FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

In the morning that's about to turn into the afternoon, on another day underneath the blazing sun rays, I was making tracks with the rifle swinging in my hand over the bare lands of the savannah again. I let out a whoosh of air as some sweat already began to form on my face. Several minutes before I was ready to get out of the house once again and go adventuring out here. And like as of late, I was adventuring for Sayde's home. I couldn't wait to be her bodyguard once more and see what's in store for me. I also couldn't wait to see how she was doing after spending one night with me at the guest house. Hope her father didn't give her too much crap about it.

Then I recalled yesterday while my feet continued to make tracks. I was happy Sayde didn't get herself, and I, in so much trouble yesterday. It was a bit of a close call. I was glad I've got her out of there safely. I was more glad my parents and Gabe never caught her in hiding. I was ESPECIALLY glad nobody asked me questions...Especially my father. Nobody hasn't suspected I was hiding a large animal within the guest house.

I was relieved... I frowned a bit to myself. But yet, I was kinda cautious too. I can remember the times back then when I was a kid that dad would sometimes catch me talking to my cat, Gypsy, and then he'd start questioning me like I was doing something wrong. You know, wondering if I was acting 'crazy' with an animal. I remember seeing that face when he entered my room last morning. Oh heck, he showed me that face when I was done talking to that dog back in the airport before we came to Kenya. I kinda wondered if he actually thought I was hiding something yesterday...And still is. I shook my head a little at the thought. I figured it was silly, that I was being paranoid, but sometimes you can never forget that kind of face your parent makes.

But, throughout the rest of yesterday after I left Sayde with her family, and this morning after I got out of bed, my dad never questioned me about it. If he was very suspicious, he probably wouldn't have let that go and start doing that a little while later after it happened. I know that from experience. I think I was probably in the clear. I let out a calming sigh. Yeah...Hopefully. Unless dad has some tricks up his sleeve. But I doubt it.

I just hope Sayde doesn't put me through that situation again. I don't want his suspicions to be aroused!

Oh hell, I'll just make sure that won't happen again! What am I saying?! I am a HUMAN after all!

I glanced to my left. I saw a herd of elephants floundering about from a far distance. I even heard one of them trumpet their trunk. I was smirking a little, having a tiny idea form in my head. I partly wanted to wander over there and meet the herd... Then I shook my skull at the idea. But then I thought that wouldn't work out so well. I know if I did, they'd all just run away and yell out 'two legger'. It wasn't difficult to see coming. I just instead brought my sights back to the direction of my destination and pushed on. Don't worry about it, Ryan. Being with Sayde again will be enough for you.

Then I was having another idea popping out of nowhere. Hey maybe she can help hook you up with some more animal friends. Yeah, why not? With one animal vouching for you and helping you out, how bad can it be? Then I was thinking about Sayde hunting with me around yesterday. That got me reconsidering the thought now with a furrowed brow. Do lions even talk to other kinds of animals without hunting them? I kinda doubt it. I don't think they are well known for socializing with other animals. It's not like this is The Lion King, or Madagascar. This is real life. I mean I watched her kill a Pumbaa yesterday without hesitation...Nor remorse even! She has even tried hunting some antelope and wanted me to kill one for her for crying out loud!

Well, I do know for a fact that the lions in those movies hunt other animals for food, but still...

Now I then remembered this lone female giraffe I met on the day when I went searching for Sayde after I helped her escape from that pen back at where I live. Well, the giraffe talked about King Jabari and Queen Nailah like she knew them, so...Maybe some of these animals are friends with lions? Or is it because that giraffe just knew about the pride from...Word of mouth, I guess, and doesn't get acquainted with them at all, like any other type of animal around these parts? Do these type of animals that aren't carnivorous just not become friends with predatory ones and they're only friends with ones that aren't? I sure wouldn't if I were them.

I scratched the side of my head in utter confusion. Arrgh...This is confusing me...

I was merely thinking about that giraffe now, remembering how kind she was to me. Come to think of it...I wonder how that giraffe is doing? I haven't seen her since that day. I wonder if I'll see her today? My face made a smile as I can see that wall of rock now. Maybe that'll be the case. She's gotta be around here somewhere. Maybe she isn't too far off. I wouldn't mind having a lioness and a giraffe by my side. That'll be the day.

I hope Sayde don't mind. I sure hope she doesn't eat that thing either! I do like to have more company.

I brought myself closer and closer to that formation now, striding with confidence and without fear of rejection. I can see some pride members lurking and laying about in the sun. Nobody seemed to notice me coming yet. On my way, I found a small group of lion cubs playing around too away from their families. I stopped in my tracks and watched them. I counted seven. They were all in a pile, wrestling, swiping each other in the faces with their paws in a playful manner and biting, seemingly not enough to hurt or draw blood. I snickered at the sight. This is cute. They all look the size of house cats...Except they all look a bit bigger than regular house cats.

Boy, if Gypsy was here and they'd start chasing her...She would flip out! Look how BIG they are!

I almost want to pick up one...

I urged myself to move closer to the little cubs, wanting to meet them. Very quickly they saw I was coming and stopped with their wrestling and gaped at me. I strode up more slowly to them and calmly said with a smile, "Hey. How you guys doing?" I think they were nervous thanks to me. I can see a couple of them shaking in their furs. I caught a few of them showing fear in their eyes too. I stopped, then told them in a calm tone, "It's alright, everybody. I'm not going to hurt you. I am-"

But they all screamed and hurried off. I called out, reaching out with my hand, "Wait! Come back! Oh..." I dropped my limb seeing they were not willing to listen to me and just left me high and dry. I shook my head and heaved out a sigh. So much for that... Guess they still aren't used to seeing me show up at their home and visit the pride. From a distance, I can see the cubs had made it back to their mothers. I can see them staring at me, other than comforting their cubs of course, but I couldn't tell what their expressions are. That got me a little nervous like the baby lions. Hope they don't get mad that I scared them. I wouldn't be surprised...But I didn't mean to...

Then very quickly, I saw a lioness actually bounding her way for where I stood. Halfway I can hear her giggling happily. I realized right away that was Sayde coming to meet me. Who else could it be? I don't think one of those mothers wants to speak to me. Sayde met me up close with her tail swinging behind her. She spoke with another chuckle escaping her muzzle, "Geez, Ryan...You scared them all off."

I chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of my neck, "Heh heh...I...Thought I try to be a hit with the cubs."

Sayde playfully remarked, "Obviously you failed. They're clutching their mommies and shaking in fright!"

I explained, "I didn't do anything wrong! I tried to talk to them, but they weren't keen on listening to me."

The lioness pointed out, her eyes on the rifle dangling in my hand, "Maybe they saw you carrying that 'stick' around."

I glanced down at it, then somewhat concurred, "Probably...But I think it's mostly just me."

"What did you expect? They haven't gotten TOTALLY used to you yet."

I looked at her and nodded in agreement with that awkward smile still plastered on me, "Yeah...Think it's a little too soon to try that."

