: Finale 14:
The king rises
Taka led Kovu, Kiara, Vitani, Uhuru and Umoja into a cave, "why have you brought us here" Umoja asked.
"How are you here why are you still here!" Uhuru growled at him.
"I understand you will have a certain opinion about me" Taka told her.
"You betrayed my people!" Uhuru shouted.
"I'm aware of my crimes I'm trying to atone for them" Taka said.
"Uhuru calm down we don't have time for this now" Kovu said firmly.
Taka turned to them, "what I am about to tell you goes against my mission" Taka stated.
"You're mission so you were sent by something higher" Kilbali said while entering the cave.
"You shouldn't be up Kilbali you need to heal" Kiara told him.
Kilbali coughed painfully, "I don't think that will matter not much longer" he said.
"Don't say that you'll be fine" Uhuru said worried.
Kilbali looked at her and smiled he pulled himself forward many of his wounds were not even sealed yet.
"We must focus on other things what was your mission Taka" Kilbali asked.
Taka sighed he knew what he was doing could cost him an incomprehensible price but they had to know, they had to know why this conflict was happening.
Simba opened his eyes the middle of a void filled with images and memories it was the same one he had entered in his dreams. Simba looked around was he asleep.
"What's going on how did I get here?" he asked.
Simba looked at the images he could see memories of Scar, Mufasa, Kopa, and numerous others including himself.
"These are the great kings, who have passed on" Simba said.
"Wait I remember now I died, I'm one of them now" he realized he turned to the void the first images were calling him again.
"It doesn't matter anymore whatever Hatari wanted with me it's over why bring me here?" Simba asked.
He turned to the void which continued to draw him in there was something important within, he walked towards it.
"Simba stay away it has already blinded you enough" Mufasa told him.
"No there's something imported in there" Simba said.
"It's the past we must focus on the present and confront that which seeks to end our era" Mufasa said.
"No that's not what's at stake, we've already failed to prevent this" Simba said.
"Simba listen to me" Mufasa implored him.
"We're not the solution to this and the answer that is it's in there" Simba said.
"Blast it all Simba listen to me!" Mufasa thundered.
"No I won't there is something you don't want me to know but I have to, I cannot follow you not this time" Simba told him before entering the memory.
"Simba no stop!" Mufasa shouted.
Taka stared at the group of animals in front of him this was it after this he would be permanently severed from the kings.
"When I died I was lost Mufasa guided me to the afterlife. Sometime after the kings detected Kecila's spirit on earth but more importantly they detected Hatari and they knew he would pose a threat to our very reign so I was sent back to gather others to stand against it, that was the purpose of Kurongu's apocalypse to preserve the rule of the lions that is also why the truth was always hidden" Taka said.
They were all fascinated what was hidden what the society revealed.
"The society already revealed it" Kiara told him.
"No that is not what I am about to tell you this conflict began a thousand years ago when our era begun that time is now repeating itself" Taka stated.
"You mean like destiny" Uhuru asked.
"Not like it is" Taka answered he reached out his paws.
"To understand the nature of the conflict they shared this truth with me, take my paw each of you what you're about to find out no one alive save for Hatari knows" Taka told them.
They all reached out and took Taka's paw feeling the memories flowing into them.
Far away in the jungle Hatari sensed a surge of energy but could not track it's location but he sensed it the presence of his counterpart he immediately focused on it traveling into the memory as well.
Usawa stood on top of the gorge that would one day take the lifes of so many he watched as his forces clashed against a massive horde of different animals from all across the kingdom they were forcing there way towards the rock. Usawa watched as they approached he could not be bothered by them where was Machafuko? Machafuko led his anarchist forces towards the gorge it was empty without true life it symbolized what the people had been robbed off Machafuko would correct it.
"This place is rightfully yours reclaim it!" Machafuko stated.
His forces rushed into the gorge his brother's forces countered them, "you stand strong brother but you are misguided soon I will show you that only the people can bring true change" Machafuko said.
The two forces tore into each other spreading out across the lands they slammed each other into the stone walls and attempted to drive the others skull through the floor while others sliced viciously at their opponents attempting to cut into the others neck while others bit into each others shoulder brutally trying to rip out there opponents throat.
