Chapter 5 - Falling in Upendo

Kiara woke to find that she was not in the Outlands anymore, but somehow in the flaming grasslands again, and the fire and smoke was even worse than before, the flames trapping her as the smoke stung her eyes and her fur was singed from the intense heat.

She could barely see a thing with the smoke completely blocking out the sky and limiting her vision, and her lungs were filling with pitch black smoke too, making it nearly impossible to breath.

"Zira! Zira, anybody, help! I can't breathe!" Kiara pleaded, and desperate to see and breath, she leapt over a short wall of fire, but it still singed her underbelly. When she landed on the other side, she arched her back and gritted her teeth in pain of her burnt underbelly.

"Kiara, grab my paw!" called an all-too familiar voice, as Kiara looked up to find a high up rock ledge, much like the one she leapt up onto before, and there were two lions standing on the edge.

On the right, extending his paw in desperation to reach Kiara, was non other than Simba. On the left was Zira, as she merely laid on her side and watched nonchalantly as the flames grew larger below. But the strangest thing was that neither seemed to know that the other was there, and that their only focus was Kiara.

But Kiara knew she needed to act fast or else she would die, so she leapt over a taller wall of flames to get to the base of the rock wall, and she was soon in the middle of the two lions, standing on her back legs to reach higher.

"I'll save you, just grab on!" Simba begged while sliding down as much as he could without slipping to reach further, but Kiara did not immediately take his paw, as she stared up at Zira in shock and confusion.

"Zira?! Why aren't you helping me?!" Kiara called out, staring the said lioness directly in the eyes, but she only stared back blankly.

"Why? Because you need to learn, to become stronger," she replied firmly, baring her teeth to emphasize her point, "when he pulls you up, end him!" It took a moment for Kiara to realize that she was talking about Simba, so she knew he was there, but Simba still didn't notice her.

"B-but…he's trying to save me!" Kiara stuttered in protest, her eyes darting between Simba's fearful eyes and Zira's determined eyes.

"Don't forget what he did to you! He murdered Scar, your king, YOUR FATHER!" Zira snapped while standing up on all fours, "don't tell me you forgive him!"

"I-I…I don't!" Kiara argued once she found her voice, and she had the audacity to glare back up at Zira.

"Then KILL him! NOW!" Zira ordered, a fire in her eyes that not only reflecting the real fire, but a raging fire inside her that sent chills down Kiara's spine.

"I don't…" Kiara tried to speak, but her mind was too overwhelmed to find the right words.

"Now!" Zira repeated louder.

"Kiara…"

"But…he…"

"Deceive him! Let him save you, and then repay him by ending his life!"

"But I've never…"

"Kiara."

"Grab my paw, Kiara!"

"Do it, Kiara!"

"Wake up, Kiara!"

"I-I can't!"

"KIARA, WAKE UP!"

Kiara's head shot up in terror, hyperventilating and tears pouring down the side of her face after waking from such a nightmare. She quickly glanced around to find herself safe and sound inside the termite mound of the Outlands, and the other Outlanders were still sound asleep.

"Are you ok? you were crying in your sleep and everything," came a much softer voice, and Kiara turned her head to finally notice Busara, as she sat beside her with a very concerned expression.

"Busara, I…I hope I didn't wake you…it was some nightmare," Kiara explained with a sigh of relief, staring down in shame and hoping she really didn't wake any of the Outlanders.

"A nightmare, huh? Wanna talk about it?" Busara questioned sincerely while reassuringly patting and rubbing Kiara's back.

"No, no, I'm fine, really…it was just a dream, after all…a really horrible one, but it's still all in my head," Kiara quickly answered while blushing, firmly staring up into the baboon's light brown eyes.

"If ya say so, but I would advise ya ta try ta get some better sleep," Busara quietly wanred.

"Yeah, I know. I have to get up pretty soon."

"Sooner than ya think. Look." Kiara then followed to where Busara's index finger was pointing, and she looked up at a huge hole in the ceiling, revealing the dark blue night sky outside. "Zira's gonna be back soon, and she's plannin' ta take ya on a practice hunt just before dawn."

