I'm in the airport terminal in Miami, Florida, just looking through my phone and so far no one has called me. Tabitha, Walker, and Eileen were supposed to meet me here. I wonder what's taking them so long? The plane's going to leave pretty soon.

My cell phone vibrated and I read the text, it said: Look behind you bro!

I looked behind me and pretty just beamed when I see them waving at me. I got up from my seat and ran to them. Eileen ran and hugged me and she said, "Casper! It's so good to see you! It's been awhile."

I giggled and said, "I think it was two years ago, when I went to college sis." Then I playfully wiggled my finger at her, "You know that."

Eileen giggled, "Oh I know that!" Then we both laughed.

Aunt Tabitha smiled and hugged me as well, god it has been awhile since I've seen my favorite person. She let go of me and said, "Nice to see you too, nephew."

I nodded, "Yeah, it's great to see you too. So did you make the reservations for the resort in Tanzania?"

Tabitha said, "Yep, so all that we have to do is get on the plane and get to the resort."

Eileen beamed, "Eeeee! It's going to be amazing! It's better than going to that stupid hot camp three years ago, and plus there's going to be room service, very cool outdoor pool and mmmm good food!"

Walker piped in and said, "And lets not forget we get to go hitchhiking in the savannah like we did before."

Eileen shook her fist at him, "Screw you! At least I'll be sunbathing at the pool!"

We all laughed and then Walker came and gave me a hug, and he said, "Great to see ya pal! It's been three years since I've last seen you. And by the way while you were gone to college, I've been looking after your sister."

Eileen rolled her eyes and murmured, "Which I didn't need to be looked after anyway."

Walker then jabbed a finger in her ribs and said, "Aw come one! Don't tell me you didn't like my company."

Eileen slugged his shoulder, "Not when you call me everyday you retard."

I laughed and said, "Geez, guys. You never changed one bit."

Eileen said, "Well you haven't changed a bit too. I mean look at yourself!"

I looked at myself and shrugged, "What? I always dressed like this."

Eileen exclaimed, "Exactly!"

I laughed, and then I stopped when we heard the airport telling us that our plane is getting ready to depart. My eyes went wide, oh crap we're late! I said to everyone, "Come on guys, we're late." Then I went to pick up my suitcase.

Eileen, Walker, and Tabitha grabbed their suitcases and we went to get on the plane. I smiled as soon as we got on.

I'm coming back Jade. I promised you I would.

*****

I looked out the window while the plane is en route to Tanzania, Africa. The ocean shining off the sun is beautiful.

I looked to my left and saw that I'm the only one who is sleeping. Eileen, Walker, and Tabitha have fallen asleep during the flight. I looked out the window again, enjoying the view. I smiled to myself.

How lucky can I get? It's been three years since I've been to Africa and the last time I've seen Jade. But I mostly think about Jade.

Who's Jade? In case some of you don't know. She's a lioness that I met on my summer vacation with my family in Africa three years ago. But she wasn't just a lioness, but a talking one at that! Like a human. Not to mention while I could talk to Jade I could also understand her as well. But I was the only one who could do it. Since no one else could. Well here's why, because at first I thought it was just a gift from heaven, but as it turns out according to my mom and dad, I inhaled some kind of secret government experiment and as a result came my ability to talk to lions.

But of course there was also danger during my trip there and after I met my best friend. Her aunt Karone and another human Charlie McBride who can also talk to lions as well, tried to kill me and Jade. But as luck would have it, we survived and ever since then me and Jade spent everyday together during the summer vacation until I had to go back to the states.

I still remember Jade begging me to come back to her when I was getting ready to go home. I can understand why she would not want me to go. You see years ago when she was a cub, her aunt murdered her sister and her mother, and ever since they've died, Jade has been alone ever since, until she met me of course. Me and her we were close.

In fact she's the best friend I could ever have. We have so many things in common and all that. I felt sorry for her when I had to leave but I had no choice. But I did promise her that I would come back one day, and now my chance came.

I'm now coming back with my family. Oh Jade would be so happy to see Eileen, Walker, and Tabitha. Its has been awhile since she has seen us.

I heard the flight attendants voice over the speaker saying we're almost there and told us to put on the seatbelt. I did.

