Chapter Twenty-One: Security
Guest: Oh, no problem with the responding. I love letting my readers know how I appreciate their reviews! Also, yes Kovu's in hell. I hope he burns. Amri, good boy, good boy Nuka. You rescued Mito, Nuka. Atta boy. And Ashaki's growing up I think. Enjoy the chapter :)
guest: We all wish it would have been Kiara first, but she will get what's coming to her, and we can only pray it's by Ashaki's paw lol. Enjoy the chapter
CSIMentalistTLK Lover: I'm glad you're a happy camper! Hopefully this chapter will make you even happier, because… well, read on :) and enjoy the chapter :)
Whoa it's fandoms: Yup, they're reunited and they feel so good :) enjoy the chapter.
I'm going to use Phillip Phillips' song "Home" (you've probably heard it in commercials) in this chapter.
Kamaria was awoken in the middle of the night by the sound of Jawanga crying for his mother's milk. She stirred and set her son at her side, quickly, hoping he wouldn't wake his sister. Soon enough, Garuda was fussing, and Kamaria tried to move her newborn daughter to her side, but her daughter only wanted to be held. Kamaria smiled and held her daughter in her arms.
"Hush now, Garuda. You're okay." She whispered. She glanced over to the pride, seeing Mito sleeping next to Usafi, her mother alongside Myota, Chaka with Jua, Nurisha with Damu, and Hafsa somewhat close to Giza. Kweli had found a spot closer to Fahamu. The Crown Princess smiled. Garuda opened her eyes, revealing thin golden rims. Kamaria smiled and chuckled.
"You have your great-grandmother's eyes." She whispered. Garuda yawned and snuggled into her mother's arms. Tears of happiness filled Kamaria's eyes. Jawanga was done feeding, and Kamaria set him back into her arms, but the creamy golden boy wasn't done with his mother. He too, opened his eyes, revealing one blue eye and one teal eye. He certainly had both Amri and Kamaria's best traits, as did Garuda. Kamaria almost laughed in happiness, but knew better than to wake the pride.
"You're so much like your father. You have both of our traits, both of you." She whispered. She nuzzled both her cubs, and they mewled in happiness. The Crown Princess chuckled, happy tears falling down from her eyes. It was a scary road ahead, but she knew she had her children, and her children had her.
Hold on to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
*+-/_\-+*
A couple weeks passed and Jawanga and Garuda could crawl a little bit. Kamaria deemed them old enough to play with their similarly aged aunt Mito and Thelugi's twins, as long as someone kept an eye on them. Malaika was immediately friends with Jawanga, which made Kamaria and Thelugi have ideas of betrothing the pair. Tufani, however, was more attracted to Mito than he was Garuda. That was fine with Kamaria, because Garuda was her little girl.
"You did a great job with them, 'Ria." Thelugi said.
"Thank you. It's not easy." Kamaria said.
"Whoever said it was easy? Maybe cub-rearing was easy to Tama," Thelugi chuckled, "but it's not going to be like this for long."
"We might as well ride this wave until it passes. Before long, they're all going to be six months old and running, jumping, playing… and giving my mother hell." Kamaria said.
"Who said something about giving me hell?" Ashaki asked as she and Chaka came from the jungle brush. Chaka immediately ran to his half-sister, niece, nephew, and Thelugi's twins. Ashaki had been feeling unwell as of late, and, by Kamaria and Myota's insistence, she had gone to see Indira, who was now filling Rafiki's spot as the old mandrill had to retire to simply being a helpful and wise ear.
"So?" Kamaria asked. Ashaki smiled broadly.
"I'm pregnant. Almost a month now." She said. Kamaria smiled.
"I'm glad. I want another little sibling. Mito fits the bill well, but…" Kamaria trailed off.
"I know. I wanted to be a new mother again and… well here I am, a grown daughter, two teenage daughters, a nearing-adolescence son, grandchildren, and I'm pregnant." Ashaki said.
"The fates have something in store for us, I suppose. Cubs always bring happiness and laughter." Thelugi said. Just then, Garuda crawled onto Chaka's back, making the oldest cub laugh. Garuda mewled in happiness and Chaka laughed aloud. Kamaria smiled broadly, and so did Ashaki. Thelugi chuckled.
"He's going to protect those two with his life, you know." Ashaki said.
"I know, just like I protected him with mine." Kamaria said. Chaka focused his electric blue eyes on Kamaria, and Garuda did the same with her golden orbs. Ashaki laughed.
