14 – The royal match

“All right, I must admit... It got out of hand.” Said Tarki unwillingly.

Two lion’s ghost were following after Golden Pride and Amini. They wished to walk like any other lion does, or at lest Scar wanted that. He had said, that he must be so close to Zira, as it’s possible. So Tarki agreed to accompany nephew, under one condition – dead king had to carry him on back. So Tarki was riding on Scar, cuddling to his mane, if not a dramatic situation, starcub would look as he was enjoying this trip. But face of greeneyed was serious, unexpectedly serious.

“Outrun them.” Ordered Tarki. “I must see everything.” So Scar increased his speed and joined to lion’s group. On left side of Zira Amini was marching, so Scar came on right side of his mate. He matched they speed and looked on lioness with love and devotion. He was gazing on beautiful face of Zira for some time, then he noticed, that from opposite side the same stare was adoring queen. Amini was as focused on lioness as dead king.

“But you have an advantage.” Said Tarki, almost reading in mind of nephew. “You have a stunning handsome guy on your back. Point for you!” Scar shook his mane in irritation. “Come on, look at her! Are you jealous? Zira living by your memory and loves you as no other in this world.”

“I know.” Replied king. “And somehow I’m jealous, because he is with her alive and I’m just a shadow... But this is stupid. I feel, what she feels. And... I really wish, that she would be with Amini, love him and raise cubs with him. He is... almost worthy to be her mate. Maybe more than me.”

Tarki sighed with both sympathy and irritation.

“Stop this... I like such romantic stuff, but no before the battle.” Muttered. “Come on, faster. I want to see, what is happening there.” He pointed on Priderock, growing before they in bright light of full moon.

Meanwhile, Zira was giving last instructions to her army.

“No charging. We are only the decoy, to draw pride out of Priderock. Honen and twins will do the job, right?” some murmurs affirmed queen’s orders. “Stay close in tight formation, just like Sparthi once taught us.” Zira recalled face of Golden King and called in mind: “Brother, help us!’ the she added aloud. “Don’t risk, this is to be just... aggressive defensive. Let try to focus on one target... If Simba is guarded well, we will get Nala. If she is in second rank, attack first lioness, I hit. Right?”

“I’m impressed.” Said sandymaned lion, who appeared next to group. He looked directly on Scar and Tarki, so they knew, he was a ghost too. “She have never listened to my advises, saying I think too much... But she remembered them anyway. Good work sis!” he said in queen’s direction, but of course, she didn’t hear him. So desert lion turned again to Ancient Ones. “Looks pretty grim, right?”

Scar immediately recognized Sparthi, although they had known each other just for few days and Golden King was already too sick, to talk.

“Good to see you again, Sparthi.” Said dead king. “This arrogant on me names Tarki and he is my uncle. Are you here to help?” newcomer smiled with bitter smile.

“No, just to congratulate my sister and brother-in-law marriage, birth of cubs and to condole... of course only to widow.” Tarki burst in laughter but got silent, after another shock from Scar. “Sorry, I’m to guard Zira with all my might.” But he added with quieter voice. “But I must say, that I was really glad, when you become mates. I wish I were alive to that time.”

“Thanks.” Replied Scar. “But answering to your question: yes, they’re in grave danger. We can’t count on those rouges from second division. They will leave after slightest menace of defeat... Or when they won’t find Shakisa on Priderock.”

“So... One lion against one lion and five lionesses against at least eleven lionesses? To get draw is very optimistic plan.”

“When you were not here, we were thinking just about defeat.” Replied Scar. “Help us. You are dead since over two years.”

“I’m over thirteen years.” Boasted Tarki. “But it doesn’t make me more creative.”

For a while, they were marching in silence, breaking just with orders of Zira and short replies of lionesses. Finally Tarki asked.

“What do you can? I mean, if you have any influence on your sister.” He sighed and confesses. “Because we have not. I’m too far from her... I like her, she is quite hot...” he was nudged by Scar. “...but I have never known her during her life. And my nephew is... too close to interfere on Zira. I can’t explain it, but his love to her... and her love to him somehow disturb any contact. Have you tried?”

“No.” said Sparthi with sorrow. “But I will try. What about other members of pride?”

“I made short contact with Amini.” Reported Scar. “But it was extremely hard. I’m new here and I know almost nothing.”

“Who is against us?” asked desert king with serious voice.

“What?” amazed Scar.

“Don’t say that no other Ancient One supports Pridelanders. This whole situation was clearly set up.”

“But who...”

“Mufasa, for sure.” Replied Tarki. “Probably Ahadi, my brother, is supporting them too.”

Scar froze in place, that two lionesses passed him thought.

“You haven’t said me that!” exclaimed.

“Surprise.” Muttered Tarki. “And what would this changed? Go!” dead king started again and outran living lions. “I will deal with any Ancient One... and you will try to contact someone from your pride, Sparthi.” He nudged Scar’s back. “And you will be supporting Amini with all you might. How? I have no idea. You can’t? Great, but you must. Some questions? No, thank you.” Starcub finished his monologue and nudged nephew again. “Faster! Let see, what is waiting on our old home.”

*

“There is no time to wait!” screamed Kilia. “We must find Hawaa! Go with me!”

Sarafina knew, that they had no other choice, but she grabbed her friend to calm he panic. She easily pinned her to the ground, because terrified mother was in shock.

“Listen to me!” said Sarafina with calm and slow voice. “We will go for Hawaa, but you have to calm down. Where will we go? Think!”

“To... a...” Kilia understood, that she had no idea, where her daughter might be. “I don’t know.”

Older lioness sighed and closed her eyes. She was intelligent lioness and she considered herself as rather self-possessed. But this was an extreme situation and she was scared that her wrong decision would cost life of innocent cub. She was sure that Kilia was too panicked to think rationally. All responsibility laid on her.

“There was no possibility that someone stole her. I was on ledge all the time since you went sleep. She had to gone herself, I could have failed noticed her. But think: where?”

Kilia was shaking in fear, but hard grab of her friend was slowly restoring her reason. She narrowed her eyes in mind effort and said uncertainly.

“In last days, she was still talking about Nuka... Zira’s cub. She... wanted Golden Ones back.”

Sarafina’s brain was working on the highest rate. She quickly combined recent melancholy of cub with rumours about Zira’s pride. That she realised, that cub could hear her talk with Sarabi and Nala. She whispered in mind. “Ow, Ahadi! She think, we are going to hurt Nuka, her best friend! She...”

“To the river!” ordered and let loose her friend. She instantly turned to cave’s exit and started with full speed outside. Kilia followed her with blot of new hope. If Sarafina was sure of something, she was too. Two lionesses ran to Priderock’s ledge, then speeded downhill on path to rock’s foot. Kilia outspeeded older friend and directed ahead, right on west.

“Wait!” screamed Sarafina. “There!” she pointed north and terrified mother turned in this direction. “Follow me!” ordered queen’s mother and Kilia barely obeyed. She was burning to find her daughter as soon as it was possible. But she needed guidance. Only because of that she joined Sarafina and was marching with her speed.

“Faster! Faster!” she was repeating, but still going with her guide. They passed next to moderate shrub and started to run north. From the bushes three silhouettes came out.

“Don’t ask me.” Said amazed Horen. “I have idea, what they are doing. But this is only helping us in our work.”

Three rouges stood from savannah, giving up theirs camouflage. There was no need to hide. Priderock was empty.

“Boss, I don’t like it!” said Daki, following his leader in path uphill.

“Yeah!” agreed Laki. “If they have hostages here, why they left them unguarded?”

“Because, there are no hostages!” gasped redmaned. “That Shakisa is probably dead. We are here only to confirm it.”

They entered silent main cave. It was dark, still, but not totally abandoned. Timon and Pumbaa were laying in corner of main chamber, shaking on all body.

“Those are those <hostages>?” asked Horen with anger. “There are just preys! Warthog and mongoose...”

“He is actually a merkaat, sir!” interrupted Pumbaa.

“Shout up, we are playing dead!” yelled Timon.

“I was just defending you honour...” replied warthog, but he froze in silence, when redmaned lion came to him.

“Move and die!” gasped Horen. “Answer only to my questions and I will let you live. Are you ready?”

“YES!” called friends in panic.

“First question: where is Shakisa and her cub?”

“Not here!” yelled Timon.

“Great.” Smiled Horen. He turned to his companions. “Let’s go!”

“But boss!” protested Daki. “Don’t believe him!”

“We must interrogate him!” added Laki.

Twins came to scared creatures, Daki grabbed Pumbaa in strong grip and Laki caught Timon in paw. He raised paralysed merkaat and got him over his mouth.

“If you don’t answer or we judge, you lie, my bro will eat him. Do you understand?” Pumbaa nodded. “So, where is Shakisa.”

“I don’t know!” yelled warthog and Laki lowered Timon to mouth. “Simba exiled her! Stop!” Laki stopped to closing his jaws. “It was just after Scar’s death! Whole pride took Shakisa and her cub and escort them... I guess, to border... I don’t know which one.”

“Let him go!” said Horen. “Pigs don’t lie.”

Timon was released and landed awkwardly on the rock floor. But he instantly stood and ran to Pumbaa’s corner. Meanwhile, Horen was finishing search of cave.

“No one is here!” he judged. “Those preys have right. There even no place to imprison a lion! Our mission is over.” Finished with relief and ran out from cave. Twins followed him leaving shaking Timon and Pumbaa without a word.

“Are they gone?” whispered warthog.

“I guess...” replied Timon. “Carnivores, oy!”

*

Two divisions were standing against themselves in silence, waiting for first move of enemy.

Zira wasn’t in hurry, first - because she was leading just decoy team, second - Simba was hidden behind rank of lionesses and Nala was standing right in a middle of row, well guarded. But she was about to be main target. Golden queen was preparing herself in spirit.

Her small army was formed in optimal formation: she with Amini in middle, Rama and Doria on left, Vii and Theli on right. But anyway they looked pathetic in front of eleven lionesses and one lion. Zira knew, that fight was unavoidable, but she was hoping, that rouges in any moment report of accomplishing their mission.

“You are not welcome here!” growled Simba. In that moment moon was covered by heavy, rainy clouds.

“You aren’t person, who could welcome me here.” Replied Zira. “This is land of king Scar and his heir.” She looked on Pridelanderesses. “Bow to king Scar and give away this usurper.” She pointed on Simba. “Then I’ll let you live.”

Zira noticed few disturbing things. All lionesses from Simba’s pride were self-confident and determined. Also, they are looking on Golden Ones with scorn and hostility. So, there were no chances for mutiny against usurper. Only Sakia, grey-fured and blue-eyed lioness wasn’t so enraged on attackers. She was looking rather like lost and scared. Her stare for one second met with Zira’s. lioness called in silence just one word <Sorry!>, but she was still standing in foe’s rank.

“Release Shakisa and Yakta!” gasped golden queen, but she noticed just empty stare of Simba. “Let the cub out! He has nothing to do with our fight.” Added, and threat turned almost to plead.

“There is no Shakisa here, as well as her cub.” Answered usurper. “We exiled her. Haven’t she joined your pride?” asked with some doubts in  his voice.

“Stars, he is probably telling truth!” thought Zira with fear. “So if Shakisa haven’t found us...”

“MURDERER!” roared queen. “You have killed both your king and innocent cub! You are damned!”

Simba narrowed his eyes and ice bolt hit his heart. Something came terribly wrong, he didn’t want to kill anybody. For sure, not mother and child. Felt very uncertain, but Nala replied instead of him.

“King punished a rebel. He showed her mercy, sparing life. Say one word more and you won’t get such a luck.”

“One word more!” gasped Zira. “Where have you left her?”

“None of your...” started Nala, but Simba said.

“At the border with Mighty Jungle.” His voice was expressing almost regret. Simba came before rank of lioness, although scared Nala wanted to stop him. But he just stepped between she and Parani and stood just two meters before Zira.

“Go away.” Said firmly. “I don’t want any more killing.”

“Yes... you have killed enough!” replied Zira with freezing voice.

“You do not stand a chance.” Continued Simba, hiding again behind his pride. “Don’t make me to do what I’m don’t want to. But my father’s law orders me...”

“Your father’s law is dead!” gasped queen. “This is Scar’s land and his law is ruling it. Accept it or die.”

In this moment, she noticed three silhouettes, walking trough savannah on north-east. Yes, rouges were going, but not in battlefield direction. Lioness heard gulp of Amini, who probably saw them too. So, they were abandoned, standing against stronger enemy. Zira understood, that they were no chances. There were only two ways: to retreat or to fight to death. Other lionesses understood it too.

“My queen.” Whispered Rama. “We are with you and we will be with you... But think about your cubs... Scar’s cubs.”

