Ni and Asani moaned as they looked over towards Scars sleeping body. He was tossing and turning once again, panting and gasping he cried out from his nightmares. Ni’s eyes darted back and forth between Asani and Scars, he was certain he was going to wake him. Much to his surprise Asani simply huffed and rolled over, trying to ignore him. Scars kept whimpering and gasping in his sleep, he was on his back now, occasionally batting the air. Asani growled and rolled back over to face Ni. 
“Why didn’t we just let him die, seriously? If he keeps me up again one more night I’ll do it.” Asani complained covering his face. Ni sighed and rose up from the grass. Walking over he started nudging at Scars side.
“Hey, Scars get up.” He gently coaxed, tapping at his side. Scars continued moaning and gasping in his sleep. 
“Just kick his fucking tail!” Asani shouted. Amri snapped up swiftly now to scold him. 
“Watch your mouth Asani, my daughters not a few feet from you!” 
“Whatever.” Asani dismissed flopping back down. Ni put a paw over Scars mouth and let his claws quickly poke his nose. Scars abruptly awoke and met his eyes in terror. 
“Another nightmare huh?” Ni sighed. Scars caught his breath before answering. 
“Yeah, another nightmare.” 
“Look I know it sounds cruel, but if you’re going to keep having these you’ll have to sleep farther away, you’re keeping everyone awake.” Ni explained, pointing back towards the pride. Scars looked them over and frowned. 
“Least you woke me up this time instead of Asani.” 
“Yeah well, Asanis got the next one just a heads up.” Ni replied with a smile. Scars chuckled and got up moving a bit farther away Ni kept right beside him. Scars plopped down in a hearty patch of grass and looked up to him. 
“You’re staying?” He asked. 
“Oh no, definitely not. Just wondering if you’re seeing anything different in these dreams?” Scars thought about it for a bit, trying to recall on the dream but shook his head. 
“No, still the same black monster with yellow eyes, ripping me.” He recalled. Ni shrugged it off.
“Yeah well, you never know. Memories are fickle; you might see who it really is someday. Then we can go kick his ass.” He said with a smirk. Scars laughed a bit as he laid his head down. “G’night kido.” He called back, walking towards his previous spot. 
“Night.” Scars whispered, as he tried to fall back asleep.

The next morning Scars awoke to find the pride in their usual habits. Saeska, Kinu and Hakima were nowhere to be found, out hunting most likely, and Asani and Ni were practicing with each other. Keyah was watching, unimpressed with their displays, fighting, tossing and wrestling each other. Each trying to gain the upper hand they constantly play battled until one would submit. Amri was refereeing the match, calling out what maneuvers to use and when. Scars wondered why he was never as well trained as the other two. Keyah noticed Scars awake and smiled. She began Waving a paw frantically at him, Scars smiled and waved back. Bouncing up she made her way over and sat happily alongside him. 
“Morning Kopa.” She beamed with a massive smile. 
“Morning.” He laughed. “Don’t you mean Scars?” He asked jokingly. 
“Oh bleh.” She replied, her tongue sticking out. “I’m sticking with Kopa, let the boys call you whatever they want.” 
“I guess so.” He agreed. 
“So got any plans tonight?” She asked shyly circling her paw on the ground. Kopa thought for a moment, pondering what he might do today. 
“No, not really. I was hoping to talk to Amri for a bit, but that’s about it.” 
“Doing that tonight?” She asked. 
“No, anytime today. Least, anytime I can get him.” Kopa elaborated. 
“Ahhh I see.” 
“Breakfast!” Kinu called out from behind them. Hakima and Saeska were hauling back a fresh antelope they had hunted down. 
“Sweet!” Kopa exclaimed. Walking aside them, Kopa waited eagerly for everyone to gather. Asani came up beside him and shoved Kopa away. 
“Hey!” He cried out angrily. 
“What?” 
“What’s the big idea?” He demanded. 
“You’ll eat when were done, take what you get and enjoy it, Scars!” He fired out. Kopa growled at him but Amri intervined. 
“Enough, the both of you. Asani what have I told you, do not pester the boy.” Amri firmly scolded. 
“Whatever.” Asani replied, brushing off his tongue lashing. Keyah shook her head at Asani, Kinu as well was not impressed. Asani looked at both of them while eating, his patience was thin enough, he didn’t hesitate to address them. 
“What’s with you two.” He asked. 
“It’s a shame the way you treat Kopa.” Keyah protested. 
“Psh, and you?” Asani asked, turning to Kinu. 
“Could care less, but you are kind of an asshole to him.” She added. 
“When Scars does something of value around here, I’ll give him some respect.” He stated firmly. Ni let a small chuckle escape as he ate. 
“Nothing personal buddy, but I contribute and you hardly show me respect.” Ni said, still eating away. 
“Oh you don’t get respect?” 
“From you, hardly yes.” Ni agreed. 
