Kuua was on top of Uwevo, his eyes flashing with anger. "Ah Kuua, surely the leader of the Lion Guard won't kill me." Uwevo surprisingly seemed calm. Little did Kuua know he's using that for his advantage. "So how does it feel to be in the shadows? Ignored by your family?"
"What?! Kuua cried, his mouth open in gap. "My family loves me," he begin to press his paw down Uwevo throat.
"Give me an break," Uwevo rolled his eyes. "I've once thought the same thing but my family turned their back on me, I was denied my throne just like you were. It was painful for you when your father denied you, wasn't it? I see the pain in your eyes. You want to be king and I can help you out."
"No! I won't kill my family," his paws press down harder on the black lion throat. "You're crazy!"
"Am I?" Uwevo asked with an evil smirk.
Kuua felt fear crawling on him and slowly back away from the lion. "No! You stay away from me! Never talk to me again!"
"You can't keep me away even if you try," Uwevo called out for the lion, who was now running away. "Watch! One day you'll be back and join me! It'll just take some time but it is going to happen!"
Kuua ran away with fear in his eyes, the rain tapping his fur.
Kuua ran for quite awhile, but no it wasn't Uwevo nor the crazy lion's words he had been of. Stopping atop a small outcropping rock, he looked up at the overcast sky and sighed. Nor was it even that place. However, knowing Uwevo's whereabouts and plans led to another thing for them to deal with in time. Runja probably would be easier to deal with as a problem later on.
What scared Kuua, was he had a momentary flashback to when he and Mohatu were younger... He almost lost everything; this was however long before he had gained the Roar of the Elders. Kuua decided that he'd try to get a moment with his brother to talk, for now though after a quick rest he went back on patrol before returning to Pride Rock and obviously seeing the love his nephews had for him as they ran over to him again.
"Hey, brother? Something I need to talk to ya about... privately. An' that means others are going to have to watch our little sneak here" Obviously, he was referring to Runja who he just caught with his large paw. Said cub grumped but for now stayed where he was.
"I hope the other cubs don't case more trouble during the important meet." Kuua shook his head but smiled looking over all the other cubs.
"Very well, excuse us m'lady" Mohatu replied to his brother, noticing the lioness happily taking over watching Runja as the duo stepped out of the den and down the rock step path.
After a moment of silent walking just as two brothers, Kuua stopped and looked Mohatu directly in the eyes. "I... found Uwevo's current whereabouts, and he was saying stuff about corrupting me." The white lion sighed, shaking his head. "Elephant Graveyard. But anyways it's not the present I am worried about, but the near future... And knowing how curious cubs can be..."
Mohatu could see that something else was bothering his brother, "I'm here for you." He smiled lightly and gently rubbed against the other male. While Kuua liked that, he found himself unable to return the favor. "It's just, I also have cubs coming soon. And knowing who might try to use them to his advantage..."
Both lions sat quietly together in the rain, enjoying each other's company. Kuua shivered, though not because of the weather or being too cold; for he was thinking back to what happened. While the lion often didn't let it show as it would have greatly messed with his duties, it was certainly a burden for him to carry – and also part of the reason Mohatu couldn't remember what happened.
/FLASHBACK/
Two young lion cubs, one brown and the other white in color play happily in the Pride Lands. Their father trusted the two to be able to handle themselves and were well aware of every danger and what to do in certain situations, but one event happened that would haunt the white lion for life.
A sudden storm came harshly, while the two tried to find shelter as soon as possible the think mud forced them to be slower than they'd like. Unfortunately, the heavy downpour caused the ground to giveway; a sinkhole. Both fell into the hole, while Kuua hurt his leg he was more concerned about his brother who had landed with some rocks. Said brother was out for a moment, Kuua knew he would be sore but alright and with determination the white lion dug and dug, ignoring the pain to make a sort of mud ramp to get out of the sinkhole. With his brother up, both quickly made their way up and out and as far away as they could get from there. Finding an abandoned den to take cover in 'til the storm passed. The two, soaking wet and drenched curled up together as close as possible to share body heat for warmth.
It would be obvious to them much later how much their parents were concerned about then. It was a few days before the storm had lightened up, allowing the cubs to leave. Both were very hungry, they wandered for awhile – Kuua with the help from Mohatu, for his leg was starting to bother him worse. "We'll get home, together brother. And have Tibu take a look at that." Mohatu tried reassuring his brother.
