After me and Jade had cried into each others shoulder for a long time, Jade finally talked to me about her being pregnant. How much she wanted to tell me ever since I came back to Africa.

I was sitting on the bed with her and I asked her, "So...What you just said to me before. That you've loved me, did you just say it so you wouldn't be alone?"

Jade looked down at her paws and just shrugged, "Well...Sometimes even when I'm with Leon, I still think that way about you...Sometimes, but not all the time. Just every once in a while. But to answer your question, yeah, I mean I didn't know what to do. I mean I'm gonna be a mother some day. I mean I just-"

I finished for her, "You just didn't want to raise your baby alone and you wanted someone to be with you."

Jade nodded, "Look Casper about me kissing you....I'm so sorry. I mean, like I said I sometimes feel that way about you, but I love Leon more than you. And nothing will ever change that." She looked at me and smiled, "No matter what, nothing will change between us." Then she gave me a grin, "Even when you look so freakin handsome."

I laughed, "I do look handsome, don't I?"

She gave me a lick on my cheek, "Yep." Then she giggled.

I gave her a curious look, "So...Whose baby is it?"

She cocked her head, "Huh? What kind of question is that?"

I giggled, "Just out of curiosity, that's the kind of question. So who's the father? Is it...Chad?"

She glared at me, "Oh when it came to Chad, I've always kept my distance from him. I would NEVER mate with him."

I tilted my head, "Leon?"

She beamed, "Yep. You see it was one night when I came to his cave, when I wanted to be alone away from Chad. I mean...It just happened. It was...One of the nights I wouldn't forget. I mean our first night like that together. After that night, I knew that Leon is the one for me."

I asked, "Does he know? Does he know you're pregnant?"

She nodded, "Yeah. After I felt the kick, I've told him. He was really excited, he never became a father before. So was I. But then we both realized that it came with a price. If Chad ever did find out, he would...Probably kill my baby."

I nodded, "I could imagine. It's a king thing. If the king found out that you've had a cub from a different male, then he would kill it because it's not his own."

She had a glum look on her face and looked down, "I...Couldn't take any chances. I mean my baby would be in danger if Chad found out. Plus he was hurting me as well. I knew I had to get away. I thought I would go to Leon, but he would find me there."

That's when I got the picture, "You came to me, to protect your baby."

Jade looked at me, "And to find someone to help me raise the baby. I didn't want to do it alone. I trusted you the most and I wanted your help."

I waved one arm, "How come you didn't tell me this before? Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Jade answered, "Because I just...Couldn't. I mean, I wanted to tell you, but then I thought maybe I wanted it to be a surprise. Trust me it was hard for me to lie to you. And ever since I came here, I've lied to you. I'm sorry."

I shook my head, "You don't have to apologize. I shouldn't have yelled at you like that. After the whole kissing thing just now. I mean I could see what you were trying to do and I never EVER should have yelled at you."

Jade glanced down for a sec and looked at me again, "Well, I don't think I should have kissed you startled to begin with. I mean goodness, that's three times in my life that I've kissed a human."

I grinned, and pointed a finger at myself, "Well, only one human to be exact."

She rolled her eyes, "Whatever. I could kiss Walker, if you want."

We both laughed and then I said, "If you do, my sister might kick your ass, I mean she's....Kinda into him."

Jade smiled, "I figured she did."

Then I gave a concerned look, "So...Are you going to be okay?"

She nodded, "Yeah, I'll be fine. As long as I'm with you, nothing's going to happen to the baby." Then she had a sad look on her face, looked down and said, "Until you go back home again. Then I'll be alone without a male to help me. It's not fair."

I looked to my left, and when she saw me turn my head, she said, "Casper?"

I turned my head to face her and smiled, "Actually Jade...I got a confession to make as well."

Jade cocked her head as well, "Oh boy, what?"

I said, "Well...I wasn't planning on going away again. Actually...I'm planning to build a house here. I'm planning to stay here, forever."

Jade gasped and beamed, "Really?"

I nodded, "You see, I planned it for three years. You see Tab was planning to hire some workers to build me a home so that way I can stay here. In fact there's a lot money that Tab has won through the lottery. So that's one of the reason how we came here, well one part of the plan that didn't work out is, we didn't get to stay in our resort that we were planning to stay in."

Jade still had her smile, "Casper...I...I can't believe it. You are staying here?"

I nodded.

