AN: No. Screw it. The last chapter was not the end! Because of you guys' reviews, I simply have to say a few more words.
First off, I cannot respond to guest reviewers. This is why I'm writing this epilogue, to answer the questions of readers like Willian or Pierre Cloutier. Indeed, there were some things that were to strongly suggest Kion's guilt, which may not seem to make sense now. Nevertheless, they were either totally orchestrated by Scar, or terrible misunderstandings.
The first thing is the question of Bunga's amnesia. Seems totally convenient, doesn't it? Well, yes it is, especially to Scar. Seeing that Bunga had been sorely injured, Kovu assumes that it was Kion who had caused it, attacking his former fellow guardians at the Tree of Life, as Kovu's vision seems to suggest. But it was not so. Bunga's memory loss may have been caused by 2 things. One, it was a total accident, which makes sense taking how much of a daredevil Bunga is. After all, Kion does mention that he was 'concerned' about him at some point. But that may as well not be the case. Perhaps Scar found out that Kovu wished to seek out the members of the old Guard, and sent one of his minions to 'take care of them'? Remember he did the same thing with Rafiki. Scar still has a lot of followers in the Pridelands, and not just snakes. Maybe he used one of his vulture pawns? Vultures can fly faster than lions can run. The vulture could have, for example, dropped a rock on Bunga's head before Kovu ever got to the jungle. And there you have it- problem solved. As Kovu wasted his time, Kiara grew weaker and weaker in her sickness, which Scar was also aware of, by the way.
The second question is also quite an obvious one- why didn't Kion just use the Roar to defeat Kovu? First of all, excellent observation. Indeed, what Scar tells Kovu about Kion losing the Roar, is a lie. Kion still had the mark of the Tree of Life on his shoulder, even though Scar said it's fake. Yes, this may be the greatest risk that Scar has taken. But he also knows another thing. And that is, that Kion would never use the Roar against his friends. Kion had learned that after he was poisoned. Kion still believes that Kovu is his ally, and this causes him to be the more shocked when Vitani threatens to use the Roar against him and his hyenas. Remember, Vitani is convinced that she is fighting against a rebellious murderer (this is why she doesn't lose the Roar after killing the hyenas). Kion has no idea why Kovu and Vitani are against him, and refuses to fight until he knows for sure that they are the real traitors. Whereas later, he simply can't use the Roar anymore, because he's in the volcano. And we all know what would happen if he did. Kion, just like everybody else, falls straight into Scar's carefully devised trap.
The dark lion who speaks to the snake at the start of a few of the chapters is Scar, each and every time. It's easy to confuse him with Kion based on the description, as both of them have scars on their faces. But remember one thing- snakes had worked with Scar in the show, never with Kion. Thus, Elkanah is just a successor to Ushari.
You may remember that, in one of my notes, I said that Kion would 'deffinitely not die'. But make sure to look at the rest of the sentence. I wrote 'Kion will definitely not die as a villain'. And he did not- he died as a good and noble lion, and even Scar in all his sarcasm acknowledges it. Yes, Kion did fight Kovu in the end, but he did so only when he was completely convinced that his brother-in-law was about to ruin the kingdom, which only seemed like he was showing himself to truly be evil. Pardon me for being a bit manipulative myself ;)
Generally, I loved you guys' guesses and speculations about the course of the story, despite being vague and giving you false leads. I was fascinated with some of your speculations, for example that a third party may have been involved. I wish I had thought of that myself! But, unfortunately, I already had the whole plot outlined in my mind. All in all, this little story was very well received. Thank you for all the positive comments, be assured that you enjoying the story is my greatest pleasure.
What else, what else…
If anyone has any more questions or doubts about this story, feel free to post them. I will not publish more chapters, however, but write the answers at the bottom of this chapter by editing it. I don't know when I'll sit down to write something again, but keep your eyes peeled, and feel free to check out my other stuff, in the meantime.
Once again, thank you guys a bunch! Now let's see what the consequences of all this mess are. This is not a completely serious chapter, by the way.
