Eusi Moyo Mhuni

The Lion King and the Black-hearted Traitor

Extra – The Gypsy Princess

Sunlight bounced off of the surface of a tiny puddle that had once been a grand oasis. Trees scattered themselves scarcely across the horizon, and herd animals grazed wherever they could find sufficient amounts of food. Famine had struck the land a long time ago. I remembered the land as it had been as I stood there, watching the waves of heat roll over the dry grassland. I remembered green and many animals and a glistening river running into the oasis. Now, everything was dry. This had been my pride's home since I could remember. And now, it was burnt away by the merciless sun, left a mere skeleton of its former self.

"Are you ready to go, Kyfora?" I turned and looked at my closest friend, Imani. Her eyes had sunk into her head and her skin seemed to sag on her skinny body. We all looked desperate now. I looked over the land that we had loved and lost and I bowed my head in a last farewell, my heart filled with mourning.

"Yes," I said at last. "I am ready."

The desert was as terrible as our pride lands had become. The eastern lands had fallen to the drought, and many animals were migrating to other territories. We knew that other lions had claim to the Northern and Southern lands, but we hoped for a miracle. My father, King Njaa, was growing old and frail. I knew that his sickly constitution would not survive long in the desert. Imani spoke less and less often as the days progressed and signs of her recent pregnancy began showing. Her mate, Muhimu, had died in a sandstorm a few days ago. I could see the grief in her eyes, and I willed her to keep going. I spoke to her often, even though she never returned my words. I worried over her more than I should have, perhaps. She was strong. She could take care of herself. As we crossed the furthermost border of the eastern lands – my father's old territory – I had the feeling that we were all rouges now, wandering like a pack of homeless hyenas for all the other lion Prides would care. As I stared out at the horizon, I heard something behind me. I turned and saw that one of our elder lions, Takcha, had collapsed.

"It's too late," Takcha's son, Meeto, said gravely.

"Kyfora, what do we do?" A lioness called Kala asked, her eyes wide with fear. I looked at my father and saw that he was staring into the desert, his gaze distant as he muttered unintelligible sentences under his breath. I sighed and bowed my head. There were so few of us left now. There had been nearly twenty four before. Now there were only seven. The cubs had died. With Takcha's death, our elders were gone as well. Now it was just my father and the young lions and lionesses. My stomach felt as if it had been empty for moons. I turned my face to the North.

"The Northern Pride is known for its luscious territory," I said finally. "We will make our way there."

"And what if they don't accept us?" Meeto asked. I sighed.

"Then we should give up hope," I responded bleakly. My companions eyed each other, looking stricken by my words. All expect Imani. My best friend stared like my father did, drowning in grief and pain. I wished I could reach out to her and comfort her the way she'd comforted me a thousand times. But we had to keep going. We had to get her water and food, or her cubs would die. The days passed painfully, and we were all aware of my father's fading consciousness. I tried to keep him from wandering at night, but it was only a matter of time. I awoke one morning to find him gone. There was no trace. I never saw him again. I led the remaining five of my pride towards the North. Starvation claimed the lives of Meeto and his sister Myfri. Only Imani, Kala, and a lion called Tsuro remained at my side through the harsh journey. It was our small group, all that was left of our once noble pride, that arrived on the border of the Northland. We'd lived so long without food or water, we weren't sure if the green vision before us was a mirage or the real thing. I felt my throat thicken with grief over my fallen comrades, mixed with relief for the ones that remained. Imani was quiet as we drank from a pool and feasted from the carcass of a small antelope. I knew she was uneasy. I was, too. It would only be a matter of time before the Northern lions caught our small group. They were known for their ferocity, and I had no doubt we'd find ourselves in a tough situation.

"Imani? You must eat. For your cubs." I said, nudging my friend gently. She obeyed me, her gaze still distant and distracted. She looked so painfully skinny, even though her cubs made her the thickest of all of us.

"Who are you?" I turned and saw a single lion standing near a group of trees, his eyes wide with surprise. He was handsome, with grey fur and bright green eyes. She'd never seen a lion like him before. The moment their eyes met, she felt something she'd never imagined before. She saw his eyes stretch open further, heard his soft intake of breath.

"We don't mean any harm," I said, bowing my head. Looking at his well-muscled body, I doubted four starved lions could be much of a threat anyway. "We are from the eastern pride. My name is Princess Kyfora. A famine left our land in ruin. We are all that is left of our pride." I said, gravely looking over the three lions with me. Imani met my gaze for a moment and then looked away.

