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After a long pause, dad finally began, not ever taking his gaze off of me and Dahlia, "For the pride's future queen...I choose..."

I quietly sucked a breath, my heart barely stopping. He's going to say ME!

"Dahlia."

That name had me rear back my head with eyes shot wide. I think I even gone pale and felt a tremble. Dahlia let out a happy gasp, then rushed up to him and nuzzled into his mane. As I saw her rubbing against our father with mother smiling nearby, my mind was still in utter shock, it barely registered. I couldn't believe what had transpired in front of my eyes. Wh-...What? He chose...HER?

I stood high on my fours and interjected this moment with a question, "What just happened?" I literally know what did happen, in fact I shouldn't have asked. I guess I was partly making sure dad had said MY name instead of hers and I was just imagining this...Or if I wasn't and this truly did happen.

Mother answered matter of factly, "He picked Dahlia. In fact, we both chose her."

So it was true. I put on a demanding expression, all the furious anger I had within myself threatening to rise up. HE CHOSE HER!!! I angrily spoke, my voice shaking a little, "What...The hell?" Dahlia and dad finally pulled each other away when I went on, "You picked HER instead of ME?! What's going on here?"

Dahlia rolled her eyes at my outburst. She uttered, "Here we go."

Both mom and dad held serious frowns as mother tried to calm me down, "Now, Sayde...Remember what your father told you-"

I yelled out in defiance, "I don't understand! Why'd you choose her over me? I was qualified! I know what it takes to be queen, not her!"

Dad answered me with stern in his voice, "As a matter of fact, Sayde...You don't."

My heart made a crack when that statement struck my ears. No...It can't be! I cried, "Why? How could this happen!?"

Mom simply stated, "Sayde...You haven't really made good decisions in the past. Dahlia did make a point earlier...Everyone in the pride doesn't trust you very well, and you don't exactly get along with them either."

Dad added on his part, "No one would listen to you. The whole pride would probably fall apart in a matter of years. And with what happened with Kweli and Asha...Among other things...It was easy for us to pick."

Are they serious!? I defended, "You can't be serious with this! I've told you guys over and over again that I didn't do anything wrong with Kweli and Asha!" I slammed my paw down in frustration, "It was not my fault! We've been over this!"

"How are we supposed to believe that?" Dad responded, now holding suspicion in his eyes, "Makena has convinced me to give you a break, but I still don't know what to believe what happened that day. I am still partly convinced you had something to do with it. And that doesn't exactly change the things you've done before."

I cried, thrashing my tail, "WHAT?!!!"

Mother went on to say this, "It isn't just that...You haven't joined your father and I on your royal lessons. Not ever. You've always declined when we asked, and then screw around, other than take your lone hunts seriously. You had NEVER took those lessons seriously. Meanwhile, Dahlia was the only one that was present...And she was the one that was taking things seriously."

Dad said, "And that's why you don't have what it takes to be queen."

I complained, "Are you fucking kidding me! I've been waiting for so long for this moment, and I am treated with this! How could you?!"

My sister finally joined in with a dumb question, "Haven't you been listening to them?"

I shouted towards her, "Shut up!"

Dad said my name sternly, "Sayde."

Then I mentioned, shooting up my head, "But I've met a two legger and became friends with him! Isn't that enough? I think I may have brought peace between both our kinds!" I don't think that's TOTALLY the truth...It felt more like an excuse. Still, I can't help but blabber that out.

Mom shook her head, "It's not. There has to be more...And you haven't done more to prove anything."

I dumped my muzzle and cried in utter rage, "ARRRRRRGGGGGHHHH!!!!" My claws in one paw dug a bit in the hard ground from all the anger and frustration.

Dad ordered, "Sayde, that's enough. It's done now. I knew you'd probably be offended by this, but...It is what it is."

I immediately said it with a fierce shake of my head, "I don't care." I placed my anger filled eyes back on my parents, "I don't care if it is what it is! I'm sick and tired of you guys always picking your favorite daughter over the other!"

Dahlia apparently didn't respond to that at all, while mom denied that fact with bit of pity shone in her eyes, "Sayde that's not true. We don't have favorites. We both treat you the same as the other."

"Wildebeest shit!" I protested, "She hardly gets reprimanded about anything, and I always get blamed for EVERYTHING when something bad happens! I'm always treated like I'm irresponsible and I'm not! I'm always never listened to! She gets to have everything she wants and I don't! You guys always treat her that way! You always treat ME this way! You HATE me! Everyone here hates me!"

Mom insisted, taking a step toward me, "No we don't, Sayde! We do love you!"

"I don't believe you at all!"

Dad groaned, apparently having enough of this, "Alright enough! I'm sick of your whining."

I spat out more bitter words, "NO! You're sick of ME! I wish I were never born in this pride! I wish I were never born in this FAMILY!"

Dad let out a deep growl, then he heatedly said, "I never thought things would lead to this, but you are so disrespectful. And that's another reason why you'll NEVER be queen. I'm so disappointed in you."

I rolled my eyes and sneered, "Oh, BIG SURPRISE there, because I'm not as perfect as your PRECIOUS FUTURE QUEEN!"

Dahlia countered all that, stepping in front of our father, "You know what, I've had enough of your attitude. You think we don't love you, well we do! You're the only one that sees it that way! You are always so ungrateful about everything! You think we don't ever listen to you, well all we've ever listened out of your mouth is a bunch of elephant crap!"

I growled, baring my teeth, "Shut up, bitch..."

Mom tried to stop this with a calming voice, "Girls."

But my sis ignored her and just continued talking to me, "You shut up already! I'm tired of you calling me a bitch! Why should we listen to you, you don't ever listen to us about ANYTHING! All you do is get in dumb, serious trouble and then blame everyone else."

I repeated, "Shut up."

"You ignorantly refuse to grasp and learn from your mistakes and that's why you keep making them! And dad is right when he says you're disrespectful, YOU are always acting that way with everyone. Causing fights with everybody, including my mate and he did nothing wrong to you! All Aren wants is to be your friend! He mentions you when I'm with him a couple times, asking how you are doing. He cares about you but not in the way you want. You can't force someone to love you, Sayde! Only they can do that! I'm with him fair and square, but I can see you can't let that go and blame me and Aren for it!"