"How do you know tha—Busara?" Kiara asked in suspicion while continuing to look up at the small glimpse of the night sky, but when she looked back down, she found that Busara had disappeared without a sound or trace.

"Where'd you go?" Kiara whispered while looking around in search of the chacma baboon, but all she saw were the slumbering Outlanders and dark tunnels of the termite hills.

"Where did who go?" inquired a firm voice, and Kiara gasped in surprise as she looked down to find Zira climbing up to her.

"Z-Zira…I-I was just…nothing, I was just seeing things," Kiara stuttered in hopes of fooling the lioness.

"Well, whatever or whoever you saw, you need to get up. I'm taking you hunting," Zira informed while beginning to climb back down, and Kiara quickly sat up on her haunches…but she suddenly felt a twinge in her gut that made her reluctant to follow Zira.

The dream…that nightmare she had might have been trying to tell her something. What if she really can't kill Simba? What if Zira can't be trusted? …What if she's really a danger to her?

"I thought I told you to get up," Zira hissed before stopping to turn and wait for Kiara, her tail swishing with impatience.

"O-oh, right, sorry," Kiara sheepishly apologized before carefully climbing down, careful not to hurt her paws again. Even though Kiara realized her fear of Zira, she knew she would be in a lot more trouble if she didn't do as she was told. So, the only thing to do now was to obey.

Zira lead Kiara out to another plain, only the grass was much greener and fresher, perfect for a large, unsuspecting herd of wildebeest to graze in the coolness of twilight.

The two lionesses crouched low in the tall grass, Zira doing a better job of creeping completely soundlessly while Kiara trailed just a few feet behind her, but as hard as she tried, she could not stop stepping on twigs and hurting her already sore paws on pointed pebbles.

"Hush, Kiara! Or you'll scare the food away!" Zira hissed harshly, still quiet enough as to not alert a single wildebeest.

"I-I'm sorry, I can't help it!" Kiara whispered back with a shameful blush, "the ground hurts my paws, and there are stupid twigs everywhere."

"But it's not the ground's fault that you can't hunt properly. Just stay here and watch what I do; hopefully, you learn best by visuals," Zira ordered in a low growl, and Kiara lowered herself even more to remain hidden, as she stayed put while Zira moved onward.

"Zira, wait!" Kiara called in a whisper, suddenly remembering something terrifying.

"What?!" Zira snapped through clenched teeth.

"We're hunting in the Pridelands, aren't we?"

"Yes. And…?"

"We're…you're from the Outlands, it's forbidden to hunt here."

"Don't worry. Simba's pride hasn't awoken yet; they'll never know we were here. How do you think we Outlanders have kept ourselves alive all this time?" Kiara's eyes went wide with realization upon that hint, but before she could ask anymore questions, Zira suddenly continued on, disappearing through the grass, and leaving Kiara to close her mouth with nothing else to say.

But not a moment later, Kiara heard rumbling, most likely the thundering hooves of the heard running in terror from Zira. But what she didn't expect was a full grown wildebeest suddenly bounding over the grass, and it was about to jump right onto her, and would kill her with its heavy and sharp hooves.

Time slowed for Kiara, as she merely laid there and stared up in awe at the giant beast, believing it was the end of her. But as her eyes were wide and her mouth was agape, something only half the size of the beast suddenly lunged from the side, knocking it a few yards away and completely out of harm's way.

Kiara gasped with fright as she quickly stood, and she looked to her left to find Zira looming over the wildebeest before ripping its throat up with her own jaws, and holding it down by the shoulders with her extended claws.

And soon, the thrashing of the prey slowed, as its hoarse breathing eventually faded, indicating that its life was finally ended, and Zira removed her now bloody jaws from the animal's bloodstained neck.

"That was your first lesson: attack those who least expect it—but those who also deserve to perish the most," Zira growled while licking her chops, and she sat on her haunches before beginning to rip open and eat off of the wildebeest's chest.