“I will hold them.” Said Amini. Zira looked on him with uncertain stare. “It’s my fault, I let them go.” Added with breaking voice. “Forgive, my queen, I failed. Tell you cubs, that I’m sorry. I love you!”

“Amini, NO!” called Zira, but lion pounced on lionesses rank.

Blackmaned jumped on back of surprised Nala and bounced further, to Simba. He felt on him with extended paws and instantly grabbed his neck. King felt to the ground trying to pin adversary with all his mass. Amini gasped in pain, but he didn’t get Simba’s neck loose. They were rolling on the ground, behind surprised lionesses.

“Zira, run!” called blackmaned, but in next second he roared in pain, when king inflicted him first blow. They stopped in plain’s basin, wrestling in merciless fight.

“Retreat!” ordered Zira. “NOW! Rama, help me!” she started to rank of Pridelanderesses.

Although three lioness drew back, to help Simba, eight remained in tight formation, waiting for enemy.

“I’m sorry, my friend.” Whispered queen, when she saw, that her lionesses were speeding north and Rama stayed at her back. “But we can’t leave him. And we must get time for ours pridesisters.”

“I love you, my lady.” Muttered old lioness. “And I won’t let them get you... too easy!”

Two friends pounced on row of foes.

“NO! back!” called Amini, pinned down by Simba and three Pridelanderesses. He was fighting desperately to free his paws, but them were blocked by king’s body. Meanwhile, lionesses were trying to get to his neck. In last attempt, blackmaned extended his claws and started to cut Simba’s body, that was pressing his limbs. King roared from unexpected pain and jumped up. Amini, freed for just moment, used this opportunity, to stand on foot. He started to run in north direction, hitting one of Prideland’s lioness with his body. Lighter, weaker and surprised female felt on the ground, but two of her friends were preparing to pounce.

“ZIRA! RUN!” screamed Amini.

Zira and Rama were in centre of tight ring of lionesses. Touching with back, they were covering themselves, hitting every foe, that tried to attack. It was perfect way of defence, unfortunately, too tiring to keep it long. Nala entered the ring and called.

“Give up and plead for mercy!”

In next second she was hit in head by Amini’s paws. Lion jumped into the circle, trampling from body of stunned Simba and stuck it from inside. He pushed away two lionesses, making a gap between. Zira and Rama noticed this chance at once and run to free space. All three made to savannah, followed by chaotic chase. Even Simba barely stood on foot and it took few seconds to recognize the situation.

“Get them!” ordered stunned king and started with uncertain walk. He was running like drunk, with zigzag route – the hit of Amini made him dizziness.

Trio of runners was speeding through the plain. Zira looked on companions with fear.

“Hurt?” asked briefly.

“A little.” Replied Amini.

“No, but...” panted Rama.

Queen knew, what she had on mind. Older lioness was unable to maintain such a speed for long. In that rate, they wouldn’t get to the river. And they also couldn’t – they had to slow pursuit enough for rest of lioness to get on other bank.

“Rama, don’t do that!” begged queen.

“I... must!” panted old lioness. “I can’t... slow you down...” she had to made few breaths to speak further. “I won’t make it anyway... I will stop them, when...” again, she made pause. “...I feel, I can’t go further.” She looked on Amini, running at her side. “When will come... your turn... try to hit in tendons... slow them!”

Queen understood, what they were talking about: How to cripple as many persecutors, as they would be able. So, Rama was already lost and Amini was ready to sacrifice himself too. That was too much. She was unable to stand so much suffering. She was losing her dear friend... two dearest friends and one from them was father of her cub. She failed them, as well as she failed Scar.

“Rama...” cried out Zira, but she didn’t slow, then old lioness stopped in place and turned to pursuit.

“Come on...” whispered Rama, extending her claws and preparing to swansong fight. “I’ll show you, how dies Golden Lioness!”

Simba and five lionesses passed desert one, still chasing queen and Amini, but remaining six jumped on Rama and covered her like a locust. Exhausted lioness even didn’t feel the pain of tearing body. She was just inflicting her blows, mainly to foe’s legs, not caring about own wounds. Somehow, she dodged second, third and next blows. Just like her body was guided by some unknown force, that allowed old and weak lioness to cut younger and stronger adversaries. Instead of burning pain from slashed back, she felt some soothing and well known presence of old friend. “Your majesty!” called in mind, seeing Sparthi, guiding her paws with his own. Ghost was fighting with living one, in almost perfect union. Extended senses of Ancient warned Rama from every incoming hit and his strength helped her to fight with her own claws. Lioness felt that she was dying – first cut on side, from back to armpit, cut paw artery, that was flooding grass beneath with hot blood. But until there was some life in Rama’s veins, she was slashing and biting hard, thanks to support of her monarch. When finally, her sight started to fade, she knew, that she severely wounded two enemies and painfully hit third one. Zira’s chances grown... Now it was Amini’s turn.

“Sir, I was trying!” whispered Rama, falling under cruel blows of Pridelanderesses.

“Hush, my dear... It all is over now.” Said Sparthi and grabbed lioness’s spirit, leaving the fallen body.

*

“Stop them!” shouted Tarki, gripping Mufasa’s neck.

Both ghost were laying on invisible floor over Prideland’s savannah. Small cub was keeping giant lion in steel grip, not to choke him (what was impossible), but to prevent dead king from others interventions. Scene might looks really weird, but in skyword the real strength was that hidden one. Older, but smaller ghost was surely mightier.

“Get of me... uncle!” panted Mufasa with effort. “It must be... that way!”

“Stop Simba!”

Then both Ancient Ones felt bolt of pain and understood that someone had died. Blood had been spilled, there was no way back. Tarki hopelessly get his nephew loose.

“Don’t let him kill Zira!” ordered starcub. “Or we will kill Simba!”

Mufasa looked on greeneyed with sudden fear. Then he noticed well known aura, speeding through plain. That was Scar, his brother, ready to support Amini in his fight.

“Do you understand?” gasped Tarki. “Let her live or I will let Scar do his job.”

Mufasa started to run after his son. On his route, he met Sparthi and Rama, slowly descending up.

“Forgive, my friend... I will back for you.” Whispered golden king to ear of his pridemate. “But you know I must stop this carnage.”

He ran just after dead and living king.

15 – Crushed dreams

“Tell Scar, that I’m his loyal son... and heir!” called Nuka and pushed laying body of Simba into fiery abyss.

But suddenly smoke was blown out by unexpected blast of wind. Nuka saw clearly that Simba shook with bolt of new energy, jumped ahead... trampling on vivid shadow of the lion. King flew next to Scar’s son and started blind run to outset of gorge. It was impossible – lion saw that usurper had closed eyes, whole covered with tears, but he was still speeding, avoiding any vents and gaps in rock floor.

“Wait!” screamed and pounced on running Simba.

But somehow wounded lion jumped with even greater speed that Nuka missed him by centimetres. He wasn’t sure if what was real or just phantom, but he noticed shadow silhouette, following Simba. And when Scar’s son hit with paw in usurper’s back, he felt resistance of this shady specter.

“No!” growled and crouched to pounce on enemy.

But in that moment seismic shock caused small avalanche of rock and dirt from gorge’s slope. Nuka jumped after Simba to solid ground, but there his legs were pinned down by mass of falling stones. He yelled with pain and felt on the ground. Usurper, still followed by lion’s phantom, left dangerous zone and was speeding ahead to the river. Nuka’s plan failed.

Lion cried out from both pain and anger and turned back, to see, what had happened. His legs were covered with gravel, made him immobile. That was an accident not dangerous enough to kill him, but serious enough to stop his plan. Simba was gone. Nuka started to unearth his pinned down limbs, but this was work for long minutes. Too long, to do it and chase Simba, before he leave volcanic zone. And even if... Brown maned lion was guiding by unnatural force, that neutralised Nuka’s trap. Scar’s son felt bolt of shame so painfully, that he regret that Simba didn’t return and kill him in place.

“Mother... Hawaa... I’ve failed you...” sobbed, digging in heavy gravel.

*

Simba didn’t know, what was happening with him. Just a second before sure doom, he just felt new wave of energy and somehow he started to see again. He jumped on ledge, passed surprised Outlander and started to run through gorge. Although he was seeing again, his lungs were crying for fresh air. He was choking.

Maybe because of chocking dim of mind, he saw nothing unusual in his sudden rescue. He didn’t  see lion’s phantom, who appeared next to him and pushed him back on the ledge. He didn’t understand, that he was looking through not own eyes, but eyes of the dead protector. He calmed down not before outset of gorge. And there he saw another surprise.

Young, beautiful, grayfured and blue-eyed lioness was standing on his way to the river. She was looking on Simba with terror and when he came closer, she burst in sudden tears. Felt on the ground with loud sobbing and whispered.

“...Nuka...” then she turned her stare again on Prideland’s king and gasped with freezing voice. “You... killed... him...” and pounced on mighty lion with unbelievable speed.

*

“Wait for Simba!” ordered Nala, seeing lionesses starting in tight formation to river ford.

“With all due respect, my queen!” replied Sorphi. “We would be squashed here. Next to the ford we have greater chances... and escape route.”

Nala froze in place. For the very first time she understood, in what danger they were. They just had seen some Outlander, running on cliff up, so assumption that Zira knew, Pridelanders were there, became more than probable. Going on Northern Bank, they wanted to do theirs mission quick and quit before Outlanders would be alarmed. Fight against Zira’s pride was on such area was a suicide. Enemy knew terrain and he wasn’t exhausted with river passing. Also, foes could strike on then from cliff in total surprise. They had to get nearer Graveyard Ford, where at least that threat was minimal, due to cliffs - lower and more distant from river. So responsible leader should order to draw back to better position... and responsible leader wouldn’t guide them there. “What has possessed us, that we are here?” asked queen in mind. “This all looks absurd, like... it was set up!” finished with heart beating fast. “Simba! This is a trap!”

“Get girls to the ford.” Ordered Nala to Sarabi. „Mom, you stay here as a our liaison.” Turned to Sarafina.

“Where are you going?” amazed her mother.

“Simba is in danger!” replied she and started running on bank, in gorge’s direction. “Try to hold until we’re back...” called and disappeared in darkness.

“Don’t think too much.” Advised Sarafina. “We would start to panic.”

Pridelanderesses started in tight formation on west, to Graveyard Ford.

*

Zira was speeding on lead of her pride. She was amazed and she still couldn’t believe in what had happened. It was something between a miracle and a disaster and could become any of them. She was cursing herself, that she hadn’t Nuka’s idea earlier. If this was executed perfectly, it could bring flawless victory. Now, without Kovu, victory was still unsure. But all was about to revealed, when they would be in place. On time.

“Faster, sisters! This is our chance!” called and speeded up.

*

Simba was shocked, that he survived only by coincidence. Or maybe, he was still supporting by those unknown force.

Charge of Hawaa threw him on the ground. He fell awkwardly, hitting head in rock surface. Probably because he lost his balance so early, hit directed in his eyes just cut just his forehead. But before he stood, he was once again hit with lionesses body. Simba didn’t believe that female could move with so stunning speed, that she managed to land and prepare to next pounce in few seconds. He knew only one lioness, who was so deadly fighter, that could be grave threat to much heavier and stronger male. It was Zira, but attacking lioness wasn’t Outland’s queen.

“So, there are two of them.” Thought Simba and then terrible pain enflamed his neck.

Hawaa jumped on enemy, pinning him to the ground and grabbing his neck. She stabbed him with extended paws of both paws and started to tear his fur and muscles apart. Just millimetres before reaching of left neck’s aorta she stuck, because of long and thick hairs of lion’s mane. Simba, feeling approaching death, shock in despair, throwing Hawaa from his back. Lioness’s claws stuck out from wounds, causing two fountains of blood. But arteries of Pridelander were intact.

Outlanderess landed on four paws and trampled from rock wall on Simba. Lion managed only think: “That this is impossible, no one fights like this!” and raise his paw to block coming blow. Hawaa only reached his mane and gripped his fur with fury. Simba yelled, after that painful drag, but he was able just too rid enemy, by shaking his head. Hawaa jumped to him in face to face wrest. Lion smiled, knowing that he was far to strong, to be prevailed by female. But in next second his world exploded with pain. He was kicked in groin with lethal precision. He panted and felt motionless on the ground. By dimmed sight, he noticed shadow of enemy, raising her paw to inflict fatal blow...

...and then Nala came.

His mate pounced on Hawaa and they both felt on the ground few meters away. Despite of surprise, Outlanderess’s quickly shock Pridelanderess out from back and stood up. Before Nala got up, Hawaa hit her in neck. Lioness have no mane to resist power of the blow, so Outlanderess’s claws plunged in Nala’s flesh, much easier that in Simba’s. Queen saved her life only by falling down and crouching. But she knew, that in next moment she would be stabbed for once more.

