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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 4: Be Prepared It was quiet for the first time in a while over Wenja Ridge as the sun rose high in the morning Sky. Akhet rolled over in his pile of blankets and slept in, his punishment long behind and no longer had to be up with the morning hunters. His back had healed but the scars remained. His spear hung over his bed with his gear stowed in the corner. It wasn't a big room in the Royal Cave but it was next to Anaya's Room so that he could be ready in case of a situation. It had always been like that since they were little. Inside the cave out of the entrances gaurded and grass doorways were walls of wood and stone with grass doors as well. It was an elaborate interior, none the less. It housed the Royal Guards barracks, the main throne room, the King and Queens Room, Anaya's Room, Akhet's Room, the Armory. It also had a drying and curing room for the meat from the hunts though all ate by the central fire pit in the middle of the Village, even the Royal Family.

Anaya walked out into the morning sun, clouds on the horizon were a very real indicator of a storm brewing. She streched and yawned when she heard a familar voice behind her, "Good Morning Anaya. Did you misplace your escort this morning?" Her father stood behind her as he walked out in front of the cave behind his daughter. "Good Morning daddy!" she hugged him all bubbly like, "No I checked on him, he's passed out cold. I He said something last night about not having to endure Keytani's punishment anymore and that as far as he was concerned and I quote 'Those early morning, slap happy lionesses can go have fun on their own, I'm not leaving these blankets til I'm an old cheetah.'" Her father chuckled, "Well Let him rest than, he's been through a lot." But the smile faded from Anaya's face, "Yeah, I guess." she looked away from her father and down at her feet. But the King hugged her, "Anaya, I know it hurts, I don't know if it hurts you or I more than him, but I had no choice. The two of them could not be allowed to act like rabid wild dogs. Our Tribal laws are in place to unite the Pride, not divide us. And if you think I took pleasure in watching his punishment, I did not. My heart broke. I love Akhet like a son." Anaya snapped back but her energy to be shrill and sharp like normal wasn't there, "And what if it was me? Would you have strung me up for lashes?" This caught the King off guard and he had to think for a minute. He knew the answer and it wasn't one he wanted to openly speak but she looked back up at him, "Well?" He sighed as he reluctantly answered his daughter, "Yes. Because if you would have gone that far to break Tribal Law and attack another pride member in the same way as Akhet and Keyon, I would have no choice and my hand would be forced." "But," she chimed in, "What if I was just defending myself like Akhet?" But he just shook his head, "Akhet did not defend himself. Keyon took his lashes for provocation of that fight. Once he did that he wasn't innocent of anything. As for Akhet, he charged and physically first. Even if he was defending his Mother's honor, he took the bait. He was already walking away like he told me but he chose to turn around and become violent. Even Akhet himself admitted that. If you had done it just like Akhet, than yes you would be guilty of breaking law and would be strung up for lashes. But if you truly did not provoke anyone and you did not do anything to warrant being attacked than no you would have defended yourself. My daughter, there is a fine line between defense and attack. Talk to your best friend and he'll tell you what I speak is the truth." Anaya sighed. Deep down she knew what her father would sy and she knew he was right, "This sucks." The King patted his daughter on the head, "Being King or Queen is a hard job because you have to make decisions that benefit the Pride as a whole. Remember when I said it broke my heart to order his lashing? Because , it was a decision I knew I had to make to benefit the Pride, to remind us all that we are united as one, not torn apart. I have to make decisions like that every day. And I do't make them lightly. And all your life since you were little Your mother and I have been trying to teach you this. I hope recent events has opened your eyes now, Anaya. Some day the sun is going to set on your Mother and I and you will be the rising Dawn. You will be a great Queen. And I'm sure Akhet will be by your side to remind you. So take you mind off the past and heed my advice and enjoy life, as short as it can be." Anaya began to smile to herself again as she kissed her father's cheek, "Thanks daddy." and she ran off to fetch breakfast for her friend. But the King thought to himself, 'Did I make the right decision? I suppose we'll see in time.'

