Greetings, Jagabor-holics!(Heh. Couldn't resist) This chapter is going to be different from the others. It will not feature Mufasa or Taka. The next chapter(And last, I think), however, will completely revolve around the two brothers(Both chapters take place at the same time.) This takes place about a week after the events in the last chapter. Please forgive typos, review and enjoy!
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Pride Life and the Afterlife
Ed sat beside Kivuli's head, watching as his sleeping father breathed in and out. The son of Kivuli felt a bit confused. Normally, his father was up by now, and they could play together before Shenzi and Banzai woke up. But today was different. And Ed didn't like it one bit. The hyena cub lowered his thin eyebrows in annoyance as he jumped on his Kivuli's head and grabbed his father's ears in his jaws, tugging on them aggressively. Kivuli winced in pain, before smiling slightly, not even bothering to open his eyes.
"Ed," Kivuli breathed tiredly, "Daddy had sort of a long night. You know, because you insisted on hearing the story of the Bloody Shadows' birth twelve times in a row. How are you awake this early, anyway? Don't you think you should be making up for some of the sleep you missed?"
Ed lowered his eyelids and jumped in front of his father's face, tapping Kivuli on the nose.
"Gug er re hig!" Ed reminded his father with a laugh.
Kivuli's smile grew as he got to his feet and yawned. The black hyena then smiled down at Ed and patted his head.
"Of course," Kivuli chuckled, "We must raise with the sun, and set whenever the hell we feel like it.…Well, now that we're both up, let's go have some fun."
Ed nodded excitedly and quickly ran out of the burrow.Kivuli followed close behind, looking all around with each step to make sure that no one was around. Upon seeing that he and Ed were alone, the black hyena let out a sigh of relief. He enjoyed his time with Ed to be private, and all to often it was interrupted by someone who 'wanted a word with him.' Kivuli hated that. He found it quite rude for another creature to cut in on his time with his son.Kivuli shrugged and turned to say something to Ed, before realizing that his son was gone. Kivuli stopped in his tracks and whirled around, looking in all directions for his son.
"…Ed?" Kivuli asked nervously, before hearing the presence of another creature.
Kivuli sat still and perked up his ears. The black hyena heard footsteps and snickering coming from behind him, growing louder and louder with each passing second. Kivuli smiled and rolled his eyes, before falling forward on his stomach just in time for Ed to jump on his back.
"Oof!" Kivuli grunted in mock-pain, "You got me, Ed!"
Ed laughed triumphantly as jumped off of his father's back began to strut away from his father. Kivuli smirked and leaped in front of Ed, pushing his son onto his back and pinning Ed with one paw. Ed stopped laughing and blinked in surprise as he stared up at his father. Kivuli smiled down at his son and lowered his head to Ed's ear.
"Ah, but now I've got you!" Kivuli snickered playfully.
Ed's eyes widened as he struggled out form under his father's paw and ran off. Kivuli laughed and ran after his son. After running a couple of yards, Kivuli jumped in front of Ed, casuing the hyena cub to knock into him. Father and son fell to the ground and rolled in the grass. Kivuli ended up on his back, Ed on top of the black hyena's chest. The two laughed loudly, not caring whether or not their laughter would disturb anyone's slumber. They were both enjoying themselves. And they would continue to do so, no matter what anyone else thought of them. They were sins against nature. And damn proud of it.
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Bemba sat at the edge of the Pool of Elimu, gazing into its tides to check in on Kivuli and Ed. She had made this a regular habbit, for it was the only way that she could watch over her mate and child. She wanted more than anything to talk with them, but she knew that it was impossible. Only Higher Spirits were permitted to communicate with the living, and Bemba was actually quite low on the caste system of the Spirit Realm. The only way that she could see Kivuli or Ed would be if a Higher Spirit accompanied her and oversaw their meeting. But that gave her no comfort. The only Higher Spirit that Bemba knew was Soga, and he was in no mood to even be in the same area as Kivuli, after the black hyena let Kalab and Nakama leave with barely a scratch. Bemba sighed and stared into the bright pool as the image of Kivuli and Ed appeared. The teenage hyena leaned over the pool and smiled excitedly, watching as Kivuli and Ed wrestled in the grass. Ed grabbed onto his father's tail and clung to it tightly. Kivuli laughed and spun around in circles, trying to reach his tail to grab his son. After a few minutes, Kivuli stopped chasing his tail and staggered forward, before falling on his side. Ed rolled a few feet away and lied on his back, his pupils rolling around due to the fact that his mind was still spinning. Bemba smiled and covered his mouth with her paw.
"Oh, they're both so cute!" Bemba giggled, "Kivi… I remember when we used to play like that…He hasn't changed a bit! He's still the same hyena I fell in love with…..So caring, and kind, and….dreamy. Ahhhh. We made a beautiful cub together….I only wish that I could have been part of his life…."
"Oh, if it isn't the little whore!" came a voice from behind Bemba.
Bemba recognized the voice instantly, and was not very happy to hear it. In fact, Bemba was given quite an awful shock. However, she managed to hide her surprise and quickly dragged her paw over the pool, causing the image to vanish. The teenage hyena then turned around to see a female hyena with dark spots and a long tail walking to wards her.
"Don't call me that, Shetani," Bemba warned with a low growl, lowering herself to the ground in preparation of an attack.
"What?" Shetani asked innocently, a smirk creeping upon her muzzle, "Is there a more proper term for an unwed teenage mothers, such as yourself?"
Bemba turned away from Kivuli's former mate and began to walk off. She had decided a long time ago to just ignore Shetani, because there was no way that Bemba stood a chance against her in a fight. Bemba learned that the hard way many times. Usually, Shetani would just laugh and let Bemba walk away. Unfortunately for Bemba, this was no such occasion.
