Taka Leaves a Scar
II: TojoÕs Revenge
By Unali
Chapter 1: The Hunt For
Simba Begins
Moving in the dead of
night, silent as the stars, was a large male lion, dark in his aspect with
brown mane streaked with black. He slipped quietly down a hill covered in tall
rustling grass to the barren earth at the bottom and paused to sniff a large
paw print in the earth. A lion had been there, possibly female . . . old, at
least a generation older than himself . . . and a younger male – no, two
males! Two males and their sister . . . a family of lions and yet they were not
a pride. Rogues.
The lion lifted his head
and gazed a long moment at the mouth of the cave. But the scents were old. The
family of rogues lived in the cave no more. He sniffed again at the air and perceived
the scent of other lionesses . . . more tracks in the dirt, several tracks in
fact, as if the entire group had suddenly marched to . . .
The lion followed the
tracks and paused at a large rock which stood jutting at an angle from the
earth. He climbed it to the edge and breathed in surprise through his nose. The
Pride Lands. ThatÕs where the rogues had gone only days before . . . and yet
they hadnÕt returned!
The male lion went back to
the cave, and sniffing around inside he found the scent of yet another lion, a
scent which he knew!
ÒFather?Ó the lion
whispered brokenly.
He followed the scent on
until he reached a little place near the edge of the Outlands: a pile of rocks
beside a stream set against a single, barren tree. It was a wretched sight, the
grave, a place heavy with misery. The lion went to the pile of rocks and
sniffed again. Yes, it was his fatherÕs scent – would that it werenÕt! He
bowed his head.
ÒYou there!Ó demanded a
voice. ÒWhat do you think youÕre doing here?Ó
The lion looked around.
Standing over the mouth of the cave, looking down at him with indignance and
rage, was a young lioness. She was lovely with bright vicious eyes and a dark
stripe running down her light brown back. Her coat was dusty, as if sheÕd slept
the night at the cave, and her cheeks were wet with dried tears.
ÒI might ask you the same
question,Ó said the lion, turning toward the lioness.
The lioness paused,
startled by the lionÕs familiar appearance. She shook the image of her father
from her head and sneered. ÒHow dare you! This is my fatherÕs grave and you are nothing but an
intruder!Ó
ÒYour father?Ó said the
lion sharply. He paused to do some quick thinking, then asked, ÒWhat was your
fatherÕs name, if you donÕt mind my asking? I think I may have known him, you see.Ó
ÒKnown him?Ó said the
lioness suspiciously. She narrowed her eyes. ÒHow?Ó
ÒHe was an old friend,Ó
said the lion but she noticed the misery in his eyes when he spoke.
The lioness came down
slowly from the top of cave, careful to keep her eyes fixed on the intruding
lion. ÒI can see he meant a lot to you,Ó she said, halting some feet away on
level ground. ÒHe meant a lot to me too. I am Vitani, his only daughter. You
are?Ó
ÒTojo is my name.Ó The
lion sat on his haunches and watched her gloomily. ÒTell me please . . . how
did he die?Ó
A menacing light shown in
her bright eyes. ÒIt is a disturbing tale. His name was Ni . . .Ó
The lion stirred at the
name but went unnoticed but the lioness, for her bright eyes were fixed now in
sorrow upon the grave.
ÒHe was killed by the
actions of my mother and another combined. My mother is dead now and it were
better she was . . . the things sheÕs done, the lives sheÕs taken. It was
because of her
my best friend was killed . . . a cub named Kopa. And it was because of her and
. . .Ó Vitani fell into silence and began to sob, remembering that dreadful
day.
ÒGo on,Ó said the lion
eagerly. ÒYour mother and who killed Ni?Ó
ÒYou are eager to avenge
him,Ó said the lioness, taking a step back.
ÒAnd you are not?Ó snapped
the lion. ÒHe was your father!Ó
ÒBut it wasnÕt his fault!Ó
ÒWho?Ó the lion demanded,
standing suddenly.
Vitani took a frightened
step back. ÒSimba,Ó she whispered, watching the lion with wide, baffled eyes.
ÒWhy?Ó
ÒBecause IÕve journeyed
these long years in search of my father to find him dead – and at your
motherÕs doing!Ó
Vitani took several more
steps back. ÒNo . . . youÕre lying . . .Ó
Tojo laughed coldly. ÒYou
seemed startled when you first laid eyes on me. ItÕs understandable – I
look just like Ni and the reason is this: I am NiÕs son! And Simba . . . Simba
is going to be joining him very soon.Ó
Vitani shook her head in
disbelief. ÒNo! I wonÕt let you --Ó She lunged at Tojo and the two went down in
a grappling heap, rolling across the dusty ground, biting and snarling.
When the dust cleared,
Tojo was standing the victor and Vitani lie motionless on the ground, dead.
ÒThat was for your
mother,Ó Tojo panted, snarling at VitaniÕs still body.
He turned and moved up the
rock again, pausing at its edge to behold for the first time since he was a
cub, the eternal lush grasslands of the Pride Lands.
ÒAnd now for Simba,Ó Tojo
whispered.
He leapt down from the
rock and moved quickly and silently into the tall grass.
Chapter 2: The Grisly
Cubhood of Prince Tojo
The night seemed to wear
on for an eternity as Tojo slipped through the tall grass. His eyes stared with
fixed determination at the distant rock looming above the Pride Lands and his
paws thumped the earth with a dull rhythm, carrying his mind into the days of
his childhood. . . .
ÒThere are bad lions in
the world, son,Ó Ni told Tojo with a tender expression.
It was months after theyÕd
left the Pride Lands. Their small, pitiful group wandered aimlessly. Two old
lionesses had died, leaving three more: one with a cub, TojoÕs mother Shani,
and one other, Namba. But the cub was killed in the night by a famished Namba,
and its mother died of grief, leaving Tojo and his parents to chase Namba away.
A miserable and confused
Tojo had asked his father why Namba had eaten the cub, to which Ni had thus
replied.
ÒAre we bad lions for
chasing her off?Ó Tojo had asked.
ÒNo, we are not,Ó said
Shani gently.
ÒThen why couldnÕt we stay
with Nala? I liked her . . .Ó
Tojo wandered away a
little and flopped down.
Ni and Shani looked at
each other.
ÒIÕll talk to him,Ó said
Ni.
Shani agreed with a silent
nod but could not depart without a worried glance in her sonÕs direction.
Tojo looked up at his
father. It was difficult to look at Ni these days without wincing miserably.
The old lion was steadily getting older and the constant fighting heÕd endured
to protect his family was not helping. He moved very slowly now and was riddled
with scars. His eyes, while once bright and cheerful, were now haggard and
weary with care.
Ni was very near death, Tojo
knew, and one fell bite to the throat from the sickliest hyena could take his
father down in a heartbeat.
Yet while the old lionÕs
condition was obvious, TojoÕs parents persisted in pretending everything was
fine. But Tojo saw the worried look in his motherÕs eye: if Ni died, not only
would she suffer grief and despair on his part, but she and Tojo would become
targets for other nighttime predators. A single lioness and a cub were easy
targets for a pack of famished hyenas. . . .
Ni sat beside Tojo without
a word and the two gazed miserably at the stars.
ÒTojo,Ó said Ni heavily
after a long moment, Òwhen I saw you with Nala, playing so happily, so carefree
and safe within the Pride Lands, several ideas ran through my head. MufasaÕs
kingdom is a happy, safe place and I thought, if I could take over the Pride
Lands, you could take Nala as your future queen and would grow up in a place
where you were safe and happy. But then I remembered MufasaÕs brother, Scar,
and that I would have to fight not only one but two lions to take the Pride
Lands. And then, most importantly, I remembered the kindness Mufasa and Nala
had shown us – Nala risked her own life to save a cub she didnÕt even
know and Mufasa risked the safety of his Pride in allowing strange rogues to stay
in his kingdom overnight.
ÒAnd that, son, is why we
could not stay with Nala. That is why I did not take the Pride Lands. That is
why we wander in desolation, wretched and starving . . .Ó
ÒIt canÕt be like this!Ó
Tojo declared. ÒItÕs not fair!Ó
ÒWho said life was fair?Ó
replied Ni gently. ÒWhere is that written in the stars?Ó
Tojo merely glowered and
looked away, his ears flat on his head. ÒOne day IÕll return to the Pride
Lands, Dad, youÕll see. One day IÕll go back and everything that should have
been mine will become mine --Ó
ÒTojo --!Ó began Ni in
alarm, but an agonized roar cut him off. ÒShani!Ó
ÒMom!Ó
Tojo darted away before Ni
could stop him.