Akhet was lost in his dreams when his nose twitched followed by his ears as the smell of fresh meat wafted into the room. He rolled over onto his sore back. Bruised and scarred up but it was healing at it's own rate. But than again it was designed like that, a lasting memory. He opened his eyes groggy and half awake and all he saw was Anaya nose to nose in his face, "Morning Lazy Bones!" Akhet jump and slammed back into the cave wall, "Gah!". His mother's spear which hung over his bed fell onto his head, 'Ow!" He reached up and grabbed his head. "Stop Doing That, Anaya!" Anaya had constantly woke him up like that since they were cubs and to her the game never got old, not for a minute. But to Akhet, he was growing tired of it. "Awww c'mon now, I brought you something to eat. You can use the energy again and you know it. "Yeah that's for reminding me. Look I just want to do nothing today until my normal hunt." Anaya shook her head at him, "You need to get your strength up for it than, so eat. Or do I have to take you over my knee....." Akhet rolled his eyes at her, "You kinky little...." but he stopped himself, she was right after all and he knew it, "I suppose you are right. Look I'll eat something but stop waking me up like that, you know i dont' like it." She giggled and smirked, getting off him, she did it because she had feeligns for him but she was too ashamed to admit it. She sat with him and shockingly he didn't pull away as she joined him for a meal, "Daddy says it's almsot time for our final trials within the pride. Are you nervous?" He nodded, "About as much as you are. Keytani says because of my training I'll be participating with the warriors rather than the Hunters. And if I fail that next season I can come take the trial with the hunters." Anaya looked at him puzzled, "You think you'll fail? Further more, would you rather be a hunter?" He never thought about that. He was always trained in the art of combat. He was with the hunters because his speed and prowess was a great benefit to the pride, youngster or not, "I don't know. Your mother says that I might make a fine warrior like her some day and I hate to waste that gift. She's raised me from a little cub and been so paitent with me and taught me so much that my spear is an extension of my body. But Keytani....she taught me to hunt to fend for myself. And to be able to contribute to the Pride, I feel like it's a debt that I can never repay." Anaya leaned back against the wall behind them, "Sounds like you have some choices to make, very few young get to choose their path within the Pride, so I ask you again, what will you do?" Akhet shrugged, "I"ll make my decision when the time comes." Akhet stood up, as he put his clothing and gear on, sheathing his spear into it's holster after taking it down from above his bed, "Where are you going, now?" Anaya asked, "To seek some Advice from a wise person." Anaya said, "But my Mother and Father aren't here...." Too late. He left and headed out of the village. He had a few hours to kill before his hunt and he knew the perfect person to talk to.

Since they were Cubs Anaya and Akhet always tred the same path to the Greatwood Tree together when they could and when you looked down you could see many small and medium sized paw prints embedded into the ground like fossils right next to each other. It brought back so many memories. But rather than look at the past from a pessimistic perspective, he remembered the happy times he spent with his friend. Whatever magic she weaved to snap him out of his catatonic state, she did a good job of it. When he reached the lift, he rang the chimes and the lift ascended up the rope guide ways. And he entered the Shaman's hut, empty as always, but now Akhet had learned a thing or two. Master Togamaru dropped down from behind him and he leaned backwards grabbing the Mandrills staff and holding it as he stared him in the eyes, "Nice try. Don't you ever get tired of that?" The old monkey laughed, "Keeps your senses sharp doesn't i? And what of you? You've gotten better, faster, smarter! A Hunter indeed you are. But I see you came alone, and a social visit isn't in your nature. Do I detect confusion in your eyes, your path before you is laid but forked it is and confused as to wear you go, no?" Akhet took his hands off Togamaru's staff and sighed, "How do you know these....You know what, I don't have time for that explanation. Yes I'm... I'm lost. Master Togamaru, I don't know what I should do. The final tests for us are coming up fast and I don't know what to do. If I train with the warriors, I feel like I have disrespected that which Keytani taught me, but if I train with the Hunters I betray EVERYTHING that the Queen has given and provided for me. Everything she taught me...." He slumped down on the pillow on the floor. Master Togamaru nodded, sitting opposite him, "I knew this day would come. The conflict in your soul, the confusion in your tone. And yet I feel that Keytani accidentally let something slip. Perhaps I should elaborate. You see within the Wenja there was always a Lion Guard, an individual of outstanding performance whose duties it was to protect the heir of the Royal Family should tragedy strike. It is not something tobe given away, but to be earned. If the prophecies about you are correct than you will find the answer in your heart, for it is not mine decision to make for you." Akhet sighed, the mysticism and cryptic speak of the monkey always drove him insane, "That really doesn't help me, Master Togamaru." But the old monkey didnt' give up, "Whatever decision you make, know that everyone whose lives you touched will support you, the only person you can disappoint is yourself. Keytani, The King and Queen, Anaya.... It doesn't matter They support you. You can only make them proud, but you can only disappoint yourself. Keytani should not have told you about the vacant position, and I fear that is what is clouding your judgement. But I will leave you with this; No matter what happens, you earned your place within the Pride, no one gave it to you and no one provided it to you. You earned the right to wear those royal garments. " Akhet was confused as ever but he nodded and parted ways. He wasn't any closer to his answer. But in the coming days his answer would be made clear.

