[•]

I know I took the path that you would never want for me,
I know I let you down, didn't I?
So many sleepless nights where you were waiting up on me
Well, I'm just a slave unto the night.
Now remember when I told you, "that's the last you'll see of me"?
Remember when I broke you down to tears?
I know I took the path that you would never want for me,
I gave you hell through all the years.
—Imagine Dragons, "I Bet My Life"

When Janga was a cub, she would always fantasize about leaving the barren place she called home in search of somewhere lush and abundant. Much like its ruler at the time, the Pride Lands had only shown her indifference or cruelty. She sometimes asked her mother why the pride chose to stay and endure such decrepit living conditions; the answer Sarabi gave was simple: "It's all we have."

But Janga didn't believe that, and it was not until much later that she realized Sarabi never did either. Mother...you did everything you could to protect and take care of me, until you couldn't anymore. Do you understand what I'm trying to accomplish out here? Have you thought about me over the years, wondered if I was alive? Did you ever try and find me, or are you better off now with Simba, pretending I never existed?

And you, Nala. Have you forgotten the way we suffered under Scar? Is it easier to pretend those things never happened, as if they'll never happen again once we're gone? In her time away from the Pride Lands, Janga had seen and learned enough to understand two things; the kingdom would lead them to ruin if they did not change their ways—one unfit ruler could tear down everything that came before, Scar had proven that much—and that even at its absolute worst, the Pride Lands could not correct its course without help. And no help had ever come, from the outside world or the heavens above.

Malka became king of his pride before Scar's reign ended, and he did nothing, just like his parents. And Ni...he was too comfortable sitting at Viridian Falls to even notice what was going on. The only ones who had tried to stand up to Scar were the Keepers, and even they weren't above strife or division. Which meant it was up to Janga to bring about the change she wanted to see, even with time and the odds stacked against her. It was why she ended up conspiring with charlatans like Fujo, and why she decided just then that it was time to get moving again.

On Kivuli's advice, Janga had stayed put for two nights at Zira's old hideout, waiting until her wounds were healed enough that they wouldn't reopen. None of the three lions accompanying her voiced any objections about the wait; like her, each of them seemed a bit worse for wear and were clearly thankful for the respite. But everyone seemed ready to go as the afternoon came around, and there were no complaints as they left the Outlands at last.

Their next goal was to find Kopa and bring him to Mount Tempest. Some time ago Janga had sent the tracker Taya ahead to find out which direction Kopa's group were going. As they travelled, a gentle rain began to fall over the Back Lands' sprawling hills, and it was then Janga noticed that the others had been rather withdrawn all afternoon.

She addressed the rugged ash-grey youth. "Kiza."

"Yes, Janga?" Kiza looked up at once.

"How are you feeling?" Janga asked cordially. "Being up and about giving you any pain?"

"I'm fine," Kiza responded. "I wasn't hurt nearly as bad as you were—no offence."

"None taken," she said. "But a collapsed lung is incredibly difficult to treat, especially if it's been punctured. Sajin didn't provide the exact details of your recovery."

"Snowflowers," divulged Sajin, the older russet lion. "We found everlasting snowflowers growing atop the mountains."

"Yes, Kivuli told me that part when she re-examined Kiza's injuries." Janga cocked her head. "I am curious, Sajin...where did this knowledge about treating injuries come from? And if Taya stayed with Kiza as you said, then who accompanied you up the mountains?"

Sajin faltered. "Who...?"

"You said 'we'. Who was with you?" She held his gaze, waiting for an answer.

"A wandering lion found us in the mountains," Saijin admitted. "He assessed Kiza's injuries and offered aid immediately."

"I see. Did you tell this outsider anything about the nature of our presence in the mountains?"

"No," Sajin replied. "He went on his way once Kiza was stable. I told him to stay away from the Pride Lands if he didn't want any trouble."

Janga nodded, satisfied. "Good. We don't need any more outsiders getting in the way. Though I have my suspicions this Kopa isn't an outsider."

