Prologue
Years ago, before I was even born, the king banished all cheetah’s to the outlands. Enraged by Kovu’s action, Kiara and the other lionesses went with, leaving Kovu alone at Pride Rock.
When Kiara had her first born, Kovu wished to take it from her, the instant it was born. Kiara refused, making it clear that only males were to be taken, and even then when they are old enough. Thinking it would be wise not to enrage her further, Kovu agreed.
Sense then every male cub, was to go to Pride Rock at the age of 8 months. Many refused, but were forced there in the end.
When Kovu died he passed down the leadership to my Great-Great Grandfather. And like with the male cubs, it has sense been. Always passing down from father to son.
There has always been a tale, of how the war between the Cheetahs and Lions of Pride Rock would end, but only one that’s true. The one about how a lion cub and cheetah would be born, on the same day, one hour apart, both with the same mark on their foreheads, a “v” with one dot below it. It was said, that when these two have a cub, the war would end.
And that is where I come in. No, I am not the cub that would stop the war, but the father. There was a cheetah cub, Ketara. I believe it was a family name. She was my closest friend, but she never knew her son. She never knew the trials he went through as a cub. I suppose that it is only best, to tell you our story.
I shall begin on the day we first met. At 6 months old, my father had decided to let me stay until I was a year old…
Ketara was always the adventurous type. She loved to sit by the watering hole and watch Pride Rock. She had a fascination with it. Why? I never found out.
A young cheetah cub sat atop a rock, nearby a small pond. A few zebras and gazelles were drinking. The cub paid no attention to them, but instead looked out towards Pride Rock. She was lean with powerful legs and vivid green eyes. A small v shaped design with a dot just below it was on her forehead.
A sudden rustling in the brush caused the cub to look away from Pride Rock. Now, she fastened her gaze towards a lioness and a male lion cub. The fur on her back bristled and a small growl arose in her throat. The male lion cub looked up and did likewise. He also had a small v shaped design with a dot on his forehead. The lioness turned and smiled.
“Relax, Ketara. This is my son. Kavik.” She said.
Ketara allowed her fur to relax and settled herself comfortably on the rock. The male cub, continued to watch her. Ignoring him, Ketara looked at the lioness and smiled.
“Good afternoon Saphire.” She said quietly.
“And to you to Ketara.” Saphire glanced at Kavik and then out of the corner of her eye, at Ketara. She wanted this war to end as much as the cheetah’s. She yawned and stood up.
“Well,” she said casually. “I think I’m going to go for a walk. Kavik, why don’t you stay here and play with Ketara?”
Kavik looked up at his mother. “Yes mum.”
Ketara watched Saphire turn and walk away, and then looked at Kavik. He was watching the nearby zebras twitching his tail. She studied him while he watched the other creatures. He had dark brown fur and a tuft of a yellow mane on top of his head. He also had green eyes, but his were not quite as bright as Ketara’s.
Ketara cocked her head to one side. “Haven’t you ever seen zebras before?” She laughed a little. It was amusing to her, that a lion to be curious about something it ate. Kavik, however, did not find it as amusing. He growled and glared at Ketara.
“Oh, what do you know?” He said, “The way you were looking at Pride Rock I’d say you’ve never seen the light of day before!”
Ketara had turned for a split second to look at Pride Rock once again. At his remark she growled and spun around. Kavik’s eyes grew wide for a split second and he looked at his paws.
“I…I mean, I didn’t want to seem…. I wasn’t trying…trying to be rude or anything…umm… You know. Just um…. playing.”
He looked around quickly and pounced on a passing butterfly. He missed and instead landed in the edge of the pond. He stumbled to his feet and shook his head, sending water flying around. Ketara laughed.
Kavik looked around at her and smiled. She smiled back. Kavik was not much bigger than her, but she figured he would get bigger as he grew. He wasn’t as thin either. That’s probably better for a lion then a cheetah… She thought.
“What do you want to do?” She asked.
Kavik sat down and shook his head again, trying to get rid of the rest of the water. “How about we go chase some meerkats?” He asked, “I’ve done it before. Its loads of fun.”
Ketara frowned. She knew that the meerkat dens were nearby the boarder line between Pride Rock and the Cheetahs territory. It was a wide river with only one way across. An old log that was guarded at all times by a large crocodile.
“I don’t know…it’s not very safe for me…being a cheetah and all.”
