A chance encounter
A year had passed since the disastrous events at the Gorge. Despite the animals initial reservations, Scar had proved to be a fair king. Keeping the hyenas in check had endeared him to his subjects and for the most part little had changed since Mufasa’s reign.
It was cool day in the Pridelands. Grey clouds in the sky blocking out the sun bringing a rare chill to the air. In the Outlands, Scar surveyed all he had achieved. Despite their name the Outlands were still part of the Pridelands, the name simply a way of differentiating the area from the rest of the kingdom. Years before the land had been ravaged by fire. The land had healed but weaker than it had once been with less plant life which in turn meant fewer heard gathered there.
Walking through the long grass Scar stopped in tracks as he caught the scent of a lioness on the wind. Turning swiftly his eyes locked on the shape hiding in the long grass. Seeing him the lioness bolted, running swiftly through the grass with Scar hot on her tail. Grinning slyly Scar forced her to the river, his eyes gleaming when she jumped down into the water. Standing above her on the bank he smiled evilly, on the opposite bank a group of crocodiles basked in the sun while the eyes several others were just visible in the water.
“Trapped my dear, I suggest you surrender.”
“Try to kill me if you wish but and I guarantee to blind you in the process,” snarled the lioness.
Turning around the lioness gazed at him with burning yellow and orange eyes. She was young and very thin, it was clear she had not eaten a decent meal in several days if not longer. A single dark brown stripe ran horizontally down her head and one ear had a piece missing. Her fur was covered in mud and dirt yet even that could not disguise her dark beauty or the scars that criss crossed her body.
“Who are you, why are you in my kingdom without permission? In the past two days a jackal pup has been killed……and suddenly you appear….” Scar said taking in her appearance.
“I am called Zira. I am a rouge simply seeking food, shelter and hopefully a pride of my own. I mean no harm to you or your pride and I certainly did not kill the jackal pup you mentioned. Judge me know for who I am or will you punish me for a crime I did not commit?”
“I am King Scar ruler of this land. Where did you come from?”
“I was thrown out of my birth pride a half a year ago, my birth three seasons ago was not welcomed, as soon as I was old enough they threw me out,” Zira replied bitterly.
Scar’s eyebrows lifted up at hearing the fact, Zira’s treatment was similar to his own and he felt sympathy towards her. The fact she was so thin concerned him greatly. A dark aura similar to his own swirled around her, the fact she showed little fear impressed him.
“You are an interesting lioness Zira,” Scar replied, jumping down into the river. “I grant you permission to hunt here. Please come with me to meet my pride.”
“Thank you your majesty,” Zira replied gratefully dropping into a deep bow.
Leaving the river Scar led Zira towards Pride Rock, on the way explaining how the laws of the land and hoe it was governed. In return Zira told him of her journey since leaving her birth pride. Having never left his home, Scar was intrigued by her tale, listening intently.
Arriving at Pride Rock, Scar introduced Zira to the lionesses, all of whom were shocked to see Scar with an outsider. Outsiders were treated with caution until the pride has assessed their intentions.
“Welcome to Pride Rock, I am called Aina,” said one stepping forward.
“A pleasure to meet you,” Zira replied.
After Aina had broken the ice the other lionesses stepped forward to meet Zira thought Sarabi, Sarafina, Nala and a couple of others approached cautiously. Aina had come to the pride in similar circumstances to Zira a couple of months after Simba’s birth and was able to understand how Zira was feeling. Suddenly the heavens opened rain poured down causing the lions to scurry for cover. Lying in the cave with the other lionesses Zira thought about her good fortune.
“Well this went better than I was expecting, the king here is letting me stay without demanding anything in return. Interesting but then not all kings rule the same. The lionesses actually welcomed me warmly. Perhaps I could stay for a season or so. This land is certainly beautiful. Aina seems welcoming, maybe I could have a friend. Zira do not get ahead of yourself, others have forced you away before the same thing could happen again. Remember you are not mean for a happy ending if other see the real you then they will reject you.”
As the days passed Zira found her place, taking an active part in pride hunts and border patrols. The initial warm welcome by Aina had turned into deep friendship and the majority of the other lioness had become friends. Though wary of the hyenas at first, she soon made friends with Shenzi. Scar often asked Zira to accompany him on royal business, it quickly become apparent Zira had the mind of natural leader as she suggested new or inventive solutions to issues that arose.
Out in the savannah one hot afternoon Zira watched as Nala, Sarafina, Malka, Tama and Kula jumped into the river, splashing each other playfully. On the banks others lioness relaxed under tress with a paw or tail dangling in the water. Further down the river large crocodiles basked on the banks, hippos swam in the cool water while a multitude of birds twittered in the tress.
“Zira come join us,” Kula called flicking water at her.
“Why would I do that?” Zira asked coolly, looking at the group. “What would be the benefit?”
“For fun,” Nala giggled flicking water at her friend. “Don’t you know how to play?”
“Play?”
“Have fun with your friends,” Nala replied seriously. “Didn’t you play as a cub?”
“My Mother never allowed me to play, she said I didn’t deserve to have fun,” Zira sighted, her eyes filled with sadness.
“She was wrong, everyone can have fun,” Nala replied, flicking water as Zira.
Shaking the water off her face Zira looked at the innocent smile on Nala’s face and the wide grin Kula’s. Hesitantly she walked into the water only to be ambushed by Nala who splashed water over her fur. In reply Zira lunged at the young lioness, chasing her through the shallow parts of the water. As she ran Nala laughed with joy, dodging this way and that to avoid her pursuer. Passing the roots of a tree Zira gasped as Chumvi jumped on her back landing in the water seconds later. Surfacing the cub took to his paws after Zira and Nala. Grabbing hold of Zira’s tail Chumvi held tight as the lioness tried to shake him off. Staring at her little tag along Zira’s eyes flashed, seconds later she fell with a splash into the water.
“What in?” Zira gasped.
Before she could say another word Nala and Kula jumped on her. Play fighting briefly they roared and snarled, claws carefully sheathed. Lying in the water Chumvi, Kula and Nala grinned at Zira who had a large smile on her face.
“That was fun,” Zira said, a beautiful smile on her face, before flicking water at the trio.
“No fair,” Chumvi roared receiving the water straight in the face.
Instantly the water fight began again, in the river Zira felt the joy that playing can bring, releasing the cub she always wanted to be. Looking at the trio of cubs Zira laughed, amused at how they had given her something she had always longed for.
A month had passed since Zira had arrived in the Pridelands. In that time she had changed, gone was the skinny frame replaced by one slim and well fed. The cruel look had soften slightly allowing light to shine through her eyes.
One bright day Scar stood on Pride Rock looking out across the land. From his vantage point the kingdom was laid out like a map before him. Pride swelled in his heart at all he had achieved.
“Scar might I speak to you?”
Turning around he saw Zira stand below him, a nervous and slightly fearful look on her face.
“Of course you can, what do you wish to speak about?”
“My residency in the Pride Lands.”
“What would you like to discuss, I thought you were happy here?” Scar asked stepping down to her level.
“I am happy here,” Zira replied as they walked between the rocks. “The permission you granted me was only temporary.”
“Have others been causing problem? Sarabi, Sarafina have they questioned your right to live here?”
“Not at all everyone has been welcoming. I would like to become a full member of the pride.”
Scar stopped in his tracks. The request had come as a surprise to him yet secretly he had been hoping for it. Turning away Scar took a deep breath to regain his regal composure. Turning back around he smiled, the sentiment reaching to his gold eyes.
“I would be honoured to make you a full member of my pride. I am glad you decided to stay.”
“The welcome I have received here has been wonderful. For the first time in my life I have been treated normally. I am happy here. I have never had a home before. I was always an outsider in my birth pride. You took me in without knowing me. I cannot thank you enough for what you have done,” Zira replied with smile that lit up her face.
“Tonight, I will present you to the pride tonight,” Scar replied.
In that instant Scar saw for the first time just how beautiful the lioness truly was. The smile shone through the cloud of darkness that swirled around her, Scar felt his heart miss a beat. A feeling that he had long believed lost stirred deep within his soul in that moment Scar felt his world shift.
That night the pride gathered around the base of Pride Rock in two even rows facing each other making a corridor. Standing at one end Zira walked down the corridor while birds scattered flower petals over her and the lionesses chanted her name. Reaching the end of the corridor Zira walked up to Scar who stood proudly on a rock.
“For the past month Zira has lived amongst us. She has been welcomed by all of you and has hunted with you. She has shown loyalty and lived within our laws. It is uncommon to welcome an outsider into a pride without a longer trail period, however in this instance such period in unwarranted. By the power granted to me as King I hereby declare Zira a full member of this pride!”
The assembled pride roared in welcome and joy, their voices lifting to the star filled sky above, Scar’s strong voice joined adding raw power to the chorus. Far across the savannah their voices travelled. Sitting in his tree Rafiki heard the roars.
“Oh Queen Ure I fear this lioness Zira will bring happiness and pain to this land. So alike are she and Scar, already I can see attraction between them. Her arrival has altered his fate I think. Yet perhaps I am being too pessimistic. If together they can find true love then perhaps the darkness within them will turn to light.”
King and Queen
As the months passed following Zira’s initiation into the pride she and Scar spending every increasing amounts of time together, find in each other kindred spirits with a dark and cunning natures. At the same time both found they were happy when they were together, happier than they had ever felt. Yet Scar was aware he was missing the full details of her past, something which concerned and intrigued him.
Out patrolling the Outlands one cloudy day with Zira, Scar probed into her past, while revealing more of his own.
“I knew you would wish to know the full details,” Zira sighted as they walked.