Simba came in last moment. Lion hobbled to fighting lionesses and slashed Hawaa in back. He dragged claws through enemy and until she turned to him, eight parallel, red cuts burst on grey fur.

“Grey... Just like ours...” wondered Simba and was hit by blind retaliation of Hawaa’s paw.

“Kill her!” screamed terrified voice of lion, but it wasn’t heard by anyone. Calling one was ghost... once king of Prideland, Ahadi.

Ancient One knew, that he had already broken the pact, by helping Mufasa in gorge. So what the difference would make another intervention? He ran to his grandson and blow on him his own might. Simba instantly recover initiative and blocked hit from Hawaa. Meanwhile, Nala was preparing to jump.

“Good...” smiled star lion, but in next second he was pinned down by other spectre.

“NO!” screamed Scar. “Tarki, help her!”

“Taka?!” amazed Ahadi, wrestling with his own son.

“Scar, I can’t! I’m arbiter!”

So blackmaned released Ahadi and jumped in living ones direction. But there was too late. Simba hit Hawaa in face and right in the same moment, Nala struck her with all her mass. Outlanderess was thrown away by this bolt of energy. Rolling uncontrollably, she moved to bank and felt into river.

“NO!” called both Scar and Nuka.

Ghost was watching this from bank, his son saw this from gorge. Nuka speeded up, but his pathetic hobbling was anyway slow as termite’s run. He was jumping on three legs, because fourth one was wounded and partially paralysed. With terror, he saw, that severely wounded Hawaa disappeared behind edge of bank and Simba with his mate departed to ford’s direction. Nuka was still hobbling, but he had grave consciousness, that it was useless.

“They are coming!” screamed Nala, noticing Nuka. She thought, that crippled lion is the vanguard of new wave of enemies. “Run, faster!” she hurried her mate.

Scar looked on his father with tears in his immaterial eyes.

“You did it again...” he whispered.

“No... Taka, I just wanted to...” yelled dead king with sudden wave of remorse.

“You had to really hate me, if that hatred hasn’t ceased with death.” Said Scar and disappeared.

“SON!” called Ahadi, but there was only Tarki from Ancient Ones.

“You broke our pact, brother.” gasped greeneyed cub. “You... just killed this girl.”

“Nuka was trying to kill Simba...”

“An eye for an eye, Ahadi?” asked Tarki with bitter voice. “Neither Scar nor I stated this. But we will end!” and starcub disappeared too.

*

Sarafina had been hearing sounds of fight and started in gorge’s direction. But before she got there, she heard also sound of slashing water. She ran to bank and...

“HAWAA!” screamed in fear, seeing motionless lioness, floating in fast stream of river. “We have killed her!” she thought and felt burning flame of pain in her heart. But then floating lioness opened her eyes and started to awkwardly trying to remain of surface. Blood was letting from her multiple wounds and she was drowning. Sarafina knew, that she could do only one thing.

“Hold on, my dear!” she called and jumped into raging water.

Shock for old lioness was great. Water abyss was cold and running fast, so Sarafina just surrender to overwhelming might of stream and was floating helplessly for few moments. Slowly, she recover senses and ability to move and took a look around, searching Hawaa. Her former charge was swimming, or better to say: floating right ahead, so lioness pushed water in several moves and got to drowning one. She instantly raised Hawaa’s head above water surface and heard heavy coughs of her. “Thanks Stars!” she thought. “She is still alive.”

“Nuka... Nuka...” was sobbing Outlanderess, giving in stream of river. After over minute, she noticed, that she is holding by former caretaker.

“Ow, look” she whispered with bitter smile. “They even don’t try to save us...” pointed Pridelanders, standing next to ford and formed in defensive rank against expected enemy. “If there is no Nuka, no one will come for us...” then she looked in Sarafina’s eyes with amaze. “Aunt... what happened to you?”

“Hawaa...” panted old lioness. “I won’t made it to the bank... You must help me...”

“Go yourself... I’m coming to my Nuka.” Replied Outlanderess with sleepy voice. But then Sarafina understood, that her voice wasn’t sleepy. It was symptom of major bleeding and fainting from it. After drowning lioness there was terrifying, red trace in the water. Sarafina’s fur was already pink because Hawaa’s blood. Wounds on armpit was lethal and nothing could changed it.

“No...” cried old lioness and hugger her charge.

“Simba killed Nuka... and killed me...” whispered Hawaa. “And the same Scar, Shakisa, Yakta... will it ever finish? One lion just can’t break so much... This is not fair...” She closed her eyes and asked with airy curiosity. “Is here really so cold here, or it just my bloodlet?”

“Hush.” Sobbed Sarafina. “I will try get us to the bank.”

But there was no use. With burden of wounded Hawaa, queen’s mother was almost immobile. Because of cold water her muscles became more and more weak, that she understood, that she probably wasn’t able to even save herself. High lever of water made stream unexpectedly fast – in not more in quarter they made half of way to Mighty Waterfall. Moon showed from behind the clouds and shone on river and two lionesses in it. Older one noticed, that there was no one on the bank, who might help them. And even if... Hawaa was slowly passing from bleeding, with wound impossible to heal.

“Aunt... it useless.” Whispered Hawaa. “Try to get on bank.”

Lioness laughed despite of tears.

“No... I can’t. I can’t, because I’m already too weak... and I can’t, because I mustn’t leave you.” Said with sad voice. “I did it once and regret it even today.” She cuddled in blood-spotted fur of Hawaa. “At least, in this last way, we will be together.”

For some time, they were floating in silence, listening just to growing sound of waterfall. Finally, Hawaa muttered with weary voice.

“Wake up... Don’t you die before I do.” And laughed silently. “I wonder...”

“Yes, my dear?” asked Sarafina.

“Why it came to this, aunt?” she whispered. “It all could go right... Simba would be dead right now... Sad, because of one dead... But this would be the only one. Both prides united under Zira’s and Nuka’s power... Memory of Scar would be restored... But for Pridelanders would be free to salute Simba and Mufasa... We would live too... Why it hasn’t happened?”

Sarafina had no reply to that. Only bitter sorrow was aching her heart. She knew, that death of Hawaa would burn last bridge between prides. There was only one way – war. And they nothing could do with it.

“I don’t know... my dear. Maybe, they will tell us there.” Answered uncertainly and pointed with paw on stars. “Please, try to forgive me and Pridelanders... we tried do our best.”

“I’m not the one that you should sorry.” Said Hawaa and looked on the sky. “Look on north. Somewhere there is Scar’s star. I hope he forgive me failure and that I haven’t guarded Nuka right.”

“Taka?” whispered Sarafina to the firmament. “I really regret, that all came this way... but it came.”

“Ready?” asked Hawaa. “I hear it near.” Yes, sound of waterfall was roaring in ears.

“Ready!” replied Sarafina. “Now, we will see, who has right.”

“Love and loyalty.” Whispered Hawaa. “On both sides... I hate water... Nuka, I’m coming for you.”

Hugging lionesses disappeared behind edge of waterfall. Another turn of the Circle of Life was complete.

*

“It was Sarafina!” were murmuring lionesses, looking on raging river. “They killed Sarafina!”

“Silence!” gasped Sarabi. “Hold formation... look for enemy...”

“Simba!” called Sorphi with relief. Yes, from west king was running with his mate. “We can go now.”

“Are you in hurry?” asked loud voice from cliff above them.

Lionesses turned theirs stares up, just to see vivid shadows on rock. Zira’s pride was there, just waiting to final attack. Nala and Simba joined defensive rank and all Pridelanderesses looked on theirs monarch.

“Retreat, sir?” asked Vinia.

“We can’t.” gasped king. “If we start, they will strike on us, when we are defenceless... And where is Sarafina?”

“Mom?” called Nala uncertainly. Murmur sounded between lionesses. “Where is my mother?” asked queen desperately.

“My lady... I’m so sorry...” whispered Sorphi. “That Outlanderess... got her...”

Nala froze and Simba felt, that they just couldn’t wait. Pride was on the edge of panic.

“Where is Nuka?” called Zira from cliff. “Where is Hawaa?”

“There, where is her place!” replied Vinia. “On the bottom!”

“Hawaa?” whispered Simba with surprise. “I know that name.”

Growl of pain sounded up there. Zira gasped with rage, but she sopped her pride from strike.

“You have killed our sister.” She shouted. “There will be no mercy on you!”

“HAWAA!” they heard painful scream. “HAWAA!” It was coming from path on river’s bank.

Nuka was slowly hobbling on three legs, calling in shock, again and again. In that moment, Simba recalled, who that lioness was. Yes, he remembered those blue eyes and light-grey fur from earliest days of his reign. That was the lost cub... lost under his authority. “Stars!” he called in minds. “I’ve killed my own subject!” He breathed deeply and gave only order he could.

“RETREAT!”

Twelve of Pridelanders jumped to cold river. There were no formation anymore or any order. Just run for life, so sudden that Zira was amazed. Queen was watching lions swimming, every on his or her own, to other bank. There was too late to attack – enemy was scattered, unable to being chase. Outlanders could risk a descent on southern bank... But queen quickly gave up that options. Hawaa was gone, Kovu was not here... She looked on Nuka, to find, that he is unable to swim or fight. Also, river was so enraged, that we was scared about casualties of passing.

“I hope, that you drown... all of you!” called in mind and started to run down.

After few moments she came to Nuka. Her son was still repeating his beloved’s name and gazing pointlessly at east. Zira touched him gently, but he didn’t react. Just... was still hobbling ahead, deaf to every word. Vitani came there too.

“Take some lionesses and search for Hawaa.” Ordered queen. “She still could be alive.” added with no hope in her voice. “Or no, Danthi will do that... You help me take Nuka home...”

“Don’t, mother.” Said Vitani with breaking voice. “Leave him alone... just for some time.”

Meanwhile, lion walked few meters away and didn’t showed any interest in talk of lionesses. He was restlessly repeating name of Hawaa and jumping ahead on three legs.

“So...” thought Zira. “Though was disaster. But it was so close...”

Silent on river bank was disturbing only by monotonous voice of Nuka and sound of speeding water.

*

Vitani found spots of blood on rock at the edge of waterfall. Also, returning at the dawn, she met Nuka, still walking slowly in east direction, repeating name of beloved. She left him alone and back to mother, to report.

Nuka returned to Golden Hall two days later.

He was still hobbling a little, but his leg was about to recover. He was dirty, wet and skeletal attenuate. In his eyes was burning fever. In first impulse, Vitani touched his forehead, but it was cold, like wet fur. So, this fever was flaming only in mind. Nuka went to his mother and felt on the ground before her.

“Will you forgive me, mother?” asked with weary voice.

Zira was enraged, but not on him – on herself. She felt guilty of both failure of son’s plan and death of Hawaa. She wanted to laid next to son, hug him, lick his scratched face and to cry for lost friend and charge. But somehow, she couldn’t. “If he fells guilty, it only make will him stronger.” Whispered some voice in her mind.

“I will.” Replied Zira, but her voice was cold as ice.

“I...” whispered Nuka. “I... have only you now. I will do everything to make you proud.”

“Kovu is the Scar’s heir.” Said Zira. She didn’t want to, knowing, how it was hard to her first son. But it was necessary.

“I know...” replied Nuka. “He will be the king...”

So Scar’s son raised from ground and went out from Golden Hall. Just before the entrance, he met Kovu, just backing to keep with prey. Blackmaned got loose meat from mouth, seeing sick and depressed brother. “And I’m guilty.” Thought. “I was not here to help him.”

“Nuka...” muttered. “I’m sorry... If I can do something...”

“Become a king.” Replied Nuka with hollow voice. “No one could judge kings.”

And he walked alone, ahead and without aim.

Kovu took again meat and stepped into Golden Hall. Vitani greeted him with nod and he ran to mother and bowed his head before her.

“You are here.” Said queen. “But I was not, on that night.” Thought Kovu with bitterness. “Good... You training is almost complete.” Added Zira. “Just few more trials and I will officially acclaim your mission...” she looked on son with sad stare. “And you will have to do it well, because we have a new soul to avenge. We must eradicate them with no mercy! For Scar! For Amini! For... HAWAA!” called golden queen in silence of termite mound.

*

“Are you all right, my dear?” asked Simba, coming to his mate.

They were on the top of Priderock and Nala was looking on the north. Queen was sitting there long hours from death of her mother.

“Come down...” asked Simba. “She wouldn’t want you to be so upset...”

“Zira will die.” Gasped Nala with voice so cold, that Simba froze. “No mercy for this murderess.”

