Author's Note: I do not own The Lion King or any of its characters. They belong to Disney. The other characters in this story, however, are mine.
Chapter 11: Confrontation
"Njozi are you sure you want this?"
"Yes Dad. She needs to know."
Arif sighed. He had been home for a week. He'd spent every moment with his children. He played with them, told them stories of the past, something Njozi and Adisa thoroughly enjoyed. He was still surprised at the cubs' attitude regarding his work. They had no need or want to judge him. They'd only said that they understood.
On the night of the seventh evening, Njozi wanted to talk to her father privately. Adabu and Adisa, in their constant support and love, went into the den, leaving their father and sister alone in the still warm air.
Arif had looked down at his daughter seeing an animal familiar and strange. Yet now, as he stared at Njozi in the morning sun, the strangeness and the familiarity was still there. At a silence, he spoke. "Okay 'Jozi I need to ask again. Are you sure you want to tell her?" He stared at the ground. "You know what happened with me… Your mother doesn't listen to things that are… spiritual."
The brown cub put a paw on his foreleg. "Dad… she's in my dreams like you are. With everything-" She paused, her eyes moistening. "With everything that you both are going through…" Her ears fell. "Dad, I'm afraid that if she keeps distancing herself from you, me, Adabu and Adisa that she'll…" Njozi trailed off.
Arif pulled her close with an outstretched foreleg. "It's okay," he whispered. "And we'll never know what she'll say unless we go. Are you ready?"
Njozi only nodded and with a warm smile, Arif walked to the stairs, his daughter following.
As they left, a figure came out of the den and stood atop the ramp, watching the lion and cub in the savannah. Baraka sighed. He knew of his brother's plan to see his mate. Hasira had told Arif where Akase was residing. The Prince was grateful. After almost two weeks, he had to face her sooner or later and he felt Njozi's dream was of great importance. Baraka could only hope that his sister in law was willing to listen.
The king smiled as he thought of his niece and how special she was. He believed she would be like her father and become a shaman. That would be nice for the pride and the family. Have the shamanism be a family trait. Njozi would be perfect for it.
"Njozi's a cub with a good heart Baraka. She'll be fine whether Akase believes her or not."
Baraka smiled. He looked to the side to see Etana standing beside him. He dipped his head. "Morning," he said warmly.
"Morning," Etana replied with a smile. "Akase is hardheaded but if she wants to keep her family, she'll listen to what Njozi has to say."
"And if she doesn't?" he asked softly.
Etana was silent.
"I don't want to see Arif or his children in anymore pain," Baraka said finally. "It's hurting all of us. If Akase is that hardheaded and stubborn to not even listen to her own child then she does not deserve to be their mother, much less Arif's mate." His eyes snapped.
"When I healed Njozi…" Etana began again slowly, "I felt her suffering in the mind, body and spirit. Her mother's behavior towards Arif is affecting her in all ways possible. And…" She paused, unsure of how to proceed.
"And what…" Baraka wondered.
"And if this continues, the princess's dreams will get worse and she will never be at peace."
Baraka shivered angrily. "Akase," he muttered. "Why couldn't you just accept?"
"She's afraid and confused," Etana intoned. "It's all about fear. And her fear is pushing her from her mate and cubs. She's embracing it day by day and the more she stays away from Arif, away from his position, the more she may decide not to return home."
"How do you know that?" Baraka asked, a small wave of pain washing over him.
"What other reason or explanation is there, sire?"
Baraka sighed. He didn't have an answer.
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Dailia walked beside Kadiri with a hung head. She dreaded this day every year. It was like reliving the past, a past she'd just as soon forget. She rested her head against Kadiri's mane, letting out a pained sigh. Kadiri looked down at her in sympathy. He always accompanied her. He felt it was his duty as her mate. She would do the same for him.
As they made their way to their destination, Kadiri saw a speck out of the corner of his eye. A speck of gray and brown… "Dailia," he said gently. She lifted her head and followed his gaze. "Do you want me to go this time?" he asked.
She shook her head. "No, I will, but thanks." She smiled at him and left, walking towards the speck. As she got closer, she wasn't surprised and knew Kadiri wasn't either. It was expected. At last Dailia approached her sister with careful steps. This day was just as painful for her as it was on Dailia. "Hasira," she said softly.
The lioness grunted. "You know what today is right?" she asked gruffly.
Dailia nodded slowly. "Yes. Why don't you come with us this year? Maybe it'll help…"
"No!" Hasira's fur rose along her back. "You know I can't. She wanted me dead. She'd always hurt me, but never you. She thought I was a disappointment." Her ears lowered. "Dailia… I never meant to hurt you, especially when we were younger. It… It was the only way I could deal. She'd verbally abuse me, then I'd hurt you, even if I was playing. Then she'd find out and beat me…" Hasira shut her eyes. "You're not gonna change my mind. Don't even try. I hated her when she was alive and I hate her in death. Even when I die I will always hate her."
