Me and Jade cried for a long time, honestly I didn't how long we were on that rock together, after she told a sad tale about her aunt Karone, her mother's disappearance, and even her sister's murder by her aunt. A part of me felt like I was fuming about Karone, how could she do all those things? To her own niece? Doesn't she have any emotion at all? I decided it was pointless to dwell on her, and I should focus on Jade. She needs me now more than ever.

But still it makes me mad just thinking about it. I mean what kind of aunt would do that to her own niece? That's completely cruel. I shook my head away from those thoughts, stop it Casper no need to dwell on it.

Me and Jade are heading back to her cave, after breaking down in tears she told me she's not in the mood to talk anymore, I couldn't blame her. So I decided to walk her back home. Because I'm a kind and caring person that I am.

We made it to her cave, it was still daytime, and the rest of the lionesses were still outside. Happy to go on their lives, all except for their princess.

We stopped in front of the entrance to the cave, and Jade turned to face me.

She smiled at me, "Thanks for staying with me, it was very sweet of you."

I smiled back at her, "It's no problem, I didn't like to see you cry."

She grinned, "You cried as well, you liar."

I laughed a little at that, "Well there's that too, I decided to shed my tears with you. It's the least I could do."

Jade got up on two feet and wrap her paws around me for a hug once again, she whispered "Thank you Casper."

I returned the hug, "It's alright Jade, I will be there for you, I promise."

She let go of me and got back on all fours, "I know, anyways I won't keep you. I just feel like I want to be alone right now."

I asked, "Can I see you tomorrow?"

She grinned, "Yeah, just come to the cave tomorrow, ok?"

I turned my back on her getting ready to head home, "Alright I will. Anyways take care." I waved at her and then I left.

*****

By the time the sun set I made it back to the camp. Everyone was having dinner at the mess hall, so I didn't see a lot of people outside. Not even mom and dad. They were probably eating as well. I wasn't in the mood to see them right now anyways. I was still a little bit upset about everything last night. Them not believing me about Jade, it's not exactly the kind of thing you could let go. I mean they're my parents, parents are supposed to listen to their kids, but they didn't.

I'll get over it eventually, just not right now, it just takes time. I was on my way to the mess hall when I see Shawna sitting on boulder outside, she looked a little bit sad. Probably still traumatized about the whole thing yesterday, I would be too. I walked toward her to see what's up.

I broke the ice, "Hey."

Shawna looked up at me and gave me a small smile, "Hey."

"What are you doing out here?"

She shook her head, "Nothing."

I shook my head at her answer, "Something's bothering you, what is it?"

She sighed, "Casper...Can we talk?"

I nodded, and then I sat down beside her. "So what's up?"

She sighed again, "Casper...Are you doing okay?"

 "I could ask you the same thing."

She nodded, "Yeah."

I was getting concerned now, "Shawna, what's the matter? Something's bothering you."

She sighed and looked at me, "Casper...I'm sorry."

I was bewildered, "For what?"

"About what happened to you, after we got back to the camp. I should have tried to defend you, and I was so scared and sad to do anything. I didn't do anything." Then she looked down at the ground.

She was worried about me? About my parents confronting me? I decided to place my hand on her shoulder and said, "It's not your fault. I would have been scared too if I was you. And I wanted to apologize as well. I...I'm sorry about what happened, I never wanted all that stuff to happen to us. To you, to Eileen, to Walker, it was just so unexpected. Honestly I've felt so guilty for putting you guys through all that. And I'm sorry.

She looked at me again, "Yeah well, that doesn't make any excuse for me for not trying to defend you. I mean you were trying to introduce us to your friend. You never knew we were going to be chased by a lioness that you never met."

I giggled a little, "Yeah well, it still feels like it's my fault."

She shrugged, "Well I guess we're both guilty about something." She giggled at that.

I giggled along with her, "True, true."

She finally put on a smile and asked, "So where did you go today? Did you look for your friend?"

I was shocked by her question, I didn't expect it at all, "Yes I did. Why? Do you believe me? About everything I told you? About Jade?"

