Chapter 5: The hunt
Kitoko growled deep in her throat. She had been fine with his dislike for her, for one was entitled to his own opinions, but now, now a dislike of her own was rising. Kovu glared daggers at her before rushing forth, ripping off a particularly large quantity of meat, and trotting back off toward pride rock.
Meanwhile, the rest of the pride dug in, ravenously devouring the meat. Kitoko snorted and then sat down and licked a paw, dragging it over her head. "Aren't you going to eat?" Kiara asked. Kitoko shook her head as she turned and bathed herself. Kiara tipped her ears back. "But you made the kill, shouldn't you eat it?" she continued. Kitoko stopped and gazed back at Kiara, her almond eyes still had fire burning in them. She shook her head. "Not this time," she said.
Slowly she got to her feet and trotted off. She was not used to eating so quickly. Normally she ate every other day, not day after day after day. She moved quickly, her tail still twitching in anger. Why did Kovu have it in for her? What was his problem anyway? Questions ran through her head like bullets.
She reached the watering hole and bent down to drink. She took long sips, reveling in the cool refreshing taste the clear water left. She sat up and gazed around again. Already the pride lands were becoming familiar to her. From her spot she picked out Rafiki's tree and the spot where she had first laid eyes on the lands spread before her.
She sighed and then lay down, resting her head lightly on top of her paws. "Resting up for the hunt tomorrow?" a cool, calm voice asked. Kitoko's ears pricked forward and she turned to face Simba.
He stood, looking like a true king. The sun reflected off his golden coat, picking out the best spots. His mahogany red mane was still regal and royal looking. Kitoko frowned. "Just thinking," she replied. Simba nodded and walked over to sit beside her. "Don't let him get to you, and certainly don't let your anger blind you when you're hunting." Simba said. Kitoko nodded. Of course she wouldn't, but she wouldn't be rude about it.
Having said that, Simba got up and walked away, heading back toward the shade pride rock offered.
The hottest part of the day was coming quickly, but Kitoko remained where she was. She loved the feel of the sun on her back. She yawned and then put her head on her paws once more. Nothing sounded better than a nap in the sun right then...
An intensely loud clap of thunder sounded, waking Kitoko from her slumber. She looked around, seeing only dark cave walls and the sleeping forms of the lions and lionesses around her. She yawned. She knew it was morning. She stretched and got up, then walked to the edge of the den and peered out.
Rain pelted the savannah, bouncing off pride rock and making rhythmic tapping sounds as it did so. As she watched, the rain fell down almost in a mist. Lightning flashed, soon followed by a low sound of thunder. A thunderstorm was in full bloom in the lush pride lands.
Around her, the pride was waking. Some, especially the younger ones, seemed frightened by the storm. But Kitoko was not. She was intrigued. Watching the storm was wonderful. To see the way the trees bent as the wind lashed over them. To hear the rain pelt the rock and splash the puddles already formed in the grasslands. It was almost soothing to the young lioness.
For a moment, the pride forgot the storm. All remembered Kovu's challenge, as did Kovu. Kitoko heard a low moaning growl. She rolled her eyes and turned to face the pride. Kovu looked out behind her to the storm raging outside. "Only fools hunt in the rain," he said. A sly smile crossed Kitoko's lips. Was he afraid of getting a little wet?
She couldn't suppress a laugh. "Call me a fool then, for you said today, and I am going hunting. I will win this little challenge of yours, and prove that I am the better huntress." She said with an air of arrogance. A loud growl erupted from Kovu's throat.
With her eyes Kitoko challenged him. She knew it was wrong; her was King, ruler over these lands. But she didn't care, he would find out who was the better hunter. "Fine, we will hunt," a smile fell across Kovu's lips now. "It will make it tougher, and prove who is better even more than in good conditions." Kitoko nodded. Kovu's smile vanished.
The scowl returned. "Let's go," he growled. Kitoko smiled. "Lead the way," she taunted. Kovu glared at her as he walked past. Kitoko followed him. She loved the way the rain washed over her coat. It was refreshing. But as she proceeded she knew this was not going to be an easy challenge to win. The storm made it ten times harder. With the rain and the mist it caused, it made it hard to see very far in front of her. She could see the end of Kovu's tail, twitching every few minutes. But that was about all she could see of him.
Kitoko licked her lips and glanced around. She growled. Not being able to see annoyed her. Now she was sorry she had been so cocky before. Kovu seemed to sense this. He stopped. "Still want to go through with it?" he asked. Kitoko heard him, but hadn't realized he stopped until she ran smack into him. Both lions growled.
Kitoko shook herself and then yawned. "Not a chance," she said. She suddenly realized they were on a knoll. Her coat was now thoroughly soaked through and a chill seemed to be permanently running through her. "Let's go," she said, her hunting senses kicking in. Behind them, the pride had gathered.
