The Golden Queen

[Warning!

This fan-fic was written by non-english-speaking author. Due to my limited language (and poetical!) skills, it may contains lot of grammatical and syntax errors. Please, don’t bother with harsh form of the text, and try to focus on the plot.]

Fanarts to this story made by Sarafina from Lwia Ziemia Forum (Polish Prideland Forum)

Dramatis Personae (in alphabetical order, my characters are marked with *):

Ahadi – once king of Priderock, father of Mufasa and Scar (Taka).

Amini – rouge lion from Horen Pride, father of Kovu.

Arista* – once king of Golden Pride, father of Sparthi and Zira. Died during the Great Drought.

Hawaa* – lioness from Outland (former Pridelanderess)

Horen* – leader of rouge lions pack.

Kiara – daughter of Simba and Nala, sister of Tanabi. Princess of Prideland.

Kovu – son Zira, adopted son of Scar.

Mufasa – once king of Priderock, son of Ahadi.

Nala – Priderock Queen (in Simba’s era). Mate of Simba, mother of Kiara and Tanabi.

Ostasi* - Outlander lioness, friend of Danti.

Rafiki – old mandrill, shaman and advisor of Simba.

Sakia* – old lioness, friend of queen-mother Sarabi, once faithful subject of Scar.

Sarabi – queen-mother, mate of Mufasa, mother of Simba, grandmother of Kiara and Tanabi.

Sarafina – friend of Sarabi, mother of Nala.

Scar – Priderock king after death of Mufasa.

Simba – king of Priderock, after Scar’s death. Son of Mufasa, father of Kiara and Tanabi.

Sorphi* – lioness from Simba’s Pride.

Sparthi* – son of Arista, brother of Zira. Prince of Golden Pride. Deceased during the Great Drought.

Tanabi* – son of Simba and Nala, prince of Priderock, younger brother of princess Kiara (name was inspired by many of fanfics, where Tanabi plays main role. But watch out, i’ve made few of changes in this character. What is most important, he’s second child of Simba!)

Vinia* – lioness from Simba’s Pride.

Vitani – daughter of Scar and Zira, sister of Nuka and Kovu. Heir to Scar’s throne.

Zazu – old hornbill, majordomo of Simba’s court.

Zira – Once queen of Priderock (in Scar’s era). Daughter of Arista (Golden Pride’s king), sister of Sparthi, Mother of Nuka, Vitani and Kovu.

... – and others characters, that I can’t introduce now, because “spoiler threat”.

Odd numbered chapters (except of 19^th) are about times just before “Simba’s Pride”

Even numbered chapters are about times just after “The Lion King”

[„Treasure” song. Quite merry tune, in chorus becoming more serious.]

[Capture of Prideland’s Border, between savannah and desert. Zira is running at the edge of sands in direction of setting sun.]

Every minute on this world

We possess the wealth untold

With an every breath this treasure shines inside

[Zoom on Zira’s eyes. Her face is calm and joyful. Then, switch to lioness’s recollections: She in times of Great Drought, on the lead of Golden Pride. Then capture of Scar, who is helping Zira to carry Sparthi.]

Something that is worth to keep

Something we have buried deep

In our hearts, our spirits and our minds

[Zira is hugging with Scar in Priderock’s back cave.]

Knowledge, beating in our chest

Chest of wealth, our spirit's crest

Show us clearly what that untold value is

[Zira during her coronation: all lionesses are bowing to her.]

By our lives we are to prove

Are we worthy of this truth

Are we destined to win or bound to miss

[Capture of Scar playing with tiny Nuka, younger Zira is watching this with smile on her face.]

Chorus:

It's a wealth of our heart

Something that you keep inside

And never, never, never give it up

[Back on desert: capture of paws of Zira, who are hitting sand in fast run.]

It's a reason for your days

Keep you going in life's maze

This is treasure of your life, prize on top

[Zoom to Zira’s face, she is looking like she is about to cry.]

Second verse:

Choose carefully what for you up

Don't risk life for just a scrap

So make sure you always take the lion's share

[Pictures are moving, but in background is still Zira’s sad face.]

Learn the joy that comes from pride

Only meal that satisfy

Only way that points the aim and takes you there

[Scar is back from hunting. He looks exhausted, but he gives Zira (she is pregnant in this capture) and Nuka decent piece of meat.]

You must take the sacrifice

There's no prize without the price

But what are tears when main goal is to lose

[Capture of Zira, running thought the desert, but it slowly changes to Zira’s returning to Priderock, in night of Scar’s death.]

If your treasure is at hand

If you're ready for last stand

Fight for it, fight for life that you choose

[Capture of Zira, fighting the hyenas and coming to dying Scar.]

Chorus:

It's a wealth of our heart

Something that you keep inside

And never, never, never give it up

[Capture of last talk of Scar and Zira.]

It's a reason for your days

Keep you going in life's maze

This is treasure of your life, prize on top

[Fading picture of Zira, carrying Scar’s body. It becomes capture of older Zira, who stopped next to border rock of Prideland. Sun is almost set.]

01 – The doorstep of Change

Another turn of Circle of Life had passed. Sun was setting on west and also whole season was ending. Zira smelled the scent of rain. Although air was still dry, queen knew, that season was changing and rains was about to come. Again, she made it. She kept her pride save in hardest time. For once more, existence of Golden Pride was secured... until next dry season.

Lioness looked on plain of the desert. Behind her was fertile savannah with monumental rock in centre – Priderock. Place both loved and loathed by her. Before her was the desert – miles of golden sand, hiding her old home and old life. Closed chapter. That moment she was living only there – between two worlds. This was the border, outskirts of Prideland. Here she met Scar, when she was emigrating from Golden Sand, looking for paradise. Her pride hadn’t discovered paradise, but sanctuary, that allowed them to survive. Zira herself found even something more precious, than any paradise could be. Him.

“O, my love... How long it was? Six years?” she muttered to hot air of desert. “And since you left... almost four years. Eternity for me.” She whispered with breaking voice. Since day of Scar’s death she hadn’t cried with single tear. But she was so often crying inside, without sobbing or wet eyes. She was just... in the same time mourning her loss, but also tasting sweet taste of beautiful memories. “I miss you so much...” she continued. “I know, that law is law... but even one word from you, would calm my heart... Scar... speak to me!”

But this was useless. Dead king have never appeared to his mate. Zira felt his presence almost every time she was talking to him. But this was a silent presence. Breath of longing and love, so profound but soundless. And this time was exactly the same. Lioness was enblown by gentle and warm wind from desert. This breeze was whispering something soothing and comforting, but Zira was unable to identify any single word. That was surely words of love, that was surely words from Scar. But what he was talking?

“Thank you, anyway.” Replied Zira to unseen interlocutor. “Some day, we will be one again and then we will talk all days and nights... But before it happen, I have to fulfil your last will.” Wind grown a little, like silent interlocutor wanted to say something, but lioness didn’t notice it. She was still talking, to soothe her anxiety and sorrow. “Kovu is almost ready. I will send him to Simba’s pride, for reconnaissance and... if that is possible... for assassination.” She stopped and looked in the sky. Sun already had set, so first stars were shining on firmament. She pointed her head to most dear to her – star that sparked for the first time at night after Scar’s death. It was northern star, strong and beautiful. “Please, understand me!” she whispered with uncertain voice. “This is a trick... in fact, a deceit. But we must use it! We are too weak to fight face to face. We haven’t you on your side. Pridelanders are too numerous for us. We are weak, because of hunger... our only advantage is memory of you... memory of your wisdom and intelligence. We must kill Simba, in order to return to Prideland. I know, that you never deceived anyone, never failed your word... But look, how it ends. We... “ she sighed silently. “We must use that lie to bring back the truth. Please, forgive me, Scar.”

Wind ceased, but feeling of presence not. Zira was still touching by unfelt paws of her mate. She was certain, that dead king was there and listening. She closed her eyes, to focus on bittersweet pleasure of that contact.

“We all are doing well... at least, as well, as we could at the end of dry season...” she smiled and her face changed. Countenance of dreadful warrior queen, that was running her pride in fight against all word, ceased and then appeared some other countenance. Face of gentle beauty and sensibility. Zira was beautiful lioness and even years of hard life hadn’t changed it. But this smile, that she was smiling that moment, was seldom guest on her face. She was looking like young lioness, who just had fallen in love. Her lips became smooth and peaceful for long moment. She looked like that only in those moment, when she was talking to Scar. Alone. But even then, this smile faded quickly. So Zira opened her eyes and once again looked on stars. “Kovu is worthy to bear your name... I hope, you are proud of him. I know...” she turned her sight to the ground. “...that it should be Nuka... But, please, understand me... Nuka wouldn’t stand a chance. I raised Kovu in that single purpose, of coming in your pawprints. I was too weak, to be ideal mother for all of them. But I swear, that your children, Nuka and Vitani will get what they deserve, a royal life! Kovu is the key to revive your power and glory! Scar!” she exclaimed with all her might. “I love you and I’m faithful to you! I will avenge you and give your children heritage of their father! But...” she finished quiet, almost whispering. “...help me! Be with us, support us. I will fulfil your will, or... unite with you on the sky! Soon!”

She stood and started to run in Outland’s direction. She was just a step from cry, but her eyes had no tears. Not yet. Mission was not finished.

*

“LET ME OUT!” was screaming Scar.

In Skyworld neither strength nor size matters not. Dead king was holding by tiny cub, who was hugging his head. They looked amusing – small one was keeping bigger in steel grip, in order to stop crying king.

“Scar, please!” gasped green-eyed cub. “You know why! You can’t interfere!” Black-maned lion stopped and felt motionless. Cub let his head loose and stepped back few steps. “You know, what have to be done.”

“Tarki...” said Scar with breaking voice. Lion was holding his head in paws, to hide his cry. “I know... But I still can’t get over it. I love them...”

Starcub came to black-maned lion and gentle stoked his mane.

“I know, my nephew... That why I’m here. To stop you from doing something you don’t want to...”

“I must stop this wicked Mufasa’s game!” whispered Scar. “I don’t care if it necessary or not. The Circle of Life? I hate it for sacrificing my family!” he looked on his uncle with anger in eyes. Shadows of lions, those who are living on the sky seldom are able to express their feelings. But Scar was. He was still bounded to world beneath him as strong, as he was alive.

“Calm down, boy!” replied cub. “Mufasa and Ahadi had to do their way... We both know, that they are wrong, but they have right to do this error. They’re Kings of the Past too.”

Scar closed his eyes and calmed down. His starbody was laying on unseen surface of lower sky motionless. He was crying and thinking at once.

“Tarki... I just want to speak with Zira...” he started. “Not about future... Just say, how I missed her and cubs... Can I do that?” asked with hope. But cub was relentless.

“No... sorry, Scar, but you can’t. We have a deal with Mufasa and Ahadi. No interference.” He noticed, that his nephew was already calm, but also still angry on brother. “Look... If Zira success, Circle will be restored. Maybe in harsh and painful way, but restored... And if she doesn’t... Well, then will came to our turn.”

“And Zira? Vitani? Nuka? Kovu?” whispered Scar. “They will suffer because my and Mufasa’s errors.”

Tarki looked on Scar with curiosity.

“You really care about Kovu. Why? He is not your son. You have never seen him by your own eyes...”

“He is son of Zira.” Replied dead king. “I love him the same love I love my mate.”

“Calm down, Scar... We will try to stop things, when they come too far.” Said Tarki. “We will be watching them all the time. Just... without interference. You can’t do anything. You promised.” Reminded cub.

“I know, uncle.” Said dead king. “All right... just get back up there.” Both lions started to walk on path of stars to higher firmament. Then Scar stopped. “Or... go by yourself. I’ll catch you there... I want to watch Zira for little more. Alone.” Tarki looked on him with uncertain stare. “I promised!” replied Scar. “I won’t speak to her... I won’t speak to my cubs...” Green-eyed cub narrowed his face. “I mean Kovu too. I just won’t say anything to any living lion. Are you satisfied?” asked dead king.

“I am.” Said Tarki. “Sorry, Scar, but it must be that way.” He started to walk in dark sky and soon he disappeared in space. Black-maned lion sighed.

“I promised not to speak with living.” He whispered. “But I gave no word... neither to you, nor Mufasa, about the dead ones.” He turned his head to western sky and called. “Amini! Hear me, Amini!” silhouette of lion with almost back mane appeared.

“Yes, Scar?” asked newcomer. “What do you want?”

Dead king smiled.

“You know, what... That what I always want... and you want it too.”

Another ghost came to Scar and they exchanged gentle bow for greeting. Amini said with uncertain voice.

“Aren’t they suspecting something?”

“Well.” Muttered Scar. “Tarki for sure, but he is with us with all his heart. Mufasa? I don’t think so. He know nothing about you nor Sparthi.”

Black-maned lion burst in laughter. It was laughter of satisfaction and joy. He was just happy, that he could serve the ones he love, in the best way he could.

“Thank you, Amini.” Said Scar. “Your protection over them is so helpful...”

“Kovu is my son, after all!” interrupted lion. “I’m worrying about him just the same like you.”

“I know, Amini.” Agreed Scar. “And I know, that you still love Zira. I can understand that...” he added, smiling. “And for Star’s sake, I’m glad of it. If Sparthi helps us, we will save them, whatever Mufasa intend. Are you with me, partner?”

“I am, Scar.” Replied Amini and raised his paw.

Dead king toughed paw of friend with his own. They alliance and friendship was strong. Just for hard times, where strength was to be needed.

*

Zira returned to Golden Hall about midnight. All lionesses were sleeping, just like Kovu. Vitani was not there – princess often was wandering late at night through Outlands. Nuka... well Nuka was probably with Hawaa... again. But this made a lioness only happier. Zira felt, that this night was peaceful and calm. Almost no one knew, what was about to happen.

“Sleep, my child.” She whispered, coming to Kovu and stroking his dark mane. Lion was lying next to trunk called ‘the golden throne’, where he used to sleep in cubhood. “Rest and get prepared to your mission.” She sighed with unease in her voice and added. “I’m so sorry, about that, Kovu, but you must do it. We all count on you. We all depend on you. Do it, for your father, your siblings and whole pride...”

She turned her head to lioness and looked on them with anxiety. Ten of her pride (counting absent Hawaa) were facing the greatest trial in their life. As soon, as Kovu would kill tyrant of Priderock, they had to retake lost home. This was necessary, for both revival of dead king’s glory, but also for survival. Outland was not able to feed thirteen lion for next dry season. They desperately needed for Prideland’s wealth. There was no way back, but straight path ahead – a war!

