Tales from the Outlands
Volume I – The Tale of Zira

	Welcome to Zira's Past.  The following tale is why I believe Zira 
became the so-called villain in Simba's Pride. It took me almost a 
whole year to complete this devotion to Zira and The Outsiders and I 
hope you enjoy it.  All characters are taken from Disney's masterpiece 
The Lion King and its sequel Simba's Pride, and are used without their 
knowledge or consent.  Characters not found in either of these two 
movies are taken from John Burkitt's and David Morris' Chronicles of 
the Pride Lands. These are used with permission and the utmost 
admiration.  Characters not found in either of these masterpieces are 
of my own creation.  These are as follows: Kisasi, Usiyahi, Jua, Mwezi, 
and Nyoto. They are all copyrighted, but if they spark enough interest 
to a reader that he or she would like to use any of all of them in 
there own fan fiction, then approval can be obtained by sending me a 
copy of the text, so I can see how they are managed; then I will give 
you my answer as soon as possible.  Comments, positive or negative can 
be sent to this address, and I look forward to hearing from all those 
who read this text. scarcasm@yahoo.com.  Now, walk in Zira's paw 
prints, and enter her unknown past.



Part One: The Unknown Lioness

PROLOGUE: SILENT VIGIL


	For days and weeks she waited.  She was always in the same spot, 
always watching the horizon.  She searched day after day, hoping that 
this would be the day her prayers were answered.   She sat atop of a 
tall hill and day after day she would climb it, steep though it was, it 
did not stop her.  Upon reaching the top she would lie down in a 
relaxed position, but her eyes would remain fixed on the horizon.  She 
attended this silent vigil when the sun was at its zenith and would not 
leave until it was about to set.  From her high vantage point she could 
see the whole landscape spread out before her; not the slightest 
movement would escape her attention.  Even in rain or a cold, driving 
wind, nothing would keep her from her task.  Every day was the same; 
she would sit and wait, sit and wait.  She prayed that her anguish 
would end and she would finally be reunited with what she was searching 
for.  But every day remained the same and her grief and sorrow would 
only increase as she slowly left her spot and walked sadly back to her 
home as the sun fell towards the earth.  Nevertheless, she would return 
once again the next day and continue her search.  She would forever 
scan the horizon for the one thing that she cherished the most and the 
one thing she would die for.  Her one and only love.


CHAPTER ONE: A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN


	Perhaps this will be the day.  How she wished for the day when 
see would finally see her love emerge from the grasses and come running 
towards her with a happy smile on his face.  She would run towards him, 
her eyes locked on her target and finally they would be together again 
as they always should have been.  They would draw closer and closer 
until finally meeting each other, nose to nose, and then they would 
nuzzle affectionately and caress each others face as only their species 
could.  For she was a lioness and he was unlike any other lion she had 
met before.  He was THE LION!  As she kept her watch, she would think 
thoughts such as these, her mind traveling back to happier times.

	Her most cherished memory was when she saw him for the first 
time.  She was sleeping deep in the foliage of her home in a beautiful 
jungle, and when she was awakened by the sounds of his passing, she 
remembered how her eyes gazed upon his elegant form for the first time.  
She was awestruck by his extraordinary, handsome mane.  It was pure 
black like a starless night and his eyes were green as the verdant 
plains.  His sleek pelt was the color of a sunset and his tail was 
tipped in black, perfectly matching his mane.  She was apprehensive to 
make herself known but somehow she knew he was the one.  The sight of 
him, gazed upon for the first time, must have had the same affects as 
seeing her had on him.  She sauntered out from the foliage and walked 
towards him with a content grin on her face.  Her pelt was a deep 
yellow, as radiant as the sun.  Her powerful body was covered in 
corded, dense muscle and her shapely head was as curved as its 
opposite.  She blushed as she saw his eyes move down her flanks and 
gaze upon her abdomen. Only to entice him further she walked around 
him, and then began to saunter away swishing her long tail 
provocatively in the process.  With a seductive, quick turn of her head 
she gazed back at him and allowed his eyes to feast upon her once more.  
She watched him with eyes that were as dark as amber. They almost had a 
reddish hue, but they were so inappropriate because she had a heart of 
goodness and her red eyes were an ironic, veritable lie.  She was 
purely good, no dark thoughts would ever cross her mind, and she was 
innocent and happy, but now gazing upon this male whom she knew to be 
the one only increased her happiness ten fold.  He slowly smiled at her 
and she smiled back, then both walked towards each other and just gazed 
into each other's eyes for what seemed like an eternity.  She could 
tell by his eyes that he was thinking the same thoughts as her.  Ever 
since that day, she was no longer a skeptic of the classic clique, 
"Love at first sight."  The hard silence was finally broken and when 
she heard his deep, melodic voice, it almost caused her heart to melt,

	"Greetings, may I ask what is your name?"

	"I am called Ushandra." She replied.

	"Pleased to meet you."  He backed up and swept his mane in a low 
bow.

	"And may I have yours?"  She tried to keep the formalities going 
a little longer.

	"I am called..." He seemed to hesitate.  She looked at him with a 
confused look.

	"What is it?"

	"They call me... Scar."  What a strange name she thought, what 
sadistic parent would name there cub that?

	"Scar?"

	"Yes, I know it is strange, but it suits me perfectly.  I have 
grown to like it, it not only matches my face by my whole being as 
well."

	He moved his mane away from his left eye and now she understood 
the purpose for the title, somehow she did not notice it before.

	"How did that happen?"

	"It is a long, sad story.  I'd rather not tell you about it."

	"Come on, I am always game for a good tale, and plus," she smiled 
at him, "It will make you feel better!"  He looked back up at her and 
saw something he had very seldom seen in the eyes of any lioness he had 
known before.  It was almost a look of...Love!

	Scar talked for many hours, while Ushandra listened to every 
word.  Scar, his real name was Taka, but he preferred the name Scar, 
told the tale of his past including all the wrongs that he had endured.  
During one part he broke down crying, and not knowing what to do she 
nuzzled him close and caressed his mane, telling him to let it out.

	"Don't stop, I can tell your heart is a good one and even males 
cry sometimes."  He looked up at her, tears streaming down his face, 
but he quickly looked away.

	"You would never say such pleasant things if you knew what I was 
really like."

	"Then tell me Scar! Tell everything!"

	He slowly nodded his mane then all his dark secrets were brought 
out into the light.  When he had finished she did not know what to say.  
All she did was look at him and shake her head, trying not to believe 
what she had heard.  Murder, betrayal, greed, lust, envy, all the seven 
deadly sins, this beautiful creature could not be capable of such 
things, could he? She looked back at him and focused on his scar.  The 
evil was plain as the scar on his face.

	"I had better leave, I shouldn't stay here, you are not what I 
thought you were."  She let his head fall from her embrace and slowly 
left his side.  She began to pad away but looked back one last time.  
Her gaze feel on a sad, broken creature that just stared at her with a 
look of abandonment.  Unable to take another rejection he burst into 
tears once again and shakily rose to his paws.

	"I knew it.  I knew it!  You're just like all the rest!  My past 
is a curse and a curse created it.  All I touch turns to death, and 
everyone I meet, runs away from me in fear.  Oh curse you gods!  Add 
another damn scar to my heart!"

	He began to walk away, back to the place that had created him.  
She watched him go, but then followed him, at a distance.  She still 
could not deny what she believed was really there, a troubled lion, but 
deep down, a noble creature with a good heart.

* * * * * *

	At a close distance she followed him, until he stopped underneath 
the pale moonlight and wept once more.

	"Another night alone, I see.  Oh Sarabi, how I miss you, but I 
could not escape my darkness and now my brother is dead and so is his 
son, both slain by my paws.  What lioness would want to be touched by a 
lion whose paws are stained with blood? Mufasa, Simba, if you can hear 
me please forgive me!  I know that you are with the kings of the past, 
but I ask you for forgiveness now, because I know now that when I die I 
will not be with you."  His crying only increased and he was now 
screaming his words to the heavens, trying to get them to hear him, but 
this was a futile task.  How she wanted to run to him and kiss away his 
tears like a mother would kiss away the pain for her cub, but she 
stayed hidden where she was and only cried silently with him.  His 
words causing her eyes to water as well.

	"Damn my existence!  Why was I born?  My whole life was nothing 
but a nightmare, and I tried to live but I died that day when I was 
scarred!  I had no real friends, except for my brother and my parents, 
but I turned my back on them and never allowed them to love me like 
they tried to.  Why didn't father let me be king, why did he choose 
Mufasa?  I was always pushed to the side, and the only friend I 
accepted twisted my mind to evil, and blackened my heart.  That so 
called friend was my dark side, the only friend I thought I could 
trust, and I put all this trust in him.  What a foolish mistake that 
was.  It achieved my ends through horrible means and in my mad lust for 
power, love, and respect; I killed those who stood in my way.  When I 
came to my senses I looked down and saw my bloodstained paws.  It knew 
I was far to weak to kill my enemies myself, so it persuaded lower 
creatures on the food chain to do my dirty work.  The hyenas were my 
natural choice, and with the allegiance of Shenzi, and her clan of 
loathsome assassins, they made my wishes a dark reality.  Of course I 
had to strike the final blow!  I had to slaughter Mufasa myself!"

	"I don't deserve to live, when I die The Pride Lands will no 
doubt live again, but I am so afraid.  What will happen to me when I 
die?  I know there will be no happiness for me, after what I have done.  
There will only be unbelievable torture, pain and anguish, but it will 
be justified, no other creature will deserve it more.  Aiheu, I want to 
try to start again, that is why I left The Pride Lands in the first 
place, and then I saw HER!  What a sight for my tired eyes!  She was 
the most beautiful lioness I had ever seen, and she even made Sarabi 
pale in comparison.  How I wanted to make a pride with her, and create 
a new life for me here.  But that is all crushed now; my past had done 
it again.  Somehow I'll go on, but my heart will remain empty and I'll 
always be alone.  One day my life will end, but who will care?  Whoever 
cared about me, I am just Scar!  If only things had turned out 
differently, if only, if only!"

	He rose to his paws and began his journey back to his homeland, 
wiping his face with his paws.  As he moved his paw down his face he 
touched his scar and shook his head, sighing loudly to the skies.  
There was a slight shuffle of foliage and he quickly looked around to 
see a lioness running towards him.  He squinted through his tear 
stained eyes and saw it was Ushandra.

	"Ushan...." He was unable to finish as he was knocked on his back 
and licked lovingly.  He gazed upon her face astounded, but then 
returned her kiss with a lick of his own, then both of them kissed 
fully on the lips.  The moon cast its light upon the two lions as they 
consummated their love for each other and Scar's heart finally began to 
heal. He looked into Ushandra's amber eyes and said the only two words 
that said everything he wanted her to hear,

	"Thank you."


CHAPTER TWO: DECISIONS


	Ushandra and Scar became soul mates after that day, and the 
following days and nights were filled with their love for each other.  
They were never apart, they were always together.  Days changed into 
weeks, and the activities the two lovers participated in are enough to 
fill an entire book; it seemed nothing would separate them.  Their 
happiness only increased when Scar noticed their love was beginning to 
take form in Ushandra's belly.  The two lions nuzzled each other 
affectionately as they spent the rest of the day dreaming up names for 
the cub.  Scar was hopeful it would be a male, as was Ushandra, but 
each lion also agreed that a daughter would be a welcome addition as 
well. Before Ushandra became pregnant, Scar had been debating a 
difficult question over and over in his mind, and now, since they were 
to be parents, Scar decided that the answer had already been given.  He 
slowly nodded his head and decided that this was the day when he must 
tell Ushandra.

	He found her in her favorite spot, atop a high rock in a place 
where the sunlight penetrated the dense foliage.  When he found her in 
this manner, he could only marvel at how beautiful she truly was.  The 
sun would gleam off her pelt and make he appear as a leonine goddess.  
Thinking this thought through his mind, Scar smiled as he realized how 
true it was.  She was his goddess and he would do anything to make her 
happy.

	As he sat watching his love sleep peacefully in the sunlight, 
with a content grin on her face, her back slowly rising up and down as 
she breathed in long, slow breaths, his grin changed to a frown, and 
his eyes fell towards the ground.  He knew what he was about to say 
would make her unhappy and he hated to see her cry.  Plus it would make 
him remember his past, but to ensure the future for both of them, he 
had to go through with it.  The sun shown down upon his love and mate, 
as he strode and nudged her gently with his nose so she would awaken.

	"Mmmmm, wha... Oh it's you, my love.  I was having such a 
wonderful dream."

	"Was I in it?"

	"Oh yes!  Do you want to know what it was about?"  She smiled 
seductively but the smile quickly vanished when she saw Scar's face.

	"My love, what is it?"

	"There is something I must tell you, but don't say anything until 
I finish, all right?" Ushandra just gazed into Scar's eyes and agreed 
without a sound.

	"Ushandra, I told you all about my past, and it has helped me 
greatly.  I feel I can finally turn my tail on all the terrible things 
that has happened to me, but far back in my mind I cannot forget who I 
was.  I have to go back and tell them it's over.  I must tell them I am 
no longer their king, so I can sever all ties with my past pride and 
start a new one with you."

	"What!  No!  You have to stay with me, I thought you loved me!"  
Scar quickly placed his paws on the sides of Ushandra's face and looked 
deep into her eyes.

	"I do love you Ushandra and I always will, nothing will ever 
destroy that.  You and I will be united forever.  We are one!"

	"Then why would you leave me, especially when our cub is about to 
be born?"

	"I want to do this before our cub is brought into the world, 
Ushandra, I want his father to always be there for him, and if I do 
this now I will.  I will teach him all the things that I was never 
taught.  He will grow into a lion, the likes of which the world has 
never seen, he will be the lion of all lions!"

	"Promise me that you will come back to me."

	"I will return as soon as I can.  Our love will find a way!"

	"Prove your love to me Scar!"

	"What do you mean?"  Scar looked down at Ushandra's belly 
"Haven't we already done that?"

	"Pledge your love to me, Scar, just to make it official.  There 
is no other male that I would ever love and I want to know that you 
feel the same!"  Scar only smiled at this, no lioness had ever asked 
him for this.  Scar licked Ushandra across the face and then allowed 
her to get up.  She met him nose to nose and returned the lick with one 
of her own.  Placing his left paw on her shoulder, Scar began the 
symbolic ritual that he had wished forever since he had first seen 
Ushandra.

	"Ushandra, before the gods, before the stars, before the 
assembled host I swear to give you my protection, my life, and my 
comfort forever."

	"Scar, till the last beat of my heart, to the last breath I sigh, 
our lives are one, so help me gods."  Both lions looked deep into each 
other's eyes and Scar knew if he stayed any longer he would never be 
able to leave.  They nuzzled there under the sun for what seemed like 
an eternity, neither wanting this moment to end.

	"Remember I will, and always shall love you, Ushandra.  You were 
the one who finally healed my scar!"

	"I love you, Scar!  Hurry back to me!"

	The two lions met muzzle to muzzle in a kiss that neither of them 
wanted to break.  They both knew that this moment will last forever in 
each of their minds, but still it was so hard to say good-bye.

* * * * * *

	With one last look Scar gazed upon his love standing on a high 
hill, and waved with his paw.  He smiled one last time and then 
spinning on his claws ran back towards the place that had created him, 
intent on eradicating that memory so he can start anew with his love 
and his unborn cub.  Ushandra watched him go and felt hot tears begin 
to well up in her eyes, but held them back.

	"May Aiheu watch over you my love.  A quick return is all I pray 
for.  I will return to this spot every day and begin this silent vigil 
so I will see your beautiful form appear on the horizon and then we 
will finally be together for all time!  Come back to me Scar as soon as 
you can!"

	Ushandra felt a strong stir in her loins and knew the time was 
very near; she slowly padded down the mountain and went to search for a 
comfortable place.  If only Scar knew how close she was, maybe he would 
not have left so soon.  She began to run faster and faster as the 
contractions became more intense heading for the jungle that was her 
home.  She finally reached a secluded spot, just as she felt the moment 
was upon her.  An hour later Scar's son was born.

* * * * * *

	"When is father coming home?"  Ushandra turned from her watch and 
smiled at her young son.  He may be shy and quiet, but she still loved 
him with all her heart.  He was Scar's and Ushandra's cub; that was all 
that mattered, and how much he looked just like his father.  The same 
pelt, the same mane, and the same eyes.  He also had the one trait that 
impressed Ushandra the most; he was very intelligent and learned his 
first lessons of life very quickly.  Ushandra knew it was only a matter 
of time before she would teach him to hunt.

	"Soon my son," she nuzzled his face in a motherly embrace, "Scar 
will return very soon."

	"But you said that yesterday, and the day after that, and the day 
after that, and the day after..."

	"Hush my little one."

	She still had not named her cub, wanting that to be done by Scar, 
even though she thought Taka would be a perfect name.

	"How long has it been?"  The innocent cub began playing with his 
mother's tail as it swished about reflexively.  Ushandra looked back at 
the horizon and sighed.

	"I don't know, too long.  I have waited and waited but I cannot 
wait any longer, I have to see what has happened.  I have to go to the 
place Scar called Pride Rock."

	"Wow!  That sounds really cool, can I come?"

	"No, you stay here, but stay well out of sight in the jungle.  
Don't wander off or follow me.  Do you understand?"

	"Yes mother I do, bring Daddy back!"

	"I love you my son!"  Ushandra nuzzled her cub's cheek and nudged 
his rump with her nose.  The cub scampered off but first waved good-bye 
with his paw, and then disappeared down the hill.  Ushandra turned her 
attention towards the horizon and breathed in deeply.  She could not 
wait any longer, despite what she promised Scar.  She had to see him, 
and find out what has happened, it must have been at least three months 
since he left.

	"Scar, I'm coming to find you!"  Looking back she saw her young 
cub disappear into the foliage and then with a firm nod of her head ran 
down the hill towards the Pride Lands, and towards her love.


CHAPTER THREE: THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY


	Scar gazed upon the three hyenas before him and sighed deeply.  
On this day in Pride Rock he had told the three hyena leaders, well two 
if he could really count Ed as a leader, that he had a proclamation for 
every creature of The Pride Lands.  He sighed as he realized that would 
be only the hyenas and the lionesses since all the rest of the 
creatures had fled to seek more hospitable land.  Banzai and Ed 
attended to the task at once, but with looks of confusion especially 
when they saw how well fed Scar was and how he seemed... different.  
Scar was certainly glad to leave these three behind, especially Shenzi, 
who he had never trusted.  Scar noticed Shenzi still had not moved, and 
when he walked towards her, he noticed, with a slight feeling of fear 
that her eyes were as cold as ice.

	"Shouldn't you catch up with your brothers?"

	"Where the hell have you been?"

	"Why, did you miss me?"

	"Don't play games with me Scar!  We're damned near starving 
thanks to you.  How can you just leave like that and leave us here to 
die?"

	"Your the resourceful one aren't you?  Figure it out yourself!"

	"You know Scar, I'm getting sick and tired of you bossing me and 
my fellow hyenas around."

	"Oh that is too bad, I am so sorry to hear that."  Shenzi's 
muzzle began to twist into a snarl.

	"You better remember..."

	"What Shenzi, remember I'm king?  You should do the same!"

	Scar waved her away with his paw.  She growled some obscenity in 
her own language and began to walk away, but he heard her mumble as she 
tramped out of his lair,

	"There are ways of changing that."  In a fury Scar roared and ran 
around in front of her, expecting to see her surprised, but she still 
only had that look of wrath.

	"Was that a challenge?"

	"Should it be?"

	"Just because your mother and I were allies doesn't mean I should 
show you, or your two brothers, any more love than the rest of your 
pack."

	"Oh it doesn't?  You know Scar there are things about that that 
even you don't know.  I would love to see the look on your face if you 
did."

	"What are you saying?"  Scar was the master of mind games, but he 
hated it when they were being used on him.

	"Nothing... Your majesty," Scar could almost hear the sarcasm 
drip from her jaws,  "I will gather the lionesses and my pack.  Just 
remember this, if I ever find out you were just using us for your own 
ends, then my pack and I will..."

	"What Shenzi, what will you do?"  The female hyena said nothing, 
only grinned wickedly then padded away.  Scar watched her go and then 
turned his tail on her and disappeared into the shadows of his lair.  
Shenzi quickly spun around and when she thought he was out of earshot, 
she finished her sentence,

	"Rip you to shreds!"

* * * * * *

	Scar stopped dead in his tracks when he heard the words that 
Shenzi thought he wouldn't hear.  One thing he always had was excellent 
hearing.  He snarled and ran back outside his lair but she was gone.  
He looked around but saw nothing, only the hyenas coming together below 
him, as well as the lionesses.  He sighed once more as he saw them.  
They were all weak and malnourished; he could almost count the bones 
hanging loosely from their undersides.  He sighed deeply; he could feel 
tears begin to well up behind his eyes as he watched them follow the 
hyenas in a silent line.  He strode towards the edge of the path and 
his eyes first fell on Sarabi, and with her, a whole jumble of memories 
followed.  Despite that she was as malnourished as the rest of the 
females, but she still carried the respect and dignity she had always 
possessed.  These were the qualities that Scar had once loved, and he 
knew that once Sarabi had loved him too.  His mind traveled back to 
happier times when they were both cubs and how they had always wanted 
to be married, their innocent laughter echoing in his tortured mind.  
He had called her Sassie, and she had called him her soul mate, but 
that was so long ago.  Due to a dark prophecy, years of turmoil, 
decades of denial, and countless untold atrocities the two carefree 
lovers became estranged, and soon their love disappeared.  Sarabi found 
comfort in the paws of another lion, and it only added more fervor to 
Scar's hate when he found out it was his brother.  Scar always secretly 
knew Mufasa had eyes for Sassie and he wasn't too surprised when his 
fears became true.  He remembered pleading with Sarabi to love him like 
she once did, but this became utterly futile.  She would never have the 
same love for him that they had when they were growing up.  Scar blamed 
Mufasa for this corrupting of Sarabi.  When she attempted to rip out 
his left eye in a violent act of denial and hatred, he knew Mufasa was 
to blame.  Sarabi might as well torn out Scar's heart as well that day, 
she unknowingly killed Taka and Scar's dark side was born.  Things only 
became worse over time, and each day Scar's dark side became stronger 
until the day came when it took complete control of his mind.  It, not 
the real noble lion underneath, slaughtered his brother, ordered the 
hyenas to do the same to his nephew, and then transformed his beloved 
homeland into a nightmare.  There was nothing he could do about that 
now, but still not a day went by when he thought about what he, no his 
dark side, had done.  That is why he left The Pride Lands in the first 
place.  Thank Aiheu that he found Ushandra before he would have ended 
his own life; in his tortured mind there was nothing left to live for.  
Ushandra was his salvation that turned his life around and now as he 
looked upon the gathered throng, how he wanted to be back with her.   
Ushandra gave Scar something to live for and perhaps Aiheu and the 
other gods that made up the religion of the lions of Pride Rock had at 
last taken pity on him.  Maybe the kings of the past were watching him 
after all.  Just why had they taken so long?

	He shook these grim thoughts away, after all they were his past 
and soon he was about to leave the past behind.  His gaze fell upon 
Sassie once more, and he knew he still had an intense feeling of hate 
for her.  She would always say he was nothing like Mufasa, and how the 
hate flowed through his veins when she uttered that name.  He felt like 
striking her across the face with a backhanded paw, and as he watched 
her, he made a silent promise that if she ever compared him to Mufasa 
again he wouldn't hold back his paw.  He began to snarl as he thought 
about her; she was no Ushandra!  She wasn't even worthy to shine 
Ushandra's claws!  She was the main reason Taka died and Scar was born.  
That was one truth that he would never forget.

	The procession came to halt below him and Shenzi called his name 
to the skies. Scar walked up the path towards the presentation cliff 
and prepared himself for what he was about to say.  He knew that his 
tenure as king was over and soon he would be back with his love and his 
cub forever.  A tremendous clap of thunder shook him from his 
daydreams, while many bolts of lightning began to light up the skies.

	"What a perfect setting for my proclamation," he thought, "Soon 
very soon Ushandra, you and I will be together and then what a 
marvelous life we shall have! Thanks be to Aiheu that I found you!  Now 
let's get this over with."

	"Saaaraaaabiiii!" Scar roared the name of the Lion Queen to the 
skies as another crash of thunder rolled through the skies.  He saw her 
walk proudly towards him, ignoring the curses and snarls of the hyenas 
she passed.  Scar leaped off his perch and met her nose to nose, then 
began to walk around her, studying her intently.

	"Why have your hunting parties come back empty?"

	"Scar there is no food..."

	"No!  You're just not looking hard enough!"

	"There is nothing left!  We must leave Pride Rock."

	"We're not going anywhere."  At least not you, Scar thought 
smugly to himself.

	"Then you have sentenced us to die!"

	"I am the king I can do whatever I want!"

	"If you were half the king Mufasa was..." That was it she had to 
say it.  He made his promise come true by hitting the lioness he had 
once loved, full in the face with a backhanded paw.  Every lie, 
everything that had happened to him, and all his decades of denial were 
put into the blow.  Was it justified?  In Scar's mind it was, after all 
Sarabi was the main character in killing Taka and creating Scar.  Now 
his past was truly over, any last traces of love he had for Sarabi were 
now extinguished.  Now he could begin his new life with Ushandra, now 
he could leave finally leave his guilt behind him.

	"I am ten times the king Mufasa was..."

	Scar was just about to continue his proclamation, when he heard a 
tremendous roar fill Pride Rock.  He turned just in time to see the one 
thing that he would have never believed possible.


CHAPTER FOUR: EYEWITNESS TO MURDER


	Ushandra looked up into the rolling thunder and the lightning 
filled skies.  A storm was coming and it seemed like it would turn the 
entire landscape upside down.  She had traveled for many days, and now 
Pride Rock could be seen in the distance.  She was appalled by the 
destruction around her.  Scar did not exaggerate at all.  The entire 
landscape was a dead wasteland; there was nothing left alive.  Ushandra 
understood Scar's dark side perhaps better than any other creature 
alive, but how could it be capable of this much evil?   There were 
skeletons of great beasts strewn everywhere and they matched the dead 
trees, their branches hanging as if in sorrow.  She saw groups of 
hyenas here and there, but did not stay clear of them.  She followed 
one particular group all the way from the northern border, as they 
returned from their regular patrols.  She followed stealthily behind 
them until she finally saw Pride Rock for the first time.  Darting 
behind the ribcage of a long dead elephant, she hid when one hyena 
suddenly stopped and sniffed the air.  He continued to breath in the 
air, curious by the new scent, and then Ushandra froze as the hyena 
turned and looked towards the ribcage.  Ushandra began to shake as she 
thought she would be discovered, while the hyena began to drool, and 
then licking his fangs, he began pacing towards her.  Suddenly a large 
male hyena followed by another male, almost as large as the first but 
with a foolish grin on his face, ran towards the group and called them 
together.  The one hyena that had caught the scent cursed something in 
his native tongue but reluctantly walked back towards the rest of the 
group, but occasionally looking back a few times.  Ushandra watched as 
the one large male barked out orders to the group and then motioned for 
them to follow him.  They all complied, even the one who had almost 
found Ushandra, that is after a good kick in the rump by the large male 
when he noticed the hyena started walking towards a rotting rib cage.  
Ushandra almost breathed a sigh of relief, but then that one hyena with 
his tongue hanging out of his mouth, and with the wild eyes, suddenly 
looked towards Ushandra's hiding place.  He danced and jumped as he saw 
her tail, and tried to get the other hyenas to notice him, but when he 
looked for his kin they were already far away.  The stupid thing then 
began laughing maniacally and drooling onto the ground.  Ushandra tried 
to hold back a laugh, even in this much danger; this crazy hyena was 
just too funny to be afraid of.

	"Ed, get your stupid carcass over here!"  The hyena stopped his 
ravings and looked back at the large male who had called him.  Ed 
looked back at Ushandra and then did something which almost caused 
Ushandra to laugh out loud; he actually waved good-bye before he ran 
back towards Pride Rock.  Ushandra just shook her head as she watched 
him leave, and was starting to understand why Scar left this place.  
Scar!  She looked towards Pride Rock as she suddenly heard her love's 
mighty voice sound over the lands.  Her face became a giant smile as 
she saw her love standing there in a regal pose and her heart began to 
pound in her chest.  She had found him at last, and he looked as 
magnificent as when she had last seen him disappear into the horizon.  
She remembered how the sun gleamed off his flanks, and how the wind 
caused his mane to swirl around him; now her love was equally as 
stunning as he stood there amidst the flashes of lightning and crashing 
thunder.  Scar suddenly leaped from his perch and disappeared from her 
view.  With a look of confusion she ran closer to Pride Rock and tried 
to see what was going on.  As she was running, she realized how close 
to danger she truly was, then realized she was almost going to run into 
a group of hyenas!  Thankfully she stopped just in time before she was 
discovered, and before one hyena turned around as he heard a slight 
noise behind him, she was safe behind a large rock.  Well until she 
noticed she was right in front of another group of hyenas with their 
backs turned to her.  She closed her eyes, and tried not to think about 
what the hideous beasts would do to her when they turned around and saw 
her, but no attack came, no enraged growls were heard.  Ushandra slowly 
opened one eye and saw all four of the hyenas begin walking towards 
something that had caught their attention.  Then she heard a loud 
squeal followed by a meerkat and a terribly plump warthog screaming as 
loud as they could as about twenty hyenas were chasing them.  She shook 
her head once more and even giggled as she watched the chase, and then 
smiled as she took note of the great luck that had happened to her.  
The meerkat and the warthog had distracted all of the hyenas from the 
place were she was hiding, and now, for the moment, she was completely 
safe, now she could make sure her love was all right.

	She crept out from behind the rock and from this vantage point 
had a clear view of Scar and all the lionesses, without being seen by 
any of them.  However, he jaw dropped open when she saw Scar talking to 
a female!  She couldn't believe her eyes. Who the hell was she?  Why 
was Scar talking to her like he had known her for ages?  Her face was a 
mask of confusion as she watched Scar start to pace around the lioness, 
taking note that for some reason he was growing very annoyed by this 
female's indifferent, almost regal posture.  Ushandra raised a paw to 
her mouth as she saw Scar suddenly strike the female full in the face, 
then she immediately closed her eyes when she saw the blood fly from 
the nasty blow.  Suddenly she realized her suspicions were unjustified, 
Scar definitely had no love for this female!  Ushandra breathed a huge 
sigh of relief.  She knew she worried too much, now that she thought 
about it, what did she have to worry about?  Scar would soon be with 
her once again, and Scar only loved one lioness, her!  It was at that 
happy thought when she heard the roar.

* * * * * *

	Her eyes instantly opened and she looked towards the giant male 
lion at the same time the rest of the lions did.  However unlike the 
rest, she instantly looked back at Scar, and her eyes widened when she 
saw his face.  He had a look of intense fear, something she had never 
saw before, what was going on?

	"Mufasa!  No your dead!"

	Scar began to back up and crouched close to the earth, shaking 
like a scared cub. The female looked up and spoke the name Scar had 
used.  But the male shook his head and called himself Simba.

	"Simba? Simmmmbaaa!  I'm a little surprised to see you... alive."  
Ushandra looked back and saw the familiar Scar she had grown to love.  
Words and sentences followed that made no sense to her, and things were 
made even more confusing when Scar called the male lion a murderer.  
She couldn't hear the rest of the "conversation" as Scar turned things 
around and put the male on the defensive.  Scar had soon backed the 
male up to the edge and Ushandra almost yelped with glee as she watched 
Simba slip off the edge, but caught himself at the last second with his 
front claws.  She wanted to help her love, but she couldn't move from 
her hiding place or she would be seen by either the lionesses, or the 
countless hyenas that have swarmed all around the two combatants.

	"No!  Murderer!"  Ushandra heard Simba's enraged roar as he 
somehow pushed himself off the edge, and at the same time, in a 
stunning feat of agility, he tackled Scar to the ground.

	"No!"  Ushandra almost screamed, but thankfully only mouthed the 
word without the sound.  She saw Simba say something to Scar and then 
she but her lip so she wouldn't scream when Simba placed his claws on 
Scar's throat.

	"I killed Mufasa!"  Ushandra shook her head in agreement when 
Scar told his darkest truth; she held no guilt for him.  In her mind he 
was innocent, Mufasa had ruined sweet Taka and deserved it, but then 
she realized no other creature understood this.  Staring wide-eyed she 
saw about ten hyenas save their king from certain death as they 
attacked Simba in a flurry of teeth and claws.  Her head swung back to 
the left and she heard the lionesses roar in unison, led by a large, 
beautiful female who had these amazing blue eyes.  The battle for Pride 
Rock began, but no one knew, or for that matter, cared about the 
unknown lioness who was watching the whole thing.  All except for Scar.  
He sprang to his feet and it must have been pure coincidence that he 
saw Ushandra below him.  He mouthed her name in absolute surprise, and 
nodded when he saw her motion with her head to follow him.  Scar looked 
around frantically but saw Simba too busy fending off the hyenas to 
notice Ushandra move below him.  Scar looked to the other side and saw 
the lionesses too engaged in the battle to notice Ushandra either, but 
then he found himself staring right into the eyes of Sarabi.  Scar's 
jaw dropped like a stone, as he knew Sarabi must have seen Ushandra 
too.  He squinted his eyes and cocked his head to the side when he saw 
Sarabi's face.  There was no anger there at all, only a look of sorrow.

	"Get out of here, while you still can.  Go with your love; be 
with the lioness who could give you what I never would.  Just remember 
that once I loved you."