Usawa could tell things were escalating neither side had any intention of showing mercy he turned his attention to Machafuko who was also looking at his army in disappointment. Usawa climbed down the gorge charging into the battlefield he smashed through two animals a zebra and a wart hog sending them crashing to the ground, he then grabbed an antelope and threw it aside his actions actually saving it's life from what certainly would've been a fatal attack from one of his soldiers he knocked another one out this one being a panther once again saving it from a killing strike he then turned his attention to the rest he knocked two of his soldiers out of the way and slammed his paw into a cheetahs jaw before backhanding a leopard to the ground.
Machafuko watched his brothers desperate attempt to save as many of Machafuko's followers as possible he was happy to know that even though he is blinded by his ambition he still protects all life. Machafuko entered the battlefield as well grabbing a lion and smashing him into a wall he then grabbed another one lifting him off the ground and slamming him down before smashing his paw into another's temple one of his soldiers was about to impale a lion through the heart only for Machafuko to knock the lion down he turned to the follower and gave him a look of disappointment. Machafuko moved through the battle incapacitating any of Usawa soldiers that got in his way saving there lives in the process he saw Usawa standing across from him.
"Why do you spare my followers?" Machafuko asked.
"This battle is to determine the future and I will not have it built on a mountain of corpses" Usawa stated.
"Nor would I brother I seek only freedom" Machafuko told him.
"You're freedom will only lead to chaos and destruction" Usawa told him.
"You're peace will only lead to tyranny and oppression" Machafuko countered.
The two prepared to battle but found themselves hesitating, they had to fight but they didn't want to.
"I see you have claimed the rock as you're stronghold" Machafuko said.
"It is meant to defend us all" Usawa countered.
"You have no right to it, it belongs to the people as does the land" Machafuko said before attempting to swing at his brother only to hesitate again.
Usawa swung his paw but stopped mid motion, "they could never control everything by themselves" Usawa said.
"nothing and no one needs to be controlled" Machafuko stated swinging at his left cheek it deliberately missed.
It was futile neither brother could attack the other, not yet anyway. A massive roar came from above the gorge revealing an army of lions who had surrounded the gorge. Machafuko's followers turned their attention to them they were completely surrounded but still seemed ready to fight.
"Enough" Machafuko said.
"We are outnumbered this battle is over well played brother was the entire battle merely a diversion to surround us we will have trouble advancing now" Machafuko said respectfully.
"Fall back" Machafuko said.
"No I can't let you walk away" Usawa said his forces closing in on the followers.
"Very well brother unfortunately I can't allow us to be captured" Machafuko said, "there's a herd of wildebeest near this gorge I give a signal they will stampede in here you allow us to walk out of this gorge I will ask them to stand down" Machafuko stated.
"You would sacrifice your followers" Usawa said.
"No they all agreed to this before just in case we were about to be captured" Machafuko said.
"You'd be dead what difference would it matter!" Usawa shouted.
"Nothing is more important than freedom it is better to die than live in chains" Machafuko said firmly.
"Let them go we will not needlessly kill everyone in this gorge" Usawa said.
Machafuko and his followers departed the gorge the two brothers stared intensely at each other soon or later they would have to accept their battle they couldn't run from it forever.
The memory faded out showing another one this one showed Machafuko leading an attack on what would be known as Pride Rock with a massive army of animals he claimed it naming it in that very instant, Simba remembered this he dreamt about it shortly before the society arrived, he then found himself pulled into another memory.
Machafuko watched as his followers fought and struggled over resources why were they doing this.
"This cave is mine stay out of it!" A tiger growled.
"Not anymore I'm taking it" a leopard said.
"Enough it belongs to all of you there is more than enough of this land for you all" Machafuko reasoned hoping they would listen but they mostly ignored him and began trying to drag each other out.
Machafuko grabbed them both and attempting to hold them back.
"Hey let me go!" the tiger demanded.
"No you are resorting to violence against your fellow brother" Machafuko told them.
"We can do whatever we want" the leopard said.
"Yes but why fight there are other places surely one of you can compromise" Machafuko asked them.