“That’s bull, I help you out. We train together we eat together, and I don’t give you a hard time unless I have to. I watch your back, and we defend our pride together, I hate to break it to ya bro, but that’s some respect.” Asani stated firmly, feeling the urgent need to defend his honor.
“I didn’t say you don’t give me any.” Ni pointed out. “I’m just saying you’re very tenacious and you act on impulse.” Hakima let out a loud audible sigh and paused from eating. 
“Wouldn’t it be nice, husband if we had one meal the boys weren’t squabbling over?” She asked jokingly. Amri chuckled softly. 
“That would be the day.” He agreed quietly. 
“Amri, we going to resume training after this?” Asani asked eagerly. Amri shook his head, rising up from the remains of his breakfast. 
“No, I think we should go and talk a while though Asani, you to Ni.” He suggested. Looking down on the two he seemed to be waiting for them to get up. 
“Now?” Ni asked sadly. 
“Now would be preferred.” Agreed Amri. The two moaned and got up to join him. Walking out into the savannah Kopa watched as they disappeared from sight. 
“What do you think they’re going to talk about?” He asked Keyah. 
“Who knows, guy stuff.” She concluded swiftly, still eating away. Kopa decided to do the same and finished up his meal. 

“So what’s the story old friend?” Ni asked. Amri turned and faced the two of them before addressing them once more. 
“The usual, where to go next and how to get there.” 
“Oh this again, were moving.” Asani sighed. 
“Now Asani, these lands are not as abundant in game as others. We need to look elsewhere for a home.” Amri asserted. 
“But are we really looking for a home?” Ni asked. 
“Of course.” Amri replied with a quick laugh. Ni began pacing around him pondering the validity of his answer. 
“So, why did we pass up the verdant valley we found last month?” He inquired. 
“There was a pride already living there young one, come now. We can’t just muscle in when we have a pride of our own.” 
“We didn’t need to, it was so abundant in game both our prides could of taken territory with little conflict.” He argued. 
“What kind of home are we looking for?” Asani demanded. “Honestly if there’s anywhere we can plant our asses and hunt easily we should just settle. Why are we wondering?”
“We need to find an area where our family will be safe young one. Out here, exposed in the open can only work for so long before other predators or males will seek to take advantage. Somewhere secluded enough we can keep our own safe yet, somewhere balance enough we can eat healthy. Such a place is worth searching for young one, do not be so hasty to find a territory to mark up just because you can kill in it.” Amri explained. 
“But are we looking for a home for us, or Kopa’s home?” Ni asked boldly. 
“Now that’s a bit brash for you Ni.” Amri retorted, unimpressed with his assumption. 
“But it is true isn’t it?” 
“That kid isn’t part of our pride, he’s just a pup you rescued.” Asani added. 
“Enough of that, Kopa is as much a part of our pride as you Asani.” 
“No he’s not! He hasn’t fought for us, he doesn’t hunt. All he does is sit there chatting up with Keyah, and I swear if he thinks he can just start breeding our lionesses-“ 
“Asani! That’s enough.” Amri interrupted. “You have made your points however poorly you expressed them but the truth is Kopa may yet serve a valuable purpose. Even you as hard headed as you are must understand that I cannot be around forever. Kopa is fresh blood and can serve a role if he’s properly guided. I will do what I can and it will take time but as his confidence returns you may yet find him invaluable to preserving our pride.” Asani bowed his head; he didn’t like hearing Amri talk of his own death. Ni felt the same discomfort but unlike him Ni wasn’t afraid to voice it.
“You know I don’t like to hear you talk about that.” Ni stated. 
“It is an inevitability boy.” He replied with a chuckle. Ni darted in and swung his head under Amri’s. 
“I don’t care; you’re the closest thing I have to a father. I want you around as long as possible.” He said softly. Amri held him close for a moment before releasing him, patting his back. 
“I’m not going anywhere, anytime soon boy.” Amri said, comforting him. Turning to Asani, Amri reached out and scratched his head. Asani smiled, shaking his mane out as Amri scratched and laughed. 
“I’m not big on hugs.” He whispered. 
“I think I’d rather hug a cactus then you.” Ni joked. Asani smiled and glared at Ni. Being taken in by a swing of his big arm, Asani leaned in to Amri and smiled. Ni laughed at the sight, Asani looking like a coddled angry cub under his arm. 
“I’ll club you, I mean it.” He threatened jokingly. 
“Save it for later boys.” Amri announced, releasing Asani. “Let’s head back for now.” The two nodded and took a spot beside him as they walked back towards their pride.

Kopa was lying on his back, gazing up at the darkening sky. Tilting his head back he could see the sun beginning its descent in the distance. He stood entranced by the beautiful colors it had plastered across the sky. The beams shooting from behind the black clouds draping the sky, just letting the orange and red escape below. He felt so at peace, so relaxed. But the patter of footsteps took his attention away, forcing him to glance forward and roll on his side. Keyah was coming over, bouncing as she usually did to see him. 
