TLK 4; Seeds of goodness Part two: the unknown threat Legal note; all characters found in the TLK movies are (c) Disney. All other characters are (c) Me Sigurd Engerström. This story will be split up in parts, this is the second, and the rest will be finished soon. (That will be when I have the time) Comments and such are welcome to: Timba@inhell.com Drop dead notes and flames to: Thrashcan@unwantedmail.com This part continues the first part, witch continues on TLK III "the legacy of Zira" ... so reading both would help understanding some things Characters: Old: Timba: The present king of the pride rock Rasawah: Timba and Watabi's cub. (Means "filthy one" on the cheetah language) Watabi: Timba's former mate, mother of Rasawah Conhaba: Rasawah's brother Ibihaza: Rasawah's sister Pinja: An outlander lioness Bubba: A crow, the best scout in the pride lands Aihatu: the queen of the rim pride Slodia: the shaman of the rim pride Dunsj: An evil demon, son of Dix New: Kubaki: An evil shadow from the time beyond Bob McMorris: a green human soldier Leesha: Aihatu and Giza's daughter Damu: a lion cub Muwabu: a rouge lion, Damu's father Muzih: daughter to Muwabu and Kirza, sister to Dizjuh and Bitehmi Dizjuh: sister to Muzih and Bitehmi Bitehmi: sister to Muzih and Dizjuh Kirza: mother to Muzih, Dizjuh and Bitehmi Sibati: a lioness Rajima: a lioness Character note: Timba can for some reason not use the letter "s" he uses "z" instead... Chapters: Prologue C11: Forced Alliance C12: True feelings C13: The daughter of a shadow C14: Nocturnal visions C15: Headlong flight C16: A dream so sweet C17: Born by death C18: First accomplishment C19: "maovu" Damu Epilogue There is also a cheetah language that is used frequently... This little dictionary might help a bit on it, 'cause without it, it would be hard to understand what some characters, especially the cheetahs, say some times... Zhiech = thanks Yoah / Yobaduz = hi/hello Mizhk / naklat = goodbye Zibihi = lion Kobto = little/small Ninibi / ikaba / bathar = see you later Nam = my Nim = one Aka = two Zik = three Mira = tail _ Ki = I \ Akh = am ==(used only when introducing themselves) Kiah = I'm _ / Raka = poor Buko = stupid/idiot Azna = father/dad Faha = mother/mom Ban = yes Cot = no Kekaba = cheetah Bitikibi = love/lover/mate Ententa = spotted Tekahn = human/terran Rasaw = filthy / unclean (add a "ah" after and it means "filthy one") Uzuk = evil / twisted (+ "ah" and it means "evil one") Yet another note: The two human armies is called "the star of blue", "CNDB" or "blue" and "the hawk of green" or "green" Prologue Somewhere in the northern parts of the deathlands a leopard jumped down from a tree, his yellow eyes scanned the horizon... Then he saw something and headed that way, he had seen the feared death pride out on a hunt. He stopped some hundred meters away from them and waited until they had catched the zebra they were hunting, when the prey had been devoured, the leopard approached them... Lioness: Hey, you!!! Piss off! The leopard stopped and looked at the lioness... Leopard: is there anyone of you named Marhiza? A red lioness walked towards the leopard... Marhiza: yeah, that's me... what do you want? Leopard: are you Marhiza, the daughter of Fahzik? Marhiza: yep, it's me all right, and you are...? Leopard: I am Kubaki, and I know your father... Marhiza: My father? He's been dead for ages... Kubaki: maybe his body is dead, but his spirit lives on... in me, I am Umemé... Marhiza gave him a quick look, and then she burst out in laughter... Marhiza: so... hee hee... you are Umemé huh? Why don't you go check your brain, I doubt that it works as it should... Kubaki: I'm serious Marhiza, I am your father, and I require your assistance to conquer the pride lands... Marhiza suddenly stopped laughing and just stared at him. Marhiza: pah... No way `pardy, we aint going nowhere... Kubaki: but, I need your help... Lioness: are you stupid or what? She said NO... Marhiza: but... if you need any help, ask the humans to the north, they might just open your head up and see what's wrong... Then she burst out into laughter again, but instead of getting angry, Kubaki's face lit up... Kubaki: Humans! You said it Marhiza, you certainly got your mothers intelligence... thanks... Then the leopard turned towards the north and disappeared... Lioness: what a weirdo, you don't meet two nuts like that in a lifetime... Marhiza: maybe not, but he knew my fathers name... Lioness: that's strange; you said that he died the day after your birth didn't you? Marhiza: I did... but don't worry, that knowledge aren't going to help him, cause he's going to die anyway, the humans will get the fun of killing him... Lioness: serves him right, don't it? Marhiza: yeah... Then both of them began to giggle hysterically... Chapter XI Forced alliance Somewhere far to the north of the peaks of death a lone green flag floated on the top of a small watch- tower, two soldiers stood on guard in it and scanned the horizon trough binoculars... Soldier: [scanning the horizon] there's absolutely nothing here, zip... nada... why do we even bother standing here... Soldier2: maybe because they'd execute us if we left, that's why... Soldier: I know that, but it seems to me that it's always us who have to do this crap... Soldier: I don't have a clue... let's see what's on the radio tonight... He opened a small shack and pulled a radio out from it, he turned it on and tried to tune in on a channel, after a while without any luck, he gave up and put the radio back into the shack. Soldier2: hey, there comes an overgrown kitty... The other man looked up, but didn't see a thing... Soldier: stop kidding, there's nothing there, see? Soldier2: but... there was a leopard heading this way... Soldier: a leopard? Let's shoot it and sell the skin, come on! He opened the hatch to the ladder that led down and disappeared... Soldier2: hey! Wait for me Pete... Pete: hurry up then! The soldier plunged trough the hole and landed on the ground, but Pete was not around... Sodier2: ok, where are you, Pete? A silent rustle in a nearby bush made his attention go that way, then he saw the leopard lunge towards him in full speed, it's mouth and paws was covered in blood... Soldier2: EAT LEAD YOU SUCKER! He pulled the trigger to his machinegun, but the bullets didn't seem to hit the leopard, and within seconds the leopard had leaped on him and pinned him firmly to the ground, then it bent down and whispered into his ear... Leopard: now you do as I say... With a mix of fear and surprise the man looked on the leopard... Soldier: you... you can talk!? Leopard: shut up and listen carefully, I can kill you if I want, but I wont... Soldier: no? Leopard: I wont because I need you... Soldier: you need me? For what? Leopard: you will know soon enough... now say after me... Avina Zutowa... Soldier: avina... zutowa... Leopard: Zi Bitzu Tum Kubaki Soldier: zi... bitzu... tum... Kubaki... Leopard: good, you now belong to me... And no funny business... Bob Bob: how the heck do you know my name? Leopard: I can see it... Bob: that's bullshit! Get off me... Leopard: not so hasty my friend, I'm not done yet... Bob: your not? Leopard: no, I'm not, that... thing you pointed at me, what's that? Bob: it's a 10mm Eliminator-machine gun... Leopard: what's it purpose? Bob: it's made to kill people, why do you want to know? Leopard: because I'm your master now, and you're my slave... Bob: ah, screw you; as soon as Pete sees you, you're dead... Leopard: oh, you mean that other human, well, he won't bother me anymore... he's dead... Bob: you BASTARD! He pulled his knife and stabbed the leopard with it, but it didn't cut trough his skin... Bob: what the hell? The leopard smacked him in his face with its claws out... Bob: OW! Your dead, kitty... Leopard: no, you are... The leopard began to stare into Bob's eyes, the human felt how the eyes burned his brain, then he screamed in agony and the leopard ceased to stare... Leopard: you weakling, your lucky I didn't kill you... now get up... The leopard jumped off him... Kubaki: so... What is a "tank" I could see that it was among your worst fears to meet one... Bob: a tank is a monstrous tracked machine with a long-range turret cannon... Kubaki looked like a question mark... Kubaki: uh, I see... I also saw that you belongs to the "hawk of green" is that true? Bob: hawk of... oh you mean the green Hawk, yes, I'm a greenie, so what... Kubaki: well nothing, I know that you humans can control the "tanks"... Bob: yep, I can drive a tank... Kubaki: good, then we just have to acquire one... Bob: do you think that they grow on trees? You won't find any here; the war is a long way from here. Kubaki: the war? Bob: yes, the war, the blue fights against us, but they will loose the war soon enough... Kubaki: I think, or I know that both of you will loose, I have seen it, but you won't loose as long as your with me, now, where do I find a tank then? Bob: there is a blue encampment some miles to the north, but I don't know if there