_____THE_____ LION KING Chronicles Part: II "Return of the King" By: Mark Bernhardt (roger.wilco@akron-info.com) Simba's death proved to be disastrous for the pride. Tanabi was getting along well, but as for the rest of them, they were not doing too well. Nala had felt the lost most of all of the lions. She would spend a lot of time sitting on top of Pride Rock waiting for Simba, even though she knew that he would not be returning. She couldn't help but think of all of the trouble he went through to become king. Several members of the pride had run off to find other prides. If something was not done, the pride would collapse. On top of all the other problems with the pride, one day while Nala was walking, she came down with a rare and fatal disease. This was almost certain to cause the pride to collapse. Tanabi was about the only thing about the pride that was not falling apart. He was learning quickly, but now there was no-one left to teach him and he would have to learn for himself. He had become full-grown now. He thought of his father a lot these days. He would often pray to the stars that he could come back to pull the pride together. The pride now had less than twenty lions in it. Hunting became a problem, because someone would have to stay and watch Nala, leaving too few lions to have a successful hunt. It was said that the pride would not last another week. Many whiles away, there was another pride which was blossoming. It was the pride of Kissasian. Ever since the encounter in the canyon a few years ago, the pride has been growing. Stray and wandering lions would come almost every day. Kissasian would welcome them in so that the pride could grow in numbers. Little did he know that these were the lions from Pride Rock. Kissasian had not been back to the canyon ever since the fight, he had never wanted to. In fact, no-one had dared go near there. People said that it was cursed. Maybe they were right. There was definitely something wrong with it. Kissasian had little trouble running the pride without Scar them to help him along. He had many skilled lionesses to show him what to do. But his days were numbered, and sometime, he felt, someone would have to take over for him. The time came when Nala had gotten so sick that there was no hope for her to live any more. After a long and hard decision, the pride had decided to move on before anyone else got sick with the disease. It was very hard for them to leave Nala on Pride Rock to die. Tanabi was constantly looking back to see if maybe she would get better. Many times he would have to pull the pride together and get them moving just to keep them from loosing their minds. Nala just lay on Pride Rock in pain, waiting for death. Everything was turning fuzzy and dark. She saw a shape moving in front of her. For a moment she thought it was Tanabi back to fetch her. But there was something about this lion that Tanabi didn't have. First off, he was bigger. There was something else that she couldn't remember where she seen it last. She tried to speak, but she was in too much pain. The lion said "Don't try to speak, just lay there and all will be well in a minute." She knew the voice, but she couldn't place it. Then, everything turned from a dark fuzzy, to a bright haziness. Had she died? She was no longer in pain. Nala assumed that she was now in heaven. She had a good assumption because everything was nice and peaceful. Tanabi and the pride moved on. They didn't have a lot of motivation in their move. IN fact, Tanabi had a hard time believing that what they were doing was true. A storm was on the horizon, and from the looks of it, it was bad. They needed to find a place to stay. Tanabi immediately thought of Pride Rock. When he told his idea, it didn't take much persuading to get everyone to agree. This made everyone happier. It brought a little life back into the pride for a while. Kissasian's pride was growing to the point where he could not stay where he was without overcrowding. He made the announcement the next day that the pride would be moving, and anyone who wanted to stay was welcome to. The next day all of the members of the pride departed. They traveled for many miles and many days. They were attacked many times by animals, but most of the time they warded off the attacks. At one time during their journey, Kissasian thought he saw a group of lions off in the distance, but he could not be sure. It couldn't have been Simba's, or whoever was now in charge, pride, they were at Pride Rock. Is it possible that there is a third pride in the area? Tanabi and the pride arrived at pride rock just before the rain came. There was a mist covering the area. Tanabi was quick to gather all the lionesses into the cave to keep dry. Once they were gathered, he went to search for Nala's body. He couldn't find it anywhere. She didn't have enough strength to go anywhere, and there was no way that it decomposed that quickly. The sky was suddenly illuminated. He turned around to see that it was only lightning. The thunder soon followed. Tanabi made his way into the cave when he heard a sound at the tip of Pride Rock. He walked out to see only a tree that had broken at the limb. He decided to ignore any more strange sounds so he could watch the pride. But as he turned around a bright light came down from behind the top of Pride Rock. He could see the silhouette of two lions of top of Pride Rock. He cautiously climbed the side of the rock. When he reached the top, he saw the lions more clearly. He had to rub his eyes to make sure that they were who he thought they were. For, standing before him were Simba and Nala. The next few days were filled with questions to Simba and Nala. It was also a time of re-vitalization for the pride. Although no lions returned to the pride, the few remaining had more motivation to make the pride work