"You think?" She mentioned when a thought seemed to have struck her, "Oh, well, then again, it might be harder for them to get used to you than the grownups. They've known all their lives what your kind is like. I'm sure their mothers tell them all about it almost every day. I imagine that as a fact." Then she shot back her head, "Even if you tried talking to them, I don't think they're going to listen to the mortal enemy of the pride."

"I won't blame them." I said, motioning my hand at her, "And I thought your parents told everyone to remain calm about me."

Sayde replied, shrugging her shoulders, "At the end of the day, they do whatever they please...Except cause trouble for the pride...And you."

"Yep." I gazed directly at the cubs and their families watching me and the lion princess talk. I stated worriedly, "I hope I don't give them nightmares."

She frowned in question, "The cubs?"

"Yes...Might be twice as hard for them to like me if they're going to be afraid of me at night."

Sayde shook her head at that, saying in a sure tone as I eyed her, "Oh, don't worry about it. They'll just forget all about you once we are off together. Believe me, they're good at that."

I raised a playful brow. I inquired, "Oh yeah? Where are we going?" Then I narrowed my eyes, "And please don't say my house."

"Ha ha!" She stretched out her neck and spoke, "NO! I am NOT in the mood to be stuck in that place again. I'm ready to go wherever! It doesn't matter."

I grinned, "Alrighty." Then when Sayde strolled up and went past me, my grin melted away and I frowned at her again, only nervously this time. I asked, "Is your dad okay with this?"

"Why not?" She looked back at me and insisted, "Otherwise I wouldn't go. He's not mad at you about what happened with us and going against mom and saying you cannot look after me anymore if that's what you are wondering. He's fine...Least I think so. Just needed some rest yesterday and cool down a bit."

I said after letting out a sigh, "Probably gets his blood boiling every time he lays his eyes on me I'm bettin'."

"Well, he ain't here either so you don't have to worry about that." She put on a determined expression, "And if he was, if he was angry cause he sees us talking to each other, then he'll just have to get over it again when we leave. But enough about him already! C'mon! Stop being a scared cub with me and let's get out of here!"

I laughed, then I caught up to stand beside her, "Alright, princess, let's go." We both left a moment after. In the back of my mind, I imagined her mom, the queen, staying behind with the pride, and the cubs I so easily scared off, grinning as she watched us leave. I wasn't too sure if she was there, knowing all the lionesses look the darn same. Still, I can see her face. How she thinks she had made the best idea she ever came up with. If only her dad came with the same conclusion.

Time will tell.

For several minutes the two of us just wandered along in the middle of the savannah far from that wall of rock. Like two days ago, neither of us had any idea where we were going. We just go where we wanted, and sit wherever we wanted. There were no rules on where we can and cannot go.

Well, maybe except the inside of my house but you get my point. I was referring to out here. It's the natural rule of things around here. I'm certain every animal in these bare lands follow it well. I can adapt to that. After all, humans were cavemen in the stone ages. This won't be any different.

Anyways, I broke the silence finally with a cough and a question, "So, Sayde...What did I miss? Everything go ok since you returned home?"

Sayde reported while her form moved along beside mine, "No epic arguments and more bitter words were thrown after me and my folks got back."

I said in relief, "That's good."

She twisted her neck to look at me and added, "I think everyone was tired from that fight we had. I was, really." She giggled next, "I'll tell you this, a little while after we came home, I was telling my parents about what your home was like. My dad wasn't interested, of course, but mother actually was."

I gave her a smirk, "Really?"

"Oh yeah!" She mentioned excitedly, "She listened intently about how much I described everything about your home. How much I TRIED to describe it anyway. She was confused, but WOW I haven't seen her act this curious before. She never thought your home would be like I told her. I'm imagining her face was like mine when I was inside your home. It was hilarious!"

I laughed under my breath, "Oh man...No doubt." Wow, the queen was curious about my home. Not too much of a surprise there. I hope SHE doesn't ask me to let her spend the night there. I already had one lioness do that! If I did, next thing I know she'll probably ask me to bring food for her like any queen probably would...Maybe. Then I asked, "What about your sister? Still have any hard feelings?"

She dipped down her muzzle and responded, "Well...I still feel a little bitter about her with everything..." She added when she raised her gaze and smiled a little bit, "But I did apologize to her, not to mention to everyone in the family. We just went on with our day. Other than I was telling the story about where you live, I didn't exactly do much except go hunting by myself a little later and that's it. Everything was quiet..." Then she added with a playful roll of her eyes, "Well, except the sounds of my roars and death but-"

I chuckled, shaking my head, "Gee, Sayde."

"Anyways." She continued, "I wasn't letting the whole future queen thing get to me. Let her get to me anyways. I know it won't do me any good. I just ignored it."

I just smiled at her proudly. I said, "Good. I didn't want you to live with this depression. You were looking really bad."

Sayde said, sounding a bit touched by my concern, "I'm fine now...Thanks to you." Then she cleared her throat and changed the subject, "But anyway, enough about me. What about you? Anything I miss?"

I shook my head, "Not really. It was pretty quiet without you around."

She rolled her eyes sarcastically, "Great."

I snickered then went on, "My parents and my friend Gabe didn't notice any sign that you were trapped in my bedroom. Nobody asked questions. I still think we got lucky."

Her mouth let out some relaxing air, "Please...With how much I was holding inside myself because I literally had to GO somewhere, and the turmoil of hunger ravaging my stomach, and all the time passed being trapped in there...I think 'lucky' is a bit of a stretch."

I commented, "Let me put it this way...It could have been worse."

She narrowed her eyes in a playful way, "Like how? Me dying of starvation, or eating you alive?"

I replied playfully as well, "Neither. I would think it is you getting caught in my house, but I think the WORST thing that could've happened during your stay was for me having to clean up your mess after you 'went' on my bed or my floor. Oh yeah, a lot worse than getting caught by my parents." I made a disgusted face, with pictures of picking up lioness piss and crap flashing inside my mind, "Ugh."

She laughed out loud beside me. Then she said, "Ok...That is worse." Then she brought this up after bringing her head to straight ahead, "I do see what you mean. One time a cub 'went' inside the cave while the entire pride was sleeping in the middle of the night, and everyone smelled the results. It was awful. I wondered what that cub was stuffing inside that little body of his!"

I pinched the bridge of my nose at the thought, "Oh my god..." I let my limb fall to smile at her amusingly. Then I warned, "Sayde...If one day I ever become friends with one of them, remind me not to let a cub spend the night at my home." She let out another laugh. After a brief pause passed between us, I said, "Well anyways, my parents still don't know nothing...And I'm glad. I took a risk risking your life just to spend a night with me."

Sayde complimented, "I think you did great...For the first time anyway. And I still think we should do that again. Maybe not spend the night, but maybe let me stay with you a bit and then I'll go home. We just need to be a bit better prepared for it."

I gave her a knowing look, "You mean YOU need to be better prepared for it. You were the one with the INTERNAL problems."

She rolled her eyes, "Yeah, I know."

"And we have been over this..."

Then she huffed in bit of irritancy, "I know, I know...I'll quit bringing it up."