Near the Wenja's Southern Borders, close to a mountain range laid the Machai Pride. Maunches Machai was a very fierce and ferocious Lion. His families heritage had gone back generations and they were ruthless combatants. And he desired nothing more than to be the ruler of a united Savannah. As he sat on his throne in the cave that served as his home he met with a one armed Wild Dog. Unusual to say the least as scavengers were executed in cold blood on their turf. ".....I see. I offer you my friend a place for your pack and your kind assuming that you can follow orders to the letter." The Wild dog looked up at him, "And what makes you think we'd ever take orders from you? You summon us to your lands, harass us at the borders making us fight only to bring us here to tell us you need our help? What kind of an idiot do you think I am?" But the King of the Machai shrugged, "Perhaps than you need a little motivation. What if I told you that there is a prize I can offer you greater than a free run of the land?" Now he had his ears perked, "What prize?" " And the King sat up and looked down at him, "What if I told you the cheetah cub still lives. And is currently residing within the Wenja Territory.." "What?!" shouted the WIld Dog. "They took him in?! Those two slaughtered my pack, they ruined my feast and they took that little brat IN?! I will end them all mark my words!" He pulled his large sword out which caused the palace guards to draw theirs. But the king waved his hand to disarm his soldiers, "You wouldn't last a day on Wenja Territory. Ever since your stunt that year they have increased their patrols, or isn't that why your kind hasn't been seen on there in cycles. You want revenge. I want power. Together we can forge an alliance." "What's the catch?" asked the Wild Dog, "Your utmost and undying loyalties. Do we have an agreement?" They say that backroom politics are dirty and when the two shook hands the deed was done. And Akhet's past was about to resurface in a way he had never imagined.

The storm on the horizon was pikcing up. The prey began to scatter. But one of them scattered the wrong way. And out of no where Akhet popped up and growled. The antelope ran and he took off after it, keeping close on it's heels as it tried to lose him and just when the Antelope thought it was free as it raced to a thicket patch even Akhet wouldn't go in, Keytani speared the Antelope out of no where and quickly and silently ended it's life. Food for the Pride. She high fived Akhet, "Fantastic. You know despite your punishment, my morning hunters tell me you gave them a run for their money, that they weren't expecting your unorthodox methods." Akhet smirked, "Yeah well traps only do so much, sometimes you gotta get your claws dirty. Keytani laughed as a crack of thunder cracked and lighting flashed in the sky. Rain began to fall ast the other hunters quickly cleaned up and carried the kill off. And they all retreated back to the safety of the village. Some of the other hunters and huntresses cheered when they made it back "Keytani and Akhet! The Tag Team from the depths of the spirits!" they chanted. Akhet and Keytani had learned to work as a team and so she had an idea, "Akhet." she asked. "Yes Keytani?" "How do you feel about some extra responsibility?" Akhet didn't like that. That usually meant he was in trouble, "I....uh... Am I In trouble again?" She laughed and shook her head, "No, no of course you aren't. But I need second in command, a Hunter or Huntress below me who is capable of following my direction and orders. Who might be able to handle running a hunt eventually." Akhet lept for joy in his heart but his brain was terrified. "I am honored Keytani," as he bowed, showing the Adult respect, "But with our final trials coming up I ...uh.. that is to say.." Keytani smirked, "Just say yes, boy. I won't keep you from preparing for them. And if you wish to resume your position afterwards it will be waiting for you? Okay?" Akhet nodded, "O-okay. I'll do it." Keytani liked messing with him much like Anaya, "Your first job is to organize the hunt at dawn." But the look in Akhet's eyes turned from joy to fear, "I'm kidding, Akhet. I have someone who runs that hunt already, In fact, she's the one who said you might do well with this responsibility. After all she to ]was once in your position." Akhet and Keytani parted ways. Sadly Keyon was still holding a grudge against him and as they passed he shoved into Akhet making him drop his hunting gear, though Keyon made it look like an accident. Keyon did what everyone expected, his participation in provoking the fight was deemed unacceptable and as the King said he too took ten lashes. Akhet had tried to warn him during the punishment to not struggle because it would hurt worse, but he didn't listen and even his own family was holding a grudge against Akhet. But nothing was said for they respected the King and his insistance of Pride Unity. Akhet felt partially guilty but he realized he could do nothing since keyon had it in his craw to ignore him. He picked up his hunting gear and made his way up the steps that led to the Royal cave. He wanted to be alone and think. He had a lot on his mind.

