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The following story is loosely based on influences from Disney's "The Lion King" and "The Lion Guard" but does not actually interfere with the timeline regarding that franchise. It is purely a work of fiction and thus can and will contain many scenes of Loss, Death, Adult Content not suitable for children, and heavy themes of spiritual journies which may involve what we could consider illegal substances. If any of these themes offend you, please turn away now. Still here, than gather around the fire, children and learn the tale of a soul once lost but reborn.

Chapter 5: Of Ancient Tomes; Of Ancient Times

For the first time in a while, Akhet was up at the crack of dawn, sitting on top of the Royal cave, watching the sun rise over the Savannah. He clutched his spear in his arms as he looked over at the Royal Graveyard, "Morning, momma. I did it. You'd be proud of me. I made something of myself. Maybe not what you originally had in store for me I'm sure, but You'll never have to worry again. You'll be safe here like I am. We have a home, and I have an adopted Family. I have friends. I have a purpose. Someday they'll bury me in that place with you. But for now.....For now I have my own duties to attend to." "It's beautiful, isn't it?" He turned to see the Queen walking towards him. "My husband and i used to spend every waking morning up here greeting the dawn. Though if I recall you and Anaya only watch the sunset. Curious." Akhet shook his head as teh Queen sat down next to him. He was about the same height as her now, "Maybe once or twice. It feels weird though. I still feel like a cub. But I know I'm not. Further more I can't stoping thinking about what that spirit said about all being once once and why Anaya and I could read the same ancent langauge thinking our own species ancestors spoke it." The Queen spoke bluntly, "It is like my husband said last night Master Togamaru would know. But what I do know my mother told me that at once point all species came from Sol and were all united together and spoke a common language back than. Perhaps we were and share the same traditions. But you were never a cub, Akhet, you were brought into adulthood that very night. I wanted you to be ready to face that moment of revenge. But than I realized you deserved to have a childhood too. I'm no Cheetah. I tried my hardest to raise you. Did I do you right or no? I often ask myself that." Akhet smiled, "Naw, you did an okay job. I'll spend my life repaying you for it, but that's okay with me. I thought early on I wanted revenge. Anaya pushed me the other direction. Master Togamaru guided me along the threads of fate. And you and the King showed me tough love when I needed it the most. I'm a Wenja. And I'm proud of that. And if my own kind looks down on me for staying? Well than they'll have a Pride of Lions to deal with." The Queen smiled putting her arm around him and hugging him, "You don't have to repay love and kindness. Its a debt freely given. You will do our Family Proud. Now you better skedaddle, Anaya won't protect herself, or perhaps she'll try and her stubborn attitude will backfire on her." Akhet laughed as he stood up and walked down, leaping to the bottom with ease as he tucked and rolled and dashed off for his first day of being the pride's Lion Guard. The Queen shook her head, "All these cycles later and that boy still can't use the stairs."

Akhet ran into Anaya, as she was tightening up her leg coverings, "You're up early, my protector." He grinned, "Never late for duty, your highness!" he mocked his bow and she rolled her eyes giggling, "yeah Yeah, arise my servant." "So where to, Princess? What do you have planned today?" "Daddy wants me to get acquainted with patrolling the southern borders make sure all is well. But first I want to stop by Master Togamaru to investigate more of what that spirit spoke of." "Good Idea, Maybe he knows more than your mother did. I talked to her this morning and she told me when she was little she was told a tale that at one point all were of Sol and unified til spinter factions began to rise up and divide all the speciesand that at one point we may have all spoken one language." "She never told me that story." ANaya said. "Most likely you never asked about this before so it's not =wonder." Akhet said. By this time the early dawn crew would be returning with the prey for the morning and as Anaya and Akhet Anaya said, "How fares the borders this morning?" Akhet nodded at the lead for the morning crew. She was impressed to what he had brought during his punishment with them, "All quiet for now. We thought we caught the scent of some scavengers but weren't able to know for sure, the winds were shifting too much this morning. Just keep your eyes peeled, your ears alert and your eyes open I know the path to Master Togamaru's is secure but stay bigilant." "How did you know we were going their today?" Akhet asked. "Isnt that where you go most mornings? I just assumed." Akhet nodded and the two departed for the Greatwood Tree. " hope he has some clarity on what we know and have heard." Anaya said. Akhet said, "He should know way more than what we know if he doesnt rhyme in riddles as usual." And she let her staff trip Akhet who tumbled down and into the river that diverted along the path after leaving the village, "Enjoy watching you take a swimYou never did like how he talks have you?." He had sheer terror on his eyes as he scrambled out of the water. Unless it was a bath he did not like getting wet, "Stop doing that!" she giggled, "Do what? Did my protector trip on my staff? Watch your footwork there." He rolleld his eyes shaking his fur dry, "I hope the sun dries me out. Why do I put up with you again?" "Because you aint never had a friend like me~" He shook his head at Anaya and decided to stay next to her rather than in front, "Aint that the truth." "Hakuna Matata...Aint that the truth." Anaya muttered. "What was that?" Akhet said. "I said your hair looks nic.e." Akhet ducked as Anaya swung her staff at Akhet. "Oh now your reflexes kick in." she said, reach over to hold his hand. "Yeah well you're so random at times i can't read you and predict properly", he said as he held her hand.

