Entry 215: "Beginning of the End" (Part 2)
We marched across the large lands past the borders. The pride and I lead the citizens of the Pridelands forward toward our destination. Zazu embraced his freedom to fly and soared below the skies, leading the way once more. I took one moment to look around to see the looks over the animals' faces. I saw vigor, determination, hope, nearly every positive emotion known to all. We were on the same wavelength, regardless of different races. We all believed we had a chance to achieve victory. That was our 'blessing.' That was the power we will use against Vumi.
As we set out toward the Shadowlands, I looked over my shoulder as soon as I heard my name being called. I saw Busara walking faster to catch up to me. "What is it?" I asked.
"I meant every word I said to your brother, but I apologize if I went too far," he replied.
"I appreciate you coming to me to say that, but it's okay. You're entitled to voice your opinion."
"Yeah, but I don't want to cause any more friction between the both of you. That's why Sarafina and I plan to move back to Destiny Rock for a while."
"You don't have to leave for my sake or Taka's."
"It's about time I go back home anyway; that's all."
"Little Zuhura's gonna miss your Kayura."
"Yes, they're very close. Kayura will be fussing about it when I tell her."
"She's your girl," I smiled.
"And your girl is going to bawl her eyes out when Kayura leaves," Busara shot back sharply.
"Yes, maybe you're right," I laughed.
Busara shook his head with a quiet grin. I sighed contentedly as I looked away. That Busara, I just love him. He's like the perfect brother I always wanted. He would be a little brother, as he's younger than I am. I would tease him, and he would snap back at me at times. There were also times when we get into fights. One time, we fought over the last piece of meat after the lionesses' morning hunt, and Sarabi and Sarafina separated us for an extended period until we cooled off. My relationship to him would be the perfect brotherhood. It sounded selfish of me, but I know it's only a dream. Besides, I already have a brother.
Zazu fluttered down onto a boulder to my left. "Sire, I'm certain we're almost there," he informed. I nodded and turned around to all who followed me. I directed my sight towards the elephant leader and nodded to him, telling him to execute the operation now. With that, the elephant leader began to inform the rest of the animal leaders to begin. Busara came to me with the main battalion consisting of 13 of my lionesses following behind him. "It's time. Sarabi, Sarafina, it's up to you two to lead the reserve battalion," I instructed.
"Just leave it to us!" Sarafina exclaimed enthusiastically.
"Good luck to you, every single one of you," Sarabi said, directing her sentence to everyone around her.
I turned back to Zazu and nuzzled under his beak once again. "You best be getting back. It's too dangerous for you," I purred with deep concern.
"I could never abandon you, sire," Zazu replied, shaking his head. "I'm going to stay and fight, despite my fears. I wouldn't call myself your majordomo or your friend if I fly away now. Please let me stay."
"Zazu…"
"Mufasa, come on," Busara said. "We have to go now."
"Right. Very well, Zazu. I did say I would repay for all those times you helped me, so I respect your wish to stay and fight. But, do one last thing for me, not as your king but as your friend…"
I growled for the main battalion to walk on, so Busara and the lionesses started to march off. I smiled to Zazu one last time and finally said, "…Come back home alive." With that, I walked off with the main battalion and prepared to cross the borders of the Shadowlands.
We were in the Shadowlands once again. We found ourselves walking through the same dead land with no trees, no grass, and no living things again. It was nothing but a sandy and rocky platform in a shade of crimson. If we fall, all of Africa will look exactly like this. We couldn't let that happen. I couldn't!
Busara was at my right before he said anything. "So, what are you going to do?" he asked.
"I plan to confront Vumi myself," I replied. "As you all fight the Shadowlanders and possibly the other Diviners, I'll chase after him."
Dziva came up to my left side as soon as she overheard me. "Are you sure about that?" she wondered. "Vumi isn't your ordinary lion."
"Vumi doesn't consider me an ordinary lion either."
They were worried. I couldn't blame them. I was planning to face Vumi, a lion that was strong enough to take down a rhino in one blow. Ru-gal was a pup compared to him. But, I felt I was ready to confront him. I truly understood who I was fighting and what I was fighting for.
Just ahead, Vumi's sand dune was in sight. We were not but 100 yards from it. "There it is," Busara murmured. "Hopefully, everyone is almost set to proceed with the operation." As I stared after the large sand dune, I took a great breath and slowly exhaled in reassurance. "Let's go," I said. Suddenly, after I took one more step, something struck me over the face! I toppled over the sandy floor and shook my head. "Mufasa?!" Busara gasped. I looked up and instantly spotted a paw coming at me. Before I could react, I was sent flying onto my back after impact from the blow. I growled quietly and felt over my face to feel a small bloody cut over my cheek. Busara, Dziva, and the lionesses of the main battalion came to my side in worry. "Mufasa, are you okay?" Dziva purred, licking over my small wound. I still lied on my side, and I looked up to see half of a familiar face. It was Chiruwi of Invisibility.
Chiruwi chuckled gaily as he opposed us with unsheathed claws. I sighed and said to him, "Oh, it's you again."
"Chiruwi," Dziva snarled.
"Dziva, you failed at your end, it theems," he grinned. "We should've known better than to trust you to be rid of Mufasa and his pride. I guess I'll have to finish it mythelf."
I stood up and felt over my wound. But, I wasn't attempting to or even considering fighting back…just yet. Chiruwi chuckled and walked to his right. I couldn't see him anymore since I was looking at his invisible side. "He's gone!" one lioness exclaimed.
"He must be one of those Diviners; I'm sure of it!" another added.
I looked to my left and then to my right. I found no trace of that creepy lion. In seconds, I was struck in my left side! I gasped out, stung by the sharp pain. I staggered away to keep everyone else out of harm's way, and then the invisible Chiruwi swiped across my face several times. But, I took each and every blow he delivered. I stepped back some more to get further away from my pride, but then the invisible lion pawed my right hind leg to throw me off balance. Then, he felt his weight ramming into me and knocking me into the ground. I heard everyone except Busara call out to me. "Mufasa! Get up! Are you all right?! Be careful!" I got back up and shook my head once again. I heard Chiruwi laugh. "You can't thee me, can you? That's why you can never beat me. You never know what I'm gonna do next." I stood my ground, the laughter echoing around. I continued to hear that annoying laughter around me. I stretched out my body with a big yawn and popped the muscles in my claws. "Either you come out of hiding now, or I'm going to hit you…hard," I said, shutting my eyes.
"Who thaid you were going to hit me?" I heard Chiruwi. "Have you forgotten that I am Chiruwi of Invithibility?"
