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I lifted my paw and kicked a pebble, sending it flying off the ledge and sailing through the air. I sat down and watched it as my mind lingered in deep thought.

"Whoa, you better be careful! You could knock someone in the head with that!"

I turned my head to see Tian step out of the den and join me under the stars. He gave me a small smile as he took a seat next to me. We turned our eyes to the twinkling stars above.

"So how are you holding up?" Tian asked, the compassion in his voice as clear as the moon in the pitch black sky.

"You mean, with dad?" I inquired.

He nodded, causing his growing mane tuft to fall into his eyes. I had to admit, it was kind of attractive. Was Bunga right? Would we get together?

I shook my head and went to answer Tian's question.

"I'm ecstatic. I missed dad so much! I'm glad he's back." I told him, smiling as my eyes looked upon the sleeping Pridelands.

"I'm glad he's back too, for your sake." Tian replied softly.

We both took a moment, gazing around.

"You seem tired." He stated.

"I am, but that's just because of the crazy day I've had." I responded, shrugging.

"Well, maybe you need to get some rest." Tian suggested.

I shook my head.

"I tried. I'm to excited to sleep."

"Do you want to take a walk with me then?"

His question took me off guard. I wasn't expecting him to suggest anything, especially not walking around the Pridelands at night. Alone. Just us. Sounded awful romantic. Was Tian interested in me?

I hesitated. Did I want to? Did I really want to?

But my father's voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Hey, feisty," My dad walked gingerly over to us, glancing briefly at the stars.

I scooted over and Tian and I made room for my father to take a seat.

"Hello, Tian!" He exclaimed. "You two have grown so much!"

We all shared a smile as we took a silent moment to think and feel the peacefulness of the land before us.

"So, what's the story behind your scar, Tian?" Kion asked, tilting his head and examining his facial scar.

I cringed at the thought of the story and turned my head away. How would my dad feel about what I did?

"It's not a big deal. Kito and I had a fight, and she did it. But she didn't mean to hurt me. She apologized and we're cool now." Tian explained, his voice as cool as he claimed.

I smiled. At least Tian was okay with it.

"You did that? Geez, maybe your not feisty but brave! Taking on Tian! Strong, muscular Tian!" My dad said.

I blinked.

"Wait, so you're not mad?" I asked, surprised at the least.

"It seems like the issue has already been resolved." My father said. "Why, Kito? Did you think I'd be mad?"

I lowered my eyes and looked at the land, shrouded in the shadows of the late night.

"I guess I'm just afraid that if I do something wrong, I'll loose you again." I mumbled.

I felt my father nuzzle my neck. I smiled and rubbed my head against his shoulder, feeling his soft mane.

"Don't worry, feisty, I'm here to stay." My dad said.

We shared an embrace as I felt the joy surge through my being. I was unspeakably happy with my father's return, and nothing could shake my rejoicing.

"So, what's the plan with the Guard?" Tian asked. "Are you reassembling the old Guard? Are you planning on retiring anytime soon?"

I saw my father ponder this.

"Good question," he mused. "Very good question."

●●●●●●●●●●○●●●●●●●●●●

I stepped out of the dark, cozy den into the bright and cheery sunshine. Most of the cubs were still resting inside, but I was up to see where the adult's were hiding. I assumed they were discussing the issue with my father, but I wasn't sure where they would do that.

I let my amber eyes sweep the piece of Pridelands that I could view from the den entrance, but it yielded nothing. So I lifted my paws and ambled a bit further forward, climbing the out stretched rock were presentations of newborn royals were carried out.

"And where are you going?" I heard someone say.

I lowered my ears and rolled my eyes. I'd been caught again by our babysitter. I turned around, a fake innocent smile plastered on my face as I locked eyes with Vitani.

"Good morning, 'Tani!" I called with forced cheerfulness. "I was just going to enjoy the view! The Pridelands looks stunning in this light from the ledge."

Vitani cocked an eyebrow at me, her mouth curved into an unamused frown.

"I'm not buying," Vitani replied. "Try harder to sell it."

Wait, was she telling me to be more convincing?

I toned down the cheerfulness and feigned a casual posture.

"Can I check out the view, 'Tani?" I inquired, smiling a little, but not so overboard this time.

"Better." 'Tani said, nodding approvingly. "You should see the view of Hakuna Matata falls from Priderock. Most amazing image you can find in the Pridelands."

She winked. She was definitely hinting.

"I think I will," I replied, smiling truly this time.

Vitani moseyed back into the dark den to watch the others as I trotted up the ledge. Sure enough, I could see something interesting over at the falls.

I eagerly leaped down the ledge, climbing down the stacked rock path to the green grasses at the rocks base.

I followed the pathway leading to Hakuna Matata falls, glancing briefly back at Priderock.

As my amber eyes landed on the gray rock, I saw a small figure leap down the rocks. I squinted and saw my cousin, Koda, following the same path and worriedly sending a look back to the den to make sure he hadn't been spotted.

"Koda?" I asked.

He jumped and swiveled around to find me.

"There you are!" He exclaimed, trotting swiftly towards me.

Koda signaled to keep walking.

"What's up? I thought you were being watched?" I asked.

"So where you. I slipped off when 'Tani was talking to you! Let's hurry, I don't wanna get caught!" He said.

"Okay." I shrugged, speeding my pace.

"So, where are you going?"

"I'm gonna find the adults. I wanna know what their up to." I replied, gazing forward to find the right entry.

I was planning on sneaking up on them, using our hunting skills to listen undetected. But I had to find out which way to enter.

I spotted a perfect entryway and used my hunting stealth to swiftly but silently hide in the nearby grasses by the adults. Koda followed me and stayed quiet as he trailed behind me.

We settled low in the grass and listened carefully to their words. But the conversation that reached my ears was not what I had expected.