When they got their They spoke with Master Togamaru about what they knew and heard. "Ah yes A quandry isn't it? Questions you have yes? Answers I can try and provide. First of all it is true that a tale was told many generations ago, All species were one and lived in peace and harmony as they worshipped Sol. The Great Creator of the species and of the Great Spiirits. It was said all spoke in a common tongue but The lions grew restless with this and desired nothing but to rule and so the splitered off and conquered the land." "So we're the bad guys?" Anaya said. "Not exactly." "But than why can Anaya and I both understand the ancient glyphs that were on the cave?"

I will get to that, but when the lioons rose up and took control of the area, they aregued amonst themselves and and thriteen kingdoms arose edividing the land and drive out many of the species. Even the cheetahs were not normads in the beginning but were forced to become a nomadic group. But a prhecy also says that one tribe will united to bring peace to all species once again . I believe you two will play a part in that." he said "But for now Why you can both read those glyphs is no mystery. It was believed that was the common ancestral language of our peoples out here. Perhaps that is why In the Kokkeli Tribelands resides a n ancient tomb that is rumpored to have more powerful magic and tales of the past carved on the walls. They do not know its secrets but in time they will. Now I have told you all I can. And Know. Report this back to your father. Will you?" he said. The two left feeling more confused than ever. Was that real or just a story?

A scouting party intercepted them as they left and requested them to inspect the southern border of the lands. They agreed and right before before the border, a rocky hill covered in tall grass as Akhet knelt down and sniffed the air, trying to see if he could detect what the morning Hunt had. Everyone stayed quiet as he raised his hand to them, his ears twitching as he tuned in the surroundings. His hunting instincts kicking in. But the scent he picked up kept shifting, despite the wind staying static, "That's.... that doesn't make sense...." "What," Anaya said." "The scent, it's bouncing like the winds were shifting, but the wind is coming from the southwest. It's not deviating its path. I can't quite figure out what I caught the scent of. It's exactly as the morning Huntresses had described. I don't know if thid is a threat or not." Akhet was confused. But one of the guards said, "Best be ready for a fight than, better safe than sorry." Everyone nodded in agreement. All tried to scan the horizon for any kind of unnatural movement. Akhet thought it might be a Cheetah moving through. It was almost breeding season and it wasn't unusual for his kind too slink through. The Cheetahs tried to avoid contact with the Lions. Some of the Tribes refused to honor the ritual combat agreement laid down by the Council of Elders. Tribes like the Machai would rather slaughter than be honorable. But Tribes like the Wenja or Kokelli honored the tradition. They knew the Cheetahs would try and stay out of sight and slip through. Most of the time, Ritual combat was enacted, but sometimes they did slip unnoticed. No big deal. If the Cheetah won, they would be given a hunting allotment for their trip which depended on if they had cubs, were with cubs, and the like. If they lost, they would be forced to leave and take another path. Those that lost did try to sneak through anyways and were usually given reminders to not violate the Ritual Agreement, usually in the form of a scar. But the odd thing is, Akhet wasn't smelling a Cheetah of any kind, nor was he smelling urine. It wasn't uncommon for females in heat to use their urine to attract males. Even Akhet's biological instincts which were stunted by being with Lions would have detected that.

"Anything?" Anaya said? Akhet shook his head, "No. I know our kind can move quietly through the grass and move with it rather than rustle it, I mean ask Keytani how I set up our ambushes, but I'm not detecting any kind of familiar scent, No cheetah, no mating scents, no cubs, nothing. Yet that scent is bouncing despite the wind. If this is a scavenger or a hunter, I have never seen a technique like that before. It almost smells like urine which made me think it was a cheetah in heat but maybe not. Even I have to stay down wind and can't bounce my scent around." One of the other guards thought he had heard something, "Spread out, weapons out and keep the line not to sparse, we may need to tighten the battle formation up." The line spread as the moved into the thick grass slowly. Akhet was feeling around with his spear int the grass quietly. He spotted something moving near a rock just a head in the shadows. He held up is hand and backed everyone off as he walked forwards, past the rock, unaware that he was being watched.

