HI everbody!!
I'm really sorry for this delay, but I was bussy (really. really bussy) Please R&R!!
Childs of Kings
CHAPTER II: REVELATIONS OF LIFE
"Kiara, mind your mate" "WHAT!??? Daaad!!" "Do you see Kiara? I'm right! – Kovu softened his voice and nuzzled his indignated lioness- you shouldn't go hunting in your state…" "Oh!! for The Circle of Life!!! I'm pregnant not deadly ill!!!! Besides, I need learn more!! – Kiara looked their surroundings…this was so embarrassing, gladly the lionesses weren't near, but suddenly a familiar scent was caught for her nostrils, it was her only hope…- Mom tell them!!!!!!"
"Oh…not again…Simba we had this same discussion when I was pregnant!" The King shook his head in frustration and said: "Sorry Kovu, now I have nothing to do…" "But…" the Prince began when he were interrupted for his mother in law "Look dear… There´s no risk in Kiara's hunting, she's only at the start of pregnancy…- Kovu had a doubtful look - Easy boy… I'm Kiara's mother I could never risk her…besides, I know how is to be pregnant…Trust me…" "Mhhhh….OK…- said the young male – I'm sorry Kiara…I was worry for you" "Oh…It doesn't mind, it's natural- Kiara kiss him and looked at her father frowning- Dad, anything to say??" "Uhmmm… I'm sorry too…" "Yeah!! That's my daddy!!" said the lioness hugging him.
"Now we should leave Kiara, the lionesses are waiting for us, you'll lead this hunt, do you remember?" "How could I forget it mom?"
Nala and her daughter walked among the huntresses. The lionesses used to gossip and laugh until they reach the hunting grounds, this was their time of the day, and they were the protagonists.
Kiara was walking alone in the front of them. This wasn´t her first hunt, nor her first time leading the hunting party, but she always was nervous in this situation, it was adrenaline mixed with worry. She was responsible of her pride sisters and for leading them to a successful hunt, though she grew to love this honor and duty trough her mother lessons. At the beginning she had no faith in herself, but Nala's wisdom had helped her.
It was a sunny day and the lionesses were giggling among the golden grass in the path of hunt. Kiara and her mother were behind, the young lioness was distressed and afraid.
"Mother, I can't do this… I'm barely learning to hunt, I can't guide them!!- The Queen sighed, her daughter was so strong-head as her father…or it was as her?- Maybe I should leave this task to Vitani, she's better for this job…" said the young one, disappointed of herself "But It's not her job Kiara!!- said the mother frowning, then she looked sweetly at her child- …Oh my girl… as hunting, leading the party is not question of strength…- Kiara looked puzzled at her mother- your advantage in hunt it's your speed doesn't it? – the young lioness nod- You are little and agile, that's your way to hunt. Now, you doesn't need powerful muscles to lead us, you need a clever mind, smart strategies, knowledge about your prey and the ground, and leadership. I know you got that… The Queen doesn't always make the kill; her job is guide the lionesess to success and protect them…"
Indeed, Kiara had proven that she was an amazing strategist, and her mother was proud. She had wit and leadership, and the lionesses were very happy about that.
Kiara reached the golden grasslands and gave a serene look to the view, it was so beautiful!! It was an infinite extension of grass, golden as the sun!!...and no too far, a zebra herd was pacing blissfully… At one sign of her tail, the lionesses made an impenetrable silence and they get crouched to the ground.
"Now, listen everybody, this is what were going to do –the future queen whispered - Our prey it's that big male that escaped from us two days ago, it's still wounded and limping…and it's big enough for the whole pride. Nyana, Jamaa, Kande, Jusi, Bidii, and I, will be the runners, we will be divided in three groups, forming an arrow, we'll guide our target to the killers. Vitani, you'll make the kill- the lioness give a quick nod- make sure you'll hide in the north, so the wind can't discover you. Maziwa, Kike, Nyuki, Gondi, Wema, Sala, and mother, you'll stay in a semi-circle behind Vitani, to assist her. If our prey escapes, don't waste your energy following it, pick another suitable target and do your best, as always" The lionesses smiled while they go to the hiding spots, Kiara was a good hunting leader, firm yet kind.