"Hasira…"
"Go!" Hasira suddenly rounded on her sister. "Go on! Pay tribute that mother of ours, but leave me! I don't want any part of it Dailia! You hear me? No part!" Her eyes were wild, her face angry and fearful. She bore her teeth but did not attack.
Dailia lowered her head painfully. She understood but it still hurt. This was something they were supposed to do as sisters. They were the last of their mother's line, aside from Dailia's children.
"Okay Hasira," Dailia said quietly. "Okay. Your reasons were understandable then and they are now. You want me to say something in your stead?"
Hasira snarled. "You know the answer to that. It was the same last year, the year before and the year before that. What makes you think it'll be different now? When she died, I was free. Free from her cruelty and we were both free from her insanity."
Dailia felt like crying. What Hasira said was indeed true. She silently left and walked back to Kadiri.
"Will she ever be alright?" the gray lion asked.
"No and I will never blame her for feeling the way she does." Dailia sniffed. "In a lot of ways Kadiri… I hated our mother too. And like Hasira, I too have my memories…"
Kadiri nuzzled her and against the will of her mind and heart Dailia's mind wandered to a painful past though in the back of her mind, she knew Hasira was remembering too.
The past can hurt…
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Hasira and Dailia's lives were not what any animal would call happy. In fact, their lives were almost a living hell. The reason was all too clear from day one. Hasira and Dailia had been born to their mother not long after Princess Kiara had given birth to twin sons, Prince Baraka and Prince Arif. A few days later, two other lionesses also had given birth. One had a son named Kadiri while the other had a son and daughter named Mabaki and Saada.
The lioness who birthed Hasira and Dailia knew her daughters were twins and very different as was she. Some say she had split personalities. There were days she'd be happy and other days she'd be sad, violent or depressed. When her children were born, Kovu, as leader of the pride, went to inspect the new cubs.
Kovu entered a cave almost towards the end of the den. There was another cave on the other side, a bigger and spacious cave, but the lioness had chosen this one. He approached the exhausted female and saw the two newborns cradled in her legs.
"They're beautiful," he said kindly.
She stared at him and Kovu could see mixed emotions. She smiled and looked down at her cubs. "Thank you."
"What are their names?"
The lioness pointed to one cub with her nose touching its little body. "She's a girl, the firstborn. She will be called Hasira."
Kovu's mouth dropped a little in surprise. "That means 'anger'. She's so young, so innocent. Are you sure that's a good name?"
Her eyes snapped and she looked up at Kovu. He didn't move. He knew that look. Everyone did. It made an animal stand still, afraid to move. "Why? You got a better name?" she snarled. "I'm her mother, Kovu and you are most certainly not her father! Who are you to lecture me on what name to give my child?"
Kovu swallowed but remained unfazed. "I'm sorry Weusi. What you name her is no business of mine."
"Her name will be Hasira," the lioness continued, ignoring Kovu's statement. She looked down at the other cub and the Prince saw no snap in her eyes. The lioness smiled motherly and gently then touched the next cub in the same manner. "This cub is also a girl, the second born. She will be called Dailia."
Kovu sighed inwardly with relief. That was a good and better name. He smiled warmly. "'Gentle'. Nice… fit Weusi."
She looked up at him, smiling in return. "Thank you Kovu."
He left the cave silently. Weusi stared at her cubs. A strange flicker played in her eyes and she tried to focus. There was a mixture of pain, happiness, joy and anger. It was hard for her to pick the better emotion but she vowed to love them.
As the months passed, the cubs grew. While five were all healthy, two were far from happy. The Princes', Kadiri, Mabaki and his sister had families who loved them deeply while Hasira and her sister had to deal with an entirely unstable mother.
They had seen her happy, sad and angry and when she was angry Hasira paid for it. Dailia was never touched and it pained her to see Hasira harmed and when their mother would leave muttering incoherently, Dailia comforted and licked her sister's wounds.
The behavior continued, hardly seen or heard by anyone. When someone would ask why Hasira was lying in a crumpled heap and crying Weusi would reply, "Oh, it's nothing, she rubbed herself against the cave wall too hard and was scratched she'll be fine."
When they played with their friends Hasira was cold, ruthless, and would play hard to vent her own anger, pain and frustration. Only Dailia understood and never struck back. She couldn't for fear of what their mother would do. The others didn't understand what went on or the reasons why. It was none of their business but they couldn't help but wonder. The young Princes' especially… They believed something was wrong.
One afternoon when the cubs returned home, each going to their families, Dailia and Hasira went into the den and towards the cave that was their home.
Weusi strode up to her cubs and nuzzled them but looked down hardly at Hasira. The cub flinched. She knew what was coming and what her mother's question would be. "Did you cause your sister or the other cubs any trouble today?"
Hasira hesitated. She didn't want to lie or be truthful but there was no choice did she have? She pawed the floor. "N-no Mommy," she answered softly.