"Invisibility…can be utterly transparent."
As I said that, I reopened my deep red pupils and growled deeply under my breath as I finally unsheathed my claws and stood in the stance of a fighting predator. "I'm looking right at you now, so I'm going to end this quickly!"
I roared and dashed quickly toward the left. I took my right paw and swiped at what seemed to be nothing but air. Actually, I felt my claws racing through Chiruwi's body, and I heard him cry out in pain. I briefly slid over the sandy ground once I landed and turned around toward where I attacked. There, I saw a cut in the background of the Pridelands. Blood seemed through it and dripped to the ground below it. I purred, "That's the first time I saw scenery bleed." I finally saw Chiruwi's visible side again once he looked right at me in disbelief. "But…but how…?" he stammered.
"You didn't think this battle through, did you?" I replied. "We're fighting on a sandy floor, so your pawprints were easy to spot."
I pointed down at the ground Chiruwi and I stood over. We both saw the cluttered painting of our pawprints over the sand. I continued my explanation. "Also, for your trick to work effectively, you must always walk to your right and show me your left, invisible side. That limits the possible number of attacks any lion can have and makes your attacks very predictable. That cut on your side was just to make the fight much simpler. Now, I can see you perfectly: a weak fighter who hides behind his useless powers."
Chiruwi growled in intimidation, "You are not as Vumi described you. You were thuppothed to be much eathier to thscare than this. Argh! No! I will kill you! DIE!!"
Chiruwi ran at me crazily and attempted to strike. I dashed after him, and, as he swung his right claw at me, I ducked under it. Then, I took my right paw and flung it upwards like an uppercut. I struck Chiruwi hard across the face and sent him flying upwards! It was a move similar to what Father did to Vumi before he died. Chiruwi's body circled around in midair quite a few times before he eventually hit the ground behind me. He didn't move after that. The fight was over.
I turned around and approached Chiruwi's motionless body. I was in awe of myself that I managed to defeat a Diviner with such ease. I didn't feel any fear of his abilities and was intimidated by him at all. Everyone was right about me, and I was now aware of it, too. I have changed. Shortly, Busara and the others came to me. "Mufasa, that was amazing. You actually defeated a Diviner," Kigali said.
Another lioness smiled enthusiastically, "That's two Diviners defeated. I think we can really beat them, everyone!"
Suddenly, before I came one inch to him, Chiruwi's body shook, and I heard him groan wearily. He weakly stood back up and gasped when he saw the pride and I in front of him. He backed away with a trembling jaw, scared out of his wit. "I'm…thcared… Life is…thcary…" he stammered. Then, completely mounted with fear, Chiruwi turned to run away! But, suddenly, the half-visible lion stopped in his tracks. We watched as Chiruwi collapsed to the ground, coarsely breathing. The scent of heat came into my nostrils. Suddenly, after Chiruwi shrieked at the top of his lungs, fire blazed from his body! The pride and I jumped back and grimaced in horror as the flames enshrouded the lion's body. Miraculously, Chiruwi stood back on his feet and stared at us as he burned in hellfire. He was looking at me…
My name is Chiruwi. I grew up to be a petty thief, coming from pride to pride only to thteal food because I was too weak to catch my own. I was punished with banishment every time, but one time was different. When I was caught thtealing one day, a thtrict ruler thentenced me to reside in Hell's Gorge, where they thent all their prisoners. I was so weak that the other convicted lions easily took control of me. I was beaten, raped, and thodomized every thingle day for two years. During those years, I found out how thcary life can be. It will always be unfair. There will always be big and throng brutes that always take advantage of little guys like me. I was beaten and left for dead one day…until Vumi found me. I had died and became what I am now: the 2nd Diviner to join Vumi's team. He gave me the reathurance of being reborn as a better perthon and the tender love I would receive afterwards. I would do anything…to ethcape this thcary life…
…Finally, Chiruwi fell, the flames cremating his body. Soon, there was nothing left but his ashes. "He's gone," Busara murmured.
"He failed to defeat Mufasa who stands against Vumi. He said that would happen if we were to fail," Dziva explained. "The powers the Diviners possess are spiritually linked with Vumi. He told us if we ever failed to get you out of his way, we would burn in eternal hellfire."
"You're saying Vumi did this? How cruel," a lioness replied.
"Wait. If Vumi really did this, that means he's nearby!" Busara exclaimed.
Speak of the Devil. As soon as I turned toward the sand dune, the Shadowlanders slowly emerged from it along with a few of the remaining Diviners. We saw them snarl at us as Legba the Trickster stepped forward. "I would say 'welcome back,' but you don't deserve my courtesy," Legba sneered. "Why are you here? Are you here to change your mind?"
A voice roared, "Settle down, Legba! Let me take care of this!"
I looked back toward the dune to see Vumi walk out. But, something was different about him. He was frowning at me with such demonic green pupils. His eyes were full of piercing hate directed towards me. Not a pint of mercy showed in them. I saw them before. He looked exactly like that whenever he was reminded of my mother. But, he never looked at me before with such eyes until now. His opinion of me has apparently changed completely. It was going to be tougher than I thought.
Vumi stood next to Legba and stared after me questionably. "What can you be doing here, Mufasa?" he wondered.
"Hear me, Vumi! I will give you not but one warning!" I declared. "Surrender and condemn your dream of 'purification!'"
"You give me a warning?! I never thought to hear that from you! And what if I don't surrender?!"
"Then, you leave all of us no choice…"
Then, with a deep breath, I roared toward the skies with the main battalion joining me. Our combined roar echoed across the Shadowlands until it eventually died down. Within seconds, several other animal cries replied. In the distance, elephants, zebras, hyenas, wildebeests, rhinos, cheetahs, monkeys, giraffes, and many other citizens of the Pridelands came in all directions around the sand dune, slowly coming into a large circle. Vumi and his pride looked around in astonishment to see every African animal imaginable surrounding them. "What's going on?!" Vumi gasped. "What is the meaning of this?!" I was a bit surprised that he didn't see this coming. He had Brekyirihunuade of Omniscience. According to Dziva, he had the ability to see an event happen before it takes place; he was a mind reader to be exact. He had to have told Vumi that I was here and I defeated Chiruwi, but he apparently didn't say anything about all the other animals and possibly our whole plan. He probably didn't say anything about the pride coming to my rescue before either. Whose side is that elephant really on?
Operation: Circle of Life was going along smoothly. Soon, the circle around the sand dune was complete. There was no escape…and no turning back. Vumi was baffled. "What are all of them doing here?"