I fondly patted the side of her neck as we walked on, "Good girl." The lioness showed me her smile for a second before bringing her face forward. Then I was having a conflicted look on my face shortly after. I should tell her about me not staying in her lands forever. I seriously need to correct this impression I gave her before a lot of time passes by.

But...I don't think I should tell her now. She just got over her 'future queen' dilemma and is pretty much back to being happy as far as I can tell. This isn't the right time. I'll tell her later.

I let out a nervous breath. I hope I'll tell her soon. Can't keep this a secret forever...

From somewhere nearby, we heard somebody cry, "Come on! Lift higher!"

"Huh?" I stopped with Sayde, her head perking up in curiosity. I looked to her and asked, "What was that?"

She replied, "Sounds like someone's close by."

I placed my attention at the direction, at this tree with small, slim limbs not too far from us. I pointed and said, "I think it came from over there. Wonder what that was about?"

"I don't know." Sayde shrugged her shoulders, "But I guess we can check it out. What's the worse thing that can happen?" We strolled together to find the source to satisfy our curiosities.

Before we even reached the tree, we heard that voice again. For sure it was male. And his voice was urgent and worrisome, "Keep it up! I think I can feel it move! Lift it, lift it, LIFT IT!"

Then another voice echoed afterward, an impatient woman's voice, "I'm trying, you little rascal! This isn't working!"

We got close to the tree when we heard the retort, "Try harder, you tall bitch!"

We rounded the corner of the small tree...And came across two things. Both big and tiny. One was a giraffe, and the other was a meerkat. Me and Sayde frowned at the sight as we brought ourselves a bit more closer to the scene. What's going on here? The giraffe, who is apparently the one with the female voice, stood tall over the little thing, and gave it a glare to respond to the earlier statement, "You know, this is entirely your fault for this. You shouldn't talk that way to somebody that's trying to help you. I can just leave your little butt alone for calling me that."

The meerkat begged loudly, "Oh hey, don't leave me! I'm sorry! Listen, I'll give you a big, fat, juicy bug after you get me out of this. Okay? I'm sorry!"

The female giraffe stared at him a bit, then finally breathed out through her nose to exhale that small bout of offense it took. She finally spoke, slowly nodding, "Fine. But keep your slimy bug. Let me-" She finally noticed me and Sayde standing nearby. Her face went wide.

The male meerkat asked impatiently, "What are you staring at?!" He had his back a bit turned so he twisted it to follow her gaze. He was about to grumble but then his face went wide too. He also sucked in some air too, in fright probably.

I waved with a smirk while Sayde never did anything but gape at them. I spoke, "Hi."

The cute creature screamed his head off, "AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!" In a frantic state he was trying to pull his tail, from what I can tell from right here, off something. But he apparently was stuck. His efforts seem to be in vain.

The giraffe however didn't act scared at all. Instead the tall spotted thing threw her eyes down and calmly told him with a smile, "Don't worry. They're not going to hurt us." I frowned. Wait, does she know me? Could that be the-

My thoughts were cut short when the meerkat, while still trying to escape to no avail, shot his gaze back up at her, yapping loudly, "Are you crazy?!" He threw his hand at me and Sayde, "There's a two legger and a lion here!"

The giraffe wasn't deterred. She just shook her head and insisted, "I know what they are, but they aren't going to hurt us."

Me and Sayde went up more closer to where they are. That was when I saw what this scene was all about. The meerkat's tail was caught underneath by a kinda big round rock. That was why he was stuck. How this happened I'm not quite sure yet. We were probably about to find the answer to that. The lioness with me lowered her head down to the meerkat's level and demanded with curiosity, "What happened here?"

The meerkat shrieked, "EEEEEEEEEEE!!!!" Then he picked up a nearby stick and whacked it on Sayde's face, "Take that!"

"Ow!" She jerked up her head out of its reach, putting a forepaw to her nose. She cried, "That hurt!" I snickered. Dang. That guy's got balls. The stick struck her again, this time in the foreleg. She yelled this out that time, "Hey!"

The meerkat kept barking and swinging that thing on the animal that was outright BIGGER than him, "Stay back! You ain't swallowing me whole! I ain't afraid to fight back! I'll poke this in your eye! Get away from me! Ah! Aha! Ahhhhhaaa!!!!!" In retaliation, Sayde finally swiped the little blunt weapon out of the meerkat's hands and roared. That made the tiny animal cry out in terror again, causing him to return to pulling at his tail again.

The giraffe yelled, "Calm down!" The meerkat froze to glance at her. Sayde and I were doing the same thing. The big spotted animal went on, "Can't you see they don't want to harm us?"

The meerkat looked up at Sayde and I. His eyes blinked several times in confusion and surprise. He was wiping them with his hands at first. When he was done he said, "Have I gone crazy? Are you two actually together? Like in cahoots? As partners?"

Sayde scoffed as she shot daggers directly down toward him, "Seriously. You just noticed we were here a second ago, and now you're REALLY noticing something about us. Give me a break with this wildebeest shit."

The meerkat shot back, "Excuse me, jaws, but I was FREAKING out by two very dangerous things around here!"

"I'm dangerous?" She called him out, "You hurt my fucking nose!"

"You deserved it! I told you to get away you inconsiderate bitch!"

I heard Sayde utter a growl, "You little-"

I was almost certain she was going to kill him in anger, so I cut through this argument by waving my hand, "Whoah, whoah, calm down, guys. We're not here to fight. We heard you guys nearby and just came to see what the problem was."

The male meerkat shouted, "There is no problem now scram!"

The giraffe stomped her hoof with a demanding glare, "Hush up!" The tiny little guy yelped, then obediently nodded up at her. The giraffe then gave me and Sayde a meek smile. She made an apologetic statement, "I apologize, you two. My friend can be a bit impulsive."

Sayde yapped angrily, "No kidding."

The giraffe repeated her stance, bowing her head, "Again, my apologies."

I began, "Well, now that we settled this, let me go ahead and ask you this..." I wrinkled my brow as I looked directly at her, "Have we met before?"

The giraffe stated in a friendly tone, "Why, I'm surprised you don't recognize me, two legger. Did you forget about me already? I did help you out before. I hope you didn't forget about not staring at my spots...I have an issue with that, remember."

When she brought it up, I formed a huge smile. I said happily, "Hey, it is you!" Heh...I wondered if I was meeting her today, and here I am now talking to her. This didn't take me long. I continued my statement, "I was wondering when I'll see you again."

She giggled, her ears perked, "Likewise. I've been thinking about you a lot."

Sayde gazed me confusingly, "Wait. You know each other?"

"Wai-! Wha-!" The meerkat finally cried this out on his end, "What's going on here?!"

I looked at Sayde back and answered, "I don't know her all that well, but she was the one who helped me find out where you live on that day. After I let you escape from that pen. She pointed me the direction."

The meerkat apparently was as confused as ever, "Huh?!"

Sayde trailed her eyes off me and onto the lone giraffe. She smirked, asking, "Really?"