“But now... come down.” Pleaded king of Prideland.

16 – Rouge King

Sarafina and Kilia got to river after long run. They hadn’t found Hawaa in way and queen’s mother scared that they could had missed her. In fact that was quite possible, because plain was extensive and cub small, also searching team was in hurry. “Damn!” thought Sarafina. “And what we do next? Maybe she went somewhere else?”

“And what we do next? Maybe she went somewhere else?” Kilia repeated her thoughts aloud.

“We...” older lioness was desperately searching any solution. “... should split. I will wait next to the ford, in case we outran her and you will go bank to east, maybe she got lost. If you don’t find her, come back here, then you will stay and I’ll go west. Right?”

“Right!” agreed Kilia, but Sarafina suspected that nervous mother barely understood her order, ready to do anything, she told her. Inactivity was unacceptable for her, so Sarafina tried to find her any kind of quest. Kilia started to east with full speed and quickly disappeared behind hill nearby. Older lioness was alone.

She went to highest hill in sight, to get better look on vicinity. From high point and in full moon’s light it was easier, but still hard – she was looking just for tiny cub. She hoped, that Hawaa haven’t missed her way and was going straight to ford. It was not her fault, that she was wrong...

*

“Is this sure right way, boss?” asked Daki, looking on Horen.

“I think...” replied leader. “We are going more to north, to get faster to river. Bank is easier to move on it.”

True and false. In fact, parallel to river there was good track, but Horen had something other in mind. He wanted to reach river as fast, as possible, but he started in north-east to pass fighting place in safe direction. He was afraid, that on look of Amini in danger, spirit of war would wake up in twins. He didn’t want to risk, so he was guiding brothers in roundabout way. But even here, war found them. Or at least, Horen thought so.

“Go!” ordered to friends. “I will catch you in minute.”

“Right, boss.” Confirmed Laki, without slowing.

Horen ran on nearby hill, where he had spotted lone silhouette of lioness. “Damn!” he thought. “Zira’s girl, looking for reinforcements! They want to make hero oren though so.against my will... But I won’t play in that games.” He came to basin behind hill, where he met lioness. Before said anything, he started with emotional voice.

“Thank Stars, I found you! I’m looking for boys, they lost, when we were chasing some Simba’s sidekicks. I’ll get them and we will back. Let meet next to ford...” but lioness didn’t seem to even understanding, what redmaned was talking about.

“Hawaa! Hawaa!” was repeating. Horen judged, that he didn’t remember that lioness from Zira’s pride.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Horen. We probably haven’t been introduced...” but in that moment, he noticed, that fur of lioness is grey and she is completely different from desert lionesses from Outlands. “O... damn!” gasped, when he understood, he met Pridelander. “Hi... Long live Simba!” called, trying to switch his banner.

“Where is Hawaa...” she looked on lion with insane eyes. “YOU STOLE MY BABY!” and she pounced on him with extended claws.

Horen was acts fast, sometimes even faster than he thinks. Maybe, that had kept him alive for five years. So in impulse, he blocked charge of Kilia and grabbed her head.

“Shut up!” he gasped and chocked her scream with paw. Lioness was winding in his grip and after few second, she freed one paw, attending to hit him in eyes. Horen do, what instinct told him to do: kill, or be killed. He loose grip on mouth, so Kilia screamed, but he instantly slashed her lower, on neck. Lioness call was cut in one second and redmaned noticed, that he had slit her throat in one clean blow.

“O... Stars!” he gasped, jumping back and letting convulsing body on a ground. Wave of blood came right after. “I...” whispered, but there was no time for regret. He laid down in wet grass and wiped out spot of blood from fur. Fortunately for him, his mane was red anyway, so he wasn’t messed too much on fur. “Time to get out of here!” muttered and ran north, where he left twins. He overtook them after short time.

“What has happened?” asked Daki.

“We heard some noise?” added Laki.

“Go...” replied Horen, thinking intensively. Then, he found brilliant explanation. “Or I tell you now... They won!” exclaimed, faking joy. Twins turned to him with inquiring stare. “That... Kilia told me.” Said, hoping brothers didn’t remembered, that there wasn’t any Kilia in strike team. “Amini killed Simba and those Pridelanders gave up. Amini will be the king!”

Daki and Laki burst in triumphal laughter.

“Wow, boss!” called Daki. “It’s great! Our buddy is a king!”

“Ow...” added Laki. “Maybe that is better, we left?”

“Definitely!” agreed Horen. Picture of dying lioness came before his eyes but he represses haunting memory. “I lied? Maybe. But who saw that?” asked in mind and followed after giggling twins.

Well, he was wrong. Someone saw this and this was Hawaa.

Cub slowly came to dead body of mother and with burning panic in her mind, she touched it. Then she saw giant pool of blood and she screamed with terror. Her mother was dead... killed by some mysterious lion, who called <long live Simba!>. Cub was too shocked to think rationally, so this picture in her mind quickly changed to king himself, slitting her mother’s throat. Cub burst in tears.

“Mom! Is that because of me? He killed you, because I want run to Zira and Nuka?” Terrible burden of guilt aggravated her heart. She cuddled to bloodred fur of lioness and mixed her tears with dead one’s blood. She was crying loud, but not loud enough, for anyone to hear her. She was alone on this word, without any care or protection...

But no! There was one person, to whom she could go. After her pride disowned her and so called <king> killed her mother, she had no way back, only straight path ahead. To Zira and Nuka, her only living family now.

“I’m sorry, mother...” whispered to dead body. “But you see... we couldn’t live with them... They are murderers! I love you, mommy...” she sobbed to full moon. “And someday... I will avenge you!”

Sudden bolt of anger gave small cub strength. She turned north and started in Outland’s direction with full speed, leaving dead body of mother behind. So there were nothing more to keep her in Prideland. In that brutal way, she was freed from any responsibility or duty with Priderock. She could make her choice... and this wasn’t hard one. She was going, where she felt, she really belonged.

*

From hill on plain Zira and Amini saw, that Vii was already in river, swimming to northern bank and Thela was almost on beach. But Doria still had long way to make and she was clearly exhausted. Thela stopped and looked back. She looked like she was determined to wait for friend. But there was no time – pursuit was near.

“Zira...” panted Amini. “My time... has come! I’ll stop them.” Simba and five lionesses were just behind them, climbing on hill, that they were running down.

“Amini...” called Zira and looked on lion.

He was calm and smiling airy, like this was just funny run, not run for life. In his eyes there was expression of love and devotion, that Zira froze in inside. Lion wanted to fulfil his oath: to support and defend, without waiting for any reward.

“Remember me...” called. “I love you... but I hope, Scar will forgive that. It’s stronger than me... just... you are my queen.” Then he narrowed his eyes and added quickly. “But now go! Faster!” Zira turned north and speeded up.

And blackmaned lion crouched down to grass right behind top of hill. He was invisible for Pridelanders, coming on slope. He was waiting to take them from surprise. Sound of heavy steps was telling him, that wouldn’t take long.

“Get Zira through the river!” ordered Scar to Sparthi. “I will help Amini.”

Sandy-maned lion nodded and overtook his sister. And dead king went to crouching lion and touched him with soothing and supporting touch.

“Good work, my friend. I won’t let you die... in vain.”

And then Pridelanders came.

[“To save” song. Tune of verses is taken from first bars of Confutatis from Mozart’s Requiem (d-moll, kv 626), but played in little faster tempo. Chorus find out at your own, by it must be in similar sublimed tone. Z is for Zira, A for Amini, S for Scar.]

[Capture of Pridelanders running to top of hill and Amini waiting in trap. Simba comes up first, then lion pounces from behind top on surprised king. Lionesses outrun them, but then all go back to help theirs monarch. Amini and Simba are rolling on the grass, gripping each other’s neck, but Amini is going better, probably due to surprise.]

A:

War!

This I am all life through.

Fighting world just to save you!

Fighting fate that might to hurt you deep

[Lionesses are running to fighting lions. Amini is on Simba, but when first Pridelanderess attending to hit him in back, he instantly jumps aside, so she hit the air. Simba raises up and preparing to pounce on Amini.]

Step

On the straight line of way

I won’t let you go astray

I will guide you to right place, to safe keep

[Lions jump on each other and clash in the air. Fall down, still wrestling. On the word <pain> Simba is cutting Amini’s chest. Both fall awkwardly on the grass.]

Snow

Or a heat or a rain

I won’t let you feel the pain

And if heaven is against, I will stand

[Some lioness pounces on Amini, he crouches, but her claws cut some bloody cuts on his back. Lion rolls aside, shunning paw of Simba.]

Blood

Or a sweat or a tears

You have nothing left to fear

Cause the every trial they do I will hand

[Switch capture to running Zira. She is looking in terror on fight behind her. We see tears in her eyes.]

Chorus:

Z:

So I will live by your love

Let Stars bless you from above

Let they reward all that I should do

I thank you

[On one second she meet stare of Amini. Lion is calm and smiling, although he is spotted with blood. Zira turns ahead and running further. Sparthi’s ghost is running next to Zira.]

So I will go by you hand

Help I don’t even demand

But you give it anyway

Just to save

For me to save...

[Switch to fighting lions from air perspective. Ghost of Scar, unseen by anyone, seems to fight with Amini, blocking some hits. Then he penetrates Amini’s body and we see dead king and living lion as one. They are dodging enemies blows with unbelievable agility.]

Second verse:

S:

War

I just can’t release you

You have some trials to go through

And to prove you worthy one in her heart

[Lionesses are attacking, but none of then can hit. Amini (he is glowing with unnatural light, due to Scar’s aura) is backing, but he fights with Simba and by the way, gives some blows to Pridelanderesses. Both lions suddenly come on free space, Amini jumps back, few meters from Simba.]

Go

 I will help you if I can

But you have to understand

That is up to you to take greater part

[Amini pounces on Simba. We see it from front perspective, so it looks similar to pounce of Scar in confrontation of LK.]

Fight

For her life, for her pride

And your life that’ll stay inside

In her heart and in her mind from those days

[Simba jumps too. They meet in the air and clash. But Scars spirit is flying further, like he wasn’t stopped by anything. He turns his head back and looks on Amini with fear.]

Fear

You cannot any more

Cause have all in control

 If you can with all your fears stand to face

Chorus:

[Lions fall, Simba is slashing Amini in chest, making some serious wounds. Blackmaned falls motionless, but when lionesses are about to finish him, from out the screen comes Scar’s ghost. He penetrate Amini’s body and seems to raise him and made him run to north.]

S:

So she will live by your love

Let we bless you from above

Let we reward all that she should do

 We thank you

[Amini is running to river, but we can see, that his wounds are sever and probably fatal. Blood is flowing from under his black mane. Scar’s ghost is still within him, but barely keeps in. With every step the spectre is outrunning living body.]

So she will go by you hand

Help she doesn’t even demand

But you give it anyway

Just to save

For her to save...

[Some lioness overtake Amini, he stops and suddenly hit her. She falls on the ground and lion starts to run again.]

S: Stand and fight

A: For her life [Cut to Zira, who enters the river, but with front paws in water she turns back to Amini.]

Z: Feel the might

That you live

And prevail with power from inside

[Scar exits Amini’s body and seems to hurry him with gesture. Lion is running fast, but his steps are uncertain and he is hobbling a little.]

S: Fight and win

A: Let me try [Zira is swimming. Water is splashing on her face, we don’t know, that drops on face are water or tears.]

Z: With this might you’ll never die

In my heart and in my mind, deep within

[Amini reaches bank too and stands on beach, surrounded by Simba and four lionesses. We see in background, that next five lionesses are on a way.]

A: So

This the end I will face

Hope I led you in right place

Hope I led you where you will never cry

[Persecutors jump on lion, and he run to water, despite of bleeding wounds.

Zira looks on him and sees bloody track in water. Amini is swimming with remnants of his might.]

Z: Thank

I am here, by your hand

And this story will not end

 It will burn in my mind till I die

[Zoom to Amini from front. He is waving his paws in water. Every move causes stronger bloodlet. Lions stare becomes more and more hollow. Music stops.]

*

Hawaa was running with full speed like in fewer. She wasn’t look aside, just ahead to the river. She noticed some silhouettes on other bank and she smiled despite tears. She ran to water even without slowing down and she started to swim naturally, like she was born swimmer. But just after few meters, strong stream took her.

“Nuka!” screamed in fear.

Nuka was standing on northern bank, holding by Anga. He was trying to escape her grasp and to his mother, still swimming in river. But Zira was going well, so cub sighed with relief calmed down. Then that scream sounded.

“Listen!” called Nuka. “Did you hear that?”

“Calm down, my dear...” replied Anga. “Your mom will be here any minute.

