeful, Adwin was growing weary of their fruitless search. Whoever they stopped that would allow a conversation knew nothing about Judas, and offered very little information for anything else. If anything, it almost began to feel that they were chasing after their own tails.

            More along the point, Timira was growing cranky. She was the first to complain about rest, and the first to be on her paws to resume their search. Adwin was patient to his mate because he loved her, but he still continued to wonder if it would've been better if Mheetu had known about their plan.

            "Adwin, I have to stop quick," panted Timira as she slowed beside him.

            Good naturedly, Adwin did cease his trots, and patiently waited for his mate to collect her breath. While so, he decided he would voice his own thoughts about their lack of finding anything. "Timira, maybe we need to go back."

            "Go back?"

            "Maybe ask Mheetu if he knew anything."

            "We've only been traveling for a night now." Timira now approached him, fire burning her eyes. "Adwin, this is important. Lindiwe-"

            "I know, I know," he sighed, laying his ears back. "But I don't feel like we're getting anywhere."

            Much to his surprise, the fire in his mate's eyes went out, and she seemed just as deflated as he had been. "I know, but Mheetu wouldn't have helped us."

            "Maybe Imani and Azazel then?"

            "Maybe we- What was that?"

            Both their ears were perked, at the sound of the grass rustling not far from their location. They heard the sound of an argument brewing.

            "I knew we should've gone my way. You pride lionesses and all..."

            "Yeah, we could've done that once you stopped showing off..."

            "And I could've gotten us that small gazelle..."

            "You're too fat for that."

            Adwin and Timira exchanged confused glances, but remained on high alert until the voices, the closer they got, began to quiet down. The rustling continued, though, and eventually the strangers of the night emerged, neither whom Adwin or Timira recognized.

            The lioness sighed with relief upon seeing them. "Thank Mohatu, we've found someone. Do you guys think you can help us out?"

            Beside her, the lion asked, "Do you know of Judas?"

            Adwin had been so intimidated by the size of this strange lion that the question went over his head, but Timira had been listening perfectly. "You know Judas?!" Her excitement was unquenchable.

            The pair hesitated. "Not exactly," admitted the lioness. "But we're looking for him."

            "They're going to get attacked," said the lion.

            Adwin and Timira looked at one another. Attacked?!

            "It's not a gray lion, is it?" inquired Adwin, recalling their faint encounter from not long ago.

            The pair exchanged glances. "No, no, Judas is the gray lion," said the lion.

            "No, we're talking about King Abel, of the Pridelands," said the lioness. "I'm Adanna, Kiara's daughter. This is Gunju."

            Gunju grunted his greeting.

            Oh, now Adwin had an idea who he was talking to. When Mheetu was rehearsing with him on knowing who ruled what before Adwin led the Savannah pride, he had mentioned Kiara when he brought up the subject to the Pridelands. But that had been a long time ago...

            When neither spoke up recognition at the name, Adanna continued, "Well anyways, we're looking for Judas. He wants to kill him, but we want to beat him there to help him. He could help us."

            Help? Why was Judas in the threat of being attacked? What did this Abel want? Needless to say, Adwin was confused about the whole ordeal.

            Timira, however, had no care for the additional information about the Pridelands. Her focus was on Judas. "He wants to kill Judas?"

            "We don't know why, but we can use his help."

            "Well we're looking for Judas too. About his daughter, she was with a large gray lion."

            "There was this big ugly lion," said Adanna. "Had scars on his face and everything. He's with Abel now."

            "That's him!" exclaimed Adwin. "He attacked the Outland pride, and almost attacked us except..."

            "Except he didn't," Timira finished for him.

            "Look, obviously we're all on the same side here," said Gunju. "Maybe we can help one another out?"

            Adwin liked the idea of that, and it was pretty obvious that Adanna and her companion felt no kinder towards the situation than he and Timira did. "Okay, what do you propose?"

            "Find Judas," said Adanna. "We find Judas and we can maybe get his help."

            "I'm King of the Savannah pride," Adwin boldly declared. "I can gather my pride to support you guys."

            Adanna smiled. "Thank you."

            "Then you'll need to go home, Adwin," said Timira. When her mate whirled on her, frightened, she clarified, "No one's going to listen to them unless you're there. I can find Judas on my own."

            "I'll go with you," offered Adanna. "Gunju, go back with Adwin."

            "But where should we meet up?"

            "We'll find you."

            Adwin gazed into his mate's eyes, concerned. "Are you sure this is a good idea? You haven't been feeling good either lately..."

            But Timira tilted her head and smirked, "Now I feel better than ever."

            "You'll be okay?" inquired Gunju.