The breeze was blowing gently, so the lionesses nostrils were full with the prey scent. The excitation among them was growing while they were approaching to the prey, invisible as spirits.
Kiara was breathing deeply but without a sound, as their parents taught to her, her fangs were bared and her claws were digging gently in the earth. Then, she and her companions reached the exact point to start the persecution, and at a sweep of her tail, the runner lionesses go ahead for the prey, quickly, as deadly ballerinas.
The zebra male was a strong opponent; it was running quite fast for a limping animal. So fast as every animal when it's life is in danger.
Vitani were crouched to the ground, so low, that she was invisible, her golden pelt was melted in the tall grass. She and the lionesses behind her were all concentrated in made the kill, all except one: Queen Nala.
The ruler's face was shocked, and her claws were digging the ground so hard that they were not visible in the surface. "My!!! I can't breathe HELPMEEEE!! KIARAAAA!!!" She wanted to roar but it was impossible, only a raspy sound came out of her mouth.
A few meters ahead, running at maximum speed were the princess and the runner lionesses, so among the hooves of the prey and the dust, Kiara could see the form of her mother collapsing with a thud. Her mind raced faster than her legs "¡¡¡NOW, TAKE DOWN THE PREY EVERBODY!! NOOOW!!" She roared with her whole lungs, it was the only way to save Nala from the hooves.
While all the lionesses charged against the great zebra, Kiara ran at her limit to reach her mother.
Suddenly Vitani heard a frantic voice behind her, and a few sobs. She didn't know what was happening until she looked behind "For the God one!" she said in worry.
The lioness wake up for her daughter's scared voice and her muzzle touching her face with strength "Mom, please wake up! Wake up!" She opened her eyes and saw a circle of lionesses looking at her with relief in their features. Nala looked at her daughter, who was shaking for mixed emotions. Oh!! Her beautiful daughter!!! For one moment she thought she would never see her again…
"Kiara what happened to me?" said the Queen, still with a raspy voice "It seems you fainted mommy…how do you feel?" " Ermmm…A little bit dizzy, but I think I'm Ok" "OK??!!-now Kiara was surprised and a little bit frustrated by her mother's strong character, how could she be ok??? She had fainted just a while ago!!- You should go to see Rafiki!!" "Oh…C'mon dear…" "Yes you will!!" "But Kiara…" "NO BUTS!!!! – Kiara had interrupted her mother's speech, she was frowning with worry- I'm in charge of this hunt, and you'll be properly attended!!!- Nala was surprised, was her daughter using authority with her?! Then Kiara aproached to the Queen, her eyes were soft and her voice sweet, she sighed- Oh mother!!! You have always cared of me, this is my turn…let me take care of you, please…" "Uhm… Ok…"
Kiara stood up relieved and looked to her pride sisters. "Now, please roar to call the Pride, it was a successful hunt after all. When my father and Kovu come, tell them what happened- Then Kiara turned her gaze to Vitani, who still had her muzzle covered with blood- Vitani could you help me to carry my mother to Rafiki's tree, please??" "Of course!!"
It was a long distance to the shaman's baobab, but go there was faster than wait for him in the hunting grounds.
Vitani shoulders and Kiara' s were tired under the Queen's weight, and she sensed this.
"Girls I can walk, I'm not that bad, really!!" "Mom you have just fainted!! The best thing you can do is rest!!" "Oh Kiara!! I'm strong and young enough! And I'm your mother don't forget it!" "No, I'm not forgetting it, that's why we're carrying you!!" "I told you Kiara I'm…" "MY!!!!! There's no doubt about you're Kiara's Mother, both of you are EQUALY HEADSTRONG!!!"
Nala and Kiara shared a surprised look, Vitani used to be a respectful lioness, and mainly in the presence of her Queen, but she was really tired of listen mother-daughter discussions while she had a strong lioness weight in her shoulders!
"Uhmmm…well…mom, if you really think you are Ok… you can walk the rest of the path…if you want"
Rafiki's tree was enormous, and its big branches were strong enough to support a climbing lion. Anyway, it was a difficult task, because of it's height, but the Queen insisted in go to Rafiki by herself and alone.
