Sunlight had started to rise on the Kuatan Jungle, and light fills the den of the king and queen. The brownish-red lioness with crimson eyes got up and sat next her mate, who was already awake. His eyes fixed on the horizon, and it was clear that he was deep in thought. She tried to knock him over by playfully leaning on him, and it worked. "What the-? Oh, it's you, Nyota." Icarus realized, looking up at his mate. "You looked so still, I thought you turned to stone. Of course the only thing that could fix that was my kiss." Smiled Nyota, planting one on her darker mate.
"Are you happy here, Nyota?" Icarus asked, and his mate could sense the regret in his voice as he did. She knew that he needed to hear the truth. "For someone so smart, that was the stupidest question to ask." Laughed Nyota, laying on Icarus' chest. "I told you of meeting Miran in a dream. And of what Ajabu told me about the tree and the unholy presence in the Goldlands and I want to-" Nyota placed a finger over Icarus' lips, shushing him in the process. "Icarus, we need to be here together. If you're thinking about sending any of us away, I will make you sleep outside. My dark, fluffy pillow." Nyota teased as she played with his mane.
"Icarus, something happened yesterday. Our son and Davu swore an oath brotherhood." Nyota said, and allowed it to sink into Icarus' mind. "I… I so am proud of him. That is what me and Saul did. Yet, you sound like you have a problem with it" Icarus noticed. "Well Jai told me that Davu was now his brother and that we needed to adopt him. I mean… I sense much of Miran in Davu… Know what? I am ok with it, but we have to ensure that we do not make any mistakes with him." Whispered Nyota into her mate's ear. "That was my plan anyway." Answered Icarus he was becoming flustered with his queen's antics.
"I have to start the morning patrol", whispered Icarus as he realized that he was weakening under his mate's gaze. Nyota simply giggled, and at this moment he realized just who Lana learned her seductive tricks from. "No, that's taken care of. David, Kyabe and Malka are doing that right now. But you're going to come back to bed with me and we are going to sleep in. I need more time with you because you keep running off to meetings." Flirted Nyota. And Icarus, like any other male, gave right into his mates demands.
The Border
At the border Kyabe, David and Malka where walking, doing their due diligence by inspecting the border and checking for indications of trespassers. "So… about that dance routine you and Malka mentioned?" David asked nonchalantly. And Kyabe nearly laughed all over again. "Why, I don't know what you're talking about. Malka just had a 24-hour stomach flu and was delirious that was why he was vomiting the other day." Kyabe said, and David knew that even the dead could see he was lying poorly.. "Yeah, I had it very bad. Without Kyabe here I would be in worse shape if he had not carried me to that den." Answered Malka as though David and Julia didn't walk in on Malka passed out drunk.
"You know I am going to find out one day." Teased David lightly crushing Malka between him and Kyabe. "Hey, are you excited? Julia's probably going to have the cubs in the next few days." Malka said. "I have been thinking about names for males, and I really favor Saul, Thoth, Daniel and Tiberius." Kyabe listed. "You want to name him after my dad?" David more thought aloud than said. "If that is ok. Julia certainly wants to and I do too. She's been telling me stories of my adopted brother Saul. I am Icarus's half-brother, so that would also make me a brother to Saul. Who they say looks just like you." Kyabe said.
"I am fine with it as long as you don't go naming your son 'queen'." Yawned David. "What do you mean?" asked Kyabe? "Didn't you know? Muscle machismo over here? Yeah, his name means 'queen' in the old tongue." Laughed David, and he was soon joined by Kyabe." I warned you not to tell anyone." Whined Malka, catching David off guard and knocking him over. "Help me sit on him, so I can mess up his mane." yelled Malka, laughing along with Kyabe. "If you help him, I am going to tell Icarus that you gave Jai that orange dye he pranked him with." Yelled David. The laughter of the three males echoed throughout the jungle.
The Lake
Julia and Lana where sitting under a tree enjoying the shade and cold breeze coming off the lake. "So, do you want to talk about anything?" Julia led, looking at Lana who was staring out at the lake. "Julia… I plan to leave as soon as the cubs are born, I just can't stay here. We had a plan to go explore the world together, however you're going to have cubs and David is going to protect our home with my father. Remember that all of us had planned to go on a trip to the ocean? That's no longer a possibility now and I won't go myself, how could I it was our plan as a group." Lana spilt, but
"I was going to ask if you knew any good female cub names" Said Julia. "Let me think… how about Imani, Hatama and Lily?" Lana said wistfully. Julia said nothing after a long pause, and when Lana turned to her she saw Julia's face contort with pain. "My water just broke!" Julia screamed. "The cubs are coming right now!" Julia exclaimed as the pain started.
