Ekene squinted, trying to see through the thick fog. It had not been so sudden, and the Outlands were used to this kind of weather. Still, every time Ekene saw the gaseous form arise from the lands and blur his line of sight, he couldn't help but unsheathe his claws. Maybe it was just proper paranoia, but he did not trust his pride's safety with the blinding fog in their way. The Outlands didn't have too many enemies that Ekene knew of, but he knew that there were ambitious lions out in the world, seeking to take over his leadership. He had fought them for years, just like his father before him, and it was not going to stop now.

            "Chinter?" he called out, hesitantly stepping forward.

            "I'm here!"

            "Is Winta with you?"

            "Obviously, Dad."

            Ekene sighed with relief. "Can you come here?"

            The two lionesses approached him; a pale one with an eager smile, the other, a gray lioness, with a look of indifference on her face. Ekene leaned forward and nuzzled the gray lioness, his daughter. He knew it was silly to still be overprotective of her, but he couldn't help himself. He was a first-time father, with first-time fears. He knew Chinter and his second-in command Gotto would watch out for Winta when he could not, but that did not stop the older lion from being concerned about his daughter's safety.

            If anything had happened to Winta...

            Ekene's heart ached at the thought.

            Chinter, the pale lioness, began to look around. "It's worse than before," she commented. "The fog I mean. I-I don't like it."

            Ekene nodded. "Nor do I. Was Gotto with you?"

            Chinter rolled her eyes, which let Ekene know what the answer was. He chuckled, "He only bugs you because I make him do it," he said.

            "He's just so UGH! He frustrates me, that's all." Chinter gazed down at her paws. "I could be fine with just Winta under my care."

            "No, I want Gotto with you as well. He'll be able to watch out over you."

            "I can watch myself fine. I did live with a band of lions before, I'll have you know."

            "Dad, don't mess with this one," joked Winta. "She'll rip your nose off."

            Ekene laughed. "I have no doubt about that, Winta."

            "Who's going to rip whose nose off?" rumbled a deep voice. Gotto, the brown lion, approached them, a look of indifference on his face as well.

            Chinter sighed exasperatedly, but Gotto took no notice of her. "Did you call my name?"

            "I just wanted to know where you were off to," said Ekene.

            "I was trying to check the perimeter, but this fog is so damn-"

            "Gotto," warned Ekene.

            Gotto sighed, stealing a quick glance at Winta. "So darn thick that I can't smell anything."

            Ekene laid his ears back. He did not like hearing that at all. "It better clear up soon," he growled.

            "It's thicker than it's been before," added Chinter.

            "Nice observation, genius," said Gotto.

            That agitated the pale lioness, who shoved her face in front of the lion's, their noses barely touching. "I didn't ask for your comment, you know," she growled.

            Winta smirked. She leaned towards her father's ear and said, "Aren't they kinda cute together?"

            Ekene smiled at that. Once upon a time, it was Chinter who pursued him, who wanted his affection. Now that he had time to think about it, he felt bad that he didn't consider Chinter as a potential mate. Of course if he had done that than he never would've met Ikuta, the lioness who would steal his heart. Unfortunately, nothing could come of their relationship, but Ekene felt dedicated to her all the same.

            Winta was born of the love he and Ikuta shared one night. Ikuta left Winta in his care, feeling she would have a better life with her father. Ekene wanted to argue, but Ikuta silenced him and left. So he brought up Winta in his care, never denying that he was her father, but had to lie and say that Chinter was her mother only for the sake of the pride. One would only wonder how they would feel if they discovered the leaders of the Outlands and the Shadowlands had an affair.

            Chinter's pursuit of him ceased, and she turned more of her attention towards caring for Winta. Having lost her cub while he was still young, Ekene was amazed that Chinter never lost her motherly touch. Gotto was also added to the mix, if only to supervise Chinter and make sure that nothing happened to either her or Winta under his watch. He knew Winta had been teasing about the pair for a while. Ekene had no opinion on whether Gotto and Chinter paired off - he would be happy for them all the same. Besides, they were his closest friends, the only ones who knew the truth of Winta's existence.

            Chinter and Gotto continued their back-and-forth bantering as Ekene said to his daughter, "They are kind of cute, I'll admit."

            "I told Chinter that, and, Dad, you should've seen how mad she got." Winta giggled. "I couldn't resist."

            "Did you tell Gotto?"

            "Yeah, and you know what? He just shrugged it off! Shrugged! So I totally think he's into Chinter at least."

            Ekene wondered if that was the case. When Gotto first came to the Outlands, Ekene issued a challenge that he would be accepted only if he defeated him in battle. Ekene had been no match for the muscular lion, and was quick to not only accept him into the pride, but to name him second-in command. The two lions became close friends after a while, and when he asked Gotto about mates and cubs, the lion only murmured that there had been two lionesses, but that was it. Even when mating season came around, Gotto only seemed half-heartedly interested. He would stare, but he would never court the lionesses, despite them wanting him to. Ekene had been the same way, but there was a difference - he was the leader, he could choose when he wanted to have a mate or not.

