The sun had yet to rise in the Pridelands, and life was at peace. The lions, in the comfort of the den, in their own private caves or the den's floor, slept peacefully but some had stayed awake, as they were worried for their friend, Haya.
The young lioness was still unconscious from the hunting accident and Onea still hadn't returned. A few lionesses couldn't wait for her to come back. She had abandoned her pride sisters when they needed help.
Although they were able to get Haya and the kill to Pride Rock was not the point. Leaving one of your pride mates injured was not something that could be forgiven so easily.
Throughout the night each lion and lioness tried to push the thoughts and worrying out of their minds but it was difficult.
On the rock ledge in the den, which served as the royal sleeping area, Kuenzi and Tasa were in deep slumber, but then the king opened his eyes slowly. After a few seconds his vision was clear.
He yawned quietly so he didn't disturb the ones still sleeping. Blinking his eyes, he lifted his majestic head and looked around. He smiled, happy to see that everyone had gotten some rest.
Letting his eyes look upon the lionesses, he chuckled. Finally Kuenzi rested his gaze on Haya, who was lying in the far back for privacy and room.
The king's ears lowered in pain and sadness that something so terrible had to happen to such a caring lioness.
Like his pride, he knew very well that what happened yesterday raised a lot of questions. Questions that needed to be answered: soon.
"And they will be when Onea comes back!" Kuenzi thought to himself angrily. A part of him couldn't believe that Onea would just leave like that after someone was injured. "What is going on with her?" he questioned silently.
As he pondered the situation in his mind, Kuenzi looked at Tasa, who was lying at his right side, with her face in his sight. He smiled, feeling a tear of joy come to his eye. The smile remained on his face as he stroked her back gently with his paw. Bringing his face towards hers, he nuzzled her, licking the top of her ear. "I don't know what I would do if I lost you," he said softly.
He shook his head ruefully. "Now is not the time for such a thought, but without her I couldn't handle the pride."
Getting up carefully and stretching out his legs, Kuenzi hopped off the rock ledge, making his way out of the den, being watchful so he didn't step on the lionesses.
Before leaving, he stole a look into Uchaji and Hawa's cave. Uchaji was lying on his stomach with his paw draped around Hawa, who had her face snuggled up in his mane.
From what the king could see, Hawa was clinging to Uchaji with what Kuenzi guessed to be desperation. "She must feel as though what happened with Haya was her fault," his mind said. "But it wasn't. When Onea returns, maybe Hawa will feel better." He added with softness, "I hope. I hate to see her sad."
He stared at his younger brother with admiration, respect and awe. "Who knew that this spunky, somewhat mischievous young cub would grow into this loving, caring and gentle lion?" he thought with pride. "I'm honored to call him 'brother' and 'prince consort'. Without him I couldn't take care of the lands."
He looked back at Hawa, smiling slightly. "And without him, she would be a wreck and vice versa."
His heart rejoiced at seeing his brother and cub hood friend happy together. After taking one last look, he strolled out and into the dawn's air. He yawned and stretched himself out, shaking his mane. Then he walked down the stone steps and proceeded to the waterhole.
Bending down to take a drink, he felt refreshed as the water touched his lips.
Just then a white sunbird flew down, landing on the tree branch, chirping happily and bowed his head. "Good morning sire! Lovely day isn't it?" he asked turning his head side to side.
Kuenzi raised his head, turning to his majordomo with a smile. "Good morning Rasuli. Yes, today is indeed glorious. The spirits have blessed us." Then his voice turned from an everyday lion to a king. "How are things so far? Any problems?"
Rasuli shook his feathers and replied, "Nothing so far. Everything seems to be quiet, which is kinda shocking to me. I'm so used to reporting things to you that for the first time I'm at a lost at what to do, but don't worry my scouts are on patrol either way."
"That's good. If you want to go home and rest for a while longer you have that luxury," Kuenzi declared.
"Thank you. Like I said, my scouts will come to me if anything happens. I bid you good day." With a bow Rasuli flew back to his home.
The grey king shook his head in amusement. "I could never tolerate Rasuli when I was a cub. Now I'm lucky to have him for an advisor. No wonder my father trusted him so."
He sighed heavily as he thought of the deceased king. "I miss you sometimes dad," he said quietly.
