A/N: Sorry for the delay everyone. Like the last chapter, this one took a month and was a hard chapter to write. It's by far, my longest! Quite a surprise even for me. Anyway enjoy.
Oh, I know that a few of you who have reviewed this story have been wondering about the whole Kesha having cubs thing. Well, maybe this will clear things up: Kesha has cubs by Ewali because she asked. They feel nothing for each other. They are just friends.
Also, I dedicate this chapter to Scuta5, who's birthday is today! Happy birthday Scuta :)
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Chapter 35: A Father's Heartache
The sun rose over the horizon. The beginning signs bathed the skies in colors of purples, light pinks, oranges and reds. Animals were awake and grazing. Some drank at the waterholes and talked. The pride of lions are in deep worried, as their princesses Samawati and Jemasi still weren't home. The King and Queen are worried for their daughters but stick to fulfilling their duties…
Somewhere in an unknown place, a white lioness stirred. It was Samawati. She opened her eyes with uneasiness. After a while her vision adjusted to the light and her surroundings. Lifting her head to better see where she was, a snarl escaped from her throat and she winced in pain.
After some moments, the pain subsided and Samawati tried to stand. When she was on her paws, dizziness came and without warning she fell back into the grass with a painful groan. She rolled onto her side with her legs sprawled out. Her body racked with pain and at first she didn't know why. Thinking it over for a few seconds, her cool blue eyes grew wide with shock. She remembered last night. What the black lion had done made her feel low, dirty, embarrassed, ashamed, guilty and unworthy of existence.
Shaking her head, Samawati focused on finding a way back into Kivuli. "Which way should I go?" she muttered. Again, she tried getting her legs to move but her paws were stuck to the grass. "I've got to find a way home. I doubt if anyone knows I'm gone."
As much as she hurt, she had to move. As hard it would be to tell her parents of her absence, it would have to be told.
Samawati slowly got up from the grass but the pain was excruciating. For now the white lioness ignored her feelings of pain and the other. She was on her feet and stood for a few minutes hoping to get the blood flowing again.
When she felt steady enough, Samawati carefully raised a foreleg. Even though it hurt, she gently put her paw back flat on the ground. Step by step and with slow movement she did the same with the other. Her hind legs were a challenge but she had managed to get them moving. Now she was steady.
Samawati still wasn't sure where she was but remembered how she had gotten there. A wave of fear washed over her and she felt broken. She had to leave… now. "Maybe I can find a pond and soak myself not that it'll help. I feel so…" She shook her head sighing sadly. "Don't think about it." Trying to be rid of any thoughts from the previous night, Sam started to walk away.
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On the Eastern side of Kivuli, a light gold lioness with blue eyes walked along the grass. It was Jemasi. Once again, the young princess felt a large well of emotions.
What was more, she would have to explain her absence to her parents. "That will not be easy," she said to herself. "What do I say? 'Hi mom and dad by the way, I've been feeling left out in the pride and didn't want to tell you, so I came across this rogue named Mizuka and found comfort in him? Sorry if I worried you!' " She shook her head in irritation. "Yeah, like they're gonna believe that!"
Mizuka…
Saying good-bye to him was probably the second hardest thing she ever had to do. He listened to every word she said and every though she expressed. He helped her in a way her family couldn't. For the first time in her life she was happy. Now she had left him and he had left her. It probably would not have worked out between them and they both knew it.
"I'm a rogue, you're a princess," Mizuka had said.
This was true and after the takeover, there was no way Ewali would accept him. "Mizuka is different than those others. Dad is just looking out for his kingdom and pride. I won't fault him for it."
Continuing her trek home, all Jemasi could think about was Mizuka.
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In Kivuli, the daily things were going on. Ewali patrolled his borders and checked the waterholes while his majordomos spoke with the animals. The sunbirds were pleased to report that there were no problems. This relieved the King immensely as his mind was still focused for the well being of his daughters. He knew that Nakita was worried too, but like him, she carried on with her royal duties.
Now, the golden lion walked around, his blue eyes fixed on nothing in particular. For now his thoughts were only of Samawati and Jemasi. "Ancestors," he prayed mindfully. "Please let them be alright." Without realizing it, he spoke these words out loud in a soft, trembling voice.
Jani was perched on his shoulder. He heard the lion's prayer and placed a comforting wing on the King's mane. "Don't worry your majesty, I'm sure they're okay," the green sunbird said in a soothing voice.
Ewali met his friend/advisor's gaze and smiled weakly. "Thank you Jani. I appreciate your words." His voice was sincere as was the look in his eyes. "I just hope you're right," he thought.
Jani bowed his head gently. "You're welcome sire." "I hope I'm right too and not giving you false hope," he added thoughtfully. Ewali was lucky to have a majordomo like Jani. The sunbird was another one of the lion's consciousness and he counted on him for many things.
The King continued his patrol with his comrade on his shoulder. All the while he wondered where his daughters were and if they were alright.
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Jemasi rested for a while. Lying down on the ground she grew thoughtful.
Yesterday had been almost like a dream but it wasn't. She remembered it so clearly. How she and Mizuka met, how he had spoken so kindly and patiently towards her. His words had set off her need to be and feel loved. When the lion nuzzled her the first time, the feeling and comfort he gave told her to embrace him back. She had done so. Hearing his gentle and soothing purr, she cried softly. The emotions she had kept bottled in for so long were released in that moment. Mizuka offered to take her to his shelter when she didn't want to go back to Kivuli. A part of her wanted to decline while the other screamed, "Go with him! He's offering you shelter."