            Unfortunately, his love had to be from another pride. Had to be the leader of another pride, no less.

            Chinter and Gotto's bickering began to escalate, which informed Ekene that he had to step in. "Okay, you two, knock it off," he said calmly. "How about we just continue to keep close eye on the perimeter of our pride? Hopefully soon the fog will disappear. Winta, you'll come with me. Chinter, go with Gotto and search the eastern end of our border."

            "If we can find it," mumbled Gotto.

            Chinter sighed. "Okay Ekene... let's go, you old gruff."

            "Old gruff she says..."

            "Must you really?"

            The pair stormed off, returning to their bickering again.

            Ekene snorted with laughter. "Those two, they're certainly becoming something fierce."

            Winta smiled. "I told you, Dad."

            "EKENE!" Chinter's voice shattered the euphoria between father and daughter. Ekene leapt into action, his heart beating as he raced to where Chinter had cried out.

            He picked up a familiar scent and skidded to an abrupt halt. Winta sidled up to him, confused. "Dad, what's the matter?" she asked.

            That scent... It was Shadowland's scent, that much Ekene could remember. It couldn't have been Ikuta who came to them, could it? No... Chinter was afraid, he heard that much in her voice. It was someone else.

            Winta leapt in front of her father, roaring, "Dad, Chinter!"

            Ekene shook his head and pursued his daughter. The fog seemed to be lighting up, as the Shadowland's scent became more prominent. It mixed well with Chinter's and Gotto's as well. Now that he could start seeing ahead of his nose, Ekene saw Chinter and Gotto standing across from a burly gray lion. Both their stances mimicked their readiness for battle, but it seemed to do little for the male, who only stared down at them.

            Ekene and Winta slowed down, and approached them. The closer they got, Ekene saw that this male was not alone. He had a small party of lions and lionesses behind him. Beside him was a yellow lioness who appeared skittish. He did not like this at all.

            "Who are you?" Ekene demanded as he sidled up to his friends, his green eyes falling upon the gray lion's face. His eyes were a bright orange, and they were heavily scarred.

            The lion smiled, showing off his white teeth. "Are you the leader of the Outlands?"

            "Yes. My name is Ekene. You're from the Shadowland pride, aren't you?"

            "Hah, indeed. My name isn't that important to you, but what is important is the message I'm here to bring from my... beloved sister."

            Ekene's heart froze. What could Ikuta want from him?

            "Yes?" he prodded, eagerly wanting to hear more.

            The attack had surprised Ekene. He had sincerely thought that Ikuta wanted something of him. Instead of indulging Ekene with his purpose of being there, the gray lion launched himself at the leader, his claws completely unsheathed with the intention of killing.

            "For the Shadowlands!" the lion cried out.

            Ekene had been too slow, but it was Gotto who rushed to his defense. He knocked aside the gray lion that rivaled his own size, and the pair tumbled off to the side. Chinter launched herself at the yellow lioness, who cried out as her back hit the ground. Ekene backed up into Winta, roaring at the slowly approaching supporters of the gray lion.

            "Winta, get out of here! Warn the rest of the pride!" he cried.

            "You can't hide, leader of the Outlands!" called the gray lion as he knocked Gotto aside. "My loyal supporters, attack!"

            "Winta, go!"

            "But Dad!-"

            Ekene roughly pushed into her, urging her to retreat. She reluctantly turned, and he chased her heels.

            A force fell upon his backside, and claws pierced his fur. Ekene cried out, but the feeling was short lasting as the foe was knocked away from him.

            "Get everyone out of here, Ekene," snarled Gotto, blood beginning to drip from his nostrils. "They're here to kill us."

            Kill. The words rang in Ekene's ears, and he suddenly had a flashback to when Zira, a vengeance-hungry lioness, had killed his father in cold blood. Only this time, these lions were looking to wipe out the entire pride, not just one lion. He was not going to let that happen.

            Ekene leapt to his paws, and ran to the heart of the Outlands where the pride usually stationed itself. The lions and lionesses who lived within the lands had free reign to wander wherever they pleased as long as they stayed within the borders of the territory, but the heart of the land was where they all came together to be a pride.

            Fortunately, the fog began to lighten up, and Ekene was able to see the dirt beneath his paws. He felt someone run alongside him, and nearly lashed out until he saw it was Winta, who was now bleeding from a cut between her eyes.

            Fire rose within him. "Who did that to you?" he demanded, not once slowing his pace.

            Winta scoffed, though she was still shaken. "I took care of him, Dad."

            "We're going to need to leave the Outlands with the pride."

            "Where are we going?"