From his vision, Kuenzi saw how the lands became beautiful, especially when the sun hit the green grass. He started his walk but took it slow as he enjoyed the grass beneath his paws.
"I wish Tasa were with me now. I love taking these walks with her. I'd be nothing without her. Sure I'd still be a king, but perhaps not the king I am now."
Kuenzi knew that Tasa needed her sleep and that she was worried about the pride. "Especially about Haya and Hawa. We all are." A low growl escaped his throat. "Onea! Wherever you are, you've got some explaining to do!"
Back at Pride Rock's cave, Tasa slowly opened her eyes. Yawning, and showing her white teeth, she blinked out the sleep. She looked to the spot where Kuenzi would be. He wasn't there.
Lowering her brow in confusion, she looked up and out to the entrance. "He must be out doing his patrol."
Getting up and stretching, the queen made her way outside but paused. "Better check on Haya," she thought.
Making her way to the back of the cave to the injured lioness, Tasa bent down until her ear was at the lioness' chest.
Tasa was relieved to feel it rise and fall and sighed with relief. "Good, you're still fighting. You're tough. You'll make it."
Looking at the lioness' side, she noticed the medicine. Lifting one of the leaves, Tasa dipped her paw into the medicine and began to carefully apply it to Haya's wound.
It was starting to heal but as Daktari said, it would be a while until Haya could hunt again. Once the medicine was placed on the wound, Tasa lowered her head and whispered, "I hope you feel better Haya. I'll ask one of the lionesses to stay here with you. Don't worry you'll be fine." She gently licked her pride sister's ear and padded towards the entrance.
Outside she sniffed the air and walked up to the promontory and sat down, her long tail curling at her side.
Gazing out at the lands, that stretched on as far as the eye could see, Tasa smiled. The sun made everything shine and in the distance she could see her mate making his rounds.
Behind her, however, she heard paw steps. Flicking an ear back, she turned and saw Uchaji standing there. "Wonder how Hawa is?" the queen questioned in thought.
Shuffling over she allowed her brother-in-law to sit beside her. "Good morning Uchaji. How are you?" she asked with a smile.
Uchaji turned his head. "Very well, thanks and you?"
"I'm good," she replied. "Is Hawa okay?" she asked carefully.
The lion looked to the side for a moment then back at Tasa. "She's okay… for the most part. Still worried about Haya." He growled softly, "I hope Onea returns and soon." He had a thought but shrugged it off.
Staring out into the lands, he saw Kuenzi, but the king was only a speck. "Making his rounds early as usual," he said to himself.
Turning to Tasa he said, "If you want to join Kuenzi, Hawa and I can take care of things here. If we see Onea, I'll give a roar."
Tasa got up and walked down the promontory and to the stone steps. Uchaji was behind her, but he was going into the den. Turning around to face Uchaji, Tasa smiled gratefully. "Thank you Uchaji. Any chance you could ask one of the lionesses to watch Haya?"
"Don't worry, I'll take care of it," the prince replied.
Tasa smiled again and she hopped down the steps and ran into the grass.
Uchaji smiled and his purple eyes shined in the light of the sun. He walked into the den and inside the pride was up and eating some of the leftover kill from the previous night.
From what Uchaji could see, there would be enough of the kill to feed Tasa and Kuenzi when they came home.
"And Onea, if she ever does come home," the prince thought with his blood boiling in anger. Walking to the back of the cave, he saw Hawa lying near Haya.
Hawa sensed someone standing behind her so she lifted her head and sighed. "Uchaji, good it's you."
Uchaji nuzzled her. "Of course it's me," he said licking her cheek then stared at Haya. "How is she?" he wondered. "Any change?"
Hawa nodded her head. "There is some, she's breathing regularly now. She even spoke a few minutes ago." She stared at her mate with a small wave of fear. "You're not gonna believe what she told me."
Uchaji furrowed his brow in confusion. "What is it anything bad?"
Hawa stood up and jerked her head to the exit. Uchaji understood and walked out with her. Outside they both sat down and didn't speak for several minutes.
Uchaji wondered whatshe wanted to tell him. "Does this have anything to do with Onea?" he questioned out loud.
Hawa took a deep breath and told him everything...
Walking on the western side of the Pridelands, Kuenzi saw everything was in order. Animals were grazing very peacefully and once they saw their king, heads bowed in respect. Kuenzi smiled and bowed back.