I warned, fierce anger bubbling in my chest, "I'm warning you..."

Mom interjected again, "Girls, listen-"

But Dahlia didn't listen to her still, "You can't even let things go! You can't get out of your own way and open your eyes and see that everyone here loves you! Haven't we shown you enough love since you got seriously hurt by a rogue! You can't see that because all you care about is yourself! You're my sister, and I will not deny that, but you're just a selfish, conceited, disrespecting jerk! Every bad thing that has happened to you is YOUR fault."

With that I finally snapped. I charged directly at her, and swung a paw with claws unsheathed. Dahlia dodged by quickly backing away crying out in surprise, "Hey!" She tried to swipe back pretty much in defense for herself, barely seeing she had no claws out. She almost missed me. I didn't back down. I roared and had my rear legs push me off the ground, and have my form land on hers. She grunted when she crashed on her back with me on top. I repeatedly was trying to claw at her, wanting to tear and rip the living crap out of her for all the pain, embarrassment and humiliation she put me through. My claws barely grazed her cause she was trying to push me back with her own paws on my chest.

I heard mom shout, "GIRLS! STOP THIS!"

I was barely hurting Dahlia when dad came, "ENOUGH!!!" He backpawed me in the face. I groaned after his brute strength knocked me off my sister. I fell to my side, shortly looking up at him standing protectively over her with teeth baring. Dahlia's face was still filled with shock and surprise while she laid on her back and watched us. I even heard my mom gasp nearby from this scene. That anger inside me had lowered down a bit, like he had snapped me out of that rage induced trance. I was still staring hard at him, breathing heavily.

I didn't show it on my face...But I was quite in shock. He never struck me before. Not once. I couldn't believe it...Like everything else. It was even almost about to make me cry now. I can feel the tears coming. After I stared at him for a long time, dad actually had a guilty look on his face. He tried to advance toward me with a look of apology, "Sayde...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do-"

I still had anger in me obviously, I didn't want to hear what he had to say. I grumbled, "This isn't fair..." I sharply rolled to my feet and ran away from all of them, shouting past my shoulders, "I HATE YOU!"

When I dashed into the tunnel, dad called out, "Sayde!" I didn't stop, I didn't look back. I just sprinted out of the cave and out in to the open sunshine. Several pride members were watching me as I ran past them, but I didn't pay any attention to them. I wanted to get away from here. So I did. I ran as far and fast as I could from the wall of rock without ever looking back. The tears I had held down were threatening to come out for a long time. Finally, I slowed down to a stroll. My sadness was now brimming within my eyes, about to fall down my cheeks. I looked for a spot to crash for a bit...Till I found a big round rock. I fell to my stomach on it and buried my face within my limbs, sobbing loudly, my form quivering as I was finally letting it all out...Letting out my loss.

I know at times I felt my life had been somewhat shitty...But dad choosing Dahlia to be queen instead of me made my life feel pretty shittier. I feel like an idiot, other than humliated and horrible. I should've figured Dahlia would be picked the queen. I should have known, and I'm a fool into believing my father, the king, would pick me.

I growled in whatever spite I had left at the moment. Congratulations, DAHLIA. You managed to beat me again. You managed to humiliate me once more. You've managed to get what you wanted and I'm left to cry as usual.

Hope you get a lot of praises from everyone, you bitch.

Then I was merely thinking about the pride. I was directing my anger on all of them now. They'd certainly praise her. They wouldn't give two shits about me as queen. I was willing to bet that they'd think that my dad would choose Dahlia. HOPING is more like it. Then I remembered out of nowhere about the time when Aren said that HE was hoping Dahlia would be picked as queen. I can hear those words again already. Well, his hopes came true. GLAD all of you have got what you wanted...Assholes.

Now my thoughts were on my parents...Mostly my dad. I still can't believe that they thought my sister would be a better queen than I was...But it was true. They never thought I would be. They thought differently than I did. I hated them for thinking that. Actually I was especially more shocked than angry at my dad, but I still feel anger towards him like I was feeling it towards everybody else. I also still can't believe he had hit me. That really came out of nowhere. I know why he did...Even I was surprised, and even feel a bit of regret, at what I've tried to do to Dahlia...Although it was kinda justified...Like the things I said to them. I hardly attacked her like that before. Usually I attacked her with words, and sometimes we did come close to fighting each other physically in the past. But this time it had happened. I felt like I was close to LITERALLY killing her. Despite my anger, I was almost glad father stopped me.

Almost.

But, that didn't change my mind about him, and mom. It's just before I snapped that they still acted like they didn't listen to me...Understand me. Dahlia was doing the same thing, calling me selfish and the like. Everyone would do the same thing if they were watching our scene unfold.

They still didn't understand me....Once more...They probably saw me as a huge disappointment.

I probably was...I can feel that for a fact. From someone's point of view...I probably look like one laying in this spot.

I cried in my forelegs for a long time. Till I finally lifted my muzzle and sniffed my nose. I crawled to my feet and then began to stroll off the rock and away. I wandered all over the savannah all on my own aimlessly. I didn't want to go back home. I was too angry and sad to go back and face everyone. Part of me wanted to go to Makena, and let out my problems towards the old lion...But even I didn't want to do that.

I didn't want to talk to anyone. I was too DEPRESSED to speak to someone. I didn't think talking would make me feel better...Not ever again. Not after I got the news that Dahlia was future queen instead of me.

I didn't see any point anymore...

I didn't know how long I was roaming around. I completely lost track. Probably for a long time like the time I had spent crying alone. I didn't have a clue where I was going...Or what I was doing. A lot of thoughts were rolling in my head during all this trek...Mostly the acceptance that I have lost...And I'll never get out of my sister's shadow. I will always be trapped in it. That I'll never beat her.

I've finally accepted that.

I ended up near a river a little while later. I was standing near the edge fully facing the surface. I held in a breath, my chest expanding, then let it out slowly through my nose. My gaze caught a few forms within the water, barely poking out in the sun through the bright surface. I knew what they were. Crocodiles.

Then, in my moment of despair...I had an idea. A dark one.

I don't care anymore...