"What the hell were you doing here, anyway?" Shetani growled as she glanced over at the Pool of Elimu, "I swear, if you've been spying on my mate again…"
Bemba stopped in her tracks and turned to Shetani. It was time for another one of there arguments over who was loved by Kivuli more.
"Your mate?" Bemba asked, her eyes narrowing, "Kivi was my mate! He still is my mate! And he always will be!"
"Oh, don't make me laugh!" Shetani scoffed, rolling her eyes, "You were never anything more than a playmate to Kivuli. When are you going to realize that he never really loved you? He loved me, and only me!"
"I was the playmate?" Bemba asked with an angry growl, "Not likely. You're the playmate. Since you died, Kivi's been with dozens of females. But I was his last! Since I died, he hasn't even looked at other women."
"Well, that's simple enough to explain," Shetani shot back, "You completely ruined it for him! He was so repulsed by you that he lost his taste for females. If he was a lesser hyena, you would have driven him to homosexuality!"
"He hasn't taken a new mate because he realized that I was his true love!" Bemba snapped, "I was the only hyena that he ever loved, and the only one that ever loved him! You didn't love Kivi. You just loved the power!"
"Oh, shut up!" Shetani groaned, covering her ears with her paws, "You have got to be the most annoying little tart that I've ever met! It's a wonder Kivuli didn't kill you sooner! And he should have! You completely failed him, baring him such a disgraceful cub! If he had killed you before you gave birth, that ugly, pathetic, retarded abomination would have never come into being!"
After that comment, Bemba seriously considered attacking Shetani. But the teenage hyena let a cooler head prevail, She knew that Shetani was just trying to provoke her, and Bemba was not about to give her the stisfaction. After taking a deep breath, the young hyena decided to simply accept the challenge Shetani had given her.
"That's funny," Bemba smirked, "You, the mother of Nakama, are saying that I bared him a disgraceful cub!"
Shetani paused for a moment, before tensing her muscles and crouching low to the ground.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Shetani growled.
Bemba smiled contently, satisfied with Shetani's reaction. The teenage hyena began to groom her paw casually.
"I have to hand it to you," Bemba told Shetani, "You're something special. I don't know anyone who could mate with such a wonderful, brave, powerful hyena like Kivuli…..And plop out such a snivelling, cowardly, whiny little bitch like Nakama."
Shetani immediately leaped on Bemba, biting her on the shoulder and digging her claws into Bemba's side. Bemba cried out in pain and fell sideways. Even if Shetani had come to hate Nakama, she accepted any insult to wards him as an attack on her. The long-tailed hyena continued her assult on Bemba, who could barely defend hereself. The young hyena was simply not strong enough to battle an expert assassin like Shetani. All Bemba could do was stuggle to break free and run. And even that did not help, as Shetani caught with her and pinned Bemba on her stomach and closed her jaws around the young hyena's neck, applying more and more preasure with each second. Bemba winced painfully, finding herself unable to move as the pain became grew worse. Shetani smiled, before hearing a voice from behind her.
"Shetani," the voice growled, "Let…her…go."
Shetani let go of Bemba and turned to face the creature who had addressed her. There before her sat Sauda, Uvuli close to her side. Shetani smiled casually and stepped closer to Sauda, flicking her tail in the air.
"Ah, Kivuli's little sister!" Shetani snickered "Do us all a favor, and learn to stay out of affairs that don't concern you!"
"You're petty cruelty concerns me," Sauda breathed, "I am concerned for both you and those around you. You're a bully, and nothing more. And one day, you're spiteful attitude will cause your downfall.This is your last warning, Shetani. I don't want to have to get Soga involved in this, and we both know that he'd take whatever side is against you. Now leave."
Shetani stared in between Sauda and Uvuli, before shrugging and turning away.
"Yeah, sure," Shetani yawned, "I'm just about done here, anyway. "
Shetani looked down at Bemba and snorted.
"We'll finish this later, whore," Shetani spat.
With that, Shetani disappeared into an orb of light. Uvuli paused for a moment, before quickly running to Bemba's side as the teenage hyena got to her feet. Bemba was covered with scratches and bruises. Her most notable injury was a bruise around her left eye, which darkened the ring around it.
"Auntie Bemba?" Uvuli asked slowly, "Are you okay?"
Bemba turned to the black cub and smiled with a nod.
"Oh, I'm fine," Bemba nodded, "I've taken a lot worse than that before."
Uvuli frowned and lowered his head. Bemba placed her paw on the black cub's head and smiled. She had developed a fondness for Uvuli. He reminded her of Kivuli. Uvuli, in turn, liked Bemba. He thought of her as an aunt who he could go to when he was bored. Sauda stepped forward and looked at Bemba with a sigh.
"Come on," Sauda breathed, "We should get back to Edaha. Maybe he can give you something for that eye."
Bemba placed a paw to her left eye and nodded sadly. Uvuli leaned against Bemba's side and smiled reassuringly.
"Hey, don't be sad!" Uvuli smiled, "You'll get her, one of these days! And when you do, make sure that everyone's watching. Then nobody messes with you again!"
Bemba smiled down at Uvuli and patted his head. Sauda let out a quiet chuckle and lowered her head to her son.
"Why don't you run ahead and tell Edaha we're on our way?" Sauda suggested, "I'm sure that he'll want some time to prepare some herbs before seeing treating Bemba."
"'Kay, Momma," Uvuli nodded, brushing against his mother's leg before running off to see Edaha, "See you later, Auntie Bemba!"
Bemba smiled and nodded as Uvuli ran off, before turning to Sauda and lowering her head sadly.
"I…I hope he's right," Bemba breathed, "I want to be strong, but right now I'm….It's a good thing that your were nearby. If you hadn't….Wait. What are you doing here, anyway? Using the pool?"
Sauda froze for a moment, turning her gaze away from Bemba.
"Yes," Sauda nodded, "I just wanted to check on someone I once knew….But that creature no longer exists. He's dead."