"King Njaa…?"

"He… he's gone." I murmured. Had my father wandered off to die? That seemed the only plausible explanation.

"I see," the grey lion said, bowing his head with an expression of grief on his face. This surprised me. He looked up and met my gaze, studying me for a moment before he turned.

"Follow me," he said, motioning with his tail. I did as he asked, not wanting to cause trouble. Kala and Tsuro followed immediately. I looked back and saw Imani staring down into the water. I walked back for her and guided her after the other two, who had paused to wait for us. I felt my nerves fraying as we walked into the Northerner's camp. We were met by King Tai and his Queen, Kimya. I felt strange around all these potential enemies. I could see that my companions were nervous, as well. I hoped to reassure them by showing confidence that I certainly didn't feel. I stepped up to the King and Queen, dipping my head.

"Our son tells us that you are all that is left of King Njaa's pride." Queen Kimya said gravely.

"That is correct, Queen," I said.

"You and your companions look weary. You must rest and gain your strength. You are welcome here for as long as you decide to stay." King Tai murmured, his gaze roving over me and my friends.

"Thank you, King Tai," I said, bowing my head. I wondered why they were being so generous to us, but I decided it was best not to ask. We were showed into a warm, dry cave where we gathered grass and leaves for comfortable nests. I made sure that Imani was settled in before I began shaping mine.

"Kyfora…" Imani said wearily. I turned and looked at her curiously.

"What is it?" I asked, glad that she was speaking again. But I was still scared by the distant look in her eyes, the way she didn't look at me when she spoke.

"I think you've found someplace good." She said, and then she closed her eyes and fell asleep.

The grey lion that had found us had turned out to be Prince Jabali. He was quiet and shy, often overshadowed by his stern father and gracious, regal mother. I found myself drawn to his quiet personality, and I tried to spend time with him during hunts without making him think I was interested. Even if I secretly was. What right had I to fall in love? I was a wanderer now. My mother had called a small band of rouge lions passing through our territory "gypsies". They'd stayed for a while and then left. That's what we had become. Wanderers. Gypsies.

"Hey, Kyfora!" Jabali's voice cut into my thoughts as I watched Imani staring at her reflection. She'd filled out better in the past few weeks they'd been staying with the Northern pride. Kyfora was glad that she seemed healthier. But her spirits hadn't improved at all. Kala and Tsuro seemed to fit in so well. I wished I could feel so at home. But then, I had been a princess once. Now, I was just another face.

"Hello, Jabali. Is something wrong?" I asked, curious as to why he was addressing me. He usually just sat off a ways and watched. He was the shy type, so we rarely spoke. I was glad he was speaking to me, though, even if it made me a bit fidgety.

"N-no, nothing. I just wanted to… to ask you if you wanted to take a walk with me."

"It's almost sunset." I informed him.

"Yeah, b-but there's just… um… something I want to show you." He stammered nervously. I met his gaze, so timid and hopeful, and couldn't refuse him. Jabali led me past the pond we'd met at, up into the hills. He brought me out on some cliffs and sat down there, motioning towards the horizon with a sweep of his tail.

"Isn't it beautiful?" It was. The sunset looked glorious, spreading out across the horizon like wisps of mane drifting in the wind, streaking the sky with red and purple and pink hues. I felt my eyes prick at the sight and I tried not to look upset.

"What's wrong? I thought you would like it. You've… well, you always seem so down… I just wanted…" Jabali frowned, looking distressed.

"No, it's not the sunset," I murmured. "It's just so beautiful. I wish I could think of this as home, everything and everyone here. But I can't. I don't belong anymore." I sighed.

"You could belong," Jabali murmured. I turned and looked at him, seeing his eyes settling on me steadily.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"You could belong here. With the pride. With your friends. With me." I looked into his eyes and felt my heart stutter in my chest painfully. Was this right, these feelings that I had for him? Maybe moving on wasn't a bad thing. I thought of my father's muttering in the desert. I remembered the way he'd looked out at the horizon as he said "a little longer… only a little longer". Maybe it would only be a little bit longer… before I could belong somewhere again. Jabali looked down at his paws and shrugged his shoulders uncomfortably.

"I mean," he stuttered, "If you want to. We can't make you stay." I smiled at him and wished I could tell him what it meant to me to hear he wanted me to stay with him. But I couldn't say anything yet. It wasn't time. Just a little longer.

