Redemption Chapter One : Memories and Waterfalls The sun had begun to set. He quietly crept out of the shadows which had formed with the last dying beams of the day. No one around to distract him as he glanced up at the approaching night sky. He often stole away from the others to this spot. Here, he and his father would often lie. Aside from the knowledge, it was one of the only memories of his father that he wanted to keep alive. He often resented what had been done to father. Shunned from his rightful place as king in the Pridelands, beaten down, then left for dead. If it had not been for the compassion of his mother, Sikia, his glory would have ended there and then. It had not, however. Sikia, detached from the group of lionesses, had taken pity on his father. She left the group, found father, and helped him to safety. Surprisingly, the fire had not done much damage, his mother told him. It was the murderers who had dealt the blows which crippled him so. He remembered his father vividly. Father had told him stories of his rule. He did not deny that certain mistakes were made. These mistakes, his father had told him, swapped his fate, changing him from the hunter to the prey. Father spoke his mind, taught him well, so that one day he could return. He, Tokeko, would take his father's rightful place. Father said that the downfall made him change. He was a different lion than the lion who had taken the throne. He became aware of how bad things had become when he was forced to leave. This spawned the greatest piece of advice father would give Tokeko: Keep things under control. Never to get carried away with the glory and fame. He missed his father. When father realized that he had become too weak in his elderly age to carry on; that he was too crippled, and was setting the whole group behind, he chose to leave. It was a decision that Tokeko had respected. He knew that his father had been a proud lion. Yet a part of him despised himself for not stopping him. Accommodations could have been made. His father did not have to die alone. The weeks after father's departure, Tokeko came to the realization that most of his positive emotions died with father. He now preferred to live by himself, he took his meals by himself, he slept by himself. The only lion he felt close to was Sikia, his mother, who consoled him after father left. She promised him that all would be right, that father knew what he was doing. She told him stories of his father which he had not known. She told him of the great change in father's personality after his defeat. He was no longer ruthless, he now cared for his family, for their well being. She made brief mentions of his rule, during which she had not seen father for the lion he was. She noted that she saw him as akiller. A note which she never expanded upon. Tokeko never asked, but could never picture father as a killer, as a ruthless leader with no feelings. Surely no one could be expected to rule perfectly. She told him exactly what father had told him, that he had regretted many things. In the end, Tokeko decided, these stories came down to nothing. All that mattered was that he would one day reign. With the knowledge that father had given him, he would be careful to avoid the mistakes that he had been told of. He saw his rule as being perfect. All that stood in his way now was Simba. Tokeko had never stood face to face with Simba, thus never had a chance to evaluate his character. Father taught him that eyes never lie. He often looked to the eyes of others to judge their personality. It could save a considerable amount of trouble in the long run. It was one of the most important leason that he took from his father's teachings. He had heard stories from the other lions about Simba's return, and his defeat of father. These stories painted father as an evil person. Stories that rapidly ended when Tokeko was spotted nearby. One lion made the mistake of insulting father. For this, he paid dearly. Tokeko's quiet nature had not robbed him of his brute strength. The insults, mixed with the recent departure of father had brought out a savage rage. Channeled, Tokeko realized, this rage could be put to good use. The battle over father's honor had left Tokeko with a sense of strength, and left the opposing lion with one less eye. No one would dare to challenge father's honor again. - - * - - Sikia stepped out of her cave and looked to her son. A felling hit her, a felling that she had been dreding for all of his life. She knew that his time was coming, the time he would go and avenge his father. She had not worried about it much until he blinded that lion that spoke illy of Taka. Sikia was startled to learn of her son's strength. She always mistook his quietness for weakness. She had hoped that these fellings of weekness would keep him from acting out thoughts of revenge against Simba. She also had tried to distract him by encouraging Tokeko to make friends. "It's healthy --" she would say. She had thought that surronding him with others would keep his mind occupied. But alas, it didn't work. Tokeko