out than they had in years. Simba could not explain the reason why he had returned, but he knew he was there for a reason. He could recall what happened in the canyon. He also told of long talks with Mufasa about his past and what had happened over the years. Nala was her normal self. She recalled the lion approaching her as she was dying. She didn't know who it was until Simba told her that he was sent to retrieve her. The pride was surely going to make it now. Kissasian was getting close to Pride Rock. Some of the members of the pride were beginning to wonder if they would ever make it. They had been traveling for many days now. Although none had actually left, many were thinking about it. Just as the pride was about to loose hope, a rock structure was visible in the distance. It would be less than a day before they ruled Pride Rock now. It was another sunny day at Pride Rock. The pride was lying out on rock relaxing. It was very peaceful here now that there were no threats from hyenas or other prides. Unfortunately, this peacefulness would not last long. A call came from the top of Pride Rock. The look-out had seen a pride moving off in the distance. Simba decided it would be a good idea to check it out. He made off to see what they were up to. It took only about an hour to catch up to them. The leader of the pride was named Mgwamai. They had been traveling around the plains looking for a pride to join up with because their pride had grown small. Simba told them that they were welcome to join his pride. Mgwamai accepted. After brief introductions to the pride, Simba led them back to Pride Rock. Nala was lying on Pride Rock. Simba had just gone off to investigate the pride they had seen earlier. Suddenly, she heard a noise from the other side of Pride Rock. She went over to see what it was. As she was making her way around the rock, a lion ambushed her. She was knocked unconscious. A sudden clash of lions occurred. The defending lions were eventually victorious. But they were not entirely victorious, for they had lost a member dear to them. Simba returned to Pride Rock with the visitors. He noticed blood on the ground. Running up to see what happened, he saw signs of a battle. He found the lionesses bundled inside the cave. Tanabi explained to him that Kissasian had attacked. Simba looked around. "Where's Nala?" He asked. Tanabi looked at the ground and said. "They took her." Simba fought to control his anger. He didn't want to run off to save Nala without a good plan. He rallied all of the lions to form a plan. The new lions agreed to help. Although no-one knew where they were headed. They all agreed that they could follow. Without further discussion, the lions set off in pursuit of Kissasian's pride. The chase went on for days. Kissasian's pride did not know that they were being followed, so it made the chase easier. Simba's pride followed Kissasian for days. They traveled through forests and swamps for a month. Soon they came to a large mountain range. Simba did not know why they had been lead here, but he had a hunch Scar was helping them. Kissasian's pride made their home in a cave at the top of the largest plateau. Simba found another cave a little ways off. From here they could keep an eye on Kissasian. For many days Simba watched the enemy pride. He saw that they had Nala. He also saw some other movement, but he could not make out what they were doing. Maybe they were planning something. Simba, too, was planning a raid on the cave, it would be very dangerous due to the large cliff it was set on. Simba could recognize Kissasian go to the top of the cave everyday and look to the sky. Simba thought that maybe he was talking to Scar, that could be a large problem. It was almost time for Simba to put his plan into affect. The next day, Simba gathered his lions to make the attack. The success of his plan would rely on the element of surprise. They were going to attack in waves, from several sides. Some lions made off for the far and back sides of the cave. When in place, Simba gave the order for the first of the lions to attack. Simba made off with the first wave. He quickly took out a sentry at the foot of the plateau. He made his way quickly up to the cave. The other two groups of lions attack at this time hit the cave at the same time. They caught the first few lions by surprise, but the rest were ready. There were many lions waiting in the cave for an opening to attack. This would cause problems for Simba. After taking out some of the lions, he gave the signal for the second and final wave. The terrain made fighting very difficult for both sides. A few lions came close to falling off the cliff, but none had fallen yet. Apparently a hunting party had just returned, because Simba saw some lions on top of the cave. One of the lions leapt off of the cliff and landed on Simba, landing him on the edge of the cliff. Simba used all the strength he could to flip him over the edge, the lion gave off a long roar as it flew towards the ground below. Another lion leapt, Simba deflected the blow, but lost his balance for a moment. Before he could regain his balance, he and the attacking lion were propelled off the cliff. He roared as he saw the ground rushing towards him. Tanabi was easily taking down some of the attacking lions. Then he saw the hunting party. One of them jumped to attack a lion. It attacked Simba. Tanabi looked as he almost fell off the cliff. Another one jumped, Tanabi started over so he could help Simba. Simba deflected the attack. Another leapt. Tanabi leapt to block the attack, but missed. He looked to see if the attack was successful. It was, the lion had knocked Simba, and himself, off the cliff. Tanabi watched in horror as Simba fell to the ground far below. He lost Simba again? But he reminded himself that Simba was given back for a