She asked, "You promise me? You promise you won't go away? That you will be with me forever?"

I giggled and nodded again,  "Yes, Jade. I promise."

Then she wrapped her paws around me and started licking my face, "Oh Casper! I'm so happy for you!" She continued to lick me to death.

I laughed and finally stopped her, "Alright girl. Take it easy." Then she nuzzled my face and started purring. I smiled.

She finally pulled away, "I know you won't leave me again. It's exactly what I've been dreaming of. For you to be with me." She nuzzled me again, "And be with my baby."

I giggled, "Well great. Now I'm going to have to change diapers." Jade laughed so hard when I said that.

Jade exclaimed, "I don't know what you mean, but it's funny anyways."

Jade finally pulled her head away and then I asked her, "Hey Jade, when the baby is born, did you ever come up with a name for it?"

She looked up at the ceiling, trying to think of a name.

I giggled, "You haven't thought about it? Come on, everything needs a name."

Jade grinned and said, "Actually, if it's a boy. I'm going to name him, Casper."

What? No way, she's naming him after me. I shook my head, "Nope, you're not naming him after me."

She whined, "Aw, why not?"

"Because MY name's Casper, smart one."

She laughed, "Oh alright."

I asked her, "What if it's a girl?"

Jade gave me a smile, "Amara."

My eyes went wide, "Your mother's name?"

She nodded, "Because my mother was so special, even Nick knew her. She's the kindest, sweetest, mother I could ever had. Even though she didn't get a chance to play with me a lot when I was a cub, but still...She was a great mother. So that's why I'm naming her Amara."

So Nick did know Amara. Well that's why he said her name when me and her were talking about her at the old world war 2 hangar. I said, "Well actually, I was thinking you would name your baby girl, Shawna. Or maybe Tabitha."

She giggled, "Well Tab's a good name too. But only I decide."

I beamed at her, "Deal!" Then we both laughed.

Jade then had a sorrowful look, "But Casper. Do you think...I'll see Leon again? Do you think he'll see his son or daughter, ever?"

I sighed and put my hand on her shoulder, "Chad may be sadistic, but he can't hold his act and lies forever. Sooner or later he'll slip and then he'll be kicked out of the pride, you'll see."

Jade smiled, "Yeah and then I can get out of these stinking barracks. I'm bored as hell here!"

I rolled my eyes, "You know damn well, they're not stinking. I can smell in here and it doesn't smell bad at all."

She grinned at me, "Maybe it's because you don't have a nose that's working."

I slugged her shoulder, and muttered, "Shut up."

She giggled and then she said, "Casper."

I looked at her, "Yeah?"

She said, "I love you."

I rubbed my hand against her cheek and she purred, "I love you too, Jade."

I'm going to be a uncle! Hey I know I'm not related to Jade. But I'm going to be a uncle!

*****

Chad was sleeping on a rock outside the cave, it was morning.

While he was sleeping he heard footsteps and he opened his eyes to see Bron, Leon and several lionesses with grim expressions looking at him.

Chad looked up at them and said, "Yes?"

Bron glared at him, "We need to talk."

Chad got up on all fours and stretched and when he straightened himself, he looked at Bron and said, "What's the matter, your majesty?"

Bron sternly said, "I want you out of my lands."

Chads face went wide, "What? But why?"

That's when Leon joined in with a glare on his face, "Cut the crap Chad. Bron knows now. He knows everything. He knows what you are."

Chad shook his head and said, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Bron said, "You know, I thought I've trusted you. But I guess I shouldn't have. You have lied to me from the very beginning. I should have listened to my daughter, a long time ago. You will never be king."

Chad glared back at Bron, "What? You must be joking?"

Bron shook his head, "No. In fact, I've heard from one of the lionesses here that you've hit my daughter with your paw. Then you left her crying."

Chad yelled, "What?! Who told you that?!"

Bron shouted back, "Doesn't matter! The point is, my daughter was right about you! And I...I never listened to her, I guess I was really wrong about you. I was in denial, but I should have listened to her. Hurting my daughter of all lionesses, how dare you?! I will not tolerate it!"

Chad started, "But Bron-"

"GET OUT." Then he roared at Chad.

Chad then backed away from Bron and then turned and ran off. Off into the lands, alone.

Bron sighed after he was out of sight. Leon looked at him and said, "I'm sorry Bron. But me and Jade were telling you the truth."

