Hey! Final chapter! Please read, forgive typos, review, and enjoy! Shetani and Mansa are my characters, and are not to be used without my permission. I skip around a lot in this chapter. It might get a little confusing, but you should be okay if you read of Kings and Trash. Oh, and there's another dream-sequence. Again it will be signaled by italics. Thanks for reading!
-----------------------------------------------------------
Akida's Downfall
Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed ran through the long cave desperately, every so often check behind them to make sure Akida was no close. The large hyena was nowhere to be seen, but his screams echoed through the caves.
"YOU CAN'T ESCAPE ME!" Akida howled, "I'LL FIND YOU!"
The trio of cubs continued to run, eventually coming to a dead end, surrounded by many rock-piles.
"Oh, great!" Shenzi groaned, "Now what?"
Banzai looked around for a way out, but found none. Fortunately, Banzai quickly formed a plan.
"You two hide near the walls," Banzai ordered, jumping up a series of ledges, "I got an idea!"
"What are you doing?" Shenzi asked in confusion.
"Just trust me!" Banzai smiled confidently.
Shenzi looked over at Ed, who merely shrugged and jumped behind a pile of rocks. Shenzi let out a heavy sigh, before following Ed to his hiding place. As time passed, Akida's screams grew louder.
"You're close!" Akida cried, "I can feel it!"
Shenzi and Ed froze. The large hyena had reached the dead end of the cave. Akida sniffed the air and smiled, slowly walking over to the pile of rocks that Shenzi and Ed were hiding behind.
"I have you now!" Akida cackled.
Ed and Shenzi covered their heads and cowered, knowing that Akida would soon discover them. Akida was only an arms-length away from having the cubs in his clutched, when Banzai's voice rang through the cave.
"Hey, ugly!" Banzai called.
Akida looked upward to see Banzai, who was sitting atop a high ledge next to a large pile of rocks. Akida cocked his head in confusion.
"This is for my mother!" Banzai snarled, knocking a small stone from the pile.
Akida's eyes widened as the pile of rocks came crashing down on him, completely burrying his large body. Shenzi and Ed emerged from their hiding place and stared at the pile of rocks in shock. Banzai slid down from the ledge and smiled at his friends. Ed stared at Banzai, his tongue hanging out. Shenzi walked over to Banzai and smiled at him.
"Banzai," Shenzi laughed, "You're amazing!"
Banzai smirked and leaned his head near Shenzi's, hoping to recieve the same treatment that Ed had gotten earlier. Shenzi stared at Banzai strangely.
"Um...What are you doing?" Shenzi asked in confusion.
Banzai pulled his head back and rubbed the back of his neck.
"Well," Banzai smiled nervously, "I was sort of hoping that maybe..."
Suddenly, the pile of rocks began to shake. Akida began to groan in pain. The trio's jaws dropped.
"Oh, come on!" Banzai groaned.
"We gotta get outta here!" Shenzi stated, looking for a way out.
Ed looked around the cave, before laughing and pointing. Banzai and Shenzi stared at Ed strangely, before looking to where Ed was pointing. The rockslide that Banzai had caused had revealed a large tunnel. Banzai and Shenzi smiled at each other, before running into the tunnel. Ed followed close behind.
"Y'know," Banzai laughed, looking back at Ed, "It's a good thing that we brought you along!"
Shenzi nodded at Ed. Ed smiled proudly and laughed wildly. The trio ran through the tunnel and emerged outside of the cave. They looked around at their new surroundings. This place was full of dead trees and lava-filled craters.
"Wow!" Banzai gasped, pointing at the craters, "Look at all the birdie-boilers!"
Shenzi and Ed smiled. Their smiles faded as a loud voice rose from behind them.
"I'LL GET YOU FOR THIS!" Akida's voice boomed.
The trio glanced at each other, before continuing to run.
--------------------------------------------
Thimba's ear twitched. Ajia and Eruvu looked over at their brother.
"What is it, brother?" Ajia asked curiously.
"Hmmm," Thimba stated thoughtfully, "There's been a rock-slide somewhere. We better check it out."
Ajia and Eruvu nodded and ran off with their brother. The other hyenas failed to notice their absence. The three soon arrived at a large pile of boulders and heard groaning.
"Someone's in there!" Thimba gasped, "Help me dig!"
Eruvu and Ajia nodded and helped their brother push away the boulders, reaving an unconscious lion. The three brothers gasped.
"Ahadi?" Thimba stated in confusion, "What's he doing here?"
-----------------------------------------------
"What does it take to get rid of this guy?" Banzai yelled in annoyance.
"We need a place to hide!" Shenzi stated, "Any ideas, Ed?"
There was no answer. Banzai and Shenzi paused for a moment, before looking over there shoulders. Ed was nowhere to be seen.
"...Ed?" Banzai asked, looking around for his friend, "Where's Ed? Oh, no! Do you think Akida got him?"
"I don't think so," Shenzi stated, stroking her chin, "My dad's not really that stealthy. There's no way he could have taken Ed without us knowing. He's too stupid to pull something like that off!"
"Oh, I am, am I?" a voice cackled.
Banzai and Shenzi turned around to see Akida standing over them. The bleeding hyena glared at them with his remaining eye. The two cubs froze with fear. Akida laughed wildly, before reeling back and lunging at the cubs. Suddenly, Banzai and Shenzi felt themselves being pulled backward by their tails, before falling into a hole. Akida's face drove into the ground. Shenzi and Banzai looked around to see that they were suddenly in a burrow with Ed.