“Hey handsome!” She called. Kopa just smiled, nodding and acknowledged her approach. “So, why are you out here all on your lonesome?” She asked, laying down next to him. 
“Just watching the sunset is all.” He replied warmly. Looking back he could see that it had just fallen below the horizon. “Bah, missed it.” 
“Sorry, my bad?” Keyah confessed. Kopa laughed and shook his head. 
“It’s ok, don’t worry about it.” He assured her. “So, come to visit with me have you?” Giggling she moved in closer to him. 
“Well I didn’t come here to watch a sunset.” She cooed. Kopa let a giggle escape and nuzzled his cheek to hers. She was so strange with her affection, mainly due to her purring, it was so loud, almost labored as each breath seem to rumble by his ears. 
“Everytime you do that I think a humming bird is flying by my head.” Kopa joked. Laughing she pulled away and rolled onto her back. 
“I can’t help it! I’ve always been like that, Kinu will totally deny it, but she’s just as bad.” 
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard your sister purr.” Rolling her eyes she smiled and agreed as she reclaimed her spot beside him. 
“Yeah totally, though I don’t think she wants a mate so, her loss I suppose.” She stated, resuming her affectionate stroking of Kopa cheek. His face contorted though as he gently moved away from her and sat up. Worried she got up as well and quickly took his side again. “What’s wrong?” She asked. 
“I just, I can’t.” Kopa stammered looking to the ground. 
“You can’t what?” She asked, rubbing his shoulder with her head. 
“I can’t be your mate.” He confessed. Pausing she stayed leaning into his shoulder. This wasn’t the first time he had said this, but it was no less disappointing to her. 
“Because of your dreams?” She asked disheartened. 
“No, well yes and no. It’s just-“
“You don’t love me.” She interrupted. Kopa was slack jawed for a moment before resuming his train of thought. 
“No, it’s just I haven’t even figured out who I am, where I come from.” He elaborated. 
“What does it matter? Kopa, why are you living in the past?” She protested. 
“I’m not living in the past, I don’t even have a past. That’s the problem.” He sighed. Pausing once again he gently pawed at the ground.“I’m tired of not knowing who I am, I don’t want to spend my life living as “Scars”.” 
“You are Kopa, you still remember your name. What else do you remember?” She asked. 
“Not much.” Keyah huffed and began pacing around him, pondering what to do with him. 
“Lay on your back.” She ordered. Kopa was hesitant at first but agreed. Eventually he complied and laid down. She walked around to his head, laying down herself she rested her mouth over his head and used her paws to gently stroke his ears. Kopa loved the feel of his ears being massaged; it was a sensitive spot for him, he closed his eyes letting her lips and breath kiss his head as she worked gently circling his ears, combing his mane in the process.  
“Not that I’m complaining at all, but what are you doing?” he asked. 
“Shhhh.” She hushed. “Just relax.” Kopa moaned with pleasure, he even started to purr softly. Each circle around his ear tickled as she softly kissed him. “Think back Kopa, the first memories you have. Let’s go through them, slowly. What do you see?” Kopa’s memory began to wander; he could see grasslands and water. The tall strands shaking in the wind.
“I see tall grass, waving. It’s a savannah.” He recalled. 
“Good, what do you smell?” 
“Water, fresh water. In a shallow pool nearby.” He continued. 
“Keep going, look off to the left.” She said softly. Kopa struggled, trying to think of what was there. Nothing came, a white void.
“I can’t see anything.” He whined, struggling to recall. 
“Shhh, move along then. What else do you see?” Kopa’s mind shifted, the same grasslands, but now at night. 
“The savannah again. I can see someone there alone.” He explained. “A girl, alone looking out into the night.” Keyah slowed a bit. 
“A girl?” She asked. “Who?” Kopa struggled once more, shaking his head. 
“I can’t see her face, she’s looking up.” 
“A sister?” She asked. Kopa’s mouth flung open as he smiled. 
“A sister, yes. I know, I had a sister!” His smile broke wider. He could hear her laughing. 
“I can hear her!” He exclaimed. Keyah giggled to now, happy she was helping his memories return. 
“The sky!” Kopa shouted. “The stars.” He gasped opening his eyes he gazed up into the night sky. The words were coming together in his head, in a voice all to familiar to him. 
“What about the stars?” She asked. He could hear the phrase in his head, unsure himself of what it meant, eagerly he let it out though.
“All the great kings of the past are up there, watching over us.” Keyah seemed confused. 
“Kings, what kings?”
“I don’t know.” Kopa laughed. “But I know someone close to my heart said it.” Keyah stopped her massage and rose up. Swinging around to his side she fell down, her head settled into his neck, buried in his mane. Draping her paw across him she started rubbing his chest. 
“You’re never gonna let me in there huh?” She whispered. 
“What do you mean?” 
“Your heart.” Kopa grabbed her paw and held it tight. 