The giraffe joked a bit, "I tried to warn him about your kind. He was pretty persistent."

Sayde remarked, "I think crazy is better than that." I rolled up my eyes near her.

The meerkat exclaimed, his hands pressing against his cheeks, "This isn't just crazy, this is NUTS!"

We all continued to ignore him, as the long necked animal lowered her head down a bit when she inspected the lioness, "But at least he's survived to tell his tale. Or rather, show it. You must be the princess he searched for."

Sayde confirmed with a nod, "Yes. My name's Sayde." She shot a glance at me before putting it back on the giraffe, "I guess I can say, any friend of Ryan's is a friend of mine too."

The meerkat shouted again, apparently still catching on to this thing he obviously did not know about, "Friend?!"

"Ryan?" The giraffe basically ignored him still and moved her head toward me curiously, "Is that your name?" I silently nodded with a smile still on my face. She hummed, "Hmm...Bit of a strange one, but you are a strange creature, so it fits."

I replied, "I'll take that as a compliment." My hand gestured towards her, "But you mind telling us what's yours?"

"Oh. My apologies again." The female giraffe finally introduced herself, "Banou." She motioned her head to the confused meerkat down below, "And this little guy here is Sidon." I looked back and forth between the two animals. Banou and Sidon...

Sidon cried this out angrily to her, "Yeah, nice to meet you guys, but what the hell have you been hiding, spotty? You didn't tell me you recently met a two legger! You were talking to one! What's wrong with you?!"

Banou focused on him, having a glare, "What's wrong with me? I was waiting for the right time to tell you. I wasn't in any rush."

Sidon breathlessly warned, "Well have you considered the possibility that your new 'friend' is dangerous?! Two leggers aren't to be trusted! And I think I have every right to know about it sooner or later! Did I miss something else?!" I chuckled deeply. Dang, Banou really left me out of whatever conversations they previously had. I would probably be pissed too.

Maybe not to the extent he's displaying.

Banou tried to calm him, "Relax, Sidon."

I crouched down to his level, trying to help out, putting a hand to my chest, "Yeah, little guy, I'm not here to hurt anyone."

Sayde added on her part, though slightly annoyed, "I won't either...Unless someone forced me. Also I'm not hungry for meerkat."

My eyes went wide at that. That's a...Nice way to calm somebody down. Then I shook the expression off my face, and went on, "Anyways, I'm not like the other humans. I'm a great guy to be around."

Sidon frowned, "Hold on...Humans? What's a human?"

The four legged princess answered for me, "It's what two leggers are actually called, dumbass."

"Ohhhhh." He crossed his arms and turned himself away in a dignified stance, "I like two legger better."

I said in mock offense, "Well I'm offended."

Sayde shook her head solemnly then brought her attention on Banou, "Your friend is obnoxious."

The female giraffe pretty much didn't argue with that, "He is that way too." Banou placed her attention onto Sidon now. She told him, "Sidon, listen. You are absolutely safe. I wouldn't let them near us, especially the two legger, if I didn't trust them. But I do. I met the two legger first, and he is friendlier than any other we've seen. And I think you can let your guard down with Sayde too. She said she isn't hungry. Alright? Now just relax and calm yourself."

Sidon took in a deep breath and let it all out in a slow whoosh of air. Then he announced, "Okay...I'm calm...For a minute."

Banou simply stated with a deep chuckle, "Good enough."

Sayde peered around the meerkat and spotted his tail still stuck thanks to that rock. She inquired, "So what happened here? Looks like you're stuck."

Sidon ranted with lots of annoyance, "Of course I'm stuck! I've already went over this like five times already!" The princess reared back her head, then put on another glare.

I stood up straight and pressed for answers with a curious frown, "How did this happen?"

Banou rose her head up a bit and went on to explain with her tail swung behind her, "Well, Sidon has a thing for eating bugs."

"Yuck!" Sayde shut her eyes, now forming a look of disgust, "Disgusting!" I smirked without showing much of a reaction. Yep...Definitely looking at a Timon.

Banou went on after chuckling a bit, "Anyway. He was looking for bugs to eat, and searched under this rock that was being held up by this stick...Thanks to him. I was just tagging along with him. I'm not a big fan of bugs myself."

Sidon shrugged, disgruntled still about the situation he was in, "No one is."

"Then the next thing we know, the stick just slipped and the rock fell. Then Sidon's tail got caught before he could get out of the way entirely. I've been trying to get him free for a long time, but it won't budge, and I can't lift it either. My hooves and my neck are not capable of this. And what's worse he still can't get free. His tail's really stuck."

Sidon protested, "Yeah and I can't stay here forever! I have to get underground! There are predators everywhere! Also my tail is being squished to death!"

Poor guy is scared shitless from thinking about it. I can tell. I think I'd better help him. I hummed as I looked at the rock. Then I suggested, "Well...Maybe I should give it a try."

Banou tilted her head, "Can you move it?"

I glanced at her and said with a confident grin, "Sure. I'm much more capable than anyone here, and it doesn't look SUPER heavy...I'm the perfect man for the job."

Sayde giggled with amusement, "I believe it."

Sidon ordered, "Oh, that's wonderful...NOW HURRY UP AND GET THIS FUCKING THING OFF MY TAIL!"

Sayde then huffed out, "Ryan, get this over with so he'll quit complaining."

"Ok, ok." I placed my gun on the ground. The giraffe stepped aside for me when I walked up to the side of the rock. I bent low, my fingers digging underneath the solid object. They found a good grip and I began using their strength. It didn't really require a ton of effort. It wasn't very heavy like I figured. I managed to lift the rock up without much of a problem. Sidon had enough space for him to get his tail free, and jumped away out of reach. I let the object plop back down. I proclaimed, wiping my hands together from this minor accomplishment, "There we go. Free as a bird."

Sidon sighed in relief while he was grabbing his tail and checking it out, massaging it to see if there was any feeling in it still. Then he looked up at my tall frame and said without any gratitude in his eyes, "Thanks." Then, he actually scurried off for the savannah. His voice carried back behind him as he moved further and further away, "Now I am outta here! Bye-bye!"

"Oh, Sidon." Banou grumbled a bit before lowering her head down to mine and Sayde's levels. She said as she had an urgent look behind her eyes, "I'm sorry, but we gotta cut this conversation. I'd better catch up to him. I'm the only one looking after him you know? Maybe I'll see you later, Ryan?"

I nodded, "Yeah...Some other time."

She smiled, then gazed at Sayde, "It was nice to meet you, princess." Her eyes gestured toward me, "Keep this friend of yours close. He was worried for you when he was searching for you."

Sayde giggled, "I sure will."

I thumbed to where Sidon left, "Better go after him now, Banou."

Banou did so. She quickly raised her head and ran as fast her long legs could carry her. Her voice carried behind her shoulder, "So long, you two!" From a distance, I can hear her hollering at Sidon, "Sidon! Slow down! I can't run that fast!"

Me and Sayde watched her run far enough to slow down as she probably caught up to her friend. I smirked. Sayde said with a playful frown, "What an odd friendship."

