Chapter 9

Disclaimer: I do not own the Lion King or any of its characters.

I do not own the following characters but have prior permission from the author, Nala-Nay to use them:

Hasani

Hiassen

The characters I do own are as follows (For now):

Kali (Fierce)

Usafi (Purity)

Kusudi (Purpose)

Ufisa (Variation of Ufisadi which means Mischief)

Chaka (Thicket)

ENJOY!

Zira Makes Her Move

The events of last night were still echoing through Kali's mind today as he, Usafi and Nala were coming back today from their hunt. Today, they and Naanda had brought back a Zebra foal. Simba had not joined todays hunt because Uncle Scar had taken him to reveal a surprise that their father had for Simba. As he watched the lion and cub depart, Kali was overcome with a uneasy feeling that was telling him he should keep Simba here. Why would Uncle Scar want to show Simba something? He has never liked Simba before, so why start now? he wondered.

"Hey Auntie?" Kali asked

"Yes Kali?" Naanda replied

"Why do you think Uncle Scar took Simba out today?"

Why do you ask?"

"It is just that he has always shown more interest in me than in Simba. If anything he barely talks to Simba. I am just curious as to why he would change today."

"Do I sense a bit of jealousy in my normally accepting nephew?"

NO! I am not jealous. Merely curious about it."

"Well I think it might have to do with what happened last night."

He pondered his Aunt's statement in his mind carefully. Maybe Uncle Scar was starting to warm up to Simba after hearing what had almost happened to him in the Elephant Graveyard last night. Kali then turned and refocused on Fisa and Kusudi, whom were now running towards them in hopes of getting a portion of the kill.

"Thanks Aunt Naanda. I won't let it worry me."

"Good!" She said and then turned to the cave and left Kali to watch Kusudi and Fisa.

Today Kali and Usafi decided that they would stay close to Pride Rock, as they had quite enough excitement with the hyenas. Kali wanted to spend as much time with his two adopted cousins as he could, as yesterday he was almost taken from them because of that trick that Hiassen had pulled. Both of them gave the little liar a grilling, and told him that if he ever tried that again, there would be serious consequences. Kusudi and Fisa bounded past him with speed that surpassed his, and began to feast on the foal. He smiled as he watched them eat and sat himself down and continued watching.

Meanwhile, Nala and Usafi went in the direction of their mother, who was currently lounging on a rock. She appeared to be conversing with Sarabi and Zira. When Usafi saw Zira, she immediately bounded forward to the lioness with excitement. As soon as she arrived, the three adults had finished their conversation, who were now looking at her with smug smiles. Nala ran immediately to her mother when she spotted Zira. Nala did not share Usafi's feelings about the lioness with a stripe flowing down her back, as she always got an uneasy feeling in her gut when she was in her presence.
"HI Zira." Usafi said and nuzzle Zira.

"Hello, Usafi. We were hoping we would see you soon." She spoke with a playful tone and returned the nuzzle.

"Huh? Why is that?" The pink lioness inquired. She still had a strange connection to Zira, that she could not explain, and had come treat to her as an aunt of sorts. She then turned to her mother who merely smiled.

Zira then spoke up with a playful tone, "I had just finished discussing with yours and Kali's mothers about giving Nala, watch duties over the cheetah cubs, so that you can have a little time alone with Kali." At first Usafi had a hesitant expression about leaving, but this quickly turned to joy with the thought of spending time with her Shujaa. She then asked.

" I was planning on spending all day with them, do you think they'll be disappointed?"

"Do not worry. Those two will be safe during your absence." Nala ensured her

"You should go and take this opportunity to act like the young cubs that you two are." Zira replied, all the while continuing to smiling.

"OK! I will go let them know what is going on. I will be right back. Oh, and Mom, I want you to give you to give me the most strenuous bath you have ever given me. I want my pelt to be shimmering before I go enjoy whatever he will have planned. I think we will go to Acacia Grove in case you get worried." She replied happily.

"Kings Above. The bathtime baby Usafi is actually asking for a bath. Is this a dream?" Nala teased.

"Oh. So says Ms. Sweet Talker who said it was her who came up with the idea to get rid of Zazu yesterday." Usafi countered

"Is that so?" Sarafina inquired.

"Yes it is Mom. Nala told me on the way back."

"Well then me and Nala will have a serious talk once you get done with your bath."

"Ok. Well I am going to go tell Kali the news about what is going on. Bye"

The three adults nodded in agreement, and then she turned around and backtracked to her lover and spotted, trouble-making sibling and friend.

"I guess you were right Zira." Sarabi said with a chuckle.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Zira began to get up to depart and said. "I told you she would jump at the idea. They will have a wonderful time together." The other two females simply nodded and she turned and began to walk in the direction behind Pride Rock.

"Why do you think Zira was so willing to suggest that?" Sarafina inquired to Sarabi.

"You know how much she cares for Usafi. She obviously wanted to do her part in giving her a good life."

"I guess your right, Mirage(Sarabi)"

Once she was out of sight, she went into a nearby dark cave where three silent figures waited for her. "You heard everything; you know where you have to go and what you have to do. Right?" she addressed to the three females who all nodded. They left the cave and headed sneakily towards Acacia Grove to carry out their dark deed.

"Do not forget to bring back something of Kali's. I want to make sure you do not go back on your word."

"Don't worry Zira. The deed will be done and you and Scar shall rule."

As she watched them sneak away, Zira's thought began to grow dark with the thoughts of a mauled Kali lying dead somewhere in the savanna. The thought made her shudder with anticipation.

Usafi had just returned to Kali as Kusudi and Ufisa had their fill. She approached him and when she looked into his eyes and froze. He was looking at her with loving and inquisitive expression. What? How could he know? We were easily a good several strides out of ear shot. There is no possible way he could know.

He then smiled and said,"Yes, Ajabu. I know about yours and the ladies little plan for us. I could not help but listen in, especially when you shouted those last few parts about your bath and Acacia Grove. I think we should go along with it." He then got a smirk on his face and went forward to her and nuzzled her.

He turned to Fisa and Kusudi and spoke up, "Hey guys! Usafi and I are going to go out for a little while by ourselves. While we are gone we want you to behave and listen to your Sarabi, Sarafina and Nala. Ok?"

Both cubs nodded in agreement. Kali then gave both of them a hug to thank them for understanding. He then turned to Usafi and let her know with a few gestures of his head to take her time, and that he would be waiting at their favorite spot in the Groves for her. She nodded and turned back towards the direction of her mother, with Kusudi and Ufisa trailing shortly behind her.

"Oh, Usafi."

"Yes Kali?"

"You should make sure Sarafina gets that silly patch of dirt on your back when she bathes you."

"Kali. Run now before I give you a black patch on your eye." She said with a glare.

"I was kidding." He then ran off laughing happily.

Kali happily bounded off to Acacia Grove. Little did he know that hidden in the tall grass were three figures that had been watching him and were following him to the same destination.

They all contained the same thought in their minds: the prince must die!

Author: So Usafi and Kali are going to be spending time together or are they. What could these figures be planning in order to kill the young prince? What exactly are these three ominous figures? Will Kali survive?

Swahili:

Giza kwa mara nyingine tena majaribio sanda mwanga ambao ni upendo.

Je upendo kuwa na uwezo wa uangaze kupitia kama daima gani?

Au giza kuweza kupatwa kabisa mwanga wa upendo na joto?

Translation:

Darkness once again attempts to shroud the light that is love.

Would love to be able to shine through as it always does?

Or dark to completely eclipse the light of love and warmth?