Chapter CXLII: Divided, The Conflict Upon The Pridelands Final Part I
The vicious lioness Zira's eyes were glowing with malevolent red light as she stepped forwards into the icy waters of the river that divided the lands. As the rest of her Pride followed her in, they all too glowed with that same rage. For they all knew this was going to be their final stand! Simba was going to pay for the losses they had all suffered for so long! The deaths of Scar and Nuka and even the corruption of their former prince Kovu!
Lightning flashed angrily in the sky above as they all each emerged from the cold muddy waters making it into the Pridelands! A distant thunder then echoed further away somewhere.
Watching from a safe distance, Jona and Hari observed the lions as they all started to ascend the tall hills. All of the Outlanders were covered in muddy water from the neck down, but this didn't bother them as they all walked on, they were almost zombie-like driven by their extreme darkness in-fuelled rage.
Looking at them as they went Jona spoke up, "well looks like nothin's gonna stop these guys now! You really up the dose on 'em didn't ya?"
Hearing her ask this question Hari simply responded, "I only instilled what was demanded by lady Zira, whatever comes of this is of their own will."
Jona listening to this couldn't help but giggle a little as she responded, "aw? So you're sayin' you're just gonna wash your hands off of the whole thing are ya?"
Hari coldly quiet for a moment replied, "if those are the right words you wish to describe it."
Jona laughed again as she told her, "ha! Ha! Ha! Aww you're totally never boring, I reckon I've made the right choice here!"
Hari quiet again didn't answer her as she watched all the Outlander Pride continue on their way, but as they did she decided to ask Jona her own question, "what about you may I ask?"
Confused as she heard this, Jona looked to her as she asked, "about what?"
Hari then asked her, "do you hold no regrets letting them all fight to the death in this state?"
Hearing her ask this Jona thought this was a little surprising, but casually she shrugged her shoulders as she told her, "nah not really..." then looking to them she answered in a more serious tone, "these guys have been wantin' revenge long before I even came onto the scene! And since it is... why should I be the one to quell 'em... besides, havin' yer taste for vengeance at times is almost impossible to quench."
Hari looking at the earring clad lioness said nothing else as she simply looked back to the Pride and saw that all of them had now made it up the hill. Seeing this she knew it was time that they both follow suite, so quietly she led the way as Jona followed after her.
"Hari!"
Hearing this sudden shout both Cheetah and earring wearing Lioness turned around to see their overweight accomplice Pete quickly approaching as he emerged from a portal of darkness, he was heaving and breathing heavily obviously in a huge panic.
Seeing him quickly approach Hari looked on with a blank face, while Jona asked but though already guessing, "oh? I wonder what fire he's come out of?"
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Running hard and fast forwards all desperate to stop the rage in-fuelled madness that was enveloping all those in the Pridelands , the band of keybladers, lion and lioness pushed themselves hard as the stormy rains continued to fall.
As they raced on Nozomi was almost breathless but not from tiredness, it was from worry as she spoke out, "oh please! Don't let us be too late please!"
Riku biting his lip also thought to himself, 'Simba!'
Cait sith seeing that everyone was worried spoke up as he called out from Nozomi's back, "c'mon mates! Pace yaselves! We'll make it and slam dunk some darn common sense into all of 'em!"
Mickey couldn't help but smile as he said this and so he responded, "yeah I know that we will Cait sith! C'mon fella's!"
With that everyone continued on, however though she was comforted by having all her friends with her and Kovu, Kiara couldn't help but think with worry, 'Dad! Mom!'
Then when Kovu looked at her he could almost guess what she was thinking as he felt the same anxiety for his own Pride, they had to make it! They had to!
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As the lions of the Out Lands descended the hill and the storm continued to rage on, below standing on their own Pride Lands, Simba's Pride seemed to have been waiting for them!
The moments when both Pride's laid their eyes on one another, the spores of darkness inside them made all their eyes glow all the more red with ferocity! The other animals of the rich fertile lands sensing this wave of rage all quickly made their way to flee.
Then as they did and the two warring Prides began to gather themselves on either side, a flock of vultures flew overhead as they could sense death was on the horizon upon this plane!
Finally as the last of the frightened animals ran away, the two sides had lined themselves parallel to one another ready and waiting for their leaders to speak, which immediately started to happen as Simba strode forwards looking grand and mighty like the King he was even as the darkness of rage burned in his eyes.
However slightly obscuring this image Timon and Pumba still caught in the spell vented their own frustrations as they both mocked all the Lions of the Out Lands, by swinging their bottoms in front of them to and throw crying out in a childish gesture, "nah! Ne! Na! Na Nah!"
However Zira spoke on from a tall standing rock ignoring the insignificant small mammals as she said, "it's over Simba! I've dreamed of nothing else for years!"