“You won’t starve... you will never starve again!” whispered Zira in darkness of their keep. “As your queen, I promise you, that I will retake, what is ours! Golden Pride will stand again... united with truly lions of Prideland... those loyal to the real king... King Scar!”

*

Hawaa was gray-fured adolescent lioness. Her comeliness was very unusual for pride of desert lioness and instantly betraying her true origins. Yes, she was Pridelandress, at least born in Prideland. In her heart she considered herself as Outlander and loathed those who lived at Priderock. And she loved her adopted family... especially one from it.

“Come down, Hawaa!” called Nuka to climbing lioness. “This mound is about to fall.”

“So you will catch me.” She replied with smile, while she was trying to get some eggs of quail. After poor supper of long dead carcass of mongoose, tasteful bird’s eggs would be delicious dessert. She was doing it for Nuka, but he was more scared of danger than pleased by lioness efforts. It looked quite fun – although Nuka was older, Hawaa was surely stronger one in their team. But Nuka treated his role of “caretaker” seriously.

“Please, come down!” he repeated. “Or I will climb to you!”

Wow, this was a serious threat – Nuka would fall in half a way that lioness had made. But she knew, that he was ready to do this. “O, my sweet Nuka...” she thought. “I’m ready to climb here everyday, just to hear, that you worry about me.” And she added aloud. “I’m coming... Just a moment...”

She almost reached quail’s nest with extended paw. She was standing on mounds ledge, about five meters above the ground and anxious Nuka. Agile lioness just jumped to nest’s hollow and plunged claws of one paw to mound’s wall. With second paw, she started to grab eggs.

“Watch out!” yelled Nuka, seeing, that lioness slowly sliding down.

“Just a minute...” replied she and took last delicacy from it’s hiding. But she was not able to maintain balance with just one paw – in next second she started to sliding down from mound’s wall.

“Hawaa!” screamed Nuka and jumped up to wall.

Because she was still holding her load, she managed just to slow her slippering a bit. It could be called ‘controlled fall’, at least in optimist’s eyes. But Nuka was not an optimist, so he was climbing up, as fast, as he could. They met in the middle of track – surprised Hawaa hit lion with legs and threw him down. But this caused her to stop. She got basis with legs exactly in the same moment, when Nuka hit the ground.

“O, thank... Nuka?!” she called with fear.

“Don’t... do that again...” replied lion with weary voice. He was lying at mound’s foot in cloud of dust.

Hawaa immediately jumped down, but so agile, that she didn’t break any of four eggs. She put her load on ground and ran to lion.

“I’m sorry! Nuka! Are you all right?” she sobbed with remorse. Lion seemed to be all right, except of temporary shock.

“Yes... I guess.” He replied, when Hawaa started to lick his face. “I’m not wounded... for sure not here...” he said. “But don’t stop. I’m sure it won’t hurt me!”

Both lions burst in merry laughter. Nuka stood and hugged young lioness. Although she was heavier built and stronger that lion, she immediately felt like helpless cub. Nuka was her caretaker and nothing would changed it.

“Sorry... I just wanted to get some dessert for us.”

“And you did.” Replied Nuka. “A decent portion of adrenaline!” and laughed once again.

She, at first angry on herself for what she had done, seeing smiling Nuka burst in laughter too.

“All right... shall we consume the prize?” she asked. “You deserved for it, by saving me.”

“It was a prize itself.” Said Nuka with gallant smile. “But, of course, such a delicious can’t be wasted.”

They went to mound’s foot, where Hawaa left eggs and shared the trophy. In Outlands even such a small piece of food was a treasure. But they ate it not to satisfy, but just for joy of common eating. “We are like small pride now.” Noticed Hawaa. “I get the food and you protect me in danger. I would say, that is nice deal...”

Nuka smiled and then he added seriously.

“Hawaa... I must ask you about that. Do you really plan to be with me?”

She just smiled and looked in his eyes.

“Of course I do!” replied with playful voice. “Who would be catch when I will fall?” but she added with sober and determined voice. “I love, Nuka. And I see I can make you happy. So what is the problem – I decided it long time ago... Of course, if you don’t change your mind.”

Nuka sighed and looked in starlit sky.

“Yes, I know... But I ask myself, if I can make you happy.” She came closer and hugged lion. He continued. “I’m Scar’s son... But I haven’t inherited most of his... gifts... I will never be a king. Mother decided it for good – Kovu will avenge my father.”

She licked his forehead and stayed silent for a while. They often talked about it and she every time was talking the same.

“Let Kovu be king or whoever your mother want him to be. I want you... not a throne. I know, you would be better leader that Kovu... I’m sure of that. But as a king you wouldn’t have so much time for me. And I want you as my private king, not to share you... with any other lioness.” They both smiled. “When this war will be over, I hope that you take me as your mate.”

“I hope it too.” Replied Nuka. “I just wish, that I could make you queen, as you deserve.”

“I am queen, already.” Said lioness. “In our small pride.” She gentle pushed him in river direction. “Come to have some bath, you are whole in dirt, my lord.”

“I’ve hope, that you would clean my in... more lionish way.” Muttered Nuka with smile.

“Well, later I will.” Laughed Hawaa. “But now go to the river. Some swimming after meal... maybe is not very healthy, but quite fun.”

“Thank for excellent supper, my dear.” Said Nuka and followed lioness. But in the same time he was thinking intensively. “And what if I make you a Queen? What if I show mother, I’m worthy of the throne? You will get what you deserve, my lady!”

Lions came to Border River and started to fool around in shallow water of almost dried seasonal torrent. They were so alike – almost adult at first sight, but still cubs in hearts. Even hard years in Outland haven’t changed it. Living in such a hell would be burden for most of creatures in world. But this son of Outlands and daughter of Prideland were as happy, as they could be, with hungry bellies and satisfied hearts.

*

Vitani saw it from termite mound nearby. She had went to look on stars, but she was looking on her brother and her friend instead. She felt mixed feeling in her heart. For sure she was happy, that Nuka found someone. She always worried, that he would stay alone. Young lion was handsome with original comeliness, but vulnerability of his body made a serious flaw in his attractiveness. Vitani was glad, that was not a problem for Hawaa, strong and independent lioness. But this meant something other, a envy for his luck. Life of Vitani was just a participation in Zira’s plan. Endless trainings with Kovu, where she was just a sparring-partner, never praised, never paid with attention. She was sharing her mother dream with all heart... but she envied, that Nuka was not and even he found some life aside war of the prides. She wished to know, that was her destiny. That why she so often asked stars for help. But stars were silent.

Even when she felt some soothing presence of some unknown, but also well known spirit, she heard nothing.

“Maybe this is point of life.” She muttered, looking on Nuka and Hawaa. “I must find my place by myself.” She slowly started to descend from mound. Whatever Nuka was intending to do in night, she had to get some sleep.

02 – Gloria victis

So Scar was dead.

Night had came to the Prideland and when rainy clouds disappeared, sky lit with thousands of stars. Zira was running through wet savannah in desperate attempt to find lionesses from Golden Pride. But it was almost useless try – they all were on far reconnaissance, west from Priderock. Sarabi had chosen well time for her coup d’etat – king was cut out from any reinforcements and allies. Zira had to search a vast area of plains, where golden lionesses could be. She chose to trust in own instinct. She closed her eyes and speeded ahead.

“Kings of the Past... help me!” she whispered in minds. “Scar, my love, help me!”

She had luck, because she missed a patrol of Pridelanderesses, that was banishing Shakisa. Shakisa had bad luck, because she was exiled without even knowing of Zira’s search. When she was pushed to north by enraged Prideland’s lionesses, Zira went to west, hoping to find any of her friends there. But even when rain ceased and night sky became clear, stars weren’t able to show queen’s her way. Until dawn, Zira was wandering through savannah, with no success in her quest. Because of that, she was still attacked by heavy and mournful thoughts.

“He is dead, he is DEAD! HE IS DEAD!” she was repeating with breaking voice. In one day her all life had collapsed. It turned from hard, but glorious duty of queen to fate of outsider. But even such a burden didn’t disrupt clear Zira’s logic.

“I must find any of my pridemates, tell her what has happened and return to Nuka and Vitani... as soon as possible!” she thought with fear. She already lost her mate. Lose of children was not an option for her. She had to do something, she...

“RAMA!” called Zira with hope and relief, seeing old friend from Golden Pride. Lioness was moving slowly, with merry smile on her face. When she noticed her queen, she jumped with joy, like cub.

“Zira!” she exclaimed. “My lady! Rain! We are saved.” Zira ran to old lioness, just to be hugged by her. “Look! We are saved! Scar saved us all! Rain, life... we are alive!” she burst in crazy laughter.

“Scar... is dead!” yelled queen with breaking voice. Rama froze in place, looking on her queen with terrified eyes.

“What? What?” she was repeating in shock. “What you’re talking about?!”

“Stop!” shouted Zira. “Calm down and listen to me... please!” she finished with sobbing. “There was a mutiny on Priderock. Simba returned from exile and killed Scar. Hyenas turned against king too. They want to kill us!” Rama sat on the ground, shaking with all body. She tried to say something, but Zira interrupted her. “My dear, you must do what I say. Find all our lionesses and tell them to go to our cub’s sanctuary. There are Nuka Vitani and Yakta. I must go... as soon as possible!”

“Yes ma’am!” replied Rama, recovering her sobriety. She had no idea, who those <Simba> was, but she knew, that then was a poor moment to ask for explanations.

“Go, now!” called Zira. “Find Golden Ones and tell them to avoid Pridelanders. Then, go to cub’s sanctuary!”

Before lioness could ask her queen single question, she found herself alone in wet savannah. Zira already was speeding back to her cubs. So Rama turned back to west and started to run.

“What happened?” she asked herself. “It seemed to be all right, rain came... We were saved. Scar is dead? Ow, Stars, help us!”

*

Nuka was crying, like he already known, what had happened.

“I’m sorry, mom!” he sobbed, when Zira came to their small den. “I told you too late... Forgive me!”

Lioness didn’t ask for nothing, she just hugged her son and sleeping daughter and remained that way for long hours, until Nuka felt asleep. Presence of her cubs calmed her down and forced to logical thinking. Although she was in shock, she realized, that she was responsible for life of pride and her children. This thought wiped out any sing of mourn or panic from her mind. In those hours of uneasy sleep with Nuka and Vitani, she threw away all doubts and hesitate. She was for once again “Steel Zira”, lioness who guided Golden Pride through desert. Now, desert turned to be a rage of Pridelanders, but she had to got through anyway.

“No tears from now!” she whispered in cold night. “You’ve got a job to do!”

When first ray of sun shone, she gentle awoke Nuka.

“My dear...” she whispered quietly, carefully not to disturb Vitani’s sleep. “I must go on hunting.”

“Sarabi will bring us food.” Said cub, but suddenly he realized, what had happened. “Ow, yes... you must.”

“Nuka, stay quiet and try not to be seen... There might come some bad lionesses from Priderock.”

“Those who killed daddy?” asked cub with sleepy voice.

Zira opened her jaw with amaze. How he could guesses that? But she just said to him with calm and gentle voice.

“Yes, beware of Pridelanders. Our lionesses will be here soon. Then you will be safe.”

“Mommy!” yelled Nuka, who seemed to be already fully awaken. “You must be careful... they will hunt on you first!”

“Hush! I know that!” she replied. “But I must get something to eat. Be brave, Nuka. You are the son of Scar, remember that!”

She licked his son’s face, then she licked Vitani’s too. And then she turned to savannah and started to speed through it. Although she was exhausted, she was running fast. Her cubs required meat, her cubs had to be strong in order to survive the escape. Zira was sure, that soon they all would have to run for their lives.

*

“And now, what?” asked Sarafina.

Lioness were lying in main King’s Cave, between other pride members. Dawn was coming and they were scared of it. Something had to be done.

“I don’t know, Sarafina!” replied Sarabi honest.

“Simba doesn’t know anything about Golden Ones... and they don’t know anything about Simba. What they would do, when they will return?”

In Sarafina’s voice was fear mixed with regret. Lionesses knew, that they started something... bigger, that they had expected. Death of Scar and exile of Shakisa was just a beginning. From now, prides became the mortal enemies.

“Nala should tell Simba, to find and... hm...” she stopped for a while, looking for proper word. “...neutralize strangers.”

“You should tell him.” Replied Sarafina. “Simba is your son...” noticed lioness.

“And he is king now.” Said Sarabi. “We can’t just order him. It must be his will.” Again, silence came to Priderock’s cave.

“So...” said Sarafina with uncertain voice. “We have to say Simba whole... truth?”

“What is the truth?” asked queen-mother, with serious doubt. “If we say Simba, there are at least ten lionesses, who want to avenge Scar, he might be quite confused.”

Yes. According to Nala’s tale, Simba had deposed not a king but a tyrant. In this story, Scar was mad and incompetent ruler and all lionesses, living in Prideland, was looking forward to get rid of him. But that was not true. Sarabi and Sarafina knew, that Golden Pride was ready to fight for dead king’s legacy... especially...

“Zira!” gasped Sarabi. “Zira will lead them to fight! We must do something.”

For few minutes in darkness of cave only breathing of lionesses was heard. No motion, just heavily thinking.

“We must speak with Nala.” Decided Sarafina. “She is our queen, now. She will decide.”

So both lionesses stood and slowly, carefully not to awake other pridemembers, started to walk in royal bed’s direction. After short time of silent cuffs, queen stood too and went after mother and friend outside.

Sakia was listening to all of that. She was awake all the time, that Sarabi and Sarafina was talking about theirs plot. But she was too scared to say anything... even too scared to move.

“King is dead.” She thought. “They all betrayed him... and I betrayed too! We are damned!” she burst in silent cry. “My lord... I’m so sorry! I was too weak!”

*

Scar was floating motionless in some dark place. He knew he was dead, but it didn’t ceased his pain and fear. Suffering from wounds finished, but suffering from his heart had just begun. He was tormenting by images of dying Zira and his cubs. He felt burden of responsibility for those, he had left on earth. He failed.

“No, you have not!” said some strange voice. Dead king heard it with his own ears but in the same time, he felt it in his head. He was about to ask this silent interlocutor, but voice sounded first.

“Don’t say anything... You are shocked by all of this. You are... on the other side. You are coming to the sky.”

“I?” surprised Scar. “I will be King on Firmament? I, who failed my pride and family?”