She looked up at the sunset sky, "Well...I do believe you that there are lions that you met. And I also kinda do believe that you did talked to some of them."

I beamed at her, "Really? You really believe me?"

She shrugged, "Kinda, sorta, I don't know."

"What do you mean? I don't get it."

Then she got up from the rock and took a few steps forward, "Look Casper, this is pretty bizarre to me. I mean talking lions, almost getting eaten by one of them. It's just too much for me. But at least your safe today."

I walked to where she was, "Jade's not evil, to tell you the truth she's been through a lot."

Then she glanced at me, she smiled, "I know, she sounds like a good friend." But then she added, "But I definitely don't like the lioness that tried to kill us."

I shrugged, "Can't blame you at all."

She smiled, "Anyways I was just wondering if you're okay."

I sighed and put up a smile, "Oh I'm fine really, I am." Then I asked her, "You?"

She shrugged, "Oh I think I'll be fine, I just need some time."

I nodded, "Ok."

Then she turned and walked off, before she got far I called out to her. "Hey wait!"

She turned around, "Yes?"

I ran to her, "I almost forgot to ask. About yesterday, did you hear the lions who were with us, talking? Did you hear them talk like us I mean?"

She cast her eyes down, "I'm sorry Casper, but I didn't. I wasn't paying attention to well after that evil lioness tried to corner us. I was so scared and I buried my face in your shoulder. I didn't listen to anything. All I can remember is that roar, before that male lion and that other lioness came, and I think I remember you saying some things to them. But that was it."

I looked down at the ground disappointed, "Oh."

"I'm sorry."

I waved her off, "No it's okay. Maybe you might hear them talk to each other some time. Trust me it's worth it."

She smiled, "Yeah, if we don't get eaten first."

I laughed at that, "Good point, anyways later."

She turned and looked over her shoulder and said, "Later."

I smiled at her after she left me.

*****

I got out of the tent this morning, already had my breakfast, this time they were having sausage and eggs. After I went to the mess hall, I decided to see Jade, see how she's holding up. Heck I probably got all day to talk to her. I was almost to the edge of camp when I heard a voice call to me. "Hey Casper, can I talk to you?" It was Charlie.

I see Charlie near the shooting range, he beckoning me to come over, I hollered, "Coming!"

I ran to where Charlie was standing, a big hunting rifle in his hands. "What's up, Charlie?"

He just grinned, "Just wondering where your running off to."

My eyes went wide, "Oh just...Going to take a walk in the savannah."

His eyes went wide at that, "You're going out in the savannah again? You really are energetic are you? I mean two days ago you drove one of the jeeps out in the savannah, then yesterday you and your friends went for a walk to god knows where, and now today you're going out there again. I mean I think you should kick back and relax, visit with you parents at least a little while."

I sighed, "I'm not really in the mood to talk to them right now."

He nodded, "Yeah I know, you're upset at them for whatever reason, they told me you almost got killed by a lion yesterday. Well I need to tell you this, they love you Casper, and you should know they were trying to protect you."

I nodded, "I know."

He shook his head, "No Casper you don't know, you're very lucky you have parents who are like that. And you should be happy with them while you have the chance, they won't live forever you know."

I winced at that. Maybe he's right, maybe I should be with them as much as possible. Maybe I shouldn't treat them any different. They do love me, but I want to be with someone right now who needs me. I feel responsible for Jade.

Charlie gave me a look, "Do you understand kid? They love you."

I nodded, "Yeah I know and I'm sorry but I feel like I want to just get away from here. I'll come back later, alright?"

Charlie softened his gaze, "Well alright, but before you go, do you want to practice shooting this rifle? After all you need to protect yourself."

I was shocked by the proposal, I never shot a gun before. I shook my head fast, "Oh no, no thank you, maybe some other time alright? Ok later!"

Before Charlie could reply I took off to the savannah.

*****

I walked to Jade's home for a while, I got to say it's a long walk away from camp. Maybe I should try to borrow the jeep next time. If anyone would let me borrow one that is.

