I gave Jade a frown, "Wait. You thought that I was dead? Is that why you didn't recognize me at first?"

Jade nodded, "Yeah, and so did the rest of the pride. I mean you've been gone for a long time. I mean I know it's a bit much, but....We really thought you died. I didn't think you would come back."

I petted Jade on her head. Me and her have just reunited, so now here we are chatting with each other about two minutes after we hugged.

Poor Jade, and poor the whole pride. They all thought that I was dead. That's why they think I haven't came back for three years. I looked at her and said, "Jade....It has been three years ago, since I've last seen you."

Jade's face went wide, "What? Three years? I didn't know it was that long. Guess I lost track."

I laughed, and then I hugged her again, "Jade, you have no idea how much I've missed you. You really have no idea."

She nuzzled against me and purred, "I missed you too." 

And we were like this for another moment, and then I let go of her and asked, "So uh....Do you still live in that cave of yours?"

She nodded, "Yeah. And what about you? Do you live in that camp? Can I see you there? Oh god, I have a lot of things to talk about with you."

I shook my head, "No, I'm not staying at that camp. I'm actually staying in a different place now. It looks pretty cool if you went and saw it. But the thing is I wouldn't recommend it. Because-"

She smiled and finished for me, "Because not every human is as friendly as you are, and they would shoot me." She rolled her eyes, "I know, I know."

I laughed, Jade still being a smart one as usual. I'm glad not everything has changed.

Jade asked, "So are you alone? Are you with your family?"

I answered, "Well my mom and dad are not with me this time. But my aunt Tabitha came and so did my sister Eileen. Also Walker too."

She beamed, "Aunt Tab? I really missed her, she's such a sweetheart. Eileen and Walker are here too? Boy some things never really changed." She laughed and then she got serious, "But wait. What about Shawna? Is she here too?"

I had a glum look on my face. Shawna was this girl I met here three years ago, and not too long after we got together as a couple. But we broke up one year after we came back to the states. It was only because we had this long distance relationship and it didn't work out. So that's why she hasn't come back here with me. We still talk to each other on facebook though, but I still think about her. Heck I wish she was still with me.

Jade interrupted my thoughts, "Casper?"

I shook my head, "What? Oh....Uh...Shawna didn't want to come with me. She's back at the states." I didn't want to tell Jade the whole truth yet. It's pretty personal. Then I changed the subject, "So, how's Leon? Are you two still together?"

Jade's face went from happiness to sorrow and then she turned her back on me.

I got up on my two feet and gave a concerned look, "Jade? Are you okay?"

She turned around, gave me a smile, and said, "Yeah, I'm fine."

I tilted my head, "Are you sure? Because you didn't look very happy."

She shook her head, "No I'm fine. Nothing to worry about at all."

I grinned, "Well in that case, how about we go to your home? I'm sure the whole pride would love to see me."

When I suggested the idea, Jade had a look of fear on her face, then she shook it off and smiled, "Yeah, sure, come on, follow me." Then she led the way to her home.

Of course while I was following her, now I'm starting to wonder about her. What's going on? One second she had a scared look on her face and then she changed it, like she was hiding something.

Also when I mentioned Leon, she had a sad look, but then she changed it as well. 

Are they still together? I'm getting a feeling she's not telling me everything. I won't ask her about it yet. Just have to wait and see, for now.

*****

Jade led me to her cave home and we finally made it after an hour of walking. Still the same cave as before. I wonder if she became the queen here, and did Leon become the king here? I really hope they are still together.

While me and her were walking, another lioness came out from behind a rock and growled at me. I gasped and backed up slowly, and then Jade got in between us, "Christa. It's okay, it's Casper."

The lioness who turned out to be Christa stopped in her tracks and cocked her head, "Casper? I thought you were dead." She rolled her eyes with some sarcasm coming out of her mouth, "Well GREAT, you came back from the dead. That's real balanced."

I giggled, "Nice to see you too, Christa. Still have that attitude of yours, you haven't changed much."

Christa grinned, "Don't have to change much. Just have to be glad that I have a home that has a lot of food and water."

I giggled again. Christa is Karone's daughter and Jade's cousin, in case you didn't know. Years ago when she was a cub, her mother Karone and her followers, along with Christa, were exiled to the banished lands for a long time. So that's what she meant when she said she was glad that this home has a lot of food and water.

Of course before I left Africa three years ago, she kinda had this attitude like her mother. But it's only mostly sarcasm, in a way when you get to know her, she can be your best friend. And when we got to know each other three years ago, after she and her mother's followers settled here in this pride, we became friends. And I even remembered that she and Jade are close as well. Probably because they have both lost their mothers in death. Which that's understandable.