Timon hearing this comment as he now stood upon his companion's head retorted back, "boy does she need a hobby!"
Growling with his rage almost at its boiling point Simba spoke back to her, "this is your last chance Zira! Go home!"
At once replying with a sinister smile Zira told the foolish King, "I am home!" Then at once a furious lightning bolt struck the ground as the thunder echoed out everywhere again as though reflecting the sinister savageness racing in her heart. Then in another swift moment she cried out almost in joy, "attack!"
At once the lions of her Pride all roared loudly revealing their own intent as they all immediately started to run forwards and instantly in response Simba roared back as his own lions ran to intercept them all! With that the fierce bloody battle was initiated!
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Even though she was far away as they all approached everyone could hear Zira's enraged voice cry out, as she commanded her Pride to go on, "go for the eye!" At once a vicious slash was made cutting into the face of another!"Break his jaw!" Another painful attack! "Tenho!" More roars of pain! "Get them! Do what you must!"
At last finally the group of desperate heroes finally arrived upon a cliff's edge that overlooked the battle that was transpiring and as they looked on, it was a horrible thing to gaze on!
For standing where they all were, hardly anyone could tell who was friend or foe anymore! As each lion bit and clawed into another, everyone could hear the cries of pain, anguish and rage all meshing together as one!
Seeing what was happening Kiara spoke out horrified, "this is terrible!"
Nodding fearfully Nozomi agreed as she spoke up, "we've got to do something! We have to stop them!"
Mickey nodded at this himself as he hadn't seen such a horrible battle since-
"Look!" Breaking him from his thoughts Kovu was pointing out to them, "look there! What is that!?"
Then quickly everyone saw what he was pointing to! There on the ground as the lions of both Pride's continued on battling swarms of heartless that were coloured red and raptor shaped had emerged! Now they too were attacking, slashing and ferociously biting away into the enraged suffering Lions!
As everyone looked on though, none of them seemed to even notice heartless! As Nozomi saw another and another attack all of them, she couldn't understand what was happening. Cait sith reflected these thoughts as he cried out, "what're them dimwits doin'!? Don't they all notice they're gettin' gnawed and clawed into by them things!"
However looking on Riku quickly knew the reasons why! "They're caught in the haze of hate just like we were! They're so obsessed with their enemies they're not even seeing the heartless anymore!"
Hearing this in moments there was no time to hesitate as the King announced! "C'mon fella's we gotta get goin'! Now!"
Then without another word everyone quickly descended the cliff edge! As they did Kiara spoke up, "we have to get there fast!"
Nozomi agreed as she spoke up herself, "yeah because if we don't, they're all going to get slaughtered!"
BLAST!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
Suddenly a huge burst of burning red energy came out of nowhere sending everyone off their feet in moments!
Getting up quickly on guard in moments, Cait sith stood next to Nozomi as he told her, "lass get on ya stripy legs right now! She's here it's-"
However already seeing with agitation her, she gritted her teeth and spoke out mad, "Hari..."
At once the others too started getting up and as they did all of them watched as the winged Cheetah descended and landed on the ground. As she did she looked on with her cold serious eyes, as she did everyone could see that though there was no expression on her face, just from her aura they could all sense an unyielding intensity.
However standing up to her Nozomi cried out, "Hari get out of our way! We have to stop this battle!"
The Cheetah hearing this gripped her claws into the earth as she replied coldly and fiercely, "I will not allow you to!"
Everyone then finally got on their feet too and as they did they all knew this was turning into a serious situation! But they couldn't spend this time fighting pointlessly themselves!
Riku and Mickey looking to each other, then to Kovu and Kiara quickly came up with something which they put into motion instantly, the both of them quickly ran forwards and lined themselves either side to Nozomi!
As they did this Kovu called out, "guys!"
In moments Mickey told them both, "Kiara! Kovu! We'll distract Hari here and give ya both the chance to break through!"
Hearing this Kiara though called back, "but-"
Riku then told her, "we have the powers to hold her back! But the two of you need to get to that battle ASAP! The more time we waste the more life will be lost!"
Kiara was made silent again as Cait sith told her, "that's right lass! Now don't ya worry! Just leave this heartless lassie to us!"
With that in seconds all the keybladers called upon their weapons in moments and as they did quickly all three of them called out their spells!
"BLIZZAGA!"
"FIRAGA!"
"THUNDERGA!"
In moments the three spells combined together and as they did, Hari flew out of the way and quickly Riku and Mickey launched themselves into the air! Then just before she chased after them Nozomi called out to both Kiara and Kovu, "go on! Get going you two!" With that she took off into the air too!
Seeing them go, Kiara bent her head down feeling so grateful yet so remorseful too, but snapping her out of it Kovu told her, "Kiara! C'mon we've got to go!"
Hearing him as he told her this, instantly the Princess of the Pride lands nodded and with that quickly the two of them started to run forwards!