The figure under the rocks watched as he stepped down inches from them. They could count the spots on his foot, he was that close as he began to move within a minute The figure sniffed quietly. The winds had shifted but they didn't smell the Lions or the Cheetah. The figure poked their head out, looked around and after seeing nothing crawled out quietly and slowly and rested on the rock outcropping, "Spirits alive....That was close.", it was a female voice speaking to herself. But a hand landed on her shoulder and she nearly jumped in surprise. Looking behind her as she saw the Cheetah that stood inches from her face, "You know just because I don't smell you doesn't mean we can't find you. Always stay downwind no matter what lest a real predator come fo........" Akhet stopped. Something about this hyena girl looked familiar. She cupped her hands over her muzzle as he leaned in and sniffed, He scratched his head and raised an eyebrow. "YOU!" The girls eyes widened. "You know her, Akhet?" Anaya said as she ordered the guards to lower their weapons. Akhet nodded, "I remember this scent, cycles ago,Keytani and I rescued her when she was little from that.... thing that ducked back into the jungles. I recognize that scent of fear anywhere. What are you doing here? I thought I gave you specific instructions to stay off our turf." But the girl panicked. She thought she was done for. If a Cheetah was working with a group of Lions, than she knew no good could come of this. She remembered him from 4 or 5 cycles ago but not the ones he ran with. "Please! Don't kill me, I beg of you, I didn't mean to trespass, I was looking to get through to one of the other Hyena Packs on the other side of your turf." The Wenja territory was surrounded West and South by Southwest by Machai Territory with the Kokelli to the North. Akhet had recently established good relations with the Kokelli Pride who began to accept him like the Wenja. "If you are referring to the Hyena Pack that is assaulting the Kokelli, why not go around, Why bother cutting through Wenja Territory?" By the young girl spoke, "I-it's not safe. My pack has gone into hiding. The Machai are exterminating the packs, exterminating my family....." Anaya shook her head looking at the others, "While I am no friend of the Machai Pride, is it any surprise, Scavengers like you on their turf...." Akhet would have nodded in agreement til the young girl said, "Extermination by Wild Dog." That made everyone stop and look like they had seen ghosts. "What do you mean by Wild Dog? The Machai are like the rest of the prides. They don't get along with Wild Dogs." But she continued, "I-I witnessed one of them, I think he was their leader, talking with a one armed Wild Dog." Akhet's stomach sank to his feet when he heard that. He remembered the King slicing off the arm of the wild dog who used it to slam Akhet against the rock as a cub. He also remembered him getting away as well. Or rather being let go. "He's still alive?!" exclaimed Akhet. Anaya was more puzzled, "This leader, was he thin, lanky, curly chestnut brown mane No neck mane whatsoever?" "Yes", replied the girl. "That's Machai alright. What the hell are they doing with Wild Dogs on their turf and why are they allowing it?!" "Sounds like he has new allies if you ask me." said one of the guards. "We should try and alert the King and Queen, your highness." one of the guards said. Akhet nodded, "She has to tell him what she told us. It might be more convincing coming from a witness from their territory" Anaya put her foot down, "Oh No. First of all, do you really think my parents will believe the word of a scavenger? I mean yes we don't get along with the Machai but still. Second off, in case you forgot, if anyone else out there sees us with a Hyena even escorted to the Village is going to call for our heads, let alone the lashing's we'll get. Cheetahs are one thing, there are ritual guidelines for that. Hyenas? Daddy would never stand for that." Akhet was firm in his decision, "I'm taking the risk. This situation has to be passed along. If your father has a heart he will see my motives are pure. If the Machai Pride are using Wild Dogs, that's a threat to us, We share the majority of our borders with them." Yet Princess Anaya dug in like a Queen, "It doesn't affect us. It is there problem, not ours. While I agree Daddy should know, it's not worth risking our necks for. I say we take her back to where her family is and be on our way." Akhet got even more cross, "And what happens when the Machai Pride catches Wenja on their turf?! It may become a problem and one that we need to prepare for. They want an excuse to declare war against us and you know it!" The argument between Royalty and Protecter was reachign a head. This was his first day and he was already getting heated up. "Look." Anaya said, "Lets just go take a look. We can say we were chasing a scavenger off our turft and forgot to watch our borders. Mistakes happen. How many times have the Kokelli done the same and you guys are okay with it? After all don't you just swap prey?" Akhet didn't like the idea, "The Kokelli don't dismember you when you get caught like the Machai and I'm pretty sure that we could get in serious trouble with them." "I'll Take responsibility for it. After All I am the Wenja Princess. You, Akhet are my Lion Guard and our friends here are our escort. It'll buy time for me to get you guys out if things go wrong. FOr now we'll act as a royal envoy here to seek diplomacy. And if things go south well we;ll worry about that then." "Anaya, While I appreciate your willingness to sacrifice your freedom for us to get away as your protector I cannot allow it. If you die I;ve failed in my role." Akhet said. "And if we are to act as a royal enboy fleeing is not the example we need to fool them. That makes you both are priorities as we have to act as guards now. So no we won;t leave you either." Chimed in one of the guards. Well once Anaya sets her mind to something, she doesn't back down and Akhet was hot and sweaty and not happy with having to argue in the hot Savannah sun.