are any vehicles there... Kubaki: fine, let's go... The leopard walked away in a fast pace, and Bob felt how something forced him to follow the leopard into the dark night.... Chapter XII True feelings In the pride lands, everything was going back to normal, Timba sat on the top of the mighty pride rock and watched the sun as it began its voyage on the blue sky, after a while Pinja came and sat down at his side... Pinja: it's a wonderful morning isn't it? Timba: it iz in deed, but not half az wonderful az you... Pinja: [giggles] was that a compliment? Timba: that'z up to you to decide, [takes a deep breath] Pinja... I have zomething to zay... Pinja: go on... I'm listening... Timba: I... I think that I like you... Pinja: you know what? I like you too... Timba: no... I mean that I love you... Pinja: [a little surprised] you do? Timba: I'm zorry, but I had to tell you... pleaze don't hate me... Pinja: [really surprised] how can I hate the one I love? Timba: do you mean it? Pinja: yes I mean it, I loved you since when I first saw you... but I was uncertain whatever you would love me back or not... She rubbed her head against his... Pinja: I love you Timba, and I really mean it... Timba: you know... if the otherz zaw uz now, they'd have zomething to gozzip about in a month... Pinja: they won't... Timba: well, I doubt that they would do it in the prezence of the queen... Pinja: the queen? But? [gets mad] you do have another, don't you? How could you? Timba: hey calm down, I don't have another, I waz going to azk you to be my queen... Pinja's face turns from angry to totally dumbstruck in a second... Pinja: are... you asking me... Timba: yez I do, will you marry me, Pinja? Pinja: [her face turned happy] yes... YES I DO!!! She began to nuzzle him while she tipped him over on his back... Timba: no, not up here... they might hear uz [he pointed down into the cliff] Pinja looked very disappointed Timba: but... if you know a better place, then we'll go there... Pinja: [put on a seductive smile] yeah... I know just the right place... come, I'll show you... She kissed him before she jumped down on the path, she took a few steps, then she turned around and looked on Timba, then she continued down. Timba quickly got after her and followed her out on the savannah and into a small grove somewhere out in the plains... Pinja: here it is... my own special place... Timba: it'z nice here, izn't it? Pinja: it sure is, that's why I choose it... Timba: it's really beautiful, juzt az you... Pinja: you don't look so bad yourself Timba: I love you Pinja... Pinja: then prove it... She smiled at him, and by a reflex he sniffed in the air... Timba: wait a minute... what'z that zmell... Pinja: [dreamingly] describe it... He sniffs again... Timba: I don't know really, but it zmellz like... you? Pinja: it's my heat, Timba... She kissed him right on his lips and began to wrestle with him, he did not do much resistance and she quickly had him pinned to the ground and she nuzzled him... Chapter XIII The daughter of a shadow A month after the death of Giza, his mate and queen Aihatu gave birth to a lioness cub, the happy mother and the remnants of the rim pride had gathered inside the old den and admired the little cub... Lioness: what a little cutie... what are you going to name her? Aihatu: well, I haven't decided yet... but I have thought of Leesha and Kirani... Lioness: those are splendid names, why don't name her both? Aihatu: nah, that would be too much trouble, one name is enough... The panther shaman Slodia entered the den... Slodia: you're so right dear; sorry that I'm late I was a little busy... Aihatu: never mind Slodia, what do you think? Leesha or Kirani? Slodia: please don't ask me to name your daughter... Aihatu: I'm not asking you to name her; I just want your opinion... Slodia: well, I don't know really, but I like Kirani most... Lioness2: I'm in for Leesha... I think it fits her... Aihatu: nah, I think I give it a good nights sleep... I'll decide tomorrow [yawns] I'm a bit tired... Lioness: you have all right to be, my queen, it has to be hard to give birth to such an angel... Aihatu: [giggles] yeah right... She laid her head down on the ground and fell to sleep with her daughter purring at her side, she slept until the next morning. Lioness: good morning Aihi, how are you today? Aihatu: I'm fine, and so are my little Leesha... Lioness: you finally named her, huh? Aihatu: yep, and I did it because it reminds so much of my mothers name... Lioness: fine, hope she wont turn out to be a pain in the ass if you know what I mean... Aihatu: she won't, I will see to that personally... Lioness: [faked strict voice] you're the boss, what ever you say... Aihatu: very funny... [yawns] gee, I'm starving; let's get some food... Lioness: oh no Aihi, [teasing voice] your not going anywhere from now on, you're a mother remember? Aihatu: oh, dang it... Lioness: but don't worry, I'll get you a little something Aihi, maybe an elephant... Aihatu: I'm not that hungry, well not yet, so get to it! Lioness: [waves] Yes ma'am! The lioness disappeared and assembled a hunting party and went out for a hunt... Two months passed by, and little Leesha grew both stronger and more adventurous for each day, nothing around the den was left unexplored, everything had to be double checked before she could move on, and that got to the nerves of the pride... Lioness: aw, come on now Leesha, you've checked those pebbles yesterday... Leesha: but... they seem different today... Lioness: get your little behind in gear now, or I'll have to chase you back, ok? Leesha: just a second, please? Lioness: ok, you have two seconds to get finished, and then I'll get after you... The little cub darted past the lioness Leesha: try to catch me then... Lioness: hee hee hee, you can't get away from an experienced hunter like me Within seconds she had caught up with the little cub, then she picked her up by the scruff of her neck and carried her home. When they got back to the den, Aihatu took her daughter and began to clean her while the baby-sitting lioness went over to her pride sisters... Aihatu: so, Leesha, what have you accomplished today? Leesha: well, first we went to the river to catch some fish... Leesha told everything she had done during the day, not a single detail was missed, and Aihatu, who seemed to be set on "receive", listened impressed to the cub's story... After a while she seemed to be finished... Leesha: ...and then she caught me, I'd wish I'd be bigger and stronger, then I'd show her who's the little one around here Aihatu: [snapped out of the "receiving" state] uh... but you will soon enough Leesha, no one will get away from you, not even an antelope or a cheetah will be able to run from you... Leesha: are you sure? Aihatu: yep, I'm sure Leesha... so, what are you going to do tomorrow? The endless stream of words started again with only brief pauses so that she could catch her breath again Leesha: ... and then Slodia promised to show me some funny things... [thinks for a second] that's all I'm going to do tomorrow... Aihatu: oh, that sounds nice, but don't you go get yourself into any trouble, ok? Leesha: sure mom, [yawns] I'm tired, good night mom... Aihatu: good night hon. The cub fell asleep at her side. When she had fallen completely asleep, the baby-sitter came... Lioness: gee, how can such a little cub speak so much? I tell you, she will wear her tongue out within a year... Aihatu: don't be silly, she just have so lot to tell... Lioness: tell me about it, I got blisters in my ears after a day with her, [giggles] poor Slodia, she don't know what awaits her... Aihatu: yeah right... and if you continue to talk, you'll wake Leesha, and that would start her babblings again, and I'm sure you would appreciate it... Lioness: ok, I'm leaving, good night your highness. When the lioness had left, Aihatu also fell asleep... Next morning Leesha woke up very early, not one of the others was awake; she pounced on her mothers belly to wake her... Aihatu: oof! What is it Leesha? [yawns] Leesha: aw mom, wake up! Aihatu: [half asleep] has the sun gone up yet? Leesha: no... Aihatu: then it's still night, go back to sleep again... Leesha: aw, come on... She received no answer because Aihatu had fallen asleep again... Leesha: all right then, I'll go over to Slodia and see if she's awake then. She padded out from the den and headed towards the tree that served as a home for the panther shaman, when she arrived Slodia wasn't there... Leesha: crap, she isn't here, well, she must be nearby [sees something in the distance] there she is... She headed towards the thing she had seen; when she got closer she saw that it wasn't Slodia, but a patch of scorched grass... Leesha: what the? What is this? Black grass! She walked over the black patch and whirled up a cloud of soot and dust, suddenly two blood-red orbs appeared in the cloud, Leesha stood and watched terrified as the cloud disappeared and revealed the shape of a feline spirit... Leesha: [frightened] who... are