“I trust you Zira. None the less for security reasons I have to understand the circumstances that led to your arrival here. The scant details were sufficient at first but know you are a full member. For myself as well, you are my friend ,” Scar said his eyes full of concern.
“You do not need to explain. Where do you want me to start?”
“At the beginning, take as much time as you need, I will not judge you,” Scar replied kindly.
“My Father was a rouge lion who had entered the kingdom where my Mother’s pride lived, she was the leader’s daughter. Wild dogs ruled the land, the king and queen were fair but flamingos had warned them my father was a trouble causer so they refused him entry. He slipped in at night to hunt near the border, my parents met by accident. The classic story, what is forbidden becomes tempting; the danger became a thrill for them. They were selfish too caught up in the present to consider any future. I suppose you can guess the rest.”
“He left?”
“He lived up his reputation and was forced away. I was hated from the moment of my birth. Even the other subjects could only see my father in me. I was taught to fight every day, never allowed to be a cub, told I was worthless, at every meal last to eat, beaten for the slightest mistake. You have seen the scars on my body the ear was my Grandfather’s doing. I was a cub yet treated like an outsider. As soon I could look after myself the wild dog king and queen banished me on the basis of my father.”
Tears fell from pain filled eyes as Zira finished her story, anguishing at her treatment. Scar felt his heart break as the words engraved themselves into his skull, anger at Zira’s mother and grandfather sweeping through him. Unfair though his parent's treatment had been he had never been physical harmed or utterly deprived of love.
“Zira you have been treated in the cruellest way, no cub should have to suffer as you have done,” Scar whispered nuzzling her. “I promise I will never allow you to feel worthless, I will never lay a paw on you.”
“I know you would not Scar, I….” Zira replied half smiling.
“We have been…….when I first saw you….”Scar stammered blushing.
“Perhaps…..” Zira began as Zazu landed in front of them.
“Your majesty two hyenas have attacked Nala,” Zazu gasped a look of panic on his face.
“WHAT! They would not dare,” Scar snarled with rage. “If you are lying….”
“Sire I swear on my life I tell the truth. Nala tripped over a tree root, she fell onto them. She apologised but they said she had to……they attacked her.”
“They will suffer the consequences for attacking a member of my pride,” Scar snarled with anger.
Thunder echoed, forks of lightening criss-crossing the sky while rain drenched the fur of Scar and Zira as they raced home. Anger combined with fear ran through their veins. Mud and dirt splashed their fur while the wind and rain whipped around them adding to the tension. Reaching Pride Rock the pair found the lioness and hyenas glaring murderously at each other, the lioness surrounding Nala. With a tremendous roar the pair leaped onto a small section of rock just above the two groups.1 At the precise moment a fork of lightening flashed above them, illuminating the rage filled eyes of Scar and Zira
“I demand an explanation, why did you attack an innocent cub?” Scar snarled turning to face two teenage hyenas.
“That stupid cub deliberately ran into us she needed to be taught as lesson,” one replied arrogantly.
“Yeh it was on purpose, that birdie lied,” said the another glaring at Zazu.
“Zazu is not known to lie, Nala please tell me what happened,” Scar said kindly turning to the frightened cub.
Gingerly Nala stepped forward, the cuts and teeth marks visible on her slim frame and light fur. A snarl escaped from Zira’s throat while Scar’s eyes hardened in anger.
“It was an accident, I was only playing…I..I..tripped over a tree route then fell into them. I…I..apologised…..it was an accident….please King Scar I didn’t mean to hurt them,” Nala stammered visibly shaking with terror.
“Oh come on you cannot expect,” one of the hyenas said. “That little fur ball.”
“Apologized for an accident,” Zira snarled glaring at the hyena. “Accidents happen while playing, every lioness here has fallen into someone. A respectable creature would accept the apology. You had not right.”
“You…..” the hyena began.
“Zira is correct,” Scar snarled causing the pair to cower. “I would have helped Nala to her paws and accepted her apology. You deliberately harmed a member of my pride. To make matters worse she is a cub who stood no chance against the pair of you. For this harsh punishment is demanded, of which I will deal out personally.”
They hyenas gasped in horror while the lionesses smiled with relief and delight in the case of Sarafina. In a swift bound Scar and Zira jumped down from the rock, both immediately walking over and placing paws around Nala.
“A cub should never be physically harmed. Be thankful I am sparing your lives. Let this be a lesson to all.”
“Thank you King Scar,” Nala whispered as the lionesses walked away.
“You didn’t nothing wrong Nala,” Scar replied softly.
Turning to face the hyenas Scar and Zira glared at them murderously. The punishment was swift and harsh, Scar and Zira taking a form of grim pleasure out of it. The hyenas in question would not forget in a hurry and it would be several weeks before they were back to full fitness.
After completing the punishment Scar and Zira left Pride Rock, by now the storm had passed and the grass sparked in the twilight. All around them the herds grazed peacefully while youngster played.
Together they walked by the river, the setting sun reflecting off the water turning it a haze of pink, yellow, orange and red. Smiling slyly Scar flicked water at Zira splashing her in the face, shaking her head Zira flicked water at him in return. Playfully Scar playfully lunged at Zira causing her the dart away into the water, laughing he set off after her. Running together they raced through the river, the water cascading around them.
Stopping in the middle of the river Scar and Zira looked at each other. Around them fish swam in hearts shaped formations as the setting sun turned the sky a magnificent shade of deep pink. Smiling the pair kissed.
“Scar I….I love you, the lion you are inside not just your power.”
“Zira you are the only one who has ever seen the true me,” Scar whispered. “I never imagined I could fall in love until I met you. I love you.”
“All my life I have been in darkness, I never dreamed that I could be worthy.”
“Our love for each other is what matters,” Scar replied kissing her. “Against the sky, streams of light call out to me and you.
We leave as one
We’ve just begun
To find the solace we’re due
This is the life we must choose,” Scar sang leading Zira through the water.
“We will make a brand new start
From the pieces torn apart
The break of day is before us
Cast your sorrows to wind
Let the river take us in
As we escape the disorder.”
Together the pair raced out of the water up onto the grassland. Through the grass they ran until they reached the hill above the river.
“This magnificent land
That we call home
This is our destiny.”
Leaving the hill Scar and Zira ran side by side through the Pridelands matching the others pace they ran as equals.
“We’ll chase the setting sun
As we outrun
A life of agony
Great Kings how we ache to be
WE WILL MAKE OUR WAY,”2 Scar sang as the pair rang.
Reaching the plateau above the gorge, Scar led Zira the section of rocks under which the hyenas had hidden, rocks that looked like a small Pride Rock. Unknown too many there was a small cave in the rock just large enough for two lions to lay in comfortably.
“I used to come here as a cub, there is a fact you need to know about the past,” Scar said as they lay down in the cave.
“I will not judge you on past actions,” Zira replied nuzzling him.
“I killed Mufasa and Simba to become king,” Scar said explaining everything from his cub hood up until the moment of Mufasa's death.
“You did what you had to in order to claim your rights. You should have been king from the beginning. I understand your motivations perfectly,” Zira once the tale had finished.
“I had a feeling you would do my Queen.”
Smiling the pair kissed, looking at each other with utter adoration. At last two lost souls had found one another.
Dawn’s light woke the pair the following morning, rolling over they gazed at one another, memories of the night before surfacing. For a moment they lay side by side enjoying the hazy morning sun, the warmth just creeping into their fur. Leaving the cave they walked proudly side by side through the savannah grassland which sparkled with early morning dew. Arriving home they were greeted by a slightly concerned pride along with Zazu and Rafiki.
“Zazu summon my subjects, I wish to marry Zira and have her formally crowned my queen.”
The pride were taken aback by the announcement, all rendered speechless by the fact Scar and Zira had managed to hide their relationship from them. Though a king's choice was his own it was common practice for a king discuss his choice of queen with those he trusted.
“Yes Sire, when do you wish the ceremony to take place?” Zaza asked recovering.
“Today at sunset.”
“Of course Sire,” Zazu replied taking off into the morning air.
“Rafiki you will perform the ceremony I trust you remember it?”
“I never forget a ceremony once I have learned it,” the old baboon replied bowing.
As the sunset over the Pride Lands the animals assembled at the base of Pride Rock. Above them Scar and Zira stood side by side. Standing in front of them Rafiki performed the marriage ceremony; place a string of flowers around each of them as the ceremony ended.
“All assembled bear witness to the marriage of Scar and Zira. Through right of marriage to the reigning king I declare Zira Queen of the Pride Lands,” Rafiki announced.
Together Scar and Zira walked to the edge of the rock, one by one the assembled animals bowed to their king and queen. In unity Scar and Zira roared their voices filled with utter joy. At last they had a happy ending of their own.
Seasons turned, herds and flocks migrated, and the second anniversary of Mufasa and Simba’s death came and went with the day marked as day of mourning throughout the kingdom. The lionesses adjusted to Zira’s change in status and to everyone’s surprise Sarabi provided assistance in the early days. New and former queen seemed to reach an unspoken understanding, both respecting the other despite their contrasting personalities. Several rouge males were spotted on the edge of the kingdom bringing concern to Scar’s mind and excitement and interest to the lionesses. Some were seen off sharply while others were welcomed for a while at least as they brought news of events in other kingdoms. One male made quite an impression on Aina and the pair would frequently slip away. As with all males he was forced out after a set period of time.
Standing on the top of Pride Rock, Scar watched the golden set over his kingdom as the wind gently ruffling his mane. Seeing him standing there Zira nervously walked over to join him. Seeing her Scar nuzzled her gently, surprised when she pulled away.