“But... It’s Hawaa!” amazed cub. “Help her!”

“Whom?” asked lioness, who was looking in Zira’s direction. “Wait here, I’m coming for your mother.” She let Nuka loose.

Cub was waiting for that opportunity. He jumped ahead, right to water. When exhausted Zira went on shore, her son hit the water and started to swim desperately in drowning Hawaa’s direction. Queen even didn’t notice it, because she fainted just on beach and all lioness ran to her. Only terrified Anga stayed in place, looking on swimming Nuka.

“Nuka! Back!” she called, but it was too late – cub was took by stream too. Anga crouched to jump to followed her, but she froze in last moment. She was poor swimmer and she would probably drown in few moments. She started to run on the bank to east. “Help me!” she called to pridesisters. Ndugu and Vii followed her instantly.

Nuka and Hawaa met in the middle of river. They hugged themselves tight and did it in last moment – Hawaa was about to drown. So both were helplessly floating with fast stream. Female cub looked in eyes of her saviour.

“And now what?” asked with breaking voice.

“Well... I haven’t it in my plan...” replied Nuka, chocking with water. “Try to swim... to my bank!”

Cubs doubled their efforts but there was no use. After few moves, they both started to drown. Only thing, that they were able to, to concentrate all strength to stay on surface.

“Nuka... I can’t!” cried Hawaa.

“Of course, you can!” replied Nuka and coughed with water. “We must do to bank! Help me!”

“Go yourself!”

“No way!” called Nuka male cub and took Hawaa on his back. He was pushed underwater and started to emerge just for one breath, to be submerged right after. But this allowed Hawaa to breathe normally, and to push water with her paws. Nuka helped her as he was able, but his primary goal was to hold her over surface and not to drown himself. They started to move to bank, but it was very slow moving. Too slow.

“I wish, that Amini was here.” Thought Nuka, who was slowly fainting from exhaustion and lack of oxygen. “I think, we won’t make it.” But then miracle happened.

Amini grabbed cubs and clasped them to his severed chest. With other paw he started to desperately push the water. He was swimming slowly, but much faster than cubs alone. He was almost exsaunged and he was moving with fading might.

“Bank! To the bank!” was screaming Scar, seeing that Amini was barely conscious and he was swimming at random. Ghost flew down and once again merged with dying lion. Nuka, although fainting, immediately felt this strange change in his saviour.

“Dad?” asked with weary voice.

But in that moment contact faded and Amini directed right to bank. Nuka fainted for good and when lion left him and Hawaa on beach, he was unconscious.

Bleeding lion was on the edge of consciousness too and when Anga came to him, he even didn’t recognize her. Amini thought that was Zira.

“My queen...” gasped. “I failed you... but your son is safe. I can’t do anymore. My service is complete.” His heart stopped.

Anga gentle touched dead body, then she carefully took cubs from his hug. Ndugu bowed with respect and pushed motionless Amini back into the water. Dead lion started to floating with stream.

Then Nuka coughed, opened his eyes and screamed.

“HAWAA!”

“Hush, my dear...” whispered Anga. “She is here...”

Female cub opened her eyes too and look on Nuka with weary stare.

“Ow, Nuka... My mother... she is... dead!” said with breaking voice and then burst in tears.

Cub went to her and hugged. He murmured with soothing, but then once again coughed with remnants of water from his gullet.

“Don’t fear... You are safe now... we will take care about you...” but he burst in tears too, finally understanding, why Amini had disappeared.

*

Lions ghosts surrounded Amini’s spirit in silence. Blackmaned was confused and lost, seeing his own body floating into waterfall direction. So he looked on two groups of lions: one with two fullgrown, brownmaned once and second, with one blackmaned and second sandymaned lion. Between them was standing tiny cub with green eyes.

“Welcome on the other side, Amini.” Said cub with mature voice. “As you probably know, you are dead.”

“Not surprising.” replied blackmaned. “But... too bad, it came now... Is Zira all right?”

One from the ghost, with black mane, just like Amini’s ran to newcomer and hugged him cordially.

“Yes!” called lion with scar on his face. “And only because of you!”

“You are... Scar!” whispered former rouge.

“How did you know?” asked greeneyed cub and burst in laughter.

“Tarki, this is not good time for jests!” gasped sandymaned.

“Yes, right...” agreed Tarki.

Scar let Amini loose and stepped back.

“Thank you for... guarding my mate...” he noticed bolt of pain on Amini’s face. “...and our common love. You proved worthy and brave, Amini. You saved her and all pride...” he turned angry stare to two lions, standing aside. “...from certain doom!”

“Scar, we wanted your good...”

“Save it, father!” interrupted blackmaned. “Don’t you dare say another word about her! And now...” he put paw on Amini’s shoulder. “You will take him on firmament. As high, as he deserved by his bravery and sacrifice.”

“They were against us?” guessed lion.

“Precisely.” Replied Scar. “You have destroyed plans of two Kings of Past: Ahadi and Mufasa. Not bad for just a rouge... Or we should call you <the Rouge King>?”

“But Scar... what with them...” asked Amini with confused voice.

“Amini...” said Scar and came closer to lion. “It came wrong, but thanks to your help, didn’t change into disaster... Zira is bearing your son... Kovu...”

“He will be your son.” Muttered Amini with sadness in his voice.

“He will be Zira’s in first place.” Said Scar. “And that why we will love him both.”

“Yes, you are right.” Nodded Amini.

“I’m terribly sorry, that you have died and Zira stayed there alone...” he looked with freezing stare on Ahadi and Mufasa. “And don’t know the future, I’m new here too. But I can promise you, that with every move, thought and word I will support Zira, cubs and pride in they live. I don’t want any revenge...” he looked on father and brother. “At least, not for my death... But I will try to take care of Golden Ones. Will you help me, Amini?”

Rouge King smiled, hearing that his service hadn’t finished.

“Why do you asking, Scar? You know I will!”

17 – Her lullaby

“You are ready!” whispered Zira, looking on her younger son. “Nice... very nice. You have the same blackness in your soul that Scar had. What is your destiny?”

Kovu answered as he was expected to. Payback was nearing from paws of Kovu. Golden queen regained faith in her quest. Kovu was the key to killing Simba and retaking throne of Priderock. This day was for Zira a celebration... just after a bereavement.

Death of Hawaa wasn’t just a dead of lioness. It was lost of beloved pridesister, someone close to Zira as almost no one was. Queen was chocking with silent anger, that she would never see again that extraordinary subject, who wasn’t Outlander by blood, but was Outlander in soul, maybe more than anyone in the pride. So, this pretty flower was killed... By Simba, of course, that by Simba. Only that lion could hurt so painfully.

But aside of personal loss, lost of Hawaa was serious blow in whole pride. They had lost their best fighter, at least from females. Between Golden Ones, only Kovu was more deadly that Hawaa once was. And also pride lost vital element as a team. Greyfured lioness had been keeping morale high, adding spirit to uncertain ones. But then she was gone.

Zira also lost her son, Nuka. Lion had changed since that time a lot. Queen was terrified, what happened with her oldest cub. He became even more skinny and weak, but that wasn’t the point. Zira decided to face the truth... Nuka was mad. This death crushed something inside him. He was fluctuating between morbid amusement and scaring melancholy, or between bolt of will of action and paralysing fear. Zira had been talking to Scar since king had died. But when she heard Nuka talking to his father, she felt fear. Her son did believe that Scar had ordered him a penance for his failure: to kill Simba personally. And, of course, from time to time, he was wandering on Outlands and calling Hawaa.

In some flashes of reason, he was speaking with mother like old Nuka had used to. But such days were rare. For most time, Nuka seemed to be like overgrown cub, jocular and capricious. Maybe in easier time, he would had recover easier. But Outlands faced a menace of hunger, comparing with worst time of dry season. Simba was preparing her daughter to first hunt, so he was sending regular patrols on Prideland’s savannah. Outlanders were forced to ineffective hunting with all pride or to search food on theirs land. And expert of Outland’s huntings – Nuka, was useless for that then.

So lionesses became more restless. Of course, they all still obedient to Zira, but morale was low. Almost no one looked on retaking Prideland as a revenge. It became just way to conquer paradise with plenty of food, noting more. Queen was trying to prevent that threats, but it was difficult. She was eating even less than pride, so she was walking in constant hunger. She understood, that in that rate, she would be mad soon too. Strike had to be started as soon as it was possible. Golden Pride was unable to survive another dry season.

“And what must you do?” asked Zira her son, imagining salvation of her pride – dying Simba.

 “I must kill him!” replied Kovu with unnatural voice. He was hungry too.

*

Vivid pictures. Floating memories. Past and presence in one.

Her, sending Kovu to trick Kiara. Smell of hot and sultry smoke over savannah. Watching on amusing scene of Simba, greeting Kovu in pride. And waiting, damned waiting. Vitani was impatient, so she proposed a reconnaissance. Kovu hadn’t killed Simba yet, although he had got so close... More cursed waiting. And that HUNGER!

Day after sending Kovu, Zira ordered pride to feed at any cost. They were eating old carcasses, sucking marrows from bones, even eat termites in vast amount. Threat of venom intoxication? Who cares, they had to survive and gain some strength for final fight. Zira was swallowing next portion of disgusting insects and hoping that Kovu was near to fulfil his quest.

*

“I can’t watch this!” yelled Scar. “Tarki, do something!”

Starfriends: Scar, Tarki, Sparthi and Amini were laying on Termite Hill’s top, invisible in daylight. Sun was slowly setting and they were gazing on grim routine of dying pride with terror in eyes. Even Tarki, usually flooding companions with jokes, was silent. That was sign of defeat.

“You know, why we can’t do anything!” replied starcub with painful voice. “Your attack on father and intervention Amini’s intervention were breaking the pact too. We have a draw with them – they broke it and so did we.”

“Nice deal!” gasped Sparthi. “They were just trying to stop long planned plot and Mufasa...” he looked on Scar and said with gave voice. “If I were you... I would have killed him too.”

They stayed silent for long minutes, then Amini asked.

“So, what we shall do now?”

“You, nothing.” Said Tarki. “You have spoken with Kovu, what Ahadi counted as intervention. Scar is out anyway, because he can’t establish contact with any Golden One. I’m an arbiter now... So there is just Sparthi... against two Ancient.”

Sandymaned lion sighed with regret and bowed his head to the ground. He spoke, ashamed.

“I’m too weak to deal with them both. Forgive me...”

“Yes, we know...” said Scar. “No one could do it better. So, they know, that they have higher ground, so they are just waiting, for us to break the pact. And then, they will interfere without scruples.”

Again silence came into that hot afternoon. Four of friends was helpless against the rules that were ruling skyword. The Circle of Life got them even after death. But suddenly, they felt presence of someone new, someone who wasn’t frequent guest there.

“Sarafina.” Muttered Scar with totally indifferent voice.

“Should I go away, Taka?” asked lioness.

“No.” replied dead king with irony. “Sit here and watch how dreams of you and your daughter become true – Golden Pride is being eradicated from existence.

Lioness came to ghost and sit on ledge below them. She turned her stare on Scar and asked with sorrowful voice.

“You are still angry on me?” Lion even budged. “Right, you have your reasons... But I’m here to atone my errors. I know the way to save... as many of Golden Ones, as possible.”

“Tell it to Hawaa.” Gasped Scar with venomous voice. Sarafina turned her stare into the ground and replied with breaking voice.

“She sent me here... I was too scared to speak with you... but she made me.” Because no one from ghost answered, she continued. “This is the way of saving the pride... but it require Zira’s failure... and surrender of the rest. You can do nothing, but Hawaa and I will act. She feels, that she has some way to contact with Vitani... because Nuka isn’t... in condition to do anything. So, you must listen to me...”

*

And finally, a chance.

Kovu had decoyed Simba into an ambush... No, Zira was there incidentally, hunting with all pride. But it didn’t matter, Kovu took Simba near the bank of river...

“Attack!” ordered Zira and lead strike on Simba.

They weren’t prepared, so usurper easily evaded first attack. He ran to the gorge, but there was just dead end. Dead end – Zira was savouring with those words.

“Remember your training! As a unit!” but in fact, the was no formation in this chase. Just pursuit for mortal enemy. Hunting. Yes, it was hunting. But exhausted lioness weren’t able to catch him. Usurper managed to get to logs mass and was quickly climbing on it.

Fortunately Kovu was in place. He looked on desired target... and... did nothing!

Next scenes merged in Zira’s mind in one. Nuka, climbing after Simba. A crash... falling logs... Her son, Scar’s son, dying under trunks.

“Nuka...” whispered queen.

“I'm sorry, mother... I tried...” gasped her son and went to the sky, to Scar...