"I'll have to talk with my pride-mates." I said. He looked up at me hopefully and I couldn't help but smile. Did I really mean something to this handsome, kind lion? It seemed too good to be true. I longed to reaffirm my feelings, to ask him if he wanted me to stay merely as a friend or something more.

"Of course," he said with a sigh. We sat beside each other, a comfortable warmth radiating between us. I didn't feel as uncomfortable as I had before. The stars were speckling the horizon, filling the sky with beautiful patterns of light.

"They're so beautiful…" I murmured.

"Yeah… Beautiful…" I glanced out of the corner of my eye at Jabali. He was looking at me steadily, his expression wistful. I stood slowly, wishing I didn't feel so reluctant to leave this place.

"We'd better get back." I said. He nodded, following me down the canyons and back into the woods. The silence that rested between us was tenser than it ever had been before. I'd always found the quiet we shared companionable before, but now I just wanted to find something to say, some irrelevant thing to talk about. We finally made it back to camp, finding ourselves immersed in the soft hum of pride-mates preparing for the night's rest. I turned to Jabali, hoping to say good night in a casual manner, as I always had before. But the look in his eyes stopped me. They made me think of the empty feeling I had in my stomach as I thought of spending this night alone, without him. Oh, why had I fallen in love with him? It was so painful. It hurt just to breathe around him. And now, with those eyes fixed on me, I didn't know what to do. I turned away quickly, walking to my cave without a glance back. I took a deep breath as the cool shade of my familiar resting place washed over me. Kala was asleep beside Tsuro, who remained awake. He looked up at me upon my entrance and stood slowly, careful not to disturb the lioness he rested by. He took a few steps towards me and then hesitated.

"Is something wrong, Tsuro?" I asked.

"N-no…" Tsuro frowned, looking from me to Kala and then back again. "I just wanted to talk to you… about… staying here." My eyes widened.

"Tsuro, I-"

"Before you say anything, hear me out. I… I really love Kala, Princess. I know that it is a bad time to put everything that has happened behind us, and I know that you are restless here, but… Please. Maybe it's selfish of me, but I want to stay here and raise a family with Kala, where you and Imani and Imani's cubs can remain and teach of our old pride." His eyes pleaded with me, and I felt drawn to his ideals. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Imani and Kala and I could sit and watch our cubs playing together? Tsuro and Jabali would stand beside us, looking so proud.

"He's right," a soft voice said. I turned and saw Imani sitting beside the wall, her face drawn and sad. "We can't wander any longer. King Tai would have us. You want to stay." She looked up at me, and I felt my gut clench as I saw the grief and weariness in my friend's eyes. Why did it have to be Imani? Why did her spirit have to be crushed so? She'd always been so strong. I'd admired her all my life for her good nature and energy. Now she looked like a shadow of her former self, all bones and sagging flesh on a swollen body. This was not how an expecting mother should look like. The listless eyes that stared at me were not those of my best friend.

"And what of you, Imani?" I asked quietly.

"I will live out my days here." She replied in almost a whisper. She looked at me steadily.

"Your father told me something before he left us." She murmured. I froze, unable to look away from Imani's face, yet horrified with the darkness that I saw in the depths of her eyes.

"He told me that though our generation will be swallowed like stars by the dawn, another will come. They will come, the children of your children, those touched by fate, and they will bring disaster upon us all." With a heavy sigh, Imani closed her eyes and fell asleep within moments, leaving me staring at her with my mouth hanging open, my expression one of absolute terror.

I dreamt of blood. It was everywhere, bathing me in its crimson depths. I struggled to emerge, wishing to find something to hold onto, something to keep me from drowning. I saw thin red eyes staring out at me, scars running down a careworn face. What was happening? Was this a vision of the future? Then I saw them. I could not count their numbers, but they stared at me like phantoms focused on something within my soul, hidden by darkness and thorns. I longed to run away, to escape, but the blood was swelling around me again and it swept me off of my paws, flinging me into its foul wake, striking me hard enough to leave me breathless…

"Princess! Princess Kyfora!" I started awake, feeling a paw prodding my side. I still smelt blood in the air, and I heard the sound of soft moaning nearby. I leapt to my paws, instantly on the alert. Tsuro was standing beside me, his eyes wide with dismay. My gaze followed the sounds that filled the cave, and I saw the blood on the ground, and Kala bent over Imani. I pushed past Tsuro, walking to my best friend's side. She had her eyes closed, but I could see the tension in her face and knew she was awake and struggling.

