Chapter 24: The Aftermath

Marty waited anxiously for Alex's return. Nervously he tapped his hooves together.

Julien also waited impatiently under the tree, taking cover from the rain. He sighed trying to dismiss his pessimistic thoughts. Unknown to himself, he was repeatedly tearing at a leaf trying to divert his mind.

Meanwhile, Gloria was tending to Melman. "Does your leg still hurt?" she asked.

"No. They're just scratches... it's infection I'm worried about," he answered.

Gloria smiled. She was glad to see Melman's old attitude returned. She found it endearing in a profound way.

Over by the rock, the penguins were having a discussion amongst themselves. Private was trying not to look at Malik's corpse lingering just a few feet away. Trying to occupy his attention elsewhere, Private turned to Skipper, "Sir, should we tell them about what we found?"

Skipper shook his head, "Not yet. They've got a lot to deal with here before we set their sights somewhere else." Skipper put a flipper over his eyes and rubbed them sorely.

Private commented, "You worried about Mr. Alex?"

Skipper nodded, "Yes. As rough as our 'friendship' has been, I don't know what I'd do without him. I mean, I barely got to know him."

Kowalski scratched his head, "So what exactly is going on here?"

"Didn't you listen to our monochromatic friend? This is a lion's pride, and the two leaders were corrupt and wanted to take over the world or something. After that, they tried to kill Marty, so Alex and some other lion rose up against the king. The king's friend is the one that we had to...save them from," Skipper explained.

"A lot to take in," Kowalski pointed out.

Private added, "So at this moment, Mr. Alex and the other lion are fighting the king?"

"Apparently," Skipper acknowledged.

Rico looked distraught.

"What's the matter Rico?" Private asked.

Rico looked up at them. A rain droplet splashed on his beak, "We...kill?"

Private knew exactly what he meant. He too felt guilty for the death of Malik. He looked at Skipper with sad eyes.

Skipper felt the same, but tried to put reason behind it, "B-but...he was going to kill our friends! We had no choice! It was him or all of us."

Kowalski went out of accord, "Maybe so, sir, but I still feel bad."

Rico nodded.

"I didn't say we shouldn't feel bad," Skipper sighed, "I'm just saying that it was the only thing to do. And not doing anything wasn't an option."

"I guess your right," Private agreed, "Let's just try to put this behind us."

Skipper was about to say something but a crash of thunder made his words inaudible. But then, another sound was heard.

"What's this?" a voice asked, "Oh my god!" Kindra leapt down from the rock. She looked at the penguins, "Who and what are you? And what happened!" She gestured at Malik, overwhelmed by the sight.

"Well, we-" Private began to answer.

"Kindra!" Marty rushed to explain, "I can tell you what happened. But, where are the others?"

Tana and Elsa appeared over the rock as well. "Right here," Elsa answered. They jumped onto the grass below, followed by the six other lionesses, "We couldn't find any food. The herds had dispersed due to the rain, but what happened here!" Elsa demanded.

Marty was joined by Gloria, Melman, and Julien. Marty stepped forward, "After you left, Malik kidnapped me and held me hostage. And in order to complete his plan to world domination, Kuju tricked Alex into using his instincts to try and get him on his side or something. I was almost killed, but Alex pulled through and together, Alex and Tenji saved me. Then, I tried to get away, but Malik chased me. While this happened, Kuju pledged to kill Tenji! Alex followed Kuju to help Tenji, but Malik was still after us. We thought we were goners, but these guys," he pointed to the penguins, "came and saved us from Malik."

"Where's Alex and Tenji?" Elsa asked.

Marty looked down, "I don't know. Them, and Kuju are still gone."

"I can't believe Kuju was so bad," Tana said, completely surprised by this turn of events.

Elsa contradicted, "I can believe it. Ever since Kuju was a cub he had something wrong with him. And what was he thinking bringing a psycho like Malik into our pride!"

Kindra agreed, "I think your right! Kuju has been making little comments about killing humans, getting power and things like that for years."

There was a mutter of agreement among the lionesses.

"It's not over yet," Julien pointed out, "Kuju is still trying to kill Tenji! And if Alex gets in the way, he could be killed too."

Elsa gasped at this information.

Kindra pointed, "Look it's Alex!"