Hell even she can be a great hunter as well. Trust me I've seen her do her work. She can run fast than everyone else!

Christa then asked, "So, how long have you been back here? Or the better question would be, how long have you been gone?"

I giggled and said, "Three years."

Christa's eyes went wide and she exclaimed, "Three years? I didn't know that."

I laughed, "Well Jade didn't know that as well. So you're not the only one."

Christa giggled, "Well I'm sure we all didn't know that you were gone for a long time."

I tried to look behind her, trying to see Leon near that cave, "So how's Leon? Is he here? I miss that guy."

Christa had a grim look in her eyes and looked at Jade, "You didn't tell him, did you?"

Jade looked sheepish and looked down at her paws, "...I couldn't tell him."

I looked back and forth at them and asked, "Uh...Tell me what? What's going on here?"

Christa had an angry look and sighed, she simply said, "Jade and Leon are not together anymore."

My eyes went wide, well I had a feeling about that. I said, "Why? What happened?"

Christa went on, "Look maybe you should ask Bron about that. After all he's still the King here."

I stared at her. Bron's still the king? What's going on here? I thought Jade would be the queen by now. What happened?

Jade then said, "Well since this moment's ruined, guess we'll just have to find father. Lets go." Then she and Christa led me to the cave.

The lionesses that are laying outside in the sun heard me, Christa, and Jade walking and saw us coming. They all raised their heads and they all have curious looks.

Jade beamed and announced my presence, "Everyone, look who's here! It's my best friend Casper! The human!"

The lionesses remembered who I am and all got up on all fours and came to see me, all greeting me. I smiled at all of them, oh man I still feel like I'm a celebrity here. Well at least that hasn't changed. But I wonder why Jade and Leon are not together?

It didn't take me long to think when Bron came out of the cave and saw me. He took a few steps toward me and smiled, "Casper, its been such a long time. You came back."

I smiled at him, and then I remembered when we first met. Bron never did trust me at first sight, like Jade did. In fact he didn't like me at all. He even got to the point that he exiled me from his lands and that got Jade so upset she ran away from home to be with me. Then after that he felt so guilty, he even regretted exiling me. In fact he even let Karone's followers back in the pride, because he knew that they were just like his pride.

So if you're wondering if Bron still hates me? Hell no. In fact after I saved his daughter from Karone, we became friends because he realized that I cared about his daughter as well. He even let my family visit the pride here, and I thought that was cool that he did.

Bron took a few steps toward me and said, "It really has been a long time. It's been awhile."

I answered, "Three years to be exact."

Brons eyes went wide at that, "Wow, never really thought it was that long."

Jade piped in, "Join the club."

Christa came over and said, "Your majesty, Casper wants to talk to you, it's about Jade and Leon."

Bron looked at Jade and said, "Guess you got your friend involved in this, huh?"

Involved in what? That's what I'm wondering.

Bron looked at me and said, "Follow me in the cave. We'll talk in there." Then he turned around and went in the cave.

I followed him close behind along with Jade, while Christa is waiting outside. 

We were in the middle of the cave alone and then Bron turned around to face us.

I asked, "Alright, what's going on? How come Leon's not here? Where is he? And how come you're still the king?"

Bron sighed and said, "Ok well....You see...I did try to train Leon about being king, but in all honesty, I don't think he has the right qualifications to be a great king. I don't think he doesn't get what it means to be a king. A great king is supposed to be strong, proud, and brave. But he doesn't have those things."

Jade then muttered, "Perhaps it's because you didn't give him a chance."

Bron glared at her, "Jade, we have already been over this. I want a king who will not take anything for granted. I want someone who is responsible."

Jade shot back, "Yeah, but I don't want someone who is rude and vindictive. I hate him."

Bron still glared at her for a moment and then he looked at me, "What she means is, a lion came here from another land and I think that he's perfect to be king, but Jade doesn't get it. His name's Chad."

She shouted, "You don't understand dad! Chad is no good for the kingdom, he's an asshole, and not to mention he even kicked Leon out of the pride."

Bron said, "Because he thinks it's for the best. He doesn't want any distractions."

"He wants me all to himself!"

I looked at Jade, "Whoah, hold on. He kicked Leon out of the pride? When did that happen?"

Jade had an angry look and said, "About a season ago. And it was only because Leon was only standing up to him. But thanks to him, Leon got kicked out! I can't even see him much, because Chad doesn't want me to see him. And that's not the only thing that I hate about Chad. Its...." She turned her head away.

