XXVII

Only Two Now

When the war was finally over, the royal twnis were the only ones left.

-Royal Twins of Suntu (Dark Era)

"I don't believe you!" Banjija had roared in anger.

"What's gotten into you, Gatu?" Lusala had asked, frowning.

"What's gotten into me? What's gotten into her! She's a murderer!" Gatu had yelled.

They were back at the tree when Gatu had told them what he had witnessed. Even as he had tried to urge them to believe him, he himself, didn't know if what he had seen was the truth. After all, Meersha couldn't be a killer - she was his best friend! In fact it was that night that he had had to think it over, before telling them. Memories flowed through his head about her sweet nature, her loving ways – but every time that happened, they were cut off with the frightened voice of the innocent lion. "I have cubs on the way!" and his words seemed to drown out each picture he had of his loyal, loving friend. All evidence pointed to Meersha as a killer.

Now, even two months after the incident, the three were still arguing. Banjija wouldn't fall into it - he would not believe that his own and only litter-sister was a murderer. Lusala just shook her head any time she was told Meersha was a murderer, and ended up thinking that maybe Gatu had seen it all in his mind - that in fact, was what Gatu wished had happened. But deep down, he knew the truth.

Both Gatu and Banjija were glaring at each other, as if attempting the other to force out submission in words. Lusala watched, tail curled around herself as she heaved a sigh, wishing for once that she had another female's company. This, after all, was not the normal life of a lioness. If only she had her sister back, instead of two young, constantly-quarreling rogues.

Growling to himself, Gatu turned and angrily stalked off into the savannah. He plopped himself down in one spot and let his eye travel up to the sky, and there it stayed, that is until night kicked in. When the stars began to twinkle, his heavy mind was not settled upon one thing. What was he to do now that his best friend was a murderer?

"Gatu?" he heard Lusala say.

He did not reply. He didn't even look at her, and the only sign of recognition was the twitch of his left ear. But still, Gatu gazed up at the vast sky.

"It's endless." he stated aloud.

"Huh?" the lioness's gentle voice replied as she sat down, and looked up as well. "What is?"

"The sky. It goes on forever. But maybe that's what makes it wonderful." His voice was distant and dreamy right then.

"It is beautiful,"

Gatu blinked, then looked to Lusala, as if finally noticing her. "Maybe Meer-" quickly the lion stopped talking. He could not bring himself to say Meersha's name. Not after what he had seen. "Maybe she was right."

"Who? Meersha?"

The lion's fur bristled as Lusala said that.

"What was she right about?" Lusala persisted.

"Maybe the best part of something is not the destination, but getting there."

"Oh no," groaned Lusala, though she couldn't help a small grin at his realization.

"It's like life, though. I mean, life's last stop is death, but it's the living that counts. It's living that is the journey."

"I'm glad you found that out."

Slowly, he stood, and said, "I think I have to go."

Lusala just stared at Gatu. But what she did surprised him. The lioness also stood, smiled, nuzzled him, and then nodded. Gatu's eye fell on her, and there was a gentle connection between the two, as well as a strong understanding. Lusala was not about to ask why he had to go. It was the same reason Meersha had left in the first place.

"You will be missed," she finally whispered.

Gatu quickly turned, and started off into the north. It was the same way Meersha had gone, but he would not allow himself to fall into the same trap that led her to nature's crime.

"Oh now where's Cyclopes?" asked Banjija.

It was the next morning, and the lion had awoke to see only Lusala beside him. She gave a yawn, before simply replying, "He went."

"What?" Banjija whispered in light shock, but quickly cleared his throat and asked, "Why? It wasn't because he was mad at me for not believing my own sister murdered someone, was it?"

Lusala shook her head as she sat up. "Nah. He left 'cause he needed to. The same reason Meersha herself did."

"Well good ridens then," the lion replied as he also sat, though he couldn't help a feeling of regret. After all, he and Gatu had become friends - like brothers. Sure they had many quarrels, but still...And the last conversation they had together was more of an argument, that almost led to violence. Banjija flinched as he glanced at Lusala, who seemed to see right through him.

You know you miss 'im, she thought to herself.

For the rest of the day the two laid around in the sun, quietly thinking to themselves. They didn't even notice the strange group of about forty or so lions walking over the horizon, heading north.