While I was walking I was still thinking about Charlie's proposal for letting me use his gun for practice. Me shooting a gun? I never even shot a gun before, hell I don't even like hunting to be honest. I mean I know Charlie's trying to protect me, but I just don't have the guts to carry one that's why. It's nothing personal...Well maybe a little personal.

I was finally close to her home, I recognize this certain tree that I saw before. That means I was close to her pride and her cave. And I was right, I can see the cave from right where I'm at.

I was so ready to see her when I someone call out to me, "Hey human!"

I was appalled that I was called human, I followed the direction of the voice, and I see a lion running towards me. It was Leon, Jade's friend. What does he want?

Leon stopped right in front of me a grim expression on his face, I asked, "Leon? What's up? What's going on?"

Leon looked at me with that grim expression, "Look human, I know you're not trying to hurt anyone here, but I think you should leave."

I was shocked at what he said, "What? Why?"

Then Leon softened his gaze and said, "Well it's abou-"

"Leon!" It was Jade this time. She showed up not very long after Leon showed up. She stood between me and him. She said to Leon with a pleading tone, "Leon, please don't do this."

Leon looked at her with a pained expression, "Jade, don't make this harder than it already is."

Jade shook her head furiously, "No! I won't let you do this! I don't care what my father says, he's not going!"

Then I heard Bron's voice, "Jade!"

Uh oh, I got a bad feeling about this.

Bron showed up and stood beside Leon, with a grim expression as well, "Jade, stay out of this."

Jade sneered, "No, father I won't let you get rid of him! He's my friend."

I gasped. Wait? Get rid of me? As in kill me? Or scare me away? I hope it's scare me away, I don't want to be fresh meat!

Bron snapped, "Jade I'm your father and I want what's best for you. And I'm still the king, and you're my baby and my princess. Now go back to the cave."

Jade yapped, "Bite me."

Bron sighed, "Jade I don't care if he's your friend he's a human, and nothing's going to change that." He then turned his gaze on Leon, "Leon, take my daughter back to the cave right now. I want to talk to this human, ALONE."

Leon nodded, and he walked to Jade and urged her to come with him. Jade protested, didn't want to give up. But Bron gave her a glare, and she finally gave in. Jade looked at me with a sad expression and walked off with Leon back to the cave.

Now alone with Bron, he took his gaze upon me now.

I tried a calm approach, "So uh...How's life, your majesty?"

But Bron wasn't in the mood for conversations, "I don't want small talk, since Leon won't do his job, I want to talk to you."

I nodded, "Ok, what is it your majesty?"

Bron didn't show any emotion when he formed his words, he simply said, "I'm banishing you from my kingdom."

My blood turned cold and I went pale, "What? But why?"

"Because I don't allow humans in my kingdom, and I've made a big mistake of letting you near my home."

I protested, "You never made a mistake. I didn't do anything wrong, I swear."

Bron shook his head, "No, but I'm afraid you will. I don't trust you human and I never will. And I'm going to ask you nicely one more time to leave. and please for my daughter's sake, don't give me a reason to kill you."

My blood turned even more colder. He doesn't trust me? I can't believe it! I guess that's fatherly instinct for you. He's trying to protect his daughter, but I'm not trying to hurt her.

I took one step toward him, and said "Listen Bron, I would never hurt your daughter, not ever. I really care about her. Even though we've met a couple of days ago, but I do care about her. And so does she. Look if you're doing this for your daughter, then let me stay with her, I'll do anything you say I swear."

Bron just glared at me, "No, I want you to GO AWAY NOW."

I shook my head and I raised my voice a little bit, "Are you kidding me? Don't you trust me at all? Your daughter's all alone, don't you get it? She has been alone ever since she lost her sister and mother. Sh-"

He roared at me, "Don't you even put my family in this!! I love my daughter and I want what's best for her! Now get out! GET OUT!!!

Then he gave a very loud roar that shook my eardrums, I got pretty scared and I turned and ran off.

I ran as hard as I could not taking any chances.

