Chapter Eighteen: Has it Always Been You?
TRON0602: It's funny but please, I beg of you, BOOK MAJI A L'OREAL COMMERCIAL! As for your questions: everything should play out fine. Ashaki and Usafi came to an understanding, so I believe they'll be fine. As for Hafsa that's a spoiler so no no. Enjoy the chapter.
Guest: Yes, it's nice to see old wounds heal a bit, isn't it? Enjoy the chapter.
Whoa it's Fandoms: Mercy? What is this mercy of which you speak of? I know none of it, lol. Enjoy the chapter.
CSIMentalistTLK Lover: To a point, Ashaki and Usafi have mended things between them. It will get better between them at some point, and they could even end up friends. Enjoy the chapter.
A random person: There's not going to be much of Tojo for awhile, so I'd suggest not holding your breath to see him. Thank you for saying the chapter was great, though.
I decided that I'd do a focus chapter again. I want to check up on my precious Muujiza and the Peakland Princess, Kazai. The song is the original "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" by Elton John. Oh, and I found a meaning for "Kazai." It's an Arabic surname meaning "Love of God," roughly. It's also a misspelled version of the Japanese word "Kasai," but I'm not changing her name because I like the "Z" spelling better. It's more badass.
Muujiza and Kazai had found themselves lounging together a bit, just being friendly, and not going much into detail. They both knew the severity of the situation ahead of them. Kibuluu had taken one of the largest lion territories, and he could only want more, not only that… Kazai remembered that Ashaki had tried her best to get Muujiza set up with a Princess from another pride, and that Kazai had been sent back to the mountains due to Muujiza finding a mate in the Downwind Princess, Ramsa. It had slightly broken the Mountain Princess's heart, but she had accepted the fact she was alone. The Peakland Pride would die with her. It was how it was to be.
But, something about Muujiza made the Princess's heart pound in her chest. Her lavender eyes focused on the Pridelands Prince. He had that beautiful golden fur, those bi-colored eyes, and bi-colored mane. His build was strong, not much unlike…
Stop it, Kazai, the Princess snapped at herself, Chinja's engaged to the Valley Princess, not you. He loves her, not you. Behave yourself. Don't let memories hurt you. After her little thought segment, Kazai whimpered a bit, tears coming to her eyes. Muujiza gazed at Kazai in concern for the Peakland Princess. Kazai forced her tears back with a couple blinks and smiled at Muujiza, who raised an eyebrow.
"You were about to cry a couple seconds ago. What's wrong?" Muujiza asked. Kazai sighed.
"Well… I recently was in love. He um… kinda broke my heart." Kazai admitted softly. Muujiza gave Kazai a sympathetic smile.
"I understand that a little. I just lost Ramsa, myself." Muujiza said. Kazai smiled back.
"I'm sorry for your loss." The Princess said. Muujiza stood up, his bi-colored eyes sparkling.
"She told me that… I should move on from her. So… I think I can now." Muujiza said. Kazai stood up, gazing at Muujiza through confused lavender eyes.
"This soon?" She asked. Muujiza nodded slowly.
"I think so. Or, at least, I should… try, you know?" Muujiza asked. Kazai nodded, not knowing what Muujiza expected from her, and half scared what he wanted. His eyes showed a serene calm, and Kazai felt her mouth go dry.
There's a calm surrender to the rush of day
When the heat of the rolling world can be turned away
Muujiza smiled at Kazai and laughed. Kazai found herself smiling a little bit as well.
"Come on, let's go." Muujiza said.
"Wait, go where?" Kazai asked. Muujiza's eyes twinkled.
"Anywhere. This jungle is huge." The Pridelands Prince said. Kazai stammered.