The next thing she knew she hit the wall of the cave. She whimpered and heard the cry of her sister, "Mom, don't! She didn't do anything, really!"
Hasira groaned in pain and was slapped in the face. She didn't whimper. It would only get worse if she did.
Dailia could only watch in fear. Getting help was a bad idea. It would only put her sister through more suffering. "Momma please, she was good. We both were, honest!"
Weusi was about to give Hasira another strike but Dailia's words made her stop. She turned to the shaking cub and smiled at her kindly. "I know you were honey," she said soothingly, her eyes loving. But the sweet look didn't last. Her eyes grew hard and she faced Hasira again who was slowly rising to her paws, shaking the dizziness from her head. "As for your sister, I'm not sure I can believe that. Bad cubs deserve to be punished, which is why I'm glad you don't cause trouble for your friends."
"But she doesn't either," Dailia insisted.
"You're wrong," Weusi said, breathing heavily as she turned back to Hasira.
Before Dailia could speak again, she heard her sister cry out in pain. Not being able to help, for fear of also getting hurt, the young cub ran out of the cave. A few minutes later, she returned.
"Weusi, get away from your daughter immediately," said an authoritative voice.
The lioness turned with fearful eyes. She swallowed. "Ki-Kiara, why what are you doing here? I was just…"
"Doing exactly what I've feared," said the Princess Regent, her red hazel eyes narrowing in anger. "Why are you doing this to your daughter? Do you see me hurting my sons? Or Kadiri's mother hurting him, and what about Mabaki and Saada's mother, do you see any abuse from them towards their cubs?"
There was a deafening silence. Weusi was exceptionally quiet but after a moment she looked up at Kiara. Her eyes were snapping but the Regent was unmoved. The look never frightened her. She knew that if Weusi attacked, the lionesses would rally to defend her. She was their leader. To attack her would be suicide.
"No," Weusi said finally. "But that's different. Cubs need discipline. Surely you know that."
Kiara growled lowly. "Wrong answer Weusi and now I must take action. Prince Kovu and I do not look kindly on abuse of any type, especially against cubs. Your children will stay with me and mine."
"What? But my lady I assure you that-"
"That you're an unfit parent Weusi. Your cubs will be safer in my care. I hereby give you an opportunity to prove yourself, to prove that you can take care of your cubs and treat them with the respect they deserve. If you can, then you can have them back. Until then, they'll be staying with me. Is that understood?"
Weusi felt anger welling deep within her body but her eyes looked somber. She had no choice. She bowed her head. "Yes, my lady."
"Good," Kiara said firmly. "Dailia, help your sister then I will take you out for some air and if you wish you can play with my sons." She smiled gently.
Dailia nodded and, making sure not to walk anywhere near her mother, she went to the cave wall. "Hasira, can you walk?" When she nodded, they walked up to the Princess, Hasira leaning against her sister.
Kiara noticed the open wounds on Hasira. She sighed and turned again to Weusi. "I don't know how long it will take you to get your act together Weusi, but for your cubs' sake I hope it's soon. They need their mother."
Weusi didn't reply. She only watched as Kiara led her children out of her cave. She clawed the ground, breathing heavily.
When Kiara took the cubs outside she told them to play with Baraka and the other cubs. As they did, she watched Hasira. She felt sorry for the cub and wished there was more she could do. "But sometime away from her mother is what they both need now," she thought. "That's good enough."
She went to Kovu and quietly informed him on what had happened. By the time she was through he was pacing and muttering. "I'm sure you told her that she will not get them back until she behaves?"
Kiara nodded. "Yes, I did." She paused. "Kovu, you know I am not a violent animal, but… if the kids hadn't been in the cave, I'd have hit Weusi. Thank goodness I was able to control myself before I yielded to the feeling. I wanted to badly."
Kovu nuzzled her. "I'm glad you didn't." He pulled back. "How long will it take until she realizes?"
Kiara shook her head and watched the cubs. She could see Kadiri, Mabaki and Saada comforting their friends. Arif and Baraka were in deep conversation. She would speak with them later.
In the late afternoon Weusi's cubs ate from the royal family's carcass. The Regents watched them, completely and utterly amazed. It was as if the girls hadn't eaten a decent meal in days, maybe longer. Kiara's ears fell. No cub deserved to suffer in any way. Once Hasira and Dailia were returned to Weusi, Kiara would keep watch.
"If she so much as touches their heads in an attempt to strike she will lose them permanently," the Princess thought.
That night Dailia and Hasira slept near the royal family. While her sister slept fitfully, Hasira woke and looked around. To her, this was almost paradise. It felt good not seeing her mother anywhere near her. She looked up at the Regents then at the princes' who were curled at their mother's side. Hasira smiled sadly and eyed the eldest son, the one destined to be future king. Prince Baraka… Hasira couldn't put her paw on it but there was something about him.