"Behold, the brave citizens of the Pridelands!" I roared. "We have all gathered to fight for the lives you seek to destroy! You're not just fighting me and my pride; you're fighting all of us! Together, we will put an end to your madness!"
"You…you're all fools," Vumi murmured in disbelief. "Every single one of you would fight for your trivial lives when I promise you all a better one?"
"I say fight them! I don't give a rat's ass what they're fighting for!" Legba snarled.
"But, there's far too many of them, you idiot!" Mwana of the Rain exclaimed.
"We're the Diviners! It doesn't matter how many they are!"
"Yet both Chiruwi and Dziva still were defeated," Vumi scowled.
Vumi looked back towards me and bared his fangs menacingly. "I have had enough of you. That damned Uru stole Ahadi away from me, and now even you stand against me. You even defeated two of my own, and you seduced one of them into joining your side! Prepare yourself, Mufasa! I will kill you and no one will stand in my way! SOON, I WILL PURIFY THIS UGLY WORLD!!" Legba and Mwana stepped away from Vumi nervously. This new appearance from Vumi was indeed frightening. He never looked so evil than he does now. His fangs were bared, his temper became shorter and shorter, his calm, suave, and seductive character devolved into something more savage and bloodthirsty. But, his ambition was still there, his ambition to purify…and to see me dead. But, I simply shut my eyes and sighed as a cool breeze briefly blew past me. After it died down, I growled, "So be it."
"I will do it, and not even you can stop me," Vumi growled back.
I lifted up my head as Vumi got ready to roar. Simultaneously, we cried, "ATTACK!!" Both Pridelanders and Shadowlanders charged at one another. The final battle has begun.
As Busara led the main battalion into battle, I only desired to oppose Vumi. I ran after them, unsheathing my claws and demonstrating my wet fangs. As Pridelander and Shadowlander fought each other, I leapt over two wrestling lionesses and proceeded to make my way to the sand dune where Vumi was. But, several Shadowlanders came at me relentlessly. I struck a few away with one swipe of my paw, but others leapt on me, digging their fangs into me. I roared and spun around to throw them off me. I slammed one onto the ground in front of me. When one came from behind me, I swiftly kicked them back. I swiped another lioness, sending her crashing into a boulder nearby, and grabbed another that was on my back with my fangs to throw her to another lioness. I continued running toward the dune, fighting off any lioness that got in my way. While they were fighting, the main battalion also tried to guard them away from me. As I ran and briefly fought, I saw the emotions flaring around me. I saw the emptiness in the Shadowlanders; it looked as if they only lived to fight. I saw no remorse or any positive feelings, just a cold, lifeless aura from each of them. But, the Pridelanders showed promise, hope, confidence, anger. Each of my lionesses fought valiantly and literally for their lives, as well as Busara. I hoped everyone would survive; they must. Soon, I made it to the sand dune entrance, but there was no sign of Vumi. He must've gone inside the dune. As I prepared to run in after him, I stopped as soon as Brekyirihunuade stomped out. The old elephant stared solemnly at me as I snarled. "I know; I'm in your way," he said.
"Then, move. If I must attack an elephant, I will," I replied.
"You're serious. You would really attack me."
"Did you have to read my mind to figure that out?"
I stepped forward, but I stopped as soon as Rafiki appeared and held his walking stick in front of me. "Rafiki," I purred.
"Go on ahead. Leave Nuade to me," Rafiki said.
"But…"
Rafiki looked back at me in the most serious way. I never seen him look like that before. It must important to him to face Brekyirihunuade alone if he's looking like this. "Understood." I started to proceed into the dune, but I stopped as soon as I spotted Legba leaping at me savagely. Then, after I turned completely around towards him, the figure of Sarabi appeared and tackled the old lion! Legba fell over the ground hard as Sarabi gracefully landed on it. "Sarabi!" I exclaimed.
"Get going, Mufasa! This is my fight!" she replied.
I nodded and finally ran past Brekyirihunuade to enter the sand dune.
I made it inside the sand dune's center and looked around, trying to follow Vumi's fiery scent. I looked up to the second floor cave shelters and the two pathways to my left and right. Suddenly, the scent disappeared as a strange breeze within the dune blew it away. I looked up and over my shoulder to see Oya flying at me with the essence of wind enshrouding him! He came at me with great speed, but I barely managed to dodge him. As I stood toward him, the wind emanating from this red-furred cheetah calmly twirled around him like a small tornado. The wind even reached out to me and carried the hairs of my mane. Oya snickered, "Somehow, I figured you would beat that weakling, Chiruwi. But, you must be strong to defeat Dziva of Malevolence."
"Oya of the Wind, right?" I replied. "Why do you fight when you know Vumi will kill you once you fail to kill me?"
"Ha! I'm not worried because I will kill you."
Oya crouched down in a battle-ready stance with a wily grin, and the cyclone around him began to intensify. "The wind seems to junction to his emotions," I thought. "I better be careful. If I don't beat him before he gets angry, it could be trouble." With that in mind, I faced Oya with my claws unsheathed. I purred, "Come." Immediately, Oya charged!
In the blink of an eye, Oya was right at me! I leapt backward to barely dodge his attack and went to strike him. I managed to paw him in the face, but Oya managed to land one of his own blows. And the wind surrounding his paw sent me flying to the ground below! I leapt back on my feet and growled. "With my wind aura, it won't be long until your inevitable death," Oya taunted. Ignoring his threat, I ran at Oya and swung at him. But, he dashed to his right side before I touched him. Left in my brief second of weakness, Oya tackled me, and a huge burst of wind pushed me hard into the dune wall. I gradually stood back up and shook my head. Then, Oya pounced over me and pinned me down, his wind adding awesome weight over my body. I struggled to get back up, but I couldn't even lift my own tail. Oya laughed derisively at me, and I watched as he lifted one paw over his head, threatening to end it now. No! I can't lose here, I thought! I won't lose here! For the sake of the lives of the Pridelands, I won't lose! I kept telling myself that. I kept rubbing my objective in my own face to find strength. Clenching my fangs, I slowly and gradually lifted myself an inch from the ground. Then, Oya's wind aura grew stronger and brought me back down on my belly. "Not bad," Oya said. "But, you will die here." I was about to try again, but the weight instantly lifted off me. It was Busara tackling Oya off me! He managed to push the cheetah away, but his wind aura did push him back into the wall. I rose onto my feet and ran to his side. "Busara, are you okay?" Busara easily got back up and shook his head. "Don't tell me you're going to have the same problem with Vumi?"
"A minor setback," I replied.