Days later the handful of young teenagers who were taking their final rites of passage prepared for the tasks and challenges ahead. But as Anaya sat and looked around, she noticed Akhet was missing. "Where could he be?" But Keyon sat down next to her. Much like Akhet his back was scarred up from the lashings he received. "Forget him. He's too busy with the hunt to be bothered." But Anaya shook his head, "No. Keytani would never keep him from this. Hunter or not he still has to take hsi rite like everyone else." keyon wouldn't back down, "He's just a useless outsider. Everyone else here knows that why don't you?" Anaya growled at him, "Why are you such a bigot?! Akhet has done nothing but pull his weight more than anyone expected. I don't see you doing what he's doing with the hunters." Keyon didn't like being reminded of that spotted cat or compared to. He flet as a Lion he was more superior and didn't care what the King or Queen said regarding the situation, "Some of us believe in the ideals our Pride was founded on." Anaya snapped back, "And some of us can at least handle our weapons correctly." keyon was adequate but made too many mistakes with his swords. There were doubts ruminating in the Pride that he might not pass his initiation. "You know what? I don't need a female to talk back to me like that." Anaya got angry. She wasn't going to tolerate this anymore and did something she hadn't done since she was a kid, "I am not a female. I am your Princess, keyon, and don't you forget it." She got up in a huff and walked away sitting over with the other initiates. keyon was left alone, again, cold and bitter. He clenched his fists and growled lowly to himself. He wasn't going to be denied of Anaya's affections and he wasn't about to let a spotty cat move in and take over. While Akhet showed zero interest in dating his best friend, Keyon didn't know that. And saw him and the time he spent with Anaya as a threat. He wanted to be King, He wanted to be the brave soul she looked up to. The problem is keyon wasn't a brave soul. And Akhet? He wasn't either, but he was forced to become one all those cycles ago. And it was because of Anaya that he learned to be brave. to protect the only friend he had within the Pride. Keyon would never understand that however. He hoped something bad would happen so that his rival was no longer there to move in on Anaya.

But out at the borders Akhet and Keytani with a few guards were busy dealing with a Wild Dog attack. Ones that hadn't been seen in a while, "Get wrecked you flea bitten mutts!" screamed Akhet as he slashed his double tipped spear and carved the chest of one of them twice before turning and kicking another in the head.. One of them was about to snipe Akhet with an arrow before Keytani turned and threw her spear into him with deadly aim, killing the Wild Dog instantaneously. "Watch your back, Akhet, Your initiation is going to be a thousand times worse than this." she barked. Akhet was in rage mode as he had a very dislike of these animals. And rightfully so. The Wild Dogs wre far numerous beyond a normal pack but the five of them scattered them pretty quick. "And stay off our lands you mongrels!" screamed Keytani at the fleeing Wild Dogs. Akhet sighed, "What is going on. We haven't seen them in many cycles. Now all of a sudden they show up?" Keytani nodded as one of the guards said, "And did you see their numbers? No pack is that big, an alpha of theirs couldn't control it." They all nodded at that statement, no one missed that detail. "We need to return to the village. The King must find out what's going on immediately. Leave the traps, Akhet, take your crew out later to fix them." Akhet nodded. He was to lead a hunting group today for the first time and Keytani made sure she assigned a group that would be easy for him to handle as there were many that didn't trust him still or like him.

