The following chapter contains heavy violence, gore, and death. Those of a nervous disposition may want to skip this chapter.

You have been warned!

Eventide spread across the Uasilands, casting its golden gaze upon the land. The Uasi pride had mostly returned to the Uasian tower, gathering within its crystallised walls to rest for the night. At the base of the ethereal monument, Kopa and Karimu had gathered, along with Kwaheri and his clan.

"Are you sure you have to go?" The Uasian king's voice croaked with concern for his stepbrother. Kwaheri, gently smiling at his sibling, placed his hand on the king's shoulder, feeling the roaring hum deep within his heart. "I sense something dark is coming."

"Of course you do, your majesty. It's called night time." The primate chuckled, patting the king on his shoulder as he steadied himself with his staff. Mtafuta watched on as her mate comforted his brother, smiling as their son sat beside her, flicking his finger across the bark of his staff. Karimu hummed too, smiling at the primates before her, even if Kopa remained constantly concerned.

"You worry too much, little brother." Kwaheri let go of Kopa's shoulder, letting his body straighten. As the Kitropiki Clan started to disembark for their lush jungle home. Mtafuta glanced back at Kwaheri, who simply nodded before returning his glance back to the Uasian King.

"I'll let you two have some time alone." As a chilling gush of air brushed past her, Karimu arose, slowly making her way back into the Uasian Tower. She swayed beside her love, nuzzling up against his side, causing Kopa to hum. Her tail flicked up against his chin as she slowly strolled inside, leaving the Uasian King and Kitropiki Chieftain alone.

"I know how you feel." Kwaheri's weighted tone caught Kopa's attention, stealing it from the clan of monkeys slowly making their way back home. Turning back to his primate brother, Kopa noticed a brewing storm cloud on the horizon, sweeping in from the south. "What do you sense?"

"I just…" Kopa lowered his head as he spoke, before swaying up ever so slightly to meet Kwaheri's concerned gaze. "I don't want to lose you." The primate felt a rushing warmth seep through his body as the king's tail rested on top of his. He stared deep into Kopa's eyes, raising a paw to his brother's shoulder.

"You won't, dear brother…" A steamed breath seeped from Kwaheri's mouth, escaping into the quickly fading sunlight. "But my clan needs me, just as your pride needs you." The troubled lion glanced back at the humming entrance to his lair, sensing the rumbling ripples of reality seep through its surface.

"I guess." The king's sight lowered, followed by a gentle sigh escaping his muzzle. Kwaheri removed his hand from the lion's shoulder once more, stepping backwards whilst grasping his staff with both his trembling hands. Upon seeing Kwaheri change posture, Kopa turned his head back to his brother, keeping his muzzle focused on the ground. "Take care, Kwaheri."

"I will, Kopa." the monkey replied with a friendly smile. Caressing the ground with the tip of his staff, Kwaheri started to turn around to face the path leading away from the Uasian tower and back to his jungle home. "You won't have to let go of me just yet." Kwaheri's final words sped through Kopa's mind as the monkey started his long journey, leaving Kopa in the presence of the freezing, nocturnal breeze.

The Uasian king stared up at the tower behind him. His eyes focused near its peak, where his family now slept. Kwaheri was right. That is where he belonged, at least for now. But even now, Kopa sensed it. The coming storm, ready to sweep across the land once more. Always watching, always patient.

A storm of darkness was brewing once more. And soon, it would strike again…

Kwaheri made his way across the Uasilands, ascending and descending the many hills that scattered the landscape until he reached a level opening, far to the northwest of the sacred land. The thunderous clouds clogged the skies above him as he slowly made his way, controlling his breathing as best he could.

As he continued onward, a figure watched from a distance, hiding behind a boulder. Its focused, feline eyes locked on the primate, studying his movements through the long savannah grass. His tail flicked to the side, cracking the earth before a small spectral flame hummed from its depths. Before the feline could smirk, the flame shot across the ground, following the crack as it grew further into the land below. This land may have been lost to them, but they still had some tricks beneath their fur.

Kwaheri closed his eyes, halting as the sound of smoldering embers grew ever louder. As the storms above failed to contain their thunderous power, the primate clenched his staff, knowing all too well what was about to happen. As rock and dirt infused with the flames, Kwaheri struck, swinging his staff behind him.