"Are you going to kill him?" blurted Kiza suddenly.

Janga did not respond right away. "He killed seven of us in the gorge," she growled. "Two more when he called his friends in the forest to stop Jeraha. Whoever he is, he is actively working against us and I need to know whether or not he's acting alone. I'll decide if I want him dead or alive once I have him."

"Think he knows about Viridian Falls?" Sajin pondered.

"I don't see how he would," Janga said, frowning. "We took Viridian Falls without a single casualty on either side."

"Word was bound to get out," he insisted. "Even if it didn't, what about our invasion of Mount Tempest? We've given Malka every reason to seek help from the Pride Lands."

"I know, Sajin," Janga grunted frustratedly. "We were supposed to reach Pride Rock two nights ago. But Kopa was in close proximity at the most crucial moment—it can't be a coincidence. There's either something at Pride Rock he's after, or..."

The conversation came to an end as the rumbling clouds overhead swelled, causing the sky to darken. The gentle drizzle was quickly replaced by a sudden, heavy volley of drenching rain. Ahead, Taya appeared atop one of the approaching hills. The sandy-furred lioness spotted them and wasted no time in rejoining the group. "Two lions, four others, entering the Mirihi Forest," she reported. "The younger one looks like the lion you were looking for, but I didn't get a good look. I would've gotten closer, but one of their companions in the sky nearly spotted me."

Janga thought about this. "It could be him," she speculated, recalling Jeraha's mishap on the other side of the forest. She briefly wondered how many animal friends Kopa was willing to throw against her, and how many she would be willing to kill. "Who's the other lion?"

Taya hesitated.

"What?" Janga asked.

"Like I said, I didn't get a good look," her subordinate disclaimed. "But I think...I think it might be Sarabi."

Janga's eyes widened, all thoughts of Kopa forgotten. "Show me," she said immediately. If there was even the slightest chance, if Sarabi really had come looking for her...

"And if Kopa is with her?" Taya asked cautiously.

For some reason, she seemed to share Sajin and Kiza's unusual interest in their quarry, something Janga intended to look into later. But already becoming impatient, all she said was, "I'll figure it out. Let's move."

•••

A boom of thunder rolled across the sky, and the rainfall intensified as if in response. What little daylight that remained was diminishing as the storm clouds blotted out the sky in earnest. The Zuberi River had risen considerably, becoming an upheaval of noise and torrential fury.

Not far past the rapids, a bend in the river slowed the current down enough for Fujo to resurface, drawing air between clenched jaws as he held Kopa by the scruff of the neck. He padded vigorously for shore, fighting the Zuberi's pull as it threatened to drag him and his burden closer toward the waterfall. He managed to plant his paws into the shallows, and slowly but surely lifted himself and Kopa onto the riverbank. The kid was still breathing; in fact, he hadn't even fallen unconscious. But the harrowing ride down the rapids had clearly taken a toll on Kopa; he was shaking and muttering incoherently under his breath, and his eyes were glazed and unresponsive.

Fujo spotted the cliff edge—and the waterfall—just up ahead; the current would have picked up speed again, had they been caught in the water for much longer. On the other side of the river, Jeraha and his lions were still prowling about, clearly running out of patience after pursuing him for the past few days. The enemy lions hadn't seen them crawl out, and Fujo decided to take advantage of their limited visibility to haul Kopa away behind the Mirihi Forest's treeline.

He laid the younger lion down once he was certain they were out of sight. "I have to go, kid," Fujo said, even though he wasn't sure Kopa was hearing him. "I only have so much time before Jeraha finds a way across the river, and you're a liability right now. Take your time, you're in the Back Lands—you'll be able to find me. If a dimwit like Jeraha can do it..." The older lion smirked, but it quickly vanished. I know how to stop Janga. And for what it's worth, kid...I'm sorry. It doesn't make it any easier, knowing who you really are now.

