SWEET SALVATION:BY DREW PALMER PART ONE:Your loving arms Scar slowly lurked away from pride rock.His four courting lionesses that had chased him around all month followed his every move until his black mane and dark skin were out of site.Where did he go every night?Why?No one knew what the king of pride rock had up his sleeves. He was kind of reclusive and showed no interest in the lionesses.He was all brand new like a fresh lion.His mane was longer and fine like the thread of a dandelion seed.He walked upright and proud his commanding posture caught the eyes of every female including Sarabi.He had bulging muscles and was no longer a walking skeleton. Taka was a proud lion and had learned the skills of fighting quickly from the lioness Yolanda.She too favored him but never trusted him.Beesa constantly dilly- dallied with his mane complementing on is sumptuous length and thickness.She liked it bushy but he habitually licked his paw and slicked it back.One thing was bothering him:Nala.His little Nala.He often pulled her aside to try and tell her that he was her father and how much he would like to be treated like one.Sarafina would never let him get lovely dovey with her.Nala was not his cub.But she knew better.Sarabi was completely out of hope.She had lost the only lion she could ever love and her only son.Her life had been tragic her mother Avida was killed by hyenas and Shaka her father had been killed in a vengeance rampage. She almost begged for Scar to take her back and love her the way he had before.The pridelands were starting to dry up a little but it wasn't very noticeable. The wind trilled through the trees.The crescent moon shone with her sisters the stars.Everything seemed so perfect.The still quietness. The chirp of the cricket the buzz of the guinea. Scar looked at his reflection in a still pool.Even though others thought he was wonderful,physical wise,he still couldn't see it.But she could.All other females left his mind when she came there.The rogue.That beautiful rogue.She shown like the sun.Not peach like Nala Gold.REAL gold.The color of the noon sun.Violet eyes like the sun set.She was swift and strong and the pride was jealous as heck.Her tiny paws made no sound as she passed through the sleeping pride and into his cave.She never called him Scar she called him Taka his birth name.Her name was Isis.Not Swahili like Taka or Simba or Sarabi or .....Mufasa.He cringed.Half guilt the other hatred.He knew what he had done wrong and admitted it to his twisted mind readily.He didn't condemn it but he never rejoiced over it.Poor Simba.So young so innocent.But innocence rots in time.He knew this very well. He sighed and and licked his paw letting it slide over his satin mane. "I don't think you need to change anything.I like just the way you are" His heart jumped at the sight of her.His rogue. "Isis.You're here early". "You can talk.I need to talk to you.It's very important". "Yes". "I'm pregnant". Taka was dumb struck he stood there mouth hanging open.He would have cubs Yes!He always wanted a child he could care for.He had one that.... "Don't worry" she said soothingly.I always wanted cubs lots of em' to". Scar stammered."B-b-b-but...w-w-w-what about the p-pr-pride"? "What about them I'll just come in and join".He looked at her angrily then released his gaze. "I don't trust them". She looked up at him defiantly."I am the daughter of Maudi Bloodpaw.Great granddaughter of Frazier the great. Teacher of Janja Shadowlurker.Does my blood mean nothing?I have taken down herds of hyenas single pawed!Taken over pride just for the heck of it.I can at least exist peacefully in a pride and bear my cubs". Scar muffled a small laugh."I see" CHAPTER TWO:Sweet Dreams Simba kept running but he couldn't catch it.The white lion in front of him just kept getting faster and faster.'time,Time,Time'it kept chanting again and again.It leapt up and the lion king followed.He leapt up.It was gone.He was standing on top of pride rock looking at a slow motion picture of his home burning.He heard an un-eathly scream and saw Scar.Falling,screaming,just falling until it stopped.Everything.The fire,the scream.But the next thing that happened made Simbas blood curdle.'Simba......Simba...'it was Scars voice.'Vengeance....Vengeance...'the voice died again until thousands of voices cries shout screeches and war cry exalted from the heavens and consumed his terrified mind.'VENGEANCE!VENGEANCE!VENGEANCE!VEN...'