My paws carried me closer to the water, my mind having me think about swimming with the crocs and...Let it happen. I let out a trembling breath. I honestly didn't care anymore. I know I don't like to submerge my entire body in any source of water and swim, I didn't like getting wet at all, but that was so beyond me now. I was at a point of no return. I didn't see any point in living like this anymore. Dahlia winning today was pretty much the final straw. I even didn't care if the pride and my family found out I was gone. I wanted to end it...I can't take it anymore. I couldn't bear the pain and humiliation anymore.

It was time I ended things...Now.

I tentatively lifted a paw, hovering it over the water. I let out a small cry, shutting my eyes tightly as I struggled to put myself in the river. It was hard as it looked, but very soon I was gonna go in there. While I feel my foot dangling over the surface, I can see Makena, Kweli, and Asha's faces all floating in the darkness behind my closed eyes. I didn't hear them talking, but their faces were all worried, begging me not to do it...But they didn't stop me.

I even felt my heart telling me not to do it. It was the same feeling I had felt when I was about to kill Ryan twice, and the same one that was telling me to give him a chance and be his friend. I also thought I heard a voice talking to me, like a small sound in the wind.

Noooooo_ _

Then I heard another voice come out of nowhere, behind me, "Sayde?" My eyes snapped open, and I jerked my paw back. I twisted my neck to see Ryan had arrived and is now standing behind me, gun in one hand. I should be glad to see him like the past few days...But I wasn't really. I didn't feel glad one bit. I didn't wanna be stopped. He was frowning at me from a short distance. Ryan pressed me, "What are you doing?"

"Uhhhhh..." I stumbled a bit, till I found an answer with a blank face, "I was...Thinking about swimming."

The human said, "Swimming huh? That sounds fun." His face trailed to a spot in the river, least I can tell he was looking at the river. He pointed out, raising a brow, "But uh...I think there are crocodiles in there."

I denied with a shake of my head and a low but trembling voice, "No there's not."

Ryan focused his gaze back on me, "Actually I think there are. Are you sure you want to swim in that?"

I narrowed up my eyes, "Why not? I still don't see that there are. I'm perfectly safe. Besides I can take care of myself." I tried to usher him away with a paw, "Look, just go away, alright? I'm not in the mood for chatting right now."

Ryan stated, "Heh...That's totally different than what you wanted from me yesterday."

I told him, "Well...I change my mind! I just want to be alone today." I quickly turned my face back straight to the river, my tail whipped behind me, "Maybe come back to my home tomorrow. Trust me, I'll be there!"

Shortly, that's when he asked in concern, "Sayde...Are you feeling ok?" I heard him take a step toward me, "Cause I actually have went to your home and found out you got in a fight and ran off. Your parents didn't tell me anything much, so I went looking for you. They didn't send me or anything, but I was certain your mother probably wanted me to." I heard him giggle a bit, "I am your new bodyguard after all." Then he sounded serious, "Anyways...I was looking everywhere for you...I was kinda worried."

I did glance back at him a bit out the corner of my eye. I snapped, "Well, I'm fine! Now please go and leave me alone! Can't I have a swim in peace?"

He didn't say anything, didn't move for a moment, but he looked concerned and suspicious. I wasn't sure what he was thinking, if he figured out what my true intention was or not. I couldn't tell yet. Ryan went up to stand beside me. The side of his lips made a tiny smile when he offered, "Maybe I can join you?"

My eyes went wide in surprise, "Excuse me?"

He shrugged his shoulders, "Why not? I mean hey, I didn't want to search for you for nothing. I want to stay with you...Far longer than as of late."

I asked a curious question with a frown, "Shouldn't you be heading home...Like, right now?"

Ryan replied, "I'm actually free for a little while. Longer than yesterday I assure you. So...What do you say, Sayde?"

Damn it, Ryan... After coming to the realization that he wasn't going to leave me alone, I dipped my muzzle to sigh, "...No." I spun myself away from the river, my rear end now facing my own deathtrap, "I...Change my mind about this too." There was no way I was going to walk into the water with him. He would be dead too like me. I'm the only one that was supposed to die here. If we both walked into the river together...I don't think I would forgive myself...Even if I had died with him. I know I didn't care about anything much now, especially my life, but I didn't want his death to be on my conscience.

I did owe him that much.

He shrugged again with acceptance, "Alright." I feel him patting my shoulder with a free paw. He suggested in a low tone, "Hey, I'll tell you what...Since you're a bit tense and upset, how bout me and you go somewhere else and hang out?" I looked to him and he gave me another smile, "I told you I'm free for a while. At least let a human cheer you up a little...Since apparently not another lion is doing that. Sound good?"

I was just staring at him for a long time. Then finally I relented, "...Let's go." He gave me a nod, then we both strode away from the river. I let out a long, drawn out sigh, my face still showing depression. My eyes rolled down to the ground while I was padding with Ryan. I didn't hear that weird voice again, but now my heart was feeling relief. It was like it was proud of me for not going through with it, and staying alive with the new two legged friend I've made. It didn't wash away my depressed feelings though.

I don't know how Ryan's going to cheer me up through this...He has no idea what I'm going through.

Oh...Who knows...Maybe he can...Maybe he can't.

I certainly don't know what I'm going to feel after this...

*****

It's been hours since Ryan found me at that river. I wasn't certain if I should thank him or be angry at him for getting me away from there. I sorta was at first, but I can't stay angry at him. Throughout the rest of the day, I couldn't muster that same anger I had towards everyone else and lay it out on him. I couldn't be angry at him like I was towards him the day when we first met, and the night after. It wasn't like it was his fault. He did nothing wrong to me. It wasn't like he knew what was going on with me, so why should I be angry at him to begin with?

Right now I was laying close to Ryan at a base of a tree, his paw stroking across my fur. We were watching the sun go down below the horizon. It was a nice view, but this sun setting on this particular night wasn't as beautiful as some of the others I've seen before...And it wasn't enough to swallow down the sorrows still brimming within me. After the river, I was stuck with him for the rest of the day. He never took me back home, which that's a relief. I still don't want to go back. We've been walking around for most of the day before ending up here. During all that time I was just trapped in my own thoughts while Ryan didn't say much himself. He never pressed me for this fight he had heard about when he got to my home. When he did speak though, it was just to crack a joke here and there. He would also pet me with his paw a few times along the way.