In the air Hari moved swiftly in the air with her wings as she summoned her own keyblade slicing with it forwards! This attack struck Mickey flying backwards! Seeing Mickey fall to the ground Nozomi cried out anxious, "Mickey!?" Then looking to Hari she bit her bottom lip, she was going to pay for this!
The winged Cheetah turned as Riku moved in as he struck her blade with his! As it grated against hers he bit hard concentrating all his strength towards her!
Hari looking at Riku with her own keyblade in her jaws looked on coldly, then suddenly she moved her eyes down as she spied both Kiara and Kovu running for it. As she did this Riku saw her look a little further forwards beyond the Lion and Lioness but before he had the chance to look at what she was seeing suddenly, "Swift Star Rays!"
A rain of shooting stars raced forwards and as they did in moments Hari suddenly moved dislodging Riku from her blade making the stars nearly hit him! Quickly dodging them panicked he looked up to Nozomi and getting mad he called out to her, "Nozomi! Watch where you're aiming you idiot!"
Annoyed Nozomi didn't have the time for this and responded, "well excuse me! I'm sorry okay?!" Then looking down she spied Hari heading straight for Kovu and Kiara!
"Lass pelt it forwards would ya!" Cait sith cried out loud agitated!
In seconds she replied, "on it!" With that she dove down with her wings helping to drive her forwards! Then arriving quickly in front of her Nozomi told her mad, her blade displayed,"just what do you think you're going to do!"
Hari though was quiet at this aggression as she simply looked down to Kiara and Kovu who had arrived at the edge of a damn made of dead lodged logs and trees, Nozomi though concentrated completely on her arch enemy! She wasn't to going to let her-
BLAST!
"AAGGGHHH!"
Shocking her Nozomi looked down and saw that Kiara and Kovu had both been thrown backwards off their feet!
Aching from the earth shattering attack that had been sent at them both Kovu cringed and then suddenly he heard a cry, hearing it he acted in moments, "Kiara!" He called out as he quickly got up and went to her side.
Nudging into her she opened her eyes and smiled though a little painfully, seeing this he was grateful but then looking he saw who'd attacked them both! "Jona!" He growled out angrily!
Hearing this the earring wearing lioness laughed as she replied, "oh yeah! Did you miss me Kovu honey?" Finishing with a wink.
Seeing her do this Kovu knew better then to underestimate her and so he said, "so you've changed sides huh? Found something more powerful than Zira's hatred?"
Jona at this comment smiled arrogantly as she replied, "you could say something like that?"
Kiara now fully awakened looked to Jona herself as she readied herself to move as Kovu spoke again, "and let me guess further... you don't have any intention of letting us get across are you?"
The smile still on her face Jona simply replied, "bingo again..." then she started to glow with that powerful orange light once more and as she did both Kovu and Kiara were ready as the earring clad lioness finished, "now let's get this game started!"
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Meanwhile back on the treacherous battlefield between Pride Lander and Out Lander it was still horrible as lion slashed and clawed into another lion as the heartless fed even further damage into the turmoil.
As the roars sounded everywhere even Timon and Pumba were still caught in their own enraged state "Ha! Now where's a good one!? Where's a good one!" Timon demanded rubbing his paws together with anticipation.
"Hey Timon!" Pumba called as he aimed and looked at another Lioness to strike down!
"Ha! Great aim Pumba! Now let's get 'em!" With that the Warthog started running at full speed ready to strike!
But suddenly as they were coming in closer and closer for an attack, this Lioness leaped out of the way and as it did they came ground to a halt as they came face to face with a red coloured raptor heartless! This one roared loudly as the both of them came straight at it!
"RRRRROOOOAAAARRR!"
Seeing it all at once the rage and hatred that had been dominating the Meerkat and Warthog all but evaporated to be replaced by an overwhelming wave of fear and panic that turned them both pale white!
"AAAAAGGGGGHHHH!"
With that they both turned on their hinds and started running for their lives! As they did a trio of the raptors started to give chase after them through the wet battlefield! As they ran Pumba asked aloud terrified, "Timon! What's happenin' what're those things!? And what's this whole ruckus that's happenin'!?"
Timon didn't have a clue either as he answered back, "I got no answers for ya buddy! But I know one thing's for certain!"
"What's that?" Pumba asked curious.
His Meerkat friend told him, "that if you don't speed up we're gonna get turned into appetizers!"
With that another loud roar broke out from another heartless behind them both! As this happened the Warthog ran just a little faster desperate to save his and his friends skins!
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Back beyond the battlefield the keybladers, lioness princess and Outlander Lion were struggling against two powerful warriors of darkness!
Hari was keeping Nozomi, Riku and Mickey back with her powerful wings and fast burning rays of light that threatened to slice into them if they dared to get too close! While on the ground Jona was easily keeping Kiara's and Kovu's path blocked as she simply created craters and made the ground tremble as they tried to dodge and weave through them!