.And then it stopped.Simba looked up totally petrified The clouds began to take shape like when he saw his father.The figures green eyes open and raised its head and uttered a shattering roar.... Simba awoke from his dream,shaking,quivering,more scared than he had ever been in his life.Nala was asleep beside him.He looked down.The pride slept peacefully.He looked over to Shani she was standing at the moth of the cave.Her gold fur gleamed in the cold moonlight. She looked into the oblivion with her unflinching golden eyes."Shani,dear is something troubling you"? She turned her head and slowly turned back."Daddy,who is grandpa"? "Why,uhhh...grandpa is well...honey tree no one is really quite sure. When I bring up the subject she doesn't listen." "Okay,Can I just go for a walk dad". "Sure.Remember don't get too light headed with all that dreaming of yours.If you're gonna rule the pridelands you have to learn about a tiny thing called reality". "Yes father". She plodded down her future throne and off into the darkness. Simba wearily walked to the peak of pride rock.He looked over his shoulder at Nala and the slowly dissapering princess."It's all over...until it starts again".His tears were flushed by a gust of wind.The smell of hyenas and death lingered on it.And in that gust of wind Simba swore he heard "I'M COMING" CHAPTER THREE:Loves First Blush Isis walked silently,her head resting on her mate's shoulder as they slowly walked towards priderock."I love you so much". He whispered like the wind in her ear."I know.You say tat so much.I love you too my king". "What will the pride think of me". "They'll be jealous till it hurts".She laughed. She followed Scar lovingly.The pride opened their sleepy eyes.Each sleep filled eye met a too beautiful to be true lioness.She was gold as the sun and she sparkled and glisten like the water on a pool. The looked at each other and slowly pulled their drooping chins up. "This is Isis,my mate and the next queen of the pride lands.I intrust you will entreat her with the same respect that you would show Sarabi". They looked at her in disbelief. "Yoland,Wazi she will lead the hunting party she..." "She is an untrained no account rogue.All she probably eats is stinking waterbuck and carrion from hyenas"! Seeka snarled at her jealously and the three other flirts joined her.Scar growled at her. "Now see here you four" Sarabi joined in on Isis's side. "You don't even know her.Now act like adults"! They layed back their ears and bowed to her. "Who's she"? Isis whimpered in Scar's ear. "Oh,she was my brothers mate and she ruled the pridelands.She did so much for the benefit of peace and life for her home she will almost assuredly go down as a legend unlike my brother he died at an early age." "So do you wanna' get started with the hunt our not"? "Enthusiastic isn't she"? *** Shani walked across the never ending morning savanna.Humming to herself like a sparrow. "Well,I've never seen a more beautiful lioness you shine like the sun". She gasped and wheeled around and saw a beautiful lion.He was dark maned with piercing,fiery eyes.He was lightly built but handsome. "My name is Shani.I am the princess of the pridelands and daughter of Simba and Nala,may they reign forever". "Did you say Simba?". "Yes is that a problem"? "Uh,no.No it's not.My name is Kovu son of...well,Isis". "Kovu?That means "scar".My dad and mom fought a mean lion named Scar. He stole our throne.He was a terrible ruler". "And a forgetful father". "What did you say"? "Uh nothing.Could you show me around I'm new". *** "What makes you so special"? Ngwame growled at Isis. "Maybe it was fate". "Fate?Ha!You have no god heathen"? "I believe that we all have a chosen one that the circle moves us to. Aiheu moves us to". Taka is my chosen one and I love him with all my body heart and soul. I die for him and he for me". The four lionesses were shamed by her modesty."You for Join the rest of the pride!There is a zebra herd over there just waiting for us". Sarabi pushed them back into line. "Sarabi,you and Sarafina come with me.You seven others go through that grass and fan out in front of the herd.Stay low.And be prepared"! They eyed each other. "I could of thought of that!Anyway it will never work".Isha spat.Isha and Yolanda led the seven lionesses through the tall grass and fanned them out in front of the herd.Isis took Sarabi and Sarafina through