All material from "The Lion King" film trilogy belongs to Walt Disney Company. Warning: character deaths are in this chapter. Also, this is where the draft series I wrote with Parker Dooley is told in summary, but revised to fit with this story series.
Chapter Six:
New Rules
Elijah arrived in the Pridelands in time. Fearing someone would see him in his hobbit form, Elijah transformed into a full-grown lion. As he ran across the Pridelands, Elijah caught a glimpse of a lioness. The lioness stopped, watching him from afar. Elijah continued running towards Pride Rock, where all the animals were gathered. The mandrill-baboon Rafiki was waiting on the Promontory. Upon seeing Elijah, Rafiki made his way towards the natural-formed stone ramp, where Elijah climbed up.
Elijah asked the mandrill-baboon, "How is he?"
"You came here in time. Simba's had a good long life," said Rafiki, "as have I."
"You look decent," said Elijah.
Rafiki cackled. "Kind words from a not-so-ordinary lion. Simba is in the cave."
"What happened to Nala?" asked Elijah.
"I'm afraid you arrived too late. She took off and hasn't returned. I fear she is gone," said Rafiki. "Soon it will be Simba's turn."
Elijah and Rafiki turned as, coming out from the cave came Simba. His mane now had graying hairs. Kovu and Kiara walked on either side of him.
Simba stopped them and turned to face them. "All right, thank you for everything. This is my last walk through the Pridelands."
"Are you sure you won't need us, Daddy?" asked Kiara.
"You have to trust me. I go now to meet the Great Kings of the Past. I will not need your help, Kiara. Thank you, and goodbye." Simba then turned to Kovu. "When I am gone, you are the new king of the Pridelands."
"I'll take care of the Pridelands. You have my word, Simba," said Kovu.
Simba then approached Elijah. "You look like you have a responsibility. I hope it wasn't on my account, Elijah."
Elijah shook his head. "No, I'm afraid not."
"You'll make a good leader someday," said Simba.
"I feel I already am one," said Elijah. "And…" He stopped mid-sentence.
The lions, lionesses, and the animals looked up at the sky, for they saw what appeared to be meteorites. When the objects landed, a great dust stretched across the landscape, hitting the Pridelands.
"What is that?" asked Simba.
"Something bad," said Elijah.
The lioness from the Pridelands cried, "The villains are coming! The villains are here! Run!"
"I'm prepared for one last fight," said Simba. He told his family, "Cover for me."
Together, the lions and lionesses made their way out into the Pridelands. The animals in front of Pride Rock spread out, allowing the lions and lionesses to pass. Rafiki shook his head, knowing it was a bad idea. To their surprise, the group coming towards them involved Scar, Zira, Nuka, and a group of rogue scarred lions and lionesses. Zira cackled as they stopped a few meters away from Simba's pride.
"Well, look who has finally worn out their years," said Zira.
"Ooh. Can we do it, Mother? Can we crush them?" asked Nuka.
"Hush, Nuka," said Zira.
Vitani stepped forward. "Mother, leave. Nuka, come and join us. The Pridelands aren't so bad."
"Hi Sis. No, I don't think I will. I died, if you remember," said Nuka.
"Enough of this," said Scar. "Time to attack them and finish off Simba."
"This is your last chance. Leave now, before more blood is shed," said Simba.
"I don't think so," said Zira.
When they gave the word, the scarred lions and lionesses charged forward. As soon as the two sides clashed, with Simba attacking as many scarred lions and lionesses as he could, Scar, Zira, and Nuka watched the action from the sidelines. Before Zira could attack Simba, Scar made his way towards the current Lion King. In one moment, Scar and Simba fought head on, stopping the lionesses as well as the scarred lions and lionesses from their fight. Scar and Simba fought hard, but in the end Scar bested Simba. Zira came in to finish the job, which Scar allowed.
"No!" cried Kovu, joining in on the fight.
In one moment, Kovu fought against his mother Zira. When they saw their advantage lost, Scar and Zira called for a retreat. Nuka slapped his sister Vitani across the face before chasing after the two. The scarred lions and lionesses retreated then and there, leaving the pride to their dying king. The rogue lioness charged towards the scarred lions and lionesses, only to end up bested herself and let to tend her wounds.
Just as Elijah finished off a scarred lion, he returned to the pride. "What happened?"
Simba said to Kovu, wearily, "You're king now. Take my… place in the Pridelands."
"No," said Kiara, unwilling to hide the tears.
"Take my place, Kovu. It was always you who would become the next king," said Simba. "I wish you luck." He drew his last breath.
Just as Elijah caught an explosion a distance away, he told them, "I have to go. Good luck to you, Kovu, Kiara." He rushed off across the Pridelands. From a distance, he could hear the lionesses proclaim Kovu as their new king. As he ran, he caught a glimpse of the rogue lioness trailing straight towards him. The moment the lioness was on his heels, Elijah asked her, "What are you doing?"