I admit, some of the things he said were kinda funny and had me crack a smile. Even his touch kinda made me feel better...But I wondered for how long. My eyes slowly trailed off the setting sun to the one creature that's with me, as he made another soothing rub on my body. I focued back to the sky, my ear twitched. I was kinda shocked he had stayed with me for this long. He didn't seem to be in a rush to get back to where he belonged like the past few times we've met. He probably didn't want to leave me alone after the behavior I'd shown at the river. I can tell he was curious, and felt concerned, about what happened to me. But I think all this time he was also being respectful too. Waiting for the right time to ask questions and not try to rush me into answering them.

I was glad...I didn't want to talk about it all day long. I wondered if I can. It'd feel pretty humiliating to relive the whole scene again. It was the worst thing that's ever happened to me in my life...Much more worse than with Aren.

I let out a quiet, depressed breath as memories of earlier flashed in my head, just like they had more than once today. If you couldn't tell already, I still didn't feel too happy with myself and the way my life was ending up...Despite all the pleasant time Ryan spent with me. It didn't feel enough. Not like my minor accomplishments like my successful lone hunts and the VERY FEW friends, counting three, that I did have. I still feel like a loser. I questioned myself more than once inside what the point was in going with him. It felt like I was prolonging the inevitable. My heart told me to let the human help me, and perhaps I needed his help now more than ever, more than the night with the rogue. But I don't know HOW he could help me with this. There was nothing he could do to change anything anyway. My parents were set on not having me as future queen. They would never change their minds. Ryan could never convince them. Nobody could.

It is done...Nothing else will change...Not even the path I've now set on my own life.

Nothing will change...

Ryan finally broke the silence after such a long time, "Sayde?" I looked to him. He asked, staring back at me, "You hungry or anything? I realize I haven't seen you eat a thing all day."

I slowly shook my head, "I'm fine." That wasn't really the truth. I did feel thirsty, and my stomach was growling...But I didn't feel like hunting and going to a watering hole at all. Every bad thing that occured in my life was holding me down.

He pressed in concern, "You sure?"

"Yes." I let out a sigh, laying my head on the ground, "I feel just fine..." I quickly changed the subject, chuckling a bit, "You know something? I can't believe you've been with me all this time. I'm surprised at you."

The two legged creature giggled on his end, his fingers scratching gently on my hide, "Yeah...I'm surprised myself. I think I set a new record for staying with my new friend for the longest time."

"Heh...Gee...That's something we oughta cherish." My eyes gleamed with sadness. Too bad it won't change my life dramatically...

That's when he admitted, "I didn't think I'd be with you much longer than I planned."

I pushed away that small bout of that glum, and put on a face filled with amusement, "When did you plan on leaving me alone again?"

Ryan answered in an unsure tone, "Honestly...I don't know. But I guess I shouldn't feel...Rushed into having a quick conversation and then make a quick getaway. That sort of thing is kinda rude...It also makes me feel a little bad."

I spoke truthfully, "I didn't mind it...I was being respectful. I wouldn't want to make you feel trapped...Like you were trapped by a pride of hungry lions in a circle and about to be eaten."

Ryan moaned from the memory I sorta mentioned, "You just had to bring THAT up, didn't you?"

I giggled amusingly, "Well, it is a thought."

Ryan said a bit cautiously, "Great now I'm beginning to wonder if you and everyone else was planning something about me behind my back. Like setting a trap on me for you guys to strike."

I raised my head off my paws and looked at him. I told him, "Oh calm down, you silly two legger...Nobody's planning to eat you. It would have happened by now."

Ryan patted me when he responded with a grin, "Sure, unless you were totally letting me off guard. You're probably best at doing that."

I laughed a bit, "Ha! Ha! Ha! Sheesh, Ryan, you're worse than my dad!"

He exclaimed, "Perhaps for a good reason! Better than what your dad comes up with I'm bettin'!"

"Oh, be quiet. You're not in danger with the pride and never will be...Least not while I'm here." That is IF I'll still be around. Then I returned the gaze to the orange sky again that was almost black. Then I stated shortly after, "...I didn't mind you leaving me every time after a short visit...Even though I wanted to get to know you."

He let out a playful statement, "Really been curious about me and my kind, have you?"

I replied, my playful eyes rolling to the direction he's sitting at, "Like I said to you yesterday. It's been chewing at me for days. I'm afraid I'll be nothing but bones by the time you tell me anything."

That's when he brought up, "Like you were about to be with the crocodiles?"

I still didn't want to admit that. I groaned then spat, "Will you let that go already? I said there were no crocs in the river."

Ryan didn't say a word for a moment, then he in gave in to that logic, "Ok...I'll buy it." But then changed his stance to mere suspicion, "But what I will not buy...Is you saying you're fine." I twisted my neck to meet his eyes. They were showing concern while he said, "I am curious about you really, but I don't think you're fine...You still aren't."

I took a deep breath, and let it out in a long, sad breath before bringing my head back straight, "You figured it out."

He replied, "Wasn't very hard. I may not know you too well...But I think I can feel your emotions...Sort of." I sniffed in tiny amusement. He pressed me, "Sayde...What happened to you today? What's going on?" I shortly got up off the grass. I travelled up a bit a few feet away from him and the tree without taking a glance back. I heard him standing on his feet as well behind me. I looked behind me now, seeing his face totally grown with worry. He said, "Sayde."

I lowered my gaze down to my feet with a depressed look on my face. I partly admitted, "It's not your problem, Ryan...It's mine."

His form carried him to stand beside me. He lightly contradicted, "Sure it is. It's my problem too. I am the one looking after you. Your mother would think this is my problem when I'm watching over you. Don't you think so?"

I glumly stated, "Look, Ryan...I appreciate your concern...But there's nothing you can do about it. You can't help me."

"Why?" He didn't let that go, only pressing for answers, "Does it have something to do with me being your friend?"

"No." I said with sadness in my voice, "...It's much more worse and different than that."

Ryan brought himself in front of me. I looked up at his face. He inquired in a confused, concerned tone, "What?"