the cool shadows of the kegla trees leading them towards the rear of the herd. "Now Sarabi you take left flank and Sarafina take right.This is just a precaution but it happens a lot." They nodded and positioned themselves where she had said.Isis strode out between them in plain view. Isis was determined to show Scar that she didn't need to be keapt in a iron cage.She was a full grown adult and could take care of herself.She didn't need hyenas for bodyguards or the pride to come at her every whim.She glared at her prey.They met her stare with equally curious eyes.she had to make a kill.The gods were with her!The lush blue-green grass silent rubbed aginst her shoulders. "Isis,get down you'll scare them off!The pride will be trampled"! Sarafina hissed. "Shhh.Follow my orders and we'll eat like queens". "Easy for you to say".The herd looked at her with unflinching black eyes."Oh-ho!What stupid animals.They just standing there.They're gonna get eaten". Isis said to herself. "Look at them.What dumb animals they're gonna get trampled". An old zebra said to her mate. Isis sped off and landed on the back of a young male.The others took off.Heading right where Isis wanted them."We're going to get killed"! Sikeea shouted.Isis shot her head up from the dying dinner in her paws."HOLD YOUR GROUND"! She roared.Just as the herd came upon the waiting lioness Isis roared again"NOW"!! The lionesses shot from the grass like frightened quail and sprang upon the nearest animal.Three were in the lions grasp and the herd averted their direction towards Sarabi and Sarafina."CLOSE FLANKS"! Sarabi and Sarafina rushed in each grabbing hold of a much awaited throat. Isis hauled her prized and counted her kills."Let's see,1-2-3-4-5-6.A record low for me with a pride but it'll do". "I can't beleive it!We've never killed so much." "Well,I haven't missed a kill in ..let's see..two..three years." "Scar and the hyenas will be full.So that's how you fattened him up like that." *** "Today I announce my queen.She not only will bear the next ruler but if anything should happen to me she will rule.Today before the gods and the host of the elders and the kings of the past I present my queen". Scar stood like a stone pillar on the top of pride rock,his kingdom gathered before him.The pride stood behind him.His Isis stood provocatively in front of them her tail coiled around her front legs.Some lionesses were mad at her for taking his attention.The hyenas below hooted,hollered and whistled he made his habitual 'throat slitting'movement which meant 'shut up or else'! sometimes it ment other things. Isis slowly made her way up the rock and surveyed her kingdom.She climbed the rock keeping her eyes locked with his.Her golden coat glinted in the sun and her violet sparkled with love."Before you go any farther I love you Isis.From now until forever.May the gods bless us and our children in the years to come." He stretched his paw across the horizon."Your kingdom.They're waiting to hear you".She waited for Scar to roar but he gestured for her to start.She roared.Her roar seemed to shake the ground and startle the ears of Scar's subjects.He answered.The next two roars they proclaimed in unison.The pride roared twice.The zebras,sables,meerkats,elephants.antelopes,cheetahs, a pride of lions that lived close to the pridelands,and every other creature roared,hooted,snorted,pawed and bucked.Scraped and reared.Yelled and screamed.Cried and rejoiced.And the animals below bowed to there rulers. ......Except one.A lone hyena watched her beloved and the lioness roar.Her long,black hair wipped in the wind as her ears stung to the ringing pain of their twin roars.She sighed.He had forgotten her and what they had together. "Well,at least you're happy.That is all I could ever want my love". Scar and Isis stayed in their cave for a whole week after her coronation and their marriage.Isis had formed fast friends with the hyenas and lionesses alike.Scar taught Isis the pinning move (for other reasons than fighting,ahem) that he had taught Nala.She was quite impressed by his stealth and speed,but his strength could use some work.She lead the hunt and communed between the constantly feuding hyenas and the pride as the ground grew a little dryer and food slowly decreased.She was the luke warm water in a land of fire and ice.A rock of tranquility in a sea of squalls.Nala had to be her best friend.And she often told Scar