Alex just arrived on the top of the rock. Alex and Marty exchanged glances of relief. Alex jumped down, taking a look at all of his friends to make sure they were unhurt. His gaze went from Marty, to Julien, to Gloria, to Melman. They all looked fine, with the exception of the minor scratches on Melman's leg.

Suddenly, Alex gasped. "Skipper? What are you guys doing here?"

Skipper put his flippers on his hips, "It's a lucky thing we got here! That cat was about to get Marty, but we showed up and taught him a lesson."

Alex saw Malik's body for the first time. He shuddered at the sight of the blood stained grass around him. He looked up again, "Is everyone alright then?"

Everyone nodded.

"Oh, Alex. I'm so glad your ok," Elsa put her arms around Alex drawing him into a tight embrace. Alex returned it, though affection was the last thing on his mind. Elsa looked up into Alex's blue eyes, "What about Tenji?"

"I'm fine," Tenji muttered while staggering up the rock.

Elsa quickly released Alex, moving towards Tenji, "Oh my god. No you're not! What happened to your chest?" Tenji felt elated at the sight of Elsa paying notice to him.

Tenji slid down the rock. His legs were too sore to jump, "I'm alright. It'll heal."

One of the lionesses stepped forward, "What happened to Kuju?"

Alex didn't want to answer, but he knew he must. "Kuju's gone," he said plainly. He looked at his fellow lion. "Tenji," he said, "I think you should tell them what really happened to King Pala."

The group exchange whispers of confusion and curiosity.

Tenji took a deep breath. It was a difficult thought to dwell on. He finally spoke, "King Pala wasn't killed by the people... he was killed by Kuju and Malik."

They gasped in surprise.

Tana was shocked, "B-but how?"

Tenji shut his eyes, "Kuju had already met Malik before he came to the pride. Together they made a plan and carried it out. They attacked Kuju and forced him over the waterfall by the south river."

"No..." Kindra was taken aback, "I had no idea..."

Elsa gazed at her feet. Quickly, her head was lifted, "Who's our king now?"

Alex didn't want to trouble Tenji's mind any further, "That's enough questions. We all need to rest today and sleep tonight. We'll deal with the situation tomorrow. That way we all have our heads clear."

Marty was surprised at Alex's maturity towards the situation.

Tana looked up at the skies. The rain was dying down, though the dark clouds still loomed over the savanna. She rubbed the back of her neck, "So what do we do now?"

Alex looked around at every one. His eyes stopped on the deceased lion, "We need to give Malik a proper burial," his voice lowered to a whisper, "It's the least he deserves, now."

And so, the pride joined together and buried Malik near the cliff-bottom where he had just kept Marty hostage hours before. Tana wanted to just dump his body somewhere, but Kindra and Elsa enforced that a burial was the honorable thing to do. Finally, the task was complete. The lionesses quickly went to the hot springs to talk about the strange happenings of the day. The zoosters, the penguins and Tenji rested underneath the king's tree, attempting to wind down from their traumatic experience.

Alex was staring blankly into the distance. Everyone was silent. Alex was replaying what had happened over and over in his head. His eyes drifted to Marty. Suddenly, his worries were lifted. He smiled, and put an arm around the zebra's shoulder, "Marty...I was so scared today," he closed his eyes tight, "I thought I'd lost you again."

"Alex, it's ok," he comforted his friend, "It's over now. Stop thinking about it, ok?"

"Your not the only one who was worried you know," Julien climbed onto Alex's shoulder, "Me and Marty thought that Kuju might've gotten you."

"I'm just glad were fine, now," Gloria was relieved.

Melman looked troubled. Slowly he glanced at Tenji, "Hey...um...Tenji?"

Tenji lifted his head, he had never spoken to Melman before, "Yeah?"

Melman cleared his throat and continued, "Thank you for helping Alex."

Tenji smiled, "No problem. Any time any of you have a problem, I'll help you."

Melman smiled back, "Thanks."

Gloria patted Melman on the back. She was glad he finally started to trust the those who deserved to be trusted.

"At least this whole ordeal's over and done with," Julien leaned back against Alex's neck.

Alex's eyes dropped to the ground, "Not yet..."

"What?" Marty questioned.