"You…saved my life," was all Kiara could mutter, as she stared in awe at the lionesses that saved her life…again.

"Don't get used to it. You will have to learn to fend for yourself very soon if you are to rule as queen," Zira pointed out grimly after swallowing a large piece of meat to prevent rudely talking with her mouth full.

"But that's the second time you've saved me, Zira…and I really don't know how to thank you enough."

"You want to please me so badly? Don't fail to take down Simba and his pride, and I will be appeased. Now, help me with this; I'm going to need help getting this all the way back to the Outlands."

When Zira and Kiara finally returned to the Outlands with the wildebeest, the sun was finally up to begin the morning, and Nuka and Vitani were the first ones to trot over and greet them.

"Ooh, what a kill! Thank you, Mother!" Nuka cheered while giddily jumping around.

"Don't flatter yourself, Nuka! This is mostly for Kiara," Zira informed her son with a growl and cold glare.

"M-me? B-but don't the others need to eat too?" Kiara asked with surprise.

"You can share if you want, but I do not advise it. Being the future queen of the Pridelands, you need your strength the most," Zira replied gently, Nuka's eyes going wide and his jaw dropping when she wasn't looking, seeing saw how calmly his own mother acted towards a young lionesses that wasn't even her own.

Nuka then decided he couldn't stick around for anymore of this, so he grumbled and rolled his eyes before sneaking away in frustration.

"I still want to share. I don't want you or the others to die of starvation all because of me," Kiara piped up.

"Aww, no need, kid. We're strong, and we've gone days without food, anyway," Vitani scoffed with a smirk, but then she leaned into Kiara and lowered her voice, "we're still up for the offer, though."

Kiara could only giggle at Vitani's remark.

"Again, I couldn't care if you want the whole thing to yourself, but please, try to eat as much as you can before giving any away," Zira pointed out firmly before walking into her home of a large termite mound.

"Zira, wait!" Kiara called while quickly getting back up and trotting up to the aid lioness, leaving Vitani to lick her lips and dig into the wildebeest.

But Zira didn't say anything, as she merely stopped and looked back at Kiara blankly.

"I…um…I was just curious…if you wanted me to eat the most food, then why not just catch some more prey?" Kiara asked slowly once she finally found her voice, but it wasn't easy with Zira's cold yet fiery stare.

And that stare remained for what seemed like an eternity to Kiara, as she awkwardly sat on her haunches and her eyes rapidly darted around nervously to avoid looking into Zira's eyes. But only a moment passed before she spoke.

"I would have caught and killed hundreds of prey by now—if it were for that bastard—Simba," Zira growled, and she looked back up at Kiara to find nothing but shock and fear, "it's because of him that we can't hunt in the Pridelands, where the food really is. Instead we're stuck out here—and you've seen how limited our food sources are."

"Yes, I have…and I'm sorry," Kiara whimpered when a tears rolled down her cheek.

"Don't be. It's not your fault; you're going to save us anyway," Zira reassured with a wicked grin.

"I-I don't know, Zira…are you really sure that I can actually be queen one day?" Kiara asked in disbelief while staring down at her paws in shame.

Zira didn't know what to say to that; her smile merely dropped to a pondering pucker, as she thought hard as to how she could make Kiara believe her. But another grin soon curled up onto her lips when an idea popped up into her head, and took a deep breath in before singing softly.

Don't cry, my dear princess

Just relax while I sing

One day, you will rule the land

You will be a queen

Kiara could only look up in surprise, as she looked up to find Zira walking further into the tunnels, and she quickly followed.

"You have no idea what we…what I have been through, Kiara," Zira pointed out shakily before taking in another deep breath to continue singing.

I've been exiled, persecuted

Left alone with no defense

When I think of what that brute did

I get a little TENSE

Zira suddenly extended her claws to full length, and she bared her teeth and growled at them while Simba came to mind. But she soon exhaled long and loud before putting her claws and stretching.