I turned my head to look at her. I called her out on this, "Look who's talking."

Sayde laughed. Then she shot back, "I know, we're weird too! Who the fuck cares?" I chuckled in response. Then she went on, "I mean I've seen elephants and giraffes and a few other big things being buddies, but a giraffe and a meerkat...Never saw that coming."

I commented on it, "Guess Sidon found somebody that he can look up to." That was when I was trying to make a crack as I pointed up my finger, "Eh? Get it? 'Look up'?" She narrowed her eyes in a bit of a playful way. I tried to explain this now when it turned awkward, "Cause she's a giraffe and he's tiny...You know?"

She stared at me for a long moment, then rolled up her eyes, "Lame."

I shrugged at first with my hands. Then I mentioned after I dropped my limbs to the sides, "You know something? I'm actually surprised you were talking to them without acting hostile. Do you and the pride socialize with anything else that ain't human?"

Sayde answered honestly, "Not really. Normally we don't talk to the other animals much. That doesn't mean me and the pride hold any ill feeling towards anyone that isn't...You know, a lion." She motioned her head to her right when she added this minor detail, "Well, except for humans, but anyway...When me and the pride are not hunting, and we go by a herd or just someone that's wandering around alone, sometimes we get a hello or something and we say hello back and then we move on. And sometimes when someone that's not in the pride needs help with something serious, they come to my dad. That's how it works with us. Remember my mom telling me the other day that a bird came and got my dad to be somewhere that's urgent? That's what I'm talking about."

"Oh." I did forget about that bird, but I do remember now...

So they say hello, and also come and ask for help when they need it? That's some real payback when the ones you were being friendly with suddenly eat you. Jesus.

She giggled then said, "Hey, none those things mean anything when I'm with you. Like I said, when someone's your friend, they're a friend of mine too. I don't mind sharing one human that's crazy enough to befriend with a pride of lions. Besides." She shot her gaze out towards the direction Banou and Sidon left, "I kinda like Banou. Better than Sidon at least."

I formed a smirk after doing the same as her, "For someone so small, he can stand up to you."

She complimented, "He's brave, I'll give him that. But he was stupid for trying to take me on."

"That's sorta true. Don't think that was very smart." I threw her a teasing question, "By the way, how's the nose?"

Sayde gave me a annoyed look in return. She responded with this, "Shut up." I snickered. Then she began padding away to a different direction, "Anyways, let's go. No use staying here anymore." I picked up the rifle I laid on the ground earlier and shortly paced after the lioness.

I looked down at the earth as I mulled over what happened earlier and what I now learned. Sidon and Banou...I can't believe I talked to that giraffe I met before again, and what's more I can't believe I actually spoke to a meerkat without him running away! Well, until the end of course. I got lucky this time. I still remember meeting two on that day that were just as scared as Sidon. Hopefully that little guy can trust me a bit more, and Sayde too. I wouldn't mind having him around me either like Banou.

As for Sayde...She didn't act hostile towards them. Other than me, this isn't the first time she has spoke to someone that's a different species. I guess lions can be friends with different animals in real life.

Well...Unless they aren't hungry.

My chest let out a quiet breath. When me and her meet them again...Hopefully it stays that way. Don't want to lose those two thanks to a hungry princess. I like them both already.

*****

After cleaning my face that was stained with crimson, my tongue lapped at the watering hole to help get rid of the annoying thirst I had developed from my hunt earlier. When all that water went down my throat, I closed my eyes, craned my head back, and let out a soothing sigh. Much better. I opened them up, staring above, seeing the orange in the sky giving it's sign that the day was about over. I then dropped my sights down to my reflection in the water. The surface still had a few ripples before it became still. The image on the surface smiled back at me.

I had a wonderful day with my two legged friend. Nothing much has happened after our meeting with Banou the giraffe and Sidon the meerkat except we strolled through the savannah together and sat down every once in a while and talked and joked a bit. Looking back on that meeting with those two, I still can't believe that Ryan had actually met another animal and talked to them before finding out where I had actually lived on the day he looked for me in concern after releasing me from that pen. I was surprised...And so was Sidon apparently. But then again, how else could he have gotten to that wall of rock by himself on that fateful day? That certainly explained a lot. Even he admitted during our time together that he was a bit surprised somebody helped him out. He mentioned that no matter who he tried to talk to for directions, they all ran away from him in fear.

I watched myself giggle on the water's surface. Poor guy. Least someone lent him a paw. Or hoof. Whatever you'd call it. A little while later, Ryan took me back to that said wall of rock cause he was feeling done for today and had to go home, and we went our separate ways. Then when mom and dad asked me how everything went, I told them all about Banou and Sidon. They were both surprised....Mostly dad. I can never forget the look on his face. Neither had expected Ryan, a human, to speak to two other kinds of animals today, and not to mention having one of them tell him where we lived on the day he searched for me. Dad did act a bit macho and said 'I had a feeling someone had told him where we lived.' But give me a break. He was surprised, and impressed...And he knew it.

Probably ain't going to admit it like mom though. We were talking about a human.

That was when I went out for my late afternoon hunt and here I am now, reminiscing the events that transpired today. I sat down on my butt and began thinking about Banou solely. I can tell based on her personality that I liked her already. She seemed ok...For a giraffe. Actually she kinda reminded me of a friend of mine that I haven't seen for a while. It was a personal friend of Makena's, honestly, literally about the same age as him. I loved being around that friend. That friend was...Special, to say the least. Probably the most special friend I've had in my life. I think me and Banou will get along just fine.

I held a look of embarrassment now when another creature popped inside my head. As for Sidon...I don't know about him. He was so obnoxious and paranoid. Kinda annoying. And he struck me with a stick! A meerkat, hitting me, a lioness, with a STICK. That never happened to me before. What was he thinking of doing something like that to a lioness? First, a zebra kicked me in the shoulder during my lone hunt, then I botched another with me falling into a hole that I absolutely did not see yesterday, and now that happened! I haven't dealt this many stupid mishaps since I was a cub...Probably. What has gotten into me?!

Good thing I neglected to tell my parents about that...Or everybody in the pride would know and...I think you get the idea. I think that's a bit worse than getting kicked by a zebra. I'm definitely sure everyone would laugh at a lioness that got her butt whooped by a freakin meerkat.

A meerkat of all things...Good grief!

I shook my head slowly to myself with a tiny smile on my muzzle. I know Ryan wasn't around with the whole zebra situation, but the latter two situations occured when he was near me...Why am I getting a feeling that more situations like that will come if I continue to be with him? I sighed, in a pleasant way. Oh well...Long as nothing involves hurting my shoulder...I'll be great. And I guess I shouldn't really hate Sidon that much for what he is. He's apparently a friend of Banou's, and sure enough, he's bound to hang out with her again. I guess I'll have to put up with him if I meet him again. And if Ryan's happy being with him...Then so be it. I'll be happy too.