With that, Fujo straightened and ran back toward the river. Given everything Fuli had told him before he took her to the Hollow, the Pridelanders had very little information on Janga's forces or even where to find them. He was also more than willing to bet that Simba would be suspicious of her, given the king's personal history with Scar. And lastly, Sarabi was a lioness both resourceful and determined enough to find the meeting point Fujo had given Fuli, one way or another.

Fujo still needed Janga alive and there was no two ways about that. But she possessed a strong advantage over him, namely in the forces she had at her disposal. If I could level the field a bit, then she will need me far more than she does right now. And truth be told, I am certainly getting tired of her capturing my pride members.

The smirk returned to his face, but this time it was one of anticipation. If there is someone I would enjoy inflicting pain upon, Janga, it'd be you.

•••

It was as if night had come early, or so Sarabi thought to herself. Maybe it was the sudden rainstorm that cast an immense shadow over the day, or the fact that they were now deep in the Mirihi Forest, where sunlight seldom reached the forest floor anyway; maybe it was a bit of both. But as she laid by the slumbering forms of the Lion Guard—all of them, even Kion—the old lioness found that she did not mind the darkness at all.

The queen mother was presently studying Kion's features, something she never got tired of doing. In every word he spoke, every tough decision he faced, Sarabi could see both Mufasa's strength and Simba's spirit in him. He had grown into a remarkable young lion, a sure role model for the Lion Guard and everyone else around him. After they reached Fujo's meeting point, Sarabi had offered to take first watch, an idea Kion hadn't been too enthused about. She practically had to beg her grandson to get some rest; he eventually gave in when she insisted that she couldn't sleep, which was true. So there she sat, listening to the sound of the rain spattering against the thick canopy above—and waiting.

Simba had been shocked when he learned about Janga. Sarabi fully understood why, of course, and what had happened between her and Scar was not something even she wanted to speak aloud in extensive detail. There was the matter of sparing Nala from becoming part of Scar's heir obsession—Sarabi had been quite angry upon hearing of Scar's attempt to seduce Nala—and yet the old lioness could not deny that she herself had allowed Scar to use her. He drew me in after Mufasa's death. He told me he was the only one who understood how I felt, and I believed him.

It was all a lie, and when Simba finally forced Scar to confess the truth, Sarabi had felt just as betrayed as her son did. Yet in that moment, as Simba's shame and guilt vanished, Sarabi's had only grown. It would take her son a lifetime to understand her decisions, if ever, but that was something only time would bring. As for Janga, Sarabi intended to show her the peaceful life she had been denied since the moment she was born. It'll be alright, my child. You don't have to fight anymore.

The old lioness could hear movement not far off. She stood up quietly, tuning out the rain and trying to determine if the pawsteps were headed in their direction. Eager as she was to see her daughter again, Sarabi was not naïve and was aware of the danger her lions presented. She cautiously unsheathed her claws; whoever it was, they were alone, and they were definitely coming closer.

Sarabi turned and made to awaken the Lion Guard when she felt a paw on her shoulder. She stopped and saw a black-maned lion standing by her side; he was quicker—and quieter—than she had anticipated. The stranger removed his paw and pressed it against his own mouth wordlessly before gesturing for her to follow him. She hesitated, glancing uncertainly at Kion. Seeing this, the black-maned lion pointed at Fuli, then himself, then pantomimed running with one paw. Slowly, Sarabi nodded to show she understood, and accompanied the newcomer away.

"They won't come to any harm," he assured her quietly, awhile into their trek. "Janga doesn't trust the Lion Guard, which is why you're coming alone. Acting against her can be...dangerous."

"She's not a danger to me," Sarabi responded coolly. "Fujo, I presume?"

"Very good, Your Highness," Fujo smiled. "You're the only chance we have at peace, you know."

"I hope this works then." Sarabi frowned, having had some time to think about the circumstances of their meeting. "If you don't mind me asking, how is it that you're communicating peacefully with Janga? Last I heard, she attacked your pride."

He grimaced. "She did. It's a long story and I don't have time to explain it all. Let's just say I took preemptive measures, bargained with Janga for the lives of my pride."