Two hours later...
"So, guys I am going to find my mate, I feel guilty about leaving her all day." Said Kyabe. "Lana and my sister are spending the day down by the lake, in our private hangout." Answered David. "I have stuff to do, like take a nap." Malka lazily said. "I need to talk with Icarus, so I am going back to the tree." David declared. As such, Kyabe headed off to the lake by himself.
Kyabe caught a strange scent as he neared where his mate was spending her day. The male went faster and exited the brush to find his mate and Lana discussing something. "Why is Julia on her side like that?" Kyabe mused aloud, getting the attention of the females. Then he heard the tiny mewling of newborn cubs, and now he realizes. "As I was saying before, I will not be leaving you to get help, you're out in the open and just gave birth." Lana paused, and Kyabe caught her cue. As she began to walk away, she turned and looked at the new family once more. "Aww. Look how cute they are." She giggled to herself.
"I am so proud of you", said Kyabe coming up to Julia, and kissing her forehead. "I was not planning to give birth here, but our family is such an odd little group." Julia said, clearly still a little weakened from the experience. "We have two sons and a daughter" Julia finally said softly. "They are all perfect and you are amazing." Said Kyabe giving her a gentle nuzzle. "I'll go get David. And…" Lana sighed to herself. "And my father." She added dejectedly.
Icarus, David, Nyota and Ajabu now stood congratulating the new mother and father. "They are all healthy", said Ajabu as he stopped observing the cubs as they slept peacefully. "Saul would love to have seen them… they are a mix of my family's blood and Saul's blood a perfect combination. I can't wait to get to know you better little ones, I am your uncle." Said Icarus as he fawned over them.
Kyabe had to think for a moment, but he was indeed Icarus's half-brother and Julia was the daughter of Saul, who was Icarus's adopted brother. Since he shared the same mother with Icarus, that would in fact make Icarus the cubs uncle. "I know this is strange, but me and Julia want you to name one of the cubs." Kyabe said. Icarus raised his eyebrow, but decided to go along with it.
"I would be glad to. This little lioness is going to be your princess. Therefore, I believe the name 'Tumani' will suit her well." Said Icarus. After a few seconds, Julia and Kyabe seemed to agree. "I would like to name this one Saul with your blessing of course." Said Julia, looking at Icarus. "I… I approve of that name." Said Icarus as he sat down next to his mate. "David and Lana, we would like you to name our other son." Said both Kyabe and Julia at the same time. David and Lana discussed their choices in private and in ten minutes they returned to the group. "We have picked the name 'Siri'." Said both Lana and David, and it wasn't lost on anyone present that this had the same meaning in the old language as Lana's name did in the current language. That is, mystery…
Sometime later in the day….
"Icarus, my friend, I need to have words with you." said Ajabu with a smile on his face like normal. "I am glad you are feeling better, after what I saw I felt lost. Just so cold and alone, like nothing mattered. But Nyota broke the spell I was under." Said Icarus. Ajabu placed his hand on Icarus' shoulder. "I would like you to give a speech to the pride. As King, you really should give them the hope and inspiration to be strong in the dark times that are to come." Ajabu responded and then pointed towards the royal den.
"A voice in the wind told me that we shall prevail should a war break out. We will be able to protect what is ours and aid our kin. From there, we will continue to rise and prosper." Ajabu closed his eyes. " Yes, I can only feel goodness, peace and happiness unlike anything I have known. The Tree of Conception is speaking to me, and for once Miran is not a part of it." Ajabu continued.
"Does this mean what I think it does?" Asked Icarus, and Ajabu picked up on it. "Whoever she is, she will help us protect our home, but I don't know how." Ajabu stated, and then elaborated. "Unknown to anyone at the massive tree, a large blossom begins to grow. Gestating within it is… a female tiger cub. This was the protection and aid that the tree speaks of: an avatar and warrior born to protect its people. You must raise her to respect the Order of Nature, and as a lioness of the Pride until she can choose her own path." Ajabu instructed, not that he needed to given Icarus' own intent and purpose for raising this new, miraculously spawned cub.
"I can give a speech tomorrow, I need time to think on what I have to say, I also need to talk with my daughter and try to make her understand about the day, I went to the Goldlands. Lana is going to leave because she is now old enough. I can't let my little princess go without talking to her, I can't stomach the thought of her hating me".