I looked away to the right. Shortly I simply mentioned, "...Me." He wrinkled his brow, seemingly wondering what I was going on about. I sighed as I bring my gaze back to him, "Things about me in nature."

"What things is that?"

I was shaking my head, scoffing at where this is gonna go. I turned my body a bit away from his after shutting my eyes, "Oh what's the point in this? You're just going to think I'm selfish."

"Hey come on, that ain't fair." I growled quietly and deeply. Glad you're in my stance on that, Ryan. He trotted to stand in front of my head again. He calmly told me, "Sayde, look at me." I slowly did what he told. He reassured me, "...I'm your friend, and I'm worried about you. Something is bothering you, I don't like it when things like you are bothered by something. I always try to help them through their issues." He placed a paw to his chest, "Look...Whatever it is you're going through, I'll listen. I won't judge you. I won't ever think you're selfish...No matter what it is. At least help me out here. Your parents haven't told me anything...But I want to hear it from you now. Just tell me...Ok? I promise I won't judge you."

I still turned my head away, insisting, "It still won't change anything."

He replied, "Maybe not. But...That won't mean I'll not listen."

I sighed. I finally let these words of anger out, "...I hate my family, Ryan...In fact...I hate my pride."

I heard him ask, "How come?"

I didn't say anything at first. But out the corner of my eye, I saw him urging me with a motion of his paw. Then I went on in a huff, "...I'm sick and tired of being treated different by everyone." I looked back at his eyes, and they urged me to go on again. I continued a moment later, dropping my muzzle, "...I was supposed to be picked as future queen today by my parents."

Ryan sounded a bit astonished, "Wow...Really?"

I shrugged when I added, "Well, mostly by my dad. I was supposed to be queen...But thing is...Both me and my sister were next in line after our mother. I was supposed to be queen...But he chose Dahlia instead of me."

Now he sounded a little glum, "Oh..."

I said, "That's what the fight was all about. That's what you missed. I was very infuriated. A lot of bitter words were said."

Then he said, "Well...I don't think you should be upset about not becoming queen. I don't think you have to be queen. What's the point in that anyway?"

I groaned sharply, feeling tiny bit of frustration building up in my chest, "...You have no idea."

"No, Sayde, I kinda do..." His paw gestured toward me again, "How bout enlighten me? Come on...Tell me something else I don't know."

I explained, "...I was wanting to become queen...Not only because I think I'd be good at it...But so I could beat my sister." I gazed up at his face once more, "Me and her don't get along. Not since we were cubs. Dahlia always had everything she wanted...And I'm always left with nothing."

The human formed a sincere smile for me, "That ain't true."

I glanced to my right, growling a bit with an angry face, "No, Ryan...It is true."

"Come on, Sayde, you shouldn't talk like that. You shouldn't be miserable about it. I-"

"YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!" He jumped back a bit after I raged. I shot my eyes towards him, but they didn't show anger, they shown defeat, with threat of tears coming, "I AM miserable! Being queen is supposed to be the most amazing accomplishment any lion would ever give to be! It's the most special thing anybody would have! I don't have that chance, my sister does! We've always competed together for something, and she has always beaten me at EVERYTHING! Being queen was my last chance to best her and I've lost! I've lost, Ryan! You're not listening to me! You're not listening to me like my parents and everybody else!"

Ryan's head was shaking in denial at that as he softly spoke, "I am, girl. And that's not true at all. Your parents listen to you...." He made a small smile as he mentioned, "They listened to you about me."

"No they don't!" I explained, "I'll give them that they did when it came to you. Sometimes they do, but not all the time. Not when it comes to other serious stuff that's about me! They always choose to listen to everything from HER and everyone in the pride and NOT ME!"

I breathed heavily from all the shouting. Ryan said my name in pity, "Sayde..."

A few tears rolled down my cheeks when I looked down at the grass. I began to tell him my sad tale, "My parents always listened to her...Instead of me. Like I said, my sister always has everything...Friends, attention from family, lots of praise, others to look up to her, gets treated better than me, nothing to criticize her for...I was always stuck in her shadow. I've always competed with her for years...But she always won. It...Today really felt like the final straw." I saw a tear fall off my face down to the ground. I continued sadly, "My parents always sided with her. They always treat me like I'm still a cub and not her. Everyone in the pride sided with her from what I can tell...They always seem to worship her. I don't get along with the pride as much as my family....Everyone hates me...Doesn't trust me one bit. I was always blamed for everything too when something bad happens. I've been called irresponsible, selfish, reckless...Not thinking about everything else but myself...Which that wasn't true...But not everyone thinks so...Not even my mom and dad. They don't do this to anybody but me..."

I sucked in some air when I brought something up that I sometimes felt in the past, "To tell you the truth...Ever since I was a cub...I always feel different. I feel so different than everyone else. I feel like I don't belong here. Sometimes I think I belong...Someplace else. Like a different pride, you know? I can't really explain it, and it sometimes bothered me. I wonder if I'm living with the right family and pride. Of course I probably should leave, I'm old enough, but...Where would I go? Besides that...I doubt I'll stand out in another pride as much as this one."

My chest let out a quivered breath, "I have NOTHING, Ryan...I feel like I have lost everything. I can't even stand out of my own sister's shadow. I'm destined to be in it...And there is no way I can change it. I'll never stand out in the light...Never." I sobbed a bit while standing in front of him. Ryan just stood there for a long time, listening to me cry my heart and loss out to him. Finally he walked up a few paces to get closer to me. I did catch his feet while I was looking down shedding tears. Suddenly his hands went under my chin and guided my head to meet his gaze. I sniffed my nose, trying to push back my tears, wondering where he was going with this.

Ryan admitted without taking his eyes off me, "I can relate...To some extent. I...I feel so different than others too." My mind was in shock by his words. I only blinked. ...Really? He explained some more, "Sometimes I think I'm stuck in the dark...Waiting to come out. But I always stay in it...I was worried about what everybody in my kind would think...How they would treat me. I tried that before a few times...But all I got in the end was to be ridiculed. I can understand how you feel, Sayde."

