_____THE_____ LION KING Chronicles: Part I "Time of Darkness" By: Mark Bernhardt (roger.wilco@akron-info.com) After Simba had won back The Pride Lands from Scar, and after the life had return to the plains, many things started to happen. Although Simba never did learn what happened to Scar or the Hyenas, he was sure he would never hear from them again. Everything was going well on Pride Rock. The pack was doing well. His son, Tanabi, was learning fast about his father and grandfather and of the ways of being king. Nala and Simba were getting along fine. Timon and Pumbaa had gotten tired of a life of responsibilities and had moved back to the jungle, they still visited every now and then and try to get Simba to come back with them, but they never get any luck. Rafiki was still helping Simba and living in his tree and doing things he usually does. The animals were also very please with the way that Simba had brought life back and had organized everything. For the most part, life was going well for the inhabitants of the Pride Lands. The Elephant Graveyard was still as dismal as it had seemed before Scar had died. The fires had not yet reached there. Banzi and Shenzi were arguing over the usual stuff as Ed just sat there and laughed about it. Amongst their fighting, none of them seemed to noticed that there was another presence among them. They argued for a few more minutes over who would get the last piece of meat until they realized that Ed had taken it already. After that they just sat there and talked about what they could do to get back at the lions for running them out of the Pride Lands. At this time Ed noticed that someone was watching them from the shadows and started to point in that direction. "What is it Ed?" asked Banzi. Ed just pointed and laughed a little. "I think we'd better check it out." said Shenzi. "Good idea, you first." replied Banzi. The three Hyenas approached the shadows slowly. As they got closer, they could see a shape appear before them. The stared in horror as they realized what it was. Rafiki was in his tree doing some stuff that he does best, predicting the future. He went through the motions with the fruit and the turtle shell. While he was doing this he had a funny feeling about the results this time. When he finished he looked to see what might happen. When he saw what it was he dropped the shell and it almost broke against the floor. This was something that could not go without warning. Simba was resting peacefully on Pride Rock with Nala discussing the current state of the Pride Lands and the current food issue, which was not looking good. Something was taking their food supply, of wild animals that is, and either killing it and leaving it to rot, or else leaving it badly injured so that the lions would not kill it because they do not kill something that is injured, Simba would not allow it. Just as they were about to finish and go off to hunt, Rafiki came rushing up. Simba had never seen him moving so fast in all that he could remember. He had a panicked look on his face. "What's wrong?" Simba asked. "Something terrible is going to happen, and it involves someone of great importance." he replied. "Who?" asked Simba. "I do not know, but it will happen when you least expect it, it has to do with something from the past. I can't stay, I have to get back to the tree." With that he ran off before Simba could ask any more. "We have t figure out what this is about. But first we must find some food." Simba said. Then he and Nala found some lionesses and went off on a hunt. The three Hyenas could not believe who they saw in front of them. "Scar?" asked Banzi. "Is it really you?" "Of course it is me, who else would it be?" he replied with an annoyed tone. "But I though you were dead, I remember killing you." Shenzi stated. "Well, I guess you didn't do a good job of it." Scar replied and went off to the place he had lived before he took over Pride Rock. "What do you know about Simba and Nala?" Scar asked. "We know that we have been ruining their food supply to try to get even with them and that they go hunting very often around now to find food." Shenzi replied. "Do you think they would be hunting now?" Scar asked. "Most likely, this is the time of day when they hunt the most." Shenzi replied. "Scar, what are you planning to do?" Banzi butted in. "Don't worry about that now, we just need to find out where they are right now." With that Scar ran off. The three looked at each other then ran off to catch up with him. The hunting party was not having much luck. They were finding the usual, rotten or bad meat. Simba was beginning to suspect that someone was behind this. And he had a good idea who it was too. Even though he hadn't seen any of the Hyenas since the great fire, he had a feeling that they were causing it. But before he could think anymore, he saw in front of him a ways a group of Hyenas running to him at full speed. There was a larger shape in the background that he could not make out though. It almost looked like a lion but he could not be sure. He warned the pack to get ready to fight. They two groups collided at full speed, the sounds of flesh ripping and screams of pain filled the night. Simba ripped into a few Hyenas and left them wallowing in pain. Then, Simba saw the lion that was fighting with the Hyenas. He stopped to look at it. He had seen that face before, but he couldn't think where. Before he could place the face, a Hyena bit into his neck. Simba roared in pain. Then he took a swat and removed the Hyena from his neck. His neck was now hurting him greatly. He stopped to look at the wound, it was