And she had taken it. She followed him, not bothering to look to where she had walked a few moments ago. Now Jemasi was in the same path walking back into Kivuli. "Was it only yesterday I came here to escape the emptiness of home? It seems longer."
And it did. That's how much she enjoyed Mizuka's comforting words and presence.
She wished that she could've gone with him on his travels, find a land, settle down together and start a pride. A place where they would rule, have cubs and watch them grow up. "That would be perfect," she thought. But it wasn't meant to be and that made her sad. Jemasi had to stay in Kivuli with her family.
Sighing to herself, Jemasi got up and resumed walking.
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Food. A tiny scrap but it was something.
The feeling of blood running down her muzzle, the taste of it flowing down her throat was near intoxicating. The prey was a small hare but it was a sweet relief.
The young white lioness hunted it down and tore at it hungrily and greedily. Any scavenger who dared to come near was met with an angered look and sharp teeth. The snarl to accompany these gestures clearly said, "Leave or you'll be next on my lunch menu!" Of course, as a scavenger you don't tempt a hungry carnivore… especially a lioness. When they left, she continued eating.
Samawati was satisfied for the most part. She had drunk water at a small pond nearby and her belly was nourished. Again, she moved on. As expected, her body ached but she was willing to deal with it. Her primary focus now was getting into Kivuli.
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A memory of the early morning filled Jemasi's mind. She remembered the shelter…
The shelter was nice and cool. But waking up in a new place scared her slightly. There was warmth. It was gentle, loving and soothing. It was something she hadn't felt since cub hood. When sleeping at her father's side, Jemasi had found Ewali's side to be better because of the golden king's brown mane. Like her sister and brother she loved every moment spent with their father.
But this new warmth was different and she knew why. Last night Mizuka had given her the comfort she wanted. Now… now it was morning. Looking down at the light brown lion, Jemasi saw how peaceful he was.
She left the cave and drank the cool water of the pond. Mizuka joined her a few minutes later. Asking if she wanted some breakfast and saying yes in a moment the lion was gone. When he had returned the catch of the morning was zebra. While they ate in a warm silence Jemasi felt at peace being there and being with him. "One of the reasons I didn't want to leave," she said to herself.
She remembered saying goodbye…
"It would break my father's heart if I left Mizuka," she said early that morning whilst trying to keep her emotions in check.
"I understand Jemasi," Mizuka replied as he felt a piece of his heart shatter. "And as you said your father won't accept me. Maybe it's better this way. I know you wanna come with me and as much as I want that, I won't allow you to leave your family." He came closer and looked into her eyes. "Let me say this okay: You're the first lioness I've ever loved."
He said it with truth and she believed him. She was no fool. She knew when someone spoke falsely or truthfully and he spoke in truth.
They nuzzled and didn't want to part. They inhaled the other's scent, hoping to carry something with them on their separate journeys: Jemasi, to Kivuli. Mizuka, to wherever he was going. When they parted, both had tears in their eyes.
Mizuka sighed. "Well, this is where our paths part. Maybe we'll see each other again," he said, giving a hopeful smile.
Hearing this, Jemasi wasn't sure as to believe but she couldn't hold it against him. "It's not likely that rogues come to the same place twice. Not rogues like him anyway," she thought as she buried her head underneath his chin.
Mizuka ran his chin down her neck, nuzzling it softly and purring. Before they went their own ways again, he licked her cheek, nuzzling her one more time.
Jemasi embraced him when he did this, feeling his mane wrap around her face and neck. She sighed with happiness and content.
They both wanted to stop time and stay that way forever but time had to move on and so did they. Slowly, they parted. Facing each other, Mizuka took a step back and bowed. She didn't scold him, for he was doing it in a gesture of good faith. He didn't want to speak for if he did, he would ask her to come with him.
She also took a step back and bowed in return. Looking back at him, she smiled as a tear came down her face.
Mizuka smiled but noticed the tear. Then and there he wanted to go up and wipe it away with his paw or lick it away with his tongue.
Jemasi was trying really hard to not cry in front of him but it was increasingly difficult. She wondered when they would see each other again, if they were able to. Mizuka wondered the same.
Before she thought about leaving with him and deep down it was what she really wanted, Jemasi quickly turned away as her emotions rose up again.
Mizuka sighed sadly and turned away as well…
Jemasi sighed, remembering the farewell. A tear rolled down her face but she made no attempts to wipe it away. She sniffed the air and smiled. His scent was still there. "The wind didn't carry it off," she thought happily. Taking a chance she sniffed hard, embracing the scent. She hoped her family wasn't too worried. Lifting herself from the ground, Jemasi continued for home.
Though they were one different sides two lionesses: daughters, sisters, friends and princesses, were heading for the same place: Kivuli.
The sun was now high in the sky. It was afternoon.
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At Kivuli's cliff, the hunting party carried the kill up to the cliff where the rest of the Pride waited. Ewali and Nakita stood in the center.
Orissah was at the head of the party.
Seeing her adopted brother and sister, she bowed in respect. Taking the neck of the kill, she dragged it, laying it down before them. Stepping back she rejoined her pride mates. She noticed worry and concern upon Ewali and Nakita's faces.