"Are the cubs...?" I turned to Kala, who nodded, her expression blank. I could hear sounds from outside – the camp knew what was transpiring. I could hear King Tai's voice, calling for one of the Healers. I looked down into Imani's face, wishing I could help her, take some of her pain. The labor was long and intense. Near the end, I could see that the Healer – Khanan – looked grim. I looked down at the blood, the pained expression on my friend's face, and I closed my eyes tightly, wishing I could just freeze this moment before everything went wrong. And I could sense that it would. I could taste the impending doom as I had tasted the blood in my dream.

"Kyfora…" I looked down at Imani. She stared up at me with a sad expression on her face.

"Yes, friend?" I asked softly.

"Don't disregard your feelings anymore. Live. Move on with your life. Don't end up like me, stuck in the past. And take care of her. Please." Imani closed her eyes and cried out as the last contraction chorused through her body. I watched as Khalan took a small wet bundle into his hands and began to clean it. Imani looked up and smiled sadly.

"It's a little girl, right? Just like I dreamed." She breathed. Khalan nodded and held out the little cub for her mother to see. Tears filled Imani's eyes as she laid her head back, staring from the corner of her eyes at her child.

"Peigna… That's what I want her to be called." She whispered, and then she closed her eyes and gave one last sigh. I bit back a sob of grief as Imani passed on, leaving me, her cub, and what was left of our old pride and the members of our new one behind.

"Don't worry," I murmured to her as I looked at her peaceful, smiling face, "I won't disregard my feelings anymore. I'll live. For you. And for little Peigna. I'll live." I whispered, and then I bowed my head and I wept.

The months passed by happily, though the loss of Imani haunted all of our thoughts. I wished I could have told her how much she meant to me. I hoped she knew it, there at the last. I wanted to know she was comforted in her last moments. Her words rang through my head – from my father's prophecy of doom to the message of hope her hopeless lips had given me before her death. And had she regained a little hope at seeing her cub? Peigna was certainly a little bundle of joy. She grew so quickly, and was very intelligent. I was always astounded by her capacity for learning. She was soft spoken, but not weak at all. She reminded me of Imani so much. Jabali stayed by my side, helping me take care of Peigna. I'd already made my decision. But it was hard to find the words. I stood one day, watching Peigna play with one of the pride cubs, when King Tai approached me.

"You seem happier nowadays," he said, sitting beside me. I turned and smiled at him.

"Peigna reminds me so much of her mother. I suppose it's nice to have her around."

"You have been as good a mother to her as Imani would have been." King Tai said, looking past me at the little cub. I turned and sighed, wishing I could voice my thoughts.

"What's troubling you, Princess Kyfora?" He asked.

"It's been so hard to decide on what to say," I murmured. I turned and opened my mouth, but he cut me off, smiling slyly.

"You wish to stay here."

"How did you know?" I asked, stunned.

"I can see the way you love this place, and this pride, as much as any of us Northern-born. And perhaps I want it to be true. My son favors you so much." King Tai smiled at me fondly.

"Does he?" I asked absentmindedly.

"Yes. I have thought lately that it is time for him to find a partner. I would ask you to fulfill this duty, Kyfora. You are of royal blood, and are beautiful and kind and intelligent. I could ask for no greater bride than yourself for my son." I stared at him, baffled. I'd taken so long to find the words and here King Tai had spoken them without so much as a thought.

"Will you accept?" He asked hopefully.

"Yes," I said without a second thought. "If Jabali will agree."

"I think the prince will be pleased at the arrangement." King Tai smirked. He said goodbye to me and walked off. I sat, stunned for a minute, and then I got to my paws, suddenly feeling that I needed to be alone. I approached Kala and asked her if she'd watch Peigna. She agreed, standing clumsily with her sides sticking out slightly, showing her expectancy. Tsuro, the ever protective father, had been practically forced out of the camp that morning by King Tai. He was so proud, but sometimes his behavior made me want to laugh. Perhaps I just didn't understand a father's feelings for his first offspring's birth.

I took my time making my way to the lookout place Jabali had shown me all those months ago. I sat staring out at the sunset again, wishing I could name the feeling of loneliness inside my heart. I'd spent so long wrapped up in the cares of others, I no longer could really evaluate my own feelings, and it was a frustrating dilemma. I sighed, looking up into the red-emblazoned sky wishing I could find my answers in the faint traces of stars that were flickering to life there.

"I thought I might find you here." I turned around and saw Jabali standing behind me. He looked a bit angry for some reason I couldn't fathom. He sat down beside me, his whole body stiff.

"Jabali? Is something wrong?" I asked.

