A/N: Hi everyone. Oh goodness, it has been awhile since we last heard anything from our dear Uru. Well, I am pleased to have this chapter up and going and hopefully updates will be coming along quite faster than they have been over the past week. Before we plunge into our story however, I have some business to attend to.
First on the list is that I have recently had the chance to read many of your stories. I want to send a shout out to yeti1995, Chu10, Emerald dreamer96, and ILoveTama. My friends, you are all excellent writers and if anyone is looking for a really good Lion King story, please swing by the profiles of these dear friends of mine and give their stories a read, you won't be disappointed I can assure you.
Secondly, I've been talking to one of my readers (though I haven't had the chance to do so, I heard good things about his story The Tale of Two Kings you should check it out) is that I still have not been very clear about the pacing. That is because, I really am not sure how long this story is going to last. We're already nearing chapter 30 and we've still got quite a ways to go. For now, I will say that Book Two will extend no longer than 45 chapters and I want to be finished with it by the end of summer, however, I don't know if that is going to be possible.
My last little bit before I stop annoying you is that I have recently posted two new one-shots for my Tribute to Simba collection, thank you so much to those of you who have read it and left thoughtful reviews, if you haven't yet, please do so if it suits your fancy.
Oh, yes, and before I forget, it was so interesting to hear who all of your favorite Lion King characters are. Perhaps it is a bit obvious, but adult Simba is my favorite character. I just feel a strong connection to him, not to mention he's my hero haha.
I do hope that you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter 28: 100 Suns
Gray. Brown. Dust. That was all that was left. The once flourishing kingdom was now nothing more than a barren wasteland. The lionesses who, in days now gone, were healthy and strong were now thin, weak, and sick.
Their once brave king, their mighty king...gone. The light, the life of their kingdom...dead.
Laying in a broken heap at the bottom of a gorge, as a cloud of dust chocked the air and distorted sight, was the body of a once proud king. A dark maned shadow gloating over the fallen lion.
"DADDY!" Uru screamed as she shot up from her sleep, her heart pounding and her body soaked in sweat.
Light filtered into the small den and when she recognized her surroundings, Uru began to breathe more calmly.
"It was just that dream again." she said to herself as she stood and stretched.
Uru had been having a similar nightmare almost every night and each time, the vision of the dream became clearer and more vivid.
The thought of her kingdom withering away and seeing a broken lion that she was sure was her father sent shivers down her back. She felt like her family was running out of time, but there was nothing she could do to get to them any quicker.
She gave a heavy sigh of worry as she walked from the den into the early morning.
oOo
"Yes I AM DAMEII!" Uru angrily shouted.
Dameii gave a frustrated sigh, he knew telling Uru that she wasn't coming along would strike a nerve on her. Truthfully, he didn't blame her for being mad, but he wasn't going to allow her to harm herself when she was still injured.
"You heard what Tamalei said Roo, you're not well yet and I won't have you getting hurt if I can help it."
"Tamalei said that TWO WEEKS AGO Dameii. I've had plenty of time to heal. Please Dameii, I'll be fine." she pleaded.
"I'm sorry Roo, but there's no way you're coming along on this mission."
"Uggh. Look, I know that you're in charge of the elite force right now, but, darn it, I earned my place on this team and you don't have the authority to take that away!" she shouted in anger.
"I'm not taking anything away. And you know what, it wasn't just my decision that you couldn't come along. It was Ahadi's strict orders to not allow you on this mission, I simply supported it! So if you really have a problem, I suggest you take it up with him!" Dameii yelled back.
"You know what! I WILL!" Uru shouted as she angrily stormed away.
She did feel bad for yelling at Dameii, he was only looking out for her, but the anger and frustration she felt at the moment were too much to overcome.
oOo
"You think the new troops are prepared?" Tamalei asked.
"Yes. Leopard Claw did a good job training the new recruits; I only wish they had gotten the maximum amount of training before being sent on a mission..." Ahadi trailed off.