My tear stained eyes rolled away. Then he commanded lightly, "Look at me." I did, "What you said about having nothing...That's not true. You do have some things. You still have your home...You still have your family." One of his paws rubbed my cheek in circles, "I do believe you are living in the right family, and the pride...I just think there's a lot of misunderstanding going on. With your mom and dad, I think despite what you think...They love you. You'll set everything straight someday, it does take time, and maybe one day they will understand everything about you and say they were sorry. Who knows? Nevertheless, I think your parents love you anyways and wouldn't have a thought of you as a disappointment or anything of the like...Cause you're not. I'm certain that they think you're not. Least don't forget that."

Ryan took a deep breath and let it out, crouching down to my level now, "And speaking of your sister...I think she does love you too to a degree. Maybe she doesn't say it a lot, just to stand proud and stuff, but I think she loves you too. I'm not saying I support the things she probably did to you that has caused you pain, but she probably isn't doing EVERYTHING on purpose. Least I don't believe so. Maybe some of it is unintentional. And for the record...I don't think you're in her shadow. I can clearly see you. You don't have to be queen to become higher than her. I do understand you still feel that way and probably don't believe it, but I'm sure there are plenty of ways and plenty of time for you to...Well, be out of her shadow. If there aren't any, well, let me tell you something...Dahlia may have everything...But there's one thing she doesn't have...ME."

His lips formed a smile, "YOU do. And I think that oughta be enough for you to stand out. You don't have to be future queen...You have me. A two legger...Or human. You look like you are the only lioness that's close to me. And you know what? From others point of view...That's pretty special. I bet one day everyone will look at you and say 'Wow, a lioness that's friends with a two legger! That's spectacular! That's something that hasn't been done before! Guess we were all wrong about his kind! Nobody will forget the friendship of Sayde and the two legger!'" He giggled a little at his own words, then after a moment, he added sincerely, "And just to assure you, just to make sure that happens...I'm not going anywhere. Why? Because I am yours."

I finally smiled back at him.

He repeated in a different way, "FOREVER yours."

I showed a ton of light in my eyes. Then I stretched out my head to nuzzle against his cheek very softly. I purred affectionately. I said in gratitude, "Thank you, Ryan." I can feel his paw rubbing my neck too in return. For the very first time all day long...I was feeling like myself again. I didn't have the urge to get eaten by a crocodile. I didn't feel like a loser anymore.

I feel like a winner.

I haven't felt this way in a long time...Not since my first successful lone hunt. It feels great.

Thank you, Ryan.

I pulled back, both of us sharing smiles. Then we looked around and noticed the sun had already went out during our conversation. Ryan let out a sigh before standing upright. He said, "Okay, Sayde." He turned a bit, his paw beckoning me, "Let me take your home."

I quickly made a hesitant expression. I was lifting my paw off the ground after he offered, "Uh...Ryan...Can't I at least stay with you a little longer? Please?"

He shook his head with a little smile still on his face, "I can't, Sayde. I have to get home. It's late. You should too."

We both heard a roar from a far away distance. We turned our attentions towards it. That was my father, calling me to come home. I, however...Did not want to go back. Not tonight anyway. We both trained ourselves back to looking each other, and I said with a sigh, "Look, Ryan...I don't want to go back home. Not yet. I'm not in the mood to go back and face everybody."

Ryan's face wrinkled, "What do you have in mind?"

I know what his reaction was gonna be if I asked...But I have to. I asked with hesitance, "...Do you think maybe...I can...I can...Spend the night at where you live?"

His face now widened up. He exclaimed, "What?" He formed a serious look, "No, Sayde, you can't. I told you, it's not safe."

I took a step toward him with a pleading face, "But I don't want to go back home either! Please...All I'm asking for is one night and that's it! I won't cause any trouble...And I'll be careful."

Ryan still didn't think it was a good idea, by the look on his face. He tried to start, "But-...But, it's not-"

I pawed at his leg, begging, "Please, Ryan...I want to give this a try just this once. Besides, I'm curious about what the inside of your home is like. Please don't send me home...I just want to get away from everything a bit more longer...I want to be with YOU a bit more longer. Please, Ryan? Please?" He stared at me for quite a long time. I can tell he was conflicted about it. He was worried for my safety, that I know, but I think I can at least try to be careful. It's not like I haven't ran away from crazy two leggers before. I know he warned me about his family and this Gabe fellow, but maybe it won't be so bad. I want to try. I'll be careful.

At least...I think I will.

Finally, he let out a whoosh of air, then nodded with that serious expression still on his face, "Okay...Fine." He pointed his digit at me, "But! You HAVE to do exactly what I say. When I tell you to hide, you hide. When I tell you to be quiet, you be quiet! You just do everything I tell you to do and no arguing. Got it?"

My jaw opened wide in happiness. Then I was finding myself rubbing against his stomach as hard as I could, "Thank you."

I heard him mumble, "Woo boy..." When I yanked away from him, the two legged creature nodded at me and said, "Alright...Let's go." I nodded back twice in reply. We both went back to the tree, and I watched him pick up his gun off the ground near its base. When that was done, he began leading me to his home. I felt a surge of excitement course through my veins after we paced away from that tree.

Wow! I get to see what the inside of his home looks like! This never happened to a lion in my pride before!

This is going to be great!

*****

Me and Sayde were travelling all the way back to where I live in the den of night and covered in moonlight. She was having a excited, giddy look on her face, while I was showing trepidation. I still felt proud of myself for helping the princess, when I suspected she was going through a VERY hard time at the river earlier. I'm glad that I helped her out. But now I was dealing with a new problem...The fact that the same princess that I had just cheered up through her drama was now going to be staying inside my house for tonight. A bunch of possible scenarios played out in my head as we headed off in that direction. Few were accidents and she gets caught. Few were she gets caught anyways. And few were scary and she almost dies...Or just plain dies...And I'm there to cradle her body with tears in my eyes.

I was a nervous wreck.

My thoughts were now yelling in my head for this. Are you crazy, Ryan? If anybody like Gabe finds her in the house, they'll shoot her like she was some sort of threat! You should take her straight home, NOW! I sucked in a trembling breath and held it in to try to calm myself. But she didn't want to go home...And I didn't want to be the bad guy by forcing her to go back. I wanted her to be happy...Despite my conflictions. I just cheered her furry ass up for crying out loud, did I want to make her feel bad?