"Heh! Come on!" Oya taunted arrogantly. "I can take you both at once! That way, I'll show you how powerful I really am!"
Busara snarled and ran after him with me right behind him.
Busara swiped at Oya, but the slippery cheetah easily dodged. But, as he dodged, I attacked him with a swing of my paw. Oya ducked just in time, but I quickly recovered to try and strike him over the head while he was ducking. He leapt away and left me to pound the ground. Busara quickly went on the attack, swiping at the speedy cheetah repetitively to score a hit. I circled around and came to help. Busara and I both attacked Oya with all our power combined. However, the cheetah was extreme quick on his feet; his agility enabled him to dodge both of our attacks. But, I could see that he was having a bit of trouble keeping track of both of us in the same time. There was his weakness, one that proved his threat earlier to be an empty one. So, I pulled away and left Busara to attack Oya by himself. I leapt to the cheetah's side and grabbed his right hind leg, my fangs instantly drawing his blood. Oya roared out, and his wind instantly reacted to his pain. But, I held my ground and managed to swing Oya into the wall. The moment his wind aura touched the wall, it broke through it. I could the lionesses still fighting, along with a few hyenas, cheetahs, and a few monkeys. I even managed to see Sarabi still battling her grandfather, Legba. Busara came to my side and growled quietly. I know. Oya's not defeated yet. The crimson cheetah stood back up in the rocks from the broken wall behind him. He frowned at me and slightly bared his fangs. I twitched. He's not mad, but he's getting frustrated. With one snarl, his tornado expanded two feet wide, and it managed to carry several rocks that surrounded his feet in midair. The rocks were about the size of my head, and they were spinning around inside Oya's tornado. Oya grinned sadistically at me. And as he did, a single rock shot out the tornado and struck me in my head! I staggered backward, refusing to fall over. But, I held my right paw over my forehead, where the rock had hit me. Blood was running down my wound and over my eye. "Mufasa!" Busara cried.
"Now, you will DIE!!" Oya roared.
Oya's tornado of rage threw every rock it collected right at me. It came at me so fast, I was unable to dodge them. The hailstorm of rocks fell over me hard. The impact was too much; upon impact, everything went black…
…Fire. It's the scent of fire. Weakly, I opened my eyes. I looked left and right to see a land colored in nothing but red. Flame blazed along the ground and burning trees. There were walls of fire scattered around the land. There were trees with their crimson leaves. And there was a fallen water shrine in front of me, also on fire. Wait. I've seen this before. I stood up and ran toward the Hell that surfaced here.
I came closer to the shrine and saw that horrible sight once again. Several burnt and dismantled lionesses, both white and golden, were lying around the burning surface. Blood ran over the ground, past my paws. I felt its hot wave touch me. Then, I heard sniffling nearby. I looked up to see the sorrow-filled Ombwiri sitting near the edge of the shrine's small bridge over the water. I heard her sniffling as she stared toward the center, blood running down an enormous scar over her chest. "Why, Vumi?" she cried. "Why did you do this?" As I came closer, I stopped once I saw a large figure wrapped in the ribbons of the scorching flame. It roared so loudly that I bent down my ears and cringed at its sharp pain. "WHY, VUMI?!" Ombwiri cried. Did she call that thing…Vumi? "I must stop this…now." Was that me? No, it wasn't. I looked over my shoulder to see my white-furred counterpart, Luna, walking past me. I watched him make his way to the shrine and confronted "Vumi." Was he going to try and fight him? I looked back to see the broken bodies of his family; it was sickening and intimidating. If I failed to defeat Vumi, we would all turn out just like Ombwiri's tragic past. I couldn't let it happen. I couldn't. I couldn't. I couldn't…
…I was buried underneath the pile of rocks Oya threw at me. My right paw was stuck outside. But, I was still able to move it. With newfound strength, I opened my eyes and struggled to break out my stone prison. Inevitably, I burst myself free of the rocks and leapt out. I looked up to see a surprised, battered Busara an 11 cheetahs in front of a tornado that was three times bigger than I last saw it. But, what I saw that was truly surprising was that there were 10 Oyas in the tornado! "Mufasa, you're okay!" Busara exclaimed in relief.
"You made Oya angry, didn't you?" I deduced.
"Oh, shut up."
"Kanu, you came to help too?"
The cheetah leader that was slightly larger than the others and had an x-like scar over his left shoulder answered to his name. "We found our chance to settle the score with this traitor once we saw him break down the wall," he replied. "But now, he's gone crazy!" As I walked to his side, Busara explained the situation in detail. "It's incredible. Oya's moving so fast to create this huge tornado and manipulate its energy to create nine other clones of himself. They're not real, but I have to say it's difficult to find the real one."
"So, I see," I replied, examining the several bloody scars over his body.
Oya's roar echoed around us. "So, you're still alive, huh?! You should've stayed down! Now, I'll demonstrate my rage to you firsthand!"
All 10 of the Oyas moved at incredible speed around Busara, Kanu, his cheetahs, and me in random, circular movements as the awesome wind stormed violently. Shortly, they all attacked, and a few past straight through me like ghosts. Then, suddenly, one struck me in my cheek! Then, as more fakes past through us, the real Oya, wherever he was, attacked Busara, along with a random cheetah. All 10 of them scattered around the battleground in an attempt to further confuse us. They skidded on the sandy ground to make sharp turns. They leapt from the walls and came at us. After letting him hit me one more time, Oya's laughter was heard in all directions. "Ha, ha, ha! It's useless! There's no way to counter my Red Wind attack!" It seemed hopeless, but I had an idea. If it worked, I could knock him out in one blow. "Busara," I said. "I only see one significant difference in this fight."
"The tornado," he replied. "So, we both have the same idea."
I nodded. "Kanu, listen to me."
"What is it?" Kanu wondered.
"If we stop this wind, we'll find the real one. So, all you cheetahs must run together in a circle in the opposite direction the tornado's spinning."
"All right, just leave it to us! Everyone, follow my lead!"
With that, Kanu and his 10 other cheetahs ran toward the opposite direction of the tornado as Busara and I watched. Their pace gradually increased as they ran around the tornado and through its strong winds. They were pulling the winds along as they ran, which is precisely what I had in mind. I looked up at the tornado, looking for a change. Soon, the cheetahs' gifted speed began to disrupt its rotation, and it slowly began to dissipate. "Look! It's working!" Busara exclaimed.
"Just keep running!" I replied.
"What do you think you're doing?!" Oya cried. "Stop it!"
"This is what happens when a cheetah's speed is multiplied 10 times!" Kanu exclaimed.