you? The spirit looked at her with its red eyes... Spirit: some called me Dunsj while I lived... Leesha: not the same Dunsj that was Dix's son? Dunsj: yep, that Dunsj Leesha: I'm out of here!! She turned around to run away from there, but the spirit popped up in front of her... Dunsj: why such a hurry? I can't harm you; I'm dead... Leesha: I don't believe you; my mom said that you were evil... Dunsj: your mom said that? Well it was true, but not any longer, you see, when I died, everything about me, both the evil and the good sides of me vanished, as I said, I'm a ghost now... Leesha: I still don't trust you... Dunsj: I can sense that your mind is filled with pre-justice towards me, why? You never even met me while I was alive. You weren't even born... Leesha: maybe I wasn't, but my mother has told me about you... Dunsj: [interrupts her] you mother is filled with pre-justice, she only saw the demon side of me, not my good side, now listen to me, and you will surely change your opinion... He began to tell her about his life, all since the day he was born until the day he died... Dunsj: ...so I caught the blow instead of Zifa, he would have been sevearly injured from it, I didn't care if I died, he was my one and only friend... and that's the whole story, now it's up to you to decide... Leesha stood with her eyes full of tears, ready to cry... Leesha: I was wrong about you, Dunsj... [she tried to hug him, but her arms just went trough the image] oh sorry... I didn't mean to... Dunsj: don't worry; it's the thought that counts and I appreciate your gesture... Leesha: your welcome, tell me, what do you do all days long? Dunsj: well, mostly my spirit sleeps in the grass, but every time someone whirls up the dust, I wake up again, fortunately that don't happen too often, everyone is scared of even mention this place, to them this is a damned place... Leesha: sounds boring... Dunsj: well, you can at least go to places, I'm stuck here, and you ought to have much more fun that I ever had... Leesha: no... I don't, cause I'm the only cub in the pride and the adults finds me annoying, too bad that your dead, I could have played with you... Dunsj: nah, you know, you shouldn't hang out with dead guys, you'd better go home now, if you want to talk again, you know where to find me... Leesha: sure, bye Dunsj... Dunsj's image dissolved into a cloud of dust that, unaffected by the wind, slowly fell towards the charred ground. Leesha bounced happily back to Slodia's tree where the shaman herself met her... Slodia: there you are Leesha, where have you been? Leesha: well, when I was here earlier, you weren't here, then I saw something dark in the distance and I thought it was you and... Slodia: you what? Leesha: I thought it was you... Slodia: no, what did you see? Leesha: a dark spot of black grass... Slodia: did you touch the grass? Leesha: no, not directly... Slodia: did you touch the grass or not? Leesha: I maybe stepped on it by accident when that ghost came... Slodia: ghost... did you see the spirit of Dunsj? Leesha: well, that was what he introduced himself as... Slodia: did you talk to him? Leesha: well, we had a little chat, yes... Slodia: now listen to me Leesha, whatever he told you, it's a lie, all of it, you must never go there again, do you understand what I am saying? Leesha: [lowered her head in shame] yes aunt Slodia... Slodia: it's not to keep you locked up, Dunsj knew much dark magic, and I don't want to think what the consequences might have been... Leesha: but he seemed nice... Slodia: that was only a trick to fool you; did you tell him your name? Leesha: no I didn't Slodia: that was good, if you had told him your name, he might have possessed you... Leesha: posse-what? Slodia: possess, he would have taken over your mind and your body, he would have controlled you... now how nice does he seem now? Leesha: [chocked] please don't tell mom aunt Slodia... Slodia: I'm sorry but I have to tell Aihatu about this, but I will tell her that I already have punished you, so you don't have to fear that from her... Leesha: are you going to lie to her? Slodia: no, I will punish you, come here, I'm going to tickle you... Leesha: oh no... [giggles] please stop [giggles] ... can't breathe... hee... hee Slodia: ok, now I'm done, hmm [thinks for a moment] didn't I promise to show you something fun? Leesha: yeah... you did Slodia: ok, watch carefully now... She made some gestures with her paws, and suddenly a beautiful flower appeared between them and fell to the ground... Leesha: [amazed] wow, cool... how did you do that? Slodia: that's a secret Leesha... Leesha: aw, come on... Slodia: nope, and if I told you, then the whole land would be covered with flowers in no-time... Leesha: no I won't, I promise... Slodia: nope, I tell you a story instead ok? Leesha: neat! Leesha laid down comfortably on a branch and listened to the story the shaman told... It was late night when the story was finished and Leesha headed home in full-speed, she met her mother right outside the den... Aihatu: so, where have you been, young lady? Leesha: well, Slodia told me a story, and it kind of took all time... Aihatu: no, not that Leesha, your little "adventure"... Leesha: oh, she has told you, right? Aihatu: [sighs] yes she has, I am disappointed with you, I told you to stay away from there... Leesha: I know mom, and I'm sorry... Aihatu: it turned out good this time, but promise me to never go there again... Leesha: I wont mom; I'll never go there again... Aihatu: thanks... now you go to bed, it's late... Leesha: sure mom... The cub trotted into the den and fell to sleep at her usual spot... In the middle of the night Leesha began to dream, she found herself in a dark place, suddenly two blood-red orbs lit up... Leesha: no... stay away from me... Voice: are you afraid of me? Leesha: please, go away... Voice: no, I need to talk to you... Leesha: I can't see you... Voice: oh, that can be arranged... By a little snap from somewhere near the eyes, the whole place lit up and revealed the image of Dunsj... Leesha: no... I can't talk to you... Dunsj: you don't have to talk, just to listen... Leesha: ok, but no funny business ok? Dunsj: no funny business... well, you know how my life was, and that was like hell, but even now, it is painful, but when I saw you come trotting over my resting place, I knew something was different about you... as you maybe know, demons don't have emotions, well in most cases they don't, but as a half-demon I can... and I don't know how to say it, but I really like you... Leesha: not as an object to possess... Dunsj: no, I would never possess you, even if some one cursed you, I wouldn't do it... I love you, and I mean it... Leesha: I don't know if I can trust you... Dunsj: listen to your heart, what does it say? Leesha: I really don't know... Please leave me alone... Dunsj: as you wish... you know where to find me... Both the eyes and the light disappeared and left Leesha in a compact darkness... Leesha: please... don't leave me here... come back... She received no answer; she began to feel cold and shivered in the darkness... Leesha: please Dunsj, come back, it's so cold here... Dunsj voice emitted from nowhere... Dunsj: it is your own doubt that chills you; trust me, and it will be replaced by warmth... Leesha: please... show yourself... you scare me when I can't see you... Dunsj: sorry, I can only reveal myself once in one vision... Leesha: can I sit close to you? Dunsj: sure... The two red orbs revealed themselves again and Leesha slowly walked towards them and sat down near them... Leesha: I listened to my heart... Dunsj: what did it tell you? Leesha: it said that you were cursed to haunt here, but also that the curse could be broken... Dunsj: that's very true... but that is impossible anyway... Leesha: nothing is impossible before you've tried... Dunsj: believe me, I have tried many times, and as you can see, I'm still here... Leesha: I'll help you... just tell me what to do... Dunsj: but, it means that I have to possess someone, and I don't like to do that... Leesha: can't you just leave the one you possessed when the curse is broken? Dunsj: no, I will have to die as a mortal before I am free... Leesha: are you sure? Dunsj: yes I am, and unless you find someone who wants to die for me, I'm stuck here... Leesha took a deep breath... Leesha: then possess me; I'll set you free... Dunsj: no, not you... anyone else but you, I'll rather stay here than possessing you... Leesha: ok, I only tested how much you liked me, and you're serious about it, huh? Dunsj: I have never meant anything like that in my whole life; the need to be free is weaker than my love for you... Leesha smiled in the darkness and reached out with her paw in Dunsj's direction, she was surprised when it hit soft fur, she felt him over with her paw, and then she gave him a kiss... Leesha: it is getting light now, Dunsj, and I have to wake up, I'll ask Slodia if she knows something... and... please come back tomorrow... Dunsj: I will... The