Soon the two were passing through the graveyard, luckily it had leftover meat that was fresh that the two gobbled up and as they were going for some meat still left on some rib bones a large canid creature chased them out. Luckily it didn't follow them after they were out of it's apparently territory range. Unfortunately though, the two ended up in the accursed gorge. "Can't stay here..." Kuua said quietly.
"And it's not like you can climb given your leg, unless-" Mohatu was cut off from adding his idea as he was hit by a stampeding herd of buffalo. Kuua got caught up in it too, but even with and through the cries of pain from the beating hooves and sharp horns he made it over to his brother – who no doubt was unconscious, but alive – but wouldn't be for long if he didn't do something. But he was just a cub, neither could roar yet. Still, Kuua grabbed hold of his brother and pushed through, hopping onto a ledge just high enough out of reach of the herd. Though the ledge was quickly giving away from the vibrations, lucky for them mother and father soon rescued them. Well, mother got Kuua up and was going back for Mohatu when the cliff gave way, at least she had managed to nudge her other son awake in her last moments. Said cub, though reluctant about letting their mother go decided to try and climb, and just hope things would be alright. The king lion had raced around to try and help his queen if it were at least at all possible.
Meanwhile Kuua encouraged his bro to climb, and once they were high enough reached his paw out. Mohatu was a little bigger, and thus heavier. Kuua didn't have good grip, he dug in his hind claws into the soil bracing them and then used both front paws and digging his claws in pulled his brother up and over despite the now intense burning pain he felt. While mother was gone, father was about to join them when something slammed into him, yet he caught himself from going off the edge and lifting himself over looked around curiously for a brief moment, but even the cubs had sensed something though neither seen it. Whatever, what was currently of importance took priority as with the help of Kuua he got Mohatu up on his back, who passed out soon after. He then carefully picked up Kuua in his jaws and ran as fast yet as carefully as he could back to home..
Days later, Kuua's physical injury would heal up nicely with little evidence of there ever having been an injury. However, Kuua kept going to his brother trying to wake him so they could play again, and just be there for each other.
Mohatu did eventually come to weeks later, but Kuua had been having rough nights. They tried everything for him, letting him be beside his brother at all times, and father nearby watching,,,
/END FLASHBACK/
Kuua sighed. "Brother. I still get that... nightmare visitor, ever since our accident as cubs. It's not normal... everything about it..." Looking away for a moment, "And ever since I gained the Roar of The Elders, it speaks to me. Turns out he's also an elder, but not one of the good ones. I don't know how much more I can handle, to be honest..."
The white lion started to step away, "The best the shamans have came up with is because of the connection with the roar, and there's nothing they can currently do. Mohatu," Kuua rarely used his brother's name unless he was serious about something. "If, one day it does come to that; that I am lost to it – please, find my son that will be known as Askari. He will be the next leader of the lion guard. You will know him from a red tail tuft." With that, Kuua went off back to meetup with his guard for reports and whatnot, leaving Mohatu with his thoughts. The brown former king returned to Pride Rock, but a little saddened now having remembered why he couldn't remember what had happened.
Mohatu laid down and tried to get some rest, even if he couldn't get sleep.
A few weeks pass and it was time of Uru and her mother Jolina, to give birth. Uru was shocked when she went into labor but Rafiki informed her it was just early pregnancy. Ahadi and Mohatu was forced to stay out of the cave, Ahadi was angered and frustrated by this. But Mohatu's years of growing wise made him calmer. "Ugh! Does this ever end?" Ahadi asked, irritated. Despite having to go through this before, Ahadi still couldn't help, but get angry by this.
Mohatu offered an nervous smile, he was worried by him and Jolina having another cub, considering their age. What if Jolina died, giving birth to his cub? Wiping these negative thoughts away, Mohatu said. "You must be patient Ahadi, it isn't going just to come in an blink of an eye."
Ahadi narrowed his eyes before sighing - Mohatu was right, it will take a while, but he still didn't like it. "You're right." Ahadi said, rolling his eyes.
Ahadi was about to say more, but before he can, they were met by young Rafiki who came out of the cave with an smile. "Well done my friends, you both got beautiful cubs. Mohatu, you got an boy and Ahadi, you have an girl."
It took all of Ahadi's energy to not burst into excitement and he went into the cave, Mohatu following him and they went up to their mates. Uru was gently holding a brownish golden girl with green eyes while Jolina snuggle the boy into her chest. "Her name will go after your name, diamond," Ahadi declared. "Almasi."
Mohatu checked over his cub as well and saw he had his brown coat, his amber eyes. Basically his junior, "Hodari." The cub mew at the name while Jolina smiled softly and nuzzle her little one. The future was looking up.