ÒMom! Mom!Ó
The little cub scrambled
across the barren brown earth and up a low hill where he stumbled to a stop
with a gasp of horror. Lying below in a pool of moonlight was Shani, dead. Her
body lie very still, her mouth partly open in a last gasp of pain, and her eyes
closed. Standing over her and watching Tojo with a dark smile was a slender
lioness with bright piercing eyes and a dark stripe running down her back from
her forehead.
Tojo gave an infantile
growl of rage and staggered down the hill toward the strange lioness. The
lioness merely began to laugh, and when he lunged at her face, brought up her
paw and swiped him aside. Tojo remembered soaring through the air, flailing and
screaming, before his head hit a rock jutting from the nearby hill. Blood
spilled across his eyes and the world was a blur as he dropped instantly into a
dark hole, where he slumped unconscious.
When Tojo later awoke he
was quite alone. There was no sign of his father but he noticed as he peered
carefully from his hole that a grave have been built for his mother. A pile of
rocks stood solemn and silent in the pool of moonlight where his mother had
been lying and he knew with a wave of cold sickness that his mother was lying
beneath it. He realized his father must have buried Shani and moved on,
probably searching for him.
ÒDad?Ó Tojo called,
bounding from his hole. He ran some feet away into the moonlight but was
careful to avoid the grave. The thought of his mother lying dead beneath the
pile of rocks brought tears to his eyes and he couldnÕt bear the horrible
stench of death when he drew too near it. He darted some feet in the opposite
direction instead and called again desperately, ÒDad?Ó
ÒDad! Dad!Ó someone mimicked.
Tojo turned with a gasp to
behold three hyenas moving smoothly from behind his motherÕs grave. They
laughed in their high-pitched, cackling voices as they drew nearer, their heads
bobbing on their long necks, their mouths open in evil crooked grins.
A male hyena with crossed
eyes licked his chops and cackled unevenly.
ÒNo way, Ed,Ó complained
the other male, ÒI saw it first!Ó
The third hyena, a female,
rolled her eyes, ÒWill you two shut up? Everyone knows the brains of the outfit gets the first meat
--Ó
ÒThen IÕll be taking the cub,Ó said the male
whoÕd spoken.
Ed cackled again with the
same brainless smile.
ÒNo way, Ed!Ó growled the male hyena,
taking a threatening step toward Ed. ÒItÕs mine!Ó
Tojo, who had backed
against the hill trembling, was struck by a sudden idea.
ÒEd is right,Ó said Tojo
suddenly. ÒHe sniffed me out first!Ó
Ed cackled happily in
agreement.
ÒWhat!Ó shouted the
female. ÒEd, you sniffed nothing!Ó
ÒYeah, thatÕs right
– I
sniffed him out!Ó
The female walked into the
other male until their faces were pressed together. She kept moving forward,
trodding on his paws as he staggered back, ÒLook here, Banzai, that cub is
mine!Ó
ÒItÕs mine as I smelled it first, Shenzi!Ó came back Banzai,
walking into the female until he was trodding on her paws in turn.
Ed cackled something again
and they turned upon him, and as the three hyenas stood thus arguing, Tojo
crept away over the hill, then ran for his life.
Tojo ran and ran, tears
streaming on the wind behind him as he thought of his dead mother and his
missing father. Had the hyenas killed his father or had the strange lioness
killed him as well? But she couldnÕt have killed him! It seemed Ni had had
enough time to bury Shani and perhaps to stand over her for a while in mourning
. . . Where then could his father be?
Tojo came to the tall,
dead grass which ran along the dried up river and scrambled up a tree. This
barren tree was to become his home until he was too old and too large to hide
in its branches.
Chapter 3: Destined to
Love Simba
An adolescent Tojo
crouched hidden in the tall grass, watching with hunger from under the loose
locks of his budding mane as a herd of wildebeests drifted by. The herd had
been moving from the Pride Lands and was as thin and as sickly as Tojo these
days. Indeed, it was seldom that Tojo managed to capture a meal. Though he
prided himself on his hunting skills, they were good for nothing when there was
nothing to hunt. But now, with the Pride Land herds fleeing the kingdom in
droves, Tojo was finding the Outlands fairly swamped in meat.
A single wildebeest
wandered a little on its own and appeared sickly and aged. As the other
wildebeests left it alone, it appeared the single creature was on the verge of
dying. Tojo kept his eyes locked on the wildebeest as it wandered more and more
into isolation. His claws flexed, gripping the earth until it seemed he and the
earth were one and thus he moved in silence as he crept after the creature through
the grass.
ÒJust a little more,Ó Tojo
whispered hungrily as the wildebeest started creeping away again. His muscles
tensed, his tail twitched and dropped low, and just as the wildebeest took its
final staggering step away from the herd, Tojo sprang into action – and
so did another lion.
It was a lioness, to be
precise. She and Tojo leapt at the sickly wildebeest at the same moment,
startling the creature so badly that it dropped to the ground before either of
them had touched it and the herd moaned in fear and thundered away. Tojo and
the lioness, meanwhile, slammed into each other in midair over the fallen
wildebeest. After a moment of grappling, they pushed away from each other and
stood crouched and snarling.
ÒNi?Ó said the lioness
after a moment.
Tojo paused. Her bright
green eyes were oddly familiar, her smooth tan fur, even the tiny scar on her
nose . . . Could it be? Recognizing the lioness at last, Tojo straightened up
with a smile and said, ÒGuess again.Ó
A smile washed over the
young lionessÕ face. ÒTojo?Ó she said carefully, smiling and squinting.
ÒHello, Nala. What brings
you to the Outlands?Ó he answered fondly.
ÒTojo! It is you!Ó
They laughed and going to
each other, bumped their heads together in cub-like greeting.
ÒWhat are you doing here?Ó
said Nala happily. Then with a frown of concern, ÒDidnÕt you ever find a new
home?Ó
The joy fell from TojoÕs
face and a darkness replaced it.
ÒWhat happened?Ó cried
Nala breathlessly, moving close to Tojo and peering into his eyes.
Tojo looked away. ÒWe
wandered,Ó he said bitterly, Òin darkness and despair . . . my mother was
murdered by a lioness . . .Ó his eyes darkened as he thought of it. ÒIÕll never
forget how evil she appeared – those bright pitiless eyes and that stripe
running down her back . . .Ó
Nala gasped.
ÒWhat is it?Ó said Tojo.
ÒZira,Ó Nala whispered.
ÒThe lioness you described, it sounds just like her. SheÕs the consort of our
would-be king, Scar, and heÕs sent her to find a mate with which to produce an
heir . . . She and Scar are cousins and so their son, well . . . What is it?Ó
ÒMy father,Ó said Tojo
angrily. ÒSheÕs probably seduced my father! He disappeared soon after my mother
was killed!Ó
ÒHow awful!Ó gasped Nala.
ÒI remember Ni, how good and kind he was. After you left the Pride Lands I
always hoped things went well for you. Things have gone from bad to worse since
you left.Ó
ÒWhy? What happened? And
why is Scar of
all lions king? WhereÕs Simba?Ó
Nala hung her head.
ÒNo!Ó
ÒItÕs true,Ó Nala
whispered. ÒThere was a stampede . . . Mufasa was killed trying to save Simba
and Simba was killed too . . . the hyenas have taken over everything and the
Pride Lands are as desolate as the Outlands – IÕm sure youÕve noticed the
herds are moving on. I followed the wildebeests this far just to get food back
to the others . . .Ó
ÒNala,Ó said Tojo
suddenly, Òlet me come back to the Pride Lands with you! This is the solution,
donÕt you see? I can easily take down Scar and avenge my parents – and
rule with you as the new king!Ó
But Nala merely shook her head
and backed away. ÒSimba is the true king!Ó
ÒSimba is dead!Ó Tojo
growled, making Nala wince. He took a step forward. ÒNala, I love you! I always
have – when we left, I couldnÕt stop thinking of you and I wanted to go
back and claim you as my queen! With my pride slowly dying off, I had no mate
and we always got along together so well, I thought . . .Ó
But Nala was slowly
backing away from Tojo, staring at him in shock.