"She only uses about five words to talk with me and she does not eat with us or play with her brother, the only lions she wants around her are her friends. Nyota and her almost got into a fight. Nyota wanted Lana to come home and not sleep in "David's bed"." To that, Ajabu raised his eyebrows. "Yeah. And you can imagine just how her poor choice of words could cause Lana to react the was she did. David has a nice bed of dried grass and furs, and for the time being he gave his den to Lana and sleeps outside like a guard dog." Icarus explained.
"Lana responded by yelling back at her own mother and Nyota, being who she is, pinned Lana for it. However, as you know, my daughter isn't a small lioness, and now I have to deal with the fallout of her reminding Nyota of that. Lana is pushing away from us more and more, every time the sun rises and sets. I need to stop this before we lose her for good." Icarus said, not that he knew how to do that.
With Nyota & Lana
Nyota walked up to David's den and went inside, there was Lana sleeping in comfort. Nyota laid down beside her daughter and gently nuzzled her. "Mom?" Lana said as she opened her eyes. As she nuzzled back, she began to speak. "I am sorry for my reaction, I shouldn't have done that." Nyota, however, had an apology of her own to make. "I forgive you, I went overboard trying to handle you like a cub. I just want you to speak with your father and be with us." Whispered Nyota.
"I can't talk to him, I don't want to hate him but if we talk now I am going to go berserk. I am going to yell and swear. Say anything I can to hurt him, and that will destroy our relationship. I have hate in my heart, but no matter what I try I can't get rid of it. I blame him for what happened in the Goldlands, but I blame myself more. If I talk to him, I will end our relationship and I don't want to do that." Answered Lana.
"Your father has rage issues and he works on controlling them every day. Though his rage is one of his stronger strengths, it is also his greatest weakness. You are ripping him apart on the inside and hurting yourself at the same time. We all love you, and I think you know that. However, I know what this is also about." Nyota paused to allow Lana to come to her own conclusion, before continuing.
"You're going to leave and explore the world, and you'd much rather get used to being away from us, so your pushing us away. But you don't have to, because we understand that you are a young adult now. Tomorrow your father is going to give a speech. Ajabu informed me that he was going to request it. Just wait for the speech and then talk to your father, okay? You and Icarus, in the end, are much the same. You both are driven by love, and your senses of justice and kindness. And, as you have seen, this can lead to stubbornness and blind conviction." Nyota said, and Lana understood.
"Ok, I promise that I will stay and talk with him." Whispered Lana.
The Day of The Speech
Icarus stood at the base of the great tree; the heart of the Kuatan Jungle. His pride and, most importantly his family, was present. Kyabe and Julia where visible from the den off to his left, tending to their cubs and ensuring they stay quiet during his speech. Nyota, Lana, David, Jai and Davu stood at attention giving him smiles and, by extension, reassurance. Ajabu was with troop, and was now holding Jai and Davu on his shoulders. That's what you call a monkey's uncle, thought the lion. He was waiting for some guests; a massive eagle came flying in and took a spot in a nearby tree. A tiger and his mate along with four cubs had at last arrived. The last guests were a hyena matriarch who was still panting from her run and a jaguar. Most of all, however, Icarus was happy that Malka had finally come to his senses and seemed to be joining the Jungle Pride for good. He took a deep breath before speaking, and addressed everyone present.
The Speech
For almost 4 years, I have lived with you in this beautiful Jungle we call home. We have faced hard times, as well as enjoyed good times. We have endured losses together, and celebrated new life as one. Without you, my pride, I would be all alone in this world. Without friends and family, one would find the world a darker and harsher place than it already.
We mourn for the ones that we have lost to death and to uncertainty in their souls. We mourn for Akato, Khari, Sefu, King Mato and Queen Chuma along with her unborn cubs. We mourn for all the lionesses of the Goldlands, whose blood is shared with some of our prides great huntresses.
Today we have with us the last true heir to the Goldlander Pride. Last night I asked him a simple question: Whether justice or revenge is the better choice. He told me that he didn't know which was the right answer, because what is justice but the vengeance of those whom history remembers as heroic figures? He then asked me about those who truly love Iago, and what they would think about 'his cause' and how they'd be affected by 'our justice'. It was this, hearing it said by one so young and innocent, that reminded me of just what the right solution to the coming struggle should be.
Today I would like to put the worries in your heart to rest. I will not be waging war on the Goldlands. I have come to understand that going to war would do nothing but put us at a disadvantage and result in heavy casualties. But, a battle is coming, and we will stand as one with are families and allies. We will train, and build up defenses for what is to come. We will protect our home, our families and friends. In doing so, we must not embrace the same darkness that shall be forged against us, for darkness can not meet darkness and produce light.