that maybe the lionesses should be allowed to find mates outside of the pridelands. One day,while Isis still slept,Taka crept out of the cave and over to the sleeping Nala.She had grown a little larger since Simba and Mufasa went to live with the gods."Gods, my daughter is beautiful." "Nala,I have to tell you something before the others wake up." "Yes sir". She followed him obediently. "Look Nala everything the light touches is our kingdom". "It is beautiful my lord". "One day the sun will set on my time here and will rise with you as the new queen". She stood,silently questioning him with her eyes."Nala,did Sarafina ever tell you who your father is"? "No sire.She told me that Mufasa would always be there for me". "Why not me"? "Sire"? "Nala I am your father and I love you dearly". She stared at him as he lifted his paw.She followed it with her eyes as it hovered over her head."It's alright".He said soothingly.She lowered her ears as he slowly caressed her head.She slowly smiled and purred.Scar smiled widely.Nala got up and smothered her head in his long mane."Daddy.My daddy".He silently let a tiny,joyful tear run down his eye.Scar lowered himself like a giant sphinx as little;Nala crawled in between his paws.He licked her head as she played with his long,black whiskers.Taka pulled out a long claw and tickled her tummy.She grabbed his hand and laughed hysterically. Sarafina rubbed her sleepy eyes."Nala,it's time for....Nala..NALA"! She looked around but she was gone."Sarabi" she nudged the dethroned lioness."Where is my daughter"? "I don't.....". There was a loud round of laughter from the peak of priderock."No". she whispered. Scar raced down the rock with Nala close at his heels.She growled and leapt upon him."Gotcha". Scar rolled on his back in a very convincing death scene."Oh,got me again"! She panted "I love you,dad". "I love you too daughter".Nala looked down and betwix the digits of her paws was a blood red flower."Look Daddy,Alba-the blood of mercy". "You are as smart as you are pretty". "It's my favorite bedtime story". Nala plucked the flower with her teeth and climbed onto the crest of Scar's mane.She unleashed her tiny claws and braided the flower into his mane."Where this dad." "Simple gifts created great things".Nala smiled proudly. "NALA!GET AWAY FROM HIM" ! Scar pulled himself up with one paw and eyed the growling Sarafina with Sarabi behind her. "Nala,get away from him"! "No". Nala quietly hid behind her father's large forepaw. "NOW Nala". "Sarafina.You should be ashamed.Never telling her who her father was". "It doesn't matter!You were supposed to leave us alone!You promised!" "I promised-YOU promised"! "You said you never cared about the reaction of the pride.You said I would at least be able to say hello to my only child". "Your wife is with child!Don't even think about taking her away"! "I just want a chance to love her and be loved in return". "He's right Sarafina."Sarabi barged in."If I know him it was very difficult for him to do this.He deserves a chance.And I know he would never steal her.He will make a wonderful father." Sarafina began to cry Naiomi and Beesa rushed to her."Come Nala there is much to learn". Nala followed her father into the savanna.All that lay beyond,the unquestioning oblivion and the questionable future. CHAPTER FOUR:The Ties That Bind Two violet eyes watched pride rock keenly.He gold fur shivered in the breeze.A strong voice came behind her,"Mother,we need to hunt".she turned around to meet her son. "Alright Rahaja". He looked at her beautiful face."He's coming". She smiled.The two left the rock and headed towards the pride.She was proud of her children.Ten to be exact.Seven boys.Three girls.The girls had already found rogue mates but saw them little now.Two of the males had mates one was pregnant.Her daughters Aiheu,Kami,and Kiasa slowly followed her of the quarry of their home onto the savanna.The lioness slowly slunk into the grass hidden by her gold coat.The three daughters hid in the shadows with their chocolate coats and black tufted tails.....and green eyes. The wind blew sweeping the three lioness scents past the impala herd.They smelt the lions scent and dashed to right where the old lioness was hiding.She leapt upon the petrified creature with a roar snapping its neck neatly. The party dragged the small kill back to there home.They would hunt again in a short time.The old one began to slink