"You said yes." He murmured. I blinked.

"To what?"

"I've been spending all this time thinking there was no way… and then all of the sudden my father asks you and you say yes."

"Do you mean about becoming your partner?" I asked quietly. He started, looking at me as if I'd woken him from some deep sleep. His eyes filled with pain.

"I don't want you to feel obligated to do anything." He sighed.

"Who said I felt obligated?" I challenged. He frowned.

"But, I…"

"You think I didn't just agree because I've been trying to find a way to ask you for months?"

"Months?"

"Ever since Imani told me to stop disregarding my feelings. I've been trying to figure out how to ask you if you feel the same way I feel about you. After suffering the way I did and losing so many of my friends, I'd never imagined feeling anything as strong as love again… But then I met you, and you opened my heart. I love you, Jabali. I always will." I looked into his eyes and was gratified to see my love reflected in their depths. He opened his mouth but words seemed to have failed him. He bowed his head and touched his forehead to mine, smiling as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"I've loved you for so long. I'd almost given up hope. I've dreamed of you so many times… I love you with every part of me. I'm yours, Kyfora." He whispered.

"And I am yours," I replied. We looked into each other's eyes and I suddenly felt as if the moment we became partners could not come soon enough. As if sensing my feelings, Jabali leaned closer to me and whispered in my ear;

"Let's go somewhere tonight…"

"I can't," I sighed. "Peigna will worry."

"Then for a little while?" He asked.

"Where?" I looked up at him and felt my heartbeat stutter in my chest. I loved him so much. Every bit of me wanted to be with him, to feel him close to me. I could see in his eyes that my desire was shared.

"There's a small cave… it's not far away." He brushed his muzzle against my neck, and I shivered as his scent filled my nose. I looked out at the sunset and closed my eyes, taking a deep breath.

"Ok," I said quietly. "Let's go."

I returned to the camp alongside my partner, feeling reluctant to part from him. But I knew it had to be, and as I turned to say goodnight our eyes met and we shared our secret moments together again, feeling each other's warmth one last time as thoughts of our partnering filled our heads. I touched his nose with mine and smiled.

"Good night," I whispered. He smiled sadly and then watched me return to my cave. Peigna looked up and squealed with happiness, pouncing on me as soon as I was close by. I saw Kala watching me and tried not to feel uncomfortable. She was perceptive, and I'd rather not explain exactly what Jabali and I were doing together. But thankfully she was silent as I curled up beside Peigna and fell asleep, feeling cold and lonely even with Imani's cub tucked into the curve of my belly.

The morning greeted me warmly, reminding me of the promise of another day, more moments to share with Jabali. King Tai met me outside my cave and told me that Jabali was pleased with the arrangement, though he'd seemed a bit reluctant at first.

"I think he was miffed I beat him to the punch." King Tai said teasingly. Queen Kimya sat beside Peigna, talking to the little cub animatedly – probably telling a story of her wild youth in the western pride lands.

"I will announce your partnership this afternoon, if you'd like," King Tai suggested. "Or is that too soon?"

"No," I said quickly, and then flushed. He chuckled.

"Ah, no fear, child. I know how it is to be young and in love. My Queen and I are so happy for you both." He smiled genuinely and I returned the gesture. I saw Jabali standing nearby, watching me. I turned back to King Tai and looked up at him hopefully.

"Go on," he said, grinning. I nodded and said goodbye, rushing to my mate's side. I touched noses with him tenderly, feeling warm and loved again at his side.

"I missed you." He murmured.

"I missed you, too," I replied softly. He smiled and inched closer, his musky scent filling my nostrils and making my stomach churn in anticipation.

"Shall we escape until the afternoon proclamation?" He suggested, his voice low and seductive. I looked at him, wishing I could hold onto reason when I was around him. But all I could do was nod helplessly, giving into my longing to be with him. A huge smile spread across his face, making my heartbeat patter excitedly in my chest. As I left the camp, I had a vague feeling I was forgetting something, but I couldn't remember so I shrugged it off and followed my love back to our cave.

The ceremony for our partnering was brief and heartfelt. We were to spend our "first" night together in Jabali's cave, much to Peigna's chagrin. I encouraged her that she could stay with Kala.

"But I want to spend time with you." She said, pouting. "You didn't even take me to the pond like you promised today." My heart sank. So that's what I had forgotten.

