I got this idea from a story called 'A Light for everyone' by Alex Draco. The beginning of this story is similar to the beginning of his. However, my story goes in a bit of a different direction. But it was inspired by that story! You should go check it out, it's very well written in my opinion. One more thing. I am using some of Tearthgrrl OC's, just because they really add to the story. Tearthgrrl hasn't added anything to her profile for three years now, so I figured it would be okay to use some of her OC's. But credit where it's due!
Tearthgrrl OC's:
Maumbu- Eds big brother, a healer, sort of like Rafiki.
Hasina- Maumbu's mate
By the way, whenever you see : ()()()()()()(()(())(), it means the point of view is changing. Also, I did some research and it turns out that even if a person is totally blind, they will still be able to see random lights and colors, those lights and colors just don't correspond to what is actually in front of them. But for the purpose of this story, total blindness will mean that all the person will be able to see is darkness. No lights or colors, just a black void. To clear things up, 'Macho' means 'vigilant' in swahili. And the name is pronounced 'maco' don't pronounce the ch sound.
Anyways, on with the fanfic!
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Shenzi's POV
Shenzi, Banzai, Ed, and a female hyena called Fahama were dragging the carcass of a wildebeest across the stony ground of the Graveyard. Shenzi didn't see where exactly where they were going, so she trusted Banzai and Fahama to go to the right place. Ed of course just dragged it where everyone else was going. He didn't think too much.
A few minutes earlier, the lioness called Kiara, another lioness called Nala, and a male lion called Kovu had given her this wildebeest carcass. Kiara was keeping her promise to help the hyenas, since she had felt sorry for how Shenzi's clan had to live. Shenzi remembered the last time she had befriended a lion. Scar, who was called Taka back then, had no friends, so when he met Shenzi and her companions, they became his friends. Back when they were pups, it was actual friendship, and they and Taka would play all day among the bones. But when he grew up, he became consumed by thoughts of jealousy and revenge. After that, he only kept with the hyenas so he could use them to ascend to the throne.
Shenzi kept her teeth clamped into the wildebeest. The lions hadn't lied, it was certainly a big one. But that was good, it meant more food for her hyenas. Suddenly, they stopped moving. Banzai spoke up.
"Uh, hey Shenzi?" He said.
"What?" She responded.
"Well, where exactly do you want us to take this? To Maumbu, or to the living dens?"
"And why would we take it to Maumbu's?"
"Well, I don't know,,, because he's the healer? And he might need some extra food?"
"Banzai, did you really think that when I got this wildebeest, I started to drag it back here without any idea of where I would leave it?" Asked Shenzi. Before Banzai could answer, she resumed. "Of course I know where I want us to take it!"
"So then,,,,, where is that place?"
"Just haul it to the living dens. We'll eat there." Responded Shenzi.
"Okay then, I guess… Let's continue?" Said Fahama, who sounded impatient to get out of the rain.
"Yes, lets." Said Shenzi. Shenzi and her companions bit back into the wildebeest and continued their work. After a few more minutes of labor, Shenzi felt the rain stop. It didn't sound like the rain had stopped, she still heard it pounding in front of her. Shenzi supposed they must have entered a cave. Indeed, as time progressed, she heard the pitter patter fade off in the distance.
Behind her, she heard the many voices of her clan members. As they got closer, she heard some excited calls, and the sound of more hyenas coming towards them. The sound of their paws hitting the ground as they walked came closer. Then, the weight of the wildebeest dramatically diminished, and they started to go faster. At least they had the sense to help them. The carcass was not an easy thing to drag cross country.
"Hey guys! Look at that!" Came a small voice. It must have been a pup, since it sounded so squeaky.
"Wow!"
"It's so big!"
"That's bigger than my dad!"
Shenzi smiled. The pups were amazed at the wildebeest's size. Shenzi couldn't see exactly how large it was, but it certainly was heavier than any creature she'd snared before. It probably was impressive.
"Hey Shenzi!" Came a voice above the clamor. Shenzi turned towards the sound.
"What is it Macho?" She replied.
"Well Shenzi, where did you get such a huge beast!" Macho said, sounding amazed. And if he sounded amazed, then it was for certain one huge animal.
"Sorry Macho, can't tell you that."