            Adanna snorted with pride. "Shouldn't doubt me, Gunju."

            He chuckled, "You're right. You're too annoying to die out there."

            "We'll be back before long. And we'll have a pride of lions behind us."

            And that was it. The goodbyes were short and brief - Adwin wanted to linger beside his mate, his heart torn as she pulled away to run off with Adanna to find Judas while he stood alongside Gunju, who looked just as lost as he did.

            But he had a mission, and he couldn't forget that. If the gray lion had allied himself with Abel, then that would mean trouble, and the other prides would need to know about that. This was just as important, if not more, than Timira's mission to find Judas.

            So he turned his head to Gunju and said, with a bark of command in his voice, "Let's go find the pride."

~ * ~

The next morning, in another lion pride...

            Basking on top of a slim rock, only big enough for two, a pale lioness with colored ears gazed out at her pride, who were up to their own antics. They weren't her own, that is to say that they were her cubs or brothers or sisters, but she thought of them just the same. They were all rogues, needing a home, and Ari was more than happy to offer that to them.

            She cradled in the hold of her mate, a lighter pale lion with a dark mane, who was still asleep, his head laying comfortably on her shoulder. Ari nuzzled into him, smiling at the warmth that came off his body. Who would've thought, after Kayode's death, that she would end leading her own pride and falling in love? She wondered if her older brother was proud of her.

            Feeling movement behind her, Ari leaned her head up as Maalik turned towards her, sleep still in his eyes. "Mornin'," he mumbled, pressing his nose into hers.

            "Morning sleepy head," she greeted. "Did you sleep okay?"

            "Great actually. You make a nice pillow."

            "Haha, funny."

            He smirked at her, pulling back and stretching his body. "Anyone kill each other yet?"

            Ari rolled her eyes as she half-rolled onto her backside, watching her mate. "I hope for both our sakes that that doesn't happen."

            "Haha, yeah I know. But seriously, any drama while I was sleeping?"

            "Not that I saw."

            "Lutalo?"

            "Rhaenys has him taken care of."

            Maalik sighed. "Oh good, I'm glad that he hasn't gone back to being bloodthirsty again."

            Though Ari cast him a look, deep down she agreed with him. When Lutalo and his adopted sister, Samanya, had shown up, Ari didn't believe she had seen anyone so violent since Zuri, and even more so than her insane sister. While Samanya had been doing better at being rehabilitated, Lutalo had still been a threat, and Ari and Maalik had often discussed what they could do with the lion. They had no doubt that the unstable lion could hurt someone, and as much as Ari didn't want to agree to the idea (because her intent was to offer a home to all rogues, of whatever background), if Lutalo didn't change, they would have to banish him.

            Jamil, an older lion in the pride, had offered to help, but his attempts to help only made Lutalo's behavior worse. Then came Rhaenys, who had been a blessing in disguise. She had become a caretaker to Lutalo, and over time the change in temperament had been extraordinary. Lutalo was not the same violent lion he once was, therefore Ari and Maalik no longer felt there was a threatening need to quickly banish him. That did not mean, however, that they still felt comfortable he would continue a positive treatment.

            Maalik, especially, was doubtful of Lutalo.

            "I think Rhaenys has him covered," said Ari.

            Her mate nodded solemnly, but it was because he had no following statement to offer that Ari began to worry. "He's not like your parents," she whispered.

            "I know."

            Now completely on her feet, she trotted over to him, nuzzling him. "It'll be fine. You always tell me that, right?"

            Maalik smiled, leaning into his mate's embrace. "Thanks Ari."

            "My pleasure."

            "How is Tranda doing?" Tranda was a recent addition to the pride, a lioness who had grown up a prisoner within the Highlands, Maalik's former home.

            At the mention of her name, Maalik frowned. "She still needs some work. Chari and Lesedi are doing their best, and Zarah seems to be a good help."

            "It's never a dull moment, hm?"

            "Has there ever been one? I must've slept through that."

            Ari laughed, and even Maalik smiled a bit. "I think some food is in order. I'm going to take Samanya, Sauda, Xolani, and Zarah with me."

            "And I get to stick around?" Maalik asked, not unkindly. "It's probably best. I'll see if Chari and Lesedi need any help with Tranda today. I hope it's a big, fat water buffalo you guys get us, yeah?"

            "In your dreams. I won't be long."

            "Don't be."

            The pair nuzzled each other again, and separated, prepared to do their chores for the day. As Ari gathered her hunting group, Chari came running over to her, invoking an endearing smile on her face.

            "Hey, you're going hunting?" he asked, the pair sharing a brief nuzzle.