"Ed!" Shenzi gasped, "Where have you been?"
Ed pointed to the small tunnel behind him, his tongue drooping out of his mouth. Banzai cocked his head in confusion.
"So," Banzai groaned, "You found another tunnel. Let me guess. We're going to go through this one too, aren't we?"
"Great idea!" Shenzi smiled, before turning to Ed, "Do you know where this leads?"
Ed nodded and led his friends into the tunnel. Akida's voice could be heard from outside.
"WHERE ARE YOU?" Akida bellowed, "YOU CANNOT ESCAPE ME!"
Shenzi rolled her eyes and continued running through the tunnel. Banzai let out a heavy sigh.
"Maybe he's right," Banzai said sadly, "No matter what we do, he just won't stay down. We can't run forever. We're all gonna die."
Shenzi stopped in her tracks. Ed and Banzai looked back at her in confusion.
"No," Shenzi sighed, "Not all of us."
Shenzi stepped forward and looked up at a large opening.
"Does this lead outside, Ed?" Shenzi asked.
Ed nodded.
"Great," Shenzi nodded, climbing up the burrow's wall, "You two stay here."
Ed and Banzai stared at Shenzi in shock.
"What?" Banzai gasped, "No way! We're not gonna let you go out there alone! Not while that monster's around!"
Shenzi sighed and released her grip, falling back down to the burrow's floor.
"Look," Shenzi stated, "I should have never dragged you two into this. I've put both of you in serious danger. This is my fight, and my fight alone. He's only after me. There's no reason for all of us to risk our lives."
"But Shenzi..." Banzai pleaded.
"I have to do this," Shenzi interrupted, turning to exit the burrow, "Good-bye."
"No!" Banzai yelled, grabbing Shenzi's ankle, "Please! Don't go! I don't want to lose anybody else!"
Ed leaped forward and grabbed Shenzi's other ankle, tears in his large eyes. Shenzi sighed.
"Let go of me," Shenzi sighed sadly, "I'll be alright."
"I'm not letting you go out there with that monster!" Banzai cried.
Shenzi paused for a moment, smiling to herself.
"Heh," Shenzi smiled, "That monster is my dad. I've spent most of my life thinking that I was going to grow up to be just like him. Every day the similarities became more and more obvious. It scared me, the thought of being like my father. But you know what? I'm not scared anymore! And I have you guys to thank for that. You two have just shown me that there's one huge difference between me and that monster."
"What?" Banzai asked, "That you're a girl?"
"No!" Shenzi laughed, rolling her eyes, "I have friends who care about me."
Banzai and Ed's eyes widened as they released Shenzi. Shenzi looked back at her friends and smiled.
"Yep," Shenzi nodded, "I have friends. And I'll do anything I can to protect them. And if that means getting myself torn apart, so be it."
Banzai and Ed stared at the ground sadly.
"It wouldn't do any good trying to stop you, would it?" Banzai asked, tears in his eyes, "I guess you and you're father do have something in common. You're both stubborn!"
"Yeah," Shenzi shrugged, "I guess so."
"You don't have to do this!" Banzai growled, "You can just stay in here and we'd all be safe!"
"He'd find us eventually," Shenzi stated, "Please...you two have done so much for me. Let me repay the favor."
Banzai sighed and nodded, knowing that arguing would do no good.
"Fine," Banzai grumbled, "Just...be careful."
Shenzi smiled at her friends and embraced them, before climbing up the wall of the burrow.
"I'll see you guys later," Shenzi called to her friends, "I promise!"
Banzai and Ed looked up at Shenzi and nodded. Shenzi turned to where her father was standing.
"Hey!" Shenzi yelled, "I'm right here! Come and get me!"
Akida turned around and charged at his daughter. Shenzi ran for the cave. Akida followed close behind, snarling as foam dripped from his mouth. Banzai and Ed climbed out of the burrow and watched as Akida chased his daughter into the cave. Ed shot Banzai a worried glance. Banzai closed his eyes in anger and swatted a nearby rock away.
"Damn it!" Banzai growled, "I don't like this! She's out there risking her neck while I'm just standing here! Think, Ed! There's gotta be something that we can do!"
Ed stroked his chin and looked around for an idea. All that Ed saw was dead trees and lava-filled craters...and that was all that Ed needed to see. Banzai stared at Ed strangely as Ed bounced around and pointed.
"What?" Banzai asked, "All I see is a bunch of dead trees and craters that are filled with lava."
Ed rolled his eyes and walked over to one of the dead trees. The small cub then jumped at one of the low branches and bit it off of the tree. Ed snapped the branch into two parts and rested them on the side of one of the craters.
"...Ed?" Banzai asked in confusion, "What are you doing?"
Banzai's question was soon answered, as the crater spewed up flames, igniting the tips of the branches. Ed laughed wildly and picked up one of the flaming branches an ran off. Banzai cocked his head, before realizing what Ed was planning and picking up the other burning branch.
Whoa! Banzai thought to himself, running after Ed, He's smarter than he looks!
------------------------------------------------------
Shenzi emerged from the other side of the cave and looked turned around, anticipating Akida's immanent arrival.
"Shenzi!" Jozi called from the other side of the chasm, "Thank the Spirits you're alright!"
"Where's Banzai?" Kimondo asked.
Shenzi ignored the other hyenas and kept her attention on the tunnel entrance. She could feel it. Her father was near. Within moments, the large hyena emerged from the cave. Shenzi glared at him defiantly. The other hyenas gasped and screamed.
"SHENZI, RUN!" Jozi cried, "RUN!"