"Why? Is it from the Pridelands? I thought we weren't allowed to go there, according to your decree."
"Don't worry Macho, I practice what I preach. I stayed out of the Pridelands. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to make an announcement," said Shenzi, as she stood up and cleared her throat.
"Quiet down everyone! Quiet down." She shouted. After a few moments, the voices stopped. "Now, I'm sure you all are marveling at the size of this here animal. Don't worry, we'll get to eat it soon. But we can't just gobble it down. We're going to ration it. So, if any of you are hungry right now, you can eat from it until you are satisfied, not stuffed. That said, there won't be any hunting tomorrow, this animal should cover it. We'll eat it all tomorrow, lest it should rot. Now then, you may eat if you should." With that, Shenzi sat back down. She felt some hyenas push past her on their way to the carcass.
"Hey Banzai, where are you?" She said.
"I'm right, oof!, right here Shenzi! Watch it kid! He shouted. Apparently a hyena had bumped into him on his way to the wildebeest.
"Well, come here then!" She responded. She heard some more grunts as Banzai apparently pushed his way through a mass of hyenas.
"I'm here. What is it?"
"Lead me back out into the rain. And bring Macho as well. I need to talk to you both in private."
"Alright then. Should we go out first, and then I'll bring Macho second?"
"Sure. But when you get Macho, bring Fahama as well." She said.
"Okay. Follow me." Replied Banzai. He put a paw on her shoulder and guided her away from their hyena clan mates. Eventually they made it back out into the rain.
"Well, just as I got dry too" said Banzai in a whine.
"Oh quit your complaining you wuss. Now, do you remember that bull elephant skull that sat on top of the tallest hill?"
"Yeah, we used to climb up to it and play around it. Why do you ask?"
"That's where I want to go." Said Shenzi. It was purely for nostalgia reasons, when they were pups, she, Banzai, Ed, and Taka used to climb up to that bull elephant skull everyday and would sit on top of it to talk about things. It was her favorite spot from her puphood, and she wanted to visit it again, if just to comfort herself.
"All the way up there? But, how are you supposed to get up there? I mean, climbing the hill was always hard when we were younger, but without sight, and the rain…"
"I'll get up there Banzai. Let me worry about how I'm going to do it. Now take me to the base of the hill." She ordered. Banzai gave an affirmative, and he began his humming again. Shenzi figured she would wait to tell Banzai that his humming stank until after they reached their destination.
As they went through the rain, Shenzi had to strain her ears to hear Banzai. The pounding droplets of water were soaking her thoroughly, but at least it wasn't cold. They went through numerous puddles. The rain really was piling up.
"Here we are!" Shouted Banzai. Shenzi stopped, hoping they really had arrived.
"Okay then, how do you plan to get up Shenzi?" Asked Banzai.
"You're going to guide me" she replied. "Here's how this is going to work. As you climb up this here cliff, I will be right next to you. You will place my paws in the right spots, and we will proceed like that all the way up."
"You really think that's going to work? Responded Banzai.
"I'm positive. Now, where exactly do we start?..."
"Oh, uhhhh, we'll start right here." Banzai grabbed one of her paws and pulled her forward. He placed in a nook in the cliff face. Then, he proceeded to do the same with her other front paw. She heard him grunt as he himself began to climb up the rocks. Then, she felt him grab her right paw again, and he pulled her up to the next handhold.
"This way!" He called. The rocks they were climbing were all wet, and the cliff face was sheer, but if they could do it as pups, they certainly could do it now. And Shenzi wasn't going to let lack of sight stop her. She dug her claws into the cracks, waiting for Banzai to show her where the next handhold. Up they went, further and further towards their goal.
"Hey Shenzi! We got a little problem!" Called Banzai over the pounding rain."
"What is it you moron!?" Replied Shenzi, who was eager to keep moving.
"Well, we're pretty close to the top, but we've run out of places to grab on to!"
Shenzi sighed in exasperation. Banzai was probably exaggerating. Despite his physical toughness, he sometimes gave up too quickly.
"Listen Banzai, just use your claws! It can't be that hard."
"Im not kidding! I forgot how we used to do this! The rest of the climb is just smooth rock, with nowhere to climb!" He responded.
