Previous Lives
By Samuel Reiman
Well, this is my final sequel. You should be able to understand this without reading any of my other stories, but as always it helps if you read the others first.
All characters/references made to The Lion King (1, 2, and 1 ½) are all copyright Disney and all the following characters: Shangazi, Heri, Kimya, Ania, Hunter, Amani, Itikio, Daraka, Kingama, Huduma, Jewel, and Ulaga are all made copyright by me.
Any comments, etc. are always welcome at srreimanabroad@aol.com.
Samuel Reiman
Part 1: The Arrival
Part 2: A Confession
Part 3: Dreams
Part 4: Opinionated
Part 5: Friend or Foe?
Part 6: Interferer
Part 7: A Death for Danger
Part 8: Results
Part 9: King-ama
Part 10: Love Starts to Find a Way
Part 11: Admitting on Arrival
Part 12: Change is good
Part 13: Life Goes On
Part 1: The Arrival:
The young lion crouched down. His body was blended in so well with his surroundings now, that even an owl would have trouble finding him. He edged closer to the grazing herbivores. They were completely unaware of his presence. He knew this. It may have been his first time hunting solo, but he had had enough experience to know what was right, and what was not. So it startled him when all of sudden the herd took off. They surely couldn't have scented him; what had he done wrong? But why was he worrying about that though - they were heading straight at him! He managed to duck out of the way just in time, before the thundering sound of hooves rushed over the top of him. The sound eventually died down as quickly as it had come. He knew he was safe, but now he was left to wonder again, what had he ever done wrong? He opened his eyes; they had been clenched tight since he had realized the danger that he had been in. And there, standing above him, was another lioness, looking almost as shocked as he had been.
They stared at each other, neither willing to say the first word. The lioness was not of this pride, she knew that he had every right to do whatever he wanted to her. However, he knew that she was a lot older than him, and although he would certainly have more energy than her in a fight, nothing ever pays more than experience. Their silence was finally broken when King Simba and Queen Nala came over to them.
Nala: (Concerned) Kopa, are you okay?
Kopa: Yeah, I'm fine Mom.
Now it was the other lioness that was in trouble, she knew that three against one would never work, she had to speak up.
Simba: (Angrily to the lioness) What do you think you were doing? Kopa could've been killed!
Lioness: Look, I'm sorry, I'm really sorry. I didn't know there was a pride here...but...please, will you let me just say something?
Simba: Well...if you must...
Lioness: Thank you. Now...I know I shouldn't have been hunting in your lands, but I had no idea! You see, my family left me a long time ago, and, and I thought I smelt their scent nearby so I - I followed it and it led me here
Nala: Your family left you?
Lioness: That's what I am to believe. I was sent to get some food for them, came home, and there was nobody there! Well, I waited for a little while, but then it turned into a few days, then months, and now I don't know how long it's been! (Sighs) Just listen to me, why am telling you all this? I almost killed your son! Go ahead, just kill me; I've already told you, I have no family.
Simba and Nala exchanged glances with each other. Yes, she had almost killed their son; they had seen that from their lookout point nearby. But they couldn't kill her, not after all she had been through.
Simba: Listen, um, what's your name?
Lioness: Who cares, you're going to kill me anyway, just get it done with please
Simba: I'm not going to kill you; we're not like that here. In fact, we would be very glad just having you as a member of our pride. Now could you tell us your name?
Shangazi: (Slightly irritated) It's Shangazi, okay, now will you please just kill me and get it done with?
Simba: I'm not going to kill you. Welcome to our pride, Shangazi. I'm not going to harm you.
Shangazi stared at him for a moment, but soon noticed that he was telling the truth. Then she faced Nala.
Shangazi: Oh yeah, and what about her?
Nala: I am happy for you to join our pride too, Shangazi.
Shangazi, again, stared at her, slightly bewildered, until it finally started to come to her.
Shangazi: You really mean it don't you? I can stay here? (They both nod in agreement, and then she stares down and faces at Kopa) What about you, would you forgive me?
Kopa looked up at her. Yes, she had ruined his first hunt, but it seemed like she had been in a lot worse circumstances than that. He was willing to say "Yes," but all he was focusing on at the moment was her eyes. They reminded him of someone, someone he had known a long time ago. His mother! But no, his mother was dead.
He had been told about the story of his real parents before. About they had been tricked by this lion called Kovu. They had been led into the lands believing he was nice, and they had taken him with them. That had been the day that his parents were killed, the day when Simba and Nala had took him in.
And this lioness, this lioness right in front of him was - she was his aunt! He remembered her now, how she had always used to play with him, how she had always been there for him when his parents had left. He had been so young back then; it was amazing that he even remembered her. But it had hit her too. She smiled at him, she knew it, he knew it.
Shangazi: Heri?
Nala: Heri? (To Simba) Who's Heri?
Kopa: Auntie Shang?
Shangazi: (Delighted) Heri, it is you!
Kopa and his aunt embraced for several seconds, while Simba and Nala were slowly beginning to put the pieces to the puzzle together.
Simba: You...you're his aunt?
Shangazi turned to them.
Shangazi: Why yes sir, I'm Heri's aunt
Nala: Heri? You call Kopa, Heri?
Shangazi: Yes, that's his name, Heri
Nala: So you believe his name to be Heri, but of course we named him Kopa. So...
Shangazi: I've never heard the name Kopa before...
Kopa: No, Auntie, they're right, my name's Kopa but...
Shangazi: But that's not what your parents named you! I was there, I remember your mother saying - your mother - wait a minute...(turns to Simba and Nala)...you two...cause...(to Nala) you're not my sister, but he calls you 'Mom.'
Simba and Nala exchanged glances again, deciding which one of them should tell her.
Kopa: My real parents died, Auntie. Mom and Dad, here, they took me in.
Shangazi looked upset at first when she heard that they had died, but then she turned back to Simba and Nala.
Shangazi: Well...that is...that is understandable. Explains why they never came back. I guess if you wouldn't mind...I don't really have a home...
Simba: Of course we wouldn't mind. I'm Simba, and this is my mate, Nala
Shangazi: It's very nice to meet you both. Thank you for letting me stay here
Simba: You're welcome. Nala, would you mind showing her around?
Nala: (Hesitant) Hmm...itÕs getting late. Would you mind if we put it off until tomorrow?
Shangazi: Of course not, it's more than I could ask for to even be here. Thank you very much
Simba: You're welcome. Come on, letÕs head on home now, it's starting to get cold out here.
Part 2: A Confession:
The four lions had made it back to Pride Rock before night had fallen. Shangazi had decided to sleep on her own, she was only Kopa's aunt, and she hadn't seen him in years, she knew that at his age it was best to give him a little space.
Kopa was not the only lion there in his adolescent years. Ania, King Hunter and Queen Amani's daughter, and Kimya, Kiara's son, were also in their growing-up years. The gossip between the lionesses was that those particular two seemed to be growing ever closer to each other. Kimya knew this, but he didn't know that they could see their relationship. He did not even want Ania to know. Well, that was a lie. After all, if Ania never found out how he felt about her how could he ever end up with her. He couldn't restrain from it any longer. He needed to ask his mom, Kiara. He got up and then made his way over to her, nudging her shoulder to get her to wake.
Kiara: Hmm, who is that?
Kimya: Mom, it's me
Kiara: Kimya? (She yawns) What time is it?
Kimya: It's still early, but, Mom, I need to talk to you about something
Kiara: Can it wait until later please?
Kimya: No, Mom, please, I really need to talk to you
Kiara: About what?
Kimya: (Looks around nervously) But I don't really want to talk about it in here.