When Kiara explained to her sons why the females were there, Baraka expressed his kindness and sympathy. Hasira thought that was sweet, which it was, but afterward, he withdrew himself. She had been surprised but not enough to ask why. She found herself liking the prince for his kindness. But that was all he showed, just kindness, no other words, except, "My parents will look after you. They're good lions and they believe in equality."
It struck her at how such words could come from a young cub destined to be the next king.
"He would make a good king," she thought as her eyes began to drop. A minute later she fell asleep and for the first time in months her sleep was peaceful and fitting.
For over two weeks, they stayed with the royal family and outside with their friends, they were happy, though Hasira at times was cold and played too hard. Aside from that, everything was well. In the afternoons Dailia and Hasira avoided their mother, but it looked like Weusi was missing her children. Kiara had once heard her mumbling in her cave, softly saying that she was indeed sorry for harming Hasira.
After talking with the cubs and the lioness separately, Kiara allowed Weusi to have her cubs back. But in the Princess's heart, she wished she hadn't.
Weusi's mistreatment of Hasira continued. Knowing this had placed Kiara into a state of depression making her believe that she failed to keep the cubs safer longer. But Kovu helped her through it.
And Hasira, still taking the beatings found a way – and to her it was the only way – to make the pain go away: attacking Dailia and when things got too hard, too painful, she'd lose control, not caring who she hurt.
Dailia took her sister's attacks but never raised a claw. It allowed her to feel what Hasira felt day in and day out from their mother. And there were so many times she wanted to not live up to the meaning of her name, to go against herself and her peaceful ways and attack her mother. Why did she hate Hasira? What did she ever do, aside from being born?
As the next few years passed it only got worse. Weusi was entirely unstable and when her daughters celebrated their first birthday, she was nowhere to be seen. The young lionesses stayed in their cave, grateful for the peace. It was incredibly soothing. Hasira had slept wonderfully.
If only it could've lasted forever.
Weusi returned almost a week later and accused Hasira, who was alone in the cave, of taking over. Weusi had beaten her, almost violently. Kovu and Kiara intervened and told Weusi to stay in the lower caves where she would be under guard. She stayed there for three months.
Life continued and Weusi - after her confinement to the lower caves - didn't abuse Hasira as much, everyone was weary. No one could take a chance. The young lions and lionesses continued to grow and Hasira, during this time, was calm. She didn't attack her sister too often either. Things were looking up. While everything was peaceful, the pride celebrated Prince Baraka and Prince Arif's second birthdays, along with the birthdays of their friends. Sadly, during that day, Weusi was in a depressed mood. No one came near her. Hasira and Dailia still avoided her at all costs. They chatted with their friends long into the night.
The next day, the Princes' started their training. Prince Baraka spent time with his parents preparing for the day he would be king while Arif was under the tutelage of the mandrill shaman Rafiki. The blackmaned prince had announced that he wanted to be a shaman. No one objected. Kovu and Kiara were proud. The others, Kadiri, Mabaki and Dailia, pledged their loyalties to the Pridelands and wanted to serve the kingdom and leaders. Kovu and Kiara gave them guardian positions, which they took while Saada, Mabaki's sister, joined the hunting party.
Hasira just wandered. She didn't know what she wanted out of life for herself but there was one thing she did want: Her mother dead. But was there something or someone else?
Baraka…
The name of the Prince always came to mind. Did she like him? Possibly, but did he like her? He never showed interest but she felt he would in time, if they spent more time together… But every attempt was the same. He'd pull away when she'd nuzzle him. He just wasn't interested. But she never gave up. She felt the kindness he had showed when they were cubs meant something. She continued to try and in one failed attempt attacked Dailia, who later, she learned, realized her feelings for Kadiri. Hasira was given a punishment for that but didn't care. She learned to tolerate her mother's beatings with ease.
The days came and went but for Weusi, the days were growing short. The lioness had gone to Rafiki because of an increasing pain in her head. The mandrill, with the help of his trainee, examined her. He asked her to chew on a yellow flower and spit it out. When the chewed substance was put into a gourd, which Rafiki stirred with a small stick, the remnants was thin. Rafiki knew it wasn't a good sign and he diagnosed Weusi with an incurable problem. She was dying and with the pain being so bad that she couldn't see straight, Rafiki said she would have a week at most. Weusi was half surprised and relieved. It was as if she wanted this to happen.
She told the pride and many of them, including the Regents, were upset at the news. Dailia, although sad in her own way, was relieved. She would miss her mother but also knew that she would no longer be suffering and neither would her or her sister. Hasira had mixed emotions but they were all the same. She was glad! The cave was theirs now and she wouldn't have to be beaten day in and day out. In Hasira's eyes this was a miracle. Unlike her sister, Hasira never spent her mother's last days with her. She felt that if they were in the same area, Hasira would kill her, as she wanted to so many times.