*

“Nuka!” called Hawaa and caught the lion’s soul, ascending on the firmament. Below them, Golden Pride was giving last salute to prince. And just above them, spirit of Nuka was floating slowly up.

“Nuka!” whispered dead lioness.

“Hawaa?” asked lion with amaze. He sounded, like he was awaking from deep slumber. “But how it... Am I dead?”

“Yes, my love, you are.” Sobbed Outlanderess and burst in tears. “I tried too... but...”

“Simba! Mother!” called lion, and jumped out from Hawaa’s hug. “They are going on Prideland...” then he realised for the first time, that he wasn’t able to do anything. He couldn’t serve his mother and his pride. “But... we can’t do anything, right?”

“Right, my son.” Said voice from above them. Scar descended on gorge’s slope and stood before Nuka.

“Father...” whispered lion and bowed his hear. “Dad, I’m sorry, I fai... ughm!” he was hugged tight by dead king.

“Don’t say a word, my boy!” muttered Scar with breaking voice. “I saw it all... I saw your... bravery and valour.” He stopped for long pause, to speak again. “But now it’s done... You can rest now.”

“Dad... what with mom? What with Vitani?” Nuka freed from father’s hug and asked with terrified voice. “What with... KOVU!” he gasped coldly, turning his stare on lone lion, running into Priderock’s direction. “No... he can’t be... a traitor! He was always better that me...” Hawaa came to beloved lion and put paw on his shoulder. Nuka looked on her. “Hawaa, please... tell me it’s not true!”

“Calm down, dear...” whispered lioness. “Your father will handle with everything... he is able to.”

“Hawaa!” ordered Scar. “Take my son on firmament, he must rest. I will go with pride.”

“Yes, my king!” acknowledged lioness and bowed. “Come, Nuka. We must go...”

“Dad.... say me just one.” Asked Nuka. “Were we doing enough?”

Dead king looked on him with sad and compassionating stare.

“Enough? You did much more that I had right to demand from you.” Said with breaking voice. “Son, soon we will talk... But now I must go with your mother...”

He raised paw and touched his forehead with extended claws. It was an ancient salute of warriors, giving only after victorious battle. Nuka wasn’t convinced, if that battle was won, but he returned salute. If his father recognise him as worthy to receive such a sign, he was sure that somehow, they already won. When dead king followed pride, going slowly in Priderock direction, Nuka turned to Hawaa.

“My love... I’m so glad we are finally together...” said with breaking voice. “But I’m so worried about mother and...”

“Nuka...” whispered lioness. “Your mission is over. Now is their turn and if they do it half the way you did... they cold be proud.”

“But I failed... I didn’t kill Simba today... I didn’t that day too...” said with sleepy voice. He felt like all world was slowing down and becoming more and more silent.

“You have never failed.” Replied Hawaa. “That day, someone disturbed you in unfair way. Today... Today is still now. We can’t see the future. Maybe, you mission will be accomplished soon.”

“Maybe...” whispered Nuka, almost sleeping.

“You must rest, now, to free from what is imprisoning you on this earth. Soon, we will meet again... and be one.”

“Sing me a lullaby...” asked Nuka and felt asleep.

*

“Last chance, Zira: Go home.” Called Simba through sound of heavy rain. Two ranks of lionesses were standing against other. And two leader between them.

“I am home!” replied Zira with emotion. “Attack!”

Outlanders started theirs charge. Queen, although dimmed by hunger, rage and grief after losing two sons – a hero and a traitor, still was commander and was thinking as a commander. Her mind registered moves of enemy. Pridelanders had no own tactic: they moved after Golden Ones had moved and speeded up, when they do this. Zira was standing on rock behind fighting line. She was in the same time, commander and only reinforcement. She was ready to jump where line would be broken. Meanwhile, she was encouraging her pride.

“Go for the eyes! Break his jaw! Hit him low! Get them! Do what you must!” she was calling loud with firm voice, but inside she was terrified.

Nine lioness against eleven plus Simba, no... eight against ten – Vitani went for Nala. Zira at first wanted to call her daughter back, to support main line, but then she thought, that killing a usurper’s mate would break morale of enemy. But then, all plan failed – Outlanderesses hadn’t managed to pierce Pridelander’s rank. So whole fight break to lost of minor duel and chaos won on battle field. Zira narrowed her eyes, but calmed down quickly – that was unavoidable. Her pride was trained to fight with Hawaa. No one could replace that element of puzzles. Zira roared and lighting crossed the sky. She jumped down to determine her fate once for all. She laughed with both relief and despair. So, after so many years, it showed to be so easy? Just paw-to-paw duel?

“Simba...” she called, going in usurper’s direction. “You're mine!”

“She’s going for Simba!” yelled terrified Amini.

“Indeed!” replied Scar and Sparthi at once. Desert lion added. “You have never seen her in duel... Simba is in serious trouble!”

So they were watching to battle, barely repressing emotions, just like two lion’s ghost on Priderock.

“Dad... could we...” asked Mufasa, but Ahadi interrupted.

“No, we broke pact once and they are watching... Come on!” called. “She is just a lioness! Simba will crush her!”

“Yes, you’re right.” Agreed Mufasa, but without conviction.

Zira slashed Simba hitting lion in shoulder. And then, happened something, that was unbelievable to everyone – usurper felt onto ground. One blow of older, lighter and tormented by hunger lioness knocked out giant, heavy and well-fed male. Almost instantly, all fights stopped. Enemies jumped away from themselves to watch on duel between the leaders. War was going to be determined in that way.

Surprised and little scared Simba was standing in place. Queen was slowly walking around him, watching his uncertain stare and preparing herself. Finally, Simba moved too, but for this moment was waiting Zira. She raised her paw in final attend and...

“Kiara?” whispered confused Simba, when pair of lions jumped between fighting ones.

“Kovu!” called amazed Zira. “Move!” added with anger and despair. Her son wasted a brilliant chance to get usurper.

“You're even weaker than I thought. Get out of the way!” gasped queen and realised with burning regret, what giant error she had made. If Kovu, all time loved and drawing her attention, well fed and trained with so much effort failed... and Nuka, whole live second, scorned and neglected, proved his loyalty for the price of death... she had been blind, all her live. Menace of failure hit her even before Kovu replied.

“You'll never hurt Kiara... or Simba. Not while I'm here.” Said traitor and was standing still on her way to usurper. She had truly lost both sons. “Both, because my stupidity!” called piercing scream in her soul. “Now, there is only one way to atone that error: win or die!”

“Vitani... now!” ordered last charge. But she heard in reply word coming from mouth of lioness... who looked like Vitani, but wasn’t her for sure.

“No, Mother!” said princess. “Kiara's right. Enough.”

Right, enough. Zira wasn’t able to take more. She understood that she lost all of her children. Her small Vitani gave up, thanks to promise of easier life and peace. So, was there any reason to fight still? “Yes!” thought queen. “Win or die! Nuka hasn’t died in vain!“

“If you will not fight... then you will die as well.” Gasped, hoping that words of disowning would wake daughter’s conscience. But they wouldn’t.

Rank of her pridesisters moved in uncertain move, then first lionesses started to walk in Vitani’s direction. Fear, betrayal and surrendering – that were three most dangerous pestilential illnesses were infecting faster than anything other and so was then. Vitani, daughter of queen and most loyal soldier of queen’s army, had surrendered. If Zira could demand from weak, hungry and feared lionesses to be braver than the princess?

“Wh-wha... Where are you going? Get back here!” she was freezing inside, watching all her subject going into Simba’ direction.

“Let it go, Zira. It's time to put the past behind us.” Said Simba with triumphal smile. “Great philosophy for murderers and thieves.” Whispered bitter voice in Zira’s mind. “To commit a crime and... to forget. Made all forget about sins and errors, just to have free way to repeat evil in future. Left past behind? Well... he just killed an ancient pride, by forcing it to disown itself.” No way back, only way ahead.

“I'll never let it go!” called Golden Queen. She was whom she was. Forgetting meant death. In own heart... and heart of all dear to her. She wasn’t able to betray Scar. Love had been showing her way since she met him. And she was ready to die for that! “This is for you, Scar!” whispered and pounced on Simba.

Life's not fair, is it? On way of deadly charge of Outland’s queen appeared Kiara. Lioness just pounced in the same time, to block attack on her father. She hit by pure coincidence, in awkwardly way, she even wasn’t trying to slash Zira. She just hit her with all mass, significantly greater than mass of skinny Outlanderess. They both flew aside and rolled to the edge of gorge. As I said: life's not fair, is it? – Genius warrior-queen was stopped by clumsy child that had luck. Or, had something more.

“NO!” screamed Scar, seeing Mufasa driving Kiara’s charge. He jumped to stop that, but it was already too late.

Both lionesses felt out, beyond edge. They were falling from the slope down, where Ahadi was waiting. Dead king pushed his great-granddaughter to rock-wall and helped her to get basin. Before Scar, Amini or Sparthi managed even to get to the edge, queen was already hanging on paws above the abyss of gorge.

“Stop!” ordered Mufasa and pounced on his brother.

Ahadi instantly jumped from valley and attacked Sparthi and Amini. Although, he had two enemies, but he easily knocked down Amini in one blow. Power of older king was much greater. Surprised Sparthi wanted to avoid Ahadi, but was caught too. So, five lions started their fight and Zira was slowly sliding down.

“Zira! Give me your paw!” Called Kiara from safe ledge above queen. She lowered her hand to help her. Zira was looking on her with rage.

“What?!” she thought. “She want to save me? For what? For another humiliation?” she hit with paw at random. “I don’t want anything from murderer’s heir!”

“Zira, come on... I'll help you...” assured Kiara.

Queen looked in her eyes and froze. Lioness was convinced, she was talking truth. She was really trying to save Zira, like she didn’t know, what it means. “So, the murderer raised his cubs in sympathy, that he hadn’t had for Scar and us... In luxury, although he sentenced us for starve to death. Maybe, she even don’t know, what her father did.”

And sudden wave of sorrow deluged her heart. She failed Scar, her children and her pride. She allowed that her mate was unavenged, allowed her children to die or to be swayed by enemy, ancient pride of her ancestors to be destroyed. “I was... too weak!” cried in mind. “I failed the trial. I’m not Scar, who won with the Circle of Life itself... I’m just...” She was desperately thinking about Vitani and Kovu. “They made their choice... they betrayed me and Scar... but they are my children, anyway! How will they manage to live with Simba? He will be always hate them because of me... If I be with them too. If I survive, I’ll made their future hard as my life was. Let this be my last gift for them... They left me... but I can’t left them... That why I have to be gone... Simba, you won’t get you satisfaction. You won this time... but you’ll be never half a lion that Scar was!”

“No... Never!” she whispered and let loose her grab. Desert Queen started falling down, to meet with water.

*

Pain was burst and faded in the same moment. She hit some log, and even didn’t feel, just heard a sound of breaking bones. She went under surface felling nothing except paralysing weakness in all body. She wasn’t able to move her crushed limbs and she didn’t try to. This chapter was over.

She opened eyes underwater and saw dark abyss below her and shining brightness above. But that wasn’t just light of sun. It burns with light of thousands of stars. Suddenly, Zira felt that she can move again. Her body stopped to limit her and she made strong move with paws.

She noticed, then she lost her own body beneath her and her spirit was quickly ascending to the surface. And in this light, she saw face of her beloved Scar, waiting just for her. She made another move and then she reached the shining surface of death.

*

She found herself elsewhere.

Floating in free space, surrounded by dark sky, lighted only by stars above her. But those stars were much closer than she had ever seen. And tiny world below her was shrinking and disappearing under her feet. She was ascending to firmament.

“Zira!” called blackmaned lion with scar on his face.

“Scar!” whispered queen and they joined in tight hug.

Lioness burst in tears, that she had been repressing for many years.

“Scar, forgive me!” called with breaking voice. “All I wanted...”

“I love you!” interrupted Scar. “And I hope you forgive me, that I demanded so much from you. But now, we are one, my queen.”

From shade came out others silhouettes: Hawaa, Amini, Sparthi, some strange and greeneyed cub and started to newcomer.

“Is this all...” asked Zira.

“Our family here.” Answered Scar. “Nuka will be here soon. Then we will be together!”

“Brother?” whispered lioness. “Amini!” she looked on Scar with uncertain stare. “Scar, I...”

Dead king smiled and licked her face.

“I know it all. I saw it and my friend, Amini, told me. Well, I never hoped, that I would be your only subject.”

“And what with me?” asked starcub. “I won’t get a hug? This is size discrimination!”

And all ghost, even confused Zira, burst in laugher. She came to small one and licked him on forehead.

