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VII. Trails on Sand

I hadn’t expected anything before it actually happened. We were extremely lucky, that’s all. There is little of my merit in that, I was just in place.
Angaa appeared from nowhere. We were in Dried Oasis on a trip with cubs. Mother, Kiara, Danti, Kauta and I were leading pride’s kitties on their first walk outside Golden Cave. The weather was perfect and nothing would announce the attack. In half a way, I propose that I could go faster and uncover the source for us to drink, when we all are there. Kiara – of course – wanted to go with me. Since the day of Dhalimu’s birth, or maybe even earlier, since day of my and Kovu’s talk on plateau, she sensed that something was wrong. Funny, she wanted to keep an eye or me, or she really sought my friendship – even today I’m, not sure. Personally I prefer to assume the second option, so alike to her simple-hearted nature. Maybe she just wanted to become like me, to regain Kovu’s love.
In the moment of attack it didn’t matter anyway. Angaa jumped most likely from oasis’s pan, instantly overturning Kiara and then pounced on me. How clever, somehow he was sure I wouldn’t run. He pressed me to the ground and started to wrestle – a competition that I had no chances to win. He wasn’t especially muscular, but anyway for stronger than me.
“Run!” I called to Kiara. “Call help!”
As you probably already know I wasn’t so scared about queen. That was a trick and I got what I wanted. Angaa, alarmed that she could bring so help let me loose (in last moment, he almost choked me) and jumped on her. I stood up instantly and estimated my chances.
In theory, the best thing I could to was to wait for lion to kill Kiara. It would be perfect, because I would got my goal without spotting my paws in blood. But then eventual victory with him was hard and dangerous.
That’s why I attack his back. Whatever I seemed, fair or not, I saved queen’s live. Lion was just about to bite her throat, when I slashed his back with extended claws. He was surely surprised that I rise so fast. He just kicked me with rear leg and…
…and that was enough! I would never expected for such inconspicuous lion a strength like that. His single blow sent me three metres away almost senseless. It took me over ten seconds to regain basic orientation and when I did it, I was given with another hit. In that time Angaa managed to knock Kiara out (but loser – he didn’t kill her!) and jump to me. All I could do was to shun his attacks and wait for reinforcements. That was a <fun>, even in higher than Outlander’s standards.
Angaa was quicker than any lion I met. He had both strength of male (or greater) and agility of lioness (or… no! for sure greater!). Later I came to conclusion he was boosted by some king of drugs. Mountain Red Mushrooms most likely. The was fighting like in trance, beating me up easily. Understand it – he was really fast. I always was good warrior, after death of Zira and Hawaa definitely the best of our pride. But that three minutes I was fighting with him, were just desperate attempts to slower what was unavoidable. Block, block, block and then try to run aside. I doubt if I try to deliver even single blow after my attack on his back. Last thing I thought before he hit my head, was that avalanche in gorge didn’t have to be an accident. And then again, that it came very bad that Kovu lost both mate and me. Then someone turn my sight off.
What I heard and sensed after, was as Angaa was raising his paw to finish me and then came to us roars of mother, Danti and Kauta. Rouge instantly set off to retreat. I was yelling because of pain and anger. I knew that he failed to kill Kiara. And it was so close…
When I opened my eyes I was in Dried Oasis, surrounded by all my group. Cubs looked on me with fear and amaze, meanwhile mother and girls were trying to water Kiara and me. Queen was almost unhurt – he fainted more due to shock than chocking – but just in case she was treated like wounded. I had just few scratched, but that blow in my head was really painful. When I finally overcame dizziness I asked.
“Cubs?”
“All in place.” Replied my mother.
“Angaa…”
“He ran, when he saw us.” She said. “You were lucky, I could roar so loud.”
“Tetesi!” called Kiara and hugged me with no warning. I just panted with pain, but she didn’t notice it. “Ow, thank you! You saved me!” Great! The second time I wanted to kill my queen and after all I protected her life. “Third time lucky.” I murmured in mind. “If you are all right, let’s go home quick.” Ordered Kiara. I was too shocked to protest.
While we were marching in massif’s direction, Kiara stopped me and waited for others to walk ahead of us. Then she came closer and whispered to my ear.
“Once again… thanks. I even thought that you wanted to… But I was wrong.” I looked her with curiosity, however I perfectly knew what she had on mind. I was just surprised she found it out. “No, never mind.”
I was trying to calm myself down, comforting with thought that Kovu will praise me.

Angaa ran to Rumble Range. He was exhausted and bruised, from his mouth was dropping blood mixed with saliva. The side effects of mushrooms weren’t too pleasant and hard to avoid. Additionally his back was marked with parallel red lines, a gift from Tetesi. Lipizi yelled with genuine fear.
“No… I will be fine…” growled lion. His sensed were dimmed and he didn’t know he was shouting. “I failed… this time. You must go back to cave, before they would suspect you… go!” Then he fell on gravel of range’s foot.
Lightfurred grabbed his neck with jaws and dragged to nearest cave. Then she ran to source and filled coconut shell with water. When she returned to Angaa, he was still half-stunned, but aware. She spat with blood to clear his mouth.
“I said: go away.” She just poured some water on his forehead. “I will be fine. But if they start to suspect you…”
“Do not talk for a while.” She ordered with decisive voice. Then places stream of water into his mouth. When he swallowed it, she ran for another portion. When she returned after few more minutes, he asked.
“Why are you doing this? You shouldn’t risk.” Then he froze in amaze.
For the first time in his life he saw as Lipizi was crying. Lion would never suspected that she was able to show such a weakness and… tenderness? She bended down and licked scratch on his cheek. He smiled with delight, however it hurt a bit, because stretched muscles extended the scratch. Then came to simple conclusion that wasn’t real, just a drug vision.
“Ow, Angaa.” She sobbed. Yes, definitely a dream. Real Lipizi would have never treat him like that. “I’m so sorry… I understood it too late.”
Lion wanted to asked her for another portion of mushrooms. But about two second later he came to logical conclusion, that if he was dreaming, the unreal drugs would not make any effect. Meanwhile lioness was talking still.
“I know you always loved me… even in times before I mated with Ghibu… I was blind, that you with whom I should be. I was selfish and blind. If I could only put back the time… It would be different know.”
“I’m tripping, but if that’s a dream, I would like to sleep forever.” Thought lion. Pains in his stretched muscles were slowly emerging from sea of adrenaline rush. But he felt happy as he never was anyway.
“I love you, Angaa.” Sobbed Lipizi. “I just have understand that. I wanted to do anything for me… and I used that, without understanding what it means.”
“I love you, you know that.” Murmured sleepy, yet extremely excited sandymaned. Suddenly he felt very uneasy. Pains grew and everything – except of Lipizi’s behaviour – was suggesting it was reality. But it meant that she had real problem.
“But from now on it will change… We will go away from that blasted desert. With… Angaa… will you accept my cubs and become their father?” In spite of intense pain in neck, lion nodded his head with so decisive nod, that it almost was as he told: of course I will! “So we will leave this hell. I… hate Kovu, I hate Kiara and Tetesi. But I don’t want to get my revenge for price of your life. No more risk. I want you to live.”
“A bit too late. We are at the state of war with Golden Pride.” Wanted to tell Angaa, but his lips were too sleepy. So he just murmured, expressing as much love as it was possible in that amorphous sound.
“You hear me? I will prepare kids to go. I will try also to disrupt their search. So…”
“Go to pride…” whispered Angaa. He still wasn’t completely convinced that it wasn’t a dream, but he decided to act as it was real. “Rest… eat as much as you can… feed cubs… you must be ready to long journey… in three days let’s meet in Rumble Gorge. Right?”
“I’ll do it, my love.” She kissed him and stood up. She made few steps to exit of cave but then stopped and again measured him with concerned stare.
“I will be all right!” he assured. “Just… prepare yourself and I will do my part. Beware of Kovu, don’t let him suspect you.”
“I’m so sorry.” Sobbed Lipizi again. “From now on I will do everything to make up for times I was hurting you.”
“So it seems to be long and extremely wonderful time in future.” He smiled with his blooded lips. “But now go. We will be safe soon.”
*
The Golden Cave was at alarm. Initially Kovu panicked (fortunately he didn’t show it), seeing that all of Sandy Coalition wasn’t there. He suspected that they all – Angaa, Chungu, Jamaa and Lipizi were involved in plot. But then returned redmaned, directly from north, were he was checking Northern Source. King sighed with relief, because it was really limited possibility that Jamaa had anything to do with attack.
But Chungu and – however weird it sounded – Lipizi were suspected. Kovu wanted to send regular searching team, but in the same time he was afraid of safety of cave. Leaving cubs without protection was not an option.
“Ssssir.” Noticed Kauli, again rolled around king’s neck. “If Lipizi isssss involved in plot, we have… ssssome hostages.” He pointed with tail on sleeping Akra and Simmi.
“That isn’t funny.” Snorted Kovu.
“I was seriousssss, my lord.” Assssssured… I mean: assured snake.
“What now, my lord?” asked Dotty. “Whatever has happened, we must work as pride always does. Hunting…”
“Just in case.” Asked king. “How many lionesses are required to defend the entrance?”
“It isn’t so hard, after all defence in such narrow stand is much easier. Against two males… Two good warriors.” Estimated elder lioness. “That means someone younger than me.”

