Chapter 22: The Finale
Axane's POV:
I woke up in my bed. still feeling tired from yesterday's occasion. I felt like I don't want to get up from bed but knowing myself, I am not the type of person that slacks off from her duty. I look around the room and noticed that Jabali was no longer in the bed with me. He must have gone hunting with Nala. Well, guess its just me and Aunt Lana in the cottage today. I went out of the room just to find Aunt Lana, preparing for breakfast. Aunt Lana's attention suddenly went to me.
"Good Morning, Axane. How was your sleep." She said.
"Not that good," I replied with a muzzy voice.
"I see. Well, breakfast is almost ready. Oh, and Jabali went hunting with Nala,"
"Yeah, I figured," I sat in the table quietly. still remembering what happened last night. The sadness and anger were still lingering through my mind. I wanted to blow off some steam to calm me down but I know that won't help the situation. I must stay control and don't let the negative emotions take over my mind.
"Axane, I know you are still bothered from last night," My attention went back to Aunt Lana's voice.
"What makes you say I'm bothered?" I asked.
"Your face shows it all," she replied. "Axane, Just give him time. I know he will help us. I'm sure of it."
"I doubt that,"
"Don't lose hope, Axane. Everything happens in a miracle," Aunt Lana said.
"And who told you that?"
"My father and Mufasa used to say that to me when this kind of situation occurs," Aunt Lana explained. My face turns into a frown whenever I hear my father's name. I deeply miss him. The lion that saved me, gave me shelter, and most importantly...another chance to have a family.
"You know what, why don't we join Jabali and Nala's activity after breakfast. How is that sound?" Aunt Lana suggested. I nodded at her suggestion and prepared our breakfast and dig in.
*Timeskip*
After a nice breakfast, I and Aunt Lana went to the woods to look for Nala and Jabali. It didn't take too long to find each other in the woods. We found Jabali and Nala in the woods, just sitting in the logs, with a mandachord in Jabali hands. It looks like he was trying to make a song. I wondered what is it about. When we were nearby their little spot, I heard Jabali singing the song he made.
[No Fear No More by Madeon]
I know we're not listened to, but
You used to tell me not to dream away
Go chase the safety, not the rush
You say this future is a world away
I think you worry way too much
.
Just like before
My spirit coming up
What do you talk for?
You'll never make us stop
Beyond the shore
We'll take it to the top
No fear no more
No fear no more
(2x)
.
I know we're not listened to, but
I know we're not listened to, but
(No fear no more)
I know we're not listened to, but
(No fear no more)
.
Just like before
My spirit coming up
What do you talk for?
You'll never make us stop
Beyond the shore
We'll take it to the top
No fear no more
.
I and Aunt Lana went to them while we applause to Jabali's great singing talent. Until now, Jabali's singing talent did not fade away. Jabali and Nala nearly jumped from our sudden appearance and we laughed at their reaction.
"Didn't know you guys where here," Jabali said.
"We wanted to surprise you," Aunt Lana spoked.
"What are you guys doing here?" I asked.
"We're taking a break before continuing our search for Simba," Nala replied.
"You guys are not giving up, are you?"
"Simba is our only hope of saving the pride lands. If we give up now, everything will be a wasteland forever," Nala asked.
"Nala is right, Axane. Pridelands is our home. We will do anything to take it back to its rightful state. If your father was alive, he might do think the same thing." Jabali said. I sighed in defeat, knowing that what they say is true. My father is nothing like Simba, who would walk away from his responsibilities as the king.
"Alright, If we're gonna do this then we should do it now. So where do we start?" I asked.
"I know where to start," Nala said.
Third POV:
In the woods, Pumba and Timon were sleeping exhausted from yesterday. Pumba was lying in his back, mumbling about grubs while Timon was curled upon him. Out in the shadows, 4 figures appeared in front of them. One of the figures approaches and tapped Timon in the back.
"Hey. Hey, wake up." A female voice spoke, which woke up and saw a huge lion in front of him. He suddenly shrieked in terror and startled Pumba, who join the shrieking contest.
"It's OK. Whoa, whoa. It's OK. It's ME," Nala tried to calm them down and they eventually did. Actually, it was entertaining for Axane and Aunt Lana, watching them scream.
"Don't ever do that again! Carnivores, oy!" Timon Exclaimed.
"Have you guys seen Simba?" Nala asked Timon.
"I thought he was with you." He responded in confusion.
"He was, but now I can't find him. Where is he?" Nala said until laughter was heard above the tree. It was Rafiki, the shaman that lived in pridelands and a good friend of Mufasa. Axane and Aunt Lana was happy to see him again.
"You won't find him here. Haha. The king... has returned." Rafiki stated.