“I have no idea, who are you, but as Scar friend, you are friend of mine.” She said.

“Friend?” amazed he. “I’m Tarki and I’m Scar’s uncle!” Zira narrowed her eyes in amaze. “Yes.” Added Tarki. “I think, that his family is messed up, too.”

But then queen froze in wave of fear and sorrow. She turned to her mate with silent question on face. Scar replied with serious voice.

“My dear... It came all wrong. And not because of me, our you, but because my old argument with my father and brother. We failed, because we allowed Nuka and you to die... But we don’t cry. You know why?” Zira shocked her head. “Because thanks to this, we are together now...” he turned his stare somewhere else and added, looking in darkness. “And our enemies... whom I love but still I fight them, made theirs move. Now... we will undone the errors in the Circle of Life! We will restore glory of our names and revive the Golden Pride!” he went to Zira and hugged her again. “And then our flag will fly...”

Tarki came to them, jumped on Zira’s shoulder and whispered.

“By the way... your lullaby... You have nice voice!”

18 – The Golden Queen

Dawn on the Outlands.
Dawn of failure and shame.

Zira, on lead of her pride, reached Golden Hall just after sunrise. She was hobbling, just like Vii, Thela and Doria – lionesses who survived expedition to Prideland. They were wounded. But that cuts on fur weren’t even half that painfully, like the scars inside. They had lost. Maybe because of betrayal, but that didn’t change anything – they failed, hadn’t avenge Scar and had got known, that Shakisa was probably dead.

Sun was shining on four exhausted lioness, followed by five pridesisters, wounded earlier, but now, far in better condition. Anga was carrying in her jaw Hawaa, as well as Ndugu was carrying Vitani and on the end of that procession was walking Nuka. He was silent, but only because all tears had been exhausted. Inside, he was crying still, grieving Rama and Amini. He just had discovered, how he was loving old and wise lioness, he had used to call aunt. And Amini... In Nuka’s life, Amini’s star shone like supernova and faded just few days later. It wasn’t fair! He already had lost his father then he lost aunt and new friend. Also, he understood, that his mother was still in grave danger and they would live with Simba’s menace over.

“Come on, Nuka!” called Asana. “I can take you on back...”

“You are hurt on back.” Noticed cub dismally.

“It’s almost healed.” Spurred him Golden One. “I hope, you won’t squirm there...”

“I won’t risk, aunt.” Replied Nuka. “We must rest... all of us.”

But he speeded up and went to Anga and Hawaa. Female cub was sleeping after that terrified night.

“Never mind...” said Scar’s son. “I just wanted to see if all is all right...” he found, that those words were sounding rather... improper. “At least, in our situation.” Added.

So they came inside Golden Hall and almost instantly laid to sleep. Zira only made sure that Vitani was laid in golden throne and she felt on the ground, right in place where she had stopped. For the first time in his life, that Nuka went to his mother and licked her on <goodnight>. Earlier was rather opposite. But queen even didn’t feel that caress, because, when her son hugged her, she was already asleep.

So, Nuka came to Anga, who was laying Hawaa to sleep.

“She is in shock.” Said lioness. “Someone should be with her all the time.”

Nuka answered with almost mature voice.

“Go rest, aunt. I will stay with her.”

So lioness went in some calmer place and Nuka laid down and cuddled cub. She was sleeping restlessly, time to time murmuring something with fear. But after few moments in Nuka’s hug she calmed down and felt in deeper slumber. Nuka felt easier too, hearing to breathing of his friend. He closed his eyes, hoping to fall asleep as soon as possible and waking later, just to discover, that all recent events were just a nightmare.

*

They awoke almost at dusk, all surprised, barely believing, what had happened day before. Zira opened her eyes as the last one.

“Scar?” she called in silence of the mound. No one dared to say anything. “Scar, where are...” then curse of memory deluged queen she gasped with pain and whispered barely. “Amini...” but that call couldn’t be answered too.

Zira felt motionless on the ground and remained still for long minutes. Finally, she stood and looked on her pride. She was silently counting left sisters, not that she wasn’t sure, who many were them, but to believe, that this number is so small. And she said with unnatural voice.

“My pride... I failed you as a queen.” Murmur of amaze sounded between lionesses. “I allow us to lose and I know, that is my fault.” Murmur become louder. “That why I should step down!” all sounds spotted, cut in one second. “You will have to chose lioness, who will be a regent, until Nuka would came to proper age and...”

Pride exploded. All Golden Ones gave loud roar, who made mound trembling and scaring Hawaa in first second. But then even that small cub in impulse of the heart, joined that roar with her quiet try.  Golden Pride was loud, until Zira raised her paw.

“What do you mean?” asked with breaking voice. Then cubbish voice sounded. It was Hawaa.

“No, my lady.... Don’t give up! We need you!”

All lionesses looked on cub, born on Prideland, but not with anger or scorn but with respect.

“Yes!” called Vii. “You are our queen!”

“GOLDEN QUEEN! GOLDEN QUEEN!” started exclaiming whole pride. Zira slowly ascended on dirt mound inside of hall. When she stood on it’s top, silence came to chamber.

“Do you know, what I did?” asked her sisters.

“You proved valour in face of stronger enemy!” replied one of lioness. Zira didn’t notice which one, due to darkness inside.

“But I allow our friends to die!”

“They will guard us from the sky!” shouted some other one.

“With lord Scar!” added another.

There was no room for any hesitation. Golden Pride was sure – they wanted theirs queen where she belonged – on the throne. Zira saw it in eyes of her friends. No one blamed her for failure. No one even thought, she could had done it better. And they were still loyal to Scar.

“Pride!” she called. “Enemy, the usurper’s forces, have beaten us. But this was has just began!” roar sounded in Golden Hall. “We remember about what is ours and we will retake it!” another roar broke silence of chamber. “I will lead you to the victory... or die trying. But first, I’ll make sure our cause will win. Do you believe in that?”

“GOLDEN QUEEN! GOLDEN QUEEN!” replied pride, raising paw in salute to monarch. Under her leadership, they were one. She slowly went down, carefully not to damage stretched muscles and rotated joints and came closer to Hawaa. Cub was shaking, but from cold, definitely not because of fear. She was looking safely in queen’s eyes, especially, after Nuka came and put his paw on her shoulder.

“My child... why did you came with us.”

“I’m not a Pridelander!” replied with serious voice. “I have never been. I’m not like them and loathe their cruel deeds. Please, accept me in you pride.”

Zira looked on her with amaze, thought for some time and asked.

“Where is your mother?” in cub’s eyes appeared two tears.

“She is dead. Simba killed her, when he found, I had went to warn you...”

Roar of rage exploded in mound. Lionesses couldn’t believe in what they had heard.

“Dead?” asked Zira with hollow voice. “And you came to warn us?”

“I came too late, ma’am!” sobbed cub. “I’m sorry.”

“Stars! You are...” she was stunned by power of will in tiny cub. “...our hero! You risk your life for us!”

“I guess, in vain, ma’am.” And burst in tears.

“But... your mother was obedient to Simba...” said Zira with surprised voice. “How it could be...”

“SIMBA IS NOT A KING!” cried out Hawaa. “HE IS NOT LIKE MISTER SCAR! HE IS JUST A TYRANT!” called with emotional voice. “I want nothing more to do with him!” added with quieter and calmer voice. “Will you be my queen, aunt Zira?”

Lioness sighed and looked on Nuka. Cub was asking with his stare “Let her stay, please, let her stay!” But it wasn’t necessary. Zira was so intrigued and amazed with Hawaa, that she even didn’t know what to thing. And honest devotion of her cast a enchantment on queen. Small cub was someone special. But Zira had to ask.

“Do you know, that it means? If you stay with us, you will suffer hunger and thirst, because day of our return won’t came too fast...” queen knew, that in few months would born Kovu and cubs of Doria, Vii and Thela. So pride would be grounded until cubs would be old enough. She looked on Hawaa with sympathy and almost mother-like care. “We would take you back on other bank and you will tell Simba, we have taken you by force. So you will be back on Priderock, where you will suffer no hunger. But still, when time of you return will come, we will remember what you have done and do you no harm. I swear it!”

“No!” sobbed Hawaa. “I want stay here, whatever it means. I will be useful to pride, I will try to...”

“You helped us once.” Interrupted Zira. “You already deserved you our gratitude. But I ask you: are you ready to live on this poor soil? We can’t promise you luxury and easy life... Only, that you will be one of us.”

“I like to, my queen!” smiled Hawaa through her tears.

“So, welcome on Outlands, my child!” called Zira and all lioness roared with proud roars. They lost sister and brother day before, but this day they gained new soul on board. Strong soul, able to live theirs hard life.

“Long live the queen!” whispered Hawaa and Zira hugged her to heart.

*

So, this is accual beginning of the story. From that day on, real life on the Outlands started. It was hard and difficult, but in that struggle with the Circle of Live itself was something great, greater than most thing we ever have done in our lives. It was marked with tears, but those were heroes tears. Bravery could be easily seen everyday, if we look carefully.

“Nuka!” called Hawaa with weary voice. “I’m hungry!”

She was lying on the ground before Golden Hall, waiting for lionesses, to back form their expedition. Small amount of food, that Zira left for cubs was gone and Hawaa was feeling terrible pain in her stomach as well as dizziness in her head. But with fading sight, she looked Nuka, coming to her with something in jaw.

“Nuka... I’m so sorry...” she sobbed. “I’m weak... I don’t complain... but I’M HUNGRY!”

Scar’s son went to his friend and put next to her desert mouse.

“Not very delicious, but satisfying.” Said, pretending merry voice.

She almost pounced on pray and devour it with few portions, almost without chewing. When she finally finished this minimal meal, she looked on Nuka with fear in her stare.

“I... I... ate it all! Sorry, Nuka, I didn’t want to...”

“Don’t worry!” he replied. “I have eaten already.” He lied and laughed to cover collywobbles.

“Nuka, I’m so sorry, I will be better in time. I will...”

“Hush.” said Nuka and hugged her friend. “You are very brave. Very!” he gentle licked her forehead. “I will be back soon, but now I must get something for Vitani.”

“Right.” Nodded Hawaa. “I will wait here.”

And Scar’s son went on Outland’s hills under merciless sun of dry season.

*

His mother, as well as rest of the pride, wasn’t far. Just one hill range on west, in the valley called Elephant Graveyard. They had some unfinished bussiness there.

“Run for your life!” screamed some hyena, but in next second received fatal blow from Zira’s paw. Golden Lionesses were slowly moving through gorge, killing every scavenger, they found. Of course, they were sparing smallest pups, what were clearly too young to be involved in killing Scar, but intensively making them orphans. Whole gorge became fulfilled with screams of fear and pain. Lionesses were moving slowly, so great part of clan escaped, but total extermination wasn’t point of raging avengeresses. They knew well that fate of exiled outcast is often much worse that death.

“LONG LIVE THE KING!” were roaring Golden Ones and going further. Lionesses were wounded, hobbling and weak, but even ten of crippled lionesses for surprised clan of hyenas were harbingers of doom. Scavengers didn’t try to resist, just after first attack they went into panical retreat. And that was exactly, what Golden Ones wished to.

“Scar!” called Zira, when they reached to end of the valley and hyenas were already running through thorny bushes to the Great Desert. “Half of your enemies are punished... And we won’t give up, until we punish the other half!” her voice echoed from wall and speeded to the sky. Scar was looking on this from firmament with heart heavy of regret. He wasn’t able to say his mate, that this is not what he was expecting from his subjects.

*

And three months later, when dry season was burning earth with rays of scorching sun, another procession went out from Outlands. Whole pride too, but this time they crossed dried remnants of Border River and came to Prideland savannah. Only Anga stayed with Nuka, Vitani, Hawaa and cubs, born few days before. Rest of Golden Ones were accompanying theirs queen in very special mission. Labour of royal descendant.

Zira was walking slowly and carefully, due to advanced pregnancy. Time of labour was near, so she decided to be then on Prideland – land where her son was to be king. Pride stopped in Cub’s Sanctuary and surrounded den in the ground with iron circle, waiting for enemy. Queen went into shelter and waited for her time.

Simba meet them on hunting. He was only with seven lionesses, also was surprised with that invasion.

“Zira!” called with both anger and fear. “Get out from my land.”

But he was just ignored, only answer were moans of bearing queen. So he called again.

“So you want official sentence? Right: As a king of Prideland, I sentence you and all your pride to be exiled from this kingdom, under penalty of death.” But still, only answer were just deadly stares of lionesses, guarding Zira. “I’m serious.” Added Simba with uncertain voice.

“You are no one!” gasped Zira from den. “Your time will soon end... usurper!”