Landing on the ground almost breathless, Riku spoke up as Nozomi and Mickey landed themselves, "this is getting us nowhere!'
In reply Cait sith replied, "oh yeah! Really obvious there Snowlock Holmes! Tell us somethin' we don't know!?"
Everyone was annoyed as they looked at Hari who simply hovered in the air, her wings were aloft as she looked down on them all, she waited anticipating what their next move might be?
The King quiet looked above at the winged Cheetah for a moment longer before he looked down to see further in the distance, Kovu and Kiara struggling to get past Jona, who was enjoying the struggle she was putting them through.
Looking at them he let his mind think for a moment as he turned down to the ground and then back up into the air and as he did his thoughts twirled around forming something that they could possibly use and... he had it!
Nozomi feeling anxious for Kiara and Kovu herself was desperate to help them and the two Pride's who were suffering farther ahead, "we've got to do something to help Kiara and Kovu! But how are we supposed to get past Hari and Jona at the same time! They're both just-"
"Fella's!"
Quickly distracting Nozomi from her near tones of despair, Mickey got their attention as he told them, "listen I got an idea!"
Hearing this brightened everyone as Cait sith asked him, "ya have Mickey lad!?"
The King nodded as he replied, "yeah! And I'll need ya ta help me with it too Cait sith!"
Nozomi hearing this asked, "really you need Cait sith to-"
The King had to stop her there as he told her, "yeah I will Nozomi! Now please I need ya fella's to quiet down and listen ta me!"
Quickly Nozomi hushed up as she whispered, "oh right sorry!"
Riku then couldn't help but sigh a little, but quickly he too became silent as he listened to what Mickey had to say.
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A slight distance away, Pete watched as Hari and Jona continued to fight on, he could see from where he was that the two of them were doing well in keeping those pesky keybladers and two strays from making it across the barrier of water.
After he'd told Hari and Jona about what had happened it was decided that the two of them would deal with the band of heroes themselves. As he remembered what had been said before a look of uneasiness appeared on his face.
After everything had been explained Hari was quiet as she lowered her head and replied, "I see..."
Jona sighed as she said herself, "well that certainly makes our job a little more tricky doesn't it?" But after a moment she smiled as she relented and said, "but hey? Where would the fun be if it were that easy?"
Hari was simply remained quiet as she turned around and started to walk back up the hill and seeing her go, Jona followed after her. As she started to leave Pete asked worried, "Hari what do ya want me ta do about it? Should we-"
"You will do nothing," Hari spoke as she hushed him up in moments, looking behind she told him coldly, "just stay back and let me handle them with Jona... you need to stay out of the way so we are not suspected."
Hearing this depressed Pete, he couldn't argue against her... she was right and saddened he turned away... then after pausing for a moment he ran away and hid himself away to let both of them handle the rest.
As he thought back to what had happened he wondered if he'd disappointed Hari again... he knew it, he really was useless!
"CHARGE!"
Distracting him Pete looked up shocked to see the sudden surge of battle that was now occurring!
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In the air suddenly they'd come at her! Both Nozomi and Riku as they leaped into the air! Immediately Hari called out her keyblade again as she went to intercept them both, but as she did suddenly both of them cast out their spells simultaneously together,
"FIRAGA!"
"FIRAGA!"
Immediately both spells aimed straight for her wings but as they did Hari withdrew them making the spells miss them in moments! Heading straight towards the white Lion and Tiger cubs she took out her wings again as she told them both coldly, "the same technique will not-"
"AAAGGGHH!" Nozomi cried out as both she and Riku struck her wings simultaneously and as the two of them did Hari was being pushed back unable to move as both of her wings had been pinned!
Seeing that it had worked Riku looked behind and called back, "Mickey go for it now!"
Hearing him the King quickly responded, "okay!" Then in moments the Kangaroo Mouse leaped forwards into the air and as he did he quickly went straight past Hari!
Nozomi pleased then turned her head as she told him, "go on Cait sith! Go after him!"
"On it lass!" The small crowned feline responded as he quickly ran forwards and jumped from her head making it past the pinned Cheetah and down onto the ground! Arriving next to Mickey the two of them raced forwards as they made it to both Kiara and Kovu!
Seeing them both suddenly come Kovu gladly cried out surprised, "guys!"
Smiling Cait sith replied, "sorry we're late Kovu mate!"
Kiara smiled too truly happy but then Jona spoke up, "oh would ya look at that! More little bunnies for me to play with!"
Looking at her quickly everyone was on guard again and as they became that way, Mickey decided to let her know in his own kind way, "Jona! Ya know ya really shouldn't underestimate us!"