            That was a fairly good question. Between the Outlands rested the Pridelands and the Riverlands. The Riverlands would be the easier choice because they were the closest, and all the pride would have to do was cross the large river in between them. Not only that, but Khari, who was Ekene's half-sister, ruled the pride. Despite the turbulent past the two prides had, Khari had always made it known to Ekene that he would always be welcomed on her lands.

            "We need to gather the pride, and go to the Riverlands!"

            "The Riverlands?" The excitement that came to rest on Winta's face was as clear as day. "Seriously? We're really going over?" She frowned. "But what about here? This is our home."

            Ekene shook his head. "Forget it, I'm not risking staying around if we're expecting a large scale invasion. Just help me gather everyone, and fast!"

            "I think we've chased them off," snarled Gotto as he paused to lick a cut on his shoulder.

            Chinter sighed, licking her paws. "That was horrible. Who are they?"

            "Shadowland lions."

            "But... I thought Ekene and Ikuta..."

            "It doesn't matter now. We need to meet up with Ekene and find out what we're going to do." Gotto turned his head to Chinter, examining the pale lioness. Her normally pristine coat was covered in mud and blood, but she didn't seem too seriously hurt. Good. Ekene would've scratched his head off if he let anything happen to her.

            Chinter looked around, her eyes narrowed. "I... can't smell them, Gotto."

            He brushed up against her and sniffed the air. Despite the fog beginning to clear, it still hindered their senses. "Did you see where they went?" he asked.

            Chinter glared at him. "I was too busy helping you to notice." Her eyes softened, and she turned away. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap like that."

            Gotto shrugged. He was used to females snapping at him. That was why he didn't like to associate with them, among other things. "Don't worry. We just need to meet up with Ekene before the pride attacks us."

            "You don't think the pride is going to attack us, do you?" asked Chinter as the pair began to move forward.

            "Why not? I heard that lion say it loud and clear, they're doing it for the Shadowlands."

            "Something about that bothers me." Chinter brushed her non-wounded shoulder against Gotto's. "I mean I don't know Ikuta, but the way Ekene described her... why would she want to do this?"

            "Maybe she went on a power trip?"

            "You don't think..?"

            Gotto offered her another shrug. "Why not? Power's everything."

            Chinter shook her head sadly. "No, it isn't."

            The pair fell into an uneasy silence as they continued to walk ahead, keeping their eyes open for either Shadowland lions or Ekene. Chinter had to pause to clean her still bleeding wounds, and while she did so, she couldn't help but admire Gotto as he waited for her to finish. He was just as cut up as she was, yet he wasn't letting any of it bother him. His wounds were oozing blood, and besides the occasional abrupt pause to lick away at it, he didn't complain much about it. She had to keep him credit for that.

            She sidled up to him and licked his wounded shoulder, invoking a sudden cringe from the older lion. "Are you okay?" she asked.

            Gotto held her gaze for a moment, and then abruptly turned away. "It's fine," he replied gruffly. "C'mon, we have to find the rest of the pride."

            "Oh, no you won't find them. They've already fled."

            Gotto and Chinter whirled their heads in the opposite directions as the gray lion and his group surrounded them.

            The gray lion approached them, his teeth gleaming. "I have to admit, I expected more from the great Outland pride. Guess I was wrong."

            Gotto bared his teeth, but he felt Chinter press against him, could feel her shuddering against him. They weren't going to make out of this alive.

            "I thought we were going to end up having more fun today," said the gray lion. "But your pride just had to run to the river. Too bad we can't swim."

            The river? Of course, the Riverlands! Gotto nudged against Chinter, who turned to face him. Her pupils had shrunk in fear, and her shuddering was becoming more blatant. For some reason, it twisted at his heart to see her in such a weak state. The Chinter he had always known never allowed herself to show fear. And she never backed down, which made him admire her in a way.

            They can't swim, but we can, he thought.

            "Chinter," he whispered. "The river."

            The pale lioness's eyes lit up.

            "Boring," yawned the gray lion. "How about we just take care of you now? Get rid of them."

            "Now!" cried Gotto, throwing his weight into Chinter to get her moving. The pair bolted through the circle as the lions charged at them.

            He didn't know how close they were to the river, but if they could make it there, then they were safe. Gotto clenched his teeth as his wounds began to act up. They were aching, begging for rest. But the Shadowland lions were at their heels, claws extended, ready to tear them apart.

            It didn't take him long to notice that he had lost his momentum in the sudden sprint. Panting, Gotto was dropping speed, and he realized that the same was for Chinter, who was rapidly dropping alongside him, even past him. They weren't going to make it to the river after all.

            Gotto closed his eyes and thought about Ekene. He wanted Gotto to look after Chinter, especially when Winta arrived. It had become something like his duty now, to look after her and ensure her safety before his. He remembered, years before, when he wandered with the lion, Leo, and the lioness Nabila, and how the trio got along with one another. He had changed so much since then, grown up a little. Maybe not losing that snarky attitude, but he had certainly grown past being the cold, reserved type.