	Scar's eyes spread wide as he understood every word Sarabi said, 
even though she mouthed all of them so no one else would hear her.  
Scar nodded quickly then ran between a lioness and a hyena who were 
fighting each other tooth and claw.  Safe for the moment, Scar looked 
back and saw Sarabi still staring at him, but now tears were streaming 
down her face.  Scar had to say something, but in a moment like this he 
could think of nothing, so he said three words that came straight from 
his heart.

	"I love you!"  He saw Sarabi nod slowly and without a second look 
he ran down the path and after Ushandra.

* * * * * *

	He was almost there, just a few more feet and then he could run a 
fast as he could. A crash of thunder caused him to look up and he froze 
as he saw Simba above him. Simba had fended off the hyenas and now had 
found his main target.  Scar looked back down and saw Ushandra, then 
back up at Simba.  Looking back down once again, his heart broke when 
he saw Ushandra had tears in her eyes, she knew what was about to 
happen.  Scar looked back up and saw Simba running towards him, that is 
when panic gripped his mind.  He ran back up the path and tried to find 
another way, but lightning flashed around him and one bolt struck the 
ground.  Flames rose from its wake, and wherever he turned he was 
trapped, every direction he tired to go was cut off, and the only way 
left was to go back up.  He ran up the path and stopped as he realized 
there was nowhere else for him to run to, all of Pride Rock was 
surrounded by a wall of fire.  He looked to the skies and realized the 
gods were against him; Aiheu had doomed him to death.  He suddenly 
realized the grim truth, this was it, these were his last minutes 
alive!  No it could not be true, Ushandra, his cub, his new life, it 
couldn't end like this, not now!  How could he have been prepared for 
this?  What will happen to Ushandra and their cub, how would they 
survive without him?  Scar felt tears in his eyes, as he realized he 
was about to die, but his tears were not shed.  Instead he wailed to 
the kings of the past who had forsaken him, all he could think about 
was that his past had finally caught up to him, and now instead of 
burying his past, it was going to bury him.  Scar looked towards the 
ground and saw Ushandra looking up at him for the last time, just as 
Simba leaped over the flames.

* * * * * *

	Ushandra was paralyzed with fear.  She looked this way and that 
as she tried to find a way to reach her love, but flames blocked every 
option and every path.  She wailed to her love, but he was too far away 
to hear her, and then she gasped when she saw Scar suddenly try a 
surprise attack.  She watched in horror as the two great lions fought 
each other for control of The Pride Lands.  It was a brutal but short 
fight, both lions were easily matched but Scar made a fatal error by 
attempting a lunge, so he could tackle Simba to the ground.  Ushandra 
saw the well-placed kick that sent Scar sprawling over Simba and off 
the edge.  She shook her head.  No it couldn't be true, Scar couldn't 
lose.  In desperation she ran towards the place her love had fallen but 
skidded to a stop as she saw it was infested with hyenas.  She saw Scar 
try to rise, wounded but alive, and she felt a moment of hope, but then 
stood transfixed, frozen in fear as she saw the hyenas begin to advance 
towards her love.  Ushandra shut her eyes as she saw three hyenas lunge 
at Scar all at once, but her eyes sprang open when she heard his 
horrible scream.  Shenzi lunged towards Scar's throat and bit down with 
all her might.  Scar fell; his eyes slowly closed.  Shenzi rode her 
head in triumph, blood dripping off her jaws.  She smiled hideously 
when she saw Ushandra's shocked face.  The female hyena laughed out 
loud, and then all the hyenas ran towards the kill and feasted upon 
Ushandra's love.  Shenzi swung her head back down and placed her jaws 
on the once beautiful lion's mane.  She pulled with all her might, 
ripping out Scar's throat in a splash of blood.  Ushandra began to back 
up, she shook her head, then covered her eyes with her paws, but when 
she removed them the gruesome scene was still there.  Her eyes were 
wide and filled with tears, her body shook with grief, and her voice 
screamed with sorrow,

	"No, No, No, No, Noooooooooo!"  She ran from the scene trying to 
escape the memory and the wicked laughter of the hyenas.


CHAPTER FIVE: INNOCENCE SLAIN


	Ushandra walked in a daze, she was in total shock, and did not 
even know where to go or what to do.  Her mind was a jumbled mess, and 
her paws trembled with each step.  Her eyes stayed fixed on a point 
ahead of her that did not even exist, as she wandered aimlessly for 
many minutes, to the point of walking in a whole circle.  A mighty roar 
brought her back to reality and with it am emotion she never felt 
before.  She swung her heads back towards Pride Rock and there he was, 
Scar's murderer.  Ushandra stared at his distant form as he announced 
his victory to all the lands.  The lionesses surrounding him echoed his 
triumphant roar, and in unison they proclaimed that a new monarch was 
born, Simba, the new Lion King.  Ushandra continued her unblinking 
stare at the giant male, the pouring rain soaking her pelt, drops 
dripping like tears onto the ground.  Her eyes began to narrow, but 
they remained focused on the lion as the rain poured down her face, and 
dripped off her whiskers.  She had no need to cry; the raindrops were 
her tears.  Her body began to quiver, her breathing began to become 
louder and heavier, her claws became unsheathed then retracted, her 
paws flexed, her tail twitched like a frenzied snake, her muzzle 
twisted into a snarl, her voice was a resonance of emotion, but was 
drowned out by the roars of the lions of Pride Rock.  She roared and 
snarled as she kept staring at the creature who had murdered her love 
and destroyed everything their love had stood for.  She felt emotions 
that had never before entered her mind, every synonym for anger that 
could be found coursed through her veins, but most of all she felt 
something for this male that would never dissipate.  For her this 
emotion would stay with her for eternity.  The best word that could 
describe what she was feeling would only be one.  Complete, utter, and 
unrestrained hate.  Her eyes narrowed to slits, she looked right then 
left, and then back up towards her enemy as she made a pact with 
herself that would never be compromised,

	"Simba, from this day forth, you and the rest of your pride are 
my sworn enemies!  I will never forget what you did to my love.  You 
murdered him, and you murdered my future, and my happiness that I could 
have had with him.  For that I can never forgive you!  I just hope that 
one day you feel as much loss as I do now, and the I hope you'll suffer 
with it until you die!"  She gasped and raised a paw to her muzzle.  
What was she doing?  What was she saying?  She would never think 
thoughts like this, let alone speak them out loud.  What had happened 
to her?  She shook her head trying to clear her mind, but then 
something else entered it, that was far worse than her previous hatred, 
understanding.

	"Oh my Aiheu, Scar you're gone, I'll never see you again!"  All 
her tears that were previously held back now burst forth from her eyes 
like a swollen river, and she ran from Pride Rock weeping and moaning 
with more grief then she ever thought possible.  Only one thought 
remained in her mind, and no matter how much she tried, she would never 
forget it.  Scar was gone; nothing would ever change that.

* * * * * *

	Through tear stained eyes, Ushandra slowly raised her head, 
somehow she made it back to the borders of her home.  The jungle's 
highest trees could be seen along the horizon and the ground was moist 
and fertile, unlike the dead wasteland she had come from, she was 
finally home.  She wanted nothing more then to find a nice, comfortable 
spot and fall asleep.  She wiped her eyes with the back of her paw, her 
tears finally starting to cease.  She ran her paw over her face, 
massaging it and wiping the tears off the tears.  She looked back 
behind her and sighed, then with her head hanging low to the ground she 
walked towards the jungle.

	Suddenly she raised her head and sniffed the air, something 
wasn't right.  A strange scent lingered in the air, but it was too 
faint to recognize.  She looked above her and scanned the sky.  The 
rain had stopped but the clouds were still a dark, menacing gray, and 
there was a strange, ominous presence all around her.  She couldn't 
ignore this feeling of dread as she slowly walked towards the high hill 
where she had once waited for Scar.  She felt tears once again but held 
them back, immediately discarding the thought.  She slowly trudged up 
the steep hillside, and was near the top when the scent became 
stronger.  As she reached the crest, she immediately recognized what it 
was, only then she saw something much worse, but it wasn't sensed by 
her keen nose, but by her eyes.

	Vultures, at least five of them circling in the sky caught her 
eye; simultaneously her nose told her the scent was unmistakably the 
smell of hyenas.  It was at that second when her senses told her brain 
why,

	"Oh my God no!"  She sprinted off the hill and dashed down its 
side.  She prayed to Aiheu, her mind desperately pleading with him to 
make it not true.  The closer she reached the edge of the jungle, the 
worse things became, and now she could she vultures circling above and 
four on the ground pulling at the remains of some creature.

	"No, please God, tell me it's not true!"  She roared with all her 
might, and lunged towards the vultures causing them all to turn their 
beaks at her in unison.  Squawking and cursing at her in their own 
language, they all spread their wings and ran off, soon taking to the 
air with their lives in tact.  Ushandra skidded to a halt and almost 
fainted when she saw, what she prayed to be false, was indeed sadly 
true.  Bloody, covered in feathers, and torn to pieces was a lion cub, 
but the color of the pelt and the color of the eyes could not be 
mistaken.  It was Scar's and Ushandra's cub!  Now he was with his 
father.

	"Oh Aiheu, why!  Why, why, why?  My flesh and blood, my poor son, 
look what they did to you!"  She cradled the bloody corpse with her 
paws and kissed her son's forehead.  She looked down and began to cry 
as she could hardly recognize her once beautiful cub.  His once 
brilliant green eyes, so like his father, had lost their light and were 
glazed over in death.  His entire body was covered in long, nasty 
wounds, and his neck was broken in half.  His head dangled from his 
body, the skin and the fur the only things keeping it together.  These 
were the good things.  The rest of was either ripped apart or had been 
devoured.  Who was to blame for this?  Ushandra cradled her cub in her 
paws, absently stroking his head with her paw as she looked around.  
She already knew the answer as the scent of hyenas hung in the air 
around her, but tracks were everywhere and small clumps of hyena fur 
fluttered in the breeze.  Ushandra looked back towards what was left of 
her cub and wept silently, but her crying intensified as she suddenly 
realized everything that had once given her happiness was gone.  Scar, 
her love, her mate, and her husband was slain before her eyes, and now 
her child was lost to her, before her had barely begun to live.  There 
was nothing left for her to love anymore! Ushandra suddenly screamed 
towards the skies, cursing all she was, all she knew, all she 
understood, and all she had once believed in.  Aiheu had forsaken her, 
so now she would abandon all her beliefs in him.  There was nothing 
left, there was only hate.  Ushandra died that tragic, day but in her 
place a new lioness was born.



Part Two: The Queen of Hate


CHAPTER SIX: DREAM SO PRETTY


	"Simba!  Scream your dying gasp to me!  It is time for you to 
meet my love!"  Zira's claws flashed and plunged towards Simba's 
throat.  As she ripped a long slash with her claws, Zira flinched as 
blood flew in her face.  She looked at her enemy and grinned a wicked 
smile, her tongue licking the dripping blood off her lips.  She lifted 
the dead king easily and threw the lifeless carcass off the 
presentation cliff of Pride Rock, all the while laughing maniacally.  
Zira turned towards Simba's daughter who stood wide-eyed, and shaking 
visibly, frozen with fear

	"Oh, is sweet Kiara scared?  I'll make it all better!"  In a 
flash her claws had picked Kiara up by her throat, and in a mere second 
had Simba's daughter squealing in her grasp.

	"Now its your turn!  It is time for you to meet my son!"  She let 
go of her hold and watched Kiara fall from her grasp towards the 
unforgiving earth and the impending doom of impact.  Blood dripping off 
her claws and face, she turned towards the lionesses and grinned a 
wicked smile of complete triumph as the sun began to set behind her, 
turning the entire sky to a deep red.

	"Sing for me lionesses!  Sing your dirge of sorrow and my hymn of 
victory!"  The lionesses slowly raised their heads, tears dripping from 
their eyes, and roared their mournful cry towards the heavens.  The 
lionesses ended their song, and then one by one they bowed their heads 
in respect and fear to the new ruler of Pride Rock.  The day had 
finally arrived that Zira had waited for, and a feeling of absolute 
triumph coursed through her veins, at least her vengeance was quenched.  
She had waited for this moment as long as she could remember, and now 
everything was complete.  The sun set behind her, creating a radiant 
blood red sky, and flames rose up in a wall of fire below her that 
caused her pelt to glimmer and gleam.  Zira sat up on her haunches and 
spread her paws in a "V" above her.  Her deep voice screamed one last 
resounding verse towards the sky,

	"This is for you Scar!"

* * * * * *

	Zira shook herself awake and looked around in a daze.  She was 
shaking but it was not due to fear, it was due to ecstasy.

	"What a fabulous dream!"  She laughed a laugh that would chill 
any creature to the bone.  She was no longer the innocent lioness she 
once was; now all she felt was a deep emptiness, and a deep sense of 
hate that would never leave her.  Her nights were filled with dreams of 
Simba's death, and how she loved every second of them, while her days 
were filled with death and destruction.  Any creature she saw, she 
killed for no reason, only because it gave her pleasure.  Why should 
they be happy when she would never be?  She wanted every creature to 
suffer, she wanted The Circle of Life to become a circle of death, and 
she wanted each and every creature to feel pain and agony, two emotions 
that she felt every second of her life.  She had abandoned all the 
teachings of her parents, and Aiheu meant nothing to her now.  To Zira, 
he never existed.  In her mind The Great Circle of Life was a straight 
arrow towards her teeth and claws, Aiheu did not exist, and the Kings 
of the Past were nothing more than a collection of dead lions who cared 
nothing for her.  She would never realize it, but she had become a 
female Scar.  She did not realize it, but she felt just like Scar had 
before he had met her, but Zira had no one to love.  She only had the 
opposite, but the way she embraced this emotion will be spoken of for 
years to come.

	Zira loved hate.  She relished in it.  It was a way to forget 
about her pain, by giving pain to others.  In her mind Ushandra never 
existed, but if she did, her life ended with her love and her cub.  
This lioness, once known as Ushandra, took a new name to match her new 
identity.  There would be none better then the word hate itself, after 
all she was the epitome of it.  So she changed her name to Zira, 
Swahili for hate.

	Zira would often leave the place where she slept, to enjoy 
herself.  After a few hours, and after many more creatures lost their 
lives by her claws, Zira returned to her favorite spot to get some more 
rest, hoping for more pleasant dreams, dreams like the last one soothed 
her.  Her once golden pelt had changed to a light brown, and her eyes 
changed from light amber to a dark burgundy, almost blood red.  It 
would take her a while to fall asleep though after returning from her 
fun, after all the annoying sound of blood dripping onto the ground 
from an entire pelt covered in it, was a little annoying.

* * * * * *

	"Ushandra, what have you done?"  That voice, it couldn't be.  She 
swung her head but saw nothing,

	"Scar?"

	"Oh, so you do remember your real name after all?"  Zira looked 
in all directions; she was in hazy, mist-shrouded jungle.

	"My love, show yourself to me!"

	"I still hear that sweet voice, but how could it belong to a 
lioness who is doing these awful things?

	"Scar, why aren't you answering me?"

	"Ushandra, why have you become what you became?"

	"Scar, where are you?"

	"Answer me!"

	"I... don't know.  I... enjoy it!"  Despite her desperate 
efforts, Zira couldn't find her love; only hear his voice, a voice that 
was starting to cause her a deep sense of fear, it sounded so angry.

	"Enjoy it!  You enjoy killing innocent creatures, just to quench 
your lust for blood, a lust that is insatiable?"

	"Their blood flows for you Scar!"

	"Listen to yourself, you're mad!"

	"Are you not proud of me?"

	"Proud?  You disgust me!  I thought I knew you!  The lioness I 
have watched these past weeks is not the same one I feel in love with."

	"What do I have left other than my hate?  My love is dead, it 
died with you!"

	"Your love can never die.  Our love can never die.  Ushandra we 
are one!"

	"Stop calling me that, my name is Zira!"  Silence surrounded her.  
The lioness looked down empty mist filled paths that never ended, she 
felt terribly afraid.

	"Scar?"  No answer, "My love?"  Only silence answered her calls.  
Zira screamed in fear but all she heard was her echoes.  Had she died 
and this was her punishment?  She tried to run down a path surrounded 
by ghostly trees, but it seemed never to end, and when she looked back 
behind her, it seemed like she hadn't even moved.  She began to shake 
like a cub and began to feel tears, the sound of her heartbeat echoing 
around her, almost to the point of driving her insane.

	"Oh you don't like being alone?  I thought that is what you 
wanted."

	"Scar?"  She looked back, but still an empty mist.

	"Why don't you show yourself to me?"

	"You don't want to see what I look like, believe me it would kill 
you."

	"Then show me, that is what I want Scar, I want to die so I can 
be with you!"

	"You do not want to be where I am."

	"Where are you?"

	"Let's just say, I should not have done the things I did."  Zira 
nodded, he didn't have to say anything more.

	"Oh, I'm sorry.  Then I want to make you proud of me Scar!"

	"Do you think you are making our son proud?"  Zira cocked her 
head she had not thought about that.

	"Have you seen our son?"

	"Why would he be where I am?"  Zira nodded once again.

	"But I want to be with you Scar, I want us to be together for 
eternity."

	"Do you really want to endure what I am going through, I can't 
even begin to explain what awaits you?  I am telling you this now, to 
warn you but after all you've done in the past weeks, I don't think you 
have very much chance left."

	"I already know it is too late for me Scar, but I still lust for 
revenge, I want Simba dead for what he did to you!"

	"Simba was not the one who killed me."

	"Then tell me who so I can avenge you!"

	"Do you have to ask?"  Zira thought for a moment.

	"Oh yes, now I know who shall pay with their lives."

	"Yes, send them to me, I would love to see them once again, 
especially her!"

	"Her heart will be served to you Scar!"

	"Must you be so descriptive?"

	"Of course, remember what my name is."  Zira began to laugh, so 
did Scar.

	"A lion after my own heart, how I love you... Zira!"

	"Oh I love you so Scar! You do not know how great it makes me 
feel to hear you say that, especially when you call me by my new name."

	"Well, it suits you perfectly, none better!"

	"So much like yours,
eh my love?"

	"Yes, our names define our whole being!"

	"Do you still love me Scar!"

	"I always did, always had, and always shall!"

	"I love you Scar!"

	"I love you Zira!"

	"Then grant me my only wish, let me kill Simba for you!"

	"Why kill him, wouldn't you rather have him suffer, like we 
have!"

	"Yes!  For eternity!"

	"Well, I doubt that, but I will tell you all you need to know, 
believe me I had plenty of time to devise these plans."

	"Allow me to be the instrument of these plans Scar, let me do 
this in your name!"

	"What about Ushandra?"

	"Ushandra is dead!  My goodness died with our son, perhaps it is 
with him."

	"Perhaps, but Zira, listen to me, I don't want to you to kill 
Simba."

	"Why not?  We already know I am damned."

	"I can't tell you."

	"You can see the future?  Are you telling me when I attempt to 
kill Simba, that is when I will die?"

	"Take it anyway you want, but I can't say either way."  Zira 
nodded, but wondered if Scar could see the huge grin she had on her 
face.

	"Zira, let me tell you this now, there are things that I can not 
say, but those I have seen, that are bound to happen if you choose this 
path, are you completely sure this is what you want?"

	"Yes my love!  Tell me what I must do!"

	"Then let's begin."

* * * * * *

	All her muscles contracted at once as Zira suddenly awoke.  Her 
fur pulled painfully as she tried to move, causing her to remember what 
she had done before the beautiful dream.  She gritted her teeth as her 
matted pelt pulled as she rose to her paws, intending to search for the 
river to wash off the blood that had now long since dried.  Still, 
although she looked awful, she smiled as she wondered if it really was 
all just a dream or if maybe she really had been talking to Scar.  
Nevertheless, whatever it could be defined as, Zira now felt like she 
had a reason to go on living, and now with that reason she also had 
purpose.  She decided she would no longer be the slayer of the 
innocent, but the lionesses who would bestow revenge upon all those who 
had hurt her, and her love, and in the process bring Scar joy, and of 
course, in her twisted mind, a sure shot that she would be with him 
when she died.  Her sinister laugh echoed around her once more, it was 
time to put Scar's plans into action.  She walked into the foliage and 
the leaves closed behind her like a curtain.


CHAPTER SEVEN: THE JOY OF VENGEANCE


	Zira's gaze fell upon the cave where the tracks led.  The 
predator had followed the hyena tracks for days, tracking her prey.  
Zira grinned as the tracks split into two main groups, one set leading 
into the cave, and the other leading around it.  She sniffed the air, 
the scent of hyena was still fresh, and they were still here, at least 
a few of them.

	"The first phase begins!"  Zira padded into the cave and 
unsheathed her claws.  Her keen sense of smell quickly picked up the 
scent and she followed it downwards, her paws not making the slightest 
sounds.  Since she had been left alone with no defense, she had to lean 
how to become a hunter, and she soon learned to perfect the art of 
stalking and taking prey.  If she had not mastered these arts, she 
would have starved.  The past weeks alone in the jungle had made her 
into an efficient killer and now she would have the chance to put her 
skills to the test.  Her ears suddenly twitched as she picked up the 
faint sounds of hyena laughter further into the depths of the cavern.  
She sprang up onto a ledge, like the cat she was, and stalked ever so 
slowly down towards the depths of the cavern.  She suddenly froze as 
she heard the strangest sound in front of her, and then had to jump 
back before her whole face would have been singed from the small geyser 
that suddenly spewed forth a fountain of fire.  Hearing similar geysers 
erupt around her, she silently thanked her good luck.  The geysers 
would allow enough light to show her where her prey could be found; 
they would show her their shadows.  The voices became louder, the scent 
reached the point of nausea, and then she saw their shadows.  Peeking 
over the edge she saw them, two of them.  It was the large male, and 
the crazy one, the two hyenas she had seen back in the Pride Lands.

	"Argh, those stupid geysers they always wake me up!  Why did 
Shenzi have us come back her anyhow?"

	"Hee, Hee, Hee, Ha, Ha, Hee, Hee!"

	"It's not funny Ed!  Shut up, I'm trying to think!"

	"I'm sure that is something new for you!"  The two hyenas turned 
and saw a large female appear and saunter towards them.  Zira snarled, 
but held back the sound as she remembered the females' voice; it was 
the one who had delivered the killing blow to her love.

	"Shenzi, why are we back here?  I thought you told us we were 
leaving this place? If Simba comes looking for us..."

	"He won't, but let's hope he does, or my plans will not be 
fulfilled."

	"Where is Fabana anyway, and where is her... what would you call 
that?"  All three of the hyenas started laughing at once, Zira didn't 
get the joke.

	"She is teaching him the lessons of life, too bad Scar couldn't!"  
Shenzi began her wicked laugh once more.

	"Yea, we taught him the lessons of death!"  The large male began 
laughing with the female and after Ed looked at both of them for a 
while, not understanding the jokes either, he decided to join in as 
well; of course he had no idea why he was laughing.

	"I am going to check on Fabana and she how our little friend is 
doing.  Banzai, you and Ed stay here.  I'll be back and then the real 
fun begins."

	"All right sis', but why am I always stuck with drool boy over 
here?"  Ed began laughing again.  Zira watched Shenzi walk away and 
steadied herself, claws flexing, waiting for the precise moment.  Ed's 
laughter was the perfect diversion.

	"Will you stop that laughing?  Jeez would you stop that!  I could 
just die putting up with you."

	"Good idea!" Banzai froze as he heard the strange voice behind 
him and then when he turned, his eyes spread wide as he saw a lioness 
lunge towards him.  Her claws aiming right for his neck.  He didn't 
feel anything, all he saw was a flash as the light from an erupting 
geyser reflected off the lioness's claws.  Banzai looked down with a 
stupid expression on his face, when he wondered why the entire floor 
around him was starting to become covered in blood.  He followed the 
trail up his body, but his eyes closed before he understood the truth.  
With a dull thud, Banzai fell lifeless to the floor.

	"Eeek, Eeek, Mmmph, Eeek!"  Ed screamed as loud as he could as he 
saw the lioness turn her stare on him.

	"Don't be afraid, I'm not going to hurt you."  Ed looked around, 
not knowing what to do.

	"Don't you remember me?"  Zira swung her tail around and grabbed 
it with her claws dangling it before him.  Ed tried to look for an 
escape route, but then thought the only thing that might save his life.  
He looked down at his fallen brother and then back up at the lioness, 
then he waved with his paw, like he did back when he first saw her.

	"Ahhhhh, isn't that cute.  Yes that is the way I want to remember 
you!"  Ed had one last chance to scream as he saw the lioness leap 
towards him, he tried a second time but couldn't due to a lioness' jaw 
clamped firmly on his throat.

* * * * * *

	Shenzi chuckled to herself as she wished she could have seen the 
look on Scar's face if he ever found out the truth.  She still wondered 
what her face must have looked like when she found out the news.  What 
Scar and Fabana did was considered extremely taboo and forbidden among 
lion laws.  However, Shenzi supposed that Scar had no female left to 
turn to, and since Fabana was the only female, hyena or not, who showed 
him any love before her became king of Pride Rock, Shenzi supposed both 
of them had no choice.  Now their illicit offspring would be her secret 
weapon, and with it she would fulfill the one dream she always dreamed 
of.  Her ultimate goal would finally come true, she would rule Pride 
Rock and have the lions do whatever she ordered.  At last she and her 
pack would be at the top of the food chain, and she would be Queen of 
Pride Rock. Shenzi smiled, no make that Pack Rock.  As soon as she 
reassembled her pack, since most of them ran off in terror of Simba, a 
minor setback, she would invade the Pride Lands, and with sheer numbers 
overwhelm the lions into submission.  However, if most of the lions 
died in the battle, she wouldn't mind that too much either.  Shenzi 
laughed out loud at that thought.

	"Shenzi, what's so funny?"  Shenzi looked down upon the small cub 
and grinned a smile that she hoped was a pleasant one.

	"Hello there my little friend, have you found your mother and 
father yet?"  Shenzi hated to keep up this game, but she couldn't let 
the half hyena, half lion know the truth. No matter how much he looked, 
acted, or smelled like a hyena.

	"No, I don't think I'll ever..."  Shenzi rolled her eyes as he 
started scratching himself, "...Argh these bugs, are biting me again!  
I mean I don't think I'll ever, (more scratching and biting,) find out 
who my mother or my father is."

	"Don't worry, what was it I heard that one time, Hakuna 
something?  Oh well, trust me soon you'll understand everything!"  
Shenzi had a hard time trying to keep a straight face, especially when 
she kept thinking about what the cub's name meant.

	"Shenzi leave him alone!"  Shenzi turned and saw Fabana trudge up 
towards her.

	"How can you even let yourself speak to him when you know what 
you did to his..."

	"Shhhhh!  Quiet Fabana, we don't want our little friend to get 
confused now do we?"  Fabana was about to reply, but both froze when 
they heard Ed's scream.

	"What in the tenth level of hell?"  Shenzi ran towards the sound 
but called back to Fabana.

	"Fabana, take Nuka and get out of here!"

* * * * * *

	Shenzi ran back into the cavern were she had left her two 
brother's only a few minutes ago.  The smell of blood was in the air 
and even worse was the smell of death.  She ran over the ledge and 
gasped when she saw Ed being choked to death by a lioness.  Ed's life 
was long extinguished as his head hung loosely from Zira's grasp, and 
with a slight twist of her own neck, Zira dropped the lifeless hyena.  
Shenzi's jaw dropped like a stone when she realized who she was looking 
at.  It was that lioness she saw when she and her pack killed Scar.

	"You, who are.... what are you... what are you doing!"

	"What am I doing?  What does it look like!  My, my, you are more 
stupid than I thought."

	"You killed my brothers!"

	"Exactly, and you killed my love and my cub!"

	"I am going to make you suffer lioness!"

	"Come on then, impress me!"  With a bark Shenzi dropped to a low 
stance and began to pace around the lioness.  Zira in turn began to 
circle around Shenzi.

	"Well, what are you waiting for she-hyena?"

	"I was just thinking what your blood would taste like."

	"That's funny, I was thinking the exact same thing, but I plan on 
finding out!"  With a roar Zira lunged at the female hyena, but unlike 
her two brothers Shenzi was prepared.  Shenzi expertly sidestepped and 
swung her claws in a backwards slash, her claws ripping a long gash in 
Zira's flanks.

	"Ha!  First blood is scored by me, just like I did with Scar!"  
Shenzi never heard a louder roar.  Zira swung her head backs towards 
Shenzi, her body shaking in rage, her eyes burning with hate, and 
lunged at her again with more force than a charging rhino.  Shenzi 
tried to sidestep once again, but was too slow and the enraged lioness 
tackled the hyena to the ground.  Shenzi closed her eyes and waited for 
the impending doom, but nothing came, no pain was felt.  She looked up 
and saw the lioness standing over her, snarling and gnashing her teeth.

	"Before you die, I want you to know who it was that killed you, 
and I want you to know what you did to me!"

	"What are you talking about?"

	"You killed Scar, he was my husband, my mate, and my love!  Then 
you, and your kind, killed an innocent cub.  That was my son!  But 
worst of all, you killed Ushandra, and you created me!

	"No, let me explain!"

	"I am hate incarnate, I am Zira!

	"No wait, stop!  If you kill me, you are no better than I am!"  
Shenzi saw Zira plunge towards her throat.  In desperation Shenzi 
flailed wildly with her claws, but managed to grab Zira's left ear and 
stop the plunge.  Zira looked down, then grinned a grin that froze 
Shenzi to the bone, as she ripped her head the other way, then screamed 
as a huge chunk of her ear remained attached to Shenzi's claws.  Zira 
looked back down at the female hyena, with eyes red as fire and tears 
streaming out of them,

	"Then I'll see you in hell!"  Zira plunged her jaws towards 
Shenzi's throat and clamped her muzzle around it, then with all her 
strength she pulled.  Zira quickly shut her tear filled eyes as she was 
rewarded with a geyser of blood.


CHAPTER EIGHT: A BLESSING IN DISGUISE


	Zira slowly raised her head, wincing as the sharp pain coursed 
through her body from her wounded ear.  She tried to rise to her paws, 
but recoiled once again as the long gash across her flanks added 
another surge of pain that crashed through her body.  She caressed her 
face with a paw, wiping the blood, sweat, and tears off of her face.  
She grinned, despite the pain, as she viewed her handiwork the lay 
around her.  She tried to laugh, but that only made the pain worse, so 
she settled for her favorite phrase,

	"This is for you Scar."

	"Yes, you have done well, at last the evil of Shenzi is 
eradicated."  Zira swung her head towards the unknown voice, her smile 
quickly changing into a snarl as she saw another female hyena standing 
in an indifferent pose atop a ledge, not very far away.

	"Ah, I see I get to add another hyena to my death toll for the 
day!"  Zira judged the distance and figured she could reach the hyena 
in only a mere leap.  She steadied herself and was about to spring, but 
suddenly stopped, at least temporarily, due to the female's words.

	"Yes do it quick so I can be with my Taka."

	"What!  What did you just say?"  The female only closed her eyes 
and thrust out her chest, presenting easy access to her throat.

	"Tell me hyena, or you will die!"  The female only grinned, 
making Zira realize that threat was useless.

	"I shall ask for nothing else!  Do you worse murderer, end my 
suffering and obliterate my sorrow forever!"  Zira squinted at the 
strange female with an expression of confusion.  She noticed with some 
disdain the hyena's entire face was covered in scars, and her left eye 
was missing, although a few tears now dripped from its empty socket.  
Zira couldn't help but be curious.  She decided to try a different 
approach,

	"I don't want to.  I want to know your name, and why did you say 
the name of my love?"

	"Shut up!  Don't you ever say that again, do you hear me!  He 
would never love a vicious bitch like you!"  Zira snarled deciding to 
kill this wretched creature, she had enough of her insults, but 
suddenly froze in horror when she saw him.

	"Fabana, what is going on and who are you talking to?"  Fabana 
began to shake as she turned towards the sound but it was too late, 
Nuka was already by her side.  Fabana turned toward the lioness but saw 
the expression she had expected.  Zira's eyes were spread as wide as 
her jaws,

	"What the hell is that!"

* * * * * *

	"Good lioness, please do not kill my son!"  Fabana could think of 
nothing else to say, all previous thoughts were obliterated, but after 
she spoke the words, she suddenly realized that was the worst thing she 
could have said.

	"Your what!"

	"I mean this cub is Taka's."  Fabana felt like kicking herself in 
the face, that was even worse!  Zira looked at the cub, back to the 
hyena, back to the cub, and then back to the hyena.  Her head seemed to 
be shaking as if she kept saying "no," in her mind it was.

	"Scar and you?  I mean a lion and a hyena!  My love and a hyena 
mated!"  That final thought was too much for the lioness to bear.  The 
loss of blood from the previous battle, the weeks of grief and agony, 
and to top it all off what this hyena had just told her, her tortured 
mind couldn't handle it.  Zira's eyes rolled back into her head and she 
fainted.

	"She took that pretty well."  Fabana just shook her head as she 
watched the lioness flop to the ground.  She looked down at Nuka and 
felt like her heart was about to break.  The poor cub had a look of 
confusion on his face that needed answers but the cub couldn't even 
begin to ask the questions.

	"Fabana who is that, what is happening, and what did you just 
say!"

	"Don't worry Nuka, just do me this one favor."  Nuka looked back 
up at his guardian.

	"Look at this lioness," Nuka looked back down, "This is your... 
mother."  Fabana tried to hold back her tears but she couldn't.  Still, 
she knew this would only be a temporary solution. When Nuka began to 
grow older and as his mind will become more and more developed, he will 
have to know the real truth one day, Fabana just prayed to her gods 
that she would not be around to see it.

