A/N: The image above is to show "Tish" (the lioness) and "Heru" (the male obviously). Sorry for the poor quality! The pictures were on a computer and I took a snap from it from my iphone cause for some reason my laptop wouldn't let me upload pictures. From time to time I type the story on my laptop when I get tired of typing on a iphone! If you guys remember from chapter 10, Heru is Zawadi's son (: Now you may read and enjoy chapter 16 below!

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Bahiya

Tish was nice enough to show us around her world, meaning her pride. All the lions are nice here and welcomed us with open arms.

"Wow, this place is amazing!" Makosa compliments.

I nod, "Yeah, it reminds me much of home."

Tish giggled as she led us to a big shady tree. We all sat down in a circle. By all I meant me, Makosa, Tish, Bia, and Hanaa.

"Oh, our pride is no where close to looking like the Pride Lands. That place is absolutely gorgeous! I remember my first time going there when I was young adult. It was my husband Heru and I's first meeting with your parents. Every year all the lions who are leaders from different parts of the Savanna gather around at different places and have meetings. That time, the meeting was at Pride Rock!"

Makosa looks stunned. "Wow! I do remember my father telling me about that when I was a teenager. We were going over my King lessons one day and that was the topic. Leaders of the African savanna! I know this may sound silly and all, but at first I thought my father was the only leader of the entire savanna."

Tish shook her head. "No Prince, there are lots of lions in the savanna who are rulers! The Pride Lands doesn't cover all of the savanna as you now know. The savanna is broken into many different areas. This area you are in currently is the Dawn Lands. It is taken over by the Chewa Pride. Your area is the Pride Lands and it is ruled by Pride Rock. Do you understand?"

"Yes, we do!" I nodded.

"So, your not a Queen? Just a regular ruler??" Makosa asks.

Tish nod her head with a smile. "Correct Makosa! I didn't come from a royal family, but my husband Heru once did. His mother Zawadi was a Princess back at her birth pride. If they had lived there, Heru would technically be a Prince! But, being royalty did not fascinate him. He just wanted to be a regular lion and build his own Pride. Along the way, he found me and my three sisters alone. We got separated from our parents when we were teenagers. I have no clue what happened to them. We were hunting and they just magically disappeared. It was very strange indeed. I still wonder till this day if they are still alive. If so, are they trying to find us? Who knows, they're probably too old..."

"Wow Tish, that is a very interesting story and I am so sorry to hear about your parents!" I say.

"Oh don't worry, that was a very long time ago dear. I am just glad to have found Heru and became his wife. We have two beautiful girls!"

Tish hugged both of her daughters while they smiled.

"So when you and Heru both decide to join the heavens, who will take over your places?" Makosa asked curiously.

"I will." said Hanaa.

"Yes, Hanaa will be next to guide our Pride. She is the oldest!" said Tish. "Bia will become the lead huntress of the hunting party. That is why you saw her practicing her hunts earlier."

Bia slighty chuckles while looking embarrassed. She stared down at her paws, "Yeah and I have failed miserably too."

I placed my paw on Bia's shoulder and smiled. "Do not worry Bia! If Makosa and I have some time tomorrow before we leave, I can show you a few tricks of mines on how to better your hunts!"

"Wow, really?! Geez thanks!"

We all laugh at Bia's excitement.

"Hello honey! We have visitors?" said a deep voice.

We stopped laughing and turned our heads seeing a male lion come forward. He is tall, very big in muscle and a well groomed mane. Tish got up and nuzzled this lion very affectionately. Maybe this is her husband Heru.

"Welcome back love! Yes, we have company from the Pride Lands." Tish replies, happily.

The lion looked surprised. "The Pride Lands?!"

He broke a part from Tish's nuzzle and walked up to Makosa and I close. Strangely he sniffed us and Makosa stood up backing away slowly with his brow raised.

"Why are you sniffing me?" He ask.

"Ah, your royalty!" The lion smiles wide. "You must be family with King Kovu and Queen Kiara?"

"Yes, I am their son Makosa and I am no longer a Prince there."

"I knew it! I can easily tell that you are Kovu's son because you look just like him except that you have Kiara's eyes and nose. My name is Heru, leader of the Chewa Pride! I am good friends with your parents." He said, still smiling.

I shake his paw returning the friendly smile. "Nice to meet you, I am Makosa's wife Bahiya."