two orbs disappeared again, and with a sudden jerk, Leesha woke up and saw her mothers relieved face... Aihatu: oh thank goodness that you're ok... Leesha: [yawns] what do you mean mom? Aihatu: you've slept for two days now, not even Slodia could wake you up... The cub looked confused around... Leesha: where am I? The panther shaman came towards them... Slodia: you are in my tree Leesha... and it seems that you were dreaming a dream that you didn't wanted to end, what was it about? [she made a sign for Aihatu to leave] tell me Leesha... Aihatu left and Slodia listened carefully to Leesha's story, which was only interrupted by a nod by Slodia now and then, when the cub was finished Slodia was in very deep thought... Slodia: hmm... Leesha: I know what you are going to say... "everything he told is just plain lies" Slodia: no... not exactly, I want to meet him in person... alone... Leesha: sure, all you have to do is to walk over the black grass, and he'd be there... Slodia: thanks Leesha, now, I need to prepare myself, so please go to your mother... Leesha: no problem... She jumped from branch to branch until she came down on the ground where Aihatu were waiting... Aihatu: [very curious] well? Leesha: well what? Aihatu: what did she say? Leesha: she's going to meet him, and she don't want to be disturbed... Aihatu: fine, now you come with me, we'll have to keep you under watch both day and night just to see to that you don't wander away as you have, has I made myself clear? Leesha: [disappointed] yes mom... Aihatu went towards the den and Leesha came close after her, well inside the den Aihatu set two lionesses to guard her daughter... Meantime at the patch of the black grass Slodia had just stepped once on the grass and the cloud of dust and ash appeared again, and revealed the spirit of Dunsj... Dunsj: who are you? And why do you disturb my sleep... Slodia: doesn't matter, I have to talk with you... Dunsj: well, I can't stop you, go on... Slodia: it has came to my attention that you visited a cub in her dreams recently... Dunsj: yes I have, what's the big deal, I can't do anything mean anymore... Slodia: ...and that cub happened to be the princess of this land... Dunsj: ooh, a royalty she didn't tell that... Slodia: ... I'm not finished yet, so please keep your mouth shut... and you told her that you were in love with her, is that true? Dunsj: yes, that is true, does that bother you? Slodia: you are a demon, that's what bothers me. You are evil... Dunsj: I can hear by the way you talks that you are a shaman, and you should know better... Slodia: what do you mean? Dunsj: when a demon dies, his or her soul just disappears, but when a half- demon like me dies, the spirit will be purified and every little trace of evil is washed away... but it takes time however, and for me it would take until the end of days to get purified... Slodia: that's news for me... Dunsj: well, it's not that half-demons go dying everyday. I'm in fact the first to die, so this... this punishment are been used for the first time... Slodia: well that explains your behavior, but I still don't trust you... Dunsj: well, no one does, except for the princess, and you know what? You can maybe stop me from visiting her, but you can't stop her from calling me, and she will call me when she needs me... Slodia: in your dreams baby, I wish that I could kill you, but you are already dead... Dunsj: I don't see what need you have to threaten me, I am harmless... Slodia: maybe your body is, but your words are not... Dunsj: true, but why don't you enter the princess dreams and see the truth... The ash began to fall slowly towards the ground and the spirit disappeared with the cloud... Slodia: [half to herself] I will, just to drive you out you little fiend... She clenched her paw towards the black patch and went then back to her tree... Chapter XIV Nocturnal visions Sometime in the middle of the night Leesha had another vision, but this time she was met by Slodia instead of Dunsj... Leesha: Slodia? What are you doing here? Slodia: to protect you Leesha... Leesha: protect me, from what? Slodia: from Dunsj... Suddenly the surroundings began to change to a reddish color, and then Dunsj appeared... Dunsj: well, what have we here? One intruding shaman... Slodia: it is you who intrudes... Dunsj: well, don't be so sure... [points at Leesha] she called for me... Slodia turned around and looked at Leesha... Slodia: you did it? Why? Leesha: I love him, and he loves me, that is the reason... Slodia: Leesha, he's a demon... Leesha: it don't matter... Slodia: it do matter, and he's the first one to leave... Dunsj: no, you are... Leesha: this is my vision, and Dunsj and I are the same person... Slodia watched terrified as the vision of Dunsj merged with Leesha... Both: we are one... Slodia: [yelling in denial] NOOOOO!!!! Then the vision ended, Slodia woke up soaked in sweat, and she quickly collected some items and stuffed them into a leather-bag. Then she departed for the den. Aihatu was both surprised and confused to see Slodia come in the middle of the night, and even more confused when she took the still sleeping Leesha and disappeared, her curiosity made her follow the shaman far out on the savannah, and even further, they had reached far away when Slodia finally stopped... Slodia: Aihatu, I know that you've followed me here... Aihatu became even more confused and went over to the shaman... Slodia: don't say a word... Aihatu nodded... Slodia: she's been possessed... but I can still be able to save her... She picked up a gloving crystal attached to a necklace and put it around Leesha's neck, then she put a white root in Leesha's mouth. Then she placed her left paw on Leesha's head and began to say words in a strange language, as she proceeded the crystal became darker and darker until it so dark that the night seemed light... then the cub opened an eye, it was not her own, but a red eye, she blinked and now it was back normal again, she blinked again and rubbed her eyes, not able to see where she was, then she saw Slodia and Aihatu then she lost her consciousness... Aihatu: is she ok? Slodia: she was lucky this time. The demon is gone... Aihatu: demon? Slodia: the son of Dix had possessed her... Aihatu: you mean Dunsj? Slodia nodded slowly... Aihatu: but how? Slodia: I think she cursed herself with him... Aihatu: Leesha? Why would she do that to herself? Slodia: don't ask me, but I think that Dunsj talked her into it... Aihatu: where is that son-of-a-bitch now? Slodia: well, he is not here that's for sure, and I doubt that he will ever bother us again... Aihatu: good, but how a bout Leesha? Slodia: she will not remember anything from it, and if anyone asks what we did right now, tell them something... it is the best for all of us if this never came out... Aihatu: ok... well, we'd better get home before anyone misses us... Slodia: you're so right... Aihatu picked her unconsciousness daughter up and went together with Slodia back home... Chapter XV Headlong flight Next day the whole rim pride woke up by a bone-piercing cry of agony... Lioness: what in the gods name was that? Lioness2: where's Mala? At the same time Slodia came running as fast as she could towards the den... Lioness2: Slodia, have you seen... Slodia: [panting] she's dead... Lioness: WHAT? Slodia: [still panting] there is no time to lose, we have to leave this land immediately... Aihatu: why? Slodia: I'll explain later, we'll have to leave now before more dies... follow me... She looked out trough the entrance to make sure that the coast was clear... Slodia: ok... let's go... The pride followed the shaman on paths they hadn't used for ages, after a while they reached the desert... Lioness: not to sound dumb, but... what do we do now? Slodia: we'll cross the desert... Lioness: the DESERT??? Slodia: shh Zaza, or we'll have them on our throats... Lioness: who? I DON'T SEE A LIVING THING... Suddenly something from above grabbed her and flew away with her... Lioness: Help meee... Then the creature that had taken her let loose of her and she fell helpless and hit the ground with a sickening thump... Slodia: now! RUN FOR IT!! All of the remaining lionesses followed Slodia out into the desert... After a while they slowed down to normal walking pace and kept it up for the rest of the day, two of them did not make it to sunset and died out on the dunes, the remains of the pride reached the other end of the desert at midnight... Aihatu: we did it! We crossed the great desert... Leesha curled up to her mother... Leesha: mom... I'm thirsty... Aihatu: I know hon.; we're all both thirsty and hungry... Slodia: let's see if we can find water, we can hunt tomorrow... Lioness: I need a nap first... I'm so tired... Slodia: NO! Don't fall asleep, if you do you might never wake up again... you'll drink first, then you can take your nap... Lioness: ok, ok, no need to yell... Slodia: fine, let's go then... When they crossed the invisible border to the pride lands Aihatu suddenly knew where they