"I can't believe it," Axane said quietly, surprised at what she just heard. I looked at Nala, who has the same face reaction as her.
"He's gone back," Nala said.
"Gone back? What do you mean?" Timon asked then looked again in the tree but Rafiki was no longer there. The monkey left. "Hey! What's goin' on here? Who's the monkey?"
"Simba's gone to challenge Scar," Nala said.
"Who?" Timon and Pumba asked, not knowing who is Scar.
"Scar," Axane replied, getting annoyed from the two's slow processing mind.
"Who's got a scar?" Pumba asked.
"No, no, no. It's his uncle." Nala replied.
"The monkey's his uncle?" Timon said. Jabali and Lana facepalm at this because It was getting frustrating on explaining these two idiotic imbeciles.
"No!" Axane exclaimed, "Simba's gone back to challenge his uncle to take his place as king." After the explanation, the Timon and Pumba replied with an "Ohh", finally understanding the situation.
"Now that we know where Simba is, we should make haste now," Jabali said. Nala and Axane nodded.
"I'm coming too. Pridelands is my home too," Lana said.
"Alright, Everything settled?" Nala asked. Everyone nodded in response."Great. Let's go,"
Simba's POV:
I traveled from the jungle back to the pridelands. It was a long journey but the determination that my father gave me and the thought of seeing my mother one more time did, did not stop me from running. The journey ended when I reached the ledge. I was able to see the view of the pridelands. Axane and Nala were right, it became a complete wasteland. The ground becomes dry, no water in sight, most herds have moved on and plants have died. The desolation was not a pleasant sight to see. Fury and determination grew in my heart. I must stop Scar and reclaim the lands.
Before I could proceed, I heard a voice calling up my name, "Simba, wait up!" I turn around to find Nala, running towards me. Behind her was Jabali and...Axane. I still feel guilty for stuff I said to her last night. I knew that I hurt her so much and I just don't know what came to my mind. My attention went to Nala when she trotted next to me in the ledge. "It's awful, isn't it?"
"I didn't want to believe you," I said.
"What made you come back?" Jabali asked.
"I finally got some sense knocked into me. And I've got the bump to prove it. Besides, this is my kingdom." I looked at Axane, My beautiful sister who has been protective and caring for me since I was a cub. She gave me a smile as a sign of forgiveness. "...Our Kingdom,"
"What do you mean "Our Kingdom"?" Nala asked.
"I noticed that my uncle and father hated each other because only one of them became the ruler. I will not make the same mistake with Axane. So when this is over, there will be two kings and queens in the pridelands," I explained. Axane and Jabali grinned at my idea. I noticed that they were holding hands. I guess they really are meant together.
"I like that idea, Simba," Nala said.
"As I said before, This is our kingdom. If I don't fight for it, who will?" I asked.
"I will," Nala said,
"So are we," Axane and Jabali joined.
"It's gonna be dangerous, especially without your warframes, " I said.
"Danger? Ha! I laugh in the face of danger. Hahahaha." Nala teased. Axane and Jabali chuckled at her mockery and I just smiled at Nala. Then I heard a voice behind us.
"I see nothing funny about this." The voice belongs to Timon, who was with Pumba and...another lady with them. Who is she?
"Timon? Pumbaa? What are you doing here?" I asked then looked at the lady. "And who is that behind you?"
"Simba, meet Aunt Lana, Father and Scar's sister...adoptive sister to be exact," Axane replied.
"It's nice to meet you, Simba. I see you resemble a lot from your father." Aunt Lana greeted.
"Pleasure to meet you too, Aunt Lana. Father never told me about you. Guess he thinks your dead and likes to move on. "
"I'm pretty sure he does," Aunt Lana said. Timon came to me with concern in his face. I realized how fearful he is with Hyenas.
"Uh. We're going to fight your uncle... for this?" Timon asked and pointed at the priderock.
"Yes, Timon; this is our home," I replied.
"Ffh. Talk about your fixer-upper. Well, Simba, if it's important to you, we're with you to the end." Timon said before bowing. Everyone did the same thing to pay my respect and I smiled at their support on me. Now its time to take down Scar and claim the Priderock.
Axane's POV:
All of us were sneaking in the edge of the north side of pride rock. We hid behind the dead log and found a horde of hyena guarding or lazily. Damn these bastards. Their horrid stench is everywhere. I want to slaughter them all just like I did before. But attacking won't be a great strategy especially that I am not in my warframe. I hate it when I'm vulnerable.
"Hyenas. I hate hyenas." I heard Timon Whispering. "So what's your plan for gettin' past those guys?"
"Live-bait," Simba replied.
"Good Idea," Timon said until he realized what Simba meant. "Heeey!"