"Oh!!! The beautiful Queen has visited me!!- said a surprised and happy Rafiki- It's such an honor!! Why are you here my child? It's Kiara alright?"
Nala embraced the old baboon, She was smiling weakly, but her smile soon faded and she looked to the floor "It's me Rafiki, and I'm so worried, I feel really bad!!" She said trembling slightly, and covering her green eyes with a paw.
She told the shaman what had happened during the hunt. His face was full of concern "…So it wasn't just a faint…you were suffocating…Uhm… lie down dear, let me see what happens"
The shaman were concentrated in find the Queen's sickness, while he examined her body touching trough the soft fur… There was the sickness of her womb… Rafiki still remembers that day…
The Queen was worried, she and Simba were young, but after give birth to Kiara they couldn't conceive another cub. It wasn't normal for such a healthy couple. The King have said that maybe it was he…or maybe it was because of he and his queen were distant relatives…but that wasn't an obstacle to have their two children…
Nala uneasiness doesn't stoped, so she and the king went to Rafiki.
It was a shining day…and the golden sun trespassed the leaves of the Baobab, but inside the green chamber it was an uncomfortable silence and lots of concentration. "…Oh my Queen…- said seriously the monkey- this is hard to say…umh…your sickness is extremely rare, I have never seen it before…" "What is it Rafiki!!!??- said the King with worry cuddling his mate- What's wrong with Nala?? She's going to be alright. Don't She?"
Nala licked her mate's muzzle…Oh! She cannot stand see him worried!!
"Uhhhm…well Simba…Nala, my dear I'm afraid that your womb became too old before you do… -the shaman sighed- …you'll can't have children anymore…"
What was Rafiki telling her?? She would never have another cub?? But…How??!! Now was Nala turn to be worried, she was almost in tears…
"So… you cannot cure me Rafiki??" she asked weakly "Oh…your illness can't be undone, indeed I almost know nothing about it…but sadly I'm sure that there is no cure for it… My dear… I have failed you this time…forgive me…"
Nala was so sad…but only a single tear rolled from her eyes while she smiled at the shaman "There's nothing to forgive Rafiki, even your knowledge have to have limits"
While the monkey touched her womb, Nala were remembering that same day, but a different moment of it. That night Simba made her see how grateful he was because that sickness does not take her away…
"Oh Nala!!...- He had said- It's true that we cannot have anymore cubs, but… we have conceived Kopa, and though he's not with us since a long time, We were happy with him, we get to know him and love him…- Nala looked at her mate, she was still sobbing. He rarely spoke about their son…the pain was so big…and they would always mourn his lose…- And now – he continued- we have Kiara, she's growing beautifully and she fills our lives with joy
…. Nala… I'm so thankful because you don't have something worse…I don't know if I could live without you…" "So… you love me despite I'll can't give you cubs anymore?" "Of course!! I always will..."
"Oh No!!" a frantic whisper took Nala out of her thoughts. The shaman was white under his pelt.
"What is it Rafiki?" Nala asked, but there was not answer. The old monkey just covered his eyes with his hands and wept like a child "It's in your lungs" he said between sobs.
So many years studying her rare illness, collecting plants under the sun, and watching an apparently healthy Nala… for this? Rafiki's mind was racing…He was sure he can't cure this, he had seen it in lionesses' wombs after Nala's, and he had been studying all the time, but this…in her lungs!!??
"Nala!! Why you, my dear Nala??!" He said to himself.
"Rafiki??...you are scaring me…" "My child…-he sighed- since you were a cub I have cured you, even the littlest scratches in your fur, then I helped after Kopa and Kiara births, and I was there for you when the little Kopa leave us to live among the stars, and I think I helped you then…but this time… your poor old Rafiki is just an useless monkey…"
"Oh no Rafiki you are not!!" "Again I can't cure you…this time your lungs have the same illness that your womb…" "What?!...that means…?" "You're going to stop breathing one day my dear, sadly it will be soon…" Nala was still, she was in shock, but she wrapped her arms around the monkey in a soft hug "How long I will live?" "…About half a year- the shaman sighed loudly and said- "For He who moves The Circle!! How I will said this to Simba??!"