Orissah silently sighed as she wondered where her nieces were and hoped they would return soon. "Now would be nice," she said to herself. Shaking her head, she stood at attention, as did the others including Kesha's cubs who were sat near their mother.
Before the King and Queen could begin their traditional blessing, Jani and Hekaya flew down landing at the lions' paws. They bowed but their gazes held important news. The leaders were told that Princess Jemasi had returned and was heading towards the cliff.
Ewali and Nakita eyes rejoiced in thankfulness that one of their daughters was home. The eyes of the Pride looked up expectantly as the gold lioness padded up the base. The majordomos bowed again and flew home.
Jemasi saw the looks and smiled reassuringly. Slowly turning her head, she allowed her blue eyes to meet those of her parents. The three lions locked gazes. One was full of silent apologies. The others were of relief. Stepping over the kill the King and Queen came and nuzzled their daughter. Jemasi rested her head in between her father's mane and her mother's soft fur.
"We were worried about you Jemasi," Ewali stated in a stern voice but his happiness came through.
"We'll talk about this later but now eat," Nakita added in.
The embrace broke.
"Have you seen Samawati?" her father questioned with worry in his eyes. Her mother held the same look. Jemasi shook her head sadly.
"No I haven't," she replied and looked around. Sure enough, her older sister was not there.
"Okay come and eat," Ewali said and giving a nod and a smile, the Pride came to the kill. Everyone had his or her shares.
Machwa came up presenting his sister with a good-sized piece. The Prince and Princess shared a sibling embrace.
Jemasi lay near her parents and told them of buried feelings, where she was and whom she was with. In a way, unknown to her, they half understood and half didn't.
"Jemasi," Ewali began after his daughter spoke, "Why didn't you tell us before? What made you think we would not have understood?" His tone was gentle but Jemasi saw anger and disappointment shining through his dark blue eyes.
She lowered her gaze, as her ears drooped and eyes grew saddened. "I-I'm sorry dad," she murmured. "I wasn't sure if I could tell you… I was afraid."
"Afraid of what?" This time it was Nakita who spoke. "Honey, we're your parents. You, Machwa and Samawati can tell us anything." The white lioness put her paw on her daughter's, gently licking her cheek.
"This rogue you met, Mizuka?" Ewali mused. Jemasi nodded. "Did he treat you well?" Again, the gold lioness nodded with a warm smile to accompany it. The King sighed. Seeing his second daughter unharmed and home lifted the spirits of him and Nakita but there was still one missing – Samawati. Ewali looked into Jemasi's eyes with firmness, wanting his words to be heard clearly. "Please… don't ever do this again." He leaned closer. "I'm glad you found comfort but you still worried your mother and I… not to mention the Pride."
Jemasi nodded in silence and rested her head in her father's mane crying softly. Ewali and Nakita purred soothingly. The three lions were silent until the young lioness broke the embrace. "Sam didn't come home last night?" she questioned in confusion. When she came up the ramp, looking on the Pride, she didn't see her sister with the other lions. It was then that she became concerned as to the white lioness's whereabouts.
Nakita and Ewali shook their heads. Jemasi continued eating.
When they were all finished, the remains of the kill were taken back into the cave and bones were disposed of. Now everyone sat on the cliff talking.
Jemasi was with her friends and brother, enjoying their company. She even let her half siblings join them. At long last, the Princess felt relaxed around the cubs. Jemasi knew she had misjudged them and their mother harshly. "They are my father's children and he loves them," the gold lioness thought. "He loves all of us." Looking in the direction of Kesha, a white lioness, Jemasi felt guilty for thinking so badly of her. Kesha was not a bad lioness. Was it so wrong of her to want to have cubs? No.
Ewali and Nakita lay on the cliff's edge near one another. They were glad that their second daughter was home, but still worried for their eldest. All they could do was pray that she was all right and unharmed. Nakita rested her head on her mate's shoulder. Ewali licked the top of her head.
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She found it.
A borderline: the entrance into Kivuli. The Princess was home at last. Her paws touched the lush green grass. She inhaled the crisp cool air. Samawati was home. While walking and looking around, she realized that she was now in the forest. "I should be home soon," she said to herself.
A chill went up her back. "How do I tell mom and dad about-" Her body trembled. "Explain it to them carefully," she kept reminding herself during the journey.
Again, the white lioness felt dizzy and she struggled to stay awake. "I'm almost there. I can make it." Keeping her eyes open was no easy task.
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Upon the cliff, as conversations continued, Orissah was feeling uneasy. Rising from her position, she stretched out and walked towards one side of the cliff. Looking out, feeling cool air blow around her, she sighed deeply. She stared into the distance almost as if she was searching for something… or someone.
Kesha saw the dark gold lioness on the side and went up to her. "Orissah, what's wrong?" she asked curiously, her green eyes showing concern.
Orissah lowered her head. "I don't know. Guess I'm worried about Samawati," she paused and turned her head towards Ewali and Nakita, who were still resting on the cliff's edge. "Like they are."
The white lioness followed the gaze and frowned. "Yeah, I'm concerned myself. At least Jemasi is okay and maybe Sammy will arrive soon."
"Hope you're right," Orissah muttered.
As the two lionesses stared at the horizon, a white blur was coming their way at a very slow pace. Peering harder they could see that it was a white lioness. Other than Nakita and Kesha, there were no other white lionesses in the Pride except…
"Kesha! It's Samawati!" Orissah whispered. Kesha agreed.