	"But, Bana what happened to Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed?"  Fabana 
looked at the remains of her siblings, almost forgetting they were 
there.  She felt no loss with Shenzi, in her mind her daughter had 
already died a long time ago, but she did feel a deep pang of grief 
when she looked at her sons, especially when she thought of Ed.

	"They are... in a better place.  They are experiencing more joy 
there, then they could have ever experienced here.  Deep down, Fabana 
knew she telling the truth about her sons, but she secretly prayed to 
her god Roh'kash that Shenzi was in another place, hopefully face to 
face with Scar, Fabana was sure he would be so happy to see her 
daughter once again.  If only she was there next to him.  An idea began 
to form in the hyena's crafty mind, this lioness had said Scar was her 
love as well, why hadn't Scar ever mentioned his so-called soul mate 
before?  Fabana thought Taka only loved her, well and even thought her 
would never admit it, and always Sarabi.  Fabana looked at the lioness 
for a long time, the unconscious creature breathing in deep, long gasps 
and her face twisted into a mask of confusion and denial.  How easy 
Fabana, and the rest of the world, could be rid of this killer, 
especially now since she was in this vulnerable position.

	"Nuka go outside for a moment, I have something that I need to 
do."

	"Bana, I don't want to, I am so confused right now, what am I..."

	"Shush now,"  Fabana patted her son's head, stroking his small 
mane that would grow a deep black, "I'll make everything crystal clear 
very soon."

	"All right, maybe then these... ugh, bugs will stop biting me."  
Fabana watched her son disappear over the ledge, and waited until she 
couldn't hear his scratching noises any longer.  Slowly the female 
turned her empty socket onto the lioness, then her "good" eye gazed 
down upon her.  Fabana crept towards Zira and she unsheathed her claws.


CHAPTER NINE: MERGING MINDS


	Consciousness slowly drifted back to the lioness, but her ear was 
pounding with pain, as was her side.  She purred as she felt the soft 
paws of some creature caressing her ear.  Her mind suddenly jolted back 
to reality, her eyes sprang open, and they focused on a hyena. It was 
the female, but she was busy wrapping Zira's ear in cool moss and dead 
leaves in an attempt to stop the bleeding.  Zira's mind recollected 
everything in a split second and she snarled tumultuously, intent on 
ripping the hyena apart.  But when she tried to move her legs she 
couldn't.  She desperately tried her back legs but was given the same 
unfavorable results.  She looked down and snarled even louder as she 
saw her front and back paws were tied tightly together with vines.  
Zira began thrashing her body in an attempt to break the bonds, but she 
soon realized it was futile.  In agony she looked back up at her captor 
and was dismayed when she saw she was smiling down at her.

	"Comfortable?"

	"When I get free I'm going to feast on your heart!"

	"Hmmm, that wasn't the response I was hoping for, especially 
after all the nice things I've done for you during your nap.  Look, I 
bandaged up your wounds.  Without me I don't think you would have 
survived."

	"Oh you want me to say thank you?  How about I curse you in more 
words than you could think of?"  Fabana finished her task, and looked 
down at the lioness's enraged face.  She shrugged and indifferently 
tapped Zira's ear with a backhanded paw, causing Zira to scream in 
pain.

	"Oh, I am so sorry, did that hurt?"  Zira roared and was about to 
reply with the worst curse she could think of, but before she had the 
chance Fabana had grabbed Zira's head, unsheathed her claws, and had 
the longest one placed on Zira's throat in a mere second.

	"Don't even think about it!  Think about this instead."  Zira 
looked down and gulped as she saw Fabana was tapping her throat with a 
claw.

	"Do you realize I could kill you this very second if I wanted to?  
Don't answer just nod if you understand me."  Zira tried one last time 
to break the vines, she slowly nodded her head.

	"Good, now before I change my mind, I am going to ask you 
something and I expect you to answer me the right way.  If you give me 
the wrong answer..."  Fabana looked down and grinned, "Nod your head 
again, if you understand me.  Zira nodded.

	"Very well then, as you can see I took a lot of time nursing your 
wounds, and I expect you to grant me a favor in return.  Now I am going 
free you, so we can talk like civilized creatures.  Do you understand?"  
Zira nodded once again.  With a long look  Fabana studied the bonds and 
slowly released her hold, she positioned herself with a claw at each 
vine.

	"Do you promise me, you will listen to me after I set you free?"  
Zira said nothing, only grinned a wicked smile.  Fabana cocked her head 
and squinted, not quite sure what to make from Zira's response, but 
still with a sharp slash from both her claws, the vines that had bound 
Zira's paws were cut.  Zira sprang to feet and Fabana held her breath, 
since she expected the lioness to break her promise, but to her relief 
Zira just stood there examining her side and her bandaged ear.

	"I didn't ask you to do this, but I guess I do owe you a thank 
you since you did."

	"You're welcome.  Now you're going to kill me right?"  Zira 
looked at the female for a while, but just shrugged her shoulders.

	"No, I don't like to kill those who already want to die.  It's 
not fun."

	"If you had to endure the life I had, you would understand how I 
feel."  Zira swung her head back towards Fabana and snarled.

	"What makes you think I haven't?"

	"You haven't lost the only creature you've ever loved!"

	"No, I've experienced worse, I watched him die!"

	"Whom are you talking about?"

	"My God, you hyenas are stupid. Who do you think I am talking 
about?  Scar!"

	"Taka?"

	"His name is Scar."

	"Maybe that is what you call him, but to me he will always be 
known as Taka.  He was the lion no one knew, the noble creature 
underneath who never had the chance to shine.  Scar was the name of the 
darkness which consumed him."

	"How fitting, Ushandra was the lioness no one knew.  I am the 
darkness which consumed her!"

	"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know."

	"No one does.  Ushandra is dead, as is Taka.  But unlike Scar I 
am still around.

	"And your name is?"

	"Zira."

	"Fitting, I am Fabana."

	"Why didn't Scar ever mention you to me?"

	"I was about to ask you the same thing.  Tell me your story first 
and then I shall tell you mine."  Zira and Fabana told each other their 
whole life stories and how Scar became a part of both of their lives.  
Both of the creatures were astounded that their lives were very 
similar, and even more incredible is how the each looked upon Scar, and 
how their love for him was based on the same reasons.  When each had 
finished the two creatures stared at one another, Zira was the first to 
speak.

	"You really loved him?"

	"Yes, Taka was the only creature I ever truly loved. It was fate 
that brought us together, but fate tore both of us from him."

	"But he is a lion and you are a hyena."

	"I'm glad you can tell the difference."

	"I mean, we cannot mate outside our species, it is... wrong!"

	"And who says so?"

	"Aiheu!"

	"I thought you said, he means nothing to you now, so why should 
his laws?"

	"That means nothing, it is utterly wrong!  I can't even conceive 
the two of you together, and when I do, it makes me sick!"

	"Oh, that is too bad, ask me if I care."

	"Do you... what do you take me for, a fool?"

	"Do you really want me to say what I think of you?"

	"Scar would never love you!"

	"He never did, Taka loved me."

	"Don't start that again, Scar is gone!"

	"As is Taka, now you know how I feel!"

	"I still can't even imagine you two... together, Scar only loved 
me!"

	"That is true and Taka only loved me!"

	"What does it matter anyway, he is dead!"

	"But, he will always be with us, and he watches over us always."

	"Always." Zira felt tears begin to form in her eyes, Fabana 
noticed them and tried to change the subject."

	"Who do you love, Taka or Scar?"

	"What kind of question is that?  They are the same lion."

	"Think about what I just said in my tale."  Zira thought for a 
long time, and finally nodded.

	"All right, I think I know what you mean, how can I say this... 
Ushandra loved Taka, and perhaps she is with him, but I will always 
love Scar."

	"Well said, but I am hopeful one day I will be with Taka.  I know 
that day will be very soon, because I only have a few days left on this 
earth.  That is why I let you live, if I killed you I would never see 
Taka, I would only see Scar, and I want to spend eternity with my 
love."

	"Well that is why I did what I did, Scar had to be avenged and my 
first victims were your offspring.  I am sorry but I feel no grief or 
pity, those emotions died with Ushandra."

	"There is nothing I can do or say about that, I will never 
forgive you for what you have done to me, but the only way you can set 
things right is grant my request."

	"Forgive me?  How can I forgive you?  You and your kind 
slaughtered my son!"

	"I swear to you, I was not a part of that, nor did know anything 
about it, but now I understand what Shenzi meant when she said her 
pack's hunger was temporarily satisfied."

	"I don't know whether to believe you or not, but you seem to 
posses virtues that I never knew existed in a hyena."

	"I'll take that as a compliment."

	"When you die the world will surly grieve."

	"No, I don't think so. Who would care about one female hyena when 
our reputation is stained by the likes of those such as Shenzi?"

	"Scar saw the same qualities in you as I do, that is why he loved 
you Fabana."

	"No, that is why Taka loved me."

	"Whatever, before we both start crying again, what is this 
request that you want me to do for you?"

	"I want you to watch over my cub and be his mother."  Zira almost 
felt like she would faint again.

	"Watch over that... abomination!?"

	"Yes, there is nothing wrong in how he was created."

	"If you say so!"

	"All right, ponder this then, how do you think their are so many 
species of animals out there?  It is a common work of nature."

	"Spare me your twisting of morality Fabana, I would never let 
that thing into my pride."

	"You owe me Zira!"

	"Not that way, don't even say that you are going to give me this 
male for the one you kind took from me!"

	"I shall offer you something even greater if you just watch over 
my child."

	"What are you saying?"

	"I know of another pride many miles away, and wait until I tell 
you who the king is, trust me you and him will get along beautifully."

	"Don't play with me Fabana, even though our lives are similar, 
doesn't mean we are friends."

	"Granted, but if you don't want this vital information, then so 
be it.  But it would give you the edge, after all how are you going to 
conquer Simba's pride all by yourself?"  Zira snarled and began to pace 
around the hyena, Fabana just stared into Zira's eyes and smiled, Zira 
decided Fabana was right.

	"All right, Fabana you win, but I will only go on with this 
charade until the cub is old enough to know the truth, and don't expect 
me to love and cherish him like he was my own."  Fabana laughed,

	"Trust me, you will learn to love Nuka."

	"What did you say?  What is his name?"

	"Nuka, why?"  Zira began to shake and her laughter filled the 
entire cavern.

	"What, what is so funny?"  Zira could hardly talk, she was 
laughing so hard tears were dripping out of her eyes.

	"Nuka.... Oh Nuka... Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha, what a perfect name!"

	"I didn't name him that, Shenzi did just to spite me."

	"Does he know what it means in our language?"

	"Yes, he does but he doesn't mind, as a matter a fact he likes it 
."

	"Oh, all right I guess I won't make a big stink out of it.  Ha, 
ha, ha, ha!"

	"Lovely play on words their Zira, just call him Nuka please, not 
the translation."

	"OK, I'll watch over Stink, I mean Nuka."  Fabana couldn't help 
but laugh herself, something she hadn't done for some time.

	"Stop it, your making me laugh!"

	"Ha, ha, ha, well you are a hyena aren't you?"  Fabana answered 
Zira with a classic hyena laugh.

	"All right we better stop, or I am going to have to start calling 
myself Ushandra again.  You know, I haven't felt this good for a long 
time."

	"Neither have I.  You will watch over my sweet Nuka?"

	"Yes I will, who knows he may become the cub Scar always wanted, 
I'll just have to change that name when he does."  Fabana smiled as 
thrust out her paw, Zira looked down at the paw for a while, but then 
grinned herself, and extended her own paw.  The two creatures shook on 
the agreement, and then Fabana told Zira all she knew.  Zira allowed 
Nuka to become to first member of her pride, not as a chance for 
redemption, but as a chance for all her dreams to become a reality.


CHAPTER TEN: THE LAST OF HER KIND


	"Nuka!"  Fabana called for her son, and smiled when he appeared 
over the rocks.

	"It's about time Bana, I was getting bored. Where have you been 
and what happened?"

	"Listen to me, my sweet Nuka, I have to... go somewhere for a 
long time."

	"Sounds fun, I'm coming too right?"

	"No, sweetie you can't, but I found a new friend for you to keep 
you safe.

	"Who?"

	"Your... Mother."  Fabana tried to hold back her tears.  She 
hated to keep up this lie, but she knew there was no other way.

	"My mother?  You found her!"

	"Yes, my son," Fabana nearly slipped, but she caught herself just 
in time as Nuka squinted and cocked his head, "I mean you are her son."

	"Where is she, tell me where I can find her, is she near?"  Nuka 
was shaking with excitement.  He began looking all around frantically, 
causing his little locks to swish around him.

	"Zira!"  Fabana's voice called her name, but Nuka squinted again, 
he knew the language of the lions well, and he knew what the name 
meant, but soon forgot when he saw a beautiful lioness saunter towards 
him, and sit next to Fabana.

	"Hello Nuka," Fabana didn't know is she was impressed or 
disgusted at how sweet Zira could make her voice sound, "Nuka, I 
finally found you."

	"Mom!"  The young lion ran towards her and hugged her with his 
paws.  Zira was stunned, she didn't know what to do, and she looked at 
Fabana for help, but just saw the hyena looking away.  Somehow Zira 
found the best words she could as she hugged Nuka back.

	"Yes my son, I love you too, I have always loved you."  She 
looked down at the young male who had the biggest smile on his face she 
had ever seen.  As she did with her own son, she licked Nuka's face, 
but then spit onto ground, as she realized Nuka must not have had a 
bath for weeks.

	"Oh, sorry mom, you know them hyenas!"

	"We'll just have to fix that, I can't have my son smelling like a 
hyena can I?  Wait until we return to my jungle, I'll show this nice 
river where you can take a bath."

	"Wow, you live in a jungle, awesome!"

	"Yes, I'm sure you'll love it.  It will be a lot better than that 
cold, dark cave you've been living in."  Zira looked over at Fabana for 
approval, but was dismayed when she saw Fabana was just staring at the 
ground.  Nuka looked up and noticed it too.

	"Bana is something wrong?"

	"No, its nothing."

	"Why are you crying?"  Fabana looked up and her tears could be 
easily seen.

	"It's nothing Nuka, I am just so happy to see you like this."  
Nuka grinned,  Fabana's heart broke.

	"Hey Bana, I'm still confused, what happened to Shenzi and the 
others?"  Before Fabana could reply, Zira did.

	"Don't worry Nuka, they only got what they deserved, you won't 
have to worry about them any more, I took care of that.  Nuka was still 
too innocent to understand what Zira meant.

	"Oh all right, but to tell you the truth, I never liked those 
three anyway, especially Shenzi, but I still wanted to say good-bye."

	"Well, Shenzi is busy painting the floor red right now, but I'll 
relay the message to her."  Zira grinned but as she looked at Fabana, 
she was met with a cold stare that instantly got rid of her smile.

	"Fabana, what's wrong, you don't look very happy?"

	"I told you nothing is wrong!"  Nuka jumped back, "I'm sorry I 
didn't mean to yell, I am just so tired, go on ahead, we'll catch up."

	"That's all right Bana.  Mom, you and Bana hurry up, I have so 
much I want you to tell me.  I am so happy I finally found my real 
mother."

	"Yes, sweetie so am I, you run of now, we'll join you shortly."  
Zira grinned as she watched Nuka scurry away over the rocks.  She 
didn't need to turn, she could feel Fabana's cold stare penetrating her 
fur.

	"You know Fabana, I never realized what a great liar you could 
be."

	"Shut up and look at me before I rip your throat out!"  Zira 
turned and smiled wickedly.

	"Something the matter Bana?"

	"Don't you dare corrupt my son!"

	"Now why would I do that?  You're planning for Simba to die from 
laughter when he sees Nuka?  You know I have to teach him a few 
things?"

	"You will not crush his innocence!  Not as long as I am alive!"

	"The way I see it, that shouldn't take too long."

	"You had better remember your promise!"

	"Oh I'll remember it Fabana, all I am supposed to do is watch 
over Nuka right?"  Fabana nodded and began to walk away.  Zira watched 
the female hyena scamper after Nuka allowing her muzzle to twist into a 
sinister grin,

	"I'll watch him all right.  I'll watch him become a killer!"

* * * * * *

	The predator crept through the foliage without a sound as she 
stalked like a lioness.  She spied her prey, splashing around in the 
river, and her eyes narrowed to slits.  It would have to be quick and 
without pain, she knew this was the only way and this would be her only 
chance.  She crept closer through the vines, her eyes locked on her 
target.  She tried to blot out the agony that was pounding at her 
brain, by rationalizing that this was a mercy killing.  She crouched 
low to the ground, and planned her attack.  Her prey was too occupied 
with his fun to notice her, he was downwind, and unaware of his danger.  
She formulated her strategy, she would burst through the foliage, and 
slash her prey's throat, so he would feel no pain, and hopefully die 
before he realized what had happened.  Her prey suddenly turned his 
back to her, now was the time to strike.

	Her claws extended and flexed, she was about to spring, but just 
then her prey turned back around, and grinned as he picked up a huge 
paw full of water and let it fall over him like a waterfall.  Fabana 
faltered, she couldn't see, tears blinded her eyes, and she fell to her 
knees.  She was ashamed at what she had planned to do.  She raised her 
head and gazed upon her son with all the love a mother could have, and 
tried to tell herself that this was the only way.  She couldn't let her 
son grow up in cruel world such as this, and with Zira as his new 
guardian, she shuddered at the vile possibilities that could happen.  
How could she allow the sweet innocence of a cub to be crushed by the 
queen of hate?  Fabana knew her hours on this earth were growing short, 
but if she did do this horrible thing, she knew her son would die 
innocent and pure.  He would be with Taka, and all the kings of the 
past forever, but where would she be?  Murder was murder and if she 
went through with her plans, she knew that she would never be with 
Taka, but if she didn't would Taka ever be able to be with his son?  
Scar never knew Fabana had a son, she had kept it from him and gave 
birth to Nuka in a secret place.  Only Shimbekh the seer knew, but that 
truth died when the oracle had died by her own paws.  Nuka grew up in 
Fabana's lair and Fabana made sure no one ever found out about him.  
When Scar died Fabana took Nuka back to the Cave of the Hyenas, deep 
within the Elephant Graveyard where she planned to raise him herself, 
but then Shenzi found them.  The nefarious plans Shenzi had for Nuka 
would have been carried out, but how ironic that Zira had ended all 
those plans.  Nevertheless, now the irony was even worse, Nuka's savior 
would quickly become his corrupter and Fabana knew the plans Zira had 
for Nuka would rival those of Shenzi.  Still, Fabana couldn't bring 
herself to destroy her own son. She only prayed that he understood how 
much she loved him, since this would be the last time he would ever see 
her.

	"Bana, what the hell are you doing here?  Can't you see I'm 
trying to take a bath?"  Nuka blushed and tried to cover himself with 
his paws as he saw Fabana emerge from the foliage.

	"Nuka, I am the one who bathed you, when you were just a cub, 
I've seen everything before."

	"Well, it's still embarrassing.  I am almost an adult you know, 
would you please turn around, while I dry myself?"  Fabana grinned and 
complied, she heard Nuka splash out of the water and begin to lick 
himself dry.

	"You know Bana you should take a bath more often too, it gets rid 
of those damned bugs, plus you'll smell a lot better too."

	"Maybe some other time, there is something I want to tell you."

	"Well, keep talking but don't turn around yet, I still have a few 
places left to dry."

	"Do you like it here Nuka?"

	"Yea, it's great, there is so much to do, and now that I found 
Zira, I couldn't be happier."

	"What do you think of her?"

	"Well, to tell you the truth... Is she around anywhere?"  Nuka 
scanned the foliage, "Guess not, well anyway she tells me she loves me, 
and she's my mother, and all that, but she just seems..."

	"Hateful?"

	"Uh yea, exactly Fabana, does she always have to act like her 
name?"

	"She's been through a lot.  It is amazing she's still alive."  
Fabana's thoughts drifted to ways she wished she could fix that.

	"Do you like her Bana?"

	"All that is important is I like you Nuka."

	"You can turn around now, I'm done."  Fabana turned and gazed 
upon her son.  He looked better then her ever did.  His pelt was shiny 
and clean, his thin, black mane gleamed, and he smelled wonderful.

	"Wow I'm impressed, any lioness would kill to have you."

	"Let's hope so, but now that you brought that up, I have a few... 
questions about lionesses that I was wondering if you could answer.  
See I've been having these dreams and when I wake up I..."

	"Don't worry Nuka you'll find all about the kind of stuff on your 
own.  Come over here I need to tell you something."  Nuka walked 
towards the female.  He was surprised when Fabana pulled him towards 
her and gave him the biggest hug she ever had and then preceded to 
kissing his face.

	"Uh Bana, what are you doing?"

	"I just want to hold you for awhile.  Nuka do you like me?"

	"Uh well, as long as I can remember you've been like a mother to 
me."

	"Oh, that is all I wanted to hear."  Fabana squeezed him tightly 
again."

	"Well, you've always been there for me, and I guess I really like 
you, even more than Zira, I feel like I could always tell you anything, 
you're like my..."

	"Mother?"

	"Yea right, but that's crazy isn't it?  I mean me being related 
to you."  Nuka began to laugh just like the hyenas he grew up with, 
Fabana just looked down at her son and smiled.

	"Bana, do you think I'll ever meet my dad?"

	"Trust me, some day you will."

	"You've never talked about him, what was he like?"

	"He was the lion of all lions, he was the greatest creature to 
ever live, and you are his only son."

	"What was his name?"

	"Sca...  Taka."

	"How come mom never tells me about him?  I ask and ask, and try 
to do everything to make her happy, but it seems like I never have her 
attention."

	"You'll find out everything some day Nuka, I just hope everything 
will turn out all right."

	"Fabana," Nuka looked back up at the female, "How do you know so 
much about me, it seems like you've been with me since I was born, and 
why have I always been with hyenas, why have I never been with my own 
kind?"

	"Nuka these are answers you have to find out for yourself, but 
please no more of these unanswerable questions, I have a question for 
you."

	"Uh, OK."

	"Nuka, promise me you'll stay sweet and innocent forever."

	"I'll be fine Bana, I have my mother to take care of me."

	"That is my damned point!  She is not your..."

	"Bana?"  Nuka wore a look of absolute confusion when he saw 
Fabana start crying.  Fabana noticed it and tired to wipe the tears 
away with the back of her paw.

	"There I go again, crying like a pup."

	"What is it Bana, you haven't been yourself lately.  You always 
seem so sad, and whenever I try and talk to you, you always end up like 
this.

	"Nuka, I have to go away."

	"Where are you going?"

	"I can't tell you, but I won't be coming back."  Nuka grabbed 
Fabana's paws with his own.

	"No, you can't go.  I'll never get to see you again!"

	"You'll always see me," Fabana touched the top of her son's head 
with a claw, "Right here."

	"That's not good enough, I want to hear your laughter, I want to 
talk to you, I want you to be with me forever."

	"No creature lives forever Nuka, we just have to remember the 
good times we shared."  Fabana looked down and saw Nuka was getting 
upset.

	"Fabana," Nuka was beginning to cry, "Don't leave me!"

	"We will be together again... Someday."

	"I can't wait for that day!"

	"You must Nuka, maybe your father will be with us on that day as 
well."

	"That is my dream Fabana.  I pray constantly that you, dad, my 
mom, and me will all be together in one place.  That will be the best 
day of my life."

	"I pray to Roh'kash that this day will come soon."

	"Can I tell you something?"

	"Anything sweetie."

	"I know this might offend you, and I can't believe I'm saying 
this, but I always wished you were my mother. You are always so good 
and friendly, I guess I... Love you!"

	"Nuka," Nuka looked up and saw Fabana had the biggest smile on 
her face he had ever seen, and her eyes her brimming with tears, "You 
don't know how much I always wanted you to say that, I am happier than 
I have ever been!"

	"Well, its true," Nuka gave Fabana another powerful hug, "Well, I 
better make sure how mother is doing, she said she has to start 
teaching me these lessons to make me a better lion."

	"All right, but just remember your promise Nuka, and never forget 
it."

	"I won't Bana, I will always be just like you!"

	"That is all I ask, take care of yourself."  Nuka gave her 
another squeeze and just for good measure a lick on Fabana's lips.  He 
blushed and ran off, but before he disappeared, he waved one last time, 
then dived into the foliage and was gone.  Fabana watched the last of 
her son's tail become enveloped by the leaves and waved herself,

	"Good-bye... My son!"

* * * * * *

	The moon cast its rays upon her as Fabana walked down an endless 
trail, she didn't care where it led, only enjoying the scenery.  She 
took in all of life's wonders and pleasures for last few hours and then 
fell to her stomach by a waterfall.  She watched the cascading water 
for a while and breathed in the cool air.  Her thoughts were a jumble 
with images of her son and her one and only love.

	"Taka, oh my sweet Taka, how I have always loved you.  I know the 
hour is close at hand, but I am so afraid.  Please I pray to you, 
Roh'kash, and Shimbekh that I will see you soon.  Taka, I have lived a 
life of virtue, only killed for sustenance, and always did what I 
believed was right.  Then I met you, and saved you from death by your 
own paws.  We feel in love with each other, but how I wish you 
understood how much I truly loved you.  But you didn't, you were too 
filled with hate and an unquenchable lust for blood.  If only you knew 
you had a son, but you do now don't you?  Watch over him like you 
always have, and please keep him pure and virtuous like I have been.  
That is all I ask.  I have done all I can, Roh'kash give me peace."

	Fabana sighed deeply and gazed at the starry, night sky.  She 
could almost see Taka's gaze smiling upon her, and when she saw a 
shooting star, she knew her wish was granted.  She laughed a classic 
hyena laugh for the last time as she thought about the last prophecy 
Shimbekh, her best friend, had told her.

	"Fabana, my dear Fabana, you will live a long, but toilsome life.  
At last you will find peace in a paradise, the likes of which you have 
never seen.  Through chaos and scars you will survive, seeing much but 
understanding yourself even more.  When at long last you will be secure 
from the help of an incarnate of an emotion, and emotion which you have 
never shown, at last you will be consumed with bliss from its opposite.  
Then under a starry sky, and as a shooting star screams across the 
horizon, at last all your prayers will be answered."

	Fabana placed her head on her paws and closed her eyes, 
descending into the sleep of eternity.  She awoke in a realm of 
splendors where she was finally reunited with her one and only love.



Part Three: Coming of Age (The Tale of Nuka)


CHAPTER ELEVEN: PROGENY


	As a pair of golden eyes gazed at the moon through the tangle of 
leaves and vines, a laugh broke the still of the night.  Nuka broke 
through the dense foliage, and trudged towards the summit of a tall 
hill.  He did not realize it, but he was standing on the same hill 
where Zira had conducted her silent vigil one year ago.  But unlike 
Zira, who had waited upon the summit for the first sign of her love, 
Nuka waited for the day when he would be reunited with Fabana; his one 
and only friend.  He waited desperately for that day, he dreamed of it, 
he prayed for it, it was all he ever thought of.

	"How many days has it been?"  He roared into the wind,  "Bana, 
where are you?"       He ran his paws down his face, and then up and 
through a long, tangle of hair that had indeed grown strangely, but was 
still a gleaming, black mane.  He sighed as he remembered that Fabana 
had left when his mane was nothing more then a small tuft of hair at 
the sides of his face, but now as he felt its softness, and marveled at 
its color, he realized that he was no longer the cub he had been.  He 
was an adult lion now, and he decided that he had to finally face the 
facts: Fabana would not be coming back and no matter how much he wanted 
to see her, he decided it would never come true, at least not in this 
world.

	Once again, he sighed into the cool breeze, but had to laugh when 
he thought about all the happy times he had spent with her.  Although 
he grew up in Fabana's lair, with all its comforts that only a hyena 
could love, and although he had to endure the torment of Shenzi and her 
brothers, he had to admit that he had enjoyed it.  Rotting corpses and 
mammoth piles of bones may have surrounded him, but if Fabana was by 
his side, nothing else mattered.  He would snuggle close to Fabana 
during those nights and feel completely secure.  He may have been in a 
lair of death, but those happy days with Fabana was when he had felt 
the most alive.

	Now, everything had changed.  He had found his mother, but in 
reality he wished he hadn't.  She was nothing like Fabana.  Everything 
he tried to do, to make her happy, or make her accept him, either went 
unnoticed or backfired horribly.  With age came reason, but he didn't 
know if it was just his tortured mind that was telling him these 
things, or maybe it really was true, but the more he changed from a cub 
into a lion, the more he thought his mother seemed to be everything 
that he wasn't.  He didn't look like her, he didn't act like her, and 
he definitely knew he didn't think like her.

	When he gazed upon his mother, he was awestruck by the beauty of 
the dark chestnut color of her pelt, but when he looked at the strange 
color of his own fur, it was nowhere near the same shade as Zira's.  
His pelt was a dark orange, and covered in small, black spots.

	When he touched his mane, it seemed there was more on his chin, 
then on the top of his head, but he did admit its color was indeed 
breathtaking.  It was a deeper black than a starless night, and during 
the day when the sun cast its rays down upon him, they gleamed 
brilliantly off of it.  He was very proud of his mane, the only thing 
he believed he could be proud of, because when he gazed upon the rest 
of his body his felt insecure and self-conscious.  Zira was strong, 
with a massive frame, that was covered in dense, corded muscles.  His 
body was lanky, bony, and feeble, and no mater how hard he tried to 
flex, he couldn't produce one muscle.  His fur seemed to be always 
matted, and no matter how many times he groomed himself, it just didn't 
seem to want to stay in place.  His mane jutted out of his face in 
countless, wild directions, and his whiskers would never stay straight, 
they were always in tangles and knots.  But worst of all, no matter how 
many times he took a bath, no matter how many times he scratched, and 
no matter what part of the jungle he was in, he was constantly plagued 
by bugs.  They kept biting him, itching him, driving him insane, until 
his flanks were sore and bleeding from his constant scratching and 
biting, as he desperately tried to stop the infernal itching.  He tried 
to find any way to get rid of this annoyance but no matter what new 
technique or plan he thought up, he couldn't get rid of them, and just 
had to put up with them.  Of course he would never understand it, but 
the scent of a half hyena, half lion was intoxicating to an insect, and 
his scratching, which only made his scent grow stronger, would only 
make them want to stay.  If he could only understand the language of 
the mosquitoes or the termites. He would no doubt hear them say,

	"You know, I never realized there is no blood that tastes sweeter 
than a half lion, half hyena. I tell ya brothers, we aint leaving this 
find!"

	Nevertheless, these minor problems, were the least of his 
worries.  His major concern was not the utter contrast of their 
appearances, but was Zira's attitude towards him.  With Fabana, he 
couldn't begin to describe the amount of trust and love she had shown 
him, but with Zira, all she expressed was impatience, skepticism, and 
anger.       When Nuka failed in a certain task, or when it seemed that 
he wasn't trying hard enough in his lessons, she would roar so loud, 
that he had to jump back to avoid being hit, because if he didn't, a 
slap to the face would come next.  Then she would scold and castigate 
him until he promised he would try harder.  As a matter of fact, these 
so called lessons, were hard enough to bear.  She had created an 
extensive program to enhance his endurance, strength, and balance, but 
although he tried time and time again to please her, his weak body 
wouldn't answer his pleas to do well so he could prove himself to her.  
He would either get tangled up in vines, trip every yard over roots and 
stones, or just collapse from exhaustion.  Even once he was knocked 
unconscious from a low hanging branch, that he failed to notice was in 
his way!  Then the punishments he would have to withstand, since in 
Zira's eyes his was far below average, were excruciating.  He often 
wondered if all mothers were as hard on their cubs as Zira was, he knew 
Fabana was never like this... Fabana!

	"Fabana, I miss you so much!  Please come back to me!  I need you 
back and I need you now!  I don't know how much longer I can take these 
endless hours of training that Zira forces me to accomplish.  She says 
it will all be for a greater purpose, and I need to master these skills 
no matter how much blood, sweat, and tears I shed.  One day she 
constantly tells me I will need to put these skills to the test.  In 
her strange words, the day that will be 'my moment of glory'."

	Nuka sighed once again, as he took note of the moon's position.  
It was time, time for another night of training.  His prayers had 
remained unanswered yet again, he reluctantly decided that he would 
never be reunited with his friend.

	"Fabana, wherever you are, I hope you know how much I miss you, 
and how much I... Love you!  Goodnight Fabana, or should I say 
goodnight... Mother."  He looked towards the sky, and squinted as he 
saw a shooting star pass over his head.  He suddenly recalled 
everything Fabana had told him about shooting stars, and what she 
believed they signified.  Her final words suddenly rang in his ears, as 
if she was standing right next to him,

	"If you see a shooting star after making a wish, it means your 
wish was heard!  I will always be a part of you Nuka, and I will always 
be there to watch over you.  You have made me so proud, I am so proud 
of you!  Whenever you feel lost, or lonely, just remember that I shall 
always be with you.  Good-bye Nuka, I will, have, and forever shall 
always love you!"

	Nuka's face suddenly changed into a massive grin, and despite the 
pain and small cuts all over his body, he suddenly felt like he could 
survive another night.  With a laugh, just like a hyena's, he jumped 
and pranced in a circle, finally understanding everything that Fabana 
had told him.  He knew he could always take comfort in the fact that 
Fabana's proud gaze would always be watching over him, and with this 
truth he felt like nothing could stand in his way.  He spun on his 
paws, ran down the hill and crashed through the vines, all the while 
laughing happily.