"It's mine if he doesn't leave I'll force him" the tiger said.
"If he doesn't give it to me than I'll just take it" the leopard said.
Machafuko had enough he turned to the cave before looking at an elephant he signaled the elephant to collapse it which it agreed caving in the entire cave.
"Because you couldn't compromise now neither will get it" Machafuko said disappointed finally letting them go.
"You, this is your fault you ruined everything" the tiger roared before slicing the leopards neck.
"What are you doing?!" Machafuko shouted in terror he watched the leopard collapsed to the floor and its breathing ceased.
Machafuko was appalled he grabbed the tiger and forced him against the wall.
"You killed over a comfortable bed!" Machafuko shouted he then dragged him over to the edge of Pride Rock and threw him off watching him plunge to his death.
Machafuko sat against the wall that was awful he killed him so pointlessly and Machafuko in his anger did the same this was surely just a one time thing certainly things would get better the people were just coming to understand their newly gained freedom.
Usawa was hiding out near the borders he was appalled at what the citizens were doing to the kingdom, they had no sense of right and wrong at all there were no limits to what they did sometimes they would steal from each other sometimes they would break into others homes murder them steal their food it was disgusting.
"What's the status of the kingdom?" Usawa asked.
"It's getting worse one lion murdered an entire family others broke an antelopes leg so the pond was of no use to him when he wouldn't leave they drowned him" his soldier told him.
"Where is this lion?" Usawa asked.
"He was brought back to Pride Rock Machafuko is trying to deal with it, so much for his ideal" the soldier said.
"His ideal is not the problem and was never why I rejected it if everyone was like Machafuko this world would be a paradise but they're not this is exactly what I thought would happen how are our forces?" Usawa said.
"They're containing as much violence as possible and waiting for our next attack why haven't we attacked sir?" the lion asked.
"I wanted to give Machafuko a chance maybe he could control them but as I expected he can't not while maintaining his ideals, keep focusing on protection I don't want to attack unless we have to" Usawa stated.
The lion bowed respectfully before departing, Usawa didn't want this he desperately wanted Machafuko to be right and it broke his heart knowing that Machafuko was watching his dreams go up in flames.
Machafuko was exhausted how could so many people be so selfish he didn't understand it he was disgusted at the horrifically high number of murders he was also sick of hearing their justification at first the idea was anyone who abused another's freedom would be removed from the family but no one cared about the family it really brought him great sorrow knowing this.
"I was hungry so I took it because I can" a lion said.
"And what of the family?" Machafuko asked appalled.
"I didn't want to share it" the lion said.
Machafuko was moments away from killing him, "get him out of my sight get them all out of my sight" Machafuko said beginning to cry.
"It was their right" a zebra told him.
"Eeally would they feel the same if I slit their throat" Machafuko roared.
The animals were shocked by his reaction, "from here on you violate another's freedom I will take what you take from them" Machafuko said seething he then impaled the lion who dropped dead.
"The rest of you I give a choice I already know your crime so you can either learn to be happy with what you have or face severe consequences" Machafuko shouted.
"We didn't do anything wrong it's our choice" they all said.
"Lock them up" Machafuko seethed.
"Machafuko that goes against their rights" the zebra said.
"It's my right to make sure they don't kill anyone else lock them up" Machafuko commanded.
"Or what you'll kill me?" the zebra asked.
"No you are a good soul they'll kill you" Machafuko stated.
The zebra turned to the animals that volunteered as protectors, "if you care about protecting the innocent lock them up" she asked.
The guards looked uncertain but then complied. Machafuko watched as the animals shouted from their cage it tore him up inside why did they make him do it.
"You were right brother I was an idealistic fool" Machafuko said with sorrow but he then had an idea.
"Maybe I can make this right" he said.
He knew how to restore order and peace it defied his beliefs but there was something he cared about more than his beliefs.
Usawa was surprised things were changing in the kingdom the crimes and murder went down but now Usawa was barely seeing any animals at all anymore what was going on the lion rushed to him looking shocked.
"What's going on I was getting ready for us to strike but in the past few days there's been no need to where did the population go?" Usawa asked.