Shenzi continued to glare at Akida, baring her teeth.
"What's this?" Akida laughed, "You're challenging me?"
Shenzi nodded.
"You fool!" Akida cackled, "You don't stand a chance!"
"I know," Shenzi breathed, "There's no chance that I'll walk away alive. But I figured that I could at least get one good scratch on you before I die!"
"SHENZI, NO!" Jozi screamed desperately, "IT'S NOT WORTH IT! JUST RUN!"
Shenzi ignored her uncle's pleas and leaped at Akida's leg, sinking her teeth into his ankle. Akida laughed and shook the small cub off, sending her several feet in the air. Shenzi hit the ground hard and groaned in pain, before getting to her feet and continuing to snarl at Akida.
"You don't know when to give up, do you?" Akida cackled, knocking Shenzi away with his massive paw.
Shenzi was unable to get to her feet this time. Akida smiled and backed away, preparing to charge at his daughter.
"SHENZI!" Jozi pleaded, "GET UP! GET UP!"
It was no use. Shenzi was too injured to move. Akida stopped backing away and dragged his claws against the ground, signaling the end for Shenzi. Just as Akida was about to charge, two hyena cubs with flaming sticks in their mouths circled leaped forward and circled around him, surrounding the large hyena in a ring of fire. Due to the lack of grass, the flames did not spread, but were able to rise high enough to keep Akida at bay. Akida looked around at the flames in shock, crouching low to avoid their fiery embrace. Banzai and Ed dropped their branches and ran over to Shenzi.
"You okay?" Banzai asked his friend.
"Yeah, I think so," Shenzi replied, getting to her feet, "What are you guys doing here, anyway? I told you to stay in the burrow."
"Yeah," Banzai smiled, "But did you expect us to actually listen to you? You've gotta be crazy to think we'd let you get yourself killed! Right, Ed?"
Ed smiled and nodded, his tongue flapping around.
"BANZAI!" Kimondo called from across the chasm, "YOU'RE OKAY!"
Banzai glanced over at his father, before staring at the ground.
"Yeah," Banzai grumbled to himself sadly, "Sorry to disappoint you."
The three cubs walked over to the edge of the chasm and stared at the other side.
"Well," Banzai groaned, "How do we get to the other side?"
Suddenly, a dark cackle filled the air. The trio of cubs turned around in time to see Akida jump through the flames and shake the embers from his fur. Banzai's jaw dropped.
"Did you really think that you could stop me with a few flames?" Akida laughed, advancing to wards the trio.
The hyena clan looked away, knowing that there was nothing that they could do. Ed snarled at Akida and launched himself at the large hyena's face, clawing and biting at Akida's forehead. Akida quickly shook Ed off, knocking the small cub unconscious by tossing him into a pile of bones.
"Ed!" Banzai and Shenzi cried in unison.
The two cubs tried to run to their friend, but Akida blocked them off.
"Don't worry!" Akida cackled, "You'll soon be joining him!"
Shenzi and Banzai gulped, backing away in fear. The two cubs stopped when they reached the edge of the chasm.
"Nowhere to run!" Akida laughed, backing up to charge.
Banzai looked over his shoulder at the chasm, before nudging Shenzi. Shenzi glanced at Banzai, a look of horror on her face. Banzai smirked. Shenzi gave an expression of shock.
Why is he smiling? Shenzi thought to herself, What the hell is so amusing?
Akida dragged his claws against the ground and charged. Shenzi cringed in fear, as did the hyena clan. Banzai smiled smugly. As Akida opened his mouth and leaped forward, Banzai rolled to the side and pushed Shenzi out of the way, causing Akida to jump strait off of the ledge and fall into the chasm with a scream. The hyena clan looked over the edge with shock. Shenzi got to her feet and stared at Banzai.
"Man!" Banzai laughed, "What an idiot!"
"You...you save my life!" Shenzi gasped.
"Hmm?" Banzai smiled, "Yeah, I guess I did!"
Shenzi paused for a moment, before embracing Banzai tightly.
"That was amazing!" Shenzi exclaimed, giving Banzai a lick on the cheek. Banzai froze, before falling over with a smile. Shenzi stared at Banzai strangely.
"Um...are you okay?" Shenzi asked.
Banzai didn't answer, but his smile widened. Shenzi shrugged.
"Well," Kimondo chuckled to himself, "I'll be damned!"
Jozi smiled at his friend, before noticing something horrible.
"SHENZI!" Jozi screamed, "WATCH OUT!"
Shenzi gave her uncle a look of confusion. The look would change from confusion to fear as two large paws latched onto the side of the chasm. Within moments, Akida's head appeared. Shenzi's eyes widened as she shook Banzai's body.
"Banzai! Banzai!" Shenzi called to her unconscious friend, "Wake up!"
It was no use. Banzai was out cold. Shenzi looked up from her friend and froze with fear. Akida had managed to pull half of his massive body to the top of the chasm. His hind legs dangled beneath him. Akida's mouth began to produce a large amount of foam. He had no pulled himself close enough to strike. Ed suddenly regained consciousness and looked over at his friends, who were about to get eaten by the massive hyena. Ed ran around franticly, thinking of what to do. Ed took a deep breath and ran to the ring of fire, picking up one of the burning sticks and charging to wards Akida. As Akida opened his jaws to eat Banzai and Shenzi, Ed leaped forward and tossed the burning stick strait into Akida's mouth. Akida howled in pain and fell backward, sliding down the chasm. The large hyena somehow managed to keep his grip and hang on to the side of the chasm. Shenzi looked over the edge and stared at her father, who was beginning to climb back up.