Kiara: (Opens her eyes) Oh, a mother-to-son thing I see? Well, (she gets up) I guess if it's that important I should. Do you just want to talk about it outside?
Kimya: Eh...yeah...outside will do.
It had been a while since that conversation had taken place. They were near the waterhole now, and Kimya still silently led the way with his mother following him. Kiara had gone from tiredness to concern. She knew that what Kimya wanted to talk to her about must be important if he wasn't willing to talk about it around others. Finally, she decided to break the silence.
Kiara: So...Kimya...what did you want to say to me? (Kimya stops walking and she stops along side him)
Kimya: Mom...I just wanted to know about...about you and Dad
Kiara: Oh...(she looks down at the ground)...well, your father, Kovu...(she stops, Kimya waits patiently)...sorry, it's just been so long since I've talked about him. Well, your father and I, we were - we were deeply in love with each other, obviously, but - it's hard to explain. I think about him all the time, I cry myself to sleep often, he was a part of me that was just taken away...but he left you
Kimya: So, when was the first time you met him?
Kiara: Oh, when I was a cub. I went running out of the lands, acting as a rebel to my parents, and I met him. Well, you can't say it was 'love' at first sight, but we most certainly became quick friends. (Sighs) And then I didn't see him again for a few years
Kimya: When did you see him again?
Kiara: When I was about your age, he saved me from a fire, but, it turned out to be a set up, or that's what he told me. Of course I didn't know that at the time and there seemed to be a bond beginning to grow between us. And that bond just kind of grew stronger over time
Kimya: So, how do you know when you're in love?
Kiara: Well...(realizes)...oh...(smiles)...oh...well Kimya, you see, you never really 'know' when you're in love, it just - happens. One day, they're your friend, the next day you can't stop thinking about them. As for you and Ania...
Kimya: Huh? (Slightly nervous) Who ever said anything about me and Ania?
Kiara: Oops! I let my tongue slip. Well, it's no secret Kimya, everyone knows...
Kimya: (Irritation rising) I just like her, that's all!
Kiara: Hmm mm...now, be honest with me, you're in love with Ania, aren't you dear?
Kimya: Well...
Kiara: What's holding you back from telling me? I'm your mother, come on!
Kimya: Okay, okay, I'm...(fades off into mumbles)
Kiara: (Smiling) What was that last part, dear?
Kimya: (Sighs) Yes, Mom, I'm in love with Ania
Kiara: (Chuckles a little more, then puts her paw around him) There's nothing to be ashamed of dear, it's normal for someone to be in love at your age. And you done the right thing too, you know that whenever you have these kinds of things on your mind, just come and talk to me
Kimya: I know Mom, but, how do I tell her?
Kiara: You don't have to, Kimya. Just, spend some time with her and be nice to her, and maybe in the end she'll feel the same way about you. Okay?
Kimya: Yes, Mom, okay
Kiara: Good, that's enough talk for one day. Hey, go, try, and see if you can find her now, maybe she'll want to talk to you
Kimya: (Looks up at her) I'll do that Mom. Thanks for the tip. (He starts to walk off) Bye
Kiara: See you later.
Part 3: Dreams:
Kimya put his mother's words into action as soon as he had left her. Only one problem, where exactly was Ania? As luck would have it, however, he saw her father, Hunter, nearby. And her mother, Amani, was there as well, one of them had to know where she was.
Kimya: Hey, Uncle Hunter! Have you seen...
Hunter: Shh! (Quietly) Keep it down, Kimya, please, Ania's practicing her hunting - we don't want to disturb her.
Kimya looked across the lands. Sure enough, he could see her; camouflaged within the savannah grass. She was a lot better at hunting that Kimya and Kopa were. As a lioness, she had started training way before they had. Also, her determination was more than anyone elseÕs in the land. You could say that she put too much pressure on herself, given the circumstances of the lands at the moment. There had been no signs of droughts or any other thing around that could possibly result in a loss of food. But Hunter wasn't going to tell her to take the pressure off, one day it might come in handy.
Hunter: So what was it you came to see me for, Kimya?
Kimya: Well, actually, Hunter, I was wondering if I could just talk to Ania for a bit
Hunter: Just a quick talk or...
Kimya: No, actually, I wouldn't mind...
He stopped, unable to get the words out, but Hunter got the general idea.
Hunter: Oh...okay, yeah, you can talk to her. Um...letÕs just wait for her to finish her hunt.
Hunter looked back over to her, but Kimya just stared at the ground. Why couldn't he bring himself to say it? Hunter obviously knew anyway. He thought about it for a few minutes until they were distracted by the return of Ania.
Hunter: Good try, Ania, it was just luck that got you that time - you didn't make any mistakes
Ania: Thanks Dad. Hi Kimya
Kimya: (Looking back up) Oh...hi Ania
Hunter: Ania, Kimya wants to talk to you
Ania: Really? Just a quick word or...
Kimya: Well, actually I just wanted to talk about a few...things...with you
Ania: Okay...here?
Kimya: Er...not exactly...um...
Ania: Oh, okay. You lead the way and I guess I'll follow you. (To Hunter) Bye Dad!
Hunter: Bye Ania, bye Kimya
Kimya: Bye.
Kimya led Ania off and away from Hunter. He smiled as he watched them go, then he heard a sigh from behind him. He turned, knowing it had come from his mate, Amani. He approached her, nuzzling her when he got there.
Amani: Hmm...morning Hunter
Hunter: Morning. (Laying down next to her) I swear I heard you sigh, hun, what's the matter?
Amani: I...don't get me wrong on this Hunter, but you know as well as I do that Kimya likes Ania. And to be honest, I think Ania likes him too. They're going to go off in the real world now, and, well, Ania just won't need us anymore. And to be honest, we're not going to be around a whole much longer either
Hunter: (Looks at her) You miss Itikio, don't you?
Amani: Of course I do, Hunter, and you know that!
Hunter: Yes, but, she was getting on so well with Kopa until she left us. It just hurts you now to see Ania growing up without her, doesn't it?
Amani: (Nods) Yes, Hunter, it does. (Pause) Hunter...
Hunter: Hmm
Amani: I've been meaning to ask you something, really, just something
Hunter: Well, what is it dear?
Amani: Do you ever...do you ever think about going back?
Hunter: Back...to where?
Amani: Back home, where we lived before Ulaga attacked our lands, back to where we were born, where we grew up with Daraka and Sarafina, back to where it all started. Don't you ever think about it, Hunter?
Hunter: It would be nice - but I don't think it can ever happen. Last time we were there, the lands were ruined, and our cubs hadn't even been born yet. But don't let me get your hopes down. I mean, if there's anything else you would like to do before our time comes I'll do it for you...but I don't think we'll ever return back home.
They sat down in silence for a while; admiring the beauty of the lands and every now and then displaying affection to the other.
Amani: That was certainly nice for Daraka to do that for me
Hunter: Hmm...do what?
Amani: Take the blame, for killing Dad.
Hunter was taken aback. This was the first ever time that she had ever brought it up. Any other time and it had been him, and the next thing he knew he would be apologizing to her for letting his tongue slip. But now...
Hunter: Yes...yeah, it was nice, wasn't it?
Amani: (Smiling at him) You weren't expecting me to say that, were you?
Hunter: No...no I wasn't...
Amani: It's okay Hunter...
She licked him, but he just kept staring at her. Amani gave one last chuckle, and then she walked off, leaving Hunter on his own.
Hunter: Gee, talk about Ania coming into the real world.
Part 4: Opinionated
Shangazi was not nervous, but she was still only just getting used to the new lands. Apart from Heri, she was not related to any of the Pridelanders. She knew she did not really belong, and there were certainly a few around that disapproved of her presence. But the kings and queens didn't, and that was all that really mattered.