“You’re already in my heart.” He assured her.
“Not in the part I want to be.” She corrected. Rolling over he pulled her in close to him, wrapping his paws around her he held tight. 
“I love you, Keyah. I’m just not ready to be your mate yet.” Kissing his neck she squeezed him tight. 
“You really love me?” She pleaded. 
“Yeah.” He whispered softly. 
“I love you to!” She cried out. Kissing his neck over and over, Kopa returned the favor, bathing her neck and squeezing her tight. 
“Stay with me tonight?” He asked. 
“Mmhmm.” She moaned. His body was so warm pressed up so close, she could feel his heart beating gently against hers. Using his mane as a pillow she embraced him tight as she slipped away into her slumber. Kopa, so relaxed from his massage, he easily drifted away as well, resting in the soft grass they passed a few hours locked in each other’s embrace. 

Kopa walked out into the open savannah. The night was cool, crisp and well lit. The full moon bathing the land ensured that. Each step was cold on his feet, as he continued to stroll out further he happened upon a small girl, staring off into the sky. It was strange that she was out there all alone, worried he made started toward her. 
“You ok there?” He asked. The girl didn’t respond. Shaking it off he got a little closer. 
“Hey?” He called again, but the cub seemed unphased still.
“Not exactly safe out here, you should head home.” Kopa suggested. Still the girl looked off into the sky, unmoving. Kopa reached out and tapped her shoulder. Swinging her head around he caught a glimpse of her face. A small tuft of hair on her head. The bright blue eyes gazing strait into his. He gasped as his heart started to race, he recognized her, the name on his tongue. 
“Kopa?” She asked. Kopa swiftly woke  up.
“Vitani!” He cried, awakening to realize it was a dream. In his haste he threw Keyah off of him. 
“Ow!” She cried out.
“Oh jeez sorry!” He quickly said, grabbing her to ensure she wasn’t hurt. “You ok?” He asked. 
“Yeah, just ow.” She stated, patting her head she laughed a bit. 
“I’m sorry.” He apologized again. 
“It’s ok, it’s ok.” She insisted, grabbing him and pulling him back down to the grass. Retaking her place resting her head on his neck she sighed and asked. 
“What’s a Vitani?” She asked softly. Kopa’s eyes opened wide as he clamored for an answer. 
“It’s nothing, I think anyway. I’ll figure it out tomorrow, maybe.” He hastily explained. 
“If you say so.” She whispered softly, falling back asleep. Kopa ran the name through his head over and over, but eventually submitted to his weariness and fell back asleep.

Asani silently worked his way over to Kopa and Keyah. During the night she had rolled just off his slumbering body. Swiftly he crept up to their bodies and looked down on them. Shaking his head he leaned his head down near Kopa’s ear, he could barely contain his laughter. Taking a deep breath he let out a massive roar. The shock threw Kopa up in the air, and thankfully this time Keyah was enough distance not to be thrown as well. The shock awoke them both as Kopa turned around with fangs and claws bared at the laughing Asani. Keyah was unimpressed as well, glaring at him. 
“What in the fucking world is wrong with you?!” She screamed. Asani settled his laughter. 
“Chill out, Scares, I mean Scars here.” He mocked laughing. “Needs to come with me and Ni.” 
“So why’d you scare me?!” She demanded. 
“Collateral damage honey, go play with your sister.” He dismissed. Sticking her tongue out she mocked him and walked off.
“Pig!” She called back.
“What do you want with me?” Kopa fired out angrily. 
“For you to actually be of some use around here Scars, so no time for sitting around on your lazy ass, let’s go.” He ordered. 
“Go where.” Kopa asked. 
“To train with me and Ni, that is of course unless you don’t want to?” He asked. 
“Maybe with Ni, but I could do without you!” Kopa replied. Swinging back he walked hastily over to Kopa. Shoving him to the ground he put his face right to his. 
“Well here’s the deal, so listen well. We’re leaving in a couple of days to find a new home. So since we have some time Ni and I will give you some basic training. You’ll do what we tell you, you’ll fight like we show you and you’ll finish when we want you to. Now, if you don’t like that then feel free to take option two.” Getting up he pointed out to the open savannah. “You can get up, off your sorry tail and go out into the world and find someone else to take care of you. So, make your choice. Learn to fight with us so you can defend our pride, or get the hell out.”
Kopa wiped his face and shook off his lecture from Asani. 
“What option do you think I’ll take?” He asked. Shaking his head Asani laughed. 
“Oh please pick two.” He mockingly pleaded. Smiling Kopa started walking towards him. 
“I wouldn’t give you the pleasure, let’s go.” 
“No I didn’t think you would.” Asani agreed. Walking for a while they met up with Ni who was sitting by an old tree relaxing. He smiled as they approached and got up to stretch out. 
“So decided to come huh?” Ni asked. Kopa smiled and nodded as Ni walked by him. “Told you he was next to wake you up.” He whispered. Kopa laughed. 