Then I had Ryan on my mind. It had me gazing out to the direction of where he lived. I'll be frank...He felt like he was done with me today...But I don't think I was. I'm not even tired. I snapped to the direction of my home now. I know it was getting late, and my parents, like my father, are expecting me to get home from my hunt. Then I peered back at the other direction. But...I had the urge to hang out with Ryan some more...

...At where he lives.

I lowered my head as I was pondering on which I should do. But Ryan said being inside his house was a one time deal. There's no way he's going to give in again. And my parents were worried sick about me cause I never returned home the other night. I should forget about this... Then I made a look of determination. But...Maybe they won't. They know I was with Ryan that night...I bet they won't care if I was hanging out with him at this moment. Well, dad would, but I don't care what he thinks. I'm not a cub anymore anyways. I liked being inside Ryan's home. Besides, I ain't going to spend the night again, and I'll be careful when I get there. I'll come straight home when I feel ready.

I nodded firmly to myself, pushing my butt off the ground and going off to that direction. Right. I'm going there. I didn't look back at where I lived. My fours were dragging me to the human place, not thinking or worried about the consequences. I wanted to be with Ryan again. To get this out of my system. I don't think he would be happy if I came over to his place by myself and ask him if I can hang out with him in there...But maybe his parents would probably be asleep before I get there.

Maybe that wouldn't matter cause he was dead set on not letting me in that place again. I smiled a bit as I continued further across the savannah. Oh, I'm sure if I beg, he'll have to let me in there. He probably can't resist. I don't think he'd wanna hurt my feelings. I'm sure anyway.

He'll give in again...I can FEEL it.

As I moved further and further, the area was getting darker, the sun literally gone down over the horizon. Crickets made their noises to signify the night. I think I heard my father's distant roar a second ago, but I ignored it, moving farther away from it than usual. I only imagined his eyes gleaming with impatience and worry when I didn't return home, but I didn't let that stop me. I was determined to find Ryan again. Sure enough, since I knew where he lived now, I found those two houses from afar in the dark.

My form soon enough went past that familiar pen I was trapped in days ago. I didn't pay it no mind while I was bringing myself closer to the same house Ryan was in. But I wasn't rushing it, I was being very cautious. I kept an wary eye out for any human I didn't know, just in case anyone was outside. I didn't see no one so that was a good thing. I stalked for that door that Ryan had snuck me through to get in and out of that place. I literally peered RIGHT THROUGH that door since it wasn't like Ryan's bedroom door and I can literally see the inside of the place. The house was illuminated inside, but I didn't see anyone.

I can see one of those sources that's making things brighter in there, and started frowning in curiosity. I should've asked Ryan this question the other night...How come things are brighter in there than out here? Looking at it, it's sorta like I am staring at the sun, but it's different. It's not stuck in the sky...It's apparently stuck in the house. How's this possible?

I was shaking the thought out of my head. Not now, Sayde, just find Ryan. I backed away, twisting my body to peer at the outside wall of the house. Ok...I'll try finding him in his room. He's got to be hiding in there. Since I realized there was more than one inside the place, I had to check each one to find him. I padded to one of those things that Ryan introduced me yesterday called a 'window'. I remember peeking out through one from inside his bedroom, seeing outside, so I knew it would do the exact opposite while I am standing outside. It was that simple. It was like staring in and out of a hole.

Only it's just called a 'window'.

When I got under a window, I stood up high on my hind feet and planted my forepaws against the wall. My body was tall enough to peek through it. It was showing me it was a bedroom...But it was dark and nobody was in it. I frowned. Is this the right place? Maybe this was another one of those bedrooms this place has. I glanced at a couple other windows down the path beside me.

I huffed, pushing myself off the wall and hurried myself to another window. Then I propped myself up to see through the next one. That time I found Ryan. He wasn't exactly undressed like he did when I spent the night with him yet. He was sitting on his bed, staring at his...TV. The thing I thought was a strange, little watering hole when I first saw it. I tilted my head to the side, following his gaze to that object he showed me the other night. What is going on with that thing? Something's happening behind the...Screen. Is this what Ryan was trying to tell me about?

So it's not a little watering hole after all.

This is...Very odd.

But I had enough of staring. It was time to get Ryan over here. I scratched at the window with one paw, then hollered quietly, "Psst! Ryan! Ryan!" My attempts grabbed his attention off the tv and onto the window. I smiled at him when he spotted my face. I called again, my claws scraping against the screen again, "Ryan, it's me!" He showed a frown as he scooted off his bed. On his face, I can tell he never expected me to show up. The two legger made his way up to the window and pushed it up. I hear a tiny noise of the tv it was making, but I flat out ignored it as Ryan's face was close to mine.

Ryan curiously asked, "Sayde? What are you doing here?" He gazed out behind me. He stated in surprise, "It's kinda late."

I apologized with a deep giggle, "Sorry bout this."

"What's the matter?" He asked, his face and tone now showing concern, "Did you get in another fight with your family?"

I replied immediately, shaking my head, "No. Everything is fine."

"Then, what's up?"

I plainly explained, "I wasn't feeling tired, so I came all the here to see you so I could kill some time. I...Don't think I was done with you."

Ryan finally smirked at me and said, "Well, I'm not really in the mood to go travelling with you in the dark. It's late, and my parents might get worried if I leave."

I responded, "I don't care."

Then he warned, petting my cheek softly, "I think you should care about yours. You better get back home."

I said as his paw grazed around on my cheek, "I don't care what they'd think either. Besides...I'm not thinking about walking with you again right now."

He wrinkled his brow, pulling his paw back, "Then what are you doing here?"

I stuttered, "I, um...I came here to...You know..." My muzzle motioned forward, to the inside of his house.

Ryan was smiling now, seemingly getting the hint, "You couldn't resist wanting to be inside here again, could you?"

I smiled sheepily. I made a simple statement, "It's almost unresistable."

Then the human put on a serious look. He declined, "Well sorry but you can't come in."

I spat this out even though I already know the answer, "Why not?"

He told me, "Because I said so. I was only letting you stay with me for one night and one night only, and that's it."

I argued like I already did before, "But I wasn't thinking of spending the night here again, I was merely thinking of being with you again for a little bit and then I'll go home. That's all."

The two legger warned, "But you know being here is dangerous. If anyone other than me catches you, who knows what would happen?"

I begged, "Come on, Ryan."

"No way, Sayde. I'm not letting you in here again and that's final. Besides, your dad might kill me."

I narrowed up my eyes, "Fuck my father. I don't care. If he's gonna have a cubby fit with this, he can take it up with me."

"Sayde."

"Look, Ryan." I said, "I'm not scared of this like you are. I ain't afraid of being with you here again. I'm just gonna be as cautious as I can and not stir up trouble just like before. Besides, I'm not starving, I already ate, and I don't have the need to 'go' anywhere either. I'm good on both things. I think that bowl of water you provided me before will suit my needs just fine."

Ryan looked absolutely nervous now seeing as I didn't back down, "Sayde..."