Nala had told her to meet her at the waterhole, from there she would show her around. Shangazi knew where the waterhole was, but as much as it didn't bother her that much, she still wondered why Nala had gone there at first alone. Shangazi would have been happy enough going there from Pride Rock with her. But then again, Nala was one of the queens, and the most respected of the two. Shangazi had to take into account of that respect and space she should give her.
She finally arrived at the waterhole, still unsure of her surroundings, checking every blade of grass or sound from behind a tree with the opinion that someone was always watching her. Then she saw Nala. She stopped. Nala seemed extremely upset about something. She wasn't weeping, but this was the closest to it many would have ever seen her. Shangazi had the urge to go over and talk to her calmly to see what was the matter, but then she remembered about giving her space, should she wait? Nala had told her to see her after sunrise, and that time had passed, but now she wasn't so sure that she should go up to her. Things always tend to get confusing when you do not know what you should be doing, and then you do not know what you should do, especially when it comes to you in two different blows. This was the problem that Shangazi had right now. She thought about backing off but then Nala saw her out of her peripheral vision and began to get up.
Nala: Hi Shangazi
Shangazi: Huh...oh...hi Nala
Nala: (Coming over to her) I was going to show you around, this morning, wasn't I?
Shangazi: Yeah...um...you told me to see you here after sunrise...
Nala: Yes, I remember now. Well, come on then, letÕs get started.
Nala started to lead her off.
Shangazi: (Hesitant) Um...Nala...er...are you okay?
Nala: Yes, Shangazi, I'm fine. I know I seemed a little upset but...
Shangazi: Why? Isn't there anything I could do to help you?
Nala: No, there's not. As for why...I'd prefer not to discuss that right now
Shangazi: Oh...okay then
Nala: Come on.
Shangazi followed Nala away from the waterhole, and for the rest of the morning was shown around the lands. They bumped into several of the other lionesses along the way, including Vitani, who had taken a liking to Shangazi. After all, she herself had once been unfamiliar with the lands and she knew that Shangazi probably needed the similar support she had received. But unfortunately for Shangazi, many of the others were not as kind. Sure, they acted nice since she was with Nala, but she could tell very well that many of them despised of her presence. It was when the sun was in its peek and they were heading back to Pride Rock that she brought up the incident to Nala again.
Shangazi: Nala, are you sure that there is no way I could help you?
Nala: Hmm, with what?
Shangazi: Well, you just seemed quite upset at the waterhole earlier - and I was just wondering...why?
Nala: Well...(sighs)...it's just my parents. The day Kopa came here, well, he was almost killed like his parents were too. It was all linked together somehow. I should tell you actually, being as it concerns your sister. There was this lion called Ulaga, now he...
Shangazi: Wait...I think I remember him. He came into our lands once, said he needed us for something...
Nala: Yes, well, he needed you to fight our pride. But your pride turned out to be too small, so he went and invaded the pride that Amani and Hunter lived in and...
Shangazi: Hunter's the other lion around here, right? And Amani, she's his mate, right?
Nala: Yes, that's them. They're also my aunt and uncle. Anyway, once Simba heard of all the bad stuff that Ulaga had done, a small fight broke out and Simba killed him. Well, Kovu was angry because Ulaga was his dad, and then he went back to your pride, obviously when you must have been hunting, and took the others into our lands and tried to kill them. He also killed my mother so that he could get to dad, and then he killed him. Then Kopa ended up in the waterhole, I went to get him and fell right into the trap. I got injured and it turned out that Kovu was about to kill me, and if he did he could kill Simba then take the cub and be king
Shangazi: So then what happened?
Nala: Simba killed him, and we adopted Kopa. But still, Ulaga, Kovu, my mom, my dad, and the rest of your family all went, and, sometimes, I just need to be alone
Shangazi: I understand. (Pause) Who's that?
Nala: Who? (Turns around) Oh gods, it's Zazu
Shangazi: Who?
Nala: Our majordomo. HeÕs a hornbill. Trust me, all the lionesses will seem nice to you once you've got by his criticism. He's coming down here, I'll just talk to him on my own - you can go back inside
Shangazi: Eh...actually I was thinking about taking a little walk. See you later, Nala
Nala: Bye.
Once Shangazi had walked off, Zazu came down and landed next to Nala.
Zazu: Good afternoon, Ma'am
Nala: Afternoon Zazu, no problems I hope?
Zazu: Well, actually Nala, there does seem to be one and it is concerning Shangazi...
Nala: (Faking surprise) Really?
Zazu: Yes as a matter of fact. You see Nala, this pride has let far too much outsiders in before, and you've seen the troubles they've caused...
Nala: My family used to be outsiders...
Zazu: That's different. You became a part of the royal family, as so did Amani and Hunter. The important thing here is that every outsider I've seen come into these lands have either became a part of the royal family or been killed! My guess is that loyalty makes the difference. Now, you know as well as I do that Kopa was supposed to be betrothed to Itikio, and now that can't happen. The next king and queen will be Ania and Kimya, so Shangazi is really totally excluded from that equation. Anyways, the thing is that Shangazi has no right to be here, and the history of outsiders in our lands has not been a good one...
Nala: She seems quite nice, I can tell you
Zazu: Have the other lionesses been nice to her?
Nala: I'm sure they'll grow warmer after some time. Simba and I like her now, but at first we were beyond words when she almost killed...
Zazu: See, you just said it! She almost killed someone!
Nala: It was an accident Zazu!
Zazu: How do you know it won't happen again?
Nala: You think if she was a clumsy fool that I would have noticed by now? (Zazu doesn't reply) Well, okay. If she does turn out to be one we might think about it, but right now she doesn't seem to be
Zazu: I'm glad we came to an agreement, Nala. Now, if you don't mind I've got other stuff to do. Bye Nala! (Flies off)
Nala: Bye (Under her breath) Honestly, if it was between you and her, Zazu, she would be the one staying
Kopa: Hi Mom
Nala: Hmm, oh, hi sweetheart, how are you?
Kopa: I'm fine. What were you and Zazu talking about?
Nala: Oh...nothing important. Hey, come on; letÕs go back inside before it gets dark.
Part 5: Friend or Foe?:
The sun lay on the verge of setting, the sky was already growing darker. Shangazi checked behind her. Nobody was following or watching her, and Pride Rock looked very small now in the distance. She turned back and continued to head on. She did not know where she was going, though she knew she would return. Why had she even came out this far? Was she even in the lands any more? And what exactly was she looking for? That was the biggest one concerning her, the one that she wanted to answer first. Still, as much as she thought about it, she couldn't work out what it was...
Lioness: Excuse me?
Shangazi: Huh? (Turning around) Who is that?
Lioness: Hi, are you lost at all?
Shangazi: Eh...no...
Lioness: Do you know where you are?
Shangazi: I'm in the Pridelands, aren't I?
Lioness: The Pridelands? They're about two minutes away from here
Shangazi: So...so I'm not in the Pridelands?
Lioness: No, but I can guide you there if you want me to
Shangazi: No, I'm fine, I know where they are. I must have just - walked beyond the boundary, thatÕs all. See, I'm new there
Lioness: Well why did you come out this far, is something wrong?
Shangazi: No I'm fine, just a couple of little issues but...
Lioness: Well then something's wrong then, isn't it? My name's Kingama, I'm here to help
Shangazi: (Stares at her) My...my name is Shangazi
Kingama: Shangazi, pleased to meet you. Now, what can I help you with?
Shangazi: Well...no, no, it's stupid, just...I'll go...