            Nabila was dead because of them. But Chinter could still live...

            Abruptly, Gotto swung his body around, facing the crowd of lions and lioness rushing at him.

            Chinter came to a sudden pause, startled by Gotto's sudden move. "Gotto, what're you-?"

            "Keep going!" he snarled, not looking back at her.

            Realization dawned on Chinter. "N-No, you can't fight them all!"

            "Just go! Get to the river!" he cried out.

            Chinter took a tentative step back, studying the brown lion that now put himself in between her and their impending foes. "G-Gotto!"

            "Go!" he roared, finally whirling his head to face her. She saw something flash in his eyes, something she had never seen in them. It unfroze her, brought her back down to earth. Chinter quickly turned her back on Gotto, tears running down her cheek as she abandoned him.

            Her wounds were acting up, and she felt on the verge of imminent collapse. But she could smell water, and could hear the waves of the river. Her heart began racing, and she thought of Gotto. We were so close!

            She heard cries from behind her, and knew the lions were gaining. But she was almost there at the river. One forward leap...

            A lioness had lunged out to grab her by the hind legs, but Chinter had already surged forth, pushing her legs off of the ground to reach the river. Her pale body flopped into the waves, and sunk below the surface for a moment before her head emerged. She was not a Riverland lioness, and not well-experienced with the waves, but Chinter maneuvered herself to a close rock, allowing herself to watch as the Shadowland lions gathered on the edge of the river, staring out at her with cold eyes. Their jaws were drenched in blood.

            The gray lion appeared from the crowd, a bored look on his face as he gazed out at Chinter. "Remember this!" he cried. "That the great Ashiki chased out the Outland pride!" With those words, he turned his back on her, and led the group off.

            Tears were now free falling from Chinter's eyes as she watched them disappear. The fog finally cleared, and she could see back across the river. Once she deemed it safe, Chinter began to paddle back to her side of the river, sinking into the ground, exhausted from her run.

            Gotto!

            Catching her breath, Chinter began to retrace her steps back to where she had left Gotto. She limped back, not in a race to discover what awaited for her.

            Finally, she came upon him. Her mouth fell as she watched him struggling to rise. He wasn't dead, but he wasn't fully alive either. His head slowly rose, and as soon as their eyes met, his form shuddered, and Gotto collapsed onto the ground.

            Forgoing the limping, Chinter raced over to him. "Oh Gotto, look at what they did to you!" He looked unrecognizable to her with the amount of wounds he now had riddling his body.

            He weakly chuckled. "Should've... seen the other... guy."

            "We're close to the river! Ekene'll help you! Let's go!" She tried to maneuver herself underneath his form, but found it difficult when he was of no help to her. "Gotto, please! We have to get out of here and across the river!"

            Gotto's scarlet tongue rolled from his mouth. "You think... I'm going to make it."

            "You will!" she cried, tears stinging her eyes. "Now come on!" She grabbed him by the scruff of his mane, and pulled at him. She hardly had enough strength left in her to pull all of his weight.

            Grunting in pain, Gotto struggled to move. His claws dug into the earth below him as he exerted his remaining strength into getting his body to stand. Chinter moved underneath him, allowing for him to put most of his weight onto her backside. She had to dig her own claws to steady herself just from his own weight. Still, she was not giving up on him.

            "Okay Gotto, you gotta help me move along," she growled. "You're too heavy."

            "Should... just leave me here..." he grunted.

            She shook her head. "Let's keep going."

            "I... can't." Gotto's body slumped against her backside, and completely fell onto the ground. Chinter yelped as she stared down into the brown lion's eyes. "Sorry..."

            "N-No! We can make it to the river!"

            "Heh, like I... can make it... that farther."

            Chinter stepped over him, and curled against his backside. "Fine, then I'll wait with you until Ekene finds us." She licked his blood drawn face.

            Gotto grunted. "Stop..."

            She nestled her chin into his mane, breathing in his scent. "We'll just wait... It'll be okay."

            "Thanks... Chinter."

            A single tear fell down her cheek. "You're welcome."

            Chinter didn't know how she was able to fall asleep right there, but when she felt a paw tap at her and saw it was Ekene, she knew what he was trying to say. She had felt the life drain away from Gotto until his great stomach heaved no more, and his body started to grow cold. She had dreamt that it was all a dream, and there they were, the four of them - she, Ekene, Gotto, and Winta - just enjoying another day in their lands. Just seeing Gotto laying below her was proof enough that it was only just a dream.

            Ekene licked her nose, but was unable to find the words to convey what he was saying.

            She just nodded her head once, and weakly stood up.

            There was nothing left for them here.

            Khari of the Riverlands was waiting for them as Ekene and Chinter crossed the river. She laid her ears back, but bit down on her tongue to cease from saying anything. The pair were covered in blood and mud, and neither seemed to wish to talk about what had happened on the other side of the river. She would respect that, and would wait until a much better time to begin prying her half-brother.