I'm certain nobody did if they were in my shoes.

I let out a breath, then started thinking about my parents and Gabe again. I did know they were going to that town earlier, but it's been hours since I left the guest house to meet Sayde and they were all probably back by now. It was nighttime, which means my parents know I was still gone and were probably up still and not in bed and waiting for me. They're probably wondering where I have gone to! I seriously haven't planned to visit with Sayde for THIS long...But I wanted to be with her, cheer her up a bit, and find out what the hell was going on with her. I sorta wish I wasn't waiting all afternoon for the right time to get to the bottom of it. Too late for that now.

I was glancing around the African terrain and making sure there weren't any vehicles with headlights roaming around. Come to think of it, I'm surprised Gabe, or none of his ranger friends were out and about looking for me. That certainly should be the case right about now. But I didn't see anybody, not since me and Sayde began the trip back home. I can imagine me and her being out in the road and caught by bright headlights and freeze solid like deer. That's definitely being caught in the act with my pants down. If anybody, Gabe or ranger, caught us...How was I going to explain THAT to them? I couldn't exactly tell them that I can talk to animals...They wouldn't believe me. It's like I told Sayde...I'd probably get met with ridicule if I try to explain...And I'll then be met with statements of being crazy by my folks, mostly by my dad. I don't want that.

I'm literally now just praying no one finds us together out here.

Me and Sayde finally made it to Gabe's place and the guest house. All the lights were off for both. Everyone in each house must have went off to bed. But I wanted to make sure everyone was asleep in the house I'm staying in. When me and the lioness stopped at the porch at the side of the guest house, I looked down and commanded her in whisper, "Alright...I'll go inside and make sure my parents are asleep. You wait right here."

Sayde nodded firmly, whispering as well with a small swish of her tail, "Ok."

I slowly trekked up close to the side door. I peeked through it since it was mostly like a big window, and saw nobody around. Just darkness. I even pressed my ear against the door too, making sure I didn't hear any noises. I was met with silence. I grabbed the door handle, turned, pushed, then snuck inside. I found a nearby switch and flipped it on, bringing light in this darkness. I lay the rifle against the wall below the switch, then quickly looked around to make sure there literally was nobody walking around, and even heard me making any noises. I looked upstairs from down, and seen that nobody was awake. My mom and dad are asleep. We were in the clear.

I trotted back to the open doorway, and hollered quietly, "Come on in! You're safe!" Sayde bounded up to me in giddy strides and pushed her way past my form through the door. I slid the door shut, turning around to see Sayde looking around the area inside. She was met with tiny gasps of awe and amazement and curiosity on her face. I can tell so many questions swirled in her head about everything her eyes has seen. I can hear her babbling a bunch of them, what's this, what's that and what not. She probably had the naivety of a little cub. I smiled to myself at the thought. Pretty hilarious.

Sayde said in awe of her surroundings, "Wow..." She tossed her gaze toward me, her face filled with surprise, "I was surprised when I found out this place is called a house...But now I'm DEFINITELY surprised. The inside is a lot different than I imagined!"

"Told you you didn't know the HALF of it, lady." I winked then giggled deeply.

The princess eyed at every object she encountered when she paced around in the living room, "This place looks insane! With all these things around I don't think an entire pride could fit in here!"

I chuckled a bit nervously as her form hid behind one of the couches, "Well...It's probably because houses are not built for a pride of lions."

She threw her whispered voice at me after she walked around its corner, "Hey that sounds good. I'm the only lioness in the lands that gets to live here."

I held a serious frown, "Let's not get too carried away with this, Sayde. This is supposed to be a one time deal."

"Aw." Sayde gave me a glare when she came right back up to me, "Whatever. I'm gonna be begging to come back inside this place soon and you'll be the one to let me back in. You'll see how long you see this as a one time deal, you jerk."

I smirked a bit, "You know I'm the boss in this situation, right? I can kick you out right now and leave you out in the dark for calling me that if that's what you want."

"You can't do that." She stretched out her neck and mocked me with a grin, "You're my protector, remember? You can't leave me outside alone unless I was with the pride." She deviously raised her brows.

My eyes went wide. Then I shut them and mumbled, "Oh, darn it." She giggled quietly. I shook my head at that and beckoned her to follow me when I headed for my bedroom, "Well come on, let's get in my room before anyone sees you."

"Your room?" She followed me from behind, her curiosity very evident in her eyes.

As soon as I was at the doorway, I grabbed the doorframe, looking behind me, and explained, "Yeah. Us humans have rooms that each sleep in. Usually there's only one or two people sleeping in one. We call them bedrooms."

"Bedrooms?" She cocked her head, "So...You're saying your kind don't sleep together in a large group, like a regular pride?"

"Uh...Not normally, yeah."

"Huh." Sayde brought something up, "I sorta thought maybe a bunch of your kind that's in a large group sleep close together, but you don't. Most of you sleep separately. Interesting...I guess that really explains why there were so many houses instead of just one at this two legger place I've seen time and again."

Two legger place? I kinda pieced together that she was probably referring to some sort of town or a village. I imagined she probably saw one from a distance. I nodded a bit at that, "Yeah. Anyways, let's get in there." I went through the doorway, turning the bedroom light on, followed by Sayde.

"Oooooo." That's when Sayde found my bed and strolled past me quickly to jump on it. Her weight made the bed squeak a bit loudly. My face went wide. I was kinda afraid she might break the freakin thing underneath her! Luckily the bed was still standing. She flopped herself down on the covers, wallowing around on the mattress. She cooed from the comfort she endured, "Is this what you humans sleep on? I'm imagining so..." She rolled to her side on the bed to see me with such bliss, "This thing feels comfortable!"

I replied to her with a knowing look, "Yes, Sayde...It's MY bed."

She remarked, "A bed...It's kinda like a bird's nest!"

Bird's nest...Who would've thought of that? I shrugged in agreement, "It's kinda a valid comparison."

"And I thought your kind sleep on the hard ground like mine does. How come your kind gets the feel good stuff, Ryan?"

Give me a break with this! I ignored the question and ordered, my hand motioning her to move, "Come on, get off. You're hogging it."