“Yeah, well called.” 
“What do you say I break him in first!” Asani suggested eagerly. 
“Nuh uh, I’ll give him the breakdown of some basic technique, you can either observe, or go run for a while.” Ni quickly replied. 
“Tch fine, can’t keep protect him forever though.” He warned as he started running. Kopa shook his head at him as he ran off. 
“What an asshole.” He whispered.
“Asshole or not, you’re gonna have to learn how to fight alongside him.” Ni reminded him. 
“You and Amri sure, but Asani hates me. He’d probably take the first chance to cut my throat.” Kopa protested. Ni covered his face and sighed.
“Look, he can’t afford to do that Scars- er sorry. Did you want to go by Kopa or Scars, I can never remember?” Ni asked, embarrassed at the mix up. 
“Just Kopa is fine.” 
“Alright, Kopa. He can’t afford to do that, whether he likes it or not we need you to step up now.” 
“I’ve wanted to train with you for a while, why did it take so long?” He asked. 
“Amri wanted to make sure you could handle it. I can kind of understand why, I can honestly say I’ve never died before.” Ni agreed. The thought made Kopa cringe as well. It was true, he had slipped away after his vicious assault and it took months for him to even walk again safely.
“That was, a long time ago.” Kopa replied sadly. 
“Yeah, I know. But still, it was a major factor. That and the hostility between you and Asani wasn’t helping. But now.” Ni trailed off. Kopa leaned in with concern. 
“Now what?” 
“Now, Amri is getting on in age. He’s not quite as strong as he used to be, and he’s right some new blood would help.” Ni elaborated. 
“Is he ok? He isn’t sick is he?” Kopa pleaded. 
“No no, nothing like that. He’s just becoming aware of his age. Anyway, enough chatter. Let’s start going over some basics.” Ni stated. Standing he took a few steps away from Kopa and began his lecture.
“Alright so here’s the deal, you come at me and show me what you can do now. We’ll clean up what you’re doing wrong off the bat and start covering some techniques and pins shortly after ok?” 
“Yeah ok!” Kopa agreed happily. Kopa readied himself, leaning down as if ready to pounce. Ni shook his head and laughed. 
“Oh boy, here we go.” He whispered. Kopa came in swinging but Ni’s reflexes easily won out. He blocked and dodged every careless swing of Kopa’s paws. He found time to swipe out his legs sending Kopa to the ground as he swung off balance over and over. “Come on, stop swinging around like a girl. Take a quick shot and either follow up with something heavy or try to move in for a take down.” Ni advised. Kopa got up and nodded, readying himself once again. This time he took one quick swipe forcing Ni to block, and lunged in. Now he was satisfied as Ni found himself taken down and wrestling with Kopa. He continued to tutor him in how to manage himself during a takedown, and how to get out of one he finds himself in. He went over where to strike in order to create the openings needed for other maneuvers as well. Like striking high then low to sweep the legs, or strafing during strikes to create openings on the side for a takedown. Kopa was very responsive to Ni’s advice and found himself greatly enjoying it. It wasn’t meant to last though; Asani was returning now and watched with a smirk as the two were wrestling. 
“Hey Ni, why not actually try against him. Give him a taste of what he’s really in for in a fight?” Asani suggested. Ni laughed as he rolled over and pounced up. 
“The kid’s not bad Asani, I think Amri was spot on about him.” 
“Ha, I’ll be the judge of that.” Asani laughed, as he strolled towards Kopa. Slowly he approached him face to face, Kopa still panting from his sparring with Ni. “What do you say Scars? Think you can handle a little session with me?”
“I’m not afraid of you.” Kopa answered firmly. 
“Asani, don’t injure him.” Ni warned. 
“No promises.” He replied turning towards Kopa once more. Ni roused up and met Asani’s face now, his teeth bared he growled loudly. 
“You hurt him intentionally during training, I’ll lay into you so hard we’ll have to start calling you “Scars”. Do not, hurt him!” He threatened once again. 
“Whatever.” Asani whispered. Kopa readied to fight staring straight into Asani’s eyes. They were both anxious to start, Asani had always felt Kopa was mooching off his pride, a waste that did nothing but try to sleep with their females and eat there kills. Kopa simply wanted to shut his trap, for all the mocking and insults he slung at him. Branding him Scars and for making his life with his “Pride” hard. Lunging in the two started wrestling but Asani easily pinned Kopa to the ground. Asani took a hard swing and caught Kopa straight across the face, making him spit up from the blow. Kicking his hind legs out though, he caught Asani’s and threw him off balance. Kopa swung hard now and threw Asani off with a hard shot to the side of his chest. Standing once again they faced off with fangs bared, growling and spitting. Ni watched carefully for any foul play from either of them. They threw themselves at each other over and over, trading blows but never really achieving a clear winning in the scrapes. Kopa darted in for him once again but Asani leapt off to the side, swiping at his arm. His claws escaped his paw however raking Kopa’s shoulder. He howled in pain, as the blood started to pour from his arm.