And then first cry of newborn cub sounded. Simba hesitated, hearing something, he hadn’t been expecting. He looked on his pack and said.

“We must back on Priderock, for reinforcements.” And so they did.

But where they went will all pride, Outlanders were not there. Only Cub’s Sanctuary was fulfilled with fresh scent of newborn cub. Prince Kovu born on Prideland.

*

Zira had to do some break. After few days after born of Kovu, she was fully arranged with caring about cub. She was proud of her child, looking strong and healty. Although Kovu wasn’t son of Scar, somehow, he was similar too him – dark fur and probably, in future, dark mane. Also, he was looking on mother with unusual for a cub, intelligence. Zira hoped, that he would come in her mate pawprints.

But three days from labour, she left him under care of Anga. She had to do something, alone. She went out from Outlands and turned to west. She passed Elephant Graveyard and dried swamps next to Border River. At the sunset she reached desert outskirts, a place where she once had met Scar. She well knew that sandy hill, where she saw her king and mate for first time. Then, sand had overgrown with grass, as after end of Great Drought, desert got back a little. But place was the same, Zira felt it deep inside.

She looked to north-west, towards her old home, Golden Sands. But not the keep of her family was concerning her. She was once again trying to her beloved in whispers of desert wind. For once more, without result.

“But I know that you are here, Scar!” she called to sandy plain. “And you are all the time next to me... I will endure live without you, until I have quest to do. I will raise your cubs, my love and teach them, how to avenge you and restore your glory!” said with firm and loud voice. “I love you, Scar and I always will. But help me... Its’ so hard without you.”

She almost burst in tears, but she represses her cry. There were no time for that, no single tear until her mission would be done. If one day, she told Amini that old Zira had died and new one hadn’t born yet, then it wasn’t true anymore. She truly born to new life, as a mother, as a leader and as an avenger.

She was not Prideland Queen anymore, but for sure she was Golden Queen.

That was obligating to face whole Circle of Life herself. And she was ready to do it.

19 – Epilogue (Another round)

“And she was ready to do it.” Finished Taka, looking on his auditory.

[Picture by Sarafina © 2007]

    Taka the Second, called that after his famous grandfather, also known as Scar, was younger brother of king Dahabu and princess Amali. He was moderate built male with sandy fur and black mane, probably heritage of grandfather. Something unusual in his appearance was short but sandy-red beard, making him unlike to any other Pridelander or even Golden One. Probably this beard made him look seriously on his young age, what made him perfect bard and arbiter of prides. Since he had started his duty of communicating and building cooperation between prides, he was also a storyteller and some kind of historian of both Pridelanders and Golden Ones. In hard times of Second Drought, aside diplomatic role he played, a tales he was telling to lions were sustaining their spirits. Even Dhalimu understood this, that why he had allowed him to speak with Golden Pride.

“Ow...” whispered Kota, beautiful lioness with shining gold fur and green eyes. “I’ve never seen queen Zira in that perspective...”

[Picture by Sarafina © 2007]

“Stop that!” interrupted king Dhalimu. Giant, brownmaned lion stood and entered circle of lionesses. “These are just fancy stories... a fairytales...”

“This is history about your grandmother.” Said Taka with firm voice. “And my grandmother, queen Zira. Remember it, sir.”

King looked like was about to hit younger and weaker male but after a while he just burst in laughter.

“Ha! My cousin spoke well!” he called. “Praise Zira, my grandmother and mother of my father, Kovu! Long live the glory of our family line...” he came closer to prince of Prideland and whispered him to ear. “But don’t you dare tell again about regicide, Scar, Zira and such a stuff... because I don’t want to kill you.”

“I’m not the only one, who knows this tale. You will hear it anyway... cousin!” finished with cold whisper. Monarch laughed.

“Good... I like you, Taka. What a shame that you are just second in line... What a shame that Dhahabu kicked you out from the pride... But, we can’t help it... regicide is terribly crime, don’t you think?”

“My brother hasn’t banished me!” replied Taka. “I took this service according to my will.”

“Service of royal messenger?” asked Dhalimu with irony. “And teller of fairytales? Well, it’s good to have an aim in life.”

“I must go, cousin.” Gasped Taka and bowed before king, but without any respect. He added louder. “My brother is waiting for news from Golden Sands.”

“Tell him, we are fine.” Ordered king.

“I’ll tell him, what I saw.” Replied Taka. King smiled, covering anger inside.

“All right, you deserved for meal you have eaten and water you have drunk. I like fairy tales. Now, go on your <mission>.”

“Right, sir.” Gasped wandered, went out from royal and turned into desert. He started to march with slow steps, saving energy for desert crossing.

“We will go on hunting in hour.” Ordered Dhalimu to lionesses. “You can rest until that.”

In times of drought, only night were allowing on hunts. Life was hard, both on Prideland, Golden Sands and others kingdoms, that were in alliance with them, thanks to journeys of Taka. But on land of Golden Family, life was hard especially. Reign of king Dhalimu was difficult for all subject and guests of pride as well.

*

Kota overtook him right behind border of Keep’s Grass. He heard her running, stopped and waited until lioness came there. Before she touched him, he said with uncertain voice.

“He can be observing us...”

“He can.” Replied lioness and hugged Taka tight. “But I don’t care about it. I’m sick of this fear.” She licked him in cheek and added. “And I hoped, that someday, you will feel it too...”

Taka sighed and turned to beloved. He looked in her green eyes and said with weary and painful voice.

“We were talking about that hundreds of times. I can do nothing!” she turn her stare into the ground and replied with sad voice.

“He want me to be his mate. Bereavement after Niva will end in week.”

“So, you will become queen...” said Taka, faking admire. In fact, he was burning inside from despair.

“I will be tyrant’s toy!” sobbed Kota. “Don’t you see?! We even don’t know, what happened to Niva, but I’m sure, that brute had been beating her from start. And if you...”

Taka sighed again and interrupted lioness.

“I can assure you asylum on Priderock. I’m not well with my brother, but he will accept you, if I ask him...”

“No!” exclaimed Kota. “Whole pride is suffering! We are suffering from drought, but this isn’t even half the pain, we are suffering from that tyrant...”

“He is rightful king!” called lion, but without any conviction. “He is son of my uncle Kovu and aunt Kiara. What should I do? Depose him?!” he was looking in beautiful eyes of lioness, that moment filled with tears. “He is my cousin! I can’t turn against my family! I can only tell it to my brother...”

“...who thinks exactly like you.” Finished Kota. “And nothing will change.

“Kota...” whispered Taka and hugged lioness. “I love you and would do anything, I can, to be with you and see you safe... But only what I can do. Don’t require from me breaking the laws. This is not about us... this is more important than any single lion’s fate. This is the Circle of Life! We can’t fight it...”

“You grandfather could.” Replied Kota. “And grandmother... You are telling me those beautiful stories about them, but I feel that they aren’t real.”

“They are real...” disagreed Taka, but Kota was talking still.

“And if... so what? So what, if we haven’t today anyone like Zira, Scar, Hawaa, Tanabi or Amini? So those are just legends about something, that once was, but will never return...”

“You want me to kill him?” asked Taka. “I’m weaker, I have minimal chances to win, but I can try. I don’t fear of death, you know. I can challenge Dhalimu, but even if I win, I couldn’t take his place. I can’t...”

Kota interrupted his speech with kiss, then she answered with breaking voice.

“I know and I love you because of that too. You are so honourable and obedient to law. I love we because of thing... that will never allow us to be together.” She looked on the ground. “You have right... Go now, before Dhalimu sees you. When you will back?”

“I try be in next month. If I have no reason, I’ll sure find some pretext.”

“I’ll try to find some too. Give some sign to Akra or Simmi and I’ll find you in Dried Oasis. But I can’t guaranty it... Then I will be already...”

“Goodbye, Kota.” Interrupted Taka. He wasn’t able to hear it anymore. He licked his beloved and turned on south-east. He started to run as fast as he could, doesn’t matter to save any strength. In fact, he wouldn’t be upset, if he would died on desert. Finally.

*

And the end seemed to be near. After less than hour, just before sunset, first sings of sandstorm showed. Taka knew that he was too far from Golden Sands to get back and there was no other shelter in sight. So he just laid down on hot sand and waited.

“Strange wind.” He thought. “It’s coming really fast... I have never seen such sudden sandstorm. I saw no signs today... well, I failed that. I just wonder, if it just wound me, or rip my flesh apart from bones. I guess, my carrier as prides arbiter soon will be over... O, Kota... It’s good you will have nothing to do with such loser like me.” And he understood that all his life was just a escape from life itself. He was younger brother of king and he allowed to be exile, or even he exiled himself. He was doing job necessary for prides, but not because he wanted to, but because... he had nothing better to do. “Arbiter!” thought. “Who will be remember me, after I will be squashed by the sandstorm? They will find another arbiter and another historian. I won’t be remembered even as secondary character in this tale. Kota have right...”

And first blow of wind hit laying lion. He whispered in mind call for Vitani and Tanabi, his parents, to greet him in skyword, but for sure, he also called to Sparthi, patron of desert wanderers. There was small chance he would survive. Very small, but lion wasn’t killed with first blow, so maybe...

“Ha? What?” whispered, still cuddling face in sand. Wind stopped.

Taka carefully raised his face and opened his eyes. When he noticed cloud of sand before him, he knew that his eyes would be painfully rip out by charge of dirt and soon or later whole his body would be crushed by power of element. But it didn’t happened.

“What, on Stars!?” muttered lion, seeing, that golden cloud in front of him was floating in the air... in place, just mixing inside. Suddenly, he saw some silhouette in centre of sandy cumulus, lioness’s silhouette. It said with little ironical, but still friendly voice.

“Well, well, well... you are Taka, son of Vitani and Tanabi!” shade came closer to him, and all cloud moved too, that lion found himself in. Sand was hitting his fur, but in strange, gentle way, doing no harm. He even opened eyes, that he closed earlier. Nothing happened. “You have always been my favourite... mostly because of name!”

“Zira...” whispered Taka with amaze. “Grandmother Zira!” he bowed with respect. “Welcome here, ma’am. Am I dead?” asked with doubt. But he felt alive as never. Not, that was not this. “What brought you he, so low under the sky?”

“Your stupidity.” Replied queen and came closer to grandson. Her body turned from sandy shadow to almost material body. “Look at yourself! You would be fine lion... if you wanted to!” she touched his shoulder. “Why have you refused Kota? You would be now king...”

“...of the Past.” Finished lion and lioness’s ghost burst in laughter.

“Good! That was great!” said with playful voice. “Someday, you will meet Tarki and... ow, never mind... Yes, I know, you are weaker. I know, you would probably die in challenge... But I see no fear in your eyes. Someone, who wanders through desert, just to maintain liaison between prides and make them cooperate to resist drought... is probably mad or ready to die in any time. Or both, what I see in you eyes. Why don’t you want to challenge Dhalimu?”

“He is my cousin.” Replied Taka. “And rightful king. I have no right...”

“...to defend lioness, you love?” finished Zira. “Don’t you think that are quite poor laws?”

“This is the Circle of Life.” Said lion. “My duty is to guard it.”

“Well done...” Zira clapped her paws. “But I think, that should be opposite: it has to guard you. And you think the same, but you are afraid to admit it. You are the same as your grandfather was!”

“I would break the laws...”

“Dhalimu is breaking the laws! He is a tyrant! He doesn’t care about his subjects. You have right to dispose him... as descendant of royal line. Golden Ones can’t do this, because killing own monarch is terrible crime. But you can, you are not his subject. You won’t break any oath and you will be worthy to assume the throne.”

“I’m too weak to win with Dhalimu.” Said Taka quietly.

“And Scar was too weak to win with Mufasa! He was too weak to survive drought and save his prides. Also, he was too weak to conquer the throne for Vitani. But he did it all! You know that, because you are telling about it so often...” she came even closer and whispered him to ear. “I tell you a secret: weakness is just a state of mind.”

“Would you help me then?” asked unconvinced lion.

“I already have, Taka...” replied she, slowly disappearing into the air. “I already have.”

After minute of gentle wind, all sand from cloud felt on the ground. Taka noticed, that there was just calm, silent night... He took a look around and burst in laughter.

So, after he had told his tales so many times, he discovered that he understood nothing from them. He was singing about heroes of the past, but with no slightest think that such a personalities could be needed in future. So, what far he was telling it? To amuse Kota? That Kota, who he just had left with tyrant, to her dreadful fate? He clutched paw into fist and hit on the ground. Golden Queen was right: weakness is just a state of mind. Fortunately, there wasn’t to late to change his mind. Such a thing is never easy, but always possible.

Taka had something to do. He turned back and started in Golden Sand’s direction.

Taka_PL
Semptember 2006