"I'm sorry, Peigna. Maybe some other time." She sighed and wandered off with Kala, leaving me along with Jabali. He sniffed my shoulder appreciatively and whispered suggestive things in my ear, but I was distracted. I couldn't enjoy our pairings that night like I had the others. I tried not to stir too restlessly as I drifted off to sleep, my body pressed against his with his face just beside mine. I sighed as I stared into his peaceful, sleeping face and wondered what I would do about Peigna.

Time passed again, and little Peigna grew older and more distant. I wished I could bridge the gap between us, but she grew rebellious and scornful. I blamed myself mostly, but Jabali insisted that I'd done nothing wrong. I wished I could believe that, but seeing her so lost and angry pained me. And worst of all, I was still without cubs. It had been so long since our first partnering, I had expected something by now, but time passed, Kala's cubs were born, and I was left with nothing. I longed to find some reasoning behind this, some way to justify it, but I couldn't. I tried not to look for disappointment in Jabali's face. Was I useless as a lioness? Would I produce no heir for him? I wished I could answer. I wish I could be certain that I wouldn't fail my mate, that we could share in the producing of life like any other couple. I grew more and more ashamed of myself as time passed. Queen Kimya died one night of illness, never seeing her grandchildren. Jabali tried to console me, but I felt like a failure.

"You're not a failure, Kyfora," Jabali said gently. "Things are just getting on a bit slowly. Don't worry. We can try again." I looked at him, feeling despair fill my heart.

"What will it change? We'd best face the facts, Jabali. I'm barren." I said sadly. Jabali looked at me and then down at his paws. That one gesture made me feel as if he'd driven his claws into my heart.

"Do you think that would make me love you less?" He looked up, his eyes filled with anger. I started, my eyes widening.

"I…"

"I love you, Kyfora. I don't care if you will never bear my cubs. You bear my love, and that's enough for me." I looked into his eyes and felt my heart melt as it had so many times since I'd met him. I sighed and buried my head into his shoulder.

"Then maybe tonight we can just be together and not worry about anything," I whispered. He smiled and licked my forehead gently.

"I'd like that."

I paced back and forth, staring down at the ground, thinking deeply. Kala looked at me steadily as her cubs, Miska and Laktta, played with Tsuro.

"Are you sure?" Kala asked, tilting her head to one side.

"I think so. Khalan says it's likely." I trembled with nervousness, feeling excited and nervous all at the same time.

"Then you should tell him."

"But what if it's not true? I don't want to disappoint him."

"You won't disappoint him." Kala said confidently.

"Won't disappoint who?" I started at the sound of my mate's voice, turning to see him watching me steadily.

"Kyfora has something to tell you." Kala looked at me and winked, getting up and joining her cubs and partner. I watched for a moment before turning back to Jabali.

"What is it, love?" He asked, nuzzling me gently.

"Well… It's not certain yet, but…"

"Jabali!" Jabali's best friend, Sein, called out to him. Jabali turned and then looked at me with an exasperated expression.

"I'm sorry, Kyfora, I've got to go. Talk to you later?" He licked my ear and then ran off. I felt my heart sink as I watched him go. Maybe later…

Later turned out to be a few weeks later. I knew the signs would begin to show, and he'd be hurt if he saw it and I'd never told him. But I was sure now. There was no reason not to talk to him about it. If I could catch him for a few moments. We were together on the cliff, watching the sunset, and I felt the peace of the moment so deeply I wished I could stay there like that forever. I sighed, and felt my mate stir beside me.

"What's wrong, Kyfora?" He asked gently. "Something's been troubling you lately."

"Well…" I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. "It's… well… I'm expecting your cubs." I said at last, feeling my heart stuttering against my chest. I looked into his face and was delighted by the wonder and pride and love that shone there.

"Oh, Kyfora… is it really true?" He smiled widely and nuzzled my stomach, sighing.

"Yes," I murmured. "It's true. You're going to be a father."

"I love you," Jabali murmured, resting his forehead against mine. I smiled, feeling satisfied and happy and warm with my partner by my side, wishing for nothing and knowing that life was finally growing within me.

"His name is Kahrun." I watched my cub playing with Jabali with a fond smile on my face. I remembered hearing that my grandfather had been a red-eyed lion, and since my son took after him, I made grandfather his namesake. Kahrun was quiet and thoughtful, and he learned quickly. He was good at getting his way, and had his father wrapped around his little paw. I often felt that he preferred Jabali to me for that very reason, but when I told Kala about it she thought that it was a silly notion. I sighed, wishing I could feel more like a proud mother. Kahrun was a bit scrawny, yes, but the birth had gone well and he was healthy. What more could I ask for?

