Chapter Two
Jasiri had befriended Kion when he had gotten lost in the hyena territory. Simba was at first shocked and uneasy by the fact his son had befriended a hyena. However, when he heard it was Jasiri he relaxed. He knew Shenzi had changed her ways a long time ago. He also knew that Shenzi was raising her daughter to be a good queen. It had not been much more than four seasons since Kion's misadventure in the Out Lands, when Simba decided he'd pay a visit to Shenzi. He wanted to see what she was up to, and also to discuss a possible allowance for their children to see each other more often. He was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome he got from his former enemies. To his amazement, Shenzi thought the idea of their cubs being friends was fantastic. So plans to have their young meet up were made. Jasiri and Kion were nearing their time to start learning to hunt. Shenzi and Simba decided they could team up and teach their children together.
The day of the start of hunting lessons arrived. Both royal families were up and ready to meet. each other on neutral ground. While their three youngest children were only there to observe, Nala couldn't help but fawn over how adorable Banzai and Shenzi's triplets were. Princess Kiara also found out she and Jasiri had a lot in common as girls. Both enjoyed being groomed and pampered. Both were annoyed by their younger brothers. Both also had a bravery streak in them. Both also had the makings of being great queens one day. Soon it was time for Jasiri to begin her hunting lessons with Kion. Kiara was also going to learn that day. The lessons were going well. Banzai felt his chest swell with pride as he watched Jasiri stalk and chase her mother with the piece of zebra in her mouth. He had to keep his eyes from tearing at the thought that one day; his first born would be leading the hunt.
"They grow up fast. Wouldn't you agree Banzai?" Nala said.
He nodded.
"Yes. Too fast your grace." He replied.
"Indeed. Cherish every moment Banzai. One day, they won't need mommy and daddy to help them anymore." Nala then said.
Banzai nodded, as his ears dropped slightly in sadness. It was a bittersweet fact what the lion queen had said. Sweet, because it meant that Banzai had done good as a father to his four cubs. Bitter, because he would watch each of his cubs go off on their own to raise their young. Simba was congratulating his children about how fast they picked up on the basics. Shenzi was also praising her daughter. Suddenly, the happiness was stopped when Shenzi froze with terror.
"Quiet everyone. I smell trouble. Oh no. It's Zira and she has friends!" Shenzi said, her voice filled with panic.
Simba was shocked. How did Shenzi know Zira? However, he knew now wasn't the time to ask such things. He too could smell that his evil uncle's mate was near by. Banzai and Nala also caught the scent. Banzai growled and got in front of Shenzi.
"Shenzi, take our cubs and hide." He said.
Shenzi nodded and gathered her children. Simba told Nala to do the same. Both queens left their mates to fight the crazed lioness and her followers. Zira and her lionesses charged at the two queens and their cubs. However, Banzai and Simba got in their way.
"Kill them." Zira ordered.
The fight was fierce. Simba was fighting Zira, while Banzai fought with her friends. Scar's mate managed to knock Simba down and turned her attention to Banzai who was lashing out at her companions.
"Wait here Simba. I'll deal with you after I settle a score." She sneered.
Zira joined her friends in fighting Banzai. Simba could only watch in horror as the evil lionesses pounced on Banzai. They bit him hard and they slashed into him deep. Banzai didn't cry out though. He wanted to die knowing he had saved his clan's future queens and alpha males. He wanted to die protecting his friends. He had managed to beat back everyone except Zira. She knocked Banzai against a rock. Simba could see the deep wounds that covered Banzai. The lion king's stomach dropped when Banzai coughed up some blood. It was a sign of internal injuries. There was nothing he could do in his exhausted state. Banzai laid helpless at Zira's feet. She circled him, an evil smirk on her face.
"Now your queen shall know my pain. Tonight, my lullaby is her mournful cries." She said.
What happened next would haunt Simba the rest of his days. Zira bite into Banzai's neck with all her might while she dug her claws into his chest. Simba felt rage fill him up inside. Zira had committed murder. Simba might not have fully forgiven Banzai for trying to kill him as a cub; but he had been willing to let the alpha male live to raise his young. Now, another father was taken away from his children. Jasiri and her siblings would suffer the same pain Simba had from loosing his father. To Simba, it didn't matter if they were hyenas or lions. Every cub deserved to have a father in their lives. Simba didn't hold back any of his rage. He attacked his enemies with all his might. He finally, managed to beat them back.
Banzai coughed. The king of the Pride Lands hurried to his side.
"S-Simba…I-I'm sorry about…he-helping Scar." Banzai said.
"Don't try to talk Banzai. You can't waste your strength. Wait here, I will get Shenzi. I'll also send Nala for help." He said.
Simba ran off to get Shenzi. He soon returned. Shenzi was close behind. Nala had taken all of the cubs towards Pride Rock. When Shenzi saw Banzai, her heart broke. She could smell his blood in the earth around him. Slowly, she approached.