"It couldn't be helped Ahadi, you know we can't wait any longer. Kambili's forces are only growing stronger." Tamalei replied.
"I know."
"Don't worry, they are prepared for their mission and I'm sure Dameii will do an excellent job leading them." Tamalei said.
"That he will." Ahadi replied.
Tamalei gave her brother a soft nuzzle before making her way out of the cave.
After his sister left, Ahadi gratefully laid his sore body onto the cool floor of his den. Thankfully, he'd healed faster than expected; his leg he regained most of its former strength, he could walk somewhat, but other than that, he couldn't do much without causing himself immense pain. So, much to his frustration, he'd had to forfeit most of his duties to other lions while he continued to heal.
The lions that the elite force had rescued from the base had joined the force. Ahadi had decided it was the best way to fill in the now empty positions of members who had fallen in the first battle.
Because he could not keep up with the rigorous training regiment, Ahadi had appointed Leopard Claw as a training lieutenant, and as he'd expected, Leopard Claw had done a fine job over the past month.
(Flashback)
"It truly is an honor sir to be appointed to such a position." Leopard Claw said.
"Yes, well, I'm sure that you will not disappoint me." Ahadi answered.
"I will do my utmost to carry out my duties to the best of my ability sir!" Leopard Claw stated.
"Very good." Ahadi responded.
"I do hope I'm not out of line in saying this, but sir, could you not simply order the troops to complete the training without doing it with them?" Leopard Claw asked.
"No Leopard Claw, in order to be successful, the troops must learn to trust their leader. Never ask one of your lions to do something that you can't or will not do with them." Ahadi said.
(End of Flashback)
The black maned lion had just managed to find a comfortable position when he heard an angry huff at the entrance of the den.
"Ahadi, may I have a word with you?"
Ahadi sat up to see that it was Uru, and she had a furious look upon her face, he thought he knew the reason she was so angry.
"What is it?' he asked in an irritated voice.
"Why have you forbidden me from joining the elite force on the next mission?" she asked.
"Simple. You are injured and have not properly healed."
"Ahadi, it was a small scratch and a dislocated shoulder, I think I'll live." she retorted.
"Yes, well, we're all very glad that that is the case. However, you're still not in good enough shape and I won't have you endangering the mission because of your stubbornness."
"So that's it? You won't even reconsider." she asked.
"Hmm...well...let me think...nope. You're not going and that's that." he said.
Uru gave a sigh of frustration before storming out of the cave.
"You are all infuriating!" she shouted to him. "And I am not stubborn!"
Ahadi couldn't help but chuckle to himself. A small part of him loved to push her buttons. Uru was usually a calm, docile lioness, but he knew she had a temper underneath her gentle facade and he couldn't deny that he loved to ruffle her fur a bit. And, though he loathed to admit it, she was kinda cute when she was angry.
oOo
Uru sighed as she slumped down on a small rock. Dameii had upset her, but that Ahadi, Ooooh, he knew just how to get under her skin. She knew she'd been pushing it when she had stormed into his den demanding an answer, in fact, she was surprised he hadn't exploded when she questioned his order, but rather, Uru thought she'd caught the golden lion smirking at her.
Oh those lions, they were surly going to be the death of her.
"Uru, dear, what is wrong?"
Uru sat up to see Tamalei giving her a warm smile.
"Oh, nothing. I guess I'm just a little frustrated that I can't go on the next mission. It just, well, it just feels like with every step I take forward, something pushes me back five."
Tamalei nodded as she came to bask on the rock with the younger lioness.
"I understand. And I know that Dameii and Ahadi can be a bit...hard to deal with shall we say, but they are just trying to look out for you."
"I know. I'm just worried about my family. I don't know how much longer they can possibly hold out." Uru replied.
"I know how you feel. When my mother was off on missions, I would worry day and night about her. It's not easy to handle knowing your family is in danger. But I can assure you Uru, we are doing everything in our power to stop Kambili. Trust me, we'll liberated your home and family soon."