“Shut up!” growled mysterious voice. It had something from grown lion but also from young cub in the same time. But anyway, its power was overwhelming. “You died as a hero, who was trying to save his subjects. You will be bright star on the sky and your yelling won’t change it!”

“Zira...” whispered Scar and opened his eyes.

But there were no eyes.

He understood, that he was looking from his spirit’s body. He didn’t see anything, because there was dark. There was dark, because night had came. He was slowly ascending to the sky.

“Hush!” whispered...

...a cub? Next to dead king was flying tiny, green-eyed cub, with dark fur and well known face.

“Father?!” gasped Scar with amaze.

“What?!” surprised cub. “I’m not your father... I’m his brother and your uncle... I’m Tarki, son of Mohatu and Zauditu. I’m your patron here...” cub notices question in Scar’s eyes. “Don’t ask for too much, all knowledge will come in time. Now... trust me! I’ll take care for your mate and cubs. I wish to meet them personally, but it could wait...” he burst in sudden laughter. “Got it? Personally!” But he noticed, that dead king was too shocked to understand this yoke. “Sorry, just kidding. I will guard them from Simba’s Pride.”

“It’s my pride!” replied Scar automatically .

“Yes... but now it’s under your nephew’s authority.”

“Zira is the queen!” yelled Scar, trying to look on the ground. It was hard – all word was spinning and blinking around, that dead lion felt dizziness. “Could dizziness be felt by dead ones?” he asked himself and immediately felt something alike nausea.

“Close you eyes and think about... nothing!” ordered Tarki. “Now, I will depart and look for your mate, cubs and Golden Lionesses. I’ll be back as soon, as it’ll be sure, that they are safe. Deal?”

Scar didn’t respond. He just fell in some pitch-black hole, without any light, sound or even thought.

Being dead is not an easy task.

*

First day of new regime was strange.

Of course, it had to be different from recent past, just because change of season. Rain was hitting the ground with unbelievable rate, like the sky wanted to compensate for times of drought. Savannah turned to poll of mud, but lioness, who were living almost three years in constant thirst were overjoyed with it. Simba was standing on Priderock’s main ledge and looking with amaze on his pride, dancing and fooling around like cubs.

“Nala...” he whispered to his mate. “Is this... normal?”

New queen smiled and licked king in forehead.

“Of course, Simba... They are celebrating your return and the rain. You...” for second lioness seemed to fight with herself, but then she continued. “...saved us all.”

Lion was gazing on kingdom with fear in his heart. Drought and fire had devastated it seriously, so Simba had no idea, how bring life back to Prideland. He was about to share his anxiety with mate, but she started to talk first.

“Simba... there is something that you don’t know...” In Nala’s minds troubling pictures showed: she with Scar in old times, when all things were different and her king... “No!” she thought. “This is a past. There is no way back. I must tell him, what mother want me to tell.” So she continued. “Scar brought here a group of his... followers. I don’t mean hyenas... but other pride of lions.” Simba dropped his jaw in amaze. “Listen to me... They are called Golden Pride and are led by lioness called Zira. They most likely will try to aven... to retake Priderock.” She finished with breaking voice.

Lies, lies, lies. This was a circle, that once started, never would stop. It required to feed it with every single word. Alternative was... revealing hard truth.

“But... who? How?” muttered king.

“It doesn’t matter now.” Interrupted Nala. “We must do something as soon as possible. Please, order lionesses to search and intercept those strangers...”

King was heavily surprised, however, he tried to think logically.

“How much are they? If we split your forces, they would prevail us, one by one.”

“They are scattered.” Explained Nala. “They are on reconnaissance, far on west in two lionesses teams. Eight females, plus Zira and that one, we exiled yesterday.”

“Stars!” whispered Simba in mind. “We? I didn’t want to banish this poor creature... and her cub...” Meanwhile, Nala was continuing.

“But probably Zira is unable to fight now. She have two cubs, one is newborn. Eight exhausted lionesses, scattered and disoriented, against us... Twelve of us, under your leadership.”

“So... what have I do?” asked Simba.

Nala was thinking hard. King didn’t ask too much questions, so she felt great relief. Also, she noticed, that advantage of Pridelanders is really crushing. They have just one cub in pride (it was Hawaa, daughter of Kilia) and they were in far better condition. Hunting party got a antelope two days earlier, so it made a light meal for Pridelanders. Golden Ones were probably exhausted by scouting and...

“I know!” exclaimed Nala. “I know where they will go!” she pointed direction of cub’s sanctuary. “We must go there fast and catch them, before they reach Zira.”

Simba trusted his mate and didn’t ask for anything. He just roared, to catch attention of pride and repeated Nala’s plan. The hunt was on.

*

“Rama!” exclaimed Zira, seeing her friend, wounded and exhausted. Old lioness was stomping heavily, because of cut on her leg. Queen dropped body of caught mongoose ran to wounded. “Rama! Lie down... and don’t move.” She examined wound on friend’s paw and side. “You’ll be all right...”

“Pridelanders!” panted Rama. “We were attacked... I ordered Doria go to sanctuary. I was trying to disrupt them...”

“Hush... don’t speak.” Asked Zira with gentle voice.

“Is Doria safe?” yelled lioness with fear. She was close friend of younger female... she was almost like mother to her.

“I’m sure of that... She know, where sanctuary is. Wait...” she went to dropped prey and dragged it to wounded friend. “Eat, you must regain your strength.” Rama started to devour meat with fire of hunger in her eyes, but after few bites, she stopped.

“It is for your cubs.” She said with tensed voice, barely preventing herself from swallow next portion.

“It’s for my pride!” replied Zira and drew meat to lioness’s mouth. “Eat, I need you alive!”

When Rama partially satisfied her first hunger, she was able to tell what had happened. She found Doria, returning from reconnaissance and told her what happened on Priderock. They started to run in sanctuary’s direction but patrol of five Pridelanderesses made an ambush on them, just like they was exactly knew, where Golden One were going. So Rama charged of persecutors and Doria ran to warn others. Somehow, old lioness was able to escape from ambush, but she lost Doria for good.

“Sorry, my dear... but we must go!” said Zira with breaking voice. She was terrified by perspective of Simba’s hunt. Her cubs were in grave danger.

“I know...” panted Rama. “Zira... Go now... leave me!”

Queen nodded with head and turned to north. But after just few steps she stopped. “Scar left no one behind!” she thought and turned back.

“NO!” she growled. “I won’t leave you here! We are the pride!”

“Save you children.” Whispered Rama. “I will stop them... for a while.”

But Zira returned to older lioness and pushed her in side. Rama stood with serious effort, so queen gentle supported her. They started to move through wet savannah. Slowly, but decidedly.

*

[Picture by Sarafina © 2007]

“I wonder, if she understands, what is going on.” Thought Sarafina, looking on cub. She was a tiny lioness, with grey fur and blinking, brown eyes.

“Aunt?” called Hawaa. “Where are everybody? Mommy said, she went on hunting... But I can’t see Sarabi, mr. king and aunt Zira...”

Lioness narrowed her brow in amaze. “Aunt Zira?” she asked herself. “Is this kid became so close with those strangers? Zira is not a <queen> to her... but aunt?” She came to cub and stroked her head.

“They all are on hunting.” She replied. Hawaa as only cub of Prideland, had stayed on Priderock. Kilia refused the proposition of Zira, to take girl with Nuka to sanctuary. “And for Stars sake!” thought Sarafina. “Now, they would have a hostage!”

“When Nuka will back?” asked Hawaa with playfully voice. “That thing called <rain> came...” Sarafina froze in amaze. “This kid sees rain for very fist time in her life!” and cub continued. “So Nuka doesn’t have to stay in this... sanctuary anymore. Aunt Zira said, that he be back, what rain be back. So now...”

Lioness had no good answer to that. She started to lick her charge, just to coved her confusion.

“But aunt... I’m clean already!” said girl, trying to get out from Sarafina’s grip. “I want play with Nuka!”

“You will...” replied lioness. “But now we have to wait... until they back from hunt.”

*

Hunt was unsuccessful. All Golden Ones, wounded, exhausted, but alive, got to cub’s sanctuary. Zira was lying in her den and counting pridemates.

“Rama, Doria... Where is Shakisa?” she asked with anxiety.

“I... I don’t know.” Replied Rama. “She stayed with you... here!”

“Yes, but I told her to go to Priderock...” then she understood, in how danger could be her friend. “Ow, Stars! She took Yakta with her! If they chase her, she won’t stand a chance!”

Lionesses were looking on each other in silence. No one said that, but they all felt, that theirs pride lost a member. But...

“We must go to Priderock... we must free her!” yelled Doria. But in next second she looked on rest of lioness. They all were wounded, weary and sore. They had combat value of a meerkat’s pack. “But we can’t... right?”

Few Golden Ones burst in tears. That was enough – death of their king and benefactor, exile from home and lost of friend. Drought had finished, but another hell had started. Zira wanted to cry as well, but in her eyes were no tears. So she had to think. “Scar... give me your wisdom!” she whispered.

“Listen!” said queen aloud. “We must back on Priderock, to retake our home and avenge our beloved monarch... But not now, because failure is not an option!” lionesses nodded, silently admiring Zira for spirit in this hard hour. “We will find some help... A place where we could rest and some allies. I think, there is only one way to do it...” all froze, waiting queen’s order. “We must find some pack of rouge lions. They will help us to recover, train us in fighting and maybe they will stand at our side. This is not, what we were taught... I know, that pride should care of it’s own business... but our situation is critical and we desperately need help. I hope that Stars will help us!”

There was nothing more to add.

Lionesses laid down in wet ground to uneasy sleep. But they all felt in slumber immediately, because of exhaustion. Only Zira was awaken, holding in her arm sleeping Nuka and Vitani. She was guarding her pride from sudden attack, so she was looking in south direction. But no Pridelanders were coming.

“Maybe you have enough, Simba?” asked Zira. “Enough of inflicting suffering and killing? What keeps you so hungry and unsatisfied? You seem to be just like Mufasa, from Scar’s tale... O, Scar! What we will do without you?”

Dusk became a night, but clouds on sky covered any stars of firmament. So Zira was still alone, without even that kind of her mate’s presence.

“I know...” she whispered in darkness. “There is just one thing we could do now... My dear... as much as I love you, I crave for revenge.

*

Far above the clouds, spirit of fallen king of Prideland was calling to his mate. He was trying to say, that he didn’t wait for any revenge, but wanted only Zira and her cubs to live in peace. But clouds, those on the sky and those in hearts of both prides, made from anger, muffled his voice. Stars were screaming, but no one on earth could hear that.

03 – Drums of War

Outlanders were training.

Those were not just a skirmish fights, this was a real battle training commanded by Zira. Lioness was standing on the slope of termite mound, looking on her lionesses on plateaux beneath her. Ten Outlanderesses were divided in two teams to practice rank-attack. In final combat, they all should to strike in one rank, except Zira herself, who as commander should be aside and Kovu, who probably would be... closer to enemy, than any other Outlander. Next to Zira was standing Kovu and Vitani, observing training.

“Watch it, my child.” Said queen seriously. “If something happens to me, you will take a lead. Right?”

“Of course, mother!” said young lioness with pride in her voice. But then she wondered about one person, who was missed there. “Won’t Nuka participate in fight?” asked she with curiosity.

“Of course, he will.” Replied Zira immediately. “But no in main attack force. He would be weak point...” She understood, that she said more than she wanted to. “I mean... Not that he would fail... Just as a son of Scar, he is endangered on most furious attacks. It could destroy all plan with rank-strike. He will assist me... when I will go for Nala! You too will be at my side.” Added, looking in daughter’s blue eyes.

“I will.” Agreed Vitani. “We won’t fail you, mother.”

“That is not me, who you could fail.” Whispered Zira and turned to Kovu. “And you, my son... are you feel ready?” lion smiled.

“As never in my life before.” Replied. “Our tactic is brilliant. I just don’t know, why we have to play in those spying games. Under your leadership, we would crush them in open field.”

Zira felt flattered but she looked on him with cold stare.

“No! I know, we are weaker. Simba have thirteen lionesses...”

“Including Sarabi, Sarafina and Sakia.” Replied Kovu with irreverence. “They are too old to fight...”

“Don’t underestimate Sarabi.” Gasped Zira with hatred in her voice. “She is a cruel fighter!” and she added, whispering. “And this Tanabi... He might be a tough one.”

But then queen gave a signal to start. Both ranks moved to centre of plateaux, at first slowly, then increasing theirs speed to almost run. Two lines met and hit in merciless duel. Five lionesses from every team merged in one organism, fighting, thinking and feeling together. After first two seconds of shock, ranks froze in silent wrestling. In real battle (at least, according to Zira’s predictions), the fight would be over just in moment of first contact. Numerous Pridelanders would prevailed Outlanders by brute strength, or better trained army of Zira would scatter enemy in small groups, causing panic. Weaker and light-built, due to almost constant starvation, lionesses from Outland had only one chance – to surprise and to fright Simba’s forces. Zira thought, that would be easy... if someone takes their leader out.

“It all depends on you, Kovu.” Whispered queen and in next second, second rank of practising lioness broke and team went scattered. Victory was in paws of Hawaa’s group.

“Well done!” exclaimed Zira. “Hawaa, Spotty, Dotty, Danthi and Ostasi... you were excellent!” she left her children on top and jumped down to her army. At first, she turned to team that lost. “I saw no errors in your charge... They were just... slightly better. But rules are rules... Swim through Border River ten times!” she ordered usual task for losers. Then she came to winners. “Good! I’m impressed.”

“Thank you, ma’am!” replied Hawaa with official voice.

“Dismiss!” said Zira. “It’s all today.” Kovu and Vitani left that mound and went in Golden Hall’s direction.

“Thank you, queen!” called choir of five lion’s throats and in next second all of them departed from battlefield. Only Hawaa stayed.

“And you... are waiting for Nuka, right?” asked Zira, with inquire in her voice.

“Yes ma’am...” replied young lioness uncertainly. “Is that problem to you, lady?”

Zira burst in laughter, then came closer to Hawaa and stroked her in head.

“No... of course not!” she smiled. “How could you thought about something like that?”

Younger lioness was silent for a while and turned her stare to the ground. She replied after almost minute.

“I thought... that you are angry, because I became close with your son.”

“What is wrong with that?” asked Zira.

“I... I’m the Pridelander!” whispered Hawaa.

“What!?” growled queen. She grabbed lioness’s muzzle and turned it to herself. She looked in scared eyes and gasped slowly. “Don’t you dare say that again!” she stopped, watching surprise in Hawaa’s eyes. “Unless you decide to leave us, you are Outlander, with your heart and mind!”