ÒYou donÕt love me,Ó said
Tojo darkly. ÒDonÕt you understand? You are destined to love me!Ó
ÒIÕm destined to love
Simba!Ó Nala said firmly, standing her ground. She shook her head, watching
Tojo in disbelief. ÒWhatÕs happened to you? YouÕre not the Tojo I remember . .
.Ó Still watching Tojo with indignant green eyes, Nala took the fallen wildebeestÕs
leg in her mouth and started dragging it back to the Pride Lands.
Tojo stood watching her in
silent fury, his face hard and his eyes biting. When she had gotten some
distance away, he ran up a nearby rock and shouted after her, ÒYouÕll be sorry,
Nala! One day youÕll run away, looking for help, and I wonÕt be there!Ó
Chapter 4: Kovu, The
Prince Consort
Present-day, adult Tojo
moved forward through the grass but backtracked when he heard voices and
crouched behind a tree. A single lioness was moving happily through the tall
green grass of the Pride Lands.
ÒNala?Ó Tojo whispered to
himself in disbelief, for the lioness appeared youthful and slender unlike his
scarred and aged self. But on closer inspection, Tojo realized the lioness was
far too young to be Nala, though she looked very much like her. This lioness,
however, was darker than Nala, almost golden in color, with large brown eyes.
Why did she remind him of someone? Ah, but she was lovely . . . it was almost
as if he and Nala were in the Outlands again, young and desperate and arguing
about Simba -- Simba! ThatÕs who the lioness looked like!
The lioness was running,
laughing happily and so carefree. Tojo remembered with an ache those days of
his cubhood when he and Nala had chased each other thus across the Pride Lands.
Why did watching this lioness cause him so much pain and yet so much joy?
And then another lion
appeared behind her – he was, in fact, chasing her and laughing as well.
Tojo felt a wave of shock and anger when the young lion came into view: here
was the image of that fiend Zira and his father combined! This young lion possessed
NiÕs dark mane and dark coat, but ZiraÕs bright pitiless eyes were in his face
– a face full of laughter and calm and – love! These young lions
were in love!
It sickened Tojo, their
love. It sickened him when the young lion (who was surely his half-brother and
the result of Zira and NiÕs courtship) pounced upon what was unmistakably
NalaÕs daughter. The two flopped in the grass together, laughing and licking
each otherÕs faces.
ÒArenÕt you glad we came
back?Ó asked the lioness in a soft musical voice that warmed TojoÕs bitter
heart.
ÒYes,Ó admitted the young
lion with a sigh. ÒI never thought Simba would accept me, not after what Zira
tried to do to him, but I knew – I knew I had to return . . . for you.Ó
They smiled at each other
and nuzzled, purring, as they lie together in the grass. Tojo seethed. He
wanted to smack the fiend from his precious Nala and bear her away! But he had
to remind himself that the lioness was not Nala, though the lion with her was
certainly his half-brother and the wretched son of Zira!
How had this young lion,
being who he was, gained a place among SimbaÕs Pride when he, a blameless cub,
had been cast out with his father? It was maddening! Why must he live in misery
and woe, his parents dead, without a mate, without a pride, while his wretched brother lived
as a prince at Pride Rock?
Well, he would take care
of his brother the same as Vitani, who was surely this young lionÕs sister and
yet another product of ZiraÕs and NiÕs.
ÒKovu,Ó said the lioness
presently, lifting her head to smile at her lover, ÒI have something I need to
tell you.Ó
ÒWhat is it, Kiara?Ó
answered the young lion, lifting his head also.
They lay on their stomachs
a moment, the apparent Kovu watching Kiara with concern as she turned her eyes
across the grassy plains. She eventually sighed and said dreamily, ÒIÕve been
thinking of names --Ó
ÒNames?Ó repeated Kovu,
his nose wrinkling. ÒNames for what?Ó
Kiara looked at Kovu and
gave a nervous laugh. His growing alarm was making it more difficult to share
her news than sheÕd ever imagined, but if she told Kovu now he would be the
first to know. She hadnÕt even told her mother yet!
ÒMyetu is a nice name . .
.Ó she said, smiling at KovuÕs confusion.
ÒWait a minute,Ó said Kovu
slowly. He rose into a sitting position and stared across the grasslands in
horror. ÒAre you saying . . . are you . . .?Ó
ÒYes!Ó said Kiara happily.
But when Kovu failed to express his delight, she frowned. ÒArenÕt . . .Ó she
swallowed and asked miserably, ÒArenÕt you happy?Ó
ÒWha – what?Ó said
Kovu, snapping out of his reverie. Seeing KiaraÕs anguish, he said quickly, ÒOf
course, IÕm happy!Ó
Kiara lifted a skeptical
brow at his forced grin.
ÒItÕs . . . ItÕs just a
shock, thatÕs all. I think I need to be alone for a while . . . to think this
over.Ó
ÒWhat do you mean?Ó said
Kiara quickly. Would Kovu possibly abandon her and their cub? SheÕd never
thought it possible, but the look in his eye was at once so gloomy and terrible
– Kiara rose into a sitting position as well and peered closely,
anxiously, at her lover. ÒKovu?Ó
ÒKiara, donÕt look like
that!Ó
ÒHow can I help it when
youÕre speaking of wandering off alone?Ó
ÒWhat are you saying?Ó
demanded Kovu indignantly. ÒAre you saying I wouldnÕt come back?Ó
ÒWho knows what youÕd do after the life
youÕve lived!Ó Kiara gasped as her own harsh words filled her ears and there
was a nasty pause as Kovu stared at her, angry and incredulous. ÒKovu – I
– I didnÕt mean --Ó
ÒYou know, after all
thatÕs happened recently, I always thought you were the last lion IÕd hear
those words from.Ó He shook his head incredulously as he backed away.
ÒKovu,Ó begged Kiara as
the lion turned away, but Kovu kept walking without looking back, leaving Kiara
wretched and alone. She turned and fled sobbing toward Pride Rock, and Tojo
watched from his hiding place as she bounded up the rock face to the cave.
ÒMiserable wretch,Ó Tojo
whispered angrily, watching KovuÕs dark silhouette drifting across the grass.
ÒHe doesnÕt deserve you. . . .Ó
Chapter 5: Timira
Kiara stifled her sobs as
she crept into the cave. She didnÕt want anyone to hear her, especially not her
father. She didnÕt want any more suspicions toward Kovu, no more conflict, no
more drama. She was sick of it! Would it be like this her entire reign? If this
was what it meant to be queen then sheÕd rather trade places with any of the
lionesses – even with Timon and Pumbaa – and spend her days
carefree rather than trying to please a mate!
Kiara continued on through
the cave and slipped out the back onto the ledge, her favorite place of
solitude. Even Kovu would not look for her here: it was her secret place, a
place which she kept hidden with rocks, and only one other knew of it –
ÒKiara?Ó
Timira. Though she wasnÕt
KiaraÕs age (she was, in fact, a little younger than KiaraÕs parents), she was
still young and hardy when Kiara was growing up and was thus the next best
thing to a playmate Kiara had ever known besides her brief encounter with Kovu.
She ran after Timira often and looked to her like a big sister, and hearing her
concerned voice now was a greater comfort than Timira ever guessed.
Kiara bowed her head,
ashamed of her weeping and yet unable to contain herself. Though she stifled
her sobs, the tears kept flowing. All she could think of was Kovu and the
shock, the terror, on his face when she announced she was with cub.
ÒWhat is it?Ó Timira
begged.
Timira came to KiaraÕs
side and nuzzled her affectionately. She sat beside Kiara and watched her face
in amazement. Timira had never been able to understand how a lioness in KiaraÕs
position could always be so unhappy. She remembered Kiara in her earliest days
of cubhood – sheÕd been a lonely cub, frustrated with her fatherÕs
teachings, who didnÕt want to be queen – can you believe it! And as she grew
older it only grew worse – bringing home a mate her father would never
consent to, running away, plunging into the ravine with Zira . . .
Timira shook her head as
she watched Kiara. She would have given anything to trade places. There Kiara sat,
privileged and protected, a princess and soon to be a queen – while
Timira had lived a humdrum life as a low-ranking lioness with no cubs and no
mate . . . she was so lonely, lonelier than Kiara had ever felt, and would have given
anything for a mate like Kovu! But while Timira was slightly envious, she loved
Kiara like the cub sheÕd never had the chance to have.
ÒKiara, wonÕt you talk to
me? You can tell me anything.Ó
Kiara smiled at Timira,
ÒTimira, IÕm glad if someone had to wake up, it was you.Ó
ÒBut why are you crying?