The crumbling sound of rock shattered through the air as Kwaheri's staff struck. Spinning his body around, he drew its spectral edge across a rocky being's form, realising who it was as it started to disintegrate. The relieved howls of his fallen clan members screeched out of the creature as more of the savage Giza seeped from the cracks, ready to attack. Some even took the form of his fallen comrades, readying their staves to tear his soul from his body.

Balancing himself with his tail, Kwaheri prepared himself for the coming onslaught. As the Giza charged, the wise primate held his ground, focusing on the rushing force. Harmonizing with the breeze, the primate chieftain swung; his staff making contact with the Giza, one after the other. With the beat of his heart, he fought through their ranks, separating their twisted souls from their rocky bodies. As he defeated the last of the creatures, the lion arose from his cover. The lightning intensified around them, spawning even more Giza as a green-tinted fire spread through the thick grass.

Within a blink of an eye, they charged once more. The primate quickly repositioned his body, taking a defensive stance whilst the shadows of the void-taken creatures spread closer. Taking a single breath, Kwaheri fought valiantly, slicing through the demonic entities with ease, at least at first. The more he slew, the more that spawned until the entire patch of grass had become nothing but flames and rock.

Kwaheri was ready though, even if he knew all too well that his chances of survival were thin. As the smoke seeped higher into the sky, the primate could only hope that someone would see it and bring reinforcements.

But for now, he would have to hold out.

Without Hope… Without Fear… Without Consequences…

Deep within the Uasian Tower, Kopa rested with his close family, tossing and turning as the crystalised walls gleamed around him. The sound of Kwaheri's desperate growls reverberated through his mind, growing in intensity until his eyes opened once more.

Rocking forward, Kopa's breathing jolted. He stood there, gasping for air as the vision slowly swept through his curious mind. Beside him, he felt a familiar figure gently nestled against his messy fur. Upon regaining his breath, his ears flickered at the sound of thunder on the horizon, followed closely by a flicker of green darting across his eyes.

"Kopa, What's wrong?" Karimu's sleepy tones swayed around Kopa's ears, causing his panicked attention away from the brewing storm. As their eyes met, Kopa noticed his queen's relaxed demeanour, her legs stretched outwards as she awoke, causing her to hum affectionately as her eyes flickered up at her king.

"It's Kwaheri!" The Uasian King glanced back at his queen, trying his best to remain calm and collected. "Get the Mlinzi together, now!'' Before she could reply, Kopa rushed out of the lair, his claws scraping into the crystallised hallways. Arising from her comfortable slumber, Karimu felt the awakening, youthful presence beside her.

"Mum, what's going on?" Amani's innocent voice fluttered her mother's heart, stealing her attention away from the crisis brewing on the horizon. With a sweet, maternal glance, Karimu swayed her tail tuft under her daughter's chin affectionately.

"It's okay little one. Mommy and daddy are just going to check something out." She peered over at Kuwinda, who lay not far away, huddled up to Wivu only as two sisters-of-pride could.

"Go and huddle up to your aunt, she'll keep you warm until I get back." The cub arose, stretching gently whilst Karimu left a loving lick across her forehead. The princess giggled, rewarding her mother with a loving smile. Without any fuss, she nudged her brother awake before leading him over to Kuwinda. The pair snuggled up to her life-filled stomach, dozing off into their dreamy rest once more.

Content with her cub's safety, Karimu returned to the task at hand. By now, Kopa would have made it out onto the open fields beneath them, charging into battle with all the perseverance a true king should be known for. She thought of Kwaheri and his clan. Their decision to leave, to rebuild their society in such troubled times. Was it the right move?

One thing was for certain though, if anything had happened to Kwaheri, to any of them…

Kopa would avenge them…

Waves of crumbled rocky bodies now rested at Kwaheri's feet, steaming with a green hue as yet another wave charged. The monkey took the few moments he had to gather his breath, watching as the horde rushed him. The lion continued to watch on from behind his army, smirking as Kwaheri made contact with the Giza once more.

He fought well, slicing through the spectral beings like a claw piercing through flesh. This final wave was larger than the past five he had dealt with, testing every aspect of his fighting prowess. The ferocity of their attacks caused his arm muscles to burn in pain. His breathing had become unstable, desperate as the Giza began to overwhelm him. Despite this, he continued to struggle onward, even as his body began to convulse with uncontrollable pain. Before he knew it, one of the Giza pounced at Kwaheri, knocking him to the ground.

