Chapter 7

Disclaimer: I do not own the Lion King or any of its characters. If I did then I would be rich and looking down on all of you. You would do the same thing if you were in that position.

I do not own the following characters but have prior permission from the author, Nala-Nay to use them:

Hasani

Hiassen

The following character belongs to T5Tango but I have approval to use him:

Dameii

The characters I do own are as follows (For now):

Kali (Fierce)

Usafi (Purity)

Kusudi (Purpose)

Ufisa (Variation of Ufisadi which means Mischief)

Chaka (Thicket)

Kumsa (variation of kumsaliti which means betray)

There will be one more chapter posted after this one. Happy 4th of July.

Changes

The sun had reached its peak today, yet despite its this it held an eerie glow. Kali noticed this and began to become concerned. Normally the sun always seem to shine with a brightness that would signal that a great day, but today it seemed somehow darker than usual. He had only seen the sun like this two other times in his life: The first, was the day when he found Msala, his girlfriend's Usafi's mother, dead. The second time this eerie event happened was the day Kumsa had attempted to kill Kusudi and Ufisa. It was as if the great kings and Queens were trying to warn them, which caused him to become concerned. He put this out of his mind, and tried to think positively.

"I must only be exhausting myself." He said with a laugh as his Aunt Naanda dragged Kali's kill back to Pride Rock .

"What was that, Kali?" Naanda asked as she set down the kill.

"Nothing Aunt Naanda." Kali quickly covered.

"If you say so my little hunter." Naanda replied with a chuckle and then began tickling him.

"HAHAHAHAHA. Aunt Naanda haha please STOP" Kali says and finally gets free from his aunt.

"Your mother said I should get her some revenge today. So tough luck." Naanda said.

"OK. Can we go home now?" Kali asked and she nodded and picked the kill back up. I will get you back for that Mom.

Kali and occasionally the other cubs were now joining them on the hunts. Naanda has taken it on herself to train the next generation of hunters after witnessing their successes. In early mornings, she would teach them hunting tactics to perfect their skills. And whenever possible, she would find an abandoned calf, tire it out, and then let her mini hunting party at it. Today, Kali was her only hunter that did not have obligations and made his first individual kill. He makes me so proud she thought to herself.

It had now been a months since the day his father had announced to the pride that those two cheetah cubs were Kali's and Usafi's adopted siblings. But a litter of three young cubs quickly become too much to handle for the young mothers, so they were taken in by Naanda. Time seemed to fly past the lionesses eyes. A prime example was the now five months old Usafi fur had started to darken. It was now a slight maroon color that looked like the color of the sky when evening was approaching. There cheetah pride members, Ufisa and Kusudi were now four and a half months old and had not changed much at all except that they had grown in size, thus they had more energy and were therefore more of a pawful for Naanda.

More changes have occurred since the cheetah cubs joined the pride, but other than those everything was pretty much the same. The first noticeable change was that Kali was now taking interest in coordinating hunting strategies, sometimes alone and sometimes with his lover, brother and Nala who would test his plans, which often worked. He, had also earned his own unique nickname: the Shining silver hunter or just Silver. Some of the lionesses had watched him during one of the hunts, and were amazed at not only by his strategies, but his speed. He moved so fast that sometimes even they could barely see him. Due to the light from the sun that reflected off his fur, it could momentarily blind his prey long enough for one of the other cubs to rush forward in order to make the kill.

"Hey there Silver. Nice catch you got there." He and Naanda heard a voice say. He turned and saw his Uncle Scar approach him with a big, yet awkward smile.

"Thanks Uncle Scar. Whatcha doing out here?" Kali asked with curiosity.

"I was just making sure my favorite nephew got home from his hunt safely." He responded.

This was the second change. Scar's ever increasing doting on Kali. While appreciative of the attention, Kali felt like his uncle was hiding something and merely smiled whenever given his uncle's affection.

"OK, well bye Uncle Scar. I better get this kill back before Ufisa and Kusudi go hungry and try to kill me." He said with a laugh and continued dragging his kill. While on his way back he began thinking why did Uncle Scar call me his favorite? He has always shown disgust for favorites since Grandpa Ahadi neglected him for Dad. What are you thinking Uncle?