"Be careful with her!"
"Mom!" Chaka said.
And although this wave is stringing us along
Just know you're not alone
Cause I'm gonna make this place your home
*+-/_\-+*
A month passed with ease. Garuda, Jawanga, Mito, Malaika, and Tufani were inseparable, no matter the case. Kamaria could go hunting again, and it was recommended by Indira that she do so, and left the cubs in Chaka's care often, since Chaka had just turned seven months old. Although Chaka did a splendid job with the five cubs, he still liked it when one of the older females, preferably Nala, helped him watch them.
Although, that day, Ashaki had stayed with Nala and Chaka as well, due to her pregnancy nearing it's end. Usafi, too, was there, due to her pregnancy's late-term as well. In fact, Usafi was overdue.
Mito jumped over to Usafi. It was hard to believe that she had been premature. Although she was small, she was strong. Nala laughed.
"I still consider her my granddaughter, like I consider Jua," Nala began, "just because Kiara was my daughter once." The blue-eyed lioness said.
"I know, and I understand," Usafi said as she pulled Mito close, "you should. Mito's actually, believe it or not, much like you somehow."
Nala laughed and leaned over to nuzzle Mito. Ashaki chuckled herself, then stood up, her pregnant belly obvious.
"I'm going to go stretch my legs." The Queen said with a yawn.
"Are you sure that's okay?" Usafi asked.
"Yeah, sweetie, you're about to pop." Nala said.
"The cub's kicking up a storm. I believe she thinks I need to walk." Ashaki said.
"'She?'" Nala asked. Ashaki blushed.
"I think it's a girl." She said. Usafi smiled.
"You've carried a girl and a boy before. So of course you'd…" Usafi then hissed in a breath.
"What is it?" Ashaki asked. A pool of wet appeared around Usafi.
"It looks like you're in labor." Nala said with a smile. Usafi nodded.
"Seems so. It's time." The lavender-eyed lioness said.
"What's time?"
All the lionesses turned to the sound of the powerful male voice. Usafi smiled when she saw the silver lion with a younger black lion at his side. Both males had white manes. Usafi almost cried.
"Kali! Maji!" Usafi said. She then groaned in pain. Nala stood up, pushing the younger cubs aside so Kali could come into the clearing. Maji followed his father closely.
"You weren't followed?" Ashaki asked. Kali shook his head.
"And I want to apologize for…" The Queen's blue-eyed glare cut off Kali.
"Don't. Kamaria told me. You saved her life, and you saved her cubs in the process." Ashaki said. Kali smiled.
"She told you, then?" Kali asked. Ashaki nodded.
"Yes, but now, your mate is in labor and needs you two with her. We'll take the cubs away from here. Help her out, she needs you." The Queen said as she, Nala, and Chaka took the cubs out of the area. Usafi looked to Kali, fear in her eyes.
"Ketaki told me everything." Kali said.
"I knew she would." Usafi said.
"Mom, why didn't you tell us?" Maji asked. Usafi sighed.
"I was scared and… now I'm even more scared." The lioness said. Kali nuzzled Usafi.
Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
"Don't be. There's a good chance the cub or cubs is mine, you know. Even then, if one of them is Kibuluu's…I'll accept it." Kali said. Usafi sobbed as another contraction hit her. Maji then nuzzled his mother.
"We're here for you Mom." Maji said. Usafi smiled at her son as Hafsa appeared on the scene. Kali smiled at his daughter.
"Hafsa, it's nice to see you." Kali said. Hafsa nuzzled her dad.
"Ashaki said Mom was in labor, so…" Hafsa said softly. Usafi lay flat out on her side, and Hafsa immediately went and laid at her mother's head. As the screams of Usafi's labor became more and more, Kali, Hafsa, and Maji all crooned and cheered on Usafi. Soon enough, a pink cub, the same color as it's mother, appeared. A sigh of relief filled the family as Usafi took the cub and cleaned it.
"Enye…" Usafi said. Kali looked at his mate.
"A boy, then?" He asked. Usafi smiled and nodded.
"A boy. Kali, we have another son." Usafi said. Kali smiled broadly, and Hafsa and Maji looked to their new brother, both smiling.
"Hey little bro," Maji said, "You're going to be a troublemaker, aren't you?"
"He's so cute." Hafsa crooned. Usafi sighed, and at her other end, another cub was born. Hafsa turned to the cub, cleaning it while Usafi crooned over Enye. Hafsa set the cub that was an orange in color, at Enye's side.