Chapter 15 – Epilogue
A shadow stood in the midst of darkness. He was there alone, waiting in great anticipation.
A second one joined him, just as dark as him, standing by his side so close he could feel her despite her shady, immaterial form.
It was hard for them to curb their glee.
-Have you… succeeded, my love? – asked the female voice in a trembling, devious whisper.
-Indeed – responded the male, and grinned. – All went according to my plan, up to the minutest detail. Kion is dead. Mufasa's bloodline is no more.
Hearing that, the lioness laughed with delight, purring like a kitten.
-And what about you, Zira? – inquired the male.
She fawned against his misty, ethereal visage, saying-
-You will be pleased to know that I, too, were successful. Vitani proved herself more loyal than I had given her credit for. I think that she has redeemed herself, don't you?
-Oh, of course, of course! – said Scar. – Our little girl.
-You should have seen what she did to Imara! – Zira continued, mesmerized. – First, she pinned her to the ground. Then, she grabbed her by the throat, and…
But the lioness wasn't able to finish her truly fascinating story. Her mirth was also cut short by the sound of an angry, unbalanced voice, which resounded within the halls of Hell bearing in it a note of great anger and reproach. Quite oddly so, to be honest.
-MOTHER!
The two shadows stood dumbfounded for a second, and then both of them rolled their eyes. The image of a swiftly approaching third specter, not so dark as theirs, made them release a frustrated groan.
-Nuka! – the lioness addressed her son, furious. – What the hell are you doing here?! Can't you see that Scar and I are talking?
The ghost of the young lion was undeterred, however.
-So what? You think I still care? No, mother, not anymore! I know what you did! And I came to tell you that both of you are in big trouble!
Scar and Zira shared a quick glare… and instantly laughed.
-BWAHAHAHA…! – the male demon derided Nuka's threats. – Big trouble, you say? And whom from, pray tell? You?
-No, not me, you scar-faced airhead! – Zira's son retorted with surprising sass. – The Old Kings! Both your asses are toast after what you did…
All of a sudden, the two dark shadows dropped their smiles.
-And how do you know about this, Nuka? – the vicious dead lioness asked, sending her son a scornful stare.
But Nuka was no longer afraid of her. After all, what could she do? Kill him? It was a little too late for that.
-I've been watching you – the young lion continued confidently. – I even tried to warn Kovu in the gorge, but he didn't listen to me… Damn it, you ruined everything! Like you always do! But don't you worry. The Old Kings already know about everything, too. You're in for a real ride this time, heh-heh…
-YOU DID WHAT?! – aggravated by her son's audacity, Zira exploded with live fire, making the immaterial hair of his torn mane bristle. Even Scar flinched, seeing the female's wrath.
Nuka, however, continued to hold his ground.
-I-I'm not s-scared of your threats, m-mother – he mumbled. – Y-you deserve to be punished, b-both of you.
-GET OVER HERE, YOU LITTLE… - Zira lunged at him, though her intentions were unclear due to the fact that there was no way she could harm another ghost. Nuka squirmed…
… and then the whole place was filled with a bright, blinding light.
-Ergh! – Scar and Zira both groaned, covering their fiery eyes.
-Told you! – Nuka ridiculed them, and taking to his heels, vanished instantly.
The two shadows stood powerless as the gates of heaven opened before them, revealing a full court of burning, luminescent beings- the Old Kings of the past. There were others there, too, observing the trial in attendance. Once his eyes got used to the glow, Scar saw Askari, his ancestor, sitting up high with a bitter expression that caused the malevolent lion joy. The others were there, too. His old Lion Guard. Nala. Kiara. Even little Kion. Each and every one pissed off beyond description.
The trial was to be presided over by Mufasa, Simba sitting right there by his side. But though the son looked like he was about to cast thunderbolt and lightning down on the two dead accused lions, the father and head judge looked exasperated, massaging his temples with his digits and keeping his eyes closed, not even willing to honor Scar and Zira with as much as a single look.
