The great hulk of a lion, whose massive body oozed strength, found that whilst there were many advantages in being so strong there were also disadvantages. Rogues often circled around him and no one dared to speak or approach him, because he did look quite formidible. However, Hakan had always been a gentle soul at heart, especially when it came to his family, and he was beginning to feel lonesome. Only his daughter stayed at his side, dear little Kimondo'Arista. She reminded him so much of himself and in his eyes that made her extra special. He no longer spoke with his mate and he had not seen Kizuka in many days now. He closed his eyes and tried to remember her, only to fail miserably.

Her eyes, her smiling eyes, oh how he missed them. For deep down he knew he had always loved her and though his love had extended briefly to Mbaya, he found that he was beginning to close up to the emotion altogether. He had given his love to Kizuka and lost her, he had given it to Mbaya and lost her too. He was almost afraid to love his daughter in case one day he opened his eyes and found her gone.

But no matter how many loves walked in and out of his life, he always had his close family. His mother, Kamal and dear Kimya, though he had not seen much of them lately.

He lay now on a grassy verge, guarding the den where his cub curled up behind him. Every now and then a fly would buzz around his ears and he would shake his head. Then slowly he cast his gaze around him and felt his heart clench with that familiar feeling, loneliness.

He missed the days where he had met others, bullied them, teased them and sometimes made friends with them. Was everyone in this world too cowardly to approach him now? Everyone except Mrost and his family?

He unsheathed his claws and carved grooves into the ground beneath his paws, wishing that somehow he could turn back time. But thoughts like that were hopeless. No matter how much he wanted it, it would never happen and he was sure if he could relive his life he would have chosen the same path. He craved power and Mrost had given that to him, but now the High Priest of War wanted something else.

Something more...