            Ari nodded her head. "You wouldn't want to come, would you?" She knew the answer before it even left Chari's mouth.

            The brown lion laughed, gesturing to his blind eye. "I don't think I would be of much help, Ari. Sorry." He greeted Xolani, Sauda, Zarah, and Samanya until he came to an abrupt stop, seemingly confused. "Rena's not going with you?" he asked.

            "I don't need Rena to come with me this time."

            "Oh, I thought..."

            There was a big reason Ari did not want to include Rena in her hunting group this time, and she was sure that the lioness was grateful to not be called upon to be in the same group either. Samanya was Rena's daughter, by Maalik, before any of them had even met Ari. There was still uncomfortable tension when Rena was even around Maalik (the same could not be said about Maalik, who had assumed that Rena had forgiven him for his lack of tact in the past), and Rena could not bear to be around her daughter.

            She had confessed to Ari that Samanya was her daughter, but she did not want to be forced to be involved with her. It's better if we just don't know each other, Rena had told her. Ari didn't argue with Rena, respected her decision, and decided she would just fulfill the role in Samanya's life that she desperately needed, but Rena would not take. There, Ari became Samanya's adopted mother of sorts. She and Maalik had, now and again, discussed a family, but so far there had been too many things to do that they could properly plan for a when.

            Not that Maalik hadn't discussed his nervousness of becoming a father. "My dad was a horrible parent," he had told her. "I don't want to end up like him."

            "You won't."

            "You don't know that."

            "I do, and you're nothing like your father."

            Ari wasn't in a rush for her and Maalik to settle and begin their family. She had to maintain order with her pride, to make sure everyone else was comfortable. She had lots of time to be thinking about that kind of future.

            Chari coughed. "Well, you wouldn't happen to know where she is, do you?"

            "Maybe she's with Jamil?"

            "Maybe, okay thanks!" He left without another word.

            Ari smiled knowingly. She would've urged Chari to just confess to Rena that he liked her, but then again, she understood his hesitation. She too had been in that position once upon a time.

            "Well?" asked Samanya. "Are we going?"

            "Yes, let's do our best today!"

            The excitement of a good chase flowed through the blood of Ari and her lionesses as they took out to the fields, scouting for potential prey to bring back for everyone. Ari felt the brush of the wind hit her, and smiled. The weather had been looking fairly decent the past few days... a trip to her old home wouldn't be too farfetched. She would love to see her father and mother again, and perhaps even introduce them to Maalik...

            "Ari!" Sauda called out. Ahead of them was a herd of black and white, all of them unsuspecting.

            Ari crouched, and her pride-sisters copied her every move, moving inch by inch forward until they were within enough proximity, yet still unnoticed.

            Beside her, Samanya grew anxious. "Let's go now," she growled.

            "No," snarled Ari, "you'll scare them off."

            Samanya cast Ari a defiant glare, but said no more.

            "What's the plan?" inquired Xolani.

            "Okay, Zarah, you'll stick with Sauda. Chase them from the left towards Xolani and Samanya - I want you two to the east. When they head towards you, you'll jump out and scramble them. Then I'll come out and try to cut one of them off, and that's the one we'll bring down."

            The lionesses murmured agreeably amongst themselves, and separated at Ari's orders. As she watched them, Ari couldn't help but feel her stomach rise with pride.

            The attack was quick - Sauda led her and Zarah across the grassy fields, startling the unsuspecting zebras, and chasing them straight towards Xolani and Samanya, who both burst out, scattering the herd. With her eyes following the chaos that ensued before her, Ari's eyes fell upon a younger zebra foal, and her paws carried her weight across the field. Everyone else saw what her intention was, and pursued the dust left behind her.

            The foal was fast, but Ari was just as so, and she kept a decent pace with the zebra. If it shook her off, then it was Sauda who leapt into the fray, her speed almost paralleling that of the foal. And if Sauda couldn't shake the zebra down, then Xolani, Samanya, and Zarah all cornered it at the front, to scare it onto its hind legs. Which ended up so.

            Xolani lunged, gripping the zebra by the fur on its chest, and pulling it down so that Samanya and Zarah could reach it. They bit into its hind legs to stop it from moving, and it was Sauda, not Ari, who made the final blow to the foal's jugular once she caught up to them. By the time Ari, panting, arrived, her pride-sisters had already taken down the beast.

            She greeted them with kind touches to the nose, praising them. "Amazing job, you guys. Let's get this back to the pride, and feed everyone."

            "Merlissa is going to be happy about this," chattered Zarah as she helped pull a hind leg. "She loves zebra meat. I'm sure Tranda will be happy about this too."