gave his mother's words a halfhearted attempt, and marginally succeeded. He made friends with a few cubs, but these friendships grew distant with time, and Tokeko soon found himself alone, again. He had now matured into a young adult. With time, the habits of a young cub had washed away, to be replaced with emptiness. Tokeko often stole away and fell asleep alone. Sikia worried, as any mother would have worried if her son alienated himself from the group. She felt that she had failed him somehow. She knew that the stories the other lions told were true. She detested the fact that Tokeko had crippled another lion for telling the truth. She also knew the problem. All of his life, Tokeko had been raised to believe that Taka had been the rightful heir to the throne. No one had told him that he killed his brother to get his way. She mentioned this vaguely once or twice, hoping that Tokeko would not bother probing deeper into the matter. Unfortuantaly, her hopes were answered. Sikia knew that the bond between Taka and Tokeko was greater than anything she could come up with, and she knew how much it must have hurt Tokeko to lose his father. She continued to tell him stories of Taka's rule, but she never accented the fact that he was defeated by Simba, that Simba was the rightful king. This sparked the problem, and she knew it. In Tokeko's mind, Taka was the rightful king, not Simba. She also knew that she had to do something, anything, to steer him in the right direction. Tokeko was very destructive, and would not tolerate any soiling of Taka's memory, so she knew that she would have to choose her words carefully. Anything to help him readjust to life in the Pridelands, where he would return. It was inevitable. To keep him away from the grass of the Pridelands was like stopping a waterfall. Impossible, but she had to try to make his journey easier. She decided that the time had come. - - * - - Tokeko laid quietly on the outcrop of rocks where his father had taught him many lessons. He thought, he remembered father's last words: Make me proud. That was all he wanted to remember of father's departure. His life's mission was altered by those three words. He knew what had to be done. He knew that the time was coming. He would return soon. A rustling of leaves focused his attention. "Mother" he said without turning his head. Only she would approach him this late in the day. "Yes son. I came to talk to you." She said simply. "About?" Tokeko inquired. "-- About your father. There are things --" She began hesitantly. "Things you must know." - - * - - The same sun set over pride rock. Simba and Tanabi stood silently, and watched peace settle over the land. The land which had not long ago been savagely destroyed by the fires. Ironically, these fires had cleansed the lands of evil. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Now, all was peaceful in the land. Simba let out a long, quiet sigh. He remembered the ordeals that had resulted from improper rule, and was determined to teach Tanabi all he knew, all he had a chance to learn while his father had lived. He was sure that Tanabi would make an excellent ruler. He displayed all the characteristics, but one: strength. To look at them both, side by side, one would never guess that they were father and son. Tanabi had grown rapidly and had outgrew his father not too long ago. Unfortunatly, despite his physical appearance, he did not have a large reserve of physical, brute, strength. Simba could not recall an instance where Tanabi had mustered strength to achieve a goal. He knew that Tanabi made up for his weakness with his inner strength. His willpower, his determination, and his forcefulness were great indeed. He had no doubt, however, that Tanabi would experience grief at the hands of his weakness. He knew that the world could be a cruel place. He knew that well enough. The Circle had delt him this and he would have to overcome. "Dad?" The interruption startled Simba. Only now he realized that the sun had set completely. He looked back at Tanabi as he stood at the cave entrance. He gave his father a quick smile. "You go on ahead. I'll be right in." Simba had always liked to sit on the edge of his throning rock and gaze at the stars. He knew that Mufasa watched him from above. He also knew that he would one day take his place alongside his father. Then Tanabi would need to prove himself a true king. Today, however, as the darkness settled over the land, the stars were not to be seen. Simba recognized the storm approaching for what it was. He knew well enough to stay in out of the rain. He would find his father another night. He stood up and walked into the cave to his son. - - * - - Tokeko turned his head. He saw his mother approaching carefully, almost hesitantly. He knew that something was wrong. She never hesitated to talk to him. The two were always open as all they had were each other. First the death of his sister, then departure of father, had brought them together. If that bond was falling, then what did he have left? Only the goal, nothing would matter then. If