I closed my eyes tight as I ran, tears running down my face. Jade...I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

*****

I heard the roar that father made, and then I saw Casper running away. My father succeeded, he got his wish and scared away my only human friend that I've made. How could you do that father!? Why wouldn't you listen to me?!

Leon was standing beside me, with a concerned expression on his face, he was about to say something when father came back. Leon left me and dad alone.

I walked in front of father to confront him, how dare he scare away the friend that I care about?! "Father, please reconsider."

Bron glared at me, "You're not going anywhere from now on."

I shook my head at that, "No, it's no-"

Bron looked at me with anger in his eyes, "He used you to get to me."

I shook my head again, "No he cares about me, he wants to be with me!"

Father took a step towards me, and that made me back me away from him, "Because you're my daughter! He's a human and that's that. You will stay where I'll keep my eye on you, away from him."

I screamed at him, "You don't know him!"

He screamed back at me, "He's a human! I don't have to know him! You only met him a few days ago! So you don't know him that well. I know what humans are, they are hunters! They kill our kind for no reason at all, and they trespass our lands for no reason at all! He would kill you when he had the chance. He's a murderer for all we know."

My eyes were starting to feel wet, I was about to break down in a minute, "He's not a murderer! How can you say such a thing!? I can see it in his eyes, he cares about me! And I care about him as well."

Father stared at me, "Jade-"

I screamed at him some more, "So after all these years you finally start to treat me like I'm your daughter? Well maybe you should have tried hard enough to protect Ruby and mom! It's your fault! Mom left, and you didn't try hard enough to find her! It's all your fault!!"

Father's face went from anger to guilt in a matter of seconds, before he could say another word, I turned and ran into the cave past all the other lionesses. Tears were running down my face, I went to a dark corner of the cave, and I laid down on my belly, hiding my face in my paws, sobbing.

*****

Nightfall has come to the cave finally, I was waiting for everyone to fall asleep so I could sneak out of here. I tiptoed past every last lioness that was in here. Careful not to step on anyone's tail or paw. I saw my father sleeping peacefully like he's not guilty of anything, I'll show him! I'll show everyone that Casper's not evil!

I made it to the mouth of the cave, I walked slowly outside a few more steps, and when I was sure I was clear to make a run for it, I took the chance.

I ran all the way up a hill, when I made it to the top, I looked down at my cave home for the last time. Thinking I'll never come back.

I said, "I'm sorry, but you left me no choice. Goodbye everyone, goodbye father." I turned and ran away, with a single tear running down my face.

*****

I lai down on my bed in the tent, reading a book I brought from home. The title is "Twilight" by Stephanie Meyer. I liked the movie a lot more better than the book, besides that I wasn't in the mood for reading, I was still thinking about Jade.

Bron...I can't believe Bron would do this to me. To his daughter, Jade must be devastated. I wish there was something I could do...

But there isn't anything I can do, if I try to do something, Bron might kill me. Or he'll send his lionesses to hunt me down and then kill me. Good god I can just imagine the blood spilling out of my guts when they're tearing me apart.

Jade....I'm very sorry Jade. I should have tried harder, but I was scared I didn't know what to do.

I shut my eyes tight, maybe my friendship with her wasn't meant to be. I mean hey lets face it, I'm a human and she's an animal.

But a big part of me thinks otherwise, I'm suppose to be there for her. She's been through a lot, she lost her sister, her mother, and now she lost me. I don't want to give up on her, hell I wanted her to meet my sister and friends. I wanted to show everyone I'm not crazy. But I guess I'll never get that chance...

I heard a noise outside the tent, a stick cracking. I got up from my bed real fast, startled.

What the hell? What was that? Creepy...

Now hold on it was probably a rabbit or something. Rabbits aren't even native in Africa, are they? Probably not, maybe it was a meerkat.

I was about to sit down when I heard another stick cracking. Is someone outside? I decided to take a chance.

"Hello."

No answer, I tried again louder this time, "Hello!"

Still no answer. What's going on here? That better not be my nagging sister playing a prank on me, I'm not in the mood for this shit.