"You were never the type to sit around doing nothing. Perhaps mothering makes you restless?" King Tai had grown old, his fur graying and his eyes gazing into the distance more often than not, as if searching for some hidden meaning there. I smiled up at him, feeling comforted by his wisdom and warm presence. My step-father was one of my closest advocates, and he always seemed to know what I was thinking. It was both a frustrating and an encouraging thing.

"I've wanted a cub for so long. But Kahrun is always off with his father." I sighed.

"Perhaps you merely need another cub for yourself," King Tai said with a sly grin.

"You just want more grandcubs," I chided.

"Yes, but you can't blame me for that. I'm old. I won't be living much longer." King Tai hesitated, looking from me to Kahrun and Jabali.

"In fact," he sighed, "I was thinking of passing on my title to my son within the next few days." My eyes widened as I turned to meet my step-father's stare. King Tai was strong, so why did he wish to change the leadership now? Perhaps he wished to see how his son would rule? It was possible.

"Do you think me too hasty?" King Tai asked.

"You must do as you think best, father. You deserve a rest, for you have served this pride faithfully. But no lion here would not be sad to see you step down." I said honestly. King Tai smiled.

"That was the response I was hoping for, Kyfora. Ah, yes. I do believe that it is time. I hope you and Jabali will not find being rulers too arduous."

Being Queen did prove to be a lot of work, but nothing that I hadn't already gotten used to filling in for the late Queen Kimya. Jabali was so proud to be King, and Kahrun looked up to his father now more than ever. I was content to watch my pride grow and to deepen my love for each and every member. Jabali always made time for me, and loved me as passionately as ever. He often tried to get me away with him to some secret place, and pouted when I told him I had other things to do. But I knew I had to tell him sooner or later, and when I did his eyes seemed to light up with excitement as a new change was announced – another cub on the way. Kahrun was already grown, though still without much of a mane. He looked so much like his father, only with a longer face and he was a bit gangly. But I was proud of him. So proud.

My dreams became disturbed as the months progressed. I saw blood and heard voices raised in anger, blood, drowning, confusion, blood, scars, drowning… It was all painted vividly in my vision, filled with red eyes and gritted teeth and a voice that sounded like Imani's and yet too cold and distant to belong to my best friend whispered "disaster, disaster" again and again. I told Jabali's good friend Sein of my visions, knowing that he was wise and thoughtful. He told me that the reoccurring dreams could be a sign, and that I should look for hidden meaning. It was that night that I felt the pain and I understood. I walked up to Sein the next morning, feeling my stomach churning in apprehension, wishing I could banish all thoughts of what I knew would be coming. I could only keep silent and pray I was wrong.

"Sein, could we talk?" I asked, my voice breaking. Sein blinked and nodded, seeming to understand my urgency. We walked to the nearby pool together, sitting beside the cool water. I stared down at my reflection, feeling as if something were lodged in my throat.

"I had another vision," I said at last. "And… I think I know what it means." I turned and looked into Sein's gaze, and he nodded slowly.

"If something happens to me… promise you'll take care of Basrun?" I asked gently.

"Basrun?" Sein asked, confused.

"I always see my little cub as a golden light in my dreams. He will be a light for our pride, and for others, too. So he will be named Basrun. 'Sun's Child.'" I murmured, looking down at my reflection again, staring into those stress-worn eyes and that hallowed face.

"I swear that I will, Queen," Sein murmured. I looked at him and smiled gently.

"Thank you, Sein. I know I can count on you."

The day came with all the terror and foreboding that my dreams had foretold. A storm raged outside, thrashing the trees and dragging the sands through the air. I stayed tucked in the cave I shared with Jabali, sweat beading my brow and neck as I panted, my mind already beginning to wander.

"Concentrate, Kyfora." Khalan scolded me.

"This is taking longer than it did with Kahrun. Is something wrong?" Jabali asked worriedly. Khalan was silent. I groaned and laid my head back, feeling pain fill my body and loathing it, but knowing that it was necessary to be my little light into the world. My beloved Basrun… he would be here soon.

"Come on, Kyfora. Don't give up." Khalan murmured. I struggled with all my might, thinking of Basrun, of the little glimpses and visions that I had been gifted with. I had seen him grow, seen him learn to love and forgive. I had seen the trials that would follow, and I had told Sein what to pass on to him from those dreams. Now it was time for me to go. I felt the last contraction fade but I was too weak to even raise my head and see Basrun with my own eyes. I closed them, feeling my world slipping away.

