"Some family member you turned out to be! You never were in our life! You probably wanted me dead too! You use to visit Takasa more then me! Guess you love him more now, Askari!" Mufasa snapped, his eyes glaring at Askari.
Sometime later, Mufasa stares down at his reflection, alone to sulk at the middle of nowhere, "What a horrible family member. Askari always loved Takasa more then me. He would have come by and give Takasa gifts. What do I get? Nothing! And now he banishes me! Now I bet he wants me dead!"
Mufasa felt a great pain in his head, "But I guess I haven't been the same since father's death."
"Maybe I could just join them in death!"
Mufasa noticed a cliff from far and felt himself walking to it, looking down at the edge of a cliff. Mufasa felt the conflict but soon became resolve, the evil side of him taking in.
"Is this what you want, Askari?! Well, receive my words, I hate you! You were never family to me! You a deadbeat!
Though he tried to walk off the cliff, something held the lion back preventing him from falling. What a surprise, it was none but Askari. "You were saying?" A point at his shoulder, a mark of the guard still there. "The reason I've been so busy and unable to visit or spend time with family. But I never forgot about my family, especially two very special royal cubs - brothers." The lion sat now, if the other tried to go off the edge again; his roar would just keep him safe.
"Sorry, I had to do that then. To get the evil spirit out to prevent it harming the kingdom."
"Askari, I-I can't resist!"
Mufasa roared out of a losing battle.
"You never cared for me! Never! Now I shall free the burden off everybody so I won't have to worry anymore!"
Mufasa leap off immediately, hoping Askari would be caught by surprised to finally let him go and die.
Unfortunately for the evil side, he was prepared. The Roar of the Elders preventing the lion - Mufasa - from harm, lowering him gently to the ground safely, Askari going soon after. "If I truly didn't care, I'd not be here. Spirit, get out. Actually, wouldn't you like the power of the roar? Then just try to possess me, I dare you!" Trick or not, power was always too tempting for the spirits of evil alignment. It was nigh-unheard off for one to pass up such an opportunity.
It seems to be considering it for a moment, but became resolved. "Haha, I know you are strong enough to destroy me, you old fool. Willpower alone can fight back. What will you do, former leader of the Lion Guard? Arrest your own Cousin? Have him stand trial for treason in the Pride Lands and Night Pride?"
"C'mon now, I know you like a challenge. It's obvious you overpower even the strong-willed Mufasa, there's no one else here stronger - aside from myself. Yeah, I could destroy you spirit - but not in this way. Besides, there can't be light without shadow. without darkness. I have no reason - yet - to banish nor destroy you, spirit." The lion coaxed out to the spirit.
"You interest me, but I will not let go that easily. While you may be young for a Grandfather-uncle and have a healthier body, meaning you will probably reach the rare 20 years a lion lifetime. Not only do you have such wisdom but your willpower is strong. Destroying me would be easy for you." The evil spirit snarled.
"While true, I know there's something... else, that I cannot access without... one of your kind, I'd prefer it be you however. The others... have their flaws, you... are perfect. Help me, and I will help you. Find you a worthy form, and Pride, even Kingdom should you want. However, the Tree Kingdom is off-limits. Everything else, is fair game." Though noticing the concern it Mufasa's eyes, from his true self, Askari was still focused on the evil spirit. He'd explain after, for he knew exactly what he was doing. "Your side has a roar of the elders itself, no? But you need someone to have it for it to be used. Imagine the power, should one manage to blend them into one. And all the damage. No one would dare callenge such a powerful being. Even those of the heavens would have trouble against such a powerstorm." The lion gave a sneaky grin, evil gleam in the eyes. A temptation, to the spirit.
"For now, he stays with me, but I shall consider your offer. Either way, you suffer." A cruel but disturbing smirk crossed through Mufasa's lips. "Do you honestly think he won't be impacted by you, his own family member, banishing him? A banish cannot be undone. I can feel this one devoted to end his life." A snickered came from him.
"As explained before, that was only to get you - spirit, who shares the name; to leave the kingdom. My true Cousin, as you say, is always welcome at the Kingdom." A smirk now, for he had caught the spirit now in that tricky-trap. Meanwhile, as Askari spoke and kept the lion from doing anything in it's power to end things, he looked him over closely. Even checking in the thick mane. Askari was searching for potential sites where something venomous could have potentially bitten or stung him.