"You're right and she looks hurt. Come on!" The two lionesses, without being noticed, raced down the path and into the grass. Samawati had made it to the cliff's ramp. She had a glassy look in her eyes. Seeing the two lionesses she put on a weak smile. "Samawati!" Kesha called trying to get the young lioness's attention. There was no response. This worried her.
Sammy just kept her eyes open long enough to see her former caretakers… everything went black.
Wasting no time, Orissah and Kesha ran over to the fallen princess and examined her. Orissah noticed a bite mark. "Kesha you're right, Samawati has been hurt. Come on, let's get her to the cliff."
"What about Ewali and Nakita? And do you wanna carry Sam or should I?"
"I'll tell Nakita and Ewali while you take Sam." The white lioness nodded and gently picked the unconscious lioness placing her onto her back and started for the cliff with Orissah in the lead.
When she was on the base of the cliff, watching her pride mates confused and seeing her King and Queen exchange glances, Orissah looked back as Kesha came behind her with Samawati on her back.
Ewali and Nakita saw this and were shocked, as were the young lions and lionesses of the Pride. Even Kesha's cubs were curious. Orissah came to her adopted brother and sister and quickly explained while Kesha took Samawati into the cave.
In the cooling darkness, the white lioness gently laid the Princess in her respective spot and looked on her with sadness and pain. She gently nuzzled her, purring motherly. "Don't worry Sam, you'll be okay."
The younger moaned a little. She was stirring.
Looking up Kesha noticed Ewali and Nakita coming in. She bowed respectfully. Nakita bumped heads with her. Ewali gently nuzzled her. The white lioness smiled in sympathy and left the cave.
Outside, conversations turned into quiet whispers mainly among the lionesses.
"Where was she?"
"Is she hurt?"
"What happened?"
These were the questions being asked. Sadly, the dark gold lioness and the white lioness had no answer. The younger pride members were also concerned but waited for the King and Queen to re-emerge.
The parents approached their daughter carefully but Samawati didn't want to meet her parents' eyes. She felt that she had betrayed them. Would they reject her? Was she no longer their child, or the heiress?
Ewali saw the hurt registered in those eyes, eyes that reminded him of himself and his mother. He nuzzled her, purring to ease what pain she was feeling. He licked her forehead and cheek.
Samawati drew out a shuddering breath and began speaking. "M-mom? D-dad?" she said in a shaking, trembling voice. Her eyes were closed tightly.
"We're here for you Sammy. Where were you?" Ewali asked in a fatherly tone. Seeing as his daughter was too scared to death, frightened to say the least, he couldn't be angry with her. Concerned and worried to death yes but this was no time for him to be angry.
Samawati was shaking and she lioness was hesitant to answer her father's question. She drew in a sharp breath and played at the ground with her paw, making circles in the dust. Her eyes were unfocused and she just couldn't bring herself to look on her parents.
Ewali hated to see any of his children in such a predicament. He spoke in choked voice, "Sammy, please tell us." Whatever his daughter had to say, Ewali sensed it was difficult to put into words. Nakita knew it too as she moved closer, gently placing a paw on the young lioness's back.
Sam had tears streaming down her face but her mother gently licked them away. Her body trembled.
The King and Queen looked at each other but were ready to listen. This would be hard for them to hear but even harder as the Princess would have to tell it. There was a chilling silence in the atmosphere of the cave.
Finally Samawati locked eyes with her parents. Drawing out another shaking breath she told them what had happened…
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Outside, the Pride was growing restless, including the younger lions. Out of the adolescents the ones who wore looks of worry were none other than Prince Machwa, Princess Jemasi and Mguuyasiku. The three friends looked at each other, wondering what to do and what to say. The others, though some didn't show it were thinking and wondering the same.
The minutes they spent outside seemed like hours.
At long last, two figures emerged from the cave. All eyes were on them. Ewali and Nakita leaned on each other for support as what they heard drained them. Their eyes were cast to the ground and it was hard to see their faces. If one looked hard enough, you could see the tear stained marks on their faces. Orissah and Kesha carefully stepped forward as did Machwa and Jemasi. The adolescents went near to their parents and nuzzled them.
"Keep your sister company but don't talk to her," Ewali whispered, emotion weighing heavily in his voice. "She's sleeping."
"Dad," Machwa began to ask. "Is Sam alright? What happened?" Jemasi bore the same expression as her brother.
Their parents didn't say anything but simply stared ahead into nothing. A glazed look was present in their eyes. Kesha and Orissah lowered their heads.
No one spoke. Not even the lionesses, who were just as curious as the adolescents. The cubs didn't know what was going on and from the expressions the adults gave; they clearly didn't want to know.
A few moments of silence was enough. Ewali looked on his pride and spoke, he stood like a King but his words were that of a father. "Machwa, Jemasi," he began, turning to his son and daughter. The brown lion and gold lioness looked up. "I want you to go into the cave and stay with Samawati."
The siblings could see pain registered in the blue eyes of their parents. They nodded and went inside. Their friends were still worrisome and wanted to help.
Mguuyasiku stepped forward and bowed his head, his mane tuft hung into his eyes. He had a piece of meat in his mouth. Ewali saw the look in the brown red lion's hazel eyes and the meat in his mouth. He looked at Nakita. When she nodded her okay, he turned back to his adopted son and smiled. The young lion bowed gratefully and went into the cave.
