Chapter 26: The Demon's Bargain

The night was still, heavy with the weight of unspoken truths, as Zira finished her communion with the gombwe. Her scarlet eyes gleamed in the moonlight as she turned to Taka, her voice low but filled with purpose. "I've tried and tried, but I see nothing it is like my visions are being blocked."

Dio nods a knowing look on his face. "You see the spirits have nothing to say, however There's a place," He began, his tone laced with foreboding. "Beyond the savanna, on the far edge of the jungle. There lies a waterfall, shrouded in darkness and brambles. It is said that within this place resides a demon, a wishmaster, known as Qandisa."

Taka's brow furrowed as he listened. "A demon?"

Dio nodded. "Qandisa grants wishes, but always at a price. If anyone holds the knowledge we seek—how to save Asani, how to fight the Black Clan—it will be her. But make no mistake, Taka… Qandisa does not give freely."

Taka's heart raced. This was exactly the kind of solution he had been searching for. Desperate times called for desperate measures, and he would pay any price to save his friend and bring down their enemies. He had no fear of demons or dark bargains, not when everything he cared about was at stake.

"We'll go," Taka said, his voice resolute. "Tonight."

Zira gave a slow nod of agreement, her eyes flickering with approval. "I've already prepared for the journey. It won't be easy, but we can't delay any longer. If Qandisa knows anything, we must find her before Asani's time runs out."

The three of them made their way toward the edge of Pride Rock, ready to embark on the dangerous journey. As they left the safety of their home, the remaining guard members—Zumaridi, Jabari, and Kondo—watched from a distance, whispering among themselves. Each had heard the rumors, each knew the dangers of venturing into the dark jungle. Yet they could not, would not, let Taka, Dio and Zira go alone.

"Asani is our brother," Jabari, the bravest of the guards, said in a low voice. "If they're risking their lives to save him, so will we."

Kondo, the strongest, nodded his agreement. "No matter the price, we'll pay it."

Zumaridi, the keenest of sight, narrowed her eyes toward the savanna's edge. "Then let's follow them. Quietly. They'll need us."

The trio of lions going after their leaders.

--

The journey was long, stretching over hours as they crossed the vast savanna under the watchful gaze of the moon. The familiar golden plains began to give way to rougher terrain, the grass thinning as rocks and thorn bushes emerged. The warm night air cooled as they climbed higher toward the jungle's outskirts, the soft whisper of the wind turning into a low, ominous howl.

Taka walked ahead, his green eyes glowing with determination. His mind was fixed on one goal—finding Qandisa, no matter what the cost. Zira, as always, moved gracefully beside him, her expression unreadable, though a hint of apprehension flickered in her gaze. Dio looking around with his sharp golden eyes for landmarks, all knowledge he had shared having come from a wood carving so each step, each goalposts had to be carefully followed to the next, thankfully his wandering lifestyle and jungle knowledge seemed to have paid off.

Behind them, in the distance, Zumaridi, Jarali, and Kondo followed in silence. Each step they took carried them further from the safety of the Pride Lands, into the unknown, into the darkness that awaited them beyond the borders.

Hours passed, and the land continued to shift. They trekked through dry riverbeds, rocky hills, and thickening underbrush. The air became heavy, humid, as the towering trees of the jungle loomed ahead like giants guarding a forbidden land. The jungle itself seemed alive, every rustle of leaves, every shadow, whispering of dangers yet unseen.

The guards moved with caution, their senses alert to every sound and shift in the environment. Zumaridi's sharp eyes caught glimpses of movement in the underbrush, though nothing revealed itself fully. Kondo's muscles tensed as he kept pace, his massive paws leaving deep impressions in the earth. Jabari, ever the boldest, led the group, his gaze fixed ahead on the fading forms of Taka, Dio and Zira.

As they neared the jungle's entrance, the familiar light of the stars and moon began to fade. The trees grew denser, their canopy so thick it blocked out the sky entirely. Shadows deepened, stretching like claws across the ground, and a sense of foreboding filled the air.