“But not in blood.” Said Hawaa with tensed voice.

“Who are you?” asked Zira solemn. “You are they?” she pointed in lionesses, returning into Golden Hall. “Who am I to you?” Lioness replied with no hesitate.

“I’m Outlander. They are my pride. You are my queen, Zira!”

Queen smiled and suddenly hugged younger lioness. She burst in laughter, seeing surprise in Hawaa’s face.

“And it’s all I need to know about you! You are one of us and I’m proud of you.” She stepped back and look again in subject’s eyes. “Don’t you ever say, that you don’t belong here. Do you want be with us?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Do you share our dreams?” inquired Zira.

“You know, I do!”

“Do you love us?”

“With all my heart!”

“So you are just like us... Don’t matter, where have you born.” She came to rock wall and jumped on ledge. From there she turned to lioness and said. “Do you remember, how you came here? I remember it very well...” she closed her eyes and recalled memories. “I never considered you as worse, because your origin. And when you denied Simba’s power, I knew, that we would be family... because we have so much in common. We all are alike... Maybe we look different, even think different, but we fell the same. Pride and joy of being free... pain and sorrow for those who died... We are Outlanders!” she called in empty gorge. “Our pride is your strength! And you have this strength inside!

[“Look on yourself” song. Music mysterious and profound. There are some drums in background.]

[Zira is standing on ledge, about two meters above surface of plateaux, that stands Hawaa. Younger lioness is looking on queen with awe and respect in her eyes. Zira points on Hawaa.]

Verse:

Look at you, my little child

Pretty flower on this rock

[She crouches down to see little flower on the rock. Zoom on plant and paw of queen. She stokes it.]

Feel the power from inside

That had made you grown so strong

[She tries to pull it out, but flower is strong. She leaves it...]

There're your rots where's your heart

So you know from where you sprouted

[...but she points to rock-gap lower, where rots of plant are.]

And you know, you'll never part

This sacred soil, where your tale started

[She jumps down to Hawaa and nudges her. Both come in rivers direction. They both look to distant Priderock on horizon.]

Chorus:

You understand what they failed

You're someone not of their kind

[Zira is on lead, Hawaa follows. They descending from rocks, still looking on Priderock’s direction.]

You are the one from other tale

Scorn, forgotten but still proud!

[At word “scorn”, Zira stops, at the word “forgotten” she turns to lioness, at the word “proud” she raises her paw and clutches fist.]

You're much stronger than could be they

 Cause you're living for just to prove

[She points on river gorge below and sing with pride.]

That you'll for sure never obey

To no one, except of your heart's truth

[They both jumps to water and joins lionesses, who are exercise walking in river’s stream.]

Verse:

Look at you and look at me

We're the sisters in this fight

[They are barely walking in fast stream with exhausted lioness. But all (Zira, Hawaa and second team from skirmish) don’t look angry but they’re proud of their progress.]

In every day of misery

We stand together, proud and right

[They comes on other bank of river and climb on cliff.]

Our hears so deeply are akin

Cause they beat with similar pulse

[Zira is pointing Priderock with paw of extended claws.]

We wish to win and we will win

Don't matter what say laws of those!

[She clutches fist, like she is grabbing something. She smiles deadly.]

Chorus, they sing together:

We understand what they failed

We're someone not of their kind

[Animals of Prideland run in panic, seeing Outlanders.]

We are the ones from other tale

Scorn, forgotten but still proud!

[At word “proud” five lionesses, that just has gone out from river, join the singing.]

We’re much stronger than could be they

Cause we're living for just to prove

That we'll for sure never obey

To no one, except of our heart's truth

[Song ends with “opera-like” ending, of high voices of lioness. Zira is holding her paw on chest.]

“Good work, girls!” said Zira, looking on exhausted but still full of spirit, lionesses. “Go home and rest.” Second team went to river and started to swim in Outlands direction. Queen was looking on it from cliff, with pride in her eyes. “My pride... Our pride!” she corrected “Scar would be proud... and probably he is, looking from stars!” she sighed and looked on Hawaa. “Go back... Nuka should be already in Golden Hall. I wonder, what he caught this time...” she smiled and added. “What a mess... lionesses are practicing combat and lion hunts. We are in fact, different from this arogants from there.” She pointed Priderock, but then started to descend to river.

“Zira...” said Hawaa with uncertain voice.

“Yes, my dear?”

“I... I love Nuka.” She said shyly. “And when his war will end...”

“...I’ll gain a daughter-in-law. I know that.” Finished Zira with smile. She entered river and started to swim.

“Do you accept that?” Hawaa wanted to have sure.

“Of course, I do!” replied swimming queen. “I’m very happy, that you and Nuka are so close. I’m sure, that Scar would be happy too.” They reached second bank and went out from water. “But I hope, you know, that according to Scar’s last will, Kovu is his heir.” Added with enigmatic voice.

“Yes, ma’am... I don’t care about throne...” and she added quiet. “...but Nuka wants to be a king.”

Zira stopped and turned to lioness. But in her eyes were no anger, just sorrow.

“I know... But I can’t help it. Nuka just can’t challenge Simba, he wouldn’t stand a chance...” she came closer to Hawaa and hugged her. “My dear... Nuka has lots of advantages, you probably found it out yourself, but brute strength is not one of them. Am I right?” she asked rhetorically. “Kovu will kill Simba and because of that, he will take a crown. But Nuka... as heir of my kinghood, a king of Golden Sand will be respected and saluted as royal descendant.”

“I know that.” Replied Hawaa. “If this satisfy Nuka, I’ll be satisfied.”

But this talk had also other auditor. Nuka, crouched on ledge of mound nearby, heard almost every word of his mother and his love. He look on them with sad face, but under this sorrow, grew determination.

“Hawaa, my dear!” he whispered. “You will be a queen! I’ll kill Simba and I’ll became heir of my father...” he looked on Zira, going in Golden Hall’s direction. “And I’ll show you, mother, who is the most loyal of your child. Just give me a chance to prove it!”

*

Lioness of Priderock were returning from hunting. It was a lucky day, because Nala’s pack got two adult gnus, that would make a decent feast for all pride. At the foot of Priderock, they were greeted by those who stayed at home. Elder lioness, king himself and royal children.

“Hi, mommy.” Exclaimed Kiara and licked queen in forehead. Nala dropped gnu’s carcass and hugged daughter.

“Hi, my sweet. How was your day?”

“Unexpectedly expected.” Replied Tanabi, younger brother of princess. Adolescent lion looked bored and angry. “We was hunting on most dreadful bugs, that uncle Timon could imagine.”

Queen went to her son and tried to lick him to, but annoyed lion gave to this caress unwillingly. “Watch out, I’m dirty of this all mud.”

Nala smiled, and licked son on side, pretending, that she was cleaning him, like small cub. Tanabi shivered from shame. But his mother just turn to Simba and lick her mate.

“King of the Past blessed us.” She said. “It was good hunting.”

Some lioness from hunting pack dragged preys on Priderock’s ledge and all pride went to cave. All, except queen and Tanabi.

“Mom... wait a second.” Asked prince. Lioness turned to son and sit, while others was ascending on rock’s slope. “Mom... I want to ask you for something.”

“All right!” laughed queen. “I won’t clean you in from of the pride...”

“Mom... I must hunt.” Said lion.

Nala looked on him with surprise. Tanabi was just an almost three years old adolescent, with half-grown mane and still cubbish stare. But this time, he was looking on his mother seriously. This silly request seemed to be important to him.

“What?” amazed queen.

“Let me assist you in hunting.” Asked Tanabi with pleading voice. “I’m rotting here! Dad doesn’t want to take me on his patrols, Kiara even doesn’t want to practice fighting. Whole days I’m hanging with uncle Timon and uncle Pumbaa and with all due to them respect, I’m slowly becoming half-meerkat and half-warthog!”

“Tana! What are talking about?” said Nala, laughing, but she noticed, that her son was serious. “It’s not a duty of lion to hunt...” she stroked his mane.

“Yes, I know. Role of lion is to rule or to be kicked out from pride.” Nala narrowed her brow, hearing this. “But we already switched roles with Kiara. Dad say, that she will be in charge, so I want at least find here some place and reason to live here.”

“Ow, Tanabi...” said queen, stroking her son, but looking somewhere at horizon. “We are living in hard times... Father says, that war with Outlanders is coming. We must be prepared to fight... and beware of it. That why we are so worried about you two. I promise, that when this war will be over... everything will change.”

Tanabi jumped back and looked on mother with irritation in stare. He said with tensed voice.

“I just don’t get it. You and dad scare us with visions of those legendary “Outlanders” from cubhood. I’ve never seen one and most likely I won’t. What we fear of? Pack of starving lionesses, whose only quest and crime is loyalty to long dead leader? This is ridicules! We are scared of ghost! Why dad haven’t solved this problem?” asked with curiosity. Nala sighed and started to hill nearby. Her son followed.

“My dear... this is not so simple... Outlanders, led by Zira, hate us. They want to drive us from Prideland.”

“And I want to be king.” Replied Tanabi. “And so what? If they haven’t even tried to attack us, that means that they are too weak.”

“So what would you do, if you were your father?” asked Nala.

“Well...” prince was wondering for few seconds, but then replied with certain voice. “That what would be necessary. I would propose them to surrender under honourable conditions and if they accept, take them to our pride. If they not... I just would drive them somewhere further, that they wouldn’t be threat to us.” He looked on his mother, waiting for some reaction. But she was still silent, so he continued. “And it’s quite unanimale, anyway. To keep them next to our fertile land and don’t let them hunt here or use our waterholes. I guess, that life on Outlands during dry season must be... harder than we could imagine.”

Nala came to top of hill and sit on the ground. Tanabi joined her and looked on north.

“Ow, Tanabi... You don’t know, what you are taking about...” replied queen. “I know well, what hunger is. During Scar’s reign, we were starving for almost three years. And then was a drought...”

Lion narrowed his brow and asked, surprised.

“A drought? Dad said, that you were starving, because hyenas was stealing all the preys.”

“Well... never mind.” Muttered Nala. “I just wanted to say, that I know, what hunger and thirst is... But I suffered it because Scar’s errors...”

“...and a drought.” Added Tanabi.

“Yes... and a drought. But they...” she pointed on distant Outlands. “...got it thanks to own pride and hatred. If Zira paid homage to your father, they wouldn’t be exiled.”

Tanabi was gazing on mysterious land ahead. It looks scary, but in the same time, beautiful. Golden rock and giant termite mounds were seen even from that distance and were tempting with promise of adventure. Some dry wind blew from north and prince felt chocking dust in throat. “Who are they?” he asked himself. “They are living in this hell, just to be close of Prideland.” He added aloud. “Why father haven’t convinced Outlanders to join us?”

“Because he banished them himself.” Whispered Nala’s mind, awaking flood of memories. But she replied with calm voice. “It would be useless. Zira is pure hatred herself. She wouldn’t bow to the king.”

“But rest of the pride?” inquired Tanabi.

“Well... They are hardheaded too.” Said Nala.

“Whole pride?” amazed lion. “They must have a good reason... or at least, they must think, that they have... Why they supported Scar?”

“Ow... Talk with father about that.” Proposed Nala. Words of son awakened very unpleasant memories... and felling of guilt.

“But mom... Dad was not here, during Scar’s reign! You know much more than he!”

“King knows better.” Interrupted queen. “Always.”

“Well...” muttered Tanabi. “So probably that why I’m rotting in cave, when you are hunting. I’m too stupid to understand this masterplan.” Finished with anger and turned back.

He started to run in Priderock’s direction, and Nala stayed on top alone. But she didn’t even notice it. Pictures from her past clouded her mind and heart. At the first time, since banishing Outlanders, she recollected her cubhood. But not those early days with Simba, but some later times... When she thought, that she regained father. She was scared by such a thoughts, because she considered them as disloyalty to Simba... But... “Nala... I have mate and son, but this is not all my family. You all are my kins and friends. I’m king and want to be as father to you... If I even failed, that don’t mean, that I don’t want to.” Said Scar some day. When that was? Nala remembered, that those days she was exhausted, hungry and thirsty... but happy with all her heart. And if history went some other way... “No!” she whispered and shook her head, just like she wanted to shock those memories of. “I’ve made right choice. Simba is the rightful king and nothing would change it!”
She followed her son.

*

“What a feast!” smiled Hawaa, looking on Nuka’s preys.

That were two mongooses, about ten desert rats and ten or some quails. In call of lioness there was no sarcasm – for Outlanders such a meal was real score. Of course, it was just a after-training snack, on the real hunt, they all used to come at dusk, but some energy after exhausting practice was necessary.

Outlanders were lying before entrance to Golden Hall, resting and chatting quietly. Only Nuka was walking and serving them meal. Because he hadn’t participated in skirmishes, he was quite refreshed and vigorous. Lionesses were receiving portions of meat with gratitude.

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t get more, but those sneaky rodents seem to be dried out during last season...” when he came to his mother, he whispered her to ear. “And if Kovu helped me in hunt, we would brought twice a prey.” Zira pretended, she didn’t hear him.

When meal was over, all lionesses went to Hall, in order to rest before evening hunting. Only Nuka and Hawaa stayed outside. Lion came to lioness and gentle bit her in ear.

“Come on, I got a dessert for you.” She followed but asked with uncertain voice.

“But Nuka... Shouldn’t you share it with all pride?”

“I saved it for leader of winning team.” Said Nuka with smile.

“Yesterday, when I lost, you said, that those who lost require more calories and you gave me another smack.” She notice.

“I’ve caught it in my overtime. Come!”

They went to small basin, nearby Golden Hall. It was favourite place of Nuka and Hawaa, when they spent a lot of time as cubs... and later too. There were another three quails. Nuka gave them to lioness with gallant smile.

“This time I paid for dinner!”

Three quails later, they were laying in basin, hugging themselves. Hawaa almost felt asleep, weary because of hard training and cuddled be lion. Nuka was just murmuring with contentment, but suddenly, he said with serious voice.

“Hawaa... Mother said, that Kovu will be king, if he kill Simba... Right?” but he didn’t wait for answer, but continued. “So if... someone other avenge Scar... maybe he will inherit the throne?” Hawaa opened her eyes, amazed by this idea. She knew exactly, what Nuka was intending. “Just... Maybe, that person will surprise everyone and do, what he wasn’t expected to?”

Lioness thought with both fear and hope. “He really want to be king... and I want it too, because I love him. If I only could help.”

