Hillary, Shenzi & co.


Story summary: It's the second story in my collection "The Pridelands Past". The Matriarch Dhabba Mahima, Shenzi's grandmother, dies poisoned by the enemy's emissary.
The three matriarch's daughters start a fight to become the next Matriarch. But only one can be a winner. Will it be Sajjana - the great priestess, loved by her clanmates, Hatyana, the heartless one - thought to be the heir, or Akela - Shenzi's mother?
Will Hillary, the great hyena general and Akela's mate, will try to influence the elections? And will the lions mingle into the authonomous hyenas' clan? Will Shenzi, the small Hillary's daughter change the course of the elections?

Who did really kill the matriarch? The bid price is growing and there are still few answers...

AN: I hope that you'll like it :) I added some politics, personal drama, emotions, a good crime... And it's working :D
It's strongly recommended to read 'Betrayal of the betrayed' first, as there are lots of OCs and happenings that aren't in the semi-canon TLK books about the past of the Pridelands. It's my own theory (loosely based on the semi-canon books)

AN2: I do not own The Lion King or any of its characters except the ones I created. Read, enjoy and review! I will answer all the reviews :) If you write your own stories, let me know about that. I will check them for sure :)


TLK - Hillary, Shenzi & co.

The Lion King fanfiction by lew_leon

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Chapter 1 'The family portrait.'

I can't look at the stars,
They make me wonder where you are
Stars,
Up on heaven's boulevard
And if I know you at all,
I know you've gone too far
So I, I can't look at the stars

Grace Potter "Stars"


The representative chamber in the matriarch's palace glittered with fresh, strong colours, as the renovation works were finished just a few days ago. The whole place was filled by a delicate smell of the natural paints, carefully prepared and placed by the best mandrill artists. A ceiling was covered by the paintings of a night sky, with dozens of golden stars. A great map of the Pridelands covered the floor. The wall behind the matriarch's throne and on its left was filled with the paintings of the great deeds of previous matriarchs, including the half-legendary Mahima, the founder and eponym of the ruling dynasty.

For hyenas those frescoes looked almost like the living animals, filling them with a devotional reverence for their heroic ancestors. The rumors said that the matriarch can communicate with her predecessors talking with those paintings.
For others it was just an example of outstanding artistic vision, showing the Divine Matriarch's domain – the sky, the earth that she looks after, and the great past that saturate the hyenas' land and the souls of the matriarch's clan.

The matriarch Dhabba Mahima was lying on her former enemies' skins, on the promontory that served as her throne. She stared drowsily at the frescoes. She felt tired, and it wasn't caused by exertion. The matriarch had 21 years and it could be compared to 84 human years. A lot. She felt that she was dying, even if she didn't want to.
She sighed gravely. The breathing, eating, moving –it was so tiring. For the four last weeks her supporters had to carry her everywhere on their backs. It could be a bit humiliating but in fact the matriarch enjoyed it. She felt as if she was flying… she couldn't help laughing every time they lifted her.

'Mum, could you think of any rhythm to "Mahana"?' Sajjana asked. "Mahana" meant "magnificent" in hyenas' ancient language.

The matriarch used to be resentful towards Sajjana, but she had to reconcile with her. The reason was easy – Hatyara, the matriarch's favorite, oldest daughter and her probable heir could be a useful politician and commander, but she couldn't satisfy her mother's intellectual demands…
In the same time Sajjana was delicate, brilliant, cultured and witty. The matriarch needed her as much as the air, so she even decided to mumble a dull apology, something that she hasn't done for years. Sajjana was too good-hearted and sympathetic to bear a grudge for too long, so they fell in each other arms, with the priestess crying a bit (the matriarch heart was made of a stone).

That's how they met in that room, talking about poetry. After analyzing (and making fun of) a few new, badly written lyrics by some amateurish scribblers, they started the hard work on Sajjana's latest piece.

'Mum?' the priestess repeated a bit louder.

'I heard you, I'm not deaf. "Mahana"? Maybe "banana".'

'Mum, it isn't even funny.' Sajjana rolled her eyes.