CHAPTER TWELVE: CORRUPTION


	"It has been so long, my love.  A full year has passed since I 
saw your beautiful body murdered by those vicious monsters.  But phase 
one is complete, my revenge has begun, and those wicked hyenas have 
paid with their lives for what they did to you, our cub, and me.  Are 
you proud of me, my love?  Tell me you are!

	Why can't I hear your beautiful voice anymore?  Why haven't you 
visited me in my dreams?  Is it because you are angry with me for what 
I wonder about?  Then tell me how I can keep these questions from not 
entering my mind?  Without you by my side, how can I find answers to 
these thoughts?  Why Scar, you must tell me why.  Why did you do it?  
How could you even allow yourself to consider it?  What on earth drove 
you to mate with that disgusting thing?  She was a stinking, loathsome, 
vile, I can't even think of enough insults to explain what she was, 
Scar she was a hyena!  Were you that desperate for love that you had to 
settle for that?  Oh, it makes me sick thinking of what you and that... 
Fabana did together.  You deserved so much better, but... On the other 
hand, it also makes me think of us, and how we professed our love to 
each other that beautiful night under the stars.

	We both definitely felt the love together that night didn't we? 
Oh, yes you know we did, in more ways than one!  Thanks be to some God 
that we found each other Scar.  I don't know how, or who was the 
orchastrator of it, but someone guided you to me Scar, and when we 
became one, oh that was a night I shall never forget.  Then all the 
subsequent times after that... the many ways, the many... techniques. 
Oh, it gets me so.... excited!  Oh, let me think of what we did 
together Scar, let me remember all the pleasure we gave each other, let 
me feel..."

	"Uh, Mother what are you doing?"  Zira's eyes suddenly sprang 
open as she heard Nuka's confused voice behind her, "Mother, who are 
you talking to?"

	"Shut up Nuka!"  Zira cursed silently to herself a hundred curses 
in one second. Her "son" had once again ruined a perfectly good 
opportunity to relieve some of the stress and anxiety she was feeling, 
after all it was the beginning of her season.

	"Mother, please don't be mad at me, I'll just sit and wait here.  
You can get back to... whatever you were doing."  Zira turned and rose 
to her paws, shaking herself.

	"No, that's all right dear, you don't need to see something like 
that."

	"Uh... OK."

	"My, my, look at how you have grown.  How long has it been?"

	"Uh, are you all right Mother?  You're acting very strange, you 
know you saw me only an hour ago."  Zira shook again, trying to clear 
her lewd thoughts.

	"Oh, yes, of course, where did you go?"

	"Oh, you know, around... someplace."

	"You weren't looking for that hyena again, were you?"

	"No, of course not!  Why would I do that?"

	"How many times must I tell you?  She is gone and is never coming 
back!"

	"How do you know?"

	"Don't you understand?  She is..."  Zira looked at Nuka's face, 
she couldn't break his heart, "Let's just say, I know."

	"But she said I'll see her again sometime in the future."

	"Yes, Nuka you will, and someday,"  Zira let out a long, sigh 
"I'll see Scar."

	"Who?"

	"Scar."

	"Scar?  Oh, you mean that nasty wound on your side.  We'll 
actually it healed nicely, but I wish I could say the same about your 
ear."  Zira just looked at Nuka and tried to smile.

	"Anyway Mother, guess what."

	"If I could quote a great lion... 'I despise guessing games'."

	"Uh, who said that?  Oh well, who cares, anyway, I just wanted to 
let you know, that I'm all ready to get my tail kicked on that obstacle 
course of yours again."

	"Isn't that nice."

	"What's wrong, Mother?  Is something bothering you?"

	"Oh, I see you can notice things... OK, you want to help me?  
Then do me one favor, stop saying that word!"

	"Uh, what word is that, Mother?"

	"Stop that, do you hear me!  Stop calling me that!"

	"Stop calling you what, Mother?"  Zira roared and slapped Nuka 
full in the face with a backhanded paw, sending him crashing to his 
side and clutching his bruised face with his paws.

	"Why did you do keep doing that?  Why are you always so mean to 
me?  Don't you love me?"

	"Actually, no!"

	"Why, what have I done?" Nuka was beginning to cry.

	"Look at you, an adult male crying like that, dear God why did I 
take you in?"

	"What did you say!"

	"Nothing... Shut up!"  Zira looked away for a while, but when she 
looked back, Nuka was staring at her, like he had finally realized 
something.  A look that made her feel very uncomfortable,

	"What are you staring at?"

	"Tell me something... MOTHER!"  Nuka snarled as he saw Zira 
cringe as she heard that word again, "Why don't you look anything like 
me?"

	"What?  What are you talking about?"

	"Answer the damned question, bitch!"

	"Don't use that language around me!"

	"Why, you don't want me to talk like you?" Nuka rose to his paws 
and began to pace towards her, "Oh no, you would hate that, wouldn't 
you?  You would rather me stay being your obedient slave, doing 
whatever your wicked mind imagines!"

	"What are you trying to say?" Zira began to walk backwards, 
beginning to feel a slight sense of fear, she looked down and noticed 
that Nuka's claws were unsheathed and his paws were shaking.  She 
looked back up and saw his eyes were narrowed to slits and his muzzle 
was trembling.

	"You know something...Zira, for more days than I can remember, I 
have slaved for you, done your stupid lessons, and did things for you 
that I don't even want to think about.  You have taught me to hunt, to 
kill, to survive, yes things that I will need, but never once did you 
so show me any approval, or gratitude.  Never once did you love me!  
Why!"

	"I promised Fabana before she died..." Nuka roared and grabbed 
Zira's throat.

	"WHY!"

	"You ignorant, ungracious fool!  How dare you lay a paw on me!"  
Zira grabbed Nuka's paw with her own and swung at his face with her 
other paw, meanwhile extending her own claws on the paw she had placed 
around his.  Both paws connected simultaneously to their targets, and 
her left claws sunk deep into Nuka's paw, causing him to cry out right 
before he was smacked in the face with a backhanded strike from Zira's 
right paw.  Nuka let go of his hold, but Zira kicked him hard in his 
most sensitive spot, causing him to slump to the ground.  Zira grinned 
as she stalked towards the male, as he lay there in a coughing heap.

	"That's more like it!"  Nuka looked up and squinted into a 
confused look, "That is the kind of emotion, I want to see from you.  
Maybe you haven't failed your lessons, maybe you can still complete 
your mission after all.  For your reward, since you have done such a 
good job tonight,  I have a little surprise for you.  I'll meet you by 
the river.  Get going!"  Zira grinned as she watched Nuka slowly rise 
to his paws, he avoided her gaze and nodded.

	"Hurry up Nuka!  I don't have all night!"  She watched him 
painfully limp towards the river, as she laughed out loud.  Nuka 
stopped as he heard her laugh, but then proceeded to his destination.

	"Look at him Scar!  Look at him!  Oh, aren't you so proud of him?  
He is finally beginning to act like one of us!  Oh, Fabana... I'm soooo 
sorry that he won't turn out the way you hoped he would.  I must admit 
it was a valiant effort, but still a futile attempt.  You may have 
tried, but you failed, and I have won!  Now, Nuka is finally going to 
become what I have always wanted!  Keep watching Scar, the night has 
only just begun!"

* * * * * *

	"What are we doing here, Zira/?"

	"Please, call me Mother,"  Nuka didn't look up, "Oh, tonight is a 
very special night, my son.  Tonight is your final lesson."

	"Yea, I can hardly wait." Nuka hoped his sarcasm was understood.

	"Nuka, it's time for me to ask you a... personal question."  He 
looked up, suddenly interested.

	"What?"

	"Have you ever dreamed of being with a female?"

	"Yes, of course I have.  I am a male, aren't I?"

	"Yes, yes, that you are, but I mean how would you like to meet a 
female?"

	"Uh, I guess... I mean... uh sure, I wouldn't mind."

	"Not just any female though, I am talking about the most 
beautiful female I have ever seen, and certainly the most beautiful 
female in all the Pride Lands."

	"You mean a lioness, right?"

	"No, I mean a hyena."  Zira stopped for a moment, then burst out 
laughing.

	"What is so funny?"

	"What... Oh nothing, I mean, yes of course a lioness.  Zira 
resumed chuckling to herself.

	"Where?"

	"First, tell me what you would do with one, if you met one?"

	"I... uh, you know... things that males and females do together.  
I don't know, why are we having this conversation anyway?"

	"Because when you meet this female, you must promise me that you 
will NOT mate with her."

	"Do what with her?"

	"You will NOT..." Zira motioned for Nuka to come close to her.  
Nuka complied and then Zira whispered something into his ear that made 
Nuka's eyes spread wide, "...Instead, when you find her, you will kill 
her!"

	"What!  That thing that you told me NOT to do with her was bad 
enough, but kill her?  What is the point, why are you telling me these 
things!"

	"The point, my dear Nuka, is revenge."

	"Revenge for what?"

	"For this!" Zira pointed to her ear that was missing the huge 
chunk in the center, "And for this!"  Zira tapped her chest, the place 
where her heart was.

	"Your ear and your chest?"

	"No you idiot!  Not my ear and my chest!  My mind and my heart!  
The accursed  Pride Landers destroyed both!"

	"Oh no, not those guys again.  The guys you keep telling me day 
after day are our enemies, and you want to...What was that disgusting 
thing you told me you wanted to do?"  Zira smiled.

	"Bathe in their blood?"

	"Ewwww yuk!  Mom, I'm sorry, but you really need some serious 
help!"

	"Exactly and you are the one who is going to help me."

	"How?"

	"You'll figure it out, but first I have to teach you how to 
kill."

	"I already learned that, you taught me how to bring down the 
great beasts of prey a long time ago."

	"No, I mean how to kill!"

	"I don't understand."

	"See that pile of leaves, over there?" Nuka glanced to where Zira 
was pointing, and nodded.

	"Move them out of the way."  Nuka looked back, but only saw Zira 
wearing her famous grin.  Nuka slowly, cautiously approached the pile 
of leaves.  The closer he became, he could hear rustlings and movement 
underneath, and once or twice a muffled cry.  As he began to move some 
of the leaves out the way, he jumped back suddenly.  He ran back and 
swatted the rest of the leaves out of the way to confirm what he 
thought he saw.  It was a baby antelope, her legs tied together, and 
looking at him with big, sad eyes.  Nuka looked back at Zira and 
snarled,

	"What is this, Mother?"

	"Your final lesson, Nuka.  You must kill her."

	"What? No!"

	"Do it, Nuka! Kill her!"

	"No, I won't!  It's wrong!"

	"Kill her, Nuka!"

	"Stop this, she is innocent, she has done nothing wrong,"  The 
baby began to cry, and call for its mother, "Look at her, why in the 
name of God, are you doing this to her?  Why are you doing this to me?"

	"This is your destiny,"  Zira began to pace towards him, with 
long, deliberately slow strides. "Become what I have always wanted you 
to become."

	"No!"

	"Look at her, Nuka!"  Zira positioned herself, behind the crying 
antelope.  "Put her out of her misery!"

	"Stop this mother!  There is something really wrong here.  I may 
be your son, and I may have done everything you asked me to do in the 
past, but this is... insane!  You can't make me do this."

	"Can't you feel the lust of death in your veins, Nuka?  Can't you 
feel the pleasure surrounding us?  Ooooh, this is getting me soooo 
excited!"

	"YOU ARE NOT MY MOTHER!" Nuka spun his head around and stared 
right into the eyes of Zira, "YOU ARE EVIL!"

	"PRECISELY!"  Zira flashed her claws, and grabbed the antelope's 
head with her paws.  She raised her head and smiled, her eyes locked 
right into Nuka's, then with a quick twist she broke the poor 
creature's neck.  Nuka's eyes widened as far as they could when he 
heard the disgusting sound, and then his jaw feel when he saw Zira 
indifferently drop the dead creature to the ground.

	"Nuka," Zira grinned once more, "Are you hungry?  I know I am, 
guess what we'll be having."  Nuka backed up and shook his head "no" 
over and over again, as he clutched the side of his head with his paws.

	He closed his eyes, trying to blot out what he had just saw his 
so-called mother just did.  All he thought she was suddenly snapped in 
two, just like that poor creature's neck.  He could not comprehend the 
hatred he now felt, all he could see himself doing was innumerable 
things to Zira, and in each one's focus was how he would kill her.  He 
was shaking uncontrollably, he felt like he was about to get sick, and 
he felt cold tears stream out of his eyes.  In anger, in hatred, in a 
violent scream as his innocence was suddenly lost, perhaps as a plea of 
sorrow to the antelope's soul, he suddenly threw back his head and 
roared one, loud, resounding word towards the skies,

	"NOOOOOO!"  Suddenly deep in his mind, her heard a low, melodious 
voice that broke through his scream.

	"RUN AWAY NUKA, RUN AWAY, AND NEVER RETURN!"  Nuka spun on his 
paws and ran full speed from the awful scene, crashed through the vines 
and was gone.  Zira's wicked laugh echoed around her as she knew where 
the path Nuka chose would take him.

	"Phase two begins!  Yes! Yes! Yes Nuka, straight towards Pride 
Rock and towards your destiny!"


CHAPTER THIRTEEN: SOLITARY ANGUISH


	Vines were torn in two, branches were broken, and Nuka who ran in 
full fear, trying to escape all he had witnessed, trampled flowers.  
His flanks were scraped and cut by innumerable thorns, while he stubbed 
his paws on myriad rocks, and tripped over countless roots, all of 
which seemed to prevent his escape.  Nuka didn't know where he was 
running to, how he would get there, or when he would find it.  All he 
knew was the who and the why.  He had to escape the evil that was 
threatening to consume his very being, and he had to get as far away as 
possible from Zira.

	He shook his head violently, trying to clear the tears from his 
eyes, and trying to banish the one image that refused to leave his 
mind, but all he could think of was that poor antelope, and the 
sickening sound of what his mother did, still rung in his ears.  He 
began to slow his speed, exhaustion was beginning to take its toll on 
him, and no matter how much his mind screamed at him to keep going, his 
body could take no more.  He slumped to his stomach, panting and 
crying, the memory of the antelope still replaying over and over again 
in his mind.  After much time passed, and after innumerable tears were 
shed, he finally began to regain some of his composure.  As he looked 
towards the sky, he saw the moon had already reached its apex, and was 
starting to fall towards the horizon.  He saw the mouth of the jungle, 
straight ahead, suddenly realizing that since he ran so far, he had no 
idea where he was.  Nothing looked familiar, he had no idea how far he 
was from home.  He wiped his eyes, with the back of his paw, and slowly 
rose to his paws.  He started to walk in a daze towards somewhere, he 
didn't care where, why would he? The only thing he cared about was that 
he felt more miserable than he ever had.       Wherever he looked, it 
appeared to him that everything around him was perfect and every animal 
seemed completely happy.  However, all he felt was a deep depression 
that coursed through his veins, and made him hang his head.  Every 
creature he saw seemed to be with another.  Every male had a female and 
via versa, but where was that special someone for him?  Where was that 
companion who he so desperately needed?  Not just a mate, well that 
too, after all, it was the season, but just to be a friend.  He needed 
her now, more than he ever did.  He believed his searching was utterly 
pointless though, he knew he would never find her, why would any 
lioness fall in love with a funny looking lion like him?  Absolute 
depression seized his soul, and everything he saw was cast in a deep 
shade of gray.  As the moon cast its light around him, he slowly raised 
his head towards the sky, and his voice broke the peaceful stillness...

	"There is nothing that I see,

	Nothing that I feel,

	Nothing that would end this grief,

	There is nothing that is real.

	All I've received is hate,

	but all I want is love.

	I want the fires of passion

	To burn deep within my blood.

	But I am an outsider,

	No one cares for me,

	Not even my own mother,

	No she is evil as can be.

	I am not like her,

	Her paw prints I shall never touch,

	Life for me is beauty and wonder,

	I just want it all too much.

	I never knew what love is,

	I was never shown,

	I want to feel what others feel,

	I want it to course through my bones.

	All I want is my place,

	In this circle where we live,

	But to me it is a vicious cycle,

	Eternal loneliness is all it gives!

	Solitary anguish, solitary anguish,

	There is nothing left for me,

	Solitary anguish, yes solitary anguish,

	That is all I ever see.

	Why is my mother the queen of hate?

	Why does she enjoy

	Placing me in this constant state?

	What is the truth, but do I want know the lies?

	Do I really want these questions answered?

	Do I really want to see what is behind the disguise?

	What is love, what is real?

	Why is it that hate is all I feel?

	I must know, I must decide

	What is truth and what is lies.

	But what then will be left for me,

	When everything I wonder, I will see?

	What will become of this lion?

	Will I become the hate I've been denying?

	But I must have these questions answered,

	I have to find a way,

	Someone must know the truth,

	About me, my past, anything I say.

	I know there must be a place,

	Where love waits for me,

	There must be some lioness

	Who has waited for a lion, just like me.

	But all I've found was suffering

	All I felt was hate;

	I've been poisoned with depression

	I can't even begin to explain my state.

	Solitary Anguish, this solitary anguish

	I must end its wicked decay

	Solitary Anguish, end my solitary anguish?

	Can I ever find my way?

	When that antelope was broken

	My innocence was shattered

	I lost all that I once knew,

	I lost all that once mattered.

	I lost all that was true.

	I lost my love, I lost my life

	I found hate, I discovered strife

	I lost my goodness, I lost my way

	I cannot become this! I cannot... But I may.

	Without love, I will become her

	Without help, I'll no longer be

	I will relish in my evil,

	I will kill all that I'll see

	I cannot find the way,

	There is no one there for me.

	I don't want this hatred,

	Somebody set me free!

	Solitary anguish, this solitary anguish,

	It is all that I can feel,

	Solitary anguish, oh solitary anguish,

	There is nothing that is real.

	Solitary anguish, I can't stand this solitary anguish

	There is no one there for me,

	Solitary anguish, this solitary anguish

	Why is it that is all that will ever be?

	Solitary anguish, my solitary anguish

	If that is all that will ever be.

	Solitary anguish, solitary anguish

	Then there is nothing left for me!"

* * * * * *

	The moon's rays shimmered down upon Zira's claws as she studied 
their sharpness, and inspected their length.  Satisfied that they had 
passed her examination, she flexed her paws once, twice, and then a 
third time, watching her claws extend then retract.  Bringing her claws 
close to her eyes she looked up and viewed the moon between them.

	"Scar, Nuka fulfills his destiny tonight!"  In a sudden movement 
of both grace and power she slashed through a dead tree trunk with her 
claws, and smiled as it split into countless splinters.

* * * * * *

	Nuka didn't know how long he had traveled, all he knew was that 
all four of his legs felt as though they were going to collapse, and 
his paws ached with painful calluses.  He had left the jungle far 
behind, and now found himself in a verdant savanna, his lanky form 
completely concealed by the tall grass.  The moist earth did wonders 
for his aching paws, and he enjoyed a long stretch, to relax his weary 
muscles.  He closed his eyes and was about to lie down, deciding this 
spot was as good as any for a long rest, but all of a sudden a peculiar 
scent touched his nostrils.  He breathed in deeply through his nose, 
trying to distinguish its source but it was unlike any scent he had 
ever came in contact with before.  His ears suddenly twitched as he 
heard movement towards his left.  He began to tremble as he tried to 
figure out a place to hide, but then he saw a tail swish far to left of 
him, and then disappear into the tall grass.

	"That tail... it had to be lion's!"  Curious thoughts pounded in 
his brain, and ignoring his better judgment, he slowly began to stalk 
the scent which lead him directly north.  For many minutes he followed 
the scent like his mother had taught him, his paws not making the 
slightest sounds, and his flanks only causing the grass to sway as if a 
lazy breeze only drove them.  He began to notice the grass was 
beginning to thin, and just as this thought crossed his mind, the grass 
completely opened up into a clearing.       He cautiously stepped out 
and scanned ever direction.  His gaze fell upon a water hole, directly 
ahead of him, and upon a few tall cranes that were roosting, their 
beaks tucked under their wings in slumber.  Nuka licked his fangs, he 
would be able to eat and drink at the same time.

	"Aiheu provides."  He splayed his claws, figuring he could creep 
up and take out at least one without waking the rest, but just as he 
was about to choose which bird would be his dinner, the scent hit him 
full in the face once again.  He slowly retreated back into the grass 
and waited for what seemed like an eternity, but then the wait was well 
worth it.

	His eyes spread wide when he saw a paw emerge from the grass far 
to his left, but then his breath was stolen when a beautiful face 
followed.  He now knew what the definition of the scent was, and with 
an awestruck stare, he gazed upon his first lioness.  She closed her 
eyes, then opened them, her marvelous aquamarine orbs scanning the 
grass.  He prayed she wouldn't see him, and he crouched so low that his 
chin touched the earth.  She looked away from the spot where Nuka was 
hiding, as the rest of her emerged from the grass, and Nuka's jaw hit 
the ground.

	"She is absolutely magnificent! Oh, what I've been missing!"

	The lioness' lithe and seductive body gleamed in the rays of the 
moonlight, and when she began to saunter towards the water hole, the 
supple grace of her movements were like all he had imagined in his 
dreams.  She suddenly stopped and stretched her gorgeous form, then 
shook in an elegant display, her long tail swishing around her, only 
adding to the show.  Nuka noticed with a hint of disdain, that as well 
proportioned as her body was, it seemed her belly had been stuffed with 
too much food, and it sagged as if something was inside of it.  
However, he didn't have much time to wonder about that thought, because 
she was now directly in front of him, and was grooming herself  with 
her soft tongue.  Nuka's eyes feasted upon the perfect color of her 
pelt, it was identical and as brilliant as the rays of the sun.  His 
teeth began to chatter, and his body twitched in a combination of 
excitement and fear.  One side of his brain was terrified that she 
might discover him, but the other side was praying she would.

	The leonine goddess finished her grooming, and slowly looked to 
her left and to her right, making sure all was still safe.  Comfortable 
that all was clear, she suddenly turned completely around, her abdomen 
now facing the direction her head had been only seconds ago.  She bent 
towards the water to enjoy a deep drink, but if she only knew the view 
Nuka had directly behind her.  Nuka's eyes were wider then they had 
ever been, and he shifted his weight back and forth, but no matter how 
much he tried he couldn't move that hard stick that had somehow wound 
up in an extremely uncomfortable position between his legs. (His eyes 
were too focused on the sight before him to look down and realize the 
truth.)  The lioness began to bend over even further to lap up more of 
the water, and in the process her tail fell to the side, exposing 
something that almost caused Nuka to faint.

	"I can't believe Aiheu would provide like this!  Oh, dear God, if 
she only knew what a show she was giving me!  I can't take this 
temptation anymore, I have to end this!"

	Suddenly the lioness raised her head, water dripping off her 
muzzle like a waterfall, and breathed in the air in a long sniff.  She 
swung her head behind her, and spun on her paws, growling viciously, 
causing the cranes to awaken and fly away, and screeching something in 
their own language that wasn't too cordial.  She stalked towards the 
grass, and then suddenly pounced onto the place where the scent was 
emanating from, but found nothing, only pressed down grass, and the 
strong scent that proved some lion was there, watching her the whole 
time!  The lioness looked down at her belly, and made a silent prayer 
of thanks to Aiheu that He had kept her unborn cub safe.  She looked 
back up and her eyes widened in shock as she saw the grass move, far 
away in front of her, and then she could make out from the scent that 
it must have been some unknown male.  She watched in dismay as the 
movement of the grass told her that he was fleeing back to wherever he 
had came from, far to the south, and to a place that was far beyond the 
border of The Pride Lands.


CHAPTER FOURTEEN: WHEN LOVE AND HATE COLLIDE


	The rosy hue of dawn began to illuminate the dark horizon, and 
then the entire sky changed from a deep black to a faint purple.  The 
rising of the sun soon followed, and its first rays fell upon the 
muscled flanks of Zira. Then the rays fell upon her amber eyes, but 
eyes that remained in a deep focus, never leaving the horizon.  She had 
returned to her favorite spot once more, but this silent vigil, (unlike 
her last,) would soon yield untold amounts of favorable results.  Since 
she expected that at any moment, she would see the form of Nuka appear 
in the north, she had remained motionless, eyes fixed on the horizon, 
and stared throughout the entire morning.  The hours passed like they 
were minutes, time meant nothing to her, after all time was something 
she had plenty of.

	When the sun was about to reach its zenith, at last she saw him.  
She sprang to her paws, as she thought she saw Nuka's lanky form, but 
when she ran towards the crest of the hill, she saw nothing.  Her hopes 
were about to be shattered, but then there he was, looking back towards 
The Pride Lands.  It was Nuka!  At last he had returned!  She roared 
with joy, and jumped in a circle like a newborn cub, then ran full 
speed down the hill towards her "son",  and towards the news that she 
expected to hear.  Nuka looked up and almost fell over from his 
surprise when he saw Zira running towards him, and when she crashed 
into him with a playful pounce, he did.  He looked up in wonder, but 
had to quickly shut his eyes as Zira's long tongue scraped across his 
face in a warm, loving caress.

	"Oh, my sweet Nuka, at last you have returned, I have been 
worried sick."

	"Zira, wha, will you... Stop it!  Get off of me!"

	"Zira?  No, call me Mother... Remember?"

	"All right whatever, Mother... Can you please stop licking me, 
and let me up?"

	"Oh, sorry, I am just so happy to see you. You have made me so 
proud."

	"What are you talking about?"  Zira backed off of him and allowed 
him to stand, "Why are you so happy to see me, and what do you mean you 
are so proud?"

	"What do you mean, what do I mean?  My dear "son," I love you!"

	"Love... LOVE?!  Do you expect me to feel any of that for you, 
after what you did to me?  You're the one who forced me leave!"

	"Let's forget about that.  All that is important is you have 
returned, and you have fulfilled your destiny."

	"What?"

	"Your destiny," Zira squinted her eyes, suddenly growing 
concerned, "You did see a lioness, didn't you?"

	"Maybe... Why do you care?"

	"Nuka, tell me what happened!"

	"Why Zira?  If I do does that mean you'll give me a nice baby 
antelope?"

	"All right I admit that was a bit extreme, but look what it did 
for you.  It made you into the son I have always wished to have.  Now 
about your name, let's change it, OK?  I have this perfect one that 
I've been thinking about and I..."

	"What the hell are you saying?  You're making no sense!"

	"Very well, we'll get back to that later, but first you can tell 
me everything that  happened."

	"If I tell you, do you promise me that you will act... Normal for 
a change?"

	"I swear to you that I won't be doing anything like what I did 
with that antelope ever again.  After all I don't have to anymore, do 
I?"

	"Uh, I guess I'll accept that.  Do you want the short version or 
the long?"

	"I don't care, just tell me!  I'm drooling like a hyena here!"

	"Well, I wandered for many miles, all through the night, until I 
ended up in a vast savanna, where I couldn't tell which way was which.  
So obviously I was tired, and I decided to take a nap.  But just then I 
smelled this strange, but awesome scent, and for some reason, I decided 
to follow it."

	"Yes, yes, go on."

	"So I followed this scent... By the way, you know I've never 
noticed how much this pelt of mine can blend in with tall grass, you 
should see how great I..."

	"Get on with it!"

	"Uh, OK.  Well like I was saying I followed this scent until I 
found this waterhole."

	"Oh yes, the waterhole!  Scar did you hear that?"

	"What?"

	"Nothing, just keep going."

	"Well anyway, I saw these cranes and I was pretty hungry, so I 
thought I might grab myself a bird or two, but just then, I saw this 
thing of such beauty, that I couldn't take my eyes off of it."

	"What was it?  Tell me!"

	"I'm getting to that!  Jeez you're impatient.  Anyway I see this 
paw, and then this face, and I've got to tell ya, wow what a face.  And 
then this body of hers, oh, you should have seen her, what a lioness! 
(Zira narrowed her eyes, ) You'll never believe this show she gave me!  
She was stretching and walking around like a goddess, and then she, oh 
let me tell you mom, I saw everything, and I'm talking everything! 
(Zira bared her fangs and twisted her muzzle into a snarl, but Nuka 
didn't notice, he was too caught up in telling his story.) I was behind 
her right, in the grass, and of course, since I can hide so good, she 
didn't see me.  Then she walked over to the waterhole, oh jeez you 
should have seen the way she walked, and then she reached the water's 
edge, and then she bent over, and then I saw her..."  Nuka couldn't 
finish the last word, he was drowned out by Zira's enraged roar,

	"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!"

	"I, uh was telling you about this lioness that I think I'm in 
love with."  Zira suddenly pounced on him, and pinned him to the 
ground, knocking the wind out of him in the process.  Nuka looked up 
with eyes of confusion, but then he felt fear race through his veins, 
when he realized his shoulders were pinned to the ground.  Zira was 
screaming a flurry of curses that Nuka couldn't believe was coming from 
a lioness' muzzle, let alone coming from his mother.  Some of them he 
hadn't even heard before.

	"Why are you calling me these things?  What have I done!"

	"You have ruined everything!"

	"What do you mean?"

	"You were supposed to kill her!"

	"Kill her?  I love her!"

	"You love her!?  You are not my son!"

	"What?  Don't start this again... please!"

	"You are nothing!  You are nothing but a pile of flesh, nothing 
but food for maggots!  You have betrayed me, betrayed yourself, and 
betrayed Scar!"

	"Why are you always saying that?  Who is Scar!"

	"You want to know everything, you want the truth?  Then listen 
well, and learn why you deserve to die by my claws!  And if you don't 
listen, then believe me, you stupid son of a hyena, I will kill you!"  
Nuka was shaking, and was covered in drool, due to Zira's enraged 
frenzy, he had no choice but to comply.

* * * * * *

	"All right I'll listen!  I'll listen to every single word you 
say... Can you please let me up now?"

	"Shut up!  You will not only hear but also feel every syllable I 
say,"  Zira slashed a small cut onto Nuka's shoulder, which caused him 
to cry out, "And this way I'll make sure you pay attention!"  Nuka 
closed his eyes, trying to block out the spittle that was flying in his 
face from Zira's wicked laugh.

	"Why is this happening?" He thought, "Why is it everything I do 
backfires, why can't I do anything right?  Mighty Aiheu, please get me 
through this, I wish I had listened to my better judgment and never 
returned.  I just wanted to say good-bye to Zira one last time.  I 
never expected to end up like this."

	"Open your damned eyes!"  Nuka did as he was told, "You tell me 
you love this lioness?  You're a fool!  Don't you realize who that was?  
What did she look like?"

	"She, uh...  She had this awesome gold pelt, uh long legs, this 
beautiful tail, this gorgeous rump..."

	"What color were her eyes?!"

	"Uh, I think they were aquamarine."

	"You fool!  You stupid little.... That was his mate!"

	"What, whose mate?"

	"Simba!"

	"Who the hell is Simba!"

	"He was the lion that killed your father!"

	"What!"  Nuka didn't want to believe it.  Not the lioness of his 
dreams, she couldn't be that lion's mate, "Then that is why she was..."

	"Why she was what!"

	"She seemed to have this ball in her stomach, I thought she was 
just being fed really well, and OWWWW!" Nuka screamed again as he was 
slapped across the face from a backhanded paw from Zira!"

	"You bastard!  Your telling me she is pregnant too?"

	"Uh... Yes.... Please I'm sorry.... I."

	"You could have stuck a thorn so deep into Simba's!  You could 
have killed his mate and their unborn cub in one strike, but now all my 
plans are indeed ruined!  Oh why Nuka, why did you do this to me?"

	"I can't kill a beautiful lioness like her, it is wrong!"

	"Wrong, I'll tell you what is wrong, her mate killed the most 
beautiful lion whoever lived.  He killed my husband!"

	"Simba killed my father and your love?  For no reason they killed 
him?"

	"Yes, he killed your father, he killed my mate, and he killed my 
love!"

	"No!  Please tell me this isn't true," Nuka could begin to feel 
tears begin to well up in his eyes, "Why did Simba kill my father!?"

	"Why, because he is evil!  They are all evil, and they all 
deserve to die!"

	"No, you can't mean the lioness too?  She seemed so beautiful, 
how can a lioness that gorgeous be... Evil?"

	"It doesn't matter what she looks like, beauty can hide a black 
heart, and an even blacker soul.  They killed your father out of 
vengeance, just so they could take over the pride.  My poor mate didn't 
even have a chance to fight back, and then he was murdered by the 
hyenas who he thought were his allies!"  Nuka closed his eyes once 
again, as  Zira's tears were falling on his face, mixing with his own.

	"I am so sorry... Mother... I... I... Didn't know!"

	"You didn't know... No one knows!  No one creature knows, what a 
magnificent lion your father was.  I was the only creature to ever show 
him any love, and he was the first to show any to me.  You were the 
offspring of our love, and look at how you betrayed us!"

	"What was his name?"

	"Scar!"

	"Scar?  The one who you are always talking about! The one who you 
think watches over you, and everything you see."

	"I don't think he does, I know he does!"

	"Simba and that beautiful lioness killed Scar, my father?"

	"Yes, but now you have betrayed him and ruined all my plans for 
revenge.  You were supposed to rip that bitches' heart out, so Simba 
could feel what it is like to lose a loved one, but no instead you fall 
in love with her!  The mate of your father's killer!  Don't you 
understand what you have done.  Don't you understand the pain you have 
caused me, and the agony you have caused Scar?  I can't deal with the 
pain as it is, and you want to give me more!  Zira suddenly backed off 
of Nuka and walked away from him, slumping to her stomach and burying 
her face in her paws, crying loudly.

	"Look at what you have done to me, your own mother!"