Carrying on, he couldn't understand how peaceful the lands were, not that he wasn't satisfied to have a day of not solving problems. "It's weird," he thought.
As he walked, Kuenzi noticed that he was near the border that marked the separation of the Pridelands and the Outlands. Smirking in satisfaction that there were no problems, especially from that area, the king's white paws turned back to head for home.
Along his way, feeling the lush grass under his paws, he stopped for a moment. Perking his ears up he listened for any noises. "Must be nothing," he muttered and continued.
A few minutes later, he heard a noise. Looking around he still didn't see anything. Just then a bush to his right rustled its small leaves. Wrinkling his nose in confusion Kuenzi padded over. He sniffed the air. There was an odd scent but it was one he recognized all to well. "Onea," he whispered.
Behind the large lion stood a strong red lioness. She had a smile on her face that said, "I'm up to no good, but I'm not gonna let you know that."
Still staring at the bush, Kuenzi hoped that when he returned to Pride Rock that Onea would be there and that the mystery of Haya's injury would be solved.
"I hope she's alright," he thought and with this thought in his head Kuenzi turned around began to head for home when he saw Onea standing in front of him.
Seeing the red lioness now made him relieved but also mad. He growled in a near threatening way although he tried not to. "But she leaves a pride sister injured? I'm not going to take that with just a small restriction."
Onea gave him a confused look as to why Kuenzi was angry. "Kuenzi what is it?" She started softly. "Why so glum sweetie?" The word 'sweetie' left her lips in a seductive voice.
Kuenzi knew why she said 'sweetie' but wasn't buying it. He got directly to his point, ignoring what she had said. With a serious look and tone he asked, "Where were you during the hunt yesterday?"
Onea had to think of something fast. "I was there but I trekked a little further on. Why, what happened? Did anyone die?" she asked in a 'worried' voice.
"Were you in the second group of the hunting party yesterday?" he asked, trying not to loose his patience.
"Yes why?" Then she thought, "Why is he asking me this? Does he think I have anything to do with whatever happened?"
"Haya was in your group wasn't she?" Kuenzi asked continuing his interrogation.
"Yes, Kuenzi where are you going with this?" she wondered with a small smile.
The king kept his authoritive stature. He was not about to let Onea sweet talk her way out. "Haya was injured on the hunt and it is said that you steered her in the direction of the antelope, which, by the way, was brought down by the first group."
Onea only chuckled, not caring that a pride member was hurt and she ignored Kuenzi's last statement. "Well, if the first group got the kill, and Haya is okay, why all the questions?" She walked up to him and smiled 'the smile'.
"Because as king I need to know -" He paused. He had forgotten what he was going to say. A wave of nausea came upon him and he started to feel uncomfortable.
Sniffing the air a scent came to his nostrils. Recognizing the scent and praying silently to the spirits above, he turned his face away hoping to avoid the red lioness gaze.
It was clear to him that Onea had 'the look' in her eyes and 'the intention' plastered on her face. There was no chance that Kuenzi was going to allow her to seduce him and make him break his vow to Tasa.
Kuenzi took a step back but it wasn't enough to keep Onea from walking up to him and sliding her tail under his chin. "What are you doing?!" he yelled. "You know I'm committed to Tasa!"
Onea looked at him with a depth of 'the intention' and she wasn't about to let the name of Kuenzi's mate, the queen of the Pridelands be mentioned. "What do you see in her?" she questioned. Reaching up she licked his cheek and whispered in his ear.
Kuenzi's teal eyes grew wide and he came close to hitting the lioness but didn't at the last minute. "How dare you?!" he snarled angrily. "How can you even suggest that?"
She paid no mind, but continued to rub herself against his strong body.
Praying he wouldn't allow himself to give in to this, he continued, "Let me make this clear! If it doesn't register in your head, then there's something wrong: I love Tasa! I've been in love with her since we were adolescents, maybe since cub hood."
Narrowing his eyes, until he was sure they were dotted, he kept talking. "If you think I'm gonna be with you so I can have an heir than you're even crazier than I thought! I know that Tasa is unable to have cubs but that doesn't make any difference to me! I still love her and will continue to do so. If Uchaji and Hawa decide to have cubs, maybe just maybe, I'll name their son or daughter the heir!