The other adolescents wanted to go in also. Ewali and Nakita saw the desperate stares on the teens' faces and in each of their eyes. They smiled. The friends smiled back, bowing respectfully and went inside.
When the adolescents were gone, Ewali addressed the lionesses. "If you wish to go inside, you may. But please, don't speak to the Princess. She needs plenty of rest." The lionesses nodded but were still confused. He spoke again. "Orissah, Kesha can you join Nakita and I out in the grasslands?"
As the two lionesses nodded, Kesha looked down at her cubs and without any words, she told them to go in the cave. The three cubs complied smiling at their mother. Looking on Ewali, their father, they bowed to him and to Nakita. Then they went inside.
Nakita knew why Ewali wanted to talk in the grass but her mind was still reeling. Ewali's was too.
The two lionesses sensed that something dreadful must've happened to the white Princess and followed their King and Queen from the cliff and into the grasses to speak in private.
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In the cave, the young lions found themselves unable to lie down. They were pacing and muttering to themselves and one another. The cubs were curled up in their sleeping spot but were not sleeping. Their eyes were on Samawati.
Machwa and Jemasi gave sad looks as they beheld their sister's form. They nuzzled each other and came forward. The Prince lay on one side while the Princess lay on the other. "That way Samawati knows we're here," Machwa whispered as Jemasi nodded her head.
Mguuyasiku decided to lie at the entrance. He looked back at Samawati. His ears drooped, as did his gaze. She had eaten the meat, which he himself presented, but refused to talk with anyone. Now she was asleep again. Mguu sighed and sniffed. The white lioness was a dear friend of his and everyone present here. He hoped and prayed that she would be all right. Without realizing it tears of sorrow came down his face. Knowing that guarding the entrance was clearly unneeded he got up and walked around allowing his gaze to look on the rest of his friends.
Arazia and Akeeto were resting beside each other. From what Mguu could make out, the gold lioness was deeply worried. "She has a better reason then the rest of us," he said to himself. He was right. Arazia knew Samawati and her siblings when they were just infants. Though he couldn't see the darker lion's expression, in his heart Mguu knew that Akeeto was concerned too. His dark gold eyes showed it.
Entwidemela was alone like always. Through his red colored eyes, the dark gray lion wondered in worry just as his companions did. He didn't speak a word. "He's always the silent one," Mguu said quietly.
Sheena was beside Machwa, nuzzling him trying to comfort. She cried softly for her like sister. Machwa saw this and nuzzled her back, purring gently in her ear. He licked her muzzle, placing a paw on hers.
As he continued looking within the darkness, Mguu was just able to make out the forms of Kesha's cubs, who were curled up beside one another. He smiled at the sight but the smile soon died. Walking near and looking harder at the party, Mguu noticed that they were all lying in a circle. He wondered if he should lie in the center. Shaking his head for a moment, he came to the royal siblings.
Machwa noticed the shadowed form and looked up in curiosity. His eyes drifted to Samawati. Looking on the younger lion again, a smile made it's way to the Prince's maw. He gave a single nod.
With a dip of his head, Mguu reached over giving Sam a gentle lick on the forehead, purring kindly and with sympathy. Then he went to the center, just as he wanted to and lay down.
The cave was deathly silent. No one wanted to talk. Even if they did were there words that needed to be said? Their friend and future queen had come home injured. Their King and Queen came out of the cave with expressions that were hard to describe. What could they say about that?
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In the grass plains, Ewali, Nakita, Kesha and Orissah held their meeting. The Pride would be told in due time but now it was between them: the leaders and the friends they could trust. The ones they knew were not judgmental or gossipy. Now, the discussion was over. The two lionesses stood facing Ewali and Nakita with stunned looks.
Kifuli.
With the help of two other rogue lions, the black lion managed taken Kivuli when Ewali left the lands to search for his son. When he came back the lions were there. They kicked out the younger male lions and Ewali himself. That was three months ago. One month earlier, things were peaceful. The two before, a living nightmare.
But he came back just as he swore and promised he would. King Ewali returned along with the help of King Tau and two other lions from the kingdom of Kimondo. With their help Ewali had beaten the rogue lions. Two of the rogues fled of their own free will.
Instead of gathering other rogues and battling again, Kifuli had schemed and took something precious. Princess Samawati, the daughter of Ewali and Nakita.
Another battle, the Pride could have handled. Kimondo's territory was only a two-day journey and the residents there could help. But a lioness, in the midst of adolescence was taken instead and in the worst way possible. Knowing that it was Samawati, Kivuli's future queen, was too much for them to grasp. Sadly, for Ewali and Nakita, it was called crossing the line.
It took a while for the King and Queen's words to sink in and when they did, no words were exchanged. However there was a question that needed to be asked and it could not be avoided.
Orissah looked into the eyes of the leaders and asked carefully, near stumbling on her words in the process. "What if she's pregnant?" She saw Nakita's eyes enlarge. Ewali's jaw dropped, his mouth hung open. Their eyes hardened.
The four figures grew silent. It was a chilling and hard silence.
Swallowing a lump in his throat, Ewali gathered his strength and spoke. "If she is, I want…" he paused and stared into the lionesses' eyes wanting to have their attention. Nakita knew what he was going to say and gave the same authoritative look. He continued. "I want no blame whatsoever placed on the cub! I want him or her to be treated like a true member of the Pride." His gaze softened a bit but his eyes were full of authority. "Am I clear?"