Bemba cocked her head as Sauda let out a sigh of sadness.
"But if he's dead, that means that you can just go see him, right?" Bemba asked in confusion.
Sauda smiled slightly and shook her head.
"No," Sauda breathed, "He's the wrong kind of dead. His soul is gone, but his body survives….I pray that he'll be alright….He's not….I don't want to think about it, right now. Let's be on our way."
Sauda turned away from Bemba and walked off. Bemba stared at Sauda strangely, before following her closely. The young hyena had some idea as to who Sauda was checking on. A creature who was a part of many hyena's most gruesome nightmares…and yet still the major part of Sauda's most beautiful dreams.
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Sarafina, Zira, and Sarabi had been taking hunting lessons for five days, now. Each lesson seemed more boring than the last. Normally, they would have been taking lessons from the morning hunting party. However, the cubs' constant complaints had distracted the hunting party too many times, causing them to miss many kills. So, the hunting party got together agreed that they no longer wished to train Sarabi, Zira, and Sarafina. They decided to bring their problems to Ahadi. Luckily for the cubs, the king was out training Mufasa that day and the only one whocould meet with them on the subject was Uru.The queen allowed the hunting party to speak their peace, before granting the lionesses a solution to the problem; she would oversee the rest of the cubs training on the condition that the hunting party train the newcomers from the Falme. The lionesses agreed to the deal, not aware of what they were getting themselves into. This worked for both sides, as Uru no longer had to deal with the dainty and inexperienced Falme lionesses, and the hunting party knew that if anyone could keep the cubs in line, it was Uru. And now, Zira, Sarabi, and Sarafina sat several feet behind Uru as she demonstrated how to properly stalk an antelope herd.
Uru crouched behind a large bush and examined the herd of antelope that gathered together and grazed in their usual fashion. The queen licked her lips and carefully took a step forward, turning her head to address the three cubs behind her.
"Alright," Uru whispered, tensing her muscles, "Take notes. This is how to obtain a clean kill."
There was no answer. Normally, this would mean that the cubs understood to be quiet and observe. However, Uru had a feeling that was not the case. Her suspicions were confirmed as she turned to face Sarabi, Sarafina, and Zira, who were busy watching an army of ants march into an anthill.
"Are you three even paying attention?" Uru asked, raising an eyebrow at the three cubs behind her.
Sarabi, Sarafina, and Zira quickly looked up from the line of ants that walked in front of them and turned their attention to Uru.
"Eh…yes, Queen Uru," Sarabi nodded, her eyes darting back and forth.
Uru rolled her eyes and lied down, facing the cubs.
"Alright," Uru breathed, keeping her head at the cubs' level, "What's the problem?"
The three cubs cocked their heads in confusion.
"Problem?" Zira asked, "What problem?"
"That's what I'm trying to find out," Uru explained with a slight smile, "The hunting parties tell me that you haven't been very attentive during your lessons. And I can see that they spoke the truth. It's not like you three. You're usually so full of energy. What's wrong? Do you have something on your minds, or is this just typical cub boredom?"
Sarabi, Sarafina, and Zira glanced at each other, before turning to the queen.
"Typical cub boredom," the three cubs answered in unison.
"Ah," Uru nodded with a slight smile, "And just what do you find so boring about hunting lessons? Most find it to be a bit too exciting, if anything."
The three cubs rolled their eyes and took deep breaths.
"Exciting?" Sarabi sighed, "What's so exciting about being forced to sit still and be quiet?"
"And why do we have to learn how to hunt?" Sarafina asked, "How come Mufasa and Taka don't have to take lessons?"
"Or Rai?" Zira added, a hint of disgust in her voice.
Uru smiled and chuckled quietly to herself as she sat up straight and looked down at the three cubs.
"In order," Uru smiled, extending a digit on her raised paw, "It won't always be sitting around and being quiet. Just until you're a bit older. You'll be able to join in the action, one day. Hunting is truly a sport of lionesses. It's through hunting that we can fully use the talents that we've been blessed with. Males, on the other hand, have been blessed with…..different talents. That is why Mufasa and Taka are not required to take these lessons. They'll need to work on the talents that the Spirits give all males. And they won't be able to work on those talents until their manes come in. They are welcome to take lessons, if they so choose. But Mufasa would be too tired from training, and Taka would never leave his brother on his own. And as I've already told you five times, Zira, Rai needs to spend her time learning how to help the sick and injured. I actually think it's nice that Rafiki has made her his apprentice. We could use all the medical help that we have offered to us."
Sarabi and Sarafina nodded slowly. Zira turned her head away and grumbled to herself.
"Yeah, but it's so boring!" Sarabi groaned, "We thought hunting was gonna be fun, not just laying around like a rock while someone else gets to do the chasing! Argh"
Uru smiled and shook her head. She remembered when she herself was a cub, and felt the same way about this stage of her training. She pitied the three cubs that loafed in front of her. After having gone through the same experience that they were about to go through, Uru knew exactly what their feeling were on the subject of hunting lessons; they felt trapped, unable to do the things that they enjoyed whenever they wanted. If anyone knew about that, it was Uru. The queen lied down and thought for a minute. The cubs did have a point; hunting lessons were boring when they began. Uru decided that it was about time that cycle ended.
"I see," Uru nodded, jokingly placing a paw to her chin, "Yes, I suppose it can be a bit tiring, just sitting around and observing the boring, old adults. But how can we remedy this situation? Hmm, let's see…Oh, I think I know just the thing! How about I take you three over by the Grass Patch, to get some real experience?"
The three cubs perked their ears up and stared at Uru in confusion.
"Huh?" Sarafina asked, taking a few steps closer to Uru, "What could we learn by going to the Grass Patch?"
