To fight the unbeatable foe To hear with unbearable sorrow To run where the brave dare not go To right the un-rightable wrong To love,pure and chaste from afar To try when your arms are to weary To reach the unreachable star This is my quest,to follow that star No matter how hopeless,no matter how far To fight for the right without question or pause To march into hell for a heavenly cause And I know I'll be true to this glorious quest that my heart will be peaceful and calm When I'm laid to my rest..... The chill of the evening drifted through the pridelands.The evening air called the salmon pink flamingoes to the sandy side of the waterhole.Waterbucks scratched their thick hides against a young boabab tree.Water buffalo hollored for their young calfs.Gazelle flicked their tiny,white tails contently.The sweet purple flower's scent sailed through the air.A young baboon played with the heavy, sausage like fruits that fell from the kegila tree's.Flat topped acacia turned dark shades as the light dimmed.One by one,stars poked their heads from their daytime homes and showed their bright light. The crecent moon rose on the African plain. The dark pride passed the waterhole regardless of the other animals. Two jackals watched them pass.They were not their incosis.Strangers to the animals,the gawked at the ragged pride led by a golden lioness. The incosi of the wilderbeasts walked in front of her and bowed."Are you here for king Simba?I mean,are you family or friends"? "Neither.Now let me pass". Isis tried to step beside him but he quickly blocked her path. "I will not let anyone threaten my king and queen". "And I will not let a peice of food stand in my way"! The wilderbeast smacked her with his heavy head.The other animals jumped to attention."You lost your chance"! Isis jumped over his head and landed on his shoulder tearing furiously at the poor creature.The other lions clawed at his throat.He fell to the ground as the gnashing teeth consumed him. CHAPTER EIGHTEEN:MUTATIS MUTANDIS EVERYTHING CHANGES The lioness dragged herself south ward from the heat of the egyptian sands.The sand winds bit furiously at her face.The heat shimmered on the horizon.Her rib lined chest heaved up and down.She panted heavily as she pulled her foot another step.It took forever as she crossed another foot of scorching desert.Her war-torn hide stung rawly as the sandstorm whipped into it.Her eyes blinked painful tears in a desperate attempt to see.She left boody paw-prints on the sorched ground. The cracked and chisled ground met her aching feet as she collapsed in a nest of throns.She awoke in a few minutes.A high,jagged peak rose above her.She plunged her sharp claws into the rock and pulled herself up higher and higher.She slumped to the floor of a great gourge."Great,more climbing". She began to scale the gourge.Each pull was torture as she struggled just to stay awake. She breathed a sigh of releif as she landed in a soft grassy plain. The morning mist drifted off reveiling a beautiful land.In the center, a huge summit surrounded by lions.The plains were dotted with food and was teaming with life.She let the sleep consume her as her violet eyes shut. The lioness awoke in late afternoon.Guinea hens chirped and buzzed obnoxiously.In front of her,hidden in the grass was a young lioness busily tearing at a warthog."Hand it over sugar".The rogue growled angrily. "I killed it.This kill belongs to Sarabi's pride." The rogue leapt at the young lioness.She didn't really hurt her but it was obvious that she was an untrained lion.The rogue roared in her ear.The prider screamed and rubbed her ringing ear."I'm telling the queen"! "Yeah,go run to mommy." The prider ran off towards the summit as the rogue hungrily consumed the warthog. A dark lion watched her from the bushes and drank in her beauty.His heart woke from it's cold,lifeless hibernation.He stared at her wistfully."Be still my beating heart".He murmered.He put his paw to his chest and clenched his teeth as if the reawaking of love and passion seeped back into him was painful.His breath shook at the sight of her.He began to purr low in his throat.Summoning all the courage he had left,he walked out to her with his chisled head set high. She was lightly built but not skinny.She was the purest of golden colors,like the sun.She glistened like water and she was dainty and small.She had chisled muscles and looked as though she were a good fighter. The golden lioness eyed him.