"Come on, Timon- you guys have to create a diversion," Simba said.
"What do you want me to do?! Dress in drag and do the hula?!" Timon exclaimed.
"Yep," Was all that Simba said and all of us were hanging our jaw in the air. Is he actually serious about this?
"Oh no. I knew you were gonna say that. Well, guess we don't have any choice. Come on, Pumba. Let's get this done with." Timon said before leaving tot he corner of the pride rock. While waiting for Timon and Pumba to come back, the rest of us were keeping an eye on the hyenas. Watching them lying around and making themselves comfortable, claiming that they live here, makes me want to boil with rage and fury. I want to tear them apart. My attention went to the larger rock. What I see is something I will never forget. Timon was wearing a skirt made out of grass and a flower in his head. While Pumba was holding a colored stone that looked like an apple in his mouth. This was the most hilarious and ridiculous thing I have seen. Everyone was staring at them for a few minutes. Timon was looking as if something was wrong. "What? You said to make a diversion and that's what we're doing." Timon said before him and Pumba quietly moved to the opening and preparing for their "Diversion".
"Luau!" The hyenas were startled from the noise behind them. They looked at Timon and Pumba as both of them were singing a tropical tune. The hyenas slowly approach them with a drooled mouth but Timon continues to sing and dance around. When the Hyenas were completely distracted, Simba, Nala, and Aunt Lana quietly creeping out to the open and trying to reach the safe area. But I and Jabali had other plans, we slowly snuck behind the hyenas and attempt to grab two of them for weapons. When Simba and the two girls reach the safe zone. They signal Timon stop and Timon ended the song. Not for long, Timon and Pumba started to scream and ran off from sight. The hyenas eventually followed. Without a minute to lose, I and Jabali quickly grabbed two hyenas by the neck and placed a palm in their mouths to prevent them from screaming. The hyenas struggle from our grip and attempt to kick us off. We quickly twist their necks, leaving them lifeless in the ground.
"I miss doing this," Jabali said and I just chuckled at his words. It feels good to do these actions again. We took the jaw swords from the dead hyenas and we head straight to the safe zone where Simba and the rest are.
"Nala and Jabali, you two find my mother and rally the lionesses, take Aunt Lana with you as well," Simba said then looked at me, knowing what he wants to say. "Axane and I will look for Scar." Before we left, Jabali grabbed my hand and pull me for a kiss. I return the gesture as I show how much I will miss him. We broke the kiss and looked at each other.
"Take care of yourself. Alright?" Jabali said.
"I will be fine, Jabali," I said before separating ways. We climbed in the mound off rocks and reach to the top of the peak. We inspect the area at the top, trying to look for Scar but there was no sign of him. Knowing him, he would probably just be in the den, lying around and barely leaves. I was mistaken when I heard a loud, harsh voice echoing in the pride rock.
"SARABI!" That was Scar's voice we just heard. We looked down at the rock and see him standing at the peak of the pride rock. I can't believe were very close to Scar's location. Simba quickly pulled out his spear while I was gripping my jaw sword. We were ready to take him down until I saw a familiar lioness in front of him. My eyes tear to see that the lioness was our Mother, still breathing and standing against Scar.
"Yes, Scar?" Mother said.
"Where is your hunting party? They're not doing their job." Scar asked with a harsh tone.
"Scar, there is no food. The herds have moved on." My mother responded in a calm voice.
"No! You're just not looking hard enough." Scar argued. My heart was flaring up with raging fire, with the intention of taking the motherfucker to hell.
"It's over. There is nothing left. We have only one choice. We must leave Pride Rock." Mother suggested.
"We're not going anywhere." Scar refused.
"Then you have sentenced us to death." Mother said. My hearts were pounding fast at what my Mother just said. I was fearful of what was going to happen. I believe that she only said that so Scar could change his mind. But I was wrong.
"Then so be it." Scar said. I could not believe he will actually kill Mother if they defy him. "That's it Scar, your living dies are done," I thought
"You can't do that." My mother spoke with shock and disgust.
"I'm the king. I can do whatever I want." Scar stated.
"If you were half the king Mufasa was. you would never-" Sarabi said before being smacked in the face by scar and grabbed her by the neck. Mother was trying to break free from Scar's grip but failed to do so due to Scar's strength. She knew she was no match against him.
"I'm ten times the king Mufasa was!" Scar roared. There was anger in his eye. As if he was ready to kill Mother. No, I could not take this anymore. So does Simba. We stood up from our spot and Simba growled in anger.
"LET HER GO!" Simba and I exclaimed. Scar looked at our direction and fear was forming in his face. He let go of Mother and backed away as I and Simba jump down and rush to Mother and help her out. Scar mistakenly thought of Simba as Mufasa
"Mufasa?Axane? No. You're both dead." Scar mumbled fearfully.