"Well, it's not so much what you could learn," Uru told Sarafina, "It's more of what I could learn. I'd like to see what you three are able to do, so far. That way, I can seewhat you need work on. You see, there are a lot of mice in the Grass Patch, and the tall grass allows you to keep yourself hidden. It would create the perfect hunting simulation for the three of you. "
The three cubs quickly got to their feet and smiled excitedly as they glanced at each other.
"You mean it?" Zira asked the queen, "You're gonna let us hunt for mice?"
Uru nodded, Sarabi, Zira, and Sarafina cheered and jumped up and down with renewed enthusiasm.
"Wow!" Sarabi laughed, "The hunting party would never let us do that! They'd just make us sit still and watch. It was no fun."
Uru smiled and shook her head as she walked to wards the Grass Patch, cocking her head at the cubs to tell them to follow her.
"Well, that's certainly not right!" Uru chuckled, "You should be allowed to have fun with your hunting lessons, for now. Because one day, you'll come to realize what an ironically depressing sport it is. But you'll learn that, later. You should all enjoy innocence, while you still have a shred of it."
Sarabi, Sarafina, and Zira glanced at each other with raised eyebrows, before shrugging and following the queen to wards the Grass Patch. The three cubs wondered what Uru had meant by what she said. They all found it to be an unusual statement. However, none of them questioned the queen'swisdom. After all, Uru had told them that they would understand her words later. The three of them had a great amount of respect for Uru. They wanted to be like her when they grew up. This desire was shared by all the lioness cubs in the Pride Lands. For each of them knew that someday, they could become queen. And whoever was given such an honor would have some big pawprints to fill.
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Rafiki let out a heavy sigh and sat down, leaning his walking stick against the wall of the Nursing Den. He had finally tended to the last injured lioness in the Nursing Den, and was able to get some much-needed rest. Theentire morning had consisted of groaning and complaints from his patience, even as he was treating them. Rafiki became exhausted within the firsthour of it. But now that all of his patience had been treated and were now silently asleep, Rafiki had time to himself. And the colorful baboon planed on using that time to relax. And relax, he did. For a few minutes, anyway. It did not take long for Rafiki to realize that his time for regaining his lost strength could very well be cut short.
"Aye-yah!" Rafiki groaned, smacking himself on the head with his hand, "I forgot about Rai. She gonna be 'ere any minute wit her report! Oh, just when I tink dat my work is done! I cannot take it, anymore! I have been working for three days witout any sleep! Is it too much to ask for fah an hour or two of rest? Oh, I just know dat she's going the tell me dat everyone needs attention from me! Day always need attention, and I kennot turn them away, even if I want to. And right now, I do want the turn dem away! I'm tired! I…"
Rafiki continued complaining for several minutes. The baboon was beyond tired, and now losing his grip on his senses. Rafiki's complaints did not continue for very long, however, as his walking stick fell forward and struck him on the back of the head. The shaman yelped in both surprise and pain, before grabbing his walking stick and rubbing the back of his head painfully.
"Ow!" Rafiki groaned painfully, glaring at his walking stick, "Wat was dat fah? Rafiki never do nahting the you! Rafiki bin nahting but good the you! If it naht fah Rafiki, you be able to go nowhere, you ovahgrown twig! I ottah….no…"
Rafiki crossed his legs and inhaled, before exhaling slowly.
"I em sorry," Rafiki sighed as he looked at his walking stick, "I should not be yelling at you. It is just dat I em very tired. Since I stahted caring fah these creachahs, I have lost a lot of sleep. And when Rafiki loses sleep, he also loses his mind. Wah? You don't believe me? Well, just look! I em talking to a stick! No, no…..You not a stick. You ah….Oh, Rafiki need to get some rest, before he completely lose his mind!...But kennot rest. Not until I em sure dat everyone is okay. And I won't know dat until Rai make her report."
"Hello?" came a voice from the front of the den, "Rafiki?"
Rafiki turned to the Nursing Den's entrance to see Rai padding to wards him. The baboon smiled and placed his hand on his knee.
"Ah, speak of de angel!" Rafiki chuckled, before nodding to the light-brown cub, "Good morning, Rai. Did you make your rounds?"
"I did," Rai nodded with a smile.
There was a long pause. Rafiki rocked back and forth expectantly.
"And?" Rafiki asked, "How is everyone doing? Do dey need anyting from me?"
Rai thought for a moment, before shaking her head.
"No," Rai stated, "Most of them are feeling a lot better. And those who aren't are asleep."
Rafiki gave a sigh of relief, both for the creatures recovering and the fact that he could now get some rest.
"Well, dat is good news," Rafiki smiled, "And your mother is well?"
"Yep," Rai nodded with a laugh, still getting used to having a mother as her patient, "All of her wounds from the battle have either healed or become scars, so she can only get better. And she says its all thanks to me. But you know what? I wouldn't have even been able to treat her if it wasn't for you making me your apprentice. Thank you, Rafiki. Thank you for helping me make my mother's life better."
Rafiki smiled and patted Rai on the head, before letting out a loud yawn.
"You ah very welcome, Rai," Rafiki stated tiredly, "And I thank you fah helping me during this time. But if you denat mind, I need my rest. Why don't you spend some time wit your mother, and come back dis aftahnoon?"
Rai did not needed to be asked twice. The light-brown cub nodded excitredly and ran out of the Nursing Den as fast as she could. Rafiki chuckled to himself as he watched Rai leave, before lying down and closing his eyes. Within seconds the baboon was sound asleep, his walking stick held close to his side. Despite his complaints, Rafiki had enjoyed tending to the creatures' injuries. It was his way of showing appreciation to the Pride Lands for their hospitality. Rafiki vowed to do anything he could to aid the continuation of harmony in the Pride Lands. Unfortunately, some matters would betoo difficult for Rafiki to handle. But despite that fact, he would always try his hardest. And because of that, the Pride Lands was about to become a much more peaceful place. Give or take a few bloody wars.