"It's a girl, Mom." Hafsa said. Usafi gazed at the girl, unsure of what to say or do. The lioness wanted the cub to open her eyes. She didn't look like Kibuluu, not in the least, but if the eyes were the same, all bets were off.
While the family all gazed at the girl cub, Nurisha snuck into the area. She saw Kali and gasped aloud. Kali heard the sound and turned to Nurisha, smiling. Nurisha smiled and ran to nuzzle Kali. Kali held his eldest daughter close, but then Nurisha saw the orange cub in front of Usafi. The white lioness stepped next to the cub. The cub opened her eyes, revealing a gentle blue, not harsh like Kibuluu's, but still blue. Usafi shook her head, pushing the cub away.
"I can't. Kali… She'll be too much trouble." Usafi said. Kali grimaced. Nurisha immediately brought the cub closer to her.
"What? You can't feed her, can you?" Maji asked. Nurisha laughed.
"I can't." Nurisha said.
"But I can." Ashaki said, appearing with Nala, Kamaria, Chaka, and the cubs. Ashaki settled next to Nurisha, and then Nurisha pushed the orange girl towards her mother. Ashaki gazed at the cub.
"You'd do that for me?" Usafi asked.
"Of course. We're practically family, Usafi." Ashaki said.
"What are you naming her?" Usafi asked. Ashaki looked to the cub at her side.
"Zirali." Ashaki said.
"Zirali? Angel of Death?" Maji asked.
"Well, Zirali is close to an old friend's name. I'm naming her in honor of her." Ashaki said. Kamaria smiled, knowing who the "friend" was. Jawanga and Garuda played around the young mother's paws, and Kamaria nuzzled them both.
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found
*+-/_\-+*
Almost a whole six months passed since Jawanga and Garuda's birth. The six-month-old twins were boisterous, blustery, and wonderful.
Since six months had gone by, Kamaria had celebrated her second birthday, as had Nurisha, Jua, Jasiri, Zuri, Hafsa, Maji and Fahamu. Kweli, Damu, and Giza had celebrated their third birthday, and Chaka celebrated his first birthday. Within those six months, after nearly two days of hard labor pains, Ashaki and Myota had welcomed a light pink-brown cub with a hair tuft, dark earrims, and blue eyes with green towards it's pupils. The cub was a girl, like Zirali, and had been named "Toroka."
Kamaria and Thelugi saw the growing relationship between Jawanga and Malaika, and had decided they were best for each other. Garuda, still, loved being near her mother, which Kamaria never minded. Garuda had grown to show she looked more like her mother, and Jawanga looked more and more like Amri each day as he grew. They had the chance to show to Simba and Nala who they took after in personality, as well.
The pride, Kamaria included, believed that Garuda was Tama reborn. Jawanga, however, took his personality almost directly from his great-great-grandfather, Mufasa, only with a larger temper, which they all agreed had to be Ahadi's.
Garuda and Toroka were good friends, and often paired together when their mothers weren't around. Jawanga, Malaika, Tufani, and Zirali were known as the "frightful foursome." Mito and Enye were close, as well.
That day, all eight cubs were bounding through the safe jungle, with no fear of invading rogues. Tojo, who had begun to gray, followed at a far-enough distance that the cubs didn't even pay attention to him. Well, until Garuda ran to her great-grandfather and pounced at his lifted paw. Tojo smiled and laughed, then continued to tickle his great-granddaughter. Garuda giggled.
"Grampa!" She said. Tojo smiled at the little cub and lied down to give his bones a rest.
"How's my little 'Ru?" Tojo asked. Garuda then batted at Tojo's nose.
"I'm good." Garuda said. Suddenly, the other seven cubs all flocked to Tojo, especially Toroka. Toroka sat next to Garuda in Tojo's paws, Jawanga and Malaika lied to Tojo's right side, Zirali and Tufani just next to them, Mito settled next to Tojo's paw, and Enye found himself in Tojo's mane. The aging lion laughed.
"Grampa, can you tell a story about great-grandma Tama?" Jawanga asked. Tojo smiled and nodded.