'So what are we doing, really?' the matriarch asked. 'We are working on poetry in the ancient, almost extinct language. I know maybe a dozen of actually living animals that could understand and appreciate our work. And four of them are sitting here.'

'Mum, it isn't a point. Our beautiful language is almost extinct because we stopped caring about our culture, about our clan's heritage.'

'And there was that terrifying civil war… Among thirty causalities fifteen were aristocrats. It was a great hit to our culture.' The matriarch said with sorrow.

'Oh goddess, so many years have passed and it still has influence on our clan.' Sajjana sighed painfully. 'Well, let's get back to work. Where did we end?'

Except from the priestess and the matriarch in the chamber there were also a hornbill and a mandrill.

The hornbill had a great memory and knew many poems. He also memorized every Sajjana's word so that the priestess could focus on her work. The old mandrill, called Mahatma, had a great knowledge about the hyenas' ancient language and he was quite mercilessly valuing Sajjana's work, showing every inconvenience and mistake in the poem.

The hornbill repeated the last line. Mahatma cleared his throat.

'If I could suggest something, Miss Saj, I think that you should change the word "Mahana". It's too pompous, grandiloquent for that subject.' He stated in the ancient language

'We aren't writing about a nap but about our royal battalion's past victories.'

'I also don't know if "magnificent" is adequate to the royal battalion.' The matriarch replied. She said it in the Pridelands' language.

'Maybe we could decide on one language! I'm getting bloody confused!' Sajjana snapped.

The other chamber's residents tipped the winks.

'Ah, that Hillary. I can hear his "bloody" even if he isn't with us.' The matriarch scoffed.

'Mum, stop it.' Sajjana replied feeling a bit offended.

'I'm tired. Let's end this senseless "fight" and take a nap.' The matriarch murmured 'Could you tell me what else I have in my day's schedule?'

'We planned a family dinner. Hatyara and Akela will come with their cubs and mates.'

The matriarch got up with a surprising speed.

'What? I've never decided on that!' she yelled.

Sajjana sighed.

'A week ago I came to you and asked: "Mum, could I organize a small family party at… let's say… Friday?" And you answered: "Whatever you want. Just go and replace me at those senseless Holy Day celebrations".'

The matriarch leaned against the wall, crossing her fore legs with a very dissatisfied face expression.

'I think we have way too many Holy Days.' She snorted. 'But wait, wait. Did you say Akela with her mate? You mean Hillary Yena?'

'Well, it's her official mate. Even if she has a few other lovers.' Sajjana answered.

'What did I do to hurt you that you take such a cruel revenge?' The matriarch squealed.

'Nothing, mum. I just want our family to be together. I love you all and I'm sad that we can't come to agreement.'

'That's what I feared. You're one of those pacifist hippies.'

'Mum, I love you.' Sajjana just uttered. 'Look – we are in constant war with other clans and prides due to king Mohatu's politics. Hillary came back from the expedition two days ago and yesterday I had to prepare the burial ceremonies for 5 clanmates that died in the fights. It's terrifying, bad times. We have to work together.'

'The one is for sure – that constant Mohatu's wars will destroy us.' The matriarch nodded. 'What else?'

'Rajaduta Muntambwi – the Sonum Pride's ambassador comes to visit you today.' Sajjana said.

'Mhmm... HEY! What did you say? Rajaduta?' the matriarch suddenly smiled.

'Do you know him?'

'Well... he was my good friend when we were young...' the matriarch seemed pensive.

'What was he like?'

'He was nice, gentlemanly, witty... We had a great sexual... Oh goddess, you're the priestess. I can't tell you such things.'

'Oh mum, don't be childish. Do you know how many hyenas came to me every day asking about sex? I'm so experienced that I could give lectures about it.'

'Maybe you should try some on your own.' The matriarch giggled.

'No, no, I'm totally fed up with that. This week I had six females asking if they are cheating their mates having the oral sex with their lovers.'

'And what did you answer?'

'Um, I'm afraid that it's a cheating.' Sajjana replied.

'Oh goddess, I was cheating all my life...' The matriarch smirked. 'Rajaduta was great at it. Now he's that old that he probably couldn't find...'