Nala opened her wide green eyes "¡¡Simba!!- You'll never tell this to him Rafiki!!" "But…he's my friend!!.." "Never Rafiki please!!! For the love that you have for him, for me, you must never tell him!! Let us be happy this short time Rafiki…If he knows…he… his heart will die"
It was true, it doesn't matter how much Rafiki hated the idea, it was true…
"It will be our secret, Rafiki…nobody must know…" the monkey couldn't say no to this lioness.
After a moment of pain and tears, the two friends cut their embrace. Rafiki went to his herbs and took a little of them for Nala "Take these ones dear, you'll feel a little bit dizzy at the beginning, but it will help with your breathing, you'll never feel symptoms with these herbs…until" "I understand Rafiki" the queen interrupted smiling softly "Oh! I almost forgot it!! I was preparing this when you arrived- said him, giving Nala a bunch of lilac flowers- these are for Kiara, they'll help her to produce lots of healthy milk…"
With a hug and a determinate smile, Nala descended from the tree, carrying the lilac bouquet for her daughter.
Maybe the queen would live a short life, but she was decided to live it and full fill her hopes.
---------
The time passed fast as the winds of the Sahara, and soon the Pridelands were at the beginning of the Rainy Season.
Kiara could sense it; her cubs would be born with the first rain. She could feel it in the moist air touching her whiskers and the children moving inside her.
The view was still golden. Kiara closed her eyes and brought back to her the image of the grasslands, green after the rains…the herds were eating and pacing. Oh!! Her kids will have a great childhood, plenty of prey!!!...If only Sarabi and Sarafina could see it…
"What are you thinking about?" A deep voice took her away from her thoughts…Oh…that voice, she knew it so well…
"Kovu!! – said the future queen with happiness while her mate sate at her side smiling- …about our future, and…how much I would love that my grandmothers could have seen her great-grandchildren…"
The male licked the forehead of his lioness… Sarafina was a great lioness, and the pain of her recent death was still a fresh wound…she was so close to knowing their cubs!
"Kiara…you have said GREAT- GRANDCHILDREN??...Are you sure that are they and not just one cub?" "Of course silly!! I can feel them! ...besides don't you think that my belly is too big for just one baby?" "…Oh! ... No way! ..." "HAHAHA!! Kovu you are a hippo's mate!!" "Hahaha! ...but she is the prettiest hippo ever…"
Far away, at Pride rock, Nala were watching the young parents to be… they made her so happy!
Yes, she was happy, despite her mother's death, and she could felt life with all her heart, even if the ghosts of her own death were still in her thoughts.
Hide her fate from her loved ones was so difficult at the beginning… Mainly hide it from Simba; she wanted to cry in his mane so badly! And they have always trusted each other, since they were cubs it weren't secrets between them. But, when she realized how happy he was when she returned apparently healthy at his side, then she decided it, she wouldn't brake his happiness, their happiness.
Now, her only worry was: Would he forgive her if he discover her secret? ...Maybe when she die? ... Yes…He will understand, and he will forgive Rafiki too, because she made the shaman swear he wouldn't tell… And if he doesn't understand, then Kiara would make him do it. She would understand her mother for sure, they were so alike…
"Kovu…- the young ones continued to talk - I'll have to go soon, maybe tomorrow…" "Go? Where??!" "To the birthing den, silly…they will come soon, I can feel it…" "Oh! ...Then I'll go with you!" "You can't Kovu…" "But! They are my cubs too!" "Yes they are… but we the lionesses give birth ALONE, besides, it's for your own safety and the cubs safety…"
What was Kovu hearing? …For the cubs safety?!! That made no sense for him, he was their father how could he damage them? Now the male was confused and a little bit cross for sure… Kiara could see this… poor Kovu, that was hard of hearing.