The same time Nuka was muttering in his mind.

“Throne... Who cares about that? But it’s only way to show Hawaa and mother, how I’m really worthy! I must find some way to kill Simba... For you, mom. You would be proud of me... And for you, Hawaa... You deserved to be queen.”

04 – Rouge squadron

Prideland bordered with The Outlands on north. Northwest from kingdom spread The Great Desert, northeast – The Mighty Jungle. West from lion’s land was savannah, a little drier that fertile Prideland. On south, savannah become wetter, at least in rainy season, that on southern border of Priderock’s domain, it changed to Southern Swamps. Looking on southeast, lion could see miles of plain, similar to those near Pride Kingdom. And what was on farther east? Well, almost no one from Prideland never interested in that and except few reconnaissances, made by Golden Lionesses, in times of Scar, that was unknown land. But anyone, who wished to look there, could see the green hill, spreading to the horizon. Despite of theirs beauty, hills are unfertile, so they had no inhabitants. Usually.

“Well, well, well...” said red-maned lion with dark-grey fur. “What we’ve got here? A fine place to stay...” he turned to his companions. In rays of raising sun, the top of hill seemed to burn with fresh green. It looked tempting, especially for exhausted wanderers. “Gentlemen, this will be our new home!” Speaker was leading three younger lions. Two similar looking males with brown manes and sandy furs and smaller one, with black mane and darker colour of coat. All three smiled to leader and two twin-looking lion replied.

“Sounds great, boss!”

“Right...” redmaned turned to darker lion. “And what do you think, Amini?”

“Looks nice, Horen...” said he, with uncertain voice. “But I see no herds to hunt and no torrents...”

Leader, called Horen, burst in laughter and went to two other lions.

“Daki, Laki... listen to him.” He pointed Amini. “He is youngest, but he have head in right place! He looks not only on this... decor... but he thinks about really important things. For example, what we will eat.”

“If he is so wise...” started first lion.

“...he’d probably find something tasty.” Finished second, both of them burst in laughter.

“Ow, stop it!” gasped Horen. He turned to Amini. “So, our prophet... Where are animals?”

Dark lion was gazing on plains for some time, then he scratched his ear with paw.

“For now? Nowhere.” He replied with wondering voice. “Maybe some remnants of old herds. But...” he looked into sky. “After such a heavy rains, herds will surely return from dried swamps...” he pointed southwest. “... that probably are real swamp now... and come there, on savannah.”

Twin-looking lions looked on themselves, than asked Amini.

“How...” started Daki.

“...do you know?” finished Laki.

Amini smiled and again pointed on savannah.

“Because, almost all tasty creatures live on plain. Why? Because it’s easier for them to run there and it’s harder for us to sneak. Now, the swamps started to be dangerous...” he stopped, gazing on some point on horizon. He raised his paw to face in order to cover his eyes from the sun. “Look there! A mountain... at least, big rock. If there is some lion pride in this land, I’ll bet it lives on it.”

Horen laid on the ground and closed his eyes. Lion was probably sleepy, after long journey in night. He replied with weary voice.

“Who cares... We won’t mess with any pride... You know the rules.” His companions nodded. “No prides, no fighting for leadership. If we are not welcome, we don’t go inside.” Then he smiled. “Well, of course, if there is no king, but only lionesses, we could consider accepting the invitation.” All four giggled. “But if we see that someone already is there, we’ll just hang here.”

“What about food?” asked Daki

“And water?” added Laki. Horen yawned, clearly bored.

“Don’t bother yourselves now. It’s time to sleep. We shall see, if we can hunt here. I’m sure, it won’t make those locals upset. Meanwhile...” he yawned once again. “Goodnight, gentlemen... Or better to say good day, but I mean, that...” he lost his point, but finished with sleepy voice. “Whatever. Just I’ll get a nap.” In next second, he was sleeping.

His companions decided to do the same.

*

“Ow, it’s useless.” Said Simba with irritation. “Let’s go back!”

He was leading lioness patrol and decided to return on Priderock. After two days of searching, they saw just few Golden Ones, almost caught two, but even they managed to slip from the ambush. So in evening of third day of his reign, king judged to cease searching. Savannah was wet, and running through it was hard and exhausting. Also, Simba was just tired of constant tracking. He wished to rest... And then ran of with Nala in some remote place. Far from Outlanders and far from own pride. To have a little calmness.

“Are you sure?” asked Nala with uncertain voice.

“Yes, I am, darling.” Replied king. “I don’t know, what those lionesses did to you, that you hate them so much, but I promise, that when they trespass borders of our kingdom, I’ll teach them respect to the queen.”

“Yes, of course.” Agreed Nala, but she still wanted to make sure, that Golden Ones were helpless. “Thank you.”

Simba stopped and turned to his mate. He licked gently her cheek and whispered.

“It’s a past. Just a past. It won’t be back.”

Then he turned to four other lionesses, running nearby and roared. It was a signal to return. So all pack from Priderock started to speed in home’s direction. Golden Ones were safe... for some time.

*

“Mom?” asked Hawaa, when Simba’s party returned to cave.

“Yes, my sweet?” said Kilia, cleaning her daughter with tongue.

“Is the hunt over?” cub looked on lioness with inquiring stare.

“Yes, for now it is.” Replied mother, surprised by daughter’s curiosity.

“But I see no aunt Zira, and mr. King...” Kilia immediately put her paw on Hawaa’s mouth. “MMhm?” murmured surprised cub. “Mommy, what are you doing?” asked, when lioness freed her.

“Hush, baby... You must listen to me.” Whispered to her ear. “We have new king now.”

“So where is mister Scar?” asked cub with quite scared voice. “And where are those funny dogs that were living next to us?”

Kilia grabbed her daughter in mouth and went outside. In entrance they met Simba – lioness bowed slightly and Hawaa asked shyly.

“Hi! I don’t know you! But maybe you know, where went...” she stopped, when her mother shook her. “Ow, mommy, it hurts!”

But Kilia just ran out from cave and went on cliff on other side of Priderock.

“Mom...” whispered Hawaa. “Isn’t a private chamber of king Scar and aunt Zira? They might not want you come inside...”

Lioness entered Scar’s cave and put daughter on royal bed. Then she looked in eyes of cub.

“I’m sorry, my dear, but it was necessary.” She said. “I must explain you few things...” she sighed, didn’t know, how to start. “The king is gone.”

“Where he went?” asked Hawaa.

“To... some distant place. And queen Zira too... and probably hyenas as well.”

Pupils of cub’s eyes extended and Kilia noticed tears.

“But... that mean... aunt Zira went somewhere and even didn’t say me goodbye?! No, I don’t believe! I don’t believe, she went without Nuka!”

“Nuka went with them too.” Said Kilia, feeling cold in her throat. She had no idea, that her daughter was so close with Outlanders.

“I WANT PLAY WITH NUKA!” cried Hawaa and burst in tears. Lioness hugged her child and sighed. She didn’t know, what to say.

“My dear... they had to leave... because Scar did something wrong.”

“No... I don’t believe it! He was so good to us!” Kilia said nothing, waiting for her daughter to stop crying. “But even so... aunt Zira and Nuka not. Why they had to...” she turned her wet eyes up and looked on mother. “How it was possible? Mister Scar is our king and only he can punish someone. So why he had to go?” and again started to sobbing.

“We have a new king know.” Said lioness. “His name is Simba.”

“I DON’T WANT SIMBA!” cried Hawaa. “I WANT MISTER SCAR, AUNT ZIRA AND NUKA!” screamed cub and added quieter. “And this funny dog, that was always smiling.”

“Hush my child... please...” asked Kilia and started licking her child.

After some time, cry stopped and Hawaa felt asleep. So Kilia grabbed her in jaw and carefully carried out from cave. So Sakia could stand up.

Lioness was there all the time. She came there in morning to hide her own cry. She laid behind Scar’s bed and remained unseen, where mother and daughter came. But while she was listening complaining of Hawaa, only thing she wanted was to join this yelling. Small cub expressed exactly what she wanted to say and what for she wanted to ask. But at least, small cub had more courage than she. Hawaa dared to ask, she was silent all the time. “O, Scar!” whispered lioness. “You deserved for better and more loyal subjects than me!” She once again licked bed of dead king and went out from cave. Someone would notice her absence.

*

Nuka was lying in den with Vitani. Only lioness there was old Rama, guarding her queen’s cubs. But she was so silent, that Scar’s son thought, that she was frightened by something.

“Why we are so quiet?” asked, whispering.

“They can’t hear us!” replied Rama. Nuka decided, that he wouldn’t discover, who were <they>, so asked another question.

“Where is mommy?”

“She will be here soon.” Said Rama, sighing and cuddling Nuka and sleeping Vitani. “She went for help. She will be back, when she will find someone who assist us.”

“We won’t back on Priderock?” inquired cub.

“No, we won’t.” replied lioness. “At least not now.”

“But... but...” it was too much for small cub. “So... we must go for Yakta and Hawaa! We can’t left Hawaa with those brutes that killed daddy!” he burst in tears.

“Hush, my dear.” Whispered lioness with fear. “Hush now! They are coming!” Cry finished at once. “Sorry... but we must be quiet. And when mommy find some help, we will back on Priderock and save Hawaa and Yakta. But now, you must be brave and speak nothing. Right?”

Nuka nodded and hugged harder lioness’s paw. He cried with silent cry for few minutes, but then he felt asleep too. Rama sighed with relief, but new troubling minds came to her.

“Stars!” she prayed. “Help Zira! Help us all! We need a miracle... and we need it fast. Kings of the Past... Ancient Ones. Help!”

Tarki was standing near, but he was, of course, unseen. He came closer lioness and sit next to her place, supporting his head with paws.

“It’s easy to say, miss...” he muttered with unheard voice. “But much harder to do. Any new ideas would be welcome.”

Outside once again rain started.

*

Drops of rain awoke sleeping lions. First opened his eyes Amini... to recognize, he was still dreaming. In front of him stood most beautiful lioness he ever saw. Despite of rain... or maybe because of that, her fur seemed to glaring gold, outshining grey-green background. Her perfect-shaped, wilful face and red, mysterious eyes were staring at lion with curiosity and... hope? Amini as rouge lion, long earlier banished from his pride, had no idea, what such a extraordinary lioness could expected from him. He slyly opened his jaw and asked.

“Who are you, lady?”

Countenance of strangeress was tensed because of sorrow and weariness, but hearing this, she smiled. Amini’s heart stood.

“Someone, who need your help.” Said lioness. “We all need your help.”

In that moment, lion noticed, that golden-fured beauty didn’t come alone. Pack of other females was waiting behind her. They were too exhausted, some of them wounded, but also ready to help theirs leader in troubles.

“Hunt me down!” yawned Horen. “At first a drought, then a flood. The Circle of Life requires to be aligned.” Rouge lion opened his eyes and discover nine lionesses, standing on top of <his> hill. He immediately stood and turned to newcomers. “Daki, Laki... wake up!” he gasped.

Golden lioness came closer to rouges, almost toughing Amini. She estimated whole pack, for few seconds she stopped her stare on Horen, but then turned to Amini.

“I’m Zira, queen of Golden Sands and Priderock. And this is my pride.” She pointed friends behind her.

“Nice.” Replied redmaned one. “We are Windy Rouges pack, my name is Horen. What is your business here?”

“I’m Amini, my lady.” Added younger lion. Lioness smiled.

“I don’t know, who is in charge here, Horen, but only your friend behave as leader should. He have appropriate manners...”

“He is our leader, miss.” Said Amini with polite voice.

Twin-looking lions stood to and looked on quest.

“Look, Laki.” Said Daki.

“Quite a nice awakening.” Replied Laki, looking on lionesses.

“Ow, yes...” added Horen. “These are brothers, Daki and Laki. So, we know each other, but I still have no idea, why have you came here.”

Amini looked on leader with anger, then turned to Zira.

“What happened? I see, that you are wounded...” he noticed cut on Zira’s ear and other injures among Golden Ones. “How we could help?”

Rain grown heavier and grass beneath their paw started do become mud. On faces of newcomer lionesses fatigue was seen. Only Zira was standing straight, but even in her eyes, carefully beholder could notice fear and exhaustion.

“Let go to some shelter.” Ordered Horen. “And you...” turned to Zira. “Say something more.”

So, mixed group started to descent from hill. Nearby was only one place, that could use for shelter – it was old baobab, from unknown reason, growing on slope of height. Slowly, lions because of sleepiness, lionesses because of general fatigue, they came under tree’s leaves. There they crowded on limited space and Zira, Horen and Amini came to trunk. Queen jumped on dent in thick trunk and looked on lions.

“So... we came here for your help. I believe, that Stars shown us you four, because we found you almost immediately after we started seeking. So...”

“Yeah, Stars.” Interrupted Horen. “But they haven’t show us anything!”

“Sssshhh!” gasped Amini. “Let her speak!” Leader was surprised by such a arrogance of his charge, but he stopped.

“So we are here.” Continued Zira. “We are the Golden Pride of Golden Sands, but after refuge from our homeland, we came to Prideland. And there... I’ve made an alliance with lions of Priderock, by marriage with king Scar the Wise.” Hearing this, Amini unwillingly narrowed his eyes. “And so we survived the Great Drought, thanks to my mate’s wisdom and courage. I’ve became mother of king’s children...” Amini breathed a little too loud. “...and the queen of Prideland. But it all finished with attack of usurper. Simba, nephew of Scar, returned from exile and kill my beloved.” Dark lion gulped. “And then, he broke the alliances and banished my pride from Priderock. We are here to find assistants for retake our home and avenge killed monarch.” she added with quieter and more tensed voice. “We desperate need this. We have two cubs... royal cubs to raise and our friend is hostage of those brutes. We beg for your help.”

Amini was gazing in Zira’s eyes, but Horen and brothers were staring on themselves with doubts.

“For usual fee?” asked Daki.

“Marriage with queen and half of kingdom?” added Laki and turned to brother. “Geez, it’s bad business... It comes... one eight of kingdom for each!”

“And queen is rather hard to portion.” Noticed Daki. Both brothers started to laugh, but discrete kick from Amini’s rear leg cease it at once.

“I know, I ask for great efford.” Said Zira, looking on Horen. “And I can promise no reward except one. Home.”

All rouges looked on themselves, even Amini turned his eyes from queen and pointed stare on his leader. Horen felt uncertain. He was angry, that this lioness bothered him and his companions, but word <home> appealed to him too. Since he was banished from his pride, three years earlier, he haven’t heard this word. A place, where he belong? For wandered and rouge it was an tempting offer.