“Oh yeah.” Kavik hung his head and frowned. Then his ears perked up and he brought his head up. “Well, you’ll be with me. And it will be all right then. I can go over there, so if you’re with me you can go over there.”
“Well, all right. But we both should leave before sun down.”
The two cubs wandered away from the pond. “Yeah,” Kavik said, “My mom would want me home before then anyway. We won’t stay long. Just long enough to give them a scare!” He jumped a little with excitement and Ketara laughed. Each time she would he smiled. The rest of the way they were quiet, and as they got closer to the dens, Kavik began to slow down.
“Why are you slowing down?” Ketara asked.
“Shh. Crouch down. Its so the lookout doesn’t see us.” His voice was hushed, and Ketara realized he had done this many times before. Slowly, they crept forward. After a couple minutes Kavik stopped and pointed with his paw.
“Look!” He whispered. “The lookouts post is empty.”
Ketara looked to where he was pointing and saw a rock jutting out just above the grass. It was empty. Kavik hurried forward and Ketara darted after him. She looked back over her shoulder. I wonder why it’s empty? She kept looking over her shoulder and ran into Kavik.
“Why are you stopping?” She asked.
He motioned at her to be quiet and then pointed. A large male lion was prowling around the dens. Instantly Ketara shrunk back, her fur bristled. She tried to hide behind Kavik, but their size was not that much of a difference. Kavik looked at her, hiding behind him and then back at the lion. He boldly stepped forward and waited for the lion to notice him.
“What are you doing here?” he said.
The lion growled. “It is none of your business what I am doing. What do you think your doing with a cheetah?”
Ketara shrunk back. The male lion was standing right in front of them, his claws extended. She huddled down as close to the ground as possible, hiding behind Kavik.
“Why should it matter if she’s with me or not?” Kavik replied.
“Because.” The lion put his face right in front of Kavik’s. “You are my son, and my son does not make friends with cheetahs!”
My father was not at all happy about finding me with Ketara. He forbad me from seeing her again, but you know cubs. We like to disobey our parents. And as it grew closer for my time to leave, we had to be together…one last time.
The deep black sky was speckled with stars. The moon was high, casting a pleasant light over the African savannah. Movement stirred the grasses. Two doves flew up suddenly, their white feathers standing out against the darkness.
Ketara watched the two doves settle in a nearby tree before continuing on. Any movement that caught her eye made her freeze. She and Kavik were meeting by the watering hole. It had been his idea. For her the weeks didn’t seem to be long enough. Kavik was leaving a week from that night. She grew nervous as she ran over what she wanted to say to him.
She smiled as she approached the watering hole. Kavik was sitting by the waters edge, his mane now hanging low over his forehead. Some even was creeping down his neck. Ketara walked over to him and sat down.
“Hi.” She said
“Hey…” Kavik did not look at her as he spoke. Ketara cocked her head, confused by his actions. She stood up and walked around to the other side of him. He turned his head the other way, looking at his reflection in the water.
“Kavik…what is it?”
Kavik finally looked up at Ketara. He looked into her eyes and saw the same sadness he felt inside. He sighed, and looked back down into the water. He squeezed his eyes shut. How am I supposed to tell her? He looked up and saw she was still staring at him.
“Ketara…” he hesitated, “My dads coming to take me, tomorrow.”
He looked at her for her reaction. Her eyes grew wide, and then an even greater sadness shone brightly. She looked at the ground and a single tear fell onto her paw.
“But that doesn’t matter though…” He said quickly, “All that matter is that we are…”
“Together for you last night on ‘The Cheetah side’?”
“Yeah…”
More tears fell down Ketara’s cheeks. Kavik sat there, unsure of what to do. She looked up at him, and he suddenly felt like he had a gapping hole in his heart. He was instantly beside her, nuzzling her cheek, and trying to comfort her. He heard her stifle a small sob. He rested his head on hers and sighed.
“I can’t tell you it will be all right.”
“I know.”
“And you know, the next time we might see each other…”
Ketara shut her eyes, “I don’t want to think about it.”
Kavik lifted his head towards the sky. It was growing close to midnight. They only had a few more hours until dawn. He stood up and looked out across the savannah. All the other creatures were sleeping, except for a small lizard, which skittered past them.
“Come on.” He said. “Lets go for a walk.”
Ketara nodded and stood up. The two cats walked away from the watering hole, side by side. Ketara saw her home in the distance, and just behind it was Kavik’s new home. Kavik followed her gaze.