"Well then, have you ever considered going sideways until you do find a place to climb?
Banzai was silent for a few moments.
"Oh! Oh, now I see the way!" Exclaimed Banzai. Shenzi shook her head. Tsk tsk tsk, she thought. Banzai grabbed her paw again, and they shimmied sideways until Banzai began to climb further up again. Eventually, they reached the edge, and Banzai hauled her up and over.
"Well, finally. Now where is that skull of ours?" Demanded Shenzi.
"Just over there. Follow me." They entered the elephant skull, and the rain stopped soaking Shenzi. She heard it pounding the roof of the skull, and she was glad they were now inside.
"Okay Banzai, now fetch Macho and Fahama. We're going to need to talk in private."
"Alright then, I'll be back soon. Replied Banzai, as he went back outside. Shenzi heard him curse at the wetness of the rain, then she heard him slide back down the way they came. Shenzi sat down. He probably wouldn't be back for another fifteen minutes or so. She had some time to think.
The reason she wanted Banzai, Macho, and Fahama here was because she was going to make some leadership changes. Shenzi frowned. The unfortunate matter was, being blind really was restricting when it came to leading a clan of hyenas. Her only other officer was Banzai, who was second in command. Then there were the hunting lieutenants, such as Macho. Their only responsibilities were to lead the hunts. Outside of their packs, they didn't have much power.
Banzai was a good second in command, but he just wouldn't cut it anymore. She was going to appoint Macho and Fahama to higher positions that she would create. To her knowledge, a blind Matriarch like her had never happened before. There were always heirs to take over. But she didn't have any pups, and she didn't intend to have some anytime soon. So some officers to help her in the governing of the clan would be useful.
Macho was her best hunting leiutanant. He would never come back without food. He was also fiercely loyal to her, so that was a plus. He was serious, hardworking, and had experience in improvising. That would be important. Shenzi had to improvise more than once since she became Matriarch.
Fahama was also a good hyena, one who completed her hunting responsibilities no matter what. Shenzi hadn't really known Fahama as well as Macho, but she knew she was more playful than the serious Macho. The playfulness just meant that all the harsh years in the Graveyard hadn't broken her, so she was tough as well. Along with that, she was also a kind hyena who gave her food to hungry pups who needed it more. Still, she was more conservative than Shenzi when it came to that area, Shenzi very nearly starved herself to death a few days ago, it was partially why she was now blind.
Then, she heard voices from off to her left. She turned in their direction, and waited for them to come closer. It sounded like Banzai was arguing with Fahama about how exactly a hyena scaled a cliff.
"You know, it worked the first time!" Banzai shouted.
"I don't think you took into account the rain makong the rocks slippery!" Replied Fahama.
"Yeah, well at least I don't need it to be perfectly dry whenever I go for a climb!" Retorted Banzai.
"Gah! Will you two to please get along!" Came another voice, probably Macho.
It appeared they had some difficulties one their way up. Shenzi snickered as they continued to argue. She didn't know what exactly had happened, but Banzai and Fahama were bickering about it.
"Hey you out there! Hurry up and get over here!" She called. Immediately the arguing stopped, and she heard three sets of paws run inside the skull.
"Matriarch Shenzi! We're all here, as per you request!" Reported Macho.
"Albeit a bit bruised but yeah, we're all here." Added Fahama.
"It wasn't my fault! retorted Banzai.
"Shut up you two. Now, this is important. I want you three to pay perfect attention to what I'm going to say. But first, what exactly happened on your way up here?" Asked Shenzi. Fahama was the first to speak up.
"Well, Banzai here thought he could try and do the climb quickly. He slipped, and fell back down onto me. Then, we both fell down and hit the hard, stony ground." Said Fahama
"Alright okay! That was an accident! Not my fault!" Replied Banzai.
"Banzai, it sounds like it was entirely your fault." Smirked Shenzi. "Now then, we have placed the blame, so we will move on. I bet you're wondering why you all had to climb up here."
"Actually yeah, what was the point?" Said Banzai.
"I chose here purely for nostalgia reasons. And since Banzai fell on Fahama, I now have something else to tease him about."
"Well that's just great." Muttered Banzai.