"Um…"
Muujiza already ran ahead of her, making the Mountain Princess force herself to chase after him. What had gotten into the Prince? He was mourning two seconds earlier… but…
Go with him. He won't hurt you. A calming female voice said. Kazai nodded and her running became more graceful, and her golden pelt shone in the twilight sun. Muujiza's bright gold pelt seemed like a sunbeam, and Kazai smiled as she jumped onto Muujiza's back. Unfortunately for Kazai, Muujiza had learned Nala's trick flip and she ended up beneath him. The Mountain Princess felt her breath being taken away as she gazed into Muujiza's eyes. The Pridelands Prince smiled broadly, and Kazai smiled herself.
Muujiza had the muscles of a warrior, but the mind of the restless. He was a Prince, torn apart by tragedy. Kazai leaned up a bit and nuzzled him.
An enchanted moment and it sees me through
It's enough for this restless warrior just to be with you.
Muujiza chuckled and nuzzled Kazai back. The Pridelands Prince sighed and leaned into Kazai's chest, listening to her heartbeat, which was pounding hard enough that he knew what he did to her.
"You've been through a lot, haven't you?" Kazai asked. Muujiza simply nodded.
"My mom dying just… it was only the beginning. It's been over a year since she died and things seem to be a downward spiral for me." The Prince said. Kazai laid a paw on the back of Muujiza's head, lightly stroking his mane.
And can you feel the love tonight?
It is where we are.
The quiet of the moment made Muujiza lean deeper into Kazai's furry chest. Kazai had a wide-eyed, far off look on her face as she gazed at the orange sky above them.
"I lost my mother too." Kazai said. Muujiza looked up at Kazai, his eyes wondering.
"When?"
"A long time ago. I never met my mother. She died when I was born. She died bringing me into the world. I've only ever had my father and my grandmother. I know how it feels, not having a mom." Kazai said, tears in her eyes. Muujiza nuzzled into Kazai's chest.
"We're not so different then." The Pridelander said.
"Not at all." The Peaklander said with a sigh.
It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer
That we got this far
"You said something about having a broken heart, too." Muujiza said.
"He left me for a prettier princess. One without the stupid black eartufts or the crazy ass temper." Kazai said. Muujiza sat up, looking at Kazai.
"He said that?" He asked. She nodded.
"He did. Chinja was the only one I wanted to love because he understood me. He was my best friend, but…" Kazai let off on a sob. Muujiza brought Kazai into a hug.
"But it wasn't enough to hold onto him?" Muujiza asked. Kazai nodded.
And can you feel the love tonight?
How it's laid to rest
The pair didn't see the mandrills in the distance, both smiling. Rafiki looked at Indira and smiled.
"Ready?" Rafiki asked.
"As always." Indira said.
The lioness pushed away from the lion, walking away. Indira snuck into the grass and put a finger on Kazai's brown nose, effectively stopping her.
"And where are you going?" Indira asked. Muujiza was backing away when he backed into Rafiki. The Pridelander jumped and yelped.
"What the?" Muujiza asked.
"Who are you two?" Kazai asked as the mandrills disappeared.
"They're friends of the family. Close friends. In fact, Rafiki helped deliver a few royal cubs." Muujiza said as he stepped next to Kazai.
It's enough to make Kings and vagabonds
Believe the very best.
"Your love is enough do make de Kings weep." Indira said.
"It is meant do be, you dwo are meant." Rafiki said. Both lions saw the mandrills move on a ledge.
"Should we follow them?" Kazai asked. Muujiza shrugged.
"Maybe." The Pridelands Prince said. Kazai stepped forward, scenting the mandrills. She caught their scent trail and followed them in hot pursuit. Muujiza, amazed at Kazai's speed, followed at a fast pace.
"Kazai! Wait up!" Muujiza begged.
There's a time for everyone, if they only learn
That the twisting kaleidoscope moves us all in turn
The two lions ran through the jungle wilderness, both not knowing that the mandrills were too far ahead to be caught up to. Kazai finally slowed down at a waterhole to drink, but Muujiza accidentally pushed her in when trying to stop. The Pridelander gasped and looked into the water.
Kazai emerged, glaring at Muujiza.
"Muujiza!" the Princess screamed.