Bron had a guilty look and looked at Leon, "I know. And I'm sorry for how I treated you. Treating you like an outcast. I....Never should have treated you like that."

Leon shook his head, "No Bron. You just didn't know what to believe. I love your daughter, and I can't hate you for that."

Bron smiled, "You know Leon, because of your determination of finding my daughter three years ago and right now, I think you are qualified to be king after all."

Leon smiled back, "Really? You want me to be king?"

Bron nodded, "You don't have to do the traditional ways to be a great king, you just have to be yourself. And I believe that's what makes  you a great king. You care about my daughter, better than Chad. I think that's good enough for me."

Leon had a glum look on his face and said, "Yeah."

Bron had a concerned look, "Leon? You alright?"

He nodded, "Yeah, lets just find your daughter, before something happens to her."

Bron gave him a comforting smile, "I'm sure that Jade's with Casper. I know now that's why she left here to get away from Chad. I'm sure when she knows that he's gone, she'll be back."

Leon smiled as well, "I hope so."

Bron then turned to the lionesses and hollered, "Alright everyone find my daughter! Bring her back!"

Then they all roared.

*****

The next morning after I talked to Jade last night. I went to the mess hall and saw that's where they were having the dance party here tonight. Guess Jason was right, a lot of us are going to be here.

I saw Walker and Eileen putting up some streamers on the wall. I went up to them and said, "Morning guys!"

Eileen put up a smile for me, "Hey little brother. Check it out! We're helping the marines put up all the streamers here in the mess hall."

Walker said, "Yeah and your sister is so lazy, she won't get up here and help me put up the freakin streamers."

Eileen shot him a glare, "You shut up, asshole."

I laughed and then said, "You know...You guys should really go out sometime. I mean all you two ever do is bicker. Can you see you guys like each other."

Eileen stuck her tongue out at me, "You're gross."

I rolled my eyes, "Whatever, it's your choice."

Robyn came to me with a smile on her face, "Hey mister, good morning."

I waved at her, "Morning Robyn."

Robyn put her hands on her hips, "So did you volunteer to help set up the party tonight?"

I shook my head, "No thanks, if I were gone for a long time, you know who might wonder where I'm at."

Robyn giggled, "Perhaps you should get your lion friend to help out."

I laughed, "Nah actually, I was thinking about setting her up as a guard dog here. I mean after all, she's guard dog material."

Robyn laughed, "You know if Jade heard that out of your mouth, she would pounce on you so hard, you wouldn't stand straight for a month!"

I giggled and shook my head, "She won't know. Cause I'll just tell her that Nick said that. She'll pounce on him!"

Robyn gave me a mock gasp, "Casper! I thought you would protect the Captain! That's called insubordination kid!"

I laughed so hard, "Too bad."

We were staring at each other for a sec and then I said, "Hey listen, I'll catch up with you guys later." I turned and went to the entrance to the mess hall.

Walker hollered, "You better be here tonight! You know how much you like dancing!"

I went out the door and before I could get any further, I saw Amber walking.

Amber. I need to talk to her.

I ran to her and she heard me running and stopped in her tracks.

I stopped in front of her, "Hey there, what's up?"

Amber had a nervous look on her face, "Nothing...Just out for a walk."

I gave her a concerned look. Something's bothering her. I could see it again. I didn't bring it up this time. I only said to her, "Oh...Well I just came to ask you if you're still planning on going to the dance tonight?"

Amber shook her head, "Sorry I can't." She was about to walk past me when I stopped her.

I said, "Look Amber, don't be that way, I mean it might be fun! Look I'm just asking you as a friend, alright? Would you at least consider it?"

Amber looked at me for a few seconds and then she said, "I'll think about it. But I really need to get going." Then she finally went past me and walked off.

I watched her leave. I don't get it. What's bothering her? She wasn't like that when I first met her.

Yet I wonder.

*****

Suri whined at Christa, "But mommy, I don't want you to go!"

Christa said, "Look Suri, your aunt Jade is out there somewhere and I need to find her, ok? Don't worry all of your friends will be here and your usual babysitter will stay with you. I'll be back later, ok? Be strong."

Suri finally relented and then she hugged her mothers leg, "I love you mommy."

Christa smiled and nuzzled her daughter, "I love you too, Suri." Then Suri let go of her and looked her one last time before she ran off to her babysitter. Christa ran off to the lands after her daughter let her go.