"Of course." Tojo said. Toroka nuzzled into her grandfather's mane. As Tojo told the story of Tama, Kali appeared, smiling at Tojo. Just behind him was Simba with Nala, who both smiled, tears in Simba's eyes. Suddenly, Garuda in favor of Simba rejected Tojo. Simba laughed as the golden-eyed Princess tried to jump on his back. To assist her, Simba leaned down, and Garuda jumped into Simba's mane. Enye then left Tojo for his father. Zirali looked at Kali in fear, but the silver lion grabbed the orange cub and set her on his back. Jawanga and Malaika then took Enye's place in Tojo's mane, then Mito and Tufani flocked right to Nala. Toroka remained in Tojo's paws as the dark gold lion began the ending of Tama's life.
"Tama was attacked after Ashaki returned. Soon after, in fact. She was killed, but she lives on in our hearts," Tojo's voice became tight at the last syllable, then he sighed and smiled, "but… she told Ashaki that 'we are one.' She stopped the fight. We are one, and always will be." Tojo finished in a whisper. Simba nodded as tears filled his eyes. Garuda climbed up to Simba's neck and nuzzled her great-great uncle. Simba laughed sadly and then Garuda had tears in her eyes as well. For a second, Simba swore he saw Tama's face in Garuda.
"You're not alone, Uncle Simba." Garuda said. Simba smiled and nuzzled Garuda.
"I know." He whispered. Nala then nuzzled her mate, then the cub on his back.
"There you are." Ashaki said, Thelugi, Kamaria, Usafi, Chaka, and Jasiri with her. Garuda jumped down from Simba's back and ran to her mother, Jawanga close behind her. Malaika and Tufani flocked to her mother. Enye and Mito ran to Usafi. Zirali and Toroka ran for Ashaki, but Usafi quickly caught Zirali and nuzzled her. Zirali smiled at her birth mother, then Usafi released her to go to Ashaki. Chaka smiled at his niece and nephew.
"Hey, little ones. How's it hanging?" Chaka asked. Jawanga smiled at his uncle and puffed his chest out.
"I am the KING!" Jawanga said.
"Are not!" Enye called.
"Are too!" Jawanga said.
"Jawanga…" Kamaria warned. Jawanga smiled and nuzzled his mother. Kamaria smiled and looked to her daughter.
"And how was your day, sweetie?" Kamaria asked. Garuda simply smiled.
"I had fun." Garuda said.
"I'm glad." Jasiri said, stepping next to Chaka. The rusty brown lioness then nuzzled Chaka. Chaka blushed and Kamaria gave her little brother a knowing look. Chaka smiled sheepishly and Jasiri laughed.
"Chaka, there's no use hiding it." She said.
"I know. Well, guys…" Chaka said.
"I think we know, you and Jasiri are an item." Ashaki said.
"Wait until Kopa hears this." Simba said. Nala laughed and nuzzled her mate.
"I think he'd be fine with it, Jasiri's no longer alone." Nala said. Jasiri smiled at her grandparents, who smiled back.
Kamaria smiled broadly, then looked to her cubs. This place, this jungle, it had become home to them all. The work of fighting off rogues by the males and the hunting and training by the females had made them all stronger, but not only were they stronger, they had made a home.
I made this a home for my children…Amri… where are you? We all need you. Kamaria wondered.
Just know you're not alone
Cause I'm gonna make this place your home
*+-/_\-+*
Kivuli stepped through the Pridelands, and into the desert, Chinja with him. The two lions looked to each other with smiles plastered on their faces.
"We need to go get Kazai." Chinja said.
"We weakened the Moon Pride enough, as has Ketaki. We've got the River Princess safely in the Peaklands. It's time." I'm coming, Kamaria. I'm coming back. I promise you. Kivuli thought.
"Settle down, 'Li. Breathe, I know you're pumped to see your girl, but you're going to need to be calm." Chinja said.
"My girl? I think it needs to be established, Chinja," Kivuli began, "Kamaria's my mate. Always has been." He finished strongly. Chinja smiled.
"I get to see my dad. I've never seen him." Chinja said.
Settle down, it'll all be clear
"Hey, now. Who said I have to settle down and you don't?" Kivuli asked.
"I know. But… I'm a little nervous." Chinja said.
"I'm here for you, brother." Kivuli said.
"I'm surprised the Pridelanders didn't discover we killed Kovu." Chinja said.
"You did it?"
Kivuli's eyes widened and he flipped around, seeing a creamy white lioness with wide ruby eyes. She looked more scared than anything.
"Mwenzi…" Chinja growled.
"Yes, that's my name, but you? Why? Kovu was nice!" Mwenzi said.