“Hey!” Ni shouted angrily and charged in for Asani. Blindsiding him now Ni wound up and whaled him hard across the face. Asani growled and turned to him furious as the blow rung through his head. 
“What the hell!” Asani demanded. 
“I warned you not to hurt him!” Ni scolded. Asani shook off the blow and looked at him confused. 
“What are you talking about? It’s just a shoulder scrape, stop being such a baby!” Ni was fed up, he roared and threw Asani to the ground. 
“If you can’t follow something as simple as don’t hurt your own pride then maybe you’re the one that should get the hell out of here!”
“I’m fine Ni!” Kopa shouted. Ni turned to him in shock. “It’s just a scratch, I’ve had a lot worse. Let him up, I’m not finished with him yet.” Ni was stunned as his response, he could clearly see the blood still running down Kopa’s arm to the ground and still he wanted to fight. Even Asani found himself genuinely impressed, though he didn’t feel compelled to admit it he decided to speak up as well. 
“Get off me Ni, Scars wants to keep going.” He ordered. Ni complied and backed off letting Asani get up. Reading himself again, Kopa stared straight at him once more. 
“Ready?” Kopa asked. 
“Ha, maybe you’re not such a pussy after all.” Lunging for each other they resumed their sparring. Swinging and roaring they fought for a good while. Kopa was getting a good understanding now of just what to do in a real fight, he knew Asani was providing it. He actually found himself enjoying fighting against Asani more since there was greater satisfaction in landing blows on him. As the two finally calmed down now with the day wearing on, they took a breather panting from there constant fighting. Asani looked Kopa over, carefully examining his arms and legs, looking at the musculature and his overall build. Kopa felt uncomfortable with the staring and spoke up. 
“Not having funny thoughts about me are you?” He asked. Ni burst out laughing and fell onto his back. Asani shrugged off the joke and started over to him. 
“No, I was looking your arms and legs over, you spent a lot of time flat on your ass against me.” Reaching out he took Kopa’s arm and squeezed the length of it. “Flex.” He ordered. 
“What?” Kopa asked, confused at the request. Asani took a slow swing at his head. 
“Flex! You’re not that stupid I hope.” He scolded.
“Ok fine!” He shouted. Kopa did his best to flex his arm. Asani cringed as he worked his way up and down Kopa’s arm. 
“Oh no no, come on.” He cried out. “Other arm.” Working his way up and down he found the same result. His arms were fair sized, but no tone. He squeezed right through fat in order to find any muscle. “This is not gonna work Scars, you need to get this toned out, and fast.” Ni who had recovered from his laughing fit got up and joined them. Taking one of Kopa’s arms he squeezed along as well. 
“Oh yeah, you’re not kidding.” Ni agreed. 
“This is what you get sitting around for months.” Asani scolded. 
“Hey now, some of those months he could barely walk.” Ni argued. 
“No, he’s right. It couldn’t have hurt for me to be a bit more active.” Kopa sighed. Ni shook his head in disbelief. 
“I did not hear you just agree with Asani?” He asked. Kopa shrugged and smiled. 
“Stranger things have happened.” 
“I suppose I could give you some pointers how to train this up.” Asani suggested. Kopa nodded and looked to him.
“Yeah, k thanks.” Ni just looked between them over and over before swinging around and walking away. 
“I’m in the wrong pride aren’t I? Have we met? Nice to meet you I’m Ni.” He joked. 
“Shut your dumb ass up.” Asani interrupted. Kopa laughed as they concluded there examinations of him and began heading home alongside them. 

Hakima sat bathing away at her paw, gently wiping it over her face. Kinu was sitting before her, swishing about with her tail and watching her sister bath as well. 
“Something troubling you dear?” Hakima asked between licks. Kinu glanced up then back down to the grass. 
“No nothing.” She answered quickly. 
“I see.” She accepted, concluding her bathing. Placing a paw gently on Kinu’s shoulder she greeted her more closely. “You know you can speak, if something is on your mind?” 
“I’m fine greatmother. It’s just, well I’m sick of wondering aimlessly through the entire world looking for a home, why didn’t we just stay where we were?” She asked. 
“Hmmm.” Hakima pondered for a moment. “Perhaps it has to do with the many times our pride was challenged previous to Amri’s arrival. It may also have to do with the boy he rescued, but I am not certain.” 
“With Kopa?” Kinu asked. 
“The boy has great admiration for us, but he is not one of us.” Hakima concluded. Keyah overheard this now and decided to join the conversation. 
“What do you mean?” Keyah asked now. 
“The boy was found wounded, near death by a lion kingdom.” 
“What’s the difference?” Kinu asked. 
“In a pride, only the males are allowed to fight for the females and overtake a pride. A kingdom is much different, the males and females alike defend the territory in order to secure the land, a land held sacred to the pride that lives there.” Hakima explained. 