"Dead? I think far from that, asshole! As I said before, I may not have Valkyr but that does not mean you can get rid of me that easily." I said with an angry tone. Simba helped our mother and she slowly opens her eyes just to see Simba's face.
"Mufasa?" She whispered. Simba shooked his head and spoked.
"No. It's me."
"Simba?" Mother said as a smile form in her face. The son she gave birth with was alive and talking right in front of him. Her smile grew even more when she glanced at my direction."Axane, your both alive? how can that be?" she questions.
"It doesn't matter; we're home," Simba replied. Both of us Smile at mother before turning to Scar's direction.
"Simba?" he asked. He was confused until his face turns from fearful to realization. "Simba! and my lovely wife, Axane! I'm a little surprised to see you both...alive," Scar said and gave an angry look to the hyenas. The hyenas backed away with fear, knowing how much they disappoint Scar.
"Give us one good reason why I shouldn't rip you apart?" Simba asked.
"Oh, Simba, you must understand. The pressures of ruling a kingdom..." Scar pleaded but was interrupted when a blade was pointed at his face.
"...Are no longer yours to deal with. I suggest you step down, Scar." I finished the sentence.
"Oh, oh, yes. Well, I would, heh, naturally, heh - however, there is one little problem. Do you see them?" Scar pointed at the top of the rock he was on. We looked up to see a huge group of hyenas, smiling evilly at us.
"They think I'm the king." Scar said.
"Well, we don't." A male voice was heard behind us. The voice belongs to Jabali and Nala, along with Aunt Lana and the pride standing behind them. Aunt Lana went to Mother and help her out. Mother was surprised to see her again and she smiled at her. Aunt Lana smiled back at her. Scar too was shocked ant seeing Aunt Lana again but quickly turn into anger. Aunt Lana glared at Scar, she was not pleased to see him again.
"Simba is the rightful king," Nala said.
"Well, Its good to see you again, Nala. Jabali and...Lana," Scar said with venom in her voice. Jabali growled at Scar and Aunt Lana just continue to glare at him.
"The choice is yours, Scar. Either step down." Simba said before I stopped place the blade away from Scar's face.
"Or fight," I added.
"Oh, must it all end in violence? I'd hate to be responsible for the death of a family member. Wouldn't you agree, Simba? Scar taunted.
"That's not gonna work, Scar. I've put it behind me." Simba said.
"Oh, but what about your faithful subjects? Have they put it behind them?" Scar asked. I was confused about what he meant. I was going to ask Simba but Nala beat me to him.
"Simba, what is he talking about?" Everyone stared at Simba with confusion.
"Ahh, so you haven't told them your little secret. Well, Simba, now's your chance to tell them. Tell them who is responsible for Mufasa's death!" Scar said. My mind was starting to jump any possible conclusion at what Scar meant. But I block it off, believing that it's just one of Scar's lies to save himself from trouble.
"Simba, please tell you didn't." I pleaded for an answer. Simba took a deep breath and stood up before two words I did not expect to be the answer I wanted to hear.
"I am" Everyone stood with shock at what Simba just said. My eyes started to tear up from what I just heard. My brother...murdered... father? NO! I refused to believe this. This all just Scar's tricks. But this did not help out with my mental state at the moment.
"It's not true. Tell me it's not true." Mother pleaded.
"It's true," Simba replied with his head down with regret. I quietly sob at what he just said. I couldn't contain it anymore. How could Simba do this to his father? I fell to my knees and continue to sob. I felt arms wrapped around me. When I open my eyes, It was Jabali trying to comfort me. Then I heard Scar's voice again.
"You see! He admits it! Murderer!"
"No. It was an accident," Simba cried out. Then Scar walks around and around Simba and continues to accuse him.
"If it weren't for you, Mufasa would still be alive. It's your fault he's dead; do you deny it?" Scar exclaimed.
"No," Simba mumbled.
"Then... you're... guilty." Scar growled.
"No. I'm not a murderer." Simba spoked with a desperate voice.
Scar stopped walking around then looked at my direction. He smirked and started to approach me. My heart was beating fast as fear taking over my mind. I was scared of what Scar's intention to me. Jabali holds me tighter and growled at Scar. Jabali looks at Scar with hatred in the eyes. "Get away from her! She doesn't belong to you!" Jabali said with a threatening tone.
"Oh, Jabali. You should know by now that Axane is my wife and I claim her legally." Scar said. Jabali growled even more and Scar was not taking more of this. He looks behind us and smirked even more, "Grab him,"
Out of nowhere, a familiar figure appeared behind Jabali and grabbed hold on his neck. The figure appeared to be covered with black smoke, a few sentient-like ornaments in him, and a glowing red orb in his Neuroptics (Helmet). I realized who the figure was. It was Stalker, the devil that has been haunting me for a while. "I am your reckoning!" Stalker said with a demonic voice. Jabali was starting a struggle for breathing.