Meanwhile back at the village, The King and master Togamaru paced, they were waiting on Akhet. Nothing could be done as he was doing his share for the Pride and that forced their hands to wait. Anaya was getting scared and nervous, seeing visions in her mind of him being ripped apart. But Master Togamaru kept reminding her that the spirits were deceiving her and would continue to do so until she proved her worthiness. That didn't make her feel any better until she saw the party walk into the village. Keytani said something to Akhet who immediately went to a group of Lionesses, one of them nodded to him as he walked towards the center of the Village. Keytani was talking with the Queen who also nodded. She would pass the message on to the King when he was finished beginning the Initiation. Akhet walked over and bowed to the King and Master Togamaru. "Well," the King said, "Have you made your choice, Young Akhet?" He nodded "I will seek the path of the Hunter." Akhet said. The King's heart sank, not what he had hoped Akhet would say, but the path was his to make and so he nodded, "You'll make a fine hunter, finer than you already are." This made Keyon smile, he had a chance now. Akhet sat down next to Anaya, she whispered in his ear, "But you said you wanted to be a Guard! All your life!" He whispered back, "I know but Keytani has so much faith and confidence in me to lead my own hunting group I don't want to let her down. For someone who doesn't like me, she believes in me more than anyone else." He held Anaya's hand tightly and she smiled warmly. Saddened because she wanted him to be her guardian, not anyone else. But what neither one knew is he already was. Well unofficially he was. Anytime the King sent his daughter out for any reason, Akhet was to go in tow, because h knew Akhet would be strong enough to protect her with his life if needed. The dozen or so teens sat around the fire in the middle of the village as the King spoke, "Today, you are all on the final steps of becoming adults within our Pride. I am proud of each and every one of you. And though many of you have dealt with hardships and difficulties," at this point the King looked at Keyon and Akhet but continued, "I know you will all become fine young adults by the end of today. Master Togamaru will proceed over you as the Master of Ceremonies, much like he did when I was your age, cycles ago." Anaya saw Keyon look at her and she was annoyed so she kissed Akhet's cheek on purpose, saying "Good Luck, my strong hunter." Akhet blushed bright red. He wasn't really into that sort of thing, after all they were friends.

Master Togamaru Held his staff up and brought it down. And as the butt of the staff hit the ground it echoed as if hitting stone. All eyes stopped at looked at the Old Mandrill Shaman. "You will all be taught your final lesson tody, my children. Unity. You will all proceed into the forbidden cave near our Western Border. While as Cubs you were told to never go there, you will soon see why. Because there are so few of you this cycle, you will enter in groups of three." Togamaru began to name off the groups before finishing with, "And that leaves Akhet, Keyon and Anaya as our final group." The three of them looked at each other and proclaimed, "WHAT?!" But Togamaru slammed his staff again to command silence yet again. "Your task is simple. Buried within the forbidden cave are your Totems of Passage. Retrieve them, asa team. And you will pass. Now the roles you have chosen to undertake within the tribe will be brought to bear upon you. And every teams path within the Cave is different. For deep in there lies the mystical magic of our ancestors whose goal it is to deceive you and trick you into giving up. Do not let them. You are proving to them as well as the Pride that you are ready for adulthood. One of the teens was confused and said, "The Pride? But don't we serve the King and Queen?" The King took this moment to interuppt, "Yes and No. You see while the Pride has a ruler, that ruler comes and goes. But the unity of the Pride is the utmost importance. For divide we cannot hope to survive. I ask nothing more of The Wenja than to band together. Someday the sun will set on my rule, and rise with my daughter's. And I hope that she too will continue to carry the very Ideals that this Pride stands for and that your trials today will teach you."

Because of the recent Wild Dog situation, The Queen took the moment to speak to her King and he nodded as he summoned an army of Guards. He than spoke to the younglings, "It has come to my attention that Wild Dogs were recently spotted within our lands today. Thanks to the efforts of young Akhet here assistance Keytani they have been chased off and scattered. However I will take no risks with your safety today. And so we will personally escort you to the Forbidden Cave. Guards with me." The Teens all stood up and they were flanked. Akhet felt annoyed because he could handle himself. But could he? Keytani and 3 guards were with him and they all have more seasons of experience than he had. He tangled with scavengers once or twice a season but not on a regular basis. But none the less they all walked to the cave. Unbeknownst to them they were being watched from high on a ridge nearby. And the one armed Wild Dog disappeared off the ledge as he spotted Akhet, 'So. The Brat does in fact live....A Mistake I should intend to correct.' But the voice behind him halted his progress to attack, 'Not now. In time. You will have your chance. But I shall not play my hand before the game is over. For now keep testing their defenses for weaknesses. Because if 5 of them can chase off a large assault force...." But the Wild Dog snapped back, "A minor set back. They say the young Cheetah was with them and he's as strong if not stronger than his mother. I should expect no less.. Very well, I will trust your plan, King Machai." and the two of them slipped off the rock and out of Wenja Territory before they could be caught.