That was time I decided to act. I came to Kovu, intentionally passing by Kiara, to gain her attention. Then, pretending I wasn’t observed I stopped before my king and said with quiet voice, as if I didn’t want to be heard.
“Sir, unless we catch rouges I strongly suggest you forbid queen any trainings. I can’t guarantee her full safety now.”
“No!” called emotionally Kiara. “Stop it, that is paranoia! We can’t let them - or just him, because we still aren’t sure if only Angaa is involved – to haunt of lives! I want to train as nothing has happened.”
“Sir, I guess she’s right.” Said Dotty. “There is really unlike that queen would be an object of attack, especially under protection of my daughter.”
“Trainingsssssssss are dangerous.” Murmured Kauli. “And those alwaysssss were, with Angaa around and without.”
“Tetesi?” asked Kovu and looked into my eyes with serious question. He didn’t have to seek my opinion, but he did. He trusted me and I had to keep his trust for all cost. Or just pretend I was worthy of confidence.
“Sir, the safety of queen is the priority of pride and…” I stopped with previously prepared grimace. “Golden Pride… safety of Golden Queen.” I added quieter and suddenly burst with laughter. It was – of course – planned too. “My king, it seems that my training brought some results already… She talks like Golden Queen should.” I turned to Kiara. “Are you ready to defend yourself, ma’am?”
“I am!” called lioness with enthusiasm then added with more pleading voice. “Kovu, please…”
“Haven’t you any objections, Tetesi?” again, king asked me.
“Of course I have!” I responded, still laughing. “But I’m not the queen. She is in charge now. I’m teaching her, but she is the boss here.”
“All right…” murmured Kovu. “But if you see anything suspicious, you…”
“Go back to Golden Cave and alarm the pride.” We called both with Kiara. Then she laughed too.
“I mean it, Kiara!” said king with decisive voice. “You are mother now and you are responsible not only for me, but also for Dhalimu. Don’t do anything stupid.”
She came closer to him and whispered to his ear. I heard it barely, only thanks to Zira’s senses-training, that I been subjected on Outlands.
“You sound like my father.” She said. “You are both unbearable. But don’t worry, I love you both.” Then she went back few steps and came to sleeping Dhalimu. She stroked head of cub and whispered something soft. This time I fail to comprehend it. “So, let’s go.” She turned to me.
In the same moment to cave came Lipizi and Jamaa. They were angry and tensed, more focused on themselves and their argument that on behaviour of pride. Instantly, even without any order, few sisters just pounced on and immobilised lion. What was really shocking, he didn’t resist.
“What!?” called Lipizi. “You want slash him for what Angaa tried?”
“Leave him.” Ordered Kovu.
“You highness, I had nothing to do with Angaa’s acts and I swear I wouldn’t raise my paw on your queen!” panted Jamaa with shivering voice. As far I know lion’s souls, he was right. Simple-hearted rouge was really shocked by events of morning.
“Should I beg you too for what I haven’t done?” asked Lipizi with poisonous tone.
“Shut up!” shouted Kovu. “Lipizi, go to your cubs and say nothing for your own good. Jamaa…” He turned to brownmaned and added with calmer voice. “No one is accusing you. We believe you, you proved you are honest. But… where is Chungu?”
“I don’t know, you majesty.” Said Jamaa, still bowing his head down.
“Do you think he is in league with Angaa?”
“I hope not, sir, but they are good friends…”
“Think, you two. I have one, but crucial question.” Said Kovu with angry voice. “Why the hell Angaa wanted to kill Kiara.”
“Because of his brother.” Replied Jamaa and Lipizi gasped with anger.
“Brother?” amazed king.
“Ghibu was his brother. You killed him, sir and that why Angaa could be mad.”
“WHAT!?” shouted Kovu. “Why haven’t you told me?”
“Why haven’t you asked?” smiled Lipizi.
“Let’s go, ma’am.” I whispered to Kiara. “King has to deal with it in his own way.”
When we were exiting the cave I still heard angry shouts behind me, but I didn’t care. Things had complicated a bit. So only Angaa and eventually Chungu was hunting on queen. Or on me, what was even more probable, but I any threat was good as cover for <accident> I planned for Kiara. So my task was harder then, however still easier that few days before. I still wanted to use rouges. I just believed in assurances of Jamaa and assumed that only two lions are hunting on me. I just didn’t notice that something was wrong there.
How the heck Lipizi and Jamaa knew what had happened on morning.