Smirking as she heard this the earring clad Lioness decided to use the direct approach and quickly she headed straight towards the lot of them as she asked aloud almost laughing, "and why's that my little mouse!"
Then flipping back into the air she created a huge wave of power as it stormed forwards straight towards them sending the earth crumbling left and right as she dove down to make an assault from above!
As this wave of power came thundering towards them all, both Kiara and Kovu looked on with widened worried eyes, but Mickey and Cait sith looked on with fierce determination! Then just as it was about to strike them all, immediately Cait sith smacked his paws together and as he did quickly the same yellow shining shielding light emerged blocking the powerful blow from all sides and stopping it in it's tracks in moments!
Shocked as she saw this, Jona had never seen anyone do this and before she could recover, quickly from within the domed shield Mickey launched himself from within it and taking his keyblade by his tail, he made a mighty strong swing that struck Jona in the head making her plummet and crash into the ground!
Amazed at this show of strength both Kiara and Kovu were both breathless in surprise but then landing on the ground again quickly Mickey turned around as he told them all, "c'mon fella's! Let's make tracks!"
Hearing this in moments both Kiara and Kovu recovered as the Lioness princess replied, "ye- yeah! Okay! C'mon Kovu!"
Then at her summons now recovered himself Kovu replied, "right!" With that the lot of them started running!
As they did though Cait sith called out from behind, "oi! Don't leave me in the dust!" With that he ran forwards and quickly leaping he caught onto Kovu's fur and as he did he rode him as the lot of them headed straight for the watery damn bridge!
On the ground Jona recovering from the blow Mickey had given her shook it off as she remarked, "wow! That pip squeak's actually got a sting in his tail!" Then looking up she saw them all heading straight to the bridge! This wasn't good! So quickly she sped after them all!
Making it to the edge finally Mickey, Kovu and Kiara started to run across it, though as they did it was clear that this bridge was not going to hold on forever as one of the logs almost dislodged as they all jumped over or ran around it!
Quickly coming to a halt at the end of her side Jona watched them all escape across and as they did she didn't like the look of this bridge and decided, "I don't think crossin' is gonna be an option here..." Then looking as they all vanished from sight, the Lioness simply sighed as she remarked, "well... Emerald eyes certainly ain't gonna be pleased!" With that she turned around to see what was occurring between the last of the keybladers.
Still struggling against Hari who hadn't been able to summon out her wings properly again, spied what had happened and looking at the two obstacles who were still holding her back she looked on even more fiercely as she uttered, "release me!"
To which Nozomi responded almost mockingly, "not happening!"
As she said these words, Hari's eyes narrowed and as this happened Riku noticed suddenly that her wings had started to glow brightly with scarlet red light and as this happened he realised what it meant!
Then it happened before he and Nozomi knew it, as Hari's mechanical wings came apart and as they did the two of them went backwards. As this occurred the lines of wire, metal and light fan material feathers all quickly formed into dozens of swords!
Riku knew what was coming next and quickly he dove in the air and using his hind legs he kicked Nozomi, striking her to the ground!
"Oww! What was-" Nozomi then stopped as she saw in the air Riku had been ensnared as the lethal red burning tornado came forth as Hari cried out in her cold voice, "Kali de dola Maelstrom!"
In moments the swords all went here there and everywhere and in this stormy place Riku did his best to dodge and evade each of the swords against the ferocious wind that hindered him but suddenly, "AHH!" A blade struck him! Then another! And another! And-
It was terrible what Nozomi was seeing in front of her eyes and trembling she cried out distressed in horror as the onslaught continued, "RIKU!"
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Meanwhile across the bridge both Timon and Pumba had come to the end of the line as in front of them was a huge wall of rock and now there was nowhere for them to climb or go! For in front of them the heartless had them completely surrounded!
Shivering Timon had jumped off of Pumba's back as he had his arms and back against the wall while Pumba had bent down with his hooves over his head shivering in total terror!
The creatures were coming in closer and closer, hungry for the taste of two hearts smothered in the delicious emotion of fear! They licked their lips as their hungry growls escaped their throats as they prowled closer and closer...
Looking around terrified trying to find anything that would help him make these creatures back off, Timon looked here there and everywhere before he settled upon one potential weapon!
Getting back up on Pumba he took his tail in both hands and pumping it up like a gun he aimed it at the heartless as he told them all, "don't anybody move! This thing's loaded! I'll let ya have it!" With that he aimed!
However the heartless paid no heed to this as they simply carried on their approach! Smell didn't bother these things one bit! Timon though kept trying, "I mean it! You'll really get it!" Still nothing they were coming! "I'm ready ta rip ya one! I... I uh..." he gulped, that was it! They were totally out of options!
"Strike Raid!"
In moments a golden keyblade came spinning in from nowhere and as it did it dashed into all the heartless sending them off their feet in moments! Then as this occurred quickly catching the blade with his tail again the King came in as he cried out, "Thundaga!" Then quickly the heartless were all electrified and all burst into atoms in moments!