When they got there All stood around as Master Togamaru put the same paint on their foreheads that he did when they were cubs. They would gloe blue should they have finished. And with that the first team went in while the others stood discussing what potential problems might arise. Keyon was trying to goad Akhet again but he wasn't biting, trying to ignore him before Anaya stepped in, "Alright enough. I know none of us like this arrangement but if we don't do this we won't getto do this again for another season and I for one am not going to sit through another oone of my parents lectures on what I did wrong. And who knows what will happen do either of you. ESPECIALLY if Keytani finds out. So both of you drop your alpha male attitudes for once in your lives." Anaya was angry at them both. She knew why Keyon was doing it and that didn't impress her and the fact that Akhet was letting himself get goaded into it certainly didn't fly well with her. It was bad enough he was oblivious to her flirting, all she had was their friendship and if he blew it, she knew she might not get to pal around with him again. The two shook hands in a truce grudgingly. It felt like hours when the first group came out. All three had their foreheads glow blue. "Next Group." Called Master Togamaru. And Akhet, Keyon and Anaya stepped up to the entrance. Once they had their foreheads painted they entered the dark cave as the entrance sealed behind them.

Keyon turned around in a panic. "Relax," Akhet said, "We'll be fine. Not like they'd send us to our death." "Funny coming from you. I heard about your rite of passage seasons ago, you manifested something that almost killed you. You broke the safety barrier." Keyon wasn't liking this any. "I don't know why that happened, Keyon, neither did Master Togamaru. But if it makes you feel better...." Akhet reached down and pulled a torch off his leg strap and lit it with some flint and kindling. The others looked at him, "What?" he said, "I'm a hunter, you never know." And the three teens walked forwards down the path. They didn't know what layout the first team took, as the Cave was known to shift it's paths based on the person or persons inside it. The cave was dark and damp, drops of water could be heard hitting the floor. The walls were carved in ancient glyphs and text. Anaya and Akhet both read certain words together and stopped looking at each other, "How did you know that?!" they said at each other. Akhet said, "I remember my mother speaking those words....They say the ancient Cheetah Ancestors spoke it....." Anaya shook her head, "Impossible. Our Lion Ancestors spoke that, it's all over the Royal Cave." They were puzzled now. How could two different species speak the same language. But Keyon wasn't in the mood for a history lesson, "Can we just get on with it?" he said. And so the trio moved forwards. They reached a gap. It looked like a bottomless pit There was a ledge above the path on the other side and Akhet took his grappling hook out and swung it as he connected onto the ledge. But something threw it right back at them and Akhet shouted, "DUCK!" The grappling hook flew over their heads and slammed to the ground behind them. "Good job, Genius." said Anaya, "Well how was I suppose to know." Akhet retorted. Keyon chimed in, "Didn't the monkey say things would be different for everyone in here?" Anaya agreed with Keyon for once, "You're right, That would have been way too simple. Something tells me....I have an idea, hold on one second." Anaya reached into her pouch and pulled out what looked like sand. It was in a sense but was used for many different rituals. She scattered some upon the empty cavern hole and it landed floating in a pile. She kicked the pile with her foot and it scattered wide, a small path appeared in front of them. Akhet raised an eyebrow, "Not bad. I always thought you kept that for... look it doesn't matter, lets get moving." The trio followed behind each other closely as they were careful to not fall off the edge and to their doom.

In the next chamber there were three pillars. Each with a head of an Ancient Lion, mouths open And a stand in the center of the pillars with a button on it. "I have a bad feeling about this, " Akhet said. "Oh nonsense." Keyon said and as he stepped forwards he triggered something on the floor and all three mouths threw flames at him and he rolled backwards narrowly getting singed. "Next time, Keyon I say I have a bad feeling about this, I mean I have a bad feeling about this." Anaya stepped forwards, again they heard a click and the flames started, she put a shield up weaving it into the room with her staff but it disappated immediately and she was pulled back by Akhet. But when the click happened, his ear twitched. "It can't be...." the other two looked at each other, as he stepped one foot forwards and again his ear twitched as he heard the click and looked down towards the sound. He jumped back in time as more flames spit out. "FLOOR SWITCHES!" they all exclaimed. Akhet got down and examined the floor noticing symbols on certain tiles. "I think the ones with the symbols are the triggers. I wonder if that pedestal will deactivate it. Akhet carefully stepped on the first safe tile and hopped to the next. "How come he gets to do it?!" Keyon exclaimed. "Because," Anaya said, "He has better balance than you and yes I do watch him practice." Akhets balance did indeed help him hop to the pedestal til his foot sliped and he pulled into the safe zone just in time. Amidst the flames he pushed the bit stone button and it sank itno the pedestal and the flames stopped with a sound of metal on metal like cogs and a large sound as if they stopped. Anaya tested the marked tile with her staff and it didn't move. "Nice work, Akhet. I knew those cheetah ears of yours would come in handy." Akhet rolled his eyes, "If you knew why didn't you say something before." "i uh.... I was testing you, yeah!" Anaya was trying to save face but even Keyon knew she didn't think of it. And the trio moved on to the next chamber.