Its gnashing, mineralised teeth thrashed at the monkey's neck, only held back by his desperate, numb limbs. In his struggle, Kwaheri's staff rolled a few feet away, leaving the monkey defenceless. As more of the Giza piled on, he resorted to more unconventional means of combat. Grabbing hold of the Giza's sharp, overgrown tooth, he flung it out of the way, forcing it to land on two more charging Giza.

Now, only two remained...

They encircled him, staring him out for all the forms of weakness. Glancing over at his staff, the chieftain attempted to leap for it, diving through the air with all the stubbornness of a rock. Unfortunately for him, the Giza were a little bit faster, knocking the staff out of the way as they darted to cut him off. Noticing their intention, he kicked his leg outwards, slamming it directly into the side of the closest Giza, knocking it over in one hit. Pinning it to the ground, Kwaheri began to pound the demonic being with his hands, cracking through the solid stone skull as it struggled to regain its strength. Its fiery eyes glance up at him, almost pitifully as he broke through, sending its soul back into the spiritual realm as its physical form disintegrated.

But now was not the time to rest. As Kwaheri tried to regain his breath, the last Giza pounced, knocking him forward. Its molten claws seeped across the primate's fur, burning through to his skin as he yelped out in pain. But this pain only fuelled his rage. As blood seeped down his arm, Kwaheri uppercutted the Giza, knocking it onto its back as he arose. Clenching his arm's muscles, the monkey chieftain slammed his fist down on the demonic hyena's spasming throat, slamming it until nothing remained but dust and echoes.

He had won.

Upon realising his victory, Kwaheri collapsed to the ground, clutching his arm as it bled all over hand. His vision blurred, only noticing a familiar feline shadow sweeping over him. Looking up, he was met with the scarred lion that had watched his battle, simply smirking down at him as his paw rested over his staff.

"Finally… Revenge!" Before Kwaheri could do anything, the lion swung his paw, striking the monkey across the face and sending him flying a few feet, landing on his face and chest. Winded and knackered, he struggled to regain his posture, only arising so far so he could see the big cat approach him once more. "You have no idea how long I have waited for this moment, ape."

Kwaheri's vision blurred as tears started to pool in the corner of his eyes. All he felt was the lion's paw resting on his forehead, pushing his head back until a pulse of pain shot through his spine. The lion continued, spreading his claws across Kwaheri's face. "You will pay for killing my pride, as your pathetic lion friend will too!" His sinister whispering flowed through the chieftains' mind, causing him to grit his teeth.

"You have.. No idea… Who you're messing with…" Kwaheri grunted, feeling the lion's claws pierce his forehead's skin. Upon hearing his trembling words, the lion released the pressure on Kwaheri's skull, letting his claws separate from his head a little.

"And neither do you!" The lion removed his paw from Kwaheri's head, slamming it down on the floor mere inches from the monkey's hand. Picking his body up again, the big cat grabbed Kwaheri by the throat, playing with his prey as the primate choked uncontrollably. "YOU have no idea what my master is capable of, what he is willing to risk to see filth like you exterminated from every realm!"

A droplet slipped from Kwaheri's eyes, dyed with a reddish hint as it spread past a small cut etched across his eye. He couldn't help but think of his family, his clan. By now, they would be home, safe and sound, as they should be. He thought of Mtafuta, of all the loving moments they had spent together...

If only he had spent more time with her, if only he had been a better mate and chieftain...

"Oh, you have a family!" Kwaheri's eyes shot open as the lion's; scheming tones spread across his mind. He tried to remain calm though, already knowing what the lion had destined for him.

"You won't find them" The primate coughed, feeling the lion's claws tickle his neck once more. "...he'll be here... any minute now... to-"

"Kwaheri!" Kopa's panicked voice roared across the land, a thunderous cry that illuminated the corrupted skies above them. The sound of multiple lions echoed on the horizon, growing louder with each passing minute. Arriving at the top of the hill, Kopa stared down at Kwaheri, his teeth grinding against each other as the hostile lion held the monkey close, digging his claws deeper into the middle-aged chieftain's throat.

Just as Kopa came into view, the lion smirked, moving his paw across Kwaheri's throat slowly. Before the Uasian king could do anything, he quickly swiped, tearing the monkey's throat with his fully unsheathed claws. Kwaheri's curdling gasps echoed through the air, stabbing Kopa in the heart as the clouds above thickened once more.

"KWAHERI!" Time slowed, at least for Kopa. The earth crumbled around him as Kwaheri's body fell to the earth, landing with an eternal thud beating in his heart. Kopa's eyes dilated, focusing on the lion before him as he smirked up, satisfied in taking the life of Kopa's birth family.