            "I know Maalik is," laughed Ari, who pulled at the dead zebra's backside. "Even though I promised him a water buffalo."

            "If he wants one, he can get one himself," commented Xolani, with a faint smirk on her face. "A water buffalo isn't worth getting into a scrap with."

            "They're tasty though," admitted Samanya.

            Through closed mouths, the lionesses all chuckled in agreement. Ari even agreed to let them stop for a moment to indulge themselves to cease their growling stomachs. When they reached the pride, they came upon the sight of Maalik and the others standing before two unfamiliar females who looked exhausted.

            Their prey forgotten, Ari and her pride-sisters approached the circle that had formed, all manner of laughter ceased in favor of a more professional look.

            As he saw his mate approach, Maalik moved to allow her to get a better look at their guests. "Hello," Ari greeted kindly, "may we help you with something?"

            "Good timing Ari," remarked Maalik. "They wanted to talk to you."

            "Oh?" Ari eyed the two lionesses with keen interest. "Well, how can I help you?"

            "We're no threat," said one of the lionesses. "My name's Adanna."

            "And I'm Timira, of the Savannah pride."

            Ari's eyebrows creased. Savannah pride? They gave their own prides a name? Her father never did that - they had all just addressed as his pride.

            When familiarity was not struck, Timira resumed, "Anyways, we came here to ask for help."

            "They wanted to know about your father," said Maalik.

            "My father?" Why would lionesses who came from this strangely-named prides come all the way out here? Ari thought.

            When Ari appeared skeptical, Adanna clarified, "He's in danger." She didn't outright declare it, but kept it as a hushed whisper between the four of them.

            Understanding that their need for her help was dire, Ari turned to the rest of her pride, and shooed them off. This was only for her and Maalik's ears alone. "Come," she said, leading them to the rock that she and Maalik had rested upon only hours ago. "What's going on here? Why do you think my father is in danger?"

            It was Adanna who spoke up, "He's Judas, correct? He's in big trouble. Abel, my brother, he's the new King of the Pridelands. He's looking for Judas. I overheard him saying he wanted to destroy him."

            Ari nodded her head, trying to digest the information she was receiving. She knew little about the Pridelands other than that Judas had been born there, which meant that she had relatives in those lands. But her father had only been there once, when Kayode was young, and he had expressed no interest to return. So how could he make an enemy when he wasn't even there?

            "We were talking to Maalik," said Timira, "and he said that Judas is your father."

            "Yes, he is."

            "We wanted to warn him to watch out for Abel," said Adanna. "My brother is insane. He's not going to stop at anything to destroy Judas, for whatever reason why."

            "I don't know if word came out this far because you guys are really out of reach from everyone else, but there's another. His name is Ashiki. He chased out the Outland pride."

            Ari failed to recognize the significance of the pride itself, but knew that he had to have been a threat if he had chased away a pride; Maalik, however, who had been schooled in understanding the cultures of the other lion prides (for all the wrong reasons) knew the danger in that. "You didn't mention that," he said. "The Outland pride was pretty solid."

            Timira nodded. "Chased them across the river, and killed the leader's second-in command."

            "Ashiki allied himself with my brother," said Adanna. "He's a big threat. Insane too."

            "Sounds like a war," said Maalik.

            "Well we were hoping to find Judas ourselves to plead that he come to our aid."

            "I'll speak to my father," offered Ari. "Besides, he wouldn't be too happy about seeing you guys there. You know, not being pride members."

            Adanna glanced at Timira, saying, "Wow, lion prides sure run differently out here."

            "But thank you for letting me know. You're more than welcomed to stay here and rest. We went out hunting, but looking at it now, maybe I should go back out again..."

            "I'll take care of it," said Maalik, a smile on his face. "I'm fairly decent, if I do say so."

            Ari smiled, but something nagged her deep down. Turning to Adanna and Timira, she asked for them to leave her and Maalik to themselves. Once so, she added, "Maalik, I don't like the sound of this."

            "I agree," he said, nodding his head once. "And here I thought the Highlands would be the first over the Pridelands. This Abel must be insane or something."

            In her mind, an image of Zuri flashed quickly. Ari shook her head, wanting to rid herself of that horrible memory. "Maalik, you'll be okay to watch over the pride while I go find my father?"

            "You sure you don't want to bring anyone with you? Want me to come along?"

            "Trust me, Dad isn't a very welcoming guy."

            "Haha, that's probably why I haven't met him yet. Don't worry, I'll keep things peaceful here. Should I tell everyone else?"

            "No, tell them later. If we tell everyone now, well... maybe it's just better to hold off."