Kingama: No, no, no, don't go. Listen, just tell me one fact and it will all come out, I promise you
Shangazi: Well...there's this nephew of mine...
Kingama: What's his name?
Shangazi: Heri...or...Kopa, but that's a part of the problem
Kingama: And the problem?
Shangazi: Well, Heri's parents died, and I didn't know where he was...so this other couple took him in
Kingama: In the Pridelands?
Shangazi: Yes, Simba and Nala took him in, in the Pridelands. Well, I don't have any family now, apart from him, so they accepted me into the lands. That happened yesterday, but...
Kingama: But what?
Shangazi: But - well lets put it this way. His parents are king and queen, they have responsibilities every day. They're aging, they're a lot older than I am and they can't really play around too much, and now it seems that their family is beginning to die around them and they're becoming depressed, and these are Heri's parents!
Kingama: So, what you're saying is that you don't think they should be with them?
Shangazi: Well, see the problem is - they're nice, and they gave me a place to live. But, it just seems that I could play with Heri all day if I wanted to, but he's depressed all the time
Kingama: And you think that that's because of his new parents?
Shangazi: Yes.
Kingama: Hmm...(Thinks about it for a moment)...I see your point, so what do you plan to do?
Shangazi: Well, I guess that's why I came out here, to think about it
Kingama: I know what you should do. Either, 'A', tell his parents what you just told me, or, 'B', take him out of their presence with you
Shangazi: What, no! Don't be ridiculous...
Kingama: Which one's ridiculous?
Shangazi: 'B', I can't take him away from them, but I can't bring myself to do 'A' either
Kingama: Well I'll do it for you
Shangazi: Hmm, how?
Kingama: You lead me into the lands in the morning and I'll go and talk to these two and see if we can't sort something out. Does that sound good with you, because you know, if you want something to change you've got to do something to change it
Shangazi: (Thinks) Okay...okay...I guess when you put it that way that's the best that it's going to get. I'll lead you there in the morning
Kingama: Okay. Glad we got that settled.
Part 6: Interferer:
Timon: Again! Oh, why are the good tasting ones always the ones that fly?
Pumbaa: Where did he go, Timon?
Timon: Where do you think he went?
Pumbaa: EhÉI donÕt know...where?
Timon: (Ignoring him) I can't believe that I just lost my lunch - again!
Pumbaa: Maybe if you just learnt to like the ground crawlers Timon, then they wouldn't fly away from you
Timon: I like ground crawlers Pumbaa, but the thing is, that particular dragonfly you saw just there is the best tasting bug in Africa! (Catches a glimpse of Zazu flying above him) Hey, look Pumbaa! It's Zazu, maybe he can bring that bug down!
Pumbaa: Eh...Timon...it's just one bug you know...
Timon: (Through cupped hands for Zazu to hear him) Hey, Zazu, come down here...(turning as Zazu as he flies on by)...okay yeah, sorry, I forgot. Zazu, would you please come down here...(as he flies off into the distance)...Zazu...Zazu...
Pumbaa: I don't think he can hear you Timon
Timon: Oh, that's right banana-beak, just keep flying...(and he does)...hey, Pumbaa...(jumps onto his back)...follow him!
Pumbaa started to run off at fall charge after Zazu. Timon watched from between his ears as the image of Zazu flying into the distance got closer and closer to them, until he dived down like a hawk as they reached the top of a hill. Pumbaa tripped and soon Timon and he were both rolling down the hill uncontrollably, until they crashed onto the ground at the bottom where Zazu had safely landed seconds before.
Timon: (Groans and lifts his head up, then...) Whoa...(jumps up)...who the heck is that!?!
Kingama: My name is Kingama. I'm not here to do any harm, now just let me be, please
Zazu: Sorry Ma'am, but we cannot let you pass through these lands under any circumstances. You do not belong to this pride and...and...hey, I didn't tell you to go, come back here - now!
Kingama keeps on walking.
Timon: Er...Zazu...could you do me a favor, please?
Zazu flies after Kingama.
Timon: Why isn't he listening to me?
Pumbaa: He's trying to get that lioness to leave Timon
Timon: Well, why does he want to do that for?
Pumbaa: I don't think he wants her here. Maybe, Timon, if you want to talk to him, you could help make her leave
Timon: Yeah right, Pumbaa - (imitating him) - you could help make her leave...wait a minute...maybe I could make her leave! Come on Pumbaa, letÕs get her outta here!
They go running up to where Zazu has once again stopped Kingama from continuing onwards. Simba, Nala, Hunter, and Amani arrived since Timon and Pumbaa had last seen her.
Simba: Eh...what is going on here?
Zazu: Your majesty, we have a trespasser in our lands
Kingama: Trespasser? I have a name you know, and I've already told you it so you can't say I haven't. For the rest, my name is Kingama if it helps you at all. Now do any of you know Simba and Nala? I'm looking for them
Simba: I'm Simba
Nala: And I'm Nala
Kingama: Oh great, I've found you
Zazu: (Panicking) Run, sire! It's a trap, she's going to kill us all!
Kingama: Someone shut him up please
Hunter: With pleasure. (Starts to approach him, then sternly) Amani - let go of my tail please
Amani: (Muffled) Give me one, good reason...
Simba: Hunter, let him be. (Back to Kingama) Now, what's this thing you were going to tell us?
Kingama: Well, sire, I am here because this lioness I met last night, Shangazi, do you know her at all?
Simba: Yes, we know Shangazi. Where did you see her?
Kingama: Doesn't matter, she forgot where the boundaries of your lands were and managed to find me. Now, listen, she seemed to be very upset, something about her nephew, Heri...
Nala: Kopa
Kingama: Kopa, she did say that you called him that, I just forgot. Now, I know that you two both love him and all that stuff that families are like, but have you ever thought of how you are affecting him?
Nala: Hmm, how do you mean?
Kingama: Well, letÕs put it this way. You two are king and queen...
Simba: So are Hunter and Amani...
Kingama: And them too, but still, you two are king and queen. Forgive me for saying so, but you are both quite old, and both of your parents have gone. Apparently, and this is what Shangazi told me, you two are so old and depressed that you don't have the energy to enjoy time with your son anymore...
Nala: Shangazi said that?
Kingama: Yes, she did. So in summary you could say that Shangazi is a very nice, young lioness, but if she and Kopa stay around here, they're going to be worried by your troubles and they are not going to enjoy their lives as much. I believe that you should just let them go...
Nala: What? How could we ever do that? He's my son!
Kingama: Not technically...apparently, you two only adopted him...
Simba: Well, it's a long story. See, Nala did give birth to Kopa, just, not that Kopa
Kingama: Okay...so...what happened to the other Kopa?
Simba: He...(quietly)...he was killed
Kingama: Oh...I see. However, Shangazi is still the only living direct relative to this Kopa, or Heri, I believe that she should be the one who gets the say
Simba: Well, I believe that Shangazi would be quite content with staying here
Kingama: (Sighs) This is going nowhere
Zazu: But you are, please go Ma'am, you've caused enough troubles for one day
Timon: Yeah, go on, get outta here!
Kingama: Alright, alright, I'm going. Don't think Shangazi's going to not say anything about this though.
She walks away from them.
Timon: See that, Pumbaa? See how I just told her to go, and she listened to me? Hah, I did it! Now I can speak to Zazu! (Turns back) Zazu? Zazu? Hey, where did everyone go?
Pumbaa: Look Timon, they're all going over there. It seems like they're in a hurry, maybe there's trouble...
Timon: Trouble, hey? Well, who says I can't sort this one out? Come on Pumbaa, we're going to stop this catastrophe! (Gets back on him) Oh, and watch where you're going this time, gee up Pumbaa!