Taka paused at the edge of the jungle, staring into the pitch-black abyss before him. His heart quickened, not with fear, but with anticipation. The darkness felt alive, pulsing with energy, as though something ancient and powerful lay hidden within its depths.

"This is it, right Dio?" Zira said quietly, stepping beside him. Her eyes, though calm, betrayed a flicker of unease.

The usually sly and playful panther nodded grimly, gulping as he stepped into the deepest, darkest area of the jungle.

Taka eyes filled with resolve only had one thing to say. "Let's go."

They took their first steps into the jungle, the air growing cooler and thicker with every breath. The ground beneath them was soft, almost marsh-like, and the sounds of the savanna vanished behind them, replaced by the eerie silence of the jungle.

The guards followed, though each felt the same chill creeping into their bones. Zumaridi could barely see a foot in front of her, the darkness so absolute it swallowed all light. Kondo, despite his immense strength, found his legs growing heavy, as though the very earth was dragging him down. Jabari, though braver than most, couldn't shake the feeling of being watched—eyes hidden in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike.

"This place isn't natural," Zumaridi whispered, her voice barely audible. "Something's wrong, there is no noise, no bugs, no animals, it's impossible."

"It's just the jungle," kondo muttered, though even he didn't believe his own words.

Jabari remained silent, his focus entirely on Taka and Zira, who moved deeper into the heart of the darkness. He could sense it too—an unnatural presence, something lurking just out of sight, watching their every move.

After what felt like an eternity of walking through the oppressive blackness, the sound of rushing water filled the air. It was faint at first, barely distinguishable from the rustling leaves, but it grew louder as they pressed on.

Then, through the dense brambles and towering trees, they saw it.

The waterfall.

It was unlike anything they had ever seen. The water, though flowing steadily, seemed to shimmer with an unnatural amethyst glow, casting an eerie light on the brambles that covered the surrounding area. The air was thick with mist, but there was something else—something darker. A presence that made the fur on the back of their necks stand on end.

Taka stopped at the edge of the waterfall, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel it—the weight of the demon's presence. It was here, waiting for them.

Dio stepped forward, his voice barely a whisper as he addressed the group. "This is where Qandisa resides. Be prepared for anything."

Taka swallowed hard, his mind racing. This was it—the moment they had been dreading and hoping for all at once. If Qandisa held the answers, they would have to face whatever price the demon demanded.

Without a word, he stepped towards the waterfall, Zira at his side, the guards unknowingly close behind.

The cavern was shrouded in mist, the waterfall cascading down in a shimmering curtain of water that seemed to glow with an unnatural light. The dense jungle around them was silent, every sound swallowed by the oppressive darkness that hung in the air. As Taka, Zira, and Dio stepped close to the waterfall cave, the mist parted as if in response to their presence, revealing the figure that awaited them.

Zumaridi stepped forward and spoke. "Taka stop, we're not letting you go in alone." The lioness adjusting her glasses with a sly smirk.

Taka gasped as he saw his other teammates, his brothers and sister, his dear family. "You……..all came?"

"Of course we did Taka your our leader, we would follow you into Kamizu and back brother." Jabari chided in as he walked over, lightly tapping Taka's shoulder.

Taka looked at all those around him Zira, Dio, Zumaridi, Jabari, Kondo all of them had come for him and for Asani, his insecure leanings stopped. He was worthy, he had to be otherwise how could such wonderful friends look to him. "Alright together, all of us together can do anything." taka stepping through the amethyst shawl which cascaded across his lithe body like a dark baptism followed by each of his friends, their sleek forms all glowing in the purplish light, the water allowing each beasts toned forms clear, the rippling muscles of Kondo, Jabari, Dio and even the masculine formed Zira bodies glistened, Zumaridi huffing at her lack of a powerful form lacking the strong nobility of Zira, Taka likewise had a Frankly feline and feminine body shape too, which also usually bothered him, but not now.

And from the shadows, a voice—soft, seductive, and filled with malice—drifted through the air as a light deep in the cave began to glow.