"Not this time," Shenzi smiled, before snatching the other burning stick from the ground and dangling itover Akida.
Akida stared at Shenzi in confusion, before giving a look of shock and shaking his head in fear. Shenzi eyed the large hyena coldly, thinking of her options. She could either let her father back up and give him the chance to surrender, or she could drop the burning stick strait onto his body. The choice was obvious. Shenzi opened her mouth and allowed the stick to whirl onto Akida, who howled in pain as his body became covered in flames. The large hyena loosened his grip on the chasm and plummeted downward with one final scream. Shenzi and Ed looked over the edge of the chasm. There was no sign of Akida.
"He's gone," Shenzi breathed, "He's finally gone."
Across the chasm, the hyena clan stared at the cubs in shock, before cheering.
"He's gone!" one hyena exclaimed, "We're finally free!"
Suddenly, Nyoni flew up from the chasm and landed in front of Jozi in a fit of rage.
"WHERE IS THAT BASTARD?" Nyoni shrieked, "I'LL TEAR HIM APART!"
Jozi smiled and shook his head.
"Sorry," Jozi stated, pointing to the chasm, "But you just missed him!"
Nyoni froze, not believing what she had heard.
"You mean..." Nyoni asked the one-eared hyena, "He's...gone?"
Jozi nodded.
"Oh," Nyoni said sadly, "He's dead...that's nice, I guess."
After all this time, Nyoni thought to herself, All my planning, all my effort. I failed. And now I'll never have another chance!
"Hey!" Shenzi called from across the chasm, "A little help?"
"Er...right!" Jozi smiled before turning to Nyoni, "Could you maybe...well..."
"Yeah," Nyoni sighed, "But don't blame me if any of them fall down there."
Jozi smiled at the vulture as she flew off and carried the cubs to the clan one at a time. Kimondo stood over his unconscious son and smiled proudly. Jozi circled Shenzi, checking for any injuries.
"Are you okay?" Jozi asked, flipping his niece onto her back.
"I'm fine!" Shenzi laughed, hugging her uncle's head.
Ed looked around for his father, but Kivuli was nowhere to be seen. Ed's ears drooped as he began to whimper. Issa walked over to Ed and patted him on the back.
"I'm sorry that your father wasn't hear to see what you did," Issa stated calmly, "He had to go take care of something."
Ed laughed and sank his teeth into Issa's leg. Issa groaned. Some things never change. Kimondo looked over at the ring of fire, which still burned brightly.
"It's a good thing that's nothing but wasteland," Kimondo remarked, "But hopefully it rains soon."
A thought suddenly entered Issa's mind.
"We should go back to the Holding Chamber," Issa stated, "Kivuli might be waiting for us with the savior. With any luck, we can get rid of these lioness cubs."
Sarafina and Sarabi stuck their tongues out at Issa. Two hyenas lifted the lioness cubs up and carried them away with the clan. Jozi smiled down at his niece as walked.
"You did very well, Shenzi," Jozi said with pride, "You've reminded us all of unity in the clan. Thank you! Your mother would be proud!"
"Oh," Shenzi smiled at her uncle, "That was all that lions idea. You remember, right? He told us that together, we could take down any tyrant.
"That's right," Jozi nodded, "I shall have to thank him, as well!"
Suddenly, Thimba and his brothers appeared, carrying a large lion on their backs. The clan stopped in their tracks and stared, recognizing the lion to be Ahadi.
"What happened to him?" Jozi asked the three brothers.
"Rock-slide," Thimba stated, "We'll explain on the way."
The clan shrugged and continued to run for the Holding Chamber.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Sure enough, Kivuli was waiting at the Holding Chamber, as were Taka, Queen Uru, and two cubs. The clan explained to Kivuli that Akida was gone, and Ed had played a part in it. Then, the clan returned the two cubs and the king to Queen Uru. The queen rewarded the hyenas, telling them that they'd soon be let back into the Pride Lands. Afterward, the lions left to return to their kingdom. The hyenas erupted into cheers and laughter. Kivuli stared down at Ed sadly.
"I can't believe it," Kivuli sighed, "Ed just pulled off his first assassination, and I missed it!"
Ed laughed and brushed against his father. Kivuli smiled at his son.
"You don't dwell one thing to long, do you?" Kivuli laughed.
Ed shook his head and ran to Banzai and Shenzi. The two hyena cubs smiled at him, before running off and laughing. Ed followed close behind. Kivuli cocked his head in confusion.
"Ed's friends," Issa explained.
Kivuli's eyes widened.
"Ed has friends?" Kivuli gasped in surprise.
Issa nodded. Kivuli ran around in circles and laughed.
"I can't believe it!" Kivuli exclaimed happily, "Ed has friends! Ed has friends! Can you believe it, Bemba? Ed finally has friends!"
Issa rolled his eyes and began to walk away, before noticing something in the distance.
"Hey, look!" Issa called to the other hyenas, "It's Queen Uru again!"
The other hyenas smiled and ran to the Lioness Queen.
"Back so soon?" Issa smiled.
"Yes," Uru nodded, "I've talked with Ahadi. He's agreed to let you back into the Pride Lands."
The hyenas cheered and ran for Pride Rock.
"WAIT!" Uru yelled.
The hyenas stopped in their tracks and turned to the queen in confusion.
"I can't bring all of you yet" Uru explained, "Can you imagine what an uproar it would cause if an army of hyenas charged into the Pride Lands at this time of night?"