"Don't kill the messenger, they're all be rounded up people all over the kingdom are being captured and thrown in prisons" the lion said.
"Prisons Machafuko would never do that" Usawa said appalled at the mere idea.
"He has, maybe while trying to control this, maybe he resorted to tyranny to keep everyone alive" the lion said.
"That's not him there's something wrong gather our forces and meet me at Pride Rock we're going to liberate those prisons" Usawa commanded.
This was a tragedy Machafuko was so desperate to save lives he was violating his own soul.
Usawa arrived at Pride Rock there were an uncountable amount of animals locked away in cages.
"I want you to know many of you deserve this now you see the consequences of your actions" Usawa told them.
The rest of his army arrived surrounding the cages, "release them" Usawa commanded.
An army of growls surrounded them Machafuko emerged from Pride Rock being followed by an army of his own.
"If you release them they will go back to killing I am only trying to save as many lives as I can" Machafuko said desperately.
"You betrayed everything you stood for" Usawa said disappointed.
"I value life above all else" Machafuko said quietly.
"You always valued freedom more" Usawa said.
"Until I watched it destroy this place and murder countless" Machafuko said.
"It doesn't matter I'm freeing all of them" Usawa said.
"No they deserve that for wasting their freedom on such brutality they will remain in there as long as it remains necessary" Machafuko said his forces preparing to attack.
Usawa could see the sides were very evenly matched and Machafuko didn't have the same morals if a battle erupted countless would die.
"Then let us alone determine it I challenge you to a trial by combat if I win everyone will be released and you're forces will surrender if you win I will do the same" Usawa said.
"I accept I don't want to see anymore needless bloodshed" Machafuko said.
The two lions walked into the center of the area surrounding Pride Rock Machafuko looked at the sun he could see a strange occurrence happening the moon was slowly eclipsing it.
"Machafuko do we have to do this" the Zebra asked.
"There is no other choice this will be over soon" Machafuko said.
The two lions began circling each other as the sky began to darken, "will you be willing to fight me brother" Machafuko asked.
"I have to" Usawa replied.
"As must I you will understand soon" Machafuko said softly.
The two lions then charged at each meeting in battle. Machafuko swiped his paw at Usawa's head which he ducked under before swinging at his brothers left cheek which Machafuko parried away before striking him in the chin he then swung and hit him above the eye before knocking him to the ground. Machafuko leaped at his brother landing on top of him he reached his paw for his neck which Usawa grabbed before using the momentum to roll over Machafuko grabbed him pulling him down with him. The two of them thrashed on the ground biting and clawing at one another Usawa kicked Machafuko in the face knocking him away from him Usawa then struck him above the eye Machafuko growled in anger while Usawa swung again this time for his right cheek Machafuko sidestepped the attack and kicked him in the chest knocking him to the ground Machafuko then wrapped his arm around his neck attempting to cut off his air. Usawa struggled against his grip while desperately trying to claw and gouge at him, just when he thought he wouldn't get free Machafuko slightly weakened he elbowed him in the ribs causing Machafuko's grip to loosen Usawa grabbed his paw and threw him over his shoulder he then attempted to pin him down only for Machafuko to kick his legs out from under him causing to topple over Machafuko then climbed on top of him extracted his claws and thrust them at his chest the attack was slower than expected allowing Usawa to dodge it he then placed his leg underneath Machafuko and flipped him causing him to bounce off the ground before sliding to a stop.
The animals watched as the two brothers continued to battle the sky darkened and the moon eclipsed the sun turning the sky almost red what was happening here did it mean something. Usawa was confused two times Machafuko could've won both times failed it was as if Machafuko was still holding back he was still unwilling to fully fight him Usawa could use that he ran at Machafuko who swung for the top of his head which he parried away before striking him in the face Machafuko stumbled back why that attack shouldn't have stunned him he was definitely holding back time to end this. Usawa kicked out Machafuko's legs from beneath him sending him crashing to the ground he then climbed on top of him and began beating his head back and forth before extracting his claws he placed them to his throat.
"It's done you have lost brother" Usawa said, he turned to his forces.
"Free the prisoners" Usawa commanded.
Machafuko could hear his followers protesting they still believed in him there was one more thing to do.