“What is your home like?” He asked.
“Its basically a pile of dirt, with dens dug out around the bottom.”
“Only the bottom?”
“Yes, there aren’t any on the top, other wise it might collapse.”
“Oh.”
“What about yours? What’s Pride Rock like?”
Kavik laughed, “Its just like it looks. A giant rock with a cave in it.”
Ketara smiled, “it must be much more though. You know that.”
“Maybe so, but I see nothing grand about Pride Rock.”
“Well, of course you don’t. You’ll be living there your whole life, where as I’m stuck with a stupid pile of dirt. And don’t say I don’t know what I’m talking about when I say I was born in a hole.”
Kavik smiled and shook his head. He decided it best not to argue. They climbed up to the top of a hill and sat down. They could just barely see the boarder line. Some of the grass in front of it moved, as if something was walking through it. Ketara stood up and looked out over at it.
“Did that crocodile climb out of the water?” She asked.
Kavik stood up and squinted at the rustling grass. His eyes grew wide and he looked quickly up at the sky. He looked back at the boarder and took a step backwards.
“Ketara you’ve got to get out of here.”
“What? Why?”
“Just go, now!”
Ketara turned to face him. “No, not until you tell me why.”
Kavik stood frozen. He stared at the on coming creature like it was death, come to take his life.
“Its my father.”
“What? But you said he wouldn’t come until tomorrow!”
Kavik stared at her, “It is tomorrow!”
Ketara looked at the sky. Horror spread through her, Kavik was right. It was only a little past midnight. She looked back at the creature; she could see a thick black mane.
“Ketara listen to me.” Kavik’s voice shook, “He’ll kill you if you don’t get out of here. You’ve got to go, now!”
Ketara couldn’t speak; she just nodded and started running down the hill. Her home was not far away. My mound of dirt She blinked back tears and picked up her pace. Hopefully, Kavik’s father hadn’t seen her, and she would be able to reach safety.
“Ketara!”
She stopped and turned. Kavik was staring down the hill after her.
“We will see each other again. Soon. I promise.”
She nodded again and turned back towards her home. She began to run, tears started to fall again. She shook her head, and realized that not all promises are kept.
Chapter 3
Ketara forgot about me over the years. Unknown to me, she had found another cheetah and became his mate. She also became leader of her clan. Her mother was still alive, but Cipa was old…
The Dome, as cheetah’s called it, was silhouetted against the rising sun. A grown cheetah stood atop it, gazing over the African savannah. Her vivid green eyes swept the horizon, as she searched for any sign of danger.
Ketara growled. She had spotted a male lion by the watering hole. She squinted and thought he looked familiar, but shook the thought from her head. She did not know any male lions. She saw he had a thick blonde mane, and his fur was rather dark. She quickly descended down the side of the Dome, and darted towards the watering hole.
She hurried up a rock that jutted up over the tall grasses. She stood on top, expecting to see the lion and prepared to fight. Normally, she would have brought warriors with her, but she felt she wouldn’t need them this time. Ketara looked over the watering hole. She growled; the lion was gone.
Cautiously, she walked out to the waters edge. She stood tall and looked around. Her tail flipped back and forth. She heard a snap and her ears twitched.
A sharp blow sent her flying through the air. She landed on the ground with a loud thud. Scrambling to her feet, she just barely managed to dodge the next assault. She darted away and turned to face her attacker.
The lion turned quickly and lunged again for Ketara. She ducked down at the last second and then jumped up, slamming all of her body weight into his stomach. He flipped onto his back and landed on the ground with a thump. Ketara almost fell to the ground. Her hit had knocked the wind out of her.
She looked over at the lion, waiting for him to attack again. The lion slowly got to his feet. He looked at her, and his eyes grew wide.
“Ketara?”
Ketara relaxed and turned to face him. He started moving towards her, and she hurried backwards. She felt her feet in the water and looked down. She had almost walked completely into the watering hole. She looked back towards the lion.
“Do I know you?”
He smiled, “Its me. Kavik.”
Ketara frowned. She stepped out of the water and walked past the lion. He watched her the whole time. She merely shook her head.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t know you.”
She continued to walk away from him. She heard his bound after her. He ran in front of her and stopped in her path. Ketara growled. Still the lion did not move.
“I said I don’t know you.” She growled louder.
“Of course you do! I’ll prove it.”