he achieved it, he would take his father's place. If not, the world would be no worse off. "Yes, Mother?" - - * - - Sikia saw the look in her son's eyes. Quick, jabbing pain. She knew that hesitation would get her nowhere, but with matters dealing with Taka, she was afraid to disturb any of Tokeko's memories. All she could think of was the lion who had tried to disprove Taka's honor and his devastated eye. That was for a simple comment. What would he do when hit with the whole, dredful truth. Sikia now was scared, not for breaking his heart, but for herself. She knew Tokeko loved her, but he loved Taka more. Would he lash out at me, his own mother? She stopped. She could not break his heart. He would learn these lessons on his own. Something, though, anything to help him. After a long, awkward pause, Tokeko spoke. "Mother, I also want to share something. I have decided...it will soon be time to avenge Father." Her heart dropped. "I -" She began, but stopped. She did not want her son to leave, but she was powerless to stop him. She knew instantaly what advice to give him. "I understand. But before you do anything, let me tell you something. Something which will make your trip -- easier." "Anything.." He prompted. "Your father...that is...now that Simba is king, your father's name is not very...accepted." She was nervous, she had struggled for the right words. She had reason to be nervous now. She knew her words would hit home soon. "On your journey, do not tell anyone who your father is. It will make matters... easier." She finished and awaited a reply, verbal or physical. She no longer feared Tokeko. It was too late for that. If he was to harm her, it was irreversible now. - - * - - Tokeko was speechless. He fought to keep his anger under control. He did not want to believe his mother. Lies! But in all the years they had been close, he had never known her to lie to anyone. He decided that what she told him must be the truth. The anger left him as rapidly as it appeared. He saw no need for rebuke. "I see. Thank you Mother." He gave his response quite blandly. "I might as well leave as soon as possible." began Tokeko. He always lived on 'the spur of the moment'. He was too smart, however, to jump into a journey like this one without knowledge. He knew that mother had lived in the Pridelands for a long time. He knew that she could be avaluable source of information, too great a source to pass up. "Is there anything you could tell me about life there which could help me? Anything -- No matter how insignificant." "Yes my son. I can tell you much which might help you --" They talked until Sikia could no longer hold her eyes open. She had often joked that Tokeko had never seen an actual sunrise. It was true, he always slept from late at night until late hours after the sunrise. It never failed to bring a light laugh out of him. He realized he would miss his mother. She would eventually adjust to life without him, and he would find her when he became king. He had no doubt that everything would work out well. He would have invited her to join him, but he knew that the journey would dangerous. He preferred not to expose his mother to the journey. They both retired to their misty cavern. The storm had passed, all was quiet now. In minutes, all that could be heard was the soft breathing of a dedicated son and his relieved mother. - - * - - Simba had long since drifted off to sleep. Nothing short of a major disaster would wake him tonight, for tonight he dreamt of Mufasa. The last time his father had appeared to him, spoke to him, he was presenting his son after his birth. But this time, he was presenting himself again, as he did after the defeat of his uncle. There had to be a reason. Mufasa appeared in a haze of blue clouds. Not in the sky this time, like the last, but at eye level to Simba. At first, Simba approached his father carefully. He saw the stern gaze his father shot his way, and instantly realized that all was not right. He made his way as close to father as he possibly could, yet the unseen force that played master over his dream held him back, held him away. "Father.." he said quickly, as if he was afraid that his father would fade away as he had years ago. "Simba..," interrupted Mufasa. His deep voice sent a shiver down Simba's spine. He had forgotten his father's voice. "Simba, it is not yet finished. Prepare yourself." said the specter. His voice held a tone of advice. Simba awoke suddenly. It had not taken much to wake him after all. He forced himself to his paws, and quickly looked around the cavern, almost willing himself to see his father standing behind a rock, playing hide-and-seek as they had done when he was a young cub. Mufasa, however, would not be found behind any rocks this time. He knew that he had dreamt the whole thing, his father was long dead. A part of him had accepted the fate of his father a long time ago. Another part, the one buried deep within, had yet to overcome the fact that he was somewhat responsible for that death. If he had not been so easily fooled, deceived, by the