bad, very bad. As he looked back he noticed that the Hyenas had left, and his pack was making off after them. He called them back and they returned to Pride Rock. That was a night he would like to forget. The next morning Simba awoke on Pride Rock to a sharp pain in his neck. One of the lionesses was licking his wound to clean it. He asked who all was injured in the battle. The lioness named a few names and then mentioned that Nala had not come back last night. Simba got up immediately. "Does anyone know where she might be?" he asked. "No one remembers her coming back with the group last night." she replied. Simba thought for a second and remembered the lion he had seen last night. Just them he knew who it was. Scar. But how could that be? He had seen him killed that night of the great fire. He ran off away from Pride Rock, he needed to talk with someone he hadn't seen in a long time. Simba stopped in the middle of a field on the other side of the desert. It had been many years since he had been here. A river was nearby, a log crossed the river. All of these things, including the strange forest nearby, brought back memories. He stopped for a moment to think about what had happened here so many years ago. But he didn't think long, he was here for a reason. He looked up into the sky, hoping that this would work. He called out several times, but nothing happened. He began to loose faith. He sat down and sighed. He called out to the heavens. "What don't you help me when I need you most? You were never there when I needed you most! And some people are beginning to loose faith in me!" Then he whispered to himself. "And I am beginning to loose faith in you..." As he turned to leave, he heard a voice. "Simba..." He turned and looked up to the sky. "Father?" he called out. "Simba, you must not loose faith. Trust in yourself and all will be well. I will help you, but you must believe." With that, the voice faded off and Simba remained staring at the sky. "But what must I do to help the pride?" There was no reply. Simba turned and walked back to Pride Rock. It took him several days, but he made it. The pride was beginning to worry. Nala had disappeared in the fight and Simba was nowhere to be found. They were about to arrange a searching party when Simba appeared at the foot of Pride Rock. "I have been talking to someone. But I don't think he can help us." Some members of the pride were beginning to walk off and muttered things to themselves on the way. Simba didn't know what to do. Then a voice inside of him told he must go look for Nala. Simba didn't know where she was, but he ran off again without warning. Simba had no idea where he was going, but something was telling him where to go. He passed the water hole and ran on across the plains. He could see a great darkness rising up a head of him. It was almost unreal. There was sun everywhere but in one area of the sky there were dark clouds and what looked like storms. Simba had a feeling what the clouds were above, the Elephant Graveyard. The pride was again loosing hope. Their king had just run off again and no one had the slightest idea where he went to. They began to form searching parties to look for him when Rafiki came up onto Pride Rock. "Something very bad is going to happen." he said. "Tell us about it." one of the lionesses said. "But the is one hope, a lion that is often overlooked will help those in need." he said almost in a trance. The lionesses looked around when they heard a voice. "I am often overlooked." They looked to see who it was. Tanabi walked into the open. Whispers were heard in the caves nearby. Some of them were skeptical. Rafiki looked at him and nodded and said. "Do you know where the Elephant Graveyard is?" "Yes." he replied. "Good, go there." With that he shoved him along and went back to his tree to make further predictions. Simba approached the Graveyard cautiously. He could hear laughing coming from within. There was also steam rising up from many places inside. He entered after quietly eliminating some sentries placed outside. He was amazed at how easily he had gotten inside. He made his way toward the laughing very slowly so he could take anyone he met by surprise. He had no idea what he would be facing or what he would do when he met someone, but he would find out soon enough. Tanabi found the Graveyard with no problems. He saw the dead Hyenas outside and knew someone had been there. He went rushing toward the laughing, but he was not careful. He did not see the Hyena following him. But unfortunately, the Hyena caught him. Now what was he to do? Simba was nearing the center area. He could see a red glow on the walls from lava. He thought about taking them by surprise, he didn't want to, but it was his only chance. He approached the opening to the main room he looked in. Got ready to attack. Then he saw a Hyena bringing in a young lion. He looked closely, it was Tanabi. What was he doing here? He wanted to scream out, but he would blow his cover. He saw them take him off to a cage, they roughly pushed him in there. He couldn't see the whole cage, but he had a feeling that Tanabi wasn't alone. Simba could feel the rage building up inside him. Then he saw Scar enter from a side tunnel. He knew now was his chance to take them by surprise. He charged and scream out just as he hit Scar. The force knocked him into a tunnel. He had taken them by surprise because the Hyenas quickly dispersed, but he knew they would be back. He looked into the tunnel for Scar, but didn't see him until he had hit him square in the chest. Simba fell back and almost into a lava pit. Scar