            "Whatever you want, you're the boss." He leaned in and pressed his nose against hers. "Go on, I'll watch over things here."

            "You're the best. I love you," was her quick reply, as she wasted no time departing from her pride to see her father. She only hoped that she wasn't too late.

~ * ~

At Judas's pride...

            Judas was well past his prime, he had decided. He was old, pushing the age of sixteen. His bones did not work as well as they had when he was young. His once bright red mane was losing its color, settling into a dull mess.

            And if there's one thing an old lion like Judas did not have time for, it was for cryptic nightmares.

            Now Judas felt he wasn't afraid of much. No, he much preferred others being afraid of him. After all, he was a very large lion. But as he slept the night away, he saw his deceased daughter, Zuri, standing upon a rubble of bones, and it startled him enough that he had not been able to close his eyes again, lest she reappear.

            So, instead of patrolling his turf, Judas relaxed in the grass, analyzing his dream. Now and again he did turn his thoughts towards his demented daughter; often, these days it was more about him critiquing himself. Had he truly been a failure of a father? His family was quick to tell him otherwise, but sometimes Judas wondered if he hadn't paid Zuri enough attention, and that was what had caused her to snap and kill his first-born, Kayode.

            Whatever the case was, the dream was most unusual because Zuri had long been dead. She couldn't cause any more mischief. But, to Judas anyways, it didn't feel like her misdeeds were done yet. Or perhaps he was hallucinating with his age.

            He had considered lying back down, but when he heard Tamu cry, "It's Ari!", he felt some strength return to his old bones enough to see his daughter. He smiled as he saw her, first engaging her mother in a tango of affection, and then likewise showering her love to everyone else who appeared before her, including her younger sister, Duni.

            "Ari," he called out hoarsely, the pride parting before him like a sea to allow him to pass. Ari was quick to give him a nuzzle and he returned her love with a gentle brush of his tongue behind her ear. "I didn't think you were coming back to visit."

            "I just missed you, Dad, that's all," she said, though he caught the faint glimpse of the ghost of worry in her eyes. Something was wrong.

            "You should visit more often," said Tamu. "I know, with the pride and everything, you can't but..."

            "Oh Mom..." But Ari offered no more than that, for she faced her father again and whispered, "Can I talk to you, please?"

            "Of course." Judas led Ari away from everyone else, who resumed their activities without throwing another glance back at them. As soon as he felt he had distanced them far enough, Judas laid down and gestured towards his daughter. "Ari, what's wrong?"

            Ari laid in front of him, their manner business-like now. "Dad, I heard... news. From some lionesses from faraway prides. It's about the Pridelands."

            Judas frowned. He had bad memories concerning the Pridelands, especially when it was about his parents. Judas had run away at a young age because he could not deal with the amount of pressure that was expected of him to succeed his father, Mufasa. He had felt guilty about it ever since, even when Simba had told him everything was fine. That was the first, and last, time he had ever step paw into the Pridelands.

            "What does Simba want?" he spat, unintentionally. Realizing it, he reiterated his question: "I hope he's not expecting another visit anytime soon."

            "No, no, it's not about him. Um, it's about the new king. Abel was his name."

            "Never heard of him. Go on."

            "Well one of the lionesses said that she overheard him talking about finding you. He has a vendetta against you."

            Though the situation wouldn't have been funny to anyone else, Judas found it hilarious, and laughed. "What? I've never even heard of this lion! What does he want with me?"

            Ari shrugged. "That's what I thought, but she was insistent to find you."

            "Did you believe her word?"

            "I mean Dad, she sounded very serious. Do you remember the Outland pride?"

            Judas shrugged. He didn't doubt Mufasa telling him about some of the lion prides that were near the Pridelands, but his extent of knowledge now only laid with familiarity of the Pridelands, and nothing more. "No, I can't say so. Why?"

            "Well, Maalik, he used to live in the Highlands. He said that that's near the Pridelands-"

            "Maalik's your mate, right? The guy I haven't met yet?"

            "-and he said that he knew about the Outlands. So one of the lionesses said that another lion chased that pride that lived there out. Maalik says that the Outland pride was huge, like the Pridelands."

            "So?"

            "So the lion that did that to the Outlands is a friend of Abel's, they're saying."

            "Ari, this is way too confusing. I'm not getting myself involved in another war or anything. The last time that happened, Nomusa was killed. I'm more content to live my days in peace, thank you."

            "I understand Dad, but they were very sure everyone's in danger here. So I said I would come over and tell you."

            Judas reached out with his great paw and laid it over Ari's. "Ari, they could've been misleading you. I wouldn't trust any rogues who say stuff like that. It makes no sense. I never met this Abel before."