	"I'm... sorry,"  Nuka rose to his paws, and wiped his own tears 
with a backhanded paw.  He walked towards his mother's weeping form and 
tried to console her,      "Mother, please let me help you."

	"Get out of my sight!"

	"Mother... I..."

	"No, don't say a damned thing, get out of here!"

	"I'll be down by the river, if you need me."

	"Good, go drown yourself for what you have done!"

	"Mother... Please let me..."

	"LEAVE ME ALONE!"  Nuka hung his head as he walked away, he 
looked back and felt like his heart was being ripped apart by invisible 
claws when he saw Zira crying even louder and pounding the earth with 
her paws.  She was screaming one sentence over and over again, that 
pounded in his ears,

	"Scar I am so sorry, please forgive me!"  Nuka wiped his eyes 
with the back of his paw once again and looked towards the sky.  His 
whole world was being torn apart, and he couldn't do anything about it.  
Everything he had tried only made things worse and he falls in love 
with the mate of his father's murderer.

	"What the hell is wrong with me?  I don't deserve to live!"  He 
turned from the awful scene, and ran as fast as he could away from 
Zira's weeping, but no matter how far he ran, it remained pounding in 
his ears.  The only thoughts that screamed through his mind were 
multiple ways to kill the lion who had murdered his father.  He 
suddenly stopped and screamed to the skies,

	"SIMBAAAAA!  YOU'RE DEAD!"


CHAPTER FIFTEEN: TURNING POINT


	"Mother?  Mother?  Mother?!  Where are you?"  Nuka had searched 
everywhere, but found nothing.  He could find no trace of Zira, only 
silence and shadows answered his calls.  The whole remainder of the 
afternoon was filled with near panic searching, ever since he had 
returned to check on how his mother was doing.  When he had returned to 
spot where he had last seen here, she was gone.  Only pressed down 
grass, and a few claws marks, embedded in the earth, had told him she 
was once there.  He called her name desperately, but all was futile, he 
didn't even know where to start looking.  How could one lion find 
another in a jungle that stretched for miles?  Now with the coming 
darkness, as it would soon be night, he began to think he would never 
find her.  Had she left him in disgust, due to his foolish mistake, or 
had she abandoned him due to his constant failures, deciding that is 
was pointless to even try and love him?

	Her state of mind was the question that worried Nuka the most.  
He had never seen her so crushed with depression, and filled with such 
grief by her loss.  What could she be thinking, why didn't she tell him 
she was leaving?  Nuka began to fathom how his future would turn out if 
his was indeed abandoned by Zira.  Without Fabana, and since no other 
creature even paid the slightest attention to him, he could not even 
imagine how he would survive.

	Where could she be?   Nuka was pondering all the possibilities, 
when suddenly he felt a terrible feeling.  His mind screamed to him, 
the only logical answer.  Nuka shook his head, speaking his thoughts 
aloud.

	"No, you wouldn't do that, would you?  You can't, Zira, not all 
by yourself.  It would be suicide!" Nuka spun on his paws and crashed 
through the vines, following the path towards the place where he prayed 
he wouldn't find his mother.  However, deep down, he knew he would.

* * * * * *

	"Scar, I'll see you soon."  A slight rustling made Zira turn 
towards the north, and then the grass began to sway a few yards in 
front of her.  Zira's eyes kept their constant stare, never blinking, 
never moving, a far away look was all they had.

	"I have no choice left, this is the only way.  I can trust no 
one, but myself.  If the only way I can make sure that Simba will die, 
is to kill him with my own claws, then so be it.  I will die in the 
process, I cannot deny that, but I pray I take at least a few of the 
lionesses with me.  Good-bye Nuka, I am sorry for what I did to you, 
but it is better this way.  Maybe without me in your life, you can 
learn to forgive me.  Scar, let it be quick,  that is all I ask."  Any 
second now the lion would know she was there, this was her last chance.  
With a roar that shook the grasses, and ripped the silence asunder, 
Zira pounced upon her prey.

* * * * * *

	Panting, his tongue hanging loosely out of his mouth like a 
hyena, Nuka finally reached the border of The Pride Lands.  He quickly 
looked up, but saw nothing, only the shrill roar, that he knew came 
from Zira, suddenly crashed into his ears.  He picked up the scent of 
his mother, another lion, and then he began to smell the scent of 
blood.  Following it quickly, he ran at full speed, through the dense 
grass, trying to blot out the images he was seeing in his mind, 
simultaneously praying that it wouldn't be true.

	Blood suddenly streaked across his face, as he skidded to a stop 
into grass covered in it.  In the process, he tripped over the still 
form of a lion who was concealed by the blood stained grass.  He spun 
his head toward the carcass, but then swung his head back, the awful 
scene causing him to nauseate.  He felt his stomach churn and pulsate, 
then steadied his legs as he vomited back up the meat he had eaten.  He 
felt utterly terrible, and began to cough, tears streaming down his 
face, blinding him.  He knew it had to be her, but didn't want to look 
back and confirm it.  He knew if he did, he would no doubt lose 
whatever was left in his stomach.  Nevertheless he knew he must, and 
shaking he swung his head back towards the hideous scene, but suddenly 
his eyes narrowed as his muzzle twisted into a confused look.

	It was indeed the carcass of a lion, but it wasn't Zira!  He 
didn't know whether to feel joy or not as he inspected the form.  It 
wasn't even a lion but a lioness, and she lay in a pool of her own 
blood, that had spilled from a nasty slash across hear throat.  Nuka 
squinted as he saw the strange color of her pelt.  It was a light 
brown, almost gray, and it seemed this was a much older lioness, then 
the one he had seen at the waterhole.  He tiptoed towards her, and 
gazed upon her eyes.  They were gold and filled with the wisdom of age, 
but strangest enough was her muzzle.  It was twisted into a happy 
smile, and it looked as if her final wish had been answered.  Nuka 
shook his head.  Why would she have a smile on her face?

	"Nuka?" Nuka froze as her heard the female voice.

	"Moth... Mother... Zira?"

	"Yes, turn around, Nuka."  Nuka slowly turned, but his jaw hit 
the ground when he saw Zira did not have a scratch on her.  Only tears 
had matted the fur on her face.

	"Zira!?  What happened?"

	"I... I don't know.  All I know is I made a terrible mistake."

	"What do you mean?"

	"I didn't mean to take this lioness' life.  It was a terrible 
mistake."  Zira hung her head low, her tail twitching nervously.

	"What are you saying?" Zira slumped to her belly and dropped her 
head onto the cold ground.

	"Scar, why did she say that!" Nuka ran towards her and placed his 
paws on hers.

	"Mother, tell me what happened."

	"I thought that, this was the only way.  I was going to plunge 
headlong towards Pride Rock, until I found Simba, and then without a 
second thought, slash his throat.  So his lionesses would kill me 
quick, without pain, and then I would be with my love forever.  But as 
I was walking towards Pride Rock, I heard the grass move in front of 
me, and then the scent I smelled, was similar to Simba's.  I thought it 
was him!  So I said my final words, even said good-bye to you, and then 
pounced upon this poor lioness, and slashed her throat thinking it was 
Simba.  I turned around, to make sure the kill was complete, but when I 
did, my jaw dropped when I saw this lioness was smiling at me, and 
trying to stop the gushing blood with her paws!  Oh, it was awful, it 
was spraying all over the grass... And....And... She knew my name, 
Nuka, she knew my real name, she knew my real name!"

	"Calm down, Mother, it's OK, I'm here.  Tell me what she said."

	"She looked at me, smiled then said, 'Ushandra, what took you so 
long?  Now at last I can finally be with Scar.  Thank you, Ushandra, at 
last Sarabi can have her peace!'  Then she closed her eyes and 
collapsed as the last essence of her life escaped from that terrible 
wound!  She wanted me to kill her Nuka, she had waited for me to kill 
her, she even thanked me when I did!"

	"Zira, don't worry she doesn't know your name.  Your name isn't 
Ushandra."

	"You don't know, no one knows!  Zira pulled her paws away, and 
rose to her paws.  She turned from her "son" and began to walk away, 
her tail turned to him.

	"Before I became what I am now, I was once an innocent, beautiful 
lioness.  A lioness whose goodness died with Scar, and a lioness whom I 
shall never be again.  You're wrong Nuka.  My real name is Ushandra.  
She knew Nuka, she knew.

	"How could she?"

	"I was there, I saw everything."

	"What?"

	"I was there, Nuka," Zira spun her head back towards him, "I saw 
your father murdered by Simba!  I saw everything!  I remember her now, 
yes now I know who this poor lioness was.  I thought Scar hated her, 
but now I know I was wrong.  It seemed I didn't know everything about 
Scar after all.  He had too many secrets and we did not spend enough 
time together for all his secrets to be revealed."  Zira began to laugh 
softly to herself, "Hell, look at you!  I still find it hard to swallow 
that one!"

	"What?  What was that?"

	"Nothing, Nuka.  Listen to me, I can't hide this, the Pride 
Landers will know us now, our scents are all over this place.  When 
they see us, they will know who killed Sarabi.  We have no choice, we 
must leave the jungle."

	"No, we can't!  Where are we going to go?"

	"To a place, that Fabana told me about, The Outlands."

	"No, not there!  It is a formless wasteland!"

	"Perhaps, but it will match my soul, won't it?"

	"It's not going to match mine!"

	"Where will you go, Nuka.  You know, as well as I do, that Simba 
will hunt you down.  You will never be safe."

	"I didn't kill her, you did!"

	"It doesn't matter, your scent is all around us, just like mine 
is.  Do you think Simba will listen to reason?  Not that brute!  He 
will kill you, just like he did your father, without a second thought."

	"Not if I kill him first!" Zira looked up, and for the first 
time, Nuka saw a real smile.

	"You have no idea, how much it soothes my heart to hear you say 
that, Nuka.  But the killing blow must be struck by me, but if you are 
ever in a position to do so,"  Zira grinned once more, "I won't hold 
you back."

	"What did Fabana tell you?"

	"I'll tell you on the way, but be prepared, it is a long 
journey."

	"Mother,"  Nuka looked back down at the still form of Sarabi, 
"Who was she anyway?"

	"I don't know, Nuka, but it so strange that her scent was so akin 
to... Oh dear God, it couldn't be!"

	"What?"

	"Oh, yeeeeeessss!"  Nuka, jumped back, startled as Zira's laugh 
broke the stillness.  "Oh, Nuka, do you know who this was?"

	"Uh, no."

	"Oh, beautiful chance of fate, oh, marvelous irony, this has to 
be Simba's mother!"

	"Simba's mother?" A wicked laugh, almost hyena like, pierced the 
wind, causing Zira to winch in agony, "Simba's mother! He, He, He, Ha, 
Ha, Ha!  Oh, perfect, mother, I think our friend Simba will feel a 
slight bit of agony now, don't you think?  Finally that stupid, son of 
a hyena, (Zira held back a laugh at that curse,) might feel pain 
similar to what you felt when he took Scar!"

	"Interesting choice of words there Nuka, but yes, couldn't have 
said it better myself.  Still I am sorry that I killed this innocent 
lioness, she didn't deserve to die by my claws.  Perhaps one day I'll 
learn the truth about her, and what she meant by that strange 
statement."

	"You may be better off not knowing, mother."

	"Perhaps.... Well come on, Nuka, we have to get out of here, 
before we're discovered.  That laugh of yours could wake the dead." 
Zira winced again as she heard Nuka's laugh pierce the night once more.

	"I don't see, Sarabi here waking up, do you?"

	"I've trained you well, Nuka."

	"All I want is your attention Mother, that is all I ever wanted.  
Come one, let's get out of this accursed place."  Zira watched Nuka 
disappear through the grass with a smile. She looked back down at 
Sarabi, and breathed out a long sigh, still feeling some pity for what 
she had done.

	"Who are you Sarabi?  How did you know my love.  Someday I'll 
find the answer to this question, but I want you to know I am terribly 
sorry... Please forgive me."  She slowly raised her head and looked 
towards Pride Rock.  Her face changed from one of pity back to her 
famous wicked grin in a mere second.

	"Simba, Simba, Simba, oh I have a feeling tomorrow isn't going to 
be a very good day for you.  You deserve so much of my wrath, but this 
is just the beginning.  Oh, you are going to feel a lot more, for what 
you've done to me, and for what your pride did to Scar.  Until we meet 
again!"  Zira spun on her paws and ran towards her destiny and her 
legacy.  She headed towards the realm that will forever be shrouded in 
loving veneration by those who called it there sanctuary, and vigilant 
fear by the Pride Landers.  She headed towards the one place that would 
create her future, The Outlands.



Part Four: Entangling Alliances


CHAPTER SIXTEEN: A NEW HORIZON


	"At last, The Outlands!"  Zira smiled as her gaze feel upon the 
vast expanses of the formless wasteland.  The sun glared brightly, and 
the humidity was so tremendous that  Zira began to sweat profusely to 
the point of causing her entire pelt to become glossy and matted.  She 
raised her head, breathing in the sultry air and closing her eyes.  She 
could  detect the faint scent of lions not far from where she was 
standing.

	"Phase three begins!  Soon Scar, very soon, my love, all shall 
come to pass!  You will witness all my fabulous dreams become a..."

	"Ah!  Jeez!  Oh, these damned bugs!  Why are they always biting 
me?  Ugh, they are worse here than the ever were back in the jungle.  
What are these accursed things anyways?  Oh, God not termites!  They 
bite the worse!"

	"Hush, Nuka!"  She turned to she the beleaguered male in another 
one of his scratching fits. "Will you please stop that!  Do you realize 
how annoying that is?"

	"Oh, these stupid little..."  Nuka was too busy scratching his 
flanks with his claws than to pay attention. "When I find you little 
demons, I am going to rip your antennas off, and shove them up your 
anuses sideways!"

	"NUKA!"

	"What?  Oh, sorry mother.  It's just that these termites are 
driving me crazy!"

	"Deal with it!  Or you'll be bleeding so much, it will wash those 
bugs right off your body!"

	"Uh, what... Bleeding so much?"  Zira exposed her claws in one 
quick twist of her paws and rose them before her eyes, "Oh, I got ya... 
sorry."  Nuka tried to look at the scenery, not much help there for 
there was none.  He shook his mane and tried to think of things that 
would take his mind off the itching.  He looked back, and noticed Zira 
had turned her attention away from him, so staring right at her, he 
made sure she didn't turn back towards him suddenly, and did an 
occasional scratch with his back paw.

	"The time has arrived, Nuka.  I must introduce myself to the 
pride who Fabana told me inhabited this place."

	"They could have picked a more scenic place, if you ask me.  
Jeez, what I wouldn't give to be back home in our jungle." Nuka 
immediately stopped his quiet scratching, as he saw Zira swing her head 
back towards him.

	"And be dead at the claws of Simba!?"

	"Oh, yea, sorry... forgot about that.  But you said with the help 
of this pride we can go back and conquer the Pride Landers, right?"

	"That is my plan, but I know nothing of these Outsiders.  Their 
ways and customs will no doubt be foreign to me.  I must face them 
alone.  I want you to stay here, out of sight, until I return."

	"Out of sight, in a wasteland?  Where am I going to hide?"

	"Why not over there, behind that big termite mound?" Nuka twisted 
his face into a look of disgust.

	"You got to be kidding me!" Nuka couldn't say anything else.  He 
looked back and saw Zira's powerful body head towards the horizon.   He 
grumbled a few curses, but headed towards the termite mound, flexing 
his claws and stretching his sore muscles.  He knew he was in for a 
long day of relentless scratching.

	"Maybe I should start eating bugs?  Nah, that wouldn't work, I 
might as well join up with a meerkat and a warthog if I did that.  
Hmmmm, what to think about to pass the time... Well there is always 
that lioness I saw at the water hole, I'm sure I can think of plenty of 
stuff about her."  Nuka was soon too busy laughing, to worry about the 
itching for a little while.

* * * * * *

	She was definitely a lioness, but could she be even called a 
lion?  Her proud species reduced to this?  Zira was hidden behind a 
mammoth termite mound, and watched the lioness from a safe distance.  
She felt a slight sense of pity stir in her heart, as she saw this 
wretched creature poke and claw at a hollowed ribcage of some, long 
dead beast, hoping to find something left that was edible.  The lioness 
suddenly lifted her paw and stared at the bones, as if she found 
something.  A pitiful smile spread across her cracked lips, as she 
suddenly pounced upon the ribcage.  She raised her paw in triumph and 
dangled a small mouse before her eyes.  She laughed a high-pitched 
shriek as she tossed the mouse into the air, attempting to catch it in 
her mouth.  But she forgot about the glaring sun, and it suddenly 
blinded her.  She lost sight of her dinner, and the mouse bounced 
harmlessly off her head, and tumbled to the ground.  Shaking its head, 
it scurried towards a large termite mound.  The small mouse, looked 
back and laughed his squeaky laugh, as he saw the lioness, looking all 
around herself for the little creature, her loose skin swaying across 
her visible rib bones.  The mouse breathed in a sigh of relief, and 
turned around to scurry away, but he suddenly froze as his eyes locked 
on to a muscled paw right in front of him.  He slowly looked up and his 
mouth dropped as he saw a muscular lioness leering down at him.  The 
doomed mouse only had one chance to scream, before Zira's other paw 
came crashing down on him, crushing his little bones.

	Zira looked back up and saw the lioness was still looking for her 
dinner.  She picked up the dead mouse's tail with her teeth, and 
decided that this was as good a chance as any to introduce herself.

	"Lost something?"  The lioness' ears twitched and she splayed her 
claws in the same instance she sprang in a full circle.  Zira was 
somewhat impressed that this lioness still seemed to have her reflexes 
in top form, even if the rest of her was not.  The lioness snarled as 
she saw Zira approach.

	"Who are you?"

	"Just a friend, look I found your dinner." Zira tossed the dead 
mouse in front of the agitated lioness.  The lioness cocked her head, 
looked down at the mouse, then back up Zira.  Her hunger quickly 
overcame her mistrust, and she moved her head back down towards the 
mouse, spread her jaws and hungrily gobbled it up.  The lioness closed 
her eyes, savoring the taste, and relishing in the sound of breaking 
bones, and tearing flesh.  In three seconds the mouse was devoured, and 
the lioness, still with her eyes closed was busy licking her lips, 
making sure every ounce of flavor was tasted.  Slowly opening her eyes 
she fixed their gaze upon Zira, but now the gaze was less hostile, and 
the lioness even allowed her muzzle to twist into a small smirk.

	"I suppose I should thank you.  That was delicious.  I haven't 
eaten that well in days."

	"Yes, I'm sure it was a great feast,"  Zira rolled her eyes, 
"But, is this The Outlands?"

	"The Outlands?" The lioness laughed that high pitched shriek once 
more, causing Zira to shake her head; she thought Nuka had an annoying 
laugh.  " Where did you hear that name!  I thought this place was 
called Hell!"

	"No, I doubt that."

	"I wouldn't!  If you even knew what I and the rest of us have 
endured in this wasteland," The lioness allowed her gaze to travel all 
over Zira's body, "And from the looks of you, you haven't ."

	"Trust me, I have endured as much as any other lion, probably 
much worse."

	"Oh, is that right?  Oh, what a saint you must be then!  You 
still can't even imagine what it truly means to suffer!  How would you 
like to go without days at a time without food?  Gnawing on bones hard 
enough to chip your teeth, watching your children starve to death 
before your eyes, drinking water that looked like a hyena took a bath 
in it, and living under a sun, so hot, you think any second your pelt 
will burst into flames, oh I bet you have endured much worse!"

	"You know, we could stand her for hours and argue about who had 
it worse, but trust me the atrocities I have survived, would make 
everything you said sound like a pleasant dream, because my life has 
been a nightmare!"

	"Looking at for well-fed you are, I find that hard to believe."

	"Food means nothing, when the hunger of your heart cannot be 
sated."

	"Hunger of you heart?"

	"That is why I ask to join your pride, I have a proposition for 
you that will solve both of our problems."

	"Why should I trust you?  You know, those meaty flanks of yours 
would feed the whole pride for a week.  How about I just call my 
sisters and we'll see if you fight as well as you talk.

	"Call them.  But you may be feeding on one of them instead, if 
they dare try to attack me."

	"Why do you want to join us?  What is this so-called proposition 
you offer?"

	"I know of a place, that would be your ultimate dream come true.  
Any creature you could possibly imagine inhabits it, and believe me you 
could have a different one every night.  How long has it been, my 
friend, since you've tasted wildebeest?" Zira noted with content that 
her words were beginning to have their effect on this ravenous lioness, 
the lioness paws were shaking, and drool was beginning to drip from her 
widespread jaws. "Oh, I am not making any of this up, my friend, this 
place will be your heaven, if this is your hell."

	"All right," The lioness wiped her muzzle with a backhanded paw, 
"I guess I am somewhat intrigued by what you've said."

	"Somewhat?"

	"Follow me, I'll take you to him."

	"Him?"

	"Our king!"

	"Oh, the one who makes you lionesses stay here in this God-
forsaken realm? Tell me, can't you find a more hospital land?"

	"I'm sure that is so easy for you to say, isn't it?  But this is 
our home, and our pride.  Our pride have called this place our homeland 
for as long as I can remember, and we have no intention of leaving.  
I'm sure you don't understand."

	"No, not really.  I don't know how you lions call a place like 
this home."

	"Exactly as I thought, an Outsider through and through."  Zira 
held back her roar, and tried to keep her tail from lashing. She slowly 
regained her composure, as she hurried after the lioness.

	"You know it's funny that you said the word Outsider..."


CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: SOLACE IN THE SHADOWS


	Zira kept pace with the lioness, as they traveled past termite 
hill after termite hill.  Zira couldn't decide which astounded her 
more, the wretched condition of the place, or the wretched condition of 
its inhabitants.  The pair passed by a couple lionesses, who Zira 
politely nodded too, but was perplexed when they did not return the 
gesture.  Instead, she felt their indifferent gaze fall upon her, and 
saw their eyes move slowly, watching her pass and studying her every 
movement.  She looked behind her a few times, and noticed a few of them 
had gathered together, and were slowly following her.  Zira, couldn't 
help but feel a slight sense of fear as she could feel their icy gaze 
penetrating her fur and searching her soul.  She had counted about four 
lionesses, as the pair traveled through the empty expanses, and they 
all matched her guide, in appearance and demeanor.  The sun was 
becoming unbearable, and Zira could feel her pelt was soaked with 
sweat, and the stench of her companion was enough to almost make her 
gag.

	When Zira felt as if one more step would either cause her to 
collapse from exhaustion or lack of air, her gaze feel upon a mammoth 
termite hill.  It had a cave-like entranceway in the middle, and was as 
tall as a tree.  Zira's guide suddenly stopped and sat back on her 
haunches, suddenly scratching her pelt.  Zira's eyes rolled away from 
the lioness, as she began to scratch other places that Zira rather not 
see.

	"Ooooh, that feels so good.  Oh, yes, I think I... Got ya!"  Zira 
couldn't help but look back, her curiosity getting the best of her.  
She grimaced in disgust, when she saw the lioness flick a small termite 
in her mouth, and gobble it down greedily.

	"Well, one thing about this place, the food sure is abundant."  
More shriek like laughter followed, the joke which, by the lioness' 
continued maniacal laughter must have been the funniest thing she ever 
said. "Well, what are you waiting for, Outsider?  The king's lair is 
beyond."

	"Are you not coming with me?"

	"Of course, just behind you in case our king decides to not let 
you escape." The lioness twisted her muzzle into a mocking smile, then 
spit out an antenna, which must have been stuck in her teeth.  Zira 
shook her head slowly.

	"You know, your manners are just... gorgeous."

	"Why thank you, I try." Zira just sighed and mumbled something 
about 'good help being so hard to find,' and walked into the giant 
cave-like termite hill.

	She followed the path downwards into the depths, which seemed to 
take her and her companion down deep underground.  It seemed the cave-
like hill really did open up into a cave after all.  The air was 
pleasantly cooler, although still stagnant, and bones were scattered 
here and there.  A few places above, the earth was broken, and long 
cracks allowed the sunlight to stream down, illuminating the interior.  
Zira's path ended, opening up into a large vastness, and in the center 
of the cavern was a giant mushroom like stone formation.

	"Stop!" Zira did as she was told, "Kisasi!  There is someone here 
that wants to talk to you!"

	"Is that so?" A deep, seductive voice echoed into Zira's ears.  
She squinted her eyes, anxious to see whom it belonged to, and 
struggled to see the King of Termite Hill.   Her eyes widened when at 
last he stepped into the light.

	The rays of the dimly lit cavern, fell upon his resplendent, 
green eyes, causing the orbs to sparkle.  Zira's gaze traveled down his 
body, and her tail began to lash.  His pelt was a mixture of dark 
colors, gray like a hazy mist in some parts, pure black in others, and 
his mane was even more breathtaking.  It hung in his face and scraped 
the floor.  Its length was amazing, and its color was something she had 
never seen any male posses before.  It was as if Scar's pelt was this 
lions mane.  It was a bright red, as if it was soaked in blood, a fact 
that caused Zira's muzzle to curl into a grin, her tongue scraping 
across her front teeth in a sensual manner.  Her eyes moved back up to 
his dark face, and she squinted into the pale light, at his eyes, 
suddenly noticing something that had previously gone unnoticed.

	"Is that hairs of his mane over his eyes, or are those what I 
think they are?!" Her mind flooded with this thought, but was soon 
answered as the lion pushed his mane back in an elegant display.   His 
caws ran through his locks, but the red lines remained.

	"Oh, dear God, he has a scar over each eye!  Two red scars!  Oh, 
why hadn't I come here sooner?" Zira couldn't hold back her thoughts 
any longer, and was about to speak, but was thankfully silenced by the 
lion's sudden words, for she might have said something that would have 
been inappropriate.

	"Are your eyes always that wide?"

	"Oh, sorry!  I just never seen a male with a coat and a mane like 
yours."

	"If that is true, why are you staring at my eyes?"

	"Oh... I, uh... well..."

	"I take it you never seen a male with scars before either?"

	"Uh...well... to tell you the truth, yes."

	"Have you?"

	"Well, one scar, not two."

	"I was given these symbols by the previous king of this pride, of 
course I made sure he is no longer around to take credit for it."

	"You killed him?"

	"Mind, body, and soul!  It was amazing how these lionesses were, 
shall I say, so easily manipulated, to turn against him."

	"You had his own lionesses do it?!" Zira could not hold back her 
curiosity.

	"Yes.  Why just kill someone, when you can make him suffer first?  
The actual death is then so much more... enjoyable."

	Zira cocked her head, this male was starting to intrigue her.  
She thought she was sinister... Now she knew exactly what Fabana meant 
when she said "you two will get along beautifully."

	"So this... lovely, termite infested hole is where you call home, 
and you rule this wretched place?"

	"Some say it is so."  The male began examining his claws.

	"The word vain was an understatement for this lion," Zira 
narrowed her eyes at this thought, and she decided to see how much this 
male really knew.

	"Tell, me... Kisasi, right?" The male nodded, "I was wondering if 
you could do me a little favor."

	"Sorry, my dear.  I have plenty of lionesses for that.  Go take 
your little problem elsewhere."  Zira held back a snarl, her damned 
heat!  It's intoxicating scent was still with her, and gazing upon this 
male was making her pheromones more easily detectable.

	"No, I am not referring to that... although the thought did cross 
my mind about three times," Zira grinned as she noticed Kisasi's right 
scar raise at her words, "But, why I am here, and why I had one of 
your... lionesses lead me to you, is because I have a proposition for 
you."

	"A proposition, eh?  What could you have that I want, let alone 
need?"

	"A paradise beyond your wildest dreams."

	"I told you, I already have that with my lionesses." Zira was 
starting to like this male.

	"No, I mean a new land for you and your lionesses to call home."

	"A new home?"

	"Well..." Zira decided she was in the mood for a little game, "If 
you're interested.  But you wouldn't be, would you?  As you said, you 
have everything right here.  Well, I should be one my way."  Zira 
turned to leave and began to walk away.

	"Wait!?  What do you mean a new home?" Zira swung her head back 
in a provocative fashion and raised her eyes,

	"Are you interested?"

	"Perhaps."

	"It is called The Pride Lands and how can I even begin to explain 
what wonders it holds."

	"You can make an attempt, can't you?"

	"Well, hmmm.... Let's see... Every animal, great or small calls 
it his or her home. There is a place known as Pride Rock, that is just 
perfect for a pride like yours to live in, and this is all found in a 
verdant savanna, that has such beauty you can't not even conceive it."  
Zira grinned as she watched Kisasi scratch his chin with a claw, 
obviously taking in all that she said.

	"Well, I can certainly try!" Zira's ears twitched as the anxious 
voice of the lioness behind her suddenly broke the long silence.  
Somehow, Zira forgot she was there.

	"So can I.  Tell me, my shapely lioness, what do they call you?"

	"Zira will be fine."

	"Zira..." Kisasi allowed his muzzle to twist into a grin as he 
thought of the translation, Zira likewise allowed herself a grin too, 
thinking how his name can be translated.

	"Well, Zira.  You certainly have me intrigued, and I must say you 
carry yourself in a manner that has me extremely... interested."

	"I'll take that as a compliment, and by the way, your own nature 
is quite... interesting as well."  The two lions stared into each 
others eyes for a long while.  Green orbs locked onto red ones.

	"Usiyahi!"

	"Yes, Kisasi?"  The lioness who had been Zira's guide, ran up 
beside Zira and bowed her head low.

	"Leave us.  Zira and I have some things to... discuss."

	"Are you sure?" Kisasi didn't reply only allowed himself to show 
that sly smile of his, once more.

	"As you wish, my lord."  Usiyahi bowed her head low again, and 
with a not too cordial look at Zira turned on her paw and stomped away.  
Kisasi watched her depart, then reaffixed his gaze onto Zira."

	"Zira, I'd like to get to know you better."

	"You know Kisasi, I was thinking the same thing."

	"I have this feeling, that you and I are going to get along well 
together."

	"Strange, I have that same feeling."  The two lion's eyes met in 
a passionate embrace.  Their muzzles soon followed, and the two lions 
nuzzled together as only their spices can.  They became one, mouth-to-
mouth, face to face and heart to heart.


CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: CONSUMED INTO THE FIRE


	The sun's rays gleamed off of Usiyahi's claws, while the fur upon 
her paws swayed from her heavy breathing.  She glared at her claws, and 
pictured Zira's blood dripping off of them.  Incensed by rage, she 
tried to picture this, instead of what she knew Kisasi and Zira were 
doing.  How could Kisasi betray her like that?  In the middle of her 
season, no less!  How could one lone, wandering lioness take his eyes 
away from her so easily?  Zira's own seductive scent, told Usiyahi the 
moment she first saw her, that Zira was deep into her season as well, 
but it made no difference!  Usiyahi was Kisasi's love, soul mate, and 
queen of this land.  Kisasi chose her over all the others, and she 
ruled by his side.  This was all going to shattered before her eyes?

	"NEVER!" She suddenly roared towards the glaring sun, "Zira, you 
will not destroy all I have created, you will not end everything that I 
have begun, and you will not shatter all that I had built during these 
past months.  I have survived all my pain, you will not attempt to give 
me more!  Do you hear me, Zira?  You are nothing!  Nothing but an 
arrogant, bitch!"

	"Usiyahi?!  Uh, sorry, did I come at a bad time?" Usiyahi ran her 
paws down her face, trying to calm herself, but they were still shaking 
with rage as she tried to do so.

	"No, Nyota," Usiyahi attempted to smile at her friend, 'I am just 
a little tense right now, that's all."

	"Is it because of that lioness we saw?"

	"That is about ninety-nine percent of it!"

	"Who is she?"

	"A minor nuisance," Usiyahi felt a termite scuttle over her left 
paw, "And like this termite... (the breaking of a shell was soon heard) 
she will be crushed!" Usiyahi raised her claws towards her mouth and 
liked off the juices that covered it.

	"The other lionesses and I can take care of her, my queen.  We 
would love the opportunity, and imagine the rich red meat we could all 
feast upon."

	"No, Nyota!  Kisasi may have been poisoned by her charms, but we 
cannot allow his wrath to fall upon us.  Even with all of us combined, 
I doubt we would be able to kill him, plus I would never even make the 
attempt.  I've already killed one king, I will not kill another!"

	"Nor would I.  He is our king to the end, and you are our queen.  
We would die for you, and your enemy is ours."  The two lionesses 
nuzzled in a warm embrace.

	"Thank you, Nyota.  Now what is it you wanted to tell me?"

	"Jua and Mwezi, have found something that is quite... 
interesting."

	"The twins?  What did they find?"

	"A lone male."

	"A lone male?!  Where?"

	"Very close to the border.  He's hiding behind a termite mound."

	"Hiding?  Then how did the twins discover him?"

	"Trust me, my queen," Nyota laughed quietly to herself, "The 
twins told me his laughter could be heard fifty yards away."

	"A lone male, eh?  Very... interesting.  Tell me the exact 
place."

* * * * * *

	"Zira, where are you?  When are you coming back?  Oh, why am I 
always second in your life?  Why don't you ever pay attention to me?"  
Nuka sighed as he gazed at the sun.  It was well past its zenith and 
was starting to fall towards the horizon.

	"Sometimes, I think I'd be better off without you.  Of course, 
without you, who would I have?  No one!  Not that beautiful lioness I 
saw at the water hole.  The only place she comforts me, is in my 
dreams.  I will never be able to be with her in reality.  No, she is 
the enemy, and she loves Simba.  But how could she?  How could she even 
imagine herself mating with that killer, let alone actually do it?  How 
could she even have one ounce of love for him?  He killed my father, 
killed the goodness of my mother, and ruined my life!"