off."Mother,are you going to pride rock again". "Yes. There is someone I need to see". Nala stood silently on her throne watching her kingdom.Remembering her mother...and father.Scar was her father Simba never knew and she hoped to keep it that way.He treated her so well.Like a real father.All his time was devoted to her.She learned of his past secrets and ran away from it all.The sweet sound of his voice as he whispered things in her ear.The gentle kindness he gave to her from them to what thery hoped to be forever. She heaved a sigh.What was that?Was that something in the grass.It was.Two purple eyes were watching her.When they met whatever it was scurried away.She tried to cry out but it was gone as quickly as it came."Your highness!My queen"! Zazu was panting at her feet in a majestic bow."What is it"? "Another pride!Dark lions.Brought down and antelope an hour ago.Four females.Seven males"."Tell Simba and the pride"! Zazu fluttered down to them and told them of the situation."Yolanda,you follow Zazu and lead the pride.Nala you're with me". "Ummmmm..no I don't think I should go.Please find Shani and bring her back please". Nala watched Simba and the pride dissapear through the thick grass.. Something was wrong.She turned around.There was a lioness there.She stared at Nala eyes wide and cold.She never even breathed.Nala was to scared to move. "Nala'she snapped eyes not blinking "Join us!Before it's too late!" She noticed the three gashes on her left shoulder.The lioness approached her and unleashed her claws.She swept across her left shoulder.Nala stifled acry.Nala growled and approached her angrily.The lioness backed up.... BLOOD OF TAKA STRONG AND SURE SIMBA DIE HE ENDURE What was she talking about.Taka?She knows who I am?Simba!She turned her head around to where Simba had gone.Everything looked fine.What in the world was she.......she was gone. Nala dashed off racing across the pridelands."Simba"! She shouted. The blood from her shoulder dripped onto the parched ground.She saw Simba talking to the pride."Simba"! "Nala,what is it". "Oh,you're okay". "Nala!Who did this to you"! There was the scurrying sound in the weeds ahead and slowly the dark pride emerged.Their green eyes stared coldly at Nala.Nala head began to reel.She could hear cries,laughter,everything.Then her head was filled with African chant.And slowly she heard it only a whisper that grew to a scream. BLOOD OF SCAR SURE AND STRONG THROUGH IT ALL HE LIVES ON Nala screamed and seized her head.Simba and the pride rushed to her side.She was panting and wheezing.Simba turned around angrily to the dark pride but they were gone."Nala,what did you see?What is wrong"? "Simba I saw-they...."she stopped suddenly and shot her head to the sky that one by one was filling with stars.The wind blew around her and whispered in her ear. She stared blankly at the sky a said one thing-"he's coming". CHAPTER FIVE:Spirits Hi mama kelwewa Eups supomi jay Yom eis yombaby uncaba me Oh! na hi mama Africa Oh!ma mama Africa Feel the spirits surround you Ancient history of life Feel your spirit soaring This is the land of Africa -Lebo M. It was still dark and chilly when Isis woke from her sleep.Her mate snored loudly with Nala sleeping beside him with her paw draped around his neck.She was almost growing so big their little pedestal wasn't big enough for them but she was hanging on her dad's tail.Zazu slept with his head under one wing trapped in a rib cage.He had been there ever since mating season had started and he kept squaking, screaming,and dancing.The other lions could stand it but it drove Scar mad. Isis groaned as she rolled over.Her purple eyes shot open with a breif kick from within her and a dull,but painful pain.Her tail twitched.It was time for new lives to begin. She pushed herself up and nearly fell.She shook her head and pushed her mate hard. No waking him up.He slept like a rock. Isis left with no goodbyes but a brilliant smile."Don't worry,Taka. When I return,The gods will bless us and our little ones and bring your land rain."Isis trotted off into the horizon. Deep in the thorn bushes on the out skirts of the pridelands. "And you,you are Kovu.There,eleven cubs.I'm exhausted". Kovu played with an ostrich feather alighted on the wind.His brothers and sisters slept or sat looking at their mother curiously."Kovu,you're walking' already"? Kovu stumbled on his shaking legs falling over a tiny cliff.HE