promises of a surprise which had never come, his father would still be alive today. This part of Simba had been suppressed so long, that it was undetectable. These memories helped unearth it, and Simba once again faced his past. More importantly now, he faced his present. What had the advice meant? "What's not finished?" he asked himself, so quietly that he wondered if he had said, or thought, the question. "Prepare for what?" - - * - - Sunrise. The warm rays of the sun lightly touched Sikia's eyelids. They fluttered open. She instantly realized that something was horribly, horribly wrong. She was alone. Tokeko never wandered off without giving her a notice. She had thought that to be detrimental to his development. Adult lions should not have to tell anyone where they go. Tokeko, however, remained close to his mother. Now she shivered at the fact that he left without informing her. She knew that he had left for good. The realization that she would not see her son for a long time, if ever, hit her. It hit her hard and she was stunned. For a few minutes, all was memories. She remembered Tokeko's birth. Both she and Taka were delighted. She knew that Taka had changed. It was possibly the birth of Tokeko that had completely reformed him. He took full responsibility for Tokeko, and though crippled, he attempted to do with him what ordinary fathers taught their sons. He first taught him the physical survival skills, but as time progressed, the physical skills were replaced with more mental stimulation. They would spend hours discussing the finer, and not-so-finer, points of ruling. Taka's recovery was incredible. Though he was injured, the love of his son helped him overcome all but the most brutal experiences. She had no doubt that were Taka to go back to the pride, he might even manage to fit in. Not that anyone would want him there. That's why she took pity on him first. She put herself in his position. He had made some mistakes, but she knew that it was best to put the past behind him. Like it or not, he was a valuable addition to the group. He was the type who was not afraid to speak his mind. Though this 'speaking' had often carried him too far, he was not unlike anyone else. He deserved a second chance. She had quietly left the group. The others would not have understood her reasoning and she was not sure that at the time she understood it properly. She waited until the hyenas retreated to a safe distance. She approached his unmoving body. She could see that it was still breathing faintly. "The hyenas never did do a quality job.." She remarked to herself. She walked up to Taka, and licked the blood off of his face. It was just enough to stir life back into his body. He opened his eyes, painfully, slowly. It was apparent that he struggled to amass the situation. She took no notice. "Careful. We must leave quickly. Before they find you..." she told him. He only looked back. His eyes showed nothing but pain...no, pain and something else. Gratefulness. Taka was sure that he had lost all, but he had not. Slowly but surely, she aided him up. His left forepaw had been chewed through and bones showed through his gaping wounds. He fell many times on the short jouney. He lost the use of his left forepaw, and his hind legs would not cooperate without the most intense concentration. They finally made it far enough to avoid the majestic fires which had sprouted. She began to clean his wounds. When he was close enough to her head, he gave her a kiss. A simple kiss was all that was needed to bind them. She knew then that she would have no other. Slowly, her deep pity was turned into love. The days that followed, Taka was still silent, as his strength had not yet returned. He made several efforts to pick himself up, but was unsuccessful. Sikia, meanwhile, gathered enough food for two. She could not go back to the others now, and decided that they should move away quickly, before anyone discovered them. She tended to Taka for the next few days, during which his strength returned somewhat. She had returned from gathering food. She was cleaning it, and suddenly, she heard a sound behind her. Taka had managed to pick himself up, and crawl over. The first words he uttered to her on a personal level were "Thank you, but why?" He seemed at a lack for words. His voice was still as deep and bassy as it always was, but this time it held a chord of compassion. It was clear that no one had ever gone out of their way to pay extra attention to him. She could not give him an answer. It had been a spontaneous decision on her part. A portion of her just knew that they were meant for each other, and she knew that she could not let him die that way. Soon after, they departed. It had been a long trip. Taka, being crippled, had slowed their journey considerably. She took no notice of this, however. All she could think about was her future with him. They soon found a spot which was suitably uninhabited. It was a beautiful place. A match, even, for the Pridelands. Early on, they discovered that it was not all uninhabited. Luckily, the occupants