Meanwhile, Kuua was beyond the borders of both the Pride Lands and Outlands some distance away. He had someone to see, and upon reaching the spot climbed atop a small outcrop, looking over a crew of mismatched species. "Where's my cub?" Kuua watched as a lioness sadly approached, "Bad news, my lord." She watched as another approached him with a battered up cub, placing the dead thing down. Kuua looked at the body, shocked at first but then livid on the scent of whom killed her. "My precious princess, you shall be avenged. But in the meantime, rest in peace..." He gave the cub a last nuzzle, knowing it wouldn't be returned. A burial place was already decided and made upon for her, Kuua regretted he couldn't be there for the small funeral. For he had his duties as leader of the guard to attend to.
First, he'd see how things are fairing in the Outlands. The scent he smelled on his cub, was one of family. Did they know it was family? He didn't care at this point. He walked though the Outlands, seeing the hyena fed just recently. "Perfect." Kuua grinned disturbingly, he waited 'til the sun nearly set – which didn't take long, and with a quiet roar indicating his current compatriots to surge forth. He decided that he'd play along with Uwevo's thinking he still needs corruption. In time, Uwevo also would be dealt with.
The lion watched as a mixed pack of dogs, hyena, coyote, jackal and wolves attacked the spotties. In the confusion of the chaos, Kuua made his way around to the matriarch – Sari. After being sure the cubs were taken safely, he pounced her caused her to yelp in surprise. "Surprise..." The lion looked down menacingly at her, baring his teeth. "Kuua? B-but-" Sari started but was cut off by a loud growl, Kuua dug his claws into her skin, "Don't think I have forgotten that one time you betrayed me!" After seeing the hyena's face show remembrance and realization, it dawned on them but it was too late as she took her last breathe. Kuua had killed her.
Outside of where they were, the spotties found it difficult to fight and despite outnumbering their enemies at first were losing more to severe injuries; these enemies apparently knew what they were doing and trained despite lack of food. The spotted hyena, referred to often as spotties; called retreat and ran towards their allies – the Pride Lands.
Kuua had snuck off yet again withiut notice, cleaning himself at a river and erasing his scent. Another reason he had canids as part of the plan; they could sniff out lesser known scents and would erase any of his they found.
He cut through the Elephant Graveyard, though flat out ignored the other lion for now but stopped suddenly. Looking over his shoulder, "Actually, I could use your... help with something. Know the gorge?" He didn't wait for a response, "Be there, mid-afternoon" And with that, the white lion calmly heading back to the Pride Lands.
Kuua briefly met with his guard, getting the daily reports. Then joined his family, which never questioned his lateness on returning home.
The next day, the rest of the visitor cubs had arrived. As Ahadi had taken to the greeting meets this time, Kuua pulled aside his brother. "Hey, I noticed a rockslide had happened on my way back in the gorge – many animals use that as a crossing point. I was hoping we could take care of it together, as it would give us also a chance to talk." Kuua gave a friendly smile, "Besides, by there being two, aside from finishing quicker we can take turns watching for trouble from above." Was he lying? Surprisingly, not this time. On getting a receptive nod, the brothers made there way to the destination albeit taking some time. Besides, his Guard would be very busy soon with the spotties needing refuge, besides the herds getting spooked as well. Yes, it was a trick but Kuua planned that though someone would die, it wouldn't be them.
Soon, they made it to the blockage and carefully started removing rocks – Kuua using his roar when needed to protect themselves from getting crushed. It took time, but soon the block was cleared enough that one last roar would suffice to clear it – and that it did, Kuua climbed up and on turning around was surprised with what he saw – a double stampede from both ends in the gorge. Wasting no time, he called his brother. "Bro! Hurry!" One of these wasn't planned, but that did not matter at the moment for him. He watched as Mohatu took a leap of faith and clinged onto the gorge wall with his claws and climbed – though the angle of the wall was steeper than expected, coupled with his weight and also gravity caused him to make far more effort which zapped at his energy quickly. Still, with his brother there encouraging him on he made it as far as he could go. Kuua, not yet ready to lose his brother reached down and pulled him up and over – luckily without need of using his claws this time.
On spotting Uwevo, Kuua chased him before tripping him and causing them to fight each other. Their scraping blows got them dangerously close to the edge, but in the end Kuua was the victor as he had shoved the lion off of him over the edge from tricking them into pinning him.
Kuua was aware that his brother had now been witness to the side that wasn't known, his dangerous side. Killer, even. He locked eyes with his brown-colored brother, there being a silence between them for a moment.