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Rai enter Eyesore's den in high sprits. She enjoyed the fact that she could see the scar-covered lioness everyday. And now that Eyesore was her mother, the visits were no longer awkward or formal. Not that they ever had been, but Rai felt a lot more comfortable thinking of Eyesore as a mother than she did thinking of Eyesore as a patient. Eyesore also felt a lot more comfortable around Rai because of this fact.
"Hi, Mom," Rai called as she spotted Eyesore lying at the back of her cave.
Eyesore raised her head and turned to Rai, her smile growing with eah step the small cub made to wards her.
"Rai!" Eyesore smiled happily, "I thought that was you. My, what a pleasant surprise! It's not everyday that I get two morning visits from you."
Rai returned the smile and nuzzled Eyesore's scarred muzzle.
"Rafiki gave me the rest of the morning off," Rai explained.
"Well, wasn't that considerate of him?" Eyesore chuckled, "Seems to be a lot of considerate creatures in these lands….Did you come here of your own free-will?"
Rai took a few steps backward and cocked her head in confusion.
"Huh?" Rai asked quietly, "Didn't I tell you? Haini made me come here with him. But I love it here, so I don't see…"
"No, no, Rai!" Eyesore laughed, "I wasn't asking if you came to the Pride Lands of your own free-will. I meant to ask if you came to spend time with me of your own free-will. A young flower like you should seek other young flowers. Not an old prune!"
Rai stared at Eyesore strangely. Eyesore smiled and shook her head.
"Don't you want to spend time with your friends?" Eyesore tried, "You shouldn't feel any obligation to spend your free ours with me."
Rai shook her head and smiled.
"No, I want to be with you," Rai stated, "You're my favorite patient! Besides, my friends are all busy today. Sarabi, Sarafina, and Zira are out taking hunting lessons, and Mufasa's out with the king."
Eyesore nodded and rested her head on the ground, before looking over to Rai once more.
"What about Taka?" Eyesore asked, "Is he doing anything today?"
A chill traveled up Rai's spine as she stared down at her paws.
"I…I think he's busy, too," Rai stated nervously, rubbing the back of her neck, "I wouldn't want to bother him."
Eyesore cocked an eyebrow at Rai, before closing her eyes and smiling slightly.
"When you're good and ready," Eyesore breathed, opening one eye to look over at her daughter, "In the meantime, you've gotten quite a bit of dirt on you since this morning. You need a bath. Come here."
Rai nodded and leaped into her mother's paws, allowing Eyesore to run her tongue over her lower back. The light brown cub purred loudly. Although most cubs hated being cleaned, Rai loved it. It was a luxury that she had not received before she met Eyesore. IT made her feel loved. Eyesore smiled and looked upward thoughtfully as she finished grooming Rai's lower back.
"Hmm….Where did we leave off, last night?" Eyesore asked her daughter, "Oh, I remember. You were just about to tell me the story of when you finally stood up to Haini."
Rai shook her head and looked at her mother from over her shoulder.
"No, I'm pretty sure I finsished that story," Rai stated.
"Shoot! I thought you wouldn't remember!" Eyesore laughed, "Fine, you caught me. I just want to hear it again. Would you mind, Rai? It's my favorite!"
Rai smiled up at her mother and nodded.
"Really?" Rai smiled, "That's good. It's my favorite, too! Okay, then. There I was, listening to Haini complain as usual……"
Eyesore continued to groom Rai as the small cub continued her story. The only thing that Eyesore did not like about the story was that Rai let Haini off with a warning. For if it had been her in Rai's place, the only way that other creatures could identify his body would be by his face….So long as they were willing to take a few steps away from his body. But Eyesore thanked the Spirits that Rai was not like her. For it helped Eyesore to realize that she could be like Rai, and put her dark past behind her until it served a purpose other than causing her pain. And as it so happened, Eyesore was able to do just that. She had never been happier, or even happy, before meeting Rai. Eyesore and Rai both thanked the Spirits every night for giving them the other. It was fate that they met. And only fate could tear them apart. Unfortunately, fate was usually more inclined to perform the latter.
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Guedado stared up at the ceiling of his den, his arms hanging limp at his sides. The former king of the Falme chewed on a bit of meat that had been in his mouth. He was too deep in thought to swallow. He had been crippled. His brother had abandoned him. His nephew refused to meet with him. Guedado had definitely seen better days. He used be on top, living the good life. Whatever he wanted was instantly his. And whatever he did not want was destroyed. He once lived a very privileged life. But now, those privileges had been strip from him, along with his honor, pride, and use of his arms. Guedado wondered why he had been dealt such a cruel fate. He certainly had done nothing to deserve it. Everything he did was for the benefit of his kingdom. And yet, this was how that former-king's loyalty was rewarded. He had lost everything but his will to live. He would kill Kitimiri. One way or another, his brother's blood would be on his paralyzed paws. Guedado knew that it would not be easy. But he was up to the challenge. He had to face adversity once before. This time would be no different. Except for the fact that his opponent was now his brother, and not his father. Guedado smiled. Kitimiri was indeed powerful, but he was no Faraji. Hard as he tried, Kitimiri would never be able to live up to his father's legacy. And Kitimiri did try very hard. That's where Kitimiri and Guedado differed. Kitimiri was out to be the next Faraji. Guedado, however, was more focused on becoming the first Guedado. He would regain his kingdom, and prove that the name he was given did not reflect who he was. Guedado prayed that the use of his arms would return. For after he had killed Kitimiri, he would dance on his brother's grave.
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Shakarri stood at the front of her cell, keeping both eyes wide open to watch for guards that would serve as witnesses to the crime that she was about to commit. When she was sure that the coast was clear, Shakarri reached her paw through the bars and waved it up and down, signaling to the lioness in the cell across from her own. The lioness looked over at Shakarri and cocked her head, before walking to the front of her cell.
"Are you calling me?" the lioness asked quietly.
Shakarri looked in all directions, before addressing the lioness.