Kesha and Orissah nodded their heads. "When you tell the Pride, we'll keep the rumors down," Kesha said promising. Orissah smiled. The leaders sighed.
"Good! I thank you both. Dismissed," Ewali said with a gentle smile and wave of his paw. The two lionesses bowed respectfully and left the clearing with silent steps.
Once they had gone Ewali and Nakita didn't want to go back to the cliffs. Instead they walked in the grass for a while, feeling the softness under their paws. As the night settled in the temperature changed. At last, they came to a rest. They sat down together scanning the skies and the stars.
The golden Lion King and the white Lioness Queen silently regarded each other and the events of the late afternoon. No longer were they concerned for Jemasi… she was safe. Samawati was their priority. They had to see to her. A gentle breeze came up but this time their thoughts lingered.
"Orissah may be right Ewali," Nakita said.
Her mate was startled slightly. The new fury and hatred he had against Kifuli cooled but barely. He made a silent vow that if the black lion ever set paw in Kivuli again, he'd kill him. Ewali turned to meet her gaze. "I know," he said in a whisper. Whether the response was said in relief or regret, Ewali wasn't sure. Neither was Nakita. His mind drifted to the pride. He wondered how they were. Did Orissah and Kesha tell them? Bits and pieces? If they did, what was the response? Could it wait till tomorrow? One could only hope. Right now, they had to deal. Emotion.
"The Pride is my responsibility," he heard his wife say. It was like she could read his thoughts. He smiled inwardly. "If anyone bothers Samawati, I will deal with it."
Nakita's eyes showed promise in her words and Ewali knew that she would never lie to him. "I know you will… my queen," Ewali said affectionately. He gently nuzzled her and she pawed at his mane.
They sat in silence again wondering what to say next.
"Nakita," Ewali began in a soft, yet hard voice. He didn't mean to use that tone, especially with her but scars from his past suddenly rose. He turned to face her, allowing their blue eyes to lock. "I meant what I said. When the cub is born I will not allow him or her to be shunned." He tried to keep his voice reasonable but a snap came through anyway. He fought the tears that threatened to fall from his face.
"I know Ewali," she replied and gently nuzzled him.
This time he didn't nuzzle back. He carefully stepped away from his mate and walked out into the plains wrapped in deep thought. He sat down in the grass a few feet away from her, pondering.
Nakita didn't go after him. She knew he needed to deal with this on his own. She did too. Lowering her head, she looked at the grass, concentrating on nothing. A few moments later, she looked to Ewali again. He hadn't moved. He looked stiff and from what she could see, his head was lowered. He shuddered and started shaking. She wanted to comfort him but thought it best to not. Silence filled the air. A few tears streaked down her face and she sniffed. Then a sound reached her ears. It was from Ewali. Looking back with her ears perked up, she listened closely.
Ewali was weeping.
"He hasn't done that in a long time," she thought to herself. "Not since Ugas ki-" she stopped the memory. Sighing with worry, Nakita left her spot and went up to him. She gently placed a paw on his back. The touch made him tense but he made no move to wrench her paw away. She took this as a good sign. He knew she was trying to help.
"I wish Sam could tell us where Kifuli had taken her. I want to find him!" he said with a soft snarl.
Nakita's ears tucked against her head. "There's no way you can," she said quietly. "Sam said she doesn't know where he took her. And after…" She stopped herself again. The fur along her back rose in anger and a low growl emitted from her throat. Hearing the growl, Ewali sensed that she was feeling the same things as he was. Calming down, she continued, her voice kind but sad. "And when she woke, he was already gone."
Ewali licked his lips. "I know you heard just as I… that he did it to hurt me on the inside." He shook his head in an angry manner. "It worked!" He hit the ground in frustration and growled louder than Nakita had. Emotions welled up and at last he burst. "It's MY FAULT!!!" He yelled out, sobbing.
Nakita backed away for a moment but approached him again. She couldn't believe what he said. "No Ewali," she said firmly. "It's not your fault and it's not Sam's fault either! We have to make sure she knows that! You could not have known this was going to happen! None of us could!"
Ewali felt his body grow hot with anger. "I could've had Tau kill him! The other two fled willingly. Why didn't Kifuli?" He turned his eyes up to the sky searching for an answer. "He couldn't have the lands so he took her instead. He took our daughter!!!" He cried openly.
Nakita grew silent but her body welled up with pain. Then, she added carefully so as not to upset her mate than what he already was, "Sam is safe Ewali. She's home."
Ewali shut his eyes for a brief moment. A few tears fell down his muzzle. "I know, I know… it's just…" he trailed off. His fatherly emotions rose up again.
"It will be difficult," Nakita said in a gentle voice. "Frankly I don't want to tell the Pride but… as King and Queen, we don't have a choice."
Ewali tensed up again and he turned to face his mate. The bangs of his mane covered his eyes, near shadowing his expression. "Like you, I don't know if I can tell the Pride. Not even Samawati about the possibility that she could be pregnant and I don't want her to feel shame or regret. When she shows signs and when the cub is born there will be whispers. They'll want to shun him because of who his father is. They'll even pity Sam. I don't know if I can bare to see that happen." He put his eyes back up to the sky.
"Samawati is a good lioness. I know that she will love the cub when it is born," Nakita said trying to reassure. "It will be hard for her at first."
