~ Zafira's POV ~

We had both been walking for what felt like hours. The sun was setting when we had left, and now I could see the faint outline of dawn coming over the horizon.

I was exhausted. I just wanted to rest somewhere, but I kept urging my tired limbs to keep moving. My throat felt nearly as dry as this desert was.

"Simba... we need to rest somewhere, before the sun rises so vultures won't find us..." I panted. He didn't say a word but nodded in agreement. After a little while, I spotted a large rock that we could rest under.

"Simba... I have to tell you something..." I whispered. "What is it" Simba replied.

I took a deep breath and said, "Simba, don't blame yourself for what happened".

"Huh? What do you mean?" Simba said, looking confused.

"Simba, I saw Uncle Scar throw Daddy off the cliff. The reason I didn't say anything before is because Scar was right there and would've killed us both..." I looked at the ground.

"I-I can't believe it..." Simba whispered, tears rolling down his face. "We should get some sleep..." I advised. "Yeah...".

I don't know how long I was asleep for, but my brother was nudging me, saying that we needed to go. I was confused at first but then I heard what sounded like howling. Before I could even get up, a large jackal appeared in front of us.

"Well well well...," The jackal growled. "What fo we have here?" The other jackal came close as well.

"What have you found Zuberi?" The female jackal asked. "A rare treat hon!" Zuberi said, grinning.

I was paralyzed with fear, trying to figure out what to do. An idea came to mind, and I hated myself for thinking it. I leaned over to my brother while the two jackals were arguing about who would get the most food.

"Simba... I have an idea..." I murmured, just quiet enough so Zuberi and his mate couldn't hear me. "What is it" Simba whispered. "I'll try and lead the jackals away, meanwhile you run in the opposite direction..." "What?!" He half whispered. "Just do it! Okay? Please... I want you to stay safe, and hopefully, we'll see each other again" I pleaded.

Tears streamed down my brothers face. "O-Okay s-sis... please stay safe..."

I didn't know how to respond to that do I said, "Okay, I promise". I then took a deep breath and quietly told Simba to run. I turned towards Zuberi and the female jackal. "Hey! Furface! Try and catch me!" I sprinted away.

The jackals chased after me. I don't know how long I was running for, but somehow I managed to lose Zuberi and his mate. I walked for what felt like an eternity, the scorching sun beating down on my fur.

I finally collapsed from heat and exhaustion. I'm sorry Simba... I'm sorry I couldn't keep my promise...

- Meanwhile not to far away -

~ No-one's POV ~

"Remind me again why we're out this far?" A young hyena pup muttered, turning towards his surrogate brother.

"We've gone over this, Nuru. Mom and Dad told us to keep an eye out for any intruders" A young male lion rolled his eyes.

"Desta!" Nuru exclaimed. "Huh? What is it?" Desta asked.

"I think I see something... no, Someone!" Nuru yelled. "Nuru, go get dad. I'll investigate" Desta told him.

"Be careful" Nuru said as he ran off.

Desta cautiously approached the strange animal. As he got closer, he realized that it was a lioness cub!

What's a lioness cub doing out here? and how'd she survived the desert? Desta shook his head. Doesn't matter, I should bring her to Dad, he'll decide what to do...

Desta carefully lifted the cub's body over his shoulders. He then made his way to where his family resided.

- At the Madoka pride's den -

"You're sure?" The large male lion asked. Nuru nodded his head. "Yes, clear as day. Desta should be bringing her here at this very moment!"

"Furaha, you stay here with Nuru, I'll go and see our visitor" The male lion asked his mate.

"Be careful Faraji"

"I will, don't worry"

After awhile Faraji came across Desta. "So, Nuru was right..." He said. "What should we do? I mean, it could be dangerous to keep her here. What if her pride comes after us?" Desta told his father.

Faraji sat down to think for a moment. "We'll wait. When she wakes up, she'll possibly be able to give us some information". Desta looked at the ground. "Alright, I trust your judgement because your my dad, let's get her back"