by Monoa
Disclaimer: Okay, I've been through this time and again. I do not own The Lion King'. I do not own Mohatu, Ahadi, Uru, Rafiki, the Pridelands or Pride Rock. My interpretations of the aforementioned characters, however, are solely my own. No touchy. The rest of the characters are mine.
This story is actually derived from many things. It's still original, mind you, but I have drawn inspiration from many things. For those of you who know your Greek mythology, you might recognize elements in this fic similar to those in The Odyssey' and Antigone'. Also, there are some emotions and dialogues that kind of reflect the feelings of those who have loved ones in the Middle-East.
And as the name states, this is a fic that centered strongly around love and war. I have big ideas and scenerios already mapped out for this story. This one will probably be more complex than it predecessors, and it has many more characters. So you can safely assume that this will be a good deal longer than the others as well. It will take a lot of energy out of me, so be patient. It may take awhile to write.
Also, I'm planning on adding a new element to this fic--songs. Yes, songs. I'm not sure whether this is a good more or a bad move, but the way I see it is this: songs and music are important. They reflect many people's views and feelings, and music is also easier to relate to than someone just talking or describing something. So there will be a few songs in here, and I'll try to make them work smoothly with the story. Also, at the end of the chapter in which a song is featured, I will tell you the name and original singer of the song in case you want to listen to how it would sound.
Author's Note: Yep, for those of you who are familiar with me and/or my works know that this is my third fic in a series called The Great Kings', which gives my interpretation of how things happened pre-TLK, pre-SP, the whole shebang. Well, by the time I finish the series, at least. Anywho, if this is my first fic you've stumbled across, I strongly recommend you read the prior two, The Great Origin' and The Dawning of Pride Rock' before continuing. There will probably be some references from the first two in here, so be prepared for that.
I have no idea how long this one is going to be, but I'm guessing it's going to be lengthier than the first two. There's a lot in this story: several new characters, a new heir, new scenerios, new bad guys, etc. I hope you enjoy it: "Book III: The Trials of Love and War".
Chapter 1: Mohatu, the Savior
It was early morning, and the sun was still shimmering in the eastern sky, spreading its warmth across the land. A land which possessed much bounty to behold--lush green grass, cool rivers that snaked across the plains, youthful looking trees and plentiful life. Zebras and wildebeests grazed lazily in the plains which elephants and their calves bathed in the watering hole. Meerkats continued their nonstop yet cheerful digging, while cheetahs lounged in the shade.
At first glance, one would never know that this land was a grand splendor as compared to its formal self. Only months ago, it had been barren and desolate. Grass had been non-existent, rivers had dried and no life roamed the land. The only life that existed was a pride of lions that lived in a large rock cave that could be seen for miles. Before King Onevu had taken the reins of the kingdom, the lionesses were a large number. Well over a dozen, in fact. But after he took the lands, that number fell as many of the lionesses perished. Some from the heat, some from punishment inflicted by the King himself but most of them from starvation. Weeks after he took the kingdom, only five lionesses remained. Among them were the most memorable three lionesses. Bashasha, the kind and gentle, yet bold leader of the lionesses; Utisho, the quieter friend of Bashasha; and the infamous Nyamavu, who became Onevu's mate. Together, Nyamavu and Onevu carried out the draining of life from the newly dubbed Wastelands'.
Until he came. The rogue with a checkered past. His intentions seemed unclear at first, but in the end, it seemed obvious to the lionesses that the gods had sent this lion to rescue them. He overthrew Onevu and put his blood-thirsty mate to justice. He took his queen, the beautiful Mzungu, and took the throne. With an almost uncanny intuition and ability to lead, the new king breathed life back into the lands.
Grass and trees grew. Water returned to the streams. Prey flourished, and in turn, life flourished. With vengeful authority, the new king did away with most of Onevu's laws. He allowed the lionesses to mate with lions outside the pride and bear cubs. He took in rogues who had no place to go and warmly gave them a place within the pride. The number of lionesses doubled. Males were seldom present; they left just as soon as they came. Not for any spite for the king, however. Simply because his gentle, firm, and godly ways intimidated them and put them to shame.
The savior, the king, the life-giver, the justice bringer--King Mohatu was his name.