were... Aihatu: wait a minute! I've been here before... this is the pride lands... Slodia: you do? Aihatu: yes, Giza was once a prince here; his father Kovu will help us... Slodia: are you all certain about that? Aihatu: yes... but we'd better find that waterhole now... The remaining three lionesses agreed and they went off to find the life-giving liquid... When they found a small spring all of them plunged into the water and drank their thirst away... Lioness: aah, never have water tasted so well... Lioness2: I agree, don't you Slodia... Slodia: how can I disagree? Well, you can take your nap now... Lioness3: I bet that all of us will take a nap now... Aihatu: heh, your totally right... Leesha did not say anything but fell instantly asleep, the adult felines followed her example and within a minute all of them slept a fully deserved sleep... Next morning Aihatu woke up by the feeling of something trying to stare right trough her, she opened an eye and saw a bird she'd never seen before, it was a crow that sat before her... Crow: oh, the sleeping beauty finally woke up... Aihatu: duh, don't scare me like that... uhm black bird... Crow: no offence, but I am a crow and my name is Bubby... Aihatu: ok Bubby... would you be a little sweetheart and go tell the king that I want to meet him... Bubby: well, since you are trespassing on the pride lands, he'll have to come here, I'll go get him, and by the way... what is your name? Aihatu: I'm Aihatu, I'm sure he knows who I am... Bubby: Fine, but do not expect too much... Then the crow flapped with his wings and took off into the air and flew in the direction of the pride rock, Slodia who had been awakened by the sound of voices sat up and looked very confused... Slodia: Whom were you talking to? Aihatu: oh, your awake, well, that was Bubby, and he's a crow... Slodia: a what? Aihatu: he's a crow, a bird Slodia: oh, never mind... One of the three other lionesses also woke up... Lioness: [yawns] aah, a zebra would be fine now don't you think? Aihatu: that can wait until we spoke to the king... Lioness: well, all right... uh yeah, now I remember, Slodia, why did we have to flee? Slodia: [sighs] I am afraid that the demons have destroyed our homeland by now... Lioness: do you mean that? Slodia: Mala and Zaza were brought from this life by demons... we will pay our respects to them later, I've spotted a group of lions heading this way... Aihatu: wake the others, and we'll meet them together... She lost her jaw when she saw Timba... Aihatu: no... something is wrong, that's not Kovu... [to herself] please, let this end good... [to Leesha] Leesha, get behind us... Leesha: [yawns] yes mom... Then the pride landers stood before the little group of survivors... Timba: who are you? Aihatu stepped forward Aihatu: I am Aihatu, queen of the rim land... and this is the remains of my pride... Timba: why did you come here? Aihatu: we were forced to flee... Slodia: [continuing] ... because our own land was invaded by demons, we don't have a home anymore... Aihatu: so... we ask for your permisson to stay here until we found a new home... Timba and the pride landers looked on them with suspicious gazes... Aihatu mentioned for Leesha to step forward... Aihatu: if your answer is no, then please take care of my daughter, she is too young to live a life abroad... Timba: I haven't decided yet... A long silence follows... Timba: ok, you can ztay until your daughter iz old enough to make it... All five rim landers faces lit up... Aihatu: I don't know how to thank you... She looked on him with what-was-your-name-again look on her face Timba: the name iz Timba Aka-mira... Aihatu: thank you Timba... Timba: you are welcome, now, let'z get zomething to eat... Aihatu smiled at him and he smiled back, Slodia however looked like she'd just seen a ghost or something... Slodia: Aka-mira? Where the heck have I heard that before? Timba: well, it might have been from the cheetah prozpery of the beginning... Slodia looked even more confused... Slodia: yeah, how do you know? Timba: well, let'z zay that it waz forced into my head when I waz a cub, you zzee, I waz raized by cheetahz, well enough of me, while we wait for dinner, let uz zhow you thiz land... Timba and some other of the pride landers gave the remains of the rim pride a tour in their new home... Chapter XVI A dream so sweet A week later in the land of cheetahs, Rasawah was walking around with Mazho and doing pretty much nothing.... Rasawah: [stammering] w...what d...did that h...herb look like? Mazho: it looks like a paw, and it grows only under certain bushes... aha, there's one such bush, let's see if it has some of it... They both went over to a little tiny bush... Mazho found the valuable herb under it and picked it up, Rasawah spotted something come towards them in the high grass... Rasawah: M...m...Mazho... t...there is something in the grass!!! Mazho: what? In the same moment he looked up, a cheetah cub pounced down on him and knocked him off his feet... Mazho: hey! Quit it! The cheetah cub did not listen, but took the helpless meercat up in his mouth and tossed him high up into the air... Rasawah: l...l...leave h...him al...alone!!! Cheetah cub: who do you think you are zibihi? The king? Rasawah: k...kiah cot zibihi, kiah Rasawah... Cheetah cub: help me great Madun, the "filthy one", stay away from me... Rasawah: t...then leave Mazho a...alone... The cheetah cub stopped immediately to play with Mazho... Cheetah cub: MOM!!!! A split second later Watabi came running towards them, she saw Rasawah and smacked him right in his face while the cheetah cub curled up to Watabi's other leg... Cheetah cub: make that... that monster go away mom... Watabi: don't worry Conhaba; I'll put him away for good... Mazho came back on his feet again... Mazho: I warn you Watabi, if you as much as breathes on him, you'll regret it... Watabi: aw, why do you have to spoil everything? Mazho: I am serious; don't even think of hurting him... She gave him a sharp-toothed grin... Watabi: well, nothing stops me from killing you both; it would just be to the better... Mazho: [getting angry] you wouldn't dare to hurt your son!!! Watabi: [boiling of anger] HE'S NOT MY SON!!! She cuffed Rasawah once more before she and Conhaba left... Rasawah rubbed his aching cheek and looked on Mazho... Mazho: that's going to bruise Rasawah... Rasawah: [very sad voice] I know... let's go h...home... Mazho: you said it kid... Both of them went to the termite hill and met Inkhobi, who saw Rasawah's swollen face... Inkhobi: oh great Madun, what happened to you, kobto nim? Rasawah did not answer... Mazho: we met Watabi; I think that's explanation enough... Inkhobi: Mazho, did he do anything? Mazho: no, he just tried to hinder someone to use me as a toy, when she suddenly came and cuffed him... Inkhobi: how can she be so cruel? [to Rasawah] does it hurt, Kobto nim? Rasawah nodded... Inkhobi: come with me, I have a little something to take away the pain... Mazho rubbed his still aching back... Mazho: do you have a little something for me too? Inkhobi: sure, there is plenty for you too... Mazho: fine... Inkhobi went inside the termite mound and came back seconds later with two greenish pill-looking items he gave one to each... Inkhobi: they might taste like hell, but it's better than nothing... Both Rasawah and Mazho made wry faces while they swallowed their pills... Mazho: thanks, and yeah, I found the herb you asked for. But, well, a cheetah cub perforated it... Inkhobi: nah, there's no urgent need for it right now, so you can try to find it later on... Mazho: you know, if I could, I would have beaten the living daylights out of that Watabi... Inkhobi: Mazho, violence does not solve a matter like this... Mazho: I know... well, I have to go now, see ya both later... Inkhobi: until then, take care Mazho... When the night came Rasawah went to sleep with a major headache, and had some very strange dreams, then suddenly they stopped and he found himself on a golden savannah, he looked around and saw Watabi not so far away... Rasawah: [in the dream] mom... [echo] She did not answer; she did not even look on him. Rasawah walked closer to her... Rasawah: mom, what's wrong... [echo] Now she noticed him and looked on him with kind eyes... Watabi: nothing my son... come here and let me clean you... Rasawah went even closer and felt how his mother's tongue ran trough his pelt... Watabi: are you hungry kobto nim? Rasawah: a little... [echo] Watabi laid down on her side and looked on him... Watabi: drink as much as you want kobto nim, you have deserved it... Rasawah began to nurse her side, but no milk entered his mouth... then he woke up, he was sucking on a root that pointed out from the ground... he began to cry loudly, thus waking Inkhobi up... Inkhobi: what is it Rasawah, why are you crying? Rasawah: [tearful voice] I want my mother!!! Inkhobi laid his paw on Rasawah's shoulder... Inkhobi: I understand kobto nim... Rasawah buried his face in Inkhobi's fur and soaked it with his own