YouÕre soon to be queen! I thought this was a time to celebrate!Ó
Kiara laughed miserably,
ÒSo did I, but apparently, Kovu doesnÕt agree . . .Ó
ÒWhat did he do to you?
Did he run away? You have to understand – thatÕs the nature of a rogue
--Ó
ÒNo, Timira, itÕs not that
he ran away, but youÕre right – I was afraid he might!Ó More tears poured
down her cheeks and she hung her head.
ÒBut why would he do
that?Ó said Timira, shaking her head and smiling. ÒKiara . . . Kovu loves you.Ó
I wish someone loved me, she thought bitterly.
ÒThen why is he afraid of
being a father? I thought it would make him happy . . .Ó
ÒKiara, Kovu probably
feels pressured about raising a cub that can make a good ruler. You have to
look at things from his point of view: he canÕt pass the teachings along of a
king or queen when he himself is only a prince consort and thatÕs all he will
ever be.Ó
ÒI never thought it
mattered that much to Kovu,Ó said Kiara slowly.
ÒCome on, cub. LetÕs gets
some sleep. We stay up talking any longer, itÕll be morning.Ó
Timira moved back into the
cave and Kiara turned to follow but hesitated. Were her eyes playing tricks on
her or had she just seen . . .? She squinted into the distance, but no, there
was nothing there . . . But still she could have sworn . . .
ÒKiara?Ó
ÒComing. . . .Ó
Kiara thought sheÕd seen a
lion down in the grasslands, a lion that definitely wasnÕt Kovu, but it couldnÕt have been. Her eyes were tired and
she needed sleep, that was all . . . at least, thatÕs what Kiara told herself.
But in her heart she carried a private doubt.
Chapter 6: VitaniÕs
Warning
Kovu moved quickly and
silently to the edge of the Pride Lands, paused and listened intently, his ear
twitching, then continued down a dirt path, through the tall dead grass which
announced the Outlands, and into darkness. The cold air chilled and ruffled his
mane, sweeping dark locks into his eyes and carrying familiar smells . . . the
raw scent of the termite mounds, the dry stench of bones from old kills, the
enticing scent of many Outland lionesses now fading in the wake of their owners
. . . and one last smell, the best smell of all, a smell which Vitani had explained to him
when they were cubs: the rugged musk of his father.
There looming on the
horizon stood the cave in which Kovu had grown into his mane, surrounded by the
blank dirt fields on which heÕd later received his training. He could still
hear his motherÕs voice as he looked with a pang of misery across those desolate
lands . . .
ÒYou are the leader of
the unit! The others will move according to your actions – remember that!
We will slowly weaken Simba and then you will move in for the kill!Ó
Kovu shook off the memory
of his motherÕs voice with a miserable wince and moved past the cave toward the
mound of rocks that covered Ni. Who was he kidding anyway? He couldnÕt be a
prince! He and Kiara loved each other, but it wasnÕt enough to run a kingdom.
Kiara hadnÕt even been announced queen and already they were arguing. And so here he
was, back where he started –
Kovu paused. As he was
moving toward his fatherÕs grave he thought heÕd glimpsed something out of the
corner of his eye, a familiar shape. Kovu turned again to the cave and took
several steps toward the shape.
ÒVitani?Ó he whispered,
pausing, one large paw lifted. He took another step toward the gloomy cave
entrance and paused with a gasp. Lying there, so still and lifeless, was the
slender ragged shape of his older sister. Her eyes, once so bright and fierce
like ZiraÕs, were now staring vacantly through the sea of dead grass beside
her.
Kovu swallowed thickly and
managed in a low voice, ÒVitani, who did this to you?Ó He carefully closed her
empty eyes with his paw, then stood a moment over her in silence, his head
bowed.
ÒKovu!Ó
He knew that voice, but it
couldnÕt be –
Kovu opened his eyes,
ÒVitani?Ó But when he looked at his sisterÕs body, she was still lying lifeless
in the dirt, her expression of agony relaxed by the last breath which had
expelled from her body.
ÒNo, Kovu, up here.Ó
Kovu took a step back and
followed the sound of the voice until his eyes rested on the top of the cave,
where Vitani stood glowing like a star against the night. Instead of the usual
light brown color, she had turned very white until it fairly blinded one to
look at her and yet Kovu could not look away.
ÒVitani!Ó he gasped, his
mouth open. He shook his head and took another step back. ÒIÕm dreaming! How
can this be?Ó
The shimmering white
lioness smiled down on him and shook her head. ÒIt is no dream. ItÕs me, Kovu,
your sister.Ó
ÒWho did this to you?Ó
Kovu demanded, his jaw clenching.
VitaniÕs eyes became
terribly sad. ÒOne who was wronged . . . by Simba.Ó
ÒWho is he? Give me his
name – donÕt protect him! Why do you feel sorry for him?Ó Kovu demanded,
watching Vitani with wide angry eyes.
And indeed, it seemed
Vitani was very reluctant to betray her murderer. She watched Kovu sadly, as if
she pitied him for having to suffer yet another loss – because of Simba,
Kovu had never known his father, and though theyÕd been driven and brainwashed
by their motherÕs hate, they had loved Zira as well and had mourned her in her
death. Now poor Kovu had lost yet another – the fear of losing someone
else mustÕve been eating him up inside.
Vitani tilted her head and
smiled sadly. In her eyes, Kovu was still that little dark cub with the black
tuft of fur falling across his forehead and the bright green eyes – and
now it seemed she could no longer protect and advise him.
ÒVitani,Ó said Kovu,
taking a step forward. ÒPlease!Ó
Vitani took a deep breath
and it seemed her sigh echoed across the heavens until a ripple of air blew
KovuÕs mane about his face. But he continued to peer up at her with a hard
determination.
ÒIs anyone else in danger?
Where has he gone? At least tell me that!Ó
ÒHis name is Tojo,Ó said
Vitani heavily, Òbut before you run off to find him you must listen to me!Ó she
added when Kovu made a sudden move.
Kovu paused again, then
seeing the earnest look in VitaniÕs face, he sat.
ÒThere are things about
our father I never told you – things that he wants you to know! Tojo, the
lion that killed me, is our brother --Ó
ÒWhat! Then what reason
could he possibly have for --Ó
ÒNi is his father as well!
I never told you how Ni died because --Ó Her ears flattened and she watched
Kovu uncertainly.
ÒBecause what?Ó
ÒBecause he was murdered .
. . by Simba.Ó
Ò. . . That – that
canÕt be true!Ó
ÒIt is true – I was there!Ó Vitani
snapped. Her eyes filled with anger and pain as she remembered that horrible
day of so long ago. ÒMother put Ni up to killing SimbaÕs son – a cub
named Kopa, my best friend . . . Ni killed him, and Simba arrived just in time
to watch Kopa die in NiÕs jaws --Ó
ÒThen Ni had a heart as
black as MotherÕs – and IÕm supposed to sympathize with this Tojo? HeÕs
just like our father!Ó
ÒYou donÕt understand,Ó
Vitani begged, ÒNi was a good lion and was once a good king. His only mistake
was letting Zira corrupt him . . . a mistake that seems to run in the family.Ó
She smiled sadly at Kovu.
Kovu didnÕt know what to
say – it was true: as far as listening to Zira went he was no better than
his father. HeÕd been prepared at a momentÕs notice to murder Simba because
Zira had convinced him it was right. Who was he to pretend he was better than
Ni or even Tojo?
ÒIf you donÕt want me to
kill Tojo, then what do you want me to do?Ó asked Kovu in confusion.
ÒThink of your kingdom
– Kiara needs you . . . and so does your cub. Go back and warn the others
of Tojo. Simba is still king and heÕll take care of matters. Then concern
yourself with Kiara. She needs you more than you realize . . .Ó
ÒVitani,Ó said Kovu, who
was suddenly finding it difficult to speak, ÒI wish you were still here to
– to guide me . . . you were more my mother than Zira ever was.Ó
Vitani smiled. ÒI wish it
too, little brother.Ó She began to fade as she spoke and soon Kovu was left
alone before the cave and his sisterÕs still body. Kovu set about the business
of pushing rocks toward his sisterÕs body with his nose. He would bury her near
their father, a perfect resting place here where they had grown up together and
had played as happy cubs.
After Kovu had covered
Vitani with a considerable amount of rocks, a dry twig snapped somewhere nearby
and he paused to listen, his ear twitching. After a moment he called harshly,
ÒWhoÕs there?Ó A strange scent wafted on the breeze, chilling Kovu and
prompting him to start toward home as quickly as possible.