"Banzai? Banzai, look at me. Look at me. You'll be all right. I promise." Shenzi said, as she gently nuzzled him.
"Sh-Shenzi…It's no use…My time has come." Banzai replied.
"Don't give up Banzai. I need you. Our cubs need you." Shenzi then said.
Banzai could see the tears forming in her eyes. He smiled weakly, as he licked her lovingly. Banzai then spoke again.
"It's funny…I never thought that…a beautiful princess like you…would ever love a low ranking male like me." Banzai said.
"Of course I do Banzai. I loved you since we were cubs. I always have. I always will." Shenzi responded.
"I love you too Shenzi….I love you with all my heart…and all my soul." Banzai then said.
At those words, Shenzi began to cry softly. She couldn't loose Banzai just yet. She still wanted to love him in this life. Banzai licked away the few tears that began to fall.
"Don't cry Shenzi…It's okay…I'm with my mate…It's okay." He said, as his breathing became more labored.
Banzai then looked at her one last time. With his last gulp of air, he spoke his final words.
"Goodbye Shenzi…Asante for making me….the happiest male hyena alive…I love-." Banzai then said; but he couldn't finish because he had no more strength to breathe.
His eyes closed as he breathed his last. His head tilted backwards and to it's side. His whole body went limp, as it shut down. Banzai was dead. Shenzi shook him and tugged at him. She nipped at his hind legs. When he didn't wake up or react to that. Shenzi circled him frantically. She nuzzled and licked him. She brushed up against him. Again, she circled him as panic began to rise in her.
"Banzai? Banzai, you got to get up. We have to get the cubs and go home." She said.
Simba had to use all his might to keep himself from crying. He sighed heavily, as he composed himself. He approached Shenzi and placed a paw own her shoulder in comfort.
"Shenzi, try to understand. Banzai is dead." He said.
Shenzi's ears dropped and she rested her head on Banzai as she cried. Nala returned. She had taken Shenzi's cubs to their aunt Aneesa. Kiara and Kion were with her. They saw Shenzi mourning for her mate. However, they didn't fully understand. Nala could hear the faint sobs coming from the hyena queen.
"I'm sorry for your loss." She said softly, as she approached her.
"Can you help me bring his body back? Please?" Was all Shenzi said.
Simba said they would. The lions' hearts broke when they entered the hyena territory and hearing them howl and cry. An elderly female, who was blind in one eye limped up to Simba. By now, Simba had gently laid Banzai down on the same slab of rock that Ed had been laid out on. The old female sniffed around Banzai. She then began to sob.
"Banzai! Oh no! My son! Please, not him! Take me instead!" She cried, as she lifted her gaze.
The old female nuzzled and licked her son. Tending to him with care as if he was still her young cub asleep after a long day. Shenzi then pulled the female aside to explain what happened. Simba watched from afar. He watched as the old female and Shenzi cried on each other. The funeral was held that evening.
"Banzai's death is a terrible tragedy. It was because of his bravery, that your clan still has their princesses and princes. It was because of his bravery, your queen still reigns over you. It was because of his bravery, that you and my kingdom were freed from the influence of my uncle Scar. It was because of his bravery, that my queen and my cubs still live. I thought I could never be sorry about a hyena's loss. But now for me the loss of Banzai is also a deep and personal loss. So I promise you all today, that as king - I shall not stop fighting Zira and her followers until Banzai is brought the justice he deserves." Simba said.
Shenzi thanked him. She then went over to her mate's burial site. Nala nuzzled him. He licked her. Meanwhile, Jasiri was by herself crying. Her siblings were with Aneesa and their cousins. So she was all alone at the moment. She then felt a wet tongue on her cheek. She looked up and saw Kion. Jasiri nuzzled him and sobbed. Her father was gone. She would never see him again.
"I'm so sorry Jasiri. I can't possibly imagine what you must be feeling. Just know that I'm here for you. So is Kiara and the guard." He said.
Jasiri stopped crying. She then hugged Kion and began licking his cheek. Kion nuzzled her and purred. Jasiri smiled, as she remained in Kion's embrace. In the shadows, Janja watched with his eyes glaring at the pair in envy. He had been hoping to spend some time to be with the princess himself. Growling softly, Janja turned and left.
When the two cubs pulled away from each other, both were blushing. Suddenly Simba cleared his throat. The hyena princess greeted the king.
"Kion, go to your mother and sister. Start heading home. I will catch up after I speak with Jasiri." Simba said.
At those words, Kion said his goodbyes to Jasiri and left. Now it was just the king and the princess.
Here are the interpretations for the Swahili names I used:
Maisha: Alive, she who lives
Hodari: Strong, powerful
Abdallah: Servant of God
I hope you all liked chapter 2. Reviews are love!