"Please, Ryan." I placed one paw onto his as I was merely giving him begging eyes, "Don't leave me out in the cold night. I'm only asking to stay with you for a little bit. I promise, I won't stay here all night. I'll go home as soon as I feel tired. And I REALLY want to know what you tv is like. Ok? Pleeeeeaaaaaaaasssse?"

Ryan stared at me for a long time...Till he finally let out a sigh. He had a long pause till he finally said something, "....Ok. Fine." I beamed. Yay! Then he added with that serious expression still on his face, "But you still have to do everything I say. No back talk, no arguments. Understand?"

I surely replied with a huge nod, "Understood."

He glanced behind his shoulder, saying out loud, "I think my mom and dad are in the shower together, but I'll have to make sure to see we're in the clear."

I frowned at this certain word, "Shower?"

"Never mind." He returned his eyes on me and backed away from the window, ordering me, "Just wait right here, don't move, I'll come get ya." I nodded, pulling myself off the window and having all fours on the ground now. I was smiling still about this. I knew he would not resist! A minute later, Ryan emerged out the door and ran up to me. He pointed at me and suggested, "We're ok. But, when you get inside, keep your voice down. They aren't asleep yet."

I playfully rolled my eyes, "I got it, I got it. This isn't the first time you know."

Ryan grinned, then began leading me with a wave of his paw, "Come on. Let's get in before they find us." I followed behind, going through the same doorway I spied through all the way up to his room. Before I got in the room, I could've swore I heard the sound of running water coming from the inside of another room nearby. I didn't ask questions, I just went in there after Ryan, and he shut the door behind us.

Not a minute passed by and I already was staring at the tv upon entering. I was seeing a bunch of images on the screen that I cannot begin to understand, nor the sounds it was making. It was so strange and foreign to my eyes. I can see there were humans on that small thing, but I couldn't really understand what I was seeing. I sorta did see what he was talking about before when he explained the tv the other night, but even that was still confusing. When I asked him, pressing him for more information about it, he explained to me a bit more that he was watching a movie, and movies provide images to the tv so we can see them. He also mentioned that they are like stories...And you get to watch them, instead of listening to somebody telling them. I still didn't understand all that, but it did make a bit more sense in a way and sounded kind of interesting that time.

When I laid beside his bed, the same spot I slept on on the floor, Ryan quickly exited the room and brought me that bowl of water for me to drink from. I did hear some noises outside his room, and I figured that was his parents who were done taking their...Shower. I still didn't know what that meant. Ryan got out of his room again shortly after to tell them that he was going to bed and tell them goodnight, just to make sure they wouldn't barge in here and see me hiding in here. Which was probably a good idea. I almost got caught in here before...He ain't going to let that happen again.

Then when my two legged friend got back, he suggested that we watch one of those movies he talked about. I said that I didn't mind. I remember liking stories that were told by Makena when I was a cub. I bet what I'll see would keep me entertained. So he went ahead and...Apparently turned off the movie he was watching, and inserted another he had in mind for me. So he says. This 'story' he had in mind was called, 'The Lion King'.

So here I thought, as he started to explain...A story about lions? My kind? Alright, I can't wait to actually SEE what the story is like and how it goes. And so we began to watch it...

And holy hippo I was...Shocked at what I was seeing. I couldn't make sense of what I was seeing either. The animals and the lions on that thing looked pretty...Weird, and different. Very different! Certainly not what I was expecting. There were odd noises too coming out of the tv as well. They're hard to describe, but they're the strangest things my ears ever caught. Another odd thing about it is that I couldn't even understand what the characters were saying either. Like literally, I cannot understand them. I don't know why...I can understand what everyone else is saying outside the screen, I can understand Ryan when he's with me...Why can't I understand ANYTHING on that thing?

Ryan mentioned that they were all animated, and this was all a cartoon, and that explained why everything looked...Weird and less normal. And the strange noises I was hearing...It was a thing he neglected to mention before called 'music'. He told me that music adds emotion in a story, depending on what's currently going on in it. It can sound thrilling, scary, loving, whatever. That makes sense...I guess. I still think it was strange though, since I never heard something like that before when I'm outside wandering around the savannah. Everything was always quiet. But all that didn't totally explain why I can't understand anybody on the story. I pressed him about it and he said he didn't have any idea. He thought it was odd too.

I wasn't sure, but I had a feeling he was hiding something from me. I can't quite put my claw on it, but the feeling was there. What could he be hiding?

I didn't really question further, in fact, I didn't dwell on it for long. Ryan did promise that he would tell me what's going on in the story as best he can. And so he did. At first I was confused, but as the story went on and on, and as he explained more and more, it got me interested and earned my attention. I can understand bits of it, but it did help a lot when he told me.

Basically the story was about this lion cub named Simba, who is destined to follow in the paws of his father, Mufasa, who is king of the so called Pridelands. I thought that was a funny name to call your lands. Why didn't my father think of that?

Actually, it was probably better he didn't. I think that name sounded...Dorkish.

Anyway, it started out as happy, but then it turned bad, as Scar, who is Mufasa's brother and Simba's uncle, plotted to kill them. Just so HE could become king. Ryan explained that he was next in line, but when Simba was born...That got taken away. And...In the middle of the story, he actually succeeded. Except Simba got away, but he didn't know what his uncle did. He thought that it was his fault that his father died, thanks to his uncle feeding him those lies that it was his fault...Which it wasn't.

What a psychopath. I was appalled internally at that kind of behavior toward a cub.

And frankly this sorta sounds like the drama with me and my sister, but...Wow.

I wouldn't think of doing that to my own sister...Or my mother and father even.

So Scar, thinking Simba had died too thanks to his hyena lackeys, which he did not, took over his brother's lands along with several hyenas. Like a lot of them. I thought that was crazy. I never heard anything like that before. And then after that, I come to see that Simba almost died FOR REAL when he wandered far away from home cause he felt so guilty for what he thought he did wrong. Poor thing. Part of me wishes I can comfort him and tell him it's not his fault. But when he was on the brink of death, something unexpected happened. A warthog and a...Fucking meerkat named Timon and Pumbaa, saved that little guy's hiney, and raised him by themselves...Till he was fully grown.

Kinda thinking about it, I'm surprised Simba as an adult hasn't exactly ate those two, but...They raised him to eat bugs, which I thought was very fucking gross, so I guess that'll stop him from eating ANYBODY.

Then one day, a lioness came to where Simba lived and attacked Pumbaa, cause she was hungry and hunting for food. Part of me wished she had ate him. He was kinda annoying in my eyes, and so was Timon. Then, as Ryan explained, it turned out to be Simba's best friend, Nala, from when they were cubs. She actually left the Pridelands, cause they looked HORRIBLE under Scar's rule as king. And I mean literally horrible. According to Ryan, there were no herds, rivers, watering holes, anything for that matter. I don't think I ever seen anything like that in my life at all. Talk about a bad king.

I guess it really counts on who's king and who isn't. Gosh.

Anyway, Nala went to look for help to overthrow the bastard and all the hyenas. She told Simba everything that happened, after they fought each other a little bit and then recognized each other as adults, and wanted him to come home so he could be king.