"What if I never truly leaves his body? Besides, what will your pathetic subjects say? Oh, he's pure now and a evil spirit was controlling his body. Do you honestly believe they will accept that?" The spirit was not willing to give up as he leapt back, not willing to allow the lion to search him.
Using a trick learned from practicing with the roar, he used it to secure the lion in place allowing him to continue his searching. "Then, you'll just have to put up with annoying ol' Askari. I ain't leaving either, so..."
"You will try. Sometimes, you have to sleep. Are you going to drag me back to the Tree of Life and have that foolish old mandrill to pure this one?"
"That's what you'd expect me to do, hm?" Ignoring the taunt-attempt, he continued searching until he had found something. "Hmm..."
"Ah, but it's not what I am going to do..."
"Well, you will have to catch me!" The evil spirit roared, as a sudden surge of power came out of nowhere - freeing the host from the hold, unsheathing his claws immediately, and sending the dirt into Askari's face, blinding the lion before running down.
Askari just laughs, "Think a bit of sand going to blind me, even temporarily?" Despite such sand, the lion still was fast and manage to get a hold on the one trying to run away. No need for use of the roar this time around. As Askari's sclera was already red, nothing more for faze him regarding his eyes. When younger, before Takasa had found him at that point... Something happened regarding himself, Askari, and a strange beast. Mattered little to him at the time, he'd discover later what it truly was. That didn't matter right now however, for he kept his paws tightly wrapped around the other lion - more-so with an amused face than an annoyed one. "Spirit, you know... My offer ain't going to last long, for my position and power is to go to a future cub - heir. So, you're on an - unintentional, time limit... regarding that."
"Not really though. The power of the roar will come to the hairball, but it would come in due time and nature, not by your paw. Would you rather have your Cousin or your great Cousin?'
Askari didn't answer, for there no reason to. "Well, I made you offers - on my own will, how long do you want him? Thing is, both brothers are needed - currently, for each other... and I'd like to at least see my family enjoy their time and moments with their cubs and all. Before my time is up. What more are you after?"
"I want to destroy him or convert him, he stands a threat. His brother is dangerous."
"Together, they can counter each others threats. Right now, the only threat is myself. I offer myself to you in his place as sacrifice." Askari tried one last time, to get to the spirit. He wished it would work, so Mufasa and Takasa can have their lives together - as they were meant to, even if not in the Pride Lands. A new Pride Lands could always be created.
"Why do you even care for him? Whereas I may have controlled him, his thoughts you were given to you. To him, you're a deadbeat, and what will your subject say? In his body, I had disrespected tradition." The evil spirit announced.
"Because, we're family. I'm here, am I not? Which means I do care..." Looking the other in the eyes, sensing his family member still. "Cousin, remember, never give up. Your brother needs you. We need you. I need you." Now the guard leader and acting King tried to reach through to the true Mufasa, head lowered dejectedly now. Though his eyes begged, as they started to well-up with tears threatening to fall.
A sigh after, "My Mufasa... you know the story regarding Kuua, and know what he faced such like yourself. As for myself? Due to what happened with him, my father, I grew up alone. On my own. Prior to events that happened, he had planned to spend time with me - and the rest of our family. Mother died a long time ago, when I was but a small cub... I have no one now." Unsheathing his claws on his right paw, he lifted it to look at - as if contemplating something unexpected.
"You do realize that even if I accept your deal, he would never look at you the same again."
"I'll deal with the consequences, whatever they damned be. Even leave, if I most. Meaning, stepping down as acting King. Depends mostly on whether you truly do accept or not." Askari said in response though was still contemplating, looking over his paw.
"Who says he won't leave?"
The lion known as Askari, suddenly claws himself - near the mane, around his neck. Allowing blood to flow, straining a large part of his mane. "Then, I give up. I have failed. Goodbye, my Mufasa..." With that he walked a bit, before laying down on his side.
From behind him, the lion was having a struggle until it had all became clear. Mufasa was shocked to say the least. The last thing he had remembered was running out of the Pride Lands. He closed his eyes, attempting to remember how he'd got here.
"Cousin-I-I did it. I have pushed him down. He's-he's defeated. What happened?!"
The lion's form still lay there, breathing though still bleeding. On hearing the voice, a weak smile formed upon his lips. "Well done. Thank you, and forgive me."