Almost there...Almost there.

*****

Me, Eileen, Walker, and Tabitha, rode on a jeep to the resort we are staying in. I looked out at the savannah while I was riding.

I feel like I'm back home, where I belong. I grinned at the scenery.

Walker saw me grinning and asked, "You okay buddy? Cause your grinning kinda weird."

I waved him off, "Nothing pal. It's just...It has been such a long time since we came here."

Walker nodded, "I know right? Back to the sun, the heat, and not to mention seeing the animals here once again. I just hope nothing bad happens to us like last time."

I nodded and said, "I don't blame you, but I'm sure that things will be fine." As soon as I said that the jeeps radiator blew up and then the jeep went off the road slowly, the driver cursed to himself and I said, "Or not."

*****

We waited for a while, so far no car has come. I went to the driver of the jeep and asked, "Can you fix it?"

The driver said, "I'm not a mechanic kid. You might as well get someone who knows how to fix it."

I sighed and said, "Thanks." Then I went to sit by Eileen.

Eileen sarcastically said, "Everything's going to be fine, right Casper? Everything will be alright, right Casper?"

I glared at her, "You know, I'm not going to take that from you."

Eileen shot back, "Oh really? You're not going to take that from me? Well guess what, I'm not at a spa in the resort which is where I should be right now."

Walker then said, "You might want to give it up pal. Here's your sister complaining just as usual."

Eileen got up from the jeep and advanced toward him, "I'm going to kill you!"

Walker back away from her and raised his hands as if surrendering, "Alright, alright! Truce, truce!"

Eileen stopped in her tracks and asked, "You gonna cut the crap?"

He nodded, "Sure anything, I promise."

Eileen giggled, "That's what I thought."

I rolled my eyes and said to Tabitha, "So how are we going to get to the resort?"

Tabitha giggled and joked, "Well perhaps if Jade was here, she would take us there."

I laughed, "Good idea. Maybe I should do a loud roar so that way she could hear me."

Tabitha laughed, "I would like to see you try."

I giggled and shook my head, "Maybe I will....Maybe." I looked out at the savannah, thinking about Jade, I wonder how she has been doing. She really misses me I'm sure.

While I was looking toward the savannah, Walker hollered, "Hey guys I could see a car coming!"

Eileen groaned and said, "About damn time!"

It didn't look a ordinary car, it looked like a military car. A military jeep was driving in the savannah. It looked American made, I didn't know there were American troops in Africa.

Tabitha flagged down the car and it stopped. Out came a young military dude who looked pretty muscular for his age, he said, "What's the trouble guys? Anything I could do to help?"

Tabitha said, "Well our jeep blew the radiator, and we have been stuck out here waiting for someone to come find us. And since you're here can you take us to this resort?" She showed him the pamphlet and then he nodded.

He said, "Sure, I'll take you guys there! I was heading off in that direction anyways. So hop on guys."

We all hopped into a military jeep. Seemed pretty cool to be in one these, feels like I'm playing Call of Duty Modern Warfare, except in real life.

The military dude put the car into drive and we were off.

****

Tabitha said to the receptionist in a frustrated tone, "Look can we have our rooms that we have booked? Seriously we really need a place to stay."

The receptionist of the resort said, "Sorry but we're pretty booked, you'll just have to stay elsewhere. Again I'm sorry."

Tabitha let out a frustrated sigh and went back to us, "Kids, we got a problem."

I said, "I hope it's not a serious problem."

Tab said, "Well the receptionist said we can't have the rooms we booked, because it was already booked to begin with."

Eileen yapped, "What the hell aunty? I thought the website that you went on for this place already confirmed our reservations."

Tabitha shrugged, "I guess we need to find a new place."

Walker said, "But we don't have a lot of money. Who's going to take us in?"

Then I saw the military guy come in through the entrance to the resort and went to the vending machine. Suddenly a idea popped into my head, "I have an idea, wait here." Then I went to the military dude and said, "Hey."

The military dude smiled and said, "Hey kid, how's it going?"

"Look we have a problem. The resort's totally booked and we need a place to stay and I was wondering do you have a military base we could stay in? You see we really don't have anywhere else to go. Look if we can't stay there, then we'll use a telephone at your base and we'll call to see if we can find another place to stay."