“The females can fight?” Keyah asked. 
“Yes, though there training is modest they do possess the ability; and hold the right to fight for the territory.” 
“So Kopa is from a kingdom?” Keyah asked. Hakima pondered the question for a moment once again. 
“Of that, I am not sure. To wound someone so young, is a malicious thing to do. The kings I have learned of never act in such ways towards the young, and they are never overthrown by outsiders. Perhaps Kopa holds a story much alike Asani’s and was abandoned and wounded passing through, until his memories return we cannot be certain.” 
“You think his memories will ever come back?” Asked Keyah. 
“He was wounded and traumatized. His head suffered little injury. In time, whether he wants them to return or not, the details of his past will resurface and we will at last meet the true Kopa.” Hakima said, gently bowing her head. Keyah wondered what the real Kopa was like. She had learned a little about his past but, it was so vague that it gave no real detail about his life. 
“I will do my best then to help him recover.” Keyah said nodding to Hakima. Smiling she pat Keyah’s head. 
“Do that child, but know this.” She warned softly. “Never mate with him, no matter how badly your heart may desire it.” 
“What! Why?!” Keyah quickly protested. Hakima hushed her and continued. 
“He is watched over by us, he has not been accepted as a member of our pride. Ni, Asani and Amri are our prime males. If you cannot choose among them, make no choice at all.”
“But I love him!” She protested. 
“And love him for all you can, perhaps in time he will make his choice. If it is truly love you share, he will join us and will choose you.” She explained, calming Keyah down. 
“Why did Amri venture out to save him anyway?” Kinu asked. 
“I believe my beloved saw in him a reflection of his own past, and wished to save it.” 
“His past?” 
“Amri watched his brother die in his arms.” Hakima stated solemnly. “The pain of that day, wounded him so. To watch another die in a like manner, I don’t think he could bare it.”
“Mom!” Saeska cried out, returning from her run. Hakima turned around and smiled. 
“Yes dear?” 
“The boys are coming back!” She called out again.
“Good, is your father with them?” 
“Uhh.” She trailed off, darting off ahead for a bit. Hakima waited for a moment before Saeska turned around and came back. “No I don’t see daddy with them.” 
“Find your father love, and tell him to come home.” Hakima requested. Saeska eagerly nodded and burst back out into the savannah. She ran hard towards the nearest hill to get a better view of the surrounding savannah. Glancing off towards the east she saw the visage of a lion resting by a pool. 
“Got ya!” She told herself as she raced off towards the pool. Saeska had little trouble running, she absolutely loved it, and her speed was unmatched. Even Asani often found himself left in the dust trying to trail the spry and fiery young lioness. Her legs were well developed and snapped the ground hard with each stroke firing her forward faster and faster. Approaching the small pond she slid to slow herself down, kicking up dirt and starteling her father. 
“Goodness!” Amri cried out, suddenly aware of her smiling face only a few feet from him. 
“Come on daddy, time to come home!” she said, swishing around him still wrapped in her dopey smile. 
“Look off to the west my girl, do you see the river?” He asked. She took a quick glance out west then back at him. 
“Yeah it’s pretty, can we go now?” She asked eagerly. 
“The game is rushing off towards a trail opposite to that river, the watering holes around here to are becoming crowded quite regularly, and will eventually be to filthy to drink. We should move tomorrow, at first light towards the river. Clean water and good hunting should meet us there.” Amri stated firmly. Slowly he turned towards his daughter who was pawing at the ground. 
“Can we go, can we go.” She was singing softly under her breath. Amri shook his head in disappointment. 
“Child have you been listening?” Quickly she looked up and smiled at him. 
“Wake up, first light head to the river for clean water, game trail just across the way for fresh food and something more interesting then a dinky little pond-hey dad look at the sun let’s ROLL!” She blurted out, swinging around and rushing back home. Amri stood dumbfounded at his daughter’s response. 
“I have the weirdest daughter on the face of this earth.” He whispered laughing.
Arriving home, Amri looked over his pride. Asani was talking to Kopa on how to get some strength training in while Ni and Kinu casually chatted. Hakima was being informed by her daughter about what her father had decided to do as Keyah relaxed in the fading sun. Eventually one by one they turned their attention to him, Amri nodding them over as they looked. They gathered around and laid down before him as he to rested his body with a huff to the ground. 
“So, Saeska says you have located a new game trail?” Hakima asked her husband. 
“Yes, across the river off to the west.” Amri acknowledged. 
“So when do we leave?” Kinu asked apathetically. Amri frowned and sighed at her, he knew how much she hated roaming. 
“We will move at first light tomorrow.” He replied. Kinu sighed and laid her head down, her eyes half closed. 
“Amri, mind if I take Scars and Ni up ahead to scout it out? I was going to put him on some strength training anyway tomorrow but, if we’re moving already.” Asani began to explain.