~Who is he?He wants my kill.He is handsome.He needs food.Very skinny,too skinny.So handsome~"Back off. It's mine fair and square"! "I won't take your kill.I just wanted to meet you.But there is more than enough".Scar said. "Alright.What's you're name"? "My name is Taka.But most call me..." He cringed.The name always reminded him of her,his mate."Scar". "That's a terrible name.Your old man do that to you"? "No.My brother did this to me". She nodded and turned her attention to the kill.The lion ate ravenously as if he hadn't had food in days.The pig was gone in a matter of minutes.The two licked the blood of their coats and layed on their backs rolling to cure their upset stomachs.Scar snored loudly with his feet suspended in the air.The lioness nudged him."Hey, Taka.Is there a waterhole around here"? "Not now,Sarabi.You're wearin' me out woman". The rogue burst out in a fit of laughter waking Scar from his sleep. "So is there a waterhole around here."? "Oh,yeah follow me". "Sounds like you have a mate". "Huh"? "Oh,you talk in your sleep". "Well,not anymore.You never told me your name". "Isis." "Unusual name." "Scar isn't exactly your everyday name eithter". Scar led her to a secluded spot that obviously hadn't been found by other animals yet.The waterfalls trickled off moss covered rocks. Rainbows of mist filled the air.Isis lapped up the water unaware that Scar was staring at her.She smiled shyly and slapped the icy water with her paw throwing water over he admirer.Scar shook himself and looked smugly at her as he jumped into the water.Isis wiped the water off her cheek.Scar suddenly grabbed her and pulled her in with a loud laugh.Isis gigled and pulled him under by his back legs.They swam under a cave.The insides of the caves sparkled magically with amethyst and other minerals.At that moment their eyes locked.Scar shook himself from the trance and ran on the shallow pools that dotted the inside.Isis giggled and joined him.They ran in synch.Scar squeaked as he fell into a deep pool. The rest of the afternoon was spent with hide and seek and quick rounds of tag.Isis was no match for Scar when it came to speed.Isis crouched behind a rock as Scar walked around smiling wickedly. "Gotcha"! Scar grabbed her and in a breif tussle he pinned her. "Pinned ya". "Well,now that you've pinned me...what are you going to do"? Isis smiled at him.Scar shook his head and layed in a heap of grass.Isis climbed up the hill he lazed on."I don't please you or you still love her". "No.But I'm not allowed to have a mate." "Who says you have to tell anyone"? Scar layed motionlessly as she dug into his mane."Beloved". He whispered. *** Isis awoke early the next morning at her mate's side.A cold wind blew across her heart extinquishing the fire.She would have to leave at least for a month.She didn't want him in any trouble.She pushed herself up and nuzzled him."I'll return soon my love". Scar snored and fell back to sleep.Isis turned and left sadly.The cold mist enveloped her and her heart as she dared not look back or even breath for the lion she called "love".The gold goddess left her claw mark in front of him.The triple slash.Her calling card and mark.A siymbol commonly seen on the western savanna and lea muati. He didn't stir as a tiny tear dropped from her eyes,staining the ground in a trail of saddness. *** In the quiet,stillness of the night,a black lion knelt in prayer. His crumbled heart rose into his throat.He had never humbled himself before anyone or anything,mortal much less deity.He stiffened his back up and bowed his chisled head to his breast. "Dear Aiheu,Please help me.I need your guidance.I've lost so much and for once I regret.I can feel sorrow but it's not the same.For once I do.I regret.I'm so sorry.I've lost my brother.My parents.My love,both of them.And my daughter.Oh,Aiheu!I besseach you ,if you must, cast me aside and bless little Nala.And..for what I will do- forgive me.God save my soul". The ragged lion,drenched in cold moonlight,sunk to the ground.His idea's that would play out soon took form in his mind. Mufasa crushed.Simba screaming.Nala snuggled under her mother,no