Kovu held out his forearm, blocking her. "Not yet," he growled.
He turned and faced the pride. "You will watch us, judge our moves and skills, and the catch we bring down." He shot a glance Kitoko's way. "We will bring the carcass back here for the final judgment." Kitoko stretched. Her nerves were tingling with anticipation. The hunt was about to begin, and retaining herself was no easy task.
Kovu glanced her way again. He gave the briefest of nods and then turned around. Almost immediately Kitoko could tell he went into hunting mode. She peered through the rainy mist and caught a small glimpse of a striped hide. Zebra. This would be a rare treat, for Kitoko had never hunted Zebra before. She smiled and then crouched low, her ears tipping backward.
Once more she was in hunting mode. Her muscles became taut and ready. She moved forward slowly. Unlike before, these were not dry conditions. The rain had caused little puddles of standing water to form everywhere. A simple splash in one of the puddles could send the Zebra hurrying away. Kitoko had to move with careful certainty. She stepped over the puddles quickly, avoiding them as best she could.
In a way, the rain was somewhat helpful. The pelting sound the rain made would make it hard for Kitoko's prey to hear her. A flash of light illuminated the herd and Kitoko was able to see them for the first time. She scanned them quickly and picked out a rather large one. It was directly in front of her. She would have no choice but to try and bring it down.
She gulped, large, bulky prey such as Zebra was not easy to take down, but in the rain, it could make it twice as hard. Quickly Kitoko swallowed her fear. She could take down the Zebra. And, if she did, she would definitely be considered better than the King. It was hard enough to take down a healthy adult for a lion, let alone a lioness. A smile pulled across her mouth. She licked her lips again, the hunger to succeed welling up inside her.
She was close now. Ten feet. Five feet. Two feet. Kitoko circled him. Lightning flashed as thunder clapped overhead. Kitoko pounced, roaring, her eyes flashing menacingly in the odd light the lightning brought forth.
With intense force she landed on the Zebra's neck. She latched onto his neck and twisted, throwing her body over in order to bring the Zebra down. In the mud the Zebra didn't stand a chance. He slipped. Kitoko positioned herself over him as he struggled, his legs flailing about. The Zebra jerked his head, his eyes white with fear and pain mixed together. After a few antagonizing moments, he stopped. The life slowly drained from him until finally, all life was gone.
Kitoko let up her deadly hold and then sighed. She felt drained. She still had to drag the Zebra back up to the pride. She groaned. Carefully she stretched, letting all of her muscles release. Then she circled the Zebra once more and latched onto his heck. She took in a deep breath and then heaved, pulling the carcass forward with all her might. Kitoko dragged the carcass up the hill. By the time she was halfway up her back and shoulders were aching from the weight. She wished someone else could have dragged it for her. She peered up through the pouring rain and saw the lionesses watching her.
She sighed, shook herself internally and then picked up the Zebra again. She then heaved forward again and dragged the carcass. After what seemed like hours, she reached the top and the pride.
Quickly she dropped the Zebra and collapsed, feeling completely drained of energy. She wanted nothing more than for the sun to come out and the rays of golden sunshine to shine down on her, warming her entire body up and restoring her energy. She looked around at the pride, wanting to get up. Hushed whispers were all around her. She looked around again and this time her eyes settled on Kovu. He was sitting near his kill. Kitoko about laughed aloud. His kill consisted of an adolescent female Zebra. His kill was not even half the size of hers. This made Kitoko feel good.
Finally the whispers stopped. Nala stepped forth. "We have decided." She announced. Kovu stood up. Kitoko, much to her disgust, also did. Her limbs were aching, but she stood, wanting to know who won.
"Kovu was the first to return with his kill, he showed sufficient skill, and talent. And even though Kitoko took longer to return, her kill is much bigger than the one Kovu has brought forward. She also took more time to get close to her Zebra, close enough to touch it without even the slightest trace of the Zebra knowing." Nala glanced from one kill to the other. She gave a sad glance toward Kovu, and then said, "Kitoko wins, she is the better huntress,"
Kitoko's eyes lit up. She smiled. Lightning illuminated the pride as she glanced around. Her eyes rested on Kovu and immediately she frowned. His eyes were flashing darkly, and the scar made him look even more menacingly. As the thunder followed the lightning, he roared and pounced, his aim deadly perfect as he landed on Kitoko....
End of chapter 5
Whoa! Man I was having fun with this chapter. I hope you could see and feel everything the characters were feeling. That's how I wanted it to be. I'm not so sure about the ending, but oh well. Anyway, hope you all liked it. And those of you who have been bugging me since I first came to fanfiction.net, I hope you're happy with theses chapters; they're the longest ones I've written, at least in fanfiction anyway...