	"When I finally have the chance to kill him, I am going to make 
sure Zira will be watching me.  I will send him to meet my father 
before Zira's very eyes, then at last she will love me, and give me all 
the attention that I crave.  It will be what I have been trained for.  
As Zira always used to tell me, it will be 'my moment of glory.'  Oh I 
wish for that day, I wish and I pray for the..."

	"Do you always talk so much?" Nuka froze, and his tail began to 
shake.  That voice, he had never heard it before.

	"Oh, God," Nuka thought to himself, "I've been discovered.  This 
is it.  It's over!  Fabana, I'll see you very soon." Nuka closed his 
eyes and clenched his teeth, hoping that the death stroke would be 
accompanied by minimal pain.  Instead he heard a shriek like laugh.

	"Did anyone ever tell you, how cute you look like that?" Nuka 
opened one eye.

	"Please turn around, you silly male, so I can take a good look at 
you."  Nuka gulped as he complied, but still kept his eyes tightly 
closed.

	"Oh, come on, I may look terribly skinny, but I don't look that 
bad.  Open your eyes!"  Nuka did as he was told, but then his jaw 
dropped in the process.

	"Oh, God!  You're a lioness!"

	"Yes, last time I checked."

	"You're... You're... You're a lioness!"

	"Good, I glad your eyes are still working."

	"No, I mean... You're a lioness, and you're actually talking to 
me!"

	"Uh... yea." Usiyahi shook her head and looked around not quite 
sure what to make of this male.

	"I've never... Well, I, uh... I mean, I've never seen a lioness, 
uh... well."  Nuka's tail began to pound the earth a hundred times a 
second, Usiyahi noticed it and twisted her face into a confused look. 
"I mean, I've never seen a lioness from the... front.  Nuka felt like 
kicking himself.

	"From the front?"

	"Uh, yea there was this one, but she didn't know I was there."

	"Oh... I see.  You were getting a little show then?" Nuka thought 
all the fur on his face must have changed color to red.

	"Uh, yea... I mean...Uh, no... I, uh..."

	"Hey, I have no problem with that." Usiyahi put on a seductive 
smile, "But tell me, how do you like the sight of this lioness?" 
Usiyahi began to walk around Nuka, so he could get and excellent view 
from all angles.  He took note of her grayish pelt, her seductive 
golden eyes, and, of course, her perfectly curved rump.

	"Well, you're a... you're really... Wow!"

	"I guess I'll take that as a compliment."

	"Oh, please do.  Uh, how many more would you like?"  Usiyahi's 
laugh echoed around Nuka once more.

	"I like you,  you make me laugh.  I didn't think any male could 
do that."

	"Uh... Well, OK!"

	"Instead of me calling you "male," what is your name, so we can 
have a formal introduction."

	"Uh, its... my name is not important."

	"What?  Your name is your very essence.  It defines your very 
being.  For instance, I am called Usiyahi."  Nuka clearly understood, 
why she received that name.      "So what is yours?"  Nuka gazed into 
those questioning, gold eyes.

	"My name is... Nuka."

	"That's an original  name."

	"Uh, thank you.  But Zira wants to change it.  She says it 
means..."  Usiyahi suddenly snarled, causing Nuka to jump back.

	"What did you say?!"

	"Uh, she says it means..."

	"No, who wants to change it?"

	"Oh, my mother, Zira.  You should meet her, she's real nice."

	"Your mother?!  Meet her?!"

	"What's wrong?"  Usiyahi resumed control of herself, and lowered 
her voice.

	"Nothing!  So you are her son?"

	"Yea, at least that what she tells me, but honestly," Nuka looked 
around to make sure no one was listening, then whispered, "Sometimes I 
don't think she is."

	"Really?"

	"Yea, you see, I was raised by a female hyena named, Fabana.  She 
was so nice, but then Zira came into my life, and Fabana told me she 
was my mother.  I know Fabana would never lie to me, so it must be the 
truth."

	"Fabana is a hyena?"

	"Oh, yea, a real nice one too."  Usiyahi began to take note of 
Nuka's appearance and mannerisms.

	"You were raised by a female hyena?"

	"Yea."

	"Are you sure she just raised you?"  Usiyahi kept looking up and 
down Nuka's body, and she shook her head trying not to imagine what she 
thought she was looking at. But she did have to admit, this strange 
looking lion, was definitely attractive to her, and she felt like she 
was growing more and more consumed with the fires of her season every 
second.

	"What do you mean, and why are you looking at me like that?"  
Nuka began to back up, especially growing concerned when he saw Usiyahi 
began licking her teeth.

	"Never mind.  Be what you are, I still find you 
extremely...sexy!"

	Nuka reflexively began to sniff the air, noticing a strange new 
scent was becoming more and more prevalent around him, to the point of 
becoming intoxicating.  He felt it slam into his face, enter his nose, 
and begin to play with his mind.

	"So tell me, Nuka.  What brings you to these parts?"  Nuka began 
to fall under the haze and the spell of this strange, new, sensuous 
scent.  If only he knew what it was, and realized what it was doing to 
him, but by then it was too late.

	"I, uh been traveling with my mom, we where looking for 
something."  Usiyahi couldn't take it anymore.  She needed this and she 
needed it now.  If Kisasi was presently  occupied she would have to 
settle for this.  True this male is a strange, but nonetheless lucky 
find.

	"What are you looking for, Nuka?  Tell me!" She began pacing 
towards him with slow, deliberately sensual strides."

	"We, uh... I mean... I... I was looking for someone."  Nuka began 
backing up, not quite sure what he should do.  He didn't know what was 
happening to him, one half wanted to run from this lioness, but the 
other half wanted to stay.  His eyes began to look on her differently, 
he began to see her in a different light.  He shook his head, but was 
unable to clear the salacious thoughts that were now pounding on his 
apprehension and threatening to break his walls of resistance to 
pebbles.

	"Nuka, when you saw that lioness, what did you want to do to 
her?"  Usiyahi kept coming closer and closer, and her grin was one of 
desire, that she wouldn't change.

	"I, uh, when I saw her... I wanted to... you know.  Nuka's 
abdomen suddenly came in contact with a termite hill, and temporarily 
distracted, he looked back at it and grimaced.  He looked back and saw 
Usiyahi's golden eyes staring directly into his.  Her muzzle was inches 
from his, her hot breath blowing into his face.  The pheromone's 
aphrodisiac effects had him in their grasp: His heart was pounding in 
his chest, his paws were shaking, his tail was twisting like a snake, 
and his mind was on the verge of an explosion.

	"Tell me, Nuka.  If I was that lioness, and I would grant 
anything you asked, what would you do to me?"  Nuka shook his head, 
trying to blot out what his mind was screaming at him to say.  He 
desperately tried to change the subject.

	"Uh, you know, Usiyahi, it's getting late, I should be looking 
for Zira."

	"Let me try this a different way, since my subtle hints don't 
seem to be working. Do to me, what you wanted to do to her!"

	"Uh, Usiyahi, I really should be leaving..." Usiyahi decided 
there was only one way left to get Nuka to understand her.  She 
suddenly grabbed Nuka's face with her paws.      "SHUT UP AND MAKE LOVE 
TO ME!" Nuka's eyes spread wide and he was about to try and respond, 
but suddenly a termite bit him so hard in the rear, that he screamed 
and fell to his side.

	"Ow, you nasty, little monster! You had to bite me now?"  Nuka 
began to rub the spot where the termite had bit him.  But he felt 
another paw soon on top of his, and rubbing/scratching the same spot.

	"Oh, you poor thing.  Here let me help you,"  Usiyahi attended to 
her work with soft, sensuous efficiency, "Is that better?"

	"Much better... Wow, where were you, when they were biting me 
before?"

	"Termites bite you all the time, don't they?  All over that 
lanky... sexy body of yours."

	"Oh, man your good at that!  What?  Oh, yea they do...  All the 
time!"

	"Did any bugs bite you here?"  Usiyahi moved her paws up to 
Nuka's stomach, as she continued her maddening torture.

	"Uh, oh yea... they bite there all the time.  You have no idea 
how many times they bite me there..."

	"Hmmm... all the time, eh?  Does this make it fell any better?"

	"Oh, yea!  Oh wow, that is definitely... Oh jeez... God, you are 
good at that!  That is really going to take the itch away."  Usiyahi 
grinned the most salacious smile she could, as she suddenly moved her 
paws back down.

	"Tell me, Nuka, do termites ever bite you right here?"

	"Well, no I... Oh my God!  What are you..."  Nuka's words were 
soon lost as Usiyahi placed her muzzle over his and drowned out 
anything else he was about to say  in a long, slow kiss.


CHAPTER NINETEEN: SUBSEQUENT VISIONS


	Zira opened her eyes, and gazed into the rays of the sun.  They 
painfully blinded her, and she turned to the side, playfully knocking 
into Kisasi's paw in the process.  She looked up and had to smile.  
Kisasi was dozing peacefully up on the mushroom shaped rock formation 
that served as his throne.  The scars upon his closed eyes were sunk 
deep into his face, and he was snoring quietly, his right paw dangling 
lazily above her.  Zira laughed a quiet laugh as she pushed Kisasi's 
paw back and forth like a cub, thinking back to how wonderful the time 
was that they shared together.  She breathed in a happy sigh as she 
knew her heat would be sated for a long time.  Looking up upon her new 
mate, her mind suddenly traveled back to her past mate...

	"Oh, God!  What have I done?"  She voiced her thoughts aloud, but 
Kisasi was too sound a sleeper to hear them.  Thoughts coursed through 
her brain and they all centered around one name, Scar.  She rose to her 
paws, and quickly backed away from the dark lion.

	She wandered the caverns of Kisasi's lair for many minutes, her 
mind screaming curses at her for what she had done, and deep sense of 
guilt gripped her heart in an icy grasp.  At last she found a secluded 
corner, where she could be alone with her thoughts.  She suddenly fell 
to her stomach and threw her head back, voicing her thoughts aloud.

	"Scar, I am so very sorry!  I feel as though, I have betrayed 
you.  You must understand I had no choice.  How could I pass up an 
opportunity like that?  This lion was the most handsome I have ever 
seen, but next to you he is not worthy to be feasted upon by hyenas.  
What am I saying... I am no longer worthy to even call myself your 
love! You have to understand, don't you I had no choice.  My damned 
heat got the best of me, the pheromones destroyed my mind.  I didn't 
even enjoy it....

	Oh, why am I lying?  I can't lie to you, you know me too well.  
Yes I could have, avoided it, and even ran from it when I felt it surge 
upon me, but I didn't.  I accepted Kisasi knowing full well the 
consequences, but during our passion I could care the less.

	Maybe now I understand why you mated with Fabana, no doubt for 
the same reasons why I mated with Kisasi. We were both desperate, and 
we took what we could get. Scar tell me you understand, let me know you 
forgive me."  Zira closed her eyes and remained perfectly still for 
many minutes.

	"Scar, why can't I hear you.  Why have you never visited me since 
that perfect dream we shared?  Are you angry with me?  Your silence 
tells me you are, or am I crazy for even believing you talk to me at 
all?"  Zira let her head slump to the cold floor, and she began to feel 
tears well up behind her eyes.

	"Whether you are watching over me or not, I will make you proud 
of me Scar!  I will finish what I have begun, and soon our vengeance 
will be satisfied.  I have relaxed enough, my time with Kisasi may have 
been incredible, but it is time for your plan to be fulfilled, and it 
is time for all my plans to come to fruition.  With Kisasi and his 
pride by my side, I will not fail!

	I love you Scar!  I always have, and always will.  If you can 
hear me, know this, I my have mated with another male, but I only love 
you!"  Zira tried to smile as she felt  the cold tears soak into her 
fur.

* * * * * *

	"Kisasi?  Kisasi!  Zira shook the dark lion's dangling paw with 
her own.

	"Mmmm, uh, what... Oh, that sweet voice courses into my ears,"  
Kisasi's eyes flapped open and the green orbs feel upon Zira. "My 
leonine goddess, must you wake me so early?  You can't be ready for 
another round, can you?"

	"Perhaps later," Zira grinned, "But the reason why I woke you is 
you must know the real reason why I have come here in the first place." 
Kisasi turned on his side and grinned.

	"Tell me, my love."

	"First, stop calling me that!"

	"Why?"

	"There is only one, lion who called me that.  You will not take 
his place."

	"What?" Kisasi narrowed his eyes, causing his scars to appear 
longer, "You know, I do not take very well to threats."

	"Listen, I need to know, I can trust you."

	"Of course you can, Zira.  Why are you having doubts?"

	"What about the lionesses?"

	"They follow my commands to the letter, and they know better then 
to cross me."

	"I need you to assemble them.  I must speak with you and all of 
them, about what I plan to do, and how we shall conquer The Pride 
Lands."

	"You wish is my command, my lady.  After I sleep."  Kisasi closed 
his eyes, but opened them suddenly. "You would be wise, not to disturb 
me!"  Kisasi turned on his side, after a vicious look.  Zira watched 
him fall back into unconsciousness, with narrowed eyes.  She turned 
from him, and began to walk away, but suddenly turned back and snarled.

	"Kisasi, you do not know who you are dealing with, do you?  My 
patience is wearing thin with you.  And since I am no longer in need of 
your... services.  You had better watch that vain tongue of yours.  You 
know I would say this to your face, but you would not understand it.  
Kisasi... YOU ARE NO SCAR!" Zira turned and headed for the entrance, 
all the while laughing quietly to herself, as insidious schemes coursed 
through her mind.  Kisasi's eyes suddenly sprang open, and he began a 
sinister laugh of his own... If only Zira knew, he was awake the whole 
time, and heard every word she had just said.

* * * * * *

	The same light fell upon the eyes of Nuka, and he moved his face 
trying to turn away from its light.  He was enjoying the warm caresses 
of Usiyahi too much.

	"Good morning, Nuka. Come on, wake up I know you hear me."  Nuka 
kept his eyes closed, but responded with a slow caress across Usiyahi's 
flanks with his tail.

	"Why couldn't I have found you sooner, Nuka?  You have shown me 
so much more love than Kisasi ever had."

	"Where were you, Usi? When I needed you in the past? Nuka opened 
his eyes and gave Usiyahi a loving lick across her muzzle with his 
tongue.

	"What does it matter?  We have each other now!" Usiyahi returned 
the lick with one of her own, and the two lions nuzzled together, 
feeling the warmth of each other's bodies.

	"Do you trust me, Nuka?"

	"Of course, why wouldn't I?"  Usiyahi just grinned a satisfied 
smile.

	"Just wanted to make sure."

	"You still think this place is hell, Usi?"

	"Not after I found you?  You still think this place is nothing 
more than a termite infested wasteland?

	"Usi, I would let a thousand termites bite me, as long as I am 
with you."

	"Do you know how long you've been asleep?"

	"No, all I know is you were by my side the whole time, and that 
made me sleep more peaceful than I ever had!"

	"You been asleep the whole remainder of yesterday, the whole 
night, and the sun is already past its zenith.  Nuka, the time combined 
must have been a whole day!"

	"Well, what do you expect, you wore me out."

	"Wore you out?  I am the one who had to explain everything to 
you!"

	"Hey, I told you, you were the first lioness I ever saw, can I 
help it, if I didn't know anything about mating?"

	"Well, yea, but come on, how many new words did you learn?  And I 
actually had to tell you what to do, every step of the way."

	"Yea, but I definitely enjoyed it."

	"Yes, I could tell."

	"You would be lying, if you told me you didn't enjoy it too."

	"Hey, I told you I'm done with Kisasi didn't I?"

	"Uh, I lost count on how many times you did."  The two lions' 
laughter coursed together causing misery to any ear that heard it.

	"So," Nuka rose to his paws and shook himself violently, "Would 
you like to try again?"  Usiyahi smiled seductively,

	"If you think you know what to do this time?" Nuka wore a 
seductive grin of his own.

	"Well, there is only one way to find out..."


CHAPTER TWENTY: INSIDIOUS SCHEMES


	Zira stood upon the throne like formation, deep underneath the 
termite mound.  She flexed her claws and swished her tail impatiently 
as she waited for the lionesses to assemble.

	"Kisasi! What is taking so long?"  Consumed by the shadows a deep 
voice whispered back behind her.

	"Patience is a virtue you should work on, Zira."

	"And you should work on that vanity of yours."

	"Touché, my dear.  Aren't we in a splendid mood today? Woke up on 
the wrong side of the pelt this morning?"

	"No, just remembered why I came here, and so sorry, but it wasn't 
for you."

	"Do you enjoy seeing a male cry?"

	"You have no tears to shed." Zira laughed quietly as she heard 
Kisasi snarl behind her, but loud enough, so Kisasi could hear  She was 
beginning to beat this male at his own game.

	"The lionesses have assembled, Zira.  Tell us your plans, before 
I loose my patience with you."

	"You know Kisasi, patience is a virtue you should work on."  Zira 
grinned when she head Kisasi curse behind her, then watched his dark 
from become illuminated as he sauntered out in front of her.  He 
plodded over to a far wall, his pelt becoming once more enveloped by 
the shadows, but she knew he was there as his green eyes stared 
incredulously at her.  Zira looked over the four lionesses who were 
standing before her.  They were all standing as they always did, with 
their indifferent expressions, and their bellies hanging loosely off 
their ribs.  She let her gaze fall upon them, then straightening up on 
her back paws, she spread her paws out wide before here and began her 
discourse.

	"Many of you, no doubt, have no idea, who I am or why I am here.  
Sure enough most of you probably do not care.  I am Zira, and you 
should remember my name well for I bring with me news of a place beyond 
your wildest dreams.  I can see by your eyes and your poorly nourished 
bodies, that you have suffered hard here in this place, which I call 
The Outlands.  But I applaud your will power and lust for survival even 
in a wasteland such as this.  You all deserve much praise and respect 
due to a fact that a pride can prosper even in a place like this, and 
my heart swells with pride that my species can accomplish this, but 
what if I told you of a land that is so abundant in food, beauty, and 
peace that all your years of toil will at last be worth something?

	This land does exist, my friends!  It is called The Pride Lands 
and it is filled with heavenly wonders.  There are verdant savannas 
stretching to the horizon, great beasts of prey that would feed an 
entire pride, plenty of water, and even a great lair called Pride Rock, 
that is a sanctuary for any lion.  Everything you could need is there, 
and everything you could want will be at the tips of your claws.  Never 
again will you go another night without food, and your pride will 
prosper for generations to come.  Your cubs will grow up in a paradise, 
full of food and prosperity, and their cub's cubs will reap the 
benefits as well!

	There is only one problem, before this new world can be yours.  
Pride Rock is currently occupied by a tyrant of a king who rules over 
all the creatures with a bloody paw.  The creatures of The Pride Lands 
call him king, but he is no king, he is not even fit to carry that 
title.  There was only one true king of Pride Rock, but this usurper 
murdered him during a wicked takeover.  His own lionesses turned 
against him, and ravenous hyenas slaughtered him. (Zira snarled as she 
heard Kisasi laughing quietly in the shadows.)

	I have made it my mission to avenge this male's death who was the 
lion of all lions.  His name was Scar, and he was this title in every 
meaning of the word!  But deep below his hard visage and tortured soul, 
was a lion who I feel in love with and, (Zira turned to the shadows,) 
he was the only male who I ever truly loved.  No other will ever take 
his place! (Zira turned back to the four lionesses, who were by now, 
hanging on every word.)

	The Tyrant of Pride Rock who is simply known as Simba murdered 
scar.  We shall conquer this pride, quite easily I am sure, for they 
are weak, but we are strong! But I do not want excessive bloodletting, 
(Zira paused for a second) well not yours anyway, so I have devised a 
plan that will guarantee our success.

	Simba has no knowledge of my existence, nor the vengeance that 
courses through my brain.  I will return to The Outlands, and persuade 
him to let me join his pride.  Creating a false sense of trust, that 
will quickly be his downfall.  Meanwhile Kisasi and the rest of you, 
will slip in unnoticed from the north through the jungle, and as soon 
as I give the signal, you shall attack.

	The best way to topple their resistance is to kill Simba quickly!  
I shall lead Simba blindly towards his death, into the jungle where I 
met Scar.  It is fitting, I know but listen it will become even better, 
I have dreamed of this ever since I saw my love murdered before my 
eyes, and Simba will fully understand the hatred he created.  I want 
two of you, to head towards The Elephant Graveyard and light the bones 
that are strewn throughout it with fire from the many geysers that 
constantly erupt there.  Bring back these burning bones, into the 
savanna and light the grass aflame.  I will be hiding, safely a ways 
off, but not before I let Simba know what he did to me.

	Kisasi!  I will need you to distract Simba, long enough for this 
to take place, and you must hold him off until fire surrounds him.  
Trust me Kisasi, he won't be very happy, no doubt enraged when he 
learns the truth about me, but you must keep him from me, and hold him 
off long enough so I can escape."

	"I will do as you ask Zira,"  Kisasi suddenly stepped into the 
light, "Every creature who has ever faced me has not lived to tell 
about it, and neither will this Simba."  Two lionesses who looked 
almost exactly alike suddenly bowed before Zira, the larger one's high 
words caused Zira to grin.

	"Zira, you have moved us both with your tale.  Yes the wrong 
committed against you must be righted, and killing a tyrant such as the 
one you refer to will be our pleasure.  It will be small price to pay, 
if The Pride lands are truly as wondrous as you say they are.  Jua and 
Mwezi will be the lionesses who shall send Simba out in  blaze of 
glory!"  Zira nodded towards the twins.

	"Thank you Jua and Mwezi, just remember to get yourself out of 
there, or you two will not be able to enjoy the wonders of The Pride 
Lands."  Kisasi and the twins walked behind Zira and ceremoniously sat 
on each side of her.  Zira looked back towards the two remaining 
lionesses who sat unmoving, she especially noted with disdain that the 
one on the right seemed to be snarling at her.

	"I didn't catch your name, my friend."

	"Friend? The lioness spit on the ground "You are nothing! I shall 
never follow you.  Kisasi you disgust me! Jua and Mwezi , I have lost 
all the respect I ever had for you, but I always knew you two were 
nothing more than Kisasi's little mindless spies, no doubt playthings."  
The twins snarled and splayed their claws, but Kisasi held out his paw, 
holding them back.

	"My dear, Nyota, is there a problem I should know about?"

	"You may be the king of this pride, Kisasi but you do not rule 
over me!  I have had enough of this mockery of a so-called alliance.  I 
will be staying here!  Better to live in a wasteland, than to waste my 
time with you four!"

	"So be it!" Zira suddenly snarled "Get out of my sight then! You 
are not worthy to even be listening to me!"  Nyota locked her eyes onto 
Zira for some time, but then moved them over her allies.  Nyota knew 
she was outnumbered, so she turned on her paw and stomped away, but 
looked back, and gave Zira a sly wink.

	"You know, I know why my friend called you that perfect name, it 
is so true!'"  Her tail flashed once from the darkness, then she was 
gone.  Zira twisted  her muzzle into a confused look, not knowing if 
she wanted to know what Nyota meant by that or not.  One lioness 
remained, who had sat unmoving during Zira's speech, Kisasi suddenly 
whispered in Zira's ear the reason, causing Zira to smile.

	"Will you join us, Shari? It would be a great help to have a seer 
of The Gods among us!"  The lioness slowly raised her head, and spoke 
in a very soft tone.

	"Your words may have moved the souls of my fellow lionesses, but 
it is the will of my god, Kondo, that his oracle remain absent from 
this conquest.  During your entire spiel, I have looked deep into your 
soul, Zira.  I shudder at what I found."  The oracle slowly turned and 
followed the path Nyota had taken."

	"Wait, Shari! What did you see in my soul?"  The lioness slowly 
turned and smiled.

	"Nothing.  An emptiness that will never be filled, until your 
final breath escapes your body!" Zira narrowed her eyes, but felt the 
warm paw of Kisasi upon her shoulder, restraining her.  Zira watched 
Shari go with a deep sense of dread, knowing full well she spoke the 
truth.

* * * * * *

	"When will you be leaving, Zira?"  Zira turned and tried to 
smile, but Shari's words still echoed in her ears.

	"Hmmmm? Oh, very soon, Kisasi.  I need you and the twins to reach 
The Pride lands by the next full moon.  By then I should have Simba 
completely oblivious to what awaits him."

	"You seem a little tense, my dear, is it because of what Shari 
said."

	"Of course not, no shaman scares me!  I already told you, my 
belief in any God died a long time ago."

	"Don't tell that to the twins, for most, including me, we still 
believe in the all seeing eyes of The Kings of the Past who always 
watch over us."

	"Only Scar watches over me... always."

	"You know, my dear," Kisasi sauntered in front of Zira, "You 
never mentioned, this so called love of your life, to me when we first 
met."

	"Should I have?"  Zira wore a seductive grin "All I could think 
about was you, during those first few days."

	"Don't play games with me, Zira.  Your heart has been cold as 
ice, for the past two days now, as has the spot next to my side, where 
you used to sleep."

	"I told you, I want to be alone for awhile.  I'll soon be your 
mate once again Kisasi, as soon as we conquer the Pride Lands, I 
promise you a night of wondrous pleasure."

	"Remember that promise, Zira!"

	"Don't you trust me?"  Kisasi said nothing but stared into Zira's 
eyes. Zira stared back, where eyes changing from a questioning look, to 
one of confusion, then to one of anger.

	"I'll see you in The Pride Lands, Zira.  May The Gods smile upon 
you."

	"You didn't answer my question, Kisasi!"  Kisasi said nothing, 
but resumed sauntering towards the entranceway of his lair, at last 
looking back with a knowing grin spread across his face.

	"You'll have your answer... in the Pride Lands." With that he was 
gone.

* * * * * *

	Zira looked upon Kisasi's lair one last time, and let her eyes 
and mind wander.

	"Scar, never let me see this place again.  My new home shall be 
the Pride Lands! Watch over me, and guide me as you always have."  Zira 
turned and began walking towards the entranceway of the lair, but 
looked back one last time.

	She followed the path, towards the sunlight, and soon was back 
into the glaring sun and disgusting humidity.

	"Good Luck, Zira!"  Zira jumped, and spun her head towards the 
voice, only seeing, the smaller of the twins grinning at her.

	"Thank You, Mwezi.  Until we meet again in The Pride Lands then."

	"I can't wait!"

	"By the way, have you seen a lone male wandering around the 
border anywhere?"  Mwezi began giggling like a female cub.

	"What? What did I say? What is so funny?"

	"This... lone male didn't happen to be lanky, had this hysterical 
laugh, and was scratching himself silly all the time was he?"

	"Well, you just described him perfectly, obviously you've seen 
him?

	"Oh, yea, in more ways than one."  Zira narrowed her eyes.

	"Where is he now."

	"I really don't know, but from what I hear through the lionesses, 
he's been pretty busy."  Zira raised an eyebrow.

	"Pretty busy?"

	"Oh yea, a friend of yours, happened to find him, and from what I 
hear, show him a thing or two."

	"A friend of mine?"

	"Yea.  There was one lioness who was too busy to attend your 
speech, although I did tell her she missed a good one."  Zira let 
Mwezi's words roll over and over in her mind, suddenly Zira's mind 
exploded with a picture of the leering Usiyahi.  Zira had totally 
forgot about her guide, but she did plainly remember "the look" Usiyahi 
gave her when she left.

	"Well, I have to go see what Jua's up to. By the way, you'll 
surely find them close to the border, you heading that way aren't you?"  
Zira slowly raised her head, and wearing her famous, wicked grin.

	"Thank You, Mwezi.  Yes, I'll have to stop by a say hello."

	"Well, see you soon!"  Zira was surprised, when Mwezi ran up to 
her and bumped heads with her in a warm nuzzle, then ran off towards 
the horizon.  Zira watched her go with a slight smile, feeling slight 
warmth in her heart.  She was about to head towards the border, but 
suddenly felt an eerie presence, as if someone was watching her.  She 
spun on her paws but saw nothing, on the feeling grew more intense, as 
if it came from above her.  She raised her head, but was blinded by the 
sun.  Still she could definitely make out a lioness perched atop the 
termite hill.  She tried to blot out the sun's intense rays with her 
paws, but was unsuccessful.

	"Blinded by the power of Kondo, Zira?"  Zira suddenly realized, 
with a question like that it had to be that enigmatic shaman, Shari.  
She just wondered how she managed to get up there.  Still keeping her 
eyes covered by her paw, she tried speaking to the shaman, wanting to 
know why she said what she did back in Kisasi's lair.

	"Shari, what did you mean by that prophecy?"

	"Exactly as it sounds.  There is only one way for the emptiness 
deep in your soul to end, and no matter what you try, to bring you 
happiness, it will all be futile.  The only way the emptiness will end 
is when your life does."

	"What are you saying, when, where?"

	"I can only say, it will be the ultimate choice, and your choice 
alone."

	"Does it concern the conquest I am planning?"

	"In a matter of speaking, yes.  But the choice will only be 
answered by future events, but these events are already set into 
motion.  As I said your choices, are already creating the path to your 
death."

	"Shari, I must know!  Can I trust Kisasi?"

	"You trusted him enough, for him to become your mate, didn't 
you?"

	"That is not what I meant, I had no choice. I had no..."

	"I don't want to hear any petty excuses, it is far too late for 
that."

	"What? What are you saying?"

	"His seed runs deep inside of you, Zira, soon new blood will form 
from it!"

	"WHAT!"

	"You better make sure, what you promised us, is true Zira, 
because very soon you'll have a few more hungry mouths to feed."

	"No, tell me you are lying!  Tell me you are making this all up.  
I can't be a mother, not now, not any more!"  Zira screamed towards the 
sun, pulling her paw away from her face, but when she tried to make out 
the oracle form, Shari was gone.

	"No!  Shari where are you?  Don't be doing this to me, not now!"  
Zira looked all around but was only met with silence and shadows.  Zira 
shook her head, it couldn't be true, it couldn't.  She gazed back 
towards the sun, and felt as though Scar's angry gaze would set her fur 
aflame, slowly turning, she began her long trek towards The Pride 
Lands.  Nuka and Usiyahi were forgotten about, they were now the last 
thing on her mind.  All she could think about was Shari's words.  Now 
more than ever she knew she had to complete her mission.  It was now 
not only to avenge Scar, but also to right the terrible wrong she had 
committed against him, and secure a new land for her cubs to prosper.

* * * * * *

	Like the shadows, cast by the sun, a large shadow moved around 
the giant termite hill, but this shadow had claws, teeth, and an 
extremely devious mind.  Kisasi sauntered out from his hiding place, 
flanked on one side by Shari, and Nyota on his other side. He lowered 
his head and fixed his gaze on the distant form of Zira far off in the 
distance.

	"So, our little friend knows the truth, eh, Shari?"

	"Yes, but I have this feeling she didn't take it very well."

	"Oh, is poor Zira, scared about the future?"  Kisasi and Shari 
both turned toward the voice of Usiyahi as she crept out from the 
shadows.  Like Kisasi and Nyota, she was hidden as well, and overheard 
the entire conversation between Zira and Shari.  Kisasi nuzzled Usiyahi 
in a warm embrace.

	"You forgive me, don't you, Usi?"

	"Of course, my king, you are allowed to mate with as many 
lionesses as you want, but remember what Zira said?  She has always 
only loved Scar?  Well, I know you have always loved me!"  Kisasi 
licked the face of his soul mate in a passionate kiss.

	"More than you'll ever know!  But as for the strange looking one, 
does know any of our plans?"

	"Oh, don't worry about, Nuka, my lord.  I have him so wrapped 
around my claws, it is actually quite sad."  Shari began laughing 
wickedly.

	"Zira, has no idea what she is getting into does she?"

	"No she never did.  She had no idea what she was getting into the 
moment she stepped into our lands."  Nyota's voice broke through 
Kisasi's haunting laughter.

	"I am so interested to she how this plays out, it will be so... 
interesting." Usiyahi lowered her evil gaze upon the distant form of 
Zira.

	"You have no idea!"



Part Five: Lethal Ideologies


CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: MANIPULATIONS


	A small shadow fell across the muscular back of the lioness who 
had journeyed into The Pride Lands.  Zira raised her head to the sky 
and noticed a small, but colorful bird circling over her.  She squinted 
her eyes, and her muzzle twisted into a look of confusion as she 
studied the hornbill who was flying gracefully above her.  A slight 
stir in her stomach brought her thoughts back to the matter at hand, 
and as she looked down, her mood quickly soured, as she noticed that 
her belly had grown even larger.  She silently cursed her awful luck.  
Why did this have to happen now?  Of all the times it could have 
happened, and with all the males it could have happened with, why did 
it have to happen right before she was about to accomplish her ultimate 
goal?  Moreover, why did it have to happen with that outlandish dark 
lion?  She should have thought twice about visiting The Outlands.  The 
prophecy that Scar had pronounced in her dream, if it really was spoken 
by Scar, now rang constantly in her ears.

	"Zira, let me tell you this now.  There are things that I can not 
say, but those I have seen, that are bound to happen if you choose this 
path, are you completely sure this is what you want?"  Zira nodded her 
head, now she was beginning to understand what Scar had meant.

	Suddenly the hornbill swooped closer, so close that his talons 
almost grazed Zira's ear.  Already in a foul mood, Zira, was too 
annoyed to put up with this any longer.

	"You come any closer, you flying insect, and I'll slice you in 
two with my claws!"

	"I am terribly sorry, Madam." The hornbill's haughty voice 
replied, "I've been  trying to get your attention.  I was wondering, 
might I share a word or two with you?"