Ketara rolled her eyes and sat down. She watched the lion as he raised one of his large paws. He pulled back part of his mane that hung over his forehead. There was a small v shaped design and a dot below it. Ketara’s stared at the marking and then looked back at him. He smiled.
Ketara snarled and lunged, pinning him to the ground. Both shock, and confusion showed clearly on Kavik’s face.
“Do you have any idea what you did to me?!” She roared.
“What? No, Ketara I don’t know what your-”
“You left! You left and I never saw you again. Even though you promised.”
“That doesn’t matter! We’re seeing each other right now.”
“That’s three years to late.” She sighed and got off of him, “I have a mate now Kavik. And responsibilities. I’m leader of my clan.”
“That’s great! But…is Cipa all right?”
“She’s fine, just getting old. Kavik, you don’t understand!” She turned away and stared at The Dome. “I’m at war with you. If I’m seen with you…who knows what creatures will think. My clan members would kill you with a flick of my tail.” She swished it back and forth as if to demonstrate. “And I’ll tell you right now, I just might have them.”
She turned to look at him, no emotion showed in her face or eyes. Kavik stood up and looked at her. His thick blonde mane fell across his eyes. He looked at her in disbelief.
“We were at war before, and you didn’t care. We still found ways to be together.”
“That was then. Things are different now I’m the leader. If something happens in a battle, good or bad, they all turn to me. And I’ve already told you…I have a mate.”
Ketara turned away. She started walking towards the Dome, which was now almost completely bathed in sunlight. She could see other cheetahs out and roaming around. She glanced at a tree she was passing. A soft cooing sound came to her ears. She stopped and looked up. Sitting in the tree were two doves. She stared at them, remembering…
“Ketara get out of here.”
“What? Why?”
“Ketara listen to me! He’ll kill you if you don’t get out of here! You’ve got to go, now!”
Ketara snapped out of her daydream with a jolt. She looked around hurriedly and then ran back to the watering hole. All the other animals drinking darted off. She stopped at the waters edge and looked around.
“Kavik!”
She ran off and up the same small rock as before. She scanned the savannah. Kavik was nowhere in sight. She ran back down the rock. She stopped and looked around, not knowing where else to look.
Frustrated and on the verge of tears, she sank to the ground. She covered her face with her paws. Lying there, she did nothing else, but let the African sun beat down on her. She felt a cool shadow pass over her and she looked up. Kavik was standing in front of her.
“Ketara? Are you okay?”
She nodded. “I missed you.”
Ketara and I were thrilled to see each other again. Naturally, we caught up on old times. Having not seen each other for a little over three years, we were together whenever possible. I still cared deeply for her, and I knew she did to. Perhaps not as much, but I still knew she did. The only problem was her mate…
Ketara and Kavik walked side by side down to the watering hole. It was mid-afternoon. The sun was high and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. A few gazelles were drinking from the cool water.
Kavik walked up to the water and dipped his head down for a drink. Ketara ran into the water, splashing him as she went. Kavik looked at her and frowned. She laughed and darted away. Kavik laughed and chased after her. The two cats ran through the water, scattering the other animals.
Kavik jumped and tackled Ketara. The rolled through the water and eventually stopped. Ketara was pinned beneath Kavik, and they were both soaked. Ketara laughed and looked up at Kavik. Her eyes met his and they froze. His vivid green eyes held her gaze. She slowly moved her head forward and licked his cheek.
They both layed there staring into each others eyes. Kavik got up and backed away, still looking at her.
“Ketara…”
She stood up and looked away. “I don’t know…I shouldn’t have done that. If my mate had seen…”
Kavik listened to her ramble. He loved the way she talked, how her eyes seem to dance. He loved everything about her. He walked up to her and licked her cheek. She stopped talking instantly and looked at him. He nuzzled her gently and bent his head across her neck.
Ketara nuzzled his neck, taking in his scent. He smelled like the sweet, intoxicating scent, of a warm summer breeze. His blonde mane fell over her head. She wanted more than anything in the world to be with him.
“Ketara!”
Ketara jumped away from Kavik. She stared into the savannah at a male cheetah. He emerged from the grass, snarling and his fur standing on end. He lunged at Kavik, who quickly swung his paw, sending the cheetah flying.
“Kavik stop!” Ketara yelled. Kavik didn’t pay attention to her. He lunged for the cheetah, and pinned him to the ground. He was about to rake his massive claws across the cheetah’s face, when he was knocked away. He stood and saw Ketara standing between him and the male cheetah.