The hyenas glanced at each other, before nodding at Uru.
"Good point," Issa stated, "So, what do you suggest?"
"Well," Uru shrugged, "I was thinking that maybe I could just bring your leader as an ambassador."
"Good idea," Issa nodded, "There's only one problem. We don't have a leader. The Spirits haven't told me who it will be, yet."
"Oh," Uru sighed, thinking that situation over, "Than maybe I could just bring the oldest in you're clan. They say that age brings wisdom."
"The...er...um...oldest?" Issa gulped.
Uru nodded. Kivuli stepped forward proudly.
"That would be me!" Kivuli smiled.
"Oh, it's you again," Uru smiled back, "That's funny. You don't look very old."
"No, but I assure that I am," Kivuli stated, "I've been around since the time of King Mansa."
Uru nodded, having no idea who Kivuli was talking about.
"Very well," Uru nodded, "Shall we be off, then?"
Kivuli paused for a moment, before shaking his head.
"No," Kivuli sighed, "You go ahead without me. I'll let myself in."
"Are you sure?" Uru asked in confusion, "It might be dangerous for a hyena to sneak into the Pride Lands by himself."
"Not for me!" Kivuli smiled, "I've done it tons of times!"
Uru gave a look of surprise, not believing what she had heard.
"Excuse me?" Uru asked.
"Allow me to explain," Kivuli stated formally, "Every night since I've been living in the Elephant Graveyard, I've been sneaking into the Pride Lands and stealing a wildbeeste or two!"
"That was you?" Uru gasped in shock, "Ahadi's been going crazy over the missing wildbeeste!"
"Hey, sorry for the trouble," Kivuli shrugged, "But you guys didn't give me much choice! I wasn't about to let myself starve to death!"
Uru nodded and walked away.
"Fair enough," Uru stated, "We can talk about this tomorrow. I'm too tired, right now."
As Uru disappeared in the distance, Kivuli turned to Ed, who was standing on top of Banzai and Shenzi.
"Ed," Kivuli called to his son, "Come. There's something that I must show you."
Ed nodded and ran to his father's side, waving good-bye to his friends. Shenzi and Banzai waved back as Ed followed his father.
----------------------------------------
Kivuli lead Ed to the Tusk Pile and pointed to a large purple flower. Ed ran over to the flower and sniffed it, sighing happily.
"You like it, Ed?" Kivuli asked his son, "That's where I buried your aunt. Her name is Sauda. She was a very kind and peaceful hyena, although she could scrap with the best of them! I planted that flower to connect her with the outside world. She was truly amazing. She once showed an old hyena that there was more to life than murder. Much more. And ever since then, that old hyena has experienced all those things and more!"
Ed stared at his father in confusion. Kivuli smiled and began to walk away, before Ed started to jump around and point at another purple flower, which stood several feet away. Kivuli raised an eyebrow at his son.
"Oh," Kivuli sighed, "You noticed that?"
Ed nodded.
"And I suppose you want me to tell you why it's there, right?" Kivuli continued.
Ed nodded again, his tongue hanging out. Kivuli let out a heavy sigh and looked around to make sure that no one else was around. He then lowered his head to his son.
"Can you keep a secret?" Kivuli asked.
Ed laughed and nodded vigorously. Kivuli smiled at his son.
"Alright," Kivuli nodded, "I also planted that flower to connect someone who I buried to the outside world. Her name was Bemba. I truly loved her, and she returned my love. Unfortunately...it was not to be. She died shortly after you were born. Remember when I told you that I ate your mother? Well, that was a lie. Bemba was your mother. The truth is that I couldn't bring myself to eat her. So, I broke the Bloody Shadows' Code and buried her right here. And to this day, no one has found out! Except for you, of course!"
Ed gave his father a confused look.
"Don't judge me, Ed," Kivuli said with a wink, "I haven't gone soft. I'm just putting it off for a while. Her body shall become the grass, the antelope will eat the grass, and then I'll eat the antelope! Same end result, really."
Ed laughed wildly. Kivuli patted his son on the head and began to walk away.
"I'll see you later, Ed," Kivuli called to his son, "I'm off to check out our new home!"
As Kivuli walked away from his son, he heard the voice of a hyena cub behind him.
"Hey!" the hyena cub growled.
Kivuli turned around to see that the cub was addressing Ed. Ed turned to the cub and was met by a paw to his face. Ed fell to the ground and stared at the cub in surprise.
"That's for what you're father did to mine!" the cub laughed.
As the cub turned to leave, he bumped into something. The cub looked around in confusion, having no idea what he had made contact with. The cub looked upward at a pair of glowing eyes, which revealed a large, black hyena. The cub froze with fear.
"Oh, you look familiar!" Kivuli laughed, "Like someone I met before, hmmm?"
The cub shook his head and cowered.
"No, no, I never forget a face," Kivuli smirked
stroking his chin, "Now, where have I seen you before?"
The cub began to back away slowly.
"Oh, I remember!" Kivuli exclaimed, "Didn't I eat your daddy?"
The cub glared at Kivuli defiantly. Kivuli lowered his head to the cub and bared his teeth, before leaping on the cub and snapping its neck.
"Well," Kivuli cackled, "Like father, like son!"
Ed stared at his father in shock.
"I think I'll take him for the trip," Kivuli smiled at his son, "I hope that he got some of his father's flavor!"
Ed backed away from his father in fear. Kivuli calmed down and shot Ed a casually smile.
"I'm sorry that you had to see that, Ed," Kivuli apologized, "But I must be going now. What don't you spend the night with your new friends?"