"I still say this is a bad idea." Akhet was on edge as they all surrounded the Hyena girl. He kept his eyes, ears and nose to the wind. He wasn't gonig to take any chances."Akhet you're the eyes and ears for the moment." Said one of the scouts. He had to keep Anaya alive at all costs even if it meant his own life. And he took that oath to the letter. He had to. He owed his life to the Wenja Monarchy and he wasn't going to forsake his duty."In case you forgot, I am still your Princess. I outrank you. So if you have any notion of disobeying my instructions...." But Akhet cut her off and with a very disrespectful tone said, "O...Of course not, your highness. I wouldn't dream of it." Anaya growled quietly to herself. Their friendship was now becoming strained and it was only his first day. This isn't how she saw this working out. But they pressed on as she kept her thoughts to herself. The land they entered seemed to suck the sunlight away as things turned a bit clouded, dark and murky. Trees were no longer vibrant they were twisted and contorted, almost with faces in them. The land felt....barren. On the verge of being stripped clean. "You live here? How can you live on a territory like this, let alone one that isn't yours?" Anaya asked. But the young girl just stayed quiet. She was surrounded by Lions and the Cheetah just got into a very loud argument with one of them. She didn't feel very safe. It wasn't long until Akhet caught wind of an approaching patrol. He signaled everyone down and behind cover n some decaying bushes as they passed. He wasn't happy. He wanted to take her to the King directly to avoid this kind of a situation. According to the Pride Laws set by the Elder Council they were omitting an invasion. But Anaya took her position with little regard for safety making his job a lot harder. Hopefully their ploy of a diplomatic mission would work if they were caught. Something in him had changed. They weren't cubs anymore. The danger they were in was real and he had to make sure the future of the Pride lived. Once the Patrol passed they continued sneaking their way across the broken landscape before reaching the den that her pack had lived in. As they stepped in side, the young girl called out "Momma? Anyone? Hello?" But the den was empty. She sniffed around by the scent had long gone and she wasn't able to find them. "Well, Princess..." chuffed Akhet in a sarcastic tone, "Shall we take her to your father now? Or wait for us to be strung up and left for the vultures?" Anaya clenched her fists and gritted her teeth. She was losing patience with Akhet, "That won't happen we're on a diplomatic mission remember? Lets get back and quickly. But before they could leave they heard more approaching. Everyone scattered around the den finding rocks and debris and what not to hide behind. And what they say was terrifying. A pack of Wild dogs approached the entrance sniffing around. Akhet put his hand over the girls muzzle to silence her. Any noise would be bad. And than the worst happened, King Machai himself approached wtih a pair of guards as he shook the one armed Wild Dog's hand. Akhet was getting angry quickly. His chance to avenge his mother was right there and he knew he couldn't do anything about it or risk Anaya's life. But he remembered what he was taught not just by the queen but by master togamaru that vengence will consume him if he gives in. All he could do was listen in as the entrance of the den echoed the conversation back at them.

"Any word yet?" King Machai asked? "Not yet. We're testing both Wenja and Kokelli Defenses. It seems both Prides are unifying their forces. We haven't been able to make successful penetrations yet and I am not risking everyone's lives. They will thin our ranks." The One armed Wild Dog was running low on pack members and he needed more and fast. The idea to conquer the smaller Prides to en script them into Machai's Army was a plan to make sure he could take on the larger Prides out there. And since Wenja and Kokelli were close on their borders, why not start there. "I'll find you some more reinforcements. How do you feel about sacrificing Hyena's over your pack members instead? That keeps your numbers healthy." The wild dog thought for a minute, "As long as the original agreement is honored when this is over." The Machai King shook his head, nodding, "As I said, prove yourself and it will be agreed upon. I will have your reinforcements within a few days." "And how do you plan to do that, most of the Hyena's are dead or scattered. I heard some are trying to make it to other territories." But King Machai reassured him, "The only other Hyena's in hiding are on Kokelli territory. They won't cross Wenja Territory as they are very strict on keeping them off their turf. They have to cross our territory and my Patrols will round them up, whether they are willing or not. Now I advise you to scatter yourself, We'll be in contact back here." And with that the pack of Wild Dogs and the King and his Escorts parted ways. Everyone left in the cave under cover were shocked at what they saw. And what they heard. Even Anaya couldn't deny it. It was settled. They had to escort the girl to the Wenja Pride and if she had an official escort with valid reason, perhaps the Patrols wouldn't touch them. But first they had to get out of Machai Territory undetected. Easier said than done.