            "Kagiso! Nzuri! Please take care of this lioness here," she called out. "Ekene, would you mind staying with me?"

            He met her gaze, and nodded solemnly. "Of course."

            A dark brown lioness and an even darker lion approached Chinter, standing on either side of her, and helping her move along.

            "Your daughter's grown a lot," he commented.

            Khari smiled. "She's my pride and joy, just like Faraj is. Nzuri is her mate now, and they have a beautiful cub."

            "Already a grandmother."

            "It's very pleasing, Ekene. Come, do you want anything to eat? Do you need tending to?"

            Ekene shook his head to both accounts. "Is Winta around?"

            A small smile came to Khari's face. "Is Winta your mate?"

            "She's my daughter."

            "Oh, you have a daughter as well? I know so little about you, Ekene! In a better moment in time, we'll have to catch up."

            "We will."

            As Khari led Ekene to her secluded area, she added, "I'll have to inform the other prides about this attack. We won't be sure where this fiend will strike next."

            "He killed Gotto. The next time he strikes, I will be there to strike him down."

            The amount of anger in Ekene's normally nonchalant voice surprised Khari, but she did not say anything about it. She would understand his anger in this moment, having been chased from his home by an unknown threat, and having a close friend of his killed in the struggle. If it had been her pride that was savaged, she would've felt the same way.

            The Riverlands were a vast flatland, modeled because of the flooding of the river. Besides the occasional fertile trees that grew upon the land, there were no molded sculptures of rocks or dens to hide themselves in. They lived upon the plains, adapting to the life made for them by the river.

            Khari's 'den' of sorts was underneath a small green tree. Beneath the shade was Khari's sister Sauda, and her former mate, Reno. Both gathered to their paws as Khari and Ekene arrived.

            "Ekene, it's been a while," greeted Sauda, as she nuzzled him.

            "Ekene, this is Reno," said Khari, leaving out the 'former mate' aspect only because it no longer seemed that important.

            The dark lion nodded his head, turning his gaze to Khari. "Did you want me to go and send word?"

            "Not yet," she replied, "we won't worry about it now."

            Reno looked about to protest, but Sauda nudged him, and he fell silent.

            "Where's Winta?" asked Ekene.

            "She's with Yejide, my granddaughter," replied Khari.

            "When will you send out word to the other prides about this?"

            "Soon. Whenever you want me to."

            "Then definitely soon. I want to pay a visit to the Shadowlands myself."

            Khari's eyes widened. "The Shadowlands? Why? They organized the attack!"

            But Ekene shook his head. "Khari, remember when we went to that arranged meeting with Simba and Ikuta?"

            Khari tilted her head back, as though pondering. "The leaders of the Pridelands and the Shadowlands? Yes, I remember."

            "I got to know Ikuta, and she didn't seem like the type to want to cause an attack like that."

            "So you're saying that whoever chased you guys out acted out on their own accord?" growled Sauda.

            Ekene shrugged. "Could be possible, but I want to find out the answers myself."

            "That's fine and well," said Khari, "but you will not go out there now. Rest. We'll hold a vigil, if you'd like, for the fallen. Then we'll treat your wounds. I don't want you to leave here, anyways, until we report the news of this sudden attack."

            "Fine and well."

            "Do you need anything else?"

            "No, I just want to rest. Just look out for Winta for me?"

            Khari smiled gently. "Like she was my own child. Sauda, Reno, let's leave him to rest up."

            As the trio left Ekene to recover from the earlier event, Sauda said, "Can you imagine how Mom and Dad would feel about this?"

            Khari sighed. "It's a good thing they don't have to. I think I'm going to go out to the Pridelands myself, and tell them what had happened. Sauda, I'm going to want you to stay here, and watch over with Bour."

            Reno stepped forward, his green eyes blazing. "And what do you want me to do?" he asked of her.

            Khari seemed to consider Reno. "I had planned on maybe going by myself, but perhaps it's safer to go with another. Reno, if you don't mind, would you escort me to the Pridelands?"

            "Of course." A mock grin flashed on Reno's face. "It's been so long since I've last been there. It would be pretty cool to see how things have changed."

            "Good. Then it's decided. We'll head out tomorrow then."

            "And the Savannah pride?" asked Sauda. "They're going to want to know what's going on."

            "I can't make two of me. Maybe I'll send Faraj out with Leo to find them."

            "This is going to be a large-scale event," said Reno.

            But Khari shook her head. "I hope it doesn't have to come to that."

            Resting had done Ekene some good, for when Khari visited him, he seemed much more focused. He demanded to see Winta and Chinter, and though Khari had someone fetch for Winta, who was spending time with Yejide, she declined Ekene's request to call upon Chinter for the moment.