"I hear you've been locked up in here for centuries," Shakarri stated, "That must mean that you have some knowledge as to when the guards shall return."
The lioness paused for a moment, before nodding slowly.
"Not for some time," the lioness breathed, "But escape from here is impossible, if that's what you're getting at. They've raised the bar in recent weeks. And the penalties have increased. Those who are caught even speak of breaking out of here are moved to a maximum security cell and put under constant surveillance."
Shakarri smiled and gave a nod, before turning to the back of her cell.
"Hmm….I was not aware of that," Shakarri told the lioness, "…..The information that you've given me has been quite useful. It's a shame that you'll have to go through such pain."
The lionesses eyes widened as Shakarri looked upward and whistled. A dark furred lion appeared in front of Shakarri and smiled widely, before jumping through the bars of the cell and raising his paw. All who saw the lion, with the exception of Shakarri, were filled with fear as his paw began to surge with electricity. The electricity expanded, striking every prisoner in the vicinity, but leaving Shakarri. The prisoners were raised in mid-air, shrieking in pain as the lightning from the lion's paw surrounded them.
"Giza!" the lion cackled, "Giza, ja kwa mimi! Jaa mimi kwa enu nguvu!"
Shakarri smiled as the lightning receded back into the lion's paw and the prisoners fell forward, unable to move. The lion breathed heavily, befor turning to Shakarri with a smirk.
"I have all I need from them," the lion stated casually, "Their darkness is mine. They shall awake in one hour, and remember none of this. Does this please you?"
Shakarri nodded with a slight sadistic smile.
"Indeed it does, Tris," Shakarri stated, "You've done well. Not only have you done my will without question, but you've also become much more powerful. This world shall be ours, soon enough."
Tris stepped closer to Shakarri's den and shook his head.
"Not quite yet, though," Tris stated, "In order for me to reach my full potential, I must have Faraji's darkness for myself. And you know where he is. So why do you torment me so? This world could be ours tonight, if you only tell me how to get to him."
Shakarri stared at Tris for a moment, before turning away.
"That information will not be shared with you until I am given what I want," Shakarri smiled casually, "IF you want Faraji, bring me Uru's head on a platter."
Tris lowered his head and let out a heavy sigh.
"It's not that simple," Tris explained, "I've tried. But thanks to your father, I can't get near her. If you'd only allow me to go through him, I would…"
"Out of the question!" Shakarri snapped, "Your target is Uru! You're not to lay a paw on my father!"
"Then you aren't giving me many options!" Tris growled in annoyance.
Shakarri and Tris crouched low to the ground and growled at each other from opposite sides of the bars, before snorting and turning away from one another.
"I'm going hunting," Tris stated with a growl, before turning into an orb of light and disappearing.
Shakarri grumbled to herself and lied down. Tris had proven himself to be useful to her, but he had also proven himself to be strong willed. Shakarri did not like that quality in her servants. She could not wait for their alliance to end, so that she could send the doppelganger-lion straight to hell. But for now, she needed him. And as long as she could keep up her charade, she could make him think that he needed her, as well. It would not be long, now. Shakarri knew that soon enough, Tris would have Uru right where he wanted her. And after he had torn the queen of the Pride Lands to shreds, Shakarri's position of power would be sealed. It was just a matter of time.
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Banzai, Shenzi, and Ed lied on their backs, vengeance on their mind as usual. That and food, of course. However, no good plans had come to them as of late, and lunch was still hours away. This fact left the trio bored, nothing exciting to occupy their time. Banzai poked at some meat that had gotten stuck in his teeth with his tongue, hoping to free it into his stomach. Shenzi rocked back and forth, counting the birds as they passed overhead. Ed stared blankly at the clouds, unable to form them into pictures in his mind like his father had shown him. The three hyena cubs were bored out of their minds.
"Algh!: Banzai groaned, rolling to his stomach, "I'm sick of just waitin' around! We should be out getting' our revenge on those stupid lions!"
Shenzi rolled her eyes and jumped to her feet.
"And how do propose we do that?" Shenzi asked Banzai, "They're all over the place today, and we don't even have a plan!"
Banzai stood up and scratched the back of his neck.
"Yeah, well make one," Banzai stated in an annoyed tone, "You're taking forever!"
"Hey!" Shenzi snapped, "I don't see you coming up with any bright ideas!"
"I came up with the idea last time!" Banzai barked.
"Did not!" Shenzi argue, "The ditch was my idea!"
"No, it was mine!" Banzai growled.
"Mine!"
"Mine!"
"Mine!"
"Mine!"
"Clumsy fool!"
"Shenzi-Marie!"
That did it. Shenzi leaped at on Banzai, knocking him backward. Within seconds, the two cubs were rolling around In fierce combat, slashing and chomping at each other as hard as they could. Ed laughed wildly as he watched his friends fight, before remembering that the ditch was his idea, and joining the fray. The three cubs battled each other until they were too tired too continue. They were back where they started; lying on their backs. Only this time, they were panting heavily. Banzai glanced down at a bite mark on his leg and sighed. He had no idea which one of his friends had inflicted it upon him, and he really did not care. Banzai felt better as soon as the fight ended, as did his two friends. All of them wore content grins and sighed happily as they got to their feet and dusted themselves off.
"Ah!" Shenzi breathed calmly, "That was a good one! We haven't scraped that hard since we found those four pieces of meat!"
"Yeah," Banzai nodded, "That felt good!"
"Erg hif hig erru yug!" Ed added with a laugh.
Shenzi nodded, before doing a double-take and staring at Ed.
"Wait…What did you just say?" Shenzi asked in surprise.
Ed raised an eyebrow at Shenzi, before speaking again.
"Erg hif hig erru yug," Ed reiterated.
Shenzi paused for a moment, before leaping in front of Ed and embracing him tightly. Ed blinked with surprise. Banzai's jaw dropped. This was one of those rare times when he would have killed to be Ed.