Akhet looked at everyone and said "Normal patrol tricks won't get us out of this, we're going to do this the Cheetah way. Move when I move, directly behind me and when I give signals and don't stop until I tell you to. We want to get out of this alive and in one piece, we're going to have to use some stealth. Most Cheetahs avoid ritual combat with the Wenja and other Prides because of these tactics. And don't ask me how I learned these, Anaya, it was biological instincts." It was true her mother had helped awaken his biological instincts but he also thought like a lion as well. His nature was messed up but it created a perfect hunter, a perfect warrior and he used everything to his advantage. Everyone Kept quiet as they followed. It was a long hike in the barren twisted landscape and the Patrols decided to deviate from their patterns making it way harder than normal to deal with the siutation. A lot of times they found themselves moving down wind which caused them to double back a lot. Eventually when it was realized they wouldn't be able to stay down wind for long, He ran them through a zigging pattern, making sure the scent shifted left and right, and all over the place. It wasn't like what the Hyena girl did although they did want to know about that. It was weird but But Keytani taught him this manuever as a cub and it worked to scatter their scent. Eventually they got to the border crossing and the only accessible path without damage to themselves from falling or having to backtrack up near a flatter path. The Patrol there was only a couple of guards. Akhet signed one of the scouts to move quietly to the other side. Once there they pair climbed up on the rocks and he signaled to Anaya who walked up and said, "Excuse me, Have you seen an Antelope about this high and this wide? I was wondering so I could collect my lunch." But the patrol turned to draw their weapons and both Akhet and the the guard dropped down double sifted as they knocked both out cold. "Good night, sweet princes." mocked Akhet. And the party slipped back into Wenja Territory unharmed and unnoticed. Problem was they were gone a long time and it was getting dark and there were active patrols searching for them. When they reunited with one of the Wenja Patrols they explained the situation regarding the Hyena girl and the information she had would be vital to the Wenja as well as the fact that they had witnesses to back her up. The patrol was skeptical but the fact that the scouts did confirm this information convinced them. So the word was passed along the line as they quickly made their way back to the ridge.