"Ah, I have heard about you too young lady. You're the future Queen correct?"

"Not anymore..."

Heru looks confused. "And why not? I thought-"

"We both left the Pride Lands." Makosa interrupt. "I was exiled and Bahiya followed me."

Tish smiles warmly. "Just as any loyal wife should. That is so sweet!"

I didn't say anything but blush.

"Exiled? But why??" Heru asks, still confused.

I can tell Makosa is getting irritated by these questions, so I decided to answer for him.

"His brother Heri has returned back to the Pride Lands to claim his original throne as future King. My best friend Auni which is his girlfriend is now crowned future Queen. Since there can't be two males ruling, Makosa had no choice but to leave Pride Rock." I shortly, explained.

Tish looks shocked. "The old Prince has returned?! Wow, where have we been Heru?"

Heru shrugs. "I dont know. Seems like we have a lot of catching up to do. Well Makosa, I am sorry that has happened."

Makosa looked at me and smiled lovingly. "Its okay, I am over it now. As long as I am with Bahiya, I will always be happy. That is what matters to me now."

Bia sniffs while Hanaa's eyes water.

"That is so sweet!" said Bia.

"The sweet smell of romance!" said Hanaa.

"Now since you've both left the Pride Lands, where are you two now headed? If you don't mind me asking..." Heru asked.

"Nope, we don't mind!" I simply replied. "We're traveling to find a land that is empty where we can build up our own kingdom and pride."

"Amazing!" Tish comments.

"Indeed. Well, whatever you both find I will send out my blessings and prayers along your travel. I give you the best of luck! Finding a empty land isn't so easy. I know from experience! It took me a while to find the Dawn Lands. I mean a long while!" said Heru.

"Since you have experience Heru, do you mind giving us some tips?" Makosa asked.

"Sure! We can discuss them after dinner. You both can stay for the night. I know you must be hungry, thirsty, and tired. How long have you've been traveling?"

"2 days." I answered.

Heru starts walking back to the pride. "Not bad for beginners. Come on, lets go see what the hunting party had caught for dinner!"

We all nod our heads and followed behind him. I like this Heru guy! He is very friendly and nice enough to let us spend a night at his pride. I guess being a Pride Lander is a great thing. Everyone knows who you are and respects you. I guess in their eyes we are still the Prince and Princess. I smile at Makosa while walking. He nuzzles my left furry cheek with his purple nose. We all joined the crowd of lions who have already began feasting on a impala. Some lions stand aside for Heru and Tish.

"Good evening, lions! Tonight we have two special guests that will join us for dinner. They're Pride Landers from Pride Rock. Makosa the son of King Kovu and Queen Kiara, and Bahiya his wife. Please care to show them around and give your full respect. They may be far from home, but their still a part of royalty." Heru announced.

The lions cheered by roaring and bowed their heads. Makosa and I chuckled with smiles accepting it. It is true, even though we are no longer future leaders of Pride Rock, we are still a part of the royal family tree. It will follow us forever!

After dinner, Makosa and I followed Heru to a more private area away from the Pride so we can talk. Heru is going to give us some tips about what to expect while searching for our dream home.

"I was a young lion just like you two, except that I was traveling alone. I had went weeks without food or water, but I kept strong. I didn't want to give up. Along the way I came across some trouble with other male lions who were rouges and hyenas. Of course I had to fight if I wanted to stay alive. Fighting them I regained my strength and courage. I wasn't going to let them stop me in finding my dream home!" said Heru, telling us his story.

"Wow! So, how long did it take you when you've found the Dawn Lands?" Makosa asked.

"Months."

"Wow..."

Heru nodded while looking up at the night sky. "Yes Prince, it is not easy and quick as you may think. It takes time and a lot of patience. But you will find your place just like I did. Trust your instincts and follow your heart!"

I smile. "We will, thanks Mr. Heru!"

"No problem, Bahiya! You both are still young. Do not give up you will make it. Once you've found your home, man your going to feel so good! The long hard travel is worth the wait. I have learned so much from it. That is the reason who I am today. I believed in myself!"

Makosa looked up at the night sky too and smiled. A shooting star flew pass and the cool winds blew through all of our furs.

"I believe..." He spoke.

Heru patted his back. "Good."

I know we will find our dream home. Nothing will stop us! We are strongly determined. Like Heru said...

"Trust your instincts and follow your heart..."