"Kovu almost killed my mate." Kivuli said.
"Wait…JJ's your mate? Amri?" Mwenzi asked. Kivuli growled.
"I go by 'Kivuli' now." He said.
"Whatever, you killed Kovu?" Mwenzi asked.
"I had to. It was for K—JJ and Chaka." Kivuli said. Mwenzi scoffed.
"Wait until I tell my mother. You'll be killed." She said.
"We'll be long gone." Chinja growled. Mwenzi rolled her eyes.
"Load of crap." Mwenzi turned on her tail and ran. The two lions looked to each other.
"Little white demon…" Chinja growled.
"C'mon, we're so close. We have to tell Kazai so the Pridelanders have a chance." Kivuli said as he bolted into a dead run. Chinja was close behind him.
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
*+-/_\-+*
Chumvi, Muujiza, and Kazai all were sitting in a circle around the oasis at the border of the jungle. Kazai and Muujiza were all starry-eyed, which made Chumvi smile.
"So, what has you two in such a good mood?" The aging brown lion asked. Muujiza looked to Chumvi.
"We… after all this is over…" Muujiza trailed off.
"'Iza! We're getting married when this is over." Kazai said. Chumvi nodded and nuzzled Kazai.
"I'm glad. Your father will be thrilled, Kazai. Muujiza, I'm thrilled for you." Chumvi said.
"Thanks, Chum'. I… I love her. I never thought I'd love again after Ramsa," Muujiza looked at Kazai, "but this one convinced me otherwise." He finished as he nuzzled her. Chumvi smiled and looked up, seeing two forms in the distance, running at full speed. Chumvi stood with a growl. The other two lions stood, but Kazai didn't growl unlike Muujiza and Chumvi. She recognized the forms and smiled.
"Guys, settle. It's okay." Kazai said, as the figures got closer.
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found
*+-/_\-+*
The rest of the pride was eating the kill the huntresses brought in that day. Kamaria and her twins, however, had already eaten and the mother was cleaning her cubs when Muujiza, Chumvi, and Kazai appeared, two lions with them.
"Ashaki, we have news from the Pridelands." Muujiza said. Kamaria lifted her head and recognized the creamy gold lion with them. She gasped as she saw his teal eyes glow. Her heart stopped as she stood. The lion made eye contact with her, and smiled at her broadly. Moyo, who was in the crowd, saw the eye contact between the two and smiled.
"Amri?" Kamaria asked. The lion nodded.
"Kamaria." Amri said. Kamaria's eyes filled with tears as Amri ran towards her, and held her close. Kamaria sobbed into Amri's now-full mane.
"Amri, oh my Kings thank the spirits, you're alive… Amri…" Kamaria sobbed.
"Well, I do go by Kivuli now, but… I'm here. I'm alive. And I love you, so much." Kivuli said. Kamaria looked at her mate, her blue eyes looking into his teal orbs. She smiled through her tears.
"I love you too, no matter who you are, and I have two someones you'll want to meet." Kamaria said softly. Jawanga and Garuda peered through the grass at Kivuli, who smiled. Kamaria turned to the twins and cleared her throat.
Just know you're not alone
Cause I'm gonna make this place your home.
"Jawanga, Garuda, this is your father." Kamaria said. Kivuli lied down.
"Come here, little ones, I won't hurt you." He promised. Both twins were hesitant, but once they were in Kivuli's paws, they fell asleep. Moyo and Ashaki approached the family, both mothers smiling. Moyo nuzzled her son.
"Congratulations, you're a father." Moyo said. Kivuli nodded.
"I'm a father. To a boy and a girl. Kamaria," He turned to his mate, "you've been so strong without me. You've had our cubs without me. I'm not leaving you again. I promise." He whispered. Kamaria smiled and nuzzled him.
"I'll hold you to that." She whispered. Ashaki smiled at Kivuli.
"Take care of my daughter." The Queen said. The white King appeared at Ashaki's side and nuzzled his mate.
"Take care of our daughter." Myota corrected his mate. Kivuli smiled at Myota.
"I'll take care of her, no matter the cost."
A/N: Amri/Kivuli's back with Kamaria! *Happy tears* they're back together, with their children. Mwenzi may know of Kivuli and Chinja killing Kovu, but they're warning the Pridelanders now. We've not got far to go until the end, guys. I'm being serious. We're almost done. I'd say five chapters at the most, three at the least, but don't quote me, Review and stay tuned!