where near him,crying uncontrolably.Crying for her friend and the lion she once called "Daddy". When he saw her say that his soul withered and died.She loved Mufasa. What was he?A rogue she knew nothing about.Letting his emotions loose he began to cry."I love you......Mufasa". *** Simba and Mufasa played loudly.Sarabi laughed and joined in on the fun.Sarabi and Mufasa rough housed happily.All signs of royal dignity melted away in their playful games."Tag"! Sarabi nudged Sarafina and N'goro.They joined in all the fun.The whole pride began to play with their rulers,careful not to hurt them. From a sad veiw,a young cub watched Simba and his father."At least you have a father".Nala wandered off to the back of pride rock to see the black lion again."I have returned beloved".It was abeautiful lioness she had never seen before.She was gorgeous and Nala's eyes widened at the site of her.Isis nudged Taka.Scar was obviously overjoyed to see again. They jumped on their hind legs and rock back and forth with theri paw around eachothers neck."Your mine at last.I'd follow you to the ends of the earth." "And beyond".Isis finished. They nuzzled eachother silently.Isis purred.They slowly walked off lovingly. Nala sighed as she couldn't help but think that her mother fit in where the other lioness was.The lion cub slowly stalked off past the happy pride.She curled up in a ball,keeping her ears down sadly. Simba's crumpled body lay on the floor of the great gorge.His eyes suddenly snapped open.Scar stood over him screaming. "KIIIIIIIINNNNGGG!!I AM THE KING!" The scene suddenly shifted to that of Scar and the golden lioness nuzzling eachother.Without warning,she threw him off the steep cliffs of priderock.He screamed. "NAAAAAAAAALAAA"!!! Nala reached out to catch him but he slipped through her paws as she screamed mournfully.She saw the look on his face.So sorry.So sad and desperate. Nala shook herself from the dream.Simba rubbed his head up against her neck."Are you okay,Nala"? "Yeah I'm fine how long have I been out". "Well,the sun set a while ago.The moon is almost past the great tree." Nala pushed her tired body up and walked up pride rock.The stars twinkled so brightly.One star.The brightest.Twinkled so much it made her eyes hurt.But it was a good hurt.Nyota approached her. "Nyota". "Yes great queen". "Do you see that star there.Next to the eye of the zebra.It's so bright.I've never seen it before." "I see the eye but no star." "I see it plainly.Are you sure." "I am positive". Nala smiled."Only fools are positive." "Are you sure"? "I'm posit-dang it!You little weasel.You always were so smart". Nala smiled as she gazed across the plain.Her smiled slowly melted as her eyes widened."Nala,I meen your majesty.What's the-" Nyota looked with her and suddenly bounded off."Sarafina!You better get up here". Sarafina squinted through her old eyes.Nyota and the other older lions huddled around her."Behold.The cubs have returned lions. " Simba had no idea what they were talking about.Nala scampered down the rock with her tail between her legs.She curled in a ball behind Simba.She shook tremulously."Simba-forgive and protect me my love". Simba had never in his whole life seen her cower.He put his paw on her shoulder.The pride steadily approached them."SIMBA!!" The lioness screeched.Simba paced up to face her. "This night your reighn ends.I'm taking back the rightful property of Taka". "You and what pride". Simba growled. She spat in his face.Simba rubbed his face.Kovu bravely stepped forward to Isis.She cocked her head.He had an incredible resemblance to her mate.Her eyes twicted back to her pride asking him to join. Kovu shook his head and stood,steadfast,next to Simba.The prides eyed eachother.Isis and her children rushed apon them with ear peicing battle cries.The pride of Simba returned the advance and got much more than expected.The powerful lions knocked each one down with unrestrainable fury.Nala watched helplessly.Isis and Simba fought bitterly.Isis smacked him to the ground with a crunch.The lion king roared in pain."You turn to deal with what he had." She unleashed her claws and ran them down his right eye.He roared.Nala felt her insides burn and rammed the old lioness in the abdomen. Kovu pushed of Bonja and bounded off to Shani who was being guarded