-Why hello, everyone – the male demon greeted the noble council with a seriously nasty grin. – Ah, everybody's here at last! Heh-heh, get it? Every body? Oh don't look so down, Muffy! Aren't you glad to be reunited with your son, and even your grandson, for that matter? Look, our whole family is here now, thanks to me! Well, your family, to be precise, as my foster children are still alive and well…
All of a sudden, Mufasa erupted, unable to bear with this nonsense any longer.
-SILENCE! – he fumed, ignoring his royal dignity. – Shut your bloody trap, Scar, or I swear…
-You swear what? – his brother's face brightened up in an even greater smile.
-I… You… Well… Who the… How the fu… - Mufasa stammered for a while, unable to even express his rage kindled by the slaughter of, basically, his entire dynasty. – ENOUGH OF THIS!
He then turned to the rest of his council.
-Does anyone present here have any doubt that these two living pieces of warthog manure are guilty?!
-NO! – the answer was unanimous, and was then followed by other shouts, coming from various deceased lions. – To hell with them! May they burn forever! Cast them into eternal peril, just as they deserve!
Once again, Mufasa covered his face with a paw. Then, he waved his other one dismissively, signaling that the sentence was to be carried out.
Having created quite the stir, Scar and Zira looked up at the raging assembly. They gazed at them, then at one another, and then…
-BWAHAHAHA…! – both of them chortled like hyenas, holding their sides and rolling on the floor, making the whole council erupt in a true frenzy.
-You're sending us… to hell?! – Zira snickered, teary-eyed from amusement.
-But… we're already there! – Scar added his mockery to the one of his devious mate. – What're you going to do? Raise the temperature? Hahahaha…
Yet that was exactly what the Old Kings did. All of a sudden, the ground under Scar and Zira split, revealing a white-hot lake of sulfur and flame, hotter than any volcano. Yet that only made the demonic couple grab hold of one another, falling down into the pit in a tight embrace.
As they fell, they kept on laughing, their voices expressing something between sheer terror and a sick, pervy enjoyment.
Kovu walked back to Pride Rock rather merrily, but he knew he couldn't show it. Not even to his sister. After all, back at the volcano, he had promised Scar that he would keep the truth about Kion's innocence, and everything else, to himself lest things get really nasty.
-Let's make this our little secret – the spirit had said with a wink.
Especially Vitani wouldn't appreciate it if she suddenly found out that all of this was just Scar's (and Zira's) big fat ruse. After all, she'd killed one of her own guardians without batting an eye. If Kovu's sister knew that Imara was innocent, she'd have undoubtedly blown him to the moon with the use of the Roar. But then, the Pridelands would be left without a king, and that would be super uncool.
-So 'Tani – Kovu decided to initiate some chit-chat before they would have to face what awaited them at Pride Rock. – How'd it go with Imara? I see you've got a few new scars here and there. Not bad, not bad. Mom'd be proud.
-Puh! Right – the lioness retorted with a smirk.
-I see Kion's little vixen even managed to bite part of your ear off.
-Yeah – Vitani's voice changed to a growl. – Slut.
-Don't worry, I know a leader of a pride from the plains who's into that kinda thing. I could introduce you.
-Har-har, real hilarious, Kovu…
-So how'd you take care of Imara?
-Oh, you know. I followed her ass all the way to our old lair. She was a bit feisty, but I handled myself. Remember what mother taught us about ripping a fool's carotid artery without suffocating them? So I did that, and then watched her bleed to death.
Kovu raised a brow, a bit concerned.
-Ehm… Don't you think that's a bit overkill? Does this way of dealing with enemies befit the noble leader of the Lion Guard?
-Up yours, apeface! What, you gonna tell me that you tickled Kion to death? I highly doubt it, judging by the fact that he renewed your old scar.
Kovu cleared his throat, feeling the wound on his face sting.
-Ehm. Actually, no. I, uh, I threw him off the ledge and into the volcano.
Vitani's smirk reappeared on her face.
-And I bet he cried like a little bitch?