tears... suddenly he stopped to cry... Rasawah: c...can't you m...m...make her love me? Inkhobi: I wish I could Rasawah, but I can't change her mind... Rasawah: I love her... why c...can't she love m...me back? Inkhobi: I don't know, kobto nim, now go back to sleep, I will keep the horrors of the night away from you. Rasawah: I love you azna... Inkhobi: I love you too kobto nim... Rasawah stretched and fell asleep again... Chapter XVII Born by death The following morning Inkhobi woke Rasawah very early... Inkhobi: rise and shine, kobto nim... Rasawah yawned... Rasawah: w...why this early azna, t...the sun h...has barely c...came up yet... Inkhobi: we are going for a little trip... Rasawah: a trip... where? Inkhobi: well, we are going to a pride of lions not so far away from here, they sent for me, and I can't leave you in the care of Mazho... Rasawah: when are we g...going? Inkhobi: right away... Inkhobi put a leather bag round his neck and went outside, Rasawah followed him... When they had traveled for at least three hours they met a friendly-looking lioness... Inkhobi: yoah zibihi... Lioness: good day Inkhobi... you are expected... Inkhobi: well, let's get to it then... Lioness: sure, follow me... She led them to a small kopje where a very ill lioness laid gasping on her side... Lioness: [to the other lioness] here he is Linnie, everything are going to be just fine... Linnie gave them a very weak smile... Inkhobi: hmm, I'll see what I can do... could you just do me one favor? Lioness: sure, just name it... Inkhobi: could you take little Rasawah over there somewhere else? I don't think that it would be good for him to see this... Lioness: consider it done... She picked Rasawah up in her mouth and carried him away while Inkhobi began to attend to the sick lioness... Rasawah was left at another lioness with three sleeping cubs at her side... Lioness1: here ya go Kirza, look after him... She left before Kirza could reply... Kirza: oh thank you... [to Rasawah] what have we here? Rasawah: k...kiah Rasawah... Kirza: [thinks] what the heck did that mean? [speaks] come again... Rasawah: I am Rasawah... Kirza: oh... so Rasawah, what are you doing here? Rasawah: I c...came with Inkhobi... Kirza: are you his student? Rasawah: n...no... I am his s...s...son... Kirza: his son? Rasawah: s...step-son... Kirza: oh, I see... She accidentally poked one of her cubs so it woke up and saw Rasawah... Cub: mom... what's that? Kirza: [to her cub] that, Dizjuh, is a cheetah... Dizjuh: a cheetah? COOL!!! Kirza: well, his name is Rasawah... Dizjuh: that's a strange name... Kirza: you know that cheetahs are different from us, don't you? Dizjuh: yeah... [to Rasawah] hi Rasawah, I'm Dizjuh... Rasawah: n...nice to m...meet you D...Dizjuh... Dizjuh looked first on him, then on her mother... Dizjuh: [to Kirza] why is he speaking so strange? Kirza: he's stammering... Dizjuh: what's that? Kirza: I really don't know what causes it, but he can't pronounce the words sometimes... Dizjuh: is it dangerous? Kirza: no... I don't think so... but why don't you stop talking with me and familiarize yourself with him? Dizjuh: ok mom... [to Rasawah] wanna play? Rasawah: p...play? Dizjuh gave him a confused look... Dizjuh: you don't know how to play? Rasawah: no, I d...don't Dizjuh: [she saw that one of Rasawah's ears were missing] what happened to your ear? Rasawah: m...my mother r...ripped it off... Kirza who have had her mind elsewhere heard what Rasawah just said... Kirza: she WHAT?? Rasawah: s...she took m...my ear... Kirza: oh gods, how could she do that? Rasawah: t...that's easy... s...she hates me... Kirza: how can she hate you, and adorable cub as you... Rasawah: I'm not a...adorable...I'm a f...freak Kirza: you are no freak Rasawah... Rasawah: I am... w...why would s...she name me R...Rasawah? It m...means filthy one... Kirza: I think that your mother have a serious problem... no one could possibly be so cruel to name you like that... Rasawah: m...my mother did... Kirza: you know what? We'll change the subject ok? Rasawah: ok... Dizjuh: hmm where were we? Yeah, how to teach you to play... just hang on a second, I'll just have to wake up my sisters... She jumped over to her still sleeping sisters and poked them in their sides... Dizjuh: come on now... Cub1: get lost Dizjuh... [snore] Cub2: what is it Dizjuh, whatever it is; I hope it's important... Dizjuh: you can bet your lazy ass on that it is important, get some speed on your carcass Bitehmi Bitehmi: ok [yawns and stretches] what is it? She sees Rasawah... Bitehmi: and who's that? Dizjuh: oh, that is Rasawah... Bitehmi: uh ok... but what is he? Dizjuh: he's a cheetah... Bitehmi: cool!!! Without any further doubt she went over to him... Bitehmi: Hi Rasawah, I'm Bitehmi... Rasawah: nice t...to meet you B...Bitehmi... Bitehmi: the pleasures all mine... I never met a cheetah before... Dizjuh: now you have, and we're going to teach him some games... Bitehmi: ok... witch game? Dizjuh: how about tag? Rasawah: tag? Bitehmi looked dumbstruck by Rasawah's answer. Bitehmi: you don't know tag? Have you lived all your life under a rock? Rasawah: no...b...but without a...anyone to p...play w...with... Bitehmi: you lived alone? Rasawah: no... I l...live with Inkhobi... Dizjuh: the shaman? Yay, cool... Bitehmi: yeah that's pretty cool, well [looks on her sister] why don't we wake miss sleeping beauty now? Dizjuh: leave that to me... She grins and pounces down on her still sleeping sister... Cub: cut it out Dizjuh or you'll get it this time... Dizjuh: aw, come on... if you get up now, you'll see a cheetah... Cub: a cheetah... where, where? Rasawah went over to her... Rasawah: here... Cub: you're a cheetah... Rasawah: yeah, I am Cub: no I mean, you're a real cheetah and your talking to me... Rasawah: yep... Cub: uh... well, I'm Muzih... Rasawah: kiah Rasawah... Muzih: huh? Rasawah: I'm Rasawah... Dizjuh: and we are going to play tag with him... Muzih: All right, he's it!!! Dizjuh: no... he's not... we'll have to teach him first Muzih: oh, nothing else... let's get started... The three lioness cubs sat down around Rasawah Muzih: ok... Rasawah right? Rasawah nodded... Muzih: ok, in this game, one of us tags, the others try to avoid the one who tags... you got it? Rasawah: what d...does the t...tager do? Dizjuh: he tags the others, let's say that I'm the tager and Muzih tries to run away from me, when I tag someone, she will become the tager... Rasawah: h...how do I t...tag someone? Bitehmi: you simply touch someone and say "your it", got it? Rasawah: I...I think so Muzih: but most important of all... All lion-cubs: ...no tag-backs! Rasawah: t...tag backs? Dizjuh: well, if someone tags you, you can't tag back right away, you'll have to tag someone else... Bitehmi: that's one of the few rules in this game... Muzih: ok, I think he got it now... who's it? Dizjuh: I'M IT!!! She pounced on Rasawah... Dizjuh: HA! Your it! She darted away as Rasawah came back on his feet and the game could continue. While the cubs played happily, another just gave up he last breath, the ill lioness passed away from her fatal infection, Inkhobi slowly shaked his head and turned away... then the other lioness came... Lioness: how is she? Inkhobi lowered his head... Inkhobi: I'm sorry... I couldn't save her life... Lioness: no... she can't be... NO!! With one quick leap she was at Linnie's side, then she began to weep... Lioness: [to Linnie, sobbing] you can't be dead Linnie, please don't leave us... Inkhobi slowly walked over to her... Inkhobi: she already has... The lioness just sat and stared in disbelief on her dead pride-sister, suddenly the corpse began to jerk in death-throes, the sudden spasms caused the birth of a little reddish cub who laid squirming in the grass, Inkhobi began immediately to help the cub out from the bloody mess that surrounded it, when it was free from all the goo, the lioness took over and cleaned the cub's crimson pelt, when she cleaned its face it's eyelids sprung up and revealed a pair of blood-red eyes that stared with a stern gaze on her... Lioness: [a bit nervous] is that natural? Inkhobi: I'm not sure; let me have a look on it... He examined the cub all over... Inkhobi: well, he seems healthy... Lioness: that's good, but how are we going to feed him? Inkhobi: isn't there another lioness in your pride with young cubs? Lioness: no, they stopped nursing two weeks ago... Inkhobi: that is not good... we will have to find someone who want to feed him... Lioness: but... who would be willing to do that? Inkhobi: I don't know, but [he saw something white in the cubs mouth as it pulled faces at him] hey, what's that? He checked trough it's mouth and received a bite from its needle-sharp teeth... Inkhobi: holy Madun, he already got his teeth... Lioness: he what? The cub managed to slip itself out of Inkhobi's grip, when it reached the ground it darted away towards its mother... Lioness: holy god, he can walk, that is not natural... She looked over to the cub, the sight made her puke, the