"C'mon…don't be like that…let me explain it to you…- said she, caressing gently his muzzle, he just look at her, still a little bit offended- I know you'll never could mistreat our child…but cubs are so fragile, any little touch of another lion could be a risk while they're newborns… that's why I will be with them in the den for one or two weeks"
Suddenly, Kovu forgot his bad mood "TWO WEEKS!!! But that's too much time!!!" "I know my love…but it's dangerous for a cub that still can't crawl or see, toddle among sleepy lionesses with 130 kilos of weight each one…" the male sighed "Uhm… it seems quite reasonable, but I still will see you, don't I?" Kiara almost couldn't resist the pleading look in her male's eyes, but she had to answer honestly "Ohhh Kovu! ... I don't know…that would be risky for you…Even loving you like I do, I will attack you before to know who is under my claws… I don't want to hurt you, but it would be instinctive, it's the way that He who moves The Circle, gave us to protect our children…"
Kovu lowered his gaze disappointed, he don't wanted to be far from his children and his mate for all that time, it would be their first days of living in the world!! He breathed deeply and sighed, then he looked to Kiara's belly… full of these precious lives… At last, he looked smiling to Kiara and said "If it's the best way for them and for you, then I'll try to be patient…" "Oh!! I known you would understand!!"
From Pride Rock, Nala could see the embracing couple…
The next night, the air was more humid than yesterday, it was impossible deny it; the rains would coming this very night.
Kiara was walking alone through the night, she was doing it as faster as she can. The lioness could sense the cubs inside her, moving and fighting for space; soon they'll be ready to come out.
Her breath was becoming steam when it comes out of her mouth. The night was very dark and big dark clouds were whirling low in the sky.
While she was searching for the little kopje were was her birthing den, she was singing an old prayer that Nala had taught to her, she had sung it when she was about to gave birth to Kopa and Kiara, and Sarafina made the same when she gave birth to Nala, and Sarabi also sang it when she brought Simba to this world, and all the mothers and grandmothers of her Pride had sung it for their children.
"As the seed breaks the soil to grow in a tree,
As the sun breaks the clouds to give us light,
My child will break my flesh to come to me,
To hear my lullaby and to make his father proud.
Hear me Holy Mothers!! Queens of past, help me!!
Give me the strength of the earth
And open my heart to this gift.
Oh Good one pronounces the name of my child!!
As you revealed the name of the ancestors before him.
Blessed will be my child and all his descendents!!"
Slowly she came to the kopje. The wind was blowing strongly and a few raindrops began to fall.
There was a cozy nest in the hard stone, slightly cover with bushes that let the rain and wind out of the little cave. It was Kiara's birthing den.
There she leaned slowly and breathed deeply, then closing her eyes she said: "Mufasa, I know I didn't knew you, but please, bless your great-grand children". In that moment a strong rain, almost a storm, begun to fall…
"Simba, have you seen Kiara?" a really worried Kovu was searching for his mate in the Pride Rock.
The King arched an eyebrow; while Nala stretched her neck to look at Kovu "I thought she was with you" said him "Oh Good One!! I can't find her!!" "Oh…this is so typical of her…- said the mother sighing, the males looked at her curiously, and then she added with a knowing (but still worried) smile: Did she told you when the cubs would be born?" "With the first rain…- said Kovu, he gulped and looked at the darkening sky, a few raindrops were starting to fall- My!!! She can be in danger!!!" Simba opened his mouth in worry "No…I don't think so, I bet she's in the birthing den right now…Yes…She did not wanted to worry us, so she left without saying" said Nala.
"Yeah! It worked perfectly!!" said Simba who was pacing nervously.
Then, Kovu looked out of the den, there was a leonine figure running under the rain. It was his sister, at the top of her speed, and she was calling for him "KOVUUUUUU!!! BROTHEEEEEER!!!"
"Vitani?" The lioness came to the Pride Rock and almost fainted of extenuation.
"Kovu!! I was taking a walk by the southern border, near Kiara's birthing den and then I heard her, and it seems she's there – Vitani was panting- ... it seems she's giving birth!!!"
The young lion opened his eyes wide and almost without let her sister finish the new she brought, he roared loudly, maybe it was the most loudly roar in his life "ZAZUUUU!!!"
Without a second of hesitation the old blue bird went at the entrance of the cave "May I help??!!" said him, alarmed for the worry in Kovu's voice.
"Please go find Rafiki, ask him to stay near Kiara's birthing den!!- Zazu looked at the prince a little bit confused – She's giving birth Zazu!!!!" "Oh My!! Great Kings!!!! I'll be there right now!!"