There was something different about Ewali's face and Nakita could see it. Sadness.
"I… agree with you," he said in a quiet voice. "But I'm still worried. I mean, what if the cub inherits Kifuli's eyes?" Turning to her again, his own eyes showed fear but not the fear of an adult but that of a cub. It was probably close to the same fear he felt when his father struck him that day, permanently scarring his left hind leg. Even now the scar still haunted him.
Nakita didn't speak. She knew where he was going with this.
Knowing this, he continued and looked out into the lands. "No lioness in the Genge Lands came near me. They ignored me openly. Thanks to Walinda and Elekeza I was able to overcome. I loved them and they loved me. But all I ever wanted was to be close to my father, older brother and sister. When my mother died and only I survived…" He trailed off as tears came running down his face. "I don't want the cub to go through what I went through," he said sniffing. "I have my mother's eyes and that was another thing that drove my dad crazy. If the cub has Kifuli's, it could drive Samawati crazy. Maybe even fearful."
"Ewali," Nakita said coming to sit beside him. She placed her paw on his. "I will make sure that the Pride doesn't get out of control especially when Sam begins showing and when the cub is born."
"I was born into a Pride that cared only about themselves," he whispered with a shaky voice. It was clear to Nakita that he was fighting the emotions of his past. "If it weren't for Walinda being my adopted mother and taking care of me I don't know if I would've made it. Like you said it will be difficult but a cub is a cub no matter whom its parents are and should not be blamed for the sins of either the mother or the father. In this case, we're talking about the father!" he added with a low grow. His eyes snapped.
Though Nakita stayed silent, her facial expression told him what she was thinking and what she wanted to say but found it impossible to put into words.
Ewali looked at her out of the corner of his eye, seeing the silent support and comforting presence. "I wish I knew my mother," he said now gazing up at the sky, staring at the stars. His eyes filled again. "Every time I see the stars, I feel her presence." He smiled faintly but then trembled. Sometimes in his dreams he thought of his father and how cruel he was. Even now he still lives in the fear of being just like him. Thanks to the love he had from his adopted mother, his mate and his children, those fears were diminished in some ways but still remained in others. He hated it. What kept him up, he didn't know but each day he considered himself lucky.
"She'd be proud of you Ewali," Nakita said soothingly. "I know I am."
Ewali gave a small smile and faced her once again. Nakita's white fur shined in the moonlight. Their blue eyes matched the skies color. One of the many things he loved about her was that she kept the lionesses in place. She was their Queen so they had to listen. As for him, there was his mate's words or just being there for him. With that happening, he was okay. Without Nakita he couldn't run the kingdom and he knew it.
The King and Queen of Kivuli sat close but didn't speak. They watched the stars.
The warm and cool mixture of the night wrapped around them, gently caressing their bodies with its unseen embrace. The blades of grass brushed against their fur. Again, they looked at each other seeing their faces reflecting through the other's eyes. Nakita rested her head against his mane, feeling its softness upon her face. Ewali rested his head on top of hers.
At last it came. Parental emotion.
When Jemasi returned, their hearts and spirits lifted but only just. Hearing her reason for leaving was hard to understand but eventually, they mentally put themselves in her position and after a long silence, they understood and told her so. Having her home relieved them. Somehow, maybe it was parental instinct or something else, Ewali and Nakita knew that Jemasi could very well have a cub. The lion she was with wasn't the vengeful type, but just a kind rogue. From the way she described Mizuka, they knew he was what she needed and even though their ways parted, he had left a part of him with her.
Then Samawati. Like Jemasi, when Sam returned they were happy. But unlike her sister Sam had returned on the back of Kesha, unconscious. Hearing her story was extremely hard. Knowing that Kifuli had kidnapped her just to get back at Ewali because he couldn't have the lands and that she could possibly be carrying the black lion's cub tore their hearts out. Not just as King and Queen, but also as parents, Ewali and Nakita were determined to not let the cub be shunned or let Sam be pitied by the others or to have her blame herself for what happened. History would not repeat and Ewali swore to make sure of that.
All these emotions came out like the breeze. With their heads still touching, Ewali and Nakita cried together. Their daughters were home and for that they were glad. Whilst one was without problems having her situation resolved, the other would be recovering from her encounter that would stay for a long while.
When their tears were gone, they were silent and didn't move. Being so near told them that would get through this, as would their Pride and their daughter.
"Come on 'Kita, let's go home," Ewali said, fighting the fatigue. Nakita nodded while trying to suppress a yawn.
They broke the embrace and walked side-by-side back to the cliff. They walked closer, as if the feeling of each other's coats rubbing against would help them in their states.
As she rested her head against his mane, walking as close to him as she could, Nakita suddenly stopped. Ewali stopped as well looking at her in confusion. "What is it Nakita?" he asked. The white lioness didn't reply. "Nakita?" Ewali asked again. Still no response. He now grew worried.
He was about to step forward to see if she was okay when Nakita walked over to the waterfall, and instead of just taking a drink she walked into the water. Now she took a drink, feeling the deep coolness touch her lips as the water ran down her muzzle, quenching her thirst. Then she dipped her head, submerging it underwater. Lifting her head back up, she sighed in a heartbreaking pain and walked around.