cub laid nursing at its mothers belly, but drops of crimson blood fell from it's muzzle... Inkhobi: good grace... stop him! The lioness smacked the little infant cub away with a backhanded blow, the cub landed on it's back and looked on her with a bloodstained face, and then it gave a pained meow... Lioness: cut that out you little... She was just about to whack the cub again, but Inkhobi stopped her... Inkhobi: no look... he's crying... She looked on the cub again, and saw tears in its eyes; tears of pure blood... the sight made her throw up again... Lioness: wh...what is that for an abonimation? Inkhobi: I don't know... wait a minute, I've heard of something like this before... He thinks for a long while... Inkhobi: [with a strange tone] child of death... tears of blood... Lioness: what? Inkhobi: he cries tears of blood... Lioness: is... he evil? Inkhobi: no one is born evil, it's their surroundings who shapes them... he is not evil, he was just better equipped from birth, he can eat the same diet as you without any problems... Lioness: well, that's one problem solved, but who will take care of him? Inkhobi: why not you? Lioness: ME?? No for god's sake, I don't have time for a cub Inkhobi: you were close to his mother weren't you? Lioness: yes, I was... Linnie was as a sister to me... Inkhobi: so why don't you do Linnie one last favor and look after her son? Lioness: I... I just can't... Inkhobi: are you sure? Lioness: yes... it would not be good for him to have me as a mother... but wait... I know where his father is... I'll go get him... wait here... The lioness ran away and left Inkhobi with the little cub... She went not far away before she found the rouge lion she was looking after... Lioness: hey, Muwabu!!! The lion that sat on a large boulder peered down on her... Muwabu: what is it now? Lioness: I got bad news for you... Muwabu: how bad could they be? Lioness: Linnie is dead... Muwabu: [in disbelief] no... she can't be... you are lying!! Lioness: no I'm not, she died just recently but she managed to give birth to a son... Muwabu: a son? Lioness: come on, and you'll see them both... Muwabu: what else can I do? Where are they? Lioness: at the kopje... Muwabu: thanks for letting me know... Then he departed towards the kopje, when he arrived, the first one he saw was Inkhobi... Muwabu: You! Inkhobi: oh not you Muwabu... Muwabu: You crushed my life again!! Inkhobi: now listen Muwabu... Muwabu: no you listen Inkhobi, you know what would happen if you ever showed yourself in my land again... Inkhobi: if I don't remember wrong, you left your pride to live as a rouge... Muwabu: but it is still my land, and you're leaving IMMEDIATELY!! Inkhobi: no need to yell, your son is over at his mothers side... Inkhobi turned away to get Rasawah when Muwabu leapt out in front of him... Muwabu: no... your home is THAT way He pointed in the opposite direction... Inkhobi: I should just... Muwabu: you should just be leaving... now get the hell out of here... Inkhobi: I am leaving... [spiting out the word] Zibihi... Inkhobi turned towards his home and left the furious but yet sad Muwabu behind... Muwabu went over to his son... Muwabu: such a little cub... and you are all alone in this world... no one to care about you, and it is Inkhobi's fault, even if you don't know it, he did the same to me as he did to you... now come here, and I'll find a mother to you... He picked up the crimson cub and carried it towards the place where the pride used to be... When he arrived the lionesses were surprised to see him... Lioness: why hello Muwabu... why are you here? He put the cub down on the ground... Muwabu: behold my son... Lioness: congratulations Muwabu... he's beautiful... She saw the sadness in his face... Lioness: what is it? Muwabu: Linnie is dead... Lioness: what? Muwabu: Inkhobi murdered her... Lioness: why that bastard... we trusted him... [looked back on the cub] how is he going to survive without a mother? Muwabu: that's why I came... to find someone to take care of him... Lioness: [without hesitation] I'll do it... Muwabu: you will? Lioness: I will... not for you, but for Linnie Muwabu: you are an angel... Lioness: well, may be I am, now, does he have a name? Muwabu: his name is Damu... Lioness: blood? Well ok, it's your choice... low let me have little Damu... Muwabu showed Damu over to the lioness, who began to groom the cub while Muwabu went over to Kirza... Kirza: oh poor you... I heard the bad news... Muwabu: [looks on the four sleeping cubs at Kirza's side] look at them Kirza, so young and innocent... [sees Rasawah] even the spotted one...hey wait a minute!!! Spotted?!? Kirza: oh, that's Rasawah, a cheetah Muwabu: WHAT? What is that bag of flesh doing here? All the four cubs were awakened by Muwabu's yelling... Muwabu poked Rasawah on his chest... Muwabu: get the hell out of here, vermin... Rasawah: b...b...but... Muwabu: but WHAT? Rasawah: w...where is a...azna? Muwabu: speak out clearly, cheetah rubbish... Rasawah: whe...re's I...nk...hob... Muwabu slapped Rasawah trough his face... Muwabu: it means death to say his name in my presence... Rasawah trembled in fear before the lion... Muwabu: and since I find you guilty... you are history, cheetah... Just as he was about to give Rasawah the final blow, Muzih bit him hard in his tail Dizjuh: Run Rasawah, Run!!! Rasawah ran as fast as he could while he could hear the lions curses behind him, then he heard how Muwabu came after him, he did not have to look back, he felt it... then he saw a cheetah ahead of him... Rasawah: [screaming] HELP ME!!!! The cheetah turned around as Rasawah darted past her... Watabi: Rasawah? Rasawah: [in fear] HELP ME MOM!!!! Muwabu stopped a meter away... Muwabu: mom? ...Even better [to Watabi] so you are the mate of the bastard Inkhobi? Watabi: I'm not that [points on Rasawah] that things mother, and I'm not Inkhobi's mate, Zibihi... Muwabu: you cheetahs always try to save your own filthy hides; I heard how that freak called you "mom"... At the same time Ibihaza looked up from behind a large boulder... Watabi: that filthy "thing" is NOT my SON!!! Muwabu: ...then you'd gladly step aside and let me kill him... Watabi: you have your own land Zibihi, stay out of mine... Muwabu: so... [he sees Ibihaza] then I'll take someone else... With one leap he stood in front of Ibihaza, terrified as she was she couldn't run away, she couldn't even scream properly as the lions jaws separated her soul from her body... Muwabu: you had it your way cheetah; I'll take her instead, good riddance to you, cheetah weakling... He took the life-less body in his mouth and carried it away, leaving a shocked Watabi behind... Watabi: NO!!! Both of them stared as the lion disappeared in the distance, when it was gone, Watabi broke down into tears, Rasawah licked some of the tears away from her face... Watabi: [very sad voice] go... go away Rasawah [sob] next time I see you [sob] you're dead... Rasawah: as you wish...[sniff] ...faha He turned away from her, with large tears falling from his eyes he walked away... Suddenly Conhaba jumped out in front of him... Conhaba: you? What have you done to my mother? Rasawah: [sob] o...our sister is gone... Conhaba: is... Ibihaza dead? No, she can't be!!!! He ran crying towards Watabi and collapsed into a flood of tears and sobs at her side, Rasawah sat in the distance and watched them, also he crying... Rasawah: [very low to himself] this is a loss for all of us, please forgive me sis, I never knew you, may Madun give you comfort... good bye Ibihaza... Then he turned his back at his mourning family and began to walk slowly towards his home... Chapter XVIII First accomplishment For Kubaki, the plans he made were going very slowly, there had been no opportunity to get any vehicle, but now the perfect time to get one revealed itself; some defected blue soldiers had taken a tank and got away with it, they had hid in a ravine to avoid any encounters with either the blue or the greenies, but faith had something else in mind for them. They had brought some bottles of beer and was busy getting drunk when Kubaki and his human slave found them, some fast gunshots later the soldiers laid dead on the ravine-floor... Bob: [wiping the sweat off with his palm] hah! We did it!!! Kubaki only looked on him... Kubaki: shut up and get that thing out of here... Bob: yes... [to himself] ...jerk... He went down inside the tank and checked everything; it looked to be a newly built tank so everything was in order... Bob: ok, tighten your seatbelt; we're out of here! Kubaki: fine slave... drive until I tell you to stop... He turned the key and the engine started, and then the tank began to move away. They drove non-stop until the following morning--- Kubaki: stop right here! The tank stopped on its tracks... Kubaki: we have arrived... now get out! Bob: but sir... Kubaki, we are in the middle of the wastelands, it's much safer in here... Kubaki: shut up, you will thank me later for what I'm forcing you to do now, so get out and keep