            "She's crushed, Ekene," she said softly as she sat across from her brother. "I went to see how she was feeling before I came here, and I'm a little bit concerned. The meat we laid out for her was untouched."

            Ekene laid his ears back, sadness filling his eyes. "I'll go talk to her."

            "No, maybe she just needs some time to herself for now. She must've loved him, didn't she?"

            "Hm? Who?"

            "The lion, Gotto? She's absolutely heartbroken."

            "I don't know if love is the word you would use for those two. It's going to be weird not having him by me anymore." Ekene laid his chin on his paws, a sullen and weakened expression returning to his face.

            Khari licked him across the nose. "Rest. I'll be heading over to the Pridelands to send news of what had happened. Sauda is going to be watching over everyone while I'm gone."

            Ekene nodded his head, which indicated to Khari that she could leave him to his own devices. With that, she began to gather everyone together to give everyone their set jobs. Haja (a red lion who volunteered after he heard the news) would be traveling with Faraj to the Savannah pride, and Sauda and Bour would lead the pride in her absence.

            She said her goodbyes, nuzzled her family, and, with Reno by her side, began her journey to the Pridelands.

            Traveling with Reno was very comfortable, and Khari could not deny that she enjoyed his company. When he and Sauda first appeared in her lands, it was because they had been looking for their cubs, who were certainly not cubs anymore. When there were no leads on their whereabouts, the pair permanently found a place within the pride. That was when Khari found out about their turbulent relationship, and how they were now amicable exes, parting on good terms when the love was no longer there.

            Though Khari had never loved, she was not blind to it. She knew Reno seemed to be feeling the pangs of regret of his relationship with Sauda not working out. She also saw something gleam in Ekene's eyes, the way he spoke about the Shadowland leader. If what she suspected was true, she knew she could not speak a word about it. After all, would she not be a hypocrite?

            Even though she proclaimed that the male, Bour, was her mate, they were anything but mates. Formally attached only through the title, they were friends, but nothing more. Bour had Leo now, and as for Khari, she would watch over their cubs, watching them grow and start their own families. It had been an arrangement to sustain the pleas of the pride, and so far it worked perfectly. No one knew about the lie she had with Bour. No one could ever know of that.

            "Are you okay?" inquired Reno.

            Realizing that her face was scrunched tightly in thought, she relaxed and smiled. "Sorry, I was thinking of some things. So what are the Pridelands like?"

            Reno shrugged. "I don't really remember. They were pretty terrible, that much I know. I grew up in another pride."

            Khari's smile faded away. "Oh, so this'll be the first time for you too."

            Reno nodded his head. "Exactly."

            "Well, then this should be an interesting experience. I'm sure we'll be welcomed with open paws."

            "You're sure about that?"

            "Of course! When I met him, Simba seemed like a very warm individual. They'll have to welcome us, once they hear of what we're going to tell them."

            Reno moved closer against Khari, nearly so that their bodies were close to touching. "Do you think there's going to be a war?"

            Khari licked her lips. Her parents, Nyarai and Imamu, would often tell them about the great Riverland-Outland war that they participated in, and the war which she and Sauda were born during. The war severed relations between the two prides that was never going to be forgotten, no matter how cordially the two prides tried to act between one another.

            "Reno," she sighed, "I hope that it doesn't have to come to that."

            From his search, a dark-colored lion stood watching over his land, his black mane blowing in the breeze. Abel, son of Kiara and Defir, was still young yet, barely reaching his fifth year, which guaranteed him as a mature adult male. The land was still not his to rule yet, as Kiara had decided she would wait until Abel was five years old before she would hand the title over to him. He waited patiently for his mother to rightfully pass on the throne, but he still amused himself, referring to the Pridelands as his own, and already calling himself a king in his mind. Zuri even encouraged this, and never failed to pass up a moment of praise for him. He had to admit, it tickled at his fancy whenever she spoke to him the way she did.

            He felt someone approaching him, and laid his ears back. If it were either of his parents, he would've addressed them, but when his grandsire, Simba, came alongside him, Abel only gave him a quick nod.

            "You're so serious standing over here that I couldn't help but come on over to see what you're looking at," Simba said good-naturedly.

            Abel's jaw twitched. He hated jokes. "I'm just scouting the perimeters of my- of our land."

            "You'll be a great king yet with that attitude. When I was your age, I didn't want any of that."

            He knew, he had heard the tales many times. He's such a bore, commented Zuri. Let's go. I think neither of us want to listen to his rambling.

            Abel agreed. He was not as close with his grandparents as what might've been expected, and he was not blind to the sad looks in their eyes when he quickly excused himself from them. Being around them pricked his fur, and he hated that.

            "I'm going to scout the grasslands," he announced curtly, and left Simba's side without waiting for his grandfather to reply.

            I hate lions like him, said Zuri. They think they're all powerful and think that they can talk to a king like that.

            Abel silently agreed with Zuri, lulled by her wonderful voice. Zuri was right, she was always right.