She whined, "Oh, ALL RIGHT." She pushed herself off the mattress and had all her feet on the floor. She grumbled as she flopped down at the left side of the bed, "I'll just take the freakin ground then." I snickered. Oh, Sayde...You're killing me. She huffed. Then her eyes caught sight of something, and she put on an intrigued face, "What in the HECK is that thing?" I followed her gaze, seeing she must have spotted my TV sitting on the same spot on the dresser as usual. She repeated curiously, "What is that? Looks more weird than everything else I see in this place...So far. I think I can see us reflecting off that thing! Are we staring at a little watering hole or something?"

I looked toward her to answer, "No. That's a TV."

Sayde eyed me now, throwing a question, "TV? What's a TV?"

I explained a little bit about it, "It stands for television. There are a lot of them in my kind's world. We use these things a lot as a certain form of entertainment."

That kinda got her confused, "Uh...How does THAT provide entertainment?"

Her confusion made me giggle a bit. I responded, "Well, the screen-" I thumbed behind me at the television, "Yeah that's actually what that thing ourselves is reflecting off of is called. It's not made of water, it's only made of glass. Let's just say the screen shows us so many different things that aren't really here and we watch them."

"Watch what? Like other animals going by or something?"

"...That's one thing. But there are other things that make us laugh, angry, or cry. Really depends. They're usually referred to as movies or shows."

Her gaze trailed off me to the tv again. She pointed out, "It's not showing us anything now. Are you SURE what you're saying is correct?" Now she focused directly on me, "That sounds hard to believe. I doubt other animals can fit in THAT."

Boy she's not getting it. I said, "Course it's not doing anything. I just haven't turned it on. But when we do use it...You can really see what I mean."

Sayde gaped at me for a long time, then started shaking her head, "Sorry...I still don't see what you're telling me."

I waved her off, "Ah forget about it. Who knows, maybe when I do let you stay here again, we'll probably watch a movie."

Sayde widely grinned, "Considering letting me stay here again after this night already? You must already have faith in my safety here."

I narrowed my eyes, "Don't bother believing that. I still don't have much faith in your safety here NOW. I still think this is a bad idea."

She waved her forepaw down a bit with a few giggles, "Relax...I'm not gonna get hurt."

I hope you don't. I coughed in my fist, then offered her with a gesture, "Anyways...You want me to give you something before I go to bed?"

Sayde inquired, "You mean like food? Can you do that?"

"Sure. Us humans have the ability to do that as well...As well as water. Do you want any?"

That's when I actually heard her stomach growl. Her face went wide and her ears perked. She chuckled shyly, and admitted, "Honestly...I did lie to you earlier when I said I wasn't hungry and thirsty. I pretty much am on both counts. Sorry, I...Just didn't wanna do anything."

I waved her off, "Eh, it's alright." I replied with a yawn, "...I am a little tired to make food for you, but I can give you some water. Can you handle without eating till tomorrow?"

Sayde nodded before she yawned as well probably thanks to me. She then said, "I can live. I think I just want water more since your TV has got me thinking about it. Don't worry, I won't go too hungry and actually eat you alive."

Oh god, mom and dad wouldn't like that. I nodded back with glad in my voice, "Thanks for the comfort."

Then she gave me a quizzical look, "But one question though...How are you going to bring water to me? I don't really see how, it's not like you can just carry it in your jaws or paws or whatever. It's impossible. You don't have a big mouth like a hippo and you don't have a trunk like an elephant."

"You'll see. I'll be right back." I paced out of the bedroom and shortly went to the kitchen. I grabbed a bowl and filled it up with cool water. Then, since I was thirsty myself after I was out in the hot weather all afternoon long and hardly drank a thing, I ducked my mouth beneath the faucet and slurped some flowing tap water. My thirst was quickly quenched. Soon as I was finished, I carried the bowl of water meant for Sayde all the way back to where I came from and laid it in front of her. I smiled and said, "There you go."

Sayde inspected the bowl, barely seeing her reflection on the surface. She said with an impressed tone, "Goodness you really know how to pull a trick on me. I certainly never thought of this."

I remarked playfully, "Ah, you're just an animal. Nobody like you ever thought of things like that...Well...Maybe some monkeys but I don't flippin know."

Without responding, Sayde begin lapping at the liquid. She almost knocked the bowl over by accident, and she went to being super careful afterward. She didn't let up at all as her tongue took several swigs. Damn, she really was thirsty. Glad I watered her! The lioness drank the entire bowl in one go. Her voice sounded refreshed and content when she spoke, bit of water dripping off her chin, "Whew...I needed that."

I bent to grab the bowl, "I'll just refill this thing." I quickly jogged outside and refilled the bowl with more water, then I flipped the only light outside my room off before I came back and lay the bowl near her. Sayde didn't bother drinking out of that thing again since she felt better. Then in a tired huff, I decided to take off my clothes of the day. I took one piece of clothing at a time, throwing each away. I then noticed she was watching me with surprise. She eyed at my body, seeing me only in underwear. I frowned, shrugging my hands and asked, "What?"

Sayde muttered without taking her eyes off of me, "Yikes...No wonder you humans had those things covering you...You hardly have fur underneath. The only spot that has any is your head. I never seen how bare a two legger body is. Your kind really is strange." I playfully rolled my eyes at her words, enticing a giggle out of her mouth. Then I turned the bedroom light off and crawled myself into bed. I pulled the covers over me and laid my head on a pillow. In the dark, I see her face peeking over the side and seeing me stare at her. Sayde said fondly, "Thanks for taking me here...I'm very intrigued with everything here."

I said with a returning smile, "Glad you're enjoying it...But just remember...This still isn't all fun and games."

She promised, "I'll still do whatever you tell me to do. Anyways...Goodnight."

"Night." Sayde's head disappeared under the side and I shifted to my back on the mattress, staring at the ceiling. I lay a hand on my chest while I mulled over my new roommate laying in my room. A small pit was formed in my stomach as the thought raced.

Oh, Ryan...I hope you REALLY know what you're doing. Things are safe and easy now...But wait till tomorrow morning.

I closed my eyes for this night's rest. I hope nobody finds out I'm keeping a lioness in my room...Or we're both in big trouble.