Ed nodded happily and ran off to find Banzai and Shenzi. Kivuli smiled and shook his head, before picking up the dead cub and running to wards Pride Rock.
----------------------------------------------------
Ed curled up next to Shenzi and Banzai. The three cubs pretended to be asleep in Akida's old skull and kept their ears wide-open, for Jozi was talking to Nyoni outside.
"No sign of him?" Jozi gasped in shock.
"None at all," Nyoni replied sadly, "I checked all over the chasm. I found the bodies of some other hyenas, but he was nowhere to be seen! Do you think that maybe...he's alive?"
"I wouldn't doubt it," Jozi stated, "He's escaped
death so many times already."
"Hmm," Nyoni said thoughtfully, "What should we do?"
"Nothing...at least not yet," Jozi responded
nervously, "There's no sense in worrying everyone
else. As far as they know, Akida fell to his death.
Even if he is alive, he's probably too injured to last much longer. It's better if everyone else doesn't know."
"Very well," Nyoni sighed, "I suppose I'll be off, then."
"You're leaving?" Jozi asked in confusion, "Why?"
"Simple," Nyoni replied, "If that bastard is still out
there, then I'm not going to rest until I find him!"
"Well, alright," Jozi sighed, "Just be careful."
Nyoni nodded and turned to fly away, before looking back at Jozi.
"Oh, and congratulations on becoming the new clan-leader," Nyoni stated, "I'm sure that your sister would be proud!"
"Thanks," Jozi smiled, "That means a lot to me. Oh, and Nyoni?"
"Hmm?" Nyoni asked.
"If you ever do find Akida, make sure that you rip out his throat for me!" Jozi smirked.
"Oh, I'll rip out more than that!" Nyoni cackled, before flying away.
Jozi shook his head and smiled, before poking his head into Akida's skull. The three cubs dropped their ears and made snoring-noises. Jozi shrugged and walked away. Banzai, Shenzi, and Ed got to their feet and stared at each other.
"So," Banzai sighed, "I guess this means that he's still out there."
"Yeah?" Shenzi smiled confidently, "So what?"
"So what? That's all that you have to say about this?" Banzai gasped in shock.
"Yep," Shenzi stated plainly.
Ed and Banzai glanced at each other, before staring at Shenzi.
"You mean you're not scared?" Banzai asked.
"Of course not!" Shenzi smirked, "Not as long as I have you two around! We beat him once, and we can beat him again! You heard my uncle. He's as good as dead out there anyway. And if he comes back, we'll kill him."
Banzai and Ed smiled and nodded. Banzai ran to the outside of the skull and laughed.
"Yeah!" Banzai called, "You hear that? If you ever come back, we'll kill ya!"
Shenzi quickly pulled Banzai back into the skull and covered his mouth.
"Shhh!" Shenzi groaned quietly, "Banzai! We're supposed to be asleep, remember?"
Banzai nodded, Shenzi's paw still over his mouth.
"Was somebody screaming?" came a voice from outside the skull.
The cubs looked over in the direction of the voice to see Kimondo entering the skull. Shenzi glared at Banzai and elbowed him in the stomach. Banzai grunted in pain, before answering his father.
"Yeah, Dad," Banzai stated, "That was me. I had a...er...bad dream."
Kimondo stepped forward, looking at his son with concern.
"Are you okay?" Kimondo asked calmly.
Banzai nodded. Kimondo smiled and reached forward to pat his son on the back, but Banzai quickly backed away. Kimondo looked at Banzai sadly.
"...It's alright," Kimondo sighed, "I guess that I deserved that."
Kimondo quickly exited the skull without looking back. Banzai let out a heavy sigh.
"Anyway," Banzai stated, turning to his two friends, "I guess this means that we should watch each other's backs from now on."
"Yeah," Shenzi smiled, extending her paw forward, "That's what friends are for!"
Ed laughed wildly and placed his paw on top of Shenzi's. Banzai smiled and placed his paw on top of Ed's. The three cubs smiled at each other threw their paws down at the same time. Thus, Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed became more than just three hyena cubs. They became best friends. For it was together that they proved to be worth something. It was together that they defeated Akida. It was together that they saved their clan. And together, they would accomplish so much more.
---------------------------------------
Kivuli watched as Taka ran back to Pride Rock. The black hyena smiled to himself and continued to rip into the dead hyena cub. After Kivuli had eaten his fill, he began to walk to wards Pride Rock with a yawn.
"Ugh," Kivuli groaned, "Why am I so tired? Was it something I ate?"
Kivuli shrugged and curled on the ground, looking up at the stars. With one final yawn, Kivuli was asleep.
---------------------------------------
Kivuli once again found himself in the large clearing, surrounded by slaves. The slaves turned to Kivuli and approached him, beginning to sing.
"I know that the night must end, And that the sun will rise, and that the sun will rise."
"Oh, for crying out loud!" Kivuli groaned, "Will you guys just shut up? Seriosly! Shut up!"
The slaves opened their mouths to sing again, but froze as a pillar of flames rose from the ground. A large wild dog emerged from the flames and smiled at Kivuli, before addressing the slaves.
"You heard him," the wild dog stated, "Now get back to work."
The slaves bowed and backed away, disappearing in the shadows. Kivuli glared at the wild dog.
"Soga?" Kivuli growled in surprise, "Now what do you want?"
"You seem surprised to see me!" Soga cackled, "Didn't I tell you that I'd be back?"
"Yeah," Kivuli stated, "But I didn't think that you meant this soon!"