Inside was a huge room. A river flowed through it with stairs leading down into it and leading up onto the next area. The tokens shone brightly in the light coming through the ceilings. Piles of rock laid around. "Well I be...." Keyon said as they walked down the stairs and waded through the river and up to the tokens. "This is it. We did it. We did it!" All three of them grabbed the tokens, and Keyon tried to hug Anaya but she batted him away, "Don't touch me Keyon. You were a big help but that doesn't mean I like you. At least not like that." Keyon was angry being rejected but he couldn't say anything because shortly after there was a loud noise. The rock piles began to spin and stir in the air as they formed into two very large stone golems, blocking the path back to the entrance. "Oh crap." said Akhet as he reached for his staff. Anaya drew her Staff and Keyon got his swords out. "We're fighting our way out it seems, lets keep a tight battle formation. We got this guys." Akhet said. compared to Keyon Akhet did have more experience. He charged in and distracted them enough for Anaya to cast up her shield on Akhet. "Now Keyon!" Anaya said. But Keyon was still bitter at her rejection and he hopped down behind the distracted golems and said "Sorry, I plan on finishing this. Thanks for playing distraction. I'll tell them you had stayed behind to help me." and he ran for the exit as a stone door shut behind it. Akhet was furious as he rolled out of the ay of a stone fist, "That rat bastard! Stay out of Range Anaya I'll try to get us out of this one, you'll die on my watch when the seven hells freezes over!" Akhet stood at the defense of his best friend. Something he did often and wasn't ashamed to admit. "Going to need some help than!" and Anaya enchanted his spear tips, "I hope I do your mother proud." she said to herself and as Akhet's spear tips glowed he charged in and pierced on of the golems and swung the rear tip into another. Unnatural cries filled the chamber.

Akhet was fighting as hard as he could, he was tiring out and Anaya was doing her best to keep his spear enchanted whe nshe noticed something on the golems backs. Right around the neck was a glowing white spot. "Akhet! The Back of their necks! Slam your spear into it!" AKhet pulled his spear free from the chest of the golems and ran. They chased him across the river and he circled around and wall jumped off a column and leapt up into the air landing on the back of one of them. It shook hard and Akhet was thrown off holding onto the top of the neck by his hand as his spear dangled in the other. He struggled to get up as the other golems fist came swinging in hard towards him. He let go as the fist hit the other golems spot and it began to shake and crumble down into nothing. This gave Akhet enough time to try his trick again. He scaled to the top of the column and dropped onto the final golem and took it down hard. His spear jammed into the white spot and shrieks and shrills echoed as it began to crumble into nothing. Akhet was thrown free from the explosion of the creature and he landed on the stairs where Anaya stood at the top. But the door to the exit didn't open. "I don't get it." he said. "We took it down did we not?" Anaya looked scared, and she began to shake like a leaf, "We--we're going to die in here aren't we?" Akhe stood up, bruised and battered but he took Anaya's hand in hsi, "Like hell we are. I"ll get you out of here if it's the last thing I do Anaya." "What about you?" she exclaimed, "The future of the Pride is more important, I'm just an outsider." But before Anaya could respond, a loud voice was echoing in the chamber. "An outsider.....Impossible." The looked around, confused. When a ghostly white being dressed like one of the ancients stood before them. The elder Lion spoke, "Why do you call yourself an outsider, Young Softpaw." Akhet was seriously in shock, "Y-You know my name?!" "I know all who enter this place. For it is where young ones like yourself come to prove your wroth to your Pride. So I say again, Why do you call yourself an outsider?" Akhet sighed, "Do I have to tell you? Look at me! Do I look like a Lion to you? I was an orphan But I've been an outsider to the Wenja all my life." "Is that so? If you are an outsider, than you wouldn't have been granted permission by the Great Spirits to enter this holy place. You would have been blocked from entering. The aspiring hunter, who came in here to work with his Pride Members and stood tall against ferocious beasts. You strike me as that of a warrior than anything else. Much like your mother. The Great Spirits encompass all life, not just the Lions. For once upon a time, We were all of one. You have both been deemed worthy to pass into adulthood. You have shown the ideals of the Wenja. Pride, Loyalty Companionship and most of all Compassion. But know this, Akhet Softpaw. You entered a Hunter. You Left A Warrior." and the hunters insignia that was painted onto his forehead was changed to that of the warrior. Akhet's destiny was to play out as the Great Spirits saw fit. He proved himself and the door opened. His willingness to sacrifice himself to save Anaya was the key. ANd they walked out of the cave together.

