The night was still, cool, and humbling. One only had to look up and let the billions of stars make them feel small and insignificant. Not a single cloud in the sky to block their glimmer, and no moon to outshine them all. It was as though a magnificent behemoth serpent had coiled itself around the world, its scales shining and flickering in the darkness.

On a hill that rose from the sea of grass lay two lovers. They lay snugly together, shoulder by shoulder, as they watched the sky and murmured to each other. The passing shaman had told them about tonight being very special. To keep their eyes cast heavenward. The two didn't believe her at first, but her eyes seemed to pierce their souls, as if she knew what they had been up to.
"Your future happiness together will depend on this evening," she predicted, in an almost foreboding manner. With that, the leopardess had left, leaving the two feeling a bit uneasy.

Nevertheless, they lay there now, trying to determine the meaning of her words. Bakari was beginning to feel a bit sleepy, to be honest, and closed his eyes. Just a few minutes, he thought drowsily. The male snuggled in deeper into the grass, feeling his muscles relax. Aaaah, that was nice. He felt his mind begin to slip off, when suddenly--

"Bakari, LOOK!" Chinara exclaimed. She shook him violently, leaving the male to freak out and reflexively spring onto his feet.
"Wh-what?! What's wrong?" he barked, looking around wildly for any intruders. Turning to Chinara, he saw her gazing up at the sky with a look of intense wonder and awe. Curious, he looked up too, and gaped.

At first, it was just a few. Little by little though, they continued their path downwards, until an intense stream of stars streaked across the sky. They flared brightly as they passed through the atmosphere, before slipping back into the darkness again. Their colors, however briefly, were so intense and vivid, Bakari had never seen some of them before. He slowly sat down, bowled over by the beauty.

"How… how did she know this would happen?" he asked slowly, still transfixed. Chinara shook her head, replying back equally slowly.
"I don't… I don't know."

The two sat in silence, only whispering the occasional "wow" or "gods" in quiet appreciation of this event. Chances are many other animals in the Pridelands were also witnessing this, but the two lions felt very alone. Not a single other soul around them. The crickets had ceased their chirping as soon as the stars started falling. It was as though the whole world had stopped to watch.

Bakari was very intrigued by the stages of the falling star. It began, very briefly, before a burst of light flashed, and it sparkled and crackled, even as bits of it flew off into the night. Then, it disappeared just as it had entered. He felt mesmerized as he watched them all pass through these stages. Briefly, he looked up at Chinara. She had been sitting on her back legs this whole time, paws hanging in the air. She looked anxious, as though one of the stars might fall to her. He couldn't help but grin at the thought, before looking back at the phenomenon.

The stars flared and cascaded like a smooth stream of water. Steadily, though, this cascade trickled out until only a few sparked through the sky every now and then. At this point, Chinara lay back down next to Bakari, eyes still wide.

"I've never seen anything like this," she whispered excitedly. Bakari smiled and looked over at her. In his mind, though, he couldn't help but agree. He'd never seen anything like this, and certainly not with anyone like her. He wiggled closer to her, causing the lioness to chuckle at his antics. He admired the way the night painted her eyes a more jade-like color, unlike her usual flashing emerald ones. Turning back to the sky, he watched the last star fall, before an overwhelming stillness took them both. Bakari inhaled, before letting out a deep sigh of contentment. Chinara nuzzled her head underneath his, and was overtaken by sleep.

I loved you…

There was that voice again. Bakari was surrounded by nothing but teal. Teal water. Choking him, frightening him. The voice cried out louder and louder. But this time, instead of lashing back out in anguish, he simply let himself relax. He ignored as the water pulled him down into darkness. He felt his heartbeat slow down, but he merely uttered, "I know."

The voice stopped mid-cry, and it tried to call out again. But this time, it was quieter. Bakari repeated his answer again. Latifu's voice was now as quiet as a churchmouse.

"I loved you," she murmured. Bakari felt a warm stream of water swirl around his face, almost stroking it affectionately. The male closed his eyes, feeling tears p***k them.
"I know, Latifu. I loved you, too. But now… now I can be at peace. Everything is alright now."

The water slowly pulled away from his face, leaving him floating there. Until he saw the blurry form of Latifu appear before him. She looked much younger, much more alive than he currently was. Her eyes, usually full of mischief and self-confidence, were instead filled with sadness. Yet, she gave a soft smile, and leaned forward to kiss his scarred eye.

Bakari winced, before opening his eyes again. He saw only the soft, peachy morning sky to greet him. It had all just been a nightma-

Wait. It hadn't. This time, it was only a dream. The male blinked in surprise, before shifting slightly. He felt Chinara's head nuzzle closer to his, causing him to relax and stop wriggling. Still, he couldn't believe it. He closed his eyes again, feeling a sigh of relief escape him after all these years. His eyes still threatened falling tears.

I loved you…
"I know." He whispered his mantra into the cold air. "I know. Everything's alright now."

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