"Anyhow, listen up, this is important. Now, you see, I have a problem. Due to my rather unlucky and recent loss of sight, I might have, err, difficulties, performing certain Matriarchal tasks." Ugh. Shenzi hated admitting to weakness. Even so, the three hyenas in front of her listened with rapt attention. "Okay. So I am going create a few more offices of power, for the purpose to help me govern my clan. Banzai, you're already second in command, but I'm going to appoint Macho and Fahama as advisers, sorta like two more second in commands. Now, all I have to know is if you two are up to the job." She said, as she gestured towards Banzai's cohorts.
"Matriarch Shenzi, I never expected to be given such an honor. I will serve you as best I can until my dying breath." Pledged Macho. That sounded good.
"Well, gosh Shenzi, that's awfully nice of you.. I guess I can't decline an offer from the Matriarch. You can count on me." Added Fahama. That pleased Shenzi. Now she had three loyal advisers, including Banzai.
"Good then, that's all settled. Now, I'm going to explain how this will work. You all can make on the spot decisions, you know, like food distribution. But any major ones have to go through me. No exceptions. Macho, you will be in charge of all hunting parties. You will have jurisdiction over every hunting lieutenant. I'm counting on you to keep them organized. Fahama, you will be in charge of the living quarters and the caves. If anyone has problems, all hyenas will report to you. You need to keep things under control, and keep track of everyone at all times. I need you to know everything that goes on around here, especially when it comes to portions of meat. Banzai, you will simply keep doing what you've been doing all this time. Not too hard for you then. Well, that's what you all have to do. Any questions?"
"Yes. I have a question. What exactly have I been doing all this time?" Said Banzai. Shenzi shook her head in exasperation.
"Well, I don't know, keep hunting, keep, just, being available. That's pretty much it I guess."
"Okay" he replied.
"Don't worry Shenzi, we won't let you down." Said Macho, who stood at attention.
"I'll do my best!" Said Fahama.
"Well, if we are all set, let's get back to the dens." Said Banzai.
"Righto. Who wants to help me slide down? Said Shenzi, with a smile on her face.
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Kiara's POV
Kiara yawned. She got up, stretched, and rubbed her eyes. It was morning. She looked outside the den at Pride Rock, and saw that it was still raining. It had been raining since yesterday. Kiara carefully tiptoed over the other sleeping lions, and made her way to the cave's mouth. Once there, she sat down and stared at the downpour happening outside.
Rain came down in huge droplets, splashing against the orange hues of Pride Rock. The pitter patter sound was almost peaceful to listen to. Kiara continued to sit there, just watching the rain in silence. After some time, another lion came to sit down next to her.
"Hi Kovu." Said Kiara.
"Good morning." Replied Kovu. Kovu sat down beside her, and watched the rain come down too. After a few more minutes of silence, he spoke up.
"So Kiara, whatcha thinking about?" Asked Kovu.
"Nothing much. I'm just sitting here, watching the rain. What are you thinking about?"
"Actually, I was thinking about how anyone is going to get anything done today. It's raining pretty hard out there. Are the lionesses even going to hunt?"
"Maybe everyone will stay inside today." Suggested Kiara.
"That would certainly be boring." Replied Kovu.
"I know, it would be boring." Came another voice from behind them. Simba walked up and sat down next to Kiara.
"Hey dad!" Said Kiara.
"Hello King Simba!" Added Kovu, who sat up much straighter at the king's arrival.
"Good morning to you two. Now, Kovu, I believe you said you staying inside all day would be boring." Said Simba.
"Oh, well, yeah, I mean, it would be pretty boring to be cooped up all day in this den." Replied Kovu.
"Well, you won't have to stay inside today, I have something planned for the three of us." Responded Simba.
"What is it dad?" Asked Kiara.
"Hope you two don't mind getting a little wet!" Replied Simba.
"Is it more patrols in the rain?" Asked Kovu.
"Nope! Today, we're going to have a little fun. A king has to relax sometime!"
"So,,, what are we going to do dad?"
"I'm going to teach you two how to swim!" Said Simba, with a playful gleam in his eye.
"Oh. Wait a minute, but I hate water!" Said Kovu.
"Too bad!" Said Simba. Kiara looked at her dad. He was usually so serious, and no nonsense, but all of a sudden, he seemed super playful, and happy. Kiara supposed that was the cub in him.