Tojo held his breath as he
watched his younger brother unseen in the tall dead grass of the Outlands, his claws
flexing against the earth.
After listening a long
moment, Kovu turned and continued on toward the Pride Lands. Just as he was
reaching the edge of the Outlands where the grass faded into the darkest clay,
Tojo purposely made a noise to betray his presence. Kovu stopped again, his
head snapping around.
ÒWhoÕs there?Ó
ÒOnly your big brother,Ó
came the reply.
Kovu went rigid with
suppressed rage as a strange lion stalked out of the shadows. The lion was dark
with piercing, derisive eyes. He was apparently aged, perhaps as old as Simba,
with several battle scars to tell the tale of his rogue-existence. His dark
brown mane was webbed in black streaks. He paced up and down before Kovu,
sizing him up with every hint of dislike.
ÒI do not wish to fight
you,Ó said Kovu, though his tense posture and flashing eyes told otherwise.
Tojo laughed coldly. ÒWhy?
For the sake of your lover, the princess? SheÕll become my princess very shortly . . .Ó Tojo
slunk down into a crouching position, his shoulders flexing as he prepared to
lunge.
Kovu crouched as well. The
lions began circling each other, watching each other with dark eyes, waiting
tensely for the other to strike. Tojo swiped a couple of times to which Kovu
snarled and swiped back. They continued to circle, their manes now heavy with
blood and dripping in their eyes.
ÒDonÕt do this! I know why
youÕre angry – but how can you kill me for something that happened before
I was even born?Ó
ÒHow stupid do you think I
am?Ó Tojo demanded, one of his fangs revealed in a sneer. ÒIf I donÕt dispose
of you now, youÕll only get in my way once I take on Simba. So you see? IÕd
kill you no matter what ragged lioness birthed you!Ó
Kovu gave a roar of rage
and the two lunged, locking to each other with teeth and claws. Kovu arched his
back and snarled in agony as his enemyÕs claws sank into his flesh. Though Kovu
had been trained to kill from cubhood, Tojo was the more experienced fighter
and had fought many a rogue to survive: to him, Kovu was just another lion
trying to scrap with him over a piece of meat.
The lions grappled, then
thrust apart. Kovu was badly injured and staggered as he struggled to keep on
his paws. His back was matted with blood and the loss of it had weakened him
considerably.
ÒPathetic,Ó Tojo spat, his fang flashing
again in yet another sneer. ÒWho taught you to fight? That weakling Vitani?Ó
Kovu let lose another
furious roar and lunged, but Tojo only laughed as his younger half-brother
pinned him to the ground. He kicked Kovu away with his hind legs and sent the young
lion soaring through the air. Kovu smacked his head on a sharp rock jutting
from the ground and sank in a bloody, lifeless heap into the dead grass.
Tojo stood over KovuÕs
lifeless body, smiling darkly at his triumph. ÒIf itÕs that easy to take down Simba
I wonder if itÕll even be worth it?Ó he wondered aloud. He lowered his head and
peered closely at Kovu to ascertain heÕd stopped breathing. When he saw that
Kovu appeared quite dead, Tojo laughed coldly, stepped over his half-brotherÕs
body, and moved on.
Chapter 7: Love Will
Find a Way
Love will find a way. It was a silly saying of KiaraÕs.
The princess had some cubbish notion that love could solve everything and was
convinced that it was her love for Kovu that had brought peace again to the
kingdom. Timira snorted and rolled her eyes but could not help smiling on the
young lioness as she slept.
The rest of the Pride was
curled around the cave floor. Lionesses sprawled on their backs, their sides,
their bellies, mouths open, ears twitching, furry lips smiling of sweet dreams.
On the small platform of
rock rising just a few feet above the lionesses in the center of the cave slept
Simba along side his queen. Nala was on her side, her back thrust against the
king and her head draped across his paws. Simba was on his side as well, one
back leg tangled lovingly with NalaÕs and his tail flung across them both. Such
cub-like indecencies were the royal couple prone to in sleep. It would have
been very comical if Timira did not feel so particularly alone this morning.
Timira hung her head and
stepped carefully over a snoring Timon and Pumbaa. The warthog was sleeping as
always on his back, legs in the air as if there should have been an apple in
his mouth. Meanwhile, the meerkat was curled on its belly, its snores soft and
infrequent compared to the loud sawing of the hog.
Timira glanced around
again. Kovu still had not returned. Kiara slept alone against the wall. Timira
had slept near her in the night, but that now that sheÕd risen Kiara looked
very small and alone lying there.
Vitani had also failed to
return, which was strange – Vitani liked to wander every now and then in
the Outlands but she always came back in the night. It was too dangerous, a
lioness wandering in the dark alone. Though peace had been restored to the
Pride Lands, rogues were still lurking everywhere – large burly males who
would seek to take a lioness by force as his mate, famished lionesses who were
desperate enough to eat one of their kind, even large packs of hyenas wandered
on the outskirts and could take down a single lioness for a meal.
For all those reasons and
more, Timira had been very careful from the time she was a cub to stay close to
Pride Rock and if she had to leave the safety of the RockÕs shadow she never
went alone.
Timira walked some
distance across the ledge and stretched, thrusting her front legs forward and
yawning until her large pink tongue rolled over her bottom lip.
But what was she anyway if
not alone? This morning, just this once, she would break her timid ways and become
adventurous, daring, bold – in other words, she would take on KiaraÕs
spirit and just for today, she would face the world alone.
Timira paused to glance a
last time over her shoulder at the dark mouth of the cave. PumbaaÕs snores
could just be heard, rising over TimonÕs lighter wheezes. She could not see
Kiara anymore, for the princess was far back in the gloom, but she smiled in
her direction, then turned and set off.
She didnÕt know where
sheÕd go first. Perhaps sheÕd go looking for Vitani or Kovu, but then again,
she reflected that the brother and sister had probably already found each other
and Vitani had probably already comforted her brother and given him good
advice. Where then would she go? Perhaps just for a stroll . . .
A large rock stood at the
bottom of Pride Rock, obscuring the stone stair. Timira had just stepped around
that rock when a menacing snarl made her scream. A lion burst out of hiding,
wild and dark and terrifying to behold, and launched into her. They went
rolling down the last few rocks that formed the stair and into the grasslands.
Timira was so startled at first that sheÕd simply held on to the lion for dear
life as they rolled endlessly. When they at last rolled to a stop, the lion was
on top of her, pinning her to the ground.
The lion pulled back to
observe Timira with a snort of surprise. ÒWho the hell are you?Ó it demanded
angrily.
Timira scowled, ÒI might
ask you the same thing!Ó She braced her legs and suddenly heaved the lion from
her, then turned and fled into the grasslands. But the lion, unfortunately, was
quite a fast runner. She heard it pounding after her, heard its impatient
snarls, and ran faster in her terror. The path to Pride Rock was blocked
– she could only run away from it and hope some animals spotted her plight
and came to her aid.
Timira was just ploughing
recklessly down a hill when she heard the lionÕs shout of triumph. Its cold
shadow fell over her as it lunged yet again, and she was pinned for a second
time to the ground. They grappled, rolling through the grass and snarling and
biting, until Timira emerged the victor. She lie with the massive lion pinned
beneath her, glaring at it as they both sought to catch their breath.
To TimiraÕs surprise, the
strange lion was grinning. ÒIÕm impressed,Ó he said in answer to TimiraÕs
startled gaze. ÒIÕve fought several lions in my lifetime, and youÕre the first
one to pin me on my back. Well done.Ó
Timira sneered at him.
ÒIÕll also be the first to kill you,Ó she panted, Òif you donÕt tell me who you
are and what business you have in the Pride Lands!Ó
ÒI came here bent on
revenge, but . . .Ó the strange lion shook his head, Òwhen I look at you . . .
none of it seems to matter any more.Ó
TimiraÕs ears flicked
upright. ÒRevenge? Against who?Ó
But the strange lion was
lost in thought. ÒThis must be what Kovu feels,Ó he said to himself, his eyes
wide as he gazed up at Timira, ÒThis must be what Kovu feels when heÕs with
Kiara – and what Nala feels when sheÕs with Simba,Ó he added bitterly. And gazing
still at Timira, his heart pounding in his chest, Tojo suddenly realized that
he would not ruin what was between the lions of Pride Rock for the all world
– not if they felt this exalted, this helpless, this weak and yet strong
and wonderful and fearless and terribly afraid all at once!