“Scar there is something I have to tell you…..”
“Zira is something wrong?” Scar asked with concern. “If something has happen please tell me, I would never hurt you.”
“I’m expecting our cub,” she whispered softly smiling at Scar.
A look of amazement covered Scar’s face as he made sense of the information. Before Zira could say another word Scar affectionately licked Zira, a booming purr resonating from his chest.
“Wonderful, words cannot describe what I feel,” Scar said affectionately.
“An heir for you, a cub, something I never imagined I would have.”
“You can have anything you want my queen.”
The following day the pair announced their news to the pride and to the kingdom to the surprise and delight of all. Standing at the back of the pride fear shivered down the spines of Sarafina, Sarabi and Nala. Gathering together out at the waterhole the trio discussed the news with Rafiki.
“Rafiki how will a cub affect the kingdom?” Sarabi asked nervously. “Any cub would be raised to be like his parents.”
“Do not act to quickly Sarabi, wait until the cub is born first,” Rafiki replied wisely.
“How can we not think like that? We all know what Scar is like! Zira is little better, she had a worse upbringing! How can anything positive?” Sarabi snapped.
“Sarabi you dwell too much on Scar’s personality, he has proved a careful and fine ruler so far, regardless of the hyenas. Remember Taka, if lessons are learned then perhaps history will not be repeated. Nothing will replace Simba or Mufasa but neither of you can hate Scar for an accident. Scar may not be the king Mufasa was but he is rightful king.”
“I think a cub would make Scar and Zira happy.” Nala chipped in, her eyes shining with innocence. “They love each other so they will love their cub.”
“You are correct Nala, a cub could change their lives for the better,” Rafiki replied smiling kindly.
Rafiki’s words appeared to prove true, Scar became increasingly protective of Zira, insisting she was accompanied when she went out by a lioness or more often Scar himself went with her. Having never experienced love or protection before Zira found his actions endearing.
Lying next to the river watching the sunset a few weeks later Scar tenderly licked Zira whose head was resting on his shoulder. Looking up at him Zira smiled, placing a paw over his.
“Zira are you alright? You have been quite for a while.”
“I am enjoying the peace of just being with you, enjoying a beautiful view,” Zira sighted softly. “There is something wonderful about the peace here.”
“This place becomes something more at night, the river takes on a life of magic at sunrise and sunset. I am looking forward to bringing our son or daughter here,” Scar replied tenderly placing a paw on Zira’s stomach, his eyes widening with surprise as he felt a kick beneath his paw.
“So do I,” Zira replied smiling as she felt their cub move. “You will make a wonderful father. I wonder what he or she will be like?”
“Our daughter would powerful, sly, intelligent with her mother’s beauty and heart. A son….”
“Terribly cunning and handsome with his father’s softer side and of course a mighty protector of those he loves. Just like you Scar, you have a heart you hide from the word most of the time yet recently you have let others see that side.”
“I cannot hide how I feel about you, for you I would do anything, giving you anything your heart desired.”
“You already have. All I ever wanted was to be loved, you have shown me love beyond my wildest dreams.”
“You have shown me how to love, before you I never truly understood what love truly meant.”
Laying side by Scar and Zira watched the sun set over their kingdom, their hearts united by a love, utterly at peace with the world.
Time of Love
The sun rose in the African eye, in the first rays of dawn’s light animals began to move across the savannah. Birds flew above the mammals while the smallest hitched a ride on their larger counterparts. Vast herds ran together, young cheetahs raced each other and hyenas chattered as they walked. From the farthest corners of the kingdom the animals gathered at the base of Pride Rock.
Standing above them on the rock’s edge was King Scar, his black mane blowing the breeze. Turning around he walked into the cave, passing Rafiki who stood to at the cave's entrance. In acknowledgement Scar nodded, leading him into the cave. In the centre lay Queen Zira, her eyes fixed on the small cub between her paws. The cub was female, with Zira’s colouring on her body, though where most lionesses had lighter fur she had black. In appearance she looked more like Zira yet she had the bright emerald eyes of her father.
“She is so beautiful Zira, just like you,” Scar whispered nuzzling Zira.
“With your handsome eyes,” Zira replied as Rafiki marked the cub’s forehead.
Gently picking the cub up Rafiki walked out of the cave with Scar and Zira following behind. Reaching the edge of Pride Rock, Rafiki lifted the cub up for the entire kingdom to see. A shaft of light fell onto the cub’s fur, high above Ahadi and Ure looked down proudly. One by one the animals bowed before their new princess, their future queen and the hope for the future. Scar felt his heart fill with love and pride as he watched the animals bow to his daughter.
Lifting the cub down Rafiki allowed a small smile to spread across his face, perhaps there was hope for the future.
“You have a fine daughter your majesties,” Rafiki said as Zira gently took the cub in her mouth.
Together Scar and Zira walked back into the cave, settling down in the rocks Scar and Zira placed their daughter between them. Standing at the cave entrance Rafiki watched the new family.
“Might I ask your majesty, what will you name the cub?”
“Zola (meaning love),” Scar replied his eyes fixed on his daughter.
“A beautiful name,” Rafiki replied, before leaving the new family in peace.
“A perfect name for our daughter, she has brought that to our lives already,” Zira replied softly nuzzling Zola.
“She has indeed, the kingdom has an heir and we have a family,” Scar whispered. “I swear nothing will ever harm her, I will never allow her to be treated the way you were growing up. No lion will lay a paw on her. I will never harm her, I swear.”
“I saw the way you looked at her when you first saw her, I know then you would never harm her. Scar you have given me what I craved as a cub, love and a family.”
“Zola and I will always love you Zira.”
As if understanding her father’s words Zola reached out to touch her parents, her tiny paws brushing their noses. Smiling both nuzzled their daughter, their hearts whole and complete.
As the days passed it become clear Zola’s birth had had a dramatic change on the pride was well as her parents, a sense of optimism and utter joy that had been missing since Mufasa and Simba’s deaths had returned. Scar proved to be a very protective father in the first couple of weeks, rarely leaving Zira’s side and increasing the hyena guard around Pride Rock. Zola was not the only new cub, others who were the off spring of rouge males were born and welcomed. For the older cubs, Nala and her friends such as Chumvi who were two years old, the cubs brought joy and also apprehension about their own futures.
Sitting outside under the trees on Pride Rock, Zira, Scar and Zola watched the sunset on the horizon. Climbing to her paws Zola took her first wobbly steps, walking from Zira over to Scar settling down on his mane. Looking at each other the pair smiled with pride and amazement.
A couple of weeks later Zira, Zola and the other lionesses lay under the shade of the tress along with several hyenas. Around them, cubs of varying ages played, hyenas as well as lions. The two years old, teenagers as they were, ignored the cubs, preferring to play fight between themselves and hyenas of the same age.
Between the rocks Zola scampered after a large purple butterfly, trying the bat it with her paws and to pounce. Fixated on the butterfly she failed to see Nala coming towards her, in an instant the pair collided. Mewing softly Zola looked up at Nala who towered over her. Gently Nala picked Zola up, carrying her to Zira who had been watching the encounter nervously.
“I think she might need more practice walking,” Nala said kindly, placing Zola in Zira’s paws.
“I think she may Nala.”
As Nala walked away with Chumvi, Kula, Tama and Tojo, Scar walked passed in conversation with Shenzi and Zazu. Seeing her father Zola mewed in delight, running over to greet him. The pair nuzzled, Scar’s eyes looking down affectionately on his daughter. Under her tree Zira watched father and daughter together, her heart filling with joy at the sight of Scar taking time out of his duties to play with their daughter.
Time passed and Zola grew into a lively young cup, she became close friends with Aina’s daughter Masika and Shenzi’s youngest daughter Yejida. There were some boundary restrictions and Zola was not allowed to go anywhere without an escort. The escort normally took the form of Nala, Kula, Tama Chumvi or Tojo as Scar though the task would prevent them causing trouble. The teenage lions at first resented the duty thought as time past soon came to see it as a pleasure. The teenagers found they could not hate Zola, her innocence broke through the hatred the teens felt for her parents.
Laying out underneath Pride Rock one afternoon Chumvi watched as Scar passed by accompanied by Zazu and Banzi. A ripple of hate coursed through the teenager's blood, he had never liked Scar when Simba had been alive but those feelings had grown into hatred since Simba's death. Pain coursed through Chumvi's eyes as he thought about Simba, he had been good friends with the former prince.
“Hi Chumvi!”
The voice broke Chumvi out of his thoughts sending him back to reality with a sharp jolt. Looking down he saw Zola and her friend Masika gazing up at him, their eyes sparkling with mischief. Though Zola was Scar's daughter Chumvi smiled, he quite liked the young princess and her friend.
“Hi Princess, Masika what are you both doing here?” Chumvi asked yawing.
“Zola and I want to go play,” Masika replied jumping onto Chumvi's back.
“So you want me to play babysitter,” Chumvi yawed rolling his eyes.
“No we want you to come play with us,” Masika replied biting his grinning ear.
“Besides Nala was telling me you fight good,” Zola said flicking her tail.
“You little, ow!” Chumvi cried as Zola bit his tail.
In a flash Masika jumped off his back, with a nod to Zola the pair ran off as the teenager set off in pursuit. The young cubs scrambled over the rocks, jumping down into the long grass. With a smirk they split both darting back to Chumvi and attacking him. While Zola held onto his tail Masika darted forward, tapping him slightly with her paws. Chumvi eyed the young cubs with a glare that would have made Scar proud, using his full strength he leaped forward, the force causing Zola to lose her grip in his tail. Masika fell onto the ground near a small slope with a thud, a tremor of nervousness running down her spine as Chumvi stood over her.