"I'm sorry! I'm a bit of a klutz." Muujiza said. Kazai smiled devilishly and pulled the lion into the drink with her. Muujiza went under for a second, but came back up.
"I'd say." Kazai licked Muujiza's cheek. The Prince looked surprised at first as Kazai swam away. Muujiza followed the Princess from the shallows of the water into deeper tides. He felt his feet only hit water, and slightly panicked. He couldn't swim well. His mother had attempted to teach him how to swim, but Muujiza wasn't the best student.
Kazai saw Muujiza was struggling and swam back over to him with a smile.
"Put a leg around me. I can help you get to the other side." She said.
"Are you sure?" Muujiza asked. Kazai nodded.
"Come on." Kazai said. Muujiza took the Princess's invitation and put one foreleg around her, letting her lead him to safety. He felt her heartbeat, and she felt his. They were almost one now.
There's a rhyme and reason to the wild outdoors.
When the heart of this star-crossed voyager beats in time with yours.
Muujiza and Kazai made it to the other shore, where they came out of the water. Kazai shook her fur out, and Muujiza started grooming a paw.
"Come on, slowpoke!" Kazai said, running away again. Muujiza looked taken aback.
"Kazai!" Muujiza called.
"Come on!" Kazai yelled back.
And can you feel the love tonight?
It is where we are.
It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer
That we got this far
Muujiza chased after her with a smile. The two found a place filled with trees and hills. They started playing again. Smiles adorned their faces as the pair both reared up. Muujiza wrapped his arms around Kazai, and the two tumbled down the hill.
Kazai felt her body turning and turning, but clung to Muujiza, knowing that he'd help her, no matter the outcome. Muujiza laughed as he rolled, and his laughter proved contagious, for Kazai started laughing as well.
They didn't know that years earlier, Tama and Tojo had been in the same place, doing nearly the exact same thing as them. They didn't see the former King Tojo standing atop the hill, seeing his son happy again and having memories of his own.
And can you feel the love tonight?
How it's laid to rest
Muujiza ended up atop Kazai again, to no surprise. The Pridelands Prince laughed. Kazai leaned up, licking Muujiza's cheek. She opened her eyes and saw Tojo and gasped. Muujiza wondered why she gasped and turned towards her line of sight, seeing his father. Tojo only smiled and nodded, leaving the two be. Muujiza blushed under his fur a touch, but nuzzled Kazai.
"What is this?" Muujiza asked. Kazai gazed up at Muujiza in wonder.
"Don't you feel that warmth that I do?" She asked. Muujiza nodded.
"I feel it." Muujiza said.
"It's a good feeling." Kazai whispered, licking his cheek again.
It's enough to make Kings and vagabonds
Believe the very best.
Muujiza purred and leaned into Kazai with a smile.
"Is it…?" Muujiza said aloud.
"Is it love?" Kazai finished. Muujiza and Kazai gazed at each other, both searching for answers.
"It could be, I suppose." Muujiza blushed. Kazai blushed too.
"Oh, well, um…" The Princess said.
It's enough to make Kings and vagabonds
Believe the very best.
Muujiza looked at Kazai, his eyes now sure. He knew it, he felt it in his heart. No matter how much it hurt to admit it, he felt more for Kazai then he ever had Ramsa. He felt love on a deep connecting level. They both had lost so much… and they only had more to gain.
"Has it always been you?" Muujiza asked softly. Kazai put a paw on Muujiza's cheek.
"It may have been." She said. Muujiza then licked Kazai's cheek.
A/N: Some sentimental feelings here… Muujiza and Kazai fall in love in the same place Tojo and Tama realized their feelings for each other. Brings things to a full circle, doesn't it? Plus, I think this may be my favorite couple in this story, besides KamariaXAmri. It's because that I can personalize some of my relationships with Kazai and Muujiza's, and Kamaria and Amri's.
Kazai: Damn straight.
Muujiza: Yeah, what the author said!
Me: Thanks guys. Anyway, we get back on track next chapter. There may be a timeskip so review and stay tuned!