jumped for him and Simba rolled out of the way. Simba tried to get in a hit, but missed. At this time, neither of them noticed that a white cloud was forming in one of the tunnels. Scar moved very fast, and before Simba could do anything Scar had gotten a bite hold on his neck. Simba tried to get him off, but couldn't. He eventually got a hit hard enough to knock Scar off. But Scar came back and got a good blow across Simba's face that knocked him down. Scar got on top of Simba and looked him in the face. "You killed me once, and now it is my turn to kill you." Scar gave Simba a good slap across the face knocking him out. As Simba blacked out he briefly saw Scar being hit off of him. Simba awoke on Pride Rock. He tried to get up but he was in too much pain. He saw a lion beside him. He looked to see that it was Nala. He forced himself up to look at her. She was badly bruised. Scar must have tortured her to get back at him. But he thought that Scar was going to kill him, what had happened? He saw Tanabi sleeping beside Nala. He looked fine. Simba thought about what had happened. He remembered seeing a Scar being knocked off of him, but who had done it. At that point, Rafiki came into the cave. "What happened last night?" asked Simba. "I am not sure, but you just showed up here this morning. I was hoping you could tell us what happened." Rafiki replied. Simba got up with much pain and walked outside. He saw a darkness forming in the direction of the Elephant Graveyard. Whatever had happened last night, but the Hyenas where still alive and active. But Simba did not understand what Scar had said about being killed once. He told Rafiki about it and Rafiki said he would look into it as he ran off to his tree. Simba went Nala as she was just waking up. She didn't know what happened, and neither did Tanabi. Nala was sore and did not move for many days. But Tanabi went around with Simba to look after him. Simba was determined to find out what happened. The Hyenas were in disorder. They might have lost Scar again, and none of them knew what it was that hit him. What was worse, none of them had seen Scar since the night before. As they were looking around to check on what damage had been done. Someone yelled for everyone to come to the main hall. As they got there, they saw Scar. But there was something different about him. His eyes were glowing. He said they must find Kisasian, but none of them knew what he was talking about. Something very bad had happened the night before or else he wouldn't be like this, but none of them asked questions. They just followed as he set off on a great journey across the plains. Simba was keeping a constant watch on the skies above the Graveyard, and one day he noticed that the clouds were no longer there. He had an instant state of panic, was something bad going to happen? Simba warned the pride about this and that they should keep their eyes open for anything strange. Simba was making sure he kept Tanabi close to him until this thing was solved. Scar and his band came across a jungle on their journey. Scar told them that this is the area that they were headed for. The Hyenas did not believe this at first because they didn't think that lions could live in a jungle. But Scar told them that Kisasian was nearby and that they must find him. They searched the jungle for several days, it was very large and required a lot of time to search. They finally came upon the pride of Kisasian. At first he did not recognize Scar, for he had only seen him briefly before being exiled from Pride Rock, but soon he realized who it was and allowed the hyenas to live with him. The pride they had in the jungle flourished. It was growing large, and soon Scar would be able to make a vengeance attack on the Pride Lands. There were regular hunting parties. One day, a party came back with a Warthog. At first Scar questioned them as to why they did it, but once he heard the explanation, he knew why. This would be a valuable tool in taking Pride Rock. Simba continued to keep a watch on the skies and surrounding areas. The food supply was now at an abundance again. Which was a good thing, but also a bad sign that Scar was planning something. Simba was still wondering what Scar had meant about being killed. Maybe he was back from the dead? But how could that be? And if so, why him? Simba was pondering these things when he heard someone calling for him frantically. He couldn't place the name at first but then it came to him. He turned to where the voice was coming from and saw Timon running up to him. "What's wrong?" asked Simba. "Something very bad!" replied Timon, almost out of breath. "Lions have moved into the jungle and have kidnapped Pumbaa." At this time Nala was walking out of the cave, she was healing well and was almost at full strength. "What is it Simba?" she asked. "Some lions have taken over the jungle and have kidnapped Pumbaa." Simba answered. "That's bad, what can we do?" Nala asked. "Nothing at the moment, we don't want to make ourselves open to any kind of attack." Simba replied. Timon was not too pleased with this answer because his best friend was at the hands of some crazy people and he couldn't do anything about it. "So, we are just going to let them take Pumbaa?" Timon asked. "At the moment, yes. We need to protect Pride Rock so that they can't take it." Simba replied. Nala and Timon agreed with Simba on that point then the three went into the cave to eat. The night was dark and cold. Winter was coming to the plains and deserts of the Pride Lands. Almost everything was asleep except for a pack of animals moving at high speed. These