"NO! LET HIM GO!" I screamed out. Scar grabs me from the wrist and forces me to look at his face. I saw nothing but a monster who finds pleasure in hurting someone that he claims.
"You and I have unfinished business, Axane. Do you think I will just let you go after what you have done to me? I think not." Scar said before another black figure appeared behind me. It was misery, Scar's second Guardian. "Make sure she doesn't escape." Scar the threw me to Misery and he holds me tight in the wrist behind me to prevent me from escaping. Stalker did the same thing to Jabali. Both of us were held captive from these twisted frames.
"The Shadow is pure, undreaming, untainted." Misery spoked.
"No! Please! Don't hurt them!" Simba pleaded. Scar with a group of hyenas suddenly approach Simba and he backed away from the.
"Oh, Simba, you're in trouble again. But this time, Daddy isn't here to save you. And now EVERYONE... KNOWS... WHY!" Scar said when Simba slips over the edge and is clinging to the ledge by his forepaws. Then lightning bolt struck below the surface, forming loads of fire in it.
"SIMBA!" Nala and I Exclaimed. No! this is not happening, Scar is going to kill Simba. I can't let this happen! I continue to struggle to break free but Knowing warframes, they possess a high amount of strength and Misery so happens to be one. It's pointless to fight against him. I saw Scar sits back in front of Simba and Simba struggling to get up. Scar was talking to Simba before grabbing him in the paws. Then suddenly, he whispered in Simba's ears. I wanted to know what Scar said to Simba. Not a minute long, Simba's face turns from fearful to rage. Simba was able to fling himself to Scar and pin him down to the grown.
"Murderer!" Simba exclaimed with teeth bared in his mouth. Everyone's mouth was hanging open at what happened. I and Jabali felt the grip of our wrist loosen as we saw Stalker and Misery let us go and attempt to rescue Scar. "Come any closer and he dies." Simba threatened when Stalker and Misery pointed their weapons to him.
"No, Simba, please." Scar whimpered.
"Tell them the truth," Simba said with a cold, angry voice.
"Truth? But the truth is in the eye of the behold-" Scar was interrupted when Simba grabbed hold of his neck, making him choke out of his words. "All right! All right! I did it!"
"Louder so they can hear you," Simba said.
"I KILLED MUFASA!" Scar screamed on top of his lungs. Suddenly the hyenas rushed on Simba and engulf, gave enough time for Scar to escape from Simba's grip. Without a minute to waste, I and Jabali grabbed our Jaw sword and rush to aid Simba. I slash my sword in every hyena that got in my way. The rest of the pride joined in the fight, armed with their spears and Bows. Simba was now free from the hyenas and decided to join the fight.
Unaware of my surroundings, Something lunged behind me and pin me down. It was not a hyena that attacked, it was a lioness and I know exactly who it is, "Looks who is laying in the ground now, Axane."
"Zira." I spat.
"Oh, how long have I waited for this moment. I think it's finally time to end this." Zira said before lifting a Jaw sword and about to plunge it in my chest. I close my eyes ready to meet my inevitable death. But the pain did not come as I felt Zira was off from me. I opened to see Aunt Lana pinning down Zira, who was trying to break free from her grip.
"Go! I"ll take care of her!" Aunt Lana said and I nod back. I join sides with Jabali and Together we slash our way to the Hyenas. We heard Nala screamed in our right. We saw being engulfed by 3 hyenas and struggle to keep them from stabbing her. We rush to Nala and slash the hyenas away from her.
"Thanks, I could have died," Nala said. But then I heard a Shadow whispering in the distance. From our left side, we saw Stalker and Misery, approaching in their direction. "I and the lionesses will hold them off, go find a way on retrieving your warframes," Nala said. I and Jabali nod in agreement and went to the back of the pride rock. For what I remember, the hyenas hid our Warframes in there and I'm pretty sure it will be in the same location.
As we got to the cave and try to locate our frames. The cave was a little bit dark and it was hard for them to see which way they were going. It wasn't long until we heard a voice calling us. "Tenno...Tenno." The voice led us in the dark corner of the cave. There was a hidden door in it the whole time. We open the door to find something that we haven't seen for 4 years. Standing in front of us is our long lost Warframes, Valkyr, and Atlas. Sitting on their knees, lifeless, untouched, and looked like they have been forgotten. "I can't believe it. They have been in this cave for 4 years and they were left here to be dusted off." I said.