"Ed!" Shenzi exclaimed, "You're a genius!"
Ed laughed proudly. Banzai stepped forward and glared at Shenzi.
"Whadda ya mean, 'genius,'" Banzai asked, "He just said 'There's nothing like a fight to settle a dispute!"'
"Yeah, and it's a lot more than you said, bone-head," Shenzi stated, rolling her eyes, "Ed makes a good point. And it gives me the perfect idea of how to get our revenge!"
Banzai and Ed glanced at each other, before turning to Shenzi and lowering their eyebrows with intrigue.
"We're listening," Banzai stated with a slight nod.
Shenzi smiled and molded a pile of dirt with her paws.
"It's simple," Shenzi explained, "In fact, that's what makes it so great. You see, the reason we haven't been able to get our revenge is because we've been focusing too hard on all those long and complicated-type plans. It got us nowhere. So I say we get back at those lions the good old-fashioned way!"
Banzai and Ed both raised an eyebrow.
"Which would be?" Banzai inquired.
Shenzi smirked and lifted her paw over her small dirt-pile, before stomping on it until it was no more. Banzai and Ed's eyes widened as they watched the dust clear, before turning their attention to Shenzi.
"Get the picture?" Shenzi asked with a malicious smirk.
Banzai and Ed glanced at each other with wide smiles, before nodding to Shenzi excitedly.
"Oh, yeah!" Banzai snickered, "That's the best plan I've ever heard!...Next to the one that freed our clan, of course."
"Yeah," Shenzi nodded, rolling her eyes, "What a coincidence. They were both mine."
Banzai lowered his ears, before perking them up and turning to Ed, who's head was hanging to wards the ground.
"So?" Banzai asked, "Whadda you think, Ed?"
Ed slowly raised his head, revealing himself to be wearing a sinister smile as he licked his lips and gave a dark, menacing cackle. Shenzi and Banzai glanced at each other, before joining in the laugh. After days of plotting, they now had the perfect revenge-plan. And the best part was, they would not have to wait very long to put it into action. Just a few hours, to ensure that they would not miss lunch. They knew that Taka was alone. They would start with him.
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The Great Spirits were content, a fact made clear by the calm night sky. Ahadi slowly ascended Pride Rock, Zuzu flying close behind him. The king dragged his paw. A day of training Mufasa, dealing with royal matters, and listening to Zuzu's constant chattering had left Ahadi exhausted. He looked forward to getting back to the Royal Den to get some sleep. Ahadi let out a loud yawn and turned to Zuzu, who was in the middle of telling the king about her experience with a group of gophers.
"And that's why you never trust gophers," Zuzu stated, her beak raised to the air, "Vile, crude, dirty, disgusting creatures, those gophers! I swear, if I ever see those beasts in the Pride Lands, I'll see to it that there tunnel's are filled post-hence! With the gophers still in them!"
Ahadi took a deep breath and shook his head.
"Zuzu," Ahadi reprimanded tiredly, "We must respect all creatures as we respect our own kind."
Zuzu raised an eyebrow at the king, a bit surprise to hear him of all creatures saying such a thing. She opened her beak to reply, but her thoughts of what to to say were interrupted as she noticed two cubs sitting beside each other at the tip of Pride Rock.
"My word!" Zuzu commented, "Sire, look over there. Seems Mufasa and Taka are still awake. They're just sitting at the edge of Pride Rock, talking. What do you make of it, Sire?"
Ahadi looked over in the direction that Zuzu had indicated and cocked his head, before continuing to wards the Royal Den.
"It is a bit curious," Ahadi nodded, "But I'll not look into it, at least not personally. Perhaps Uru knows why they are out so late…..You are excused for tonight, Zuzu. You may go home to your chicks…Actually, that's an order. Because if I know you, you'll stick your bill into the business of my son and his brother. I won't allow that, Zuzu. Just go to your den, and leave those two in peace."
Zuzu muttered disappointedly under his breath, before nodding to her king and turning her head to wards her den.
"As you wish, Sire," Zuzu breathed, "I shall see you at dawn, as usual."
Ahadi nodded to the hornbill as she flew off, before turning to the Royal Den and walking inside. The king looked forward in the den to see Uru, Zira sound asleep at her side. Uru looked up at Ahadi and smiled.
"Hello, Ahadi" Uru nodded, "You look tired. Zuzu talk your ear off, again?"
Ahadi smiled slightly and nodded as he lied down in front of Uru.
"Actually, it wasn't just Zuzu," Ahadi told Uru, "There was also another party who I spent some time conversing with. The hunting party, to be precise. Apparently, they're having a bit of trouble with their new students. Students, who I'm told, you assigned to them. Now, at first I thought they were talking about Sarafina, Sarabi, and Zira. But I soon came to realize that you made a little….exchange with them. I'm not very pleased, Uru."
Uru rolled her eyes and groaned, preparing to be lectured by Ahadi as she had been many times before.
"What's the problem, now?" Uru asked in an annoyed tone.
"You agreed to oversee the training of our new members," Ahadi stated, "You completely shirked your responsibilities. And what's worse, you kept something from me. If the cubs were causing problems for the hunting party, I should have been informed, so that proper action could be taken."
"Proper action was taken," Uru explained, smiling down at Zira, "They've learned their lesson."
Ahadi cocked his head in confusion as he stared at Uru.
"And what lesson would that be?" Ahadi asked.
"They're hunting lesson!" Uru smiled, nuzzling Zira affectionately, "You know, stalking, pouncing, sprinting. They're actually doing quite well, for beginners. The hunting party simply did not know how to deal with them. I did. And now, there training is going quite smoothly. The cubs did nothing wrong. It was the hunting party who were the problem. That's why a gave them the new members to train. They can make a few mistakes with them, and it will be alright. But if they were to make in error in training cubs now, it could cause problems later. Our new members will get the hang of it, as will the cubs. So pardon me for killing two birds with one stone!"