Once at the ridge they made their way back to the Royal Cave Everyone at the village stared at the Hyena girl being protected by the party. She felt very focused on and nervous. But instinctively she clung to Akhet's tail. He was after all the one who saved her life cycles ago. Akhet let her as he knew what she was going through, he remembered the same stares and quiet whispers.. He was afraid for her."Don't worry little one. Word was passes along from that first patrol. They are under orders to not harm you. It will be okay. I;m here I won;t let anything happen to you." Akhet said. But they made their way into the Royal Cave and to the throne room. The King and Queen were not amused they had gone missing. Anaya spoke, "My apologizes, I can explain....." Her father nodded as he was giving her one chance and the worst part about it ias he said, 'It better be good considering I was told to expect a scavanger in your midst who defiles this throne room with her very precense. " "We lef Master Togamaru;s and met the scouting party who confirmed something the morning hunting party mention so we were folloing up on it and we encountered it too. A bouncing scent that didn't follow the wind patterns. Turns out we found this girl. We were going to chase her off without incident but she was so terrified we had to inquire why. She said she needed to find the Hyena's hiding in another land. When we asked why not go around us, she informed us that King Machai of the Machai Pride is using Wild Dogs to hunt their kind to extinction. This led us to returning her to her pack's den directly and than we overheard King Machai speaking to one of the Wild Dog leaders. Their testing our borders. Said something about taking over Wenja and Kokelli lands to prescript us into his army. He wants to take over the Lands. We came with her as soon as we could. Akhet felt that she would be safer on our lands and that you would want to hear this information." The King got furious, "You invaded another Pride's Land uninvited? Do You have any idea the impact those actions could have had if you had been caught?!" "Its not like that your majesjty. We had planned to act as a diplomatic enboy in case we did get caught. Plausible deniability." "And why do I think this was Akhet's Idea?!" The girl hide behind Akhet. He was red in the face and hot around the collar, "With all due respect, Sire, I wanted to bring her directly here with her information. I was told by the Princess that she would be ignored because of her being a Hyena. Anaya insisted we return her by hand. To my protest I Might add. She came up with the diplomatic idea to safeguard us And further more we learned from Master Togamaru that the stories told of the species all being united as one was not just a story but at one point true. I felt she would be safer within our pride than left out their to die. You showed mercy on me as a cub, Im showing mercy to her. It's come full circle." Akhet threw the friendship book out the window at this point. And Anaya sighed when the King looked at her, "Is this true, Anaya?" she nodded, "Yes. Father. Part of me wanted to see if she was telling the truth. I ordered everyone to go. I came up with the story of being diplomats on a mission if we did get caught though we did our best to not." He wasn't happy at his daughter, "I am disappointed in you. I assumed you were just going to the Greatwood Tree and back. And you chose to put yourself in danger. And worse off... Akhet your job is to keep her safe. And while I am glad that no one got hurt, you need to learn to be more authoritative. As her protector you are allowed to stop her from making misguided and poor decisions. Do I make myself clear?!" Akhet nodded."I know but you know how she gets sometimes. I get tired of the arguments and fall back on keeping her safe in whatever situation we get involved in." "Now as for the girl.....Am I to understand she was trying to cross to Kokelli Territory?" Everyone nodded, "That means that if what you all say about what is happening in Machai Territory is true than we are about to have a very serious issue. We will need all four of you to join me tomorrow. I am going to take this information to their Pride Leader immediately." Anaya and Akhet ended up asking the same thing together, "What about the girl?" The King looked over at her and sighed, "I do not wish to be seen as a sympathizer by our Pride. But given the knowledge she contains, I don't think it wise to let her loose back where she came from either. Besides A part of me is proud that you chose to show the same mercy that you were shown Akhet. You have become wise in your adult years. Never stop learning. Akhet, you wanted to bring her from the get go. She is your responsibility tonight. She does not leave your quarters without you as an escort. Do I make myself clear?" Akhet nodded but Anaya piped up, "Wait, shouldn't she be with, I don't know another female? I mean after all...." She wasn't fond of Akhet being around the females in the hunting party let alone anyone else. However her father was still not having it. He didn't like this Hyena, this scavenger in his territory but he needed to let the other Prides know about the Machai's treachery And much like the Queen took care of Akhet when he was young this girl would be his responsibility since he showed the same compassion. . "I will not allow a scavenger in or around my daughter. Period." He boomed at Anaya, but she had her daddy's headstrong attitude as she butted back, "Oh really? Tell that to my protector than! After all he's just a scavenger." She forgot why she was mad at him and came to his defense. But Akhet stepped aside, "No, Anaya, he's right. And as much as I don't like it, your safety comes first. And there is no difference, I understand that like I was your mother's respponsibility therefore she becomes mine. Fact is we're noth similiar in how we are prcived as outsiders. But I don't let that bother me any more. I'm old enough and strong enough now to fulfill my job and my duties that my King asks of me despite anyone else in the Pride having a different attituder. Besides I doubt she could harm a fly the way she hunts, but I agree with your father. I will keep watch over her." Akhet took the girl with him to his room, Anaya left standing there speechless and the Queen simply saying to herself, "You've become quite the headstrong boy, Akhet. Someday you'll be more. Spirits Willing.

Akhet had taken the young girls knife prior to entering the village. He didn't want anyone to think she was going to try anything despite the fact that she couldn't hold it right. Once they were in his room and he let the grass door drop he said, "Take the blanket and pillows if you need be and you'll get this back once we get things sorted out tomorrow. I can't have anyone thinking that you were there to assassinate anyone. After learning of the the Machai's scheme one might think you were apart of it." But the girl's fear turned to curiosity as she felt safer away from the Lions, "Why were you so mad at that wild dog with the missing arm?" During the situation he had her muzzle clamped but it tightened when he saw the wild dog.. "I ....how..." he struggled for words before sighing, "He killed my mother....when I was eight or nine cycles old. And despite the King's .... attitude, it was him and the Queen who rescued me and helped raise me. They wanted me to get older and move on, but I felt a debt owed. And they weren't going to turn down a capable hunter either. As for their daughter, believe it or not she's my best friend. She helped me get over my past and become who I am. She taught me to smile, to laugh, to know that sometimes it's okay if I cry missing my mother. I just wish.... I just wish she'd realize that this isn't a game and her life is my responsibility now." She watched as Akhet hung his spear over the pile of blankets and pillows. Unaware of Anaya being outside the door with dinner for the two of them, she listened quietly as Akhet continued, "I love being her friend, but I can't risk losing her either. And if I had to pick between the two my loyalties will forever be with the Pride. Besides, I stood up for you once before, I'll do it again. But you really are a lousy hunter without your pack." At that moment Anaya burst in, shoving the plates in his hands and storming out. He inadvertently broke her heart. He chose the Pride over them. And she would spend the evening out near the river in tears. Meanwhile Akhet, unaware of what was going on was letting the Hyena take his meat while he munched on what fruit and vegetables there were. "I thought you were all meat eaters." she said. Akhet shook his head, "While we use these to balance our meals, I'll eat anything. I'm a scavenger, like you remember. Besides you need your strength, the journey tomorrow will be long and hard." With Full Belly the young one passed out for the first time in a while without watching over her shoulder, while Akhet stayed up all night watching, having a guard send word to Keytani about why he missed his first hunt. Keytani sent the response, 'Duty First. But I understand.'