“Well now,” Chumvu began, placing a paw on Masika's chest.
Seconds later he let out a yowl as Zola pounced onto his back, her claws just brushing his skin. Unprepared Chumvi staggered forward in a cloud of dirt, falling on top of Masika with Zola falling onto him. The trio rolled down the slope in a cloud of dust, landing in a jumbled heap of paws and tails at the bottom. The dust cleared to reveal all three lying upside down, Masika half trapped under Chumvi's head while Zola was laid with diagonally across his body.
“Ah my head,” Chumvi groaned his eyes swimming into focus.
“Chumvi could you let me up?” Masika asked with a groan.
“Sure,” Chumvi replied lifting his head so the young cub could crawl out.
“We won didn't we?” Zola asked, a mischievous look on her face.
“Go on I'll give you this one,” Chumvi laughed, a smile on his face.
Together the trio lay side by side on the grass looking up at the clouds, the sounds of their merry laughter drifting through the air. Looking at Zola laying beside him, Chumvi could help but think that she might make a pretty good queen some day.
A few weeks later Zola, Masika and Yejida looked out across the savannah one morning. The sky was clear blue with flocks of birds soaring on the wind. It was the perfect day for an adventure, something which the cubs were very keen to have.
“Let’s go the Elephants Graveyard,” Yejida said with a wicked grin on her face. “I can show you the fire pits and we...”
“That is the past the Watering Hole, we might not be allowed,” Masika replied glumly. “It would be a great adventure though.”
“Well I’ve never been told I can’t go,” Zola replied mischievously, catching sight of Scar and Zazu.
Running over Zola heard the tail end of the morning report, amused at the actions of the monkeys. Seeing her approach the pair looked down, Zazu bowing in respect.
“Dad, can I go with Masika and Yejida to the Elephants Graveyard?”
“You are just like Sim,” Zazu began, before catching the glare on Scar’s face. “I mean just like Nala when she was young.”
“I am not too sure you are very little yet.”
“Daaaddddyyyyyy I’m six months old, I’m not little, I just want to have fun with my friends.”
“Provided someone goes with you, Zazu make sure they are safe.”
“Oh Daddy not Zazu, he can’t protect me. Anyway, Yejida told me that her Mum, Uncle Banzi and Uncle Edd nearly cooked him.”
“Sire the princess is right,” Zazu stammered. “Surely a lion would be a better choice.”
“You are right Zazu,” Scar replied as Nala walked passed with Kula. “Nala come here.”
“Yes Scar,” Nala asked bowing.
“Where were you going?”
“To drink at the Water Hole.”
“Excellent then I have a job for you. My daughter and her friends wish to play in the Elephant’s Graveyard. You will accompany and protect them at all costs. All of you are to be home by sunset.”
“As you wish Sire,” Nala replied bowing while shooting an apologetic look at Kula who just groaned.
Grinning from ear to ear Zola scampered over to her friends to explain the plan, all three very happy with their guard. Masika and Zola both looked up to Nala and the other teenage lionesses. Soon the group were racing happily through the grass, the sounds of their laughter carrying through the herds. Zebra, antelope and others lifted their heads as the group walked among them, curios to see their princess. In the distance cheetahs hunted while vultures pecked at offerings on the banks of the waterhole. Out of the grass a long cobra slithered across their path, flicking its forked tongue and winding its body around Zola. Nala gazed at the scene is horror as a cobra could kill instantly.
“Hey prinsssess nisssess day for walk,” hissed the snake.
“Hurt me you die,” Zola snarled.
“Relasss thatsss the least of my intessssions.”
“Then what do you want?”
“Jussstt too meet you princesss, itsss hard to sssee on formal occasions.”
“Touch her snake and Scar will kill you,” Nala snarled.
“Relasss cub sssitter I have more ssenssse,” the snake replied slithering off.
“Don’t mention that to your father,” Nala said turning to Zola.
“I don’t intend to,” Zola replied haughtily.
Passing the water hole the group were silent, all slightly shaken after their encounter with the snake. As they neared their destination Yejida spoke up.
“My Mum told me you went to the Elephants Graveyard as a cub, is it true?”
“It is true, I went with Sim……..with Togo.”
“My Mum never mentioned Togo.”
“Shenzi never really saw him much as a cub,” Nala replied hurriedly. “She probably doesn’t remember it was Togo who was with me. We got into a lot of trouble.”
“Why?” Masika asked curiously.
“Back the lions were not allowed there and hyenas were not allowed into the Pride Lands.”
Hearing this, the cubs looked at each other in surprise. They had been told little of Mufasa’s reign and nothing at all about Simba or the circumstances in which Scar came to power. In fact it was forbidden to talk about such things in front of the cubs, those who did were punished severally.
Arriving in the Elephant’s Graveyard the cubs instantly ran up to the large skull, running inside it and up the tusks. Jumping over the tusks the cubs slid down a large the ribcage landing in a pile at the bottom. In a moment they were on their paws playfully chasing each other through the bones. As she followed behind Nala’s thoughts turned to the last time she had been here.
“Oh Simba what happened to you that day in the gorge? What were you doing down there anyway? I miss you Simba, you should be here with us today. If only you knew how much I miss you. You would Zola, she is like her parents yet she is like you as well.”
In her mind Nala saw a fantasy of what could have been.
Simba ran through the piles of bones, his mane streaming behind him, a wide grin on his handsome face. Suddenly from the top of skull Zola pounced, sending them both tumbling into a pile of bones. Laughing the pair looked at each other, all eight of their feet in the air. Seconds later Nala and Masika arrived, laughing at the sight.
A sudden cry brought Nala back to reality. They had arrived at the fire pits and the cubs had been surprised by Banzi who had jumped out from a rock scaring them silly.
“Well now a trio of trouble causers” Banzi said circling them. “So how did you mange to get this trip approved?”
“I am a princess so I can go where I want,” Zola replied arrogantly.
“Sure but where is your escort? You never know what unsavoury characters you could meet,” Banzi replied snapping at them.
In a flash the cubs took to the paws as Banzi chased them through the fire pits and bones. Fire burst around them in eerie green and yellow while smoked drifted around the above. Splitting up Zola, Masika and Yejida dodged him, double back in an attempt to catch him out. Jumping down between some bones Zola saw Masika staring at her from behind a rock, below them stood Banzi and Yejida. With the loudest roars they could manage the pair pounced, catching him totally off guard. Tumbling to the floor Banzi’s eyes went completely out of focus his head making contact with the floor meters away from a lava pit.
“Got you now Uncle Banzi,” Yejida howled standing on him.
“You win, oh let me up,” Banzi groaned, his blurred vision making it appear that four of his niece stood above him.
“Banzi what were you doing? How am I supposed to?” Nala snarled arriving on the scene.
“Relax cub sitter I was just playing with my favourite niece and her friends,” Banzi sneered.
“Chasing them isn’t.”
“Please lionesses you worry too much,” Banzi said rolling his eyes. “Scar happens to trust me. I was never gonna hurt them. Besides rules don’t apply with me right girls? I am just the fun uncle.”
“That’s right Uncle Banzi no rules,” Yejida replied grinning.
“Banzi is cool,” Zola said while Masika nodded in agreement.
“See lioness no danger from me. Well girls Uncle Banzi has to go, time for patrol.”
“By Uncle Banzi,” Yejida called.
“Come on it is getting late, we had better go home,” Nala said watching Banzi leave.
“Nala a few more minuets, please?” Masika asked flicking her tail.
“No we have to go now.”
“But it’s still light, please Nala,” Zola pleaded.
“NO if you are late back I will get into trouble with your father, come on.”
Turning her back Nala led the cubs out of the Grave Yard in silence, angry at Banzi’s blasé attitude and how easily Zola and Masika played with him. Arriving home they group found Scar, Aina and Shenzi waiting for them.
“Did you have fun?” Scar asked licking his daughter.
“It was great Daddy we saw everything.”
“No trouble I trust?”
“No, Masika and I even caught Banzi off guard.”
“Oh did you, so what has my brother been doing this time?” Shenzi asked rolling her eyes.
“He played tag with us through the bones,” Yejida replied happily. “Zola and Masika hid and pounced on him.”
“It was so fun, Banzi is cool.”
“Time for bed, I have trouble imagining Banzi playing with you,” Scar chuckled walking into the cave.
Laying down Masika curled up to Aina while Zola nestled on Scar’s mane with an already sleeping Zira lying next to Scar. Exchanging a glance Scar and Aina smiled at each other, both glad their cubs had enjoyed their day.
One bright sunny morning a few weeks after her adventure in the Elephant’s Graveyard, Zola stood on the ground underneath Pride Rock. From her spot she watched as Zazu landed on a rock directly in front of her, his eyes looking at the path which led onto the lions' cave. Smiling evilly Zola let out the loudest roar she could manage. Zazu’s reaction was priceless, letting out a squawk he took to the air in utter fright.
“Morning Zazu.”
“ZOLA! You nearly gave me heart failure,” Zazu gasped landing on a rock, one wing clutching his chest.
“I just wanted to see how loud I could roar.”
“Cubs! Little balls of mischief, well I am certainly awake now,” Zazu replied as Scar walked down towards them.
“Good morning Sire, here to check in with the morning report.”
“Excellent, I am taking a tour of the kingdom, come and you can fill me in as I go.”
“Of course Sire, several issues require your attention.”
“Well then I can deal with them,” Scar replied beginning to walk away.
“Daddy can I come?” Zola asked running after him.
“Of course my Dark Flower.”