The military man frowned and said, "Well....It's just a training base. And there are a lot of barracks, enough beds for all of you tourists. Of course it's the only training base in Tanzania, so I guess you could come. But when we get there, I'll talk to my captain about this, ok?"

I smiled, "Alright, thank you." Then I turned around and went to the other and told them what just happened, "Hey guys, looks like we'll be having a place to stay after all."

*****

We arrived at the base, and he wasn't kidding there are a lot of wooden buildings, a lot of training exercises, and not to mention there's a tall wire fence that surrounds the whole base. Nice looking base.

Eileen however wasn't so happy about the change, "Aw damn it Casper! Now I won't get to use the spa! Thanks a lot brother!"

I shot a glare at her, "You shut your mouth. At least we have a place to stay, instead of that expensive place."

Walker then walked beside Eileen and said, "Yeah girl, I mean that place ripped us off. So in all honesty I'm glad we didn't stay there, too crowded there."

Eileen rolled her eyes, "Whatever."

The military dude led us through the base and a lot of soldiers were all staring at us, like we were the first tourists to visit here.

Eileen looked at the soldiers beaming and said, "Wow look at all the handsome soldiers. They all look so handsome!"

Walker rolled his eyes, "Careful Eileen, if you stare at them for too long, they might think you're into them. And then you'll get your wish for having guys all over you."

Eileen glared at him, "You're just jealous that they like me and you don't!"

The military dude who led us said, "Sorry for the interruption, but if you're going to stay here, there will be no sex here in the base."

Eileen gasped and said, "What?! You mean there can be no guys to hook up?"

Tabitha glared at her, "Eileen! I'm very disappointed in you. How can you even think that way?"

Eileen shrugged, "Because I'm old enough and I can do whatever I want."

Tabitha laughed, "Hey when I was your age, I didn't act the way like you do now."

I giggled and said, "Figured you wouldn't."

The military dude led us to what it looked like the Captain's quarters. The military dude turned around and said, "Wait here, I'll go get the captain." Then he went inside the building.

We waited only for two minutes and then we see the guy who led us here and another man who we assumed to be the captain. The captain looked at the military dude and said, "At ease private. You may now return to your duties."

The private saluted, "Sir, yes sir!" Then he was off. Leaving us alone with the captain.

The captain put on a smile and said, "Well the private told me your situation and I'll be honored if you stayed here, but do you know how long?"

Tabitha shrugged, "Until we find another resort to stay, I suppose."

The captain smiled and then introduced himself, "Well in that case, I'm Captain Nick Michael, United States Marine Corps. I will be in your service. I'll show you to your barracks." Then Captain Michael led us to our barracks.

There are several barracks, but Nick led us to two of them and he said to us, "Ms. Shepherd, you and your niece and her friend can stay in this one. You'll just have to share it with the other soldiers in there." He looked at me, "And as for you Mr. Casper Shepherd, you can b in this one next door. And guess what? This one is completely empty. So you'll be having that one to yourself."

I smiled at that, wow one of the barracks to myself. At least I won't have to take the showers with the guys. But I guess I'll have to share the shower with Tabitha and the others. After all they're not grunts.

Captain Michael said, "Well I'll let you guys get comfortable, and if you guys are hungry, come eat at the mess hall down that way." He pointed and he said, "We have the best food our cook could make! So I hope you enjoy your stay here. And if you need anything you find me, got it? Okay, I need to go. Later!" Then he left.

All of us went inside the barracks of our own, me inside the only with no one else in it.

I laid down the suitcase on one of the beds here and smiled to myself, this is going to be great!

****

I laid down on the bed and was reading one of the Twilight books by Stephanie Meyer. It was Breaking Dawn, the final book in the Twilight series. I smiled to myself, I still like the movies more than the books, but the problem is, unlike the camp's mess hall three years ago, the barracks don't have television here at all. So that means I'm stuck to reading books for a while.

I heard a knock on the door and hollered, "Yeah!"

Someone opened the door and Tabitha came in, "Hey handsome. You feeling yourself at home yet?"

I put the book down and said, "Yeah getting to it. I got to say it feels great to be the only one living in these barracks."