“No no, I don’t mind go right ahead just stop within ear shot of the pride. Circle back around if you’re focusing on strength tomorrow but to be honest Asani, the move is not that significant. I believe we will reach the game trail within an hour or so. All we need do is move off of it a bit and find some comfortable resting ground.” Amri explained. Ni, Kopa and Asani all nodded in agreement with the idea.
“Sounds good.” Kopa replied. 
“How did your training go today Kopa?” Amri asked, interested to hear what had happened. Kopa laughed scratching the back of his head. 
“Went ok I think, me and Asani fought it out for a bit but thankfully not before Ni gave me a few pointers.” 
“Well that’s good!” Amri said encouraging him. “So you two have stopped bickering?” 
“Maybe.”
“Maybe when he doesn’t suck.” Asani quickly replied. Kopa frowned and hung his head with a sigh. Amri chuckled covering his face. 
“You two, I swear.” 
“Daddy!” Saeska called out, sitting right next to her father. The shock threw his head up. 
“I’m right here dear! What is it?”
“I’m going for a quick run then to sleep ok?” She asked, widening her eyes. 
“That’s ok Saeska just stay within ear shot.” He replied softly. Darting she smiled and kissed her father’s cheek. 
“Thanks daddy!” and with that she took off running. Asani watched as she burst from the pride and began sprinting out. 
“Look at that kid move.” Ni said aloud. 
“She’s been a runner since she was little.” Kopa agreed. Kinu, Keyah and Asani agreed. 
“I feel bad for the sucker that’s gotta mate her.” Asani thought out loud. Hakima glared at him for a moment before he finally realized his mouth was running. 
“Why is that?” She asked. 
“Nothing, sorry.” He quickly apologized. Amri was unimpressed as well. 
“Do not speak ill of my daughter Asani.” He scolded. 
“I didn’t mean it to sound that way, sorry!” He reiterated. Kopa chuckled and pat his back. 
“Maybe I should teach you a thing or two about women.” He joked. 
“When you earn some respect I’ll consider it.” Asani replied. Kinu got up and stretched out, yawning she looked to her family.
“Good night guys, I’m going to sleep.” 
“Yeah, me two.” Ni agreed. They took turns saying good night finding soft spots in the grass to settle down in. Keyah walked alongside Kopa and settled near him again. Lowering himself slowly into the grass he groaned as he touched down. His arm was bothering him, and rubbing it only irritated the scratch from earlier. Keyah rushed over placing a paw on his side. 
“Hey, you ok?” She whispered, leaning in close to him.
“Yeah I’m fine, just my arms a bit sore.” He explained, showing her his wounded shoulder. 
“Oh no, here let me get that!” She insisted. Kopa looked to his shoulder then to her. 
“It’s ok, it’s not the scratch that hurts I think I just over did it for my first day.” He quickly explained. 
“Still, let me take care of that for you.” She continued to insist. Kopa couldn’t argue with her, he didn’t want to. Grabbing his paw she leaned in and began bathing the three tiny cuts Asani made in his arm. It stung at first, but eventually the pain faded as she worked. His shoulder mildly soaked he leaned in and kissed her cheek as she finished. 
“Thank you.” He whispered. Keyah moaned with pleasure, leaning in to his cheek and under his chin. 
“I love you.” She whispered. 
“I love you to.” He whispered as well as they nuzzled. Reaching out he pulled her closer to him, wrapping her in the same fashion as the previous night.
“Good night Kopa.” She whispered. Giving her one more quick squeeze he replied. 
“Good night Keyah.” And closed his eyes. Asani watched the two cuddled together and scowled, shaking his head. 
“Still don’t like the idea of him and Keyah.” 
“Why’s that?” Ni asked, who was resting nearby. 
“She’s our lioness, not his.” He insisted. 
“Ours or yours?” Ni retorted. Asani remained silent for a moment before replying. 
“She could have been mine.” Ni slowly rose up and looked to Asani who was hanging his head now. 
“She’s not your type Asani, she wouldn’t have taken you. Don’t take it personal.” 
“What do you mean?” Asani asked. 
“She’s had a crush on him since he arrived as a little ball of blood.” 
“She was still a cub, how could she have a crush on him then?” He demanded. 
“Keyah was the one who always looked after him. It’s not surprising they have grown so close. Beside Asani, you could still choose Kinu, or even Saeska I suppose when she gets a few more months older.” Ni suggested. 
“Yeah right, Kinu I’m certain despises males in general, and Saeska well. I’m sure even Amri would banish me for touching his daughter.” Ni huffed and fell back down to the grass. 
“You’re too narrow-minded my friend. Go to sleep, you’ll feel better in the morning.” 
“Whatever.” Asani dismissed falling back to the grass as well. 
“You gotta learn to stop saying that.” Ni perked up. 
“Why?” he asked. Ni paused before replying. 
“Good night Asani.” 
“Night doofus.”