            He should've immediately asked your permission to look into the grasslands, but now you have to go do it. Useless. That's why he isn't king anymore.

            "I will never be like that," he said aloud.

            I believe you. You are handsome and powerful, purred Zuri. They'll want to do assignments for you than the other way around.

            Abel felt chills as he listened to her. Her words rang strong and true, and he did not doubt that she was right. After all, when had she ever been wrong?

            I just wish they would believe in you more. Your mother is long due to give up her place for you.

            Abel agreed. He loved his parents dearly, more than what he could say Zuri cared for them, but he did agree that it was his time to ascend, to be a ruler of the Pridelands, and to make his mark in the history of the pride.

            "One more year, Zuri," he said to calm her.

            Bah, one more year. Why not one more day? Wouldn't she love to retire and admire you as you lead the pride into greatness?

            Abel paused. Something in Zuri's voice stirred an unpleasant feeling within him. "Zuri, do you think..?"

            That's she purposely holding you back so that she can continue ruling?

            "I..."

            Ssh, not now, love. Someone is coming.

            And indeed, she was right - as always - for Abel heard the loud sounds of chatter, and the unmistakable sounds of grass crunching beneath heavy paw pads. His mane bristled, his claws unsheathed. "Who goes there?!" he snarled, biting his tongue as soon as the words fled from his mouth.

            It's okay, love. It was a mistake, said Zuri. He could almost feel her petting him, easing him from the guilt of the mistake he had made. Next time you must attack. Attack, and then ask questions.

            "I know..." he whispered underneath his breath.

            From the tall grass emerged a lion and lioness, both unfamiliar to him, and stinking of water. Abel bared his teeth. "Explain your purpose, or need I show you the strength of my pride?"

            The dark lion trotted up to him, his green eyes narrowed in challenge. However, before he could retort, the brown lioness said, "I need to speak to Simba. Where is he?"

            Abel straightened himself up at once. "Why do you need to talk to him? I'm king, here!"

            Ssh, Abel, stand down, whispered Zuri.

            The brown lioness cocked her head. "I didn't see you at the leader's meeting."

            Meeting? There was a meeting of the leader's? There were other major prides besides the Pridelands?

            The dark lion shoved his nose in Abel's line of view. "We don't have time for you. Where is Simba?" he demanded.

            Abel shouted back, "I'm king!"

            Abel! Enough! Stand aside!

            He inwardly flinched at Zuri's command. He had never heard her snap in such a vicious way. It was as though he was being scolded by his mother for some foolish act he had committed.

            Meanwhile, the brown lioness was glaring at her escort. "Reno, we don't need to start picking fights now!" To Abel she said, "We're from the Riverlands. We bring word of an attack on the Outlands, and we need to speak to Simba. Can you take us to him?"

            Abel's fur prickled. They think I'm just some escort for them! I'm a king!

            Patience, Abel, purred Zuri. They'll soon know how unparalleled your strength really is. Just let them go for now.

            "Fine," he sighed, more to Zuri than to Khari and Reno. "Follow me then."

            As he led the pair along, Abel's mind spun. Outlands? Riverlands? There were other prides much like the Pridelands? He could just not wrap his mind around it. Kiara had never told him about other lion prides.

            Oh yes, there are many others, said Zuri. I came from one, for example.

            Are they large, Zuri? he thought.

            Oh, much bigger.

            I would like to be king of them too.

            Heh, perhaps one day, my brave lion. For now, we have other matters to tend to.

            As soon as they finally reached the peak of Pride's Rock, Abel gestured for Khari and Reno to step into the lion's den. He could smell his grandfather from there. Once the pair drifted away from him, Abel decided there was no further need to stay out in the fields. He returned to his perch, overlooking the lands.

            Other lion prides, hm? Interesting...

            When Khari had seen the dark lion proclaim him as king, she was shocked. It hadn't been that long since she had seen Simba, had it? It could've and she just didn't have a good record of time, she ended up conceding, especially once she saw just how much older Simba looked as he and his mate, Nala, laid towards the back of the den.

            "Who's there?" growled Simba. Nala's head rose from where it had been draped over her mate's forepaws.

            Khari dipped her head respectfully. "It's Khari, of the Riverlands. We met some time ago, remember?"

            "Yes, now I remember." Simba's voice became softer and welcoming. "Does the Riverland seek help from us?"

            "Only to warn you. The Outland pride has been exiled from their home."

            Simba and Nala leapt to their paws at once, their eyes gleaming with disbelief, even despite how much darker the lighting was. "Driven out?" gasped Nala.

            Reno stepped alongside Khari. "A gray lion, supposedly."

            "Him and his group had attacked the pride and drove them out. They killed my brother's second-in command and several others. My brother, Ekene, said that they did it in proclamation of the Shadowland pride."