Uru smiled, she hadn't gotten the chance to spend a lot of time with Tamalei, but she liked the older lioness. And it had been awhile since she'd had any female companionship.
"So, I see you and Dameii have made quite the couple. When should we start arranging the wedding?" Tamalei teased causing the younger lioness to blush.
As the sun reached its peak at noon, the two lionesses continued bathing in the sun while talking and gossiping, the usual chatter that goes on between lionesses. It was the first time in a long while either of them had felt the contentment that comes with doing what was natural for them. And it felt good.
oOo
"I'm sorry I lost my temper earlier Dameii. I-I shouldn't have spoken to you so harshly. You were right, I'm not healed completely and I wouldn't want to put anyone else in danger." Uru said.
"Oh, my sweet girl, it's alright. I'm sorry I lost my temper as well." Dameii said giving her a gentle nuzzle.
"Promise me you'll return safely?" she whispered.
"Cross my heart and hope NOT to die." he replied with a cheeky grin.
I love you." she said.
"I love you too Roo." he replied.
Uru gave him one last nuzzle before she watched him head to the front of the troops. Tamalei and Ahadi had already given their instructions to the group, now, Operation Queen's Revenge was underway.
The main mission was to rescue Queen Kanala of the Kilaminjaro Pride, one of the ones to fall victim to Kambili's invasion.
Uru had never met Queen Kanala, but she had heard stories about her from lionesses in her own pride. Apparently, Kanala never deemed any lion good enough to be her mate, so she ruled alone. Which in Uru's mind made her admirable, except that the Queen's nasty temper and promiscuous nature often overshadowed any of the wiser decisions she made.
Uru also knew from what little negotiations had taken place between the Pride Lands and the Kilimanjaro Kingdom , her father did not care too much for the she-King as she heard him refer to her as.
Uru was pulled from her thoughts thoughts as she watched the force beginning to move out. As the last of the troops disappeared into the depths of the forest, she couldn't shake the feeling in her stomach that something very bad was going to happen.
oOo
It had been two weeks since Dameii had been gone. By this time, she was all but healed and extremely bored. There was absolutely nothing for her to do. No training. No missions. No nothing.
Uru got up from where she was resting and decided a walk around the base might provide her with some momentary distraction...it's not like she had anything better to do.
As she made her way through the rocky base, she saw Ahadi laying in an opening on the edge of the forest.
"Hey." she said approaching him.
"Princess." he responded.
After a few moments of awkward silence Uru spoke,
"Something bothering you?"
"No. Why?" he asked.
"I don't know, you just seem worried."
Ahadi gave a sigh as he lay his head onto the ground,
"It's just Dameii is my little brother, I don't know, I'm worried about him."
Hearing those words come out the usually stoic lion's mouth really surprised Uru. Unsure of what to say, she sat her body next to his.
"I'm worried too. But, I'm sure he and the others will be fine."
"I hope so." Ahadi replied.
After a moment the great lion stood and stretched.
"I think I'll go for a walk, I've healed mostly and Tamalei can't keep me around that darn cave any longer. Care to join me?"
Uru was, at first, taken aback by his question. Normally, he acted as if her mere presence was the greatest annoyance he'd ever known, but slowly a smile came to her face.
"S-Sure." she said as she turned to follow Ahadi into the forest.
The two walked in silence for a moment before Uru suddenly asked,
"What was your mother like?"
The question caught Ahadi off guard, but he replied,
"Well, she was a very strong lioness. In every sense of the word. No matter how many times she got knocked down, she always got back up, and she never lost her kind heart. She was a good mother and a brilliant warrior. I suppose that's why Kambili had to destoy her before she destroyed him."
Uru detected bitterness at the end of his statement. But Ahadi asked a question of his own before she could ponder any further,
"What about your mother. I know she died when you were young. Do you remember her?"
"Oh yes, she was the sweetest, wisest, and bravest queen ever. Not to mention she was beautiful. I-I wish I could be more like her."
"You are. Much more than you think."