A week later, Weusi passed away in her sleep. The pride mourned and Kovu and Kiara gave a kind speech. They knew Weusi was a terrible mother but she was part of the pride and deserved the respect all dead deserved. Dailia cried softly on Kadiri's shoulder but Hasira remained emotionless. She kept her gaze on Baraka. She hoped to be become his mate. She still felt that it was him and his kind words that made her believe she had a reason for living, a reason to at last prove to her now deceased mother that she was not a disappointment or a mistake.
But she was still angry. Even with her mother gone, she was not about to change her name. Because of the way her mother treated her, almost killed her on several occasions, she was not about to change. She would always live up to her name as her sister did and act out on it.
And if Baraka would ever admit he had feelings for her, her life would have some meaning.
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Akase looked to the side. She had a feeling he'd find her. It was only matter of time. But why did he bring Njozi? She asked herself. Finally, she faced her mate and daughter. She tried a smile.
"Hi Njozi, what brings you here with your dad?"
The young princess pawed the grass, her face uncertain. She did not want to speak but it was time. She couldn't keep this forever. Letting out a sigh, Njozi looked up at her mother while praying she would not start crying. Just being here and seeing her mother was hard enough.
"W-well Mom… I asked Dad to bring me here. I have something I need to tell you…" Shyly, she turned her eyes to Arif. Her father only smiled but in his eyes she could see his worry. Turning back to her mother, she drew in a breath.
Akase was confused. What on earth did Njozi have to say that Arif was with her? "What is it Njozi?" she asked.
Before the cub could speak, Arif said, keeping his voice as calm as he could, "Akase… I kindly suggest that you not speak and listen to her." He saw Akase's eyes narrow and sighed inwardly. This would not be easy. "Okay, Njozi, you can speak."
Njozi nodded and drew in another breath. At a lengthy pause, she spoke.
Arif sat down watching closely and listening to his daughter's words. They spun in his head. He remembered feeling this way when she first told him. But unlike his mate, he did not have a bad reaction. He pictured Njozi's dreams in his mind. He saw everything she saw, heard every word she heard. Everything was crisp and clear, so crisp and clear that he felt he had lived it just as she had. That thought alone was a little scary but he was not about to call his daughter a liar or a fool, which he sensed Akase would when Njozi was finished. What struck Arif hard the most was that even though he and Akase were fighting and now separated was that Njozi's dreams seemed to foretell it. The question was why? Why would his cub, his own flesh and blood, have dreams of her parents fighting?
It seemed now that Arif's burden of carrying his message had become Njozi's burden too, but not in the way he would've wanted. She really was like him. He had a burden about the Pridelands' future and she had a burden about his future with Akase, her own parents.
He closed his eyes, feeling tears come but he forced them away as he heard his daughter finish. He looked up.
"So Mom, please, return with Dad and me. Come and see Adabu and Adisa. They miss you. Grandma and Grandpa miss you. Uncle Baraka misses you. We all miss you." Njozi was finished. She panted for breath. She sat down, breathing heavily. She felt her father sit down beside her. She put her head into his foreleg and Arif addressed his mate.
"Now it's time for you to decide Akase. Things have been turned. I have not abandoned my family. You have. Njozi's dreams are almost prophetic. They're coming true." Arif stopped, feeling himself tense.
Akase stood still. She didn't speak but instead turned away. Arif and Njozi looked at each other, both unsure if to speak. Finally, the lioness spoke but not in words. Instead she laughed. The laughter echoed across the clearing. The animals nearby lifted their heads, confused but after a while they returned to their routines of eating the grass and drinking water from the watering holes.
The adult Prince and the young Princess did not move. The laughter rang through their ears in a mock, which it was. It was mocking. Arif felt his mouth curl into a snarl, a soft snarl.
"Why are you laughing Akase?" he asked, hoping to keep his tone reasonable and kind.
She chuckled. "You know why Arif." Slowly, she turned. "Do you have any idea how ridiculous this sounds?" She stifled another laugh. "First you say you have a message that you cannot speak out and the next our daughter begins having dreams about us, about our fights and where they may lead if things don't change?"
Arif would've spoken about Njozi spoke instead. "You don't believe us Mom? You don't believe me?"
"I… It's not that I don't sweetheart, it's just… a little hard to accept…"
Njozi bowed her head sadly. She saw that coming. So did Arif and he was far from happy. He sympathized with his daughter. If it had been Adabu or Adisa with Njozi's gift of foresight, he'd sympathize with them too. They were his children. And hers too, Arif thought. He looked down at Njozi. "Njozi, I need to talk to your mother privately. Can you stay here?"
Choking back a disappointed sob, the princess, after wiping her eyes with a paw, turned to her father, nodding.
Arif smiled kindly and nuzzled her and walked up to Akase. The look on his face told her that he needed to speak with her alone. With a frustrated groan, the lioness followed. Njozi watched them, her heart breaking and all but sinking into her stomach. She lied down in the grass but watched as her parents left.