"Who dares seek Qandisa?" A mysterious voice asked, will-o-wisps filling the cavern, illuminating it like dark demonic candles, the demon had awakened.

Qandisa hovered before them, an ethereal and unnerving sight. Her appearance was both captivating and unsettling—a young, beautiful goat-like demon clad in flowing black robes that billowed around her like shadows standing on her back legs in the sky. Her eyes glowed with an eerie sideways slit, each gaze piercing through the veil of normalcy to reveal the true nature of those who dared approach her.

With a wave of her hand, Qandisa floated gracefully toward Taka, her gaze locked onto him. Her presence was overwhelming, a palpable force that seemed to peer into the very essence of his being. Taka could feel the weight of her scrutiny, an uncomfortable invasion that laid bare every hidden secret and dark thought he harbored.

"You, Taka," Qandisa began, her voice a soft, melodic whisper that carried a chilling undertone, "carry within you a darkness that even you are reluctant to confront. The anger you harbor, the vengeful thoughts that drive you—they have begun to shape you into something other than what you once were."

Taka's heart sank. He could feel the truth in her words, a reflection of his own inner turmoil. He had tried to suppress his darker impulses, his thirst for vengeance and justice, but here, in the face of this demon, all his hidden fears and desires were laid bare. His frustration with his father, the resentment towards the Black Clan, the pain of seeing his friend suffer—everything that drove him was now exposed.

Qandisa's gaze shifted to Zira, her eyes narrowing as she studied the lioness. "And you, Zira, you walk a fine line between light and shadow. The power you wield, the burden of your wisdom—it is not without consequence. Your ambitions and fears have twisted your path, bringing you dangerously close to the same darkness that ensnares Taka."

Zira's eyes remained steady, though her heart pounded in her chest. She had always felt a deep connection to Taka, a shared understanding of the struggle between light and darkness. But hearing Qandisa's words brought a new level of clarity to the sacrifices she had made, the choices she had faced, and the price she might yet pay for the power she wielded.

Qandisa tilted her head, her long curved horns shimmering like polished silver as she looked over Dio. "My, my, my and you, Dio yes such drive and ambition and…….desire, oh really such desires you carry such feelings, such lust for two oh my what a surprise and to swing in such a way, but your abnormal leaning will likely lead to your death, stuck between such wishes."

Dio closed his golden eyes trying to center his mind, the demons judgments range true, but he needed to focus so as to not let all his secrets remain bare.

The demon's attention then turned to the other guards. Each one stepped forward, their deepest fears and secrets exposed by Qandisa's unrelenting gaze.

Zumaridi was first, her keen eyes and unerring vision revealed as a double-edged sword. Qandisa's gaze pierced through her, exposing a fear of failing her comrades, of not living up to the expectations she had set for herself. Zumaridi had always seen more than others, but she also harbored a deep-seated worry that she would one day let everyone down, a fear that gnawed at her from within.

Kondo, the strongest of the guard, was next. The demon's gaze revealed a vulnerability masked by his physical prowess. Beneath his strength lay a profound sense of inadequacy, a fear that his strength alone could never be enough to protect those he loved. The weight of his responsibility bore heavily on him, and Qandisa's eyes uncovered the quiet desperation he felt to prove himself worthy.

Jabari, the bravest, was the final guard to face Qandisa's scrutiny. His bravery was driven by an underlying fear of being perceived as weak. The courage he displayed was often a shield to mask the insecurity he felt about his own worth. His bravery was not without cost; the fear of failure and the dread of letting his comrades down were his constant companions.

"Oh such an eclectic bunch you all are, such fascinating subjects for my enjoyment oh what fun." The wicked little demon kid giggling sinisterly.

As Qandisa completed her examination, she turned her full attention to Taka. "For your wish, Taka, I require something of great value. You seek to save your friend, and you are willing to pay any price. But what I desire is not merely a price, but a piece of your very essence."

Taka looked at her, his heart pounding. "What is it you want?"

Qandisa's gaze softened, though the underlying menace remained. "I want the love that you hold in your heart. The love you have for Zira. It is a pure, potent force—one that binds you both together and fuels your resolve. Give me this love, and I will grant you the knowledge and the means to defeat your enemies."