Together the trio made their way through the savannah, flying low Zazu gave his report; another incident with the hyenas, a domestic dispute between two jackal sisters, news on the migrations, disputes between vultures over meals, fight between two eagles over a female and an argument between two brother hyenas. “Well that is a fine mess to deal with,” Scar muttered.
“Will you be able to fix the problems Daddy?” Zola asked curiously.
“Certainly. Never use brute force to solve problems, manipulation and brains are far more successful.”
“I’ll remember Daddy,” Zola replied as they arrived at the river.
On the banks vultures gathered in smalls flocks or alone, their eyes fixed on the water as if waiting for something. Grazing animals gathered to drink, birds fluttered in trees while flamingos stood in the cool water. Gazing down Zola saw her reflection and that of Scar staring back at her. Looking she smiled proudly at the family resemblance.
Looking at Scar, Zola saw he was in deep discussion with Zazu and a large male vulture. Then a large shape fell from the sky, a magnificent African Fish Eagle plucked a flamingo from the water, seconds later a younger eagle landed in front of her. Bravely it tapped her on the nose before taking to the air, letting a cry when she didn’t follow him. Fixing her eyes on the eagle Zola took off after the eagle, running through the water across the water as fast as she could. Birds scattered in her wake while water splashed around her. Using all her strength Zola pounced, missing the bird by a few inches. Gasping at the feeling of almost flying Zola jumped again, this time managing the tap the bird’s talons. The eagle screeched, a look of delights on its face, clearly it had planned some fun. Skidding to halt Zola watched as the eagle flew high above, with a cry it circled then dropped like a stone, catching a fish in its talons.
“ZOLA.”
Turning Zola saw Scar watching her from the riverbank, a gentle smile on his face.
“We are finished here, time to go.”
“Coming Daddy,” Zola replied bounding through the water.
“Did you have fun?”
“It was amazing trying to fly, the eagle enjoyed it too.”
“I suspect it did, eagles that age like to play, you must have seemed the perfect companion.”
Leaving the river the pair walked together, passing through herds and flocks as they went. As the day passed Zola watched as Scar gave her a lesson in how to rule, how to meditate disputes, the best way to deal with jackals, normal behaviour for different herds, how to tell when rouge lions had crossed the border were just some of the lessons.
As the sun began to set Scar and Zola walked through the cool water of the river, their fur bathed in orange, pink and yellow light. Looking ahead the pair saw Zira standing on a small island a beautiful smile on her face as she watched them. Seeing each Scar and Zira smiled. Running to meet one another the trio smiled, water flying everywhere.
“Did you both have a good day?” Zira asked nuzzling Scar and Zola.
“I did Mummy, I got to see the whole kingdom, Daddy showed me how to rule, then when we were at the river I played with an eagle,” Zola replied excitedly.
“It sounds like you had a very busy day.”
“Our daughter helped me settle some disputes, she is just as cunning as you or I,” Scar said lovingly.
“It was fun helping Daddy.”
“I can imagine it was, you must be very tired.”
“Not yet Mummy,” Zola replied flicking water at Zira.
Shaking her fur Zira flicked water at Zola, who jumped aside just in time meaning the water hit Scar instead. Shaking his mane, Scar exchanged a wicked look with Zola, seconds later the pair pounced on Zira, sending her tumbling into the water. Seeing the less than pleased look on Zira’s face Scar and Zola ran off through the river hotly pursued by Zira. Through the river the family raced side by side, their roars of happiness carrying across the savannah. In his tree Rafiki heard the joyous calls.
“Perhaps Zola’s birth had marked a new beginning for Scar and Zira. The past does not always have to rule the future. Zola…..she could be our hope,” Rafiki mused looking at a picture of Zola on a thick branch.
Land of Shadows
Two years has passed since Zola’s birth and she had grown into a young teenage lioness with a sly, manipulative and highly intelligent personality, the true heir of Scar and Zira.
The Pride Lands had changed also, over hunting combined with a drought had brought hunger and fear to all. While some of the herds desperately clung on in hope most had abandoned the land in favour of an uncertain future. The situation had brought existing pride tensions to the surface, a split had occurred between those who supported Scar and Zira and those who were allied to Sarabi. Scar’s decision to expel Chumvi and Togo from the pride a year previously had been the spark that ignited the situation. Despite the increasing tensions Zola and Masika had managed to remain friends with Nala, despite being distrusted by the rest of Sarabi’s supporters. The land had changed and all knew that the situation would soon come to a head.
Night had come to the land, in the pale moonlight the lionesses walked back home after what had been a successful hunt, their first for a few days. Despite the good meal everyone was quiet knowing they had been lucky. As they arrived home they saw Scar standing on the edge of Pride Rock looking out across the savannah. Seeing her father Zola walked up to join him while the other lionesses when to their various sleeping spots.
“This drought is bad Daddy.”
“They come and they go yet always bringing problems.”
“I know there are tensions within the pride….”
“Sarabi tries to oppose me, do not concern yourself with them, your mother and I will ensure the problem is dealt with.”
“If I am to be queen then I need to know how to resolve conflict within the pride if it arises.”
“You will never rule here Zola,” Scar said facing her. “The situation is such that only a king born of my direct decent would be respected.”
“YOU CANNOT MEAN THAT! I am your daughter, you have been training me,” Zola stammered in shock.
“To rule as consort or advisor to your brother. A queen is never heir, only conflict comes of such actions, you do not understand the history.”
“I am just as capable as a son would be.”
“No Zola, your father is right,” Zira said walking up to join them. “History is littered with examples of takeovers when a queen has been heir. You will have a brother soon enough and he will be king when the time comes.”
“I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU THINK SO LITTLE OF ME!” Zola shouted running away from Pride Rock.
Her head reeling Zola ran aimlessly through the barren land, barely able to comprehend when she had been told. Her world had been turned upside down by a few simple words. For the first time she felt anger at her parents and at the cub her mother carried. The past had come full circle, Scar had done to Zola what Ahadi had done to him. Stopping at last Zola realised her paws had taken her to Rafiki’s tree.
“I detect a problem young princess,” Rafiki said kindly climbing down to join her.
“My parents don’t think I can rule, they say I will never rule but a future brother will take the throne.”
“Scar has been taught that either king or queen can be heir, that both have equal claim and ability to rule.”
“Yet neither of my parents see that.”
“The past holds sway on both of them.”
“What past?” Zola asked looking at the baboon. “I know something is being kept from me, I will find out.”
“All in good time princess,” Rafiki laughed softly hugging her.
“I wish you would tell me your secrets Rafiki,” Zola replied laying her head on his shoulder.
Early the following morning Zola returned home after spending the night under Rafiki’s tree. The night had given her time to think and to talk to Rafiki, learning more of the pride history, the fact she knew her parents would have been worry was an added bonus in her eyes. Arriving home Zola skidded to halt, on the rocks behind her home Zira and Aina were fighting Nala and Sarabi while surrounded by the other lionesses. Aina had Nala pinned to the floor, the younger lioness’s eyes full of anger. Sarabi and Zira glared murderously at each other while flinging verbal insults full of hatred. Seeing Masika stood at the edge of the scene Zola raced over.
“What started this Masika?”
“I’m not sure. Zira and Sarabi were arguing, I’m not sure what it was about.”
“There is something going on Masika, something we have not been told about,” Zola whispered, looking at her friend as Scar jumped into the fray.
“What could that be? What would be so terrible that we wouldn’t be told?”
“I’m not sure but I will find out,” Zola replied as the fight ended and Nala and Sarabi were forced to submit to Scar and Zira.
The next morning Zola awoke early to find both her parents missing. For a while she tried in vain to go back to sleep before giving up. Walking into the hazy light of down Zola blinked as the light hit her eyes. Walking down from the cave Zola stopped as she saw her parents standing underneath the rock. Silently she slipped behind some large rocks, pressing her body against the floor. In the still morning air the conversation drifted easily to her ears.
“Nala is growing stronger with each passing day, a trouble causer stirring conflict within the pride. We need to find a solution before she slips out of our control,” Scar whispered angrily.
“We need to bind her to you,” Zira whispered anxiously.
“Do you have a plan my queen?”
“There is one thing that would bind her to you forever. If she had your cub then she would never betray you out of fear for her cub’s life.”
“You cannot suggest I betray everything we have…..I love you Zira,” Scar stammered, astounded at the suggestion.
“It is not betrayal if I allow it. Think about it Scar, one simple act could solve all our problems,” Zira replied seductively
“I can see the wisdom in your suggestion but……..I love you too much, what we have already, our future cub.”
“You would be protecting what we have,” Zira countered nuzzling him. “Nala threatens everything we have worked so hard to secure. Given the chance she could kill our heir or bring in a rouge male. If she isn’t dealt with soon…”
“We could have a serious problem,” Scar sighted in exasperation.
“I know you love me Scar. Do it for us, make her love you, whatever it takes, with a cub Nala would never betray us.”
“Zira I swear you are the only lioness I will ever love. Anything you will see with Nala will only be an act.”
Utterly alarmed and angered by what she had heard Zola jumped out from her hiding place causing both to turn around in surprise. Zola’s eye brimmed with fury as she stared at her parents.
“I cannot believe what heard you planning, how could either of you consider? Daddy I thought you loved….”
“For the good of the kingdom,” Scar sighed with regret. “I love your mother Zola, the thought of betraying her is painful but Nala is a threat.”
“Zola the plan was my idea. You are every young. A lioness will sacrifice everything protect her cub at all cost. If Nala had your father’s cub she would remain loyal to us. I know it may seem hard to accept,” Zira replied walking forward and gently placing a leg around Zola’s shoulder.