I urged her, "Tell me. What is it?"

She looked at me and sighed, "Chad doesn't like humans. Why? Because he doesn't think that your kind belongs here. One time he actually roared at a human family just to scare them off. He hates them like a plague. It's not fair and everyone knows it."

So that's why she had this look of fear before we came here, because she was afraid that Chad would kill me. And that's also why she looked sad when I brought up Leon, because Chad kicked him out. Makes sense now.

Bron said, "But I only like kings the traditional way. And Leon wasn't doing anything traditional. And Chad is qualified for it."

Jade shouted, "That's because you think he wasn't taking anything to seriously! And you're so blind about what I'm saying about Chad you won't listen to me!"

Bron glared, "I am listening to you dear. But it's good for the kingdom."

"But I don't love him dad! I love Leon!" Then she ran out of the cave. Leaving me alone with Bron.

I said to Bron, "Bron, I understand what you're getting at and all, but don't you think you're overthinking it a little bit about the whole king thing? I mean she loves Leon, not Chad. And judging the way she's talking about him, I think he's no good for her."

Bron said, "Jade hasn't given Chad a chance. I just don't think that Leon would be a good king. Look you're not a lion and you have never ONCE been king. You wouldn't understand it."

I nodded, "Oh I understand it alright. And you know what I think? I think you're not listening to your daughter, and you haven't given Leon a chance to be a king. A king is supposed to be himself. Not do things the traditional way. I wish you would understand it." Then I turned around and left the cave.

I met Christa outside and she said, "So how did it go?"

I shook my head, "Not good."

She nodded, "That's what I thought. And just to tell you something, I don't like Chad either, he's an asshole."

I giggled, "So I heard." Then I asked, "Where did Jade go?"

Christa answered, "She went to her favorite rock. Just to get away from everything."

I smiled, aw yes her favorite rock. I remember the first time me and Jade sat down together on that rock, a couple of days after I first met her. We were sitting together and she started telling me about her aunt, and all the terrible things she has done. And that's when I realized how alone Jade was and I had to be there for here. No matter what. And I think on that day, we were closer than ever.

I said, "Well I'm going to go find her. I'll talk later, ok?"

Christa smiled, "Yeah its been nice seeing you. I hope Jade's ok." Then she went off to talk to the other lionesses.

I walked away from the cave to go to Jade's favorite rock. When I made it, I see Jade standing on it with her head low, with sadness. I sat down beside her and when she heard me she said, "Well now you know the truth. Pretty horrible, huh?"

I said, "I don't know what to say. In all honesty I don't think all of this is fair to you."

She nodded, "Well you're not the only one who thinks so. The other members of the pride don't like Chad either. But dad is so blind he doesn't get it."

I giggled and said, "I'll be honest, even though I haven't met him yet, but from what I can tell, I think Chad is a controlling abuser who doesn't care about anything but himself."

She giggled at that, "Well you're not the only one who thinks that either. I mean I see Leon sometimes, but I hardly ever see him because of Chad. I really hate him, for trying to control me."

I asked, "So I take it I'm not going to visit you for a while here? Because of Chad?"

She shook her head, "I wouldn't recommend it. I'm just glad he hasn't met you yet. I'm just afraid he might kill you. I think maybe you should get out of here."

I said, "Do you want to see me again? Can we meet tomorrow?"

She beamed and said, "Sure! I would love to see you again. But not here, just far away from here."

I smiled, "Ok, how about we meet at the pond? You know the pond where we first met? I can meet you there tomorrow if you want."

She nodded, "Sure, and can you bring your family with you? I would love to see Tabitha and Eileen with Walker. I miss them too."

I smiled and nodded, "Sure! I'll do that." Then I got up on my feet and said, "Well maybe I better get out of here-" 
Before I could leave a voice interrupted us, "Hey Jade."

Me and Jade followed the direction of the voice, and we could see a male lion standing there. Probably Chad.

Chad looked at me and said, "I heard there was a human nearby."

Jade got between me and Chad and glared, "I'm not letting you kill him."

Chad only grinned and said, "You must be Casper, the human that Jade was best friends with. I heard a lot about you."

I glared at him, "I heard a lot about YOU as well."

Chad cocked his head, "Really? Well if you don't mind telling me, what part that you and Jade were discussing about me?"

Jade sneered, "None of your business, that's what."

Chad put a paw on his chest and said, "My, my, that really hurt! I want you to listen to me human. I don't want any humans near this cave, not you as well. Because I don't like them and YOU very much, got it?"