Christa wondered around looking for Jade. Christa hollered, "Jade! Jade! Where are you!?"

No answer.

Christa sighed and kept looking. While she was near the tall grass, she heard a noise in the grass and stopped in her tracks.

She turned to face the grass and cocked her head, "Jade? Is that you?"

No answer. Except for the wind blowing against the grass.

Christa called out again, "Jade? Jade, listen. Chad's gone. You can come back home now. He'll never hurt you again."

She saw the grass moving and then she saw a figure in the grass.

Christa's eyes went wide and she beamed, "Jade? Is that you?"

The figure finally came out and then Christa gasped, "No..."

Christa closed her eyes and shook her head and looked at the figure, fear in her eyes, "No. You?! It can't be. It can't be you! It can't!"

Then suddenly the lion or lioness slapped Christa across the face with a paw hard and fell over.

Christa lied on her back looking up at the figure. Her vision started to get cloudy.

Christa looked at the figure, "It can't be...You..." Then Christa lost consciousness.

The lion or lioness used its jaws to grab ahold of Christa's leg and dragged her away.

*****

Nightfall finally came and the dance party has just started.

Jade was looking at me, while I was looking at myself in the mirror in the barracks.

Jade cocked her head, "You know Casper, I still don't understand what this 'party' is all about."

I looked at her, "How many times do I have to tell you? Humans like me like to dance every once in a while. It's what we usually do. It's fun!"

Jade gave me a smile, "Dancing, huh? I like the sound of that."

I giggled, "Well you can't go in the mess hall with me to dance. So I think you can just watch all of us through one of the windows there."

Her face went wide, "Uh, wouldn't I get caught if I was standing around outside?"

My face went wide as well, "Oh...I guess you better stay here then."

She whined and stomped her paw on the floor, "Aw, I never get to do anything."

I smiled at her, "Tell you what. When I'm done at the mess hall, I'll share a dance with you."

She beamed at me, "Promise?"

I nodded, "Promise."

Jade just grinned, "Alright, but don't stay out all night. Cause a lonely lioness will be waiting for you."

I laughed, "You're weird, you know that?"

She gave me a mock expression, "So? I'm the weirdest lioness in the whole pride anyways."

I shook my head, "Whatever girl. I'll be back later." I went to the entrance to the barracks and went out the door.

I walked all the way to the mess hall in a cool night. I saw the mess hall and I could hear the music from outside. I went to through the door and I could see that a lot of marines have shown up tonight.

I walked through the crowd trying not to bump into anyone since they were dancing to 'Fire Burnin' by Sean Kingston.

I could see the music is coming from a radio on a table and it's hooked to a very loud speaker. Hmmm, pretty handy. I ought to give whoever started this dance party credit.

While I was walking through the crowd, I could see that Eileen, Walker, Robyn, Jason, Tabitha, and Nick have all shown up.

I looked her Amber, but haven't seen her yet. I sighed, maybe she's not coming.

Turns out they were having punch here as well. I went to get some punch and took a cup of it and drinked it.

While I was drinking it a hand poked my shoulder. I jumped a bit and turned around to see Amber grinning at me. I giggled at her, "You scared me!"

Amber said, "Well you've scared me before, so I guess we're even now."

I laughed, "Yeah, I guess we are."

Nick and Tabitha came to us and Nick smiled at me and Amber and said, "Well look who's here!"

I smiled at Nick and Tab, "Hey guys! How's it going?"

Tab gave me a hug and said, "Pretty good, actually. I already shared a slow dance with Nick here. I have to say he's a charmer."

Nick shrugged and giggled, "Just being a man. You should always treat women with respect."

I nodded, "That's right."

Amber giggled at her father, "Well you and Tab seem chummy together."

Nick smiled at his daughter, "Well Tabitha here needed to find a connection and so here we are."

I said to them, "You two look cute together."

Both of them smiled and Tab said, "Thank you."

Nick said, "Well catch you kids later!" Then he and Tab left in the crowd, leaving me and Amber alone.

I looked at her and asked, "So what made you come here?"

Amber just shrugged, "I thought about what you said today, and I realized it might be fun. After all, the marines don't hold this kind of thing all the time."

I shook my head, "Nope, I figured not."

Our conversation ended when a slow dance started to come up. The song being played is, 'Fields of Gold' by Sting.

Everyone started slow dancing and then I looked at Amber, smiled and said, "You want to dance?"