Surprised into silence Timon then laughed out loud as he said, "talk about yer winds of war!"
Then arriving quickly breathless Kiara asked, "Timon! Pumba!"
Looking both Warthog and Meerkat saw that the Princess of the Pride Lands, Kovu, Mickey and Cait sith come! Seeing her the two of them called out simultaneously, "Kiara!"
"And us mates!" Cait sith announced as he also added, "sorry for the delays!"
Timon then replied to him, "well it's a welcome one I'll tell ya that!"
Anxious though Kiara asked them, "are you both all right!? Are you-"
Pumba then spoke as he told her, "it's total chaos out there Kiara! We were all fightin' and stuff but it's... and then those heartless things came in and -!"
Then stopping him from babbling on, Timon summed it up, "it's a total mess out there! And all I know everyone's is just seein' red! And they're not-"
"RRROOOAAARRRR!"
Turning then everyone saw what was happening as a huge tide of the Lions were now coming all over Simba as the heartless too were coming clawing and pushing him over!
"Father!" Kiara called out distressed!
Kovu then spoke up as he led the way, "c'mon! We've gotta hurry up!' With that everyone followed closely behind him along with Timon and Pumba!
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Seeing the damage that the heartless and troops had done as he was now laying on the floor, Zira spoke as she said grinning with menacing anticipation, "Simba... you're mine!"
With that she began to approach him and as she did, the heartless and her Pride left him be... the final blow was instructed to be done by their leader! As the King went to get back up again immediately Zira ran straight over as she struck him down again!
As this occurred instantly all the other Lions on both sides stopped! Even the heartless were now simply prowling as they circled them all waiting for the outcome that was soon to occur!
Getting back up again, Simba had his teeth bare as both leaders eyes were burning with the darkness of rage as they stared down one another, snarls and roars were escaping their throats. Standing where they all were the heartless could all sense it! Their prey would all soon be theirs! Circling around each other with hostility... it was time! Both of them moved their sharp claws back! The final blow was now!
"Stop it ya dummies!"
Immediately at that moment Kiara and Kovu leaped forwards as they came between the King and Queen of the two separate Prides! Then following closely behind them both Mickey and Cait sith arrived as did Timon and Pumba. Silent they all watched from the sides and waited to see how things would play out.
Stopping him in his tracks, the rage for a brief moment faded from Simba's eyes as he asked surprised, "Kiara!?" Looking to her father with fierce determination, she stood her ground as Kovu stood behind her, looking just as fiercely at his own mother.
"Kovu!?" She spoke angrily towards her former heir, "move!"
The rage then slowly creeping back, Simba told his daughter, "stand aside!"
Kiara then told him with all her emotions in her voice, almost making her tremble, "daddy this has to stop!" Simba looked at her again surprised as the red light once more began to flicker away slightly around his irises.
Zira then told Kovu, "you're even weaker than I thought! Get out of the way!" She almost shouted as the darkness of hate only burned more fiercely in her eyes.
However her son answered back determined, "you'll never hurt Kiara! Or Simba! Not while I'm here!" At these words Zira almost hissed in agitation.
Simba then spoke again as he told his daughter, the darkness nearly returning, "stay out of this!" An angry growl escaping his lips as he finished.
Kiara keeping her ground then told her father, "a wise King once told me, we are one!" Then looking to the side for a moment she continued as she lamented, "I didn't understand him then," finally she looked up to that King again as she told him finishing,"now I do."
Simba hearing his own words being reflected back to him, almost couldn't believe his ears and immediately he started to try and refute it as he said, "but... they-!"
"Them? Us?" She asked sadly appalled by those words, she then told him as she looked around, "look at them! They are us! What differences do you see?"
With that Simba looked from her and then back at the other lions of both Prides and as he did look at them the darkness in his eyes, dimmed more and more as did all the rest of the Lions, as they all saw it too. That there was no difference, though they were all beaten and made soaking from the rain and fierce battle scars... they were all the same! Colours, eyes, noses, paws, bodies, tails everything!
Realizing this as they all finally saw each other in that one awakening moment brought a silence of revelation as everyone stared at one another... Pumba and Timon were utterly surprised too while Cait sith standing next to Mickey couldn't help but comment quietly, "I'd say that lassies done real well there!"
To which in return Mickey couldn't help but smile too... everything was going to be all right! He was sure of it!
Simba looked at his daughter with widened eyes as she smiled at him kindly as he finally acknowledged this within himself and as he did he closed his eyes and the sun began to shine as the rain stopped. Then in the next moment when he opened his eyes... the darkness had all but vanished leaving only a kindly happy love and joy.