	"I don't have the time to chat with the likes of you."

	"Oh, come now, my dear,"  The hornbill landed onto the ground in 
front of Zira, "There is always time for chit chat, after all I think I 
know what brings you to these lands."  The bird motioned towards Zira's 
slightly bulging belly with his beak.

	"What could you have that I want, let alone need?"

	"Oh, you do not know who I am?  I thought everyone new me."

	"No, sorry, I don't, and to be honest, I really don't care."

	"My name is Zazu," He bowed low, "I am the king's majordomo."

	"What?" Zira suddenly grew interested, "Who did you say you 
were?"  Zira's muzzle was now just inches from the little hornbill, 
causing him to jump back, in fear."

	"I am King Simba's retainer."

	"Simba!" Zira suddenly raised a paw to her lips.  Saying the tone 
of her voice wasn't friendly would have been an understatement.  She 
changed her tone to a sweeter one.  "I mean... Simba?"

	"Yes.  He is the king of these lands, and rules all creatures 
with a benevolent paw."

	"Does he?  Hmmm... Well, I have heard many... good things about 
him," Zira twisted her muzzle into what she hoped was a believable 
grin, "I would love to meet him."

	"Would you now?  Well, I may be able to arrange that.  Follow me, 
my dear.  I shall take you to him."  Zazu turned from the smiling 
lioness; a few quick hops, and he was once again airborne.  He circled 
over Zira once and was soon flying in a northern direction away from 
the border, and towards Pride Rock.  Zira smiled.  If Zazu would have 
seen it, it may have looked like a grin of joy, but Zira knew it was 
one of cunning.  The hornbill was soon far in front and above her, so 
Zira began to follow him at a quick pace, while wicked thoughts surged 
through her mind.  She looked up, and concluded that Zazu was too far 
above her to hear.

	"The final phase begins!  Scar, are you watching?"

* * * * * *

	"Mmmm, what a great sleep that was."  Nuka opened his eyes, 
awaking from his long slumber and stretched his limbs.  He was lying on 
his back, in a comfortable position, and his muzzle spread wide as he 
yawned.  He stretched the muscles in his neck as he moved his head in a 
circle, feeling the taut muscles strain then relax.  He sighed happily 
as a feeling of absolute content caressed his mind.

	"I will never be lonely again!  My solitary anguish is over!  I 
have finally found my love and my place in The Great Circle of Life!"  
He closed his eyes, stretched his legs once more, and began to laugh, 
thinking these happy thoughts.  He reached for his mate with his left 
paw, searching for her soft pelt, and warm body.  His paw hit only air!

	His eyes flashed open in a mere second, and a second later he had 
swung his head towards the spot where Usiyahi had lain beside him, 
before he had drifted off to sleep.  He rolled onto his stomach, and 
his paw fell on the spot, but now it was cold and empty.  He breathed 
in, tying to detect her scent, but it was very faint, as if she had 
been gone for a long time.

	"Usi?  Usi!"  He called for her, but no answer came back to him.  
Now fully awake he rose to his paws and began a frantic search for his 
love.

	"Usi?  Usi!  Where are you?"  He voiced his thoughts aloud, but 
still only silence answered him.  Why would she leave without telling 
him?  In the middle of the night, no less!  His confusion was quickly 
beginning to give way to anger as he began to wander the lands, 
searching for Usiyahi, but still finding no trace of the lioness.

	"Looking for someone?" Nuka froze as a voice echoed around him.  
It was female, but did not belong to Usiyahi.  It sounded sinister, but 
also quite intelligible.  Nuka slowly turned, but jumped back as his 
gaze fell on a leering lioness, who had somehow ended up right behind 
him.  He did not even know she had been following him.  Nuka took a 
moment to consider this exotic lioness.  Her wild eyes were a deep 
burgundy, and they studied him with interest.  Her pelt was a deep red, 
covered in strange markings, and even stranger looking scars.  His eyes 
traveled up her face; her face that was "painted" with strange markings 
and symbols, that looked like they had been smeared on her face with 
red clay.

	"My, my, aren't you a strange looking one."

	"I was starting to think the same thing about you."  Nuka 
narrowed his eyes as he could not help but think this female knew 
something he didn't, since she kept her muzzle firmly set in that 
sinister leer.

	"My god, Kondo, told me of you.  You are so very rare... yes 
indeed.  Oh, I never thought it could be possible, but my eyes tell me 
it is true.  Oh, do you know, I believe you may be the only one of your 
kind... fascinating." The strange lioness began to lick her long canine 
teeth, as she studied Nuka intensely, causing the young male to grow 
very nervous.

	"What are you talking about?  Who are you, and where is my mate, 
Usiyahi?"  At Nuka's question the lioness burst into a fit of maniacal 
laughter, that chilled Nuka to the bone.

	"Your mate?!  Oh, I see you inherited their brains.  Ho, Ho, Hee, 
Hee, Ha, Ha, Ha, tell me... you must... Hee, Hee, Ha, Ha, Ha, do you 
drool a lot too?"  The lioness kept up her laughing, and Nuka felt 
himself growing very annoyed.  He no longer wanted anything to do with 
this female, and wanted to get as far away from this lioness as 
possible.  He quickly turned but the tip of his nose suddenly hit a 
soft mane.  He found himself staring into the red mane of a large male 
who was somehow right behind him.  He didn't even know he had come up 
behind him!  He slowly looked up and his jaw dropped as a pair of green 
eyes looked down upon.

	"Hi there.  In a hurry, to go somewhere, friend?" Nuka backed up, 
and he couldn't believe his eyes as they tried to tell his mind the 
color of this huge lion's pelt.  Black and gray!?  He had never seen 
anything like it.  He began to back up, his paws shaking, his tail 
lashing, his heart pounding, but the lion only wore a grin, that Nuka 
thought was the most frightening thing he had ever saw.

	"You... what are you... you can't be real!"

	"Oh, but I am, my friend." Nuka felt his posterior bump into 
something furry.  Suddenly his mind reminded him about the lioness who 
was still behind him, as she suddenly grabbed his tail.

	"You know, I thought this should have been a lot shorter, but I 
suppose the lion side of you, dominated this part, eh?  I wonder, did 
it dominate something else?"  Nuka heard the lioness laugh, and began 
to feel very panicky.  He pulled the tail out of her grasp, as he 
wheeled around looking for a way to get out of this predicament.   A 
situation that he could not even begin to conceive how he placed 
himself in.

	"Both of you... leave me alone!  I don't want anything to do with 
either of you!"

	"How about Usiyahi?  From what I heard you've had plenty to do 
with her!" Another unrecognizable female voice, now sounded from his 
left and he tuned to see a large female saunter towards him.  She must 
have been hidden behind a huge termite mound, but was now blocking the 
path that had, only seconds ago, been a way for him to escape.  Nuka 
looked back and snarled.  The three unknown lions now had him 
surrounded, and were beginning to pace around him.  The larger one kept 
licking her teeth, like she was considering having an early dinner.  
The "painted" one kept shaking her head as she kept looking at Nuka 
from every angle.  The dark one's eyes seemed as if they were 
penetrating his fur, and looking into his very soul.  Nuka could no 
longer hold back his anger, and his nerves exploded in a fearsome roar 
that shook the termite mounds all around him.

	"Impressive, now why didn't I hear something like that the other 
night?"  Nuka's ears twitched as he finally heard a recognizable voice.  
His nerves suddenly felt a slight sense of relief, as Usiyahi's voice 
reached his ears, but his fear soon returned as he saw the way she 
sauntered towards him.  She walked between the dark one and the 
"painted" one, but still gave him a passionate nuzzle.  She gave him a 
look of pained confusion when he did not nuzzle her back.  She steeped 
back, turned and began walking away from him.  Her tail turned towards 
him, she gazed at the horizon.

	"Usiyahi!  Who are these lions?"  She looked over her shoulder, 
with a cunning grin on her face, a look he had never seen before.

	"Oh, silly me, I forgot to tell you about my friends."

	"Your friends?  These..." Nuka looked towards the dark one who 
had one eye raised as if daring him to say something.  Nuka decided to 
change the word he was thinking of,  "These things are your friends?"

	"Oh, yes!"  Nuka narrowed his eyes as he saw Usiyahi wink at the 
dark lion, "And "other"  things."  Usiyahi turned around to face Nuka, 
as the three began to assemble behind her.

	"Since they are my friends, and since you are my friend as well, 
then they are your friends too."

	"I thought that was some other way around."

	"Oh, no.  But I suppose if you are referring to the saying, my 
enemy is also there's, that would be another subject."  Usiyahi cocked 
her head towards the large lioness, "When is the next full moon, 
again?"

	"Tonight."

	"Perfect!  Well, Nuka, you haven't be properly introduced have 
you?"  Nuka only aloud his eyes to shift among the three lions and said 
nothing.

	"I'll take that as a no.  Well, this is Nyota," Usiyahi motioned 
towards the large lioness, "This is Shari, our shaman, and healer," 
Usiyahi monitored towards the "painted" one, "And of course, last, but 
far from least, this is Kisasi." Usiyahi did more than motion towards 
the dark lion as she did with the others.  Nuka's eyes spread wide a he 
saw, Usiyahi's tail move across Kisasi's flanks, in a passionate 
caress.

	"Now, Nuka," Usiyahi turned and gave him a cunning grin, "What 
shall we talk about?"

* * * * * *

	"Hornbill, what is this taking so long?"  Zira tapped her tail on 
the ground impatiently as she waited for the King of  Pride Rock.

	"My name is Zazu, my dear.  I would appreciate it if you address 
me by my proper name."

	"Whatever!"  Zira's heart was pounding in her chest, and she was 
anxious to finally meet the lion who had ruined her life.  Thoughts and 
images flashed through her mind.

	"I must appear as if I am a sweet, innocent  lioness, who is only 
looking for a place to rest until her cubs are born.  I cannot let 
Simba know of my true intentions. "       Zira grinned at how much 
truth their actually was to this lie, she did need a sanctuary such as 
Pride Rock that would give her the comfort and protection she needed 
when she gave birth.  And she had to admit, The Pride Lands were indeed 
as wondrous as she had imagined, but still it was a hollow beauty.  
Nothing seemed beautiful any more ever since Scar was murdered.  The 
images displayed in her mind were a mixture of sorrow for her past, but 
joy for a glorious future.  A future that she intended will finally 
come true for herself and for her cubs.  Zira must have been too caught 
up in her own thoughts to realize what was happening around her, 
because suddenly, Zazu's voice caused her to jump.

	"My lady, pay attention!  Look, here comes our majesty now!"  
Zira's eyes followed the direction Zazu pointed with his wing.  Her 
gaze feel upon the lion; her eyes instantly narrowed.  She watched him 
saunter below them, then her eyes followed his strong yet graceful 
movements as he followed the path up towards the promontory, where Zira 
and Zazu were waiting for him.  Zira's eyes devoured his form, and her 
mind twisted in agony upon seeing the killer of her love, but still 
there was something about this lion that carried a strange aura about 
him, which Zira found very intriguing.  His movements carried him in a 
valiant fashion, and he seemed to posses a pathos that would let any 
creature know he was indeed a king.  He seemed to be a lion of great 
power and intelligence, and a lion worthy of respect.  Nevertheless, in 
Zira's mind, he was the lowest form of life in all the lands.  Zazu's 
voice once again, roused her from her deep thoughts.

	"You are supposed to be bowing!  Bow very low!  You are in the 
presence of royalty!" Though it pained her to do it, Zira did as the 
retainer commanded.  Zira kept her muzzle close to ground in what she 
hoped was an elegant, humble bow.  She caught sight of the majordomo, 
out of the corner of her eye, and his own bowing was done in such an 
outlandish and submissive manner that she felt like she was about to 
lose her lunch.  Simba sauntered towards them with a tedious grin, and 
sat down on his haunches.

	"Good day, Zazu!  Another beautiful day, isn't it?"

	"Yes, my king, it is indeed a marvelous day.  Shall I begin my 
morning report?"

	"Very well, I guess I have nothing better to do." Words and 
senseless chatter that had no point in Zira's mind soon followed, as 
the king and his retainer chatted for what seemed like hours about 
everything under the sun.  Zira's neck was beginning to throb in pain.  
She couldn't believe that this so called benevolent ruler hadn't even 
made any indication that he knew she was there.

	"... but minor problems like these can be expected, Simba.  
Finally everything is getting back to the way it was before.  
Everything is well again, just like it was under the magnificent rule 
of your father."

	"That is all I want, Zazu.  To be a king in every meaning of the 
word, like my father was.  I have sworn to follow in his paw prints."

	"Thank Aiheu, there will never be another disgusting wretch like 
Scar!  Oh, I still shudder when I think of that sinister beast, and how 
he ruined our lives."  Zira could not hold back a snarl, but caught 
herself in the nick of time, changing it so it sounded like she was 
only clearing her throat.  Simba finally noticed her.

	"Zazu, who is this... shapely lioness who has ventured into our 
lands?"

	"This is... uh.... what is your name, my dear?"

	"My name?  Oh, it is Zir... I mean... Ushandra."

	"Well, Ushandra.  Are you going to be standing like that all day, 
or will I get the chance to see your eyes?"  Zira raised her head, and 
her eyes locked on to Simba's.  Simba cocked his head, and twisted his 
muzzle into a look of puzzlement, when he saw a deep hatred that lied 
there.  Zira noticed Simba's look, and quickly twisted her muzzle into 
a comforting grin, causing Simba to thankfully grin back.

	"I have to say, you are quite beautiful, Ushandra.  I can imagine 
you have a hard time keeping males off your back."  Zira kept her 
smile, but her blood was boiling.  She could not even fathom that her 
love's killer, was hitting on her!"  Zazu's mocking words suddenly rang 
in her ears, but somehow Zira still kept her false grin.

	"Well, my king.  It looks like one male stayed on her back for 
quite a long time."  He motioned towards Zira's slightly sagging belly.  
Simba and Zazu exchanged a good laugh, but Zira just kept her false 
grin, although her eyes darted back and forth.  Simba's look of 
perplexity returned.

	"You know, you are allowed to speak."  Zira finally found her 
voice, but she wished she thought before she spoke.

	"Oh, I can?  Wow, and I thought I would have to keep this ruse up 
all day.  I wondered how long I would have to keep grinning at the lion 
who killed..." Zazu and Simba both said "What?" at the exact same time.  
Zira placed a paw over her lips, and backed up.

	"Oh... I uh... I mean... uh... that it is really great that I 
finally get the chance to meet the lion who killed... who killed...who 
killed..." Simba's head swayed back and forth, as he was trying to 
understand what this lioness was trying to say.

	"Scar?"

	"Yes, exactly!"

	"Oh... Well, actually I didn't kill him.  You see I detest 
violence and murder, I would never.."

	"You did kill him!  I... uh... mean that is what I heard."

	"Really?  And who was that from?"

	"Oh, you know, just the local chit chat, after all you are very 
famous."  Zira watched Simba, puff out his chest, and grin.

	"Yes, I suppose I am."

	"Oh, most definitely!  So famous, that I have been dying to meet 
you?"

	"Really?" Simba laughed; Zira smiled, this was too easy. "Well, 
tell me, does the actual lion live up to the legend?"

	"Oh, in more ways than you will ever know.  If you only knew how 
I truly feel about you, you would just die!"

	"Oh, come now, Zira.   I am very sorry to disappoint you, but I 
already have a mate, and from what I can see, you must have one too."

	"Yes, and no."

	"Yes, and no?"

	"Well, you see, my one, true mate was taking from me by a 
ruthless killer, and I have been forced to fend for myself.  I've had 
to survive in a bitter world, that scorns me, and all I stand for.  
Zira kept her eyes low to the ground, as if in sorrow.

	"Zira, I am terribly sorry to hear that.  But it is obvious some 
male must have fell in love with you."

	"Well, I wouldn't call it love, if you know what I mean.  It only 
sealed an alliance."

	"Oh, OK."  Simba twitched his muzzle in confusion, and looked 
down towards Zazu to see if the hornbill understood what Zira meant.  
Zazu only shrugged his wings.

	"Hmmm, you must be an Outsider.  No offense, but your words and 
ways are a little strange to me."

	"An Outsider?"  Zira scratched her chin with a claw as if she was 
in deep contemplation, "Yes, I suppose you could say I come from The 
Outlands."

	"The Outlands, hmmm.  Well, you are a member of The Pride Lands 
now, Ushandra.  So allow me to give you the full fledged tour."

	"Shouldn't you be getting back to you mate?"

	"Well," Simba's eyes fell towards the ground "I wish I could, but 
she is not here."

	"She's not here?!"  Simba looked up at Zira's sudden outburst.  
The lioness immediately twisted her muzzle into that false grin once 
more.

	"No.... she isn't."

	"May I be so bold to ask why?"  Simba looked over Zira, trying to 
see something, that he couldn't see.  Deep down, something was telling 
him there was something strange about this lioness.

	"She's with Sarafina, and Rafiki."

	"Who?"

	"Oh, that's right, you could not possibly know of our shaman.  He 
is a very wise baboon who..." Simba looked down at Zazu, and the bird 
and lion exchanged knowing grins,"...Knocked some sense into me."

	"Isn't that sweet, but I need to know where they are, and what 
they are doing!"  Zazu's voice answered back.

	"Why do you need to know?"  Zira looked down and saw Zazu was no 
longer wearing his usual friendly grin, but his eyes were narrowed.  
She looked back up and saw Simba's eyes were the same.

	"I, well... I am... just curious that's all."  She saw Simba look 
away, Zazu saw it too.

	"The king would rather not mention such a painful subject."

	"Painful subject?  How painful could it be?"

	"I told you that..."

	"No, Zazu.  I'll tell her."  Simba looked back up, and Zira saw 
tears were beginning to form in his eyes.

	"My mother, was... slain.  We do not know how, or why, or what 
evil beast could have possibly done it, but I have sent my mate, our 
shaman, and my mother's closest friend to scour the lands and try to 
find out something."

	"May I be so bold to ask what your mother's name was?"

	"Her name was Sarabi.  Simba's eyes spread wide when he suddenly 
saw Zira had a huge smile on her face.

	"What is that for?!" Zira suddenly realized the wicked grin she 
was wearing, but she couldn't help it, having found out everything she 
had surmised was indeed true.

	"Oh, I am sorry, it's just that I cannot help but grin, knowing 
what a good heart you have, and seeing that you are able to survive 
through this pain."  Zira sighed in relief as she saw Simba nod his 
head.

	"Thank you, it has been horribly hard on me.  I've lost my 
father, and now my...."  Zira decided now was the perfect time to begin 
weaving her web of deceit, as the perfect path suddenly opened up to 
her.  She walked up and nuzzled Simba in a passionate caress, then 
kissed his lips with her soft tongue.

	"I'm so sorry, to see you in this much pain.  How I wish I could 
tell you I know how you feel, but my heart breaks to see you like 
this."  She backed up and grinned as she saw Simba was staring at her 
in shock.

	"Oh, sorry... I probably shouldn't have done that."

	"No, don't be sorry.... that is the nicest thing any lioness, 
except my mate, has ever said to me."

	"Maybe, but I should have held back that lick."

	"No you shouldn't have!  I have to admit, I... liked it."

	"You miss your mate, don't you?"

	"I miss her very much, it must have been at least a full moon 
since I last saw my Nala."  Zira grinned as she finally found out her 
name.  She looked down at Zazu, who had the biggest look of shock on 
his face, as he was staring up at Simba.  A look that made her want to 
burst out laughing.  Zira was starting to enjoy this.

	"It has been a full moon, since you've had a warm lioness to 
snuggle up to at nights?"  Simba nodded.   "A full moon to feel the 
love, that no doubts burns inside both of your hearts?"  Zira walked up 
and moved her tail across Simba's flanks in a long, slow caress. "I am 
so sorry to hear that."  Simba looked back up and found he was staring 
into Zira's alluring, amber eyes.

	"Yes, I have missed... love."  Zazu cleared his throat loudly, 
trying to stop what he saw was unfolding.

	"Uh, my king, I think I should show Ushandra around Pride Rock 
now.  You should be getting back to your duties."

	"No, Zazu.  That is OK.  I'll show Ushandra around Pride Rock."

	"But, my king, I think that is unwise."

	"Are you questioning my decision, Zazu?" Zazu looked up towards 
Simba then towards Zira who only grinned back at him.  A wicked grin 
that chilled the little hornbill  to the bone.

	"No, your excellency, I just want you to be careful.  I don't 
want you to do anything you'll regret."  Simba laughed.

	"And I want you to stop treating me like I am still a cub.  Go 
attend to your duties, Zazu.  I'll see you later."

	"As you wish."  Zazu looked at Zira who was still wearing that 
wicked grin, but followed his king's orders and took to the sky.  Zira 
watched him fly off, and when she looked back she saw Simba was wearing 
a look that caused Zira to lick her lips.

	"Now, Simba.  What should we talk about?"  Deep in her mind, Zira 
was screaming thousands of words at once.  All of which that could be 
translated as "triumph."


CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: OBLIVIOUS


	"This can't be true!  I won't believe it!"  Nuka sat shaking his 
head in denial, as Usiyahi sat facing him.

	"Believe it, my friend.  Your so called, mother has lied to you."

	"Mother?  How can I even call her that anymore?"  Nuka felt like 
crying, and any second he thought he was going to.

	"I am very sorry, Nuka.  I still cannot believe, you could not 
put two and two together."

	"I won't believe it!  I won't!  I just won't!  I am not what you 
say I am!"  The red lioness, Shari, who was the one who had told Nuka 
the truth about his heritage, began to walk towards him.

	"Look at yourself!  Why would I lie?"  Nuka began shaking his 
head, unable to comprehend what he was hearing.  "Look at your 
coloring, look at how you are shaped, my God, you even drool like one!"

	"I do not... oh, gods, I do!"  Nuka buried his head in his paws 
and began sobbing into them.  Usiyahi looked towards Shari and shook 
her head.  Draping a paw over Nuka's shoulders, she licked his face in 
a warm kiss.

	"Nuka, listen to me, there is nothing you can do about it now.  I 
just couldn't see you live your whole life without knowing the truth."  
Nuka looked up at Usiyahi, and bated her paw away with his own.

	"At least living a lie, is better than living a whole life full 
of pain!"  Shari sat beside him.

	"Nuka, you have to accept it.  You're a half breed!"  Nuka spun 
on Shari, and snarled, drool dripping from his jaws.

	"Why should I believe you?  Why should I believe what some god 
tells you anyway?  I don't believe in him!  Hell, I don't even know 
what his name is!"  Shari's eyes blazed.

	"Kondo is our lord!  He knows all!"

	"Does he know one of his shamans is nothing but a lying worm?"  
Shari splayed her claws, and snarled, but before she could get a word 
in, Nuka beat her to it.

	"Damn this Kondo for all I care, and damn you too!"

	"Blasphemy, sacrilege, defilement, I shall watch you die!"  
Usiyahi stepped between the two snarling lions, and held back both of 
their anger.

	"Shari, leave us!" Shari snarled one last time, and turned on her 
paws.

	"I wouldn't even bother touching that filth, you call blood.  You 
are an abomination, that one day I pray shall be cleansed from this 
earth!"

	"Take your friends with you!"  Nuka motioned towards Nyota and 
Kisasi who had remained silent during the entire time.

	"Kisasi, Nyota, Shari, leave us alone!  He's right, I need to be 
alone with him."  Nyota bowed, and ran after Shari who was already 
quite a ways away, not wanting to even breathe the same air Nuka was.  
However, Kisasi's gaze remained fixed on Usiyahi for a long time.  
Usiyahi looked back and twisted her muzzle into a confused look, as if 
saying, "What?"  Kisasi only grinned, and a wicked laugh escaped his 
muzzle.  Still, he too turned and followed the two lionesses, but 
looked back once with a sinister grin.

	"Let not the same fate befall you, Usi, as it did with Zira!"  
Before Usiyahi could respond, Kisasi had disappeared behind a termite 
mound.  The lioness looked back and saw Nuka had buried his head in his 
claws once more; weeping bitterly.  Usiyahi did not know what to do, 
she looked back towards the termite hill, where Kisasi had disappeared, 
and then back to the Nuka.  She closed her eyes, and hung her head 
towards the ground, trying to sort out her feelings.  The intense 
crying rang in her ears.  Her own heart felt as though it was about to 
break, and she felt her own eyes begin to mist.  She looked back 
towards the direction the three lions had taken, and narrowed her eyes, 
as her jaw shook, and her tail lashed.  Nodding her head, she made her 
decision.

	Nuka felt a warm paw on his shoulder, and when he looked up he 
saw the misty eyes of Usiyahi staring into his.  His jaw dropped but 
was immediately covered by Usiyahi's as their muzzles met in a kiss.  
Nuka instantly broke the kiss, and backed up, his eyes blazing with 
hate.

	"Don't you ever kiss me again!  Do you hear me?  The love I 
thought you had for me was nothing but a lie!"  Usiyahi walked back 
towards the young male and tried to nuzzle him, but was met with a 
vicious backhanded paw, that sent her sprawling towards the ground.

	"Are you deaf?  I will not fall for your treachery any longer.  
You made your choice!  Go with that dark lion, and your evil friends.  
I want nothing more to do with you!  You ruined my life, and I will 
never forgive you!"  Nuka turned and began to walk away.

	"Where will you go, Nuka?"  Nuka stopped, but did not look back.

	"I had to let you know the truth.  I could not believe what Shari 
told me, and I thought it was worse to let you live in the lie, than 
having me always know the truth about you."  Nuka remained staring at 
the ground.

	"Nuka look at me!  I... love you!  I realize that now!"  Nuka 
spoke but still kept his eyes fixed to the ground.  His lashing tail 
was enough proof of the deep anger that was wracking his very soul.

	"Love?  You do not even know the meaning of the word."

	"No, I didn't, but I do now!  I have never felt anything to what 
I feel when I am with you."

	"You lie."

	"No, Nuka!  My love, that I thought I had with Kisasi was the 
lie!  The love I have with you is the truth!"

	"Why should I believe you?"

	"Nuka... you shouldn't.  You're right, I betrayed and used you, 
but I had to remain true to my king and to my pride.  You have to 
understand... I had no choice!"

	"Now I know you do not understand what it means to love."  
Usiyahi lowered her head causing a few tears to fall from her face.

	"Nuka, I do what I am about to do because I love my pride, not 
Kisasi.  Nevertheless, my true intentions will be shown in the end, 
because I love you more than I love my pride."  Usiyahi turned and 
slowly walked away.  She looked back one last time.

	"For what it's worth... I'm sorry."  Nuka slowly raised his head 
and his gaze fell upon the distant form of the lioness.  Usiyahi never 
disappeared from his view because he decided to follow her.

* * * * * *

	"...Yes, she sounds like a wonderful mate."

	"Nala, is my one true love, you have no idea how much I miss her, 
if only she was here right now."  The two lions walked side by side 
caressed by the abundant splendors of The Pride Lands.

	"Tell me, Ushandra, do you like it here?"

	"This place is more amazing than I can possibly describe, 
everything you have shown me, I still can not take it all in."

	"It seems to me to be even more wondrous at night."  Zira nodded 
her head.  She raised it to the sky, and saw the full moon far above 
her, causing her muzzle to twist into a huge grin.

	"Ushandra, I was wondering if you would like to stay here with 
us?"  Zira looked back and grinned.

	"I cannot stay, Simba.  I am only here for one purpose and one 
purpose only."  Simba lowered his head, and sighed.

	"Oh, your cubs... there is nothing else?"

	"Well, yes, one other thing."  Simba raised his head and looked 
back towards the lioness.

	"What?"

	"You'll find out soon enough."  Simba cocked his head and could 
not help but stare at the breathtaking lioness, as the moon's rays 
played upon her body.

	"Your mate, Ushandra, what was he like?"  Zira's gaze slowly 
moved across Simba's face.

	"There will never be another like him."

	"May I ask his name?"   Zira's eyes remained locked on the lion.

	"His name is not important." Simba twisted his muzzle into a look 
of confusion.

	"What is it, Ushandra?  There is something about you that 
troubles me.  It seems as if something is driving you.

	"What do you mean?"

	"This past day was really fun, and I had a great time with you.  
You seemed to really enjoy it too, but there is something there, that I 
cannot place my paw on.  There is something about you, that... makes me 
nervous."  Zira raised her eye, and licked her lips.

	"Really?  I like it when I have an advantage over males." Simba's 
face soured.

	"That is not what I mean.  I know there is something you haven't 
told me."

	"Oh, come on now, Simba, I told you everything."

	"What about you past?"  Zira's grin forthwith disappeared, Simba 
noticed it, and raised an eye.

	"I cannot tell you.  Believe me I wish I could, but soon you will 
know.  Very soon all my secrets will be revealed to you."

	"You keep saying that, Ushandra, what do you mean by it?"  Zira 
licked her lips.

	"Let me just put it this way.  If I wasn't with cubs, I would 
show you what I mean right now."  Simba's eyes spread wide.

	"What did you say?"

	"Simba, answer me this.  I know how long it has been since you've 
been with Nala.  If I wasn't with cubs, what would it take, for me to 
make you forget about Nala, for one night?"  Simba quickly looked away, 
but Zira was persistent.

	"Simba, I must know your answer, before I make my decision."

	"Decision, what decision?"

	"One that will shape both of our futures."  Simba looked deep 
into Zira's eyes and tried to see what she was referring to, but as 
always the shady lioness' true motives escaped him.

	"Do you want the truth, Ushandra?"

	"That is all I ask."  Simba lowered his head, trying not to look 
into Zira's alluring eyes.

	"Ushandra, you are a beautiful, intelligent lioness, who I am 
sure would make any male happy, but you and I... it can never be.  I am 
sorry."  A sinister voice, entered his ears, and when he looked back 
up, he was horrified to see that it came from the lips of Ushandra.

	"I gave you the chance, Simba!  I gave you one chance, to change 
the future, even if you have never been worthy of it.  I should have 
known your answer."  Simba narrowed his eyes as he saw Ushandra kept 
her sinister gaze locked on him.

	"Ushandra, what is the matter, why are you acting this way?"

	"Simba!"  The voice did not change, "There is something you need 
to know.  I have a... confession to make.  I want you to meet me in the 
savanna, tomorrow."  Zira turned from the lion and began to stomp away.

	"Ushandra?  What are you talking about?"  The lioness stopped and 
slowly turned her head towards the bewildered male.  Simba's jaw 
dropped as he saw the most wicked grin he ever saw a lioness could 
twist her muzzle in.

	"I know who killed, Sarabi."  Simba was about to respond, but 
Zira turned her head and dashed over the rocks, soon disappearing from 
sight.  The male narrowed his eyes as he could sense an evil pathos 
about this lioness, that flooded his mind with questions.  Still, his 
curiosity got the better of him and he nodded his head.

	"Until tomorrow, Ushandra... until tomorrow."


* * * * * *

	A dark paw, suddenly appeared from behind a termite hill, and hit 
the muzzle of Usiyahi with the force of a lightning bolt.  She cried 
out and fell towards her side. Clutching her throbbing muzzle with a 
paw, she looked up and found herself staring into the angry, green eyes 
of Kisasi.

	"You dare betray me, you dare betray our love?" Usiyahi's shocked 
expression, was answered as a red tail, caressed Kisasi's flanks, 
followed by the leering muzzle of Shari, as it appeared over the dark 
lion's huge, muscular shoulders.

	"Sorry, my queen, but I decided to come back and check to make 
sure you are still one of us.  I was there the whole time, and sorry to 
say, heard what you told that half breed."  Usiyahi snarled and leapt 
to her feet.

	"You believe this witch, Kisasi?  Why would I ever fall in love 
with Nuka?  You know I only love you!"

	"You're calling our shaman a liar?"  The shaman's laugh echoed 
around them.

	"I think we should call our beloved queen that."

	"What makes you think, I would betray you Kisasi?"  The lion 
grinned.

	"What proof do I have that you won't."

	"You will find out the answers to you questions soon enough 
Kisasi, all of them!"

	"Very well, this should be fun.  Shari, I shall see you soon.  
You and Nyota, are staying here, correct?"  The sinister lioness, 
stepped out from behind the dark pelt, of Kisasi and bowed her head.

	"Yes, my king.  Nyota and I will remain here.  Eager to see how 
everything plays out." Her gaze feel upon the suspicious look of 
Usiyahi, "Perhaps we will have to crown a new queen when you return."  
Shari's laugh echoed deep in Usiyahi's ears, as did Kisasi's.

	"Perhaps, Shari, perhaps."  The dark lion roared towards the 
skies, as he called the names of the twins.

	"Jua, Mwezi, it is time!"  The twins emerged from behind the 
termite hill, and bowed towards Kisasi.  Kisasi roared three times 
towards the skies, followed by his lionesses in unison, all except 
Usiyahi.  With one last look towards Usiyahi, the dark lion spun on his 
paw and began to journey towards The Pride Lands.  The twins quickly 
caught up to him and walked with the dark lion, flanking each side of 
him.  Usiyahi gave one last look to Shari, allowing her muzzle to twist 
into a smug grin.

	"Take Care, Shari.  Just remember one thing... only I know my 
true loyalties. Allow this to keep you up at night."  Before Shari had 
the chance to reply, Usiyahi was gone.  The shaman cursed, and 
disappeared back into the termite hill.  If only she waited a little 
longer, she would seen saw Nuka running after the four lions at a safe 
distance.


CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE:  BURNING RAGE


	Stretching her muscles is an elegant display, the lioness swung 
her head towards the horizon, and the morning rays gleamed off her 
eyes.  She sat back on her haunches, and shifted her weight to her back 
paws.  Spreading her paws out before her in a wide "V," the lioness 
threw her head back, and roared towards the skies.

	"Today, my love!  Today is the day of your vengeance!  Today all 
of my dreams shall come to pass!"  Her intense, drawn out roar caused 
her eyes to mist with tears, and her whole body shook in frenzy.  She 
suddenly splayed her claws, and drew them close to her eyes, scanning 
their length and sharpness.

	"Blood!  Simba's blood, shall soon flow down these claws!  I have 
waited an eternity for this!  Scar, are you watching?"  Zira flexed her 
claws and roared once more, her voice breaking the previous stillness 
of the dawn.  She slowly lowered her paws to the ground, allowing a 
huge grin to spread across her face.  Breathing heavily, she scanned 
Pride Rock far in the distance, and imagined all of the coming day's 
events.

	A sharp pain in her loins suddenly jolted her senses back to 
reality, and looking down, she painfully realized how close the birth 
of her cubs actually was.  She closed her eyes, and gritted her teeth, 
praying that she would be able to complete the task that has been set 
before her.  She couldn't let anything hold her back from her ultimate 
goal! Nothing could hold her back!  Opening her eyes, she scanned the 
horizon.  Far off in the distance she saw a shadow.  Narrowing her 
eyes, it began to materialize, and by its mass and movement, her muzzle 
twisted into her famous, wicked grin.  With a laugh, she spun on her 
heels, and ran towards Pride Rock.

* * * * * *

	The sun hit the dark lion full in the face, as he licked his long 
canines with his tongue.  The rays pierced his green eyes, causing them 
to gleam like fire.  The rays played upon his black pelt and red mane, 
causing each to shimmer and gleam, and the wind rippled through them.  
Swinging his head away from the sun, his eyes focused on the wondrous 
beauty, while simultaneously his nose breathed in the sweet smells, 
each sense taking in the splendors of The Pride Lands.  Looking back 
his gaze fell upon Usiyahi who sat by his side equally stunned.  Both 
of the lions had never conceived of any place quite like this.

	"It is more amazing than, Zira, described it.  Isn't it, Usi?"

	"I wasn't there... remember?"

	"Oh, that's right.  Must have slipped my mind.  What were you 
doing all that time anyway?"

	"I told you, it doesn't matter!  It is in the past, as is 
everything I once thought was the truth."

	"Is that so, my dear?"  Kisasi's watched as Usiyahi slowly turned 
to him.

	"Everything!"

	"You know, you king, you mate, and your love, would be so 
interested if you told me what you meant by that."

	"All of those titles are what I am referring to, love."  Kisasi 
narrowed his eyes at Usiyahi's sly grin.

	"Usi, sweet Usi, you are so sinister, the thing that made me fall 
in love with you.  What did I ever see in that, Zira, anyway?"

	"I often wondered the exact same thing, Kisasi."

	"As I did with that, Nuka!"  Usiyahi turned her gaze away from 
the dark lion and back towards the horizon.

	"More than you'll ever know, my love...  more than you'll ever 
know."  Kisasi grinned at his own thoughts which caused him to want to 
suddenly burst out laughing, but a pungent scent soon entered his 
nostrils, and he turned to see the twins finally arrive.  They, 
likewise, were awestruck when they saw the beauty of The Pride Lands 
spread out before them.  If they were not holding the burning bones 
tightly in their jaws, their muzzles would have gaped open in awe.  
Kisasi rose to his paws and stepped over the border into Pride Rock.  
Usiyahi stood by his side, with Jua beside her, and Mwezi on Kisasi's 
right.  The four lions stood there, as the sun fell down upon them, and 
the wind, mixed with wisps of smoke, coursed through their pelts.  The 
four pair of eyes focused on one focal point, Pride Rock.  Kisasi 
twisted his neck in a slow circle, the corded muscles stretching and 
relaxing, then his eyes narrowed and his lips spread into a wicked 
grin.

	"It is time!"

* * * * * *

	"Simba. Simbaaaa. Wake up!"  The King of Pride Rock turned over 
and groggily opened his eyes.  The sight of Zira leering down at him, 
caused his mind to immediately clear, all wisps of slumber vanishing in 
an instant.

	"Ushandra?!  What?  What is it?"

	"It is time, Simba."

	"Time for what?"

	"Don't you remember what I told you yesterday?"

	"Yes, of course!"

	"Then follow me, quickly!"  Simba didn't have time to respond as 
he saw the lioness was already sauntering towards the entrance of his 
lair.  Simba rose to his paws, maneuvered his way around a few sleeping 
lionesses, and was soon right behind Zira's swaying tail.

	"Where are we going?"

	"You'll find out soon enough!"  Simba had to increase his pace, 
as Zira suddenly bolted towards the grasses of the savanna.  Simba, 
confused, but still curious ran after her.

	The grazing beasts of prey watched their king past with limited 
interest, most too busy munching on their breakfast of grass to pay the 
passing lions much attention.  After awhile Zira reached the tall 
grasses of the savanna, and turned to see Simba right behind her.

	"Follow me, my beloved king, into the concealing grasses of the 
savanna, where all your questions shall finally be made aware to you.  
Ironic, isn't it?  In these concealing grasses, at last you will see 
everything." Simba was about to respond, but Zira suddenly disappeared 
into the tall grass.  Simba looked back towards Pride Rock, not far 
off, and shook his head, wishing he had a few of his lionesses with 
him.  He had a terrible sense of dread about this whole thing, 
something about this was very suspicious.  How he wished Nala and 
Rafiki were here.  He wouldn't even mind if his close friends Timon and 
Pumbaa were by his side, but his mate and the shaman were searching for 
Sarabi's killer, and as for the meerkat and warthog, he had no idea 
where their wanderings had taken them.  Shrugging his shoulders he 
walked into the grass, and followed Zira's lashing tail.       Many 
minutes of this oblivious wandering followed, but Simba knew he was 
coming closer and closer towards the southern border of The Pride 
Lands, and farther and farther from Pride Rock.  His mind wandering and 
his sense of direction deteriorating, he suddenly felt Zira's tail 
right in his face.  She had suddenly stopped and seemed to be searching 
for something.  Slowly, she turned her head towards the lion, but when 
Simba saw the vainglorious leer she had on her face, he felt an awful 
sense of fear.

	"What are you up to, Ushandra?"

	"Well, honey tree, I think it's time for me to kill this game."

	"What?  What are you talking about?"  Zira turned and began to 
pace around Simba.

	"Do you know why I've brought you here?"

	"I have no idea."

	"Oh, that is such a good answer.  That is the mindset I want you 
in.  Simba, tell me something, do you remember a lion who went by the 
name of Scar?"

	"I try not to."

	"Oh, really, why is that?  Is it because you killed him?" Simba 
looked up and saw Zira had her muzzle right next to his.

	"I already told you I didn't kill him, how many times must I 
explain ... Ow!" Simba was suddenly hit with a backhanded paw from the 
lioness.  He clutched his throbbing face and looked back up with a look 
of shock.

	"Ushandra, what the hell was that for?"

	"That felt so good!  I wanted to do that for an eternity!"

	"Ushandra what are you... how dare you strike the King of Pride 
Rock!"

	"Shut up!  You are nothing!  To me you are lowest form of life in 
all these lands!  You are not even good enough to make love to a hyena!

	"What is the matter with you?  Ushandra, why are you acting like 
this?  What have I done?"

	"You want to know the truth, Simba?  You want to know why I 
brought you here? You want to know the truth about me?"

	"Yes, I..."

	"I am Zira, not Ushandra!  Ushandra is dead!  You killed her when 
you killed Scar!"

	"What!?"

	"You killed my mate!  You killed my love... my one and only love!  
You killed, my happiness, my innocence, my whole life!  You created all 
of my hate!  You created me!"

	"What?  Scar was you mate?  How could you ever love a vicious 
murderer like him?"

	"Wait... before I answer that question.... do you smell 
something?"  Zira sniffed the air, then grinned.  "It smells like 
something is burning!"  Simba instinctively breathed in the air, then 
his jaw dropped when he recognized the pungent smell of smoke.  Zira 
began laughing.

	"Fool!  Look behind you!"  Simba turned and his eyes spread wide 
with fear.  He saw smoke rising above the grass, and very close, only 
about twenty feet away.  Flames had engulfed the grass, and were 
causing a wildfire that was moving towards him.  Simba spun his head 
back with burning eyes, eyes that matched the intensity of the burning 
flames behind him.

	"You... you... wicked... backstabbing... you betrayed me!  After 
all I've done for you?"

	"Idiot!  That is why I betrayed you!  You are a fool, a trusting 
fool!  By the way, I think it is time for me to tell you something.  A 
little secret that I forgot to mention when I first met you."  Zira sat 
back on her haunches, spread her front paws out before her and grinned. 
"Look upon the one who killed Sarabi!  Look upon the one who killed 
your mother!"  Zira's wicked laugh was soon drowned out by Simba's 
roar.

	"Nooooo!  Murderer!"  Simba steadied his paws and was about to 
spring at Zira, intent on ripping the wicked lioness to shreds, but 
suddenly his eyes spread wide and his jaw dropped when a dark lion 
suddenly emerged from the smoking grasses, and met Simba's shocked 
stare with a wicked one.

	"Hi there.  I don't think we've met."

	"Kisasi, take him!"

	"Just like we planned?"

	"No, Zira!  That... thing won't get the chance, I am going to rip 
your black heart out!"       Kisasi spun his head towards the enraged 
king, and steadied his paws, then met the lion in mid leap, Kisasi's 
mammoth shoulders hitting Simba's flanks, knocking him off target.  
Simba and Kisasi both tumbled to the ground, but in an instant both of 
them were back on their feet.  Their eyes both blazed in a fury, and 
each leaped at each other in a flurry of teeth and claws.  Kisasi 
expertly matched Simba's thrusts and swipes, and parried every slash 
with his blocking paws.  Every attack was foiled, every lunge was  
interrupted.  Simba felt the intense heat, then looking over his left 
shoulder, he could see the fire had grown dangerously close, and were 
beginning to surround the two combatants in a circle of flames.  Kisasi 
took the opportunity, seeing Simba distracted he swung both paws 
simultaneously in a backhanded swipe across Simba's face.  Both hit 
equally in timing and force, causing the king to fall to his side.  
Simba looked up, and saw the dark lion was about to pounce on him, the 
lion's mane as red as the flames surrounding them.  Simba tried to 
roll, but was suddenly slashed across his unprotected legs from Zira's 
claws.  Simba cried out and couldn't move fast enough to escape the 
pounce of Kisasi; in an instant the dark lion had his claws poised near 
Simba's neck.  Simba looked up in rage, mixed with hate at the dark 
lion, and then his muzzle turned into an ugly snarl as he saw Zira was 
laughing right next to the snarling Kisasi.

	"Oh, I know that was such an unfair battle, but hey, I enjoyed 
it.  I only wish it lasted longer, how I wanted to watch you bleed!"

	"Here, love, let me give this show then."  Simba cried out as 
Kisasi slashed a long cut across Simba's face, and Zira howled in 
laughter.

	"Oh, Kisasi, you know just how to make me laugh, I love you!"

	"Do you, Zira?"  Kisasi looked up, but kept Simba pinned under 
him with all his weight.  Simba tried to struggle but it was useless.

	"Let me show you how much I do!"  Zira grabbed Kisasi's muzzle 
with her paws and licked his lips in a long slow kiss.  Then grabbed 
the claw that had Simba's blood running down it and placed it close to 
her mouth.  Her tongue shot out, and licked off some of the blood, then 
placing the entire claw inside her mouth, she began sucking it 
seductively.  Kisasi grinned a lewd grin, then nuzzled Zira.

	"Oh, Zira, I knew it was real between us."

	"Tell me, you never loved that Usiyahi."

	"Never!  I never had any love for her!  I only used her!"

	"YOU BASTARD!" Both of the two lions looked up simultaneously, as 
they saw Usiyahi suddenly lunge through the burning grass, the flames 
scorching her pelt.  Kisasi had no time to move out of the way, as 
Usiyahi hit him with the force of a charging rhino, knocking him off 
completely off the helpless Simba.  Zira roared in anger.

	"Usi,  No!  You bitch, you've ruined everything!"  Usiyahi looked 
up and grinned ignoring the pain that was coursing through her scalded 
body.

	"No, Zira, that is your name!"

	"My thoughts exactly!"  Zira had only a second to turn her head, 
before she saw Simba lunge towards her.


CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR:  UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES


	Zira was tackled by the weight of Simba and looked up only to see 
his jaws plunge towards her exposed neck.  Zira closed her eyes, 
praying the death blow would be swift, while a far corner of her brain 
was screaming with happiness, for it knew the chance to finally be 
reunited with Scar would be any second.  But a high pitched roar 
suddenly caused the lioness to open her eyes, and then she felt the 
weight of Simba suddenly move as he was knocked to his side again.  She 
rose to her paws, and almost fainted when she saw Nuka and Simba were 
locked in combat, both dangerously close to the advancing flames.

	"Nuka, what the hell are you doing here.  Get out of here, you 
idiot!  You are going to get yourself killed!"  A high-pitched scream 
caused her to turn her attention back to the other two battling lions 
to her left.

	"Betrayer.  Betrayer.  BETRAYER!"  Kisasi roared and cursed as he 
continually slashed Usiyahi's body,  his claws ripping her to a bloody 
mess.  Usiyahi was screaming in pain, trying to protect herself, but 
the dark lion was too enraged and the lioness knew she was doomed.  
Zira could not help but laugh.

	"Good-bye Usiyahi!  You know the penalty for betrayal...death!"

	"No!  You will not hurt her!"  Zira swung her head back and saw 
Nuka jump to his paws, allowing Simba to rise to his, and then her 
mouth dropped when she saw Nuka slash Kisasi's side in a deep cut with 
his claws.  Kisasi looked towards Nuka, with a mixed look of anger and 
surprise.

	"You little half breed.... I shall watch you die, as soon as 
I..."  Kisasi's words were cut short as Simba who was amazingly helping 
Nuka slashed his other side.  Zira couldn't believe her eyes.

	"Nuka!  No, what are you doing!  You've betrayed me!"  Kisasi 
rolled off of Usiyahi, his claws ripping her flesh even more in the 
process.  He managed to roll far enough away from the Nuka and Simba, 
and jumped to his paws.  TOO FAR!

	Kisasi looked to his right and flames were there, he looked to 
his left and flames were also there, then he felt them.  His roar split 
the skies as he howled in pain.  Zira stood transfixed, frozen with 
horror, as she watched the flames engulf her love, turning his dark 
pelt the same color as his red mane.  His screams of pain caused her 
eyes to mist, and then she saw his body move through the fire, trying 
to find a means of escape.  Then she lost sight of him, but his screams 
still pierced the smoky air, then silence.

	Zira shook her head, no this can't be true.  Not again!  She felt 
tears in her eyes, but couldn't shed them as her gaze turned on Nuka, 
then on Simba.  She couldn't think as she saw Nuka run to the fallen 
Usiyahi, and then when her gaze fell back on Simba, her mind exploded 
in fear, and she spun on her paws and ran for her life.  Simba roared 
towards the heaven and took chase, the male running after the female in 
a deadly game of tag.  Nuka looked up and knew he had to help his 
mother, but he couldn't leave Usiyahi's side.  He looked back towards 
the burning grass and saw that any second it would be upon him and his 
love.  Her nudged his head underneath the bleeding body of Usiyahi, and 
steadied his paws, then with a grunt lifted the skinny, but lanky body 
of his mate onto his back and ran from the flames to safety, just 
before they descended upon the spot where Usiyahi lay.  He ran and ran 
through the tall grass, taking one route, the doubling back, then going 
a different direction, trying to escape the enveloping flames, but it 
seemed there was no way out.  Then out of the corner of his eyes he saw 
a path, a line of grass that had not yet caught fire.  He ran as fast 
as he could, and just before the grass was consumed he made it through 
and was safe from the inferno.  He continued his run, the lithe body of 
Usiyahi bouncing on his back, and could see the grass was beginning to 
clear.  He broke through the grass, coughing and wheezing, trying to 
breathe in the air, and trying to force the smoke from his lungs.  He 
lowered Usiyahi to the ground, and looked down upon the battered, 
scorched form of his love.

	"Usi, please tell me you are going to be all right."  The lioness 
slowly opened her eyes and tried to grin.

	"Nuka, oh my sweet Nuka, I am better than I have ever been."

	"Don't tall!  Let me get you out of here, and back to The 
Outlands."

	"No, Nuka, that won't be necessary.  I just want to tell you one 
thing."

	"Anything!"

	"I love you, Nuka.  I finally understand what true love is.  You 
have given me something that I never had with Kisasi.  You gave me 
love, Nuka!  You gave me my heart back!  Oh, sweet Nuka, always 
remember what we shared together.  Nuka... remember... I... love you."

	"Usi, don't die!  Please don't!"  Usiyahi's eyes were beginning 
to close.

	"Nuka, let me here you say it one last time, tell me you love me, 
let it be the last thing I hear."

	"Usi, no, don't leave me....Usi... I... I... I LOVE YOU!"

	"Oh, Nuka, that is all I wanted to hear."  Usiyahi grinned one 
last time, then the last breath escaped her lips.  Nuka saw her head 
fall to the side, then roared to the skies in grief and sorrow.  Tears 
fell like raindrops upon the still form of Usiyahi and that smile upon 
her face, now frozen forever was too much for Nuka to bear.  He buried 
his head in Usiyahi's pelt and cried bitterly.  An unknown voice 
suddenly silenced his intense weeping.

	"I am sorry, my friend, I am very sorry, but you may be meeting 
her soon, unless you do not leave now!"  Nuka looked up, with tears in 
his eyes, and his gaze fell on four lionesses who had surrounded him, 
the largest stepped towards him.

	"I am Sarafina, and I give you one chance to run for your life 
back to the evil lands you come from, before I allow the sisterhood to 
rip you apart for what you did to my closest friend.

	"What?"

	"I can smell your scent as clear now as it was covered in the 
place where you and another murdered Sarabi.  You killed my best 
friend!  I should kill you where you stand, but I am not like you.  
Leave this place now, before I change my mind!"  Nuka nodded his head 
and with one last, sad look towards Usiyahi lying still and peaceful, 
he spun on his heel and ran back towards The Outlands.  He couldn't 
hold back his tears as he ran, and they dripped out of his eyes.  He 
allowed himself to weep bitterly, as he believed he was crying for both 
Usiyahi and for Zira.  His mate already slain, and he believed his 
"mother" would soon follow.

* * * * * *

	Red eyes, blazing like the flames that burned before her, the 
queen of hate stood before the wildfire and awaited her prey.  There 
would be no more running, no more escape from the pain that haunted 
her.  Simba had caused her anguish beyond measure.  He had thrown Scar 
to his death before her very eyes, and now he had killed Kisasi.  He 
killed them both... he killed them both!  Her two loves, the former and 
the latter both slain by the same lion.  The King of Pride Rock, a 
benevolent and gentle ruler?  She spat a terrible curse upon the ground 
at the lie.  He was the most ruthless, bloodthirsty killer in all the 
lands.  The blood of her two loves were on his paws, now his blood 
would be on hers.  She curled her lips into a vicious snarl and awaited 
the one who was the cause of her misery.

	"Simmmmbaaa!  I shall run no longer!  It will end here!  You and 
I were destined to fight, and I shall fulfill my promise to Scar and 
avenge not only his death but now Kisasi's as well!"

	Her rage was the only thing that could hold back her tears for 
the loss of the dark lion, but she kept her eyes locked on the grass 
and steadied her paws.  She flexed all her muscles and awaited the 
lion.  Her eyes narrowed, her breathing was heavy, and her veins were 
pumping with adrenaline.  At last she saw him, and her lips curled into 
a gnarl as her eyes flashed with undying hate.  She proclaimed her 
challenge, the words she had waited to say for days.

	"THIS IS FOR YOU, SCAR!"

	A sudden explosion of pain rocked her senses, as something blunt, 
and hard struck her head the moment she ended her words.  
Unconsciousness embraced her in its dull caress.  Her legs buckled and 
collapsed to the sides, and her head fell towards the earth.  Her eyes 
had already rolled back in her head before it hit the ground.


* * * * * *

	A dull pain throbbed in her head, as her eyes slowly opened to a 
glaring sun, and a strong wind teeming with the pungent smell of smoke.  
She rolled her head lazily to the side trying to regain her senses, but 
it struck the huge paw of a lion.  Her eyes slowly journeyed up his 
body and realization hit her like a thunderbolt as her eyes came in 
contact with the stern face of the King of Pride Rock.  She jumped to 
her paws as her rage and hate returned in a mere second, and cursed at 
the lion, intent of tearing him limb from limb.

	"Son of a hyena, I shall feast on your heart!"

	"I doubt that, my feisty one, or would the queen of hate like to 
feel another blow from my trusty stick?"  The wise voice, although 
unknown, rang in her ears and she turned to see a baboon behind her 
holding his stick in a fighting stance, with a strange look of pity on 
his painted face.

	"No, Rafiki, allow me the pleasure to sink my claws into this 
murderer!  Allow me to avenge Sarabi, for this wicked harlot's scent 
tells me it was her who did the terrible deed!"  Zira turned to see a 
snarling lioness on her right, flanked by three more behind her.  Zira 
snarled, but then heard movement to her left, and her head swung 
towards three more lionesses, led by a golden haired lioness with blue 
eyes.  Zira instantly recognized the golden lioness as Nala.

	"Oh, you must be Nala, tell me, how does it feel to make love to 
a murderer?"  Nala snarled and shot back.

	"What don't you tell me, since no doubt you and Scar rolled in 
the grass a few times!"

	Zira cursed but looked back at Rafiki, then back to Simba.  Her 
eyes shot left and right, and she snarled, as she realized she was 
trapped and surrounded.  The lioness known as Sarafina suddenly snarled 
and flexed her legs intent on gaining her revenge.  Rafiki saw it and 
called out.

	"No, Sarafina!  Let the circle end her.  Hate creates revenge, 
and revenge is a vicious cycle that will never end, and spins contrary 
to the Circle of Life."  Zira's head spun back towards the words of the 
monkey, and she grinned.

	"That is so true, my wise one, but you and the rest of the Pride 
Landers created me!  Gaze upon the queen of hate!  Gaze upon the being 
you created!"  Simba's roar filled the sky causing all to look back at 
him.

	"Silence!  It would give me no greater pleasure than to watch my 
lionesses tear you to shreds for what you've done to me, and my paw is 
shaking for it wants nothing more than to wave the signal for my 
lionesses to do so, for what you did to my mother!"

	"Simba, no!"  The snarling king looked towards the wise shaman.  
"If you do this you will become what you see before you!  You will 
succumb to the hate and evil as this poor lioness has.  The circle will 
continue, and the circle of revenge will replace the circle of life!  
Follow in your father's paw prints, and do what he would do!"  Zira 
roared in response.

	"You foolish weaver of meaningless words!  You have no idea what 
this so-called splendid king did to me!  He ripped the very heart from 
my chest, when he killed my love, Scar!  Then he ripped the very soul 
from my being when he killed Kisasi!  I have nothing left!"  Zira spun 
her head back towards Simba.  "Do it murderer!  Send your playthings to 
kill me!  End my pain!  End the eternal torture that I must endure!  
End the anguish you gave me!"  Zira's eyes widened in rage as Simba 
only stared at her with cold eyes.

	"Do you hear me, you stinking coward?  Kill me!  KILL ME!"  
Zira's closed her eyes and prayed for death, but her eyes flashed open 
as she heard Simba's icy words.

	"No, I will not give you peace.  Never!  You killed my mother, 
you took her life, and you took her from me, just like Scar took my 
father.  You deserve death for your crime, but I will not give it to 
you, for the crime you committed is punished worse by allowing you to 
live.  You want your sentence?  I pronounce it now... EXILE!"  Zira 
screamed as the sentence was passed.  It was worse than any punishment 
could ever be for her; far worse than death.

	"No, you can't do this to me!  You can't leave me all alone!  You 
can't keep making me endure my undying pain!  NOOOO!"  Zira's pleas 
were soon drowned out by the lionesses' roar followed by Simba's as 
they advanced on her.  Zira looked at all directions, no escape from 
them.  The only way was behind her.  Rafiki had moved aside and pointed 
towards The Outlands with his stick.  Zira continued to scream and 
threaten as she was forced into her punishment.

	"You will never be rid of me, until you kill me, do you 
understand?  I will be a black scar upon your lands.  I shall always 
keep coming back, no matter how many times you banish me!"

	"Never, Zira!"  Simba suddenly ran towards Zira and met her eye 
to blazing eye. "If you ever venture onto my lands again, the price 
will be death!"  He motioned towards her bulging belly with his claw.  
"Your cubs as well.  They will be nothing to me but a pound of flesh, 
that I will feast upon!"  Zira snarled back keeping her eyes locked 
onto her sworn enemy.

	"After my cubs are born, I will make them hate you!  I will train 
them and fill their hearts with the hate you gave me.  Their sexes do 
not matter, be it male or female, one will come back and kill you, 
Simba!  Do you hear me!  One day you shall die!"  A sharp blow on her 
rump by that accursed stick, caused Zira to jump in pain.

	"I've heard enough, Zira!  Leave this land, and cease these idle 
threats!  We shall see how the future turns out."  Zira began to walk 
backwards, but looked down to the monkey, and grinned her vicious grin.

	"You had better pray to whatever God you worship that my threats 
do not come true, shaman!  Trust me, one day all I say shall come to 
pass, and Simba shall die by one of my offspring!"  Rafiki said nothing 
only bowed his head and looked away.  Simba roared one last time, 
before he ordered his lionesses to descend upon Zira and make her obey 
his punishment.

	"Zira!  I shall never forget what you've done to me!  You or any 
of your line will never coexist with me, or any of mine from this day 
forward, we are forever enemies!  Get out of my lands!  NOW!"  Zira 
snarled one last time before she obeyed.

	"Simba, you and your pride have always been, are now, and forever 
will be my enemy!"  Zira suddenly ripped a long gash down her chest, 
causing blood to flow, and looked up one last time with a wicked grin.

	"We will meet again.  I swear it, on my own blood!" The lioness 
spun on her paws and ran off towards The Outlands, all the while 
laughing a laugh that chilled every Pride Lander to the bone.  A laugh 
that seemed to cause their blood to turn to ice, for it was a laugh 
that promised to bring all her words to truth, and a laugh that 
guaranteed all she had said would come to pass.


CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE:  A FULL 360 DEGREES


	The lion was astounded, when he saw Zira far off in the distance.  
Nuka jumped to his paws, and prayed thanks to any God who may be 
listening.  His grief over the death of Usiyahi would haunt him 
forever, but to lose Zira would have torn him apart.  He ran to her 
with a happy smile on his face, but his muzzle fell as he gazed into 
the cold eyes of Zira, and her words caused his heart to shatter.

	"You!  How dare you!  You have betrayed me, you are nothing and 
you are not my son!"

	"Mother, don't do this, I am sorry.  Please forgive me, but I 
loved Usiyahi, and had to protect her, but I..."

	"You attacked my love out of sheer lust for her!  She seduced you 
and made you turn against me, you drew blood from Kisasi and broke my 
heart, for that I shall never forgive you.  Nuka, you are dead to me!  
You will never again have my attention!"  Zira walked past him without 
a second look.

	Nuka watched the lioness who he was deceived into believing was 
his mother abandoning him when he needed her the most.  He closed his 
eyes, as they began to sting causing tears to drip over his lids.

	"Zira, one day I will make you proud of me.  One day I will have 
my 'moment of glory,'  and I will make sure you see it!  I swear to 
it!"

	He suddenly opened his eyes, and gazed towards the skies as stars 
were beginning to be seen.  He looked towards the heavens as a 
satisfied feeling of complete contentment suddenly washed over him.   
It was as if he could feel the proud gaze of Fabana smiling down upon 
him.  Somewhere up there he knew that an end to his solitary anguish is 
there, and somewhere Usiyahi was waiting for him, waiting for the 
moment that the two of them would be together... forever.  With a laugh 
that would have mimicked Fabana, he spun on his paws, prancing and 
dancing, and ran towards his favorite spot where he would find his much 
needed rest.  A perfect spot, far from any termite mound.

* * * * * *

	Those same stars fell upon the form of Shari, but her face was 
one of disillusionment and grief, as she walked the lonely paths 
through The Outlands.  The shocking words of Zira still rang in her 
ears.  Kisasi... dead?  No, it couldn't be true.  Then Zira pronounced 
herself queen, saying Usiyahi was also dead.  The shock and disbelief 
of Shari would not allow any resistance to Zira's proclamation, and 
Zira became Queen of the Outlands that night, as Nyota, Jua, Mwezi, and 
Zira all roared one last sorrow filled roar to the skies together, as 
they said good-bye to the dark lion.

	Shari closed her eyes and for once she could not see where the 
future would lead.  The shaman of Kondo could no longer hear her 
master's biding, she had lost her gift, and her prayers went 
unanswered.  She tried desperately to call upon her god for guidance 
but no answer came, only silence.

	The dark of night seemed to match the once beautiful pelt of 
Kisasi, but Shari knew she would never see his smug smile ever again.  
He was lost to her, as was everything she thought was real.  The 
present had completely changed, and the future was something that 
caused her to shiver.  A future with Zira as Queen of the Outlands?  
That was a future she wanted no part of!  The stars fell on the red 
pelt of Shari as she looked back towards The Outlands one last time, 
then with a heavy sigh she turned her back on her pride and ran towards 
the horizon.

* * * * * *

	A scorched pelt, a charred mane, and a bloody body, crawled 
through the underbrush in a desperate attempt for survival.  Kisasi 
tried to raise his head, he could sense the cool light of the moon, but 
could not raise his head to see it.  He was terribly wounded and was 
covered in nasty burns.  Huge chunks of his fur were burnt to nothing, 
and black blisters remained.  His body was scorched and burned, but his 
heart was far worse.  It was broken and ripped from his body, when 
Usiyahi betrayed him, and now it would be forever empty, for Zira 
thought him dead.  Kisasi would never be able to reach her, and would 
never be able to tell her how much he truly did love her.

	Kisasi played his game, but ended up the loser, and the 
triangle's point pierced his heart.  It was a love triangle that he 
created, as he tried to balance his feelings between Usiyahi and Zira, 
but the weight on both ends shattered the entire scale, and he was 
eventually crushed by the enormous weight he tried to manage.  Kisasi 
would heal, but it would take time and time was something he did not 
have.  His body may heal that is, he knew his heart never would.

	He crawled through the dense underbrush, the slightest movement 
of his muscles causing him to wince in pain.  The pain was too great, 
and Kisasi's eyes rolled back in his head as he slipped into 
unconsciousness.  Only time would tell if the dark lion lived, or time 
would be the Reaper's scythe that would eventually kill him.  The light 
of the moon fell upon the still form of the dark lion, the raspy breath 
in his lungs, the only thing that he had left, but would it be enough 
to keep the once proud lion alive?  Only time would tell.


EPILOGUE:  VIGIL'S FINALE


	Ushandra rose to her paws after watching the horizon for the last 
time.  Her life, and her past she had relived that day.  Every truth 
had been told, every dark path was trudged down, every assumption was 
justified, every shadow was illuminated.  She closed her eyes as she 
breathed in the wind, thinking of happier times when she would feel a 
same wind caress her pelt as she lay next to Scar, his musky scent 
fluent in the breeze.  She opened her eyes and gazed at the puffy 
clouds, then cocked her head thinking one looked like Fabana, but 
quickly shook the thought away.  A termite scuttled over her paw, and 
looking down she couldn't help by smile as it remained her of Nuka.  He 
had to be somewhere close by, no doubt trying to think of something 
that would make her happy.  Her eyes fell on the shadow cast by the 
termite mound far behind her.  It was so huge, and black, and 
mysterious; a remembrance to the mighty Kisasi, a cunning, yet handsome 
lion, that proved to the lioness that she could still love another.  A 
sigh escaped her lips and she shook her body violently, feeling the 
wind ripple through her pelt, and the sunrays shone down upon her 
muscular, curved frame.  The unknown lioness roared a mighty roar to 
the sky, as she tore the previous silence to shreds, and let the world 
know that she was there.

	A loud rustle behind her, brought her far away thoughts back to 
the task at hand, and looking back she smiled as she saw her two cubs, 
Vitani and Kovu running up to her.

	"Mom, aren't  you ready yet for the journey you said you were 
going to take us on?"

	"Yes, Vitani, I am ready now, but you will be staying here.  This 
is only for your brother.  It is a journey that I will take him on to 
prove to him the importance of his birth, and why he is the chosen 
one."

	"Sounds sweet!  Where are we going, mother?  I hope it is 
somewhere fun!"  Zira laughed and nodded, as she couldn't help but wear 
that famous, wicked smile.

	"Oh, it will be so much fun, Kovu, I have dreamed of it for days.  
Vitani, we shall see you later.  Come, Kovu, it is time!"  Zira began 
walking towards the border of The Outlands, and Kovu had to run to keep 
up with her long strides.

	"Tell me, mother.  Where are we going?"  Zira only looked down 
and grinned.

	"A place called The Pride Lands, my son.  There is somewhere 
there I want you to meet."
("There is more to see, than can ever be seen, more to do that can ever 
be done!"  Tales from the Outlands ends here... for now.  However, the 
circle of life will continue to spin in Volume II - Legacies.  
Until then... take care!)

	- Scar II