"I pledged myself to Tasa and no one else and that includes you! Sure when we were younger I thought there would be something but then I saw how you treat others."
He watched as Onea continued her circling. He also noticed that she wasn't paying attention. Sighing in annoyance he stepped away but Onea kept coming. "Onea! Stop it! I don't love you!"
The red lioness still had 'the look' and it was even stronger than before. Kuenzi tried to step away again, but she kissed him on the cheek. When this had no affect on the lion's hormones she did it again.
Kuenzi was not the type of lion to fight unless it was necessary, and in this case, he did not want to fight a lioness of his pride but he had to do something soon.
Onea circled him again, wrapping her tail under his chin and legs until it finally entangled with his tail.
Kuenzi watched this, anger growing in his heart. "She won't take a hint!" he thought angrily. Looking up he saw Tasa coming toward him and his heart sank. "Oh no! I hope she doesn't get the wrong idea about this!"
Onea saw the grey lioness coming and smiled widely. "Well, well, well look at who comes to rescue her 'mate'," she said chuckling, and giving an eye roll. Making sure Tasa was watching, Onea reached up and kissed Kuenzi on the ear and nuzzled him tenderly.
Tasa saw Onea making her moves on Kuenzi and Kuenzi not giving in. She growled and charged at the red lioness who would dare try to seduce her mate and king. Pushing with all her strength she rammed Onea to the ground, snarling and growling. "What are you doing?!" she asked in a threatening manner.
Onea struggled under the queen's grip. She looked up at her and chuckled almost manically, "Why do you care? You're nothing but a weak lioness. You don't deserve Kuenzi; much less deserve to be called his queen. You're weak, pathetic and barren. How can the gods allow someone like you to exist?"
With that being said Onea used her back legs and pushed them into Tasa's stomach. With a good surge of strength she flipped the lioness over.
Seeing this Kuenzi roared and before Onea could get up the king's white legs had her pinned. He pushed her harder into the grass until he sure that there was a good grip.
Tasa got up and was a little dizzy, but she had a look of anger on her face.
Kuenzi turned his face to hers giving a look of worry. "You okay?" he asked.
Tasa nodded her head. "I'm alright."
Onea looked at the grey lioness. "You won't be once I'm through with you."
Kuenzi looked at the red lioness and growled, snarling in her face, showing his teeth. "You know, attacking your queen results in banishment. But this is your first offense…" he trailed off and stared at Tasa again, asking her to continue.
Tasa nodded to her mate and spoke. "This is your first offense against your leaders, so we'll let you go," she said these words looking at her mate who was in deep thought.
The grey king had a good hold on Onea and he listened to Tasa's words very carefully.
"Hmm, she's right. This is Onea's first offense against us," he thought. "I just hope she doesn't try this again. I'm willing to give a few chances, with any luck Onea will stop this pointless pursuit of me and act like a true member of my pride. I'd hate to banish anyone."
He then spoke loudly, "Tasa is right. We'll let you go!" He drew closer and whispered, "You threaten Tasa again and you'll be banished. Got it!"
Onea just nodded not feeling threatened at all by Kuenzi's statement.
"Good," Kuenzi said and let her up.
Once the red lioness was on her paws, Kuenzi was at Tasa's side looking her over. Onea smirked. "Okay, okay, you win this round." She walked up to Kuenzi and could see the cold glare from Tasa but pretended to not notice. She whispered into his ear, "When I come back, I'll bring you a present. Then you'll change your mind for sure." Looking back at Tasa, she kissed Kuenzi's cheek. Onea turned around and started running.
Where she was going was unclear but she would be back for certain, the question now was when?
Once the red lioness was nothing but a speck in their sight, Kuenzi lowered his gaze until it rested on the ground. His eyelids grew heavy and he felt like collapsing. His whole body was numb and he was afraid to move. Looking up, he slowly walked to the waterhole.
Tasa was at his side, supporting him if necessary, watching his every move. She was worried especially when she looked into his eyes. Kuenzi's eyes looked unfocused and they were so close to losing their color that Tasa wondered how he was walking. "Maybe once he takes a drink, he'll be okay," she thought hopefully.
Kuenzi made it to the waterhole on weak legs. Bending down he took a long drink. The need to feel purity in his throat was very strong and he sighed as the water went down. Without thinking, Kuenzi walked into the water, letting it soak his body but it wasn't enough. Needing to feel more, he dipped his head. After a minute or two, he lifted his head out and walked back to shore.