But I dream a dream so pretty

That I don't feel so depressed

'Cause it soothes my inner kitty

And it helps me get some rest

Zira then jumped up onto a higher termite hill, and the other Outlanders gathered around and watched with evil grins. Even Nuka and Vitani came in to listen to their mother sing.

The sound of Simba's dying gasp

His mate squealing within my grasp

His lionesses' mournful cry

That's my lullaby

Now, that past I've tried forgetting

And my foes, I could forgive

Trouble is, I know it's petty

But I hate to let them live!

Nuka suddenly jumped up onto the hill to join his mother's side, and he smiled big and brightly, in hopes of getting his mother to notice him.

So, you've found yourself somebody

Who'd chase Simba up a tree?

Oh, the battle will be bloody

But that kind of works for me

During that verse, Zira firmly grabbed a hold of her son's muzzle, and she playfully threw him off the hill, making Kiara stare down at him and then back up at Zira in shock and fascination.

The melody of angry growls

A counterpoint of painful howls

A symphony of death, oh my!
That's my lullaby

Zira jumped and smoothly slid down a worn path on the side of the hill, and the other Outlanders roared cheerfully when she slid passed them. And she then casually strolled up to Kiara, who was continuing to watch and listen in awe.

Scar is gone, but I am still around

To train his only daughter

'Till she learns to be a killer

With a lust for being bad!

Zira began softly, even gently rubbing her side against Kiara's, making the said younger lioness' eyes and mouth go even wider in amazement. But then Zira suddenly approached a stone wall and jumped up onto her hind legs, digging her claws all the way down to the ground.

Kiara's attention was pulled from Zira when Nuka suddenly approached her and growled deeply.

"I could rule better than you," Nuka threatened.

"Ignore him, he's just mean!" Vitani reassured before swatting her brother away, and she even sang a little too to comfort Kiara.

And one day, you will rule the land

You will be a queen

Everyone's eyes averted upwards to find Zira standing on an even higher termite mound, and she suddenly pulled an old root from the wall, creating a hole large enough for the light of the sun to seep through, and it was aligned to shine down perfectly on Kiara, making her radiate in all her true glory.

The pounding of the drums of war

The thrill of Kiara's mighty roar

Zira's voice was even louder, and it echoed off the walls, along with the banging of her paws pounding on the dirt mound.

The joy of vengeance!

Testify!

Nuka only glared at his sister when she suddenly cut into his singing time.

I can hear the cheering

Queen Kiara, oh my!

Once again, Vitani was more optimistic about Kiara being queen, as Nuka merely glared at nothing in particular and waved a little flag made of a little twig and leaf.

Payback time is nearing

And then our flag will fly

Against a blood red sky

That's my lullabyyyyyyyy!

As Zira cackled evilly and happily at the top of the mound, Kiara could only smile in delight up at her silhouette, and she started to blush at the fact that Zira, out of all lions, sang a song for her.

Zira had already done so much for her, but she felt that she hasn't done enough in return…not just yet. But even though she didn't know when she would be able to take down Simba, she knew one thing for certain that she could do for Zira at any time.

That night, after Kiara managed to convince Zira to share the wildebeest with the entire pride, she woke after she was sure that everyone else was asleep, and she quietly crept down to Zira's side, as she slept peacefully.

"Zira? Hey, Zira? Zira, wake up," Kiara whispered while leaning down to Zira's ear and gently nudging her shoulder with a paw.

"Hmmm…what is it?" Zira mumbled groggily, not even bothering to open her eyes.

"I want to show you something, but you have to get up."

"What's so important that I have to see it now?" Zira finally opened one eye, and stared at Kiara in suspicion.

"It's only special at a certain time. Please, Zira, I promise it'll be worth it."

"You really promise?"

"Yes, I do. I know you'll love it."

Zira only continued to stared at Kiara in disbelief for another moment, but she eventually gave into her and sighed before sitting up and stretching.

"Alright. Show me," Zira demanded, and Kiara smiled back at her grim expression, but she could tell that she was definitely curious.