“Trust me, she will come here.” Said Angaa, looking down to the gorge.
“Who? Lipizi or queen?” asked Chungu.
“Lipizi will, but not today. She had to prepare to our journey.” Explained sandymaned. “And I didn’t mean queen. That Tetesi will come here. With queen too, but she is leading.”
“Why?”
“She hopes that we kill Kiara.” Explained Angaa quickly and seeing amazed stare of friend, added. “I just know that. When we were fighting… Tetesi came to assist queen a second too late. She hesitated, as she was not sure if she wanted to save her at all.”
“Absurd!” snorted redmaned. “She was in shock and that why she stopped.”
“No. Warrioress like her never hesitates. It was real a choice.”
“So, what’s the plan?” asked Chungu.
“You just have to intercept them on the mouth of gorge if something go wrong. But I hope I will do the job.”
“I won’t hurt queen.” Said redmaned decisively.
“You won’t have to.” Smiled Angaa. Chungu wanted to asked why, but he just added. “Go!” and pointed mouth of gorge on southwest.
“I don’t like this.” Murmured redmaned.
“I know.” Nodded Angaa. “And that why I’m so grateful to you. Lipizi and I won’t forget about it… my friend.”
“I’m doing it only to avenge Ghibu, nothing more!” shouted lion and ran ahead.
Angaa was looking on him, until he disappeared among rock on gorge wall. Then lion banded down and licked red mass of mushroom pulp. When bitter substance of drug inflamed his tongue, he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. He was going to end that once for all. Avenge his brother. Ultimately prove himself before Lipizi. And then? And then his life would start a new. Far from that desert hell, with lioness he loved at his side. Fate of rouges? Well, it wasn’t so scary if one has a reason to go ahead. Angaa had a reason.
“I love you, Lipizi.” Whispered and turned his stare down. He needed to find some cover.
*
For most of way, they were going in silence. Finally Kiara sensed that something was wrong and asked, felling airy and merry voice.
“Were you serious, when you said that I acted like Golden Queen?”
“Today?” Asked Tetesi and goldenfurred nodded. “Yes and no. You definitely understood what is desert verve. However you still lack of desert wisdom and carefulness.”
“You really think we are in danger?” snorted surprised queen.
“Life is danger. Being queen is danger. Walking in Rubble Gorge is danger…” replied Tetesi. Some voice, sounding just like Ghibu, added in her mind. “…walking with you is danger.” Then laughed soundlessly.
“I’m not afraid. I want prove myself.”
“You will have a chance soon.” Smiled Tetesi with voice so full of satisfaction that Kiara shivered. Something was very, very wrong and it wasn’t the rouges threat. Or not only.
“You… we are seeking those rouges!” yelled Kiara. “You purposely guide me, where they could be.” Brownfurred nodded. “That is the test?” She nodded again. “But I could be killed!”
“Me too.” Smiled Tetesi. “And if I’m killed it means I’m not worthy subject of Kovu. The same goes for you – if you fall, you aren’t worthy mate for him.”
“I doubt if he accepts you methods of training, if he know about it.” Said Kiara carefully.
“I don’t worry about that.” Replied brownfurred. “If you pass the test, there will be no reason to complain. If you fail – there will be no person to complain.”
“Is that what you, Outlanders, call <fun>?” asked queen. “Anyway, I’m not afraid.”
“I hope you’re not!” Tetesi smiled. “After all I taught you much.”
They came to the end of gorge. Farther bed was coming up and slowly becoming almost vertical wall. In rainy season there was a waterfall that started a seasonal torrent down to the desert. But then there was dry and dusty. And deadly silent. That why they heard Angaa instantly when he set off downhill.
“Here he comes.” Smiled Tetesi. “Our examiner number one.”
“You majesty… warrior…” greeted them sandymaned. “I’m so happy that you came here. May we talk about Ghibu… you know, that lion, killed in day you came here. In private, he was my brother!”
He came down from slope, standing behind them and cutting them off. The lion was in the way back, between route down the gorge and lionesses. They were in dead end, what didn’t make any impression on Tetesi.
“You don’t have to fight with him.” Whispered brownfurred to queen’s ear. “You could leave me here and run. But beware – when he sees you weakness, he will pick you as primary target.”
“So why do you tell me that.”
“Because it’s your last chance to run. To survive.” Smiled lioness. Kiara shook her head, not believing what she was hearing. Thought that Tetesi want her bad… or even dead was slowly coming to her mind. it was shock and grave threat. Queen had no plan on such a case.
“Have I hurt you in any way, Tetesi?” asked with scared voice.
“No, but you was so weak, that you let me dream. You let me believe that I will be better Kovu’s mate than you.” Pupils of Kiara eyes extended in fraction of second. “That is the judgementday, my lady. If you survive this, you will prove me wrong.”
“Are you done?” asked impatient Angaa. Due to drug effects he already was measuring time with fight scale. Every second was crawling along like an hour. “I don’t care about you dirty business. I just want you dead.”
“Ow, sorry.” Replied Kiara instinctively. Tetesi burst in laughter.
“So, go on. Suit yourself.”
“No, one thing more.” Added Angaa. “I will make it quick and almost painfully. But I want you to promise me that if some of you survive, you won’t punish Lipizi for that. I’ve planned it on my own, she has nothing to do with that.”
“For me, it’s ok.” Said Tetesi. “I won’t kill her if she doesn’t mess with me.” Kiara just nodded her head. “So, let’s dance!”
Before Tetesi finished that sentence, Angaa set off to charge.

The red mushrooms are making Angaa go real crazy, then again so is Lipizi's 'power' over him. It seems that the other two lions don't really want any part of their plans. Now that the sandymaned lion has Tetesi and Kiara in a good place. Tetesi's plan to see if Kiara survives this should really be interesting. Good chapter, update soon!

All right, so it’s going on. Forgive me that cliché cliff-hanger at the end of today’s part, but it because of serious reason. There are three different ending of that history. Today’s chapter is the last “common”. Tomorrow and in next two days We will look how it could end I three ways.

VIII. Training is complete

And that how it came to this. I was scared, knowing how much I was risking – Kiara got known my plan and rouge was still a instant and substantional threat for both of us. But in the same time I was calm and… happy? Yes, I could say that. Finally I was able to face my destiny and fight. Fight with my claws and fangs, not with plots and words. It was fair duel (or triel, whatever) where rules were simple and possible outcome obvious. I had a sweet awareness that if in history Golden Queen were murderesses, they surely did they crimes in that way. I was following the right path. A bit astray, aside route of noble and merciful monarchesses of my kingdom, but somehow parallel. And after dealing with Kiara I would just back on straight way, to take my place at Kovu’s side. Sweet.
Under a condition I was going to survive.