Kitoko growled deep in her throat. She had been fine with his dislike for her, for one was entitled to his own opinions, but now, now a dislike of her own was rising. Kovu glared daggers at her before rushing forth, ripping off a particularly large quantity of meat, and trotting back off toward pride rock.
Meanwhile, the rest of the pride dug in, ravenously devouring the meat. Kitoko snorted and then sat down and licked a paw, dragging it over her head. "Aren't you going to eat?" Kiara asked. Kitoko shook her head as she turned and bathed herself. Kiara tipped her ears back. "But you made the kill, shouldn't you eat it?" she continued. Kitoko stopped and gazed back at Kiara, her almond eyes still had fire burning in them. She shook her head. "Not this time," she said.
Slowly she got to her feet and trotted off. She was not used to eating so quickly. Normally she ate every other day, not day after day after day. She moved quickly, her tail still twitching in anger. Why did Kovu have it in for her? What was his problem anyway? Questions ran through her head like bullets.
She reached the watering hole and bent down to drink. She took long sips, reveling in the cool refreshing taste the clear water left. She sat up and gazed around again. Already the pride lands were becoming familiar to her. From her spot she picked out Rafiki's tree and the spot where she had first laid eyes on the lands spread before her.
She sighed and then lay down, resting her head lightly on top of her paws. "Resting up for the hunt tomorrow?" a cool, calm voice asked. Kitoko's ears pricked forward and she turned to face Simba.
He stood, looking like a true king. The sun reflected off his golden coat, picking out the best spots. His mahogany red mane was still regal and royal looking. Kitoko frowned. "Just thinking," she replied. Simba nodded and walked over to sit beside her. "Don't let him get to you, and certainly don't let your anger blind you when you're hunting." Simba said. Kitoko nodded. Of course she wouldn't, but she wouldn't be rude about it.
Having said that, Simba got up and walked away, heading back toward the shade pride rock offered.
The hottest part of the day was coming quickly, but Kitoko remained where she was. She loved the feel of the sun on her back. She yawned and then put her head on her paws once more. Nothing sounded better than a nap in the sun right then...
An intensely loud clap of thunder sounded, waking Kitoko from her slumber. She looked around, seeing only dark cave walls and the sleeping forms of the lions and lionesses around her. She yawned. She knew it was morning. She stretched and got up, then walked to the edge of the den and peered out.
Rain pelted the savannah, bouncing off pride rock and making rhythmic tapping sounds as it did so. As she watched, the rain fell down almost in a mist. Lightning flashed, soon followed by a low sound of thunder. A thunderstorm was in full bloom in the lush pride lands.
Around her, the pride was waking. Some, especially the younger ones, seemed frightened by the storm. But Kitoko was not. She was intrigued. Watching the storm was wonderful. To see the way the trees bent as the wind lashed over them. To hear the rain pelt the rock and splash the puddles already formed in the grasslands. It was almost soothing to the young lioness.
For a moment, the pride forgot the storm. All remembered Kovu's challenge, as did Kovu. Kitoko heard a low moaning growl. She rolled her eyes and turned to face the pride. Kovu looked out behind her to the storm raging outside. "Only fools hunt in the rain," he said. A sly smile crossed Kitoko's lips. Was he afraid of getting a little wet?
She couldn't suppress a laugh. "Call me a fool then, for you said today, and I am going hunting. I will win this little challenge of yours, and prove that I am the better huntress." She said with an air of arrogance. A loud growl erupted from Kovu's throat.
With her eyes Kitoko challenged him. She knew it was wrong; her was King, ruler over these lands. But she didn't care, he would find out who was the better hunter. "Fine, we will hunt," a smile fell across Kovu's lips now. "It will make it tougher, and prove who is better even more than in good conditions." Kitoko nodded. Kovu's smile vanished.
The scowl returned. "Let's go," he growled. Kitoko smiled. "Lead the way," she taunted. Kovu glared at her as he walked past. Kitoko followed him. She loved the way the rain washed over her coat. It was refreshing. But as she proceeded she knew this was not going to be an easy challenge to win. The storm made it ten times harder. With the rain and the mist it caused, it made it hard to see very far in front of her. She could see the end of Kovu's tail, twitching every few minutes. But that was about all she could see of him.
Kitoko licked her lips and glanced around. She growled. Not being able to see annoyed her. Now she was sorry she had been so cocky before. Kovu seemed to sense this. He stopped. "Still want to go through with it?" he asked. Kitoko heard him, but hadn't realized he stopped until she ran smack into him. Both lions growled.
Kitoko shook herself and then yawned. "Not a chance," she said. She suddenly realized they were on a knoll. Her coat was now thoroughly soaked through and a chill seemed to be permanently running through her. "Let's go," she said, her hunting senses kicking in. Behind them, the pride had gathered.