Taka's breath caught in his throat. The thought of giving up his love for Zira was inconceivable. It was the one thing that kept him grounded, the one light in the darkness that drove him forward. But if this was the price for saving Asani, for defeating the Black Clan—what choice did he have?

Zira, sensing his turmoil, stepped closer. Her voice was steady but filled with emotion. "Taka, whatever the price, we will face it together."

Qandisa's eyes gleamed with satisfaction, as if she had anticipated this reaction. "Very well. The price is set. If you wish to proceed, you must be prepared to sacrifice that which you hold dearest. And know this: once given, it cannot be reclaimed by you."

As Taka and Zira stood side by side, the weight of their impending sacrifice heavy upon them, they knew that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges. But their resolve was unshaken. For the love they shared, and the lives they sought to protect, they would face whatever darkness lay ahead, Zira resolute that even if their current love was surrendered their bond could endure anything.

Qandisa, with a chilling grace, landed lightly on the ground. Her forehoof extended toward Taka, a gesture both inviting and foreboding. Taka's heart pounded in his chest as he looked one last time at Zira. The love he felt for her was palpable, his eyes reflecting the depth of his emotions. As their gazes met, a silent farewell passed between them, the weight of their sacrifice pressing heavily upon them both.

Shadows twist unnaturally, the faint whisper of the wind carrying an otherworldly tune. Taka stands before Qandisa, the enigmatic baphomet demoness, her piercing eyes glowing like embers. She circles him, her voice like honey laced with venom, weaving her offer into an alluring song.

(Song Title: "What You Need" (To the tune of Phantom by NateWantstoBattle)

(Qandisa)

Oh, my sweet, you look so frail, so tired, so lost in doubt,

A lion yearning for control in a world that shut you out.

I hear your pain, the silent screams, the wish you dare not speak,

I am not what you may want… but I'll give you what you seek.

(Chorus)

Tell me what you want, Taka,

Lay your heart bare and true.

For a price, I'll shape the stars,

I'll rewrite fate for you.

Trust my hand, I'll lead you through,

A savior or a fiend?

You call it wicked magic—

I call it what you need.

The Lion Guard whispers from the shadows as Qandisa circles Taka.

(Zumaridi): "She's toying with him, don't you see?"

(Kondo): "A deal with her always has a catch."

(Jabari): "She's no savior—she's a shadow in disguise."

(Zira): "Watch closely, everyone. Taka's not weak enough to let her words break him, our bond is much too strong."

Qandisa, smirking as she sings, addressing Taka directly, pointing a talon like claw at him.

(Qandisa): A friend, a guide, that's all I am, though they'll call me much worse.

They fear the price, but I say truth—it's worth the deepest curse.

Your dear Asani clings to life, the fire fading fast,

Let me turn the wheel of time and undo what's come to pass.

(Chorus)

Tell me what you want, Taka,

The power's in your claws.

Take my hand, I'll tear the chains,

Erase the world's cruel laws.

No more doubts, no more tears,

Your will, my one decree.

They'll call me wicked magic—

I call it what you need.

(Bridge)

Qandisa's voice softens, almost comforting as she stroked the side of Taka's face.

(Qandisa): I see the ache within your soul, the fear of being less,

Mufasa shines so brightly, yet you fade into the rest.

But here's your chance, your rise to glory, to become the king of kings.

All I ask… is one small thing.

Taka hesitates, trembling, and the Lion Guard tries to intervene, rushing to his side.

(Zumaridi): "Don't do it, Taka! She'll twist your wish!"

(Kondo): "She's a demoness—her words are poison!"

(Zira, smirking): "Let him choose. This will be… impactful, he can beat it."

Qandisa, with an intense crescendo, locking eyes with Taka

Qandisa: Oh, what's a life for power gained? What's one step toward the throne?

A single whisper, speak your wish, and you'll never be alone.

This world is cruel, but I am kind; I offer you release.

Call me sinner, call me savior—

Your choice will bring you peace.