Again Angaa was boosted with drug. If Tetesi would see the situation rationally, she had to admit she and Kiara were on lost position. But lioness was not longer thinking but fighting and that saved her life.
First charge was really surprising and brownfurred shunned it only partially. Lion didn’t slash her with extended claws, but pushed aside strong enough to overturn her. She rolled aside, purposely making few more rolls after loosing her impetus. It was right choice, because she felt as lion jumped again, hitting rock where she was a second earlier. So she stood up on paws and pounced ahead, just to shun another blow. It id didn’t come.
Tetesi heard a scream of pain and turned her head left. She saw as Angaa was slashing side of Kiara and queen was doing her best to get away from grab. However she had no chances to free from paws of lion.
“Wait!” called Tetesi with smile on her lips. “Are you going to replace me!?” Angaa delivered another blow that knocked queen unconsciousness then turned to warrioress. This time she was ready to dodge and easily let lion to fly her by. In the same time she quickly hit with right paw and slashed his side. Lightly, but painfully.
“Don’t worry.” Growled Angaa, who seemed not to feel any pain. “I will kill you both.”
”Funny. I guess you brother say something like that too.” Replied Tetesi and sandymaned pounced.
Lioness fell down to the ground, rolled ahead, in the same time kicking in the air with rear paw. She hit at random in enemy’s body, not making any serious wound, but enraging adversary.
“I really wanted make it quick!” shouted Angaa. “Why are you asking for additional torment?” And jumped again
Kiara slowly opened her eyes to see rouge and brownfurred moving in deadly dance. Both fighters were amazing and if not a burning thought about own danger, queen would have watched them for long hours. Tetesi was slower and weaker, but she was just cleverly shunning most of enemy’s charges, run much and made Angaa to attack from distance. The pounces were the best for brownfurred to block, because in the air lion couldn’t use his superior agility. But what was the point of that? Drugged with mushrooms sandymaned had more stamina than lioness, so playing on time was useless.
“Does she wait for me to help?” asked herself Kiara. “But… but she wants to kill me!”
“Run!” ordered voice in queen’s mind. It was Simba, his overwhelming and decisively call that forced obedience any time it sounded. That was too much for Kiara. She couldn’t just run. She was no longer daddy’s girl.
“Hang on, Tetesi!” called queen and pounced into ring of combat.
Blow hit brownfurred, but not because of that Tetesi was angry. Kiara should had interfered! It wasn’t in plan. With irritation lioness jumped aside, leaving queen wrestling with rouge. After few seconds of fight, when goldenfurred was almost chocked, she called.
“All right, I won’t let you die this way. But next time leave him to me!” she slashed lion’s side, making him roar and shun aside.
“Come on. Hit me if you can!” called brownfurred and turned back. She set off to run.
As she had planned. She knew that drugs were sharpening senses, but also disrupting overall perception. Extremely agile and strong warrior could be easily lead into trap.
When Tetesi sensed pouncing enemy behind her, she just made a step side. Lion heavily landed in gravel next to her and… stopped. Impetus of Angaa, adding mass and speed of falling, made his paws submerge into sand and rubble. Tetesi was waiting for that and instantly after she made sure her enemy was immobilised, she just charged at him, plunging her teethes in his neck. Whatever superiority over lioness lion had, he couldn’t shun with limbs covered with graved and couldn’t defend himself from fangs on his throat. Tetesi clenched her jaws and jumped aside.
“Stars!” she panted. “If he was more lucky, I would have no job here.” She smiled, looking on wound of Kiara’s side. Angaa coughed for the last time and fell silent for good.
“But… what will happen now?” asked shocked Kiara. “Are you really wanted to kill me? So why have you started the fight with him?”
”Actually, I still want to kill him.” Corrected her Tetesi. “But I required rouge’s body and marks of fight here. You know… I had to get scapegoat… and I succeeded.” Kiara narrowed her eyes with fear. “So, tell me. Do you want die here, or we’re going to have fun, like recently?”
“You wouldn’t dare.” Gasped Kiara.
“Any words to forward Kovu?” asked brownfurred.
“Tetesi killed me?” proposed queen with irony.
“Be serious, girl.” Replied lioness, but then she burst with laughter. “But it was good… very good.”
“I love him. And I love our cub. Say it him, if you really dare to destroy that.” Whispered queen. “But I still don’t believe you could do it.”
Spectre of Ghibu smiled to Tetesi from rock above. Lioness came to scared monarchess and said with serious voice.
“I’m serious, Kiara. I love him, and I just must make sure he has a mate he deserved… If you only succeeded my training and proved that you could be real Golden Queen…” said with calm voice. “What I could promise you is that I will make him happier that you could. And don’t worry about Dhalimu. His is Kovu’s child, I couldn’t harm him. Remember? That what saved you that day we got into avalanche. I was close to kill you, but I wasn’t sure if you aren’t pregnant.”
“Will he inherent Kovu’s throne?”
“Of course!” replied Tetesi with a bit huffed voice. “He is the firstborn. Doesn’t matter how many cubs we will have with Kovu in future, he is first in line.”
“How noble of you.” Snorted Kiara.
“But enough of that. Prepare…”
“No, you won’t do it!” called queen. Maybe first time in her life she sounded with decisiveness proper to ruler. “I won’t tell him about that happened, but you mustn’t kill me. You are standing against the queen.”
“Of Prideland.” Smiled Tetesi. “Any last words? Maybe you want apologise for killing Zira?”
“It isn’t real…” whispered Kiara, slowly standing on paws. She still wasn’t sure if that was true, but she decided to be prepared for anything.
“Don’t worry.” Said brownfurred. “As I said, I will give you a chance. A chance that Zira hadn’t. Let’s play. You know the drill. You could run, hide or fight. If you kill me, you win, if you hide from me, you win. If you reach Golden Cave, you win. Otherwise I will have to admit that I failed as a teacher. Ready? One, two…”
“NO!”
“Three, four…”
Kiara turned to the mouth of gorge and started to run.
*
Kiara’s mind was burning. Young queen was trying to run and think in the same time, but it was hard, very hard. Lioness was exhausted, terrified and lost. Five months of living in the Golden Sands hadn’t taught her even basics of local topography. She saw the walls of Rumble Gorge, she knew that behind its mouth there is just two kilometres of desert and then safe rock of Golden Cave, but traits of her route were unknown to her. She was speeding at random, only thanks to enormous luck not falling to one of numerous cracks in gorge’s bottom. She was trying to chose the optimal way, to save every joule of energy, finding the shortest shortcut, but she just couldn’t regain any orientation in that crazy run. She knew that she was much slower and less enduring than her chase. In the same time she was no match in combat. Her only chance was to reach the safe home or at least close enough to call for help. The rules of game were clear, as clear as that Kiara was losing fast.
She tripped when her front paw fell into small rock crack. Lioness even didn’t felt that – just saw as her limb stuck in hole, then whole world turned upside-down. She made somersault and landed perfectly on her back. It would be funny, especially seen from aside, however Kiara felt no urge to laugh but to cry. The wave of pain from broken paw deluged her. No, it was not broken! Just a bit stretched… I must get up and run…
She opened her eyes to see perfectly blue sky above. Then she rolled on side, gently pulling her paw up. It hurt, but was still in one piece. There still was a chance. She stood up and carefully based on wounded limb. A pain returned and queen felt she had to make a break to overcome it. She looked around, but not to see for her pursuer. She needed just to calm her scared mind. She glimpsed on gorge around and just thought about its strange beauty.
The Golden Sands and its vicinity were so unlike to Prideland. But were also charming as well. It was a harsh kind of beauty – made of sharp rock and monumental walls of stone. And – of course – endless plains of golden sand. But the silent majesty of ancient land appealed to Kiara’s heart in different, however the same strong way than mild features of her home savannah. “I’m queen of that kingdom.” She thought, letting her first tears to flow. She was crying both because of burning pain in her paw and sudden understanding of her past errors. “And I don’t know my land. I was responsible for that soil but I didn’t care of knowing it and loving it as I should. And that doomed me now. If I only knew Rumble Gorge, I would have escaped…” But then she heard steps of running lion. Chase was near.
Kiara turned back to the deeper gorge. She was looking on north-west, just against the early afternoon sun. But in the deluge of golden rays, she felt where exactly were lioness chasing her. Fur of pursuer was sparkling with reflected light, however queen knew that in reality it was much darker, almost brown. When she got closed, Kiara was able to look on her persecutor once more. Young, well-built female of blue eyes and decisive stare seemed was coming slowly, carefully, ready to attack. “Does she really think I would defend myself?” sobbed queen in mind. “She is stronger, well trained and unhurt. There is no way I could stand against her.” Pursuer had some wild and erratic beauty, so alike to landscape around. Her sharp muzzle-features and decisive moves were expressing clear intend to kill.
“Stand and fight!” shouted adversary. “I will kill you.”
“I… I can’t!” sobbed Kiara, raising her scratched paw. “I just can’t.”
“There is no room for weakens here, my lady.” Said brown lioness. In her voice the irony was clearly heard. “Stand up and fight!”
“You are stronger. I can’t win with you.”
“So, you will let me just slaughter your?” asked attacked, slowly coming to paralysed with fear queen. “Is that what you were taught?”
“It hurts.” Cried Kiara, still raising her wounded paw.
“I know.” Nodded brown lioness and pounced on queen.
She did her best to shun. What she managed was to jump few feet aside, so claws of attacker pierced the air not her throat. But she was pushed with mass of warrioress and fell to the ground. When she raised her head against rays of sun she sensed that enemy was just behind her, putting her paw on queen’s neck.
“I’m sorry.” Whispered brown lioness. “There is no room for weakness here.”
Then Kiara felt cold touch of sharp claws on her throat.

The ending still got me but in a good way. I still agree with Tetesti, how she would make a better queen and better mate for Kovu. I do feel sorry for Kiara though but hey Pridelanders are weak, well she is anyway. I look forward to the other planned endings you have. Good job on this chapter!

I’m sure that everyone would find something proper for her/him;)

This is first of three possible endings of story. If You are devoted fan of Kiara and can’t imagine other solution that total victory of queen, I suggest to read this and only this version. On the other paw – if You sympathize with Tetesi and can’t stand Kiara’s happy ending, do not read this one. Tomorrow You would see complete different possibility of events.