Kovu held out his forearm, blocking her. "Not yet," he growled.
He turned and faced the pride. "You will watch us, judge our moves and skills, and the catch we bring down." He shot a glance Kitoko's way. "We will bring the carcass back here for the final judgment." Kitoko stretched. Her nerves were tingling with anticipation. The hunt was about to begin, and retaining herself was no easy task.
Kovu glanced her way again. He gave the briefest of nods and then turned around. Almost immediately Kitoko could tell he went into hunting mode. She peered through the rainy mist and caught a small glimpse of a striped hide. Zebra. This would be a rare treat, for Kitoko had never hunted Zebra before. She smiled and then crouched low, her ears tipping backward.
Once more she was in hunting mode. Her muscles became taut and ready. She moved forward slowly. Unlike before, these were not dry conditions. The rain had caused little puddles of standing water to form everywhere. A simple splash in one of the puddles could send the Zebra hurrying away. Kitoko had to move with careful certainty. She stepped over the puddles quickly, avoiding them as best she could.
In a way, the rain was somewhat helpful. The pelting sound the rain made would make it hard for Kitoko's prey to hear her. A flash of light illuminated the herd and Kitoko was able to see them for the first time. She scanned them quickly and picked out a rather large one. It was directly in front of her. She would have no choice but to try and bring it down.
She gulped, large, bulky prey such as Zebra was not easy to take down, but in the rain, it could make it twice as hard. Quickly Kitoko swallowed her fear. She could take down the Zebra. And, if she did, she would definitely be considered better than the King. It was hard enough to take down a healthy adult for a lion, let alone a lioness. A smile pulled across her mouth. She licked her lips again, the hunger to succeed welling up inside her.
She was close now. Ten feet. Five feet. Two feet. Kitoko circled him. Lightning flashed as thunder clapped overhead. Kitoko pounced, roaring, her eyes flashing menacingly in the odd light the lightning brought forth.
With intense force she landed on the Zebra's neck. She latched onto his neck and twisted, throwing her body over in order to bring the Zebra down. In the mud the Zebra didn't stand a chance. He slipped. Kitoko positioned herself over him as he struggled, his legs flailing about. The Zebra jerked his head, his eyes white with fear and pain mixed together. After a few antagonizing moments, he stopped. The life slowly drained from him until finally, all life was gone.
Kitoko let up her deadly hold and then sighed. She felt drained. She still had to drag the Zebra back up to the pride. She groaned. Carefully she stretched, letting all of her muscles release. Then she circled the Zebra once more and latched onto his heck. She took in a deep breath and then heaved, pulling the carcass forward with all her might. Kitoko dragged the carcass up the hill. By the time she was halfway up her back and shoulders were aching from the weight. She wished someone else could have dragged it for her. She peered up through the pouring rain and saw the lionesses watching her.
She sighed, shook herself internally and then picked up the Zebra again. She then heaved forward again and dragged the carcass. After what seemed like hours, she reached the top and the pride.
Quickly she dropped the Zebra and collapsed, feeling completely drained of energy. She wanted nothing more than for the sun to come out and the rays of golden sunshine to shine down on her, warming her entire body up and restoring her energy. She looked around at the pride, wanting to get up. Hushed whispers were all around her. She looked around again and this time her eyes settled on Kovu. He was sitting near his kill. Kitoko about laughed aloud. His kill consisted of an adolescent female Zebra. His kill was not even half the size of hers. This made Kitoko feel good.
Finally the whispers stopped. Nala stepped forth. "We have decided." She announced. Kovu stood up. Kitoko, much to her disgust, also did. Her limbs were aching, but she stood, wanting to know who won.
"Kovu was the first to return with his kill, he showed sufficient skill, and talent. And even though Kitoko took longer to return, her kill is much bigger than the one Kovu has brought forward. She also took more time to get close to her Zebra, close enough to touch it without even the slightest trace of the Zebra knowing." Nala glanced from one kill to the other. She gave a sad glance toward Kovu, and then said, "Kitoko wins, she is the better huntress,"
Kitoko's eyes lit up. She smiled. Lightning illuminated the pride as she glanced around. Her eyes rested on Kovu and immediately she frowned. His eyes were flashing darkly, and the scar made him look even more menacingly. As the thunder followed the lightning, he roared and pounced, his aim deadly perfect as he landed on Kitoko....
End of chapter 5
Whoa! Man I was having fun with this chapter. I hope you could see and feel everything the characters were feeling. That's how I wanted it to be. I'm not so sure about the ending, but oh well. Anyway, hope you all liked it. And those of you who have been bugging me since I first came to fanfiction.net, I hope you're happy with theses chapters; they're the longest ones I've written, at least in fanfiction anyway...