Kiara lead Zira out of the Outlands and passed the border, where they crossed into a lush field of tall grass in the Pridelands, and the night was peaceful with the dark blue colors, twinkling stars, shining full moon, and gentle breeze.

"You said Simba and the other's wouldn't know we're here at night, right?" Kiara piped up, break the silence.

"Yes," Zira simply replied.

"Perfect. Then we should have no worries at all," Kiara sighed with relief, as she suddenly stopped and laid down, making herself comfortable in the tall grass. She then looked at Zira and patted a spot next to her, motioning for her to lie down with her.

Zira could only stare with wide eyes between Kiara and the spot she was patting in shock, as she even started to blush in shock and embarrassment.

"Y-you…want me to l-lie down w-with you?" Zira stuttered.

"Yup," Kiara replied with a smile, but she was surprised herself since she'd never heard someone as determined and confident as Zira stutter before. But luckily, Zira didn't make it anymore awkward and she slowly walked over to the spot on Kiara's left, but she didn't exactly lie down on her back and relax like Kiara; instead, she slowly laid down on her stomach, and even then, she was a few inches away from the spot Kiara was originally referring to.

"What is the point of this?" Zira eventually asked, her voice confused yet firm.

"It's fun. You relax and stare up at the stars, and if you're lucky, you can even make shapes out of them. My fa…Simba and I…used to do this all the time," Kiara began with a smile, but when she realized what she almost said, her smile disappeared and she luckily caught herself before offending Zira.

But Zira still stared at her with slightly widened eyes in curiosity before reluctantly looking up at the stars. And upon seeing the magnificent twinkles, her eyes and mouth went even wider, as she's never seen the sky like this before. Sure, the skies over the Outlands were always clear enough to see, but she never had to idea to just look up.

"Zira?" Kiara meekly piped up, instantly bringing Zira's gaze back down to her, "other than becoming queen and ruling in Scar's place…why are you always so nice to me, but you treat Nuka and Vitani so badly? …N-No offense!"

"None taken, dear," Zira sighed and closed her eyes and shaking her head, "I still love my children, I really do, but it's just…you're all that I have left of Scar, and…I think I see him in you."

"You do?" Kiara questioned with surprise.

"Yes…and I loved Scar with all of my heart, but I was never given the chance to be his queen…and it's all because of Simba," Zira explained sadly, but her voice soon turned to a deep growl when a few tears suddenly spilled from her eyes. But as she clenched her teeth and eyes shut to hide her tears, Kiara still noticed, and she opened her mouth to say something, anything…but nothing came out, as she felt guilty watching the poor lioness reminisce in so many bad memories.

But Zira suddenly scoffed and stood up, making Kiara lean on one arm as she walked a few yards away before sitting down and hunching her back. And Kiara knew she couldn't just leave her like that, so she stood up as well, and she approached Zira before sitting by her side.

"You truly loved Scar," Kiara repeated matter-of-factly.

"I did…I-I still do…" Zira added shakily.

"What do you mean?"

"I see him—my love—in you, Kiara. You're just like him; you're innocent, you're unappreciated...and you're so much more than you know."

"You…so you…?"

"I care about you, Kiara—and I humbly ask to rule by your side when this mission is successful," Zira informed softly yet firmly, as she bowed in respect to her future queen.

Kiara was taken back by Zira's words; she cares about her, she wants to rule with her…and Kiara could only smile when she admitted her mind that she really cares about Zira too.

So, instead of expressing those feelings through words, Kiara figured actions would be better, as she gently nuzzled her head underneath Zira's chin. And though she was quite shocked at first at the sudden affection, Zira eventually gave in and gently nuzzled back.

And as the two lionesses gently nuzzled and caressed each other, they never noticed that Busara was watching them from high up in a nearby tree, and she smiled down at the sweet moment.

"I knew those two were meant for each other," Busara sighed with a smile.

This is most likely going to be the longest chapter in the whole story, so I wouldn't expect anymore longer chapters after this. But I hope you enjoyed this one anyway! I certainly had a lot of fun writing it!

Until the next chapter, I'm TRikiD, bye-bye!