Soga smiled at Kivuli, before stomping his paw on the ground. A large, flat rock appeared in front of Kivuli. One of the slaves, a baboon, rose from the ground and placed a leaf on the stone, before disappearing. A large assortment of fruit fell from the sky and landed on the leaf. Kivuli stared at Soga in confusion. Soga smiled at the black hyena.
"Fresh fruit?" Soga offered.
Kivuli shook his head.
"Oh, what a shame!" Soga smiled, "And my slaves went to so much trouble growing them!"
"Those where your slaves?" Kivuli asked in confusion.
"Yep," Soga stated, causing the fruit to disappear with a flick of his paw, "You get to keep them after you're dead. How awesome is that?"
"I see," Kivuli nodded sadly, "So not even death is an escape for them. They never find freedom."
"Well, yes and no," Soga yawned, "Watch this."
Soga lifted his left paw and twirled it. A lioness appeared and placed a zebra carcass on the flat stone. Kivuli's eyes widened upon seeing the lioness.
"It can't be!" Kivuli gasped, "Zalika?"
The lioness looked up at Kivuli with hopeless eyes, before backing into the shadows.
"That lioness looked exactly like Zalika!" Kivuli commented, "But...somehow it wasn't her."
"You're right," Soga smiled, "It wasn't her. It was just her slave-body. The real Zalika is with the Spirits, like me."
"Y'see," Soga explained, ripping a piece from the carcass, "When we die, we are met by all of our past possessions. Since slaves are technically possessions, we can keep them when we die. But the slaves argued that they should have the same rights as everyone else who was dead because they never chose to be slaves. So, to avoid a dispute, the Great Spirits created a slave-body for each of the former slaves. The slave-bodies are basically empty shells that obey any command that their master gives them. They are really much more desirable than slaves, for they never talk back. Now, with their freedom, the former slaves are allowed to walk among the dead with no chance of ever being enslaved again. We all win!"
Kivuli nodded, although none of it made sense to him.
"But anyway," Soga stated, roasting the carcass with a flame from his paw, "Down to business. I'm back to talk some sense into you. You have to kill Kalab immediately."
"Oh, get off that!" Kivuli groaned, "I'll kill him when I'm good and ready!"
"You won't be ready unless you let me continue your training!" Soga growled.
"I don't need your training!" Kivuli growled back, "I'm perfectly capable of doing it now."
"Then why don't you?" Soga asked.
"I already told you!" Kivuli snarled, "Ed needs me!"
"Really?" Soga smiled, "And what of the other thirty-two who 'needed you?' What makes this one so different?"
Kivuli backed away slightly, his mouth open with surprise.
"Thirty-two?" Kivuli asked in shock, "I have that many?"
"Yes," Soga replied dryly, "But that's counting the ones that you ate."
"Heh," Kivuli laughed smugly, "Ladies can't resist me!"
"Of course not," Soga nodded, "You were too powerful for them to resist you. Sure, they struggled and screamed, but you managed to keep 'em still long enough to...wait, don't change the subject! Now I'll ask again. What makes Ed different?"
Kivuli stared at the ground sadly, before replying.
"I love Ed," Kivuli sighed, "He's my son. He's the first cub that I'm sure was purely mine. He reminds me so much of his mother...I loved her so much. I still love her."
"Did you not love Shetani?" Soga asked in confusion.
"Of course I did!" Kivuli snapped, "But this was different! Ed's mother loved me back!"
"I see," Soga stated, "That was your first relationship in which the feeling was mutual."
Kivuli nodded.
"Well," Soga sighed, "It's over, now. So why don't you just leave your past behind you and go kill Kalab."
"I'm sorry," Kivuli laughed, "But did you just tell me to forget my past in order to settle a grudge?"
"I...er...never mind," Soga groaned, waving his paw to bring the flames off of the zebra, "You know what I meant."
"Look," Kivuli stated, "I don't care what you think, or what anybody else thinks. I'm going to continue to be Ed's father. As soon as he's old enough to live without me, I'll find Kalab and settle the score."
"Damn it, Kivuli!" Soga snarled, "He's old enough to live without you now! You just won't let him!"
"Mind your own business," Kivuli growled.
Soga disappeared in a pillar of flames and reappeared in front of Kivuli.
"What the hell happened to you?" Soga asked with a snarl, "You used to be the most heartless monster to ever walk the planet. Part of me believes that you still are. You did, after all, kill your own mate without batting an eye."
"If you're speaking of Shetani," Kivuli sighed, "She went against my will. I did what I had to."
"I was talking about Bemba," Soga smirked.
Kivuli immediately pounced on the wild dog and pinned him on the ground.
"She was in pain!" Kivuli snarled, "I killed her to end her misery."
"Oh, I know that!" Soga laughed, "I also know that part of you enjoyed it!"
Kivuli froze with anger, before tearing Soga to shreds.
"HOW DARE YOU?" Kivuli howled, "I WOULD NEVER WANT HER TO SUFFER, YOU BASTARD! HOW COULD YOU EVEN IMPLY THAT!"
Kivuli backed away as the pieces of Soga's body pulled back together, reforming the wild dog.
"Y'see that!" Soga exclaimed happily, "That's the kind of attitude that I'm talking about! Why do you keep that Kivuli bottled up?"
Kivuli sighed and backed away.
"Please," Kivuli groaned, "Just leave me alone."
"Look," Kalab persisted, "The Great Spirits want Kalab dead just as much as I do. The bastard's gone and declared himself a god!"