by Timon,Pumbaa,and Kibeti."You must leave". "No!This is my throne and home I will fight for it!" "Think of the baby". Shani's angry grimace remained on her face as a tear stained her lovely,gold fur."I love you". Kovu licked the tear from her face. Shani,with her escort Kibeti,hid far behind the summit of Pride rock. Simba nodded to Kovu. The pride fought viciously and Simba began to get the upper hand with Isis or so he thought.Isis acted so scared and ran towards the peak of pride rock...where Scar had lost his life.Simba followed, unaware of the trap already in motion. Entwighteumeala mauled through the pride laughing as he shook old Yolanda by the nape of her neck.The lioness screamed horribly as the incredibly huge lion shook her viciously and mercilessly.Misha screamed as she saw her mother being torn so horribly.He shook her four-hundred pounds like a rag doll.The lion let her tattered body fly and it slammed into a rock with a crunch.Misha screamed and landed on his back clawing ruthlessly.The black lion shook her.She landed in a pile of dust looking up at him like a scared puppy."Well, aren't we pretty.And young at that." He showed his yellow teeth in a wicked smile.Her eyes filled with fear as she backed up,shaking,to a rock face.He approached her steadily. "Face me 'brother dear' ". He reeled around."Or are you too cowardly to face me instead of a cub". "I resent that". Misha murmered. It was Nala.She nudged Yolanda."I am...sor..ry..great one.I can no longer serve you".Misha pushed the queen away with a yowl of pain and greif.Entwighteumeala and Nala circled each other. "You could have picked a better day.My daughter,your neice's coronation." "It is a good day to die". They rushed apon eachother.Nala was much to fast for him and quickly averted his powerful slams.Pulling away from Misha and Yolanda,the two raged inside a cave. "Mother get up.Ya' gotta get up". "I-don't think--I can little one". Yolanda flopped back to the ground. "No there's nothin' you can't do.Now-NOW TRY AGAIN"! "I've taught you everything you need to know-now all you need to know is how to say goodbye". Misha shook her head."Remeber me.Nala says,Listen with your heart. It whispers so listen closely."Yolanda slowly died as her daughter looked on. The swift lioness Dodged the blows of her brother throwing hers in when his guard was down.He relied only on his strength.His bulky size made him slow and clumsy. "You dare to fight against your own father!You've betrayed him"! "I have not!You've betrayed him!He would have never wanted this way!Besides I'm not fighting against him-" She smacked him hard. "I fight against you". He lunged at her slamming her to the ground.He raised his massive paw- "I'll see you in hell".Nala growled. "You first". Kovu darted from the mouth of the cave throwing Entwighteumeala off of his mother-in-law and sister.Entwighteumeala shook his head and gazed at the lion infront of him.Kovu delivered the final blow. " No.It's your turn-" CHAPTER NINETEEN:THE GAME Simba searched in vain through the chasams for his enemy.Unware that two purple eyes watched her trap snap.Isis slowly and silently followed Simba.Simba stood on the pinacle of pride rock where he had fought his uncle.He looked down at the tragic scene below.Hunched over a dead body was Misha crying uncontrolably.Nyota and Isha fought with the tiring Aiheu.The other lions shadows could be seen.One by one he saw the shadows of feminine amazons dissapear and fall. Dhoruba's cub lay huddled in a small cave.Dhoruba's body lay crumpled in a lifeless heap in front of the cave.Nidigliani approached the cub. "I want my mommy"! "We all want your mommy honey tree". The baby sobbed into Nidiglianai's pale coat as they looked onto the dark rogue's soiled carcass.Lisani had her paws wrapped around Mheetu's motionless neck.She looked up and growled at the motionless king who could have prevented her heart from caving in. Kiasa limped around looking through her stung eyes.Lisani leapt apon her an quickly began to tear at her. "YOU!!NOW WHO IS THE REVENGE TAKER!!!YOU SHE-HYENA!!" Simba closed his eyes painfully and whispered-"Father,I'm no real king". With a roar,Isis jumped upon Simba.Simba roared and swung his paw out at her,missing her savage face.A roar smaller than hers but with