"In exchange for what?" The old lioness raised an eyebrow.

"Leverage. You see, Sarabi, your daughter attacked my pride because she wants to bring down our kingdoms, something I'm sure you and the Pridelanders would take exception to. And if the stories I've heard about Scar are true, then believe me when I say Janga is every bit as sharp-minded as he is. So I decided the only way to stop her was to ensure she needed me as much as, well..." Fujo trailed off as they stepped into a clearing, but Sarabi understood what he was about to say.

"You need her," she finished. "You traded King Malka's life for theirs. My daughter is hunting him because of you, isn't she?"

"It's a damn sight better than what your 'king' did to his brother," Fujo replied simply, not the least bit fazed by her realization. "Simba's father, your mate...I'm sorry, Sarabi. You didn't deserve it, and you certainly don't deserve this."

Sarabi flinched suddenly as she felt a sudden, stabbing pain; she stared in disbelief at Fujo, who had sunk his claws into her hind leg before drawing away. Without so much as a word, he turned and dashed off, leaving Sarabi to crumple to the ground as her leg gave out from underneath her.

She could hear them now, but it was already too late. In a heartbeat, four lions burst into the clearing, teeth bared and eyes hungry with bloodlust. "Kill the Pridelander," ordered the big tan lion at the front. "He's mine."

Despite the shock and pain, Sarabi's gaze was fixed intently upon the leader as he ran past her. She recognized the dark crimson of his mane and gasped in disbelief. "Jeraha, son of Madai..."

She wasn't sure if he heard her. But the other lions were upon her now, and Sarabi knew she wasn't going anywhere. And if this was how she was going to die, then she intended to go down ferociously.

The old lioness' claws raked one of her attackers across the face, causing him to recoil with a pained howl. The two enemy lionesses moved in at once, and Sarabi winced as she felt them draw blood, struggling to keep their teeth and claws at bay. She couldn't move from where she was crouched, leaving her vulnerable to their flanking attacks. Her energy was draining as their violent exchange sent blood and fur flying to the forest floor.

The lone male had recovered, and with a fervent roar, he leaped through the air at her. Sarabi watched his trajectory and did the unexpected by bounding forward to meet him. She headbutted the lion hard in the ribs, winding him and sending him flying away. But the sudden movement was enough to send Sarabi off-balance, and as she fell forward she saw one of the enemy lionesses move for her again with teeth bared.

The Queen Mother of Pride Rock closed her eyes as she felt the jaws closed around her throat. There was a flash of pain as a horrific ripping sound was heard. Sarabi fell limply, and this time she knew she was not getting up. She laid there and drew shallow, painful breaths, wondering if Janga hated her after all—if she didn't even want to see her mother again before having her killed. The thought brought tears to Sarabi's eyes, though she squeezed them shut even as her life force ebbed away.

"Mother..." came a hushed whisper.

Through a haze of numbness, Sarabi feebly opened her eyes; she was able to make out four more lions standing in the clearing. But even through her failing vision, she could make out every detail of the brown-furred young lioness that strode toward; in that moment, time stood still as Sarabi found she could not tear her gaze away. The black ear rims, that stubborn tuft, those unyielding orange eyes—My eyes, Sarabi thought, and the tears came forth again.

"Janga...she..." one of the enemy lions could be heard stammering. "Jeraha said...she's a Pridelander..."

Janga's gaze snapped up to the three lions standing over her mother, and her expression was murderous. She moved before anyone could react, and once again Sarabi felt warm liquid spray against her; in the blink of an eye her killers had fallen as well, choking on the blood that poured uncontrollably from their throats.

"Put them out of their misery," said Janga coldly to her lions. "And get out of my sight. I don't want to see any of you until we're back at Mount Tempest."

As Sarabi fought the darkness around the corners of her vision, she saw her daughter come closer, paws damp with dark blood. "Janga..." she gurgled feebly.

Janga crouched down beside her so that they were face-to-face. The younger lioness' eyes were filled with tears as well. "Mother," she uttered, as if she had waited a lifetime to call her that again. "Did you come for me?"