reason, that could have been him down in that predicament. His anger raged in him. Tanabi viciously attack several lions. He had to save Nala or the pride would collapse again. Simba landed with a great thud. Pain spread throughout his body. He was lucky not to have been killed in the fall, but he would be disabled for some time after this. He tried to get up, but couldn't. He was going to stay here until he died or healed. Simba expected death would come first. He had died once, but you only get so many chances at life, and he had already had too many. As he was thinking, he didn't notice a lion approaching him. It had a resemblance to him. You could see that they were definitely related. Simba looked at the face in amazement. "I have bad news Simba." The lion said. "What?" Simba asked. "I am not alone." Nala could see the fighting going on outside. She was being guarded by several lions. She had already tried to escape and paid the price. She could only hope that the attacking pride would win. She tried to see what was going on outside. She caught brief glimpses of Simba and Tanabi. There were also a few lions that she had never seen before. She saw a lion leap at Simba. He almost fell off the cliff. Another leapt and Simba deflected the blow. She saw another leap, but didn't see the result, for Tanabi had attempted to block the attack and blocked her view. At that moment, a rush of lions came into the cave and took out the guards in a quick fight. Nala stood there for she did not know the lions and did not know their intentions. "I am Mgwamai, friend of Simba." The strange lion said. Nala trusted him at that moment and ran out to see what was happening with the fight. More lions had come to aid Kissasian and the defenders. It was not looking good for Simba's pride. Nala did not seen Simba anywhere though. She looked around and asked Tanabi when she saw him. He told her something bad happened to him. Nala went into near shock. She did not hear what Tanabi said after there, but she had a feeling it had something to do with the cliff. She looked over the edge and saw several lions bodies at the bottom. One of them she made out to be Simba's. Before she could do anything, a lion attacked her. She turned around and fought to avenge Simba. Tanabi had taken quite a beating during the fighting. He sought refuge in a group of rocks nearby. He licked his wounds for a few minutes before he would continue fighting. He heard a noise and looked to see what it was. He saw two lions approaching him. Simba was one, beside him was a lion he had never seen before, but resembled Simba. "Simba!" He called out. "Your alive." Simba looked at him and nodded. "Yes, and this time, we have a problem. But, we also have help." Tanabi listened to Simba explain how he had come back and the Scar was in the area. Tanabi couldn't quite grasp how it happened, but apparently, there was a large mistake somewhere that cause lions of the past to return if needed. As soon as Tanabi was ready to go back to the battle the three departed. The three generations were going to fight to the last man. Kissasian's pride was loosing the battle badly. He was badly injured and was having problems killing anyone. He was making his way back to the cave to seek shelter when a lion stood in his way. "Simba?" He said, amazed. "Aren't you dead?" "Not this time Kissasian. You will pay for what you have done to our pride." "Our pride?" Kissasian asked. Just then someone hit him from the side, knocking him down. Kissasian looked to see that it was Tanabi. He took a swing with his paw to back him off. Then another lion attacked him from behind. He turned to see a face he had never seen before, it looked like Simba, but Simba was on the other side of him. "Who are you?" Kissasian growled. "If you must know before I kill you, I am Mufasa, father of Simba." This did not mean much to Kissasian except that he would be killed by this lion. But, before he could say anything else, Mufasa gave the death bringing blow. As Kissasian fell thunder raged in the sky. The three lions looked up to see that clouds had moved in making the area black. By now, the other lions had gone safely back to the cave Simba had found. A lion jumped on Simba from behind knocking him down. Mufasa and Tanabi attack the lion, but it blocked their attacks and knocked them back. The lion looked at Simba and said. "I killed you too quickly last time, a mistake I do not mean to duplicate this time." The lion, who Simba recognized to be Scar, gave Simba a slash across the face, drawing blood. Scar had gotten so drawn into threatening Simba that he forgot that there were still two other lions in the area. Mufasa hit Scar directly in the side knocking him over off Simba. Then, Tanabi slashed his back and hind legs with his claws. Scar fought back and knocked Tanabi back, wounding him. Mufasa bit into Scar's neck, leaving two puncture wounds. Scar rolled and kicked Mufasa off. Scar had been very badly wounded and moved very slowly. Simba jumped on top of Scar and rolled him towards the cliff. Then Mufasa kicked Scar in the side making him fall over the edge, but Scar held on with his claws. Mufasa, seeing the opportunity, grabbed Scar's hands. Scar roared in pain. Mufasa looked deep into Scar's eyes and said. "Long live the King!" Scar's expression went blank as he remembered this moment in the canyon, but now the roles were reversed. Mufasa threw Scar backwards off the cliff. The three lions watched as Scar's body hit the ground. He was clearly dead now. Having been exhausted from the long battle, Tanabi lay down to rest. Mufasa and Simba came over to where Tanabi had lay down. "Our purpose here is done now, we must go." Without another word the two lions disappeared in a brilliant flash of light. Tanabi watched as the last traces of the two lions disappeared, leaving