Seeing this happen Kiara was so glad and immediately she moved her head forwards as her father moved his own head to her, allowing them both to hug each other as they'd finally reconnected again. Kiara had got through to him and had broke the darkness of hatred inside him and all those present.
Zira was furious the darkness hadn't vanished from her at all and immediately she instructed, "Vitani! Now!"
However her daughter had awakened from the darkness too and instantly she responded, "no! Mother!" Then looking at her brother standing next to Kiara, she made her choice as she told Zira further, "Kiara's right!" With that she walked over to them and stood next to Kovu and said, "enough!"
The other Lions of the Out Lands Pride seeing her go all looked to one another...
Zira though not noticing them do this told her daughter, "if you will not fight!Then you will die as well!"
Hearing this the Lions of her Pride were taken aback and immediately they all knew which side they wanted now! Looking to either side of her, Zira saw startled that her own Pride was going straight to Simba's side! Aggravated she called out to them all, "where are you going!? Get back here!"
None of them would and instantly Simba spoke up for them as they all came, "let it go Zira! It's time to put the past behind us!"
Immediately the former leader growled angrily as the heartless all gathered behind her, viciously roaring and moving to the beats of hate within her heart. Finally then Cait sith and the King joined Simba and as they did the little feline called out, "just give it up ya daft banshee! Yer all washed up!"
Hearing this Zira laughed as she replied, "washed up! I'll show you who's washed up!" Then gripping her claws into the ground she tilted her head up as she made an almighty roar!
"RRRRRROOOOAAAAARRRRR!"
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In the air Riku was continuing to be struck by the swords that Hari had brought out and Nozomi was looking on horrified down below and again she cried out, "Stop it! Leave him alone! Hari!" Immediately then she flew into the air as she went to go into the whirlwind to try and help Riku out of this terrible situation, but the wind sent her back to the ground with a crash! Getting up painfully Nozomi looked on terribly pained, there was nothing she could do! Nothing!
In the air Riku suffered horribly as he was struck for what seemed like forever and then suddenly it stopped and looking up aching he saw Hari in the air and in another second she struck him down with her own keyblade as her wings joined her back again.
Riku quickly fell in the air and as he did immediately Nozomi took off again as she flew in the air and called out, "Riku!" Instantly then she caught him with her paws and descending quickly she lay him down. Standing over him she asked quickly, "Riku can you hear me! Oh please be okay! Please!"
Landing on the ground herself Hari looked on coldly at the scene and after a further moment Jona walked over as she said, "oh? Looks like you've caused a scene haven't ya?"
Hari was silent to this question and seeing her do this, Jona giggled as she remarked, "shall we go over and delight ourselves?"
Silent for a further moment Jona finally got a reply, "if you so wish...though you failed didn't you?"
"Uh... yeah I did," to which Hari simply only stared at her in a disapproving way... then after saying nothing for what seemed like eerily too long, Jona replied feeling a little awkward, "uh okay it's all fine then huh?... I'm gonna go over and check on them two!" With that she walked over as Hari simply looked over her shoulder as she sensed something was changing in the air.
Nozomi looking over Riku was horribly upset as he wasn't moving! She didn't know what to do! Would spell even work! What was there she could? Then suddenly she heard a crunch in the earth, looking she saw who it was, "Jona!" She said angrily.
Smiling Jona told her, "that it is!" Then seeing the angry look on her face she told her, "oh honey don't look at me like that! I'm not the one who did the damage am I?"
Nozomi then demanded from her, "why!? Why did you join Hari!? How could you betray Kovu like that!? I thought you were our friend!?"
Quiet as she heard this, the golden eyed lioness told her then simply, "I felt like it! Besides I never said I didn't like being with you did I?"
Nozomi still not understanding then told her, "and I promised you, you'd be able to return back with me and the others! Didn't you-"
"It's not as simple as you think it is!" Jona told her harshly, a little fed up of her whining then seeing that she'd been able to make her be quiet she told her, "I'm simply living by the age old saying of 'survival of the fittest,' in my life you have to be the strongest or be with them or you won't make it!"
Nozomi hearing this listened on as Jona said, "and you and your pals to me... you're not strong! That gal there," with that she looked to the Cheetah who continued to look away into the distance, Jona had a look of complete seriousness on her face as she looked back to the Tiger cub and finished,"she is strong, far more then you know."
Hearing her logic Nozomi though still couldn't understand it, "but that doesn't make any sense! If you're living by that rule! Then why did you advise me with your words back then with that roots of hatred! Wouldn't it be better if the heartless had got us like you wanted!"
At this Jona paused as she looked at her, Nozomi... she reminded her so much of him... but then shaking her head she had her eyes closed as she smiled looking away, "I was in a generous mood..."