As he was about to walk up to his mother, who was sleeping on a rock to ask their location, he saw Simba run up to the group with a fire in his eyes. He looked excited, like he was ready for an adventure. This morning, Simba had gone out with their father to receive his lessons that would make him a good king. Kali assumed that father had told him about something and that was what got him so excited. Simba began to talk.

"Hey, Nala. Hey, Kali and Usafi." He said happily.

"Hi, Simba." The three of them replied in unison.

"Come on. I just heard about this great place." He said while looking at his brother who was listening intently.

"Simba! I'm kind of in the middle of a bath." Nala replied through clenched teeth.

"And it's time for yours." Sarabi states while smirking. Simba tries (too late) to escape. Sarabi bends down and grabs him. She then proceeds to give the struggling cub a bath. Kali, all the while is laughing.

"Shut up Kali." Simba grumbles as their mother bathes him.

"Mom! ...Mom. You're messing up my mane." He whines as his mother licks the top of his head. Sarabi smiles and then lets him go.

"Okay, okay, I'm clean. Can we go now?" he states while fixing his 'mane'.

"Kali, it is time for your bath!" Sarabi said while getting in position for her chase.

"No need to get so anxious, Mom. I am not planning on running today. I am tired from my hunt." Kali replied. He then crawls into her forepaws and she proceeds to bathe him.

But, even though he was tired, Kali set up a trap. Just as Sarabi was about to run her tongue along him, he rubbed his paw along her chest and released a few of his 'friends' into her fur. Then, all of sudden, Sarabi released Kali and began licking herself diligently to remove the sudden presence of the biting termites in her pelt. While she did this, Kali and Simba began laughing at their mother until Simba and Kali spoke up.

"Nice one Bro." Simba said through laughs and they gave each other a paw five.

"Mom! I thought I was getting the bath, not you." He said with a cheeky smile and Simba began laughing even harder at his brother's trick.

"What happened to not giving me a hard time today?" Sarabi asked with a glare as she finally got all the termites out of her fur.

"Actually, my exact words are that I was not planning on running today. I never said I was going to make it easy for you. And what about you asking Aunt Naanda to tickle me to death?" Kali said with a victorious smile and a raised eyebrow.

Kali then climbed into his mother's paws and allowed himself to be bathed. As he was being bathed, Sarabi got to his chest and got a concerned look on her face.

"Kali are you sure you are OK?" She asked with concern.

"Is this about my scar? Well the truth is I got the scar during one of my practice hunting sessions. I tripped and ended up scratching myself. I didn't tell you cause I did not Simba to rub it in. OK?" Kali said with annoyance. Well that is not the real truth but you don't have to know that Mom.

Then, there was the third change which was not major but definitely the most noticeable. Kali had received a cross-shaped scar on the left side of his chest, directly over his heart. He came home with this almost two weeks after Kusudi and Ufisa had joined. His parents, brother, lover and even other lionesses questioned him on who had given him the scar. He would not state his reason but merely stated that the scar would do more good than harm and that it is not a big deal. Though still concerned, Sarabi knew there was more to Kali's story about this scar but decided to wait for another day to pry it out of him.

"That is funny. So the great Kali trips over his own feet?"

"Hey! At least my scar makes me look more handsome."

"Whatever" Simba said but then had a thought he had had for a while but had never brought it up. Until now.

"Kali can I ask you something?" Simba asked.

" Sure Bro. What is it?"

"I remember when we were little that you used to be a bit of a jerk to me but then you changed and acted all nice to me. I want to know what happened?"

"I remember that too. What gives Kali?" Nala said in agreement.

"Well it has to do with a story Dad told me one time. It was about Grandpa Ahadi and Great Uncle Dameii."

"Dameii?" Simba inquired.

"Grandpa had an adopted little brother named Dameii back during great grandpa Mohatu's time. He was supposed to have been a great lion."

" So what happened between them?"

"They got into these arguments a lot during the war. They were always about the same thing."

"Who was toughest? Because that was obviously grandpa." Simba chided.

"I bet it was food. Males are such pigs." Nala said with a giggle.