Part 7: A Death for Danger:
A few minutes before, Kimya and Ania had happily been walking together through some of the lands. Kopa had also been nearby, hunting a herd. No, not a herd of zebra, or wildebeest, or gazelle, or even buffalo; he had been stalking a herd of elephants. Yes, it is rare that a lion could successfully bring an elephant down, but Kopa was determined. He was starting to realize how must he was almost ignored around the Pridelands. Ever since Itikio had died, nobody had really had a long, loving conversation with him, apart from his parents of course. He knew very well that Shangazi and his parents were having this discussion over him, but he believed he wasn't getting a say in it at all. It was almost as he was too inferior to them. This was why he knew he had to prove himself.
A few minutes after that, however, he was highly regretting his decision. He had gone in for the kill, but one of the mothers was not going to let him succeed. And in their world, when one charges, they all charge, and that's what caused the elephant stampede.
Huduma had observed the whole thing taking place. The elephants had turned at Kopa, who had immediately turned and ran for it. Unfortunately, he had started off in the wrong direction: right towards Kimya and Ania! This was all going on far away from Pride Rock. Huduma knew that he was the only one around that was safe. But what could he do? His wings had been broken a while, and as much as he believed that they would have fixed themselves, they hadn't. But, had he ever actually tried to fly since? No, he hadn't. So, could he? Could he still fly? Well, there was only one way to find out...
He was on the ground, unable to get up high before. Then he faced the heart of the Pridelands. The stretch of land in front of him looked like an endless runway. He knew that since he had not flown in a while, if he still could fly, it would be difficult for him to do it from a stand-still. Determination overcame him and he prepared to take off. But first he had to see if he could move his wings. He was able to do so, but in agony. His left wing was hurting him a lot more than his right. Still, that didn't matter, he had to do this. He had to. He picked up his foot, and then the other, then slowly but surely, he began to run. He tried to stick his right wing out, a gust of wind hit him from head on. It blew him to the left slightly, but it had worked! His right wing was out! He now started to move his left wing out. It was a lot more painful this time. Then the wind started to pick up, he could feel another gust coming, this was his only opportunity. He forced that wing out, he began to move his right one up and down, slowly at first but then getting faster, and faster. Then his left wing finally got to that point where the hard work was done, it was out! He started to move that up and down too. The gust of wind came right at that very moment, he forced his wings down, and it worked! For the first time in ages, his feet had left the ground. He forced them down again and gained another inch or two between him and the floor. Soon enough, he was back into rhythm. He was flying! Now, to find the pride!
Kingama: (Sighs) This is going nowhere
Zazu: But you are, please go Ma'am, you've caused enough troubles for one day
Timon: Yeah, go on, get outta here!
Kingama: Alright, alright, I'm going. Don't think Shangazi's going to not say anything about this though.
She walks away from them.
Nala: I - I just don't believe that Shangazi really would have said that...
Simba: Hmm...
Nala: And why didn't she tell us? Why did Kingama have to do it for her?
Simba: (Thinking) You don't think that...
Nala: Maybe she got her to say it because she couldn't bring herself to do so. That would make sense
Simba: Right, I mean, you can't really control what you actually think. Sometimes thoughts enter your mind that you may want to get rid of, but you can't. And then you just can never bring yourself to say the truth
Nala: Right...so...Simba?
Simba: Yes
Nala: (Seriously) When you say that you love me, you're telling the truth, right?
Simba: (Smiles) What do you think?
Nala: (Smiling back) Oh, I don't know. But I know one thing - (nuzzling him) - I love you
Simba: Hmm...
Hunter: (Excited) Hey, lovebirds, look! It's Huduma! He's flying!
Everyone in the area looked up into the sky and saw him coming in. Before they could begin celebrating though, they began to realize that Huduma had either forgotten how to land properly, or he was just extremely worn out. Probably both.
He started to come down extremely fast. Then it seemed as if his left wing failed him. He started to flap his right one frantically to keep himself up, but that just made it worse. He had lost control of himself, this wasn't going to be a nice landing.
Sure enough...umph!!
Simba: Huduma! (Running up to him) Huduma, you okay?
Huduma: (Exhausted) Yes sire, I'm fine. But sire, you must listen - Kopa, Ania, and Kimya, they're not fine...there's a stampede...an elephant stampede...they're in it...
Simba: What?
Nala: (Gasps) Simba, come on, we must save them...
Simba: Nala, wait. Huduma, are you sure you'll be okay?
Zazu: Sire, I will go and get Rafiki. You and the rest must go and save the others!
Simba: Okay, thanks a lot Zazu. Come on guys, lets go!
Part 8: Results:
When the four got to the sight of the stampede, the first thing they saw was ruin. They looked around anxiously for any sign of their three children. Kiara came up from behind them, brought there by the sign of concern she had seen from her parents. As the dark dust cloud cleared, the first thing they noticed was Shangazi approaching them.
Nala: Shangazi! Is everyone okay?
Shangazi: (Crossly) Yes, everything is fine, no thanks to you nitwits!
Nala: Shangazi?
Shangazi: Do you want to know what caused this whole thing? Well guess what - it was Heri! I just talked to him and he told me that he believed that since everyone in the lands has been treating him like dirt that he should go out and prove himself! And look at what he's gone and done! He almost killed them all! He's gone and injured himself because of this, I don't think he can even walk! (Sighs) I want to be nice to you, you know, but if you're going to treat him to the point where he is almost committing acts of suicide, I don't think I'm going to be!
There was an awkward silence for a few minutes after that. Amani was the one who broke it.
Amani: How's Ania?
Shangazi: (As if she couldn't care less) Fine
Kiara: And Kimya?
Shangazi: Fine...also suicidal though
Nala: (Irritation building) What do you have all of a sudden against our pride? I mean it's not like we're all a bunch of idiots...
Just then, Timon and Pumbaa run on by into the dust cloud followed a few seconds after by the sound of the crunch of dust as Pumbaa either trips over a rock or a fallen tree from the stampede.
Shangazi: Kimya is suicidal, because I was able to drag him out of the stampede, and then he ran straight back in!
Amani: Why on earth would he do that?
Shangazi: My guess is that he's just suicidal
Amani: (Blankly) Which means?
Hunter: Er...Shangazi...we try and not teach Amani those kinds of words
Amani: Hunter...you know what it means?
Hunter: Well...Amani...it means...eh...oh...hey Timon!
Timon: Hey Hunter! I'm not sure if you were looking for these guys, but I found Kimya and Ania!
Kiara: Are they together?
Timon: Yeah, apparently they've been next to each other ever since Kimya ran back into some kind of stampede to save Ania...
Kiara: Aw...I've got to go and see him!
Timon: He's right over there.
Kiara looked over. Through the evanescent dust she could finally begin to see the silhouette of Ania and Kimya. The pride began to walk over to see them.
Kiara: Hey Kimya, hi Ania
Kimya: Hi Mom
Ania: Hi Kiara
Hunter: You okay, Ania?
Ania: Yes Dad, I'm fine. Kimya here, he saved me
Nala: (Smiling at Shangazi) I guess he had a reason after all
Shangazi: (Calmly) Yeah...yeah, I guess maybe he did. (Looks at her) Maybe I was wrong after all...there is love in your pride...
Nala: Oh, there always has been Shangazi, otherwise we would never have accepted you
Shangazi: Yeah, I - I see it now. Sorry about what I said
Nala: That's fine Shangazi, that's fine.