calm... Bob: yes sir... He went up trough the turret and looked out trough the view-holes... Bob: sir... there is a bunch of freaking lions outside... Kubaki: I know, go out and touch the biggest one of them... Bob: are you insane? They'd put me out in no time... Kubaki: they won't touch you, now do as your told... Bob: whatever you say... He climbed out from the tank and jumped down to the ground, the lions stood as statues, terrified of the big heap of metal that stood before them, for some reason Bob wasn't afraid of them, he slowly went over to them and tapped the largest one of them, then he suddenly heard Kubaki's voice inside his head... Kubaki: good, now come back here... He did as he was told and went back to the tank, he was a little confused over that the lioness followed him, when he reached the tank, the rear-loading ramp opened with a hissing sound of pneumatic pumps... then the lioness entered and the ramp closed behind her with a metallic clang, Bob gave the other lions a last gaze before he got into the tank again... Kubaki: very good, now let's get moving... Bob once again started the engine and drove away from the scene, a while later the tank stopped near a small grove, all the three different creatures stood outside the tank. The lioness shivered in fear as she saw the leopard and the human... Lioness: w...who are you? Kubaki: I am Kubaki, the shadow, and you are now my faithful servant and mate... The lioness's fear turned into rage... Lioness: WHAT? Screw you... Kubaku or whatever your name was... She turned to leave as the leopard jumped out in front of her... Lioness: let me go... I warn you... Kubaki: I don't think so sweetie, I think I might like you... Lioness: get serious, I'm a lioness you are a leopard... Kubaki: what's the difference? She now felt how Kubaki's eyes stared right into her mind, she tried to leave, but her limbs refused to obey her will... Kubaki: you are not going anywhere... Sibati... Sibati: what are you doing to me? Kubaki: I'm making you mine... Sibati: what... OH MY GOD!!! Kubaki: the gods are dead; no one can help you now... Sibati: HEEEEELP!!!!! The human had to turn away from the scene, he couldn't stand to see what his "master" did to the lioness, but he could still hear what he did and the lioness's screams... One hour later the lioness lay sleeping on the ground with a mask of horror imprinted on her face... Kubaki: [to Bob] phew, that was exhausting... now stuff that kitty back into the tank... Bob took a deep breath... Bob: no... Kubaki: huh??? What DID you say? I didn't hear that DID I? Bob: I won't do it... Kubaki: you disobey me? You DARE TO CROSS ME!!! Bob: go to HELL Kubaki!!! Within the blink of an eye Kubaki held a strangling grip on the human... Kubaki: [very low] now... you want me to do the same to you as I did to her? Better not, so get that kitty aboard the tank... Bob: [choking] no... screw you... you can't drive it without me... Kubaki: so...[puts on an evil grin] there are many ways to persuade you... [releases his grip] look deeply into my eyes... Bob yelled in fear as the two yellow orbs forced their way trough his mind... Bob: no... please not your eyes... gnn... please stop!!! Argh I'll never cross you again... aaaah, I swear... Kubaki: no... I'm not going to stop this time, it better teach you not to stick up in the future... With one last cry of agony the human went out cold and fell to the ground... Kubaki: [to Bob] pah, your specie are so weak, it's a wonder that you even exist... He spat on the unconscious body and went over to the sleeping lioness and whispered in her ear... Kubaki: your mine now Sibati, you are the first member of the true pride of the pride lands... He took some steps away and lifted his head up towards the sky... Kubaki: [yelling] I TOLD YOU WHAT WOULD HAPPEN! DID YOU LISTEN? I SAID THAT I WOULD COME BACK TO CLAIM MY HERITAGE... [a little calmer] and now it has started, nothing will stop me... nothing can stop me from having my revenge, all of those who banned me are long dead, but their children lives, [to the sky] YOUR CHILDREN!! They will pay for what you did to me... and pay they will Then he began to laugh as a maniac, a laugh that could turn even the hottest magma into ice... and the shadows that surrounded him seemed to move in pace to his laughter... Chapter XIX "maovu" Damu Muwabu came walking towards the pride he lived close to with the dead cheetah cub in his mouth; he went straight towards his son and dropped it next to him Muwabu: wake up Damu, I got something for you... The crimson cub opened its eyes and looked first on his father, then on the cheetah cub, then back on his father again... Muwabu: tear it apart Damu! Rip it! The cub hesitated for a second before it tore the carcass apart, in less than a minute, the only remains of the cheetah was some tufts of spotted fur... Muwabu: did you like that? The cub made some sort of nod... Muwabu: you can have as many as you want Damu, and when you are fully grown, you will kill our bane, you will end Inkhobi's life... A wicked and sinister laugh filled the air as little Damu snuggled up to his father's foreleg. Only a few meters away all the lionesses looked terrified at the lion and his son... Lioness: he's gone completely mad... Kirza: and that offspring of his are not much better... Lioness2: and he convinced me to look after that little "maovu" Damu Kirza: hey, fitting name, and don't worry Rajima, we'll all help you... Rajima: you are a real friend Kirza... A short silence followed and they all looked on the father and his son... Lioness: you know what? I think we'll have to kill that bastard Muwabu someday, or he might be the cause of our deaths... Kirza: I hate to admit it, but you are right... Lioness: shh now, he's coming this way... She was right, Muwabu came padding towards them carrying little Damu in his mouth, he laid the blood-stained cub at Kirza's side, Rajima sighed and bent down to pick the cub up, but Muwabu stopped her... Muwabu: no... he has to make his decision first... Rajima: decide what? Muwabu: just wait and see... The little blood-soaked cub looked around at all the grown-ups, but some seconds later he curled up to Dizjuh... Muwabu: he has made up his mind... Dizjuh will be his future wife and mate... Kirza: WHAT??? Lioness: for god's sake Muwabu, they are siblings... Muwabu: SILENT! I am your king again, and he is the prince and heir, what I say goes, got it? Lioness: yes... your highness... Muwabu: now leave us... all of you... except you Dizjuh... you stay here... Kirza: you leave my daughter alone [to Rajima] Rajima, take my cubs out of here... Rajima and some other lionesses took her three other cubs and brought them with when they left Muwabu: calm down dear Kirza, I don't want to hurt her... Kirza placed herself between Muwabu and Dizjuh... Kirza: I don't trust you anymore, your not the one I once fell in love with... because he died with Linnie... Muwabu: you are so right, my dear, so why don't you join them? Without any warning he leapt on her and two seconds later she laid on the ground suffocating from a large hole on her throat while Muwabu licked the blood off his fangs and looked on the dying lioness in front of him... Muwabu: why don't you say hello to them from me? Good riddance to you Kirza... Kirza hacked and managed to lift her head to face Muwabu... Kirza: [weak] damn you... [hacking] damn you and that son of yours... I curse him in my own blood [hacks] he will never be loved by anyone... he...will...never...be...loved... Then she took her terminal breath and her head fell to the ground, Dizjuh who had been stunned by the awful scene in front of her began to tremble as a minor earthquake... Dizjuh: m...mom? She looked up at Muwabu with cold, empty eyes... Muwabu: you must forget what you saw today, Dizjuh, erase this day from your memory, tomorrow your lessons in becoming a queen will begin... and if you tell the others of this... you'll end up worse... much worse... He picked both cubs up in his mouth and walked away while the last rays of the sun fell on the body of an innocent mother who had tried to protect her daughter... Epilogue Rasawah came home in the middle of the night, he was not surprised to see Inkhobi stand and wait for him... Inkhobi: Rasawah! You made it! Rasawah sat down and looked into the ground... Rasawah: azna... my sister is d...dead.... Large tears fell from his eyes... Inkhobi: oh raka kobto nim... He hugged the half-breed tightly Inkhobi: [continuing] raka kobto nim... At the same time somewhere very far from there, Kubaki stood on his tank and looked down his new pride that sat in a ring around him... Kubaki: now I'm almost ready to launch my revenge, I only need a few more... then we'll make them pay for their crimes... Then he burst out in a wicked laugher that all the felines in his pride joined... The end of part two Started at: 09/10/00 11:05:32 Finished: 10/23/00 08:49:45 Part three "the fall" is being written now, until then, take care... Sigurd