"You're going to need my help. I caused this, but I might as well help finish it," said the lioness. "My name is Rogue."
"Come on then," said Elijah. When he got close to the perimeter a short distance away, he changed back into a hobbit. He was still wearing the clothes he had on before the transformation.
Rogue asked, stunned, "You're a hobbit? What's next: the Easter Bunny?"
"My name's Elijah," said Elijah in introduction.
Rogue shushed him. "We're close." From a distance, the two could see Maleficent leaving a ship. Following her were her goons, who were carrying out a long shiny box. "They must be planning some ritual."
"All right. I'm going out there…" He was stopped by Rogue.
"What are you crazy? You can't go out there now," said Rogue.
"What would you have me do?" asked Elijah.
"Facing villains is not something I'm used to," said Rogue.
"Yet you've had a history of working for them," Elijah.
"Okay, maybe I do have some history with them. That's not going to get you any closer to them. It'll be an onslaught, a massacre. You'd be dead long before they find your body. No, they're preparing something out there. Whatever it is won't be enough to keep the lions and lionesses here safe," explained Rogue.
"Maybe it would be safer to alert the heroes at headquarters," said Elijah.
"Where is…"
"I'm going, but I'll be back," said Elijah.
"Well, good luck to you," said Rogue, snippy.
"Same to you," said Elijah in a kindly voice. He opened a portal and dived through it.
The second Elijah arrived on the ground floor of the Animal Headquarters, he was escorted by a few bears to the second floor. Since there wasn't any spirits haunting the second floor, it became another central control base for the animals. Elijah arrived inside the first control room, where Melissa Snowberry was present, along with Nash Wimble. The animals inside the control rooms were mostly made up of cats and dogs.
Melissa said, in relief, "I'm glad you're here. We've spotted some villainous activity all over the radars, on just about every world."
"What have we got?" asked Elijah.
"We've picked up some bogeys that keep landing on the different worlds," said Nash. "Each world has a single or five bogeys."
"That's not good," said Elijah.
Melissa asked a white cat, "Did you get it? Are we live?"
"We'll be up front in ten seconds," said the white cat.
"I said I would return to the Pridelands," said Elijah.
Melissa shushed him. "That isn't important. By the way, how's my daughter? I know it's been years since she's been here. I practically gave birth to her in these headquarters."
"I hardly know," said Elijah.
The screens flickered on to reveal the different maps of the home worlds where the heroes were present. Alagaësia was shown on one of the larger screens, along with Middle-earth. The map of Narnia flickered on and off, but eventually was lost from the screen.
"That's been happening a lot. It's just a curiosity that there may be no more heroes there," said Melissa.
"I'm sure that's not true. Narnia always had heroes. I wonder what happened to them," said Elijah.
"There's the bogeys. One of them just landed at Middle-earth," said the white cat.
"Right, I should go," said Elijah.
Melissa grabbed his arm. "Don't even think about it." She was jerked away by Elijah, who left as soon as he could. She noticed a bear looking at her. "Get back to work. Forget him."
Rogue turned right as Elijah returned to her side. She told him, "I see you've kept your word."
"What have I missed?" asked Elijah.
Pointing out the strange metallic devices being set up, Rogue whispered, "The villains have been building something for the past two hours. I'm not sure what they're up to, but it must be something bad."
"Maleficent's with them," said Elijah.
"You got any ideas?" asked Rogue.
"I'm thinking," said Elijah.
They could hear Maleficent tell her goons, "Why isn't it ready yet?"
"We're working on it, my lady," said one of the goons.
"Well, get to it! We don't want anyone interfering with our plans," said Maleficent.
"Someone will be interfering with them," said Elijah.
Rogue pawed his arm. "You can't go out there now. They might see you." Elijah jerked away, but felt Rogue's firm grip. "Think of what an example you'd make."
"What? Be a coward, like yourself? Not today," said Elijah, finally freeing his arm.
Before Rogue could stop him, Elijah charged towards the large starship. He pulled out his sword, moments into Maleficent spotting him. As the goons charged towards him, Elijah fought them, managing to knock down a few goons in one swing. He was eventually stopped and dragged by two Minotaurs, who brought him over to Maleficent. There was also a woman there wearing a deep red-and-black dress. The boots she wore were made from black leather.
"Well, well, I see the nobodies have decided to invade. I thought they were controlled by Organization XIII," said Maleficent.
"I know no such organization, neither am I a part of one," said Elijah.
The woman cackled. "Bold words coming from a nobody. It seems we're one in the same."
"I don't know who you are. Now let me go," said Elijah.
"Why? So you can leave and report to the heroes? I think not. The last time that happened, we lost a nobody who had similar features as you, only he wore black clothes. He didn't really give a name either, when he should have to answer my question. So, I'll ask the same towards you. What's your name?" asked the woman.