animals had but one thought on their minds. And that was revenge. They didn't care who or what stood in their way, they would fight to the last man to try to reach their goal. They were lead by two fierce animals that were bent on getting even with some people who had done them wrong in their lives. They would lead their pride to victory against a people not to far away. The two could taste the good fortune in their mouths. Soon it would be theirs, and all they would have to do is take it. Simba was lying with Nala and Timon on Pride Rock when Zazu came flying over. "Sire!" He said. "I bring bad news. There is a pride of lions making their way to us by way of the canyon." Simba got up and asked. "Do you think they are coming here?" Zazu nodded. "Nala get the lionesses together and ready to fight, take them to the canyon. Timon and Tanabi, come with me. Zazu, go with Nala. Now go!" With that Simba ran off to the canyon with Timon and Tanabi while Nala and Zazu rallied the lionesses. The canyon was quiet. No one had dared venture here after that terrible incident so many years ago. None of them could ever believe that a stampede could do so much damage to a pride, and that it could be brought about by one lion. It was almost symbolic that this is where the final stand off of the pride might be. The place that caused it to go bad once, just might cause it to take an even worse turn today. But with the help of everyone, they would guard against this so that they would keep Pride Rock. But Simba wasn't so sure about what he was doing, a voice in the back of his head was telling him that he shouldn't be here. But he ignored it and told himself. "I feel lucky." Soon the lionesses arrived. Simba told them the plan that they had in defending. They would try to take the attackers by surprise by coming down the sides of the canyon and fight them on two sides and eventually surrounding them. All Simba could hope for now is that it would work. Everyone was getting set when they could see a fait cloud forming on the horizon, the attackers were coming. As Scar ran down the canyon he had memories of that day that Mufasa had died. He had chosen this path because he felt lucky in it. He had had success here once before, and if there were another battle here, he was hoping for success again. As he continued with the pride and Kisasian at his side, he saw no sign of lions or anything. He was beginning to think that this would be easier than he thought, but at that moment he heard a cry of war. He called the pride to a stop. They stood and waited for something to happen. At first nothing, but then he heard the rumble of feet. He looked up the sides of the canyon to see the lions rushing down. They had been ambushed. He told the group to circle up and defend, waiting for them to come to us. Hopefully he could hold them off before the hyenas arrived. They traveled to slow and Scar told them to catch up. Simba saw the pride running along the bottom of the canyon. Scar and another lion he had not seen before were in the lead. "Kisasian." Nala said. Simba assumed that was the lion's name. Just as they were about to cross in front them Simba called out to be ready to attack. The pride in the canyon obviously heard because they stopped and looked around. Simba then decided the time was right and charged over the edge followed by his pride. The lions on the other side of the canyon did the same. Simba could feel his heart pumping. He had a bad feeling about rushing in like this, but he ignored it and continued with the attack. Dust that had been kicked up filled the canyon. Little could be seen of the battle being fought below. One could not tell who was winning unless that person would have been in the fight, but it is not wise to get involved in a lion fight. A heard of antelope was feeding nearby. Unfortunately for the lions fighting, the loud noises got them to a stampede. But would the lions be able to survive the stampede. Zazu was flying over the battle trying to see who was winning. He could not make out any shapes. As he was watching, something caught his eye. He turned to see a cloud of dust rising from the direction the enemy pride had come from. He turned to warn his own pride and saw another cloud forming on the other side. The lions were in trouble. Something very bad was going to happen if they didn't get out of there fast. Simba fought with the ferocity of many lions. He injured many of the attacking pride's lion and killed a few too. He had just finished off a lion when he turned and found himself face to face with Scar. He looked different. Something about him was not normal. His eyes. They were glowing! Simba just stared at him trying not to show fear, because on the inside he was trembling. Before Simba could do anything else Scar leapt at him and struck him hard. Simba fell to the ground with Scar on top of him. He tried to kick him off but couldn't, Scar was too powerful. "What was it that you meant about being killed?" Simba asked, it was very bad timing, but he had to know. "You killed me before, but now I am back for revenge!" Scar growled as he slashed Simba across the face and drew blood from the scars. Simba roared in pain. Scar slashed again, this time at his stomach. Simba roared again, this time louder. Scar slashed one more time at his neck. This time Simba let out a roar of ultimate suffering. It was such a roar that could be heard throughout the heavens and all the lands. Scar, satisfied with his work, jumped off Simba and went off to continue his battle. There is a time in heaven when even the laws that a man thinks exist are