“Kavik back off!” She said.
“Ketara! He attacked me and you want me to just back off?”
“You have to.”
“And why is that?”
“Because he is my mate.”
Kavik roared angrily and plunged into the savannah. He ran blindly through the weeds. A small bird flew in front of him, and he slashed at it with his paw. It flew away twittering madly. He looked around and saw a male lion coming towards him. Kavik moved around him cautiously, then attacked. The two lions rolled down a small embankment. The other lion threw all his weight at Kavik pinning him to the ground.
“Kavik what do you think your doing?”
“Releasing anger.” He growled.
The lion let Kavik up and started walking back up the hill. Kavik got up and followed. “Don’t take your anger out on me, that’s what cheetahs are for.”
“I tried, Leon. It got away.”
Leon snarled. “Come on. We’ll both kill one.”
Chapter 5
Now, Leon and I weren’t what you’d call friends, but now where ever I went so did he. Ketara was avoiding me, and spending more time with her mate. At the time I figured it was a good thing. You never know what Leon could have done…
Leon and Kavik slowly made their way through the savannah. They crouched low and crept forward, making sure not to make a sound. Just a few feet away was an antelope herd. They grazed peacefully, oblivious to the approaching lions.
In a flash, Kavik lunged with Leon behind him. Both lions scattered the herd, and chased the weak ones. Leon quickly broke his prey’s neck and lunged for another.
The herd was in a panic. They ran, jumped, anything to get away from the two terrors. One was already in a full sprint and the others soon followed. Three of their herd members lay on the ground, dead.
Leon stood over his kills, breathing heavily. Kavik dragged his over towards him and tossed it on the ground. The coats of the prey were matted with blood. Leon picked up his two kills and swung them onto his back. Kavik copied with his.
The lions walked across the plain towards Pride Rock. Kavik was silent most of the way. He gaze would often drift towards the boarder. He wished he could go over there and see Ketara. Leon’s loud talking about the hunt interrupted his thoughts.
“Man, are those things stupid or what?” Kavik said, not really sure if that had been what Leon was talking about.
“Really, how could they not see you? Your brown fur and blonde mane, not exactly the best disguise.”
“Speak for yourself. Your black mane makes you stick out like a blue bird on the savannah.”
“Yeah, well, at least we didn’t run into any cheetah warriors. We got pretty close to the boarder line. You know how defensive they get this time of year. What with their new litters coming.”
Kavik was silent after this. He had snuck out months ago to see Ketara. He knew her mate would be furious and he hoped desperately that her cubs looked like cheetahs.
Leon continued to talk; unaware that Kavik wasn’t paying attention. It wasn’t until he said something about a cheetah that Kavik was fully listening.
“What did you just say?” he asked.
“I said, the cheetah leader ended it with her mate.”
“Why? And how did you find out?”
“One of my ‘friends’ is a cheetah. He told me. Said he over heard them shouting and then saw Ketara storm out of her den. Pity,” Leon sneered, “she was nine months pregnant.”
Kavik stopped. Leon was looking at him strange. It was as if he knew. Kavik leaped with a savage snarl and landed on Leon. He just laughed.
“I saw you sneak out Kavik.”
Kavik slammed his paw into Leon’s face. “If you tell anyone…” He growled.
“Tell anyone what? That you’re the father of the cheetah’s cubs? You’ve become our enemy Kavik. The very thing we tried to destroy.”
Kavik growled and let him up. He turned away from Leon and looked towards the border. He looked back over his shoulder.
“No.” He said, “I’ve always been your enemy.”
Leon laughed, “Oh, really?”
“Yes.” Kavik raised his paw and pulled back the part of his mane that covered his forehead. Leon’s eyes widened. He growled and backed away from Leon.
“You have the mark.”
“Do you think I don’t know that?” Kavik roared. “My whole life I’ve been separated from the one person I’ve ever loved! All because of this stupid marking.” He stood up and faced Leon. “And don’t think it’s going to keep me from her forever.”
Chapter 6
I had no choice. I was forced to run. I had never told my father I had the mark. I’m sure he knew though. Leon would tell them. That was certain. But they wouldn’t go after me. Oh no, they would go after Ketara.