Tab giggled, "Why? Don't like roommates?"

I giggled and shook my head, "No, I just don't want to share the showers with the other guys. It's kinda...Odd."

Tab shrugged, "Can't say that I blame you. Off course your sister likes all the attention, but I don't. I think I'm going to share the shower, after you're done with it of course!"

"Deal!"

We both laughed and then Tabitha sat down on the bed and said, "So Casper...You feel happy that we came here?"

I nodded, "Yeah....It really does feel like a long time since we've stayed here. But I'll tell ya what! The years go by fast as well."

Tabitha smiled and said, "Hey Casper, I'm sorry about not getting our rooms at the resort. I mean I didn't know they would rip us off."

I shook my head, "No, it's okay. On the bright side of things, we have a place to stay now."

Tab nodded, "That's right we do. Well anyways, are you hungry? I kinda am."

I shook my head, "No but maybe I will shortly. You go ahead, I'll catch up later."

She smiled and said, "Alright later." Then she went out the door.

I smiled after she left and went to my suitcase and took another book out. It's my journal. You see it's about my experiences in Africa three years ago, I wrote it all down. About my first meeting with jade, about Karone, about everything.

Whenever I want to remember all of that, I read the journal. It's a nice reminder.

I looked through the journal, to the part about my very first meeting with Jade. I smiled at the memories.

*****

I decided to leave the barracks and went to go eat at the mess hall here. I wonder if it's better than the mess hall at the camp years ago.

While I was walking, I spotted a young girl about my age, eighteen I think. I went to the girl who appeared to be drawing in her sketchbook. I stood in front of her and said, "Hello there."

The girl gasped and dropped her sketchbook. I gasped as well and said, "Oh no, I'm so sorry." I bent forward to pick it up but the girl got it before me.

She looked at me and said, "No, it's fine. I got it thanks." Then she sat back down and went back to sketching.

I stared at her, well that didn't work well as I thought it would. I tried talking to her, "So uh....Are you a marine too?"

The girl didn't look up at me, so I went for a different approach, "So...You're an American too huh? That's cool, I'm from Miami."

The girl still didn't look up and I sighed and said, "Sorry, I won't bother you." I was about to walk off when I heard the girl call out.

"Hey wait!"

I stopped and turned around, I frowned.

The girl sighed, smiled, and said, "I'm very sorry. It's just...When I draw something, I usually get tunnel vision, nothing else distracts me except sketching, and I love sketching."

I laughed, and took a step toward her, "Well it's no wonder you didn't talk to me. And here I thought you were just shy."

The girl looked down and said, "That too."

Honestly I felt kinda sorry for her, I know how she feels. Back in elementary, I was quiet and shy. I didn't talk much back then. I walked closer to her, "I know how that feels. I was shy back then."

The girl giggled, "Well I'm just shy all the time. I don't exactly have a lot of friends."

I only said, "Oh." Then I decided to change the subject, I introduced myself, "I'm sorry, I forgot. My name's Casper. Casper Shepherd."

The girl looked and smiled, "I'm Amber. Amber Michael."

I frowned at her, Michael? Michael? Why does that name sound familiar? I think I know why, "Is captain Michael, related to you?"

Amber nodded, "Yeah, he's my dad. You see I'm not really a marine here. You see my parents divorced a few years ago, and I'm here for the summer. After all It's not everyday you get to spend the whole summer with your father, at a marines base with so much testosterone." She giggled at the joke.

I laughed, "Testosterone? Is that all there is?"

Amber smiled, "Well yeah. They're marines. They always have testosterone."

I asked, "Really?"

She shrugged, "I don't know. It's just a thought." Then she went back to sketching.

I was going to ask her what she's drawing when I heard a voice, "Hey!"

I turned and saw a very handsome looking marine with a grim expression coming towards us, he stopped in front of me and said, "So...You one of the tourists here?"

I nodded, "Yeah." This guy's making me nervous.

Amber got up and glared at him, she said, "Private Dorland, leave him alone. He's just talking to me."

Dorland looked at her and said, "Really? A geek like him? I can't believe he's hitting on you on his first day here." He cruelly  laughed.