In the depths of his heart, the shaman knew his daughter was watching. He wasn't surprised but he forced his worry for her into his stomach. Finally, he turned to Akase, his reddish eyes burning with surprise and anger.
"I take it a dream being a little hard to accept is far worse than not being able to accept my message carrying huh?" he started. He didn't care if he was being rude. She was rude first, but not just to him, to Njozi as well.
Akase shook her head. He had to bring that up. "That's different Arif. She told me about her dream. You didn't tell me anything of your message. But that's right, I forgot. You're bound by shaman law!"
"It's not different at all," Arif replied. "You seemed open enough to listen. She just wanted you to know."
"You talked her into it didn't you?"
"What?"
"This and coming here…"
"No. It… it was her idea. She misses you and so do our sons." He paused, knowing exactly what his next words would bring from her. "Akase… are you still so angry with me that you would not return to Pride Rock to make sure our daughter is alright after she is taking ill by our fighting?"
"Hasira told me. She said that you didn't heal her, Etana did. Why?"
"I think you know the answer to that. You were afraid you would see me and we'd start arguing again, which is the same reason I didn't go."
"So Etana to heal our daughter instead…" She shook her head. "It should've been you Arif. You're her father."
"And you're her mother. You should've been there too." He sighed. "Akase, are you ever gonna forgive me? Being a shaman is my destiny. Our kids understand that and they're alright. They know I'll always be there for them… and for you, even if you don't believe it."
Akase studied him. "What about when you're really busy?" she asked.
Arif groaned softly. He had a feeling this would not end well.
And still in the same spot she lay in, Njozi also had a feeling that her parents talk would not end the way it should. She closed her eyes. Maybe she shouldn't have said anything. But she knew there was no other way. It was now, after all, her mother's decision to believe and it was clear to the young cub that she didn't and or wouldn't.
"Njozi, you okay?"
The cub turned to see Saada at her side. "Hi Saada, what are you doing here?"
"I was in the area and saw you." Saada noticed the cub's tilted head. She laughed. "Seriously, I was." She lied down. "Your brothers are with your grandparents today so they're alright." A still silence filled the air. "How are things here?"
Njozi's ears lowered. She drew in a sharp breath. She didn't want to say things were alright. They weren't. If her mother didn't believe or chose not to things would just get worse. Njozi licked her lips, looked up at Saada and began to speak. And as she expected, the light brown lioness listened to every word. There was no falseness in her eyes, no condemnation written upon her face. It was the same as the last time, the night they talked on the ledge at the back entrance of the den. Again, it was so easy to talk to her. Njozi had spoken slowly at first but under Saada's caring look the cub's voice grew more confident and strong. When she was through Njozi rested her head against Saada's shoulder and Saada wrapped a comforting paw around the cub's body, purring softly.
"Thank you Saada. Thanks for listening," said Njozi, whispering.
The lioness smiled softly. "You're welcome Njozi."
The Princess smiled back then heard the voice of her mother. "What are you doing here Saada?"
Saada looked up at Akase. "I was in the area and saw Njozi alone…"
"Arif and I were a few feet away. If she needed us she would've come," Akase said sharply.
"Yes, but I –"
"Akase, Saada was making sure Njozi was okay," Arif interrupted. He looked at her, almost hard. "Please, treat her with a little more respect."
"Why?" Akase wondered. "The moment I leave she thinks she can take over."
Saada was surprised. She stood up. "Akase, I assure you, I'm not trying to take your-"
"Akase please, let's not do this. Especially in front of Njozi," Arif intoned.
The lioness groaned. "Fine, do what you want Arif. You always have right?" She turned and began to walk away but she eyed Arif, her eyes burning. "Is she really just your friend? I'm beginning to think she's more than that."
"Akase," Arif started but she continued on her way. He sighed and slowly moved his head, lifting it up to Saada and down to Njozi. He smiled weakly at her. "I tried 'Jozi," he said softly.
She looked down. "I know Dad, I know."
Arif nuzzled her. "You know I believe you, right?"
The cub sniffed. "Yeah," she said, looking up at him. "Thanks Dad." She entwined herself around his forelegs.
Arif looked up at the sky. It was almost sundown. "We should go home now. By the time we get there the meal will have already been caught."
With no words spoken, they set off. Njozi walked beside her father. Her mind was abuzz, her thoughts spinning around in her head. Meanwhile Arif and Saada were in a quiet conversation.
"I don't know if you were really in the area just for being in the area or just worried about me and 'Jozi, but thank you," Arif said as he looked at Saada with a grateful smile.
Saada smiled in return. "You're welcome Arif and yes I was just in the area and Njozi looked as though she could use someone to talk to."
"Well, again, thank you." He was silent for a moment then, "I'm sorry about Akase. Njozi finally told her of the dreams." He looked down. "She didn't take it well. She…" He stopped.