equal fury caught her attention.Shani jumped upon her pride's assasin. Isis rolled down a hill falling in a pile of sun bleached bones. "Shani!I thought we told you to stay away"! "I am a disobedient child". Simba breathed a sigh of releif as a large number of his pride returned towards pride rock.None of them looked the least bit whole but they were alive.Nyota.Kibeti.Aligi.Lisani.Sarafina.Wazi.Isha. Misha.Beesa.Meeka.Sikeea. Shingalana.Naiomi.Niany.Kolo.Kopa.Na-Nala was missing. Kovu trotted up to Shani and Simba.He nuzzled his mate and queen. The next few precious seconds they'de cherish all their lives the next few would shake them.Isis screamed and attacked Simba.They watched in horror as Simba struggled with her. "Daddy"! "No!" Kovu darted in front of her blocking her path.Isis slammed him in the face throwing him acrost the rock.Simba,dazed,lied on his back as Isis jumped into the air and fell towards Simba. "NOOOO"!!! Nala leapt towards her and clutched the lioness to her chest.They fell and tumbled to the ground.Each time Nala hit the jagged edges of the cliff was twice the pain for Simba.Nala fell to the ground with a crunch of bones.Isis didn't move or breath and she never would again. The pride's lamenting wails filled the air with greif.Simba's roars of pain echoed throught his kingdom. The king nudged his queen."Nala,come on.Don't you leave me.DON'T YOU LEAVE ME"!!! "S-s-s-simba". Nala's green eyes shattered the darkness around her as they slowly fluttered open.Timon and Pumbaa bowed in reverence.Zazu bowed to her. "You'll be alright Nala.You'll be alright". CHAPTER TWENTY:THE CROSSROADS "SEE YOU AT THE CROSSROADS-SO YOU WON'T BE LONELY" -BONE,THUGS N' HARMONY Rafiki did what he could for her but knew that she probably would not see the rising of the sun.Sarafina stayed right by her side grooming her like she was her little cub again.Shani,too,stayed with her mother.Simba refused to leave her that night. The whole pride sleapt after the battle.Dhoruba's baby lay curled in Nidigliani's warm grasp with dry tears still frozen on her cheeks. Nala limped away from them.The pain was too much to bare for her to sleep.Laying down on the ground she looked across the dark blue horizon.Names for the children flooded her mind.~Tama or Thaba.Then there's Thembi and Mng'alizi.Mazimwi was her favorite by far.Spirit- it meant.Something she was sure she'd be in a matter of hours.A gazelle groomed her baby in perfect peace and content.Would she ever see her grandchild? Nala began to cry.A silent wind brushed off her tears. "Nala". A firm but gentle paw woke her from her sad reverence. She grunted as her eyes met nothing but darkness. "Daughter". Nala looked up,startled,it was a dark lion's body surrounded in a radiant light.He was not of great build but of incredible beauty.His chisled head sat high on his prominent shoulders surrounded by a golden halo.Nala's scarred face beamed with happiness.Each battered bruise seemed to heel and she was void of pain and sadnness.The world seemed to stop for Nala that moment. "How long can you stay"? "Long enough for you to come with me". Nala looked back to the sleeping pride.Back to Simba,Shani,and Sarafina all of whom would expect to see her there bright,happy,and alive. "Do not worry about them.They'll be alright". "Oh,Father.You never forgot me.Please,forgive me for forgetting you". "Nala,you never forgot me.I was right here". "Right where?". The lion pointed to her heart."Right here my little love.Right here".Another lion approached,he had a sienna mane and green eyes. "This is you son-Chaka" "My son.And such a lion.So handsome-like his grandfather". The dark one beamed. "Come my children,there is much to see".The lion's form dissapered.A long beam of light shot down from the heavens.It surrounded her in a blanket of warmth as the mist surrounded her. "Daughter,come home". Nala leapt into the cloud as it carried her up.The smile on her face and light in her soul was more radiant than the heavenly lights that surrounded her. ....she was going home. ***BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART,FOR THEY SHALL** ***SEE GOD*** ...AND THE WORLD WILL BE BETTER FOR THIS THAT ONE MAN SCORNED AND COVERED WITH SCARS STILL STROVE WITH HIS LAST OUNCE OF COURAGE TO REACH THE UNREACHABLE STARS