Tasa waited for him under the tree. Kuenzi had a glassy look in his eyes and that made her worry all the more.
Kuenzi walked up to her and nuzzled her desperately, wanting to feel to feel her presence and reassurance. He needed someone, and that someone was her. He knew she would make the pain and heartache leave.
Tasa didn't need to ask what was wrong. What happened a few minutes ago was clear and she understood how it tied to Kuenzi's behavior.
Kuenzi kissed her on the cheek and fell in the grass. Putting his head on his paws, he began weeping. Tasa laid down beside him and wondered what to do. She had seen him cry in the past. The first time was when his parents died. Now he was crying out of shock and pain.
Tasa carefully moved closer and gently put her head down on his white forelegs. Still feeling numb, almost paralyzed, but comforted by his mate's presence, Kuenzi placed his head on her shoulders and smiled weakly.
Soon they both fell asleep in the peace of the day and the shade of the tree beside the waterhole. He needed her now more than ever.
While these events were happening, the hunting party had already left. Uchaji and Hawa were still at Pride Rock, sitting outside the den.
Hawa had told Uchaji what Haya had said earlier and the prince was still in shock. He got up from his spot and began pacing again, muttering angrily but it was loud enough that Hawa could hear. "I knew it! Onea did have something to do with this! When I see her I swear I'm gonna…"
Hawa interrupted him. "Uchaji, I think this falls under Kuenzi and Tasa's jurisdiction," she stated calmly.
Uchaji looked back at her, knowing she was right. He sighed. "I know, but it's so unbelievable."
"I agree with you. When I looked at Onea before giving the signal, I knew something was going to happen but I never imagined something like this!"
"Me neither. I don't think any of us did." Uchaji looked from his spot and saw the hunting party returning with a good catch. "The party's back." He turned to Hawa. "I'm going to go into the cave and check on Haya."
Hawa nodded her head and ran down to help her pride mates.
Uchaji entered the cave and walked to the back. He gently brushed Haya's forehead.
The young lioness woke, opening her hazel eyes to see the prince staring at her. "Hi Uchaji," she said.
Uchaji smiled warmly. "How are you feeling? Any pain?"
Haya thought for a moment. "I don't feel any, but that doesn't mean it isn't there. I feel okay partly." She smiled sheepishly, "I took a good hit didn't I?"
"Yeah you did. Don't worry though, as you can see there's medicine here for your wounds. Daktari left it here for us. He said you should be fine in a few days. It might take you a bit longer to physically recover. He came in earlier and brought you some water. I imagine it's still cold."
"Oh. I'll have to tell him 'thanks'. "
"The party has returned but Kuenzi and Tasa haven't yet," he continued. "Would you like me to bring you some of the kill? I imagine you're hungry."
Haya smiled. "I am."
Uchaji nodded his head. "Ok, be back soon," he said and left the den.
Outside, the pride had gotten their share of the kill. Hawa had a good piece for her and him. Walking up to the kill he stripped a good piece for Haya and took it to her then came back out.
This time, when he came out Kuenzi and Tasa returned but Uchaji noticed that there was something odd about his brother. Uchaji would have to ask later because by the look that Tasa gave him, he knew that whatever happened must not have been something good. "Hope they're okay," he thought.
The pride ate in silence; everyone had his or her own thoughts. Tasa and Kuenzi hardly ate, as what they went through earlier was still fresh in their minds. Hawa and Uchaji were worried but they knew now was not the time to ask questions.
"I hope they're okay," Hawa prayed as she and Uchaji turned for the night.
"Me too," Uchaji replied.
Kuenzi and Tasa hopped up to their sleeping area. Kuenzi laid down in his usual spot with Tasa at his right side. They laid in the near same position as they did by the waterhole earlier. Neither knew how long they had stayed but it didn't matter.
Kuenzi wrapped his arm around Tasa and she snuggled up to him, purring rhythmically to calm his fear and nerves.
He loved it when she purred. It made him feel at peace with himself and with others, but Onea's words still echoed in his mind. " 'Present?' " Whatever that meant, he did not want to find out anytime soon.
He just wanted to sleep with Tasa near him and wake up the next morning, knowing she was still there.