"Only if you tell me yours," said Elijah.
The woman sneered. "Well, if you must know, I am Evil and my name is only Evil. Though I used to be a good nobody, fate has a way of changing things. You see, I was born in a rural area, forced to work among the farmers that grew grains. Then someone saved me and gave me refuge. I knew not his name, only that, like your friend, he wore black clothes. He saved my life, but I never saw his face. He was a good friend until he disappeared. The villain Scar found me and gave me refuge, only if I was taught in the ways of the villains. It's a very grueling process, but one that has kept me alive all these years." As Elijah made the connection of who Evil spoke of, Evil said, "But no matter. Send this one inside our ship. I'm sure Maranguan will want to see him."
"Whose Maranguan?" asked Elijah.
"A black dragonoid, loyal to us. Although, I don't understand why he has no wings," said Evil.
Maleficent spoke, enraged, "Evil! You don't give away important information to our enemies."
"I'm surprised he's your enemy," said Evil, cackling.
A distance away, Rogue watched as the villains brought Elijah inside their ship. She cowered behind the mound, wondering what to do next. Gathering her courage, Rogue slunk across the landscape, hiding behind various boulders. Somehow, she had to get Elijah out of the ship and away from the villains, but how?
Elijah was shoved inside a tight arched cage. After standing up, Elijah watched as the two Minotaurs walked away, laughing. Thinking he was alone, Elijah sat down on the only bench available. He cupped his hands together, hoping for a miracle. He heard deep laughter coming from a short distance. Elijah's gaze turned to the only creature on that room of the starship: a dragonoid. He saw the dragonoid was red-skinned, but the skin was charred and very coarse. He had no wings, yet he possessed a tail.
The male dragonoid spoke in a deep, guttural voice. The voice sounded familiar to Elijah. "You'll never get out now. The villains won't let you."
"What do you know of villains?" asked Elijah.
The dragonoid chuckled. "I know a thing or two about them. All they care about is themselves, but as such villains are the meat of any universe. They're raw, coarse, and shed blood without mercy. Of course, that is the way things must be."
"Are you Maranguan?" asked Elijah.
The red dragonoid sneered. Facing Elijah, the dragonoid nodded. "That would be the name I was given. Years have taught me much: you can't trust no one."
"I would beg to differ," said Elijah.
The dragonoid chuckled. "As if you can. What's the use of being a hero when there's pain, suffering, no sense or purpose to live? No, being a villain's a much easier task."
"Easy or foolhardy," said Elijah.
"You use sharp words for a hobbit nobody," said Maranguan.
"I'm more than that. I may be a nobody, but I know a thing or two about trust. To lose oneself to darkness… that's just wrong," said Elijah.
"Tell that to someone who had a wife," said Maranguan, sneering.
"You were in love?" asked Elijah.
Maranguan said, "Ha! I was. Then some things happened that killed her. My wife is dead and I'm better off."
"You don't think of her? What if she's alive?" asked Elijah.
Maranguan paused. "I would be surprised if she were alive. Sadly, you can't change events."
Elijah asked, curiously, "Who were you, once?"
Maranguan said, "That's none of your business. You're a prisoner and I've spoken long enough to you. Soon the villains will take this world, along with many others. The time for tyranny has come and we're ready for it, unlike you petty heroes. You deserve what you're going to get."
Elijah, finally connecting the pieces, said, "Parker. You're Parker Dooley."
Maranguan huffed. "Do not use that name. I've given up on that name long ago."
"So, you are Parker, or were. I wondered what happened to you," said Elijah.
Maranguan, tensing up, told Elijah only this, "You stay in the cage. There'll be no more talk of something that is long past." He walked away, pushing a few orcs out of the way.
Two hours passed before rescue came. Elijah stood up as Rogue entered the ship with a woman who looked a lot like Evil, only she appeared as one of the Race of Man. She had dark brown hair and wore green camo clothes. Rogue approached the cage, just as the woman picked up the keys.
Rogue told the woman, whispering, "Hurry up, Eliza. We need to get out of here quickly."
"Who's this?" asked Elijah, as the woman worked on the cage's lock.
"I'm Eliza Dooley, Parker's wife," said the woman in introduction.
"You know Parker Dooley?" asked Elijah, curious.
"We don't have time," said Rogue. She told Eliza, "Hurry up."
Once Elijah was freed from the cage, he followed Eliza through a portal. Rogue attempted to escape but was captured by the villains. Kovu heard roars coming from a distance away. He told his wife to look after their pride as he searched for the source of the noise. When he saw the villains' activity, Kovu waited until they weren't paying attention before returning to his pride, where he reported his findings.
Arriving on a world filled with various dragon breeds, Eliza led Elijah inside a hollow cave that was deep, but filled with homey objects. Eliza asked Elijah to sit down while she worked on getting the food prepared.