him alone. The next day, Tanabi returned to the cave. There was a panic in the cave, Nala had disappeared. But after a quick explanation from Tanabi, the lions soon knew what had happened. Tanabi decided they should set out the next day. He asked what had happened of Mgwamai's pride. He was informed that they left after the battle. Tanabi thought nothing of it and went into the cave to get some sleep. They had a long journey in front of them. The next day Tanabi and the pride set off to return of Pride Rock. Tanabi told of how he had fought Scar with the help of Simba and Mufasa. He also told of the great light that took them away. This made some of the lions upset, but they did not loose hope. They now knew that Tanabi was a great leader, who had worked with two of the greatest kings of the history of the pride. As they were walking away, Tanabi looked back at the mountains and saw Mufasa and Simba, sitting in the clouds, looking back at him. Simba seemed to be saying something, but Tanabi could make out what it was he was trying to tell him. It didn't matter though, soon they would be back at Pride Rock were they could live on their lives. The journey back was fraught with danger. Many times there were ambushes from Hyenas. Fortunately though, none of the lions were killed. Many times, though, a lion would be injured and they would have to stop for a few hours while the pride rested and the injured lion built up his or her strength again. The journey back took almost twice as long as the journey to the mountains. Of course, the didn't have anyone to pursuit or anyone to save, just some tired, beat-up lions who where making their way's back home. On the first day of the third month, Tanabi could see the tip of Pride Rock, it was almost like a beacon. When they saw this, the pride picked up it's pace because they were all in a hurry to get home. As Tanabi came nearer to Pride Rock, he could make out the figure of a lion on the peak. He didn't know who it could be. It had never occurred to him that he would have to fight to regain Pride Rock, or that he would have been so blind as to leave it unguarded. He looked up to the sky and called out for help. Simba's voice rang back. "Son. You must regain Pride Rock on your own. We can not help you anymore. This is the true test of you being a king." Tanabi stood there in shock. Simba, had always been there when he needed him. But now, when he was needed most, Simba was not going to help him. Tanabi would have great difficulty regaining their home. He would have to rely on the help of all the lionesses. Tanabi thought hard for a way to conquer the invading lions. Nothing came to him. This was going to be hopeless. But then, he had an idea. He called together the lionesses to tell them his plan. Mgwamai had found the perfect opportunity while his new `friends' were at war. He had taken over their home land. There was not even anyone left to defend it. Now his pride would be the superior pride of the land. He had finally done something that people could remember him by! A lion came limping toward Pride Rock. Mgwamai called a servant to check it out. The lion was very badly injured. Mgwamai, being the reasonable lion that he was, let the lion rest on his land. He tried to get his guards to bring it in, but it was too hurt and could not move from where it had fallen a few hundred meters from Pride Rock. Mgwamai went out to visit it and see if it was all right. Several other lions had done the same. At first glance, the lion did not look that bad. No visible signs of damage. But, the lion insisted that she had several broken bones. Mgwamai believed her and decided to return to the cave in Pride Rock. He turned just in time to see a lion leap onto him. The attacker knocked him over and pinned him down. He shook off the shock of the attack and looked at his attacker. He had seen this lion before, it was one of the previous inhabitants of Pride Rock. How could he be so blind and not see an attempt to regain this landmark? This would hurt his reputation badly. Tanabi saw that the lioness was doing a good job of distracting the lions. When the time was right he made a charge. He bolted toward what appeared to be the king of the pride. He reached full speed as the lion was turning around, perhaps to return to Pride Rock. Tanabi leapt and knocked the lion over. Pinning the lion down so he could not counter-attack, Tanabi looked deep into his eyes. "I believe you have something of mine, and I want it back." Tanabi said in a threatening tone. The lion responded. "I am sorry, you left and now we live here. You..." Tanabi cut him off. "We will take back Pride Rock even if it means another war!" The lion was not too pleased with this response. He opened his mouth to speak. But, before he could say anything, Tanabi gave him a scratch across the mouth. The lion roared in pain. "Maybe I should re-phrase that!" Tanabi said. Tanabi reached back to swat again. But, before he could strike one of Mgwamai's personal guards gave him a blow from the side, knocking him over in pain. Mgwamai immediately got up and assumed the same position on top of Tanabi. "Now, let me explain to you that we are not leaving!" Mgwamai slashed Tanabi's face and sides. Mgwamai's guard also slashed at him. As Mgwamai was about to attack again he saw a ring of lions surrounding him. He quickly got off of Tanabi and readied himself for an attack. Crouched and ready, he saw that there were too many lions for he and his guards to take on. He exchanged glances with Tanabi, who had struggled to stand up, then looked at his guard. Mgwamai bolted towards the rings, but instead of attacking he leapt over the lions and made off into the horizon. Tanabi had recaptured Pride Rock from Mgwamai, but he had a feeling that the other pride would not give up that easily. The End