My closing words to you are these do not allow yourself to be blinded by revenge, but temper your resolves with justice!
The Speech's End
"Before this meeting is over I have a few more words to say and they are happy ones." Icarus said, before signaling Ajabu to raise the two cubs on his shoulders. "My son Jai has made an oath with Davu, just like I did with my brother Saul. This pleases me greatly because no one should be alone. They are great friends and work well together. So, Nyota and Iwould like to tell you that we have adopted Davu. He is now a prince of the Kuatan Jungle." Davu's resemblance to Miran was not lost on those old enough to remember him, but the animals gathered cheered nonetheless. And, with his best roar, Icarus closed the meeting.
Icarus looked around and could not find Lana, he became upset and went to the family den. He was happy that he did not cause a spectacle, since he was going to save it for his mate and Pride.
"She must really hate me to leave like that without saying goodbye. I was a fool to think she wouldn't, though." Said Icarus entering the den, and was jarred to hear Lana's voice respond behind him. "I don't hate you. I really wanted to, because I thought you deserved it, but it made me twisted up inside. I did not want to say something that I could never take back; I was so angry and blinded by my own fear and rage. I just can't understand why you did it, why could you not let her go. You said that one of the best virtues to have is the ability of self-control and the capacity to show mercy." Lana said. Icarus hung his head in shame, before recomposing himself to respond.
"I… let my anger get the best of me. I just could not show mercy for what he tried to do to you. You are my daughter, my flesh and blood, and I would face the One Above All in combat to protect you. And when Iago brought harm to you, so many things went through my mind and clouded my judgment. I admit, I did not kill Choyana for the good of everyone else, even if she ultimately deserved death. I didn't even kill her because I blamed her for enabling Iago and raising him to be the way he is. In the end, I killed her because she dared to stand in my way and impede what I believed to be right." Icarus answered solemnly.
Lana hesitated and looked at her father, to Icarus her purple eyes where looking at his soul. "Some people say that you tortured her to death and that you enjoyed it, that you beat her skull on the ground and gutted her. And, when she screamed for mercy, you laughed at her." Lana recounted, and the raised eyebrow from Icarus said it all.
"I probably did do all of that, because all I remember is her pouncing on me and then me retaliating. One moment she had attacked me from behind, and the next moment she was dead and her children were deathly afraid of me. We both were fighting for the protection and honor of our children, and the result was that my rage was bigger than hers." Answered Icarus.
Lana started to cry however she would not allow her father near. "What about Jezebel and Othello? How could you forget about them? And how they came to live with us? How we all played together; how Jezebel asked if she could stay forever and be a part of our family. How you taught all three of us to fish; and how we napped on you? Did that mean nothing to you? You hurt them and did not even try to say you're sorry for it." Lana sobbed.
"I regret that. Truth is, I wasn't sorry for Choyana's death. I'm not sorry I killed her and will kill Iago if he threatens my pride and my family. But I am sorry it had to happen. I regret that I have let it come to this and I hope that you forgive me, my daughter." Icarus grabbed her face to make her look him in the eyes, much the way he used to when she was just opening her eyes for the first time as a cub.
"I loved you the day I knew that I was going to have a cub, be it boy or girl. No matter what it would be, it made me the happiest lion in the world. This is hard to say, but my first mistake was thinking only with my anger. My second, was then acting on it and making a mess of your life, to sate my own feelings. Now I am learning from both." Icarus answered. And for what it was worth, it seemed to get through.
"That's all I wanted to know. To know that you had a heart, that you're not some kind of psychopath." Lana took a deep breath "I've said goodbye to everyone and now its time for us to part ways." Said Lana as she nuzzled her father. Icarus in turn kissed her forehead. The two just stood there until Lana pulled away. "Daddy it's time for me to go." Lana declared.
"I have just one more thing to say, Lana. Don't live your life as a martyr. Nyota and I both know that you hope leaving would make Iago chase you. That his armies would leave our home alone if you aren't here. But it won't. He is the kind to do horrible, heinous actions simply because he thinks he could get away with it. I have personally witnessed many lions just like him in the Wastelands; he would gladly do his worst to you if he gets just half a chance. So, I ask that you stay safe, and do what you believe to be right." Icarus warned, as he gave her one last nuzzle before imparting one last lesson upon her.
"Only a heart of justice could truly find the gall to do what it truly thinks is right. Yet, it is that very heart that can harm just as much as it tried to help. Wisdom is the ability to know when to act upon the feelings of the heart." Icarus said, as he noticed the sun setting on his kingdom. And with it, Lana headed towards the border.
The End