Angered Nozomi then spoke out, "I can't believe you! You or Hari! How can you both be so cruel! Serving the darkness like that and hurting innocent people! How can you-"
Jona then turned her back on her as she told her, "because in this life... those of us who are born with certain powers... we have those who chase after us"
Nozomi hearing these words paused as she remembered from a distant dream, 'But such powers can lead to great strife, especially those…who chase after them…' How did Jona? -
"Ugh!" Turning at this sound Nozomi looked and saw Riku was moving! Going to him she called out urgently, "Riku!"
With that done Jona walked away from her and just as she did suddenly in the air-
"RRRRRROOOOAAAAARRRRR!"
As that sound rang out Jona looked to the distance and then to Hari who immediately had taken wing and as she did, she flew into the distance. Seeing her go the earring clad lioness couldn't help but murmur, "oh I wonder what little party trick she'll be dishing out this time?"
Then looking behind herself she saw Nozomi had called out her keyblade and was quickly tending to Riku with a 'Curaga' spell and seeing this, she decided it was time to make her exit. So quickly she ran running to where she knew Pete would be...
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At the sound of this roar everyone was stunned into silence, not understanding what was going on when suddenly out of nowhere overhead emerged a red hued Cheetah with metallic wings!
Looking at her Simba had never scene anything like her as he asked, "who is-"
"Hari!" Zira spoke up to her dark ally.
Hearing her name being mentioned the Cheetah bowed her head as she replied, "yes... what is it you wish of me, my lady Zira?"
Immediately she told her, " I want you to grant me all the dark power you have! Give me the strength to smite these fools from the face of the earth!'
Hearing this Kiara, Kovu Mickey and Cait sith knew this wasn't good! Quickly the Mouse King spoke up as he said, "no you can't do that! If you do then-!"
"Silence!" Came Zira's enraged voice, looking to the Mouse King for a moment she demanded a second time turning again, "Hari! Grant me that power now!"
Looking at her coldly with her green eyes the Cheetah was silent... then closing them she opened up her wings fully as she stood in the air. In moments her wings glowed with her vibrant red electrified angry light and as it did the heartless that were on the ground quickly dissolved into darkened spores! Then all those that were spread across the land all ascended into her!
Then in another moment as everyone watched on horrified a red darkened light shone from her wings that covered Zira and in moments of it touching her the evil lioness laughed loudly, "HA HA HA HA HA HA!"
Her form then twisted and turned as it became bigger and bigger! Everyone seeing this were all horrified as they all ran a distance as she became enormous!
Now riding on Kovu's back Cait sith demanded, "just what's happenin here!? What's that Hari lass got hidden! A bloomin' growth ray!"
Mickey then told him, "I think it's worse than that! It's the power of hatred and darkness melded together in one livin person and it's-"
"RRRRROOOOOOOAAAAAAARRRRR!"
Turning back everyone looked on in horror as standing there was Zira... transformed! Her skin was now coloured darkly with a red spiked metal helm upon her head, along her back were also red spikes descending right down to her whip like tail! Upon her paws were also red gloved like pieces of armor and also along her waist, if anyone could see her they would have mistaken her as a beast from hell!
Everyone shuddered as they looked at her as she opened her eyes, the red irises that she had once had, had been replaced by chilling pure yellow glowing orbs like a heartless!
Hari seeing her work was done flew away further into the air as the creature spoke down to all those below her, " I will never let the past go!" Then aiming one of her claws she spoke further as she took aim, " this is for you Scar!"
Kiara then saw with horror, Zira aiming straight for her father! But quickly she shouted out, "dad no!" Then quickly she shoved him, pushing him out of the way of the attack as it came straight at her!
"Kiara!" Simba cried out horrified.
"Kiara no!" Kovu cried out!
Immediately the Lioness Princess was grabbed by his mother and was taken high into the air and brought face to face with the horrific hate filled beast!
Seeing what she had caught Zira laughed, "what's this only a Princess!" Kiara shivered as she was forced to look at her and then suddenly she heard her say, "oh have I got a delight for you!"
With that she moved her paw towards her chest with Kiara still held tightly in it! As this happened Kovu ran forwards as he cried out, "what're you doing stop!"
But then he was held back as Mickey and Cait sith blocked his way and said, "Kovu!" "Kovu mate ya can't!"
Then suddenly there was a shining light from behind them and looking everyone saw what Zira had done, upon her chest was an enormous purple gem like stone and in its centre Kiara was looking out through it terrified!
Everyone was in shock at this but Zira amused by this spoke up, "now you will have the excellent torture of sitting back and seeing all you love being destroyed!" Then looking to Simba she aimed gaze straight at him as she finished, "just like what had been done to me!"
Manic laughter then filled the air again and as it did Hari decided that her presence was no longer needed and quickly she flew back into the distance where a better observation could be made with her fellow accomplices.
For this was now a truly terrible situation... with Kiara imprisoned and everyone there helpless... this truly was a day of darkness for all...