As they slowly broke down the tornado, the copies of Oya disappeared one by one. The tide was turning. "Busara, get ready," I purred, crouching down.
"Right," he replied.
Soon, the tornado became so weak, there was only one red-furred cheetah left. It was the real Oya, getting ready to leap from the wall nearby! Quickly, Busara and I faced him and flew at him. As Oya leapt off the wall, we came at him and swung at him. We both finally struck Oya hard across the face. The last gusts of his wind aura finally disappeared, and victory sparkled in my eyes. Oya was sent crashing into the wall he just leapt from, and he fell onto the ground, unconscious. The fight was over.
Busara and I watched over the fallen Oya as Kanu and the rest of the cheetahs came behind us. "That's it for him," Busara panted. "I think there are two more Diviners in here before Vumi. The rest are still outside."
I nodded. "Oh, and…thank you for helping me."
"Your opponent is Vumi. There's no way I'm going to let you die before you reach him."
"Thank you. And you as well, Kanu."
"Well, we didn't exactly come to help you," Kanu chuckled uneasily.
"I understand," I smiled.
Suddenly, Oya's body spontaneously burst into flames! I stepped back and watched as Oya suffered Chiruwi's same fate.
I am called Oya. I used to believe that God never existed, you know? But, he must exist. Maybe that's why I suffered so much. I was the slowest cheetah on the face of Africa. No matter how hard I pushed myself, I never could seem to outrun someone. I was such a disgrace, no woman ever took interest in me. My family abandoned me, labeling me unfit to be called a cheetah. Kanu's family of cheetahs welcomed me, but it wasn't any better. I was still the slowest, and everyone pitied me. I often admired the wind. It would go by slow at times, but other times I couldn't believe its awesome potential and speed. I wished I could be like the wind. Maybe life was worth living if I was the wind. Then, one day, I met this pudgy lion named Vumi. He said I would become the wind if I helped him 'purify' this world. At that time, I was desperate, but I had to die and be reborn a Diviner. I gladly let him do it; I thought it wouldn't be so bad. Anything was better than living a life you were not meant to follow. A cheetah was never meant to be slow; they were supposed to be…like the wind…
In seconds, Oya's body was nothing but black, fiery ash. Not again, I thought. "Maybe Oya will finally find peace," Kanu said. "We tried to give him what other cheetahs neglected to give him, but apparently it wasn't enough. Let's go." With that, Kanu and the cheetahs turned around and headed back outside the sand dune. After I watched them go, I turned around to notice a dark red star-like spirit hovering over the ashes. It quickly fell past me, and I watched it flying toward the left pathway of the dune. In the shadows, the spirit was taken into the chest of a silhouetted figure with piercing green eyes. "Vumi…what have you…?" I murmured. Without a word, the black lion turned around and ran down the pathway. "Wait!" I cried. After disappearing in the darkness, I ran down the left pathway to catch up to the fleeing Vumi.
In the same pathway where Dziva helped me escape before, I ran to catch up with Vumi. I took a moment to look out the small holes in the wall as I ran. I saw a few Shadowlanders attacking the circle. The hyenas were holding them off. But, I saw Shenzi running at one lioness and ended up being slapped away. And another hyena was unable to break free of a lioness' fangs clutching hard into his neck. But, a few zebras broke from the circle to actually help them! They neighed and threatened to crush the Shadowlanders under their powerful hooves. The lionesses back away and gave the hyenas the advantage to assault them easily. It was wonderful to see everyone working together out there. Because they were hyenas, nearly everyone in the Pridelands despised them because of their greed and raucous behavior. But, to see them put their differences aside, it felt like I could relax and know that everything will be okay in the end. I looked behind me to see that Busara didn't follow me. Maybe he went down the other pathway, I thought. No matter; I was sure he could take care of himself. Soon, I stopped running after something caught my eye. I looked to my right to see a new pathway leading upward over the center dome. It looked like it would lead to the top of the dome, a floor higher than the second floor. I went to the pathway and saw a convenient rock staircase. The scent of fire was strong here. He was close. So, I climbed the staircase, heading towards the top floor of the sand dune.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!
What was that scream? I made it to the top floor just in time to see Musso of Disorder fall to the ground, his eyes wide open along with his jaw. He was dead, and his killer stood over him. And I could never forget his face. "Taka?!" I gasped. My little brother sat down to see the drawn blood running from his right paw and licked over his lips to taste the dirty blood around his mouth. Then, he noticed me and stood up silently. I was so bewildered to see him. But, a strange smile crept over his muzzle. "Well, well, it's Moofaasaa," he said, slurring the syllables in my name. "My only big, strong, perfect-in-every-way brother I ever had." When he said that, I knew there was something wrong. The reason he was here didn't matter to me anymore. I was left wondering what had happened to him. He wasn't the Taka I remember. "Ooh, whatever's the matter, Moofaasaa? Won't speak to your little brother?" he purred mischievously.
"Taka, what's going on? Why did you…?"
"Oh, him? I was becoming disillusioned of hearing dear Musso going on and on that life was meaningless. But, I was quite surprised that I forced myself to kill. I never realized how…dirty it was. Some big brother you are; you didn't try to stop me."
"Taka…"
I took one step toward him, but I stopped as soon as he spoke again. "Taka…is dead, dear brother," he purred venomously. "And you were the one who done him in. Now, I…my name is…Scar." What had happened to him? He really wasn't the same anymore. I saw changes in his personality before, but this change…was too drastic. Did I indeed kill Taka…and gave birth to this creature?
I took another step forward and called out to him. "Taka…I mean, Scar, what's wrong with you? You…are not as I remember."
"I'm not? Hmm, I guess I am. I never felt so…comfortable before."
Finally, he started to walk to me. As he came closer, chills ran down my back. I didn't want him near me. It felt wrong. His essence felt so wrong! He walked to my left and began to circle around me. "You used to be so scary," Scar said gruffly. "I felt weak underneath your hot shadow. I often had nightmares. Do you know what they were about? I was in a middle of one of Father's old ghost stories, and you were the monster that threatened to devour my soul. Everywhere I turned, I saw you. You slurped your wet tongue at me lustily for my soul. And the nightmare always ended the same way: you were bathing in my blood, and you were laughing." After he completely circled around me, I came even closer to me until our noses touched. I never felt so cold before. I was frozen, stuck looking at my "brother's" misty green pupils. Scar smiled coyly and purred, "But now, you don't seem to frighten me anymore. I'm no longer that wimpy kitten you call 'Taka.' And it's your fault. You claimed to have loved him with all your soul, but you killed him. I'm ashamed…and grateful." As he said that, his eyes became clearer. They seemed…familiar. Someone once looked at me with such eyes…all his life. The chills disappeared, and I slowly frowned at this lion. I snarled, "You're lying." Scar blinked questionably. "It's you; I was stupid in believing it at first. My brother isn't dead. He's standing right here in front of me!"