"Well, at least we finally claim them back," Jabali said.
"Right. Let's show this Hyenas who is in charge now," I said with a smirk. Jabali smile back as he knows what I meant. Oh, how I miss this feeling again.
Third POV:
After Axane has left to help Jabali, Lana continues to hold down Zira from getting up. Zira was using all her strength to remove herself from Lana. Her final resort was to headbutt Lana and surround her with the Hyenas. With that happening, Lana was now the one struggling from the grip of the Hyenas that had a hold on her arms. Zira gets up and stood in front of Lana, enjoying the view of Lana's Struggling.
"Look who is in control now," Zira guffawed. "After all this time, you were alive but don't have the guts to return. You really are pathetic and weak." Lana just glared at Zira as Zira was trying to throw more insults at her. "Now that you're here, I can finally end your miserable life and finally have Scar as my mate,"
"You can have Scar. He was never mine to claim. He claims me without my consent," Lana spat.
"Oh, I will do whatever it takes to make him mine. How about we end this now, Shall we?" Zira said with an evil smirk. Lana struggled again and attempt to kick Zira but Zira backed away, laughing at Lana's failed attempt of her assault.
"A little fight on you. I like that," Zira mocked until she heard a voice behind her.
"Then you're going to love us," She turned her back to see that she wish that never happen, two metallic figures standing and armed with steeled sword and sparring gauntlets. Valkyr and Atlas were slowly approaching them with intimidation, as Zira and The hyenas backed away from them. The hyenas let go of Lana, as she as well as scared when she saw the two warframes coming closer to them. "What's the matter, Zira? Aren't you happy to see us?" Valkyr asked, sounding like a tease.
"NO! This is not possible! We put you both out of commission permanently!" Zira exclaimed, not believing at what she saw.
"Well, not permanently. Just temporary." Atlas corrected her. "So what is it going to be? Stand here all day or we going to fight?"
"I don't have time for this! Take them down!" Zira ordered the hyenas before running off from the scene. The hyenas quickly pull out their jaw swords and charge at Valkyr and Jabali. Valkyr started to slash each hyena on her way with her newly equipped dual swords. Atlas remains with his gauntlets and starting punching through any hyena that charged on him. Then they saw Lana trembling from the scene she just witnesses. She backed away when she saw Valkyr and Atlas approaching to her direction.
"Stay Back! Don't hurt me!" Lana screamed.
"Woah! Aunt Lana! Relax! It's us!" Valkyr said.
"Axane? Jabali? Is that you?" Lana asked.
"The one and only." Jabali joked.
"What! But how? Why do you guys look like some power rangers heroes or some sort?" Axane and Jabali looked at each other, not understanding what she was talking about. but inside their Neuroptics, they were smiling at her bewildered face.
"We'll explain later. Right now, we have bigger problems to deal with," Axane said.
"Like what?" Lana was confused about what they were talking about.
"Like that one," Jabali pointed at the dark figure of Misery approaching, holding a severed head of a dead lioness. He was armed with his scythe and bloodstain was covering his body. "I'll take care of this. You girls help Simba and find Scar,"
"Alright, be careful," Axane said.
"Don't worry, with Atlas on my side, I will be fine," Jabali assured. Lana and Axane nodded before disappearing from the scene. "So you must be Scar's little bodyguard, Misery. Nice to meet you. Where's your buddy, Stalker?"
"ENOUGH! You will regret your past crimes!" Misery replied with a dark and ominous demon voice.
"Hell! I will!" Jabali roared before charging to Misery.
*Timeskip*
Lana, Axane, and Simba regrouped at the slope of the priderock. They were wiping out as many hyenas they could. Simba was knocking out some Hyenas using his spear, While Lana was slashing them with a Jaw sword. Axane was dealing with a hundred group of hyenas on her way. With rage building up in her combined with Valkyr's instinct, She let out a Warcry and unsheath her fiery claws. She was now in Berserk mode. She slashes as many hyenas that were attacking her position. It was a total bloodbath. Lana and Simba stared at her with amazement. Axane switches back to her regular mode and pulls out her dual swords.
"Anyone injured?" Simba asked while trying to catch his breath.
"No, I'm fine," Lana said while panting for air. Axane did not respond as she was focusing on searching for Scar. Her main goal was to end the life of the devilish tyrant, once and for all. "We need to find Scar," We looked at the top of the priderock to see Scar was heading up to escape. The trio ran off to chase him down and they were able to catch up to him. The trio had Scar surrounded and Scar was apprehensive at this situation. There was no escaping from them.
"Murderer." Lana and Simba whispered darkly.
"Scar, Your tyranny days has finally come to an end. Surrender or face death," Axane threatened.
"Simba! Axane! Lana! Please. Please have mercy. I beg you." Scar pleaded.