"Arif… you tried to convince Akase didn't you?" No response. "I believe you did and that counts for something. You stuck up for your daughter because you know she's telling the truth. And her dreams do mean something."
"I've been thinking about that," Arif said softly. He eyed Njozi then turned back to Saada. He moved closer. "And I'm not sure what it is but… I am glad that she is able to confide in you."
"She's a good cub and you're a good father and lion, whether Akase sees you that way or not."
Arif nodded slowly. "Thank you Saada. That means a lot."
She smiled. "You're… you're my friend Arif and what I've said about you being a good lion and father is true. I don't lie." She trembled slightly, feeling her heart beat fast. She swallowed a lump in her throat and her jaw quivered.
"Saada, are you alright?"
"Y-yes, I'm fine." She felt her stomach churn. She wasn't fine. She just lied and she said she didn't. But about him, regarding him and who he was? No. That wasn't a lie. She could never lie about him. The thought alone was unthinkable and unbearable. She felt him walk closer to her until their sides touched.
He could tell she was not alright and needed someone to lean on.
Saada licked her lips and took a chance. She only hoped Njozi wouldn't get the wrong idea of her intentions or her father… She couldn't help it now. Arif being so close was tempting. Saada sighed and rested her head against the Prince's mane.
Arif smiled and purred softly.
Njozi looked up at them. Where most cubs would possibly feel weird or angry, she didn't. And if her brothers were there, they wouldn't either. It struck her in an unusual time but she truly believed, as would her brothers, if they hadn't already, that their father would be happier with Saada.
So would we, she thought.
When they returned home, dinner was eaten by all in silence.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Night came. The moon was out and full. The stars were out shining brightly. All herbivore and predatory animals the kingdom was asleep. The lion pride was also sleeping in the comfort of Pride Rock's den, all but one.
Baraka lied in his chambers, tossing and turning. He whimpered as if he was in pain and a sudden jerk of his body woke him. His head snapped up and he gasped, precipitation covering his face and mane. With wide eyes he stood up and left. The moment he stepped out of the main den he was relieved. The air was cool that it woke him fully. He breathed the air and sighed almost contently but he was far from alright. He wanted to walk up to the promontory and sit but not even that could clear his head.
He shook his head and licked his dry lips. He swallowed. His throat was dry. That's what he needed: A drink from the waterhole. He went towards the stairs but stopped and turned towards to the side of the den. His ears dropped. He wished Etana could join him. Baraka shook his head again, surprised at his mental wish. He couldn't wake her up now. She needed her sleep and he couldn't ask her to accompany him every time he had a problem… That was rude. He had to face at least one of his problems on his own sometime.
Why not now?
He headed down the stairs and began walking to a waterhole. Just as he knew, the water quenched his throat and softened the inside of his mouth. He loved drinking water at night. It was always so cool and refreshing.
With a pained sigh, Baraka began his way back, dreading the fact that he had to go to sleep again. The dreams were getting worse, almost driving him to the decision of never sleeping. But that wasn't good. He needed the sleep and without it… Baraka shut his eyes. No. He would not go without sleep. Even if he didn't get much sleep, every little tiny bit could help him.
He continued his walk home until he saw a figure heading in the same direction. Baraka stopped and peered closer. No. The figure was heading towards him. The figure was a lioness. It was none other than Hasira. Baraka sighed. What was she doing out here?
"Hasira," he said his voice strong. "Why are you out?"
"I'm allowed to be out Baraka but the question is, why are, you out here?" said the lioness as she stopped, standing in front of him.
"I couldn't sleep, you?"
"Same as you… couldn't sleep either."
Baraka nodded. "Well… after a nice drink I think I can. Goodnight Hasira." He started to walk away but heard her call his name. He turned. "Yes?"
Hasira lowered her head. "I heard you talking to my sister. She told you didn't, she?"
"Yes, she did. I… I understand why you didn't go. She wasn't much of a mother to you…"
Hasira's eyes hardened. "She beat me Baraka! She probably would've done the same Dailia if she had been named differently. Only your parents cared about us. And you… you cared." Her voice was soft.
"I felt and still feel that no one should suffer from abuse under any means."
"Baraka, come here, please."
The lion was unsure but he came near anyway. She leaned against him, sighing sadly. Baraka was taken aback. He had been this close to her before but that was when… His eyes widened, his mouth open a bit.
"H-Hasira…" he started. He sniffed the air.
"Baraka…" she said seductively.
The king swallowed and trembled. No… not now… He jerked away.
She looked up at him. "You alright," she asked, watching him walk from her.
"Don't," he said, stopping a few feet away.
"Don't what?" She went over and rubbed against him.
Baraka clenched his jaw tightly. "You know what," he almost in a snarl. "Leave me alone!"