Ahadi stared at Uru for a moment, before resting his head in his paws and smiling.
"You're something else, Uru," Ahadi chuckled, before using a more serious tone, "But why would you not tell me that there was a problem in the first place?"
Uru yawned and got to her feet, stepping closer to her mate to nuzzle him affectionately.
"I'm sorry," Uru purred, "I just didn't think that you needed yet another thing on your mind. I knew that I could handle it on my own, without bothering you. I wanted to ease your load. And I did, didn't I? Admit it! You would have been a lot happier if this whole situation was never brought to your attention."
Ahadi paused for a moment, before nodding slowly.
"Alright," Ahadi breathed, "I admit it. Thank you, Uru. I know that you didn't have to deal with it at all. After all, it is the king's place to deal with such matters."
Uru raised an eyebrow at her husband, before pushing him over and pinning him on his back. Ahadi stared up at Uru in confusion.
"I think your contact with the Falme has left you a bit patriarchal," Uru smirked, "I may not make as many important decisions as you, but I'm still the queen. And I think that it's time that I was treated as such. I don't remember you ever asking me for permission before acting. I carry the same amount of weight as you, around here. And even if it's in different fields, I follow no restrictions. A problem is a problem, no matter what type of problem it is. And as royalty, it is our responsibility to fix those problems. Both of our responsibility. You've just been given more opportunities than I have. For some reason, they all come to you. It's time that the kingdom realizes that I have a use beyond looking good at your side. After all…."
Uru lowered her head to Ahadi's ear, unable to hold back her snickers as she spoke.
"You were just born into royalty," Uru teased in a cubbish tone, "I was chosen for it!"
Uru gave Ahadi a lick on the cheek, before backing off of him. Ahadi paused for a moment, before chuckling to himself and looking over at Uru. Word for word, she had just ended this argument the same way she had ended the first argument that they ever had.
"Okay, I get it!" Ahadi chuckled, rolling onto his stomach, "And I'm sorry. I'll see what I can do."
"And I'll see to that!" Uru laughed with a wink as she lied down beside her mate.
Ahadi smiled and rested his head in his paws, before turning to Uru once more.
"By the way," Ahadi stated, "I noticed Mufasa and Taka sitting at the tip of Pride Rock. Any idea what they're doing?"
Uru pushed herself closer to Ahadi and smiled contently.
"They're talking," Uru explained, "They have been for quite some time, now. You shouldn't worry about it. They're simply having experiencing brotherly love. Is that a problem?"
Ahadi shook his head and let out a heavy sigh.
"No," Ahadi breathed, "I just….don't understand."
Uru smiled slightly and nuzzled Ahadi.
"And I'm sorry for that," Uru said quietly, "But perhaps you could learn something from them, one of these days."
Ahadi nodded with a deep sigh.
"I hope so," Ahadi sighed, "I really do."
Ahadi got to his feet and walked to the entrance of the Royal Den, sitting down and observing his two sons as they continued their conversation. Uru cocked her head in confusion, before smiling and walking to her mate's side. The queen rested her head on Ahadi's shoulder and sighed.
"They're growing up," Uru breathed in a bittersweet tone, "They barely have a few years left as cubs. Pretty soon, they'll be adolescents. They're such good cubs. And I'm sure that time can only improve their behavior. At least after they get through those awful little phases!...I'm so proud of them both. Mufasa will make a fine king, one day. And Taka….Taka will be there to make Mufasa's reign even better. They're both going to achieve great things, when they grow up!"
Ahadi lowered his head, before raisinf it an looking to wards the sky.
"I….I'm sure they will," Ahadi nodded slowly, "But until then, we need must do our part to keep up with Royal Law. We don't have long, Uru. Mufasa must be betroved soon. The law states that those destined to become king can only experience one Season of Visitors without a chosen mate. And as king and queen, it is our job to choose his queen for him. Otherwise….We'll have to force him from the pride."
Uru's eyes widened as she turned to Ahadi. She knew of this law, but never paid much attention to it. After all, it was rare for a two Seasons of Visitors to occur so close together. The queen looked over to Mufasa and Taka and let out a heavy sigh.
"I…I know," Uru breathed, "But we can't be careless with this choice. If we don't put enough thought into this, it could cause the downfall of the entire kingdom. We must chose a queen who Mufasa shares a mutual fondness for, but also one that can handle the preasures of running a kingdom..."
Ahadi nodded to his mate, before looking over at Zira from over his shoulder.
"Perhaps Zira could fit that description, one day," Ahadi suggested with a yawn.
Uru glanced back at the sleeping cub, a slight smile coming over her muzzle. The queen was well aware of Zira's affection for Taka. Therefor, Uru knew that betrothing Zira to Mufasa would have disastrous results.
"….Perhaps," Uru shrugged, too tired to explain Zira's feelings to Ahadi, "Only time will tell."
Ahadi nodded and rested her head in her paws. Uru did the same, curling up beside her mate. She knew that her cubs would accomplish great things, one day. And she was absolutely right. Both Mufasa and Taka were destined for greatness. Mufasa would do a great deed by uniting a kingdom to create a beautiful paradise, free from both pain and fear. And Taka, in turn, would completely destroy it. And in its place, he would create a desolate wasteland, ruled by both pain and fear. Mufasa and Taka would accomplish great things. Great things, indeed.
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Okay, weird chapter, I know. But review anyway, as it helps me to better my writing. Complaints? Share 'em! Praise? Don't let me stop you! Shetani belongs to me, any use of her without my permission will result in loss of yiur appendages. And now here's your chance for 20 points: Who was first considered to voice Shenzi before Disney decided on Whoopi Goldberg?(You have to know a lot about the Lion King to get this one. Or be REALLY lucky. ;) Jagabor, signing off, and off to New York to see the Lion King on Broadway.(Yes it's still going.)