“Nala is my friend. I know the difference between right and wrong,” Zola replied shrugging Zira’s leg away.
Turning away Zola bounded away from Pride Rock her heart full of conflict. Her parent’s words made perfect sense in terms of security, friend thought Nala may be, Zola was no blind to the trouble she had been causing. Yet another side thought that manipulation on that level was wrong and Nala should be told of Scar’s plot. For the first time in her life Zola felt torn between loyalty to her parents and the friendship she had with Nala. Wondering through the land Zola stopped as she reached the opposite side of the river, the one magnificent river was desolate with little water running through it and little vegetation.
“Nala could be right, this land is barren, perhaps my parents are misruling. If it is just a difference of opinion, I could talk to them about the situation with the hyenas. I can help resolve things, act as an intermediary between the two groups. No….there has to be more to the conflict then that.......something in the past.......only the past would explain Sarabi’s attitude. She acts like she is queen or she knows better at times.”
Walking back home a few hours later Zola stopped when she saw the lionesses that were friends of Sarabi gathered on the hill above the river along with Rafiki. Hesitantly she approached the group. Nala stood in the middle a look of confusion, sadness and anger in her eyes. The other lioness looked angry and shocked. Seeing her the tension rocketed as their angry eyes locked onto her.
“Has something happened?” Zola asked nervously.
“Your father has just flirted with my daughter and suggested she become his second queen,” Sarafina spat, glaring at Zola accusingly.
“I cannot believe he would suggest it, I though he loved your mother,” Nala said in a hollow voice.
“He he does love her….they planned…..they think if you have his cubs then you will never betray him,” Zola whispered hanging her head in shame.
The lionesses gasped in utter amazement and revulsion, the fact it was a deliberate plot made an already terrible situation worse. Nala’s stepped back in horror, her mind reeling and panic surging through her veins. Among monarchs of all species the bond between a king and queen was sacred, for a king or queen to mate with another was deeply frowned upon. Rouges were welcomed because each brought fresh blood into a pride or herd, providing they obeyed the rules laid down for them.
Looking around at the land Nala’s eyes fills with tears while her heart was leaden with regret. Her eyes took in the dry river, barren grassland, bare tress, cracked soil, dark sky and few grazing herds. Her eyes stopped on Pride Rock with the hyenas surrounding it. Memories of the past stirred in her heart, blinking back tears she turned back to her mother and friends.
“Shadowland
The leaves have fallen
This shadowed land
This was our home
The river’s dry
The ground has broken
So I must go
Now I must go,” Nala sang looking at her family, tears running down her cheeks.
“And where the journey may lead me
Let your prayers be my guide
I cannot stay here, my family
But I’ll remember my pride.”
Gently Nala nuzzled each of the lionesses’ checks. Tama and Kula looked deep into her eyes, gently placing their paws on her shoulders in a gesture of understanding and acceptance.
Lionesses Nala
“Prideland “I have no choice
My land I will find my way
Tear stained What lies out there?”
Dry land
Take this prayer
With you.”
Lionesses
“And where the journey may lead you
Let this prayer be your guide
Though it may take you far away
Always remember your pride.”
Sarafina and Nala nuzzled each other, tears falling from both their eyes. Her heart shattering into a million pieces, Nala turned away from her family. Rafiki walked over and hugged her before drawing a star on her for head in blue paint. With a last look at her family Nala turned to leave.
“I WILL RETURN!” Nala roared.
Turning on her heal Nala ran off through the savannah. Watching her go Zola hesitated for a second before racing after her. Her heart pounding Zola ran as fast as she could. As they neared the boundary Nala stopped at last, turning around to face Zola with a look of fear and confusion.
“Nala please be careful. I promise never to tell my parents I saw you go,” Zola said gasping for breath.
“Zola you don’t have to be your parents. I can see something good in you. The fact you told me about their plan proves that,” Nala said looking at her.
“How can I be anything different? I don’t know another away to be.”
“You are different to them as well. You could come with me, you could help this land.”
“I cannot leave. Something happened to you Nala before I was born,” Zola replied flicking her tail. “I don’t care what it was but you need to get over it.”
“Zola you don’t understand. Scar is forcing us to over hunt, the hyenas.”
“Are my friends. You need to leave Nala and never come back. I cannot protect you if you keep opposing my parents.”
“No matter what I think of you parents I have always counted you as a friend, I will never forget you Zola,” Nala replied hugging the young lioness.
“Good luck Nala,” Zola replied softly, watching as her friend crossed the border.
Turning her back on the border Zola walked through her kingdom, her mind so preoccupied with Nala that she barely took any notice of where she was walking. After a few hours she came to the plateau above the gorge where wilder beast used to gather, now barren wasteland. Standing on the rocks, Zola saw Sarabi and Rafiki stood silently near a broken tree. Tears fell freely from both their eyes, Rafiki’s left hand caressed Sarabi’s head. Confused at the sight Zola climbed down to the bottom, the pair looking at her as she approached.
“Sarabi are you all right? I wasn’t snooping, I was up on the top playing, but I saw you.....”
“I know Zola you would never pry, it is the past,” Sarabi whispered before walking away from the scene.
“Rafiki, why was Sarabi so upset?”
“The truth is from before your father reigned. Your father has forbidden that time to be spoken of.”
“I AM TIRED OF SECRETS! I am not a cub,” Zola snarled circling Rafiki. “I can make my own decisions. I order you to tell me or face the consequences.”
“As you wish Princess,” Rafiki replied, a slight tremor in his voice, Zola’s sharp teeth had not gone unnoticed.
For the first time the old baboon felt slightly scared of the young princess. Rafiki felt fear for his own life, if Scar found out there would be sever punishment. Mentioning the events had contributed heavily to Malka and Togo’s exile and had been the reason why Zazu had been imprisoned. Given the history between Scar and Rafiki the consequences would be sever.
“Four years ago King Mufasa died here trying to save his son Simba from a herd of stampeding wilder beast. Mufasa was Sarabi’s mate and brother of your father,” Rafiki said looking directly at Zola.
“Daddy never told me he had……..” Zola stammered wide eyed. “Why would he keep something…….what happened to Simba?”
“He was killed along with Mufasa. Simba was Nala’s best friend,” Rafiki said softly with tears in his eyes.
“That explains why she was unhappy here……….” Zola replied stepping back. “The conflict has been over………”
“Nala never forgot Simba,” Rafiki replied sadly shaking his head.
Days passed, on hearing of Nala’s vanishing act, Scar and Zira were angry yet relieved she had gone. The pair believed she would never come back or last long on her own. Zira’s announcement of her pregnancy was greeted with welcome by her friends but resentment by Sarabi and Sarafina’s friends. Zola and Masika found themselves caught in the middle of every increasing tensions that would soon reaching breaking point. During hunts Zira took a less active part with Scar becoming increasingly protective of her. Zola took on the role of heir yet knew she would never rule.
“Zola how did we get caught between caught in a fight that seems to be about events before we were even born?” Masika asked as they lay on a rock one night.
“I don’t know Masika. When I told my father that I’d learned about Mufasa and Simba he went crazy. The look on his face…….it was like he had seen a ghost.”
A couple of weeks after Nala had left, Zola woke up suddenly in the night, to her surprise both her parents were missing from the cave. Silently she slipped out of the cave, part driven by concern part by curiosity. For no particular reason she began to walked to the very top of Pride Rock. To her surprise the voices of her parents drifted into her ears, looking up she saw them standing on the path a couple of meters above her. Crouching down she listened to what they had to say, finding it strange that they would be having a conversation in the middle of the night.
“We know Musfasa is dead, your wilder beast plot saw to that, but I worry about Simba,” Zira said softly.
“Why my love?” Scar asked with concern.
“He was alive what you last saw him. I know the hyenas said they killed him…..yet their reliability is dubious.....Could Simba have survived?”
“Perhaps,” Scar sighed angrily. “. Even if the hyena's did not make the kill…..that cub was less than a year old...........only a miracle would saved him.”
The revelation struck Zola in the heart like a knife, gasping for breath she staggered away from Pride Rock. Scared and alone she ran towards the one creature who she knew could help her. Her parent's words swirled around in her head engraving themselves into her mind. Despite knowing how ruthless her father was she had never believed him capable of murdering an innocent cub. The bonds in a family were seen as near sacred, for one member to kill another was an unspeakable crime.
Arriving at Rafiki’s tree saw the old baboon climbing down from the branches, a his eyes blazing with fire. Catching sight of her his eye brows raised in surprise, yet he did not greet her in his usual warm manner.
“Rafiki my Father murdered Mufasa, he planned the stampede with the hyenas, Simba was meant to die to…..” Zola stammered before Rafiki could speak.
“So then it as I thought. It saddens my heart you had to discover your father's true nature so young.”
“I overheard him talking with my Mother, she believes she was justified in his actions. He killed his own brother and nephew......”
“Simba lives still, the wind has brought token bearing his scent. I go now to find him, the rightful heir must claim the throne,” Rafiki replied proudly.
“I understand Rafiki, my father usurped the throne therefore my claim is born out of bloodshed.
“Simba will have to fight to regain what belongs to him. We known your father will not resign the throne. Come walk with me princess.”
Together they left the shelter of the tree, walking side by side through the broken land. Silence hung heavily between them. Gazing at the beautiful princess Rafiki felt his heart ache, in part regretting the changes his actions and those of Simba could bring. Rafiki truly loved Zola in the same way he did Simba, he truly wished there was for coming events to happen differently.