The Golden Branch

Chungu hit Tetesi’s side with impetus that threw them both over four metres aside. Lioness was surprised, but she anyway managed to hit new enemy in paw. They both landed awkwardly in backs and it took several seconds for brownfurred and redmaned to stand up. Kiara instantly rolled aside, leaving free battlefield to combatants.
“You killed Angaa!” growled Chungu.
“Sorry, I had to misunderstand his peaceful intentions.” Snorted Tetesi. In fact she was furious. It came not as she planned. Then she called to Kiara. “Rejoice, my lady! Join the enemy of pride and kill me.”
“Chungu!” screamed queen. “Do not kill her. Just wound her and get to cave.”
“With all due respect, you highness.” Growled rouge. “Shut up!” And pounced on Tetesi.
This fight wasn’t so impressive. It was just a desperate exchange of quick hits where both sided were unprepared and furious. Brownfurred was sparking with anger for disrupting her plans. Chungu was in berserk after death of his friend. Because his fierce and erratic attacks, Tetesi seemed to have some superiority. She was a bit tired and definitely weaker. But she was also already warmed up to fight, acting in adrenaline rush and was generally better trained.
Queen was looking on that without move. Beware of how it ended previous time, she was far from intervention. And in fact she had no idea whom to cheer. To Tetesi, claiming she wanted to… and trying to kill her, or rouge lion, who was ally of killed assassin. If she understood it right, both combatants were struggling for honour of killing Golden Queen. This time she had no objections of following father’s voice. She turned to Golden Sands and started to run. She didn’t look back when she heard noise of avalanche behind her. She was crying and running. Her paws were burning with pain, but she didn’t stop before Golden Massif.

And that's the way it ends. I’m laying here, broken and dying, under stones and gravel. I guess Chungu is already dead and I will follow him shortly. Broken rear paws and most of ribs, internal haemorrhage that I feel in my chest. Stream of blood are flowing over my wounded lungs. So it’s almost done. I’m could be only happy that I managed to tell you my story before the end.
The details of fight? Ow, never mind. When I understood that I had to chance to kill Chungu and catch Kiara, I just jumped on gorge slope on loose limestone and with no surprise noticed that rouge followed me. So I grabbed the ledge and waited for him to catch my rear paws. He pulled down, what was too much for fragile rocks. Then shower of rubble covered us. I guess he died instantly, hit in head by some bigger fragment. I had this luck to pass away in pain for several hours.
It was enough time to reconsider all what I have done. I turned out to be weak, that I failed. But even if I succeeded, could I call myself strong? I hurt Kovu, by standing against his order, laws and emotions. I damaged his matehood and caused him many pains. That is not the way the subject should act. That’s not the way that lover should act. I should accept the fate I was given and be happy in the way I could. Because I stepped away from that path I was removed from the Circle of Life. Fortunately for everyone.
But somehow I die happily. I got better fate that I deserved. Until death I was enjoying love of my king. I doubt if Kiara would dare to tell him whole true. So he will probably remember me like his devoted subject and real…
Never mind. Kiara is his mate and now she had right and duty to love him and expect him to love her back. I regret that she is still so weak queen. I failed as a leader, she will never be Golden One.
So take care of her, mother… girls. She needs your guidance.
I’m sorry Kovu. I’m so glad you will never know about how stupid was way I loved you.
I… I’m done. I’m going back on desert where I belong. Maybe, someday I will find there oasis of redemption.

Epilogue

While I’m recalling that day, I can’t stop myself from shivering. I was so close to death then and I lost so much. I lost my childish faith in world and what was most hard for me, I lost only lioness that I could call my friend here. She tried to kill me, but she failed.
However she was close.
I have never said Kovu what happened. First of all I wasn’t sure how ended fight in gorge. So I just called pride there and run back. We found dead bodies of Tetesi and Chungu, partially covered with stones after avalanche. Lion died because of hit in his head with heavy piece of limestone. My friend got wounded in avalanche, but it seems she was dying a while, bleeding from numerous injuries. But I couldn’t help that – I got assistance as fast as I could.
When I saw her dead, I burst with cry. It was both relief and genuine sorrow. My beloved rival was gone. Kovu came to body and did what I was afraid he would. He bended down and kissed her blooded lips. No one saw it, except of me. He really loved her. In that case her plan and attempt wasn’t as crazy as I thought.
So, could I tell him how it was? Of course no! I just came to him and cuddled in his side. From that moment again we were close each other as earlier. She, the barrier between us, was gone. It’s bad to feel happy about someone’s death, but I was happy. However I cried honestly. I don’t know, I still miss her even now.
About hour after that Lipizi and Jamaa ran into gorge and found Angaa’s body. So, the story seemed to be obvious – two rouges wanted to kill Golden Queen but failed, due to heroic stand of faithful Tetesi, who gave her life for her monarchess. Admit it – that version makes much more sense than the real story.
Kovu exiled Lipizi, knowing that she encouraged Angaa to assassination. She actually confessed that by herself.
“I loved him, you *******!” cried lighfurred. “Ghibu was father of my cubs… But I loved him… I love them both and you killed them both.” She rushed to pounce on Kovu. Jamaa overturned her and pinned to the ground.
“Please…” he whispered. “Don’t avenge on her.”
“You are not allowed to live here, Lipizi.” Called Kovu. “Your cubs shall stay in pride. We will give them better care than their wicked mother could give.”
“I bet you will, Your Infallibility!” and spat on my mate.
“Are you trying my patience?” asked Kovu with growling voice. Maybe first time in his life he was so angry and merciless. But it was necessary. I noticed as Kauli smiled, very pleased. “Go away.”
She turned east and set off ahead. After few steps she stopped, to look on her cubs, but growl of whole pride hastened her. So she went further and Jamaa followed.
“Wait, Jamaa!” called surprised Kovu. “I have nothing against you. You may stay and…”
“You are noble and right king, my lord.” Said lion with hollow voice. “It’s really unfortunate what happened here. But please, do not asked me to praise your justice. It hurts.” Then he turned back to Lipizi. “I’m going with her, because she is only pride I have now. Farewell, fair ruler. I hope you are satisfied.”
Lionesses sighed with sorrow. Jamaa was favourite of whole pride. But if he willingly defied the king, it was better for him to leave. But <better> not always means <good>.
“Let’s go home.” Said Kovu finally. “Many bad things happened, but we can’t undo them. We could only make sure that none of those mistakes would be repeated in future.”
So we entered cave – smaller and harmed pride. But somehow stronger. We were whole again.
*
I sometimes wonder how it could be, if Tetesi succeeded and killed me. If she would be better queen that I? Very likely? Could she live with memory of my death and be happy? I prefer not to answer that question. Maybe someday I will ask her about that. I feel that she is on the sky now, where all brave and good lionesses go after death. Why there? Haven’t she deserved on punishment? I’m not the person to judge her. I just have intuition she is still close to me… and Kovu and she is somehow helping us.
I’m going very well with Kovu. Dhalimu is growing fast and we are good family together. Good pride too. But sometimes I look on my life and see in how many things I lack as Golden One. All pride is teaching me, but I lost hope to be fully educated before I die. But I try everyway, with assistance of those I love.
So, Stars, help me in being good queen.
…and Tetesi… if I may ask you, try to help me too.

The End

Taka_PL – August 2007

Okay, first off, I'll admit in some crazy way I was rooting for Kiara. I feel deeply sorry for Tetesi but with Chungu and Angaa out of the way it seemed better. Too bad Jamaa went with Lipizi and her cubs stayed in the Pride. Kovu was right about that.

This chapter was good but I'd have to see the next endings before I'd make any final judgments. However, I know they'll be good.

Hm… look on this one – who knows, maybe You like this version better…

This is the second possible outcome of story. If You are devoted Kiara-fan, DO NOT READ this one! Just assume that what You saw above is the real ending. Everyone else – especially who sympathize with Tetesi – look at the new Golden Queen!