-Yeah… like a little bitch.
They walked on for a few more minutes in silence.
-How's your leg? – Vitani asked with concern, noticing that she had to walk slower to match her brother's limping.
-Well, it's still broken – Kovu responded sarcastically. – But don't worry, it'll heal. Unlike the one who broke it.
The siblings shared a chuckle. They were now nearing Pride Rock, and Vitani's three remaining guardians, Shabaha, Tazama, and Kasi, came down to meet them. Their faces were long, but Kovu kept glaring at the females with great interest.
-What's the situation? – asked Tazama, Vitani's second-in-command.
-We found Simba – her leader announced triumphantly, yet with due reserve. – Unfortunately, we weren't able to get to him before Kion did. The king is dead, which makes Kovu the rightful ruler now.
The three lionesses looked at one another.
-And what about Kion?
-Dead – Kovu broke the news to them sternly. – As is Imara, the traitor.
It was hard to describe what emotions now stirred the guardians. They looked mostly confused. Finally, Kasi turned to the king with deep sadness.
-We… also have something to show you, your majesty. Please, follow us to the den.
Of course, Kovu already knew what they meant. Scar had told him that it would be so. He found the rest of the pride gathered in a circle on top of Pride Rock, surrounding Kiara's body.
Acting as dignified as possible, Kovu limped over to her side and sat down without a word. His mate looked like she was sleeping.
Everyone joined their ruler in silence, looking at him with compassion. The sacrifice was indeed tremendous, but the news that Kovu had been able to save the rest of the kingdom from Kion's betrayal would soon spread far and wide. He would make sure of it.
After a while, Kovu felt the presence of his sister behind his back.
-Vitani – said the king, and heard her whisper-
-What now?
He sighed.
-We will organize my mate's funeral, of course – the lion said so silently that only Vitani could hear him. - But after that… I would like you and your Guard to round up all those who opposed my rule. I need to… have a word with them.
The guardian leader nodded, and departed along with her lionesses.
Tired, Kovu made his way back to the den, where old Zazu awaited him by his lair, totally devastated. As the lion stretched himself out on the stony bed, relaxing his broken leg with a breath of relief, his majordomo addressed him in a trembling whisper.
-So much death…! So much horror…! Oh Kovu, this is awful! Simply terrible!
The king groaned in irritation. Opening one eye, the scarred one, and fixing it at the hornbill, he snarled-
-Aren't you forgetting something?
Zazu stiffened immediately.
-This is awful… your majesty!
-That's much better – said the king, and closed his eye once more.
But after a few moments of dull silence, too dull to his liking, Kovu turned to the majordomo again.
-Zazu.
-Yes, your majesty?
-Sing me a song.
The bird's eyes went so wide with terror that they nearly popped out of their sockets.
THE END (but for real this time)
AN: I am so very, very sorry for all of this.
Jzak98 - Yeah, seems a bit grim to leave this story without at least a bit of comedic relief. And yes, the ending does indeed connect to that story. Glad you liked it, comedy isn't really my thing tbh XD
ExGeneration35 - ah, another satisfied customer. Mission accomplished. Thanks! :)
TMNTTLK lover - yeah, I'm afraid so. Personally, I think it would be wise to isolate those two from the world of the living permanently. But is that even possible in the world of the Lion King? I dunno. Having baddies around is more interesting for storytelling, anyway.
Pierre Cloutier - that's true, S & Z disregarded Kion's forgiveness completely. Again, they should be separated from the living forever. Some people just don't change, ugh. But hey, that's why we love villains, no? And yes, I also felt that Nuka needed to be mentioned. That poor kid, he ends up really bad in the movie. Well, he got his moment to shine here. As for the evil siblings... actually, I think they're going to have a long, happy reign. Happy for them, that is. Of course, only until the other Nightpriders finally come looking for their king XD
Hvedrungsson - yes, I think you can say that. I hope this epilogue has alleviated the devastating effect at least a little.
T3ddyBearL0ve - precisely! (devious smile)