He sliced Usawa on the back of the neck narrowly missing his throat his followers were shocked.
"The battle is over there is no need for bloodshed" they said.
Machafuko ignored them stabbing Usawa in the side Usawa plunged his own claws toward him but stopped mid motion only for Machafuko to grab them.
"What are you doing brother?" Usawa asked him.
"I told you for this to end one of us must be the villain" Machafuko whispered his voice sounding much more like it used to, he then drove Usawa's claws through his heart.
Usawa stared down at Machafuko in shock no he didn't just do that he looked at the crowd who showed no reaction.
"Why did you?" Usawa asked choking on the words.
"You had to win" Machafuko said weakly.
"I had to alienate my followers" he said quietly before coughing.
"You planned this why?" Usawa sobbed.
"My dream failed yours will succeed but it couldn't so long as my followers battled you" Machafuko told him.
"If you were to be the hero I wou ld ha ve to be the vil lain" Machafuko choked.
"No you were a hero you always were" Usawa said tears streaming down his cheek.
Machafuko gestured the zebra to come toward him she slowly approached him as did a select few.
"Never allow the truth to be revealed" Machafuko told them.
"We will honor your memory and insure you're final wish be fulfilled" the zebra told him.
Machafuko smiled looking up at his brother, "don't tell them this is my final request" he pleaded.
"You we're the he ro I was the vil lain" he choked out before his body slumped and the life left him.
Usawa sobbed into his brother shoulder he couldn't believe he would do that sacrifice his ideal his very image just to ensure everyone survived.
"I'll honor you for now but I don't think I could live with myself if you were only remembered as the villain no in the end you will be known for the hero you were" Usawa said.
He then turned to the animals and with a single slice of his claws set the prisoners free and as Machafuko predicted they all flocked to him praising him asking him to guide them.
"We have been through much and I feel there is more to come but I will protect you all if you seek my leadership my guidance than I will not deny it" Usawa said pained.
He then turned to Pride Rock he slowly began ascending it while the animals cheered him as he reached the top the eclipse was ending the sun began to shine down on him it was almost majestic.
"From this day forth our world is united but I will not lead it alone no such burden should extend to one individual no one person should have absolute power I will remain the guardian and I will protect you alongside the rest each pride a part of a single kingdom driven by the will of the people preserved by the lions this is our new world now let us forge it in the name of those we lost together" Usawa said triumphantly before roaring to the sky.
The rest of the animals joined him this was the beginning of a new era one that wouldn't last long and Usawa's message would eventually be forgotten.
Simba didn't understand Usawa wasn't the first king he flat out denied it meaning the lions weren't ever meant to rule only protect all these centuries Usawa's vision wasn't being preserved it was being mocked.
Simba found himself in another memory but this time it appeared to be from his perspective, or more importantly Usawa's so it was true Simba was Usawa reincarnated and Hatari was Machafuko it was the truth all along. Simba's revelation was proven wrong pretty quickly the perspective panned up to show Simba gazing down at Usawa's descendent. Wait it wasn't him then who he turned and saw Nala, was it Kopa? The memory changed perspective now Simba was seeing it through his own and Usawa was revealed he was staring down at a small baby cub with gold fur and eyes that matched his own. Of course Usawa said they would be guardians Simba had heard that before the true first guardian stared up at him. Everything changed now he wasn't the one meant to defeat Hatari at all he wasn't meant to unite the world he wasn't the original lion king no he was gazing down at her this very instant, Kiara.
Well that wraps up yet another story arc however it also reveals a truly massive revelation. The true nature of the original Lion King and who his spiritual counterpart is really turns the trilogy on it's head especially everything Hatari said and did regarding his brother. However there were hints Hatari never called Simba brother he just called him Simba. Still this reveal does paint the trilogy in a new light mainly that the protagonist was not who we thought. Beyond that what was your opinion to how the story between Usawa and Machafuko end. What is your opinion of this new revelation feel free to review and tell me your thoughts. Unfortunately I'm going to have to stop here but I hope these chapters were rewarding to you and that you are enjoying this grand finale to the saga. I will make certain your next wait isn't as long, til then see ya around.