They all stared back down at Ania and Kimya. Ania looked back over at him and gave him a loving lick. Kimya stared surprised back at her, Ania just smiled. Kimya turned his head back away from her, then laid it back down on the ground to rest, just as he saw his mother wink at him.
The silence this time was of relief; relief that they had all survived, and that no hard feelings had been passed. The sound that broke it this time was the steady fluttering of wings from what could only have been Zazu. The Pridelanders didn't need to wait to be told. They all knew what had happened.
Part 9: King-ama
Amani walked away from Pride Rock back towards the scene of the incident. It was night now. All of them, except Huduma, had all survived the day's events. But now they had returned to Pride Rock, quickly realizing the absence of Shangazi. She must have got lost on the way back. That was why Amani was back out there; she was searching for her. It was hard to believe that Shangazi had only been in the lands for three days!
Amani was halfway there when she finally heard a conversation going on near by her. She recognized the sound of her voice. Amani's first thought was that Shangazi was talking to herself, but as she approached closer to the sound, she started to pick up two distinctly different voices. She could not see who they were coming from because their owners were hidden by the densely packed trees that were in the area. The first voice she already knew as Shangazi's. And the second one, she remembered as belonging to Kingama.
Kingama: (Vexed) Never mind that, Shangazi! Heri needs to get out of here! I'm only trying to help him and you, you know that
Shangazi: I just can't see him being that way, Kingama. All of them are extremely friendly once you get to know them. I've heard of Itikio a couple of times, and, maybe all Heri needs to do is just be patient and get to...
Kingama: Listen, Shangazi, it's obvious that you have no clue what I'm saying, so let me make it simple for you. There are always two parts to an equation. There's the problem, and then there's the solution. The problem, Heri is a miserable loner. The solution – you must take him out into the world, away from this place, and find him a friend! Or, have you got a better idea?
Shangazi: Well...
Kingama: Let me rephrase that. A better, realistic, idea?
Shangazi: (Thoughtful pause then a sigh) No, I guess not
Kingama: Then get him outta here! Before he gets killed!
Shangazi: I can't do that! I'm sorry, Kingama, but I just can't do that. They're all so nice to me - and to him, it's just...
Kingama: Look, if you can't do it, we will
Shangazi: No, I'm sorry Kingama, that's not going to...(she stops and faces Kingama's who's smirking)...who's - we?
Kingama: I knew you wouldn't let me do this...so I brought a few friends along.
From the trees behind them, Shangazi and Amani watched as an enormous pride of lions came and approached Kingama.
Kingama: If you can't give in Shangazi. Then we will spare Heri for you. You see, I used to be just like him. I was a loner, I was ignored. And I hated it! So I ran away, and with my freedom gained strength. I've built up secret alliances with many that have been troubled before, just like you, and with them I have gone and taken their prides! And now, the results stand behind me. We go around helping the unfortunate, just like Heri. And all those who are so well off that they don't care...they either join me...or we kill them...
Amani: (Angrily) That's despicable!
Shangazi and Kingama were slightly thrown off by her presence. Kingama was, in fact, enraged by it.
Kingama: Be quiet, you! (Back to Shangazi) That lioness there, see what she just said to me? That was her death sentence. But you, my friend, you still have the option to live! Are you with me, or not?
Shangazi stared at her hard, then heaving a deep sigh, she bowed her head.
Shangazi: Sorry Amani...but...Kingama...I am with you...
Kingama: Excellent! Now, your first task is to kill Amani!
Shangazi: What?
Kingama: You heard me! Kill her! She's your enemy now!
Amani was still stunned by Shangazi's decision, and even more by the next thing she done. As the next thing she knew, Shangazi was right on top of her having knocked her to the ground. Then Amani regained conscience. She looked back up at Shangazi. Whether she felt it or not, it seemed that Shangazi had nothing holding her back from just ripping Amani apart. Amani knew that she had to act now, or she would be dead before she knew it. She pushed back up on her; all of those years of keeping herself out of harmÕs way, and now she had to fight to the death with one of her friends.
Lioness: (To Kingama) Shall we go in and help her?
Kingama: No, I have to know if she's up to it. By killing one of her friends on her own, that's the only thing that will prove it.
But Shangazi was not up to it. Although younger, better taught, and what could be said as more determined than Amani, Amani in fact was a natural a fighting. It was only the fact that she hated it that had held her back through her whole life. Kingama's pride watched on. Despite the obvious edge that Amani had over Shangazi, they did nothing. Even when the fight entered its closing stages, Kingama held herself and the rest back, watching as Amani prepared herself to deal the final blows. And dealt them, she did. A few seconds later, Amani found herself standing directly next to Shangazi's dead body.
Now was where in the past Amani had really failed herself, there would be no difference here. Slowly, it started to come to her that she had just killed another lion. Soon enough, she was as devastated as she had been when she had killed her father.
Kingama: Well, well, well. (Stands up) Looks like we made the wrong decision, doesn't it? Don't get me wrong though, Amani. The rest of us have killed as well, I think we can take you down fairly easily. And then, what's your mate's name, Hunter? And how about your daughter, Ania? Yeah, we'll kill them too. In fact, everyone you have known in your whole life, they will all be dead by the next moon...
Amani: (Desperately) No! (In tears) Oh please, no! Please, Kingama, I beg you! You're making a mistake!
Kingama: Really? What?
Amani: Well...well...(beginning to make it up as she goes along)...the elephant stampede we had today...that wasn't the first one we've had here...it's too dangerous...the pride have left Pride Rock...
Kingama: (Laughs) That's the lamest excuse I've ever heard!
Amani: No...please! Don't you think that I know...that if I was lying...and the pride was still there...I would know that you would kill me...
Kingama: So that's exactly what we're going to do!
Amani: NO! Listen, they're not there, go and see for yourself, nobody's there anymore...
Kingama: You know we're not going to Pride Rock...you just don't want us to kill your family...and that's why you're crying. (She now starts to walk towards her)
Amani: (Angrily) No...you've got it all wrong! I hate Hunter, I hate him! Don't you see what happens when I fight, I break down into tears...but no...not him...oh, we have so much big arguments now days I can't even stand it! And Ania...Ania loves him so much more than me...Itikio was my daughter...Hunter didn't care when she died! Listen, I hate my family, I want you to kill them, and I know exactly where they went!
Kingama: Oh really...where?
Amani: To our old home! Hunter and me only stuck together for one thing...and that was the belief of returning back home. But look at what he's done now, he's gone and ditched me here! Haven't you heard of all the stuff that I never know just because he's never told me? He lies to me, I tell you! (Stares down at the ground) He's no mate of mine
Kingama: Strong words...hmm...okay Amani...you lead us to your home...show us them...and we will kill them one by one...you can help us too if you want
Amani: (Nodding) I would like that
Lioness: Kingama, don't you think it's best if we check Pride Rock before we leave?
Amani almost stopped breathing, she hadn't meant anything of what she said. She still loved all of them, and all Kingama had to do was check inside Pride Rock...and then all of them, including her, would soon be gone.
Kingama: Good point.
Amani's heart sank. This was the last thing she wanted. In the distance a jackal barked, and above them a bird flew away. It mustÕve been a buzzard; theyÕd both have plenty to eat soon.
Kingama: We must all be prepared though, if it turns out that everything Amani just told us was a lie, we must be prepared to fight!
Kingama and the rest started to walk off. Amani followed to, just praying to the gods that there was some way for survival. Pride Rock grew larger in front of them, until eventually, they were there. Amani had prayed the hardest she could on the way there, but she knew it was not enough. Kingama started to ascend towards the cave entrance. The rest of the lionesses crouched down, ready to attack. Amani decided to do the same. Kingama was now level with the entrance, all she had to do now was walk up to it and she would see them. Five steps, four steps, three, two, one, and there was silence. Were they all asleep, or were they not there at all? The lionesses waited for Kingama to tell them. She walked up to the ledge.