            "I know, but I thought it was a good idea to tell you."

            "Thanks Ari, but we're okay here." He took his paw away, and his mind slipped back to Zuri and his strange dream. So he ventured to ask, "Ari, you haven't had strange dreams, have you?"

            His daughter shook her head. "No, why?"

            "Well I had one last night. About Zuri."

            "Zuri?"

            "I didn't tell your mom or Baako anything about it. I didn't think it was that big of a deal, but it was... unsettling." Judas began to retell her how his dream played out - there he was, in the middle of a land he did not recognize, and ahead of him was Zuri, who stood on a mountain of bones. She stood over him, laughing, and behind her were the shadows of evil.

            When he was done, Ari was quiet, which made Judas more unsettled. "Forget it," he growled, struggling to stand up. "I shouldn't have said anything to you about that."

            "No Dad it's fine. Just... that's spooky. I mean she's dead."

            "That's what I said..."

            "JUDAS!!"

            Both Judas and Ari stilled from where they sat, the loud warning cry of Baako sheering through their spines. With renewed alertness, Judas bounded to see what the danger was, his daughter running closely beside him.

            What they saw ahead of them was the pride looking up at a dark-colored lion who was within too close of a distance between them. Judas unsheathed his claws as he stood at the head of his pride, staring down this intruder who approached them.

            Abel was pleased that he had found Judas so quickly. With Zuri as his guide, they were able to make their trip two days less, as Ashiki had predicted. Now he was only mere feet from Judas and his pathetic family. Ramla's words came back to him, and he felt his heart race with eagerness.

            My love, this is wonderful, said Zuri. Thank you.

            Abel stopped from getting too close to Judas, and he examined the threat before him. Abel nearly laughed. Zuri had talked up about Judas's strength, but what he saw before him was an aging lion who barely had the strength to keep himself standing.

            Oh, this was going to be too easy.

            "Judas, I presume?" he exclaimed. "I am King Abel, of the Pridelands. You don't know me, as I expect, but I know a lot about you. Someone special told me about you. What you and your repulsive family did to her. I'm here to claim vengeance for her."

            "You're an idiot!" Judas fired back. "I don't know who the hell you are talking about, but if you're dumb enough to believe you can keep on standing in that spot, on my turf, you have another thing coming."

            "Oh, I wouldn't want to rush with that." With that, the rest of Abel's group appeared from over the hill. "I came prepared for this." He took a step forward, unyielding to Judas's harsh gaze. "Now I'll tell you exactly who I'm representing here. Zuri. Does that name sound familiar?"

            "Zuri's dead!" roared Baako.

            Abel smirked. "Not dead, oh no. She's very well alive. And right now she wishes to see the suffering of all of you, one by one. Starting with her killer." His eyes went back to Judas's. "I know you didn't kill her, she told me that much. But I think I'll leave you for last, how does that sound?"

            No one said anything - they lost the heart to tell off Abel as soon as he brought Zuri into the conversation. With confidence, Abel took another step. "Well? Who did it?" Abel shouted across the wave of Judas and his group. "Who killed her? Who killed Zuri?!"

            "I did," a sharp, unfamiliar voice bravely called. Abel's eyes narrowed as he watched the form of a pale lioness move amongst the crowd of family members. She reached him, and gazed into his eyes. There was no fear in them. "I killed Zuri."

            "Ari, stand down!" commanded Judas.

            Abel's lips curled.

            "She killed my brother," Ari went on.

            Lies! Zuri cried. All a bunch of lies! Abel, what're you waiting for? KILL HER!

            "ATTACK!" Abel cried out to the top of his lungs.

            It was his own group who made the first launch at Judas. Abel stood back, watching with growing satisfaction. Yowls of pain reached his ears, and it was Heaven. But his eyes scanned for the pale lioness with the colored ears - she was the one who needed to die first. The lion with the red mane would be next.

            Abel, look out!

            Abel spun his head, in enough time to see Ari's paw raised over his head. He rolled, her claws only striking his shoulder and drawing blood. "Damn you!" he cried as he rolled back onto his legs, glaring at the lioness.

            "You leave my family alone!" she cried. "It's me you want, right? I was the one who killed Zuri. Take care of me, and leave my family alone."

            "Oh, would you love to believe that? Not a chance!"

            Ari lunged at him, all pretense notion of negotiating with the lion completely gone. This time Abel was better prepared, and he rolled out of the way of Ari's oncoming assault in order to dish his own out. His claws slashed into her backside, and Abel reveled in drawing her blood.