At first Simba declined, but thanks to a friend of his family, Rafiki, who is a freakin, weird ass monkey mind you, and apparently showed up at where he lived as well, he decided to head home. Upon returning, along with Nala, Timon and Pumbaa, that was when Simba found out the truth from Scar, thanks to a very tense, standoff conversation they were having, that he didn't kill his father...His uncle did. And that was when a big, climatic fight happened. Yikes.

At the end, Scar got defeated by Simba, and then got eaten by his own hyenas, cause according to Ryan, they overheard him betraying them...Cause he was an asshole that didn't care about anybody but himself.

I surely agree with that. What a total bastard. I was glad he was finally dead. I'd growl quietly every time I look at him!

And then Simba took place as king, and everything in his home, everything in his lands was brought back to normal. And what's more...Nala apparently became his queen, because she and Simba were both in love with each other, and had a cub with him. Had a feeling that would happen.

And not too long after watching that, the image disappeared, and the screen went black.

I heard Ryan say, "Well, that's over with." My eyes went wide in surprise at the sudden change. I shot my attention up at Ryan as he got himself off the bed and went for that little thing called a DVD player.

I asked, my ears perked up, "Was that it?"

Ryan put that 'movie' away in that little 'case' as he'd called it. After snapping it closed, he announced, "Yep. That was the end of the story. That was The Lion King." He looked to me with a big smile on his face, "What did you think, Sayde? Was it good?"

I smiled too. I replied, "I thought it was...Alright. It was kinda cute...Kinda beautiful at some spots...And a bit scary."

He playfully pressed, "Was it sorta accurate with how everything in your life looks?"

I hummed in thought, "Hmmm..." Then I answered, "I'd say...Almost...Sorta? For one, I don't think there's an elephant graveyard near my lands. I never heard of one before."

He giggled with agreement, "Obviously."

I went on, "And I never heard of Pride Rock either. I don't think lions ever lived in a place like that before...As far as I know. And I don't think I ever heard of a family friend being a monkey, which I think that's silly. And I don't think I ESPECIALLY heard of someone's father coming back as a ghost within the sky and tell his son to come back home and face his destiny and become king. Like I said to you earlier, I thought that was a little too far fetched. A little messed up when you think about it."

Ryan remarked, "Sayde...It's just a story."

I laughed a little, "I know. It's a weird one too. I mean...Everyone in the story looked really weird. I'm kinda glad I don't look like that."

Ryan chuckled, "Yeah..." He set the movie down on a spot, then sat down at the foot of the bed. Then after sucking in some air, he twisted his head and asked, "But hey, not all of them looked weird. There's gotta be someone that you kinda found...Interesting...Maybe attractive."

I was smirking, "Like who?"

The human suggested, "Well...I kinda imagined that you probably found Scar a bit handsome. Am I right?"

I can tell he was joking, so I responded with a roll of my eyes, "Please. He's not my type. In fact he is the biggest bastard of all time. And if he was here and tried anything with me...I'd bite his you know what off and leave him for dead. That'll teach him to mess around with someone like me."

Ryan said with a shrug, "I agree. You're more BAD than he ever will be."

"You know it." Then I added when I put in some thought, "Though come to think of it...I thought his brother was the handsome one. He looked big and strong, and his mane too is like, wow...Probably my kind of guy."

His jaw dropped a bit before he demanded, "What, no Simba?"

"Well, yeah, but there's not much a difference between them. They both look the same. And I saw his father first so I choose him."

Ryan grinned a bit before he said, "Ah, fair enough." Suddenly I drew back my head and yawned. Dang...I'm tired! Ryan asked in a calm tone, "Sleepy?"

I nodded, getting up on my fours, "Yeah." I stretched myself out a little bit while I spoke, "I think I've been in here longer than I thought. I better get home."

Ryan agreed when I was done and just standing there, "Same here. We should both go to bed."

I padded up a few steps to him. I said, "I'm ready, Ryan. Lead me out of here." Ryan nodded, then led the away like he did earlier. He checked out the door to see if we were safe to leave the room, then we both wandered out into the big part of the house till we both went outside the same way we came in.

When he slid the big window door closed behind him, I turned and showed him my eyes that are filled with gratitude. I spoke, "Thank you very much for letting me stay here...And letting me see that story. It was fun. Actually, it was pretty cool. Nobody at home will believe this."

Ryan giggled deeply, shaking his head at that, "Probably not. But...Maybe you can share this story with everyone else. Like the cubs. I think they'd be fascinated by it."

I hummed for a moment in thought, then shortly said in bit of agreement, "Doesn't sound like a bad idea." I do remember that my dad told me to never play with any cub in the pride ever again, including Kweli and Asha, after that incident at the two legger home. But who knows...Maybe one day he'll actually let me be near them and I can tell that story.

I can see Kweli and Asha's faces now when I tell them that story someday. I hope I can before they grow too old for it.

Then he admitted, "I admit...I had fun too. I haven't watched a movie with a lioness before."

I tilted my head with a smile still on my muzzle, "Never?"

"Nope."

"Heh heh...Hey, first time for everything."

"Yeah well, I'm happy this night didn't turn into a disaster either."

I said, holding a hopeful look in my eyes, "I knew we'd do fine. We oughta do this again later. You probably have more stories to share with me...Right? I mean you got me interested in these things now. I'm kinda starving to see more now. Think we should...Do this again sometime...If you don't mind."

His happy expression had melted away, with only a serious face replacing it. Behind his eyes, he seemed to be thinking about what I said. He gaped at me for a long time...Till he finally said with a slowly reformed smile and a tiny nod, "You know what...Yeah...We oughta." He shrugged as he added, "Then again, if I try to decline, you'll probably find a way to have me change my mind, right?""

I giggled deviously, shooting back my answer, "Oh, that's right." Then I went up and rubbed myself against his fragile frame, "I can't resist your home, and you can't resist me. I'm sure I'll win."

Then I felt his paw stroking against my fur. Shortly, he commented, "...You probably might." I was just smiling and purring in response.

I sighed pleasantly, backing away till we were both face to face. I said, "Well anyways...I'll get going now. I'll be expecting you tomorrow."

Ryan replied, "Can't wait."

I let out a playful warning to him, "Just TRY not to scare any cubs again when you reach my home, ok?"

He took it with a quick nod, "I'll keep that in mind. In the meantime, don't let your father kill me for me letting you not get back home sooner."

I rolled my eyes at that. Like I said, Ryan...He can take that up with ME. I made a few steps backwards, turning my body a bit from him, before I said in a soft voice, "Night, Ryan."

He waved his paw, "Night, Sayde."

Then I spun and ran back for the savannah, heading back home through the night. I ran for a little bit till I slowed to a stop and looked back at Ryan's home from afar. I smiled at it. Ryan...Thanks again.

This...Honestly made my night. I can't believe I actually found something you shared with me to be very interesting. Much more interesting than I thought. Much more interesting than how much the inside of your home is compared to the outside. I enjoyed what you shared a lot.

Thank you.

After standing there watching the place for another second, I hurried on home.