(Final Chorus)

Tell me what you want, Taka,

The hourglass runs dry.

Your Asani fades away,

While you just watch him die.

Do you fear me? Do you trust me?

The truth is plain to see.

They'll call me wicked magic—

I call it what you need.

(Outro)

Qandisa's voice fades as the shadows deepen, her hand outstretched toward Taka.

Qandisa: So make your choice, my sweet prince,

What matters more to thee?

Your soul's worth or Asani's life?

I'll give you what you need…

The song ends as Qandisa leans closer, her voice fading into an eerie silence. Taka's claws dig into the earth as the weight of the decision crushes him. The Lion Guard watches, tension thick in the air, waiting to see whether he will take her hand…

With a trembling paw, Taka reached out to Qandisa. Their paws met in a handshake, and a malevolent smile spread across the demon's face. The smile soon twisted into a cackle, her voice echoing ominously through the clearing.

A shadowy claw shot out from Qandisa, piercing into Taka's chest with a cold, otherworldly force. The sensation was excruciating, and Taka cried out in pain. His eyes widened in shock as the claw of shadows pulled out what appeared to be a shimmering, ethereal heart. The heart glowed with a soft light before it was wrenched away, leaving Taka collapsed on his knees, sobbing uncontrollably. His once vibrant emerald eyes dulled, their warmth extinguished, replaced by a cold, distant gaze.

As Taka's sobs faded, a chilling calm enveloped him. The love he once felt for Zira, the driving force behind his every action, was gone. In its place was an empty void, a soullessness that left him indifferent to everything he had once cherished.

Qandisa observed with satisfaction, her eyes gleaming with cruel delight. "I have taken his heart," she declared, her voice dripping with triumph. "But I am a woman of my word. For your friend's recovery, you will need a special blossom found in the Nile-Lands, in a land of sand and tall monuments of stone. Mix it with pure spring water from the Oasis of the Northlands capital, and blend it with a tamboa plant. Only then will your speedy friend be healed."

Qandisa's gaze turned calculating, her eyes narrowing as she continued. "As for the Black Clan, they are led by the Lord of Nightmares, a lion Shaman from the Dream Weavers. That is why Zira's witchcraft cannot find him. He counteracts any information she receives from the gombwe and the stars, manipulating the very fabric of reality to suit his own ends. His aim is to alter the future to his advantage, which is why his actions defy the visions Zira sees, their base is in the outlands in a cavern shaped like a lion's maw."

With a dismissive flip of her mane of platinum hair, Qandisa's smugness was almost tangible. She reveled in the dark transformation she had wrought, her satisfaction evident as she gazed upon Taka's now emotionless expression.

Zira approached Taka with a mix of concern and dread. "Taka, are you—"

But Taka's reaction was cold and indifferent as he pulled away as if her touch was toxic. The warmth he once felt for her was absent, replaced by a calculated, dispassionate gaze. He regarded her as little more than a tool, a means to an end.

"You," Taka said, his voice devoid of its former warmth, "are no longer important to me. You are a pawn in this game, nothing more. Your knowledge is useful, but your feelings mean nothing. I will use you as I see fit, and if you stand in my way, I will not hesitate to crush you."

The harshness of his words cut through the air like a blade. Zira recoiled from the venom in his voice, her heart aching with the realization of what had been sacrificed. Taka's transformation was complete; his love for her was replaced by a chilling emptiness.

As Zira struggled to process the change in Taka, the remaining guards—Zumaridi, Jabali, and Kondo—watched in silent horror. They had followed their comrades into the darkness, driven by their loyalty and the promise of restoring their friend. But the price of their quest had left them with a profound sense of dread.

Dio however had a blank look, a look that revealed nothing behind his gold eyes as if he was processing it all or perhaps was not surprised.

Qandisa's final words echoed in their minds as they prepared to leave the cavern. The journey ahead would be perilous, with the quest for the special blossom and the confrontation with the Lord of Nightmares looming. Their path was fraught with danger, and the cost of their quest was far greater than they had anticipated.

To be continued….