"It's obvious you need some time to let it sink in," Scar replied. "I know it's hard to believe, but…"
"Nonsense! You are still the dependent, cowardly, and mean-spirited little brother I've known all my life! You've just grown accustomed to how you've been acting lately, and that's all!"
Scar snarled quietly, "And you're still the stupid lion who thinks he's our father and acts so tough. I think you need to be knocked off your high horse."
Scar dug his claws into the dirt underneath our feet and threw it in my face! I roared out and stepped back to wipe the sand away from my eyes. "Bastard!" I scowled. Scar knocked me over and went to bite me. But, I quickly slapped him away and stood back up to attack him. If I was going to get to Vumi, I would have to get past my miserable brother.
Scar and I flew past each other in midair, the both of us biting into our legs and drawing blood. I landed on the ground and grasped his arm with my fangs. I had him pinned down, and I pushed down on his arm, his fangs sinking deeper into it. Scar was pushing back with his arm, but he was only helping to damage his own arm. The, he cleverly kicked my right leg, where he wounded me before. I pulled away, stunned by my pain. Then, Scar followed up with a hard headbutt under my chin. I fell backward onto my side, but I quickly recovered and rolled away, leaving my brother to pounce over the ground. I leapt back onto my feet and ran at him with a great roar. I shoved Scar onto his hind legs, and I stood on them to pull my claws through his skinny body. We roared savagely at each other as we clawed and scratched each other back and forth. Finally, Scar managed to strike me over my face and stepped back, falling back on all fours as blood fell from four small scars over my face. I heard him coming at me, but I stood up and slapped him away to my right with one swung of my forearm. Scar fell to his side, and I ran with all my speed. As he was getting up, I rammed him in his side and sent him sliding over the sandy floor. He didn't get up after that. It was finished.
It has been a while since I would be this angry. I have never been so upset with my brother. I stomped toward him and pressed my right paw over his neck hard to keep him still. "I never thought you would be so ungrateful," I snarled. "Next to Zira, I was the only lion who really cared about you! But, you don't seem to appreciate it! You are nothing but a spoiled brat! Maybe Busara was right; maybe you will never change! Perhaps you will never be a good king!" I let Scar go and turned away. I looked around and saw another pathway through the wall. Then, I looked over my shoulder as soon as I heard sniffling. Scar still lied there but he frowned angrily at me as tears ran down from his eyes. I had already let my temper cool down, but I was still so mad, I felt like crying. "Are you ashamed with how weak you are?" I said to him. "Or do you think I hate you?"
"You must or else you never would have said all those things to be before," Scar hissed.
"I pity you. You must be very lonely to think that. There's nothing you can do to make me hate you. I think I'm very lucky to still have you around. Mother and Father are dead; you're all I have left. I really hope that my love matters to you."
With that, I turned away from him and walked off to go into the next room. I prayed that Scar would understand. I never wanted him to be sad or lonely. But, I could only help him if he would let me. I wanted us both to be happy, but why must I still fight with him? What was I doing wrong? Will we never see eye to eye again? I walked into the next room, just as a single tear of sorrow fell from my right eye.
In the next room, I stopped once I saw a large circle drawn in the floor with white paint with another inside of it. There was a large window-like hole on the opposite wall. And looking out that window…was him. Vumi sat there with his back turned to me, looking out to the Shadowlands. "Look at them all…so full of hope…the will to stay alive is coming from all of them," he purred listlessly. "But, they have no idea that life could be so much better if they let me purify this world. I just don't understand what there is to fight for here. What's the point?"
"Vumi," I called.
The black lion looked over his shoulder and stared at me with those same cold eyes. They never looked so angry before. But, I also saw some undying sorrow in them as he looked over me. It was as if he was mourning the loss of something. I knew. I emerged from the darkness and continued to head into the light, but Vumi couldn't follow…or rather he wouldn't. Unable to walk into the blinding light, he was sitting there, crying over the loss of the lion he thought was his friend. Now, he was looking at me…as nothing but an obstacle to his ambition.
Vumi turned himself around and stared at me with his brokenhearted eyes. He hissed in anger as I stared back with the eyes he hated most. "I just don't know what else I have to say to you," Vumi snarled.
"I never wanted to hear it anyway," I replied. "I've made up my mind."
"So have I."
The black lion slowly walked over the large white-colored circle. He continued walking until he made it to the very center. I looked in curiosity. What was he doing? He wasn't going to fight me? He sat down, shut his eyes, and exhaled easefully. Then, seven small stars of energy glowed around him, each a different color. He reopened his eyes halfway and purred quietly. "Invisibility…" Reacting to his voice, the yellow spirit flew away from him and stopped over the circle inside the bigger one. Then, it slowly circled counterclockwise over the circle. Invisibility was Chiruwi's 'blessing.' So, all of those other stars must be the 'blessings' of the Diviners that were defeated in battle. "Wind…" Oya's dark red spirit reacted and flew to the circle to fly over it. "Rain…" Mwana's green spirit was next. "Youth…" The gray spirit reacted to that 'blessing.' Might that one be Legba's? "Disorder…" The black spirit, most likely Musso's, flew from Vumi to its respective destination. "Dreams…" Then, the pink spirit flew off. That must be the 'blessing' of the Diviner I never saw face to face, Uthlanga. "Omniscience." And finally, Brekyirihunuade's blue spirit joined the others in the middle circle. But, I noticed that there was one missing. There were eight Diviners, but there were seven spirits. He was missing Dziva's 'blessing.' Vumi opened his eyes completely and spoke to me. "My six loyal Diviners were all defeated in battle, and both Brekyirihunuade and Dziva betrayed me." What? That old elephant was on our side all along? What had Rafiki done? Or did Nuade join us on his own free will? That must be why Vumi was unaware of our plans. And Dziva told me he also had the power to heal. Then, he was the elephant in my past dream who healed me before. "I can't seem to kill Dziva and extract her 'blessing,' but these seven alone will be fine. This is the true purpose of the Diviners. With all our 'blessings' together, I will begin the purification."
"What? So, you were using them as well?! Your own allies?!" I exclaimed.
"Didn't I tell you? I have no friends."