Another stick cracked, I decided to peek out to the other side of the tent, there's a zipper there. I walked slowly to the other side of the tent and slowly pulled the zipper down all the way down to the bottom.

I slowly peeked outside, don't see anything so far. I was about to pull back when something big came out of nowhere. I gasped and pulled back. Crap!

A voice whispered, "Casper it's me."

I recognized the voice, it couldn't be her, could it? I walked toward the opening, and saw Jade outside.

I was shocked, "God damn it Jade! You scared me again! This is twice this week now!"

All Jade did was giggle, "Sorry I couldn't resist."

Then I realized I've forgotten that she's in the camp! Damn, someone might see her! I got to get her inside.

"Jade, quick get inside now."

Jade managed to get inside the tent, "Wow, what a weird place. Is this where you live?"

I was still appalled by her appearance here, I asked, "Jade, what are you doing here? How did you find me?"

She smiled, "I followed your scent actually. I can smell you."

My mouth opened agape.

She had a worried look on her face, "Casper, what's wrong?"

I just ran and hugged her, "I'm sorry Jade, I thought I would never see you again."

She giggled, "Well guess what? I'm here."

She's right. She is here, but how?

I let go of her and said, "You never answered my question, what are you doing here? What's going on?"

Then she had a glum look on her face and looked away, "I...I ran away from home."

I gasped, "What?! Jade are you crazy?"

Then she had tears in her eyes, "I..." Then she took a few steps toward me, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! It's just that it wasn't fair. How my father treated you. Calling you a murderer, a hunter. It wasn't right, and we both knew it. I ran away from home just to show him not to control me so much! I couldn't take it anymore, and I....I want to be with you."

I just stood there registering what her plans were. This is a bad idea.

Jade had a pleading look in her eyes, she begged "Please Casper, I don't want to go back. I want to be free from my past. From all of that. I don't want to be a princess. I just want to be me." Then she nuzzled my belly, and looked up at my face with that pleading look still on her face, "Please Casper, don't send me away."

I wanted to say yes, but I still think it's a bad idea. She can't stay here. This is a human camp. If anyone in the camp finds her, they'll kill her! I can't risk it, but then another part thinks, how hard can it be to hide a lioness in the camp?

She pleaded once more, "Please."

My thoughts nagged at me. NO! It's a bad idea!

"I..."

Don't do it Casper, don't do it!

"I...Uh..."

You're going to get her killed! Don't do it!

"I think..."

NO Casper! NO, NO, NO!!!!

I smiled at her and said, "Yes, Jade. You can stay here."

She beamed happily and then she wrapped her paws around me and hugged me. Oh boy what am I getting myself into?

I laughed, "Alright, alright Jade take it easy." I petted her.

She gasped and pulled away, "Oh, sorry."

I shook my head, "It's okay, but listen you have to do exactly as I say, alright? Not every human is like me, and if anyone here finds you, they'll kill you, do you understand?"

Jade nodded, "I'll listen to you, I promise."

I smiled at that, "Good." Then I yawned. Man all this excitement is making me tired.

She cocked her head, "Tired?"

I nodded, "Yeah I'm tired. I need to go to sleep. On my bed." I pointed to what I was talking about to her.

She saw my bed, "That's your bed? Looks comfy."

I laughed at her statement, "It is." Then I sat on my bed getting ready to lay down.

She came to the side of my bed and said, "Casper?"

I looked at her, "Yeah?"

She looked at me sheepishly, "Can...Can I sleep by you?"

The bed's kinda small, but I guess I can be flexible, "Oh alright, get on." I patted her spot, at the bottom of my bed.

"Yay!" Then she jumped on me.

I gently pushed her off of me, "Hey cut it out!"

"Oh sorry Casper."

I shook my head, "It's alright."

She went to the spot at the bottom of the bed, tried to curl up in a ball, and then managed to lie down. She looked at me, very content, "Thank you Casper."

"Yeah no problem."

She smiled, then she closed her eyes, soon after she did I turned off the lantern and then I went under the covers and went to sleep as well.