Limbo, the plane of existence between the living and dead could communicate.
Askari's form sat, watching as a golden lion advanced. A smile, though saddened. "It is not your time, young prince. You will awaken in time, for myself cannot be said."
Closing his eyes, he explained everything - and the reasons behind what and why for his deals offered to the spirit. "While you can try and help me, I am content now - at peace, your brother needs you the most. Go quick."
A small spotted feline wanders up to the crew, that is currently consisting of Zira, Sarabi, Ni, and Almasi. Approaching the one called Zira bravely, "Hey hey, don't be too angry at him - Askari. He knows what he's doing."
"Who says I am?" She snapped back.
Unfazed by the reaction, "That's... Anyways, are you aware of the tale of the past evil lions prior to Askari? More of a coincidence, but one shares the name with Mufasa. How do I know? Am the current Mjuzi of these lands - Tree Kingdom for short" They were, after all, still within the Tree of Life Kingdom.
"Yay, story time when I'm pregnant. What fun?" Zira asked sarcastically, clearly in one of her moods that pregnant lionessed tend to get in when they are closer to give birth.
"Only if you wish to hear it now. Your mate's fine, he'll be here soon enough. He's not the one exiled, it's the other." The feline just look between Zira and the other lionesses, mostly Sarabi, who also showed signs of getting near that time. Sarafina as well, "Try to relax."
"Combined with that, I'm experiencing a lot of pain. Mufasa is going to get a damn talking to when I can move. Do one of you have those orbs to stop this damn pain?! I want this cub out of me but no... I have a few more moons!" Zira raged.
The feline calls over the aid of a bat-friend, to check on if there are any problems with the cubs while another brings over a herbal remedy. The Mjuzi spotted cat pushes it to the lioness, "Here, try chewing on these. Should help alleviate your discomfort. It is also safe for newborns."
"Great, unfortunately for Mufasa, there would be no remedy for forcing me to bare his cub," Zira quipped.
"You two wanted cubs," one in the Pride pointed out.
"Shut up!" Zira didn't sound like she really mean it, but still it was out of pure annoyance, it sure was enough to make Sarafina, Almasi and Sarabi giggle lowly. "Can anybody tell me why I let him mate with me?! My damn body is currently hurting like hell!"
Meanwhile, not far outside of the borders Mufasa simply laid to himself in the grass, unmoving. To a nearby eye, one can assume that he's dead, but they were the faint sound of snoring, and at last, he managed to stand, his bones cracking, as he'd remembered everything that happened previously. Sighing, Mufasa begins walking down, but that even hurt him now.
The day was surprisingly nice, with the sun's calming light touching upon everything it could reach, providing warmth as well. A light breeze blew, causing a nice cool refreshment to the sun's warmth. The blades of grass swayed quietly.
The quietness of the silence broken by a roar, one not of pain - but of depression. The sound came from within the Tree Kingdom.
At the tree of life Kingdom, despite the earlier bit causing giggles from the others, and herself, Sarabi gravely missed her love and mate, they had so many plans together. As a family. Now? Who could say.
Sarabi never expected Takasa roar at her. In reality, she was planning to talk to him in silence, but the fact that he didn't care for her and roar at her, along with other innocent animals who didn't agree with his cause was saddening. However, this cub needed a mother and she would be one for it... even without her mate.
A good mother must always put their kins life over their own. She loved Takasa, she always did. But he didn't even consider the fact that roaring at her could have hurt the kin.
Hopefully, he would come to his senses one day, but now she will be a mother.
A lion, red maned with a darker streak nuzzled Janna. For the Queen watched the others worriedly, as the loss apparently was too much for the one called Sarabi. No words had to be spoken though, on sharing a nuzzle returned, the male left the Kingdom in order to search for the lion prince, Mufasa. Time was of the essence.
The lion eventually finds the one he seeks, "Things... don't have to be like this, places can be rebuilt... ...you need your brother, yes? Sarabi's going literally crazy, and Zira... well... Anyhow, there's still time to prove to him - your brother, that you still care."
Does he ever care for me?' Mufasa questioned himself but deciding that the lion was correct. "Yes, you're right," Mufasa replied with a false but failed attempt of a pained smile.
"Then, go to him. Find out where he's been... put. Examine then, and tell him whatever you need to. But hurry."
"Okay," Mufasa said before running into the sunset, his silhouette soon disappearing