"Now, come on you two, before the lionesses wake up." Ordered Simba, as he bounded outside into the rain. Kiara and Kovu looked at each other, then followed him as they ran through the rain.
Simba was a few yards ahead of them, and so Kiara and Kovu had to sprint to catch up. As they ran over the deluged savannah, Kiara saw Simba head for the water hole. Eventually, they arrived at the largest body of water in the Pridelands. There were no animals at the water hole currently, probably because of the early morning and the rain.
"Okay then. Have either of you ever been swimming before?"
"Well, when I dragged Kiara out of the river." Said Kovu.
"Kovu, that hardly counts! That river was barely waist deep anyway." Added Kiara.
"Okay, so the answers no. Now, since we're all already wet, we don't have to worry about how we're going to fry off. In that case, there's a certain way we have to start this. Follow me." Simba trotted off to the water's edge, with Kiara and Kovu close behind.
"Right then. Just watch me!" Said Simba, with a smile on his face. He jumped into the water hole, and submerged. Kiara and Kovu leaned out over the water, looking for any sign of the king. Suddenly, below them, Simba jumped out of the water, grabbed them both with his paws, and dragged them in!
"Gah!" Yelled Kovu when he resurfaced. Kiara flailed with her claws, batting at the water beneath her in an effort to stay above the water.
"Calm down you two! The water isn't that deep! Try standing." Came the voice of Simba. Kiara thrust her legs down beneath her, and felt her paws touch the ground. Somewhat embarrassed, Kiara tried to pass of her previous panic by licking one of her paws. She looked over at Kovu. He was also dripping wet, and his mane hung over his eyes. He too was trying not to show his panic.
"Hey Kovu! Having fun yet?" Kiara called.
"Not exactly." Came the reply. Kovu batted at one side of his head in an effort to get water out of his ear.
"Don't worry, swimming is easy!" Said Simba, as he started to do a sort of doggy paddle around Kovu and Kiara. "Just do what I'm doing. You have to thrust your paws back and forth in the water, to keep yourself aloft. To move forward, just thrust backwards with your hind legs."
Kiara saw Kovu try to do what Simba told them. She giggled when he immediately sank, and came back up gasping for air.
"It's not funny!" Said Kovu when he saw Kiara laughing. "I'd like to see you try."
"Alright then!" Replied Kiara. She raised her paws of the ground, and did her best to thrust them back and forth. To her delight, she didn't sink! Then, she tried to move forward by kicking out her back legs. That didn't work. She instantly sank beneath the water, and had to stand back up again.
"Told you it isn't as easy as it looks." Said Kovu.
"I'll show you!" Yelled Kiara, who tried to pounce on her mate. However, she overestimated the amount of thrust she could give herself when standing in waist deep water. When she jumped, she only went a few feet forward, and landed face first back in the water.
"Show me what?" Asked Kovu, in sarcastic voice.
"This!" Kiara pulled her paw back, and splashed Kovu in the muzzle.
"Hey!" Kovu immediately splashed back. Pretty soon, they were throwing water at each other, in an effort to subdue the other. Kiara smiled as she dodged some of Kovu's efforts. She thrust her paws out, and got Kovu in the eyes!
"Okay okay, you win." Said Kovu in mock defeat.
"Hey, where did dad go?" Asked Kiara. They looked around, but the king was nowhere to be seen among the rain. Suddenly, they heard the pounding of paws over the rain, and they turned around to see Simba jump up, and cannonball right between them. The resulting splash drenched Kiara and Kovu even more, and they shook themselves off as best they could.
"Dad! That's not fair!" Said Kiara.
"Now then, I win." Said Simba, looking proud, and rather pleased with himself. Kiara laughed, now really enjoying herself. She still had to keep the hyenas a secret from Simba, but she would always love her dad.
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Here's another chapter for ya'll! If you thought Kiara's part was a bit short, that's because it was. It was just supposed to be a chapter filler that fleshed out Kiara and Kovu a bit more. Anyhow, things seem to be going well for our characters! Not for much longer though, just wait for the next chapter. (Evil grin) Well, its considered a fanfiction crime to read but not review! Constructive criticism accepted. No flaming!