"Hey!" The boys said in unison.

"Come on Simba. You eat more than me and yet you do not gain a pound. Explain that."

"All the food gets absorbed and makes me look cuter to everyone." Simba gloated.

"Whatever Simba. So what did they argue about Simba?" Usafi spoke up.

"The arguments were always about Grandma Uru."

"WHAT?" The other cubs said in unison.

"Great Uncle wanted Grandma? Why?" Simba demanded.

"Well it turns out Grandma Uru knew Dameii first and had feelings for him, but over time in the training camps Grandpa Ahadi started developing feelings for her as well and it caused a lot of arguments between them on things she should and should not do and who was better for her."

"So what happened?"

"The arguments one day got so bad that they almost struck each other. But Grandma Uru caught them and told them to stop acting like idiots."

"Why would she say that? I thought she would like being fought over."

"She did not like it Simba and the reason she told them to stop was because it was tearing them apart when they should have been trying to become closer during the times of war. Especially since right before the war ended, Great Uncle Dameii died. I do not know how though."

"I wonder what happened to Dameii."

"Only Dad knows." And me. I can't tell Simba that Dameii was killed by Ahadi for betraying him. It would only ruin the lesson.

"So how did that story convince you to be nicer to me?"

"Well Simba the main lesson of that story is that brothers fight but we should not let that drive us apart. You are the only brother I have and I want to be a supportive brother that encourages you."

"Like Dad and Uncle Scar always look like they hate each other?"

"Exactly! That is a perfect example."

"Whoa. Well I am glad you heard that story then. I do not know if I could stand to see you like Uncle Scar."

"Uncle Scar is not so bad. He is just lonely and feels like no one understands him" Kali points out.

"Well other than that, I am glad you want to support me, Bro"

"Yeah, me too. But you still can't pin me." Kali added cheekily. Simba responded by sticking his tongue out at Kali.

"Can we go now, Mom?" Simba asked with anticipation since he wanted to get going.

"So where are we going? It better not be anyplace dumb." Nala stated and asked Simba.

"No. It's really cool." Simba states with a smile.

"So where is this "really cool" place?" Asked Sarabi who had just finished bathing Kali and was looking at her gold son with a smirk.

"Oh." He paused and thought quickly. He then spoke. "Uh... around the water hole." Simba replied. Damn, mom is trying to read my mind he thought.

"The water hole? What's so great about the waterhole?" Nala replied with an annoyed tone.

"I'll SHOW you when we GET there." Simba whispered so that Kali and Usafi could also hear. Kali became confused and began to wonder Where are you really planning to go Simba? This was in his head because his brother had a habit of having a new scheme and destination every single day.

"Oh." Nala replied with a whisper and then changed her tone. "Uh... Mom, can I go with Simba?" she asked sweetly.

"Hmm... What do you think, Sarabi?" Sarafina asked.

"Well..." she said in mock-thought.

"Pleeeease?" Simba and Nala begged through broad, forced grins. Kali rolled his eyes, at his brother and friend, He thought Puh-lease, no way she will let you go.

"It's all right with me..." she said before she was cut off by Simba and Nala's cheers.

"All right!" Nala said. While Simba said "Yeah!"

Sarabi then continued with a smirk on her face. "As long as Zazu goes with you."

The two cubs then stopped celebrating and Simba said in a whiny tone. "No. Not Zazu."

"Can't you at least let Kali and Usafi come with us. You know they will keep us out of trouble." Nala requested with hopeful tone.

"Sorry guys! As I said, I am tired from my hunt and would like to spend a little time with my girl, Kusudi and Ufisa for a while." Kali replied. At the same time, he thought HA, sucks to be you brother; you are stuck with Banana Beak.

"Hey Simba." He called before his brother was gone."

"What is up bro?"

"Where are you really going?" he said in a hushed tone so their mother would not hear.

"We really are going around the waterhole. But it is close to that area so we are not truly lying."

"Ok. But be careful. Alright?"

"Hey, I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

"Yeah I know you are. Well I think you and Nala should go find Zazu now."

"Don't remind me."