And as Tojo stared up at
Timira, he realized with a sudden leap of the heart that Timira was gazing down
at him with loving eyes. Ah, she was beautiful! And he felt with a thrill that
perhaps she was thinking the same thing about him.
ÒI donÕt know what it is
about you,Ó said Timira, shaking her head, Òbut your eyes – they tell the
story of suffering and . . . of loneliness.Ó
Tojo looked away angrily;
his ears flattening on his head. ÒWhat I know of loneliness could make your fur
stand on end.Ó
ÒTry me,Ó said Timira with
a smirk. ÒItÕs not always such a great thing, living at Pride Rock. I was born
some time after Simba and Nala and IÕve watch their love and later their joy
when they had their cubs – then I watched Kiara fall in love with Kovu
– they are to have a cub soon. And while I was happy for them, as the
years went by I felt . . . so alone . . . and I kept wondering . . . when will
my turn come?Ó
Timira closed her eyes as
if the very thought of her loneliness pained her. She backed off of Tojo and
sat some distance away, her head hung. Tojo sat up and stared at her sadly a
moment, then went to her side and timidly, as if he thought she might disappear
on the spot, he rubbed his ears against her head. Timira nuzzled him back at
once, and they sat thus, purring lowly, sitting side by side as the sun crept
over the horizon and being happy and carefree and . . . in love.
Chapter 8: The Darkness
Dispelled
But Timira, as if sheÕd
suddenly remembered something, cleared her throat and moved away, gazing with
worried eyes up at Pride Rock. It seemed as if Tojo read her mind, for as he
gazed at Pride Rock, a woeful feeling stole over him: they would never be
accepted by the lions there, never. And the stain of TojoÕs misdeeds could not be washed
away: he was the murderer of Vitani and Kovu.
ÒI want to be with you,Ó
said Timira quietly, gazing up at Pride Rock, Òbut . . . will they ever accept
us?Ó She gazed with large anxious eyes up at Tojo. ÒWhat is it?Ó she begged,
seeing the pained expression on the lionÕs face. She came quickly to his side
again, peering with concern into his eyes.
Tojo closed his eyes and
looked away and swallowed. ÒTimira,Ó he said heavily, Òthere are things you
should know about me . . . I am a murderer and a rogue --Ó
Timira shook her head, ÒI
donÕt care how many lions youÕve killed over a scrape of meat!Ó
ÒNo!Ó cried Tojo
impatiently, startling her. ÒYou donÕt understand – my father was
murdered by Simba through the schemes of a lioness named Zira – and that
same lioness murdered my mother --Ó
Timira gasped.
ÒI came back here seeking
revenge and IÕve already avenged my motherÕs death on the cubs of Zira –
a lioness who called herself Vitani and her brother – our brother – Kovu . . .Ó
ÒNo!Ó Timira cried,
staggering back with wide eyes.
Tojo winced and couldnÕt
bear to look at her. ÒBut IÕm a changed lion now! When I looked at you it was
like – like I suddenly saw myself for what IÕd become: I let my
bitterness and hate consume me until I hurt many others with it . . . Now I
only wish I could take it all back.Ó He dropped his head and closed his eyes.
Timira went to him and
nuzzled him. ÒI canÕt deny that I feel the same about you, no matter what
youÕve done . . . What youÕve told me doesnÕt surprise me. I knew there was a
darkness in you when I looked at you . . . but I suddenly feel as if IÕve
dispelled that darkness – itÕs like my love for you has given you a
second chance!Ó
Tojo sighed his relief and
nuzzled Timira back. ÒAfter all IÕve done in my life, I donÕt deserve you . .
.Ó
ÒEveryone deserves a
second chance.Ó
They smiled at each other,
but Timira looked again toward Pride Rock.
ÒIf weÕre going to be
together, I must return . . . to say goodbye. . . .Ó Her eyes brightened with a
sudden idea. ÒWhy donÕt you come with me?Ó
Tojo hesitated, but
reflected that perhaps none of them would recognize him. Nala would certainly
remember him but she didnÕt know of his misdeeds to date. He could return with
Timira to Pride Rock and leave with her before any of them found VitaniÕs and
KovuÕs bodies. It was still early, after all.
ÒAlright,Ó said Tojo,
nuzzling Timira again.
They started back toward
Pride Rock, but Timira stopped again and said with a laugh, ÒI just realized
– we donÕt even know each otherÕs names!Ó
Chapter 9: Lucky to
Have Nala
When Kovu left Pride Rock
that night, Nala had been watching the lovers unseen. She was as overprotective
as Simba in that way, though she kept her paranoia hidden with a calm and
confident outward appearance. Though it had been many years since the death of
poor little Kopa, Nala had not forgotten that grisly scene: the old lion Ni
(once her friend!) standing with Kopa hanging limp in his jaws . . . She
shuddered just to think of it, and since KiaraÕs birth had been in constant
terror that her second cub might meet the same fate. And yet, unlike Simba, she
kept her calm – one of them had to seem rational in order to comfort the other.
Nala waited until Kiara
and Timira went to sleep, and followed Kovu, but it was too late. The young
lion had simply disappeared, but she thought sheÕd glimpsed a strange lion in
the Pride Lands once or twice – lurking in the tall grass, hiding behind
a rock.
She followed the strange
lion all the way to the Outlands where she lost him. She was just turning back
for Pride Rock when she stumbled upon a horrible scene: the strange lion leapt
out of the darkness and viciously murdered Vitani, who had gone as usual to her
fatherÕs grave. Nala returned to Pride Rock as fast as she could, bent on
rousing everyone and alarming them of the rogue lion – but Nala reflected
that she had been in the Outlands. Rogue lions in the Outlands were safe from
prosecution. As far as the law was concerned, the Outlands belonged to the
rogues: they had every right to murder intruders. Therefore, had Nala awoken
the Pride with the news, it would not have mattered: there was nothing they
could do.
Oh, why did Vitani have to wander into the
Outlands? If only she had stayed with them, where she belonged, sheÕd be safe
and alive now, sleeping near Kiara and Timira as sheÕd grown accustomed to
doing. . . .
Nala wandered wearily into
the cave and smiled at SimbaÕs prostrate form. She noticed Kiara and Timira
sleeping side by side: Kovu still had not returned. She would save her sad news
for the morning, but for now, she would let the others sleep. They all looked
so peaceful lying there, breathing quietly – even Timon and Pumbaa, who
snored worse than all the lions combined.
Nala slipped silently to
SimbaÕs side, closed her eyes, and smiled when she felt his tail drop across
her affectionately. She felt Simba scoot close to her and his hot breath hit
her ear as he whispered with a sleepy groan, ÒWhere have you been?Ó
But Nala only gave a false
snore in reply. Simba opened one skeptical eye, but soon they both fell asleep
and the night wore on.
Simba awoke before Nala
some hours later. He heard the usual morning sounds: the grunt and shuffle of
the lionesses as they rose and walked, yawning, to the waterhole; the smack of
TimonÕs furry lips and PumbaaÕs snorts; KiaraÕs cubbish yawn and the usual
noise of Timira scratching her side – Timira? There was no usual noise!
SimbaÕs eyes snapped open
and darted straight to the spot where Kiara and Timira had slept the night
before. There was no Timira, no Vitani, and no Kovu! First Nala had been out
wandering and now this?
Simba nudged Nala awake.
ÒNala,Ó he said firmly when the queen sat up with a yawn, Òwhat is going on
around here? Last night I asked you and you pretended to sleep – but now
I really need to know!Ó
NalaÕs weary expression
did nothing to quench SimbaÕs fears.
ÒCome with me,Ó the queen
said quietly, and it pained Simba to see her usually-merry green eyes so
darkened with despair.
Simba followed quickly
after Nala onto the jutting ledge of Pride Rock. They sat together side by
side, watching the sun reach its fingers higher and higher across the Pride
Lands. Simba gave Nala a moment to gather her thoughts and merely watched
anxiously as she bowed her head and closed her eyes. At last, Nala lifted her
head and began:
ÒLast night, I followed
Kovu and Kiara. They were talking out on the grasslands, as they usually do . .
. but this time they were arguing. I heard their voices shouting from where I
stood on Pride Rock, so I went down to see what was the matter . . . Simba,Ó
Nala looked directly into SimbaÕs eyes and the sad expression in her eyes
chilled him, ÒI think KovuÕs run away!Ó
Simba shook his head, ÒNo,
never!Ó
ÒThereÕs more,Ó Nala
continued heavily, but before she could impart her news about Vitani, she was interrupted
by the sound of voices.