Kingama: She's right. They're not there.
Amani almost jumped for joy. She didn't care where they went or how they knew that they could not stay there...but they had survived. And, even better, for her...
Kingama: Okay Amani, lead us to your home!
Part 10: Love Starts to Find a Way
The sun had risen and Kingama's pride had left by the time the Pridelanders had got up and started to figure out what had happened. They recalled that they had all been sleeping, then they had been told to leave Pride Rock, out the back way that Kiara had used to escape all those years ago. They had only gone a short distance though. Around them, still within the Pridelands was dense, soft grass for comfort and a couple of trees for shade in case any of them slept through dawn. Which, being lions, all of them did.
Hunter was the first one up and therefore the first to panic. He didn't know where Amani had been when they had been warned to leave, and he couldn't see her now. As the rest woke up, he began to ask around for any news from the others on where she might be. Nobody knew, and a growing concern began to spread between them. The next topic brought up was the fact that nobody knew who had actually told them to leave. What if it had been a trap? Vitani turned out to be the only one more than half awake at the time.
Vitani: I swear that it was a hornbill that flew in to warn us
Zazu: Well, don't look at me Ma'am because I can assure you that I was inside Pride Rock the whole time.
That only led them to believe one, slightly haunting, but thankful conclusion. Now there was only one problem left to solve, and the signs for that were in sight of them. Several buzzards flew over a part of the Pridelands, quite a far distance from them.
Hunter led them on. He feared the worst and nothing that anyone said could slow him down. The rest followed. It was only a few minutes until they arrived at the sight of Rafiki, with a few of his supplies, sitting down next to a lifeless Shangazi.
Simba: (Being the first to walk up to him) Rafiki! (He turns to face him) Is she dead?
Rafiki nodded sadly. The rest of the pride tried to avoid eye contact with Kopa, although tears he did not shed.
Hunter: Do you know where Amani is?
Rafiki: No, I'm afraid not know that, but come here Hunter.
Hunter approached him and Rafiki held up a few tufts of fur and one of Shangazi's legs which had claw marks all over it.
Rafiki: All has the signs of Amani
Hunter: You think Amani killed her?
Rafiki: I believe so. I have identified that there were many other lions around, but I can only find evidence that Amani fought Shangazi, nobody else
Hunter: (Dreading the answer) Is she alive?
Rafiki: I believe so
Nala: Then where did she go?
Hunter: (Pause) I know where she went
Rafiki: You shouldnÕt follow her, Hunter. There was a whole pride of lions here. They were able to turn two Pridelanders against each other. If you find Amani, you will probably find a pride with her. I believe she is their prisoner
Hunter: (Irritated) If that's the case then they would have killed her!
Rafiki: Don't you see de trap dey are making for you!? Dey let her live so you do follow her; dey want to see you to kill you. Dat's why you all left Pride Rock last night
Hunter: How'd you know about that?
Simba: Huduma probably told him. (Rafiki nods)
Hunter: (After a long pause) Why would Amani kill her?
Rafiki: There's a reason for everything
Hunter: Well I want to know what the reason is!
Rafiki: Only she would know that
Hunter: Well then I need to find her! And don't tell me I can't!
Rafiki: I never said you couldn't...
Hunter: You said I shouldn't, that's still...
Rafiki: But if you think that your love for her is strong enough; I have no objections
Hunter: Of course it's strong enough, what makes you think it wouldn't be?
Rafiki: Nothing. I just wanted to make sure that you knew what to expect
Hunter: Oh...fine then
Simba: So...where do you think she went?
Hunter: If she has any say at all on where they're going, she's leading them back home
Simba: And if she doesn't?
Hunter: (Pause) Then I donÕt know where she could be.
At that moment, a gust of wind blew by them, and Rafiki caught some scattered vegetation from the air and put it in his tortoise shell.
Hunter: Well?
Rafiki: (After a bit more experimentation) I believe you're right Hunter. They're heading back to your home.
Part 11: Admitting on Arrival
Lioness: (Yawns) Hey, Kingama, are we almost there yet?
Kingama: Amani, answer her!
.........
Kingama: AMANI!!
Amani: (Turning her head) Huh?
Kingama: How long until we reach this place
Amani: (Turning back) Soon
Kingama: That's what you said yesterday!
Amani did not hear that part. The last thing she wanted was to be disturbed; it was still hurting her that she had killed Shangazi. To keep her mind off it, she asked herself the second most important question that concerned her right now:
What do I do when we arrive home and they realize that nobody is there?
She had thought over that one time over time, but yet she could still not find a good solution.
The pride crossed through the desert under a clouded, nighttime sky. If nobody spoke there became a stiff silence around them, there were no creatures around to break it.
Kingama: So are there any recognizable features that would help us find it?
Amani heard her, but didn't respond. Instead, she just turned the question over inside her head. It had been so long since she had last been at home, how would she ever recognize it?
Then she looked up ahead of her and stopped dead. Kingama noticed her do this and looked in front of her. She saw no lions, just ruin.
Kingama: Eh...come on Amani, letÕs get a move on.
What Kingama saw as ruin in front of her, was the complete opposite to what Amani saw. These were the distinguishable features of what could only be her home. All of a sudden, she ran. She ran as fast as she could, despite the mixed reactions from the others behind her. She finally made it there and looked around. Despite the lack of vegetation, the absence of life and everything that goes along with it, she could recognize every place and feature like she had only been there yesterday.
Everything was coming back to her now. Daraka and Hunter's constant wrestling, the tree under which Hunter had asked her if she would be his mate, those wonderful days when her biggest concerns were took care of by her parents, the day she had killed her father. It was too much for her. She collapsed on the floor and began to shed endless streams of tears. She had been there for about a minute when somebody came up from behind her and tapped her on her shoulder. Amani turned around abruptly and stood up facing towards another lioness.
Amani: (Angrily) Go away! I don't care if they're not here! Go ahead, kill me! I'm home, I have nothing left to do in my life anymore!
Lioness: (Taken aback) Whoa, whoa, whoa, it's okay. I'm not going to hurt you
Amani: Then where's Kingama?
Lioness: (Confused) Who?
Amani: Kingama! She's been your leader the whole time!
Lioness: I don't know who you're talking about
Amani: Stop playing with me!
Lioness: No, I'm being honest. My name is Jewel...I've...
Amani: I don't care what your name is! You're...your...(calms down)...your nameÕs Jewel?
Jewel: Hmm mm. Why, what's your name?
Amani: (In disbelief) Mom?
Jewel: (Slowly) A-Amani?
Amani: MOM!! Mom, it's you! Oh, I don't believe it!
Jewel: Amani! You came back!
Amani: (Beyond words) Mom - h-h-how d-did you survive?
Jewel: It's a long story, Amani, a long story. But, remember how I was ill the day that lion invaded? (Amani nods) Well, I kind of used that to help me appear dead so I could live, I felt guilty once I found out you had gone. But I never found your body, or Hunter's, so I always kept it in me that maybe you were still alive. Nobody ever came to these wastelands so I never had to fight anybody or defend myself...and I guess that's how I survived for how long...and I always tried to live just in case one day...one day one of you would return. How's Saffy?
Amani: (Smile fading) Oh...um...I hate to tell you this but...Saffy's passed
Jewel: Oh...(obviously hurt but still contained)...how about Hunter...oh...and how about your kids?
Amani: Hunter is fine. But, my kids, well, I had two, but one of them died. Still one daughter left though
Jewel: What's her name?