The next morning Akhet stood up and stretched as he stepped out of the grass door. He dozed off. And when he came to he noticed that the hyena hadn't moved all night. He didn't think she would. But his heart stopped and almost sank to his feet when he saw Keyon walking out of Anaya's doorway and he shot him a very devious look. One Akhet didn't like or want to be a apart of. He tried to take his mind off it, even when Anaya came out. But she avoided eye contact with him which told him the entire story. She was guilty. No, she wasn't guilty. He kept telling himself that his job was not to be with her but to protect her and he kept his head on his shoulders, but in the back of his mind he would worry and wonder. After that he ducked back in when he heard movement, "You awake yet.....ermm...." "Neyrei," she said, "My name's Neyrei." Akhet nodded, "Akhet." he said, "I know, I heard yesterday." Anaya once again came to shove food in his face saying, "Eat, I can't have my protector weakened and unable to do his job. After all he values his position in the Pride, doesn't he?" She wasn't even being sarcastic, she was out right angry and mocking him. He sighed as he made sure his ward was fed. Once that was done everyone gathered in the throne room. The King handed Anaya a sealed and wrapped scroll, "Deliver this to the King of the Kokelli and also present this document to both patrols. I had our border guards notify theirs so they are aware of the situation so that they can be prepared to deal with our guest." Anaya was confused, "You're not going?" But her father shook his head, "No I have to see the updates to our village defenses and per miter patrols. I will not risk our Pride's safety to the megalomaniac. Akhet. This may only be your second day on the job, but I am entrusting my daughters safety to you. I've known that this day would come and I hope you do not disappoint....this time." Akhet nodded, "With my life, Sire. After all, I owe it to you." The Queen added one more thing, "Oh and Take Keytani with you. She's more than capable in a fight and I would have you work with none other than the woman who taught you to hunt."

The party set out and departed to collect Keytani. Keytani was not amused or happy having to abandon her hunt nor the lack of Akhet stepping into the role he just agreed to handle. But when the King and Queen speak, all listen and all do their best to obey. So the 4 of them set out heading towards the Kokelli to the North. One would normally say the sun was bright and cheery, and it was, but the mood made everyone down. Akhet tried to strike up a conversation with Anaya but it didn't end well. "So.... Keyon...." Anaya snapped back, "fI don't want to talk about it. We have a job to do remember? Isn't that your famous saying?" Akhet sighed as Keytani noticed that Neyrei had clung to her tail. Normally Keytani would be annoyed but when she looked over she saw the fear in her eyes. She whispered, "You were the one We rescued all those cycles ago weren't you?" She nodded, "Yeah....I-I wasn't looking for you guys, I was just trying to avoid Machai territory to find the others." Keytani had been filled in on the situation which is how she got roped into agreeing to this in the first place. She had to put her prejudices aside considering what she could see was terrorizing the young Hyena, "It's okay. These two have been like this for a while.. I fear their friendship is about to break. And I can't imagine how that will affect things."

Akhet and Anaya began straining early on before the official titles and duties. Before the initiations. But it didn't matter. Because it took them most of the day to reach where they needed to be. Now the river that ran from the jungle falls and through the Wenja village ran along a lower ramp that had been diverted from it's normal path. During rainy seasons, they had built a lower path under neath to prevent their village from flooding. A primitive floodgate if you will. This meant instead of the normal upper slope, it would fall into a series of gates that open at the bottom of certain places within the river to force it underneath . Usually these were under the bridges so anyone in the river wouldn't end up getting trapped or caught. This meant using bridges with ropes that block anyone from going underneath them. But as the river flowed down it's gentle slope it ran along the Savannah til it reached a large lake like area before running off in another direction. This was the Kokeili Pride. They lived on a village above the entire water rather than on a ledge or ridge like the Wenja. It was a very long rope bridge to the entrance and all were tight against the other. Akhet was friends with their hunters but this was different. They were in Kokelli Territory, in the heart of. And in the center was this elegant style hut. Many other huts scattered around with smaller bridges leading to and fro. They all began to tremble inside as they approached the guarded entrance, "And you scraggly lot are?" Neyrei hid behind the others as Anaya handed over the passage note, "P-Princess Anaya of the Wenja Tribe." Akhet nodded, "Akhet Softpaw, Wenja Lion Guard to Princess Anaya." "Keytani, Head of the Wenja Hunters. And this young girl.... " Anaya cut off Keytani, "Is the reason we're here. My father requested we speak to your King, er Chief... er... I mean...." The armed Kokelli guard rolled his eyes at the very young princess and after confirming her seal of royalty took them inside where they were all told to wait patiently. It felt like eternity but the King of the Kokelli eventually made his way down the wood and rope spiral staircase. He sat down, the dark tan and Brown maned Lion smiled, "Anaya, is it? It has been a while since your ceremony of birth. I've heard you've become quite the young lady as of recent." The Kokelli and Wenja always shared in tradition and were very close allies. And considering who neighbored them, they had to. In seasons when hunting was thing, they shared food supplies, exchanged guards during times of need and when the flood waters raged, sent help to one another. "And you...." he said looking at the Cheetah standing before him. He noticed the position of Akhet's hand, read to fling to his spear at the moment's notice, "You must be the young man taken in by the Wenja... or rather should I say the newest member? Your tales do not escape the ears of your neighbors. Now relax. I bring no harm to our Wenja Friends. But I must ask why you bring this spotted girl in my sight. The laws are very strict about their kind." Anaya handed over the scroll as Akhet told the tale of how they met and what they did and to try and find out where the girls family went. When the Kokelli King confirmed from the note and the eye witness account he was shocked but most angry as he crumbled the scroll in his fist, "Machai! Will you stop at NOTHING?! I bet he deceives the council of Elders to it would seem. His legacy precedes him as the revolution makes it's full turn yet again. Yet the Council continues to trust the next of their heirs why?!"