I blushed so hard my cheeks turned red. Oh god we got an asshole in the base. I hope I don't have to deal with him everyday here. I said, "It's not like that. We were just talking."

Dorland said, "Hate to break it to you kiddo, but Amber's mine. So why don't you just fuck off." Then he started to shove me.

Amber sneered, "Private Garrett Dorland! If you don't leave him alone, I'll have my father court martial you!"

Dorland looked over his shoulder while he was busy bullying me, "Seriously? You starting to like this geek already? You need a real man like me!"

Amber glared at him, "I don't like you, you ass."

Dorland then looked at me, "Well then I guess I need to teach you some matters, tourist." He grabbed my shirt and I gasped.

Then another voice rang out, "Dorland!" Then me, Dorland, and Amber saw another marine coming toward us, a female marine. She glared at Dorland and sneered, "What do you think you're doing?"

Dorland let go of me and acted innocent, "I didn't do anything, the tourist started it."

I glared at him, god what is his problem?

The female marine took a few steps toward him and angrily said, "For all I know, you're up to no good again. Continue, and then I'll write you up for court martial, understood?"

Dorland grumbled and then he said, "Yes sir."

She shouted, "It's ma'am asshole!"

"Yes ma'am."

She grinned and said, "Good then you're at ease. Now get to the mess hall, on the double!"

Dorland did as she said and went jogging to the mess hall. Wow that girl's a bad ass. I went to the female marine and smiled at her, "Thanks."

She smiled at me, "Don't mention it. It ain't the first time he acted that way. Dorland's a real piece of work."

I nodded, "I could imagine."

Amber then said, "Hey look Casper, I loved to chat, but I need to be with my dad. I'll...See you around." She smiled at me.

I smiled back at her, "Yeah...I'll see you around. I'm gonna be here for a while."

Amber grinned and then left to find her father. Alone with the female marine, she said, "So you're one of the American tourist that I've heard. I already met the other three. Kinda nice to have someone here who is not a marine."

I giggled, "Well Amber wasn't kidding that there was too much testosterone. I mean, I guess that's why Dorland is such an ass!"

The female marine giggled, "Probably. So what's your name?"

I answered, "Casper."

The female marine smiled, "Nice name. I'm Corporal Robyn Potter, United States Marine Corps." She reached out to shake my hand.

I grabbed it and shook it, "Nice to meet you too."

Robyn said, "So anyways before I get back to my exercise, I'll have you know I don't tolerate how Dorland treats newbies. So if you need anything, find me. I'll look after you, ok?"

I smiled and nodded, "Ok, and thanks for the help."

Robyn said, "You're welcome." She turned around and said, "See you around." Then went jogging to her training exercise.

I giggled at myself, well I have two friends here now. I wonder how many more I would make here. Kinda better than school actually.

I sighed when Dorland came into mind. Well as long as I don't deal with that asshole, I'm good.

*****

It was nighttime and I was lying on the bed in the barracks and stared at the ceiling. Thinking about Jade. I hope she's still alive here. And I hope that I find her.

Speaking of which, I wonder how her father Bron is doing? Maybe even Leon? Or how about Karone's daughter, Christa? Ever since she joined Jade's pride three years ago, we have become good friends as well. I wonder how she's doing?

I was lost in my thoughts when Tabitha came in here and sat down. I jumped when I saw here, "Goodness Tab, you scared me."

Tabitha giggled, "Sorry about that. I thought you heard me."

I shook my head, "Nope, I didn't."

Tabitha asked, "What's on your mind?" She sat closer to me, "Come on boy. You can tell your aunty everything."

I giggled, "Nothing much."

Tab then figured it out, "You're thinking about her, aren't you?"

I looked at her and smiled, "Yeah, I am."

She grinned, "You must have always thought about her. I can imagine you missed her as well. I'll be honest, I miss the girl as well. I always did like her purring, but I also wished I can understand her what she was saying most of the time! I wanted to know what you guys are joking about that one time years ago."

I laughed, oh god that day way too funny. Me and Jade were joking and laughing, but she didn't understand what we were talking about. Classic!

I stopped laughing and looked at Tab, "Hey Tab."

She tilted her head.

"Do you think...Do you think she misses me as well?"