"Is this world frozen in time, too?" asked Elijah.
Eliza said, "You mean when Aslan froze the worlds? Yes, we heard about that." She then said, "Welcome to the Dragon World. Very few humans live here, but those that do tend to be alone."
"What do you know of Parker Dooley?" asked Elijah.
Eliza paused. As she got around her makeshift kitchen, Eliza said, "You mean before I became an exile? Yes, I knew him when he was still good – well, I still think he has good in him. There's not much to tell of his early life."
"Tell me anyway," said Elijah.
Eliza paused again. She knew the tale well, but eventually came around to telling it to Elijah. As she set the food on the only wooden table in the cave, Eliza started the tale, "From what I've heard and from what Parker's told me, Parker grew up on this world, but he didn't know he was a nobody – in fact, when I met him, I didn't know he was a nobody either until he had the heart to tell me years later. He had parents and many siblings, but always had this yearning for adventure and to find out what lay outside this world. He was very ambitious growing up, but was also reckless."
Eliza paused to take a breath. "When I met him, Parker was an adolescent red dragonoid. He didn't like me, at first, but as we traveled he started taking an interest in me. We met a shape-shifter dragonoid, who became very cruel. Her name was Helen, but even she had her dark side. At first, she was kind and helpful. We couldn't have gotten through our first adventure without her help. She even gave me a title, before I returned home. A year passed before Parker helped me escape from the house I was living at. We went on our second adventure, this time in search of a stone. We did find the stone, but also battled Helen and her goons. Parker left that second adventure changed. Then he got a summons to head to the limbo world. Parker said he would come back to me one day and he stayed true to that promise. I trust that was when he met your friend, Frodo Baggins."
"I believe so," said Elijah.
"Well, after that short journey and escape from that camp, Parker did return to me. We stayed at the world I was living at for a time. Then someone came and told us we were nobodies. I was shocked, but Parker more so. In spite of our knowledge, Parker and I wed. We had seven children, and most of them were dragonoids, but one was a lion – yes, I know that sounds strange, but that's the truth," said Eliza.
Eliza paused to breathe. "Together, my family and Parker returned to the Dragon World, but Parker was grieved at losing the two dragonoids that raised him. Together, we went on our third adventure and ended up in a battle, starting a war. Helen the Shape-Shifter was nowhere to be found. During the war, my family participated, as did I and Parker, but Parker was starting to have ideas that would change him. Some would say he fell as Anakin Skywalker fell, but in a different way. Parker started listening to Evil's words. I tried to stop him, attempting to reach out and help him stay on the lighter path but he wouldn't listen to me. Evil attempted to kill me, obviously she failed. I heard from my lion son that he fought Parker and ended up winning, but his father was badly injured. I don't know how he survived, but he did in a morbid way. Some say he's a black dragonoid, following Evil's lead, now called Maranguan for the past twenty-some years." She sighed. "I don't know what I can do to help him. Parker's lost, as far as I can see. I don't know how he's lived for so long. Wounds like what he has should have killed him. I doubt there's any way to save him."
"There may be a way. Eliza, I noticed there was some good in his speech. He hasn't completely forgotten. There may be a way to save him," said Elijah.
"From who? Who would be so bold as to bring him back? Evil's got him in her clutches," asked Eliza, doubtful.
"Eliza, if there's a way to save him, I will find a cure," said Elijah, grabbing Eliza's hand. "You'll get your husband back."
"It must seem strange to you, to see a human fall in love with a dragonoid," said Eliza.
"That depends on the nobody. So far all I've seen is a lot of copies of Frodo Baggins and Malinda Brandybuck. Malinda's half-nobody and half-hobbit," said Elijah.
"What are you saying? That's we're mere copies of two hobbits," said Eliza.
"It's the only reason to explain it all. There may come a time when we have to return to the original host. Until then, there may be a way to save Parker Dooley, before that happens. Surely, we wouldn't want Frodo suffering," said Elijah.
"It's mad, Elijah. But even I have to admit it's worth a shot," said Eliza. "I so want to see my husband again."
"And you will," said Elijah. "I promise."
"Do you have a lover?" asked Eliza.
"I did, once, but she hasn't spoke to me in a while. I guess we go our separate ways," said Elijah.
"Elijah, if you love her, if you care about her, you will find a way to be together. You got to have hope, something that should be fortunate to find," said Eliza.
"What about you?" asked Elijah. "Or are you going to continue in your wallows?"
"Give me a reason to and I'll find Parker. If you know how to save him, let me know," said Eliza.
"I should head back to the base now," said Elijah. "Thank you for the meal."
"You're most welcome. I always have time to serve nobodies that aren't a part of Organization XIII," said Eliza. She watched Elijah open a portal and travel through it.