“Horen... Is this not, what we are looking for?” whispered Amini.

“Just help us restore justice and repress this mutiny.” Added Zira. “And you will be able to settle in Prideland, being praised as heroes and benefactors of our pride.

“Please...” yelled Doria, looking in Horen’s eyes.

“Well... we must consider it.” Replied leader and nodded to his companions. “Gentlemen, outside.” He ordered.

Four lions went out from baobab’s shelter and went about hundred meters from tree. Rain ceased almost totally so walk wasn’t so unpleasant. And proposition of lioness was tempting rouges and keeping them excited. So they sat in round on mud of wet grass and started to talking one to other.

“Did you hear that?” exclaimed Amini. “That is what we hoping all the time!”

“Boss, those chicks look really nice.” Said Daki with smile.

“And this keep also seems to be great... at least from this distance.” Noticed Laki.

“And she asked us... we must help lionesses in distress!” added Amini.

“Shut up!” called Horen. “Gentlemen, easy!” but his own voice was tensed from excitation. He raised his paw, to draw attention of companions. “We must think logically! Look! They are so desperate... Yes.” Turned to Amini, who wanted to interrupt him. “They are desperate. I saw those wounds too. They are scared, exhausted, crestfallen because lost of pridemember. If I were this... so called queen...”

“She is queen!” exclaimed Amini. “I saw it in her eyes.”

“All right.” Continued leader. “If I were this queen, I would say anything... promise anything to catch our attention and encourage us to action. But we must ask ourselves: will we have any profits of that?”

Amini gasped, amazed. He was looking on his leader and friend, lion who he had been admiring since was saved by him, two years earlier. But then, lion discover, that brave and wise Horen became... just Horen, a guy without all those gift.

“Horen... I don’t believe...” whispered dark lion. “You refuse to help them? Stars! They are outcasts, just like us. Where is you sympathy?”

“Counting profits...” replied leader. “And looking for dangers.” He turned to brothers. “And you... what do you think?”

“I don’t know.” Said Daki, after short silence. “But if we help them...”

“...we’ll get home, at last.” Finished Laki. “Risky but high-prized game.”

Horen was gazing on his charges, with uncertain stare. For the first time, his decision could be denied. It was something new and shocking for proud lion. He was creator and caretaker of “Windy Rouges” pack. He had found those three lion, exiled by theirs own prides... he saved them and made what they were that day. He didn’t expect any form of objection. But...

“We must help them!” exclaimed Amini. “This is matter of our honour!”

Horen smiled with bitter smile. “Honour?” he thought. “Does this kid know, what honour is? What is honour for outsider? Maybe that <queen> has it, but we not. We are just wanderers... seeking... What we exactly seek?” asked himself and discovered, that some voices in his head were convincing him to join Zira.

“Well...” he said slowly. “Just... suppose, we agree. But what then? We have no idea against what we are standing and...” he couldn’t finished, because Amini suddenly ran to him and hugged him.

“I’ve known, that you agree!” called with cubbish joy in voice. “We will have a home at last!” he turned to twins. “Come on! Let say Zira, we are in!”

And he started in baobabs direction. Daki and Laki followed.

“Democracy and common sense are not good allies.” Muttered Horen and went after friends.

*

So at the dusk, group of lionesses and lions was descending from hills to cub’s den. Twins were chatting with lionesses, clearly interested in newcomers and Amini was on the lead with Zira. Horen was walking on group’s end, seeing with fear, that his pack was disarmed and taken by females charm.

“This boy has a real problem.” Said, looking on Amini, who was adoring Zira with his stare.

“So, my lady...” said dark lion with gallant smile.

“My lady?” surprised Zira. “It sound nice to me, but I won’t get huff, if you call me just <Zira>” replied queen.

“So... Zira.” Said Amini, tasting this name like some spell. “Will you tell me your story? I wish to know as much I can, to... you know... to know, how I... how we help you.”

Zira had already noticed his mesmerized stare. “Ow... what I have stepped in?” she thought. “Can I just use this boy and his friends? Scar, what should I do?” She once again looked on lion and estimated, that he was really handsome. “Nice one... and he seems to be good-hearted. I shouldn’t entangle him in all this. This is not his tale.” But she answered, as she was requested.

“It’s a rather long story and I’ve already told most important things. Do you want more details?”

Lion turned his stare to the ground and replied with uncertain voice.

“No... Don’t say anything, unless you want to. I’m sorry about your mate.” He added quieter.

Zira narrowed her eyes, but then smiled.

“Thank you...” said with clear gratitude. “You have right... This happened so fast, that I just can’t believe it. Forgive my behaviour... I became someone else since that time. I feel...” she stopped, like she wasn’t sure to share this thought with Amini. But she continued. “I feel, like old Zira in me died that night and new one hasn’t born yet. I’m not sure, if she would ever be born.”

“I don’t know, that to say.” Replied dark lion. “I know only one: if I can help you, I will help you.”

Zira moved closer to lion and still walking, she whispered to his ear.

“Thank you, Amini. You are already helping.”

*

“Yes...” muttered Tarki, looking on this strange conduct from sky. “Scar should be satisfied. I’ve found Zira assistance and probably a new mate... just like my nephew wanted.” He wondered for a while, gazing at dark lion. “Of course, if he persuade her to stop this revenge... We must restore justice and harmony... But not in this brute way.” He turned his eyes to higher firmament, where went sleeping Scar. “My boy, I’ll show you, how we deal with such a problems uphere. We say, that justice always wins and it’s only matter of time... But as Kings of the Past we measure time in generations...”

05 – Echoes of the past

Silent night in Golden Hall.

Firsts days of rainy season passed and Outlanders felt benefits of wet weather. Hunts were significant easier, sun - usually scorching Outlands domain - was more often covered by heavy clouds. Nights became slightly colder and it made them peaceful and pleasant. And those nightmares ceased. Zira was suffering from burning memories in slumber, especially in hot nights of dry season. But then, when rains came, bad dream went away. It was the weather or maybe consciousness, that her plan was already in motion? It wasn’t matter, point was, that Zira could sleep well.

She used to be tormenting by pictures of dying Scar and all other her friends who had died. Faces of Rama, Doria and Vii, voice of crying Yakta. It all was gone. That night, Zira was dreaming some ridiculous dream, but it was a pleasant one. At first, about Scar. But no last moments, fight with those cursed hyenas and death of the king, but scenes from earlier past. Anxiety on Scar face, when they had met at first time. Surprise, when she told, she loves him. And joy, when he was cuddling her and newborn Nuka. Merry pictures of happy life. They had faded, but faded in calm and gentle way, like sunset. And then, other memories. Later. She with Nuka and Vitani, then... Amini? Zira hadn’t thought about Amini since a long time. But it was bright picture of devotion and protectiveness, when she was pregnant with Kovu. Amini was talking something to her, but she hadn’t understood a word. Probably another warning. He all the time, at least, when she had been knowing him, just warned her and beg for caution. Why he hadn’t been careful himself? But never mind, that dream set as gentle as sun too. And Zira awoke.

It was just after midnight, she noticed moonlit in mound’s funnel. Queen stood and looked on her pride. Whole pride was in place... of course except Nuka and Hawaa. Zira smiled. She had felt a serious relief, when she had noticed, that Nuka found devoted mate. It was a chance for him, to start new life, aside this horrible past and war of prides. Zira knew, that her first son wasn’t able to challenge Simba... But if he decided to start a new pride at his own? Golden Sands? After six years of regeneration, theirs old homeland was probably ready to dwell in. So, he could return there, with or without Vitani (Zira wasn’t sure, what was her daughter intending), and live as royal descendant, whom was in fact. And Hawaa... Zira loved that girl like her own daughter. For her spirit, she had been showing from early cubhood. Young lioness had chosen her pride herself. This was huge step in unknown, a choice between comfort living on Priderock between insidious Pridelanders and harsh dwelling in Outlands. She decided to join’s Zira’s pride and suffer the same lot, that all Outlanders were suffering. Only reward for that was love and respect from her new family. So small, but also so great prize. She had chosen well.

So Zira laid again to sleep without any anxiety. She though, her favourite was with her son in their night love-walk. Technically, she was right, but...

*

Hawaa was sneaking through savannah after lion’s silhouette. She had to be careful in order to remain unseen. Nuka as poor he was a fighter, he was gifted scout. His light body could creeping silently and his agility allowed him move without disturbing grass or leaves. So lioness was forced to watch of being unseen by dwellers of this land and also by Nuka. He didn’t know, she was following. He though, he was making it completely himself.

A deep reconnaissance in Prideland, maybe even trip to Priderock. Risky move – Simba once ordered to kill all Outlanders, who entered his domain. Of course, Zira’s lionesses notoriously crossed Border River and hunt in northern part of savannah. But never went to Simba’s keep. It was to dangerous to be next to enemy’s lair. Single scout could only escape, when he was attacked by all lioness from Simba’s pride. But this was extreme case – Nuka was so silent, that Hawaa was sure, he wouldn’t awake any Pridelander. She was more afraid about her own moving.

But what for Nuka was doing this? Lioness wasn’t sure, and thought, that even Nuka wasn’t sure. It was just a reconnaissance, to see if there is any chance to get to Simba. And if not, what other could be made. Hawaa was silently praying, that Nuka wouldn’t do something stupid.

Lion was running firmly, probably knowing the route. Lioness heard stories about Nuka’s and Vitani’s trips to Priderock’s foot. Every such a try was punished by Zira, but queen was secretly proud of her brave children. Only Kovu hadn’t participating in those trips, because of his heavy built, that made him poor scout. Hawaa knew well, that real value of lion seldom could be seen at first sight. That was once with Mufasa and Scar... and that was with Kovu and Nuka. She believed that hidden power is that mightier one.

Nuka stopped almost at Priderock’s foot. Lioness froze in place, scared, she went so far. Because of tracking Nuka, she hadn’t noticed, where she was going. And she went just... to the lion’s den. This bad lion’s den.

Nuka started to climb on Priderock slope and Hawaa stood with burning dilemma. She knew, she wasn’t agile enough to climb soundlessly. Climbing on termite mound, where strength and endurance was important, was something completely different, that creeping on thin path uphill. But she couldn’t just leave Nuka alone. If she followed... “No, I will endanger myself and him too. We can’t be detected.” So she was watching with terror to snaking Nuka. Lion went on Priderock’s ledge, was standing there for few minutes (for Hawaa, those where the longest minutes in her life.) and started back. Without any sound, he returned to Priderock foot with some load in mouth. Hawaa failed to discover what it was, but cargo seemed to be heavy even for a lion.

Lioness crouched, for not being seen by Nuka. She waited, until he passed by and followed. This time, it was easier. Lion was walking slower, probably due to his load. After some time, lioness discovered strange, dark spots on the grass. She lowered her head, smelled and...

...in last second stopped her scream. It was a blood.

“Ow, Stars!” she thought. “He is hurt!” and she began to speed. But just after few jumps, she again froze in place. “You idiot!” she whispered to herself. “It’s a zebra’s blood! Nuka is carrying wildebeest’s carcass.” She returned to she carefully walk, right in time, because Nuka turned his head back, looking for danger. She in last moment crouched to the ground, so lion started again. “It was close.” She thought.

Some time later, she noticed, that those bloody spots was marking the path and Nuka spots from time to time and shook his load. Illumination came to Hawaa. “He is marking the route with blood... but why? He took meat from Priderock, this lost will be probably soon discover by Simba’s lionesses... I know!” she thought. “They will think, that some scavengers are stealing food from them. They will find clear tracks... probably will organise an ambush... Ow, Stars!” she yelled in mind. “And what Nuka wants to do with that?”

They were running to North Waterhole then further to the border zone. Clearly in Elephant Graveyard’s direction. Was Nuka planning to prepare an ambush on Simba there? It was brilliant plan, of course under condition, that Simba would be prevailed there. Hawaa thought, that Nuka had something more on his mind. Lion suddenly turned in Border River’s direction and ran there without any fear. He stopped marking his path, probably satisfied with earlier actions. Track was clear, suggestion was clear. Pridelanders would suspect some remaining hyenas pack from graveyard. But Nuka had this giant portion of meat.

“No!” muttered lion and dropped carcass fragment to river. “I’m not a thief! Nor scavenger.”

Hawaa in first impulse, crouched to jump for floating meat. But she calmed down in next second. “No! Nuka is too proud to eat from Simba’s table... He rather would spend all days on hard hunting that swallow any portion of it.” Carcass floated away with river’s stream and Nuka went into water. Short after that, he started to swim to Outland’s bank. Hawaa had to wait some time, to pass the torrent unseen. So she sir on the grass and closed her eyes, just for a while...

*

Zira, Hawaa and Nuka weren’t only ones, who weren’t sleeping that night. Sarafina had a terrible dream. At first she saw in her sleep a black maned lion with terrible scars on his chest. He was somehow similar to Scar, but lioness knew, that wasn’t him. This lion was speaking about some terrible things that would came to Prideland, if she don’t do something. Sarafina didn’t understand single word from this speech, but she awoke with cold sweat on her back. She sneaked out from main cave and started to walk on north, in order to calm down. But she hadn’t calmed down until she reached Border River.

It was a dangerous place for both Pridelander and Outlander. For Pridelander, because Outlanders sometime was hunting there, for Outlander, because this was still Simba’s terrain. But old lioness hadn’t noticed where her legs had taken her. She stopped just when...

*

Hawaa jumped up, when lion’s foot stomped on her tail. In first impulse, she extended her claws and attended for unknown enemy. She felt asleep and that was usually a fatal mistake. But she wished to take as much of persecutors with her, as she could.

“Die, Pridelander!” she called and hit with paw.

She hid her claws in last moment. If she didn’t, Sarafina’s throat would be ripped off in one, fatal blow. But lioness stopped her fury, seeing old caretaker.

“Sarafina!” she whispered. She knew, that this moment of hesitate would cost her life. But she was unable to kill her. Not this way. Maybe, on battlefield in honour combat but not at night, not in accidental fight. And she saw no others Pridelanders. Old lioness seemed to be alone.

“Who...” yelled Sarafina, knocked down by Hawaa pounce and having her paw next to throat. “Hawaa?!” she whispered with amaze. “It can’t be... you are dead.”

“No, if you didn’t take any help with you!” replied young lioness with smile. Suddenly, she lowered her head and licked lioness in forehead. “Good to see you, aunt Sarafina!”