understood their situatuation. They soon integrated themselves into the group. Taka showed no signs of wanting to go back, to extract revenge. Even if he did, in his present condition, he was in no shape to extract anything. The old lifestyle had been forgotten. It died in the fires under pride rock. Soon, their love for each other produced two cubs. A son and daughter. Tokeko and Kibeti. When the king died, the pride split into groups. Taka and Sikia led a group away, not wanting more bloodshed among lions. They had had enough for a lifetime. They made their way even further from the Pridelands. Their group found a small, yet beautiful clearing which proved an excellent home. There, Taka had taught Tokeko all he needed to know. Kibeti, meanwhile had died on the trip, as she proved to be too sick for such an expedition. She was found dead the morning after they had arrived at the new home. It was a great loss for the two, as losing a daughter would be to any parent. They wept for many days. It was not fair that one so young and lovely had died for no reason. She would have had a good life. They eventually surpassed their feelings, and coped with the death. It was, however, not easy. Eventually, Taka knew that he was of little use. He confided in Sikia before leaving. Sikia did not understand the reasoning of her husband. She did not see why Taka could not live out his years among the others. He had no reply. Inside she knew that it was pride. He did not want Tokeko to see him grow into a worthless old lion. She knew that she had no say in the matter, and if she did, it would be nearly impossible to convince him. She silently turned from him. She understood, and finally nodded to her mate. That night, Taka talked with Tokeko. Surprisingly, Tokeko seemed to understand. He did not fight as she had fought, and frankly, she could not understand. It was his father, the most important being in his life! How could he just stand by and let him die like that? Soon after the death of Taka, Tokeko became a recluse. He only came out publicly to collect any food which was gathered. He slept until the late morning, and stayed up late. She never understood this. She finally questioned Tokeko on the matter, and he replied simply, "I need time to reflect." She still did not understand why he could not reflect in the light of day. She never pursued the subject further as it seened to cause pain in him. Tokeko lost whatever closeness may have existed between him and any other cubs. He now needed no one but himself. She was saddened by this. It was as if she had lost her son...lost my son! The thought brought her back to reality. She stood up, and proceeded very slowly to the cavern entrance. After all, time had no meaning now. It was just empty space. She was surprised to find a torn carcass, and several smaller animals laid with great care at the entrance of her cave. She knew that it was Tokeko's doing, he had not forgotten his mother. It was almost a farewell gesture. Again, she felt saddened. Tokeko must have spent hours catching this. It all finally hit. She began to cry. There was no one to be composed for, so she fell to the ground. There she laid, sobbing. - - * - - Further away, Tokeko watched. He was never good at farewells. He decided that the best action was the one he'd taken. He felt shame for making his mother cry, she deserved better than that. She gave him life, and he swore to give her life in return. She would never be burdened again. All that remained was to begin the journey. He formulated the plan the night he went hunting. He was not very successful at the hunting, but he managed to pick off the small, the weak, and the sick. He was, however, more successful at planning. It was not a very defined plan, yet, but it would suffice. He glanced around again in his mother's direction. All his being wanted to console her, to comfort her as she had comforted him. It was too late now. He felt a deep surge of regret as he left. Quietly, he made his way through the trees. The pain was great, but he shed not one tear. It was not time for tears yet. The time would come. He would make his father's a satisfied soul.. He would make his a satisfied soul.. To put the plan into action.. -- Now to find the help I'll need.. - - * - - The next few hours brought no enlightenment. Simba asked the same two questions over and over, almost hoping that Mufasa himself would appear and explain. He knew that the advice was not to be taken lightly. In fact, he was downright scared. His father had told him to prepare. For what? It almost hinted at a confrontation. He could not prepare for that which he did not know. He needed time to think things over. He needed a friend. He knew that he needed Rafiki. End: Chapter One *************************************************************** * * * * Ian Layton * Rama * * ramacub@geocities.com * Member - FCOS * * * * * http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/5026 * *************************************************************** The weather-- Pbbbah! Very peculiar. Don't you think?