The Brown Branch

Chungu hit Tetesi’s side with impetus that threw them both over four metres aside. Brownfurred intuitively clenched her paws, plunging them into Kiara’s neck. So when rouge pushed her in side, she also pulled her claws in queen’s body. But then she was grabbed in the air and second later landed on sand. One of the first thing the noticed what that her paws was all spotted with blood of lioness.
“*****!” thought brownfurred. “I so wanted to kill her, that I actually missed the moment.” But before she smiled, heavy blow struck her forehead.
“You killed Angaa!” growled Chungu.
“Sorry, I had to misunderstood his peaceful intentions.” Snorted Tetesi with weary voice. The dizziness inside her head was overwhelming. She was also totally confused. It came not as she planned.
“You will die.” Called lion and hit again.
“Someday everyone will.” Smiled Tetesi, somehow shunning another attack. That gave her enough time to take a look around. She saw Kiara, slowly hobbling in Golden Cave direction. From her neck was flowing down the red stream of artery’s blood. “You are done anyway, Chungu!” called brownfurred. “Look, you killed the queen!”
“I?” lion stopped shocked. “You did it.”
“Kill me too and they will surely believe you!” laughed Tetesi and rouge uncertain turned his stare back. Maybe it wasn’t too noble nor heroic, but lioness pounced in that moment.
Looking back, rouge unshielded his precious neck. Tetesi didn’t waste her chance and hit exactly in that spot. With claws she plunged into his side, to get a grab, then bit the throat. Whatever it looks, it’s not easy for lioness with rather small jaw to crush giant male’s neck. Apart of size it just hard to aim, because of mane. But Tetesi hit good enough to damage one of neck arteries. She jumped back instantly then, not tempting her fate. If she stayed a moment longer even fatal wounded male could squashed her in his mighty grip.
So she stopped several metres before rouge, looking on his neck. The blood was almost unseen, because lion’s mane was naturally red. But then it was glued with moisture in places where Tetesi hit. Chungu was bleeding to death. However he was still dangerous. Lioness prepared herself for further combat. He had to eliminate last witness of her assassination, what wasn’t hard, if he was going to be careful. She was – attacking from distance, tiring enemy, he waited for nature to do her job. Moves of lion were becoming slower and slower, less firm and agile. Tetesi decided that she could finish him with one decisive attack. But somehow stopped her. She still was circling around fading enemy.
“Actually it’s not his fault he got into this.” She thought. “I know it rather a poor recompensation, but I want him to die as a warrior, fighting to the last breath.” So she was dancing around rouge until he finally hit the sand with no more life in his veins. Then she recalled herself about Kiara. Tetesi turned east and set off to run, but after few steps she understood it was useless. Queen had already lost her race with death.
*
Kiara was walking ahead, slowly losing any vision. She felt no more pain nor sorrow, just overwhelming weakness in whole body. She knew she was dying but somehow – she didn’t know why - tried to go as far as she could.
“Maybe I doing it for Kovu.” She though with fading mind. “And somehow for Tetesi too. She killed me, because I was too weak. I will show them both, I really can walk the desert. It’s not so hard, as I thought. Just you have to forget about weariness and want to move ahead. Can you see it Kovu? I’m desert lioness now!” whispered in mind, then hit with muzzle into hot sand of her kingdom.

When I got to her, she was already dead. She was almost exsaguinated, not surprisingly after cut of both neck arteries. I was simply amazed how she got that far. Maybe it was just her dying message? That he wasn’t as weak as I though?
Then I burst in tears. I know, it sounds stupid, but I was actually crying for her. She was my rival, she stole Kovu from me. But she was also a friend. Maybe only I had in Golden Sands. The closest person to me, except of Kovu and mother. I bended down to her and licked her forehead, still sobbing. It wasn’t pang of remorse, just pang of sorrow. But then I calmed down. I had to save tears for later.
It prepared that too – I had to lie before Kovu and made him believe what he wanted to. Maybe it sounds easy, but for me cheating my love was much harder than killing my friend. I scratched my cheeks and forehead with my own paws. Then I got back to Kiara’s body and added another cut on her neck. Thanks to that injuries looked as inflicted by male’s paws. After that I was ready to do the worst part.
Hobbling and partially crawling came easily for me, because I was actually exhausted. Few my wound had done some work too, so I was marching home as half-dead. As first mother noticed me. She roared to alarm pride and soon after almost everyone came for me. Only Lipizi, Jamaa and guarding them Danti, Ostasi and Tuli stayed. Of course cubs were in cave too. So I was quickly surrounded by almost everyone, but I was looking only for one silhouette. I kept my head on the ground and didn’t move an inch when Kovu bended down to me and asked with terrified voice.
“Kiara… where is Kiara!?”
“My lord… forgive me!” I called with all my might, with blow of that yell some sand from the ground. “She… she…” I burst in the cry. In the same time faked and real.
I felt as mother laid down next to me and lick my head. I remained motionless, waiting for sentence of my king. I knew he ran to body of Kiara and was watching lionesses to lift it up and carry back. I was still unsure how would react my king. Earlier I was sure that I succeed. But lying in sand then I was scared as I was never in my life. Even I day of Battle of Reunion. Finally the procession return to us.
“Tetesi…” I heard his broken, although gentle voice. “Are you hurt?”
“I failed… I failed.” I was repeating. I was so scared that my panic and remorse was absolutely honest.
“How is she?” asked king to my mother. I heard also whispers of other girls: <She fought with two lions!> <Star! How she made it?>
“Wounded, shocked… But has no serious injuries.”
“I deserved to die!” I sobbed.
Then it happened. Kovu came closer and laid down in sand next to me. I sensed his muzzle next to my ear. He whispered.
“No… That was I who failed. Stand, please… I beg you. You are only who left me now, Tetesi.”
Sound of those words call my body to jump up. Fortunately I was too weak to obeyed that. So I was taken by mother and Ukungu and carried after dead queen to cave. I lost my consciousness in progress.

When I wake up, I noticed I was in king’s chamber in king’s bedding. In entrance to room was sleeping mother and just next to me was lying Kovu. When I made my first move, king instantly opened his eyes and stood up.
“Lay low, Tetesi, rest.”
“No…” I whispered, again starting to cry. Those things couldn’t be prepared, I was really feeling terrible. “It isn’t true…”
“Hush, just sleep.”
“Kiara…”
“Kiara is dead.” Said Kovu with broken voice. “But it’s not your fault. You almost died standing for her… It was a miracle you survived.”
“So I let her die…” I panted. “I killed her…” added with ironical honesty.
“NO!” gasped Kovu. “You did what you could.”
“Indeed!” I thought.
“Tetesi, please, believe me! No one blames you for what has happened!”
“Except of you, sir.” I said.
“No, I would never blame you. I’m far from it!” he assured.
Then my mother woke up and looked on us. She asked with stare what she had to bring, but Kovu just asked her.
“Dotty, tell her. What we think about her.”
“What?” murmured mom, but then instantly said. “My darling… We all are so glad you made it… And we are proud of you. You did well!”
“You have no idea how good I was.” I thought, hiding my smile.
“But queen…”
“No one could demand more from you. You did right thing.” Said my mother and exited the chamber with tears in her eyes. Funny, sometimes I wonder if she knows the truth and then said it understanding what she was really exculpating. Who knows. She is very wise lioness.
“Tetesi?” Asked Kovu. I looked into his eyes. “Never blame yourself. You survived and use that chance. You was destined to die, fighting with two lions. But you made it. That’s a sign from the Stars.” Maybe, but from which ones? I thing that from Kings of the Past only Great Scar would understood me. I hope he did.
“I doubt if I ever forgive myself.” I said. “She was… my student, I had to care about her.”
“Please, forgive.” Said Kovu. “There are still ones here for whom you must take care.” He paused for a moment, then added with shivering voice. “I wouldn’t told you before the mourning after Kiara is over, but you know it anyway. Am I right?” I nodded your head. “I really miss Kiara. But that fact can’t change the simple truth. I love you. I loved earlier, when she was still alive, but…”
“I loved you too, my king. My Kovu.” I replied. “I would never dared to say it before, but now…” I paused too, giving him time to smile. “If Stars decided that I should survive, it happened with purpose. Do you want me to be at your side from now on?”
He nodded his head, exactly as I always imagined it would look. Inside I sighed with relief. It would be really, really stupid to kill your friend in vain.

