Chapter 8
Hashiki's tail flicked in slight frustration. Her gaze, still locked on the approaching something, was drawn away at the sound of movement nearby. Hashiki glanced around.
"Hey." She let out a tight mew of greeting to her sister and Abasi. Malika's expression changed from content to confusion and worry.
"Are you alright?" They young golden lioness asked, cocking her head slightly at Hashiki.
"Well, yes." Hashiki pushed the thoughts of Kumi to the back of her head. "I'm only worried about that." She pointed her tail towards the cloud of dust.
Malika's eyes widened considerably. Beside her, Abasi narrowed his own orbs and thrashed his tail.
"What in the Pridelands?" He muttered, nose twitching.
"I've warned Mother and Father." Hashiki added to Malika, turning back to face the oncoming thing. She felt her sister press against her, and was glad for her company.
With a sigh, she hoped that they weren't making a fuss over something pathetic. It might only be a stray zebra or wildebeast. Unfortunately the dust was so thick that Hashiki couldn't see the animal encased in it. The season had been fearfully dry, and therefore dust and dirt was everywhere.
"I think it's a lion!" Malika exclaimed after a few more minutes. Hashiki shifted, squinting through the heat.
"Yeah...." She murmured, standing and raising her tail. Beside her, Malika did the same. Abasi, having been standing, gave a low growl and stomped a paw.
"We should get back." The young male advised, trailing his tail over Malika. She purred and nodded, and the two set off. Hashiki followed slower, keeping her eyes on the running lion.
The three young lions reached Pride Rock, where they bounded up the stones towards the den. Hashiki halted in the entrance, and dashed across the ledge.
She gazed over the edge, feeling the usual thrill of being on the ceremonial ledge. Hashiki found the cloud of dust again, focusing her eyes on the faint lion that had created it.
She couldn't make out it's pelt coloration, but a small tuft of mane betrayed its gender. Hashiki pushed away the idea that it was Kumi--why would he be coming here?
"Hashiki, return to the cave." Kovu's voice drifted from behind her. Hashiki jumped slightly, unaware of her father's approach.
"Yes, Father." She nodded, feeling a twinge of uncertainty as she passed him. She slipped into the cave, but paused. The young lioness turned around, peering back at her father. She watched him pad down Pride Rock and out of sight.
"You want to come don'tcha?" Kiara mewed to her daughter, flicking her tail at her. Hashiki glanced at the peachy-furred lioness and nodded.
"Come on then!" Kiara smiled, then turned and raced out of the cave. Hashiki couldn't help but grin and rush after. She heard pawsteps behind, and guessed that Malika had been allowed as well.
Hashiki's paws flew as she galloped. She was a few paces behind her mother, and even further behind Kiara. Malika was on her tail.