Jade then said, "Casper, get out of here."

I pleaded, "But Jade-"

"Get out of here!"

I didn't argue, and then without turning my back and taking my eyes off of Chad, I stated to slowly walk away from them.

As soon as I was far away and I felt safe, I turned around and walked back to the marines jeep.

Jade....Please be careful with him.

*****

I was laying outside the cave on my back during the night. Staring up at the stars. Pleading for my mother for an answer.

Hours after Casper left, I talked to father about Chad but as usual he doesn't listen to me. My father is so blind about Chad, he chooses not to listen to me about him. Because he thinks he found the perfect king, but I want Leon, not him.

All Chad does is control and control. He doesn't care about what I want. Not to mention that he wants me to be his mate. That is disgusting! I don't want to have anything to do with him! I love Leon!

And speak of the devil, as Casper would say it, Chad's face appeared over mine while I was staring up at the stars and he grinned at me, "Hey beautiful."

I glared at him, "What do you want Chad?"

He shook his head, that grin still on his face, "Nothing, just thought I should see my beautiful lioness outside."

I still glared at him, "I'm not yours." Then I got up on all fours and stretched. After I stopped stretching, Chad was closer to my face and he still has that grin.

I angrily spat, "What?"

He said, "You really look stunning under the moonlight. I can see why I like you."

I cocked my head and with caution I asked, "What are you implying?"

Then he gave me a long lick across my face and I took a step back quick, like a hornet that has stung me. I shouted, "What do you think you're doing?!"

He giggled and he bluntly said, "I was picturing myself on top of you. Mating you. Making love with you." Too bluntly for my taste.

I shouted, "I will never be your mate! And I will never be yours!" Then I raised my paw and swiped him across the face. He grunted and fell over. After he fell over I walked away from him and the cave.

When I was sure that I was alone, I laid down on my back on the grass and looked up at the stars again. I sighed.

Mom, what would you do? What would you do if something like this happened to you? I need your help.

*****

Eileen asked, "And there's nothing you can do about it?"

I shook my head, "No, only Bron has the authority to get rid of Chad, but he won't do it. He's so blind by his own pride he won't listen to Jade right now. I mean all he wants is a great king to take his place."

Eileen angrily said, "Well that sucks! I would have listened to my daughter if Chad was a bastard."

I came back to the base after my first meeting with Jade after three years apart. Now hours later, nighttime in the barracks, and I was telling Eileen, Walker, and Tabitha about the bad news with Jade.

I said, "I know, and not to mention Chad is not making it any easier for her on her end. I mean according to Jade he just controls her, and quite frankly I wouldn't blame her if she ran away."

Walker then said, "Well I think you should fight for her man. Stand up to Chad. Show him who's the boss."

Eileen shot a glare at him, "Hey dummy, Casper would die if he tried to fight Chad! He's a lion!"

Walker shot back, "So? I would do it, just to stand up for her. This is like a human couple in a abusive relationship, but only it's lions."

I giggled and said, "Well Eileen does have a point there, I would die if I fought against the guy. But I wish I could. Now that I think about it sometimes males fight each other for the throne. So I guess that's why Leon left. Because he fought Chad and lost."

Eileen exclaimed, "You don't know that!"

I shrugged, "You're right, I don't know that."

Tabitha said, "Oh that poor girl, I really feel bad for Jade. I wish she and Leon were back together."

I nodded, "Me too. But right now, all we can do is comfort her. That's all we can do."

Tabitha said, "So what are you going to do? You planning on seeing her tomorrow?"

I smiled and nodded, "Yep, I'm planning on meeting Jade at the pond where we first met. You can come along if you want. I'm going to borrow one of the jeeps again sometime tomorrow."

Eileen smiled, "I want to go with you! I miss Jade as well."

I laughed, "Oh she misses you too, trust me."

Walker said, "I'm coming too."

Tabitha smiled and said, "I'll go with you guys, not just to see my favorite lioness, but to also keep you guys out of trouble."

Walker made a mock gasp and said, "What? I never got into trouble at all, what gives?"

Tabitha giggled and said, "You almost got killed three years ago, when you tried to visit Jade, so that means I'm going with you." 

Walker eyes went wide and said, "Oh yeah I forgot!"

We all laughed and then the three of them went out the door to go to sleep in the other barracks. Tabitha stopped at the door and said, "Goodnight."

I waved at her and she closed the door leaving me alone in my own barracks. I walked to the window and looked outside to see the stars in the night sky.

Jade, I hope we see each other tomorrow. Just don't let a poor excuse of a lion tell you how to live.