“Zola you do not have to be defined by your parents or reap the consequences of their crimes,” Rafiki said at last, breaking the heavy silence. “The traits you posses can be used for good just as they were by Aihadi and Ure. The way other treated your parents drove them down paths of darkness yet they retained their ability to love.”
“Rafiki anything I could have been........if Simba returns I face death. I am bound by my parent's actions. I'm young but I know Simba will not allow me to live even if he spares my parent's avoid death. I will always be a threat, he will not trust me, despite what you or Nala may say.”
“That may not be your fate, look down there.”
The pair were standing on a hill overlooking the Outlands, below were a small groups of four lionesses and a male. Suddenly the male looked up and saw the pair, his eyes widening with surprise. The male was a year older than her by a year. Zola was stunned by the groups appearance as rouges were not tolerated, those who did enter the land faced death. Seeing her, the male smiled briefly before turning back to his friends who had failed to notice her.
“Circumstances have forced them from their birth prides. Get to know them Zola you may find something in common.”
“They are risking their lives being here without permission.”
“Which is something you could grant them. Take a chance. Remember that what we influence our fate by the choice we make. Though things are fated remember fate has several paths to choose from.”
“I trust you Rafiki, I will see what they want. Be careful,” Zola whispered hugging the old baboon.
“You as well princess remember you have little time left. Trust in your heart as every prince needs his princess,” Rafiki replied walking away smiling.
“Wait, what did you mean!” Zola called running after him.
“All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost
The old that is strong does not wither
Deep roots are not reached by the frost
From the ashes a fire shall be awoken
A light from the shadows shall spring
Renewed shall be the line that was broken
The crown-less again shall be king!”3 Rafiki called back.
Watching him leave Zola wondered what he meant by the poem, clearly it must relate to Simba, but why would he say it to her when Simba threatened her safely?
Rouge
The following day Zola walked into the Outland, by the river she saw the male lion from the day before drinking. He had a mane the colour of beach sand, a body various shades of brown, handsome blue eyes with four scars on his left scar and a deep red scar on his left cheek. The scar's shaped hinted that it had been it had been given deliberately. Seeing her reflection in the water the male looked up, suspicion and fear in his eyes
“Who are you stranger, why are you and your friends in my Father’s kingdom?” Zola asked fixing her eyes on him.
“I was called Taka (dirt) by my birth pride because of my brown colouring but that named soon lost its once happy meaning to become one of distaste and neglect. The name I call myself is Wanderer,” the male replied in a powerful voice.
“I called Zola, princess of the Pridelands, my parents king Scar and queen Zira rule.”
“Then I and my friends are in danger as we have not sought permission to hunt,” Wanderer replied in a worried tone.
“I could grant you permission, I will assurances your pride will avoid mine and of their good behaviour,” Zola replied circling him.
“I will arrange that, follow me.”
“NO,” Zola snarled, racking a claws along the floor. “Bring your friends to me.”
“As you wish princess,” Wanderer replied a hint of anger in his voice.
A short time later Wanderer retuned with a small pride consisting of another four females, all skinny and very cautious. They had clearly not eaten well for some time, with a couple bearing several scars, one had a haunted look in her eyes and stood to the back while the lioness leading looked fairly powerful and confident.
“I am Majani,” said the leader stepping forward. “My home was plagued by drought, I joined Wanderer and his friends to escape.”
“It is nice to meet you Majani,” Zola replied, as an eagle landed in front of them
“Greetings Princess I am Tau, guide of Wanderer and his friends. You are as beautiful as Rafiki spoke of.”
“You know Rafiki?”
“He and I have been friends for many years, we are both shaman.”
Sitting together Zola listened to the stories each member of the pride told, each one painful. Their backgrounds were very similar, either they had been unwanted as a cub or had clashed with their parents when they had grown up. Majani’s had the most stable upbringing, her parents had loved her but after her mother’s death through drought she had clashed with her father Ni.
Wanderer’s story differed slightly from most, in many ways he had suffered more than most. An unwanted cub born to a barely adult mother, his rouge father had stayed around at first, but both had been poor parents. A few weeks after Wanderer’s birth three lions had arrived to speak to his father, though Wanderer had been young he clearly remembered their surprise when he had tottered over to his father. After a few days after this visit his father had left and his mother and her family had started to mistreat him. Beaten, given less food he had been taught to fight from an early age, always made to feel that he was inferior. Six months previously his grandfather had forced him out of the pride and he had met Tau that same day. Leaving his past behind he had taken the name Wanderer to mark the start of his new life. Since then he had travelled far, meeting any lions and passing through many kingdoms.
In return Zola told them about her own life and how best to avoid coming to the attention of her pride. All quickly released she was a natural leader and admired her character traits of intelligence and cunning. Sitting together the tension soon vanished as they laughed and talked. Listening to their stories Zola felt her heart go out to them and vowed the help protect them from discovery. As they spoke both Zola felt the eyes of Wanderer watching her suspiciously.
“I am glad to have met all of you, I’ll come back tomorrow with my friend Masika,” Zola said as the sun set.
“It has been good to the meet you princess let us see if you keep your word,” Wanderer said, a faint smile on his face.
“No lion from my pride will know of your existence, when I give my word I keep it,” Zola replied standing up.
Racing the setting sun Zola ran home through the deserted land. As she ran it dawned on her that she had defied her parents, going directly against what they would have wanted. Reaching Pride Rock roars ripped through the air, Aina and her friends were fighting Sarabi’s friends. Claws and teeth ripped through fur, on the sidelines Masika and Zira watched, a look of horror on Masika's. Slinking over to her friend Zola watched the fight.
“What started it this time Masika?”
“Sarafina said Sarabi and Mufasa were greater rulers then Zira and Scar could ever be. Sarafina got really mad, she said something about Simba’s death possibly not being an accident. I didn’t understand what it was about.”
“I do, something has been kept from us.”
“What?”
“Not here.”
Swiftly the pair made their way out into the savannah away from their parents. Stopping at the gorge they stood on the rocks as the sun began to set. Looking down to the ground below Zola turned to her friend.
“Zola what has happened? I’ve not seen you all day,” Masika whispered.
“My father murdered his brother King Mufasa and tried to kill his son Simba but Simba is alive. Mufasa’s queen was Sarabi,” Zola whispered, the words sticking in her throat.
“He wouldn’t……”
“He did, my mother knows. Masika that is the source of all the conflict….....Nala was Simba’s best friend. Rafiki knows Simba is alive, this morning he left to find him.”
“If Simba returns……” Masika gasped wide eyed.
“Death.”
“Oh Zola you are in trouble…….” Masika began.
“It gets worse, a group of rouges are hidden in the Outlands I gave them permission to hunt.”
Masika just looked at her friend in awe, shocked Zola had defied her parent’s rules and Masika was still overcome by the news she had just received. Yet it wasn’t a complete surprise, both had recently taken to defying their parents, as a princess it was natural Zola would try to assert her own powers.
The days passed, after initial reservations Masika met Wanderer and his friends, quickly becoming accepted by the group. Despite the danger, there was a lot of laughter and fun in the small pride based on genuine friendship. A close bond quickly developed between Zola and Wanderer, one born out of friendship and understanding. They would often talk late into the night, both finding a cunning and ruthless nature in the other. Unknown to both they mirrored Scar and Zira but unlike them Zola and Wanderer had not yet given in to the darkness.
A week after meeting Zola and Wanderer walked along the banks of the dry river. Zola had just told him everything about Simba and her father and what his return could mean for her. Walking silently for a while lost both were lost in their own thoughts. Stealing a glance at Zola, Wanderer finally spoke.
“We have only known each other for a few days but we have a connection. You and Masika are liked and respected by my friends,” Wanderer began hesitantly. “I have no right to suggest this...... but......... I’m going to. Come with me.”
“Leave my pride?” Zola whispered staring at him. “Betray everything I have ever known.......My place is here Wanderer, I don’t have the luxury to go where I please.”
“You already rebelled by not telling your parents I was here. You are brave, beautiful and very very smart. Don’t be a prisoner.”
“I wish it were that simple.”
“It is simple. You said yourself you will never be queen and only death or exile of Simba returns! You don’t have to die for your parent’s crimes, you could live free, with me.”
“You make it sound so simple,” Zola sighted smiling sadly
Breaking the Circle
A couple of days had passed since Wanderer had asked Zola to leave with him and his pride. Night had fallen, standing on the edge of Pride Rock, Zola looked out across the barren land. Wanderer’s words had plagued her along with those spoken by Rafiki. Zola had avoided Wanderer and not even Masika knew what he suggested. His suggested had taken hold, allowing her to imagine another life. Looking up at the stars Zola spoke softly.
“How do I decide what path to take? Wanderer is offering me a chance to be free yet if I follow him I will betray my pride. This land is my home. I cannot just abandoned it to an uncertain future. Simba could claim the throne, he is the rightful heir.
Yet don’t I have equal claim? I am the daughter of the king. The daughter of a murdering king slayer. Will I always live in the shadow of my parents actions? They have ruined this land through tyranny. I have the same darkness in me. Please Great Kings and Queens please help me.”
The moment the last words were spoken a brilliant white light descended from the stars causing Zola to step back. Out of the light stepped the ghostly form of Queen Ure. Zola’s eyes widened in half fear half amazement hardly able to believe what she was seeing.
“Hello Granddaughter, I am here to help you just as you asked. All those who have the courage to ask the Great Kings for help will receive it.”
“Grandma how is? I have heard stories…..but I never imagined.”
“Your heart called to me for help, after all you are my heir Zola. We share the same personalities you and I. Do not fear your heritage,” Ure gazing at Zola proudly.