Kavik raced through the savannah. He jumped over a rock and hid behind it. Only a few seconds later, Leon and two other lions came walking by. Leon stopped and looked around. The other two stopped and watched him. He frowned and then continued walking.
Kavik watched them leave, and once he was sure they were gone, raced off in the opposite direction, towards the Dome. He had been trying to reach it for days now. Every time he got closer he was forced back, either by cheetahs, or Leon and his patrols. He knew he had to get there soon or Ketara would be caught, or worse, killed.
He turned sharply and ducked behind a tree. A cheetah warrior walked by. Kavik watched him pass and then hurried away. He was getting closer to The Dome. There was a snarl and a cheetah appeared in his path. Kavik stopped quickly. It was the same cheetah that had just passed him.
“Who are you?” The cheetah demanded.
“I don’t have time for this. I have to get to Ketara!”
The cheetah growled. His fur bristled and his golden eyes narrowed. “It is my duty to protect our leader from any dangers. Now I’ll ask you again. Who are you?”
Kavik sighed. “My name is Kavik. I’m the father of her cubs!”
The cheetah’s eyes grew large. “Can you tell me where she is?” Kavik asked. “I have to warn her.”
“She’s gone to the river. Quickly, come with me.”
The cheetah ran past Kavik. Kavik turned quickly and followed. They ran through the savannah and past the watering hole. They came across only a few cheetahs. The warrior would stop and tell them something and the hurry along. Kavik then saw them dart off in a different direction.
Finally they reached the river, but Ketara was nowhere in site. Kavik growled and began pacing. The cheetah sat down and watched, his tail flipped back and forth. Kavik glanced towards the water’s edge and saw something. He walked closer and saw a large foot print. He growled. It was Leon’s.
Suddenly, Kavik felt claws dig into his back. He roared angrily and reared up. He swung his paw and pulled the cheetah from his back. It quickly stood up and scurried away, towards the warrior, who was still sitting down.
“Jas!” The warrior said. “You dare attack your king?”
Jas looked up at the warrior and then back at Kavik. She crawled out from behind the other cheetah and bowed. “I’m sorry sire, I did not know.”
Kavik growled. “I don’t have time for this. I don’t have time for any of this! Ketara is missing!”
Jas turned towards the cheetah. “Is that why you sent for me, Greshmak?”
He nodded. “You are the best tracker and fighter of the warriors. Others will be coming soon, but we need you to find a trail that can lead us to Ketara. Or her captures, if she has been captured.”
Kavik sighed. “If she was captured she will be killed. That’s why we have to find her! I know who took her. Look.” He showed Jas Leon’s paw print. “It belongs to a lion by the name of Leon. If Ketara has been captured he will take her to my…leader. We can still save her if we hurry.”
More cheetahs came out of the savannah. The bristled their fur and growled once they saw Kavik. There was about ten in all. One of them stepped forward.
“Who are you? Why are you here?” He said.
“My captain.” Greshmak said, “This is Kavik. The father of Ketara’s cubs.”
“And where is Ketara? She was supposed to meet with her mother an hour ago. It’s not like her to miss such things.”
“That’s why I sent for you all. We think she might have been captured.”
The cheetahs’ growls grew louder. They all glared at Kavik, instantly assuming he was the one. Kavik growled. “We don’t have much time. If Leon has taken her we have to move now!”
“Not so fast lion.” The Captain said, “how do we know you aren’t leading us into a trap?”
Kavik snarled. They were wasting time, and he had to get to Ketara fast. He ignored the captain’s question and turned quickly. He splashed across the river. He knew Leon’s fighting techniques. Leon had, after all, trained Kavik. I have no choice Kavik thought In order to save my love I have to kill my master.
Chapter 7
Not only had my worst fear been realized, but also I did not know how much time I had. The cheetahs were chasing me. They must have thought I was trying to make a run for it, which in a way, I was.
Kavik ran as fast as he could. He felt something grab at his hind leg and lost balance. He fell to the ground and rolled onto his back. He saw a cheetah jumping towards him. He swung his paw and knocked it aside.
Scrambling to his feet, to more cheetahs lunged for him. They landed on his back, causing him to fall to the ground once again. He rolled over and slammed his paws into their sides. He got to his feet, only to have another cheetah attack him.
Kavik reared, throwing the cheetahs off of him. He roared angrily and whirled around. He slammed his paws into every cheetah that came his way. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the captain lunging towards him. He ducked and the captain collided with another cheetah. Kavik took the chance and ran.