'Mum?'

'My G-spot. I'm not telling anything obscene. 'The matriarch nodded to strengthen her words. Sajjana seemed unconcerned.

'Any of us is his child?' She inquired.

'Well, it's absolutely impossible. He's an eunuch. He had to be to serve on the royal court of the Sonum Clan. They have such laws. And I wasn't that permissive. The most important thing is that all of you are my daughters, even Akela. I'm pretty sure about that.'

'Nice to hear...' Sajjana jested. 'How did you meet that Rajaduta?'

'When I was very young, I was an ambassador. I travelled to many clans, including the Sonum Clan. He was as old as me, but he seemed much more mature. He impressed me... and I fell in love with him. It was my first real love.' The matriarch said.

'Mum, have you ever loved our father...?' Sajjana asked.

The matriarch blinked, surprised by that question.

'Well, I was betrothed to him to strengthen our clan. I didn't have the luxury of feelings. But... I felt attached to him.' The matriarch explained. 'Sometimes I miss him. He was the only wise male I met on that world. He was absolutely rational; he seemed to have no feelings.'

'No feelings for us too.' Sajjana added.

'He respected you a lot. I'm sure about that.'

'It reminds me the marriage of Hillary and Akela. I pray that their relationship will be better... for their children...' Sajjana finished.


Hillary Yena, the commander of the hyenas' royal battalion, stood in front of his home. It was a newly settled, spacious cave, with an entrance too small for a lion. Better safe than sorry.

The commander could just come in, but something stopped him. His family life was far from his dreams. His wife cheated on him all the time, his daughter mind was limited to an army and war, his son was too intelligent for him - it was pretty irritating.

Hillary heard from Sajjana that the real bravery is a fight for family. So he sighed and stepped in. He wouldn't be escaping into his work anymore.

The cave was quite dark, but the commander was able to notice that the cave was carefully cleaned. He knew what it meant. He turned left and came into a smaller chamber, designed for him and his wife.

Akela was there, lying on a nice bed made of twigs and moss. But she was embraced by a good-looking, beige male with a long, black mane. Hillary coughed to show his presence. The male jumped out of the bed, gazing at him nervously.

'Calm down, Durdeva, it's my mate, General Hillary. Hilly, it's Durdeva.' Akela purred.

'Nice to meet you.' Hillary replied coldly.

The suitor just nodded stiffly. Akela hugged and kissed him.

'Durdeva, calm down. Hilly, you see what you've done? He's nervous now.' She growled

'I'm so sorry that I disturbed you but I want to talk.' Hillary said politely.

'Is it very urgent?' she asked.

'Yes.'

Akela snorted and rubbed her eyelids.

'Durdeva, go and find some occupation for a moment.' She waved her paw at her lover. He left the chamber surprisingly quickly.

'Even now they have some respect for me. Although they are becoming more and more insolent.' Hillary stated airily, straightening his broad chest.

'So what do you want?' Akela moaned.

Hillary lied down in front of her, basing his head on his paws pads.

'Well, I'm your mate. I can come to you without any reason. I just wanted to get rid of that squirt.' He smiled.

'Stop playing your games, Hillary. We have our deal. You don't harm my boys; I don't snitch you to the matriarch.' Akela replied.

'Do you remember how you taught me the hyenas' poetry and royal manners when we met for the first time? You were terrified that I was so unrefined.' Hillary said dreamily.

'I was terrified that I was betrothed to a crude commander. I almost had a heart attack.' Akela admitted.

'But I wasn't that terrible, was I?'

'No, you were quite funny.' Akela grinned gently. 'And surprisingly delicate. You didn't cross the line...'

'We've never consummated our marriage.' Hillary purred and gently took Akela's muzzle in his paws. He caressed her cheek.

'Because you have "small potency problems".' Akela said. 'Sometimes I fantasize how it may be.' She giggled when Hillary took her on his belly. She cuddled to him. 'Probably quite funny. At last you're a strong, quite handsome soldier. You could take me as a captive.'

'I'm sure that I would be great.' Hillary tipped a wink to her. 'You helped me a lot when I was starting my political career. Your acquaintances, sophistication... We are sometimes a good marriage, don't you think so?'

