As the early morning light began to appear over the trees, the young lion felt something stir against him. Opening his eyes, he realized that he had fallen asleep. Glancing down, he saw the lioness from the night before. She took a deep breath and her eyes flickered open. The lion moved and helped her to sit up. The brown lioness sat, coughing for a few moments, before she turned to look at him. The lion almost stepped back in surprise. Her face was as angry and filled with hate as he had ever seen. Gulping, he attempted to smile.
"Hi, my name is Runako," he told her. "I pulled you from the river last night. Who are you?"
"Zira." snapped the lioness.
She was frowning, trying to remember what had happened. Her eyes narrowed as she recalled looking up at Kiara's pretty little face before she plunged into the water. This is the last time Simba gets the better of me, she thought angrily. Then, she became aware that the young lion was still watching her. He was quite a handsome lion, and would probably father many strong cubs. Zira's evil mind began to work quickly. Putting on a friendly air, she moved closer to the lion.
"I'm sorry; who did you say you were again?"
A weight lifted from the lion's heart. She was friendly after all. There was nothing to worry about. He sat down beside her.
"My name is Runako. I just left the Pride of my father, Ni. I'm traveling to a land he visited once, called the Pride Lands. Do you know it? He told me the name of a lioness he met there once. Nala."
Zira's eyes narrowed as she heard Runako tell her where he was going. She couldn't let this lion out of her sight. If he went back, and told Simba he had met her, then there would be no way to have her revenge. No, Zira began to plot, and came up with a very good idea.
"I have been there on occasion," Zira said, "but right now, I would much rather hunt. I am starving."
"Of course!" replied Runako, grumbling to himself. He should have suggested it first. "There is a good place just near here; a large waterhole that animals come down to drink at."
Zira nodded. "Lead the way."
Runako, full of energy, bounded off. Zira followed him at a slower pace, dragging her paws every so often. She was deep in thought when she caught up to where he was waiting, nestled deep in a bush. Following his gaze, Zira looked down at a large waterhole, where herds of antelope and zebras were drinking. Here and there, young beasts splashed about in the water, and a few flamingos stood nearby. Zira licked her lips. Time to put her plan into action.
As Runako crept down towards the hole, Zira flicked a small stone past his head. It fell down and landed with a splash in the water. The herds looked up in surprise and some of them noticed the lion coming towards them. Turning, they began to run, and Runako burst into a run after them. Zira followed close behind, slowing as the herds came to a stop in a large field. When Runako went to attack again, Zira softly alerted the herds once more, causing the lion to chase after them. Soon, he was very much out of breath and had to rest for a minute. Chuckling to herself, Zira slipped off and quietly cornered a young zebra, before leaping in for the kill. Dragging it back to Runako, she smirked at him.
"You still have a lot to learn, Runako," she told him. "You really shouldn't be traveling by yourself." Flicking her tail, Zira smiled at him.
Runako looked up in surprise. Zira really was talented. And underneath her gruff nature, she seemed full of charms. His gaze went along her soft brown coat. It would look lovely along side his golden one.
"Well, why don't you come along with me then?" he asked her, smiling. He was glad of the lesson his father had taught him. Being kind to others really did feel good. And now, he had most likely found himself a mate because of it.
Zira nodded. "I think I will. But let's stay here tonight. You need a break after all your hunting today."
Runako agreed and the two settled down to eat together. Then in the evening, as the shadows cast by the trees began to grow longer, Zira and Runako took a walk through the forest together. As the moon began to rise, the pair bounded along together, playing and tumbling like young cubs. Later, as the eerie silence of night came over the forest, Runako and Zira went back to the soft grass under the tree from the night before. Lying down, Zira curled up against Runako. Soon, she could hear his breathing slow as he slept. Waiting for a while longer, Zira finally stood. Looking around her, she smiled. They were completely alone. Glancing down at the exhausted lion, Zira smiled again as she stepped closer. The moonlight glinted off her claws as she lifted a paw. Without warning, she threw herself forwards. A sharp cry went out and then the forest was silent again.
Standing up, Zira made her way over to the river and washed the blood from her coat. Looking back at the still form under the tree, she chuckled once, before turning away.
"Pity," she said, as she disappeared between the trees.