His heart raced as the Mlinzi arrived, immediately holding a defensive position beside their king. The strange lion turned away, slowly walking away to the north, as if Kwaheri's life had meant nothing to him. A single tread of bloodied paw prints followed in his wake, originating before Kwaheri's convulsing, gurgling body.

A fire raged within Kopa's heart, spreading outwards into his fur. The king's eyes flickered, intensifying on the male lion whilst his claws dug into the muddy ground. His markings glowed with ethereal energy, intensifying as the skies rumbled. With a deep intake of air, Kopa let loose an uncontrolled, emotionally charged roar, bellowing down on the mysterious lion. He barely had any time to prepare himself before the blast hit, sending the scarred lion flying through the air and crashing into a boulder.

He fought as hard as he could, trying to escape the Uasian king's roar. But it was in vain. The boulder started to crumble as the lion's bones cracked and crumbled. His eyes widened as he struggled to turn his head to see Kopa, only to be met with a blinding cyan light. His eyes started to water, just as Kwaheri did mere moments prior.

This was it. The end.

But at least he had done his master's bidding.

As Kopa began to lose strength, he let his roar shallow, allowing the strange lion's unconscious body to collapse to the ground. The boulder had completely disintegrated, leaving nothing but pebbles in its place. Seeing his immobile body, the Mlinzi's moved in, securing their new prisoner as Kopa rushed to Kwaheri's aid.

The sound of wheezing filled Kopa's mind as he approached his monkey step-brother. The sight of his bloody, torn body almost made him feel sick. Sitting beside him, the Uasian king applied pressure to his torn throat, hoping to keep him alive.

"Kwaheri, please… Talk to me!" Kopa's words fluctuated as he spoke, twisted by the trembling sense of dread in his voice. Tears poured from his eyes as Kwaheri's chilling, draining eyes glanced up at him faintly.

"Please, stay with me!"

"Kopa…" The monkey chieftain groaned, convulsing slightly as the chilly void called to him. "Take care of them…"

"No! YOU will care of them; I can save you, I can-"

"It's too late, little brother." Kwaheri interrupted, causing Kopa to freeze, locking eyesight with his dying brother. All this time, from the moment he had first opened his eyes, Kwaheri had been there for Kopa. To think this would be the end… Kopa couldn't believe it, he just couldn't.

"No! I can save you; I can heal your wounds and everything will be-"

"Kopa!" Kwaheri's voice weakened, grasping for the last strings of life as he held Kopa's shoulder. The Mar of the Royal Mlinzi resonated as the storm clouds ruptured, dousing the area in a light sprinkle of rain as the two shared one final moment. "Please…"

The rain thickened as Kwaheri moved his hand up to Kopa's face, wiping away the lion's tears. With one final wheeze, the primate rested back, giving his step-brother one last piece of advice.

"Wacha waende, Kopa." His eyes began to flicker as his last breath drained from his lips. "Wacha waende…" With this, the monkey's body limped in Kopa's paws, devoid of all light whilst his eyes rolled back in his skull, now still. A chill shot across Kopa's spine, sending bolts of emptiness through his heart.

"Kwaheri… No… Come back!" He shook the monkey's body side to side, to no avail. His eyes became flooded with tears as he held Kwaheri's body close, weeping loudly into his brother's deceased chest. The Mlinzi's, who had begun to move the strange lion's body away, slowly stopped, watching as their king mourned the loss of his dear friend and brother.

They remained silent, giving their fallen comrade the respect he deserved.

From the top of the hill, Karimu's cautious panting spread through the silent overlook. Her fur glistened in the rising sunlight as a new day bloomed into existence across the Uasilands. But the sight she was met with was anything but bright.

"Oh no…" Her heart sank as he saw Kopa holding Kwaheri, blood covering his body. Taking his paw off his brother's throat, he was met with the primate's blood staining his fur and skin. If only he had been quicker, if only he had roared straight away. He could have prevented this; he could have saved him.

As Kopa clutched Kwaheri's body tighter, his chest burnt with an agonising throb. His voice squelched as he tried to speak, washed away with tears whilst Karimu slowly approached. The Uasian King slowly started to rock back and forth, refusing to let go even as Karimu nuzzled up against his side. Glancing down at Kwaheri's still open eyes, he swayed his paws over them, closing them gently.

"I'm sorry Kwaheri…"

"I failed you…"