Outside the cave Keyon's forehead indeed had glowed blue. But he had sad something had happened to them and they stayed behind. But when Akhet and Anaya walked out of the Cave, foreheads glowing, Master Togamaru was shocked, "Akhet. Your forehead. Did I not paint the Hunters mark upon you?" Akhet nodded and Anaya said, "We spoke with one of the ancestors of our Pride. He changed the mark on Akhets forehead and said he entered a hunter and left a warrior. The King smiled after looking at Master Togamaru, both of them realized the prophecy was true. Akhet chose hsi path but fate determined that he would indeed stay where he was. "Akhet, Anaya. You both have passed your trials. I am proud of you both. It is with great honor that I welcome you as Adults of the Wenja Pride." Anaya hugged Akhet and he let it happen, blushing as he grinned. But Togamaru continued, "Keyon. This trial was about teamwork. You abandoned your friends to their fate. While the retrieval of the token signified the goal was reached, you failed to grasp the point of the trail. YOu will wait a full cycle before you can try again. I hope that you spend this time learning what it means to a Wenja." Keyon was pissed and stormed off growling. A double meaning? A Trick he though. He wasn't happy. But really, was this going to be that simple as retrieving a token?

It was late in the day when the last groups finished. Only 4 of them failed including Keyon. Those that passed where congratulated by the Pride and a great feast was held that night. Akhet sat alone eating thinking to himself when Anaya sat down next to her best friend, "YOu did it Akhet. Does this make you finally see, It's OUR Pride, not mine." He said nothing for a while and than smiled, "I guess you are right." SHe huffed and said sarcastically, "I'm always right. I'm the Princess of the Wenja." But a Voice boomed behind her, "You're going to be a very awkward Queen in that case if you have that attitude." The King and Queen came to sit down on either side of them. The Queen spoke up, "I"m proud of your work today Akhet. I tried to teach you without being your kind, to try and awaken your instincts. I wasn't sure if I succeeded or not. I know your life has been full of a lot of painful experiences. But I see now, that Cheetah or Lion, I raised you to be a Wenja. " "Which reminds me, Akhet. It has been a long time since this Pride has had a proper guard for the Heir to the Throne. I would like to ask you to be the one to protect Anaya til the day she dies. After all you've been doing it sine you were cubs if you remember. Well when she wasn't pushign you into the mud for being a downer." Akhet blushed red remembering Anaya's ideas to get him to laugh and open up as she giggled at the thought. "I don't know, sire," he said, "I jsut agreed to Keytani to help run one of the hunting groups, my time wouldn't be spent very well that way." Anaya shrugged, "I'll be fine for the time you're gone. I'm an adult now Akhet, I can take care of myself." Both the King and Queen rolled their eyes at each other, "You're both still kids in my eyes. But what do you say Akhet? After all you both get along very well.." Akhet thought about it for a bit, "Alright. I accept, My King. I, Akhet Softpaw will swear my oath, my life and loyalties to Anaya to keep her safe from harm to the best of my ability." They all laughed at Akhets attempt to be regal and so did he. He had a lot to be taught about being royalty. "Than let it be known to the Pride, Akhet, you are officially a member of the Royal Family. That means no more getting into fist fights over someone saying something stupid, you understand me?" Akhet nodded, "Don't worry, I have a lasting reminder to never do that again." The king did wonder one thing and he asked, "So tell me Akhet, You weren't under guard before that, why didn't you run?" He didn't have to think about that at all, "Because this is my home. This is my family. And I'm done running from my troubles, and I'm done running my mistakes." The pair of cubs had grown up in the years, they were raised to be fine adults and even though their path was hard, they turned out okay. But the King decided to embarrass them both, "Imagine now if this is how their wedding looked." "WEDDING?!" Akhet and Anaya exclaimed together looking at each other with a funny face. "Why not," The Kign said, "You are a perfect match." They took shots at each other, Akhet leading off, "She's a girl!" "He's a boy!" "She taes forever in the bath, "He's always sweaty from his hunts." She can't hold a spear right." Neither can you." "You're a spoiled princess!" "Said the S Potty Brat!." The King and Queen laughed at them both as the air turned to cheering and celebration raising high into the night sky. And over the Savannah al lwas well within the Weenja Pride for once in a long while.