Back with the second chapter. FanFiction has been down at my end for a few days so I wasn't able to post earlier on, but here it is. Becia is pronounced Beshia, by the way :) If you're new to Hidden Kingdom, you can check out the intro, synopsis and full characters on Chapter 1. Thanks!
CHAPTER 2: Simba Has To Pay
"Scar and Zira may have failed. But mark my words. Darkness will rise again."
Becia declares to her followers – lionesses and other animals - with a sinister tone inside a fire lit cave within her Kingdom of Shadows that's situated far away from the Pride Lands. The lioness's jet black eyes look sharp like a piercing night sky, and her hook-shaped claws give her that intimidating appearance in addition to her dusty brown fur.
Ever since she was a cub, Becia has always been a Scar-Zira loyalist. When Zira took over as leader of the Outsiders shortly after Scar's death, she was thrilled to follow her on her mission to avenge Scar and to adopt her ideals. To her, it wasn't fair that Simba got his kingdom back while Scar met his demise and the Outsiders were left to fend for themselves.
No, she couldn't accept the news about the Pridelanders and Outlanders becoming one big pride. She was out visiting distant family members in the wilderness when Zira launched a sudden attack on Simba's pride. Had she been around to go to battle, she would've been the one lioness who stood by Zira while the rest switched to the side of peace.
The blackness in her heart wouldn't allow Simba to get his way once again. And here she is now, trying to step into the role of a new leader with a plan to build a huge army consisting of not just fellow lionesses but all the animals she could find.
Othieno rushes in from outside and finds Becia, who is seated on a high rock that functions like a throne. All the animals part ways to let him pass. As her right hand man, the muscular male leopard has sworn to give her everything she demands and is second-in-command, which makes everyone respect him just as much.
"Othieno! I'm thrilled you're back here in the Kingdom of Shadows before the moon rises." Becia calls out.
"Just like I promised, Becia. I ran across Shenzi, Banzai, Ed and a new pack of hyenas, by the way. They told me they look forward to meeting you soon to support your group."
"Excellent news! So what have you got tonight?"
"I captured a few savanna hares during my early evening prowl, Becia. Just like the others here, they'd make easy converts," Othieno proudly answers.
"Oh! Do show me," Becia gets excited at hearing the report.
A group of menacing gorillas forcefully carry some whimpering hares and drop them to the ground where Becia can see. The hares tremble at the sight of her. One tries to hop away, but realizes there's no way out of the cave, as the gorillas are cornering them and with Becia and her followers watching.
"Brilliant work as always, Othieno. They're so... innocent-looking. But fear not. We can train them fast so they can be ready in time when we launch an attack on the Pride Lands soon," Becia says.
Othieno chuckles. "Indeed, Becia. Indeed."
"I've said it once, and I'll say it again. If these animals won't willingly come over to join us, then we're going to enslave them by force so we can expand our army. Simba has to pay! I'm sick of this new alliance between the Pridelanders and Outlanders! But they will be destroyed soon!"
Cheers erupt from all parts of the cave, signaling their agreement.
"Now on to our grand plan to distract them all. Where's Taki and Pole?"
"Hmm. From what I recall, we've agreed to let them perform their tasks tonight, so I believe they're on their way already," Othieno reminds her.
"Very well, Othieno. Those bumbling henchmen better be taking their job seriously. There's no room for stupid, silly mistakes like they often make. Tonight is very crucial."