She answered, "I'm sure she does. If you miss her, then she'll miss you."

Then I had a worried look on my face, "Tab...What if she's not here anymore? I mean....What if she's dead? I mean if I came here for nothing...Then maybe."

Tabitha put a hand on my shoulder, "I know she's alright, Casper."

I gave her quizzical look, "How do you know?"

She shrugged, "I just know. Look Casper, she's brave, strong, and kind. I know you'll find her. You just have to think like her."

I smiled at her and said, "Well that's good advice, because I'm going to look for her tomorrow. I'm going to borrow one of the marines jeeps and go look for."

Then Tabitha put on a serious face, "Alright. But just be careful, you know how the savannah is, there are predators everywhere."

I nodded, "I know, I promise."

Then Tabitha got up and went to the door, "Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Then Tabitha closed the door and I was alone in the barracks.

Jade....I'll find you. I'm coming for you.

*****

Not very long after morning came, I already had something to eat and asked one of the marines if I could borrow one of the their jeeps. Of course they thought it was just marines who are supposed to drive the jeeps. But when they asked Captain Michael, he told them to let me have one. They handed me the keys and drove to the guard station at the edge of the base and went to drive in the savannah.

I drove around for a couple hours, trying to find the pond where I first met Jade. Near that spot where I almost ran her over with a jeep three years ago. I giggled at the memory, I never forgot how we first met. At first Jade was kinda being a jerk to me and didn't trust me, but after I saved her life from a crocodile, that was the beginning of our beautiful friendship.

If I find that pond, then I could find the cave that Jade and her pride lives in. Oh man the whole pride will be happy to see me.

I drove around and around until I decided to take a break. I slowed down to a stop and then I stepped out of the car and then I grabbed the pistol that one of the marines gave me.

Thanks to Tabitha, she talked to Captain Michael about me going to the savannah and gave the order to one of the marines to give me a gun for protection.

I would have said no, but then we would have argued and I didn't have time for that, I needed to find Jade. So I took the gun and then I was off. I mean hey I don't know how to use the gun, one of the marines did teach me how to use it, but I don't want to use it. Lets just hope it doesn't come to that.

I walked away from the car and walked around on the savannah. I looked over the landscape. Man nothing changes much here.

I know I haven't found the pond, but I decided to do another way of finding Jade. I put my hands together to my mouth as a microphone and shouted really loud, "JADE!" My voice echoed liked a lion, but I didn't hear or see anything.

I tried again, "JADE!" No answer, but the sound of my echo.

I sighed and then when I turned around I gasped.

Two cheetahs were right in front of me getting ready to pounce. I backed away slowly from them. My hand is near the gun, getting ready to use it. I don't want to use it, but if I had to....

Suddenly a lioness jumped out of a corner and jumped on one of the cheetahs and fought with it. The lioness and the cheetah were thrashing and biting. Then the other cheetah joined the fight and it looked like the cheetahs were winning. They were biting and scratching the poor thing.

I panicked, I have to do something! I grabbed the gun, raised it high, pointed it up and fired two shots in the air.

The shots scared the cheetah away. They scurried far away from here. All that was left is the lioness, who didn't leave after I fired two shots. The lioness got up slowly on all fours, and looked straight at me.

I looked at the lioness and frowned. Jade is that you? I took a step toward it, and then the lioness crouched down getting ready to attack.

I stopped and shouted, "Wait! It's me! Jade, it's me!"

The lionesses expression changed to shock and she stood straight and sat down. Looking curious at me.

I walked toward her, "Jade? Is it really you?"

Jade cocked her head and said, "Who are you?"

I took another step toward her and put my hand on my chest, "It's me, Casper. Remember?" I smiled at her.

Jade looked into my eyes, "Casper?"

I nodded.

Jade expression changed to happiness when she recognized me, and beamed at me, "Casper!" Then she ran and jumped on me.

Jade began to lick me and lick me, like a dog greeting its master after not seeing it for so long. I laughed, "Alright, alright! Get off!" Jade stopped licking me and got off me. I got on my feet and smiled at her, "You really are here."

Jade smiled back, "I am here."

Then she wrapped her paws around me and gave me a hug, I returned it.

After three years we have finally reunited.