He sprinted as fast as possible, his eyes set on two figures in the distance. They were fighting. The smaller figure was dodging as many attacks as possible, while the larger figure was constantly lunging. The larger figure made one final attack, and the smaller one couldn’t get out of the way. It fell to the ground.
“No!” Kavik roared.
He soared through the air and pinned, not Leon, but his own father.
“Hello Kavik.” He sneered, plunging his claws into Kavik’s chest. Kavik roared and stumbled backwards. He looked to the side and saw Ketara’s body, lying in a pool of blood. Fury surged through his veins. He lunged for his father, pinning him once again.
His father slashed at Kavik’s face. Kavik got off again, growling, blood streaming down his face. His father stood up quickly and lunged pinning Kavik to the ground.
“It was a foolish thing to do Kavik. Trying to keep your little ‘secret’ from me. And now, its cost her her life.” He said, looking over at Ketara. He looked back at Kavik. “And now yours.”
He lunged, jaws open wide, straight for Kavik’s throat. Kavik rolled to the side, sending his father into the ground. He twisted his body and sank his teeth deep into his father’s mane. He felt them hit skin and he clamped down. There was a roar of agony, and then nothing. Kavik dropped his father’s body to the ground.
He looked over at Ketara. He walked over to her body and layed down. He felt numb. His heart felt like it was no longer beating, he grew cold, and even though he knew it wouldn’t help, he gently nudged her.
“Ketara? Ketara get up.” Tears rolled down his cheeks. They dropped onto her matted fur as he layed his head on her shoulder. He layed there, curled around her body, not wanting to move. He raised his head and looked down at her. Slowly, and unwillingly, he stood and began to walk away.
“Kavik…”
Kavik turned around. He hurried back over to her. “Ketara?” He saw her sides slowly moving up and down. “Ketara your alive!”
Her eyes slowly opened and she looked up at Kavik. “Not for long.”
“Ketara, what are you talking about?”
“The cub…is in my den.” She was having trouble speaking, “Find my mother…she’ll…show you where…”
Ketara closed her eyes. Kavik looked down at her, the joy he had felt when he saw she was alive was gone. “Ketara, you can’t die.” More tears fell, “I won’t let you.”
Her eyes opened again.
“Kavik…I love…” She never finished the sentence. She closed her eyes and she took one final breath. Kavik stood there in shock. He shook his head and slowly backed away.
“No…Ketara. Ketara!” He turned and ran. Tears of anger fell down his face. She could have made it. He thought. She could have made it. If those damn cheetahs hadn’t of tried to stop me. As he thought that a cheetah jumped out from the savannah. Kavik turned and pinned it to the ground. It was Jas. She was about to let out a yowl, when he put his paw over her muzzle.
“Make one sound and I’ll kill you.” He snarled. “Its your fault I didn’t get there in time. I could have saved her.” Tears started to form and he turned away quickly.
“What are you talking about?” He heard her say.
He looked over his shoulder at her. “Ketara is dead.”
He walked away, his head low and his feet dragging. He no longer cared if other cheetah’s attacked him. He wouldn’t try to fight them. The full weight of Ketara’s death had finally hit him, and as he head towards the Dome, knew what he had to do. He knew Jas was following, mainly because she was curious, but she kept her distance. Soon she was not alone.
“We just found her body.” One whispered.
“Did he kill her?”
“We don’t think so. There was another body, a male lion.”
“Leon?”
“No. The king.”
“Do you know how he was killed?”
There was silence, and Kavik knew that the cheetah had just motioned towards him. He sighed and continued walking. He had killed his father. But all they knew is that he had killed the lion king.
“So his son will take over now?” said a different cheetah.
“More than likely.”
“He will probably think that our Queen killed his father.”
“And then died from her own injuries.”
“Who knows what revenge he will want.”
Kavik stopped abruptly and raised his head. The cheetahs stopped whispering and watched him. Kavik turned and looked at them all.
“The only revenge that will be sought,” he said, “will be on the lions. My father thought he could kill my love and then me. I only wish that I could have stopped her death.”
Jas looked at him. “You are the heir to Pride Rock?”
Kavik nodded. “I killed my own father. And now, if you don’t mind, I would like to see my cub.”
He turned and once again headed for the Dome. It was only a short distance away and as they drew closer the cheetah’s moved around him. He saw Greshmak was walking with a limp. He felt some guilt, but did not say anything.