Epilogue

Days, months and now even years has passed from that day. Many things has changed, but in the way I liked them to.
It was hard, but necessary to exile Lipizi from Golden Sands. Fortunately Jamaa decided to go with her. I remember that day.
“I loved him, you *******!” cried lighfurred, when she was for the last time standing before Golden Cave. “Ghibu was father of my cubs… But I loved him… I love them both and you killed them both.” She rushed to pounce on Kovu. Jamaa overturned her and pinned to the ground.
“Please…” he whispered. “Don’t avenge on her.”
“You are not allowed to live here, Lipizi.” Called Kovu. “Your cubs shall stay in pride. We will give them better care than their wicked mother could give.”
“I bet you will, Your Infallibility!” and spat on my mate.
“Are you trying my patience?” asked Kovu with growling voice. Maybe first time in his life he was so angry and merciless. But it was necessary. I noticed as Kauli smiled, very pleased. “Go away.”
She turned east and set off ahead. After few steps she stopped, to look on her cubs, but growl of whole pride hastened her. So she went further and Jamaa followed.
“Wait, Jamaa!” called surprised Kovu. “I have nothing against you. You may stay and…”
“You are noble and right king, my lord.” Said lion with hollow voice. “It’s really unfortunate what happened here. But please, do not ask me to praise your justice. It hurts.” Then he turned back to Lipizi. “I’m going with her, because she is only pride I have now. Farewell, fair ruler. I hope you are satisfied.”
Lionesses sighed with sorrow. Jamaa was favourite of whole pride. But if he willingly defied the king, it was better for him to leave. But <better> not always means <good>.
“Let’s go home.” Said Kovu finally. “Many bad things happened, but we can’t undo them. We could only make sure that none of those mistakes would be repeated in future.”
So we entered cave – smaller and harmed pride. But somehow stronger. We were whole again.
And then it all came… well not to track it had been going earlier, but on better way. I became Golden Queen soon after mourning was finished. But who cares… That wasn’t my aim after all. Kovu was. Anyway I became monarchess and took the responsibility as well as I could. Ask girls, but I think I’m good lioness on my place. Mother says the best since many generations, but mothers always say such a things. I love her also because of that.
With Kovu I had a cub, girl we called Kota. I love her with all my heart, but I never struggled for throne for her. Kingdom has its heir already and I don’t care it’s Kiara’s son. In the very first place it’s Kovu’s son. I love him and he calls me <mother>.
Dhalimu is almost mature now. Yesterday we announced his maturity of three years. We gathered all animals of land before Golden Cave and let them hear the mighty roar of prince. I was standing behind him, with my beloved Kovu by my side. Near were also: my mother (she is doing very well and for her age. I pray she will be with us as long as it’s possible), my little Kota (All right, not so little, she is over two and growing to become beautiful lioness) and all lovely girls of pride. My subjects, my friends.
Gathered animals bowed before rulers of their land, that meant also before me, the Golden Queen. I saw the proud smile of Dhalimu and sparking happiness among all our pride. We are perfect and loving family, ruling the greatest kingdom in Lions Lands. We survived the crisis and dared the tomorrow. We won.
I wonder how should I look on Kiara’s death. Is that was necessary for today’s harmony or I’m just looking for another excuse for what I’ve done? Who knows? I asked Kiara many times, looking on nightly sky above me. She never has spoken to me, but I actually doubt if she hates me. After all used her death in the best way I could.
I’m a murderer. The paws I’m now stroking mane of my mate and king, the same I was hugging my daughter and stepson, the same that carried me on hunting for my pride – the same paws are stained with blood of Kiara of Prideland. My predecessor. My rival. My friend.
But if that is the price I have to pay for peace and happiness of my kingdom, I pay it gladly!


The End

Taka_PL – August 2007

Honestly, better ending. I liked Kiara and everything but in truth she was weak. I don't feel that Zira would appreciate a Pridelander taking her place as the Golden Queen. Tetesti is a better leader. She is a true Golden One, no questions asked.

Overall, good ending!

I tell honestly I like better this one too;)
But look also on this one – the last possible ending, somehow mixing both earlier ones. It’s a bit strange, but I think it would be most probable.

The Tawny Branch

Chungu hit Tetesi’s side with impetus that threw them both over four metres aside. Lioness was surprised, but she anyway managed to hit new enemy in paw. They both landed awkwardly in backs and it took several seconds for brownfurred and redmaned to stand up. Kiara instantly rolled aside, leaving free battlefield to combatants.
“You killed Angaa!” growled Chungu.
“Sorry, I had to misunderstood his peaceful intentions.” Snorted Tetesi. In fact she was furious. It came not as she planned. Then she called to Kiara. “Rejoice, my lady! Join the enemy of pride and kill me.”
“Chungu!” screamed queen. “Do not kill her. Just wound her and get to cave.”
“With all due respect, you highness.” Growled rouge. “Shut up!” And pounced on Tetesi.
This fight wasn’t so impressive. It was just a desperate exchange of quick hits where both sided were unprepared and furious. Brownfurred was sparking with anger for disrupting her plans. Chungu was in berserk after death of his friend. Because his fierce and erratic attacks, Tetesi seemed to have some superiority. She was a bit tired and definitely weaker. But she was also already warmed up to fight, acting in adrenaline rush and was generally better trained.
Queen was looking on that without move. Beware of how it ended previous time, she was far from intervention. And in fact she had no idea whom to cheer. To Tetesi, claiming she wanted to… and trying to kill her, or rouge lion, who was ally of killed assassin. If she understood it right, both combatants were struggling for honour of killing Golden Queen. But somehow it didn’t mattered. Kiara discovered that she was with all her heart cheering Tetesi.
She made a step ahead, to came with help, but then she felt a terrible pain in her paw. She noticed that her limb was deeply cut, most likely by brownfurred’s claws. When rouge hit Tetesi in side, she instinctively clenched her grim. It was a real miracle that queen managed to shrink her body and covered throat with paw. Instead of arteries of her neck, only fur and some muscles of limb were cut.
“Tetesi… Why!?” she called, crying from pain.
“Disrupt me one more time and you will never know!” gasped lioness, who was almost pinned to the ground in moment of inattention.
“Sorry!” replied queen.
“Do not sorry, dammit!” gasped lioness, rolling on rocks and shunning next rouge’s attacks. “Run, that’s you chance!”
“Should I call for help?” asked Kiara.
“Don’t bother yourself.” Snorted brownfurred, standing up and withdrawing to the stonewall. “He will finish me without any help.”
“I mean… for you.”
“Shut up!” called both lion and lioness.
So queen did the only reasonable thing she could: turned back to Golden Massif and started to jump on three paws in home’s direction. Tetesi noticed as she was hobbling with snake’s speed. That caught attention of Chungu.
“What the hell is so funny?” he asked.
“Will you let her go?”
“Hmm…. What?” yelled Chingu and turned head back. That wasn’t a smart move.
And what did Tetesi wasn’t fair nor heroic but deadly efficient. Then lion unshielded his vulnerable neck brownfurred attacked. She plunged her claws into his shoulders then struck with her jaws. Her teethes got to enemy’s throat and in one bite squashed his trachea.
She even didn’t bother to watch her adversary die. Just jumped ahead in escaping Kiara’s direction, leaving chocking rouge behind. After not more than minute she outran her game and stopped before her.
“Going home, my lady?” asked with poisonous smile.
“As you taught me – fight until you can.” Said Kiara seriously. “At least you can’t say I didn’t try.”
“I can’t.” nodded Tetesi, looking in her eyes. “I think I don’t have to explain you, you know it all. I’m really sorry, Kiara. If you wasn’t his mate, maybe we would be good friends. Or… we actually were?”
“I could say so.” Replied goldenfurred.