'I've never met a male who looked for a lover for me because I was sad.' Akela whispered.

'You know that I can't look at your tears. You cried a bit and I even accepted our "deal".' Hillary sighed. 'You have me in your paws.'

Akela sat more comfortably on Hillary's great belly.

'How is your work?' she asked.

'Normally. I'm yelling at everyone, they're obeying my orders... Nothing special.' Hillary replied. 'I've never seen that guy before. He's new?' he asked about the suitor.

'Yeah, but he won't come back. You scared him out.'

'Small waste. He was stressed out. You deserve somebody better.' Hillary purred.

'Yeah, you're right.' Akela admitted. 'I'm the princess. I deserve the best stuff.'

'Do you know that Sajjana invited us on a "family dinner"?'

'Yeah, yeah. My sister is such a dim, non-fucking bitch.' Akela groaned. Hillary leaned to her, kissing her lower and lower, coming to her lower abdomen... and lower... Akela giggled.

'Don't do that.' She said, but she let him satisfy her lusts. At last, he was just kissing and licking her. She cuddled him tightly.

'It could look just like that.' The commander smiled and looked into her eyes. She seemed completely astonished and dazed with the bliss. 'Akela, could we try to be a real marriage? I will try to satisfy you, you will leave your lovers. We will be together instead of constant escaping. I'm tired of that. I don't have a real home. I can't live like that...' he said.

'Don't destroy our deal. It's working too well!' Akela growled.

'Let's just try...'

'No.' Akela looked at him coldly. There was no sign of her previous happiness.

'Why?'

'I've already told you!'

'It's nonsense! You also don't have a real home!'

'I have! I'm not a one who ran away every time when there is a problem!' Akela yelled

'Shut up! Do you think that it's easy to withstand you changing our home into a bordello?'

'I hate you, you fat bastard!' Akela lunged at him, pushing him at the cave wall and clawing his cheek to blood. Hillary used his force to turn her and constrain against the solid rock, not heeding her curses and yells. For a moment he had to use all his will to restrain from smacking her.

'You know why I'm fat? Because I eat every time I feel lonely!' He growled.

'I don't give a shit about this! Find a lover and leave me alone!' she whispered venomously.

'I've told you that they will end up fighting. I won the bet.' Krura, Hillary's daughter, scoffed.

She and her younger brother Banagi came into the room.

'Thanks, dad. Because of you Krura won my breakfast.' The young male said.

'I've told you that gambling is very bad.' Hillary answered insolently. He freed Akela, but she stayed where she was, visibly embarrassed.

'Did you eavesdrop?' she growled. 'You have nothing to do with that. It's our private issue.'

'Yeah, we have nothing to do with the future of our family. Welcome to our private hell.' Krura scoffed. 'And you are wondering why I'm so crazed.'

'I don't know what you're talking about. Didn't we fed you, trained or supported in everything? You're the battalion vice-commander; you're as beefy as a nice cutlet.' Hillary jested.

'We've never had a real family. Mum, I know some of your lovers more than you or father. I was raised by the numerous philosophers and ambassadors who you invited to our home to sleep with them. If it isn't madness, nothing is.' Banagi stated firmly.

'Goddess, we weren't that bad.' Akela and Hillary denied chorally. They hesitantly looked at each other. 'Were we?'

'Dad, you're at least pathetically trying to change something. You were at the birth of Shenzi.' Banagi added. 'But yes, you're both pathetic.'

'Don't tell so about your mother!' Hillary said.

Banagi just snorted in response.

A small cub ran into the chamber. It was a 2-years old female called Shenzi. Her fur was still black (normal for a cub) with lighter patches of gray fur. She had funny, long bangs.

'Ma! Dad!' she piped and jumped into parents' arms. 'I luff ya!'

'Irritating furball.' Krura snarled.

'We love you too.' Hillary ensured Shenzi, nuzzling her.

He and Akela gazed at each other.

'Let's try. Just one time.' They whispered.


AN: I hope that you liked it. Please, review. :) The next update will be tomorrow.