Anaya was confused, "I don't understand, this has happened before?" The King of the Kokeli sighed, "Yes. A long time ago, child, before both our times. I will tell you the tale of our ancestors." But Anaya had been raised with that one before, "I know the tale of our ancestors. The Great Spirits bore life and raised us Lions up to rule all that we see and there was a great divide among st the rulers leading to the Prides becoming their own." The Kokelli King nodded, "yes, that is what we are taught as children but there is more to the story than that. Cycles ago, Generations ago Erridus Machai, the grandfather to King Machai sought to untie the scattered tribes. And it was said that he once visited a ruin to the north. The Ruin was told to show the true leader of the Lions the path to unity, carved in a tongue very few spoke or could even understand. He spent many nights there and one day he returned to unite the pride under one banner. He was slow to convince everyone but ultimately was successful. Mind you I was barely a cub at that time. Well power is absolute and Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely. That is what we are taught, those of us who become leaders, but Erridus forgot this and grew into a harsh and corrupt King. Life fell apart under his hand, under his rule and the prides, well most of them rebelled. Those that were loyal and those that were crushed remain a apart of Machai Territory to this day, treated as nothing more than servants in the fields. We, the Kokelli like you Wenja are small and thus we all pitch in. So to hear of such slavery is unthinkable or unheard of. But eventually Erridus was struck down most of the Prides broke free and sought refuge in other parts of the land forming their own Kingdoms and territories. ANd like Erridus, his son would ascend to the throne. But this cub was too corrupted and brainwashed, believing taht the prophecy spoke of the Machai's becoming the saviors and rulers of a united Pride. But the son was more cruel than the Father. And life got worse, becoming this twisted landscape you see today. It wasn't long before he tried his own conquest. But by now we had a Council of Elders where all of the Kings meet to discuss policy in joint unity. The Father was stopepd and sent into exile. THus the grandson now takes the throne. I have heard rumors that the seals are being broken on the ruins that parts of what the Machai's legacy uncovered is only the surface of the power that lays within. But the Ruins lay within lands of the Great Elder King. In my humble opinion it seems that the Machai Pride seeks to elnist a bigger army to take on the Great Elder King and claim the ruins for himself. And no doubt you have all risked your life and limb to bring this information this girl witnessed and risked your own lives to witness the same thing. For that you have my gratitude. Princess Anaya, tell your father to make ready for I plan to summon the Kings to council and confront this would be madman."

Akhet was confused. But as the preparations were made and Anaya was handed the scroll with the Kokeli King's official response and seal, the Party was led out but Akhet stopped and turned and said, "You are knowledgeable about the ancient carvings, Yes?" He nodded back at the c Cheetah, "Yes, why do you ask?" Akhet said, "In our land, we have a Forbidden Cave, it's used for our final rites of passage to adulthood. When Princess Anaya and I entered, we saw the same ancient carvings as you described in the ruins, but we were both able to read the ancient tongue. Both of us were raised beliving that was our ancient language. But if the Great Spirits chose the Lions....." The King stopped and though as he looked back, "I fear that there may be something greater at work here than we could possibly know about. I will contemplate what you have told me, young Akhet. Now go, You must hurry back." Akhet nodded as he set off running and catching up to the others, taking his place in front of Anaya as he was lost in thought. They all were. Was there a war coming or was this all a misunderstanding? Time would only tell.