            Yes Abel, do it! Now! Zuri's cries filled him, pumping through his ears, and blood. He saw nothing but to avenge his beloved.

            He wasn't going to let this lioness watch her family die before her. She was going to be the example.

            Abel flew at Ari, who had no time to move out of the way. The pair fell into one another, rolling about on the ground, teeth clashing against teeth, and claws digging into vulnerable places to draw beads of blood. When the rolling had finally ended, and he had Ari quelling below him, Abel felt like his heart was on fire. He raised his outstretched claws, a satisfied blood-stained smile on his face.

            "You should've thought twice about touching Zuri," he whispered to her, and then his claw came down...

            "Stay away from her!"

            Abel's claw only managed to make the lightest touch on Ari's person before he was knocked onto his side by Maalik. "You insolent bastard!" he cried, lunging up, slashing Maalik's shoulders and face.

            Likewise the pale lion retaliated with a head butt of strong force, knocking Abel onto his backside. Earning a moment, Maalik whirled on his mate, shouting, "Help the others!"

            She nodded, knowing Maalik was more than capable of handling Abel. Ari turned her attention to the rest of her pride, who had joined the fight when Maalik did. Jamil was teaming with Judas to handle Ashiki, who was a barrage of claws and spit; beyond them was Chari and Rena, back-to-back fending off a pair of lionesses who had surrounded them. She could see Xolani and Samanya, and likewise Haruna and Lesedi, but there was the absence of Tranda, Merlissa, and Zarah; when she looked to see her family, Ari noted the absence of her mother, Tamu.

            Her heart pounding in her ears, Ari pushed through the crowd of bodies to search for her mother. She was shoved, thrown onto her side as Eshe tangled with Ishonda, saliva running fluidly down their fronts.

            "You don't stand a chance," Ishonda snarled.

            "Think again," growled Eshe, who kicked the light lioness in the stomach.

            Rolling out of the way of her aunt, Ari continued to surge through the crowd, becoming more frantic by the second. Where was her mother? She saw her aunts, and her siblings all fighting, but her mother was not there.

            "Tamu's in trouble!" someone cried out. Ari was sure it was her aunt Jira.

            Ari's legs carried her as fast as they could until she completely broke through the crowd, to find that Tamu struggled with Yejide on the ground. Rhaenys was battling Katura, who had bitten her in the spot between her neck and shoulder. Behind Rhaenys were Jalena, Duni, Ayodele, and Zainabu, all of whom were too terrified to move.

            "Ari!" cried Rhaenys, much to the surprise of Tamu, who ceased struggling long enough for Yejide to get a hold onto her neck.

            She didn't think of anything - she just acted. Ari tackled Yejide aside, flailing her unsheathed claws at her foe, while the lioness rolled underneath her, kicking her off. Yejide lunged before Ari could gather her bearings, and a sharp grasp of pain hit Ari full on in the face. She saw red dripping down her nose. Yejide ran off - unfortunately, she ran into the battling jaws of Jiro and Nyako, who were frantic to save their daughter.

            "RHAENYS!"

            Lutalo rushed out from the crowd, blood covering every inch of his body. He was a whirlwind of blood and claws as he threw himself into Katura. Rhaenys panted as she inspected her wound. When she saw Ari looking at her, Rhaenys weakly nodded. "I'm okay, I'm okay."

            Lutalo, meanwhile, chased Katura, who knew better than to mess with the demon running at her heels.

            Between Ari's pride and her father's, they were making quick work of Abel's forces. Everyone put in one hundred and ten percent of effort into their attacks. Lesedi was now with Kesi, defending her cubs, while Haruna continued to face off against Zareb; Jira, Kayin, and Eshe all teamed up against Ishonda, who now had Nunka at her side. Xolani and Samanya were a whirlwind of claws, each moving well in sync with one another; Sauda was helping Baako, who was now crushed underneath Yejide; and Judas and Jamil had made quick work of Ashiki.

            "RETREAT!" Abel's voice cried over the mass. "THIS BATTLE IS LOST!" 

            The retreat was quick - Abel and his forces left as fast as they come, leaving only behind the remains of their group who had come to fight. Ari was left shaking, blood now seeping onto her paws, as she watched the last of Abel's group disappear over the hill from which they had arrived. She wanted to collapse, to allow the tears that were beginning to gather in her eyes to roll down her face.

            "Ari?" Tamu had come up alongside her.

            Ari turned her head, and offered her mother a weak smile as Tamu set about cleaning her wound off her face. Looking beyond Tamu, Ari saw Rhaenys doing the same to Lutalo, who seemed to be on the same breaking point as Ari herself was feeling.