“How I can I be proud of my heritage when my parents are responsible for so much bloodshed? You know the darkness in me,” Zola whispered sadly, her eyes filled with shame.
“Zola you can be a great queen. Not all are like Sarabi all light and innocence , at times darkness in needed. Yet darkness cannot exist without light.”
“I will never be queen. Simba will return and claim what is his by right. I am my parent’s daughter and will be expected to fight.”
“Oh Zola history does not have to repeat itself,” Ure replied nuzzling her. “There need be no more bloodshed. You have the chance to leave where with Wanderer and your new friends.”
“I cannot leave here, no matter how much…….”
“How would you feel if Wanderer left and you never saw him again?” Ure asked.
Zola paused; an intense pain scorched her heart greater than anything she had felt before. In her head she ran over the times spend with Wanderer’s and his friends, all the fun they had together. Wanderer’s handsome face stuck in her mind and the connection they shared.
“I couldn’t bear that,” Zola gasped, her heart pounding. “I think I……love him. He hasn’t said if he feels the same way. But my statues…….my parents…..is it worth the risk?”
“Trust what your heart tells you. You will have to make a choice tonight Zola, in three days it will be too late.”
“If I left……….”Zola began walking to the edge of Pride Rock. “Would the pride be able to heal? Would it be better for the kingdom and my pride if I had never been born?”
“Never question your own birth. After all had you not been born then Nala may have been condemned to a life as your father's second queen. The pride may heal or it may not that is dependant on the outcome of Simba's challenge to your parent's rule. ”
“I don't have a choice,” Zola replied smiling sadly. “I have to leave with Wanderer to escape the past. Thank you for listening to me Grandma.”
“Help is given to those who need it, we will meet again Queen Zola,” Ure replied nuzzling Zola before disappearing.
With a light heart Zola walked into a small cave where she often slept. In her dreams she saw Wanderer walking out of the ocean onto a beautiful beach. Rolling over she smiled in her sleep. When drawn struck the land the following morning she raced to the Outlands. Arriving she found her Masika and Majani playing tag while the other relaxed in the cool morning air. Seeing her Wanderer looked up, surprised at the light that shone from her eyes.
“I’ve decided to come with you, I will never be truly happy unless I leave,” Zola said before Wanderer could speak.
“Zola that is fantastic,” Wanderer replied nuzzling her.
Smiling the pair looked at each other, without planning it or caring their friends were watching they kissed. The pride and Masika roared with delight, all had seen the way the pair looked at one another.
“We leave the day after tomorrow,” Wanderer whispered to Zola.
“So soon…….Masika,” Zola said turning to look at her friend. “I can understand if you want to stay.”
“Actually I’m leaving too,” Masika laughed. “I came here to tell everyone. I was dreading telling you, I can’t want live under your father’s rule.”
Spending the day together the new pride and Tau planned their route once leaving the Pride Lands. To Zola's surprise Tau appeared to be guiding them towards the coast, remembering her dream, Zola smiled, hoping it might just come true. Plans for made for leaving the Pride Lands in meticulous detail with alternate routes included on the of chance they were seen. Sunset was decided on as it would allow Zola and Masiska to leave without attracting suspicion as it was no uncommon for the lioness to hunt during the night.
In the setting sun Wanderer and Majani walked Zola and Masika home through the broken land. Stopping on a hill they looked to Pride Rock in distance. Looking at their home Zola and Masika's felt a shard of pain in their hearts at the fact they would never be able to introduce their friends to the pride. Rubbing head with their friends the pair walked home with heavy hearts. Arriving home they found Sarabi and Sarafina arguing with Shenzi and Yejida. Looking at their friend the pair kept their silence. In their hearts both knew Yejida would see their plan as treachery, what’s more Yejida would see it as her duty to inform Scar and Zira. Seeing her parents stood together at the top of Pride Rock, Zola felt a lump in her throat, a single tear running down her right cheek.
“Zola what is wrong?” Masika whispered.
“I…..need to…….at least say goodbye to my parents,” Zola replied choking back tears. “You should Aina you love her, one last time.”
“Zola please be careful, you can't let your emotions.....you know what could happen if they found out.”
Smiling sadly at her friend Zola walked up to her parents with a heavy heart. In her heart Zola deeply loved her parents, something which time would never diminish. Seeing their daughter Scar and Zira smiled, utterly unaware of what was to come. As the sun set the royal family stood proudly together.
“Mum, Dad I love you.”
“We love to Zola,” Zira whispered licking her daughter’s cheek.
“We will always love,” Scar said affectionately.
_____________________________________________________________________
A day had passed since Zola and Masika had made plans with their friends. After an agonizingly tense day of waiting the time had come to leave Pride Rock. As the sun set Zola and Masika crept through Pride Rock, avoiding hyenas and lions alike. Storm clouds gathered above blocking out the light, at the front of the rock they could see some of the lioness gathered around Sarabi. Masika took the right hand path away while Zola took the left had path in an attempt to disguise their intentions. Zola flitted through the rocks stopping suddenly as a familiar scent drifted towards her. Seconds later Nala appeared on the path, the older lioness staring at her with a look of fierce determination.
“Nala what are you? Did Rafiki find?” Zola stammered.
“Simba has returned to claim the throne,” Nala replied hesitantly.
“Then I made the right choice. A pride of rouge lioness led by a male called Wanderer are gathered in the Outlands, Masika and I are leaving with them,” Zola replied, delighting at the utter shock on Nala's face.
“I am glad Zola, I was dreading what was to come...... Simba will always see you as an threat, no matter how different you are to Scar and Zira,” Nala said, her eyes full of regret.
“You love Simba.”
“I always have done,” Nala replied half smiling.
“Be happy with Simba. I will never return to the Pride Lands. Wanderer and I are in love, we plan to find a place for away from here to live free and happy.”
“If Simba doesn’t know about you he cannot feel threatened by you,” Nala replied as an idea took hold. “If you never plan on returning then Simba need never know you exist. The pride can believe you vanished or died. I swear I will never tell Simba of your existence. Zola if only there was another way.”
“I’m limited, Nala look at me I’m limited
And just look at you…
You can do all I couldn’t do Nala
So now its up to you, for both of us,” Zola sang placing a paw on Nala’s shoulder.
“I’ve heard it said
That lions come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something that we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well I don’t know if I believe that’s true
But I know I’m who I am today
Because I knew you…,” Nala sang gazing at Zola.
“Like a comet pulled from orbit
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say I’ve been changed for better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good,” Nala sang.
“It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me is made of what I learned from you
You’ll be with me
Like a paw print on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have rewritten mine
By being my friend
Like a leaf blown from its tree
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?
Because I knew you,” Zola sang.
“Because I knew you,” Nala sang.
“I have been changed for good,” Zola and Nala sang together.
“And just to clear the air
I ask for forgiveness
For all the things I’ve done you blamed me for,” Zola sang.
“But then, I guess we know
There’s blame to share,” Nala sang.
“And none of it seems to matter any more,” both sang together.
Nala Zola
“Like a comet pulled “Like a leaf blown
From orbit/ as it from its tree
Passes a sun/ like by a wind of the
A stream that meets sea/ like a seed
A boulder/ half way dropped by a
through the wood” bird in the wood.”
Both
“Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?
I do believe I have been changed for the better.”
Nala
“And because I knew you…”
Zola
“Because I knew you.”
Both
“Because I knew you
I have been changed for good.”4
Looking at one another Zola and Nala rubbed their heads together one last time, tears running down their cheeks. Turning tail Zola bounded away from Pride Rock while Nala watched, suddenly Nala called out.
“ZOLA WAIT.”
Stopping in her tracks Zola turned to look at her friend, one paw raised on the air, her green eyes filled with uncertain.
“We will meet again when enough time has gone by for betrayals to heal,” Nala called her eyes shining with hope.
With one last half smile Zola bounded away through the barren land, her heart beating wildly, half in fear and half in excitement. Reaching the Outlands she found Masika waiting for her with Wanderer and their friends. The group greeted her at the exact moment as lightning struck the land. The lighting ignited the parched vegetation, fire engulfing the area within second. Instantly the group started to run towards the border, jumping over burning tress and dodging falling branches. Eyes wide with fear they raced for their lives. The lions fur quickly becoming streaked with smoke and black ash, the thick smoke obscuring their vision. As they reached the border a the heavens burst open with a tremendous clap of thunder. Relief swept through the pride, slowly rain began to remove the ash and smoke from their fur. One by one they crossed the border, Masika hesitating slightly before slowly stepping across the line that marked the end of her home. Gazing at the border Zola hesitated, a shard of doubt entering her heart. Wanderer gazed at her intently, his heart beating wildly with the fear that Zola would turn back.
“Please Great Kings give me a sign that leaving with Wanderer is the right choice,” Zola prayed.
Hesitantly Zola lifted a paw, closing her eyes she crossed the border, leaving the Pride Lands. At the very same moment a mighty roar echoed across the rain soaked savannah. Turning her head Zola saw a magnificent golden lion standing at the edge of Pride Rock, as she watched a lioness walked up to join him. Together the pair stood in a patch of moonlight under a star filled sky. Zola's heart soared as she realized who the pair were. Turning away from the scene Zola walked into the night with her friends without a backwards glance. History had repeated itself in the courtship of Zola and Wanderer but unlike Scar and Zira they had overcome the darkness.
END
1 Place where Simba stood in Simba’s Pride after he and young Kiara returned home
2Song Brand New Start by Alterbridge from Blackbird
3 By J RR Tolkien Fellowship of the Ring p 224, line is originally blade
4For Good from Wicked with slightly changed lyrics