Kovu and Simba stared at the bird that flew, while the little drops became a soft rain. Then, a calm voice broke the tense silence "I'll go too, Simba" "But Nala, you have always said that Kiara must do this by herself!" "And she will do, I'll just be near the den, in case she need help"
Kovu looked at her mother in law with hope "Then I'll go too!!" "Oh boy… - said she, knowing she would disappoint him- well…Have you ever given birth Kovu?" "Hum… I see…you got a point…"
The king got close to his mate and embraced her "Then, we see you later…take care please, there's going to be a storm…"
Seconds after the queen disappeared in the distance Kovu sighed loudly "Oh Simba!! Never, in my whole life, I have felt so needed and useless at the same time… Why I promised Kiara I would be patient??!!"
Simba were pacing nervously inside the den, he tried to calm Kovu "Don't worry, she'll be just fine, and the cubs too" Kovu arched an eyebrow "Hum…well...If Imay say, you don't look very relaxed…" "Ofcourse I'm not relaxed!! My little girl is giving birth right now!!!"
Kovu grinned fondly. He would have loved to have a father, a real one, like Kiara had Simba. But in many senses the king had occupied that place in his heart.
"I'll go, Simba" "But, I thought you promised Kiara to be patient" "I know…I'll go to check the border near Kiara's den. I want not a single hyena near her or our cubs!! …You'll be OK?"
"Hey! I'm the King, I can handle this by myself!!...Are you sure you don't want I'll go with you?" "Sure…besides…. Maybe Zazu or Nala could return with news"
Simba smiled proudly. His son in law would be a great king "…I understand…this is important for you. See you Kovu"
With a nod, the young male started his path under the strong rain, soon it would begin a storm.
-----
Kiara breathing was firm and quick, she could felt the cubs struggling for come out of her womb.
She was praying for them, she wanted feel them at her side so badly! Then, the pain became more intense and she feel it… the liquid and the smell…. It was her first cub!!
In that moment a sweet voice in her heart told her the name of her first child…that was what her mother and the lionesses told her, the voice of The Good One himself, speaking in her soul.
She grabbed the warm and wet baby and started to clean it strongly … it was so tiny and defenseless… then a little meow came out of the cub. Kiara smiled proudly.
When she was starting to examine her cub, another one started to born…
Soon Kiara was discovered the scent of a bunch of newborn cubs of her own. She licked their pink noses and groomed their fur…. Oh there was nothing so soft in the whole world!!
She led the babies next to her and they quickly found the way to her milk. They were suckled vigorously; despite it hurted a little the new mother was proud of their strength.
So, she ate the nutritious placenta and soon she fell asleep with the warm of her children cuddling at her side.
-----
When Nala arrived at the kopje Rafiki was already there.
Her breathing was slow and difficult, but the shaman gave her an herbs bouquet for her lungs, soon the queen was well again.
They were hiding in the top of the stone, Kiara couldn't see them, but she could smell them.
Nala listened a low deep roar…it was her daughter "Honey…Are you OK?" "Mom! I'm so sorry I should not roar to you…" The young lioness was a little confused; her protective instinct was so strong that she could roar to her mother.
"Don't worry Kiara I understand you very well- said the Queen, she remembered how she attacked Simba when he tried to sneak in to her den to see their newborn Kopa. A little bit of shame and sweetness crossed her face when she imagined that if weren't for her mate's thick mane, there would be a scar behind his ear…poor Simba…she thought- But how are you darling?"
"I could not be happier mother… - Kiara replied softly- you have a bunch of grandchildren now!!"
Nala couldn't speak…she couldn't see…her eyes were watering, she only sighed.
"Mom??... –said Kiara's voice from the den- tell Rafiki that there's no need for him to be stand there in the rain, and for you too… we are OK, really"
Rafiki smiled, this was the beginning of a healthy new family.
"Ok then Honey… I'll go and tell Kovu and your father… I love you Kiara…" "I love you too Mom…thank you…"
Inside the den, Kiara straightened her head and moved her ears vividly. She was hearing a roar at the distance, in the borders, it was Kovu. A smile crossed her muzzle, he was guarding the borders for her.
Meanwhile, the new grandmother were heading to her home.
Slowly, under the rain, she was muttering a thanks giving prayer… she would live to see her grandchildren.