*

Nuka heard Hawaa’s call and froze. He was already on the other bank, just climbing on Outland’s cliff. But on the sound of his beloved voice, he turned back and jumped to water once again. He knew, that it was too late to call for help. Only thing, that he could do, was fight for himself. “First time, I really want to have Kovu at my side.” He whispered, swimming desperately. But when he made to Prideland’s bank, he stopped, listening. He heard no fight’s sounds or call for help. No other Pridelanders could be notice. Just... talk.

“How it is possible?” asked voice of old lioness. Nuka tied to recall all Pridelanders known to him. It was probably Sarafina, mother of usurper’s mate. “What Hawaa could have with her?” wondered lion himself and sneaked nearer to lionesses. He crouched in bushes to hear as much as he could.

“What is impossible?” said Hawaa with irony. “That I’m alive? Maybe I’m not a Outlander by blood, but I’m made from the same hard stuff, they are. I’ve survived the battle... because my pride saved me...” she took a deep breath and continued with pride in her voice. “And who personally? If you want know, that was son of Scar, Nuka. He was just a cub then, like me, but he shown more courage and sympathy, that all your cursed pride!”

Nuka, waiting in cover, gave up idea about instant rescue. He understood, that Hawaa was safe. Sarafina was old lioness, clearly poor fighter, comparing with young Outlanderess. Also, Nuka noticed, that this particular enemy was somehow close to Hawaa. “Right... she born and at first was raising on Priderock. If this Pridelander was good to her... I’m in her debt.” He was wondering, if he should to draw back, not to interrupt private talk. But he decided to stay. It was not a curiosity but just a anxiety. However weak and helpless looked Sarafina, she was Pridelander after all.

“We... we thought, you are dead!” whispered old lioness with terror. “Ow, Hawaa... I’m sorry...”

“Save it.” Interrupted younger one. “What happened, had already happened.”

“My dear...” muttered Sarafina. “You have grown well... You are a beautiful lioness... But you are... so slim and...”

“Is that strange?” asked Hawaa. “Living in Outlands is not an easy piece of meat. I fight hard for every meal...”

“Outlands?!” exclaimed Sarafina with disbelief. “You live in Outlands?”

“I live, where I belong. With my saviours and caretakers.”

“But you was born in Prideland!” said old lioness with tensed voice. “That is your place.”

“Indeed...” muttered Hawaa. “I was born on Priderock...”

“So you will return to us?” asked Sarafina with hope.

Silent felt on river and Nuka froze in place. He was too scared to even think, but some voice in his head called alarm. Hawaa could return to Prideland. To green, fertile field, where no one was hungry and lion were living in luxury. She could forget about her pride and about Nuka. She...

Loud laughter sounded over savannah. Hawaa started to giggle and even felt to the ground (what Nuka noticed by earth shiver). She was laughing for almost minute, to answer barely.

“What? I?” she again burst in laughter and was calming down some time. “Sarafina... You don’t understand anything! I didn’t lost! I quitted by my own will.”

“What?” yelled shocked lioness. She felt silent, when Hawaa was still giggling. Finally, younger one said.

“Aunt Safarina... I decided to leave Priderock and join Zira myself. No one forced me, no one swayed me. I was unable to live with you, after what you had done to Scar and his family. I hope, I don’t have to explain you more.”

“But... Hawaa... We loved... we love you!” cried queen’s mother.

“Really?” replied lioness with ironical surprise. “But if I were child of Outlander, you would sentence me to death or to be exiled. That’s right?”

“No... We didn’t...”

“Tell it Yakta!” gasped Hawaa with burning anger. “Tell it aunt Shakisa! And tell it Nuka, Vitani and all others you did exile from Prideland.”

“Hawaa, it was necessary!” exclaimed Sarafina. Outlanderess once again laughed.

“Ow, aunt... I’ll tell you, what is necessary!” she replied with grim voice. “It’s necessary to restore justice and order. It’s necessary that rightful queen of this land will back on Priderock. It’s necessary to fight with all rebels and kill them, if they don’t beg for mercy...” Nuka saw, that Hawaa came closer to Sarafina and whispered her to ear. “But because once I loved you and considered as my caretaker, I’ll give you one advise. When battle start, you must bow to the ground and call: <Scar was truly king of Prideland and I will bow to his heir.> And then you will try our mercy. That mercy, you hadn’t for us!” and she added even quieter. “I will please for you.”

Old lioness looked shocked and amazed. She stepped few steps back.

“It can’t be... my child... Come to us!”

“No, Sarafina. I’ll never join Simba’s pride.” Replied she with pride. “But you can tell every single Pridelander, that would want to hear: we don’t look on your origin, colour of fur or mane. For us everyone is just who he or she is. If any lioness from Priderock will decide to bow before Zira and her children, she would be forgiven and welcomed as pridemember. Even you!” Hawaa narrowed her eyes. “Zira told me, about your and Sarabi’s plots against Scar. But you still have chance to atone it. Go back to Priderock and tell them real history of Scar’s reign.”

Sarafina was gazing silent on old charge. Some tears shown in her eyes. There were tears of truly regret. She felt guilty by lost of Hawaa and considering her as dead. She thought, that this kind of scars in hear is very hard to heal. She almost lost her hope to persuade Hawaa return.

“And so now?” she asked. “What is <necessary> now? Will you kill me?”

“If you start a fight, I will.” Replied young lioness. “But I hope, you won’t.” Sarafina sighed with relief but also with sorrow. “But don’t think, that I will save those sentiments for day of Zira’s return. I will demand from you the same, that from every single Pridelander. Repentance and obedience. Long live the queen!” finished lioness and turned back. In next second she was in river, swimming to Outlands.

“Stars!” she thought. “Because her, I’ve lost an hour of sleep. I’ll be exhausted tomorrow!” but somewhere, in her heart sprouted other feelings. It was pity for all Pridelanders, especially Sarafina. She thought, that they were not evil, but just manipulated. Blinded by pride and hatred. She hoped, that in day of queen’s return, not only Sarafina, but also other lionesses would give up... And... No, for Simba there were no forgiveness. He was the source of all that chaos and injustice and had to be... removed from the scene, once for all.

*

Nuka waited for several minutes and stood. Hawaa already climbed on Outland’s cliff and Sarafina went back with slowly steps. Lion was quite shocked by events of last night. First, he started to move his own plan of killing Simba. But second, and this was maybe more important thing, he saw his beloved in completely different perceptive that earlier. He was ashamed, that ever suspected her of even thinking about betrayal... But she was from Prideland! She could back there, every time she wanted. And she decided to stay on dry Outlands with her new pride... and with him. Nuka understood that he had underestimated Hawaa. She was even braver and stronger, that he had thought. Instead of feasting with Simba she was feeding with Nuka’s quails and rats. This was self-sacrifice of highest rank. In Nuka mind old decision grew even stronger.

“I will make you queen, Hawaa! I will reward you those years of starvation. You’ll get, what you deserved!”

His plan was difficult, but simple. To decoy Simba in Elephant Graveyard and kill him. Impossible for so weak lion?

“You will see, who’s mane-event here! Mother, Hawaa! I’ll make you proud!” whispered in nightly air, then went into river.

*

Sarafina was walking through savannah in Priderock’s direction. She wasn’t sleepy, because all sleepiness vaporized after recent meeting. So Hawaa was alive! They had left her and had forgotten about her for those years.

“What have we done?” asked lioness. “We let Zira to poison her heart. She is no longer Pridelander.”

But word of Hawaa was bothering her in some other way. Young lioness was speaking from heart with personal grudge against Simba’s pride. Sarafina wondered, what she could have done to hurt Hawaa. She felt fully responsible about this tragedy. Before Kilia died, she asked Sarafina for taking care about her daughter. Just in case... and that case had happened. Also, Hawaa told her about <battle> and Zira’s return. So Simba had right, it was coming. Finally, clash of prides was near. Sarafina wondered, if she would be able to ask for mercy for Hawaa. Once, they sentenced her, so maybe this time would they do the same.

*

Zira was sleeping well, until dawn. She was hungry, sore after trainings with her lionesses, but also so calm and peaceful, maybe even as never, since Scar’s death. She dreamed once again about Amini, then about Kovu’s birth. Strange, Amini was still alive when Kovu born, what was nonsense. But in this dream, he still was talking to Zira, about future and was warning her about something. And then Sparthi (Sparthi? What strange dream! Sparthi died three years before Kovu’s birth!) came and started to preaching, like older brothers always do. But Zira was so happy, to see him, that she pounced on him and started to lick him with cubbish joy. So Sparthi didn’t manage to tell her anything too. She awake with tears in her eyes but with peace in hear heart.

“Scar, Sparthi, Amini...” she whispered, just before he awoke other lionesses. “Soon I’ll restore yours glory and salute you with my revenge... or join you.”

The new day raised above Outlands.

*

“No, this definitely wasn’t, what I meant.” judged Scar.

Three ghost were looking on awaking day from their sky keep.

“Well, yes, she seemed to miss the main point.” Agreed Sparthi. “But we tried...”

“Yes, of course.” Nodded dead king. “But something is blocking you, as well as me. Maybe, it’s Mufasa’s done, maybe, problem lies in Zira herself. We must find another way.”

“And meanwhile...” added Amini. “Protect them in their present quest. Who knows, maybe they will success.”

Scar looked on second black-maned lion with uncertain stare.

“I hope for that... and I’m prepared for the worse.”

06 – River’s stream

Golden lionesses and rouge lions came to cub’s sanctuary about dusk. They had been washed by another rain during his route, also had to make a stop for hunt. Preys weren’t so great, just three adolescent zebras, but it tasted delicious, after days of strict fasting. This was first signal, that herds would return on Prideland. Also, Windy Pack proved, that not every lion is poor hunter. In fact, one from zebras was caught by males themselves.

“By me, in particular.” Said Daki.

“Zira and I beat it up for you.” Noticed Amini.

“Yes, yes, yes...” said lion. “But I got it, right?”

Few of lionesses nodded, gazing on lion with adoring stare. If Horen was afraid that females disrupted his pack, Zira could say the same about rouges. But neither queen nor pack leader said anything. They both understood, that they need themselves, at least, temporary. Also, Zira had something other in mind. Namely – Amini. Lion was chatting with her for all the way, disturbing lioness’s peace of mind. She hadn’t intended it, but she did tell him about most of their problems and fears. Presence on young lion, so full of life and vigour, took unexpected effect. His word were soothing and pleasant. Zira knew that she was unable to fall in love with any lion on the world, not after her affect to Scar. But handsome blackmaned male seemed to be perfect friend and caretaker. He was willingly to help, wasn’t looking for any profits, opposite to his friends. And when they reached cub’s sanctuary, only he didn’t show any irritation.

“Fine keep, for fine queen.” Muttered Horen, looking on small den in lone rock.

“Please... quiet!” gasped Amini.

“Not too much to share.” Whispered Laki to Daki.

“Rama! We are back!” called Zira and immediately after that old lioness went out from den.

“Ow, thank Stars!” she exclaimed and ran to her queen. Lionesses hugged, then Rama noticed lions. “And those are...”

“Windy Rouges.” Said Zira. “They considering to support our cause.” Added carefully, hoping, that Horen heard that.

“They sleep, but Nuka asked to awake him when you will back.”

“All right, I’ll go there.” Said queen and started to den. Nuka was already awake. He was looking on mother with big, frightened eyes, but his voice was surprisingly firm.

“Hi mom... So good, you are back.”

Zira smiled and hugged her son.

“And now we will be hang together.” She said with gentle voice. “Nuka, we must go now.”

“To Priderock?” asked cub with. “To save Hawaa and Yakta?” Zira narrowed her eyes.

“Not now. We are weak and many of us are still wounded. We’ll go north, through Border River. There, on the other bank, Simba won’t find us. Doria will take you and take Vitani...”

“I’m old enough to walk myself.” Said Nuka with huff and stood. He exit the den and noticed newcomers. “Ow... Hi, there.” Said. “Are you here to save my friends?”

Lions came closer to cub and Amini gentle stroked his head.

“Well... something like that.” He said. “We will travel with you, to some safer place. This is my pack.” He pointed on friends. “Boss – Horen, brothers Daki and Laki.” The he pointed himself. “And my name is Amini.”

“Nice.” Said cub. “You have fine mane... my dad had black one too.” He stopped, looking uncertainly on newcomers. They were looking on him with similar uncertain stare. Rouge males weren’t used to live with cubs, so behaviour of Nuka was something new to them. “I’m Nuka, son of Scar and Zira.” he introduced himself with official manner. “You’ll probably see now my sister Vitani, but she is sleeping.”

And then Zira went out from den, carrying her daughter. She nodded to her pride and Doria came to Nuka and grabbed him in jaw. They started to slowly walk through savannah.

Night went suddenly and before they reached riverbank, there was dark. Zira put Vitani on the ground and carefully she checked stream.

“Damn!” she muttered. “It’s strong. Much water had flown from savannah. Doria, how do you think... will we get it thought?”

In fact, stream was fast and strong. Soil, dried by drought, wasn’t able to absorb so much water at once. So almost every path turned to small torrent and every torrent was running to Gorge or Border River. Level of water increased rapidly.

“I don’t know, Zira...” replied lioness. “Alone... no problem. But carrying Nuka... Sorry, I’m not sure.”

“Yes...” Queen nodded. “I’m not sure if I’ll made, even with lighter Vitani.”

Both lioness looked on cubs with wondering stare. That was real problem. Zira and Doria were the strongest lioness from pride and also they were almost uninjured. But it didn’t change the situation – they weren’t sure, if they safe carry cubs to the other bank. Then Amini came to them.

“What is the problem, my ladies?”

Zira smiled. “Yes, he was ready to every kind of help. Golden lion, in fact.” She thought. “But what he could do with that?”

“I have no idea, Amini.” Said Doria. “This stream is so fast, that we afraid of dropping Nuka and Vitani in progress.”

“Wow!” said Nuka. “I’ve never seen so much water at once! We will walk through it?”

Amini looked on cub, then looked on Zira. He came to bank and examined water with own paw. Then he turned to Horen.

“But we can do it, right?”

His leader narrowed his eyes. This was too much for him. His charge pushed him in this mess and then was trying to made him a babysitter.

“I’m not ready to take a responsibility for a cub.” He said. “Even not my cub.”

Twins burst in laughter but they immediately stopped, seeing stares of lioness. One, big request was floating in the air.

“Damn!” whispered Horen. “This is crazy!” and he added louder. “Yes, we could do that. But we must have a plan.” He turned to Zira. “Is this the best place to cross river?” queen nodded. “So river is so fast all it’s bed?”