Ewali knew what his mate was doing. "She needs to feel cleansed," he said quietly. "Maybe I should soak myself too." He came over and stepped into the water. It was nice and cool. The water was up to his shoulders. He took a drink but it wasn't enough. He needed more. Like Nakita, he too submerged his head under and drew it back. He shook the access water out of his mane. Droplets of water dripped from his whiskers. Nakita got up out of the water shaking droplets from her fur. Ewali was right beside her but stepped away, shaking his mane and fur dry. Unbeknownst to them, they were both breathing quite hard.
Without warning anger, hatred and guilt rose in Ewali's body. Panting and eyes near wild, the King roared out his emotions. Crying with his mate, drinking and dunking his head in the water were not enough. His heart pounded inside of his chest as he let out the emotions in the roar.
Nakita roared beside him. The same pain her mate was feeling, she was too and it had to be let out otherwise they couldn't help their daughter. She would need them now more than ever.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
At the cliff, everyone came out hearing the roars. Three adolescents walked up the cliff's edge and looked out at the night-covered land. They could just barely make out the forms of the King and Queen. The lionesses stood behind the younger ones.
Orissah instantly knew what the roars were about and couldn't blame her adopted brother and sister one bit. She cried softly.
Kesha was in the cave with her cubs.
Samawati was still sleeping. Mguuyasiku and Machwa were on either side of her. They exchanged glances and knew what was happening outside but they couldn't leave… moreover they didn't want to. Jemasi and Sheena were there too. They didn't want to leave either.
Mguu and Sheena turned to the royal siblings. "Are Ewali and Nakita gonna be okay?" Mguu asked with a worried expression. Machwa and Jemasi shrugged.
Kesha let a few tears fall down her face not just for Samawati but for Ewali and Nakita also. She had no idea what the royal family would be going through and she didn't want to know. Now she just wanted to be there and support them. "They're gonna need all the support they can get," she said to herself as she brought her son and two daughters nearer to her.
One cub yawned, smacking her lips. She peered up at her mother as the roars echoes reached her ears, even from inside the cave. Looking at her brother and sisters, she noticed that they were still asleep. She turned back to her mother. "Momma, what's wrong? Where is everybody?" This cub's name is Kassi. She has a mixture of her mother, Kesha and her father, Ewali. Literally. The whole of her body including the left side of her face is the golden color of Ewali but slightly darker. Her left eye color is red. Her muzzle, and underbelly are a sandy tanish color. The entire right side of her face, including her paws are pure white like her mother's fur. The right eye is blue and her tail tuft is brown. Her nose is pink. To Ewali and Kesha, she's a beautiful cub.
Kesha turned to the sound of her daughter's voice. Smiling warmly she nuzzled her. "Don't worry my daughter. Everything is fine. Just…" she paused, unsure of how to explain the situation of Princess Samawati to her young child. She leaned over and whispered quietly so as not to disturb the others in the cave. "Something happened to Samawati. Your dad and Nakita are roaring out their pain."
Kassi just nodded her head in response. She, like her brother and sister, knew that Princess Samawati, Prince Machwa and Princess Jemasi were their half siblings… that they shared the same father but different mothers. It didn't matter to them. They knew that they were family. Kassi wondered what was wrong with her eldest half sister but seeing the grave expression on her mother's face seeing it full of worry, she buried her face into Kesha's white fur. "Will she be alright?" the cub asked with care.
Kesha let out a heavy sigh. She quickly looked at Samawati, wondering the same. "No lioness is alright after…" her thought stopped. She knew why Ewali and Nakita were roaring out. If it were one or both of her daughters who had been through a terrifying ordeal, having everything so dear and important taken away by a maniacal lion she would roar out her feelings too. "Any parent would." She turned to Kassi again and smiled weakly, near wanting to cry for the white lioness. "Yes, Kassi. Sam will be fine." Kesha gave the cub a kiss on the forehead.
"What about daddy?" Kassi asked.
"He will be fine too. Come dear, let's get some sleep okay?"
Kassi smiled tiredly and cuddled up near her mother's body as did her siblings. Kesha smiled and rested her head on her paws, but allowed herself to take one look at Samawati for what seemed to be the tenth time today. Tears filled her eyes but soon enough with her children by her side, feeling their small yet warm bodies touch hers, she fell asleep.
Mguu was also looking at Samawati for what he believed to be the twentieth time so far. He gently nuzzled her. Licking her forehead, he whispered into her ear. "Sam, I hope you can hear me. You're a fighter. Whatever happened to you, you will get through it. I'm willing to help, as is everyone else. We love and care about you." He sighed sadly and licked the tip of her ear. Looking at Machwa, who just smiled, Mguu placed his head on his paws and fell asleep but crept closer to the white lioness's body, not enough to touch, but close to let her know he was there.
Machwa, Jemasi and Sheena did the same.
On the cliff the Pride wondered what to do. Though they hadn't been told, in their minds they knew that whatever happened to the Princess must've been something horrible. Horrible enough for their leaders roared out like that. The younger lions thought the same and without a second thought or wonder they roared too. The lionesses roared alongside.
The roars echoed until they reached the King and Queen's ears. Ewali and Nakita looked at each other with amazed eyes. Their pride had heard their call and they were announcing support.
In their tree, Jani and Hekaya woke, listening. Hearing the pain of the call, they squawked wanting to let the lions know of their sympathy.
The whole lands were filled with the calls of lions and birds. The spirits in the stars and other night animals listened to the late evening of sorrow.