"You don't deserve to live," Simba said.
"But...I am...family," Scar said with a stutter.
"Mufasa was also a family and you took him away!" Lana viciously spoke.
"Please forgive me! It's the hyenas, who are the real enemy! It was their fault! It was their idea!" Scar explained. Unknown to him, Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed are behind in the wall of flames. They overhear and back away growling at Scar's betrayal.
"Why should I believe you?" Simba asked.
"Everything you ever told us was a lie." Lana finished the sentence.
"And everything you gave me was torment and humiliation!" Axane added.
"What are you going to do? You wouldn't kill your own Brother and Uncle...?" Scar asked with an ingratiating grin.
"No, Scar. we are nothing like you." Lana replied.
"And we'll never be like you," Axane added.
"Oh, Lana, Axane, thank you. You are truly noble. I'll make it up to you, I promise. How can I, ah, prove myself to you? Tell me; I mean, anything." Scar said with relief in his voice.
"Run. Runaway, Scar. And never return." Simba said with a calm but angry voice.
"Yes. Of course." Scar said, with fear taking over on him again. "As you wish... " Scar stopped and looked at a pile of hot coal on the floor, Axane was immediately aware of Scar's action but before she could do anything, "YOUR MAJESTY!" Scar swipe the hot coal to Simba's face and Lana's shirt, which made them cry out of pain as they feel the heat burning in their skins. However, the coal did not affect Axane, as her Warframe was completely fireproof.
"Nice try, Scar. But That does not do anything to me," Axane reminded him.
"Oh, maybe he will," Scar pointed behind her. When she turned around, she saw Stalker slowly emerging from the wall of flames, wielding his signature heavy blade on his hand.
"Stalker," Axane growled,
"There is no salvation for your crime against Scar," Stalker said before charging to Axane and swing his sword to her. Axane leaps in the air to dodge from his attacks and land on the floor with her dual swords ready. She rushes forward to land a slash on top of Stalker but he quickly blocks it off with his blade. Two blades clashing together as they continue to fight on for their survival. Axane was about to activate her berserk mode but an unknown force prevents her from using it. "Your Tenno powers are useless," Stalker said before grabbing in the neck. Valkyr was now in trouble, she drops her sword as she tried to remove Stalker's hand away from her neck. but his grip was predictably strong.
"My shadow will finally end this war once and for all, Tenno," A robotic voice is heard from the sword. "This will be the last you will see from pathetic eyes. Farewell, Tenno," The sword said before Stalker was preparing for it to plunge through her chest. Until a rock was thrown and hit Stalker's head and he turns his attention to one who was responsible for it. Lana was standing there, holding Jaw sword with determination. "Another insect is drawn to my light." Stalker then slams Axane to the ground and place the sword on top of her. Her neck was between the two sharp blades of the Sword and she could get out of from the sword.
"AUNT LANA! NO!" Axane Screamed as Stalker approach her.
"You better stay away from my niece or I will show no mercy with you," Lana tried to act threatening but Stalker continues to approach her with murderous intentions. Lana backed away a little but kept trying to act brave, "I'm warning you! I swear if you take one more step, I will-"
"Keep Talking, Mortal. Your silence will come soon," The sword said before Stalker finally towers Lana's figure and Lana was whimpering from the situation she brought herself into. "So vulnerable. So pitiful. So pale. Your nothing but a pathetic little mortal. Only death can save from your own torment. All your dread-long life, you've waited for this moment. But you're asking yourself, 'Was I one of these wretched things?'" Stalker then suddenly snatch Lana's neck and bring her up in the air. Lana started to struggle and screaming for air as Stalker was making her choke to death. "You know the answer. You still hate them. You still hate yourself."
Axane was fueled with anger at the sight of Aunt being in trouble. She quickly uses all her strength to pull the sword that was around her neck. She grabbed the two blades and pull out from the ground. She quickly grabbed the hit of the sword and rush behind Stalker. Stalker failed to dodge the blade and ended being stabbed in the back. Stalker let go of Lana and she gasps for air. Stalker fell to his knees as he felt the blade, plunging to his body but that did not weaken him. "You cannot kill what can't be killed," The sword said.
"Yeah but this will," Axane quick grab the blade of the sword and slowly splitting the blade in half, which inflicted Stalker with so much pain and losing connection with the sword.
"Shadow! Protect... me..." The sword was snapped in half through the body of Stalker. Stalker lay dead in the ground. Axane was standing on top of Stalker, holding a fragment of his blade. Axane places the fragment on her back, claiming her victory against him.
"I hope you learn your place, Stalker...and Hunhow," Axane said the looked at Lana. "Are you okay, Aunt Lana?"