coughed in the dust,looking around for his family.He mewed piteously."Kovu,where are you"? Kovu looked around for his momma.There was a brief shift of leaves and an obnoxious hissing sound.He mewed again.A black snake slowly emerged from the shadows."Kovu"! Isis looked down in utter horror at her son and the snake.It struck bearing his fangs and digging deep into his chocolate fur. "NNOOOOO"!!! Kovu fell and didn't move."My baby"! "Fortunately,the snake was nonvenomous and I barely survived taking what I could from hyena and vulture carrion." "I'm so sorry".Shani licked his cheek and borrowed his head into his long black mane."I know my father will object but I still love you Kovu". "I love you Shani". The sun rose higher and higher into the sapphire sky as the two sealed their bond under the shade of the acacia trees. CHAPTER SIX :Growing pains DURING SCAR'S REIGN "Nala we all love you more than anything but you know your father is untrue". Nala sobbed as Rafiki and Sarabi comforted her. "My child,dad circle had a place for you dat is not meant for Scar. You need to follow this". She looked at Rafiki through Taka's unflinching golden eyes.In those eyes he saw the love and pain she was made to endure.She lost Simba.Now she was going to lose her father that she loved more than life itself."I am sorry". Sarabi licked her cheek.Rafiki stretched his arms across the horizon."It is your destiny.Look across this kingdom it will live because of you". She slowly descended the rock and looked back."I'll go but I want to see if he still loves me". Scar rolled around with his mondavu.At three months old he was the biggest of the litter.Ten cubs.Ten whole cubs!His sons and daughters adored their father.Scar couldn't let what happened between he and Mufasa happen between his cub.So he made official thet Isis would rule if something should happen to him.Isis told him he would live to be old and wise but he knew this wasn't true.He never had a favorite,but Kiasa his daughter was the most fun. and Rahaja always played with the hyenas.Kami was born to hunt and run.Aiheu was beautiful and a good fighter.N'golo, Ngwema,and Akosa learned what they could from the wisdom of the pride.Bonja,and Kube were mom's little boys.And Modavu was daddy's little guy. Scar laughed about what a hard time Rafiki had presenting the cubs to the pridelands.Kube had fallen out of his hands but Scar quickly caught him and held him up on his own. Stupid monkey.They al looked like him. Cute.Well it was hunting time.Isis slowly got up with three cubs hanging off her back.Scar chuckled as they fell on their rumps with a plop.He picked Kami up in his mouth and led them back."Ah,Dad I wanna' hunt"! "Dom't be widicowus.Gob,ifs hard tof tag lick thif".Scar spat his word clumsily with the cub in his mouth.The cubs followed him back to his cave."Let's see 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-.Hmmmmm.Rahaja"! "Rahaja was playing tag with Ed when daddy callled. "Awww.But Dad" .... "Antelopes butt,you come up here". "Sorry Ed.See you later". Rahaja slowly entered the cave.His father stood sternly at the mouth."Dad.Why wont you let me play with Ed". Scar lifted him and began to bathe him."Dad,da erhhh C'mon you're messing' up my umph mane".Scar smiled and let him down."That's why". Scar plopped himself on him stoney bed.Zazu sat sleepily in his rib cage."Hey Dad" said Kiasa "Can we play with the banana beak"? "Oh- sure kids". They lept upon the cage clawing at the tasty chicken inside."Scar!Your highness!Sire!Please help me"! Scar just laughed. "Alright you've had your fun".Zazu breathed a sigh of relief as the cubs jumped on to of the pedestal. "Dad,tell us a story.Like the one with the lioness that slit her wrists,or Kube fireheart,or Maudi Bloodpaw". "Oh,argh,umph,let it wait till later my memory's not goin' anywhere". "C'mon pleeease"?! Scar looked at the pitiful puppy dog faces around him."Oh alright". They snuggled into his mane or under his paws."Once upon a time,when the savanna was young".... The lionesses scraped off what was left of the carcass that the hyenas had finished.Sarafina sat stone faced staring off in the sunset mumbling something to herself. >From a silent standpoint,a lioness looked into Scar's cave ~He forgot. He forgot all about me~."I love you momma". She turned "I love you daddy". A wet tear ran down her face as she galloped from her past into the oblivion beyond.