"Who else but you, my daughter?" Sarabi whispered, managing a weak smile. She coughed as blood seeped out from between her clenched teeth. "When I heard you were alive, I had to... I-I missed you so much."

"I missed you too," Janga lamented. Her lions, having completed their gruesome task, did as they were told and discreetly left the clearing. "I should have come back sooner, but...I wanted to make things right."

"You still can," gasped Sarabi. She was fighting to get the words out now, even as her breathing became difficult. "Janga, you can be better than this. You...you're better than he ever was." She reached up to touch her daughter, but did not have the strength to reach her. "Make peace with Simba, child, and...you will make peace with yourself. You...you both deserved better than to...to suffer like this..."

"Mother!" cried Janga again, but now Sarabi could barely hear her. She was dimly aware of her paw falling to her side as her eyes slowly closed again.

Just before the last of her vision faded away, Sarabi saw that the sun came out over the clearing at last. The storm had passed, leaving only the sound of chirping birds in Sarabi's ears as the heaviness pulled her away from the world. The last thing she remembered was the comforting feeling of her daughter's face pressed against her paw.

•••

Outside the clearing, Kopa watched in silence. He had awakened to find himself in the Mirihi Forest, and after finding Fujo's trail nearby, he realized that the black-maned lion must have pulled him out of the river. But as he hastened to catch up, he noticed that Jeraha's lions had already passed by, no doubt resuming their pursuit on the same lion he was looking for. The trail led Kopa to the clearing, where a fight seemed to have broken out. But there was no Fujo, no Jeraha; only Janga, who was weeping as she laid beside one of the four bodies in the clearing.

Given everything Kopa had learned about Janga, he wasn't sure how to feel about what he was seeing. He hadn't expected her to look so...vulnerable. And now that he was getting a closer look at the lioness that was after him, he realized that she was younger than he'd thought. She can't be much older than Tumaini...just who is she?

Janga stood slowly, letting out a shuddering breath and stepping back. It was then that Kopa saw the old lioness' face, and he had to stifle a gasp as a distant memory flashed through his mind. She's from my past. Is she a Pridelander? What's her name?

"Sarabi!" called a muffled voice through the trees, from a long way off. "Where are you? Come back, it's Bunga from the Lion Guard!"

Janga stiffened, peering in the direction the voice had come from. "The Lion Guard..." she hissed. Kopa saw her straighten, and considered intercepting her if she was about to attack the Lion Guard. But to his surprise, she turned tail and dashed in the opposite direction instead, and soon she was lost from sight.

Cautiously, Kopa emerged from hiding; he padded over to the dead lioness named Sarabi and frowned as he tried to make the connection. He nudged her head to one side to get a better look, grimacing as his paws came away with her blood; there was something familiar about her, and though he was certain they had met, he couldn't quite fathom who she really was. He was so preoccupied that he didn't even notice as another lion stepped into the clearing. But Kopa peered up at the sound of a shocked gasp—and froze as they locked gazes.

For a moment, Kopa couldn't understand what he was seeing. The newcomer was a young adult male like him, but the similarities didn't end there; this lion had the same red-brown eyes, the same bright gold fur—save for for the scars over his left eye, the facial features were even identical enough to pass for his own. But it wasn't until the other male turned and saw the bodies around them that Kopa noticed the markings on his shoulder. The lion's head. The sigil of the Lion Guard. And he realized then who he was looking at.

"Who are you?" growled Kion, fixing his gaze on Kopa again. The younger lion's expression was now one of unparalleled rage. "And before I kill you, tell me the truth...why did you do this?"

[Author's Note]
I should warn you, I am going to kill characters with more progressive frequency as we proceed through the series. My returning readers know this, but even then some things will happen differently, unlike Sarabi's death which I'm sure many of you saw coming. It only gets worse from here, so don't go anywhere now xD

...also, there may or may not be a Kopa/Kion fight in the next chapter. Stay tuned.