With that Simba and Nala walked off grumpily to find Zazu so they could leave. Kali knew his brother would come up with a plan to get rid of Zazu and smirked. But as quickly the smirk came, it faded as Kali felt a sudden uneasiness at watching his brother go. His heart told him he should follow, but his head told him to not worry and to go back to finding the two cheetahs so they could eat. He pondered this for a moment, before deciding to agree with his head. With this in mind, he turned to the three remaining lionesses.

"Have any of you seen Fisa and Kusudi?" he asked curiously. He called Ufisa, Fisa cause it sounded to close to Usafi and did not want to get confused. He worried about them as if they were his little siblings.

Both the lionesses and Usafi looked at each other for a moment before looking back to him and shaking their heads in reply.

"That is odd. They are always here. I guess I should go look for them." Kali stated with a slight hint of concern.

"I'll go help you look for them." Usafi stated with an equal amount of concern in her voice.

"Mom, would you tell Aunt Naanda to watch my kill until we find those two?" Kali asked. She nodded and then Kali turned to Usafi and looked her in the eyes to let her know he was ready to go.

Nodding, the two young cubs began searching for their Kusudi and Ufisa. Nearby, on a slightly higher rock, Hiassen who had been listening the whole time began to grin. He knew that those two cubs had recently left with Mufasa, in the hopes of trying to make them feel welcome. Knowing this and deciding not to tell, he began trotting stealthily above Kali and Usafi. He followed them, until he decided to break his own cover, unraveling his plan, and walked up to them. Kali immediately got into a defensive position in front of Usafi and got a glare in his eyes that made his star like eyes become hard like diamonds.

"What do you want, Hiassen? Usafi and I do not have time for any of your games." Kali stated with a calm, yet annoyed tone.

"I just wanted to let you know that I saw Ufisa and Kusudi." He said while hiding his malice and hate. Hearing this Kali dropped his defense and asked,

"Where did you see them?" He asked with a concerned yet analytical tone. Something is up, Hiassen has never shown any sign of caring for those two he thought.

"I saw them run after Simba, Nala and Zazu. Apparently, they were excited and wanted to go with them on some kind of adventure." Hiassen replied calmly.

Hearing this Kali froze. He suddenly began thinking of the way he looked at the sun this morning as it rose. An image of Msala lying dead with blood appeared in his mind. He also knew how mischievous those two, especially Fisa, were and knew they would jump at the chance for excitement. Kali then turned and began running in the direction of the waterhole.

Usafi began to follow him with even more concern, but was quickly blocked by Hiassen.

"Do not worry, Usafi. You do not need to go. Kali will be there and with that knowledge you should know they will be safe. Why would you concern yourself? They are not your responsibility." He replied slyly while looking at her with a lust that rivaled his intelligence.

"That is where you are wrong, Hiassen. Kali and I found those cubs together and we took on the responsibility of looking after them together. I don't want anything to happen to them again, so I too protect them. Now get out of my way before I make you do so." She replied with a cold, menacing tone that was completely unnatural to her and reminded Hiassen of Zira.

He got out of her way and she immediately ran off at full speed after Kali.

As Hiassen watched her go he thought Damn it, I couldn't convince her. I hope she doesn't get killed. No, Kali will die protecting her and she will come back crying to me. With this he walked off with a smirk to find his brother and awaited the news of Kali's demise and Usafi's anguish over his loss.

It took mere moments before Usafi finally caught up with Kali. They had just arrived at the waterhole and began looking frantically for their siblings. Kali then spotted Zazu alone and flying towards the Elephant Graveyard looking just as frantic. Oh no. Simba and Nala must be there and with Fisa and Kusudi. NO! Kali thought this and ran after the bird hoping he got there before something terrible happened. Usafi also had noticed Zazu and got the same thought in her head and followed quickly behind him.

Swahili:

Mfalme wa kweli si mmoja ambaye anasema yeye ni mmoja.

Mfalme wa kweli ni yule ambaye anasema yeye si mmoja.

Mfalme wa kweli ana hekima kubwa kwamba ni siri kwa vijana na kiburi.

Translation:

The true King really is not one who says he is one.

True king is one who says he is not one.

True king possesses great wisdom that is hidden by the young and arrogant.

Do you agree with this statement?.