Amani: Ania
Jewel: My, what a lovely name. How - (pause) - how's Daraka?
Amani: He's gone
Jewel: (As if she couldn't care less) How sad
Amani: You don't sound too fond of him
Jewel: Why should I be? He killed your dad, don't you remember?
Amani: Oh yeah...(bows her head downwards)...eh...Mom...about that...Daraka...he never - never killed Dad
Jewel: (Surprised) Really? Then who did?
Amani: (Sighs and looks back up at her) I did.
Part 12: Change is good:
Hunter led the pride over the lands. He was trying really hard, just like his mate had been, to remember any stand out features that would signal the presence of his home. All of the pride, except those that were old or ill had come. Rafiki had estimated that the pride that had Amani was much larger than the size of theirs, so they had sent out all that they could just incase.
Ania: How much farther is this place, Dad?
Hunter: Not far now. I'm beginning to pick up a scent here so it can't be that far.
It was then when Hunter first heard his name being called in the distance. He stopped and turned to Simba.
Hunter: Did you here something?
Voice: (Faintly) Hunter!
Simba: Yeah, I hear that. (He looks out into the distance) There! Over there! I think it could be Amani!
Hunter: It is Amani, I'm sure of it, don't you recognize her voice? Where'd you see her?
Simba gestured to the right, and sure enough, he saw Amani running up to him. Two seconds later he was shoved down on the ground in the arms of his mate.
Amani: Hunter! You came to find me!
Hunter: Of course I did, darling, of course I did! It's great to see you again. (Concerned) How did you get that scratch on your face?
Amani: Long story, doesn't matter. (Seriously) Hunter, I really need your help. Kingama brought me out here but I ran from her and a pride that she has when I got here, and now they're searching over the whole lands looking for me!
Hunter: Well then letÕs get outta here!
Amani: We can't do that Hunter! They'll come looking for me - they'll come for all of us! They know where we live and Kingama is still trying to get Kopa! We have to fight them off, come on, this way!
She begins to run off but nobody follows her. She stops confused and anger rises within her.
Amani: Aren't you coming?
Hunter: You - you are going to lead us - let me get this straight: You are going to lead us - into a fight?
Amani: Isn't that what you've always wanted? Come on, why aren't you coming?
Hunter: Amani, don't think I don't know you. You'll probably just lead us away from where they are, I'm amazed youÕre not leading us back home
Jewel: No, that's home alright, Hunter. Kingama and the rest have invaded the lands.
Hunter and the rest looked at her confused.
Hunter: Who the heck are you?
Jewel: You don't remember me? Old auntie Jewel?
Hunter: Aunt Jewel? Wow, I never expected I'd see you again!
Jewel: What makes you think my daughter isn't capable of doing this Hunter? She's killed two before now
Hunter: (Shocked at Amani) So you did kill Shangazi?
Amani: I had no choice. And for those of you who didn't know, the second one she's talking about is my father! So now you know I'm telling the truth, are you coming or not?
Hunter didn't need to be asked twice, nor did the rest of the Pridelanders. Kingama and the rest of her pride had scattered and were in a total loss of direction without any preparation. Amani, Hunter, Simba, Nala, Kimya, Ania, Vitani, Jewel, Kopa, and the others there all charged in and ruthlessly started to attack.
Kingama had dodged the bullet. Now ready, anybody wise enough would have known that she was not one to mess around with. Unfortunately for the Pridelanders, many of them didn't know this, and she began to strike them down as soon as they came to her. First Vitani who, despite her famous reputation at being a great fighter, was killed by Kingama on the spot. Then another lioness had the same fate. Then she targeted Kimya. One unexpected swipe at him from behind sent him sailing onto the ground with a broken leg. Kingama stood above him ready to send him to his grave, when all of a sudden she was tackled from behind and thrown to the ground by Ania. Kingama got up ready to strike back but thought better of it. There were many around her that would be easier to take down. Kopa had a limp, but she could not see him around her and her belief to help him out still existed. There was also Jewel. Jewel was old, and she could easily see her totally defenseless in the middle of the conflict. Kingama ran up and, before Jewel had even had time to react, she killed her. Amani witnessed this from close by and anger quickly filled her. Her mom had been doing no harm; if helping the ones who were not so well off was all a part of Kingama's plan, why did she have to kill her? Amani stopped thinking about it and started acting on it.
Kingama saw her approaching. She tried to bring Amani down before she even got to her, but Amani was able to dodge her. Kingama let out an ear-piercing roar that ceased all of the action around the area. All eyes were focused on the two lionesses that opposed each other. Hatred was obvious between both of them. Scars covered both of their bodies and both of their chests rose and fell as they both breathed deeply.
A tense moment froze all of the action throughout the lands, as everyone wondered who would make their move first. Amani did. She sprang off and targeted Kingama like a torpedo. Kingama reacted and soon they were both wrestling on the ground. Anybody who tried to run in to help one of them was held off by the opposition and many smaller fights broke out around the outside.
What had held Amani back before was her lack of determination. But this time, her efforts combined with her talent, and soon enough she had the upper hand. Kingama got knocked down and out. All Amani had to do was finish the job. Half an hour ago, she would have felt pity, she would have held back. But not now. Amani held her claws out, the ones that had killed her two victims before, and in less than a moment, Kingama was dead. The war ceased.
Part 13: Life Goes On
Silence filled the area once again, this time a peaceful silence. All the lions that had followed Kingama had only done so because they were forced to. There was no reason for them to fight anymore, they, quite simply, did not want to.
Amani stood over Kingama's dead body. She tried to feel remorse but she was not able to. Hunter, unsurprisingly, was the first to approach her.
Hunter: (Amazed) Amani - Amani! That was fantastic!
Amani: (Nodding) Thanks Hunter
Hunter: I mean it - that was some of the greatest fighting I had ever seen. You could even teach me a couple of your tricks someday
Amani: Someday?
Hunter: (Realizes and saddens) Oh...I guess youÕre pretty tired, huh?
Amani: (Smiles) Yeah...yeah, I need to rest
Nala: Amani?
Amani: (Turns around to the group and continues to smile) Thank you...thank you ever so much for coming out here, for accepting Hunter and I in the first place. I have had a wonderful time with you all but - (turns back) - I'm home now. That's all I really wanted to do, return home. (Pause) Oh, Ania...
Ania: (Weeping) Hi Mom
Amani: (Walking over to her) You know, I think Kimya and you will make a great couple, I truly do. And you'll be queen!
Hunter: And Kimya...(Kimya looks up at him)...you can be king...I resign my position
Amani: (Smiles sadly at him) You mean your coming too?
Hunter: (Nods) Go make us proud, Ania
Ania: I will dad...I will.
With that, Amani and Hunter said goodbye, and turned to leave.
Kimya: Hey, Ania...(she faces him)...thanks. You saved my life.
Ania: You did the same for me; it's the least I could do.
Kimya licked Ania. It was what she had done to him when he had saved her, and also, why not? They were pretty much mates now.
It was the day they arrived back at Pride Rock where they were properly wed. The Serengeti animals came from miles around to witness the new king and queen. Ania knew her parents would be watching from above, and Kimya knew that was exactly where Kovu was too. In fact, Kovu could probably see it better than Kiara, as she shed tears that could have only made it impossible to witness the event. From the ledge of Pride Rock, Ania and Kimya affectionately nuzzled each other. Simba, Nala, and the emotional Kiara stood behind them. Kingama's followers had joined the pride and all had proven their loyalty. Even Zazu didn't mind them that much. The Pridelands were finally forever safe, and life goes on.