no longer in effect. There are very few times when this happens. Some of the dead take advantage of this and can be severely punished. But there are times when a deed goes unpunished. Unfortunately, this has happened recently. And this perpetrator has caused much suffering where he has returned. On rare occasions, because god is forgiving and believing, he let's one go to return to bring he who has punished to justice. This time, the one who has been sent is returning with all the power invested in him to do what is possible to bring that one to justice. Zazu heard a loud roar and immediately swooped lower to see what had happened. He noticed a pair of glowing eyes, but could not explain them. He flew back up to the high height from where he could watch safely. He also noticed that the herds from either side were getting closer. One he recognized to be a heard of hyenas that were almost in the fight. The other he could not recognize. He could only hope that the pride could defend against the hyenas and the lions before the other arrived. He decided he needed to warn Simba of this. But before he could fly down there was a great flash. A flash bright enough to blind someone. Then came a very powerful wind that forced him to the ground. He quickly retook flight. He looked into the group and noticed a second pair of eyes. These were green. But something told him that these were there to help them. Nala was having a hard time defeating any lions, so she and some other lionesses would gang up on one to bring him down for another stronger lionesses to kill. She had gotten glimpses of a pair of glowing eyes, but did not know what they were. She also saw the two dust clouds on either side of the canyon. Then there was a bright flash and a powerful wind that knocked her down. She looked and saw yet another pair of eyes that seemed to be fighting the first pair. She had no idea what this was, and she didn't care much to know either. Then a voice inside her told her to run out of the canyon. Without thinking she took off to a ledge a ways up. Several other lionesses had gotten up onto the ledge too. She saw a pack of hyenas rush in to help the attacking pack. She could only hope that Simba could get out in time. After taking down Simba, Scar attacked and killed several other lionesses. After he killed one there was a bright flash and a powerful wind. Then before him he saw a white lion. He stared at the lion the suddenly remembered who it was. "Mufasa!?" he said in disbelief. "So, you never forgot me, did you. Well, it's time to bring you back Scar. You must come with me." Mufasa told him. "Sorry Mufasa, I am just beginning to have fun, you'll have to make me." replied Scar. "If you really want to." Mufasa said then took a swat at Scar's face. Scar dodged and leapt onto Mufasa. There was a great clash of gods as they fought it out in the canyon. Most of the other lions had either ran off or run for cover. Now the only lions left were Scar and Mufasa. They fought until the bitter end. Both sides clashing. But in the end, good prevails. Most lions did not believe what they saw, but most say it was the most wonderful thing they ever saw. Mufasa had returned from heaven to save the pride, but before he returned, he had one thing to do. Simba was in great pain. He could not move. The cuts on his body were giving him much pain. He almost black out when he saw a lion in front of him. The lion was glowing white. Simba looked at it and realized who it was. "Father?" He said softly. "I'm here Simba." Mufasa said. "Did we win?" Simba asked, coughing. "Yes, son. We have won." Mufasa replied. Simba coughed and winced in pain. "Dad?" He said. "Yes?" Mufasa replied. "We'll be together from now on right?" Simba asked. "Yes, son. Always." Mufasa said. "But I must leave now." With that, Mufasa disappeared from sight. Simba lay in pain. He could see another shape running up to him. It was Tanabi. He was crying. Simba opened his eyes as wide as he could. "Father, please don't leave me." Tanabi said. He rested his head on Simba. Simba looked at him and told him. "Remember your past and future son. Always be faithful to the pride. And tell Nala that I love her." Simba struggled with it, but got it all out. He then muttered again. "Remember..." as his last breath left him. Tanabi cried hard, but he could not stay long, for the stampede would be there soon. Nala was soon there. She saw Simba's body and cried over him. Soon the whole pride was there. They shared the moment of silence for the king that had been the best that they could remember. But their moment was soon to be broken by the stampede. They all agreed that it would be best to leave him there to die in the same place that his father had fallen so many years ago. As they left they could hear the stampede in the canyon. Tanabi and Nala stood on the edge as they watched the antelope run over Simba's body. They both sat there and cried until night fell. Then Tanabi looked up and saw a star shining brightly in the sky. He then saw two lions sitting side by side looking down at them. He knew now that Simba was free from pain and that the circle of life was completed for him. Even though life had not treated him fairly, it was now his turn to be king. Even though he was young and unsure. Tanabi and Nala walked back in silence. There she made the announcement to the pride. No one would ever forget the story of the lion who had risked his life to save the pride. And to this day, Simba and Mufasa can still be seen up in the sky looking down over the Pride Lands. Some lions can still hear them saying: "Remember..." The End