She seemed partly surprised but not enough. "Baraka… we've known each other all our lives. Come on. I've lost too much of my life due to my mother. Dailia has too and she has Kadiri to make up for her lost childhood and innocence." She paused for a moment. "Me? I have no one, aside from Dailia, but she's my sister. Baraka…" She reached up, kissed him on the cheek and whispered in his ear. "Baraka… I love you. I love you so much."
He cringed as her tongue touched his cheek. It sent shivers down his back and made his body shake and tremble. He smelled the pheromones but was not affected. He was willing himself not to be. "Hasira… get away from me."
She pressed herself up against him. "Come on Baraka, admit it," she said, her voice low.
Baraka turned his face away. "I like you but as a friend and I don't know where you got it in your head that you're in love with me, 'cause you're not." Slowly, he turned to look at her. He was unfazed by her seductive stare. He would admit mindfully that she was pretty in her own way but not aloud. That would give her an even better reason to move on him again in the future.
Hasira eyed him, her head tilted in an amusing way. "And how do you know that? We never spent much time together when we were young to find out." She nuzzled him again, her tail draping around his hind legs, preparing to intertwine with his tail. "Please Baraka," she whispered. "You have feelings for me. I know you do."
"I like you as a friend nothing more." He felt his head swim from dizziness. He felt sick.
She circled him, her tail brushing his legs until she stopped, her head near his and Hasira buried her head in his soft red mane.
"No!" Baraka said, roughly, barely able to keep a growl from rising in his throat. The smell from her was getting too much.
"You've always been the strong one," she said, nibbling his ear. "You never showed weakness until your grandparents died. When you were sad…"
He turned his head away again. He resisted the urge to throw up. "That was different. Just because I was upset didn't mean I loved you." He closed his eyes and felt his forelegs shake. "Hasira… I don't love you, not in the way you want me to."
His words seemed to go either unheard or ignored or both. Hasira licked him passionately. "You could. We're alone…"
Baraka gritted his teeth, his eyes narrowing in the darkness. "Hasira, you're not my mate. You're asking me for something I cannot give you." He stood up walked away but he heard paw steps from behind. He growled softly.
"Baraka, you need a queen. There's no one else, at least no one your age. Dailia has Kadiri. Saada is, in her own way, pining for Arif even though he and Akase are having trouble and then there's me. I could help. It's what you need."
Baraka shuddered. He was trying desperately to fight his inner emotions, the emotions that threatened to show themselves. He wouldn't let them. He forced them down. "You're my friend, but that's all. You cannot be my queen. We both know you have no interest in ruling or the responsibilities."
Hasira chuckled softly and whispered her voice passionate. She kissed his muzzle. "Please Baraka, I need you. Oh gods, I love you."
"It won't undo what your mother put you through Hasira."
"I'm not claiming. I do love you."
Baraka wished he heard the sincerity in her voice. But there was none. It was the lust talking. She didn't love him for him. She was only interested in his position of power, nothing more. He was getting tired and not from the lack of else. Again he pulled away and began walking. He heard her follow. No matter how hard she tried, he would not submit. He couldn't. How would it look? She wasn't his mate and could never be, not even in name. He simply did not love her.
The burning sensation in his eyes was beginning to grow. He felt her nuzzle him again, kiss his cheek, her tail touching his hind legs. That was it. He couldn't take it anymore. Roughly, he pulled away and knowing she would come up to him, he faced her with a vicious snarl and hit her with a paw. His eyes were blazing with fire, his chest heaving, and his breathing heavy. He was surprised at his action but he had to do something.
Hasira looked up at him, mildly surprised. "Baraka… my love…"
He growled lowly, his tail lashing. "I don't love you!" he near roared. Before she could speak again, he ran for the safety of Pride Rock.
When he arrived, his heart was pounding in his chest, his blood boiling. He stumbled and fell on the platform, the platform that held the stairs up to the promontory and the den. Baraka sighed. He didn't feel like going up the stairs. He was angry and tired, more tired than he had ever been in his life. He couldn't believe Hasira tried to seduce him. Sure there were the occasional nuzzles and slight kisses on the cheek but never like this. She wouldn't take a hint. In the past it was different but this time she had been determined.
Baraka shut his eyes, grunted then rose, searching for a nearby place to sleep. He didn't feel like going into the den. He knew what would happen. But the same would happen no matter where he slept. He saw the lower caves. Good a place as any. Sighing, he went inside and settled down almost comfortably on the floor but he wouldn't have a peaceful sleep.
He put his head down on his paws almost immediately. His head felt heavy, his body the same way. The dizziness was almost gone but his vision swam. He closed eyes a few seconds later, the exhaustion over what had happened only moments ago overwhelming his tired mind and body.
But his sleep would not be pleasant. The dreams haunted him again and they were worse than ever. He didn't even whimper.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Next Time: Baraka is lost and confused. Will a trip to a sacred place where the haunting of a terrible event dwells, cause him to examine his life?