Uru blushed as she continued to stroll by his side. Eventually they came to another clearing in the forest, and Ahadi, feeling his injuries beginning to ache, much to his annoyance, decided to take a rest. The sun had sunk beneath the horizon several minutes ago, and the stars had already come out.
"So, what's your favorite time of the day?" Uru asked out of the blue.
Ahadi chuckled at the young lioness.
"You first." he replied.
"Alright, I guess I would have to say dawn. It's the beginning of a new day, new chances, new adventures. And I like watching the sun rise over the horizon. Your turn!"
"Midnight." Ahadi replied.
"Why?" Uru asked.
"Because you can hide in the night. You don't have to worry about begin judged or found; it's easy to just kinda disappear in the darkness..."
Uru sat back, shocked at the answer he'd given.
Ahadi caught her expression and asked,
"What?"
"Nothing, it's just, that was beautiful."
I believe in nothing
Not the end and not the start.
I believe in nothing
Not the Earth and not the stars.
Ahadi chuckled, as he turned his gaze to the stars.
"You know, the last time I actually star gazed was when me and Tamalei were cubs."
"Really? I used to all the time with my dad, before... well, you know. I-I really miss him."
"I'm sure you do. He sounds like a good father and a wise king."
"He is. He used to always tell me the Great Kings of the Past are up there, watching over us, guiding us. Do you believe that?"
The soft expression that Ahadi had worn that evening suddenly hardened.
"No. I don't. I think we have to fight our own battles, find our own way out of the dark. There has certainly been no divine intervention that ever helped me. I think the Great Kings are just a bunch of cub stories."
I believe in nothing
Not the day and not the dark.
I belive in nothing
But the truth and who we are.
"You really think we can possibly get through this life without guidance?" Uru asked.
"Yes. It doesn't makes sense to give the credit of our triumphs to some dead monarchs. And what about all of the other creatures, what happens to them, do they not get to go to the heavens as well? It just doesn't make sense. We are who we are, through our own trials and our own determination, not because of a bunch of dead kings."
I believe in nothing.
Not in peace and not in war.
I believe in nothing
not in sin and not in God.
"I mean, if there really are a bunch of dead kings who look out for us, why do so many bad things happen to good lions. Why does someone like Kambili get to live and prosper and someone like my mother struggle and die?"
"I-I don't know..." Uru said softly.
The anger and bitterness that Ahadi had held inside went much deeper than she could ever imagine. It was heartbreaking watching one of the strongest lions she knew obviously being suffocated with grief.
Something had happened to him and it went beyond just loosing his mother.
I believe in nothing.
100 suns until we part.
I believe in nothing.
But the beating of our hearts...
"It's a lion eat lion world out there Uru. Kill or be killed. There is no room for hope or faith, it's fight or die." Ahadi said with a small snarl.
Uru slowly got up and approached the hurting lion.
"I don't think you really believe that. Because if you did, there's no way you would fight to save others so selflessly the way you do. I think you're just hurt and angry." Uru whispered.
"Sometimes I ask myself what the point of it all is, this cycle of suffering, I mean, what's the point in living if it only makes you miserable?" Ahadi continued.
"I've wondered that too, but my father once told me that even if most of life is Hell, that doesn't mean it's not worth living for the parts that can be Heaven."
To the surprise of the lion, the lioness rubbed the top of her head under his chin, doing what she could to comfort him. Ahadi didn't pull away, instead returned her warm nuzzle, as a single tear slid down his cheek and onto Uru's dark fur.
As they offered one another comfort, neither saw a golden lioness watching from the distance, a smile on her face.
A/N: Well dear ones, that was it! What did you think of Uru's dream in the beginning. Pay close attention, it may remind you of something that goes beyond this story. Was this a good chapter? Did you like the part at the end? Let me know what's good and not so good! (And if the song fit).
*The song was 100 Suns by 30 Seconds to Mars.
*So this time I have two questions,
1) What is your favorite color and why?
2) What color do you think Nala's eyes are?
"