The seven spirits along the middle circle began to spin around faster, creating faint wind and miniscule and multicolored lightning effects. As the wind pushed against me and carried my mane, I roared, "I won't let you have your way!" I leapt over the middle circle and ran at Vumi. The final battle has begun.
I dashed toward Vumi with my claws immediately unsheathed. Vumi saw me coming and raised his paw over his head, threatening to strike me as I ran. But, I quickly leapt to the right to avoid his overhead swipe. He leapt at him and brought him onto the ground. He quickly jettisoned me off of him with his hind legs. I somersaulted once in midair and landed gracefully on the floor. Vumi charged at me and struck me across the face, drawing blood on instant contact. He leapt over me and tried to bite me in my neck. I swung my left paw at him to push him away. After quickly getting back up, I leapt onto Vumi's back and leapt off, pushing him onto his side with my hind legs. He circled around and charged at him while he got back up. He turned toward me and came charging back. We came at each other with all our power and clashed our heads together. Our foreheads against each other, Vumi and I struggled to push the other back. He would push me back at times, but I would shove back. It came to be a stalemate. Before Vumi would think about it, I took my right paw and struck him in the face. But, Vumi already thought of it and struck me with his right claw in the same time I did to him. We were both pushed back, rubbing over the bloody wound we gave each other. I had already fought three times, so I was beginning to pant. But, I still had more strength to give. And I couldn't waste anymore time. The middle circle behind me was beginning to intensify. The seven spirits were spinning even faster than before, and the wall of lightning grew taller and taller. Whatever Vumi was up to, it's happening too quickly. It must end now.
With the great strength I still have left, I came at Vumi and scratched hard through his right arm. As the blood flew to the floor below us, Vumi roared out and leapt away before I could strike his left arm. I tried to incapacitate his right arm, but my scratch apparently wasn't enough to do so. He charged at me with no sign of limping and tackled me in my chest, knocking the wind out of me. He bucked me by using his head and sent me flying in midair. I barely recovered enough to land on my feet. Vumi took a short moment to walk around me while keeping his distance. I followed him with bared fangs and got ready as the overweight lion quickly came at me. I moved slightly to the left to dodge his charge, but I charged back into him with my right shoulder and brought him onto his back. Before he got up, I pressed my claw into his guarded larynx to keep him still. It must end here. I raised my right claw and threatened to literally swipe his head clean off his shoulders. "Would you really kill me?" Vumi said through his panting. "That would…contradict your life speech."
I replied, "It might, but hypocrisy aside, you intend to kill hundreds more. I would have no regrets."
I swung my right paw at him, but it stopped as soon as Vumi caught my arm with his left paw. Then, he pushed against it, shoving me onto my back. Then, it was Vumi's turn to stand over me with his paw over my chest. "Then, I won't hesitate, either." When he raised his left paw to attack, I quickly bit his right arm, most notably where I scratched it before. Vumi roared out and weakened his grip over me. I swung my left paw at his shoulder and pushed him off of me. I got up and spat out the blood I drew from his arm. I ran at Vumi once more and took my claws through his black-furred body. We circled around and landed consecutive blows against each other. Whenever I scratched his arm, Vumi would swat me in my jaw with the top of his paw. When he tripped me and pinned me down with both front paws, I went to bite his hind leg to stun him and get away from his weakened clutches. I leapt at him once again, but I noticed that he was going to swat me in midair before I got to him. So, when he attacked, I opened my mouth and caught his arm, biting into it instantly. I took control of Vumi's movement and pulled him down to the ground with me. The black lion and I quickly leapt back up on our feet and headbutted each other again. We pushed against the other's forehead, but neither one of us refused to budge. Then, Vumi pushed me back once he jabbed his right paw against my left shoulder, and he struck me over the face with his left paw and sent me lying over the ground on my side. I rolled onto my belly and prepared to stand back up, but Vumi held me down with both his paws, focusing all his weight onto me to keep me down. I snarled and struggled to stand back up, but I was trapped under my enemy's incredible weight. But, I wouldn't give up. I kept trying to rise to my feet, but Vumi tried harder to crush me under his paws. He snarled confidently, "I actually thought you would actually beat me. But now, Mufasa, you're mine!" Vumi roared, his cry filling the room, and sunk his fangs into my neck! With his powerful jaws, he barely managed to cut through my mane and bite into my neck. I roared out in pain and shook my head. But, Vumi wouldn't let go, and his fangs sunk in deeper and deeper. I could feel him panting with bloodlust. I felt weak in my legs, and it was getting harder to breath; it wouldn't be too long until he completely suffocated me. My life slowly slipping away, I roared once again and tried harder to stand. My muscles tightened, and my claws dug in the ground to keep from slipping. With all my power I could muster, I gradually began to stand up and lift the enormous Vumi on my back. I roared to let loose my wild exertion of strength. My belly soon left the sandy floor, and Vumi pulled away from my neck to see I was pushing him upward. Relieved of air stress, I continued to push and push. Vumi pushed harder, but it only made me try harder. Little by little, I stretched out my legs to stand. Then, with one last roar, I bucked Vumi off my back and threw him onto his back. My legs were so wobbly from the stress they've been under, it felt awkward to stand. But, in the end, I was proud that I've bested Vumi's massive body.
Vumi lied down on his side with a look of bewilderment over his face as he looked at me. "You were…able to…throw me off," he panted, stunned. "You are…strong, Mufasa…" Vumi stood back up and dug through the dirt below him with his claws. "But, I won't…lose to you. There must be…purification…" Suddenly, I heard lightning crackling behind me. I looked over my shoulder and saw the circular aura of the seven spirits gradually merge into the white outline of the middle circle. Vumi purred, "It's time." After the aura disappeared, the middle circle had a multicolored outline, and seven rays of light beamed to the very center after making spontaneous movements toward it. Vumi was already standing in the center. A crimson aura appeared around his feet and outlined his body. As I watched in wonder, Vumi wore the most ecstatic grin and quietly chuckled. "Yes…I feel it…" he sighed. "My 'blessing' is swelling up. In a few moments…I shall have the divine power…of PURIFICATION!!" As soon as he roared out that word, a great shockwave of wind erupted from him. I stood my ground as the powerful breeze flowed from the center of the room. "I HAVE IT!! I HAVE THE POWER OF GOD!! I AM GOD!!!" Vumi was laughing. He was lost in his lunacy. Then, the scent of fire came into my nostrils once more, and it was very close! "NOW, I SHALL PURGE THIS MISERABLE WORLD AND START ANEW!!!" Suddenly, fire erupted from Vumi's body and consumed him! The black lion disappeared into his own burning flames. Did he die? No. The flames grew bigger and bigger, and the wind blew harder and harder. I could still hear Vumi roaring, but his roar grew deeper and sinister, like a demon's voice in a nightmare. As that large bonfire blazed, it slowly began to take on a strange form. Two large paws with the size of a female elephant's feet stepped over the floor, leaving several cracks under them. An enormous body was burning like the red grass surrounding it. Three bushy tails lashed violently along with the ferocious blades of flame. And finally, the image of three identical heads stared down at me with six pure red sclera and three pairs of long fangs. I looked in shock at this strange, flame-encased beast. That was what I saw in my previous vision of the past. Vumi had taken on the fiery form of one of the mythical creatures Father and Rafiki told me stories about when I was growing up: a Cerberus.
