Chapter 7
~few months later
Hashiki woke to bright sunlight pouring in the cave. She could tell that she had slept in late again, and yawned widely. Most of the cave was empty, only Marjani, Lumbwi, Erevu, and a few lionesses were still sleeping. The rest of the lionesses must have either gone hunting or were basking outside. Hashiki swallowed another yawn and stood, stretching her back legs.
She trotted out of the cave, spotting numerous lionesses lying on the scattered stones. Hashiki pattered down to the bottom, halting and giving her ear a quick scratch. She shook her head, peering around for her sister and parents, and spotted Kovu walking in the distance, seemingly alone. Hashhiki pondered if for a moment, then Kiara appeared from behind a tree and loped over to Kovu. Hashiki watched her parents race for a bit, and went of to find Malika.
Hashiki sniffed, hoping her sister was near. She felt bored, and just wanted to spend some sibling time together. Hashiki drew in Malika's scent, though it was mixed with Abasi's. With a sigh, the gray brown lioness trotted forwards.
She turned around a rock, and saw Malika lying in the grass beside Abasi. Feeling slightly annoyed, Hashiki quickly backed up and plodded away, missing Kumi more than ever. She found a cozy spot besides an overhanging tree, and sat down, bored.
Hashiki let a huff of breath escape her jaws. Kumi's face swam in her head, smiling shyly at her. Hashiki shook her head. She couldn't go see him now. The young lioness watched the distance for a bit, focusing on something moving closer.
Hashiki blinked, her thoughts sliding away. There was something, coming closer every second. Hashiki hopped off the rock, trotting away. She started to run, heading for her parents. "Mother, Father!" She called, hoping she wasn't making a fuss over something small.
Kiara glanced over at her daughter, halting in her running. Kovu skidded to a stop, turning around. "Hashiki, what's wrong?" Kiara asked, coming over to her.
"There's something-or things, coming from over there." Hashiki blurted out. "Towards Pride Rock."
Kiara followed her daughter's gaze, as did Kovu. She opened her mouth, staring. "Oh." Kiara began to head towards Pride Rock. "Let's go back." She began to rush off, with Kovu and Hashiki following.
They reached Pride Rock, where Hashiki's parents padded up into the cave. Hashiki glanced back, at the distant shape. It looked like a cloud of dust, probably from whatever was running. She sat down on a rock, watching with narrowed eyes.