Amber seemed hesitant, but then she said, "Sure." She grabbed my hand and me and her went to the crowd and joined in.

After we found a spot for us to dance, we looked at each other. Amber wrapped her arms around my neck and I put my hands to her hips and we started to share a dance together.

While the song is being played we looked into each others eyes. Just staring. By the look in her eyes, nothing seemed to be bothering her. So far so good.

While I was dancing with Amber I looked around and saw that Eileen and Walker were sharing a dance, Tabitha and Nick were sharing one. Robyn was sharing one as well with a marine I haven't met.

I looked at Amber's face again. Back to our staring.

We were almost at the end of the song when Ambers expression begin to change. Slowly she removed her arms that are around my neck and then she ran off through the crowd. I called out, "Amber! Wait!" Then I went after her.

I tried my best to get trough the crowd without hitting anyone and before I could go any further Dorland came out of nowhere and shoved me. He said, "Where are you going, freak?"

I glared at him after he shoved me, "Not now." I tried to get past him and he stopped me again.

Dorland sneered, "You think you can get your girl? I saw that she ran away. She doesn't want a freak like you. She wants normal guys, like me."

I realized I've had enough of his bullshit. I stepped back, clenched my fist and punched him square in the mouth, hard.

Dorland fell backwards. A lot of marines gasped and looked at me. I smiled to myself. I didn't care if I ruined the party, it felt pretty good. Someone had to teach that asshole a lesson.

I walked past Dorland who was still lying on the ground, and several marines and went to the entrance to the mess hall. I went outside and saw that Amber was already far away.

I sprinted after her. I finally caught up to her when I was starting to run out of breath. I ran in front of Amber and put both of my hands on her shoulders and while I was trying to catch my breath I said, "Amber....What's...Wrong?"

Amber tried to shake me off, "Casper, just let me go."

I caught some of my breath and said, "Amber please, tell me what's bothering you."

Amber shook her head, "I can't."

I pressed her, "Why? Why can't you? What's bothering you?"

Amber had a nervous look and said, "I...I just don't want to hurt you. I don't want to hurt anyone."

Again what does she mean? Does she not want to hurt my feelings? Is that what she means? I realized I needed to grow a pair and I said, "Amber...You're not hurting me."

Amber started "But Casper-"

I interrupted her, "But nothing Amber! Listen...I know you've never done this before. But the truth is...I care about you. I mean...I had Shawna, she was my girl. But me and her are not together anymore. Honestly sometimes I wondered why we're not together anymore. Why, sometimes I ask myself. But when I first met you several days ago, I think I realize why I'm alone now."

Ambers face went wide and said, "Wh....What?"

I continued while my hands tightened on her shoulders, "Amber...I realize I like you. I mean I don't know if it'll work out, if that's what you're worried about. But I'm willing to try. I mean you're beautiful. And no one else can deny it. In fact I don't understand why no guy would go out with you. But the truth is....I would."

I let go of her shoulders and put both my hands to both sides of her face, "Amber, I realize that I'm suppose to be with you. That's why I'm alone. Because I'm supposed to be with you. Amber, I think I've felt this way when I first met you. It was odd, but it's true."

I brought my face closer to hers and said, "Amber, I know why you're nervous all the time. It's because you're shy. But sometimes you need to fight your fear and take some chances. That's what I did before I went out with Shawna, because I was shy as well, but I'm not anymore. I know that's bothering you. Don't be afraid of it, because I'm not."

I took a deep breath and said, "Amber...I love you, Amber. You are very kind and sincere. I don't think I could ever find anyone else just like you. I love you, Amber." Then I gave her a smile.

Amber appeared to be bothered by something else, but then she said, "Casper...I..." She trailed off.

We stared into each others eyes for a long time. Then slowly our lips touched each others for a slow kiss. We pulled back and I could see that Amber has tears falling down her face, "Casper..."

I nodded, "Yeah?"

She smiled at me for the first time ever since we got out here, "I love you too, Casper. I've liked you ever since we first met."

I smiled back and then we kissed again. We kissed deeply that time.

Amber, I do know that no one could replace Shawna, she was my first girlfriend. But Amber and I seem to have a lot in common compare to Shawna. She's shy, just like me. She doesn't have a lot of friends, just like me. And we sometimes feel alone.

Of course after we kissed, something appeared to have bothered her, and I don't think it's just about me. But time will tell when she does tell me.

Amber...I love you.