"Kyfora? Kyfora, what's wrong? Kyfora!"

"Please, King… She's had a hemorrhage, and… Well, there's too much blood, Jabali. She's already fading…"

"Kyfora…" I heard the voice as if from a distance. I opened my eyes and took one last look at my mate's face.

"May I see him?" I asked faintly. "I want to see him…" Khalan held him up to me. He was so perfect. I looked at his little golden brown body and a smile stretched across my face.

"Basrun… Oh, I love you my little son… More than I can say…" I whispered. I turned to Jabali and smiled.

"And I love you, dearest. I'll wait for you. Promise." I touched my nose to his and then sighed, closing my eyes and finally letting the darkness claim me, hearing my mate's low cries as if from a great distance…

I walked across the dark plains, feeling the fellow spirits around me stir.

"He'll be coming soon," a dark-maned lion said, his eyes emotionless. Beside him, a large golden lion with dark red mane turned to me and smiled.

"You both must be excited." I turned to the lioness beside me and shared a smile.

"Of course," we said in unison. I nudged Mara's shoulder and she flicked my flank with her tail affectionately. We had grown closer in the time we'd spent here, together, with endless days to watch our loved ones and grow in wisdom among the guidance of great Kings and Queens and lions of the past. I had been saddened by my son's betrayal, of course. But a part of me had always understood the truth behind the omen of Kahrun's red eyes, and those in my dream. Mara had been quiet around me at first, but we had grown close watching over those we loved equally.

"Njaa, would you stop pacing?" My mother, Chinsha, asked patiently.

"Really, you're more nervous than I am," King Tai said sarcastically. My father paused and glared at the two, then laughed.

"I suppose you're right." He sighed. Queen Kimya appeared from among the crowd of watchers, her graceful stride bringing her to her place beside her mate. She looked at me and smiled kindly. I returned it, turning my attention to the events below.

"King Basrun," I sighed. "Just like that vision you sent me, halkia." Kimya turned to me and nodded slowly.

"I thought that you needed the proof that your struggles were worth the effort," she said quietly. I looked down at the world far below us and sighed.

"Yes, I did. But I wonder what more encouragement my son will need?"

"Only time will tell," my father said gravely.

"You two worrywarts! Let's just be excited that dear Jabali is coming to be with us at last." Imani stepped up beside me and nuzzled my shoulder. I smiled at her fondly and turned at the sound of many roars. My voice joined those of all lions' ancestors as we greeted our new brother – and my love – to our ranks. He stepped among us, his eyes searching the crowd until they fell upon Mara and I. We both smiled and walked together to meet him, touching his nose with ours alternatively as we greeted him.

"I've missed you both," Jabali sighed sadly.

"We've missed you. But we're all together now." Mara murmured, closing her eyes as she buried her nose in his shoulder. I stayed a little ways off, feeling detached for some reason. Perhaps it was because the hole that my death had created had been filled my Mara. While I was here, watching over them, she was there comforting my old partner. Did I truly have a place at his side anymore? As if he could hear my thoughts, Jabali turned to me and frowned.

"What?" He asked. "I don't see you for all this time and you don't greet me properly? Didn't you say you'd wait for me?" A slow smile spread across my face. I laughed and shook my head, complying and nuzzling his neck with my muzzle. His warmth felt so wonderful to me after being deprived of it for so long.

"I love you," he whispered in my ear.

"And I will love you always." I replied, as the voices of our brethren rose up in cheers and roars of triumph. This was no funeral for the departed. It was a welcoming for a new birth.

And a new beginning.

Author's Note: Thank you for reading muy mucho! If you are feeling a bit curious about what happens in between Kyfora's story and EMM, don't worry – that will be coming up very soon in another special ExTRa ChAPtEr! Wheet! Please tell me what you think of Kyfie's story (my weird nickname… yeah). Do you like her? I do. I don't know if that's obvious or not but I really admire Kyfora. She's so strong. If you didn't figure it out she knew for months that she was going to die in childbirth (or cubbirth… whatevah). Aaah… Writing this has made me happy (yet sad... how does that work?). I find it weird that Kyfora and Mara are so close. Leave it to Kyfie to become friends with her rival! Gek. Have you been catching on to some sequel material? 'Cause I promise you it's in there. Please tell me what you think! I love love love reviews and feedback! Especially about what you thought of the story, the characters, ect. Ramble all you want, I love to hear from you! Thank you very much once again and hope you all enjoyed! Big huggzies for you! :D