            Simba licked his maw. "The Shadowlands are a fairly new pride. They're risking a lot for an attack like this."

            "My brother is going to the Shadowlands and demand explanation, but we agreed it was better to come and tell you to beware this hidden foe."

            "Have you seen to the Savannah pride?"

            Khari nodded. "I have sent some out to tell the news of this."

            Simba pawed at the ground. "Driving out the Outland pride, though... Are they a huge group?"

            "I'm not sure. My brother said that they weren't as large. But they were ruthless."

            "I'm not king anymore, Khari."

            Khari cocked her head. "Then is it that young male we saw out in the field?"

            Reno snorted. "Cocky brat."

            Nala smiled. "No, that was our grandson, Abel. He's future king. Our daughter, Kiara, is Queen, but she's out for the moment."

            "What about the Highlander pride?" inquired Simba. "Did you speak to them?"

            Khari gave him a confused look, whereas Reno replied, "They're a bunch of bloodthirsty savages. They'll do fine."

            There was no argument coming from Simba's mouth. He and Nala just simply nodded. Khari was still lost. "There's another lion pride?" she asked.

            "They live in the mountains, and... your friend isn't wrong on them either," explained Simba, though the way he spoke of them, despite how discreet, was filled with much emotion. Pain. Regret. Khari wondered what the story on the Highlander pride was.

            "You must be hungry," said Nala kindly. "Would you like something to eat?"

            Khari smiled sweetly at her. "No thank you. We only came here to deliver caution about this lion."

            "We appreciate it," said Simba. "I'll let Kiara know as soon as she's returned from her errands. Are you sure you don't want something to eat?"

            "No, we better return home, and help my brother rebuild his pride. But thank you again. If you need us, we are not too far."

            "Just across the river. Of course, I'll send a messenger out if I ever need to get in touch with you."

            With a few more words between the four of them, Khari and Reno bade farewell and wished them well as they began their descent down the huge rock to make their way home.

            Reno bumped his body against Khari's, a serious look in his eyes. "It's so much different now," he whispered. "He's not like my father."

            Khari gave him a small smile. "Did you expect him to be?"

            "Not him, but... that one lion. His grandson? Kind of reminds me of him."

            "You said your father did horrible things?"

            "That's what I've heard, yeah."

            "Then let's hope that he's not like that."

            He leapt down into the ditch, a satisfied look on his face as he crossed over to a tan lioness. "I left the meat up above," he told her, reaching down to give her a lick across her nose.

            She smiled, though the smile was only half-hearted. "I'll be up in a moment, dear. I just want to relax."

            "Are you okay? You told me you weren't hurt."

            "No, I'm okay. Just a little tired. I might only eat a little bit, Ashiki."

            The gray lion's face furrowed. "You have to eat, Chipo."

            "A little later, please, Ashiki? I just want to relax."

            Though the gray lion wanted to persist the matter (after all, his mate had to eat), he decided to hand her the silent victory. He nudged his forehead against hers, and left her in the ditch while he returned to the scene of his kill. He paused, seeing the sight of his group of supporters surrounding the hind quarters of his kill. There were loud growls and scowls. His claws unsheathed themselves.

            "Leader! We caught a rogue trying to steal our food!" cried a pale lion, who happened to see him noticing them. At once, the crowd had their heads raised in respect.

            Wordlessly, Ashiki approached his group. One by one they scattered, leaving only the bruised trace of a pale gray lioness lying half-draped over their prey. Once she saw him, she only curled closer towards the body of his prey rather than recoil from it. That only made him wanted to bash her head in more.

            He towered over her, studying her. She was large, bigger than Chipo, but far skinnier. She bore many bruises and had the smell of dry blood coated in her pelt. She was a pitiful creature.

            "What do you think you're doing?" he growled.

            The lioness curled closer to her prey. "I'm hungry," she answered curtly, and with just enough venom in her voice that Ashiki felt personally slapped.

            Ashiki's lips twitched. "Oh, you think you're funny, eh?"

            "I think I'm hilarious."

            Ashiki's paw rose above the lioness's head. She was an irritating creature, yet... the way she looked at him, fearless of him, made something stir within him. He almost felt the beginnings of a smile appear on his maw.

            The lioness stared defiantly at him, the threat of him hurting her doing very little to dissuade her from eating his kill. "Go ahead then, if you want."

            For some reason, that made Ashiki laugh. Oh, this lioness reminded him well of his sister, being just as equally sarcastic as she had been. It was somewhat endearing, if not aggravating. But he liked her. She wasn't afraid of him. Not one bit.

            He lowered his paw and sheathed his claws. "Your name. What is your name?" he asked, his voice less gruff this time.

            The lioness blinked rapidly, trying to understand his question. He knew he caught her off guard with his query, and it only made him smile that much more.

            "Well? What's your name?" he asked again.

            "Lindiwe." The lioness cleared her throat to speak more clearly. "My name is Lindiwe."