“No.” replied Rama. “On east... that down there... is worse. There is waterfall about four miles away.”

Horen sighed and scratched his mane with extended claws.

“Goody! At least we know, how much time we have to catch those cub, if they are dropped.” He looked on Zira. “Can they... ow!” he stopped and sighed again. “Of course they can’t swim, because when this river was flowing like that last time, they weren’t yet on this world! Do you can swim?”

“Well... we are desert lions.” Said Zira. Horen clutched his fist and hit the ground.

“Nice!”

“Wait!” said Amini. He came to Nuka and asked Zira. “Can I?” queen nodded and lion gentle caught Nuka in his jaw. He raised him, to estimate weight and just to try his grab.

“Nice teeth!” noticed cub and smiled.

“Well... we could do it.” Estimated lion. “But in careful way. We will swim in pairs. Horen, supporting by Daki with Vitani and I, supporting by Laki with Nuka. If something goes wrong, brother are catching cubs... if they failed...” he looked on other lionesses. “...You’d better be prepared for a batch. You will all go for dropped one.” He noticed fear at their faces. “But I said that just in case... very odd case. We will manage to do it ourselves. Right, boss?”

Horen narrowed his eyes and replied with sarcasm.

“You have become <boss> recently.” Amini turned his stare to the ground. Then, leader of the rouges noticed pleading eyes of Doria. “Damn!” he thought. “No cubbish acting for chicks! This would kill you some day.” But lioness whispered.

“Horen, please...” Lion tried to refuse, but his lips disobeyed.

“Right, let’s do that!”

River was flowing as fast as their hearts were beating.

*

At first, Horen and Amini swam alone, without cubs. Both lions said with smiles that this trip was easy, but careful beholder would notice fatigue in their eyes. Leader came to younger lion and whispered him to ear.

“I hope, you know, what we are doing, because I have no idea. It’s crazy.”

“Doria thinks something opposite.” Smiled Amini, seeing stare of young lioness. “I think, her opinion is more important to you, than mine.”

“Yeah. But I doubt, if she knows much about swimming.” But in his voice Amini heard tune of satisfaction. His friend was already bitten by bound with this pride... especially with that single member. “You first.” Ordered Horen. “Go with Laki. We will stay on bank, ready... to interfere. But!” he gasped. “Don’t fail me! I don’t want any extra-bath”

“You can count on me!” smiled lion, but in his eyes blinked a spark of fear. He was afraid to fail someone else. “We’ll do it!” he turned to Laki. “Are you ready?” asked his friend. Laki nodded. “And you?” turned to Nuka.

“Don’t worry sir.” Replied cub. “I saw you swimming, it can’t be so hard. In case, I’ll made it.” He smiled, but Amini’s heart froze in fear. “Ow, Stars, help us!” whispered lion in minds.

Zira came to Nuka and said with tensed voice.

“Listen, my dear... Be brave! Amini will take care of you! Do what he and Laki say.”

“Mom. It’s better that mister Amini says nothing, during this course.” Noticed Nuka. Zira licked his head.

So Amini grabbed cub with his jaw and carefully went into river. Laki followed him and when lion with cub started to swim, twin swam to, but slightly down from there, to be ready for grab lost <cargo>. But Amini was moving fast, without any problems. Of course, this was also tiring him fast, but he had measured distance to other bank and resolved his strength carefully. Except one moment of fear, right in half of distance, Amini made it lightly. He came to other bank exhausted, but he firmly put Nuka on beach.

“Wow!” whispered cub. “That was great!” he looked in surprised lion’s eyes. “Could we do it again... some day?”

Amini felt strange. Not for the first time that day. At morning he was enchanted by spell of beautiful Zira, but then... He didn’t know, what that was, but talking with this cub was pleasant and very interesting. As rouge male, exiled from his pride, at the very first time in his life he was with cubs, especially... with so especially ones. He all he was doing, he was doing for Zira, but he discovered, that he would do the same just for this cub. Some unused string in his heart sounded.

“Right, pal...” panted lion. “But... now... we must support your sister.”

Then Laki went out from water and looked on friend. Amini nodded with gratitude. Lion smiled, so blackmaned turned to river and called.

“Right! We’ve made it.” From Prideland’s side sounded voices of joy and relief. “Go, Horen... In case, we are ready to help you!” encouraged Amini.

“That what I’m afraid!” muttered Horen, but in next second sounded slash of water.

Because of night, lion from other bank wasn’t able to see friends on other. Amini, more gifted in senses, saw only blurred silhouettes of those, who where standing on Prideland’s bank. But in time, he noticed Horen and Daki clearer. In half of distance, they were seen almost clearly, swimming without problems.

But then, Amini noticed some strange shapes, floating the river. Alarmed he ran to bank and gazed in darkness. Those things were closing fast with stream. Big and oblong, carrying by stream... numerous... That were...

“Trunks!” called Amini with fear.

Horen, focused of carrying Vitani, ignored his call. But Daki immediately understood the danger. In few moves, he saw upstream, passing by the leader and the cub. He wasn’t longer backup-catcher, but a living shield. He started to swim parallel with Horen and Vitani, hiding them with own body from closing trunks. Laki at once jumped to water to replace brother and Amini started to speed east, to be ready for support. But hat was too late.

First log hit Daki right in head. Lion, shocked, submerge underwater. He emerged in next second, skulking, but this moment of inattention cost him much. He was struck with another piece of wood and in impulse, grabbed it, being carried away from Horen.

And Horen had own troubles. Several logs floated next to him and only thanks to lions agility, he was able to shun them. But Vitani, just awoken by sudden moves, started to squeal and fumble in panic. Rouge leader grabbed her with one paw, to get sure he wouldn’t lose her, but this was grave mistake. He unshielded his head, so next trunk hit him right in forehead. Motionless lion got loose his load.

“VITANI!” yelled Zira from other bank. Lioness, in first impulse jumped to the water. She knew, that Laki was still to far from drowning cub to get on time. Her, as lighter and more agile lioness, had a chance to be on time. Eventually.

In the same time, jumped Amini. He already got further on east, but rock on his route made his run too difficult. He estimated, that he would swim faster.

“Laki, get the boss!” called lion. “I’ll swim for the cub!”

So Laki swam to unconscious leader and firmly grabbed him. Fortunately, Daki already recovered and he could float himself. All three started to Outland’s bank. But in water still were Vitani, Zira and Amini.

“Run down!” ordered Rama, pointing downstream, so Golden Lionesses (all except Vii, who was already swimming through river) chased off flowing ones. Terrain on Prideland’s side was open, so they were able to speed faster than river water.

Zira got to her daughter in few desperate moves. She grabbed drowning cub and raised her above surface. But in the same moment, she discovered, that she was drowning herself. With busy paws he couldn’t stay on surface and strong stream was slowly exhausting her stamina. She knew, that in short time she would drown, carrying her child with her. So, in desperate idea, she looked for any log nearby. They were on place, lots of logs. Zira in final attempt swam to neared on and plunged her claws of one paw in it. In second paw, she was holding Vitani.

So, in theory, they were safe. But... Log was speeding with full stream’s speed and Zira knew, that she had to get on bank. Waterfall at the Mighty Jungle’s Valley was sure doom for both mother and child. So lioness gathered remaining strength and started to move her legs, in careful attempt to close to bank. But suddenly, she realised, she wouldn’t make it. She was fainting from fatigue. “Ow, Scar... help us!” she yelled in mind and hugged log harder. From cold and exhaustion, she felt in paralysing state. She was unable to move, she could only holding her cub and trunk.

“Zira! Hold on!” awoke her lion’s voice. She carefully turned her head, to see Amini, floating with some other log. Even in that situation, Zira wasn’t able to stop a smile. Blackmaned won in both contests: of bravery and of stupidity.

“Waterfall!” screamed lioness.

“I... know!” replied Amini, trying to get close to Zira’s log. “Loose the trunk! You are floating too fast!”

Then lionesses noticed, how long distance they had made. They were just next to Mighty Waterfall. “Was I unconscious for so long time?” amazed she, but in next second she obeyed lion’s command. She knew, that this was sentence for her. Maybe, thanks to that, Amini would be able to get cub, but weak lioness was doomed. She just raised Vitani as high as she could, hoping, that lion would manage catch her. And he managed.

Zira felt, that her daughter was grabbing by Amini’s teethes and carrying away. She immediately loosen her muscles, giving herself to river stream. But in next second, she saw frozen stare of blackmaned lion. In his eyes called a silent plead: Fight! Don’t give up! But then he started to swam in Outland’s bank direction. Zira smiled and then all world faded to black.

*

Amini wasn’t too gentle. He almost threw yelling Vitani on small, sandy Outland beach, then he jumped in river once again. He grabbed another log and started to work with his leg, to float faster. After few minutes, he noticed shape of Zira’s unconscious, floating on water’s surface, so he turned his scratched <ship> to her. In minute, he was right next to motionless lioness, so he loosed log and jumped on Zira. Sound of falling water was growing rapidly and lion knew, that water wall was close. He grabbed Zira’s neck with teethes and tried to swam to bank. It wasn’t easy.

Amini was already fatigued with chase also stream was much faster there. He was working with all four limbs desperately but bank was closing much slower that edge of waterfall...

*

“Damn!” yelled Tarki. “Why it always goes wrong?!”

“Do something!” screamed Scar, watching with terror his mate, speeding to certain doom. Both lion ghost were standing on waterfall’s edge.

“You do something!” replied starcub. “You have stronger connection with her.”

Dead king looked on him with amaze.

“But... I can’t! I don’t know how!”

“Just.... do it!” ordered greeneyed one. “Love will find the way.”

Space matters not for Starones, so Scar in next second was next to Zira’s body. He lowered his head to lioness and started to whisper silent spells. Not of magic, just of love.

“My dear... you must wake up!” he begged.

*

“You must get up!” thought desperately Amini. Of course, he couldn’t scream it loud, because he was holding lioness with jaws, all the time. He just prayed to Stars, to anyone, whom might be concerned. He was and outcast, he didn’t know any ancestors to ask for help. Only name he had in mind was those listen from Zira. “Scar... help her!”

And lioness opened her eyes. In first impulse, she shook her all body in fear, but right then she calmed down, understanding situation. Amini was almost sure, he was hearing some strange voice in his head. This voice was addressed to Zira.

“Be strong! Swim to the bank... left... on left!”

Lion tensed in efford. He started to work harder with all limps and so eight paws were pushing water. Shore became closer with every move and Amini felt spark of hope in his heart. Strange voice was giving him strength and help from Zira increased they speed significantly.

So, in such situation, two meters from the bank, they hit a rock on waterfall’s edge.

*

“Stars!” yelled Doria, seeing pair of lions. Zira and Amini was holding with paws a rock on river edge. Stream was dragging them to the abyss, so their rear legs was helplessly hanging over emptiness. Golden Lionesses were still standing on Prideland’s bank, too far to even think about rescue. Also, stream was much too fast there to wade.

But on the Outland’s side three silhouettes appeared. Rouge lions – Horen, Daki and Laki (who was holding crying Vitani) ran to bluff and stood, uncertainly.

“And what now?” asked Daki.

“What usually.” Replied Horen. “Troubles.” And he jumped to waterfall’s rock.

Lion was spotted in blood and some cut, inflicted by log was seen on his side. But he pounced with determination to his friend and Zira.

“Grab my paw!” he ordered, and lioness obediently caught his limb. In one strong attempt, Horen pulled her to rock closer the bank. Amini, freed from extra burden, got himself better basis. Rouge leader hugged queen and they both jumped to Outland’s beach. Amini followed them in next moment.

“They’re here!” called Daki to lionesses on other bank.

Zira and blackmaned lion felt on sand helplessly. Exhaustion pinned them down immediately. Only lioness raised her head and barely whispered a question.

“Vitani? Nuka?”

“Wet as you, but on the safe ground.” Replied Laki, pointing Vitani, lying on sand. “Vii is already on our side, she will be here with Nuka any moment.”

Zira nodded with relief and again felt on beach, she closed her eyes.

“What... with... them?” panted Horen.

“Easy, boss...” replied Daki. “Just seasickness...” he and Laki burst in laughter. Rouge shook his head, faking anger, but then he joined to giggling. Meanwhile, Vitani went to Zira and cuddled in mother side.

“Ow... my dear...” whispered lioness to cub. “It was so close.”

After few moments, Vii bring Nuka. Cub pounced on his mother and exclaimed.

“Wow! Mommy! I was so scared!” Zira smiled with clear fatigue on her face.

“And so was I... but we are all together now!”

“Zira...” muttered Horen silently. Lioness turned her stare to him. “Please, forgive me. I lost your cub...”

“Are you crazy?” panted Zira, faking amaze and anger. “You saved her! No one could predict those blasted logs... You are brave, Horen. I’m in your debt.” But then she closed her eyes, due to weariness.

“Zira... we take Nuka and Vitani.” Said Vii. “They must be dried. We’ll handle that.” Lioness nodded, still lying on the ground.

“All right!” Horen almost fully regained his vigour. “Leave them here, let them rest. We will go upstream, to meet others. Then we have to hunt something...” he went to lying Amini. “We leave you there. In case, call us. You’ll be all right?” motionless lion murmured something like confirmation. “So, go!” ordered Horen.

Lions and lioness started on west, leaving Zira and Amini, lying exhausted on beach. Dawn was coming and east side of horizon was enlighten with glare of raising sun. Zira opened her eyes and looked on rouge lion.

“Ow, Stars... you have saved me.”

“You’re welcome.” Replied weary voice of blackmaned one. “At least, I was useful.”

“You was... so brave...” Zira whispered and added louder. “And so stupid! You could die down there. Why did you risk?”

Amini opened his eyes too and replied with gallant smile.

“Just to hear that question from your lips.”

They both burst in laughter. Zira crawled to lying Amini and licked him in forehead. Lion smiled and murmured with joy.

“Probably, I will never return you this favour.” Said queen.

“You already have done it.” Replied black maned.

“Aren’t you hurt? How do you feel?” asked lioness.

“Fine... I’m... just cold.” Muttered Amini. “You know... dawns are most cold time of day... and this bath...”

“I hate water.” Said Zira. “And I’m cold too. Don’t you mind...” she crawled closer and cuddled to lion. “Just to warm up.”

“Yeah... just to warm up.” Replied Amini and hugged queen.

*

About midday, rest of pride found them still sleeping, side to side, with smile on theirs faces.