            Her father approached her, his head moving back and forth. "Is anyone hurt?" Judas called out. He too was not without his wounds, his blood mingling in his dull red mane. Beside him, Jamil was licking his paw.

            The group gathered around one another, where Ari could tally who was still standing, and who barely could move. She was glad to see her aunts were otherwise okay, though shaken, and that her siblings were roughly in the same shape. To her own pride, everyone was safe and sound. Bloodied, but everyone was almost present and accounted for.

            "Where's Maalik?" Ari managed to say.

            Everyone turned to one another, their eyes saying what they couldn't - they didn't know. Ari felt the glory of victory sink into the bottom of her stomach, and she unintentionally pushed past Judas and Tamu to find her mate.

            Oh please, oh please...

            "ARI!" Expecting Chari coming to her, Ari was surprised to see that it was Lesedi and Haruna who came to her. Lesedi's eyes were shrunken, and she was shaking so badly that, if Haruna wasn't beside her to give her support, she would've collapsed. "It's Maalik, he's-"

            Ari didn't need to hear more from her. She charged off in the direction the pair had come from.

            No no no no no no...

            She found him, almost in the exact place she had left him to fight Abel. He was on his side, and a pool of blood surrounded him. Ari felt her heart starting to crumble. "Maalik! Oh Maalik!" She rushed to her side and...

            And it was awful.

            Maalik was buried underneath so much blood that he was barely recognizable anymore. And his stomach... Ari couldn't bare the sight of it.

            One eye still open, it was gazing up at the sky. Ari settled next to Maalik, moving closely enough to hear his ragged breathing. Tears were now freely falling. Oh please, please Kayode...

            "A-Ari..?" he managed to croak out.

            She nodded her head, beginning to desperately lick away his wounds. "You'll be okay, Maalik! We'll get you cleaned up, and everything will be fine!"

            She felt his body give a slight jerk, then settle. His ragged breathing became silent. Ari peeled her body away briefly to see that the glint in Maalik's eye had disappeared, and all that was left was the reflection of a dull sky.

            "N-No, Maalik, stay with me! You'll be okay!" Now on her feet, Ari began circling her mate, trying to lick up his wounds. "See, it's nothing! We've been through worse!" To Lesedi and Haruna, and all the others who had now gathered and who could only helplessly watch, she snarled, "Don't just stand there! Help me! Help me please, he's dying!"

            "Oh Ari..." Tamu murmured.

            Ari shook her head wildly, tears falling onto Maalik's blood soaked body. No, he wasn't dead! He can't die on her! He can't! She already lost Kayode, there was no way she was going to lose Maalik too!

            "Ari." This time it was Judas. "He's dead, Ari."

            "N-No, he isn't! W-We can h-help him! G-Get Chari! Chari can help him!"

            But no one moved from their place.

            Ari snapped her head up at them, her eyes shrunken, and her nostrils flaring in aggravation. "Don't just stand there! He's dying!"

            Tamu stepped forward; Ari refused to move away. Her mother came alongside her, and placed a large paw on her backside, gently beckoning her to rest against her. Ari moved to her mother's paw, and buried her face in Tamu's shoulders, releasing the anguish that had bubbled inside her.

            Maalik, the love of her life. Her rock. Her soul mate. Taken away by Abel. An advocate of Zuri.

            Would Zuri ever just leave them be?

            Though she didn't dare gaze up, Ari felt her family beginning to surround her, offering their sympathies through light touches of their paws, and gentle strokes from their tongues. But she didn't want pity - she wanted Maalik, alive and smiling.

            "We won, Ari!" he would tell her. "How cool is that?"

            And she would laugh, and they would touch noses, and gather up their pride, and maybe go home where Ari would just sleep an eternal sleep alongside her mate, and never open her eyes.

            No, now her mate laid lifeless in front of her. All because of Zuri.

            She had killed Kayode. Now she also took Maalik's life as well.

            Ari choked down another sob, and finally pulled away from Tamu, not right away gazing into her mother's eyes. No, her attention went beyond the small group of family who had gathered around her. She saw Chari had finally joined them, but his side was completely vacant.

            Gently prying herself away from her family, Ari shakily made her way over to Chari, who barely seemed to register her presence. "Chari..?" she whispered.

            Chari refused to look at her, but he mumbled, "She's dead, Ari... R-Rena, s-she's..."

            Ari wrapped herself around Chari, her paw stroking her mourning friend's backside as he cried into her in the same manner that she had cried into Tamu. She should've cried over Rena's death too, should've risen up and just said 'damn the world, time for revenge'. But she couldn't muster the words, or anything even remotely close.

            The dull sky rumbled, and it began to rain.