Simba and Nala paused,
their ears pricking as they listened. Moments later, a pair of lions appeared
over the last stone steps leading to the top of Pride Rock and stopped in their
tracks, just as startled.
ÒTimira?Ó Simba gasped.
ÒBut --Ó he smiled and went on, looking the strange male lion with Timira up
and down, Òwho is this youÕve brought to us? Can it be?Ó He seemed to have
guessed TimiraÕs situation on the spot, for it was common knowledge among
SimbaÕs Pride that Timira was lonely, that she wanted a mate and cubs.
Timira smiled and looked
down happily. The male lion with her, while not very old was not very young
either. He seemed about SimbaÕs age and was riddled with old scars, thin from a
life of scavenging – he was a rogue. But Simba noticed that when the male
lion looked at Timira, the gentlest look came into his eyes: he was in love
with her! And Timira was in love with him! She kept gazing happily at her
companion, laughing, and looking down.
Nala, meanwhile, stood
dumbfounded as she stared at the male lion. The male lion gave Nala a dark
smile that went unnoticed by Simba, who was too happy for Timira to realize
exactly who the strange rogue was. Nala, however, recognized Tojo on the spot:
it was not very long ago that sheÕd stood on the edge of the Pride Lands as an
adolescent, arguing with him about Simba. And she realized with a leap of the
heart that it was Tojo whoÕd murdered Vitani! ItÕd been so dark when it
happened that she wasnÕt sure, but looking at him now, she was certain.
Tojo seemed to read the
knowledge in NalaÕs eyes and gave her a pleading, helpless look. ÒThis is my
second chance!Ó
his eyes seemed to say. ÒPlease! DonÕt ruin this for me!Ó
ÒIsnÕt this great, Nala?Ó
said Simba, moving forward to nuzzle Timira. Timira had always been like a
younger sister to him. He remembered beating her up in several wrestling
matches when they were cubs and receiving a scolding from TimiraÕs mother, for
Timira was still too young to treat roughly and was only born some time shortly
before Simba ran away.
ÒNala?Ó said Simba,
looking around when the queen remained silent.
Nala swallowed thickly and
came out of her reverie with a smile. ÒWhat, Simba? Oh, yes, itÕs wonderful,
Timira, IÕm so happy for you both!Ó She moved forward and nuzzled Timira as
well.
ÒI donÕt exactly like the
idea of you two leaving the Pride Lands alone,Ó said Simba. ÒA pride of lions
is always better than a pair. IÕm sure some of the other lionesses would like
to come with you – there are some good places to live in the Outlands,
not all of it is bad . . .Ó
ÒSanhira might like to
come!Ó said Timira eagerly. ÒAnd Kela and Kara – Oh, thank you, Simba! We
were so afraid you wouldnÕt accept us!Ó cried Timira, hurrying forward to
nuzzle Simba yet again.
Simba laughed, ÒNo
problem!Ó
Nala noticed Tojo give her
a thankful look and she smiled in return.
ÒSo what is your name?Ó
Simba asked of Tojo. ÒMaybe youÕd like to return and visit us sometime?Ó
Tojo and Timira looked at
each other in horror.
ÒAh, look whoÕs back!Ó
said Nala loudly, and Simba was distracted when yet another lion made its way
up the stone stair onto the ledge of Pride Rock.
Tojo and Timira exchanged
expressions of relief but were freshly horrified when Kovu dragged himself
heavily onto the ledge. He seemed battered and bruised, moved very heavily and
breathed shallowly. He paused at the top of the stone stair, his head hung, and
dropped heavily to the ground.
ÒKovu!Ó Simba and Kiara
shouted at once.
Kiara had been standing
uncertainly in the mouth of the cave, eying Tojo with curiosity, her ears
straight up. Seeing KovuÕs state, she rushed to his side and turned him over.
ÒOh, Kovu, what happened
to you?Ó Kiara begged.
ÒIt was --Ó
Kovu glared at Tojo, who
was standing with a solemn and resigned face: the game was up, for he was
certain Kovu would reveal him. But Nala appeared standing over Kovu and
conveyed to him with her eyes alone not to speak a word against Tojo.
Ò. . . A rogue lion?Ó
finished Kovu uncertainly, to which Nala nodded her encouragement behind the
othersÕ backs. ÒA rogue lion,Ó he went on more confidently, Òit attacked me and
Vitani – sheÕs dead . . .Ó
Kiara gasped, ÒNo!Ó
ÒNo one is allowed to
journey into the Outlands alone anymore!Ó Simba announced to the confused
lionesses crowding the mouth of the cave. ÒThat goes for you especially, Kovu
– letÕs get you inside . . .Ó He nudged Kovu to his paws and he and a few
other lionesses helped Kovu into the cave. Kiara and Timira followed anxiously,
leaving Nala and Tojo alone.
ÒThank you,Ó said Tojo
with a fond smile. ÒYou know thatÕs the second time youÕve saved me?Ó
Nala laughed, ÒWhat are
friends for? IÕm only glad to see you alive and well.Ó
ÒIÕm more well than IÕve
ever been! Timira – she makes me feel like a king!Ó
Nala shook her head,
smiling at him fondly. ÒBut thatÕs what you are,Ó she said, moving close to
nuzzle him. ÒThatÕs what youÕve always been, deep down inside.Ó
They nuzzled each other a
long moment, and Tojo was startled when Nala even began to purr. He felt the old
feelings returning – the joy, the comfort, the security of those days
heÕd spent with Nala here in the Pride Lands.
ÒYouÕre breaking my heart
all over again,Ó Tojo said sadly, though he continued to nuzzle with Nala.
Someone cleared their
throat and Nala and Tojo broke apart, their eyes downcast in embarrassment.
Simba stood watching in the mouth of the cave, a smirk on his face reminiscent
of the cub heÕd once been. Tojo felt a surge of jealousy leaping from Simba and
was secretly satisfied. But Timira appeared again, backed by the group of
lionesses who were willing to start a new pride with her, and all thoughts of
Simba and Nala flew from TojoÕs head. Tojo and Timira went to each other and
nuzzled.
ÒItÕs time to say
farewell,Ó said Simba, moving to NalaÕs side. ÒGood luck, Timira, and remember
– you are always welcome here.Ó
Timira gave Simba and Nala
one last smile, then departed with her mate and their new pride down the stone
stair.
Simba and Nala sat a
moment in silence side by side on the edge of Pride Rock. Then Simba spoke:
ÒTojo is lucky to have a
friend like you.Ó
ÒSo you recognized him
after all?Ó teased Nala, lifting an eyebrow.
ÒNot until I saw the two
of you together,Ó admitted Simba. ÒThen I remembered when he came here as a cub
– it always seemed like the two of you left me out.Ó
ÒCome now, Simba!Ó Nala
playfully pinned Simba on his back and said with a smile, ÒIf that were true I
think Tojo would be king here and you would not.Ó
Simba laughed and felt a
surge of joy as he watched Nala move slowly into the cave. Yes, he was lucky
indeed to have a queen like her.
Chapter 10: Tired of
Fighting
ÒKovu, can – can you
ever forgive me?Ó Kiara begged, sitting at KovuÕs side. ÒThe things I said
–Ó
ÒNo, Kiara, IÕm the one
who needs to apologize – IÕd be honored to have a cub with you! ItÕs just
– I was afraid that – what if the cub turned out to be not so great
a king? What if the cub grew up to be . . .?Ó
Kiara knew he was going to
say ÒWhat if the cub grew up to be Scar?Ó and shook her head. ÒKovu, that will never happen!Ó
ÒBut how do you know?Ó
Kovu cried in earnest, wincing as he sat up. ÒKiara, I donÕt know anything
about being a king! What will I teach the cub besides how to scrap for meat?Ó
He sneered at the ground in frustration.
ÒKovu,Ó Kiara said with a
smile, Òmy father knew nothing about being king when he returned – all
the years he was supposed to spend in training were lost when he lived in the
jungle with Timon and Pumbaa. And look at him now! HeÕs one of the greatest
kings to rule at Pride Rock!Ó
ÒHeÕs definitely a step up
from Scar,Ó Kovu admitted to which Kiara laughed.