Still enshrouded by the red flames, Vumi in his new form, a Cerberus, stepped forward and snarled down at me. He was so big now. He's almost exactly the same size of a female elephant. And he still had the same bloodlust for me. I frowned at him and hissed back at him. "This is how you will purify this world? By transforming into a monster?!" He didn't answer. I doubt that he could anymore. All three of his heads snarled at me, and all six crimson sclera briefly shimmered. I felt myself twitch. There was something wrong. I tried to move my legs, but they wouldn't budge. My heart began to pound ferociously. I couldn't look away from this monstrous beast. It was…frightening. I couldn't approach it or even back away from it. Was I losing my nerve? Was I frozen in my fear? Vumi took one step, and a wave of fire streaked from his paw over the floor. It was coming straight at me. I finally gained control of my body and tried to leap away. I fell onto my side and roared out in searing pain! The flames managed to singe both of my hind legs. I gritted my teeth and tried to shake off this unbelievable feeling of pain. I couldn't move my hind legs regardless of if I wanted to. Crocodile tears came to my eyes, and I dug my claws through the dirt to relieve the stress. Then, I looked to see Vumi wailing as the flames crackled around him. Then, a larger firewall than before was shot from his body and headed right at me! I was unable to get away from it. I stared with wide eyes, looking inevitable death in the face. I shut my eyes and looked away, waiting for death. I couldn't do it. I couldn't stop Vumi. I failed…
…Was I still alive? I opened my eyes and saw that I was still here. I looked back to Vumi and saw a singed furry pelt lying down in front of me. A broken necklace also lied down beside it. I gasped. It was Dziva! I pulled the burned lioness' body closer and turned her around to face me. Her lovely brown fur was scraggly and black as ash. Every part of her was ruined by the flames. And she did this…to protect me. "Dziva! Dziva!" I cried, shaking her to wake her. Soon, she managed to slightly open her eyes and look up at me. She groaned, "Mu…fasa…"
"Dziva…"
"You…made me…so happy. You…would welcome…an evil creature like me. You're…a true friend."
"You have to hold on! Stay with us!" I cried.
"It wouldn't matter. I…lost my necklace. It can…no longer protect me from him."
"No…You can't…"
"Mufasa…please let…Zira know…I was always…so proud of her. Let her know…I will always be behind her…no matter what path she takes."
Then, she weakly took her right paw behind my neck and pulled me closer to her. Her wet tongue rubbed over my muzzle. I was taken aback when she kissed me, but Dziva didn't seem to mind the confused look over my face. "You have to live…to tell her…" After those pleading words, I didn't see her bright brown eyes again. I felt her body cease any sort of movement caused by breathing. She had left me. She had left this world. Dziva had passed away in my arms.
My name is Dziva. I have a single sister named Zira, and I trained her as she grew up after we lost our parents after a tragic accident with some hyenas. During the course of our lonely lives together, I've cheated others to raise my sister the best I could. I've stolen food and territory, and I've done all those things just for her. But, I exchanged that for the trust of everyone around me. My reputation as a liar and a cheater preceded me, and I was shunned and despised by everyone. Also, whenever there was a full moon out at night, I couldn't remember what I did the whole time. One day after a night of the full moon, Zira discovered a dead pride, all of its members killed by a single lioness with a similar pawprint as mine. We feasted on their flesh afterwards, for we were very hungry. But, it came to me. I've done this disgusting deed…for Zira. I discovered that day that I would become an insane berserker on the night of a full moon…hunting for the sake of my sister. I wanted to accept it. Zira was all I had left in my life. But, I still felt alone after so many people stayed clear of me. One day, I thought my life would be over once I was kidnapped by a lion named Vumi. He said he would create a better world where everyone could trust me, no matter what I was. I didn't want to leave my sister, but he reminded me of the most important detail: Zira didn't know about my secret. If she found out the truth, I would lose her trust as well. So, I took this chance and left my only sister to fend for herself…to find what I wanted most. I wanted to be in a world…where people could always trust in each other…
I carefully lied Dziva's charred body down over the ground. I sat up, focusing my weight on my front legs. I bowed down my head in shame. Eight lives were taken away today, and I couldn't stop it. Six were used like puppets, one sacrificed everything to help us get this far, and the last one sacrificed herself to save me. I said I would protect everyone, but I failed. And I failed to understand my dear brother. The losses were too great. I didn't know if I could put up with this anymore. Could I have tried harder? Was there a better way to approach this situation? If I could do it all over again, would everything be different?
I gasped as soon as Dziva's body suddenly combusted into flames, just like all the others. She was joining the rest of the Diviners she turned away from. But, was it worth it…just to die? Was it worth it…to leave her sister behind? They were so close, far closer than Scar and I are. What would Zira say? Would she blame me for losing her? I didn't know. It felt like I should know, but I didn't. What was I fighting for again? I couldn't seem to recall. Dziva's purple spirit of 'benevolence and malevolence' floated above the black ashes left behind from her cremation. It flew toward the evil Cerberus Vumi transformed into and merged into his fiery chest. The angry beast roared as it briefly glowed in a violet color. But afterwards, his red sclera shimmered once again, and he began to stop growling savagely. It was as if Vumi was starting to gain control of himself. Neither one of his three mouths was moving, but I heard Vumi's demonic voice echo around me. "PURIFICATION…WILL BEGIN. THIS WORLD…WILL START OVER…IN THE NAME OF GOD…" Then, Cerberus let loose a powerful roar to the ceiling of the sand dune, sending a powerful fiery aura to spread from him like a shockwave. The flames headed toward me, but I simply shut my eyes and looked away in defeat. There was no point in resisting anymore. I have lost the will to fight. I didn't remember what it was I was fighting for. It was over. As the flames washed over me, I thought to myself…
"If I could do it all over again…would everything be different?"