"Really?" Kivuli smiled at the wild dog, "Do me a favor. Tell the Great Spirits that they can all kiss my ass!"
Soga stared at Kivuli strangely, a bit surprised by his statement.
"I thought that you'd be respectful to the Great Spirits," Soga stated, "Y'know. Because you blindly followed their orders for so long."
"First of all," Kivuli explained, "Since when have I been respectful to anyone? Second of all, I didn't blindly follow the Great Spirits. I agreed for fix Ahadi's mistake for Mohatu. A mistake that I played a part in. I owed Mohatu that much. Yes, its true. I did everything the way that the Great Spirits wanted it done. And look where it got me. Thanks to them, Jozi and Mahiri are dead!"
"I'm surprised that you cared about them," Soga stated, staring at Kivuli strangely.
"I'll admit," Kivuli shrugged, "I don't really care. But I owe them. They both played a part in the alliance against Akida...and if it wasn't for Mahiri and her milk...Ed wouldn't be alive today."
Soga bit off another chunk of the zebra. Kivuli sighed heavily.
"I'm sorry, sir," Kivuli stated formally, "But I'm not going to leave my son. Not this time. Besides, there are many reasons for me to stay in the Pride Lands for a while. The food's not horrible. There's plenty of water. And I can get closer to Taka."
"Yes," Soga nodded, "I've been meaning to ask you. What is your interest in that lion?"
"I dunno," Kivuli shrugged, "He reminds me of me. He trapped in his own destiny."
"And that's all?" Soga asked sceptically, "That's the only reason that you want to get closer to him?"
Kivuli nodded. Soga smiled.
"You're lying," Soga smirked, "What's your real reason?"
Kivuli let out a heavy sigh and looked around.
"Oh, don't worry," Soga smiled, "No one else can hear you. Not even the Great Spirits.
"Very well," Kivuli nodded, "If you must know, I want to get close to Taka to get close to his father."
"What do you want with Ahadi?" Soga asked.
"I want him dead!" Kivuli growled, "I want him to suffer for what he did to Sauda!"
"So kill him," Soga shrugged, "Then you can go kill Kalab."
"That's the only problem!" Kivuli groaned in annoyance, "I can't!"
"Yes you can," Soga smiled, "Don't be so hard on yourself. You're one of the great assassins to ever live!"
"No, I mean that I shouldn't," Kivuli stated, rolling his eyes, "Because if I do, the other hyenas will get exiled...again! And then Mohatu will start nagging me to clean up my mess...again! I need to do it in a way that would result in Ahadi being dead, and the hyenas still being allowed in the Pride Lands. This will be hard for even me. Ahadi going to be keeping a close watch on all hyenas. Plus, he's got that little horn-bill to gather information for him. I've got to be careful."
Soga nodded and stroked his chin, thinking of Kivuli's situation. Suddnely, an idea came to him.
"Kivuli," Soga sighed, "I don't completely trust you. I'm starting to doubt that you really have any interest in searching for Kalab."
"Of course I want to find him!" Kivuli snapped, "But when I decide to, and no sooner."
"Alright, I can respect that," Soga smiled, "How about we make a deal?"
"What did you have in mind?" Kivuli asked, intrigued by Soga's statement.
"It won't require much on your part," Soga explained, "I just want you to promise me that you'll eventually let me continue your training and that you'll search for Kalab. I'll give you as much time as you need."
"I would have done that anyway," Kivuli stated.
"Just promise me," Soga growled.
"Alright," Kivuli sighed, "I promise."
"Good!" Soga exclaimed, "Now, I'm going to help you kill Ahadi without anyone knowing that it was you!"
"How do you plan on doing that?" Kivuli asked excitedly.
"You said it yourself," Soga stated, forming a flame with his paw and tossing it into the air, "Ahadi's majordomo is the main problem, here. I'll help you take care of that problem."
"Do you have a plan?" Kivuli asked.
"Yes," Soga nodded, throwing another flame at the original, causing the two flames to explode and vanish, "You have to fight fire with fire!"
Kivuli cocked his head in confusion.
"Soon, Kivuli," Soga cackled, "I'm going to send you your very own majordomo!"
"Really?" Kivuli asked, "What kind of majordomo?"
"Patience, Kivuli," Soga smiled, "You'll find out soon enough. I have the perfect candidate! And I have a feeling that you'll be pleasently surprised!"
"When can I expect this majordomo?" Kivuli asked the wild dog.
"Soon enough," Soga replied, "I don't expect him to take very long. He works nights!"
Soga then cackled wildly. Kivuli cocked his head, before nodding.
"Alright," Kivuli smiled, "I'll play your game, for now. Now, leave me. Don't bother me again. When I'm ready to search for Kalab, I'll call you."
Soga bowed and backed away, bursting into flames.
"I was wrong to doubt you, Kivuli," Soga cackled, "You're still the same cub that I trained! Still as heartless as ever! Farewell, for now!"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Kivuli awoke from his sleep and turned to Pride Rock. The black hyena smiled to himself. Ahadi's time was at an end! Soon, Kivuli would have a majordomo of his own! And after killing Ahadi, and Kalab, of course, Kivuli would take the Pride Lands for his own. It would become the newest colony of the Bloody Shadows! Then, he and Ed would never have to leave the Bloody Shadows again! Kivuli would finally become a king! The time was drawing near. All Kivuli needed now was to gain the lions' trust...starting with Taka.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hope you enjoyed it! Sorry about the ending, but I wanted to leave somerthing to look forward in Of Kings and Trash 2(which I hope to start soon.) Thank you for reading! Please review.