Alex stood up. He beckoned Marty to follow as he jumped to the other side of the stream. Marty followed. When they were out of sight from the others, Alex resumed his conversation with only Marty and Julien present, "You guys. It's still here!"

Marty gasped.

Alex continued, "I can still feel it! I may have put it aside for you, Marty, but it's still there deep inside. I don't think it could ever take control again, but I can't be happy until my mind is free to think on it's own."

Marty knew he was right, though he wished he could pretend everything had passed.

Alex sighed, "What if I have to deal with this for the rest of my life?"

Julien interjected, "What kind of talk is that! You managed to liberate an entire pride from a dark ruler! I'm sure you can do the same with yourself!"

Alex sighed, "Yeah, but how?"
Marty stroked the hairs on his chin. Unfortunately, no ideas came to mind.

"So?" Alex hurried along the process.

Marty shrugged, "Just sleep on it. I bet the answer is closer than you think."

Julien agreed, "Yeah! Let it come to you. If you go out looking for it, it'll just be harder to find."

Alex shook his head, "I'm sorry, but this is a bit too big to just wait on..." he sighed, "but I guess I have no choice..."

And so, they returned to the king's tree, continuing to talk about various things taking long awkward pauses between each conversation. It seems everyone still felt a bit shaken. Eventually, night fell upon them and they all had a fish dinner, though no one ate much. After satisfying their hunger, they retired to the hot springs to sleep with the lionesses.

Julien once again settled on top of Alex's chest. Alex slept near Marty, and Elsa slept next to Alex. She tried to start a conversation, but Alex wasn't interested. Eventually, Elsa and everyone else drifted into a deep sleep, with the exception of Alex. Tirelessly, he dwelt on thoughts of It. For hours he stressed over possible solutions to his colossal problem, but all were weak and temporary. Finally he grunted angrily, "Why does this have to be so difficult!"

Julien stirred on Alex's chest, but quickly resumed snoring. But, Elsa awoke at the sound. She yawned, "Alex what's wrong?"

Alex was embarrassed, "Oh-er-nothing."

"Oh, alright," she yawned again. A silence was followed but Elsa interrupted, "Hey Alex."

"Hm?" Alex turned over to look at her, being careful not to wake Julien.

"I was so glad when you came back. I was so afraid until you came," she told him.

"It's alright. I'm here now," he put his paw on her shoulder.

Elsa continued with sparkling eyes, "Alex. In case anything ever happens to you, I want you to know... I love you."

Alex removed his paw. He answered plainly, "No, you don't."

Elsa gasped at the cold response.

Alex liked Elsa, but his friends were more important to him. He didn't want a relationship that would keep him from protecting his friends. But, he didn't think Elsa even understood what love is, "Elsa, you've got to understand. I can't stay here. I need to go home. And you don't love me anyway."

"Yes I do!" Elsa pouted.

Marty coughed. Elsa was quick to lower her voice.

Alex shook his head, "You've only just met me. Besides, theres someone who cares for you more deeply then I ever could."

Elsa took a moment to answer, "Who?" she finally asked.

Alex didn't answer, but his eyes shifted upward indicating the answer.

Elsa gazed up as well. "Tenji?" she asked. Alex nodded. She looked back and forth between Tenji and Alex, "Is...is this true?"

"Yes," Alex answered, "And I think you should try and realize how much he cares about you." Alex rolled onto his side, away from her, "But, for now, I'm going to go to sleep. Just think on it, and you'll see." Alex rolled onto his back once again. He was glad Elsa didn't say anything more, he was getting sleepy. Alex resolved not to think about It anymore, easing his restless mind. He gave Julien a pat on the back before falling into a peaceful slumber at last.

Elsa, however, remained awake staring at Tenji with a pensive gaze. She began to think to herself, 'Why is Alex acting like this?... He's the right one for me!...Is he?' She rolled onto her back gazing at the sky. The dark clouds were beginning to part revealing the sheet of stars behind them. Her eyes went out of focus. One of the star formations began to look like Tenji. Quietly, she giggled. But her thoughtful mood soon returned '... Tenji always had been nice to me...' she felt her eyelids growing heavy, '...maybe... just maybe...maybe I-... maybe not Alex, but-...' At last, she slipped from conciousness, drifting silently into the realm of sleep.