ÒSo you see? YouÕll be a
great prince, I know it . . .Ó
They nuzzled happily. Nala
appeared in the cave. She stood watching them fondly for a moment, then cleared
her throat. Kiara and Kovu looked up.
ÒKiara, your father would
like a word with you,Ó said Nala.
Kiara smiled at Kovu and
went out.
Nala and Kovu were now
alone in the cave. The other lionesses were out lounging in the sun or in the
shade or else planning the morningÕs hunt. Nala moved to KovuÕs side with a
smile.
ÒSo you returned,Ó she
said, her green eyes smiling.
ÒYeah,Ó said Kovu with a
nervous laugh, Òto tell you the truth, I almost didnÕt.Ó
ÒBut you did,Ó said Nala firmly, Òand taking
responsibility is always the first step.Ó
KovuÕs nose crinkled. ÒThe
first step to what?Ó
ÒTo a great ruler.Ó Nala
sighed and sat on her haunches, her tail flashing. ÒIt wasnÕt easy for Simba to
return here – we had a fight just before he did. Then something made him
come back – but stars knows it wasnÕt me.Ó
ÒYeah, Kiara was just
telling me about Simba – we had a fight last night because I was afraid
of having a cub.Ó
ÒYou thought it would turn
out like Scar.Ó It wasnÕt a question.
ÒYeah,Ó Kovu admitted.
ÒKovu, let me share a
little secret with you: there will always be a Scar. A lion will always emerge who wants
power or revenge and thereÕs nothing we can do about it except fight it, and
when it rises again, we fight it again.Ó
ÒSo why did you help Tojo
escape?Ó Kovu asked darkly. ÒHe killed Vitani! He tried to kill me – and
he was going to kill Simba and take Pride Rock and Kiara for his own!Ó
Kovu was amazed when Nala
merely smiled sadly and said, ÒBecause . . . Tojo was tired of fighting.Ó
Chapter 11: Mya and
Myetu
It was the happiest day of
Kiara and KovuÕs lives. The animals gathered at Pride Rock as the sun rose
meekly across the sky, mere silhouettes moving in droves to welcome the new
heir. Rafiki climbed the stone stair leading to the ledge of Pride Rock, staff
in hand, and embraced Kovu, smiled at Simba and Nala, and moved past them to
Kiara. Kiara looked up to reveal a small, dark bundle of fur: a little male
cub, covered in spots and sleeping so heavily that it didnÕt wake when Rafiki
anointed it, but snored loudly and yawned. KiaraÕs girlish laugh finally awoke
the cub. It blinked grumpily and even scowled at the intruding mandrill for
waking it from its nap. Rafiki gathered the cub carefully, ruffled KiaraÕs head
affectionately, and turned toward the edge of Pride Rock.
The clouds parted and the
sun poured down upon the lifted cub, who had dropped off to sleep immediately
and was hanging limply in RafikiÕs hands. The animals stomped and bowed and
trumpeted, the birds fluttered across the sky to sing the new princeÕs praises.
But Prince Myetu merely slept on, completely indifferent of the world around
him.
ÒIs it natural for a cub
to sleep so much?Ó Kovu asked of Simba with wide eyes.
It was several days after
the presentation of Myetu, and Simba and Kovu were sitting in the mouth of the
cave, watching in awe as little Myetu continued a twelve-hour marathon of
sleeping. Kiara carried the cub with her everywhere she went, even to the
waterhole, and it continued to sleep, only waking to eat and go right back to
sleep.
Now Kiara and the new
prince were both sleeping within the cave. Kovu had brought Kiara a leg from a
recent kill. She ate it thankfully, and then dozed off. Myetu never awoke.
Simba shook his head, Ò. .
. I donÕt know. Kiara barely slept a wink when she was a cub and Kopa –
Kopa always awoke before the birds. . . .Ó SimbaÕs voice trailed off sadly,
reflecting on his late son.
Kovu glanced sideways at
SimbaÕs sad, heavy eyes. The king was getting old: it was rare for a lion to
live to see his grandchildren. Kovu remembered Kiara telling him of her
grandmother, Sarabi, a lovely old queen whoÕd passed away when Kiara was still
a cub. Both Simba and Nala had lived lengthy lives, had seen many seasons, but
now it seemed old age was catching up with them at last. Nala was heavier and
had lines under her eyes, though the green spheres were as happy and shinning
as ever. Simba, meanwhile, had begun to move very slowly and grunted often if
he moved too fast. Zazu was well, though faded and ruffled with age, and as for
Timon and Pumbaa . . . both had taken the next step in the circle of life,
which was death. For Simba it had been a heavy blow, burying his foster
parents, and Pride Rock seemed miserably silent without TimonÕs loud remarks
and the sound of PumbaaÕs lips slurping as he ate bugs.
Kovu shuddered. He
couldnÕt imagine living without Kiara – or dying without her. He gazed
into the gloomy cave at Kiara as she slept and despaired to ever think of
leaving her.
ÒKovu.Ó
KovuÕs head turned to
Simba again with startled eyes; the older lion was smiling at him.
ÒDeath isnÕt always
loneliness and despair,Ó Simba said gently, Òeven those who are gone . . .Ó He
closed his eyes with a smile as the wind ruffled their manes, Ò. . . they stay
with us as we go on. You are never alone: I will be in the stars to guide you.Ó
Kovu couldnÕt convey what
SimbaÕs words meant to him in that moment. Simba was saying heÕd guide Kovu
from the heavens like a father. Kovu had never known the joys of having a
father and smiled gratefully at Simba: he truly was a king.
Simba suddenly laughed and
Kovu asked in surprise, ÒWhat?Ó
ÒNothing,Ó said Simba,
rising with a groan, ÒitÕs just that . . . youÕre nothing like my uncle: Taka didnÕt
leave a Scar after
all!Ó He laughed again, moving away down the side of Pride Rock with an old
lionÕs careful steps.
ÒTaka?Ó said Kovu,
wrinkling his nose in confusion. But he shook his head and followed Simba,
grateful and proud to belong to SimbaÕs Pride.
Later that night, Nala
rose and slipped from beneath SimbaÕs heavy paw. With heavy and slow steps, she
moved quietly to the edge of Pride Rock and sat waiting, her tail lifting and
dropping lazily behind her. After a moment of quiet reflection, a little blue
bird fluttered suddenly down from the inky sky and hovered before Nala.
ÒWell?Ó said Nala eagerly.
ÒHow are things with Tojo and Timira, Tama?Ó
While Simba had Zazu as
his majordomo, Nala had Tama, one of the many little blue birds which lived in
the Pride Lands. Tama was younger that Zazu, at least KiaraÕs age in fact, and
had been KiaraÕs friend in cubhood. Unknown to the others, Nala had been using
the little blue bird to keep an eye on Tojo and Timira should her friends need
her help.
ÒTimira had her cub!Ó
twittered the little bird in much excitement.
ÒAnd?Ó
Tama giggled, ÒItÕs a
girl! A little girl named Mya!Ó
ÒHow wonderful for them
both!Ó said Nala happily. ÒA little girl! I hope Sanhira doesnÕt influence her
too much . . . I always thought she was a bit headstrong.Ó
ÒSanhiraÕs been trying to
behave, your highness, which for her isnÕt saying much.Ó
ÒAnything else?Ó
ÒReport complete, your
highness!Ó
ÒThank you again, Tama,
and goodnight.Ó
ÒGoodnight!Ó
Tama fluttered wildly into
the darkness.
ÒNala? What are you doing
out here?Ó
Nala turned to see Simba
moving toward her from the cave. He gave a great yawn and sat heavily at her
side.
ÒYou know, I can never
sleep when youÕre gone?Ó said the king after a pause.
ÒI know,Ó Nala answered,
nuzzling her husband.
They sat side by side in
happy silence, but a scent on the wind filled both their hearts with despair.
It was the dry, crackling scent of barren earth – a scent which usually
only drifted in the Outlands.
ÒOh, no,Ó Nala whispered,
ÒitÕs happening again.Ó
ÒThe second drought.Ó
Simba took a deep breath and his chest swelled as if he was preparing himself
for whatever was to come. ÒWhatever happens, Nala, weÕll face it together.Ó
ÒTogether,Ó agreed Nala,
smiling at Simba. She licked his cheek playfully and they rubbed ears. ÒWe are
one,Ó Nala teased, to which Simba summoned strength to his old limbs and he
chased Nala down from Pride Rock across the grasslands, where they pounced upon
each other and lie beneath the stars: content, carefree, in love.