No, it was horrible. If she cursed me, spat at me and cried with hatred it would be much easier to finish her. But then? She didn’t seem to be angry! Just sad. And what was even more painful, she said.
“So now you will be the queen. I think he already loves you. So he will forget me soon. Anyway… good luck.” In her voice I heard almost complete resignation about coming death. “But remember what you promised about Dhalimu. Now you are his mother.”
I know it had to look grotesque, but I burst in tears. I, cold-blood plotter, murderer to be, with paws stained in blood, was crying, touched by materly and motherly devotion of my enemy. And who knows, maybe she would melted my will to kill with her innocent look, but she made a step ahead, trying to fool me. I just reacted.
I pushed her strongly and she overturned on the sand. Then I raised my right paw of extended claws and pointed my stare on her face. Then I heard her terrified cry.
“I’m pregnant!”
Whatever it looks, it hard to change destination of already started hit. I put all my might not to reach queen’s face. My claws hit the sand just inches next to her head. Then I reached my limit. I burst in cry too and fell down. Moment later we were hugging each other and crying aloud. As much as I failed as murderer, she failed as victim.
It took as several minutes to stop. Then I stood up and looked on laying queen. I said, trying to sound scary and decisively.
“It’s over, Kiara. I won.”
“I know that.”
“But you have beaten me.” I added and she narrowed her eyes in surprise. “You are not pregnant.” I said with certainty. “But it’s possible. I won’t kill you.”
“Ow…” gasped confused queen. “But I will tell…” she involuntary spoke her thought.
“All right, I will kill you.” I said and she cried with fear. “Stop it! I was kidding! Don’t cry, you idiot!” Well, that was definitely shocking thing to call my queen like that. But it just happened and when I heard my own voice I knew that after all I actually won. “I won’t.”
“So…” she sobbed, standing up from sand.
“And you won’t tell Kovu about it.”
“How do you know?” she asked.
“Just know.” I smiled. “From not on we have learn live together and somehow tolerate our presence.”
“You mean…”
“I mean that you will still be a queen.” I explained. “But you must face the truth. Kovu is mine!”

Epilogue

There was no special ceremony, because about that, because actually no one knew that Kota is a royal cub. No one, except Kovu, me (that’s rather obvious) and Kiara. Perhaps my mother knows something too, but even if she is far from spreading that news. To be honesty: she is also far from grieve about it.
I say it now with certainty – Kota won’t be a queen, she probably will never get know that she is Kovu’s child. It will stay in secret of our two. Or three (four eventually), however not widespread. I love my daughter but I’m not greedy. As a an actual monarchess of Golden Sands I must care also about order and prosper of my kingdom. And it requires clear and straight succession. Thorne will go to Dhalimu. It’s such a lovely boy and somehow I really regret that he is not a good match for Kota. Now you all know why.
But anyway – that day was a hour of my triumph over Kiara. Well I didn’t want to be cruel, but I had to show who was running Golden Sands. I hope that she will accept the way of things and we would be friends again.
Just after events in gorge I experienced most crazy time in my life. Kiara said nothing, as I predicted. Kovu asked no troubling question, most likely didn’t want to. He believed in the most probable version that I fixed with queen and since then showed no interest how it was possible that I managed to kill two rouges with Kiara by my side and I got neither her or me to be killed. “Stars blessed us” - that was the right answer.
So how it came that Kovu and I become lovers? Well, maybe it not so easy to believe, but it just happened. On night after banishing Lepizi (Jamaa decided to leave with her), Kovu sought peace and silence on massif plateau. He found me instead.
“Should I leave, my lord?” I asked with self-confidence. Well after successful fight with two males, being close to killing my queen and becoming hero because of both those things I became real self-confident. I hope you don’t mind.
“Yes, I mean no… that is…” Kovu after crisis lacked of perkiness. So can’t you see that was not only my dream, but also a duty to help him. Honestly – I didn’t care for duty then, but keep that in mind I follow the voice of raison d’etat too.
“I will do everything you say, but you must be sure of your orders.” I said with playfully voice and came closer. “Remember, cast out me as soon as you decide.”
“Tetesi…” he sighed and nestled to my side. Just like that, I didn’t any move to encourage him. Really.
All right, I don’t care you don’t believe me. Listen then:
“Something is wrong my lord?”
“Wrong?” yelled king. “Stars! I almost lost y… Kiara and you, that I was forced to exile two lions, one innocent.”
“You did what you have to.” I said. “You regret that not because you did wrong, but because you are so tender hearted.”
“That is so bad?” he asked.
“Not completely, if you are tender hearted for me too.” I replied and we both laughed.
“Tetesi…” she whispered to my ear. “You did so much for me and pride… And I have no idea how could I thank you… Reward you.”
“I think you have, my lord.” I replied. “And fortunately it’s a kind of price you will pay gladly.”
“Huh?” managed to ask Kovu, before I made him silent with kiss.
And how it’s came.
Kiara accepted what she couldn’t change. I like her for that, she is very reasonable. She seems to hold no grudge, or hold it very deep. But after all she shouldn’t complain. She is queen, mother of heir. In theory.
In fact although pride knows nothing, it feels how things really go. I’m doing work of hunting team leader, not only because Kiara is an awful hunter. But because I should do it. Girls threat me not just like a friend, but had more esteem for me than for official monarchess. Not that they dislike Kiara, but… you know. Now queen is only mother of Dhalimu for them.
Dhalimu is really nice boy. He calls me <aunt> and my mothers calls even <grandma>. I’m just charmed by Kovu’s son and I’m really glad to see he is growing to be a king someday.
And about royal majesty – just look now. After giving name for Kota we are going back to cave. Kovu and Kiara lead, as rulers. Girls bow before king with honest impulse of hers. But those ones who are on our left and should bow to Kiara, somehow – most likely subliminal – are turning their heads to the ground a second too late. Just as they were greeting me instead of her. I feel that see of trust and admire around me and I’m paddling in it with pride. But not in vain pride.
I’m just getting what I should for my loyal service as a real monarchess of Golden Sands. In exchange I’m guiding Kovu on path of reign with my best, as great Zira taught me. Not for honours, not for fame, just because of sense of duty. And my only, but fair reward is love of my king and lover.
Can you imagine something better?

The End

Taka_PL – August 2007

Having read all of 'Trails on Sand' after a sizable absence on my part, it's time for another review.
I must say: this story was a pleasant homecoming, so to speak. Although a lot of the motives and themes didn't appeal to me at all - quite to the contrary - I greatly appreciated the newfound style and atmosphere. If this was intended as an experiment, I'd say it was a success; you more or less struck a chord here.
The story itself was quite original, sound plot and a few subplots to add to the fun. A bit darker than usual, probably because we it was narrated through the 'bad guy'. I'm not against a bit more gloom every now and then. Some of the themes were a bit troubling (Kiara being purged out because of being born a 'weaker' Pridelander, the usual royal infallibility, ...), but I've since long gotten used to those.
The characters were okay, although 'the rogues' are beginning to feel a bit like stock-characters after yet another appearance. Probably because of the point of view the story has, Kiara is perceived as being almost unrealistically weak, the 'unter-lioness', and Tetesi as being a bit of an 'über-lioness' (she rakes up an impressive number of kills, to say the least).
As for the different endings, the first one was more polished; it had the best form. The second was dramatically better, but felt a bit rough around the edges. I didn't like the third outcome, both for what concerns the drama and the form.
That said, this was one of your best works up to now; I liked the experiment, and your language has certainly progressed since the first fanfic I read.

As Cogitor said, this story is welcoming, a bit dark in some places but without darkness there really is no story is there? After reading this, I must say I have to go with the second ending. This is one of my favorite short novels but it was well written. Cogitor is right about another thing, but I knew all along, your language has indeed improved. You're getting better!