"I'll be fine," Lana assured, " Where is Simba?" We turn to see Simba, looking down at the ledge. We glance at the area where Simba was staring and saw Scar was still alive, slowly getting up from the fall he endured. Then out in the flame walls, The hyena trios: Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed appeared and stared at him with hate in their eyes.
"Ahh, my friends." Scar said.
"Friends? I thought he said we were the enemy!" Shenzi said with an evil chuckle.
"Yeah, that's what I heard," Banzai added.
"Ed?" Shenzi and Banzai asked. Ed responded with an evil laugh then large numbers of hyenas suddenly merge from the flames and approach Scar with a creepy smile.
"No. L-L-L-Le-Le-Le-Le-Let me explain. No. You don't understand. No! I didn't mean for... No, No! Look, I'm sorry I called you..." Scar said with panic. The hyenas were about to pounce at him but were delayed by a figure landing in front of them. The familiar metallic feline stood up and looked at the hyenas before looking to Scar. "Oh Thank goodness, Axane! I am very thankful that you still have the heart to consider me as a family," Scar said as he thought he was saved.
"I'm not here to save you, Scar. I'm here to say my final words to you and it's not Axane you are talking to. It's Valkyr," Axane said with a neutral tone, "I hope to see you rot in hell, bastard. Have fun ruling in there," Scar's face turn from relief into panic again as death was already coming to him. Axane then looked at the hyenas and they all smirk at her, "You can take him now but once this is all over, promise me to never show yourselves again or I will not stop hunting all of you down," Axane said.
"You have our word, your majesty," Shenzi said with a bow and the rest of the hyenas followed her as well. Then they brought their heads back and turn the intention to Scar. Axane stepped aside, waiting for what's to come for Scar. "We'll be sure to make it quick,"
"No. No! NOO!" Scar screamed as the hyenas pounce on him and slowly devour him. The scene was savage and unpleasant to but it was something that Axane wanted to see in her life. She wanted Scar to feel pain and suffering like how she felt. She walked away from the scene, letting the hyenas finish the job and it was enough for her to fill her vengeance against Scar.
*Timeskip*
The fight finally ended and it was started to rain. The rain slowly kills off the fire from the pride rock. Axane never thought it will be like this again. She exited from her Warframe and let the rain pour on to her body. It felt good that her body cleansed from the pain and suffering she endured during Scar's reign. She saw her brother, Simba approaching her. Axane was lost on words due to the happiness she could not contain. She could not believe that it's over and it was all back to normal again. When Simba finally reach her, Axane was able to speak two words in her mouth. "Thank you, Brother,"
"No. It is you and Jabali I should thank. If it was for you two, our home will remain a wasteland and I would never have returned." Simba said. Then out of nowhere, Nala and Jabali, who is still in his warframe came to greet them both. Jabali quickly exited from his warframe and rush to Axane. Both hugged each other and then connected their forehead to each other.
"I'm glad to see you safe," Axane said.
"Same here," Jabali said back before leaning to her face. Both of their lips meet each other. The kissing only lasted for 5 minutes and then they broke away. Then Axane and Jabali heard a chuckle from our left. We turn to see Sarabi and Sarafina with a smile in their faces, enjoying the scene they just witness. Axane and Jabali were blushing with embarrassment.
"We are proud of you, Axane and Jabali," Sarabi said with a smile in her face, the rest of the pride join in and bowed in front of them. They were confused about what is going on until they remembered what Simba said earlier. "When this is over, there will be two kings and queens in the pridelands," They already knew what's going on. They were now king and queen of the pridelands. Second King and Queen. But before we make it official, there is one thing we should do first. We saw Rafiki slowly waking up to us, and Simba join in with us.
"It is time," Rafiki said as he arrives in front of us. We were making our way to the edge of the priderock. Everything was moving at a slow pace. The trio knew that as soon as they reach the edge, it will start a new era for them. As we stopped at the edge and gaze upon the beautiful skies.
"Remember," A voice of Mufasa was heard in the sky. I smiled at the skies before looking at the Jabali and Simba. they nodded to each other as they know the final act before starting a new life in the Pridelands. The trio took a deep breath before releasing a powerful roar. Axane let out an actual lion roar. not a human scream or warcry but a true roar. The pride roared back as they were willing to accept and respect the new rulers of the pride lands. They continue to roar and show more pride to the new rulers. Today was a new start of the Pridelands. Simba, Axane, and Jabali were now Kings and Queen of the priderock. A new beginning of a new era.
*Pant*finish*pant*with*pant*this*pant*chapter. This was a challenge I was willing to put up with and I clearly enjoy writing this chapter. An epilogue will be release soon and I hope you enjoy as much as I did. As always leave a review.